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mike pompeo

President-elect Donald Trump has offered Rep. Mike Pompeo of Kansas the position of CIA director, his transition team said Friday.

Trump also selected retired Lt. Gen. Michael Flynn as his national security adviser and Sen. Jeff Sessions of Alabama as attorney general.

"He has served our country with honor and spent his life fighting for the security of our citizens," Trump said of Pompeo in a statement. "Mike graduated number one in his class at West Point and is a graduate of Harvard Law School where he served as an editor of the Harvard Law Review. He will be a brilliant and unrelenting leader for our intelligence community to ensure the safety of Americans and our allies."

Pompeo is a tea-party-aligned House member who originally supported Sen. Marco Rubio of Florida in the GOP presidential primary. He expressed some criticism of Trump during the campaign but ultimately offered his support after Trump secured the Republican nomination.

"You have seen him make good decisions in his business life, his family life, with his children," Pompeo said in July. "So I am excited for a commander in chief who fearlessly puts America out in front."

Pompeo has been a strong opponent of President Barack Obama's Iran nuclear deal, and he is well known for his fierce criticism of Hillary Clinton during the congressional investigation into the 2012 attack in Benghazi, Libya.

Pompeo has been criticized in the past for his comments about Muslims, as he once argued in 2013 that clerics who failed to fully denounce terrorists were "complicit" in the attacks.

He also apologized in 2010 for a tweet his campaign posted that called his Indian-American opponent, Raj Goyle, a "turban topper" who "could be a Muslim, a hindy, a buddhist etc who knows."

NOW WATCH: Trumps attorney general pick was once denied a federal judge job over alleged racist remarks





More From Business Insider


STEVEN Spielbergs Close Encounters of the Third Kind is an undisputed classic of the talking-to-aliens genre, but Denis Villeneuves Arrival ups the stakes by posing the question of how to deal with cracking the code of inter-species communication when there are multiple UFOs in play.

Where Close Encounters centred on the appearance of one craft in the Wyoming desert, its 2016 cousin examines the extra stresses and strains imposed on the hurriedly-appointed translator(s) when a dozen spacecraft have pitched up at locations around the globe.

Its all very well gradually immersing yourself in the newcomers language  in this case represented by slightly-varying inkblots squirted onto a transparent screen by the the squid-cum-spider beings  but when China and Russia are getting ever more jumpy about the shell-shaped ships on their own doorstep it takes the calmest of minds to ward off panic.

Thank the heavens then for Amy Adams sad but peacable language expert Dr Louise Banks and her physicist sidekick Dr Ian Donnelly.

Thrown together by the military to unravel the mysteries of the seven-legged aliens mix of throbs and honks, the pair soon overcome their visitors intial frostiness by letting their guards down a little and end up compiling a wealth of the aliens circular signs.

But what does it all mean, and when the aliens apparently use the word weapon, is this simply a misinterpreted signal or a genuine act of aggression?

The hawkish Chinese and Russians see it as the latter, their own linguists observations prompting them to amass their military muscle and start bandying threats around.

In a clear nod to Close Encounters, Banks is given special access to the aliens environment as the clock ticks down and faces it with the same mix of enchantment and bafflement we saw in Richard Dreyfuss Roy Neary all those years ago.

Indeed, while Jeremy Renner's Donnelly is on-hand with occasional comic relief and as a sounding-board for Banks, it is Amy Adams who dominates the drama, Banks' digression into apparent day-dreams featuring her absent daughter running parallel to her battle for a breakthrough to the arrivals mother tongue.

Aside from the obvious leap of faith needed to buy into any alien-based film, Arrival asks its audience to consider the concept of a non-sound-based language and even the idea of non-linear time.

Sound complicated? It is, but when the weird science threatens to overwhelm the human journey, Adams compelling, thoughtful performance forms the perfect bridge between the two.

Forest Whittaker also provides able support as the Weber, the Army colonel struggling to balance the more aggressive instincts of his colleagues - the catalyst for one jarring and (oddly) hurriedly-overlooked subplot  with the desire for a peaceful outcome.

Banks and Donnelly may be captivated by the potential positives of making new intergalatic connections, but Weber's tension perfectly illustrates the flip side.

Paying homage to its highly-lauded predecessor while offering new ways of looking at time, language and emotion, Arrival is thought-provoking and welcome addition to the sci-fi genre.

Like the graceful aliens at its heart, its strangely beguiling to look at, intriguing to spend time with and stretches credulity to its limits.

But most importantly, it takes that ages-old concept  its good to talk  and embues it with new life.

Its message is clear  with no single leader and no shortage of paranoia, its not the aliens from outer space we most crucially need to connect with, but the ones on our own planet.
PROUD dad Mark Edwards has thanked staff at Rotherham Hospital for making it possible for him to give his daughter away at her wedding just weeks after he suffered a stroke.

Mark (55), from Aughton, was referred to the unit in July and spent 27 days as an in-patient before being cared for at home by his family and staff from Rotherham NHS Foundation Trusts stroke early supported discharge service.

His main motivation during his rehabilitation and recovery was to be able to see his daughter Laura tie the knot to husband Steve Haynes in September.

Mark said that dream came true thanks to the work of occupational therapist Natalie Cox and physiotherapist Katie McEwan.

He said: It was very much Natalie and Katies ambition to get me to the wedding as much as it was mine.

They wanted to succeed in getting me to the wedding and they even came on the morning to help me get ready, although Katie and I needed a little help from Youtube to tie my cravat.

Everyone was happy to see me at the wedding.

My son pushed me down the aisle and I got my cue to stand to give Laura away.

I felt really proud of how far Id come but I couldnt have done it without Natalie and Katies support.

Laura, who now lives at Handsworth, near Sheffield, said the couple even considered postponing their big day.

She said: It meant everything to have my dad there.

He had the stroke six weeks before the wedding and everything went through my mind.

It was a very stressful few weeks. He was in hospital for four weeks and he had only been home for two by the time of the wedding.

My mum had a meeting with the hospital and they said they were really willing to help get him there.

Laura thanked Natalie and Katie for their amazing efforts in helping him with his recovery.

She said: It was little things we hadnt considered like getting him ready in the morning and they took over everything.

My dad is doing okay. Progress is slow but we just want to see him back on his feet because he was so active before the stroke.

Katie said: Mark mentioned Natalie and me in his speech and said that he would not have been there without our help and support.

There wasnt a dry eye in the house.

We felt incredibly honoured to be able to support him at the wedding and proud of the work wed put in to help him get there.
Zijn Platinum appoints former SA finance minister as deputy chair Nkwe Platinum and South Africa Zijin Platinum, both wholly-owned subsidiaries of Zijin Mining, have appointed former South African Finance Minister Tito Mboweni as a non-executive director and deputy chairperson of South Africa Zijin Platinum.

Saudi Arabia seeks support from Australian miners to diversify its oil-dependent economy Saudi Arabia is seeking support from Australian miners to support its $170 bn plan to build a mining industry, and diversify its oil-dependent economy this decade. Saudi Minister of Industry and Mineral Resources Bandar bin Ibrahim Al-Khorayef is in...

WGC: Global gold demand up 28% y-o-y in Q3 The World Gold Councils latest Gold Demand Trends report reveals that gold demand (excluding OTC) in the third quarter of 2022 hit 1,181 tonnes, up 28% year-on-year. Strong demand pushed the year-to-date total to its pre-COVID levels. Gold...

Karo Mining to raise $50m to develop Zim platinum project Tharisa, the platinum group metals (PGMs) and chrome co-producer, says its subsidiary Karo Mining has opened a fixed income note offer to raise $50 million to be listed by way of introduction on the Victoria Falls Stock Exchange (VFEX)...
Grafton Group Plc (GFTU.L) announced it has signed an agreement to acquire Gunters en Meuser B.V. G&M, a distributor of tools, fixings and ironmongery in the Greater Amsterdam Area. The combined will trade from a network of 53 branches.

Gavin Slark, CEO of Grafton said: "The acquisition of G&M is a unique strategic opportunity for our existing business in the Netherlands to gain a strong presence in the Greater Amsterdam Area. G&M is a high quality business and brand that is synonymous with the ironmongery market in Amsterdam where it has traded for 190 years. This will be a further important step in the Group's development strategy in the Netherlands and increases our exposure to the growing Dutch ."

For comments and feedback contact: editorial@rttnews.com

Business News
Automaker Volkswagen AG (VKW.L,VLKAF.PK,VOW.BE) said Friday it will cut 23,000 jobs in Germany as part of a re-positioning of its core brand and to enable a shift from conventional car making to electric vehicles as well as digital mobility.

The Board of Management and General Works Council of Volkswagen have signed a so-called "pact for the future" in Wolfsburg following constructive negotiations.

Volkswagen, which has been entangled in diesel-car emissions cheating issues, said it intends to completely reposition the Volkswagen brand by 2020.

The company expects the restructuring to have a positive impact on its earnings of 3.7 billion euros per year by 2020. Of this figure, the company's German facilities will account for 3 billion euros.

The company also plans to invest about 3.5 billion euros in "future-oriented areas" over the next few years, which will result in the creation of 9,000 jobs.

The German automaker will implement the 23,000 job cuts via natural fluctuation and partial early retirement, but without compulsory redundancies. Reports have projected job cuts of 30,000 in the next few years.

Under the pact, Volkswagen plans to improve the productivity of the German plants by about 25 percent and increase the operating margin to 4 percent by 2020 from an expected 2 percent this year.

The automaker's plants in Germany will develop and produce electric vehicles and components, while a pilot plant for battery cells and cell modules will also be developed. In addition, the company will take steps to safeguard the future of conventional units.

The plants at Wolfsburg and Zwickau will assume responsibility for the production of electric vehicles based on the Modular Electric Drive Kit or MEB.

In order to ensure efficient capacity deployment, a further model will be produced at the Emden plant, while an additional Volkswagen Group vehicle will also be produced at Wolfsburg.

Brunswick will continue to produce the battery system for the Modular Transverse Toolkit and will also develop and produce the battery system for the Modular Electric Drive Kit.

Volkswagen said that the creation of about 9,000 additional jobs in future-oriented areas will be done by filling the vacancies with existing employees as well as by recruiting specialists from outside the Group.

In October 2016, a federal judge in the U.S. approved a $14.7 billion settlement in the Volkswagen Group's diesel car emissions cheating case, representing one of the largest settlement in U.S. history.

For comments and feedback contact: editorial@rttnews.com

Business News
President-elect Donald Trump has offered the post of Attorney General to Alabama Senator Jeff Sessions, R-Ala., one of his closest allies, U.S. media reports.

A former prosecutor elected to the Senate in 1996, Sessions is chairman of the Senate Subcommittee on Immigration and served as an adviser on Trump's immigration policy during the presidential campaign.

The news comes a day after the President-elect met with Sessions in his office in New York.

Following the meeting, the Trump transition team said Trump has been unbelievably impressed with Sessions and his phenomenal record as Alabama's Attorney General and U.S. Attorney.

"It is no wonder the people of Alabama re-elected him without opposition," the transition team said in a statement.

(Photo: Gage Skidmore)

For comments and feedback contact: editorial@rttnews.com

Political News
Donald Trump has offered the post of Attorney General to Alabama Senator Jeff Sessions, one of his closest allies, US media reports.

It has also been reported that US President-elect's trusted military adviser Retd. Lt. Gen. Michael Flynn is touted as the new National Security Adviser (NSA).

The possible successor to Susan Rice is in favor of Trump's idea of intensifying the fight against Islamic extremists. In his recently published book, the retired three-star general had advocated freezing aid to Pakistan, if it continued to help the the militants.

A former prosecutor elected to the Senate in 1996, Sessions is chairman of the Senate Subcommittee on Immigration, and served as an adviser on Trump's immigration policy plan during the presidential campaign.

The news comes a day after the President-elect met with Sessions in his office in New York.

"While nothing has been finalized and he is still talking with others as he forms his cabinet, the President-elect has been unbelievably impressed with Senator Sessions and his phenomenal record as Alabama's Attorney General and U.S. Attorney," the Trump transition team said in a statement Thursday. It is no wonder the people of Alabama re-elected him without opposition, it added.

For comments and feedback contact: editorial@rttnews.com

Political News
Sen. John Thune of South Dakota embodies the unexpected turns of the 2016 campaign. Once considered a presidential prospect himself, he watched the primaries from the sidelines, complimenting Senate colleague Marco Rubio but not endorsing him.

Once Donald Trump wrapped up the Republican nomination, Thune started showing up on vice presidential short lists before Indiana Gov. Mike Pence got the nod. By October, after disclosure of taped remarks in which Trump discussed groping women without their consent, Thune called on the billionaire businessman to withdraw from the race in favor of Pence.



Now, as third-ranking member of the Senate Republican leadership and chairman of the Commerce Committee, he's a key ally of the president-elect as the all-Republican Congress moves to implement shared priorities such as tax cuts and repealing the Affordable Care Act. Yet he's also prepared to buck Trump by pressing to curb Medicare and Social Security benefits to address their looming insolvency.



Thune sat down with me in his Commerce Committee hearing room to discuss Washington's path forward in 2017. What follows is a condensed, edited transcript of our conversation.



HARWOOD: So Donald Trump comes in January 20th. Do you think of your job in the Senate and the Congress' job in general is to hit the gas for what he wants, or to pump the brakes?



THUNE: I think our job is to work with him to try and put together something that we think is achievable and doable. I think it's not to over promise. I think it's to set realistic expectations. It may be some of both.

HARWOOD: Now, when you think about his agenda, what are the things, if any, that you yourself think, "No, that's going too far for me."

THUNE: If he's talking about fixing a broken immigration system, if he's talking about fixing a broken tax code  rolling back some of the regulatory overreach, repealing and replacing Obamacare, I think those are things that all, at least generally  that  that there's agreement on.



Story continues

Now, obviously some of them get more contentious. The immigration issue in the past has been, you know, is a difficult one to work through.





HARWOOD: You are not for deporting 11 million people.

THUNE: No. Right. And I suspect that that would be where a lot of my colleagues are on that particular issue.



HARWOOD: And what about ripping up NAFTA and starting with something new, putting a 35 percent tariff on Chinese goods.?



THUNE: I think that we've got to be engaged in the international global marketplace. And I come from a state that depends heavily upon exports. So some of these things that have been proposed I think are unlikely.







HARWOOD: Donald Trump has cast himself as a populist, saying he's going to help the forgotten people who have not done well in this economy. You've got a lot of those people in South Dakota . What, in Donald Trump's agenda, do you envision tangibly, concretely, helping your constituents who are in that group?



THUNE: I think one of the biggest frustrations that you hear from people across South Dakota  this Obamacare stuff is very real for people. Blue Cross/Blue Shield pulled out of the individual market in South Dakota about a month ago. That left 8,000 people without coverage.



This will be the first administration that hasn't had a single year of 3 percent economic growth. A lot of people left the workforce. And wages have stayed flat. We feel that in South Dakota, too.







HARWOOD: Trump's tax plan  the Tax Policy Center did an analysis and said for the middle 20 percent of the population, it would produce an average tax cut of about $1,000 for those families. For the top 1 percent, $214,000. For the top 0.1 percent, $1 million apiece. Are you comfortable with a tax plan with that kind of distribution of benefits?



THUNE: You're going to have to have, to pass anything up here, a tax plan that people believe will, one, benefit them, and two, will generate economic growth. The key to me is that what tax reform ought to be about is growth. We need a pro-growth tax code that gets out all these embedded costs that we have in our tax code today and enables the economy to start growing at a faster rate.



Because that creates better paying jobs. And so I think ultimately that what our objective ought to be is a tax reform proposal ultimately that will unleash the economy and generate that kind of growth.







HARWOOD: The president-elect will be the leader of the Republican Party. He says that he will not touch Medicare, Social Security or Medicaid benefits. Does that mean that's now the position of the Republican Party? Is it now John Thune's position?



THUNE: I think entitlement reform is important. I think we have to deal with programs that are growing at rates that are unsustainable and are not going to be around for future generations of Americans.



So, you know, whether or not that is something that's doable in a Trump administration remains to be seen.



HARWOOD: One of the judgments that markets have made and economists have made is that, given Donald Trump's priorities  no entitlement reform, big tax cut, big defense spending increase, big infrastructure spending increase  that we're going to have higher deficits, and that will stimulate the economy. That will produce higher growth. Is that OK by you?



THUNE: I think in terms of how we deal with deficits and debt going forward, it's really two things. You know, obviously, we've done as much as we can on the discretionary side, or what we call domestic discretionary spending.



But the two-thirds of the budget that represents what we call mandatory spending  that's entitlement programs, Social Security, Medicare, Medicaid  we've got to figure out a way to make those programs work better and cost less.



And that's where I think tax reform comes into play. And then I think we've got to rein in entitlement spending. I think it's twofold. It's reducing government spending, and faster growth in the economy. Tax reform ought to be revenue-neutral, budget-neutral, deficit-neutral.

HARWOOD: Right, but just to be clear, (Trump) has not proposed revenue neutral tax-reform.



THUNE: Correct.



HARWOOD: Steve Bannon, the former chair of Breitbart, has been appointed chief strategist in the White House. Does that trouble you?



THUNE: I don't know him. I've seen reporting, but he ran a very successful election and campaign. He's got a record, successful in the business world. And I think they hired him because they want to have a successful run in the presidency.



In situations like this, when it comes to hiring decisions, you want to give a lot of deference to the administration. Give this team a chance.







HARWOOD: Breitbart has a story that's out in the last 24 hours saying, "Republican lawmakers are already trying to undermine President-elect Trump," and particularly going after Paul Ryan. What do you think about that?



THUNE: I hope not. I mean, I think Paul Ryan's going to be essential to getting anything done up here. If you want to move a legislative agenda or program, you've got to have allies on Capitol Hill. There are always stories and attempts to create wedges. But in my view, it's very early on.



We've got to have some patience, allow these folks to get their team put together, and then see what we can do to work with them to get some things done for the American people. I think that's it. Voters want results. They want us to get things done.

HARWOOD: Let me ask you about a few things before the Commerce Committee. Donald Trump has said he opposes the AT&T (NYSE: T)-Time Warner (NYSE: TWX) merger. Do you?



THUNE: I look at all these in light of, you know, what's the effect on competition out there? And I think it's a little early at this point. I haven't made any pronouncements about that. The Justice Department will look at it, the FTC will look at it.



HARWOOD: Do you have an inclination?



THUNE: Some mergers, when looked at in the overall context of how it affects competition after it's said and done, come out differently than others. there are some where you create undue concentration of market power. And I think you have to look at those differently. But I'm still evaluating this.







HARWOOD: Does this look to you like one of those cases?



THUNE: I don't want to say at this point.



HARWOOD: Net neutrality  is that gone? And will it be gone through a rewrite of the Communications Act? Will it be gone by a new FCC chair?



THUNE: I would like to see Congress have an opportunity to weigh in on this. I suspect that with the changeover at the FCC there could be some changes made.



The way to put clear rules of the road in place is to have Congress engage and come up with a legislative framework that updates and modernizes our laws. That Title II reclassification used a 1934 law to do what they did. And I think it's high time that we modernize it. So I hope what comes out of this, and depending on what the new FCC does, is a renewed interest in having the legislative branch weigh in on this and create some clear rules of the road.







HARWOOD: But is there no doubt from your standpoint that net neutrality, the policy implemented by the Obama administration, will be gone?



THUNE: I'm not going to speculate about that. That'll be by and large a new FCC decision. But I would not be surprised  based upon the strong views that that generated and the very partisan way in which it was done  that there would be a serious consideration of relooking at that.



HARWOOD: The head of the NSA said (Monday) at The Wall Street Journal CEO Council that no one should have any doubt that Russia got involved in our election for the purpose of achieving a specific effect. Are you concerned about Donald Trump's position on Russia, closeness with Russia, and Russia's role in this election?



THUNE: Russia is constantly looking for ways to undermine and disrupt our democratic systems. I mean, I think they wanted to create doubt, and skepticism, and anything they can do to raise questions about that. So sure.







HARWOOD: Did they succeed in tipping our election?



THUNE: Well, I don't think they succeeded in tipping the election. But they certainly attempted, I think, to be very engaged in the political process this time around. We have to view them skeptically. They have been a historic adversary. And anything that we do with the Russians, I think we need to have both eyes wide open.



HARWOOD: You want Donald Trump to have a different attitude?



THUNE: He's going to shape his foreign policy. But, you know, he'll have, I suppose, some input from Congress on some of these issues. And I just think that you need to be very cautious and very wary of things that we do with the Russians. They're very aggressive in a part of the world. they've demonstrated that they don't have our best interests at heart.
ATLANTIC SKIES: Stellar asterisms  eye-catching pretenders to the constellation throne and just part of the bigger picture

Most everyone, or at least most amateur astronomers, are familiar with the constellations in the night sky to some degree. Many, however, may not be familiar with the numerous asterisms in the night sky. What is the difference between a constellation ...
Pot may have been a big winner in the 2016 elections, but what will the budding marijuana industry look like under a Trump presidency?

[The election] was a giant deal for the industry as a whole and a surprise to a lot of people, said Kelly Barbieri, editor-in-chief of the online cannabis magazine, The Fresh Toast. We had the red states passing medical marijuana, which means were going across party lines and across economic lines, Barbieri tells me in the video above.

In fact, according to the Pew Research Center, 41% of Republicans support use of medical marijuana. By the time Donald Trump is inaugurated January 20, 2017, one in five adults will be living in a state where medicinal marijuana is legal.

On November 8, California, Maine, Massachusetts, and Nevada joined Alaska, Colorado, Maine, Oregon and Washington in legalizing recreational marijuana, while Arkansas, Florida, and North Dakota joined the 25 other states that already allow marijuana use for medical purposes. Click on the map here.

The cannabis industry is expected to generate $22 billion in annual sales nationwide within the next 4 years, but industry leaders wonder if a Trump White House will create a barrier to growth.

Trump has said the legitimization of marijuana is a matter for the states to decide, though he has called marijuana use for anything other than medicinal purposes a bad experiment. And Vice President-elect Mike Pence has been vocal about his opposition to legal weed.

Some speculate that a Trump administration may not back the banking reform necessary for recreational marijuana sales to flourish. Marijuana businesses cant deposit money in banks because of current federal banking laws. Limited banking access has put cash-only pot businesses at risk of robbery and money-laundering. The industry would like Congress to pass an amendment to the financial services spending bill that would prevent the federal government from penalizing financial institutions that do business with legal marijuana clients.

Story continues

Pot proponents are holding out hope. Venture capitalist and Paypal founder Peter Thiel has joined Trumps transition team. The controversial tech leader, who will reportedly help Trump connect with Silicon Valley companies, has made a big bet on weed. In late 2014, Thiels Founder Fund invested undisclosed millions in Privateer Holdings, a holding company for cannabis-related businesses.

But investing in pot is not for the faint of heart. Trading in marijuana-related stocks is marked with volatility. There are currently more than 200 publicly-traded marijuana companies, but Alan Valdes, chairman of the marijuana retailer Diego Pellicer, warns that the majority of them are not well managed or well financed.

The Marijuana Index, which tracks the leading marijuana stocks, was on fire in the run-up to the election. Since then, the index has lost some ground as investors try to determine what a Trump presidency will mean for the industry.

Even companies indirectly associated with cannabis are getting a lift. Shares of Scotts Miracle-Gro Co. are up nearly 36% in 2016. The company is best known for lawn care, but its products are also used by weed growers.

If nationwide legalization happens, analysts say dont be surprised if big pharma and big tobacco companies have a change of heart and decide, If you cant beat em, join em. Those industries, which have historically opposed legal-weed, may be looking for opportunities to capitalize on the growing market for marijuana.
By SA Commercial Prop News

Property Sector Charter Council CEO, Portia Tau-Sekati says the research creates a hub of knowledge about the property sector, consolidating information and developing a common and consistent understanding.



The South African property sector is worth a whopping R4.9 trillion according to a new study undertaken to discover the size of the countrys property sector.

This Property Sector Charter Council commissioned research is the first study of its kind in South Africa.



CEO of the Property Sector Charter Council, Portia Tau-Sekati says: The research creates a hub of knowledge about the property sector, consolidating information and developing a common and consistent understanding.

By determining the size of the South African property sector, we are moving towards a proper baseline measure to assess market size and its components, the scale of different services and activities within the sector and ultimately BEE transformation figures in line with the Property Sector Code scorecard.



Establishing the scope of the property sector is important for an accurate overview of the South African economy, taking into account that in 2009 the property sector contributed 8.3% of SAs Gross Domestic Product (GDP), according to a South African Property Owners Association (SAPOA) research report The Economic Impact of the Property Sector in South Africa.



The figures in the study provide a snapshot that reflects the status in the property sector at the base date of December 2010.



Only around 1% of land in South Africa is urban and residential, according to the research. Over 73% of land is South Africa is natural pasture. Around 12% of land is agricultural, and about the same portion comprises nature conservations and reserves.



The study shows nearly two thirds of property owned in South Africa, estimated at R3.0 trillion, is residential. Commercial property carries a value of some R780 billion. Undeveloped land zoned for development equates to R520 billion. Publicly owned property  including national, provincial and local government as well as state-owned enterprise  totals around R570 billion.



Currently, the research combines various studies that estimate the size of South Africas residential market. While the number of housing units  formal and informal  vary in the source studies, from 13.1 million dwellings to 8 million, value calculations are all estimated at similar levels of R3 trillion.



Of the R780 billion commercial property in South Africa, the research reports corporate property accounts for R600 billion, including investment property of R120 billion held by South Africas listed property sector. Further investment property, held by life and pension funds and private equity funds, totals R180 billion.



Retail property has the highest value of the commercial property sectors in South Africa at R340 billion, followed by office properties at R228 billion and industrial properties at R187 billion. Representing a small comparative value of R25 billion is hospitality, leisure and other property.



For publicly owned property, the study used available information, which reflects R342 billion of property held by provincial government, R188 billion by national government, R37 billion by local government and R6 billion by state-owned enterprises.



The significance of this research is far reaching.



Tau-Sekati says: Besides being a benchmark to monitor and evaluate the progress of transformation of the sector each year. This study marks the beginning of an ongoing research process, which will update information on the property sector annually. The study is a useful tool for understanding the South African property market and its dynamics. It is working progress and we hope to build a better and clearer picture of our industry. We welcome information sharing with the industry in terms of studies undertaken which could further refine our data and shine light on the mechanisms of the sectors component parts.



IPD is a global information business, dedicated to the objective measurement of commercial real estate performance. As the worlds number one provider of real estate performance analysis for funds, investors, managers and occupiers, IPD offers a full range of services including research, reporting, benchmarking, conferences and indices. IPD operates in over 25 countries including most of Europe, the US, Canada, South Africa, Australia, New Zealand and Japan.
By SA Commercial Prop News

Lesetja Kganyago appointed new governor of South African Reserve Bank seen shaking hands with President Jacob Zuma after the announcement.



President Jacob Zuma today named Lesetja Kganyago to replace Gill Marcus as the new governor of South African Reserve Bank with effect from 09 November 2014.

He will be the tenth governor of the central bank since its founding in 1921.

It was initially expected that Kganyago would replace outgoing governor Tito Mboweni in 1999 but the job went instead to Marcus.

Kganyago has been with the bank since May 2011 after heading the national treasury for more than seven years as director general.

"I will not disappoint ... I dont have to reinvent anything, I just have to carry on from where Ms Marcus left," Mr Kganyago said.

Outgoing governor Gill Marcus announced that she will not be seeking a second term at the monetary policy committee media briefing on 18 September.

President Zuma commended Marcus work over the past five years, saying the Reserve Bank had acted independently, without fear, favour or prejudice and thanked her for her dedication and leadership in a difficult economic climate.

Marcus governed during a challenging time for the domestic and global economy. She took over in 2009, as international markets were reeling from the global financial crisis and advanced country economies were in recession.

She steered the local economy through a downturn in 2009. For most of her term, the central banks monetary policy committee was on a loosening path, with the repo rate falling between 2009 and 2012 from 10.5 percent to 5 percent. The central bank then went on a tightening path from January this year, raising the repo rate to 5.5 percent then 5.75 percent in July 2014.

Kganyago holds an MSc in Economics from the School of Oriental and African Studies at the University of London, and various diplomas.
A first-of-its-kind journey along India and Pakistan border

What binds the two most talked about nations - India and Pakistan together? What makes the
Several local companies successful in Best of the Best awards
The writer spoke at the Prize Giving of the 2016 Samoa Observer Tusitala Short Story Competition held at Vaitele last night. This is what he said:

Good evening and greetings to you all!

Let me begin by saying, it is my pleasure and privilege, to add my own personal welcome to you all, for making the time to be with us here this afternoon, so that together we can help make the prize giving ceremony of this years Samoa Observer Short Story Competition, a positive and a happy occasion.

And now on behalf of the Samoa Observer and its staff, I extend our warm greetings to all those, who had taken the time to write those stories, since surely without them, this event would not be possible.

And as for those whose stories have won prizes, I am delighted to say well done, and congratulations to you all.

Briefly, the stories that were submitted for this years competition were from authors living in Australia, New Zealand, and the Pacific Islands.

Four of them, are being awarded prizes this afternoon. So lets say well done to them, while at the same time, lets urge the others who did not win prizes to never give up.

Let them sharpen those creative talents of theirs instead by getting to those laptops, and then keep on writing those stories since as they all know, that is the only way they can win those illusive prizes.

To our partners and sponsors, the Chinese Embassy, Digicel Samoa, Ah Liki Construction, Samoa Stationery and Books, the National Bank of Samoa, UNDP, Business Systems Limited, ANZ Bank, Ace Hardware and Samoa Builders Supplies, Samoa Spare Parts, Air New Zealand and of S.P.A.C.L.A.L.S, we are sincerely grateful for your kind, unwavering support.

We want you to know that without your support, this competition would not be the success it has become today, so we say thank you very much.

To our judges, Silafau Dr. Sina Vaai and Dr. Selina Marsh, we say thank you.

We are well aware that your contribution, to the success of this competition is invaluable so let me say on behalf of our staff, thank you very much for your kind support.

Lastly, now that the Ambassador for Government of the Peoples Republic of China, Mr Wang Xuefeng, is with us here this afternoon, may I ask for your indulgence, so that I can say a few words about Samoas friendship, with the Peoples Republic of China.

I promise Ill be brief.

It began back in 1976

That was when Samoas late Head of State, Malietoa Tanumafili II, paid a state visit to Beijing.

It was during that visit that diplomatic relationships between the governments of China and Samoa were established.

On 11 May 2007, Malietoa passed away peacefully. He was 94.

Upon hearing about Malietoas death, the President of the Peoples Republic of China at the time, Hu Jintao, wrote:

I was shocked and saddened to learn of the passing of His Highness, Malietoa Tanumafili II, Head of State of the Independent Sate of Samoa.

On behalf of the government and the Peoples Republic of China, and in my own name, I wish to convey our deepest sympathy and sincerest condolences, to the Government and people of Samoa, and to the bereaved family of His Highness.

Mr Hu Jintao also wrote: His Highness was a Statesman of noble character and high prestige, who made outstanding contributions to the independence and development of Samoa.

As Head of State of Samoa, he was not only friendly to China but was also committed, to maintaining and promoting the cordial and cooperative relations between Samoa and China, which the Chinese people will never forget.

And then looking into the future, Hu Jintao wrote: I hope and believe that the cause of friendship initiated by His Highness will be continuously consolidated and strengthened, with joint efforts by both the Samoan and Chinese Governments.

Indeed, he added: (Im hoping that) his legacy of peace and friendship with the government of the Peoples Republic of China based on mutual trust and friendship, lived on.

(And that in doing so) it would remain the nourishing bond, thats continuing to keep the governments of the two countries respectful of each other, to this day.

And lived on, the legacy of peace and friendship between the two countries that President Hu Jintao, was talking about, had surely lived on.

Indeed to this very day.

Whats more, it is also looking remarkably well and strong, and all you have to do to be convinced is look around you wherever you happen to be, and soon the truth is there.

And there, right before you are stacks of indelible evidence, that say the legacy of peace and friendship forged 30 years ago between Samoa and China in Beijing, is still alive and well here in Samoa today.

Whats more, that legacy has since been entrusted to Ambassador Mr Wang Xuefeng, who has already embarked on making sure that it would remain the nourishing bond thats continuing to keep the governments of the two countries, respectful of each other, to this day.

And that legacy, like it or not, is the unseen tool being deployed today - the Chinese way - in the development of Samoa with Chinese help from around Apia all the way to Faleolo, where that brand new Chinese-built Airport is rising slowly and yet irrefutably towards the sky, for everyone to see.

So lets hope the legacy of peace and friendship between the government of the Peoples Republic of China and Samoa, based on mutual trust and friendship that President Hu Jintao was talking about back there, would indeed live on.

(And that in doing so), it would remain the nourishing bond, thats continuing to keep the governments of the two countries respectful of each other, to this very day.

In the meantime, now that that little snag about the friendship between China and Samoa is out of the way, lets say Congratulations! one more time to the winners of this years Short Story Competition, and lets say thank you to everyone here this evening, for making the time to be with us on this very special day. Soifua.
Re: Australian Federal Police denies report

I read with much interest the quote from AFP, Mr. Timson was also asked if the assistance for the Samoan police will be affected due to the current situation at the Ministry of Police. . . . .

Not at this stage, he said.

These are telling words in a situation where our Police Department is wrapped up in scrambling; blame evasion, bitter disagreement and irrational decisions. And thats just the publics view! Something is seriously flawed in our Police administration and it is slowly but surely dividing our nations faith in the integrity of the police force.

If and when the AFP say Not at this stage I hear doubt in the ability of the Samoa Police to deal with their obvious attempt to cover up a covert group of Police management determined to protect their corrupt status quo. The tactic they are using is nothing short of bullying the Commissioner into submission. Shame on you Samoa Police!

Peka Faletasi
Acadia Pharmaceuticals has become one of the most highly valued biomedical companies in San Diego largely on the promise of an experimental drug for psychosis.

Next year, the 21-year-old company expects to begin delivering on that promise.

Sometime in the first quarter of 2015, Acadia plans to submit a marketing application for its medication Nuplazid. The drug, also known by its generic name of pimavanserin, has successfully completed Phase 3 testing for Parkinsons disease psychosis. Its in Phase 2 clinical trials for schizophrenia and Alzheimers disease psychosis.

Together, these conditions represent a huge population of patients  and thus a potentially huge pharmaceutical market.

Acadia, with a stock value of more than $3.2 billion, has gained a following among investors and stock analysts who believe Nuplazid will succeed. Shares of Acadia closed Tuesday at $30.17, down 6.4 percent for the day and up 21 percent for the year.

ACADIA PHARMACEUTICALS Founded: 1993 Location: San Diego Employees: 95 Chief executive: Uli Hacksell Product: Nuplazid, which has gone through Phase 3 clinical testing for Parkinsons disease psychosis with good results. Company is expected to seek marketing approval for the medication next year from U.S. Food and Drug Administration. Online: acadia-pharm.com

Scientists have found no cure for Parkinsons disease, a neurodegenerative movement disorder that affects about a million Americans, or for Alzheimers, which afflicts more than 5 million. As both diseases are linked to aging, the number of patients is expected to grow.

There are treatments for schizophrenia, which affects roughly 1 percent of the U.S. population, but they frequently dont work.

While these diseases have very different causes, theyre often associated with delusions, hallucinations and agitation  symptoms that Nuplazid is designed to counter.

Clinical testing indicates that Nuplazid doesnt produce the dangerous side effects of other anti-psychotic medications. In addition, the drug promotes sleep, an important benefit in its own right.

Breakthrough therapy

Nuplazid blocks a specific cellular receptor  a molecular target on the surface of a cell  used by the neurotransmitter serotonin. It counteracts psychosis symptoms in Parkinsons patients without interfering with other Parkinsons medications, which often act on another neurotransmitter, dopamine.

We think pimavanserin has a good shot at improving on the atypical (anti-psychotic drugs) for the same reason it appears to do so in Parkinsons disease psychosis: efficacy with a cleaner safety profile due to more targeted activity, analyst Charles Duncan of the research firm Piper Jaffray wrote in a Nov. 11 research report.

Uli Hacksell, chief executive for Acadia, said the U.S. Food and Drug Administration has recognized the importance of Nuplazid, giving it a breakthrough therapy designation this past summer. Drugs with that categorization get expedited review by the agency.

This tells us they share our view of the unmet medical need in Parkinsons disease psychosis, and that they are also impressed by the clinical data we have, Hacksell said. So things look very good, very exciting.

Hallucinations related to this type of psychosis can be especially disturbing, he said. Its very common that they see a deceased relative on the other side of the table, Hacksell said.

And the burden of caring for the patient frequently falls on his or her spouse, who may not know how to cope with the deterioration in behavior.

They have paranoid delusions, they are afraid their spouse is having an affair. All of this causes a lot of stress in the relationship, Hacksell explained. Parkinsons psychosis is the major reason why Parkinsons patients have to go to nursing homes. The caregiver cant deal with the patient anymore.

Coast to coast

Acadia was founded in Winooski, Vt., in 1993 as Receptor Technologies by Mark Brann, a professor at the University of Vermont. The company originally focused on identifying drug candidates with its technology for rapid genomics screening.

Acadia CEO Uli Hacksell in his San Diego office. / photo by K.C. Alfred * U-T San Diego

It underwent a dramatic makeover four years later: The business moved to San Diego, adopted its present name and changed its business focus. Instead of helping other companies find drugs, Acadia decided to develop its own.

We could have gone one of two ways  build up the company for short-term revenue as a research tool company or become a drug-discovery company, Brann said in a 2005 interview. My passion was to be a drug-discovery company, to develop drugs, and thats the path we went down.

Acadia Pharmaceuticals is named after Acadia National Park based on its initial ties to New England and the parks beauty. Brann also wanted a name that started with an A.

Hacksell joined the company as chief executive in 2000, while Brann served as president and chief scientific officer. (Brann left the company in 2006 to establish another San Diego biotech, Abbey Pharmaceuticals, which received seed funding from Acadia.)

In February 2001, at the end of a buoyant biotech market, Acadia filed for an initial public offering. But the company withdrew its offering in September of that year, citing poor market conditions. Acadia then succeeded with its IPO in 2004, raising $35 million at $7 per share.

The company endured a major setback in June 2008, with the failure of a schizophrenia drug in mid-stage clinical testing. Its shares dropped 44 percent in one day, and Acadia scrapped the medication.

That was when Nuplazid became Acadias flagship product.

Nuplazid sales

It took years for Acadias shares to recover from the loss of the schizophrenia drug, with the first sustained rally beginning in November 2012, when shares traded for less than $2 apiece.

Now, with years of testing data to buttress Nuplazids efficacy, prospects are looking up, Hacksell said. Assuming all goes well, the company could have FDA marketing approval sometime in mid-2015.

Acadia plans to sell Nuplazid on its own, without a pharmaceutical partner. So the company intends to hire about 135 people for its sales staff.

Six to nine months after the FDA application is submitted, Acadia is scheduled to submit a marketing application for European sales.

Meanwhile, more clinical trials are planned for Nuplazid  one for schizophrenia and another for Parkinsons patients with sleep disturbances.

Further down the pipeline, Acadia is testing two drugs for chronic pain and glaucoma, both with the pharma company Allergan as its partner.
An 88-year-old Holocaust survivor who went through six concentration camps is set to celebrate his bar mitzvah Nov. 19 at Chabad of Poway in what many call a historic moment.

Ben Midler was 13 and ready for his bar mitzvah, a Jewish coming of age ceremony, when he was taken from his family by Germans who invaded his home in the Polish city of Bialystok in 1941. He recalled that the Bialystok synagogue was burned down by Germans in June that year with 2,000 Jews inside.

After living in a ghetto for two years, Midler was taken to six concentration camps between the ages of 15 to 17. He still has the numbers printed on his arm.

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Midler said he survived because he worked in the ghetto and did not associate with other kids, who it turned out, were sent to Auschwitz.

In August 1943, Midler and 50,000 others were taken in six cattle cars  three went to Treblinka and three to Majdanek. When he got to the camps, he told the officer he was a presser, which he said saved his life because at that time the Germans were fighting the Russians and needed warm clothing to be made. They gathered about 200 men and women whom were tailors and the rest they killed on the spot.

Anytime they said they needed people to work, I said I am ready to go  this saved my life, said Midler, who lives in Rancho Bernardo and is author of The Life of A Child Survivor from Bialystok, Poland.

For someone who has lived through the Holocaust, and yet thanks G-d every day for the miracles G-d has done for him then and now, this is truly a celebration, not just for Ben Midler but the entire Jewish Nation, said Rabbi Mendel Goldstein, director of Chabad of Poway.

The event is at 10 a.m. at 16934 Chabad Way. Visit chabadpoway.com or call (858) 451-0455.
In a couple of telling scenes from the smart new touring version of The Sound of Music, people struggle to summon the words to songs that have faded from their lives and minds.

Thats not likely to be a problem most Civic Theatre audience members will face: The lyrics to such tunes as Do-Re-Mi are imprinted so deeply on our brains that they probably show up on CAT scans.

But it brings up a couple of key points about former Old Globe Theatre artistic director (and Broadway heavyweight) Jack OBriens take on the beloved 1959 musical.

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One is that his show seems to position the classic Rodgers & Hammerstein numbers My Favorite Things and The Sound of Music as something like Austrian folk tunes that the characters apparently learned in childhood (an endearing if suspect notion).

The other  and the one that gets more to the heart of the show, and maybe to our own moment in time  is that those we meet in the course of the story are in grave danger of forgetting not just the songs they once sang, but who they are as a people.

It helps to remember that beyond the clean-scrubbed charm of the nun-turned-governess Maria (played superbly on opening night by Anna Mintzer) and the seven adorably uniformed von Trapp children, The Sound of Music is a pretty political story.

Its made more so here by the salvaging of the song No Way to Stop It, which appeared in the original Broadway production but was excised from the 1965 Julie Andrews movie.

As Howard Lindsay and Russel Crouses story (based loosely on the real-life von Trapp saga) has it, Capt. Georg von Trapp (Ben Davis) is a fiercely loyal Austrian whos one of the few willing to defy the encroachment of Germanys Third Reich.

His friend Max (Merwin Foard) and romantic interest Elsa (Teri Hansen) believe he should just cave, and its their spineless sentiment that drives No Way to Stop It, which includes Maxs sadly misguided advice to the captain: Just sit tight and wait for it to all blow over.

(He doesnt; and, if youll recall from your history books, it doesnt.)

The Sound of Music

When: 7:30 p.m. Friday; 2 and 7:30 p.m. Saturday; 1 and 6:30 p.m. Sunday.

Where: San Diego Civic Theatre, 1100 Third Ave., downtown

Tickets: About $22.50-$107.50

Phone: (619) 570-1100

Online: broadwaysd.com

None of this is to suggest OBriens staging has turned The Sound of Music into some historo-political screed; not remotely. But that sharper focus on real-life consequences helps ground the shows sometimes fairy-tale feel and unapologetic sense of uplift.

And who wouldnt be lifted up  as in just about rocketed to the Civics rafters  by Melody Betts beautifully operatic rendition of Climb Evry Mountain?

She plays the wise Mother Abbess, who breaks the news to Maria that shes probably not meant for life as a postulant, and sends her off to her destiny at the von Trapp home.

Betts and the rest of the sisters also open the show with the intricate vocal harmonies of the Preludium, eventually giving way (though the show does a little bogged down in the abbey) to Mintzers soaring rendition of the secular hymn that is the musicals title tune.

The show is loaded with strong performances, from Davis stalwart but sympathetic captain to Austin Colbys scarily zealous Rolf, the young Nazi convert.

And those hard-working von Trapp kids all deserve their own bouquets of edelweiss (Paige Silvester as the precocious Liesl and Iris Davies as the ever-perceptive Brigitta were particular standouts on opening night.)

Music director/conductor Jay Algers 16-piece orchestra performs vibrantly in a range of styles from oom-pah to gentle ballad to lofty anthem, and the elegant interplay of Douglas W. Schmidts sets and Natasha Katzs lush lighting is music to the eyes.

Its probably no spoiler to note that the von Trapps will go on to, as the song has it, sing once more. Its a glint of optimism that one can hope applies to stories whose endings are yet to come.

Twitter: @jimhebert

jim.hebert@sduniontribune.com
Linda Anderson is an artist who loves to tell stories.

Everyone has a story, and Im drawn to and intrigued by the narratives of people everywhere, said Anderson, a 1967 graduate of Hoover High who went on to get advanced degrees in drawing from Otis Art Institute in Los Angeles. What grabs my heart the most are peoples of different cultures and circumstances, and a lot of my work is about expressing the uniqueness of humans around the world.

Anderson, a resident of La Mesa, is a nationally recognized art quilter  one who creates quilts for art rather than bed coverings. Shes been featured in numerous galleries and museums around the country and just last month won two awards at the Pacific International Quilt Festival in Santa Clara. Her Dance Break Oaxaca is one of 25 quilts traveling around the United States as part of a touring exhibition by the National Quilt Museum.

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She saw her first art quilt in 2008, and my immediate gut reaction was, This is what Im supposed to do with the rest of my life. Everything I had ever loved came together in one medium  drawing, color and sewing. I always knew one day I would return to my art, and this was it.

When she spotted a photograph in the Union-Tribune, she knew she had found her next project. It was a photo of jazz musician Joshua White. She had been to many of his concerts around town, and she has always been mesmerized by his brilliance at the keyboard. I had taken many of my own photographs of him playing, but when I saw the photo by Eduardo Contreras, I knew that was the story ... that needed to be told.

She got in contact with Contreras and asked for his permission. He, in turn, was intrigued by what Anderson was going to do. So he asked if he could pay her a visit and take some photos of her. She said yes, and Contreras took photos over a span of three months.

It was, in many ways, a beautiful intersection of music, art and photography.

There is such beauty and color and richness in just the everyday being of living, said Anderson, who worked as a therapist, decorator and school counselor for 25 years before finding her way back to art. It is capturing those moments, and bringing them to life through the use of fabric, paint and stitching, that fills my days completely.

1 / 25 Using colored pencils, art quilter Linda Anderson hand draws a 18"x24" mock up (left) using the original image (right) as a guide, at her home in La Mesa, California. This hand drawn mock up is a constant guide throughout the whole project. (Eduardo Contreras / San Diego Union-Tribune) 2 / 25 Detail of hand drawn mock up, which is a constant guide throughout the whole project. (Eduardo Contreras / San Diego Union-Tribune) 3 / 25 The hand drawn mock up is enlarged in B&W and on paper at the printers to the intended finished size of the quilt. In this photo art quilter Linda Anderson is using the blown up B&W image to create a plastic template to aid in joining together the individual cotton fabric pieces of the quilt. (Eduardo Contreras / San Diego Union-Tribune) 4 / 25 Detail of art quilter Linda Anderson using a blown up B&W image to create a plastic template to aid in joining together the individual cotton fabric pieces of the quilt. (Eduardo Contreras / San Diego Union-Tribune) 5 / 25 The background base cotton fabric of the quilt is painted to replicate mock up drawing (right). Anderson is painting the floor of the piece in this photo. (Eduardo Contreras / San Diego Union-Tribune) 6 / 25 After the background base cotton fabric of the quilt is painted to replicate the floor, Anderson hangs it to dry in her garden. (Eduardo Contreras / San Diego Union-Tribune) 7 / 25 Art quilter Linda Anderson arranges all the painted cotton fabric pieces that will make up the final quilt using her plastic template. The painted fabric pieces will be ironed together with a fabric adhesive. (Eduardo Contreras / San Diego Union-Tribune) 8 / 25 Detail of Art quilter Linda Anderson arranging all the painted cotton fabric pieces that will make up the final quilt using her plastic template. The painted fabric pieces will be ironed together with a fabric adhesive. (Eduardo Contreras / San Diego Union-Tribune) 9 / 25 Art quilter Linda Anderson irons together all the painted cotton fabric pieces that will make up the final quilt with a fabric adhesive. (Eduardo Contreras / San Diego Union-Tribune) 10 / 25 Art quilter Linda Anderson arranges all the painted cotton fabric pieces that will make up the final quilt. (Eduardo Contreras / San Diego Union-Tribune) 11 / 25 Because the face is so detailed and central to the success of the project, art quilter Linda Anderson waits till late in the process to paint the face of jazz musician Joshua White for the quilt. (Eduardo Contreras / San Diego Union-Tribune) 12 / 25 Detail of Linda Anderson painting the face of jazz musician Joshua White for the quilt at her home in La Mesa, California. (Eduardo Contreras / San Diego Union-Tribune) 13 / 25 Artist Linda Anderson works on her art quilt based on a photo of jazz musician Joshua White by Union-Tribune photographer Eduardo Contreras. (Eduardo Contreras / San Diego Union-Tribune) 14 / 25 Detail of Linda Anderson stitching her quilt. (Eduardo Contreras / San Diego Union-Tribune) 15 / 25 Using a hand sewing needle, loose threads on the back are hidden by weaving them into the batting. (Eduardo Contreras / San Diego Union-Tribune) 16 / 25 Clamps (top left) lift the weight of the quilt off the table for ease of stitching. (Eduardo Contreras / San Diego Union-Tribune) 17 / 25 With clamps lifting the weight of the quilt off the table, Anderson is capable of very fine detailed stitching. (Eduardo Contreras / San Diego Union-Tribune) 18 / 25 Art quilter Linda Anderson blends thread colors of some of the stitched areas of the quilt using colored pencils. (Eduardo Contreras / San Diego Union-Tribune) 19 / 25 Matching thread color to the painted area is critical. Thread color is changed hundreds of times during stitching to match each individual painted area throughout the quilt. (Eduardo Contreras / San Diego Union-Tribune) 20 / 25 Once about 90% of the quilt is stitched, art quilter Linda Anderson begins rendering the face which is the centerpiece of the art project. Anderson says the face will take at least 20 different colored threads. (Eduardo Contreras / San Diego Union-Tribune) 21 / 25 Detail of Anderson as she begins rendering the face. Anderson says the face will take at least 20 different colored threads. (Eduardo Contreras / San Diego Union-Tribune) 22 / 25 Stitching the interior of the piano. (Eduardo Contreras / San Diego Union-Tribune) 23 / 25 Anderson marks trim lines of the final art piece with a laser square. (Eduardo Contreras / San Diego Union-Tribune) 24 / 25 With the help of her husband Stephen (right), Linda Anderson trims the final art piece with a rotary cutter. (Eduardo Contreras / San Diego Union-Tribune) 25 / 25 At left is my original Joshua White image that appeared in the Union-Tribune. At right is Art quilter Linda Anderson with the finished quilt at her home in La Mesa, California. (Eduardo Contreras / San Diego Union-Tribune)

Twitter: @outdoorlivingsd

michael.rocha@sduniontribune.com
Republican Sen. Jeff Sessions, one of Donald Trumps earliest and most enthusiastic backers to be president, has been offered the job of attorney general, Trumps transition team said Friday.

Sessions, 69, is considered one of the most conservative Republicans in the Senate and has extensive legal experience as a federal prosecutor in his home state of Alabama.



For the record: An earlier version of this article incorrectly stated that Sessions in 1986 said that the NAACP had taken positions adverse to U.S. security interest. Sessions was referring to a different organization.

But his expected nomination was immediately met with fierce opposition from critics who said it would put federal civil rights enforcement into the hands of a man whose confirmation to a federal judgeship in the 1980s was blocked over allegations he made several racially offensive remarks.

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If you have nostalgia for the days when blacks kept quiet, gays were in the closet, immigrants were invisible and women stayed in the kitchen, Sen. Jefferson Beauregard Sessions is your man, Rep. Luis Gutierrez (D-Ill.) said in a statement. No senator has fought harder against the hopes and aspirations of Latinos, immigrants, and people of color than Sen. Sessions.

California Sen. Dianne Feinstein, soon to become the top Democrat on the Judiciary Committee, said that as a longtime member of the panel, Sessions is well aware of the thorough vetting hes about to receive.

But Republicans vowed to fight for his confirmation.

Sen. Charles Grassley, chairman of the Judiciary Committee, called Sessions a respected member of the panel who has worked across the aisle on major legislation. He knows the Justice Department as a former U.S. attorney, which would serve him very well in this position. With this background, Im confident he would be reported favorably out of the committee.

If Sessions accepts the job and is confirmed, he would lead an agency of more than 100,000 employees and a nearly $30 billion budget that is tasked with investigating and prosecuting terrorists, civil rights violators and those who break environmental laws.

Generally liked and respected by his colleagues in both political parties, Sessions has earned a reputation for being one of its most conservative members and often backed tough-on-crime legislation. He is particularly tough on illegal immigration, one of Trumps signature issues. He voted against President Obamas two selections for the Supreme Court, Elena Kagan and Sonia Sotomayor.

Sessions, who became the first U.S. senator to endorse Trump in February, has since emerged as one of the business moguls closest advisors.

Senate staffers said they expected him to be confirmed, but the process may not be an easy one.

Theres going to be a confirmation fight, said Frank Sharry, executive director of Americas Voice, an immigrant advocacy group. He couldnt get confirmed as a judge. Why should he get confirmed as the top civil rights officer for the country?

In 1986, his nomination to be a federal judge was rejected by the Senate Judiciary Committee after it emerged he made racially insensitive remarks.

During his hearings, four Justice Department lawyers testified that he had expressed racist views or endorsed them. He acknowledged in testimony that he called the National Assn. for the Advancement of Colored People and American Civil Liberties Union un-American, though he denied believing such statements.

A colleague also testified that Sessions had agreed with a statement that a white lawyer was a disgrace to his race for handling civil rights cases. A black lawyer testified that Sessions once called him boy. Sessions denied having made those statements.

If confirmed to be attorney general, Sessions would lead an agency that under Obama has waded aggressively into civil rights issues, particularly in the wake of unrest sparked by the killings of black men by police officers in recent years.

Now Trump has his chance to change Washington. But it might change him instead 

The Justice Department has investigated nearly two dozen police departments whose officers allegedly violated the rights of citizens they served.

Sessions has also opposed strengthening federal enforcement powers under the 1965 Voting Rights Act and was one of a handful of GOP senators blocking a bipartisan bill to loosen sentencing rules for low-level offenders.

Is he going to be a challenge on sentencing reform? Of course, said Holly Harris, executive director of the U.S. Justice Action Network, a coalition of conservative and liberal groups backing criminal justice reform.

Im hopeful that the movement will not have a knee-jerk and alarmist reaction to this, throw their hands in the air and take their ball and go home, she said.

Harris noted some brighter spots in Sessions record, mainly his friendlier stance toward proposals to ease offenders reentry into life after prison. And she said that progress made in the states to reduce prison populations and decrease recidivism may set a trend that Washington could eventually embrace.

There are roughly 30 states that have implemented some form of significant reform legislation, and theres one attorney general, she said. I feel very confident that if there is influence to be had, I think it will be on the Trump administration.

Sessions was an active-duty Army Reserve officer in 1973 near the end of the Vietnam War. He stayed in the reserves through 1986, rising to the rank of captain.

The son of a country store owner, Sessions was born in Selma, Ala., and grew up in nearby Hybart during the civil rights movement of the 1950s and 1960s.

He worked his way through Huntingdon College in Montgomery, where he was active in the Young Republicans and became student body president before graduating with a bachelor of arts degree in 1969.

He was tapped by President Reagan in 1981 to be the U.S. attorney for the Southern District of Alabama, a position he held through 1993. In 1994, he was elected to be the states attorney general. Two years later, he won a Senate seat.

He is married and has three children.

Staff writer W.J. Hennigan contributed to this report.

Follow @delwilber on Twitter

del.wilber@latimes.com

ALSO:

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Aspiring agents learn from mistakes of FBIs shameful investigation of Martin Luther King Jr.

How these Brooklyn prosecutors work to get innocent convicts out of prison

UPDATES:

9:25 a.m.: This article was updated with comment from Holly Harris, executive director of the U.S. Justice Action Network.

8:30 a.m.: This article was updated with additional reaction.

5:30 a.m.: This article was updated with additional background.

This article was originally published at 5:05 a.m.
Vice President-elect Mike Pence stood before a roomful of House Republicans on Thursday and asked how many had his cellphone number.

Chuckles of laughter rippled through the private meeting in the Capitol basement.

A lot of you do, Pence said, according to those in attendance.

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The former congressman is proving to be an effective envoy for President-elect Donald Trump, and his Capitol Hill visit offered a preview of the crucial role many believe the outgoing Indiana governor will play as liaison between lawmakers and the Trump White House.

He is the secret weapon, said Rep. David Schweikert (R-Ariz.), who was among those fiscal conservatives initially reluctant to support the partys presidential nominee. Theres going to be tough moments, and hes someone you can pick up the phone and call.

Dispatching Pence to Capitol Hill was part of the Trumps team ongoing effort to reverse the narrative of a rocky presidential transition.

High-profile visitors, many eyeing top Cabinet posts, went in and out of Trump Tower in New York, including Alabama Sen. Jeff Sessions, Wall Street executive Steven Mnuchin, former New York Mayor Rudolph W. Giuliani and several of Trumps children. South Carolina Gov. Nikki Haley was thought to have visited but was not observed by reporters entering the building.

Also reportedly ready to meet with the president-elect was former GOP presidential nominee Mitt Romney, who had called Trump a phony and a fraud during the campaign. According to numerous media reports, the pair planned to speak over the weekend.

On Thursday evening, Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe was having a face-to-face meeting with Trump that raised some eyebrows because it went beyond the short congratulatory phone call that usually occurs between a president-elect and a world leader.

Trump advisors downplayed the session as a private, informal meeting and said the president-elect was being briefed by advisors about proper diplomatic protocol during this and other interactions with foreign leaders.

We realize there is only one president of the United States, Trump spokesman Jason Miller.

During a newly launched daily conference call to update the news media on the transition, Miller said that by next week the team will have announced a roster of aides who will begin contacting various federal agencies to discuss transition matters. Delays in making those contacts have caused alarm among some.

Im hearing from all these agencies that theyre beginning to panic  that theyve heard from no one on the transition team, said Sen. Claire McCaskill (D-Mo.). So I think its a problem.

Miller said the first landing team will focus on national security, reaching out to officials from the Pentagon, the State Department and other security agencies. Officials said the Pentagon team could arrive as early as Friday.

An economic team is promised by Tuesday and a domestic team by Wednesday, Miller said.

Were working seven days a week here, Miller told reporters on the call.

The transition team has been battling the perception of disorganization and infighting, particularly after the departure earlier this week of key advisors.

The shake-up purged some of the more respected figures who had been advising Trump, notably those close to or hired by the former transition chairman, New Jersey Gov. Chris Christie.

It also led to speculation about the oversized influence of Trumps son-in-law, Jared Kushner, whom some blamed for pushing Christie and his allies out. When Christie was a U.S. attorney more than a decade ago, he successfully prosecuted Kushners father on tax evasion and other charges.

Sending Pence to Capitol Hill served as a reminder of one the reasons Trump chose the even-tempered conservative for his team.

Not since Dick Cheney has a vice president been expected to play such a leading role in an administration led by a newcomer to Washington.

Especially with his experience in the House and Senate, the friends he has, the new president not having served I think its going to be a different vice presidential role, said House Majority Leader Kevin McCarthy (R-Bakersfield).

Pence attended the morning huddle of House Republicans and later conferred with Speaker Paul D. Ryan of Wisconsin. He also met privately with Democratic leaders Sen. Charles E. Schumer of New York and Rep. Nancy Pelosi of San Francisco.

Pelosi made it clear that House Democrats have deep concerns with the appointment of chief strategist Stephen Bannon, the former Brietbart News chief who has been accused of making anti-Semitic remarks and giving a platform to white nationalists. She asked Pence to urge Trump to reconsider the appointment, according to Pelosis spokesman.

In an apparent gesture of support for Bannon, Israeli Ambassador to the U.S. Ron Dermer told reporters at Trump Tower on Thursday that Israel looks forward to working with the Trump administration, with all of the members of the Trump administration, including Steve Bannon, and making the U.S.-Israel alliance stronger than ever. He declined to say why he singled out Bannon.

Like Republicans on Capitol Hill, Pelosi also seemed to view Pence as a figure in the Trump administration that Democrats could work with more easily.

Youre going to be a very valued player in all of this because you know the territory, she told Pence, adding that she meant no disrespect for the sensitivity and knowledge of the president-elect.So in that territory, we will try to find our common ground where we can. And of course, stand our ground when we cant. 

Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell has already invited Pence to join the weekly Republican lunches  much the way Cheney did  to provide a conduit between Republicans on Capitol Hill and the administration.

Even doubters of the president-elect came away feeling more at ease with Pences presence.

He made it clear that he and the president-elect want to work with all of us, no matter what position we took during the presidential campaign, said Rep. Carlos Curbelo (R-Fla.), an outspoken opponent of Trump. Im very encouraged. Hes going to be very engaged  perhaps in recent history the vice president that will most be engaged in the Congress.

lisa.mascaro@latimes.com

Twitter: @LisaMascaro

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Nosing into port Friday morning, the Navys newest amphibious warship joined the worlds largest and most lethal strike force in San Diego, part of an ongoing buildup of American forces realigning to face increasingly powerful Russian and Chinese fleets.

Completing an inaugural voyage that took it to Rhode Island, Philadelphia, Jamaica, Barbados and the Panama Canal, the amphibious transport dock ship John P. Murtha boosts the strength of Expeditionary Strike Group 3 to more than 14,000 sailors aboard 14 ships.

The Murthas primary mission is to use MV-22 Osprey tilt-rotor aircraft, helicopters and landing craft to bring up to 800 Marines ashore, but the vessel is far more versatile than that.

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These ships are truly multi-mission capable and theyre well designed for out-of the-box kind of projects that need to happen, like humanitarian assistance and disaster-relief operations, said the Murthas skipper, Capt. Kevin J. Parker.

A former enlisted submariner from Casper, Wyoming, Parker pointed to the warships large footprint of command and control infrastructure and advanced communications that turn the Murtha into the ringleader of a major operation, like the emergency evacuation of an embassy.

With a current crew of 396 members, the Murtha is the 10th of an expected dozen San Antonio-class amphibious warfare ships. The new amphibs are slated to replace nearly four times as many aging transport vessels, shaving crew and maintenance costs while adding capabilities the previous ships didnt have  from advanced robotic anti-air defense systems to a sleek and stealthy silhouette to defeat-enemy radar.

Following the United States strategy of pivoting to the Pacific, more than half of the new amphibs will be homeported in San Diego or at bases in Asia, such as in Japan.

Because of the nature of what a strike group does, were the only group of surface combatants thats designed to get close enough to the shore for good or bad people to see us, Strike Group commander Rear Adm. Daniel Dano Fillion said during a Wednesday address before the nonprofit San Diego Military Advisory Council. If were there to help, well be a welcomed sight floating off your coastline. If were there to do something else, we might not be a welcomed sight, but well be a formidable and inevitable one.

To Fillion, his groups grunts, aircraft and warships like the Murtha should deter aggression, but if needed, they would win control of what strategists call the global commons  the dimensions of sea, sky, land, space and cyberspace.

Mastering all of these commons usually wins a war because it allows a nation to wear down a foe with an unstoppable combo of ships, planes, troops, satellites and hackers, which is why Fillions strike group is charged with dominating all these dimensions from the sea.

Seventy percent of the globe is water, 80 percent of humanity lives near the coasts and 95 percent of the planets Internet and telephone traffic courses through undersea cables, which can leave deep-sea data lines vulnerable to sabotage or eavesdropping by enemy spy submarines.

During the next several years, Fillions strike group plans to add fast and stealthy Marine F-35B Joint Strike Fighters that land vertically on a warships flight deck, allowing Marines to control the air domain before destroying sea and inland targets to prepare the way for the infantry.

The messy counterinsurgency wars in Iraq and Afghanistan showcase potential challenges that ground units like the Marines face once theyre on land. Meanwhile, Americas long dominance in other commons has eroded since the collapse of the Soviet Union a quarter-century ago.

The most lethal challenge comes from new super-silent submarines built by China and Russia.

Beijings underwater navy is believed to boast 56 submarines now  41 of them very quiet and hard to hunt, according to the Congressional Research Service.

The U.S. Office of Naval Intelligence predicts that China could deploy 74 increasingly modern subs by 2020  about 13 more than the United States anticipates sending to sea. That hikes pressure on American strike groups to destroy an underwater enemy before U.S. warships are spotted.

As a warning, Fillion pointed to the sinking of the South Korean corvette Cheonan in 2010 while it was conducting anti-submarine exercises alongside American warships. International investigators concluded that a torpedo fired from a North Korean midget sub likely destroyed the Cheonan.

Fillions strike group gets new anti-submarine capabilities next year, although the Murtha already totes what Navy spokeswoman Lt. Laura Price called onboard systems that provide a robust countermeasure capability for undersea threats.

The high-tech upgrades aside, the Murtha entered port on Friday towing controversy in its wake.

1 / 17 Petty Officer First Class Kareem Haughton hugged his twin daughters Kylee, right, and Kayden, left, after he got off the Amphibious transport dock ship USS John P. Murtha. (John Gibbins / San Diego Union-Tribune) 2 / 17 Petty Officer First Class Kareem Haughton spread out his arms to welcome his twin daughters Kylee, right, and Kayden, left, as they ran towards him after he got off the Amphibious transport dock ship USS John P. Murtha . (John Gibbins / San Diego Union-Tribune) 3 / 17 Nine year-old Andrew Roach held on tho his dad tony Roach who is the Executive Officer aboard the Amphibious transport dock ship USS John P. Murtha. (John Gibbins / San Diego Union-Tribune) 4 / 17 SAN DIEGO, CA.-Nov. 17 2016: Elizabeth Rodriguez kissed her 21-month old daughter Bella Grace as part of the first-kiss tradition. PHOTO/JOHN GIBBINS, Staff photographer, San Diego Union-Tribune) copyright 2016 (John Gibbins / San Diego Union-Tribune) 5 / 17 The flag was at half staff on the Amphibious transport dock ship USS John P. Murtha in memory of former defense secretary Melvin Laird who died this week. (John Gibbins / San Diego Union-Tribune) 6 / 17 Sisters Ailine Flores, left, and Estephanie Flores, right, watched as the Amphibious transport dock ship USS John P. Murtha arrived with their uncle Chief Petty Officer Adan Flores on board. (John Gibbins / San Diego Union-Tribune) 7 / 17 Claudia Young and her daughter Cassandra waited for her husband, Petty officer First Class Jerome Young to come down off the ship. She was talking on the phone to him as the ship backed in and he manned the rail. (John Gibbins / San Diego Union-Tribune) 8 / 17 Petty Officer First Class Jerome Young waves from the ship to his wife Claudia and daughter Cassandra who were waiting for him. (John Gibbins / San Diego Union-Tribune) 9 / 17 Rodney Perryman holds his son Gabriel as he waits for his wife, Petty Officer 2nd class Xylona Perryman. Nylons mother, Gloria Evans is at right with sign. (John Gibbins / San Diego Union-Tribune) 10 / 17 The Amphibious transport dock ship USS John P. Murtha arrived at its new home port today to begin its service life. (John Gibbins / San Diego Union-Tribune) 11 / 17 With sailors manning the rail, he Amphibious transport dock ship USS John P. Murtha backed in to a pier at Naval Station San Diego. (John Gibbins / San Diego Union-Tribune) 12 / 17 The Amphibious transport dock ship USS John P. Murtha backed up to the pier, docking in front of the Littoral Combat ship USS Montgomery. (John Gibbins / San Diego Union-Tribune) 13 / 17 Johnathan Burlinson holds a sign welcoming his father Chief Petty Officer Burlinson home. (John Gibbins / San Diego Union-Tribune) 14 / 17 The Amphibious transport dock ship USS John P. Murtha arrived at its new home port today to begin its service life. (John Gibbins / San Diego Union-Tribune) 15 / 17 Gloria Evans holds her grandson Gabriel Robinson and a sign welcoming her daughter Petty Officer 2nd class Xylona Perryman home. The Amphibious transport dock ship USS John P. Murtha arrived at its new home port today to begin its service life. (John Gibbins / San Diego Union-Tribune) 16 / 17 A naval security boat sped past the Amphibious transport dock ship USS John P. Murtha as it arrived at its new home port today. (John Gibbins / San Diego Union-Tribune) 17 / 17 The Amphibious transport dock ship USS John P. Murtha arrived at its new home port today to begin its service life. (John Gibbins / San Diego Union-Tribune)

Outgoing Secretary of the Navy Raymond Ray Mabus drew criticism for defying ship-naming traditions by honoring deceased Rep. John P. Murtha, the Pennsylvania Democrat who helmed the powerful House Armed Services Committee. Traditionally, warships like the Murtha pay homage to geographic areas.

A highly decorated Marine, Murtha was the first Vietnam War combat veteran to enter Congress, but he later condemned the invasion of Iraq and alleged war crimes committed by Marines there, angering conservatives.

The price tag for warships like the Murtha also ballooned to more than $1.6 billion each  double the initial estimate. And the lead vessel in its class, the San Antonio, was a mechanical disaster  plagued with leaks, poor steering, bad pipes and other engineering defects that Navy officials insist were fixed long before the Murtha launched.

On Friday, there was none of that controversy amid the glee of relatives waiting for the Murthas sailors to return home.

Rodney Perryman, 25, of Detroit, peered for his wife clambering down the gangplank. Electricians Mate 2nd Class Xylona Perryman, 25, deployed 16 months ago to Mississippi while the Murtha was being built. The couples 2  year old son, Gabriel, perched atop Dads shoulders.

Im going to give him to her, the father said with a grin. Gabriel, you go to her and Im probably going to go shoot some pool or go to the gym.

***

FAST STATS

Name: John P. Murtha (LPD 26)

Class/type: San Antonio-class amphibious transport dock

Builder: Ingalls Shipbuilding in Mississippi

Speed: 22 knots (25 mph)

Complement: 32 officers, 364 enlisted service members

Displacement: 25,000 tons when full

cprine@sduniontribune.com
From the moment he saw Lucca, Chris Willingham knew she was special.

The two met in 2006 in San Antonio. Willingham was a Marine specializing in the training of military dogs, and Lucca was a 2-year-old German shepherd and Belgian Malinois mix being taught to sniff out bombs. They came together for their first war-zone deployment.

She had a lot of expression in her face, with these intently focused eyes. You could tell she was trying to figure me out right away, Willingham, now a gunnery sergeant stationed at Camp Pendleton, recalled about their introduction to each other. I sensed that she would have a lot of drive and enthusiasm.

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Last Tuesday, Lucca again looked intently at Willingham as he put a medal around her neck. It was the Dickin Medal, billed as Britains highest award for valor by a military animal.

Trustees of the the Peoples Dispensary for Sick Animals voted unanimously to honor Lucca with the distinction, making her the first U.S. military dog to receive the medal.

1 / 4 Gunnery sergeant Christopher Willingham, of Tuscaloosa, Alabama, USA, poses with retired US Marine dog Lucca, after receiving the PDSA Dickin Medal, awarded for animal bravery. (Frank Augstein / AP) 2 / 4 Heroic US Marine dog Lucca after receiving the PDSA Dickin Medal, awarded for animal bravery, equivalent of the Victoria Cross. (Frank Augstein / AP) 3 / 4 Gunnery sergeant Christopher Willingham, of Tuscaloosa, Alabama, USA, poses with retired US Marine dog Lucca, after receiving the PDSA Dickin Medal, awarded for animal bravery. (Frank Augstein / AP) 4 / 4 Heroic US Marine dog Lucca after receiving the PDSA Dickin Medal, awarded for animal bravery, equivalent of the Victoria Cross, at Wellington Barracks in London, Tuesday, April 5, 2016. (Frank Augstein / AP)

The recognition is bestowed only when the organizations board believes a case merits it, so years can go by without any nomination being approved. In this case, the evaluators cited Luccas distinguished record of leading more than 400 patrols in Afghanistan and Iraq during three combat tours. Shes credited with at least 40 confirmed finds of insurgents, explosives and ammunition  and for having no human casualties during her patrols.

The trustees also noted her physical sacrifice. During a 2012 patrol in Afghanistan, an improvised explosive device went off after Lucca sniffed it out. The blast burned part of her body and led to the amputation of her front left leg.

Lucca gave tireless service to the military communities of the United States of America and coalition partners, the dispensary said in its medal citation.

The organization praised the dog for continuing to be a role model. Lucca has become a symbol of hope and inspiration to many as she attends military outreach functions, wounded warrior hospital visits and parades championing the dedication and efforts of all service animals, the citation reads.

Amy Dickin, spokeswoman for the dispensary, said Lucca has commanded more public attention than any other Dickin Medal honoree in the programs 73-year history.

One reason is the long relationship Britain and the United States have shared, so Lucca has garnered interest on both sides of the Atlantic. Another is that Lucca is still alive, as compared to some past recipients who were recognized posthumously.

But it comes down to Lucca being such a beautiful dog with a lovely personality, Dickin said. Everyone has embraced Lucca. They mob her on the streets and hug her and take photos with her. She has even had paparazzi following her around London since the [award] ceremony.

Willingham confirmed the publics adoration of Lucca.

We were doing interviews the whole week. They focus on her and then three to four minutes later, they finally realize theres a human being holding her leash. Then they get around to talking with me, and thats the way it should be! he said.

Lucca follows an eclectic succession of Dickin Medal recipients.

The dispensary has given the award to 32 pigeons (including G.I. Joe, a member of the United States Army Pigeon Service during World War II who became the first U.S. animal honored), 31 dogs, three horses and a cat. The common requirement is that they all served with distinction in some military capacity.

Maria Dickin, founder of the dispensary, created the medal program as a way to spotlight the bravery, loyalty and accomplishments of animals.

 Canine war hero

When Dean Sienko was a general overseeing the Army Public Health Command, he learned that the U.S. military could nominate animals from its ranks. So he asked around for recommendations, and the Lucca story kept coming up.

The nomination packet included records of the dogs service, testimonies from witnesses to her courage and photos of her deployments in Afghanistan and Iraq.

I take great pride about being a military dog handler. This medal is not just for Lucca, its also a fitting honor for our long, rich heritage of military dogs, said Willingham, 36, who currently works as a kennel master in his 17th year with the Marines.

They are heroes in every right, and the public needs to know more about their achievements. Thats why Im really happy about this award, he added.

Willingham and Lucca are now back at Camp Pendleton. The familys other members are Willinghams wife and two children, plus a newly adopted yellow lab puppy.

Lucca has embraced her mentor role, and the puppy keeps her spry, Willingham said.

Spry for a 12-year-old dog, that is. Willingham said Lucca likely has a year or two more to live. Between her public engagements, Lucca likes to lounge on the living room floor, wrestle playfully with Willingham and shower love on the rest of the household.

Willingham said she was low-key and relaxed during the entire time in London, true to her humble nature.

But I know this is a special honor, he said. Ill give her an extra reward. Probably a piece of steak.
An innovative privately operated international port of entry connecting San Diego with Tijuanas A.L. Rodriguez International Airport launched operations on Wednesday, opening a new chapter in cross-border travel.

Years in the planning, the 9 a.m. opening of the Cross Border Xpress took place with little fanfare  just the presence of luggage-toting airline passengers who smiled broadly after taking minutes to cross from Tijuana to San Diego. They emerged from what looked like a long hallway spanning the international border, presenting documents to U.S. Customs and Border Protection inspectors, and proceeded to their destinations.

View the Video New cross-border bridge opens

Very very nice, said Gino Bertozzi of Mexico City, who flew to San Diego for a few days of shopping. Wow, way better, said Irma Ramirez, a grandmother returning to Moreno Valley in Riverside County after a vacation in Guadalajara  taking minutes for a crossing that in the past has meant two or three hours in the pedestrian line at the San Ysidro Port of Entry.

Cross Border Xpress 5 805 125 905

The crossing is a private, for-profit enterprise owned by Otay Tijuana Venture, a U.S. company with U.S. and Mexican investors, including Chicago real estate magnate Sam Zell. The group has been in negotiations for years with government agencies on both sides of the border to build the $120 million facility, a structure with striking colors  including purple and orange  that stands out from the large box-like warehouses in the surrounding industrial area of Otay Mesa.

It is an airport without a runway, said Enrique Valle, chief executive of the Cross Border Xpress, or CBX.

The bridge gives ticketed airline passengers the chance to avoid long northbound lines at the nearby San Ysidro and Otay Mesa ports of entry. And for those with trepidation about driving into Tijuana, they can now park their car on the U.S. side  the long-term parking fee is $10 a day  and walk across to catch their plane in Mexico.

The Tijuana airport, the second best connected in Mexico, served nearly 4.4 million passengers last year. More than half of the users of the airport  according to one study, as many as 60 percent  cross to or from California, and CBXs owners are counting many of them using their facility. Valle hopes the new bridge will entice others to fly out of Tijuana, including non-Latinos interested in flying to different parts of Mexico.

The advantage includes not only lower ticket prices, but also a broad range of destinations that are not served by San Diego International Airport. The Tijuana airport currently serves two international destinations  Shanghai and Oakland  and the great majority of its flights are to Mexicos interior, more than 30 destinations across the country.

View the photo gallery: USA/MEXICO cross border bridge opens

CBXs operators are seeing some long-term opportunities as well, as the Tijuana airport has room to expand. Tijuana has a lot of capacity for growth, said Valle, a former director of the Tijuana airport. They have a lot of land, the runway doesnt have problems receiving large airplanes, they dont have restrictions and are open 24-7, he said. In the future, we can be a small Miami, where we can connect flights not only to Asia, but to Central and South America.

For now, the aim is to persuade enough crossers that the $18 one-way fee is worth the price. Sandra Rosales, a 43-year-old bookeeper from Oxnard, said she is considering using the bridge when flying later this month from Tijuana to visit family in San Luis Potosi. But with four family members, the cost of flying, the crossing fee, and parking the familys vehicle could be steep.

Were trying to see if its convenient, Rosales said. Im looking around for options.

The only port of entry on the California border that requires users to pay a toll, CBX is also only U.S. land border crossing that is linked to a foreign airport. It consists of a 390-foot enclosed pedestrian bridge that connects the Tijuana airport with a structure in Otay Mesa that includes a CBP inspection area, airline ticket counters, 850 parking spaces, car rental booths, and opportunities to connect with inter-city buses, taxis and Uber vehicles. Over the next few days, it will also include a duty-free shopping area and a restaurant.

CBXs future plans include the construction of a 340-room hotel, gas station and shopping center on the site.

For the first few days, users are not being charged. But starting Dec. 19, there will be an $18 toll to use the bridge, with 20 percent discounts for those over age 65 and under age 12. Users up to age 3 can cross for free.

The CBP is treating the facility like other pedestrian crossings on the U.S. border, and the agencys secured area includes eight inspection booths, four X-ray machines, and kiosks where crossers can swipe their radio-frequency identification documents such as the Sentri card. The agency, charged with enforcing laws at U.S. ports of entry, was consulted for the design of the facility, which includes secondary inspection areas and holding areas for anyone taken into custody.

This is a land port of entry, said Joe Misenhelter, the assistant port director overseeing the Cross Border Xpress. The only difference is that you have to be a ticketed airline passenger.

Business leaders are hailing the Cross Border Xpress as a precedent-setting project that can change not only the experience of crossing the border but also draw attention to the San Diego-Tijuana region and its economic opportunities.

Its changing the dynamics and the image of the border, said Humberto Inzunza, president of the Tijuana Economic Development Council. While there has been some resistance to the project in Tijuana from taxi drivers, shop owners and others who stand to lose business, Inzunza said, the city will benefit in the long-term.

At the beginning some economic sectors will be suffering, but eventually, it will bring us more resources, well have more people in this region visiting us, Inzunza said.

From the San Diego Regional Chamber of Commerce to the South County Economic Development Council to the Otay Mesa Chamber of Commerce, business groups in San Diego have been enthusiastic backers of the project.

Ive had people already asking where they could buy land nearby, said Rob Hixson, a commercial real estate broker who is chair of the city of San Diegos Otay Mesa planning group and a member of the South County Economic Development Council.
A man who publicly smashed President-elect Donald Trumps Hollywood Walk of Fame star with a sledgehammer and pickax has been charged with vandalism.

James Otis, 52, faces one felony count of vandalism for causing more than $400 in damage to the star, according to the Los Angeles County district attorneys office.

Otis, who talked to The Times about his actions, is scheduled to be arraigned Friday in downtown Los Angeles.

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The Oct. 26 attack, which was caught on video, shows Otis hacking away at the pavement and bronze medallions.

Clad in a hard hat and construction vest, the Beverly Hills resident said he spent weeks planning the nonviolent action.

He even spent a couple of nights near the star, assessing the area in the Hollywood and Highland complex.

Otis said he had disdain for Trump and his attitude toward women.

I just sort of had enough with Mr. Trumps aggressive language toward women and his behavior, his sexual violence with women and against women, Otis said. Ive had personally in my own family four people who have been assaulted or have had sexual violence happen to them. It all became very personal.

Trump has called such accusations false.

After smashing the star, Otis removed the center TV emblem, some letters of Trumps name and a small piece of the star. He kept the brass pieces.

Otis said he planned to auction them off and raise money for women who accused Trump of assault as well as a college organization working to end sexual violence on campuses.

Los Angeles police estimated the damage at $2,500. Otis has said he would gladly pay the damages to the site.

A day after the attack, police arrested Otis. The arrest came hours before Otis planned to hold a news conference announcing he was going to turn himself in to authorities.

If convicted, Otis faces up to three years in jail.

Times staff writer Brittny Mejia contributed to this report.

veronica.rocha@latimes.com

For breaking news in California, follow @VeronicaRochaLA on Twitter.

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A 29-year-old Long Beach man has been arrested in connection with a pair of sexual assaults in which teenage girls told police they were held at knifepoint in South L.A., authorities said.

Samuel Alexander Vasquez was arrested by detectives with the LAPDs elite Robbery-Homicide Division as he left his job in Long Beach on Friday, police said. He was booked on suspicion of kidnapping with intent to commit sexual assault, according to an LAPD news release.

In both attacks, Vasquez is accused of using a knife to hold the victims against their will in his car, police said. On Sept. 27, police say Vasquez approached a 16-year-old girl who was walking home in the area of 75th and Figueroa streets and he forced her into his car at knifepoint. He then drove to a second location and assaulted her, police said.

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One month later, on Oct. 28 near 70th and Flower streets, police accused Vasquez of forcing a 14-year-old into his car, then driving away and assaulting her while holding a knife against her.

Vasquez will be held in lieu of $1 million bail.

james.queally@latimes.com

Follow @JamesQueallyLAT for crime and police news in California.

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A Los Angeles couple who went missing during a visit to the desert wandered for five days, drinking their own urine to survive, before they were discovered by the U.S. Border Patrol, according to a friend of the couple.

On Friday, the LAPD confirmed that Mariya Mitkova, 27, and Aaron Morganstein, 33, were discovered in good health near the U.S.-Mexico border.

The couple was last seen leaving the pairs home in the 2200 block of Shoredale Avenue, in Elysian Valley, about 3 p.m. last Saturday. They told loved ones they had planned to drive to Joshua Tree National Park or Imperial Sand Dunes for the weekend, according to the LAPD.

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Mitkova and Morganstein, according to LAPD Officer Tony Im, were found in Mexico and were going to be picked up by family members.

Briana Gonzales, a friend, sent details of the couples ordeal to The Times on Friday, citing a cousin of Mitkova and people who spoke to them after they were located.

Gonzales said the couple were at the Hugh T. Osborne Lookout Park in Imperial County on Sunday and left their car to go on a day hike and take photos.

This was also the last time the pair had a wireless Internet signal, Gonzales wrote.

They got lost while out on their hike and could see a red light flashing in the distance so they started walking [in that] direction, Gonzales wrote.

Mitkova and Morganstein spent five days walking in the desert without food and with little water.

In order [to] conserve their water they also drank their own urine, Gonzales email states. They saw helicopters flying, and actually were able to light a fire to get attention but no one was able to see them.

The couple is said to have walked to a cellphone tower, where they saw maintenance workers who contacted the Border Patrol.

Mitkova said that they were nearly dead, exhausted, dehydrated and thought that they were gonna die and then they ran into someone, said Gonzales email, citing Mitkovas cousin.

The couple had been expected to return to work Monday, Gonzales told The Times earlier this week.

Morganstein, a professional photographer, planned to go to San Diego, where he was to assist in a photo shoot on Monday, she said. Once they arrived in San Diego, Mitkova was going to catch a train on Sunday and head back for work in Santa Monica.

But the couple never showed up for work, Gonzales said.

Its super-odd for him not to show up to a gig and for her not to show up to work, she said.

The couples ATM transactions show they made no purchases since Saturday, Gonzales said.

Before taking off for the desert trip, the couple withdrew $120 from an ATM, then paid for gas. At some point, they fueled up again at a gas station in Cabazon.

Then a cellphone pinged off a cell tower in Rancho Mirage, Gonzales said.

At 6 p.m., Mitkova called a friend and said they were headed to the sand dunes.

Gonzales said Riverside County sheriffs deputies conducted an air and ground search for the couple and their car, a 2002 blue Subaru Outback. Three Joshua Tree park rangers also looked for the couple without success.

Joseph.serna@latimes.com

For breaking California news, follow @JosephSerna on Twitter.

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UPDATES:

1:35 p.m.: This article was updated with details provided by Gonzales.

This article was originally published at 11:35 a.m.
A $25-million settlement was reached Friday resolving three fraud lawsuits filed against Donald Trump and his now-defunct Trump University, averting the prospect of a trial for the president-elect.

The settlement covers two class-action suits filed in San Diego and a third suit brought by the New York state attorney general. The deal comes 10 days after Trump was elected president and 10 days before the first of the cases was set to go to trial.

The lawsuits alleged that Trump had defrauded customers into thinking they would learn real estate secrets from professors he had handpicked. The students said they learned little and instead were subjected to hard-sell tactics urging them to spend thousands of dollars on classes.

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Trump does not acknowledge or admit any liability or wrongdoing as part of the settlement.

Under the terms, $21 million will be spread among the plaintiffs in the San Diego cases and $4 million will go to the New York case. The plaintiffs attorneys agreed to waive their fees and work pro bono, maximizing the amount the students could recover.

The attorneys wont be making money on this case. All will go to the students, said San Diego plaintiffs attorney Jason Forge.

The 7,000 or so eligible members in the class-action suits should be able to recover at least 55%  and possibly 100%  of the money they spent on Trump University, Forge said.

Some students had paid up to $35,000 on elite memberships that offered a year of mentorship and said they were encouraged to max out credit cards to pay for the instruction.

Students will be very pleased to be able to pay their credit card bills and move on with their lives, said plaintiffs attorney Rachel Jensen.

One of those students was Sonny Low  a 74-year-old named plaintiff from Chula Vista representing California class members in the lawsuit that was to go to trial Nov. 28. He has been paying off a $9,000 credit card debt from Trump University and now will be able to recover that money, said one of his attorneys, Patrick Coughlin.

The law firm Zeldes, Haeggquist & Eck, which helped represent the plaintiffs, said in a statement Friday that it was incredibly painful to end the legal battle now.

We stand behind their claims 100%, the firm said, but there is always risk in taking a case to trial and that was particularly so here, when the defendant was poised to be the next president of the United States.

The lawsuits dogged Trump on the campaign trail, and he denied the allegations many times and said he would not settle the cases. He told supporters at a May rally that he would come to San Diego to testify after winning the presidency.

I could have settled this case numerous times, but I dont want to settle cases when were right, he said at the time. I dont believe in it. And when you start settling cases, you know what happens? Everybody sues you because you get known as a settler. One thing about me, I am not known as a settler.

Trump attorney Daniel Petrocelli said outside court Friday  as seven protesters held signs behind him  that he was not sure what path the case would have taken had Trump not been elected.

President Trump is pleased to have this case behind him so he can focus on every important issue facing this country, Petrocelli said. He was willing to sacrifice his personal interests to put this behind him and move forward.

The terms were reached in the hours before a 1:45 p.m. hearing Friday in San Diego before U.S. District Judge Gonzalo Curiel, who is presiding over the two class-action lawsuits. Last week, Curiel suggested both sides meet with U.S. District Judge Jeffrey Miller, who had offered his services to see if a settlement could be worked out before Lows case went to trial.

Both sides spent all day Wednesday with Miller, and on Thursday worked to include the New York attorney generals office in the settlement, Petrocelli said.

I am pleased that under the terms of this settlement, every victim will receive restitution and that Donald Trump will pay up to $1 million in penalties to the state of New York for violating state education laws, New York Atty. Gen. Eric Schneiderman said in a statement before the settlement was officially announced. The victims of Trump University have waited years for todays result, and I am pleased that their patience  and persistence  will be rewarded.

Because it involves class-action litigation, the settlement still must be approved by Curiel. The judge said he needs to make sure it is fair, appropriate and reasonable. That will take at least a month.

If Curiel grants preliminary approval, notices will go out to the class members, who can object or opt out of the agreement.

Forge on Friday made note of the attacks Curiel had faced over his role in the case, especially after Trump accused the judge of unfair or biased rulings against him during the campaign. Trump called Curiel a hater and hostile judge, saying his Mexican heritage and membership in a Latino attorneys group conflicted with Trumps views on immigration and building a border wall.

Outside this court, things have been pretty ugly, frankly, Forge told Curiel. Inside this court, I havent seen any hint of that. No bias shown on either side.

Curiel said that the settlement represented an important milestone in the lawsuits, and that he hoped it also said something about the postelection healing process this country very sorely needs.

kristina.davis@sduniontribune.com

Davis writes for the San Diego Union-Tribune. Union-Tribune staff writers Greg Moran, Lauren Schroeder and Kate Morrisey and the Associated Press contributed to this report.

ALSO:

In Trump they trust: Why these Californians voted red

Texas was Obamas chief antagonist. In Trumps America, California is eager for the part

L.A. leaders just vowed to fight deportations under Trump. Heres what theyve proposed

UPDATES:

8 p.m.: This article was updated with more comments by plaintiffs attorneys and a statement by New York Atty. Gen. Eric Schneiderman.

4:55 p.m.: This article was updated with comments by the plaintiffs attorneys and Trumps lawyer.

2:03 p.m.: This post was updated with details from San Diego court.

1:48 p.m.: This post was updated with details of the settlement and background of the cases.

1:25 p.m.: This article was updated with announcement that a $25-million settlement has been reached.

This article was originally published at 11:45 a.m.
Its North Countys Hundred Years War, I wrote in 2009. Long after my earthly remains are buried, Gregory Canyon will still be working its way through a permitting process only Kafka could love.

Saints be praised, I was wrong. I lived long enough to see the damned dump declared dead.

Thursdays requiem for the landfill, delivered in the form of a press release, was greeted with a chorus of cheers in North County.

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The most conspicuous winner, of course, is the Pala Band of Mission Indians, the tribe that bought the western side of Gregory Mountain and Gregory Canyon, a pastoral 700-acre portion of the 1,700-acre proposed landfills footprint.

Bottom line, a sacred Indian site, a cultural touchstone for several regional tribes, has been returned to the people who revere it.

As part of the purchase, the tribe promised not to oppose a large mixed-use development on the 1,000 acres near state Route 76, which might be an easier sell than, say, the more remote Lilac Hills Ranch that was rebuffed in the last election.

The future is always hard to predict, but this part of the bargain with GCL LLC does not appear terribly Faustian. (Its anyones guess if a general plan amendment for a large development will win approval. Using the land as a mitigation bank or selling to a conservation group are options that may come into play.)

A cast of memorable characters has performed parts in the Gregory Canyon drama. The city of Oceanside joined the opposition, as did former Supervisor Pam Slater-Price. (Californias governors, on the other hand, have turned their backs following countywide votes of approval.) Everett DeLano, whom Ive dubbed the NIMBY lawyer, has been the longtime counselor for RiverWatch, an environmental group that fought the project.

On the other side of the ledger, memory darts from the late Richard Chase  who for years was the face of the landfill, a charming defender of the indefensible  to his former wife, Nancy Chase, the unsinkable spokesperson who always expressed absolute confidence that Gregory Canyon would be built despite countless legal and financial obstacles.

But as I review the last quarter of a century, a period that roughly parallels my time as a columnist in North County, I keep returning to the last Trash Bag standing.

I called Ruth Harber Thursday at her home close by Gregory Canyon.

Harber had learned about 45 minutes before I rang that the specter that has bedeviled her for some 28 years has gone poof. (About 17 years ago, when we were walking Gregory Canyon, Id told her the dump would never be built. She was pessimistic, even fatalistic. In her view, it was David vs. Goliath and there was nothing gigantic about her team. But the long odds only made her more determined.)

So youre a survivor, I told her over the phone.

In more ways than one, she replied.

A Jewish girl during World War II, she hid from the Nazis in Belgium (an Anne Frank who made it). A married woman in her early 60s, she moved to her bucolic corner of Valley Center to grow avocados. Three years later, a woman approached her to sign a petition opposing a proposed dump and attend a meeting in Pauma Valley.

Little did I know then that I was embarking on a fight against what came to be known as Gregory Canyon, she told me.

Harber joined forces with five remarkable women who became known as the Trash Bags, a title adopted with good-humored pride. They were the most remarkable group of NIMBYs Ive ever met, women with grit, Mensa-level smarts and time and energy to fight. Warriors with bulging manila folders, they were willing to attend innumerable meetings, delve deep into geology and topography.

Those were the times when the phone and fax machines were our only weapons to stay informed, she recalled. There were no emails then. I used to write pamphlets and went regularly down to Pala to use their copy machines and also recruited my husband to make copies at work before he retired. I used my electric Smith-Corona to write. And, boy, did I write letters! Even to the Pope. Remember that? When the Catholic Diocese of San Diego ignored my pleas to join other religious organizations asking that they protect the ancient beliefs of the Pala Indians, I wrote to the Pope and got a response. Next thing: the Diocese complied. Those were the days.

Harbers scores of letters to the editor were gems of the genre. Concise, caustic, uncompromising.

The other Trash Bags are gone, either away or to the other side. Only Harber remains on the barricade.

Its been 28 years since this sordid story began, she said. Im now 88  still around  and ready to fight more battles had it been necessary.

Fortunately, its no longer necessary. Harber can rest easy. The second war in her life is over.

Basking in the glow, she even finds it in her heart to throw a bone to an undeserving watchdog.

You have been our champion even if we were called NIMBYs too many times to count, she told me. I was proud to be one. Who else would save our environment if there were no NIMBYs?

I called DeLano to ask him what hell always remember about Harber.

He loved recalling a water-quality meeting about seven years ago in Escondido City Hall, a gathering in which high-school students had been hired to pretend that they supported the landfill. (Harber uncovered that embarrassing fact and fed the tasty morsel to me.)

At one point in the proceedings, Harber stood up and started questioning the panel of bureaucrats, holding their feet to the fire until they nearly cried.

When shed finished, Harbers husband stood up and said, Im her husband and you think this is something? I have to live with this!

As the husband of a strong woman, I have to ask: Who wouldnt give anything to live with something like that?

logan.jenkins@sduniontribune.com
Judge Jay M. Bloom has rejected a request from the owner of a medical-marijuana business to force the District Attorneys Office to return more than $100,000 in cash seized, given that no criminal charges have been filed.

In a ruling dated Wednesday and received by lawyers in the case on Friday, Bloom said that a San Diego police detective successfully demonstrated probable cause to believe criminal activity was occurring when he gained judicial approval for a January raid of the Kearny Mesa business.

The test here is not one of proof beyond a reasonable doubt, or clear and convincing evidence, the San Diego Superior Court judge wrote. It is simply one of probable cause.

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Lawyers for James Slatic, owner of the Med-West Distribution medical-pot company, said Friday that they would appeal the ruling as soon as next month.

The courts decision allows the government to take an entire familys money based on mere suspicion that one family member committed a crime, said Wesley Hottot of the Institute for Justice, a nonprofit advocacy law group representing Slatic.

That isnt just wrong; its unconstitutional, Hottot said. And we will be appealing to ensure that the Slatics money is quickly returned to them.

Dozens of drug agents entered the business in January and seized more than $324,000 in cash, computers and other records and the inventory of pot-laced products like edibles, creams and vaping cartridges.

Police arrested two employees on site, and they were later released without criminal charges. Slatic also has not been charged with any crimes as a result of the raid.

Almost three dozen employees lost their jobs when the business closed after the drug sweep, Slatic says.

In addition to seizing cash and property at the Med-West headquarters, police froze and then seized Slatics personal bank account and those of his wife and two daughters.

Investigators said the personal assets were likely derived from criminal activity because Slatic transferred money between his business and family accounts.

The return-of-assets case only concerned the cash that was confiscated from Slatic and his family.

In affidavits supporting the seizures, San Diego police Det. Mark Carlson said the firm appeared to be extracting marijuana illegally to make concentrated pot products. He did not identify Med-West as a medical-pot business permitted under Californias Proposition 215.

You cant include the entire history of the world in affidavits, Carlson testified at a court hearing Monday.

Slatic and a chemical scientist testified at the same hearing that Med-West was not extracting marijuana to make a concentrated form of pot. Instead, the company was refining it under a process that is legal under state marijuana laws, they said.

Judge Bloom said some supplies found in the raid could be used in an extraction process, so probable cause for seizing the Slatics assets existed.

Witnesses at the hearing all established the marijuana extraction process at Mr. Slatics business involved the use of ethanol, which is a flammable product, the judge wrote. This type of extraction is a violation of Health and Safety Code 11379.6 concerning the manufacturing of marijuana.

One of Slatics witnesses, a San Diego scientist named Andrew Pham, testified the ethanol was used in the refinement process, not extraction, and that extraction could not be done with the lab equipment on hand.

The District Attorneys Office declined to comment on the ruling, saying the case is still being reviewed for possible criminal charges.

The lack of criminal charges to date did not escape the judge.

The court does have some concern with the fact the People have kept money for nearly 10 months without filing a case, he wrote. Before the year is up from the date of the seizure, the People will have to file a forfeiture case or a criminal case to keep the funds.

The District Attorneys Office and San Diego police and sheriffs departments collect millions of dollars a year under the asset seizure program.

A bill signed by Gov. Jerry Brown in September requires criminal convictions before law enforcement agencies can keep most seized assets, but the new law does not go into effect until January.

jeff.mcdonald@sduniontribune.com (619) 293-1708 @sdutMcDonald
UPDATE:The New York Attorney general has announced a $25 million settlement in the case. Details coming.

A settlement may be near to resolve three fraud lawsuits filed against President-elect Donald Trump and his now-defunct Trump University real estate seminar business.

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Several news organizations were reporting Friday that a settlement of $20 million to $25 million was in the works. It would settle two fraud lawsuits filed in San Diego and a third suit brought by the New York state attorney general.

All allege largely the same thing  that Trump defrauded customers into thinking they would learn real estate secrets from professors selected by the businessman, but learned little and instead were mostly subject to hard sell sales tactics urging them to spend thousands on classes.

The reports in the New York Daily News, Wall Street Journal, Washington Post and others said Trump would not acknowledge wrongdoing as part of the settlement.

Lawyers for Trump and the plaintiffs did not return emails seeking comment Friday.

During the presidential campaign, Trump on several occasions said he would not settle the cases.

News of an impending deal came just hours before a 1:45 p.m. hearing Friday in federal court in San Diego, where Trumps lawyers were to argue for a delay in the Nov. 28 start of one of the trials. Trumps lawyers say the delay is needed as Trump works on the transition to his new administration.

Fridays hearing is still on the calendar for U.S. District Judge Gonzalo Curiel, who is presiding over the two class-action lawsuits. Last week, Curiel suggested both sides meet with U.S. District Judge Jeffrey Miller to see if a last-minute settlement could be worked out.

Both sides said they were willing to try to reach a settlement.

Preparations for the trial have continued. More than 100 prospective jurors have been summoned to jury selection on Nov. 28. The court has also been making preparations to accommodate what would be a large contingent of news media and citizens who will want to observe the trial.

Twitter: @gregmoran

greg.moran@sduniontribune.com
The National Border Patrol Council has high hopes for President-elect Trumps border security policies.

The unions president, Brandon Judd, has been advising the Trump transition team. The union has encouraged the building of a border wall and changing enforcement policies put in place in the past four years.

San Diego-based Shawn Moran, vice president of the union, said a wall on the border would be a vital tool, and its difficult to say exactly where along the border a wall is needed.

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The problem arises when you secure one area, you push traffic to another, Moran said, citing a Border Patrol program called Operation Gatekeeper that blocked entry to much of the San Diego area.

We didnt think they would go through the mountains. We didnt think they would go through the deserts. But they did, Moran said. The smugglers really didnt seem to care.

 Related: Welcoming cities label debated as Trump term nears

He did not know specifics about what kind of material the wall might be built out of or how tall it might be.

Many immigrant rights advocates, like the Southern Border Communities Coalition, have spoken out against such a wall.

Border communities are safe, thriving, and contribute to the economic and cultural fabric of the United States, said Christian Ramirez, director of the Southern Border Communities Coalition. Misguided proposals that seek to militarize border communities by deploying more federal agents and building walls do not contribute to improving the quality of life for the more than 15 million people that call the borderlands home.

The San Diego area has about 60 miles of border, according to James Nielsen, a San Diego sector Border Patrol agent and spokesman. About 46 miles has fencing and about 13 miles has two sets of fences.

The older fencing is made out of excess landing mat material from the Vietnam War. Newer fencing involves steel, poured concrete, and, in some places, layers of razor wire.

Nielsen said that in 2015, San Diego agents had to make more than 550 repairs to the fences.

Moran said the old landing mat fencing was effective in stopping cars driving across the border, but not for people.

When it comes to people, weve found that if you build a 20-foot fence, they build a 21-foot ladder, Moran said. Theyre going over it, or the cartels are digging under it.

The wall on its own would not be enough, Moran said, but it could be effective when paired with an ease in restrictions on Border Patrol agents actions.

He said former deputy commissioner David Aguilar made a policy that border agents could not operate at public transit hubs unless they had specific intelligence that smuggling activity or criminal activity was taking place there. Aguilar designated several such spaces for restricted enforcement, such as schools and hospitals, in a 2013 memo.

Moran said the union wants to get rid of the priority enforcement program  or the policy of focusing enforcement of immigration laws on those with criminal records or those caught crossing the border.

Right now we basically have to catch them jumping the border fence or coming out of the river, Moran said. Our position has been that we cant be that restrained. Obviously we want to go after the violent criminals first, but you shouldnt be protected if youre here breaking the law.

He also said that the U.S. government doesnt prosecute enough of the assaults on Border Patrol agents.

We average one major assault every day of the year nationwide, Moran said. Our agents think theyre viewed as expendable.

kate.morrissey@sduniontribune.com, @bgirledukate
Authorities found more than $2.1 million worth of methamphetamine and cocaine stashed in a mans SUV in Oceanside early Thursday, the U.S. Attorneys Office said.

Ricardo Lujan, 44, of San Ysidro, was arrested and faces drug-related charges.

According to the federal complaint, an Oceanside police officer who was conducting random vehicle registration checks on Harbor Drive saw Lujan get into a Mitsubishi Endeavor with expired tags.

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The officer stopped the SUV about 12:40 a.m. before Lujan got far. Lujan, the registered owner of the vehicle, appeared nervous while the officer spoke to him, the U.S. Attorneys Office said. He agreed to a vehicle search.

The U.S. Border Patrol was called out, one of the agencys drug-sniffing dog reacted to the SUV.

Agents from a San Diego-based Drug Enforcement Administration task force searched the vehicle. They found 99 packages of cocaine and 58 bundles of meth  all vacuum sealed in plastic containers.

The contraband was hidden in floorboards, door panels, center console and elsewhere in the SUV, the U.S. Attorneys Office said.

The 89 kilograms of cocaine have an estimated street value of $1.7 million dollars, authorities said. The 69 kilograms of meth have an estimated street value of $450,000.

Oceanside police said Lujan was driving with an expired vehicle registration and without a drivers license.

He is set to appear before U.S. Magistrate Judge Barbara Major on Friday. He faces a count of possession of drugs with the intent to distribute.

Twitter: @D4VIDHernandez
A woman was arrested Thursday night on suspicion of swinging a metal pole at a man and later stabbing him with a knife in East Village, San Diego police said.

The 52-year-old victim was standing on a sidewalk on the J Street overpass above Interstate 5 about 6:30 p.m. As he waited for a friend, a woman walked up and swung a metal pole at him, police said.

The man dodged the pole and backed away from the attacker, who then put the pole down and began rambling. When the man approached the woman to speak to her, she took out a knife and lunged at him, stabbing him in the neck.

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The man left, and a stranger spotted him bleeding a short distance away, on 17th and K streets.

He was taken to a hospital with a 2-inch stab would that was not considered life-threatening, police said.

A witness saw the woman climbing into a tent where she lives on J Street, police said. Officers arrested her and booked her into jail on suspicion of assault with a deadly weapon.

Twitter: @D4VIDHernandez
A San Diego company has been named as a defendant in a class-action lawsuit that accuses the firm of systematically cheating homeowners trying to make their property more energy efficient.

Renovate America, which is based in Rancho Bernardo, runs a popular program that arranges for homeowners to borrow money to install solar panels, improve doors and windows and make other improvements to reduce their energy use.

Company officials rejected the allegations and said they would defend the suit vigorously.

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Under a program it calls the Home Energy Renovation Opportunity, or HERO, Renovate America finances the improvements and arranges for the costs to be added onto property tax rolls. Loans can be financed up to 25 years at up to 15 percent of the propertys value.

Over 50 types of energy-efficient products are eligible for no money down, 100 percent financing, the company states on its website. More than 50,000 families love coming home to lower utility bills.

According to the Los Angeles Superior Court lawsuit, Renovate America overcharges virtually every cost, fee and amount due from borrowers in the HERO Loan program to maximize its own profits at the expense of HERO loan borrowers.

The 33-page case was filed earlier this month by property owner Michael Richardson, who alleges that the company charges excessive closing costs and other fees. He said he agreed to borrow $43,159 to pay for a new roof, windows and other improvements, but was assessed $48,777.

Defendants simply inflate the stated amount of each HERO loan by the amount of accrued interest and then re-compute interest on that inflated amount, the complaint states.

Renovate America spokeswoman Ellen Qualls said there is no merit to the legal complaint.

We take our commitment to compliance with laws, rules and regulations, and to consumer protection, very seriously, and we strive to exceed all applicable requirements and best practices, she said.

The case has yet to be certified as class-action litigation, although Richardson estimated more than 5,000 customers may have been affected.

jeff.mcdonald@sduniontribune.com (619) 293-1708 @sdutMcDonald
On the afternoon of Tuesday, Nov. 8, I was at Hillary Clinton headquarters in downtown San Diego. I wasnt there to help ensure a victory. I was sure that victory had already been sealed. I was there to participate in the celebration.

Wednesday morning, my grief was overwhelming.

For me, this loss is personal. As a woman who is assertive, outspoken and strong-willed. As a woman who sweats the small stuff, does her homework and goes to bat. As a woman who has been called aggressive where a man would be praised for confidence, this hurts.

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For me, this loss is also scary. In a world of climate change, Dakota Access, the sixth mass extinction and rampant habitat loss, I am more fearful now for our planets future than I was the night before the election. I am not the only one who felt devastation and fear as the results came in. Many other women, minorities and members of the LGBT community felt it as well.

Much of this devastation comes from the shock of an outcome so few predicted. Leading up to the election, the right answer seemed so logical that in cities across the U.S., pundits on both sides of the aisle predicted a Clinton victory. Nearly every newspaper that endorsed a candidate supported Clinton (including this one), some breaking century-long Republican traditions to do so.

Now, as emotions begin to temper and hindsights perfect vision settles in, it seems we all missed two important realities: People dont vote on logic, and the divide between rural and urban America is bigger than we ever thought possible.

The first part, the logic, is not going to change. It was the swell of hope that brought Barack Obama to victory in 2008 more than his resume. And it was the stoking of fears that persuaded a minority of Americans this year to cast ballots for a man found unsavory even by many of his supporters.

The illogical nature of the average voter isnt going to change. The divide, though, thats something we can work on.

Bridging this deepening divide is the only thing that will make America greater, and it starts by openheartedly listening to the other side. The problems of small-town, middle America have long been left out of a political conversation focused on race, gender and the environment. Now they are at the forefront and if we dont listen up, the divide that brought Trump to victory will only grow.

That doesnt mean the protests across the United States should stop (although I do urge peace and nonviolence). This isnt about losing an election, its about sending a clear message that hate and bigotry will not be tolerated. And it doesnt mean the problems of white, rural America are greater than anyone elses, only that they matter, too. And it certainly doesnt mean our new president will work meaningfully to fix any of these issues for us. That responsibility is on our shoulders.

But if we have learned anything from this election, it is that we cannot afford to ignore those with whom we fundamentally disagree. I never saw this coming because I refused to open my eyes to the other side  their fears, their struggles, their reality. Through all the noise, we have stopped talking.

So, in the words of Sen. Cory Booker, as we bring grit to our grief and heart to our hurt, let me humbly add my own request:

To those who disagree with this outcome  do not tune out. Do not disengage. The moral arc of the universe is long, but we know which way it bends. Though that justice cannot come quickly enough for those who work for change, know that the sun is shining even if we cannot see it and love is there even if we cannot feel it.

To those who disagree with people like me  start a conversation. Do not unfollow, unfriend or ignore. Though we may disagree on the path, I believe with my whole heart that we agree on the destination.

And to everyone  as those wiser than I have implored, let us not be daunted by the enormity of the worlds problems. We are not obligated to complete the work, but neither are we free to abandon it.

As for me, I will never stop fighting for what I believe is right, because it is absolutely worth it.

Schwartz Lesberg is the director of conservation for San Diego Audubon and serves on several coastal advisory committees.

We asked two San Diego County voters for their views on this months election and whats next.

See also: Donald Trump victory brought sense of relief, a pleasant surprise
Even as details about Donald Trump s long-proposed U.S.-Mexico border wall begin to surface, Americans can get a preview of what it might look like to live in a divided region: many countries in the world are already so separated.

Before we get to those, heres a closer look at how Trumps idea may materialize.

On Thursday, one border security adviser to Trump told NPRs Morning Edition that the wall would not likely be a wall, but rather a fence, and that it would not likely cover the entire 1,954-miles boundary between the U.S. and Mexico.

Instead, an additional 200 or 300 miles of fencing could be added to the roughly 650-mile-long stretch of existing fence between the two countries, said Brandon Judd who is a Border Patrol agent and head of the National Border Patrol Council, a union that represents more than 16,000 agents.

The wall is going to be absolutely effective in certain locations. We do not need a wall along the entire 2,000 miles of border.  Brandon Judd, president of the National Border Patrol Council.

So, who pays for the additional border fencing and security?

Kansas Secretary of State Kris Kobach, a Trump adviser on immigration issues, told Reuters that some Department of Homeland Security funds could be used to build the wall instead of asking Congress for funding. Just exactly how much that would cost remains unclear.

The existence of hundreds of miles of extra fencing on the border is not hard to imagine. There are dozens of places in the world where countries and regions are already divided by either a fence or a wall and security forces.

Here are five parts of the world that already live divided.

1. Israel and Palestine

The 420-mile part-wall, part-fence West Bank barrier, which separates Israelis and Palestinians, has been the focus of much controversy since it was erected in 2002. Most of it is made up of a concrete base with a wire-and-mesh superstructure and rolls of razor wire and a deep ditch on one side of it, according to the BBC.

This Oct. 24, 2016 photo, shows part of a cement barrier and a fence securing the parameter of the Israeli settlement of Beit El, near the West Bank city of Ramallah. (AP Photo/Nasser Nasser)

2. North Korea and South Korea

The 160-mile border dividing North and South Korea is named the Demilitarized Zone or DMZ, which acts as a buffer between the two countries that are continually at war. The DMZ was reportedly created after the Korean War when China, North Korea and South Korea agreed to a cease fire agreement in 1953.

South Korean army soldiers patrol along a barbed-wire fence near the border village of Panmunjom in Paju, South Korea, Tuesday, March 26, 2013. (AP Photo/Ahn Young-joon)

3. Spain and Morocco

The Mediterranean Sea separates Spain and the African country of Morocco but a fence and now a wall separates the African enclave of Ceuta, which is Spanish territory. The fence was first erected in 1993 and Morocco recently joined the effort to curb illegal migration by erecting a wall with barbed wire on its side.

A man walks along a fence in the border separating Morocco and Spains North African enclave of Ceuta, in Ceuta on October 27, 2016. (JORGE GUERREROJORGE GUERRERO/AFP/Getty Images)

4. Greece and Cyprus

The roughly 11-mile wall has separated Greek and Turkish Cyprots living in this small island south of Turkey since 1974. While the two countries continue to attempt a resolution to their conflict, its border is patrolled by U.N. forces.

A couple walk in front of a wall with graffiti, near the UN buffer zone, Green Line that divide the Greek and Turkish Cypriot controlled areas in divided capital Nicosia in this eastern Mediterranean island of Cyprus, Friday, Nov. 11, 2016. (AP Photo/Petros Karadjias)

5. India and Pakistan

Parts of the border between India and Pakistan remain bitterly divided by fencing after years of conflict between the two countries. As recently as this month, the two countries have accused each other of attacks that violate a cease-fire agreement. The two countries split in 1947 when British colonial rule ended.

An Indian Border Security Force (BSF) soldier patrols along a fence at the India-Pakistan border in R.S Pora south-west of Jammu on October 3, 2016. (TAUSEEF MUSTAFATAUSEEF MUSTAFA/AFP/Getty Images)

Email: luis.gomez@sduniontribune.com

Twitter: @RunGomez
Deputies from the sheriffs Ramona station responded to a call of a shooting in Ramona Terrace Estates mobile home park, 1212 H St., at 1:42 a.m. Friday, which led to the arrest of an 87-year-old man, reported the sheriffs department.

When deputies arrived, they found an injured victim who said the suspect, Don Aspin, was inside the residence and was armed with a hand gun and a rifle, stated Sgt. Mark Knierim. The suspect reportedly fired several rounds from inside his bedroom, through his bedroom door, and one of the rounds struck the victim in the leg, the sergeant said.

ASTREA and deputies from the Poway station assisted with setting up a perimeter and deputies made several announcements for the suspect to come out of the residence. After about 20 minutes, Aspin came out and was taken into custody, said the sheriffs department. He was transported to San Diego Central Jail and booked on suspicion of assault with a deadly weapon, according to the report.

The victim of the shooting was transported to a local hospital for treatment of an injury that is not considered to be life threatening. No other injuries were reported.
East County business owners, civic leaders and law enforcement officials are taking the first steps in creating a regional approach to address homelessness in their communities.

We need to bring everybody together so people understand how homelessness is impacting all these different sectors of our community, said Eric Lund, CEO and President of the East County Chamber of Commerce.

In January, a count of homeless people countywide found El Cajon had 103 people in shelters or transitional housing and 218 people living on the street, in tents or in cars. Spring Valley had 134 homeless people, La Mesa had 31 and Lemon Grove had 12, with people in all three communities unsheltered..

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Lund said the chamber directed him and staff members to create the San Diego East County Regional Homeless Task Force, which held its first meeting Wednesday at the El Cajon Police Department.

About 100 people attended, and guest speakers agreed that the homeless population has increased and it will take a collaborative, regional effort to address it.

Representatives of faith-based groups and social services also spoke about how they already are helping homeless people in East County.

Lund said information shared at the task forces first meeting will be used when the group convenes again in January and holds break-out sessions on various topics. The task force will develop a regional plan based on ideas generated from that and future meetings, he said.

I can see where all the connections are, Lund said. We just need to bring these people to the table so they can talk to each other and work together.

While the San Diego Regional Task Force on the Homeless already includes East County, Lund said the new group will have a specific focus on local issues and services to better serve the area.

City managers from El Cajon, Lemon Grove and La Mesa at the meeting each said they were struggling with how to deal with a growing homeless population.

Its a complex, deep-seated problem and its getting worse, said El Cajon City Manager Douglas Williford, calling the issue well beyond a police matter.

Williford said he struggles with how the city can be compassionate to homeless people without attracting more. He also noted that the homeless population in a city park had exploded after people started bringing food to them.

Lemon Grove City Manager Lydia Romero said her community sees an influx of homeless people whenever San Diego does sweeps of encampments, and she thinks all cities around hers should work together.

Its a regional problem, she said. This is an East County problem, and not one city should share the burden.

Law enforcement officers from El Cajon, Rancho San Diego, Santee and La Mesa agreed their roles were just part of the solution.

Everyone has to contribute, said El Cajon Police Chief Jeff Davis.

After noticing that El Cajon and Santee were pushing homeless people into each others cities whenever they did sweeps, Davis said they finally got smart and started talking to one another.

That resulted in the creation last year of the East County Homeless Outreach Team, which includes Sheriffs deputies from Santee, officers from El Cajon and social workers from the countys Health and Human Services Agency.

Faith-based groups attending the meeting included Rock Church, Foothills Christian Church and Meridian Baptist Church.

Pastor Greg Hendricks of Rock Church said his organization has outreach ministries that work specifically with homeless people and a voucher program to give them clothes from the churchs thrift stores.

Addressing the question of how to help people who decline help, Hendricks said the outreach workers get to know them over time to gain their trust.

We try to help them understand their identity and how God sees them, he said.

Representatives from the Crisis House, Salvation Army and East County Transitional Living Center spoke at the meeting about how their organizations help homeless people.

Capt. Sean Kelsey of the Salvation Army said his organization is planning to open an El Cajon pantry that will give people in need more dignity by creating a shopping experience rather than a hand-out.

Among the people from schools who spoke, Grossmont-Cuyamaca Community College District Vice Chancellor John Valencia said it sometimes is difficult to identify homeless students on campus, but he know they are there.

I met a student last week who said he has to find a new couch to sleep on every week, he said.

Grossmont College has hired an engagement coordinator who is planning to open a new pantry to help needy students, Valencia said.

Speakers representing local businesses said the homeless population in East County has become more aggressive and more of a problem.

Shoppers number one complaint is the homeless, said Ben Potter of Grossmont Center, which has about 100 businesses. I cant tell you how many times a shop owner will call and say, I dont want to sound unsympathetic, but this is affecting our business.

Christina Park of Taxes by Design said shes moved her El Cajon business a few times because of the homeless population, and twice in the past six months shes had to call police because she felt in danger.

gary.warth@sduniontribune.com

Twitter: @GaryWarthUT

760-529-4939
County supervisors have approved a nearly $1 billion contract to provide information technology services for the next seven years, one of the governments largest contracts with an outside company.

At their meeting Tuesday, the supervisors voted unanimously in favor of a renewed deal with HP Enterprise Services to provide and run the countys computer networks, tech support, data center, applications, and handle other technology-related needs.

The contract will cost the county $918.5 million over seven years, at an annual price tag of more than $140 million. The county currently has a $5.36 billion annual budget, with expenses and revenues varying between years.

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There is an option to renew for another five years and the annual cost will increase by approximately one percent.

San Diego County has outsourced its tech needs since 1999 and has used HP Enterprise Services since 2011. The current contract expires in January 2018, and an analysis by the county determined that the new contract will be slightly cheaper than the current one. Staff also estimated that it would cost at least $49.5 million more to provide the same services in-house rather than through an outside vendor.

The deal was widely praised by board members at their meeting Tuesday.

This is the best contract yet, Supervisor Dianne Jacob said.

Part of Hewlett-Packard Enterprise, HP Enterprise Services will do several things: run the countys information technology system, help different government departments determine their tech needs and set up and maintain the necessary hardware and software  like many IT arrangements. The contract has new provisions including, for the first time in San Diego, an innovation incubator co-funded by the county and HP Enterprise Services to develop new ideas and technology to improve county business. It also includes cybersecurity requirements.

The contract sets standards for how fast computer networks will run and how quickly calls are answered by the technology help desk, as well as other quality metrics.

County staff began the process of hiring an IT company a year ago, and after issuing a request for proposals received plans from both HP Enterprise Services and IBM. Both made competitive offers, but county staff ultimately determined that their current vendors proposal was of better value, county documents said.

What is really good about this contract is that it is going to outlast all of us into a new board. Its good that were thinking about continuity, Supervisor Dave Roberts said.

Future board members could terminate the deal with HP Enterprise Services, per terms of the agreement, and the vendor is required to assist with the transition to a new contractor, documents show.

While the IT contract is a big expense, the countys payroll, like with most government organizations and businesses, is the single-largest expense.

Twitter: @jptstewart

joshua.stewart@sduniontribune.com

(619) 293-1841
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The views presented in the Post reflected, and frequently guided, American opinion. As war was declared in Europe in 1939, the Post was ambivalent about intervention. But that perspective began to evolve over the next two years in the face of Japanese and German aggression.

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This feature is included in Pearl Harbor: 75th Anniversary Special, a print publication highlighting articles, picture galleries, and editorials that appeared in The Saturday Evening Post before, during, and after December 7, 1941. This special edition is available for sale at shoptthepost.com.

The views presented in the Post reflected, and frequently guided, American opinion. As war was declared in Europe in 1939, the Post was ambivalent about intervention. But that perspective began to evolve over the next two years in the face of Japanese and German aggression.

Must America Be the Worlds Policeman?

Destiny has an errand here and we are about to keep an appointment with her. We do not know for sure what the business is. We do know it is important and that it behooves us now to steady our minds and think for ourselves.

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The event of incomparable human significance, one to which war itself is subordinate, is that the star of world supremacy has passed from the old to the new world. The thought of world supremacy passing from Europe to America was one the European mind could not entertain. It happened and was not believed. American power determined the outcome of the World War, which England and her allies had otherwise lost. Still it was not believed.

Now the World War has been resumed. Again we shall have to decide what to do with our power. The decision we make may alter the history of the world for a thousand years. Twenty-two years ago we were saying to ourselves, and believing, that we had engaged in a war to end war. It sounds ironic now. Nevertheless, it is one of the romantic facts to be written down in history that we had no other purpose. We were defeated. We were defeated because it was not our war. It was Europes war, and the peace that was written was a European peace, laying down the lines for the next war.

Neither is the present war our war. We had no spoon in the caldron. Yet what are we saying about it? We hope we shall not be drawn into it. But we should not now be saying of the European war either that we hope to stay out of it or that we are fearful of being drawn into it. Instead, we should know beforehand, and with certainty, under what conditions we would go to war at all. It would have to be our own war, not Europes. It would have to be one wherein we were sure who at the end should write the peace, that it might be the American peace, unlike any peace that had been made before.

America, Editorial, October 7, 1939

At What Point Do We Go to War?

How should a great nation go to war, if it goes? The answer is unhesitating. A great nation should go to war in a proud, forthright manner, saying what it does and why it does it, keeping faith at the same time with both its own laws and the laws of the world.

What have the American people and the American government been saying in their moral indictment of the aggressor? They have been saying that the aggressor makes war without declaring war, that he breaks the faith of treaties, that he tramples down the inconvenient law of the world  and this, of course, is intolerable.

But for all its power of moral judgment, how, in fact, does this great, proud nation of ours get into the European war against Hitler? How ready we are to see what is taking place in the world. A moral debacle of frightful proportions. All law between nations breaking down. No treaty worth the paper that has helplessly received the writing except there is on both sides of it equal gun power.

On Going to War, Editorial, October 19, 1940

Reality Check

It would be wonderful if we could defend our own world, save Great Britain, overcome the principle of evil in Europe, rescue China from the Asiatic aggressor, and be at the same time achieving for ourselves a more abundant life. In good American humor we should then erect a monument to Hitler for having obliged us to do it. But we think we are more likely to arrive soon at the peak of our self-limited exertions and come awake on the hard bed of reality with a terrific shock.

The Escape Phantasy, Editorial, January 11, 1941

Are We Dreaming?

By an evolution of American foreign policy, national defense has come to mean defense of democracy and freedom everywhere in the world. Thus we find ourselves running two defense programs at once  one of our own and one for all the other people who resist the aggressor. We undertake to be freedoms arsenal. But to suppose that in a world aflame on both sides of us we can protect our own house and put out the fire  that we can make America the inexhaustible arsenal of democracy, save ourselves, save freedom everywhere in the world, destroy the principle of aggression, and at the same time raise the American way of life to new levels of comfort and well-being, is dream stuff.

Dream Power, Editorial, February 8, 1941

Whats in It for Us?

It is time to realize that this country has assumed an unlimited responsibility for the outcome of the war. We have arrived at that responsibility with no material condition, no bargain, no stipulation beforehand  at least none that the American people are aware of  and, so far as we are informed, with no realistic political forethought.

Is it permitted to ask what America will get back? Do you suppose the liberated democracies of Europe in their gratitude will buy the American agricultural surplus instead of South American grain and meat and cotton at lower prices? Or can you imagine that Europe would say that the rich American people, by providing the only weapons  if that were all  had tried to buy the right to dominate the peace? What if Europe should resent our moral imperialism? And if Europe did that, what could we do about it? Demand our weapons back? Or ask to be paid for them in cash?

We are being neither realistic nor rational. No other people in the world would behave in this manner, or could survive if they did. The world we now undertake to save is one we have imagined. It does not really exist. But for all we have said, and beyond any reason, the spirit of crusade is a noble possession.

The New Apocalypse, Editorial, March 22, 1941

No Splendid Isolation

Looking back is to say farewell. Misgivings are forbidden, but let us not on that account be mistaken about what has happened. It is not a new chapter of American history that now opens. It is a new book with a new theme. The story that began with the Declaration of Independence is finished.

We have broken with our past. We have thrown away our New World, our splendid isolation, our geographical advantage of three to one against all aggressors, our separate political religion. There is no longer a New World, nor an Old World, but now one world in which the American people have been cast for a part they will have to learn as they go along.

There is no longer a Monroe Doctrine. In place of it there is an American Internationalism. We do not yet know what that means.

From now on there is for us no foreign war. Any war anywhere in the world is our war, provided only there is an aggressor to be destroyed, a democracy to be saved, or an area of freedom to be defended.

We are suddenly staring at the fact that we had assumed ultimate and unlimited liability  moral, physical, and financial  for the outcome of war on three continents, for the survival of the British Empire, and for the utter destruction of Hitler. Anything less or else would be the first American defeat.

Toward the Unknown, Editorial, March 29, 1941

Forward at Any Cost

We have received a great many letters asking us why we gave up the fight to keep the country out of the war.

Our answer is to say to them that a time comes when every American must somehow resolve one simple question: If for anything you could do about it, your country nevertheless becomes involved in war, where are you going to stand?

Many keep saying that time has not come. The clock has not struck. The fatal words have not been uttered in the form of a resolution by Congress. But the American government has proclaimed that Hitler must be destroyed. It has solemnly pledged itself before the world to employ its total resources to bring that result to pass. It has proclaimed that there can be and shall be no peace with Hitler. It has announced that a negotiated peace would be a defeat for democracy and freedom and the American way of life. It has proclaimed that the American way of life cannot exist in the same planet with the German thing. One or the other must die. Trying, therefore, to maintain the fiction that this country is not in the war against Hitler is like running from an earthquake.

We shall have to make up our minds to go on and on at any cost, to reconquer Europe and destroy Hitler there, even with American manpower  or turn back; and if we turn back we shall be remembered forever as the Falstaff nation of the world, boasting of a power it did really possess, boasting of how it would put it forth against the aggressor, and then changing its mind when the night came.

But the peril we speak of does not lie in making the wrong choice. It is there whatever we choose to do. We cannot now escape.

Everyone must be aware of what it will mean to go on. Do we see what it will mean to go back? The peril in that case is no less, may be even greater.

In going on we face the possibility of defeat, whether we can imagine it or not. But to go back is to face the possibility of national death. That is the reality as we see it; that is the reality we accept. The alternative had been to create here on this hemisphere the impregnable asylum of freedom and let tyranny in Europe destroy itself, as tyranny always has done and is bound to do again.

The Peril, Editorial, May 24, 1941
New York, NY -- (SBWIRE) -- 11/18/2016 -- ItsHot.com, a renowned manufacturer, wholesaler, and retailer of diamond jewelry in NY has recently announced an amazing 70-80% discount on its exquisite collection of Men's Diamond Bracelets along with an attractive 68% discount on its 10K Men's Round Prong Diamond Cuff Bracelet 10 Rows with 2 carats of diamonds. Previously priced at $37,999.00, this diamond bracelet can now be purchased for just $ 11,995.00. The bracelet has an approximate weight of 105 grams and measures 29 mm in width, and 20 cm in length. This diamond bracelet is appreciated for rendering charm and elegance to their wearers. The item code for purchasing this unique men's diamond bracelet is 004831.



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Albany, NY -- (SBWIRE) -- 11/18/2016 -- The market for baby diapers in East Africa has gained substantial traction in the past few years owing to a notable decline in infant mortality rate, rise in disposable incomes, and increased awareness regarding the need to maintain hygiene to ensure the healthy growth of infants. A vast surge in the region's urban and educated population and efforts undertaken by government and non-government organizations to increase awareness about personal hygiene across rural parts of the region have equally contributed to the development of the market in the past few years.



Transparency Market Research estimates that the East Africa baby diapers market will expand at a healthy CAGR of 3.6% from 2016 through 2024. Rising at this pace, the market will rise from a valuation of US$155.7 mn in 2015 to US$218.7 mn by 2024. Volume-wise, the market will exhibit a 3.2% CAGR over the period.



Get More Information: http://www.transparencymarketresearch.com/sample/sample.php?flag=S&rep_id=13925



Baby Diaper Market in Kenya Emerges Leading Contributor in Terms of Revenue



Kenya, estimated by the World Bank to be the fastest growing economy in East Africa, is presently the largest market in the East Africa baby diapers market, in terms of both volume-wise consumption and revenues. The baby diapers market in the country accounted for a 42.7% share in the overall market's revenues in 2015. Volume-wise, the country accounted for over 40% of the East Africa baby diapers market in the same year. Large population base, a notable reduction in child mortality rates, stable growth of economy in the past few years, and rising disposable incomes are the key factors driving the baby diapers market in the country. Over the period between 2016 and 2024 as well, the country is expected to retain its dominance in the East Africa baby diapers market.



Tanzania is the second largest revenue contributor to the East Africa baby diapers market, accounting for over 24% share in the market in 2015, and is expected to expand at a healthy pace over the forecasting horizon as well. Uganda is the third largest country for the baby diapers market in East Africa. All the three countries are expected to maintain their positions in the overall market through 2024.



Disposable Diapers are Leading Product Type but Cotton Diapers Present Sizeable Opportunity



Of the key product varieties available in the East Africa baby diapers market, the segment of disposable diapers is presently the most popular and leading revenue generator. The segment held a share of over 80% in the East Africa baby diapers market's revenues in 2015. Volume-wise, the segment fared even better, accounting for over 91% share in the market in the same year. Disposable diapers are expected to remain the dominant product segment in the East Africa baby diapers market over the next few years as well. However, their popularity is witnessing a notable decline owing to concerns about adverse long-term health effects and short-term skin rashes with their continuous use.



These concerns are also stimulating the increased demand for cotton diapers, the product varieties that contain no harmful chemicals and are considered safer than most varieties of disposable diapers. The demand for cotton diapers is also surging in East Africa owing to the rising awareness about environment safety the need to switch to biodegradable products. The segment of cotton diapers is expected to expand at a high CAGR of 5.8% over the period between 2016 and 2024, rising from a valuation of US$13.5 mn in 2015 to US$23.0 mn by 2024.



Some of the leading vendors operating in the East Africa baby diapers market are Unicharm Corporation, Procter and Gamble, Indevco Group, Johnson and Johnson, SCA Hygiene, Interconsumer Products Ltd., and Mega Soft (Fujian) Hygiene Products Co. Ltd
Washington, DC -- (SBWIRE) -- 11/18/2016 -- Plumber in DC has announced through their website the capability of the local DC area plumbing company to provide water heater services to customers within its extensive service territory. This water heater service is available in addition to the variety of other plumbing services it provides to both commercial and residential customers.



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Plumber in DC informs customers throughout its website of its ability to respond to the plumbing needs of both commercial and residential customers. The company's description of its water heater services is no exception to this, as explicit mention is made of both commercial and residential water heater needs being met by Plumber in DC.



Due to the potential of a water heater service need being of an emergency nature, Plumber in DC's service description accepts this potential reality and affirms its importance. Both emergency water heater repair and emergency water heater replacement are among the services listed on the company's website. The local plumbing company concludes its water heater service description by assuring customers that they utilize master plumbers and gas fitters employed by the company, as opposed to the use of sub-contractors for plumbing services.



Further information about the water heating services of Plumber in DC can be found on their website under the heading "Services" and the sub-heading "Water Heater Services." Among the other services the site lists prominently are plumbing services, emergency plumbing services, commercial and corporate services and remodeling and renovation services.



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Phone: 202-810-0624

Email: plumberindc@gmail.com

Website: http://plumberindc.com/
A group of stars in the Milky Way is moving faster than most other stars. They were spotted by a team of European astronomers.

The descriptions of the finding were published on arXiv.org on Nov. 2, 2016. The discovery could provide key information about stellar dynamics.

Jason Hunt from the University College London, U.K., and who led the discovery told the Phys.Org that they wanted to examine the speed with which the stars rotate around the Galaxy. With this, they need velocity in three directions. He added that they have never could explore local galactic dynamics in such detail because very few stars have had reliable distance estimates.

Hunt explained that the first data that was released provides the distance estimates for around 2 million stars in the solar neighborhood. Meanwhile, the next data release will have more than 1 billion. He further explained that this is a substantial improvement on the previous mission, Hipparcos, which specified measurements for about 150,000 stars.

Hipparcos was a satellite of the European Space Agency, which was launched in 1989 and became operational till 1993. It aimed to provide accurate measurements of the positions of celestial objects on the sky known as astrometry. This also determined the motion of stars.

In the discovery, the astronomers found that the group of stars is rotating faster than the Sun by about 20 km s. They also discovered that it is rotating significantly faster than the mean rotation of stars.

The team said that this may be caused by one or two major spiral arms of the Milky way known as the Perseus Arm. Thus, the stars that are behind the spiral arm and at the pericenter of their orbits experience an extended period of acceleration from the gravitational potential of the Perseus Arm.

Hunt explained that the extended period of acceleration causes them to move significantly faster than the other stars. They also know that this will either occur at one point along the spiral arm if the arm moves as a wave with a constant pattern speed through the disc, or it will happen along the arm is the spiral arm moves with the same velocity as the stars that is predicted by computational models based on the gravitational interaction of stars known as N-body simulations.
Pyramids are one of the world's wonders. Their origin may not be clear to many. Now, a team of archaeologists might discover the original pyramid structure in Mexico.

It has been reported last Wednesday that archaeologists discovered what may be the original structure built on the pyramid of Kukulkan at the Mayan ruins of Chichen Itza.

It is also has been discovered last year that the pyramid also known as El Castillo was onto a subterranean river or a cenote. The archaeologists discovered this with the help of electrical imagining techniques. It has already been known by the archaeologists that a smaller pyramid is enveloped underneath the visible temple.

The researchers said that they had noticed an even smaller structure within the other two structures. The experts use the "ERT-3D" or the tri-dimensional electric resistivity tomography. They have found that a 10 meter (yard) tall structure in the 20 meter (yard) tall "intermediate" pyramid was enclosed by the last stage of construction. The experts have estimated that is around 900 A.D.

Denisse Lorenia Argote, an archaeologist, said that "if we can research this structure in the future, it could be important, because it could tell us about the first-period inhabitants" of the location. Argote, who is also from the Mexico's National Institute of Anthropology and History, added that the first structure might be in the "pure Maya" style from about 500 and 800 A.D., according to New York Times.

In line with this, San Diego anthropology professor, Geoffrey Braswell from the University of California who also conducted a separate research at the Chichen Itza, suggests that the discovery may be new, or may be a structure detected in the 1940s.

Braswell said that "The tunnel was unstable, so we know very little about this platform. It appears to be much smaller than the outer two pyramids, and is not perfectly aligned with them."

Meanwhile, a researcher from National Autonomous University's Institute of Geophysics Rene Chavez said that "It's like a Russian nesting doll. Under the large one, we get another and another," as quoted by BBC News.
Although there have been several attempts to determine how or why conditions like autism and other neurodevelopmental disorders, experts are still left with no clue. However, the search for any factors that may add to these psychological conditions is still ongoing. In a recent study, researchers revealed that they have their attention set on maternal allergies.

In a new study involving rats, it could begin to explain why allergies during pregnancy are identified and linked to higher risks for attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and autism in children.

According to The Ohio State University, researchers at The Ohio State University found significant changes in the brain makeup of fetuses and newborn rats that were exposed to allergens during pregnancy. Animals that lived to adulthood after allergen exposure before birth showed signs of hyperactivity and antisocial behavior and decreased anxiety, as found by a research team led by Kathryn Lenz, an Ohio State assistant professor of Psychology.

"This is evidence that prenatal exposure to allergens alters brain development and function and that could be an underappreciated factor in the development of neurodevelopmental disorders," said Lenz, who presented her research on Nov. 16 in San Diego at Neuroscience 2016, the annual meeting of the Society for Neuroscience.

Even though there have already been several links associated with allergies and ADHD and autism, as well as between inflammation and risk of autism, schizophrenia and ADHD, the levels of cellular changes that could add to those connections still remain unknown.

"We're really interested in figuring out unknown factors in psychological disorders and in differences between male and female brain development as it relates to autism, ADHD, and other disorders," Lenz said.

For the study, the team sensitized female rats to an egg white protein, ovalbumin, before becoming pregnant. Then the rats were presented with the allergen, 15 days into the pregnancy, which triggered an immune response by the animal.

After that, they examined whether being exposed to the allergen before pregnancy changed the number and behavior of immune cells in the developing brain of offspring. They considered several factors in the young rats' physical activity, anxiety-like behavior, ability to learn and sociability. They also examined the density of dendritic spines in the young animals' brains. The spines protrude from neurons and are considered important to cellular-level communication in the brain.

The team found that the rats whose mothers had been exposed to an allergen had an increase in certain immune cells in the brain -- called mast cells. They also showed a reduction in another type of immune cell, microglia. These differences were seen in both sexes, reported Medical News Today.

Another prominent change was observed in their behavior. Allergic mothers' offspring were hyperactive and demonstrated the less anxiety-like behavior. According to Lenz, "Young rats engage in social play and males are rougher and tumble and usually play much more than females." However, the males in the allergy group were found to roughhouse with their peers significantly less.

"The males born to the allergen-exposed mothers looked more like females. They were more socially reserved. They were really hyperactive but socially disengaged. That looks a bit like ADHD," Lenz explained.
Killer robots programmed to seek and murder humans will no longer be a futurist's worst nightmare about a dystopian near-future. Not because humanity has finally figured out that not using technology to murder one another could somehow benefit it but because it is a reality even today. And the worrying (or exciting, depending on one's threat perceptions) part is that Russia has already developed two of such robots to deploy on its borders.

According to Mirror, these Russian robots are designed to track and attack humans from more than 4 miles away. The shooting range is even higher -- more than 6 miles to be specific -- for ground vehicles or low-flying drones. Equipped with cutting-edge radar technology, multiple long-range grenade launchers and HD & thermal video imaging, they can neutralize any ground or aerial threat well before it enters the Russian territory.

The robot-pair will operate together to guard Russia's borders that have allegedly witnessed a lot of aerial surveillance by rival powers of late.

Meanwhile, Russian engineers are claiming that the new robots can also be used to pick out targets for long-range explosive weaponry. However, the new system will initially be only used for general surveillance.

The robots will have the technology to not only monitor the exact locations of an incoming drone but also find details such as its point of origin, as well as the arc of its movement through the sky.

"In its structure there is a radar unit that detects a target: humans to about 7km distance, a car up to 10km," chief project engineer Dmitry Perminov told Russian news media, Mail Online reports.

Perminov added that the device is regularly being refined and upgraded in the hope that it will one day be able to operate at optimum capacity without requiring any human intervention whatsoever.
FLORENCE, S.C. -- Investigators are asking for the public's assistance to identify two people wanted for questioning in reference to an instance of credit card fraud.

The subjects were seen leaving the business in a silver SUV, according to a release from Lt. Mike Brandt, Florence Police Department.

Anyone with information about these subjects is asked to contact the Florence Police Department at 843-665-3191 or Crime Stoppers (1-888-CRIMESC / 1-888-274-6372).
As at end-2015, Chinas total shipyard capacity was estimated at 65m dwt, down from around 80m dwt in 2012. But the current capacity is still too excessive, and Chinas shipbuilding industry needs to slim down further by removing another 30% or more of capacity, said Li Dong, head of the equipment industry under the ministry of industry and information technology.

The 30% reduction in yard capacity from 65m dwt would translate to around 19.5m dwt.

Guo Dacheng, president of China Association of the National Shipbuilding Industry (Cansi), said the 30% reduction is considered conservative, in view of the sorry state of the market with a dearth of demand and equally excessive vessel tonnage. He cited analysts reports pointing to a global need for just 60m dwt of shipbuilding capacity for the 2016-2020 period.

But this begs the question of which shipyard then needs to cease operation and hence contribute to capacity cutting?

Wang Qi, director of Shanghai Waigaoqiao Shipbuilding (SWS), subsidiary of state-owned China State Shipbuilding Corp (CSSC), observed that China needs to prevent the emergence of speculative private yards, which he referred to them as cancer cells of the industry.

If the market starts to recover and you have this influx of speculative yards, they will throw the demand-supply equation off balance again, Wang was reported saying.

Ni Tao, deputy general manager of state-owned Cosco Shipyard Group, concurred that private yards can open and close as they like, unlike state-owned yards that carry national responsibility and are needed for any nation.

Zhu Bingkang, deputy director of privately-owned Jiangsu New Century Shipbuilding, however, disagreed that private yards are largely to be blamed for the overcapacity. There is nothing wrong for private companies to build their businesses upon opportunities in the market. In fact, state-owned enterprises are given all sorts of protection such that they have contributed little to reducing capacity. Most of the capacity cuts have come from private enterprises that shut down, Zhu said.

Industry players in Chinas shipbuilding market are looking forward to more favourable policies from Beijing over slashing of yard capacity. For example, distressed shipbuilders are hoping that they can demolish their unwanted yard facilities and free up the land, in exchange for a cash amount from the local government to cover the costs of tearing down the facilities. But this has been met with resistance from the local governments.

Since 2015, more than 20 large to medium sized Chinese shipbuilders have either declared bankrupt or stopped production altogether. There was no mention of tearing down the idled shipyard facilities. Huarong Energy, renamed from Rongsheng Heavy Industries Group which was once Chinas largest privately-owned shipbuilder hiring more than 30,000 workers, is now touted as a ghost shipyard with its sprawling facilities left standing.

On the back of the protracted slump of Chinas shipbuilding sector, Chinese shipyards received 18.83m dwt of newbuilding orders in the first 10 months of this year, down 7.6% year-on-year, and orderbook backlog as at 31 October 2016 stood at 106.02m dwt, a drop of 20.6% from the year-ago level.
Net loss for the three-month period was recorded at MYR7.3m ($1.7m) compared to the loss of MYR5.8m in the year-ago period.

Third quarter revenue plunged by 70% year-on-year to MYR13.86m due to lower contributions from the shipbuilding and ship chartering divisions.

Kuala Lumpur-listed Sealink said it completed and delivered three landing crafts during the first half of this year, and the yard currently has two harbour tugs at advance stage of construction and their revenue will only be recognised on confirmed sale.

The industry is continually facing immense challenges due to the reduced oil and gas activities globally and these slowdown had resulted in severe oversupply of offshore support vessels, Sealink commented.

Barring any unforeseen circumstances or events, we anticipate that the remaining 2016 will continue to be a challenging year where charter rates will likely be flat or weaken, with shipbuilding activities curtailed since crude oil prices are not expected to be northbound from the current levels in the short term.
Losses have already been accelerating this year, with Singamas turning in a net loss of $36.62m in the first half.

"The expected widening in net loss for the financial year ending 31 December 2016 is primarily attributable to the decline in the groups turnover and gross profit margin due to the continuing downturn of the macro economy since second half of 2015," the company said in a stock market announcement.

"Slowdown of global economic conditions generally affected world trade and exports from China, which in turn affected the market demand in, and the average selling price of, new dry freight containers," Singamas added.

It noted that many new containers vessel deliveries have been postponed since 2015, which has had a knock-on effect on demand for new containers as well. The low average selling price has also significantly affected the groups overall profitability for 2016.

"Nevertheless, the company has seen market recovery recently. The group received more orders from customers and the corresponding average selling price also increased recently," Singamas said.

It pointed out that this is due to, among other things, the increase in raw material costs, especially corten steel, and shortages in new containers inventory in China. "Besides, as the shipping companies and the leasing operators have not placed major orders for a long time, there is pent up demand for new containers. The recent improvement of their business allows them to invest in new containers," Singamas noted.

It warned however, that in light of the persisting global economic fluctuations and uncertainties, there is no assurance that the market recovery will be sustained.
There's an unlikely subculture in Botswana, Africa that has recently started to gain momentum. They are African death metal musicians and fans alike, and they're slowly making death metal a mainstream part of African culture.

RELATED: The Coolest Dance You've Never Heard Of: Pantsula

Guiseppe Sbrana who does lead vocals and guitar for the death metal band Skinflint says that their brand of death metal is distinctly African because it combines heavy metal with African culture. All of their lyrics reflect African mythology and spirituality. Guiseppe's bandmate Alessandra Sbrana who plays drums for the group says that she wishes more people would open their eyes to heavy metal as a genre because it's much more fun and exciting than they realize.

It can be challenging for the people of Africa to get onboard with death metal because it is often associated with being anti-religious and labeled as satanic. Shalton "Spencer Thrust" Monnadikgang, lead guitar for the death metal band Overthrust, says that it's been difficult to get people to accept it as a form of music for that reason. But they have made a lot of progress as a subculture in recent years and they love coming together as a community. When they're around each other they can dress however they want, which most commonly involves a lot of leather and studded accessories, and they know they can truly be themselves.

Watch more All Points Project:

The Art of Stand Up Paddle Boarding

Read more about African death metal:

The Guardian: Desert Sounds - Kalahari metal heads pursue a dream
Press Release

November 18, 2016 Legarda: Going Low Carbon Crucial in Achieving PHL's 2040 Goals Senator Loren Legarda today said that treading the path of low carbon development would be beneficial to the Philippines and help the government achieve its long-term goal of a "matatag, maginhawa at panatag na buhay" for Filipinos. Legarda, Chair of the Senate Committee on Climate Change and UN Global Champion for Resilience, made the statement after the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) issued a report commissioned by the Climate Vulnerable Forum (CVF), independently developed together with climate science and policy institute, Climate Analytics, titled Low Carbon Monitor (LCM) at the UN Climate Change Conference in Marrakech (COP22). The Senator said, the report examines benefits and opportunities of limiting warming to 1.5oC as enshrined in the goal of the Paris Agreement on climate change. "Keeping to a 1.5oC limit could raise growth economic output by as much as 1% by the 2040s, since so many of the devastating impacts associated with higher levels of warming would be avoided," stated the report's Preface signed by Legarda, together with Gemedo Dalle, Minister of Environment, Forest and Climate Change in Ethiopia, and Edgar Gutierrez, Minister of Environment and Energy in Costa Rica. "If we take into consideration the facts stated in the report, we will see that going low carbon is crucial in our pursuit of our vision and development goals under the Ambisyon Natin 2040 of the National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA)," said Legarda, who also chairs the Senate Committee on Finance. The LCM states that if the government aligns its policies with the 1.5oC limit, the Philippines will improve its chances of enjoying the benefits of low carbon development. The report enumerates some of the benefits that the Philippines will gain if nations are successful in limiting warming to 1.5oC. This would prevent a loss of 0.5 percentage point in GDP growth per capita by the 2040s compared to a high-warming world, prevent reduced labor productivity due to heat in the work place, and investing in renewable energy would improve economic stability and independence in the country. Since global warming affects productivity due to heat in the work place, if the Philippines goes low carbon, it will minimize losses caused by extreme heat to total national work hours of 1% at 1.5oC compared to 2% at 2oC. Moreover, the report indicated that limiting warming to 1.5oC would create 68% more energy-related jobs in 2030 compared with current policies. In the Philippines, more than 1,000 MW of renewable energy projects had been completed under the Feed-in Tariff System (FIT) of the Renewable Energy Act as of April 2016. The construction of these renewable energy plants has created approximately 100,000 jobs. "Today's priority is to access the largest possible share of the benefits of the low carbon transition, and as quickly as possible. With the whole world working together, if all embrace low emissions development, renewable energy could be five times cheaper or more by 2050-that is a vision of a low cost energy future we believe everyone wants and should get. 1.5oC can and must be done. We will make it happen not just to survive but also to thrive," said Legarda. Copy of the 2016 Low Carbon Monitor
Press Release

November 18, 2016 'Malayo at malabo,' Recto says of 'ICCexit' President Duterte's threat to pull out from the International Criminal Court (ICC) "is just one of his trademark 'thinking out loud' moments which spice up his public speeches." This is Senate Minority Leader Ralph Recto's take on the Duterte's statement that the Philippines may join Russia in formally withdrawing from the ICC. "We should know the drill by know. When he says something, it is not automatically a state policy," Recto said. "Besides, and this is important, the President said 'may' and not 'shall.' So the countdown does not begin. Malayo at malabo pa ang ICCexit," he said. "Floating trial balloons is a favorite hobby of his. He wants to rock the boat. And when he does that, it leads us to thinking. It provokes discussion. It starts a national conversation. Some would try to shoot down the balloons, other would want them to soar," Recto said. "That's the style of the President. So by now, some of his statements should no longer shock us. Many of his statements should be taken with sacks of salt," he added. Recto said "the process of disengaging from an international commitment or disaffiliating from world bodies cannot be triggered by an off-the-cuff statement from the President." "It should be the product of a study, debated in policy circles, even shared with our allies, so that we will be able to cover all angles, and be apprised of all ramifications. We do not want to be blindsided," he said.
Press Release

November 18, 2016 Villar says 2017 budget of the Department of Agriculture

to address barriers to competitiveness Sen. Cynthia Villar said the P50.5-billion proposed budget of the Department of Agriculture (DA) for year 2017 was crafted to address the barriers that hinder competitiveness of farmers and fisherfolks. Villar, vice chair of the Senate Committee on Agriculture and Food, presided over the budget hearing of DA and its attached agencies under Finance Subcommittee "E", and was tasked to defend the budget in plenary. "I am pleased to say that we have high expectations that the budget of DA next year will address the barriers that hinder Filipino farmers and fisherfolks from being more competitive and to increase their income," Villar said. "We have taken into consideration that the agriculture sector has had to contend with tougher competition with the opening or reintegration to the ASEAN Economic Community (AEC) since last year and on top of that, climate change issues," she added. Villar said studies have identified the factors that affect competitiveness of Filipino farmers as the lack of technical expertise, inadequate access to socialized credit, lack of mechanization and financial literacy. "Thus, the objective of the 2017 budget of the DA is to increase competitiveness of farmers and fisherfolks by bringing down production cost and mechanization," Villar said. The lady senator said the proposed budget allocated P2 billion for free irrigation fees, provisions for farm mechanization through the shared facilities program, and improvement of farmers' technology, among others. The Philippine Crop Insurance Corporation budget nearly doubled from this year's P1.6 billion to P2.5 billion to fund the subsidy for insurance premium of subsistence farmers and fisherfolks. Villar also stressed that the proposed budget for next year includes funding for recently-enacted laws, which she authored. This will enable the laws to deliver on its promised benefits to the intended beneficiaries in the agriculture sector. The Sugarcane Industry Development Act or Republic Act (RA) 10659 provided an annual budget for the sugar farmers. RA 10654 or the Amendment to the Fisheries Code will give our fisherfolks, through the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR), additional sources of funding support through increased penalties against illegal fishing. In addition, the extension of the period of implementation of the Agriculture Competitiveness Enhancement Fund (ACEF) up to 2022, under RA 10848, will take effect in this budget. As stated in the law, 80 percent of the fund will be extended as a form of credit to farmers' cooperatives; 10 percent as grants for research and development; and 10 percent for a comprehensive and attractive grant-in-aid program for agriculture, forestry, fisheries, and veterinary medicine education, to be implemented by the Commission on Higher Education. "Hopefully the Coconut Farmers and Industry Development Act shall be passed this year to provide funding support to raise the income of our coconut farmers, who remain one of the poorest in our country," Villar said. Villar also said she looks forward to the implementation of the P21-billion program that will allow Filipino farmers to produce the rice requirement for the 4.5 million household-beneficiaries of the government's Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program (4Ps). "Our 4Ps program should really be tied with agricultural programs, since 40 percent of 11.8 million farmers and fisherfolks are living below the poverty line. If we can reduce the number of poor people in agriculture, then we can reduce poverty in the Philippines," Villar said.
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Heres something for BART riders to contemplate while crammed elbow-to-belly button on their daily commutes: The number of people packing onto trains is down for the first time in six years.

The number of weekday riders from July to September has declined ever so slightly  by about half of a percent, or about 2,100 riders per day, BART officials said Thursday. But the number of weekend passengers fell by 4.3 percent on Saturdays and 6.2 percent on Sundays.

Overall, ridership declined 1.3 percent compared with the same period last year. Those figures, released in a quarterly report to the agencys board of directors, are below BARTs projections  officials had expected ridership growth to continue, by about 6 percent.

The little bit of extra breathing room during commutes might seem like good news for BART riders, but since the system gets so much of its revenue from fares  about 78 percent  the transit agency will have to trim its operating budget, said Paul Oversier, assistant general manager for operations.

How BART will make those cost-saving cutbacks will have to be determined. BART staffers are keeping a close eye on spending and will present a plan to directors in December, spokeswoman Alicia Trost said.

BART ridership typically rises and falls with the economy, particularly the employment rate, as well as traffic congestion. All of those remain high. So BART officials suspect that the decline is the result of the system being hit simultaneously over the past five years with aging and growing pains as ridership climbed by more than 100,000 and the system turned 44.

Breakdowns of trains, train controls and electrical systems have increased, leading to a rise in the number of delays and a decline in what was once the agencys pride  its on-time performance ratings. Trains are crowded, forcing many passengers to stand, sometimes for rides that can take an hour. At the same time, riders complain that trains and stations are dirty.

Weve reached our capacity, Oversier said Thursday. If you ride at rush hour, it is not particularly pleasant. Its like riding the New York subway.

While the drop in ridership may be slight, some BART riders interviewed Thursday afternoon say theyve noticed.

Michelle Hughes, 28, lives in Alameda, works in San Francisco, and catches BART from the city at 3:40 p.m. to get to school in Berkeley every day.

The trains are less crowded, Ive noticed, she said Thursday while waiting for her train at Civic Center.

Instead of driving, Hughes depends on the Bay Area public transportation system because she can count on it to get her to school on time.

I like that its consistent, she said. Driving  with traffic  can be so inconsistent.

When she rides in the morning, she sometimes notices delays, she said, but not as much in the afternoon when time is more of an issue.

Fred Lantin, who catches a 6 a.m. BART train in the East Bay every weekday morning to get to his construction gig in San Francisco, said train cars are usually packed on his way in, but there seem to be fewer riders in the afternoon, before the evening commute and the surge of 9-to-5ers.

I usually get a seat in the afternoon. Its changed, he said. On Thursday and Friday, it tends to be pretty light.

But sometimes on a Friday after work, hell go out with the guys for a beer and gets stuck in the evening crush load. Its then that he sees no evidence of a ridership drop.

People that work 9-to-5, it must be killing, he said. I hope they have good legs.

BART is trying to fix its problems, in part with money from a $3.5 billion bond measure voters approved Nov. 8. That money will be spent over the coming decade to rebuild the rail system  including tracks and new electrical cables and substations to a new train control computer and a modern maintenance yard.

New railcars  about 100 more than BART has now  have been ordered, are being tested and should begin carrying passengers next year. Oversier said the new cars, which have fewer seats but wider aisles and more standing room, can carry more passengers. The arrival of the new cars, in addition to using some of the existing ones, will permit BART to run 10-car trains on each line during commute hours, he said.

After reviewing the report at a Thursday board meeting, BART directors said theyd like to get more information on why people are avoiding the transit system or riding it less frequently.

They speculated that BARTs decreased reliability and the conditions of stations, especially in downtown San Francisco, may be pushing riders to their cars.

Director Joel Keller, who represents eastern Contra Costa County, said he thinks the grimy downtown San Francisco stations, and the need for riders in his district to weave their way past homeless people on the concourses, dissuade some of them from riding BART into the city to go to the theater or restaurants.

Tom Radulovich, the board president, said the increase in delays may be convincing some commuters they cant always count on BART.

I talk to a lot of people who used to like their commutes, he said.

Some, like Herrick Jackson, 76, still do, though his trips into San Francisco for therapy allow him to ride during the less-traveled afternoon.

Jackson doesnt have a drivers license, so he depends on transit to get around. BART, he said, isnt a bad way to go.

Its a great thing, he said. Its easy and its quick.

Michael Cabanatuan and Evan Sernoffsky are San Francisco Chronicle staff writers. Email: mcabanatuan@sfchronicle.com and esernoffsky@sfchronicle.com Twitter: @ctuan and @EvanSernoffsky
Oakland marijuana businesswoman Debby Goldsberry  a pot activist for decades whom High Times once named Freedom Fighter of the Year  had planned an election night filled with joy.

But as President-elect Donald Trump surged in battleground states, her mood turned, even though California was in the midst of legalizing cannabis. And now, a week and a half after voters passage of Proposition 64, Goldsberry said she has not had one iota of joy about this whole situation.

Im so scared. Its awful, she said. Were just concerned the (Drug Enforcement Administration) is going to be sent back into California to start busting heads again.

Americas multibillion-dollar cannabis industry is balancing massive uncertainty about the policies of a Trump administration with cautious optimism the president-elect will keep his promises to allow the state-level medical and recreational pot trades to exist. That optimism, though, faded Friday when Alabama Republican Sen. Jeff Sessions, a marijuana opponent, emerged as Trumps nominee for attorney general.

Sessions would be, as far as I can tell, a nightmare on marijuana and all other drug policy, said Ethan Nadelmann, director of the Drug Policy Alliance, the nations leading drug-law reform group.

Antimarijuana activist Kevin Sabet, director of Project Smart Approaches to Marijuana, said the news offered him hope after four states legalized marijuana for adults 21 and over.

Its become a lot risker to be a marijuana investor, and the market doesnt like risk. Right now, the chances of marijuana legalization being tolerated on the federal level have fallen from the sky, Sabet said. It makes the loss in California feel like it took place a million years ago.

Marijuana remains a federally illegal, Schedule 1 drug that the U.S. government considers as dangerous as heroin or LSD. In 2015, police made roughly 570,000 marijuana-related arrests, FBI data show.

Trump said during his campaign that medical and adult-use cannabis laws were states rights issues that he and his subordinates would respect. Now, industry players wonder if Trump will keep his word.

Erik Altieri, director of the National Organization for the Reform of Marijuana Laws, said in an email that Sessions nomination, should send a chill down the spine of the majority of Americans who support marijuana law reform, and who respect the will of voters to enact regulatory alternatives to cannabis prohibition.

In Las Vegas this week, about 10,000 people attended the Marijuana Business Conference and Expo, which has roughly doubled in size from last year. Feelings on the show floor ran the gamut, from fear to optimism, said Henry Wykowski, a cannabis attorney and former federal prosecutor.

Some people are not concerned, others are very much concerned, he said.

At stake is a nascent, regulated industry that, according to estimates, provides tens of thousands of jobs and serves hundreds of thousands of patients and recreational users. Eight states and Washington, D.C., have legalized marijuana, while 39 states have some form of law legitimizing medical marijuana. Retail sales of pot in California could hit $7.3 billion by 2020, analysts say.

Only two documents proscribe federal prosecutors in cannabis cases: a congressional law blocking the Department of Justice from interfering in state medical marijuana systems, and a White House memo ordering prosecutors to ignore state-legal pot activity.

The congressional law  the Rohrabacher-Farr amendment  could sunset Dec. 9. And a new Trump administration could tear up the White Houses Cole Memo on Inauguration Day.

In a worst-case scenario for the industry, Sabet said prosecutors could target high-profile, state-legal pot operators for civil asset forfeiture, as they did in California beginning in 2011. Sessions could quickly dismantle state pot systems, too.

What they can do is simply send letters to state regulators saying, You have 90 days to revoke licenses and close up shop, and I think they will, Sabet said.

Some law enforcement groups that opposed legalization are hoping for some sort of crackdown, said Nate Bradley, director of the advocacy group California Cannabis Industry Association.

The best-case scenario for the industry, according to many players, is a continuance of the status quo, with the Trump administration allowing the legal cannabis sector to flourish, while focusing enforcement on international drug cartels, interstate traffickers and other bad actors violating both state and federal drug laws.

Bradley said several Republican congressmen who have spoken to (Trump) personally have told me he has promised them he will recognize states rights.

But Trumps selection of Sessions, who must be confirmed by the Senate, has raised new questions. In an April Senate hearing, Sessions said he was concerned the White House had sent the wrong message about a dangerous drug. He said that good people dont smoke marijuana.

Nadelmann said the attorney general, as well as appointed U.S. attorneys who will head local offices around the country and federal judges, may have a lot of latitude to make life miserable for this emerging industry.

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.

Even so, its unclear if Trump would spend political capital on an issue he never prioritized during the campaign, said Tom Angell, a Washington, D.C., activist and founder of Marijuana Majority.

According to some polls, more than 60 percent of Americans support marijuana legalization, and more than 80 percent support medical marijuana. In the swing state of Florida, which Trump won, 71 percent of voters supported Amendment 2 to legalize medical pot use.

Sessions isnt good news for marijuana reform, said Angell, adding, I think the politics are such that it will be very difficult for people around the new president to convince him to walk back those pledges.

A pot crackdown probably would galvanize the industry, most Democratic voters and about half of Republican voters, Angell said. The political factors are aligned such that itll be easier for (Trump) to make the right decision, he said.

So far, the election results have not appeared to deter new investment in pot ventures.

Theres this sense that the green-rush train is pulling out of the station, and if I dont get on it there might not be a seat for me, said Wykowski, the cannabis attorney.

Goldsberry said that while a Hillary Clinton presidency would have allowed the pot sector to start slacking off politically, Trumps election is a wake-up call to remind us our work is far from done.

And in the short term, the pot-shop owner has seen sales jump  especially for insomnia and anxiety-reducing indica flowers and edibles.

Business has gone up, she said. People are anxious and worried, and theyre using more medical marijuana because of that.

David Downs is The San Francisco Chronicles cannabis editor. Email: ddowns@sfchronicle.com Twitter: @davidrdowns
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Homelessness across the United States fell slightly last year but increased in California and other West Coast states, largely due to a shortage of affordable housing, federal officials said Thursday.

Around the nation, homelessness was down 3 percent amid growing scrutiny of the problem. In California, however, homelessness climbed 3 percent, according to the Department of Housing and Urban Developments annual snapshot assessment of homelessness in America.

We have a lot left to do, said HUD Secretary Julian Castro, adding that the incoming Trump administration had a responsibility to continue the effort. I sure hope the next administration will take the baton and make more progress, and not drop the baton.

Nationwide, Castro said, there were 549,928 homeless people counted in the point-of-time homeless census conducted in January.

Theyre not just a visible reminder of a public policy challenge, theyre human beings, Castro said.

On the West Coast, homelessness increased 7 percent in Washington, 4 percent in Hawaii and less than 1 percent in Oregon. It also increased 14 percent in Washington, D.C., and grew in Idaho as well.

As it has for many years, Los Angeles recorded by far the highest homeless count outside of New York City  43,854, up nearly 7 percent from 41,174 in 2015. New Yorks tally came in at 73,523, down 2 percent from 75,323 in 2015.

Rising rents in California are making it harder and harder to exit homelessness and to find places that homeless people can afford, said Matthew Dougherty, executive director of the U.S. Interagency Council on Homelessness.

In San Francisco, the federal survey pegged the homeless population with a slight uptick to 6,996 people, up from 6,775 in 2015.

However, when adjusted for different counting methods between the feds and the city, the population stayed about the same. Federal enumerators added in 221 extra shelter beds that opened during the El Nino rains last winter, but werent open when the city did its last biennial count in 2015.

Point-in-time counts are acknowledged to have a measure of guesswork, since they involve volunteers going out on one night and visually estimating who they think is homeless  which automatically misses people who are remote or hidden. That number is added to figures from jails and other institutions such as shelters, which in San Francisco dont have enough beds and always have a waiting list of more than 700 people.

Jeff Kositsky, director of the city Department of Homelessness and Supportive Housing, said the disparity in the numbers punches home the urgency of one of his goals for his new department: Getting better data, which includes doing counts annually instead of every two years.

Its something people want to know, and I want to know, and we should have the numbers every year anyway, he said.

Elsewhere in the Bay Area, the homeless count in Alameda County increased slightly, while it decreased in Santa Clara, Sonoma, Contra Costa and Marin counties. The survey counted 4,145 homeless people in Alameda County, up from 4,040 in 2015.

Nationwide, there were steady declines in unsheltered homeless people, homeless families and in homeless veterans over the last six years, the report found.

The statistics were released in Washington, D.C., at virtually the same time a homeless encampment of about 20 people in tents was being ousted from across the street from Berkeley High School. Two dozen officers arrived at the encampment at 4 a.m., in some cases seizing blankets and laptop computers, tent dwellers said.

The group, which included homeless activists, moved briefly to the front of the nearby Berkeley post office where, minutes later, they were evicted again.

They were very polite, but they told us if we didnt move wed be cited for obstruction, said Freeman Sullivan, 56.

Mike Lee, another member of the encampment, said the group was demanding legal camping places, affordable housing and an end to the criminalization of homeless people.

This is the seventh time weve been evicted, Lee said. Weve been on a mobile protest tour for the last two months.

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.

Two weeks ago, City Council candidate Nanci Armstrong-Temple was arrested at one of the encampments. Prosecutors declined to charge her.

Mayor-elect Jesse Arreguin observed Thursdays homeless sweep and said the next step is to have a location for people to go.

Until we have enough emergency shelter and housing for people, we need to entertain the possibility of a place for people to camp, he said. Were in a crisis.

Steve Rubenstein, Jenna Lyons and Kevin Fagan are San Francisco Chronicle staff writers. Email: srubenstein@sfchronicle.com, jlyons@sfchronicle.com, kfagan@sfchronicle.com

At a glance

549,928 people in the U.S. were without homes in a federal count done in January.

Nationally, homelessness fell 3 percent last year, but the number of people without homes in California went up 3 percent.

Homelessness increased 7 percent in Washington, 4 percent in Hawaii and less than 1 percent in Oregon.

In San Francisco, the federal survey counted 6,996 homeless people, up from 6,775 in 2015.

The homeless count in Alameda County increased slightly, while it decreased in Santa Clara, Sonoma, Contra Costa and Marin counties.
May 21, 2013, was the best day of Paolas life.

It was the day she learned that she had been accepted into the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals program, or DACA, a federal program for certain people who had entered the U.S. as children and were undocumented. Paola, now 23, had arrived in the U.S. with her parents from Mexico more than two decades before as a 2-year-old.

When she felt a card inside the envelope announcing the decision that day, she knew it was a work permit and that she had been approved. She broke out in tears, finally feeling accepted in her country.

She never imagined that years later, she would worry that becoming part of the program might put her at risk of deportation.

With the application she submitted, the federal government has her photograph, address and fingerprint  sensitive information that is guarded by many in the immigrant community. Her father did have early concerns that the information the program gathered would put applicants at risk, but those fears subsided as they saw others obtain approvals.

Now Paola, who agreed to speak on the condition her last name not be used, is one of hundreds of thousands of people watching how President-elect Donald Trump will deal with immigrants when he takes office. On the campaign trail, Trump promised to deport 11 million undocumented immigrants. More recently, he said he would begin by deporting those who have committed crimes, but he has avoided discussing other specific plans.

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That leaves Paola and those like her with a unique anxiety. More than 741,000 people were approved for the deferred action program, created by the Obama administration in 2012 to allow those who qualified to defer deportation for two years and obtain a work permit. Not quite a third of those accepted into the program live in California, and many are worried that they may become targets for deportation since they are already known to the government.

Its hard to focus on other things, she said. President-elect Trump wants to deport 11 million people, and the easiest ones would be us because they already have our information. I think about it every day.

Some members of Congress are scrambling to try to protect deferred action participants  sometimes referred to as Dreamers  before the Trump administration takes office in January.

The office of Rep. Judy Chu, D-Monterey Park (Los Angeles County), has received countless calls from both program recipients and advocacy organizations. Chu is asking the Obama administration to step in and protect the information from being used punitively.

We need to protect these people, Chu said in an interview with The Chronicle. We have to do the right thing or risk losing the trust of the most vulnerable in this country. And America can be better than that, and we should be better than that.

Her office has suggested how the Obama administration could address the issue:

The president could issue an executive order protecting the identities of those who applied for the deferred action program. That would force President-elect Trump to take action to undo Obamas order, which could signal that more deportations will occur.

James Tensuan/Special to The Chronicle

Other congressional leaders, including Rep. Zoe Lofgren, D-San Jose, called on Obama this week to pardon the group, but a White House official told reporters Thursday that clemency power could not give legal status to any undocumented individual.

Obama has already implored the president-elect to think long and hard before endangering the status of the group, whom he said that for all practical purposes are American kids.

"It is my strong belief that the majority of the American people would not want to see suddenly those kids have to start hiding again. And that's something that I will encourage the president-elect to look at, he said.

The deferred action program made it possible for Paola and many others to attend college. In high school, she earned a 4.5 GPA but was worried she would never be able to go to a good college because she was undocumented. But after being approved for the program, she was accepted into a Northern California university and is on track to graduate with a double major in legal studies and Latin American studies.

Achievement like hers is not unusual among deferred action recipients, a 2015 survey shows. The Center for American Progress, a progressive think tank in Washington, D.C., found that deferred action recipients average hourly wages went up 45 percent, while 92 percent pursued educational opportunities that they previously could not.

But these days, she wonders whether taking part in the program was worth it. She has trouble sleeping, paying attention in class and keeping herself from crying.

Jose Arias, a 30-year-old who came to California with his parents from Mexico as a child, said the program finally gave him a chance to consider dreaming of a career, because it gave him a work permit. Now, he wonders whats next for him.

The reason he and so many others came out from the shadows, he said, was that we wanted to be part of the states  not to create a profile to be rounded up and (sent) back to the country we hardly even know, Arias said.

The federal government needs a legal basis to begin proceedings to remove an undocumented person. That can include proving a person born abroad either overstayed a visa or entered the country without permission. All of the individuals who applied for the deferred action program provided that information in their applications.

Immigration officials, said Irma Perez, an immigration attorney in Hayward, could use that information to serve program applicants and recipients and begin removal proceedings.

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.

Thats really what can happen. Will it happen? I dont know, said Perez, who has fielded calls from panicked clients for the past week.

But some, such as Kevin Johnson, dean of the UC Davis School of Law and an immigration law expert, believe it is unlikely that the Trump administration would go after the deferred action population by using the information the group handed to the government.

Johnson said that could be a political disaster  the population is young, educated and either working or trying to get jobs and contribute to society. It would be an extraordinary action, he said, and carry the risk of the immigrant community never cooperating or trusting the government again.

I think it would be an unprecedented moment in U.S. immigration history to use this kind of voluntarily given information solicited in good faith for a relief program and turn it around to try to engage in mass deportations, he said.

He also predicted that any attempt to use the information against the applicants would be met with a robust legal objection. Advocates could cite the fact that the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services website tells deferred action applicants that their information will not be shared with immigration enforcement officials for the purpose of deportation  except under exceptional circumstances. The agency pointed to that statement when asked for comment on how the information would be protected.

The logistics of carrying out a mass deportation of any kind would also be an obstacle. In a primer on immigrants rights on its website, the advocacy group Mexican American Legal Defense and Educational Fund says that deporting hundreds of thousands of deferred action recipients would be time-consuming and expensive. Hundreds of thousands of removal proceedings already under way are clogging U.S. immigration courts.

Vanessa Pumar, an immigration attorney at Catholic Charities of the East Bay, was the first deferred action recipient to be admitted to the State Bar. She said in an interview that she wants the immigrant community to stop being fearful. Shes told her clients they should stop trying to predict the future, and reminded them that the program is still in place right now. Trump could decide to keep it, or allow those who applied and were accepted a chance to keep their work permits, she tells clients.

Our community was already fearful. It has been in the shadows for so long until the DACA movement, she said. I dont want this fear to drive people to go back into the shadows.

If Trump does attempt to scrap the program and use the information they volunteered against them, the immigrant community will be ready to push back, she said. It has political pull and is highly organized. Pumar is ready to use her legal education to her communitys benefit, she said.

I dont think this is a population that is going to step back and say, Take it away, heres my work permit, you can deport me tomorrow, she said. We now have the tools to defend our community. There are people willing to fight, but people have to fight for themselves, too.

Hamed Aleaziz is a San Francisco Chronicle staff writer. Email: haleaziz@sfchronicle.com Twitter: @haleaziz
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Teachers arent supposed to take sides in politics.

But after a polarizing and emotionally charged presidential election  a teachable moment if there ever was one  educators in the Bay Area and beyond have often struggled to encourage discourse and open-minded inquiry without imposing their political views.

Little more than a week after Donald Trumps victory, teachers have been criticized  and even disciplined  for going too far as they wade into the hyper-partisan muck, raising questions about their role in discussing an unprecedented president-elect known for extreme views.

In San Francisco, where 84 percent of voters supported Hillary Clinton for president, district officials widely distributed a strongly opinionated, optional lesson plan to help students process the Trump win.

Let us please not sidestep the fact that a racist and sexist man has become the president of our country by pandering to a huge racist and sexist base, wrote Fakhra Shah, a Mission High School teacher, in the introduction to her lesson plan. DO NOT: Tell (students) that we have LOST and that we have to accept this.

Liz Hafalia/The Chronicle

The partisan commentary was echoed at Tuesdays school board meeting, where Vice President Shamann Walton deviated from the agenda to publicly address the election results.

We cannot sit idly by and pretend this is not hurtful, he said.

For many in blue-state schools, a Trump presidency is considered an objective disaster, one reflecting a hate-fueled campaign targeting immigrants, women, Muslims, journalists, the disabled and others.

Yet the Republican candidate won with broad support in many parts of the country  and the temptation to politically proselytize is equally strong for Trump-supporting teachers.

An Alabama teacher came under fire following the election after posting an image of Trump over the words, Obama Youre Fired! a reference to the president-elects motto on his Apprentice television show.

Closer to home, in Oakland, a teacher at Bishop ODowd High School faced criticism for a pro-Trump message he posted on Facebook that contained offensive language. The post was captured and shared among students on social media.

Trumps victory is a vote for the common man, its a vote against Obamacare, ILLEGAL immigration, sanctuary cities ... the DC ruling class, pussification and lacrosse, the teacher wrote. To all the dip s who said they would leave this country upon not getting their way, pack your bags and haul ass you loser!

He formally apologized for his language, and the schools principal expressed regret in a letter to parents over the teachers poor judgment.

While teachers have a right to express their views in school, there are limits. In California, teachers can wear political buttons on campus, for example, but not in the classroom, said Julie Harumi Mass, senior staff attorney for the American Civil Liberties Union of Northern California.

Because of the influence teachers have, its important they not impose a particular political view, Mass said. The schools really have a lot of leeway to teach civic engagement and democracy, to determine what the curriculum is  as long as they are respecting students rights and not shutting down opinions.

But in San Francisco, Trumps pledge to deport more immigrants has led many students to express fear to their teachers, who want to know how to respond, said Lita Blanc, president of the United Educators of San Francisco. These teachers want to know what their rights are in voicing an opinion about the president-elect, Blanc said.

Our position is that we cannot close our eyes to the rhetoric that Trump put out during the campaign that was racist, sexist and xenophobic, Blanc said. If were to do our job as educators, its important to spell things out for what they are.

Federal and state laws restrict teachers from saying whatever they want when teaching. Legally, they are speaking for the district when in the classroom, and the ACLU advises teachers to be cautious so as not to appear to advocate for a particular political or religious view.

Teacher comments made outside class, on Facebook for example, can also be restricted if they are thought to impact student learning or violate school policies.

Legal ramifications aside, parents worry that teachers are advocating their personal views rather than teaching children to think for themselves, said Paula McAvoy, program director for the Center for Ethics and Education at the University of Wisconsin in Madison.

Theres a difference between proselytizing and teaching political discourse, she said.

I think all teachers need to pause for a moment and consider, do students at the end of my class think the world is a simple place or a complex place? said McAvoy, a former Mountain View teacher. Making good guys and bad guys is not good education.

For example, she said, a critical look at Trumps proposed crackdown on Muslims would be appropriate, but, You dont then have to add, Hes a terrible person.

Schools can play an important role in helping bridge the political divide. And they can make it worse, especially in what McAvoy calls like-minded schools  where there is wide agreement on political issues.

For the most part, its easier to have conservations in the like-minded schools because you all agree with each other, she said.

The problem: If your classroom talks are, Lets talk about how we all agree, you end up exacerbating the polarization, she said. We need to bridge those gaps for young people.

After a backlash against the lesson plan distributed in San Francisco, union officials on Thursday emphasized the need to ensure all students feel safe and supported, regardless of their political choices.

San Francisco students who support the president-elect should be protected from intimidation and fear and their voice should be included in all discussions about the presidential race and the future, Blanc said in a note to members.

District officials also acknowledged a need to help teachers navigate the political landscape without violating laws or policies preventing the promotion of personal views.

In general what we encourage teachers to do ... is to have discussions that are inclusive and present multiple viewpoints on controversial issues, said district spokeswoman Gentle Blythe.

At Lincoln High School, history teacher Valerie Ziegler has embraced the election and the Trump victory as a teachable moment. On Thursday, she worked with the students on sourcing information, showing examples of false information on both sides of the political aisle that circulated on social media throughout the campaign.

Ziegler showed students a quote attributed to Trump from 1998, in which he said that if he ran for president, it would be as a Republican because they are the dumbest group of voters.

Some students said they had seen the quote. Its not true, Ziegler said, pointing to respected source who had debunked it.

Over the course of the campaign, students repeatedly asked who Ziegler was voting for, but she never told them. She advised they look at the issues.

My job isnt to tell them what to think, Ziegler said. My job is to teach them how to think.

Jill Tucker is a San Francisco Chronicle staff writer. Email: jtucker@sfchronicle.com Twitter: @jilltucker
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University of California students protesting tuition increases disrupted a UC Board of Regents meeting on Thursday and were threatened with arrest after they began chanting and refused to leave the meeting room.

Students from across California had traveled by charter buses to UCSFs Mission Bay Conference Center to protest against a probable tuition increase  the first in six years  that would apply in fall 2018.

They had gathered outside the center before the meeting and chanted, Two, four, six, eight  cant afford to graduate! as regents entered the building.

Tuition and fees for the 2016 school year averaged $13,500 across the UC system, but combined with expenses like books, room and board, and health insurance, the average cost for off-campus students is $30,300, and a survey conducted last year found that 40 percent of students lacked consistent access to healthy meals.

When UC Berkeley Chancellor Nicholas Dirks showed up for the meeting, he was greeted with chants of Chancellor Dirks, you cant hide! We can see your greedy side!

Things were more congenial inside the meeting, where UC Student Association President Ralph Washington Jr. addressed the regents using metaphors from his chosen field of study, entomology, to make the case that UC must provide a safe environment for students, particularly given the current political climate.

There are certain limestone caves in New Zealand that are a little more pleasant to navigate at night because glow worms cover the ceiling, Washington said. We need to remember that even if we find a way to create a luminous sanctuary in a very dark place, its still OK to be afraid of the dark.

When Washington finished, board Vice Chair Bonnie Reiss told him: You are a magnificent representative example of the depth and brilliance and thoughtfulness of UC students.

But tensions between students and regents began to rise when UC Chief Financial Officer Nathan Brostrom said tuition increases can help low-income students by bringing in dollars that can then be directed to financial aid. Brostrom was referring to a UC policy that waives tuition for students from families earning less than $80,000. The cost of their education is subsidized from a third of the tuition increase paid by other students.

When the board tried to end the meeting early, those tensions erupted into chanting and protests, as some students shouted that they had traveled from as far as San Diego to attend. Regent John Perez suggested the board hold another open comment period to hear from the students, but Reiss said there were agenda items to get through, drawing chants of Abandon the agenda and We are the agenda from students.

Reiss called a recess, and police declared the protest an unlawful assembly, offering students five minutes to clear the room. Many students lingered, chanting No justice, no peace and shouting the number of the National Lawyers Guild hotline, but they eventually left with pleading from Student Regent Marcela Ramirez and Student Regent-designate Paul Monge.

Students say that even without tuition increases, the rapidly climbing cost of living has made their lives difficult.

Our entrance into the conversation comes from the intersection of tuition costs and the cost of living. While one has not risen, the other certainly has skyrocketed, said Rachel Roberson, a graduate student in education policy at UC Berkeley.

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.

One of the things were asking for goes beyond transparency  were asking for accountability. If this election cycle has taught us anything, its that the folks that are going to be impacted the most by decision-making processes are often not in the room when those decisions are being made, she continued.

Thursdays student protest was not the only conflict to flare up over the course of the two-day meeting.

Layoffs among UC workers and wages for campus staff also riled the crowds during comment periods on Wednesday and Thursday. At Wednesdays meeting, workers and union organizers ended the open comment period with chants of Pay us enough to eat! A study released by Occidental College in October found that 7 in 10 UC employees struggle to put enough food on the table.

On Thursday, the board acted on one contentious issue by approving a motion that extends their rules regarding sexual harassment to regents not only in their capacity as regents, but also in their unrelated business and private lives. Earlier this month, Regent Norman Pattiz came under scrutiny for sexual comments made to a female co-worker.

I just wanted to say how proud I am of our regents, Reiss said once the measure had been approved. No other university has a standard that high for its board.
I have always enjoyed spy novels by greats like John le Carre, Alan Furst and Eric Ambler. Yet truth can be stranger than fiction, and The Angel, by Uri Bar-Joseph, is a nonfiction work that contains all the essential elements of spy tradecraft: a high-placed source whose motivations are suspect, rivalries between different intelligence agencies, exotic geographic locales and the suspicious accidental death of the spy at the heart of it all.

The Angel is the code name bestowed upon Ashraf Marwan, son-in-law of the Egyptian President Gamal Nasser and confidante of his successor, Anwar Sadat  who is identified as the miraculous intelligence source who gave Israels Mossad Egypts battle plans and strategy to help it fend off the Egypt-Syrian attack in the 1973 Yom Kippur War.

At age 21, Marwan met Mona Abdel Nasser, a daughter of President Nasser. The following year, they married. Soon, he was working in the presidents office  where Nasser, who disliked Marwan because he was overtly ambitious and had a high-priced lifestyle, could keep him close. In 1968, Marwan, Mona and their son, Gamal, relocated to London, where Marwan began studies for a masters degree in chemistry, and embarked on a life of expensive  and risky  appetites. At 26, he was a chemical engineer and Egyptian Army officer, but he wanted much more.

As the son from a good family, Ashraf Marwan succeeded, through his marriage to Mona, to tie himself to the center of power, dining at the table of the greatest leader in the Arab world, Bar-Joseph writes early in this meticulously researched book. On the face of things, he was the archetypal Egyptian patriot. In truth, however, he was about to undertake the single greatest act of treason in his countrys history.

Marwans first act of betrayal began in London in 1970 when he spontaneously called the Israeli embassy, asking to speak with an intelligence officer. By the time he connected with someone from Israels Mossad, Nasser had died of a heart attack, and Anwar Sadat was the new president of Egypt. Marwan quickly moved into Sadats inner circle.

As the tale unfolds, Bar-Joseph builds suspense around the details of the eventual rendezvous between Marwan and his Arabic-speaking handler from Israels Mossad intelligence agency. And he offers a tutorial in spy tradecraft.

As a walk-in, Marwan could be part of a trap, or a double agent. Any information he shared would have to be assessed for value and validity. Marwan passed these tests, and his spy career and betrayal of Egypt began.

Why did Marwan betray his country? The author concludes that it was a mix of money and ego. Marwan is portrayed as someone who was driven by a craving for attention and adventure as well as money.

During the three years leading to the 1973 Yom Kippur War, Marwan became Israels main source of information about Egypts war plans, the Armys Order of Battle, records of its arms deals with the Soviet Union, and accounts of Sadats meetings with Arab and Soviet leaders. And, he is the one who warned Mossad that war will break out tomorrow.

Throughout the book, it seems that no detail is left untold, making for a tedious read at times. Yet the telling of this story retains the feel of a thriller, even though we know the outcome for Marwan from the outset.

Ultimately, Marwans secret life as a spy is made public through a combination of sources, including journalists, historians and the man who served as director of Israeli Military Intelligence - and who had refused to accept the validity of Marwans warning about the launch of the Yom Kippur War.

Shortly after being outed, Marwan is seen falling from the balcony of his fifth-floor apartment in London. By that time, he was no longer spying for Israel. And Hosni Mubarak, the president of Egypt, actually praised him as a true patriot. While some portrayed him as a double agent, the author rejects that scenario. The question of whether Marwan was executed, committed suicide or fell accidentally from the balcony is left unresolved by the end of the book.

Uri Bar-Joseph, a political science professor at the University of Haifa and an expert on Israeli intelligence, has written a fast-paced narrative that rivals the best spy fiction. The critical difference is that the story is real. At its heart remains The Angel, an elusive figure whose motivations we might never understand. His treachery, however, was essential to Israel and to its ability to withstand the combined attack of its enemies.

Janet Napolitano is president of the University of California and former secretary of Homeland Security. Email: books@sfchronicle.com

The Angel

The Egyptian Spy Who Saved Israel

By Uri Bar-Joseph

(Harper; 372 pages; $29.99)
When Donald Trump becomes president in January, he will lead a sharply divided country, given his inflammatory rhetoric on immigration, race and trade. But there is one thing that Trump can do to simultaneously boost the economy and perhaps ease tension with critics.

Trump has already said he wants to reform the tax code and fix the countrys aging infrastructure. So why not combine the two?

In exchange for a lower corporate tax rate, corporations like Apple, Cisco and Google could bring back to the United States billions of dollars of profits they stash overseas to avoid paying taxes. Trump can then deposit a percentage of those repatriated profits into a National Infrastructure Bank that would finance repairs to roads, bridges and highways.

The idea is not new nor partisan. Hillary Clinton, Trumps Democratic opponent, embraced the proposal during a stop in San Francisco in 2014.

The stars may now be aligning for the idea to become real policy. For the first time since 2005, Republicans control the White House, Senate and House of Representatives. Trump ran on a populist message, so getting big corporations to pay for such a massive project without borrowing or using taxpayer dollars could appeal to both liberals and conservatives.

We are in the best situation to get something done, said Jennifer Blouin, a professor of accounting at the University of Pennsylvanias Wharton School. We have an awful lot of corporate funds overseas. This could help allow trapped earnings to get back to U.S. hands.

Americas 35 percent corporate rate is one of the highest in the industrialized word. Thats why cash-heavy firms like Apple and Google prefer to stash profits abroad. American corporations routed more than $2 trillion through foreign countries like Ireland, the Netherlands and the Cayman Islands, according to Citizens for Tax Justice and the U.S. Public Interest Research Group Education Fund.

Thats money not flowing into U.S. coffers.

To bring back that overseas corporate cash, Trump has said he wants to tax profit at a 10 percent rate  a sizable discount from the normal 35 percent rate. (He also wants to lower the standard corporate tax rate to 15 percent, which will be highly contentious.)

If the repatriated money could flow into infrastructure, that could meet bipartisan approval. Just as President Obama was able to push through the controversial $800 billion stimulus package through the Democratic Congress in 2009, Republicans  and Democrats  can pass similarly ambitious economic legislation in 2017. Thats because good infrastructure benefits everyone by creating jobs and easing the transportation of workers and goods across the country.

If we dont do it now, its hard to see the conditions under which it will happen, General Electric CEO Jeff Immelt told me this week in San Francisco. The idea of a national infrastructure bank could be a way to link (tax reform and transportation repairs) and give us the flexibility to allow capital to return to the United States.

Immelts words carry weight  though fixing infrastructure of course plays to GEs core expertise. GE has been under fire by critics like Sen. Elizabeth Warren, D-Mass., for using aggressive legal strategies to limit its tax bill in the United States.

Meanwhile, infrastructure has been rapidly deteriorating. From 2008 to 2013, the United States spent just 2.4 percent of its gross domestic product on infrastructure, according to the McKinsey Global Institute. To meet the needs of its growing population, the group estimates, the country needs to spend 3.1 percent of its GDP every year from now to 2030.

The Bay Area could certainly use the money. This month, Trip, a nonprofit transportation research group in Washington, released a report that ranked San Francisco-Oakland as having the worst highways and roads of any major urban area. The organization said 71 percent of the regions pavement is in poor condition and provides a rough ride for commuters.

Since Congress has been reluctant to raise taxes or add to the national debt, tapping those corporate profits to fix our roads makes sense.

Taking just a small percentage of the $2 trillion for transportation repairs represents a good chunk of change, Bloudin of Wharton said. This would provide pretty fast cash to do it. Both Republicans and Democrats realize this.

Actually, the government attempted this before. In 2004, Congress passed the American Jobs Creation Act, which offered corporations a one-time 85 percent exemption on taxes for overseas profits they returned to the United States. The move effectively lowered the corporate tax rate from 35 percent to 5.25 percent.

Congress had hoped the corporate profit would stimulate the U.S. economy. But instead of putting the money toward job-creating activities like research and development, some critics say the corporations used most of the $312 billion in returned deferred dividends to buy back stock.

Air Quality Tracker Check levels down to the neighborhood Ratings for the Bay Area and California, updated every 10 minutes

Unfortunately, the lack of enforcement mechanisms for the investment plans ... led to limited domestic economic stimulus, according to a report by the Brookings Institution think tank in Washington. But if 2004s repatriation holiday succeeded in one thing, it proved that preferred tax treatment is a highly effective way to bring that overseas profit back to the U.S.

Brookings says an infrastructure bank would ensure that taxed profits go to our transportation systems. Under such a plan, the federal government would provide the bank with initial capitalization at around $25 billion. Taxpayers would be directly reimbursed by a one-time tax reduction of repatriated corporation profits that would effectively lower the corporate tax rate to 10 percent.

An infrastructure bank is an internationally proven tool that helps get nationally significant infrastructure projects off the ground, the Brookings report said.

To truly fulfill its mission, the bank must finance projects that benefit all communities, including those in minority neighborhoods.

In March, Transportation Secretary Anthony Foxx told the Washington Post that the United States had an ugly history of ramming highways through minority neighborhoods, further isolating them from economic progress. He cited the Staten Island Expressway in New York and the Century Expressway in Los Angeles.

The country is reaching the end of the useful life of a lot of our infrastructure, and were going to have to replace and rebuild a lot, so I want people to be thinking about this, Foxx said. We ought to do it better than we did it the last time.

Trump should heed these words. Blacks, Latinos and other minority groups already distrust the incoming president. An infrastructure program that provides them with jobs and economic empowerment would go a long way to winning some trust.

Thomas Lee is a San Francisco Chronicle columnist. Email: tlee@sfchronicle.com Twitter: @ByTomLee
San Leandro Police Department / San Leandro Police Department

Occupants of two cars raced through San Leandro shooting at one another Thursday, before one of the vehicles collided with a car occupied by an elderly couple as a suspect tried to flee the scene, police said.

An elderly man and woman in a dark-gray Toyota Prius on Dowling Boulevard near Washington Elementary School around 12:30 p.m. Thursday were hospitalized after a Nissan Altima driven by a man police say was involved in the shooting struck their car head-on.
Ron Chapple/Getty Image

An officer with the U.S. Marshals Service shot a man Thursday afternoon while serving a warrant in Hayward, police said.

A 26-year-old man sustained a very minor and superficial injury in the shooting that occurred just after 3 p.m. in the 2800 block of Romagnolo Street near Maud Avenue, said Sgt. Ray Kelly, a spokesman for the Alameda County Sheriffs Office, the agency investigating the shooting.
A week after the election, San Francisco has finally figured out how to respond to the looming specter of President-elect Trump. Walls have gone up all over town.

These arent Trumps walls, thank goodness. For all of San Franciscos problems, this is not a place where residents feel like the answer to anything will be found in a big, beautiful barricade of our borders. Instead, San Franciscans have taken over public space with blockades of ... our feelings, written on bright, colored paper.

The day after the election, the staff at Southern Exposure gallery (at 3030 20th St.) pulled out some blocks of Post-it notes, stacks of construction paper and markers. They placed these humble materials near the front door, and sent an invitation on social media for people to share your words of protest, solace, anger, wisdom in their storefront window.

Although Southern Exposure is tucked away on a sleepy corner in the Mission District, the spontaneous idea has taken over the gallery  filling both of the storefront windows, spilling into the exhibition space.

When I went by the gallery on Thursday morning, every inch of glass was covered with beautiful, thoughtful papers expressing a wide range of emotion.

We have the test we need! said one gallery-goer, while another expressed the too-long-denied truth that #BlackLivesMatter. Children  theres an elementary school nearby  had drawn monsters; one respondent who must have been an artist had wordlessly torn a hole in the paper with just-right jagged edges.

We wanted people to express how they were feeling with their own hands, said the gallerys executive director, Patricia Maloney. We guessed that it was going to be cathartic for people.

It has been  both for the public and for the staff.

It stops people in their tracks. Every time I look up from my desk, someone is stopped outside and taking pictures or reading the messages, Maloney said. And there have been some absolutely wonderful messages  Justice may be late sometimes, but never absent. I make sure I read that one every single day when I come in.

I read that one, too  multiple times. Then I kept walking to the 16th and Mission BART stop, still thinking about the messages in the window.

One of the things I thought about was the fact that San Franciscans who spend time at galleries are a literate bunch, and their messages reflected that. There were lines from Walt Whitmans Leaves of Grass (Resist much, obey little. ... Once fully enslaved, no nation, state, city of this earth, ever afterward resumes its liberty), and Bertolt Brecht ( In the dark times, will there be singing? Yes, there will also be singing about the dark times).

While I love both of those writers, and both of those messages, theres a part of me thats still feeling ... raw. Furious.

Im not alone. Because we are diverse and determined, San Franciscans have another wall for that.

The #wallofempathy at the 16th Street Mission BART Station is more public than the one at Southern Exposure gallery, and the writing material  Post-it notes  is smaller. On Thursday morning, all of the walls outside of the main station entrance were blanketed in a rainbow blizzard of notes, and walking up to the wall was a dizzy experience, like stepping into a snow globe.

I noted with some satisfaction that there was a great range of feelings on the wall. There are lovely, gentle messages  Todos unidos saldremos adelante (united we will move forward) was one. Be the change you want to see was another.

But there was also a wide response of our  lets face it  angrier feelings. There were obscenities directed toward Trump, in a variety of languages. There were expressions of rage and fear. Forgive but fight, was one I particularly liked.

I was floored by the response, said Tamilla Mirzoyeva, a 28-year-old marketer and event planner in San Francisco, who co-created the wall with two friends, Muriel MacDonald and Melissa Goldman. We didnt have many expectations. We just wanted to do something beyond reading Facebook and articles online.

Two days after the election, the three women talked about a post-election Post-it note assemblage in the New York City subway that theyd seen in a video. (The project, called Subway Therapy, was organized by a therapist named Matthew Chavez.) They called BART and the local police station, both of which gave them the thumbs-up. Then they spent $100 for Post-it notes at OfficeMax, and the rest is history.

Its almost become a shrine, Mirzoyeva said. No one has messed anything up, people are helping to clean and retape the Post-its that have fallen off, everyone is being helpful and respectful.

Creating a community experience she describes as surprisingly spiritual has been especially rewarding for Mirzoyeva, whos an immigrant from Azerbaijan.

Its been really tough to sleep for us, for a lot of immigrant families who have survived totalitarian or violent regimes and moved here for their dream, Mirzoyeva said. Its important to find things that are positive and uplifting  like this.

See it for yourself. The 16th Street Mission BART wall was coming down on Friday night, but Southern Exposure gallery told me theyre leaving their wall up as long as people need it.

Caille Millner is a San Francisco Chronicle staff writer. Email: cmillner@sfchronicle.com Twitter: @caillemillner
Tragedy struck amid natures splendor.

The Chronicles front page from Nov. 18, 1980, covers a massive rock slide at Yosemite National Park that killed tourists and hikers.

Rangers brought in dogs yesterday to help search for victims in the jumble of granite debris piled up by the huge rock slide near Yosemite Falls that killed at least three persons Sunday and injured six others, the story read.

Boulders the size of buses broke loose from the mountainside and tumbled down toward the hiking trails. Giant trees were snapped in half, and the earth shook under the feet of a group of West Germans hiking below.

In seconds two of us were dead, mourned Hartmut Rader, 36, of Munich in broken English. It was no chance. First we think an airplane. We look to sky. Whats that? We cant see anything, and at the last moment we saw stones coming down.

Two of the Germans were crushed to death. Also killed was a teenager, Jason Pulis, a Concord High School junior.

The digging would take months.

Business corner: Most United States banks raised their prime lending rate to 16.25 percent, a story near the bottom of the page read, a three-quarters of a percentage point rise that took the key rate to its highest level since mid-May. Well take the 130-year mortgage. Thanks.

Top O the Top of the News: Contra Costa County opened its new $24.5 million jail that is roomier and better furnished than most college dormitories. Page 6. The foods about the same, too, but the freedom in the dormitories is a tad better.

See more front pages: Go to SFChronicle.com/covers to search a database of hundreds of Chronicle Covers articles that showcase the newspapers history.

More from the Archive The Vault Home of the San Francisco Chronicle's archive and more than 150 years of journalism covering the Bay Area and beyond.

Chronicle Covers highlights one classic Chronicle newspaper page from our archive every day for 366 days. Library director Bill Van Niekerken and producers Kimberly Chua, Michelle Devera and Jillian Sullivan contributed to the project. Tim ORourke is the executive producer and editor of SFChronicle.com. Email: torourke@sfchronicle.com Twitter: @TimothyORourke

(Click to enlarge)




If cannabis growers in Northern California  and beyond  want consistent, high-performance yields with the finest genetic pedigree, theres really only one place to go: Oakland.

Dark Heart Nursery has been cultivating cannabis clones, the starter plants and strains with names like Girl Scout Cookies, Tahoe OG and Gorilla Glue #4, since 2007.

But soon, Dark Hearts clientele may be shopping outside of Oakland.

If the Oakland City Council continues dragging its heels on establishing a pot permit system, Dark Heart may take its wildly popular clones to a nearby city  taking the tax revenue and jobs with it.

Its absurd that Oakland, which became the first city in the U.S. to issue a permit for a medical cannabis dispensary in 2004, is losing its lead as a cannabis trendsetter. If it cant get its act together, other cities in the region will step into the role.

The contention stems from the dubious pot laws the council unanimously passed in May. The laws include a program, sponsored by Councilwoman Desley Brooks, that sets aside half of Oaklands pot permits for people who satisfy certain criteria: They must have had a past marijuana conviction or have lived for at least two years in an East Oakland neighborhood with high marijuana arrests in 2013. The idea is to ensure that the industry does not leave behind black and brown people penalized for marijuana offenses during the War on Drugs.

While equity is an essential component, the laws have to be recrafted so they arent restrictive. Several council members agree, but Brooks and her allies, council members Larry Reid and Noel Gallo, have shrewdly delayed the process. At a special meeting on Nov. 14, the council voted 4-3 to direct the city administrator to write laws and revise the equity permit program. It shouldnt have taken four hours of debate to do the obvious.

Can the council move any slower? Ill answer that with another question: Is Thanksgiving next week? The council also requested an analysis by the citys Department of Race and Equity. So maybe theyll get around to voting in January.

There was some good news at the meeting: The council ditched outlandish proposals to require businesses to give 25 percent of their profits to the city and fine retailers $10,000 a day for every day they operate without a permit.

But until the council reaches a resolution  something that, if the current course is any indication, might not happen until the spring  the city cant begin the application process for permits. And that has businesses like Dark Heart concerned, because state law requires that cannabis businesses have a city permit and state license by January 2018.

If they dont have both, theyll have to shut down. Or they can find security in a city that knows what its doing.

Now the heat is on for Oakland to act, but turkeys slow-roasted overnight keep a better pace than this council. And, remarkably, Brooks isnt worried about the potential loss of revenue.

Theres no rush, Brooks said before public comments. Ive heard that businesses are going to move out of Oakland, and yet I havent heard of a single business that closed as a result of this conversation.

Was she listening when William Roberts, a Dark Heart lab manager, told the council during public statements that the equity permit program in its current form would create an impossible situation for us?

And what about businesses, like Solidarity Nursery Cooperative, that are giving up on opening in Oakland?

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.

Frankly, were afraid the city is going to change the rules once we get started, Matt Witemyre, the co-owner of what will be a seed library and storefront nursery, told me. You cant have a business model where you dont even know if youll be able to get a permit.

Witemyre is contemplating Berkeley and San Francisco for his business.

Still, James Anthony, an Oakland lawyer and marijuana compliance expert, is confident the council will get it right. But he said hes helping businesses explore options outside of Oakland.

Theyre shopping around for jurisdiction, Anthony said of his clients. If I wasnt giving them other jurisdictions to look at, I wouldnt be doing my job.

Heres why Brooks isnt in a rush: The longer she can cause the council to dawdle, the more likely it is the original ordinance  with her equity program  will remain.

Its clear to me that theyre trying to run the clock out, Witemyre said.

If Brooks wins, Oakland loses.

Otis R. Taylor Jr. is a San Francisco Chronicle columnist whose column appears Tuesday and Friday. Email: otaylor@sfchronicle.com Twitter: @otisrtaylorjr
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There is a widespread, hardly unfounded, belief that government regulators and business are in perpetual, bitter conflict over regulations concerning environmental, food and drug, transportation and workplace safety. Government wants tough standards and businesses say they will cut into profits or drive them out of business, or so the story goes.

That story is not entirely true.

When business and government collaborate on matters of science, it is better for public well-being and the economy, and it generally results in more efficient and less antagonistic public policy and regulatory outcomes. Americas successes have so often depended on scientific innovations that have been funded by government and then spurred economic growth. Reinvigorating this collaborative approach, more in vogue from the FDR to Johnson administrations, has been a significant achievement of the Obama administration and one that needs to be continued and expanded under the Trump administration.

One unheralded achievement of the Obama administration has been its emphasis on science-based policy and its simultaneous effort to bring government and corporate scientists to the table to agree on scientific approaches and protocols that bring benefits to both public safety and businesses.

For example, with the development of ever-tougher auto emissions standards and the growing market for clean vehicles, the U.S. auto industry could have kept up its long, tooth-and-nail fight against government regulations. However, it chose a different tack. Seeking regulatory certainty and recognizing the need to compete with cleaner, more efficient Japanese and European cars, as the Obama administration pushed to double fuel-efficiency standards and halve carbon-dioxide emissions, automakers worked with the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency and the California Air Resources Board to hammer out new science-based regulations between 2009 and 2012.

General Motors, Ford and Chrysler, under the aegis of the U.S. Council for Automotive Research, energy companies, and the U.S. Department of Energy, launched the U.S. Drive partnership in 2011 to accelerate development of clean, energy-efficient auto technology. Earlier, Detroits Big Three also joined the EPA and CARB as part of the Automobile Industry and Government Emissions Research consortium to more accurately measure emissions. The Commerce Department and five big energy companies signed on, pledging to minimize emissions and enable the transition to a hydrogen transportation economy.

During the last few years, the Food and Drug Administration and pharmaceutical companies have opened stronger lines of communication to better ensure the safety and expedite the approval of new drugs and medical devices, although conflicts still arise. And just this fall, the FDA announced guidance to better scientifically define what are nutritious foods. Intended to help consumers choose foods that use mono or polyunsaturated fats and are high in vitamin and mineral content, the directive also enables manufacturers to appropriately use the popular healthy food label to market their products.

Illustrative of these government-wide trends, in May, Congress passed a strong, bipartisan Toxic Substances Control Act reform bill to establish risk-based, nationally consistent safety standards for evaluating chemicals. The bill was supported both by the chemical industry and by groups like the Environmental Defense Fund and U.S. Humane Society.

In a parallel move, manufacturers of silicone polymers, used in many consumer products, are partnering with the EPA to assess environmental levels of D4, a chemical that some regulators believe requires scrutiny. EPA and the silicones industry jointly developed a D4 monitoring program, and the agency will use this data to better evaluate D4s environmental impact. This type of data-collection and data-sharing initiative could be a model for the EPA and other chemical manufacturers as the new toxic substances act is implemented.

Beyond safety, the Obama administration has tried to spur more innovation and business creation through the National Science Foundations Innovation Corps. The 2011 America Invents Act updated patent laws to help companies and inventors more quickly bring new products to market. In 2010, the Federal Communications Commission received stimulus funding to work with industry to expand broadband wireless access.

Government-business scientific collaboration, before it got a bad name in the late 20th century, has a long history of building innovation and prosperity. World War II research involving the Defense Department spurred the development of the computer, jets, radar, the microwave and synthetic fabrics. Later, Cold War research under the Pentagons legendary Advanced Research Projects Agency developed the Internet, artificial intelligence and GPS technology. Support from the National Institutes of Health has funded biomedical research that has led to life-saving and -enhancing drugs, procedures, technologies and processes brought to market by the private sector. And Alexander Hamilton, as the first Treasury Secretary, famously created the government-sponsored, public-private Society for the Establishment of Useful Manufactures in New Jersey in 1791 to bring together inventors and entrepreneurs to harness water power for cotton mills to seed Americas fledgling manufacturing economy.

Scientific collaboration between business and government not only yields huge dividends in terms of safety and economic development but it also diminishes both public distrust of corporate-sponsored research and business antipathy to government-produced data and diktats. Of course, both sides need to hold up their end of the bargain to maintain trust and a commitment to sound scientific policymaking.

Andrew L. Yarrow, a public-policy expert and U.S. historian, is working on two new books, one on Look magazine and how mid-20th century mass media helped foster a less polarized nation and the other on the changing circumstances of many American men.
Since opening Babu Ji in Manhattan nearly 18 months ago, Jessi Singh has earned headlines for his modern take on classic Indian cuisine  some have even compared Singhs efforts to that of another high-profile New York chef, David Chang. Not surprisingly, with the high praise have come hour-long waits.

Now, San Franciscans will get to see what all the fuss is about with the debut of Babu Jis San Francisco outpost, which opened Nov. 21 in the former Nostra Spaghetteria space on Valencia Street.

For us, its kind of like coming back home, says Jessi Singh, who opened the restaurant with his wife and business partner, Jennifer Singh. The two met and fell in love here in San Francisco.

Following their time in the Bay Area, the couple traveled the globe together, opening the first iteration of Babu Ji, along with two other restaurants, in Melbourne, Australia. The pair sold the last of their Australian restaurants in 2015 before their return to the United States. For Singh, who grew up in northern India and Australia, the couples travels are strongly reflected in his cooking.

A lot of the time I call my food unauthentic Indian food, Singh jokes. I take the best of Indian cuisine, the best of American, the best of Australian and traveling around the world  and put all of that into Babu Ji.

As at the New York outpost, Singhs cooking in San Francisco will reflect the countrys cuisine as a whole rather than focus on a single region of India.

More for you Recipe: Babu Jis Yogurt Kebabs With Beet Sauce

The San Francisco menu will bear a strong resemblance to the New York one, including signatures like Colonel Tsos Cauliflower, described as an Indo-Chinese style cauliflower in a tomato-chile sauce with sesame and onion seeds. Like New York, there will also be a $62 chefs table menu available, featuring a thali (a collection of assorted small dishes) with curries from all over India as the centerpiece.

You see more global influences in another Babu Ji signature: a yogurt kebab appetizer, which Singh says is a nod to the Persian Empires impact on Indian cooking. The dish is more reminiscent of a cheese croquette than what most Americans might consider a kebab  although Singh points out that despite the fact that everyone thinks of kebabs as meat, there are many vegetarian varieties out there. Even as a nontraditional dish, Singh says, it pleases everybody: Plates always come back licked.

Another carryover from the New York restaurant is the help yourself beer fridge with a rotating selection of about 40 beers. The beer menu will be complemented by wine and cocktails put together by well-known sommelier Rajat Parr, best known for his time in the Mina Group, and bartender Vincent Chirico of Raines Law Room in New York.

Liz Hafalia/The Chronicle

A major difference of Babu Jis food compared to many other Indian restaurants is that Singh doesnt use ghee (clarified butter). Meat has its own fat, he explains. When you add spices, theres so much going on, you dont need oil.

Its how he grew up eating in his mother and grandmothers kitchen, after all. Most Indians cant afford ghee and when its added to a dish its usually at the last minute for flavor, says Singh. He also points out that ghees high calories dont suit our modern more sedentary lifestyle. Very simple and clean food; thats what I wanted to showcase.

Sarah Fritsche is a San Francisco Chronicle staff writer. Email: sfritsche@sfchronicle.com Twitter/Instagram: @foodcentric

Babu Ji: 280 Valencia St. (near 14th Street), San Francisco (415) 525-4857. www.babujisf.com. Dinner, 6-11 p.m. Sunday, Monday and Wednesday; until midnight Thursday-Saturday. Reservations accepted.
When Gretchen Roehrs walks through a farmers market, she doesnt see dinner. She sees clothing.

The fashion student-turned-app designer, a Midwesterner who interned at Vogue in New York before heading to San Franciscos digital Gold Rush, is finding fame with food doodles. During lunch at her tech job a few years ago she began drawing whimsical stick figures with gowns made of radishes, fennel fronds, persimmons and figs, and sharing them on social media with far-flung friends.

There was an element of teasing in sending these drawings of delicious produce of California to friends on the East Coast eating potatoes in winter months, Roehrs says. Teasing and maybe a little mean-spirited  like, if they cant eat it, they can at least feast with their eyes.

But as her friends devoured the posts, an international audience began eating them up, too  some 80,000 followers worldwide on Instagram. Marc Jacobs beauty, Chantal Guillon macarons, Bon Appetit and others have employed her unique talent in ad campaigns and editorial work.

Roehrs also has a deal with Rizzoli, an Italian publisher scheduled to release a book of her drawings in spring 2018. She has launched a sticker app, called Chic Eats, on iTunes. The Bay Areas Farmgirl Flowers will feature her drawings this holiday season. During the day, she works for Chime, an online bank, and in her spare time, she heads to an art studio where she paints in gouache.

I have this background in fine art, so when I came to California and was working in the tech industry, I was missing it, says Roehrs, 27, sipping coffee at Caffe Trinity on Market Street in a thigh-length cardigan, jeans and square-heeled red velvet pumps. Just doodling at lunch became a nice way to take a break and give my brain a rest and connect with that side of myself that I had left behind in New York. I didnt have an outlet for my creativity when I came out here. Like many artists, I doodled what was in front of me.

The Ferry Plaza Farmers Market was her first exposure to local produce after moving to the Bay Area in 2012. That California can produce year-round was astonishing to me, says the native of Marshall, Mo., a small town 90 miles east of Kansas City, where winter means snow. . Walking through (the Ferry Building), my brain goes haywire. It wasnt that I started with fashion in mind. I started with appreciating the weird beauty of produce, the natural beauty of stuff out here.

Roehrs grew up on a family farm, the middle child of three, and as escapist fare read fashion magazines and clipped out pictures of supermodels Claudia Schiffer and Naomi Campbell for her scrapbooks.

The soft-spoken student relied on cartooning to joke with her classmates. At Stephens College, a womens design school in the Midwest, she learned the fundamentals of fashion history but struggled with life drawing. It forced me to look at the proportions of the human figure, she notes. As Ive matured my style, Ive abstracted it and elongated it.

While her fellow students dreamed of starting their own labels, Roehrs says she was more drawn to the how and why of fashion. I loved the challenges of design of antibacterial scrubs for hospital nurses, as in, How can you make them comfortable and machine washable and durable and not encumbering to their movements? she recalls. That sort of challenge  I have lights on fire when I think of stuff like that.

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.

In 2011, she interned at Vogue.com, where her experience in Photoshop came in handy. Roehrs enjoyed the digital side so much that after graduating from fashion school she turned down jobs in New York to have a go in tech. The move to Silicon Valley  with no job prospects and $20 in her pocket  was harder than she imagined.

I was like, Well, if I have Vogue under my belt, obviously Ill be fine, and in New York, that would have been the case, she says. Vogue means nothing out here. That was a very humbling experience.

She was hired by a Palo Alto startup called Shopkick to work on a shopping app, then for a nonprofit that works to improve diversity in the tech world, before joining Chime.

Perhaps initially influenced by the limits of lunchtime, Roehrs drawings are done with the greatest of speed. Using a Pentel brush pen and a photograph of the fruit or vegetable that inspires her, she completes each in about two minutes. I just ink out the essence of a figure, she says, and leave the rest to everyones imagination.

Carolyne Zinko is a San Francisco Chronicle staff writer. Email: czinko@sfchronicle.com
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An automated army of pro-Donald Trump chatbots overwhelmed similar programs supporting Hillary Clinton by 5-to-1 in the days leading up to the presidential election, according to a report published Thursday by researchers at Oxford University.

The chatbots  basic software programs with a bit of artificial intelligence and rudimentary communication skills  would send messages on Twitter based on a topic, usually defined on the social network by a word preceded by a hashtag symbol, like #Clinton.

Their purpose: to rant, confuse people on facts, or simply muddy discussions, said Philip Howard, a sociologist at the Oxford Internet Institute and one of the authors of the report. If you were looking for a real debate of the issues, you werent going to find it with a chatbot.

Theyre yelling fools, Howard said. And a lot of what they pass around is false news.

The role fake news played in the presidential election has become a sore point for the technology industry, particularly Google, Twitter and Facebook. On Monday, Google said it would ban websites that peddle fake news from using its online advertising service. Facebook also updated the language in its Facebook Audience Network policy, which already says it will not display ads in sites that show misleading or illegal content, to include fake news sites.

In some cases, the bots would post embarrassing photos, make references to the FBI inquiry into Clintons private email server, or produce false statements, for instance, that Clinton was about to go to jail or was in jail.

The use of automated accounts was deliberate and strategic throughout the election, the researchers wrote in the report, published by the Project on Algorithms, Computational Propaganda and Digital Politics at Oxford.

Because the chatbots were almost entirely anonymous and were frequently bought in secret from companies or individual programmers, it was not possible to directly link the activity to either campaign, except for a handful of joke bots created by Clintons campaign, they noted.

However, there was evidence that the mystery chatbots were part of an organized effort.

There does seem to be strategy behind the bots, Howard said. By the third debate, Trump bots were launching into their activity early, and we noticed that automated accounts were actually colonizing Clinton hashtags.

A hashtag is used to indicate a Twitter posts topic. By adopting hashtags relating to Clinton, the opposition bots were most likely able to wiggle their way into an online conversation among Clinton supporters.

After the election, the bot traffic declined rapidly, with the exception of some pro-Trump programs that gloated, We won and you lost, Howard said.

Trump campaign officials did not respond to requests for comment. Twitter executives argued that more people would not follow the programs and so they would be picked up only by those who looked for particular hashtags.

Anyone who claims that automated spam accounts that tweeted about the U.S. election had an effect on voters opinions or influenced the national Twitter conversation clearly underestimates voters and fails to understand how Twitter works, said Nick Pacilio, a Twitter spokesman.

The researchers based their study on a collection of about 19.4 million Twitter posts gathered in the first nine days of November. They selected tweets based on hashtags identifying certain subjects and identified automated posting by finding accounts that post at least 50 times a day.

For example, the top 20 accounts, which were mostly bots and highly automated accounts, averaged over 1,300 tweets a day and they generated more than 234,000 tweets, the researchers noted. The top 100 accounts, which still used high levels of automation, generated around 450,000 tweets at an average rate of 500 tweets per day.

The Oxford researchers had previously reported that political chatbots had played a role in shaping the political landscape that led to Britains Brexit vote.

The researchers have coined the term computational propaganda to describe the explosion of deceptive social media campaigns on services like Facebook and Twitter.

In a previous research paper, Howard, and Bence Kollanyi, a researcher at Corvinus University of Budapest, Hungary, described how political chatbots had a small but strategic role in shaping the online conversation during the run-up to the Brexit referendum.

The bot managers seem to repurpose the programs as well. During the British campaign, they discovered that a family of bots that had been tweeting around Israeli-Palestinian issues for three or four years had suddenly become pro-Brexit. After the vote, the bots returned to their original issue.

In the case of the U.S. election, the researchers noted that highly automated accounts  the accounts that tweeted 450 or more times with a related hashtag and user mention during the data collection period  generated close to 18 percent of all Twitter traffic about the presidential election.

They also noted that bots tend to circulate negative news much more effectively than positive reports.

One of the consequences of the intense social media campaigns will be a rise in what social scientists call selective affinity.

Clinton supporters will cut the Trump supporters out of their network, and Trump supporters will do the same, Howard said. The polarization of the election is going to make this stuff worse as we self-groom our news networks.
An Oakland police officer prosecutors had linked to an expansive law enforcement misconduct scandal involving a sexually exploited teenager will not be charged, an official said Thursday.

Alameda County District Attorney Nancy OMalley said in September that her office would file charges against Officer Warit Uttapa and six other current and former officers and deputy sheriffs for crimes ranging from oral copulation with a minor to obstruction of justice.
Police in San Leandro are looking for other possible victims after they say a 40-year-old man was arrested for having sex with a teenage girl who he allegedly met online while pretending to be a boy her own age.

The San Leandro Police Department announced Thursday the arrest of Patterson (Stanislaus County) resident Ian Teager, 40, who was charged by prosecutors with four felonies related to having sex with a minor under 14.

Teager was arrested within the last two weeks  police declined to release the date, citing the privacy of the victim  the same day police say he met up with a 13-year-old girl in San Leandro before luring her to an East Oakland motel, where they say he had sex with her.

Mike Katz-Lacabe/CIR

He met the girl on the messaging app Kik while masquerading as a 14-year-old boy, Lt. Robert McManus of the department told reporters at a news conference Thursday.

She had no indication of what she was getting into until she crossed the threshold of the hotel room door and things went bad very, very quickly, McManus said.

Following interviews with Teager and an extensive investigation, McManus said investigators have credible evidence that there are others ranging from 12 to 16 in the Bay Area, as well as the Central Valley, who have been assaulted by Teager.

Teager owns his own consulting company in Patterson. Its unclear whether he had a prior criminal record, police said.

We dont know how many more victims there may be, McManus said, adding that police are urging nearby parents to talk to their children. Thats one of the ways these predators get away with these crimes. They build this level of trust. Fourteen and 15-year-old kids are easily impressionable. They believe adults.

Teager was held under $400,000 bail Thursday at Santa Rita Jail in Dublin, records show. His first court appearance was scheduled for 9 a.m. Friday at the Hayward Hall of Justice.

Michael Bodley is a San Francisco Chronicle staff writer. Email: mbodley@sfchronicle.com. Twitter: @michael_bodley
Contributed Photo/courtesy of U.S. Customs/Newsmak

A Rohnert Park man went to a post office box to pick up a package containing around $30,000 worth of the drug MDMA on Thursday, apparently unaware U.S. customs agents in San Francisco had intercepted the parcel and police were waiting to arrest him, officials said.

Aaron Christian Olesen, 36, was detained by Rohnert Park police as soon as he retrieved the 4-pound shipment of the drug, also known as Molly or ecstasy. Officials say the package was sent from the Netherlands and addressed to a man with a nearly identical name, Aaron Holesen.
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Guests to Kanye West's Thursday night concert at the SAP Center in San Jose found that his show had a little more political edge than they had expected.

Ticket holders say that West engaged in frequent extended political rants between songs on a short setlist, often to soapbox about President-elect Donald Trump and the divided state of the United States.

"There are things I like about Trump's campaign," said at one point. "That's not supposed to happen, right?"

He went on to say that he didn't vote, but if he had, he would have voted for Trump. That position contradicts an apparent endorsement photograph wherein he and his wife, Kim Kardashian, posed with Democratic nominee Hillary Clinton in September.

Warning: This video includes NSFW language.

West had earlier this year announced his plan to run for President in 2020, but on Thursday night, he laid out some of his at times nonsensical thoughts on American culture and intra-government communication.

"There are nonpolitical methods to speaking that I like, that I feel are very futuristic," he said. "That style, that method of communication has proven that it can be a politically correct way of communication, and I f with that."

He also said that he believes Ben Carson, Hillary Clinton, Bill Clinton, and Barack Obama should all be "consultants" for Trump.

Based on social media and on audio taken from inside the SAP Center, the audience appeared largely unimpressed with West's political opinions, and booed in response to some of his statements. See some of their tweets below.

Read Alyssa Pereira's latest stories, and follow her on Twitter at @alyspereira. Send her news tips at apereira@sfchronicle.com.
FORT LAUDERDALE, Fla.  In an enclave of a city known as the Venice of America, where dream-big houses look out over a maze of picturesque canals, the comparison to the Venice of Italy no longer seems so appealing.

On Monday morning, shortly after Novembers super moon dropped from view on Mola Avenue, it was easy to see why. The tide swelled on command. Seawater gurgled audibly through manhole covers and seeped up from the grass. Under a sunny sky, the water drowned docks and slid over low seawalls. By 8:15 a.m., peak tide, this street in the Las Olas Isles neighborhood was inundated, just like the Venice across the pond.

Sergio Lafratta, an independent business consultant who moved in just three months ago, stood shirtless in tall waders, watching the saltwater seep into his new lawn.

There goes my grass again, Lafratta said. His grass squares floated away down the street. His wife, Marilia, a psychologist, stood on the doorstep in her pajamas and chimed in. We spend too much money to live here, she said. We knew about this  the flooding  but we didnt think it would be this bad.

In South Florida, which takes rising sea levels seriously enough to form a regional compact to deal with global warming, climate change is no abstract issue. By 2100, sea levels could swell high enough to submerge 12.5 percent of Floridas homes. The king tides, which happen frequently, are the most blatant example of the interplay between rising seas and the alignment of the moon, sun and Earth. Even without a drop of rain, some places flood routinely.

Mondays planetary dance was particularly notable: The moon was both full and at its closest distance to the Earth since 1948. The closer the moon, the stronger the gravitational tug on the oceans, the higher the tide. Rising sea levels exacerbate the flooding, scientists said.

In much of South Florida, including Broward County and Fort Lauderdale, finding short- and long-term fixes to the challenges of flooding caused by rising seas is a priority. A new position now exists to deal with it: resiliency chief or sustainability director.

Pumps and back flow valves have been put in place. Roads will be or have been elevated (most famously in Miami Beach, which invested $400 million to deal with flooding). Seawalls are being raised. Counties are also beginning to rethink building codes. Taken together, the costs will be enormous.

In the next five decades, the seas could rise two to three feet, said Jennifer Jurado, Broward Countys chief resiliency officer.
WASHINGTON  The Obama administration is blocking new oil and gas drilling in the Arctic Ocean, handing a victory to environmentalists who say industrial activity in the icy waters will harm whales, walruses and other wildlife and exacerbate global warming.

A five-year offshore drilling plan announced Friday blocks the planned sale of new oil and gas drilling rights in the Chukchi and Beaufort seas north of Alaska. The plan allows drilling to go forward in Alaskas Cook Inlet southwest of Anchorage.

The blueprint for drilling from 2017 to 2022 can be rewritten by President-elect Donald Trump, in a process that could take months or years.

Besides Cook Inlet, the plan also allows drilling in the Gulf of Mexico, long the center of U.S. offshore oil production. Ten of the 11 lease sales proposed in the five-year plan are in the gulf, mostly off the coasts of Mississippi, Louisiana, Texas and Alabama.

Confirming a decision announced this spring, the five-year plan also bars drilling in the Atlantic Ocean.

The plan focuses lease sales in the best places  those with the highest resource potential, lowest conflict and established infrastructure  and removes regions that are simply not right to lease, said Interior Secretary Sally Jewell.

Given the unique and challenging Arctic environment and industrys declining interest in the area, forgoing lease sales in the Arctic is the right path forward, Jewell said.

Industry representatives reacted bitterly, calling the decision political and not supported by the facts.

The arrogance of the decision is unfathomable, but unfortunately not surprising, said Randall Luthi, president of the National Ocean Industries Association, a trade group.

Once again, we see the attitude that Washington knows best  an attitude that contributed to last weeks election results, Luthi said, referring to Trumps surprise victory over Democrat Hillary Clinton.

More than 70 percent of Alaskans, including a majority of Alaska Natives, support offshore drilling, Luthi said, as do the states three Republican members of Congress.

Jacqueline Savitz, senior vice president of Oceana, an environmental group, hailed the announcement and praised Obama and Jewell for protecting our coasts from dirty and dangerous offshore drilling.
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DALLAS  The head of the company building the Dakota Access oil pipeline said Friday that it wont be rerouted but that he would like to meet with the head of an American Indian tribe to try to ease its concerns about the project.

Kelcy Warren, the CEO of Dallas-based Energy Transfer Partners, said in an interview that the company has no alternative than to stick to its plan for the $3.8 billion pipeline, which would ship oil from North Dakota to Illinois and is nearly completed.

Theres not another way. Were building at that location, Warren said.

Warren said he would welcome the chance to meet with Dave Archambault, the chairman of the Standing Rock Sioux, to address the tribes concerns that the pipeline skirting its reservation would endanger drinking water and cultural sites.

Archambault, who who toured the tribes protest encampment Friday with prominent supporters, including the actors Shailene Woodley and Ezra Miller, said he would be willing to meet with Warren but that he doesnt think it would make a difference.

We already know what hes going to say  that this is the cleanest, safest pipeline ever, the chairman said. What he doesnt know is that this is still an issue for Standing Rock and all indigenous people.

The 1,200-mile, four-state pipeline is largely complete except for a section that would pump oil under Lake Oahe, a Missouri River reservoir in southern North Dakota. The Standing Rock tribe fears that a leak could contaminate the drinking water on its nearby reservation and says the project also threatens sacred sites, which Warren disputes.

President Obama earlier this month raised the possibility of rerouting the pipeline, and Archambault has said that would be acceptable to the tribe.

Warren noted that the Dakota Access route parallels the existing Northern Border Pipeline, which crosses the Dakotas as it carries natural gas from Canada and the U.S. to the Chicago area.

Were going to cross the river at that location, he said, calling it the least impactful site.

The Army Corps of Engineers in July granted ETP the permits needed for the crossing, but the agency decided in September that further analysis was warranted given the tribes concerns. On Monday, the Corps called for even more study and tribal input.

ETP responded the next day by asking U.S. District Judge James Boasberg to declare that it has the right to lay pipe under Lake Oahe. The judge isnt likely to rule until January.
WASHINGTON  Michael Flynn, the former Army lieutenant general Donald Trump has asked to be his national security adviser, rose through the ranks of military intelligence on the strength of his reputation as an astute professional and an unconventional thinker. After retiring in 2014, he quickly turned on the Obama administration and accused it of being soft on terrorism.

In recent public comments, including his fiery address at the Republican National Convention, Flynn has emphasized his view that Islamic State extremists pose an existential threat on a global scale, demanding a far more aggressive U.S. military campaign against the group, as well as his belief that Washington should work more closely with Moscow.

Flynn is a champion of other foreign policy themes Trump pushed during the campaign, including renegotiating a seven-country agreement with Iran aimed at curbing its nuclear program in exchange for a lifting of economic sanctions.

He has also stirred controversy with his dire warnings about the dangers of Islamist groups, complaining on CNN in June that the U.S. needs to discredit radical Islam, but that were not allowed to do that right now. He accused the Obama administration in July of failing to design a coherent strategy for opposing the Islamic State group. In August he spoke at an event in Dallas for the anti-Islamist group Act for America, saying that Islam is a political ideology and that it definitely hides behind being a religion.

Flynns dark warnings have not extended to the Islamist-leaning authoritarian Turkish government headed by President Recep Tayyip Erdogan. In an opinion piece for the Washington newspaper the Hill just before the election, Flynn wrote that Turkey needs support and echoed Erdogans warnings that a shady Turkish Muslim cleric living in Pennsylvania should not be given safe harbor in the U.S.

Erdogan has accused the cleric, Fethullah Gullen, of orchestrating an attempted military coup in the July and called for his extradition. The Obama administration has not complied.

Flynns warmth toward Russia and antagonism toward what conservatives call radical Islam have worried some national security experts. Flynn traveled last year to Moscow, where he joined Russian President Vladimir Putin and other Russian officials in a celebration of the RT network, a Russian government-controlled television channel. Flynn later explained that he had been paid for taking part in the event, but brushed aside concerns that he was aiding a Russian propaganda effort.

As Trumps national security adviser, Flynn would not require Senate confirmation.

Flynn, 57, is a native of Middletown, R.I. He graduated from the University of Rhode Island in 1981 with a degree in management science.

After he announced in April 2014 that he would step down as director of the Defense Intelligence Agency, Flynn asserted he had been forced out because he disagreed with the Obama administrations approach to combatting extremism. His critics, however, claimed he had mismanaged the agency and that his efforts to force change were met with internal resistance.
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Since 1917, one hundred years ago, seventeen women have called the White House home.

In fact, First Lady, Edith Bolling Wilson, married Woodrow Wilson (March 04, 1913 - March 04, 1921,) during his presidency on Dec. 18, 1915.

Jacqueline Kennedy was the youngest first lady to move into the White House at 31 years old. Despite her young age, Jackie Kennedy made a mark. She took on a restoration project that helped return the White House to a symbol of American history.

See More: Some 'bigly' changes could come to the White House

The most senior first lady to enter the White House was Barbara Bush at 63. And it may surprise you learn that the average age of the first ladies in the last century is 51.

When Melania Trump moves into the White House she will be on the younger side at 46 years old.

With every administration comes new ideas, new initiatives, and reasons for the first lady to be innovative and determined.

Take a look through the gallery above for a retrospective of the women who lived in the White House.
BART has settled a federal lawsuit over the tragic death of an on-duty detective who was fatally shot by a fellow transit agency officer nearly three years ago, attorneys said Friday.

The $3.1 million settlement will be paid to the family of Detective Sgt. Thomas Tommy Smith, who was accidentally shot and killed by BART Officer Michael Maes while the two searched a robbery suspects apartment in Dublin on Jan. 21, 2014.

Smith and Maes were among a group of BART officers who went to the ground-floor apartment on Dougherty Road to conduct a probation search in hopes of recovering stolen property. The apartment belonged to 20-year-old John Henry Lee, a robbery suspect who was already in custody, having been arrested five days earlier.

The officers hadnt studied the circular floor plan of the apartment, and when they encountered each other in a back room, Maes shot Smith after mistaking him for an armed suspect. Maes has since retired, according to BART officials.

Our deepest sympathies go out to ... members of the Smith family, BART Police Chief Kenton Rainey said in a statement. The BART PD continues to mourn the loss of Tommy. He will not be forgotten as we strive to ensure BART PD is a 21st century police department.

The friendly-fire death raised questions about why BART police had sent a group of detectives and officers into the apartment rather than a SWAT team. The federal suit also alleged Smith was denied specialized training on searching buildings, despite requesting it from his supervisor.

When it comes to a situation where an officer is requesting the very training that ultimately led to this tragic incident, theres a problem with it, and that needs to be rectified, attorney Joseph Lucia told The Chronicle shortly after filing the lawsuit in 2015.

The settlement was reached without a finding of fault or an admission of liability, attorneys said, but it revised BART policies so that when officers ask their direct supervisors for remedial training on any basic law enforcement practice, it must be provided.

Smiths wife, former BART Officer Kellie Smith, said she hoped the settlement would prevent similar incidents in the future.

I am very hopeful that these policy changes will avoid another tragedy like this from happening in the future, she said. I wish more than anything that none of my fellow officers families from the BART PD will ever have to suffer through what our family has over the past three years.

Joaquin Palomino is a San Francisco Chronicle staff writer. Email: jpalomino@sfchronicle.com Twitter: @JoaquinPalomino
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An old-school, hard-line drug warrior emerged Friday as the Trump administrations pick for attorney general, setting off something of a mild panic attack in the countrys nascent legal cannabis industry.

Republican Alabama Sen. Jeff Sessions might be among the worst picks for pot law reform, critics said.

Sessions would be, as far as I can tell, a nightmare on marijuana and all other drug policy, said Ethan Nadelmann, director of the Drug Policy Alliance, the nations leading drug-law reform group.

Anti-marijuana activist Kevin Sabet, director of Project Smart Approaches to Marijuana, was buoyed by the news, a week after four states legalized marijuana for adults 21 and over.

Its become a lot risker to be a marijuana investor and the market doesnt like risk. Right now the chances of marijuana legalization being tolerated on the federal level have fallen from the sky, Sabet said. It makes the loss in California feel like it took place a million years ago.

National Organization for the Reform of Marijuana Laws director Erik Altieri said in an email that Sessions nomination, should send a chill down the spine of the majority of Americans who support marijuana law reform, and who respect the will of voters to enact regulatory alternatives to cannabis prohibition.

Sessions received a failing grade on NORMLs 2016 Congressional Report Card, released this past fall.

Sabet called Sessions the most anti-marijuana person in the Senate in a number of years.

Aaron Herzberg, partner and general counsel at CalCann Holdings, called Sessions in an email, the worst pick that Trump could have made for attorney general as it comes to marijuana issues, and this selection bodes very poorly for the Trump administration to adopt a marijuana-friendly policy.

It appears that he is intent on rolling back policy to the 1980s and Nancy Reagans just say no on drugs days, Herzberg said. The legalization of marijuana both for medical marijuana in 28 states and recreational marijuana in eight states may be in serious jeopardy.

Trump has said repeatedly on the campaign trail that marijuana policy should be left up to the states, and that he and his subordinates would respect state policies. But the industry is having trouble taking him at his word after the Sen. Sessions pick.

A former attorney general and U.S. attorney from Alabama  arguably the least progressive state in the nation with regard to pot policy  Sen. Sessions has repeatedly made it clear he does not support the right of adults to responsibly use the drug. While most of Sessions political focus has been on border security and immigration, drug control also concerns him.

In an April Senate hearing on federal marijuana policy, Sessions  the chairman of two Senate subcommittees, Immigration and the National Interest and Strategic Forces  said that good people do not use marijuana.

In March, Sessions said in Congress during a speech on the nations opioid epidemic that he believed in the discredited gateway theory that pot use leads to abuse of harder drugs. Sessions said, It is false that marijuana use doesnt lead people to more drug use.

He endorsed Reagan-era drug policies that led to the arrests of hundreds of thousands of Americans for pot.

Drug use dropped dramatically when Nancy Reagan started the Just Say No program, and drug use began to steadily decrease. It is now beginning to steadily increase. You have to have leadership from Washington, he said.

Sessions said legal pot is already causing a disturbance in the states that have made it legal. And he voiced opposition to a White House Memo de-prioritizing federal enforcement of marijuana trafficking laws against state-legal pot businesses.

The White House should be supporting, not blocking the efforts of law enforcement to do their jobs and giving them the tools to arrest drug traffickers, Sessions said. We need to enforce our laws, and we have to make the consequences of drug trafficking a deterrent.

As attorney general, Sabet said Sessions could rapidly shut down all state-legal pot regimes by sending threatening letters promising civil asset forfeitures against any pot business or landlord, as well as threaten to arrest and imprison state marijuana regulators.

Forfeiture threats and intimidating regulators were common until the Obama administration in 2013 told prosecutors to ignore state-legal pot activity. In 2014, Congress de-funded the Department of Justices crackdown on medical marijuana.

What they can do is simply is send letters to state regulators saying, You have 90 days to revoke licenses and close up shop, and I think they will, Sabet said.

Tom Angell, a Washington, D.C. activist and founder of Marijuana Majority, said in an email that pot legalization has vastly more support than ever before, and an attack on it would be politically costly to Trump.

While the choice (of Sessions) certainly isnt good news for marijuana reform, Angell said, Im still hopeful the new administration will realize that any crackdown against broadly popular laws in a growing number of states would create huge political problems they dont need and will use lots of political capital theyd be better off spending on issues the new president cares a lot more about.

Most polls show heavy national support for marijuana legalization. A Gallup poll in October found 60 percent support overall, with 42 percent support among Republicans. A Pew poll in October found 57 percent support overall for pot legalization with 41 percent support among Republicans.

The truth is, marijuana reform is much more popular with voters than most politicians are, and officials in the new administration would do well to take a careful look at the polling data on this issue before deciding what to do, Angell said.

He should keep his word  both because its the right thing to do and because a reversal would be a huge political misstep, said Angell.

NORML Deputy Director Paul Armentano said pot should be a populist no-brainer for Trump: Unfortunately, the appointment of Sen. Sessions  a longtime anti-marijuana zealot  will simply ... cost Washington, D.C. further respect and credibility with the ordinary American voter.

While Republicans are nearly split on support for marijuana legalization, 70 percent supported respecting state marijuana laws, a CBS news poll found in April.

The National Cannabis Industry Association issued a statement reiterating that voters in 28 states have passed laws taking cannabis out of the criminal market and putting it into a regulated, tax-paying system.

Senator Sessions has long advocated for state sovereignty, and we look forward to working with him to ensure that states rights and voter choices on cannabis are respected, stated the associations director, Aaron Smith, in an email.

In 2015, Sessions said during a Judiciary Committee hearing that he was opposed to legalization, stating, the President should never have said smoking marijuana is like smoking cigarettes. Thats the kind of message that people hear, and now we have states legalizing it and theyre already talking about re-criminalizing it. Its a mistake. Weve seen that experiment before.

In 2002, Sessions said the nation must not forget the war on drugs, telling a conference of federal prosecutors the federal government should send a clear message that drug use cannot be tolerated.

The Lawyers Committee for Civil Rights Under Law noted in a Friday email that during Sessions failed nomination for a federal judgeship in 1986, an African American Assistant U.S. Attorney testified that Sessions had described the Ku Klux Klan as OK until I found out they smoked pot. Sessions denied the allegation.

David Downs is the San Francisco Chronicles cannabis editor. Email him at ddowns@sfchronicle.com.
San Francisco Police Department / / San Francisco Police Department /

A 34-year-old San Francisco man was arrested and identified by police as an alleged serial burglary they have been trying to catch for about a month, officials said Friday.

Dominique Danquay Miles was taken into custody Nov. 9 when police from San Francisco, Daly City and Pittsburg served simultaneous search warrants on his home, officials said.
Willis Bond & Co's PwC Centre project on Wellington's waterfront came through this week's 7.8 magnitude earthquake unscathed with no obvious damage or liquefaction on the site.

The proposed four-level building, owned by the city council's Wellington Waterfront unit, is in the early stages of construction with one crane erected while the foundations are worked on. Buildings in the neighbouring CentrePort Harbour Quays district were damaged by the quake, centred near Kaikoura, but Willis Bond managing director Mark McGuinness says engineers cleared the PwC project, whose design was informed by the Canterbury quakes in 2010 and 2011, and the 2013 temblors near Seddon.

"There's no obvious damage to the foundation work, no impact on the project, the crane's fine and there's no liquefaction visible on the site," McGuinness told BusinessDesk. "For us, it's business as usual, and if anything, the earthquake has reinforced our design approach."

The PwC Centre project is scheduled to be completed in 2018, incorporating a base isolator structure and built to 180 percent of the current building standard. PwC is to be the anchor tenant with naming rights, with rural insurer FMG and Cooperative Bank also committed to renting space.

The government yesterday said it will investigate the performance of Wellington buildings, with Statistics House in Harbour Quays singled out for particular scrutiny. Several buildings have been cordoned off, though the capital city was largely re-opened for business with 48 hours of the quake.

McGuiness said buildings' first priority is to preserve life when they're being erected, but the industry has increasingly started trying to improve the operational resilience of the structures which had allowed such a quick turnaround in the wake of the quakes.

Willis Bond's other project under construction in Wellington - the former Deka site on the corner of Cuba St - "performed as expected" with no material damage, he said. The proposed six-storey building is a joint project with the Whitireia WelTec strategic partnership to create a centre of excellence for the performing arts and creative industries.

Wellington's Cuba St houses a number of buildings previously identified as earthquake risks, though the nature of this week's particular quake meant it had a greater impact on high-rises than the type of shorter buildings that populate that end of the city.

"We were lucky it wasn't a shape that was more of the threat to those older buildings that need strengthening," McGuiness said. "Overall, it might not seem like it right now, but this was a one-in-400 year event with a huge amount of energy involved - we've been remarkably lucky and fortunate."

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Motor Trade Finance says it will attempt to woo auto dealerships with new technology and non-recourse loan products such as it arranged with Turners after acknowledging a loss of market share in its latest year and a 2.3 percent decline in profit.

Based on registrations on the government's PPSR registry, MTF's market share fell to 11.6 percent from 11.9 percent as at Sept. 30, 2015. MTF has two business streams, its network franchise started in 2007 and finance company for auto dealerships is 40 years old. The franchise channel "is experiencing strong growth and profitability" but the dealerships, MTF's traditional distributor, had drifted away.

MTF said it aimed "to reignite support through this channel" with measures including offering non-recourse loans for the first time under contracts written by Turners, a partnership that was announced earlier this week.

Total assets increased 5.3 percent to $30 million, which it attributed to "strong second-half sales, with finance receivables accounting for the increase," it said.

Turners chief executive Todd Hunter said this week that he was optimistic the two-year programme, which was backed by Bank of New Zealand, would be rolled over.

Profits before commissions and fair value movements edged up 0.4 percent to $45.4 million, which the company said reflected favourable sales growth and a growing asset base.

Commissions to shareholder originators rose 2 percent to $34 million, the company said. Total amounts paid to MTF originators, including commission, fees and payment waiver, increased 4.7 percent to $54.1 million.

MTF's $40 million of NZDX-traded perpetual notes were quoted at $62 per $100 face amount, and carry a coupon of 4.47 percent.

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Ports of Auckland said it had an agreement with KiwiRail to lift freight capacity between Auckland and the lower North Island after Wellington's port was knocked about by the Kaikoura earthquake.

The state-owned railway had agreed to a plan to provide a daily rail link between Auckland's port, its inland hub at Wiri, and Longburn on the outskirts of Palmerston North.

The Wellington Harbourmaster Mike Pryce has declared a sea-side restricted zone alongside Wellingtons main wharves which excludes boaties from the area following Mondays severe earthquake. Ports of Auckland stands to benefit from disruptions to Wellington's CentrePort if it can quickly offer another route for freight customers.

Ports of Auckland chief executive Tony Gibson said in a statement he was pleased to be able to put on this service to fill the gap created as a result of the recent Kaikoura earthquake, and we will keep it running until Centreport is able to get back on their feet.

Captain Price said in his notice today that he exclusion zone will ensure public safety and allow undisturbed access for structural engineers to inspect the condition of the wharves.

The service will help both importers and exporters, who are affected by the closure of Centreport in Wellington, the Auckland port's Gibson said.

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Tenon shareholders have approved the sale of the wood processor's US business to New York-based buyout firm Blue Wolf Capital, allowing the company to make a $100 million capital return via a share cancellation.

The sale and capital return were approved with a more than 99.5 percent majority at the annual meeting in Auckland, the Taupo-based company said in a statement. Among minority shareholders more than 98 percent voted in favour, it said. The sale for US$110 million represents a 2016 ebitda multiple of 7.3 times, at the lower end of the range in advisory firm Grant Samuel's assessment.

Tenon, which is controlled by NZX-listed Rubicon, said the capital return of US$1.10 per existing share is expected to be completed by the end of December, with a record date of Dec. 21, subject to receipt of final High Court orders relating to the return. Blue Wolf is buying the North American operations via its BW Empire Holdings unit.

Blue Wolf describes itself as a private equity firm, and Tenon USA joins a portfolio including the Twin Rivers Paper Co, American Builders Supply, and Suwannee Lumber Co.

Tenon USA comprises three distribution and manufacturing operations: Empire, Southwest Mouldings and Ornamental Products. The company's presentation for the annual meeting said the US business had grown "far beyond" what was envisaged when it was set up in the early to mid-2000s.

While the supply of clear wood products was still critically important to both parties, it could be addressed through a product supply agreement. Tenon USA's purchases from Taupo now account for just 10 percent of what the American business buys in and makes up less than 20 percent of sales from Tenon's Taupo plant, it said.

Following the sale, Tenon's remaining business would be its Clearwood unit, which is also in under strategic review and had positive earnings, strong cash flow and limited capex requirements, the company said today.

It will return the capital, US$71.3 million, or $1.55 a share at an exchange rate of 71 US cents, by cancelling one out of every two shares held and returning $2.20 per cancelled share.

Clearwood is being reviewed by investment bank Deutsche Craig. The New Zealand business was valued at between US$63.3 million and US$74.1 million in independent adviser Grant Samuels report on the US transaction. Its sales rose 5 percent to USS$81 million in the year ended June 30 while earnings before interest, tax, depreciation and amortisation more than doubled to US$12 million.

Blue Wolf made its offer for Tenon's North American operations on Aug. 29. A year earlier, Tenon kicked off a strategic review of the company with Deutsche Craig to close what it described as "the perceived value gap that was evident in the share trading price at the time".

Grant Samuel expects Tenon will be liquidated above market value of $164 million if the US sale goes ahead and the Clearwood business is subsequently sold within its valuation range. In its 2016 annual report, Tenon said the sales process run by Deutsche had determined there were different potential buyers for the company's US and New Zealand businesses and that "in order to optimise value for shareholders separate review processes should be run in respect of these two asset classes".

Tenon's shares last traded at $2.60 and have declined about 7 percent this year. Rubicon, which owns 59.8 percent of Tenon, last traded at 22 cents and has fallen 23 percent so far in 2016.

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Team Shaw is 'on fire'

The 20th Civil Engineer Squadron fire department hosted a Firefighter Combat Challenge 5K Run during Warrior Day at Shaw Air Force Base, South Carolina, Nov. 18.



The event gave Team Shaw members the opportunity to experience the challenges 20th CES fire department Airmen must overcome to accomplish their mission.



Participants in the 5K run and obstacle course, whether running as an individual or in a team, had to tackle 12 obstacles over the course of the run that tested their physical endurance.



The event had 12 stations stretched over a three mile course that each participant had to execute, said Tech. Sgt. Patrick Bentley, 20th Civil Engineer Squadron fire emergency service noncommissioned officer in charge of training. They were challenged with hose management and climbing obstacles that definitely pushed them to the brink of wanting to quit.



Although the challenge proved difficult for some, Staff Sgt. Terrell Thomas, Jr., 20th CES fire protection crew chief, said he got as much out of the course as he put in.



It was a challenge, a good challenge, said Thomas. It will give them a better appreciation of what firefighters experience in any given situation, on any given day.



Upon conclusion of the event, participants learned their times for the entirety of the course and gained confidence by successfully working as a team to build up resiliency.



The fire department presented a trophy and certificates to the winning teams and individuals to recognize their drive to complete the obstacles and 5K in the fastest time.



The event is a good example of what we go through when we report on scene, said Staff Sgt. Christian Alvero, 20th CES firefighter. Its good to see every squadron work together to tackle any obstacle with a positive outlook toward the next.



Muscles fatigued from the obstacle courses toll, Team Shaw members departed the course with a first-hand look at the challenges firefighters face and a better understanding of what training is needed to keep them fit to fight fires.
BENGALURU: The common people in the country are facing hardships in exchanging old currency and withdrawing new currency notes. Families having marriages around the corner and farmers are most affected by the demonetization move. Soon after demonetization, the government had set an exchange limit of 4000, which was later increased to 4500. However, NDTV Profit reported that government eased the transaction restrictions for families with upcoming marriages and farmers, but the exchange limit is decreased to 2000.

Shaktikanta Das, Secretary, Economic Affairs said that families doing preparation for marriages can withdraw a sum of 2.5 lakh from their bank accounts after providing a self-declaration and PAN details to the bank. This decision came as a huge relief for the families whose marriage preparations are affected because of the demonetization move by the government.

Farmers are also facing problems with shortage of money due to withdrawal restrictions after demonetization.. Mr. Das announced that farmers having Kisan credit cards or taken a crop loan can withdraw 25000 per week. The farmers who received payments through cheque or RTGS in their KYC-complaint bank accounts can withdraw an additional amount of 25000 per week. As a whole, farmers with KYC-complaint bank accounts can now withdraw a sum of 50000 in a week.

In another announcement, Mr. Das said that government has decided to reduce the exchange limit to 2000 from 4500. This decision is taken by the government to facilitate more people at the bank counter. Many people repeatedly visited banks to exchange money while some others were not getting benefitted. The government came up with an idea of applying indelible ink on fingers of people exchanging larger denominations. However, now government decreased the exchange limit to provide benefits to more people.

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NEW DELHI: Government today made public CSR spending of more than 7,300 companies in 2014-15, totalling Rs 8,803 crore, but the amount spent by over 60 per cent of the entities was shown as zero.



Among the 7,334 companies, Reliance Industries spent the highest amount of Rs 760.6 crore towards corporate social responsibility (CSR) activities in 2014-15.



As per the data, spending by more than 4,500 firms, including some Tata group entities and Vodafone India Pvt Ltd, was shown as zero during that period.



Making public the CSR spending data, the corporate affairs ministry has also put out a disclaimer, saying it is making no representation regarding the completeness, accuracy or timelines of the information.



"MCA (Ministry of Corporate Affairs)/IICA (Indian Institute of Corporate Affairs) makes no representation regarding the completeness, accuracy, or timeliness of any information and data contained in this file or that such information and data will be error-free," read the disclaimer.



"In the event that the information on Director's Report of Companies differs from the information contained in this file, the information on such report shall control and take precedence."



IICA comes under the ministry.



In terms of CSR spending, Reliance Industries is followed by ONGC (Rs 495.2 crore) and Infosys (Rs 239.5 crore). Others in the top ten are ITC Ltd, TCS, NTPC, NMDC, Tata Steel, ICICI Bank, and Oil India (Rs 133.3 crore), according to the data.



Giving a snapshot on CSR spending, the ministry said the reasons given for zero spending include financial restructuring, loss, non-finalisation of CSR areas, delay in board approval for projects, technical and procedural difficulties.



Under the Companies Act, 2013 implemented by the ministry, certain classes of profitable entities are required to shell out at least two per cent of three-year annual average net profit towards CSR activities. In case of non-spending, then they have to provide reasons for the same.



Companies having a turnover of at least Rs 1,000 crore, minimum net worth of Rs 500 crore and those having net profit of Rs 5 crore or more in a financial year are required to comply with the CSR norms.

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NEW DELHI: A delegation of the European Union and the government's National Skill Development Agency (NSDA) held a conference to discuss the results, impact and the way forward of the EU-India Skill Development Project.

The EU India Skill development conference was inaugurated by Union Minister of State Skill Development and Entrepreneurship (Independent Charge), Rajiv Pratap Rudy, in the presence of Tomasz Kozlowski, Ambassador of the European Union to India, and senior government officials, said a EU press statement on Thursday.

Rudy said the collaboration between India and the EU in the area of skills ecosystem has been successful and hoped to work further with the EU in this area.

Kozlowski said, "The project worked with 7 states, 6 sectors; trained 199 trainers and 85 assessment professionals, and organised workshops for over 400 participants from different partner organisations. It has been successful in helping to implement the various policies and to design a framework for quality assurance of training and assessment, contributing to the employability of the skilled workforce. We believe this will certainly strengthen the National Skill Development Mission."

Skill development is one of India's priorities. Started in 2012 and funded by the European Union, the project has successfully assisted the National Skill Development Agency (NSDA), selected State Skill Development Missions (SSDMs) and Sector Skill Councils (SSCs) in implementing policies and developing frameworks to increase the employability and capacity for entrepreneurship of those trained under the National Skill Development Mission.

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NEW DELHI: The Indian Navy on Friday formally inducted four types of indigenously developed sonars that will boost its underwater surveillance capability.

The systems included Abhay, which is a compact hull mounted sonar for shallow water crafts; Humsa UG, which is an upgrade for the Humsa sonar system; NACS, or the Near-field Acoustic Characterisation System; and AIDSS, or the Advanced Indigenous Distress sonar system for submarines.

Defence Minister Manohar Parrikar, who on Friday handed over the sonars to the Navy, praised the force along with the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) and said he expects more synergy in the coming days.

The systems have been designed and developed by Naval Physical and Oceanographic Laboratory, a Kochi-based laboratory of DRDO.

With the induction of these four systems, the underwater surveillance capability of the Indian Navy will get a boost, besides providing a fillip to the quest for self-reliance in this critical area of technology.

Abhay is an advanced active-cum-passive integrated sonar system designed and developed for the smaller platforms such as shallow water crafts and coastal surveillance/patrol vessels.

It is capable of detecting, localising, classifying and tracking sub-surface and surface targets in both its active and passive modes of operation.

The prototype of this compact sonar installed on board a nominated naval platform has successfully completed all user evaluation trials to demonstrate the features as per the Naval Staff Qualification Requirements.

Indian Navy has proposed to induct this sonar on three of its Abhay class ships.

Intensifying the command over the high seas is the Humsa-UG, which is designed for upgrading the existing Humsa sonar system.

This system is proposed to be installed on seven ships of three different classes.

AIDSS, a distress sonar, is an Emergency Sound Signalling Device which is used to indicate that a submarine is in distress and enable quick rescue and salvage.

It is a life-saving alarm system designed to transmit sonar signals of a pre-designated frequency and pulse shape in an emergency situation from a submarine for a long period, so as to attract the attention of passive sonars of ships or submarines in the vicinity and all types of standard rescue vessels in operation.

It is also provided with a transponder capability.

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It's a blog for foodies around the world. Here you can read about recipes , new ideas and old techniques. You don't have to be a gourmet, just someone who really LOVES food and drink!!!!
A first-class ride for Cowboy Kel Bridle Path residents show love for mail carrier

For the past six years, Kelvin Hoang has been delivering mail and smiles to people living in Simi Valleys Bridle Path neighborhood. We love Kelvin. Hes the best. Hes like...

SV Womans Club to meet Detectives Kelly King and Jessica Getchius of the Simi Valley Police Department will discuss the problems faced by victims and perpetrators of domestic violence at the monthly luncheon meeting of...

Womans flight aboard B-25 bomber honors grandfathers WWII bravery As Kerri Braemer-Castro looked down at the mountains and valleys of Camarillo from the cockpit of a World War II B-25 bomber earlier this month, she finally felt connected to...

Shred your documents The Simi Valley Chamber of Commerce will hold a drive-thru document shredding event from 1 to 4 p.m. Fri., Nov. 11 in the parking lot behind the Chamber office, 40...
White Baltimore teacher fired after calling black students racial slursPostmedia NetworkFirst posted: Thursday, November 17, 2016 07:20 PM EST | Updated: Thursday, November 17, 2016 07:26 PM ESTA white Baltimore teacher has been fired after being caught on video calling her black students idiots and punk-a-- n------ who are gonna get shot for misbehaving.The grainy 82-second clip, which was reportedly filmed in a Grade 8 science class at Baltimores Harlem Park Elementary and Middle School, begins with the teachers screaming fit already in progress. She repeatedly tells one of her students to get out of my class! Eventually, she pushes him into the hallway and comes back inside to direct her anger at the rest of her students.Youre idiots! she screams. Do you want to be like punk-a-- n-------? Youre gonna get shot!The class erupts with shouting, but the teacher can still be heard screaming over them, Youre stupid!According to the New York Daily News , Erica Gales Deminds, mother of one of the students, posted the video to her Facebook page late on Wednesday after her son showed her the recording, which was shot by another student.I see it and Im floored! she told the Daily News. So I uploaded it and shared it with my family, didnt think it would go as far as it went.On Thursday, officials at Baltimores public school board issued a statement condemning the tirade.At Baltimore City Public Schools, we are committed to creating positive and equitable learning environments in school communities where all members are welcome, supported, and valued, the statement read. No form of discriminatory behavior of any kind is or will be tolerated.(Facebook)
Page Content

St. Maarten Tourist Bureau (STB) staff member Marie-line Andrew-Carty clocks 25 years with the Department.

A hearty congratulations to Andrew-Carty, on this milestone, on behalf of the entire Ministry of Tourism, Economic Affairs, Transport and Telecommunications and in particular the Management and staff of the St. Maarten Tourist Bureau.





PHOTO CUTLINE: L-R Mr. Gus Priest presents Andrew-Carty with a bouquet arrangement.
Two Scientists' Upbeat Views on Marrakech

Posted on 18 November 2016 by greenman3610

This is a re-post from Yale Climate Connections

Two scientists who participated in a recent global climate-change meeting in Marrakech, Morocco, come across in a new Yale Climate Connections video as hopeful, bordering on optimistic, about continued international efforts to address the problem. (See related posts here, here, and here.)

Glaciologist Jason Box, of the Geological Survey of Denmark and Greenland, and Cara Augustenborg, an environmental scientist with University College in Dublin, point to a spirit of resolution and perseverance in Marrakech in the days immediately following the U.S. election of Donald J. Trump.

I thought before the election that, if Trump wins, well all just go home, Augustenborg told a meeting at Trinity College in Dublin on November 15, a week after Trumps election. But I was really surprised that the attitude in Marrakech was really quite positive. Negotiating team members and civil society representatives took the approach of: Look, this is going to make it harder for the U.S., definitely, but its only one country out of 196, and the rest of us are still on track, were still going to act.'

Everyones got more resolve to make the Paris agreement a success, Box said in a November 16 Skype interview with independent videographer Peter Sinclair. Thats what everyones talking about.

He said the T word was not a principal focus of international participants. This disruption, optimistically, will stir things up, he said in the monthly This is not cool video.

China with new role  a big winner?

Augustenborg pointed to China as a possible big winner if the Trump administration pulls back on climate: For China, this is really seen as an opportunity. They said, Hey, the U.S. has always been leading this, but we want to lead.'

That view appeared to be reinforced in reporting by New York Times reporter Coral Davenport. She quoted Liu Zhenmin, Chinas lead negotiator in Marrakech and Chinas deputy minister of foreign affairs. Liu said China rejects a 2012 Trump assertion that the concept of global warming was created by and for the Chinese in order to make U.S. manufacturing non-competitive.

Whatever position the U.S. puts forth, China will continue to support the Paris agreement, Davenport reports Liu as saying in Marrakech.

They seem pretty upbeat about the role they play, Box says of China. Theyve become the largest producers of solar . Theyre taking it seriously, and there doesnt seem to be so [many] obstacles in the way for them.

The attitude was very much, Were going to keep going, and if the U.S. doesnt act, theyre just going to be left behind technologically, and thats their loss, Augustenborg said.

Clean energy just makes good economic sense, Box said. It really doesnt make economic sense to not participate in the clean energy revolution. He pointed to what he sees as a big role for free-market initiatives in that revolution.

Im getting a more positive feeling from being at this meeting than I was expecting, said Box, who from 2002 to 2012 was a scholaar at Ohio State Universitys Byrd Polar Research Center.

(See related posts here, here, and here.)
This is EugeObama administration bans Arctic oil drilling through 2022WASHINGTON  The Obama administration on Friday banned offshore drilling in the Arctic, setting a likely collision course with President-elect Donald Trump, who has vowed to unleash new energy production in the United States by rolling back restrictions on oil and gas companies.The move by the Interior Department, part of a new five-year plan for energy development in federal waters, would put a temporary end to exploration in the Chukchi and Beaufort Seas off the Alaskan coast. It also dropped plans to allow companies to drill for oil and natural gas in the Atlantic Ocean off of four southeastern states, including Virginia.The plan focuses on lease sales in the best places  those with highest resource potential, lowest conflict, and established infrastructure  and removes regions that are simply not right to lease, Interior Secretary Sally Jewell said in a statement Friday. Given the unique and challenging Arctic environment and industrys declining interest in the area, forgoing lease sales in the Arctic is the right path forward.The areas off Alaska currently are considered by big oil companies to be too expensive to explore given low crude prices, the steep expenses of drilling in icy waters and the costly failure by Royal Dutch Shell to discover oil in 2015 after years of preparation. Shell spent more than $7 billion, and in the end the hole it drilled was virtually dry.Even if the economics of Arctic drilling improve and a Trump administration wants to reopen the area to exploration, both oil company officials and environmental groups say, Trump would be unable to toss out the five-year plan immediately. To undo the Obama administrations ban, a new administration would have to prepare a supplemental report, which could take as long as two years, depending on whether it needs to prepare a new environmental impact statement.
Loony liberal crybabies need to get over themselves and accept the fact that Donald Trump will be our next president.What we're seeing from the alt-radical left, as I call them, is so over the top, it's pretty hard to believe. But it is real and it's beyond ridiculous.Since last Tuesday's election, Hollywood celebrities who backed Hillary Clinton have been literally in tears, freaking out. Chelsea Handler, Seth Myers and Miley Cyrus are among the heartbroken celebs whose meltdowns have been televised or gone viral online."The message that I want to, like, spread out to other women is, is exactly what you're saying, is not to give up," Handler said on her Netflix show, "Chelsea." "I'm crying. I want to move to Spain. I really, really want to move to Spain right now. And everyone in my office is, like, 'You have a responsibility and you have a voice and you need to use it and you have to be here.'"mo
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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."

----------------------------

"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."

----------------------------

"If you've got a business, you didn't build that. Somebody else made that happen."

----------------------------

"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."

----------------------------

"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."

----------------------------

"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."

----------------------------

"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."

----------------------------

"We are God's partners in matters of life and death."

----------------------------

"[T]he Cambridge police acted stupidly."

----------------------------

"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."

----------------------------

"The reforms we seek would bring greater competition, choice, savings, and INEFFICIENCIES to our health care system."

----------------------------

"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
So in what might pass as a fairytale elsewhere in the world, a Canberra mum-of-four is being paid $1500 to read a literary classic in quiet solitude without anyone nagging her every five minutes. For real.

Moira Christie, of Pearce, received the grant from the Spanish Embassy to read the 400,000-word epic Don Quixote within a month, all part of events to mark the 400th anniversary of the death of author Miguel de Cervantes

Celebratingh the announcement of the lucky person being paid to read arre from left Ciro Marquez from the Spanish cultural group mmmm, -co-sponsor of the Money to Read project; winner Moira Christie from Canberra; Director-General of the National Library of Australia, Anne-Marie Schwirtlich, and Ambassador of Spain, Manuel Cacho. Moria is being paid to read Don Quixote Credit:Craig Mackenzie

She will read the book, in silence, a bit at a time in the foyer of the National Library and then upload a video blog of her impressions via YouTube as she works her way through the literary classic.

A confirmed book lover - her Twitter handle is @moria_reads - Ms Christie said she would have done the reading for free.
Half her partner's pay goes on rent, with much of the remainder spent managing her chronic medical condition.

Unfortunately for the 23-year-old, who is unable to work, the great Australian dream seems just that - a dream.

It's here she draws fresh inspiration for her goal of buying and renovating a home.

"It's very daunting. It's hard for us to even consider ... saving for a house and we have to hope things will be better in a few years' time when we're a bit older," Ms McCarter said.

"At this point I don't even know if it's possible."

The latest CoreLogic Rental Index showed households renting in Canberra paid an average of $505 per week - recording the nation's biggest increase with a rise of 1 per cent for the month and 1.9 per cent year-on-year.

Australian National University Centre for Social Research and Methods Associate Professor Ben Phillips said rent was housing affordability's biggest issue.

"It's really the rental market which is where you have all the social issues and the lower-income families, that's really where the problems are," he said.
Police in Canberra have laid more than 1000 charges related to family violence in the past year. About four in five of those charges were for physical assaults.

On average ACT Policing attend eight to 12 incidents of family violence every day.

This is Canberra's black record for family violence in the past 12 months.

"Family violence remains a serious issue across Australia and sadly it's an all too common occurrence in the ACT," Commander Walters said.

"On average we attend every day eight to 12 incidents of family violence. Many of those offences relate to very serious crimes, murder, attempted murder, threats to kill, and serious violent assaults. That is unacceptable."

Of the 1000-plus charges laid from last November to October this year, 800 were for family violence related assault, assault causing actual bodily harm and assault causing grievous bodily harm.

More than 50 of the charges were for choking, suffocating or strangling a person. There were also 46 threats to kill.

ACT Policing were unable to provide figures on how many offenders the charges related to.
The Russian Embassy has hit back at claims one of its diplomats was aggressive when trying to settle a carpark bingle in Canberra  and cited the old "rusty car" defence.

But the young public servant Erika Bacon, whose car was driven into by an embassy staffer, maintains she was bullied by a Russian diplomat who wanted her to take responsibility for the crash and wanted to know why she wanted reparation at all when her vehicle was "not a Maserati or a Ferrari".

Erika Bacon's car was hit by a vehicle driven by a Russian diplomat. Now it looks like she can't get her car fixed because he is claiming diplomatic immunity. Credit:Jamila Toderas

Despite the embassy promising an apology to Ms Bacon, Russian Ambassador Grigory Logvinov, in a subsequent letter to The Canberra Times, has defended his staffers and accused Ms Bacon of trying to extort the embassy into generally paying to upgrade her "rusty" 15-year-old car  something she vehemently denies.

"All I did was present them for a quote for the damage to the car and asked them to pay it," she said, on Friday.
Australia's biggest independent supermarket chain has gone gourmet in the battle to grow sales and boost margins as it stares down a resurgent Woolworths, the expansionist discount supermarket sector and the pressure of price deflation.

It's a strategy that's paying big dividends for the largest owner of IGA-branded stores, according to Ritchies IGA chief Fred Harrison, who has sunk more than $5 million into a new up-market store format that showcases artisan bread, hand-rolled sushi, dry-aged beef and even bespoke peanut butter.

Less than a week after the opening of its first new concept store in the seaside town of Dromana, south of Melbourne, Mr Harrison said sales were up 50 per cent on the same time last year as customers warmed to the up-market selection of cheese, bread, meat and ready-to-eat meals.

He said bread sales has increased 10-fold to $30,000-a-week since the reopening of the store and customers had bought $800 in handmade chocolates in the first few days of trade.
The building and construction industry will be the next main target of the taxman's attempts to claw-back revenue lost due to the illegal cash economy.

The Australian Taxation Office has visited over 1000 building and construction small businesses over the past financial year to talk with them about their tax and superannuation obligations.

It will be visiting thousands more in the coming months. And it's now using social media to catch out tax cheats.

Assistant Commissioner Matthew Bambrick told Fairfax Media the top three risky industries were hospitality, made up of 70,000 businesses; hair and beauty salons, of which there are 50,000; and building and construction, made up of 406,000 businesses.
A few months ago, Melbourne artist Tony Sowersby gave me a print titled the ghost of tom joad. It's a portrait of a young man seeing the moral crisis of his time and place, and making his stand. The face in the print is actor Henry Fonda's  Fonda played Tom Joad in John Ford's 1940 film The Grapes of Wrath, which was based on John Steinbeck's 1939 novel of the same name. The title of the painting is taken from Bruce Springsteen's 1995 album, The Ghost of Tom Joad. That's why the Tom Joad in Sowersby's 2015 print is playing an electric guitar. Springsteen wrote the song in protest against what was happening in America during the George W. Bush years: "Shelter line stretching 'round the corner/Welcome to the new world order.' The film of John Steinbeck's novel The Grapes of Wrath. The classic novel of powerlessness and dispossession still resonates. At the start of Steinbeck's novel, Tom Joad is a scarcely literate young man just out of prison where he has served four years for manslaughter after killing an armed man in a fight. His family are Oklahoma croppers, poor people living off a small plot of land. Exploitative farming practices driven by the banks have degraded the land and now the soil is blowing away and burying crops in blankets of dust. The banks, seeing the croppers as liabilities, want their money back. Tom Joad arrives back to find his family home knocked over by a bulldozer. When he locates his family, they hazard the journey to California in an old car converted to a truck, looking for itinerant labour.

The Clintons are being held up as emblems of the failure of American politics. American politics failed long ago by not having an equivalent to the Australian Labor Party, an effective voice for the working poor. By the 1930s, when Steinbeck wrote his book, Australia had had three federal Labor governments. In the novel, Pastor Casy, a former preacher who has lost his faith in God, starts trying to organise a union for the itinerant fruit workers flooding into California. He's killed by the police. This is a novel about poverty. But it's also a story about an environmental crisis brought on by farming practices that see the earth simply as a source of profit. And it's a story about refugees, about people who are unwanted and have no home to go back to. It's a book for today. To quote American Steinbeck scholar Robert de Mott, The Grapes of Wrath is a classic "precisely because it keeps being informed by the most recent historical developments". Interestingly, the novel and the film have significantly different endings. The novel, as a work of art, is grand in its scope but rises to a single scene at the end, a Madonna scene, only the young mother has just lost her baby and she feeds her breast milk to a starving old man. In the movie, Tom Joad, having killed the policeman who killed Pastor Casy, is on the run but before leaving he makes a speech to his mother, the words of which are the climax of the Bruce Springsteen song. Basically, wherever people are suffering from injustice and oppression, you'll find Tom Joad. The book was attacked at the time by, including others, the Association of Farmers in California who called it "communistic" and a Republican senator who said the author had a sick imagination. Literary critics dismissed it as "sentimental".
Of all the lunacies of the post-fact world, my favourite is the fiction being peddled that "left-wing elites" in the media and elsewhere revealed their horrendous bias by expressing dismay at the prospect of a Trump presidency.

Voicing some discomfort at the prospect of a pussy-grabbing protector-isolationalist becoming leader of the free world does not a left-wing loon make.

Any political candidate who has been endorsed by the Ku Klux Klan is leaving a lot of room out there on their left flank. You don't have to be Che Guevara to have inadvertently found yourself sitting in that space, desolate in the knowledge that the best you can do to stop the juggernaut is to un-follow The Donald on Twitter.

But progressive and free-thinking Trump first-responders (and since last week, we are all, from Senegal to Seattle, Trump first-responders) do have a problem with Melania Trump, first lady-elect, the woman ostensibly closest to the man but at the same time strangely incidental to him.
Scared workers who fear for their jobs are less likely to hold out for higher wages in negotiation, and less likely to strike. Credit:Greg Ellis Back in the 1980s and '90s the business community argued forcefully, and successfully, for the deregulation of the labour market. Rather than the system of centralised wage setting that had dominated the industrial relations system since Federation, the business community wanted market forces, not notions of comparative wage justice, to set wages in Australia. But since they got their way they have raged against any market forces that put upward pressure on wages, while remaining strategically silent whenever real wage growth was slow. Take the notion of a "skills shortage" for example. In a "free market" when the demand for something rises faster than the supply, the price will generally rise. At Christmas, for example, the demand for prawns rises faster than the prawns can breed, so the price goes up. The high price is used to ration who gets prawns for Christmas and who gets ham. The process has winners and losers, but it's the process business leaders profess to prefer. Except when it comes to workers. During the mining boom the demand for skilled mining and construction workers went through the roof, and their wages rose significantly. But their wages would have risen further still were it not for employers complaining about "skills shortages" and demanding the right to bring in temporary workers from overseas to put downward pressure on wages.

Economists don't usually talk about "prawn shortages" at Christmas, but whenever wages start to grow, conservative business and political voices are quick to talk about "skill shortages". Even if we were to take the issue of "skills shortages" seriously, such a problem is caused by a fundamental failure of the private sector to train the workers it knows it will need. Since when does capitalism rely on the public sector to anticipate the future demand for skills? Isn't placing bets on what the future will look like what entrepreneurs are supposed to be good at? Which brings me to apprentices. Apparently the "skills shortages" are also a result of the fact that it is hard to find young people to work for a pittance in exchange for a lack of job security. It is, we are told, the slovenly work ethic of the young, rather than their rational decision to choose a job that can cover their rent, that is the cause of "the skills shortages". The simple way to "solve" the "shortage" of apprentices is to offer them higher wages. The state-owned electricity corporations, water corporations, rail corporation and housing corporations once trained hundreds of thousands of apprentices, most of whom, on finishing their trade, went to work for the private sector, or themselves. But the business groups that wanted labour market deregulation also wanted privatisation and corporatisation as well. The "inefficient" staffing levels of those institutions have all been "fixed" and the supply of trained welders, carpenters and electricians has plummeted. Leaving aside that one person's skills shortage is another person's opportunity for a decent wage rise, it is remarkable in Australia how successful the spruikers of small government have been in blaming government, and the young, for the private sector's refusal to train the staff they need.
There are some things that every Australian can rely upon. The sun will emerge every morning. The birds will greet the dawn in uplifting song. Metropolitan housing prices will become more precariously explosive. And Peter Dutton will say something stupid about immigrants.

One of the most fascinating things about the Immigration portfolio over the past 20-odd years was the way that it stopped being handled by people that were enthusiastic about Australia's multicultural success story and went instead to people who seemed to be forever on the brink of accidentally saying "the darkies" during their press conferences.

Dutton's latest brilliant statement has been to accuse late Liberal prime minister Malcolm Fraser of being the reason why there are people travelling from Australia to Islamic State war zones today, on the grounds that they wouldn't have been alive now if Fraser hadn't selfishly saved their parents or grandparents' lives.

"The reality is Malcolm Fraser did make mistakes in bringing some people in the 1970s and we're seeing that today," he agreed with fellow intellectual powerhouse Andrew Bolt on Sky News. "We need to be honest in having that discussion. There was a mistake made."
While Ray and Marianne Simmons were enjoying vacation in Europe more than 30 years ago, a community tradition grasped Rays attention and didnt let go until he brought it back home with him to Fremont.

Ray and Marianne had traveled to Europe, and while they were there they saw something that they absolutely loved, said Stacy Heatherly, president of The Digg Site Productions and commissioner of the Eastern Nebraska Film Office. 

What did the Simmons see? White lights, and a whole lot of them. To be more precise, Taper Candles  dozens of them in home and store windows.

Upon returning home, the Simmons wrote letters to people living on Broad Street, Nye Street and Military Avenue, inquiring if they would have interest in putting Taper Candles in their windows during the holiday season.

Residents wanted to, but there wasnt an abundance of Taper Candles available, so Ray, who was a local lawyer, had them shipped in from elsewhere.

The lights could be seen everywhere, Heatherly said. It was beautiful.

The lights were such a success that Donald Skip Edwards nicknamed Fremont The White Light City. Heatherly loved the story so much that she named her documentary film companys film festival The White Light City Film Festival.

The festival, held every October, showcases local film, including films from students who participate in the Digg Sites annual Film Academy, where students learn the ins-and-outs of film and make their own 15-minute-long documentary film. The films are viewed during the festival weekend.

On Wednesday, an effort is being made to bring the white-light tradition back to Fremont.

It lasted for 10 years at least, Heatherly said. We want to still see that tradition come back to life. With the change of residents and younger community it just sort of dropped off. So now we want to make it alive and well again.

At 5 p.m., the large Pine Tree covered in a blanket of white lights will be lit directly outside of Keene Memorial Library, 1030 N. Broad St.

Thanks to a generous donation from the Debby Durham Foundation, 1,500 white lights are being distributed to local churches and organizations and businesses in an effort to turn the Fremont Community into a reflection of Fremonts White Light City tradition, released information says.

A portion of the white lights will be given away to residents who attend the tree-lighting event, Heatherly added. In addition, the white lights on the Library tree were donated by the Debby Durham Family Foundation.

Attendees of the event will have the opportunity to keep warm inside of the library while enjoying a nice glass of hot cocoa, Heatherly said.

Heatherly hopes for a good turnout on Wednesday.

Its very exciting, she said. We see this as an opportunity to connect with the roots of our community by celebrating a tradition and honoring our citys history.
After a week of rhetoric from Bill Shorten about the need to protect Australian jobs, the Opposition Leader has criticised Malcolm Turnbull and Immigration Minister Peter Dutton over the number of foreigners allowed into Australia with work rights.

Mr Shorten said on Friday the visa system allocated more than a million people from overseas with work rights in Australia, but his claim was immediately criticised by experts.

"When we have got so many of our Australian young unemployed, when we've got blue-collar workers displaced by the mining boom not able to find work, something has to give," he said.

The US election, he said, had provided an opportunity for Labor to "repeat everything we have been saying before then about standing up for blue-collar jobs, construction jobs, engineering jobs. There is nothing inappropriate or wrong, despite what Mr Turnbull says, in me fighting for Australian jobs and Australian workers getting priority for Australian jobs."
One of Michelle Obama's go-to fashion designers has announced she will refuse to dress incoming First Lady Melania Trump, calling on other designers to do the same.

Sophie Theallet, whose dresses have been a fixture of Michelle Obama's wardrobe for the past eight years, said she would not continue to provide her services for the next First Family, in a statement released on Twitter on Thursday.

Michelle Obama walks with Barack Obama wearing Sophie Theallet at an Independence Day barbeque on the South Lawn of the White House on July 4, 2011 in Washington, D.C. Credit:Getty

"As one who celebrates and strives for diversity, individual freedom and respect for all lifestyles, I will not participate in dressing or associating in any way with the next First Lady," Theallet wrote.

"The rhetoric of racism, sexism, and xenophobia unleashed by her husband's presidential campaign are incompatible with the shared values we live by. I encourage my fellow designers to do the same."
The wait had been too long and by the time her ticket was called the young mother was slipping away.

Watching her suffer through those last years it never occurred to her two small children that one day they'd be in her shoes.

Rachel Weaver, who recently had a life saving kidney transplant. Credit:Simon Schluter

As they each neared 36, her age at death, they too would be strapped to dialysis machines facing uncertain years waiting for a life saving kidney transplant.

But unlike their mother, Rachel Weaver and her brother were both saved by the generosity of Australians they will never know.
In 2013, Yoshe Taylor was a single mother living on an isolated property in Queensland. She had recently quit her job as a kindergarten teacher and was working part-time as a tutor while home-schooling her own two children, aged 9 and 14. She dreamed of building a new career in the arts. Taylor with her children, Archer (left) and Kahlyla (right), in Australia. Credit:Facebook Like millions of others, she went online in search of companionship. There she came across a man who offered even more - not just charm, sex appeal and romance, but the possibility of a job in an arts and crafts business. He went by the name Precious Max, and claimed he was a successful South African businessman working in Cambodia at the so-called Khmer Arts and Crafts business.

Over 12 months, the pair shared photographs and flirted. Long-haired and muscular, Precious posed in photographs at bars and shirtless in a swimming pool. Slowly he gained Taylor's trust. She had never travelled overseas, so when her new love interest offered to pay her way to Phnom Penh, Taylor jumped at the chance. There he wined and dined her, and talked more about her setting up a Brisbane branch of his business. Precious Max, now serving a jail term in Cambodia for drug offences. Over three months, Taylor travelled three times to Cambodia. On her second trip, Precious asked Taylor to carry back a package to give to a contact who supposedly ran the Sydney branch of the Khmer Arts and Crafts business. "He apparently has a job for me running an Cambodian art gallery in Australia," Taylor told a friend in a message. "Read a contract. It seems legitimate". The long digital trail between the pair indicates Taylor believed Precious Max's front. Fairfax Media and The Feed have reviewed dozens of pieces of correspondence in which Taylor discusses with others the concept behind the business opportunity. She even contacted real estate agents in search of a place to set up shop.

Precious provided Taylor with a copy of his passport - later assessed by the South African embassy in the US to be a forgery - as well as an employment contract and a fake form authorising the 'release' of $50,000 from Khmer Arts and Crafts. The money, he said, was seed funding for Taylor to help her set up the business. The funds never materialised. What Taylor did not know was that every move she and Precious Max made was being monitored by the Cambodian authorities. And for good reason. Precious Max is not South African. He is a Nigerian national. His real name is Precious Chineme Nwoko, and he is a convicted drug trafficker and fraudster who has groomed dozens, possibly hundreds, of women in Australia and other countries. To do it, he has created a number of convincing online profiles across multiple platforms including Facebook, Tagged, Badoo and Twoo. He has sent photos of offices and fake passports, along with other documents, to convince potential victims of his legitimacy.

"He gave me a contract, but first I'd asked him for copy of his passport," Taylor told Fairfax Media and The Feed from her prison cell. "Then when I got here, he provided me authorisation for seed money  he had me totally fooled'. On September 18, 2013, Taylor was in Cambodia on her third trip and due to fly back to Australia. This time Precious had asked her to carry back a backpack full of samples. She hadn't even made it to the check-in counter at Phnom Penh airport when police swooped. They immediately went for the backpack. In the lining they found just over two kilograms of heroin. Nwoko was arrested only hours after Taylor. In local media, deputy chief of the Cambodian police's anti-terrorism department Lieutenant Colonel Kong Narin said Taylor and Nwoko "were arrested by our Cambodian anti-terrorism police based on a report from Australian anti-drug police after they seized a stash [of heroin] sent from Cambodia to Australia in early 2013."

Nwoko's lawyer also said his client had been arrested based on a report from Australian authorities - a story confirmed by Taylor. Taylor wasn't the first to be tricked by Precious Max. Just under a month before her dramatic arrest, another woman, Kay Smith*, had arrived back in Melbourne after a whirlwind four-day tour of Phnom Penh. She was there to meet a love interest who she had met online. This time, Nwoko had sold himself as a successful South African businessman in the import and export trade. He wined and dined Smith, before proposing marriage on the day she was to return to Australia. It was her first trip overseas, too. Giddy with the excitement of the engagement, she agreed to carry back samples that Nwoko claimed were for an Australian associate. At the Customs counter at Melbourne airport, the fairytale came crashing spectacularly to earth. She was stopped by officers who discovered two kilograms of heroin sewn into a secret compartment.

CCTV footage of the search shows Smith collapsing to the floor. It is not only the drugs being revealed to her at that moment, but the treachery of the man she thought she would marry. Officers lifted her into a chair. At Smith's committal hearing in 2014, lawyers for the AFP confirmed Australian authorities had passed information to their Cambodian liaison officer in the Phnom Penh embassy. But Smith herself was not prosecuted. In early 2015, a year-and-a-half after her arrest, the Commonwealth Director of Public Prosecutions dropped the case against her. It accepted that she had been duped, that she had not formed criminal intent. However the prosecution brief in the Cambodian case against Taylor includes details taken from Kay Smith's case in Australia, as well as that of one other Australian, a man arrested carrying drugs on behalf of Nwoko.

In June this year, AFP Commissioner Andrew Colvin was in Phnom Penh to sign a memorandum of understanding with the Cambodian National Police to establish Strikeforce Dragon, which focuses on the illicit drug trade. The aim, according to Colvin, is to "protect our respective communities and to bring to justice those that seek to profit from transnational crime". But when contacted by Fairfax Media and The Feed, the AFP refused to comment on Taylor's case, or their involvement in her arrest. Police would only acknowledge that their senior liaison officer in Cambodia had received documents from Taylor's family in 2014. These documents, her family say, provide further information that suggests Taylor is innocent. According to Taylor and her family, she has crucial information that could assist the AFP in the fight against drug trafficking; she not only met Nwoko and his associates in Phnom Penh, but she also spoke on the phone and met with his so-called "business partners" in Australia. On her second trip to Cambodia, Taylor brought back a parcel, supposedly for a man called Alex. When she spoke with Alex by phone, he had an Australian accent. But the person who arrived to collect the package was, she believes, a Cambodian national. To her knowledge, the AFP has never followed up this lead.

In her three years in prison, Taylor has never been interviewed by the AFP. Nor have her family or friends. "No one has ever spoken to me. I've never seen anyone from the AFP. They did not even come to my trial; no one has ever visited me here," she says. The Department of Foreign Affairs would only say they were providing "ongoing consular assistance" to an unnamed Australian woman. The AFP has refused to answer questions relating to prosecutions brought against any who are connected to Nwoko's syndicate within Australia. Fairfax Media and The Feed were unable to find an example of any individual being prosecuted. The failure to follow up on the case of Yoshe Taylor raises concerning questions regarding the capacity of Australian law enforcement to stop the flood of illicit substances making their way into Australia, and seriously undermines the government's message on border security.

Fairfax Media and The Feed can confirm that Nwoko continues to operate from within a Cambodian prison. In 2015, two years after Taylor was arrested and Nwoko was imprisoned, a third victim, Joanne Mitchell*, a single mother-of-three from Melbourne, became ensnared in the scam. Again, Nwoko claimed to be a South African businessman - this time with the name Curtis - and was quick to declare love and propose marriage. "I love you so much. Happy to be yours forever," Mitchell responded. Precious Max is now in prison, even if his online persona still appears to be active. But when she travelled to meet him, he said he had been called away on urgent business and could not meet her. She did not know he was in jail at the time.

"Curtis" told Mitchell to return to Australia, but not before retrieving a special gift - a musical instrument. At Melbourne Airport, Mitchell was told that the saxophone she was carrying concealed nearly two kilograms of heroin - $1.5 million worth of the drug. "I'm a strong person  but you will never get over it," she said, remembering that moment. "He used to video-call me, he sent money, he paid for my ticket - all from jail." Last year, Mitchell provided the AFP with an 18-page statement. All charges against her were dropped. Again, the prosecutor could not find criminal intent. Fairfax Media and The Feed understand that yet another drug mule, conned by Nwoko's syndicate and arrested in Australia, had their case go to trial but was found not guilty.

Online today, Precious Max, aka Nwoko, still has active online profiles. On Twoo, his profile has been accessed within the past 30 days. Is he back online from behind bars? Are others in the drug syndicate operating the profile? Whatever the case, it means that another Australian woman could be in the process of falling in love, travelling to Cambodia and ultimately carrying a bag of drugs back into the country. But while Nwoko's victims who were lucky enough to be arrested and charged in Australia are free to try and pick up the pieces of their lives, Yoshe Taylor faces another two decades inside the former Khmer Rouge torture camp that is now PJ Prison. She does not blame the Cambodian system. She says they were just doing their jobs. But she is furious at authorities in her own country, whom she feels have abandoned her. "There are so many people who've been tricked; I'm not the only one," she said.

During her three years in prison, her children have grown taller, lost teeth and gained new ones, and moved up three grades at school. They know that their mum is in jail, but they don't know all the details. When she was asked outside a Cambodian courtroom this month if she had a message for her family, she broke down and cried. Her message was a simple one: "I love you. I miss you". 'I haven't spoken to my kids since November 2014, when I was taken to hospital". Only then did a sympathetic guard allow her to use his mobile phone to call them. Taylor is appealing her conviction in Cambodia. A decision is due to be handed down on the December 6.
After claiming it was a "drunken Maccas run" gone wrong Michael Meakin has been jailed for at least 18 years for mowing down and killing a man with a van following a pub fight in western Sydney.

Delivering his sentence in the NSW Supreme Court on Friday, Justice David Davies said Meakin's actions had been so "out of proportion" to any offence he believed had been done to him that it "defies description".

"This case is another regrettable example of where excessive consumption of alcohol can lead," Justice Davies said.

Meakin drove his white work van into Nicholas McEvoy, 30, while he was walking on the nature strip along Richmond Road in February 2014.
The Shooters, Fishers and Farmers Party has finished first after the final count of ballots in the Orange byelection, but due to the closeness of the vote the Nationals have been granted a recount.

Following the distribution of preferences, the Shooters' Philip Donato finished 55 votes ahead of the Nationals' Scott Barrett. Late on Friday the Nationals were granted a recount on Monday at 8.30am.

In NSW elections, either candidate can request a recount before the declaration of the seat but must set out reasons to the returning officer. The electoral commissioner can also direct a recount.

Orange would be the party's first seat in the lower house of the NSW Parliament. It has two members in the NSW upper house - Robert Borsak and Robert Brown.
A land and air search is underway for a man missing west of Rockhampton after his car and personal belongings were found in bushland on Friday.

Aaron Flynn, 29, was last seen leaving an address on Keilambete Road at Rubyvale last Friday and has not been in contact with anyone since.

Aaron Flynn has been missing since last Friday Credit:QUEENSLAND POLICE MEDIA

His black Volvo station wagon was found by a member of the public in bushland just off the roadway on Rubyvale Road.

Police said a number of his personal belongings were found inside the vehicle.
Innovation is the elusive ingredient every business is chasing. It's what keeps entrepreneurs up at night and pushes them out of bed each morning.

The secrets behind innovation are typically well hidden, but there are some innovators who are happy to divulge how they keep coming up with golden ideas.

Justin Webb in the field with AgriWebb

Matt Schneider, managing director of Perth software development company Optika, says innovation is the ability to see how things can be done better and creativity stimulates that vision.

"I believe the future is going to be around creativity and how we can come up with creative solutions to global problems and that's all about innovation," he says.
Shane Chartres-Abbott was killed in 2003. Credit:Andrew De La Rue First to Big George. The former power lifter knew he was in danger when he discovered the snoozer he put to sleep outside the nightclub was Mather's son. Just two weeks before he was killed, he tried to borrow $5000 from a relative to buy a handgun. "He said: 'I'm in trouble; there's a hit on me. I've bashed a kid. I didn't know who he was'," the relative said. (There is no suggestion Ray Mather was aware of any plot against Germanos). An inquest into the killing of George Germanos 15 years ago is expected to get under way soon. "He wasn't a career criminal. He was a quiet man who still lived at home. But from working security at clubs, he knew a lot of wrong people."

And it was some of those wrong people who set him up. "We have been waiting 15 years for answers to what happened. We desperately want the inquest to go ahead without any further delays," the relative said. On March 22, Germanos went to Armadale's Inverness Park for a late-night meeting. The open street directory later found on the passenger seat of his 1966 Valiant would suggest he did not know the area and the location was selected by his killer. It was the perfect place for a murder, as it was covered with trees, intersected five streets and offered easy getaways. Between 10.30pm and 11pm, he parked about 50 metres from one of the park's entrances and walked in, leaving his cigarettes and lighter in the car. (He left his mobile phone and wallet at home.)

If his plan was to slip into the park unnoticed, it failed. The killer beat him there and almost certainly hid under a bush near the entrance. Germanos walked in five metres, then turned back, possibly after the killer called his name. The last thing he saw was the muzzle flash as he was shot in his barrel chest. Then the killer shot him four times in the head from point-blank range. It is easy to speculate, but the planning of the ambush and the ruthless execution suggests the gunman was no novice. Police suspect the hitman was a man close to Mather, who had freelanced for him before. Which brings us to Belias, a con artist who always seemed to have several balls in the air. But when he tried to rip off Mather, one of the balls turned into a hand grenade.

Belias was an underworld debt collector heavily in debt. He burned in a loan scam the type of people who don't need to call consumer affairs to get their money back. On September 9, 1999 (9/9/99  lucky for some, but not for others) Belias had several meetings, with the last planned for 7pm in St Kilda Road. He drove into the city and parked outside the Regency Hotel and at 5.47pm Bluey Bob hopped into his car for a chat. He was the last known associate to see him alive and, as usual, Bluey refused to make a statement to police. Belias was lured to a meeting in an underground car park in St Kilda Road and just before 7pm was shot in the back of the head.

A muzzle imprint on the skin indicated the barrel was pressed against his skull. So, how could these underworld killings be connected to the murder of a young mum in Werribee? First, we need to look at Mather's wider social circle, which included a group of loud detectives and a gang of quiet crooks. The crooks, we now know, formed an armed robbery gang right out of a George Clooney Ocean's 11 movie. Fit and well trained, they would meet secretly in public parks and carry out meticulously planned armed robberies on the Olympic schedule of every four years. Each job was different with one common element: they always had an inside man, once leaving a sleeper in place for years until they were ready to move.

Over 20 years, the gang invested the stolen millions in property and businesses, avoiding indulgent purchases that could attract the interest of police and tax officers. After each robbery, they would disperse to live seemingly law-abiding lives, running businesses and bringing up children. Some worked as part-time actors, scoring roles in a local cop drama that featured a major armed robbery. Talk about method actors. But occasionally the cloak of invisibility would lift, such as when they turned up at certain underworld funerals to be given prominent positions in the mourning party. Which brings us to the murder of Maryanna Lanciana, 25, in Werribee in July 1984. She, like Belias, was shot in the back of the head at point-blank range. The gunman snuck into the Kiely Avenue house and shot her while she slept in her bed with her 22-month-old son asleep in a nearby cot.

But why? The suggestion is she fell on some information about the armed robbery gang and was callously dealt with like an errant thread in a favourite suit. In one way, it worked, as many on the periphery were frightened into silence  at least until recently. Fear is a powerful deterrent, but greed, coupled with the desire to do a deal when police come knocking, is the equally powerful antidote. In 2014, when announcing an unprecedented collective $3 million reward for information about the killings, the then head of the homicide squad, Detective Inspector John Potter, said: "We have information the three murders are connected and there will be people in the community who have associated with a particularly criminal group with information that can assist us." What we do know is after years of near monastic silence underworld birds are chirping and police believe one gunman may be responsible for pulling the trigger in all three cases.

How much of this will be revealed at the Germanos inquest is anyone's guess, but when the matter came up for mention a couple of weeks ago before the State Coroner Judge Sara Hinchey she showed distinct signs of growing impatient at a series of delays. Intriguingly, the file was coupled with the murder of Shane Chartres-Abbott, who was gunned down on June 4, 2003, in the driveway of his Reservoir home. The Chartres-Abbott murder opened a drum of spitting pythons rather than the usual can of worms. In 2007, a notorious underworld killer turned informer volunteered to detectives he was the trigger man in the Reservoir hit. This was intriguing because in other cases when he confessed it was always out of self-interest, minimising his involvement and maximising his sentence discount.

This time, he admitted he was the shooter when he was not even the suspect. He was convicted of the killing and his statements resulted in three men being charged  and acquitted. Although he was never charged, it was claimed Mather was the facilitator. There were allegations that corrupt police close to Mather were involved  claims the now former police have always denied. For the first time, police are using a retired investigator to prepare the (Germanos) brief for the coroner. The choice of investigator, respected former detective inspector Steve Waddell, is no fluke. For he was in charge of Taskforce Briars, the protracted investigation into the Chartres-Abbott killing.
FOR THE LATEST DETAILS: Follow our live coverage of the Springvale Commonwealth Bank fire

Nearly 30 people have been injured, six with serious burns, in a fire at a bank in Springvale, in Melbourne's south-east.

A man set fire to the Commonwealth Bank branch at Springvale Central about 11.30am, police said.

Do you know more? Email scoop@theage.com.au
Robert G. Schroeder, 91, passed away on Wednesday, Nov. 16, 2016, with his wife and daughter at his side.

He was born on Sept. 27, 1925, in Cuming County to Gustav and Ella (Clausen) Schroeder. He attended rural school and was a graduate of Scribner High School Class of 1943. Bob served his country by enlisting in the Army Reserves from 1946-1949. He then entered the plumbing business, with his uncle. Bob married Doris Johnson in 1950 and moved briefly to North Platte, later settling in Kearney to start a family and where he became a mechanical job superintendent for Anderson Brothers. He led hospital projects from Imperial to Fremont, including schools, dormitories and the Brunner Hall of Science at University of Nebraska Kearney.

In 1976, Bob started his own small contracting business named Independent Plumbing and Heating. Being self-employed, Bob felt free at last. He specialized in apartment and smaller commercial buildings. He was the mechanical contractor on the Glenwood School. In 1990, he semi-retired but could never give up his work completely. He was conscientious and took great pride in this work.

He was a faithful and devoted husband and father. Bobs favorite pastime was hunting or fishing with his neighbor, Ben Pahl, and his son on the Platte River. The family took many camping trips to Colorado and Wyoming to hike, fish, and enjoy the outdoors. They spent many happy hours hunting geese, ducks, turkey and pheasant. He introduced his young son to hunting by carrying him piggyback across the water to the duck blind water.

Bob loved animals. His favorite hunting dog was a black lab named Sal. He worked teams of horses as young man on the farm. He often came home from grade school to hitch up a team to mow hay. He also broke horses and enjoyed riding. When his daughter and sons grandparents gave them a Shetland pony one Christmas, Bob taught them to ride and built a pony cart.

Bob was a faithful church member his entire life. He was baptized and confirmed at St. Johns Lutheran Church (Cuming County Line) near Scribner. As a member of First Lutheran Church, Kearney, he served on the church council and various committees. He served as Vice Chairman of the Building Committee when the church was built on Avenue G. He laid the cornerstone. Bob took great pride in his church and watched over it. On the day of the churchs very hot July dedication day, Bob was found on the roof in his suit and tie adjusting the air conditioning. He rarely missed attending a Sunday service and was often found in the boiler room checking things over before services started.

Bob was preceded in death by his parents, Ella and Gustav Schroeder; two brothers, Wayne and Ray; and two sisters, Corrine and Dorothy.

Bob is survived by his wife, Doris; daughter, Barbara Schroeder of Omaha; son, Scott Schroeder, DDS, and wife, Cindy Schroeder, DDS, of Missoula, Mont.; and their daughters, Madison of Missoula and Macey and husband, Tony Incontro, of San Francisco.

Thank you to everyone, family members, relatives and friends who have been part of our lives and memories over the many years.

The funeral is 10:30 a.m. Tuesday at First Lutheran Church in Fremont. The Rev. Marty Tollefson will officiate. Lunch will follow the service. Burial will follow in the Scribner Cemetery with military honors by Scribner American Legion Post 121. Visitation will be from 2-8 p.m. Monday at Ludvigsen Mortuary Chapel in Fremont with the family present from 5-7 p.m.

An online guestbook may be signed at www.ludvigsenmortuary.com.
The man suspected of setting fire to a Melbourne bank, leaving 27 people injured, is believed to be an asylum seeker who came to Australia by boat.

Federal government sources say the 21-year-old Springvale man is an asylum seeker from Myanmar living in the community on a bridging visa. It's understood he arrived in 2012 or 2013 and spent time in the Christmas Island detention centre.

On Saturday morning, two people were still fighting for their lives after the fire at the Commonwealth Bank in Springvale on Friday.

Six people with serious burns were taken to The Alfred hospital following the blaze, including the man allegedly responsible for lighting the fire in the busy bank about 11:30am.
The Alfred reports that there have been no changes to the conditions of the six patients who suffered serious burns, including the alleged attacker.

Concerns are gravest for the two in critical conditions, although one is stable.

Another is in a serious but stable condition, while the remaining three are stable.

It's been a terrible day for Springvale. That concludes our live coverage of the disturbing fire.

Here is a full account of the day's events.
Follow our live blog of the Springvale bank fire

A toddler and several people in their 80s are among 27 people injured in the horrific fire at Springvale on Friday morning.

Paramedics have also spoken to distressed witnesses who saw the terrifying scenes.

Do you know more? Email scoop@theage.com.au
Shaping his cabinet: President-elect Donald Trump. Credit:Matt Rourke Trump also has yet to say whether he'll ask for the resignation of Federal Bureau of Investigation Director James Comey, who he criticised over the handling of the investigation into Clinton and for not recommending criminal charges against her. Sessions would also be deeply involved in vetting potential Supreme Court picks for Trump, including one to fill the seat of Antonin Scalia, who died in February. Trump named retired Lieutenant General Michael Flynn as his White House national security adviser. Credit:AP Sessions opposed all of President Barack Obama's US Supreme Court picks and also voted against the nomination of Attorney General Loretta Lynch, citing her support for the president's executive actions that shielded some undocumented immigrants from deportation.

"At the outset of this nomination process, I said that no senator should vote to confirm anyone for this position  the top law enforcement job in America  who supported the president's unlawful actions," he said of Lynch's nomination. Mike Pompeo will run the CIA. Credit:AP It's hard to imagine Sessions's fellow senators staging a fight over his confirmation, but there is likely to be scrutiny of his past in Alabama, particularly given the Justice Department's role in protecting civil rights. In 1986, President Ronald Reagan picked Sessions for a judgeship, but his nomination never got out of committee after a firestorm over charges he had made racist statements. Sessions acknowledged referring to the NAACP and other organisations as "communist inspired" and "un-American organisations with anti-traditional American values," the New York Times reported in April 1986. Sessions, though, eventually made it to the Senate and to a senior position on the Judiciary Committee.

Sessions has been hostile to gay rights, voting for a constitutional amendment to ban gay marriage in 2006 and against the 2010 repeal of "don't ask, don't tell," the policy that banned gays and lesbians from serving openly in the military. David Stacy, the government affairs director for Human Rights Campaign, told Metro Weekly that the prospect of Sessions as attorney general is "absolutely terrifying." Sessions could also face questions over his defence of Trump's vulgar remarks about women that were recorded by the television show Access Hollywood. Sessions dismissed the notion that Trump was describing something akin to sexual assault. Sessions, who chairs the Judiciary subcommittee that oversees immigration, would also be heavily involved in the planned review of Obama's executive orders, many of which Trump has promised to reverse. Sessions called Obama's executive order that would have granted work permits to a broader group of undocumented immigrants "brazen" and 'illegal." His position on Trump's proposed Muslim ban could provoke the most scrutiny.

After Trump suggested a "total and complete shutdown on Muslims" entering the US, Sessions said, "It's time for us to think this through and the classical, internal American religious principles I don't think apply providing constitutional protections to persons not citizens who want to come here." Still, he stopped short of fully endorsing the idea. "As a principle, we want to be not condemnatory of other people's religion," he said to Bannon on the Breitbart News radio show last December. "And there are millions of wonderful, decent, good Muslims, hundreds of millions worldwide, and so we've got to be really careful that we don't cross that line and I guess Mr Trump has caused us all to think about it more concretely." Sessions strongly opposed a bipartisan criminal justice overhaul to reduce sentences on drug traffickers, although in 2010 he cut a deal with Democrats to reduce disparities between crack and cocaine sentences from 100:1 to 18:1. On the Armed Services Committee, Sessions looked after the interests of Alabama defense installations such as the Redstone Arsenal in Huntsville and the Anniston Army Depot.

In the Senate, Sessions also sits on the Armed Services, Budget and Environment and Public Works committees. While most congressional Republicans spent much of the year avoiding talking about Trump, Sessions was an enthusiastic booster throughout, serving as a senior adviser on politics, national security and policy. Sessions serves a vice chairman of Trump's transition. Sessions had been fighting a lonely battle against the party's establishment before Trump came along. In Trump, Sessions saw someone strong enough to smash the system in Washington that he says caters to big money interests like the Chamber of Commerce and Wall Street, particularly on trade and immigration. "Trump has a way of driving a message so people hear it. I've been talking about it for years and nobody hears it," Sessions said in an interview before the Republican National Convention. "Trump has that gift."

National security and CIA roles go to Trump loyalists Flynn, a retired US Army three-star general and one of Trump's closest advisers, was fired from the Defence Intelligence Agency in 2014, a move he has attributed to his outspoken views about combating Islamist militancy. Other officials who worked with Flynn cited his lack of management skills and leadership style as reasons for his firing. An Army intelligence veteran of three decades, Flynn was assistant director of national intelligence under President Barack Obama. Pompeo, 52, a third-term Republican congressman from Kansas, was a surprise pick to lead the CIA. He was a member of a congressional committee that investigated a 2012 attack on US diplomatic facilities in Benghazi, Libya, that killed the US ambassador and three other Americans.
Kuala Lumpur: Malaysian police arrested the head of the pro-democracy group Bersih and several opposition leaders on Friday, widening a crackdown on government critics a day before a rally calling for Prime Minister Najib Razak to step down.

Thousands are expected to march on Saturday in a protest organised by Bersih, an electoral reform group, to demand Mr Najib resign over his involvement in a multi-billion-dollar misappropriation scandal at state fund 1Malaysia Development Berhad (1MDB). Mr Najib has denied any wrongdoing.

Pro-democracy activists in Sekinchan, Malaysia last month. They are expected to take to the streets again on Saturday to demand the prime minister's resignation. Credit:AP

Bersih chairperson Maria Chin Abdullah and secretariat member Mandeep Singh were arrested shortly after the group's offices were raided.

City police said they were arrested for offences related to rioting. Laptops, bank and payroll statements were seized.
The Chatree gold mine in central Thailand. Credit:Craig Skehan "The mine has done nothing wrong. Many people here will suffer and lose their livelihoods. It's crazy," said Fai Mahasat, the head of one of four districts surrounding the mine. Fai and the chiefs of two other district councils told Fairfax Media during a meeting at the mine that 90 per cent of the 19,725 people they represent want Thailand's only major operating gold mine to stay open. Elected district chief Fai Mahasat expressed shock at the decision to close the Chatree mine. Credit:Craig Skehan "This decision came as a shock. No one is prepared for the hardship it will bring and we appeal to the prime minister to reverse his decision," said Chatnapa Muangpan, another district chief.

Thailand's Prime Minister Prayuth Chan-ocha, a former army general, has cited a public outcry over health and environmental issues for his order, which shocked foreign companies with investments in Thailand. Thai children in a village 500 metres from the mine. Landowners and environmental activists say their health is at risk. Credit:Craig Skehan Environmental activists and some local landowners had campaigned vigorously against the mine, claiming toxic substances from it had poisoned people, including children. But the company insists that multiple studies, including by Thai government agencies, have failed to produce any evidence that the mine has damaged the surrounding environment, the health of workers or of nearby residents. Chatree general manager Brennan Lang says state-of-the-art health and environment safeguards are in place at the gold mine. Credit:Craig Skehan

The company has spent millions of dollars supporting locals, including providing scholarships, fresh water systems and financial backing for small projects such as mushroom farming. And Thailand has reaped tens of millions of dollars more in royalties and taxes. Until the order came to close, Akara, a company listed on the Thai stock exchange, was planning to invest a further $US1 billion to continue mining on adjacent leases for another 20 to 30 years, raising several billion dollars in revenue, company executives said. The Thai government, which is stacked with former generals, initially said it wanted to liberalise Thailand's mining sector, but 27,522 environmental activists opposed revision of the 1967 Minerals Act in a 2015 petition, indicating strong public opposition to mining. Thai media reports last month suggested the government may be reconsidering the closure decision, given there is no conclusive evidence of hazardous waste or contamination.

Thailand's Ministry of Industry was also considering the implications of the mine's closure on Thailand's free trade agreement with Australia, some media outlets reported. But the company, which has not been notified of any review, has already moved to end blasting in a 170-metre-deep open-cut pit and extraction of ore in the first week of December, with processing continuing until New Year's eve. Cherdsak Utha-aroon, the company's general manager for external affairs, said the closure "doesn't make sense" because there are no scientific or health grounds to justify it. "Yes, there are a handful of people who do not like us. Some have hidden agendas on land deals. They make a lot of noise, which has initiated concern in the government sector," he said. Cherdsak said there has been speculation that someone behind the scenes is orchestrating the mine's closure. "But as far as I can see I don't see any indication of such a move, so I cannot say," he said.

The mine was ordered to close for 44 days in January 2015 after tests by the Justice Ministry's Central institute of Forensic Science found elevated levels of manganese and arsenic in 329 of 600 blood samples collected from people living near the mine. The tests were conducted after locals complained of being poisoned by the mine. Australian miner Kingsgate has dismissed concerns over cyanide used in smelting, insisting its giant tailings dam is safe. Credit:Craig Skehan But the company does not use either of those metals at the mine and earlier studies confirmed that central Thailand had high levels of them in soil and water before the mine opened. The company uses cyanide in its smelting operations but insists levels are low and that it dissipates in sunlight from a tailings dam.

"A cigarette or cup of coffee may contain similar levels of cyanide to what's in our tailing facility," Kingsgate's chief executive Greg Foulis said in May. "We accept that there's always going to be minority groups that don't want certain businesses, industries and investments," he said. "However, the government still hasn't found a mechanism to deal with protests or interest groups." The company plans to sack all but about 20 workers and put the mine under a care and maintenance program on December 31, leaving uncertainty around the plant and future rehabilitation works costing hundreds of millions of dollars. Brennan Lang, the mine's Canadian-born general manager, said security guards will be deployed at the site to protect the processing plant and machinery, part of the company's $A1 billion investment in the mine. For now, the company is blasting 50,000 tonnes of ore a day to squeeze every last dollar out of the mine before its closure, hoping to clear outstanding bank loans.

50,000 tonnes of ore a day are being blasted daily to squeeze every last dollar out of the mine before its closure. Credit:Craig Skehan Kingsgate, a high-flying $A2 billion company when gold prices were high in 2011, this month rejected a share offer launched by Thai millionaire Chatchai Yenbamroong, while the company was in a prolonged trading halt. The offer valued the company at only about $A5 million. Komsan Kwankaew says he thinks he is too old to find a job in Bangkok, despite the skills he obtained working in Chatree's metallurgy department for almost 16 years. He said without his salary from the mine he will struggle to pay the school and university fees for his daughters, aged 22 and 15, and will probably have to move his family to another province so that he can work with his brother who has a mobile stall.
London: The family of a British woman arrested in Dubai for reporting her own rape has launched an online appeal, urging the public and the UK government to help negotiate her release.

The British woman was charged for having extramarital sex after she reported her own rape to police, according to UK-based legal advocacy group Detained in Dubai.

Dubai has established a glitzy reputation as a holiday and stopover destination. Credit:Getty Images

The case has revealed a persistent and deep-rooted prejudice against women in the Gulf state, rights groups say.

"The authorities continue to fail survivors of such violence by treating women who have been raped as criminals, instead of investigating and prosecuting suspected perpetrators," Drewery Dyke, from Amnesty International, said on Friday.
Pamela Ramsey Taylor wrote of Michelle Obama: "I'm tired of seeing an ape in heels." Credit:Facebook In New York state, students hung a black doll from a noose in an elevator at Canisius College in Buffalo. At the University of Pennsylvania, black freshman students were added to GroupMe chats, in which they were invited to "daily lynchings". At a middle school in Michigan, the white students taunted their Latino classmates with a Trump slogan  "Build a wall!"  and at a school in New Jersey, they chanted: "Ten feet higher! Ten feet higher!" In Georgia, an anonymous note was passed to a Muslim teacher saying her "headscarf isn't allowed any more" and "hang yourself with it". Former Clay County, West Virginia, mayor Beverly Whaling. Credit:Facebook In Maryland, a banner announcing a Spanish-language service at a church in Silver Springs was defaced with the words "Trump nation whites only". In New York state, a swastika and the "Make America White Again" slogan were painted on the wall of a dugout at a softball field in Wellsville. In Indiana, "Heil Trump" and a swastika were daubed on a church.

In the Pennsylvania suburbs, a woman found her car daubed with "Trump rules!" and "Black bitch". In North Carolina, graffiti on a Durham wall read, "Black lives don't matter and neither does your vote". Melania Trump and Michelle Obama met at the White House on Thursday. Credit:Getty Images There have been hundreds of such attacks and incidents since election night. Suicide helplines report a doubling in the rate of desperate calls as Muslims and mosques become targets. These attacks don't come out of nowhere. The FBI reported almost 6000 hate crimes in 2015, with a 67 per cent hike in violence directed at Muslims, the biggest spike in hate crime since the aftermath of the September 11 attacks. Michelle Obama in Versace as she appears in the December 2016 issue of Vogue. Credit:Vogue/Annie Leibovitz

Andrew Anglin revels in it all. As publisher of the widely read neo-Nazi website Daily Stormer, he urged his readers to pursue those who complain of harassment or were critical of Trump: "You can troll these people and definitely get some of them to kill themselves  'Mass suicide after Trump victory' would be a headline the media would play up  but it would demoralise the left even further." One of Anglin's followers urged victims of the attacks to slash their wrists  "Make it count!" Another told a woman who said she had cried on election night to "get dressed and get in the oven". Chong Cha demonstrates against Donald Trump with her dog, Zuzu, outside Trump Tower on November 12. Credit:AP/Mary Altaffer Anglin, who last year told the Los Angeles Times he believed "white people deserve their own country", continued his verbal rampage after Trump's victory: "We beat you, we beat you badly. And now that you are on the ground, we are going to keep kicking you in the head." Angry protests against the election outcome were accompanied by a handful of reports of vicious anti-Trump behaviour  in Chicago, a man was reportedly beaten and kicked by a mob that accused him of voting for Trump; and in Washington DC a placard in a protest outside a new Trump hotel read "rape Melania", a reference to Trump's wife.

Lakeville Country Club owner Gary Mosca looks down at a message carved into the 18th green on October 13, 2009, in Lakeville, Massachusetts. Credit:AP/Boston Herald While Trump and his inner circle have remained cloistered at Trump Tower, saying little save for an occasional tweet, most of which have lashed the media, many who are expected to have key roles in the new administration have a record of bigotry, xenophobia or intolerance  or all three. Top of the anxiety heap, after Trump, is Steve Bannon, who the President-elect has named as his chief strategist and White House counsellor, a remarkable ricochet from the dark fringes of American conservatism to a desk just down the passage from the Oval Office. Trump aide Kris Kobach is pushing for a national immigrant registry. Credit:AP Under Bannon's leadership, Breitbart News, or "Trump Pravda", as critics dubbed it, became the election's go-to news source for white nationalist American males  reliably anti-women, anti-Semitic, anti-immigrant and anti-non-white. Hate-monitoring group the Southern Poverty Law Centre describes Breitbart News as a "white ethno-nationalist propaganda mill".

During the July Republican convention, Bannon boasted that the website was a "platform for the alt-right", a loose group of far-right ideologies fixed on the notion that white identity is under attack. Its followers are mostly young and male, white supremacist, anti-immigration, anti-feminism, and anti-multiculturalism. Senator Jeff Sessions and Kellyanne Conway, campaign manager for President-elect Donald Trump on Thursday. Credit:AP They are at war more with mainstream American conservatism than they are with centrist or left schools of political thought; and on social media, the targets of their bile are usually Jews, Muslims and other vulnerable groups. Bannon has become a lightning rod for non-white anxiety. In the West Wing, he is expected to advocate for the most aggressive of Trump's policies, described as he is by a Breitbart colleague as "a field general [who] very much sees the fight for the soul of this country as a war". Conspiracy theorist Alex Jones of InfoWars.com is a hit on social media.

In most developed democracies, the celebration of Bannon's appointment by a far extremity of the right would have made it impossible for Trump to stick with it  "best possible position [because he'll] not get lost in the weeds", according to prominent white nationalist Richard Spencer; shows that Trump might "be for real", says the chairman of the American Nazi Party; "excellent  basically creating the ideological aspects of where we're going", reckons David Duke, one-time imperial wizard of the Ku Klux Klan. But it's not just Bannon. Many of those destined to be a part of the Trump administration or helping to shape it cause great distress in non-white America. Members of the Ku Klux Klan after a white pride rally in Georgia in April. Credit:AP Alabama senator Jeff Sessions, Trump's stoutest supporter in Congress who is widely tipped to be either defence secretary or attorney-general in the new administration, was rejected for a judicial appointment in the 1980s after his Senate confirmation hearing heard allegations of his racism. Former New York mayor Rudy Giuliani, tipped to be secretary of state, has urged that Muslims on the government's terrorist watch list be electronically tagged.

A sign held up at a Clinton rally in Ohio in June. Credit:Bloomberg Kris Kobach, the Kansas secretary of state who heads the immigration unit in Trump's transition team, said this week that advisers are already considering a registry for all Muslims. On Wednesday, Kobach was cheered on by Trump surrogate Carl Higbie, arguing there was precedent for a registry in the mass internment of Japanese-Americans in World War II. David Clarke, the firebrand sheriff of Milwaukee County, Wisconsin, who is touted to head the Department of Homeland Security, has called for Muslim neighbourhoods to be subjected to special patrols. Trump's elevation of Bannon speaks volumes. So does one of his few known attempts to reach out to supporters after winning  he phoned arch-conservative radio host and conspiracy theorist Alex Jones to thank him and his audience for their support. Jones publishes the infamous InfoWars.com, which propagates myths that the Clintons are murderers and that recent US massacres were permitted by the government as a pretext to shrink American rights. As recounted by Jones, Trump told him: "Listen, Alex, I just talked to the kings and queens of the world, world leaders, you name it. But it doesn't matter, I wanted to talk to you, to thank your audience, and I'll be on [your show in] the next few weeks to thank them."

Jones told his audience: "He wanted to directly talk to you and thank you because you're the people, you're the bitter clingers, you're the people they couldn't break your will, they couldn't mind-control you, you're the core that's going to restore the republic." When pressed during a 60 Minutes interview, the President-elect claimed surprise on being told of the harassment of Muslims and migrants. But apart from saying he was "saddened", the best he offered was: "I say, 'Stop it.' If it  if it helps, I will say this, and I will say right to the cameras: 'Stop it'." As Tweeter-in-chief he was not moved to write a "stop it" tweet to his almost 30 million social media followers. And Trump's wife Melania, who was welcomed in that shocking Facebook post in West Virginia as a "classy, beautiful, dignified First Lady" because she would replace the "ape in heels", has been silent, despite declaring that her mission as First Lady would be to fight hatred and bullying. Princeton University professor Nell Irvin Painter parsed the election as the point on the political timeline at which white identity became a racial identity, instead of being the supposed norm from which all the "others" are marked as different: "From being individuals expressing individual preferences in life and politics, the Trump era stamps white Americans with race: white race." During the primaries, Reuters/Ipsos polled voters supporting Trump, his Republican challengers Ted Cruz and John Kasich, and Hillary Clinton, on their attitudes to African-Americans  the Clinton, Cruz and Kasich camps all were of a par, but by significantly greater margins Trump's followers thought blacks to be less intelligent, more lazy, more rude, more violent and more criminal than whites.

More than 70 per cent of Trump supporters believed that Barack Obama was a Muslim and almost as many of them supported Trump's call for a ban on Muslims entering the country. Writing at University of California Berkeley's The Secret History of America website, Professor Michael Cohen observes: "Make no mistake, white racial resentment is one of the leading factors driving this election  this sense of loss, of mourning on the white right, this sense of 'being strangers in their own land'." Quoting figures on a shrinking white demographic, he notes: "No wonder Trump supporters speak in such apocalyptic terms, because for millions of older white men, their world is literally ending." Trump calculatedly entered politics by assuming leadership of the birther movement, which denied Barack Obama's American birth and thereby challenged the very legitimacy of the first black presidency. Trump then stoked white working-class resentment by condemning brown and black communities for stealing jobs that rightfully belonged to whites and branding them as the source of violence and terrorism or  as The Economist's Lexington column put it  casting his opponents "as illegitimate, unfit, contemptible, un-American or [a favourite word] 'disgusting' ".

In its soul searching after defeat in the 2012 election, the GOP declared itself hostage to the demographic reality of modern, multicultural and diverse America  it was doomed unless it opened itself to non-white minorities. But in doubling down, Trump figured there were enough insecure white voters out there who could be scared into supporting him  if the message was right. Whites are a shrinking demographic  91 per cent in 1960; 72 per cent in 2012; and 70 per cent in 2016. Those among them without a college education are a declining species too  83 per cent of the electorate in 1960; just 36 per cent in 2012; and 34 per cent this year. They had reared up to elect Richard Nixon and Ronald Reagan. But Obama's triumphs in 2008 and 2012 were thought to have cast them to the margins of political life. Answering the "why" question in The New York Times, Thomas Edsall notes that among whites generally Trump barely moved the needle on the support won by the GOP's Mitt Romney in 2012, but that Trump was picking up a different white vote  14 points more than Romney among those who had not been to college. "Just as important, the working class voters Trump carried by such huge margins were heavily concentrated in the rust belt states of Wisconsin, Ohio, Michigan, Iowa and Pennsylvania  all states carried by Obama in 2012 and lost by [Hillary] Clinton in 2016," he writes.

Together, those five states alone gave Trump 70 Electoral College votes, more than a quarter of the 270 he needed to win. Ultimately he won 306 college votes from 30 states. Instead of relying on customary Republican riffs that in the past had been communicated by dog-whistle, Trump shrieked them from the rafters  at a rally in Minnesota in the days before the vote, he denounced the state's 25,000-strong, predominantly Somali Muslim community as a "disaster" for the state. Those of us who didn't figure that Trump had won when Clinton wrote off half of his supporters, not only as damned awful human beings but, irredeemably so, in her "basket of deplorables" speech early in September, were asleep at the wheel. The result prompted CNN commentator Van Jones, an African-American, to add a new term to the political lexicon: "This was a whitelash against a changing country." But America being America, a somewhat surreal election postscript is now unfolding: a nationwide bid for all to "make nice" over Thanksgiving turkey next Thursday. The airwaves and newspapers are full of handwringing and advice for families on how not to ruin the dinner should crazy Uncle Harry hit the grog and mention the name Trump.
Claim: When the Germans ordered Jews in occupied Denmark to identify themselves by wearing armbands with yellow stars during World War II , King Christian X of Denmark and non-Jewish Danes thwarted the order by donning the armbands themselves. Rating: About this rating False

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The legend of Denmark's King Christian X and his wearing of the yellow star is our most stirring example of non-violent opposition to evil: ordinary citizens (following the example of a courageous leader) defy their military overlords by selflessly putting themselves in harm's way to prevent the persecution of a defenseless minority. If only more people exhibited such moral fortitude nowadays, we reason, the world would be a much better place. Perhaps if more people had exhibited such moral courage back then, we think, the Holocaust might never have happened.

Although the Danes did undertake heroic efforts to shelter their Jews and help them escape from the Nazis, there is no real-life example of the actions described by this legend. Danish citizens never wore the yellow badge, nor did King Christian ever threaten to don it himself. In fact, Danish Jews never wore the yellow badge either (except for the few who were finally deported to concentration camps), nor did German officials ever issue an order requiring Danish Jews to display it.

We will assume everyone is familiar with the systematic persecution of Jews instituted in Germany after Adolph Hitler became chancellor in 1933, and the subsequent imposition of laws requiring Jewish-owned shops to be identified as such with prominent signs; passports and ration cards held by Jews to be stamped with the letter 'J'; and Jewish concentration camp inmates to wear yellow-and-red six-pointed stars. (Surprisingly, it was not until late 1941 that the display on clothing of a yellow Star of David with the word 'Jude' printed on it by Jews was mandated by law in Germany.) Denmark entered the tragic saga on the morning of 9 April 1940, when German troops overran the country and an ultimatum was delivered: if Denmark offered no resistance, Germany would respect Danish political independence. The Danish government and monarch, with no real options, quickly capitulated, and the five-year long occupation of Denmark began.

The occupied engaged in symbolic gestures of defiance against their occupiers, such as wearing four coins tied together with red and white ribbons in their buttonholes. (Red and white are the Danish colors, and four coins totalling nine ore represented the date of the occupation, April 9.) Tales of King Christian's snubbing of Hitler and the Nazis (some true and some apocryphal) began to circulate. When Hitler sent a letter of congratulations to King Christian X on the latter's 70th birthday in September 1942, the monarch's brief response ("My best thanks") was taken as an insult by Hitler, who recalled and replaced the German ambassador in Denmark.

A Swedish newspaper cartoon (possibly the origin of this legend) depicted the monarch talking with the former Danish prime minster, who asks him, "What are we going to do, Your Majesty, if Scavenius makes all the Jews wear yellow stars?" (Erik Scavenius was the Danish foreign minister who became prime minister at the insistence of the Germans after the Danish government resigned in 1943.) The king responds by asserting, "We'll all have to wear yellow stars."

Matters came to a head in Denmark during the summer of 1943 when strikes and other overt resistance activities against the Germans resulted in a demand from Hitler that the Danish government declare a state of emergency. The government refused to comply, resigning in protest, and the German commander-in-chief, Hermann von Hanneken, imposed martial law. The arrest and deportation of Danish Jews was finally ordered and carried out on 2 October 1943, but by then nearly all the Jews in Copenhagen had already been warned and gone into hiding while government officials secretly negotiated an agreement with Sweden to receive them.

Only 284 of an estimated 7,000 Jews in the area were rounded up, and over the next several weeks most of them made their precarious way to Sweden on fishing boats, private vessels, and any other type of floating craft that could undertake the journey. Fewer than 500 Danish Jews were deported to the Theresienstadt concentration camp in Czechoslovakia, and nearly 90% of them survived to return to Denmark after the war. (Only these few hundred Danes who were sent to Theresienstadt were made to wear yellow stars identifying them as Jews.)

Although this legend may not be true in its specifics, it was certainly true enough in spirit. The rescue of several thousand Danish Jews was accomplished through the efforts of "thousands of policemen, government officials, physicians, and persons of all walks of life." The efforts to save Danish Jews may not have had the flair of the "yellow star" legend, and they may not have required quite so many citizens to visibly oppose an occupying army, but those who were rescued undoubtedly preferred substance to style.

Variations:


Deloitte Ranks 2nd Watch Among Fastest Growing North American Companies

Posted by Publisher Hardware

SEATTLE, WA  (Marketwired)  11/17/16  announces it ranked 92nd on Deloittes Technology Fast 500, an award program sponsored by Deloitte of the fastest growing technology, media, telecommunications, life sciences and energy tech companies in North America based on percentage of fiscal year revenue growth from 2012 to 2015. 2nd Watch also ranked first among the 19 Washington state companies that made the list. The managed cloud provider grew revenues 1028% from 2012 to 2015.

2nd Watch, an original AWS Premier Consulting Partner, helps large brands such as Crate & Barrel, Conde Nast, Coca-Cola and Yamaha launch business transformation projects powered by the cloud. The companys tools and services optimize cloud migration and management processes through its deep expertise across the AWS platform.

Achieving this award puts us in great company with innovative enterprise-focused marketplace leaders such as Box, New Relic, Hortonworks and PagerDuty, says Jeff Aden, co-founder and executive VP of strategic business development and marketing with 2nd Watch. We are continuing to expand our expertise in AWS in order to help customers achieve faster ROI from the cloud. We expect our growth to continue as public cloud adoption increases.

Deloittes Technology Fast 500 provides a ranking of the fastest growing technology, media, telecommunications, life sciences and energy tech companies  both public and private  in North America. Technology Fast 500 award winners are selected based on percentage fiscal year revenue growth from 2012 to 2015. In order to be eligible for Technology Fast 500 recognition, companies must own proprietary intellectual property or technology that is sold to customers in products that contribute to a majority of the companys operating revenues. Companies must have base-year operating revenues of at least $50,000 USD, and current-year operating revenues of at least $5 million USD. Additionally, companies must be in business for a minimum of four years and be headquartered within North America.

2nd Watch is an AWS Premier Partner providing managed cloud to enterprises. The companys subject matter experts, software-enabled services and cutting-edge solutions provide companies with tested, proven, and trusted solutions, allowing them to fully leverage the power of the public cloud. 2nd Watch solutions are high performing, robust, increase operational excellence, decrease time to market, accelerate growth and lower risk. Its patent-pending, proprietary tools automate everyday workload management processes for big data analytics, digital marketing, line-of-business and cloud native workloads. 2nd Watch is a new breed of partner which helps enterprises design, deploy and manage cloud solutions and monitors business critical workloads 247. 2nd Watch has more than 400 enterprise workloads under its management and more than 100,000 instances in its managed public cloud. The venture-backed company is headquartered in Seattle, Washington. To learn more about 2nd Watch, visit or call 888-317-7920.

Media contact:

Kevin Wolf

TGPR

(650) 327-1641
A number of questions remain such as how the woman was killed and whether or not she knew the alleged killer.
St. Pat's eagles rebuild nest. Plus new vistas created at other parks.

You can watch St. Pat's eagles rebuild the nest via Notre Dame's camera. And the new Lydick Bog platform is good for seeing waterfowl.
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GOES-R Weather Satellite

NASA

On Nov. 19, 2016, an Atlas V rocket launched the first next-generation Geostationary Operational Environmental Satellite-R Series (GOES-R) satellite. See photos from the launch and mission in our full gallery here. Check out our full launch story and video recap.

GOES-16 Close View of March 7 Storm

NOAA

This close-up view from a full Earth image by GOES-16 weather satellite shows the powerful nor'easter bringing snow to the northeastern U.S. on March 7, 2018 at 10:26 a.m. EST (1526 GMT).

GOES-16 Nor'easter March 7, 2018

NOAA

A full-disk view of the Earth on March 7, 2018 as seen by the GOES-16 weather satellite at 10:26 a.m. EST (1526 GMT).

Bomb Cyclone GOES-East Full Earth View

NOAA

This full-disk view of Earth from the GOES-East satellite shows a storm swirling over a darkened United States Jan. 4, 2018 at 8:30 a.m. EST (1330 GMT).

The Sun by GOES-16

NOAA

The GOES-16 satellite's Solar Ultraviolet Imager took images of the sun using six wavelengths of light, spotting a large coronal hole in the sun's southern hemisphere on Jan. 29, 2017. See a video and the full story.

GOES-16 Earth & Moon

NOAA/NASA

NOAA's GOES-16 satellite took this photo of Earth at 1:07 p.m. EDT (1807 GMT) on Jan. 15. It was created using several of the 16 spectral channels available on the GOES-16 ABI instrument.

GOES-16 Earth Animation

NOAA/NASA

NOAA's GOES-16 satellite created the composite images that make up this animation in January 2017.

GOES-16 Caribbean

NOAA/NASA

The Caribbean islands and part of the southeastern United States are visible in this photo taken by NOAA's GOES-16 weather satellite.

Hurricane Irma GOES East Sept. 9

NASA/NOAA GOES Project

The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration's GOES East satellite captured this visible image of Category 4 Hurricane Irma on Saturday (Sept. 9) at 10:37 a.m. EDT (1437 GMT).

GOES East View of Hurricane Harvey

NASA/NOAA GOES Project

This visible-light image of Hurricane Harvey taken from NOAAs GOES East satellite on Aug. 25 at 10:07 a.m. EDT (1407 GMT) clearly shows the storms eye as the storm nears landfall on Texas southeast coast.

GOES East View of Hurricane Maria, Sept. 19, 2017

NASA/NOAA GOES Project

This image of Category 5 Hurricane Maria moving through the eastern Caribbean was taken at 11 a.m. EDT (1500 GMT) on Sept. 19, 2017, by NOAA's GOES East satellite.
The Mars Society is conducting the ambitious two-phase Mars 160 Twin Desert-Arctic Analog missionto study how seven crewmembers could live, work and perform science on a true mission to Mars. Mars 160 crewmember Annalea Beattie is chronicling the mission, which will spend 80 days at the Mars Desert Research Station in southern Utah desert before venturing far north to Flashline Mars Arctic Research Station on Devon Island, Canada in summer 2017. Here's her seventh dispatch from the mission:

At the Mars Desert Research Station, at 7 p.m. sharp this evening, our Mars 160 Crew received a message from Capsule Communicator (CapCom): [See more Mars 160 photos here, and get daily images by the Mars 160 crew]

Greetings Mars 160 Commander and Crew,

CapCom is now signed on.

Deep Space Network acknowledges Acquisition of Signal at 1900 hours.

I'm Bernard, and I will be your CapCom for this evening from 1900-2100 hours Earth Mountain Time.

Your local Martian weather (temperatures Celsius, Winds km/h):

Tonight: Partly cloudy, with a low around -2. Southeast wind 6 to 11 km/h becoming light and variable in the evening.

Sunday: Sunny, with a high near 19. Calm wind.

Looking forward to your reports, updates and pictures.

Let me know if you have any questions. Thanks!

Best regards

Bernard Dubb, Capcom

This is Bernard, our person behind the scenes this week at CapCom. He's our MDRS IT coordinator, contributing to Mars Desert Research Station Hab networking, robotic observatory and autoponics projects.

Bernard Dubb, the MDRS IT coordinator. (Image credit: The Mars Society)

I love this evening email from Bernard. It tells us Capcom is there every night from seven to nine p.m., ready to give us advice, send on reports and field all our queries.

We speak to someone from the CapCom each night. We depend on them, yet that person could be anywhere in the world and we never meet face to face.

Although they are the unseen and often the unheard part of our Mars 160 crew, CapCom team members are our "first point of contact," and key to Mission Support, not just for us but for every crew rotation at the Mars Desert Research Station in Utah.

A highly efficient, trained international team of officers, CapCom functions as an intermediary body between Crew and Mission Support specialists. As an essential part of MDRS operations, their volunteer work is often invisible. CapCom are Mission Support, not Mission Control. On Mars, the time delay for communications would make it impossible for CapCom to directly instruct us on something.

As Bernard says, "The CapCom Officer is the crews lifeline, whether if its how to test a battery, requesting fuel, food or water or to help coordinate the response to an injury."

The term "CapCom" was first used in the 1960s, when American astronauts were sent into space in capsules during the Mercury missions.

On May 5, 1961, NASA astronaut Alan Shepard became the first American in space when he launched aboard the Mercury spacecraft Freedom 7. (Image credit: NASA)

CapComs on real space missions are astronauts who represent both the control team on the ground and astronauts in space. One of the first good jobs an astronaut can get is to to be a CapCom. Traditionally, CapCom, for crews off-Earth, is someone who has had the experience of being an astronaut, someone who has insider knowledge and someone the crew knows. The CapCom on shift is primarily the one person who is allowed to talk to the crew in space so they are not confused by multiple voices.

As there is no room for error, CapComs train by carrying out simulations and becoming very familiar with science operations at Mission Control. For example, at NAS's Johnson Space Center in Houston, astronaut Cady Coleman is also a spacecraft communicator (CapCom). Here she is monitoring communications during the grapple and unberthing of Orbital ATK's Cygnus cargo ship, from the nadir port of the Harmony module on the International Space Station. [Private Antares Rocket & Cygnus Spacecraft Explained (Infographic)]

Inside the space station control room at Johnson Space Center's Mission Control Center, astronaut Cady Coleman, spacecraft communicator (CAPCOM), monitors communications during the grapple and unberthing of the Cygnus cargo ship from the International Space Station on Oct. 22, 2013. (Image credit: NASA)

For Mars Desert Research Station CapComs, the training is both instructional and hands-on, in that CapCom officers are provided with a detailed manual, as well as opportunities to get guided experience. CapCom Miguel Cooper used to follow space shuttle missions on NASA TV. He says he learned a lot by observing the way a CapCom communicates with the crew in orbit. Miguel says looking at experienced CapComs is very useful when you are training.

CapCom Miguel Cooper, working from his dining room. (Image credit: The Mars Society)

So we know what happens from this end when the CapCom communication window opens, as we always have plenty to report  for instance, the Engineering report, Sol Summary, the Food Report, Journalist Report, Pictures, Science Posts, EVA Narratives etc. But what happens at the other end?

Anushree Srivastava, our biologist for Mars 160, is also a member of the CapCom team. She told me how it all works from the CapCom end of things.

CapCom logs in and greets the crew from Earth at the exact time when the CapCom window opens. As reports or queries are submitted by the crew, CapCom reviews them and forwards them on to Mission Support, then acknowledges the receipt of each report by replying to the crewmember.

After an hour, Capcom sends Mid-Com Notifications and asks if any other reports are to be sent. In the meantime, CapCom address questions and queries  for instance, crew problems such as water shortages, fuel problems, any health issues and so on.

Any issues not manageable by CapCom are forwarded to the respective experts. For example, an engineering query is sent to the Director of Engineering Projects, Judd Reed. CapCom plays a very important role in coordinating this conversation between crew and those experts.

When the CapCom window is about to close, Capcom sends out a notification of reports received and wishes everyone a good night's sleep. Then a passdown log is sent to Shannon Rupert (our director of the MDRS), to Ken Sullivan (CapCom Coordinator) and to Robert Zubrin (president of the Mars Society), to notify them of the most important issues to be addressed.

Gael Mariani's workstation at home. (Image credit: The Mars Society)

CapCom Gael Mariani lives in the United Kingdon, so she gets up at 2 a.m. to do her CapCom shift.

In her CapCom work room, there is a budgie called Io and a cat, and she has three dogs who sleep by her side and bark her awake when the alarms go off. (Her neighbors must love those late nights!) Gael is doing a degree in astronomy; she has her own observatory and loves astrophotography. She says no matter how familiar you become with the process of being a CapCom, nothing quite prepares you for the moment when you go "live" in your first solo stint, where youre fully responsible for liaising with the crew onsite.

"It was a bit nerve-racking at first," she says, "but once you get a taste, youre hooked."

As CapCom coordinator for the Mars Desert Research Station, Ken Sullivan is a past crewmember of MDRS Crews 149 & 165 and has extensive background and certifications with all things mechanical, especially concerning aircraft. Ken says those people with an interest in Mars quickly learn of the Mars Society and the Mars Desert Research Station. Many of the CapCom officers have previously served as crewmembers at the MDRS. And Ken says, "We all would love to be able to go back!"

For Ken, the most challenging part of the job is the cat-herding aspect. "Most explorers," he says, "are Type A personalities with strong minds, assertive personalities and determination. So when you have very smart people who are extremely capable, but the rules dont allow certain things (for instance, legally you cant recycle urine), then sometimes that frustrates the Crew. Some experiments are not allowed even though they seem quite harmless. Trying to get the Crew and Management to work together on all things creates some interesting psychology scenarios!" ['Mars: Our Future on the Red Planet' Examines Exploration Issues (Video)]

Many CapComs I spoke with told me that that the worst thing for them is when communications (i.e., the Internet) fail. Ken agrees, and says that's when "CapCom becomes an old mother hen, worried and continually checking to see if there are any communications from the Crew  anything to indicate that the Crew is well."

CapCom Coordinator Ken Sullivan in his lounge room. (Image credit: The Mars Society)

I'm always interested in working environments. Ken says all he needs is a notepad, a pencil and computer. He takes short notes while he reads reports and responds. Usually Ken is in his living room, with kids running around, while his imagination takes him to Mars.

CapCom Steve Knutson is an aspiring astronaut. As a scientist himself, he is always interested in the research done by astronauts in space. Steve would love to be aboard the International Space Station or on a lunar or Martian base investigating the effects of space travel on the human body. And he is fascinated by the technologies needed to help us work and live in space. I asked Steve about the most challenging aspect of CapCom.

CapCom Steve Knutson at his desk. (Image credit: The Mars Society)

Steve told me good time management skills are essential: "As a CapCom, you need to be very organized, and know how to prioritize and multitask. Multiple reports are coming in, and you need to review and forward them to the appropriate channels, all while keeping track of what you have received and recording details throughout the process. At the same time, you need to be able to answer crew questions and help solve problems, or reach out the correct personnel if you cant individually help. It can be a really busy time during the communication window, and you have to stay focused."

Bruce Ngataierua, teacher and CapCom (and member of MDRS Crew 118 KiwiMars, my old crew). (Image credit: The Mars Society)

CapCom Bruce Ngataierua and I were crewmates on Crew 118 (great team, Kiwi Mars). I asked Bruce about the kind of experiences he has had as CapCom to international crews.

He said, "I suppose one funny thing I recall about being online as CapCom is dealing with the different crews whose first language isn't English. I remember the Russian crew we had a few years ago, and sometimes they would forget to send their daily reports in English to me. I would have to translate some Russian words into English (using Google Translate  thank goodness!) and try and figure out what they were asking. We have had French and Japanese teams on board as well. This is part of the fun being a part of the CapCom team at MDRS."

At the very end of the interview questions I sent to the CapCom team, in the spirit of exchange I asked if anyone wanted to ask me something.

Our good relationship with CapCom is always conversational.

Here are my responses to a couple of questions.

First up: Capcom Coordinator Ken Sullivan asked me if I had read the CapCom manual, which is used to train new members of the team and has the protocols for working as a CapCom. And I can truthfully answer: Yes, Ken, I certainly have.

I have memorized it; you can test me later.

Steve Knutson asked how I became involved in the space realm and MDRS in general.

I became involved in the Mars Society in Australia because I'm an artist in love with space science. I'm always thinking about how art will evolve in hardy extraterrestrial societies living in frontier environments like Mars. The Mars Society gives me the opportunity to participate in space exploration, through art, media, in technology testing and as part of a science team.

It's such a great inclusive, exploratory organization.

Miguel asked me about the most valuable experience I've learned from this mission thus far as a Mars 160 crewmember.

What have I learned?

Something you all already know, CapCom: Always put the team first.

Mars or Enceladus?

(Just kidding, Robert.)

MARS OR BUST.

Annalea Beattie

Greetings Commander and Crew,

Reports received today:

1. Sol Summary Report #50 - Forwarded

2. Engineering Report  Reviewed

3. SSUIt project 4th entry  Forwarded

4. Technology Narrative  Forwarded

5. Phrase of the Day  Forwarded

6. Picture of the Day  Forwarded

7. Photo Report - Forwarded

If your report-to-be-posted is not listed here, please resend your report directly to me now.

This is my last evening as CapCom. Steve Knutson will be your CapCom starting tomorrow.

Ive enjoyed communicating with you all and will be continuing in my role as MDRS IT Coordinator.

CapCom is now signing off for the evening.

Thanks for your communication during the Com Window and throughout the week.

Have a pleasant evening and an enjoyable day off tomorrow.

Please acknowledge this transmission.

"The purpose of life is the investigation of the Sun, the Moon, and the heavens."

 Anaxagoras, 459 BCE.

Best regards,

Bernard, CapCom

Editor's Note: To follow The Mars Society's Mars 160 mission and see daily photos and updates, visit the mission's website here: http://mars160.marssociety.org/. You can also follow the mission on Twitter @MDRSUpdates. For information on joining The Mars Society, visit: http://www.marssociety.org/home/join_us/.

Annalea Beattie is an artist and writer based in Melbourne, Australia, and her art practice is based on space science. She is a member of The Mars Society's Mars 160 Twin Desert-Arctic Analog mission, where her art-based research explores how observation is key to the role of all field geologists, including those on a planetary exploration crew. Follow The Mars Society on Twitter at @TheMarsSociety and on Facebook. Original article on Space.com.
NASA's newest Mars orbiter has now been on the job for two Earth years, investigating how the Red Planet lost its atmosphere in the ancient past.

The Mars Atmosphere and Volatile Evolution (MAVEN) spacecraft reached Mars on Sept. 21, 2014, and officially began its science mission less than two months later, on Nov. 16 of that year.

MAVEN  the first orbiter tasked with studying Mars' atmosphere as its primary task  has made a number of interesting discoveries over the past two years. In 2015, for example, MAVEN's measurements allowed mission scientists to determine just how quickly Mars' atmospheric gases escape to space today  at an average rate of about 4 ounces (100 grams) per second. [NASA's MAVEN Mars Mission in Photos]

"Taken together, the MAVEN results tell us that loss of gas from the atmosphere to space has been the major force behind the [Martian] climate having changed from a warm, wet environment to the cold, dry one that we see today," MAVEN principal investigator Bruce Jakosky, of the University of Colorado Boulder, said in a NASA statement.

MAVEN's data suggest that Mars had lost most of its atmosphere by about 3.7 billion years ago, mission scientists have said. For perspective, researchers think that life first appeared on Earth around 4 billion years ago.

The orbiter also spotted a cloud around Mars that likely consists of interplanetary dust. In addition, in a layer of the atmosphere known as the ionosphere  the zone where auroras occur  MAVEN found a layer of metal ions, or charged particles. These are produced when interplanetary dust falls into the atmosphere.

Some side observations have also yielded interesting results. For example, Mars has no global magnetic field, yet MAVEN found ultraviolet auroras spreading over the planet's northern hemisphere. The spacecraft also detected a stream of ions flying into space that had never been spotted before.

Though MAVEN's science mission officially began on Nov. 16, 2014, the orbiter started doing some science work in October of that year. One of MAVEN's earliest tasks was to observe Comet Siding Spring make a close flyby of Mars on Oct. 19, 2014, to see what effects the comet had on Mars' atmosphere.

NASA recently announced that MAVEN has achieved all of its science objectives, and that MAVEN has been granted a two-year mission extension that will keep it operating through at least September 2018.

Follow Elizabeth Howell @howellspace, or Space.com @Spacedotcom. We're also on Facebook and Google+. Original article on Space.com.
HOUSTON  Space entrepreneur Robert Bigelow said Nov. 17 that he believes that the Trump administration should as much as double NASA's budget in the coming years and make plans for a human return to the moon.

Bigelow, the founder of commercial space habitat developer Bigelow Aerospace, argued in a speech at the Spacecom conference here Nov. 17 that such a dramatic, and arguably long-shot, increase in NASA funding was essential to the future of both the agency's exploration efforts and business plans of commercial ventures, as well as affordable to the nation.

"I propose that NASA should have, beginning in fiscal year 2019, an annual budget equal to at least one percent of total yearly federal spending," Bigelow said. The Obama administration, in its fiscal year 2017 budget proposal, requested $19 billion for NASA, less than half a percent of the overall request of more than $4 trillion. [What a Trump Administration May Mean for NASA]

Part of the reason for the additional funding, he said, is to deal with inefficiencies with some of NASA's programs. "It is no surprise that NASA needs a greater allowance just to offset the politics, much less what's needed to really get going," he said.

The increase would also be used to support more ambitious space exploration efforts by NASA, such as lunar exploration. "The new White House needs to make a real commitment to this nation's space future," he said, specifically citing lunar bases and industrial activity. "The reason I'm focusing on the moon is because the business case for the moon is potentially substantial compared to the business case for Mars, and the financial requirements are of no comparison."

Bigelow said he believed the nation could afford that jump in NASA's budget because he expects economic growth in the country overall to increase significantly after Trump takes office, although he did not elaborate on how he reached that conclusion. "With this increase, the United States can easily afford NASA's one percent, and even more," he said.

In comments after his talk, he said he hadn't been in direct discussions with anyone on the Trump transition team about his proposal. He was also optimistic that the next administration could increase NASA's budget despite dealing with competing priorities, such as infrastructure redevelopment. "If you have a growing economy, it lifts all boats," he said.[The Biggest Space Issues Facing President-elect Donald Trump]

Bigelow's support of Trump  he called Trump's election an early Christmas present for the country and for NASA  is not surprising. In January, Bigelow joined the social network Twitter and immediately expressed his support for Trump. "What this country needs is an inspirational space program. I'll bet @realDonaldTrump could do it," he tweeted.

Bigelow was not the only person at the conference to support significantly increasing NASA's budget. "NASA receives a pittance of the federal budget," said Rep. Brian Babin (R-Texas), chairman of the House space subcommittee, in remarks delivered by video at the conference Nov. 15.

Babin, though, was not optimistic about a doubling or any other large increase for the agency. "As much as I would be thrilled to see NASA's budget double, we have to be realistic, and ensure that the taxpayers' dollars we currently receive are prudently focused on the right missions," he said.

Separate from the budget, Bigelow discussed the growing commercial role in low Earth orbit and the transition he sees from government-led operations of the International Space Station to eventual commercial space stations. Bigelow Aerospace has long proposed the development of such stations as well as, more recently, the addition of a commercial module to the ISS.

"The decisions made in the next couple of years will shape the rest of human spaceflight for decades to come," he said. "How NASA transitions out of LEO, affecting costs and commercial markets, is arguably the most important decision that impacts progress for human spaceflight."

This story was provided by SpaceNews, dedicated to covering all aspects of the space industry.
Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan has traveled to Uzbekistan for talks with senior officials.

President Recep Tayyip Erdogan arrived late on November 17 and will meet with acting Uzbek President Shavkat Mirziyaev and other officials on November 18.

Erdogan was also expected to visit the grave of former Uzbek leader Islam Karimov, who died earlier this year after more than 25 years running the country.

Erdogan addressed the parliament of Pakistan on November 17, where he accused the West of facilitating the spread of chaos in the Islamic world. He urged Muslims to cast aside sectarian difference in order to fight [extremists] together.

Based on reporting by dpa, Interfax, and AP
MASON CITY  A sign posted by a Mason City church as a reminder of Gods unconditional love after a contentious election has been vandalized with spray paint.

Again.

The message outside First Congregational United Church of Christ reads: We are a sanctuary for the least, lost, gay & straight, female, MuslimFor all! Gods love wins!

On Friday morning, Pastor Chuck Kelsey learned someone had sprayed red paint on the plastic sign covering over the word gay.

Im so sad for people who cant get beyond hate, Kelsey said, sighing. What it is in their lives that causes them to hate so much? Everyone has a different story. Im more than willing to listen to their story, but Im not, you know, Im not willing to give in to the hate.

Mason City church sign vandalized MASON CITY  A Mason City church sign promoting an appearance by a gay mens chorus has been

It was the second time this year that the sign outside the church at 100 First St. N.E. has been vandalized.

In March, someone sprayed red paint all over a sign promoting an appearance by the Twin Cities Gay Mens Chorus.

The church posted the current sign as a message of inclusiveness in the wake of last Tuesdays election.

Election results dont matter to me, but the vitriolic language that occurred during the election and the promises made, if those promises are followed through with, scare the heck out of a lot of people, Kelsey said.

And, so, intentionally, I was trying to figure out some way to respond to my own feelings about it but also to let people know that we are a safe place, he said.

A Mason City police officer took photos of the damage. Kelsey submitted a statement for the officers report.

Kelsey figures itll take $200-$300 to replace the plastic on the outside of the sign. Thats what it cost last time.

He urged whoever damaged the sign to come talk to him.

I would love to hear their story, as I do everybodys story, Kelsey said. And, if were going to be a community that truly can grow and do the things that a community should do, then we need to be able to talk about it.

We need to be able to work past the anger and the hatred.
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ARD/SPIEGEL: In many Western societies, there is a groundswell of alienation between politicians and the citizens, and people are asking: "Are politicians at all in touch with everyday life?" People are anxious. We're talking about populism, of course. Is this a pivotal moment for leadership?

Obama: I think it is. Look, I was elected because I believed in what we call "grassroots politics," politics from the bottom up, not the top down. And I was able to excite and engage people who previously hadn't been involved in politics, and part of the reason that I was able to be re-elected and stay relatively popular in the United States was because even when the economy was bad or we had problems, people sensed that I listened to them and I was on their side.

I do think that all politicians today have to be more attentive to people wanting to be heard, wanting to have more control over their lives. The more we can encourage participation, I think the better off we are. Here in Europe, for example, some of the challenges have to do with structures that are so complicated. You've got Brussels, and you've got parliament, you've got councils and then you've got national governments. So people sometimes don't feel as if they know who's making decisions, and the more that we can bring people in and engage them, the better. Some of it is also cultural and social, people's sense of identity. You have social media and the Internet and immigration and so, suddenly, cultures are clashing and people feel as if they're less familiar with the people around them. That causes social anxieties.

ARD/SPIEGEL: What was the darkest moment of your presidency? Here in Europe, of course, people will talk about drone attacks, Guantanamo and, of course, about terrorist attacks and shootings.

Obama: Look, early on, I think people didn't fully appreciate how severe the economic crisis was, partly because we took smart steps, and we were able to avert complete disaster. But there were weeks where I wasn't sure whether we were going to be able to pull out of the crisis. For me, personally, the most difficult moments had to do with not just terrorist attacks, but also shootings.

You will recall that there was an event at Sandy Hook Elementary School, where 20 six- and seven-year-old children were shot by a troubled young man, and I had to meet with the parents just two days after they had lost their child. The pain that they feel is hard to describe and will always haunt me.

Internationally, I have obviously been deeply concerned about how we fight the terrorist threat. How do we make sure that we don't change, even as we protect our people? I'm very proud of the fact that we ended torture. It's true that I have not been able to completely close Guantanamo, but we've drastically reduced the population from 700 or so to around 60 now, and I am going to continue in these two months to make every effort.

We have created a legal structure that is much more disciplined and consistent with rule of law and international norms. I know that drones have been a source of concern for a lot of people, understandably, but if you look at how we have constrained their use, we've created a framework that is consistent with how all of us going into the future should be thinking about minimizing the loss of life, but also being able to reach terrorist organizations in countries that sometimes don't have the ability to capture them. The alternative in some cases is to invade these countries where there would be much greater loss of life, and so we have to make difficult choices in these situations.

The good news is we've had very strong allies. In Europe, where the terrorist threat is probably greatest at the moment, the amount of information-sharing that's been taking place, the effectiveness of law enforcement across borders gives us the ability to protect ourselves while still being true to the basic precepts of our liberal democracies. I hope that that continues, and it is something that I think we should be worried about.

ARD/SPIEGEL: You have praised Angela Merkel, but you also said there is a free-ride mentality among American partners, that a large amount of the work is left to the Americans. Donald Trump has said that American engagement has to be reduced. Is this the moment for Western leaders like Angela Merkel to step up and assume more leadership?

Obama: Angela Merkel has been an extraordinary partner for me and for the United States throughout my presidency. One of the great qualities of Chancellor Merkel is that she is steady. She analyzes a situation. She's honest. Sometimes we've had disagreements, but when we do, it's very constructive. And we are consistently open with each other about how we should approach these issues.

But I do believe that Chancellor Merkel and Germany are a lynchpin in protecting the basic tenets of a liberal, market-based democratic order that has created unprecedented prosperity and security for Europe, but also for the world. I think sometimes Europe may take for granted the extraordinary progress that's been made over the last 40, 50 years. I recognize that sometimes there is great frustration that arises out of the euro zone or out of the EU.

Probably at no time in human history has there been as much prosperity and security as has existed in Europe during this period. The reason is because the values that we share -- freedom of speech, freedom of religious practice, freedom for civil society, free and fair elections, all the innovation that's been created through a market-based economy -- those things are ultimately going to be the path for us to continue into a better future. I hope that, despite some of the challenges we have, that people appreciate that. And I hope people appreciate Chancellor Merkel because, although she traditionally is considered center-right and I'm considered center-left, the truth is that we share those core values, and those are worth protecting. As the senior leader in Europe, as the leader who's been longest lasting, I think she has great credibility, and she is willing to fight for those values. I'm glad that she's there, and I think the German people should appreciate her. Certainly, I have appreciated her as a partner.

ARD/SPIEGEL: Are you going to pardon Edward Snowden?

Obama: I can't pardon somebody who hasn't gone before a court and presented themselves, so that's not something that I would comment on at this point. I think that Mr. Snowden raised some legitimate concerns. How he did it was something that did not follow the procedures and practices of our intelligence community. If everybody took the approach that I make my own decisions about these issues, then it would be very hard to have an organized government or any kind of national security system.

At the point at which Mr. Snowden wants to present himself before the legal authorities and make his arguments or have his lawyers make his arguments, then I think those issues come into play. Until that time, what I've tried to suggest -- both to the American people, but also to the world -- is that we do have to balance this issue of privacy and security. Those who pretend that there's no balance that has to be struck and think we can take a 100-percent absolutist approach to protecting privacy don't recognize that governments are going to be under an enormous burden to prevent the kinds of terrorist acts that not only harm individuals, but also can distort our society and our politics in very dangerous ways.

And those who think that security is the only thing and don't care about privacy also have it wrong.

We have to find ways in which, collectively, we agree there's some things that government needs to do to help protect us, that in this age of non-state actors who can amass great power, I want my government -- and I think the German people should want their government -- to be able to find out if a terrorist organization has access to a weapon of mass destruction that might go off in the middle of Berlin.

That may mean that, as long as they do it carefully and narrowly, that they're going to have to find ways to identify an email address or a cell phone of a network. On the other hand, it's important to make sure that governments have some checks on what they do, that people can oversee what's being done so the government doesn't abuse it. But we shouldn't assume that government is always trying to do the wrong thing.

My experience is that our intelligence officials try to do the right thing, but even with good intentions, sometimes they make mistakes. Sometimes they can be overzealous. Our lives are now in a telephone, all our data, all our finances, all our personal information, and so it's proper that we have some constraints on that. But it's not going to be 100 percent. If it is 100 percent, then we're not going to be able to protect ourselves and our societies from some people who are trying to hurt us.

ARD/SPIEGEL: Mr. President, we thank you for this interview.
Algiers, November 17, 2016 (SPS) -The 41st European conference for support and solidarity with Saharawi people (EUCOCO), which will be held on Friday and Saturday in Vilanova (Spain), will be an opportunity for participants to reaffirm their solidarity and commitment to the Sahrawi cause, and seek a lasting and democratic solution to the Western Sahara conflict.

This annual event held every year, since 1975, in different European cities (like Paris, Barcelona, Rome, Brussels, Valence and Madrid) is undoubtedly the most important international movement for solidarity with the Saharawi people, as it brings together participants from every parts of the world, organizers stressed.

EUCOCO meeting will be attended by "representatives of the governments that recognize the Saharawi Arab Democratic Republic (SADR) as well as national and international representatives of Spanish regional, provincial and municipal governments.

Besides, the 41st EUCOCO meeting will be attended by political figures, unionists, men of culture, NGOs and associations of the friends of Saharawi people, who come every year to show their solidarity and commitment to the Saharawi cause and try to find the maximum of political support to reach a political solution to Western Sahara issue.

Organizers of the 41st EUCOCO, which coincides with the celebration of the 41st agreements of Madrid on 14 November 1975 that allowed Morocco illegally occupy the Sahrawi territory, is "an opportunity to seek a lasting and democratic solution to this conflict and remedy an injustice towards the Sahrawi people that goes back to more than 40 years."

The Conference will also be an opportunity to make a strong appeal to Spanish officials to assume their historical responsibility towards the Sahrawi people under respect for international law.

Conferences, meetings on agenda

The agenda of this two-day conference includes the organization on Friday of a political meeting at the Catalan Parliament, in addition to meetings of working groups.

The 2nd day will be devoted to reading the conclusions made by the participating working groups in order to present the final statement of the EUCOCO 2016 on Saturday. SPS

125/090/700
VilanovaiLa Geltru (Spain), 18 November 2016 (SPS)  President of the Republic, Secretary-General of the Polisario Front, Brahim Ghali, called on Spanish state to assume its historical responsibility towards the Sahrawi people by achieving the decolonization of Western Sahara, in a speech at the opening of the 41st European Conference for Support and Solidarity with the Sahrawi people.

In the speech delivered on his behalf by the President of the National Council, Khatri Adouh, the President of the Republic stated We look forward to seeing the Spanish state assuming its legal and moral duty towards our people by achieving expeditiously the decolonisation of Western Sahara. Spain is still, and perhaps more than ever, part of this problem that cannot be barred by any statute of limitation; it started in the past but it is still an integral part of the present.

We are not opposed to relations between Spain and Morocco in all fields, but it would be a heinous crime if the price to be paid would be more conspiracy against the blood, sweat and suffering of the Sahrawi people.

Spain of 2016 is not Spain of 1975, and there is no justification for not correcting this error because the democratic transition will remain incomplete as long as the Spanish state has not removed the stigma represented by the infamous Madrid Accords. The new government and the new parliament are called upon to act seriously to end the tragedy of the Sahrawi people by means of a referendum of self-determination. If Spain manages to do this, which it is able and legally bound to do, it will achieve a historic reconciliation with itself and with its history, and will contribute to the triumph of justice, democracy and peace, added the President of the Republic in the speech at the opening of the 41st European Conference for Support and Solidarity with the Sahrawi people. (SPS)

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VilanovaiLa Geltru (Spain), 18 November 2016 (SPS)  President of the Republic, Secretary-General of the Polisario Front, Brahim Ghali, confirmed that the just and peaceful solution to the Moroccan Sahrawi conflict is in grave danger today due to the Moroccan repeated escalation and provocation, in a speech at the opening of the 41st European Conference for Support and Solidarity with the Sahrawi people.

In the speech delivered on his behalf by the President of the National Council, Khatri Adouh, the President of the Republic said I regret to say that the just and peaceful solution to the Moroccan Sahrawi conflict is in grave danger today. The explosive situation at Al Guergarat, in southern Western Sahara, would not have arisen if the Security Council, through the United Nations Mission for the Referendum in Western Sahara (MINURSO), had not failed in preventing the Moroccan transgression. Because of this failure, the Sahrawi army was forced to intervene to prevent Morocco from annexing new territories and changing the status quo established under the military agreement n 1 that regulates the relationship between MINURSO and the two parties to the conflict.

There is no doubt that the Moroccan state of occupation is the responsible for this threat through its repeated escalation and provocation. However, the prime responsibility lies with the UN Security Council because it has failed since 1991 in implementing and defending its decisions aiming at the decolonisation of Western Sahara.

The UN Security Council is responsible for the impasse confronting the conflict today because it has unfortunately allowed MINURSO to be an exception, thus subjecting it to the will of the Moroccan military illegal occupation. Unlike other peacekeeping operations that operate in line with certain standards and procedures, no such considerations have been taken in the case of MINURSO in terms of car license plates, entry visas and monitoring of human rights as well as ensuring freedom of observers to visit the Territory and interacting with the population and the like.

Because of its continuous indifference and indecisiveness, the UN Security Council has given the Moroccan state of occupation a free hand to rebel against international legality and to attack the authority of the Council itself by expressing its unwillingness to cooperate with the UN Secretary-General and his Personal Envoy, expelling the political and administrative component of MINURSO and breaching blatantly the cease-fire.

Peace in Western Sahara is in danger. The UN Security Council therefore should take a decisive decision to enforce expeditiously the provisions of the UN-OAU Settlement Plan endorsed by the Council and signed by the two parties to the conflict, which aims at holding a free and fair referendum in which the Sahrawi people would exercise their right to self-determination and independence, added the President of the Republic in the speech at the opening of the 41st European Conference for Support and Solidarity with the Sahrawi people. (SPS)

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VilanovaiLa Geltru, 18 November 2016

Mr Pierre Galland, President of the European Coordination of Solidarity with the Sahrawi People,



Ladies and Gentlemen members of the Task Force and the presiding board of the Conference,



Ladies and Gentlemen representatives of governments, parliaments, political parties, organisations and associations,



Ladies and Gentlemen members of the international movement of solidarity coming from all the continents of the world,



Ladies and Gentlemen,



The 41st edition of the European Conference for Solidarity with the Sahrawi people kicks off today. This annual international event demonstrates each year, with renewed determination, the strength, continuity and wide scope of the movement of solidarity with the struggle of the Sahrawi people for freedom and independence.



I would like to extend our sincere thanks and appreciation to all those who have contributed in one way or another to the preparation and organisation of this seminal forum. I would also like to applaud the tremendous efforts that have been made in record time and under great difficulties by the friends of the Sahrawi people in the municipality of Vilanova i La Geltru andin Catalonia and Spain in close cooperation with the Task Force and the representations of the Frente POLISARIO in Catalonia and Spain.



Ladies and Gentlemen,



The organisers have decided to open the Conference with a deserved tribute to a great man in the history of the struggle of the Sahrawi people and the struggles of peoples in general for restoring their usurped rights, Martyr Mohamed Abdelaziz, the late President of the Sahrawi people. We have lost a seasoned leader, a staunch militant and a courageous fighter, ready to give everything for the most precious thing, the freedom and dignity of his people.



We have lost a dignified man who was a glorious example of sacrifice and dedication throughout all his life that he spent struggling on the path of the great heroes such as Sidi Mohamed Ibrahim Bassiri and founding leader, Martyr El Wali Mustapha Sayed.



The late Mohamed Abdelaziz, above all, was a man of peace and a staunch advocate of human values. He is the model for the peaceful Sahrawi people that are averse to violence and who have been forced to resort to armed struggle, a legitimate right of colonial peoples, in defence of their right to live in dignity.



Our struggling people have shown the world their ability to deal with this tragedy consciously and responsibly in an atmosphere of unity and harmony and have achieved a smooth transition based on the rule of law and democracy, thus foiling all the plans and plots of the enemies.



This is a message addressed to the Moroccan state of occupation and all those who support it that betting on fatigue or weakness amid our people is definitely a lost gamble. It has been more than 41 years of resistance and struggle and facing up to the harshest of conditions and challenges, but the flame of resistance has not been extinguished. With every day that goes by the Sahrawi people are more confident in the victory and independence, and the network of solidarity with their just struggle keeps on growing and expanding.



The Sahrawi state, as eternal and practical embodiment of the will of the Sahrawi people, has become an irreversible national, regional and international fact. It is operating with its executive, legislative and judicial institutions and is strongly present in Africa and worldwide.



The Sahrawi people, victim of Moroccan expansionism and aggression and subjected to genocide, displacement, repression and torture, have managed, under the leadership of the Frente POLISARIO, to achieve a quantum leap in record time that have brought about radical changes. Our people have built a modern and open society that is committed to its objectives and noble values and believes in the principles of democracy, equality and peaceful coexistence among religions and cultures.



This unique experience is being targeted today by a new kind of threats represented by organised crime gangs and terrorist groups that receive support and funding from drugs coming from the Kingdom of Morocco, the largest producer and exporter of cannabis in the world and the greatest threat to peace and stability in the region.



Through its social, educational, religious and cultural policies, among others, the Sahrawi state has become a factor of moderation and stability in the region. In line with its international and African Union obligations, and in cooperation with the countries of the region, the Sahrawi State has been working relentlessly to combat terrorism and extremism. These are great risks that threaten humanity and it would be a shame on the international community not to provide support and protection for our people and their legitimate cause.



Ladies and Gentlemen,



We note with satisfaction the positive developments that have taken place politically, legally and judicially in Europe in relation to the Sahrawi cause.



The ruling of the European General Court issued in December 2015 and the opinion of the EU General Advocate Mr Wathelet delivered in September 2016 have debunked categorically the remaining misconceptions and fallacies in relation to the European legal engagement with the Moroccan-Sahrawi conflict. For the European Union, as is the case of the United Nations and the African Union and others, the Kingdom of Morocco does not exercise any sovereignty over Western Sahara and therefore the EU-Moroccan agreements do not include the territories of the Sahrawi Republic and its territorial waters. In addition to establishing the fact that Spain is still legally responsible for the Territory as a colonial administering power, the ruling also affirmed that the Frente POLISARIO is the sole legitimate representative of the Sahrawi people and that it has legal competence to present legal cases before European courts.



Despite these unequivocal legal and judicial facts, in practice the position of the European Union in this regard is still fraught with indifference and contradiction. Europe is responsible for the outbreak of the Moroccan Sahrawi conflict given the fact that Spain has not yet fulfilled its duty as a colonial administering power of Western Sahara regarding the decolonisation of the Territory. Europe is responsible for the continuation of the conflict because parties such as France and Spain continue to support the Moroccan aggressive expansionism militarily, economically and diplomatically. Europe is responsible for the suffering of the Sahrawi people because France, Spain and other parties continue to conclude agreements, contracts and partnerships that violate international law and the ruling of the European General Court itself. They encourage the Moroccan state of occupation to persist in its intransigence and rebellion against international legality and its repression and human rights abuses and massive looting of the natural resources of the Sahrawi people and keeping them divided between refugee camps and exile and occupation and oppression.



Ladies and Gentlemen,



I regret to say that the just and peaceful solution to the Moroccan Sahrawi conflict is in grave danger today. The explosive situation at Al Guergarat, in southern Western Sahara, would not have arisen if the Security Council, through the United Nations Mission for the Referendum in Western Sahara (MINURSO), had not failed in preventing the Moroccan transgression. Because of this failure, the Sahrawi army was forced to intervene to prevent Morocco from annexing new territories and changing the status quo established under the military agreement n 1 that regulates the relationship between MINURSO and the two parties to the conflict.



There is no doubt that the Moroccan state of occupation is the responsible for this threat through its repeated escalation and provocation. However, the prime responsibility lies with the UN Security Council because it has failed since 1991 in implementing and defending its decisions aiming at the decolonisation of Western Sahara.



The UN Security Council is responsible for the impasse confronting the conflict today because it has unfortunately allowed MINURSO to be an exception, thus subjecting it to the will of the Moroccan military illegal occupation. Unlike other peacekeeping operations that operate in line with certain standards and procedures, no such considerations have been taken in the case of MINURSO in terms of car license plates, entry visas and monitoring of human rights as well as ensuring freedom of observers to visit the Territory and interacting with the population and the like.



Because of its continuous indifference and indecisiveness, the UN Security Council has given the Moroccan state of occupation a free hand to rebel against international legality and to attack the authority of the Council itself by expressing its unwillingness to cooperate with the UN Secretary-General and his Personal Envoy, expelling the political and administrative component of MINURSO and breaching blatantly the cease-fire.



If the UN Security Council has a collective responsibility in this regard, France in particular, as a permanent member of the Council, has systematically sabotaged the implementation of international legality. It continues to provide protection for the Moroccan obstructionist position and has blocked the report of the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights in 2006 and prevented that MINURSO be mandated to protect human rights.



France is today a stumbling block that continues to impede the Security Council from taking critical decisions that may give back to the Council its prestige. For this reason, it is responsible for any serious deterioration in the tense situation at Al Guergarat, where the Moroccan and Sahrawi armies are separated by a distance of not more than 120 meters.



Peace in Western Sahara is in danger. The UN Security Council therefore should take a decisive decision to enforce expeditiously the provisions of the UN-OAU Settlement Plan endorsed by the Council and signed by the two parties to the conflict, which aims at holding a free and fair referendum in which the Sahrawi people would exercise their right to self-determination and independence.



Ladies and Gentlemen,



The occupied territories of the Sahrawi Republic live under blockade at a time when the Moroccan state of occupation persists in repression and torture, detention and various forms of gross violations of human rights in addition to its systematic expulsion of independent international observers from the occupied Territory. Perhaps there are among us today some of those who have been subjected to this disgraceful treatment that is unfortunately met with complicit indifference by governments and international institutions including the European Union.



On this occasion, we call for the lifting of the unjust blockade, the removal of the wall of the Moroccan occupation, which is a crime against humanity, the end of human rights abuses and the plundering of natural resources as well as providing MINURSO with an effective mechanism to protect, monitor and report on human rights.



In a suspicious move, the Moroccan state of occupation suddenly decided to withdraw the sentence passed by a military tribunal against the prisoners of Gdeim Izik, while keeping them under severe detention and ill-treatment conditions. There is no justification for their detention in Moroccan prisons, and they should be released immediately along with all other Sahrawi political prisoners. The Moroccan State of Occupation should also account for the whereabouts of all Sahrawi disappeared owing to the Moroccan military invasion of Western Sahara on 31 October 1975.



Ladies and Gentlemen,



On behalf of the Sahrawi people, I would like to convey to you, members of the solidarity movement, our sincere thanks and appreciation and to pay tribute to the heroes who have left us. We salute all continental, national and regional parliamentary and friendship associations and groups and specialised bodies such as the International Western Sahara Resource Watch, among others.



Your standing by our people in their plight is a noble message to all nations and peoples of the world. Your principled positions ease the suffering of the Sahrawi people, reinforce their confidence and assure them that they are not alone in their struggle for freedom and dignity. The commitment and devotion to such lofty principles is clearly reflected by the European Coordination, headed by dear brother and friend Mr Pierre Galland and other honourable members, which has maintained its firm position since the first days of the Moroccan invasion of Western Sahara.



The Sahrawi people are still in desperate need of more support and assistance. The Moroccan state of occupation persists in its policies of oppression, impoverishment and destruction of livelihoods and plunder of the natural resources in the occupied territories. In the meantime, the refugees are suffering not only from the harsh conditions and natural disasters but also from repeated attempts to reduce the humanitarian aid, which is already insufficient.



I would also like to express our most sincere greetings to sisterly Algeria and its government and people for the principled position in support for the just struggle of the Sahrawi people. The firm position that Algeria has exhibited from the very beginning underlines the need for the implementation of the UN Charter and resolutions based on the respect for the free and sovereign will of the Sahrawi people.



Our many thanks also go to Africa and its great organisation, the African Union, which has been strongly committed to defending the cause of the Sahrawi people as the last decolonisation issue on the continent considering that the freedom of Africa will be incomplete without enabling the Sahrawi people to regain their legitimate rights.



As we are proud to belong to Africa, we are also proud of our present and future cultural and geographical relations with Spanish and Latin American peoples.



I would like to take this occasion to convey our greetings and appreciation to the immense movement of solidarity that reflects the fraternal and sincere attitude of the Spanish peoples regarding the Sahrawi people.



We look forward to seeing the Spanish state assuming its legal and moral duty towards our people by achieving expeditiously the decolonisation of Western Sahara. Spain is still, and perhaps more than ever, part of this problem that cannot be barred by any statute of limitation; it started in the past but it is still an integral part of the present.



We are not opposed to relations between Spain and Morocco in all fields, but it would be a heinous crime if the price to be paid would be more conspiracy against the blood, sweat and suffering of the Sahrawi people.



Spain of 2016 is not Spain of 1975, and there is no justification for not correcting this error because the democratic transition will remain incomplete as long as the Spanish state has not removed the stigma represented by the infamous Madrid Accords. The new government and the new parliament are called upon to act seriously to end the tragedy of the Sahrawi people by means of a referendum of self-determination. If Spain manages to do this, which it is able and legally bound to do, it will achieve a historic reconciliation with itself and with its history, and will contribute to the triumph of justice, democracy and peace.



Long live free and independent Western Sahara!



Strength, Determination and Tenacity to enforce Independence and Sovereignty!



Thank you! (SPS)

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STAMFORD  Murder charges initially lodged against two men arrested in connection with the stabbing death of a popular Westhill High School graduate were pulled back at their arraignment.

At their arraignment early Friday, James Rackover, 25, of New York City, and Lawrence Dilione, 28, of Jersey City, N.J., have each been charged with concealment of a human corpse, tampering with physical evidence and hindering prosecution. They were not arraigned on the second-degree murder charges they were arrested on by New York City Police on Thursday.

However, Assistant District Attorney Antoinette Carter said during the arraignment that "one or both of these people committed a murder, the Associate Press reported.

Authorities said 26-year-old Joey Comunale, of Stamford, was stabbed to death after a night of partying at Rackovers luxury apartment in Manhattans East Side.

Comunale was found Wednesday buried in a shallow grave in the Monmouth County shore town of Oceanport, N.J.

Each defendant is being held on $3 million bond and their next court appearance is scheduled for Monday.

According to a criminal complaint obtained by the Advocate Friday morning, Dilione on Tuesday told a New York police detective where Comunales body could be found.

We took Joeys body to Oceanport, New Jersey and we buried it in a vacant lot, Dilione told police, according to the complaint.

The other suspect, Rackover, was born James Arthur Beaudoin and was arrested several times in Florida under that name for burglary, armed robbery and drug possession, according to the Broward County Sheriffs Office.

At the Grand Sutton apartment tower, where police said Comunale was killed, residents told the New York Times they knew Rackover as the son of Jeffrey Rackover, a well-known jeweler whose clients have included Oprah Winfrey and President-elect Donald Trump.

Authorities said James Rackover was seen placing a large duffle bag Sunday evening into the trunk of a black 2015 Mercedes that was parked outside of the building. The car is registered to Jeffrey Rackover, court documents show.

In a phone interview Thursday with the New York Times, an aunt of James Rackovers, whom she knows as James Beaudoin II, recognized a Facebook photo of him.

No way, Rachel Boyd said. "I love him. Hes not the type of person that could do this.

Comunale attended Stillmeadow Elementary School and Scofield Magnet Middle School before graduating Westhill in 2008. He worked at Tri-Ed Distribution in Elmsford, N.Y., played baseball and hockey and continued playing even after graduating from Hofstra University, his father said.

The Associated Press contributed to this report.
HAMPTON  Alliant Energy officials met with landowners in Franklin County this week to answer questions about a $1 billion wind farm project.

The project is a westward expansion of Whispering Willow Wind Farm south of Hampton. Alliant announced the project in July and has since gained approval from the Iowa Utilities Board.

Our industry is changing drastically in how were generating energy for our customers, Alliant spokesperson Justin Foss said. The expansion looks to generate 500 megawatts of energy.

100-turbine wind farm planned in Worth, Freeborn counties NORTHWOOD | A Chicago-based wind developer is speaking with Worth County landowners to secur

Globe Gazette editorial: Wind project boost for Franklin County Were always pleased to see advancements in alternative energy in Iowa, and two recent devel

Construction is slated to begin in spring 2018 with the wind farm operational in early 2019.

Ninety percent of necessary landowners have signed on for the project, according to Ben Lipari, director of project development for Alliant.

We have 10 percent waiting on decisions, Lipari said, noting the company is working closely with landowners.

Part of the goal is to minimize Alliants footprint in these areas when it comes to access roads and facilities.

Over the years, more information has been available about wind energy.

Landowners are more educated than before, Lipari said. They do better understand wind energy.

Lipari said that transparency is key in building relationships with communities they work in.

Alliant Energy is based in Cedar Rapids and provides electric service to 487,000 customers and natural gas service to 226,000 customers in more than 600 communities, including North Iowa.

The initial phase would include building 80 wind turbines to produce about 200 megawatts of energy. The entire 5-year plan is expected to include approximately 200 turbines to produce the total 500 megawatts of energy.

Were still assessing, Lipari said.

Those turbines would not all be located within Franklin County but in locations in central, north central and northwest Iowa, Lipari said.

The project will mean increased employment throughout those regions. At the peak of construction, Alliant will need 1,500 workers to complete the project, Foss said.

Once construction is completed, Alliant estimated it could staff approximately 10 workers for maintenance.

Whispering Willow Wind Farm currently spans 33,000 acres with 121 turbines. The wind farm began commercial operation in late 2009 and has a capacity to generate 200 megawatts, or enough to power about 50,000 homes.

Foss said that wind energy is important to the company as Alliant plans to reduce its carbon dioxide emissions by 40 percent by 2030.

This is one of several major expansions of wind energy in Iowa announced this year.

In April, MidAmerican Energy announced a $3.6 billion plan to add 1,000 wind turbines in Iowa.

More recently, Chicago-based wind developer Invenergy announced plans to spread 100 wind turbines between Freeborn County, Minnesota, and in Worth County.

The company is speaking with Worth County landowners to secure leases for a proposed $320 million wind farm.

The proposed project would provide power to Xcel Energy customers in Minnesota.
STAMFORD  A Stamford man wanted for questioning in the death of his wife has been caught after four days on the run, police said.

Capt. Richard Conklin said that New York City Police found 32-year-old Elmer Gomez Ruano in Brooklyn and are holding him on child endangerment charges after he left his five-year old daughter at the Port Authority bus terminal. Stamford police are seeking to extradite Gomez Ruano to face similar charges.

Police in Stamford, New York, New Jersey as well as the U.S. Marshalls Service have been looking for Gomez Ruano since his wife, 24-year-old Dionicia Bautista-Cano, was found dead in their Glenbrook apartment that they had moved into only a day before. Bautista-Cano moved to Stamford from Flemington, New Jersey, where she lived since coming to the United States from Guatemala about a year ago. Gomez Ruano has been living in Stamford for about a year and was working as a dishwasher at a Bedford Street diner.

I am pleased with the work these investigators have done and with our law enforcement partners in New York City. They have been very professional and accommodating to us, Conklin said.

Police say the child, who speaks mostly Spanish, has been placed in the custody of the state Department of Children and Families. Police are planning on interviewing the girl to find out what she knows about her mothers death.

The New York Daily News reported that a cousin of Bautista-Cano, who lives in Flemington, wants to adopt the girl, whose name is Daisy. The woman, Lorina Tobar, says she she and Bautista-Cano worked together at an Italian restaurant.

When she worked, she always wanted to make sure Daisy was taken care of, said Tobar, who often baby-sat the little girl, the Daily News reported.
STAMFORD  The city has begun preparing for next years property revaluation, a process that generally pleases those who end up owning less in taxes and frustrates many who dont.

The state mandates that municipalities undertake a revaluation of residential and commercial properties every five years. The review assesses property values based on market conditions.

Taxpayers should have received notices inquiring about changes to their properties since the 2013 revaluation. When updated assessments are made available Oct. 1, taxpayers will have two months to contest their new bills.

The Revaluation Review Committee  made up of Board of Representatives and Board of Finance members, as well as officials from the administration and tax assessors offices  helps oversee the project. They met for the first time this month about the 2017 revaluation.

The committee is in charge of making sure residents are aware next year that the revaluation has taken place and that theres a time frame to challenge their assessments, committee member Sal Gabriele said.

During a revaluation, the citys tax burden is redistributed among taxpayers.

If your valuation goes up 5 percent it doesnt mean that your taxes will go up 5 percent, said Board of Finance chairman Richard Freedman, another committee member. In fact, its almost guaranteed that your taxes will go up some different amount.

The amount of taxable property in the Oct. 1, 2015, grand list is around $19.5 billion  $17.5 billion for real estate, $1 billion for personal property and $900 million for motor vehicles. The average tax rate is 25.27 mills, the amount owned per $1,000 of assessed value. In Connecticut, homes are assessed at 70 percent of their true value.

In 2013, single-family home assessments decreased about 20 percent, according to tax assessor Gregory Stackpole, who called that revaluation an anomaly in that many people who saw a decrease in their assessments had their taxes increase.

I think weve seen an improvement in the market since 2012, but its too early to say how its going to affect the various classifications of real estate, he said.

Gabriele, who is on the Board of Finance, said he is concerned about the tax burden on homeowners.

Hopefully this time around, the large commercial buildings get assessed properly and there isnt the shift from large commercial properties back to residential properties that happened in 2013, he said.

Gabriele noted that last time, assessments on several of the citys flagship commercial properties  including UBS, RBS and BLT Financial Centre  went down by a total of $2 million. The decline reflected a 30 percent commercial vacancy rate at the time.

There were big property owners that people didnt think were really paying their fair share, said committee member J.R. McMullen, who also represents the 18th District on the Board of Representatives.

The citys commercial banking giants, UBS and RBS, which both have headquarters on Washington Boulevard, took the city to court in 2011 contesting their 2007 assessments.

Frankly, somebody like RBS and UBS can afford to have lawyers contest it, McMullen said. Somebody who lives on Hope Street doesnt have the same ability. They can spend their personal time, but theyre not going to hire lawyers to fight it.

Committee members said they hope to educate the public about the revaluation.

All of us who own residential properties would like to see it as much as possible pushed over to commercial properties, and all of us who own commercial properties would like to see it pushed over to the residential properties, McMullen said.

And within that whole thing your house is competing with the house across town on whether your property taxes will go up, he said. Its such a big nut and so many people dont understand how the process works.

eskalka@scni.com
DES MOINES  The state Economic Development Board weighing whether to give $7 million to Mason Citys downtown redevelopment project is giving key elements of the plan a little more time to progress.

The state board at its regular meeting Friday in Des Moines approved a 90-day extension for final approval of state financing for the project. The extension allows more time for the project to reach key benchmarks sought by the board.

Mason City's Southbridge Mall sells for $1.5 million MASON CITY  Southbridge Mall has been sold to a New York-based company specializing in mall

Mason Citys $36.2 million downtown redevelopment project calls for a hotel, parking ramp, mixed-use building, music pavilion, and an ice arena and multipurpose center.

The project received preliminary approval for $7 million in state financing through the states Reinvestment District program.(tncms-asset)feed65c2-a2a6-11e6-8b1d-00163ec2aa77(/tncms-asset)

Before granting final approval, the state Economic Development Board wishes to see $10 million in private investment  which would be achieved by secured financing for the hotel  and a finalized lease for the arena and music pavilion.

The new deadline extends to late January.

Mason City Administrator Brent Trout briefed the state board on the project, saying the city is making progress on the lease.(tncms-asset)edc239fc-a06d-11e6-8a9d-00163ec2aa77(/tncms-asset)

And the hotel developer recently told the Globe Gazette he is confident he will secure financing.

Trout said if the developer is not able to secure financing, the city will explore other options, likely putting out a new request for proposals.
M ilitary chiefs are reviewing how they run their 30 billion estate, which includes a key outsourcing contract with Capita, in the wake of a damning report from the audit office.

Capita, which also collects the London congestion charge, signed a 10-year deal with the Ministry of Defence to run its giant UK estate in 2014.

However the Ministry is reviewing how it wants to run its estate just 18 months after it signed Capita to help it with the mammoth project.

It comes in the wake of a report which found "shortcomings" in the tie-up with Capita.

The National Audit Office this week claimed the outsourcing giant pocketed as profits nearly 50% of the 90 million paid in fees, although that was before costs. Capita declined to say how much it made, but analysts said it normally has a profit margin of 12% to 15%.

Concern has also grown after the MoD said it considered Capitas performance mixed despite some positive benefits.

The Ministry and Capita tie-up has faced an uphill struggle to whip the estate into shape and NAO report says the deal has scored a number of improvements despite the problems.

Top brass are due to conclude their review on December 21. The defence board will decide early next year whether to keep the contract, which can be terminated at any time.

This is an important report and we are determined to deliver a better defence estate, the MoD said.

Capita said there was no indication the Ministry would remove its ability to benefit from private sector expertise and support.

The contract is focused on delivering huge benefits to the department by securing the best property outcomes to release maximum funds for the Department and delivering sustainable savings through the efficient future maintenance of the estate," a Capita spokesperson said.

Capita shares crashed in September after a profit warning blamed on Brexit-induced jitters delaying investment decisions from clients.
BANCROFT  Relatives and friends of a Bancroft man better known as Mr. Pork Chop say he was passionate about many things in life  among them, RAGBRAI and his small Kossuth County town.

To the tune of his bellowing, iconic pork cho-o-o-p call, Paul Bernhard served thousands of his thick-cut Iowa Chops  grilled to juicy, smoky perfection above a bed of corncobs and served on a paper towel  to thousands of hungry cyclists each July.

Paul died from complications of pneumonia Wednesday at Kossuth Regional Health Center in Algona. He was 88.

His 1-inch chop, initially a staple at North Iowa church dinners and community banquets, was first offered during RAGBRAI in 1982, according to his son, Matt Bernhard.

The annual bicycle ride across the state was headed through Bancroft that year, and like other entrepreneurial townspeople, Paul decided to sell food.

Pauls pork chops were a hit with the riders, Matt said, and participants begged him to sell them on future RAGBRAIs.

A lifelong farmer and a past president of the Iowa Pork Association, Paul ended up selling the chops for 25 years, becoming a celebrity in the process.

It was one of those things where he had to learn a lot of lessons and a few failures, Matt said. He was stubborn enough  he never gave up on it.

Matt laughed as he recalled some of those failures  setting up at the bottom of a hill, being too far from the road or trying to set up his stand in towns.

He got kicked out of towns all the time, Matt said.

Success was eventually found at farmsteads, where the Mr. Pork Chop-mobile  an old school bus painted pink and with added ears to look like a pig  and billowing smoke from the grills caught the riders attention, as did Pauls signature hawking, which began during a contest.

He always had a big voice on him, Matt said. Every morning, he would wake us up with that  all of 11 of us  as he went through our names.

As for RAGBRAI, Paul loved the people it brought to the state  especially the women.

As one of the bikers always said, your dad is a chick magnet, Matt said. They all wanted to come up and give him a kiss, which he enjoyed immensely.

A stubborn German, Paul also enjoyed a good argument and wasnt afraid to speak his mind.

Matt had been working with his dad on and off since the business started, and took it over in 2008.

Although its tough to find four or five people to help him for the six days of the ride, Matt plans to continue the legacy of Mr. Pork Chop, which sells roughly 3,600 to 4,800 chops each RAGBRAI.

The mantra among cyclists  Matt has heard  is that theyre getting a pork chop during the ride.

Riders say they cant get pork like this in California or New York, Florida, Chicago, Minneapolis or Indianapolis, Paul told the Globe Gazette in 1998.

RAGBRAI considers Paul a legend, according to director T. J. Juskiewicz, and the organization is working with his family to honor him during the 2017 event.

We dont use that term too often with RAGBRAI, Juskiewicz said via email, referring to the term legend.

He will be missed! he said.

In Bancroft, Paul was mayor for 12 years and served on the School Board. He launched a bid for the Iowa Senate in 1998 as an independent candidate, saying he hoped to be a voice for small towns and family farmers.

He was also a fourth degree member of the Knights of Columbus.

Bernhards funeral Mass is 10:30 a.m. Monday at St. Johns Catholic Church in Bancroft. Visitation is 3 to 6 p.m. Sunday at the church.
M agic Circle law firm Freshfields Bruckhaus Deringer is set to swap Fleet Street for Bishopsgate in one of the biggest leasing deals of year so far, the Evening Standard understands.

Industry sources say the company has chosen 100 Bishopsgate  the skyscraper being built by Canadian developer Brookfield  as the location for its new headquarters, moving an army of lawyers into the heart of the City.

Freshfields, which has been looking for 300,000 square feet, has chosen Bishopsgate, above the nearby 60-70 St Mary Axe scheme, nicknamed the Can of Ham.

The move, a fillip for the London commercial property market, will be the biggest City leasing deal of the year so far.

The only bigger one in the capital this year is US tech giant Apples planned move to Battersea.

Property players such as British Land and Land Securities this week warned of falling property values and sliding rents as demand slips in the wake of Brexit.

Freshfields current home is the former site of the Daily Mail but its lease expires in the 2021, the date for a likely move.

Brookfield committed to the 37-floor tower last year. A Freshfields spokesman declined to comment.
T he celebrity-adored bag maker Longchamp, has warned that soaring West End rents could push some of its London stores into the red.

The luxury French brand, which counts BBC star Mary Berry, the Duchess of Cambridge and model Alexa Chung as fans, is famed for its foldable tote bags.

It has stores on Oxford Street, Regent Street and at Westfield White City, as well as concessions in the capital.

In accounts just filed for Longchamp (UK), the firm said: Property rental prices are at a premium, and there is therefore a risk that the high element of fixed costs could lead to stores becoming loss making.

Performance reviews of each shop are conducted on a regular basis.

Rental woes are on top of concerns about a looming hike in business rates next year. Earlier this month the brands UK general manager Paul Lorraine was one of a number of retail specialists that signed a letter to the chancellor calling for business rate changes in Westminster, to secure future growth in the West End.

Sales at Longchamps UK arm rose to 8.7 million in 2015, from 7.3 million a year earlier.
A s I battled a hangover that would fell a rhino, the Mall Tavern in Notting Hill was the last place I wanted to be. Yet thats where I was on a recent Monday lunchtime to meet Simon Townsend, chief executive of Britains biggest pub company, Enterprise Inns.

The Mall is a wood-panelled Victorian job with poshed-up food and decent ales. Townsend, a big, friendly rugger type, gets stuck in straightaway to a pint of Reunion. He notices Im greener than usual and sipping a Coke.

Hung-over? On a Monday? Top work! he guffaws. I trust you were helping a pub with your celebrations, and not a supermarket?

We were indeed, I mumble. Brilliant! Brilliant! he booms, his voice and bonhomie a testament to a jolly good boarding school. Despite his accent, unlike the beerage aristocrats of yore, Townsend wasnt born into the trade. Neither  and this may come as a surprise to pubco haters  was he a banker who stumbled on pubs as a way to earn a fast buck.

Why might that surprise Enterprises critics? Because, like rival Punch Taverns, Enterprise is caricatured by some as being little more than a leveraged-finance property play for whom beer and community are merely incidental.

A history lesson may explain the perception. Modern pubcos owe their existence to the governments Beer Orders of 1989, which forced brewers to sell off thousands of their pubs. The idea was to spawn a new breed of boozers rented by tenants who could stock whatever beers they wanted, breaking the stranglehold held by the breweries since Victorian times.

"The jobs very different, its far more complex and Ive had to learn to be a bit less hands-on, but I love it."

Entrepreneurs would buy the pubs, rent them to tenants and supply them with beer and spirits from central purchasing departments. Enterprises founder, Ted Tuppen, was one of the first to act. He bought 372 pubs from Bass in 1991 and, borrowing from bankers eager to lend, rapidly built up and estate of 8500.

All was dandy until 2007. Then, the fates ordered a treble shot of lethal proportions: the smoking ban, a supermarket beer price war and  most crushingly  the credit crunch. By now, Enterprises galloping pub-buying spree had run up debts of more than 3.4 billion but banks no longer wanted to lend. Cue a forced stampede to sell pubs by the thousand. Enterprise now has about 5500 and debts are down to a more manageable 2.2 billion, based on long-term loans rather than a maxed-out overdraft.

It was a difficult process, says Townsend, but the company had no option: You learn from your mistakes and shortcomings. I am a better businessman as a result, he says.

If it was tough for Enterprise and its shareholders, it was miserable for tenants whose livelihoods and family homes were in those pubs. Complaints came in droves to MPs, newspapers and campaign groups which accused Enterprise and Punch of unfairly kicking tenants out, overcharging for beer and generally ripping them off. Many said they were not properly told of the risks of taking over a tenancy and quickly found the numbers didnt add up, pushing them to bankruptcy.

Townsend admits: In the good times, we were very focused on making the business bigger and bigger. It was difficult to look with any external perception about what we were doing. Enterprise failed to get to know its potential tenants well enough before partnering with them.

We didnt have the time or resources and bandwidth, he says. As Ed Bedington, editor of the industrys parish magazine, the Morning Advertiser, puts it: Ted Tuppen was seen as the bogeyman of the industry, the archetypal cause of a lot of licensees misery.

Tuppen left in 2013, handing his mixed legacy to Townsend, now 54, who was his operations director. In the City, Enterprise is seen these days as being at its healthiest for years. Townsend is more popular than he was, too. Says one analyst: Simon was the guy who beat people up and was aggressive in the analysts meetings. But now hes stepped up, hes become a lot more conciliatory. Hes been a bit of a puppydog, actually.

Old London Pubs - In pictures 1 /33 Old London Pubs - In pictures circa 1900 Ye Old Dick Whittington Pub in Smithfield in the City of London London Stereoscopic Company/Getty Images circa 1905 The Greyhound Public House in Dulwich, London Reinhold Thiele/Thiele/Getty Images 1923 The bar of a public house in the city of London with turkeys and hams on sale for Christmas Topical Press Agency/Getty Images 1937 Australian heavyweight boxer George Cook carrying a barrel of beer above his head at the pub he owns in Marylebone, London. Although the work keeps him fit, the British Boxing Board of Control has refused to renew his fighting licence J. A. Hampton/Topical Press Agency/Getty Images 1938 1938 'Kim', the buffet cat, with a barmaid at the Sloane Square buffet 'The Hole in the Wall' John F. Stephenson/Topical Press Agency/Getty Images 1939 A group of sailors from the naval reserve enjoying a drink in a pub Walter Bellamy/London Express/Getty Images 1939 A couple of men enjoying a pint at a London pub, protected by sandbags George W. Hales/Fox Photos/Getty Images 1947 Fleet Street crime reporters meet at 'the dive', St Stephen's Tavern, across the road from the Houses of Parliament, London Bert Hardy/Picture Post/Hulton Archive/Getty Images 1947 Patrons of The Crown public house, on Blackfriars Road, London, celebrate the wedding of Princess Elizabeth (later Queen Elizabeth II) and Philip Mountbatten, Duke of Edinburgh Bert Hardy/Picture Post/Hulton Archive/Getty Images 1948 A new sign about to be hung outside 'The Greyhound', an old coaching inn in Carshalton Warburton/Topical Press Agency/Getty Images 1949 Publican Peggy Powell stocks a selection of London brews at the Shakespeare Hotel in Folkestone, Kent, in order to maintain her popularity with London holidaymakers Don Price/Fox Photos/Getty Images 1949 Mr John Chester, pub licensee, listens as organist Vick Smith plays the organ which he has had installed in his pub The Earl of Derby, Forest Gate Fox Photos/Getty Images A busy street scene outside the Elephant and Castle tavern, Southwark. A horse tram and horse drawn onmibus wait at the road junction. It was destroyed in the Blitz and the area has been redeveloped English Heritage/Heritage Images/Getty Images 1949 1949: A view of pedestrians and a street corner pub in Prusom Street, Wapping, east London Bert Hardy/Picture Post/Hulton Archive/Getty Images 1949 Men unloading barrels of beer outside a pub in the Pool of London, while their carthorse feeds from a nosebag Bert Hardy/Picture Post/Hulton Archive/Getty Images 1950 Two men enjoying a drink at 'The Prospect of Whitby', one of London's famous public houses Central Press/Getty Images 1950 Training barmen at a pub near Cambridge Circus, Charing Cross, London Fox Photos/Getty Images 1950: A contingent of Chelsea Pensioners attend the unveiling of a portrait of one of their number outside 'The Old Sergeant' on Parsonage Lane, Enfield MacGregor/Topical Press Agency/Getty Image 1950 An old woman sitting in the Green Man, a pub in Bethnal Green, London Erich Auerbach/Getty Images 1955 A group of men play skittles in the Black Lion pub, London Three Lions/Getty Images 1959 Dominic Behan singing at a folk session, Enterprise Public House, Long Acre, London EFD SS/Heritage Images/Getty Images 1961 British film and stage actor Albert Finney playing the piano in a pub near London's Cambridge Theatre where he is appearing in the stage version of 'Billy Liar' John Pratt/Getty Images 1965 A group of four newly-appointed clergymen enjoy a drink with the Bishop of Southwark at a local pub Keystone/Getty Images 1969 Customers at the 'Piss House' pub on the Portobello Road, Notting Hill, London Charlie Phillips/Getty Images 1971 27-year-old landlady Linda Coulter-Brown poses with six of her barmaids at the 'Bird's Nest', a new Railway pub in West End Lane, north-west London Douglas Miller/Keystone/Hulton Archive/Getty Images

Hes certainly in puppydog mode when I meet him. And hes surprised at that description of the old him: I dont think Ive changed particularly. The jobs very different, its far more complex and Ive had to learn to be a bit less hands-on, but I love it.

Now, out of the crisis phase, hes making long-term changes to the business model. Currently, 4500 of its pubs are leased to tenants who pay a discounted rent in return for buying beer through Enterprise. But in the next four years, many will go in two different directions: 1000 will be operated on a rent-only basis, while 800 will be wholly managed by Enterprise.

That last bit is a big shift. Actually running a boozer is very different to merely being a landlord and beer supplier. So Townsend has teamed up with operators such as Geronimo Inns founder Rupert Clevely and Karen Jones of Cafe Rouge fame to manage some of his venues.

These are guys weve rated for years and watched with envy. To now have the option to partner up with them and use their expertise and retail skills is fantastically exciting, he says.

Enterprise will, he says, apply the learnings to its other managed pubs. Cynics believe the shift is due to rules that came in this July, giving tenants the option to break the tie between tenants and pubcos. The aim is to placate tenants who complain that Enterprise, Punch and others overcharge for their beer and dont offer enough of a rent reduction to compensate.

Simon Clarke of the Eagle Ale House in Battersea, is one. He says: My rents excessive and I dont have the freedom to buy the beers I want at the price or speed I could get them if I went direct to the breweries. Hes trying to use the new rules to free himself of the tie, but claims Enterprise is putting hurdles and costs in his way. It seems like the primary aim is to deny us the option.

Enterprise denies this, but says some tenants want to have it both ways  cheaper rent and no beer-supply arrangement. Thats not on and, Townsend says, could lead to pubs deteriorating in quality. If our income reduces, so does our capability to invest in the pubs. And if were no longer interested as an investor, somebody else has to be, to keep the place fresh and relevant. So whos that going to be? Banks? As one analyst says, managing its pubs in-house gets rid of the whole problem.

Boozers are clearly in Townsends blood. He seems to know practically every pub in London, and is grateful to his wife Sally for putting up with my passion for pubs for the decades since they met at university. His interest was sparked as a teenager when his father Patrick was hired to run Matthew Brown, a North-West brewer. It gave me the bug to see how excited he was about brewing, he says.

Townsend repeatedly speaks of his admiration for his late father, an enthusiastic and passionate businessman. He still winces at the angst he caused by failing his A levels. It was a huge moment between us. My father paid for me to go through school. It was as close a thing as you can imagine to a falling-out.

He passed his retakes and went to college to study agriculture. The subject choice still mystifies him. Beyond a passion for rugby, he was a bit lost in those days. Perhaps his schooling didnt help: he was sent away to Denstone College in Staffordshire, boarding from the age of eight, not even returning home for half terms. I hated it, he grimaces.

At uni, he took a course in making beer, emerging as a qualified brewer. That led to jobs selling beers, wines and spirits to pubs for the big producers. He was sales director at Marstons when Tuppen hired him to run logistics and marketing at Enterprise. It was 1998 and we had about 1000 pubs. By the time I became operations director in 2006, we were at 8000, he says.

After solid results this week, showing pre-tax profits of 122 million, it seems hes created a company with scale and a sustainable future. Would his father be proud? I hope so. I really, really hope so. I love the fact that Im doing what gave him so much pleasure in his career, and I hope hes looking down with a smile, he pauses, and a pint in his hand.

I wonder if Patricks casting a heavenly light on me too. My hangover has magically disappeared. A pint of Reunion, please, barman.
W hen it comes to loathsome and unscrupulous journalists its hard to beat J J Hunsecker in the classic 1957 film Sweet Smell of Success.

The New York hack, chillingly played by Burt Lancaster, is able to coerce Tony Curtiss desperate press agent into destroying a young jazz musician by planting drugs on him and tipping off the cops so that Hunsecker can pursue a controlling relationship with his sister. All in return for a one-sentence mention for the PR mans client in Hunseckers column.

Sadly, the golden age of newspapers has gone. Even though the Evening Standard now has close to two million readers, collectively the printed press doesnt have the circulation it did it in the Fifties. Thats the kind of power that came with 60 million daily readers. These days Id struggle to get a complimentary ticket to a Phil Collins concert.

Critics of the press would have you believe we spend all day thinking up nefarious plans to manipulate the mindless masses, but the truth is that newspapers dont have the monopoly on news anymore. Some might cheer this development. But what half-truths and full-blooded lies now pass as professional journalism?

The mainstream media has taken as much of a battering as mainstream politicians of late. But what would you prefer instead? Breitbart News and Donald Trump? And the internet is full of unverifiable, unaccountable fakery passed off as the real thing.

The President-elect shows no sign of letting up his Twitter tirade against The New York Times for having the impertinence to question pretty much everything about him. Yet Trump isnt the only one guilty of trying to silence dissent. The irony is that in the information age, with our social media friends and networks, were exposed to ever fewer viewpoints. We only read news and interact with people who reaffirm what we already believe.

Its a worrying trend. Its like a child sticking his fingers in his ears, refusing to listen to what he doesnt want to hear. A viewpoint that cant stand up to challenge isnt worth anything. Conversely, unpalatable views that cant be debated in the mainstream will naturally gravitate towards the fringes.

Despite the many failings of newspapers we have to appeal to the broadest cross-section of society or we go out of business. Real journalism takes time, training and money. Its getting into the real world, talking to people, holding the powerful to account. Its not sitting at your desk bashing out 140 characters on Twitter. Even if your desk happens to be in the Oval Office.

The force is still with Carrie and Harrison. We think

'Affair': Harrison Ford and Carrie Fisher in The Empire Strikes Back

Harrison Ford must be regretting he agreed to set foot back in the Millennium Falcon. First he cheated death when a door crushed his leg during filming of The Force Awakens and now hes having to account for an alleged affair with co-star Carrie Fisher on the original Star Wars 40 years ago. Young Han Solo might have done the Kessel Run in less than 12 parsecs but asking an old Han Solo to recall what happened in 1976 could be hard. Especially as Fisher said her own memory is hazy because of the brutal strength of Harrisons preferred strain of pot.

Questions would probably be asked today about a 33-year-old, married male actor getting together with a 19-year-old female ingenue. Yet Fisher, 60, offered the prospect of a happy ending for Star Wars fans when she said the pair could still grow old together. Ford, 76, had better hurry up and break the news to Chewie.

At least Arthur can say hes streetwise

Runaway teenager Arthur Heeler-Froods parents should be proud of him. He may have had them worried sick when he disappeared for 10 weeks, and sleeping rough on the streets of London is not the safest place for a 15-year-old, but Arthur is clearly a young man with get-up and go. Literally.

Most other bored teenagers would probably while away their time playing Xbox or sending selfies on Snapchat. Not Arthur. Not only does he read great books such as Down and Out in Paris and London, he decided to experience what George Orwell described. Mr and Mrs Heeler-Frood should be grateful that he didnt end up in Paris working as a plongeur. That really was the pits.

* Nine out of 10 British surnames can be traced back hundreds of years. The study by the Arts and Humanities Research Council would seem to suggest immigration is a recent phenomenon but history shows us that isnt the case. Britain has been subject to waves of migration going back millennia.

Whats more likely is that foreign names were anglicised while others faded out. Jewish refugees fleeing the Nazis changed their names to make them sound less German. That was only 70 years ago. Holding on to our names, our identities, our otherness, may be a recent phenomenon but just because youre called Smith or Dawkins doesnt mean youre not descended from immigrants.
A piece of street art depicting Hillary Clinton as Wonder Woman has popped up near Old Street.

Anonymous London-based street artist Pegasus paid tribute to the Democrat Partys presidential nominee by taking a part of one of her recent speeches and incorporating it into the piece.

The artwork, which says Never give up can be seen on Great Eastern Street near Old Street.

The artist said that he was inspired by her first public appearance since she lost the election to Donald Trump, where she urged supporters to stay engaged in politics, adding that America is worth it. Our children are worth it.

(Pegasus ) / Pegasus

It has been an emotional week knowing the country I once called home is headed into dark days of uncertainty, Pegasus told the Evening Standard. After hearing Hillary Clintons speech during her first public appearance since last weeks results, I felt inspired to create a tribute of hope incorporating her positive words, Never give up.

In the same speech, she admitted that since losing the election all I wanted to do was curl up with a good book and our dogs and never leave the house again. Perhaps this inspiring artwork will convince her to make a trip over to Old Street.

(Pegasus) / @pegasusart

Visit standard.co.uk/arts for the latest news and reviews from Londons arts scene

Follow Going Out on Facebook and on Twitter @ESgoingout
G ood news for skiers: Alpine ski resorts have been opening a month early thanks to big snowfalls, with more than a metre in parts.

However, it coincides with exclusive research for this page, revealing that car hire costs in European ski locations can be three to six times the price of a ski pass  once the dreaded extra costs at the rental desk are added on.

In seven European ski locations researched for us, a six-day ski pass ranged from 158 in Bansko, Bulgaria, to 182 in Grandvalira, Andorra, and 234 at Alpe dHuez, Grenoble.

Meanwhile, a weeks car hire  including extra rental desk payments for ski racks, winterisation charges, excess/waiver insurance, extra driver tariffs, sat nav charges and child car seat fees  can total more than 1,000 in Geneva, 928 in Turin, 837 in Barcelona, 761 in Grenoble, 704 in Inverness, 682 in Innsbruck and 458 in Sofia.

iCarhireinsurance.com, which provides stand-alone car hire excess insurance, researched seven European ski gateways to see how a skiers costs snowball when they pick up their hire car. Hire companies Avis, Sixt, Europcar, Budget and Hertz were researched for the hire of a medium compact car from December 27 2016 to January 3 2017.

Geneva emerged as the most expensive place to hire a car for the week, at an average 418, with extras at the rental desk costing, on average, an additional 601, consisting of a ski rack (53), winterisation costs (25 for items such as snow tyres/chains), an extra named driver (90), a sat nav (142), childs car seat (61) and 230 for excess waiver policies (135 for super damage waiver, 51 for super theft waiver and 44 for tyre and windscreen excess waiver).

The costs of extras bought from the rental desk varied widely. Ski racks ranged from 23 with Budget and Sixt in Sofia to more than 60 in Barcelona with Avis and Budget. Winterisation charges ranged from 24 in Geneva with Avis to 95 with the same firm in Barcelona. iCarhireinsurance points out that travellers need to research the driving regulations of the country they are hiring in, otherwise they (not the rental company) could face a fine.

Extra driver costs ranged from 22 with Avis and Sixt in Sofia, to 106 with Budget in Geneva. For drivers under 25, prices can be prohibitive, with rental companies charging more than 200 for a young driver in Inverness and Grenoble.

Only in Sofia, which had an average sat nav hire cost of 57, did the cost of a unit fall below 80. In Geneva and Turin, the average cost was more than 100. Costs for car seats ranged from 22 with Sixt in Sofia to 158 in Turin with Budget.

As for car hire excess insurance waivers, rental companies often offer three different excess policies: one for theft (average cost 32), one for damage (average cost 110) and one covering tyre and windscreen protection (average cost 33).

Europcar bundles these policies together in a Combined Super Waiver policy across all destinations in the survey (apart from Innsbruck) from between 117 and 254. Other providers also bundle these products, but only in some destinations. For example, Sixt offer it in Barcelona for 82, Avis in Inverness for 119, and Budget offer it in Inverness for 119 and Turin for 289.

If a hire car is damaged or stolen, even if its not the hirers fault, the hirer is liable for the first part of the claim (i.e. the excess amount), which can be up to 2,500 (the excess amount in Turin with Europcar).

Family cars: Skoda Superb vs Ford Mondeo vs Volvo S60 1 /17 Family cars: Skoda Superb vs Ford Mondeo vs Volvo S60 1st Skoda Superb 2.0 TDI 150 SE Technology 1st Skoda Superb 2.0 TDI 150 SE Technology Ford Mondeo 2.0 TDCi 150 Titanium Volvo V60 D3 Business Edition 1st Skoda Superb 2.0 TDI 150 SE Technology Ford Mondeo 2.0 TDCi 150 Titanium Volvo V60 D3 Business Edition Skoda Superb vs Ford Mondeo vs Volvo S60 1st Skoda Superb 2.0 TDI 150 SE Technology Volvo V60 D3 Business Edition Ford Mondeo 2.0 TDCi 150 Titanium Ford Mondeo 2.0 TDCi 150 Titanium Volvo V60 D3 Business Edition

This is where iCarhireinsurance comes in. It points out that instead of buying excess policies from the rental company, you can buy a policy from a specialist insurance company for 23.92 for the week (or 37.99 for an annual policy for unlimited European trips). An iCarhireinsurance.com excess policy also includes vulnerable parts of a vehicle, providing up to 6,000 of protection cover.

Its good advice, and theyre not the only ones. When I rented earlier this year, I found a useful website  moneymaxim.co.uk  that helps you find the best deals. I ended up paying just 2.23 a day for excess waiver insurance.

Dont add to your holiday costs by getting caught out when you pick up your hire car, says Ernesto Suarez, founder and CEO of iCarhireinsurance.com. Advance planning can keep costs to a minimum. Save hundreds by buying your excess waiver insurance from a specialist company in advance, take your own sat-nav and car seat, keep extra drivers to a minimum and you wont be looking at a wipe-out at the rental desk.

More on child car seat charges here: skyscanner.net/news/flying-babies

@djrwilliams
L atvia-based Dartz designs armoured SUVs for celebrities and oligarchs who want to add a touch of artistic flair to their military-grade vehicles.

Kanye West, and the producers of Sacha Baron Cohens The Dictator, are believed to have been previous clients of the firm, which has also made the worlds most expensive SUV. The Trumpmobile of Leonard Yankelovichs imagination would provide an electric shock to anyone who touches it, deliver 1500 bhp, and protect Donald Trump behind B7-rated armour.

Although many of the details remain unknown, the official state Trumpmobile is believed to have been undergoing secret tests at a General Motors facility over the summer. Obamas world famous Beast, described by the President as a Caddy, basically on a tank frame, will be decommissioned at the end of his presidency.

The Beast became internationally renowned for its manoeuvres in foreign countries, including a five-point turn outside Downing Street and getting beached outside the US Embassy in Dublin.

A military-grade vehicle kitted out to look like one of GMs Cadillac saloons, it has night vision cameras, 5-inch thick bulletproof glass, 8-inch doors, its own oxygen supply, and a 2 pint supply of blood in the event the President is injured.

Its designed to repel any kind of threat to Americas Commander-in-Chief, including IED and RPG strikes. There are no holes for keys and it is cut off entirely from the outside world in order to keep the President safe from a chemical or biological attack.

President Trump will have access to a similar fleet of these cars, probably around 12 in total, with each expected to cost more than 1 million.

The very first US President to start using cars for official engagements was President William Howard Taft (1909-1913), who had the White House stables converted to make way for his Pierce-Arrow limousines.

Donald Trump - In pictures 1 /112 Donald Trump - In pictures President Donald Trump takes the oath of office as his wife Melania Trump holds the bible and his son Barron Trump looks on, on the West Front of the U.S. Capitol on January 20, 2017 in Washington, DC Getty Images Acceptance speech Republican president-elect Donald Trump gives a thumbs up to the crowd during his acceptance speech at his election night event at the New York Hilton Midtown in the early morning hours of 9 November 2016 in New York Getty Images Little Trump Donald Trump pictured when he was 4 years old Donald J Trump/Instagram The Trump Princess Donald Trump waves to reporters in 1988 with his first wife Ivana as they board their yacht 'The Trump Princess' in New York AP Donald Trump stands next to one of his three Sikorsky helicopters at New York Port Authority's West 30 Street Heliport in 1988 Out on the town Trump and his first wife Ivana arrive at a social engagement in New York in December 1989 AFP/Getty Images Surviving at the top Trump followed up his successful book The Art of the Deal with Surviving At The Top in 1990 Random House Meeting the King of Pop With Michael Jackson in 1990 FilmMagic Taking a break with Miss Universe contestants Donald Trump meets Miss Universe contestants during a break in rehearsals in the Imperial Ballroom at Atlantis, Paradise Island, Bahamas in 1990 Miss Universe Organization via AP Genie of the lamp Donald Trump stands next to a genie lamp in 1990 as the lights of his Trump Taj Mahal Casino Resort mark its grand opening in Atlantic City AP Marla's wedding day Donald and Marla Trump at their wedding in 1993 AP Donald Trump with daughter Ivanka at a Harley Davidson Cafe Event, New York City on 9 October 1993 Rex Features New arival Marla and Donald Trump leave St. Mary's Hospital in West Palm Beach, Florida with their newborn baby girl, Tiffany on 14 October 1993 AP Behind the lens Donald Trump takes a picture of Bridget Marks in 1993 after interviewing her for Playboy magazine's 40th anniversary playmate in New York AFP/Getty Images Top Trump New York real estate giant Donald Trump poses in his Trump Tower office on a giant letter "T" on 08 May 1996 AFP/Getty Images New love interest Donald Trump and Melania arrive for VH1's Divas Live concert at the Beacon Theater in New York City on 13 April 1999 Getty Images Toasting in the New Year Donald Trump and Melania toast the new year during Trump's gala bash in 2000 The Sun-Sentinel/AP Wax work A wax replica of Donald Trump stands ready to be put on display at Madame Tussaud's Wax Museum, New York City in 2000 Madame Tussaud's/Getty Images Rebuild call Donald Trump talks in 2005 to reporters where he presented a proposal that the Twin Towers of the World Trade Center be rebuilt in New York Reuters Cracking prformance Amy Poehler, Tracy Morgan, Donald Trump, Seth Myers, Maya Rudolph perform on Saturday Night Live in 2002 Rex Features 'How To Get Rich' Donald Trump poses with a copy of his new book 'How To Get Rich' during a book signing on 24 March 2004 at Barnes and Noble in Lincoln Center in New York Getty Images Donald Trump and his daughter Ivanka (left) and girlfriend Melania Knauss (right) attend the "Dangerous Liaisons: Fashion and Furniture in the 18th Century" Costume Institute benefit gala on April 26, 2004 at the Metropolitan Museum of Art, in New York City Getty Images Fired up figure Donald Trump poses with the new Donald Trump 12-inch talking doll 29 September 2004 at the Toys "R" Us store in New York City Getty Images Olympic flame Donald Trump carries the Olympic flame during Day 15 of the Athens 2004 Olympic Torch Relay on 19 June 19, 2004 in New York Getty Images Donald Trump on The Celebrity Apprentice (2005) Rex Features Anyone for golf? Donald Trump gestures as he arrives at the Old Course in St Andrews where he was meeting with the media to answer questions regarding Trump International Golf Links on 28 April 2005 in St Andrews, Scotland Getty Images Hollywod star Donald Trump, billionaire developer and producer of NBC's "The Apprentice," with his wife, Melania, and their son, Barron, pose for a photo after he was given a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame in Los Angeles in 2007 AP In the Highlands U.S. property mogul Donald Trump gestures during a media event on the sand dunes of the Menie estate, the site for Trump's proposed golf resort, near Aberdeen, north east Scotland on 27 May 2010 Reuters Donald Trump plays a round of golf after the opening of the The Trump International Golf Links Course in Scotland in 2012 Getty Images Family time Donald Trump, Barron Trump and Melania Trump attends Trump Invitational Grand Prix Mar-a-Lago Club at The Mar-a-Largo Club on 04 January 2015 in Palm Beach, Florida Getty Images Officially in the running U.S. Republican presidential candidate, real estate mogul and TV personality Donald Trump poses with his family after formally announcing his campaign for the 2016 Republican presidential nomination during an event at Trump Tower in New York on 16 June 2015 Reuters Love, life and laughter Donald Trump sits with his wife Melania Trump while appearing at an NBC Town Hall at the Today Show on 21 April 2016 in New York City. Getty Images Thumbs up Donald Trump speaks on the last day of the Republican National Convention on 21 July 2016, in Cleveland, AFP/Getty Images Don't cry for me ... Republican presidential nominee Donald Trump holds babies at a campaign rally in Colorado Springs, Colorado on 29 July 2016 Reuters Donald Trump eating KFC on his private jet in August 2016 Is this really the Oval Office? Republican presidential nominee Donald Trump views a replica of the Oval Office on a tour of the Gerald Ford Presidential Museum in Grand Rapids, Michigan on 30 September 2016 Reuters Women for Trump Republican presidential nominee Donald Trump kisses a "Women for Trump" placard during a rally at the Lakeland Linder Regional Airport in Lakeland, Florida on 12 October 2016 AFP/Getty Images In debate Republican presidential nominee Donald Trump and Democratic presidential nominee Hillary Clinton speak during the second presidential debate at Washington University in St. Louis, America on 09 October 2016 AP Love your country The future is orange: Republican U.S. presidential nominee Donald Trump hugs a U.S. flag on 24 October 2016 Reuters U.S. President-elect U.S. President-elect Donald Trump speaks at his election night rally in Manhattan, New York, U.S. on 09 November 2016 Reuters 60 Minutes Donald Trump and wife Melania being interviewed on 13 November 2016 by Lesley Stahl on 60 Minutes 60 Minutes/CBS At The Whiie House US President Barack Obama and President-elect Donald Trump meet in the Oval Office of the White House on 10 November 2016 EPA Kiss-story Republican president-elect Donald Trump embraces his wife Melania Trump during his election night event at the New York Hilton Midtown in the early morning hours of 09 November 2016 in New York Getty Images Person of the Year U.S. President-elect Donald Trump poses on the cover of Time Magazine after being named its person of the year, in a picture provided by the publication in New York on 7 December 2016 Time Magazine Meeting Kanye U.S. President-elect Donald Trump and musician Kanye West pose for media at Trump Tower in Manhattan, New York on 13 December 2016 Reuters First Press Conference President-elect Donald Trump stands with his son Eric Trump (left) daughter Ivanka and son Donald Trump Jr. (right) on 11 January 2017 Reuters US President-elect Donald Trump and Vice President-elect Mike Pence take part in a wreath-laying ceremony at Arlington National Cemetery in Arlington,Virginia 19 on January 2017 AFP/Getty Images Big shoes to fill: US President-elect Donald Trump and his wife Melania arrive to attend an inauguration concert at the Lincoln Memorial in Washington on 19 January 2017 AFP/Getty Images President-elect Donald Trump and his wife Melania arrive for a VIP reception and dinner with donors in Washington on 19 January 2017 AP British Prime Minister Theresa May and U.S. President Donald Trump walk along The Colonnade of the West Wing at The White House on January 27, 2017 in Washington, DC Getty Images Pope Francis walks along with US President Donald Trump and US First Lady Melania Trump during a private audience at the Vatican in May 2017 AFP/Getty Images US President Donald Trump inspects border wall prototypes in March 2018 AFP/Getty Images Prime Minister Theresa May and U.S. President Donald Trump walk to a joint news conference at Chequers in July 2018 Reuters US President Donald Trump takes the hand of Prime Minister Theresa May as they enter Blenheim Palace, Oxfordshire in July 2018 PA A six-meter high cartoon baby blimp of US President Donald Trump is set to fly as a protest against his visit July 2018 AP Activists inflate a giant balloon depicting US President Donald Trump as an orange baby during a demonstration against Trump's visit to the UK in Parliament Square, London July 2018 AFP/Getty Images Donald Trump with The Queen in July 2018 AP German Chancellor Angela Merkel deliberates with US president Donald Trump on the sidelines of the official agenda on the second day of the G7 summit on June 9, 2018 in Charlevoix, Canada Getty Images President Donald Trump meets North Korean leader Kim Jong Un on Sentosa Island in Singapore on 12 June 2018 Evan Vucci/AP U.S. President Donald Trump meets with Russia's President Vladimir Putin in Helsinki, Finland in July 2018 Reuters US President Donald Trump meets with rapper Kanye West in the Oval Office of the White House in Washington, DC on 18th October 2018 AFP/Getty Images Donald Trump and Kim Kardashian posed for a photograph together at the White House meeting Donald Trump/Twitter A White House staff member reaches for the microphone held by CNN's Jim Acosta as he questions U.S. President Donald Trump during a news conference in November 2018 Reuters President Donald Trump looks over tables of fast food for the the college football playoff champion Clemson Tigers in the State Dining Room of the White House in January 2019 Reuters US President Donald Trump (L) shakes hands with North Korea's leader Kim Jong Un following a meeting at the Sofitel Legend Metropole hotel in Hanoi on February 27, 2019 AFP/Getty Images Donald Trump (left) with Nigel Farage when they met met face-to-face on 2nd March 2019 PA/White House President Donald Trump smiles at Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, right, after signing a proclamation in the Diplomatic Reception Room at the White House in Washington, Monday, March 25, 2019 AP US President Donald Trump (L) First Lady Melania Trump (C) and Japan's Prime Minister Shinzo Abe' Akie Abe (R) watch a sumo battle during the Summer Grand Sumo Tournament in Tokyo on May 26, 2019 AFP/Getty Images President Donald Trump gestures after receiving a prayer at McLean Bible Church on 2nd June 2019 AP US President Donald Trump and First Lady Melania Trump make their way to board Air Force One on 2nd June 2019 AFP/Getty Images Donald and Melania Trump arrive at Stansted Airport on 3rd June 2019 AP President Donald Trump and Russian President Vladimir Putin are pictured ahead a meeting in Helsinki on July 16, 2018 AFP/Getty Images Swedish environmental activist Greta Thunberg watches as Donald Trump enters the United Nations to speak with reporters on September 23, 2019 Reuters Britain's Prime Minister Boris Johnson shakes hands with U.S. President Donald Trump during a welcoming ceremony at the NATO leaders summit in Watford on December 4, 2019 Reuters President Donald Trump speaks at a campaign rally Tuesday, Jan. 14, 2020, in Milwauke AP US president Donald Trump delivers a speech at the Congres center during the World Economic Forum (WEF) annual meeting in Davos, on January 21, 2020 AFP via Getty Images US President Donald Trump speaks during the first presidential debate at Case Western Reserve University and Cleveland Clinic in Cleveland, Ohio AFP via Getty Images A car with US President Trump drives past supporters in a motorcade outside of Walter Reed Medical Center in Bethesda, Maryland AFP via Getty Images U.S. President Donald Trump works in the Presidential Suite while receiving treatment after testing positive for the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) at Walter Reed National Military Medical Center in Bethesda, Maryland via Reuters U.S. President Donald Trump participates in a phone call with Vice President Mike Pence, Secretary of State Mike Pompeo, and Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff Gen. Mark Milley October 4, 2020, in his conference room at Walter Reed National Military Medical Center in Bethesda, Maryland. Not shown in the photo also in the room on the call is Chief of Staff Mark Meadows Reuters Donald Trump walks out of hospital after receiving treatment for Covid-19 AP Mr Trump boards Marine One to return to the White House after receiving treatment for coronavirus AP Donald Trump stands on the Truman Balcony after returning to the White House from hospital Getty Images U.S. President Donald Trump removes his mask upon return to the White House from Walter Reed National Military Medical Center on October 05, 2020 in Washington Getty Images

Remarkably, the Presidential state cars were completely unmodified until Franklin Roosevelt starting being driven in a converted Lincoln known the Sunshine Special, the "first Presidential car to acquire its own personality". Like Obamas Beast, the Sunshine was flown around the world for high profile visits, including the Potsdam conference with Stalin and Churchill.

Even more remarkably considering todays security concerns, the Presidents regularly rode with the top down during official visits, but this stopped after the assassination of President Kennedy in 1963.

Resplendent in gold and covered in body armour, the Trumpmobile envisaged by Dartz Motorz would be a radical adaptation of the Mercedes GL-Class. But while the Dartz machine will probably have to remain a render, the Secret Services 1 million Cadillac-come-tanks will be revealed to the world just before Trumps Inauguration Day on January 20th.



Follow Evening Standard Motors on Twitter: @ES_Motors.
B rand ambassador and beer whisperer Chris Moriarty has lived in Glasgow for three years and worked for the UKs first experiential brewery, Drygate in the East End, since 2014. Taking the idea of transparency at the heart of craft beer to the extreme, visitors can watch the brewing through a glass wall. If that isnt close enough, you can actually brew with the Drygate gang using their studio brew kit. Here Chris shares his thoughts on craft beer and favourite Glasgow hangouts.

What I love about Glasgow is the people. Its a very open, welcoming and inviting city. The people are really friendly and now weve got a really good craft beer scene, theres no reason to leave.

The number one thing Id recommend would be a tour of Drygate. Something else I find absolutely fascinating is the tour of Glasgow Central train station. There is so much rich history. Id also recommend Blue Lagoon, underneath central station, for a haggis supper.

My favourite Glasgow hangouts are Six Degrees North, theres also Dog House in Merchant City. Ox and Finch is probably the best date night restaurant in the world. It does sharing plates with locally sourced produce.

Ox and Finch restaurant, image: Morag McLean / Photograph by Morag McLean

The main difference in the craft beer scene in Glasgow is that we now have one. Theres Drygate, weve had West Brewery for a number of years - theyre inspired by traditional German brews so create wheat beers and lagers. We also have Shilling Brewing Company - a small brew pub in the financial district, and Crossing the Rubicon in the West End - a craft beer curry house.

The best place to go for a drink depends what youre looking for. If youre after cask beer, Id go to the State bar. For gin, go to Gin 71 for fantastic cocktails.

Glasgow cityscape

My favourite view is on my morning commute. Theres a stretch of track when youre leaving Partick train station and it gives you this interesting dichotomy of where Glasgows been and where its going. On the left you can see the old West End, the university buildings and the spires, and on the right the old industrial areas, the new developments, the Armadillo (the Clyde Auditorium), the SECC, the SSE Hydro, the BBC Centre, the Riverside Museum and the Science Centre.

Glasgow School of Art, image: Nils Hasenau

My favourite building is the Mackintosh building for the Glasgow School of Art. Theres also Glasgow University - one of the inspirations for Hogwarts.

A dish from the Stravaigin restaurant / Photograph by Julie McCulloch

Id spend a lazy Sunday eating as much breakfast as possible. Id recommend the Merchant City because you have Cafe Gandolfi and Something is reopening there. Gibson Street would be another good place because you have Left Bank and Stravaigin - theyre all really nice for breakfast. Around the corner is Tchai-Ovna - a delightful tea house where you could spend an entire day drinking tea, eating hummus and trying to forget you have a hangover.

Famed for its spectacular Victorian architecture and vibrant cultural scene, Scotlands largest city is a must-see. To discover more about Glasgow and the people who call it home visit peoplemakeglasgow.com
A woman has died after being hit by a car while reportedly standing on a traffic island in east London.

The pedestrian, in her 30s, was struck by a white Range Rover Sport, in Commercial Road, Limehouse, just before 11.30pm on Thursday.

It is believed she was standing on a traffic island in the middle of the busy road when she was hit.

Metropolitan Police officers and crews from London Ambulance Service and Londons Air Ambulance rushed to the scene but the woman was pronounced dead at midnight.

A 44-year-old man has been arrested on suspicion of causing death by dangerous driving.

He is being held at an east London police station.

A Met Police spokesman said: Next of kin have been informed. Formal identification is yet to take place.

A post-mortem examination will be scheduled in due course.

Detectives are appealing for witnesses to the crash to come forward.

Anyone with information is asked to call the Met's witness appeal line on 0208 345 4955.
P olice seized this Lamborghini which was allegedly being driven without a licence or insurance.

The 225,000 supercar was pulled over on the Queens Road in Hendon, north London. Police accused the driver of using his mobile phone at the wheel.

The 42-year-old was then unable to produce a driving licence or proof of insurance, saying he did not hold a UK licence and his German one was back in Germany, officers said.

Police seized the right-hand drive vehicle, which had a German number plate, on Wednesday.

The driver could face disqualification and a fine of up to 500.

He will either be summonsed or receive a fixed penalty notice and points on his licence for driving whilst using a mobile phone, driving without a licence and with no insurance.

The arrest was part of a week-long national police operation against mobile phone use behind the wheel.

Detective Chief Superintendent Paul Rickett, Roads and Transport Policing Command, said: "Throughout the week of action, there will be up to 600 officers each day focussed on motorists who unlawfully use hand-held mobile devices whilst driving and who pose a very real danger to themselves, other drivers and pedestrians.

"I want to send a clear message to the motorists of London: driving whilst on a mobile phone is unacceptable.

You are unaware of your surroundings, you are not in control of your vehicle and you are breaking the law.

"If you are caught driving whilst on a mobile phone, you could receive points on your licence, a substantial fine or a driver disqualification.

If you cause a collision, you could be facing imprisonment.
MASON CITY  Those who are staying at a Mason City motel have until Dec. 1 to leave due to alleged health and safety concerns that include fire hazards, mold and uncleanliness.

The Cerro Gordo County Department of Public Health this week revoked the motel/hotel license of American Best Inn & Suites, 24 Fifth St. S.W.

The motel is now under city regulation for health and safety as it is now considered a rental property rather than a motel because guests are staying there long-term, according to Kara Ruge, marketing and public information officer with the county health department.

It was the city that ordered everyone to leave by Dec. 1.

Ray Quayle, the Mason City housing official and zoning administrator who went along on a recent inspection of the motel, said the violations were so numerous that it would take an hour to describe them all in detail.

However, motel manager Robin Joines said, This whole things is bogus.

She said the county public health departments report after a recent inspection was exaggerated.

She also said the problems in the occupied rooms have already been taken care of and maintenance is now working on the unoccupied rooms.

Joines said the guests, who generally stay there temporarily until they can find somewhere more permanent to live, now have nowhere to go and could be homeless just when the weather is getting colder.

Housing in Mason City is extremely hard to find on a budget, she said.

She said if the guests  who include a 75-year-old and another individual in a wheelchair  die on the streets after leaving the motel, its on their heads, referring to the county health department and the city.

Quayle said the motel is owned by three Mason City doctors, but he doesnt know their names.

Online Cerro Gordo County property records indicate Ace Ventures LLC owns the motel.

Quayle said the police department and county public health have received numerous complaints about the motel.

Those complaints include mold, problems with electrical wiring and plumbing, fire hazards and a lack of general cleanliness, Quayle said.

Ruge said Iowa law defines a hotel or motel as a facility offering sleeping accommodations for transient guests.

Those who rent a room for more than 31 consecutive days is not classified as a transient guest, according to Ruge.

Ruge said administrative rules state owners or managers are expected to keep hotels clean and free of refuse; keep the floors, ceilings and walls in good repair; and keep furniture, drapes and accessories, bedding and linens clean and in good repair.

The motel was deemed not in compliance with all these rules in one form or another, according to Ruge.

She said guests were receiving mail at the motel and using their own linens, furniture and appliances, as well as providing their own housekeeping.

Once the license for a motel or hotel is revoked, the license holder has 30 days to request in writing a hearing before the county board of health, Ruge said.

Joines, who would not tell the Globe Gazette who the owners of the motel are, did say they plan to fight the decision.

We are not trying to be slumlords, she said. We want to fix these problems.

Joines, who has been the motels manager for two years, said it has taken that entire time to clean this place up.

She said police officers came along for the Nov. 1 inspection, but they did not find any drugs, drug paraphernalia or guests with outstanding arrest warrants.

Before the motel lost its license, Joines announced to the guests that she would be hosting a Thanksgiving Day potluck for them at her home, with turkey, ham, mashed potatoes and pie already provided.

Id love for it to be a tradition, she said.

However, officials have told her theres no hope of keeping the place open after Dec. 1, she said.

Laura Bethke, one of the guests at the motel, said she doesnt have any complaints about the place.

It does not look good on the outside, but inside it is comfortable, she said.

Also, they keep it pretty clean in here and there arent any bugs, Bethke said.

Cable also comes free with the rent, she added.

Bethke, who works at Good Shepherd Health Center, said she has been staying at the motel since August, when she got out of the hospital after a bout of double pneumonia, because she didnt have the money for anything else.

She said a lot of people staying at the motel dont have the money to put down a deposit on an apartment.

Bethke said she wishes the guests had more time to make arrangements to find somewhere else to live.

I dont think thats right, she said.
T his is the shocking moment a drunken passenger shoved a ticket inspector onto the tracks minutes before a high speed train passed through the station.

CCTV footage shows the moment Andrew Kapta, 41, pushed 50-year-old Andrew Foran as he stood near the platform edge at Hanwell station in west London.

The footage, released on Friday, captured Mr Foran as he fell backwards and tumbled onto the tracks before Kapta laughed to himself and walked off.

Kapta was jailed for three-and-a-half years on Thursday after he admitted actual bodily harm and endangering the safety of a person on the railway at Blackfriars Crown Court.

The court heard how Mr Foran narrowly escaped tragedy as struggled to get back on his feet following the assault.

Traumatising: Kapta shoved ticket inspector Andrew Foran onto the tracks at Hanwell station / British Transport Police

The ticket inspector was forced to walk down the tracks to where the platform slopes in order to haul himself to safety just two minutes before a high speed train passed through.

After he managed to get back on the platform he dialled 999, leading to Kaptas arrest.

The court heard the 41-year-old has a string of convictions for hurling drunken abuse on the railways.

Judge Peter Clarke QC told him after he was jailed: What happened there was nightmarish, and it will live in Mr Forans recollection for the rest of his life.

It has had an extreme effect on him.

Jailed: Andrew Kapta, 41, drunkenly shoved a ticket inspector on to train tracks

You ended up smiling and chuckling at that man as he stood on the railway, hoping to goodness a train wasnt about to arrive  I find this incident terrible.

Mr Foran said the attack left him traumatised, afraid to go to work and that he still suffers nightmares and flashbacks to the incident on Friday, June 17.

Police described Kapta as a dangerous and violent man after his sentencing.

Investigating officer Detective Constable Martin Coburn, said: This was a highly traumatising assault for the victim who continues to experience the shock of this nasty and senseless assault.

The consequences of Kaptas unprovoked shove could have claimed the life of his victim. Thankfully, he was clear of the tracks before the approaching train sped through.

Kapta was a dangerous and violent man and I hope this 42 month sentence gives him time to reflect on the severity of this assault.

We simply will not tolerate aggression, hostility and violence on the rail network, and will stop at nothing to bring offenders to justice.
A n investigation has been launched after a man died in custody at a west London police station.

The man, who is white and in his 50s but has not yet been named, died at Southall police station at 7.30am on Friday, November 18.

According to the Independent Police Complaints Commission (IPCC), he had been arrested in Action at around 10.50am on Thursday morning.

At around 6am on Friday, staff started to become concerned about his health.

When his condition started to rapidly deteriorate, it is claimed they called for medical assistance but he was pronounced dead shortly afterwards.

A spokesman for the IPCC said: "The IPCC was informed of the death by the Metropolitan Police Service and an independent investigation was declared at 8.30am.

"IPCC investigators have attended the scene and the post incident procedure, where officers and staff from the custody suite are providing initial accounts.

"Efforts are being made to contact the mans family to inform them of his death. A post mortem is due to take place in the coming days."

Associate Commissioner Tom Milsom said: "My thoughts are with the family and friends of the man and all those affected by his death.

The investigation, which is in its very early stages, will look at the full circumstances surrounding this incident.
T he crew of a cargo ship told today how they helped save a drowning man from the Thames.

The Polla Rose was leaving Comleys Wharf in Fulham early on Tuesday morning when the three-man crew spotted the man in the water screaming for help.

They sprang into action and used the tide and the hull of the 700-tonne ship to try to manoeuvre him towards shallower water.

A police officer risked her life in the rescue by climbing down a pilot ladder on the side of the ship and into the water when she saw he was struggling to stay afloat.

The police constable, based at Hammersmith and Fulham, stayed with the man holding his head above the water for a number of minutes until a marine police unit arrived.

A Met spokeswoman praised the actions of the officer saying they went above the call of duty.

Rescue op: master Kevin Hughes, mate Connor Keeshan and deck hand Alan Mole

The 40-year-old victim was said to be recovering in hospital today.

The rescue effort took place at around 3.10am near the Fulham Riverside development. Master Kevin Hughes, 36, was in charge of the vessel along with mate Connor Keeshan, 21, and deck hand Alan Mole, 18.

They spotted the man and knew the nearest police boat was at Wapping and would not reach him in time. Mr Hughes said: He was shouting, Help me, Im drowning. I made the decision, bearing in mind how long the police would take, to have a go at saving him.

He was clearly distressed and in grave danger. We caught up with him between Imperial Wharf and where the Sainsburys is, and the mate managed to get a life ring to him. But he was disappearing under the water, so we got alongside him.

Mr Hughes saw police on the bank and pulled in close so they could board, before getting nearer to the stricken man.

Mr Keeshan got a ladder to lower into the water and a female police officer decided to climb down to get him.

Mr Hughes said: Although she was instructed not to, she lowered herself down the ladder and grabbed hold of him by the scruff of the neck and held him until police boats turned up.

He was struggling to stay afloat. It was very cold in the water, perhaps around 10 degrees.

When the police boat turned up, they tried to get him out but the police officer fell into the river as well. So by now we had two casualties in the water.

"Luckily the lifeboat turned up and recovered the two people quickly.

Polla Rose owners Thames Shipping Ltd today said: We commend Kevin and the crew for their instinctive reactions  this is a testament to their calibre and their commitment to their profession.

"To manoeuvre this vessel appropriately and conduct an effective rescue is simply brilliant.

A police spokesman said local officers and officers from the Marine Policing Unit attended. The man was taken to a west London hospital with injuries that were not thought to be life-threatening.
T he Scottish and Welsh governments can intervene in the legal challenge over how Brexit should be triggered, the Supreme Court has announced.

Both devolved administrations had their applications to intervene granted, as the UK Government prepares to take its fight over whether MPs must vote for Article 50 to be triggered to the Supreme Court.

Government has been given the go-ahead to intervene in a legal challenge over how Article 50 should be triggered, with Holyrood Brexit Minister Mike Russell insisting the views of Scots "cannot simply be brushed aside".

The Conservative Government at Westminster is appealing against an earlier High Court ruling which stated the Prime Minister must first seek the approval of Parliament before launching Article 50.

As the legal system north of the border is different from England and Wales, counsel for the Scottish Government will be invited to address Supreme Court justices on the relevant points of Scots Law.

Holyrood Brexit Minister Mike Russell said: "We welcome the decision of the Supreme Court to allow the Scottish Government to intervene in the case, however we continue to call on the UK Government to drop the appeal and to accept that Parliament has the right to determine the triggering of Article 50.

"We recognise the decision of people in England and Wales to support Brexit, but the views of people in Scotland cannot simply be brushed aside.

The Lord Advocate will be making the case on behalf of the Scottish Government and he will set out his arguments to the court."

In Scotland, 62 per cent of those who voted in June's referendum favoured the UK remaining part of the European Union, with First Minister Nicola Sturgeon vowing to fight for Scottish interests in the wake of the result.

The leaders of the five parties represented at Holyrood had all campaigned to keep Britain in the EU, and opposition politicians welcomed the Supreme Court decision.

Scottish Green external affairs spokesman Ross Greer said: "It's a sad state of affairs that the Scottish Government has to go to court to ensure the voice of voters in Scotland can be heard, nevertheless this decision from the Supreme Court is very welcome.

"The Supreme Court has given the Prime Minister an opportunity to live up to the rhetoric of the UK being a 'family of nations', a phrase the Tories repeatedly used in 2014.

Gina Miller led a high-powered legal challenge against Prime Minister Theresa May's right to trigger Brexit negotiations / AFP

Scotland voted to stay in the EU and if the Tories will not even try to recognise that and continue with their Brexit omnishambles, a referendum on independence seems inevitable."

Scottish Liberal Democrat leader Willie Rennie said: "It is right that the Scottish Government has been able to join the hearing at the Supreme Court.

"Whatever decision is made by the Supreme Court will have a profound impact here in Scotland. Previous court decisions have affirmed that Theresa May must not trigger Article 50 without a vote in Parliament.

Acting without the approval of Parliament risks plunging the UK into a constitutional crisis. Scotland will now rightly be able to contribute to this appeal."

The Supreme Court case comes after investment fund manager and philanthropist Gina Miller and Deir Dos Santos, a hairdresser, along with other "concerned citizens" brought a legal challenge to Brexit.

Three senior High Court judges ruled the Prime Minister does not have power to use the royal prerogative to trigger Article 50 of the Lisbon Treaty to start the two-year process of negotiating Brexit without the prior authority of Parliament.

Mrs May and her ministers are now asking the Supreme Court to overturn that unanimous decision. Their appeal is due to be heard by 11 judges between December 5 and 8, with a judgment expected in the new year.

Additional reporting by the Press Association.
A republican bishop who branded William and Kate shallow celebrities is to take charge of the Queens London diocese, the Standard can reveal.

In his outspoken career the Bishop of Willesden, Pete Broadbent, has also referred to Prince Charles as Big Ears and called the royal family philanderers.

Now the ex-Labour councillor, 64, is to stand in for the Bishop of London, Dr Richard Chartres, who retires in February, until a permanent successor is chosen.

But in what some see as a snub to the Left-winger, the Queen has asked Dr Chartres to stay on in his role as Dean of the Chapels Royal until a new bishop is named.

The Dean, whose office dates back to 1312, oversees worship in palaces and at major events senior royals take part in, such as the Cenotaph ceremony.

Her Majesty The Queen / PA

Since 1748, the Bishop of London and the Dean have been the same person. But a Church insider said it would have been highly embarrassing for the Queen if oversight of her private worship had been handed to an avowed opponent of the monarchy such as Bishop Broadbent, who once stated that royaltys basis was corrupt and sexist. He has also made remarks about royals on social media, calling Princess Diana a porcelain doll.

William, Kate and Harry visit the London Eye

And he even claimed the marriage of Kate and William would not last more than seven years, saying the couple would be set up to fail by the gutter press.

He was temporarily suspended in 2010 after writing on Facebook about the couples engagement: We need a party in Calais for all good republicans who cant stand the nauseating tosh that surrounds this event.

Prince William visits Vietnam to fight against illegal ivory trade

London Tory MP David Burrowes, chairman of the Conservative Christian Fellowship, said Bishop Broadbent is a passionate supporter of Jesus Christ, Spurs and the Labour Party. In his elevated position he will need to drop his party political and anti-monarchy views.

Announcing his retirement after 11 years, Dr Chartres made clear it was the Queens wish he should stay on for now as Dean. Bishop Broadbent told the Standard in a text that the question of whether he would meet royals does not arise.
Z ac Goldsmith has just a handful of allies to fight for his London seat after Cabinet ministers were blocked from helping him, it was revealed today.

The former London mayoral candidate has been left without the support of a single minister after quitting his Richmond Park seat over Heathrow expansion to run as an independent.

Even friend Boris Johnson, an opponent of a third runway, must stay away.

Cabinet advice before the Heathrow announcement said members could not campaign against the Government, and a source said helping Mr Goldsmith would be seen as incompatible.

Tory HQ, however, is demanding MPs travel to Sleaford in Lincolnshire at least three times before the by-election there on December 8, sparked by the resignation of MP Stephen Phillips.

Zac Goldsmith on Heathrow airport decision

Mr Goldsmith is also facing a lack of electoral data which was carefully compiled by the Conservative Party. It is understood MPs are having to knock on every door to rally support as previous supporter data is off limits.

So far Theresa Villiers, Tania Mathias, James Berry and Jacob Rees-Mogg have visited Richmond Park. A spokesman said Mr Goldsmith has built up his campaign from scratch.
M ore than 130,000 users of the Three mobile network have been hit by a cyber attack which saw hackers access customer information, the operator has said.

Three boss Dave Dyson said in a statement that all customers affected by the hacking were being contacted individually and that while personal information had been accessed, no financial information had been compromised.

Three men were arrested after the data breach was revealed, over the alleged fraudulent use of the company's phone upgrade system in an attempt to steal handsets.

"As you may already know, we recently became aware of suspicious activity on the system we use to upgrade existing customers to new devices and I wanted to update all our customers on what happened and what we have done," Mr Dyson said.

"On November 17 we were able to confirm that eight customers had been unlawfully upgraded to a new device by fraudsters who intended to intercept and sell on those devices.

"I can now confirm that the people carrying out this activity were also able to obtain some customer information.

"In total, information from 133,827 customer accounts was obtained but no bank details, passwords, pin numbers, payment information or credit/debit card information are stored on the upgrade system in question.

"We believe the primary purpose of this was not to steal customer information but was criminal activity to acquire new handsets fraudulently."

Three said it was continuing to work with law enforcement agencies, and as a precaution additional security measures had been placed on customer accounts.

The company had been criticised by some customers on social media for what was seen as a muted response to the breach, however Mr Dyson said Three would address all consumer concerns.

"I understand that our customers will be concerned about this issue and I would like to apologise for this and any inconvenience this has caused," he said.

"We are contacting all of these customers today to individually confirm what information has been accessed and directly answer any questions they have."

Security experts have again called for major companies with large amounts of customer data to do more to protect consumers.

The breach is the latest in a string of cyber attacks and data breaches, including those on TalkTalk and Yahoo.


C hannel 4 News presenter Cathy Newman has been hailed for "skewering" right-wing journalist and provocateur Milo Yiannopoulos.

Mr Yiannopoulos, a writer for alt-right American news site Breitbart, was being questioned on the recent appointment of his controversial boss, Steve Bannon, as Donald Trumps chief strategist.

And Ms Newmans persistent questioning of Mr Yiannopoulos widely-criticised views on rape, feminism and race set social media alight with praise for her outstanding journalism.

One viewer wrote: Cant believe you managed to keep cool. Hate how he puts his head on his hand like hes pretending to listen.

Cathy Newman and Milo Yiannopoulos / Channel 4

And another Twitter user added: Standing up to such a blather-mouth, getting (no, wedging!) your words and questions in: kudos. You're amazing.

At one point in the heated interview, she refers to his previous articles about women and says: I know you want women to log off the internet but we are now in the Channel 4 News studio and you have to allow me to speak.

She went on: You said that women offended online should log-off. You said yes well certainly let women on to the mens internet a few times a year as long as you follow a few basic rules.

You said mass Muslim immigration must stop or people will know real rape culture. Are we supposed to just soak that up and take that as a big joke?

To which he responded: You are supposed to take it as intended and not wrench it from context.

Cathy Newman to Milo Yiannopoulos: 'You're in the Channel 4 newsroom'

"You know perfectly well that it is a provocation designed to make people think and perhaps to make them laugh?

The Channel 4 presenter then goes on to ask how his delight in offending people reflects on Mr Bannon, who will be a senior advisor to the President-elect.

Mr Yiannopoulos argued that the grievance brigade has rule America for 30 years and people are ready for a change, citing feminists and Black Lives Matter supporters as examples of groups that spread conspiracy theories and propaganda.

He also said that the gender wage gap and university campus rape culture are not real.
A round 300 million of Chinese money has been ploughed into the capitals property sector since the Brexit vote, and billions of pounds more are coming to create a new financial district in east London.

Property agent Cushman & Wakefield told the Evening Standard that in the first three quarters of this year, Chinese investment into Central London reached over 1.1 billion - a 39 per cent increase on the same period last year. Around 300 million of that has been since the EU referendum.

Bloomberg reported that Chinese companies are on track to invest 4 billion in London property this year.

Chinese developer ABP pledged to invest 1.7 billion over the next eight years in its Royal Albert Dock project, alongside its partners.

The investment would see 4.7 million square feet of new space become available, including offices to provide a base for Asian and European companies, and boost trade links with international markets.

The developer hopes lower rents at the site near London City airport will prove attractive to occupiers, compared to soaring prices in the City and West End.

Gregor Wallace, managing director of Coldwell Banker Commercial, said the development would appeal to number of technology businesses wanting to open new offices.

The hub is due to be built in London's docklands / ABP

He added: This development around docklands has great potential. The UK is taking the lead in Europe for tech start-ups, meaning London can grow faster and further. Office occupiers are attracted to state of the art buildings.

Elsewhere in the Docklands, Sydney-based investment firm ASF, which is backed by Chinese investors, wants to create an exhibition centre of more than two million square feet in the capital.

Brexit: Corbyn accuses May of having 'no plan'

Under ASFs proposals, about 300 companies, mainly from China, would be able to lease space for offices and showcasing products.

Richard Divall, head of EMEA capital markets at Colliers International, said: Chinese investors are drawn to areas of infrastructure improvements where they can buy and develop large areas of land. East London has the fundamental elements that Chinese investors want both in terms of land availability and infrastructure.

Theresa May: Brexit is an opportunity to make globalisation work for all

The data on Chinese investment comes a week after the property market celebrated one of the biggest commitments to Londons real estate market since June.

The Chinese investments will allay concerns that Britain leaving the EU could weaken the UKs image as a place for businesses to invest in.
MASON CITY | A Cedar Falls couple hopes to open a new urgent care clinic in Mason City in the spring.

Dr. Hameed Khan, a physician practicing in Waterloo, and his wife, Husna Khan, recently bought the former Iowa Department of Transportation administration building at 1420 Fourth St. S.E. with plans to turn it into the Quick Care Medical Clinic.

"We felt like there was a need," said Husna Khan during a meeting Wednesday with people who live in the neighborhood.

The clinic, which will be open seven days a week, will include the usual urgent care services for injuries and illnesses that need immediate attention but are not severe enough to require an ER visit. Also included will be a medical spa with a separate entrance and waiting area.

The clinic will be open from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. Mondays through Fridays, 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Saturdays and noon to 6 p.m. on Sundays.

The weekend hours may be expanded if there's a need. The clinic will be closed on some holidays.

Husna Khan said the clinic is an option for those who are sick but can't get in to see their primary care physician right away.

She said their intention is not to "take you away from your primary care."

Urgent care clinic plans to locate in Mason City former DOT building MASON CITY  A neighborhood informational meeting about a new urgent care clinic to be locat

The clinic also will have a trauma room for small injuries and X-ray equipment for fractures.

Husna Khan, who has a license in aesthetic medicine, said the spa will include massages for oncology patients as well as general massage, facials, Botox and body contouring. Hameed Khan was unable to attend Wednesday's meeting.

CASCO, a St. Louis-based architectural and engineering firm with branch offices all over the country, is designing the clinic.

CASCO has an urgent care clinic prototype that has been used in multiple locations across the U.S. The company is not affiliated with Mercy.

Steve Dahms, business development manager for CASCO, said the urgent care clinics the firm designs have a homelike, relaxing atmosphere.

Dahms said the entrance to the building will not be on Fourth Street Southeast and no major traffic increase is expected.

The exterior look of the building will be preserved but the brick will receive a facelift, he said. Landscaping work will be done and a privacy fence installed, he added.

A meeting with city officials will take place in two weeks, according to Dahms. He anticipates it will be mid-January before a building permit is approved.

Dahms noted it is more cost-effective to go to an urgent care clinic than the ER.

Mercy Medical Center-North Iowa has an urgent care clinic called Mercy Urgent Care. The clinic, which is open seven days a week including holidays, is located at Willowbrook Mall.

"We are not here to compete with anyone," Husna Khan said. "We want to work with Mercy."

Dr. Teresa Mock, a senior vice president at Mercy Medical Center-North Iowa, told the Globe Gazette there will be situations where the Quick Care Medical Clinic will need to refer patients to the ER or to a specialist at Mercy.

"We are looking forward to developing a relationship with Quick Care so we can provide those needs for them," she said.

Mock said wait times at the Mercy Urgent Care sometimes are "longer than we would like them to be" due to patient volume.

Mercy officials are looking into how to shorten those wait times, according to Mock.

She said some of Mercy's primary care clinics now have openings for same-day appointments, so if patients try them first they might be able to get in.

Mock said co-pays for primary care clinics are lower than those for ER or urgent care visits.

Even if patients can't get a same-day appointment at their regular primary care clinic, Mock said, Mercy might be able to arrange for one at another such clinic in the Mercy network.
F ans hailed Jeremy Clarksons new motoring show a huge success as soon as the first episode was aired last night.

Clarkson marked the arrival of the highly-anticipated new show with an apparent swipe at rival programmes. Hours before the launch, the star wrote online: "Great news. Midnight tonight there's a drama by Reggie Yates on Channel 4.

Fans were surprised to find the Grand Tour was available to watch half-an-hour earlier than planned on Amazon Prime on Thursday night.

Clarkson and co-hosts James May and Richard Hammond were due to debut their new project on the channel at midnight but fans were able to tune in at 11.30pm.

The Grand Tour: Jeremy, Richard and James take the Holy Trinity of hypercars around Portugal

He tweeted just hours before the launch: Great news. Midnight tonight there's a drama by Reggie Yates on Channel 4.

The post appeared to refer to a showing of Mr Yates's short film Road Kill - the story of Den, a middle-aged convict from inner-city London.

Jeremy Clarkson and Richard Hammond invite fans to join The Grand Tour

The presenter, who launched the new show after being sacked from the BBC, made several backhanded jokes at the expense of his former bosses.

The Grand Tour Debut Episode 1 /10 The Grand Tour Debut Episode Jeremy Clarkson, pictured here on a jet ski, hailed the arrival of The Grand Tour with a swipe at C4 Amazon Prime The show, which included scenes of explosions and gunfire, was praised as being better than Chris Evans' Top Gear Amazon Prime A rare shot of some actual cars on the debut episode of The Grand Tour Amazon Prime James May takes aim with an assault rifle from the window of a moving car Amazon Prime The show has been described as being about "adventure, excitement and friendship" Amazon Prime The trio went to Jordan where they were subjected to military training Amazon Prime A scene from the show featuring a bizarre Mad Max style vehicle Amazon Prime Richard Hammond screams with fear/excitement in the debut episode which has been praised by viewers Amazon Prime

Speaking to fans in a desert in the US, he said: Its very unlikely Im going to be fired now because were on the internet, which means I could pleasure a horse.

Richard Hammond shows off his doomsday-proof VW campervan built for the Grand Tour / Amazon

He later added: This is our new travelling studio tent.

Toby Earle previews The Grand Tour

Were going to be roaming the world in it, were going to be like gypsies, only the cars we drive are going to be insured.

To which Hammond replied: Stop saying things that are going to get us fired.

Fans described the Grand Tour as amazing and an improved Top Gear.

One viewer, known as Mark, tweeted: Great episode of @thegrandtour amazing job guys! Can we have episode 2 now?

Craig Webster added: Fantastic start and glad to see the team have found an extra gear and improved the show.

Nathan wrote: Waking up on a Friday morning to @thegrandtour is what only dreams are made of! #TheGrandTour

The episode opened with a miserable Clarkson appearing to leave BBC's Broadcasting House in London, as radio bulletins of his sacking from the broadcaster are played in the background.

Action man Jeremy Clarkson rolls around in the sand / Amazon

He then escaped a rainy UK to the sun-drenched USA where he was seen hitting the open road in a Mustang.

His co-hosts then appear behind him in matching motors, much to the delight of viewers.
T he Met police chief has said he wants to dramatically restrict the amount of information released when they take a suspect into custody.

Sir Bernard Hogan-Howe, the Scotland Yard Commissioner, said police should only confirm that they have made an arrest, giving no further details.

Sir Bernard's comments come after those of Sir Richard Enriques, a retired High Court judge, who last week called for a law to restrict investigative journalism and said police should only confirm they have made arrests, releasing no further information.

When asked if he agreed with Sir Richards proposal at City Hall on Thursday Sir Bernard said: My feeling is to accept what Sir Richard says and release no details. We have arrested a man and that is it.

Sir Bernard Hogan-Howe has said he will step down as Commissioner in January / Glenn Copus

Addressing members of the London Assembly, he said: They (the media) approach us knowing who the person is and they know they wont get the name from us. If they are confident then they can publish.

Police currently follow a long-established practice of releasing the age, date and general location of those they arrest and whether they have been released on bail.

Media heads, academics and MPs have criticised the proposal.

Sir Bernard Hogan-Howe is the most senior policeman in Britain / Ben A. Pruchnie/Getty Images)

Andrew Bridgen, Conservative MP for North West Leicestershire, told The Daily Mail that such a huge change in police policy should be debated in Parliament.

The details they release do not identify any individual so I do not see how there can be a problem.

Such a key change would need to be debated in Parliament. It is important that not only do the police act in the public interest but are seen to be acting in the public interest.

There should always be proper public scrutiny of what police are doing while not interfering with the proper course of their investigations.

Sir Bernard announced in September that he would be stepping down as Commissioner in January, after five years at the head of the Met.
A terminally ill teenager won a historic legal battle shortly before she died - to have her body frozen after her death.

The 14-year-old girls divorced parents had become embroiled in a dispute relating to whether her remains should be taken to a specialist facility in the United States and cryogenically preserved.

The teenager, from London, had a rare form of cancer and had taken legal action at the High Court to ensure her mother would be the only person to decide on the disposal of her body.

She had written a moving letter to the judge explaining that she wanted a chance to "live longer".

The teenager's letter to Mr Justice Peter Jackson I have been asked to explain why I want this unusual thing done. I am only 14-years-old and I don't want to die but I know I am going to die. I think being cryo-preserved gives me a chance to be cured and woken up - even in hundreds of years' time. I don't want to be buried underground. I want to live and live longer and I think that in the future they may find a cure for my cancer and wake me up. I want to have this chance. This is my wish.

Mr Justice Peter Jackson, who had visited the girl in hospital, told the High Court that he had been moved by the "valiant way" in which the teenager had faced her "predicament".

He said the girl's application was the only one of its kind to have come before a court in England and Wales - and probably anywhere else.

He added that he had made decisions relating to a dispute between parents - not about the rights and wrongs of cryogenic preservation.

The judge said the teenager had carried out internet research into cryonics during the last months of her life.

He said there was no doubt that she had the mental capacity to launch legal action.

A lawyer representing the girl had described her as a "bright, intelligent young person".

Mr Justice Jackson said the relationship between the girl's parents was "very bad".

He said the girl had lived with her mother for most of her life.

She had not had "face-to-face" contact with her father for eight years at the time of her death.

The judge said she had refused to have contact with her father, had not wanted him to know about her illness and had not wanted him to see her body after she died.

He said a child could not make a will - and he had been asked to decide where her best interests lay.

Mr Justice Jackson said the girl's mother supported her wishes for cryogenic preservation.

But her father had been reluctant to approve the plan.

He had been concerned about consequences of his daughter being cryogenically preserved, and had been concerned about the costs involved.

"Even if the treatment is successful and she is brought back to life in, let's say, 200 years, she may not find any relative and she might not remember things," he had told Mr Justice Jackson.

"She may be left in a desperate situation - given that she is still only 14-years-old - and will be in the United States of America."

But during the litigation his position had changed and he later added: "I respect the decisions she is making. This is the last and only thing she has asked from me."

Approving the decision the judge said that allowing the girl's mother to make decisions about the disposal of her remains would be in her best welfare interests.

The judge had said that nothing about the case could be reported while the teenager was alive, after she said media coverage would distress her.

He also ruled that no-one involved could be identified - again in line with the girl's wishes.

She had been too ill to attend the court hearing.
A London-based billionaire has gone to war with one of the worlds most prominent art dynasties over a 63 million deal to buy a townhouse.

Len Blavatnik claims in a lawsuit filed in Manhattan that the Wildenstein family believe they can do no wrong and can do whatever they want to whomever they want.

He branded the family notorious and said that he was seeking to end their heinous attitude. Mr Blavatnik launched his missive in the lawsuit against David Wildenstein, a 36-year-old heir to the family empire.

He accuses Mr Wildenstein of stringing [him] along during negotiations to buy the New York property, of bad faith and of fraudulent representations and omission. Mr Wildenstein has not yet issued a response to the claim, filed last week.

The case has pitted Mr Blavatnik, who is worth 14.8 billion according to Forbes, making him the 22nd richest man in the world, against the Wildensteins.

Mr Blavatnik, who was born in Ukraine and is a US citizen, is the third richest man in Britain according to the Sunday Times Rich List.

Row: Len Blavatnik, with Warner artist Jess Glynne / Araya Diaz/Getty Image

He is the owner of Warner Music, an investor in the Broadway hit Hamilton and lives in a 41 million house in Kensington, for which he outbid Chelsea FC owner Roman Abramovich.

The Wildenstein art dealership dynasty was started by the late Daniel Wildenstein  once described as probably the richest and most powerful art dealer on Earth.

On his death in 2001 he left a 30 million fortune which is being managed by Guy Wildenstein, 70, the family patriarch and Davids father.

Guys late brother Alec suffered a messy and very public divorce from his wife, Jocelyn Wildenstein, known as the Bride of Wildenstein because of her love of plastic surgery.

The lawsuit states the Wildensteins achieved fame and fortune through their art dealing business but recently became fodder for the tabloids due to the family members numerous personal peccadillos.

Mr Blavatnik claims David Wildenstein, pictured with wife Lucrezia Buccellati, had agreed to sell him the mansion / Craig Barritt/Getty Images

The lawsuit states: Defendants apparently believe they can do and say anything to suit their purposes. This suit seeks to end this heinous practice.

According to the lawsuit, the disputed property is in East 64th Street and was designed by Gilded Age architect Horace Trumbauer. It has 20ft high ceilings and a third-floor salon imported from the 18th-century home of a Parisian prince.

Mr Blavatnik, 59, already has a property on the block  a 62 million mansion on Fifth Avenue  and wanted Mr Wildensteins home as his offices.

According to the lawsuit filed by Access Industries, Mr Blavatniks company, Mr Wildenstein unambiguously agreed in a phone call on October 6 that Mr Blavatnik would be able to purchase the property.

The lawsuit claims the deal agreed was that Mr Blavatnik would buy the property on a contract date to be after Thanksgiving 2016, with a closing date in March 2017.

According to the claim, during that call Mr Wildenstein presented himself as authorised to speak on behalf of 1964 Realty LLC, the owner of the property which the lawsuit says is a domestic business that manages the affairs of the Wildenstein family.

Mr Blavatnik claims he devoted substantial time and resources to closing the deal and, as a result, lost out on two business opportunities  a chain of 11 US hotels which he had hoped to buy for 176 million and a group of 10 nursing homes valued at 360 million.

Then on October 13, according to the lawsuit, Mr Wildenstein told Mr Blavatnick he was not authorised to sell the property and had to get board approval, apparently from 1964 Realty LLC, which is named as a co-defendant.

The lawsuit, filed in the New York Supreme Court, says Mr Blavatnik viewed this as a ploy to create a new condition.

Mr Blavatnik now demands that Mr Wildenstein pay him damages of 8 million, and he wants an order that the property be sold to him on the terms he claims were agreed on October 6.

In the lawsuit, Mr Blavatnik also claims that the Wildensteins have ignored residents complaints about construction on another of their properties on Madison Avenue, on the same block as the townhouse.

It states: This type of attitude is representative of defendants belief and attitude that they can do no wrong and can do whatever they want to whomever they want.

Raised in Moscow, Mr Blavatnik is said to have arrived in America with nothing before founding Access Industries. He is now based in London. He made his fortune in post-Communist Russia in natural resources and has since created the oil giant TNK-BP.

In 2011, he staked one third of his fortune on a 2.1 billion deal to buy Warner Music. Access Industries also owns stakes in three British media companies.

A spokesman for Mr Blavatnik said: It is regrettable that this matter must now be resolved through litigation.

Neither Mr Wildenstein nor the Wildenstein family was available for comment.
A handful of protesters rallied outside the US Embassy in London tonight to warn of an approaching "climate genocide" as a result of Donald Trump's election win.

The Climate Defence activists, including one wearing a plastic mask of the president-elect, brandished a large banner reading Trump: Climate Genocide at the Mayfair site on Friday evening.

Mr Trump has previously claimed global warming was a hoax made up by the Chinese to make US manufacturing uncompetitive, and has promised to boost polluting coal and pull out of the Paris Agreement.

The treaty is a global deal, agreed under the United Nations, which will see action by all countries to curb rising temperatures.

Trump has previously claimed global warming was a hoax made up by the Chinese / PA

Spokesman Phil Thornhill, 60, said the ascension of Mr Trump to the White House threatened an agreement which, despite its flaws, was a good start to tackling the issue.

The former window cleaner, who recently returned to the UK after time abroad, said: "To kill that dead is to kill the last hope of doing something before the consequences become inevitably and irreversibly catastrophic."

He said Mr Trump's position on climate change could also undermine the momentum of the overall global response and "take the energy out of actually doing something".

The demonstration coincided with the last day of a UN climate summit / REUTERS

Addressing fellow activists and a small group of pedestrians who stopped to watch later on, Mr Thornhill let out an anguished cry while recounting how he felt when the US election result became known.

The former coordinator of the campaign against climate change said he did not have a professional background in environmental science but said "to be honest, you just need to go read Wikipedia".

Green Party Deputy Leader Amelia Womack also attended the rally and said the world looked to America for leadership.

She said: "This will bring devastation to the world's poorest, who are the sharp end of climate change and will see the most effects of global warming."

The demonstration coincided with the last day of a UN climate summit in Morocco.


A man set himself on fire inside a Melbourne bank causing an explosion that left him and five bystanders critically injured with burns.

Australian officials said another 21 people, including a toddler and people in their 80s, were taken to hospitals suffering from breathing problems.

Police said the suspect walked into the branch of Commonwealth Bank of Australia in Melbournes Springvale suburb at about 11.30am local time on Friday and used a flammable liquid to start the fire.

A 21-year-old suspect, who lives locally, was taken to a hospital in a serious condition and remains under guard, police said. The other five burns victims, four men and a woman, were taken to the same hospital.

Firefighters at the scene after the blast / EPA

Footage showed flames on the floor of the branch and thick black smoke.

One passer-by said he heard a huge blast and saw people running out with severe injuries.

The aftermath of the explosion at a bank in Melbourne / EPA

CCTV from a car mechanics garage obtained by the Australian Broadcasting Corporation shows a man believed to be the suspect walking past carrying a plastic bag with an item inside.

Acting inspector Jacqui Poida said it was too early to tell what the mans motives were.

Inspector Poida said: He had some sort of accelerant with him in a container,

He walked into the bank and he lighted that accelerant which caused some sort of fire within the bank.

He set himself alight with that fire.

Country Fire Authority officer Paul Carrigg said there was evidence of an explosion.

Witness Ashley Atkin-Fone told ABC he ran to help after hearing the explosion and seeing thick black smoke pouring out of the bank.

Mr Atkin-Fone took a fire extinguisher from a nearby shop and used it to fight the blaze.

He said: This kid comes running out all burnt, screaming his head off, blood everywhere.

I was shocked for a couple of minutes.

I sprint across the road, go into Optus and get the fire extinguisher.

I go inside, get the fire out with this other kid.

This worker come out the front out of nowhere, its packed with smoke, so I said get him, go around the back see if you can get the fire exit open.

I got the fire out, I took four steps inside, I was shouting and shouting but I couldnt hear anyone, the alarms were going off, no-one was hearing me, and then all of a sudden a few minutes later the police come, and the fire engines and everyone else.
T he dress worn by Marilyn Monroe when she sang Happy Birthday Mr President to John F Kennedy has sold for a world-record price at auction, fetching $4.8 million (3.87 million).

The sheer flesh-coloured design, which features more than 2,500 hand-stitched crystals, had a pre-sale estimate of $3 million (2.42 million) before it went under the hammer at Juliens Auctions in Los Angeles.

It was bought by Ripleys Believe It Or Not museum for a total surpassing the previous most expensive dress sold at auction, Monroes white dress from The Seven Year Itch, which went for $4.6 million (3.7 million) in 2011.

Edward Meyer, vice president of Ripleys Believe It Or Not, told the Press Association: We believe this is the most iconic piece of pop culture that there is.

Marilyn Monroe sings "Happy Birthday" to President John F. Kennedy at Madison Square Garden / Rex

In the 20th century I cannot think of one item that tells the story of the Sixties as well as this. Its a new world record for a dress.

The custom-made Jean Louis gown was so tight-fitting that Monroe was said to have been sewn into it before she performed for President Kennedy on May 19, 1962, before his 40th birthday.

The Hollywood star, 36, was found dead less than three months later.
M arion Cotillard has claimed that she wasnt worried about rumours that shed had an affair with Brad Pitt following his split from Angelina Jolie.

The French actress, who became the centre of speculation after the A-list couple went their separate ways in September, insists that shes not concerned by the talk.

Speaking on camera about her involvement in gossip surrounding the split for the first time, Cotillard said:

I never take anything personally when it doesn't concern me.

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The 41-year-old actress, who is pregnant with her second child with partner Guillaume Canet, added:

So, I didn't take it personally because I had nothing to do with those rumours or situation.

Speaking on The Today Show in the US, Cotillard went on to say that the furore around Pitts personal life hasnt ruined her experience of working with him on new film Allied.

"No, I don't give energy to this, she said.

Red carpet: Marion Cotillard and Brad Pitt at the Allied premiere / Jordan Strauss/Invision/AP

"It was a wonderful, wonderful experience working with such a visionaire director and an amazing actor, and that's all that matters."

Cotillard addressed the rumours in an Instagram post just a few days after news of the split broke.

She wrote: This is going to be my first and only reaction to the whirlwind news that broke 24 hours ago and that I was swept up into.

Allied Film Trailer

I am not used to commenting on things like this nor taking them seriously but as this situation is spiralling and affecting people I love, I have to speak up.

"Firstly, many years ago, I met the man of my life, father of our son and of the baby we are expecting. He is my love, my best friend, the only one that I need.

"Secondly to those who have indicated that I am devastated, I am very well thank you. This crafted conversation isn't distressing.

"And to all the media and the haters who are quick to pass judgement, I sincerely wish you a swift recovery.

"Finally, I do very much wish that Angelina and Brad, both whom I deeply respect, will find peace in this very tumultuous moment. With all my love, Marion (sic)."


P aris Hilton has revealed that she voted for Donald Trump to be president, saying that shes known him since she was a little girl.

While the hotel heiress and socialite wasnt too vocal in her support for the Republican candidate in the run-up to the US election, she has now said shes happy with the outcome.

When asked if she voted for Trump during an interview on Australias The Project, the 35-year-old said: I've known him since I was a little girl, so yes.

Ive known him my entire life and hes always been incredibly supportive of me.

In a later interview with KIIS FM, Hilton said that she had every faith that Trump would be a good president.

Everyone should just be happy because we all need to be positive and make the world a better place, she said.

Hes smart, he knows what hes doing, the heiress added.

Donald Trump, Melania Trump, Kathy Hilton, Rick Hilton, Nicky Hilton and Paris Hilton in 2012 / Neilson Barnard/Getty Images for European School of Economics Foundation

Kanye West is another star to come out in support of Donald Trump now that he has won the election.

Speaking on stage in San Jose on Thursday evening, the rapper said: I told you I didnt vote. But if I voted, I would have voted on Trump.

I wanted to say that before the election, but they told me, Whatever you do dont say that aloud, he said.

Talking about how he admired the Trump campaign, he added: Not only did I not vote, but there were a lot of things I actually liked about Trumps campaign.
J eremy Clarksons new car show The Grand Tour has just launched on Amazon Prime  and the first episode wastes no time in referencing his dismissal from the BBC.

The presenter was axed from Top Gear following a fracas with producer Oisin Tymon, sparking his move to Amazon with Richard Hammond and James May.

In the cinematic opening to the trios new series, Clarkson is seen leaving the BBC building  and swapping rainy London for the Californian desert.

The first minute of the show re-enacts Clarkson leaving BBC Broadcasting House just north of Regent Street.

The Grand Tour: Jeremy, Richard and James take the Holy Trinity of hypercars around Portugal

The Grand Tour- first look 1 /6 The Grand Tour- first look Jeremy Clarkson, Richard Hammond and James May in Johannesburg film their first studio episode PA/Amazon Prime Jeremy Clarkson, Richard Hammond and James May in Johannesburg arrive on their brand new set PA/Amazon Prime The studio audience surround the trio in the pop up studio PA/Amazon Prime The makeshift studio in Johannesburg PA/Amazon Prime First look at the new series of The Grand Tour PA/Amazon Prime

Emerging from the revolving door, he hands his entry pass to a security guard, and wanders off into the rain.

Hopping in a cab to Heathrow, Clarkson boards a flight to Los Angeles and emerges in sunnier climes, where he picks up a rental super-car and glides off to the strains of Johnny Nash hit I Can See Clearly Now.

As he speeds down an open highway, Clarkson is joined on either side by a smiling Hammond and May, as the trio go off-road and head to their very own Burning Van music festival.

Reunited: Clarkson's car is joined by Hammond and May / Amazon

Its not the only reference the first episode makes to Clarksons BBC fate.

Jeremy Clarkson and Richard Hammond invite fans to join The Grand Tour

Introducing the new show, he admits: The good thing is, its very unlikely Im going to be fired now, because were on the internet.

Amazon launch trailer of The Grand Tour

The episode is the first of 12 new instalments due to stream online weekly via Amazon, with Clarkson, Hammond and May touring a variety of locations across the globe in a mobile studio.

The Grand Tour Episode 1 is available now on Amazon Prime
MASON CITY | A Clear Lake man has been ordered to serve up to 10 years in prison for breaking into vehicles in Mason City and stealing items from them.

Jamie Lee Evenson, 29, was sentenced Wednesday to up to five years in prison each on three counts of felony third-degree burglary of a motor vehicle.

Two of the sentences are to be served concurrently but consecutive to the third sentence for a total prison term of up to 10 years.

He pleaded guilty to those charges this week. Two additional counts of third-degree burglary of a motor vehicle as well as one count of felony second-degree criminal mischief were dismissed.

Mason City police were called to a report on Sept. 21 that someone had broken into a parked car around 7 a.m. in the 1000 block of South Illinois Avenue and then pedaled away on a bicycle.

The suspect, Evenson, was later arrested in the 300 block of South Louisiana Avenue.

Evenson broke the windows of four other vehicles around Mason City and stole items from them between midnight and 6 a.m., according to the police.
T ake it one case at a time

Sometimes the scale of a work project can be overwhelming. When we step back and look at the big picture were all just tiny cogs in a giant machine. The solution? Dont step back and look. Instead, take it one case at a time  or one tattoo at a time, in the case of Blindspot. In that show, the FBIs Critical Incident Response Group, led by Special Agent Kurt Weller (Sullivan Stapleton), must unravel the small truth behind each of Jane Does mysterious body markings, in order to get at the big truth that lays beyond.

Keep your flirting functional

The workplaces on Criminal Minds, Conviction, Scandal and Blindspot are all sexual harassment lawsuits waiting to happen: any HR exec would be horri ed. But at least this flirtatious banter has a noble purpose. Stephen Finch (Henry Ian Cusick) in Scandal used his personal history with DC coroner Lisa to gain access to a top secret autopsy report and, yes, Hayes Morrison (Hayley Atwell) strips down to her underwear during a Conviction team meeting, but only because she doesnt want to waste her teams precious time, so multitasks with a dress fitting.

Look the part

Dress down Friday isnt a concept thats familiar to Scandals Olivia Pope (Kerry Washington, right) or Convictions Hayes Morrison. Those statement wardrobe items are a crucial part of their success. After all, colleagues may let you down, but a tailored trouser suit never will.

Leadership is smart delegation

No one rocks a statement coat like Olivia Pope, the dynamic head of crisis management team Olivia Pope & Associates in Scandal, but she also has another key leadership skill for which she gets less credit: smart delegation. Every episode includes a scene where Olivia thinks for a moment then starts shouting instructions  Quinn, locate the ambassadors briefcase!, Huck, hack into the mainframe!, Abby, manage the optics!  as her team scurry o to do her bidding.

Criminal Minds

Bring your baggage to work

Most workplaces discourage obsessive behaviour or fiery arguments and expect employees to work through any deep-rooted emotional trauma they may have on their own time. Things are a bit different in Blindspot, however. Here the childhood tragedy that befell Agent Kurt Weller (right) may hold the secret to the conspiracy theyre all hoping to unravel. On Criminal Minds, members of the Behavioural Analysis Unit do try to have a life outside work, but stalkerish un-subs can make it rather difficult.

Value the tech guy

They may not always get involved in the frontline action, but techies can do an impressive amount with a few welltargeted swipes at a keyboard. Having someone to triangulate cell phone signals to locate a suspect  or just get your desktop to turn on in the morning (ahem)  is invaluable. So respect where respect is due, especially if that tech guy is a girl, such as Garcia (Kirsten Vangsness) in Criminal Minds. Or an ex-CIA assassin such as Huck (Guillermo Diaz) in Scandal.

Celebrate you accomplishments

Convictions Hayes Morrison may now be the venerable head of the Conviction Integrity Unit, but this former first daughter and party girl still knows how to cut loose. At the end of a long day exoner ating the wrongly convicted, shes often to be found kicking o her heels at a fundraising gala, local dive bar, or wherever else theres cold beers and hot men. Next time, she might even remember to invite her colleagues along too.

Use cool nicknames for each other

Using your own, given name is so uncool. In Scandal, Olivia Pope & Associates boost team morale by referring to themselves as Gladiators in suits, while in Criminal Minds, Garcia and Morgan exchange a variety of blush-making monikers including dollface, hotstu  and, on one memorable occasion, statuesque god of sculpted chocolate thunder. Some pseudonyms are more sinister, however  for instance, why cant Jane Doe in Blindspot remember her own real name?
OSAGE  Rustys Last Call on Main Street in Osage has taken another step toward making the establishment a safe place for people to gather and socialize.

Having instituted the safe ride program a few years ago, they have most recently provided staff Raise the Bar training  sexual assault prevention  through Crisis Intervention Service.

Rustys is the first North Iowa bar to undergo the Raise the Bar training. Coupled with the TIPS training, this earns them a certificate and label of gold star bar.

You cant be safe enough, said Pam Broderick, manager of Rustys Last Call. I always wanted Rustys to be a safe place to come and spend time with friends.

In addition to the Raise the Bar training, staff at Rustys has also undergone I-PACT and TIPS training, which provides them with knowledge designed to prevent intoxication, underage drinking and drunk driving.

This is about watching out for the community and making sure they are safe, said Erin Myers of Crisis Intervention Service. This presentation is designed to help bartenders recognize situations as they arise and step in to prevent them before they become sexual assaults.

Myers first explained to the staff the wide spectrum of what is considered sexual assault, defining it as ranging from inappropriate touching and grabbing all the way up through rape. Myers, a former bartender, talked how bar life evolves over the course of the night.

Bartenders see a lot of things unfold, Myers said. And bar life is different from 6 p.m. than it is at midnight.

Bartenders see whos ordering double shots, whos hitting on who, whos trying to get in their cars and whos getting loud and beginning to engage in confrontations.

It puts them in the perfect position to see who might be in a potentially dangerous situation, Myers said.

There are a lot of reasons people dont get involved, Myers said. But being silent wont make the situation better. It usually gets worse.

She encouraged bartenders to take note of whos been separated from their friends and is with someone they may not know, who might be giving non-verbal clues that they are in trouble.

Within the community most people know each other and they will step in too, Myers said. We need to become a society of action.
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MASON CITY  Health and safety violations at a Mason City motel that had its license revoked this week allegedly include heavily soiled or stained mattresses and drapes, broken doors and locks, and holes in the floor at the top of a flight of stairs.

Those violations at American Best Inn & Suites, 24 Fifth St. S.W., were listed in an inspection report by the Cerro Gordo County Health Department.

Other alleged violations indicated in the report are missing outdoor lighting, a staircase handrail that had fallen off, inadequate lighting in a hallway, and litter and refuse in the grass outside the building and in storage rooms.

In addition, many of the rooms inspected during an Oct. 28 visit had leaking sinks, missing handles for sinks and showers, and non-functioning valve shut-offs, according to the Health Department.

The motel also was cited for missing or inadequate flooring, mold, flooding, cracked tiles and heavily soiled walls, floor and ceilings in many rooms. Ventilation fans were not working in seven occupied or unoccupied rooms, the inspection report stated.

Many residents live at this facility, providing their own bedding, appliances, and maintenance, the report stated.

The Oct. 28 inspection was prompted by an anonymous complaint to the county Health Department. City officials, including police officers and members of the Fire Department, accompanied the Health Department during the inspection, the report stated.

The county Health Department revoked the motels license on Monday. The owners have 30 days to file a written appeal.

The city has ordered all the guests to leave by Dec. 1.

Robin Joines, manager of the motel, expressed her concerns to the Globe Gazette Thursday that the guests, who rely on the motel as a temporary place to stay until they can find something more permanent, will have nowhere to go.(tncms-asset)8cacd990-acf9-11e6-8279-00163ec2aa77(/tncms-asset)

She said homeless shelters have a waiting list and it is difficult to find affordable housing in Mason City.

Joines said the inspection report was exaggerated, and maintenance has since taken care of the issues in the occupied rooms and is now working on the unoccupied rooms.

She also said police violated the rights of the guests by searching their rooms without a warrant during the inspection.

Mason City Police Chief Jeff Brinkley said the officers did not search the property, but were available if the inspections personnel came across anything unusual or suspicious.

The officers also verified the identities of the motels occupants for record-keeping purposes, according to Brinkley. He noted no one they encountered was wanted on any warrants.

Brinkley said the police have been called to the motel in the past for a number of issues, including theft and suspicious activity.

Mason City Fire Marshal Jamey Medlin said he went along on the Oct. 28 visit to do a routine fire inspection for the motel, the same as his department does for other businesses in town.

He said he found nothing really major.

Potential fire hazards included missing batteries in smoke alarms, candles in rooms that violated the no open flame policy, no proper cigarette disposal container outside the building, issues with drop cords, and fire extinguishers that had not been inspected, according to Medlin.

He said a lawn mower was stored in one of the unoccupied rooms, noting anything that has fuel in it cant be stored inside the building.

The fire department gave the motel 30 days to correct those issues, Medlin said.

Ray Quayle, Mason City housing official and zoning administrator, said the owners of the motel are three doctors in the community but he did not know their names.

Ace Ventures LLC is listed as the owner of the motel in Cerro Gordo County online property records.

The agent for Ace Ventures LLC is listed as Aileen Prabhakaran. She is listed on the Mercy Medical Center-North Iowa website as a physician with the hospitals Diabetes Center.

The Globe Gazette left several messages for Prabhakaran on Thursday. A man who identified himself as her husband called the Globe and confirmed she is one of the partners but is not involved in the operation of the motel.

The man declined to give his name to the Globe Gazette.
MASON CITY | The Cerro Gordo County Department of Public Health will host a flu clinic from 9 a.m. to noon Saturday at its immunization clinic in Mohawk Square.

Saturday flu clinics are a convenient way for individuals that dont have the opportunity to attend a standard weekly or evening flu clinics to still get vaccinated, according to a statement from the health department.

The following types of flu vaccine will be offered:

 Traditional flu shot (four strains), $35

 High-dose flu shot (ages 65 and older), $57

 Pneumonia Vaccine, $111

 PCV 13, $205

The health department accepts most major health insurance. With insurance, no money is collected at the time of the vaccination; services are billed directly to insurance. Any remaining balance is billed to the client after insurance has paid for its portion of the service.

Call 641-421-9321 or visit www.cghealth.com for more information.
Boy, was I wrong!

Back when there were 18 candidates for the Republican presidential nomination, I placed Donald Trump among the lower-tier wannabees who would quickly fade when support coalesced behind one of the mainstream candidates.

When Trump won the nomination, I assumed his bombastic style and outlandish statements would energize Democrats, turn off Independents and demoralize Republicans.

As a registered Republican Id all but ceded the White House to the reviled Democrat Hillary Clinton (even voted for her myself) and worried how much the anti-Trump blowback would hurt down-ticket GOPers and damage the party long term.

My apologies and congratulations, President-elect Trump.

Not only did Trumps unorthodox campaign deliver a victory, he actually had coattails that produced Republican gains at the local, state and national levels.

Having so badly underestimated Trump as a candidate, I can only hope Ive equally underestimated him as a president.

While Trumps campaign was marked by crassness, incivility and braggadocio that still leaves me pretty cold, he did have his lucid moments.

During one episode of seemingly candid reflection, Trump essentially admitted he didnt know everything and would surround himself with good people to serve and advise him.

If the president-elect follows through and can sufficiently check his ego to heed the council of those good people when needed, perhaps his administration wont be the disaster many, myself included, have feared.

For the sake of the country I hope so.

***

Clinton and many supporters blame her defeat largely on FBI Director James Comey, who briefly reopened investigation into Clintons questionable use of a private email server for handling government business while serving as secretary of state.

Comey, a Republican by background if not by current registration, updated congressional leaders on the renewed investigation via letter just two weeks before the election and followed up nine days later to inform them no actionable information was uncovered.

Such discourse with Congress is uncommon. Detractors claim it was uncalled for and most likely politically motivated.

Clinton et al further contend the renewed focus on her emails may have turned the tide in an election most experts felt she was destined to win.

While Comeys move was unusual, this was not a usual case.

Comey initially announced the investigation was closed in July. He then faced withering criticism from Republicans along with a summons to appear before Congress to explain himself.

Those critics at the time questioned whether he had succumbed to pressure from his boss, Attorney General Loretta Lynch, to squash the investigation, whether the Clintons exercised undo influence over Lynch/Comey and whether Comey had inappropriate ties to the Clinton Foundation.

When Comey didnt flinch, Clinton and her allies portrayed him as a man of independence and integrity who refused to bow to such pressure.

Having subsequently discovered new information so close to the election, Comey was thus placed in a no-win situation.

By revealing the existence an ongoing but incomplete investigation, Comey did commit a minor breech of normal protocol that reopened an old wound for Clinton.

And, as it turned out, he did so over nothing of substance.

Imagine, however, if Comey had kept quiet, Clinton had won and the investigation had subsequently come to light or, even worse, turned up damming information.

Congressional Republicans would have been livid the inquiry had been reopened without their knowledge after Comey had testified it was closed.

The reputation of impartiality and fairness of both Comey and the FBI would have been called into question.

Trump and his supporters would have taken this as evidence of a cover-up, confirming their suspicion the system was rigged and Clintons win was illegitimate.

Given that possible scenario, Comey probably did the right thing.

At the very least his agency handled the renewed investigation in an expedient matter in order to give Clinton the all clear prior to Election Day.

Had his action truly been driven by partisan underpinnings, he could no doubt have found a way to drag out the process until long after the votes were counted.

If Clintons momentum in late October against a flawed candidate like Trump was so easily derailed, she needs to look to her own campaign for the reasons rather than searching for a scapegoat.

***

Trumps complaints about a rigged system and his refusal to emphatically state he would accept the results of the election regardless of the outcome ranked pretty high on the list of his objectionable behavior leading up to Nov. 8.

Clinton and company rightly lambasted him for it when they assumed she was going to win.

Now at least one poll indicates a third of her supporters view the election results as illegitimate.

Protests denouncing Trump have cropped up around the country, most peaceful but some disruptive and a handful violent.

Many are urging Electoral College voters to ignore the election outcome in their states and choose Clinton.

With the shoe on the other foot, these folks are wearing it pretty badly.

Although Clinton and President Barack Obama were gracious immediately after the election, they have not been particularly vocal or adamant in condemning these protests.

Respect for the process needs to come from both sides. Democratic leaders can begin the process of healing their party and our nation by doing now what Trump refused to before the election: forcefully declare that the results must be accepted even by those who dont like the outcome.
The election is over and the vast majority of Americans have let out a collective sigh of relief, but really we still do not officially have a president-elect.

Officially, on Nov. 8, we did not elect a President and vice-president, instead we elected electors. These electors, who make up the Electoral College, will elect our next president and vice-president on Dec. 19.

For most, this is confusing and sometimes, if the popular vote and the electoral vote favor different candidates, it is frustrating. However, it is Constitutional and unlikely to change anytime soon.

Our Constitution spells out how we are to elect the President and it is not how we often portray it. In Article II, Section 1 it reads, The executive Power shall be vested in a President of the United States of America. He shall hold his Office during the Term of four Years, and, together with the Vice President, chosen for the same Term, be elected, as follows. Each State shall appoint, in such Manner as the Legislature thereof may direct, a Number of Electors, equal to the whole Number of Senators and Representatives to which the State may be entitled in the Congress: but no Senator or Representative, or Person holding an Office of Trust or Profit under the United States, shall be appointed an Elector.

There are currently a total of 538 electors and a candidate needs at least 270 electors to become the next president. If the vote is a tie then the president is elected by the House of Representatives and the vice-president is elected by the Senate.

The electors in each state are selected by the political parties. The candidate who wins the popular vote gets their electors appointed to vote in the electoral college. All but, Nebraska and Maine are winner takes all. The electors appointed have pledged to vote a certain way. In Nebraska, our three districts each voted for electors who have pledged to vote for Republican Donald Trump.

Right now Trump has 290 electoral votes compared to Democrat Hillary Clintons 232, according to Politico.com. However, Clinton received more of the popular vote.

Last time that took place was in 2000 when Democrat Al Gore won the popular vote, but Republican George W. Bush won the electoral vote.

Many Clinton supporters, unhappy with the result this year, with their candidate having more of the popular vote, are asking the electors to go against their pledge. Instead of voting for Trump, vote for Clinton.

Throughout history it has happened very rarely, but it has happened. Electors have done so in nine of the last 17 elections, according to CNN, but never in large enough numbers to make a difference.

The Constitution does not forbid last minute changes. Some states, however, such as Nebraska, require their electors to vote as pledged (Nebraska state law 32-714).

In the 2000 controversial hanging chad election, there was a strong lobbying movement to get electors to go against their pledge to vote for Bush, according to CNN. Only one ignored their pledge, but that elector simply didnt vote as an act of protest, over a completely separate issue.

So, as the voters of the this years electors, we hang our heads if they are not pledged to our candidate, or hold them high, if they are.

As the dust finally starts to settle on the 2016 general election lets respect one another, no matter who we voted for, and try to understand our differences. Most importantly, we need to learn to work with one another, whoever our electors select, in spite of our differences.

It is those differences that make us such a great country. It is those differences our Constitution protects.

The protests, petitions and lobbying for change is a part of who we are. It would be nice if we kept things civil without destroying property, but our Constitution (the first amendment) does allow for protests.

So will the electors we voted for change this crazy election on Dec. 19? Will they ignore their pledges?

History, and the way they have been selected, says no. However, this election has been anything but normal. So maybe our sigh of relief is a little premature and then again, probably not.
LINCOLN  An Omaha candidate who lost in the election to State Sen. Ernie Chambers is trying another means to oust the veteran lawmaker.

John Sciara has filed a petition claiming that Chambers lives in Bellevue and not in the north Omaha district that he represents.

The petition, filed Tuesday with the Clerk of the Legislature, represents the first step under legislative rules to challenge an elected candidates qualifications to serve in the Legislature.

Sciara said he has been planning the challenge since 2012, when voters returned Chambers to the Legislature after a four-year hiatus and when he first considered running for the office.

Having been in the military for 25 years, I always have a Plan B, he said. Im going to beat the master of the rules by using the rules.

The Nebraska Constitution requires that state senators live for at least a year in their legislative district before they can serve.

Chambers, who answered his telephone at home Wednesday evening while watching television, dismissed the challenge.

Its not going to go anywhere, he said. Hes got to prove that I dont live here.

Chambers owns a house at 1825 Binney St., according to the Douglas County assessors website.

That is the address he used when filing for office and the address, he said, where he gets his bills and the daily newspaper.

Sciara said numerous people, including some in the neighborhood, have told him that Chambers actually lives in Bellevue. He said he plans to present witnesses to make his case.

But Chambers said that, according to case law, it is a persons intentions that matter in defining a residence, not the amount of time actually spent at the location.

Legislative rules set out the process by which an unsuccessful legislative candidate may challenge the qualifications of the winner.

Once a petition is filed, it is referred to the Legislatures Executive Board, which must set up a special committee with at least five members to consider the matter.

The committee is to hear and make a determination about the challenge as expeditiously as possible, while giving due process to both sides. The committees final recommendation goes to the full Legislature for a vote.

Unofficial election results show that Sciara got 1,662 votes to Chambers 7,481 votes on Nov. 8.
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When a political puck named Dick Tuck lost a California senate election in 1966, he famously conceded: The people have spoken. The bastards.

So now that the people have spoken up for Donald Trump, were they saying that they embrace his xenophobic, nativist, far-right policies?

Not necessarily. Most Trump voters say they went for him because they think hell shake up Americas elite establishment, not because hes a conservative. In fact, majorities of people all over the country voted for very progressive policies and candidates this year.

For example, all four states that had minimum wage increases on the ballot  Arizona, Colorado, Maine and Washington  passed them. Plus, a South Dakota proposal to lower its minimum wage was rejected by 71 percent of voters.

Meanwhile, voters in two states  California and Washington  passed initiatives calling for repealing the Supreme Courts Citizen United decision, which has allowed corporate cash to flood into our elections. Washington also voted to provide public funding of elections in the state.

And a Minnesota initiative to take away the power of state lawmakers to set their own salaries, moving this authority to a bipartisan citizens council, won 77 percent of the vote.

In addition, many solidly progressive firsts were elected, such as the first Indian-American woman in the House (Pramila Jayapal of Washington); the first Latina U.S. senator (Catherine Cortez Masto of Nevada); the first Indian-American elected to the U.S. Senate (Kamala Harris of California, who is also the first black senator from her state); and the first openly LGBT governor (Kate Brown of Oregon).

Trumps going to the White House, but the takeaway from voters in this election is a mandate for progressive economic populism and more diversity among public officials.
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On an official visit to Israel, Romania's Foreign Minister Lazar Comanescu has reconfirmed Romania's support for the consolidation of the relationships between Israel and the European Union, while also voicing interest in capitalising on the special bilateral relationship.

Romania's Foreign Ministry (MAE) says in a press statement released on Friday part of Comanescu's visit were discussions of the dimensions of political, economic and sectorial cooperation, with emphasis on projects envisaged for the 3rd Romanian-Israeli intergovernmental meeting.

"Mention was made of experience exchanges continuing in the areas of energy, defence, tourism, R&D and education. At the same time, cooperation between Romania and Israel inside international bodies was also addressed, with Romania reconfirming its support for the consolidation of the Israeli-EU relationships," says MAE.

The Romanian chief diplomat also exchanged opinions on international affairs of major interest, with emphasis on the latest developments in the Middle East, the peace process and also current European affairs, such as the future of the EU, the UK leaving the EU, migration, domestic security and terror.

Comanescu also attended a roundtable conference on business and research development in the areas of IT, cybersecurity and innovation, and toured the Yad Vashem Memorial to attend the lighting of the Eternal Flame; he also laid a wreath at the Remembrance Hall and signed the guestbook.

Part of his visit to Israel, November 16-18, Comanescu also met members of the Israeli Cabinet and officials of the Knesset. He was welcomed by Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, and met Israeli's Minister in charge of National Security and Foreign Affairs Tzachi Hanegbi; Deputy Minister for Diplomacy and Public Relations Michael Oren; Deputy Foreign Minister Tzipi Hotovely and Avi Dichter, head of the Knesset's Committee on Foreign Policy and Defence.

agerpres.
Romania is at a non-stage as far as its accession to the Eurozone is concerned, President Iohannis said Thursday in northwestern Cluj-Napoca, adding that it is not good for Romania to get fixated on a deadline for accession.

'We have to fulfil certain conditions, which in principle we already do, but politicians were overzealous when they set 2019 as the deadline for our accession to the Eurozone. That is so unrealistic that not even the required technical committees are in place,' said Iohannis.

He added that 2015 was the last time when the latest developments in Romania's switchover to the European single currency were assessed.

'Somewhere in early 2015, I wanted us to be there in 2019, but that was neither realistic nor feasible. No assessment were made since to restate when to switch over, but it was agreed that we have to be better prepared so that when we get there we will have no new problems, given that once in the Eurozone many monetary policy levers are abandoned, levers that we are using and that helps us at this stage. Our 5-percent economic growth, compared with the one or two-percent growth of others, can be explained by the fact that we have moved easily using monetary policy tools. Specialists are arguing that Romania needs a somehow higher real convergence. A minimal convergence of 60 percent is generally acceptable and talks now focus on the idea that Romania has to pass this threshold once inside the Eurozone,' said Iohannis.

He added that Romania should not get fixated on a deadline for accession to the Eurozone.

'There is no deadline for us and I believe setting one is no good, given that the European Union is facing innumerable crises that we are not artfully managing, but we are barely managing. No deadline is not a problem. We get prepared in the most natural way, by economic growth, and we will wait and see when discussing a deadline for accession to the Eurozone is opportune,' said Iohannis.

Iohannis on Thursday attended a debate on the European Union between disintegration and reform and Romania's contribution to the consolidation of the European construction, held in Cluj-Napoca by the CITADEL think tank of the Babes-Bolyai University.

agerpres.
Seville, Spain, Nov. 18, 2016 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- ShapeBlue, the largest independent integrator of CloudStack technologies worldwide, today announced at ApacheCon Europe that it will be donating its CloudStack Container Service software to the Apache CloudStack project. The technology integrates CloudStack with Kubernetes and Docker to provide a seamless Container-as-a-Service (CaaS) offering within existing Infrastructure-as-a-Service (IaaS) environments with no disruption to user experience or business process.



"We are really excited to be handing over the code and IP of CloudStack Container Service to the CloudStack project as part of our ongoing commitment to open source," said Giles Sirett, CEO of ShapeBlue. "The CloudStack project is the best environment for others to build on the work weve done to date."



CloudStack Container Service is a plug-in for Apache CloudStack that enables users to create container clusters within an existing multi-tenant environment, provided by CloudStack. The user experience is seamless: users can both manage container clusters and deploy/manage cloud native applications in the same user-interface that they use to manage their existing compute, network, and storage. Service providers running dedicated or custom UIs benefit from a number of simple API calls that have been added to the CloudStack API to allow simple integration.



"We have focused on creating a seamless experience between CloudStack orchestrated infrastructure and Kubernetes orchestrated container environments to meet demand from our customers," explained Sirett.



The project began as a collaboration between ShapeBlue and Skippbox, providers of platforms and tools that ease the deployment and lifecycle management of cloud-native applications. It has been available for download since May 2016 under the Apache 2.0 license and, ultimately, will be moved under the governance of the Apache CloudStack project.



"The Kubernetes CloudStack plug-in has been used by a number of cloud service providers for some time, and we are now confident about its potential to be utilised for a number of other use-cases by the open source community," said Skippbox founder and CEO, Sebastien Goasguen. "Open sourcing it is the right thing to do, to help the community transition to a container world."



The software gives end-users the ability to use multiple container engines such as Docker or rkt from CoreOS, hosted container registries like Docker hub, Quay or Google Container Registry (GCE), as well as their own private registries. It provides this whilst overcoming the biggest challenge for existing IaaS providers: how to quickly offer their users a robust CaaS offering, but with a seamless user experience and no disruption of their existing IaaS business processes and commercial models.



Ian Rae, CEO of Cloudops, said "ShapeBlue's contribution allows service providers to offer 'Containers-as-a-Service' for their customers (similar to AWS ECS) based on Apache CloudStack. Their customers can now provision and manage containers on top of their cloud resources. CloudOps works with many open source cloud computing projects and we believe this contribution represents an important advancement in the capabilities of Apache CloudStack."



"The underlying framework that we have created can be easily used as a basis for integrating Docker swarm, Apache Mesos, Apache Hadoop, or any other cluster orientated platform," explained Sirett. "Adoption can be greatly accelerated by making this part of CloudStack itself, where the community can collaborate on further development."



"Supporting containers is a great step forward for our users given the current cloud computing landscape," said Will Stevens, Vice President of Apache CloudStack. "We appreciate ShapeBlue contributing this integration to the CloudStack community."



Further information on CloudStack Container Service is available at http://www.shapeblue.com/cloudstack-container-service/



About ShapeBlue

ShapeBlue are the largest independent integrator of CloudStack technologies globally and are specialists in the design and implementation of IaaS cloud infrastructures for both private and public cloud implementations. Services include IaaS cloud design, software engineering, CloudStack consulting, and training. The company has a global customer base with offices in London (UK), Mountain View (CA), Bangalore (India), Rio de Janeiro (Brazil), and Cape Town (South Africa). For more information, visit http://www.shapeblue.com/.

"Apache", "CloudStack", and "Apache CloudStack" are registered trademarks or trademarks of the Apache Software Foundation in the United States and/or other countries. "Kubernetes" is a trademark of the Cloud Native Computing Foundation. All other brands and trademarks are the property of their respective owners.
AWARDS

The St. Louis Union Station Hotel, Curio Collection by Hilton received a 2016 Readers Choice Award from ConventionSouth magazine.

Grant Contracting was named a 2016 Safety Advantage Award winner by the Mason Contractors Association of America.

Roeslein Alternative Energy received first place in the Friend of the ABC category at the 2016 American Biogas Councils industry awards. Roeslein won for contributions to a manure-to-energy project at Ruckman Farm near Albany, Mo.

Chad Doyle of RE/MAX Preferred was named the 2016 Certified Residential Specialist of the Year by the Illinois Council of Residential Specialists.

Washington University School of Medicine recognized Beyond Housing, a nonprofit community development organization, with the 2016 Homer G. Phillips Lecture Series Founders Award for its work to revitalize St. Louis neighborhoods.

A Doe Run Co. team won first place in the field competition at the annual Mine Rescue Day at the Missouri University of Science and Technology Experimental Mine in Rolla.

Dr. Robert Butler, a general dentist in Webster Groves, was named the 2016 Missouri Dental Association Dentist of the Year.

EXPANDING

Columbia Colleges Fishman Center for Entrepreneurship expanded its Student Business Pitch competition to its St. Louis and Orlando, Fla., campuses.

Scottrock Motors, 1637 South Old Highway 141 in Fenton, signed on as a U-Haul neighborhood dealer.

HELPING OUT

Scott Credit Union donated $2,500 to the OFallon, Ill., Township High School Band.

Edward Jones employees raised more than $5.6 million for the United Ways community campaign.

MILESTONES

McCarthy Holdings Inc. marked 20 years of employee ownership.

OPENINGS

MedExpress opened two neighborhood medical centers:

 515 Belt Line Road, Collinsville

 326 North 24th Street, Quincy, Ill.

Solid Gold, a manufacturer and supplier of holistic pet foods, opened its new headquarters:

 15455 Conway Road, Suite 100, Chesterfield

Hooters reopened a newly remodeled restaurant:

 4061 Veterans Memorial Parkway, St. Peters

RECOGNITION

STL-Style was one of 100 businesses invited to Yelps Coast-to-Coast business leader summit on brand building, social strategy and human resource enhancement.

Martha Garcia-Perry, director of account management at MetroGistics, was recognized as one of the leading women in remarketing at the National Remarketing Conference. Jeremy Cope, vice president of logistics operations at MetroGistics, was recognized as a 40 Under 40 honoree.

Ogletree, Deakins, Nash, Smoak & Stewart PC was named Law Firm of the Year in the labor law-management category in the 2017 U.S. News  Best Lawyers Best Law Firms list.

Thomas Dankenbring was named to Northwestern Mutuals 2016 Forum Group, which recognizes company leaders.
Centene Corp. will continue serving Medicaid beneficiaries in the state of Georgia thanks to a statewide contract award.

The contract, effective July 1, 2017, gives Centene's Georgia subsidiary five one-year renewal options, the company said Friday.

Centene's Peach State Health Plan will be one of four managed care companies to provide medical, behavioral, dental and vision health coverage to individuals eligible for Medicaid throughout the state of Georgia , the company said Friday.

As of Sept. 30, the Peach State Health Plan provided insurance coverage to 498,000 Medicaid members throughout Georgia.

Many states hire companies like Clayton-based Centene to insure its Medicaid recipients. Individuals with low-incomes are eligible for Medicaid health coverage through the state.
No clinically meaningful differences between biosimilar etanercept and the originator product in safety and efficacy over 52 weeks[1]



Innovative study design demonstrates switching between biosimilar etanercept and the originator product has no impact on safety and efficacy[1]



Sandoz biosimilar etanercept was approved by the FDA* in August 2016 and is currently under review by the EMA**

Holzkirchen, November 18, 2016 - Sandoz, a Novartis division, and the pioneer and global leader in biosimilars, today announced the publication of the EGALITY study in the British Journal of Dermatology. The confirmatory clinical safety and efficacy study shows Sandoz biosimilar etanercept is equivalent to the originator product, Enbrel***, in more than 500 adult patients over 52 weeks[1].

The innovative design of the EGALITY study includes switched and continuous treatment arms. Patients who switched treatments crossed over between biosimilar etanercept and the originator product three times with no clinically meaningful differences in safety and efficacy.

"Sandoz recognizes that clinicians need robust data on switching to confidently prescribe biosimilars. In EGALITY the same patients received treatment with biosimilar etanercept and the originator product in an alternating fashion and these three treatment switches had no impact on safety and efficacy," said Malte Peters M.D., Head Global Clinical Development, Biopharmaceuticals, Sandoz. "This innovative study demonstrates that Sandoz is at the frontier of building trust and confidence in biosimilars to increase access to biologics for patients worldwide." Peters continued.

The 52-week EGALITY study was a randomized, double-blind trial which involved 531 adult patients with moderate to severe plaque psoriasis. The study was carried out over 12 months in 74 dermatology clinical sites across Europe and South Africa and consisted of three treatment periods. In the first 12-week period, patients received biosimilar etanercept or the originator product. In the second period, patients with at least 50% improvement of psoriasis symptoms were re-randomized into four groups; the first two groups continued with their original treatment and other two switched to the alternate treatment every six weeks until week 30[1]. In the third period, the patients continued to receive their last treatment at week 30 up to week 52.

From baseline to week 52, the percentage change in Psoriasis Area and Severity Index (PASI) score was comparable between biosimilar etanercept and the originator product. EGALITY also confirms a comparable safety profile of the two medicines over 52 weeks, with similar incidence rates of treatment-emergent adverse events seen in all study arms. The primary endpoint of achieving equivalence in PASI 75 response rates were met at week 12[2]. These data were presented at the congress of the Psoriasis International Network (PIN), 2016.

The FDA approved Sandoz biosimilar etanercept in August 2016 for all indications included in the label of the originator product, which is used to treat various inflammatory conditions including rheumatoid arthritis, plaque psoriasis and psoriatic arthritis. It is currently under regulatory review by the EMA after the submission was accepted in the second half of 2015.

Sandoz is committed to increasing patient access to high-quality, life-enhancing biosimilars. It is the pioneer and global leader in biosimilars and currently markets three biosimilars. Sandoz has a leading biosimilar pipeline and plans to launch five biosimilars of major oncology and immunology biologics across key geographies by 2020. As a division of the Novartis Group, Sandoz is well-positioned to lead the biosimilars industry based on its experience and capabilities in development, manufacturing and commercialization.

About Sandoz biosimilar etanercept

The Sandoz proposed biosimilar to Enbrel, has been studied in a global development program, which included a comprehensive comparison of the biosimilar and Enbrel at the analytical, pre-clinical, and clinical levels, including data from four pharmacokinetic studies (GP15-101, GP15-102, GP15-103 and GP15-104) involving a total of 216 healthy volunteers, as well as data from the confirmatory clinical safety and efficacy study EGALITY (GP15-302). The development program also included five pre-clinical studies.

Disclaimer

The foregoing release contains forward-looking statements that can be identified by words such as "under review," "committed," "pipeline," "plans," "launch," "well positioned," "proposed," or similar terms, or by express or implied discussions regarding potential marketing approvals for biosimilar etanercept or any of the other products in the Sandoz biosimilar pipeline, or regarding potential future revenues from biosimilar etanercept and the other products in the Sandoz biosimilar pipeline. You should not place undue reliance on these statements. Such forward-looking statements are based on the current beliefs and expectations of management regarding future events, and are subject to significant known and unknown risks and uncertainties. Should one or more of these risks or uncertainties materialize, or should underlying assumptions prove incorrect, actual results may vary materially from those set forth in the forward-looking statements. There can be no guarantee that biosimilar etanercept or any of the other products in the Sandoz biosimilar pipeline will be submitted or approved for sale in any market, or at any particular time. Nor can there be any guarantee that biosimilar etanercept or any of the other products in the Sandoz biosimilar pipeline will be commercially successful in the future. In particular, management's expectations regarding biosimilar etanercept and such other Sandoz biosimilar pipeline products could be affected by, among other things, unexpected regulatory actions or delays or government regulation generally; the uncertainties inherent in research and development, including unexpected clinical trial results and additional analysis of existing clinical data; competition in general, including potential approval of additional versions of biosimilar etanercept; global trends toward health care cost containment, including government, industry and general public pricing pressures; unexpected litigation outcomes, including intellectual property disputes or other legal efforts to prevent or limit Sandoz from selling biosimilar etanercept or its other biosimilar products; the particular prescribing preferences of physicians and patients; general economic and industry conditions; unexpected safety, quality or manufacturing issues, and other risks and factors referred to in Novartis AG's current Form 20-F on file with the US Securities and Exchange Commission. Novartis is providing the information in this press release as of this date and does not undertake any obligation to update any forward-looking statements contained in this press release as a result of new information, future events or otherwise.

About Sandoz

Sandoz is a global leader in generic pharmaceuticals and biosimilars. As a division of the worldwide Novartis Group, our purpose is to discover new ways to improve and extend people's lives. We contribute to society's ability to support growing healthcare needs by pioneering novel approaches to help people around the world access high-quality medicine. Our portfolio of approximately 1000 molecules, covering all major therapeutic areas, accounted for 2015 sales of USD 10.1 billion. In 2015, our products reached more than 500 million patients and we aspire to reach one billion. Sandoz is headquartered in Holzkirchen, in Germany's Greater Munich area.

* US Food and Drug Administration (FDA)

** European Medicines Agency (EMA)

*** Enbrel is a registered trademark of Pfizer in Europe and Amgen in the US

 GP15-104, one of the four PK studies that intended to demonstrate bioequivalence between GP2015 and EU-licensed Enbrel, was submitted as an amendment to the initial Biologics License Agreement at the request of European authorities

References

[1] Griffiths C et al. The EGALITY study: A confirmatory, randomised, double-blind study comparing the efficacy, safety and immunogenicity of GP2015, a proposed etanercept biosimilar, versus the originator product in patients with moderate to severe chronic plaque-type psoriasis. Br J Dermatol.

[2] Griffiths EM et al. GP2015, a proposed etanercept biosimilar, has equivalent efficacy, safety and immunogenicity to etanercept originator product in patients with chronic plaque-type psoriasis: 12 week results from the phase 3 EGALITY study. Poster presented at the Psoriasis 2016, 5th Congress of the Psoriasis International Network (PIN), July 07, 2016 (e-poster P222)

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Updated at 2 p.m.

A federal judge has dismissed a lawsuit by a California pet owner who sued the maker of Beneful dog food, Nestle Purina PetCare Co.

The lawsuit that sought class action status was filed in February 2015 in the U.S. District Court in the Northern District of California against Nestle Purina, which is based in St. Louis and is a unit of Swiss-based Nestle.

In the lawsuit, Frank Lucido initially claimed after he fed his dogs Beneful "kibble" style dog food, his dogs became sick. He later dropped those allegations and the lawsuit was amended to allege false advertising.

The judge dismissed all claims against Nestle Purina in the suit Thursday.

"We are pleased that after hearing arguments from both sides, the Judge dismissed all claims," Nestle Purina said in a statement. The ruling "confirms what millions of pet owners already know  that Beneful is a safe, healthy, and nutritious dog food that millions of dogs enjoy every day."
Bobbie Carroll always thought of herself as a creative person, but she never expected to become an expert on a laser cutter and use it to make money.

Craig Caesar was already an entrepreneur with his own 3-D printing equipment, but didnt envision himself as a product designer and artisan.

The August opening of TechShop, a membership workshop in the Central West End, has propelled both Carroll and Caesar into the vanguard of the so-called maker movement in St. Louis. Both are using their technology and design skills  and TechShops equipment  to do small-scale manufacturing, and both are encouraging others to do the same.

Carroll, a freelance writer from Alton, toured TechShop before it opened and was wowed by the more than $1 million worth of equipment and tools. The $150 monthly membership seemed steep but her boyfriend, Adam Hosmer of Staunton, talked her into it.

We thought, were creative people, surely we will find ways to make use of this equipment, Carroll recalled. She quickly got trained on TechShops laser cutter and used it to make wooden keychains, which have sold well at craft shows.

From there, she branched out into snowflake ornaments and wooden door hangers with interchangeable seasonal designs. She and Hosmer have set up a website, Innotations.com, and are considering renting a mall kiosk.

Caesar came to TechShop with a plan for how he was going to use the machines. He needed customized parts for an electronics kit that his company, MakerMakers of St. Charles, sells as part of an educational program for children, and making them on a laser cutter would be faster and cheaper than ordering them from a contract manufacturer.

The first class on the machine lit me up with ideas, Caesar recalls. He made an acrylic-and-wood table for a display at the Murmuration festival in September, and people were more interested in the table than my kits.

So he pivoted and began taking orders for tables. To use some of the waste wood from making them, he designed an interlocking lizard puzzle, and sold $200 worth of those at the first show he attended.

Since TechShop opened, Caesar also has designed product prototypes for two other companies. He was already in business for himself, but now hes juggling multiple products and has a diverse revenue stream.

I aspire to be a serial entrepreneur, using my creative skills more than my business and organizational skills, Caesar said. Now Ive gotten a taste of what that can be like, and its pretty great.

Caesar is looking forward to using more of TechShops equipment. Hes already screen-printed a T-shirt and sewn bags for his puzzles. The metal shop and paint booth also beckon.

Those might sound like difficult skills, but TechShop offers beginner-level classes in all of them. It also has a community of members  about 500 so far  willing to share their expertise.

TechShop opened its first maker space in California a decade ago. St. Louis is the ninth U.S. location, and its also in Paris, Tokyo and Abu Dhabi.

Mike Hill, TechShops general manager, says about half the members are using the shop for a business, while the rest use it for hobbies and do-it-yourself projects.

TechShop also has more than 30 institutional members, which pay for their employees to use the equipment. On a recent weekday, a Caleres employee was making a digital display for the companys shoe stores.

The business people, Hill said, arent much different from the hobbyists. Every person who makes something wants to share it, he said. Whether theyre sharing it for free, at cost or for profit, its our innate desire to share what we have created.

Updated to correct Bobbie Carroll's last name.
Gut reactions  subtle bodily sensations that result from risky behavior  have long been the stuff of financial market lore. Some successful stock market traders, billionaire George Soros included, have claimed they pay attention to bodily pains and other sensations to gain valuable insight into how they should trade on the markets.

A new paper published in Scientific Reports suggests some truth could be lurking behind these stories. These feelings, which result not just from a persons gut but also their heart, lungs, bladder, bowels, skin and other organs, arent just random. They contain signals that tell people about their emotional states, including pain, anxiety and doubt, the researchers say. And some people are better at detecting the signals than others.

The research, which was carried out in part by John Coates, a former derivatives trader who now works as a neuroscientist, looked at interoception, the ability to sense these bodily signals. London traders who could more accurately detect their own heartbeat were more likely to survive and thrive in financial markets, according to the study.

The researchers looked at 18 male traders who bought and sold futures contracts throughout the day, and compared that data with a control group of 48 non-trader males. The two groups were asked to count their heartbeat without directly feeling their pulse, and the traders were significantly better on average at counting than nontraders. The researchers also found that traders precision on counting their own heartbeats predicted their profit and loss record, and the number of years they had survived in the market.

While the study was small, it supports a larger body of research suggesting that subtle physiological changes can aid people in making tough decisions.

Past research has indicated that people who are better at detecting their heart rates perform better in laboratory studies of risky decision-making. When people were asked to gamble in laboratory settings, rapid and subtle bodily responses appeared to guide them away from unprofitable trades and toward profitable ones.
The Missouri Arts Council has named Shakespeare Festival St. Louis the Arts Organization of the Year, a statewide honor that will be presented in Jefferson City.

The ceremony will be Feb. 8, Citizens Day for the Arts.

In addition, Nancy Bell, the festival's playwright-in-residence, will be honored with the 2017 Visionary Award for Outstanding Arts Professional. Relaunched in 2015, the award honors contributions and achievements of women in the arts. Bell will receive her award April 24 at the Sun Theatre.

Besides its best-known project, the annual production of a free Shakespeare play in Forest Park, the festival also presents other efforts:

 Shakespeare in the Streets, an annual, localized update of a play by Shakespeare. Bell has written all of the Shakespeare in the Streets productions, five so far. Two of them in 2013 and 2015, received the St. Louis Theater Circle Award for outstanding new play. Bell is also a well-known, award-winning actor.

 Shake38, an annual production of some form of each of Shakespeare's plays. Theater troupes, schools, businesses and groups of friends are among those who take on a play, some that favor traditional approaches and some that are pretty offbeat.

 Special events that tie in with other organizations. For example, Love's Labors, a Shakespeare mashup created and directed by Bruce Longworth, was recently performed in the galleries of the Pulitzer Arts Foundation. The festival's associate artistic director, Longworth will direct the festival's free production of The Winter's Tale next year in Forest Park.

 Many educational programs that travel to schools around the area, among them its annual Education Tour. The 2017 Education Tour recently received national recognition itself: It's being underwritten by the National Endowment for the Arts and Arts Midwest's Shakespeare in American Communities Initiative.
Not much will get done in some homes on Friday. Thats the day the sun comes up again in Stars Hollow, the impossibly quaint little Connecticut town we left, wiping away tears, almost a decade ago.

Some of us may even nap on Thanksgiving day so we can stay up late Thursday to binge on Gilmore Girls: A Year in the Life, arriving at midnight Pacific time (2 a.m. Friday in St. Louis), on Netflix.

Nothing has changed, but everything has, since the Gilmore Girls faithful said goodbye to Lorelai and Rory Gilmore on May 15, 2007.

We thought the goodbye was forever. Gilmore Girls had run seven seasons and 153 episodes, first on the WB and then on the consolidated CW, but the finale was tainted by the departure, a year earlier, of creator Amy Sherman-Palladino, whose dazzling writing made Stars Hollow such a magical place.

The finale, written by David S. Rosenthal, who had replaced Sherman-Palladino, closed with mother and daughter Lorelai and Rory sharing coffee at Lukes Diner, just as they had in the first episode. But nostalgia was overlaid with sadness that the last scene didnt include the four final words with which Sherman-Palladino had always planned to end the show.

We moved on, but lots of us  daughters, mothers, sisters, friends and hey, some Gilmore guys, too  never really let go. We didnt have to.

With televised repeats (episodes currently air on Freeform), DVDs and streaming (every episode is on Netflix), we could check back in whenever we liked and also bring newcomers into the fold. And many of us did.

Thats because Gilmore Girls was more than a television show. It was a cultural touchstone for a segment of viewers who dont always feel catered to. It deeply explored mother-daughter relationships, celebrated friendship and the families we create for ourselves, and always empowered girls and young women to aspire higher and be proud to be smart.

Gilmore Girls was heartfelt and touching but also unfailingly witty and irreverent, with dialogue so snappy and fast-paced that even several viewings couldnt catch every great line. It reminded us regularly that theres no place like home, no matter how annoying the inhabitants might be.

No wonder Gilmore Girls was such a great candidate for watching and rewatching, a phenomenon ideal for the age of streaming.

The first talk was about a possible movie, and fans held our collective breath that it would ever happen. When all seven seasons arrived on Netflix in the fall of 2014, that turned out to be an important step ahead.

A cast reunion at the ATX television festival in Austin, Texas, in June of 2015 confirmed the fervor with which fans still viewed Gilmore Girls, blowing up social media with responses.

Revival-crazy Netflix was clearly the ideal venue for a new Gilmore Girls, and on Jan. 29, the streaming giant made it official, confirming that Sherman-Palladino and her husband and producing partner, Daniel Palladino, were both committed to a revival.

Lauren Graham (Lorelai), Alexis Bledel (Rory), Scott Patterson (Luke) and Kelly Bishop (Emily Gilmore) were listed initially as being on board, but since then the cast has grown to include virtually every other regular, with even Melissa McCarthy (who was Sookie before she was a breakout movie star) making time to drop in.

4 movies, 6 hours

Fans were thrilled enough even before learning that, instead of a movie, they would be getting four movies, each representing a season of Gilmore Girls: A Year in the Life.

Four movies. Six hours. Arguably, thats the perfect binge length.

Sherman-Palladino initially opposed the binge model. I told them I was going to hang myself from a shower curtain if they put them all out, she recalled as part of a Gilmore Girls Netflix panel with TV critics this summer.

She lost.

Its such a journey, and its such a build to the last four words, she said. Also, we live in an age where I knew people were going to go right to the last four words and then put it on the internet and possibly spoil it for people who are going to take the journey. However, you know, you dont always get what you want.

Nevertheless, The good outweighs the bad in the sense that this is a wonderful place to be able to create things and do things in a different way. So, you know, shower curtain will wait.

Graham, who starred in Parenthood on NBC post-Gilmore, was one of the first to sign on for the revival  and one of the happiest.

It was literally like no time had passed, she said. It just feels like such a perfect fit. I just couldnt believe I got to do it again.

Bledel agreed. It really was as if no time had passed.

Gilmore Girls: A Year in the Life will be set in the four seasons. Two major plots find Rory adrift, struggling with where her career should go, and all the Gilmores mourning the loss of patriarch Richard. (Edward Herrmann died in 2014.)

The shows other mother and daughter, Emily and Lorelai, still have issues, but new ones.

As Sherman-Palladino put it, I really feel like the (stuff) in your family never gets worked out. That, to me, is whats so great about family. Its a constant evolution. ... Thats why this show was such a great show to write, because youre never going to run out of conflict.

She doesnt look back on what might have been if she and her husband hadnt left Gilmore Girls when they did, in a contract dispute. She considers the Netflix show very much its own thing. When we left Gilmore, we left Gilmore.

Ten years ago, Netflix didnt exist as we know it today. When Netflix popped up and decided to storm the world and just take over overnight, we thought, well, what a great opportunity to delve into a different form, to tell stories in a different way using characters that we loved. And we get to get back into a room with these actors and be able to go at it again, but in a completely different way.

The different way, Sherman-Pallacino said, includes the fact that youre writing not (for) commercials or to sell soap or tampons. ... Its really just there to tell stories.

Sherman-Palladino isnt actually too worried that, hours or even minutes after the new episodes hit Netflix, the four last words shes kept secret so long will be everywhere and that some people might actually watch the end first.

It would be great if people who wanted to see the last four words first got some therapy before it actually aired and got rid of that inclination, she said.

It really is a journey leading up to the last four words, and I do think its going to mean a lot more if youve taken the journey and a lot less if you just flip to the last page. That being said, what can I do? I would hope that people would want to take the whole trip.

What Gilmore Girls: A Year in the Life  When Available for streaming at midnight Pacific, 2 a.m. in St. Louis, on Friday  Where Netflix  More info netflix.com
FERGUSON  Prosecutors on Friday filed a murder charge in the shooting death of a Ferguson man.

Kevin Moore, 58, was gunned down at about 1:30 a.m. Monday in the 5000 block of Rockingham Drive, police say.

On Friday, Michael A. Murphy, 37, was charged with second-degree murder and armed criminal action. He was held in lieu of $1 million, cash-only bail. Murphy lives in the 5900 block of Pamplin Avenue in St. Louis.

According to court documents, Murphy entered Moore's home and shot him multiple times. The court records say the killing was on Tuesday, although police say it was Monday.

Neither Police nor the court records mention a possible motive.

Rockingham Drive, west of South Florissant Road, is on the southern tip of Ferguson, near Cool Valley.

A mugshot of Murphy was not immediately available Friday.

Joel Currier of the Post-Dispatch contributed to this report.
MARYLAND HEIGHTS  Fallen Officer Blake Snyders job application to the St. Louis County Police Department in 2012 spoke of being called to serve.

The man who hired him four years ago, former County Police Chief Tim Fitch, recited an excerpt from that application Thursday at the 47th annual Crusade Against Crime Medal of Valor award ceremony at Orlandos banquet hall in Maryland Heights:

I look forward to being part of the solution by serving and protecting the community, Snyder wrote. I see the authority and power that I will be entrusted with as a huge responsibility  one that I feel called to do.

Snyders widow, Elizabeth Snyder, and partner, Officer John Becker, accepted medals Thursday along with 17 police officers, a park ranger and five citizens for their acts of bravery.

The recent shooting of Snyder, of Edwardsville, and another St. Louis-area patrol officer struck a melancholy chord over a normally celebratory tribute to heroism.

Three citizens came to Flamions aid. Both officers and the three citizens were honored Thursday.

These officers, these citizens, Fitch, the keynote speaker, told a hall of about 300 people, they have sacrificed and worked hard for it. One hero has given his life for his community, and another heros life has been changed forever.

This years honorees were:

 St. Louis police Sgt. Charles Lowe, who was shot July 14, 2015, as he worked a part-time security job and sat in his personal car near Maryland and Euclid avenues. His bullet-resistant vest stopped a slug from penetrating his torso. At least two men were charged in the shooting.

 St. Louis police Officers Steven Korte and James Bain, who arrested two people who were shooting at each other on Aug. 8, 2015, in the citys Baden neighborhood. The two were taken into custody without anyone being shot. Korte and Bain also won Medals of Valor last year.

 St. Louis police Officers Michael Joyner and James Wurm, who were involved in a shooting Feb. 3, 2015, in the 4100 block of Minnesota Avenue in the citys Dutchtown neighborhood. Joyner fatally shot Ledarius D. Williams, 23, who had a handgun, during an arrest attempt.

 St. Louis Sgt. JD McCloskey and Officer Wesley McCormick, who arrested Walter Saddler on Nov. 22, 2015, in the 4300 block of College Avenue. Police say Saddler ran from the officers and shot McCormick, then a rookie, in the neck. McCormick shot back but missed. McCloskey also won a Medal of Valor in 2011.

 St. Louis Officers Ryan Murphy and Thomas Streckfuss, who were honored for their role in the April 19 fatal shooting of carjacking suspect Jorevis Scruggs, 15, in the 2700 block of Bacon Street. Police said Murphy fatally shot Scruggs after Scruggs pointed a gun at police.

 St. Louis Officers Timothy Nolan and Elijah Brummett, who on May 3 rushed into a burning house in the 4100 block of Penrose Street to rescue a man trapped inside. The victim was critically hurt but survived.

 St. Louis Park Ranger Alonzo Wilkerson, who shot and wounded Demetrius Hebb, then 36, of Jennings. Police say Hebb shot another man April 24 during a barbecue at Carondelet Park. Police said Wilkerson returned fire after Hebb fired shots at him.

 Erik Pyke, a citizen, who chased down a purse snatcher Oct. 11, 2015, outside a Schnucks at 4333 Butler Hill Road. Pyke also noted the suspects license plate number and helped police arrest the thief.

 Lakeshire Sgt. Robert Planthold, St. Louis County Officer Benjamin Simmons and 12-year-old Blake Hoffman, who together helped stop a hammer attack against the boy and his mother, Jillian Hohman, on Nov. 6, 2015, in Lakeshire. Blake, bleeding from the attack, summoned help from neighbors. Planthold and Simmons arrived and saw Jacob Hohman, 30, threatening them with a claw hammer, and shot him several times, killing him.

 Citizens Joseph Sciarratta and Susan and Emily Doig, who were honored for helping Flamion when he was shot July 8 on New Ballwin Road.

Police say Sciarratta applied pressure to Flamion's gunshot wound, and Susan Doig gave Flamion CPR while her daughter, Emily Doig, called 911.
UPDATES with vote to end the program

St. Louis' decades-old school racial integration effort now has an expiration date.

Local school leaders approved a road map on Friday for the last extension of the area's decades-old voluntary desegregation program.

The plan will allow only 250 new city students to attend suburban schools in the 2019-2020 year, the first year of what's expected to be the final extension of the program. That number will eventually decrease to just 150 in 2023-2024, the final year of the planned extension.

The extension is designed to primarily admit siblings of current transfer students. After siblings, families who previously were denied spots in the program because of space will get priority.

The plan will continue to allow county students to attend city magnet schools, though no enrollment limits have been specified. Siblings will also have priority for transfers from the county to the city.

More than 60,000 African-American city residents have been able to attend predominantly white suburban districts through the region's voluntary desegregation program. White county students have also attended city magnet schools through the program.

The program started in 1982 as a result of a federal school desegregation lawsuit. Participating school districts have since voted three times to extend the program past its previous 2008-2009 expiration date.

The board of the Voluntary Interdistrict Choice Corporation, which oversees the desegregation program, voted Friday morning to approve this final extension plan.

Members of the board, which is composed of superintendents and representatives of the school districts still participating in the program, stressed that this is not necessarily the end of school integration in St. Louis.

David Glaser, executive director of VICC, said there is a lot of interest in keeping it going past 2023-2024 as an income-based, rather than race-based program.

"This is not an end," said Keith Marty, superintendent of Parkway schools, at Friday's board meeting. "We all agree how important it is."

Program has downsized

Federal court rulings have said the desegregation program cannot legally continue forever as a race-based program.

The program has downsized significantly since its peak in 1998, as district participation became voluntary, and districts reduced the number of transfer spots available because of factors such as lack of space.

Still, the program has remained popular and difficult to get into. More than 3,100 new students applied for what ended up being just 611 city-to-county transfer spots this year. About 4,470 city students are participating in the program this year, down from 13,263 at its peak.

The program has been obviously a noteworthy program for a long time and it's supported kids and families, said St. Louis Public Schools Superintendent Kelvin Adams. What it really has done is give kids an opportunity they would not otherwise have.

Some officials say the program's phase-out makes sense at this point in time.

When the last extension for the program was approved years ago, there were fewer quality school options for St. Louis families in the city, Glaser said.

Now, there are more charter schools. And many area administrators agree that Adams has worked hard the past few years to improve city schools and add quality choices like magnet schools.

The improvements stand in contrast to perceptions held by some that a student had to leave the city for a good education.

Limiting the program, in a way, acknowledges the efforts the district has made to improve and expand education options in the city.

I wouldn't disagree that St. Louis, since that time, has made definite progress in improving the quality of schools and also increasing options for kids, Glaser said. All of us have a high level of respect for Dr. Adams and the work that he's done.

Adams said he thinks it's an opportune time to wind down the desegregation program, now that the district has shown more stability  both in leadership and finances  than it has in years previous.

We had a job to do, and our job was to make the schools as good as it can possibly be, he said. I think it had to end at some point in time. This is kind of a sweet spot.

Income vs. race

It is still possible that the VICC board could, in the future, decide to extend desegregation beyond 2024 as an income-based program.

Income-based programs are considered to be a more modern form of school integration. There are 91 school jurisdictions in the country that have socioeconomic integration programs, up from just two in 1996, according to The Century Foundation, a New York-based progressive think tank.

Such programs can achieve both socioeconomic and racial integration.

There are a number of things the VICC board would have to consider to convert to an income-based program. For instance, unlike race, which is a fixed characteristic, income can change over time. An income-based program could also see the involvement of north St. Louis County districts that are primarily African-American but more socioeconomically diverse.

Such a transformation of the program would require a unanimous vote by the VICC board. The board likely won't consider such a change at least for another year.

A study is currently being done by University of Missouri-St. Louis urban education professor Jerome Morris about the program's impact and ways it can be continued past this new expiration date. Officials expect a final report in December of next year.

The districts that still accept new desegregation students are Affton, Bayless, Brentwood, Clayton, Hancock Place, Kirkwood, Mehlville, Parkway, Rockwood, Valley Park, Webster Groves and St. Louis Public Schools.
Danish English

Highlights Q1 2016/17:

In the first quarter of 2016/17 Rovsing continued the strong sales growth. The sales grew by 61 % compared to same period last year.

Q1 2016/17 was dominated by continued activities for large Power SCOE contracts and the ramp-up of the DSTE products and systems.

In August 2016, Rovsing signed the agreement for deliveries of stand-alone Solar Array Simulator (SAS) modules to the MetOp-SG Satellite Programme.

In the summer, Rovsing won OHB System in Bremen, Germany as a new customer for its standards products and entered OHBs supplier base for future EGSE systems.

In September 2016, Rovsing signed the Distributor Agreement for the Chinese mainland with Shanghai Keliang Information Tech. & Eng. Co. Ltd (Keliang) for Rovsings Power SCOE products.

Rovsing was contracted by ESA/ESTEC to provide technical training for a Galileo IOV EGSE system that Rovsing delivered earlier to the industry prime.

Financial highlights Q1 2016/17:

Turnover for the period was DKK 9.0 mio. (Q1 2015/16: DKK 5.6 mio.) with an EBITDA of DKK -0.2 mio. (Q1 2015/16: DKK -0.1) The EBITDA is impacted by considerable investments in SAS and DSTE production ramp-up and knowledge transfer (cf. Annual Report 2015/16).

Equity amounts to DKK 15.2 mio. (30/9 2015: DKK 25.9 mio.).

Outlook for 2016/17

For the financial year 2016/17, Rovsing confirms its outlook of an expected turnover of DKK 32-35 mio. with an expected EBITDA of DKK 0-2 mio.

The very strong sales growth continues to challenge the liquidity situation in Rovsing. To pursue and support the full growth potential of the increased activities, Rovsing will investigate the option of increasing the capital by way of a direct listing of up to 10 % of the share capital.

Further information

Rovsing A/S, Cristian Bank, CEO (cbk@rovsing.dk)
JEFFERSON CITY  Missouri GOP Chairman John Hancock announced Friday that he is stepping down from his current role in a party he says is stronger than its ever been in state government.

His decision comes after a banner year for the Missouri GOP, with Republican candidates for statewide office sweeping the ticket. Hancock is reluctant to take too much credit for that, instead praising the partys executive director, Jonathon Prouty, and contending that you win campaigns because you have better campaigns.

Still, Hancock said he was glad to see the Republican party in the state grow stronger and more unified that it had been when he took the helm.

We inherited a Republican party in Missouri that was in extreme debt, was highly divided, and I am pleased that through a lot of storms and challenges the party emerged financially, sound, stable, united and really in a very good position going forward, Hancock said.

Its unclear who will succeed him when the party selects his replacement in January. Hancock said he doesnt plan to endorse anyone and that he expects governor-elect Eric Greitens to have an important role in the choice.

Traditionally, the governor has a huge say. I would be looking to governor-elect Greitens if he has a favorite for that post, Hancock said.

"We look forward to working together with conservatives from across the state to continue to grow our party, and that includes the selection of a new chairman," said Austin Chambers, a senior advisor to Greitens who is overseeing his transition team.

Hancock told the Post-Dispatch that while he hasnt made any formal decisions about whats next, hes likely to return to the political work he was doing before being elected chairman in February 2015  advising conservative campaigns not just in Missouri but around the country.

Hancock took the job after former chairman Ed Martin left the position to head Phyllis Schlaflys Eagle Forum. Hes a former executive director of the state party and an analyst and co-host on KMOX-AM radio in St. Louis.
JEFFERSON CITY  The Missouri Senate is poised to close a potentially illegal bank account officials created to buy dinners for staff members and lawmakers.

More than two months after Auditor Nicole Galloway raised questions about the special fund, a Senate spokeswoman told the Post-Dispatch Friday that officials were looking at other ways of financing food purchases in the coming legislative session.

The decision came during a meeting of Senate leaders after the Nov. 8 election.

Following the direction of the Administration Committee, Senate Administrator Marga Hoelscher is exploring options for dissolving the Administrators Fund, said Senate spokeswoman Anne Marie Moy.

In the case of the special Senate fund, an audit of Senate operations for a two-year period ending June 30, 2015, found Senate administrators had solicited and received contributions from lobbying groups totaling $6,500 for meals.

Galloway, a Democrat, said the practice ran contrary to state law because the account was run outside of typical government procedures. And, she added, it represents a potential conflict of interest to ask groups seeking to influence state government to pay for meals.

It wasnt the first time an audit raised red flags about the account. Then-Auditor Tom Schweich also highlighted the issue in a 2013 report.

The move comes against the backdrop of the election of Eric Greitens, a Republican, as Missouris next governor. He campaigned on a platform of cleaning up Jefferson City and said he wanted to ban all gifts from lobbyists.

A lobbyist gift ban won favor in the Missouri House last spring but ran aground in the Senate after senators played down the effects of lobbyists paying for pizza, cases of soda and other perks.

In 2015, lobbyists spent $690,281 wining and dining lawmakers and other state officials, according to the Missouri Ethics Commission. In 2016, lobbyist spending through September totaled $531,543.

Typically, the special Senate fund was used to ensure that Senate staff and lawmakers had something to eat during the often-hectic late night legislative sessions that take place every spring when the House and Senate are meeting.

In other state offices, however, concerns about whether employees are fed are not so pronounced.

Galloway, for example, said her aides simply planned ahead when they expected to work a longer day.

They are adults and they take care of themselves, Galloway said. If they are planning to work late then they would bring their lunch, bring their dinner or order a sandwich.

Sen. Gina Walsh, D-Bellefontaine Neighbors, who is a member of the administrative committee, said it was not clear how meals for Senate staffers would be treated once the account was closed. In the past, she has bought food for her staff out of her own pocket.

The bottom line is, people gotta eat, Walsh said Friday.

Taxpayers also already provide money to senators for daily living expenses when they are in session. In addition to their $35,915 annual salaries as lawmakers, members of the Legislature receive a $113 check for daily meal and lodging expenses when they are in session.

Over an average of about 70 session days each year, that amounts to nearly $8,000. The daily expense rate has grown by 43 percent over the past decade.
Missouri television viewers were subjected to an unprecedented onslaught of political ads this season, producing a windfall for area TV stations.

They sold millions in ads to campaigns and interest groups that raised amounts of cash never seen before in Missouri politics.

By Nov. 8, local TV stations in the state had sold $124 million in political ads in 2016, according to estimates from Kantar Medias Campaign Media Analysis Group. That doesnt factor in ads run on local cable channels.

Because Missouri was never viewed as a competitive state for Democratic nominee Hillary Clinton, presidential spending in the state was minimal.

What led to the ad bonanza was a slate of statewide races in which the incumbent wasnt on the ballot, and a U.S. Senate race that proved to be far closer than most observers initially assumed it would be.

If you are fortunate enough to have a competitive race in your state, its a godsend, said Steve Lanzano, president of the the Television Bureau of Advertising.

For state-level candidates only, more ads ran in the St. Louis region than in any other market in the U.S., according to an analysis of Kantar data from the Center for Public Integrity.

Across Missouri, more ads were aired and more money was spent on the races for governor (an estimated $36.8 million), attorney general ($15.8 million), lieutenant governor ($3.5 million) and treasurer ($1.6 million) than in any other state. Spending in races for Missouri statewide and legislative offices doubled 2012 totals, and the $40 million in ads for the U.S. Senate race between Roy Blunt and Jason Kander ended up being far more expensive than originally anticipated.

Earlier this month, KMOV general manager Mike Murphy told the radio program Marketplace that the final month before the election would be a record-spending month in this market for political advertising. Theres no doubt about it.

The stations political ad revenue was up about 25 percent from four years ago, Murphy said, adding that he had never seen this much spending before in St. Louis. Ive heard about it in other markets, he said, but this has been tremendous here.

KMOVs parent company, Meredith Corp., reported record earnings for the first quarter of its fiscal year, which ended in September. In its earnings release, Meredith highlighted a 26 percent jump in political ad revenue from the last election cycle in 2014, driven in part by competitive down-ballot races in markets including St. Louis.

KTVI general manager Spencer Koch said it was the stations biggest year for political spending since at least the 2000 presidential race. If you look at this year, it was extremely busy and it was a record year compared to where we were (four years ago) he said, noting that the station added two more local news programs beacause of election interest.

Koch said it was important to provide voters with more news and information, though adding more local programming also gives political campaigns more opportunities to run ads during the local news shows where they can reach likely voters.

Nationally, many stations (and their parent companies) didnt fare as well. Donald Trump spent far less money on TV ads than most traditional candidates, and Clintons campaign spent less on ads than Barack Obama did in 2012. Super PACs  which can be charged higher rates than those charged to candidates  spent less on the presidential campaign than had been expected.

As a result, several broadcasting companies downgraded their earnings after political spending fell below initial projections. Lanzano said the final national estimate for local TV political ad revenue was $2.6 billion, down from $2.8 billion four years ago. How reliant local broadcasters are on political ads varies widely, but Lanzano said 15 percent to 20 percent of industry revenue this year will come from political ads.

KTVI was a welcome outlier for its owner, Tribune Media, whose political ad revenue fell a third below projections because of underwhelming presidential spending. KSDK parent company Tegna also missed earnings estimates after political ad revenue fell far short of expectations. KSDK earnings arent publicly available, and the station didnt respond to an interview request.

Many traditional advertisers pull their ads when the airwaves are overtaken during election season, and Koch, KTVIs manager, said much of that business was returning.

Will that offset political? No, he said. But political was enough.
English Finnish

The Mortgage Society of Finland

Press Release

Helsinki 18.11.2016

On November 17, 2016 the credit rating agency Standard & Poors Global Ratings (S&P) affirmed its investment grade BBB/A-3 long- and short-term issuer credit ratings to The Mortgage Society of Finland. The outlook of the rating improved to stable reflecting S&Ps view of the gradual recovery in the Finnish economy and strengthening of the housing market.

Additional information:

Ari Pauna, CEO

tel. +358 9 228 361 or +358 50 353 4690

Petteri Bollmann, Director, treasury- and funding

tel. +358 9 228 361 or +358 50 550 4355
Finnish English

S&P Global Ratings affirm the 'BBB/A-2' long- and short-term counterparty credit ratings on Bonum Bank PLC and the outlook remains stable (17.11.2016)

S&P Global Ratings has confirmed Bonum Bank Plc a credit rating of 'BBB' for long-term investment grade and a rating of 'A-2' for short-term investment grade on 17 November 2016. The outlook remains stable.

Previous S&P Global's rating report was from May 2015, when Bonum Bank received its rating.

Bonum Bank acts as the central credit institution for the POP Bank Group.
FORM 8.3

PUBLIC OPENING POSITION DISCLOSURE/DEALING DISCLOSURE BY

A PERSON WITH INTERESTS IN RELEVANT SECURITIES REPRESENTING 1% OR MORE

Rule 8.3 of the Takeover Code (the "Code")

1. KEY INFORMATION

(a) Full name of discloser: HARGREAVE HALE LIMITED (for Discretionary Clients) (b) Owner or controller of interests and short positions disclosed, if different from 1(a):

The naming of nominee or vehicle companies is insufficient. For a trust, the trustee(s), settlor and beneficiaries must be named. N/A (c) Name of offeror/offeree in relation to whose relevant securities this form relates:

Use a separate form for each offeror/offeree CRESTON PLC (d) If an exempt fund manager connected with an offeror/offeree, state this and specify identity of offeror/offeree: N/A (e) Date position held/dealing undertaken:

For an opening position disclosure, state the latest practicable date prior to the disclosure 17 NOVEMBER 2016 (f) In addition to the company in 1(c) above, is the discloser making disclosures in respect of any other party to the offer?

If it is a cash offer or possible cash offer, state "N/A" NO

If YES, specify which: N/A

2. POSITIONS OF THE PERSON MAKING THE DISCLOSURE

If there are positions or rights to subscribe to disclose in more than one class of relevant securities of the offeror or offeree named in 1(c), copy table 2(a) or (b) (as appropriate) for each additional class of relevant security.

(a) Interests and short positions in the relevant securities of the offeror or offeree to which the disclosure relates following the dealing (if any)

Class of relevant security:



ORDINARY 10P



Interests Short positions Number % Number % (1) Relevant securities owned and/or controlled: 880,000 1.5525 (2) Cash-settled derivatives:



(3) Stock-settled derivatives (including options) and agreements to purchase/sell:



TOTAL: 880,000 1.5525

All interests and all short positions should be disclosed.

Details of any open stock-settled derivative positions (including traded options), or agreements to purchase or sell relevant securities, should be given on a Supplemental Form 8 (Open Positions).

(b) Rights to subscribe for new securities (including directors' and other employee options)

Class of relevant security in relation to which subscription right exists: Details, including nature of the rights concerned and relevant percentages:

3. DEALINGS (IF ANY) BY THE PERSON MAKING THE DISCLOSURE

Where there have been dealings in more than one class of relevant securities of the offeror or offeree named in 1(c), copy table 3(a), (b), (c) or (d) (as appropriate) for each additional class of relevant security dealt in.

The currency of all prices and other monetary amounts should be stated.

(a) Purchases and sales

Class of relevant security Purchase/sale



Number of securities Price per unit NONE

(b) Cash-settled derivative transactions

Class of relevant security Product description

e.g. CFD Nature of dealing

e.g. opening/closing a long/short position, increasing/reducing a long/short position Number of reference securities Price per unit NONE





(c) Stock-settled derivative transactions (including options)

(i) Writing, selling, purchasing or varying

Class of relevant security Product description e.g. call option Writing, purchasing, selling, varying etc. Number of securities to which option relates Exercise price per unit Type

e.g. American, European etc. Expiry date Option money paid/ received per unit NONE

(ii) Exercise

Class of relevant security Product description

e.g. call option Exercising/ exercised against Number of securities Exercise price per unit

(d) Other dealings (including subscribing for new securities)

Class of relevant security Nature of dealing

e.g. subscription, conversion Details Price per unit (if applicable) NONE

4. OTHER INFORMATION

(a) Indemnity and other dealing arrangements

Details of any indemnity or option arrangement, or any agreement or understanding, formal or informal, relating to relevant securities which may be an inducement to deal or refrain from dealing entered into by the person making the disclosure and any party to the offer or any person acting in concert with a party to the offer:

Irrevocable commitments and letters of intent should not be included. If there are no such agreements, arrangements or understandings, state "none"



NONE





(b) Agreements, arrangements or understandings relating to options or derivatives

Details of any agreement, arrangement or understanding, formal or informal, between the person making the disclosure and any other person relating to:

(i) the voting rights of any relevant securities under any option; or

(ii) the voting rights or future acquisition or disposal of any relevant securities to which any derivative is referenced:

If there are no such agreements, arrangements or understandings, state "none"



NONE





(c) Attachments

Is a Supplemental Form 8 (Open Positions) attached? NO

Date of disclosure: 18 NOVEMBER 2016 Contact name: DAVID CLUEIT

HARGREAVE HALE LTD Telephone number: 01253 754739

Public disclosures under Rule 8 of the Code must be made to a Regulatory Information Service.

The Panel's Market Surveillance Unit is available for consultation in relation to the Code's disclosure requirements on +44 (0)20 7638 0129.

The Code can be viewed on the Panel's website at www.thetakeoverpanel.org.uk.
"Consultants can give the company guidance while overseeing an important green conversion."

Saving energy and lowering costs can be a boon for the supply chain, but it can also be difficult to implement. Not only do businesses have a huge amount of supply chain components to consider, there's also the problem of deciding which exact method will have the greatest impact. Some are not just trying to reduce energy emissions but offset them entirely through alternative, positive means.Furniture giant Ikea is planning to augment a distribution center with solar power panels, Chain Store Age reported. Working with the SoCore Energy group and Gray Construction, Ikea reportedly plans to place solar panels across the roof of its building in Joilet, Illinois. The assembly will consist of 8,966 panels and is expected to sit on the top of the building once it's finished roughly a year from now.Something other companies can take note of is the way this initiative fits the company's larger stated environmental mission. In 2015, the Ikea Group released its Sustainability Report, detailing, among other things, its progress towards energy independence.It also said that the values of green energy use apply not just to the customers, who have access to resource-saving products. This involved affirming the plan to promote a Code of Conduct for the company's suppliers through initiatives that extend into the future few years.Unfortunately, developing a functional green supply chain takes time and attention to detail, as well as reasonable, achievable goals. For a business to fully commit to a green transformation, it needs to understand the impacts on both the bottom line and the customer.In a chain of actions outlined in Industry Today, calculating the carbon footprint and ultimate savings of a plan can both factor into a new green initiative. Crucially, the source advocated for small changes as well as large ones, which could make the task of modernizing seem more feasible. Instead of putting all of their energy into a massive overhaul, a company can also update smaller pieces, such as lighting fixtures, to introduce changes slowly.One other component of this is the way procurement strategies can go along with environmental goals. The article emphasized the importance of smart procurement, with important sustainability criteria part of the process from the beginning. If a green project benefits from better data, procurement systems can give managers information from the beginning to structure a supply chain correctly.It goes along neatly with the goals of a procurement audit. Consultants can give the company guidance while overseeing an important conversion, and also make the relationships within the supplier network stronger and more productive.When there's already a holistic method in place for solving problems, it makes it that much easier for businesses to tweak their approach to reach environmental goals. Accurate reports can be the first step toward implementing change that lasts, no matter what the desired outcome.With environmental concerns important for producers around the globe and supply chains dependent on international passage, sourcing needs to stem from a business' most critical concerns.
The Lord Lieutenant of Warwickshire presented the JMB Partnership with the Queen's Award for Enterprise.

WARWICKSHIRE based sales and marketing agency, The JMB Partnership was recently presented with the prestigious Queens Award for Enterprise by Her Majestys Lord-Lieutenant of Warwickshire, Tim Cox.

The Queens Award is one of the UKs highest accolades for British business success and is presented upon the Prime Ministers recommendation. The JMB Partnership has been presented with the Award for outstanding contribution to International Trade.

The JMB Partnership was one of only two organisations from the region to successfully receive the Queens Award for Enterprise in International Trade, the other being international retailer Holland and Barrett.

Awarded to only those who demonstrate the highest levels of excellence within their field, JMB has received the award in recognition of their substantial growth and commercial success in the international business arena and year-on-year growth in overseas sales and export activity.

During the formal presentation, which also celebrated JMBs 10th anniversary, the highly coveted crystal bowl was presented to JMB managing director, James Blakemore by Her Majestys Lord-Lieutenant of Warwickshire, Tim Cox. Other dignitaries in attendance included the Chairman of Warwickshire Council, Councillor Bob Hicks and fellow business leaders.

James Blakemore said: It is a true honour to receive such an accolade and recognition for the hard-work put in and the successes achieved over the last few years. I am immensely proud of the whole JMB Team for their commitment to driving both our own and our clients businesses forward. It is the pinnacle of achievement in terms of recognition for our proactive, dedicated approach to championing local, regional and international business growth.

The JMB Partnership was officially announced as award winners on 21st April on Her Majesty the Queens Birthday. In recognition of the award, earlier this year JMB Managing Director, James Blakemore and account director, Sarah Kingston were invited by the Queen to attend a formal reception at Buckingham Palace.
Men fish near an oil refinery in Kawasaki, near Tokyo July 5, 2012. REUTERS/Toru Hanai/File Photo

By Ethan Lou

NEW YORK (Reuters) - Oil prices settled higher on Friday, closing out a strong week that saw crude buoyed by growing expectations that OPEC will find a way to cap production at the end of the month.

For the week, Brent and U.S. crude both rose roughly 5 percent, their first weekly gains in about a month.

The Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC) is moving closer to finalizing its first deal since 2008 to limit output, with most members prepared to offer Iran flexibility on production volumes, ministers and sources said.

Iran has been the main stumbling block for capping production. While it has not yet responded to the proposal, the flexibility shown by others suggests OPEC members may be coming nearer to consensus as the Nov. 30 meeting approaches.

Brent notched a daily rise of 37 cents, or 0.8 percent, to $46.86 per barrel. Brent also had its first weekly increase in five weeks.

U.S. West Texas Intermediate crude was up 27 cents, or 0.6 percent, for the day, at $45.69 a barrel. It posted its first weekly increase in four.

Crude has been moving up and down based on statements by OPEC members ahead of its Nov. 30 meeting, said James L. Williams, energy economist at WTRG Economics in London, Arkansas.

"It kind of depends on which side of the bed the OPEC ministers wake up," he said of oil prices. "People keep digesting and re-digesting the news."

Williams said prices could fall below $40 if OPEC does not reach a deal on Nov. 30.

Stephen Brennock of oil brokerage PVM said there were still obstacles for OPEC to overcome.

"Iranian and Iraqi intransigence to the proposed output cuts remains in full force while competitive pressures among OPEC members was highlighted by news that Iran displaced Saudi Arabia as the top oil supplier to India," he said.

An OPEC output cut should boost profitability for U.S. producers. Activity continues to rise in the U.S., as oil services company Baker Hughes said U.S. drilling rigs rose by 19 to 471 in the week to Nov. 18.

Gains were limited by a rallying dollar, which reached its highest levels against a basket of currencies since 2003 after U.S. Federal Reserve Chair Janet Yellen said on Thursday a rate increase could happen "relatively soon."

A stronger dollar makes oil, which is priced in the greenback, more expensive to buyers using other currencies.

(Additional reporting by Ahmad Ghaddar in London, Jane Chung in Seoul and Henning Gloystein in Singapore; Editing by Marguerita Choy, Jane Merriman and David Gregorio)
U.S. Senator Jeff Sessions (R-AL), an advisor to U.S. President Elect Donald Trump, speaks to members of the Media in the lobby of Trump Tower in the Manhattan borough of New York City, New York November 17, 2016. REUTERS/Mike Segar

By Steve Holland

NEW YORK (Reuters) - U.S. President-elect Donald Trump picked three conservative loyalists to lead his national security and law enforcement teams on Friday, underscoring his campaign promise to take a hard line confronting Islamist militancy and curbing illegal immigration.

Trump picked U.S. Senator Jeff Sessions for attorney general, rewarding a staunch supporter whose tough and sometimes inflammatory statements on immigration have reflected his own. The choice was applauded by the top Republican in the Senate but drew sharp criticism from civil rights activists.

Retired Army Lieutenant General Mike Flynn, who has championed Trump's promises to take a more aggressive approach to terrorism, was chosen as his national security adviser.

Trump named Representative Mike Pompeo, a vocal critic of the Obama administration's security policy, as director of the Central Intelligence Agency.

The three choices, announced by Trump's transition team, come as the Republican president-elect works to fill key positions in his administration, which will take over from Democratic President Barack Obama on Jan. 20.

The picks could heighten concerns abroad that the Trump administration might carry out campaign promises of banning Muslims from entering the United States or imposing more severe restrictions on migrants from countries or regions with high levels of militant Islamist activity, such as Iraq and Syria.

Sessions and Pompeo seem likely to be confirmed by the Senate despite heavy resistance from Democrats. Republicans will control a majority, with at least 51 seats in the 100-seat chamber, when Congress reconvenes in January. Flynn's post does not need Senate confirmation.

One of the earliest Republican lawmakers to support Trump's White House candidacy, Sessions opposes any path to citizenship for illegal immigrants and was an enthusiastic backer of Trump's campaign promise to build a wall on the border with Mexico. He has also argued for curbs on legal immigration on the grounds that it drives down wages for U.S. workers.

A former Alabama attorney general and U.S. attorney, Sessions, 69, has been in the Senate for 19 years. Allegations that he made racist remarks led the Senate to deny his confirmation as a federal judge in 1986. The chamber's top Democrat, Chuck Schumer, said he would want Sessions to answer "tough questions" about his civil rights positions.

The attorney general acts as the country's chief law enforcement officer and head of the Justice Department. Civil rights groups slammed Sessions as a poor choice to head a department charged with protecting voting rights and running immigration courts.

"How can we trust someone in that role who has demonstrated he thinks all forms of immigration are bad for America?" said Beth Werlin, head of the American Immigration Council.

Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell said he strongly supported Sessions for attorney general, calling him "principled, forthright, and hardworking."

Sessions has been one of Trump's most enthusiastic backers on Capitol Hill and the president-elect has hired several of Sessions' staffers, including policy chief Stephen Miller and Rick Dearborn, who has a top job managing the transition.

Also on Friday, the first set of transition landing teams were starting work at the departments of State, Justice, Defense and the National Security Council to begin hashing out the details of shifting to a new administration.

ISLAMIST MILITANTS

Flynn, one of Trump's closest advisers, was fired from the Defense Intelligence Agency in 2014, a move he has attributed to his outspoken views about fighting Islamist militancy. Other officials who worked with Flynn cited his lack of management skills and leadership style as reasons for his firing.

An Army intelligence veteran of three decades, Flynn was assistant director of national intelligence under Obama. He views the 2003 invasion of Iraq as a strategic blunder and has refused to condemn Trump's support for the renewed use of waterboarding. This is an interrogation technique that simulates drowning, is widely considered torture and was banned by Obama.

Pompeo, 52, a third-term Republican congressman and former U.S. Army officer who founded an aerospace company, was a surprise pick to lead the CIA.

A member of the House Intelligence Committee, Pompeo has called for a revival and expansion of a now-defunct domestic spying program to include "financial and lifestyle information" as well as phone records. He has said that Edward Snowden, a former government contractor who uncovered the spying program and who now lives in Russia, should get the death penalty if he is ever tried and convicted.

Pompeo has been one of the most aggressive critics of the Obama administration's handling of a 2012 attack on U.S. diplomatic facilities in Benghazi, Libya, that killed the U.S. ambassador and three other Americans.

Nevertheless, Democrats who have worked with him joined Republicans in describing Pompeo as knowledgeable and hard working.

"While we have had our share of strong differences - principally on the politicization of the tragedy in Benghazi - I know that he is someone who is willing to listen and engage," Representative Adam Schiff, the top Democrat on the Intelligence Committee, said on Friday.

Trump met on Friday with former Arkansas Governor Mike Huckabee, a possible pick to head the Department of Homeland Security, and U.S. Senator Tom Cotton of Arkansas, a possible candidate for defense secretary.

Trump is considering retired General David Petraeus, who resigned as CIA chief in 2012 after an extra-marital affair, is being considered for the post of defense secretary, the Wall Street Journal said.

Trump was expected to spend the weekend in Bedminster, New Jersey, the home of the Trump National Golf Club. On Saturday he was scheduled to meet with Mitt Romney, the 2012 Republican presidential nominee.

Romney was one of the fiercest Republican critics of Trump during his unorthodox election campaign but is now under possible consideration for secretary of state.

Admiral Mike Rogers, director of the National Security Agency, is the leading candidate to serve as Trump's director of national intelligence, the Wall Street Journal reported.

(Additional reporting by Emily Stephenson, Susan Cornwell, Patricia Zengerle, Mark Hosenball and Dustin Volz in Washington; Writing by Andy Sullivan and Richard Cowan; Editing by Frances Kerry and Alistair Bell)
BRAINWeek 2023 Will Convene at The Cosmopolitan of Las Vegas, September 7-9 MONTCLAIR, N.J. (PRWEB) November 02, 2022 BRAINWeek returns following a successful 2022 live inaugural conference! The 2023 event will convene at The Cosmopolitan of Las Vegas on September 7-9. Developed by the PAINWeek organization, BRAINWeek provides practical education for specialists and frontline practitioners treating CNS disorders. The multidisciplinary agenda is comprised of 20+ CME/CE credit hours across the 3-day conference. The program will present topics... (continue reading...)



HeroZona Announces Veteran Employment Forum Ahead of Veteran's Day PHOENIX (PRWEB) November 02, 2022 The HeroZona Foundation is excited to announce it will be hosting the 2022 Veteran Employment Forum on Thursday, Nov. 3 from 8 to 10 a.m. at the Travis L. Williams American Legion Post 65 (1624 E. Broadway Rd.) in Phoenix. The event aims to empower Arizona's heroes through information from industry experts on the best vocational opportunities for military personnel in the state right now. Forum panelists include Westmarc President and... (continue reading...)



Girl Scouts--Arizona Cactus-Pine Council Awarded $2.25 Million Grant from The Bob & Renee Parsons Foundation to Support the Expansion of Outdoor Programming Year-round PHOENIX, AZ (PRWEB) November 02, 2022 Girl Scouts--Arizona Cactus-Pine Council (GSACPC) has been awarded a $2.25 million grant from The Bob & Renee Parsons Foundation to support GSACPC's initiative to expand outdoor programming throughout the year. While GSACPC has consistently provided outdoor summer programming at its multiple camp properties across northern and central Arizona, the organization's three-year expansion plan will put an emphasis on leveraging these... (continue reading...)



Wyng Boosts Its Security Posture with a Successful Completion of a SOC 2 Type 2 Examination NEW YORK (PRWEB) November 02, 2022 Wyng, which provides software and solutions to earn, manage, and activate zero-party data, announced today it has successfully completed its System and Organization Controls (SOC) 2 Type 2 Report on controls relevant to Security, Availability, and Confidentiality for its brand personalization platform services. Developed by the AICPA, SOC 2 is an internationally recognized standard for service organizations, which reflects the... (continue reading...)



Sprouts Farmers Market Expands On-Demand Delivery Through Partnership with DoorDash PHOENIX, Nov. 02, 2022 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Sprouts Farmers Market, one of the largest and fastest growing specialty retailers of fresh, natural and organic food in the United States, is now available on the DoorDash marketplace in select cities, for on-demand grocery delivery. Customers will be able to order thousands of fresh, natural and organic products from Sprouts by simply visiting the DoorDash mobile app or website, where they can choose to have their groceries... (continue reading...)



More Press Releases
MIAMI, Nov. 18, 2016 /PRNewswire/ -- Antarctica Advisors LLC, the leading Seafood Industry-focused advisory firm, acted as the investment banking advisor to Ocean Choice International L.P. ("OCI") in the CAD 240 million refinancing of its credit facilities with a syndicate of Canadian and U.S. lenders.

St. John's, Newfoundland-based OCI is a leading vertically integrated seafood company engaged in harvesting, processing and marketing of a diverse range of Groundfish and Shellfish species for domestic and international markets. OCI operates six frozen-at-sea fishing vessels and five processing plants employing over 1,700 people in Atlantic Canada and at sales offices around the world.

Martin Sullivan, the CEO of OCI, commented: "This transaction is an important milestone for the future of OCI as a leading global seafood supplier. The company has now secured a flexible capital structure that will allow OCI to continue to grow and develop our operations for the benefit of all stakeholders, including our customers, our employees and the communities in which we operate. The Seafood Team at Antarctica provided OCI with valuable support at this critical junction of the company's history. Throughout the refinancing process Antarctica worked closely with the company and the lenders in arranging and closing a long-term capital structure that fits our needs."

Antarctica Advisors is an independent investment banking advisory firm providing its corporate clients in the Food Industry with wide range of specialized services, including capital raise and balance sheet restructuring advise. Antarctica's Seafood Team is uniquely positioned to assist our clients due to our combination of industry knowledge, financing expertise and track record of success in debt arranging and structuring with a deep reach into the North American financing community.

Ignacio Kleiman, Managing Partner of Antarctica Advisors, commented: "The new capital structure provides OCI with the flexibility to continue on its path and pursue new and exciting opportunities. Our Seafood Team leveraged its relationships in the North American credit markets to identify the capital providers and subsequently arrange for and negotiate a financing structure that is tailored to the needs of OCI."

About Antarctica Advisors LLC Antarctica Advisors LLC is an independent strategic and financial advisory firm formed by a group of seasoned investment banking professionals with expertise in M&A advisory and private equity and debt capital raising. Antarctica's headquarters are strategically located in Miami, FL providing close connection to its corporate clients in the Americas, Europe and Asia.

Antarctica Advisors LLC is a licensed broker-dealer, member of FINRA and SIPC

For further information on Antarctica Advisors LLC please go to www.AntarcticaLLC.com

Logo - http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20160906/404644LOGO

To view the original version on PR Newswire, visit:http://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/antarctica-advisors-llc-successfully-arranges-and-closes-cad-240-million-in-new-credit-facilities-for-ocean-choice-international-lp-300366124.html

SOURCE Antarctica Advisors LLC
FORM 8.3

PUBLIC OPENING POSITION DISCLOSURE/DEALING DISCLOSURE BY

A PERSON WITH INTERESTS IN RELEVANT SECURITIES REPRESENTING 1% OR MORE

Rule 8.3 of the Takeover Code (the "Code")

1. KEY INFORMATION

(a) Full name of discloser: Jupiter Asset Management Ltd (b) Owner or controller of interests and short positions disclosed, if different from 1(a):

The naming of nominee or vehicle companies is insufficient. For a trust, the trustee(s), settlor and beneficiaries must be named. (c) Name of offeror/ offeree in relation to whose relevant securities this form relates:

Use a separate form for each offeror/offeree Deutsche Boerse AG (d) If an exempt fund manager connected with an offeror/offeree, state this and specify identity of offeror/offeree: (e) Date position held /dealing undertaken:

For an opening position disclosure, state the latest practicable date prior to the disclosure 17th November 2016 (f) In addition to the company in 1(c) above, is the discloser making disclosures in respect of any other party to the offer?

If it is a cash offer or possible cash offer, state "N/A" Yes

London Stock Exchange Group PLC





2. POSITIONS OF THE PERSON MAKING THE DISCLOSURE

If there are positions or rights to subscribe to disclose in more than one class of relevant securities of the offeror or offeree named in 1(c), copy table 2(a) or (b) (as appropriate) for each additional class of relevant security.

(a) Interests and short positions in the relevant securities of the offeror or offeree to which the disclosure relates following the dealing (if any)

Class of relevant security:



Tendered Ordinary



Interests Short positions Number % Number % (1) Relevant securities owned and/or controlled: 6,873,354 3.68 (2) Cash-settled derivatives:



(3) Stock-settled derivatives (including options) and agreements to purchase/sell:



TOTAL: 6,873,354 3.68

All interests and all short positions should be disclosed.

Details of any open stock-settled derivative positions (including traded options), or agreements to purchase or sell relevant securities, should be given on a Supplemental Form 8 (Open Positions).

(b) Rights to subscribe for new securities (including directors' and other employee options)

Class of relevant security in relation to which subscription right exists: None Details, including nature of the rights concerned and relevant percentages: None

3. DEALINGS (IF ANY) BY THE PERSON MAKING THE DISCLOSURE

Where there have been dealings in more than one class of relevant securities of the offeror or offeree named in 1(c), copy table 3(a), (b), (c) or (d) (as appropriate) for each additional class of relevant security dealt in.

The currency of all prices and other monetary amounts should be stated.

(a) Purchases and sales

Class of relevant security Purchase/sale



Number of securities Price per unit Ordinary - Tender Sale 2,600 EUR 75.6418

(b) Cash-settled derivative transactions

Class of relevant security Product description

e.g. CFD Nature of dealing

e.g. opening/closing a long/short position, increasing/reducing a long/short position Number of reference securities Price per unit None

(c) Stock-settled derivative transactions (including options)

(i) Writing, selling, purchasing or varying

Class of relevant security Product description e.g. call option Writing, purchasing, selling, varying etc. Number of securities to which option relates Exercise price per unit Type

e.g. American, European etc. Expiry date Option money paid/ received per unit None

(ii) Exercise

Class of relevant security Product description

e.g. call option Exercising/ exercised against Number of securities Exercise price per unit None





(d) Other dealings (including subscribing for new securities)

Class of relevant security Nature of dealing

e.g. subscription, conversion Details Price per unit (if applicable) None





4. OTHER INFORMATION

(a) Indemnity and other dealing arrangements

Details of any indemnity or option arrangement, or any agreement or understanding, formal or informal, relating to relevant securities which may be an inducement to deal or refrain from dealing entered into by the person making the disclosure and any party to the offer or any person acting in concert with a party to the offer:

Irrevocable commitments and letters of intent should not be included. If there are no such agreements, arrangements or understandings, state "none"



None





(b) Agreements, arrangements or understandings relating to options or derivatives

Details of any agreement, arrangement or understanding, formal or informal, between the person making the disclosure and any other person relating to:

(i) the voting rights of any relevant securities under any option; or

(ii) the voting rights or future acquisition or disposal of any relevant securities to which any derivative is referenced:

If there are no such agreements, arrangements or understandings, state "none"







None

(c) Attachments

Is a Supplemental Form 8 (Open Positions) attached? NO

Date of disclosure: 18th November 2016 Contact name: Lucy Wood Telephone number: 0203 817 1231

Public disclosures under Rule 8 of the Code must be made to a Regulatory Information Service and must also be emailed to the Takeover Panel at monitoring@disclosure.org.uk. The Panel's Market Surveillance Unit is available for consultation in relation to the Code's disclosure requirements on +44 (0)20 7638 0129.

The Code can be viewed on the Panel's website at www.thetakeoverpanel.org.uk.
CLEVELAND, Nov. 18, 2016 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Blue Point Capital Partners and its Blue Point III platform investment, Hilco Vision, announced today the acquisition of Jonathan Paul Eyewear. The acquisition of Jonathan Paul Eyewear further expands Hilcos product breadth, as it is the pioneer designer of sunglasses designed to fit over prescription eyewear and distributor of the leading brand in that category  Jonathan Paul Fitovers.

In partnership with Blue Point, Hilco Vision continues to identify complementary products to add to its product mix and strengthens its geographic presence, said John LeMay, a Partner with Blue Point. The acquisition of Jonathan Paul Eyewear follows three acquisitions completed in Europe in the last 18 months, and builds on Hilcos momentum to deliver on its promise to be a global partner to its customers worldwide.

Jonathan Paul Fitovers, currently headquartered in Austin, TX, originated in Australia over twenty years ago. The brand quickly developed a reputation as the market innovator and leader in this unique eyewear category. As a result, the Company began distribution internationally and continues to experience strong global demand.

"We are extremely excited about the acquisition of such an innovative brand, recognized for its originality, functionality and design, said Ross Brownlee, Chief Executive Officer of Hilco. I am confident that together with designer Paul Stables, we will reach our full potential as a true global partner."

Paul Stables, Founder of Jonathan Paul Eyewear, added, "I am delighted to be part of Hilco Vision as we continue to build this dynamic brands distribution on a global scale. The Fitovers brand is growing fast, and we are well-positioned to lead that growth by leveraging Hilco's extensive distribution channels and consistently high quality standards.

Hilco Vision (www.hilco.com) is a leading designer, manufacturer and distributor of eyewear and eye care accessories, supplies and equipment. Headquartered in Plainville, MA, with additional operations in Canada, China, Europe and Australia, Hilco supplies over 30,000 products in a broad range of categories to more than 25,000 domestic and international customers. The Companys five primary product categories include: professional tools, vision protection, consumer accessories, lens and eye care.

Jonathan Paul Fitovers (www.fitovers.com) is headquartered in Austin, TX, with distribution in Australia, New Zealand, United States, Hong Kong and China. Jonathan Paul offers revolutionary fashionable and functional sunglasses designed to fit over prescription eyewear. The Company utilizes state-of-the-art frame and lens technologies to provide modern prescription frame wearers with a fit-over sunglass that fits their frames and lifestyles.

Blue Point Capital Partners (www.bluepointcapital.com) is a private equity firm managing over $800 million in committed capital. With offices in Cleveland, Charlotte, Seattle and Shanghai, Blue Points geographical footprint allows it to establish relationships with local and regional entrepreneurs and advisors, while providing the resources of an international firm. The Blue Point group has a 26-year track record of partnering with companies in the lower middle market to facilitate growth and transformative change. It is one of only a few middle market private equity firms with a presence in both the United States and China, which provides a distinct advantage for its portfolio companies. Blue Point typically invests in manufacturing, distribution and service businesses generating between $20 million and $200 million in revenue.

For more information, contact: BLUE POINT CAPITAL PARTNERS John LeMay Partner Blue Point Capital Partners, LLC 127 Public Square, Suite 5100 Cleveland, OH 44114 (216) 535-4707 [email protected] HILCO VISION Ross Brownlee Chief Executive Officer Hilco Vision 33 West Bacon Street Plainville, MA 02762 (800) 955-6544

Source: Blue Point Capital Partners, LLC
MONTERREY, Mexico--(BUSINESS WIRE)-- CEMEX, S.A.B. de C.V. (CEMEX) (NYSE: CX) announced today that it has closed the sale of certain assets in the U.S. to Grupo Cementos de Chihuahua, S.A.B. de C.V. (GCC) for approximately U.S.$306 million.

The proceeds obtained from this transaction will be used mainly for debt reduction and for general corporate purposes.

The assets sold by an affiliate of CEMEX in the U.S. to an affiliate of GCC in the U.S. consist of CEMEXs cement plant in Odessa, Texas, two cement terminals and the building materials business in El Paso, Texas and Las Cruces, New Mexico.

Citigroup acted as financial advisor to CEMEX in this transaction.

CEMEX is a global building materials company that provides high quality products and reliable service to customers and communities in more than 50 countries. Celebrating its 110th anniversary, CEMEX has a rich history of improving the well-being of those it serves through innovative building solutions, efficiency advancements, and efforts to promote a sustainable future.

For more information on CEMEX, please visit: www.cemex.com

For more information on GCC, please visit: www.gcc.com

This press release contains forward-looking statements and information that are necessarily subject to risks, uncertainties, and assumptions. Many factors could cause the actual results, performance, or achievements of CEMEX or the transaction herein described to be materially different from those expressed or implied in this release, including not satisfying all customary closing conditions. Should one or more of these risks or uncertainties materialize, or should underlying assumptions prove incorrect, actual results may vary materially from those described herein. CEMEX assumes no obligation to update or correct the information contained in this press release. CEMEX is not responsible for the content of any third-party website or webpage referenced to or accessible through this press release.

View source version on businesswire.com: http://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20161118005396/en/

CEMEX, S.A.B. de C.V.

Media Relations

Jorge Perez, +52 (81) 8888-4334

[email protected]

or

Investor Relations

Eduardo Rendon, +52 (81) 8888-4256

[email protected]

or

Analyst Relations

Lucy Rodriguez, +1-212-317-6007

[email protected]

Source: CEMEX, S.A.B. de C.V.
FORT LAUDERDALE, FL and DAVIE, FL -- (Marketwired) -- 11/18/16 -- The World Stem Cell Summit & RegMed Capital Conference has invited five faculty members from the Nova Southeastern University (NSU) Cell Therapy Institute to present on their research related to advancing new approaches to cancer immunotherapy and regenerative medicine at the organization's 12th annual meeting.

The summit is being held at the Palm Beach County Convention Center in West Palm Beach, Florida on Dec. 6-9, 2016. It is the largest interdisciplinary stem cell meeting in the world, featuring more than 250 prominent scientists, business leaders, investors, philanthropists, regulators, policy-makers, economic development officers, patient advocates and experts in law and ethics, presenting the latest scientific discoveries, commercial and innovation opportunities, legal and regulatory solutions, and best practices. The event is expected to attract more than 1,200 attendees from 40 nations.

Presentations from the NSU Cell Therapy Institute will include:

H. Thomas Temple, M.D., NSU senior vice president, translational research & economic development

Dr. Temple will discuss recent advances in bone and cartilage regeneration achieved by novel stem cell therapies and new approaches to treating sarcoma cancers.

Richard Jove, Ph.D., director, NSU Cell Therapy Institute and co-chair, World Stem Cell Summit

Dr. Jove will provide an overview of the various collaborative research projects at NSU including cancer immunotherapy and stem cell programs targeting vision restoration and heart disease.

Evren Alici, M.D., Ph.D., NSU visiting research professor from Karolinska Institutet

Dr. Alici will present novel approaches to cancer immunotherapy with a focus on targeted T-cells and natural-killer cells.

Outi Hovatta, M.D, Ph.D., NSU visiting research professor from Karolinska Institutet

Dr. Hovatta will address recent progress in the development of stem cells for disease models and therapies.

Karl-Henrik Grinnemo, M.D., Ph.D., NSU visiting research professor from Karolinska Institutet

Dr. Grinnemo will provide new insights into the differentiation of vital heart cells from stem cells for treatment of cardiovascular disease.

"Nova Southeastern University has positioned itself as an emerging center of excellence in stem cell research," said Bernard Siegel, M.D., executive director, Regenerative Medicine Foundation and founder and co-chair of the Summit. "We are proud key opinion leaders from the NSU Cell Therapy Institute will be presenting at the summit, including NSU's esteemed visiting research professors from Karolinska Institutet."

NSU is poised to be at the forefront of pioneering cell-based biomedical research with its NSU Cell Therapy Institute, an international collaboration with prominent medical research scientists from Sweden's world-renowned Karolinska Institutet.

The NSU Cell Therapy Institute is housed in the university's newly opened $100 million, Center for Collaborative Research (CCR), one of the largest (215,000 square feet) and most advanced research facilities in Florida. Located on NSU's Fort Lauderdale/Davie Campus, the CCR is equipped with wet and dry labs; state-of-the-art research equipment, including access to a high-performance computing environment; and other resources, such as Florida LambdaRail, a high-speed broadband service delivery network with connectivity throughout the nation.

About the NSU Cell Therapy Institute: The Institute is dedicated to the discovery and development of innovative translational biomedical research, focused on the potential of cell-based therapies to prevent, treat and cure life-threatening and debilitating diseases. Led by Richard Jove, Ph.D., the Institute is accelerating the advancement of next-generation approaches to precision medicine such as targeted immunotherapy and regenerative medicine with an initial focus on targeting cancers, heart disease and disorders causing blindness.

About Karolinska Institutet: With an overriding mission to contribute to the improvement of human health through research and education, Karolinska Institutet provides more than 40% of the medical academic research conducted in Sweden and offers the country's broadest range of education in medicine and health sciences. Many of the discoveries made at Karolinska Institutet have been of great significance, including the pacemaker, the gamma knife, the sedimentation reaction, the Seldinger technique and the preparation of chemically pure insulin. Since 1901, the Nobel Assembly at Karolinska Institutet has selected the Nobel laureates in Physiology or Medicine.

About Nova Southeastern University (NSU): Located in beautiful Fort Lauderdale, Florida, Nova Southeastern University (NSU) is a dynamic research institution dedicated to providing high-quality educational programs at the undergraduate, graduate, and first-professional degree levels. A private, not-for-profit institution, NSU has campuses in Fort Lauderdale, Fort Myers, Jacksonville, Miami, Miramar, Orlando, Palm Beach, and Tampa, Florida, as well as San Juan, Puerto Rico, while maintaining a presence online globally. For more than 50 years, NSU has been awarding degrees in a wide range of fields, while fostering groundbreaking research and an impactful commitment to community. Classified as a research university with "high research activity" by the Carnegie Foundation for the Advancement of Teaching, NSU is 1 of only 50 universities nationwide to also be awarded Carnegie's Community Engagement Classification, and is also the largest private, not-for-profit institution in the United States that meets the U.S. Department of Education's criteria as a Hispanic-serving Institution. Please visit www.nova.edu for more information about NSU and realizingpotential.nova.edu for more information on the largest fundraising campaign in NSU history.

Image Available: http://www.marketwire.com/library/MwGo/2016/11/18/11G122635/Images/Richard_Jove-96ea2fc0a148870bb6749d1c5b61ce85.jpg

Jeremy Katzman, M.B.A., APROffice of Public Relations 954-262-1535 (office)954-661-7000 (cell) [email protected]

Source: Nova Southeastern University
-3D-imaging Suggests Grafts Retained Volume Over the Assessment Period-

-Cells Remained Viable and Proliferated in Renevia Hydrogel-

ALAMEDA, Calif.--(BUSINESS WIRE)-- BioTime, Inc. (NYSE MKT: BTX), a clinical-stage biotechnology company with a focus on pluripotent cell-based technologies, announced details of positive data from its Renevia pivotal trial, reported via a presentation at the 14th annual International Federation for Adipose Therapeutics and Science meeting (IFATS) on Thursday, November 17, in San Diego. The presentation was based on data from the run-in, testing sample subjects to the European pivotal trial.

The presentation, titled Stromal Cell-Hydrogel Construct Possibly Generates Clinically Relevant Neo-Tissue In Facial HIV-Lipoatrophy Pivotal Multicenter Clinical Trial: Early Analysis On Testing Patient Sample, was given by Ramon Llull, M.D., Ph.D., director of the Stem Europe Mallorca Center, in Spain, and the principal investigator of the trial.

Highlights of the presentation included:

Adipose progenitor cells (fat cells) obtained from a liposuction aspirate remained viable and were observed to proliferate when combined with the Renevia hydrogel

The Renevia gel and progenitor cells were successfully administered in the run-in subjects with no serious adverse events

3D-image analysis suggests that the grafts retained volume over the assessment period, and the treating physician-observed incremental volume was retained in select patients who had progressed to the one-year follow-up evaluation

We are encouraged that the administration of Renevia worked well in these patients, commented Dr. Llull. Existing methods used to address HIV and age-related facial volume loss provide only temporary solutions. We are seeing signs indicating that Renevia may be able to generate new facial tissue which could result in more natural, longer-lasting outcomes.

Developed as an alternative for whole adipose tissue fat transfer procedures, Renevia is designed to mimic the naturally-occuring extracellular matrix and provide a 3-D scaffold that enables effective cell transplant and engraftment. In the run-in portion of this trial, the Renevia administration procedure was found to be reproducible, and the pivotal trial is now into its controlled phase. Encouraging signs of Renevia being able to promote new tissue generation were seen with the run-in practice patients. If the pivotal trial is successful, the company plans to file the data as the basis for the issuance of CE marking for European use. CE marking is anticipated as early as the second half of 2017.

About BioTime

BioTime, Inc. is a clinical-stage biotechnology company focused on developing and commercializing novel therapies developed from what the company believes to be the worlds premier collection of pluripotent cell assets. The foundation of BioTimes core therapeutic technology platform is pluripotent cells that are capable of becoming any of the cell types in the human body. Pluripotent cells have potential application in many areas of medicine with large unmet patient needs, including various age-related degenerative diseases and degenerative conditions for which there presently are no cures. Unlike pharmaceuticals that require a molecular target, therapeutic strategies based on the use of pluripotent cells are generally aimed at regenerating or replacing affected cells and tissues, and therefore may have broader applicability than pharmaceutical products.

In addition to the development of therapeutics, BioTimes research and other activities have resulted, over time, in the creation of other subsidiaries that address other non-therapeutic market opportunities such as cancer diagnostics, drug development and cell research products, and mobile health software applications.

BioTime common stock is traded on the NYSE MKT and TASE under the symbol BTX. For more information, please visit www.biotimeinc.com or connect with the company on Twitter, LinkedIn, Facebook, YouTube, and Google+.

Forward-Looking Statements

Certain statements contained in this release are forward-looking statements within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Statements pertaining to future financial and/or operating results, future growth in research, technology, clinical development, and potential opportunities for BioTime, Inc. and its subsidiaries, along with other statements about the future expectations, beliefs, goals, plans, or prospects expressed by management constitute forward-looking statements. Any statements that are not historical fact (including, but not limited to statements that contain words such as will, believes, plans, anticipates, expects, estimates should also be considered to be forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements involve risks and uncertainties, including, without limitation, risks inherent in the development and/or commercialization of potential products, uncertainty in the results of clinical trials or regulatory approvals, need and ability to obtain future capital, and maintenance of intellectual property rights. Actual results may differ materially from the results anticipated in these forward-looking statements and as such should be evaluated together with the many uncertainties that affect the business of BioTime, Inc. and its subsidiaries, particularly those mentioned in the cautionary statements found in more detail in the Risk Factors section of its Annual Reports on Form 10-K and Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q filed with the SEC (copies of which may be obtained at www.sec.gov). Subsequent events and developments may cause these forward-looking statements to change. BioTime, Inc. specifically disclaims any obligation or intention to update or revise these forward-looking statements as a result of changed events or circumstances that occur after the date of this release, except as required by applicable law.

To receive ongoing BioTime corporate communications, please click on the following link to join our email alert list: http://news.biotimeinc.com.

View source version on businesswire.com: http://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20161118005162/en/

Investor Contact:

EVC Group, Inc.

Matt Haines, 917-733-9297

[email protected]

or

Media Contact:

Gotham Communications, LLC

Bill Douglass, 646-504-0890

[email protected]

Source: BioTime, Inc.
SAN FRANCISCO, Nov. 18, 2016 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- Americans have a love/fear relationship with technology, appreciating how it has bridged the gap between the rich and poor but many are concerned it will be a job destroyer in the future, according to a new post-election Vrge Analytics survey using SurveyMonkey.

Technology's impact on the economy looms large as American voters are at partisan odds on whether the shift to a global economy is a good or bad thing for the United States. Driven by the white males without a college degree that spurred Donald Trump's election upset, Republicans are pessimistic about the benefits of globalization. While 76 percent of Democrats call the trend towards a global economy a good thing, only 36 percent of Republicans think so.

"The technology industry faces political challenges in a Trump Administration," said Scott Gerber, partner and co-founder of Vrge Strategies. "But this survey shows that technology is also seen as the solution to many of America's problems. It's vital that the industry look at how it can address the economic concerns that surfaced during the election, while fulfilling a core mission to help to bridge the gap between the rich and the poor."

The Vrge Analytics "Tech in the Age of Trump" survey saw challenges ahead for President-elect Trump. For example, a majority of American voters (54 percent) expressed a lack of confidence in his ability when it "comes to making the right decisions about the country's economic future." And a nearly identical majority said they lack confidence in his ability to maintain U.S. tech leadership.

And Trump may find many Americans uncertain about one of his signature policy initiatives: immigration. While Trump has vowed to curb illegal immigration and deport millions, Americans didn't cite that issue as a priority. In fact, it registered no higher than fifth among groups, behind issues such as preventing American companies from moving jobs overseas, promoting technology innovation, lowering corporate tax rates, renegotiating trade deals and removing regulations. The group most likely to prioritize immigration was whites with less than a college education, but only 1 in 6 voters called it a priority.

After eight years of a special relationship with President Obama, the technology industry is at an awkward moment with the Trump presidency. Silicon Valley leaders who nearly universally supported Hillary Clinton must now find a way to engage with the Republican president-elect on key issues.

There is some good news, however, that Silicon Valley can point to. Americans look at technology as helping them live their lives: 63 percent said it makes life better for them and their family, according to the survey of 1,833 respondents conducted November 16-17th.

But ominously, American voters also fear what is coming next: the majority (51 percent) report they expect technology will destroy more jobs than it creates in the next decade. For example, advances in automation and artificial intelligence that are transforming manufacturing and threaten to displace truck and taxi drivers with self-driving vehicles.

Tech's challenge will be to help find solutions that create jobs, or run the risk of being blamed for the loss of millions of jobs as technology-driven automation changes the economy.

Even so, Americans are often positive on the impact of technology companies:

76 percent say it's had a positive impact on American society while a whopping 87 percent said tech has been positive for the U.S. economy.

62 percent say it has "leveled the playing field between rich and poor," and that sentiment is shared evenly by demographic groups, for example those without a college education, who have expressed concerns about globalization's impact on the economy.

Americans (64 percent) expect the next business leader to come from the United States and that technology will set the agenda for the next decade  even if they don't know what exactly what that technology will be. The number-one answer for what will drive the agenda was "some new device, service or product we don't know today."

Key Questions and Results from the Survey:

Q1. Do you think the trend toward a global economy is a good thing or a bad thing for our country?

Good thing 54% Bad thing 41% No Answer 5%

Q2. Which of the following do you think is the most important thing government can do to create more jobs for people like you? (Pick 2)

Prevent American companies from moving jobs overseas 58% Tax credits to encourage technological innovation 27% Lower corporate taxes 21% Renegotiate trade deals to limit international trade 18% Remove regulations 16% Slow immigration 13% No Answer 3%

Q3. When you look ahead 10 years, will technology

Make life better for you and your family 63% Make life worse for you and your family 15% Make no difference 20% No Answer 2%

Q4. When you look ahead 10 years, will technology

Create more jobs than it displaces 34% Take away more jobs than it creates 51% Make no difference 13% No Answer 2%

Q5. How much confidence do you have in Donald Trump when it comes to making the right decisions about the country's economic future?

Great deal 24% Good amount 21% Just some 19% None 35% No Answer 1%

METHODS  This Vrge Analytics survey was conducted online using SurveyMonkey on November 16-17, 2016 among a national sample of 1,833 adults who say they are registered to vote. Respondents for this survey were selected from the nearly three million people who take surveys on the SurveyMonkey platform each day. The bootstrap confidence interval for this survey is plus or minus 3.5 percentage points for registered voters.

About Vrge Strategies

Vrge was founded on the premise that companies and organizations large and small must navigate disruption that is redefining how companies operate, how society views technology and how transformation is reshaping our economy and society. Vrge has senior leaders in San Francisco, Seattle, and Washington, D.C. In addition, Vrge operates Vrge Analytics, a research and polling firm that provides clients insights into how the public, businesses and policy leaders view the intersection of technology, business and society. Vrge is part of Next Fifteen, a global communications consultancy.

Photo - http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20161118/441216-INFO

To view the original version on PR Newswire, visit:http://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/tech-at-a-crossroads-americans-say-technology-has-leveled-the-playing-field-but-many-fear-it-will-destroy-jobs-in-the-future-according-to-new-post-election-survey-300366006.html

SOURCE Vrge Strategies
By Hugh Bronstein

BUENOS AIRES (Reuters) - Argentina extradited an alleged Colombian drug kingpin known as "My Blood" to the United States on Thursday to face charges of organizing cocaine shipments.

Henry de Jesus Lopez, whose nickname is "Mi Sangre" in Spanish, was captured by Argentine police in 2012 at his favorite restaurant in the Buenos Aires suburb of Pilar, where he lived after fleeing his homeland.

He was turned over to U.S. marshals early on Thursday, Argentina's security ministry said in a statement.

The decision to send Lopez to face trial in Florida comes at a time of improving diplomatic relations and security ties between Argentina and Washington.

Lopez, 45, once key underworld figure in the Colombian city of Medellin, slipped into Argentina in 2011 with a forged Venezuelan passport. He has been charged in U.S. federal court with managing smuggling routes through which tonnes of cocaine left Colombia's Atlantic coast bound for the United States.

He had risen to prominence after Medellin's previous crime boss Diego Fernando Murillo, alias "Don Berna", was extradited to the United States along with other leaders of Colombia's right-wing paramilitary groups.

Lopez was also a leader of Colombia's paramilitary movement, which started as a way of protecting land owners from left-wing guerrillas now trying to close a peace deal with the government. Both armed groups ended up in the cocaine business.

Lopez also faces cocaine charges in Colombia, which often extradites suspects wanted by the U.S. courts to the United States.

Other Colombian traffickers are thought to be hiding in Argentina, which has become an export hub for cocaine smuggled into the country from the Andean region.

The extradition comes at a time of improving ties between Washington and Buenos Aires after center-right Argentine President Mauricio Macri was elected a year ago on promises of improving the economy, in part by attracting U.S. investment.

Since then, Argentina has been visited by President Barack Obama and Secretary of State John Kerry after years of icy relations under previous leftist leader Cristina Fernandez.

Macri is one of the few Latin American leaders to have called Donald Trump since the Republican businessman won the U.S. presidential election last week.

(Reporting by Hugh Bronstein; Editing by Frances Kerry)
Tibet's exiled spiritual leader the Dalai Lama gestures during a teaching event in Milan, Italy October 21, 2016. REUTERS/Alessandro Garofalo

BEIJING (Reuters) - China told Mongolia to forbid the Dalai Lama's planned arrival there on Friday, suggesting the Tibetan spiritual leader's trip could harm Beijing's relations with its northern neighbor.

China regards the Dalai Lama as a separatist, though he says he merely seeks genuine autonomy for his Himalayan homeland Tibet, which Communist Chinese troops "peacefully liberated" in 1950.

"We strongly urge Mongolia to act by keeping in mind the big picture of maintaining the stable development of bilateral relations and to keep their promises made on this issue," Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesman Geng Shuang said.

"Do not allow the Dalai Lama to visit. Do not support or facilitate the separatist activities of the Dalai clique," Geng said at a regular press briefing.

Mongolian media have said the Dalai Lama is expected to arrive Friday afternoon.

After the Dalai Lama's visit to Mongolia in 2006, China canceled flights between Beijing and Ulaanbaatar. Flights later resumed.

Beijing frequently expresses its anger with countries that host the 81-year-old Nobel Peace Prize winner, who fled to India in 1959 following a failed uprising against the Chinese.

Rights groups and exiles accuse China of trampling on the religious and cultural rights of the Tibetan people, charges strongly denied by Beijing, which says its rule has brought prosperity to a once backward region.

(Reporting by Beijing Newsroom; Writing by Paul Carsten; Editing by Richard Borsuk)
Razor wire is seen in front of an EU sign during a protest against barbed wire fences along the border crossing between Slovenia and Croatia in Brezovica pri Gradinu, Slovenia December 19, 2015. REUTERS/Srdjan Zivulovic

By Gabriela Baczynska

BRUSSELS (Reuters) - The European Union's interior ministers will try late on Thursday to bridge deep divisions over how to handle refugees and migrants, but a proposal by the bloc's current president Slovakia has already drawn an angry response from Italy.

A deal between the EU and Turkey has sharply cut the number of migrants entering Europe via Greece this year, but the numbers trying to cross from Africa to Italy continue to rise and tens of thousands more remain holed up in detention centers, waiting to be relocated among the bloc's member states.

Under a plan to be presented over dinner by Slovak Interior Minister Robert Kalinak, EU states that refuse to take in their share of migrants would instead be able to offer more money or play a bigger role in policing the bloc's external borders or in assuming greater responsibility for deporting people who do not qualify for asylum.

The Slovak document, seen by Reuters, also says that at times of "exceptionally high number of arrivals" EU states should agree emergency measures but "on a voluntary basis".

A diplomat from Italy, a frontline state in the migrant crisis, branded the plan "highly unsatisfactory". Other diplomats said Germany, which has taken in more than a million migrants over the past year, was also very unimpressed.

RESISTANCE

Slovakia and three other eastern states - Poland, Hungary and the Czech Republic - have been refusing to take in refugees and migrants from Italy and Greece, citing security concerns. They oppose fixed relocation quotas the bloc agreed last year.

Hungary's prime minister and some other politicians in the region have said the mainly Muslim migrants pose a threat to Europe's Christian civilization, a stance criticized by Germany, Sweden and others.

A spokeswoman for the EU mission of Malta, which takes over the bloc's rotating six-month presidency in January, said the tiny Mediterranean island would seek an accord that includes "mandatory relocation", the very opposite of the Slovak plan.

The EU has suspended its cherished Schengen zone of free travel amid the feuding over migration. Of 160,000 people the EU states agreed last year to relocate from Greece and Italy, fewer than 7,500 have moved so far.

However, the easterners show little sign of budging, with Poland's Deputy Foreign Minister Konrad Szymanski telling reporters in Brussels on Thursday: "Poland's refugee and migration policy will only be shaped in Warsaw, nowhere else."

While the controversial deal with Turkey has cut the number of migrants arriving in the Greek islands, the EU border agency Frontex said this week the number of people arriving in Italy from north Africa last month reached a monthly record of 27,500.

Data from the U.N. refugee agency UNHCR shows the number of people arriving in Italy by sea this year has reached 167,091 so far, already above the 153,842 reported for the whole of 2015.

(Additional reporting by Tom Koerkemeier, Writing by Gabriela Baczynska, Editing by Gareth Jones)
File photo of German troops who are part of the NATO-led International Security Assistance Force (ISAF), attend a memorial ceremony for slain soldiers, in the German Army's Camp Marmal in Mazar-e-Sharif, May 8, 2013. REUTERS/Omar Sobhani

BERLIN (Reuters) - Chancellor Angela Merkel's cabinet on Wednesday approved the continuation of Germany's deployment of up to 980 soldiers to Afghanistan through the end of 2017, a government spokesman said.

The decision, which must still be approved by parliament, came less than a week after armed Taliban militants stormed the German consulate in the northern Afghan city of Mazar-i-Sharif and killed at least four Afghans and wounded more than 100 people.

"With up to 980 soldiers, the German army will in future advise, support and train Afghan security services," said the government in a statement.

Germany, which heads the NATO-led Resolute Support mission in northern Afghanistan, has its soldiers stationed on the outskirts of Mazar-i-Sharif, and another 150 soldiers in Kabul.

The NATO mission includes a total of 13,000 foreign troops from Germany, Italy, the United States and others. The NATO forces are focused on training the Afghan army and police, not combat operations.

Germany is also slated to provide up to 1.7 billion euros in civilian aid to Afghanistan through 2020.

(Reporting by Sabine Siebold, Writing by Andrea Shalal; Editing by Toby Chopra)
(Reuters) - Israel looks forward to working with all members of President-elect Donald Trump's administration, including senior White House adviser Steve Bannon, Israel's ambassador to the United States Ron Dermer said on Thursday on leaving the Trump Tower in New York.

Trump's appointment of Bannon has been criticized by Democrats, civil rights organizations and some Republicans, who denounce the former Breitbart News chief as having made the website a forum for the "alt-right," a loose grouping of neo-Nazis, white supremacists and anti-Semites.

"We look forward to working with the Trump administration, with all the members of the Trump administration including Steve Bannon, in making the U.S.-Israel alliance stronger than ever," Dermer said in the lobby of the Trump Tower.

(Reporting by Mohammad Zargham in Washington; Editing by Eric Beech)
VANCOUVER, British Columbia and MONTREAL, Nov. 18, 2016 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Lomiko Metals Inc. (Lomiko) (TSX-V:LMR) (OTC:LMRMF) (FSE:DH8B) and Canada Strategic Metals Inc. (Strategic Metals) (TSX.V:CJC) (FSE:YXEN) (OTC-BB:CJCFF) are pleased to announce exploration has started at the La Loutre Flake Graphite Property in Quebec. 1500-2000 metres of drilling for a total of 10-12 drill holes is planned. The work will focus on the new Refractory Zone discovered in December, 2015. Although the zone has had high grade results, not enough drill holes were completed to add the zone to the 43-101 Resource Calculation released February 9th, 2016.



Highlights from the Refractory Zone

28.5 Metres of 16.53% Cg

21.5 Metres of 11.53% Cg

90.7 Metres of 9.00% Cg

On February 9th, 2016, Lomiko Metals and Canada Strategic announced resource for the La Loutre Flake Graphite Property of 18.4 M Tonnes of 3.19% Indicated and 16.7 M Tonnes at 3.75% Flake Graphite Inferred with a cut-off of 1.5%. The sensitivity table also features 4.1 M Tonnes of 6.5% Indicated and 6.2 M Tonnes at 6.1% Flake Graphite Inferred with a cut-off of 3%. The Resource is calculated on the Graphene-Battery Zone only and does not include recent high grade intercepts of 28.5 Metres of 16.53% Cg and 21.5 Metres of 11.53% Cg reported January 6, 2016 and 9% over 90.75 metres reported September 24th 2015 from the Refractory Zone.

The La Loutre property consists of contiguous claim blocks totalling approximately 2,867.29 hectares (28.67 km2 situated approximately 53 km east of Imerys Carbon and Graphite, formerly known as the Timcal Graphite Mine, North Americas only operating graphite mine, and 117 km northwest of the International Port of Montreal, key to shipping to North America and Europe. The Lac des Iles Property is directly west of the Imerys Graphite Mine. Lomiko is currently completing the 2nd option to acquire 80% of the La Loutre and Lac des Iles properties which requires $580,000 work expenditure between La Loutre property and other Canada Strategic properties.

The La Loutre Resource is constrained within a drilled area of approximately 900 m along the N150 striking trend of the graphitic paragneiss, 250 m across the strike and 225 m below surface. Geological interpretation and estimation were based on 62 NQ drill holes (totaling 8193.3 m) drilled by Lomiko and Canada Strategic Metals in 2014 and 2015.

QUALIFIED PERSONS

Jean-Sebastien Lavallee (OGQ #773), Geologist, is a shareholder of both companies, President and Chief Executive Officer of the Canada Strategic and a Qualified Person under NI 43-101, has reviewed and approved the technical content of this release.

For more information on Lomiko Metals, review the website at www.lomiko.com, contact A. Paul Gill at 604-729-5312 or email: info@lomiko.com.

On Behalf of the Board

A. Paul Gill

Chief Executive Officer

We seek safe harbor. 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.
Refugees stand outside their tent at the Ifo Extension refugee camp in Dadaab, near the Kenya-Somalia border in Garissa County, Kenya October 19, 2011. REUTERS/Thomas Mukoya/File Photo

NAIROBI (Reuters) - Kenya said on Wednesday it had to agreed delay the closure of a teeming Somali refugee camp that it sees as a security risk, after international pressure to give residents more time to find new homes.

Nairobi had vowed to shut Dadaab camp this month, saying it was being used by Islamist militants from neighboring Somalia who have launched a string of attacks on Kenyan soil.

But rights groups criticized the decision, saying it would hurt Somalis fleeing violence and poverty, and accused Nairobi of forcibly sending people back to a war zone. The government dismisses that allegation.

"The government has accepted the request to extend the deadline for the completion of repatriation of Somali refugees, and this is essential to the closure of the Dadaab refugee complex, by six months," Interior Minister Joseph Ole Nkaissery said.

"However, the ongoing voluntary repatriation will continue uninterrupted," he told a news conference.

This week, a ministry official had told Reuters that the November deadline would be missed, although he did not give a new timetable. He also dismissed accusations from Amnesty International and others about forcible repatriations.

The official said the camp was now home to about 250,000 people, while U.N. officials had put the figure at about 350,000 at the start of the year.

More than half a million people lived there a few years ago.

"Kenya should end its threats to close the Dadaab camps," Gerry Simpson, senior refugee researcher for New York-based Human Rights Watch, said in a statement.

"The U.N. refugee agency and donors should press Kenya to publicly reassure Somalia refugees they are welcome in Kenya until it safe for them to return, he added.

Somalia's Western-backed government is battling an Islamist insurgency as it oversees a fragile reconstruction effort after decades of conflict. Swathes of the country do not have basic services.

(Reporting by Humphrey Malalo and Duncan Miriri; Writing by Edmund Blair; Editing by Andrew Heavens and Hugh Lawson)
Poland's Prime Minister Beata Szydlo arrives to the meeting of heads of government Central and Eastern European countries and China in Riga, Latvia, November 5, 2016. REUTERS/Ints Kalnins

By Justyna Pawlak and Pawel Sobczak

WARSAW (Reuters) - Polish Prime Minister Beata Szydlo has expressed the hope that German Chancellor Angela Merkel will run for a fourth term next year, signaling a shift in tone after a series of quarrels between Warsaw and Berlin.

A closer partnership between the two countries could play an important role in pushing for continued western sanctions against Russia at a time when U.S. President-elect Donald Trump may take a different line, having voiced admiration for Kremlin leader Vladimir Putin.

"Personally, I am rooting for Angela Merkel and I hope she will be chancellor," Szydlo told Reuters in her first interview with a foreign news outlet since becoming prime minister a year ago.

"We have very good relations, and there aren't many female heads of state in the European Union. So far, there is (British Prime Minister) Theresa May, Angela Merkel and me... It's important for me also from this perspective."

Britain's pending departure from the EU will deprive Poland of a close eurosceptic ally within the bloc, forcing it to adjust its alliances.

But mending fences with Germany will be a challenge. Since taking power in an election last year, Szydlo's conservative government has quarrelled with its biggest trade partner over a range of issues, from gas pipelines to the migration crisis.

In particular, Poland opposes the imposition of EU quotas specifying how many refugees member states must accept - an idea favored by Merkel, whose country has taken in the majority of the 1.4 million migrants to reach Europe since the start of 2015.

Szydlo restated that disagreement, even as she affirmed her backing for Merkel.

"The policies of chancellor Merkel are predictable ... and stabilization is something which Europe needs very much," she said. "Although I think the migration policy has been a mistake."

Her tone contrasted with politicians of her Law and Justice (PiS) party, including its leader Jaroslaw Kaczynski, who in their criticism of Berlin have alluded to Nazi Germany's occupation of Poland during World War Two.

Earlier this year, Poland's Foreign Minister Witold Waszczykowski summoned the German ambassador in Warsaw after some German politicians suggested imposing EU sanctions on Poland over media and justice reforms they said were undemocratic.

Kaczynski has frequently accused Szydlo's predecessor as prime minister, European Council President Donald Tusk, of forging close relations with Berlin at the expense of Poland's national interest.

Merkel, in power since 2005, is expected to announce her decision to run for a fourth term at a news conference on Sunday evening, and opinion polls suggest she will win.

(Reporting by Justyna Pawlak; Editing by Mark Trevelyan)
By Shihar Aneez

COLOMBO (Reuters) - Thirty-two Sri Lankan Muslims from "well-educated and elite" families have joined Islamic State in Syria, the justice minister told parliament on Friday, promising that the government would clamp down on extremists.

The statement by minister Wijeyadasa Rajapakshe was condemned by representatives of the Muslim minority, who complained of racism.

"All these (Muslims) are not from ordinary families. These people are from the families which are considered as well-educated and elite," Rajapakshe said, adding that the government was aware of some foreigners coming to Sri Lanka to spread what he called Islamic extremism.

"There is a greater fear among the public about ISIS," he said, using another name for Islamic State. "If somebody tries to spread extremism in this country, we will not allow for that from today. The law of this country is no different to Buddhist monks or ordinary people."

The Muslim Council of Sri Lanka (MCSL), an umbrella body that includes most Muslim organizations in the country, expressed concern, saying Rajapakshe's statement came at a "very opportune time to certain extremist elements bent on tarnishing the image" of Sri Lankan Muslims.

"The Muslim community is seriously alarmed about the re-emergence of the racist campaign that was carried out by extremist Buddhist monks since the end of the war in 2009," the MCSL said in a statement.

"We urge Wijeyadasa Rajapakshe to provide the evidence and take immediate action against anyone who may have violated the laws of the land, irrespective of ethnicity or religion."

More than 70 percent of Sri Lanka's 20 million people are Buddhists, about 13 percent are Hindu, while Muslims make up around 10 percent.

President Maithripala Sirisena has been criticized for failing to curb religious hate speech by both Muslims and Buddhists. Some Sinhala Buddhist groups have threatened Muslims and their businesses on social media, while attacks on mosques and Muslim-owned properties have continued under the Sirisena administration.

Muslim leaders warned the government in 2014 of possible Islamic radicalization and Muslims turning to foreign Islamic groups for support, attributing this to attacks by Buddhist hardliners.

Sri Lanka's 26-year civil war ended in 2009 with the military defeating the predominantly Hindu Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE), who fought for a separate state in the island's north and east.

(Reporting by Shihar Aneez and Ranga Sirilal; Editing by Mark Trevelyan)
Ukraine's President Petro Poroshenko speaks during a news conference after his meeting with Swedish Prime Minister Stefan Lofven at the Swedish Government headquarters in Stockholm, Sweden November 14, 2016. TT NEWS AGENCY/Claudio Bresciani/via Reuters

KIEV (Reuters) - Ukraine on Thursday blamed the Russian state security service for orchestrating a prank call to Ukrainian President Petro Poroshenko from someone pretending to be the president of Kyrgyzstan.

Earlier in November, Poroshenko's office announced a conversation with Kyrgyz leader Almazbek Atambayev, only for the latter to issue a statement saying the call had not taken place.

A recording of the call was subsequently published online, but Kiev said parts where Poroshenko was critical of Russia and its President Vladimir Putin were cut.

Russia annexed the Crimean peninsula from Ukraine in 2014 and supports separatist rebels in Ukraine's eastern Donbass region.

"Now I understand why the so-called pranksters waited for so long. They were doctoring the conversation and had to wait even longer to get approval from their supervisors in the Kremlin and the FSB," said Svyatoslav Tsegolko, Poroshenko's spokesman.

"The FSB made a fabricated product specifically for the Russian public," he said in a statement, referring to Russia's security service.

Tsegolko said officials at Kyrgyzstan's Ministry of Foreign Affairs must have assisted the pranksters.

Kyrgyzstan's foreign ministry could not be reached for comment. Russia did not immediately comment on Ukraine's allegations.

(Reporting by Natalia Zinets and Matthias Williams; Additional reporting by Olga Dzyubenko in BISHKEK; Editing by Janet Lawrence)
Franqui Francisco Flores de Freitas sits in federal court in Manhattan, New York, December 17, 2015, in this courtroom sketch. REUTERS/Jane Rosenberg

By Nathan Layne

(Reuters) - U.S. prosecutors on Thursday sought to limit the fallout from a witness accused of lying in the trial of two nephews of Venezuela's first lady, urging the jury to convict the men of engaging in a multimillion-dollar drug deal to help their family stay in power.

During closing arguments in Manhattan federal court, Assistant U.S. Attorney Brendan Quigley acknowledged that the unusual development regarding the witness, Jose Santos-Pena, "looms large" over the trial but asked jurors to focus on other evidence against Franqui Francisco Flores de Freitas and Efrain Antonio Campo Flores.

Lawyers for the two men, nephews of Cilia Flores, wife of Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro, shot back that the witness "infects every aspect" of the trial.

"Without him, what is their case?," David Rody, a lawyer for Flores de Freitas asked the jury.

Two days ago, prosecutors took the unusual step of ripping up a cooperation agreement with the witness after the defense presented evidence it said showed he had lied and was secretly dealing drugs.

It was a setback for the government in a case with potential implications for relations between the United States and Venezuela's socialist government.

Prosecutors have accused Flores de Freitas, 31, and Campo Flores, 30, of trying to use one of Venezuela's airports to send hundreds of kilograms of cocaine to the United States via Honduras. Their arrests in November were the result of a sting operation involving paid informants; no drugs were ever shipped.

Prosecutors said their goal in part was to obtain cash to counteract money they believed the United States was supplying to the opposition before Venezuela's December 2015 National Assembly elections. Maduro's Socialist Party lost its parliamentary majority after the vote.

On Thursday, Quigley said the jury should focus on text messages and phone recordings which showed that the nephews were "eager and enthusiastic to do drug deals."

"The evidence in Venezuela comes not from Santos-Pena's mouth," Quigley said.

Lawyers for the defendants have argued that their clients were not sophisticated enough to carry out such a large narcotics deal and were entrapped by informants out to please the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration, which was paying them handsomely to lure in high-profile marks.

"These guys make a good living ratting out other people," Rody told the jury.

(reporting by Nathan Layne; Editing by Noeleen Walder and Grant McCool)
1. Name and Address of Reporting Person * Radue Mark M (Last) (First) (Middle) C/O OSHKOSH CORPORATION 2307 OREGON STREET (Street) OSHKOSH WI 54902 (City) (State) (Zip)

2. Issuer Name and Ticker or Trading Symbol

OSHKOSH CORP [ OSK ]








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): November 16, 2016

Coeur Mining, Inc.

(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter )

Delaware (State or other jurisdiction of incorporation or organization) 1-8641 (Commission File Number) 82-0109423 (IRS Employer Identification No.)

104 S. Michigan Ave.

Suite 900

Chicago, Illinois 60603

(Address of Principal Executive Offices)

(312) 489-5800

(Registrants telephone number, including area code)

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 (see General Instructions A.2 below):

[ ] Written communications pursuant to Rule 425 under the Securities Act (17 CFR 230.425)

[ ] Soliciting material pursuant to Rule 14a-12 under the Exchange Act (17 CFR 240.14a-12)

[ ] Pre-commencement communications pursuant to Rule 14d-2(b) under the Exchange Act (17 CFR 240.14d-2(b))

[ ] Pre-commencement communications pursuant to Rule 13e-4(c) under the Exchange Act (17 CFR 240.13e-4(c))





















Item 8.01. Other Events.





On November 17, 2016, Coeur Mining, Inc. (Coeur or the Company) issued a press release (the Release) announcing that, as of November 16, 2016, the Company completed its previously announced at the market offering of $200.0 million of its common stock, par value $0.01 per share (the Offering). The Offering was conducted pursuant to an Equity Distribution Agreement, entered into on September 9, 2016, among the Company, BMO Capital Markets Corp., Raymond James & Associates, Inc. and RBC Capital Markets, LLC, as sales agents. The Company sold a total of 17,691,094 shares in the Offering, raising net proceeds (after sales commissions) of $197.0 million.

The Company intends to use the net proceeds from the Offering to reduce outstanding indebtedness, including the Companys outstanding 7.875% Senior Notes due 2021 (the Senior Notes), and for general corporate purposes. In connection therewith, the Company announced in the Release that it was calling for redemption $190.0 million aggregate principal amount of its approximately $368.0 million outstanding Senior Notes on the terms described in the Release (the Redemption).

The Release is attached as Exhibit 99.1 to this Report and is incorporated herein by reference.

Cautionary Note Regarding Forward-Looking Statements

The information contained in this Current Report on Form 8-K and the exhibits attached hereto contain forward-looking statements within the meaning of securities legislation in the United States and Canada, including, among others, Coeurs intended use of proceeds of the Offering and the Redemption.

Such forward-looking statements involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors which may cause Coeurs actual results, performance or achievements, including its use of proceeds, to be materially different from any future results, performance or achievements expressed or implied by the forward-looking statements. Such risks, uncertainties and other factors include the risks and hazards inherent in the mining business (including risks inherent in developing large-scale mining projects, environmental hazards, industrial accidents, weather or geologically related conditions), changes in the market prices of gold and silver and a sustained lower price environment, the uncertainties inherent in Coeurs production, exploratory and developmental activities, including risks relating to permitting and regulatory delays, ground conditions, grade variability, any future labor disputes or work stoppages (involving Coeur and its subsidiaries or third parties), the uncertainties inherent in the estimation of gold and silver reserves and mineralized material, changes that could result from Coeurs future acquisition of new mining properties or businesses, reliance on third parties to operate certain mines where Coeur owns silver production and reserves and the absence of control over mining operations in which Coeur or its subsidiaries hold royalty or streaming interests and risks related to these mining operations including results of mining and exploration activities, environmental, economic and political risks of the jurisdiction in which the mining operations are located, the loss of access to any third-party smelter to which Coeur markets silver and gold, the effects of environmental and other governmental regulations, the risks inherent in the ownership or operation of or investment in mining properties or businesses in foreign countries, Coeurs ability to raise additional financing necessary to conduct its business, make payments or refinance its debt, as well as other uncertainties and risk factors set out in filings made from time to time with the United States Securities and Exchange Commission, and the Canadian securities regulators, including, without limitation, Coeurs most recent reports on Form 10-K and Form 10-Q. Actual results, developments and timetables could vary significantly from the estimates presented. Readers are cautioned not to put undue reliance on forward-looking statements. Coeur disclaims any intent or obligation to update publicly such forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise. Additionally, Coeur undertakes no obligation to comment on analyses, expectations or statements made by third parties in respect of Coeur, its financial or operating results or its securities.

























































Item 9.01. Financial Statements and Exhibits.

(d) List of Exhibits





Exhibit No. Description Exhibit 99.1 Press Release dated November 17, 2016





















SIGNATURE

Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned hereunto duly authorized.

COEUR MINING, INC. Date: November 17, 2016 By: /s/ Peter C. Mitchell Name: Peter C. Mitchell Title: Senior Vice President and Chief Financial Officer





















NEWS RELEASE

Coeur Completes $200 Million At-the-Market Common Stock Offering and

Announces Partial Redemption of Its 7.875% Senior Notes Due 2021

Chicago, Illinois - November 17, 2016 - Coeur Mining, Inc. (Coeur or the Company) (NYSE: CDE) today announced that, as of November 16, 2016, it completed its previously announced at-the-market (ATM) common equity offering program. The Company issued 17,691,094 shares of common stock for gross proceeds of $200 million.

The Company plans to use the net proceeds from the ATM offering to redeem $190 million aggregate principal amount of its 7.875% Senior Notes due 2021 (the Notes) of which there was approximately $368 million aggregate principal amount outstanding as of November 15, 2016. The redemption date will be December 16, 2016. The make-whole premium redemption price will be calculated in accordance with the terms and conditions of the Notes. Interest on the Notes called for redemption will cease to accrue on and after the redemption date.

With the completion of our ATM equity offering and expected further reductions in our remaining debt levels, we plan to end the year with one of the stronger, more flexible balance sheets in the sector, said Mitchell J. Krebs, President and Chief Executive Officer. Following the completion of this partial redemption, our total debt will have declined by over 60% since the end of the third quarter 2015, translating to over $29 million in anticipated annual cash interest savings that will be invested in initiatives that will lead to high-quality future growth of our Company.

This news release shall not constitute an offer to sell or a solicitation of an offer to purchase common stock or any other securities, and shall not constitute an offer, solicitation, or sale in any state or jurisdiction in which such an offer, solicitation, or sale would be unlawful.

About Coeur

Coeur Mining is a well-diversified, growing precious metals producer with five precious metals mines in the Americas employing approximately 2,000 people. Coeur produces from its wholly owned operations: the Palmarejo silver-gold complex in Mexico, the Rochester silver-gold mine in Nevada, the Kensington gold mine in Alaska, the Wharf gold mine in South Dakota, and the San Bartolome silver mine in Bolivia. The Company also has a non-operating interest in the Endeavor mine in Australia as well as a royalty interest in Ecuador. In addition, the Company has two silver-gold exploration stage projects - the La Preciosa project in Mexico and the Joaquin project in Argentina. Coeur conducts ongoing exploration activities in Alaska, Nevada, South Dakota and Mexico.

Cautionary Statement

This news release contains forward-looking statements within the meaning of securities legislation in the United States and Canada, including statements regarding the anticipated use of proceeds of the ATM program, reductions in debt levels, balance sheet strength, interest savings, investments and growth. Such forward-looking statements involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors which may cause Coeur's actual results, performance or achievements to be materially different from any future results, performance or achievements expressed or implied by the forward-looking statements. Such factors include, among others, the risks and hazards inherent in the mining business (including risks inherent in developing large-scale mining projects, environmental hazards, industrial accidents, weather or geologically related conditions), changes in the market prices of gold and silver and a sustained lower price environment, the uncertainties inherent in Coeur's production, exploratory and developmental activities, including risks relating to permitting and regulatory delays, ground conditions, grade variability, any future labor disputes or work stoppages (including those involving third-parties), the uncertainties inherent in the estimation of gold and silver ore reserves, changes that could result from Coeur's future acquisition of new mining properties or businesses, reliance on third parties to operate certain mines where Coeur owns silver production and reserves and the absence of control over mining operations in which Coeur or its subsidiaries hold royalty or streaming interests and risks related to these mining operations including results of mining and exploration activities, environmental, economic and political risks of the jurisdiction in which the mining operations are located, the loss of any third-party smelter to which Coeur markets silver and gold, the effects of environmental and other governmental regulations, the risks inherent in the ownership or operation of or investment in mining properties or

















businesses in foreign countries, Coeur's ability to raise additional financing necessary to conduct its business, make payments or refinance its debt, as well as other uncertainties and risk factors set out in filings made from time to time with the United States Securities and Exchange Commission, and the Canadian securities regulators, including, without limitation, Coeur's most recent reports on Form 10-K and Form 10-Q. Actual results, developments and timetables could vary significantly from the estimates presented. Readers are cautioned not to put undue reliance on forward-looking statements. Coeur disclaims any intent or obligation to update publicly such forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise. Additionally, Coeur undertakes no obligation to comment on analyses, expectations or statements made by third parties in respect of Coeur, its financial or operating results or its securities.

For Additional Information:

Courtney Lynn, Vice President, Investor Relations and Treasurer

(312) 489-5837





www.coeur.com












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): November 17, 2016





LSI INDUSTRIES INC. (Exact name of Registrant as specified in its Charter)









Ohio 0-13375 31-0888951 (State or Other Jurisdiction of Incorporation) (Commission File Number) (IRS Employer Identification No.)





10000 Alliance Road, Cincinnati, Ohio 45242 (Address of Principal Executive Offices) (Zip Code)





Registrant's telephone number, including area code (513) 793-3200









(Former name or former address, if changed since last report.)





Check the appropriate box below if the Form 8-K filing is intended to simultaneously satisfy the filing obligation of the registrant under any of the following provisions ( see General Instruction A.2. below):  Written communications pursuant to Rule 425 under the Securities Act (17 CFR 230.425)  Soliciting material pursuant to Rule 14a-12 under the Exchange Act (17 CFR 240.14a-12)  Pre-commencement communications pursuant to Rule 14d-2(b) under the Exchange Act (17 CFR 240.14d-2(b))  Pre-commencement communications pursuant to Rule 13e-4(c) under the Exchange Act (17 CFR 240.13e-4(c))





Item 5.02  Departure of Directors or Certain Officers; Election of Directors; Appointment of Certain Officers; Compensatory Arrangements of Certain Officers





(e) At the Annual Meeting of Shareholders of LSI Industries Inc., which was held on November 17, 2016, the shareholders of the Company approved amendments to the LSI Industries Inc. Amended and Restated 2012 Stock Incentive Plan (the "2012 Plan") to increase the number of common shares available for issuance thereunder by 1,600,000, to set a ratio by which full value awards count against the share reserve and to authorize the issuance of deferred share based awards.









Item 5.07  Submission of Matters to a Vote of Security Holders.





The Annual Meeting of Shareholders of LSI Industries Inc. was held on November 17, 2016 at which the following matters were submitted to a vote of shareholders:





(a) Votes regarding the election of seven directors.





Name For Withheld Broker Non-Votes Robert P. Beech 18,574,969.97 1,877,608.79 3,608,595.00 Gary P. Kreider 16,557,881.28 3,894,697.48 3,608,595.00 John K. Morgan 20,104,897.97 347,680.79 3,608,595.00 Wilfred T. O'Gara 18,584,457.97 1,868,120.79 3,608,595.00 James P. Sferra 19,778,918.27 673,660.49 3,608,595.00 Robert A. Steele 20,103,379.92 349,198.85 3,608,595.00 Dennis W. Wells 19,837,868.49 614,710.27 3,608,595.00





(b) Votes regarding the ratification of the Audit Committee's appointment of Grant Thornton LLP as LSI's Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm for fiscal 2017.





For Against Abstain 23,887,229.70 80,905.14 93,038.92









(c) Votes regarding the approval of amendments to the 2012 Plan to increase the number of common shares available for issuance by 1,600,000, to set a ratio by which full value awards count against the share reserve and to authorize the issuance of deferred share based awards.





For Against Abstain Broker Non-Votes 17,842,329.72 2,582,024.77 28,224.28 3,608,595.00





(d) Advisory votes on the Company's executive compensation as described in the Company's Proxy Statement.





For Against Abstain Broker Non-Votes 19,697,692.87 691,441.12 63,444.78 3,608,595.00









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.
The National Assembly on Friday passed a unanimous resolution strongly condemning the Indian attack on LoC causing loss of lives of Pakistani soldiers.

The resolution moved by Minister for Kashmir Affairs and Gilgit-Baltistan Chaudhary Barjees Tahir expressed deep concern over the tragic incident of Indian unprovoked firing in which seven soldiers of Pakistan Army embraced martyrdom at the LoC in Bhimber sector by Indian troops on Sunday night.

The House took serious cognizance of the unprovoked and barbarian attack on the Pakistani border forces by the Indian army resulting in aggression and clashes.

Through resolution, the House recognized the sacrifices of Pakistan army and paid glowing tribute to the martyred soldiers for their valour.

Relations between Pakistan and India have been strained for several months, while cross-frontier shelling has intensified in recent weeks leading to deaths of civilians and soldiers stationed along the disputed frontier.

Tensions have been fraught since July when India Occupied Kashmir was rocked by street protests after the killing of famous freedom fighter Burhan Wani.

Islamabad launched an international campaign to highlight rights abuses by Indian security forces in Occupied Kashmir.
CARMEL, Ind., Nov. 18, 2016 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- KAR Auction Services, Inc. (NYSE:KAR) today announced its participation in the following investor conference which will also be available via live audio webcast:



Bank of America, Merrill Lynch 2016 Leveraged Finance Conference



Eric Loughmiller, Chief Financial Officer and Executive Vice President, and Mike Eliason, Treasurer and Vice President Investor Relations, will speak on Tuesday, November 29th at 2:10 pm EST

Webcast of the presentation will be made available under the investor relations section of the companys web site, www.karauctionservices.com.

About KAR Auction Services

KAR Auction Services, Inc. (NYSE:KAR), a FORTUNE 1000 company, operates worldwide vehicle auction services and provides related services. Based in Carmel, Indiana, the KAR group of companies is comprised of ADESA, Inc. (ADESA), Insurance Auto Auctions, Inc. (IAA), Automotive Finance Corporation (AFC), and additional business units, with nearly 18,000 employees and 300 locations. Together, KARs complementary businesses provide support, technology and logistics for the used vehicle industry. For more information, visit karauctionservices.com.
Lawyer Hamid Khan on Friday requested the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) Chairman Imran Khan to pardon him from representing PTI for litigation of Panama case in supreme court.

Hamid Khan submitted the application to the PTI chief saying media campaign against him made it impossible for him to continue representing PTI in the apex court. After media campaign it is not possible for me to continue representing PTI in the supreme court, read the application submitted by Hamid Khan.

Meanwhile, it was confirmed by a senior PTI leader that the decision has been taken to change the lawyer for Panama case. Decision regarding the change of lawyer has been taken but it will be announced on Monday or Tuesday, said a PTI leader, who wished not to be named.

Hamid Khan has been requested to humbly step down from the position, added the PTI leader.

Rumours have been circling on media since yesterday that PTI has decided to change its prosecutor for Panama case. However, PTI leadership had earlier rejected the rumour and termed it false.

A panel of senior lawyers including Hamid Khan and Naeem Bokhari were representing the PTI in the supreme court for litigation of Panama Papers case.

The apex court on Tuesday questioned the quality of the evidence presented by the PTI and deplored that their 680-page submission had almost nothing to do with the Sharif familys London properties.

We are at a loss to understand which lawyer is representing whom, the judge observed, comparing the PTIs tome of evidence to the never-ending tales from the Arabian Nights. We spent six hours simply looking for the relevant document, Justice Saeed deplored on Tuesday, asking Hamid Khan again  tongue-in-cheek  whose side he was on.

The cases latest hearing held on November 17 and it was adjourned to November 30.
Unfortunately, our website is currently unavailable in your country. We are engaged on the issue and committed to looking at options that support our full range of digital offerings to your market. We continue to identify technical compliance solutions that will provide all readers with our award-winning journalism.
 Median overall survival improved to 13.4 from 12.9 months after extended follow-up 

 64% of patients alive after one year compared to historical rates of 25-38% 

 Safety profile remains favorable; no dose-limiting toxicities to date 

SCOTTSDALE, Ariz., Nov. 18, 2016 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Cortice Biosciences announced today follow-up results from CB-017, a Phase 1/2 clinical trial evaluating TPI 287 plus bevacizumab (Avastin) in patients with recurrent glioblastoma (GBM) who have not received prior bevacizumab. These results will be presented this evening during a poster session at the 21st Annual Scientific Meeting of the Society of Neuro-Oncology.

TPI 287 is a novel microtubule stabilizing agent that readily penetrates the blood-brain barrier. Prior preclinical and clinical results support the potential of this agent for the treatment of aggressive brain cancers in patients with few therapeutic options.

Results from our TPI 287 development program continue to support meaningful drug activity in GBM, said George Farmer, Ph.D., Chief Executive Officer of Cortice. Compared to overall survival rates observed in other multi-center clinical trials enrolling similar GBM populations, outcomes of CB-017 are very encouraging. We look forward to continued development of TPI 287 for treatment of GBM and presenting final results from the Phase 1 portion of CB-017 at another medical meeting next year.

Results in detail

Twenty-four patients with recurrent GBM that had progressed beyond first line treatment and who had not received prior bevacizumab were enrolled in the dose-escalation portion of CB-017. In addition to TPI 287 (140 to 220 mg/m2 administered every three weeks in seven dose cohorts), all patients received standard-of-care bevacizumab (10 mg/kg every two weeks). Twenty and 23 patients were evaluable for overall response and overall survival, respectively.

Key efficacy metrics are as follows:

Overall response As previously reported, 12 patients achieved an objective response per RANO criteria, including 3 complete (CR) and 9 partial (PR) responses. This corresponds to a 60% overall response rate. Ten patients achieved stable disease (SD) and 1 patient had progressive disease at first assessment for response. This corresponds to a 96% disease control rate (CR + PR + SD).

Survival Final median progression free survival from this portion of the study is 5.5 months [95% C.I. 4.1, 8.2]. To date, median overall survival is 13.4 months [95% C.I. 10.9, 17.9] after the occurrence of 83% of possible events and a median follow-up of 24.7 months. Of 22 patients with sufficient follow-up, 14 (64%) were or have been alive for at least 1 year.



Safety data available from 22 patients enrolled in CB-017 supports the favorable tolerability profile of TPI 287. With the exception of Grade 3 myelosuppression (3 patients), all adverse events regarded as possibly related to TPI 287 have been mild to moderate. No dose limiting toxicities (DLTs) have been observed to date.

Based on observations from CB-017 so far, an optimal dose of TPI 287 has been selected for the expansion stage of the trial. Following guidance provided by FDA, results from this study will inform the design of a single Phase 3 registration trial for TPI 287 in GBM.

The improvement in median overall survival to 13.4 from 12.9 months appears to be driven by outcomes in patients treated at the higher doses of this study, said Dr. Samuel Goldlust, Medical Director of the Brain and Spine Institute of the John Theurer Cancer Center in Hackensack, NJ and Principal Investigator of CB-017. This positive survival trend and the excellent tolerability of TPI 287 observed in the study to date support continued investigation in recurrent glioblastoma, an indication in desperate need of new therapies.

About TPI 287

TPI 287 is a novel taxoid which binds to and stabilizes the assembly of microtubules similarly to commonly used taxanes, including paclitaxel (Taxol and Abraxane) and docetaxel (Taxotere). In oncology treatment settings, microtubule stabilization by these agents leads to mitotic arrest and cancer cell death. TPI 287 has advantages over these taxanes for the treatment of brain cancers due to its ability to penetrate the central nervous system, which is often shielded from systemic administration of other anti-cancer drugs. Microtubule stabilization by TPI 287 may also have potential for the treatment of neurologic disorders affected by tau protein pathology. These include tauopathies such as Alzheimers disease and orphan diseases, such as progressive supranuclear palsy, corticobasal degeneration, and frontotemporal dementia.

About Glioblastoma

Glioblastoma (GBM) is the most aggressive and common form of brain cancer. Five-year survival after diagnosis is about 5%. The Central Brain Tumor Registry estimates that about 24,790 primary malignant brain tumors cases will be diagnosed in the US in 2016, 46% of which will be GBM. Typical front-line treatments include stereotactic or whole brain radiotherapy plus temozolomide (Temodar). Patients with recurrent disease are candidates for treatment with Avastin, the last drug approved by FDA for this disease.

About Cortice Biosciences

Cortice Biosciences, Inc. is a clinical-stage drug development company developing novel therapies for oncologic and neurologic disease indications with urgent unmet medical need. More information can be found at www.corticebiosciences.com.

Safe Harbor Statement

This media release may contain forward-looking statements about Cortice Biosciences, which can be identified by the use of terminology such as "will," "would," "should," "expects," "anticipates," "intends," "plans," "believes," "may," "estimates," "predicts," "projects, or similar expressions intended to identify such statements. These statements reflect the current views of Cortice with respect to future events, are based on assumptions, and subject to risks and uncertainties.
IRVING, Texas, Nov. 18, 2016 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- According to a new market report published by Lucintel, the future of the medical device market looks good with opportunities in the general medical devices, cardiovascular, and surgical & infection control segments. The global medical device market is expected to reach an estimated $343 billion by 2021, and it is forecast to grow a CAGR of 4.6% from 2016 to 2021. The major drivers of growth for this market are the growth in healthcare expenditure, increasing health awareness, and ageing population.



Early purchasers will receive 10% customization on reports.

This report has 79 figures/charts and 30 tables spread through 135 pages. For more detail on this report please click link http://www.lucintel.com/medical_device_market_2016_2021.aspx

In this market, surgical & infection control, general medical devices, cardiovascular, home healthcare are the major applications. Lucintel forecasts that cardiovascular is expected to remain as the largest market supported by growth in multiple chronic cardiovascular diseases and increasing ageing population. On the basis of its comprehensive research, Lucintel predicts that the general medical device segment is likely to experience the highest growth during forecast period due to growth in hospitals and healthcare institutions.

North America is expected to remain the largest region due to the high number of ageing population with multiple chronic diseases and stringent government regulation related to healthcare.

Asia Pacific is expected to witness good growth over the forecast period because of increasing investment in healthcare infrastructures, increasing health insurance facilities, and changing lifestyle.

For business expansion, the report suggests innovation and new product development to enhance medical experience with low cost solution.

The emerging trends, which have a direct impact on the dynamics of the industry, include design and manufacturing of portable and smaller device and increasing usage of software as a differentiator in medical device. Johnson & Johnson, Roche Holding Ltd., 3M, Philips Healthcare, and Medtronic are among the major suppliers of medical device. Some companies are also pursuing mergers and acquisitions as strategic initiatives for driving growth.

Lucintel, a leading global strategic consulting and market research firm, has analyzed growth opportunities in the global medical device market by application and region has come up with a comprehensive research report, Growth Opportunities in the Global Medical Device Market 2016-2021: Trends, Forecast, and Opportunity Analysis The Lucintel report serves as a springboard for growth strategy, as it provides a comprehensive data and analysis on trends, key drivers, and directions.

Download free PDF report brochure here

http://www.lucintel.com/rb/medical_device_market_2016_2021.aspx

The study includes a forecast for the growth opportunities in the global medical device market by application and region as follows:

By Application [$ billion shipment analysis for 2010  2021]:

Surgical & Infection Control

General Medical Devices

Cardiovascular

Home Healthcare

Other devices

By Region [$ billion shipment analysis for 2010  2021]:

North America

Europe

Asia Pacific

Rest of the World

For detailed table of content click http://www.lucintel.com/toc/medical_device_market_2016_2021.aspx

This 135-page research report will enable you to make confident business decisions in this globally competitive marketplace. For a detailed table of contents, contact Lucintel at +1-972-636-5056 or click on this link http://www.lucintel.com/medical_device_market_2016_2021.aspx or helpdesk@lucintel.com

Browse related reports from here

http://www.lucintel.com/reports/medical_market_research.aspx

About Lucintel

Lucintel, the premier global management consulting and market research firm, creates winning strategies for growth. It offers market assessments, competitive analysis, opportunity analysis, growth consulting, M&A, and due diligence services to executives and key decision-makers in a variety of industries.

For further information, visit www.lucintel.com

Connect with us on LinkedIn here https://www.linkedin.com/company/lucintel?trk=top_nav_home

Visit Lucintel Blog Here: http://www.lucintel.com/blog/
Culinary Conversations

with Peter Blakeway

Food writer, caterer and private chef

As some of you know by now Ive started as a tutor of culinary arts at Toi-Ohomai Institute of Technology  yes I know, its still the Bay of Plenty Poly to most of you  which in some way explains why Ive been a bit remiss in my writing recently.

The reality is I had no idea just how challenging it would be to teach the next generation of chefs. After 25 years in the industry I should be pretty comfortable with most things in the culinary world, but facing a group of young chefs at the start of their careers certainly challenges that comfort. These young chefs are so much better informed than I ever was at the start of my cooking career. In those days it was the head chefs that ruled and we had limited access to information with which to challenge them, even if we had the courage to do so! Not so today, the thirst for knowledge is incredible.

I have to admit at first it was a bit daunting, then I realised out here on the Windermere campus we have the most astonishing team of industry professionals and head chefs to call on. We even have our own Belgium baker.

When you think Im teaching in the next door kitchen belonging to the ex-head chef of fish and Simon Gaults right-hand-man for many years, you can see this is an exceptional team. I started to try to total up the years of experience accumulated by the eight tutors of culinary arts but stopped when I realised the number was huge and it might make us feel old. Perhaps I should list accolades and awards?

As for the new name, Toi-Ohomai, it couldnt be more appropriate for this new tutor. It means to be awakened by learning or to aim high and achieve great heights. What a great sentiment, and not just for our students, but for the whole Bay of Plenty. To be awakened by learning should be the mantra that supports innovation, connectedness and motivates and inspires not just this institution but also the people of our slice of paradise.

Pannacotta with berry coulis

Serves 2

Ingredients

200ml cream

 vanilla pod

 lemon rind thinly pared

1 leaf gelatine

 Tbsp cold milk

25g icing sugar

20ml grappa or other clear spirit (optional)

Berry coulis:

75g fruit  for example, raspberries, strawberries, blackcurrants, blueberries

25g caster sugar

Method

Pour 450ml cream into a pan, add vanilla pod and lemon zest and reduce by one-third. Meanwhile, soak gelatine in milk for 15 minutes until soft. Remove zest from reduced cream and set aside. Remove vanilla pod and scrape the insides back into the cream. Remove gelatine, squeezing out excess milk and heat milk until boiling, then return the gelatine and stir until dissolved. Add to the hot cream and leave to cool.

Whip remaining cream with icing sugar and fold into cooled cooked cream, then add grappa. Place a piece of cooked lemon rind in each of 6 dariole moulds, pour in cream mixture and allow to set for two hours.

Clean and destalk fruit. Heat in a pan with the sugar and a splash of alcohol  for example, fruit liqueur. But remember this is optional  over a low heat for 30 minutes. Blitz in a food processor or blender and sieve. Chill until ready to serve.
As the response efforts in the south continue, two Bay of Plenty Civil Defence staff have packed their bags to lend a hand in Wellington.

This is in response to a request for assistance in the wake of Mondays 7.8 magnitude earthquake near Hanmer Springs.

Naomi Luckett and Paul Bourton left yesterday and will be helping with social media and logistics at the National Crisis Management Centre.

Its expected further staff may be deployed to assist the effort as the response continues.

Bay of Plenty emergency management director Clinton Naude says this is what we do and its great to be able to support this effort in any way we can.

People often dont realise how long support is required for after an event. Mondays earthquake was a big shock and the clean-up will continue for some time so its important staff who have been doing long days are relived.

The work is continuing here in the bay too. We have responded to more than 600 messages through Facebook, there has been a number of phone calls and we have seen an increase of internet traffic viewing our region wide Tsunami Evacuation Maps.

"We appreciate the thanks, queries and suggestions from the community as this helps us identify improvements.

Check out http://bit.ly/2fDh0cq to see the three different tsunami evacuation zones for Bay of Plenty or your local city or district councils website for more specific information for your area.

Meanwhile, several Givealittle pages have been set up to support those affected by the Kaikoura earthquake.

Red Cross NZ, the Westpac Rescue Helicopter, and Tapu Te Ranga Marae are three community groups looking to raise funds to help those in need of disaster relief.

New Zealand Red Cross teams are responding after the series of earthquakes over Sunday night.

So far, $4000 has been raised to help support their efforts in ensuring those left homeless have food and shelter.

Red Cross is providing support across all affected regions, working alongside Civil Defence and city councils. Clean water has been identified as an urgent need in many areas and Red Cross will offer water bladders and tap stands for distribution if needed.

The Westpac Rescue Helicopter team are also responding and need urgent support to help local communities who need medical assistance and rescue from rising flood waters.

Donations are desperately needed during this time as Westpac Rescues resources are being stretched thin. As well as providing support in the wake of the earthquake, it is still business as usual for Westpac Rescue, so the team is working around the clock to help those unaffected by the earthquakes who still need help.

The Tapu Te Ranga Marae in Wellington is providing shelter for those affected by the earthquake in the Wellington who are unable to return to their homes following the threat of a tsunami.

The Marae currently has an MOU in place with the Wellington City Council to become a disaster relief centre.

Tapu Te Ranga Marae has a long history of helping those in need but needs support to ensure it can provide this help with an increased demand.

There is also a general Kaikoura Community Fund people can donate to.
Pupils at ACG Tauranga will be taking a journey down the rabbit hole, having tea with the Mad Hatter and avoiding the wrath of the Red Queen today, as they bring to life the weird and wonderful world of Alice in Wonderland.

Adapted from the film script of Tim Burtons award-winning Hollywood feature, Year 3-6 pupils from the Bay of Plenty school will be performing their first-ever primary production.

Due to the quirky nature of the script, which has been edited to suit the schools purpose, production co-ordinator Dee Ellwood says students have both enjoyed and been challenged by the material.

They quickly learnt that its not just about performing on the day, but the preparation that counts  the whole process of creating a play. This is their first experience of the theatre and of dramatic performance, and while its certainly a tricky one to start with, theyve all picked it up incredibly well.

Dee, who has a professional background in speech and drama, has been involved in pulling the production together and co-ordinating the 26 students involved.

While there are no elaborate sets, there are fantastic costumes, thanks to Rebecca Goldstein, who has an extensive background in production and costume design, and has been creating guidelines for the parents to help pull together unique outfits for each character.

Dee says a lack of set pieces has been one of the most challenging aspects, with the students needing to rely heavily on their characterisation of the script.

With big sets its easy to let these do the talking, but for us weve looked at voice and movement as the main ways students will be portraying their character.

Its unique for a school production at this age level, but I believe its teaching our performers really valuable skills  not just for theatre, but all aspects of their lives.

Principal Shawn Hutchinson, who is an advocate for the arts in all forms, says hes looking forward to seeing the finished production and credits Rebecca and Dee for helping bring it all together.

Taking on a character, be they good or bad, can teach students huge values in empathy and understanding of others  seeing the world from a different point of view, even if it is in a fantasy land.

Dee and Rebecca have brought huge experience to the co-ordination of this production and I thank them for the time and effort they have put in to create this performance. Im sure our parents will be impressed with the results!
ATLANTA, Nov. 18, 2016 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- UPS (NYSE: UPS) will invest more than $175 million to expand its main Columbus, OH ground package hub on the Citys west side as part of a multi-year plan to modernize its global network operations and capacity.

When completed in the fall of 2018, sorting capacity will double to process more than 63,000 packages per hour. The 375,000 square-foot-addition and retrofit to the 5101 Trabue Road facility brings advanced technology and operations automation to respond to growing customer needs.

Columbus has grown as a UPS transit point for commercial and residential e-commerce packages moving across the country, said Derick Craft, president of the UPS Great Lakes District that includes mid-Ohio north through Michigan. We appreciate support by the city and state to be part of plans that optimize the UPS network. Our people will continue reliable service as we maintain daily pickup and delivery operations throughout construction.

At least 75 new jobs are planned to join nearly 1,800 workers at UPS package facilities in Hilliard and Obetz as well as the airport gateway operations. Earlier this spring, the Ohio Tax Credit Authority approved UPS participation in an incentive program for the project commitment.

Todays announcement is exciting news for Central Ohio, U.S. Congresswoman Joyce Beatty (OH-03) said. UPSs investment will create high- paying jobs, generate greater economic opportunity for the entire region and also improve and expand UPS delivery services. Its a win-win for everyone.

The latest UPS sorting, processing and data capture technology are part of systems that increase the buildings flexibility to efficiently route packages through a maze of belts and conveyors. Six-sided decode tunnels will replace traditional scanning to rapidly capture package information from address labels. High-speed UPS Smart Label applicators will place labels on packages to give personnel instructions for proper routing, loading on local delivery vehicle.

Additional nearby property brings the facility complex to more than 90 acres, including current liquefied natural gas fueling to power the growing UPS fleet of alternative fueled tractors for which Columbus was an early leader in 2013. Changes in the building footprint provide a larger trailer staging area and expanded employee parking.

UPS employs more than 13,500 people across Ohio in package delivery, ground freight, aircraft operations, air and ocean freight forwarding and contract logistics.

About UPS

UPS (NYSE: UPS) is a global leader in logistics, offering a broad range of solutions including transporting packages and freight; facilitating international trade, and deploying advanced technology to more efficiently manage the world of business. Headquartered in Atlanta, UPS serves more than 220 countries and territories worldwide. The company can be found on the web at ups.com and its corporate blog can be found at longitudes.ups.com. To get UPS news direct, visit pressroom.ups.com/RSS.
To practice five things under all circumstances constitutes perfect virtue; these five are gravity, generosity of soul, sincerity, earnestness, and kindness, says Confucius.

For the past three days, local people in their droves have displayed all five of these virtues by making donations of food, water and non-perishable items to the Cans for Canterbury collection.

The collection is an effort to help the people in and around Kaikoura affected by the 7.8 magnitude earthquake on Monday.

Its been organised by local man Beni Hafoka, who ran a similar collection under the same name following the 2011 Christchurch Earthquake.

Since Wednesday, Beni, his staff from Tarpaulin Bay of Plenty and a number of their friends have been parked up opposite the Links Ave Reserve on Maunganui Road receiving donations from generous locals.

Its snowballed and gotten larger and larger every day since it began. A lot of locals want to help out, were also getting a lot of businesses pitching in which has been fantastic, says Benis friend Steve The Maori Daniel, whos been helping out.

Were just blown away. When people come and drop items off you see both pride and humility in their eyes because theyve got a chance to help. What weve also noticed is its the people probably perceived as the poorest in our community who are giving the most, its amazing and humbling.

Along with their roadside effort, the crew also approached local schools asking students to donate a tin of food and a handwritten message of support, which Beni and his staff were out collecting today.

The crew will be down there until about 4pm today, and will be back on Maunganui Road on Saturday from 8am-12pm.

On Sunday theyll then spend the day packing and stacking a 40 foot refrigerated container which has been donated to the cause by the TR Group.

The items will then be sent to the Salvation Army in Christchurch who are the experts in this situation, theyll know whats needed and where it needs to get to.

What a lot of people dont realise is Beni shut down his business for the week just so he could run this collection with the help of his staff.

He doesnt want to make a big deal of it but I think Beni and his actions definitely deserve some recognition. The mans got a huge heart.

Steve says theyre happy to receive any and all donations, as long as its easily transportable and non-perishable, but also adds theyre good for toilet paper after a local company donated about two pallets worth.

Weve actually been given a whole bunch of fruit too which we cant send down, so weve been giving it to people who make donations. Its great to be able to give them a little reward for their kindness.

The Cans for Canterbury collection can be found on Maunganui Road opposite Links Avenue Reserve until 5pm today, and on Saturday from 8am-12pm.

Donations can also be dropped off at Tarpaulin Bay of Plenty, 9 Portside Drive, Mount Maunganui.
Hand grenades and marijuana were among items seized when the gang was arrested, as officials say over 70,000 euros was stolen during the 14 raids

Miguel Briones (c) and police chiefs explain the haul. :: F. SILVA

Police and government officials gave more details last weekend of the gang that was recently arrested for a string of violent bank cashpoint robberies across Malaga province over the last few months.

National Police and Guardia Civil arrested five suspects last week, two British and two Spanish citizens, four of whom have now been charged. According to police chiefs, one of the Britons held has a criminal record in the UK for handling weapons, explosives and activities similar to the recent spate of fourteen ATM attacks.

Last Saturday, the national governments official representative in Malaga province, Miguel Briones, showed the booty seized during the arrest of the attackers.

Almost 40,000 euros cash, of the supposed 70,000 euros taken by the thieves, has been recovered, along with bags of marijuana and two hand grenades ready to be used.

Police believe the money was used to buy drugs, and that new line of inquiry has already led them to marijuana plantations and cocaine laboratories.

The thieves used explosives or gas to blow up the ATMs at night.
In October the number of passengers increased by 20 per cent, double the national average, and there were two million more travellers than in the same period last year

The airport could end the year with over 16 million passengers. :: SUR

The statistics regarding activity at Malaga airport are the best way of gauging how tourism is evolving, and that in turn is a sign of the state of health of the provinces principal industry. The busy month of October, when the number of passengers increased by 19.6 per cent, showed that this infrastructure is growing in leaps and bounds: last month the airport was used by nearly 400,000 travellers more than in the same month last year, and that was already a record.

However, it is the demand for international flights that has resulted in the airport registering 15 million passengers in a year for the first time in its history this week. If this trend continues in November and December, when more than 1.6 million people are expected to travel, the airport could end the year with over 16 million passengers.

Figures supplied by the Aena airport authority show that in the first ten months of this year 14,795,029 people passed through Malaga airport, which was an increase of 15.1 per cent compared with the same period last year.

The figure is even more remarkable considering that it is an increase of nearly two million since October 2015. Looking back further, the volume of passengers so far this year shows an increase of 3.2 million since 2013. This is a huge leap and the strength of Malaga as a tourist destination for visitors from abroad has contributed to the positive figures.

The level of growth at Malaga airport has been double that of other airports in Spain. In October the figures were similar to the busiest months on the Costa del Sol: there were more passengers than in June and the numbers were similar to those in September.

Sources at Aena attribute this to international demand, because last month there was a 21 per cent increase in passengers and flights to and from abroad, compared with an increase of 9.5 per cent in flights between Spanish cities. Specifically, in October 1,711,802 passengers travelled on 12,095 flights. In percentage terms, Malaga airport handled 19.6 per cent more passengers and 18.1 per cent more operations. Of the passengers, 1.5 million travelled on international flights. Never before have there been 1.5 million passengers in the month of October.

At Aena, sources explain that the UK remains the principal destination from Malaga airport, with 584,100 passengers travelling to that country; this was about 20.8 per cent more than in October 2015. The second highest number of passengers were travelling to Spanish airports. Germany, with 167,625 passengers, and France with 108,189 maintained their position as the next most popular destinations in October.

This activity has been a key factor in the programming of 108,230 flights in the first ten months of this year, an increase of 12.7 per cent. The volume of passengers and number of operations have risen throughout the year, by double digits each month.

By handling 15 million passengers, the airport is half way to maximum capacity, which with the construction of Terminal 3 rose to 30 million passengers a year and 600 flights a day. Two Saturdays last month were the busiest of all at the airport: on 1 October there were 68,752 passengers, and on Saturday 22nd the number of operations reached a peak, with 467 landings and departures.
The case against Fabian Picardo has been filed with a court in Madrid by activists of the right wing political party Vox

The chief minister describes the accusations as frivolous. :: SUR

Fabian Picardo, Gibraltars chief minister, says he will not be losing a minutes sleep over the fact that members of the right-wing Vox political party have lodged a case against him with the Audiencia Nacional in Madrid, accusing him of instigating torture.

In a statement issued on Wednesday, Picardo described the accusations as frivolous and vexatious and a clear abuse of process. In addition, he said, the proceedings are a slur on the excellent reputation and work of Her Majestys Royal Gibraltar Police, Her Majestys Prison Service and the Gibraltar Magistrates Court and legal system, all of which I have complete confidence in.

The events behind the case date back to June, when the leader of Vox, Juan Ignacio Minguez, was arrested and remanded in custody after placing a large Spanish flag on the Rock of Gibraltar. Lawyer Pedro Fernandez was also detained for taking photos during the court hearing two days later.

Vox claims that both men were unlawfully detained and subjected to torture and crimes against moral integrity by the police and legal officers on the instructions of Picardo. Judge Ismael Moreno will now try to ascertain the veracity of the allegations and will carry out his own investigations before deciding whether to take any further action.
A Danish television company is to air a programme on Monday that looks at Brits' lives in Spain since the referendum

Still of Adrienne Bell-Chambers taken from the documentary. :: SUR

At 9.55pm on Monday 21 November, Danish current affairs programme, Horisont (Horizon in English), will be airing a 25-minute programme on the effect of Brexit on Brits living in Spain.

The programme, which was produced by Denmarks equivalent to the BBC, DR  or Danish Broadcasting Cooperation-, will show footage of Brits living in Calahonda, in Mijas, as well as Valencia.

It follows the lives of British pensioner, Adrienne Chambers, who lives in Calahonda and who is reliant on the Spanish health care system for her insulin as she is diabetic, as well as British pub owner, Dave York, who feels that Brexit is already taking its toll through higher prices on imported goods from the UK as well as a slump in customer numbers due to the weak pound.

Producers of the programme also spoke to Ann Hernandez of the Brexpats in Spain group based in the area, as well as representatives from Mijas town hall about their views on how Brexit is already affecting the town.

We spoke to Bremainers and Brexiteers, says Camilla Markvardsen, a journalist with DR and producer of the Brexit programme. We wanted to get a balanced view and of course there are Brits living in Spain who are very concerned about what Brexit means and those that are not at all worried.

Although Camilla says that the programme was made simply as an informative documentary about British people abroad in the light of the EU referendum, she admits that it will be, very interesting to a lot of Danes as there is a similar attitude towards the EU in Denmark.

Countries in northern and eastern Europe have a weaker connection with the EU than say countries like Spain and Italy in the south, says the journalist.

As a nation leaving the EU is unprecedented, Camilla says, and there are a lot of people, not only in Denmark, but across the EU, who are watching the negotiations very closely to see what sort of deal the UK can negotiate for its citizens. Depending on the outcome of the process, she says, Denmarks relationship with Brussels may or may not be affected.

Of course, Denmark is not the only country that EU bodies are cautious about; with the rise of anti-EU, anti-austerity and anti-immigration factions across the whole continent, as well as the impending French and German general elections and the recent election of Donald Trump to the White House, pro-European federalists who believe in the European project are nervous.

Denmark, though, like the UK, has had a more distant relationship with the European Union; it is not part of the Eurozone and has negotiated a series of opt-outs to EU laws like the UK, including on immigration.

In December 2015, Danes were asked to vote in a referendum on the laws that it has opted out of in the past. Although the ballot paper came under heavy criticism from Danish citizens due to its wordy and confusing questions, 53 per cent of the public voted against adopting some of the rules that the country had previously negotiated, leaving a status quo in its relationship with Brussels.

The referendum, which came shortly after the Paris attacks and at a time when the refugee crisis was on the front page of every European newspaper, was closely watched by the British government. David Cameron was on the verge of announcing the date for the UKs in/out vote and the words of Sren Gade, a member of Denmarks Liberal party, ring true of the UKs Conservative party since the 23 June result, We will work very hard for the Danes to get the best possible agreement. But it will be difficult.

Mondays documentary will be aired on Danish television and available to view online for one month (www.dr.dk/horisont). Although the documentary is in Danish, footage of Brits speaking will be in English with Danish subtitles.

With a large Danish community on the Costa del Sol it will be interesting to see what they make of the documentary, the concerns of Brits living in Spain and their own views on their countrys relation.
Finnish English

CapMan Plc Stock Exchange Release 18 November 2016 at 5:10 p.m. EET

Norvestia Oyj's Board of Directors supports CapMan Plc's exchange offer for Norvestia's shares

This stock exchange release may not be published or distributed, in whole or in part, directly or indirectly, in or into or to any person located or a resident of the United States of America, Australia, Canada, Hong Kong, Japan, New Zealand, South Africa, or any other country where such publication or distribution would violate applicable regulation or would require additional measures in addition to the requirements under Finnish law.

CapMan Plc ("CapMan" or the "Company") has received the statement from Norvestia Oyj's ("Norvestia") Board of Directors regarding CapMan's voluntary public exchange offer relating to Norvestia's shares and securities entitling to shares (the "Exchange Offer").

Norvestia's Board of Directors have in a statement published on 18 November 2016 announced that under the prevailing circumstances, Norvestia's Board of Directors deems that the terms and conditions of the Exchange Offer are an economically fair and recommendable alternative to Norvestia's shareholders in comparison to continuing the business operations as an independent company or in comparison to the other possible alternatives assessed by the Board of Directors.

Norvestia's Board of Directors deems that the Exchange Offer and the amount of the Offer Consideration offered for the Norvestia share are under the prevailing circumstances fair to Norvestia's shareholders taking into account the viewpoints presented in more detail in the statement of the Board of Directors of Norvestia. The Board of Directors of Norvestia recommends that the shareholders of Norvestia accept CapMan's Exchange Offer.

Norvestia's Board of Directors have formed a composition to evaluate and process the Exchange Offer consisting of Hannu Syrjanen, Georg Ehrnrooth and Arja Talma, who are Norvestia's Board of Directors independent of CapMan.

The statement of Norvestia's Board of Directors and the Fairness Opinion statement by Nordea Corporate & Investment Banking are presented as an appendix to this stock exchange release.

CAPMAN PLC

BOARD OF DIRECTORS

For additional information, please contact:

Heikki Westerlund, CEO, CapMan Plc, tel. +358 50 559 6580

Distribution:

Nasdaq Helsinki

Principal media

www.capman.com

Appendix: Statement of Norvestia Oyj's Board of Directors on CapMan Plc's voluntary public exchange offer relating to Norvestia Oyj's shares

CapMan

www.capman.com



www.capman.com/exchange-offer



CapMan is a leading Nordic investment and asset management company. For more than 25 years, we have been developing companies and real estate and supporting their sustainable growth. We are committed to understanding the needs of our customers in an ever-changing market environment. Our objective is to provide attractive returns and innovative solutions for our investors and value adding services for professional investment partnerships, growth-oriented companies and tenants. Our independent investment partnerships - Buyout, Real Estate, Russia and Nest Capital - as well as our associated company Norvestia are responsible for investment activities and value creation. CapMan's service business offering includes fundraising advisory services, purchasing activities and fund management services to both internal and external customers. CapMan has 100 professionals and assets under management of 2.8 billion.

Important Notice

This release may not be released or otherwise distributed, in whole or in part, in or into or to any person located or a resident of the United States of America, Australia, Canada, Hong Kong, Japan, New Zealand or South Africa or any other jurisdiction where prohibited by applicable laws or rules. This release is not a share exchange offer document or a prospectus and as such does not constitute an offer or invitation to make a sales offer. Investors shall accept the exchange offer for the shares only on the basis of the information provided in an exchange offer document and prospectus in respect of the exchange offer. Offers will not be made directly or indirectly in any jurisdiction where either an offer or participation therein is prohibited by applicable law or where any exchange offer document or registration or other requirements would apply in addition to those undertaken in Finland.

The exchange offer document and prospectus in respect of the exchange offer as well as related acceptance forms will not and may not be distributed, forwarded, or transmitted into, in, or from any jurisdiction where prohibited by applicable law. In particular, the exchange offer is not being made, directly or indirectly, in or into, Australia, Canada, Hong Kong, Japan, New Zealand, South Africa, or the United States of America. The exchange offer cannot be accepted from within Australia, Canada, Hong Kong, Japan, New Zealand, South Africa, or the United States of America.

CapMan's shares have not been and will not be registered under the U.S. Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the "Securities Act"), or under any of the relevant securities laws of any state or other jurisdiction of the United States of America. CapMan's shares may not be offered or sold in the United States, except pursuant to an exemption from the Securities Act or in a transaction not subject to the registration requirements of the Securities Act.

Certain statements herein which are not historical facts, including, without limitation, those regarding expectations for general economic development and the market situation, expectations for the combined company's development and profitability and the realization of synergy benefits and cost savings, and statements preceded by "expects", "estimates", "forecasts" or similar expressions, are forward-looking statements. These statements are based on current decisions and plans and currently known factors. They involve risks and uncertainties which may cause the actual results to materially differ from the results currently expected for the combined company. Such factors include, but are not limited to, general economic conditions, including fluctuations in exchange rates and interest levels which influence the operating environment and profitability of customers and thereby the orders received by the combined company and their margin; the competitive situation; the combined company's own operating conditions, such as the success of production and product development and their continuous development and improvement; and the success of future acquisitions.

Attachments:

http://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/5aefc66b-4e55-4550-ba65-91b9e4a33776
CLEVELAND, Nov. 18, 2016 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Blue Point Capital Partners and its Blue Point III platform investment, Hilco Vision, announced today the acquisition of Jonathan Paul Eyewear. The acquisition of Jonathan Paul Eyewear further expands Hilcos product breadth, as it is the pioneer designer of sunglasses designed to fit over prescription eyewear and distributor of the leading brand in that category  Jonathan Paul Fitovers.



In partnership with Blue Point, Hilco Vision continues to identify complementary products to add to its product mix and strengthens its geographic presence, said John LeMay, a Partner with Blue Point. The acquisition of Jonathan Paul Eyewear follows three acquisitions completed in Europe in the last 18 months, and builds on Hilcos momentum to deliver on its promise to be a global partner to its customers worldwide.

Jonathan Paul Fitovers, currently headquartered in Austin, TX, originated in Australia over twenty years ago. The brand quickly developed a reputation as the market innovator and leader in this unique eyewear category. As a result, the Company began distribution internationally and continues to experience strong global demand.

"We are extremely excited about the acquisition of such an innovative brand, recognized for its originality, functionality and design, said Ross Brownlee, Chief Executive Officer of Hilco. I am confident that together with designer Paul Stables, we will reach our full potential as a true global partner."

Paul Stables, Founder of Jonathan Paul Eyewear, added, "I am delighted to be part of Hilco Vision as we continue to build this dynamic brands distribution on a global scale. The Fitovers brand is growing fast, and we are well-positioned to lead that growth by leveraging Hilco's extensive distribution channels and consistently high quality standards.

Hilco Vision (www.hilco.com) is a leading designer, manufacturer and distributor of eyewear and eye care accessories, supplies and equipment. Headquartered in Plainville, MA, with additional operations in Canada, China, Europe and Australia, Hilco supplies over 30,000 products in a broad range of categories to more than 25,000 domestic and international customers. The Companys five primary product categories include: professional tools, vision protection, consumer accessories, lens and eye care.

Jonathan Paul Fitovers (www.fitovers.com) is headquartered in Austin, TX, with distribution in Australia, New Zealand, United States, Hong Kong and China. Jonathan Paul offers revolutionary fashionable and functional sunglasses designed to fit over prescription eyewear. The Company utilizes state-of-the-art frame and lens technologies to provide modern prescription frame wearers with a fit-over sunglass that fits their frames and lifestyles.

Blue Point Capital Partners (www.bluepointcapital.com) is a private equity firm managing over $800 million in committed capital. With offices in Cleveland, Charlotte, Seattle and Shanghai, Blue Points geographical footprint allows it to establish relationships with local and regional entrepreneurs and advisors, while providing the resources of an international firm. The Blue Point group has a 26-year track record of partnering with companies in the lower middle market to facilitate growth and transformative change. It is one of only a few middle market private equity firms with a presence in both the United States and China, which provides a distinct advantage for its portfolio companies. Blue Point typically invests in manufacturing, distribution and service businesses generating between $20 million and $200 million in revenue.




Syracuse, NY -- A jury this morning found a Syracuse man guilty of stabbing a fellow homeless shelter resident to death in a fight over a woman, a prosecutor said.

Daniel Jones, 31, was found guilty of manslaughter in the May 14, 2015 death of Gary Paris Jr. at the Catholic Charities men's shelter, 1074 S. Clinton St.

The men were fighting in a bathroom when Jones stabbed Paris to death, Senior Assistant District Attorney Melinda McGunnigle said.

Jones faces up to 25 years in prison when sentenced Dec. 12.

Numerous witnesses saw the fight and identified Jones, McGunnigle said. But only one actually saw the knife used in the stabbing.

Jones' mugshot at the Richmond County Jail in North Carolina.

Jones and Paris were acquaintances from their time at the shelter, which is considered a refuge of last resort for Syracuse's homeless men.

Jones fled to North Carolina before being apprehended in November 2015. His case was delayed in part by a switch of lawyers after Jones accused his original lawyer of lying to him.

--
Syracuse, N.Y. -- Giant puppets will bring the story of "Amahl and The Night Visitors" to life this holiday season in Syracuse.

The Christmas opera is about a shepherd boy and his mother who are visited by three kings carrying gifts for the new-born baby Jesus.

The family-friendly story is told from the shepherd boy's perspective.

The production will be at the First English Lutheran Church, 501 James St., Syracuse.

Showtimes:

Dec. 2, Dec. 3, Dec. 9 and Dec. 10: 7:30 p.m.

Dec. 4 and Dec. 11: 4 p.m.

Advance tickets re $18 for adults, $13 for youth. At the door, adult tickets are $20, youth tickets $15. Children under 2 are free.

For more information, visit the theater's website.

Marnie Eisenstadt writes about people, life and culture in Central New York. Contact her anytime: email | twitter | Facebook | 315-470-2246


MALVERN, Pa., Nov. 18, 2016 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Liberty Property Trust will host a conference call to discuss 2017 expectations on Tuesday, December 13, 2016, at 10:00 A.M., ET. The conference call can be accessed by dialing (855) 277-7530 and entering the passcode 22533902. The conference call will also be available live at www.libertyproperty.com in the Investor Relations section of the site. If you are unable to join the conference call, you may access the archived webcast in the Investor Relations section of the website. In addition, a recording will be available telephonically until January 13, 2017 by dialing (855) 859-2056 and using the passcode 22533902.

About the Company

Liberty Property Trust (NYSE:LPT) is a leader in commercial real estate, serving customers in the United States and United Kingdom through the development, acquisition, ownership and management of superior office and industrial properties. Liberty's 96 million square foot portfolio includes 566 properties providing office, distribution and light manufacturing facilities to 1,200 tenants.
Group of Diverse Multiethnic People Teamwork

In a compassionate community, people reach out and help a neighbor and are respectful, kind and considerate of one another.

(Rawpixel)

To the Editor:

On Nov. 17, through the unanimous support of Syracuse and Onondaga County legislative and executive branches, Central New York was declared a Compassionate Community at a press conference held at the Ska*nonh Great Law of Peace Center in Liverpool. Speakers included Tadodaho Sid Hill of the Onondaga Nation; Van Robinson, president of the Syracuse Common Council; Linda Ervin, floor leader of the Onondaga County Legislature; James Wiggins, Ph.D., and William Pollard, Ph.D. All endorsed the vital importance of compassion and understanding for the future of our community.

So what is a "compassionate community"? A compassionate community is one where the needs of all the inhabitants are recognized and met, the well-being of the entire community is a priority, and all people and living things are treated with respect, according to Karen Armstrong, the force behind the international Charter for Compassion. Established in 2009, the Charter has grown into an international movement in more than 300 cities around the world, including at least 60 cities here in the United States. Central New York appears to be the first community in New York state to declare itself a compassionate community.

Together with our civic leaders, we call on all members of our community to work together to develop and apply compassionate solutions to the issues in our community. Reach out and help a neighbor; be respectful, kind and considerate of one another; acknowledge each other as fellow human beings sharing and caring for the place we live and working together to meet the needs of our community, families, friends, and neighbors for the good of all.

James Wiggins, Ph.D., Co-chair

William Pollard, Ph.D., Co-chair

Mark Cass

Daryl Files

Craig French

Andrea Latchem

Gay Montague

Betsy Wiggins

Peter Willner

The Compassionate CNY Team


Blog_Dennis DePerro.JPG

Dennis DePerro, a dean at Le Moyne College, has been named president of St. Bonaventure University.

(Provided photo)

Dennis DePerro, dean of the Purcell School of Professional Studies at Le Moyne College in Syracuse, has been named the 21st president of St. Bonaventure University. He will take office June 1, 2017.

St. Bonaventure trustees unanimously selected DePerro on, Nov. 13, after an eight-month search.

Interim President Dr. Andrew Roth, who took over on Aug. 1 when Sister Margaret Carney, O.S.F., retired, will work closely with DePerro on a transition plan next spring and summer, officials said.

"Dennis is a great fit for St. Bonaventure University," said Robert Daugherty, chair of St. Bonaventure's board of trustees. "His innovative enrollment efforts, allied health program development, and commitment to the liberal arts in a Catholic setting make him an ideal president.

"What was gratifying is that, even though we had a couple of very strong finalists, the Board's decision was unanimous," he said. "That's how much confidence we have in Dr. DePerro."

He will be introduced to the St. Bonaventure college community at 10 a.m. Monday.

DePerro, 57, was vice president for enrollment management at Le Moyne for 18 years before becoming the inaugural dean of the School of Graduate and Professional Studies in 2013. He helped secure a $6.5 million gift last year for the school, renamed the Kathy and John Purcell School of Professional Studies, which specializes in allied health and education offerings.

St. Bonaventure established a School of Allied Health this fall.

DePerro has spent his entire 35-year career in college administration; both at Canisius College and Marietta College in Ohio before going to Le Moyne in 1995.

A Buffalo native, DePerro was one of Le Moyne's first two participants in the inaugural Ignatian Colleagues Program, a national program developed to strengthen lay leadership through formation and focus on Jesuit mission and vision.
BURBANK, Calif., Nov. 18, 2016 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Imaging3 Inc. (OTCQB:IGNG) announced today that on October 25, 2016 John Vuksich filed a Petition for the Rehearing of an Order Denying a Petition for a Writ of Certiorari in connection with the United States Supreme Courts denial of Vuksichs previous Petition for a Writ of Certiorari.



In May of 2012, John M. Vuksich, a shareholder of the Company who alleged that he held shares or proxies totaling more than 30,000,000 common shares in the Company (approximately 5.95% of the then outstanding stock in the Company prior to the Companys bankruptcy filing), filed a shareholder derivative action in the Los Angeles County Superior Court against the Company (the Vuksich Litigation). In that litigation, Vuksich challenged certain corporate actions taken by the Company beginning in 2010, including the Companys amendments to its articles of incorporation authorizing the Company to increase its authorized number of shares of common stock and to authorize the issuance of preferred stock. Among other things, Vuksich sought an order voiding certain Company financing agreements and sought an order compelling the Company to fill vacancies on its Board of Directors. The Vuksich Litigation, which also sought to alter the equity structure and management of the Company, required the Company to expend its limited resources in terms of both management time and funds for attorneys fees. The Company believed that the Vuksich Litigation could and would be defeated and vigorously opposed the Vuksich Litigation at significant expense.

Ultimately, the Vuksich Litigation evolved into the following appeals from United States District Court rulings which were heard by the Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals on December 9, 2015:

Order Denying Motion to Dismiss Chapter 11 Case, Case No.: 13-56695 (9 th Cir.), appeal filed September 30, 2013, appealing the District Courts dismissal of the initial appeal of the order.

Cir.), appeal filed September 30, 2013, appealing the District Courts dismissal of the initial appeal of the order. Order Disallowing Claims Nos. 23 and 24, Case No.: 14-55499 (9 th Cir.), appeal filed March 31, 2014, appealing the District Courts order affirming the order of the Bankruptcy Court.

Cir.), appeal filed March 31, 2014, appealing the District Courts order affirming the order of the Bankruptcy Court. Order Denying Motion for Abandonment of Potential Claims Against Officers and Directors, Case No.: 14-55521 (9 th Cir.), appeal filed April 2, 2014, appealing the District Courts order affirming the order of the Bankruptcy Court.

Cir.), appeal filed April 2, 2014, appealing the District Courts order affirming the order of the Bankruptcy Court. Order Confirming Debtors First Amended Plan, Case No.: 14-55466 (9th Cir.), appeal filed March 24, 2014, appealing the District Courts order affirming in part and reversing in part the order of the Bankruptcy Court.

The court ruled in favor of the Company on all four appellate issues.

On December 18, 2015, the United States Court of Appeals for the Ninth Circuit affirmed the rulings of the United States Bankruptcy Court and the United States District Court related to the four above appeals that Vuksich had filed, asserting:

That the Bankruptcy Court and the District Court should not have confirmed Imaging3s Chapter 11 plan of reorganization;

That the claim that Vuksich filed in the Imaging3 bankruptcy case was improperly disallowed by the Bankruptcy Court and the District Court;

That the Bankruptcy Court and the District Court should have abandoned the Vuksich litigation;

That the Bankruptcy Court and the District Court should have dismissed the Imaging3 Chapter 11 bankruptcy case because the court had no jurisdiction over the case.



On February 2, 2016, the Ninth District Judges Tashima, Callahan, and Hurwitz voted to deny Vuksichs petition for panel rehearing. Judges Callahan and Hurwitz voted to deny the petition for rehearing en banc, and Judge Tashima concurred. The full court has been advised of the petition, and no judge of the court has requested a vote on the petition for rehearing en banc. Fed. R. App. P. 35. The petitions for rehearing and rehearing en banc were thusly denied.

In April 2016, John M. Vuksich appealed to the Supreme Court of the United States for a writ of certiorari on the Ninth Circuit rulings dismissing his appeals. On October 3, 2016, the Supreme Court denied Vuksichs application for a writ of certiorari, thereby terminating the Vuksich Litigation.

On October 25, 2016, Vuksich filed a Petition for the Rehearing of an Order Denying a Petition for a Writ of Certiorari. The Company believes the Petition is without merit and will be denied.

About Imaging3

Imaging3, Inc., founded in 1993, has developed a patented medical imaging technology, called SafeScan, that will produce 3D medical diagnostic images in real time. Imaging3s SafeScan technology will allow healthcare professionals to perform diagnostic and therapeutic procedures more quickly and accurately, with fewer safety risks for the patient. In addition, Imaging3s technology exposes patients to significantly less harmful radiation than current imaging technologies such as CT scans, which the company believes will allow scans to be used in more pediatric applications than are currently prescribed. The technology also allows for greater portability, easier installation, and a significantly reduced cost burden for the healthcare system overall. Imaging3 is planning to submit a 510K application to the FDA during 2017 in order to gain approval to commercialize the SafeScan technology.

Visit the companys website at http://www.imaging3.com for detailed information about the Companys technology.

Safe Harbor Statement

Imaging3 cautions you that any statement included in this press release that is not a description of historical facts is a forward-looking statement. Many of these forward-looking statements contain the words "anticipate," "believe," "estimate," "may" "intend," "expect" and similar expressions. Actual results, performance or achievements could differ materially from those contemplated, expressed or implied by the forward-looking statements contained herein. These forward-looking statements are based largely on the expectations of the company and are subject to a number of risks and uncertainties inherent in the Imaging3s business, including, without limitation: the company may not ever obtain FDA approval for any of its devices; the company may not be able to secure the funds necessary to support its product development plans; and the company may not ever achieve the market success to sustain a profitable business. In addition, there are risks and uncertainties related to economic recession or terrorist actions, competition from much larger imaging companies, technological obsolescence, unexpected costs and delays, potential product liability claims, and many other factors. More detailed information about Imaging3 and the risk factors that may affect the realization of forward-looking statements is set forth in the companys filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission, including the companys Annual Report on Form 10-K and its Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q. Such documents may be read free of charge on the SECs website at www.sec.gov. You are cautioned not to place undue reliance on these forward-looking statements, which speak only as of the date hereof. All forward-looking statements are qualified in their entirety by this cautionary statement, and Imaging3 undertakes no obligation to revise or update this press release to reflect events or circumstances after the date hereof. This caution is made under the safe harbor provisions of Section 21E of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995.
Far East refinery demand to boost long haul trades

Global refinery capacity is projected to reach 96.6 mill barrels per day by the end of 2016.

Some 64% of capacity additions stem from the East of the Suez markets. The Far East, Indian Sub-Continent and Southeast Asia regions lack the amount of crude oil production needed to meet refinery demand, leading them to source marine transported barrels from foreign countries. The rearrangement of this sourcing dictates tanker trade routes and impacts tonne/mile demand in the East of the Suez markets. McQuiiling Services has analysed bilateral country trade flow data through July in order to more accurately understand the development of DPP tanker demand from 2014. The Far East region accounts for 46% of DPP tanker demand, as only 36% of the 18.4 mill barrels per day of refinery demand expected this year will be met through regional crude production. With Chinas crude production already averaging 248,000 barrels per day lower than last year and the expectation of further declines, the Far East region has relied heavily on increased imports to feed growing demand. According to demand data through July, flows into the region have averaged 2.4 mill barrels per day higher than last years average, contributing to increased demand for tankers. The Middle East, which represents 64% of Far East imports, is on track to increase flows by 26.6 mill tonnes, while West Africa flows are showing a 14.7% rise year-on-year. While higher volumes on these routes benefit tankers, increased long haul trading from the Western Hemisphere, specifically East Coast South America and the Caribbean, has been a major support for tanker demand. Although Venezuelan crude production has deteriorated this year, exports remain relatively stable, as the country opts to lower refinery runs and reduce oil swap programmes with neighbouring countries. McQuillings data showed that China will import 23 mill tonnes of Venezuelan crude oil this year, up from 20 mill tonnes in 2015. The high frequency of these longer haul global trades has contributed to the 5.6% increase in average tonne/mile demand into the Far East through July of this year when compared to last years average. This year, the Indian Sub-Continent experienced higher crude demand with import volumes on track for a 4% year-on-year increase; however, displacement of traditional crude sources has led to negative tonne/mile demand growth, which is projected to decline 4.8% year-on-year. West African exports to the Indian Sub-Continent are expected to decline 18.3% year-on-year, as Nigeria has struggled to maintain volumes, due to continued militant attacks on oil infrastructure. Meanwhile, Caribbean volumes are forecast to decline 2% relative to last year amid lower flows from Colombia and Mexico. Colombian exports have declined this year, due to a 170,000 barrels per day decrease in production, increased domestic demand from the restart of the 150,000 barrels per day Cartagena refinery and an increase in flows to the US. These long haul routes have grown tonne/mile demand in recent years; however, competition from increased Middle Eastern (Iran and Iraq) production has displaced some of these more traditional flows. With the lifting of nuclear sanctions, Iran has ramped up production by 250,000 barrels per day since the beginning of this year and is on track to export 14.6 mill tonnes to the Indian Sub-Continent. Similarly, Iraq has averaged 4.5 mill barrels per day of output through July, which is over 1 mill barrels per day higher than the 2015 average. This has resulted in a 5% increase in market share for Middle East suppliers, who now claim 62% of the Indian Sub-Continents market. For Southeast Asia, crude and dirty product imports into the region are expected to increase just marginally before the end of the year with tonne/mile demand already averaging over 7.7 bill tonne/miles lower than last year. The decline in tanker demand stems from both decreased crude imports and sourcing of more proximate supply. Through July, imports into the region have averaged 647,000 tonnes lower than the same period in 2015 with a majority of fall off stemming from more distant origins, such as Northern Europe, West Africa and the Caribbean. Last year, Southeast Asia imported 12.2 mill tonnes of dirty product oil from the Caribbean; however, flows are on track to decline to 9.5 mill tons for 2016, due to reasons mentioned above, McQuilling said. Dirty product imports from Northern Europe are expected to decline by 9.8 mill tonnes, as fuel oil exports from the Netherlands into the region are on track to decline by 34% year-on-year. These lower flows are projected to be offset by shorter haul trading from the Middle East, as well within the Southeast Asia region. Dirty product flows from regional producers are expected to rise by 6 mill tonnes, while imports from the Middle East are on track to jump by over 7.5 mill tonnes. Looking forward, East of the Suez markets will, in general continue to be supported by increasing Middle Eastern crude supply. However, regarding Far East demand, McQuilling noted refineries sourcing barrels from the Caribbean, East Coast South America and West Africa markets, effectively increasing tonne/miles into the region. Indian Sub-Continent demand will probably be fuelled by significant flows from the Middle East, as well as Southeast Asia, specifically Indonesia and Malaysia. The Southeast Asia market is projected to be mostly supported by intra-regional trades, as well as Middle Eastern barrels, while lower volumes are expected from Europe and the Caribbean. Due to the higher frequency of shorter haul trading in both the Indian Sub-Continent and Southeast Asia markets, tanker demand into these regions will remain below 2015 levels. As tonne/mile tanker demand is not only a function of tonnage transported but also distance travelled, demand declines from more proximate sourcing of feedstock in the Indian Sub-Continent and Southeast Asia will be offset by overwhelming gains witnessed through increased longer haul volumes into the Far East, McQuilling concluded.




Green Award signs up MarineTraffic & Danaos

AIS vessel tracking service, MarineTraffic, has joined the Green Award scheme.

An increasing number of ship operators are using intelligence derived from AIS data to analyse, measure and drive a range of efficiencies across their fleets. On average, MarineTraffic receives position transmissions from 140,000 individual vessels per day. MarineTraffic will provide three key incentives to certified shipowning companies:  10% discount for any online subscription plan, including Enhanced Satellite Tracking for fleets (combining Inmarsat C-polling with AIS data).  An extended free trial of MarineTraffic ship tracking systems. Certified companies will receive a three-month free trial for plans of their choosing, for an unlimited number of users, with premium support from the Customer Success team.  Green Award logo prominently displayed on each certified vessel's and company's page on www.marinetraffic.com Demitris Memos, MarineTraffic, managing director, said: MarineTraffic joining the Green Award scheme is a happy marriage of shared aims and values. Being able to analyse trading patterns is key to evaluating the effectiveness of any new product or service on board a ship. By providing top quality commercial data and vessel tracking services to companies and organisations around the world, we aim to play our role in promoting clean and safe ship operations and increasing the transparency and efficiency of shipping. Dimitrios Mattheou, Green Award chairman said: Monitoring of fleet vessels is a vital element for shipowners, operators and other involved bodies into the shipping industry, providing situational awareness and information on the progress of each voyage. Marine Traffic provides an improved AIS tracking service, through a comprehensive database, having built a global reputation as being the most reliable platform in vessel tracking. Marine Traffic, AIS vessel tracking service, has created a daydream wish come true. Also joining the scheme recently was Athens-based software concern, Danaos Management Consultants. Mattheou handed over the Green Award plaque to Dimitris Theodossiou, Danaos co-founder and managing director to commemorate the companys official acceptance as a new incentive provider on 11th November. Green Award certificate holders are now entitled to a 10% discount on all the companys product licenses and services and to a one years free subscription to DanaosONE platform. I strongly believe on collaboration and incentives like Green Awards. In this essence Danaos technology can potentially integrate all Green Award members for the mutual benefit in efficiency, economy, quality and seaworthy shipping, said Theodossiou. It is impossible to imagine the shipping industry these days without information technology solutions. Databases and online platforms enhance information and data exchange in the maritime industry, allow making of fast and right decisions and encourage easier co-operation of parties. They are an integral part of many shipping businesses, said Mattheou. I am glad that Danaos Management Consultants has joined the Green Award scheme, entitling our certificate holders to favourable prices if they choose to add DanaosONE platform to their IT solutions package.




Markets  And the winners are - Aframaxes

The VLCC market ended last week at a slow pace.

Charterers had basically finished for November ex MEG and the market players focused more on the forthcoming Bahri function in Dubai this week. Charterers continued to drip feed the market, but nevertheless owners managed to turn the recent soft/quiet trend around by forcing charterers to pay up, Fearnleys reported. Thus far, only BOT stems have emerged. Owners were looking for increased activity when the parties in Dubai were over and the outstanding stems are released. In the Atlantic, both West Africa and North Sea strengthened, as steady demand was recorded. Suezmaxes found some relief in a batch of West Africa east cargoes entering the market simultaneously on early Dec loading dates, but they received very limited interest from owners who did not want to commit vessels for low returns on long voyages. As a result, TD20 spiked at WS82.5 but had slipped earlier this week. The Black Sea and Med areas are currently stable being propped up by the rampant Aframax market. While the West Africa outlook will remain steady, we could see fallout if there is a reaction going forward on the Black Sea and Med rates, if Aframaxes become uneconomical. The North Sea and Baltic strengthened strongly last week, but have seen a slow start to this week. At the time of writing (Wednesday), North Sea and Baltic December dates could firm, as high activity in the Med and Black Sea drive momentum. In the Med and Black Sea, the market is going through the roof. With only a couple of ships to choose from, owners have been on the ascendancy, Fearnleys said. A couple of end-month Black Sea cargoes did not manage to find a ship last week, and as Turkish Straits delays kept increasing over the weekend, owners showed no mercy. For example, WS170 was on subs ex Black Sea, and there are still a couple of cargoes left in a tight window, so more high numbers will be paid this week, Fearnleys concluded. What is causing the strength in Cross-Med Aframax rates? Aframax Cross-Med freight rates saw a sharp spike last Friday, nearly doubling from WS80 to WS140 in a day, Ocean Freight Exchange (OFE), said. Rates have remained firm at WS140 since on the back of a combination of factors, including surging production in the region, which boosted exports, lending support to the tanker market as more barrels looked for homes. Key exporters in the region pumped more oil than ever, with Russian production setting a new post-Soviet record at 11.2 mill barrels per day in October and Libya returning to the market, OFE said. The start-up of Kazakhstans huge Kashagan oil field has led to an increase in CPC Blend exports, up from 600.000 barrels per day to 1 mill barrels per day in October. With exports from Kashagan and Filanovsky oil fields ramping up and Libyas largest port, Es Sider, poised to resume exports in days, the Med crude market is likely to remain vastly oversupplied. As excess volumes in the region fill up onshore storage sites, oil companies have turned to floating storage as an option. There are up to 20 Aframaxes storing crude in the region, potentially adding up to 12 mill barrels at sea, which has reduced the list of tonnage available. The steep contango in ICE Brent prices may further induce charterers to book more vessels for floating storage, despite the spike in freight rates. The Brent M1-M2 spread widened to $1.18 per barrel last week, currently holding at $1 per barrel. Recent storms in the Black Sea have caused longer vessel delays of up to four to five days, further boosting freight rates, OFE concluded. Meanwhile, in Libya, a tanker reportedly sailed from Ras Lanuf with 600,000 barrels of oil last Monday, the first newly produced crude oil to be exported since the terminal reopened in September, a port official said, according to Reuters. A second tanker was due to berth at Ras Lanuf shortly. Ras Lanuf is one of four ports that forces loyal to eastern commander Khalifa Haftar seized in September. Three had been blockaded by a rival faction. One of the ports, Es Sider, remains shut. At, Zueitina, an official said three tankers had loaded this month with a fourth expected, compared to about 20 tankers per month when the port was operating normally, Reuters reported. In the charter market recent fixtures reported by broking sources included Frontline taking the 2011-built VLCC Oceanis for 12 months at $32,000 per day. Koch reportedly took the 2004-built VLCC Xin Jin Yang for six months at $32,000 per day, while Staoil was thought to have fixed the 2004-built VLCC DHT Condor for four option six months at $28,000 per day, plus the 2006-built Aframax Affinity for three, option three months at $17,000 per day. Navig8 was said to have fixed the 2004-built Suezmax Astro Polaris for 12 months at $21,000 per day, while Petro Barbero was said to have taken the 2007-built MR Nave Equinox for 12 months at $11,750 per day. In the S&P market, Indian-based AZA Shipping was reported as the buyer of the 2001-built Aframax Thera for $16.5 mill, while the 2015-built MR Amor was believed to have changed hands for $32.8 mill.




Social media awareness training on board ship

In collaboration with MTI Network, Seagull Maritime has produced an on board and online training programme on social media awareness.

MTI Network is an incident response network dedicated to serving the shipping, energy, offshore and transportation industries. It offers a variety of social media services such as training, guidelines and strategy. Seagulls new e-learning and video module explores the impact a seemingly innocent social media post can have when it involves a safety or security incident on board. Social media has infiltrated every aspect of both our personal and professional lives, said Roger Ringstad, Seagull Maritime managing director. People have gone from being consumers to also being producers of media. Social media reaches millions of people globally. Analysing your online presence, addressing potentially damaging coverage and establishing how it might be improved have become integral aspects of risk management. "Through social media crews can inadvertently become on-scene reporters when a safety or security incident is taking place on board, said Martin Baxendale, managing director - MTI Network. "Crew are often unaware of the reach of their pictures and status updates, and dont consider the consequences they might have if taken out of context. It's important that we provide education and guidelines as to what is and is not appropriate to post online."



The aim of the new e-learning module is to raise awareness of correct social media practice among both shore based personnel and seafaring staff. Ringstad emphasised the importance of fully understanding how social media should be used during a crisis and properly grasping the potential reputational and/or commercial risks innocent posts can pose to a company. When posting, be sensible; dont press send on anything you wouldnt be comfortable appearing in your bosses inbox, or on the front page of a national paper. If in doubt, dont post, Ringstad stressed.




Marizomib is a novel brain-penetrant proteasome inhibitor in development for patients with glioblastoma and relapsed and/or refractory multiple myeloma



TORONTO and SAN DIEGO, Nov. 18, 2016 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Triphase Accelerator Corporation, a private drug development company dedicated to advancing novel compounds through clinical Phase 2 proof-of-concept, today announced positive full enrollment results from its multicenter, open label, Phase 1 study evaluating marizomib (MRZ) in combination with bevacizumab (BEV) in patients with WHO grade IV malignant glioma. The study results were presented at the Society of Neuro Oncology meeting today in Scottsdale, Arizona. Triphase separately announced on November 17, 2016 that Celgene acquired the assets relating to MRZ.



These results continue to demonstrate the potential benefit of both the combination therapy of MRZ and BEV, as well as MRZ monotherapy, for recurrent glioma," said Daniela Bota, M.D., medical director of Neuro-Oncology and associate professor of neurology at the University of California, Irvine, and lead investigator of the study. As we reported for our interim results, adding the expansion cohort of monotherapy with MRZ was extremely helpful in achieving robust results, and we think we may have established an optimal dosing regimen.

The Phase 1 open-label dose-escalation study included three dose escalation cohorts plus an expansion cohort, for a total of 36 recurrent glioma patients receiving MRZ on days 1, 8, and 15, with standard dose of bevacizumab (BEV at 10mg/kg) on days 1 and 15, of a 28-day cycle. The MRZ+BEV combination was well tolerated with no dose limiting toxicity at 0.8 mg/m2, which was the highest dose of MRZ evaluated in this study.

The Response Rate (by Response Assessment in Neuro-Oncology (RANO) criteria) was 42% (14/33) in efficacy evaluable patients, with 34% of patients achieving six months progression-free survival (PFS) and 55% achieving nine months overall survival (OS). The 6 and 9 months PFS in patients with unmethylated MGMT  a marker of poor prognosis and resistance to standard-of-care in glioblastoma - were 34% and 23%, respectively. These data are comparable to PFS in all patients (34% PFS 6 months, 22% PFS 9 months), suggesting a potentially unique clinical benefit of MRZ+BEV in this difficult to treat segment of glioblastomas. To date, the 9 months OS in unmethylated MGMT patients is 44%, with data collection continuing for most patients.

In an ongoing Phase 2 (MRZ monotherapy) portion of the study, a total of 15 recurrent glioma patients have been enrolled to date, receiving 0.8 mg/m2 MRZ on days 1, 8, and 15 of a 28-day cycle. MRZ monotherapy in these patients has resulted in a partial remission in 1 patient, and stable disease in 2 additional patients, demonstrating activity of MRZ as a single agent. Based on these data, the study will continue enrollment up to 30 total patients. MRZ is generally well tolerated in combination with BEV and as monotherapy. The most common study treatment-related adverse events across both phases of the study include fatigue, headache, nausea, diarrhea, dysphonia, hypertension, vomiting, hallucination and weakness.

These clinical proof of concept results further support the value of MRZ as a potential treatment for recurrent glioma, said Mohit Trikha, Ph.D., Chief Scientific Officer and head of Triphase Accelerator Research and Development. Equally as important for Triphase Accelerator, these results were instrumental to Celgenes decision to acquire the compound.

About Marizomib

Marizomib is a novel, brain-penetrant proteasome inhibitor, which inhibits all three proteasome subunits.

Triphase Accelerator is developing marizomib in both intravenous (IV) and oral formulations as a proteasome inhibitor for hematologic malignancies and solid tumors. The IV formulation has been evaluated in more than 300 patients in multiple clinical studies in patients with solid and hematologic malignancies, either as a single agent or in combination with dexamethasone, a histone deacetylase inhibitor, or an immunomodulatory drug.

The company is currently evaluating marizomib in a proof-of-concept clinical study in combination with bevacizumab (Avastin) in patients with Grade IV malignant glioma (glioblastoma), and has received Orphan Drug designation for marizomib in glioblastoma in the United States from the FDA. In addition, Triphase Accelerator is currently developing marizomib in combination with pomalidomide and dexamethasone in patients with relapsed and refractory multiple myeloma, and has received Orphan Drug designation for marizomib in multiple myeloma in the United States and the European Union. Triphase Accelerator is also evaluating an oral formulation in preclinical studies.

Marizomib has not been approved for any use in any country.



About Triphase Accelerator

Triphase Accelerator is a private drug development company with a primary focus on oncology and with operations in Toronto and San Diego. Triphase Accelerator is dedicated to advancing novel compounds through Phase 2 proof-of-concept clinical studies using a unique, science-based, high-quality model that is faster and more cost-effective than traditional pharmaceutical and biotech industry drug development approaches. Triphase Accelerator was spun out of the Ontario Institute for Cancer Research (OICR), with support from the Fight Against Cancer Innovation Trust (FACIT), MaRS Innovation and MaRS. It has a strategic relationship with Celgene for marizomib. For more information, visit www.triphaseco.com or LinkedIn.




Training - an essential modernisation role

Training acts not only as a career enhancer, but also plays an essential role in the modernisation of the shipping industry, claimed Esben Poulsson, International Chamber of Shipping (ICS) chairman.

Speaking at the Crew Connect Global Conference in Manila this week, he said; The future sustainability of the industry requires an evolutionary response to the training and retention of seafarers. We need to do more than simply respond to changing needs, we must learn to anticipate them and thereby control the development of the industry. In an uncertain time for the global economy and world trade, and therefore the shipping industry, he pointed out the inevitability that structural change will follow and that operations and trading patterns will also change. There is always a danger in these circumstances that investment in training can be a victim, warned Poulsson. Now, perhaps as never before, companies must have an eye to the future and consider that significant growth in shipping could return within the next five years. Employers must recognise that decisions made in these difficult times should not inhibit the future sustainability of the industry. Investment in training and recruitment is an essential part of assuring good industrial health. We are experiencing a transition into a smart era, which will feature integrated technology and automated functions and systems. Certainly, there will be a continuous challenge to ensure that seafarers skills reflect their changing roles on board ship. Seafarers may no longer be required so much to use machines but rather to collaborate with them, he explained. As the January amendments to the ILO MLC are approaching, Poulsson praised the MLC and its intention of ensuring worldwide protection of seafarers; establishing a level playing field for countries and shipowners committed to providing decent working and living conditions for seafarers; and protecting them from unfair competition from substandard ships. He also highlighted a recent piracy attack on a merchant ship off Somalia, the first for several years, and gave a warning that the threat has not been eradicated and that self-protective measures must be continued in order to avoid the terrible consequences should there be another hijack. Poulsson then stressed the need for shipowners, maritime administrations and training providers to continue to work together to ensure full compliance with the new STCW training regime, that takes full effect in January, 2017, so as to prevent any disruption to the operation of the world fleet due to any lack of seafarers holding appropriate certification. In conclusion, Poulsson returned to the issue of future proofing training, warning: Changes may well be rapid and a failure to respond with equal speed may leave training needs assessment trailing in their wake.




V.Group acquires Selandia Ship Management

V.Group has acquired Selandia Holdings and its subsidiaries, comprising the Selandia Ship Management Group.

This is part of the groups strategy to offer clients high quality outsourced marine services from Asia, V.Ships said. Founded in Mumbai, India in 1995, Selandia will continue to operate as an independent shipmanagement brand within the V.Group portfolio and enhances V.Groups expertise and resources in the tanker sector. Combining the independent operations of Selandia with V.Groups existing portfolio, the group now claims to offer the largest shipmanagement fulfilment capability from India and has the widest access to Indian seafarers. Clive Richardson, CEO and president, V.Group said: By joining our portfolio of shipmanagement businesses, we are able to offer Selandia Ship Management Groups existing clients significant economies of scale and enhanced global responsiveness. For V.Group, this acquisition represents a great opportunity for us to continue to lead on our technical and crew management operations in India  particularly the tanker sector, where there is high demand for specialist skills. Capt Naren Bhatt and Capt Umesh Thakore, joint chair of Selandia Ship Management Group, added: The team at Selandia Ship Management Group is excited to be joining the V.Group portfolio. Starting out in 1995 as a shipmanagement joint venture with Acomarit, which was acquired by V.Group in 2001, theres no surprise that weve found alignment in our commitment to assure performance of the assets under our management. V.Group is supportive of our teams vision and growth plans and we are very much looking forward to this next phase of our journey together.




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Conspiracy Theories in the Information Age, Part 1

In the past, heightened rhetoric and propaganda were the tools of choice for those looking to convince an electorate to vote them into office, and conspiracy theories were their bane. This election season has seen the rise of a new form of persuasion, one thats unique to the Information Age.

For months, WikiLeaks creator Julian Assange had promised to rain bombshells on the narrowing field of presidential candidates, and he indicated that Hillary Clinton would be the target of the release. Rumors had swirled around the secrets the former secretary of state might have wanted to protect when she deleted more than 30,000 emails from a private server.

As the U.S. celebrated Independence Day, WikiLeaks released the first batch of emails, and the fireworks began. Nothing in the emails proved particularly damaging for Clintons presidential aspirations, though.

WikiLeaks had released troves of sensitive information in the past, so at first glance its actions represented nothing new. However, that particular series of leaks was about to introduce much of the world to a new form of propaganda.

The Tainted Well

During the Cold War, authoritarian regimes had their own mouthpieces, along with enough control over the populace to stomp out dissenting voices, noted Mark Fenster, a professor at the University of Florida and author of Conspiracy Theories: Secrecy and Power in American Culture.

They were organs of the state, and they spoke about whatever it was the government wanted to speak about, he told TechNewsWorld. Those were obviously perfect means of distributing propaganda  particularly if the government was also able to suppress any other voices from making it to the public.

With the rise of the Internet, it became difficult to drown out competing voices. From the delivery of paquetes of digitized American culture in Cuba to hacktivism in China, the Internet has provided tools that make it next to impossible for any government to silence its critics completely, or to screen outside ideas from their view.

Weve got an interesting experiment going on right now, Fenster said in an interview conducted prior to last weeks election, if the allegations are true that Russian hackers, ordered by the Russian government, got hold of email documents from [Clinton campaign manager] John Podesta, the DNC and the Clinton campaign, and are releasing them collectively to in order to manipulate the election for their preferred candidate: Donald Trump.

The cache of Clinton campaign documents might not have been as devastating as Assange initially indicated, but it undoubtedly added a new dimension to this election season and introduced the public to what might be called the tainted well.

This isnt propaganda in the classic since, Fenster said, but it is a way of trying to shape government opinion.

Because of the positive adjectives Pressident-Elect Donald Trump used to describe Russian leader Vladimir Putin during the campaign, speculation grew that the leaked emails were intended specifically to damage Clintons chances.

However, it is still not clear that Russia  even if it did commission the hacks  aimed to sway the election toward Trump. Russia might have been trying to prevent either candidate from having a mandate upon taking office, suggested Rob Enderle, principal analyst at the Enderle Group, in a conversation prior to the election.

I think Russia isnt trying to promote either candidate at the moment, it is operating to ensure that neither of them will be able to actually govern if elected, operating under a broad strategy of discrediting the government and effectively fermenting revolt, he told TechNewsWorld.

Please Sir, More Propaganda

Whatever the true motives of the leaks and their possible sponsors might have been, its indisputable that the Internet has created a world thats ripe for and receptive to propaganda in many forms  from ads many try to avoid, to stories that gain attention through votes cast by mouse clicks and screen taps.

Even if unintentional, online news services currently track interests and serve up news based on those interests, noted Enderle.

During the latest election cycle, for instance, liberal and conservative voters received very different news streams, he pointed out, so their perceptions of the world were very different. It helped to massively polarize the two views.

Just as social media metrics have advanced to help marketers serve up relevant ads at the moment consumers are primed to purchase goods or services, those same tools can be used to dish out fake or heavily biased news, according to Enderle.

Confirmation bias already teaches we are very vulnerable to this type of manipulation, and this same methodology is largely used for telephone and Internet scams, he observed.

While there are few governments that grip as tightly as North Korea does these days, states still use propaganda for good and bad, according to University of Floridas Fenster.

Governments use propaganda all of the time, he said.

They do so by publishing information on their websites or releasing information to the press and NGOs to report on, Fenster noted. Oftentimes, governments have their own public relations offices that might not be named as such but work the same.

There are times when governments turn to conspiracy theories as a form of propaganda, suggested Richard W. Lachmann, a professor of comparative/historical sociology and political sociology at the University of Albany.

Whenever a country is losing a war, there always are conspiracy theories to explain the loss, he told TechNewsWorld.

When it comes to propagating propaganda about war, its common for governments to spin webs about traitors, he added.

Most famously, there was the stab in the back conspiracy theory in Germany at the end of World War I, when many Germans came to believe that their defeat was due to Jewish traitors in Germany rather than to the manpower and weapons edge of the Allies, Lachmann said.

In the Information Age, theres a new way to tell war stories that favor one side over the other. Dip from a tainted well and offer a drink to a world thats thirsty for information.
While not quite at the level of a parting of the waters, the news that Microsoft has joined The Linux Foundation may seem miraculous to those aware of the past enmity between the company and the open source community.

Microsoft has joined The Linux Foundation as a platinum member, it announced Wednesday at its Microsoft Connect conference in New York.

Google has joined the .Net foundation, Scott Guthrie, executive vice president of Microsoft Cloud and Enterprise, also told attendees. Further, Microsoft and Samsung Electronics have joined forces to allow .NET developers build apps for millions of Samsung devices.

The first demo during the Connect conference was with Visual Studio Code, which has attracted more than 1 million developers, Guthrie said  a sign of how the company has embraced open source.

The number of people who created their first GitHub repository has doubled in the past year from 5,000 to 10,000 per day, GitHub CEO Chris Wanstrath told attendees.

More and more, were seeing not just pure open source companies, but companies that have either not embraced open source in the past or sort of done it here and there, really fully embracing open source, particularly the developer communities, he said.

Microsoft over the past two years has transformed the way it uses open source with the launch of .Net, he said, showing data indicating that Microsoft was the No. 1 company with contributors on GitHub, at 16,419.

Shock and Skepticism

Linux Foundation Executive Director Jim Zemlin told Guthrie on the conference stage that when he told a few people in advance that he would be announcing the move, they responded, Whats the catch?

The foundation and Microsoft have had disagreements in the past, Zemlin acknowledged, but with the growing importance of mobile and cloud, there is too much software to be written for one organization or individual to write it by themselves, he said.

John Gossman, architect of the Microsoft Azure team, will join The Linux Foundations board of directors.

Microsoft previewed several new products that show their capabilities across multiple platforms, including SQL Server on Linux, Visual Studio for Mac, Azure App Service on Linux with support for containers, Visual Studio Mobile Center, Visual Studio 2017, and Azure Data Lake Services, which allows developers and data scientists to store petabyte-size files.

From what we see, Microsoft continues to recognize the importance of Linux and other open source technologies in the marketplace, observed Mike Ferris, vice president of business development and architecture at Red Hat.

Microsoft has been progressing towards putting more and more of its platform software in open source, said Al Hilwa, program director for software development research at IDC.

I think putting software in open source is the first step, but to get the true benefits of the process, you have to engage community and recruit contribution, he told LinuxInsider.

The move also reflects the work done by The Linux Foundation to include other prominent open source projects and communities, ranging from Cloud Foundry to Cloud Native Computing Foundation, node.js and Open Container Initiative, 451 Research Principal Analyst Jay Lyman told LinuxInsider.

The bad blood between Microsoft and Linux ran deep for many years, as the company viewed open source as a threat to its Windows operating system dominance.

Samsung Mobile

Samsung announced a new collaboration with Microsoft on open source projects, including .Net core and Xamarin.Forms, to enable .Net support for Tizen, the companys Linux-based open source operating system for more than 50 million Samsung devices.

Samsung released a preview of Visual Studio Tools for Tizen, which will allow developers to build applications for a variety of Samsung devices, ranging from smartphones to smart TVs, wearables like the Gear S3, and IoT devices.

The preview supports development for mobile apps, Samsung said, through device emulators and an extension to Visual Studio with full IntelliSense and debugging capabilities. Tizens .Net support will become available for all devices in 2017.
The most popular invite-only music torrent site, What.cd, has been shut down following a series of raids on its servers in France. The operators of the site confirmed through Twitter that they are "not likely to return any time soon" in their current form.

What.cd did not go into detail about the events that lead to the shut down, however other reports claim that France's National Gendarmerie (aka. the federal police) seized the servers that ran the site, its torrent tracker, and its IRC channels. Despite the seizure of these servers, the site is still accessible, although it now displays a short message about the shut down.

At this stage it's not clear what has happened to the operators of What.cd, as there are no reports about arrests related to the site. The message on What.cd suggests that all user data has been destroyed.

What.cd first appeared on the scene in 2007 shortly after another popular music torrent site, oink.cd, was shut down in a joint British and Dutch police operation. What.cd quickly grew to be the biggest invite-only music torrent site on the internet, and facilitated the piracy needs of millions of users over the past nine years.

Following this shut down, there aren't many music-specific torrent sites online any more. However, as is the case with most pirate site closures, users will simply flock to one of the many other sources of pirated music on the internet, or create an entirely new site to take What.cd's place.
A terminally-ill 14-year girl from the UK won a landmark legal case shortly before her death to be cryogenically preserved in the hope that she may be brought back to life at some point in the future. The teenager's estranged father had originally opposed the idea, but a court ruled that her mother should be the only one to make decisions about the disposal of her daughter's body.

The teenager, known as JS, died from a rare form of cancer in October but details of her case have only now been released. During the last months of her life, she used the internet to research cryonics, the practice of preserving a body - usually at around -320.8 Fahrenheit - so that the person can be resuscitated and restored to full health at a point in the future when technology is sufficiently advanced.

The girl's parents are divorced. She hadn't seen her father since 2008 and resisted his attempts to get back in touch after he learned of her illness in 2015. While her mother supported her daughter's wishes, the girl's father opposed them at first.

"Even if the treatment is successful and she is brought back to life in let's say 200 years, she may not find any relative and she might not remember things and she may be left in a desperate situation given that she is only 14 years old and will be in the United States of America," he said.

As a child cannot make a will, it was her father's objections that lead to the court case. Although he eventually changed his mind, saying he respected his daughter's decision, she would not agree to his wish that he be allowed to see her body after death.

During the case, the girl wrote to the judge, Peter Jackson, stating: "I have been asked to explain why I want this unusual thing done. I'm only 14 years old and I don't want to die, but I know I am going to. I think being cryopreserved gives me a chance to be cured and woken up, even in hundreds of years' time."

"I don't want to be buried underground. I want to live and live longer and I think that in the future they might find a cure for my cancer and wake me up. I want to have this chance. This is my wish."

After visiting her in hospital, Jackson said he was touched by "the valiant way in which she was facing her predicament." He said the ruling wasn't about the rights or wrongs of cryonics, which is still regarded with skepticism by the scientific community, but about a dispute between parents over the disposal of their daughter's body.

As there are no cryonic facilities in the UK, the girl's body was transported to the US where a commercial company has frozen it "in perpetuity" for a cost of almost $46,000. The judge noted that the girl's family is not well off, but her mother's parents had raised the money.

As of 2014, about 250 bodies were cryopreserved in the United States, and 1500 people had made arrangements for cryopreservation after their legal death.
One of President-elect Trump's pre-election promises was to make Apple manufacture its products on US soil instead of China. Now that the Republican is on his way to the White House, such a move could be possible - and it seems an Apple manufacturing partner has been preparing for it.

According to Japanese website Nikkei Asian Review, Apple asked the two firms that assemble the iPhone - Foxconn and Pegatron - to look into assembling the devices in America back in June. Pegatron is said to have rejected the idea due to the increased costs, whereas Foxconn "has been studying the possibility" of opening US-based facilities.

"Apple asked both Foxconn and Pegatron, the two iPhone assemblers, in June to look into making iPhones in the U.S.," an anonymous source told the publication. "Foxconn complied, while Pegatron declined to formulate such a plan due to cost concerns."

It had been suggested that moving production to the US would see the price of Apple products shoot up - the Nikkei's source said "making iPhones in the US means the cost will more than double." The Wall Street Journal, meanwhile, recently outlined why Trump's plan would be impractical, and wouldn't necessarily create US jobs.

However, some estimates claim that an iPhone assembled in the States would only cost about $30 extra, most of which would be a result of additional transportation expenses arising from shipping parts to the US.

With Apple's orders making up half of all Foxconn's business, it's not surprising that the Taiwanese company is looking into the possibility of a move, rather than face losing Apple as a customer. But whether Trump really does "get Apple to build their damn computers and things in this country instead of in other countries" remains to be seen.

Earlier this week, China promised to cut iPhone and US automobile sales in the country if Trump imposed his promised 45 percent tariff on imports from the Asian nation.
A new large valley has been discovered on Mercury.

Reporting their findings in the journal Geophysical Research Letters, scientists said the likeliest explanation for the existence of the "Great Valley" is that Mercury's lithosphere, which is made up of the planet's upper mantle and crust, had buckled when it contracted.

The high-resolution topographic map of the planet's southern hemisphere used by the scientists was created using stereo images from NASA's Messenger spacecraft.

"There are examples of lithospheric buckling on Earth involving ... but this may be the first evidence of lithospheric buckling on Mercury," said Thomas R. Watters, lead author of the study and a senior scientist from the Smithsonian's Center for Earth and Planetary Studies.

How Lithospheric Buckling Occurs

Earth's lithosphere is separated into numerous tectonic plates, but Mercury's is made up of just one. When Mercury's interior cools, it causes the planet's plate to bend and contract, with crustal rocks thrusting upward and valley floors sagging downward where contractional forces are strongest.

Mercury's Great Valley

The Great Valley recently uncovered on Mercury is about 250 miles wide, with floors extending up to 2 miles below its surrounding terrain. It is also 600 miles long, extending into the Rembrandt basin, which is one of the youngest but largest impact basins on the planet.

Two large fault scarps bound the Great Valley, also forming from the contraction. However, the fault scarps have grown so large that they have turned into cliffs. The valley floor is elevated well below the surrounding scarps, which hints that it was deepened by the same process that created the scarps as well.

According to Watters, even though it was expected for Mercury to contract because of its single-plate composition, it was still surprising to see that the contraction not only resulted in the formation of the Great Valley, but that it also featured the largest fault scarps on the planet and one of its biggest impact basins.

Tectonic Activity On Mercury

In September, a NASA-funded study reported that Mercury is not only tectonically active but is also still shrinking. Published in the journal Nature Geoscience, the study also used images from NASA's Messenger spacecraft and found small previously undetected fault scarps.

The fault scarps discovered were small enough that scientists initially thought they were geologically young, which also points to tectonic activity in Mercury being active.

"For years, scientists believed that Mercury's tectonic activity was in the distant past. It's exciting to consider that this small planet ... is active even today," said Jim Green, NASA Planetary Science director.

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Grizzly bears living at Yellowstone National Park in the U.S may soon find their Endangered Species tag removed as state and federal wildlife managers are holding parleys on it.

A meeting of officials is in progress in Cody, Wyoming, and they are discussing a post-delisting action plan.

The lifting of federal protection for the Yellowstone bears was mooted in March by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service.

Grizzly bears were accorded protection in 1975 when their Yellowstone population crashed to fewer than 136 bears.

New estimates are claiming that the population has soared above 700. The emerging concern is that delisting would set the stage for hunting seasons that may be managed by the states of Montana, Wyoming and Idaho, which could again reduce the bears' numbers.

Conservationists Not Happy

The delisting plan has raised the hackles of conservationists even as officials are trying to address concerns saying that post-delisting plan would ensure that their numbers would never drop below 600.

State wildlife agencies would be regulating the quota of huntable animals and try to keep the numbers steady.

Conservation advocates are not convinced, and they say delisting could derail the progress made on the conservation front over the years.

Yellowstone superintendent Dan Wenk said visitors wanted to see grizzly bears in their natural environment and is opposed to delisting. Wenk voted against the plan.

The fear of conservationists is that there is a grave threat from poaching to the grizzly population if the legal protection is removed.

Once hunting is allowed, hunters may not be able to chase the grizzlies on national park land. But hunting will start outside the parks and the outskirts, such as the Grand Teton National Park.

To the assertion of Dan Ashe, Fish and Wildlife Service director, that there was tremendous success in conservation and that the "Endangered Species Act [had] done its job", Roger Hayden, managing director of the Wyoming Wildlife Advocates asked, "why there is haste" in delisting.

"'What is the rush to delist and why can't we wait to delist them for a couple years?" Hayden asked.

Environmental activists like Bonnie Rice of the Sierra Club are also disappointed.

"By the time bears sink down to 500, if it's caught, which again we think there are issues with proposed mortality limits, then we are far down that road in terms of trying to build back a population of bears we have now because they reproduce so slowly," she said.

However, wildlife officials are pointing to a recent study that appeared in the journal Molecular Ecology, that said the genetic diversity in the bear population has stabilized and "the number of bears passing genes to the next generation," quadrupled.

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A new Swedish initiative from a large trade union has opened a weeklong hotline where people can complain about sexual harassment or patronizing colleagues. The purpose behind this idea is to raise awareness about sexism at the workplace as well as to give employees the chance to talk about their conflicts.

According to the spokeswoman of the union, the initiative has been a tremendous success, dealing with hundreds of phone calls. This instrument works under anonymous conditions, and people who resort to it are given advice on how to cope with everyday office issues.

Mansplaining: A Deeper Concern

The mansplaining hotline hopes to draw attention on any potential discriminatory workplace issues in order to assure equality.

A recent study conducted by the company that came up with the initiative, Unionen, suggested that women are often helped when they don't need it due to the fact that the male population in their office often presumes they know better.

The organization, representing roughly 600,000 private sector workers, mentioned that the hotline will be open every day from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. during a week to address the issue of mansplaining.

The concept named "mansplaining" addresses a man who will explain something to a woman, believing he knows how to solve a problem better. In the context of this situation, it is possible for the woman to already have more knowledge on the topic than the man.

Sexual Equality: A Communication Issue

The issue often has psychological repercussions on the women, who are led to believe that they are less experienced and competent than they actually are, whenever faced with this type of behavior. While Sweden is one of the countries with the best gender equality situations worldwide, there is still much to be done, according to the representatives of the hotline project.

As communication is often the solution to such problems and anonymous calls guarantee the lack of negative repercussions the conversations will have on the employees, this initiative proves that open dialogue can solve whatever issues that may occur at the workplace.

The hotline has had more success than anticipated. A number of 20 men and women were selected to take part in this project, answering the hotline phone calls. Aside from the complaints that came from women located all over the country, the hotline also received phone calls from men who were concerned if they unknowingly engaged in sexually offensive behavior.

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Owners of the Apple iPhone 7 or iPhone 7 Plus who have preordered AirPods, will be happy to know the music listening device could ship out to customers on Nov. 30. Well, that's for the folks in France, but as it stands right now, the date is not concrete.

Earlier in November, several reports claimed the Apple AirPods won't ship out until January of 2017, however, another report claims the earbuds will definitely ship before the end of 2016, which is quite possible.

Furthermore, it's possible that some retailers might have already gotten demonstration units, and as such, they must now wait on Apple to give the go-ahead to demonstrate the product to consumers, according to Apple Insider.

What Is The Official Release Date From Apple?

The company has yet to announce the official release date, but as the Christmas holiday is just right around the corner, it's possible the company might make an announcement sooner rather than later.

When Will The AirPods Go On Sale In The West?

A Czech Apple retailer is saying fans should expect to get their hands on the AirPods come December of this year. No solid date, but if the Czech retailer is telling the truth, then a worldwide release could happen next month. Furthermore, this would allow Apple to take advantage of the Christmas holiday season as folks would be seeking to get their loved ones the hottest gifts.

When the AirPods are available at retail stores, consumers should seek to gain around five hours of battery life from the device on a single charge. There's also a rechargeable carrying case that promises up to 24 hours of battery power. Furthermore, just a mere 15-minute of charge will deliver three hours of battery life, which should be enough for when users are in a tight spot.

It should be noted the Apple AirPods are designed to work over Bluetooth. It will also feature the new W1 chipset designed for almost instant pairing with Apple devices and easy switching with iCloud devices.

As for the price, these wireless earphones will retail for the cool price of $159, which is $10 more than the competing and upcoming BeatsX Bluetooth earbuds. The main difference with the BeatsX is the fact that it will come with a neckband to keep the earbuds from falling to the ground.

If you're not up for getting an AirPod and would rather use a headphone with a 3.5mm plug, then you'd need to get an adapter. Here are the top 3 iPhone 7 3.5mm adapters to get your music listening hobby up and running.

 2022 TECHTIMES.com All rights reserved. Do not reproduce without permission.
Renowned theoretical physicist Stephen Hawking has warned humanity has only 1,000 years left on Earth, and it is high time they intensified efforts to find another planet to live on.

This is because Earth is no longer a safe place as risks of mass extinction are mounting.

Addressing students at the Oxford University Union, Hawking said the situation on Earth for humans will remain the same even if mankind survives the brunt of artificial intelligence, climate change and the threat of nuclear terrorism in the coming century.

"I don't think we will survive another 1,000 years without escaping beyond our fragile planet," he added.

Hawking's concerns over Earth are exacerbated by a "cataclysmic end" of the planet that is hastened by activities of humans that are depleting the resources of Earth at alarming rates.

"We must ... continue to go into space for the future of humanity," the 74-year-old Cambridge professor said.

Hawking added that the only thing that could salvage mankind is establishing colonies in other parts of the solar system.

At the same time, Hawking does not see human colonies on Mars as a viable option for another 100 years or so.

Despite the gloomy outlook, Hawking said he is still optimistic about 2016 as a "glorious time to be alive and doing research in theoretical physics."

Stephen Hawking's Recurring Concern

The Oxford speech is yet another iteration of Hawking's belief that Earth's days are numbered and humans need to figure out where their species will be living next.

In a lecture at London's Royal Institution early this year, Hawking also warned that nuclear war, global warming, and genetically engineered viruses are some of the major threats faced by humanity.

Sounding skeptical about artificial intelligence, the professor said it could either be "the best or worst thing ever to happen to humanity."

Hawking advocated that the only solution left for mankind to secure them is by colonizing another planet. He exhorted the university students to "stay curious" and "look up to the stars and not down at your feet."

Why Space?

A decade ago, Hawking told the BBC that, sooner or later, disasters like an asteroid collision or nuclear war would wipe out mankind.

"But once we spread out into space and establish independent colonies, our future should be safe."

In 2010, Hawking announced that humanity's future "must be" in space. He said the same thing in his remarks delivered at Sydney's Opera House in 2015.

"For the future of humanity, I want to encourage public interest in space."

 2022 TECHTIMES.com All rights reserved. Do not reproduce without permission.
Donald Trump, the next president of the United States who said that he wants Apple to move their manufacturing processes into the country, would be happy to know that the company is at the very least considering it.

The company's products have always been tagged as "designed by Apple in Cupertino," but the devices are generally manufactured and assembled by suppliers based in China. Will we see "made in the USA" labels on Apple products in the near future?

iPhone Production in the United States

According to an exclusive report by Nikkei Asian Review, Hon Hai Precision Industry, also known as Foxconn Technology Group and one of Apple's biggest suppliers, is currently studying a plan to move iPhone production into the United States. Foxconn, based in Taipei's Tucheng district, makes over 200 million iPhones per year in their Chinese factories.

A source revealed that back in June, Apple requested for Foxconn, along with another iPhone assembler Pegatron, to analyze the possibility of making iPhones in facilities located in the United States. Pegatron refused to start working on a plan because it was concerned with the cost of making such a move, but Foxconn complied.

The Effect Of Making iPhones In The United States

Apple has sourced iPhone components from all over the world, but the assembly is done in China were costs for several aspects such as labor are lower. The reduced costs has allowed Apple to bring in sizable profit margins that has fueled the company's growth.

While Foxconn has complied with Apple's request to study bringing iPhone production into the United States, Chairman Terry Gou has not been supportive of such a plan due to the expected rise in the costs of production.

According to a source, making future iPhone models in the United States will more than double the cost of production, which would heavily impact the profit margin of Apple and its suppliers. It was earlier reported that it costs $225 to manufacture the 32 GB model of the iPhone 7, which is being sold at $649. If the cost of production would double, the profit margin for each iPhone would be halved from over $400 to around $200, excluding additional costs such as those associated with marketing.

The source added that it is believed within Apple's supply chain in Taiwan that Trump, at the very least, might push for Apple to make certain components of the iPhone in its home country.

Will Apple Go Ahead With iPhone Production In The USA?

With Trump securing an unexpected victory in the presidential election, will Apple now be taking an even more serious look into making iPhones in the United States?

Trump previously said in his campaign that he would place a 35 percent tariff on products coming into the United States that are manufactured in other countries such as the iPhone. The tariff is seen as a means to bring back manufacturing into the country, but with the massive costs that such a move would entail, companies such as Apple might instead continue manufacturing iPhone in China.

Apple would then likely pass on the additional cost of the tariff onto consumers, which would make the price tag of the $649 iPhone 7 jump to $876.

 2022 TECHTIMES.com All rights reserved. Do not reproduce without permission.
Xiaomi unveiled the Mi Mix last month, a top-tier alpha dog smartphone specs-wise that's really one colossal screen pretending to be a phone, but don't misconstrue this pejorative, since the reception for the Mi Mix has so far been astounding.

A number of reviewers have issued the device generous praise, initially, at least, since it was a bit of a letdown when they found out that the Xiaomi Mi Mix won't launch in other markets, remaining in China instead.

The reason for this, according to an executive, is that the Mi Mix is sort of an uncharted territory in terms of marketing, placing specific difficulty in trying to market a bezel-less phone to a wide audience.

Xiaomi Mi Mix Mini Leak

Users from the Xiaomi community have shared that the company will release a new bezel-less smartphone, bearing the codename "Nano." Rumors have started circulating that this will be a smaller variant of the Mi Mix called the Mi Mix Mini, as reported by XiaomiToday.

The leaked images were first published by MyDrivers (translated), showcasing the rumored phone side-by-side the Mi Mix.

Xiaomi Mi Mix Mini Rumored Specs

The screen, while purported to retain its bezel-less aesthetic marvel, will be step down from 6.4 inches to 5.5 inches, though it will remain as powerful as the Mi Mix.

Like its larger sibling, the Mi Mix Mini will also be powered by a Qualcomm Snapdragon 821 processor with 4 GB of RAM and 64 GB of internal storage. Whether or not it will have a 16-megapixel rear-facing camera and 5-megapixel front-facing camera like the Mi Mix still hasn't been confirmed yet, though if sources are correct in the Mi Mix Mini's release window, which sees the device out in the wild before 2017 starts, we might get more official details shortly.

Xiaomi Mi Mix Mini Price

With reductions both in the size of the device and the screen, XiaomiToday expects the Mi Mix Mini to cost $73 less than its bigger sibling. Hopefully, the Mi Mix Mini doesn't follow the Mi Mix's footsteps by never coming out in other markets except China.

As usual, everything that comes out from the rumor mill should be taken with a grain of salt, regardless of how convincingly the leaks pull anyone in.

Are you excited for a smaller version of the Mi Mix? Do you think the Xiaomi Mi Mix's large bezel-less screen was a potential marketing conundrum? Feel free to sound off in the comments below!

 2022 TECHTIMES.com All rights reserved. Do not reproduce without permission.
Facebook Will No Longer Harvest WhatsApp User Data In Europe | TechTree.com

Due to the mounting pressure on Facebook, the company has decided to not collect user data for WhatsApp, across the continent of Europe. This change in policy means, that Facebook will no longer be collecting data including phone numbers of users on WhatsApp. However, from within the Facebook ranks, it has been conveyed that this ban on collecting information might just be a temporary ban, as the new law to be implemented is being debated and discussed in various quarters.

In a post for the media, Facebook said, We hope to continue our detailed conversations with the UK Information Commissioners Office and other data protection officials. It went further to add remains open to working collaboratively to address their questions. In 2014, Facebook bought over WhatsApp for $19 billion, but did not utilise it as a platform for collecting customer data, until August 2016. That move drew the ire of many in the European Union (EU), out of whom 28 of the data collection authorities, signed an open letter, which essentially asked WhatsApp CEO Jan Koum to suspend all data collection activities, until the legalities were being decided upon.







The European fight

It already seems that the EU is already creating a sort of coup against Facebooks policy of collecting WhatsApp user data. Facebooks European Regulatory body, the Irish Data Protection Commissioners Office, had recently confirmed to the media, that data collection activities had been bought to a halt recently. Then Germany stopped their data collection activities, as they considered "an infringement of national data protection law. If that was not it, it even ordered Facebook to delete all data that had been collected thus far, from the 35 million users of WhatsApp in the country. This has been followed by nations like the UK, Italy, and France who are doing their own probes into Facebooks data collection activities in their respective countries.

TAGS: Facebook, WhatsApp, data snooping, European Union
Existential conundrum : How can I open the cupboard without breaking the plates asks mom to online users

Very often in life, you come up with a problem which seems impossible to solve. In todays world whats better than to put your query to the billions of online users to come up with a solution. This is what a frustrated mom from China did.

The mother took the picture given below, which showed a large pile of porcelain plates slipping off the shelf. She then asked the Facebook community to help her out of this problem. However, soon after her posting, this simple domestic took the online community by storm with each one giving his own opinion about whether or not to open a cupboard.

The photo shows a large pile of fine porcelain plates slipping off the shelf and leaning on the glass door. If one opened the glass door without preparation, the porcelain could easily break. The picture, posted to Baoliao Commune, a Taiwan Facebook group, garnered significant attention. Internet users chimed in with plenty of suggestions.

Sell it to the museum and name it the Frozen in Time series, one commenter said. They werent the only one to suggest abandoning the cabinet entirely. A Facebook user, named Tseng Shao-Tsen, said in the post: [This is] a cupboard that can never be opened. Another member of staff from Baoliao Commune, commented: Let bygones by bygones. Buy some news ones.

Here are some of the replies from the online community to the moms question

Hundreds of Facebook users have left comments on Baoliao Commune, suggesting ways to open the cupboard without breaking the plates.

 Tilt the cupboard backwards, then open.

 Put some thick blankets on the floor before opening the door; or ask someone to hold a blanket with them tightly to catch the falling plates.

 Break a pane of glass of the cabinet door and take the bowls out that way  instead of trying to open the door.

 Sell it to the museum and name it the Frozen in Time series.

 Put the cupboard down horizontally, the plate should fall back. The other way is to open it ever so slightly, then use a metal coat hanger to secure the plate at the bottom, at the same time keep sliding the door until the gap is large enough for your hand to fit in, then you can push up the plates with your hands.

 Press the door while you slide it slowly until you can fit your hand in.

 Tape the cupboard with scallop tape, then leave it for your grandchildren to deal with; or save it as a future dowry for your daughter.
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The Venezuelan president described the day with his Colombian counterpart as fruitful, intense and extensive. | Read More
Animation industry campaigning group Animation UK is to become a trade body after nearly a decade as a voluntary group and will join up with post, vfx and studios trade body UK Screen Association, under one umbrella organisation to be called the UK Screen Alliance.

Animation UK will be run by a Council formed under the umbrella Alliance to specifically drive forward animation policy.

Since Animation UKs inception, the childrens animation industry has doubled in size, thanks largely to the Animation Tax Credit, which the group campaigned for and which came in to force in early 2013. The industry is now large enough to afford its own professionally run team, to promote, lobby and support the industry.

The animation industry is worth an estimated 1.5 billion pounds a year to the UK economy and 250 million of inward investment a year but Animation UK believes that with proper targeted support in key areas, such as inward investment, development, skills, production and distribution/export, the sector can grow rapidly over the coming years.

The facilities and animation sectors have large areas of shared interest. Many of the skills and roles in animation and VFX are identical. The sectors both face the same challenges with globally mobile workforces. Each group benefits from tax credits and has a keen interest in maximising exports. So the UK Screen Alliance will have joint working groups to develop policies where there are obvious cross overs. The efficiencies made by sharing a back office, will enable the employment of extra staff to advance and promote both the animation and facilities remit.

Kate OConnor and Helen Brunsdon will continue to support the work of the Alliance and Chair and founder of Animation UK, Oli Hyatt MBE, will continue to be involved as the group transitions into the new body as a leading figure on the Animation UK Council and on the UK Screen Alliance board of directors. OConnor will be Executive Chair of the Animation UK Council and provide wider support for policy with Brunsdon taking the position of Animation UK Director.

Oli Hyatt said, I could not be more proud of what Animation UK has achieved to date, and the work and effort our industry has put in get us to this point. This is a new beginning for the organisation, and partnering with Neil Hattons team at UK Screen is absolutely the most effective way to drive our industry forwards.

Neil Hatton, currently chief executive of UK Screen Association will become CEO of the overall UK Screen Alliance and will continue to head up the existing facilities remit.

Neil Hatton said, We are incredibly excited to be joining forces with Animation UK. Oli and I have often found ourselves attending the same meetings, dealing with the same people in government departments and sharing very similar viewpoints on the issues that really matter to the sectors we represent. It makes an enormous amount of sense for us to pool our efforts and resources so that together we can provide more advocacy and benefit for our respective members. This really does feel like the whole will be greater than the sum of the parts.

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When the clamour of the world (and the Internet) grows harsh and cacophonous, I find it healing, grounding, and necessary to turn away from keyboards and screens, to ration the time I spend online, and to be fully present in the tactile world: in the morning light sifting through the studio, in the rising of the wind through the trees behind, in the words slowly forming in ink on fresh white paper spread out on my wooden desktop.

Instead of flicking through Web pages, imbibing the Internet's manic energy and then coming offline feeling fractured and spent, I pull books from down the shelves and turn their rustling pages at a measured, more human pace...and my soul unclenches. My attention deepens. Something vital in me is quickened back to life. And yes, I am using a keyboard now to share these thoughts with you online, but it's not a full rejection of the Web I am after in my life. It's proportion and balance.

The Internet is a useful communication platform, and an increasingly important one...but books, oh, books are more than paper and ink. They are powerful medicine. Real books, I mean. Physical books, sitting on the dusty shelves of my studio and surrounding me like old friends, dog-earred and battered with love and use, their pages thick with margin notes and underlines. How could I ever doubt that art matters? Words have saved me over and over. Words are saving me right now. Books are what I turn to when the world grows dark, and they never fail to give me strength.

This morning, for instance, Ben Okri asks me:

"What hope is there for individual reality or authenticity, when the forces of violence and orthodoxy, the earthly powers of guns and bombs and manipulated public opinion make it impossible for us to be authentic and fulfilled human beings?"

I've been asking myself the same question all week.

"The only hope," he answers, "is in the creation of alternative values, alternative realities. The only hope is in daring to redream one's place in the world -- a beautiful act of imagination, and a sustained act of self becoming. Which is to say that in some way or another we breach and confound the accepted frontiers of things."

Then Rebecca Solnit joins the conversation:

"Cause-and-effect assumes history marches forward," she notes, "but history is not an army. It's a crab scuttling sideways, a drip of soft water wearing away stone, an earthquake breaking centuries of tension. Sometimes one person inspires a movement, or her words do decades later, sometimes a few passionate people change the world; sometimes they start a mass movement and millions do; sometimes those millions are stirred by the same outrage or the same ideal, and change comes upon us like a change of weather. All that these transformations have in common is that they begin in the imagination, in hope."

"To be hopeful in bad times is not just foolishly romantic," adds Howard Zinn. "It is based on the fact that human history is a history not only of cruelty, but also of compassion, sacrifice, courage, kindness. What we choose to emphasize in this complex history will determine our lives. If we see only the worst, it destroys our capacity to do something. If we remember those times and places -- and there are so many -- where people have behaved magnificently, this gives us the energy to act, and at least the possibility of sending this spinning top of a world in a different direction."

Barry Lopez pulls me out of a Western-centric point of view, reminding me of the things I share in common with people the world over:

"I believe in all human societies there is a desire to love and be loved," he says, "to experience the full fierceness of human emotion, and to make a measure of the sacred part of one's life. Wherever I've traveled -- Kenya, Chile, Australia, Japan -- I've found the most dependable way to preserve these possibilities is to be reminded of them in stories. Stories do not give instruction, they do not explain how to love a companion or how to find God. They offer, instead, patterns of sound and association, of event and image. Suspended as listeners and readers in these patterns, we might reimagine our lives. It is through story that we embrace the great breadth of memory, that we can distinguish what is true, and that we may glimpse, at least occasionally, how to live without despair in the midst of the horror that dogs and unhinges us."

Terry Tempest Williams concurs, and affirms the role that artists play in the transmission of such stories:

"Bearing witness to both the beauty and pain of our world is a task that I want to be part of. As writers, this is our work. By bearing witness, the story that is told can provide a healing ground. Through the art of language, the art of story, alchemy can occur. And if we choose to turn our backs, we've walked away from what it means to be human."

Then Toni Morrison takes me firmly by the shoulders and sends me back to my desk again:

Troubled times, she says, are "precisely the time when artists go to work. There is no time for despair, no place for self-pity, no need for silence, no room for fear. We speak, we write, we do language. That is how civilizations heal.

"I know the world is bruised and bleeding," she adds, "and though it is important not to ignore its pain, it is also critical to refuse to succumb to its malevolence. Like failure, chaos contains information that can lead to knowledge -- even wisdom. Like art."

Like art indeed.

Words: The first five quotes above are from the following books, all recommended: A Way of Being Free by Ben Okri (Phoenix, 1998); Hope in the Dark by Rebecca Solnit (Nation Books, 2005); You Can't Be Neutral on a Moving Train by Howard Zinn (Beacon Press 2002), About This Life by Barry Lopez (Vintage, 1999), and A Voice in the Wilderness: Conversations with Terry Tempest Williams, edited by Michael Austin (Utah State University Press, 2006). The final quote is from "No Place for Self-Pity, No Room for Fear" by Toni Morrison (The Nation, March 2013); I owe thanks to Maria Popova of Brain Pickings for introducing me to it. Pictures: The drawing and painting above are by Arthur Rackham (1867-1939). The photographs are from my studio cabin, perched on a Devon hillside at the edge of a small wood.


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MINNEAPOLIS (AP)  When Philando Castile was shot by a Minnesota police officer, his girlfriend broadcast his final moments live on Facebook. But experts say the footage from a squad car camera was probably a bigger factor in prosecutors' decision to charge the officer with manslaughter.

And that footage, which has not been made public, is still no guarantee that Jeronimo Yanez will be convicted, as other police shootings have shown.

"There have been cases that had video that resulted in either an acquittal or a hung jury, so sometimes the video may raise more questions," said Philip Stinson, a criminologist at Bowling Green State University who tracks fatal police shootings. "It's very hard to convict in these cases."

Since the beginning of 2005, a total of 78 officers in the U.S. have been charged with murder or manslaughter. Of that number, about a third of the defendants were convicted  14 by juries and 13 through guilty pleas, Stinson said.

Of the 18 police officers charged with murder or manslaughter last year, at least 11 cases involved video evidence, he said.

Some of those cases are still pending, including the one against Chicago officer Jason Van Dyke, who was charged last year with first-degree murder in the 2014 killing of 17-year-old Laquan McDonald. Van Dyke was charged the same day the city, under judge's orders, released dashcam video that showed he shot the teen 16 times.

The investigation into the death of Alton Sterling after a struggle with two Baton Rouge police officers is still underway. The long process has frustrated many linked to the case, including Sterling's family members.

In September, experts who reviewed the footage of Sterling's death noted "bad police work," but that a conviction against the officers is unlikely.

Video does not always lead to a conviction. The trial of Ray Tensing, who was charged with murder in the 2015 death of Sam Dubose near the University of Cincinnati campus, ended with a deadlocked jury and a mistrial, despite video from Tensing's body camera.

In the Minnesota case, Yanez was charged Wednesday with second-degree manslaughter, which carries a maximum 10-year prison sentence, and other counts. Prosecutors say he shot the 32-year-old elementary school cafeteria worker seven times in July after Castile told him he was armed and had a license to carry.

Video showing fatal confrontation circulates at protest over shooting by Baton Rouge officer A 37-year old man who sold CDs was shot and killed by a Baton Rouge police officer Tuesday m

Prosecutors concluded that the situation did not call for deadly force. They said the charges were based on evidence that included squad car video and conflicting statements from Yanez.

Yanez turned himself in Thursday, was processed and released. He is expected to make his first court appearance Friday. One of his attorneys, Earl Gray, said he had not read the charges but "we weren't hired to plead guilty. We were hired to go to trial." Another defense attorney, Tom Kelly, has previously said Yanez reacted to the presence of a gun.

Some of the video shot by Castile's girlfriend, Diamond Reynolds, could be relevant because it might provide context or back up witness statements, said Jeff Cramer, a former federal prosecutor and managing director of the Berkeley Research Group in Chicago.

But Cramer predicted the dashcam video will be more revealing.

"Video does give prosecutors the ability to bring stronger cases, and it gives jurors the ability to see what happened," Cramer said.

Based on information that's been publicly released about the case, Cramer said, it seems Yanez would be hard-pressed to articulate a reason for drawing his weapon and firing. He noted that Yanez gave different statements on the night of the shooting than he did to investigators later.

"The officer didn't wake up that day saying, "I'm going to kill somebody,'" Cramer said. "This is just a tragic incident ... but this one could have been avoidable. I'm not sure what else Philando Castile could have done."

Lee Berlin, a criminal defense attorney in Tulsa, Oklahoma, and a former state prosecutor, said the video provides important context for the jury, and the combination of video with witness testimony is powerful. Still, he said, these cases are tough.

"I would much rather defend this case than prosecute it," he said, adding that the video streamed by Reynolds showed an officer who was clearly distraught but maintained a position of authority.

"It all comes down to what that officer saw at a particular time" and whether "a reasonable officer" would have done the same thing, Berlin said. He said a defense attorney would need only to plant a reasonable doubt with jurors and to show that Yanez was afraid.

The multiple shots fired by Yanez show the "real palpable fear and concern he must've had," according to Berlin.

That said, when Castile told Yanez he had a permit to carry a weapon, that should have been a signal that Castile was not a felon, Berlin added. But if Castile made any move that was not authorized by Yanez, it would be tough to find fault with Yanez's actions.

"I have no idea," Berlin said, "what he actually saw in those brief moments."
Warren Kron stood in front of a map of East Baton Rouge splattered in green. Each dot represents a person who had called for rescue during the August flood.

With a few clicks, the information technology professional pulled up a new map that shows the location of every on-duty police cruiser, active crime scene and car crash. Police used that tool the day a shooter opened fire on local law enforcement in an ambush that killed two police officers and a sheriff's deputy.

During the tumultuous summer of 2016, whenever the police and fire departments set up an emergency operations command center, they were joined by the local government's IT department.

During GIS Day on Wednesday, they spoke about what they learned and how they hope to continue using such technology. GIS, or geographic information system, is a way to organize and map data. During the flood, IT workers mapped 911 calls in real time to help the fire department direct rescue boats, said Kron, the city-parish's GIS manager.

Afterward, the local government extrapolated from the 911 calls  and subsequent 311 calls  to form a rough estimate of the damage area. It was important to get that information out because the state was going to need federal assistance to rebuild, and the maps laid bare the extent of the flooding, Kron explained.

But the first version was just a sketch, so the city-parish decided to try something new: They pushed the imperfect map out to the public and asked residents to write in and tell them what they got wrong, identifying places that were marked dry but were actually wet and vice-versa.

As a result, East Baton Rouge has consistently published more-complete public information more quickly than any other parish, the state or the federal government. The city-parish data was the first to show that half the people in the parish who flooded did not live in areas where mortgage holders are required to purchase flood insurance.

The city-parish fact-checked the data during the mop-up phase by tracking debris contractors and following applications for flood-related building permits.

"We really feel like this is an accurate representation of the flood in August," Kron said Wednesday.

More recently, the city's GIS department has given political observers some data to chew over, breaking down the November vote precinct-by-precinct for races from Metro Council to President of the United States.

While the city-parish still maintains maps on utility lines, property boundaries and other data, Interim IT Director Eric Romero said the local government is trying to be more proactive in its approach to technology.

Chief Administrative Officer William Daniel calls his weekly IT meetings "one of the best parts of my job."

This week, city staff are receiving an award from the Center for Digital Government, a research institute that looks at the way municipalities handle technology. Baton Rouge finished in the top 10 among cities with populations between 125,000 and 250,000 for "using technology to improve citizen services, enhance transparency and encourage citizen engagement."

During the GIS Day event, David Gisclair, of the state Oil Spill Coordinator's Office, also spoke of advancements in technology that will allow Louisiana officials to better understand issues from hurricane damage to coastal loss.

"Think of the data as infrastructure," Kron said.

"Use it to do something to make our city better."

The city-parish's GIS site is gis.brla.gov.
GONZALES  A new grand jury was seated Friday in Ascension Parish that is expected to hear allegations the parish president and a Gonzales businessman tried to bribe a then-Gonzales City Council candidate to drop out of the Nov. 8 election.

The assistant state attorney general handling the case went into the closed proceeding Friday for about 10 minutes before leaving the parish Courthouse Annex in Gonzales without calling any witnesses.

The new grand jury was impaneled three days after the Louisiana State Attorney General's Office called off one that had been slated to start hearing witnesses on Tuesday.

Assistant Attorney General Jeff Traylor declined comment Friday as he left the building. Traylor was also at the grand jury hearing on Tuesday at the Parish Courthouse in Donaldsonville that was called off shortly after it began.

A few minutes before Traylor went into the grand jury room Friday, Larry Buquoi, first assistant district attorney for 23rd Judicial District Attorney's Office, confirmed the new grand jury had been seated as he, parish Clerk of Court Bridget Hanna and Sheriff's Maj. Kevin Hanna left the courthouse mid-morning Friday.

District Attorney Ricky Babin had recused his office Monday afternoon on the eve of the planned grand jury hearing in Donaldsonville.. He did so after reports surfaced that members of his office contributed to Matassa's campaign last year.

The State Attorney General's Office, which the sheriff says led the investigation of the case with the help of his office, has now fully taken over the prosecution as well with the recusal of Babin.

Rush Wisher, spokeswoman for Louisiana State Attorney General Jeff Landry, has said the grand jury proceeding was called off Tuesday for two reasons: Babin's recusal and impending expiration of the grand jury.

"This does not change the nature of the investigation or our presentation," Wisher said of the delay on Tuesday.

It's not clear when the grand jury presentation will resume and witnesses will be called to testify.

Court records show that the grand jury was going to expire on Friday and could not have been extended.

Under state law, grand juries are impaneled twice a year. In Ascension, that happens in March and September. Grand juries are typically seated for six months. Under state law, their terms also can be extended, though only for two more months.

A court order for an extension of the now expired grand jury in Ascension shows that grand jury had been impaneled on March 21 and already had its six-month term extended for another two months in mid-September.

While the new grand jury apparently is not yet taking up the attempted bribery case, jurors continued to hear other local cases.

Audio and video recordings surfaced in August of Matassa and businessman Olin Berthelot purportedly offering then-Gonzales City Council candidate A. Wayne Lawson $1,200 in repairs for his trailer and a parish job to withdraw from the race against incumbent Neal Bourque.

The investigation into the allegations was soon delayed by the August flood, Babin has said.

Matassa and Berthelot have denied the allegations. Matassa said he was offering Lawson, a friend, a loan and unrelated political advice. Both men's attorneys said Tuesday neither has been formally identified as a target of the probe.

Matassa is in his first year as parish president after five terms as a Gonzales councilman.

Lawson has said he did not accept the bribe but was working with the publisher of the Pelican Post news website in an investigative sting on Matassa. Lawson did not withdraw from the election but lost to Bourque Nov. 8, 61 percent to 39 percent.
James Tullier says he hears that TIRR Memorial Hermann hospital in Houston is where miracles happen.

Now that his son, East Baton Rouge Deputy Nick Tullier, has moved to the hospital for continued treatment, James Tullier's biggest hope and prayer is that "Nick's Miracle" continues.

Nick Tullier, seriously wounded in an ambush on law enforcement officers in July, will receive treatment at TIRR that James Tullier hopes will lead to the "next phase of consciousness."

"After arrival, the TIRR Medical Team went right to work," James Tullier said in a Facebook post early Thursday. "CT scans and X-rays were done along with all kinds of other assessments of Nicks conditions."

He said Nick Tullier's vital signs were good Wednesday night, after a day of travel from Baton Rouge to the Houston rehabilitation facility after nearly four months of treatment at Our Lady of the Lake.

As happy as the family is to get Nick to TIRR, he said, it's sad to be leaving the massive support system at OLOL and among law enforcement in the Baton Rouge area.

As Nick's recovery continues, James Tullier says he plans to keep posting updates on Facebook. Also in his plans: "Now, we are going to get close to the Houston area cops! More friendships to make, more hands to shake, more hugs. LEO Strong!!!"

Nick Tullier was shot three times in the July 17 attack by gunman Gavin Long that also killed three other law enforcement officers.

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The East Baton Rouge Parish school system is temporarily offering open slots in its magnet schools to qualified students displaced by the August floods.

The School Board on Thursday approved the move unanimously. Board member Barbara Freiberg did not vote; she left the meeting early.

The change takes effect immediately.

The new Magnet Programs Exception to Admission Policy for Impacted Students policy applies only to students who are new to the school system, who are displaced by the flood and who are living within the boundaries of the school district. They could have previously attended schools in other parishes or attended independent charter and private schools within East Baton Rouge Parish.

Students now living Baker, Central and Zachary are not eligible.

These new students also must meet the admissions requirements for any given magnet school or program. Most of the 21 Baton Rouge public schools with magnet programs, including Baton Rouge Magnet High, require students to have at least a 2.5 GPA and that they do well on a standardized test.

Stanines and percentiles: new magnet school admissions tests being developed for East Baton Rouge school system Special testing of thousands of children seeking to get into magnet schools in Baton Rouge w

Deputy Superintendent Michelle Clayton said some displaced families are making decisions now about whether to stay in Baton Rouge.

They are looking for an option that is similar to where they are coming from, Clayton said.

To apply, displaced families need some minimal proof that they live here now, such as a letter from a local family, and proof that the student previously attended an out-of-district school. Families who want to stay in their new magnet schools in 2017-18 would have to show proof of residency, Clayton said.

Theresa Porter, magnet program director, said most magnet schools have at least a few open slots. For instance, Lee High, which moved to its rebuilt campus in August, has 49 slots total, with spots in every grade. Westdale Heights Academic Magnet School has just two vacancies. The ever popular Baton Rouge Magnet High has no slots available, Porter said.

East Baton Rouge Parish has added about 200 students from outside the district since the flooding, but has also lost about 500 students.

Board member Vereta Lee questioned the fairness of allowing displaced students to benefit from this change and not to extend it to the hundreds of students who previously were unable to get a slot in a magnet school.

Associate Superintendent Adam Smith said school leadership is debating further changes to magnet school policy to help some the students Lee referred to. Smith pointed out that letting students move mid-year within the district is problematic.

You dont want to impact the traditional schools, Smith said. Those principals might be upset because they are losing one of their higher performing students in the middle of the year.

Superintendent Warren Drake said the flooding is creating unique circumstances that gave rise to the new policy, but he sympathized with Lee, saying the issue needs more debate.

I think its a shame we have all these vacancies and we cant fill these vacancies because of our own policy, Drake said.

The school systems Magnet Program is currently taking applications for the 2017-18 school year. The application period ends at midnight Dec. 5.
Metairie Park Country Day School students greet Louisiana Governor John Bel Edwards and his wife Donna Edwards after he arrived via helicopter for an administrative naturalization ceremony at the school in Metairie, La. Friday, Oct. 21, 2016. Thirty-four people from over twenty countries received their official citizenship at the event.
UnitedHealthcare partnered with Justin Vincent on Nov. 16 to give new sports equipment and uniforms to St. Jean Vianney Catholic School, one of several schools that suffered damage during the recent flooding in South Louisiana.
Louisiana Attorney Jeff Landry defended his stance Friday and said his refusal to approve state contracts with wording that protects workers from sexual orientation discrimination reflects the stance of the Louisiana Legislature.
Louisiana voters may have gone all in for President-elect Donald Trump, but that support doesn't necessarily translate into political muscle. Three members of a congressional delegation that was already short on seniority are set to leave in January, and as of Friday, no locals appear to be among the crowds flowing in and out of Trump Tower these days.

With U.S. Sen. David Vitter heading for retirement, Louisiana won't even be represented by anyone who was in office the last time a Republican president put together an administration.

It turns out that doesn't mean nobody in the delegation has been through this process before.

U.S. Rep. Garret Graves was just elected to his second term, but before that he spent years as a staffer on Capitol Hill. Back when George W. Bush was putting together his administration, Graves worked for U.S. Rep. Billy Tauzin. These days, he's spending his time trying to put what he learned into action, to identify people with expertise, connections to the new guard or both, and to make sure Louisiana's particular interests are represented in the new administration.

Louisiana still had two Democratic senators in 2000, so Tauzin played point man on federal appointments. Graves coordinated the process, and saw how getting names in front of decision-makers as soon as possible is key.

"One of the big things is recognizing that the more you can populate the new administration with Louisiana people, or Louisiana-friendly people, the better off you'll be," he said in a recent interview.

Graves is focused less on big-name cabinet-level appointments than on jobs in agencies and at the White House. Nor is he zeroing in on plum appointments for U.S. Attorney, U.S. Marshal and federal judgeships, which tend to come a little later in the process and go through the Senate.

Instead, he singled out some key issue areas where he thinks Louisiana needs advocates, including energy, fisheries, coastal restoration and international trade. And he named some potential names.

The best known and most eye-catching is U.S. Rep. Charles Boustany, who is leaving his Acadiana-based congressional seat after having finished third in the runoff to replace Vitter. Boustany is a retired heart surgeon and longtime member of the House Ways and Means Committee, and in addition to health care, he developed an expertise in trade policy. Graves said he'd recommend Boustany for a major role in that area, perhaps as U.S. trade representative.

What's interesting here is that Trump ran as a harsh critic of existing trade deals, and Boustany is an advocate for the sort of international trade that plays a key role in Louisiana's economy. At a time when Republicans in Congress were divided on whether to keep the Export-Import Bank, which supporters say gives American companies access to foreign markets and detractors argue amounts to crony capitalism, Boustany came down staunchly in favor.

On the flip side, Boustany joined Trump and many other Republicans this season in opposing the Trans-Pacific Partnership, which he'd initially hoped to support. In a roundup of possible appointees for the job, Politico said he and Trump are aligned in their support for easing restrictions on energy exports.

Regardless of commonalities, though, someone like Boustany would certainly bring the perspective of a port-centered economy into a potentially protectionist mix.

"Instead of talking free trade, we talk fair trade, and I think Charles gets that," Graves said. "You've got to send both teams out onto the field."

Also on Graves' list are people like Robert Barham, a former lawmaker who headed the state Department of Wildlife and Fisheries under former Gov. Bobby Jindal and who now oversees state parks for Lt. Gov. Billy Nungesser. Graves said he could be a good fit in the Department of Interior or the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration. He also mentioned Ryan Lambert, a political operative who ran Trump's Louisiana campaign and helped elect Graves, for a possible White House job.

So Graves is busy emailing, calling old contacts who are close to the transition, talking to his peers in Congress, and generally trying to plant ideas wherever they might grow.

"Getting in early, I think, is something really important," Graves said. "So the question is, where can we be part of the discussion?"
More than 80 per cent of government land releases in recent years have been for townhouses, apartments and units, government figures show.

Over the past nine years, the government has sold land for 34,900 new dwellings. In the earlier years, from 2007 to 2011, fewer than half the releases were for units, townhouses and apartments.

The Molonglo suburbs of Wright and Coombs in August 2015: Concerns have been raised about the amount of apartment and townhouse development in Coombs. Credit:Graham Tidy

But since 2011 numbers have crept up and in the past three years, they have peaked, averaging 81 per cent. In 2014-15, 91 per cent of government releases were for medium-density and unit-style housing. In 2015-16, the figure was 71 per cent.

Real Estate Institute of the ACT chief executive Ron Bell said he hoped the government would now return to a more "rational" split between apartments and detached houses.
If you're driving between Pialligo and the city on Sunday night, you'll see the Malcolm Fraser bridge lit up in a vibrant mix of blue, pink and white.

The colours represent transgender awareness and the bridge will be lit up on Sunday, November 20, to mark the Transgender Day of Remembrance.

The bridge will be lit up on Sunday, November 20. Credit:iStock

Local transgender campaigner Ashley Kerlin is behind Canberra's very public display of support - she used Facebook and Twitter to call on the ACT government to get involved in raising awareness.

ACT MLA Tara Cheyne confirmed on Facebook that the bridge would be illuminated. .
Bringing the bush back into inner city suburban parks is the concept behind a $300,000 spend on play area development green-lighted by the ACT Government.

Three Canberra parks, Telopea Park in Barton, Finn Street in O'Connor and Tuggeranong Town Park in Greenway, will be transformed into a nature play co-design project where design teams work with the community to realise their ideas in each $100,000 revamp.

Aya Zisserman, 8, leaps into sharing her ideas to transform Finn Street Park O'Connor into an area for nature play. Credit:Georgina Connery

Space Labs director Geoff Bunnett said he was thrilled his team was one of three selected from the Australian Institute of Landscape architects (ALIA) 'Craft Your Park' competition.

And his first stop was to brainstorm bold ideas with some experts in play - kindergarten to Year Two students at O'Connor Cooperative School.
"I feel happy and very proud," Heath said. "But I was nervous getting up in front of the whole school to receive it."

She owes her life to her 10-year-old son Heath McDonald, who on Friday was awarded a joint ACT/NSW Ambulance Service Commendation for his bravery and actions on that horrific day in July.

To ease "a flu that I just couldn't shake", Shelley Richardson, 43, ran a scorching hot bubble bath, climbed in and laid down. Within minutes, the senior public servant had fainted  and she slowly sank under the water and started to drown.

The North Ainslie Primary School student was playing Minecraft on his PC on the afternoon of the incident. He had earplugs in but heard "a strange banging noise in the bathroom"  that sound was Shelley's body convulsing in the bath. A lack of oxygen to the brain had caused her to have a seizure.

Heath knocked twice before opening the door and seeing his mum slipping under the bubbles. He lifted her face just above water level to keep her alive. Despite being in a deep panic, and only nine years old at the time, Heath realised he could pull the plug and drain the bath, removing any further threat of drowning.

"At the start her eyes were rolling back in her head," he said. "I was scared. Then I just got the home phone and called triple-0  I was multi-tasking. I knew my address and I said mum was 42 when she's really 43."

The audio footage of the triple-0 call, provided to the family for medical reasons, is confronting. It starts with a distressed Heath pleading for help from an ambulance officer before  unbelievably  thinking about who else might need to know about the incident.
Jane would often envision the futures of the refugees she worked to protect on Nauru if they were to settle in Australia.

The Canberra-based whistleblower has joined condemnation of the Turnbull government's planned ban, which would prevent people held in offshore detention from July 19, 2013 who were re-settled in other countries from entering Australia - even for business, tourism or to see family.

Some of the 2500 protesters who rallied against offshore detention at Civic Square in October. Credit:Jay Cronan

"It saddens me to know that [if the bill passes] Australia will forever deprive itself of the resource and opportunity in the many talented, intelligent and thoughtful humans who are currently held in Nauru and Manus islands, either as residents, contributors to our society or even as tourists," Jane said.

"For me this is not about a nameless and faceless 2000-odd people, it's about the beautiful souls and faces with tired but heart-warming smiles I walked among, their hopes and dreams frozen in time, waiting on the humanity of Australia to prevail."
A former union official and his niece have been charged with close to $870,000 in alleged fraud offences linked to a shopping spree that included Tiffany's jewellery, online dating services and a tattoo.

Police arrested Derrick Belan, the former NSW branch secretary of the National Union of Workers and the union's former accounts manager Danielle O'Brien in Sydney's West on Thursday in relation to a series of alleged frauds.

The Trade Union Joint Police Taskforce established in January will allege the pair misused union credit cards and conducted fraudulent electronic transfers, and withdrawals of funds from union accounts. It is also alleged they processed false invoices through a third party who supplied services to the union.

Mr Belan, 45, was arrested at his Berkshire Park home and charged at Windsor police station with 24 fraud-related offences amounting to $440,000 and two counts of participating in a criminal group. He was refused bail and pleaded not guilty in Penrith Local Court on Friday.
Speculation continues about the identity of the netball player who has taken a case against Netball Australia for not receiving a contract in the new national competition. She is a goal shooter and claims that her figures are superior to those of several current players and that her omission has left her open to ridicule and derision. Her legal representatives are searching through the American Diagnostic and Statistical Manual (DSM) in the hope of finding a condition that might cover her situation. Meanwhile, a man in Melbourne is also using the DSM to sue his local fast food outlet for not providing him with enough paper napkins to protect him from the fat in their food. He claims that his suit was damaged when the grease was not fully absorbed by the paper napkin he was given and he is unable to find a replacement suit that will fit his unconventional shape. This is keeping him awake at night and he has been reprimanded by his boss for being late to work. He is considering suing his boss also. A netball player has taken a case against Netball Australia for not receiving a contract in the new national competition. Credit:iStock The other case that has underemployed members of the legal profession trawling the DSM concerns a man who is suing his church for telling him that God made the world. In one of the days of his youth when he actually attended school, he heard the teacher speak about the fossil record, and this confused him so much that he is suffering from post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). His lawyers feel that when they can find a psychiatrist who is willing to diagnose the condition, they will have a strong case. OK, those are fictions, but they are examples of the way that American pseudoscience has dominated our reactions to distress. The following is not fiction: in the aftermath of the 2004 Indian Ocean tsunami, Sri Lanka was invaded by hundreds of counsellors with only one 'l' in their spelling, all explaining to the timid locals that they had a good case against climate deniers or insurance companies or the government and that they, the Americans had come to provide them with drugs for their psychological conditions. The locals had never heard the jokes that start, "I'm an American and I'm here to help."

The contagion has infected police work, too. If a person is injured in a drive-by shooting and decides that he will not co-operate with the police, there is little they can do and they must be careful lest their questioning cause him any DSM-approved psychological impairment. There was a time when they might have threatened some physical hurt but that was in the dark ages; these days, they must treat his dignity and privacy under penalty of reprimand by the legal profession. The fact that he did not offer the same standard to the poor devil who owed him a drug debt is neither here nor there. There was a time when a lawyer defending someone on a murder charge would make sure that the defendant's previous criminal record was kept from the jury. Nowadays that is not necessary, because the choices the defendant made during his life may be used to persuade the jury that he had a rotten childhood as a result of which he suffers from some condition that has been described in the DSM. Now all he needs is the testimony of a few expensive psychologists or psychiatrists. The DSM is the best friend a defence lawyer has. People will not be found guilty of a crime if it can be shown that at the time, they suffered from some condition that meant they could not control their behaviour. Such conditions may include the inability to think rationally because of anxiety or depression, for example. This is appropriate and is rightly the basis of law in most countries. However, the diagnosis of such conditions requires input from people in the mental health field. And since the diagnosis is often inexact or cannot be supported by more than one clinician, it is useful to have a source that can be referenced for arbitration. Here is where the DSM comes in, a publication that adds new conditions each time it is produced. Courts in some states of the US are so sceptical of it that they no longer accept an insanity defence even when it is fairly clear and would be accepted in other countries. As well as providing practical defence for criminal actions, the DSM is also a boon to what is known as big pharma. If some condition is named in that manual, a pharmaceutical company needs only to rebrand some existing medication to cover that ailment and the profits can follow.
A man dressed as a hammerhead shark tried to throw a net over NSW Premier Mike Baird as tensions boiled over in Ballina after the installation of the first shark nets in the region.

Conservationists confronted Mr Baird and protested against his announcement of the prevention measure.

Local marine conservationist Dean Jefferys, dressed in a shark costume, tried to cover Mr Baird in the net as he entered his car, an incident filmed by an ABC reporter.

After being questioned by police, Mr Jefferys told Fairfax Media he "wanted the Premier to realise what it's like for marine life to be caught in a net. I think he got a little taste of that today."
A former SAS trooper has broken down during a Senate inquiry as he told of his brother's attempted suicide and levelled allegations of impropriety at the Australian Defence Force.

Evan Donaldson, who has previously alleged he was sexually assaulted during high-level training in 2006 and also accused the army of identity theft, said his brother Andrew was grievously affected by the death of his best mate and fellow soldier Jason Brown in 2010.

At times struggling to speak, Trooper Donaldson told the Senate inquiry his brother had been hospitalised for psychological treatment in 2014, and while heavily medicated was "ordered to sign documents that would commence medical discharge".

Trooper Donaldson alleged that "the SAS command formally blacklisted my family" and subsequently relegated Andrew to isolated roles within his regiment while attempting to hound him out of the ADF.
Talk about spiralling down. The initial shock of Donald Trump's election win has already yielded to a second-wave effect in Australia, with policymakers adjusting their stances, toughening their rhetoric and playing to prejudices once discredited.

An atmospheric change in Australia's political discourse, on both sides of the aisle, is palpable. It is as if the anti-immigration grievance expressed through Brexit has now been turbocharged through Trumpism, prompting Australian political leaders, somewhat jarringly, to get with the program.

That program is nationalism and the path there is always the same: go low.

Succumbing to the lure of a "friendly" conservative barracker, Immigration Minister Peter Dutton, whose job it is to promote multiculturalism, has told Andrew Bolt that Malcolm Fraser erred in the 1970s by allowing so many people into the country from certain places.
Paris Hilton has revealed she voted for president-elect Donald Trump.

The heiress, who is currently in Melbourne promoting her new fragrance "Gold Rush", made the comments during an appearance on The Project on Thursday night.

"I've known him since [I was] a little girl  so, yes," she told panellist Peter Helliar, who had asked if she voted for the billionaire.

It is the first time Hilton, who is a friend of Trump's daughter Ivanka and received her first modelling gigs through his agency T Management, has revealed how she cast her ballot.
Australia's deal with the United States to resettle people from Manus Island and Nauru has drawn a conspicuously low-key response from the thousands of asylum seekers and refugees waiting in Indonesia.

While the Turnbull government suggests that people smugglers are waiting to launch back into action at a hint of softness by Australia, refugees and asylum seekers contacted by Fairfax Media this week say none of the people smugglers from 2013 remain active, and nobody is motivated to go.

"Nobody is interested now in boats," said Pakistani asylum seeker Faisal Khan.

"People don't care about boats. They all say, 'Ahh, forget it; it's impossible'."
The next five years will feature the biggest housing construction boom in Sydney's history, according to forecasts released by the state government.

The forecasts predict almost 185,000 new houses and apartments will be added to the city by 2021  about 85 per cent more properties than were built in the previous five years.

Parramatta will be home to the largest increase in dwellings, with another 21,450 properties added to the council area, according to the forecasts by the Department of Planning and the Environment.

The next largest increases are in the City of Sydney council area, with 18,250 new dwellings; Blacktown, with 13,600 new properties; and Canterbury-Bankstown, with 12,200 new dwellings.
Brothers for Life chapter leader Mohammed Hamzy fought Pasquale Barbaro in jail. An eyewitness says a heated exchange took place after Khaled confronted Barbaro, a loyal Rockpool customer, in the upmarket dining room, and the confrontation threatened to turn physical. It is an example of the many conflicts Barbaro found himself in, in varying underworld circles, before his execution this week. "There are many people that would have wanted to knock him for what Pasquale did to them," one source says. Barbaro has been painted as a man with countless enemies who was happy to mouth off about his associates but shied away from conflict.

"He always had bodyguards because if there was dramas he would never sort it out himself," one insider says. "He was a weakling." But three weeks ago everyone, including his bodyguard, appeared to desert Barbaro. On Monday night, as he left the Earlwood home of construction industry figure George Alex, at least one gunman with two accomplices jumped out of an Audi four-wheel-drive and opened fire. Witnesses heard seven shots before finding the tattooed, heavyset father-of-two dead on the footpath. Barbaro was the eighth underworld figure executed in Sydney in the last 18 months. Family ties

In some ways Barbaro never had a chance. Decent male role models in his family have been in short supply. Father Guiseppe "Joe" had already served two stints behind bars for drug offences and was on the run trying to avoid a third stint when Barbaro's half-sister baby Montana was kidnapped in Melbourne 2004. Pasquale Barbaro's father Joe Barbaro. Credit:Paul Harris PRH All hell broke loose in Joe's private life when it emerged he had eight children with three women. The existence of his other family in Melbourne was news to his fiancee Tanya Flynn, a Canberra dancer, who had two children with Joe. Waving her unworn wedding dress before the cameras, Flynn announced the wedding was off.

But Montana's mother, Anita Ciancio, 20 years his junior, was not concerned by her partner's secret life later saying of Joe: "Just because he is older and uglier than me does not mean he is not worth my love." Not long after the kidnapping Joe was extradited to NSW. In 2002 he organised for his son, Barbaro, to supply him with 1000 methylamphetamine tablets. Both father and son were jailed over this. Joe later appealed, unsuccessfully, claiming that the sentencing judge had given insufficient weight to the effect of the kidnapping. That same year, 2006, also saw Joe's brother "Fat" Frank jailed for four years over his own ecstasy bust. Barbaro was only 25 when he and his father were jailed but he already had an extensive rap sheet, including a stint in jail in the ACT over the armed robbery of the Helenic Club during which a security guard was bashed with a steel pipe.

Once out of jail for the drug offences committed with his father, Barbaro was back in the family business  drug manufacturing. Pasquale Barbaro was shot dead in Earlwood on Monday. Credit:Instagram This time, in July 2012, Barbaro and his younger brother Rossario were arrested and charged with manufacturing two kilograms of the drug ice. While on bail Rossario was arrested in Queensland in 2014 over 36 kilograms of ice that police allegedly found in his car. His attempt to get bail last year failed after the police raised his "appalling criminal history", which included 30 convictions. Pasquale's grandfather, also called Pasquale Barbaro, was involved in the drug world. He was murdered in Brisbane in 1990, having survived a previous attempt on his life. His brothers Antonio and Francesco (also known as "Little Trees") were senior mafia figures based in Griffith and were named in the Woodward Royal Commission into Drug Trafficking.

Franceso's son, also called Pasquale, is currently in jail over the world's largest ecstasy bust. A complex web At the time he was shot dead at Earlwood, Barbaro was on $350,000 bail for the 2012 drugs charges and was due to face trial early next year. The execution-style hit transpired the night before a Sydney court was played phone intercepts of him speaking to his close friend, Brothers For Life gang leader Farhad Qaumi. Despite being a member of the same street gang, Qaumi  known as "the Afghan"  had also been in a long-running, deadly feud with the Hamzy family Barbaro had brawled with at Rockpool.

The phone intercepts of Barbaro were played as part of the evidence against Qaumi, who is on trial for allegedly arranging the murder of standover man Joe Antoun at Strathfield in 2013. In what demonstrates the complex and delicate nature of Sydney's underworld, Antoun was business partners and a close associate of Alex  the man Barbaro had been visiting when he was gunned down. George Alex. Credit:AAP Barbaro also claimed that he twice attempted to kill Antoun over an outstanding drug debt but had aborted the hit on both occasions because the standover man's wife and had answered the door. At the time Antoun was shot dead, Barbaro was pursuing him over an alleged $750,000 debt owed to Griffith wine merchants. In this complex web of Sydney's underworld, Barbaro found himself squarely in the middle.

"He had the name, the Barbaro name, and people wanted to do business with him because of that," one insider says. "But he was cocky and he'd screw people over. No one could trust him." He had Mafia ties, he was close with Afghan gangsters like Qaumi, he was known to be hanging around with senior Hells Angels bikies and partied with Kings Cross identities including Michael Ibrahim. Others described him as a bully and a thug. "He's got 100 people that want to knock him," another well-known crime figure says. It was widely rumoured that Barbaro was a "snitch" or a law enforcement informant, although it was a claim he denied. He had survived at least two previous shootings.

The first was on New Year's Day 2014 when three gunman opened fire on a luxury Oscar II yacht that Barbaro was on, partying with other gangsters including Qaumi and Kings Cross identity Adam Freeman, son of bookie and organised crime figure George Freeman. Qaumi was struck in the shoulder in what police believe was an attack aimed at killing him. Barbaro was unhurt. Then in November 2015, Barbaro survived an attempt on his life at Leichhardt, in Sydney's inner-west. He was shot at several times but miraculously escaped injury. That shooting, almost a year to the day before he was killed, was believed to have been carried out by another underworld figure, Hamad Assaad. Hamad Assaad was shot dead on October 25. Credit:Instagram

Assaad and Barbaro were close associates of Dallas Fitzgerald, the national sergeant-at-arms of the Hells Angels and son of one of the club's most senior figures, Felix Lyle. Assaad was shot dead in front of a 12-year-old relative as he left his Georges Hall home on October 25. The 29-year-old was a prime suspect in the shooting of Walid "Wally" Ahmad in April, a brazen murder at Bankstown shopping centre that Assaad, who was known by the street name "H", had been bragging about. The deaths of Barbaro, Assaad, Ahmad and five other fatal underworld shootings in the last 18 months has prompted police on Thursday to establish a specialist strike force, Osprey, to look for links between them and to stop any further bloodshed. Loading It is a similar tactic used by Victorian Police at the height of the Melbourne gangland killings that involved that city's biggest underworld figures and was immortalised in the television series Underbelly.
Business innovators are disgruntled after $9 million in Queensland government grants did not advance, despite months of waiting "in the dark".

Applicants to Advance Queensland's $9 million Industry Accelerator Program were required to email their "industry focus along with a capability statement" before June 30.

Business owners complain about delay in finding out grant result from Queensland government.

Fairfax Media understands the intended contract start date was earlier this year slated as July 29.

On Tuesday, Opposition Innovation spokeswoman Tarnya Smith said businesses were concerned that the Industry Accelerator Program had not announced the successful applicants.
A man accused of a shooting murder in Brisbane's east has refused to stand for the magistrate as he appeared in court hours after allegedly handing himself in with a shotgun stuffed down the front of his pants.

Clayton David Backman, 25, appeared in the Roma Street Magistrates Court on Friday morning, charged with the murder of father-of-three Leslie Michael Brooks.

The accused, who also faced unrelated stealing charges on the same day in what Magistrate Anthony Gett noted as a coincidence, smiled and gave his mother a thumbs up as she sat in the back of the court, occasionally shaking her head.

"I love you," he said to his mother as he was led out of the court.
Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk is determined to see an unemployment figure in Queensland that starts with "five".

Yesterday, ABS figures revealed the trend unemployment rate for Queensland in October was 6.0 per cent, compared with 6.1 per cent in September.

Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk has described new laws to be introduced on Tuesday. Credit:Robert Shakespeare

There were also 16,900 jobs lost across the state in the last month, according to the latest labour force statistics.

Ms Palaszczuk made the comments before the start of a meeting of the Working Queensland cabinet committee on Friday.
London: A 14-year-old girl who has died of cancer has been cryogenically frozen in the hope that she can be "woken up" and cured in the future after winning a landmark court case in her final days.

The girl's divorced parents had disagreed over whether her wish to be frozen should be followed, so the girl, who cannot be named for legal reasons, asked a High Court judge to intervene.

The Alcor Life Extension Foundation, one of the companies in the US that specialises in cryogenic preservation. Credit:Todd Heisler/The New York Times

In a letter to the court, the girl, known as JS, said: "I don't want to die but I know I am going to ... I want to live longer ... I want to have this chance."

Because she was too young to make a legally recognised will, she had to have the permission of both of her parents to sign up for the process.
The father of a Melbourne woman who died in Mozambique last week says he is "absolutely certain" his daughter was murdered by suffocation.

Elly Warren, 20, was found dead outside a public toilet block on Tofo Beach, a popular tourist and diving spot off Africa's south-east coast, on November 9.

An autopsy was conducted last week and then her body was taken to Johannesburg, where her family has been working with a local funeral director to bring Elly back to Melbourne.

In a statement, circulated by the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade late Friday night, Paul Warren said he was in South Africa to "in order to bring my beautiful daughter, Elly, home".
They lurk in the shadows then slip in before the garage door goes down. Once inside they check to see which cars have been left open. Often a careless owner has left the keys and garage door remote in the vehicle. They turn the engine over then roll out in the stolen car as if they owned it.

Yes, even inner-city apartment dwellers who keep their vehicles in underground parking garages were not immune from the surge in car theft in Victoria last year.

Analysis of Crime Statistics Agency data shows car thefts almost doubled in the apartment-rich postcodes of South Melbourne, Docklands and Southbank in the 12 months to March this year.

National Motor Vehicle Theft Reduction Council executive director Ray Carroll said there were cases of people sneaking into apartment complexes to steal cars.
There were scenes of utter chaos and devastation in Springvale on Friday, after a man doused his body in accelerant and set himself on fire in a crowded bank just before lunchtime, sparking an explosion that injured dozens.

Paramedics said 27 people were injured - six of them critically - inside the Commonwealth Bank on Springvale Road, about 11:30am.

Amateur footage taken by a witness and posted to Facebook showed dazed-looking people sitting on the footpath after the explosion, one woman weeping and moaning in pain, as witnesses poured water over people's injuries.

One toddler screamed in panic and pain, his hair and face blackened, as his sobbing mother tried to sponge his face clean.
Los Angeles Auto Show: Elio Motors Debuts E1c Engineering Vehicle

LEARN MORE:

2016 LA Auto Show Press Pass Coverage

Elio Motors News Archive

LOS ANGELES, Nov. 17, 2016 -- Elio Motors , the start-up vehicle manufacturer planning to launch a three-wheel vehicle that will get up to 84 mpg with a set $7,300* base price, today introduced its E1c engineering vehicle at the Los Angeles Auto Show.

The E1c engineering vehicle is a significant step forward as Elio Motors progresses from the prototype to production phase. While the exterior is similar to previous Elio prototypes, the E1c engineering vehicle features foundational and structural improvements to the frame, suspension, and safety systems that will ultimately create a more satisfying driving experience.

The E1c is part of Elio Motors' E-Series vehicles, which are being built for testing and validation purposes. More than 80 percent of the E1c was assembled using soft tooling -- short-term, low-cost production tools -- to prove manufacturability and repeatability of individual parts prior to full production.

"The E1c represents our continued progress along our long-term plan to bring low-cost, highly fuel efficient transportation to the market," said Elio Motors' founder and CEO Paul Elio. "We have assembled an amazing team of engineers and supplier partners who have jumped into every aspect of this vehicle to make sure it meets or exceeds all of our targets. Their passion for creating a game-changing vehicle is one of our company's greatest strengths."

While the company has made hundreds of refinements during the vehicle engineering phase, some of the more impactful changes include the frame, suspension and safety systems with improved comfort and functionality.

The E1c features a unibody frame, which allows for better absorption of energy and greater safety tuning of the vehicle. The unibody frame was developed specifically for Elio Motors by the Elio Motors engineering team, Schwab Industries and Roush Engineering. In addition to the safety benefits, the unibody frame also will improve the production vehicle's fit and finish and will manufacturability.

The modified suspension will sharpen handling and improve aerodynamics, improve long-term vehicle durability and reduce noise, vibration and harshness (NVH).

The E1c is the first Elio Motors vehicle to feature airbags, a key component in Elio Motors' Safety Management System, with two roof-rail side-curtain airbags and a driver airbag in the steering wheel.

"The soft tooling phase is crucial to our long-term success, as we progress from hand-built prototypes to more refined vehicles built with production tooling," said Jeff Johnston, Elio Motors' Vice President of Engineering. "The E1c features 80% production level components and systems and represents a monumental leap forward."

About Elio Motors

Founded by car enthusiast Paul Elio in 2009, Elio Motors Inc. represents a revolutionary approach to manufacturing an ultra-high-mileage vehicle. The three-wheel Elio is engineered to attain a highway mileage rating of up to 84 mpg while providing the comfort of amenities such as power windows, power door lock, cruise control and air conditioning accompanied by the safety of multiple air bags and an aerodynamic, enclosed vehicle body. Elio Motors' first manufacturing site will be in Shreveport, La.

*MSRP for non-refundable reservations only and applies only until non-refundable and refundable reservations total 65,000. Total current reservations can be seen at: www.eliomotors.com. MSRP excludes destination/delivery charges, taxes, title, registration, and options/installation.
3-D Printed Car, Motorcycles And Full-Size Porsche 919 Hybrid Racecar (Built With Legos) Among New Attractions At LA Auto Show







LOS ANGELES - November 18, 2016: The Los Angeles Auto Show will feature Tesla, Airstream, Divergent 3D and several new destinations for visitors to explore during its trade and consumer events. These companies join leading niche and global automakers, manufacturers of rideables and app developers as they showcase their latest automobility innovations/services for visitors to encounter and explore at the L.A. Convention Center during AutoMobility LATM (Nov. 14-17) and LA Auto Show (Nov. 18, 2016-27).

Tesla will be making its first LA Auto Show appearance with its Model X SUV, which will be towing an iconic Airstream travel trailer with a built-in mobile design studio. Similar to Tesla galleries and stores, the Airstream will be staffed with showroom displays and product specialists, giving visitors the opportunity to learn about the many benefits of Tesla ownership. Tesla's Model S premium sedan will also be on display.

Among other displays taking place during the LA Auto Show, there will be a variety of options for young people including the Chrysler Pacifica Kids Zone, where children can enjoy a full jungle gym and ball pit. Friends and family will also be able to stop by the Awsome "Pit Stop Photo Booth" to dress up in racing gear, pose and take home photo strips as souvenirs. Visitors can also count on seeing a full-size Porsche racecar made out of Legos, custom Corvettes and Harley-Davidson on the show floor.

"The LA Auto Show is bringing an abundance of excitement and exploration for our guests this year," said LA Auto Show and AutoMobility LA President and CEO, Lisa Kaz. "Whether you're a gearhead, techie, selfie addict or explorer, there's a little something at the show for everyone."

Some of the interactive attractions visitors will see at the LA Auto Show include the following:

Family-Friendly Destinations & Activities

Awsome "Pit Stop Photo Booth" : Located in "The Garage, powered by Prestone," Awsome Photo Booth will present an opportunity for attendees to participate in a photo shoot and receive full color photo strips at no charge. Attendees will be able to get into the racing spirit with props such as race flags, mustaches, glasses and helmets.

Located in "The Garage, powered by Prestone," Awsome Photo Booth will present an opportunity for attendees to participate in a photo shoot and receive full color photo strips at no charge. Attendees will be able to get into the racing spirit with props such as race flags, mustaches, glasses and helmets. Chrysler Pacifica Kids Zone : Kids ages 3-12 will have a blast at this year's Chrysler Pacifica Kids Zone, where they will be able to get out all their energy in the jungle gym and ball pit. Parents will get a chance to relax while watching their children from the lounge area where they can learn about the brand-new Pacifica Hybrid.

: Kids ages 3-12 will have a blast at this year's Chrysler Pacifica Kids Zone, where they will be able to get out all their energy in the jungle gym and ball pit. Parents will get a chance to relax while watching their children from the lounge area where they can learn about the brand-new Pacifica Hybrid. Harley-Davidson JUMPSTART Rider Experience : Visitors will have the chance to fire up the engine of a Harley-Davidson motorcycle with a stationary support stand. Guests will hop onto the bike under supervision of a trained professional.

Visitors will have the chance to fire up the engine of a Harley-Davidson motorcycle with a stationary support stand. Guests will hop onto the bike under supervision of a trained professional. LA Auto Show EyeCons : EyeCons is a classically addictive "distract and relax" match-two puzzle mobile game with custom LA Auto Show game tiles and location-specific rewards provided by sponsors as players advance from level to level. EyeCons is free and available for download on iTunes and Google Play.

EyeCons is a classically addictive "distract and relax" match-two puzzle mobile game with custom LA Auto Show game tiles and location-specific rewards provided by sponsors as players advance from level to level. EyeCons is free and available for download on iTunes and Google Play. Porsche Lego Car : Lego Master Builder Paul Chrzan will build two cars, a full-size Porsche 919 Hybrid racecar and a Lego Technic Porsche 911 GT3, at 1 p.m. on Friday, Nov. 18 , and Saturday, Nov. 19 . Lego kits will be available for purchase.

Lego Master Builder Paul Chrzan will build two cars, a full-size Porsche 919 Hybrid racecar and a Lego Technic Porsche 911 GT3, at on , and . Lego kits will be available for purchase. Toyota 3D Chalk Art: Toyota teamed up with We Talk Chalk, a group of professional chalk artists and street painters, to bring some artistic finesse to the LA Auto Show this year. The artists will create works of three-dimensional art for guest interaction using chalk.

Unique, Technologically-Advanced Transportation

BAC Mono : The world's only single-seater, road-legal supercar was created by Liverpool-based manufacturer Briggs Automotive Company (BAC) and will be on display.

The world's only single-seater, road-legal supercar was created by Liverpool-based manufacturer Briggs Automotive Company (BAC) and will be on display. Divergent 3D-printed Car : Divergent's Blade production vehicle was built using Divergent 3D's proprietary platform. On display on the Show floor, the Blade supercar represents the future of automobile manufacturing and will be available to customers in 2017.

Divergent's Blade production vehicle was built using Divergent 3D's proprietary platform. On display on the Show floor, the Blade supercar represents the future of automobile manufacturing and will be available to customers in 2017. Elio Motors : The winner of last year's Top Ten Automotive Startups competition, Elio Motors will present its latest E-Series vehicle, the E1C, a three-wheeled automobile.

The winner of last year's Top Ten Automotive Startups competition, Elio Motors will present its latest E-Series vehicle, the E1C, a three-wheeled automobile. Polaris Slingshot : Polaris' three-wheeled, reverse tricycle will be on display for guests to visit. With bucket seats and over 170 horsepower, this isn't your average tricycle.

Polaris' three-wheeled, reverse tricycle will be on display for guests to visit. With bucket seats and over 170 horsepower, this isn't your average tricycle. Yamaha: The Show will feature the iconic manufacturer of motorcycles, ATVs, Side by Side vehicles, snowmobiles, outboard motors, personal watercraft, jet boats, generators, and its new eBike systems. It will be joined by its music division that will also display a "Garage Band!"

Custom Cars

Custom Corvettes : Famous customizer Ivan Tampi Customs is focused on designing and manufacturing aftermarket product lines for the elite range of cars such as Corvettes and Mustangs and will launch products for other exotic cars such as the Lamborghini Aventador. ITC will showcase its C7 Corvette and Z06 Corvette, both with the XIK WideBody Kit Limited Edition, as well as additional carbon fiber parts for the Corvettes.

Famous customizer Ivan Tampi Customs is focused on designing and manufacturing aftermarket product lines for the elite range of cars such as Corvettes and Mustangs and will launch products for other exotic cars such as the Lamborghini Aventador. ITC will showcase its C7 Corvette and Z06 Corvette, both with the XIK WideBody Kit Limited Edition, as well as additional carbon fiber parts for the Corvettes. Splinter Supercar : The world's only wooden supercar, the Splinter is a unique concept car completely made of wood veneers. The Splinter has a predicted top speed of 240 mph.

The world's only wooden supercar, the Splinter is a unique concept car completely made of wood veneers. The Splinter has a predicted top speed of 240 mph. Zelectric Motors Custom 1937 Porsche 911 with full-electric Tesla motor: At the intersection of modern performance and iconic design, Zelectric Motors offers a unique all-electric driving experience. Resto-mod classics on display this year include a mint Zelectric Ghia, vintage electric VW Microbus, a classic 100+mph Beetle, and a Tesla-powered 1973 Porsche 911. Built to order, all are zero emission with variable mileage ranges up to 250.

Additionally, social media lounges displaying guests' Twitter and Instagram posts on large screens will be located throughout the Convention Center. Visitors will also have a chance to take a break and juice up their personal mobile devices at one of several "recharging stations."

The LA Auto Show's AutoMobility LA includes exhibits from Intel, Green Hills Software, Garmin, Urgent.ly, Vizzion and What3Words, all located in the Technology Pavilion, located in front of the L.A. Convention Center.

Made possible by a variety of sponsors including Auto Alliance, Cisco Jasper, CNET, Edmunds, Global Automakers, Skurt, and The Foundry, the LA Auto Show takes over the Los Angeles Convention Center beginning with AutoMobility LA from November 14-17, followed by public days taking place from November 18-27.
if the people of Biafra want Republic of Biafra, it will be a reality during my administration. ----Donald Trump Donald Trump I wi...
Hospital offers safe option to dispose of meds, narcotics Los Robles Health System is working to crush the opioid drug crisis by raising awareness about the dangers of opioid misuse and the importance of safe and proper disposal of unused or expired medications. Crush the Crisis will take place...

Alzheimers Foundation to host free conference The Alzheimers Foundation of America will host a free virtual educational conference from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Tues., Nov. 15. The event is part of the foundations 2022 national Educating America Tour. The conference, which is free and open...

Authorities warn about rainbow fentanyl Victims often arent aware theyre taking it

The Ventura County Office of Education and state health officials have issued a warning to schools and families about rainbow fentanyl, a form of the potentially fatal synthetic opioid that comes in bright colors. Rainbow fentanyl can be found in...

Cancer support community to host remembrance event Cancer Support Community Valley/Ventura/Santa Barbara invites family members and friends of those who have died from cancer to attend the second annual Evening of Remembrance from 5:30 to 7 p.m. Thurs., Nov. 3 at Cancer Support Communitys Garden of Hope,...
Hey there, time traveller!

This article was published 18/11/2016 (2175 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current.

Steinbach RCMP turned to the public for assistance on Friday, releasing information on a number of break-ins that occurred in the last two weeks.

Four dirt bikes were stolen from a business in the 300 block of Highway 12 North in Steinbach sometime around Nov. 4 including a white 2016 Husqvarna FC250, a white 2016 Husqvarna FE350, a blue 2005 Yamaha YZ144 and a grey 2014 Yamaha FZ09.

A number of tools, including a captive bolt gun for euthanizing animals, were taken from a barn on Settlers Road in La Broquerie on the night of Nov. 9.

A side by side off road vehicle, described as a grey 2015 CFMOTO ZF8E with Manitoba plate 9H749, was reported stolen on Nov. 14 and last seen on Thurston Drive in the RM of Ste Anne.

The Manitoba Hydro compound in Steinbach was entered sometime during the evening of Nov. 8 or early morning of Nov. 9. Grounding chains and copper wire lines were taken.

Anyone with information can contact Steinbach RCMP at (204) 326-4452 or CrimeStoppers at 1-800-222-8477 or www.manitobacrimestoppers.com or text TIPMAN plus a message to Crimes (274637).
Estimados amigos,

Les doy cordialmente la bienvenida a este Blog informativo con articulos, analisis y comentarios de publicaciones especializadas y especialmente seleccionadas, principalmente sobre temas economicos, financieros y politicos de actualidad, que esperamos y deseamos, sean de su maximo interes, utilidad y conveniencia.

Pensamos que solo comprendiendo cabalmente el presente, es que podemos proyectarnos acertadamente hacia el futuro.

Las convicciones son mas peligrosos enemigos de la verdad que las mentiras.

There are decades when nothing happens and there are weeks when decades happen.

You only find out who is swimming naked when the tide goes out.

No soy alguien que sabe, sino alguien que busca.

Only Gold is money. Everything else is debt.

Las grandes almas tienen voluntades; las debiles tan solo deseos.

Quien no lo ha dado todo no ha dado nada.

History repeats itself, first as tragedy, second as farce.

If you know the other and know yourself, you need not fear the result of a hundred battles.

We are travelers on a cosmic journey, stardust, swirling and dancing in the eddies and whirlpools of infinity. Life is eternal. We have stopped for a moment to encounter each other, to meet, to love, to share.This is a precious moment. It is a little parenthesis in eternity.
Brexits Doom Spirals

LONDON  Financial markets are giving a thumbs-down to Brexit, and they are right to do so. But because it is finance, not democratic civil society, that is pushing back against the United Kingdoms decision to leave the European Union, the Brexit debate will become more bitter, and the fallout more severe.

The June referendums initial economic effects were negligible, and may even have been slightly positive, now that the UKs post-referendum growth figures are being revised upward.



But the British pound is sinking, the cost of financing UK government debt is rising, and the process of actually withdrawing from the EU could be highly destructive.

Having decided to leave the EU, it is in the UKs interest to manage withdrawal in a way that minimizes short-term adjustment costs and long-term adverse effects. Likewise, it is in the EUs interest to mitigate not only the economic impact, but also the reputational damage implied by the loss of a major member state.

Ideally, participants in a conflict think coolly and rationally about their long-term interests, and act accordingly; unfortunately, they rarely do. Just as a married couples divorce often leads to bitterness and pitched battles that benefit only lawyers, the UKs divorce from the EU will almost certainly descend into acrimony. As hostility rises, an amicable settlement will become less likely, and everyone will end up losing more than they have gained.

There are three potential doom spirals already baked into the UK-EU divorce proceedings.



First, there are political and structural risks to the EU if more member states leave. When the bloc loses a single member state, it looks like a misfortune that can be attributed to the departing countrys domestic peculiarities. But if the bloc loses more member states, it starts to look like negligence, mismanagement, or a fundamental design flaw. Thus, the EU has a strong incentive to make Brexit as painful as possible for the UK, in order to discourage countries such as the Netherlands, Sweden, or Finland from following the British example.

Opinion polls show that support for the EU has surged in many member states since the UKs referendum. But this is not because the EU is suddenly functioning better. Rather, many Europeans share the view that former British Prime Minister David Cameron blundered by calling for a referendum on EU membership.

Immediately after the referendum, German Chancellor Angela Merkel beseeched Europeans not to be needlessly horrid (garstig) when thinking about the EUs divorce terms for the UK.



But, because the UK knows that the EU fears disintegration, it will inevitably read vindictiveness into any position the EU takes. UK negotiators will have to assume that their EU counterparts are trying to make the path out of the EU as economically and politically rocky as possible.

British negotiators will then respond to EU negotiators domino-theory logic by trying to make the process as painful as possible for the rest of the EU. Indeed, the UKs Leave constituency already firmly believes that the UK would be better off on its own, and that Brexit will hurt Europeans much more than it hurts Britons. This means that the Leave camp has a powerful incentive to fulfill its own prophecy.

The second doom loop applies to the UKs domestic political economy. Britain cannot simply start beating the Europeans at their own game by reviving its automobile industry, or by making its own wine to rival French and Italian producers. The principle of comparative advantage demands that the UK emphasize its service industries, and especially financial services.

The City of London already drives the British economy, and one post-Brexit scenario has Londons role as a global financial center actually increasing. To make that happen, the British government would have to establish a regime of low taxes, light regulations, and favorable treatment toward both skilled and unskilled immigrants working in and around financial services. But every part of this plan conflicts with the governments goal of reining in the finance industry and limiting migrant flows.

Indeed, strengthening fat-cat capitalism is precisely the opposite of what British Prime Minister Theresa May promised to do when she succeeded Cameron. In fact, the Leave camp is dominated by people in England and Wales who feel cut off from the gains of globalization, and voted against the privileges and riches of the glittering global megacity of London. Thus, one of the UKs most effective negotiating strategies would deeply divide Britain itself, and especially the governing Conservative Party.

That points to the third doom loop: migration, which weighed so heavily on the outcome of the Brexit referendum. The May government now must demonstrate to voters that it is doing something about migrants and foreign workers in the UK. But as long as Britain has a dynamic economy, it will attract immigrants, regardless of whether they are formally admitted. The government can guarantee less immigration only by wrecking the economy, which would then be blamed, naturally, on European viciousness.

Meanwhile, if the UK becomes a low-cost offshore financial center that sheds jobs, it could pose a danger to its neighbors. Continental Europe might be tempted to reject financial capitalism altogether, in favor of a growth strategy based on large state-driven investment projects.

Ultimately, Brexit could come to resemble the dismemberment of a body, with the British financial head separated from the European real economy. Britain would appear less attractive, Europe would withdraw into itself, and each side would blame the other. That would be a bad outcome for everyone. But it also adheres to the bitter logic of divorce  which is why most couples opt for counseling.
Lt. Gen. Michael Flynn hadnt even been officially named as President-elect Donald Trumps national security adviser before leading Democrats started going after him.

Ideally, the president-elect, who strikes me as someone with an impulsive personality, ought to have someone who is a stable hand smoothing out the rough, impetuous edges of the president, Rep. Adam Schiff, the top Democrat on the House Intelligence Committee, said at a conference in Washington on Thursday.

The impression I have of Gen. Flynn is that he has a like personality to the president-elect.

Flynn, a career military-intelligence officer who was once on the shortlist to be candidate Trumps running mate, is by far the most seasoned national-security professional in Trumps inner circle. And even his detractors admit that he was prescient about the rise of ISIS and the durability of al Qaeda. But Flynn has also been a lightning rod for controversy and one of the most divisive figures in the counterterrorism arena.

A former U.S. official who knows Flynn told The Daily Beast that he has spoken about terrorism in broad language that doesnt distinguish Muslim terrorists from followers of the religion in general, which feeds into Trumps calls to ban Muslims from entering the United States as a counterterrorism measure. Flynns Twitter feed has featured Islamophobic rhetoric and he has even retweeted anti-Semitic material .

Precision is not what hes best known for, the former official said, speaking on condition of anonymity. And precision matters when youre presenting issues to the president and representing the views of Cabinet matters.

Earlier this week, U.S. officials said that Flynns rising influence in a future Trump administration risked undoing years of outreach to American Muslims and playing into the rhetoric of terrorists.

Schiff also took issue with Flynns warm relations with Moscow. Flynn, like Trump, has also advocated for closer ties to Russia. He went to Moscow last year, a trip that raised alarms among Pentagon officials after it was revealed Flynn had spoken at an anniversary celebration for RT, the Kremlin-backed English-language news network, and had dined with Russian President Vladimir Putin.

Some of the policy positions he has articulated, including a newfound affinity for Russians and the Kremlin, concerns me a great deal, Schiff said. He described Secretary of State Hillary Clintons outreach to Russia to attempt to reset relations as a sober effort, while Flynns are at odds with Russias aggressive actions in the interim, including annexing Crimea and sending troops into Syria to support the regime of Bashar al-Assad.

Weve seen a lot more clearly what Putin has in mind that has raised alarm bells everywhere, Schiff said.

Schiff also brought up a recent op-ed Flynn penned that called for the extradition of exiled Turkish cleric Fethullah Gulen, who the increasingly authoritarian regime of President Recep Tayyip Erdogan has blamed for a coup attempt this summer. Flynns consulting firm reportedly has been lobbying for Turkish interests. And on Thursday night, Yahoo News released a report that Flynn received classified intelligence briefings while taking money from these foreign clients.

The fact that Gen. Flynn could be advocating essentially to extradite [Gulen] to Turkey when Turkey is cracking down on hundreds of thousands of people who had nothing to do with the coup attempt, without looking at the evidence concerns me, Schiff said at the conference, held by Defense One, adding that extradition decisions should be made independently by the Justice Department, not the national security adviser.

Flynns nomination also drew fire from human-rights officials. Michael Flynn has shown a stunning contempt for the Geneva Conventions and other laws prohibiting torture, said Sarah Margon, Washington director at Human Rights Watch. By offering this key post to Flynn, President-elect Trump is undermining U.S. commitments to international laws that have been broken to Americas detriment.

Flynn has flip-flopped on denouncing the CIAs use of harsh interrogation techniques that President Barack Obama has called torture. If theres an American strategic advantage, its our values, and we must protect our values at all costs, Flynn said at a Carnegie Council event. Yet in remarks to Al Jazeera in May, Flynn said, I am a believer in leaving as many options on the table right up until the last possible minute.

The Flynn that respects the laws of war is the one that Democrats hope turns up on Day One of the job.I do not agree with General Flynn on every issue. I have concerns about some of the statements he made in the heat of the campaign, said Rhode Island Sen. Jack Reed in a prematurely issued statement Thursday. He praised Flynns 33 years of honorable military service, as well as that of his brother Charlie, who is an Army general. Now, in becoming national security adviser, General Flynn is taking on a very different and challenging new civilian role. He is familiar with the complex set of security challenges we face. And President-elect Trump does not have a wealth of experience in this arena.

Flynn has a long career in military intelligence. He served as the head of intelligence for the militarys elite Joint Special Operations Command, a position that included service in Afghanistan and Iraq from 2004 to 2007. He then moved on to become the U.S. militarys top intelligence officer in Afghanistan, where he won praise for blunt talk and his often-unconventional approach to gathering information. From 2012 to 2014, he ran the Defense Intelligence Agency, which works for policymakers and military commanders on a range of tactical and strategic issues. He retired from the Army with the rank of lieutenant general.

At a time when top-tier national-security experts and former officials have refused to work in a Trump administration, Flynn brings a hefty dose of real-world experience.

He also brings significant baggage. The circumstances of Flynns premature departure from the Defense Intelligence Agency, a year before he was scheduled to step down, have been a subject of dispute. Some insiders say he was forced out because of his brusque and aggressive management style. But Flynn and his supporters say he had sought to shake up the defense intelligence bureaucracy and focus it directly on al Qaeda and what Flynn warned was the underestimated Islamic State, or ISIS. In this narrative, Flynn was fired because he didnt toe President Obamas line that ISIS was the JV team of terrorism.

Back in 2015 shortly after retiring, Flynns verbal attacks on the Obama administration began. You cannot defeat an enemy you do not admit exists, Flynn said, in remarks reported by The Daily Beast. He also called the Obama administration "well intentioned but paralyzed and playing defense in its fight against a new enemy he said is committed to the destruction of freedom and the American way of life.

Flynn admitted to feeling like a lone voice inside an Obama administration that seemed to believe that the 2011 death of Osama bin Laden had signaled the end of radical Islamist terrorism as a seminal threat, the veteran national-security correspondent James Kitfield, who conducted the last interview with Flynn in uniform, wrote in Politico last month.

But Flynns career was given new life when he joined the Trump campaign as an adviser earlier this year. Indeed, Flynn has seemed to find an alter ego in the president-elect. At the Republican convention, Flynn led the crowd in a chant of Lock her up! when the subject turned to Hillary Clinton and her use of a private email system. Months earlier, Flynn had said that Clinton shouldnt be allowed to run while she was under investigation by the FBIa position that Trump himself took.

Flynn, like the man for whom he may work, has also engaged with some controversial social-media users.

In July, he manually retweeted a message that read in part: Not anymore, Jews. Not anymore, something for which he later apologized. Flynn has also taken to praising Mike Cernovich on Twitter, a man who infamously claimed once that date rape does not exist.

Follow Mike @Cernovich He has a terrific book, Gorilla Mindset. Well worth the read. @realDonaldTrump will win on 8 NOV!!! Flynn tweeted in October.

In another instance, Flynn praised an article Cernovich wrote and said, Citizen journalism is the new future for truth because truth fears no questions. Cernovich played a significant role in spreading rumors about Clinton with the hashtag #HillarysHealth throughout the 2016 election.

Flynn also once shared a fake new story from his account.

The man who preceded Flynn at DIA, retired Lt. Gen. Ron Burgess, is said to be a leading contender for the Director of National Intelligence, who oversees all U.S. intelligence agencies. Burgess has also been working with the Trump transition team to fill national-security positions.

The current intelligence director, James Clapper, submitted his resignation Wednesday, he told a House Intelligence Committee hearing Thursday. Clapper will leave his post on Inauguration Day.

with additional reporting by Gideon Resnick
It seems Russian President Vladimir Putin and Shinzo Abe, prime minister of Japan, know more about the future of U.S. national security priorities under President-elect Donald Trump than the troops and diplomats who would carry it out.

Trump talked to Putin on Monday. And he reportedly met with Abe on Thursday in New York. But his transition team reached out to the Pentagon and several other agencies for the first time only on Thursday afternoon, a defense official told The Daily Beast. Throughout his first week as president-elect, Trump has forged ahead with crafting U.S. foreign policy apparently without the input of the relevant departments.

The decision to talk to foreign leaders about policy without even notifying the U.S. government officials is the latest unorthodox move by a president-elect defined by firsts. Most presidents-elect do not have extensive talks with foreign leaders without at least consulting the U.S. government for background information, a summary of the current policy, or advice on how to proceed.

To some currently serving U.S. officials, the decision to reach out to foreign leaders is an extension of how Trump ran his campaign: improvised, and more than a little chaotic. If any concrete foreign policy proposals are coming together now, theyre happening, in part, through meetings and calls with U.S. allies and foes alike.

Or as one U.S. defense official explained: We cant take every statement literally, even of a president-elect. We just wait and see.

World leaders seem to understand that now is the time to start shaping U.S. policy under a Trump administration. According to CNN, a top aide to Abe, Katsuyuki Kawai, said that hed been told by members of Trumps transition team that Trumps previous remarks should not be taken literally.

Abe hoped to meet with Trump to get more clarity and build trust, CNN reported.

There is no rule that says a president-elect has to consult the administration. But its uncommon for the current administration to have no idea what is being negotiated on behalf of the United States, even one with just weeks to serve. With so few details, U.S. national security officials, particularly those who will serve in the next administration, are left reading tea leaves and statements to figure out whats being negotiated. Pentagon and State Department officials said they were not aware of the calls beforehand.

Did Trump make promises the U.S. cant keep? Did he change policy? No one can say for sure, as the Trump transition team has yet to provide a readout of those interactions.

You could have President-elect Trump making commitments that dont make sense or he doesnt understand the full ramifications. And then it is hard to walk it back; that could undermine that relationship, said Lawrence Korb, a defense analyst for the Center for American Progress who worked on President Reagans transition team. The risk [is] that you make commitments that are not in the national security interest that become hard to back out of.

It is not even clear if the calls were secure. A transition spokesman, Jason Miller, told reporters in a call Thursday that appropriate security measures were taken but didnt elaborate.

The best source of information about Trumps conversation with Putin came Thursday, from the Russian state media news service Tass, which reported that during the 30-minute call the two talked about the war in Syria, the future of Ukraine, and setting up a date to meet after Jan. 20.

Putin noted readiness to build partner dialogue with the new administration on the principles of equality, mutual respect, and non-interference into each others domestic affairs, the Kremlin said in a statement.

But is that what Putin and Trump really talked about? Given the inevitably messy transition process, there is an incentive for Russia to use this time to shape the relationship between the two countries.

The Russians are saying in their statements about talks with Trump that they want better relations with the U.S. Yet Russia continues to bomb U.S. allies in the Syrian city of Aleppo on behalf of Syrian President Bashar al-Assad, a man the U.S. declared must go.

The Trump transition team statement did not offer many more details.

During the call, the two leaders discussed a range of issues including the threats and challenges facing the United States and Russia, strategic economic issues, and the historical U.S.-Russia relationship that dates back over 200 years, the Trump transition team said in a statement Monday.

So far, based on Trumps rhetoric during the campaign, national security officials know that the president-elect wants better relations with Russia. He has said he wants to work with Russia to defeat the self-proclaimed Islamic State in Syria, and he said Putin was a better leader than President Obama. In the hours after the election, Putin said, Trumps first statements give us hope that steps towards improving relations between the USA and Russia are possible, Putin said via spokesman Dmitry Peskov, according to the Associated Press.

In the past, presidents-elect have usually reached out to address a crisis. President-elect Reagan, the last person known to have reached out to foreign leaders in the weeks before taking the oath, spoke to foreign leaders in a bid to secure the release of American hostages in Iran. The remaining hostages were released on Jan. 20, his Inauguration Day.

Throughout, Reagan consulted with the outgoing administration about those discussions.

Officials said that even if they dont know what Trump is saying now, eventually they will. Eventually, he will have to work with the departments to implement policy. And then, as one U.S. official explained, things will become official.

The Machine will eventually start documenting what Trump is telling world leaders, the official explained.
By Melissa Bailey, Kaiser Health News

Victims of Dr. Death had until this week to submit receipts for unnecessary chemotherapy, medical bills for liver damage, and funeral expenses for their loved ones. By an initial count on Tuesday, 517 former patients and their families had filed claims against Farid Fata, the Detroit-area cancer doctor convicted of raking in more than $17 million by poisoning patients with chemotherapy and other drugs they did not need.

Fata was branded by prosecutors as the most egregious fraudster in U.S. history for scamming Medicare and private insurers by giving at least 553 patients, some of whom did not have cancer, thousands of doses of unnecessary and expensive drugs. Now he insists he did nothing wrong. Breaking his silence in a jailhouse interview, Fata said victims claiming he killed loved ones or ruined their lives are misguided and that those who died were going to die anyhow because of the nature of the diseases.

Fata, nicknamed Dr. Death by his victims, is serving a 45-year sentence in a federal prison in South Carolina after pleading guilty to 13 counts of health care fraud, one count of conspiracy to pay or receive kickbacks, and two counts of money laundering. He ran one of Michigans largest private cancer practices, with a network of clinics outside Detroit, from 2005 to 2013.

The 51-year-old prisoner told Kaiser Health News he plans to speak in court at a Jan. 17 restitution hearing and declare his innocence. Fata said his guilty plea in 2014 came under duress, and he is preparing to seek freedom through a habeas corpus petition, by which a judge would determine if his detention is lawful.

I am now fighting for my innocence, he said.

Meanwhile, an electronic records company hired by the Department of Justice is sorting through former patients claims for a share of a $11.9 million fund created from assets seized from Fatas bank accounts, his home, and medical practice. The process marks the final chapter in a gut-wrenching federal prosecution that brought scores of victims to tell harrowing tales on the stand, in written testimony, and on national TV. The federal charges, prompted by a whistleblower, not only ended Fatas career but also made him a global poster child for medical horrors.

To be eligible for restitution, patients treated by Fata from 2005 through 2013 had to submit claims postmarked by Tuesday. The number may grow as more stream in by mail, said Gina Balaya, spokeswoman for the Eastern Michigan U.S. attorneys office. The restitution fund wont pay for victims pain and emotional trauma, but it covers out-of-pocket medical costs, including treatment repairing damage Fata inflicted, as well as funeral expenses for patients who died. The U.S. attorneys office has no firm count of how many patients died from Fatas mistreatment; court documents allege only that he put patients at risk of death, not that he killed anyone.

Among those seeking repayment is Teddy Howard, 56, a former financial analyst who said Fata destroyed his life. Fata diagnosed him with a rare blood disorder and gave him 44 chemotherapy treatments. After Fatas arrest in 2013, Howard was appalled to learn that he never had cancer in the first place.

The arrest came too late, Howard said: Eighteen months of chemotherapy had already wrecked his liver and teeth. Howard had a liver transplant and plans to undergo surgery to replace all of this teeth. He said he filed a restitution claim for about $100,000 in medical bills.

Howard said that sum doesnt come close to repairing Fatas damages. After Howard began chemotherapy, he lost his job and his house outside Detroit. Now unemployed, he lives on disability income and takes daily medication so that his body doesnt reject his new liver.

I went from being healthy and put on chemo to the condition Im in nowpost-liver transplant and fighting for my life, Howard said.

Other claims came from grieving family members such as Sydney Zaremba, whose 87-year-old mother, Helene, died under Fatas care in 2011. Zaremba said her mother had non-Hodgkin lymphoma and declined swiftly under Fatas treatments; prosecutors concluded Fata overtreated her at the end of her life.

He killed my mom, Zaremba said. She had a very treatable disease. By the time he got done with her, she was taking 16 meds.

Zaremba is seeking reimbursement for a portion of $15,000 in funeral expenses, but theres no amount of money that can replace what we lost.

Ellen Piligian is seeking restitution on behalf of her father, John, who had stage 4 cancer and died in 2012. She said Fata acted as a fearmonger, insisting her father continue to take powerful and toxic chemotherapy drugs.

My dad could have had much better life quality those last couple of years, she said.

Piligian said she has been through voicemail hell trying to track down proof of payment from health insurersa factor that has made filing claims difficult for other victims. She filed a claim for $6,000 for medications and funeral expenses.

Another 43 victims have had success filing civil suits against Fata and are sharing an $8 million settlement. But they are fighting off liens from insurance companies seeking repayment for treatments the patients didnt need.

Patty Hester, a former Fata patient, said the liens may prevent her from seeing a penny of her settlement payment, which is less than $100,000.

Hester, 62, said she suffers from rotting teeth, high blood pressure, and organ damage. She said Fata diagnosed her with myelodysplastic syndrome, also known as preleukemia, and told her she was dying. She endured two and a half years of iron and intravenous immunoglobulin treatments, and gave away her possessionseven her wedding ring. Then she got a letter from federal prosecutors saying her treatments had been unnecessary.

Hester has requested repayment for over $800 in dental bills, but she said the restitution isnt enough. The government is paying for remedial treatment only until Sept. 6, 2016, but her medical problems continue.

Fata, meanwhile, said these patients medical problems are not his fault. He said he treated his patients appropriately, but when the federal government alleged he was mistreating them, it created doubts in their mind.

Fata, who earned a medical degree in his native Lebanon, believes federal prosecutors targeted him for political reasons. He said he pleaded guilty to protect his family, and he couldnt afford to mount a robust defense because the government had seized his assets.

The son of Christian missionaries, Fata said he is working with a group of born-again Christians who plan to publish a book called Convicted Out of Thin Air: The True Story of Dr. Farid Fata.

Geraldine Smith Parkin, whose husband, Tim, was one of Fatas patients, said she is shocked by Fatas claim of innocence.

Just to hear that he still will not say Im guilty extends the suffering for everyone involved, she said. It seems like were being victimized over and over and over.

Former patients like Howard, meanwhile, said Fata has destroyed their faith in the medical system.

I will never trust another doctor again as long as I live, Howard said. I trusted this doctor with my life and he failed me.
Editor's Note: This story has been updated with the final settlement.

In the not-too-distant past, President-elect Donald Trump vowed to fight lawsuits against Trump University, the now defunct eponymous real-estate seminar program that former students alleged used aggressive marketing techniques to bilk them out of tens of thousands of dollars but failed to make good on promises to make them rich.

In February, Trump tweeted, Trump University has a 98% approval rating. I could have settled but won't out of principle!

I dont settle lawsuits, Trump later explained to an Arkansas crowd after his primary opponents began using Trump University as evidence that the real estate developer and reality television star was simply a con man. Probably should have settled it, but I just cant do that. Mentally I cant do it. Id rather spend a lot more money and fight it.

He got the spend a lot of money part right, anyway.

Through his lawyers, Trump has negotiated a deal that will cost him $25 million to settle three separate lawsuits against Trump University, according to a statement released by New York Attorney General Eric Schneiderman on Friday. The victimssome 6,000 people in New York, California, and Floridawill each receive restitution while up to $1 million will be paid to New York state as a penalty for violating education laws, according to Schneidermans statement.

We are pleased to announce the complete resolution of all litigation involving Trump University. While we have no doubt that Trump University would have prevailed at trial based on the merits of this case, resolution of these matters allows President-Elect Trump to devote his full attention to the important issues facing our great nation," a spokesperson for the Trump Organization said in an emailed statement.

"In 2013, my office sued Donald Trump for swindling thousands of innocent Americans out of millions of dollars through a scheme known at Trump University. Donald Trump fought us every step of the way, filing baseless charges and fruitless appeals and refusing to settle for even modest amounts of compensation for the victims of his phony university. Today, that all changes," Schneiderman's statement read in part.

Until now, Schneiderman has been relentless in his prosecution of Trump University, calling the business venture that reportedly brought in $40 million, a fraud from beginning to end. This year, Schneiderman also opened an investigation into the Trump foundation, a charity that had been violating state law by accepting donations without the proper registration.

The decision reverses claims made by Trump in dozens of interviews, stump speeches, and tweets that he would never settle.

Do you know that almost everybody in the lawsuit has signed a letter saying how great the school was? Thats why I wont settle because it's an easy case to win in court, Trump said on Morning Joe in February.

Obviously Trump getting elected as president changed his posture on settling, a source familiar with the negotiations told The Daily Beast.

Though an exact figure cannot be known as the president-elect has refused to release his tax returns, Trump reportedly pocketed millions from the school that operated from 2005 to 2010. The school enrolled around 10,000 students in seminars that ranged between a $1,495 three-day seminar to a $35,000 program that promised (but often failed to deliver, according to former students) personal mentoring from hand-picked instructors, most of whom Trump had never even met, according to depositions.

Low v. Trump University, which alleges consumer fraud and elder abuse against Trump, is one of two California federal class action lawsuits against the school and was scheduled to begin on November 28, six years after the initial complaint was filed in 2010. Trumps lawyers recently asked that the trial be delayed so that Trump could concentrate on the White House transition. . The students lawyers accused Trumps counsel of seeking to stay the case indefinitely. U.S. District Judge Gonzalo Curiel is set to rule on the delay today.

Curiel, the federal judge presiding over both California cases, was attacked during the campaign when then presidential nominee Trump complained the case against him was unfair, citing Curiel's Mexican heritage (he was born in Indiana) as prejudicial against Trump, who had promised to build a wall between the United States and Mexico. Curiel has urged both sides in recent weeks to come to a settlement.

"It would be wise for the plaintiffs, for the defendants, to look closely at trying to resolve this case given all else thats involved, he advised at a hearing last week.

At the same hearing, the lawyers confirmed settlement talks were in progress.

[D]espite how aggressive we are on both sides, we get along well outside of court, the students lawyers told the court. Trump lawyer, Daniel Petrocelli, agreed and promised the judge we will both put our best efforts into it.

A third case, brought by New York's attorney general in 2013, will also be settled as a result of the California talks taking place this afternoon.

You lose leverage, a source familiar with the negotiations explained to The Daily Beast, noting an overlap in the victims of the three cases would make it nearly impossible to go ahead with a trial in New York. The source called the multi million-dollar settlement significant in a case where the defendant said he had a 98 percent approval rating.

Trump is a man known for making apologies only in rare instances, like when he said he was sorry if anyone was offended when he bragged of grabbing women by their genitals without consent. Unsurprisingly, he has never expressed regret for the the students who have come forward in the media and through their lawyers to tell of how they were pressured to max out their credit cards, or cash in their 401Ks to pay for seminars that they say imparted no actual value.

It was a con, 32-year-old ex-Marine Ryan Maddings told The Daily Beast in June. Those stupid principles have led me to borrow $700,000 of other peoples money and lose it all. Im still paying off some of that debt to this day.

Maddings and other students says they were coerced into filling out positive evaluations. But for Trump, the glowing reviews, filled out while instructors looked on, prove Trump University was a success. So much so, in fact, that the president-elect has vowed to reopen Trump University after he moves into the White House.

After the litigation is disposed of and the case won, I have instructed my execs to open Trump U(?), so much interest in it! I will be pres, Trump Tweeted in June.

And in May, before a California crowd, Mr. Trump repeated his intention.

But if I don't win, and even if I do win, we want to openmy kids will open it up again, because it was a terrific school. It was great. It was good.

Noah Shachtman contributed reporting.
Jeff Sessions, attorney general of the United States. The man who was too racist to be a federal judge. Thirty years ago. That is, he was too out there for the racial sensitivities of 30 years ago. And now hes going to be the boss of every federal judge in the United States.

I remember the Sessions judicial nomination as it unfolded in real time, remember that he said he thought the Ku Klux Klan was all right until he found out some of them smoked dope, that he said the ACLU and NAACP were commie front groups. His nomination was rejected by the Senate Judiciary Committee, making him the first Reagan federal bench appointee to be so rejected.

Down in Alabama, that counted as a credit, not a blemish. In 1994, he was easily elected the state attorney general and two years later won his Senate seat. If hes changed his views on such matters over the years, hes given little public indication of having done so.

And now hes going to be the attorney general. Or is he? I assume the old Senate practice of going easy on colleagues will obtain and Sessions will be sworn in. Even if the Democrats do decide to dispense with the old courtesy, they dont have the votes, so confirmed he will be.

What will a Sessions-led Justice Department do? We can only imagine. There arent going to be any Voting Rights Act violation prosecutions, we can count on that. Instead were going to see voter fraud prosecutions. (Sessions initiated such criminal prosecutions in Alabama years ago.) Were going to see the department provide whatever leeway and encouragement it can to states that want to do even more voter suppression.

Think also of what this will do to morale and personnel within the department. Divisions within the department will see their missions perverted and turned completely on their heads. The civil-rights division is going to have put a big poster of Orwell on the wall.

The racial issues will get the media attention and will deserve to. But Sessions will be a nightmare in many other respects. The Justice Department defines what constitutes torture. How reassured does an Attorney General Sessions make you feel about that? It also makes loads of decisions about bringing actions against corporations that rip people off, fix prices, collude against fair competition in various ways. These affect so many aspects of daily life.

You want to talk health-care costs? One big but almost-never-discussed reason they keep rising is monopolization within the health-care industry. Think Jeff Sessionss Justice Department is going to do anything about that? Justice is in court right now trying to block health-industry mergers. These suits will presumably be dropped soon. Consumers will suffer.

There are first-tier tragedies in the election resultswhere the country is headed racially is high on that list. And there are a million second-tier tragedies. One of this countrys great needs, one of my private little hopes for a Clinton administration, was for a Justice Department that would be absolutely crusading on antitrust enforcement, as violations are rampant and crippling the economy. The antitrust division is going to be shredded.

Finallyremember that the Justice Department is highly susceptible to corruption if the attorney general isnt sufficiently independent from the president. Think Sessions will be independent? Heres a hypothetical for you. Trump hates the media, right? Said on the campaign trail that some news organizations are in for a very hard time when hes president, right?

Even Trump may not be arrogant enough to take on The Washington Post, say, on direct First Amendment grounds. Nowhat you do is go after Jeff Bezos in some other way. Find some dirt on Amazon, try to break him that way. Im just saying keep an eye out for it.

But lets go back to the lede here: Were going to have Attorney General Jeff Sessions. Muslim-loathing National Security Adviser Mike Flynn. And alt-right propaganda visionary turned top political strategist Steve Bannon.

Threes a pattern, not an accident. And who thinks its going to stop at three? This is as ghastly a start as could have been imagined.

In the days after the election we had the debatewas it racial or economic anxiety? I think it was a mix. I know some Trump voters, believe it or not, friends from back home. Theyre not evil people. In fact theyre good people. They wouldnt be my friends otherwise. They arent racists. They didnt like Hillary, and they wanted to believe Trump on coal. I can understand that.

So I dont blame them. But I do find it interesting that Trumps first announcements do not include his Treasury secretary, or his chief economic adviser, or some kind of special Manufacturing Czar whose job will be to MAGA his way across the Rust Belt til the cows come home. Nothe first flank the president-elect seems to have felt the need to cover is the racial one. I dont think youd be wrong to read into that what you wish.
I never saw her without a smile, recalled Amy Seaver. I believe she had the childrens best intentions [in mind] all the time. She was always looking out for them.

Seaver, then mother to a first grader at Sandy Hook Elementary, was sharing her thoughts on the schools principal, Dawn Hochsprung. On Dec. 14, 2012, Hochsprung sacrificed her life by lunging at gunman Adam Lanza in an attempt to stop his vicious shooting spree. When all was said and done, 20 young children and six adults lay dead.

Enter Alex Jones, the rotund host of the conspiracy-theory program Infowars. His greatest hits include: believing the U.S. government was behind the 1995 Oklahoma City bombing; accusing the Bush administration of orchestrating the 9/11 attacks; and his General Jack D. Ripper-esque theory that the government is poisoning our drinking water via fluoridation in order to turn straight people gay.

Jones also spent much of the election boasting of his advisership role to Donald Trump, who appeared on Joness Infowars program in the early days of his presidential campaign and showered praise on the loon, proclaiming: Your reputation is amazing. I will not let you down. And on Saturday, Jones posted a video to YouTube claiming that President-elect Trump had given him a call to thank him for his help, and that hed be on [Infowars] in the next few weeks to thank his audience personally. For those keeping track, yes, Trump called a 9/11 truther before he phoned the Pentagon.

On the Jan. 13, 2015, edition of his show, Jones promoted one of his more disgusting theories: that the Sandy Hook massacre was staged.

Sandy Hook is a synthetic completely fake with actors, in my view, manufactured, said Jones. I couldnt believe it at first. I knew they had actors there, clearly, but I thought they killed some real kids. And it just shows how bold they are, that they clearly used actors. (There is absolutely no evidence to support this.)

And on his program Thursday, Jones doubled down on several of his thoroughly debunked Sandy Hook conspiracy theories, including: that CNNs Anderson Cooper was using a green screen to report on the shooting, that Sandy Hook Elementary was closed years before the shooting, and that weird videos exist of parents fake-grieving.

Erica Lafferty, daughter of the late Sandy Hook hero Dawn Hochsprung, has had enough of Joness sick exploitation of the Sandy Hook tragedy.

On Alex Jones, this is a man who for nearly four years now has put great effort into making not only my family and not only the 25 other victims families but the entire town of Newtown miserable, and to degrade and disregard the hurt, anguish, and pain that we have to live with every day by claiming that it was a conspiracy theory and a hoax, she tells The Daily Beast.Honestly, I would love to have him at my house on Thanksgiving. I would love for him to come and sit in the chair where my mother would be sitting and have to look at my nieces and nephews in the eye and explain to them why grandma cant be there. If he actually had to experience something like that, his ideas and conspiracy-theory rhetoric would change significantly.

In an Aug. 25 speech railing against the alt-right, Hillary Clinton criticized Trumps deeply troubling alliance with Jones. And on Oct. 16, her campaign released an anti-Trump ad targeting Trumps cozy relationship with the conspiracy theorist.

Lafferty, who served as a Clinton surrogate during her White House run, is also appalled by Trumps close ties to Jones.

As far as our now president-elect praising Alex Jones, calling his reputation amazing, and telling him hes not going to let him down, it is absolutely unacceptable, she says. This is a man who, in the wake of the next mass shooting, is going to have to address the nation and comfort those families. I cannot imagine what it would be like for mehaving gone through this election and seen all the hateful things Trump has supported, heard all the derogatory things hes said about gun violence, and witnessed all the conspiracy theories hes pushedto walk into that room in the wake of the shooting and see Donald Trump instead of President Obama. I dont know that thats a man I would be able to respect if hes standing on the side of people like Alex Jones.

She continues: I have put great effort into not paying attention to anything that Alex Jones does because its not worth my time, effort, or energy. But I think its imperative that the president-elect does not associate with people like Alex Jones because, as the child of a mother who was murdered in a mass shooting in an elementary school, its disgusting, and its degrading, and I expect a lot more from a president than that.

While President-elect Trump has flip-flopped on nearly every major issue over the years, the one subject hes been remarkably consistent on is guns. According to his campaign website, Trump wants to bring concealed carry to all 50 states as well as abolish any and all gun and magazine restrictions, stating the government has no business dictating what types of firearms good, honest people are allowed to own. He is, unsurprisingly, heavily backed by the National Rifle Association, which spent $30 million on anti-Clinton and pro-Trump ads over the course of the presidential election.

I think a lot of his gun comments are just wiped under the rug, says Lafferty. Specifically, to say that he could stand in the middle of Fifth Avenue and shoot someone and not lose any votes is absolutely disgusting and degrading to all survivors of gun violence across the country, and that definitely didnt have enough attention paid to it. Like so many of the outrageous things he does and says, people just say, oh, heres a reality star doing what he does, but the fact of the matter is presidents are held to a higher standard than reality-TV stars, and hes going to need to learn that.

This December 14th will mark four years since the Sandy Hook massacre. One of the things thats helped Lafferty cope with her mothers passing is her work on behalf of gun control groups, including Moms Demand Action and Everytown for Gun Safety.

Id like to say that it has gotten easier, but I dont think thats a fair assessment. You just kind of learn to live with the new reality that has been forced upon you, she offers. Myself and many others in my family have taken on the fight of gun violence prevention and that has been very therapeutic for me. I work with Moms Demand Action and Everytown for Gun Safety has been my guiding light for the past three and a half years. I dont know where Id be without them. All I can do is wake up every day and try to do the next best thing.
Women in the Defense Intelligence Agency were told to monitor their levels of makeup, avoid flats, and err on the side of skirts and dresses when the organization was run by Lt. Gen. Mike Flynn, who was tapped to be Donald Trumps national security adviser Thursday. The January 2013 presentation, entitled Dress for Success, was obtained through a Freedom of Information request by MuckRock in 2013.

Makeup helps women look more attractive, the presentation declared.

Female DIA employees were instructed to straddle the fine line between avoiding a Plain Jane look and the right amount of makeup that would appropriately accentuate their features. Too much makeup was also a potential pitfall, with the presentation saying that it distracts from a professional look.

The DIA also had strict instructions on what to wear.

Determine base color according to skin, hair, and eyes (i.e. brunettes can wear more intense colors than blondes can), the presentation said. Adapt the latest look to figure and personality.

Unlike men, women were warned to avoid looks that stand out as flamboyant, gaudy, attention drawing.

The presentation also instructed adult female employees how to shop. On a scale of professionalism, a single-breasted skirted; long sleeves blouse ranked three points above a pantsuit in terms of professionalism and impact. Women were told what suit colors were appropriate and told to seek out matching sets with the highest % natural fiber.

Nail polish was suggested, and while open-toe shoes are no longer a faux-pas; the agency maintained a policy of no flats.

Consider your body type, the presentation added. Accentuate the positive/disguise the negative.

In contrast, the presentation told men that shirts and ties provide accents to a suit. Two should be plain/one pattern, the presentation said, and informed the employees that a light shirt was required for a dark suit. Another slide provided a sliding scale of male professional dress, starting from dark suits with French-cuffed white shirts all the way down to knit tops, jeans, and sandals. Brown shoes only with brown/tan suits, it added. Black with all other.

And men were told that neck jewelry and earrings = negative impact.

Flynn remained a steadfast supporter of Trumps despite the sexual-assault allegations that plagued the president-elect, and encouraged women to throw their support behind him. Trump has been accused of sexual assault by more than a dozen women, and bragged in a video that surfaced during the campaign that he likes to grab them by the pussy. He also frequently mocked womens appearance, reserving particular ire for Rosie ODonnell and former Miss Universe Alicia Machado, whom he called Miss Piggy after she gained weight.

But unlike the president-elect, Flynn quickly backtracked from the controversial presentation on women, according to an email also obtained by MuckRock.

I apologize to the entire workforce for the unnecessary and serious distraction of this Dress for Success briefing, he wrote, claiming that he had only recently learned of its existence. Ive now seen it and I too find it highly offensive.

Neither the agency nor I condone this briefing and I only hope the intention to execute this task was pure of heart and intended to help... but even smart people do dumb things sometimes.
So, what the hell do the Democrats do now? The lead headline in Thursdays New York Times had liberals climbing the walls: Senate Democrats Surprising Strategy: Align With Trump. Since no one can read past a headline anymore in this Twitter age, it provoked a fair amount of outraged reaction in my circles. No, went the cry! The Democrats have to be just as obstructionist as the Republicans were to Barack Obama.

If you read into the body of the Times article, you find Democratic sources telling the paper that there are four areas on which the Democrats might be able to work with President Trump: building infrastructure; punishing companies that move jobs overseas; ending the carried-interest loophole; and mandating paid maternity leave. These are four Democratic goals of long standing.

Ill get to each of those, but first lets look at the Democratic quandary more broadly. There will be three fronts on which they can try to fight Trump: cabinet appointments, controversies and scandals, and legislation.

On cabinet appointments, the Democrats wont have much power to stop Trump from naming whomever he wants. But they can, and should, use the hearings to lay down markersto ask tough and well-designed questions that help define these people, help frame who they are, help provide the context for future actions they will take.

Example: If Rudy Giuliani is really to be the secretary of state, get him on the record on the objectionable things Trump said during the campaign. On Russia and NATO and nuclear proliferation and Iran and blowing ISIS to bits and a whole host of other things, make Giuliani own Trumps positions, so that if and when they blow up in his face, Giuliani is on record as defending these failures. Likewise, press the Energy nominee on coal and the EPA and everything else. Speaking of EPA, who in the world would Trump nominate for that? Whoever it is, make him or her own every extreme position Trump took. Use the hearings to plant the seed that this is the most radical administration weve seen.

Second, controversies and scandals. If this were the Republicans in the minority, I guarantee you theyd be raising all kinds of questions about Jared Kushner, the Rasputin-ish son-in-law; about the Trump kids role in this government and their security clearances; about the refusal to create a blind trust; Steve Bannons history and connections; a bunch of other things. The Democrats have to do all they can to keep these things in the news.

This should also be the work of what we call the progressive infrastructure. As Ive pointed before, almost all the bad stuff you ever learned about the Clintons you learned because of one organization, Judicial Watch, which filed FOIA requests for nearly every piece of paper the Clintons and their people ever created. Wheres the Judicial Watch of the left? There isnt one. Someone ought to start it. One thing you can always count on the press to love: secret documents that they didnt have to do any work to uncover.

This brings us to legislation. Here I think the guiding principle ought to be: When Trump proposes something that is in line with the Democrats positions, fine, go along. But when he doesnt, fight. And when he proposes something thats really reactionary, fight five times harder.

I dont think total obstruction a la the Republicans will work for the Democrats. First, its wrong. The Democrats have just spent eight years denouncing Republicans for being 100 percent obstructionist. They shouldnt turn around and do the same thing.

Second, its harder for the party of government to act like that. When Obama proposed his infrastructure bank, you and I know that Republicans opposed it just because it was Obama proposing it. But your average person doesnt know that, because the Republicans didnt go around saying, Were against this simply because Obama is for it, and we dont want him to have any legislative victories; they went around saying, More government spending is the last thing we need, we need to tighten our belts. Average voters fell for that because it made sense to them that Republicans were against spending.

But if the Democrats do that right out of the chute on infrastructure, itll look weird to your average voter. What, these are the people who like to spend money, and now suddenly they dont want to spend money just because its Trump? Which of course the Republicans will say times a thousand. No one said life is fair.

So there will be some matters on which theyll have to play ball with Trump. You have to keep in mind here the Senate Democrats wholl be facing reelection in 2018. The party will have 10 incumbent senators seeking reelection in what we must now call red states, including Wisconsin, and Florida. In most of those statesMissouri, Montana, West Virginia, IndianaTrump is probably going to be pretty popular, barring a big recession or war.

Total obstruction, a Senate Democratic aide argued to me Thursday, could really hurt those Democrats. Imagine this scenario: The Democrats lose most of those seats and are down to 40 Senate votes. Then the Republicans can do absolutely anythingrepeal Dodd-Frank, start repealing old New Deal stuff, you name it.

That may be. On the other side of all this, though, is the Democratic base. Theyre going to want to see the Democrats fight. And they will, on most thingscertainly on Obamacare, Dodd-Frank, and other big items. And even on infrastructure, itll be about the details. Brad Plumer of Vox has a thorough take-out on why Trumps infrastructure proposal is crap (in sum, because as structured it wouldnt finance projects that couldnt pay investors back quickly, so it would mostly finance new projects and do little to nothing to repair aging roads, bridges, rail lines, water lines, and such). If thats the proposal, Democrats should probably oppose it, too, and try their best to explain to voters why.

If, however, Trump actually wants to crack down on off-shoring with no (or acceptably few) strings attached, the Democrats shouldnt oppose it. Therell be plenty to oppose, and as noted above, other ways to play offense. But congressional Democrats are never going to be as unified in opposition as congressional Republicans, because more of them are from swing districts or states. And yes, that can change too, but theres only one waymore blue voters need to vote.
The opening scenes of Elle, the latest provocation from Dutch auteur Paul Verhoeven, telegraph the birth of what might become a new kind of razor-edged womans story. In the suburbs of Paris and in broad daylight, video game executive Michele Leblanc (Isabelle Huppert) is raped in her own home by a masked intruder with no one around to witness but her bemused, unhelpful cat.

The attack is quick and brutal. When its over, Michele does the first of many unexpected things to come: She tidies up the scene of the crime, orders sushi, and goes about her day as if nothing extraordinary happened.

As she continues to live her daily lifefantasizing quietly about getting vengeance on her unknown attackershe endures other vicious microaggressions from the people around her: Her slacker son and his insolent girlfriend, her struggling author ex-husband, the married lover she no longer wants, her sexed-up elderly mother, and the aggressive young men who work for the video game company she runs, profiting off misogynistic games that promote sexual violence against women.

Audiences may recoil at the brutality Michele suffers onscreen. But Huppert, who brought a bleak but knowing sense of humor to a role Verhoeven says no American actress would take, waves off the emotional difficulty of filming Micheles rape.

The impact of such violence upon her body sinks in powerfully in a single silent image of the acts quiet aftermath: Having thrown away her ruined dress, she eases into a hot bath and a bloom of crimson blood slowly rises into the soapy bubbles. I watched it and remembered: I was just having a nice little time with some raspberry syrup, Huppert laughed. But the blood coming to the surface, and the colors the red and the white. Thats the power of cinema, and its the power of a great director, you know?

Following in the tradition of Verhoevens sexually weaponized heroines, Elle is a cutting and controversial study of a rape survivor who refuses to see herself as a victim, adapted by David Birke from the novel Oh  by Phillippe Dijan. Instead of going to the police, Michele deals with the violation in her own increasingly masochistic waysbut its Huppert, the 63-year-old sizzling dame of French cinema, who takes Elle beyond controversy with her singular alchemy of brazen fearlessness and dark wit.

It really speaks about someone who might not exist in fiction, but its so close to what I think reality is, Huppert told The Daily Beast on a recent afternoon in Los Angeles. This new type of woman, neither a victim nor the classical avenger. Shes something else.

Some critics have described Elle as a thriller with a touch of black comedy, and many viewers will find it challenging to stomach. After it premiered at Cannes, even Verhoeven seemed surprised that more people werent offended on principle. In the tradition of so many rape-revenge films, Elle gives Michele the most brutal inciting incident imaginable to a woman, short of deathand then sits back and watches to see how she transforms her trauma into vengeance. The course she charts for herself, however, is far from the typical avenging angel. Is this empowerment or exploitation?

Thats exactly what Verhoeven wanted to escape, and its of course what the writer Philippe Dijan escaped, Huppert offered. And I understand why, in the first place, that you can be so disturbed that you can mistake it as the opposite of what it ismisogynistic.

On the contrary, she continued, its an acknowledgement of a certain woman empowerment in the best sense of the word. What she does and what she decides to do, the path she takes after shes been rapedits so real in a way. And its interesting because its something you cannot categorize. She gives birth to a new self, a new person. The film is interesting because its as much about men as about women, too, by default. Its also about a certain idea that mens power has fadedand she is the product of the new era.

Hupperts coldly efficient Michele dominates the circle of friends, neighbors, and relatives in her orbit, a steely female force among failed men forged from the ashes of her fathers terrible deeds. Theyre either weak figures or super violent figures like her father, but obviously they havent come to terms with what they should be: normal persons. So shes also the product of something going wrong in a mans world.

Critics adore Hupperts exquisite and surprising reactions, captured in sublime stillness by the camera: a slight upturn of her mouth just when we expect distress, a nearly imperceptible glow in her eyes reacting to another confrontation, insult, or burden.

I dont even think about it, she said. I think its a very personal statement when I do thisor it could bebecause in those moments where it might be the most about myself, Im also thinking about the great humor and the irony. That comes from me.

In most situations I have this little ironical distance to what I see or what I hear, and of course the camera captures that, she added, eyes twinkling. Its the ideal medium. In life nobodys there to capture that in my eyes, so most of the time its a solitary little pleasure. I watch people, I watch situations, and I laugh with myself.

Here because the camera is there to capture all these little moments, I think its more interesting to do so rather than underlining heavily its more funny. And as the movie moves on its a good counterpoint to something very, very dark that runs inside the film. Because we have this irony all the time, and its a pleasure for me to do it

Even Huppert considers her Elle role one of the strongest shes played in recent yearsand in an exceptionally rich and highly decorated four-decade career there have been many. Ive done a lot of complex roles and I was really lucky and privileged for that, she beamed. But this is one of the great roles Ive done recently. I mean, Im spoiled. Her eyes widened with mischief. I often do great rolesotherwise I wouldnt do it.

Huppert, who lives in Paris, says shes never quite felt the brunt of sexism as an actress that women in Hollywood have been fighting. Personally, Ive never really felt concerned by this, she said. From the beginning I was sure that I didnt want to be a supporting actress to a man, thats for sure. I didnt want that for me, for myself. I didnt want tohow do we say it in French?to serve the soup.

I wanted to be the center. That was my way of being feminist, if I can say so: I wanted to be the central part of the film, even if I was playing a victim or playing a weak character, whatever! I wanted to be the center of the focus.

She paused, reflecting on the path that choice sent her down. I have to say, I found myself doing more of a certain type of films, she said. More auteur films, more independent films, rather than big mainstream films. And even now I feel like I still have this position. Im strong, Im established, but I dont feel like Im a major mainstream actress in France.

I dont reject a priori anything! she laughed. I just follow the path that I had to follow. I dont think you decide everything in your life. You make people believe that you control everything but its not always true. You create the conditions of your success. And you create the best possible conditions given certain limitations that life gives you. And upon that you create your own thing.
A new threat of fines of up to $7,500 has so far done little to dissuade New York City Airbnb hosts from illegally renting out their entire apartments on the platform, according to a report from independent Airbnb watchdog and coder Murray Cox.

Cox created Inside Airbnb, a bird's eye map that catalogues public information associated with every single Airbnb listing in the city. According to his November 16th report, listings for entire homes and apartments have decreased 5.9 percentfrom 20,306 to 19,116since Governor Andrew Cuomo signed a law making it illegal to advertise entire apartments on home-sharing platforms like Airbnb. And of those 1,190 full-apartment listings that disappeared, 343, or 29 percent, appear to be illegal listings in hiding: full-apartment rentals simply reclassified as "private room" or "shared room" without any "meaningful change" to their price or description.

"A possible explanation could be that someone was renting out an entire apartment and then they decided to rent just one room," Cox told Gothamist on Friday. "But you would see, in my opinion, a drop in the price. And I didn't see any evidence of that."

"It looks pretty obvious to me, when you get such a high number of changing room types," he added. "It seemed pretty obvious that these hosts are trying to avoid the law." However, he cautioned that to be sure, "You'd have to ask [the hosts]."

According to the Mayor's Office, the new law will not be actively enforced until the city has held a public hearing on its implementation: an administrative step necessary to enforce a state law at the city level. The hearing is scheduled for December 19th. While the city will only be able to issue violations once the new law is established, the Mayor's Office of Special Enforcement can conduct investigations ahead of that date.

Cox said he thought his early analysis offered a good read on how Airbnb hosts are reacting to the new law, even though it's not technically being enforced yet. "I think that when a law's been signed that suddenly says the activity you are doing is illegal, you'd expect some people would decide they don't want to be fined," he said. "I expected to see a lot more [people drop their illegal listings]."

Renting out an entire apartment for a stay shorter than 30 days was against the law for most New York City hosts well before the advertisement of such units was banned. But the law has done little to dissuade hosts from advertising short term staysa recent data dump from Airbnb revealed that over half of NYC Airbnb users advertise this way.

After Cuomo signed the new advertising restrictions, Airbnb went on the offensive, arguing that working class hosts will bear the brunt of this latest regulation, and accusing the state of conceding to the wishes of hotel industry lobbyists. Lawmakers have countered that the goal of the legislation is to crack down on commercial operators who use Airbnb to convert multiple apartments into rotating short-stay rentals for tourists, and have accused Airbnb of scrambling to protect its bottom line.

"Our focus has and will continue to be operators who take permanent housing off the market and put people in unsafe conditions," said Mayoral Spokeswoman Melissa Grace.

In response to Cox's new report, Airbnb reiterated a longstanding critique of his methods: that Inside Airbnb does not distinguish between hosts who rent in buildings with three or more apartments, and hosts who own single or two-family homes (the former violate state law with entire-unit listings, the latter do not).

"Inside Airbnb is a shill for the hotel industry and uses data scraping to distort the truth," a spokesman said. "Not all entire home listings are illegal as the new law only applies to Class A Multiple Dwelling Units. We support measures to crack down on illegal hotels but this law fails to distinguish between bad actors and responsible New Yorkers who occasionally share their own home."

Because Airbnb does not provide street addresses before a reservation is complete, Cox said that he is unable to check if each full-unit listing is in an apartment building or private home. He references Attorney General Eric Schneiderman's 2014 report, which had access to non-public data and found that 72% of all Airbnb listings were illegal in New York.

(As for the "shill" reference, Cox added, "It seems like they are getting desperate. I'm an activist.")

Marti Weithman, a supervising attorney for Airbnb-critical MFY Legal Services, has argued that it's fair to assume most full-unit listings in NYC are inside apartment buildings with at least three units, and are therefore illegal.

"NYC is overwhelmingly rental housing," Weithman told us over the summer. "While there probably are some homeowners in there, to the extent that there are, it's far less."

New York Assemblywoman Linda Rosenthal, who co-sponsored the illegal advertising legislation, responded to Cox's report on Friday, saying, "This makes the case for robust enforcement of the new and existing laws designed to protect tenants and affordable housing against the spread of illegal hotels."
Early in Manchester by the Sea, there is a long shot of Casey Afflecks character Lee Chandler quietly and dutifully shoveling snow. Lee, working as a janitor for a Boston apartment complex, focuses all his energy on the task at hand. He is a very different man from the one we see in the films opening scene: a gregarious uncle, joking around with his young nephew Patrick on a boat off the coast of Massachusetts.

The tragic event that occurs in the intervening years is not revealed until midway through the film. As writer-director Kenneth Lonergan tells me, he would prefer that audiences not know the details of that tragedy before they see the film. Suffice it to say, it is horrific.

But Lonergan, looking a little out of place in a suite at the Four Seasons hotel in Beverly Hills, wearing his signature plaid shirt, salt-and-pepper stubble, and thick-framed glasses, bristles at the suggestion that his third feature film is dark.

I dont really like movies that are dark, he says. Even when I hear that word, Im like, I dont want to see that, because the world is not just dark or light, its both. Lonergan can admit that Afflecks character is dark, given that hes been through a terrible ordeal that nobody should have to go through, but at the same time, he is forced to coexist in the world with people who are just trying to live their lives.

I think that the only way to tell a story like this, for me, is to have everything going on at the same time, he says. I love that Caseys character has this terrible weight that hes carrying and that hes right next to Lucass character who is very much engaged and alive and trying to enjoy himself, even though hes been through an ordeal himself.

Lucas is Lucas Hedges, the 19-year-old Brooklyn-born actor who transforms himself into Patrick, a popular teenager with a thick North Shore Massachusetts accent who is thrust back into his uncle Lees life when he experiences a tragedy of his own.

Its easy to imagine a more cliched version of Manchester by the Sea in which Patrick is a loner who gets bullied at school, and its up to his uncle to show him how to be a man and get girls to like him. But thats not the direction Lonergan chose. Instead, Patrick is a good-looking, confident athlete with not one, but two girlfriends. Its a very complicated part, actually, and he makes it even more so, in a good way, Lonergan says.

The idea for Manchester by the Sea began when Matt Damon and John Krasinski approached Lonergan to write the film following the tumultuous experience of his second feature, Margaret. Lonergan began his career as a celebrated playwright with This Is Our Youth and received an Oscar nomination in 2001 for his debut screenplay, You Can Count on Me. His career ascendent, he shot Margaret, starring Anna Paquin, in 2005 but it was not released until six years later, following a lengthy legal dispute with one of the producers.

A lot of his friends were, quite frankly, worried about him, Damon told The New Yorkers Rebecca Mead this year. He needed money, but he couldnt writeit was this horrible limbo. Damon commissioned the script that ended up being Manchester by the Sea with the intention of directing and starring in it. But once he read the first draft, he knew Lonergan had to helm the project. A scheduling conflict led Affleck to take the lead role.

As Lonergan tells it now, the idea that Damon and Krasinski pitched to him was a story about a character who has to leave his hometown because of a family tragedy and returns more or less against his will to assume guardianship of his brothers son.

I liked the idea of someone in that situation who has lost his family, Lonergan says. It seemed very poignant to me, and very moving. And the idea that he still has to take care of his brothers family, and that his brother took care of him when he was in trouble.

Patrick was originally envisioned as a much younger character but Lonergan decided to make him a teenager, Because I liked the idea that the kid had a really full life, a life he wanted to keep going, he says. And that seemed like an interesting contrast to the Casey Affleck character, whos basically trying to keep life at bay as much he can. And doesnt want to get involved and has stripped his life down to this really ascetic, spartan, non-existence, where hes just trying to get through every day as rigorously as he can so the walls dont cave in on him.

The script did not change after Affleck signed on in Damons place, but after watching the film its hard to imagine anyone else in the role. Theyre both great actors, so I dont know what Matt would have brought to it, Lonergan says. Casey just brought his own persona and his own skills and his own emotional life to it. He describes Affleck as being really thoughtful, really emotional, really funny and, perhaps most importantly, really soulful. Affleck embraced the strangeness of the character, he says, the weird out-of-step quality thats a result of the work hes doing to keep everyone away from himself, in a way that Damon may have had more trouble capturing.

Afflecks Lee Chandler is always saying no to opportunities, rejecting the advances of women, refusing to bring new people into his life. He disengages with the world. Its a type of character that could be difficult to make compelling onscreen because, on a fundamental level, he doesnt want to be seen. But Lonergan doesnt see him that way.

Once I was inside his head, it all went perfectly smoothly, Lonergan says. Hes almost leading a Zen existence in a sort of negative and bad way. Because hes trying so hard to not think about anything, because he cant bear the content of his own thoughts. His distress is so over the top that hes got to just reduce the world to a series of small chores. And he tries to make taking care of his nephew into a series of small chores and its impossible, because his nephew is a human being who needs and wants a lot of attention and love and care.

Despite Lees desire to shut down emotionally, Lonergan thinks of him as a very emotional character. Hed love to be unemotional and shut down, but hes not, he says. I always see him holding up this huge boulder or holding up all the walls at the same time without enough hands to do it, he adds, miming the metaphorical action as he speaks. To me, thats a very active man and thats easier to write. Passive doesnt really exist. You can be passive, but youre doing something all the time.

The tragic event that shapes Afflecks performance also precipitates the moment that will likely deliver Michelle Williams her fourth Oscar nomination next year. As Lees wife Randi, Williams makes a huge impression despite appearing in just a handful of short scenes.

Lonergan says Williams worked really hard to perfect her character, who has to be tough and nice and loving and no-nonsense all at the same time. Williams would show up at different points throughout the shoot fully prepared and ready to go, he says. It was really impressive. For me it was like, here comes Michelle, and a switch goes on and shes in this incredibly sweet scene in the bedroom and then shes in this unbelievably nightmarish scene or shes in this incredibly funny scene where shes throwing the guys out of the house for playing ping-pong. She does so much in this part.

For that unbelievably nightmarish scene, Lonergan says Williams just showed up, took off her coat and was in her night shirt and just went insane. With every new take, shed go insane again.

I couldnt believe it, Lonergan says. I dont believe I had to say anything to her that entire scene. I mean, what are you going to say? He adds, I find that scene almost impossible to watch. Im just glad that its over very quickly.

After all of the turmoil that plagued his previous film, Lonergan is grateful for all of the support and attention this one has received. Referring to recent profiles in The New Yorker and elsewhereas complimentary as they arethat paint him as some sort of tragic figure, he says, I want to read one about what a good mood Im in. Because that was a long time ago and Im actually really happy with how that movie came out. It was definitely a big pain in the ass over all those years. But they act like Ive been through some major tragedy and I just havent. I dont quite get that. I guess thats the narrative.

The narrative of digging oneself out of a hopeless situation can be irresistible, as Lonergan has proven with Manchester by the Sea. And it is a theme that may be particularly resonant for more than half of American voters, who are currently experiencing a form of grief. In Casey Afflecks character, we have a model of how to overcome something that feels insurmountable.

Once the worst has happened, theres no hope that its going to be undone, Lonergan says. Ive never thought of the movie in terms of hopelessness, but just in terms of grief and trying to carry around something thats too painful to bear. And trying to function in the face of that, which I find to be the positive side of this story.

Caseys character is an extremely dutiful person, he continues. He doesnt disappear. Its agony for him to stick around and he does because he really wants to do the right thing. To me, thats not hopelessness, thats love.
DALLASWhen the children were released from the privately run immigration detention facility in Karnes City, Texas, they were immediately taken to the emergency room with pneumonia.

Over the past few months, several children who fled from violence in South and Central America with their mothers have been hospitalized after leaving the facility run by GEO Group, a private prison company that saw its stocks jump following Election Day. The childrens health problems were the result of poor medical care inside what is essentially a prison for mothers and their children, according to Amy Fischer of the Refugee and Immigrant Center for Education and Legal Services.

A GEO Group spokesperson denied the claim, saying all children are given chest X-rays upon admission to the facility. The spokesman also said that not everyone is given X-rays when leaving Karnes City unless they seem to be ailing.

With Donald Trump now president-elect, the Karnes City facility and a dozen more like it across the country are preparing to fill even more beds with immigrants and refugees. GEO Group and another private prison company, Corrections Corporation of America, are also preparing for more large, lucrative contracts with the federal government to run the detention centers.

Both companies saw their stock prices soar following Trumps historic and shocking win.

If we see how the stocks skyrocketed, I think they see this as a huge opportunity for profit, Fischer said of the two companies.

Of the 1,000 largest companies in the country, Forbes reported the day after Trumps victory, the biggest winner of the election was Corrections Corporation of America.

CCAs stock shot up 49 percent that day thanks to Trumps promise to enact mass deportations as president. GEOs stock rose 21 percent the same day.

But it isnt just the two companies who have an interest in detaining more immigrants. A report released Thursday shows that some of the countrys largest banks profit off fees and interest payments from the two companiesboth of which rely on such debt financing for their daily operations.

The report (PDF), compiled by In the Public Interest, which describes itself as a comprehensive research and policy center, shows the two companies have nearly $2 billion in debt each from lenders including JP Morgan Chase, Wells Fargo, and Bank of America. Without them, GEO Group and CCA would have difficulty operating, according to the report.

In the Public Interest calls for the banks to immediately halt debt financing to GEO Group and CCA. If the banks did so, the companies will be forced to find other sources of funds, which would significantly reduce their operations and growth.

Some of those operations include significant donations to Republican lawmakers in Congress, many of whom have harsh stances on crime and immigration, according to Fischer.

You can trace their campaign contributions to some of the most aggressive anti-immigrant politicians both at the state and federal level, Fischer said.

Those contributions are in addition to the millions both companies spent on lobbying politicians between 2004 and 2014, according to a 2015 report from the liberal Center for American Progress. For its part, CCA says it makes a point not to lobby for specific criminal justice laws.

It is CoreCivic [CCA]s longstanding policy not to draft, lobby for, promote or in any way take a position on proposals, policies or legislation that determine the basis or duration of an individuals incarceration or detention, spokesman Jonathan Burns told International Business Times this week.

On top of helping to fund its daily operations, large loans from banks have helped GEO Group and CCA to purchase smaller corrections companies, the report notes, allowing them to become the two largest private prison companies in the country.

Under Trump, they may have the opportunity to grow even larger. In June the president-elect told MSNBCs Chris Matthews that privatization of prisons seems to work a lot better. The comment came two months before the Department of Justice, citing security problems and poor conditions at private prisons nationwide, said it would phase out the use of private companies to run federal penal institutions.

Whether Trump still believes private prisons are superior to those run by the government is unknown, but GEO Group and CCA have the president-elects comments on immigration to lift their spiritsand, possibly, their bottom line.

In a 60 Minutes interview on Sunday, Trump pledged to deport between 2 and 3 million immigrants, making it a priority to remove those with criminal records. Whether there even are that many who fall into that category is a matter of debate, to put it charitably. If there are that many criminal illegal aliens, Trump would have to make good on his campaign promise of creating a deportation force to remove thema promise House Speaker Paul Ryan assured the American public last week was only lip service.

Illegal immigrants with criminal records are an easy target for deportation, but the immigration plan on Trumps website makes no distinction for men, women, and children fleeing violent countries like El Salvador, where some 4,000 people had been murdered by October, according to The Washington Post.

Anyone who crosses the border illegally will be detained until they are removed out of our country, Trumps official immigration policy statement reads. Whether Trump intends to kick out the tens of thousands of refugees fleeing South and Central American violence remains to be seen, but what is clear is that GEO Group and CCA see Trumps win as a boon for business.

As you know, the need for new infrastructure has been frequently discussed during this election season, CCA CEO Damion Hininger said in a November call with investors just before the election. And (CCA) is positioned to assist government organizations in making investments to modernize their mission-critical criminal justice infrastructure, while allowing them to maintain their borrowing capacity to address other capital needs.

In laymans terms, were about to get paid.

The call came after U.S. Immigrations and Customs Enforcement renewed a contract with CCA in October to operate the South Texas Family Residential Center in Dilley, Texas, a $1 billion dollar deal that runs through 2020.

Prior to the contract renewal, the companys future was grimstock prices dove following the August Justice Department decree that called for the end of private companies running federal prisons. Partly in response, CCA changed its name to CoreCivic and, in the November call with investors, Hininger said the rebranding was part of an effort to change the company into a diversified government solutions provider.

The name change had nothing to do with problems at CCA-run facilities, like the deadly 2015 gang fight at an Oklahoma prison that left four men dead, Hininger said.

Despite poorly sourced claims from industry critics and activists to the contrary, our continued focus on operational excellence, flexibility, and our compelling value proposition have continued to create opportunities for the company to grow where our partners need and want solutions that we can deliver, Hininger said during the call.

Except Trumps pledge may be difficult to meet, a brief look at federal data shows.

It has taken President Obama six years to deport 2.5 million people, according to a 2015 Department of Homeland Security report. Last year, DHS, ICE, and Customs and Border Patrol deported less than 1 million people combined.

More than 30,000 of those men, women, and children were from South and Central America, according to the report, and at least 40,000 more such refugees are currently being held in private detention centers like the ones in Karnes City and Dilley, Fischer said. That number is expected to increase, as the renewed contract for the Dilley facility indicates.

Along with an expected increase in detentions will come a greater burden on an already overworked system in which credible fear interviews are held. There, DHS hears arguments from refugees who say a return to their home country would put them at risk of injury or death.

Unfortunately, theres no right to counsel in these proceedings, so what we do is prep the mothers as much as we can ahead of these interviews, Fischer said.

In Karnes City, a family facility that holds mostly mothers and their children, Fischer and other advocates have a high success rateroughly 90 percent of refugees there are granted the right to stay in the United States and eventually seek citizenship.

In official terms, their fear is credible. Now, they have a new fear: President Trump.

I think the immigrant community is right to be very scared, Fischer said. At the same time, its an expansive system and I dont think Trump has really thought through the intricacies of what it would take to deport the amount of people he has mentioned.

If Trumps words are to be trusted, no one currently in a detention facility or caught crossing the border illegally after Jan. 20 will have the opportunity to prove they have a credible fear of returning to their home country.

As we look forward to a Trump presidency we expect this to only be more aggressive, Fischer said.
The Brooklyn Cocktail is a second-string, but by no means second-rate, pre-Prohibition classic and was largely forgotten until the recent cocktail renaissance. Now it is frequently found on drinks lists worldwide, both in its original formfirst published in 1908 in Jacks Manual by Jacob A. Grohuskoand in a host of other creative variations.

THE AUTHOR & THE DRINK

Jacob A. Jack Grohusko (1876-1943) was born in England to a Russian Jewish family and brought to New York as an infant. He worked in hotel bars in New York until around 1900, when he found a long-term gig at Baraccas restaurant, on Stone Street in Lower Manhattan. Under his direction, Baraccas bar was a popular one. In 1908, Grohusko published the first edition of his Jacks Manual (there would be four more, from 1910 to 1933). In 1910, he opened his own place, also on Stone Street (the space is now occupied by Ulysses, one of New Yorks best Irish bars).

We dont know if Grohuskos Brooklyn Cocktail, one of many drinks over the years to bear that name, was his own creation. He lived in Hoboken, New Jersey, not Brooklyn. Victor Baracca, however, the proprietor of the restaurant, lived in Brooklyn, so its at possible that he asked Grohusko to come up with something to match the venerable Manhattan and the newly-popular Bronx.

Grohuskos version of the Brooklyn, with some tweaking, would outlast all the other similarly-named cocktails, largely though its inclusion in the canonical Savoy Cocktail Book of 1930.

THE ORIGINAL RECIPE

Brooklyn Cocktail

1 dash Amer. Picon bitters1 dash Maraschino50% rye whiskey50% Ballor Vermouth

Fill glass with ice.Stir and strain. Serve.

NOTES ON INGREDIENTS

Amer Picon, a French aperitif bitter, is not available in the U.S., and even if it were, it has been reformulated and lowered drastically in proof from what it was in 1908. Fortunately, in the small quantities called for here it is easy to substitute. The leading, but not dominant, note in Amer Picon is bitter orange, so any Italian amaro heavy on that, such as CioCiaro, will work well. (You can even, if necessary, use a less-orangey, but more available, amaro such as Montenegro, with a dash of orange bitters to boost the orange quotient.) Even better, I find, is the French Bigallet China-China Amer, a French digestif with a strong orange note. I generally use half a teaspoon, and the same amount for the maraschino liqueur.

For the rye whiskey, something bonded is in order. Rittenhouse is my go-to, but Wild Turkey Rye also works well. You dont want anything less than 90-proof, since it has to stand up to a pretty strong cargo of vermouth. Grohusko would have used an ounce, but I prefer an ounce and a half.

As for that vermouth. Ballor, Grohuskos preferred brand (its importer was around the corner from Baraccas), was a classic Italian vermouth di Torino, dark and sweet. I like the Cocchi Vermouth di Torino here, but Martini & Rossi will also work fine if thats what youve got. I would not use Carpano Antica, since its vanilla note tends to drive out all else before it.

Note that when Grohuskos recipe was reprinted in Jacques Straubs 1914 vest-pocket bartenders compendium, Drinks, Straub inexplicably changed the Italian vermouth to a dry French vermouth (perhaps he didnt know where Ballor was from). Thats the version taken up by the Savoy book, and it is, to my palate, distinctly inferior: thin and awkward. This is, however, the version most often encountered.

NOTES ON EXECUTION

Like the man says. Stir well with plenty of cracked ice and strain it into a chilled cocktail glass or coupe. I like a lemon twist with this.

The Annotated Cocktail presents a recipe for a classic drink exactly as it appeared for the first time in print and walks you through how to make it today so that it will be both historically accurate and delicious.
Let's get the mea culpas out of the way.

I said Donald Trump could never be elected, confidently fueled by the empirical data of professional polling, a certainty in the vital necessity of field operations, and the knowledge his own campaign team (even on the night of the election) was ratting out the shambolic train wreck his campaign had been. I was wrong.

I believed that the numbers and processes of modern campaigning that revolve around the meticulous use of data would matter in 2016. I believed Trump was merely a spectacle, a political sideshow who would be dispatched by the well-funded and the well-staffed major campaigns.

I believed the media would find the courage to cover the seamier opposition research hits on Trump, which were as compelling as they were revolting. I believed that people of faith, particularly the professional evangelical class, would find Trump's lifelong behavior, his prior embrace of abortion, his professed serial abuse of women, his proven adultery, the scuzzy low-rent casinos that made his fortune, and only notional Christian faith to be disqualifying.

I believed the kompromat tapes, thoroughly known and discussed in the U.S. and European intelligence communities, would emerge, and Trump's deep, long-denied ties to Russian interests would convince national security voters that the Bewigged Manchurian would present Putin with the greatest intelligence coup in history, and put our nation at risk.

As Trump mainstreamed racial animus, shrugged at David Duke, embraced the alt-Reich's support, attacked Muslims with unbridled ferocity, and promised mass roundups and deportations of Latinos, I also believed Americans of all races and creeds would be repulsed by his behavior.

I believed conservatism's future was driven by principle, not by celebrity. I believed that a majority of the conservative movement and the conservative media would recognize the authoritarian, statist and anti-Constitutional nature of both Trump's beliefs and his stated policies. I foolishly believed that conservative media figures with the deepest reach, the biggest audiences and the loudest voices would use their power responsibly. Wow, was I wrong.

Donald Trump has been elected by the American people. Democratswho from pure incompetence richly deserve their fateare facing a tough electoral road in 2018, have a thin field for 2020, and a future where the federal courts will be reshaped in ways that mitigate their strategy of achieving through litigation what they cannot through persuasion. As a conservative, I find this to be a thin reed to grasp in the era of Trump, but reeds are pretty rare right now.

The Democratic coalition, too long reliant on the dynamics of stunt casting, just didn't love Hillary Clinton passionately enough for a win. Her field and turnout operations couldn't replicate Obama's, and she never could grow out of being, well...Hillary. James Comey halted her progress in the closing two weeks of the campaign, but she was easily the worst possible Democratic candidate since Mike Dukakis. On Earth 2 right now, Joe Biden is out doing donuts on Mar-a-Lago's meticulously manicured lawn in a rented Corvette.

Trump fans convinced of his strategic genius are welcome to their view, but they're wrong. His own campaign team was utterly convinced that they would lose, and were blame-storming with reporters so until the numbers rolled in. The revisionism of this week (We knew it all along!) is just thatrevisionism. At the Electoral College level, the historic collapse of Democratic turnout was more consequential than Republican turnout, and no onenot the pros, not the media, not the Clinton campaign, and not the Trump campaign, saw it coming.

Rather, Trump's team proves the old terrorist adage, You have to be lucky every time. We only have to be lucky once. For all that, lucky he was, and he's the President-elect of the United States and in January of next year will take the oath of office.

It no longer matters if Trump is corrupt, mentally unstable, or lacks the moral character and intellect to hold the office. The voters have spoken. Like many, I hope for the best but am obliged to plan for the worst, not only for the nation but for the conservative movement.

The delta between party and principle has never been wider than in 2016. A large plurality of the Trump electorate believed the definition of conservative was simply Not Hillary. The monetized right's media cheerleaders gave Trump every ideological pass in the book, and for those of us who care about free markets, free speech, and the constitutional principles of liberty, equality, and opportunity now view the Trump Republican Party warily, if not fearfully. His shoddy intellect, child's temperament, and judgment are all on constant and horrifying display. The ugliness and internal bickering of transition are just a preview.

If he allows nationalist populism to outweigh American values, and for the Bannon/Spencer/Duke wing of the Trump party to thrive and grow with his tacit approval, he'll bend the long arc of history toward something dark and shameful. If Trump keeps his promises  mass deportations, the wall, national-stop-and-frisk, broad new economic regulation, shredding trade deals, bans on religious minorities, the abrogation of the free speech rights and the rest  the country faces economic, political, and moral hazards driven by the Oval Office like no administration in memory.

Trump is prepared to push not only a trillion-dollar stimulus, a massive tax cut and a military buildup, but promises to do so without touching entitlements. And he'll do this while wrecking international trade agreements that power millions of American jobs. He continues to hold a set of economic principles and a view of international relations that will terrify markets and allies alike when he takes the reins of power.

If he appoints the rogues' gallery of characters who are touted as his Cabinet picks, prepare for four years of dark comedy, Carteresque incompetence and an eventual wave of special prosecutors as Scamalot unfolds. Past a few marquee names at the top, Washington's panic is rising that Trump will sweep in a wave of business associates and family members into key government positions.

Many of the men named as potential Cabinet picks to date have, to put it mildly, less impulse control than one might hope. The mere possibility of a Newt Gingrich or a Sarah Palin in the Trump Cabinet is already peaking lulz detectors worldwide.

His dynastic aspirations are becoming clearer by the day as Trump has pushed to have his family embedded in the core of government. In the minds of his fanatics, the Trumps are a royal family with everything but titles of nobility, and I imagine he'll have the White House Counsel looking hard at Article I, Section 9, once he's sworn in. Last time I checked, Clause 8, which bars titles of nobility, doesn't have a Trump exception.

While a Trump who keeps his promises is dangerous, a Trump breaking some of themparticularly the ones that stoked his baseis inevitable. If Trump does as he has with literally every other major relationship and transaction in his personal and business life, he'll happily abandon the promises he made to the people he successfully conned. When he fails to build a big, beautiful wall from the Pacific to the Gulf of Mexico, leaves huge chucks of Obamacare intact, or when his hokey, half-assed economic nostrums fail, and America doesn't turn into a coal-extractin' steel-makin' manufacturin' lily-white 1950s economic superpower, the monster he raised will bite back. I expect that while many of the Trump cult will never, ever abandon the Dear Leader, there is a vast, economically-terrified percentage of his electorate who will lose it when his con is revealed.

They'll find Trump's walk-backs on his key promises, the friction of Washington, and the realities of governing less glamorous than big rallies, inchoate anger and red hats. They voted for Trump because he stoked their fervid revanchism, and was the furthest person from a politician. The purity of their belief that he was telling the truth is going to make the crash harder than the Monday after a weekend oxy-and-tequila binge.

Nonetheless, he's President-elect. The fight to stop him was worth every effort and every moment but it was a fight that failed at the ballot box. The fight to save center-right conservatism is the new battlefield, and one worth even more effort.

Conservatives will be tested severely and constantly in the coming years. It's up to us to hold Republicans to account when they deviate into the comfortable "but he's a Republican, so it's okay" mindset. During the Bush Administration, that led us to the ideological and electoral disasters of 2006 and 2008: vast expansions for federal power, new entitlements, wild spending, and bank bailouts which led to disheartened and defeated Republicans in the House and the Senate.

It's up to a new conservative movement to provide stronger voices for the better values that have defined this nation's long journey and to offer a smarter, more human, and more modern path than the grubby, racially-inflected nationalism that too many of Trump's supporters have embraced. Center-right conservatism is on fire with ideas; it's incumbent on a new conservative movement to fight for them.

Good and bad leaders all pass, with either great consequence or great danger to the fabric of the Republic. Trump is not the end of America, just as Obama wasn't. Those of us who revere the Constitution are obliged to respect the decision of the electorate, and we will pray President Trump will be granted more wisdom and probity than Citizen Trump has ever displayed.

As my friend Ben Howe noted, a core premise of the Never Trump movement wasn't simply that he'd lose; it was that he'd be a bad and dangerous President, not only for conservatives but for the nation. We're about to test the latter part of that theory.

Buckle up.
On Friday afternoon, The Hollywood Reporter published an uncritical, largely fawning profile of Stephen K. Bannon , the incoming chief strategist in the Donald Trump administration and former chairman of the far-right website Breitbart News.

Darkness is good, Bannon said during the recent interview at Trump Tower. Dick Cheney. Darth Vader. Satan. Thats power. It only helps us when they get it wrong. When theyre blind to who we are and what were doing.

When asked about renewed criticism surrounding his websites promotion of alt-right, racist, and anti-Semitic content, Bannon simply laughed off the notion that this makes him a racist.

Im not a white nationalist, Im a nationalist, Bannon said. Im an economic nationalist. The globalists gutted the American working class and created a middle class in Asia. The issue now is about Americans looking to not get fucked over.

In emails obtained by The Daily Beast last month, Bannon had written in 2015 that one of the main reasons he liked and was supporting Trump was because Trump is a nationalist who embraces [Sen. Jeff Sessionss] immigration plan.

Before Bannon joined the Trump campaign in August, and before he was appointed as President-elect Trumps chief White House strategist, the former Breitbart chairman was coasting through liberal Hollywood as an unabashedly right-wing filmmaker and documentarianone openly influenced by Nazi propagandist Leni Riefenstahl . His artistic endeavors were at times idiosyncratic, like when he yearned to adapt William Shakespeares brutal and bloody tragedy Titus Andronicus to on the moon with creatures from outer space, according to his former Hollywood writing partner Julia Jones. (She also co-wrote with Bannon a Shakespearean hip-hop musical about the 1992 L.A. riots.)

These days, however, hes less interested in producing and directing propaganda films and is far more keen on, say, forging international alliances with ultra-right-wing, nationalist, populist political parties in western Europe.

He has long wanted to work with all of those parties, but that was only in promoting them with Breitbart, a source close to Bannon told The Daily Beast earlier this month. Now he has the power of the White House to do it.

With that in mind, its on to the executive branch for Bannonwhere he is set to serve as one of the most powerful voices and operators working in the Trump era.

Like [Andrew] Jacksons populism, were going to build an entirely new political movement, Bannon continued, in The Hollywood Reporters borderline-loving profile of the nationalist, alt-right ringleader. Bannon concluded by saying, I am Thomas Cromwell in the court of the Tudors.
KIEVLieutenant General Nikolai Ryabets never thought of himself as a businessman. His world has always been missiles and anti-aircraft systems. What he knew well was how to operate, maintain, and modernize them. During the Soviet war in Afghanistan the general provided missile defenses for Kabul and Kandahar for three years. On his return to Ukraine, still part of the Soviet Union in those days, he served in all echelons of the air defense forces in Lviv and in Kiev, slowly moving all the way up to the position of deputy commander.

Now retired from active duty, the general works in a sleek office in a freshly refurbished two-floor building in Kiev as chairman of the state-funded company Nebo Ukrainy, or The Sky of Ukraine. His job is to sell old Soviet air defense systems, good enough for the third world countries. He has not had much luck.

Its a pretty cynical business, and probably Ryabets should not have been surprised when Hollywood star George Clooney and human rights activist John Prendergast of the Enough Project named Riyabets and the company he heads in a damning document they presented in September about corruption and civil war in the benighted new nation of South Sudan.

Some unscrupulous profiteers proactively look for ways to profit from instability and continued violenceeither through the sale of weapons or by penning deals with armed groups that aspire to take power by force, reads the report titled War Crimes Shouldnt Pay under the heading, War Profiteers.

The document then goes on to detail the activities in South Sudan of one Mark Goldmann, acting as an agent for Nebo Ukrainy with a letter signed by Ryabets.

As the aging general tells the story, the day he first heard of Goldmann is a day he hates to remember.

Ryabets says that about four years ago a neighbor of his named Sayid, a refugee from Chechnyas first war with Russia, came up with a business idea. Sayid said his brother Magomed lived in Geneva and had very good connections all over the world, and that he might help us find a reliable buyer in Africa or in China, Ryabets told The Daily Beast.

Lt. Gen. Ryabets described the role of the Chechen partner as go-between connecting the Nebo Ukrainy corporation founded and owned by the state and whoever wants to buy Ukraines rusting rocket systems, some of them more than 30 years old.

Back in 2013, Russian citizen Magomed Erzanukaev, who also goes by the name Mark Goldmann, visited our company, said Ryabets. He did not look like any rich businessman, rather like an immature loser, but we still issued him a document authorizing him to be the official representative of our corporation, Nebo Ukrainy, until August last year.

Looking back, Ryabets says he regrets the day he ever let Erzanukaev-Goldmann walk into his office, as in fact, instead of helping to find a good business deal for Nebo Ukrainy and make money, the Chechen brother of his neighbor caused both Ryabets and his corporation a huge headache.

The report released by Sentry, one of the groups sponsored by Clooney and Prendergast, says that in 2014, in the middle of Ukraines war with pro-Russian rebels in the Donbas region, Mark Goldmann acted as a broker between South Sudans vice president at the time, Riek Machar, and the defense firm Nebo Ukrainy. The documents obtained by Sentry indicated that Goldmann was importing military equipment for the improvement of its military defense in return for crude oil from South Sudan.

This Russian broker identified himself as Mark Goldmann and claimed to head a company called MGA Capital, offering to negotiate the sale of military equipment in return for the countrys most lucrative asset: oil, the report said.

Ryabets confirmed in our interview that together with the official letter authorizing Goldmann to be Nebo Ukrainys broker, he also equipped Erzanukaev-Goldmann with a catalogue of potential goods that included multiple air defense systems, including the vaunted S-300 and the BUK, the rocket launcher tragically famous for bringing down Malaysian flight MH-17 in July, 2014, over eastern Ukraine.

The catalogue also offered the self-propelled Shilka, the portable air defense complex Igla and several other expensive items of military equipment.

But according to Ryabets, Goldmann never actually sealed any deals. There were miles to go between the day Magomed or Mark was to find us a reliable buyer and the day of actual delivery, since we sell everything through a state agency, UkrSpecExport, Ryabets told The Daily Beast.

Goldmann declined to comment on the case.

Did Ryabets have bad feelings about looking for business deals in long-suffering, violence-plagued African countries?

The export of weapons is just business for the senior officer.

Look, we have to sell the old defense systems, otherwise all our BUKs and other air defense systems will just rot in storage, said Ryabets. When the Soviet Union fell apart in 1991, warehouses at our military bases were full of weapons. Ukraine shoveled tons of them to Africa, packed those countries with all sorts of tanks, artillery, and air defense systems made in USSR.

All this was big business. In 2012, for instance, Ukraine shipped major conventional arms worth $1.344 billion, becoming the fourth largest arms exporter in the world after United States, Russia, and China, according to the data published by Stockholm International Peace Research Institute (SIPRI).

And the rot of corruption is not limited to South Sudan or Africa.

In the three years since Ukraines Maidan uprising and he Revolution of Dignity, Ukraine has become a bazaar of both legal and illegal weapons with numerous high profile corruption cases.

In fact, Ukrainian prosecutors are currently calling in senior defense ministry officers for questioning. The press service for Ukraines prosecutor general has published info-graphics of all weapons illegally exported by corrupt military commanders in the period from 2005 to 2014, worth a total of two billion Ukrainian hryvnia or $77 million dollars.

A big chunk of money from these sales goes into the pockets of the same [ex] Soviet generals who commanded our forces before the Maidan revolution, says Yuriy Kolesnikov, leader of a volunteer group providing aid for battalions fighting in Donbas. They continue to fill up their pockets with corrupt dollars, instead of supporting the forces on the front lines.

The situation in the eastern regions of Ukraine meanwhile continues to be shaky. On Thursday morning the press service of the Anti-Terrorist (ATO) Headquarters reported 37 attacks on Ukrainian army positions by pro-Russian rebel forces in one single day.

Shortly before the third anniversary of the Revolution of Dignity, the countrys capital of Kiev was once again shaken by anti-government street protests as both civilians and military personnel called for a change of power. On Nov. 14, hundreds of Ukrainians came out to protest against increasing prices. Many said they had lost their deposits at Ukrainian banks. About 300 people blocked the street in front of the National Bank of Ukraine.

The new generation of political elites pushed for reforms and anti-corruption measures in the defense ministry and law enforcement agencies, but to little avail. Corruption is once again everywhere you look, in the government, in the defense ministry, in the bank system, Kolesnikov told The Daily Beast.

His volunteer group put together their own technology, a drone that is capable of transporting up to 50 kilos of cargo. The drone could apparently also fire and liquidate enemy targets, Kolesnikov said with pride.

Last month the Committee on Preventing and Combating Corruption looked into 68 cases of violations committed last year and 116 appeals to law enforcement agencies identified during internal checks in 2016.

Ukroboronprom officials admitted that the war in Donbas did not stop corruption within state agencies.

Our army commanders and Ukroboronprom, the group responsible for import and export of weapons, is a total disgrace even as our soldiers are righting an artillery war in Donbas, says Kolesnikov. This year alone, Ukraine has exported 12 units of the weapon most demanded on the front, the 122-mm howitzer D-30, as well as Mi-24 and Mi-29 helicopters; and then Ukraine was begging for newer weapons from the West.

Back in his office, Lt. Gen. Ryabets was angry as he discussed the ingnominy of his ordeal in South Sudan.

That Magomed did not do anything good for our country, did not help us sell a single piece of scrap, the officer said with frustration and then stared at The Daily Beast reporter with a light of hope in his eyes: Maybe you could help us sell our goods? Ryabets asked. Please publish the highlights of our catalogue, maybe there is somebody on the West who would be interested in purchasing our newer, modernized air defense systems.
TROY, New York  Joel Abeloves gleaming black police interceptor sits in a newly minted district attorneys parking spot, decked out with emergency lights on the dashboard and rear window. Its a new purchasewith asset forfeiture fundsmade by the embattled Rensselaer County District Attorney, who ran on a tough-on-crime platform and declared his support for his employees Second Amendment right to pack heat in the office.

But Abelove, who made headlines this year when he reportedly gave immunity to a cop who shot an unarmed black man, has not lived up to his reformist promise. A month-long investigation by The Daily Beast uncovered a pattern of alleged political favors and personal grudges, and a talent drain in Abeloves workforce.

The apparent rot in the DAs office, and the shooting of Edson Thevenin, has led to scathing criticism of Abelove. The bad press came to a head on Sunday, when the Albany Times Union published an editorial calling on the 47-year-old Republican prosecutor to resign after three violent felony cases were dismissed under speedy trial rules.

If it is found Mr. Abelove mishandled the [Thevenin shooting] case, it could be cause for his removal from office by Gov. [Andrew] Cuomo, the critique read. Mr. Abeloves continued demonstration of incompetence and partisanship should make that unnecessary. He should resign

Abelove was elected in 2014, owing in large part to his opposition to the 2013 New York Secure Ammunition and Firearms Enforcement Act, a landmark gun-control law widely denounced in the towns and villages of upstate New York. Known as the SAFE Act, it expanded the definition of assault weapons under New York law and made it harder for individuals with certain mental illnesses to obtain weapons.

I mean, issues like the SAFE Act, displeasure with certain policies of the governor, I gotta believe that certainly played a role [in the election], Abelove told WAMC radio at the time.

Its difficult to overstate the animus against the SAFE Act in Abelove country. At the time, the Rensselaer County legislature even passed a resolution prohibiting the use of the countys seal in support or enforcement of the law championed by Governor Andrew Cuomo. Three years later, yard signs condemning the law still speckle the countys yards and roadways.

Abelove, whom the New York Post once touted as a potential GOP candidate for state attorney general, told the newspaper that tougher mandatory minimum sentences would be a better idea than the SAFE Act.

Once he took office, Abelove encouraged his staffers to start carrying pistols, even offering to pick up the tab of the application and safety courses. Im not suggesting my staff has to arm themselves. I just wanted them to know I support them if they want to carry a gun, he told the Times Union.

Once in office, Abeloves feuds with Gov. Cuomo went beyond the SAFE Act. In August 2015, he railed against Cuomos Executive Order No. 147, which allows the attorney generals office to investigate and to act as special prosecutor in officer-involved killings of unarmed civilians.

Abelove would seemingly disobey this order eight months later when a Troy cop shot and killed Edson Thevenin, a 38-year-old father of two who was unarmed and allegedly led police on a brief chase after a DWI stop. Five days after Thevenins death, Abelove reportedly granted the police officer immunity instead of turning over the case to the attorney general. The grand jury did not return an indictment.

In an email, Abelove said his office does not discuss grand jury matters.

As The Daily Beast reported yesterday, two witnesses to the incidentincluding one who believed the fatal use of force wasnt justifiedsaid they gave statements to police but werent called to testify before the panel. One of the witnesses later recanted, and told The Daily Beast he hoped to join the Troy police force.

Legal experts were puzzled by Abeloves reported decision to give Sgt. French immunity before he testified to the grand jury that was investigating him.

I have never seen a case where a defendant is testifying at a grand jury, and gets immunity [for the crime the grand jury is reviewing], Florina Altshiler, a Buffalo-based defense attorney and former prosecutor in Alaska, told The Daily Beast.

If a prosecutor gives the target defendant immunity, then essentially that defendant can go into a grand jury, testify to all sorts of wrongdoing, and be exempt from prosecution for that wrongdoing.

Allegations of mismanagement have plagued Abelove well before the Thevenin shooting, and in one case, prior to his taking office.

In December 2014, he eliminated a political opponents position as an investigator for the district attorney. Gary Gordon had run for sheriff on the Democratic ticket against Abeloves ally just three years before, and had vocally opposed Abelove at a Police Benevolent Association endorsement meeting during Abeloves first run for DA. Gordon said his opposition cost Abelove the PBA endorsement.

He was naming a bunch of cases he said were mishandled by the current DA, Gordon told The Daily Beast. After his presentation, I questioned him publicly at the meeting.

Four years later, Abelove won the election. Gordon was out.

Theres only so much money in the budget, and with some of the things I was looking to do coming in, it was necessary for me to cut that budget item, Abelove told WAMC Radio at the time. We still have four investigators in the office, so well be able to make do with that and at the same time it allows me to increase some different positions from less than full time to full time.

Abelove told The Daily Beast that he was not able to comment on Gordons allegations because of an unrelated criminal indictment against Gordon.

Around the same time, Abelove asked chief ADA Carmelo Laquidara to drop charges against Martin Reid, chairman of the Rensselaer County legislature and a political ally of Abelove, court papers allege. New York Department of Labor investigators found that Reid had taken home $15,335 in unemployment benefitsall while collecting a $30,000-a-year government salary for his part-time county job.

LaquidaraAbeloves opponent in the 2014 district attorney race, and who was aiding Abeloves transition into officerefused to drop charges, according to an affidavit.

When Abelove took over in January, he denied receiving a referral for prosecution from the Department of Labor and said he would not prosecute Reid without direction from police or the state attorney general.

There has been no referral to my office for a prosecution, Abelove told the Times Union. Ive gotten nothing from the police, nothing from the attorney general. Ive gotten no letter. The materials existed in the office in whatever form they were with the previous administration who chose not to do anything.

Abelove echoed this statement to The Daily Beast. No request was made by me or my office to Mr. Laquidara or anyone else to drop charges against Mr. Reid before I took office, the DA added in an email this week.

The attorney generals office took over, and Reid was arrested in August 2015 on a 41-count felony indictment. He was charged with one count of grand larceny and 40 counts of offering a false instrument for filing, and resigned his leadership position in the county legislature that same day.

Theres two systems of justice: one for Joel and his friends, and one for everybody else, one local insider told The Daily Beast. Thats really what it boils down to.

Reid pleaded guilty to one felony count of offering a false instrument for filing in September 2016. He lost his county legislature seat, and was sentenced to three days in jail and three years of conditional discharge. He was also required to pay a $5,000 fine, according to the Times Union.

Meanwhile, court papers show that Reid appeared to help Abelove in other ways. During a December 2014 legislature meeting, he introduced an amendment to the county budget to eliminate one $52,519 special investigator jobthe position belonging to political rival Gary Gordon.

Richard Crist, another Abelove ally and a spokesman for the Rensselaer County legislatures Republicans, was outraged at the Reid case outcome. Martin was an effective legislator for years, including work on important job creation projects, providing needed county services, and budgets that stayed within the tax cap, Crist told the Times Union. It is sad that an individual act unrelated to his work in the legislature resulted in the court action today.

The Reid allegations have been a thorn in Abeloves side ever since, and are mentioned in the Times Unions recent call for the district attorneys resignation and a former employees affidavit alleging political malfeasance.

Yet the Reid case wasnt the only one under scrutiny. Crist was himself arrested on child endangerment charges after a physical altercation with his 17-year-old son in July 2014, the Times Union reported.

Abelove, who inherited the case after the election, told The Daily Beast that Child Protective Services and the NYS Office of Children and Family Services cleared Crist of wrongdoing. But his predecessor, Arthur Glass, said Abelove shouldve appointed a special prosecutor to keep matters involving his political allies above board. In fact, multiple judges had recused themselves from the case because of Crists political connections. You dont even want to give the impression of any impropriety, Glass told the Times Union, after Abelove dropped charges in January 2015.

Abelove disagreed. When Crists attorney moved to dismiss the charges, he didnt fight him. He was not directly involved in heading my campaign, Abelove said at the time. The DA recently told The Daily Beast, To suggest that I allowed the case to be dismissed for political reasons is clearly false; there simply was no proof to sustain the charges.

But sources in Rensselaer County told The Daily Beast that in the 2014 election, Crist gathered designating petitions for Abelove that helped him to appear on the Independence Party linea move that got Abelove 1,596 votes.

The district attorney won the election by a narrow margin of just 492 votes.

[Crist] was an active participant that helped [Abelove] gather petitions to qualify for the Wilson Pakula, CB Smith, a local Democratic activist and government watchdog, told The Daily Beast. (The waiver allows a candidate who is not registered with a particular political party to appear on that partys ballot line.)

Im not sure what you mean by the term campaign for me, Abelove told The Daily Beast. I had many people who supported my candidacy.

Once in office, Abelove has relied on a little help from his friends in order to run it.

One notable hire was Jessica Hall, an old friend who supported Abeloves campaign and worked with him under former DA Patricia DeAngelis. She became Abeloves chief assistant, a right-hand woman who runs the office alongside him.

Abelove also brought in Jonathan Desso, the 34-year-old son of a major campaign supporter. Desso handles public relations, among other things, in his role as a confidential assistant. His father, Louis Desso, is well known in Rensselaer County Republican politics as the town supervisor of North Greenbush.

Before joining Abeloves staff, Desso worked as a distribution group leader at Target, according to his LinkedIn page. He will take home $78,120 this year, according to public records. In contrast, early-career assistant district attorneys make $45,000 at the office.

Abelove created Jonathan Dessos full-time appointed position after eliminating Gordons, according to court filings.

Christine Labbate, the niece of Martin Reidthe Rensselaer County legislatures Republican chairman whom Abelove had declined to prosecutewas hired as an assistant district attorney handling major crimes. Cindy Bugbee Mattison, the sister of Republican County Elections Commissioner Larry Bugbee, was hired as a secretary. And sources said that a girlfriend of a former Conservative party chairman was hired as an executive assistant. (The Wilson Pakula waiver the party granted Abelove to appear on the Conservative Party line helped secure his victory.)

The Republicans in Rensselaer County have rigged the process by controlling the significant minor party lines: the Conservative Party and the Independence Party, Smith, the government watchdog, said. I submit that if there was an office of dog catcher, the Republican candidate would win the Conservative and Independence Party lines, even if he or she could not tell the difference between a cat and a dog.

Abelove said he could not comment on personnel matters in regards to staffing.

Meanwhile, experienced long-time employees didnt always fare so well under Abeloves administration. He fired two assistant district attorneys when he took office, and five others quit. The turnover would continue throughout his term, from Republicans and Democrats alike.

Then, days before Christmas in 2015, Abelove fired assistant district attorney Shane Hug without a stated reason. Hug, a holdover from past administrations, was one of the offices most experienced assistant district attorneys and handled major cases. He had also campaigned for Carmelo Laquidara, Abeloves Democratic challenger, in the district attorneys race.

In October 2016, Hug, retired Troy police detective Ronald Fountain, and Gary Gordonthe district attorneys investigator whose job Abelove had eliminated before taking officewere charged with 15 misdemeanor counts relating to the leak of a 911 call made by a Republican mayoral candidates wife. Abelove took the rare step of bringing misdemeanor charges to a grand jury in a case involving at least two political opponents and a complainant who had campaigned for him in the district attorneys race.

The trio is accused of conspiring to obtain a 911 audio tape from July 2015, when the wife of a Republican mayoral candidate, Jim Gordon, called cops saying her hubby held her down during an argument. A Troy police officer who had campaigned for Abelove and had possession of the tape was given immunity by Abelove in this case.

Gordon lost the election after the recording was leaked to the Times-Union and Democrats used it in robo-calls.

This is a petty prosecution brought for personal and political reasons by the most ethically challenged district attorney in Rensselaer County in my lifetime, Trey Smith, Hugs attorney, told the Times Union when they were charged in October 2016.

In late October, Smith filed a motion requesting Abelove be removed from the case over a very strong appearance of impropriety. Gordon and Abelove supported each other politically, with Abelove donating to Gordons campaigns from 2011 to 2015, the court filing alleges.

Abelove has financially supported the complainants political campaigns, and the complainant has carried at least one designating petition for Abeloves campaign for the office he holds, Smith wrote.

Abeloves response denied the allegations and said that one part reeks of an unsubstantiated smear intended to confuse the Court.

Abelove personally presented the case to the grand jury, while granting immunity to the cop who initially provided access to the 911 call, court papers say. That officer, Troy Sgt. Tim Colaneri, donated to Abeloves unsuccessful 2011 run for DA and also asked the Police Benevolent Association to publicly endorse him, records show.

Multiple members of Rensselaer Countys legal communitywho spoke to The Daily Beast on condition of anonymity over fear of reprisal from Abelove, whom they described as vindictivesay that while the DA is busy playing lawman, his office is suffering from high turnover and undertrained and overworked staff.

Justice isnt being served in Rensselaer County, one lawyer told The Daily Beast. People are quitting right and left. Now you have all these cases that arent being properly handled. Its frustrating to watch.

The turnover has been swift and continuous. Abelove fired some holdovers from the previous administration, and kept only a handfulamong them, Shane Hug, whom he would later fire. He hired a slate of new prosecutors.

In May of 2015, five months after Abelove took office, the Times Union reported that five of his nine hires had already quit. Abelove declined to provide turnover numbers to The Daily Beast for his assistant district attorneys.

The pay in Rensselaer County has historically lagged behind nearby areas, sources said, and assistant district attorneys had high case loads due to Troys crime rates. The office also historically had fewer prosecutors than other counties nearby.

But sources also said that Abeloves leadership style contributed to increased turnover.

People familiar with the department say Abelove runs it in a hierarchical manner modeled after his experiences in the U.S. military. (He is a lieutenant colonel in the National Guard.) Assistant DAs are expected to run decisions by Hall, the first assistant, who would in turn run things by Abelove.

In his election campaign, Abelove said he hoped that successfully prosecuting low-level offenses would lead to an overall drop in crime through deterrenceessentially a rebranding of the widely disputed Broken Windows theory. If you address the heroin epidemic, if you address welfare fraud, if you address DWI, if you start addressing all these other offenses that affect the quality of life in our neighborhoods, if you address the burglaries, smaller assaults, robberies, everything maybe you dont get a homicide down the road, he told the Troy Record during his campaign.

But members of the Rensselaer County legal community told The Daily Beast that Abeloves approach has resulted in more dead felonies than substantive changes. Multiple sources told The Daily Beast that the inexperienced office is a boon for the defense bar, who can wait for cases that would have ordinarily been prosecuted to expire under speedy trial rules.

Cases have languished when they werent strong enoughor not high-priority enoughto take before a grand jury. If six months pass without a speedy trial waiver from the defense, they become what lawyers call 30-30 dead under state law. Those crimes are then sent to a lower court, from where they are typically dismissed.

Most recently, an assault on a police officer, a home invasion, and a threat to burn a church died under speedy trial rules, according to the Albany Times-Union.

Lucas Mihuta, the defense attorney in the three cases, said that cases occasionally get dismissed under speedy trial rules, but such dismissals have gotten more common under the Abelove administration.

[Most often] its because maybe a case was not ripe to be prosecuted as a felony in the first place, Mihuta said. Its a lot more rare for a serious case, that should reasonably be treated as a felony, to be dismissed as a 30-30 violation.

Abelove told The Daily Beast earlier this week that he was not aware of dozens more expired felonies. But just days later, the Times Union reported that another four such cases were dismissed in Troy City Court.

Speaking to the paper, Abelove blamed the dismissals on former prosecutors who let their caseloads go and promised to create more accountability going forward. But these steps may be coming a little too late.

On Sunday, the Times Union published an editorial saying it was time for the district attorney to go.

When three people accused of violent felonies go free without having to face a trial because of error by the district attorneys office, something is gravely wrong, it said. The blame for this blunder, a failure to comply with the states speedy trial statute, lies ultimately with the person who heads the office, Mr. Abelove himself. And its just the latest example of his unfitness for a post he was elected to in 2014.
He once reportedly called a black attorney boy and advised him to be careful what you say to white folks. He deemed the Southern Christian Leadership Conference, the legendary civil-rights group co-founded by Dr. Martin Luther King, communist-inspired. Yet, Friday morning, some 30 years after his nomination to the federal bench was rejected, Alabama Sen. Jeff Sessions will likely become the next U.S. attorney general.

Sessions, who once even suggested a white lawyer working for black clients was a race traitor and joked that the only issue he had with the Ku Klux Klan was their drug use, was elected to the U.S. Senate in 1996 and now serves on the Judiciary Committeethe very same body that spurned him in 1986.

Nominated by then President Ronald Reagan, the 39-year-old went on to earn a F for his Senate voting record by the NAACPan organization Sessions calls un-American.

Those things should disqualify him from public servicewhether serving in the Senate, leading the Justice Department or running the county animal shelter.

But Sessionsonce deemed the most racist man in the Senatehas been among Donald Trumps most fervent loyalists. A Confederate flag devotee, he was on the campaign, early and hard, when others flat out refused to be caught in the same room with the former real-estate developer. Where others had shame, Sessions beamed with pride.

That now President-elect Trump would make such a high-level nomination should come as no surprise. The announcement comes mere days after Steve Bannona man who trades in ethno-centric nationalism, anti-Semitism, and racial animuswas named White House chief strategist. A self-described Leninist who until recently was chairman of Breitbart News, Bannon was once accused of choking his now ex-wife over groceries.

Sessions, who is staunchly anti-immigration, can be counted on to help Trump build that wall, institute a ban on Muslim immigration altogether or create the legal perimeters for a federal registry. We can expect Sessions to find legal justification for any and all of Trumps bigoted schemes.

There isnt much daylight to speak of between Bannon and Sessions, who once complained that human-rights advocates were trying to force civil rights down the throats of people who were trying to put problems behind them. But, if confirmedand theres every reason to believe he will bein no small irony, Sessions will succeed the first black man and woman to ever hold that office.

Its a fine place to start if you are intent on erasing the legacy of the nations first black president. While critics (and I am one of them) dont believe President Obama went far enough, there were meaningful reforms in critical areas. Those criminal-justice reforms, instituted by Eric Holder and extended by Loretta Lynch, will almost certainly be halted or reversed.

This likely includes rescinding a plan to halt federal private-prison contracts and, perhaps more dangerously, a federalization of stop-and-frisk laws. It means less accountability for local law-enforcement agencies that police non-white communities, and less scrutiny of an officer who shoots an unarmed suspect.

If Sessions had been attorney general, there would have been no Ferguson investigation. Those police departments operating under a consent decree, negotiated with this administration, can expect the Justice Department to stand down.

In the era of Holder and Lynch, people of color were able to look to Washington when their local municipalities failed them. Even if they did not always get the brand of justice they wanted, activists routinely found an open door at the Justice Department. The days of inviting community activists in for a sit-down with top level staffers are over. With Sessions at the helm, those doors will be shut and Katy-barred.

When the American people went to the polls Nov. 8, we were not only electing a presidentwe were elected his Cabinet-level appointees as well as 4,000 other federal agency employees who make policy every day. By electing Trump, we also elected the likes of Bannon, Sessions, and Ret. General Michael Flynn, who said fear of Muslims was rational.

Republicans control the Senate, which is unlikely to reject one of its own no matter how contentious the confirmation hearing becomes.

What do you have to lose? Donald Trump boomed on the campaign trail, saying black people lived in crime-ridden, impoverished neighborhoods with broken schools. If the answer was not clear before, it is abundantly so now: Everything.
You may think you love NYC's mass transit system, but you don't love it the way Darius McCollum does. McCollum, 51, is a NYC legend because he's been arrested nearly three dozen times for stealing subways and buses since 1980, which was when, at age 15, he took an E train downtown from 34th Street to World Trade Center. Today, Off the Rails, a documentary offering a window into his obsessive love and whether authorities overreacted to it, opens at the Metrograph.

Director Adam Irving portrays McCollum as a non-violent man with autism who gets locked up (for over half his life) instead of getting treatment. "The Asperger's [syndrome] added this childlike innocence to his crimes," Irving told the NY Post. "Why would someone pretend to drive a bus? You've got to make the stops, make all the announcements. It's not, like, a pleasurable thing. Who would do that for free?"

McCollum's ability to break in and gain access to equipment and even take them for a ride has embarrassed transit agencies too many times. He's been arrested in LIRR yards while carrying various transit keys (engineer, universal, and switch), transit worker's clothes, and a hard hat. But McCollum's legal team has suggested that the MTA use him as a consultant, to help the agency better secure its equipment.

Since he was a child, McCollum was interested in subways and buses. When he was 12, he befriended subway motormen in Queens, who showed him a new world. McCollum's mother, who now lives in North Carolina, has previously said she has warned him from going back to NYC and its tempting mass transit system, but, "He's a lover of New York and can't get over it."

McCollum is currently being held at Rikers for stealing a Greyhound bus from the Port Authority Bus Terminal last year. He told the Post from jail that he's asked for therapy but can't get that there. "I just hope people ride the MTA in the safest manner possible. The main thing I want people to understand is that even though I'm here, I have never given up my love for the MTA," he said.

Off the Rails premieres at the Metrograph today. Director Adam Irving will be at a Q&A after tonight's 7:30 p.m. screening, with NBC New York's Sarah Wallace moderating; Wallace interviewed McCollum in jail last year.
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It's official: Truth is dead. Facts are passe.

And this sentiment - smiley face - is so last year.

Oxford Dictionaries has selected "post-truth" as 2016's international word of the year, after the contentious "Brexit" referendum and an equally divisive U.S. presidential election caused usage of the adjective to skyrocket, according to the Oxford University Press.

The dictionary defines "post-truth" as "relating to or denoting circumstances in which objective facts are less influential in shaping public opinion than appeals to emotion and personal belief."

In this case, the "post-" prefix doesn't mean "after" so much as it implies an atmosphere in which a notion is irrelevant - but then again, who says you have to take our word for it anymore?

Throughout a grueling presidential campaign in which accusations of lies and alternate realities flowed freely, in every direction, hundreds of fact checks were published about statements from both Donald Trump and Hillary Clinton.

Dozens of media outlets found that Trump's relationship with the truth was, well, complicated.

"We concede all politicians lie," conservative columnist Jennifer Rubin wrote in September. "Nevertheless, Donald Trump is in a class by himself."

She cited The Atlantic's David Frum, who described Trump's dishonesty in May as "qualitatively different than anything before seen from a major-party nominee."

None of this seemed to matter significantly to those who supported him.

"There is no doubt that even in the quadrennial truth-stretching that happens in presidential campaigns, Trump has set records for fabrication," The Washington Post's Chris Cillizza wrote days before the election.

And yet, Cillizza noted, Trump was seen as more honest than Clinton by an eight-point margin, according to a Washington Post-ABC News tracking poll released on Nov. 2.

"Post-truth" was selected after Oxford's dictionary editors noted a roughly 2,000 percent increase in its usage over 2015 - it was appearing with far more frequency in news articles and on social media in both the United Kingdom and the United States.

The first spike came in June, driven by the rhetoric leading up to Britain's European Union referendum, Oxford Dictionaries President Casper Grathwohl said in a statement.

"Post-truth" usage spiked again in July after Trump secured the Republican presidential nomination.

"It's not surprising that our choice reflects a year dominated by highly-charged political and social discourse," Grathwohl said. "Fueled by the rise of social media as a news source and a growing distrust of facts offered up by the establishment, post-truth as a concept has been finding its linguistic footing for some time."

"Post-truth" was selected as the 2016 word of the year even before results of the election were known, said Katherine Martin, the head of U.S. dictionaries for Oxford University Press.

"We choose words that are going to highlight the interplay between our words and our culture," Martin said. The final word of the year is meant to be one that captures the "ethos, mood or preoccupations of that particular year and to have lasting potential as a word of cultural significance."
No matter how you measure it, a mass extinction has arrived. A 2015 study that one of us (Ehrlich) coauthored used conservative assumptions to estimate the natural, or background rate of species extinctions for various groups of vertebrates. The study then compared these background rates to the pace of species losses since the beginning of the 20th century.

Even assuming conservatively high background rates, species have been disappearing far faster than before. Since 1900, reptiles are vanishing 24 times faster, birds 34 times faster, mammals and fishes about 55 times faster, and amphibians 100 times faster than they have in the past.

For all vertebrate groups together, the average rate of species loss is 53 times higher than the background rate.

Extinction filters

To make matters worse, these modern extinctions ignore the many human-caused species losses before 1900. It has been estimated, for instance, that Polynesians wiped out around 1,800 species of endemic island birds as they colonised the Pacific over the past two millennia.

And long before then, early human hunter-gatherers drove a blitzkrieg of species extinctions - especially of megafauna such as mastodons, moas, elephant birds and giant ground sloths - as they migrated from Africa to the other continents.

In Australia, for instance, the arrival of humans at least 50,000 years ago was soon followed by the disappearance of massive goannas and pythons, predatory kangaroos, the marsupial 'lion', and the hippo-sized Diprotodon among others.

Changes in climate could have contributed, but humans with their hunting and fires were almost certainly the death knell for many of these species.

As a result of these pre-1900 extinctions, most ecosystems worldwide went through an extinction filter: the most vulnerable species vanished, leaving relatively more resilient or less conspicuous species behind.

And it's the loss of these survivors that we are seeing now. The tally of all species driven to extinction by humans from prehistory to today would be far greater than many people realise.

Vanishing populations

The sixth great extinction is playing out in other ways too, especially in the widespread annihilation of millions (perhaps billions) of animal and plant populations. Just as species can go extinct, so can their individual populations, reducing both the genetic diversity and long-term survival prospects of the species.

For example, the Asian two-horned rhinoceros once ranged widely across Southeast Asia and Indochina. Today it survives only in tiny pockets comprising perhaps 3% of its original geographic range.

Three quarters of the world's largest carnivores, including big cats, bears, otters and wolves, are declining in number. Half of these species have lost at least 50% of their former range.

Likewise, except in certain wilderness areas, populations of large, long-lived trees are falling dramatically in abundance.

WWF's 2016 Living Planet Report summarises long-term trends in over 14,000 populations of more than 3,700 vertebrate species. Its conclusion: in just the last four decades, the population sizes of monitored mammals, birds, fish, amphibians and reptiles have shrunk by an average of 58% worldwide.

And as populations of many species collapse, their crucial ecological functions decline with them, potentially creating ripple effects that can alter entire ecosystems. Hence disappearing species can cease to play an ecological role long before they actually go extinct.

Paying the extinction debt

Everything we know about conservation biology tells us that species whose populations are in freefall are increasingly vulnerable to extinction.

Extinctions rarely happen instantly, but the conspiracy of declining numbers, population fragmentation, inbreeding and reduced genetic variation can lead to a fatal 'extinction vortex'. In this sense, our planet is currently accumulating a large extinction debt that must eventually be paid.

And we're not just talking about losing cute animals: human civilisation relies on biodiversity for its very existence. The plants, animals and microorganisms with which we share the Earth supply us with vital ecosystem services.

These include regulating the climate, supplying clean water, limiting floods, running nutrient cycles essential to agriculture and forestry, controlling serious crop pests and carriers of diseases, and providing beauty, spiritual and recreational benefits.

Are we preaching doom? Far from it. What we're saying, however, is that life on Earth is ultimately a zero-sum game. Humans cannot keep growing in number and consuming ever more land, water and natural resources and expect all to be well.

Limiting harmful climate change has become a catchphrase for battling such maladies. But solutions to the modern extinction crisis must go well beyond this.

We also have to move urgently to slow human population growth, reduce overconsumption and overhunting, save remaining wilderness areas, expand and better protect our nature reserves, invest in conserving critically endangered species, and vote for leaders who make these issues a priority.

Without decisive action, we are likely to hack off vital limbs of the tree of life that could take millions of years to recover.

Bill Laurance is Distinguished Research Professor and Australian Laureate, James Cook University.

Paul Ehrlich is President, Center for Conservation Biology, Bing Professor of Population Studies, Stanford University.

This article was originally published on The Conversation. Read the original article.
A group of 89 MEPs have tabled a motion that the proposed Investor Court System (ICS) in CETA, the EU Canada trade deal, should be subjected to full and proper legal scrutiny by the European Court of Justice before coming into force.

The ICS would enable corporations to sue participating governments for passing laws or regulations that could harm their profits, for example by imposing new restrictions on pesticides, or raising labour standards.

The 89 'rebel' MEPs say the controversial provisions need to be scrutinised to ensure that they are compatible with existing EU treaties and laws. But parliamentary leaders are attempting to block their initiative.

In their latest move, the European Parliament's Committee of Presidents have pushed forward the vote on the motion to Wednesday 23rd November, and are refusing to allow any debate about it to take place in parliament.

It's also been reported that the some of the MEPs who tabled the motion have been ordered by party leaders to remove their names from it.

'A chilling effect on governments seeking to improve social and environmental standards'

However the 89 MEPs who tabled the motion say that unless MEPs are allowed time to debate the proposal and articulate their concerns about the legality of ICS, the proposal is much less likely to succeed. A previous report on the proposed Investor Court System also warned that it "could dangerously thwart government efforts to protect citizens and the environment."

"The system of secret, corporate courts proposed within the CETA trade treaty represents a massive power grab and it is particularly shocking that our democratic representatives at Westminster are being prevented from debating or voting on this trade treaty", said Molly Scott Cato, Green MEP for South West England and Gibraltar, one of those who tabled the motion.

"The courts are likely to have a chilling effect on governments seeking to improve social and environmental standards, whether this is about controlling the use of antibiotic use on farms or ensuring that we have worker representatives on boards. The slogan 'Take back control' is still ringing in our ears but we need to pay close attention to the question of who is taking back control from whom?"

Specific criticisms of the proposed system include:

Under a comparable treaty, Canada has been sued 26 times, mostly for trying to introducing better environmental regulation. Billions of dollars are currently sought from Canada. In many ways, CETA gives corporations even clearer powers to sue.

Canadian corporations have launched 42 cases against other governments, primarily by extractive firms, and currently have $20 billion in outstanding claims against governments including the US.

Financial regulation is particularly under threat under CETA which hands big banks more power to challenge financial regulation they don't like

European states also risk being sued by thousands of the biggest US multinationals through their subsidiaries in Canada.



Nothing Green about CETA!
Several initiatives related to development of Franklin Countys 550-acre business park were pushed forward during Tuesdays board of supervisors meeting.

The supervisors gave their approval to submit grant applications for $650,000 to build the main entrance road into the park and up to $75,000 to abate any hazardous materials, such as asbestos on an existing property in the park that the county wishes to refurbish.

The board also awarded two contracts to Timmons Group, which worked with the county to create the master plan for the business park.

One was a $54,000 contract for topographical surveying, environmental remediation and a cultural resources review.

The other was a contract for up to $81,400 for design of the business parks event center, which includes space for a produce auction, an amphitheater and a midway area for the countys agricultural fair, among other things, said Michael Burnette, the countys economic development director.

That contract is for partial plans to give the county enough information to go after additional grants before incurring the cost of full design plans, Burnette said.

On Tuesday, Sen. Bill Stanley also gave the board an update on Interstate 73, an interstate highway project many years in the making that would run through Franklin County.

Stanley said the project would be expected to take about nine years to complete, create more than 10,000 jobs during the construction phase and bring 53,000 permanent jobs to the region.

The interstate highway is expected to have a significant economic impact on the region, but funding it  Stanley said the section that runs through Virginia is estimated to cost $4 billion  still poses a problem.

In recent years, the senator said, far more transportation funds have been going to Northern Virginia and Hampton Roads than Southwest Virginia.

Where the roads have gone, so have the jobs, he said.

The answer to the funding conundrum may be a partnership between members of the regional transportation district in which the state sales tax is increased by 0.7 percent and the additional money collected goes toward funding transportation projects in that region, Stanley said.

Stanley said such a proposal would be out of character for him, as he typically doesnt advocate for tax increases, but this one is different.

There are many taxes that the state levies against us, very few that come right back here, 100 percent, dollar for dollar, he said.

Stanleys presentation was informational and the supervisors did not take any action.
Millennial Moms Review: 2022 Acura MDX is pretty close to the perfect family car

I dont know if perfect is attainable, especially considering weve got the world of options when it comes to modern vehicles. Were spoiled and, as such, we have very specific needs and wants. Driving-wise, the 2022 Acura MDX is one of my favourite ...
I'm not even sure what I'm typing anymore, but here goes: Steve Bannon, the guy who'll spend the next four-to-eight years whispering sweet hate-mongering nothings into President-elect Donald Trump's ear, is apparently pretty aware he's becoming the villain in our history books, but no matter! "Darkness is good," he told the Hollywood Reporter in a profile published today. "Dick Cheney. Darth Vader. Satan. Thats power." GREAT.

There are a lot of deeply frightening takeaways from the Hollywood Reporter piece. He doesn't consider himself a "white nationalist," for instance, even if other white nationalists do, but rather an "economic nationalist," which, sure. He also considers Trump "probably the greatest orator since William Jennings Bryan," because of how well he connects to the audiences at his rallies. Bannon himself is "Thomas Cromwell in the court of the Tudors," which is at least comforting, since Thomas Cromwell was beheaded and eventually the Tudors produced Queen Elizabeth I. She was was a dope ruler. Maybe there's hope for Arabella Rose.

Then, of course, there's this:

Darkness is good, says Bannon, who amid the suits surrounding him at Trump Tower, looks like a graduate student in his T-shirt, open button-down and tatty blue blazer  albeit a 62-year-old graduate student. Dick Cheney. Darth Vader. Satan. Thats power. It only helps us when they I believe by they he means liberals and the media, already promoting calls for his ouster get it wrong. When theyre blind to who we are and what were doing.

It is nice to see Dick Cheney's name appropriately located next to Darth Vader's and Satan's, but it appears Bannon actually wants to be the bad guy. It makes sense, considering Bannon's past statements and his history of running what the Times describes as "a hate site steeped in misogyny, homophobia, transphobia, white nationalism and anti-Semitism."

The profile also digs into Trump's massive $1 trillion infrastructure plan that, in Bannon's words, "will be as exciting as the 1930s, greater than the Reagan revolution  conservatives, plus populists, in an economic nationalist movement." The vast proposal has been flaunted before and Democrats have already agreed to work with his administration in it, but there are some who believe Trump's plan is naught but a cover to boost his own fiscal interests.

Freshman U.S. Representative Ruben Gallego from Arizona has begged Democrats in Congress to block the infrastructure plan, calling it "a privatization scheme, rife with graft and corruption, whose real purpose is to enrich the Trump family and his supporters." As Gallego testified:

Under ordinary circumstances, we would welcome a plan to invest in infrastructure  even if that plan came from the other side of the aisle. Especially if it came from the other side of the aisle! But Donald Trump is not an ordinary politician. He is a con-artist. He has refused to give the American people reason to believe that he is not in this to enrich himself. In fact, he has bucked tradition by maintaining his familys interest in a private corporation.

So, we've got both Darth Vader and Bernie Madoff in the White House, and if that's not a dynamic duo ripe for walking us into the wilderness and starting a brush fire, who is? Everyone in the bunker with Michael Shannon.
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For the second time in as many days on a major cable news outlet, a Connecticut surrogate for Donald Trump called for a national registry of Muslim immigrants and compared it to Japanese internment camps during World War II.

Carl Higbie, a retired Navy SEAL from Greenwich and spokesman pro-Trump Great America PAC, told CNNs Erin Burnett Thursday night theres a national security precedent for tracking individuals based on their ethnicity or religion.

He cited the forced relocation and incarceration of 120,000 Japanese-Americans by President Franklin D. Roosevelt following the Dec. 7, 1941, attack on Pearl Harbor. A national registry, he said, would stand up to constitutional challenges.

Its in the best interest to protect America, Higbie said.

Higbies advocacy for the controversial measure sparked a wildfire within Connecticuts Muslim community and among Trumps critics, who are organizing a protest for Saturday outside the luxury Trump Parc condominium high-rise in Stamford. They characterized the registry proposal as the beginning of a slippery slope that could replicate atrocities against immigrants.

It is one of the most shameful things that ever happened in history, said Farhan Memon, of Norwalk, chairperson of the Connecticut chapter of the Council of American Islamic Relations. To think in 2016 there are people living in our country who would register and eventually intern individuals because of their race, religion and ethnicity is completely shocking.

A request for comment was left Thursday night for Trumps transition team. Trump does not hold an equity stake on the condo tower, which is the tallest building in Stamford. He received a seven-figure sum for the use of his name in the building, which Trumps critics said last year should be renamed when he proposed stopping Muslims from entering the U.S. after the terrorist attack in Paris.

Higbies appearance on Erin Burnett OutFront set off a breaking news alert on the CNN ticker Thursday night. It echoed comments Higbie made Wednesday night to Megyn Kelly on Fox News Channel.

Higbie, who served two tours of duty in Iraq and briefly ran for Congress in 2014, has been a vocal critic of resettling Syrian refugees in the U.S. During an April rally for Trump in Bridgeport, he met the real estate mogul backstage with other VIPs.

Connecticut is among a minority of states to accept refugees from Syria under Gov. Dannel P. Malloy, which has earned the Democrat both the John F. Kennedy Profile in Courage Award and the scorn of GOP hawks like Higbie.

Creating national registries based on a single religion is completely counter to some of the most fundamental freedoms that define our nation, said Kelly Donnelly, a Malloy spokeswoman. And if we are to truly protect our nation, we must protect these freedoms. Mr. Higbies comments are an echo of one of our nations darkest chapters  one that we seek to never relive again.

State GOP Chairman J.R. Romano said Thursday night that Higbie does not speak for Republicans.

Obviously, were against internment camps, Romano said. Are we talking about a proposed piece of legislation or are we talking about a guy who goes on cable? I think youre fishing. Thats ridiculous. This is a country thats based on freedom of religion.

Higbie told CNN Trump is not discriminatory.

Hes not anti-Muslim, Higbie said.

On Wednesday night, Higbie told Foxs Kelly most Muslims are peaceful.

Being part of the Muslim faith is not a bad thing, Higbie said. Most of them are perfectly good people. The fact is theres a small percentage of people that have chosen to align with an extreme ideology in the faith and theyre doing harm. So we would like to keep tabs on it until we can figure out whats going on. Look, the president needs to protect America first.

But Kelly, who has had her run-ins with Trump, questioned the comparisons to internment camps.

Thats the kind of stuff that gets people scared, Carl, Kelly said.

neil.vigdor@scni.com; 203-625-4436; http://twitter.com/gettinviggy
NORWALK  Leave the lollipops. Take the money.

A second New York man has been extradited to Connecticut to face charges in the Aug. 5 robbery of Webster Bank on Connecticut Avenue, and court records show they were tracked down by DNA evidence from two discarded bank lollipops one of the men munched on before approaching the teller.

Rodney Rush, 51, of Bronx, N.Y., was picked up by Norwalk police Thursday morning at Rikers Island in New York City, where he was being held for extradition after his Sept. 30 arrest in New York. A warrant for Rushs arrest was obtained by Norwalk police on Sept. 22.

He was charged with first-degree robbery, conspiracy to commit first-degree robbery, fourth-degree larceny and conspiracy to commit fourth-degree larceny. His bond was set at $250,000 and he was arraigned in Norwalk Superior Court on Thursday.

Kevin Credle, 45, also of the Bronx, already was being held in Connecticut on the same charges.

According to court records, Rush demanded that Credle rob the bank because Credle owed him money for drugs.

According to court records, Credle said that he met a drug dealer named Ronnie (Rush) and Rush had fronted him heroin over a period of days. When Credle was unable to pay Rush back, Rush told him I got a bank job for you.

Creadle entered the bank and first told staff there that he was waiting for his daughter. After about five minutes, he ate two lollipops, approached a tellers station and handed the teller a note. I know where you live, empty the drawer, dont push any buttons for two minutes, you dont want to die, it read.

He indicated that he had a weapon, although none was shown, police said.

As the teller was filling a bag with money, she was able to place a dye pack bundle into it. Credle took the bag and walked across Connecticut Avenue to Stop & Shop, where he got into a waiting car, court records state, driven by Rush.

When the dye bag exploded, Rush became angry, records state. The bag was left in the parking lot. The pair then drove to South Carolina, before Credle returned to New York and was arrested at his home.

Upon police investigation of the scene, the lollipop sticks discarded by Credle were tested and came back with a positive DNA hit for him.

Court records showed that Credle picked Rush out of a photo lineup and along with other evidence, police applied for a warrant for Rushs arrest.

Lt. Thomas Mattera, commander of Norwalk police detective bureau, credited detective Daniel Fitzmaurice with tracking down Rush and his suspected partner in the robbery.

Based on forensic evidence and eyewitness accounts, Detective Fitzmaurice was able to piece this together, Mattera said.He did an excellent job.

Mattera also credited information provided by the public in helping to connect Rush to the robbery.
Contributed photo

NORWALK  Eight members of the Norwalk Department of Police Service were recognized this week at the AFSCME Council 4 Courage of Connecticut Law Enforcement Dinner for displays of bravery in the line of duty.

Officers Brendan Collins and Daniel Vazquez received recognition for their actions at the scene of a vehicle that had crashed, landing on its roof in the Norwalk River on March 6. Both officers entered the water and along with members of the Norwalk Fire Department removed the injured driver to safety.
CAIRO  People were born to talk. They were not born to write. Fortunately, the first communication skill can help with the second.

That was one of the lessons that childrens author Julia Cook of Fremont gave to Centura upper elementary students on Thursday afternoon. Cook asked students to imagine that their teachers have assigned a two-page story. Then she asked them what makes that assignment difficult. Students said coming up with a topic can be difficult; it is hard to write about a topic that they are not interested in; and writing about any subject for two full pages can take a lot of effort.

Cook said other writing challenges include questions such as How do I start? How do I end? What if what I write is not interesting? What if my teacher doesnt like this? What if my brain goes faster than my hand? What if I spell stuff wrong? But, she said, everything you struggle with when you write, I struggle with that, too.

Cook noted that she has written 84 books, but I dont like to write  honest. I love to read what Ive written, but the writing part is hard. Its hard for you; its hard for me.

She asked students ages and found out that the kids in the room were ages 9, 10 and 11. She said students who are 9 years old have been talking for eight years, but they likely have been writing for only three or four years. In other words, most students have been talking for about twice as many years as they have been writing.

You dont get up in the morning to write, you get up in the morning to talk, Cook said.

She pointed out that most people are great at speaking and telling other people how they feel or what is happening in their lives. They find it easy to talk to their friends with emotion and feeling. Cook again came up with a hypothetical assignment of a two-page story about their favorite place. She then began asking the kids a series of questions about what things should be included in that paper.

The student answers started coming: Where is it? What do you do at your favorite place?

Cook then asked students about their senses, with the kids saying they could describe the look of their favorite space, the way it smells, its sounds and even the way their favorite place feels.

Under further questioning, students said they also could write about who goes with them to their favorite place, when they usually visit that favorite spot and explain why that location became their favorite place. Cook noted that the students are providing answers to the five Ws in their story, with the kids themselves saying they might even include how they get to their favorite place as part of their story.

Cook asked the students if they would be happy with a story that included all that information and they answered, yes.

Teachers, I want you to try this strategy with your kids. Next time you have them write a story as a classroom, generate a list of everything you want to make sure is in that story. Cook said. Once that list is created, all the students in the class should get a copy. She said the next step is for the students to use that list as an interview sheet.

Cook said kids then will take turns interviewing each other about their favorite place or whatever the assigned topic may be.

Cook said the word in students heads are great ideas. Those great ideas are so connected to words, she said, that students can easily express them when they talk to each other.

But from you to go from here, said Cook, pointing at her head, to writing  its not going to happen, because these words are asleep. They are sleeping in your head, so youve got to wake them up. How you do that is you talk about what youre going to write about.

She said that it is not just the talking that wakes up the words. She said those words also are awakened by the brains auditory processes when students hear the words theyre saying. Then those words are ready to use, she said.

Many of Cooks stories for young people deal with real-life situations, with titles such as The Anti-Test Anxiety Society, A Bad Case of Tattle Tongue and Baditude and Grief is Like a Snowflake. Her latest book tells students about the technology tail they create whenever they post something online, whether it be on Facebook, Instagram, Snapchat or other social media. She said when students become adults and they apply for a job, their potential employer will do a Digital Citizen Background Check.

Because the technology tail lasts forever, any cyber-bullying or any other bad online behavior can be discovered by a potential employer. It just lights you up like a Christmas tree online, said Cook, who said any light shone on bad online behavior means a person will not even get an interview.

Cook read her technology tail story, which suggested that students put on their THINK gloves before they touch their keyboard and post something online: T, is it true? H, is it helpful? I, is it inspiring? N, is it necessary? and K, is it kind?

Cook said students should put their THINK glove on and ask themselves those five questions and if you can honestly answer yes, then they can post on Facebook or tweet away. But if the answer to any of those questions is a no, then students should perhaps not post anything. Students are in charge, and are the ones responsible for their technology tails.
CENTRAL CITY  Looking at all the other Nebraska cities along the Union Pacific tracks, Central City feels left out.

The city is the last Nebraska community of more than 1,000 people on the U.P. tracks without a viaduct, says City Administrator Chris Anderson. Thats why a bridge over the tracks has been discussed since the 1950s, Anderson said.

The public was invited to a public information open house meeting Thursday to inspect alternatives for a Central City viaduct. Four of the options involve building a viaduct. The fifth option is to do nothing.

A good crowd turned out for the meeting, which ran from 4 to 6 p.m. at the Central City Elementary School cafeteria. Close to 40 people were inspecting the plans at 4:15 p.m.

Regardless of which viaduct is built, it would eventually connect with Highway 14 north and south of the main U.P. tracks.

How much would the viaduct cost? Right now a very rough estimate is $10 to $15 million, said District 4 Engineer Wes Wahlgren of the Nebraska Department of Roads.

The open house was held to gather input from the public. In addition to the plans displayed, Department of Roads officials wanted to hear if the public has other ideas, Wahlgren said. Its not known when the bridge would be built. The project would be funded by federal and state money, a contribution from Union Pacific and local funds.

According to figures from a year ago, 60 U.P. trains pass through Central City each day, says Todd Palmer of the Department of Roads. Information presented at the hearing said the average traffic delay in Central City is 110 minutes per day.

Building the viaduct is an important public safety issue, Anderson said. When a train stops, all of the crossings in town are blocked, he said. So if theres a fire truck or an ambulance that needs to get across the tracks, then theyre just stuck until that train decides to move.

Anderson hopes the viaduct is built. It needs to be done at some point. Our traffic counts only increase over time, he said. The city has about 3,000 people and is growing. Its a slow growth, but were moving, he said.

When trains stop, there are times when traffic backs up for blocks at a time, Anderson said.

Of the people interviewed at the meeting, most feel theres a need for a viaduct, but they werent sure which option they prefer.

Gordon Deichmann, who hauls corn with a gravity wagon, doesnt see a big need for a viaduct. Such a project would create traffic bottlenecks that dont exist now, said Deichmann, who lives 2 miles west of Central City. In hauling corn to the Green Plains ethanol plant, he doesnt cross the railroad tracks on some routes. When he does, hes used to waiting. Plus, he doesnt like the cost of the project.

Dan Poppe, who is president of Archer Credit Union, strongly favors a viaduct. Hes also president of the Merrick County Development Corp.

One of the routes, called the East option, travels farther north than the rest. But Central City residents dont seem to think its a bridge too far.

Several people spoke favorably of that path, which would cross the tracks between 13th and 14th and connect with 10th Street.

Don Placke says he has mixed feelings about the viaduct. He planned to acquaint himself with the options at Thursdays gathering.

Nora Lindner said she is very much in favor of the viaduct, noting safety concerns.

Reg and Barb Hain would like to see a viaduct built. Theyre not satisfied with the current situation, especially when a train stops, she said.

After looking at the plans, they said they prefer the east and east close options.

They dont like the on-alignment plan, which follows Highway 14, because it would disrupt downtown business. They dont approve of the west alternative because it includes a sharp angle. Under that plan, the bridge would go over the tracks on C Avenue. The route would include a turn onto 13th Street.

Larry Lewandowski feels a viaduct is needed, especially because of fire and emergency needs.

Adele Maynard pointed out that Highways 14 and 30 meet at a funny angle in Central City. The intersection of those two highways is dangerous enough on a good day, when only locals are around, she said. When visitors are abundant, the danger is greater.

Some of the plans would call for homes to be leveled.

Many vehicles travel through Central City. Using figures from 2014, Wahlgren said Highway 14 is traveled each day by 3,560 vehicles south of Central City and 2,155 north of town. Highway 30 counts were 5,968 vehicles west of town and 4,335 vehicles east of town.

The Department of Roads feels a Central City viaduct is a viable project, Palmer said.

The department does many traffic studies throughout the state. Those studies weigh many factors  not just traffic, Palmer said.
Several articles have been printed by the main news media saying that its impractical to build a wall along the Mexican border. I would make the wall a major part of my program to secure the United States-Mexican border.

I assume the news media writers are familiar with the engineering issues. They are suggesting that Donald Trump change the height of the wall, route and different building materials. Trump with his experience in the construction business, can produce a company of engineers who can do the job correctly. The U.S. Congress continues to appropriate money to build the wall with bipartisan support.

Prof. Michael Dear, professor at the University of California at Berkley, specializes in the border with Mexico and is author of Why Walls Wont Work. To be sure, a second opinion is needed and what better source than Israel.

Another solution would be to double 20 feet to 30 feet height barbed wire parallel fences. On the ground between the two fences, six feet apart, partially unrolled rolls of barbed wire. Signs on the Mexican side in Spanish printed large to be seen 20 feet away: Anyone attempting to cross and cutting fence wires will be shot. National Guard and U.S. Army troops are to be deployed along the U.S. side of the fence to shoot border crossers. They might shoot a few border crossers, then crossing attempts will stop.

A person who thinks only about building walls, wherever they may be, and not of building bridges, is not a Christian, said Pope Francis. Nowhere does the Bible command the building of bridges to facilitate the blending and demise of nations. The Bible affirms that walls and nations will continue to exist. (Rev. 21:12 and 24) (Rev. 22:15)

I support the First Amendment to the U.S. Constitution, however, when the mob starts to destroy private and government property, its time for the police to use deadly force. Remember, if you are not satisfied with the election of Nov. 8, pack your bag and all your money and leave my country.
Phillies make history: Five homers off Astros starter in Game 3 win

McCullers, pitching in his first World Series game since 2017, became the first pitcher in postseason history to give up five home runs in a game.
Tune in to this weeks episode of Segue on WSIE-FM 88.7 as Greg Budzban, PhD, dean of the Southern Illinois University Edwardsville College of Arts and Sciences, hosts Eric Voss, PhD, professor in the Department of Chemistry. Their discussion primarily explores the Southern Illinois Regional Science Network (SIRSN) program, established by SIUE in the late 1980s to improve the pedagogical techniques of regional high school science teachers to provide enhanced college preparation and heighten student interest in laboratory sciences.

As a project director for this Illinois Board of Higher Education-funded program, Voss discusses his involvement with SIRSN, as well as recent developments made in the program to increase preparation and interest in the sciences for regional students at the elementary and secondary levels.

Attributing much of his career aspiration to the presence of passionate and engaged science teachers throughout his education, Voss completed his undergraduate work at Northern Illinois University before receiving his PhD in inorganic chemistry from Northwestern University. Following his education, Voss completed a post-doctoral fellowship at Brookhaven National Lab in New York, doing research for the U.S. Department of Energy for two years before joining the SIUE faculty in 1994.

What was so appealing to me about coming here was the heavy focus we have on students, Voss shares. I can do my scholarship working with students, and my teaching is valued. Its truly been a good experience for me to do that.

Because of the impact science teachers had on Voss, his career has been dedicated to working with teachers in the region to pay it forward to the young minds of today through the SIRSN program. The program began by serving primarily high school chemistry teachers using content-based learning. The program has since evolved to include development opportunities in middle school sciences, high school chemistry, high school biology, high school physics, geology, earth science and other laboratory science disciplines. Because such workshops were less common in the state during the programs infancy, teachers would often travel from as far as Rockford and other northern Illinois areas to attend SIUEs SIRSN programming.

Today, the program is able to more intimately serve science teachers from all levels of education and across scientific breadths within a 60-mile radius, better preparing teachers on practical subject matter that is directly applicable to enhancing student preparation and scientific interests. Through this core group of more than 150 teachers, SIUE scientists and the SIRSN program have impacted the scientific and pedagogical techniques of more than 60 regional school districts, creating broad impact for the future of science education in the state.

This program speaks to the many strengths of SIUE in regards to experiential learning and applied research, Budzban notes. As opposed to canned science experiments were everyone knows what the outcomes are going to be, these types of programs actually do research. There are standards now embedded in the program.

As the SIRSN program continues to evolve, so do the standards and methodologies of science education. In 2013, a national change for Next Generation Science Standards was implemented. The initiative allowed science education to descend to the middle school ranks through diversified laboratory science experiences, creating a cross-pollination of science disciplines to allow more in-depth science interests and preparation for students. Now focused upon the practices of science and engineering , disciplinary core topics, and cross-cutting concepts such as measurement and energy, the purpose of such pedagogical evolutions is to provide students with more creative and advanced cognitive thinking mechanisms for developing intellectual maturity.

Among the greatest challenges of these pedagogical innovations are the discomfort of experienced teachers toward the change, as well as student preparation for higher education through a more broad-based science education.

For many teachers who have been teaching for 20 years or more, these Next Generation Science Standards are a big change, Voss explains. You talk to teachers who are just graduating university and they are prepared, because its a great part of how we train them in their pre-service time. However, if you have a teacher whos already out in service and has been educating for several years, these new standards are quite a bit of change.

Voss continues by sharing, A big challenge is if youre preparing students for university through an advanced placement class. Those courses are highly focused on discipline-specific knowledge, whereas these new standards have a much broader look. Because most students will not go on to become science majors, it makes sense to have this interdisciplinary look. However, that results in having a differentiated curriculum, where two often conflicting agendas are having to be dealt with. So the challenge right now is, How do we integrate the standards, yet still ensure students are well-prepared?

To ensure students are engaged with science and possess a continued interest and preparation for its subject matter throughout the duration of their education, Voss believes laboratory science should descend even further in grade levels toward elementary education.

Budzban agrees by adding, When I was growing up, I typically loved science and math. But I must admit, sometimes I would sit in a lab and the results of a particular experiment were obvious! It was like, Okay, Im going to take this block and slide it down this inclined plain and yeah, I know whats going to happen.

Now, part of the requirement and the demand in education is coming up with complex ideas to complex problems where the solution isnt necessarily obvious. We lose so many students along the educational track by not keeping them engaged in the subject matter. These new methods and standards are keeping those students more engaged, which is great.

The discussion concludes with Voss discussing the SIRSN programs next phase. Called the Every Student Succeeds Act, it encourages independent school districts to take professional development initiatives upon themselves rather than receiving them from the University. To support this initiative, four SIUE research teams are currently conducting case studies and pilot studies in regional high schools and middle schools to provide individualized recommendations and consultation on how participating school districts should develop their pedagogies under the Next Generation Science Standards.

Tune in to WSIE 88.7 FM every Sunday at 9 a.m. as weekly guests discuss issues on SIUEs campus.

By Logan Cameron, SIUE Marketing & Communications
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Linkedin Tobias Basuki (The Jakarta Post) Jakarta  Fri, November 18, 2016

The polices decision to name incumbent governor Basuki Ahok Tjahaja Purnama a suspect in the alleged blasphemy case may have come as a surprise and disappointment to his supporters and the more progressive-minded public. It may have set a bad precedent in the enforcement of our laws but more importantly the trajectory of our social political culture.

On the other hand, it may have been a tactically sound move by the police as representatives of the state, which was confronted with seemingly immense public pressure following the Nov. 4 demonstration and a likely follow-up on Nov. 25.

By declaring Ahok a suspect the police appear to have capitulated to the protesters demands against such a controversial, flimsy and highly politicized case. Declaring Ahok as a suspect has countered accusations of the governments preferential treatment towards the Jakarta governor and taken away the rallying point of the varied interests for the upcoming Nov. 25 protest.

Meanwhile, as the Jakarta General Elections Commission (KPU Jakarta) has affirmed, this declaration as suspect does not disqualify the incumbent governor to run for his second term. The 2016 Regional Elections Law states that a candidacy can be revoked only when a candidate is found guilty by a legally-binding verdict of a crime that carries a five-year or more sentence.

Hence, in the short term, Ahoks prosecution seems to be a tactically ingenious move by the police. It has eased tensions and seized the momentum from the social political forces behind the protests. And it does allow the gubernatorial campaigns to continue on with all three candidates.

This compromise however, begs a bigger question toward Indonesias long-term trajectory in shaping its democracy as the country with the largest Muslim majority often lauded for being open, tolerant and progressive.

Indonesias political Islam with its various hues and streams after the 1998 reforms has often been looked upon as a potential alternative/different face to political Islam in the Middle East. Rightly so because Islam grew in Indonesia in a different environment and status quo. In practice, its social environment diversity and pluralism is the default albeit peppered with intermittent problems.

Exclusivity, homogeneity and superiority of the majority was something that had to be steered and dictated rather than being the default. Take for example, a fatwa by the Indonesia Ulema Council (MUI) that prohibits Muslims from congratulating Christians during Christmas. While in cultural and historical practice, it is quite common for Muslims and Christians to celebrate together and even help build each others worship houses.

The point is that Indonesian Muslims practice within diversity has been longstanding. Its renewed rise of political Islam is open to be shaped within Indonesias context. It is precisely this process of molding of Indonesias political Islam that is in jeopardy with this blasphemy case.

It is hard to say how controversial and explosive Ahoks statement regarding the interpretations of Surah Al Maidah 51 would have been had it not been this close to election or been said by someone else.

At least we know in practice Indonesia has a list of non-Muslim regional heads (Java, Kalimantan, Sulawesi) in Muslim-majority areas some even with the support of Islamist political parties like the Prosperous Justice Party (PKS).

Aside from the immediate political interests and complications regarding the 2017 Jakarta gubernatorial elections, it is really hard to say how much the feeling of offense caused by Ahoks statement is undergirded by genuine spontaneous feeling by the wider Muslim community.

At this point it has become too complicated to untangle the motives, perceptions and feelings of the masses amid the various political interests and conflict entrepreneurs working behind the scenes.

But as in many other religiopolitical issues we can infer some things. The majority Muslim populace has not etched attitudes on various issues in concept and practice as exemplified in the votes for non-Muslim leaders and greetings on certain nonIslamic holidays. In practice, Indonesian society can be said to be much more open and nuanced compared to many Middle Eastern societies.

Hence, while there is some sense in why the police decided to declare Ahok as a suspect in this blasphemy case, we need to cautiously look at the long-term implications and potentially unintended consequences.

What signal and message does it send to the masses, especially the moderate-Muslim majority who rely on the authorities (both government and religious) in deciphering contentions between different interpretations of religious teachings and the political system?

This small tactical act in declaring Ahok a suspect may have undermined views of more objective Muslim leaders like Ahmad Syafii Maarif and Ahmad Gus Mus Mustofa Bisri, from Muhammadiyah and Nadlatul Ulama, respectively.

In a way, it has legitimized the narrower and highly conservative interpretations of the scriptures espoused by people and groups with various motives.

All in all, it is hard to judge whether this decision by the police was faulty or not given the complex circumstances. But what is most important is anticipating the potential long-term unintended consequences of this decision. At the very least it certainly has given a very problematic legal and political precedence.

Beyond that, the government should start planning long term how it should work with religious and community leaders in setting the tone for the discourse on religion and state that is conducive to Indonesias diversity in line with the Constitution.

---------------

We are looking for information, opinions, and in-depth analysis from experts or scholars in a variety of fields. We choose articles based on facts or opinions about general news, as well as quality analysis and commentary about Indonesia or international events. Send your piece to community@jakpost.com. For more information click here.

Disclaimer: The opinions expressed in this article are those of the author and do not reflect the official stance of The Jakarta Post.
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Linkedin Bhayu Purnomo (The Jakarta Post) Jakarta  Fri, November 18, 2016

The typical long-run demographic scenario for an emerging economy like Indonesia is an increase in the number of working-age people that leads to an increase in the labor force, thereby boosting economic growth.

This is apparent in the lowering of the dependency ratio, a measure that compares the size of the dependent population (citizens aged zero to 14 plus those aged 65 and older) to the size of the so-called working-age population (those aged 15 to 64).

The United Nations describes the declining profile of the dependency ratio as the window of opportunity when a demographic dividend may be reaped by a country. The potential opportunities within the demographic dividend can include an increase in labour supply, an increase in personal savings, higher levels of tax revenue, lower health and social costs as a result of less population dependence and higher domestic demand brought about by increasing gross domestic product (GDP) per capita. Conversely, a rising dependency ratio entails increasing risks for the economy, as more of the population becomes reliant on others, be it their family members or the government.

A falling dependency ratio is not a permanent situation. Indonesia is still in the declining period of the dependency ratio with its population projected to pass 300 million in the next 20 years. Despite the expectation of strong population growth into the near future, a lower projected fertility rate and a higher life expectancy will lead to citizens 65 years and older making up a larger share of the population.

Indeed, by 2040, it is projected that more than 30 million Indonesians will be aged 65 years and older, close to 10 percent of the population. This is a big increase as people aged 65 and older were only estimated to account for 5 percent of the population in 2014. Recognising that Indonesias demographics are moving toward an aging phase, there is a limited opportunity for Indonesia to capitalize on its demographic dividend window.

There are a number of substantial challenges associated with a rising share of the dependent population. These challenges include slowing economic development as there are potentially fewer labor force participants and potentially higher budget expenditure.

Using health policy as an example of budget expenditure pressures, older individuals are more likely to utilize health services than those aged 15 to 64. The current low exposure of the Indonesian population to private health insurance could see increased government expenditure on health services.

Capitalizing on the demographic dividend opportunity has challenges. Aside from the need for sustainable economic and government spending policies, demographic and social policies such as education and health are also important. Unfortunately, efforts to manage these demographic challenges, including preparing necessary budget plans, are more prevalent in advanced economies compared to emerging.

Australia, as an example, has assessed the economic and fiscal risks of an aging population, including raising public awareness of the issue, through the creation and publication of the Australian Intergenerational Report (IGR).

The Australian IGR was first published in 2002 and an update must be published at least once every five years. It assesses the long-term sustainability of current government policies against Australias projected demographic changes.

One important section in the IGR involves analysing population, labour force participation and productivity projections for Australia over the next 40 years. The IGR starts with a premise that these 3Ps (population, labor participation and productivity) will affect the size of the economy. The size of the economy affects the overall budget position as projected revenues and expenditure pressures are impacted.

Understanding Indonesias current and projected demographic profile can help policymakers better prepare for the future. In the absence of such long-term analysis, it is a challenging and high-risk task for Indonesian policymakers to prescribe policies now that will optimise responses to risks and opportunities in the future.

By highlighting the fact that policy decisions with an eye to the longer term can provide positive impacts for the whole economy, it is hoped that this article will create more awareness in public and academic settings about Indonesias demographic development.

***

The writer is an analyst at the Finance Ministrys Fiscal Policy Agency. The views expressed are his own.

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We are looking for information, opinions, and in-depth analysis from experts or scholars in a variety of fields. We choose articles based on facts or opinions about general news, as well as quality analysis and commentary about Indonesia or international events. Send your piece to community@jakpost.com. For more information click here.

Disclaimer: The opinions expressed in this article are those of the author and do not reflect the official stance of The Jakarta Post.
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Linkedin News Desk (The Jakarta Post) Jakarta  Fri, November 18, 2016

The Japan Foundation will be holding its annual Japanese Film Festival (JFF) on Nov. 24 to 27, screening 14 drama and animated films of the past two years at Cinemaxx in fX Sudirman mall in Central Jakarta.

The foundation's general director, Norihisa Tsukamoto, told a press conference on Thursday, I hope that this agenda of events can become the bridge for cultural exchange among the audience and fans of Japanese films in Indonesia.

With a targeted audience of 6,000 to 7,000 people, the JFF aims to become a platform for the Japanese film industry to create greater interest towards its films, as well as draw a wider audience from Southeast Asian countries.

(Read also: 6 Indonesian movies screened at South Korean film festival)

The festival was held for the first time last year by the Cultural Affairs Agency of Japan in cooperation with the Japanese Embassy in Indonesia.

Similar to Tsukamoto, the embassy's information and cultural director, Ryo Nakamura, also hopes that the upcoming film festival will enhance the publics understanding of Japanese past and present culture. Aside from that, we also hope that this event will further tighten Japanese and Indonesian relations,  Nakamura adds. (mra/kes)
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Linkedin Mark Stevenson (Associated Press) Mexico City  Fri, November 18, 2016

Archaeologists have discovered what may be the original structure built at the pyramid of Kukulkan at the Mayan ruins of Chichen Itza, experts said Wednesday.

Last year, archaeologists using electrical imagining techniques found that the pyramid, which is also known as El Castillo, was built atop a subterranean river, or a cenote.

Archaeologists have long known that a smaller pyramid is encapsulated underneath the visible temple.

Researchers said Wednesday that they had detected an even smaller structure inside the other two structures. Using what is called tri-dimensional electric resistivity tomography, or "ERT-3D," they found a 10-meter (yard) tall structure within the 20-meter (yard) tall 'intermediate' pyramid that was covered over by the last construction stage, perhaps around 900 A.D.

Archaeologist Denisse Lorenia Argote said "if we can research this structure in the future it could be important, because it could tell us about the first-period inhabitants" of the site.

Argote, of Mexico's National Institute of Anthropology and History, said the first structure may be in the "pure Maya" style from between 500 and 800 A.D.

University of California, San Diego anthropology professor Geoffrey Braswell, who was not involved in the latest project but who has conducted research at Chichen Itza, said the discovery may be new, or may be a structure detected in the 1940s.

(Read also: Particles could reveal clues to how Egypt pyramid was built)

Braswell said that while digging into the intermediate-layer pyramid in the 1940s, one archaeologist found a third platform buried within it.

"The tunnel was unstable, so we know very little about this platform," Braswell wrote. "It appears to be much smaller than the outer two pyramids, and is not perfectly aligned within them."

The computer image distributed by the researchers also showed un underlying structure not quite aligned with the subsequent layers.

Braswell compared the Kukulkan pyramid to a Russian nesting doll, with each layer encapsulating another. But at the bottom, there may be more than one platform encapsulated.

"To make matters more complicated, " Braswell wrote, "the third Russian doll moving in may actually be one of a set of several small dolls rattling around inside the same shell. We just do not know. "

Rene Chavez, a researcher at the National Autonomous University's Institute of Geophysics, said the early structure appeared to have a staircase and perhaps an altar at the top that may have just been filled in and preserved. The structure has been mapped, but it is not clear whether it will be excavated.

"Given that no one has excavated this structure ... it is difficult to say with certitude if it is one of the oldest buildings at the site," Braswell said. "But this is quite possible."
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Linkedin News Desk (Associated Press) New York, United States  Fri, November 18, 2016

A single drop of milk. A newborn baby. The ravages of war and terrorism. The defiance of those who protest and the fear of those entrapped.

All are included in a multimedia project featuring Time magazine's most influential images of all time, released Thursday through a new book, videos and a website.

Many of the photos or frames from films are familiar, engrained in the collective conscious, including the Pulitzer Prize-winning "Falling Man," taken on 9/11 by Richard Drew of The Associated Press.

Others, and their stories, are little known, such as the tiny snap by California software engineer Philippe Kahn of his new baby, the first cell-phone picture, after he rigged a flip phone with a digital camera in 1997.

The magazine's editors consulted historians and photo editors and curators around the world, while Time staff interviewed the photographers, picture subjects, friends and family to write essays on each image.

Matthew Brady's Abraham Lincoln, Dorothea Lange's migrant mother, the flag raising at Iwo Jima by the AP's Joe Rosenthal  also a Pulitzer Prize winner  and that famous kiss in Times Square on V-J Day, captured by Alfred Eisenstaedt, are among the 100 chosen.

(Read also: Caitlyn Jenner gets spot in Time 100 most influential list)

TIME's new cover: The most influential photos of all time. Animation by @brobeldesign A video posted by TIME (@time) on Nov 17, 2016 at 4:48am PST

So is Frame 313 of the amateur, 8-millimeter film shot by Abraham Zapruder of John F. Kennedy's assassination in 1963. Life magazine withheld that frame at the time, notorious in its absence for showing the bullet on impact with Kennedy's head.

Some were chosen for their content, others for their innovation.

Harold Edgerton, for instance, while tinkering in his lab at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology, laid the foundation for the modern electronic photo flash with his 1957 "Milk Drop Coronet."

He froze the drop as it landed on a table using strobe lights with camera shutter motors to refine moments otherwise imperceptible to the human eye, according to the project's book companion, "100 Photographs: The Most Influential Images of All Time."

There is a NASA image of Earth from the far side of the moon, a fetus still in the sac, revealing what pre-birth development looks like. There's also the famous, fuzzy Loch Ness Monster, from 1934, Robert Mapplethorpe's 1979 "Brian Ridley and Lyle Heeter," in full sadomasochist regalia and the famous Oscars selfie initiated by Ellen DeGeneres in 2014.
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Linkedin News Desk (The Jakarta Post) Jakarta  Fri, November 18, 2016

The International Program Dance Club (IPDC) of the Indonesia Islamic University (UII) in Yogyakarta has won numerous awards at the 9th International Folklore Festival (Interfolk) in Saint Petersburg, Russia.

The competition was held at the city's Concert Hall and Kaskad Cultural Center from Nov. 11 to 15.

During the five-day competition, the group showcased three Acehnese dances, namely Rapai Geleng, Tarek Pukat and Ratoh Jaroe.

(Read also: Eko Supriyanto's 'Cry Jailolo' dazzles in Paris festival)

Antara news agency reported that the IPDC had brought home a total of six trophies and six prizes, including First Prize for Folk Dance in the 18 to 45-year-old category, Star of Interfolk 2016, Jury Prize for Best Accompaniment Music, Jury Prize for Best Artistry, Jury Prize for Performance Mastery and Gold Diploma for Music Accompaniment, Performance Mastery and Best Artistry.

These achievements have given the dance group the opportunity to participate in next year's international cultural festival in Armenia.

Indonesian Ambassador to Russia and Republic of Belarus, Wahid Supriyadi, congratulated the team. Were proud to see UII Yogyakartas achievement in the competition, particularly seeing Indonesia represented by students who come from different backgrounds. Hopefully, this achievement will motivate UIIs students to compete in other international festivals, as well as become a role model for other Indonesian dance groups, said Wahid. (jes/kes)
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Linkedin News Desk (The Jakarta Post) Jakarta  Fri, November 18, 2016

Fire gutted 231 houses near the Harapan Indah housing complex in Kapuk Muara, Penjaringan, North Jakarta, Thursday, affecting 277 families living there.

The North Jakarta administration deployed 21 fire trucks and 100 firefighters to extinguish the fire.

The fire started at about 9:15 a.m. It was difficult to extinguish because the wind was strong and the fire spread quickly to other houses, Satriadi Billy Gunawan, the head of the North Jakarta Firefighting Agency, said as quoted by Warta Kota.

Satriadi said the 277 families consisted of about 1,000 people who were now homeless.

He said the fire started from an explosion from a gas cylinder in a house that also served as a canteen. (evi)
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Linkedin Callistasia Anggun Wijaya (The Jakarta Post) Jakarta  Fri, November 18, 2016

Aldwin Rahadian, the lawyer of Buni Yani, who uploaded video footage containing an alleged blasphemous remark made by Jakarta Governor Basuki Ahok Tjahaja Purnama, said on Friday that the accusations against his client, who was said to have edited the footage, were unproven as the National Police had named the governor a blasphemy suspect.

As a lawyer, Im of the opinion that when the police named Ahok a suspect, all accusations against Buni became no longer relevant. Ahok has been named a suspect, which means there was criminal intent in him making the speech, Aldwin said Friday. He accompanied Buni for questioning on the latters defamation suit filed by Muanas Alaidin and Guntur Romli.

The lawyer reiterated that Buni had not edited nor transcribed Ahoks speech, in which he cited Surah Al Maidah 51, in September. He said Buni only wrote a caption on Ahoks speech to start discourse with netizens.

On Oct.8, Muanas, the leader of the Community of Young Advocates for Ahok-Djarot (Kotak Adja), reported Buni to the police over alleged provocation against Ahok by editing the footage of his speech from one hour and 48 minutes to 31 seconds.

Guntur Romli, another Ahok supporter, accused Buni of attacking Ahok through matters pertaining to ethnicity, religion, race and societal group (SARA).

Ahok has also accused Buni of falsely transcribing his speech, resulting in widespread misinterpretation that led to a large-scale rally organized by Islamic organizations on Nov. 4.

On Wednesday, National Police spokesman Boy Rafli Amar announced that investigators had named Ahok a suspect after they examined a full version of his speech. (ebf)
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Linkedin Tobias Basuki (The Jakarta Post) Jakarta  Fri, November 18 2016

The polices decision to name incumbent governor Basuki Ahok Tjahaja Purnama a suspect in the alleged blasphemy case may have come as a surprise and disappointment to his supporters and the more progressive-minded public. It may have set a bad precedent in the enforcement of our laws but more importantly the trajectory of our social political culture.

On the other hand, it may have been a tactically sound move by the police as representatives of the state, which was confronted with seemingly immense public pressure following the Nov. 4 demonstration and a likely follow-up on Nov. 25.

By declaring Ahok a suspect the police appear to have capitulated to the protesters demands against such a controversial, flimsy and highly politicized case. Declaring Ahok as a suspect has countered accusations of the governments preferential treatment towards the Jakarta governor and taken away the rallying point of the varied interests for the upcoming Nov. 25 protest.

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Linkedin Callistasia Anggun Wijaya (The Jakarta Post) Jakarta  Fri, November 18, 2016

The Jakarta Polices Special Crimes Investigation Department (Reskrimsus) has questioned Buni Yani, the uploader of the video footage containing alleged blasphemous remarks made by Jakarta Governor Basuki Ahok Tjahaja Purnama, regarding his accusations of defamation against two supporters of the non-active governor, Guntur Romli and Muanas Alaidin.

Buni has been questioned today as the person who reported Guntur and Muanas. I appreciate the police and their law enforcement efforts in this country, Bunis lawyer, Aldwin Rahadian, said at the police office on Friday. He said he believed the police would soon name Guntur and Muanas as suspects.

In his questioning, Aldwin said, Buni completed the police interrogation report and submitted several pieces of evidence of alleged defamation committed by Guntur and Muanas. They comprised screen shots of accusations written by Guntur and Muanas against his client on social media, he added.

From now on, people shall be careful before they release information or accuse Buni of being a provocateur because such a thing has serious legal consequences, Aldwin said.

Muanas, the leader of the Community of Young Advocates for Ahok-Djarot (Kotak Adja), reported Buni to the police for alleged provocation on Oct. 8, accusing him of editing the video footage of Ahok's speech, in which he cited a Quranic verse, before he uploaded it onto Facebook.

Guntur, another Ahok supporter, accused Buni of using ethnic, religious and racial sentiment (SARA) to attack Ahok.

Responding the accusations, Buni reported Guntur and Muanas for alleged defamation to the police on Oct.10. He claimed he did not edit Ahoks footage but only wrote a caption and his personal opinion about the governors speech. (ebf)
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Linkedin Callistasia Anggun Wijaya (The Jakarta Post) Jakarta  Fri, November 18, 2016

Jakarta Governor Basuki Ahok Tjahaja Purnama's legal team is preparing to hand over material to the National Polices Criminal Investigation Department (Bareskrim) on Tuesday, a lawyer has said.

Ahok's lawyer Josefina Syukur said that the team had prepared some videos and written statements to be submitted to the police.

She said the team would also call up more experts and eyewitnesses to defend Ahok, who was named a suspect in a blasphemy case on Wednesday.

"We have prepared more experts, comprising religious, linguistic and criminal law experts to defend Ahok. We also plan to add more eyewitness to be questioned by the police as they investigate further, she told The Jakarta Post on Friday, refusing to reveal the names of the experts.

Police are scheduled to question Ahok for the first time as a suspect in the case on Tuesday.

(Read also: Ahok named suspect in blasphemy case)

Earlier, the team presented 14 experts and seven eyewitness for Ahok, including Jisman Samosir, a legal expert from Parahyangan University; Nur Azis, also a legal expert; Umar Muslim, a linguist from the University of Indonesia; and Sadullah Affandy from the countrys largest Muslim organization, Nahdlatul Ulama.

There were also three eyewitnesses from Bangka Belitung who made a statement to the police about how people had tried to attack Ahok with the Quranic verse since 2007, when he ran for the position of East Belitung regent, Josefina said. (jun)
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Linkedin Indra Budiari (The Jakarta Post) Jakarta  Fri, November 18, 2016

The campaign team for Jakarta Governor Basuki Ahok Tjahaja Purnama is not planning any major changes to its strategy after the National Police charged the incumbent gubernatorial candidate with blasphemy.

The team, however, said it would step up efforts to clarify Ahoks legal case in the hope that voters would believe the governor was innocent and nothing but a victim of a flawed criminal justice system.

With the election day less than three months away, the team acknowledged the case would take a toll on his approval rating but was upbeat about rebuilding public trust. We estimate that there could be a 5 to 10 percent drop in[ A ho k s] electability, but we still have time before the voting day to show people that he is being persecuted, Ahok campaign team member Merry Hotma said on Thursday.

She added that the current campaign strategy  visiting residents or inviting them to the pairs headquarters in Rumah Lembang in Menteng, Central Jakarta  would still prove effective in garnering support.

Ahok has been forced to make changes after facing continual disruptions on his campaign trail. Several people claiming to be local residents have rejected campaign stops by Ahok in certain areas in protest over religious blasphemy he allegedly committed.

On Thursday, Ahok made his routine appearance in Rumah Lembang. In front of an audience of hundreds, the governor said he had told his children they should be proud, because he had not been named a suspect in a graft case. The legal case against Ahok and the fact that he has was facing difficulties in carrying out his campaign would likely earn him sympathy from voters, NasDem Party executive Irma Suryani Chaniago said.

She argued that Indonesians were compassionate people and would easily empathize with Ahok.

[Such a strategy] can actually turn the situation around. That is why a lot of state officials try to gain pity from the public [by presenting themselves as victims], she continued.

Ahoks supporters believe the criminal investigation into their candidate is politically motivated. Weeks before the police named Ahok a blasphemy suspect, social media users had been engaged in a heated argument on whether Ahoks remarks in Thousand Islands regency in September were blasphemous.

The debate revolved around the word pakai or using in Ahoks statement that some people had been deceived [by other people] using Al-Maidah 51 of the Quran. Ahoks supporters argue that the word using made all the difference, as it meant Ahok had been referring to the people misusing the Quran and not to the holy book itself.

Ahoks campaign team leader Prasetyo Edi Marsudi concurred with Merry, saying what the party could do now was to convince the public of Ahoks innocence. In this case, Ahok is being victimized. We are hoping the people can see through this, he said.
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Linkedin Safrin La Batu (The Jakarta Post) Jakarta  Fri, November 18, 2016

The naming of Jakarta Governor Basuki Ahok Tjahaja Purnama as a suspect in a blasphemy case could seriously damage his popularity rating in that the majority of his supporters could desert him, a recent survey reveals.

The Indonesian Survey Circle (LSI) released the results of its survey on Friday, which revealed that 60 percent of the people who favored Ahok were likely to withdraw their support were he to be named a blasphemy suspect.

The survey revealed that Ahoks electability rating could decline to 10.6 percent from the 24.6 percent before a Nov. 4 rally to demand the police declare him a suspect.

LSI conducted the survey from Oct. 31 to Nov. 5, before Ahok was named a suspect but it asked the 440 respondents whether they would continue to support him if named a suspect.

Being a suspect gives one a bad public image. Of course, being declared a suspect doesnt mean a person is guilty, but in public [that person] is [perceived as being] guilty, LSI researcher Ardian Sopa told reporters when releasing the results of the survey on Friday.

The National Police named Ahok a suspect on Wednesday, after conducting a case screening and questioning scores of experts, including Islamic scholars and linguists. (jun)
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Linkedin Adisti Sukma Sawitri (The Jakarta Post) Marrakesh, Morocco  Fri, November 18, 2016

In the wake of a landmark verdict that saw a plantation company fined Rp 16 trillion for illegal logging, Environment and Forestry Minister Siti Nurbaya Bakar on Thursday demanded that law enforcement institutions enforce the sentence.

The Supreme Court has found PT Merbau Pelalawan Lestari guilty of unlawful logging on about 7,000 hectares of land outside of its concession in Riau.

The fine is the largest to date in an illegal logging case.

Read also: Landmark court ruling expected to serve as deterrent

"I will find a way to push related authorities to enforce the verdict," said Siti, whose ministry is a plaintiff in the case.

She lamented that sentences in other environmental cases the ministry had won in the Supreme Court had not been enforced.

Last year, the Supreme Court ordered oil palm plantation PT Kallista Alam to pay Rp 366 billion after being convicted of starting fires in the Leuser conservation area in Aceh. (evi)
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Linkedin News Desk (The Jakarta Post) Jakarta  Fri, November 18, 2016

The legal team of former state enterprises minister Dahlan Iskan has denied that one of its members had been arrested for bribing police officers.

We dont have a member with the initials HR, Dahlans lawyer Riri Purbasari Dewi said on Friday in Surabaya as reported by kompas.com.

Riri said that in addition to herself the team consisted of Imam and Mursid Budiantoro.

Police personnel arrested HR for allegedly bribing National Police Corruption Crime Unit head Adj. Sr. Comr. Brotoseno in a sting operation on Sunday, seizing Rp 3 billion (US$230,000) from the lawyer. Earlier, the police apprehended an officer from the unit, identified only as D, in relation to the case.

(Read also: Dahlan Iskan named suspect of graft)

Police said that the lawyer had allegedly bribed the officers as the police were investigating a corruption case related to a paddy development project in Ketapang, West Kalimantan.

The East Java Police questioned Dahlan, a media mogul who owns the Jawa Pos Group, on Friday as a witness in the paddy development project graft case.

Earlier, the East Java Prosecutors Office named Dahlan a graft suspect over the sale of assets from a company owned by the province.

Dahlan has denied the accusation, saying he just signed a document provided by his subordinates during his term as president director of the company from 2000 to 2010. (jun)
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Linkedin Panca Nugraha (The Jakarta Post) East Lombok, West Nusa Tenggara  Fri, November 18, 2016

Farmers in East Lombok, West Nusa Tenggara, can now harvest good yields of shallots in the rainy season, thanks to Sanren, a weather-resistant shallot variety. With the prime seeds, harvest productivity has increased to 30 tons per hectare.

Usually, we get 12 tons [of shallots] per hectare but this time, our harvest has reached 30 tons per hectare. Were happy we can harvest during the rainy season, with quite a good selling price, which reaches Rp 18,000 [US$1.35] per kilogram of fresh shallots and Rp 32,000 per kilogram for dried ones, said Muhammad Usman, 42, a farmer from Tirtanadi village in Labuhan Haji district, East Lombok, on Thursday.

Usman said the Sanren shallot variety was resistant to drought and rain and was much cheaper than local or Vietnamese shallots.

For 1 ha of land, Usman said, he needed only 5 kg of Sanren seeds, worth Rp 12 million. If he used local shallot varieties, he would need 4 tons of seeds worth Rp 40 million.

Sanren shallots are also resistant to pests so our crop treatment costs will be not too high. We can get more profits, Usman said.

Jointly held by the East Lombok Agriculture Agency and seed producer PT East West Seed Indonesia (Ewindo) that invented the Sanren variety, the harvest was attended by around 200 shallot farmers from across the regency.

East Lombok Agriculture Agency head Zaini said the use of Sanren seeds could become a long-term solution for shallot farmers often challenged by uncertain weather. (ebf)
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Linkedin Youkyung Lee (Associated Press) Seoul  Fri, November 18, 2016

South Korea rejected a request by Google to use local mapping data in the company's global maps service in a long-awaited ruling Friday that had divided the country for months.

The company said it was disappointed by the decision, which the land ministry said was based on concerns over national security.

"We're disappointed by this decision. We've always taken security concerns very seriously and will continue to provide useful map services in compliance with Korea's current map data export regulation," Taj Meadows, a Google spokesperson, said in a statement.

The South Korean government said the risks outweighed benefits from exporting the country's mapping data to Google, a unit of Alphabet Inc.

South Korea, facing the overt threat of rival North Korea, bars exporting local mapping data to foreign companies that do not operate domestic data servers.

Google, a unit of Alphabet Inc., handles its maps service at data centers outside South Korea. The restrictions have limited the usefulness of Google Maps within South Korea, since the app cannot offer driving or walking directions.

The government had proposed granting permission to Google to use local mapping data for Google Maps if the company would blur sensitive information on South Korean military facilities on its satellite map.

"Our position from the start was that if it deletes security facilities, we would allow exporting [the local mapping data]," said Kim Tong-il, an official at the land ministry. "Google's position is that it won't delete those. The question was whether we would allow that regardless."

South Korea has been divided over the issue since Google filed its request in June. The government extended an August deadline to this month, highlighting disagreements between government ministries.

The long-time deliberation reflects growing support for Google within some government ministries that are trying to promote tourism and local firms' overseas businesses. One of the biggest inconveniences that foreign tourists run into in South Korea, which has some of the fastest and cheapest internet access in the world, is the lack of an online mapping service with navigation and directions in foreign languages.

Some local businesses and consumers opposed giving Google full access to the local mapping data, saying it would be unfair to local companies that operate local data servers to support their map services. They said Google should build data centers in South Korea instead of seeking an exemption from the rules.

Google said earlier that restricting Google Maps in South Korea would be an inconvenience for foreigners visiting the host country of the PyeongChang Winter Olympics in 2018.

It also argued that restrictions on exporting the local mapping data could hinder efforts of companies to roll out global services using locations data and will deprive local consumers of cutting-edge services.
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Linkedin Fedina S. Sundaryani (The Jakarta Post) Jakarta  Fri, November 18, 2016

Private companies may now grab their own piece of the oil refinery cake as a new regulation allows them to build refineries without cooperating with state-owned oil and gas company Pertamina.

Indonesia is in dire need of more oil refineries to minimize refined fuel imports in the next decade, which are set to skyrocket in order to accommodate rising demand.

At present, the countrys refineries are only capable of processing around 830,000 barrels of oil per day (bopd), a little over half of the current refined fuel demand.

Although Pertamina has already set the ball rolling with plans to build two new refineries and upgrade three others in the next decade, progress has been slower than expected, increasing concern that the fuel supply deficit will remain large in the coming years.

To offset a possible shortfall, the Energy and Mineral Resources Ministry last Friday issued Ministerial Regulation No. 35/2016, which allows private companies to build refineries of their own as long as they use technology approved by the government and prioritize meeting domestic demand over exporting the final products.

Based on existing regulations, private companies that decide to build oil refineries may be offered fiscal and non-fiscal incentives, including the ability to integrate petrochemical production in the refineries built.

The regulation also allows companies to directly import crude for production and decide freely on the fuel they wish to produce.

The ministrys oil and gas director general, IGN Wiratmadja Puja, emphasized that the private refineries would be allowed to sell their fuel to off-takers other than Pertamina.

They can decide who to sell it to, it will mostly be based on competitiveness, he said on Thursday.

BMI Research, a subsidiary of Fitch Group, expects national fuel demand to increase by an average annual rate of 2.7 percent from 1.78 million bopd to 2.28 million in 2025. However, this estimate does not take into account any proposed greenfield refineries, due to the lack of a concrete time line and the risk of delays.

BMI Research also expects imports of refined fuels to skyrocket to 1.4 million bopd in 2025 from the current 941,000 bopd.

Unlike BMI Research, however, Pertamina projects that demand will only reach 1.8 million bopd by 2030. To accommodate that projected increase, Pertamina is set to upgrade refineries in Cilacap in Central Java, Balikpapan in East Kalimantan, Dumai in Riau and Balongan in West Java.

13refinery(-/-)

It will also build several new refineries, including one in Bontang, East Kalimantan, and Tuban, East Java.

Even though these measures are set to increase production to 2.6 bopd, Pertamina still expects to see a small deficit of 231,000 bopd in 2030  comprising only of gasoline  if the projects complete on time.

Wiratmaja said the ministry had not set a total capacity target for private refineries, as that would depend largely on national demand at the time. Moreover, the ministry did not set a minimum capacity for each refinery.

There have already been a lot of requests to invest in private refineries. Some have asked to build refineries with a capacity of 100 or 200 bopd, he said, declining to disclose the companies that had shown an interest in private refineries.

Meanwhile, ReforMiner Institute executive director Komaidi Notonegoro applauded the new regulation, saying it would expedite refinery development and support Pertaminas efforts to increase domestic production.

Pertaminas refinery segment is more of an obligation, because as a business its not that profitable, he said, adding that the private refineries could fill the production gap Pertamina projects for 2030.
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Linkedin News Desk (The Jakarta Post) Jakarta  Fri, November 18, 2016

Koalisi Obat Murah (KOM), a non-government group concerned with peoples right to access quality and affordable medicines, has welcomed the Health Ministrys plan to offer a tender for the procurement of Sofosbuvir, a combined medication used to treat Hepatitis C, for 6,000 patients with the virus.

The tender for the procurement of Sofosbuvir shows the Health Ministry is really serious about saving Indonesian people from Hepatitis C. This epidemic has become a silent killer for tens of thousands of people in Indonesia and millions of others in countries across the world, said Indonesia AIDS Coalition (IAC) director Aditya Wardhana, who is also a KOM spokesperson, on Friday.

He said providing greater access to Sofosbuvir was an initial government step that had been long awaited by millions of people with Hepatitis C in Indonesia.

The Hepatitis C virus can cause cirrhosis, which can eventually lead to death. It is estimated that 3 million Indonesian people suffer from Hepatitis C, which results in the deaths of more than 15,000 patients every year in the country.

Sofosbuvir is a direct acting antiviral (DAA) that has been recommended by the World Health Organization (WHO) as an essential medicine for Hepatitis C with more than 95 percent effectiveness. The Food and Drug Monitoring Agency (BPOM) issued a license for the distribution of Sofosbuvir in Indonesia on July 1.

We hope the government will buy generic versions of the medicine instead of the patented one because generic Sofosbuvir costs only 0.5 percent of the patented drug price. By procuring generic versions, the government can buy more Sofosbuvir to cure more Hepatitis C patients, said Aditya. (ebf)
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Linkedin Viriya P. Singgih (The Jakarta Post) Jakarta  Fri, November 18 2016

Paying taxes in Indonesia is becoming easier thanks to digital technology and legal reforms. According to a joint study by financial consulting firm PricewaterhouseCoopers (PwC) and the World Bank, Indonesia has improved to the 104th rank among 190 economies assessed.



The study, entitled Paying Taxes 2017, was released on Thursday, showing that Indonesias rank in 2016 increased by 44 places from the 148th place last year. In 2014, Indonesia was ranked 160th.



Indonesias significant improvement of 44 places in the Paying Taxes 2017 study reflects the use of electronic social security systems and on-going positive tax reforms. The governments focus on improving the ease of paying taxes is the right step in encouraging tax compliance, Ay Tjhing Phan, PwC Indonesias head of tax and legal services, said in a statement.



Even though it has a massive potential tax base given the population of 255 million people, Indonesias current tax-to-GDP ratio stands at less than 12 percent, below the typical Southeast Asian rate of 13 to 15 percent.



Moreover, Paying Taxes 2017, which is based on calendar year 2015, also found 43 different payments required of each Indonesian taxpayer annually, taking 221 hours to complete.



Its just too long and complicated. Hence, the government really needs to develop an integrated digital platform to ease the payment scheme further, said Yose Rizal Damuri, who heads the department of economics at the Centre for Strategic and International Studies (CSIS).



The government, through the tax office, has been pushing for reforms in recent years, including by launching an electronic system for submitting tax reports, in a bid to eventually increase tax compliance.



We need to keep disseminating this scheme, so that people will be encouraged to submit their tax forms online, said Suryo Utomo, an expert on tax compliance at the Finance Ministry.



The government has also launched a tax amnesty, which is aimed to help plug the widening state budget deficit and increase the countrys tax base. The first phase of the program saw Rp 3.6 quadrillion (US$277.18 billion) in assets declared by the end of Sept. 30, around 90 percent of the targeted Rp 4 quadrillion.



However, those funds were declared by fewer than 400,000 taxpayers, a tiny fraction of the countrys 30 million taxpayers, according to data from the Finance Ministrys Directorate General of Taxation.



The majority of participants in the first phase were those who already had a taxpayer number and had previously submitted tax forms, meaning the program only attracted a small number of new taxpayers, recorded at 15,856.



Center for Indonesia Taxation Analysis (CITA) executive director Yustinus Prastowo said the recent political turmoil in the country might hamper the implementation of the second phase of the tax amnesty, which will end on Dec. 31.



Political certainty is one of the main factors for people to invest in a country, Yustinus said. Looking at current conditions, those who need to repatriate their assets before Dec. 31 might think twice. Moreover, the volume of repatriated assets may only increase by Rp 50 trillion to Rp 75 trillion in the second phase, far below the Rp 143 trillion in the first phase.

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Linkedin Liza Yosephine (The Jakarta Post) Jakarta  Fri, November 18, 2016

Indonesia has conveyed its protest following the launch of a ballistic missile allegedly aimed at the Islamic holy city of Mecca, asserting that the act violated the sovereignty and territorial integrity of Saudi Arabia, a minister has said.

Indonesia condemns and cannot tolerate any action or attack targeting any holy site," Foreign Minister Retno LP Marsudi stated on Thursday evening. The minister was speaking in response to a missile attack launched in late October by Yemen's insurgent Houthi militia. The missile was intercepted by Riyadh.

Retno conveyed Indonesias stance on the incident during an emergency ministerial-level meeting of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) in Mecca on Thursday. The meeting endorsed a resolution on the ballistic missile launched by the Houthi group.

At the meeting, Retno stressed the importance of OIC member states reinforcing their commitment to improving cooperation and solidarity to maintain peace, security and stability, especially in the Islamic world.

Despite the geographical distance between Indonesia and Yemen, Retno expressed the countrys concerns over the Yemeni civil war that has impacted Indonesia's interests in the region. In the conflict, she said, an Indonesian diplomat was injured while thousands of Indonesians had been evacuated from the country.

Retno said Indonesia continued to encourage a peaceful and inclusive political settlement to the conflict in Yemen as attempted by the UN and the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC).

The OIC meeting led by Uzbekistan, which heads the OIC Council of Foreign Ministers, appointed Yousef bin Ahmad Al-Othaimeen as the new OIC secretary-general, replacing Iyad Madani who resigned at the end of October. (ebf)
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Linkedin Stefani Ribka (The Jakarta Post) Jakarta  Fri, November 18 2016

Thousands of farmers under East Kalimantan farmers group Gapoktan find it unfortunate that people outside Indonesia are missing out on their home-grown fresh and juicy mini papayas, bananas and dragon fruits.

So far, most of their fresh fruit products are only consumed by locals buying from nearby markets due to a lack of infrastructure, making it expensive to deliver fruit across the country, let alone export them.

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Linkedin Stefani Ribka (The Jakarta Post) Jakarta  Fri, November 18, 2016

Thousands of farmers under East Kalimantan farmers group Gapoktan find it unfortunate that people outside Indonesia are missing out on their home-grown fresh and juicy mini papayas, bananas and dragon fruits.

So far, most of their fresh fruit products are only consumed by locals buying from nearby markets due to a lack of infrastructure, making it expensive to deliver fruit across the country, let alone export them.

Indonesian fruit exporter EK Prima Ekspor Indonesia, a subsidiary of the United Arab Emirates retail giant LuLu Group International, knows firsthand how selling prices at the consumer level end up depending more on transportation costs than on production costs.

Transportation  from farmers to warehouses to airports and finally to the destination country  is very expensive. If our unique fruit doesnt appeal to consumers, we could lose out to other countries, especially if they can produce similar fruit for cheaper prices, said Irawan Santoso, head of the fruit and vegetable division of EK Prima.

Indonesia also has mangosteens, rambutans, snake fruits, jackfruits, soursops, breadfruits, guavas and starfruits that grow in the tropical country, but they are not frequently consumed globally or even domestically.

The government aims to boost tropical fruit production by expanding land for fruit plantations while also improving infrastructure and transportation systems to decrease high distribution costs, as part of efforts to be the biggest tropical fruit producer in Southeast Asia by 2025 and in the world by 2045.

President Joko Jokowi Widodo acknowledges that this is no easy task, especially with farmers preferences to use land for high-yielding commodities, such as palm oil, rather than fruit, which takes time to return on investment. Poor infrastructure has also driven up logistics costs for years.

If we can have 14 million hectares of oil palm plantations, we should also be able to have that much land for fruit, Jokowi said during the opening ceremony of the four-day Fruit Indonesia Festival 2016 in the Jakarta Convention Center parking lot on Thursday. The President handed out various tropical fruits to children to remind people of the love local fruit movement.

If you see a lack of supporting infrastructure that could hamper distribution, please let us know, he told the audience consisting of scientists, fruit planters as well as local and international trade delegates.

To expand plantations, provincial administrations have been instructed to provide local farmers with 5 to 50 ha of land for fruit planting per business unit, as part of the bigger goal to provide 400,000 ha of land in Java, Kalimantan, Sulawesi and Sumatra.

The program started with 100,000 ha in cooperation with state-owned companies. State plantation firms under PTPN also asked to start cultivating their under-utilized land for fruit production.

The state firms have been very enthusiastic to give sections of land for fruit plantations. They are used to producing palm oil, rubber, tea and other commodities but not fruit. So, a new management specializing in horticulture needs to be formed, Bogor Agriculture Institute (IPB) rector Herry Suhardiyanto said.

IPB is now studying a possibility to form another state company to develop horticulture based on the State-Owned Enterprises Ministrys request.

The business community is hopeful that the vision of becoming the worlds largest tropical fruit producer will be honored over time.

Let us not change the policy and vision every time we change presidents, said Karen Tambayong, head of horticulture development with the Indonesian Chamber of Commerce and Industry (Kadin).
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Linkedin Ina Parlina (The Jakarta Post) Jakarta  Fri, November 18, 2016

The government introduced on Friday a coordinated national strategy to promote financial inclusion in an effort to open up access to banking services for more people.

The so-called National Strategy for Financial Inclusion (SNKI) will focus on six pillars: financial education, public financing facilities, financial information mapping, supportive regulations, distribution networks and intermediation facilities and consumer protection.

President Joko "Jokowi" Widodo said he expects the strategy would help Indonesia, home to more than 250 million people, increase the proportion of its citizens who have bank accounts from the current 36 percent to 75 percent by 2019.

There are many citizens who have no bank accounts. This make it difficult for them to get access to loans from banks or financial institutions, the President said at the State Palace during the ceremony to launch the SNKI.

The success of the implementation of SNKI, which was jointly prepared by Bank Indonesia, the Finance Ministry and the National Team for the Acceleration of Poverty Alleviation (TNP2K), will also help the government to channel the money from its social assistance programs to the public more effectively, President Jokowi said.

I have instructed all ministers not to distribute the assistance funds in cash. They must be channeled through our banking system, the President said. (hwa)
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Linkedin Adisti Sukma Sawitri (The Jakarta Post) Marrakech, Morocco  Fri, November 18, 2016

The United Nations climate conference in Marrakech, Morocco, concluded on Friday in more subdued tones than its Paris edition last year.

As delegates questioned United States commitments under the incoming administration led by president-elect Donald Trump, donor and recipient countries have yet to agree on guidelines for how international climate funding will be channeled and how the progress of emission cuts will be reported.

Indonesian Environment and Forestry Minister Siti Nurbaya Bakar said she would focus on bilateral talks, instead of multilateral forums, to secure support for the country.

"Delegates from donor countries were excited about Indonesia and expressed intentions to initiate cooperation. This is something that we can achieve while waiting for results from the climate forum," she said on Friday.

Siti said while strengthening cooperation with Indonesia's committed donors such as Norway, Germany and the US, she had also begun talks with Canada and Japan about carbon trading and possible environmental projects.

Under the Paris agreement, nations pledged to make collective efforts to cut emissions to mitigate the catastrophic impacts of global warming on the planet.

Indonesia, in aiming to cut emissions by 29 percent by 2030 or 41 percent with international support, has submitted its first nationally determined contributions (NDCs), which elaborate on strategies to reach the goals.

Despite being heavily reliant on coal for energy, the government has also set a target to reduce the use of coal to a maximum of 30 percent by 2025 and 25 percent by 2050. More than half of the countrys energy is currently powered by coal.

The NDCs also include targets to increase renewable energy use to at least 23 percent by 2025 and 31 percent by 2050, from the current 9.9 percent.

The next climate talk in 2017 will be held in Bonn, Germany, under Fijis presidency. (hwa)
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Linkedin Viriya P. Singgih (The Jakarta Post) Jakarta  Fri, November 18, 2016

Paying taxes in Indonesia is becoming easier thanks to digital technology and legal reforms. According to a joint study by financial consulting firm PricewaterhouseCoopers (PwC) and the World Bank, Indonesia has improved to the 104th rank among 190 economies assessed.

The study, entitled Paying Taxes 2017, was released on Thursday, showing that Indonesias rank in 2016 increased by 44 places from the 148th place last year. In 2014, Indonesia was ranked 160th.

Indonesias significant improvement of 44 places in the Paying Taxes 2017 study reflects the use of electronic social security systems and on-going positive tax reforms. The governments focus on improving the ease of paying taxes is the right step in encouraging tax compliance, Ay Tjhing Phan, PwC Indonesias head of tax and legal services, said in a statement.

Even though it has a massive potential tax base given the population of 255 million people, Indonesias current tax-to-GDP ratio stands at less than 12 percent, below the typical Southeast Asian rate of 13 to 15 percent.

Moreover, Paying Taxes 2017, which is based on calendar year 2015, also found 43 different payments required of each Indonesian taxpayer annually, taking 221 hours to complete.

Its just too long and complicated. Hence, the government really needs to develop an integrated digital platform to ease the payment scheme further, said Yose Rizal Damuri, who heads the department of economics at the Centre for Strategic and International Studies (CSIS).

The government, through the tax office, has been pushing for reforms in recent years, including by launching an electronic system for submitting tax reports, in a bid to eventually increase tax compliance.

We need to keep disseminating this scheme, so that people will be encouraged to submit their tax forms online, said Suryo Utomo, an expert on tax compliance at the Finance Ministry.

The government has also launched a tax amnesty, which is aimed to help plug the widening state budget deficit and increase the countrys tax base. The first phase of the program saw Rp 3.6 quadrillion (US$277.18 billion) in assets declared by the end of Sept. 30, around 90 percent of the targeted Rp 4 quadrillion.

However, those funds were declared by fewer than 400,000 taxpayers, a tiny fraction of the countrys 30 million taxpayers, according to data from the Finance Ministrys Directorate General of Taxation.

The majority of participants in the first phase were those who already had a taxpayer number and had previously submitted tax forms, meaning the program only attracted a small number of new taxpayers, recorded at 15,856.

Center for Indonesia Taxation Analysis (CITA) executive director Yustinus Prastowo said the recent political turmoil in the country might hamper the implementation of the second phase of the tax amnesty, which will end on Dec. 31.

Political certainty is one of the main factors for people to invest in a country, Yustinus said. Looking at current conditions, those who need to repatriate their assets before Dec. 31 might think twice. Moreover, the volume of repatriated assets may only increase by Rp 50 trillion to Rp 75 trillion in the second phase, far below the Rp 143 trillion in the first phase.
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Linkedin Ina Parlina and Nurul Fitri Ramadhani (The Jakarta Post) Jakarta  Fri, November 18 2016

His gestures said it all. Welcoming two high-profile guests at the Presidential Palace, Gerindra Party chairman Prabowo Subianto and Golkar Party chairman Setya Novanto, President Joko Jokowi Widodo appeared much calmer than he had been several days ago.



Over an afternoon cup of tea on Thursday, the former Jakarta governor and Prabowo, his former rival in the 2014 presidential race, discussed the state of the country on the veranda of the Presidential Palace.



The two had tea after a lunch at the palace. This time, it was Jokowis treat.



It was fried rice in Hambalang; here, it was grilled fish, Prabowo said to the media, drawing a giggle from Jokowi.



Prabowo was referring to a meeting between the two at his residence in Sentul, West Java, on Oct. 31.



Given the series of recent events making national headlines, the meeting of the two high-profile politicians triggered speculation over a possible connection with massive public pressure on the authorities to charge Jakartas incumbent gubernatorial candidate Basuki Ahok Tjahaja Purnama.



A large-scale rally, staged on Nov. 4 by conservative Muslim groups, pushed for Ahoks prosecution over alleged blasphemy. Jokowi said he suspected political actors behind the rally, with some observers believing the protests were also aimed at undermining Jokowis administration.



The National Police eventually acted in line with the demands by naming Ahok a suspect on Wednesday.



Meanwhile, Jokowi continued a tour of meetings with some of the nations most influential figures that began last month. Jokowi visited the headquarters of the countrys armed forces as well as Islamic organizations and political parties.



I believe visiting each other and engaging in friendly gatherings is an excellent tradition, Jokowi said in his opening remarks before the media. And I do hope this tradition will also be seen at the middle and lower levels [of various elements in the country].



During the lunch, the two shared their commitment to put the interests of the nation first and respect the principles laid out in the state ideology of Pancasila and the motto of unity in diversity, Jokowi said.



It was the fourth meeting between the two after Jokowi won the 2014 election.



Pak Prabowo and I shared our commitment to maintaining the diversity of Indonesia, Jokowi said.



We both do not want to see us [the nation] fall apart due to political differences. No, because that would do great harm to the country, Jokowi told the media after the tea talk on the veranda, which Jokowi often uses to talk with state guests or with Vice President Jusuf Kalla.



The meeting, Prabowo added, was aimed at showing the young generation a culture that respected differences and that every leader in the country had a duty to maintain unity and peace. He once was my rival, but we maintain our friendship, Prabowo said.



Earlier on Thursday, Jokowi met Setya at the Presidential Palace in which Jokowi, according to Setya, had asked Golkar to play a part in maintaining peace in the country. Unlike the meeting with Prabowo, the talk with Setya was held behind closed doors, with no arranged photo session for the media.



However, the two meetings that day raise questions about whether Jokowi, who has met a total of five party leaders, will also have a meeting with his predecessor Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono, who has been throwing a salvo of accusations at Jokowi recently.



Relations between the two became visibly tense earlier this month when Yudhoyono launched a tirade against the government, accusing it of producing a false intelligence report about him masterminding the Nov. 4 rally. Only hours after the rally, Jokowi firmly said he suspected political actors behind the rally, but, to date, he has not divulged their identity.



Presidential spokesman Johan Budi said he had yet to receive any information on whether Jokowi was planning to meet Yudhoyono in the near future.



Contacted separately, Democratic Party deputy chairman Roy Suryo suggested that the President would meet with Yudhoyono too.



I guess it is just a matter of time, Jokowi will meet Yudhoyono, Roy told The Jakarta Post.



Senior Democratic Party politician and also a deputy chairman, Syariefuddin Hasan, said, Its only about inviting and being invited. As an opposition party, we just provide our input on governance. If they invite us [to the Palace], it means they respect us and are willing to take our advice, Syarief said.

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Linkedin Hans Nicholas Jong (The Jakarta Post) Jakarta  Fri, November 18, 2016

A landmark Supreme Court ruling ordering a plantation company to pay a high fine for illegal forest clearing is expected to serve as a deterrent for companies that seek to engage in deforestation.

On Wednesday, the Supreme Court ruled that PT Merbau Pelalawan Lestari (MPL) was guilty of illegally clearing forests in Pelalawan Regency, Riau, from 2004 to 2006.

The pulp and paper company was ordered to pay Rp 16 trillion (US$1.19 billion) in fines, the highest of any case of environmental destruction in the nations history.

The ministry appreciates the Supreme Courts decision on illegal clearing carried out by PT MPL. Hopefully this ruling will have a deterrent effect on others, the ministrys law enforcement director-general, Rasio Ridho Sani, said.

In 2002, then-Pelalawan regent Tengku Azmun Jaafar authorized PT MPL to exploit 5,590 hectares of forest in his regency.

However, the court found that the company had cleared a total of 7,466 ha of forest in the area, meaning that it had illegally cleared 1,873 ha of forest outside of its concession. For this, the company was ordered to pay Rp 4 trillion in damages.

PT MPLs permit was also problematic, as Azmun was sentenced to 11 years in prison by the Corruption Court in 2008 for taking bribes from MPL.

He was convicted of illegally authorizing 15 companies, including PT MPL, to exploit 120,000 ha of forest in Pelalawan between 2002 and 2003, resulting in Rp 1.2 trillion in state losses.

Bogor Institute of Agriculture (IPB) lecturer Bambang Hero Saharjo, who calculated the damages, said the Supreme Courts ruling was in accordance with his calculations.

We appreciate the ruling because it matches our damage calculations based on the facts in the field, he told The Jakarta Post.

The damage includes a loss of forest functions, such as water catchment and erosion mitigation, as well as a loss of biodiversity.

The Environment and Forestry Ministry has been on a winning streak recently in environmental cases against companies responsible for deforestation and land and forest fires. Earlier this year, plantation company PT National Sago Prima (NSP) was found guilty of forest fires in its concession in Meranti Islands regency, Riau, and thus had to pay Rp 1.07 trillion in fines.

In August, the Palembang High Court in South Sumatra found pulpwood firm Bumi Mekar Hijau (BMH) guilty of illegally lighting fires in its concession in 2014.

The High Court ordered BMH, which supplies products to Indonesias Sinar Mas Group, to pay Rp 78.5 billion in damages, a small fraction of the Rp 7.8 trillion in damages sought by the Environment and Forestry Ministry when it first filed the civil suit against BMH last year.

However, none of the fines match the total of those slapped on PT MPL. This is the biggest fine in our history, the ministrys environmental dispute settlement director, Jasmin Ragil Utomo, told the Post.

He said that PT MPL could still file for a case review at the Supreme Court. But it wont halt the execution [of the ruling], Jasmin said.

He added that the court would follow up on the ruling by allowing the company to make a proposal on how it would like to pay the fines.

We have to study the proposal first, whether the company can pay in installments or not. We have to get input from other ministries because this is non-tax state income, said Jasmin.

PT MPL used to be a supplier to Asia Pacific Resources International Limited (APRIL), Indonesias second-largest pulp and paper producer.

However, we have not sourced fiber from MPL since February 2015, APRIL spokesperson Agung Laksamana told the Post, adding that PT MPL was not affiliated with APRIL or with Royal Golden Eagle Group.

With the recent Supreme Court decision, Agung said APRIL would immediately terminate its supplier contract with PT MPL and would not work with the company in the future.
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Linkedin News Desk (The Jakarta Post) Jakarta  Fri, November 18, 2016

Life insurance firms expect to maintain double-digit revenue growth next year amid confidence about the countrys gradual economic recovery.

The Indonesian Life Insurance Association (AAJI) predicted on Friday that revenue would grow by at least 10 percent next year to a minimum of Rp 175.2 trillion (US$13 billion) from the projected Rp 159.28 trillion this year.

The association said the industrys outlook was still positive, assuming the nations economy would grow by 5.1 percent next year.

The governments projection of 5.1 percent growth means the life insurance industry can grow by more than that, AAJI chairman Hendrisman Rahim told a press conference on Friday.

Over the past 10 years, the industry has seen annual revenue growth of between 10 and 30 percent, according to the AAJI.

As of the third quarter of this year, life insurers investment portfolios were dominated by mutual funds, followed by stocks, government bonds and time deposits, AAJI executive communication and inter-institution division head Christine Setyabudhi said. (win/hwa)
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Linkedin News Desk (The Jakarta Post) Jakarta  Fri, November 18, 2016

A renowned hydrologist has urged regional administrations in flood-prone areas to create more absorption wells to anticipate possible future floods, as the rainy season is unlikely to end soon.



Water and hydrology expert Fatchy Muhammad said creating more artificial aquifers was imperative to restore the balance of nature, as a lot of catchment areas have been sacrificed to accommodate public and business interests.



Many catchment areas have now been transformed into something else. If transforming a forest to a farm greatly affects water absorption capacity, imagine when it is transformed into a housing complex, he told The Jakarta Post on Thursday.



Fatchy said urban development was inevitable but with good and well-planned government regulations, such as requiring developers to create more water retention facilities like absorption wells, the situation would improve.

Floods have hit areas across the country recently, with data from the National Disaster Mitigation Agency (BNPB) showing that 659 floods have affected the archipelago, while simultaneous floods and landslides had occurred 53 times as of mid-November.

On Monday, water from overflowing rivers flooded thousands of houses in the West Java municipalities of Tangerang, Bekasi and Karawang following heavy rain. In Telukbuyung village, Karawang regency, 678 houses, two mosques, two schools and seven prayer rooms were inundated, while at the Bintang Alam housing complex, 650 houses had been flooded, affecting 997 people.

On Tuesday, flooding in Rokan Hulu regency, Riau province, inundated almost 2,000 houses in five districts. The province is notorious for illegal forest fires.

Last month, a major flood in Gorontalo regency, Gorontalo province, hit more than a thousand houses, including Dunda Limboto Hospital, forcing the hospital's management to move 80 patients to emergency shelters.



BNPB spokesperson Sutopo Purwo Nugroho said on Thursday that the agency had yet to calculate the potential losses inflicted by the recent disasters. We have only calculated the losses caused by flood in Garut, West Java, which amounted to Rp 288 billion [US$ 21.58 million], he said, referring to a flood in the regency that reportedly killed 15 people.



Meteorology, Climatology and Geophysics Agency (BMKG) spokesperson Harry Tirto said on Thursday that more flooding could occur, as the rainy season was predicted to continue until May next year.



This needs to be anticipated; water management and the use of land should be reviewed. Rivers might need to be revitalized and more biospheres need to be planted, he said. (fac)
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Linkedin David Rising and Josh Lederman (Associated Press) Berlin  Fri, November 18, 2016

President Barack Obama joined the leaders of key European countries in Germany on Friday to discuss an array of security and economic challenges facing the trans-Atlantic partners as the US prepares for President-elect Donald Trump to take office in January.

Obama's meeting with the leaders of Germany, Britain, France, Italy and Spain was likely his last in such a setting before he leaves office. The session expands on lengthy talks he held the day before with German Chancellor Angela Merkel.

Gathered around a circular table in Merkel's Chancellery, the leaders exchanged pleasantries but made no substantive remarks as reporters were allowed in briefly for the start of the meeting. A number of the leaders planned to deliver statements or take questions from reporters following the meeting.

Since Obama's arrival on Wednesday on his sixth and last trip to Germany as president, he and Merkel have focused several meetings on issues of globalization and trans-Atlantic cooperation. The talks come largely in the context of what the election of Donald Trump will mean to efforts to seek peace in Ukraine and Syria, the strength of the NATO alliance, trade agreements, efforts to fight climate change, and other pressing matters.

At a news conference with Obama on Thursday, Merkel diplomatically said she was approaching the incoming Trump administration "with an open mind."

Around the world, many are looking to Merkel  one of the longest serving leaders of a major world power, leader of Europe's largest economy and one of the biggest US trade partners with the US  for leadership as Obama leaves office.

Obama seemed to underscore that reality as he effusively thanked Merkel for her "deep friendship." He said he couldn't "ask for a steadier or more reliable partner on the world stage," while adding that if she chooses to run again for a fourth term next year, he'd vote for her  if he could.

Joining the two leaders Friday are the heads of countries at the center of many of the European Union's coming challenges.

British Prime Minister Theresa May is preparing her country for negotiations to leave the trade bloc. Spain's Prime Minister Mariano Rajoy faces economic woes in his country that have contributed to financial instability in the EU. Italian Prime Minister Matteo Renzi's already shaky economy has been rocked by tens of thousands of refugees. And French President Francois Hollande's socialist government faces a major challenge from the far-right in elections next year.

Trump has applauded the British decision to exit the EU, or "Brexit," and has had meetings with Nigel Farage, leader of the UK Independence Party and a key player in the British decision to leave. For his part, Obama said Thursday his hope was that the Brexit negotiations be "conducted in a smooth and orderly and transparent fashion and preserve as closely as possible the economic and political and security relationships between the UK and EU."

Still, he noted that he considered the EU "one of the world's great political and economic achievements."

Germany has emphasized that it respects the British decision to leave, but that the United Kingdom won't be able to cherry-pick what parts of the EU it wants to keep, and what not.

On other issues, Obama said he hoped for continuity of US-European relations under Trump, saying "how important it is that we work together."

Obama said that "continued global leadership on climate in addition to increasing private investment and clean energy is going to be critical." He added that the US would "continue to stand united with Germany and our NATO allies" in Afghanistan, and that on the refugee crisis he had put in place more robust support from Washington and that he was "hoping that continues beyond my administration."

Following his meetings in Berlin, Obama heads to Peru, the final leg of his last foreign tour, for an Asia economic summit.
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Linkedin (The Jakarta Post) Jakarta  Fri, November 18 2016

Publicly listed garment manufacturer Pan Brothers (PBRX) plans to conduct its first global bond issuance worth US$200 million to refinance its debt and fund its expansion.



The five-year global bonds will be listed on the Singapore Stock Exchange (SGX). The company, however, has not yet made a final decision on the debt papers coupon rate or issuance schedule.



Pan Brothers is upbeat that the debt paper sale will receive a warm welcome, even though the coupon rate will not exceed 10 percent.



Weve agreed that the coupon will not be higher than 10 percent. At the moment, the market already absorbs [a coupon rate of] 7 percent, Pan Brothers corporate secretary Iswar Deni said on the sidelines of an extraordinary general shareholders meeting on Thursday.



Around 80 percent of the proceeds from the sale will be used to refinance part of the companys debt, which amounts to $270 million.



The debt consists of $40 million-worth of term loans that will mature in October 2018 and $230 million-worth of revolving loans that will be due in October 2019.



As of June, Pan Brothers has used more than $206 million of the loans to refinance its 2013 debt and to strengthen its capital structure.



Meanwhile, the other 20 percent of the proceeds from the bond issuance will be used for capital expenditure and working capital.



Iswar said it would build two more factories through subsidiary Eco Smart Garment Indonesia in Central Java next year. Eco Smart Garment already has four factories in Boyolali, Central Java, and in Bandung, West Java.



The new factories are expected to begin operations in the last quarter of 2017 and help increase Pan Brothers annual production volume to at least 100 million clothing articles. Pan Brothers annual production volume currently stands at 90 million clothing articles.



We also target sales to increase 10 to 20 percent by 2017, Iswar said.



The company manufactures garments under several popular brands, including Adidas, Calvin Klein, Lacoste and Macys. In addition to apparel, it also produces sewing thread, embroidery thread and knitted fabric.



Most of its products are exported, such as to the US, Europe and other Asian countries. Asia is its largest market, accounting for almost half of its sales, followed by the US, Europe and other markets.



It announced plans to set up factories in Vietnam and Cambodia in 2014 as part of its global expansion, but has not realized them as it has yet to find the right local partners to run the factories.



Its latest financial report shows that Pan Brothers booked a 17.7 percent annual rise in sales to $372.36 million in the first nine months of this year. Its net profit almost doubled to $12.81 million from the January-September 2015 period.



The company had $490.8 million-worth of assets at the end of September. Its shares ended at Rp 446 (3 US cents) apiece on the Indonesian Stock Exchange (IDX) on Thursday, down 1.3 percent from the previous day. (wnd)

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Linkedin News Desk (The Jakarta Post) Jakarta  Fri, November 18, 2016

The National Police are preparing for possible terror attacks ahead of Christmas and New Year by holding an operation called Indonesia Prevents.

Religious celebrations tend to be used as moments to carry out attacks. We have anticipated this. The National Police are implementing a system called Indonesia Prevents, said National Police policy analyst Sr. Comr. Rikwanto as quoted by Antara news agency.

He said the police had taken preventive measures by arresting suspicious people before they acted. We realize there will be protests because they will ask 'why are you arresting innocent people, because the crime hasnt happened yet. But trust us, every time [antiterror squad] Densus 88 arrests someone, it is based on a long investigation.

The police, he said, would release those who were not proven to be involved in potential terror acts.

For example, we might target one person who is hanging out at a coffee stall. There are five of them there, so we would arrest all five, but would release the rest if they were not involved, he said. (evi)
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Linkedin Safrin La Batu (The Jakarta Post) Jakarta  Fri, November 18, 2016

Jakarta Governor Basuki Ahok Tjahaja Purnama may lose his reelection bid in the first round after being named a suspect in a blasphemy case, while former culture and education minister Anies Baswedan could be in a leading position, a pollster has predicted.

The Indonesian Survey Circle (LSI) released the results of a survey on Friday, which was carried out from Oct. 31 to Nov. 5, before Ahok was named a blasphemy suspect. In the survey the LSI asked 440 respondents who they would vote for if the National Police named Ahok a suspect.

According to the survey, Ahoks electability rating would slump to 10.60 percent if he were named a suspect. Meanwhile, support for Anies would increase to 31.90 percent, followed by former mid-ranking military officer Agus Harimurti Yudhoyono in second place, with 30.90 percent.

Ahok and Djarot [Djarot Sjaiful HidayatAhoks running mate] have the possibility of losing in the first round of the election [if the election goes into two cycles] because the pair now has a lower [rating] than the other two pairs of candidates, LSI said in a statement.

(Read also:Two-round Jakarta election looms)

Before the question was asked, Ahok was favored by 24.60 percent of respondents, which put him as the frontrunner, leaving Agus and Anies in the second and third place, with 20.90 and 20 percent of votes, respectively.

The police named Ahok a suspect in a blasphemy case on Wednesday. (jun)
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Linkedin Bhayu Purnomo (The Jakarta Post) Jakarta  Fri, November 18 2016

The typical long-run demographic scenario for an emerging economy like Indonesia is an increase in the number of working-age people that leads to an increase in the labor force, thereby boosting economic growth.

This is apparent in the lowering of the dependency ratio, a measure that compares the size of the dependent population (citizens aged zero to 14 plus those aged 65 and older) to the size of the so-called working-age population (those aged 15 to 64).

The United Nations describes the declining profile of the dependency ratio as the window of opportunity when a demographic dividend may be reaped by a country. The potential opportunities within the demographic dividend can include an increase in labour supply, an increase in personal savings, higher levels of tax revenue, lower health and social costs as a result of less population dependence and higher domestic demand brought about by increasing gross domestic product (GDP) per capita. Conversely, a rising dependency ratio entails increasing risks for the economy, as more of the population becomes reliant on others, be it their family members or the government.

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Linkedin News Desk (The Jakarta Post) Jakarta  Fri, November 18, 2016

Former president and chairman of the Democratic Party Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono (SBY) is willing to visit the Presidential Palace if President Joko Jokowi Widodo invites him, the partys spokesman has said.

SBYs position is currently wait and see. [He is] waiting for a signal or good news. There is no obstruction from SBY, the partys spokesman Roy Suryo said on Friday as reported by kompas.com.

(Read also: Prabowo visits Jokowi, offers help after Ahok named suspect)

On Thursday, Jokowi invited Gerindra Party chairman Prabowo Subianto to have lunch at the palace, one day after the police named Jakarta Governor Basuki Ahok Tjahaja Purnama a suspect in a blasphemy case.

On Nov. 4, hundreds of thousands of people led by Muslim conservatives, staged a rally in front of the State Palace, demanding that the government prosecute Ahok for blasphemy.

The rally ended in chaos with two police cars set on fire. Jokowi later accused political actors of being behind the chaotic rally.

Responding to the suggestion that Jokowi should invite SBY for a meeting, Coordinating Political, Legal and Security Affairs Minister Wiranto said a meeting between Jokowi and SBY could be held anytime.

A political meeting could be conducted anytime, Wiranto said at the palace complex on Friday.

Jokowis party, the Indonesian Democratic Party of Struggle (PDI-P), has endorsed Ahok for the gubernatorial election next year.

Gerindra has endorsed former education and culture minister Anies Baswedan while the Democrats are backing SBYs son Agus Harimurti Yudhoyono. (jun)
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Linkedin Fadli (The Jakarta Post) Batam  Fri, November 18 2016

The Batam Immigration Office in Riau Islands province finally moved 104 illegal immigrants living in a park into two separate shelters in the city on Thursday.

The illegal immigrants come from Sudan, Afghanistan and Iraq and some had been living in makeshift tents in the Aspirasi Park for almost a year, Batam Immigration Office head Teguh Prayitno said.

The office decided to move the immigrants after securing approval from Law and Human Rights Ministry Immigration Director General Ronny Franky Sompie.

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Linkedin Sun Hsin Hsuan (The China Post/ANN) Taipei  Fri, November 18, 2016

A bill that would make Taiwan the first Asian county to legalize same-sex marriage was stuck in committee Thursday, while thousands protested outside the Legislative Yuan demanding a referendum on the issue.

"How the law defines marriage should be decided by the entire population," demonstrators said, accusing the committee of planning a "black box vote" to pass the bill.

Opinion polling over the past several years has shown majority support for same-sex marriage.

The rally was organised by Alliance of Taiwan Religious Groups for the Protection of Family, a hard-line conservative group known for fighting to stop the legalisation of gay marriage.

The demonstrators, numbering in their thousands, were dressed in white and stuck large stickers reading "Marriage and family, let the people decide" to their clothes.

Protest leaders speaking to the crowd on a temporary stage said "All children have the right to a mother and a father" as the rally congested the main road outside the Legislative Yuan for over six hours.

In a petition letter, the group said that individual clauses could be amended to protect the rights of people who are LGBT, including emergency room visitation and inheritance rights.

However, they added, "the fundamental concept of what marriage is  the combination of a man and a woman  should not be changed," saying that doing so would be "very confusing for children."

If no referendum were held, public hearings should be conducted instead before the bill moves forward, the demonstrators said. However, around noon, the Judiciary and Organic Laws and Statutes Committee voted five-four not to hold hearings.

A small, peaceful counter-protest was staged near the main demonstration, with advocates of marriage equality waving rainbow flags and banners reading "We support gay people."

Marriage of 'two parties'

Meanwhile, the bill committee was reviewing several amendments proposed by various parties. All would legalise same-sex marriage, with only slight differences in the details.

LGBT rights groups, couples and supporters have urged lawmakers to pass the bill this legislative session, which ends in December but could be extended if necessary.

In several press conferences organised by social media celebrity and senior Taiwan LBGT Hotline Association researcher Jennifer Lu, gay rights groups have strongly supported the amendment drafted by Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) Legislator Yu Mei-nu.

Yu's draft removes the use of "male and female parties" in the marriage chapter of the Civil Code, replacing the term with "two parties."

Article 972, a key Civil Code clause governing spousal rights, would be amended accordingly to state that "an agreement to marry shall be made by the two parties in their own (con)cord."

Taiwan was praised by international media and rights groups last month after the draft passed its first reading.

This article appeared on The China Post newspaper website, which is a member of Asia News Network and a media partner of The Jakarta Post
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Linkedin Callistasia Anggun Wijaya (The Jakarta Post) Jakarta  Fri, November 18, 2016

Buni Yani, the uploader of the video footage containing allegedly blasphemous remarks made by Jakarta Governor Basuki Ahok Tjahaja Purnama, hopes to not face punishment for uploading the governors speech as he did it just to open a discourse with his friends on Facebook.

We don't want our right to freedom of speech silenced because it is guaranteed in Article 28 of our Constitution. It is not right that I should be criminalized because of opening a discussion on Facebook, he said at the Jakarta Police office on Friday.

Buni's lawyer, Aldwin Rahadian, said his client uploaded the video to make it an object of discussion with his friends on Facebook considering that Ahoks speech contained a sensitive religious matter.

As a citizen, Buni has the right to express his opinion. Why should he stay silent to see a public official discuss a sensitive issue?" he said.

Aldwin deplored the people who had bullied Buni as a provocateur. This was what led his client to ask for protection from the Witness and Victim Protection Agency (LPSK), he went on.

Buni was at the Jakarta Police office on Friday to give more information on his defamation claims against two Ahok supporters, Guntur Romli and Muanas Alaidin.

On Oct. 10, Buni reported Muanas and Guntur, who had accused him of provoking people by uploading the edited version of Ahok's speech. (ebf)
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Linkedin Rachell Zoll (Associated Press) New York, United States  Fri, November 18, 2016

American Jews gathered Thursday to wrestle with how they should confront an election-year surge in anti-Semitism, a level of bias not seen in the US for decades.

At a national meeting of the Anti-Defamation League, the Jewish civil rights group, about 1,000 people listened to talks expressing shock at the hatred expressed during the presidential campaign and questioned what they thought was a high-level of acceptance by other Americans.

"I'm struggling right now in this American moment," said Yehuda Kurtzer, president of the Shalom Hartman Institute of North America, an education and research organization, in his talk at the event. "I wonder whether I have been  and I think the answer is probably yes  a little bit naive."

During this past year, anti-Semitic imagery proliferated on social media, Jewish journalists were targeted and longstanding anti-Jewish conspiracy theories got a fresh airing. Much of the bias originated with the alt-right, or alternative right, a loose group espousing a provocative and reactionary strain of conservatism. It's often associated with far right efforts to preserve "white identity," oppose multiculturalism and defend "Western values."

In addition to the online intimidation, reports of anti-Semitic vandalism and other attacks have risen. Last week, the day after the election, a Philadelphia storefront was sprayed with a swastika and the words "Sieg Heil 2016," which means "Hail Victory," a common Nazi chant, and the word "Trump," with a swastika replacing the "T."

These developments have stunned US Jewish leaders, who in recent years had been more focused on anti-Semitism in Europe and on addressing complaints of anti-Jewish bias on college campuses amid the debate over the boycott, divestment and sanctions movement against Israeli policies toward the Palestinians.

In a sign of the depth of American Jewish anxiety about anti-Semitism, ADL officials said donations to their organization increased 50-fold in the days immediately after the election and a large majority of the money came from first-time donors. Every one of their regional offices reported an uptick in calls from people wanting to donate or volunteer, the ADL said.

"We must not be silent, we must raise our voices, we must act, and to act we must understand what we are up against," said Jonathan Greenblatt, chief executive officer of ADL, opening the meeting in Manhattan.

As the presidential race intensified, Jews started seeing their names bracketed with a series of parentheses in harassing tweets, signaling that the person had been identified as a Jew. The image became known as the Jewish cowbell and its source was traced to neo-Nazis and white nationalists.

The ADL investigated the harassment and found more than 800 journalists had suffered anti-Semitic attacks on Twitter during the election, mostly from anonymous Twitter accounts, although some belonged to white supremacists. In a common example of the reporters' experiences, Jane Eisner, editor-in-chief of the Forward, an influential Jewish newspaper that extensively covered the election, said she received an email the morning after the second presidential debate with an image of a Nazi solder pointing a gun at her head, which was Photoshopped onto a concentration camp uniform.

Donald Trump's campaign came under scrutiny since much of the harassment came from accounts tied to his supporters.

Trump drew direct criticism last July when he tweeted an image of Hillary Clinton's face with a six-pointed star, a pile of hundred dollar bills and the words "most corrupt candidate ever." The star was in the shape of the Jewish Star of David and was widely condemned as anti-Semitic. Trump's campaign said it was a sheriff's badge.

Last month, Trump gave a speech in West Palm Beach, Florida, in which he accused Clinton of holding secret meetings with bankers in a conspiracy to undermine US sovereignty. The ADL said that whether intentional or not, Trump had reflected a classic anti-Semitic theme of Jewish control of banks.

The president-elect's daughter Ivanka, and her husband, Jared Kushner, who is now one of his top advisers, are Orthodox Jews. Kushner has defended Trump against allegations of bias.

The issue erupted anew when Trump announced far-right publishing executive Stephen Bannon as his top White House Strategist. Bannon led the Breitbart website, considered by many to be the alt-right's platform that has been widely condemned as racist, sexist and anti-Semitic. Trump campaign manager Kellyanne Conway called the accusations against Bannon "very unfair."

Some Jewish groups have defended Bannon, including the hawkish Zionist Organization of America. Bernie Marcus, a founder of The Home Depot Inc. and board member of the Republican Jewish Coalition, said in a statement that Bannon was "a passionate Zionist and supporter of Israel." Marcus called the condemnations of Bannon an attempt to undermine the incoming administration. Seventy-one percent of Jews voted for Hillary Clinton, according to exit polls. Greenblatt worked in the Obama administration.

Still, Jonathan Sarna, a Brandeis University professor and historian of American Judaism, said it would be wrong to attribute the criticisms of Trump appointments or his supporters to partisanship. "I don't know anybody who is looking at this in a serious way who says nothing has changed," in regard to the level of anti-Semitism, Sarna said.

"American Jews assumed that anti-Semitism had largely been overcome," he said. "And then all of a sudden, unexpectedly, anti-Semitism of a virulent kind came roaring back."
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Linkedin Justin Lynch (Associated Press) Yei, South Sudan  Fri, November 18, 2016

Infants hacked with machetes. Charred bodies with their arms bound. Women who were gang-raped. Men who were spared death but arbitrarily detained.

These are the tales of horror told in Yei, a formerly peaceful town surrounded by farms in southern South Sudan near its border with Uganda and Congo.

Once a beacon of coexistence, Yei is now a center of the country's renewed civil war, gripped by a wave of killings among South Sudan's dozens of different ethnic groups.

And things could get worse.

"The signs are all there for the spread of this ethnic hatred and targeting of civilians that could evolve into genocide, if something is not done now to stop it," said Adama Dieng, the UN's Special Adviser on the Prevention of Genocide, after visiting Yei last week.

Civilians and local government officials in Yei told The Associated Press of army troops and, to a lesser extent, the rebels terrorizing the population and killing people based on their ethnicity.

"Some leaders will not hide their [loyalty] to their ethnic groups. They cannot hide it. Genocide is not an event that one day comes. It builds and it builds up. The indicators are there," said Jacob Aligo, a minister in the Yei state government.

At night, gunshots echo through the town and soldiers prowl the streets, looting and raping, according to more than a dozen residents and government officials interviewed by the AP.

A woman who identified herself only by her first name of Betty for fear of reprisal said government soldiers knocked on her door one night in mid-October.

"My husband pushed me and my two children under the bed and he opened the door. They demanded money, and he had none, and then they shot my husband," she recalled, saying he bled to death. She said she later visited a friend who had been gang-raped by armed men.

When civil war spread across South Sudan in December 2013  more than two years after the country gained its independence from Sudan  the town of Yei was spared the violence that arose elsewhere.

The civil war, which killed tens of thousands and displaced more than 2 million people, grew out of a political split between President Salva Kiir and former Vice President Rick Machar. The conflict often pitted Kiir's Dinka tribe against Machar's Nuer community and other minority groups.

In New York, the United States urged the UN Security Council on Thursday to impose an arms embargo and new sanctions on South Sudan, a proposal immediately rejected by Russia as premature and irresponsible.

US Ambassador Samantha Power told the council that an arms embargo can't prevent weapons getting into the conflict-wracked country, but it would be an important step toward curbing the violence.

Russia's deputy UN ambassador Petr Iliichev countered that an arms embargo "would hardly be helpful in settling the conflict."

Yei became a refuge for all of the country's 64 tribes who wanted to avoid the fighting, and crime was almost nonexistent, residents said. The surrounding area produced food for the entire country and a nearby coffee plantation received support from actor and longtime South Sudan activist George Clooney.

When a peace deal was signed in 2015, it seemed that Yei had avoided bloodshed.

But last summer, after fresh fighting erupted in South Sudan's capital, Juba, between Kiir's army and the rebels under Machar, the renewed civil war came to Yei.

Civilians in Yei began to suffer in August when the army came in to fight nearby rebels, said Gista, a resident who also refused to give her last name out of fear for her safety.

She said government soldiers swarmed a village on Yei's outskirts, where her daughter and son-in-law lived. He apparently didn't hear the soldiers coming, and "when he tried to run, the killers were already there," Gista said. They killed him and her daughter, as well as her 4-year-old granddaughter, and hacked a 4-month-old granddaughter with a machete, she said. The infant survived after being hospitalized, she added.

The military, which residents and local government officials say are from the Dinka tribe, attacked other tribes who are natives of Yei and surrounding Equatoria state on suspicion they supported the rebels, the locals said.

A militia called Mathiang Anyoor, which is allied to Kiir and Army Chief of Staff Paul Malong and is Dinka, also terrorized civilians, according to residents, local officials and UN officials.

Residents are restricted from moving 3 kilometers (2 miles) from the center of town in all but one direction. Surrounding areas have been declared off limits by the military. When the AP traveled in a government convoy in those "no-go" areas, they were deserted, with fields lying fallow and empty houses and shops boarded up.

Santo Domic Chol, a spokesman for the South Sudan army, or SPLA, said the allegations of soldiers targeting civilians were "baseless," and part of a propaganda campaign influenced by the rebels.

In early November, 11 people traveling from Yei were rounded up by unidentified individuals, placed in a thatched hut, and burned alive, local government officials said. Their charred corpses were still there in mid-November when AP counted seven bodies, some with their arms bound behind their backs.

"We are living in crazy times," said Athanasio Yongule, minister for Local Government and Law Enforcement. Like other local officials, Yongule said South Sudan's army does not answer to them.

Since July, hate speech has been on the rise in the region on social media, according to Stephen Ladu, the acting governor of Yei River State.

"We can see that the boys in the bushes will be writing on the social media that they will come and attack this community," Ladu said.

Letters sent to humanitarian groups and seen by the AP have threatened to kill civilians from Equatoria state who live elsewhere in South Sudan. Ladu and other local officials want UN to send peacekeepers to Yei to protect civilians.

Nearly 150,000 people have fled to Uganda from the Yei region since July, and 120,000 have moved elsewhere in South Sudan, according to estimates from the South Sudan Protection Cluster.

The UN refugee agency said in September that about 100,000 people are "trapped" in Yei by "military operations," and it is distributing items like soap and blankets.

Many civilians are gripped by hunger in a region that once was South Sudan's breadbasket. About 40 percent of the area's population faces food insecurity, according to internal UN estimates obtained by the AP.

Because of the conflict, they don't have access to their farms, said Richard Ruati an assistant external relations officer for UN refugee agency in Yei.

"Sometimes when they go to their farms, they are either accused by the government soldiers of harboring the rebels or the rebels and the armed groups accuse them of harboring government soldiers," he said.

Civilians "are bearing the brunt of both sides, and they don't know where to turn to," he said.

Dieng, the UN adviser on genocide, painted a harrowing picture of his visit to Yei as he left South Sudan last week, recounting stories of "targeted killings, assault, maiming, mutilation, rape, and the barbarous use of machetes to hack families to death." He said: "Yei is one urgent example among many."

UN Secretary General Ban Ki-moon issued a stark warning about South Sudan this week.

"There is a very real risk of mass atrocities being committed in South Sudan, in particular following the sharp rise in hate speech and ethnic incitement in recent weeks," Ban said in a report to the Security Council. But he added that UN peacekeeping operations don't have the "appropriate reach, manpower or capabilities to stop mass atrocities."
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Linkedin News Desk (The Jakarta Post) Jakarta  Fri, November 18, 2016

As several Islamic organizations work to recruit more participants, the Confederation of Indonesian Workers Unions (KSPI) is set to join the next planned rally.

Scheduled for Dec. 2, the rally aims to call for the arrest of incumbent Jakarta Governor Basuki "Ahok" Tjahaja Purnama, who had been named a suspect in an alleged blasphemy case.

KSPI chairman Said Iqbal said workers planned to go on strike and join the Dec. 2 rally in protest of the Jakarta administrations minimum wage policy recently imposed in the city.

Just imagine, the minimum wage for Jakarta is set at Rp 3.3 million [US$246.82] next year, equal to this year's minimum wage in a small city, namely Karawang [in West Java]," he said on Friday.

Iqbal further said that in the rally, the workers wanted to express their disappointment over Ahok's allegedly blasphemous remarks and the forced evictions conducted under his leadership.

Around 500,000 workers in Greater Jakarta areas will join the peaceful rally," he claimed.

Ahok triggered anger among Muslims in Indonesia when he cited a Quranic verse in his speech in front of local residents in Thousand Islands regency last September. The National Police subsequently named Ahok a suspect for his remarks and issued a travel ban that prevented him from going overseas.

The Movement of Indonesian Council Edict Supporters (GNPF MUI) announced on Friday that it would carry out a peaceful rally demanding that the police arrest Ahok, who is currently seeking his second term of office in next years Jakarta gubernatorial election. (fac/ebf)
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Linkedin (Associated Press) Manila  Fri, November 18, 2016

A suspected Filipino drug lord, whose father was killed in an alleged gun fight in prison, has been repatriated from the United Arab Emirates to the Philippines, where officials say they hope he can provide information to bolster President Rodrigo Duterte's war on drugs.

Rolando "Kerwin" Espinosa Jr. arrived in handcuffs and a flak jacket at Manila's airport early Friday with a police team from Abu Dhabi. National police chief Ronald dela Rosa, who has assured Espinosa's safety, escorted him to a maximum-security facility at police headquarters.

Espinosa's father, town mayor Rolando Espinosa Sr., was arrested last month. He had agreed to cooperate with officials but was killed Nov. 5 in an alleged gun fight with police inside his jail cell. Opponents of Duterte believe it was an intentional killing.
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Linkedin Joe Freeman (Associated Press) Mandalay, Myanmar  Fri, November 18, 2016

Shunned by Myanmar's new government and its Buddhist hierarchy, a nationalist monk blamed for whipping up at times bloody anti-Muslim fervor said he feels vindicated by US voters who elected Donald Trump to be president.

Ashin Wirathu, a high-profile leader of the Myanmar Buddhist organization known as Ma Ba Tha, drew parallels between his views on Islam and those of the Republican president-elect. Trump's campaign was rife with anti-Muslim rhetoric and proposals that included banning Muslims from entering the country and heightening surveillance of mosques. The form his actual policies will take remains unclear.

"We were blamed by the world, but we are just protecting our people and country," Wirathu said. "... The world singled us out as narrow-minded. But as people from the country that is the grandfather of democracy and human rights elected Donald Trump, who is similar to me in prioritizing nationalism, there will be less finger-pointing from the international community."

He even floated the idea of cooperating with nationalist groups in the US

"In America, there can be organizations like us who are protecting against the dangers of Islamization. Those organizations can come to organizations in Myanmar to get suggestions or discuss," he said in an interview at his monastery in Mandalay on Nov. 12.

"Myanmar doesn't really need to get suggestions from other countries. But they can get ideas from Myanmar."

Wirathu has been accused of inciting violence with hate-filled, anti-Islamic rhetoric in this Southeast Asian, Buddhist-majority country of about 55 million. Buddhist-led riots left more than 200 people dead in 2012 and forced hundreds of thousands more to flee their homes, most of them Muslim Rohingya in Rakhine state.

Anti-Rohingya sentiment remains high in Myanmar. Members of the ethnic group are widely considered to have immigrated illegally from nearby Bangladesh, though many Rohingya families have lived in Myanmar for generations.

At the same time, Wirathu's influence has weakened in the past year. He threw his support behind the military-backed government ahead of elections in November 2015, only to see the former ruling party fall to Aung San Suu Kyi's National League for Democracy in a landslide.

In July, a senior NLD official in Yangon said that Ma Ba Tha, also known as the Committee to Protect Race and Religion, was not needed. Calls for the official to be disciplined went unanswered. In the same month, the country's official Buddhist clergy publicly distanced itself from the group.

"Ma Ba Tha fades with barely a whimper," read a headline in the English-language Myanmar Times in August.

Wirathu said he has no plans of fading into obscurity.

"This government doesn't want our Ma Ba Tha," he said, seated behind a desk in a saffron robe as several aides took photos and video of his pronouncements. But the NLD's attempt to thwart the group will be "hard for them," he added, as Ma Ba Tha is not breaking any laws.

"Currently, we are waiting and looking at the situation as this government has only been here a short time and they don't know how to manage," he said. "So we are not doing anything like campaigning or protesting to impact the government. But we will hold meetings, issue statements, help in our role."

For example, he said, his members have been distributing food in northern Rakhine state.

Scores of Rohingya and some Myanmar troops have been killed in northern Rakhine since suspected militants attacked border posts last month, killing nine police officers. Rohingya activists say innocent villagers are being killed, but the government says it is only fighting "violent attackers." International media and aid groups have been kept away.
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Linkedin Esther Htusan (Associated Press) Twante, Myanmar  Fri, November 18, 2016

A Burmese exorcist on Friday pleaded guilty to murder charges in the deaths of three children he is accused of beating and injuring another after telling their parents they were possessed by evil spir

"I lost control of my mind and I killed them," Tun Naing told the court in Twante, south of Yangon.

After telling the parents that their children were possessed, Naing punched and kicked two girls aged 8 months and 2 years and a 3-year-old boy during an exorcism ritual Oct. 18, police said, adding that he also hid the bodies.

Two days later, Naing severely injured a 4-year-old girl in a nearby village in another ritual that prompted residents to call authorities to arrest him.

Superstition and belief in sprits is common in Buddhist-majority Myanmar.

Naing could face death sentence if found guilty on all counts. It wasn't immediately clear when his trial will resume.
For All U of U Health Patients & Visitors
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Linkedin (Associated Press) Manila  Fri, November 18, 2016

Fierce clashes erupted Friday between government troops and Muslim extremists in southern Philippines, leaving at least 14 combatants dead, the military said.

The dead included 10 Abu Sayyaf rebels, although troops recovered only three bodies, said military spokesman Maj. Filemon Tan.

Four were killed and nine wounded on the government side, he said.

The fighting began when army units encountered some 150 militants in Patikul township in Sulu province and exchanged fire until the extremists withdrew, Tan said. Soldiers then pounded the rebels' position with artillery fire and put up checkpoints as they pursued the militants.

The Abu Sayyaf, which is blacklisted by the US and the Philippines as a terrorist organization, holds more than a dozen foreign and local hostages.

President Rodrigo Duterte, who took office in June, has ordered troops to destroy the Abu Sayyaf, known for its brutality and ties to foreign militants. He has ruled out the possibility of any peace talks with them as he pursues negotiations with two other larger Muslim insurgent groups.
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Linkedin Todd Pitman and Natnicha Chuwiruch (Associated Press) Bangkok  Fri, November 18, 2016

Just weeks after Thailand's military government imposed an unprecedented US$1 billion fine against an ousted prime minister for her handling of an ill-fated rice subsidy program that racked up huge losses, the junta did something else extraordinary: It announced a major assistance plan of its own.

The $1.5 billion effort, which helps struggling rice farmers in part by guaranteeing prices well above market rates, is ironic given its similarities to the larger subsidy program for which the junta has castigated ex-premier Yingluck Shinawatra.

But the current government may have had little choice but to act. Global prices for the grain have plummeted to their lowest in nearly a decade, severely weakening an industry crucial to Thailand's economic well-being.

Some analysts say the about-face is also intended to stave off potential unrest during the sensitive, year-long mourning period following the death last month of King Bhumibol Adulyadej, and to win over some of the politically powerful farmers who make up 40 percent of the population. The rice-growing north is a traditional stronghold of Yingluck and her allies.

The junta has begun to realize "they simply cannot ignore the plight of the farmers anymore, especially [if] they wish to be in power for the long term," said Puangthong R. Pawakapan, an associate professor at Bangkok's Chulalongkorn University.

Prime Minister Prayuth Chan-ocha, the former army chief who spearheaded the coup two years ago, has vowed to restore civilian rule through elections in late 2017. There is speculation he could stay on as premier, and in any case, the nation's new constitution guarantees the military a strong hand in politics for years to come.

The putsch was the culmination of a decade of political turmoil that boiled over after the army ousted Yingluck's brother, former Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra, in a 2006 coup. The conflict, in broad terms, is part of a societal schism that pits the majority rural poor against an urban-based elite establishment supported by the army and staunch royalists who see Yingluck's family as a corrupt threat to the traditional structures of power.

In 2011, Yingluck's Pheu Thai Party won elections in part by promising to pay farmers nearly double the price that rice then fetched on the world market, a move critics equated to vote-buying.

The hope was that by stockpiling rice, the government could drive up world prices. But producers such as Vietnam took up the slack, bumping Thailand from its spot as the world's leading rice exporter. The government lost billions of dollars and about 8 million tons of the rice it purchased sits unsold in warehouses.

Yingluck told The Associated Press that "in principle, there is no difference" between the junta's effort and that of her government, an assessment some analysts agree with.

The junta's plan is similar to Yingluck's in that it is offering artificially high prices for rice, dispersing large sums to farmers and encouraging them to keep the grain off market in hopes of stimulating prices. But Jitti Mongkolnchaiarunya, dean of Thammasat University's School of Development Studies, said the latest plan is less risky because its scope is smaller, its price ceilings lower, and rice farmers  not the government  will be responsible for storage.

Yingluck's administration, for example, offered 15,000 to 20,000 baht ($421 to $561) per ton of rice, compared to 10,500 to 13,000 ($294 to $365) offered by Prayuth's government.

None of that, though, guarantees the effort will be a success, Jitti said, because global supply and demand cannot be controlled. Prayuth has said he wants to wean farmers off populist policies and has warned government aid is "not limitless."

"The government must have ... the courage to deal with these issues," Jitti said, "because it's all related to politics. Everything is politics."

Indeed, shortly after Prayuth's government announced its plans, Yingluck bought 10 tons of rice from farmers and made a public show of helping to sell it  at cost  outside a Bangkok mall. Last week, she did it again at another mall just southeast of Bangkok in Samut Prakan.

It was a brazen move for Yingluck, who could be sentenced to 10 years in prison if convicted of criminal negligence charges related to her government's rice subsidy. But in a country where free speech is suppressed and bans on large political gatherings have almost completely silenced the opposition, helping farmers sell rice offered a rare means of speaking out.

"I think she intended to challenge the junta," Puangthong said.

Prayuth and his supporters have condemned such moves as publicity stunts, though Yingluck claims she was only doing it to help farmers.

One person who showed up to buy rice in Samut Prakan, Samruey Thappan, said she was doing it not only "to help farmers, but to help Yingluck because she's a good person who is being harassed."

Farmers say they need assistance, no matter who's offering it.

Political fights "have no relevance to us," said Weerachai Wongbut, a 59-year-old who traveled to Bangkok from the northern province of Uttaradit to sell rice at a market stall this month. "We just need help."
It will soon be up to the citys Department of Transportation to decide whether Yep Tours will get its way on the Lower East Side.

Weve been telling you about this Massachusetts-based intercity bus operator for a few years now. The company illegally uses spaces on both sides of Pike Street at East Broadway to load and unload passengers. Earlier this week, Yep went before Community Board 3s transportation committee, which rejected an application for a permit on the west side of Pike Street. The full board is expected to back the committees decision this coming Tuesday evening.

We reached out to State Sen. Daniel Squadron, who pushed through legislation a few years ago meant to regulate the Chinatown bus industry. Heres what he had to say:

Unfortunately, after thumbing its nose at the community for years, Yep Tours showed up with a presentation that was long on obfuscation, and short on commitments to protect the community. Yep is another example of the need for stronger enforcement of my law that mandates permits for intercity buses, passed in 2012, with the support of CB3, the City, and colleagues. Thats why I formed a working group with CB3, the NYPD including the 5th and 7th Precincts, the Department of Finance and Sheriffs Office, and Department of Transportation to solve enforcement issues. I thank the agencies for their ongoing commitment.

The draft resolution to be considered by CB3 next week notes that Yep was denied for a license last year, for reasons including but not limited to operating contrary to New York City regulations for at least two years. It also states that Yep has collected $300,000 in fines, which it has not paid. The resolution adds, The Fifth Precinct has communicated to CB3 that it is concerned the authorization of the Pike Street stop for Yep Tours, Inc. would create additional issues for the communitys quality of life.

The SPaCE Block Association has been campaigning against Yep Tours. More than 200 people have signed a petition urging the denial of a bus permit on Pike Street.

The community board will issue a recommendation next week. It is up to the NYC Transportation Department to approve or deny the permit.
I am always excited to get new pots for my growing collection of rare and exotic plants - especially when they are from master potter, Guy Wolff.

I first met Guy years ago during one of my many trips through Litchfield County, Connecticut, searching for antiques, plants, and ideas for my magazine, Living. I was so impressed by Guy's pottery, I became a regular customer.

Some time ago, I asked Guy to make me another batch of pots in various sizes. And last week, he personally delivered the vessels to my Bedford, New York farm - each and every one of them is so very beautifully handcrafted. Take a look, and enjoy these photos.
1.

Much reading of personal history  whether its a memoir, a history, even poetry  evokes an awkward mixture of feeling: good writing affords pleasure, yet when it records real pain and despair we may feel guilt at our own pale, vicarious suffering. No human experience has produced such a rich literature of commingled aesthetic gratification and sympathetic misery as the Great War.

Up and down Britain in August 1914, thousands upon thousands of literarily inclined young men volunteered, their heads filled with rousing warlike poetry and dreams of leading a heroic charge, only to be mowed down by machine guns, or else survive years hunkered in the mud, shells bursting overhead, to produce the first great anti-war poetry. Or so the traditional narrative, bemoaned by historians but enduringly popular, goes.

Yet the soldiers responses to their experiences were diverse, complex, and  for the first time  profusely and skillfully recorded. History is in constant danger of being smothered under its own weight, the known course of future events squeezing the life from earlier moments that had been lived with possibility, the familiar story retold until we only remember the parts that fit its conclusion. But how did those idealistic fools become those bitterly wise poets? And did they all, really? With the centennial of the war almost upon us, wouldnt it be interesting to re-read the war from the beginning, rather than looking back down upon it from the height of all of our learned interpretations?

What if one were to read heaps of personal histories all together, following perhaps a few dozen of the most rewarding writers from the beginning of the war to the end, at a distance of exactly a century? It could be a chorus of many different voices, a symphonic literary history. This idle thought became a big project, acenturyback.com, a blog that will slowly build into a new way of reading  or re-experiencing, in real time  the Great War: every day a piece of writing produced a century ago, or a description of events befalling one of the writers on that day.

Hard on the heels of the idea came a dirty little ambition: I wanted to discover a previously unrecognized coincidence. If I was going to read a hundred memoirs, I should find two poets passing in the night on some doomed trench raid, and no scholars yet the wiser. Perhaps I still will. But it turns out  although its only June and Franz Ferdinand is still safe and soundthat the centennial of a poetic overlapping is already upon us.

A century ago tonight, June 23rd 1914, was the London premiere of the Ballets Russes La Legende de Josephe at the Theatre Royal, Drury Lane. Amongst the throng of aristocrats, Gilded Age millionaires, and society hangers-on were  unbeknownst to each other and, apparently, to historians  three men with poetic aspirations. Each had some idea that they needed to make a change, but none knew that this was one of the last gorgeous, oblivious nights before old Europe tore itself apart.

All coincidences are mere coincidences, but this one can be put to good use. Read together, the three stories become a sort of prologue in a minor key to the guns of August, a rare composite view of that Last Summer  and of how it was remembered, and written.

Portrait of the poet Siegfried Sassoon by Glyn Warren Philpot (1917)

2.

As a matter of good history  history as it really was  the summer of 1914 was a time like most others. People went about their pleasure and their business, and most believed that common sense and the profit motive would keep a lid on international tensions.

Siegfried Sassoon, who had recently rented a flat in London, was preoccupied with nothing more momentous than his stalled personal progress. He was twenty-seven, had left Cambridge without a degree, and never held a job, and he had lost money on each new volume of flowery and outdated verses  a gentleman flaneur, or, in plainer contemporary idiom, a slacker. He now planned to live off of family money while working hard on his poetry, yet he was so unproductive and so short on funds that he would give up the flat in July and return home to Kent. Poetry remained a calling, but, until Sassoons muse awakened under fire, literature was far from a career.

Strangely, the war would transform Sassoon first into an aggressive fighter  he won the military cross for conspicuous gallantry during a raid on the enemys trenches  and then into the author of now-canonical protest poems. But it was his public refusal to return to action  motivated by his belief that soldiers were needlessly suffering for unworthy and ill-defined political goals  that would bring him an unusual fame. Instead of being punished, Sassoon was treated for shell-shock and eventually chose to return to combat.

In June 1914, however, none of this had yet come to pass. Sassoon was adrift, but he had found his way under the wing of Eddie Marsh, private secretary to Winston Churchill and ubiquitous fixer-and-connector of Londons young painters and poets. Marsh bought or published their work, fed them, even put them up in his spare room  come August, his day job would make him all too useful for poets in search of a military commission.

By day, then, Siegfried mooned about London, pretending to work or taking aimless strolls (he was mortified to run into a lonely, elderly friend at the zootwo days in a row). As for the evenings, he had scant acquaintance with opera and none with the ballet, but he could follow directions. On the afternoon of June 23rd, as Sassoon later wrote:

I had now reached what appeared to be the zenith of my London season. For I was hurrying home to boil myself a couple of eggs and thereafter to emerge in full evening dress to attend a Gala Performance of the Russian Ballet

What the Russian Ballet would be like I had no notion [I had said to Eddie Marsh] that I wasnt particularly keen about ballets because nothing much ever seemed to happen in themHis pained and reproachful retort  But its simply the most divine thing in the world! had given me the needed stimulus, and Id made a start by securing a central stall for the London premiere of The Legend of Joseph. This I obtained by luck  the box-office chancing to have a returned ticket when all the seats had been sold. Richard Strauss, who had written the music, was to conduct, and a youthful dancer named Leonide Massine would be making his debut.

This is impressive ignorance, given that the Ballet Russes, under Diaghilev, were scarcely a year removed from that quintessential succes de scandale, Le Sacre du Printemps. Although Sassoon was soon hooked on ballet, his account of the evening focuses (as much of his memoirs do) on his inexperience and his anxiety about his social position.

It was rather as if I had arrived uninvited at an enormous but exclusive party. Borne along by the ingoing tide of ticket-holders, I seemed to be surrounded by large smiling ladies with bejewelled bosoms who looked like retired prima-donnas and whose ample presences were cavaliered by suave grey-haired men who might possibly be successful impresarios. They all seemed to know one another

Sassoon goes on to describe the post-performance posing of Londons glitterati:

Eddie Marsh being the only person among the scintillating audience whom I had any likelihood of knowing, I now set out on a self-conscious cruise in quest of him. Before long I caught sight of him standing at the top of a flight of steps. He was in monocled conversation with a couple of brainy-looking young men in dowdy dinner jackets, to whom I was introduced without quite grasping their names.

One of these young men, in that see-saw intonation which has since become known as the Bloomsbury voice snarkily opined that the decor was surely Berlin-Veronese at its most meretricious.

Poor Sassoon! Out of his depth among such cognoscenti, he duly assimilated the word daycore and went home feeling a bit lonely.

The funny thing is that one of those names he couldnt quite grasp may have been Osbert Sitwell.

Osbert Sitwell as Apollo in Boris Anreps The Awakening of the Muses (1933)

3.

Osbert Sitwell was then only twenty-one, another aimless scion of moneyed country gentry with a troubled family history. This family was both much grander  Osbert would eventually succeed his father as the fifth baronet Sitwell  and more comprehensively screwed-up: Lady Ida had recently been imprisoned for fraud, and Sir George, was so thoroughly eccentric that he exceeded even the standards of the English aristocracy in off-hand cruelty toward his children.

Yet privilege has its privileges, and Osbert knew many of the best and richest people in society, who provided him with a smooth entree into the world of high art. For Sitwell, 1914 marked his personal discovery of avant-garde art. By the time June rolled around he had spent his allowance and gone deeply into debt, but he was no longer aimless  he knew that he wanted to make a career in Modern art.

The one thing he didnt want to be was a soldier  which, of course, he was. His father had decided, several years before, that Osbert needed what we might now call more structure. So, naturally, he arranged an army commission, without  in Osberts telling  his son knowing a thing about it. Which is very hard to believe. In any event, the younger Sitwell was now an officer in the Grenadier Guards, a position that did indeed provide structure, just not quite enough: his occasional changing-of-the-guard duties before Buckingham Palace left plenty of time for artistic exploration and social mountaineering.

When the war begins, then, Lieutenant Sitwell will see combat much sooner than most. He, too, was moved to verse by his months on the Western Front, although his war poems are few and relatively slight. Still, as uniformed literary gadflies, it was natural that he and Sassoon would (again) cross paths, and they did indeed became friends. In the summer of 1918, Osbert will even host a lavish lunch for Sassoon and Wilfred Owen. Sitwell and Sassoon worked together on anthologies and journals after the war, but Osbert and his siblings (the future Dame Edith and their younger brother Sacheverell) soon fashioned themselves into central figures of the Modernist movement. This all became too outre for Sassoon, who broke off the friendship.

But all this, again, lay in the future. Right now  a hundred years ago  Osbert was playing the Misfit Subaltern by day and gorging on high culture by night.

Sitwell was, both naturally and deliberately, a huge snob. He was also a self-mythologizer and a name-dropper. His memoirs are, therefore, very amusing to read, although as an entertainment rather than as capital-L Literature  they provide nothing like the carefully composed ruminations on memory and loss that make Sassoon worth lingering over. When Sitwell writes of 1914 he is seeking not to rediscover his callow younger self but rather to portray the young artist  and all of his famous artist friends  on the first rungs of their climb to greatness:

On June 23rd, I was present at the initial appearance of a great new dancer Massinein after years a valued friend of my brother and myself. La Legende de Josephe, in which he first danced, had been designed as a spectacle, rather than a ballet, to the music of Richard Strauss. In it, figures costumed by Leon Bakst, and such as might have been portrayed by the brush of Paolo Veronese, feasted in an enormous scene, pitched, at a hazard, halfway between Babylon and Venice

That very same comparison to Veronese! Could Sitwell, then, have been the languid blueblood that overawed Sassoon with his description of the daycore? It certainly sounds like him.

Or could this be a clue to a literary conspiracy? Is Sassoon referring to Sitwell without using his name, twitting his pretensions with a memory dating from before their friendship? It would be tempting to think so if it were not so completely out of character for Sassoon  or, rather, so against the grain of the polite, fervently inward personality of the narrator of his memoirs.

Did Sitwell, then, remember meeting Sassoon? He should have: Sassoon came from a disinherited branch of a famously wealthy family. He considered himself more a Kentish Thornycroft than an exotic Jewish Sassoon, but new acquaintances often assumed that he was one of those high society Sassoons. How could Sitwell fail to mark a man with such a noteworthy name? Yet, by the same token, if he had remembered it he surely would have dropped it for us. So, alas, they were probably not introduced that night.

And yet they may have come very close indeed. Bear with me for a moment.

Sitwell is at pains to tell us that, while he immediately recognized these new geniuses, most of the true artists in London were not yet clued in to the ballet. (This is a silly claim, since we can now put two other poets there that night, and it is likely that Rupert Brooke came to the next performance.) Nor did the nodding tiaras and the white kid gloves who did attend  and pay for  the spectacle understand what they were seeing. But, since the rich do throw great parties, Osbert Sitwell, who spans both worlds like a foppish colossus, will now jauntily slide from lecturing us on Important Art to gossiping about the biggest after-parties of the season, affairs hosted by the likes of Lady Ripon, Lady Cunard, and Lady Speyer, at which Debussy and Diaghilev rubbed shoulders with Londons elite.

It was to Lady Speyers vulgar nouveau riche mansion (oh yes indeed  the description is Sitwells; he also calls Lady Speyer lackingin the power of self-criticism and fails to mention that she had been an accomplished professional violinist) that Strauss brought a Tyrolean band, to the annoyance of her neighbors. Lets return now to Sassoon, lonely and headed home:

On my way out of the theatre it had seemed as if everyone except me must be going on somewhere else. In the foyer there had been a conspicuous group of young people one of them had rapturously exclaimed that the party was sure to be marvelous fun and food. Handsome and high-spirited, they had made me wish that I were going with them, even though they were behaving as if theyd bought the whole place. If I were a real rich Sassoon I should probably have been one of them, and should have talked to titled ladies in tiaras and bowed to ambassadors in boxes.

Even the tiaras! And why wouldnt the ambassador attend a premiere conducted by a famous German composer? And what could be more natural than that Lady Speyer  titled, surely tiarad, and, though American by birth, the daughter of a German officer and the wife of a financier of German-Jewish ancestrywould later play host to both?

When Siegfried, then, is home alone, reflecting that somewhere in that London summer night a grand party was being given in honor of the famous German composer to whose applause I had contributed my clapping, its likely that Osbert is hanging about that very party.

If he was, the coincidence is so sharp that it seems like a new sort of historical irony, an actual historical accident that out-writes the best writers. Instead of two separate stories of a young man and the ballet, we now have a stereoscopic image of two poets nearly colliding, then going on their way, one borne off with the society swells, the other headed home to wallow in loneliness and think of poetry. This is even better Last Summer spin than Sassoons song of his own innocence or Sitwells clever invocation of Venice and Babylon  cities famous, respectively, for over-decorated decline and ruinous fall  as he segues from disappointing ballet to uproarious party.

And yet: the very end of Sassoons chapter pulls us back to this moment. What is his younger self thinking, lying in bed that night?

Better for youth to be falling asleep with a snatch of Papillons still dancing in his head than to be acquiring disillusionment in that dazzling limbo of the coldly clever, the self-seeking, and the faithless.

Was this thought thought in 1914, or placed in an innocent 1914 mind by the experienced, memoir-writing man more than a quarter-century later? By then Sassoon had long been committed to writing in a backward-looking pastoral style that can be read as an extended rear-guard action against the onslaught led by the Sitwells, a fighting retreat in defense of the traditional decencies of English poetry. Damn those cold, self-seeking Sitwells: and perhaps the pendulum should begin to swing back from skepticism and coincidence toward credence and conspiracy

Edward Thomas, circa 1905

4.

This return to good English nature poetry can carry us to Edward Thomas, whose life was then so different from either Sassoons or Sitwells that the roles of social butterfly and melancholy poet seem suddenly like childs play. Thomas was thirty-six, living in a country cottage with his three children and his heroically supportive wife Helen, whom he no longer loved. They had married young  and pregnant  and though each came from the educated middle class, they had been legitimately poor, their lives hard. Thomas struggled for years to support his family with his writing, and although he survived bouts of crippling depression to produce dozens of books of criticism and nonfiction  much of it written in swift, striking prose  he saw this as hack work that had prevented him from writing something lasting.

Thomas felt like a failure. Yet when he was reasonably healthy he realized he was lucky not only in his wife but in his friends. These included several of the Georgian Poets  their work recently anthologized by Eddie Marsh  who had settled near the village of Dymock, Gloucestershire. Thomas at times participated in their unique version of ad hoc communal living, which seems to have been something like a half-realized William Morris tract: long walks and arguments, spurts of agricultural labor, children and guests running freely through various houses, and many perplexed stares from the locals.

Thomas believed that the poetry of the Edwardian age was tired and in need of a new direction, and he found confirmation of this in the poetry of Robert Frost, who had brought his family to England in 1912 and later rented a house in the same area. Frost and Thomas soon became fast friends, not least because of the hand-in-glove match between Frosts new work and Thomass theories about the need for a more natural poetic idiomlater this summer Thomas will be giving Frosts North of Boston several rave reviews.

A few weeks before the night of the premiere, though, he had done something courageous, considering his personal demons: he had confessed, in a letter to Frost, that he, too, wanted to be a poet. Thomas had only dabbled in verse before, but he too was close, now, to turning away from a disdained career and rededicating himself to poetry. It took a few months, but by early 1915, even as he began to feel crippling pressure to enlist, poetry was flowing freely from Thomass pen.

And then he did enlist, and went to war, and was killed by a heavy caliber shell on Easter Monday, 1917. There are scarcely two years between the first poem and the last, but this was enough time for Thomas to emerge as a major poet.

Thomas based several of his first poems on observations jotted down in notebooks during the summer of 1914. In fact, the trip to London to see the ballet (though not the ballet itself) ended up providing the kernel of his most beloved poem.

Another friend of Thomass now enters the story  Eleanor Farjeon, a poet and a quiet sort of free spirit who later became a prolific author, largely of childrens literature. She had met Thomas not long before and fallen in love with him. He, it would seem, valued not just her friendship and critical faculties but something in that love itself. This should be the beginning of a bad story. But its not  only a strange one. Eleanor frequently stayed with the Thomases, and her feelings were obvious. But Helen Thomas seemed to believe that, since Edward showed no sexual interest in Eleanor, the disproportionate attraction would strengthen the family bond rather than strain it. Eleanor became a valued reader and editor of Edwards work, and the two women remained friends long after the death of the man they had both loved, each writing memoirs. In Edward Thomas: The Last Four Years, Farjeon includes several of the letters Thomas wrote to her:

My dear Eleanor

We are just starting for Ledbury and are in a real hurry. Last night by the way we were at the ballet and one of the nicest things in that hot air was Joan Thorneycroft [sic] who transpired. Also Thamar, Papillons and Joseph which I liked in that order

Helen and I are

Yours ever

Edward Thomas

So Edward and Helen Thomas, too, were in the audience at the Theatre Royal that night.

And what did he make of it? Well, not muchat least not directly. Who knows if he would have, like Sitwell and Sassoon, re-written a night at a spectacle, rather than a ballet, (the words are Sitwells) into a prime example of the artistic indulgences of the belle epoque. It would have been hard to resist:

It included a magnificent banquet which was the most sumptuous spectacle I had ever seen; and altogether I felt that Id got rather more than a guineas-worth of gorgeousness it is possible that I unconsciously realized that The Legend of Josephas was generally admitted afterwardshad been rather a heavy affaira grandiose failure, in fact. The date of its production subsequently suggested that Belshazzars Feast would have been a more appropriate subject for everyone concerned. Many people must have looked back on that evening as epitomizing the end of an epoch.

This is Sassoon, who, when not focusing on his own experience, inevitably places the performance in the larger context of the Last Summer, alongside the heat, the parties, the preoccupation with Ireland and the Suffragettes, and the indifference, five days later, to news of the assassination of some Archduke somewhere.

5.

This is why a forgettable ballet can be so memorable: like any collective memory, it can be put to different personal uses. For Sassoon, it was at once an initiation and a confirmation of a wan sort of outsider status; for Sitwell, only one star-studded night among many; for Thomas, the gift of a trip to Londona night out, but also a day away.

And yet the ballet caused at least one ripple that did not subside into anecdote Thomas did look back on that trip to London. They had to get back to the country afterwards, and the letter to Eleanor Farjeon, written from his parents house the next morning is perhaps the last thing he wrote before catching the train home. Later that day, stopped at an obscure village station, Thomas scrawled a few lines in his notebook:

Then we stopped at Adlestrop, thro the willows cd be heard a chain of blackbirds songs looking out on grey dry stones between metals & shiny metals & over it all the elms willows & long grassone man clears his throatand a great rustic silence.

In January, Thomas returned to this notebook and wrote Adlestrop, one of the great poems of the English countryside. But its a poem of sense-memory, not immediate impressions, a look back from the wars first winter at a vanished summer. Its four stanzas are the transmutation, by time, of simple observation into elegy.

Beginning Yes, I remember Adlestrop, the poet recalls that view:

And willows, willow-herb, and grass,

And meadowsweet, and haycocks dry,

No whit less still and lonely fair

Than the high cloudlets in the sky.

Thomas might not have loved his night at the ballet, and he did not live to write a memoir of those last days of peacebut he remembered Adlestrop.

6.

There is one final footnote to tack onto the historical record: Sassoon was wrong in thinking that Eddie Marsh was the only person he had any likelihood of knowing that night. The Joan Thornycroft mentioned in Thomass letter was engaged to Eleanor Farjeons brotherand she was Sassoons first cousin. Did she go along with Helen and Edward, or is it just possible that she attended with her cousin, transpired to say hello, and was later churlishly forgotten or mercilessly written out of Sassoons lonely-boy memory-story?

Notheres no real reason to imagine such an odd omission. Besides, its much nicer to believe in the complete coincidence of Marsh, Thornycroft, Sitwell, Sassoon, and the Thomases coming altogether for an evening at the balletand in my being the first to notice.

A small world, and a salutary coincidence, a reminder, here at the centennial-season starting line, of the difference between the uncertain angularity of history as it is lived and the voluptuous story-shape of history as it was written up afterward. Looking back on June, what they wrote about was not a mediocre ballet but a last banquet of the doomed, not an ordinary London summer, but rather a lovely, sun-dappled paradise headed all-unknowing for total eclipse.

Notes for Further Reading:

The first thing to read would be the poetry: all three poets are represented together in many anthologies of First World War Poetry, including the newer Penguin and the Everyman, while both Sassoon and Thomas are published in manageable Collected Works (Sitwells verse is not worth sustained reading).

As for the memoirs, Sitwell may be a minor poet, but his five volumes of autobiography, beginning with Left Hand! Right Hand!, are certainly lively, if out of print. The third volume, Great Morning!, is quoted from above, while Laughter in the Next Room has several friendly anecdotes, from the post-war years, involving Sassoon. Thomas left no memoirs, but there are Helen Thomass, collected in Under Storms Wing, and Eleanor Farjeons Edward Thomas: The Last Four Years, from which the Adlestrop-day letter is quoted. The quotation from Thomass notebook is found in Matthew Holliss excellent Now All Roads Lead to France. All in all, Sassoons six volumes of memoirs, which appeared between 1928 and 1945, are the most interesting sustained literary wrestling match with the war. The first three are fictionalized in a very odd way (they can be found as The Complete Memoirs of George Sherston, and have recently been individually republished), while the next three go back to the beginning in a more open and literary way. The middle volume of this second trilogy, The Weald of Youth, contains the descriptions of the unfateful night at the ballet. For more on Sassoons unusual memoirs, see herethere are also short introductions to Thomas, Sitwell, Brooke, and Marsh.

While I havent found anyone remarking upon the double coincidence of the three poets (Kirsty McLeods The Last Summer records both Sitwell and Sassoons comments on the ballet, but does not mention the fact that they seem to have gone the same night; I dont think anyone has noticed that Thomas was there too) the obsession with poets crossing each others paths is harbored by many otherstheres even an odd book all about it (Harry Rickettss Strange Meetings). The most famous convergence of the poets is that of Sassoonnow playing the grizzled, urbane, and experienced hero/protester/poetand the shell-shocked and as-yet-unpublished Owen at Craiglockhart War Hospital. This became the starting point for Pat Barkers Regeneration trilogy, an unusually powerful intertwining of history and fiction.

For a more careful consideration of the possibility that Sassoon remembers Sitwells presence and is covertly mocking him, or for notes on my far-from-exhaustive efforts to find previous references to this coincidence, see todays entry on the A Century Back blog.
In our lifetimes, NASA could be sending astronauts to Mars. Maybe even setting up a colony there. But first, NASA needs better space suits and landing gear.

Where to turn for help?

The next generation of NASA scientists could be in our local schools.

Perhaps among the students is someone like Helenas own Dava Newman, who designed NASAs BioSuit.

Shes now deputy administrator at NASA.

In her blog, Newman wrote in April, We are closer than ever before to sending American astronauts to Mars than anyone, anywhere, at anytime has ever been.

This week -- NASA educators were in town working with a dozen teachers from seven communities in 21st Century Learning Center after-school enrichment programs from across the state.

Spread out on a table Tuesday morning were such odds and ends as aluminum foil tins, balloons, bubble wrap, cotton balls and straws.

The teachers mission -- to design a prototype space suit to protect their astronaut -- a smiling marshmallow -- when it would be placed in a vacuum chamber that morning.

Oh, poor guy! lamented one teacher, after that groups marshmallow shriveled and shrunk in the chamber.

If its not an airtight cover, it will not protect the astronaut, said Maurice Reynolds, one of the educators contracted by the NASA Glenn Research Center to lead the workshop.

Once the teachers from Boulder, Frenchtown, Centerville, Bigfork, Superior, Alberton and Conrad are trained, their students will be able to talk via video conferencing with NASA scientists.

Hot Springs teachers traveled to Langley Research Center in Virginia in October to work on a global research project, said Mary Ellen Earnhardt, Montanas 21st CLC coordinator for the Office of Public Instruction.

So we have four engineering design challenges, said Rochelle Hesford, who runs the Boulder Elementary 21st CLC program. We can choose which ones we want to do.

We did parachuting onto Mars, she said of an exercise the teachers had done Monday, flipping through her workbook to show the sketches shed created.

Then she, Earnhardt and two teachers from Centerville worked as a team on a collaborative design.

These were the same steps they used in creating their prototype space suit.

The biggest thing that comes out of this training is how to work through the engineering and design process, Hesford said, from identifying the need or problem to researching it and developing something. She will be taking the same workshop exercises back to Boulder to do with her students.

The big thing is scientists fail all the time, and kids need to learn that your first try doesnt always work, so you then go back to the drawing board, she said. Working as a team is really important in this.

I apply it to other things. What I see is the ability of students to think outside the box, where the adults are set in how they are thinking, the students are so malleable. And their ideas are so creative.

Although this project is geared to fifth- through eighth-graders, Hesford has found kindergartners are often the most creative and the quickest problem solvers. Kindergartners will beat the older kids.

Even though future astronauts may not be wearing tin foil or plastic wrap space suits to Mars, the design principles the teachers and students use to protect their marshmallow space man will be the same ones used by NASA, said training coordinator Tracey A. Canale.

Both she and Reynolds are former classroom teachers hired by Paragon Tec and contracted to work with the NASA Glenn Research Center Office of Education to run these training workshops.

People come up with the right answers, she said.

And thats what they want the students to do as well -- problem solve to find the right answers on their own.

The intent of this project, said Robert F. LaSalvia, the division chief of NASAs Office of Education at the Glenn Research Center, is to work with after-school programs across the country to improve science and engineering skills and knowledge. Its to help get kids excited about careers of the future.

We are desperately looking for scientists and engineers to help get us to Mars in the next 20 to 25 years, he said.

Those scientists and engineers are in middle school right now.

Weve taken the research thats most important to us -- protecting astronauts, landing robots on Mars and growing plants in outer space -- things that are really going to matter in our journey, and weve turned them into design challenges for middle school students.

Its the fresh perspective, the innovation, he said of the students that expand the scientists creative thinking. The passion, the creativity, the innovation of the students definitely recharges their batteries.

Were one of 15 states that are doing this, said Earnhardt. Im just so proud of Montana.
In our care

PENDING

WARD, Allie Mae, daughter of Kyler Ward and Lyndsie Route, of Helena, passed away on November 13th. Services are pending at this time and will be announced when arrangements are complete. Memorials in Allies name are suggested to The Ramsey Keller Memorial, 4382 Laredo Pl, Billings, MT 59106. Please visit www.aswfuneralhome.com to offer her family a condolence.

TODAY

LINDSEY, Ona, age 79, of Helena passed away November 10, 2016. A funeral service will be held at 6:00 p.m. today, November 18th at Kingdom Hall-Jehovahs Witness, 21 Colonial Drive, Clancy. A memorial service will be at 3:00 p.m. Saturday November 19th at Hoots Cafe & Motel, 1 mile south of White Bird, Hwy 95, White Bird, Idaho 83554. Please visit www.aswfuneralhome.com to offer a condolence to the family or to share a memory of Ona.

MCCAULEY, George R. age 85, of Helena passed away November 15, 2016. A Funeral Service will be 11:00 a.m. today, November 18th at Anderson Stevenson Wilke Funeral Home, 3750 N. Montana Avenue. Burial with military honors will follow the service at Montana State Veterans Cemetery. A reception will follow burial in the social center of Anderson Stevenson Wilke Funeral Home. In lieu of flowers, memorials in George's name may be sent to God's love, 533 N. Last Chance Gulch or Helena Food Share, 1616 Lewis Street. Please visit www.aswfuneralhome.com to offer a condolence to the family or to share a memory of George.

TUESDAY

SCHENCK, Donald W. Don age 99 of Helena passed away November 11, 2016. A Memorial service celebrating Dons life will be held on Tuesday, November 22, at 11:00 a.m. at Our Redeemers Lutheran Church, 3580 North Benton Ave. in Helena. A lunch reception will follow at the church, followed by interment of both Don and his wife Ethel at the Montana State Veterans Cemetery, Fort Harrison. In lieu of flowers, Memorials are suggested to the Our Redeemers Lutheran Church Memorial Fund, 3580 N Benton Avenue, Helena, Mt 59602. Please visit www.aswfuneralhome.com to offer a condolence to the family or to share a memory of Don.
Connecting two artists that are 4,000 miles apart, The Distinct Sound of Laughter in the Distance is an abstract art exhibition that projects the creativity of a distinct pen pal collaborative from London to Chicago.

London-based artist Edwin and Chicago-native Dont Fret (the latter whose work is currently featured in Netflixs short-film anthology Easy, starring Dave Franco and Orlando Bloom) have been consistently sending each other words, quotes and personal ideologies via social media over the course of a year. The texts explore a catalogue of private, social and political contexts, which are then projected onto the walls in each of the artists' own city.

The exhibition is an intangible encounter. Around the warehouse there are various paintings, drawings, sculptures, ceramics, and thrilling interactive installations, all portraying a different social theme, and current affairs in a creative, satirical fashion. There is a model of Donald Trump hiding behind a brick wall watching the announcement of the Presidential Elections on the television, and within the News and Booze section of the exhibition, there are various sculptured front-page newspapers with comically abstruse headlines, including a painting of a man and baby with the headline, This Kid is a Fucking Idiot Dad at 13. The irony!

The works of Edwin and Dont Fret are abstract ideas and representations of cultures from across the Atlantic, evolved into social interpretations. As 2016 has been significant in terms of political agendas, including Brexit and the US Presidential Election, this has influenced the carving of some of the items on show giving the audience a peculiar point of view on these themes.

Overall the artists both prioritise the conveyance of contemporary social topics through art, which aims to expose messages and ideas, rather than constructing pieces of street art for any sort of status, The Distinct Sound of Laughter in the Distance is a genuine movement containing important modern issues that is also very entertaining to see.

The Unit 5 Gallery in Hackney is a creative-led contemporary and urban art gallery and event space in Londons East End, and for sure worth keeping a look out for up and coming events.

The exhibition runs until 2nd December 2016.
Whether youre heading out or staying in this weekend, its fair to say alcohol will probably feature somewhere.

And while you may wake up wishing you hadnt had that fifth glass of wine, thats not important. Were all about cure rather than prevention when it comes to hangovers, so is there a better way to cure it than with a fry up, coffee and, if things get really bad, hair of the dog?

We spoke to some experts to find out.

1. Hydrate with electrolytes

Alkalife TEN Spring Water: Balanced with a High pH and Rich with Electrolytes #Review https://t.co/WNXWFiSQhJ pic.twitter.com/NDUzdcbiDj  April Stephens (@thisladyblogs) November 16, 2016



Lets start with the obvious. Youre very dehydrated. Alcohol is a diuretic so your body puts its water supplies into your blood to dilute it. Cells then lack the water they need and as the brain is 70% water, it shrinks when dehydrated, causing a headache. Basically, you need to re-hydrate. Although water is great, there might be an even more effective way

Shona Wilkinson, nutritionist at Superfooduk.com, says: Not all water is equal. The control of hydration is in the hands of electrolytes, which are minerals found in water. For your best chance of beating that hangover, choose mineral-rich water or add in some extra electrolytes. Theyre designed for athletes. The water will also help to flush out the toxins, speeding up the detoxification process. Drink a large glass of mineral rich water before bed, take a glass to bed and be sure to drink plenty in the morning.

2. Avoid sugar

If a hangover has you reaching for chocolate or bags of sweets you might want to listen to Dr Marilyn Glenville, author of Natural Alternatives To Sugar, who says to avoid sugar before, during and after drinking.

Alcohol consumption tends to play havoc with energy and blood sugar control. Its better to focus on protein and unrefined carbohydrates, which release glucose slowly, she says. Say no to caffeine and spicy food that cannot only worsen the dehydration, but also irritate your stomach.

3. Eat before bed

Ah, the munchies. A classic symptom of a good night out. It turns out that might not be a bad thing though (as long as its not a donor kebab).

Wilkinson says: Having something nourishing to eat before going to bed will help give you the nutrition that your body needs to detoxify. Getting drunk is taxing so something healthy will go a long way to support your recovery.

Nutritionist Cassandra Barns adds: Stay away from foods that contain high levels of unhealthy fats, including hydrogenated fats found in margarines and processed food, as well as poor quality cheap cooking oils. The liver has to work extra hard to process these types of fats, when it is already under strain dealing with the alcohol and its breakdown products. Unhealthy fats can also worsen any inflammation in the body, which can contribute to hangover symptoms.

4. Go for a run

We appreciate this is probably the LAST thing you want to do on a hangover, but apparently it will make you feel better more quickly that wallowing in your own misery with the curtains closed and Netflix on.

The movement will get your blood circulating and will help speed up detoxification, while the sweating will help you excrete the toxins, Wilkinson says. It will however add to your dehydration. So ensure that you drink plenty of hydrating fluids before, during and after your run.

5. Do yoga

As long as hanging your head upside down doesnt make you feel more sick, yoga can be a great way to shake off a hangover.

Wilkinson says: The movement from the likes of yoga and pilates will help to increase blood flow to all parts of your body, but importantly, your liver. The more blood that passes through, the quicker your liver can detoxify the alcohol. The sweating will help to eliminate the toxins through your skin.

Again though, drink lots of water afterwards. The bonus of yoga is that you can easily find a YouTube video and do the downward dog in your own living room. You know, if the idea of getting out and going to a class is too much for your poor little hungover head.
Whether you have been bullied, witnessed bullying, or been a bully yourself, experts tend to agree on at least one thing: its bad for everyone concerned.

The NSPCC says that bullying is one of the most common reasons for calls received from children, and the charity delivered 25,700 counselling sessions as a result of bullying last year.

The complex and myriad reasons behind why bullying occurs can make identifying it and tackling it a challenge at whatever age. To mark the end of Anti-Bullying Week, we spoke to Helge Hoel, a Professor of Organisational Behaviour at the University of Manchester, who has spent more than two decades looking at the causes and impact of bulling in the workplace.

The Duke of Cambridge has been a strong supporter of anti-bullying campaigns in UK schools (Matt Dunham/PA)

He said: The majority of what we know is about the targets of bullying. We know very little of what is going on inside the heads of those doing it. What we have clearly found is there isnt a victim personality.

Professor Hoel is keen to point out that bullying is all too often associated with psychopathy and wilful harm.

Of course its possible that these people will have those issues, and unfortunately sometimes they will, but its not true that that is commonly the reason.

The issue of trying to get inside the mind of a bully is therefore fraught with difficulty. Here are a few of the possible causes that academic studies have identified over the years:

Stress at home

A stressful or abusive home environment is thought to be the cause of some bullying (OcusFocus/Thinkstock)

A host of familial difficulties are shown to have an impact on the creation of bullies, who are themselves often victims of some wider circumstances beyond their control.

Studies showing a lack of parental supervision, emotional support, domestic violence or conflict, poor parental communication, inappropriate discipline, and a family members involvement in a gang can all play a part in a childs propensity to pick on others.

However, the certainty of these links is unclear. Genetic factors have been shown to account for up to 61% of the variation in bullying behaviour  demonstrating the important link that individual personalities play in explaining the causes of bullying.

Peer support

Studies showed that witnesses to bullying are unlikely to step in to help (Wavebreakmedia/Thinkstock)

Most bullying doesnt happen in isolation. Several observational studies have suggested that two to four peers are present in at least 85% of bullying incidents, and that most examples of bullying behaviour are reinforced by the group, rather than stopped or discouraged.

1997 study by Wendy Craig and Debra Pepler at Queens University in Canada showed that bystanders actively joined in with bullying 21% of the time, and only stepped in to help the victim in 25% of all incidents.

As such, the rewarding nature of bullying from ones peers can lead to reinforcement of the behaviour and an ingrained tendency to pick on others.

Negative environment

Children have been shown to be less likely to report bullying in a negative school environment (bowdenimages/Thinkstock)

Studies in schools have suggested that children are less likely to report bulling if they feel their school carries a negative environment.

The same is true for the workplace, where Professor Hoel said many people fear the consequences of reporting instances of bullying, particularly where the bully holds a managerial position.

He said: I really think theres still a lot of unwillingness to address behaviour. For schools, I do know there are very good anti-bullying programmes, but in terms of the workplace there is an understanding that it is costly.

There is a disagreement on what it looks like: Human Resources and some organisations are unwilling to address it properly.

Individual traits

Children and parents follow actions to a song at an anti-bullying Bootcamp in Tennessee (Doug Strickland AP/PA)

Bullying does not manifest itself from any one personality trait. It has been variably linked to lack of emotion, psychopathic tendencies, conduct problems, endorsement of masculine traits and susceptibility to peer pressure  but no one theme has emerged, and these traits tend to feature in the minority of subjects.

Understanding The Psychology Of Bullying Susan M Swearer and Shelly Hymel said in their 2015 essay,, that our understanding of the psychology of bullying/victimization is much like the chicken or egg conundrum  referring to the complexities of identifying whether or not some behavioural traits in victims provoke bullies into acting negatively towards them.

However, Professor Hoel is more unequivocal in his appraisal: There is absolutely no excuse for bullying. Ever.

Its a bit like when people blame rape victims for wearing short skirts. The truth is were only responsible for our own actions, and we can never condone bullying or say that it is a victims fault.

Community and culture

British rapper Tinie Tempah has been an anti-bullying advocate in the UK (Joe Giddens/PA)

NSPCC report The 2015/16, What Children Are Telling Us About Bullying, showed that racially-motivated bullying incidences spiked after major world events, such as the 2015 Paris attacks, or the Orlando shootings in Florida.

The report said: In many cases, the constant abuse and negative stereotyping resulted in low self-worth and young people frequently blamed themselves, wishing to change who they were.

Other studies have found bullying to be a more prominent part of societies where violence is tolerated or condoned, unsafe neighbourhoods and even violent video games.

Unfortunately bullying today is as prevalent and complicated as ever, but Professor Hoel does at least feel companies are starting to acknowledge that it is a problem. There may be some way to go before we truly understand how to solve it for good.
For those unfamiliar, the adaptation of Philip Dick's novel explores an alternative history - one where the Allied forces lost the Second World War. The show is set in 1962 America, split between the rule of Nazi Germany and Imperial Japan, with a small buffer of neutral ground between the two.Despite the fascist takeover, there are still Americans who believe in democracy and freedom. Cue the resistance movement. Lead actress Alexa Davalo finds herself accidentally caught up in this after the death of her freedom fighter sister.She's tasked with finishing her sister's work - namely, transporting an illegal newsreel. The film shows the Allied forces winning the war. But where does this come from and what does it mean? Judging by the trailer, it looks like season two will be able to give us these answers. Based on last season, we can safely assume that it is the eponymous Man in the High Castle who is distributing the newsreels that the resistance are so focussed on. And it looks like we'll finally meet him - Juliana Crane (Davalo) is shown in a mystery location with a mystery man: "You're him aren't you? This is your castle." Looks like some metaphors at work. In case we'd forgotten, we also get a real taste of fascist America in the new trailer. Rufus Sewell's icy Nazi commander makes an appearance - he's also after the films - assuring his doubting operative Luke Kleintank that they are working in the interests of the Fuhrer. His character, Joe Blake, appears in a lot of the quick clips of the trailer and in some pretty dramatic situations, suggesting he'll have an even more important role to play... And finally, we get a glimpse of Tagomi (Cary-Hiroyuki Tagawa). The Japanese politician is shown mulling over his ambigious morality once more: "If they die, it's because I have failed to prevent it". Who is he talking about? The trailer doesn't give it away - it shows most of the series' old and new characters in pretty dicey situations and if there's one thing we do know from the first season, its that this America is a cruel new world...
The Montana Petroleum Association (MPA) represents a broad range of companies operating in the oil and gas industry, including pipeline companies and surveyors, environmental consultants, and subcontractors that work on pipelines. In advocating for a competitive business climate for our members, much of our time is spent working to promote a regulatory environment that ensures some semblance of certainty to those looking to make meaningful investments in Montana.

In North Dakota, construction of the Dakota Access Pipeline has been delayed in spite of receiving approval from the Army Corps of Engineers in July, as well as every operational permit required by law, following an extensive public comment period, wherein current protesters were nowhere to be found. Additionally, 100 percent of voluntary easement agreements have been secured with the properties along the route in North Dakota, where recent protests have stopped progress of the pipeline which had been projected to be operational by the end of the year.

Earthjustice filed a lawsuit against the Army Corps on behalf of the Standing Rock Sioux Tribe of South Dakota, alleging they had not engaged in meaningful consultation with the tribe as required by law, and that federal regulations governing environmental standards and historic preservation had been ignored. The Corps confirmed, however, that the pipeline did not cross tribal lands, and on Sept. 9, Judge James Boasberg of the D.C. District Court, who denied the Tribes lawsuit, stated that the Corps had sufficiently followed federal law in approving the pipeline, and that because the majority of the pipeline sites were on private land, claims of harm to tribal archaeological sites were unsubstantiated.

The same day as the federal judge denied the Tribes lawsuit, however, three federal administrative agencies, including the Army Corps, stepped in to halt construction of the pipeline by requesting Energy Transfer Partners, the owner of the Dakota Access Pipeline, to voluntarily pause all construction activity within the contested area near Lake Oahe. Now, the Army Corps will move to reconsider any of its previous decisions regarding whether the pipeline respects federal law.

Bear in mind that the pipeline operator has already undergone a rigorous permitting process, including consultation with a subcontractor, GeoEngineers, which assessed impacts of the project to natural features, cultural resource features or above ground structures, and found none. The crossing at Lake Oahe would be placed approximately 92 feet below the bottom of Lake Oahe.

MPA understands the threat of a federal administration swayed by lawsuits and unlawful protests. Obstruction and delays of projects, i.e. the Keystone XL pipeline, has been the cornerstone of the Obama Administrations mismanagement of public lands.

Pipelines are lifelines to the American economy and modern way of life. They are the safest means of transporting petroleum products, and are an indispensable economic engine across the country.

As the U.S. Chambers Institute for 21st Century Energy reported from a recent study, banning energy development on federal lands would cost the United States $11.3 billion in annual royalties, 380,000 jobs, and $70 billion in annual GDP. Nearly 25 percent of Americas oil, natural gas, and coal production would come to a grinding halt.

Businesses which follow the letter of the law should be granted the right to operate. We cannot afford the uncertainty created by lawsuits, delays, and last minute reconsideration of permitted activities, and we certainly cannot afford decisions made to support a Keep it in the Ground agenda.

Alan Olson is the executive director of the Montana Petroleum Association.
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MISSOULA -- Sue and Tim Furey looked back as they drove away from the refugee camp and saw a young boy standing in the road, crying.

The boy, Aman, was one of hundreds of people at the Diavata refugee camp outside Thessaloniki, Greece. He had taken to the Furey family, and especially their service dog, a yellow Lab named Rosie.

Sue Furey, a Sentinel High special education teacher, took a sabbatical last school year. From August 2015 to March 2016, she and her husband were in Belgrade, Serbia. She volunteered at an agency that works with adults with disabilities.

Afterward, they headed for Greece to help at the refugee camps.

It wasn't their original plan. They wanted to help at an orphanage in Romania  Furey had two students in Missoula who were adopted from Romanian orphanages  but found it was going to be too expensive. They would have paid about $2,000 to help for two weeks.

So they took off for Lesbos, the Greek island that's become the main entry point for refugees into Europe. Then in March, the borders closed and refugees were stranded in Greece. Many went to inland refugee camps.

"It was really an eye-opener," Furey said. "They're coming from their countries with nothing. They're escaping terror."

***

More than 1 million refugees have come through Greece since 2015, according to the International Rescue Committee.

The refugee population there currently tops 61,000, stranded in Greece due to border closures and the European Union-Turkey migrant agreement.

Diavata is one of 52 refugee camps in Greece, according to the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees, with a capacity of 2,500 people. Greek refugee camps' capacity ranges from 120 to 4,200, according to UNHCR's October report.

Diavata is a converted Greek army base, now with tents and housing units. As of October, there were 672 refugees at Diavata.

The Fureys' service dog became "Rosie the ambassador." While she wasn't allowed in the camp, the Fureys brought her to the gate at noon every day and the kids swarmed. She brought a lot of comfort and helped bridge the language barrier between many refugees and the volunteers, Furey said.

"The kids were super happy," she said. "They just figured out how to play and be joyful. But the parents were terrified."

At the camp, the Fureys gave out food, diapers, toiletries, clothes and infant formula. According to the UNHCR, in October half of the refugees at Diavata were women and children. The majority were Syrian.

"We felt bad because we couldn't give them everything," she said. "There was a limit."

***

One family they met had fled Iraq, and spoke English.

The father had a Ph.D. in archaeology and knew all there was to know about the mosques in Mosul. The majority were destroyed by the Islamic State, and because this man had extensive knowledge of the mosques, his life was threatened.

The family fled.

They went to Turkey first and thought they would go to Austria so the man could become a visiting professor at a university. Then the borders closed and they, along with their four children, were stranded at Diavata.

The mother, who has an advanced degree in physics, was in tears, Furey said.

"I don't know what is going to happen to my family," she told Furey.

In April, a line of tents burned to the ground after a cooking fire.

"You're living in a tent with nothing, and then that tent burns down," Furey said Wednesday morning in her classroom. "But by the next morning, the Army had cleared it all away and the (UNHCR) had put up new tents."

Furey attended Soft Landing Missoula's presentation two weeks ago on refugee resettlement in Missoula. Since August, five Congolese families, four Iraqis and two Eritreans have come here. As many as 150 refugees could be resettled in Missoula in the next year.

"I think everyone should see that," she said of information on who refugees are, where they're coming from and why they're fleeing. "These people aren't criminals. The rhetoric that they're all going to come here and rape our women is so discouraging.

"There are people out there running for their lives."

Rather than letting her anger consume her, Furey took action. In all, Furey said volunteering at the refugee camp was a good experience, one she wishes she could do again.

"I don't get dysfunctional when I'm emotional," she said. "I mostly get pissed off and fired up. It makes you want to help, and tell people about it. This is 2016. This shouldn't be happening."

***

The best part, she said, was the children  including Aman.

"Those kids we met, their whole life has been war," she said.

Aman became somewhat of a "dog handler," Furey said. He would rally the other kids when he knew Rosie was coming and they would all go to the gate to play with her.

On their last day at the camp in June, they brought Rosie around one last time to play with the kids.

Then they loaded up the car and drove away.

They saw Aman standing in the road crying, and it brought Furey's husband, Tim, to tears.
29 illegal businesses removed from Phukets Nai Thon Beach

PHUKET: More than 20 business set up along along Nai Thon Beach were removed or demolished by officials this morning (Nov 18).

constructionmilitary

By Tanyaluk Sakoot

Friday 18 November 2016, 02:36PM

Officials removed 29 illegal businesses from Nai Tho Beach this morning (Nov 18). Photo: Royal Thai Navy

The Royal Thai Navy Third Area Command reported to press this afternoon that Sirinath National Park officials together with Thalang District Deputy Chief Danai Jaikeng, Sakoo Tambon Administration Office (OrBorTor) officials and members of the Royal Thai Navy together demolished 29 business set up along Nai Thon Beach.

Kittipat Tharapiban, Chief of Sirinath National Park, told The Phuket News, More than 60 officials have been involved in an operation this morning to remove illegal businesses set up along Nai Thon beach road.

Vendors gave us no problems when we removed their businesses and nobody complained, he said.

Some of the owners of the businesses even removed their structures themselves. Now there are no more businesses in operation in the area, he added.

When asked why the businesses had been removed, Mr Kitiphat said, I dont know the reason, I was just asked to join the Royal Thai Navy in the operation.
39 Phuket motorists arrested or fined at Kathu checkpoint

PHUKET: Traffic Police from Kathu Police Station arrested or fined 39 people for various offences after carry out routine checks on motorists passing through at the Kathu Police Station checkpoint this morning (Nov 18).

crimepolicetransport

By Yutthawat Lekmak

Friday 18 November 2016, 05:48PM

Police check vehicles passing through the Kathu Police Station Checkpoint. Photo: Kathu Traffic Police

Lt Col Sarawul Choprasit of the Kathu Traffic Police told The Phuket News today, We carried out a big check on motorists passing through the Kathu Police Station Checkpoint this morning and the checks resulted in 39 motorist being either arrested or fined.

The charges were as follows:

Not wearing a helmet - 7

Carrying illegal weapons - 3

3. No drivers licence - 15

4. No Compulsory Insurance - 14

Lt Col Sarawul added, If you dont want to be arrested or fined then simply follow the law.
Phuket airport officials investigate incident resulting in damaged plane

PHUKET: Investigations are still ongoing into how much damage was caused to an Aeroflot plane involved in an incident prior to take-off from Phuket International Airport on Monday night (Nov 14). The incident resulted in the Moscow-bound flight being cancelled.

accidentstransport

By The Phuket News

Friday 18 November 2016, 04:27PM

The damage was caused by passengers stairs attached to the plane. Photo: Boris Suhanov

Phuket International Airport told The Phuket News today (Nov 18) that an incident involving Aeroflot flight SU274/275 happened at 9:30pm on Monday night and that the plane had been damaged by airplane passenger stairs attached to the plane.

At 9:30 pm on Monday an airport engineer was called to look into an incident and check damage caused to an Aeroflot planes door, which was said to have been damaged by airplane passenger stairs.

As a quick-fix solution the engineer forced closed the door so that it would stay shut.

Following this, the Aeroflot Maintenance Control Center (MCC) was called in to move the Boeing 777 to the aircraft stand so that the damage could be assessed.

We can confirm that nobody was injured in the incident and that all 284 passengers were provided with accommodation until an alternative flight was arranged.

An investigation into the damage caused to the plane is continuing.

When asked by a The Phuket News reporter about Mondays incident, Director of Phuket International Airport, Monrudee Gettupan, said, We know about this incident and understand that it was not serious.

As per our standard procedures, investigations into the incident are ongoing, she said.
Police arrest Australian fugitive

BANGKOK: A 69-year-old Australian man wanted by Interpol for alleged abduction and extortion was arrested by Thai police yesterday (Nov 17) at a hotel on Sukhumvit Rd.

crimeimmigrationpolice

By Bangkok Post

Friday 18 November 2016, 09:19AM

Eglitis: Served term for extortion

Guido Eglitis was detained in the lobby of the Marvel Hotel on Sukhumvit Soi 22, Lt Col Anak Prasongsuk, Deputy Duperintendent of the Crime Suppression Division (CSD), said.

The arrest came after police received a tip-off from an intelligence source, saying a suspicious Australian man wanted by Interpol had entered into the country.

Following the tip-off, Lt Col Anak said he contacted the Royal Thai Polices International Affairs Division for more information and learned Eglitis had entered Thailand after leaving Siem Reap in Cambodia.

He said he also discovered Eglitis was wanted by Australian police and Interpol for abducting a compatriot and extorting money from the victim.

Lt Col Anak said police also found B50,000 had been transferred from France to the suspects bank account. A police search of the suspects hotel room found nothing illegal, he added.

Eglitis said he did not realise he was still wanted by Australian police, claiming he had already served a sentence for the offence.

Lt Col Anak said the suspect also told police he had served a one-year jail term in Cambodia after being convicted of extorting local people and had come to Thailand as a tourist.

However, according to police, Eglitis abducted a 58-year-old Australian man and held him in a house in Queensland to extort money from him in May 2009. His victim later managed to escape from the house and lodged a police complaint against the suspect.

Eglitis and his accomplices were arrested by police and later released on bail. This prompted Eglitis to flee from his home country and hide in Cambodia, Lt Col Anak said.

While in Cambodia, the suspect extorted money from residents and was caught by local police. When he was freed by Cambodian authorities, he flew to Thailand, he added.

Thai officials are working with Australian authorities to speed up the extradition process so the suspect can be repatriated back to his home country, Lt Col Anak said. Police say Eglitis has a 30-year history of crime and featured in a 1998 Australian book Scams and Swindlers.

National police chief Chakthip Chaijinda has also ordered the Immigration Bureau to blacklist Eglitis because of his reported extensive criminal record, he said.

Read original story here.
Projects underway to restore Phukets eroded beaches

PHUKET: Officials from Sirinath National Park have confirmed that conservation projects are now underway to restore Phuket beaches damaged by erosion over the past two months.

landnatural-resourcesweather

By Yutthawat Lekmak

Friday 18 November 2016, 05:06PM

Chief of the Phuket Lifeguard Service says beaches are getting back to normal now the storms have passed. Photo: Phuket Lifeguard Service

Sirinath National Park Chief, Kitipas Tharapibal, told The Phuket News today (Nov 18), As people know, weather over the past two months has caused erosion to some of Phukets west coast beaches. Damage at some beaches has resulted in trees along the beach falling down. (See story here.)

Our office now has an ongoing project to restore these beaches. We believe affected areas include about 100 metres of beach at Nai Yang and around 25 metres at Mai Khao. The first step will be to remove remains of the fallen trees, he said.

When asked whether Phuket will see a similar project to that announced on Wednesday (Nov 16) that will see beaches in Pattaya be restored (see story here), Mr Kitipas said, We will start a project the same as they are doing in Pattaya. And Phuket will receive a budget of B70 million to restore damaged beaches.

The project will help restore 2,500 metres at Sai Kaew Beach and 1,000 metres at Nai Yang Beach. We hope to receive the budget for this project soon, he said.

Meanwhile, Prathaiyut Chuayuan, President of Phuket Lifeguard Service (PLGS) told The Phuket News today (Nov 18) that following the storms Phukets beaches are now getting back to normal.

Both Nai Yang Beach and Mai Khao Beach are back to looking beautiful and there are many people returning to the beaches now that the storms have passed.

It is nice to once again see a blue sky together with the emerald ocean, I hope we will preserve our natural environment for the next generation, Mr Prathaiyu said.
BUTTE -- A woman injured in a fire at the Silver Bow Homes housing complex on Sunday has died in the burn center at the University of Utah in Salt Lake City.

Butte-Silver Bow Coroner Lori Durkin on Thursday confirmed that Betty Jean Zitting, 69, was the victim in the fire. Zitting died Wednesday.

Her clothes had caught fire while she tried to put out the fire, and as a result, she was burned on a large portion of her body, authorities said.

City firefighters responded to a report of a woman injured by fire in the 600 row of Silver Bow Homes near Uptown Butte just before 5:30 p.m. Sunday.

Upon arrival, firefighters observed light smoke showing from the front door of the residence. Upon entering the apartment, crews encountered a fire that had been started by a candle and consumed a seat cushion. At that point, the fire was mostly extinguished by the lone resident, Zitting.

Crews focused their attention on Zitting, who had sustained severe burns in her efforts to douse the fire, according to the fire department's report.

Crews quickly helped the victim with assistance from A-1 ambulance, who transported her to St. James Healthcare. From there, she was taken to the burn unit in Salt Lake City.

The apartment sustained minimal smoke and zero fire damage, the release said. The Butte-Silver Bow Fire Investigation Team determined the cause to be accidental when a candle spilled. Fire crews cleared the scene just after 6 p.m.

Funeral services for Betty Zitting will be conducted at 11 a.m. Saturday in the Chapel of Duggan Dolan Mortuary.
South Dakota State football determined to avoid letdown loss

Top-ranked Jackrabbits can clinch home field playoff advantage by winning last two games
By Nora Coghlan

coghlann17@grinnell.edu

On Feb. 11, 1986 Sara Croft 87, a third year at the time, returned to her art exhibition in the Forum to find that her work had been vandalized. The human figures Croft had crafted with wire were bent into sexually explicit positions and newspaper clippings on the AIDS epidemic were stripped down from their original positions and placed on top of the smashed sculptures.

In an article in The S&B the following week, Croft stated that she believed the vandalism was an act of homophobic violence. Among several reports of homophobic graffiti in Burling and the defacement of posters for queer groups on campus, the vandalism of Crofts work incited protests in support of the gay community. Nearly 100 students rallied outside the office of the then Dean of Student Affairs, Jim Tederman, calling the administration to open a resource center as a safe meeting and educational space for Grinnells queer community.

In October of that same year, Grinnell opened its first Human/Gay Resource Center. Now 30 years later, the space known as the Stonewall Resource Center (SRC) still proudly offers Grinnellians support groups, activities, educational tools and a strong sense of community.

Last week, the SRC celebrated its third decade of hard work through Queer Cultures Week, hosting Pub Quiz, an ice cream social, a clothing swap, a performance by the Des Moines Gay Mens Chorus and Fall Drag Show.

SRC Outreach Coordinator Takshil Sachdev 19 dubbed the events a success.

I think overall the thirtieth was pretty good  We did our best in making sure that it was memorable, said Sachdev. [It] was a really important week in my life. It definitely defined some of my experiences here and Im just glad that I got this opportunity.

The SRC also partnered with the Department of Alumni Relations to invite several SRC Alumni, ranging from the class of 1988 all the way up to the class of 2015.

SRC Library and Space Coordinator Magyar 17 said that the opportunity to meet with alumni not only provided opportunities for community building, but also important information about SRC history.

I have so much respect for the queer alumni, they said. It was so great, getting to talk to them and hear what the SRC was like when they were here, especially because there is so little institutional memory  Its nice to know that life as a queer person keeps going on after Grinnell and they have stories that are hilarious and that are interesting about their time at the SRC and  it was so nice to have that opportunity that you usually dont get because  theres no real archive.

While the SRC has served the Grinnell community for many years, the visiting alumni provided new perspectives on how the SRCs mission has changed and adapted to better meet the needs of students today.

The SRC used to be much more focused on fighting homophobia on campus back in the 80s when you would have people postering homophobic messages openly across campus  to an extent that you maybe dont see now, Magyar said. [Even] though homophobia is still  very much a problem that we deal with on campus today  I think the shape of that has changed as the climate in Grinnell and in the US has changed over time.

Given the results of the recent election, Sachdev and Magyar expect to see the SRCs focus continue to shift. Specifically, they intend to continue adapting their services to combat the increase in homophobia and homophobic violence in the days after Donald Trumps election.

In order for the SRC to accomplish its mission and to do that well, it needs to be a space that can serve not just the College, but the community as well  especially now, after the election, Sachdev said. It could be so much more than it is now if it had a more welcoming and a more accessible and a more central space.

According to Magyar, plans are underway to make the space more accessible.

Making the SRC an accessible space is a big concern for us. Weve been fighting for this for a long time  but those [plans] always seem to fall apart, they said. So we definitely want to continue fighting for that, especially this spring.

Queer Cultures Week provided a space for students to keep their spirits high, even in times when national politics are not in line with the SRC. Sachdev said that he and many other students were not happy with the results of Nov. 8s election.

Obviously the election not turning out how [I] wanted it to on Wednesday dampened my spirits a little bit, but Queer Cultures Week  kept me going, Sachdev said. Having that support from returning alumni, from our current students and so much queer programming in one week definitely kept me grounded  and kept me happy.

Three decades after the destruction of Sara Crofts exhibition, Grinnell still faces challenges to the safety and comfort of its students. But the SRC continues to fight for equality and community for all Grinnellians. Trans Advocacy Group (TAG) is hosting a candlelight vigil for Trans Day of Remembrance on Sunday, Nov. 20 at 5 p.m. in the JRC courtyard

I think its important, even if things look pretty blue, to keep fighting, Magyar said. And having a space for that is more important than ever.
By Louise Carhart

carhartl17@grinnell.edu

As the country continues to reel from the election of President-Elect Donald Trump, the results of his election have been all too tangible for those targeted by racist ideology. In the City of Grinnell, this has manifested in harassment cases involving college students but also reaching farther into the daily lives of residents. Incidents at Grinnell-Newburg Community High School (GHS) have increased with the results of Election Day, preventing many students from feeling secure in their place at the school.

A young man was running down the hall and he told someone to get shipped back to Mexico and thats when the principal said a Hispanic student had a panic attack, said Anita DeWitt 17, SGA president. [The principal] also had to give a suspension because someone said ship that n- back to Africa.

Incidents like these have caused some students to feel threatened in their place as community members. Students have formed a Diversity Alliance that has met with DeWitt to facilitate conversations about what they can do to protect themselves as well as confront the reality of their situation. As Trump takes office, it will likely become increasingly hard for already marginalized groups to feel normal.

DeWitt, along with Cassidy Hilburn 20, visited GHS and plan to continue reaching out and encouraging dialogue between the College and GHS.

[We are thinking of] having peoples reaction to the election [in a public place] but without names or anonymously, and this will be students, it will be faculty, it will be community members, itll be high schoolers and college students and youll be able to reflect and take it in and no ones talking at you or to you, DeWitt said. We havent been able to have that yet.

This idea is meant to bridge the gap between GHS and the College and provide the resources available at the College to those in need of them. More immediately, DeWitt hopes to meet with the principal and the Diversity Alliance again to help establish their next steps.

Town Incidents

In regards to incidents within the City of Grinnell, there has not been an increase in the number of hate crimes in the days following the election. Grinnell Police Chief Dennis Reilly said that although reports have been made regarding harassment based on identity, these events cannot be classified as hate crimes under the Iowa Legal Code.

Harassment is conduct with the intent of annoying or alarming someone. Harassment is usually verbal  usually in terms of calling at late or inconvenient hours or repetitive contact despite the person saying I dont want to talk to you, Reilly said. If acts of ignorance could be channeled into harassment charges, we would be locking up a lot of people.

While Reilly has encountered many cases over his five years of service regarding harassment of students based on what would normally fit under a hate crime criteria, the Iowa Legal Code prevents filing any type of harassment as a hate crime. Without this legal backing, it is difficult to pursue harassment charges.

[When I worked in] New Jersey there must have been 15 offenses that could be classified as a bias incident. In Iowa theres only a couple. For example, harassment is not one of them, Reilly said. Quite frankly when I got here and got to know the Iowa code a little bit, I went I wonder why?

Reilly brought up the importance of reporting harassment directly to the police as soon as possible. Instead of calling Campus Safety first and giving the perpetrator more time to distance themselves from the scene, immediately calling 911 and informing the dispatcher of the direction the perpetrator is headed in often results in a higher chance of catching them.

Three or four years ago when I met with student government and this topic came up and I said you guys have got to be calling 911, the College administrations heads went 360  because thats not what ingrained in the College, Reilly said.
By Lily Bohlke

bohlkeli@grinnell.edu

This week marks Grinnells first Social Class Awareness Week. Questbridge liaison Tim Burnette 19 collaborated with the Questbridge team and Intercultural Affairs to plan a slew of events, including talks by professors, a student panel and a film screening.

The week began on Monday, Nov. 14 with a first generation student talk by Professor Liz Queathem, biology. On Wednesday, Professor Kesho Scott, sociology, delivered a talk called Low Income and First-Gen in Higher Ed. On Thursday, Professor Fredo Rivera 06, art history, spoke about Social Class and Academia. Later that evening, there was a Low Income Student Panel. The week will finish off tonight at 7 p.m. in ARH 302, with a showing of Low Income @Grinnell by Kara Jones 00.

Beyond this designated week, however, Burnette hopes discussions about social class will continue on campus. In the film Low Income @Grinnell, Jones emphasizes dress down culture, in which affluence is often not visible through appearance and clothing. Burnette said that although it may be less applicable now than it was in 2000, the culture behind affluence still exists at Grinnell.

There are people here who arent middle class, who arent rich. There are people here who dont have family members who have ever been to college. Social class comes up in conversations but it usually doesnt come up in a Grinnell context, Burnette said.

Burnettes goal for the week is both to raise awareness about the presence of class differences at Grinnell and to reassure students who are low income or first generation that there are support systems and resources in place, as well as other students and faculty who can relate.

I hope students know that there are resources among faculty and staff for thinking about issues of class on Grinnells campus, but more broadly throughout the town, Rivera said. I hope it comes up more broadly throughout this week, particularly given the recent election, that we think about the politics of class and what it means from within our bubble on campus and then outside of that.

Supportive resources on financial politics are especially important during a transition period, such as the current transition into Donald Trumps presidency. Rivera explained that Grinnellians who rely on federal financial aid need to be aware of changing educational and financial policies. When Rivera was a Grinnell student in the early 2000s and President George W. Bush was elected, Pell Grant funding structures were transformed.

One of my colleagues was impacted. She was eligible for the Pell Grant her freshman year; she was not eligible the following year. The threshold had changed, he said. How we qualify low income students  [is based] on certain criteria that are in flux and dependent on certain political contexts.

To encourage discussions about socioeconomic diversity on campus, Rivera helped found a group called Grinnellians for Economic and Social Diversity when he was a student. According to Rivera, there was less socioeconomic diversity at Grinnell in the early 2000s than there is now, particularly in regards to racial and ethnic diversity.

We wanted to discuss diversity in an intersectional manner and also deal with things the campus wasnt dealing with back then. [In my talk,] I wanted to give that history of student activism and think about the significance of class diversity and issues around diversity [over the course of] the past two decades on campus, Rivera said.

Grinnellians for Economic and Social Diversity initiated a textbook lending library, from which low income students could borrow textbooks and course materials for a semester, donated by past students who had taken the course. After the group members graduated, the lending library died out.

Its a matter of resources, investment and student interest, Rivera explained.

Last year, however, Burnette started a new textbook lending library on campus. He plans to continue discussions about social class to make sure all Grinnellians are aware of the socioeconomic diversity of students, and how that applies to everyday life.

Burnette emphasized the importance of realizing that not everyone is able to go out to eat or go to the movie theater. He said he is lucky to have found a group of friends who understand his situation, but not all low-income students do.

All the events [in Social Class Awareness Week] are intended for everyone. My goal with the whole week is to have professors and students talk about their experiences so that everyone can hear it, Burnette said. Its just as much to raise awareness as to say youre not alone. For the students who are low-income, first-gen, there are people like you, there are professors like you. I want people to acknowledge and realize that [social class] is present.
Caroline Heldman, a professor at Occidental College, has spent years fighting against the injustices of sexual assault on college campuses. This week, Heldman came to campus to give a talk entitled The New Campus Anti-Rape Movement. Prior to their talk, The S&B met with Heldman to discuss their expertise.

The S&B: In recent years, theres been a major focus on sexual assault on campus. What has been the role of both grassroots activism and the Obama Administration?

Caroline Heldman: Even though activists have been pushing for this for decades, its really student activism using social media. Social media allows students to hold institutions directly accountable using essentially consciousness raising and shaming through social media. The Obama Administration has been key to all of this. The big thing that they did policy-wise was to issue whats called a Dear Colleague letter, which is a directive from the top of the Department of Education to the rest of the department saying we are now going to consider sexual violence on college campuses a Title IX issue.

The S&B: What affect has this focus had on reducing rape and sexual assault?

CH: We have seen the rates of reported rape and sexual assault go up dramatically. I think we are many years away from having the best practices for addressing campus rape, and I would go a step further to say that most college administrations are more focused on risk reduction than they are on sexual violence reduction.

The S&B: Are college administrators, rather than the courts, the best people to deal with sexual assault?

CH: Yes, for two reasons. One is that college campuses are required to provide an equitable learning environment, which means that they have an obligation that is distinct from the criminal code. The second reason is that the only place that is worse than colleges and universities at adjudicating sexual violence is law enforcement. We know that out of every 100 rapes that occur in civil society, just over two rapists will ever see a day in jail.

The S&B: Once the 2016 Republicans control the Presidency and Congress, how will the Department of Educations approach change?

CH: I think a lot will change, but it wont change formally. I dont think a Trump administration would have the audacity to issue a Dear Colleague letter that overturns the Dear Colleague letter from 2011, because that would just be such an egregious violation of how we understand justice for survivors on college campuses. But I do think the Trump administration will slow down the process in terms of implementation. So all Trump has to do is tell any department or administration, I dont want to focus on this set of policies anymore, and if thats the case, the 200 plus Title IX and Clery cases that are open right now, they would essentially be delayed or not investigated.

The S&B: According to the Washington Post in 2012 Grinnell had the second highest rate of sex offenses among colleges analyzed, at 10.75 cases per 1000 students. How should this be interpreted?

CH: Campuses that have high reporting rates of sexual violence tend to be doing a much better job of creating a comfortable environment for survivors to report. So Grinnells numbers are likely well below what the real numbers are, but my guess is that theyre just closer to the real numbers because you must have some mechanisms on campus that facilitate reporting.

Contributing reporting by Philip Kiely, Zane Silk and Michael Cummings
By the time this letter to the editor is published, you will probably have read many think-pieces about a Trump presidency, about Republican control of the legislative and judicial branch, and what that means for the next four years and beyond. There is no doubt that it is a tumultuous time, but Grinnell has rallied as a community, provided spaces for discussion and is ultimately poised to move forward.

There are a seemingly infinite number of issues that can and should be discussed, but we want to focus on the local level, and what we can do today and tomorrow at Grinnell. First, we feel that resolutions for student safety must be adopted immediately. The financial and administrative resources are there, and Grinnell students must hold the administration accountable for the power that they have to help students in a time that is fearful and anxiety-ridden for many.

For some of our student body, it can feel like the first time that we were worried as a community about the safety of our students, and of the safety of these underrepresented identities in particular. But it is vital to remember that this harassment didnt start today. People have been dealing with these realities every single day of their lives.

Small steps forward can be taken immediately. We hope that Grinnell students will take a chance to learn about the Hate Crimes and Bias-Motivated Incidents Policy, and then report and document bias-motivated incidents. If you have seen a truck waving a Confederate flag around campus, for example, there are options available for targeted individuals and groups to report these incidents, so Grinnell can build a case against the perpetrators.

Secondly, the men on the presidential-elect ticket have insulted and attacked a huge number of identities that we hold dear. We hope that faculty and administration members will accommodate and assist students worried about their status on our campus, at home and in any space they are part of. The College must commit (through the Office of International Students) to helping undocumented students, educating international students about the citations they can receive for protesting and other factors of their status in the US that may soon change drastically.

We must also hold our College administration accountable for reflecting on national issues. Minimum wage, Title IX policy and birth control are all pressing subjects that affect students on a daily basis, and averting our attention is irresponsible and dangerous. As fourth-years, we have seen numerous iterations of student groups dedicated to fighting these battles. These efforts must never cease.

In terms of immediate support, we encourage anyone who wishes to talk about these issues to reach out to Rabbi Rob, Deanna Shorb, and other members of Grinnells Care Team. Reassuringly, steps are already being taken to improve community involvement. A mandatory orientation is in discussion by the Residential Learning Task Force, which will cover sexual assault, diversity and wellness. By changing and adapting institutionalized structures, Grinnell students can help insure that the community and College are more accepting and inclusive. Along the same lines, we encourage students to critique implicit bias trainings for faculty and staff, so that their identities are better understood and appreciated.

On a different note, voices are often left out at Grinnell when these opinions may not fit snugly into the mainstream Grinnell values. For example, after a previous Town Hall about unpopular identities, we are still struggling to understand why cant we talk about unpopular identities at Grinnell. Why, for example, did a pro-life student group only come into the SGA offices after Trump won? It is important to start locally: both SGA and The Scarlet and Black have a responsibility to serve as campus voices, and to foster education and conversations around Grinnell. In this vein, there are fellow students on campus who care about something different, and have different priorities that influence their vote. We want to ensure that their voices will also be heard, that these ideologies are not left out of the perceived homogeneity at Grinnell, so long as they do not infringe on the rights of other students.

It is unhealthy for students to harbor paranoias about the beliefs of people around them, and we want to do what we can to make open discussion more possible in the coming days. As we continue to move forward, the amount of healing and mobilization that we have seen has been incredibly inspiring, and it should be channeled into something very real. We want to advocate that this energy does not only go into getting votes for the party, or candidate, in which you believe, but in also talking to the silent group of people. They probably dedicated a lot of thought to their vote. Although we often take pride in calling others out for their attacks on our identities, we must also listen as students. It needs to be a conversation.

Anita DeWitt 17 and Steve Yang 17
The night of Nov. 8 was a surreal experience for many Grinnellians. Gathered around campus to celebrate Clintons victory, a slow-moving shock seemed to take hold of the student body as states on the map were slowly shaded red. While students at other schools gathered to protest and yell their frustrations, Grinnell remained strangely silent; the quiet being broken only intermittently by shouts of Trump! Trump! that echoed from a few cars circling campus.

The silence wasnt flashy, and it certainly didnt earn us any airtime or headlines in the local news, but theres no doubt that it was necessary. Grieving is a slow process, and as the cold reality of a Trump presidency sank in for all of us, it may have felt profane to shout over our sadness.

For the next couple of days, campus continued to be possessed by this somber tone. Proactive students and the administration organized spaces for reflection, meditation and expression, and I believe their efforts helped to further our communal dialogue in both an effective and healing way. Setting the tone like this has hopefully shaped the way all of us have engaged with each other afterwards. Although I am only going off my own anecdotal observations, I have been truly heartened by the amount of true listening and empathy that Grinnellians have extended to each other in the wake of Trumps victory.

Moreover, this meditation, reflection, listening and honest expression that Grinnellians have been practicing isnt just a healthy exercise, its the building blocks of an effective resistance. A common mistake of many protest and revolutionary movements around the world is to organize around anger. The fury, fear and disgust that people feel in response to injustice is natural, informative and even beneficial, but it can also be easily exploited. We cant even attempt to count the number of peoples movements around the world that have righteously sprung up, only to fade into failure or face the realization that the people who rode the movement to power didnt share the core values and principles of their followers. In light of these examples, its important for us to remember that anger flares up quickly, but it burns out even faster.

Thats why I think the honest reflection that Grinnellians and many progressives have been engaging in is an encouraging sign. I may be an optimist, but I believe that a movement that values the diversity, dignity and humanity of everyone will ultimately triumph over one that was hastily melded together from anger, confusion and hate. That we would construct this campaign through deep listening, respect and empathy is fitting considering that Trumps presidency was born in the chaotic and violent atmosphere of his rallies.

But reflection must not be mistaken for inaction. Going forward we now know that progress necessitates action, and that our civic duties do not start and end in the ballot box. In the coming four years, let us all find ways in which to effectively help and affirm the dignity of everyone in this country. Whether that is protesting with the Student Action Committee, marching with fellow Grinnellians at the Million Womens March (Jan. 21 in Washington D.C), volunteering at a Planned Parenthood or simply donating canned goods to a local food bank, we can, and must, actively work to ensure that the least possible amount of harm comes from these four years.

And yes, sometimes even anger can be useful in fueling this fight. But we need to be careful with this fire, and not let it consume our movement like it did Trumps campaign. In this sense, the reflective moment that we all took after the election was both necessary for our sanity and hopefully an integral step in building a coalition that is more sustainable and just than anything a demagogue can put together.

-Jon Sundby 17
DECATUR  Renitta Lippert was working part time as a certified nurse assistant, her husband was temporarily off work with a back injury, and they were expected to have three children in college this fall.

Luckily for the family, the 39-year-old Decatur woman is one of 12 new employees hired four months ago by mri, also known as Macon Resources Inc., to help manufacture the 1 million new license plates needed by the Illinois Secretary of State's Office next month as part of a replacement program starting next year.

It's a blessing, Lippert said. I'm very happy to be here.

The new jobs are but one way Decatur is benefiting from Secretary of State Jesse White's plan to replace the oldest license plates every year, starting next year with those originally issued in 2000 and 2001, until starting over in 2027 by replacing those issued in 2017.

This is a great opportunity for us to continue the strong relationship we've had with that office since 1983, said Dreux Lewandowski, executive director of mri. It's good for us, good for Decatur and good for Illinois.

Macon County Rehabilitation Facilities began producing all of the state's license plates in 1983, work that was continued by Macon Resources starting in 1988, the year it was created by a merger of the former agency and Progress Resources Center.

The exclusive arrangement continued until the last replating project in 2004, when the secretary of state gave 43 percent of the work to Waldale Mfg. in Nova Scotia.

Lewandowski said mri has a contract for 100 percent of the project this time around and began producing plates earlier this year according to a new design featuring images of Abraham Lincoln, the Chicago skyline, a farm and the State Capitol.

He said he's been discussing the forthcoming replating and new plate design with the state for about a year.

White announced the project at a Chicago news conference earlier this week, saying the plan allows license plates to be replaced gradually and within the agency's current budget.

The program is mindful of Illinois' state budget challenges, while also seeking to remove the oldest plates from our roads, White said.

Vehicle owners will receive mail notification if they qualify for new plates at no charge. Those with newer plates that are difficult to read may also apply at www.cyberdriveillinois.com.

Motorists who don't qualify but still want new plates can pay $29 and request them starting in January.

In addition to hiring 12 new technicians to the 14 already working on the embossing line, Lewandowski said the crew has been working overtime to meet project deadlines, a situation he expects to continue through next June 30.

He also said many more of the 170 adults in developmental training with mri are getting chances to add the sleeves affixed to the back of the plates to hold the car's registration, learn some jobs skills and earn some money, too.

All those paychecks are being spent here, Lewandowski said. This is good for the community in so many ways.
DECATUR  Three years and eight months after shooting 20-year-old James "Nate" Johnson to death in an apartment, James J. Chatman was sentenced to spend 87 years in prison.

It is effectively a life sentence, with 85 of those years to be served at 100 percent.

Before pronouncing his sentence, Associate Judge James Coryell read from a statutory list of possible circumstances which could possibly shave some time from his sentence.

He found that there were no mitigating circumstances, but plenty of aggravating ones, including the 10 prior felony convictions of Chatman, 49, with his most recent conviction in 2009.

When he was arrested, his defense was an alibi, then it became self-defense, Coryell said, addressing the issue of Chatman's character.

According to sentencing guidelines for first-degree murder with a firearm enhancement, Chatman's minimum sentence would have been 45 years, served at 100 percent, plus two years for possession of a firearm by a felon.

Nate Johnson was shot to death about 11:15 p.m. on a Sunday night in the bedroom of a second-floor apartment where he often resided, in the 1100 block of North College Street. Chatman was let into the apartment by one of the permanent residents. Chatman discovered that Johnson was in a bedroom. He tried to push his way into the room as Johnson pushed back from inside.

Chatman fired multiple rounds through the door, including a fatal shot that pierced the victim's heart. He died with his head in the lap of a woman who lived in the apartment.

The state asserted that Chatman went to the apartment to execute Nate Johnson in response to a dispute between Johnson and Chatman's teenage son.

The courtroom was charged with emotion as both of Nate Johnson's parents and his sister read aloud their victim impact statements.

Sitting on the witness stand, Carlee Johnson's hands were trembling as she held the pages she used to express her grief.

March 10, 2013 will forever be burned into my memory as the worst day of my life, Carlee Johnson said. The night I woke up to find my brother was killed. The pain is unbearable, and the effects are unending.

Carlee Johnson said she thinks of Nate Johnson the first thing every morning and wonders what he would be doing if he were there with her.

Some nights are sleepless, some nights I have terrible violent nightmares, she said.

Chatman, who was convicted of first-degree murder by Coryell at a bench trial Sept. 29, stared downward at the table in front of him during Carlee Johnson's statement. Occasionally, he looked up in her direction, as he sat next to his two attorneys, dressed in a black-and-gray striped jail jumpsuit.

Carlee Johnson said she descended into a mental state so dark I didn't even know it existed. She has cried for hours on end and wondered if there is even any way to be happy. When someone you love is taken from you so suddenly in such a violent way, it rocks your world.

Her family will never again be whole, Carlee Johnson said.

I will never hear his voice, or laugh. I will never see his contagious smile again, she said. His personality was so amazing. Anyone who knew him fell in love with his great sense of humor.

She used to enjoy the holidays, especially because he made everything enjoyable.

Now I dread them. I don't want Christmas without him here, Carlee Johnson said. It's not fair that I celebrated my 21st birthday and he wasn't with me. It's not fair that he didn't make it to his 21st birthday.

Nate Johnson's mother, Laura Johnson, said the loss of a child would always be devastating, but to lose her son at the hands of a grown adult was incomprehensible.

She said her son was the strongest kid, fiercely protective of his family and loyal to his friends, who loved dogs and playing football.

He was one of the funniest people I know, Laura Johnson said. He had a sharp, quick wit and would have us laughing at every family function. He was the life of the party.

Nate Johnson was diagnosed with attention deficit disorder as a child and struggled with his disability, she said. He was smart but did not care for school, nor did he try to succeed academically.

He was making some poor life choices and hanging around with bad people, Laura Johnson said. I spent many hours talking, pleading and praying that he would stay away from that lifestyle and get back on track.

She asked the judge to set a sentence that would lock James Chatman away for the rest of his life.

I don't want him to ever be able to take another life and put another family through the pain and anguish that we have endured, she said. Nate did not get a chance to live his life. James Chatman should not be allowed to live any more of his life free from prison.

Laura Johnson said Chatman seemed to have no remorse for what he did, nor did he learn from his past mistakes.

Speaking in his own behalf, Chatman stood up and said he apologized to the Johnson family, his own family and the court. He said it was sorry it happened but blamed Nate Johnson for his own death.

If Nathan had never raised that gun and pointed it at me and fired at me they wouldn't be here, Chatman said. My life was in danger.

Several witnesses at the trial testified that the victim did not have a gun. There was no evidence that gunshots were fired from within the bedroom where Nate Johnson died.

Arguing for the maximum life sentence, First Assistant Macon County State's Attorney Nichole Kroncke said Chatman's criminal history began in 1987, with 10 felony and 12 misdemeanor convictions since then, including several violent offenses. He served six terms in the Illinois Department of Corrections.

The family members are serving a life sentence because of the defendant's actions, Kroncke said.

Scott Johnson, Nate's father, said he was devastated, crushed, flattened and changed forever by his son's death. It takes an effort to get through each day, as he is constantly reminded of his son everywhere he goes.

It saddens me to think that one man who has spent his life tending to his own 'hustle,' being a burden to this state many times over, can choose to carry out a self-imposed conviction, sentence and execution with no authority other than his own volition, Scott Johnson said.

After the verdict was handed down, he said that there were no winners in this case, but the verdict was a just one.

As long as he can't make anyone else a victim, I think justice is done, Nate Johnson's father said.
In this 2007 file photo, an oil transit pipeline runs across the tundra to flow station at the Prudhoe Bay oil field on Alaska's North Slope.The Obama administration is blocking new oil and gas drilling in the Arctic Ocean, handing a victory to environmentalists who say industrial activity in the icy waters will harm marine mammals and exacerbate global warming. (AP Photo/Al Grillo, File)
DECATUR  After Keantre Milan allegedly shot at a 25-year-old man sitting in a vehicle at a westside gas station parking lot, he dropped his ID card at the scene.

After police arrived in response to a call that about 20 shots were fired about 3:45 a.m. Oct. 29, they located his ID card.

On the ground, they found three spent .380-caliber shell casings and 11 9 mm casings, at the southeast corner of Eldorado Street and Oakland Avenue, said a probable cause affidavit by Decatur patrol officer Brad Saul.

When patrol officer Andrew Wittmer viewed surveillance video, he saw a black SUV enter the parking lot and park. The front seat passenger of the vehicle then engages in an argument with four subjects on the lot, during which two of the subjects fire pistols at the vehicle.

The video shows a male dropping a cellphone and ID card, which the police found at that spot a short time later.

About 5:15 a.m. Milan is captured on the store surveillance camera returning and searching the lot for his misplaced items, Saul wrote in his statement.

Milan of Decatur was arrested Nov. 9 and booked into the Macon County Jail, where he is being held on $200,000 bond. He was arraigned Monday on one Class 1 felony count of aggravated discharge of a firearm, punishable by four to 15 years in prison if convicted.

There were no reported injuries in this incident.

At the time of his arrest Milan was on probation for an Aug. 12 conviction on one felony count of aggravated unlawful use of a weapon.

In that case, he was arrested March 14 after police found a fully loaded, stolen .357 magnum pistol in a vehicle in which he was a passenger. While he was at the police station, he became ill and admitted to officers that he swallowed heroin, according to a court document.

He was originally charged with armed violence, a Class X felony, for possessing a firearm while committing the felony of heroin possession, as well as possession of a weapon by a felon and possession of a controlled substance with a prior conviction of that offense.

After almost five months in jail, he pleaded guilty Aug. 12 to the weapons charge in exchange for a 24-month probation term. He was then released.

In his most recent case, Milan is due in court Nov. 23 for his preliminary hearing.
Taking cognizance of media sting reports after the demonetisation move, the Delhi Police and Income Tax Department jointly conducted raids on Thursday and searched various places across the national capital to unearth black money, police said.

"The raids were conducted following the direction of Ministry of Information and Broadcasting, Government of India, which sent CDs of actual broadcast to Delhi Police on Wednesday for taking necessary action in the matter on account of demonetisation of higher currency notes," Joint Commissioner of Police (Crime) Ravindra Yadav said.

The sting operations carried out by several news channels show how some persons were involved in getting rid of their unaccounted cash in the demonetised 500 and 1,000 rupee notes in gold jewellery, real estate among others and also promising conversion of the notes into legal tender by charging commission, said Yadav.

The Crime Branch in association with Directorate of Investigations IT department conducted raids and searches at several places all over Delhi, he said.

"The places we raided today were Chandni Chowk, Pahar Ganj, Connaught place, Hauz Khas and Shakurpur," he said.

Appropriate legal action will be taken in consultation with the IT department.
Failure to impose sanctions on leaders of terrorist organisations is eroding the UN's authority, India has warned.

If the Security Council and its agencies did not come up with a "cohesive response to global terrorism they run the risk of becoming marginalised from the most fundamental security priorities of member states whose fabric is being torn asunder by terrorists," India's Permanent Representative Syed Akbaruddin said on Thursday during a General Assembly debate on Afghanistan.

He reiterated a demand India made in June for designating Taliban chief Mawlawi Haibatullah Akhundzada as a terrorist and making him face the penalties of UN sanctions.

"The international community is impatient for action," Akbaruddin said.

"Earlier this week, President Ashraf Ghani of Afghanistan himself asked a delegation of the UNSC (Security Council) Sanctions Committee to include this person, and such others, in the list of terrorists," he said.

The working of the Sanctions committee has been a sore point for India. China has used its veto to provide cover for Jaish-e-Mohammad's Pakistan-based head, Masood Azhar, from sanctions.

India says he is the mastermind of the January terrorist attack on the Air Force base in Pathankot.

Afghanistan's Permanent Representative Mahmoud Saikal also raised the problem of the Taliban and other terrorist organisations based in Pakistan.

Without directly naming it, he accused Pakistan of waging a "thinly disguised declared war" against his country by using the Taliban and other terrorist orgnisations, including the Haqqani network and the Islamic State.

He warned Islamabad, "Those who seek solace from the intention of keeping Afghanistan bleeding must remember that such actions would bleed them, too, and warrant international isolation."
DECATUR  As you launch yourself outside today, put a proud extra spring in your step: Nov.18 is now officially Mary Katey Hays Day.

It's also the day that Navy Cmdr. Mary Katey Hays takes over the captaincy of Decatur's namesake warship, the guided-missile destroyer USS Decatur (DDG-73). When it steams out of its home port of San Diego on patrol, Hays will be in charge of the 280-strong crew, of which about 20 percent is female.

This is just so neat, said Decatur City Mayor, Julie Moore Wolfe, who signed the city proclamation naming the day for Hays. And how often does something like this happen? I'm not an expert by any stretch, but I've never heard of a woman destroyer captain. I'm especially excited about that.

Hays, 39, grew up in Florida where her parents, Ross and Sue Hays, still live. But she has bloodlines running through the Decatur area that include several cousins. One of them is banker David Weber, who has gotten to know his illustrious relative well over the years when the close-knit family gathers for regular reunions and shared vacations.

She is about 5-foot-3, fit and on the thin side, said Weber, 68, vice-president in charge of business development at Busey Bank in Decatur. She is just very, very unassuming and yet the thing is, if you knew her, you would want her commanding the USS Decatur. She is a leader.

Hays has proven that at the sharp end of some tough assignments. A fluent Arabic speaker, she was working as an interpreter after the invasion of Iraq and, while visiting a school in the volatile Anbar Province, came under fire from an insurgent attack. Hays and her fellow soldiers secured the children and defeated the attackers after a shootout; she was later awarded the Bronze Star.

The captain had graduated the Naval Academy in 1999 and went on to serve as engineering officer, navigator and damage control officer on guided missile destroyers and cruisers. She's visited more than 40 countries and has recently been serving as second in command, or executive officer, on the USS Decatur.

Rounding out her resume, she has served in leading land-based jobs such as Congressional Liaison in the Surface Warfare Division of the Naval staff and even as civil affairs team officer in charge with the special operations forces of Seal Team ONE. Hays holds a master's degree in national security affairs with a Middle East specialty from the Naval Postgraduate School and also graduated from the Defense Language Institute with a certification in modern standard Arabic.

Even with a background like that, its hard to imagine the original Commodore Stephen Decatur, 1779 to 1820, would have found it easy to accept the idea of Navy ships commanded by women.

But Decatur, who won his own captaincy at the tender age of 25 in 1804 after raiding the pirate stronghold of Tripoli and burning the captured American frigate USS Philadelphia, would no doubt respect the mixture of professionalism and daring of Hays, who, 200 years later, has spent part of her career chasing Somali pirates off the coast of Africa.

And persistent piracy is far from the only danger awaiting the newly minted captain and the ship that bears such a proud name. A prime example is the mission the USS Decatur recently completed which saw it cruising the South China Sea close to tiny islands China is attempting to claim as its sovereign territory. The U.S warship, constantly shadowed by three Chinese ships, was there to uphold freedom of navigation under international law.

One slight miscalculation on either side, however, and this brewing cold war could grow heated in a hurry. Weber said that kind of worry always lurks below the surface when he thinks of his courageous cousin out there on the deep blue sea, safeguarding her nation and going eyeball to eyeball with its rivals and potential foes.

But, like I said, she is a very strong individual with the qualities of command about her, Weber added. I have a lot of confidence that, if there ever was a need, she would step up to the plate and deliver.
[COMMUNICATED CONTENT]

Dr. Armand James Quick: It is not a coincidence that the religion of Moses sets its ceremony for circumcision on the eighth day. In other words, only on the eighth day of life do blood clotting substances reach their all-time high  well beyond the amount that will accompany a normal human being for the rest of his life.

Perhaps the most famous of all of the Torahs commandments, an act that the Talmud (Shabbat 130a) states will be joyfully observed by the Jewish people forever  even during times of persecution  is that of circumcision, or brit milah. Of this, the Torah states: And on the eighth day, the flesh of his foreskin shall be circumcised. (Leviticus 12:2-3).

Notice that the Torah does not command us to circumcise a baby in the first days after his birth, nor does it command us to perform circumcision after the eighth day. Rather, it says: On the eighth day you shall circumcise his flesh. We are commanded to perform this act specifically on the eighth day.

Although we can never truly understand the reasons for the Torahs commandments, it is nevertheless appropriate here to examine some of the incredible scientific findings concerning changes in the body that take place on the eighth day of life.

We begin with the words of Ayala Abrahamov, M.D., Senior Professor of Pediatrics at the Faculty of Medicine at the Hebrew University of Jerusalem, in her article Problems with Blood Clotting and Bleeding in Newborns:

The system of blood clotting or coagulation depends on certain types of proteins, called platelets, which are produced by the liver. These materials, known by the Roman numerals I-XIII (1-13), work in sequence [together with various enzymes] until a stable clot called a fibrin is formed. In the first days after birth the liver is not yet developed enough to survive any surgical operations, which could cause massive bleeding and lead to the death of the newborn, whose body simply does not have the ability to stop the blood flow on its own. Physiologically, until the eighth day, the liver slowly develops, until on the eighth day itself, it is mature enough to fulfill its role to create the clots necessary to stop bleeding.

It is important to note that non-Jewish medical researchers, such as Dr. Armand James Quick (1894-1978), were astounded at the uncanny correlation between the development of the bodys ability to stop bleeding and the timing of brit milah.

Dr. Armand James Quick, who served for years as the head of the Department of Biochemistry at Marquette University in Wisconsin, specialized in blood research. As part of his work he made a number of significant discoveries, and developed an important blood diagnosis test known as Quicks Tests I, II, III. His procedure for determining blood-clotting time and the amount of the hormone prothrombin in the blood were considered pioneering discoveries in the field. He notes in his writings that during the first days of a newborns life, the amount of blood clotting material is limited, so that even a small cut is liable to cause serious danger for a newborn, to the point of threatening its life. By the eighth day after birth, the ability of the newborns blood to clot grows dramatically. Quick notes: It is not a coincidence that the religion of Moses sets its ceremony for circumcision on the eighth day.

There is yet more.

In June 2000, a new edition of the best seller None of These Diseases, by Dr. S. I. McMillen was released. McMillen notes enthusiastically that in the first days of life the newborn faces a serious dearth of blood clotting substances; whereas, after the eighth day, the level of clotting material  prothrombin  in the blood reaches its lifetime average of 100%. However, just before the eighth day, the amount of blood clotting material increases rapidly, until on the eighth day itself, it is 110% of the norm!

In other words, only on the eighth day of life do blood clotting substances reach their all-time high  well beyond the amount that will accompany a normal human being for the rest of his life.

This scientist, Dr. McMillen, does not hide his excitement about such a discovery: We should certainly praise the scientists who worked so hard for so many years to discover that the safest time to perform circumcision is the eighth day. Yet, at the same time we applaud this new discovery, we can hear a resounding echo of these findings from the pages of the Bible.

These pages remind us that 4,000 years ago, God commanded Abraham to circumcise his son specifically on the eighth day  not because of years of scientific research, but because of the decree of the One who created the bloods ability to clot.

In addition to this amazing fact about the day of circumcision, there are other important health benefits, that removing the foreskin has been found to accrue.

The explanation is as follows: In every part of the body the skin is flush with the layers below it, thus shielding against the intrusion of various types of bacteria. Only with regards to the foreskin, however, does the opposite apply  it actually engenders a significant increase in disease causing bacteria, spores, and fungus.

The skin of the foreskin is not securely flush with the corona, and the small gap near the head of the male member allows various infectious agents to enter the empty space. This warm, dark and moist area is highly susceptible to the cultivation of germs and infectious disease. Removal of the foreskin allows the area to be maintained in a hygienic and safe manner. (As a result, every male in the British royal family undergoes circumcision performed by a Jewish mohel. Prince Charles, the heir apparent to the British throne, was circumcised by Rabbi Jacob Snowman, the official mohel of Londons Jewish community.) Furthermore, it has recently been discovered that the chances of being infected by HIV are six times greater among men with a foreskin.

Still, anyone can see that the real reason for circumcision is not to be found in its health benefits, but in its spiritual and exalted rational. However, every spiritual commandment mandated by God also has a physical benefit.

Incidentally, of all of the worlds creatures, the foreskin exists only among human beings.

This is a something to think about.

Here, we can clearly see Gods hand at work, who controls and guides the creation and gave the Torah; for He linked the day of highest blood clotting levels to the day upon which circumcision is commanded.

Here we must stress that it is not because the eighth day is the most propitious that we were commanded to circumcise on it, but precisely the opposite  God chose the eighth day for circumcision for reasons known to Him, and therefore arranged for a sufficient level of blood clotting material to be available on that day in order to make fulfillment of the commandment possible. As the Sages have said: The Holy One looked into the Torah and created the world. In other words, the world is created according to the demands of the Torah, and not the opposite.

Adapted from The Revolution by Rabbi Zamir Cohen
[PHOTOS IN EXTENDED ARTICLE]

This week Russian Jewry merited to celebrate another important milestone. The entire six tractates of Mishna have been translated into Russian along with many different commentaries and explanations, which will make it easier to learn for Russian speaking Jews all over the world.

This has come after many months of intense work by a group of scholars and professionals in translation, headed by Rabbi Boruch Gorin, Editor-in-Chief of LeChaim Publications in Moscow.

This milestone was celebrated with great joy at a special event that took place in the Jewish Museum in the Marina Roscha neighborhood.

In attendance were the initiator of this special project, Chief Rabbi of Russia Berl Lazar, as well as its sponsor, philanthropist Reb Yekusiel Yehuda Rohr, who has always been at the helm of restoring yiddishkeit to its former glory in the entire Russia.

At the Melava Malka event a special film made in honor of this occasion was shown. A siyum was made on all six tractates of Mishna which were learned by anash, shluchim and members of communities throughout Russia. Many students of the Jewish Moscow Educational Institutions attended this event as well. In fact, the siyum was said by a student of the Mesivta who had a bris just two years ago, with Mr. Rohr as his sandek! Today he is one of many students learning Torah at the Mesivta in Moscow.

The MosKapela Chior, formed by a group of young shluchim, enhanced the evening with their beautiful songs and chassidishe niggunim, thanking Hashem for this momentous occasion and for the hundreds of books of Torah and Chassidus that have already been translated for the benefit of so many Russian speaking Jews.

Photos: Levi Nazarov  JDN
Lithuanias media watchdog says a Russian state-run television station will be temporarily suspended after a Russian politician made harsh anti-U.S. comments deemed as incitement to war, discord and hatred.

Edmundas Vaitiekunas, chairman of Lithuanias radio and TV commission, said Wednesday the RTR Planeta channel, the international service of Russian state-owned broadcaster VGTRK, would be off the air for a three-month period from Monday to Feb. 21.

The decision came after Vladimir Zhirinovsky, leader of Russias nationalist Liberal Democratic party, said on the air that if U.S. troops get near Russias borders they will burn down with the crew.

Vaitiekunas said it wasnt the first time the channel had been banned for similar violations, adding that it tends to tone down its rhetoric after sanctions.

Latvia has taken similar action against Russian media channels.

(AP)
Two Supreme Court justices and nine judges on President-elect Donald Trumps list of potential high court picks are among more than 1,000 people expected at a gathering of conservative lawyers that has suddenly turned into an impromptu job fair for spots in the new administration.

The Federalist Societys national lawyers convention begins Thursday in Washington as a tribute to the late Justice Antonin Scalia, an early supporter of the group and a hero to many of its 40,000 members.

But since Trumps surprising victory in last weeks presidential race, the meeting has turned into a public audition of sorts for nearly half of the list of 21 people that Trump put forward earlier in the year as prospective Supreme Court nominees.

The mood has changed. Everyone is going to be thinking, Maybe someone here is going to be filling Justice Scalias shoes,  said Abbe Gluck, a Yale Law professor who is not a member of the group but who will take part in the conference.

Justices Samuel Alito and Clarence Thomas, familiar figures at these annual meetings, also will speak on Thursday.

The Federalist Society got its start on college campuses when Ronald Reagan was in the White House as a way to counter what its members saw as liberal domination of the nations law-school faculties. Its influence was pronounced during the presidency of George W. Bush, when its leaders helped rally support for Senate confirmation of Alito and Chief Justice John Roberts. The group was so successful that it spawned copycat liberal organizations.

Speaking at a Federalist Society event in the Bush years was akin to an out-of-town preview of a Broadway show for conservative lawyers who were looking for administration jobs or judgeships, author Mark Tushnet has written.

Over the past eight years, the group provided a forum for opponents of President Barack Obamas court choices and policies, although the Federalist Society itself does not endorse candidates or take policy positions. Some of its leaders backed Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnells refusal to act on Obamas nomination of Judge Merrick Garland to fill Scalias seat. That political strategy paid unexpected and huge dividends for conservatives with Trumps election.

The societys star again appears to be on the rise. Anytime theres a major shift in the power of government, its an enormous opportunity for what is probably the collection of the smartest, most talented and most publicly minded lawyers in the country to roll up their sleeves and help advance the cause of constitutional government, said Leonard Leo, the Federalist Societys executive vice president.

Leo met with Trump in New York on Wednesday and said afterward that Trump has yet to pare down his long list of names of Supreme Court hopefuls.

Among those candidates are nine who will take part in panel discussions in the next few days: state supreme court justices Allison Eid of Colorado, Joan Larsen of Michigan, David Stras of Minnesota and Don Willett of Texas, and federal appellate judges Steven Colloton, Thomas Hardiman, Raymond Kethledge, William Pryor and Diane Sykes.

The group says 90 percent of its money comes from individuals and foundations, the rest from corporations. Charles and David Koch, Google and Microsoft are among donors who gave $100,000 or more, according to the societys annual report for 2015. Trump campaign manager Kellyanne Conway and her husband, George, gave between $50,000 and $100,000. George Conway is a New York lawyer and Federalist Society member.

When Scalia and Thomas were criticized for speaking at private dinners hosted by Charles Koch, the court said that travel and lodging expenses were paid not by Koch but by the Federalist Society.

The close ties between the group and federal judges have frustrated Democratic officials and liberal interest groups. During the Bush years, Democratic Sen. Dick Durbin of Illinois complained that membership in the Federalist Society was the secret handshake of Bush court nominees.

Nan Aron, the president of Alliance for Justice, said the Federalist Society promotes a way of looking at the law which upholds the rights of the powerful and the wealthy. Aron said it is regrettable that so many nominees on Trumps list are going to attend Federalist Society events.

Yet a conservative legal scholar who has been critical of Trump said the groups involvement in identifying candidates for judgeships and other jobs in the new administration is not something to fear.

In fact, if the Federalist Society does play a role in identifying the president-elects nominees, that could be comforting to some who have reservations about Donald Trumps administration, because such a role would suggest, at least in this area, continuity with longstanding, mainstream Republican practice, University of Notre Dame law professor Richard Garnett said in an email.

(AP)
In what is being described as an unprecedented move since the establishment of the Chief Rabbinate of Israel, Av Beis Din Rishon LTzion Rabbi Yitzchak Yosef Shlita has convened the entire Supreme Beis Din to rule on a get given by the Tzfat Beis Din. Only recently, with the appointment of new dayanim, can the entire forum convene.

According to a Kikar News report, the bill of divorce in question was given by the Tzfat Beis Din headed by Av Beis Din Rav Uriel Lavie, who heard the case of a wife who husband remains comatose. The beis din ruled she is permitted to remarry after the get was served by the beis din.

The ruling was perceived as controversial in the eyes of dayanim in Israel and the Diaspora and in response, the entire Supreme Beis Din was convened to discuss the matter. There was also an outcry against the ruling from Gedolei Yisrael Shlita.

Since the number of dayanim serving on the Supreme Beis Din is even, Rav Yosef instructed the junior dayan not to take part to permit an odd number of dayanim to rule on the case.

It now appears the members of the Tzfat Beis Din, Rav Lavie, Rav Bazak and Rav Viguda will be summoned to explain to the Supreme Beis Din how they arrived at their ruling. It is pointed out that in the original psak from the Tzfat Beis Din the dayan added that if the Supreme Beis Din does not accept their position then they will accept the decision of the majority.

Most feel the Supreme Beis Din will overturn the ruling of the Tzfat Beis Din and invalidate the get.

It is pointed out that there is a 10-page teshuvah from HaGaon HaRav Ovadia Yosef ZTL in which he writes about a similar case and Maran ruled there is no place for a get for a wife whose husband is in a comatose state.

(YWN  Israel Desk, Jerusalem)
The following information was released by the IDF, painting a picture that may have many surprised as chareidim who declare limud Torah as their fulltime profession are far from the only draft-eligible individuals not entering the military.

We begin the report with the knowledge of the fact the IDF is short over 1,000 soldiers for this Novembers induction, a major annual induction into the military. This is because last year the mandatory service time was cut and this has left a gap, which the military does not know how to fill at present.

According to the information released by the IDF, back in 2004, over 77% of draft eligible persons entered the military. That number has dropped to fewer than 72% in 2016. Over one half of the eligible men declare limud torah their fulltime occupation and a quarter of this group does not serve due to medical reasons.

The percentage of inductees interested in combat units has dropped from 70.3% in 2013 to 69.8% in 2016. The most popular units among those seeking combat positions are the Paratroop and Golani Brigades.

There has been a decline in the number of inductees seeking a combat position as more are looking at a cyber unit or the like as a viable service option. One of the ways the military is responding to the drop in motivation among male inductees to serve in combat units is to turn to females as an alternative in different positons in combat units. Thought is also being given to lowering the eligibility for a combat unit to a profile of 64. At present, anyone with a profile under 72 is not combat worthy. There is also discussion about increasing the presence of women in border police to 35%.

Among women, 83% of those not serving declare they lead a religious lifestyle. About 40% of draft age females never enter but among those who do, there is an increase in the number of women from the dati leumi community. Only 935 dati leumi women entered the IDF in 2010 and that number has increased to 2,159 today.

The desire to serve in a combat unit is going down as seen below, and this too has senior commanders concerned, seeking to understand the trend.

Desire to Serve in a Combat Unit

 70.3% in November 2013

 70.8% in November 2014

 71.9% in November 2015

 69.8% in November 2016

Percentage of Induction among draft-eligible men

 75.5% in 2007

 75.3% in 2010

 73.7% in 2013

 71.9% in 2016

Percentage of draft-eligible men who dont serve

 22.8% in 2004

 25.1% in 2006

 25.7% in 2008

 25.2% in 2010

 25.4% in 2012

 27.3% in 2014

 27.6% in 2015

 28.4% in 2016

Increase in the number of religious girls entering the IDF

More and more girls graduating dati leumi high schools are making the decision to enter the IDF and often, they are encouraged to do so.

 2010  935 religious girls entered military service

 2011  1062

 2012  1503

 2013  1616

 2014  1853

 2015  2156

Numbers of those not entering the IDF

As reported, in 2016 the percentage of draft-eligible men entering the IDF was 71.9%. the following is a breakdown of those among the 28.1% who were released from service.

 14.7% declare limud torah is their fulltime profession

 7.1% received a medical discharge

 3.4% represent persons with criminal records or not needed by the IDF

 2.9% represents persons out of the country

Numbers of those not entering the IDF among women

58.1% of draft-eligible women entered the IDF while 41.9% were released from service. The following refers to those women released from service.

 34.7% declare they are religious and cannot service

 3.2% received a medical discharge

 2.6% represents persons out of the country

 0.8% the military already has sufficient number of personnel

 0.6% represent women who are married

Reserve duty Colonel Yonatan Branski is a former Nachal Chareidi commander and he spoke with Kol Chai Radio on Thursday morning 16 Cheshvan explaining, the IDF has to come to certain realities amid an awareness that 30% of all first graders nationwide today are chareidi and in another 15 years, over fifty percent of all eligible inductees will be religious. Branski currently stands at the helm of the Nachal Chareidi Foundation and is constantly meeting with and dealing with issues pertaining to chareidim in the IDF.

Branski feels it was an error to create chareidi companies within regular brigades including Givati and now Paratroops, explaining that for as long as all the frum soldiers served in Nachal Chareidi they were in a closed framework and it was doable. The military succeeded in seeing to the needs of each company but today, with chareidi companies being a part of a non-chareidi brigade, there is a growing list of issues, adding he spoke with the IDF Chief of Staff before the idea was launched to expand to other brigades, speaking out against it.

As far as people saying many or most of the chareidim in Nachal Chareidi are not really chareidi, he explains even in his time, some 15 years ago, some 30% of the members of the unit were dati leumi by their own definition. Branski clarifies that when the IDF classifies one as being chareidi that means he comes from a chareidi home and/or was educated in a chareidi school. He points out that does not mean the individual is still leading a chareidi lifestyle and this varies from person to person.

(YWN  Israel Desk, Jerusalem)
Jerusalem District Court Justice Moshe HaKohen on Thursday, 16 Cheshvan, rejected a request filed by lawyers filed on behalf of former Chief Rabbi of Israel Rabbi Yona Metzger to dismiss the case against him, claiming discrimination. Allegations against Rabbi Metzger include fraud, bribery, money laundering and tax evasion.

Citing selective enforcement Rabbi Metzgers attorney tried to have the case against him dismissed but the court was not having any part of it. The defense counsel argued that an indictment was handed down against the rabbi alone and not against anyone else involved in the case but the court was not persuaded.

The court explained a public official such as Rabbi Metzger is held to a higher standard and the case will not be dropped. The court added that the rabbi appears to be key player in all counts of the indictment while others seem to play minor roles.

The prosecution announced it plans to file indictments against some of the others involved in the case.

Rabbi Metzgers driver and personal aide remained silent under questioning until such time the rabbi, who feared imprisonment, tried throwing the entire case on his driver. When this became evident to him, the driver became the star state witness against the rav in the case.

(YWN  Israel Desk, Jerusalem)
Amona was evacuated in 2006 and the approximately 40 families living there today and their supporters vow Amona will not fall again. That said, it remains unclear if supporters of the Regulation Bill will succeed in passing it in Knesset nor is it clear if the bill will save Amona. Rabbi Yair Frank, rav of the community, has already announced resistance would be passive, not violent and this is the position of the action committee too. however, there are thousands who announced they plan the join the battle and no one can know what will take place and it is unlikely anyone will have control over all of those who come to save Amona.

Things being what they appear at present, Amona will be cleared out by December 25, 2016, as per the High Court of Justice ruling.

Walla News quoting a former head of the Jewish Division in the Shin Bet, Dvir Kariv, explains that that last eviction from Amona was the bloodiest event in the country since the shooting at the Altalenu. He points out that over one hundred settlers and security personnel were injured in the Amona eviction in 2006, a process that was accompanied by bloody confrontations.

While much of the eviction would mimic the expulsion from Gush Katif, involving various security agencies and perimeter circles, the supporters of Amona are equally aware and they are planning for the closure of the entire area ahead of the closure, a standard move to prevent supporters from reaching the area.

The committee organizing the resistance estimates there will be at least 13,000 people taking part in the fight for Amona. This is the number of people registered in advance and in actuality, organizers believe more people will show up if an eviction occurs. They are planning different ways to interfere with the eviction, including using apparatus that will interfere with radio signals and cellular telephones. They will use the experience gathered in previous evictions, primarily Amona in 2006, doing everything possible to interfere with security forces.

Organizers insist they remain opposed to violence, but they plan to resist like a fortified wall against police and other security forces. They stress they will only use passive resistance as planned in previous evictions.

However, they admit they will not have control over the thousands of persons who join the fight and they cannot predict the actions of many, some already vowing to use any tactics necessary to stop the eviction.

(YWN  Israel Desk, Jerusalem)
A Jerusalem City Hall initiative to offer bicycle rentals as is done in Tel Aviv is placed on hold due to objections to the plan from chareidim. The plan is based on the Tel Aviv model known as Tel-O-Fun, permitting visitors and residents in the capital to rent a bike for a number of hours and return it to one of the citys bike stations. However, chareidi city councilmen objected, placing the plan on hold despite the fact hundreds of thousands of shekels have already been invested. The chareidi opposition stems from fears the bicycles will be rented on and used on Shabbos.

The plan entails parking 500 bicycles in the fifty stations set up around the city to permit persons to rent them and drop them off at any station. The project costs NIS 10 million a year and a portion of the funding has already been enlisted and hundreds of thousands of shekels have already been invested as reported above.

City officials report the plan is in the early stages, stating it is an important plan along with the expansion of the light rail. Councilman Yitzhak Pindrus of Degel Hatorah told Haaretz the facts are incorrect as he or his colleagues did not oppose the plan.

(YWN  Israel Desk, Jerusalem)
Virginia Sen. Tim Kaine says hell seek re-election in 2018 but is ruling out a presidential bid in 2020.

The former Democratic vice presidential nominee said in an interview with The Associated Press on Thursday that his decision is final.

Period. Full stop, Kaine said.

The 58-year-old said he wants to serve in the upper chamber for as long as hes healthy and the voters of Virginia, and his wife, allow him.

Kaine said that as a member of the Senates Democratic minority he will work as a key check on President-elect Donald Trump. Kaine says he will continue his work to expand Congress role in voting for and declaring war.

(AP)
WASHINGTON -- The people chose Hillary Clinton. But it's the electoral vote that counts, not the popular vote, so Donald Trump will be president. And no, I'm not over it.

No one should be over it. No one should pretend that Trump will be a normal president. No one should forget the bigotry and racism of his campaign, the naked appeals to white grievance, the stigmatizing of Mexicans and Muslims. No one should forget the jaw-dropping ignorance he showed about government policy both foreign and domestic. No one should forget the vile misogyny. No one should forget the mendacity, the vulgarity, the ugliness, the insanity. None of this must ever be normalized in our politics.

The big protests that have followed Trump's election should be no surprise. You can't spend all those months trashing our nation's values and then expect everyone to join you in a group hug. Trump made the bed in which he now must lie.

How did the unthinkable happen? Is Trump, like Brexit, part of some world-sweeping populist wave? Are the Rust Belt hinterlands in open rebellion? Was Clinton just a spectacularly flawed candidate? Did FBI Director James Comey boost Trump over the top? Did too many anti-Trump voters stay home out of complacency?

There is evidence to support all of those theories. But the urgent question isn't why, it's what now.

If a normal Republican had been elected, I could say the polite and socially acceptable thing, something like, "I didn't support So-and-So but he will be my president, too, and I wish him success." But I cannot wish Trump success in rounding up and deporting millions of people or banning Muslims from entering the country or reinstituting torture as an instrument of U.S. policy. In these and other divisive or cruel or unwise initiatives, I wish him failure.

I do hope he succeeds in avoiding some kind of amateurish foreign policy blunder that puts American lives or vital national interests at risk. And let me be clear that I am not questioning his legitimacy as president. When the results are certified and the Electoral College casts its votes, Trump will be the nation's duly chosen leader, ridiculous though that may be.

But he has not earned our trust or hope. Rather, he has earned the demonstrations that erupted in cities across the country. He has earned relentless scrutiny by journalists, whom he shamelessly made into scapegoats during the campaign, and he has earned the constant vigilance of the public he now must serve.

There have been more than 200 reports since the election of harassment and hate crimes, mostly directed at minorities, according to the Southern Poverty Law Center. During an interview broadcast Sunday on "60 Minutes," Trump addressed his supporters: "I will say this, and I will say right to the cameras: Stop it."

That would have been a better start had he not also sought to minimize the incidents, saying there had been a "very small amount" of them; and had he not also claimed the media were somehow applying a double standard in reporting on the protests.

The most troubling post-election development thus far was Trump's appointment of campaign chief executive Steve Bannon -- a prominent figure in the racist, xenophobic "alt-right" movement -- as chief strategist and senior adviser. A spokesman for Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid said the move "signals that white supremacists will be represented at the highest levels in Trump's White House."

On "60 Minutes," Trump hinted that he might moonwalk away from some of his most radical promises on immigration, the issue that made him stand out from the crowd of Republican contenders. He still says he will build a wall on the Mexican border, but there "could be some fencing" instead of an actual wall in places. And he said that "we're going to make a determination" about the fate of millions of undocumented immigrants who have not committed crimes -- sounding as if he knows his pledge to carry out mass deportation cannot be fulfilled.

He also backed away from the idea of having a special prosecutor reinvestigate Clinton over her emails. "They're good people, I don't want to hurt them," he said of Bill and Hillary Clinton.

If Trump is beginning to confront reality on some fronts, that's a first step -- in a thousand-mile journey toward credibility and respect. But appointing Bannon is a big step backward. We must watch Trump, and judge him, every single inch of the way.
Democratic leader Nancy Pelosi says a letter by FBI Director James Comey announcing a probe into additional emails related to the bureaus investigation of Hillary Clinton was a foul deed that cost Democrats the election.

The California Democrat told reporters that Comeys letter really just changed everything and was dispositive of the election.

Pelosi noted that Comey declined to talk about the hacking by the Russians of the emails of Clinton Campaign chair John Podesta and other Democrats because of a bureau policy of avoiding statements that could affect the election.

(AP)
The Republican-led House has voted convincingly to approve legislation that would bar the sale of commercial passenger aircraft to Iran.

By a 243-174 vote on Thursday, lawmakers passed a bill to prohibit the Treasury Department from issuing the licenses American banks would need to complete the transactions.

The House action seeks to counter the Obama administrations decision to grant aviation giants Boeing and Airbus permission to sell the planes to Tehran. The proposed deals, which may involve more than 190 aircraft, could be worth billions of dollars.

Republicans decried the sale of aircraft to a country they say is the leading state sponsor of terrorism and has flouted U.N. resolutions by testing ballistic missiles.

Irans nuclear deal with world powers specifically allowed for the purchase of aircraft and parts.

(AP)
On November 17, 2016 over 160 Orthodox rabbis, members of the Rabbinical Council of America, published a full-page statement in New York Times addressed to President-elect Donald J. Trump. The statement came in response to the UNESCO resolution of October 26, 2016 which denied the Jewish connection to Jerusalem, and included Mr. Trumps own words condemning that resolution.

After congratulating President-elect Trump and expressing appreciation to President Obama, the statement asked Mr. Trump to fulfill his promise, In a Trump Administration, the United States will recognize Jerusalem as the one true capital of Israel. The United Nations attempt to disconnect the State of Israel from Jerusalem is a one-sided attempt to ignore Israels 3,000-year bond to its capital city, and is further evidence of the enormous anti-Israel bias of the UN. Jerusalem is the enduring capital of the Jewish People and the overwhelming majority of Congress has voted to recognize Jerusalem as just that.

Rabbi Shalom Baum, president of the RCA, emphasized the urgency felt by the signers of this statement. He said, It is the responsibility of all lovers of truth and supporters of Israel to speak strongly against these nefarious attempts to rewrite history and to deny the 3300-year biblical and historical link of the Jewish people to the Land of Israel and the Temple Mount.

The rabbis statement also addressed the question of U.S. policy in the United nations. Rabbi Dr. Leonard Matanky, Honorary President of the RCA, stressed the statements request that both the President and the President-Elect not pivot from longstanding U.S. policy that a lasting peace between Israelis and Palestinians can only be achieved through direct negotiations between the parties.

In addition to our grave concern about Jerusalem and Israel Rabbi Dr. Kenneth Brander, one of the statements organizers, stated, This is the time to heal our divided country of the United States and work together with our President-elect. As religious leaders, we wish to make a statement protecting the rights of all and restoring unity and civil discourse in the United States.

The Rabbinical Council of America is the largest rabbinical organization representing the Orthodox rabbinate. Founded in 1942, the RCA is the leading voice of the American Orthodox rabbinate.

Text of the statement:

We, the undersigned Orthodox rabbis, congratulate President-elect Donald J. Trump.

We wish President-elect Trump the greatest success in making every effort to heal a divided country, our blessed United States of America. Every Shabbat, in synagogues across America, we will continue to pray, as we have for generations, that God grant the president, the vice president, and the officers of this land the strength to lead all Americans to a prosperous and terror-free future.

On October 26, 2016, UNESCO passed a shameful resolution which denied a Jewish connection to Jerusalem, about which Mr. Trump stated: In a Trump Administration, the United States will recognize Jerusalem as the one true capital of Israel. The United Nations attempt to disconnect the State of Israel from Jerusalem is a one-sided attempt to ignore Israels 3,000-year bond to its capital city, and is further evidence of the enormous anti-Israel bias of the U.N. Jerusalem is the enduring capital of the Jewish People and the overwhelming majority of Congress has voted to recognize Jerusalem as just that. Indeed, Biblical sources, irrefutable archaeological findings, and historical landmarks verify the ageless connection between Judaism, the Temple Mount, and other holy sites across Jerusalem and Israel.

As Mr. Trump is about to assume the presidency of the United States of America, we ask him to act on these articulated principles by recognizing Jerusalem as Israels capital and by standing firmly against the hateful and discriminatory rhetoric that is the underpinning of such anti-Israel resolutions at the United Nations.

Furthermore, with the transition in Washington beginning, we ask both the President and the President-elect not to pivot from longstanding U.S. policy that a lasting peace between Israelis and Palestinians can only be achieved through direct negotiations between the parties. We appreciate that President Obama has always protected Israels interest in the U.N. The U.S. should neither propose nor allow passage of any U.N. Security Council resolutions seeking to dictate unilateral terms upon Israel, nor should the U.S. attempt in any other way to impose a solution to the conflict or predetermine the status of disputed territories.

We appreciate President-elect Trumps commitment to uniting our country and strong support for the security of the State of Israel as he becomes our next President and leader of the free world.

(YWN World Headquarters  NYC)
Hundreds of OHare International Airport workers have voted to go on strike ahead of the Thanksgiving holiday.

Service Employees International Union Local 1 officials said Thursday that about 500 workers have committed to strike. Union spokeswoman Izabela Miltko-Ivkovich said the strike will definitely take place in the coming days, though she didnt specify which day it will start.

The workers involved have been trying to organize with the unions help. They largely work for private contractors at the airport.

They dont expect to shut the airport down, SEIU Local 1 President Tom Balanoff said, according to the Chicago Sun-Times. Thats not what theyre trying to do. Oh, there will be disruption.

Balanoff said a walk out could slow but not shut down airport operations. He said what workers are trying to do is get the powers that be to hear their voice.

It wasnt immediately clear how such a strike would affect operations at OHare, which is one of the nations busiest airports. Auto club AAA predicts it will be an especially busy Thanksgiving weekend of traveling.

The workers who plan to strike include baggage handlers, cabin cleaners, janitors and wheelchair attendants. They are seeking a $15 per hour wage. hour.

(AP)
U.S. President-elect Donald Trump is considering Mitt Romney, the 2012 Republican presidential nominee, for secretary of state, NBC News reported on Thursday, citing unnamed sources.

In March, the former Massachusetts governor called Trump a phony and a fraud when discussing the then-candidate. Trump, who endorsed Romney in 2012, has called him a loser, adding that Romney begged for his endorsement and wouldve dropped to his knees for it. He has also said that he choked like a dog during his 2012 presidential campaign against President Barack Obama.

Others reportedly under consideration for the secretary of state position include former New York City Mayor Rudy Giuliani and South Carolina Governor Nikki Haley. Another possibility is Senate Foreign Relations Committee Chairman Bob Corker, who told CNBC on Wednesday hes in the mix for the job.

READ MORE: CNBC
In Donald Trumps world, most roads, it seems, lead back to Sen. Jeff Sessions, R-Ala., President-elect Trumps pick for attorney general.

After Sessions became one of the first members of Congress to endorse Trump this February, he became an adviser on almost every major decision and policy proposal Trump made during the campaign:

 A top Sessions aide helped Trump communicate his immigration policy.

 Sessions chaired Trump national security advisory committee.

 Sessions advised Trump on who to choose for vice president. (Sessions was also in the running himself for the No. 2 job.)

The president-elect has been unbelievably impressed with Senator Sessions and his phenomenal record as Alabamas attorney general and U.S. attorney, a Trump transition statement released Thursday read. It is no wonder the people of Alabama re-elected him without opposition.

Heres a crash course in a politician likely to be a pivotal figure in Trumps administration:

The basics: Sessions has served as a senator from Alabama for two decades. But Alabama is such a loyal state to its top lawmakers that Sessions is actually the junior senator from the state; Republican Sen. Richard Shelby has been in office three decades.

Sessions is popular back home: Aside from his first election in 1996, Sessions has never won with less than 59 percent of the vote. In 2014, he ran unopposed.

His middle name is: Beauregard. (Fun trivia fact.)

Hes amnestys worst enemy: The conservative National Review crowned Sessions with that title in 2014, with good reason. Sessions has opposed nearly every immigration bill that has come before the Senate the past two decades that has included a path to citizenship for immigrants in the country illegally.

Hes also fought legal immigration, including guest worker programs for illegal immigrants and visa programs for foreign workers in science, math and high-tech. In 2007, Sessions got a bill passed essentially banning for 10 years federal contractors who hire illegal immigrants.

Legal immigration is the primary source of low-wage immigration into the United States, Sessions argued in a 2015 Washington Post op-ed.  What we need now is immigration moderation: slowing the pace of new arrivals so that wages can rise, welfare rolls can shrink and the forces of assimilation can knit us all more closely together.

Hes a debt hawk and a military hawk: Sessions, a lawyer before he became a politician, is known for touring Alabama with charts warning of the United States crippling debt. On foreign policy, Sessions has advocated a get-tough approach, once voting against an amendment banning cruel, inhuman or degrading treatment of prisoners.

These are two positions that could put him at odd with the president hell serve: Trump has expensive plans that involve significant spending, like $1 trillion on an infrastructure program  and he campaigned on a strong non-interventionist worldview (often claiming, inaccurately, that he opposed the Iraq War before it started).

Hes a climate change skeptic: Heres Sessions in a 2015 hearing questioning Environmental Protection Agencys Gina McCarthy: Carbon pollution is CO2, and thats really not a pollutant; thats a plant food, and it doesnt harm anybody except that it might include temperature increases.

Accusations of racism have dogged Sessionss career: Actually, they almost derailed it. In 1986, a Senate committee denied Sessions, then a 39-year-old U.S. attorney in Alabama, a federal judgeship. His former colleagues testified Sessions used the n-word and joked about the Ku Klux Klan, saying he thought they were OK, until he learned that they smoked marijuana.

By the time the testimony was finished, Sessionss reputation was in tatters, wrote Isaac Stanley-Becker in The Post this July, on the eve of Sessions delivering a prime time speech at the Republican National Convention for Trump.

In 1986, Sessions defended himself against accusations of racism. I am not the Jeff Sessions my detractors have tried to create, he told the very same Senate Judiciary Committee he now sits on. I am not a racist. I am not insensitive to blacks.

And he told Stanley-Becker this summer: Racism is totally unacceptable in America. Everybody needs to be treated fairly and objectively.

But the Southern Poverty Law Centers Heidi Beirich, who tracks hate speech, said Sessions is guilty of it, and that his mere presence in Trumps inner circle is a tragedy for American politics.

Hes got a populist streak: Heres one area where he and Trump likely get along swell. Wall Street and corporate executives are often the antagonists in the Alabama senators speeches. A small group of CEOs dont get to set immigration policy for the country, he said in a 2014 speech opposing a multi-billion-dollar bill to help control the stem of influx of Central American refugees on the border.

As hard-line as Sessions can be, hes worked with Democrats before: Say what you will about him, former longtime Senate Democratic communications aide Jim Manley told the Almanac of American Politics. He was always nice to [the late Ted] Kennedy and other Democrats as well.

Even people who have run against him have nice things to say about him. Stanley-Becker talked to Susan Parker, a Democrat who tried to unseat Sessions in 2002. During a debate, she asked for a tissue and Sessions handed her one. She joked she would use it to dry her eyes when Sessions made her cry, and he responded: Please dont say that. Thats my nightmare. I promise Ill be nice.

Sessions has joined with Democrats to support criminal justice reform legislation, and in 2010 he teamed up with Sen. Claire McCaskill, D-Mo., on a proposal to put strict limits on non-military federal spending. It fell one vote short of passing.

In 2016, hes gone from fringe to mainstream: Aside from immigration battles, Sessions mostly operated in the background on Capitol Hill. Until 2016. His mix of hard-line immigration position and a populist streak had made him a tea party star and thus and a coveted endorsement catch for Republican presidential candidates catering to the tea party. In presidential primary debates, Sen. Ted Cruz, R-Texas, would even brag about his ties to Sessions.

In the end, Sessions chose Trump, surprising the political establishment by jumping on stage with him at a rally in February in Madison, Ala. two days before Super Tuesday and donning a Make America Great Again hat.

I told Donald Trump this isnt a campaign, this is a movement, Sessions said at the time.

Nine months later, Sessions will be a central figure in transitioning that movement into a working government.

(c) 2016, The Washington Post  Amber Phillips
Editorial Comment

HIV and Aids has ravaged nations, Zimbabwe included, killing millions of mostly the productive age groups. Over the years, researchers have been working on a vaccine which would halt the rampant infections.

And now finally some good news: A promising African-led clinical trial PreVacc is underway and if successful, many lives will be saved with just a few shots. Zimbabwe will be one of the countries where the trial will be conducted.

A vaccine that can prevent infection would condition the immune system to respond to HIV by making antibodies that can arrest the virus and stop it from infecting cells, or by promoting other immune responses that kill the virus altogether.

Although no vaccine is 100% effective, finding an effective one is critical for the HIV response.

- Advertisement -

The magnitude of the disease cannot be underestimated with statistics showing that 1,8 million people became infected with HIV in 2017, while 36,9 million people were living with HIV and 21,7 million receiving anti-retroviral therapy.

Even with the scale-up of highly-effective prevention and treatment tools, the decline rate of new infections is not adequate to bring the HIV epidemic to an end.

For countries like Zimbabwe, despite dramatic improvements in access to anti-retroviral therapy this is still an expensive option, given the many challenges in providing affordable medication to those that are in need. There are perennial shortages of anti-retroviral drugs as well as supportive mechanisms and equipment. Viral load machines in public hospitals are not working and given the current price hikes of basic food commodities, many people living with Aids may not get the appropriate nutritional needs.

Good nutrition is a key component for a successful treatment plan. Nutritional status and the progression of HIV are strongly interrelated. HIV infection increases the bodys energy needs while it diminishes appetite and decreases the bodys ability to digest food and absorb nutrients. This leads to malnutrition, which in turn accelerates the HIV infection.

This scenario is an indication that a vaccine is needed, especially for the adolescents.

A model developed by the International Aids Vaccine Initiative has estimated that a vaccine that can stop 70% of infections would reduce new infections by 44% in the first 10 years after the projected introduction in 2027. By 2070, a vaccine that was 70% effective would reduce new infections by 78%.

The cost of administering a vaccine is substantially lower than providing PrEP or HIV treatment. By preventing new infections and reducing the cost of prevention, an HIV vaccine would improve the sustainability of the HIV response.

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Next week is officially Road Safety Week in the UK.

Campaign group Brake is using the seven days to ask drivers to make a six-point pledge to slow down, remain sober behind the wheel, secure seatbelts, turn phones to silent, keep vision sharp with eye tests, and minimise the amount we drive to help the environment.

But there are plenty of safety-related measures employed around the globe that haven't been introduced in Britain, and probably never will be. With the help of Aviva, here are 10 of the oddest from different nations.

Oh deer: Knock over a reindeer or elk in Finland and by law you have to notify the police about the incident

FINLAND: 'Hello, is that the police? I've hit a reindeer'

There are a number of road safety requirements that are different in Finland to to the UK - headlights must be used at all times, regardless of season or time of day, and winter tyres also compulsory between the 1st December and the end of February.

But the oddest one of all concerns a collision with wildlife. Should a driver have an accident involving a reindeer, elk or any other large animal its illegal not to report it to the police.

CYPRUS: Put down the halloumi

Eating or drinking in the UK can be classed as careless driving, but in Cyprus theres an out-and-out ban.

Whatever the temperature, and however hot and thirsty, drink (or eat) behind the wheel and motorists could face a fine.

GERMANY: Go as fast as you like... but don't you dare run out of fuel

German autobahns are famous for their unrestricted speed limits on certain routes, but motorists should make sure they top up at a petrol station before joining one.

Its illegal to stop unnecessarily on an autobahn, and because running out of fuel is preventable, anyone who comes to a standstill with an empty tank is breaking the law.

SWITZERLAND: Always have a triangle at hand

Drivers need a first aid kit, fire extinguisher and a warning triangle in their vehicle.

The triangle is compulsory and has to be at hand, not in the back of the vehicle. And like Finland, headlights must also be switched on all of the time.

One last check: Just starting the engine with someone under a car in Denmark is an offence

DENMARK: Mirror, signal, check for someone under car, manoeuvre

It may seem like common sense, but in Denmark theres actually a law in place to stop you running people over who are already under the car.

If a motorist doesnt check whether someones beneath the car before starting it, theyre breaking the law.

SARK: No cars, period

The small Channel Island of Sark is one of the few places around the world which has a no cars rule.

Home to around 600 people, they are able to get around by horse-drawn carriages and the occasional tractor.

You don't need to carry a spare pair of glasses when driving in the UK, but it's an offence not to do so in Spain if you wear spectacles as the Queen does

SPAIN: Spare specs are essential

Drivers who usually wear glasses or contact lenses to drive should always have a spare pair when driving in Spain.

If you're stopped by the police and are found to not have a second set, you could face a fine for your troubles.

FRANCE: Switch off the sat-nav speed camera alerts

Devices capable of detecting speed cameras and warning drivers of their locations are illegal in France. You might think you don't have one of these systems, but many sat-navs have a feature that identifies when you're approaching a camera. Some new Fords have this and say 'caution' when approaching cameras in the UK.

If you are caught with a working device, the French police can confiscate your drivers license and impound your vehicle. Its also compulsory to carry a breathalyser kit while driving in France.

Japan is strict on splashing - if you're caught soaking a pedestrian you will receive a fine

JAPAN: Splish, splash... fine

Earlier this year, Aviva research showed that 63 UK drivers were reported to the police for driving through puddles and splashing people in the five year period from 2009.

However, Japan goes a step further - it's illegal to splash mud or water onto a pedestrian and, if caught, is met with a fine.

SWEDEN: Pay attention where two [roads] become one

Intended to help reduce accidents caused by overtaking, 2+1 roads consist of two lanes in one direction and one lane in the other, alternating every few miles, and separated usually with a steel barrier.
Emerging from the aftermath of the dieselgate emissions cheating scandal, the VW Group has signed a new internal pact to secure its future - which includes laying off 30,000 members of its global workforce.

In a statement released on Friday, the carmaker said it was taking measures to return the Volkswagen brand to 'a path of profitable growth' after suffering 14 months of crippling costs associated to steps it took to deceive emissions tests.

In the pipeline since June, the manufacturer and its trade union's agreement will save the VW Group a projected 3.7 billion (3.2bn) a year, the release said.

Job losses in Germany: Some 23,000 workers in VW's home land face losing their jobs over the next five years

The car brand hopes the agreed tactic will double profit margins from two per cent to four per cent.

However, it will come at the cost of jobs for five per cent of the entire workforce worldwide, with 23,000 members of staff being made redundant in Germany alone as a result.

Some of this will be offset by the creation of around 9,000 new jobs, the statement read, which are linked to 'future-orientated areas', which essentially refers to its Strategy 2025 plans revealed last year that committed to building 30 electric cars over the next decade.

Currently, the carmaker employs around 610,000 people in 31 countries, 120,000 of those in its home land.

While it appears to be an extreme move, Volkswagen is enduring a battle to contain its escalating legal bills as part of the extending dieselgate hangover.

The carmaker is taking steps to repair the battered brand image in the wake of the diesel emissions scandal

Volkswagen employs some 610,000 people worldwide

Just last month, the vehicle maker agreed a $14.7 billion (11.8 billion) class action settlement in the US.

Elsewhere, individual law suits are tallying up at avalanche-like proportions, which potentially includes hundreds of thousands of cases in the UK.

The Transport Select Committee said in October that it would take the fight to the under-fire carmaker to compensate UK owners.

It said: 'T he government would make clear that the Department of Transport has engaged, and will continue to engage, with consumer groups and legal firms and stands ready to provide any reasonable assistance to consumers who seek compensation directly from Volkswagen.'

Volkswagen's steps to recoup some of the enormous financial loss in the last year were described by chairman of the board of management, Dr Herbert Diess, as 'taking our future into our hands'.

Dr Herbert Diess said Volkswagen will take its future into its hands as part of the new plans, which includes producing 30 new electric cars be 2025

In the statement he said: 'The pact represents a fundamental transformation of the value stream, the development of new competences and strategic investment.

'We will be strengthening the companys economic viability and competitiveness and will be safeguarding the future of our plants.

'The socially compatible loss of jobs will be offset by the creation of jobs in other units.
Money for old rope? Lord Mandelson

Lord Mandelson has relinquished his role as Chairman of Lazard's international arm, which he's held since 2012.

A Lazard spokesman says Mandelson, 63, will remain a paid adviser to the bank, remarking: 'He provides advice and assistance to the leadership team and our clients in London  as demonstrated to great effect by the insights that he was in a position to share with us and our clients in the aftermath of the EU referendum.'

Money for old rope, isn't it?

Boris Johnson's younger brother Max is named among Asia's 50 most eligible bachelors by Hong Kong Tatler, describing him as a 'Hong Kong-based Goldman Sachs mover and shaker.'

Two minor quibbles. Firstly, Max, 31, a Bojo doppelganger, is squiring a serious girlfriend. Secondly, he and Goldman have just parted company. So what's next for Johnson (mi)? 'Watch this space,' he replies bashfully.

Wily City PR man and Remain campaigner Roland Rudd, 55, hosted his annual party at Tate Britain this week.

Among those supping The Rat's excellent Champagne were devoted Brexiteers, Lords Marland and Robathan.

Judging by the looks of quiet satisfaction on these two Tory grandees' well-flushed faces, even flat spumante would have tasted like premier cru.

Jamie Dimon for Treasury Secretary? Wall Street pundits insist the 18million-a-year JP Morgan honcho remains in contention.

After ten years as JP boss, it would allow the Teflon-coated Dimon, 60, to depart on a high.

Plus it would deliver an upturned digit to out-going President Barack Obama, who's snubbed him since the bank announced a 1.6billion trading loss in 2012.

I've had a small(ish) wager with Betway at 6/4 to keep things interesting.

Tesco bank's much-travelled boss Benny Higgins, 56  under pressure after 40,000 of his customers' accounts were recently hacked  was present at a press junket yesterday in Hertfordshire hosted by the bullish Tesco chief Dave Lewis.

Says a source: 'It was a bit peculiar. He wasn't there as a speaker, just loitering on his own in the front row.
Former Rio Tinto energy and minerals chief executive Alan Davies is to take legal action over his dismissal

A row has broken out at one of the world's largest mining companies after it fired two top bosses during a major corruption investigation.

Rio Tinto sacked its energy and minerals chief executive Alan Davies and legal and regulatory group executive Debra Valentine amid a probe over an alleged 8.4million payment to a middleman.

The company said it had reviewed the findings of an ongoing internal investigation and found the pair had breached its conduct code.

But Davies hit back, accusing his bosses of giving him no chance to answer any allegations and warned he would take the 'strongest possible' legal action.

'This treatment of me and my past and recent colleagues is totally at variance with the values and behaviours of the company to which I have devoted my professional life,' he said.

The scandal engulfed Rio earlier this month when it said it had become aware of emails from 2011 that referred to a payment of 8.4million to a consultant advising on an iron ore project in Guinea.

It has since been alleged the company's lawyers were aware of the correspondence more than a year earlier.
While much of the travel industry struggles amid terrorism fears and Brexit uncertainty, the firm behind Jet2holidays reported a strong summer season.

Dart Group, which owns the holiday operator as well as its logistics arm Fowler Welch, said revenue was up 21 per cent to 1.2billion.

Pre-tax profit climbed 12 per cent to 163.7million in the half year to September 30.

Dart said leisure travel had underpinned progress, with the number of package holiday customers rising 36 per cent to 1.3million. It also carried 2.5million flight-only passengers over the period.

Taking off: Dart Group, which owns holiday operator Jet2holidays, as well as its logistics arm Fowler Welch,reported a strong summer season

Jet2 will start flying from Birmingham and Stansted in March, and said while there are pricing pressures with a weaker pound, it had increased seat capacity by 13 per cent.

Dart said there was no post-Brexit slowdown in bookings and full-year performance was likely to be slightly ahead of expectation. Shares darted up 8.4 per cent, or 34p to 437.5p.

The FTSE 100 finished the day 0.7 per cent higher, or 44.99 points at 6794.71. Property firms staged a comeback after a few days in the doldrums, as figures revealed prices rose in September.

Barratt Developments climbed 3.5 per cent, or 16.5p to 486p to recover some of the previous day's losses. British Land edged up 3 per cent, or 17.5p to 610p as BNP Paribas upped its target price for the stock.

Building services group TClarke shrugged off Brexit concerns and reassured investors it had a strong order book and had seen no cancellations.

STOCK WATCH - TRACSIS Tracsis, which provides software to the transport industry such as rostering and data analysis, reported that revenues rose 29 per cent to 32.6million in the year to July 31. The company said business had been boosted by the purchase of SEP, which provides traffic management at events. It delivered a record year of trading, bolstered by a busy summer. Tracsis said adjusted pre-tax profit climbed 18 per cent to 6.9million in the year and the full-year dividend was increased by 20 per cent to 1.2p a share. Shares inched up 0.2 per cent, or 1p to 526p.

In a trading update the firm said it had signed contracts for London's newest skyscraper development at 22 Bishopgate.

TClarke has secured a 56million deal to assist with electricals and fire alarm systems in the tower, being developed by Axa Investment Managers. Construction starts next year and is set to complete in 2019.

Last month the business had uncovered financial irregularities at one of its subsidiaries. It said initial inquiries suggested that in excess of 2.8million had been misappropriated by an employee over a number of years.

Yesterday TClarke said it had started legal proceedings to recover the funds and investigations are continuing. Shares advanced 4.8 per cent, or 2.8p to 60.8p.

Safestore surged as it reported full-year revenue was up 10.1 per cent at 115.4million.

The self-storage company, which operates in the UK and Paris, said that new acquisitions, extensions and openings in Wandsworth, Altrincham and Birmingham meant it now had 1.6m sq ft of space available to let.

Chief executive Frederic Vecchioli said earnings should be at the top end of expectations. Investec, which has a 'buy' rating on the stock, said it was a good finish to a strong year for the firm.

Shares gained 3.2 per cent, or 11.2p to 358.5p. Premier Oil slipped as it said a refinancing agreement was in the final stages of negotiation with banks and bondholders.

The oil producer, which has interests in Pakistan and the Falkland Islands, said production was beating estimates and its Catcher well in the North Sea is on target to start producing next year.

Chief executive Tony Durrant said the business had reduced costs and was delivering against a challenging backdrop for commodities.

He said: 'Refinancing has taken longer than anticipated, but will, once completed, put Premier in good stead to reinvest in the business while paying down debt [which is 2.25billion].' Shares stumbled 0.9 per cent, or 0.5p to 54p.

The largest shareholder of Conroy Gold and Natural Resources took advantage of a share price dip to top up his stake in the business.

Patrick O'Sullivan bought 105,000 shares in the Irish firm, increasing his stake in the company to 23.04 per cent with 2.54million shares to his name.

The AIM-listed miner said in its full-year results that it had discovered new gold zones at its Clay Lake project.
Summons? Ex-boss Fred 'The Shred' Goodwin could be forced to testify in court

The Royal Bank of Scotland was warned about its high-risk investments by advisers in the run-up to the financial crisis, according to court documents.

In a volley of late-night emails, adviser Goldman Sachs, auditor Deloitte and an RBS lawyer discussed whether the bank might mislead investors, it is claimed.

The alleged conversation about the lender's financial health came just hours before it launched a huge 12billion fundraising drive.

It is the latest twist in a High Court drama, which could eventually see top executives forced to testify about the bank's collapse  including ex-boss Fred Goodwin.

'Building up RBS's balance sheet before the crash was just about as dangerous a thing as anyone has done in finance anywhere,' said veteran market commentator David Buik.

'Shareholders were suitably massaged and told the cash call was the right thing to do.

'When the share price halved within weeks, people felt like they had been kneecapped.'

RBS was one of the world's biggest dealers in toxic bundles of US mortgage debt before its collapse.

They were packaged up into complex financial instruments few understood. The bottom fell out of America's housing market when it became clear that this multi-billion pound industry was almost worthless.

As the financial sector fell apart in 2008, NatWest owner RBS raised the 12billion from shareholders in a bid to stay afloat.

But it did nothing to save the lender and six months later it was rescued by taxpayers in an unprecedented 46billion bailout.

Some of the City's biggest investors lost vast sums of money as a result and they are now suing the bank for 4billion.

In documents seen by Reuters, they claim that Deloitte accountants raised doubts about figures disclosed in the fundraising exercise. And Goldman Sachs also said it was worried in an email exchange the night before details were released.

RBS denies its figures were misleading and says the concerns of its advisors were taken on board. It says it complied with accounting rules.
November 17 marks the launch of ONEArmenias second annual Santas Wanted! campaign, through which people from around the world will have the opportunity to donate made-in-Armenia gifts to Syrian-Armenian children, while simultaneously helping to stimulate the economy in Armenia by supporting local businesses.

ONEArmenia is committed to seeing an Armenia which not only survives, but thrives, as a nation. Since 2011, Armenia has welcomed approximately 18,000 refugees from Syria, some of whom have succeeded in establishing homes and businesses here. Other families are struggling to find employment and housing. They are, collectively, an integral part of the population in Armenia and as such, contribute to the development of the nation as a whole.

ONEArmenia is partnering with Aleppo Compatriotic Charitable Organization-NGO to provide practical, fun and educational gifts for 200 Syrian-Armenian children who have recently moved to Armenia. The material and practical benefit of these gifts is just one aspect of the campaign. There is also a positive psychological impact which receiving new gifts will have on the children. After having left their friends and homes behind, moving to a new country and experiencing from the uncertainty of having their families displaced, the simple act of receiving gifts that are crafted, in Armenia, with them in mind, can make a significant impact in their lives.

These gifts are produced by seven local businesses: AVA Shoes, Huys, #Sport, Zangak Books, Honey.am, Ayl Kerp and Goghovit Knits. Those who wish to contribute can donate towards a $100 package which will include:

A water resistant jacket sewn by Huys, so that the children will be able to play outside in the winter months. The children which Aleppo NGO are working with dont have adequate winter wear, as they have never needed it before, and it is important that they are prepared for the upcoming season.

A warm hoodie sewn by #Sport, a local business which creates comfortable, casual wear in Armenia.

A hand knitted scarf made by Goghovit Knits, a one woman show in Shirak who will employ other local women to help her fill this large order.

A sturdy pair of boots handmade by AVA Shoes which are guaranteed to keep the kids feet warm and dry, no matter how much snow falls.

1-3 books published by Zangak Books which the children will be able to pick out for themselves. Being included in the decision making process is important for them to get excited about reading. These books will also help supplement their education when it comes to transitioning from studying in Western Armenian to Eastern Armenian.

An educational and fun board game called Ayl Kerpik which is the kids iteration of the extremely popular game, Ayl Kerp, which is similar to the English language game Taboo. This is another supplemental tool for their education which will make practicing Eastern Armenian fun.

A jar of locally sourced honey from honey.am which will help strengthen their immune systems, fight against seasonal allergies and promote a healthier lifestyle of choosing natural sweeteners of processed ones.

This Christmas, you can make a difference in the lives of 200 Syrian-Armenian children. These gift packages will help make the transition for them a little warmer, a little more fun and a lot more welcoming. Donate to Santas Wanted! at www.onearmenia.org/campaign
According to a July 2016 opinion poll commissioned by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Nagorno-Karabakh Republic (NKR) and conducted by the Institute for Political and Sociological Consulting (IPSC), a local research firm from Armenia, more people in Karabakh now prefer independence as opposed to unification with Armenia.

1,081 people in Stepanakert and the 7 regions of Nagorno-Karabakh were polled and the results cross-referenced with a similar survey conducted in March 2015.

46.2% of respondents believe that the NKR should become a part of Armenia, down from 56.6% from the March 2015 poll.

48.9% now believe that the NKR should be independent, up from 35.1% from March 2015.

51.1% of respondents believe that Armenia should recognize the NKR under any circumstances. 11% believe that Armenia should never recognize NKRs independence as it will impede the negotiation process.

In the July 2016 poll, 73.5% of respondents opposed the return of refugees and IDPs to their previous communities to guarantee peace between Armenia and Azerbaijan.

Another interesting finding is that 81.2% of respondents believe the people of the NKR should launch armed resistance if regional and global powers impose a handover of territories to Azerbaijan.

95.3% opposed the return of the five regions (Qubadli. Jabrayil, Zangilan, Agdam and Fuzuli) even if it meant a negotiated settlement of the conflict.

One more, somewhat disturbing finding, is that 38% of respondents said they were either absolutely unaware or unaware as to the negotiation process.

Finally, how do people in Artsakh see the future?

Pollsters asked the following: Taking into consideration recent developments, how do you think the general situation in NKR will develop in the upcoming years?

24.3% answered will deteriorate (up from 10.3% in the 2015 poll)

34% - will remain the same (no change from 2015 poll)

41.7 % - will improve (down from 55.8% in 2015 poll)

See poll results HERE

Photo: Stepanakert, Renaissance Square
The tea kettle is boiling. Above the stove, theres a photo of an old woman selling gata.

Welcome to the art studio of Tigran Asatryan in Yerevan.

Kindness and sadness, everyday concerns, combine as one in the old womans gaze. Its hard to understand what she is thinking. Theres a photo of a woman from Tatev selling pears affixed to the fridge.

Asatryans paintings run the gamut  early renaissance, baroque, Russian avant-garde, etc. The latter has had a great influence on his works. Asatryan has no idols, but, he confesses that he adores Botticelli. Asatryan says, When you see Michelangelos David, youll understand how great the man is.

At the beginning of our conversation, Asatryan takes the guitar from the chair and places it on the couch. He says he plays it well. When I ask what line of work he would have gotten into other than painting, the artist says he would have become a guitarist.

Now, I cant say I should give up painting and start playing the guitar. It would be treasonous. You must dedicate yourself to something. Painting relaxes me. Ill probably die with a paint brush in my hand. Its a blissful thing, like a soldier on the battlefield, he says with a smile.

Is your art studio a place where you escape from reality?

Its perhaps a desire to be alone. Its something we loved as kids, right? To be alone, to do something on the sly, so that mom or grandma dont see.

What did you like to do as a child?

I liked to paint when I was alone. I would try to come up with excuses not to go to school in the first and second grades. I wanted to stay home and paint. Sure, coming to the studio is a bit of an escape when youre with your paintings. In addition, its where I work. Every day, on the way back home, I must know what I did during the day; that the day just didnt pass eventless. Im not even talking about the healthy timesI had no time to sit. When I did, Id smoke and say  wow, this is great. When I left the hospital, they told me not to work, to climb so many stairs. But I came to the studio after the third or fourth day and painted a large canvas. You create in the studio; like it or not. You are with your thoughts and you talk to your god. Its convenient. Were on a high floor, Asatryan jokes and we laugh.

You said you started painting as a child. Why did you decide to express yourself via color?

First, color is an attitude. See how agreeable the colors ofautumn are. I love to walk the streets of Yerevan. I love our city.

In my childhood, I tried to paint things as they were. For example, children paint with their fingers  houses, the sun, etc. Thats not how I painted. As a kid, I loved to paint horses. I pleaded with my mother to help. She was from Tiflis, a Russian language teacher.

Was there a time when you thought that you wouldnt make it as a painter? Did you meet difficulties along the way?

There was no such period. Speaking about my childhood, I would jump out of bed in the mornings, without getting dressed, to see what I painted the evening before. My aunt would call me to breakfast, but Id say, no. Then, I went to the Shahumyan Pioneer Palace. My first teacher was Sergei Stepanyan. They called him circus Serozh because hed paint the large posters for the circus during the Soviet era. Many painters had nicknames.

Did you have a nickname?

I could I not have one? When I studied at the Yerevan Panos Terlemezyan Art School, theyd call me tchuto because I was kind of short. (Tchutik in Armenian means pinky).

Even though Im about to turn fifty, there might be some still around who remember. By the way, I was studying sculpture at the Pioneer Palace.

But you didnt chose sculpture

No, painting was more attractive.

Youve done many portraits. Is reading a person easy?

You can read a person from the first glance. For me, I dont have to sit down and break bread with somebody to understand them. A human is a powerful thing. Just look at the statue of David and youll be convinced.

There is sadness and grief in almost all your portraits. Are humans generally sad?

Thats how I am. For isnt it true that a painter transfers certain personal qualities to the canvas? An artist cant see this world, not particularly happy or rose-colored, as something superficial. Sometimes, there is something beautiful even in longing.

Why is it sad? Why does it grieve?

It probably grieves for many things. Look at this painting, the conversation between a man and a chicken. One hears doleful music. Its a semi-sorrowful place, no? So is nature, and the colors have an effect. Longing, for example, is a character for me and not a color than can appear before me. It intensifies when living in foreign lands. Imagine that Bachs music is heard at that moment. It all melds and becomes a painting. This is what makes life beautiful; the happiness and the sorrow. For doesnt spring follow winter?

An artist must come out onto the street and struggle. How do you explain this approach of yours?

An artist is also a citizen, and very sincere. The grandma selling pears in Tatev or the old woman selling gata in Geghard. This is my vision. There is a very vulnerable social class in the country. I cant remain indifferent. Via my art, I try to raise certain issues with the higher-ups. Im preparing a such a series when I finish my work. Sadly, I dont work as fast as I used to. But Ill get the series read; slowly but surely.

How do you know when your art has gotten those issues heard at the top?

The series I will be working on must be more extensive. Then, Ill know the extent to which it has reached where it must. Nevertheless, I believe it will speak to someone. Im talking about the officials. The satiated person cannot understand the hungry person. I want to show the underdog. I cant stand it when a person who has everything looks down on others.

Dont you think people dont see all this?

Of course they see it. They are just indifferent. Its human nature. People with a warm home and food to eat arent interested in those that go without. Their advice is that they should work and make a living. We all know the problems facing this country.

I go to work twice a week and receive a monthly salary of 24,000 AMD ($50  MM). That isnt important. Its kind of like my good deed. I pay to take students for art sketches since the government doesnt.

What do you say when someone starts complaining about life in Armenia, advising you to leave the country?

Where should I go? This is my homeland.

I was in Qatar for six weeks, working on a large canvas for the local museum. I got homesick for Armenia. I cant stay away for long. Anywhere you go, youre a stranger. Isnt it better to live at home? I know its difficult for all of us, but we must overcome the difficulties and not flee. You must endure the best you can and not get up and leave.

Photos: Narek Aleksanyan
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Queens welcomes people from all over the world, but there is no room for anyone spewing hate in the nations most ethnically diverse borough. Half of Queens residents were born outside the United States and many came heresome at great riskto find the freedom and equality they were denied at home.

Life in the borough has been an experiment in tolerance, with immigrants of every stripe raising families next door to one another and finding common ground in the workplace.

But with last weeks election of Donald Trump, who vowed on the campaign trail to ban Muslims and deport immigrants, the landscape has suddenly changed in Queens.

Elected officials have begun to speak out against hate and organize rallies, the Queens DA has pledged to prosecute hate crimes and many residents born abroad are living in fear.

Days after the election City Councilman Danny Dromm and state Assemblyman Ron Kim held a unity rally in Jackson Heights to support immigrants and send the message that diversity trumps hate.

State Sen. James Sanders, who called Trump a danger to the black community, met with southeast Queens leaders to plan strategy on preserving hard-won gains.

The FBI reported hate crimes jumped 7 percent across the country in 2015 fueled by a 67 percent rise in attacks against Muslims. Three Muslims were killed on Queens streets during the summer.

The citys five district attorneys released a statement saying over the past week their offices had been notified of multiple incidents in which New Yorkers had been threatened because of their race or religion and they were closely monitoring the reports.

Lawmakers David Weprin and Barry Grodenchik said Queens would not stand for hate after a 19-year-old Muslim woman from Bellerose riding the Q43 bus was harassed by a couple who demanded she take off her hijab. The day before a group of St. Francis Prep girls made a racial comment about black and Hispanic people sitting on a city bus.

Whether Trump follows up on his campaign rhetoric is to be seen, but his warnings prompted City Council Majority Leader Jimmy Van Bramer to organize a walk from Queens to Trump Tower this weekend.

Well march over the Queensborough Bridge from the place Trump once called home to remind him that diversity makes us stronger, he said.

The Worlds Borough is gearing up for a long fight to protect the rights of all our neighbors regardless of race, religion or gender. What better place to defeat hate than right here in Queens.
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By Bill Parry

The 29th annual Long Island City Partnership business-to-business Trade Show and Luncheon drew more than 1,000 visitors to the Astoria Manor last week where more than 100 businesses took part. The event showcases businesses ranging from services and real estate, to hotels, health care and catering.

Exhibitors included a cross-section of Long Island Citys diverse community, including Bartleby & Sage, which has transitioned from a brick and mortar restaurant to an online catering company; Green Mountain Graphics; MoMA PS 1; Rosenwach Tank; RCN and the Z Hotel.

LICs diverse business landscape  industrial, commercial, tech, cultural, tourism and residential sectors  is a microcosm of New York City, LIC Partnership President Elizabeth Lusskin said. The partnership is also excited to honor Werwaiss & Co. and Mount Sinai Queens for their pivotal roles in LICs renaissance and the health of our community.

During the luncheon, which was attended by more than 350 guests, the keynote address was delivered by Dr. Daniel Huttenlocher, the founding dean of Cornell Tech. The first phase of the Cornell Tech campus will be completed next summer and a new ferry stop will open on Roosevelt Island and provide a direct connection between the campus and LIC.

Long Island City and western Queens are integral to the NYC tech ecosystem and we cant wait for our new campus to help bolster and accelerate that community when it opens next year, Huttenlocher said. To be successful we need to be surrounded by a community of not only startups, but diverse business and local groups across sectors, and with the partnerships leadership that community is blossoming here in Long Island City.

Werwaiss & Co., a fourth-generation family-owned real estate concern based in Manhattan with commercial, industrial and retail properties in LIC, was also honored during the luncheon. Its redevelopment of the Lion Match Building has attracted marquee office tenants, while the repositioning of a former factory adjacent to Kaufman Astoria Studios has grown retail options in the neighborhood.

The recent changes in Long Island City demonstrate what our family has long known: Long Island City is an ideally located, transportation-rich, mixed-use neighborhood and community, Gretchen Werwaiss, a partner in the firm said. We are excited to be a part of its successes and we are grateful to the LIC Partnerships staff and members for all of their efforts in achieving them.

The William D. Modell Community Service Award was presented to Mount Sinai Queens. The hospitals recent multimillion-dollar renovation and expansion allows it to better serve the growing communities of Astoria and Long Island City and significantly expand its medical and surgical capacity.

Having access to first-class health care is our commitment to helping make Long Island City and the Borough of Queens the best it can be, Mount Sinai Queens Executive Director Caryn Schwab said. With our new facilities, talented physicians, nurses and other staff, the residents of Queens can get great care right here in Queens.
By Patrick Donachie

Many members of the Queens Muslim community remain anxious in the aftermath of the presidential election due to policy proposals made by Donald Trump during his campaign. Elected officials and community organizations are pledging to fight if Trump, who won an upset victory, tries to make his campaign rhetoric a reality.

City Councilman Rory Lancman (D-Hillcrest), whose district consists of a diverse population including a significant Bangladeshi Muslim community, called Trumps election an unmitigated disaster.

Its a horrible tragedy for the country, and for Queens in particular, which is so diverse and home to so many immigrants, Lancman said. The Bangladeshi Muslims in my community are afraid theyre going to be targeted for harassment, and for where people are not yet citizens, deportation.

At one point during his successful election run, Trump advocated for a a total and complete shutdown of Muslims entering the United States until our countrys representatives can figure out what is going on, according to his campaign website. In a series of statements last November, the president-elect seemed to flirt with the idea of a registry for either all Muslims or Muslim refugees.

Muslim critics of Trump have also expressed fears about increased surveillance and a curtailing of their rights. Nayim Islam, the immigrant rights organizer for the Jackson Heights-based organization Desis Rising Up and Moving, which advocates for South Asian immigrants, said he was concerned that the infrastructure of surveillance and deportation already in place during President Barack Obamas tenure would now be controlled by Trump.

Many of us feel at a loss for our rights and the victories that will be taken from us, so we are mourning, we are healing and we are preparing to fight, he said, because we know that our rights are only protected to the extent to which we are willing to fight for them.

The Trump transition team did not respond to a request for comment on this story.

Fariha Nizam, a 19-year-old Muslim woman in Bellerose, posted on Facebook last week that she was harassed because she was wearing a hijab by a couple riding the bus, with a woman attempting to tear Nizams hijab off of her head. Nizams account comes as other stories have appeared on social media in the week since the election, detailing alleged incidents of harassment, racism and mistreatment of Muslims, immigrants and other people of color. Trump told any supporters who might be acting out in his name to stop it during a 60 Minutes interview that aired this past Sunday.

The FBI reported Monday that hate crimes surged by 7 percent during 2015, with a 67 percent increase in hate crimes reported against Muslims from the year before. The spike in incidents marks the highest level of reported hate crimes against Muslims since the immediate aftermath of the 9/11 attacks.

Albert Fox Cahn, the director of strategic legislation for the Center for American-Islamic Relations in New York, posted on the organizations site the story of a conversation he held in the elections aftermath with a young Muslim student who fearfully asked him if policies akin to the Japanese internment camps of World War II could possibly happen to Muslims today. Cahn responded in the negative.

In the wake of Pearl Harbor there were no protests, there was no dissent, there was no solidarity with our Japanese neighbors. Today, there is an army of lawyers and activists primed to fight this presidency every step of the way, he told the student, and reminded him of Khizr Khan, the Gold Star father who criticized Trump during the election. Khizr Khan famously asked Donald Trump if he had ever read the Constitution. I promise you, we and other civil libertarians will teach him what it means.
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By Mark Hallum

Elected officials and community activists gathered at the Olde Towne of Flushing Burial Ground Saturday to commemorate the 10th anniversary of the reclamation of the pauper cemetery which was once turned into a playground known as Martins Field. Primarily, It is estimated 1,000 people were laid to rest on the plot of land containing the remains of African Americans and American Indians, as well as those people who had died of highly infectious diseases between 1840 and 1914 when it was turned over to the city Parks Department.

According to community activist and Bayside resident Mandingo Tshaka, stories of construction workers discovering bones, some of which were taken home as souvenirs, when the cemetery was renovated into a playground began to circulate. The headstones were removed and lost to history, making every burial an unmarked grave. For many years the site was used as a playground.

Councilman Peter Koo (D-Flushing), state Sen. Tony Avella (D-Bayside), former Councilman John Liu and Tshaka, the founder of the Olde Towne of FlushingBurial Ground Conservancy, led the ceremonies to pay homage to the dead.

The burial ground is located on 46th Avenue between 164th and 165th streets, across from Flushing Cemetery.

Dating back to the 1880s, and possibly earlier, this location in the heart of Flushing was used as an African-American and native-American burial ground that only recently was recognized by the city of New York. It was thanks in large part to the efforts of people in the Olde Towne of Flushing Burial Ground Conservancy, particularly Mandingo Tshaka, that a memorial was placed at the site, Koo said. Much progress has been made to recognize this site as a burial ground, but more needs to be done Koo said.

There have been complaints about children playing on the sacred ground and nearby residents walking their dogs on the site.

With todays ceremony, we let the bones beneath our feet know that times have changed and that we are here to offer respect to those who have been deprived of it in the past, Koo said.

Members of the conservancy said no effort was made to relocate bodies during an August cleanup of the burial ground.

Seventy years ago in 1935, the city of New York, in an act of indifference, intolerance and disrespect, paved over 1,000 souls here in this 19th century African and native American cemetery. That is the history of all 18th and 19th century African American cemeteries in New York City, said Conservancy Co-Chair Robbie Garrison. With the help of city officials, the site was reclaimed and renamed to reflect all who are still interred here at the Olde Towne of Flushing Burial Ground.

She pointed out that the goal of the conservancy is to have burial ground fully recognized as a cemetery and also gain city, state and federal registration as a historical burial site for native Americans, protecting the site into perpetuity.

Avella said he was honored to be involved in the effort to recognize the land as a burial ground.

It is more of an honor, however, to be able to acknowledge and recognize the lives of those who were buried here over 100 years ago and the impact they had on the city of New York, he said.
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By Bill Parry

After denigrating one another during the year-long presidential campaign, Mayor Bill de Blasio and President-elect Donald Trump met face-to-face  alone  for 62 minutes Wednesday morning.

De Blasio said he arrived at Trump Tower to assert to him the concerns and the needs of all New Yorkers, and help him to understand what is being said in the streets and subways of our city and why people are do deeply concerned.

The two leaders spoke by phone Monday and arranged for the meeting to take place in Trumps office. Afterward, the mayor refused to discuss any of Trumps positions or responses, but he said he left the substantive and very candid meeting with the door open for more dialogue.

Its well known we have very, very substantial differences in beliefs and ideology, but at the end of the meeting, we agreed that this was a conversation that would continue, de Blasio said. I reiterated to the president-elect that I would be open-minded as we continue substantive discussions, but I would be vigilant. And I would be swift to react anytime an action is taken that will undermine the people of New York City. I also know New Yorkers will stand together. Were going to stand up for anyone who because of any policy is excluded or affronted, be they members of the Muslim community, or the Jewish community, members of the LGBT community, womenanyone who feels policies are being undertaken that undermine them.

Trumps former campaign manager described the meeting as very productive to rporters waiting outside Trump Tower.

De Blasio also spoke about Stephen Bannon, who Trump named as his chief strategist and senior counselor. Bannon ran the right-wing Breitbart News and his ties to the White Nationalist movement has been well documented.

I made my views clear and my deep concerns about Mr. Bannon and the fact that I had thought many people were afraid because of the things they had seen in Breitbart News and the fear that suggested divisive policies, de Blasio said.

Meanwhile, Gov. Andrew Cuomo acted swiftly Tuesday to set up a toll-free hotline for people to report incidents of bias and discrimination across the state. The move came one day after the Anti-Defamation League expressed deep concern over a wave of anti-Semitic vandalism that has occurred in New York since Election Day.

There has been an explosion recently in the number of hate crime incidents. They are being investigated and its not a crime until we have evidence of it being a crime, Cuomo said. But circumstantially, they were very, very troubling and we want to make a very clear statement in this state: that there is no place for racism, there is no place for hate, there is no place for swastikas, there is no place for racially inflammatory and divisive rhetoric or acts. This is New York. This is America.

Anyone who thinks they may have been the victim of a bias crime can call (888) 392-3644 and report it.

We have very a strict hate crime law that we take seriously and I want the people of New York to know that were going to enforce it, Cuomo said. I understand the political environment out there, and I understand the sentiments that have been raised, but the law is the law. The hate crimes legislation and the hate crimes laws will be enforced.
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By Greater Astoria Historical Society

In conjunction with the Greater Astoria Historical Society, the Times/Ledger newspaper presents noteworthy events in the boroughs history

Lance Corporal Thomas P. Noonan, Jr. was a United States Marine posthumously awarded the Medal of Honor for selfless gallantry while serving in the Vietnam War.

Born in Brooklyn on Nov. 18, 1943, Corporal Noonan also lived in Maspeth and graduated from Grover Cleveland High School in Ridgewood in 1961. Following graduation from Hunter College in 1966, he voluntarily enlisted in the Marines and was sent to Vietnam. The Marine was killed in action on Feb. 5, 1969 at age 25 while bravely attempting to rescue wounded comrades pinned down by enemy fire.

Then Private Noonan completed recruit training at Parris Island in April 1968 and was soon promoted to Private First Class. Ordered to Vietnam in July 1968, the young Marine from New York first served on a mortar crew in the 1st Marine Division and later saw combat as a rifleman with the 3rd Marine Division. Noonan was promoted to lance corporal on Jan. 1, 1969. He was killed in action during Operation Dewey Canyon in Vietnams Quang Tri Province. His Medal of Honor citation reads as follows:

For conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity at the risk of his life above and beyond the call of duty while serving as a Fire Team Leader with Company G, Second Battalion, Ninth Marines, Third Marine Division, in operations against the enemy in Quang Tri Province in the Republic of Vietnam. On February 5, 1969, Company G was directed to move from a position which they had been holding southeast of the Vandergrift Combat Base in A Shau Valley to an alternate location.

As the Marines commenced a slow and difficult descent down the side of the hill, made extremely slippery by the heavy rains, the leading element came under a heavy fire from a North Vietnamese Army unit occupying well-concealed positions in the rocky terrain. Four men were wounded, and repeated attempts to recover them failed because of the intense hostile fire.

Lance Corporal Noonan moved from his position of relative security and, maneuvering down the treacherous slope to a location near the injured men, took cover behind some rocks. Shouting words of encouragement to the wounded men to restore their confidence, he dashed across the hazardous terrain and commenced dragging the most seriously wounded man away from the fire-swept area. Although wounded and knocked to the ground by an enemy round, Lance Corporal Noonan recovered rapidly and resumed dragging the man toward the marginal security of a rock.

He was, however, mortally wounded before he could reach his destination. His heroic actions inspired his fellow Marines to such aggressiveness that they initiated a spirited assault which forced the enemy soldiers to withdraw. Lance Corporal Noonans indomitable courage, inspiring initiative and selfless devotion to duty upheld the highest traditions of the Marine Corps and the United States Naval Service. He gallantly gave his life for his country.

The L/CPL Thomas P. Noonan Jr. Playground and the Thomas P. Noonan Jr. VA Community Clinic, both in Sunnyside, commemorate his supreme sacrifice and his roots in Queens. He is buried in Calvary Cemetery and his name is inscribed on Panel 33W, Line 067 of the Vietnam Veterans Memorial in Washington, DC.
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By Mark Hallum

The black community in Jamaica engaged in a meeting Saturday with elected officials and activists to discuss their feelings after the presidential election, which dismayed many who expressed not only apprehension toward the prospect of a Donald Trump administration, but also disillusionment toward the Democratic Party.

State Sen. James Sanders (D-South Ozone Park) hosted the meeting at the Black Spectrum Theatre at 177 Baisley Blvd. with fellow state Sen. Leroy Comrie (D-St. Albans), Rev. Johnnie Green and Oster Bryan, vice president of CommUnity 1st, as panelists. They addressed the concerns raised by the Trump victory and the next step toward protecting the black community against possible disadvantages they might face.

Many agreed that whatever ensues the responsibility is in the hands of the community and their elected officials to organize and look out for the best interests of the black community as opposed to depending on the system at large for support and representation.

I think a vote for Trump is a fundamental misunderstanding of who Trump is and what he represents, Sanders said. Trump is such a danger to America as a whole and to black people, in particular. If you were going to cast a protest vote, you could have gone with Jill Stein or Gary Johnson, but when you are voting for a person who says he has a noose for you, then youre voting for the noose.

Bryan explained that when he went to the polls Nov. 8, he had watched as reader machines malfunctioned and expressed doubts as to whether neighborhoods of Little Neck and Douglaston experienced the same issues, which he viewed as direct negligence of black communities. At the critical moment, he decided he would cast a protest vote for Trump.

Weve been voting Democrat for over 50 years, but our voting machines dont work on Election Day. The definition of insanity is doing the same thing over and over again and expecting different results, said Bryan. I just had a moment of clarity as I was filling out that sheet, and I decided, let me make a protest at this point, and so I voted for Trump.

Bryan was not alone in the meeting to admit to having voted for the Republican nominee, and several others at the meeting of about 80 spoke up about casting a ballot for Trump because of disillusionment with the Democratic Party.

According to Bryan, racism is more than antagonizing behavior, it is a system of oppression, which he sees defined more by the Democratic Partys neglect of minorities rather than the rhetoric adopted by Trump during his campaign.

Green thought the success of Trump was largely the result of dysfunction within the Democratic Party, which was put on display during the primary election when Clinton was nominated over U.S. Sen. Bernie Sanders.

There was a lot of backlash from the black community, Green said. She did not get the black support she hoped to get. How could she even desire the black support when this is the same woman who called us superpredators? 

This is the same woman who supported the laws that her husband had passed that incarcerated an unprecedented number of African-American men and women, and many of them are still incarcerated today. So Im sorry, we have to live with Donald Trump for at least the next four years because the chickens have come home to roost in our own backyard.

In 1996, Clinton spoke in support of Bill Clintons Violent Crime Control and Law Enforcement bill that took aimed at youth who are recruited into gangs at an early age and the conditions that promote gang violence. The controversial bill stepped up law enforcement and discouraged gang violence through community policing. She referred to youths who are conditioned for gang life early on as superpredators.

Regardless of disagreements from the attendees, the consensus of the meeting settled on the view that community action is the first response to the uncertainty of a Trump presidency.
The European Investment Bank (EIB) and the Republic of Armenia have signed a grant agreement under the Neighbourhood Investment Facility (NIF) to support the completion of the North-South Road Corridor,a strategic part of Armenias transport infrastructure.



The NIF budget made available a grant of EUR 12 million to the Republic of Armenia for the North-South Road Corridor Investment Programme. The NIF grant is made available by the EIB on behalf of the European Commission to the Republic of Armenia. It consists of two components: a EUR 6 million investment grant and a EUR 6 million technical assistance component. The purpose of the agreement signed today is to set the terms and conditions for the EUR 6 million investment grant component to finance works and supplies necessary for the Armenia North-South Road Corridor Investment Programme. The agreement for making available the EUR 6 million technical assistance component was already signed last year.

EIB Vice-President Jan Vapaavuori, commented: I very much appreciate that the European Investment Bank together with the European Commission are joining forces with the Republic of Armenia to develop adequate, efficient and safe road infrastructure improving peoples quality of everydaylife and fostering economic growth and regional cooperation.

Minister of Finance of the Republic of Armenia Mr VardanAramyan highlighted the importance of infrastructure projects in Armenia, expressed gratitude to the EU for its continuous support through NIF funding and especially stressed the fruitful cooperation with the EIB aimed at infrastructural development and its efforts for mobilising grant resources.

H.E. Piotr Antoni Switalski, Ambassador and Head of the EU Delegation to Armenia added:"For a country like Armenia, connectivity is a necessity" and continued by underlining that "the EU is delighted to be able to contribute to the efforts made by the EIB to ensure that Armenian citizens and businesses can circulate more freely and safely in Armenia and access more easily other neighbouring territories and markets."

In 2013 the EIB signed a EUR 60 millionloan to finance the upgrading of the North-South Road Corridor  the key transport corridor in Armenia. This project promotes economic and social development in Armenia and improves regional integration, with significant benefits for the whole region. This project is part of an ambitious programme aimed at improving the 556 km North-South Road Corridor running from the border with Georgia at Bavra to the border with Iran at Meghri via the cities of Bavra, Gyumri, Ashtarak, Yerevan, Goris, Comer, Kapan and Meghri.

The European Investment Bank (EIB) and the Republic of Armenia have signed a grant agreement under the Neighbourhood Investment Facility (NIF) to support the completion of the North-South Road Corridor,a strategic part of Armenias transport infrastructure.

The NIF budget made available a grant of EUR 12 million to the Republic of Armenia for the North-South Road Corridor Investment Programme. The NIF grant is made available by the EIB on behalf of the European Commission to the Republic of Armenia. It consists of two components: a EUR 6 million investment grant and a EUR 6 million technical assistance component. The purpose of the agreement signed today is to set the terms and conditions for the EUR 6 million investment grant component to finance works and supplies necessary for the Armenia North-South Road Corridor Investment Programme. The agreement for making available the EUR 6 million technical assistance component was already signed last year

EIB Vice-President Jan Vapaavuori, commented: I very much appreciate that the European Investment Bank together with the European Commission are joining forces with the Republic of Armenia to develop adequate, efficient and safe road infrastructure improving peoples quality of everydaylife and fostering economic growth and regional cooperation.

Minister of Finance of the Republic of Armenia VardanAramyan highlighted the importance of infrastructure projects in Armenia, expressed gratitude to the EU for its continuous support through NIF funding and especially stressed the fruitful cooperation with the EIB aimed at infrastructural development and its efforts for mobilising grant resources.

H.E. Piotr Antoni Switalski, Ambassador and Head of the EU Delegation to Armenia added:"For a country like Armenia, connectivity is a necessity" and continued by underlining that "the EU is delighted to be able to contribute to the efforts made by the EIB to ensure that Armenian citizens and businesses can circulate more freely and safely in Armenia and access more easily other neighbouring territories and markets."

In 2013 the EIB signed a EUR 60 millionloan to finance the upgrading of the North-South Road Corridor  the key transport corridor in Armenia. This project promoteseconomic and social development in Armenia and improves regional integration, with significant benefits for the whole region. This project is part of an ambitious programme aimed at improving the 556 km North-South Road Corridor running from the border with Georgia at Bavra to the border with Iran at Meghri via the cities of Bavra, Gyumri, Ashtarak, Yerevan, Goris, Comer, Kapan and Meghri.

Background information:

The EIB  the European Unions bank  finances projects in Armenia on the basis of an EU Council and European Parliament mandate for the countries of the Eastern Neighbourhood. The 2014-2020 mandate allows the EIB to provide financing of up to EUR 4.8 billion under an EU guarantee to support projects of significant interest to boththe EU and its Eastern Neighbours in the areas of local private sector development, social and economic infrastructure and climate change. In addition, the Bank has set up a EUR 3 billion own-risk Neighbourhood Finance Facility to enhance its support for the Neighbourhood Countries.
International donors promised 2.06 billion euros ($2.2 billion)for the Central African Republic on Thursday, seeking to cement a recovery from three years of sectarian strife that has left the country dependent on United Nations peacekeepers.

At a conference in Brussels, 80 countries and international agencies pledged the money for the next four years, including more than 700 million euros from the European Union.

"We need to aid the most vulnerable, the many displaced, those who sought refuge in neighboring countries and to help them go home," said Andre Vallini, France\s junior minister for development, of the former French colony.

Despite a respite in violence after a new president was elected in February, clashes between militias are rising in one of the world\s most chronically unstable countries.

The departure of French troops this month puts the onus on U.N. peacekeepers and an EU military training mission, as well as an International Monetary Fund program, to try to rebuild the country in sub-Saharan Africa.

"We\re here to help the country back on its feet," Vallini said, adding France would give 85 million euros for the 2017-2019 period, having pledged 75 million euros in 2014.

The country has been plagued by inter-religious and inter-communal conflict since 2013 when the mainly Muslim Seleka rebels seized power, prompting reprisals from the anti-Balaka militia, many of whose fighters are nominally Christian.

Elections in February that brought President Faustin-Archange Touadera to power were seen as a success, but with no army and few basic services, the government in the capital Bangui does not have control over the whole country.

Violence has displaced about 400,000 people, with only some beginning to return home.

"Our priority is to help bring back and integrate the displaced and the refugees," Touadera told donors.

Donors hope funds can provide housing and establish land and property rights to allow refugees to return. They hope to support the economy, which is relying on a $115.8 million International Monetary Fund program agreed in July.

SOURCE: AFP
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.
Malta

GlobalFoundries has been active in the Portland, Ore., area trying to hire former Intel workers who were laid off by the computer chip giant last spring, according to the Oregonian newspaper.

The new workers are for GlobalFoundries' Fab 8 computer chip factory in Saratoga County.

The idea would have been inconceivable 10 years ago when the Capital Region looked to the Portland area as a model for what it wanted to achieve with its dreams to build its own semiconductor manufacturing hub.

Intel, which is based in Silicon Valley, has 19,500 employees in Hillsboro outside of Portland. The company laid off 784 in April, according to the newspaper, as part of a massive layoff of 12,000 workers worldwide announced around the same time.

GlobalFoundries has 3,000 employees at Fab 8 and has another 5,000 people between two former IBM chip fabs in Vermont and in Dutchess County.

GlobalFoundries doesn't compete directly with Intel because it makes chips for other companies like Advanced Micro Devices, which created GlobalFoundries as a spin-off in 2009.

Experienced semiconductor engineers are difficult to find in upstate New York because there is no history of semiconductor manufacturing, forcing GlobalFoundries to search across the U.S. and the world for people.

A GlobalFoundries spokesman told the Oregonian that it hired 15 development engineers from the Portland area in July and is holding more job fairs in December to try to hire 80 technicians.

Lately, Fab 8 has been able to produce chips for AMD that have out-performed Intel's best chip, an indication that the manufacturing operation at Fab 8 may be the best in the world.

lrulison@timesunion.com  518-454-5504  @larryrulison
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Calling all "Jaws" and "E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial" fans.

The 2017 Tanglewood music festival is the place for you.

Next summer's slate of concerts kicks off June 18 and will feature the usual heavy-hitters  the Boston Symphony Orchestra, Boston Pops and other classical artists  along with some new acts.

Keith Lockhart will lead the Boston Pops in popular film scores to "Jaws" on June 18 and "E.T." on Aug. 25. The orchestra will perform live while the films are projected onto screens for shed and lawn patrons.

This season, Boston Symphony Orchestra music director Andris Nelsons has expanded his commitment to Tanglewood, offering 10 programs over four weeks.

The orchestra has made its summer home on the lawns of Lenox, Mass., since 1937.

Many familiar faces (violinist Joshua Bell, pianist Emanuel Ax and cellist Yo-Yo Ma) will perform along with Tanglewood newcomers (Thomas Ades as Boston Symphony Orchestra artistic partner, Garrick Ohlsson as the 2017 Koussevitzky Artist and "Tanglewood Takes Flight," a celebration of birds and music with Mass Audubon).

Tickets are priced from $12 to $124 for the regular season and will go on sale on Jan. 29, at (888) 266-1200 and http://www.tanglewood.org.

In keeping with tradition, the Tanglewood season also includes an assortment of panels, talks, open rehearsals and other programming.

For a full list of events, go to http://www.tanglewood.org.
Albany

New York school districts are being instructed to crack down on instances of hate speech, bullying and discrimination among students and staff, as reports of such behavior have multiplied in the days following last week's presidential election.

Gov. Andrew Cuomo on Friday called on the

state Education Department to instruct schools to immediately hold trainings for staff and students addressing discriminatory behaviors that violate state law or school codes of conduct. The same day, state Education Commissioner MaryEllen Elia and Attorney General Eric Schneiderman urged districts to review and publicize the systems they have in place to protect students against bullying, harassment and violence.

Each cited concern over the increasing number of incidents being reported at schools across the state, often directed at individuals based on their race, ethnicity, religion or immigration status, the letters said.

"I am greatly disturbed by these events and saddened by the tone that our electoral process has set for our youth," Cuomo said in a letter to Elia. "Our children are watching what we do, and how we react to discord. New York will continue to be the example that we are all one nation, not divided but united. We will not stand for hate, discrimination or intolerance."

Since Republican Donald Trump's stunning defeat of Democrat Hillary Clinton last week, schools, universities and other organizations have reported a rise in racial and anti-Muslim harassment.

In some cases, the race-based speech has taken the form of graffiti  such as a swastika spray-painted on a street in Saratoga Springs or at a residence hall at SUNY Geneseo. In other cases, the speech has been directed at specific individuals. In Clifton Park, Shenendehowa school officials said students have been overheard telling others that Trump is going to deport them. Superintendent L. Oliver Robinson wrote a letter to parents urging them to talk to their kids about the impact of such language.

In the letter from Elia and Schneiderman, schools were reminded to report bullying and other incidents through the Dignity for All Students Act (DASA) and Violent and Disruptive Incident Reporting (VADIR) systems. They also reminded districts that their respective agencies would be available to assist schools in providing supports and resources for staff, students, parents and community members.

"We must focus our efforts to ensure that our schools are safe havens where students can learn without fear of discrimination, harassment or intimidation directed towards students or faculty on the basis of their race, ethnicity, religion, immigration status, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity or for any other reason," they wrote.

bbump@timesunion.com  518-454-5387  @bethanybump
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ALBANY  An extradition hearing for a woman accused of killing her twin sister when their SUV plunged off a cliff in Hawaii is scheduled for Dec. 16.

Alexandria Duval, 37, appeared Friday in Albany County Court for a hearing before acting County Court Judge William Carter. She was arrested Nov. 11 in Albany by city and State Police.

She was wanted for murder in the death of her identical twin sister, Anastasia.

"She is profoundly distraught," her attorney Terry Kindlon said, calling the sisters "soul mates."

Duval, charged as a fugitive from justice, has entered the courtroom. Watch the video: pic.twitter.com/BT4CwfN9HS  Emily Masters (@emilysmasters) November 18, 2016

Duval's case, and the crash that killed her twin sister, made national headlines. Duval was injured in the crash.

Kindlon, from the Public Defender's Office, said she will not waive her right to an extradition hearing. The paperwork prosecutors in New York and Hawaii have amassed "is not sufficient to force extradition so far," he said.

An extradition hearing determines if a defendant is the person wanted by law enforcement and if a defendant was at the crime scene, Kindlon said.

On May 29, the women's SUV plunged off a 200-foot cliff on Maui's rocky shore during what was described as a hair-pulling fight over the steering wheel, the Associated Press reports.

Alexandria, the driver, was arrested and jailed on a second-degree murder charge, accused of deliberately causing her sister's death, the AP reports. The twins were previously known as Alison and Ann Dadow.

Kindlon described the crash as an accident. Duval "left Hawaii to come back to grieve, not to escape from justice," he said. The sisters were originally from the Utica area, according to the Star Advertiser of Honolulu.

Duval was taken into custody by Maui police after being discharged from the hospital days after the accident. A judge later ordered her release after determining there was no probable cause for a murder charge, the AP reported. Duval was eager to return to upstate New York after the crash to attend her sister's funeral, the AP reported.

In late October, a grand jury indicted Duval on a second-degree murder charge and the Maui Police Department issued a warrant for her arrest, CBS News reports

A State Police investigator from the New York State Intelligence Center located a possible address for Duval in Albany and Troop G members were notified. On Nov. 11, Duval was seen standing outside the home and tried to flee, but was taken into custody and brought to the Latham barracks, troopers said.

Duval was returned to the Albany County Jail.

Read more from the Associated Press:

Sister charged with murder after crash that killed twin

Twin sisters' bickering relationship ends in deadly crash
"Subway Therapy" at the Union Square subway station in New York started after the presidential election. The piece allows people to express their thoughts with the public.
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Jay Maynor was sentenced to 40 years in prison after fatally shooting a man who sexually abused his daughter, Julia Maynor, 24.

Between the ages of 4 and 9, Julia Maynor was abused by her maternal grandfather, Raymond Brooks. Brooks pleaded guilty and served 27 months of a five-year sentence.

"Raymond molested me for either four or five years," Julia Maynor told Alabama News. "I don't remember when it started happening but I know it was for a very long time. It was long enough for me to think it was completely normal and made me to feel that he actually loves me in a different kind of way than my mother and father loves me."

Now Playing: Trending News Around The Nation Video: Houston Chronicle

In 2014, Julia Maynor said something to her father which prompted him to drive to Brooks' house and murder him. She says she can't remember what she said that spurred Jay Maynor to drive to Brooks' house that day, but that it had something to do with the abuse she sustained as a child.

On his way to Brooks' home, Jay Maynor also fired shots into a convenience store where he saw a man who'd reportedly been abusive to his stepdaughter.

Monday, Jay Maynor accepted a plea deal at a Cullman County, Alabama court in which he would plead guilty and his daughter would not have to testify in court.

GREENSPOINT MURDER: Mother learns her little girl killed in robbery

"Basically he took it so that I didn't have to relive the molestation and also be on the stand in front of a bunch of people talking about and bringing back memories of the molestation," Julia Maynor told WVTM. "My father was protecting me, like a father should do. He is an amazing father  actually the best. He loves us so much."

Julia Maynor waived her right to anonymity following her father's sentencing. She says that the sentence is unfair.

"I'm going through hell," Julia Maynor told Alabama News. "Everything comes back to me as to why this has happened. I feel like it's my fault. I'm sad but yet mad."

She is currently considering a divorce from her husband.

"Me and my husband are now going through a divorce because of it. I have completely pushed him out of my life," she told the outlet. "I am back in the same mindstate that it is wrong, even though we are married and have three kids, it's wrong. I keep making him miserable with my miserable life."

Julia says that the current circumstances have made her revisit her tormented childhood.

"I can still remember his smell, which is awful to me. I overcame my PTSD, but now I have had to relive it all over again," she said.
Traveling to hear music is a practice that began for me during my college days. Catching a special piece or a favorite artist in a new venue sometimes just requires airfare. Last weekend, it required a drive to Shaftsbury, Vt.

On Saturday night in a high school auditorium two community orchestras of the Green Mountain State  the Sage City Symphony and the Windham Orchestra  joined forces to tackle a demanding and unusual program. Their music directors, Michael Finckel and Hugh Keelan, shared conducting duties.

What drew my attention was a piece by Carl Ruggles. He was a flinty modernist in the vein of Charles Ives and his music doesn't get much attention these days. That's a shame, since the man only wrote 18 pieces. Or at least that's all that he signed off on. He was a perfectionist known for endlessly revising and jiggering with his works

What I wasn't aware of is that Ruggles spent the last 50 years of his long life as a resident of Arlington, Vt. He died in 1977 at age 95. So a performance of Ruggles' music by these Vermont orchestras was an honoring of one of their own. But it was also a monumental undertaking.

Ruggles' "Sun-treader" is scored for massive forces. On this occasion there were 94 players assembled. (That was almost twice the size of the audience.) Being where we were, I couldn't help but compare the character of the music to the mountain ranges and rocky landscape of Vermont. But that would suggest that the piece is more pastoral and lush than it is. It opens pounding and raw, in the vein of a Bernard Herrmann score for a Hitchcock movie, and it only gets more craggy, twisted and dissonant from there. There's a world of detail within the broad gestures and the orchestra did an admirable job with it. That being said, I probably won't go too far out of my way to hear Ruggles again.

The balance of the program was inspiring and invigorating. It opened with a world premiere by Phillip Thomas Bloch, who is a member of the violin section in the Windham Orchestra. His "for Nick and Alex" was a memorial to two young people from the community and featured the composer as viola soloist. The writing had the feeling of a quest for understanding, and the scoring was gentle and transparent, almost fragile. I thought I caught a fragment of Puccini in the final bars, his "Nessum Dorma" (None Shall Sleep).

After intermission came a lusty performance of Strauss' "Don Quixote" Op. 35 with Michael Finckel as soloist. He's a cousin, by the way, of David Finckel, co-artistic director of the Chamber Music Society of Lincoln Center. This was another big undertaking for the players and at one point the conductor had to become a kind of traffic cop keeping the players in proper order. But the woodwinds and brass were often radiant. And as an audience member, it was a thrill to sit so close to the soloist and ensemble and feel in the midst of the action.

Out on the street

Speaking of music and travel, caroling season is just around the corner. The Hudson Opera House is organizing a different take on that old tradition with the first local performance of Phil Kline's "Unsilent Night."

The piece is a mobile sound sculpture that debuted in Manhattan's East Village in December 1992. Kline composed four different 45 minute tracks of music, which he distributed on cassettes to friends and anyone else who showed up with a boombox. After a cue to hit "play," the party set to walking the city streets and letting the collage of sounds reverberate off buildings and envelope unknowing pedestrians.

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I participated one year after the route switched from Washington Square Park to Tompkins Square, an easy 1-mile walk. There was a sharp contrast between the beautiful music and the cold urban setting. The piece opens and closes with ringing chimes and midway through comes the sound of distant chanting voices, something like vespers in a monastery. There's a delightful randomness to who is playing which track and how people mingle about. I remember lots of smiles on people's faces as the music crescendos during the final minutes.

Over the years "Unsilent Night" has become a phenomenon, with at least 19 cities hosting performances this year. Also, the technology has been updated. You can download a track and play it on your phone or any other device. Or participate in the old fashioned way, just bring a boombox of your own and borrow a cassette or CD from the organizers.

The Hudson event is part of this year's Winter Walk. The gathering starts at 4 p.m., Saturday, Dec. 3, at Basilica Hudson, 110 S. Front St. The walk begins at 5 p.m. and will end at the Seventh Street park. More information at: http://www.hudsonoperahouse.org and http://www.unsilentnight.com

Meanwhile in the gallery of the Opera House, there's an exhibit titled "The Boombox Project." It features Lyle Owerko's luminous and pristine photos of the musical equipment that served as an engine of hip-hop culture in its early days. An opening reception takes place 5-7 p.m. Saturday and the show runs through Dec. 23. More information: http://www.hudsonoperahouse.org

Joseph Dalton is a freelance writer based in Troy.
Ride-hailing has become a multibillion-dollar business during the last several years. The traditional taxi industry has been upended and is now forced to compete with drivers using their own automobiles, sometimes as a side job, summoned by the tap of a smartphone.

Millions of travelers now use these apps regularly, but some still have questions. One thing is certain: These apps are popular because the rides are usually considerably cheaper than a taxi (when prices aren't surging, that is). Here are a few ride-share tips for the uninitiated, and some pointers for the casual user.

With its $62.5 billion valuation, Uber remains the 800-pound gorilla of the ride-hail apps with a presence on every continent except Antarctica. But there are other options. Lyft, the service founded in 2012, is in most major American cities as well as a handful in Southeast Asia. It has billed itself as "your friend with a car," encouraging passengers to sit in the front seat in a spirit of community and friendliness.

Gett, an Israeli-based startup, is available in only one American city (New York), but has a solid presence in Russia, Britain and Israel. (I used the service in Russia and found it reliable.) Juno is another service new to New York; it hopes to attract drivers with incentives and lower commissions. In China, the popular Didi Chuxing app is jockeying with Uber for dominance in a highly prized market.

Zipcar works as something of a bridge between ride-hailing and the traditional car rental. It functions as a car club where, for a fee, drivers can use vehicles strategically placed around a city. In Los Angeles, for example, drivers can buy a yearlong membership for $35. In return, they are able to reserve and use cars (gas, insurance and up to 180 miles are included) at rates from $10 an hour to $78 a day, depending on the car. Rates are slightly higher on weekends.

Carpooling's challenges

Both Uber and Lyft offer carpooling options, called UberPOOL and Lyft Line. (The navigation system Waze is also testing a carpool service in the Bay Area.) The idea  that riders going in the same direction are matched together, resulting in a cheaper fare  is great in theory, but while selecting a carpool option can save you money, I wouldn't recommend it if you're on a tight schedule.

While I've had many seamless, efficient pooling experiences, I've had some horrendous ones as well: the time I called an UberPOOL from Manhattan to Kennedy Airport and was routed through LaGuardia, for example. If you're only saving a few dollars, I would recommend getting a car for yourself. Compare the carpool pricing, which is presented upfront, with what you might pay for a regular car (Uber and Lyft provide estimates). If you're taking advantage of UberPOOL's $5 promotion for commuter rides below 125th Street, well, it's hard to pass that up.

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Speak up

Between Uber, Lyft, Gett and Sidecar (now defunct), I've taken hundreds of trips via ride-share service. I've never had an accident or an aggressively bad experience, but there have been occasional problems. The most common is a driver who accepts rides seemingly without any intention of picking up the passenger. This can happen with drivers who operate both Uber and Lyft simultaneously; they will accept rides on both platforms to keep their acceptance rate high (necessary to get incentive bonuses) but complete only one of them. The stranded passenger, they hope, will simply give up and cancel the ride.

One of the many appealing things about ride-hailing apps is that they provide a cashless experience. When you arrive at your destination, you simply get out. But many riders wonder if it's actually that simple. Some drivers have decried the lack of tips openly on online driver's forum. Lyft and Gett allow tipping within the app and advertise that drivers keep 100 percent of their tips. Uber does not offer in-app tipping, and has recently adopted a policy of "you can, but you don't have to."
THE ISSUE:

Gov. Cuomo says it's time for action now, and not just words, about ethics reform.

THE STAKES:

It's unlikely the Legislature will support his measures, including outside income limits.

More Information To comment: tuletters@timesunion.com or at http://blog.timesunion.com/opinion See More Collapse

As lawmakers' hopes for a long-sought pay raise were dashed by a state commission this week, Gov. Andrew Cuomo was unveiling yet another list of steps intended to clean up state government  perhaps giving legislators one final shot at their first salary hike since 1999.

The flurry of activity, typical for those aboard New York's political merry-go-round, came in rapid sequence. On Monday, the governor's appointees to a special legislative pay commission blocked any increase, allowing the panel's Nov. 15 deadline to pass. It came after legislators failed to respond to Mr. Cuomo's demand that any pay hike be linked to a deal to toughen ethics laws.

This has to be viewed in the context of federal corruption charges filed in September against two former aides who had been in the governor's inner circle and six other people, all relating to Mr. Cuomo's billion-dollar upstate economic development programs. Mr. Cuomo now must respond to the call for tougher ethics enforcement.

On Wednesday, the governor proposed steps aimed at reducing the corrupting influence of campaign contributions and adding oversight to state contracts. Mr. Cuomo also vowed to decline campaign gifts from companies involved in pre-bidding on state contracts and accept no contributions from winning bidders for six months. Mr. Cuomo said he would appoint a "chief procurement officer" to examine all payments made through the state Budget Division.

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These measures don't need the Legislature's approval, but a more contentious proposal would: limiting lawmakers' outside income to 15 percent of their base legislative pay. That's where Mr. Cuomo has placed legislators in a box.

The state Senate and Assembly could return to Albany for a special session in the next few weeks and approve the governor's income limit proposal, presumably in exchange for his support of pay raises of perhaps $37,400 annually, atop the current base pay of $79,500. Since most lawmakers hope to avoid saying they want a raise, the pay commission was a way to avoid the politically awkward act of raising their own salaries. Under the state constitution, however, if legislators don't act before year's end, they can't get any pay increase until 2019, at the earliest.

Credit Mr. Cuomo with focusing legislators on the need for reform, even if some of his steps are dubious and some key reforms missing. For example, why create a procurement officer answering to the governor, seemingly duplicating the work of the elected state comptroller? And notably missing from Mr. Cuomo's plan is a shutdown of the LLC loophole, which allows individuals to give unlimited funds to candidates by setting up limited liability companies.

Legislators seem unlikely to rise to Mr. Cuomo's bait. But if they want a raise, they should vote now and embrace the reform agenda. And if they don't, the governor should make it, plus the LLC loophole closure, part of his 2017 budget plan in January, and stand firm. Anything else is just posturing on both sides.
[November 17, 2016] Ventas CEO to Participate in Harvard Business Review's Top 100 CEOs Panel Discussion at EY Strategic Growth Forum

Ventas, Inc. (NYSE: VTR) ("Ventas" or the "Company") today announced that Chairman and Chief Executive Officer Debra A. Cafaro will participate in the Harvard Business Review's Top 100 CEOs panel discussion at the EY Strategic Growth Forum on November 18th in Palm Springs, California. The panel discussion is scheduled for 7:00 a.m. Pacific Time. The panel will be moderated by Adi Ignatius, Editor in Chief of the Harvard Business Review Group. The panelists include: Doug Baker, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, Ecolab; and Leonard Schleifer, M.D., Ph.D., Regeneron Pharmaceuticals, Inc. Debra A. Cafaro was recognized by the Harvard Business Review as one of "The Best-Performing CEOs in the World." She is one of 30 CEOs named to the Harvard Business Review list for three consecutive years and one of only two women on this year's list. The panel discussion will be webcast and may be accessed through the Company's website at www.ventasreit.com/investor-relations. The webcast will be archived at www.ventasreit.com/investor-relations for a limited period following the event.



Ventas, Inc., an S&P 500 company, is a leading real estate investment trust. Its diverse portfolio of approximately 1,300 assets in the United States, Canada and the United Kingdom consists of seniors housing communities, medical office buildings, life science and innovation centers, skilled nursing facilities, specialty hospitals and general acute care hospitals. Through its Lillibridge subsidiary, Ventas provides management, leasing, marketing, facility development and advisory services to highly rated hospitals and health systems throughout the United States. More information about Ventas and Lillibridge can be found at www.ventasreit.com and www.lillibridge.com. Click here to subscribe to Mobile Alerts for Ventas, Inc.

View source version on businesswire.com: http://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20161117006453/en/

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[November 17, 2016] Robertson Stephens Names Ron Resnick as Chief Operating Officer of Robertson Stephens Asset Management

Robertson Stephens, a global investment advisory firm for high net worth individuals, family offices, institutions and corporations, announced today that Ron Resnick (News - Alert) is joining as Chief Operating Officer of Robertson Stephens Asset Management LLC ("RSAM"), a subsidiary of Robertson Stephens. He is also a member of the firm's Executive Committee. Mr. Resnick will be responsible for the oversight of administration, operations and legal activities for RSAM. Mr. Resnick is a 25-year veteran in managing alternative assets platforms. He co-founded CounselWorks LLC, a consulting company providing business strategy and regulatory advice to hedge funds, private equity firms, investment advisors and broker-dealers, which was sold to Duff & Phelps. Prior to starting CounselWorks he was a Managing Partner and the Chief Administrative Officer and General Counsel of Highbridge Capital Management, where he launched over twenty hedge funds and was instrumental in building Highbridge into a $16 billion private global alternative before negotiating its sale to JP Morgan Asset Management Holdings for $1.4 billion. Previously, Mr. Resnick co-founded Harmonic (News - Alert) Fund Services, an offshore hedge fund administration company, and he was a Partner at Corbin Capital Partners, a fund of hedge funds business. "Ronhas an impressive history - not just at managing a multi-billion dollar alternative asset firm, but also as a successful entrepreneur," said Joe Piazza, Chairman and CEO of Robertson Stephens. "He will be instrumental in helping us launch the Robertson Stephens Venture Opportunities Fund, as well as other funds in the planning stages. His wealth of business and legal experience in alternatives investment management will be a tremendously valuable asset to our clients. I could not be more pleased about his appointment."



Mr. Resnick has authored numerous articles for The New York Times and has been a guest lecturer on hedge fund strategies, options trading and the 2008 financial crisis at the Economics Department at University of California - Los Angeles. He received a BA from the University of Rochester and earned a JD from the University of Chicago Law School. "Over nearly three decades, Ron has built an impressive track record of strategic, operational and commercial accomplishments," said Ren Riley, President of Robertson Stephens Asset Management. "He has proven to be an effective, trusted leader and brings a strong reputation for developing people and inspiring teams."

"I am honored to continue Robertson Stephens' legacy of supporting Silicon Valley's innovators; I look forward to partnering with Joe, Ren and our talented senior leadership team to execute our vision for helping accelerate today's brightest companies, their leaders and key employees," said Mr. Resnick. About Robertson Stephens LLC Robertson Stephens LLC, through our subsidiaries Robertson Stephens Advisors, Robertson Stephens Asset Management and Robertson Stephens Securities, offers investment services and advice to high net worth individuals, family offices, institutions and corporations. Our seasoned professionals have access to distinctive, global investment opportunities across traditional and alternative asset classes. Partnership, trust and transparency drive our business and client relationships. Through A Culture of Exceptionalism, Robertson Stephens delivers business acumen, investment insight and the highest level of personal service. View source version on businesswire.com: http://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20161117006461/en/

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[November 17, 2016] AIG Global Real Estate Completes Sale of International Finance Centre Seoul

AIG Global Real Estate announced today the completed sale of the International Finance Centre Seoul (IFC Seoul) to Brookfield. Terms of the transaction were not disclosed. International Finance Centre Seoul (IFC Seoul), the first international, Class A development in the heart of Seoul's financial district, Yeouido, is a large-scale, mixed-use commercial complex. The complex includes three high-rise office towers, a three-level retail mall, and a five-star Conrad Seoul hotel - all of which is connected to the Yeouido subway station. The complex provides modern space for tenants, workers, shoppers, and visitors to Yeouido, and is a destination for international finance and business. AIG Global Real Estate and the Seoul Metropolitan Government joined together to make the IFC Seoul project a success. The project is owned by an AIG Global Real Estate sponsored fund. Douglas Tymins, President and CEO of AIG Global Real Estate said, "We are grateful to the investors and partners, including the Seoul Metropolitan Government, who contributed to the creation of IFC Seoul over the past 13 years. We firmly believe that Brookfield, with a successful diversified international portfolio, will further enhance the value of IFC Seoul, and serve as an invaluable partner to the Seoul Metropolitan Government." About AIG Global Real Estate AIG Global Real Estate, founded in 1987, comprises a group of international companies within AIG that invests in and actively manages approximately $18.8 billion of real estate for clients and AIG member companies in various countries. The business includes AIG Affordable Housing (representing over 102,000 multi-family units across the United States), and the investment management of Stowe Mountain Resort. More information can be found at http://www.aig.com/aig-global-real-estate.



About American International Group, Inc. American International Group, Inc. (AIG) is a leading global insurance organization. Founded in 1919, today AIG member companies provide a wide range of property casualty insurance, life insurance, retirement products, mortgage insurance and other financial services to customers in more than 100 countries and jurisdictions. These diverse offerings include products and services that help businesses and individuals protect their assets, manage risks and provide for retirement security. AIG common stock is listed on the New York Stock Exchange and the Tokyo Stock Exchange.

Additional information about AIG can be found at www.aig.com and www.aig.com/strategyupdate | YouTube (News - Alert): www.youtube.com/aig | Twitter: @AIGinsurance | LinkedIn (News - Alert): http://www.linkedin.com/company/aig. These references with additional information about AIG have been provided as a convenience, and the information contained on such websites is not incorporated by reference into this press release. AIG is the marketing name for the worldwide property-casualty, life and retirement, and general insurance operations of American International Group, Inc. For additional information, please visit our website at www.aig.com. All products and services are written or provided by subsidiaries or affiliates of American International Group, Inc. Products or services may not be available in all countries, and coverage is subject to actual policy language. Non-insurance products and services may be provided by independent third parties. Certain property-casualty coverages may be provided by a surplus lines insurer. Surplus lines insurers do not generally participate in state guaranty funds, and insureds are therefore not protected by such funds. View source version on businesswire.com: http://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20161117005433/en/

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[November 17, 2016] Large Format Printer Market by Ink Type, Printing Technology, Print Width, Application and Geography - Global Trends & Forecast to 2022

NEW YORK, Nov. 17, 2016 /PRNewswire/ -- "Large format printer market expected to grow at a CAGR of 3.0% between 2016 and 2022"

The global large format printer market is expected to reach USD 8.42 billion which includes both hardware and after-sales services, and the market is expected to witness a shipment of 398.3 thousand units by 2022, at a CAGR of 3.0% and 4.4%, respectively, between 2016 and 2022. The growing demand for wide page width printing in textile, advertising is the major driver for the growth of the market. "Signage application to remain the leading segment in terms of value of the large format printer market during the forecast period"

Signage applications such as indoor signs, shop branding, indicators, and large corporate emblems are the major adopters of large format printing as large format printing provides very high visibility. Although digital signage is expected to penetrate into the print market, a large portion of the market is still likely to rely on print-based wide format printing; hence, the signage is expected to remain the leading application in terms of value during the forecast period.



"Asia-Pacific market is expected to grow at the highest rate during the forecast period"

The market in Asia-Pacific is expected to grow at the highest rate in the overall market by 2022. The combination of multiple factors make Asia-Pacific the most dynamic region in the large format printer market. Asia-Pacific has some of the fastest-growing emerging economies, namely, India and China; it also has technologically and economically advanced economies such as Japan and South Korea. Furthermore, there are many countries within Asia-acific which are witnessing rapid urbanization and high growth in organized retail and advertising; hence, the overall growth and demand for large format printing is higher in APAC compared to Europe and North America. One of the major factors in favor of the Asia-Pacific region is that many developing economies are yet to take to digital signage and other forms of digital outdoor advertising in place of print-based signage and advertising.







In the process of determining and verifying the market size for several segments and subsegments of the large format printer market gathered through the secondary research, extensive primary interviews have been conducted with key people. The breakup of the profiles of primary participants is shown below: - By Company Type: Tier 1  20%, Tier 2  45%, and Tier 3  35%

- By Designation: C-Level Executives  35%, Directors  25%, and Others  40%

- By Region: Americas  45%, Europe  20%, APAC  30%, and RoW  5%





The geographic segmentation in the report covers the four major regions of the world, namely, Americas, Europe, APAC, and RoW. The report also profiles major players in the large format printer market. Some of the major players in this market are HP Inc. (U.S.), Canon Inc. (Japan), Epson (Japan), Ricoh (Japan), Mimaki (Japan), Roland DG Corp. (Japan), Xerox (U.S.), Konica Minolta (Japan), Agfa-Gevaert (Belgium), and EFI Inc. (U.S.)



Reasons to Buy the Report:

This report caters to the needs of leading companies, industries, component manufacturers, and other related stakeholders in this market. Other parties that could benefit from the report include government bodies, environmental agencies, consulting firms, business development executives, C-level employees, and VPs. Our report would help analyze new opportunities and potential revenue sources and enhance the decision-making process for new business strategies. The quantitative and qualitative information in the report, along with our comprehensive analysis, would help a player to gain a competitive edge in the market.



Read the full report: http://www.reportlinker.com/p04046913-summary/view-report.html



About Reportlinker

ReportLinker is an award-winning market research solution. Reportlinker finds and organizes the latest industry data so you get all the market research you need - instantly, in one place.



http://www.reportlinker.com





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[November 18, 2016] Fitch Assigns First-Time 'BB-' Rating to MedImpact; Outlook Positive

Fitch Ratings has assigned a 'BB-' Issuer Default Rating to MedImpact Holdings, Inc. and its issuing subsidiary, MI OpCo Holdings, Inc. The Rating Outlook is Positive. A full list of rating actions follows at the end of this release. KEY RATING DRIVERS Smaller Scale in Consolidated Industry: MedImpact is a top-5 pharmacy benefit manager (PBM) but is significantly smaller than its three largest competitors. Significant size differences are less pronounced than revenues imply (due to differing accounting policies and varied business mixes), but is nevertheless meaningful in a largely consolidated industry where scale is very important. Differentiated, Independent Business Model: Unlike nearly all its peers, MedImpact does not own its own fulfilment/dispensing capabilities (i.e. mail-order or specialty pharmacies). The firm's differentiated approach to avoiding conflicts of interest is the most radical among major PBMs and could position the firm to win new business in the midst of possible disruptive industry shifts in the 2017-2019 timeframe. The strategy could also disadvantage MedImpact, however, to the extent potential new customers continue to demand mail-order and/or specialty pharmacy offerings from their PBMs. Stable Operations, Cash Flows: Because of their long-dated contracts and often diverse customer bases, PBMs usually have good insight into future business wins/losses and associated cash flows. Although stable and more than sufficient to cover term loan amortization, absolute cash flow dollars are somewhat light compared with peers, with FCF as a percentage of EBITDA expected to approximate 35% (>60% for its largest peer, Express Scripts). Moderate Leverage to Decline: Term loan amortization and decent EBITDA growth are expected to contribute to de-leveraging over the ratings horizon. Gross debt/EBITDA and adjusted debt/FFO are expected to decline to 1.7x and 2.9x, respectively, by year-end 2018, from 2.4x and 3.7x at year-end 2016. Debt leverage metrics are roughly in line with those at 'BBB' rated competitor Express Scripts. Private Ownership: MedImpact is 100% owned by its founder/CEO and a small number of other management employees. However, Fitch does not foresee adverse effects to operations or capital deployment as a result, as the CEO is well-respected as a thought-leader in the industry and as capital deployed for share repurchases and ultimate parent dividends has been relatively modest. RATING SENSITIVITIES MedImpact's 'BB-' IDR considers the company's smaller scale, somewhat light absolute cash flows, and lack of very large customers, offset by relatively low debt leverage, stable cash flows, and the expectation that growth will outpace the overall PBM industry. The Positive Outlook represents Fitch's expectation for de-leveraging in 2017-2018 and for possible industry developments that lead to new customer wins for MedImpact. Future developments that could, individually or collectively, contribute to the consideration of an upgrade to 'BB' include: --An expectation for gross debt/EBITDA and adjusted debt/FFO to be sustained around or below 2x and 3x, respectively; --Successful renewal of top customer contracts in 2017 (excluding two known lost contracts), with support for growth expectations from those existing customers; --The addition of new customers of size validating MedImpact's differentiated business strategy. Future developments that could, individually or collectively, contribute to the consideration of a rating downgrade to 'B+' include: --An expectation for gross debt/EBITDA and adjusted debt/FFO to be sustained above 3x and 4x, respectively; --The loss of top PBM customers suggesting an invalidation of MedImpact's differentiated business strategy; --Margin deterioration or a shift in capital allocation that pressures cash flows and/or liquidity in light of increasing term loan amortization payments. KEY ASSUMPTIONS --Soft revenue growth in 2016-2017 due to the loss of two key customers, improving in 2018-2019 under the assumption of client retention and new client wins; --Stable margins, incrementally lower than 2015, with modest margin improvement possible in 2017-2018 due to the termination of lower-margin clients, with upside potential as the company more deeply penetrates its current customers with higher-margin services; --Debt leverage reduction to 1.7x at YE2018 from EBITDA growth ($16 million in both 2017 and 2018) and term loan amortization ($20 million in both 2017 and 2018); --No material M&A; --Modest cash deployed for dividends ($2 million annually) and net share repurchases ($5 million) at MedImpact Holdings. LIQUIDITY & DEBT MATURITIES Ample Liquidity, Stable Cash Flows: Cash on hand routinely outpaces annual debt maturities, though lower cash balances have been held since 4Q15. Liquidity is supported by stable cash generation and negative working capital, both characteristic of the PBM industry, and decently strong capital market access. Reduced Interest Costs: The new $400 million term loan borrowed in July 2016 carries an applicable margin of 225 bps, compared to 475 bps under the previously negotiated term loan. The previous term loan refinanced 10.5% unsecured notes. Manageable Debt Maturities: MedImpact's only material debt maturities over the next four years are term loan amortization payments, approximately as follows: $20 million in 2017 and 2018, $25 million in 2019, and $35 million in 2020. The company has not maintained a revolving credit facility since 2014. All unrestricted cash is considered 'readily available'. TWO LOST CUSTOMERS TO STALL ORGANIC GROWTH IN 2016-2017 MedImpact's revenues have nearly doubled and margins improved more than 500 bps from 2012 to 2015. Such strong performance is the result of new business and growth from existing customers. According to MedImpact, it processed 229 million claims for its top-20 customers in 2015 compared to 107 million in 2012, leading to an increase in revenues of $139 million. However, two of MedImpacts top-10 customers by revenue have decided not to renew their contracts with the firm. Contract losses will affect 2016 and 2017 results, reducing top-line growth but with a less pronounced EBITDA impact. Notably, only two of MedImpact's current top-10 PBM customers have more than two years remaining on their current contracts. Average PBM contract are three-five years in length. Current customer renewals will be vital to maintaining growth and profit margins in the near- to medium-term. INDUSTRY EVOLUTIONS MAY FAVOR MEDIMPACT; SMALLER SCALE, BUSINESS MODEL COULD DISADVANTAGE MedImpact's "conflict-free" business model (i.e. does not own fulfilment/dispensing) could position the firm well to benefit from underlying pressures and trends within the U.S. drug channel. MedImpact asserts that a PBM busness that does not operate its own pharmacies - particularly in specialty - can better address issues related to a recently heightened focus on pharmaceutical pricing, with continued calls for increased overall transparency, and rising cost trend associated with expensive specialty therapies. Overall weak satisfaction with major PBMs, pending large-scale health insurance mergers, and the upcoming expiration of many of the largest PBM contracts could provide opportunities for significant shifts in the industry.



As the largest managed care organizations (MCOs) continue to merge, Fitch expects regional MCOs to increasingly seek to provide more customized programs for their members in order to retain and win new business. MedImpact's flexible approach to formulary management and "conflict-free" model make the firm an attractive partner for the 425 regional MCOs that provide coverage to fewer than one million lives (per CMS). While we expect the firm to continue to add smaller regional MCOs, the addition of a major managed care customer would provide a strong validation of MedImpact's business strategy. Fitch does not expect the firm to dramatically give up on price just to win such a contract and, in fact, winning large contracts is not a part of MedImpact's outlined growth strategy. At this time, we are unsure if MedImpact's smaller scale and lack of in-house mail-order capabilities might prevent such business wins. We view the ability to leverage scale in negotiating drug pricing and to provide efficient mail-order services as cornerstones of today's PBM offerings.

NASCENT SPECIALTY OFFERING COULD STRENGTHEN VALUE PROPOSITION MedImpact is marketing its relatively new MedDirect specialty program offering for current clients in an attempt to win new ones. The program is run in partnership with specialty pharmacies run by four firms: US Bioservices (owned by AmerisourceBergen, a pharma distributor), Walgreens, Humana, and Commcare (owned by Premier). Walgreens is by far the largest of the four partners but still much smaller than the specialty pharmacy networks run by CVS Health and Express Scripts. Interestingly, Walgreens recently struck a deal with Prime Therapeutics, one of MedImpact's peers, to combine their mail-order and specialty pharmacy businesses under a new, jointly-owned company. The "hub" offerings in MedDirect seem similar to those offered by other major PBMs, except without the potential or apparent conflict of interest inherent in those PBMs owning their own specialty pharmacies. Mail-order services are offered either through the above mentioned partners or through smaller independent mail-order providers. A robust specialty solution at least keeps MedImpact in-step with its major competitors, opening the doors to possible new customers who may have been kept from joining MedImpact because they required a more robust specialty pharmaceutical dispensing platform. FULL LIST OF RATING ACTIONS Fitch has assigned the following ratings: MedImpact Holdings, Inc. --Long-Term IDR 'BB-'; MI OpCo Holdings, Inc. --Long-Term IDR 'BB-'; --Senior secured term loan 'BB+/RR1'. Date of Relevant Rating Committee: Nov. 3, 2016 Summary of Financial Statement Adjustments - Financial statement adjustments that depart materially from those contained in the published financial statements of the relevant rated entity or obligor include: --Fitch excludes expenses related to stock-based compensation from EBITDA calculations. --Cash paid for interest for the 2015 year-end period at MedImpact Holdings, Inc. was adjusted for amounts Fitch does not deem as cash interest, including early redemption premiums and (re)finance fees. Additional information is available on www.fitchratings.com. 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Fitch receives fees from issuers, insurers, guarantors, other obligors, and underwriters for rating securities. Such fees generally vary from US$1,000 to US$750,000 (or the applicable currency equivalent) per issue. In certain cases, Fitch will rate all or a number of issues issued by a particular issuer, or insured or guaranteed by a particular insurer or guarantor, for a single annual fee. Such fees are expected to vary from US$10,000 to US$1,500,000 (or the applicable currency equivalent). The assignment, publication, or dissemination of a rating by Fitch shall not constitute a consent by Fitch to use its name as an expert in connection with any registration statement filed under the United States securities laws, the Financial Services and Markets Act of 2000 of the United Kingdom, or the securities laws of any particular jurisdiction. 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[November 18, 2016] $462K in Grant Funds Renovate Two Mississippi River Apartments

Central Crossing and Convent Trace, two apartment communities in Convent, Louisiana, will receive significant upgrades, thanks in part to grant funds totaling $462,000 from the Federal Home Loan Bank of Dallas (FHLB Dallas) and Home Federal Bank. The St. James Parish Housing Authority (Housing Authority) received a $252,000 Affordable Housing Program (AHP) grant for Central Crossing and $210,000 for Convent Trace from the banks this year. The grants will be used for renovations to the two apartment complexes, including upgrades to finishes, new cabinets, appliances, doors, hardware, plumbing and electrical fixtures, heating and cooling systems, windows, and resident amenities. Central Crossing will also receive a new sewer treatment plant and repairs to two buildings that were damaged by a tornado in 2015. Renovations will begin in March 2017 and are expected to be completed in February 2018. "The grants will greatly enhance not only the livability but the marketability of the apartments," said Dana Groover, executive director of the Housing Authority. "Improving the housing conditions for the families living in these complexes will also help restore community pride." The Housing Authority is a public housing agency that helps provide decent and safe rental housing for eligible low-income families, elderly residents, and individuals with disabilities. They have worked alongside organizations such as Housing Solutions Alliance and National Development of America to implement an overall strategy to rehabilitate all of its public housing portfolio. "With a $25 billion backlog in rehabilitation needs for public housing across the country, St. James Parish HousingAuthority is no exception. Both AHP grants provide much needed leverage to develop quality housing for its residents," said Art Schuldt, president of Housing Solutions Alliance.



Home Federal Bank was brought into the project by its customer, Housing Solutions Alliance, partly due to Home Federal Bank's FHLB Dallas membership, according to Senior Vice President of Commercial Banking Matt Sawrie. "The AHP is fantastic because it helps projects like these overcome the increasing costs of construction and rehabilitation," Mr. Sawrie said. "Any additional source of funding from banks like FHLB Dallas helps to make these projects possible."

FHLB Dallas annually returns 10 percent of its profits in the form of AHP grants to the communities served by its member institutions, like Home Federal Bank. AHP grants fund a variety of projects, including home rehabilitation and modifications for low-income, elderly, and special-needs residents; down payment and closing cost assistance for qualified first-time homebuyers; and the construction of low-income, multifamily rental communities and single-family homes. "The AHP grant can create a positive domino effect in communities," said Greg Hettrick, first vice president and director of Community Investment at FHLB Dallas. "By awarding the AHP grants to the Housing Authority through Home Federal Bank, not only will the residents benefit from the renovations, but Home Federal Bank reinforces their bond with the community." Ms. Groover said that without the grant St. James Housing Authority would have had to reallocate resources. "Without the grant, closing the funding gap would have been very difficult," said Ms. Groover. "We would have had to pull resources committed to our other public housing units, putting those residents at a disadvantage. This grant is going to help us tremendously." About Home Federal Bank Locally managed and headquartered in Shreveport since 1924, Home Federal Bank is a full-service bank, offering a large range of financial options to local families and businesses. For more information, visit hfbla.com. About the Federal Home Loan Bank of Dallas The Federal Home Loan Bank of Dallas is one of 11 district banks in the FHLBank System created by Congress in 1932. FHLB Dallas, with total assets of $58.4 billion as of September 30, 2016, is a member-owned cooperative that supports housing and community investment by providing competitively priced loans and other credit products to approximately 850 members and associated institutions in Arkansas, Louisiana, Mississippi, New Mexico, and Texas. For more information, visit fhlb.com. View source version on businesswire.com: http://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20161118005578/en/

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[November 18, 2016] Influenza Vaccination Keeps Dialysis Patients Out of the Hospital

Hemodialysis patients who skipped the influenza vaccine were significantly more likely to be hospitalized than those who were vaccinated, suggests a three-year study of more than 150,000 kidney dialysis patients being presented today in Chicago at 2016 Kidney Week, the annual meeting of the American Society of Nephrology (ASN). The study is one of 66 abstracts authored by Fresenius Medical Care researchers, clinicians, and caregivers to be presented at the meeting and published in the Abstract Supplement of Journal of the American Society of Nephrology (JASN). This Smart News Release features multimedia. View the full release here: http://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20161118005580/en/ FMCNA Chief Medical Officer and Executive VP, Dr. Frank Maddux, receives his annual flu shot from Clinic Manager, Margot Nelson, RN. (Credit: Fresenius Medical Care North America) The study tracked kidney failure patients who were vaccinated against the flu, including at U.S. Fresenius Kidney Care dialysis centers where they received their hemodialysis therapy. The percentage of Fresenius Kidney Care patients who opted for yearly vaccination against the flu increased from 60 percent the first year of the study to 80 percent the third year. Fresenius Medical Care North America is the premier health care company focused on providing the highest quality care to people with renal and other chronic conditions. "While almost everyone should be vaccinated against influenza, people with kidney failure who are on dialysis are at high risk for complications if they et sick, which is why it is vital they get the flu vaccine every year," said Nien Chen Li, MPH, MS, MA, lead author of the study and biostatistician for Fresenius Medical Care. "We're gratified to see that our patients are increasingly choosing to be vaccinated."



Like others with chronic illnesses, people with kidney failure are at higher risk for getting the flu. They also become sicker if they do get the infection and may get dehydrated or develop pneumonia, leading to hospitalization. Additionally, many of them have other risk factors, including diabetes and heart disease. Over a 30-year period, deaths from the flu ranged from 3,000 to 49,000 a year, according to Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) estimates. Fresenius Medical Care strongly encourages patients to receive flu vaccination and offers these vaccinations at its dialysis centers. In the study, researchers tracked flu vaccination and hospitalization rates among 158,326 patients in 2013-2014; 202,793 in 2014-2015; and 220,203 in 2015-2016. Patients who skipped vaccination were 53 percent more likely to be hospitalized during the flu season the first year, 87 percent more likely the second year and 158 percent more likely to be hospitalized the third year.

"The results of this research suggest that aggressive programs to promote flu vaccination makes a significant difference in keeping kidney patients healthy and out of the hospital," said Dr. Frank Maddux, Fresenius Medical Care Chief Medical Officer and Executive Vice President for Clinical and Scientific Affairs. "We make it easy for patients by offering the flu vaccine at the clinic where they receive their care and explaining to them why the flu shot is important to their health. More and more patients are taking advantage of these crisis-preventing vaccinations." More than 661,000 Americans have kidney failure, meaning their kidneys can no longer effectively filter their blood to get rid of wastes and excess fluid. Of those with kidney failure, 468,000 are receiving dialysis, in which an artificial kidney (dialyzer) filters blood and returns it to the body. Recently, Fresenius Medical Care announced that its dialysis services business, Fresenius Kidney Care, achieved the country's largest number of top-rated Five-Star dialysis centers, based on the annual Dialysis Facility Compare Five-Star Quality Rating System issued by the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS). The company has helped its patients live longer and spend less time in the hospital, improving mortality rates and lowering the average time spent in a hospital setting by two-and-a-half days. The flu vaccination program is part of this endeavor. Fresenius Medical Care presents the results of its research at the ASN Kidney Week meeting each year to further the advancement of the quality of renal care and improve patient outcomes. The general meeting is scheduled from Nov. 17-20 in Chicago and is expected to attract more than 13,000 leading kidney professionals from around the world. About Fresenius Medical Care North America Fresenius Medical Care North America is the premier health care company focused on providing the highest quality care to people with renal and other chronic conditions. Through its industry-leading network of dialysis centers, outpatient cardiac and vascular labs, and urgent care centers, as well as the continent's largest practice of hospitalist and post-acute providers, Fresenius Medical Care North America provides coordinated health care services at pivotal care points for hundreds of thousands of chronically ill customers. As the world's largest fully vertically integrated renal company, it offers specialty pharmacy and laboratory services, and manufactures and distributes the most comprehensive line of dialysis equipment, disposable products, and renal pharmaceuticals. For more information, visit http://www.FMCNA.com. View source version on businesswire.com: http://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20161118005580/en/

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[November 18, 2016] $250K Grant from FHLB Dallas and The First, A National Banking Association Supports Camille Court Apartments

Camille Court Apartments, a 30-unit complex for low-income families, recently celebrated its grand opening. The project was helped by a $250,000 Affordable Housing Program (AHP) grant in 2014 from the Federal Home Loan Bank of Dallas (FHLB Dallas) and The First, A National Banking Association, which was used for construction costs. This Smart News Release features multimedia. View the full release here: http://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20161118005623/en/ Representatives from The First, A National Banking Association (The First) join the Federal Home Loan Bank of Dallas (FHLB Dallas) and Bay Waveland Housing Authority at the grand opening of Camille Court in Waveland, Mississippi. The 15-building complex was awarded a $250,000 Affordable Housing Program grant in 2014 by The First and FHLB Dallas that was used for construction costs. (Photo: Business Wire) Developed by the Bay Waveland Housing Authority and its nonprofit affiliate, the Flagship United Community Development Corporation (Flagship UCDC), the 15-builing complex replaces affordable housing destroyed 11 years ago by Hurricane Katrina.



"This community endures," said Janine Lee, executive director at Flagship UCDC. "We have seen hard times and persevered to arrive at this new day for Waveland and Hancock County. These apartments bring hope and stability, so families are able to better focus on their lives. We are appreciative of FHLB Dallas and The First for backing this critical project." The 20 one-bedroom and 10 two-bedroom units feature high-efficiency heating and air conditioning, washers and dryers, fully equipped kitchens with dishwasher, microwave, range, oven, and refrigerator. The complex also includes a community building with a business and training center.

FHLB Dallas annually returns 10 percent of its profits in the form of AHP grants to the communities served by its member institutions, like The First, A National Banking Association. AHP grants fund a variety of projects, including home rehabilitation and modifications for low-income, elderly, and special-needs residents; down payment and closing cost assistance for qualified first-time homebuyers; and the construction of low-income, multifamily rental communities and single-family homes. "The AHP provides important gap funding for developments like Camille Court," said Bruce Hatton, vice president and Affordable Housing Program manager at FHLB Dallas. "Undertakings of this size and scope often require the cooperation of many organizations. Working with dedicated individuals on this project has brought it to fruition. It's a new day in Waveland, and FHLB Dallas appreciates this opportunity to invest in the future through our member, The First." About the Federal Home Loan Bank of Dallas The Federal Home Loan Bank of Dallas is one of 11 district banks in the FHLBank system created by Congress in 1932. FHLB Dallas, with total assets of $58.4 billion as of September 30, 2016, is a member-owned cooperative that supports housing and community development by providing competitively priced advances and other credit products to approximately 850 members and associated institutions in Arkansas, Louisiana, Mississippi, New Mexico, and Texas. Visit fhlb.com for more information. View source version on businesswire.com: http://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20161118005623/en/

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[November 18, 2016] Impartner Tackles 'PRHD' (Partner Relationship Hyperactivity Disorder) in New Webinar

SILICON SLOPES, Utah, Nov. 18, 2016 /PRNewswire/ -- Global Partner Relationship Management (PRM) SaaS leader Impartner today tackled PRHD (Partner Relationship Hyperactivity Disorder) to help companies address partner loyalty in a new era of distraction and temptation. In a new webinar titled Curing PRHD, Global Channel Strategist and Loyalty Expert Ian Hutchieson, who heads the global channel practice for loyalty consultancy ICLP, and Impartner CMO Dave R Taylor outline the five top strategies channel chiefs must take to continue to remain irresistible to top industry partners and maintain their competitive advantage. Watch the webinar at this link: http://bit.ly/2g3YdHT In this webinar, which was originally presented in London as part of the Channel Chief University Series co-sponsored with Impartner's strategic partner, Gorilla Corporation, Hutchieson and Taylor address the near death of partner loyalty in the market today, which has vendors scrambling to find ways to attract and retain the industry's best, most profitable and most contemporary partners. "Leading analysts paint a grim picture of the distraction today's partners face, with most working with an average of 12 vendors in their portfolio," said Hutchieson, who provided insights into the following five key strategies companies can employ to ensure their partner programs continue to be irresistible, partnerships become stronger and channel performance improves: 1. Make sure your partner experience is BETTER than your competition's: Leading analyst data shows 86 percent of partners chose their vendor based on the Partner Portal. And today, the experience partners have is rooted in the experience they have as consumers, so the experience companies provide needs to be "consumer grade." This is especially true when it comes to the Partner Portal, which is the bedrock of the experience for partners. Experience was certainly a key competitive differentiator for FitBit, who cleverly taped into users' psychology and motivators to create engagement and communication programs and win the market in just a few years  all while massively under spending key market players like Nike. 2. Make partners successful FAST: There is a limited window to make a first impression. Recruitment is easy, but keeping partners is hard work, so nurturing early allows companies to recognize partners for early positive behaviors and sales successes right from the start, keeping them from getting distracted and losing interest. Amazon Prime is a great example of a company rewarding customers who originally signed on for a shipping benefit, with a host of other benefits that keep them loyal, including streaming video and music. This quickly made Prime an industry beacon of success. 3. Make it easy for partners to be PROFITABLE: While a lot of loyalty programs are built around emotion, it ultimately comes down to profitability. No solution is going to make partners feel good if they aren't making a profit. Helping partners be self-sufficient and find the right tools to self-manage their profitability so hey are in control and can manage their business at their desired rate is key  deal registration, MDF funds, leads, etc. A leading UK-based grocery chain, Waitrose, won customers with easy-to-use, personalized and "irresistible" offers and promotions that kept consumers coming back and saving money at industry-leading events for the company.



Fundamentally, a company's Partner Portal starts to tap into the emotional side of things. Communications aside, companies need to ask themselves what they are doing to make sure they are creating a Partner Portal experience that helps partners prospect, sell and service products and solutions, and an emotional connection with each partner contact to entice them to visit the portal regularly. Don't undervalue the role of emotion  brand, advocacy and emotional connections  in B2B marketing. AirBnB is the perfect example of a consumer brand that created a beautiful, aspirational experience that allows both renters and those renting properties to get engaged and bring an emotive experience to their properties, quickly emerging as a critical force in the hospitality industry. 5. Make sure you EVOLVE your channel program and manage churn:

At the end of the day, channel management means not just recruiting but also churning to stay agile and invest in partners who deliver the most value. Instead of asking which partners to keep and which to cut out, though, companies should be asking "which partners should I really be investing in?" Starbucks' recent re-do of its loyalty program to focus on those customers who spend more, and not just "regularly," caused a major stir in the industry, but ultimately helped the company focus on those customers who were truly driving their most valuable sales. To watch the full webinar summarizing Hutchieson and Taylor's strategies for curing PRHD, click here. For more on how Impartner, Gorilla and PRM can help companies increase their partner loyalty and accelerate their indirect sales, click here. About ICLP As a worldwide leader in loyalty marketing and CRM, ICLP builds loyalty and creates devotion. From acquiring customers and understanding them as individuals, to creating relationships that engage, reward and inspire loyalty, we turn customers into advocates and relationships into profit - and have done for over 25 years. We have global experience in B2B and B2C loyalty marketing in multiple industry sectors including retail, travel, financial services and technology. ICLP is a Collinson Group company. Collinson Group is a global leader in influencing customer behavior to drive revenue and add value for our clients. With a unique blend of industry and sector specialists, the group develops and delivers market-leading products and services to help build, manage and optimize customer relationships across four core capabilities: Loyalty, Lifestyle Benefits, Insurance and Assistance. For further information please contact: Carolina Mandich, Business Development Director [email protected] or iclployalty.com About Gorilla Corporation Gorilla Corporation delivers game changing revenue growth for technology companies. Gorilla has been central to Channel Expansion and Optimization globally for over 20 years. Constantly innovating, developing best in class strategy and tactics, Gorilla deploys Channel Teams to recruit and manage partners to decrease the vendor cost of sales, time to revenue and increase market and channel coverage. Gorilla also conducts global channel marketing including Concierge solutions. With Gorilla, Vendor Partners anywhere in the world are supported in co-marketing by a local Gorilla expert. Proven methodology, solid technology, leadership and customer satisfaction are at the core of Gorilla's practice. Based in Downtown San Francisco, Dallas Texas, Palo Alto California, Mexico City, Nairobi Kenya, Sofia, Bulgaria, Brussels, Belgium, Barcelona Spain and Singapore. Contact +1 415 829-4245 (Americas Main), +34 93 344 32 61 (EMEA Main). www.gorillaict.com. About Impartner With nearly two decades of experience in accelerating indirect sales, Impartner delivers the industry's most advanced SaaS-based Partner Relationship Management solution, helping companies worldwide manage their partner relationships and accelerate revenue and profitability through indirect sales channels. The largest pure-play PRM vendor in the world, Impartner provides the industry's only out-of-the-box solution that can deploy an enterprise-class Partner Portal in as few as 30 days, using the company's highly engineered, multi-award winning, three-step Velocity onboarding process. For more information on Impartner, which is based in Utah's tech hotbed, the Silicon Slopes, visit www.impartner.com, or in the United States call +1 801 501 7000, for EMEA general call +33 1 40 90 31 20, for London call +44 0 20 3283 4465, and for LATAM call +1 954 364 7883. Follow Impartner on LinkedIn, Twitter and Facebook. Contact:

Kerry Desberg

Impartner

425-231-9529

[email protected] Logo - http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20150821/260238LOGO To view the original version on PR Newswire, visit:http://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/impartner-tackles-prhd-partner-relationship-hyperactivity-disorder-in-new-webinar-300366014.html SOURCE Impartner

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[November 18, 2016]

Dynamic Communities Announces Dynamics 365 Tech Conference

TAMPA, Fla., Nov. 18, 2016 /PRNewswire/ -- Dynamic Communities, the supporting organization behind the official user group for Microsoft Dynamics 365 (Dyn365) announces Dynamics 365 Tech Conference to be held March 12-15 at the Washington State Convention Center, in Seattle, WA.

The Dynamics 365 Tech Conference will provide a deep dive into Dynamics 365 for Operations and will help Dynamics 365 for Operations Partners understand the common data model, discover Power BI and Cortana, and explore the deep integration with Office 365. Targeted sessions led by Microsoft Engineering will povide attendees with the knowledge needed to build and deploy Dynamics 365 for Operations successfully. The conference will also provide the opportunity to network with peers and interact directly with Microsoft Engineering representatives, providing unprecedented access to information and expertise.







"We are excited to be offering deep developer-based education exclusive to Dynamics 365 for Operations Partners. The Tech Conference will provide the opportunity learn recommended best practices and dive deeper into Dynamics 365," said Janet Lampert, President and COO of Dynamic Communities. "Our goal is to equip the growing base of Dynamics Partners with the education and networking opportunities so they can be successful."

Registration is open and Dynamics partners can save $300 by registering before December 20th. For more information and to register, visit: http://www.d365tech.com/pricing.

Dynamic Communities is the business management organization that supports technology-centric user groups and associations  providing necessary resources and business operations such as staff, systems and event production. Dynamic Communities is independent from Microsoft; however, the two organizations maintain an intentional close working relationship so that our members can provide a collective voice to Microsoft on user concerns, needs, and requests.

Logo - http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20161118/441248LOGO

To view the original version on PR Newswire, visit:http://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/dynamic-communities-announces-dynamics-365-tech-conference-300366093.html

SOURCE Dynamic Communities
Three seek NLCS Board District 1 seat in upcoming election

Three candidates are seeking election to the district one seat on the NLCS board: Incumbent Kirsten Collier, Craig Godsey and Jason Johnson.
The PS5 is a true generational leap, offering incredibly fast load times and an innovative new controller that can change the way games feel.

Why you can trust Tom's Guide Our expert reviewers spend hours testing and comparing products and services so you can choose the best for you. Find out more about how we test .

PS5 Specs Price: $499 (standard), $399 (Digital Edition)

CPU: 3.5GHz, 8-core AMD Zen 2

GPU: 10.3 teraflop RDNA 2 GPU

RAM: 16GB GDDR6

Storage: Custom 825GB SSD

Expansion: NVMe M.2 SSD slot

Disc drive: 4K Blu-ray player

Size: 15.4 x 10.2 x 4.1 inches

Weight: 9.9 pounds

The PS5 is coming up to its two-year birthday, and is proving as popular as ever. And that's no surprise as it's a fantastic gaming machine, offering a true generational leap over the PS4.

Not only does the PS5 offer 4K gaming, it has seriously advanced haptics, a speedy SSD and immersive 3D audio . All of these and more combine to delver a console that's truly equipped for next-generation, or now current generation, gaming. There is a slight caveat in that the console is so big with a divisive design that it may not appeal to everyone. But it's nevertheless a compelling console that's well worth tracking down a PS5 restock for.

So read on for our full PS5 review.

Sony PlayStation 5 at Adorama for $499.99 (opens in new tab)

PS5 review: Price and where to buy

The PS5 launched on November 12, 2020 in the U.S., and came to the U.K. and most other parts of the world on November 19. The standard PS5, which includes a 4K-Blu-ray drive, costs $499, while the PS5 Digital Edition goes for a cheaper $399, if you dont mind going discless.

Its worth noting the PS5 has been extremely hard to buy. Retail stock has been going in and out rapidly, so be sure to bookmark our PS5 restock guide and check out the retailer links below.

We know we're still several years off, but here's eight things we want in the PS6.

PS5 review: Design

(Image credit: Tom's Guide)

Its been discussed to death, but the PS5 is a truly gargantuan piece of machinery. Sonys 15.4 x 10.2 x 4.1-inch console dwarfs pretty much any gaming system thats come out in the past decade, including the PS4 Slim and the PS4 Pro. Its also far bigger than its new next-gen rival in the Xbox Series X, and makes the Xbox Series S look like a childrens toy.

That massive chassis allows the PS5 to pump out some serious performance while staying mostly cool and quiet (which well talk more about later), but the sheer size of the new PlayStation could be an issue for those with small entertainment areas.

(Image credit: Tom's Guide)

Unless you plan on putting your PS5 on the floor, youll likely need a dedicated small table if you plan on standing it vertically. I was able to fit the PS5 in my entertainment center in a horizontal orientation, but just barely. As such, youll want to measure your available space before you set up a PS5 at home.

Speaking of orientation, the PS5 includes a detachable stand that allows you to position the massive console vertically or horizontally. The stand screws into the bottom of the console in vertical mode (the PS5 includes a screw, but no tool to screw it in), and clamps on to the PS5s rear port area in horizontal mode.

Itd be nice if the PS5 included a tool for unscrewing the base, but I had an easy enough time using a coin to attach and remove it. The system stands up securely in vertical mode with the base attached, but I found the base to be far more finicky in horizontal orientation. It took me a few tries before I could get it to lay flat securely on the base. I eventually got the PS5 to sit still horizontally in my entertainment center, but the fact that the console slid off the base quite easily unless it was positioned just right gives me some pause.

Still, Ill likely be keeping the PS5 in horizontal orientation for most of my time with it, simply because Im worried about accidentally tipping over the insanely tall chassis while it sits on my table (especially when my hyperactive nephews are over).

(Image credit: Tom's Guide)

The PS5s eye-catching, futuristic aesthetic has been the subject of much debate ever since it was unveiled, and I still have mixed feelings about it. I find that the console looks like an unsightly, oversized cable modem when standing vertically, due to its pointy white side panels and the asymmetrical bulk added on by the Blu-ray drive.

But I've grown somewhat fond of how it looks sitting horizontally under my TV, where its curves and edges seem to shine more (even if it looks like a miniature Barclays Center). I also like the attractive LED status lights on each side of the interior, which is both slicker and more pronounced than the status light on the PS4. And the tiny, hidden PlayStation controller icons within the inner panels are a great extra touch. Love it or hate it, the PS5 is a system packed with attention to detail, and looks unlike any console weve seen before.

As of Dec. 13, 2021, you can also invest in official PS5 covers, which will change the color of the console's faceplates. They won't alter the system's overall design, but at least you won't be stuck with a plain white color scheme.

Furthermore, one person has made an unofficial PS5 Slim that looks pretty good, albeit with some heavy caveats.

PS5 review: Ports and expansion

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The PS5 has a fairly standard array of ports, complete with some welcome modern conveniences. You get a Hi-Speed USB Type-A port up front, as well as a USB Type-C SuperSpeed port. Its nice to see a console finally feature USB-C connectivity out of the box, especially for connecting modern accessories and storage drives.

In the back, youll find two SuperSpeed USB-A ports, an Ethernet jack, an HDMI 2.1 port and an AC adapter. (See the best gaming TVs for recommendations of TVs with HDMI 2.1.) The PS5 has ditched the PS4s optical audio port, which may be a bummer for folks with high-end audio devices with optical connections. However, some companies are already offering optical-to-HDMI splitters, such as Astro with its Astro A20 headset.



If you want to expand on the PS5s built-in 825GB of SSD storage, theres PCle 4.0 M.2 expansion slot that you can access by opening up the console. Note that not all SSDs are supported, you will need one that hits Sonys fairly strict requirements (opens in new tab), such as the Western Digital SN850, Samsung 980 Pro, or the upcoming Sony-produced Nextorage M.2 NVMe SSD.

At launch, the expansion slot was locked but the latest PS5 software update has unlocked it which enables users to add an additional SSD for more storage. We tested out the process ourselves while the feature was still in beta, and enjoyed some excellent results.

The consoles SSD expansion slot gives the PS5 another arrow in its quiver against the Xbox Series X. Adding additional internal storage to Microsofts console requires the purchase of a pricey proprietary SSD card, whereas Sonys SSD expansion solution allows you to select between various third-party models that range in price. The PS5 also works with standard external hard drives, but only for carrying over your digital PS4 games or save files.

PS5 review: Interface

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The PS5 interface is a clean, attractive and snappy evolution of the PS4 software. Hopping in and out of games and navigating menus feels instantaneous, to the point where the PS4 menu now feels sluggish and cluttered by comparison. And while there are some features Id like to see added to the PS5 interface, it introduces some exciting new ways to get to what youre playing even faster. Still, there are plenty of PS5 hidden features you need to try.

The home screen will look familiar to PS4 owners, with a horizontal row of tiles that showcases your most recent games. When you highlight a game, that titles art will take over the entire home screen while its music plays in the background, which is a neat aesthetic touch. Theres a handy Explore tab that shows news and updates, as well as a Game Library tab that allowed me to instantly start downloading my collection of PS4 titles. Much like on PS4, the PS5 lets you capture videos and screenshots, or stream to YouTube or Twitch with a quick tap of the Create button.

I like that the PS5 software looks clean overall, but I do wish there were an option for organizing your games into folders, like there is on PS4. And while its cool seeing the background adapt to whichever game you have highlighted, Im surprised theres no option to set custom wallpapers instead. (At least there's a simple trick to give your PS5 a retro look that turns the logo into the iconic red, yellow, green and blue logo found on earlier versions of the console.)

Longtime PS4 users will have to shake some muscle memory, as a tap of the PlayStation button now brings up a control center that lets you switch apps, view your friends, check notifications, monitor your controllers battery life and more from the bottom of your screen.

Better yet, you can customize the control center to have quick access to features such as network settings, accessibility options and broadcast controls. Its a big improvement from the PS4s quick menu, which took up a far bigger chunk of the screen and wasnt as snappy or customizable.

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Snappy and clean software is great, but the PS5 interface really comes alive when you start playing a game. Tapping the PlayStation button while playing a PS5 game brings up the Activities menu, which shows information such as the current progress of your mission, a set of trophies you can go after, or a list of in-game activities that you can jump right into.

For example, I was able to dive into a series of side missions and challenges right from the Activities menu in Spider-Man: Miles Morales without having to actually find them in-game, saving me time Id have to otherwise spend swinging around Manhattan. You can also access the Activities menu right from your Game Library before you even boot up a game, meaning I was able to hop right into a specific level in Astros Playroom without having to deal with any menus.

As someone who doesnt always have a ton of free time, the ability to jump to a specific chunk of a game at a system level isnt just appreciated  its downright revolutionary. While it may seem like a minor concession to some, the Activities menu could end up changing the way we play games, and Im really eager to see how developers take advantage of it in the coming years.

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My biggest gripe with the PS5 on a software level is that, unlike the Xbox Series X and S, Sonys console doesnt seem to be able to suspend multiple titles at once. While Xboxs Quick Resume feature lets you seamlessly jump between half-a-dozen games while picking up right where you left off in each one, the PS5 requires you to boot up each game from scratch.

Whats more frustrating is that the console doesnt warn you when your existing game will close in favor of a new one, which could lead to you losing unsaved progress. While the PS5s load times are so fast that the lack of Quick Resume isnt a huge issue, its a bummer that Sonys console doesnt have an answer to one of the Series Xs most convenient features.

As of February 2022, users can try the new PS5 beta software, which should improve chat, navigation and voice command features.

PS5 review: DualSense controller

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The PS5 DualSense controller just might be the most next-gen thing about Sonys new console. The gamepads haptic feedback, adaptive triggers and built-in speaker work together brilliantly, creating a level of tactile immersion Ive simply never experienced while playing a game before.

The DualSense especially shines in Astros Playroom, a free, pre-installed title built specifically to showcase what Sonys new controller can do. In this colorful 3D platformer, you can feel and hear the subtle impact of grains of sand while walking through a storm, or experience a smooth gliding sensation when skating over ice, just to name a few examples. Everything from pulling on a rope to gliding around in a jetpack generates an extremely detailed level of force feedback. Its the kind of thing you truly need to feel to believe.

If you're already pondering the PS5 DualSense vs DualShock 4 battle, the new controller comes out on top for sheer innovation alone.

(Image credit: Tom's Guide)

The adaptive triggers are especially impressive, as they can become harder to actuate based on whats happening in-game. For example, the triggers gave much more resistance when I was controlling my character in a spring-loaded jumpsuit, accurately replicating the feeling of pushing down on a spring and releasing it. Games can even take advantage of the DualSenses built-in microphone, as I had to blow on the controller to move a platform of ice in Astros Playroom.

Sackboy: A Big Adventure also makes impressive use of Sonys controller, as I could feel a sudden sense of resistance when walking through tall grass thanks to some steady haptic patterns. I felt vibrations moving through specific parts of the controller during cutscenes, and enjoyed the soft taps that accompanied Sackboy flailing his feet around while floating in the air. And in the sword-based combat of Godfall, I felt the triggers tense up to add extra weight to the feeling of slicing up enemies of heavy attacks.

When playing Spider-Man: Miles Morales, I felt subtle, but extremely nuanced, vibrations during cutscenes, as the controller would perfectly match the clinking of glasses or the distant stomps of Rhinos feet with tactile feedback. I also appreciated the slight feeling of resistance when using the triggers to web-swing through Manhattan, as well as the soft buzz of electricity that played out of the speaker every time I charged up Miles Venom attacks.

Sonys new controller packs a built-in microphone, which allows you to chat with friends when you dont have a gaming headset handy. And it totally works in a pinch. I had an entire voice chat with my colleague Marshall who was also on his DualSense, and we were able to hear each other just fine through the controllers built-in speaker. Youll still probably want to use a dedicated headset to hear your game and chat audio during a competitive Call of Duty match, but the fact that you can talk to friends on PS5 without needing a headset is a great touch.

The DualSense already shows some incredible potential, but its only as good as the games that take advantage of it. While games like Astro's Playroom, Spider-Man, Godfall and Sackboy do some exciting things with Sonys gamepad, Im curious to see how many developers fully tap into the DualSenses unique features as more PS5 games show up.

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Beyond its advanced haptics, the DualSense fares pretty well as a standard controller. Its significantly bigger than the DualShock 4 gamepad, with a hefty feel, and a design that seems to take a page out of the Xbox Wireless Controller in terms of ergonomics. While the DualSenses meatier grip feels satisfying to hold, I wish it were just a bit more compact, and found my hands getting cramped when playing more intense action games like Godfall and Devil May Cry 5.

The good news is that the DualSenses buttons and triggers feel great during everyday gameplay. I had no issues doing my usual Mortal Kombat 11 combos thanks to the controllers smooth D-pad and snappy face buttons. The thumbsticks and triggers felt responsive and accurate when I gunned down Rebels in Battlefront II. The touchpad is much bigger this time around, and I like that the built-in lightbar wraps around the center rather than being hidden at the top, as on the DualShock 4.

PS5 review: Performance and load times

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With a powerful 8-core AMD Zen 2 processor, 10.3 teraflops of graphics power and a ridiculously fast custom SSD, the PS5 promises some of the best performance to ever come out of a games console. And while Ive only played a handful of titles that are designed to harness the PS5s power, Im already impressed by what Sonys console is able to pump out in terms of fidelity, framerate and, most importantly, load speeds.

This shouldnt come as a shock, but games look fantastic running on Sonys new console. Spider-Man: Miles Morales looked more akin to a high-end PC game than a PlayStation title, as I gawked at the gorgeous reds and purples of Spider-Man and his enemies popping off the screen in 4K. Thanks to the consoles ray-tracing support, Manhattans skyscrapers reflected off one another realistically, as did a series of lifelike puddles in a busy Times Square.

The PS5 version of Miles Morales has a special Performance mode, which turns off effects such as ray tracing and uses upscaled 4K in favor of a higher framerate. When I switched to this mode and zipped through the city at a silky 60 frames per second while still enjoying beautiful visuals, I felt like I was experiencing something that simply couldnt be done on previous-gen consoles. This made it extremely hard to go back to the PS4 version of Miles Morales, which often chugged below 30 frames per second.

This experience is likely to improve in future, with Sony confirming variable refresh rate support (VRR) will hit the PS5 sometime in 2022.

But while ray-traced visuals and 60 fps performance modes are great, its the PS5s lightning fast SSD that truly makes Sonys console feel next-gen. When booting up a game like Spider-Man: Miles Morales, theres almost zero downtime between selecting the title from your home screen and being out on the street, beating up bad guys. The same process took around 20 seconds before I could start playing the PS4 version.

Astros Playroom is just as instantaneous, as I was able to jump from the games main hub area to its myriad vibrant levels without a single loading screen in sight. The PS5s blazing SSD is also what allows you to skip to certain portions of a game via the Activities menu, and upcoming titles such as the dimension-hopping Ratchet & Clank: Rift Apart look theyll do some truly inventive things with it. Well have to see how more titles utilize the SSD, but it already feels like one of the biggest leaps forward in console gaming in quite a while.

PS5 vs PS4 load times PS5 PS4 (2013 model) Boot time 22 seconds 30 seconds Spider-Man: Miles Morales (startup) 12 seconds 12 seconds Spider-Man: Miles Morales (menu to gameplay) 2 seconds 20 seconds The Last of Us 2 (startup) 15 seconds 33 seconds The Last of Us 2 (menu to gameplay) 1 minute 1 minute, 28 seconds Mortal Kombat 11 (startup) 8 seconds 11 seconds Mortal Kombat 11 (menu to gameplay) 10 seconds 18 seconds Star Wars Battlefront II (startup) 33 seconds 1 minute, 5 seconds Star Wars Battlefront II (menu to gameplay) 12 seconds 22 seconds

When it comes to load time improvements for PS4 games, I saw the most dramatic gains when playing The Last of Us Part II. Naughty Dogs acclaimed action-adventure game started up more than twice as quickly on PS5 than it did on PS4, and took nearly 30 seconds less to get into a playable encounter from the main menu. I noticed similarly significant improvements for Star Wars Battlefront II, which took about 33 seconds to boot up on PS5, compared to over a minute on PS4.

The differences in load times were less stark when testing titles such as God of War and Mortal Kombat 11, but every single game I tested loaded fastest on PS5.

PS5 review: Backwards compatibility

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The PS5 works with nearly all PS4 games, which is a huge step up from Sonys complete lack of backwards compatibility last generation. I tested close to a dozen PS4 games on PS5, including The Last of Us Part II, God of War, Mortal Kombat 11, Tetris Effect and Resident Evil 2, and almost all of them loaded faster and ran better than they did on my launch PS4. Both digital and disc-based PS4 games worked without a hitch on my PS5, and my physical movies worked just fine on the systems 4K Blu-ray drive.

The PS5 allows you to take advantage of any PS4 Pro enhancements a game offers, so games that have higher resolution or frame rate modes benefit the most from Sonys new console. As someone coming from a launch PS4, the ability to finally enjoy God of Wars high-frame rate mode or play Tetris Effect in 4K felt almost worth the price of admission on its own (the aforementioned load time boosts certainly dont hurt, either).

The PS5 is designed to work with most first-party and officially licensed PS4 accessories, and I had no issues bringing my existing last-gen gear over. Pairing my DualShock 4 to the PS5 was as simple as plugging it in via USB cable, and my existing headsets worked just fine with the DualSenses 3.5 mm audio jack.

Third-party wired controllers, such as my Hori Fightpad and Victrix Pro FS Fight Stick, also worked perfectly as I mashed buttons in Mortal Kombat. Just keep in mind that the DualShock 4 only works with backwards compatible PS4 games, so you wont be able to use it for PS5-only titles.

More recently, a new patent application filed by PlayStation designers hints that the PS5 will someday be able to run PS1, PS2 and PS3 games  giving you even more reason to pick up a PS5.

PS5 review: Game lineup

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The PS5s launch lineup is off to a solid start. The console's big marquee launch game is Spider-Man: Miles Morales, a gorgeous and fun follow up to 2018's Marvel's Spider-Man complete with ray-traced graphics and an optional 60 fps performance mode.

Sackboy: A Big Adventure is a simple but charming 3D platformer with lots of character customization, but Astro's Playroom, the free pack-in game that shows off the DualSense controller, might be even better. Not since 2007's Nintendo Wii has a console launched with a notable game included out of the gate, and Sony's new platformer is oozing with fun collectibles and easter eggs for hardcore PlayStation fans.

If mature action's more your thing, Godfall is a fun and beautiful action-RPG that feels like a marriage of the weighty combat of God of War 2018 and the deep loot system of Destiny. Want something more stylish? Devil May Cry 5 Special Edition is an enhanced version of the stellar 2019 slash-em-up complete with both ray-tracing and 120 fps performance modes.

One of the PS5s biggest true launch exclusives is Demons Souls, a visually stunning remake of the beloved 2009 action/RPG of the same name. We've just started testing out Bluepoint's new take on the cult favorite, so stay tuned for more impressions.

(Image credit: Sony)

The problem is, you don't need a PS5 to play many of these games. Spider-Man: Miles Morales and Sackboy: A Big Adventure are also available on PS4, as are many of the big third-party games that arrived at launch.

Those include Assassins Creed Valhalla, Mortal Kombat 11 Ultimate, The Pathless, Dirt 5 and NBA 2K21. All of these games will be available on PS4, but youll need a PS5 to enjoy features such as true 4K gameplay and 60 fps frame rate options. Its also worth noting that Fortnite was PS5-optimized at launch, and titles such as Madden NFL 21 and Watch Dogs Legion will offer free PS5 upgrades for folks who own the PS4 versions.

Looking forward, you can expect major PS5 exclusives such as Ratchet & Clank: Rift Apart, God of War Ragnarok and Horizon Forbidden West (the latter of which will have a PS4 version) to start hitting in 2021 and beyond.

While you dont necessarily need a PS5 to play some of the biggest new games from both Sony and third parties, you will enjoy much better versions of them on the new system. And dont forget that most of your PS4 library will come with you  complete with major visual and performance enhancements for select titles.

PS5 review: Apps

The PS5 has access to pretty much every entertainment app youll need, including Disney Plus, Netflix, YouTube, Prime Video and, new to the PlayStation ecosystem, Apple TV Plus. These apps all worked identically to their PS4 counterparts in my testing, which isnt a bad thing.

Every app I tested loaded quickly and streamed reliably, whether I was binging Chappelle's Show on Netflix or catching up on wrestling news on YouTube. But more importantly, the PS5s streaming apps are easier to access than before thanks to a handy Media tab thats just a button press away on the home screen. Thats a nice upgrade from the PS4, which buried all of its streaming apps in a slow-loading TV & Video menu.

As a cautions and caveated FYI: PS4 jailbreaks could supposedly work with the PS5, which theoretically would open it up for all manner of homebrew software and apps. But we'd suggest you avoid this as it can cause problems, something you don't want to do when the PS5 is still very difficult to find in stock.

You can also check our PS5 exclusives vs. Xbox exclusives story to see how the two libraries stack up.

PS5 review: Heat and noise

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Thanks to its massive internal fan and large vents along the inside of the chassis, the PS5 stayed cool and mostly quiet during my time with it. I rarely noticed any noise coming out of the console, even as I spent hours exploring Astros Playroom or webbing up crooks in Spider-Man. I did notice some rare moments of audible noise when running Star Wars Battlefront II, and could hear discs spinning pretty loudly when I first put Blu-rays in the machine. But compared to the jet-engine-like noises that come out of my PS4 when simply downloading a game, the PS5 is blissfully quiet.

PS5 review: 3D audio

The PS5s Tempest Engine enables it to deliver 3D audio for supported games, allowing you to hear game sounds with greater directionality than standard stereo can offer. The PS5s 3D audio is designed to work with most existing headphones and headsets, though Sonys new Pulse 3D Wireless Headset is optimized for the technology. So far weve tested 3D audio on an Astro A20 headset, and while the effects have been mostly subtle, they show lots of promise.

The PS5s audio tricks were most pronounced in Astros Playroom, as I could hear the rain clearly coming from above me, and could pinpoint the sound of a tornado whirring between my left and right ears as it shot my character upwards. It was also easy to pick out where cars, planes and enemies were coming from when swinging around in Spider-Man: Miles Morales, but I didnt notice a huge difference between when the effect was on or off.

Like many of the PS5s features, itll ultimately be up to developers to make the most of the consoles 3D audio tech. Were eager to try more games with 3D audio support, as well as get our hands on the Pulse 3D headset for the full experience.

PS5 review: Verdict

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The PS5 is a genuine leap forward for console gaming, offering gorgeous 4K performance, stunningly fast load times and a truly game-changing controller that makes playing games more immersive and tactile than ever. It plays nearly all PS4 games, and, in many cases, allows them to run and load better than ever before.

However, there are a few reasons to wait before hitting that buy button  if you can even find Sonys new console, that is. The PS5s launch lineup contains very few must-have exclusives, as PS4 owners can still enjoy major releases such as Spider-Man: Miles Morales and Assassins Creed Valhalla. The consoles massive size may also be a concern for those with limited space, and the DualSense controller itself could be a little big for folks with smaller hands.

As with most console launches, the PS5 is only going to get better over time with new exclusive games and features for those who choose to wait. Its also worth considering Microsofts $499 Xbox Series X , which offers slightly more power and works with four generations of Xbox games. But if you manage to pick a PS5 up now, know that youll be treated to a true next-gen experience complete with advanced haptics, beautiful graphics and almost zero friction between you and the games you want to play.

The PS5 will soon lose its little-used Accolades feature.
Now this is what triple j Like A Version is all about. We really hope you tuned in to Like A Version this morning because if you didnt, you missed out on a cover that was fun, bouncy, inventive, and paid homage to two of Australias best artists of right now.

To celebrate Ausmusic Month, triple j have been delighting us all this month with a string of Like A Version covers from Australian artists covering their fellow homegrown artists. Weve already witnessed The Jezabels laying down a haunting cover of Sticky Fingers and last week Amy Shark reminded us of why Silverchair are one of the greatest Aussie bands ever to do it.

This morning, Elk Road hit the triple j studios and laid down a cover of Crave You by Flight Facilities, although it wasnt your straight-up faithful ode to the smouldering summer anthem. He got a little help from the one and only Lisa Mitchell and mixed the whole thing up with a sample from Tame Impalas The Less I Know The Better. The result is absolutely electric.

Not too long ago we ran through a few of our favourite Like A Version covers of the year so far, including Sarah Blaskos incredible David Bowie cover, Guy Sebastian linking up with Paces, and Hey Geronimo mashing up Courtney Barnett and Regurgitator.

Check out our list of 10 triple j Like A Version covers that deserve to be remembered!
Last years ARIA Awards made headlines after several winners used their acceptance speeches to make important socio-political statements. The 2016 ARIA Awards are set to air next week, but this years ceremony honouring the standout stars of Australian music has already caused its share of controversy.

You may recall that last month Australias classical community was up in arms over the fact that Flight Facilities, the electronic duo hailing from Sydney and best known for dance floor fillers like Down To Earth and Sunshine, received the ARIA Award for Best Classical recording.

Flight Facilities were nominated for their collaboration with the Melbourne Symphony Orchestra. Were stoked to be nominated for best classical album a year after being nominated for best dance  we dont know how but thanks very much, said Hugo Gruzman, one half of the Sydney duo, at the time.

The pairs collaboration with the MSO was widely regarded as one of the best live events of the year and saw Flight Facilities and a string of guest stars meshing their classy electronic dance stylings with the grand classical instrumentation of one of Australias finest orchestras.

But as great as it was, it wasnt classical music.

The album consists of Flight Facilities original electronic music with the accompaniment of an orchestra, Toby Chadd, manager of ABC Classics, told The Australian. It feels like something is potentially wrong with the ARIA system to allow an album whose credentials are clearly in no way classical to win the classical award.

It has the potential to damage the integrity of that award, he added. Indeed, whats perhaps most curious is the fact that Flight Facilities alone were nominated for the Best Classical ARIA Award. The Melbourne Symphony Orchestra, who actually contributed the classical elements to the recording, were not included in the nom.

An ARIA representative told The Australian at the time that the creative collaboration between Flight Fac and the MSO met the eligibility criteria for the award and the winner was determined by a specialist classic music ARIA judging panel.

However, that did little to console those in the classical community who felt that handing the Best Classical award to an album that is essentially an electronic dance music album with orchestral elements undermined the Best Classical Album category and robbed a genuine classical artist of a prestigious accolade.

So how does an EDM album get to win a Best Classic Album ARIA Award? Well, its important and perhaps surprising to note that its the artists and labels who get to decide which category they submit their releases to. In other words, if a label feels like their rock artist has a better chance of winning in the blues category than the rock category, thats where theyll submit the album.

Speaking to Fairfax, ARIA CEO Dan Rosen was unapologetic about the Flight Fac win. According to Rosen, the ARIA Awards are self-policing, with each category left to its own devices in deciding whats eligible for their own category. If a judging school, because theyre experts, dont feel that [an album] is worthy of that genre then they dont vote for it, he said.

A release similar to Flight Facs, Josh Pykes collaboration with the Sydney Symphony Orchestra, technically wouldve been eligible for Best Classical Album, but it was instead submitted to, and won, in the category of Best Original Soundtrack/Cast/Show Album award.

Very simply, we didnt put it in Best Classical because it isnt a classical album, so we didnt feel it was the right fit for that category. Im sure we could have done that if we chose to, but out of respect to the classical community it didnt feel right, Pykes manager told Fairfax.

And therein lies the rub. See, Flight Fac-gate wasnt the first time that the ARIA Awards have experienced such a controversy. You may recall that there were quite a few raised eyebrows in the room when Melbourne psychedelic collective King Gizzard & The Lizard Wizard picked up the ARIA Award for Best Jazz Album.

As the Sydney Morning Herald recently noted, managers who believe they may be up against stiff competition in one category can simpy slip their artist into a category where the other nominees are not as well-known. You could say this undermines the very idea behind the award, but its simply smart management.

So the next time you wonder why a rock band is accepting the award for Best Country Album or an album that had a steel drum on one track is being nominated in the Best World Music category, you can assume they just have a very switched-on manager.
Melbourne event organisers have the most skilful knack of curating fantastic, varied lineups showcasing incredible musical talent, and then finding unique and quirky venues to host these events in. Hush: An Evening of Quiet Music did more than just tick both of these boxes, offering a wonderful night of local music in a building that is familiar to Melbournians, but has an air of mystery.

A part of Melbourne Music Weeks Self Made series, this gig had an extra special requirement  everyone must remain silent during the performances. That means no heckling, no chatting through songs to friends, and certainly no singing along. But how does a gig like this turn out? And is it the audience who might have trouble with this rule, or the performers themselves?

Grand Salvo stands inside the Parliament Library, his gentle nature and wild appearance powerful in this quiet, sombre setting. He softly plucks his guitar, held high up on his chest, and tells the audience wistful tales in his beautiful, gripping way. His songs take the listener on a journey to faraway places and deep into his heart. The books that surround the audience add to the magical feel in the room. All eyes are glued on him, and not a single murmur is heard. This performance works perfectly with the silence, and the cosy intimacy of the library cements the rule.

Grand Salvo proved to be the perfect act for the quiet surrounds of the library

Dan Kelly, on the other hand, could take on the role of part-time comedian as well as musician, and has the audience in quiet fits and giggles through most of his show. To him, it seems difficult to work within the limitations of the dead quiet rule. He invites the audience to sing along to his songs, and even teaches backup vocals so theyre active participants in the performance. The crowd seems to breathe a collective sigh of relief as the rigidity of Parliament House is relaxed, and Dan Kelly amuses them with his clever lyrics and visualisations of politicians hang-gliding over the Grand Canyon.

Finally, Teeth and Tongue follow Dan up with a great, stripped back set  the Nirvana Unplugged set, jokes frontwoman Jess Cornelius. While they sound brilliant as an acoustic band, they are also somewhat uncomfortable with the quiet sitting down, and Cornelius refers to her discomfort on several occasions. This is a band who are used to loud, gritty rock performances, in loud, gritty venues and festivals. Its great to hear Cornelius husky voice without any of the usual background noise, however, and she is still pitch perfect.

Its a brilliant concept to be able to listen to musicians minus the usual interruptions or annoying chatter, and Parliament House is the ideal venue for this concept  especially the dimly lit, cosy library. What this gig taught us though is that, while some crowds can certainly be intrusive at times, perhaps the usual noise we hear at a gig is welcomed and comforting  for both punters and musicians alike.
"Mike Shanin interviews Wendell Cox, principal at Demographia, about an essay he prepared which details the strengths and weaknesses of the Kansas City metro. Then Annie Presley, Jason Grill, Mike Sanders and Crosby Kemper III discuss the future of the Democratic Party, the budget shortfall in Kansas and the recent protests across the country in the wake of Donald Trump being elected president."

There might be a few Kansas City dweebs who complain about this all-white political panel but the fact is that more people among ourwatch the public tv talking head show on this blog than any other place in this cowtown . . . Therefore, ourkinda even things out.Anyhoo, here's the description for tonight's show . . .Take a look:You decide . . .
Police say a 12-year-old girl was punched in the face at school by another student Monday at the Frontier School of Excellence off 56th Street and Troost in Kansas City.





This is the second time in two weeks her daughter was attacked, and she said its because of her race.





About two weeks ago she reported being called racial names, the mom said.





She said thats about the time her 12-year-old daughter Blessyed was first attacked by two girls.





One pushed her and the other one pushed her and she tried to fight back, that was the end of that. They called her racial names that day, she said.





The school confirmed an incident happened and said it was quickly rectified and resolved.





Monday, her daughter was attacked again.

Here's a quick point that will probably be lost on so many people scouring the Internet in search of someone, somewhere or something to direct the rage over their wasted lives.Despite demographic differences - Broke-ass students have more in common with each other than denizens of more affluent schools. And while racial deets of any altercation make for captivating content, they rarely prove productive.Accordingly . . . Here's the local news reporting the racial angle of a school fight wherein (just like most voters) combatants, parents and possibly administrators might be a bit more concerned about cultural differences than overall student safety.Checkit . . .Deets:You decide . . .
The Greek government on Friday further loosened capital controls on bank deposits held in Greek banks

The Greek government on Friday further loosened capital controls on bank deposits held in Greek banks, a measure imposed by the same ruling party, SYRIZA, in the wake of the announcement of a controversial referendum in late June 2015.

The decision, signed by FinMin Euclid Tsakalotos has already been published in the government gazette, and allows legal entities that field double entry accounting books to open new bank accounts unconditionally.

Among others, a number of international agencies active in Greece, such as Frontex and the IMF, will no longer face any capital controls.

Read more here.

RELATED TOPICS: Greece, Greek tourism news, Tourism in Greece, Greek islands, Hotels in Greece, Travel to Greece, Greek destinations , Greek travel market, Greek tourism statistics, Greek tourism report
The negotiations scheduled to take place over the weekend will be critical for the second bailout program review, as the Greek government and institutions will attempt to draft a policy agreement, the so-called staff level agreement that will be presented at the upcoming Euro Working Group, before being submitted at the 5 December Eurogroup.

According to a report in Ta Nea a number of technical issues have yet to be resolved. As such, certain areas of the policy agreement will feature alternatives, to later be negotiated between Greece and its partners.

The 3.5% of GDP primary surplus target for 2018 is one of the unresolved issues, as the source of 750 million euros for the social solidarity benefit has not yet been determined. Part of these funds may come from cuts in defense spending, funds earmarked for the refugee crisis and the restructuring of welfare benefits.

The second major issue yet to be addressed revolves around labor matters, where the International Monetary Fund appears adamant on collective dismissals. The Greek governments positions are mostly in line with the recommendations of the Expert Group.

Finally, the out-of-court settlement for businesses has yet to be fully resolved, however sources suggest that it is going well. The sources noted though that there are many technical issues in the matter than need to be closely addressed. The government want s find a balance between supporting sustainable businesses, consolidating bank portfolios and ensure State interests in relation to taxes and contributions owed by businesses.

Read more here.

RELATED TOPICS: Greece, Greek tourism news, Tourism in Greece, Greek islands, Hotels in Greece, Travel to Greece, Greek destinations , Greek travel market, Greek tourism statistics, Greek tourism report
The 2017 state budget will be tabled in Greek parliament next week and is expected to be voted in the plenum by December 10

The 2017 state budget will be tabled in Greek parliament next week and is expected to be voted in the plenum by December 10.

According to parliament sources, the first package of the second review's prior actions is scheduled to be voted by December 3. In the next days two omnibus bills will be tabled with the prior actions.

The draft law on alternative fuel and a bill on workers' mobility will be discussed next week.

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
On the historic occasion of President Barack Obamas visit to Greece as part of his last European tour, three violations of Greek airspace sovereignty rules were recorded by Athens FIR

On the historic occasion of President Barack Obamas visit to Greece as part of his last European tour, three violations of Greek airspace sovereignty rules were recorded by Athens FIR (Flight Information Region), and the Turkish fighter aircraft were recognized and intercepted by corresponding fighter planes on the Greek side.

Two Turkish aircraft and naval aircraft today entered Athens FIR without submitting flight plans, as required.

Three violations by the Turkish fighter planes were recorded, resulting in two violations of Greeces national airspace in the northeast and southeast Aegean.

In each instance the Turkish aircraft were recognized and intercepted by their Greek counterparts, causing virtual dogfights.

The two Turkish aircraft were fully armed. No casualties were reported.

Furthermore, a Turkish CN-235 maritime patrol aircraft violated Greek air space, flying at an altitude of 3,300 feet over the islet of Panagia, an isle of the Oinousses complex, Tuesday night. The air vessel had not provided flight information to the Greek control tower infringing on the Athens FIR. The General Staff of Defence said the Turkish aircraft was recognised by the Hellenic Airforce.

Read more here.

RELATED TOPICS: Greece, Greek tourism news, Tourism in Greece, Greek islands, Hotels in Greece, Travel to Greece, Greek destinations , Greek travel market, Greek tourism statistics, Greek tourism report
The European Commission has disbursed a 730,000 grant to Cyprus for drought and wildfires, both of which affected the island in June 2016

The European Commission has disbursed a 730,000 grant to Cyprus for drought and wildfires, both of which affected the island in June 2016, reports said on Friday.

Commissioner for Regional Policy Corina Cretu has said: In the wake of natural disasters, the EU Solidarity Fund is a concrete expression of European solidarity. Cyprus is set to receive a first EUSF payment following the terrible drought and forest fires of June in order to support reconstruction efforts and regenerate economic activity. This first disbursement of aid shows that we are standing side by side with Cyprus.

The amount of this advance was calculated based on a preliminary assessment of the application received from Cyprus on September 5, which found that the financial contribution from the EU Solidarity Fund (EUSF) was likely to amount to almost 7.3 million.

In accordance with EUSF rules, the advance payment amounts to 10% of this sum.

Once it has completed the assessment of the application, the Commission will propose a definitive amount of aid, to be approved by the European Parliament and the Council.

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
A 28-year-old Greek man confessed to Austrian authorities that he is the murderer of another Greek man, Antonis Christofakis, 32, who was found dead on the German-Austrian border

A 28-year-old Greek man confessed to Austrian authorities that he is the murderer of another Greek man, Antonis Christofakis, 32, who was found dead on the German-Austrian border.

According to the lawyer of the 28-year-old suspect, Giorgos Vlachopoulos, who spoke to Crete TV  since Christofakis is from Crete  it was a crime of passion, as his client had an affair with the victims wife, who is a German citizen. The suspect was an acquaintance of Christofakis.

He confessed to the police on Wednesday evening that he planned the murder along with the victims wife, Alexandra, because of sexual jealousy, and that he committed the murder himself.

Both suspects face charges of premeditated murder and are in custody. As Vlachopoulos said, the adulterous couple had planned to kill the unfortunate Cretan to get him out of the way so they could live together.

Christofakis was an economic migrant who had left his home in Siva, Crete, along with his wife and six-year-old daughter, to work in Munich, Germany. His body was found by a truck driver in a ditch on the German Austrian border, riddled by 11 bullets.

The 28-year-old suspect was arrested in Munich, but was extradited to Austria as the body was found on the Austrian side of the border.

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
As the winter holiday season gets underway, winter holiday bookings are up 16% year on year according to the latest industry figures*. ABTA research** also shows that three in ten people (29%) are planning to take a winter break, with winter sun the most popular holiday type.

Table 1.1  Will you take a winter holiday or break this year?

Yes 29% No 45% Dont know 27%



People aged 25-34 are most likely to be taking a winter holiday, with over a third (36%) planning to do so, followed closely by people aged over 65 (33%). The younger 18-24 year olds are the age group most likely to be undecided about taking a winter holiday, with a third (33%) stating this.

Of those planning a winter holiday, winter sun is the most popular holiday option, with almost a third (31%) choosing this type of trip, followed by city breaks and UK breaks.

Table 1.2  What type of winter holiday will you take? (People planning a winter holiday)

Winter sun 31% City break 22% UK break 14% Ski holiday 9% Cruise 5% Christmas market break 4% Northern lights 4%



Winter bookings appear to be following a broadly similar pattern to the summer, when a drop in business to traditionally popular destinations like Tunisia and Egypt, following high profile terrorist incidents and changes to Foreign Office travel advice, drove a growth in popularity to the Western Mediterranean in particular. According to GfKs Travel Leisure Monitor, bookings to the most popular winter holiday destination, Spain, are up 33% year-on-year, Portugal is looking very strong with bookings up 41%, and Cyprus is up 34%.

Away from Europe, long haul sunseekers are driving growth in the winter market with bookings to the Caribbean up 21% and Asia 17%. ABTA Members have also reported strong sales to Cape Verde.

Mark Tanzer, ABTA Chief Executive, commented: It is very encouraging that bookings for the winter season are looking strong. With such a wide range of holiday options available in the winter months, from winter sun to city and ski breaks, it is not surprising that so many people are planning a winter break.

About ABTA

ABTA has been a trusted travel brand for over 65 years. Our purpose is to help our Members to grow their businesses successfully and sustainably, and to help their customers travel with confidence.

The ABTA brand stands for support, protection and expertise. This means consumers have confidence in ABTA and a strong trust in ABTA Members. These qualities are core to us as they ensure that holidaymakers remain confident in the holiday products that they buy from our Members.

We help our Members and their customers navigate through today's changing travel landscape by raising standards in the industry; offering schemes of financial protection; providing an independent complaints resolution service should something go wrong; giving guidance on issues from sustainability to health and safety and by presenting a united voice to government to ensure the industry and the public get a fair deal.

ABTA currently has around 1,200 Members, with a combined annual UK turnover of 33.07 billion. For more details about what we do, what being an ABTA Member or Partner means, and how we help the British public travel with confidence visit www.abta.com.

RELATED TOPICS: Greece, Greek tourism news, Tourism in Greece, Greek islands, Hotels in Greece, Travel to Greece, Greek destinations , Greek travel market, Greek tourism statistics, Greek tourism report
"Greece has turned page; we managed to be in the top five of the most popular destinations in the world," Tourism Minister Elena Kountoura said on Friday

"Greece has turned page; we managed to be in the top five of the most popular destinations in the world," Tourism Minister Elena Kountoura on Friday said at the conference {Re}-Branding Destinations held within the framework of Philoxenia-Hotelia in Thessaloniki.

"Tourism contributes to 20 pct of Greece's GDP, 1.2 million direct and indirect jobs are in tourism sector and this revenue is a breath to the economy," the minister noted.

"We overcame the obstacles of an exceptionally difficult year ... and we managed to change the negative climate," she added.

Kountoura underlined that the ministry's strategy brought historic records for two consecutive years. "We had 26 mln tourists in 2015 and 14 bln euros revenues while the country made a strong start in 2016 and targets are expected to be surpassed."

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
Tourexpi, turizm haberleri, Reiseburos, tourism news, noticias de turismo, Tourismus Nachrichten,  , travel tourism news, international tourism news, Urlaub, urlaub in der turkei,  , holidays in Turkey,   , global tourism news, dunya turizm, dunya turizm haberleri, Seyahat Acentas,

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Kuwaits projects market has maintained its relatively healthy momentum in the third quarter with the government awarding infrastructure contracts worth KD1 billion ($3.4 billion), up 15 per cent over the previous quarter, said a report ahead of a industry event.



Meeds12th Kuwait Projects forum will be held on November 28 at Regency Hotel in Kuwait City with support from Kuwaits Ministry of Electricity and Water.



The one-day forum is set to host key government decision makers, industry leaders, major project developers and owners.



Delivering fast and efficient development and procurement of public private partnerships will be under spotlight at the upcoming conference, said the organisers.



With projects worth $136 billion being planned projects in Kuwait, most seeking to involve the private sector, streamlining and improving the PPP process in order to deliver vital projects on time and within budget has become more crucial and imperative than ever, they stated.



With government budgets being challenged in the current economic environment, alternative project financing methods is increasingly being adopted to ensure timely delivery, said experts.



Kuwait Authority for Partnership Projects (KAPP) is playing a critical role in the countrys diversification plan by bringing the private and public players together, they stated.



During the event, Mutlaq Al Sanei, the general manager of KAPP will announce upcoming PPP projects and explain what these partnerships mean for the private sector and how they can be a part of key projects in pipeline.



The total value of contracts awarded so far this year has risen to KD3.6 billion ($12 billion).



A total of $27 billion worth of utility projects are currently in the pre-execution stage in partnership with the private sector.



Last month, Kuwait invited two private sector bidders into talks for the second phase of its Az Zour North power generation and desalination project, which covers design, build, finance, operations, and transfer.



Alexander Bencini, the conference director of Meed, said: "This year, we have tailored a programme that will examine the private sector financing model, stabilising project delivery timelines, optimising entity co-ordination and presenting key opportunities cross the Kuwait projects market."



The conference will encourage successful project delivery practices to attract key international funding to the Kuwait projects sector through focused keynote presentations and panel discussions, he added.



Dr Khaled Mahdi, the secretary general, Supreme Council for Planning and Development, will deliver a keynote address on the countrys projects market role in the economic diversification strategy followed by insights on key economic opportunities and challenges.-TradeArabia News Service
Saudi government has approved plans and studies to build service tunnels linking Arafat and Jamarat in Mina via Muzdalifah, and tunnels linking Jamarat with the courtyards of the Grand Mosque in Makkah, said a report.



Makkah Region Development Authority will present plans and studies to Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Salman for final approval and execution on a time-bound basis, reported the Saudi Gazette.



The plans also include construction of residential towers on the mountain slope of Mina in a way not violating the sanctity of the holy site, it stated.



A total of six towers have already been constructed in Mina and these have the capacity to accommodate around 12,000 pilgrims.



The studies also recommended developing the tents in Arafat and making more facilities and arrangements for the stay of pilgrims in Muzdalifah, it added.
At least 56 people have been killed and 108 injured in a fuel tanker explosion in western Mozambique, said a report, citing officials.



The circumstances of the blast on Thursday afternoon in the village of Caphirizanje in Tete province, near the border with Malawi, remain unclear, according to BBC.



Some reports say the driver of the tanker was trying to sell fuel to villagers, others that he was ambushed.



The blast itself may have been caused by a lightning strike or a fire nearby, reports say.



The government says it will provide coffins for identified victims who will be buried on Friday.



Those burned beyond recognition have been buried in a common grave, government sources told the BBC.



Officials initially said 73 people had died in the explosion.



Dozens of charred bodies lay around the blast site. Some of the badly burned victims had tried to run into the local river, Radio Mozambique said.



Another report said the vehicle had crashed on Wednesday afternoon and that villagers were siphoning off fuel when it exploded on Thursday.



The government, meanwhile, has declared three days of national mourning after an emergency cabinet meeting convened by President Filipe Nyusi on Friday morning.
Saudi Arabia is optimistic that the Opecs (Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries) deal to curb oil output to 32.5 million barrels per day (bpd) will speed up the (market) recovery and benefit producers and consumers, said a report.



Limiting it to the lower end of a previously agreed production target will help spur a rally in the price of crude, reported Reuters, citing the Energy Minister Khalid Al Falih.



The Opec, at a meeting in Algeria in September, had made a preliminary deal to limit oil output to between 32.5 million and 33 million bpd, with special conditions given to Libya, Nigeria and Iran, whose output has been hit by wars or sanctions.



More decisions will be taken on this deal when the Opec ministers gather in Vienna on November 30.



Al Falih told Al Arabiya TV that following the Opec announcement, the oil market was on a path toward 'becoming balanced.'



Im still optimistic that the consensus reached in Algeria for capping production will translate, into caps on states levels and fair and balanced cuts among countries, he added.
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If people think that the tourism industry is pretty much at its peak at the moment, with travel already in such a boom, it seems as though that things will only continue to get better. Come 2025, middle income families or those that are in the middle class will take the most number of international holidays according to global financial company, Visa.

Richard Lung, an international economist and Visa's senior director spoke recently for the company's Travel & Payment Trends Seminar which was held in Dubai. There he pinpointed three key global trends which will greatly influence the travel industry in the coming decade. Namely: one, a new breed of "travelling class"; two, rising digital connectivity and third, a population that is reaching its maturity.

According to a report by Khaleej Times, "By 2025, annual spending on global cross-border travel will reach $1.5 trillion from $1.1 trillion currently, with growth driven by an increasing number of middle income families, according to Visa's 'Mapping the Future of Global Travel and Tourism' study." Therefore, it means that those households which earn $20,000 and above every year are responsible for almost 90 percent of all international travel. More than 37 million households found in the Mena Region will likely fall under this classification by the time 2025 rolls in and about 40 percent of this new class of travelers will end up taking a minimum of one international trip annually, according to an estimate by Visa.

The global financial company also estimated that the Mena region will also garner an increase of annual outbound trips from only 42 million this year to a whopping 65 million in 2026. In turn, this may also cause an increase in the regional outbound travel spent annually by 3.6 percent; from only $77 billion to $110 billion by 2025, two thirds of its rate increase can be attributed to the middle class.

Aside from paying more, travelers will also be better informed with their travels because they will be digitally connected entirely. With so much information available about where to go and what flights to book as well as various options for accommodations, this will promote spontaneity in tourists from the Mena region, as well as show a variety in personalized travel along with other options for tourism.

The young population in Mena region will also counteract the impact of a global population that is on its way to maturity which is the third key trend. According to Visa, places like Dubai and Abu Dhabi which are famous for medical tourism and healthcare infrastructure could benefit greatly from this since the demographic is much focused on obtaining health and comfort as opposed to saving money. Also, Visa believes that "medical tourism is primed for accelerated growth as older travelers seek new treatments, as well as lower-cost or higher-quality care not available in their home country."

Lung also said that, "Global tourism finds itself at a crossroads, with three key mega trends all pointing towards an era of transformation. The Mena region is not isolated from these forces, and is set to gain more than most, given the extent of its growing middle class. The next decade will be one of significant change for the travel and tourism industry and all participants need to start planning for an exciting new future now."



from Indian Chor Bazaar: Top 21 Foreign Trips, Middle Class Indian Can Afford

See Now: The U.S. had the highest number of Most Wanted properties, dominating the Hotels.com Loved By Guests Awards 2018
Anchorage is known for its cultural heritages. As one of the largest city in the United States, its spectacular natural wonders and sights are truly beautiful. It is also the largest city in Alaska where it is cold.

There are many activities available in Anchorage, Alaska. Anchorage is not only great at activities but there are also great restaurants in the city. The Culture Trip and Paste Magazine cited some of these great restaurants.

1. Orso- Orso is a restaurant that offers delicious seafood dishes along with tons of choices for cocktails and drinks from Glacier BrewHouse. Because it is located across the Anchorage's performing arts center, many people even tourists get to visit the restaurant. Some of its best sellers are the halibut, cod, king crab and the salmon.

2. Ginger- Chef Guy Conley is the chef of Ginger. With great experimental cuisines of Asian, Alaskan and the Pacific Rim, Ginger offers delicious and unique dishes. Some of its best sellers are the spicy ahi tuna tower and chicken and waffles served with a pan Asia-twist.

3. Spenard Roadhouse- This is an all Alaskan restaurant. It has wonderful interior designs that complement its dishes. Spenard is quite famous among tourists and it offers the best selections of bourbons and whiskies in Alaska. Some of its best sellers are the Tater Tots and the Alaskan reindeer Polish sausage.

4. Moose's Tooth Pub and Pizzeria- Moose's restaurant is one of the most popular restaurants in town. Its food offerings have a combination of Portland and Alaskan cuisines. However, what makes this restaurant so famous is their delicious pizza made from scratch using fresh ingredients.

5. Snow City Cafe- Snow City Cafe serves an all day breakfast menu. With dishes made from scratch using fresh ingredients from local farmers, it is also one of the most popular restaurants in the city. It also gained popularity as the former US President Barack Obama ate when he was in town. Its place also has wonderful decorations perfect for having breakfast. Some of their best sellers are the stuffed French toast, heart attack on a plate and the Kodiak benedict.

See Now: The U.S. had the highest number of Most Wanted properties, dominating the Hotels.com Loved By Guests Awards 2018
November signals the start of the holiday season, which means there are more presents to buy, feasts to prepare and also, a lot of travel opportunities right around the corner. Studies show that during the month of November is the best month to use credit cards. There are sign up bonuses that usually occur in November, perfect to use while going on a vacation during that particular month to acquire extra travel points or redeem miles. Credit card users can even acquire an average of 177 dollars during this month.

According to Travel and Leisure, prices of airlines are lower than usual during the month of November and it's also a good time to visit Paris, France for a few days to unwind. Unlike during the Christmas season, famous places like the Louvre or the Musee Rodin will be less crowded. The heat lamps are turned on during this time of the year, so visitors can enjoy a nice warm cup of tea or a glass of wine on terraces across the city. "I think it's also the weather and the mood of being in the city that's hard to describe: you have that beautiful Parisian light set against the Belle Epoque architecture," said travel agency Atout France's spokesperson, Mimi Chloe Park.

Champs Elysees is also a good place to go to during this time of the year, with all the yellow, red and orange colors of the falling leaves gives off a better view for travelers to see. There are also free merry-go-rounds and ice-skating rinks in Champs Elysees and in the Hotel de Ville, according to Aberdeen News. The region of Paris also offered the "CityPass" that will also count as subway tickets and entry for many popular sites, so that tourists will not be carrying huge amounts of money while touring the city.

Ever since the terrorist attack that recently occurred, security is even tighter than ever. During the month of November, a sight to see also in France is the "marches de Noel" or Christmas markets, along with the autumn festival. This is also a good place to buy presents for loved ones and friends. Also during every third Thursday of November, the arrival of Beaujolais nouveau is celebrated with everyone in the city having a free taste of fresh red wine.

See Now: The U.S. had the highest number of Most Wanted properties, dominating the Hotels.com Loved By Guests Awards 2018
Known for mythology, olympics, white houses, great islands, Greece has been a home to some of these places we've all learned to love. But in the past years, Greece has also been a home to people aside from its residents and travellers. Greece has also been a home to refugees from the war.

The communities in Syria, Iraq and Afghanistan seeks asylum in the West to the European countries which have been asked to accommodate the waves of humanity breaking on their doorsteps, seeking a life away from the howl of war. As the most south-easterly corner of the European Union, Greece has found itself cast as the gateway to a humanitarian disaster, witnessing the regular arrival of boats of desperate passengers, each risking everything on the short but dangerous passage across the Aegean Sea - from the Turkish shore to the supposedly safe havens which lie within visible range.

It is almost a year now since the refugee crisis became a fixture on newspaper front pages, though such is the scale of the situation. So far this year nearly 450 refugees have died or been registered missing in and around islands such as Lesvos, Samos and Kos in the Aegean Sea, according to the UN. The numbers have fallen heavily since the peak of the crisis in 2015. According to The Telegraph, The Greek National Tourism Organisation (GNTO) describes the Dodecanese as "a haven of crystal clear waters, sandy or pebbly beaches, important archaeological finds, imposing Byzantine and medieval monuments and traditional settlements", and stresses that the situation will not affect tourists seeking for a Greek holiday.

The Telegraph also says that the popularity of the Greek islands among British holidaymakers has survived the migrant crisis unscathed, according to the country's tourism minister, who says 2017 will be a bumper year for Greece. But Elena Kountoura, Greece's tourism minister, said the islands' popularity among holidaymakers had been unaffected by an ongoing crisis that affects the south-easterly corners of Europe most.

"The truth is everyday life on the islands has been normal as per usual," she said. "These islands are a paradise for holidaymakers. Visitors have faced absolutely no problems and had an excellent holiday experience." Ms Kountoura also added: "Tourism is a very sensitive product and changes can occur sharply, [but it] unites people and nations, and can be a bridge for cooperation, economic growth, peace and prosperity."

See Now: The U.S. had the highest number of Most Wanted properties, dominating the Hotels.com Loved By Guests Awards 2018
New Zealand's South Island was struck by a 7.8-magnitude earthquake on Monday (11.02 GMT, Sunday), which has left two dead and some communities without power. The New Zealand Ministry of Defence & Emergency Management (MCDEM) issued a tsunami warning for the eastern coast of North and South Island including the Chatham Islands and advised those in affected coastal areas to move inland or to higher ground.

The quake struck just outside the town of Kaikoura, a popular tourist resort some 110 miles north of Christchurch. Local authorities claim the main road into Kaikoura has been cut off by landslides, adding that telecommunications, water and power supplies have also been severed. People are currently being airlifted to safety from the town according to The Telegraph.

The New Zealand government is working to evacuate all tourists from Kaikoura, and the British government is encouraging British nationals in that area to follow any instructions given to them. "People in coastal areas should one, stay out of the water, two, stay off beaches and shore area, three, do not go sightseeing, four, share this information with family, neighbours and friends, five, listen to the radio and/or TV for updates, six, follow instructions of local civil defense authorities," according to Express.

None of New Zealand's airports have been affected by the quake, but many roads and railways have been ripped up or blocked by landslides. New Zealand authorities are still warning of the risk of aftershocks in the area. And while the tsunami warning has been lifted, people staying near the coast are advised to exercise extreme care, especially given that bad weather is predicted.

There are thousands of earthquakes in New Zealand every year, but most of them are not felt because they are either small, or very deep within the earth. If your trip has been affected by the earthquakes, then your tour operator will be contractually obliged to provide suitable alternative arrangements or offer a refund. If you simply want to cancel your trip out of choice, it is unlikely you will be entitled to a refund.

See Now: The U.S. had the highest number of Most Wanted properties, dominating the Hotels.com Loved By Guests Awards 2018
Google has streamlined travel enquiries so much, by being able to plan your flight, accommodation, tour packages, itineraries, and even your packing list. Because of this, countries Americans don't regularly travel to are gaining even more popularity, with the ease it takes in booking and reading about the destination and its nuances.

For 2016, the most searched for country on Google is Croatia, with its seaside cliffs and Romanesque cities. According to Lonely Planet, search engine data analyzed by teflSeach revealed that other top destinations included Greece, Turkey, Thailand and Spain. It should be noted that all these countries feature great beaches, rich culture and affordable price ranges. Rounding down the Top 10 list are Italy, Cuba, Portugal, Malta and the United States.

For Americans in particular, the most searched for travel destinations on Google included the United Kingdom, Mexico and Cuba. Interestingly, Croatians, who topped the list, searched for Maldives, Thailand, Malta, Greece and Cuba. Already a Mediterranean favorite and known as the crown jewel of the Adriatic, Travel and Leisure believes that the success of HBO's "Game of Thrones" series drew people to Croatia and its marvelous landscapes. The popular series featured many scenes filmed in Croatia, particularly those for Meereen and King's Landing. (READ: Best Places to Visit in Croatia for "Game of Thrones" fans)

Besides being a popular backdrop to period dramas, Zagreb, its capital is rife with history and 19th century architecture and has the Marticeva, a hip new design district in the artistic European capital. In addition, Istria, along its beautiful Dalmatian Coast, has spiked with visitors in recent years thanks to its efforts in agritourism and producing award-winning fine wines. (READ: The Top Five Wine Regions in America)

Besides its amazing cities, Croatia also has two large national parks with exquisite waterfalls among its limestone and chalk cliffs, as well as turquoise lakes and vast underground caves. Plitvice Lakes National Park, officially a UNESCO Heritage Site features a stunning wooden boardwalk with views of the entire park. On the other hand, Krka National Park is just as beautiful and is only two hours away by car from Zagreb.

See Now: The U.S. had the highest number of Most Wanted properties, dominating the Hotels.com Loved By Guests Awards 2018
In the United States, travelers have plenty of options when it comes to choosing which airline will fly them to your destination. One of those options is American Airlines, which is already a household name when it comes to the aviation business. Recently, the airline company sent out an email blast to the members of its frequent-fliers program, named AAdvantage.

This is with regards to the upcoming modifications that will happen to the said airline's frequent-flyer program by the time 2017 chimes in. American Airlines also disclosed a brand new bonus for its branded credit cards which can aid its fliers to achieve a new elite-status spending requirement which will launched in the coming year. Ben Mutzabaugh of USA Today reported that: "Most of the changes outlined in the e-mail had already been announced this past summer. Perhaps the most notable change is that American is adding a spending requirement to earn elite status. Previously, customers could earn status simply by flying a set number of miles or flight "segments" within a calendar year."

Although the spending requirement is planned for the duration of 2017, the customers must now splurge on airfares an amount of at least $3,000 in "elite qualifying dollars" or EQDs in order to qualify for American Airlines' "Gold" status which is on the lowest-tier. The EQDs are usually also similar to the price of the airfare, with taxes and government imposed fees deducted.

This particular status can be gained when a traveler accumulates 25,000 qualifying miles, or about 30 flight segments in a span of one year. On the other hand, the "Platinum" status requires 50,000 miles or about 60 flight segments and $6,000 in EQDs; while the "Executive Platinum" status needs a whopping 100,000 miles or 120 flight segments and a total amount of $12,000 in EQDs.

American Airlines is also instituting "Platinum Pro", a new type of elite status which makes the number of status levels offered by the airline similar with that of Delta and United. The start of the year 2017 also marks the start of earning for Platinum Pro; members of AAdvantage can qualify for this rank by garnering 75,000 miles or about 90 flight segments within a year and will have a spending threshold of $9,000 in EQDs.

According to Mutzabaugh's report, "Members of American's branded frequent-flier credits will have receive a credit of $3,000 in EQDs for spending at least $25,000 on their cards in a calendar year. Customers with American's higher-end frequent-flier credits will get credited with an additional $3,000 in EQDs ($6,000 in total) if they spend an additional $25,000 in a calendar year ($50,000 total)."



from American Airlines: American Airlines AAdvantage Mileage Multiplier

See Now: The U.S. had the highest number of Most Wanted properties, dominating the Hotels.com Loved By Guests Awards 2018
Three Trump-named resident apartment buildings in the upper west side of Manhattan have had the monikers removed from their facades. The buildings, formerly named "Trump Place," are now being marked under a neutral building name that will appeal to residents.

According to a report by the BBC, construction crews were compelled to remove the gold letters on Wednesday after over six hundred residents signed a petition requesting for the building's re-branding. Interviewed residents state that it should be done as a security measure for residents who do not wish to be associated with the president-elect.

Manhattan residents have also voiced their appreciation for the removal of the moniker. When interviewed, locals simply state that the neighborhood seems cleaner and safer without the presence of the golden letters.

The luxury high rise buildings, located at Manhattan's Riverside Boulevard, are composed of over one thousand residential apartments. Following the presidential election of Donald Trump, the buildings were insultingly named "The Trump Dump" by New York residents.

The three buildings were developed by Trump in the year 1990. However, following a string of financial issues and bankruptcy filings, the president-elect was forced to sell much of his company's assets in order to pay off debts.

The buildings are now owned by Equity Residential and have longer been associated with the president-elect's company since the properties' purchase in 2007. The re-branding of the residential buildings is set to go into effect later this week.

The former Trump property has also begun other re-branding processes such as the replacement of Trump-branded uniforms for staff members. The building has also begun replacing the building's branded doormats and other items bearing the Trump name.

According to Travel and Leisure, Mary Pawlisa, senior regional manager for Equity Residential informed tenants that several other properties associated with the president-elect are undergoing re-branding processes. Since his election, Trump's new properties have planned to operate under the neutral brand name "Scion".

See Now: The U.S. had the highest number of Most Wanted properties, dominating the Hotels.com Loved By Guests Awards 2018
The hustling and bustling city of Hong Kong has been known for its vibrant nightlife and world-renowned bars. This trendy city is full of thrillingly hip cocktail concoctions that are sure to make a great start to every night. To get the full Hong Kong experience, here are five of the best cocktail bars in Hong Kong you have to check out.

First, you're going to want to check out The Chinnery. This Mandarin Oriental establishment features traditional interiors with a definitive British collection of malt whiskeys. This elegant cocktail bar offers a wide array of breathtaking medleys featuring everything from club favorites to whiskey-enriched jewels.

Next, you might want to travel back in time to visit America in the 1950's. No, we're not talking about time travel. We're talking about the nostalgic 50's themed cocktail bar, Varga Lounge. With crooners serenading you to classic Broadway show tunes and deliciously themed cocktails, you'll be absolutely charmed by this old saloon.

Deemed as one of the best new bars in Hong Kong 2016 by The Culture Trip, Honi Honi Tiki Cocktail Lounge should be a forerunner in your barhopping schedule. The Polynesian bar serves tangy, spiced cocktails that will transport your taste buds to a more tropical location. The earthy timber and bamboo decor will be sure to heat you up almost as quickly as their strong drinks.

Grabbing a drink made by an award-winning mixologist can never do you wrong. At Quinary, all trademark cocktails have been painstakingly made by Antonio Lai with the use of cutting edge techniques and equipment. According to The Drinks Business, these strange yet satisfying libations are perfect for adventurous drinkers who are looking to try something new. Wasabi vodka, anyone?

Of course, you can't go to Hong Kong without embracing their rich Chinese culture, and on your cocktail journey, there's one place that will give you just that. Dragon-i offers its customers with eccentric food and beverage concoctions made with traditional flavors that are sure to remind you exactly where you are.





Do you have other recommendations on where to drink in Hong Kong? Share them below!

See Now: The U.S. had the highest number of Most Wanted properties, dominating the Hotels.com Loved By Guests Awards 2018


Search News Archive : Fast Travel News Promotion Via Search, Social Media + Email Follow Us On : VIETNAMESE HERITAGE DAY IN HANOI OLD QUARTER Industry: Events

Staying in Hanoi Capital in Vietnam these days, visitors will have opportunities to join the Art Festival with various activities and values.



(TRAVPR.COM) VIETNAM - November 18th, 2016 - A series of attractive activities of which the Management Board of Hanoi Old Quarter and coordinate with other units, artisans, artists held from 18/11 to 27/11 to keep visitors coming here.



In occasion of 12 year anniversary of Vietnam Cultural Heritage Day (11.23.2005 - 23.11.2016), with the aim of introducing, honoring and promoting the traditional cultural values and diversity, richer cultural activities in expanded pedestrian streets, the Hanoi Old Quarter management in collaboration with other units, artisans, and artists organized a series of cultural activities and attractive seminar attract tourists.



"Old time" in the heart of the old town



According to Tran Thi Thuy Lan, Deputy Management Board of Hanoi Old Quarter, a special highlight of a series of events celebrating the Cultural Heritage Day of Vietnam will take place on 11/18/2016 at 19:30 on Delivery Center Cultural ancient Hanoi, 50 Dao Duy Tu with the theme "Focus Past".



Accordingly, the content of the program include: Fashion show ethnic tunic: Apparel tunic style palace reconstruction - People's Artist Vu Gioi; the combination of calligraphy on camisole designers Lan Anh and Quoc Khanh Kieu graphics processing; fashion designer La Hang long coat, designer Minh Minh, Duyen Huong Designer and Peony Designer; Performances of ethnic music excerpts: Cheo, Tuong, Quan.



Unit coordinated implementation: Cultural Exchange Centre Traditional and Contemporary Art (ThontArt), Painter Nguyen Manh Duc, Nguyen Huy An artist, People's Artist Vu Gioi, NAG Le Bich, Vi21 .. ...



Royal costumes and the worship costumes of Artisan Vu Gioi



According to artist Nguyen Manh Duc, in the period from 18-27 / 11/2016, at the Center for Cultural Exchange in Hanoi old quarter, a 50-Hang Dao Duy Tu Hoan Kiem Sail-operation will take place arrangements not conventional exhibition style palace hosted by this artist.



Specifically, in the conventional exhibition space will introduce nine outfits and perform 5 worship outfits. To introduce the embroidery of Vietnam, the exhibition space will be decorated stylized with 1000 dresses to make it to resemble the production space, there will be statues of women dressed in the ancient imperial palace with silk fabric to reconstruct space ancient imperial palace. In particular, the organizers chose the key color of the space is yellow...



Introduction of Vietnamese Tea Culture



If visitors want to learn about the culture of the Vietnamese tea in the period from 18-20 / 11/2016, please visit Heritage House, 87 Ma May to listen to the introduction of Vietnamese Tea Art in the space of House Heritage.



Introducing traditional embroidery craft



In the period from 18-20 / 11/2016, visitors to Dinh Kim Ngan, 42-44 Hang Bac will be eyed to see and hear traditional embroidery craft introduced by Artisan Vu Hai, Toan Thang Commune, Thuong Tin District, Hanoi.



Exhibition space here by artist Nguyen Huy An groups perform installations.



Photo exhibition "Vietnam Cultural Heritage"



Time: From 18/11 -31/12/2016



Location: Sidewalk pedestrian streets Hoan Kiem Lake, Le Thai To Street (opposite the Monument of King Le)



Coordination units: Group photography love Hanoi Nguyen Phu Duc -KTS Team Leader



An exhibition of costumes Most copper & culture Religion Discussion Form



Time: From 18/11 until 27/11/2016



Location: Level 3, Centre for Cultural Exchange in Hanoi's Old Quarter.



Guests will eye the arranged exhibition of ritual ceremony chaired by artist Nguyen Manh Duc introducing the costume created by the People's Artist Vu Gioi.



Want to learn about the culture and costumes direct form in copper prices, travelers can go to the Center for Cultural Exchange in Hanoi's Old Quarter at 50 Dao Duy Tu in 11.26.2016 afternoon to hear the talk about cultural introduction director and costume patterns in copper prices by Prof. Dr. Ngo Duc Thinh - Former director of the Institute of Folklore chaired by Vu Gioi Artisan and members of the Centre for Research and Conservation of Cultural Beliefs spirituality implementation; Introducing the text excerpts Adoration typical repertoire by members of the research center and cultural preservation perform spiritual beliefs; Introducing the document image representing typical Adoration by Journalist, photographer Le Bich implementation; Spatial arrangements talk by painter Nguyen Manh Duc.



Visit us for more tourism news and updates: http://www.vietnamhomestay.vn ### Please contact the person or company listed above for information regarding the content of this press release. TravPR.com are not the issuers of this press release and are not responsible for the accuracy of the content. Share Release :



CONTACT INFORMATION Name: Pham Thi Hong Ngoc Company: Vietnam Homestay Phone: 04389951960 Email: info@vietnamhomestay.vn Web: PRESS RELEASE TAGS
Legend has it that honey was Cleopatras preferred weapon in her beauty arsenal, and now science is catching up to what many women have known for years. Honey, especially raw or unpasteurized, is a fabulously versatile and all-natural ingredient to use on skin. Its full of antioxidants, which are good for wrinkles and aging skin. It is antibacterial, which helps with acne treatments and prevention. It clarifies skin by opening up and unclogging pores. Its also a great moisturizer that soothes irritation and blemishes, and it leaves a lovely afterglow. Try the following recipes for an effective, at-home spa treatment.

1. Moisturizing Honey Masks

Treehugger / Kasia Surowiecka

Make sure your hair is pulled back from your face before starting one of these recipes. Your face will feel clean and soft afterwards.

1) Scoop a generous spoonful of honey into your hand and spread all over your face. Rub it into your skin and let sit for 5-30 minutes. Rinse with warm water.

2) Combine 1 tbsp buttermilk, 1 tsp honey, and 1 egg yolk. Apply to clean skin and let sit 20 minutes. Rinse with warm water.

2. Honey Facial Cleanser

Treehugger / Kasia Surowiecka

Honey is good at dissolving makeup residue, especially when mixed with a gentle oil. Combine honey and jojoba OR coconut oil to create an easily spreadable texture. Rub it into your skin, avoiding eye area, to loosen makeup and unclog pores. Rinse with warm water.

3. Honey Almond Body Scrub

Treehugger / Kasia Surowiecka

This homemade body scrub is finger-licking good. The texture from the ground almonds exfoliates the skin, while both the almonds and honey moisturize. Combine 2 tsp. ground almonds and 2 tsp. honey to form a paste. Rub into your face with a circular motion. Rinse with warm water. You could easily increase the quantities to treat your whole body.

4. Honey Skin Lotion

Treehugger / Kasia Surowiecka

If youre feeling that dry winter skin coming on, mix a spoonful of honey with a teaspoon of olive oil and a squeeze of lemon juice (a natural skin brightener). Apply this lotion to dry areas and let sit for 20 minutes. Wipe off with a warm washcloth.

5. Lemon-Honey Facial Treatment

Treehugger / Kasia Surowiecka

Lemons are rich in vitamin C and antioxidants. They also contain alpha hydroxy acids that exfoliate. Cut a lemon in half and remove the seeds. Add 1 tsp honey to one of the lemon halves. Rub the cut side all over your face. Let it sit 5 minutes, then rinse with warm water.

6. Honey Hair Shine-Boosting Rinse

Treehugger / Kasia Surowiecka

There are two options. 1) Combine a spoonful of honey with a quart of warm water. Rinse through hair after shampooing. Let it condition for an hour, then rinse. 2) Mix 1-1/2 tsp honey with 5 cups warm water. Rinse through hair and leave on. Dry and style as usual.

7. Cleopatras Milk-and-Honey Bath Soak

Treehugger / Kasia Surowiecka

Combine 14 cup honey with 2 cups milk and a few drops of essential oil. Add to a hot bath, sit back, and relax.

8. Honey Exfoliant

Treehugger / Kasia Surowiecka

Use this scrub once a week to soften and clarify your skin. Mix 2 parts honey with 1 part baking soda and rub into your face. This is also good for a full body scrub.
Tribune News Service

Chandigarh, November 17

The Chandigarh unit of the BJP has planned a show of strength for partys national president Amit Shahs programme on November 20 here.

To boost the morale of party workers for the upcoming MC poll, BJP national president Amit Shah will address around 5,000 party workers (booth samiti members of all polling booths) on November 20 in Sector 27 here.

At the programme, all senior party leaders will try to show unity in the local BJP unit. The party high command had already conveyed to all senior party leaders, including Chandigarh unit president Sanjay Tandon, MP Kirron Kher, former MP Satya Pal Jain and former union minister Harmohan Dhawan, to work as a team to ensure the partys victory in the upcoming MC poll, scheduled to held on December 18.

Besides, ticket probable will also try to showcase their strength on the occasion.

At the programme, partys Chandigarh in-charge and National General Secretary Dr Saroj Pandey will also brief the national president about the partys preparedness for the MC poll.

BJP president Sanjay Tandon said with this programme, the party would kick off its election campaign and would win maximum number of seats in the MC poll.

Amit Shah to address party workers on Nov 20

To boost the morale of party workers for the upcoming MC poll, BJP national president Amit Shah will address around 5,000 party workers (booth samiti members of all polling booths) on November 20 in Sector 27 here.
S Nihal Singh

THERE are two aspects to the currency swap for high denomination notes, one economic pertaining to ferret out black money and get more people to use digital transfers and the other political, particularly in its timing.

On the economic side, it is a bold move of PM Narendra Modi, a task first tried by the short-lived Janata Party government of which the BJPs parent Jana Sangh was part. It was unable to follow through, given its own convulsions. With a clear majority in the Lok Sabha, the present administration can take the risks. But even given the need for secrecy in such an undertaking, the move could have been better prepared, given the peoples daily needs.

Politically, it has given the Opposition parties the opportunity to unite on an issue that cuts across party lines. But coming as the new measures do on the eve of crucial Assembly elections in UP and Punjab, it can have devastating effect on all parties. It is no secret that each party collected piles of cash for persuading voters to press the right button. Now they have to start the process all over again, with inevitable shortfalls.

For waning parties such as the Congress, the money swapping issue leading to long queues at ATMs, many of them not calibrated to new currency, and the inevitable tribulations of small undertakings, the measure was a godsend. Mr Rahul Gandhi in particular was vocal.

How far the political aspects influenced the move has yet to be discovered, but the administration's suggestion for state funding of elections is a moot point. And in a sense, after the turmoil is over, it will be a topic for debate.

The Modi government has also announced that other measures to reduce, if not stop, corruption are being readied or are in offing. While the country will wish the government well, it is a universal experience that such a task to tackle an endemic problem is a lifetime undertaking. As if to mock the new measures, the big fat Reddy wedding was a reminder of the ability of the rich to raise mountains of cash, with the demonetisation of high currency notes presenting few problems.

Despite the inevitable sob stories and personal hardships caused by demonetisation TV channels have been feasting on, my questioning of poor and humble folk has revealed surprising support for Mr Modis move. Many of them seem to be convinced by the argument that this will help bring down the use of black money.

The Modi move has obvious wider political considerations. The PM is not short of ambitions for himself and the country in that order. If he has shown boldness in pursuing the countrys interest despite missteps, he has an equally radical agenda for domestic policy where it counts the most.

The BJPs short-term objective is to capture UP in the forthcoming Assembly elections. With an open war being enacted in the Yadav family empire, the political barometer was pointing in the direction of Ms Mayawatis BSP, but the new problems in distributing largesse will affect it as it will the states ruling Samajwadi Party. The Congress is a small player in UP as it is being marginalised in the rest of the country.

The BJPs strategy in UP prior to the currency move was to emphasise its surgical strike on Pakistani targets after the Uri attack to wear the colour of nationalism even as it heightened its move for Hindutva to divide voters along communal lines by raising the Ram janmabhoomi issue. It was betting on the possibility that with the disillusionment of Muslim voters with the Samajwadi Party, their tendency would be to go to the BSP even while the Congress was seeking Brahmin votes.

If the BJPs new calculations are right, the UP elections will be on a less extravagant scale this time round. But the fine tuning of the partys strategy has yet to evolve in the light of the new political dynamics released by the currency issue. While the Opposition parties will harp on the sufferings of the common man and the lack of adequate preparation for such a bold measure, the common man may be more in sympathy with the official line that it is more for the benefit of the poor.

Among the opposition parties, Ms Mamata Banerjee of the Trinamool Congress and her counterpart in Delhi, Mr Arvind Kejriwal, chose to take over the leadership of opposing the measure for different reasons. The TMC is on the lookout for a wider national role after having vanquished the Marxist Communist Party. And Mr Kejriwal will espouse any issue to beat the Modi government with, apart from his search for a wider setting to fulfil his personal ambitions.

The success of the new monetary measure will depend upon how quickly it will relieve the genuine sufferings of the small trader, labour working in the field and the farmers planting regime. A wider dispensation of Rs 500 notes would help. The fact that such a major move will cause disruption is a foregone conclusion.

Mr Modi is good at fixing targets for himself and the nation. He has asked for 50 days to fix the currency problem in emotional appeals he made two days running. As usual, he mixed his appeals with his known political themes and even made time for a UP election rally.

Much rests on the overall success of the currency measure in determining the immediate fate of the Modi government. It will depend principally on how fast the administration can act to bring the situation back to normal. Government machinery is revving up, but whether it will prove equal to the task remains to be seen.

In a sense, Mr Modi has given the warning that his aspiration is to become a memorable Prime Minister although he shuns the maker of modern democratic India, Jawaharlal Nehru. He could however aspire to equal Indira Gandhi, who won her spurs by defeating Pakistan in the Bangladesh war.
If demonetisation is such a diabolical, economically flawed and poorly executed scheme, resulting in hardships to people across the country, as politicians in opposition would like everyone to believe, should they not happily wait for a voter backlash against the BJP in the coming UP and Punjab polls? Apparently, Prime Minister Modi has hit their war chests ahead of crucial state elections, giving the BJP an unfair advantage. While the newly formed political jugalbandi of AAP and TMC seeks demonetisation rollback in three days, warning of consequences in case of non-compliance, the Congress supports as well as opposes note change  supports the idea but opposes the shoddy implementation.

The queues outside banks and loss of farm perishables, earnings of daily wagers and traders' cash transactions have energised the Opposition and unnerved the BJP at the possible negative political fallout. The echo of the nationwide unrest in Parliament was but natural. It has rather been an overkill. Few are occasions when one gets to hear an even-headed, informed discussion in Parliament. Opposition noises do not shed any fresh light on the issue. Some insist on a debate with voting, others agitate for the Prime Ministers response. In the heat of non-discussion Ghulam Nabi Azad, a man who measures his words before uttering them, made an unseemly comparison of deaths caused by demonetisation and the Uri terror attack, prompting a spurious insult to the jawans' martyrdom.

The manufactured outrage threw few suggestions on how to ease the pain of the common man or improve on the scheme. The Opposition has not warmed up to the Prime Ministers call for a debate on state funding of polls to combat corruption. The parliamentarians may be reminded of what Vajpayee had once said with an uncanny insight, Every legislator starts his career with the lie of the false election return he files. Political parties acknowledge the baneful influence of big money on elections but refuse to right the wrong. It is also time to remind the parliamentarians that the winter session has been advanced to meet the GST rollout deadline and that their primary job is law-making, not causing disruptions.
The Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD) has released its first list of candidates for the forthcoming Assembly elections and it comes as no surprise that it includes the names of all SAD Cabinet ministers, with the exception of the Chief Minster and the Deputy CM. A close look at the list shows how the party, like many other such entities, keeps a close eye on succession planning. Thus, a number of candidates have followed in the footsteps of their forefathers and other close relatives. Kairon, Majithia, Rakhra, Atwal, Dhindsa, Bhunder...these are old political families which are well represented. An exception this time is the six-time MLA and two-time Cabinet minister, Sarwan Singh Phillaur. A pending inquiry against him and his son in a drug case evidently went against him. But why only him, critics ask and are entitled to an answer.

In the quasi-feudal arrangement that has flourished under the SAD dispensation, loyalty to the party leadership is the most important qualification, and the list reflects that. Punjabs Agriculture Minister Tota Singh finds a place there, even though he has been convicted and sentenced to one years imprisonment. Despite a conviction and a three-year sentence Sucha Singh Langah has been fielded from Dera Baba Nanak. Anyone sentenced for more than two years is barred from contesting elections under the Representation of the People Act.

Now, were the voters to seek to elect individual candidates on the basis of their performance, they may not have much to go by, even for those who are said to have performed as ministers, since the decision-making process has long been centralised and thus ministers have merely supportive roles. An unusually large number of lawmakers have remained quiet during their term, except when they need to outshout the Opposition. Thus there is not much to judge them about. The SAD evidently hopes that the candidates winnability trumps other considerations. Whether this notion has any substance will only be decided once the voters look at the other choices available and make their selection for the 117 Assembly seats in the state.
Our Correspondent

Kaithal, November 18

There were signs of great relief on the faces of Hukam Chand (80) and his wife Ved Kumari (75), who were able to get Rs 5,000 each from the Ambala road branch of Union Bank here today.

While some had experiences similar to the couple, others had to face inconvenience. Huge rush was noticed outside all banks. Cash crunch was also reported at many ATMs. TK Rana, district lead bank manager, said about Rs 80 crore had been deposited in 156 branches all over the district today and Rs 8 crore had been distributed among customers through ATMs and withdrawals.

Kisan body for withdrawal of RBI circular

Sonepat: Members of the Akhil Bhartiya Kisan Sabha today handed over a memorandum, addressed to the Governor of the Reserve Bank of India, to Deputy Commissioner KM Pandurang for withdrawal of the circular preventing exchange of old banknotes. SN Solanki, state vice president of the sabha, said the RBI direction that there would be no exchange or deposit of old banknotes by the coop banks was against the interest of 90 per cent of the rural population. OC

Manager found dead at bank

Rohtak: Rajesh Chander, manager of Rohtak Central Cooperative Bank, who was found dead in his office here on October 16, had not died due to overwork as suggested by news reports in a section of the press, said RP Singh, General Manager of the bank. In a statement issued here today, RP Singh maintained that Rajesh Chander stayed on the bank branch premises and used to take leave to visit his home in Gurugram. Rajesh Chander had been under treatment for a heart ailment for the past several years and circumstances indicate that he has died due to heart failure and not because of overwork, the GM stated. TNS
Parveen Arora

Tribune News Service

Gharaunda (Karnal), Nov 18

Israeli President Reuven Rivlin today emphasised B to B (business to business) and G to G (government to government) relationships between India and Israel.

He said India could learn from the Israeli experience and knowledge in agriculture, water conservation and water cleaning techniques.

He hoped that Indo-Israel cooperation would be continued with the same pace and extended to other areas of mutual interest.

Rivlin reiterated that cooperation between both nations was now being expanded in the fields of agriculture, water and security.

I see the future of the relationship between India and Israel as something going on not only between the government and administration, but between the people as well. I believe in the connection between the people of India and Israel and the understanding, the Israeli President said.

We have to take care of each other that will bring about a lot of cooperation, started 25 years ago. It is now being expanded to a level where no one can even foresee in all fields of agriculture and water, he said.

We are cooperating and not hiding any kind of business from each other as we are very open, he stated. Rivlin is on a state visit to India, the first by an Israeli President in around 20 years.

India and Israel had signed agreements for an agricultural partnership in 2006, under which Israel had been sharing its best practices and knowledge, especially through drip irrigation and protected cultivation.

Haryana had undertaken six Indo-Israeli projects as centres of excellence  for vegetables in Gharaunda, fruits in Mangiana, Sirsa, sub-tropical fruits in Ladwa, Kurukshetra, bee-keeping in Ram Nagar, Kurukshetra, floriculture in Sondhi, Jhajjar, and dairy farming in Hisar.

The centres for floriculture and model dairy are to be established as land for them had been identified.

The President, along with Nechama Rivlin, First Lady, reached the Centre of Excellence for Vegetables in Gharaunda under tight security.

He visited the nursery at hi-tech greenhouses, and saw the demonstration of different varieties of vegetables, including tomatoes, capsicum, cucumber and chillies, grown by using polyhouse technique. He saw the muskmelon crop cultivated in a walk-in tunnel.

Rivlin inaugurated a signpost set up as a gesture of thanks to Israel and its President for their cooperation in establishing of centres of excellence in Haryana.

Reviewing the hi-tech greenhouses, the Israeli President praised the quality of seedling produced and mentioned that the quality of seedling produced here was better than in Israel.

During interaction, Rivlin appreciated the work of Indo-Israeli projects in the state and lauded the people of Haryana for the successful use of technologies of Israel.

You are doing a miracle. We appreciate you for using Israeli knowledge and experience to become much better. We salute you for the ability and efficiency and using our knowledge to be better. I feel the same as I am in Israel, he said.
Kuldeep Chauhan

Tribune News Service

Shimla, November 18

Cashing in on the demonetisation of Rs 500 and Rs 1,000 notes, arhtiyas are offering farmers the banned currency to clear their dues.

Commission agents said they were helpless as they had to clear the backlog and cash crunch had brought a slump in the market.

The demonetisation has not only hit small farmers or roadside vendors, but also those who have the habit of stacking cash at home. Now, they have no idea how to deposit the hefty sum in banks. We do not maintain bank accounts, but now disposing of the banned currency is a big problem, they confided. The commission agents in Shimla, Solan, Rohru, Parwanoo, Kullu, Mandi, Chandigarh and Delhi are offering Rs 500 and Rs 1,000 notes. They say they do not have the new currency to make the payment, rued a farmer from Maroag, Chopal.

If I accept Rs 15 lakh, it will not be easy for me to deposit it in bank as income tax officials will catch hold of me and that too when I am not at fault. This way, I will be tortured, he said.

The problem for apple farmers from Himachal and Jammu and Kashmir has aggravated as about 15 per cent of farmers still await the payment of dues.

The farmers selling seasonal fruits face the same mental torture. Though the Ministry of Finance has asked the people to deposit their hard-earned money in banks, they fear that they would come under the scanner of the income tax officials if they do so.

The farmers take advance payment on interest from arhityas to meet the expenses. The banks give such money in advance only to farmers who have big land holdings. Small farmers depend on commission agents, said the farmers. Wholesalers who buy fruit in bulk come from Mumbai, Chennai, Kolkata, Gujarat, Delhi and other places. They are bulk buyers and pay the farmers through cheques or credit money in their accounts, but a majority of small farmers take cash, said Dr Kuldip Tanwar, president, Kisan Sabha.

They have asked the registered commission agents to deposit money (the new currency) in the accounts, said Suresh Chauhan, former president, Arhtiyas Association, Shimla. The apple season is over and most payments have been made, he added.

President of the Azadpur Mandi Agents Association Pawan Kumar said the demonetisation had resulted in cash crunch in the markets as the new currency was not available. The apple season is over in Himachal and Jammu and Kashmir, but 10-15 per cent payments are to be cleared, he added.
Lalit Mohan

Tribune News Service

Dharamsala, November 18

Trading and retail business has been hit due to shortage of currency after the demonetization of Rs 500 and Rs 1,000 notes by the government of India.

The business in vegetable and fruit market of Dharamsala was down by about 50 per cent. The wholesale traders here told The Tribune that there might be shortage of fruits in the market as they have not been getting supplies for the past few days.

Gian Chand, a wholesale merchant of vegetables and fruits in Dharamsala, said that they used to get their supplies of vegetables and fruits from Punjab. Most of the trade was in cash. However, since now there was shortage of cash the supplies have been hit. We are not getting enough cash from the banks to pay. Therefore, the supplies have been curtailed, he said.

Tejpal, another wholesale merchant, said that the retailers take supply of vegetable and fruit from them in cash. They used to take supplies ranging from Rs 4,000 to Rs 5,000 daily. There has been drop in their purchase by about 30 per cent. Many of retailers and street vendors were coming to them with old currency to buy vegetables and fruits. We are either forced to take banned currency from them or offer them credit. In both cases our investment was at risk due to which we have curtailed business, he said.

Mohinder, another wholesale dealer in vegetables, said that they have offered to pay for vegetables and fruit supplies to traders in Punjab through cheque but they are refusing to accept cheques. So there is no option but to curtail the supplies.

However, despite the shortage of supplies of essential commodities, as vegetable and fruits, their prices have remained stagnant in Dharamsala and many other parts of Kangra district. The retailers of other commodities are also alleging drop in business. Manjit Bawa, who runs a gift shop, alleges that his business had almost come to a total halt after the demonetization move. He said that since people in the region are short of currency they are spending just on necessities and sales of all other items have dropped abysmally.

In Dharamsala there was acute shortage of currency. The banks that are short of currency are allowing withdrawal of just about Rs 2,000 per day. The new Rs 2,000 notes have started arriving in Dharamsala but the shopkeepers are not accepting them as there were short of change.

Meanwhile, about 80 per cent of the ATMs in Dharamsala and its surrounding areas remained without cash. Long queues are being witnessed in banks with the people queuing up to either change their currency or withdrawals. The business at the Kangra Cooperative Bank, one of the major banks of the district, has come to a total halt.

About 5,000 taxi operators who make a living on tourists visiting Dharamsala are also alleging loss of business. They said that most of their business is in cash and non availability of cash and drop in tourist inflow has hit their business hard.
Pratibha Chauhan

Tribune News Service

Shimla, November 18

To ensure that there is no shortage of currency following demonitisation of Rs 1,000 and Rs 500 notes in the tribal areas, a sum of Rs 9 crore will be airlifted to the tribal districts of Kinnaur and Lahaul Spiti tomorrow.

Keeping in mind the fact that during winters, the cash supply to the tribal areas might be hampered on account of snow, the state government today decided to airlift sufficient amounts of currency to meet the needs of the people. The helicopter of the state government will carry the cash chests to these places tomorrow morning.

A sum of Rs 5.50 crore will be flown to Pooh in district Kinnaur and Rs 3.50 crore to Kaza in Spiti area. A sum of Rs 12 crore has already been sent by road to Keylong to meet the needs of the people in difficult areas. Though there was sufficient amount of currency notes in these areas right now keeping in view the possible inaccessibility of these areas by road, the decision to airlift the money has been taken.

Chief Secretary VC Pharka today held detailed talks with the bank officials to ensure regular supply of currency to the tribal areas. I have discussed the situation arising out of the demonitisation of Rs 1,000 and Rs 500 notes with banks. There is sufficient cash reserve in the chests in these areas already but keeping in mind the winter season, more cash is being sent there, confirmed Chief Secretary VC Pharka. He added that as and when there is need for more currency in the future, it will be met immediately.

CM Virbhadra Singh had also directed the officials to ensure that the currency requirement of the people residing in tribal areas of Kinnaur, Lahaul Spiti and Pangi (Killar) is met. The people in the tribal areas stock up ration, oil, fuel and their other needs at home for almost four months before the winters set in and it snows heavily. State Bank of India and State Bank of Patiala have taken up the responsibility of ensuring sufficient supply of currency to the tribal areas, well in advance.
Tribune News Service

Jammu, November 18

Led by Mahila Morcha state president Purnima Sharma, BJP activists today protested against Leader of the Opposition in Rajya Sabha and Congress leader Ghulam Nabi Azad for his remarks on Thursday.

A similar protest was organised by the Jammu BJP under district president Baldev Singh Billawaria. A large number of party activists took out a protest march, raising slogans against the Congress and Azad for his statement.

Azad had reportedly said more persons had died following the governments decision on demonetisation as against those killed in the Uri attack.

Purnima Sharma said it was most unfortunate that a leader like Azad had committed a blunder by equating the people dying in ordinary situation with those sacrificing their lives for the nation while defending the sovereignty of the country. Whatever the Congress leader has said is highly condemnable and Azad should openly seek apology and also assure the nation that he wont repeat such remarks in future, she said.

Addressing the activists at Gangyal Chowk, Billawaria said the Congress leaders were making statements which were very dangerous and had the potential of creating trouble in the public.

Meanwhile, in Srinagar, the BJP said Azads comparison of the impact of the demonetised notes with militant attacks was unfortunate.

A senior leader, like Azad, comparing strike on black money with terrorism is unfortunate and it was not expected of him. By doing so he has undermined the threat from Pakistan, BJP spokesman Khalid Jehangir said in a statement.

The surgical strike on black money carried out by Prime Minister Narendra Modi has frustrated the Congress leaders. Since the day Rs 500 and Rs 1,000 notes were scrapped, Congress leaders have been left dumbstruck and they dont know what to say. The black money which they had stocked in cupboards and trunks has been turned into useless pieces of paper, Jehangir added.

Asserting that the Prime Minister had broken the back of hawala dealers and the enemies who were pumping in fake currency notes into India, Jehangir said: Congress leaders have seen the writing on the wall and they know it very well that their party is all set to become a history.
After arresting two California men Friday morning suspected of placing credit card skimming devices on local gasoline pumps, Madison police urged business owners to be on the lookout for more of the devices hidden in their equipment.

We believe that they have skimmers out there yet that we need to find, and the only way we can do that is through the owners of the gas pumps, said Madison police Detective Pat Green, one of the investigators working on the case.

Madison Police Chief Mike Koval said Friday that police arrested Arsen Piloyan, 46, of Van Nuys, California, and Wafig M. Jebarah, 49, of Los Angeles, both on tentative charges of identity theft.

In this instance, though it is a property crime, this is the sort of property crime that cuts across each and every demographic, Koval said. This is the kind of crime that Jill and Joe Lunchbucket can all relate to because we all have identities that we have to preserve and protect and in these instances were all gassing up our vehicles and doing the things we normally do day to day. We need to know with some confidence that those transactions are secure.

Koval said that one of the men was tentatively identified after being seen on surveillance videos in the area last month, at locations where fraudulent cards containing skimmed data were used. He was seen again in Madison on Friday, and he and the other man were arrested.

Green said that police believe the two men had intended to stay here longer and may have skimmers still inside gas pumps around the city.

Searches of the mens hotel room and a rental van they were driving turned up a bevy of discoverable and evidentiary information, Koval said, such as soldering equipment, wires and tools that would be needed to place skimmers; a keychain with keys of the type used to open gas pumps; 30 to 40 prepaid credit cards, altered by the men to hold credit card information from victims, including pin numbers.

Detectives also found prepaid Visa cards loaded with money stolen from victims accounts, Koval said.

Green said police also found the device used to encode those cards with victims credit card information.

Receipts from hotels in other places outside the area were also found, Koval said, indicating the scope of the operation went far beyond Madison.

To date, Koval said, 11 skimmers have been found on Madison gas pumps, most recently on Thursday at a BP station at 4102 Commercial Ave., on Madisons East Side.

Koval said its not known how many of the skimmers belong to the two men arrested Friday, but Koval called it quite probable that other people are involved in the scheme.

Green said that skimmers installed in pumps generally use two types of technology  wireless Bluetooth, which allows information from the skimmer to be uploaded to a nearby computer or other device, or a type that stores the information directly onto the device, which is then later collected by thieves.

Detective Nick Ryan said Madison police are working with federal authorities, sending the skimmers to the FBI once police here have processed them for evidence such as DNA.

The FBI examines them for card data left on the devices, Ryan said. He said some devices, in addition to collecting card information, have also been set up to capture PIN numbers as theyre being used at gas pumps.

Gas pumps are made by few manufacturers and open using a few standard keys, said Kyle Bunnow, supervisor of Weights and Measures for the city Building Inspection Unit. Those keys can easily be purchased on the internet, he said.

But under a new city ordinance, local gas pump owners and operators have until Jan. 1 to change the locks on their pumps so they require more unique keys to open them.

About 70 percent of stations in Madison have changed their locks so far, Bunnow said.

Bunnow said its been more than three months since the first skimmer was found in Madison. Since then, inspectors have swept across the city three or four times, checking pumps for devices, and will continue to look for them.

Ryan said the best thing for consumers to do is to regularly check their credit card accounts for fraudulent activity, then contact their bank and police if any is seen.

He said police are trying to partner with banks to look for patterns in the appearance of fraudulent charges.
Samaan Lateef

Tribune News Service

Srinagar, November 18

With the cancellation of the winter and summer secretariats, region-centric politics and rift between the PDP and BJP ministers have adversely affected the work culture of J&K in the past nearly two years.

Most of the senior BJP ministers of the PDP-BJP coalition government were absent from their duties when the civil secretariat  the highest seat of governance  was in the summer capital, Srinagar, this year. Deputy Chief Minister and Power Minister Nirmal Singh and Irrigation and Flood Control Minister Sham Lal Chaudhary were mostly absent while Health Minister Bali Bhagat took 88 days to visit Shri Maharaja Hari Singh Hospital in Srinagar, which received the highest number of injured during the four-month long unrest.

Similarly, the PDP ministers had skipped their duties when the Darbar offices opened in the winter capital, Jammu.

The civil secretariat closes here as part of the 144-year-old-tradition of the biannual shuttling of government offices for six months between the twin capitals  Srinagar and Jammu.

Why should we be here when the BJP ministers dont attend secretariat in Srinagar, a senior PDP Cabinet minister told this reporter at Jammu in January. He left the Jammu office and didnt return for the next 20 days. They (BJP ministers) prefer to visit their constituencies rather than attend the civil secretariat in Srinagar, he said.

The trend continued when the Darbar moved to Srinagar in April and people had to face huge inconvenience due to the absence of BJP ministers, who are holding important portfolios like power, health, irrigation and industries. The BJP ministers skipped their offices and spent most of their time in Jammu when the Valley was hit by a major unrest.

While the Darbar has moved to Jammu again for this winter and the civil secretariat opened there on November 7 for six months, the people have been complaining about the absence of the PDP ministers. It is surprising to see that none of the PDP ministers is here, said a Kashmiri resident, Syed Zahoor, who had gone to Jammu for grievance redressal. Zahoor returned home disappointed on last Friday.

Former Chief Minister Ghulam Nabi Azad had introduced the concept of summer and winter secretariats in 2006 to keep the ministers available for the redressal of public grievances on rotation basis in both capitals. However, late former Chief Minister Mufti Muhammad Sayeed abandoned it last year.

Residents say the abandoning of the winter and summer secretariats had caused inconvenience to them because ministers were absent both in Jammu and Srinagar.

We know the internal rift between the PDP and BJP wont end soon. It has persisted for the past two years. The winter secretariat in Srinagar would have been helpful in addressing our grievances in harsh winter months ahead, Zahoor added. The ministers of both the ruling parties have fought tough verbal duels, after the Central government announced establishment of AIIMS in Kashmir. To placate the BJP leaders in Jammu, the Centre announced establishment of AIIMS in Jammu also.

The PDP-BJP government had to face a tough time with divergent views of its ministers on the NIT crisis, the ban on beef eating and treating of the state flag at par with the National Flag.

As the Darbar moves out of the capital cities, the administrative powers are vested in the divisional commissioners of Kashmir and Jammu divisions.

Meanwhile, huge rush of people was seen outside the office of Divisional Commissioner, Kashmir, Baseer Khan in Srinagar on Friday. However, a majority of the people returned home disappointed with the complaint that their grievances were not addressed.
New Delhi, November 17

Former Jammu and Kashmir Governor Lt Gen SK Sinha passed away at a local hospital this morning after a brief illness. He was 92.

He was admitted to the base hospital on November 1 with a fracture in the femur bone and ribs and was shifted to the Army Research and Referral Hospital.

He is survived by his wife, son and IFS officer YK Sinha, current Indian Ambassador to Sri Lanka, and three daughters. His funeral will take place tomorrow noon at the Brar Square crematorium here.

(Follow The Tribune on Facebook; and Twitter @thetribunechd)

Sinha led the first batch of Indian troops that entered Jammu and Kashmir when Pakistan raiders invaded in 1947. He later served as the Governor of the state.

He quit service after the government superseded him and appointed General AS Vaidya as the Army Chief. Lt Gen Sinha also served as Indias Ambassador to Nepal and Governor of Assam.

President Pranab Mukherjee on Twitter wrote: Lt Gen Sinha will be always remembered for his distinguished service to the nation.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi tweeted: Had the opportunity of meeting Lt Gen (retd) Srinivas K Sinha just a few days ago. His service to our nation will always be remembered.

NC leader Farooq Abdullah and son Omar Abdullah also mourned his death.  PTI
Johnson Thomas

Remember Magizoologist Newt Scamander (Eddie Redmayne), who was mentioned as author of a book that Harry Potter kept referring to for most of his answers to questions about charmed creatures? Well, thats the track brought alive in movie, the first of the five planned prequels that are expected to take the Pottermania to an all-new height.

Directed by David Yates- who helmed four potter movies, this mythical meandering is drawn into a script by series creator Rowling herself.

Newt Scamander (Eddie Redmayne) was once at Hogwarts, impressed Dumbledore, yet got kicked out for reasons not quite clear. He has since earned a name as a Magizoologist- known to save, heal and collect magical creatures while shifting them to a time-space portal that is fitted into an ordinary looking suitcase. So on his journey to New York, circa 1926, he has that suitcase with him, ostensibly to relocate some of the rare breeds of magical beasts he hopes to corral. But why does he have to bring some of those breed with him to New York? That is anybodys guess. If he didnt though, there wouldnt be much story to tell I guess!

You dont have to know Potter trivia to get involved here. And there are enough hooks, links, and call-backs to get the Potter fans to believe they are in the same universe - only slightly displaced.
New Delhi, November 18

Scoffing at rumours, the Finance Ministry on Friday said there was no move to seal bank lockers nor was it true that the ink of the new Rs 2,000 notes had been bleeding in some cases.

Myth: Next move is to seal bank lockers and confiscate gold, diamonds and jewellery. Reality: This is baseless. There is no proposal to seal bank lockers and confiscate the jewellery, the ministry tweeted in its official Twitter account.

(Follow The Tribune on Facebook; and Twitter @thetribunechd)

The ministry also said that the Rs 2,000 notes had a safety feature, which was called intaglio (a design that is incised or engraved into a material).

To identify a genuine note when you rub it against a cloth, a turbo-electric effect is generated and it is due to this that the notes ink gets transferred on to the cloth, the ministry said. IANS
R Sedhuraman

Legal Correspondent

New Delhi, November 18

The Supreme Court Collegium has brushed aside the Centres objections to 43 candidates recommended for appointment as high court judges.

A Bench comprising Chief Justice TS Thakur and Anil R Dave gave this information to Attorney General Mukul Rohatgi while hearing PILs on the delay in filling the vacancies of HC judges.

It directed the government to complete the appointment process in three weeks.

At the last hearing on November 11, the AG had told the apex court that the Centre had rejected 43 of the 77 names suggested by the Collegium for appointment as HC judges and accepted the remaining 34 proposals.

Forty-three recommendations have been returned to the Collegium for reconsideration as the government noticed shortcomings in the proposals, the AG had said. With this, not a single recommendation was pending with the government, the AG said in response to a courts query as to why the Centre was sitting over the proposals at a time when the HC vacancies had mounted to 40 per cent.

When the case came up for hearing today, CJI Thakur told the AG that the three-member Collegium, meant for considering names for HC judges, had reiterated the recommendations after considering the governments objections and sent back the proposals. The CJI did not go into the details.

Now, the Centre is bound to accept the Collegiums recommendations as it can return the proposals only once for reconsideration in the light of adverse Intelligence inputs. The Collegium is free to accept or reject the governments objections.

Besides the CJI, the other members of the Collegium are Justice Dave, who retired today, and Justice JS Khehar. Justice Dipak Misra would replace Justice Dave in the Collegium on Saturday.

The appointment of SC judges is dealt with by a larger Collegium of five seniormost judges, including the CJI.

The Bench, however, did not specify the status of the Memorandum of Procedure (MoP), which was under revision to infuse greater transparency and accountability in the process of appointing HC and SC judges.

At the last hearing, Rohatgi informed the Bench that the government was awaiting the response of the five-member SC Collegium to the draft MoP sent on August 2. CJI Thakur had said the Collegium was to meet on November 15.
Tribune News Service

New Delhi, November 18

The situation arising out of the demonetisation decision in the country today continued to rock Parliament with the Opposition sticking to its demands for Prime Minister Narendra Modis presence in the Rajya Sabha and an adjournment motion in the Lok Sabha.

With the ruling coalition and the Opposition remaining firm in their trenches, the political battle continued both within and outside Parliament even as the government warned of strict action against tax evaders using other peoples bank account to convert the unaccounted money.

Queues outside banks and post offices continued to remain long amid reassurances on the availability of enough cash. The State Bank of Indias scheme allowing fuel stations to dispense Rs 2,000 cash through debit cards got under way with reports of over 700 stations with point-of-sale option offering the facility.

For the second day in a row, both Houses witnessed tumultuous scenes with the Opposition adopting different tactics in either House. In the Rajya Sabha, the Opposition insisted the Prime Minister attend the debate, which began on Wednesday, while in the Lok Sabha, the Congress and others wanted a discussion under a rule that entails voting.

An adjournment motion is one of it but the ruling coalition is not prepared to concede a debate other than under Rule 193 that does not entail voting. By pressing for a division, the Opposition hopes to bring into open the divisions within the ruling coalition and its allies on the issue of hardships being endured by the people in this currency exchange/withdrawal limits imposed on account of the move to scrap Rs 500 and Rs 1,000 as legal tender on November 8.

The BJP opened another front attacking Ghulam Nabi Azad, Leader of the Opposition in the Rajya Sabha, for referring to the Uri terror attack in the context of demonetisation of currency notes.

Outside Parliament, both Congress and CPM kept up the attack as also other parties elsewhere. Addressing an Indian Youth Congress rally, senior party leader Anand Shrama questioned the absence of the Prime Minister from Parliament, while CPM general secretary Sitaram Yechury in Thiruvananthapuram said Modi could not decide the way people lived. He said the existing currency should be allowed till adequate new currency was available and cautioned of widespread protests.

On reports of certain individuals using bank accounts of others to convert their black money into new denomination notes by offering rewards to the account holders, especially of zero-balance Jandhan accounts, the Ministry of Finance clarified that such activities could invite income tax and penalty. The account holder could also be acted against, it added.
Ahmedabad, November 17

Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal's visit to Gujarat has been postponed as he will be addressing a joint rally in Delhi with West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee today, Aam Aadmi Party said here.

(Follow The Tribune on Facebook; and Twitter @thetribunechd)

The AAP had yesterday announced that Kejriwal will be on a two-day visit to Gujarat from today to inaugurate a special ward and operation theatre of a hospital run by a local party leader in Mahuva town of Bhavnagar district.

"As it was decided that Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal and Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee will address a joint rally in Delhi, his Gujarat visit has been postponed," AAP's media coordinator Harshil Nayak said.

"Instead of Kejriwal, Delhi Health Minister Satyendra Jain will be coming to Mahuva to inaugurate the new facilities at Sadbhavna Trust Hospital run by AAP leader Kanu Kalsaria," he added. PTI
New Delhi, November 18

With rallies in Meerut, Lucknow and Prime Minister Narendra Modis home turf Varanasi, Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal is set to intensify his fight against demonetisation, which he termed anti-national on Friday.

The Delhi Chief Minister and AAP National Convener also plans to hold similar public meetings in poll bound Punjab and many other parts of the country.

In Uttar Pradesh, the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) chief will address the rallies in Meerut, Varanasi and Lucknow on December 1, 8 and 18 respectively, party spokesperson Deepak Bajpai said.

Kejriwal, who had given a three-day ultimatum to the Centre to roll back demonetisation yesterday, said he would decide his next course of action after consulting West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee.

It is anti-national to support demonetisation in the present form, which is the biggest scam, worth Rs 8 lakh crore, in independent Indias history, Kejriwal said.

He will also be live on social media site Facebook at 7 pm tomorrow, to apprise the people on the currency crisis and will also produce documents against the Prime Minister.

Between November 20 and November 30, he will address 21 rallies in Punjab, starting from Sukhbir Singh Badals constituency Jalalabad.

AAP is locked in a triangular contest with the Congress and incumbent BJP-SAD alliance in the state which goes to polls early next year.

Although the exact number of public meetings is yet to be ascertained, about 90 such meetings are being planned across the country where he will garner support against demonetisation of high value currency, party sources said.

Kejriwal had pitted himself against Prime Minister Narendra Modi during the 2014 Lok Sabha elections from Varanasi, which he had lost by over 3 lakh votes.

Asked about BJPs criticism that he was siding with scam-tainted Trinamool Congress, Kejriwal said he would like the Centre to probe everyone including myself and Mamata Banerjee, but who is stopping it from doing so despite having all the agencies at its disposal.

Earlier, Kejriwal tweeted that the decision taken by a government that has lost connect with people smacked of insensitivity.

I am very sad that FM has plainly refused to even review and consider rollback. Modi govt has lost connect wid people n has become very insensitive, Kejriwal tweeted.  PTI
Ajay Banerjee

Tribune News Service

New Delhi, November 18

Indian Navy on Friday dismissed reports that its submarines were chased away by Pakistan warships, as some reports by the neighbours media had claimed.

Indian Navy spokesperson Capt DK Sharma said that none of its submarines was in Pakistans waters and, therefore, there was no question of being driven out.

A Pakistan Navy spokesman said the Indian submarines were detected near Pakistan's territorial waters but had been pushed back.

"The Indian Navy, in order to fulfil its nefarious designs, was deploying submarines. The Pakistan Navy, alert and using its extreme skill, prevented Indian submarines from entering Pakistani waters," the Pakistan Navy spokesman said in a statement. "Pakistan Navy fleet units detected the presence of Indian submarines in the southern parts of Pakistani waters...and restricted their activity."

Territorial waters are defined as 12 nautical miles (22.2kms) from shore. (With inputs from PTI)
Legal Correspondent

New Delhi, November 18

The Supreme Court today rejected the Centres plea for restraining high courts from hearing cases pertaining to demonetisation of Rs 500 and Rs 1,000 notes. A Bench headed by Chief Justice TS Thakur told Attorney General Mukul Rohatgi that going by the long queues outside banks it was clear the problem was serious.

People are affected, frantic and have the right to approach courts. The fact that they are going to different courts shows the magnitude of the problem, the Bench remarked.

It was hearing the governments application in a case of four PILs on the problems faced by people in meeting day-to-day expenses since November 9 when the two high-denomination currents ceased to be legal tender.

As the Bench was not inclined to make the HCs out of bounds, the AG said he would file a petition pleading for consolidation of all demonetisation-related cases pending in various HCs and their transfer to any particular HC to avoid confusion arising from several courts passing conflicting orders.

The Bench also questioned the logic behind reducing the limit for exchanging old currency with new notes from Rs 4,500 to Rs 2,000, particularly after it had asked the government to ease the withdrawal norms. The AG said decisions were being taken on an hourly basis after reviewing the situation.

Appearing for one of the petitioners, senior advocate Kapil Sibal said the government had no right to cap the cash withdrawals at Rs 25,000 a week.

The Bench would hear the PILs on November 25.
The newest member of the Madison Police Department weighs 1,700 pounds, loves carrots and wears metal shoes.

Cooper, a four-year-old Percheron horse, made his first appearance as a member of the mounted unit on Friday.

Cooper joins four other horses in the mounted unit, and will serve on neighborhood patrol as well as in crowd management, search and rescue and in demonstrations.

The John Sheehan family was the major donor to fund Cooper's position on the police force. Sheehan is president of UW Health at the American Center and senior vice president of UW Health.
New Delhi, November 18

Prime Minister Narendra Modi said on Friday that the Indian Railways should transform with changing times and that it should focus on "new speeds, progress and new capacity", along bolstering its finances.

Modi, whose government has decided to scrap the 92-year-old practice of presenting a separate Railway Budget, said that the annual ritual was never a "political agenda" for him and that he had taken the "courageous" decision of keeping himself "free from the love for political gains (from railways)".

The Prime Minister, who is stated to have sold tea at railway stations in his childhood, said he had special affection for the railways considering that he had spent so much of his early days at railway platforms and had seen the largest public transporter from close quarters.

"The century has changed, so the railways should also change. There should be new speed, progress and new capacity," he said addressing railway employees via video conferencing at the 'Rail Vikas Shivir' (rail development camp) being held in Surajkund on the outskirts of Delhi. He will be visiting the camp on Sunday, the concluding day of the event.

Noting that the current century is technology driven, Modi pitched for innovation to make the railways strong.

His comments came against the backdrop of efforts to introduce high-speed trains in the country, for which technology and monetary assistance is being taken from Japan whose bullet train is world class. The first high-speed corridor is to be built between Ahmedabad and Mumbai, construction for which will begin in 2018.

Modi underlined the need for making the railways financially strong, which he said would bring benefits for the country and particularly those working for the transporter.

He expressed confidence in the railway workforce but emphasised that they should work together and think about the railways can be strengthened.

Referring to the Railway Budget whose separate presentation has been scrapped now, the Prime Minister said it used to be an exercise focussed on ensuring that MP got which train and who got stoppages.

"There used to clapping on such announcements (in Parliament). When I took over, I noticed that 1500 announcements (regarding railways) had been made previously that had remained confined only to clapping," he said.

"I could have done the same thing and collected claps and praise. But I remained "free from the love for political gains. I showed courage," Modi said, while asserting that he has "no political agenda" to pursue through the railways.

Departing from the earlier practice, the Modi government in the last two Railway Budgets has not announced launch of any new train.  PTI
Tribune News Service

New Delhi, November 18

The Congress today blamed Prime Minister Narendra Modis demonetisation move for the death of 55 persons across the country seeking his apology for the same.

Attacking the PM for taking a dictatorial decision, Congress chief spokesperson Randeep Surjewala said, The dictatorial decision of PM Modi has led to these deaths. Who will take responsibility? The PM must apologise. The whole country is suffering because of the eccentricity of one man. People are standing in queues and have died trying to withdraw money for their wards weddings.

The Congress also asked for old currency to be permitted for agricultural purchases besides permission to cooperative banks in rural areas to exchange old currency.

Noting that the government had changed its rules on the decision 18 times since its announcement on November 8, Surjewala said it would take many months to replenish the cash in the economy.

He argued that firms printing Rs 1,000 and Rs 500 currency notes in India do not have adequate capacity to print new currency in a short period. Surjewala asked the government whether or not it would take months to replace 86 per cent currency that stands withdrawn after demonetisation.

Countrys agricultural economy has been shattered. All cooperative, land development banks, land cooperative societies have been left out of the ambit of banks allowed to exchange currency. The Agriculture Minister asked for old notes to be allowed for farm purchases, but a tuglaqi PM trashed this suggestion, Surjewala added.
R Sedhuraman

Legal Correspondent

New Delhi, November 18

The Supreme Court Collegium has brushed aside the Centres objection to 43 candidates recommended for appointment as high court judges.

A Bench comprising Chief Justice TS Thakur and Anil R Dave gave this information to Attorney General Mukul Rohatgi while hearing PILs over the delay in filling up the vacancies of HC judges.

(Follow The Tribune on Facebook; and Twitter @thetribunechd)

It directed the government to complete the appointment process in three weeks.

At the last hearing on November 11, the AG had told the apex court that the Centre had rejected 43 of the 77 names suggested by the Collegium for appointment as HC judges and accepted the remaining 34 proposals.

43 recommendations have been returned to the Collegium for reconsideration as the government noticed shortcomings in the proposals, the AG had said.

"With this, not a single recommendation was pending with the government, the AG said in response to a courts query as to why the Centre was sitting over the proposals at a time when the HC vacancies had mounted to 40 per cent.

When the case came up for hearing today, CJI Thakur told the AG that the three-member SC Collegium, meant for considering names for HC judges, had reiterated the recommendations after considering the governments objections and sent back the proposals. The CJI did not go into the details.

Now, the Centre is bound to accept the Collegiums recommendations as it can return the proposals only once for reconsideration in the light of adverse intelligence inputs. The Collegium is free to accept or reject the governments objections.

Besides the CJI, the other members of the Collegium are Justice Dave, who retired today, and Justice JS Khehar. Justice Dipak Misra would replace Justice Dave tomorrow in the Collegium.

The appointment of apex court judges are dealt with by a larger SC Collegium of five senior most judges, including the CJI.

The Bench, however, did not specify the status of the Memorandum of Procedure (MoP) which was under revision to infuse greater transparency and accountability in the process of appointing HC and SC judges.

At the last hearing, Rohatgi had informed the Bench that the government was awaiting the response of the five-member SC Collegium to the draft MoP sent to it on August 2. CJI Thakur had said the Collegium was slated to meet on November 15 to consider the MoP.
Kolkata, November 18

Amid a cash crunch in the city after the demonetisation of high-value currency notes, a youth lost his life in a Kolkata hospital on Friday as a medical store refused to accept the scrapped notes for the critically needed medical tape.

Siba Das (16) was admitted to the emergency department of RG Kar Medical College and Hospital here with high fever on Thursday morning.

A local medical store allegedly refused to sell duct tape for the patient as his family members had only Rs 500 currency notes.

(Follow The Tribune on Facebook; and Twitter @thetribunechd)

I wanted to buy for the patient a duct tape, which costs Rs 180. But the store refused to accept the Rs 500 note despite the patients critical condition, complained Sambhu Das, a relative of the teenager.

Though the government has demonetised the high denomination bills of Rs 500 and Rs 1,000, it has asked the public sector hospitals and medical facilities to accept the old bills for helping the patients.

The owner of the medical store, however, denied the allegation saying they asked the patients family to take away the medicines on loan as they did not have change of Rs 500 at that point.

We did not have change for Rs 500. So we asked the patient party to take the necessary apparatus on loan. But they did not agree, Tushar Kanti Ghosh, owner of Kamala Medical Store, said.

The family members of the teenager staged a protest in front of the emergency ward of RG Kar hospital on Thursday evening.

We will lodge a police complaint against the store, a family member said. IANS
Two men with a gun robbed a store in Janesville Thursday, police said.

The two young men displayed a handgun and demanded money from Denney's Grain and Grape on Racine Street around 5:45 p.m., Sgt. Mark Ratzlaff said.

The men left with an undisclosed amount of cash, Ratzlaff said.

The robbers are described as young males between 5 feet 6 inches and 6 feet tall, Ratzlaff said. He said one of the men is thin and the other has a medium build.
GS Paul

Tribune News Service

Amritsar, November 18

A local court on Friday formally framed charges against Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal and Aam Aadmi Party leaders Ashish Khetan and Sanjay Singh in a defamation case in which the leaders had accused Punjabs Revenue Minister Bikram Singh Majithia of running a drug trade.

While Majithia  a leader of the Shiromani Akali Dal  made a personal appearance in court, AAPs lawyers represented the three leaders after the court exempted Kejriwal  AAPs national convenor  from personal appearance on October 15.

The SAD leader claimed Kejriwal would try to employ delaying tactics to avoid conviction, just as he was doing in some defamation cases in Delhi.

I dare him to come for day-to-day hearing. I will ensure that the sarkari gaadi takes him to jail within a month, he said.

The court will hear the case on December 4.

This is the second case Majithia has filed against AAPs think-tank member Khetan and the partys Punjab affairs in-charge Sanjay Singh, but the first against Kejriwal. He had previously sued Sanjay Singh for criminal defamation in a Ludhiana court on January 12, 2015, also over the same allegations. Singh was granted bail in the case.
Sanjeev Singh Bariana

Tribune News Service

Chandigarh, November 18

The Punjab Government went ahead with its October 25 decision to regularise 27,059 ad hoc, contractual and temporary employees despite a stiff opposition by the Personnel Department during the finalisation of the Bill for the purpose.

The legislation  The Punjab (Group B and Group C) Employees Welfare Bill, 2016, and The Punjab (Group D) Employees Welfare Bill, 2016 cleared by Chief Minister Parkash Singh Badal in form of an ordinance awaits a formal clearance by the Governor.

The beneficiaries are employed in zila parishads, block samitis, municipal committees, municipal corporations, boards, corporations, undertakings, apex cooperative societies, education and health departments.

The Personnel Department, in its first reply to the proposal in September, said these employees were recruited under certain schemes of the Centre for specific projects. Since these projects were no longer running, the staff served no purpose. These employees were paid through funds received from the Centre, and the state government would find it hard to manage funds for them.

The communication said the proposal did not specify if Home Guards, volunteers and Special Protection Group (SPG) staff would be regularised. There was also no clarity on the regularisation of staff working under the midday meal scheme. No other state had regularised workers under the midday meal scheme, it said.

The communication said no steps had been taken to ensure cost-effectiveness of the exercise or during restructuring and rationalisation of human resources. Certain posts were redundant or belonged to a dying cadre that would add to the losses in public sector undertakings, it said.

Such "sweeping laws" should not be introduced without discussion with the departments concerned, it suggested.

Replying to the proposal sent for a legal opinion before its clearance by a sub-committee comprising Industry and Commerce Minister Madan Mohan Mittal, Finance Minister Parminder Dhindsa, Health Minister Surjit Kumar Jyani, Minister for Local Government and Education Daljit Cheema, in October, the Accountant General (Punjab) said: The matter does not fall in the domain of legal issue on which any opinion is required. The file is thus being returned for want of any legal issues.

Welfare state has to sometimes make arrangements for social welfare of the needy, a senior officer said.
Ruchika M Khanna

Tribune News Service

Chandigarh, November 18

Three days after announcing to return the land acquired for the SYL canal project over three decades ago, the Punjab Government has managed to change the mutation of almost 3,500 acres back in the names of the original landowners.

The largest chunk  1,500 acres  is in Patiala district. While 70 percent of this land in Patiala has been returned to the owners through a change in mutation, the entire land acquired for the disputed canal in other districts has been returned to the farmers from who it was acquired between 1984 and 1987.

As many as 1,249 acres spread across 64 villages in Ropar, 735 acres (15 villages) in Mohali and 552.58 acres (36 villages) in Fatehgarh Sahib have been returned.

Any agency that is assigned the task of building the canal will now have to re-acquire the land. The revenue staff in these districts was working overtime and had been given the target to finish all mutations tonight. Sources in the Revenue Department told The Tribune that the staff in Patiala had been asked to complete the land mutation for the entire 1,500 acres, spread over 46 villages, by midnight.

Revenue Minister Bikram Singh Majithia wrote letters to the deputy commissioners, subdivisional magistrates, tehsildars, naib tehsildars, kanungos and patwaris in these districts to help the state government implement the Cabinet decision of vesting land in the owners.

In case the original landowners have passed away, the mutation automatically gets transferred in the name of his or her direct descendants, he said.

The land mutation was changed after the Department of Irrigation first issued a notification de-notifying all land acquired for the SYL canal, free from all encumbrances. This notification was issued on November 16, a day after the Council of Ministers decided to de-notify the land.

Capt asks Harsimrat, SAD MPs to resign

Chandigarh: Accusing the Akalis of politicising the SYL issue, Punjab Congress president Capt Amarinder Singh on Friday asked Harsimrat Kaur Badal and other SAD MPs to resign to prove their sincerity to the people of the state on the matter. Why hasnt Harsimrat resigned from Parliament and the Union Cabinet? Why are the other Akali MPs not willing to give up their membership? Amarinder asked, adding, Do they have no pain for Punjab? Like her husband, brother and father-in-law, who are all trying to save their positions in the Punjab Government by hook or by crook, Harsimrat is only interested in keeping her Parliament membership secure, said Amarinder. TNS

Amarinder asked to meet Speaker over resignation

New Delhi: Amritsar MP Capt Amarinder Singh, who quit the Lok Sabha over the SYL issue, has been asked to meet the LS Speaker and put in his papers in the prescribed format. A communication was sent to the PPCC chief after his resignation letter was examined by the Secretariat. As per Rule 240 (under the Rules of Procedure and Conduct of Business in Lok Sabha), a member who desires to resign his seat in the House shall intimate in writing under his hand addressed to the Speaker, his intention to resign his seat in the House in the following form and shall not give any reason for his resignation. TNS
Rudrabhishek Infosystem Pvt Ltd (RIPL) in collaboration with Graphisoft Budapest, Hungary will be organising a conference on Building Information Modeling (BIM) in New Delhi on November 22. The conference will focus on honing industry professionals skills and aims to bring together the government officials, educationalists and BIM Industry experts around the region to present and discuss on the latest development in BIM Technology and its dynamic impact on Designing Architectural Engineering and Construction Industry. It will provide an opportunity to all delegates, professionals, studentsand young investigators to attend and learn new practices. The event will be inaugurated by the Chief Guest Shri S C Gaur, CAP Agra Development Authority (Ex CAP Noida Development Authority).

Cushman & Wakefield India appoints new MD

Cushman & Wakefield has appointment of Saurabh Shatdal as Managing Director for Developer & Investor services. Based in Mumbai, Saurabh will spearhead the firms focus and commitment in providing asset owners with an integrated and strategic approach to better manage and optimise their real estate assets across the entire development lifecycle.

Experience Center

Real estate portal Magicbricks recently launched an experience Centre in Mumbai. This centre is located at concourse 3 at the recently inaugurated Magicbricks Western Express Highway Metro station at Andheri. The experience center bridges gap between a buyer and a seller by using technologies like virtual reality, augmented reality, on-demand video-call etc. The centre has 6 distinct components which allow a buyer to perform a wide range of tasks ranging from browsing property listings, to using various financial calculators, to property comparisons, virtually speaking to an advisor, immersive walkthroughs, and touchscreen based map searches.
Hollywood Australian actor Chris Hemsworth has been bestowed GQ magazines highest honour in its December issue.

The proud Aussie, talented surfer, doting dad and charitable, grounded, funny and successful actor has been announced as GQ Man Of The Year at the Australian award ceremony in Sydney.

His colleagues also find it hard to say a bad word about the Ghosbusters star, who was once named People magazines Sexiest Man Alive.

In the issue, Hemsworths Thor co-star Tom Hiddleston sums up the actor appeal.

One morning on the set of Thor: Ragnarok, I watch Chris zero in on an important scene between Thor and Loki with razor-sharp focus and commitment. The scene required a lot of nuance, but he wanted to shoot it quickly, because he had to be off-set by lunchtime in order to make it to father-daughter day at school in the afternoon, Hiddleston shared.

Thats a Man Of The Year if ever I saw one, the British heartthrob told the magazine.

While receiving the award, Hemsworth thanked his wife, Elsa Pataky and all the great women of the world, saying, You cant have a great man without a great woman.

Other honorees include Dylan Alcott for Sportsman of the Year, Iggy Azalea as Woman of the Year, Shannon Bennett as Chef of the Year, Kyle Chalmers for Breakthrough Sportsman of the Year and many more. ANI
THE Senate of Punjab University on Friday considered the new regulations for the Medical Compartment examinations and adopted them with an amendment moved by Lala Durga Das. The result of the new regulation will be that in the First and Second Professional examinations a candidate who fails in one subject only but has obtained 33 per cent of the aggregate marks and not less than 25 per cent in the subject in which he has failed may be permitted to appear in that subject only at a special supplementary examination to be held in September of the same year, on payment of the same fee as for the whole examination, and if he obtains 33 per cent he shall be deemed to have passed the whole examination.
ACCORDING to the recent change that was made in the allotment of Rhodes scholarships, the value of 12 scholarships have been reduced. Mr. King objecting to the Bill in the House of Commons, stated that in place of the 15 German scholarships, the Bill proposed to set up 12 scholarships of 300 a year which was 150 less than the original amount. And no definite date was given when the scholarships would be re-allotted. Col. Yate suggested that India should share in the benefit of the scholarships. It was explained that the Trustees themselves could apply the Rhodes scheme of scholarships to portions of the Empire not included in his original plan, and there was nothing to prevent them from including India. Mr. Rhodes view was that an understanding between the three great powers of England, America and Germany would render was impossible.
Tribune News Service

Mussoorie, November 18

President of social organisation Friends of Uttarakhand Vinod Prakash Thapliyal today alleged that the clock tower at Landour Bazaar was being reconstructed in violation of the orders of the Uttarakhand High Court. He warned he would approach the high court if its orders were not followed.

Thapliyal, while speaking with mediapersons here, said the clock tower was demolished to pave the way for a new one at a cost of Rs 19 lakh during the term of previous Municipal Council president OP Uniyal. He had filed a public interest litigation (PIL) against the Mussoorie Municipal Council in the Uttarakhand High Court to highlight corruption in the matter, besides other issues. The high court ordered a CBI investigation into the issue. The CBI found the charges of financial embezzlement to be true.

The court following the submission of the probe report directed the present Municipal Council president Manmohan Singh Mall to reconstruct the clock tower at the same cost and at the same plinth level. It had directed the council that Sanjay Narang, the businessman who was involved in the construction of the clock tower during Uniyals tenure, should reconstruct it. The court on the failure of the council directed it to respond within 15 days on the issue but it did not follow the order.

Thapliyal said the high court had levied a fine on the ropeway contractors for financial embezzlement. It directed the council to levy a fine on the contractors at Rs 10 per ticket but the council did not follow the order. He asked public representatives to tell what relaxation had been given to people under the freeze zone clause as being publicised by various leaders.

He said any government order on the freeze zone that was introduced by undivided Uttar Pradesh had become null and void. He added that the relaxation under the freeze zone clause should be extended to all and not a select few who had the money and muscle to twist the law.

He said people would not get justice if the Urban Development Secretary held the post of the vice-chairman of the MDDA also. He had written to Prime Minister Narendra Modi in this regard who responded within three hours and directed the officials concerned to investigate the matter. But the CM and Forest Minister Dinesh Agarwal ignored the matter. He appealed to the people of town to join in the drive against corruption in the MC and the MDDA for speedy justice. Mussoorie Traders Association president Rajat Agarwal and local Congress president Satish Dhaundiyal were present on the occasion.
Tribune News Service

Dehradun/Gopeshwar, Nov 18

The Uttarakhand Assembly today passed a resolution, making it imperative for the next government to hold the Budget session of 2017-18 in Gairsain. The Assembly sought Rs 1,000 crore from the Centre for infrastructure development of Bhararisain in Gairsain.

Chief Minister Harish Rawat, in his 40-minute address at the Assembly, underlined his governments commitment in granting the remote hill town the status of a permanent capital. Gairsain is not just a political slogan for us. We are trying to develop suitable infrastructure in Gairsain in keeping with the sentiments associated with the place. We are trying to build a consensus over the vexed issue of granting it the status of permanent capital, Rawat said, addressing the state assembly on the second day of its ongoing session in Gairsain.

He flayed the Opposition for boycotting the Assembly session . The state government has set up Gairsain Vikas Parishad for the development of the hill town. The Centre is already providing assistance to Andhra Pradesh for developing a capital, so Uttarakhand should also be given assistance on the similar lines, he said.

The Uttarakhand Kranti Dal, which spearheaded the statehood agitation in the 1990s, is in favour of the hill town in Chamoli district to be declared permanent capital. With the BJP staging a walkout in the House to mount pressure on the ruling dispensation to shed its ambivalence over the permanent capital status to Gairsain, Rawat said the government wanted the overall development of the town with maximum connectivity, besides availability of power and water.

He said if steps were taken immediately after the formation of the state towards making a permanent capital in accordance with the aspirations of statehood agitators, things would have been easier.

At the time when the state was created, locating the capital anywhere with far shabbier infrastructure would not have raised eyebrows. So much has changed since then. Now, we need suitable infrastructure. We are working on a plan to develop a better township in Gairsain, the Chief Minister said.

He added that road connectivity is being improved and the airstrip in Gauchar is also being upgraded to make it suitable for large-bodied airplanes.

There is also a proposal for a new airport at Ramdeval in Chaukhutia, he said.

As many as 21 legislations, including those related to the creation of five universities, an amendment Bill pertaining to the Uttarakhand Madrasa Education Council and creation of a special river valley authority were also passed amid a walkout by BJP members.

Meanwhile, Cooperative Minister Yashpal Arya put forth a resolution, expressing concern over adverse impact on cooperative banks in the state due to the demonetisation of Rs 500 and Rs1,000 currency notes.

The Assembly asked the Centre to allow exchange of demonetised high value currency notes at cooperative banks.

(With inputs from PTI)
Tribune News Service

Mussoorie, November 18

The rush of customers to get banned old currency notes exchanged from banks in Mussoorie has decreased due to the fear of indelible ink, easing pressure on bank employees.

Reports that black marketeers were hiring people to stand in queues and get their black money exchanged for new currency notes using different identification papers forced the Central government to resort to the use of indelible ink that is used during voting in the elections. Banks and ATM booths witnessed less crowds today and people found it easy to get their old currency notes exchanged at the State Bank of India, Kulri branch. Ramesh Bisht, an advocate from Dehradun, said he thought it would be difficult to get old currency notes totalling Rs 2,000 exchanged in Mussoorie but it was a pleasant surprise as there were fewer customers in the bank.

Neeraj, a local resident, said earlier his relative found it difficult to withdraw money from bank due to long queues but surprisingly the crowd was thin today. Vivek Sinha, branch Manager of State Bank of India, said things eased out today, much to the relief of all. The number of customers wanting to exchange currency notes has come down considerably since the introduction of indelible ink clause. This has brought relief to the bank staff who have been working tirelessly, he added.

There were less customers at Syndicate Bank. Its branch manager Govind Prasad Dobhal said the number of people visiting the branch for exchanging currency notes has reduced and they cater to regular customers. Deposits and the number of new bank accounts increased due to demonitisation.

Upendar, a local resident, demanded an investigation into the charge that some people allegedly in connivance with bank employees got large amounts of old currency exchanged. Bank officials, however, refuted the charges as baseless.

Manmohan Singh, a senior citizen, praised Prime Minister Narendra Modi for the demonitisation decision to cleanse the economy of black money.
A member of the Russian feminist punk rock protest group Pussy Riot joined the Solidarity Singalong outside the state Capitol on Friday.

Maria Alyokhina briefly joined in the singing but mostly posed for photos and signed autographs during the ongoing noontime protest against Gov. Scott Walker, which has gathered at the Capitol almost every weekday since March 2011.

This protest is really great, Alyokhina told the crowd. I hope we will have something like that in Russia.

Alyokhina was one of the groups members who was sentenced to prison for hooliganism after a performance inside a Moscow cathedral in 2012 and later released in response to an international outcry.

In early 2014 she and another member recorded a video asking Wisconsin officials to drop charges against hundreds of Solidarity Singalong members who had been arrested and ticketed for demonstrating without a permit in the Capitol rotunda. The state decided not to appeal a Wisconsin appeals court determination that the rules used to issue tickets were unconstitutional.

Alyokhina spoke at a UW-Madison event Thursday evening, where, according to a YouTube video of the event, she told the crowd you have a good culture of rioting here and Scott Walker should somehow be sent away.

Singalong regular Greg Gordon gave Alyokhina a bag of Solidarity Singalong T-shirts, CDs and books at the UW-Madison event and asked her to join the group for their Friday singalong.

It was a thrill, Gordon said afterward. It validates everything that weve been doing here.  As she said, its up to us to decide what kind of society we really want to have.
BD Kasniyal

Pithoragarh, November 18

Nepalese traders are demanding facilities to exchange old Indian currency notes in banks at border towns of Jhoolaghat, Jauljibi, Dharchula, Tanakpur and Banbasa that their Indian clients have paid them to purchase goods from them.

Shopkeepers in border towns of Nepal import cement, ready-made clothes, food items and cosmetics from Indian traders and sell goods manufactured in countries such as China and Korea to Indian clients. Traders from India and Nepal can easily enter either country without visa due to the friendship treaty of 1950. The problem arose after the banks in Nepal refused to accept and exchange Indian currency notes after the Indian government decided to demonetise Rs 500 and Rs 1,000 currency notes on November 8, said Suresh Thapa, a trader at Darchula town in Nepal bordering Dharchula in Pithoragarh district.

Thapa said the free trade between the two nations was suffering as neither Indian banks were allowing Nepalese traders to exchange old Indian currency notes nor banks in Nepal were accepting them. Besides businessmen, labourers and farmers in Nepal have been affected with the demonetisation decision of the Indian Government, as most of them use Indian currency at least in towns and villages situated along the Indian border, said Pushakar Raj Joshi, another businessman in Darchula town.

Joshi added they were planning to meet with Indian officers soon to find a solution to the problem.

Shopkeepers in Mahendra Nagar town of Kanchanur district of Nepal bordering Banbasa town in Champawat district are witnessing a fall in business up to 70 per cent, as most of their clients come from India to purchase goods. Besides the problem of exchanging a huge amount of Indian currency lying with us, we are getting fewer customers for our woollen clothes due to the cash crunch following demonetisation in India, said Indradev, a shopkeeper in Mahendra Nagar town of Nepal.

In Pithoragarh town, a delegation of Congress workers met the district administration authorities today and requested them to write a letter to the Central Government to send new currency notes by helicopters as soon as possible. As Pithoragarh town is situated along the borders with China and Nepal, the Central government should send new currency notes by helicopters as it did in case of Jharkhand recently, said Shankar Kharayat, a Congress leader, who led the delegation.
MOSUL (Iraq), November 17

A vehicle shielded with metal plates and driven by a suicide attacker turned onto a main road filled with soldiers in eastern Mosul and burst into a ball of fire, causing several casualties.

As it careered down the road it was riddled with gunfire as Iraqi forces responded to the latest Islamic State counterattack against their push to reclaim the northern city.

This and what followed on Thursday were indicative of the challenges Iraq's US-backed military faces in fighting enemies who are willing to kill themselves to defend their last major stronghold in the country while surrounded by well over a million civilians.

Elite Counter Terrorism Service (CTS) forces posted at intersections along the road pounded targets a few hundred metres away with heavy machine gun fire. Sharpshooters honed in on black-clad figures scurrying across rooftops or popping out of houses with AK-47s to take a few pot shots.

An hour later, a US-led coalition airstrike pounded an Islamic State mortar position before soldiers launched a dozen mortars of their own in a bid to eliminate a gunman who had been spotted and only seemed to get closer.

A commercial drone circling overhead drew gunfire from troops unsure if it belonged to Islamic State or the Iraqi military.

All the while, scores of residents carrying backpacks, shopping bags and even pots and pans were fleeing across the frontlines as hundreds more crouched inside their homes in areas retaken by the military a day earlier.

The offensive to take the largest city under Islamic State control in Iraq or Syria is turning into the biggest battle in Iraq's turbulent history since the US-led invasion in 2003.

The advance entered a second month on Thursday.

The heavy presence of civilians in Mosul, Iraq's second-largest city, has forced the government to slow its campaign that has nearly surrounded the metropolis but so far only breached the jihadists' defences from the eastern side.

The military regularly diverts resources to feed, transport and provide medical care to civilians caught in the crossfire, and soldiers are constantly making tough calls about whether to risk their own lives by giving residents the benefit of the doubt or to open fire on potentially innocent civilians.

"No car is allowed here," said a CTS soldier standing on the main road in Tahrir district where the car bomb had gone off moments earlier. "We shoot any car we see moving, even if there is a family inside because there is a good chance they are wearing suicide vests."

The soldiers, who have rooftop lookouts across the front, say they have learned to identify potential assailants from afar through clues like dress and gait.

"They have destroyed the neighbourhood," said a young boy collecting unused machine gun rounds from the road amid clashes, though it was unclear which side he was blaming.

Informants

The mixing of Islamic State fighters with residents is slowing  but not stopping  the military's drive to defeat a ruthless enemy while protecting civilians, said Captain Hussam al-Aboudi, who was commanding soldiers in Tahrir district on Thursday.

"We have sources, we have the names of Daesh fighters, we know them," he said, using an Arabic acronym for Islamic State. "Residents also give us information  like they say, 'Daesh posted a sniper on top of my house.'" Earlier in the day, a man in the adjacent Zahra neighbourhood, which the military recaptured earlier this week from the jihadists, approached a black military Humvee to share a tip.

"Last night around 11 o'clock I heard a commotion in that house ... yes, the red one. It's a Daesh house. You guys need to search it," he told the driver through the driver-side window.

It was not clear if that lead produced any results, but a CTS major told Reuters that a day earlier his men had detained four Islamic State fighters holed up in a house in Zahra on the advice of another tipster.

The Iraqis rely on informants inside the city  both in Islamic State-held areas and those recaptured from the militants  for intelligence on everything from the location of foot soldiers to the habits and thinking of top leaders.

Zahra resident Alaa Youssef, 47, said civilians in Mosul had an obligation to inform the military about Islamic State fighters who had hidden inside houses or shaved their beards and changed their clothing to blend in with civilians.

"It is (the civilians') last chance to have a role, not just in Tahrir but in all of Mosul," he said outside his home, which had been hit by an Islamic State mortar two days earlier.

"If they do not cooperate and work together, we will go back to the same situation."  Reuters
Mosul, November 18

US-backed Iraqi troops expanded their foothold on the eastern side of Islamic State's stronghold of Mosul on Friday, as the group pledged to mount more suicide attacks on their offensive to take the city.

The elite Counter-Terrorism Service (CTS) stormed the Tahrir district on the northeastern edge of Mosul, the last major city under control of the Sunni hard-line group in Iraq.

A Reuters correspondent reporting from the CTS-held line in Tahrir saw civilians streaming out of the nearby Aden district where fighting blazed, pushing trolleys containing their belongings and carrying home-made white flags.

The women were still shrouded in black robes imposed by the militants but most had uncovered their faces as they fled intense fighting.

Militants have been steadily retreating from areas around Mosul into the city since the battle started on October 17, with air and ground support from a US-led coalition.

"The advance is slow due to the civilians," said CTS Lt.

General Abdul Wahab al-Saidi, adding that the US-trained unit aims to clear the rest of the neighborhood during the day.

A Friday prayer sermon referring to "mujahideen", or holy warriors, could be heard coming from a mosque under control of the jihadis in the vicinity. An armed man, possibly a sniper, was in the minaret of the mosque.

As the offensive entered its second month, Iraqi government forces are still fighting in a dozen of about 50 neighbourhoods on the eastern part of Mosul, which is divided by the Tigris River that runs through its centre.

Militants are dug in among the civilians as a defence tactic to hamper air strikes, moving around the city through tunnels, driving suicide car bombs into advancing troops and hitting them with sniper and mortar fire.

Ready for martyrdom

A loud explosion was heard several streets away from the CTS lines. An officer said it was a suicide bomber who blew himself up after being surrounded in a house. The CTS unit was using a drone to try to detect insurgents.

The number of fighters who are ready to blow themselves up is increasing, an insurgent commander told Islamic State's weekly magazine, al-Nabaa, published online on Thursday.

"We're giving you the good news that the number of brothers ready for martyrdom is very large and, with God's grace, the brothers who are demanding martyr operations are increasing," said the commander, who was not named.

The offensive to take Mosul, the largest city under Islamic State control in either Iraq or Syria, is turning into the biggest battle in Iraq's turbulent history since the US-led invasion that toppled Saddam Hussein in 2003.

The CTS became the only unit to have breached the city limits from the eastern side two weeks ago. Other army units have yet to breach the northern and the southern sides.

Iranian-backed militias earlier this week announced the capture of the Tal Afar air base, west of Mosul  part of their campaign to choke off the route between the Syrian and Iraqi parts of the caliphate Islamic State declared in 2014.

The base is located just south of Tal Afar, a mostly ethnic Turkmen town that Turkey would not want to fall under the control of the mostly pro-Iranian militia coalition known as Popular Mobilisation, or Hashid Shaabi.

The Hashid plans to besiege the town for now, a spokesman of Kata'ib Hezbollah, one of the main paramilitary groups making up the coalition, said on Friday.

Iraqi military estimates put the number of Islamic State fighters in Mosul at 5,000 to 6,000. Facing them is a 100,000-strong coalition of Iraqi government forces, Kurdish fighters and Shi'ite paramilitary units.

Drawn-out battle

Iraqi authorities have declined to give a timeline for recapture of the whole city, but the battle is likely to last for months. Militants have launched waves of counter-attacks against advancing forces, tying them down in lethal urban combat in narrow streets still full of residents.

The Islamic State commander cited in al-Nabaa said the battles with the Shi'ite paramilitary groups known as Popular Mobilisation west of Mosul will continue "in long episodes".

Iraqi authorities have not published a casualty toll for the Mosul campaign overall  either for security forces, civilians or Islamic State fighters. The warring sides claim to have inflicted thousands of casualties in enemy ranks.

A resident said a mother and her three children were killed in Instissar, one of the eastern neighborhood already taken by the CTS, when a mortar shell hit their home, probably fired by Islamic State.

Nearly 59,000 people have been displaced because of the fighting, moving from villages and towns around the city to government-held areas, according to UN estimates.

The figure does not include the thousands of people rounded up in villages around Mosul and forced to accompany Islamic State fighters to cover their retreat towards the city as human shields.

In some cases, men of fighting age were separated from those groups and summarily killed, according to residents and rights groups. Human Rights Watch said on Thursday more than 300 former police officers were likely killed last month and buried in a mass grave near the town of Hammam al-Alil, south of Mosul.

Mosul's capture is seen as crucial towards dismantling the caliphate, and Islamic State leader Abu Bakr al-Baghdadi, believed to have withdrawn to a remote area near the Syrian border, has told his fighters there can be no retreat.  Reuters
Berlin, November 18

Angela Merkel says she feels a duty to serve her country and Europe, adding further fuel to rampant speculation she'll seek a fourth term as German chancellor.

Merkel spoke today after meeting with the leaders of the United States, Spain, Italy, France and Britain.

Asked how she sees her short- and long-term responsibilities, Merkel downplayed descriptions of herself as the last great defender of Western values following Donald Trump's election.

"One person alone can never solve everything," Merkel told reporters. Instead, she vowed to "perform my task as German chancellor, which on the one hand is to serve the people of Germany but it also includes working for the cohesion and success of Europe." Merkel is scheduled to hold a news conference late Sunday after meeting senior members of her party.  AP
YANGON, November 15

Sixty-nine members of what Myanmar's government has described as a Rohingya Muslim militant group and 17 members of the security forces have been killed since the start of fighting in western Rakhine State, the army said on Tuesday.

The death toll, announced in the state-owned Global New Light of Myanmar daily, demonstrates the scale of the escalation of the conflict since violence erupted a month ago.

Diplomats and observers have held out hope that the military will swiftly conclude its "clearance operation" in the troubled north of Rakhine, but the recent wave of killings has cast a doubt over such prospects.

The violence is the most serious since hundreds were killed in communal clashes in Rakhine in 2012.

It has sharpened the tension between Nobel Peace Prize winner Aung San Suu Kyi's six-month-old civilian administration and the army, which ruled for decades and retains key powers, including control of ministries responsible for security.

Soldiers have moved into the area along Myanmar's frontier with Bangladesh, responding to coordinated attacks on three border posts on October 9 that killed nine police officers.

They have locked down the area, where the vast majority of residents are Rohingya Muslims, shutting out aid workers and independent observers, and conducted sweeps of villages.

A series of recent skirmishes and attacks had increased to 69 the tally of suspected Rohingya Muslim attackers killed since October 9, while the security forces' toll stands at 17, according to state-owned media.

Myanmar's 1.1 million Rohingya Muslims are the majority in northern Rakhine but are denied citizenship, with many of the country's Buddhists regarding them as illegal immigrants from neighbouring Bangladesh. They face severe travel restrictions.

Residents and rights advocates have accused security forces of summary executions, rapes and setting fire to homes in the recent violence.

The government and army reject the accusations, blaming the "violent attackers" for setting fires to homes.

Rohingya rights advocates have distributed online video images of what they said were civilian casualties of the attacks, urging the international community to investigate.

Authorities have denied independent journalists access to the area, so Reuters has been unable to independently verify either the military accounts or the video clips.  Reuters
Ajay Banerjee

Tribune News Service

New Delhi, November 18

The India-Pakistan tension today shifted from Jammu and Kashmir to Arabian Sea where Islamabad and Beijing have been conducting a naval exercise.

Pakistan claimed to have detected an Indian submarine, which had violated the sea limits and said it was driven back", a claim New Delhi vehemently denied.

The Indian Navy refused to accept that its submarine had entered the territorial waters of Pakistan-that is 12 nautical miles (some 22 km) from the shore.

Pakistans Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) realised a video and pictures of a diesel-electric powered submarine while breathing or snorting (showing its periscope and masts above sea level even when the vessel is submerged and charging its batteries). The pictures and video indicate that the shots were from an infra-red camera or sensor, signifying these were captured at night from either a warship or a low-flying drone.

This, Pakistan claimed, was an Indian submarine, which had entered Pakistan's waters. India operates two varieties of the diesel-electric submarine-Russian-origin Kilo class and German-origin HDW. Indias nuclear-powered submarine INS Chakra would not need to snort as a nuclear vessel need not charge its batteries at sea.

ISPR said, (Indian) submarine was deployed within Pakistani waters to secretly sneak into Pakistani limits; however, it was successfully traced. Meanwhile, the Pakistan-China navy exercise would enter its marine drill phase tomorrow.

"None of the Indian submarines was in Pakistan's waters and, therefore, there is no question of being driven out."- Capt DK Sharma, Navy spokesperson.
Washington, November 18

US President-elect Donald Trump today announced the names of three conservative loyalists and Army veterans to lead his national security and law enforcement teams, including Senator Jeff Sessions for attorney general and Representative Mike Pompeo as CIA director.

Trump has chosen Lieutenant General Mike Flynn (retd) as the national security adviser, a position that does not require US Senate confirmation. All three men have accepted Trumps offer.

Pompeo, 52, a third-term congressman from Kansas, was a surprise pick to lead the Central Intelligence Agency. He was on the House of Representatives intelligence and energy and commerce committees, as well as the committee investigating the 2012 attack on the U.S. diplomatic compound in Benghazi, Libya.

Pompeo has echoed Trumps criticism of the Iran nuclear deal. In a tweet on Thursday, Pompeo wrote: I look forward to rolling back this disastrous deal with the worlds largest state sponsor of terrorism.

Flynn, a retired US Army three-star general and one of Trumps closest advisers, was fired from the Defense Intelligence Agency in 2014, a move he has attributed to his telling hard truths about the war on Islamist extremism. Other officials who worked with Flynn cited his lack of management skills and leadership style as reasons for his firing.

In his latest book in August, Flynn had advocated cutting off aid to Pakistan, if it continued to help the jihadis. Countries like Pakistan need to be told that we will not tolerate the existence of training camps and safe havens for Taliban, Haqqani, and Al-Qaida forces on their territory, nor will we permit their banks and other financial institutions to move illicit funds for the terror network, Flynn had said in his latest book How We Can Win the Global War Against Radical Islam and Its Allies that hit the book stands in August.

An Army intelligence veteran of three decades, Flynn was assistant director of national intelligence under Democratic President Barack Obama. He was director of intelligence for Joint Special Operations Command from July 2004 to June 2007, In choosing Sessions as the nations chief law enforcement officer, Trump awarded a loyalist whose hard-line and at times inflammatory statements on immigration were similar to his own.

Sessions opposes any path to citizenship for undocumented immigrants and was an enthusiastic backer of Trumps promise to build a wall on the border with Mexico.

An Army veteran, Sessions is a senior member of the Senate Armed Services Committee and chairman of its Strategic Forces Subcommittee. Despite those qualifications, the 20-year congressional veteran could face resistance as he seeks Senate confirmation.

In 1986, Sessions became only the second nominee in 50 years to be denied confirmation as a federal judge after allegations that he had made racist remarks. Those included testimony that in 1986 he had called an African-American prosecutor boy, an allegation Sessions denied.  Agencies

Man behind bringing Trump closer to Putin

Lt Gen Michael Flynn (retd), the NSA pick, has been a powerful influence on Trump, convincing him that the US is in a world war with Islamist militants and must work with any willing allies in the fight, including Russian President Vladimir Putin

He has served as Director of the Defence Intelligence Agency, Pentagons top spy agency, and commander of the Joint Functional Component Command for Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance

A retired three-star General, Flynn also helped dismantle insurgent networks in Afghanistan and Iraq

Anti-Iran Pompeo to lead CIA

Mike Pompeo, 52, a third-term congressman from Kansas, has been picked to lead the Central Intelligence Agency. He was on the House of Representatives intelligence, energy and commerce committees, as well as the committee investigating the 2012 attack on the US diplomatic compound in Benghazi, Libya

Pompeo has echoed Trumps criticism of the Iran nuclear deal. In a tweet recently, he wrote: I look forward to rolling back this disastrous deal with the worlds largest state sponsor of terrorism

Hes also a strong opponent of Obamacare

Mexico wall-backer to head law dept
Marrakesh, November 18

Nearly 200 countries, including India, have called for highest political commitment to combat the irreversible impact of climate change at a key UN summit here overshadowed by Donald Trumps threats to withdraw the US from the historic Paris agreement.

The Marrakesh Action Proclamation agreed by all the parties196 nations and the EU bloctaking part in the summit was read out at the Conference of Parties plenary session.

The declarationone of the main outcomes of the summitsaid the world has an urgent duty to respond to global warming. Our climate is warming at an alarming and unprecedented rate and we have an urgent duty to respond. We call for the highest political commitment to combat climate change, as a matter of urgent priority. We call for strong solidarity with those countries most vulnerable to the impact of climate change, and underscore the need to support efforts aimed to enhance their adaptive capacity, strengthen resilience and reduce vulnerability, it said.

The call came on the penultimate day of the summit tasked with drafting a blueprint for enacting the Paris Agreement adopted last December, and since ratified by 111 countries.

According to the Paris pact, the goal of limiting average global warming is set at 2 degrees Celsius over pre-Industrial Revolution levels, by cutting greenhouse gases.

The US, India, China and other countriescollectively the three biggest emittershave pledged to curb emissions under the deal by moving to renewable energy sources.

But US president-elect Trump has vowed to boost oil, gas and coal and cancel the Paris Agreement. Trump has termed climate change a hoax propagated by China, the second biggest emitter after the US.

The proclamation today noted extraordinary momentum underway on climate change, which it said was irreversible.

The 197 nations said they issue this declaration to signal a shift towards a new era of implementation and action on climate and sustainable development. PTI
Denise Rondini

For years there has been confusion around the term remanufacturing, making it difficult for fleets to make decisions about buying reman parts. Recently, however, six leading associations with members in the automotive sector reached agreement on both the term remanufacturing and core.

Heres what they agreed to:

Remanufacturing is a standard industrial process by which cores are returned to same-as-new, or better, condition and performance. The process is in line with specific technical specifications, including engineering, quality and testing standards. The process yields fully warranted products.

A core is a previously sold, worn or non-functional product or part, intended for the remanufacturing process. During reverse logistics, a core is protected, handled and identified for manufacturing to avoid damage and to preserve its value. A core is not waste or scrap and is not intended to be reused before remanufacturing.

Bendix Commercial Vehicle Systems director of remanufacturing, Henry Foxx, sees the agreement as the first step in providing the fleet owner or manager a criteria to distinguish between various supplier offerings of replacement products. This terminology gives fleet owners or managers the insight they need to ask the right questions of potential suppliers to ensure their products have gone through rigorous remanufacturing processes. With this knowledge, fleet owners can have confidence in the performance of the remanufactured product they select.

He adds that without a common definition of remanufactured products, products with different quality levels could be grouped together, causing confusion in the marketplace. There has long been concern around rebuilders offering products locally or sourcing products globally that do not provide the same performance and durability, of a remanufactured product, but still being perceived as a remanufactured product by the marketplace.

John Chalifoux, president and COO of Motor & Equipment Remanufacturers Association, says, In three words, the parties agree that [remanufacturing] is a standardized industrial process. By extension, remanufacturing occurs in a factory setting, just like new manufacturing, and it has more in common with new manufacturing than it does with any other process.

Historically, there have been two problems plaguing the remanufacturing industry, explains Matthew Colwell, business development and marketing strategy manager, Eaton  Vehicle Group, Global Aftermarket. The first is how a reman product differs from a repaired product. At first glance, a customer cannot see the condition of the inside of the service unit. Did the rebuilder only replace the failed components, or was every component inspected to ensure the product meets the latest OE specifications? By linking the remanufacturing definition to a standard process with a same-as-new requirement, we can provide the customer with a sense of the quality of the service unit they are purchasing.

The second problem is the fact that some governments restrict the free movement of reman product and cores across international borders for fear that waste dumping may occur. He says this is far from true and adds that a reman product and core both have value when a remanufacturing process is employed. By standardizing definitions, we can move one step closer to true global distribution of remanufactured product. The recognition of the benefits of reman and the value of a core can lead to future discussions around the free movement of cores in and out of markets. When the industry and governments agree that a core has value, we can begin to change the discussion to how we can leverage the value in the core globally.

In addition to MERA, other parties to the agreement are Automotive Parts Remanufacturers Association, the European Association of Automotive Suppliers European Organization of Engine Remanufacture, Automotive Parts Remanufacturers National Association, and Remanufacture Committee of China.
OKLAHOMA CITY - An Oklahoma City man was arrested Thursday, accused of throwing several large rocks at the Devon Tower at 333 W Sheridan Ave. and causing about $70,000 worth of damage.

About 10:05 a.m. Thursday, security guards at the building notified Oklahoma City police that Thomas Russell, 27, was seen throwing rocks at the building and attempted to flee after being confronted.

Russell is accused of attempting to hit one of the security guards with a large rock, and was pepper-sprayed and handcuffed by security officers before Oklahoma City police arrived.

Several windows of the building were damaged.
Hundreds of members of First United Methodist Church marked the churchs 130th anniversary last Sunday, marching from the site of its previous red brick building at Fifth Street and Boulder Avenue to its present site at 1115 S. Boulder Ave.

The event recreated a walk 95 years ago by then-members of the church.

First United Methodist is Tulsas second-oldest church, one year younger than First Presbyterian Church.

In her message Sunday, the Rev. Jessica Moffatt, lead pastor, took the opportunity to acknowledge that we stand upon the tireless work of the First Methodist Christians who have gone before us.

Without those church members and pastors, saints and missionaries, we would not be here today.

We give thanks to God for their sacrifices and generosity, for their leadership and hard work.

She told the story of a time, in 1932 during the Great Depression, when the church was in a financial crisis.

Members had given all the money they could afford. And that is when they decided to offer their gold.

A chest was set up, into which people gave wedding rings, gold watches, gold chains, womens gold broaches and solid gold bracelets.

We stand on their sacrifices and on their generosity, she said.

Moffatt urged the congregation to be the kind of church that does whatever it takes to bring people to Jesus Christ.

We have a unique posturing at this time in history.

We are at a turning point.

We cannot have business as usual.

We cannot do what we have always done and get the results we long for.

It is a new day and it requires a new way.

We have gone from teepees to territories to trade to technology, she said.
Updated at noon Friday: State Superintendent Joy Hofmeister and other state education leaders from across the U.S. gathered at an annual policy forum were informed Friday morning that their planned meeting with a representative of President-elect Donald Trump has been cancelled.

The agenda for the three-day, annual gathering of the Council of Chief State School Officers in Baltimore, Maryland, originally included a Saturday morning session on the transition to a new presidential administration.

The event agenda stated that the transition team for President-elect Donald Trump is sending a senior representative to discuss and answer questions about the education priorities of the incoming Administration.

Steffie Corcoran, spokeswoman for the Oklahoma State Department of Education, said shortly after Council officials informed Hofmeister and the other state chiefs that the Trump camp meeting was off, the organization issued an official statement.

"The Council of Chief State School Officers has been in discussions with President-Elect Trumps transition team on the priorities state leaders in education have set to ensure every child  regardless of background graduates prepared for college, careers, and life. At this time, we understand the new administration is working on its transition in a number of areas as they prepare to take office. We look forward to continuing to work with the transition team and new Secretary of Education and to facilitate a conversation with state education chiefs in the near future," said Melissa McGrath, communications director at the CCSSO, in the written press statement.

Questions abound in public education about what Trumps advocacy for major new investments in school choice will look like, as well as implications on their ongoing implementation of the new federal education law, the Every Student Succeeds Act.

There are definitely questions that we all have and were in the middle of implementing ESSA while awaiting guidance from the (U.S. Department of Education), Hofmeister told the Tulsa World.

I dont know if Trump will have a new secretary (of education) announced by then, but every state is wondering what this means.

ESSA, which replaced the No Child Left Behind Act, offers little wiggle room on the school accountability systems every state must maintain.

It specifies five required indicators of school performance, Hofmeister said: academic achievement as measured by the annual state assessments, a valid and reliable statewide academic indicator for elementary and middle or junior high schools, high school graduation rate, progress in English-learners achieving English language proficiency, and, finally, at least one indicator of school quality and success with greater weight placed on the first four indicators.

States are still waiting on the U.S. Department of Education to adopt final regulations for how they are to implement ESSA.

Rumors are swirling about whether Trump will select a non-traditional individual as U.S. secretary of education  or whether he will forgo having a cabinet member over education altogether.

That move could signal his campaign vow to greatly reduce or even eliminate the federal governments role in public education.

The implications of what happens next could quickly trickle down to the local school level.

With the (ESSA) law being fairly new and the regulations just now under development, it certainly makes it uncertain for those of us in school districts and states, said Tulsa Superintendent Deborah Gist, who previously served as the state education leader for Rhode Island and the District of Columbia.

As far as accountability systems and assessments, I dont think there will be shifts that will be noticeable to the public because theyre much more technical, but were just standing by to see will there be a shift in philosophy in the way in which those are implemented.

As for other opportunities for the president-elects philosophies on education to affect students and families relying on public schools across the U.S., Gist said all indications point to one particular area.

The only real education policy that President-elect Trump talked regularly about during the campaign is school choice, so we are standing by to see what exactly that will mean to him and for the rest of our programming, she said.
This was a big week for First United Methodist Church in downtown Tulsa.

Under the leadership of the congregations first female lead pastor  the Rev. Jessica Moffatt  members celebrated their 130th anniversary on Sunday and then voted unanimously Monday to approve a plan to demolish the Trinity church building in Brookside to make way for a park and eventually an open-concept church.

Trinity United Methodist Church at 3737 S. Peoria Ave., once a thriving congregation with nearly 2,000 members, closed in May 2015, because of an aging, declining membership.

The Oklahoma Conference of the United Methodist Church charged First United Methodist with developing a plan for the Trinity property, which is located in the heart of one of Tulsas most popular areas, boosted recently by a Trader Joes and the Gathering Place park complex under development nearby.

Moffatt said the architects who were hired to come up with a plan to renovate the old Trinity building said the structure had multiple problems and the renovation would cost $1.8 million.

The architects were not in favor of it, she said.

If youre going to put that much into it, why not tear it down and put up a new building that you love, and that will meet the needs of the ministry and the mission? was their advice, she said.

Moffatt said the congregation went through a lengthy discernment process through the summer with multiple meetings for prayer and discussion before Mondays vote.

The church will first build a park on the property, with benches, a playground and possibly some type of temporary pavilion-like structure. It will be a place for concerts and community events, a place where people can eat, hang out, develop friendships, she said.

It will be open to the public. We want to be good neighbors, she said.

That could happen as early as the coming spring, she said.

In another two years, the church plans to build a church on the property, but not a traditional church, she said.

Weve collected over 150 very creative ideas, she said, including an open-air concept that is popular with Brookside restaurants, an amazing commercial kitchen for providing community meals, or even a climbing wall behind the pulpit that would offer recreation for young people, and opportunities for teaching moments.

One suggestion was a church without walls; another was a lot of glass, creating an indoor/outdoor feel.

People love to be outside, she said.

The typical definition of a satellite church does not fit us, she said. The site will have a full-time campus pastor, and will not show sermons by video from the downtown church. Worship services wont even necessarily be on Sundays.

She said efforts are being made to preserve the legacy of Trinity.

Memorial bricks engraved with the names of loved ones are being saved for possible use. Stained glass windows will be saved.

Hymnals and Bibles from the old church line the bookshelves of her downtown office, where the pulpit Bible is prominently displayed. The baptistry is stored in the downtown church.

I spoke to them, she said of the books and hymnals with a twinkle in her eye.

I said, there will be a day when you are back on this site.

Developing the Brookside location will not diminish any of the other multiple ministries of the church, she said.

I love Brookside, said Moffatt, who bought a house in Brookside since moving to Tulsa in the spring.

Although Moffatt has been the lead pastor at First United Methodist for just six months, she has a long history with the church.

In 1969, when she was 10 years old, her mother, a member of Boston Avenue United Methodist Church nearby, brought her to revival services at First United Methodist that were part of the United Methodist Churchs Lay Witness Mission program at that time.

That revival proved to be a turning point for the church, which had been declining, she said.

Years later, after her ordination, Moffatt came back to First United Methodist, serving from 1985 to 1997 in several positions, including executive pastor. She went from there to Bixby First Methodist Church for 12 years, and then to Ardmore for seven years before returning to Tulsa.
Residents in Valsayn South are said to be marooned in their homes. Councillor for the area S
Next week Seven News Melbourne presenter Peter Mitchell presents a special 10 To 1: Countdown Our Greatest News Events.

This one is airing nationally.

We countdown the Top 10 world-shattering news events of the past six decades both at home and across the globe.

The arrival of colour television, the moon landing, the Beatles in Australia.

Who can forget the death of Diana or the assassination of President Kennedy?

The Sydney Olympics or our famous Americas Cup victory?

What will be Number One? Everyone will have an opinion.

A panel of Australias leading academics will deliberate and present their final list of the most defining moments on television.

Featuring never-before-seen archive footage, Seven News presenters and reporters who were there when it happened give their unique and compelling accounts of being in the front seat as they witnessed history in the making.

Wednesday at 8.40pm on Seven.
The BBC has revealed some limited news about Episodes 5 and 9 of Doctor Who shooting in Cardiff during November.

The writer for Episode 5 is Jamie Mathieson, who has previously written three episodes, Mummy on the Orient Express (2014), Flatline (2014) and (with Steven Moffat) The Girl Who Died (2015).

Im back baby, and beyond stoked to be once again putting words in the mouths of the TARDIS crew, he said. So what can I tell you? Well, my episode this year is very, very scary. Like, seriously so. Lets go behind the sofa and just stay there until its over scary. Its got more shocks and tense scenes than anything Ive ever written. And thats coming from a man who once wrote an episode of My Parents Are Aliens. Its also a taut thrill ride, a gag fest, a pitch black satire and, for the first time  [notices Steven Moffat approaching with cosh marked no spoilers]  Im writing for Bill and Nardole!

The guest cast includes Kieran Bew, Justin Salinger, Peter Caulfield, Mimi Ndiweni and Karen Brayben.

Episode 9 is written by Rona Munro, author of the very last story of the shows original 26-year run  the highly acclaimed 1989 Seventh Doctor adventure Survival.

Writing Survival was my dream job, but it was a mournful time in the shows history, she explained. This has been a very different experience. Theres more of everything; people, resources, confidence, success but the same constantly renewing and indefinable wonder that is Doctor Who. When I was very small and watching the First Doctor, I had a special cushion known as Ronas Doctor Whocushion. I would hide my face in it when the Daleks or other monsters appeared on screen! The Eaters of Light is my version of other stories that have haunted me for almost as long.

The cast includes Rebecca Benson, Daniel Kerr, Juwon Adedokun, Brian Vernel, Ben Hunter, Aaron Phagura, Sam Adewunmi and Billy Matthews.

Once these episodes are in the can, the series reaches the mid-point of shooting, with Episodes 6, 7, 8, 10, 11 and 12 still to go before the cameras.

A sneak peek of this years Doctor Who Christmas special will drop on Saturday, Australian time, during the UKs Children in Need charity event.
Ray Martin will present a documentary for regional broadcaster, Prime7.

Ice: The Scourge of Regional Australia will expose the dramatic public consequences of an increasing ice epidemic in regional and rural Australia.

Prime7s Head of News Paul Patrick said, Ice use in regional Australia has soared a staggering 150% since 2007, in comparison to 16% in metro centres*, so we have a responsibility to highlight the devastating impact this addiction is having on families in regional communities.

Telling a story of this magnitude needs the very best people, and we are delighted that Ray Martin accepted our offer to join the team to bring this story to the people of regional Australia.

The Prime7 News production will air in December at a date yet to be announced.



*Source: Flinders Universitys National Centre for Education and Training on Addiction Research Report by Ann Roche, November 2016.
More details have been released on Filthy Rich and Homeless, coming to SBS next year.

The UK format by Love Productions distributed by BBC Worldwide, will be produced in Australia by Blackfella Films (Redfern Now, First Contact, Deep Water) as three hour-long episodes. It has previously been licensed to Holland. Another format, Famous, Rich and Homeless, has been licensed to Germany, Holland and Spain with celebrities experiencing life on the streets.

SBS Director of TV and Online Content, Marshall Heald, said: SBS is pleased to welcome back celebrated journalistic talent Indira Naidoo to present this challenging documentary series that shines a light on the issue of homelessness in Australia, something new migrants, refugees and Indigneous Australians are particularly vulnerable to. With the purpose of shaking off misconceptions of poverty and provoking a national debate, this series aims to encourage conversation and ultimately bringing about much-needed change for a part of our society often overlooked or ignored.

Jacob Hickey, Head of Factual at Blackfella Films said: At Blackfella Films we wanted to build on the successful factual series that weve made in recent years and tackle another of the big social issues this country faces. There are more than 100,000 homeless people in Australia and we hope that this series provokes a discussion about an issue that affects so many and yet often fails to register in the public discourse.

Format Sales Manager at BBC Worldwide, Sam Stacey, said of the programme: With compelling content and an aim to challenge prejudices and shift perceptions, SBS is the perfect channel for this programme. Were excited to see this format come to life in Australia.

With the gap between the haves and the have-nots ever widening, and attitudes hardening, the programme will take five wealthy Australians and swap their privileged lives for 10 days and nights immersed in the confronting world of homelessness. Presenter Indira Naidoo and expert Dr Catherine Robinson will be their guides as they discover what life is like for the nations growing homeless population.
The Government of Ukraine has approved a draft regulation on signing of the protocol between the Cabinet of Ministers of Ukraine and the Government of the Republic of Turkey on cooperation in the field of geographic information.

Spokeswoman for the Ukraines Defence Ministry Oksana Havryliuk said this at todays press conference, an Ukrinform correspondent reports.

"We continue working on the legal support for defence planning pursuant to the road map of the Defence Ministry reform. As part of this reform, the Government of Ukraine has approved a draft regulation on signing of the protocol between the Cabinet of Ministers of Ukraine and the Government of the Republic of Turkey on cooperation in the field of geographic information," Havryliuk said.

She added that the draft document was developed within the framework of agreements between the governments of Ukraine and the Republic of Turkey on cooperation in the areas of military training, science and protection of classified information and materials.

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Restoration of Ukrainian Navys capabilities is one of the priorities of the comprehensive package of assistance to Ukraine, which was endorsed at the Warsaw NATO Summit.

Spokeswoman for the Ukraines Defence Ministry Oksana Havryliuk said this at todays press conference, an Ukrinform correspondent reports.

"Foreign partners provide comprehensive assistance in the restoration of the Naval Forces of Ukraine. The comprehensive package of assistance to Ukraine, which was endorsed at the Warsaw NATO Summit, defines Restoration of Ukrainian Navys capabilities as one of the priorities, especially the restoration of the fleet, monitoring surface and underwater situation," Havryliuk said.

She added that the Ukrainian Navy had already received high-speed boats and communication equipment from the US.

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Canada's stance on support for Ukraine and condemnation of the illegal actions of Russia remains unchanged.

This was stated by representative of the Canadian Foreign Ministry in the Parliament Pamela Goldsmith-Jones while commenting on talks between Ottawa and Moscow on Ukraine.

"I can assure you that the current government strongly supports Ukraine and condemns Russian aggression," Goldsmith-Jones said.

She recalled that Canada had already expanded the list of sanctions against Russian physical and legal entities this year and provided 8.1 million dollars to support the National Police of Ukraine.

"Canada has supported and will always support Ukraine and will continue to hold Russia accountable," the representative of the Canadian Foreign Ministry summed up.

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Canadas MPs from Standing Committee on Foreign Affairs and International Development will visit Ukraine at the beginning of the next year, according to Ukrainian Vice Prime Minister for European and Euro-Atlantic Integration Ivanna Klympush-Tsintsadze.

During a meeting with Committees Chairman Robert Nault it was agreed that a group of MPs from this committee will pay a visit [to Ukraine] at the beginning of the next year. This is a very important agreement, as we need direct connections with foreign MPs, Klympush-Tsintsadze told Ukrinform correspondent.

As a reminder, Vice PM Klympush-Tsintsadze currently is on an official visit to Canada.

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The conflict in Ukraine will remain one of priority issues on the agenda of US Secretary of State John Kerry within the next two months.

State Department spokesman John Kirby stated this during a daily briefing in Washington on Thursday, own Ukrinform correspondent reports.

Obviously, the situation in Ukraine and in Europe will continue to be, I think, dominant on his [John Kerrys] agenda, Kirby said.

He also noted that among other main priorities on the State Departments agenda are the conflict in Syria, the situation in Yemen and attempts to find possible resolution to the conflict in this country.

In addition, the U.S. State Department will continue to focus on the Paris Agreement and climate change, international trade and economic development, Kirby noted.

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Switzerland has enlarged a list of individuals subject to international sanctions connected with Russia's actions against Ukraine's territorial integrity, adding six persons.

In particular, six persons, who had been recently elected to Russias Duma in Crimea and Sevastopol, were added to the list, reads a report posted on the website of Switzerlands State Secretariat for Economic Affairs.

On 17 November 2016 the Federal Department of Economic Affairs EAER modified the list of persons annexed to the ordinance on measures to prevent the circumvention of international sanctions connected with the situation in Ukraine, reads a report.

The measures came into effect from the moment of documents publication.

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481 people, including 54 citizens of the Russian Federation, have asked for asylum in Ukraine since the beginning of 2016.

Deputy Director of the Department for Foreigners and Stateless Persons of the State Migration Service of Ukraine Petro Syniavsky said this during a meeting of the Ukrainian Parliaments Committee for Human Rights, National Minorities, and Interethnic Relations, an Ukrinform correspondent reports.

"481 people applied to the Migration Service with the request for recognition as a refugee or a person in need of additional protection for the first 9 months of 2016," he said.

According to him, 16 persons were granted refugee status, another 39 people were recognized as the people in need of additional protection, a number of applications are pending.

Syniavsky noted that 54 citizens of the Russian Federation have asked for asylum in Ukraine since the beginning of 2016. Five of them were recognized as refugees.

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Published November 17, 2016

MONROE, La.  The University of Louisiana Monroe welcomes the community to the grand opening ceremony for its completely renovated Sandel Hall and Barnes & Noble bookstore on Tuesday, Nov. 22 at 10 a.m.

The $17.4 million, 88,000-square-foot building is a one-stop shop for students, representing a major step forward in the revitalization of ULMs facilities. The building houses the university bookstore, the office of recruitment and admissions, the university registrar, financial aid, the scholarship office, campus radio stations, an innovation center, and other core administrative departments.

Although primarily an office building, Sandel Hall now also provides several multimedia classrooms and conference rooms with cutting-edge interactive features as well as a state-of-the art biology laboratory.

Opened in 1963, Sandel Hall first served as the university library. It was named after Monroe resident Percy M. Sandel, a judge of the fourth judicial court. Initially built as a two-story building, Sandel Hall received a third floor addition in 1977. The building served as the university library until 1999 when the current library opened. Since the librarys departure from the building, the facility has housed the universitys natural history museum, its herbarium, testing center, bookstore, and the office of recruitment and admissions.

The renovation of Sandel Hall began in 2014. The remodeling was designed by Bill Land of Land 3 Architect, whose family was also very influential in the development of ULMs campus infrastructure. Lands father was the original architect on Sandel Hall in 1961, and his grandfather was the original architect on the first building on ULM campus, Brown Hall, built in 1931.

Following the ribbon cutting ceremony, attendees will be invited to tour Sandel Hall and the Barnes & Noble bookstore.

Barnes & Noble is the largest retail bookseller in the U.S. and a leading retailer of content, digital media, and educational products in the country. ULM partnered with the company earlier this year to serve the campus and community as the official bookstore.

The bookstore opened its doors to ULM students on Feb. 29 and has enjoyed record sales during its brief tenure on campus. Their plan is to be more involved with the students and community by hosting events at the bookstore.

Speakers on the agenda include ULM President Dr. Nick J. Bruno, ULM Chief Communications Officer Lisa Miller, ULM Executive Vice President Dr. Stephen Richters, Senator Neil Riser and Bill Land of Land 3 Architect.

Refreshments will be provided.

Parking will be available in the lot adjacent to the Liew Family International Student Center, located on Northeast Drive just past the main campus entrance.
UNHCR, the UN Refugee Agency, today appointed prominent Indonesian businessman and philanthropist, Dato Sri Prof. Dr Tahir, as its third Eminent Advocate in recognition of his valuable and selfless work on behalf of millions of refugees.

At a special ceremony in Abu Dhabi, Dr Tahir said he was delighted and honoured to be named as UNHCRs first Eminent Advocate from Asia, before announcing that he and his family were donating US$10 million to support the education of refugee children around the world. This was in addition to the US$2 million that he donated earlier this year to UNHCRs Nobody Left Outside campaign to provide shelter for 2 million refugees by 2018.

After visiting Syrian refugees recently in Jordan, which hosts more than 650,000, Dr Tahir donated another US$1 million to UNHCRs cash assistance programme for Syrian refugees in the country and funded the cost of 10,000 jackets to protect them in the coming winter.

To give is to gain; and it is my belief, as it is in all religions, that we do not own our wealth  we only manage it, and it is up to us to be good managers, Dr Tahir, one of Indonesias wealthiest and most generous businessmen, said in a statement.

UN High Commissioner for Refugees Filippo Grandi thanked Dr Tahir for his generosity. I am very pleased to welcome Dato Sri Tahir as an Eminent Advocate for UNHCR, he said, hailing his real commitment to ensure the well-being of refugees around the world. Grandi handed over a certificate at the ceremony to mark the Indonesians appointment.

Dr Tahir is the founder and chairman of Indonesias Mayapada Group and the Tahir Foundation. He has gained a name for helping humanitarian causes with vital funding and through his commitment to raise public awareness about global refugee issues and engaging other business leaders to support refugees.

In Asia, no other individual has donated so much to UNHCR. As a key donor to the Nobody Left Outside, he has been named a Champion of the campaigns Global Shelter Coalition. This calls on private sector leaders to work with UNHCR to provide and improve shelter solutions for refugees around the world.

Eminent Advocate is one of UNHCRs most prestigious honorary titles. It is given to influential and valued supporters. The two other Eminent Advocates are Hamdi Ulukaya of the United States and Her Highness Sheikha Jawaher Al Qassimi of Sharjah.

Forced displacement has risen sharply in the past decade, largely a result of the Syria crisis, but also due to a proliferation of new conflicts and unresolved old ones. Without a major increase in funding, millions of people face life without adequate and safe shelter.

The private sector is an increasingly important donor source for UNHCR, contributing more than eight per cent of the organizations funding in 2015. Individuals and companies in the private sector are increasingly prominent and visible partners, bringing funding, technical expertise, creativity, and innovation, and are often well-positioned to drive policy change and influence public opinion.

To support Nobody Left Outside, please go to www.nobodyleftoutside.org

Click here to download photos

Photos from the ceremony will be available later at Refugees Media ( http://media.unhcr.org/)

Media contacts:
As Americas top attorney, Senator [Jeff] Sessions would put an end to the flagrant violation of federal immigration law by the more than 300 sanctuary cities and jurisdictions across the nation," said Dan Stein , president of the Federation for American Immigration Reform (FAIR).

NEW YORK - President-Elect Donald Trump's pick for U.S. Attorney General signals that enforcing federal immigration laws will be a top priority for the next administration, a conservative immigration group said Friday.

"For too long now, sanctuary cities have been all but ignored by the federal government, despite the undisputed fact that they serve as a beacon to illegal immigration. Their continued presence is a clear threat to national security, public safety, and the rule of law.

Earlier this week, Chicago Mayor Rahm Emanuel declared his defiance to the administration if it attempts to undermine his city's commitment to illegal immigrants. Twenty other mayors nationwide agreed with Emanuel's proclamation to defy federal laws concerning deportation.

The Alabama senator has decades of experience in the Senate, was instrumental in defeating mass amnesty bills, and is the leading voice for immigration policies that serve the national interest, Stein said.

Having served as the Chairman of the Senate Judiciary Subcommittee on Immigration and the National Interest, Senator Sessions expertise in the area of immigration is unmatched. Its hard to imagine a better pick for the Attorney General position than Senator Jeff Sessions."

Trump announced picking Sessions on Friday, and Sessions indicated he would accept the position.
In Iraq, and just over a month since the start of the Mosul offensive, UNHCR, the UN Refugee Agency, and partners have been intensifying life-saving, emergency help for tens of thousands of displaced people.

There has been a marked increase over the past week in the number of people fleeing after fighting intensified in the more densely-populated urban areas of Mosul. Of the 60,000 people who have fled their homes since the start of the campaign on October 17, around 40,000 have done so since the start of November. Close to half are children, according to UN data and UNHCR surveys. Women, girls and female headed households, some of whom are survivors of abuse, account for much of the rest.

The need for sustained funding support as winter approaches, and a redoubling of efforts to reach those displaced by the fighting, many of whom now live in rudimentary conditions in camps, is crucial. UNHCR is also calling again on all parties in the fighting to respect the rights and lives of civilians, and we emphasize the importance of freedom of movement for residents of Mosul. Civilians should not be prevented from leaving the city and should have access to safe areas. Equally, civilians must not be forced to return to unsafe areas.

In some areas, civilian infrastructure like water, power, schools and hospitals is damaged and medical services are often unavailable. Many people are going hungry due to lost livelihoods, curtailed food production and increased prices. Supplies of water for drinking and agriculture have been disrupted.

UNHCR currently has six camps open, hosting well over 14,000 people and with a capacity for 54,600. Three more are under construction and one is in planning. All told, the 10 camps will have capacity for 17,000 plots. Additional land is required for UNHCRs total planned 20,000 plots (with six people on average per family tent/plot), in order to provide shelter for 120,000 people in camps. If needed, UNHCR and its partners, including the Government of Iraq, can potentially host 700,000 people, including a number of shelter solutions outside of camps. But funding for this is crucial.

With partners, UNHCR is providing life-saving protection and assistance to newly-displaced families, making sure they have adequate shelter, and basic household items including mattresses, stoves, kitchen and hygiene sets and jerry cans. So far, more than 5,705 emergency relief packages have been distributed by UNHCR. And with temperatures declining, the focus is on protecting people against the weather and keeping them safe and warm. We plan to reach 1.2 million people in Iraq with special winterized kits including blankets, heating stoves, plastic tarpaulins and water and kerosene jerry cans. UNHCR is also providing cash assistance and plans to winter-proof 53,000 tents.

UNHCR is also bolstering protection monitoring and psychosocial and legal assistance through mobile teams to ensure timely interventions when problems are identified. Among the main concerns are family reunifications, supporting female-headed households, a lack of documentation and supporting victims of abuse.

In the camps, families who have spent more than two years under the control of armed groups, have spoken of tight restrictions and curtailed freedoms, as well as a lack of access to impartial information. To help fill this vacuum, UNHCR is supporting an initiative with BBC Media Action and Radio Nawa to initiate a programme to help newly-displaced families access timely information. This week, 2,000 small transistor radios were distributed in UNHCRs Hasansham camp. Radio Nawa has installed a new transmitter to reach the camp. Residents will be able to listen to an unbiased, non-partisan information service, take part in radio phone-ins, raise questions or comments, and engage on-air with local and central government officials and the Iraqi security forces. Further distributions are planned in other camps in coming weeks.

UNHCR would like to thank donors for the support that they have given to date. Still, we urgently need additional resources to support the tens of thousands living in miserable conditions. We remain deeply concerned about the plight of civilians and -- at the end of the first month of the campaign -- call for international humanitarian law to be upheld.

For more information on this topic, please contact:
UNHCR is deeply concerned about the safety and well-being of civilians in the northern part of Rakhine state, Myanmar. We are urging the government of Myanmar to ensure the protection and dignity of all civilians on its territory in accordance with the rule of law and its international obligations.

We appeal for calm and for humanitarian access to assess and meet the needs of thousands of people who have reportedly been displaced from their homes by the ongoing security operation. The affected population is believed to be in urgent need of food, shelter and medical care.

UNHCR urges the government of Myanmar to immediately allow humanitarian actors to resume the life-saving activities they had been carrying out for some 160,000 civilians in northern Rakhine State until such activities were suspended on 9 October.

We are also appealing to the government of Bangladesh to keep its border with Myanmar open and allow safe passage to any civilians from Myanmar fleeing violence.

For more information on this topic, please contact:
WASHINGTON - Emboldened last week by Illinois voters when they chose her to move from the U.S. House to represent them in the U.S. Senate, Friday disabled veteran Tammy Duckworth became the first Illinois elected official to endorse Congressman Keith Ellison to head the Democratic National Committee.

Duckworth's name was released along with several others Friday afternoon via tweet by NBC reporter Alex Seitz-Walz.

Ellison is one of the Democrats most radically Left members of Congress. He hails from Minnesota's 5th District, and was the first Muslim elected to federal office. When he was sworn into office in 2007, Ellison placed his hand on what is reported to have been Thomas Jefferson's copy of the Muslim holy book, the Koran.
The number of international students in America has now reached over one million for the very first time for the academic year 2015 to 2016. It almost doubled the number during the last highest record some ten years ago. The 7% increase compared to the last school term added up to the bulk.

However, there are reasons for U.S. schools to be concerned after the victory of Donald trump in the presidency. It would be harder to dominate the educational market place in the global arena with issues like tightening border entries, racism attacks and migrant indifference as observed during the election campaign.

It must be considered also that China is dedicated to compete with the U.S. in the educational front. They have invested heavily to attract students contrary to Donal Trump's flat rate policy to divert spending into his favored systems like charter schools and voucher colleges, as per the Wall Street Journal's report.

Jason Lane, chairman of the Department of News Corp which is a network of leading companies among the worlds of diversified media, news, education, and information services compared the possible decline during the 9/11 incident. It might has surpassed the one million mark at this point but cancellations are expected following Trump's win.

The act of terrorism 9/11 tragedy might differ from the current threat of Donald Trump against foreigners but the reported instability and chaos in universities as soon as he assumes office are enough to scare prospective interbational students away - and perhaps opt for China instead.

The fear of some U.S. schools is then very real. It might be temporary during the transition period as Donald Trump has changed his tone of speaking. Sad to say, if there are changes in the educational policies that involves these students, still remain to be seen, according to True Viral News.
For those wondering if getting college degrees really pay off in time with higher salary brackets, a new study conducted in Arizona has found that the higher the degree a person has, the higher the salary he or she receives.

The study, conducted among three universities governed by the Board of Regents, looked into the pay records of students who graduated from the Arizona State University, the University of Arizona, and Northern Arizona University, and found that those who achieved degrees earned higher than other Arizonan workers with only a high school diploma, The Arizona Republic reported.

"At a point in time when so many are questioning the value of college degrees, this study shows the value not just to students but to the state," Eileen Klein, president of the Board of Regents, told the paper. "A college degree beats no degree."

The study looked into the pay records of 271,000 people who graduated from those schools between the school years 1989-1990 and 2014-2015 and have never left the state. Self-employed individuals as well as federal employees were exempted.

The results showed the obvious difference in salaries corresponding to degrees. High school graduates earned a median average of $27,947 a year. Those who had undergraduate degrees earned more than $10,000 higher than that, with exact ranges varying depending on the major.

Those who had the most lucrative degrees earned higher. Engineering majors had a median wage of $86,443, followed by computer/information sciences ($83,227), engineering technologies ($77,204), business/marketing/management ($66,438) and health professions ($61,112).

Other less lucrative degrees still brought in more income to its holders: English language/literature ($42,834), communications technologies ($41,730), family/consumer services ($41,119), visual/performing arts ($40,474), and area/ethnic/cultural/gender studies ($40,281).

Graduate degree-holders even earned substantially higher incomes. The researchers found that over the 25-year period, more than 74,000 graduate degree holders earned a median average of $70,357. Details about the degrees and corresponding degrees are not stated.

This new report supports data released by Achieve60AZ, a community-based coalition, Arizona Education News reported in September. The data presented indicates that those with a High School diploma alone earned an average weekly salary of $651 (about $33,852 a year minus days/weeks without work), those with a bachelor's degree earned an average of $1,108 weekly (about $57,616 a year minus days/weeks without work), and master's degree holders earn an average of $1,329 a week ($69,108 a year minus days/weeks without work)
Sony's PlayStation 4 Pro has been known to have some connectivity issues with certain 4K televisions. Here are some quick guides on how to make sure that the UHD HDR TV you are planning to buy is compatible with the PS4 Pro.

TV Size And User's Purpose

Interestingly, Sony reportedly encourages PS4 Pro users to get the 60 inch TV set size or bigger; however, the size best suited for the living room will depend on its size and buyer's budget as well. 4K TV prices are certainly going down but they are not cheap. 4K TV that will mainly be used for game or for streaming video can also make a difference on the specs that best suits the buyer's need, according to videogamerplus.

4K TV Should Have the HDR10 Standard

It is important to note that 4K Television sets either support HDR 10, Dolby or both, but Sony's PlayStation 4 Pro only supports the HDR10. To add to the confusion, TV manufacturers have their own name for the HDR 10 as LG TV use the term HDR Pro, Sony terms it 4K HDR while Samsung refers to it as SUHD. However, make sure that the "HDR" TV uses the 10-bit panel and not the 8-bit. The most common resolution for a UHD 4K TV is at least 3840p x 2160p.

Choose The 4K TV With The Lowest Input Lag

It's natural to have some input lags, particularly when the HDR and 4K mode is switched on. Make sure that 4k TV input lag does not exceed 40ms or at least get the one that has a Game mode option.

A Word On 8-Bit Panel

8-Bit Panel TV owners can still play the PS4 Pro with it. Unfortunately, players will not get the full HDR viewing quality but a much cutback version of it. However, the AFRC 8-bit panel TV does a good a job of imitating HDR10 quality. It's also much cheaper alternative for those who don't want to spend a fortune in getting the real HDR 10 TV.
Cleveland State University officials have reminded all staff and faculty not to use any school resource to air their political opinions following an incident at the school, news reports say.

CSU general counsel Sonali Wilson sent an email Tuesday in response to an instructor who directed students to join a rally against President-elect Donald Trump, Cleveland.com reported.

'I am writing to remind everyone that because the University is an instrumentality of the state of Ohio, the use of university resources (e.g., email, letterhead, computers, websites, logos, etc.) to express personal opinions is not permissible," Wilson wrote.

The instructor, a part-time teacher in CSU's women studies program, posted the instructions on her personal Twitter account. CSU spokesperson Will Dube said that through her tweet she told students to "dress warmly" on Nov. 9 because they will march against the President-elect.

Dube said they only discovered the matter after several people responded to the instructor's tweets, tagging the university. School officials contacted the instructor, and the march did not push through.

"They could observe a march as part of a class project but specifically asking the class to protest is not allowed," he said.

Wilson reminded her and all CSU faculty and staff that they must never use the school as an avenue to air their political choices, as the school is non-partisan.

"In keeping with our tax-free status as a public educational institution, and in compliance with applicable law," Wilson wrote, "University faculty and staff should not express partisan positions in an official capacity using university resources or in any way to suggest or give the appearance that the University is sponsoring or supporting such positions."

Despite the email, Wilson explained that faculty and staff are entitled to their personal political opinions, but should only express them through personal accounts, and not through the university's resources.

Elsewhere, it is reported that a college did not just tell its students to join a rally against the President-elect. Rather, it actually sponsored some students to join a rally over the weekend.

Pomona College in Claremont, California, sponsored up to 70 students to join an anti-Trump rally, the Independent Journal Review reported. Specifically, Pomona College's Draper Center for Community Partnerships funded the transportation and accrued expenses of the students who officially joined.

Word has it that the IRS might come and investigate the matter, especially as Pomona College has a 501(c)(3) non-profit status.
The deed has been done. The plebiscite is in favor of those who want to leave the European Union (EU) and while the Conservative government has yet to reveal how Brexit will happen, people are already anticipating the impact it will have in business and society in the near future.

This includes UK's world class universities.

Life's work dedicated to science is being compromised

John Martin is an advanced medicine professor that teaches at the University College London (UCL) and Yale University, who considers the Brexit polls a self-inflicted wound.

Prof. Martin leads medical research at the UCL. His team is composed of the best researchers from all across Europe and some of their projects are funded by EU grants. Brexit not only makes the funding uncertain but also puts into question the ability to have the brightest minds in Europe on board.

One such project is the "small babies project" that has a 6 million budget. The research investigates fetal growth restriction which affects 300 infants per year. This is a disease of pregnant women where there is little blood flow in the womb which in turn affects babies, hindering their development. Some are born too small while others suffer from blindness, motor and learning disabilities and in some cases, death.

Given the risks involved in the research process, big pharmaceutical companies have shunned researching this disease. This is why Prof. Martin took on the difficult task and has successfully done animal trials of the treatment they have developed.

The team is preparing to test the treatment on humans next year but with the current turn of events he is doubtful this will happen.

He emphasizes the importance not just of funding but the ability to work collaboratively with a team of experts sharing not just resources but knowledge and insights that brings the benefits of these medical discoveries to a greater number of people. After Brexit, he knows it will be hard to work and collaborate with his current team researchers from Germany, Italy and France respectively.

It's saddening that years of biomedical work will get stalled or entirely scrapped all for what Dr. Martin calls an imagined notion of sovereignty.

A smaller college in Warwick faces the same dilemma. Prof. Nicholas Dale runs a biomedical company that investigates life-saving in vitro diagnostics, like Prof. Martin, he also heads an international team. His company, Sarissa is a small company that relies on critical supplies from Spain.

Prof. Dale is worried Brexit will add burden to companies like Sarissa with tariffs and possible additional bureaucratic processes. He is also anxious that UK will lose its voice in the industry's regulation after Brexit.

Brain drain all over again?

The case studies of Prof. Dale and Prof. Martin illustrates the intellectual impact of Brexit to universities. The lack of funding will mean researchers and students will look for better opportunities outside the UK.

Severing ties with the EU would also mean losing valuable access to talent within Europe. It will be harder to get foreign researchers and students on board.

The bleak situation of UK's universities reminded Nicholas Dale of the 1980s brain drain during the Thatcher government when the times were so hard there was literally "no jobs in British universities for research scientists". Noting that 4 of last month's Nobel Prize winners, Duncan Haldane, David Thouless, Michael Kosterlitz and Sir Fraser Stoddart are only a few of the British professors who sought opportunities in the US some 30 years ago.

A political perspective

Cambridge historian, Prof. Brendan Simms has a different opinion on Brexit. To him, this is a time for UK to renew itself. Noting that historically, Britain never "fitted in", Prof. Simms likened Brexit to the Reformation. He said it was time to embrace that Brexit will happen and that the more important question is the outcome: how Theresa May's government will execute Brexit and where these ensuing steps take the country and its relationship with the EU.

These sentiments of Prof. Simms echo a valid point that resonates with other academics, an entirely different discipline from science and medicine. The context of sovereignty is far more important than economics in politics.

Professor Sir Leszek Borysiewicz, vice-chancellor of Cambridge wants to make sure the university makes the most out of Brexit. In order to do so, he points the question back to the government and asked they make clarifications so that institutions like Cambridge can assess their situation.

Brexit has been anticipated but until the plebiscite, perhaps only a few have considered the unexpected and now that it is here, it will test UK's government and society and perhaps the academe can be the voice of reason in laying down the next steps.




STONE PARK - When the property lining up next door to the Missionary Sisters of St. Charles Borromeo was purchased to build a strip club, the sisters were understandably upset. But this week their prayers were answered after the Stone Park Liquor Commission revoked Club Allure strip club's liquor license.

For the sisters, as well as local residents, village officials finding that Club Allure violated an ordinance forbidding a liquor license within 100 feet of a church was a major victory. The Village of Stone Park Code of Ordinances (Village Code) says that No license shall be issued for the sale of any alcoholic liquor within 100 feet of any church or school.
Bath College students were required to prepare and cook a full four course meal for eighty people. And they are not doing it alone. Under the guidance of Bath's own top chefs, these college trainees work under pressure. The kitchen is not only the hot thing in the networking event.

The heat was on. All the college and trainee chefs were being monitored by eagle eye professionals. And they have a good reason. It is all for a good cause.

The event has top chefs from all over the area. Executive Head Chef David Campbell (The Royal Crescent) attended, as well as head chef Daniel Moon (The Gainsborough Hotel), and Michael Topp and Martin Black from The Manor House Hotel, cites Bath Chronicle. These top chefs guided eighty hopeful chefs to the world of cooking. The students needed to serve dinner for hospitality and catering professionals at the Bath College Shrubbery Restaurant.

The event was organized by the Chef's forum and the proceeds from the event is going to their charity "Hospital Action." The students do not only get the feel of working in the kitchen but also the pressure of making an event perfect and successful.

Laurel Penrose, the principal at Bath College, says that The Chef's forum has always supported the college when it comes to the student's learning experiences and resources.

The resources for the kitchen all came from participating chefs and sponsors who donated ingredients. They are all trying to minimize the food cost in order to raise funds for those who need it most. The whole event did not just enable students to gain experience, the event also gives the students to network with the industry's top chefs and suppliers.

On top of that, the attendees at the event said that the meal was delicious. Feel free to visit the Bath College Shrubbery Restaurant in Avon Street if you'd like to sample their work.
Several female students at Ohio University revealed that they have experienced sexual assault in campus. This comes as part of the school's efforts to assess and reduce sexual misconduct.

The Columbus Dispatch reported that a female student at Ohio University has a 13 percent chance of being raped. The institution asked about 1,000 women to answer a sexual-assault survey and found that 13 percent, or about 132, female students admitted that they had been raped during their time in the school.

The survey is one of the ways that Ohio University is taking to assess the culture in campus. It is also expected to help reduce sexual misconduct.

The survey was emailed to all 19,459 students. However, only 2,200 clicked on the link to take it. Moreover, only 1,350, or 6.9 percent, were able to complete the survey.

Officials and sexual assault experts in Ohio University admitted that most respondents were white, female and straight. They also acknowledged that the participants' narrow demographic may limit the survey's accuracy but believe that it's a good place to start.

"It's a baseline, and hopefully they'll have higher response rates in the future," Katie Hanna, executive director of the Cleveland-based Ohio Alliance to End Sexual Violence, said.

Several Ohio colleges and universities have conducted "campus climate" surveys. This is part of the state Department of Higher Education's "Changing Campus Culture" initiative.

According to NBC4i.com, the female students reported experiencing some kind of sexual misconduct while at Ohio University. The misconduct ranges from unwelcome comments that contain inappropriate sexual content to rape.

74 percent reported that they experienced sexual harassment by other students. 280 graduate students responded to the survey and 8.2 percent reported that they were victimized by unwanted sexual advances by faculty and staff.

"Sexual misconduct does occur on our campus," Sara Trower, executive director of Ohio University's Office for Equity and Civil Rights Compliance said in the release. "This is a serious problem, and we are committed to finding the best ways to solve this problem for our community."
The British theatre company, based in Stratford-upon-Avon, Warwickshire, England, is not only known for its plays and Shakespearean concepts. Recently, in partnership with Intel and in collaboration with The Imaginarium Studios, they were able to create a digital avatar of Ariel for the first time.

Using cutting edge and advanced technology, Intel was able to render a character digitally and in real-time format. They were then able to project the image on stage during a live performance, cites Business Wire.

They no longer need actors and aspiring performers to float around on stage for Shakespeare's "The Tempest." Ariel, the spirit in the play that serves the magician Prospero, is now a digital enhancement for the performance.

This eliminates the need of floating with wires and smoke screens during a live performance. Plus, it is a much safer option. The concept came aobut when RSC director Gregory Doran was inspired by the lighting effects in the Jacobean masques. He wanted to do something for the theater and also thought that Shakespeare would have wanted to do something similar.

This is the first time that The Royal Shakespeare Company is joining forces with a Tech company like Intel and The Imaginarium Studios. By capturing the actor's movements and expressions, they were able to transfer it to the stage. Although this kind of technology is not new as it is always used in movies and games, this is entirely new for performances on stage.

Using The Imaginarium's digital inventiveness and the technological prowess of Intel, the Company was able to create a production that would excite the audience. It is described as a human digital interaction that gives the feeling of Ariel being alive but at the same time retains the feel of a theater performance.

The company's work using live theater reaches over half a million people every year through their education work and class room work shops.
For information only - not an official document

UNIS/MA/155

17 November 2016

MEDIA ADVISORY

Media representatives are invited to the

Designation of United Nations Champion for Space

10.45am, 20 November 2016

Grand Hyatt Dubai, Dubai, United Arab Emirates

VIENNA/DUBAI, 17 November (UN Information Service) - On Sunday 20 November, the formal designation of the first ever United Nations Champion for Space will take place.

Media representatives are invited to attend the signing of the letter of designation at 10.45am at the Grand Hyatt Dubai with the Champion for Space and the Director of the United Nations Office for Outer Space Affairs (UNOOSA) Simonetta Di Pippo.

The United Nations Champion for Space will help UNOOSA promote space as a tool for achieving the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development and the 17 Sustainable Development Goals, as well as raise awareness of UNOOSA's activities.

The signing of the letter of designation will take place during the first United Nations/United Arab Emirates High Level Forum on Space as a Driver for Socio-Economic Development, organized by UNOOSA in conjunction with the United Arab Emirates Space Agency and hosted by the Mohammed Bin Rashid Space Centre. The Forum will bring together stakeholders from across the broader space community to identify ways to harness space technology and applications for socio-economic development.



***

A media advisory containing further details of the High Level Forum is available here:

http://www.unoosa.org/oosa/en/ourwork/hlf/first-hlf-meeting.html

***

Follow @UNOOSA on Twitter for updates.

* *** *

Media representatives who would like to attend or request interviews should contact:

Daria Brankin

United Nations Office for Outer Space Affairs (UNOOSA)

Telephone: +43 699 1459 8718

Email: daria.brankin[at]unoosa.org
Oct. 26, 2022

U.S. AIR FORCE ACADEMY, Colo.  Cadets got the unique experience of interacting with and learning from the 12 Outstanding Airmen of the Year for 2022 at the U.S. Air Force Academy Sept. 27-29. The National Character and Leadership Symposium sponsored the visit and three days of activities.The 12
On the Occasion of Latvia's National Day

Washington, DC - Secretary of State John Kerry: "On behalf of President Obama and the American people, I congratulate Latvia on the 98th anniversary of your independence on November 18.

"Latvia is a strong partner and ally of the United States. The strength of our relationship was underscored by Vice President Bidens participation in the Baltic Summit hosted by Latvia in August. Together with the leaders of Estonia and Lithuania, we reaffirmed our friendship and strong commitment to our mutual security. The United States stands firmly with Latvia and all our NATO Allies to promote peace, freedom, and unity in Europe and around the world.

"The United States and Latvia will also continue to deepen our economic ties. I congratulate the Latvian people on joining the OECD this year. It is an important recognition of Latvias progress and heralds your place among advanced economies in the world.

"We look forward to partnering with Latvia to advance growth, prosperity, and leadership on the world stage in the years to come. The United States wishes you and your citizens all the best on this important and special day."
Published: November 18, 2016

UTs Sykes College of Business Named One of the Best Graduate Business Schools by Bloomberg Businessweek

The University of Tampas Sykes College of Business has been named for the first time as a best graduate business school by Bloomberg Businessweek in its annual ranking of 87 full-time U.S. MBA programs.



The ranking was based on data compiled from more than 1,000 recruiters, 15,000 alumni and 9,000 recent graduates.



Ranked 78th, the Sykes College of Business did particularly well in surveys of alumni and current students. Only two other Florida business schools  the Hough Graduate School of Business at the University of Florida (46) and the University of Miami School of Business Administration (57)  were included in the ranking.



The full ranking can be accessed at www.bloomberg.com/features/2016-best-business-schools/.



The Sykes College of Business offers both undergraduate and graduate coursework. Graduate students can pursue an MBA, as well as Master of Science degrees in accounting, entrepreneurship, finance and marketing. There are joint M.S./MBA degrees, as well as part-time, full-time and executive MBA programs.



Frank Ghannadian, dean of the Sykes College of Business, said the college attracts students from around the globe and is renowned for graduating students who make immediate impact in the business community and within their countries.



This is a big deal to be ranked by Bloomberg Businessweek, Ghannadian said. Im proud of all the business students who work extremely hard to reach their goals, faculty who are outstanding teachers and scholars, and the vibrant business community that supports the College of Business every day, Ghannadian said.



He added that numerous businesses recruit annually at The University of Tampa, including T. Rowe Price, Citigroup, Syniverse Technologies, Coca-Cola Enterprises and Franklin Templeton Investments.



Within an 80,000 sq.-ft. facility, the College of Business offers state-of-the-art resources such as the Huizenga Family Foundation Trading Center and more than 1,300 data ports and Wi-Fi for high-speed access. It is also home to the Center for Ethics, TECO Energy Center for Leadership, Naimoli Institute for Business Strategy and the John P. Lowth Entrepreneurship Center.



The Sykes College of Business is accredited by the Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business (AACSB) and is one of the few business schools in the Southeast accredited at both the graduate and undergraduate levels.
Prime Minister Yemen has reaffirmed his government's decision to reject a ceasefire offer by John Kerry, the US secretary of state, a day after heavy fighting between government troops and opposition forces in various parts of Yemen left 51 dead.

The Arab coalition and Houthi fighters agreed to a temporary cessation of hostilities starting on November 17.

Fighting in Taiz and its surroundings on Tuesday killed 39 people, including five civilians, 20 soldiers and 14 fighters, military officials also said.

The UN says more than 7,000 people have been killed and nearly 37,000 wounded in Yemen since the Arab coalition launched a military campaign in March 2015 in support of the internationally recognised Hadi government against the Houthis.

Millions are in need of food aid, and another 21 million people urgently need health services, according to the UN.

Six attempts to clinch a ceasefire in Yemen have failed so far, including a three-day October truce that fell apart as soon as it went into force.

Against this backdrop of continued conflict, Human Rights Watch says the Houthis and other authorities in Sanaa have "arbitrarily detained, tortured and forcibly disappeared" opponents.

The New York-based rights watchdog cited on Thursday two recent deaths in custody and 11 cases of torture, calling on authorities to take action.

It also said that a local rights organisation, Mwatana, was working on over 2,500 cases of detained and disappeared people.

Shortly after the announcement, Abdel-Malek al-Mekhlafi, the foreign minister, said his government was not interested in the latest ceasefire plan involving the Houthis.

He repeated the government's stance on Thursday, saying there was no agreement but just "a declaration which means nothing".

"We have rejected the agreement because there is no agreement in principle," Mekhlafi told Al Jazeera.

"We have only a declaration that means nothing. It's an agreement between Kerry and the Houthis.

"We have our own reasons to refuse it because it doesn't commit to the international agreement and gives a lot of power to the Houthis, more than what the Yemeni people accept. Houthis are a minority in the country."

On Wednesday, forces loyal to President Abd-Rabbu Mansour Hadi engaged in combat with the Iran-allied Houthis and their allies in the Arabian Peninsula nation's northwest, near the border with Saudi Arabia.

The fighting came as loyalists launched an attack on three fronts to recapture the coastal town of Midi and nearby Haradh, the officials quoted by the AFP news agency said.

Fifteen loyalists and 23 fighters were killed in the clashes, they said.

"Our military operations will continue until we push them out," said army Colonel Abdul Ghani al-Shubaili, whose forces had air support from an Arab coalition assembled by Saudi Arabia that is backing Hadi.

Elsewhere, nine fighters and four soldiers were killed in fighting on the outskirts of the flashpoint city of Taiz, in southwest Yemen, military officials said.

Pro-Hadi forces have advanced towards the city's presidential residence and police headquarters, both under opposition control, witnesses said, reporting heavy fighting and loud explosions that shook the city.


Twenty-five years ago today, the first euphoric and historic Blue Man Group performance took place at the Astor Place Theatre in New York (Pictured: Blue Man Group get Keys to the Las Vegas Strip).

Todays celebrations include:

Blue Man Group Day:

Iconic locations around the country home to Blue Man Groups permanent theatrical productions have all declared Nov. 17, 2016 as Blue Man Group Day:

The State of New York (Certificate of Recognition)

New York City

Clark County, Nevada

The City of Las Vegas

The State of Nevada (Certificate of Recognition)

Orange County, Florida

The City of Orlando

The City of Boston

The State of Illinois

The City of Chicago

Special Displays:

Earlier today, Blue Man Group Co-Founders and original Blue Men Chris Wink, Phil Stanton and Matt Goldman, along with the Blue Men, flipped a switch on the iconic Empire State Building, turning the 72nd floor and above blue.

In Orlando, Universal Orlando Resort has illuminated its iconic entryway arches blue.

Various MGM Resorts International marquees all over the famed Las Vegas Strip are displaying special celebratory messaging.

Earlier this week on Monday (Nov. 14), Blue Man Group at Luxor Hotel and Casino received a Key to the Las Vegas Strip from Clark County Commissioner Steve Sisolak in a presentation at the Blue Man Theater at Luxor Hotel and Casino. Blue Man Group has performed its award-winning production on the famed Las Vegas Strip for more than 10,000 shows.

Last night (Nov. 16) Blue Man Groups wax figures made their Times Square debut at Madame Tussauds New York. The figures, never before featured at the attractions New York location, will remain for fans to interact with through December 24, 2016.

Street Renaming:

The New York City Mayors Office temporarily renamed Astor Place, the location in which the group held their very first performance 25 years ago, to Blue Man Way for the day.

Blue Man Vegas Getaway:

Fans looking to celebrate with Blue Man Group are encouraged to enter a special Blue Man Vegas Getaway*. Take a photo of your best party face and share it on Instagram or Twitter with the hashtags #BlueManPartyFace, #Contest and @bluemangroup for a chance to win a three-day, two-night trip for two to Las Vegas including airfare, hotel, two tickets to Blue Man Group with a VIP experience and copies of Blue Man World and album THREE.

*No Purchase Necessary. Enter contest between 11/17/16 at 10:00 a.m. ET and 12/4/16 at 11:59 p.m. ET. Open to legal residents of the 50 U.S. & D.C. 21 years of age or older at time of entry. Limit 1 entry per person. Visit www.blueman.com/partyface for full details on how to enter, eligibility requirements, prize description and limitations. Void where prohibited. Sponsor: Blue Man Productions, LLC, 599 Broadway, New York, NY 10012


The Hanoi Opera House is an iconic landmark Last week, Viettel Corporation, Hoa Phat Corporation, Asia Commercial Bank and Hoa Phat-A Chau Real Estate Company sent a proposal to the Hanoi Peoples Committee to invest between VND3 and 5 trillion ($158 to $263 million) in the Thang Long Theatre in the Tay Ho Tay urban area.



In exchange, these companies wanted the right to use 600 hectares in Dong Anh district, north of the Red River, for an urban development, to recover their investment costs. A source from Hanoi Peoples Committees Urban Department told VIR that it had received the proposal, however, it faced many difficulties.



The source said the projects final investment had not been fixed because the architecture was still being studied and the amount of capital under the build-transfer model was unclear. Also, Hanois master plan had not been approved by the prime minister, so no decisions could be made over the Dong Anh area.



The proposal from investors to take the project in the form of build-transfer is good, because it will save the citys budget. However, we cant consider anything right now, because the project is already on track and it will take time to change it away from its current plan, she added.



VIR learned that the committee had planned to set up the Thang Long Theatre using the citys budget, at an estimated cost of around VND2.4 trillion ($126 million).



As of last week, land clearance and compensation for the project were underway and a groundbreaking ceremony would happen before October, to celebrate the 1,000-year anniversary of Thang Long-Hanoi.

The Thang Long Theatre location has been changed three times since the idea originated three years ago.



In 2007 the theatre was set to be built in Tu Liem districts Me Tri commune, near the National Convention Centre and Hanoi Museum. However, one year later the committee decided to move the theatre to Quang An commune, Tay Ho district, and the former site was earmarked for a hotel project.



Last year, the developers of Tay Ho Tay township project committed to hand over a piece of land to the committee for public construction, and the theatre was once again moved to the 25ha site in the Tay Ho Tay urban area. The theatre is designed to have different functions, with an area for classical concerts, traditional music and traditional arts, with open air arts and room for large-scale public events.



Currently, the nations biggest theatre is the Hanoi Opera House, which is a single building set up during the French colonial, with only 900 seats.
Boeing 737 belonging to Batik Air at Ngurah Rai International Airport. Indonesias Lion Air expects to operate in Viet Nam under its Batik Air brand name in 2017. -Photo thejakartapost.com

According to the memorandum, the joint venture will be called Batik Air in Viet Nam.

Additionally, Lion Air will hold 49 per cent of the shares, while their Vietnamese partner will retain the remaining 51 per cent. Plans for the joint operation are expected to be completed in the second quarter of 2017.

In 2014, Lion Air initially sought to establish a new airline in Australia, in which the company would hold 100 per cent of the shares. However, Lion Airs co-founder, Rusdi Kirana, stated that this plan was delayed because the airline decided to expand their operation in the ASEAN market.

Lion Air is based in Jakarta, Indonesia and is the countrys largest private airline, operating as a low-cost carrier and the second largest low-cost airline in Southeast Asia, after AirAsia.
On November 15, the ninister answered questions of National Assembly deputies regarding various problems, including the five ailing multimillion dollar projects invested in by companies where the state ownership is handled by the ministry.

Anh said that the projects failed because of market conditions. For example, the price of oil has fluctuated greatly in recent years, causing the plants producing fiber, urea, and ethanol to become uncompetitive.

Anh added that other reasons contributing to the current state of these five companies included the lack of capacity on the side of the developers and the project management units when they carry out the project and supervise the contractors.

He said that the MoIT is trying to point out who exactly is responsible for the failure. The Government Inspectorate, the State Audit of Vietnam, and the Inspectorate of the Ministry of Finance have started investigation. The ministry will report the results to the National Assembly in the next plenum, he said.

Regarding the future of these projects, the minister said that any solution will have to prioritise protecting the state capital as well as be appropriate to the market economy and current international commitments.

We may sell or declare bankruptcy if needed. The government has asked relevant ministries and government agencies for a report. The ministry already submitted a report on the Thai Nguyen Iron and Steel project, Dinh Vu Polyester Fibre and Yarn and Dung Quat Bio-Ethanol Plant, so the government will make a decision soon, he said.

He also said whoever is responsible may be sued and prosecuted.

The five failing multi-million dollar projects where the Ministry of Industry and Trade handles the states stakes are:

1. The VND7 trillion ($314 million) Dinh Vu Polyester Fibre and Yarn Plant invested by Vietnams state-owned oil and gas group PetroVietnam;

2. The VND2.2 trillion ($99 million) Dung Quat Bio-Ethanol Plant invested by Binh Son Refinery-Biofuel;

3. The VND8 trillion ($360 million) expansion of Thai Nguyen Iron and Steel plant Phase II, invested by Thai Nguyen Iron and Steel JSC;

4. The VND3 trillion ($134.5 million) Phuong Nam Pulp Mill invested by Transport & Industry Development Invesment JSC (Tracodi). In 2009, the management of the project was taken over by state-run Vietnam Paper Corporation.

5. The $667 million Ninh Binh nitrogenous fertiliser plant invested by Vietnam National Chemical Group (Vinachem)
Britain's Prince William, Duke of Cambridge poses with an activist dressed as a white rhinoceros after delivering a speech at the Hanoi conference on illegal wildlife trade being held in Hanoi on November 17, 2016. (Photo: AFP/STR)

With its growing class of wealthy elites, Vietnam has become a main market for rhino horn and ivory and a key transit route for the smuggling of illegal wildlife products from Africa to other Asian countries, notably China.

William, a conservation champion, urged governments around the world to act to save vulnerable species before it is too late.

"We know that we aren't moving fast enough to keep up with the crisis. Rhinos, elephants, pangolins, lions, they are still being killed in horrifying numbers," he said at the Hanoi Conference on Illegal Wildlife Trade.

"While we've made progress, the truth is we are still falling behind. A betting man would still bet on extinction."

The prince cautioned that poachers and trafficking syndicates are becoming more sophisticated and said appetites for wildlife products such as ivory and rhino horn need to be stamped out.

The global illegal wildlife industry, worth an estimated $20 billion, is driven chiefly by demand in Vietnam and China for decorations or traditional medicines with little or no proven benefit.

Stricter law enforcement in China in recent years has driven many buyers to Vietnam, which conservation groups have said is failing to punish criminals and enforce the law.

'TIME BOMB'

Pressure on Vietnam has seen much of the trade move to the web, led by China's popular social media platform WeChat.

"Online they're still operating unimpeded, Facebook, WeChat, there's still a tremendous amount of wildlife being offered for sale," said Wildlife Justice Commission director Olivia Swaak-Goldman.

"We are at a time bomb... if we keep going this way we won't have any more of these iconic species."

In an illustration of the challenges, a WJC investigation Nhi Khe village just 20 kilometres (12 miles) south of Hanoi found a major black market for illegal wildlife products such as tiger skins, rhino horns, ivory and pangolins.

Their year-long probe also uncovered hollowed out rhino feet and baby tiger cub wine for sale, mostly for Chinese tourists.

There were no illegal wildlife products to be found in the village Thursday, with one shopowner telling AFP it has become increasingly difficult to find such items.

"There used to be shops selling ivory, now I don't hear of them anymore. If there are, they must be doing it secretly. It's not easy to buy, you need to be introduced by someone who trusts you," said the man, who runs a trinket shop, declining to provide his name.

Vietnam's vice president earlier echoed Prince William's urgent appeal.

"The illegal wildlife trade on a global scale has increased and become more complicated," said Dang Thi Ngoc Thinh.

"This is a global issue and no single industry, sector or country can effectively combat the problem of illegal wildlife trafficking," she added, urging international cooperation to combat the scourge.

More than 40 countries are represented at the two-day meeting, alongside NGOs and conservation groups, the third held since Britain hosted it in 2014 and Botswana last year.
The Trump team has said it will invest US$550 billion to boost lagging US growth and renovate infrastructure. (Photo: AFP/Mark Wallheiser)

But while the promised big works program has momentum, the details are fuzzy.

Trump mentioned the infrastructure plan in his first speech after his election victory Nov 8.

"We are going to ... rebuild our highways, bridges, tunnels, airports, schools, hospitals," he said, describing a major works project with Keynesian appeal and very unusual for a Republican.

The Trump team has since said it will invest US$550 billion to boost lagging US growth and renovate infrastructure that has been neglected for too long.

There is little debate on that last point in the United States where the highways are congested, the railway network is aging, and bridges are collapsing.

Several rail disasters - in Philadelphia and Hoboken, New Jersey - the scandal over contaminated water in Flint, Michigan, and the repeated failures of the Metro system in the nation's capital, have highlighted an implacable reality.

Since 1959, infrastructure spending has decreased to 2.4 per cent of gross domestic product from 3 per cent, according to the Congressional Budget Office.

"There's a lot of needs out there and we've deferred maintenance on a lot of these systems for too long," Ed Mortimer, executive director for Transportation Infrastructure at the US Chamber of Commerce, told AFP.

He explained that the saturation of the US road network was hampering trade and complicating the lives of workers.

The American Society of Civil Engineers said the infrastructure "deficit" will cost every household $3,400 a year by 2025, and estimates the total investment needed by 2020 at $3.6 trillion.

Air transport also is a concern. Bemoaning the state of US airports during the campaign, Trump said "we've become a third world country."

FUZZY DETAILS

President Barack Obama for years tried to get approval for spending to improve public transport - also as a means of spurring jobs and economic growth - but he was consistently blocked by congressional Republicans, particularly in the run-up to the elections.

The changing of the guard at the White House could unlock the budget, to the great satisfaction of institutions that insist just such a fiscal stimulus program is needed to make up for the lost potency of monetary policy.

The International Monetary Fund already has labeled Trump's plan as "necessary."

The Democratic leader of the House, Nancy Pelosi, pledged to "work together to quickly pass a robust infrastructure jobs bill" with the Trump administration.

Even business groups, traditionally averse to public spending, look favorably on the proposal.

"This is one of those areas where it's appropriate for the federal government to invest," Matt Sonnesyn, vice president of the Business Roundtable, told AFP. "This is the kind of investment that pays dividends to the economy, that does pay for itself over time."

The question, however, remains: how will Donald Trump finance these major projects?

There are several avenues ranging from public-private partnerships to taxing the profits of multinationals held abroad.

Other politically dangerous solutions would include using toll roads or increasing the federal fuel tax, which has not been altered since 1993.

One thing is certain: federal spending for this program will be more than symbolic, and runs the risk of alienating some Republicans and burdening public finances already jeopardised by the massive tax cuts that Trump also has promised.

"If you have big tax cuts and big increases in military and infrastructure spending then the benefits (to the economy) could evaporate rapidly and the overall effects could turn negative in the longer run," Mark Zandi, chief economist at Moody's Analytics told AFP.

Project selection also will be crucial and must avoid the past practice of funding pet projects to satisfy political allies who want a new road or bridge in their district for their constituents.

"It's hard to get legislation passed that doesn't allocate money broadly, so that everybody gets some regardless of whether it's justified," said Clifford Winston of the Brookings Institute.

"We have to take a much more careful look at the cost and benefits of what we're doing instead of saying that we need to spend more."
Workers at a shrimp processing factory in Tra Vinh. - VNA/VNS Photo Vu Sinh

Truong inh Hoe, secretary of the Viet Nam Association of Seafood Exporters and Producers (VASEP), made the statement at a round table on improving the competitiveness of Viet Nams shrimp industry. The meeting was held by the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Developments General Department of Fisheries, VASEP and GIZs Integrated Coastal Management Programme in Can Tho on Tuesday.

The dialogue attracted 100 participants from central and local state offices, businesses and farmers in Cuu Long (Mekong) River Delta.

The General Department of Fisheries said Viet Nam had 700,000ha shrimp rearing land in 30 provinces and cities. The total area of rearing shrimp was expected to increase to bring millions of jobs and develop a supply chain for medicine, feed, services and processing activities.

Hoe said in 2015, Viet Nam was the second largest shrimp producer in the world, accounting for 14 per cent of global market share. Viet Nams shrimp exporters exported large amounts of giant tiger prawns to the US and Australia.

Local shrimp enterprises have expanded their market shares while the shrimp industries in Thailand and China have been hit by diseases, he said.

Viet Nam would face difficulties in exports when Thailand and Chinas shrimp industries recover if local enterprises dont reduce production costs and improve the quality of export shrimp, Hoe said.

Vo Van Phuc, director of Viet Nam Clean Fishery JSC, said at the dialogue that the shrimp industry has had low output and high production costs and was dependant on the demand of Chinese traders.

In addition, farmers and processing enterprises have not created production and business chains, he said. The local supply industry has not met demand of the processing sector while the state has not paid much attention to developing the processing sector.

Hoe said domestic production costs had risen, including feed, varieties, electricity and water costs. The shrimp industry lacks strong links between farmers and processors and has few value-added products. Some state policies for industry have been insufficient. Meanwhile, markets such as Japan and Australia have enhanced regulations controlling food safety for imported shrimp.

Hoe said to improve the competitiveness of Vietnamese shrimp on the world market, the local shrimp industry must reduce production costs and improve food safety.

The enterprises should make use of preferential tariffs under free trade agreements and follow export markets closely to create reasonable business plans, he said.

Phuc said the State should only give operation licences for enterprises meeting conditions about food safety and operation environment. It should also enhance management for quality of material, chemical products and animal medicines.

Many participants said the local shrimp industry should have transparency of input production and increase the quality of varieties and feed.
However, the deals value has yet to be disclosed due to the continuous loss.

Established in 2008, VNPT Epay is one of Vietnam's leading providers of electronic payment services. VNPT Epay was founded by Vietnam Posts and Telecommunications Group (VNPT), holding of 35 per cent, and VMG, with 62.25 per cent.

Apart from its holdings-to-be-divested in VNPT Epay, VMG owns 50.5 per cent of OCG Technology JSC and 51 per cent of Imedia Services and Technology JSC.

Earlier, in late 2015, VMG bought a 68.65 per cent stake, equalling 6.6 million shares, in Lingo.vn, a Vietnamese e-commerce website from Singapore-based Yellow Star Investment Fund. However, in late August 2016, the e-commerce website was closed.

UTC is a private equity and venture capital firm specialising in buying out and investing in start-ups. It also engages in corporate restructuring.

In addition, the firm seeks to invest in the information services, petro-chemistry, and energy sectors. It prefers to invest in South Korea with a focus on Seoul and Gyeonggi-do. The firm makes cross-border investments, primarily in China and Japan.
The $300-million joint venture is expected to become Vietnams pre-eminent hotel platform and looking to expand into other leading hospitality markets in Southeast Asia. The long-term goal is to capture the fast growth in tourist arrivals, especially from China, to the region over the next 5-10 years.

The joint venture seeks to grow its assets through acquiring, repositioning, and enhancing well-situated city hotels in key first-tier cities and developing luxury resorts in leading resort destinations across Southeast Asia.

Besides, it plans to acquire and partner with other hotel management companies and platforms to further enhance its management capabilities, brand, and asset coverage.

With tourist arrivals expected to more than triple over the next ten years in the region, hospitality and tourism will be at the forefront of driving the regions fast growth. We look forward to expanding the footprint of the joint venture across the region with the goal of an eventual IPO, said Jeffrey Perlman, managing director and head of Southeast Asia at Warburg Pincus.

Founded in 1966, Warburg Pincus is a leading global private equity firm that focuses on growth investment. It manages more than $40 billion in private equity assets and has raised 15 private equity funds that have invested in excess of $58 billion in more than 760 companies and 40 countries.

The firm has a proven investment track record in the consumer and retail sectors globally and in Asia, building successful businesses and leading brands, such as CAR Inc., Kidswant, Intime Department Store, and Red Star Macalline, as well as Franshion Properties and 7 Days Inn.

Earlier in June 2015, Warburg Pincus completed a follow-on minority investment of approximately $100 million in Vincom Retail, a subsidiary of Vingroup. This brings Warburg Pincus total investment in Vincom Retail to $300 million, making it one of the largest investments by a private equity firm ever in Vietnam.

Meanwhile, VinaCapital is a leading investment management and real estate development firm in Vietnam, with a diversified portfolio of $1.4 billion in assets under management.

VinaCapital has disbursed its investments in Vietnamese private companies through its closed-end investment fund, Vietnam Opportunity Fund (VOF). The latest VOF investment was an investment partnership with German KfW Group's DEG Fund, to pump $30 million into Vietnamese wood product manufacturer An Cuong Wood-Working Materials.


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For almost 30 years, Pennsylvania's electoral college votes have gone to Democratic presidential candidates. But on election night, this battleground state went for Donald Trump. VOA's Katherine Gypson talked to Trump supporters from Bucks County, Pennsylvania, who were still surprised the day after his historic win. VOA Khmer's Cheoung Pochin narrates.
When he takes office as president, Donald Trump will work shoulder to shoulder with leaders of NATO's top member states, who are women. During the campaign, Trump was accused of having a disrespectful attitude toward women. The concern adds to questions of whether he will sustain the U.S. commitment to defend members of the world's most powerful alliance. VOA Europe Correspondent Luis Ramirez reports. VOA Khmer's Sou Pichchinda narrates.
An activist who was detained on violence charges for taking part in a protest outside the residence of Prime Minister Hun Sen has called for security camera footage of the incident to be released.



A court in Phnom Penh on Thursday held a hearing in the case against Tep Vanny, a prominent housing activist from the Boeung Kak Lake area. The court denied her request for bail.



The incident was alleged to have taken place in March 2013.

Touch Thavarith, Appeals Court spokesman, said Judge Nguon Ratana had refused the bail request on the grounds that her release could endanger public security.



If she was granted bail, she would violate the law and commit crimes again, he said. The investigation is not complete yet.

As she was leaving the courtroom, Vanny, visibly upset, said she was not a criminal and had no hope after being denied bail.



She said if the security camera footage of the alleged incident was released it would prove her innocence.



Those culprits who committed real crimes are still living freely outside jail, he said. They are people in positions of authority.



They violate the citizens land rights and make them suffer.



Thavarith declined to comment further on the verdict or the possibility that security camera footage could be released.



Am Sam Ath, a senior investigator at Licadho, a local rights group, said Vanny had been targeted because she was a popular land rights activist who challenged the authoritys narrative.



She will be released when the political situation has improved, he said.



Along with Vanny, on August 22, the Phnom Penh Municipal Court sentenced fellow activist Bov Sophea to six days in jail and a fine for taking part in a banned demonstration.



However, while Sophea was released, Vanny was held because over two separate cases, the violence case and another related to alleged insults levied at officials.



Human Rights Watch, among dozens of other rights groups, has called on the court to drop all charges against Vanny and other activists they say have been jailed on spurious charges.
A court in Cambodia has sentenced an opposition senator to a year and six months behind bars and a fine for reportedly making comments linking Prime Minister Hun Sen to the killing of prominent political commentator Kem Ley.



Thak Lany, a senator for the Sam Rainsy Party, was sued by Hun Sen in early August after a video emerged, posted on pro-ruling party website Freshnews, that purported to show Lany blaming Hun Sen for the July 10 killing.



Touch Thavrak, Phnom Penh Municipal Court judge, added that Lany would be required to pay a 100 riel (about 2 cents) compensation payment to Hun Sen as a symbolic gesture.



Sam Sokong, Lanys lawyer, said the decision was unfair and the court had not reviewed key evidence in the case.



If we look at the seriousness of the case, it was minimal, but the court decided to detain my client. This was so inappropriate, he said.



Thavrak, the spokesman, said the decision of the court was final, but Lanys legal team could file an appeal if they wished.



Since the charges was laid, Lany has left the country to avoid legal proceedings.



Chhun Bun San, Lanys husband, claimed that the video published by Freshnews had been doctored.



All Khmer people around the country, nobody would dare do something like that, and Thank Lany didnt dare to say that either.



Ki Tech, Hun Sens lawyer, said he was satisfied with the verdict.



What can we do with 100 riel? I think we all know we cannot do anything with 100 riel, but it shows the people that this is the law, he said.



Sok Sam Oeun, an leading human rights lawyer, said the courts interpretation of the case was vague and could restrict freedom of speech and expression.



For example, if we incited someone to kill people, it would count as incitement. But inciting a crime without knowing what you are inciting...I think the interpretation of the court is incorrect, he said.



A case like this can be used for political gain, and incitement can affect freedom of expression.
Street vendors on Monday were left feeling disappointed after sales were down as the water festival returned to Phnom Penh but with far fewer showing up for the event.



The government has suspended the festival, which runs over three days, for four of the past five years since a deadly stampede in 2010 killed more than 350 people in the capital.



The festival returned in 2014 but was canceled again last year ostensibly due to low rainfall, but also amid political tensions that many say were the real reason behind the decision.



The suspensions and fear since the stampede kept people away this year, with vendors reporting up to 40 percent decreases in trade.



Touch Srey Oun, 23, who sells organic health products outside Botum Vatey Pagoda near the Royal Palace, said she had failed to sell much of the produce which she would normally easily offload over the festival period.



I dont think people knew about this years festival, she said.





Khouy Rayuth, a clothes seller, said he also saw a large drop in sales.



The people have started to not be excited by this festival, he said.



Sman Chanthou, a tire seller, said she had only managed to sell half of her stock, adding that she thought the recent cancellations of the festival had changed peoples behavior.



Some people now go to the provinces, and others stay in town, she said.



Sous Oudom, another trader, said numerous road blocks set up across town had deterred people from going to Koh Pich, where many street sellers set up shop and where the stampede occurred in 2010.



This year, too many roads were blocked, he said.
Not enough young Cambodians are interested in science, technology, engineering and math.



That is the view of Education Minister Hang Chuon Naron, who attended last week an event where four young Cambodians showed off the results of their research: innovations in water distillation; video game creation and the health impact of processed drinks.



Only 3 percent of students choose to study the so-called STEM subjects at university, according to the ministry, while almost half choose management degrees.



However, Naron says there are signs that this imbalance is changing.



At the event, which launched the STEM HUB and a magazine aimed at young people interested in gaining technical skills, Young Scientists, he said he hoped it would encourage our youth to study science subjects.



He said that more students are opting for the sciences, which provided essential skills needed for development in the modern world, adding that universities had seen a 40 to 50 percent increase in students applying for STEM subjects compared with three years ago.



The STEM HUB will serve as a center for events where Cambodians can share successful projects they have worked on with their peers.



It will also be accompanied by an educational program supported by the UK Embassy.



Bill Longhurst, UK ambassador, said he hoped more Cambodians would be encouraged to take up science subjects.



[O]ur aim is to try to inspire the next generation of Cambodians to consider taking STEM education subjects. To do that we've done a number of things. We introduced a new maths teaching method to teaching in Cambodia, he said.



He added that the embassy had also put in place STEM ambassadors who would travel the nation and meet with students at high schools.



Li Nilroth, 14, a science student, said the work was difficult but he had good teachers, which made it easier.



For me, personally, it's not that difficult. It's just that at first I don't know English. Hence, I just need to try harder, he said.



Research shows that countries that have a high number of STEM graduates have a knock-on effect on the economy, boosting investment and modernization.
During his presidential campaign, Donald Trump was outspoken on immigration, saying he would deport millions of undocumented immigrants in the United States, build a wall along the U.S.-Mexican border, and ban Muslims or those trying to enter the United States from countries that pose terror threats.

Just over a week after Trump's election, VOA's Latin America division interviewed Luis Quinonez, a member of the Hispanic Advisory Council to the president-elect, about potential immigration policies.

This transcript from the Nov. 17 interview has been edited for clarity and length.

VOA: Has Trump maintained his campaign position that there would be a ban on people coming from Muslim countries unless the U.S. sorts out how to stop terrorists from entering?

Quinonez: It is not a ban. We will slow down the process so we can verify who they are. We've had instances of individuals trained by ISIS (an acronym for the Islamic State group) trying to penetrate the U.S. using tourist visas. We want to make sure we verify who they are.

VOA: Kansas Secretary of State Kris Kobach, an adviser to Trump, has suggested there are plans for Muslim immigrants having to register with the government. Is this racial profiling? Will Trump do this?

Quinonez: No. In reality, everyone who visits the United States is registering to verify who they are. We want to avoid people coming with tourist visas and overstaying.

VOA: How does that differ from current laws?

Quinonez: It is the same law but [in the] last eight years it was not enforced. We are dusting off what has been in place to make it successful again.

VOA: What about people coming from Syria and Iraq as refugees, will that change?

Quinonez: No, we want to make sure they are true refugees and they are not Trojan horses  people coming disguised as refugees. That can be tricky and may slow down the process to verify who they are.

VOA: Does it mean the government will play closer attention to people coming from those countries?

Quinonez: All countries, including Syria, worry about potential ISIS infiltrators, some of them paying corrupt officials in El Salvador and entering the U.S. through the border or airports. We will ensure they are not a threat to the United States.

VOA: Regarding sanctuary cities, mayors say their cities will remain sanctuaries for immigrants. Trump has said in the past these are bad policies and are bad for the cities' security. Do you think the federal government will push for giving the police the right to check people's status?

Quinonez: This country will abide by the rule of law. ... We can (with)hold money to help (sanctuary cities) from the federal government side. ... We will withhold that money if they want to continue with that nonsense. Secondly, under the criminal statute of the United States, Title 18, there is a specific crime where if a government official does not take action in the face of a criminal offense, they become guilty of a felony  it is called misprision of a felony. So, basically, if they want to push us against a corner, what will happen is some of the mayors and chiefs of police and governors could be charged criminally with failure to report a felony  misprision of a felony.

VOA: Some people argue ... some police officers can go up to anyone based on how they look and can request proof of their immigration status? Do you think what Donald Trump is suggesting will incentivize racial profiling?

Quinonez: No, absolutely not. Profiling is actually more than just race. There is a lot of things that are telling when someone enters the United States. Recently, investigators can tell by the way you dress, the shoes you wear, your conduct, whether you are potentially a threat to the United States. We're not going to be asking every policeman and every law enforcement officer to stop people just because they look different. What we are saying is, officials in sanctuary cities need to notify the federal government, Immigration Customs Enforcement (ICE), if someone is arrested. ... We can check that against a database to find out if this person is a legal resident or a citizen. ... If they are already in jail. It just takes 15 minutes to verify if these people are criminals or not. That is not profiling, it is not asking anything special from the cities to do for us. ... If there is something that comes back, and this person has no record in immigration files, then notify the federal officials to go forward and investigate further. If we are going to be stopping people just because they are wearing a hat, no, that's nonsense.

VOA: Will Trump's immigration policies effect the asylum application system?

Quinonez: The person seeking asylum has to show they are persecuted and pursued by a government because of their views, and (the current administration has) not done that effectively. Someone says, I am afraid to live in my country. OK, there are some dangerous places to live. Here in the U.S. that should not be the sole reason to let someone in. We must verify why this person should be awarded asylum.

VOA: Will Obama's political changes in Cuba remain the same or will Trump's government ask for more concessions from Cuba?

Quinonez: We will ask for more. There will be a change in attitude. We expect liberty and people to be free the way they should be free.

VOA: For Muslims here legally, is there a reason for them to be concerned about Trump?

Quinonez: No. ... We will target extreme Muslims. Anyone who wants to do harm, we will pursue, and anyone who wants to contribute, we won't profile. If you know someone who may be a threat to the United States, help us out. We have had many Muslims report on people with extreme views, and we have stopped potential attacks on our citizens.

VOA: Some Trump supporters are going after Muslims based on what they are wearing. How do you send a message that this is not right?

Quinonez: We don't tolerate ill treatment toward anyone no matter where they come from. They should be respected. If we know someone targeting immigrants, we will have them arrested. They can call the Justice Department, describe the problem and we will take care of it. People attacking immigrants is wrong. We have discovered operatives who hire homeless people and ask them to commit violence against people. ...

VOA: There are rumors of mass deportations, kids are scared, mothers are scared.

Quinonez: They are lies. The president-elect asked us to be in a conference call he said, Tell them there won't be mass deportations. The criminals will be deported. We will also deport those who abuse their tourist visa. If you stay here and pay taxes and Social Security and you are building a retirement, we will smooth the process to allow them to be part of the labor force. If you commit a crime, you will be in a database and we will find you.

VOA: How will that happen?

Quinonez: On the 21st [of each month], we will check databases and find criminals where they are located. We are hiring 7,500 new border patrol agents.
Accused New York bomber Ahmad Khan Rahimi pleaded not guilty on Thursday to federal charges that he set off an explosive device in September on a crowded city street, injuring 30 people.

Wearing a dark blue jump suit, Rahimi, 28, shuffled slowly into federal court in Manhattan and had several coughing fits during the brief hearing. He suffered serious injuries in a shootout with police two days after the bombing.

He spoke only once, when U.S. District Judge Richard Berman asked him to confirm that he intended to plead not guilty to an eight-count indictment filed on Wednesday.

"Yes, sir," Rahimi said.

Prosecutors have accused the Afghan-born U.S. citizen of setting off an explosion in Manhattan's Chelsea neighborhood on Sept. 17. It did not kill anyone but hurt 30 people.

The attack came hours after authorities say another pipe bomb planted by Rahimi went off along the course of a charity road race in New Jersey, although that detonation did not injure anyone.

Federal prosecutors also say Rahimi left another bomb in Chelsea that did not go off and several explosive devices in a bag at a train station in Elizabeth, New Jersey.

In addition to the New York indictment, Rahimi faces charges from federal and state prosecutors in New Jersey.

He was captured after a manhunt that ended when police officers discovered him sleeping in the doorway of a bar in Linden, New Jersey. The confrontation left him with several gunshot wounds, delaying the filing of federal charges and forcing him to make his first court appearance in New Jersey from a hospital bed.

Assistant U.S. Attorney Nicholas Lewin told Berman that prosecutors had compiled video clips showing Rahimi's movements on the day of the bombings, including leaving his house carrying bags, walking on West 23rd Street where the device went off and planting the second bomb on West 27th Street.

He also said the government has records showing Rahimi purchased bomb components online and DNA evidence tying him to the bombs.

Lewin asked Berman to consider a trial date in the "late winter" or "early spring," saying the amount of evidence in the case is relatively limited. Berman scheduled court dates for Dec. 19 and Jan. 31 but has not set a trial date.

Rahimi's court-appointed defense lawyers declined to comment after the hearing.
A state court judge ruled Thursday that Gov. Bill Walker had the authority to reduce this years Alaska Permanent Fund dividend, siding with the state in the politically charged case.

Superior Court Judge William Morses decision followed arguments presented by both sides in Anchorage on Thursday morning.

Morse said he expected the issue ultimately to be decided by the Alaska Supreme Court. State Sen. Bill Wielechowski, one of the plaintiffs in the case, said he planned to appeal.

State takes half

The lawsuit, brought by the Anchorage Democrat and two former lawmakers, argued the Alaska Permanent Fund Corp. was obligated by law to make available nearly $1.4 billion from the funds earnings reserve for dividends, in spite of a Walker veto reducing that amount.

The veto reduced the dividend to $1,022, roughly half of what it otherwise would have been. The plaintiffs wanted the rest restored.

Attorneys for the state had pushed back on the argument that dividend payments are supposed to be automatic, saying that would remove control of spending state money from lawmakers and eliminate the governors ability to limit spending. They said Walker properly exercised his veto authority.

Morse frequently interrupted and picked at Wielechowskis arguments, at one point, incredulously stating: I mean, come on. You cant seriously say that.

In a ruling issued from the bench, Morse said the governor has tremendous power over spending in Alaska, noting it takes three-fourths of the Legislature to override a veto on a spending item. If there was any intent to eliminate or change a governors role in spending permanent fund earnings that would have been expressed, he said. But it wasnt, he said.

Oil wealth

Dividends come from the earnings of the permanent fund, Alaskas oil wealth nest egg and are annually paid to most Alaskans. The funds principal is constitutionally protected.

Walker has defended his decision to cut this years dividend as necessary as the state struggles with a multibillion-dollar deficit spurred by chronically low oil prices. He sees use of permanent fund earnings as critical to helping fill the gap.

But the use of permanent fund earnings  and any talk of capping the dividend  remains a politically thorny issue.

One Republican senator, Mike Dunleavy, said last month that he intended to introduce legislation to restore the portion of the dividend vetoed by Walker.

After the court hearing, Wielechowski said the case was always expected to go to the Supreme Court.

We think the legislative history is clear, that it was the intent to allow for dedication of funds to do a dividend, he said.

Attorney General Jahna Lindemuth said the state was confident in the advice it had given the governor and was pleased with Morses decision.

We look forward to seeing what the Supreme Court does with this case, she said.
After U.S.-backed Iraqi forces pushed the Islamic State from Nimrud earlier this week, they found the archaeological site of an ancient Assyrian city reduced to rubble.

Months before the Iraqi advance, IS destroyed statues, bulldozed palaces that date back some 3,000 years, and destroyed much of the remains of the ziggurat  once one of the tallest buildings remaining from the 9th century B.C.

The level of destruction to Nimrud is of such a magnitude that "it is hard to believe that this is recoverable," Sermed Alwan, an Iraqi archaeologist, told VOA.

Located about 19 miles southeast of Mosul, Nimrud is the biblical name given in modern times to Kalhu, the capital of the Assyrian Empire from 1350 to 610 B.C. The nearly 3,000-year-old city was a forgotten treasure buried underground for centuries until 1849, when archaeologists first began excavating it.

"It is the most important city in Mesopotamian history after Babylon, the capital of the Babylonian civilization," Alwan said.

The city has a "special importance to human civilization, for it was the capital of one of the most ancient and powerful empires in human history," he said. And it has "biblical importance, being mentioned as the capital of the Assyrian captivity or Assyrian exile, the period in the history of ancient Israel and Judah during which several thousands of ancient Samarians were resettled as captives by Assyria."

Destruction called war crime

The site stood undisturbed for decades until last year, when IS destroyed it, citing its "un-Islamic" nature.

IS released a video in April 2015 showing men blowing up the site; breaking ancient walls with electric drills; and destroying relics, images and other artifacts. Satellite pictures taken by U.S. coalition partners have shown Nimrud's steady destruction since September.

UNESCO, the cultural heritage arm of the United Nations, called the destruction a war crime and urged political and religious leaders in the region to stand up against the demolition of Nimrud.

The city ziggurat  a tiered temple  has been reduced to a pile of dirt. The destruction also included the library of Ashurbanipal, which is believed to be the world's first library.

"There were about 200 ancient panels. [Islamic State] stole some of them and destroyed the rest," Iraqi Major General Dhiya Kadhim al-Saidi told Reuters on a visit to the site Wednesday.

Saidi said IS had been driven about two miles northwest of Nimrud, but the area had not yet been cleared of possible bombs and booby traps.

Destruction elsewhere

The Iraqi operation is part of an offensive to drive IS from Iraq's second-largest city of Mosul and its neighboring areas.

Since mid-2014, IS has destroyed dozens of historic sites in Iraq and Syria including mosques, churches and Shi'ite religious halls known as hussainiyas. IS remains in control of some historical landmarks, including the 2,000-year-old desert city of Hatra in Iraq, famed for its pillared Assyrian temple that blended Greco-Roman and eastern architecture.

Iraqi archaeologist Alwan said that, because of continued fighting in the Nimrud region, a team of experts would not be able to visit the site soon, leaving it vulnerable to more damage.

"Iraqi forces fighting IS in Nimrud and other ancient sites that surround Mosul do not have enough knowledge and experience to deal with such an important archaeological site or to keep it safe from vandalizing or further destruction," Alwan said.
Shunned by Myanmar's new government and its Buddhist hierarchy, a nationalist monk blamed for whipping up at times bloody anti-Muslim fervor said he feels vindicated by U.S. voters who elected Donald Trump to be president.

Ashin Wirathu, a high-profile leader of the Myanmar Buddhist organization known as Ma Ba Tha, drew parallels between his views on Islam and those of the Republican president-elect. Trump's campaign was rife with anti-Muslim rhetoric and proposals that included banning Muslims from entering the country and heightening surveillance of mosques. The form his actual policies will take remains unclear.

We were blamed by the world, but we are just protecting our people and country, Wirathu said. ... The world singled us out as narrow-minded. But as people from the country that is the grandfather of democracy and human rights elected Donald Trump, who is similar to me in prioritizing nationalism, there will be less finger-pointing from the international community.

He even floated the idea of cooperating with nationalist groups in the U.S.

In America, there can be organizations like us who are protecting against the dangers of Islamization. Those organizations can come to organizations in Myanmar to get suggestions or discuss, he said in an interview at his monastery in Mandalay on Nov. 12. Myanmar doesn't really need to get suggestions from other countries. But they can get ideas from Myanmar.

Wirathu has been accused of inciting violence with hate-filled, anti-Islamic rhetoric in this Southeast Asian, Buddhist-majority country of about 55 million. Buddhist-led riots left more than 200 people dead in 2012 and forced hundreds of thousands more to flee their homes, most of them Muslim Rohingya in Rakhine state.

Anti-Rohingya sentiment remains high in Myanmar. Members of the ethnic group are widely considered to have immigrated illegally from nearby Bangladesh, though many Rohingya families have lived in Myanmar for generations.

At the same time, Wirathu's influence has weakened in the past year. He threw his support behind the military-backed government ahead of elections in November 2015, only to see the former ruling party fall to Aung San Suu Kyi's National League for Democracy in a landslide.

In July, a senior NLD official in Yangon said that Ma Ba Tha, also known as the Committee to Protect Race and Religion, was not needed. Calls for the official to be disciplined went unanswered. In the same month, the country's official Buddhist clergy publicly distanced itself from the group.

Ma Ba Tha fades with barely a whimper, read a headline in the English-language Myanmar Times in August.

Wirathu said he has no plans of fading into obscurity.

This government doesn't want our Ma Ba Tha, he said, seated behind a desk in a saffron robe as several aides took photos and video of his pronouncements. But the NLD's attempt to thwart the group will be hard for them, he added, as Ma Ba Tha is not breaking any laws.

Currently, we are waiting and looking at the situation as this government has only been here a short time and they don't know how to manage, he said. So we are not doing anything like campaigning or protesting to impact the government. But we will hold meetings, issue statements, help in our role.

For example, he said, his members have been distributing food in northern Rakhine state.

Scores of Rohingya and some Myanmar troops have been killed in northern Rakhine since suspected militants attacked border posts last month, killing nine police officers. Rohingya activists say innocent villagers are being killed, but the government says it is only fighting violent attackers. International media and aid groups have been kept away.
Since its beginnings in the 1980s, the world wide web has promised to revolutionize communications. But even its inventor recognized the potential downsides.

The amount of control you have over somebody if you can monitor internet activity is amazing, Sir Tim Berners-Lee famously warned in a 2012 interview.

Few understand both the importance of the internet and the dangers of digital advocacy as well as the six international participants in the Digital Integrity Fellowship.

Funded by the Open Technology Fund*, the fellowship  now in its inaugural year  provides months-long intensive training, education, and guidance to six individuals around the world already working to increase internet freedoms and protect individuals and organizations from government punishment.

"This comes out of demand for access to an open internet, particularly in environments where journalists, activists, and open access workers often face threats in their ability to do that work, says Lindsay Beck, a senior program manager at OTF who oversees the fellowship.

Its really important to understand that were aiming to help individuals [learn] how theyre able to access technology, what types of software they use, and what specific threats theyre facing, Beck said.

The fellows  some of whom are not at liberty to use their real names  continue living and working in country while participating. VOA recently had the chance to speak via secure channels with three of the six fellows to hear about the challenges they face, and the opportunities they hope to achieve.

Dangers and risks lurk online

Natasha Msonza is the co-founder of the Digital Society of Zimbabwe, a volunteer network that helps individuals and groups strengthen their online security. Minorities, LGBT advocates and political opponents to President Robert Mugabe are under particular threat for their online activities and organizing. While a fellow, Natasha will work to create a digital security road map for at-risk populations online.

VOA: What do you see as the needs for the people of Zimbabwe when it comes to the internet and online activities?

There is especially a need for digital security awareness. In my experience, ordinary technology users are not fully appreciative of the dangers and risks lurking online, and therefore unwittingly share personal information or become victims of cyber-crime simply because they are not very aware. This is our challenge: how to get information to everyday technology users who are not part of organized groups of activists.

This lack of awareness is even starker when you look at Internet governance and steps being taken by the state to construct the countrys cyber laws. While its understandable that in a country with massive economic problems people are pre-occupied with keeping body and soul together, its unfortunate that there is that lack of appreciation of how digital rights are also linked to the realization of socio-economic empowerment.

VOA: What are some of the successes youve been involved with, and what are you still hoping to accomplish?

I believe that we have made a difference in the work and operations of some human rights defender organizations. Over the past two years, we have trained over 120 at-risk individual activists and at least 15 whole organizations in digital security. Currently were undertaking a fellowship supporting five organizations in implementing a digital security road map ahead of the 2018 presidential elections.

My work with DFIP entails first undertaking some information security audits to establish some sort of baseline in terms of where they are at, security-wise, then coming up with short and long term recommendations. Were hoping the raids or harassment will not be as bad as it has been in previous years.

VOA: What are the challenges of your work in Zimbabwe? Do you or your colleagues feel pressure, threat, or worse from either the government or other organizations?

During periods of volatile political activity, there tends to be increased surveillance, and physical intimidation remains the biggest concern for human rights groups. Sometimes they have strange people lurking or parked mysteriously around their offices. There are also frequently office raids leading to confiscation of equipment and possible losses of important data, or access by state and unknown agents, to private membership databases.

I feel very inspired when I make a difference in the life of at-risk activists who are doing such good work but face numerous digital threats. Its also heartening to see when generally technophobic individuals start to feel at ease using some of the tools we impart in the trainings, and then actively use them in their work. With the DIPF fellowship, I hope to make a difference that is distinct. We can anticipate that the forthcoming elections will as usual see at-risk groups undergo increased surveillance and harassment, with usual raids and confiscation of their work and equipment.

So much work to do

Daniel, who declined to use his true name, lives in Venezuela where he works in computer science. A self-described techie, he began working in social activism with friends who had been doing similar work for several years. He hopes to use his knowledge of computer architecture to help at-risk groups conduct organizational audits to improve their online security and defend against government surveillance.

VOA: Why do you do this kind of work?

I feel my work has impact. Im not doing it for financial or commercial reasons; they of course have value, but not the sort of value and kind of impact that Im having.

VOA: How did you come to digital activism?

Its hard not to be political in Venezuela  I started in the times of Chavez. Some young people said they hate politics  I was never one of those. I disagreed with the Chavez regime, but wasnt extremely active. I loved the 2012 election with Enrique Capriles. It was great to see how he presented a challenge to the regime regarding the issues of the election  it didnt change anything in that election because the Supreme Court just ignored everything, but he had something to show and to say.

VOA: Is this kind of work risky for you or your colleagues?

We havent been in direct threat, but we work in a space where theres a lot of risk. Were working directly with people who have been jailed or forced into exile in the past. We hope the government sees us as just the tech guys, not the political guys, who are the ones really leading the campaigns. But still, we have to keep a low profile. Im not the kind of person to be really worried about it, but suspect highly that our names are on lists somewhere.

VOA: What are you hoping to accomplish in Venezuela?

My specific fellowship proposal is to offer longer-term assistance to organizations who need it. Audits by themselves usually fix nothing, and single day trainings are good, but the organizations are too hard to change. So after doing an audit, I want to follow up with trainings, spending weeks implementing policies, tools and security policies. Theres so much work to do and so little time and money.

VOA: Are you hopeful you can do that?

Im not a pessimist or an optimist. The situation is depressing, it certainly is  you need optimism to remain in this country, you really do. I feel you need that to stay here and make this country a place worthy of living and returning. It hits home when so many friends and family have to leave, so part of the reason Im doing what Im doing is that I hope someday our country is in a much better place and people will return.

Thats what pushes our work- thats the impact. People really need to take care of their own digital security here. There arent many people working in this area, but in my case I have a lot of work to do.

The government sees us as a threat

Nighat Dad is the founder of the Digital Rights Foundation, based in Lahore, Pakistan. A lawyer by education, she and the foundation focus on bolstering the online freedoms and rights of vulnerable populations, such as religious minorities, the LBGT community, and women. She hopes to use the fellowship to provide greater legal access and counsel to at-risk communities online.

VOA: Why is this digital activism important in Pakistan?

I feel countries like Pakistan who are still grappling with issues around internet rights and human rights, theres a lot of focus around regulating the internet through draconian legislation  legislation that allows them to hinder the exercise of fundamental human rights. Raising awareness of online security and digital rights is a critical place to share their ideas.

"Its so sad that Pakistan has not seen a good space for minorities and vulnerable groups. These online spaces are so important; the internet is the only place where these groups feel they can talk about their issues, their beliefs, and share their opinions. Unfortunately, this space has been shrinking for them.

VOA: Does this work put you at risk?

The government sees us as a threat. During the debate around recent cybersecurity legislation, they labeled as anti-state, as CIA agents, as people getting funding from other states and hurting national security. Its also important to tell them that in a democratic state, they cant just make decisions themselves and oppress the rights of people which are enshrined in the constitution. We need to remind them again and again when what theyre doing is wrong.

VOA: You say youre working to protect minority communities, but there are more women than men in Pakistan. Do you also include women as a vulnerable minority?

Of course! Were 52 percent of the population but clearly a minority in Pakistan in terms of rights. Theyre being attacked online: when they exercise their right to free expression, theyre attacked by the patriarchy who are not ready to allow them to express their minds. Women are using the internet to enjoy all the freedoms theyre not allowed in the off-line space; the more they speak, the more they are attacked. Thats not the case for men.

My activism is very political in a personal sense. I feel personal is political. My personal experiences forced me to do something for women broadly in Pakistan. There are a lot of groups addressing the violence and harassment off-line, but those experiences online werent being acknowledged, and this is something I felt I could do. Thats where I started my work back in 2009.

VOA: What are your aspirations; what do you want to accomplish that you havent?

Working for digital rights in a country where this hasnt been done before is a bit of a challenge. I feel a lot of responsibility, because I feel Im setting a precedent for young people who will be doing this work in the future. One success weve had so far is mainstreaming this debate and issue. Now there are journalists, activists, media and others talking about these issues.

The internet is for women; despite the harassment, young women can reclaim the Internet. Were helping them to fight back, providing the legal recourses and strategies that work. Weve been across the nation specifically to talk to young women and girls. In these areas we teach them the tools to prevent harassment and fight back when it happens.

*The Open Technology Fund is a program Radio Free Asia (RFA) supported through the Broadcasting Board of Governors (BBG) Office of Internet Freedom. The BBG is VOAs parent agency, and RFA is a sister media organization to VOA.
A judge in Britain has granted the wish of a 14-year-old girl who suffered from terminal cancer but wanted to be cryogenically preserved, in what the judge called the first case of its kind in England and possibly the world.

The girl, who was not identified, told High Court Judge Peter Jackson she hoped to be brought back to life in the future, when her cancer could be cured. She died a month ago and the case was made public Friday.

The girl's lawyer, Zoe Fleetwood, said her wishes were carried out; the teenager's frozen body is now in the United States at a cryopreservation facility.

The 14-year-old learned of the judge's ruling 11 days before her death, and her lawyer said the decision gave great comfort in the last days of her life.

Judge Jackson said he was persuaded by a letter the girl wrote, stating clearly that she wanted to try cryopreservation. He called her a bright, intelligent young person who is able to articulate strongly held views on her current situation. He said his ruling was based on what was best for the girl, and was not a ruling on the validity of cryopreservation.

Some believe that cryopreservation may allow frozen bodies to be brought back to life in the future when science has advanced. Biological material preserved in this manner usually is frozen to the temperature of liquid nitrogen, nearly 200 degrees Celsius below zero, the temperature at which water freezes.

The girl's divorced parents had disagreed about the procedure. He mother favored cryopreservation once it became clear her cancer was terminal; her father initially opposed the procedure.
The world of toys is a heaven for children, but may be a world of misery for toy factory workers.

That's how a team of researchers from New York-based China Labor Watch (CLW) summarized findings of a recently released report that outlines working conditions at four toy factories in China's Guangdong Province.

Faced with long shifts and monthly wages of about $300 for 174 hours of work, the Chinese laborers, investigators say, assemble popular brand name products such as Barbie, Thomas the Tank Engine, Hot Wheels and other toys for Mattel, Hasbro, Disney, McDonald's, Wal-Mart and other American companies, often in dangerous working conditions and without workplace training.

We found that the average working hours in these four factories are 11 hours a day, with more than 50 overtime hours a month, and at half of the factories, overtime hours had reached 100 hours, with the highest at above 130 hours, the report said, based on accounts of investigators who worked undercover on assembly lines in "relatively well managed" factories.

According to Chinese labor law, laborers may not work more than 8 hours a day, although hours may be extended under certain circumstances with provisions for the workers' physical well-being.

During the 11 hours that workers put in within a day, all they had was a 40-to-60-minutes lunch break, it said. This is an obvious violation of the right of workers to have adequate rest.

Toy factory managers described in the report routinely asked workers to sign voluntary overtime agreements, which allowed the factory to violate labor laws and regulations with relative impunity.

Wages too low to live on

However, the vast majority of workers request overtime in order to supplement their basic earnings.

The wages are too low, 27-year-old worker Li Jintao told VOA. My monthly salary is 2,500 RMB ($360), but after deductions for social security, I make only a little more than 2,000 RMB ($292) per month.

Although Chinese laws require foreign-invested enterprises to pay social security for workers, the CLW report said one of the factories followed the provisions strictly.

"One factory did not pay the social insurance or the housing fund for the workers," the report said. "Another paid only a portion to some workers; some factories even forced the workers to sign papers saying that they were willing to give up their right to receive social insurance and housing funds."

Li, who left his home village at 14 to work in the city, says his monthly salary of $292 includes payment for two to three hours of overtime per day. The 2016 minimum wage standard for Dongguan and Foshan, the cities where three of the toy factories are located, is $223 per month. The minimum wage standard for Shenzhen, home to the fourth factory, is $300.

While workers at all four factories earned roughly 5 percent more than the local standard minimum wage, Li said it's still not enough to maintain a reasonable standard of living. He plans to quit his job and return home.

No safety training

The report accused the four factories of negligence in pre-job safety training, and for failure to provide workers with masks, gloves and other safety products.

In the packaging plant of Mattel's Chang'an manufacturing facility, a commonly used toxic solvent  thought to be isoamyl acetate because of its distinctive bananalike odor  was distributed in unlabeled plastic drinking bottles. The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention says isoamyl acetate is considered dangerous to life after five hours of exposure at certain concentration levels.

The CLW report said the vast majority of workers live and eat in the factories where they work. Some workers complained about poor-quality canteen food and that their dormitories, which are old and dirty, commonly have hazardous exposed electrical wires.

Like most China-based toy-exporters, all four of the factories investigated were accredited by the International Toy Association (ICTI) and have received certificates from ICTI Care, a decade-old program that aims to raise ethical standards and protect laborers in the global toy manufacturing industry.

Employers: 'conditions better than ever'

"Our project focuses on China," Mark Robertson, a London-based ICTI Care spokesperson, said. "We provide certification for more than 1,200 toy factories. We also work in Vietnam, India and other countries, representing 650,000 workers."

Robertson says the industry's current conditions, from shift duration to workers' pay to health and safety, are better than they have ever been, and that China's ICTI-Care-certified factories are stabilizing hours and increasing wages.

CLW, however, said ICTI standards violate China's own labor provisions.

(ICTI) is an association backed by Mattel, Disney and Hasbro, which allows factory workers to work 72 hours a week, and even 78 hours while the factory has to fill an order, Li Qiang, CLW's executive director, told VOA.

CLW sees no improvement

It's not that there's no improvement at all. Some details may have been adjusted, but the overall environment for the toy industry has not improved, added Li, who began investigating southern China's toy factories as an undercover laborer in 1999.

At that time, we worked more than 10 hours a day, and it was like a prison, he said. Now workers still work more than 10 hours a day.

CLW researchers say companies that operate the factories are fully capable of raising wages and improving work conditions, but that most companies choose not to address the issues.

At time of publication, Disney, Mattel and Wal-Mart had not responded to VOA's request for comments. However, Disney issued a statement in response to a June survey by CLW.

These issues have been investigated and resolved, it said. Disney will continue to encourage and rely on factory owners, business associates and governments to promote safe, inclusive and respectful workplaces where Disney-brand products are made.



An earlier version of this report misspelled the name of ICTI Care spokesperson Mark Robertson, and misstated the number of workers the group represents. VOA regrets the errors.
Last Sundays lone wolf terror attack at a church in Samarinda, East Kalimantan, seemed like another random act of Islamic State-endorsed violence. A 32-year-old perpetrator killed a toddler and injured three others with homemade bombs at Oikumene Christian Church. Although the attack seems arbitrarily violent, it was actually premeditated. And the perpetrator is linked to a homegrown extremist network and the prison system, both major factors in his radicalization.

Those involved in the Samarinda church attack come from an IS-linked group called Jamaah Anshorud Daulah (JAD), said Muh Taufiqurrohman, of the Center for Radicalism and Deradicalization Studies. JAD is linked to IS through an Indonesian, Salim Mubarok Attamimi, (a.k.a Abu Jandal) who has close ties with IS central leadership and who leads an Indonesian splinter unit called Katibah Masyaari, or Forces of the East.

The prime suspect in the Samarinda attack is Jo Joh Bin Muhammad Aceng Kurnia, a man who spent three years in jail from 2012 to July 2014 for his involvement in a plot to blow up a research center and church in Banten, Java, according to the Jakarta Post. He was released on parole before serving his full 42 month sentence.

Taufiqurrohman said JAD members were claiming retroactive responsibility for the Samarinda attack on Telegram message channels. They even encouraged IS supporters outside Samarinda to attack [Jakarta governor] Ahok, [Indonesian president] Jokowi and the head of Indonesian National Police, he said.

It is an indication of how the current sectarian tension in Indonesia around Jakartas ethnic Chinese governor is linked to general Islamic terrorism.

The two hard-line Islamist movements of IS sympathizers and the reactionaries calling for Ahoks imprisonment are feeding off each other, said Achmad Sukarsono, an analyst with the U.S.-based political-risk advisory firm Eurasia Group.

I think theres a heightened threat of terror attacks until the gubernatorial elections are over, either in February or, if theres a runoff, in May, he said. It seems random, but once the election concludes, theres no strong political motivation for hard-line Islamists of all stripes.

Pre-IS roots

The roots of JADs network go even further than IS. Between 1999 and 2009, Jemaah Islamiyah [the Southeast Asian terrorist group] was highly active, but they were broken down by Indonesian security forces and splintered, said Sukarsono. Now several splinter groups of JI want to resurrect their clout, and they see IS as an opportunity to reinvigorate their movements. This guy is a foot soldier of one of those splinter groups.

The bridge between the JI era and the current generation of terrorists was, in this and many other cases, prison time.

Terrorists inmates have a certain position in jail, said Sukarsono. Theyre venerated, in a way; theyre not punished, and their ideas get reinforced. When radicalized prisoners like Joh leave prison, he said, they dont immediately find jobs and become disillusioned.

This guy had to become a construction worker again just to make ends meet, said Sukarsono. Hes exactly the type of disillusioned person who found new motivation in IS.

In a chilling parallel, IS declared its so-called caliphate during Ramadan 2014, and Joh was released from prison on parole on Eid al-Fitr, the feast marking the end of that same Ramadan.

Sectarian tensions

But why East Kalimantan, a region with scant extremist links? That too is not as arbitrary as it first seems. Samarinda has a sizable Christian minority of about 75,000 people, or eight percent of its population. Targeting a church would create sectarian conflict between Muslims and Christians in the region, University of Indonesia terrorism expert Ridwan Habib told the Jakarta Post.

Its worth noting that the family members of bomb victims have resolutely avoided falling for this bait, endorsing forgiveness and due process of law to prosecute the attacker.

The Samarinda attack happened just days after IS leader Abu Bakr al-Baghdadi released a rare audio message rallying jihadists around the world to action, as Iraqi troops closed in on Mosul. While the message seems to have come straight from the top, there is no central pro-IS leadership within Indonesia, as Nava Nuraniyah of the Institute for Policy Analysis of Conflict has written.

As it becomes more difficult to get to Syria, many IS supporters are frustrated and impatient for action and may be more motivated than ever to revert to a do-it-yourself jihad, writes Nuraniyah.

Monitoring

While attacks like the one in Samarinda can seem hopelessly random, that doesnt posit blind resignation. One reasonable line of defense would be a clear database of terrorists, including low-level ones like Joh was until recently, suggested Sukarsono.

The BNPT has something in place, but its not updated regularly, he said. Unfortunately, monitoring is not exactly sexy. It doesnt involve showing off new weapons or gear, or doing press conferences. And, of course, the burden of proof is negative; the measure of success would be no incident.

Still, when lone wolf attackers have such salient risk factors as did the Samarinda attacker, it would be well worth the unexciting effort to improve the tracking of likely perpetrators.
Ex-Philippine dictator Ferdinand Marcos was buried with military honors Friday, 30 years after he was ousted in a People Power revolution.

The ceremony began with a 21-gun salute as soldiers in parade dress and ceremonial rifles stood to attention at the "Cemetery of Heroes" in Manila.

Despite growing opposition from a coalition composed of Philippine human rights victims of the Marcos dictatorship, the Philippines Supreme Court ruled last week that Marcos could be buried at the cemetery.

Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte approved the burial of the former dictator, disregarding the oppositions rejection. Marcos body was flown secretly to Manila in an apparent effort to avoid protests.

Thousands of riot police and soldiers guarded the perimeter of the cemetery and there were no protesters.

The Marcos family fled the Philippines at the height of the army-backed People Power Revolution, which inspired other democracy movements in Asia.

Marcos died in exile in Hawaii in 1989 and his body was returned to his northern Philippine hometown of Batac in 1993. Since then, it has been displayed in a glass coffin and became a tourist attraction.
As a presidential candidate in 1976, Jimmy Carter promised to withdraw all U.S. ground forces from South Korea, arguing the troops were inflammatory and risked drawing Washington into war. After he was elected, Carter attempted a troop pullout, but was never able to completely follow through on his promise. Four decades later, nearly 30,000 U.S. troops remain stationed on the peninsula.

During his own run for the presidency, former U.S. President Ronald Reagan made big promises about restoring formal diplomatic relations with Taiwan, a move that would have angered Communist China, the island's powerful rival on the mainland. Reagan, too, never followed through, instead preserving Washington's unofficial relationship with Taiwan, a state of informal ties that still exists to this day.

Both are examples of eyebrow-raising proposals, made during the heat of the presidential campaign, that would have significantly altered U.S. policy in Asia. That they were never carried out suggests President-elect Donald Trump may also face serious challenges should he choose to follow through with his own bold Asia proposals, says Ralph Cossa with the Center for Strategic and International Studies.

"In any presidential campaign, about half of anything the candidates say is not going to happen. The challenge is figuring out which half," Cossa told VOA. "I think we're doing a candidate a disservice when we focus too much on the exaggerated version of what they said. My assumption is that things are going to be the same until someone really convinces me they're intent on changing it and are capable of changing it."

Exaggerated rhetoric?

But Trump's statements on Asia seem to go well beyond the kind of exaggerated rhetoric and outsized promises sometimes used by U.S. presidential candidates. And many of those statements were like on the mind of both Trump and and Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe, when both leaders met at Trump's residence in New York late Thursday afternoon during the president-elect's first meeting with a foreign leader since being elected.

Here is a sample of some of the controversial comments the billionaire businessman has made on Asia:

- Trump has repeatedly suggested the U.S. could withdraw troops from Japan and South Korea unless both countries pay their "fair share" of the cost of the deployments (Seoul and Tokyo currently pay about half the cost of U.S. forces). He's said both countries should instead protect themselves, without U.S. help and possibly with the help of nuclear weapons. If the U.S. troop pullout resulted in a war between Japan and North Korea, Trump responded glibly in April: "Good luck. Enjoy yourself, folks."

- Trump has also talked big on China. He's promised to place a 45 percent tariff on all Chinese exports to the U.S., a move many worry could spark a trade war. He vowed to label China a currency manipulator. And he opposes the Trans-Pacific Partnership, the free-trade deal at the heart of the White House's effort to focus U.S. military and economic policy toward Asia.

- On North Korea, one of the region's most intractable problems, Trump has put out an inconsistent message, saying he is both open to negotiating with the country's unpredictable young leader, Kim Jong Un, and that he is also open to having China assassinate him.

Trump unique

It's those kinds of comments that have many longtime Asia watchers concerned that Trump's views represent a fundamental change in the direction of U.S. policies in Asia, which for decades have been backed by bipartisan support.

"What I'm hearing this time from Trump is that it's very zero-sum, very divorced from an apparent appreciation for these wider benefits of the alliance relationship" with various countries, says James Schoff, a senior associate in the Asia Program at the Carnegie Endowment for International Peace.

Whereas many presidential candidates have proposed major changes in Asia strategy, most have done so while reassuring U.S. allies that Washington "doesn't want to tip over the whole apple cart of the post-World War Two global international order," Schoff says.

"Putting these proposals in the context of 'America First' is very different," he adds, referring to Trump's self-described foreign policy approach.

Katsuyuki Kawai, an adviser to Abe who was sent to set up the Abe-Trump meeting, said several advisers to the president-elect told him "we dont have to take each word that Mr. Trump said publicly literally."

Asia leaders waiting

Many leaders in Asia appear to be taking a wait-and-see approach to Trump.

At an event Wednesday in Washington, Vietnam's ambassador to the U.S., Pham Quang Vinh, was reluctant to comment on the policies of the incoming Trump administration. "I'm not assumed to judge on something that is not in place yet," he said at an event held at the Center for National Interest.

But he was optimistic that the U.S. relationship with Vietnam and the region would continue largely unchanged.

"Asia continues to be important for the U.S., and Asia wants the U.S. to be in the region. And the next administration should continue to sustain its engagement with the region," Vinh said.

That's a positivity shared by Cossa, the Hawaii-based analyst. In his estimation, U.S. policy in Asia will "most likely continue to go in the same direction," he says, before stopping himself and adding: "I think. And I hope."
A suspected Filipino drug lord, whose father was killed in an alleged gunfight in prison, was repatriated Friday from the United Arab Emirates to the Philippines, promising to tell all he knows about the narcotics trade in a move seen to bolster President Rodrigo Dutertes war on drugs.

Rolando Kerwin Espinosa Jr. arrived in handcuffs and flak jacket at Manilas airport with a police team that brought him from Abu Dhabi. National police chief Ronald dela Rosa, who has assured Espinosas safety, escorted him from the airport to a maximum-security facility at the police headquarters.

Espinosas father, town mayor Rolando Espinosa Sr., was arrested last month. He had agreed to cooperate with officials but was killed November 5 in an alleged gunfight with police inside his jail cell. Senators investigating the case suspect it was an intentional killing.

At a news conference at the police headquarters, the younger Espinosa apologized to Duterte and asked for a chance to turn over a new leaf.

I ask forgiveness from President Duterte, he said. Whatever I have done in the past, I hope he can give me a chance to lead a new life.

He assured Duterte that all that I know about the drug trade will be revealed, all the names.

Human rights groups and Western governments have criticized Dutertes anti-drug campaign that has left more than 4,000 suspected addicts and pushers dead since July.
Lieutenant General Michael Flynn was the single military figure of his rank and stature to publicly support President-elect Donald Trump throughout the election. That loyalty now appears to be paying off, as Trump has reportedly asked Flynn to serve as his national security adviser.

Flynn held a similar role as Trumps go-to national security adviser during the campaign, and Flynn will likely play a big role in Trumps foreign policy decisions moving forward, since Trump has no practical military experience.

A 57-year-old registered Democrat, Flynn is a decorated combat veteran who retired as a three star general.

Flynn began his military career in 1981 after graduating from the University of Rhode Island as a distinguished member of the schools Reserve Officers Training Corps. He spent his military career as an intelligence officer in the Army, mostly at bases within the United States, but also was involved in missions in Grenada and Haiti.

Later, Flynn served in both Iraq and Afghanistan and held the top intelligence officer spot for the Joint Special Operations Command between 2004 and 2007.

Retired in 2014



After several years of successive promotions within Army intelligence operations, Flynn was nominated by U.S. President Barack Obama to be director of the Defense Intelligence Agency. He held the position for two years before retiring in 2014 after reportedly being forced out for his poor management style.

Since retiring, Flynn has become a fierce opponent of Obamas policy on Muslim extremists, particularly his handling of the spreading Islamic State group. Flynn has accused Obama of willfully allowing it to happen.

Under fire for comments about Muslims



Flynn has been criticized for some of his statements about Muslims in general, including a February tweet in which Flynn called the fear of Muslims rational.

The tweet further implored Flynns more than 75,000 Twitter followers to share an attached five-minute YouTube video that listed terrorist attacks carried out by Muslims and claimed the Islamic religion wants to enslave or exterminate 80 percent of the population.
Violent clashes between supporters of rival political parties have raised concern about security as Ghanaians prepares for presidential and parliamentary elections on December 7.

Ghana's Center for Democratic Governance released a survey this week that said 54 percent of Ghanaians thought political parties or candidates were "very likely" to use violence in the upcoming elections.

There have been several incidents during campaigning this month. The Odododiodio parliamentary constituency in Accra has seen three violent episodes between supporters of the ruling National Democratic Congress (NDC) and the opposition New Patriotic Party (NPP).

"There is this uncertainty amongst a lot of people," said Nii Ahinakwa Nunoo, an Accra resident. "For the fear of the unknown."

Nunoo received a blow to the eye during a November 9 altercation between the NDC and NPP parliamentary candidates that turned into fisticuffs as youth groups came to defend their political candidates, including NPP candidate Nii Lante Bannerman.

Man 'punched me'

"There was this other guy who was on a motorbike, pulled a machete and strikes it on the ground, so Bannerman had to run into that house," Nunoo said. "Another also pulled a gun [and] fired shots, so I went back into the car out of fear. After firing the shots, the man just finished, put the gun down and then punched me in the face. The [local] guys started throwing bottles at them. The young guys that were just [nearby] started to scare them away and also get the situation under control."

The police recently foiled a similar incident at the home of the main opposition leader and presidential candidate, Nana Akufo-Addo, at Nima.

Both sides have traded accusations about who is to blame for the altercations.

The United States, European Union and Britain issued statements condemning the violence. The ruling NDC responded Thursday, accusing the international community of "malicious propaganda" in favor of the opposition. The U.S. Embassy in Accra rejected that accusation, saying it had not taken sides.

In Accra, professor Michael Tagoe says frustration over the poor economy and a lack of understanding of the democratic process fuel tensions.

"If you have growing unemployment among the youth and they can only find work around election time, where party officials go around mobilizing them to campaign for them, it is likely that there will be violence," Tagoe said.

Weapons amnesty

Ahead of the election, police announced a one-month amnesty for people wishing to turn in illegal weapons. The Kofi Annan International Peacekeeping Training Center in Accra released a survey estimating there were about 1 million unregistered firearms in Ghana.

But police said they were up to the task of securing the vote.

Superintendent Cephas Arthur, director of public affairs for the Ghana Police Service, said, "We're going to have about four-tier security arrangement. The first one is going to be security officers who'll be posted to the polling stations to provide security for the exercise, and it could range from one to three depending on the nature, the characteristics of that particular polling station. The second tier will be patrols.

"And then after these patrol teams we will have officers standing by at vantage positions across the country in the constituencies. We will have a fourth tier, which will be our friends from the military. They will be about the remotest ring. And that is when things are getting out of hand and pandemonium is almost breaking lose."

Arthur said security would be tightened in potential flashpoint areas.
A new survey conducted by the Center for Democratic Development (CDD) shows that a majority of Ghanaians believe the Electoral Commission of Ghana can administer free, peaceful and credible elections December 7.

Ghanaians will go to the polls that day to vote in presidential, parliamentary and local elections.

In an interview with VOA, Kojo Asante, senior research fellow at the CDD and part of the group that administered the survey, said more Ghanaians now have a positive perception of the electoral body and those who organize the elections than in the past.

However, the survey also found that some respondents in the country's northern region are concerned that violence could break out between the political parties after the electoral commission counts the votes.

Both the police and the electoral commission have outlined hot spots where they say violence is possible and where measures to ensure peaceful elections may be needed.

"We found that about close to a third of our respondents indicated a certain apprehension about the breakout of violence after the results are announced, Asante said. The CDD took a closer look at where that apprehension was coming from and found that in the northern region, 53 percent of the responses feared violence, he added.

Fear 'in every region'

"What our findings show is that, yes, in every region, there are some people who express certain fear of postelection violence, Asante said. But they were not able to determine whether those responses lined up with the hot spots that the commission and the national security task force on elections identified, he added.

Ghanaians, Asante said, expect the parties and the candidates who lose will use the courts to seek redress and dispute the outcome with evidence.

The findings, he added, show that a majority of respondents reject violence and support peaceful demonstrations to protest election results. He says the respondents, however, are concerned that supporters of the parties could resort to violence.

Asante said prospective voters appear to have confidence in the electoral commission, a sharp improvement from the last nationwide survey.

The researchers measured "the EC's level of preparedness, which is basically not just the EC but also other national stakeholders, like the police, the army, the national peace council and so on, he said.

The EC story is one of good news, because when we did the Afrobarometer survey in 2014, the EC trust ratings were very low. They were in the 40s, Asante said.

That was shortly after the New Patriotic Party (NPP) alleged massive voting irregularities in the December 2012 election and took the National Democratic Congress (NDC) to court to challenge the election results. Eight months later, in August 2013, the Supreme Court dismissed the case and upheld the results of the election.

Now, that was a low point," Asante said.

"When we did the first round of polling in July [2016], the EC rating had moved to 63 percent. And in the current survey that we just did, it's moved to 73 percent, he said. So that's very positive, I think, in terms of the confidence reposed in the electoral commission.

Vote manipulation

However, there are still concerns about vote manipulation, he said, and the EC could do more to educate the people about the electoral process.

Ghanaians do expect a peaceful election, he said, despite a clash this week between supporters of the opposition NPP and the ruling NDC. Supporters of the NPP had accused the NDC partisans of throwing stones and bottles at the house of their leader and presidential candidate. The NDC, for its part, accused the NPP of starting the trouble by attacking them during a peaceful walk. The police stepped in to prevent further violence.

"For us, one of the things that came out of the survey is that the trust rating for the army and the police has remained consistent and very high in both surveys, Asante said. That means, he said, the army and the police would have the legitimacy to deal with violence or to prevent violence.
After years of fighting in the shadow of Syrian regime forces and elite Iranian troops, the Lebanese Hezbollah has stirred controversy by publicly touting its involvement in Syria's civil war with a military display in a Syrian town.

Hezbollah staged a parade in Qusair, Syria, featuring Russian- and U.S.-made military hardware including armored personnel carriers and tanks.

After photos of the event, held on Sunday, circulated on social media this week, it brought concern from inside Syria and out.

U.S. officials are investigating how Hezbollah, designated by the U.S. as a terrorist organization, acquired the U.S.-made equipment and where it came from.

'Gravely concerned'

A U.S. Department of State spokeswoman said the U.S. is "gravely concerned if equipment ended up in the hands of Hezbollah." And a U.S. defense delegation reportedly visited Lebanon this week to discuss the matter with Lebanese defense officials.

"Our embassy in Beirut is working with the Lebanese armed forces to investigate the images circulating on social media purporting to show Hezbollah displaying U.S. military equipment in Syria," State Department spokeswoman Elizabeth Trudeau said.

The Lebanese military, which is largely dependent on the U.S. for arms and military supplies, said in a statement that "the weapons shown in the photos are not from [our] stockpiles and don't belong to us."

This summer, the Pentagon provided the Lebanese military with artillery and armored vehicles worth nearly $50 million as part of U.S. efforts to strengthen Lebanon's capacity to fight extremist groups.

The U.S. government last month imposed additional sanctions on Hezbollah commanders and fundraisers. The new sanctions include preventing U.S. citizens from conducting business with individuals and organizations that have ties with Hezbollah.

Hezbollah has not said how it came in possession of the U.S. equipment.

But "these weapons were not taken from the [Lebanese] army," Salem Zahran, head of Media Focal Center, a pro-Hezbollah group in Beirut, told VOA.

In Syria

Hezbollah has sent thousands of fighters to support Syrian President Bashar al-Assad's troops since Syria's civil war broke out in 2012.

Many of the Hezbollah fighters are concentrated in Damascus and Homs, with smaller numbers in Aleppo and Hama provinces. It fights as a proxy army, mostly under the supervision of Iran's elite Revolutionary Guards.

Hezbollah Deputy Secretary-General Naim Qassem said this week that Sunday's parade was designed to show Hezbollah's backing of the Syrian regime.

"There is a high level of coordination between us and the Syrian leadership," Qassem said, adding that the military parade "was part of our field training."

Syrian state-run media did not comment on the Hezbollah military display.

But Syrian government supporters took to social media to express their anger, saying the parade was "provoking Syria's sovereignty."

Analysts say it is likely Damascus was not pleased by the Hezbollah show.

"This would make some in the [Syrian] regime uncomfortable," said Phillip Smyth, an analyst at the Washington Institute for Near East Policy.
U.S. Representative Tim Ryan of Ohio said on Thursday he was challenging House Democratic leader Nancy Pelosi, who has led the party in the chamber for 14 years, as Democrats question their strategy and leadership after a stinging general election defeat.

Ryan, 43, who has been in Congress since 2003, said in a statement that Democrats had only been in the House of Representatives majority for four of the past 18 years, "and last week's election results set us back even further."

"Vote for me and I will dedicate all of my energy to lead us back into the majority," said Ryan, who is from an old working-class, steel area of northeastern Ohio, the type of region the Democrats want to wrest back from Republicans.

"At this time of fear and disillusionment, we owe it to our constituencies to listen and bring a new voice into leadership."

Lost in elections

Democrats had expected to do much better in the Nov. 8 election, when Republican Donald Trump, a New York businessman with no experience in public office, won the White House on the back of working-class voters.

Republicans kept their majorities in both Senate and House after some Democrats had predicted double-digit wins in the House and a chance to win the Senate.

Ryan announced his long-shot challenge after several days of publicly weighing it. Pelosi, 76, of California, claims she has support of two-thirds of Democrats before they vote Nov. 30.

"I'm respectful what people are saying. There's a lot of unease," Pelosi said when asked about the potential challenge.

"And as members in there said, we cannot be taking in the full responsibility for what happened in the election ... a lot of it was beyond our control," she added.

Called a 'publicity stunt'

A senior House Democratic aide called Ryan's bid a "publicity stunt." He said Ryan had shortchanged party coffers, paying only half of his dues owed since 2014 to the party's campaign committee. Ryan's office declined comment.

At a closed-door meeting of House Democrats Thursday, about half the roughly two dozen lawmakers who spoke "said we need new leadership," Representative John Yarmuth of Louisville, Kentucky, said in an interview. He declined to say who he would support.

Representative Emanuel Cleaver II of Kansas City, Missouri, was also noncommittal but said the caucus should "take his (Ryan's) candidacy seriously and contemplate where the caucus is, and where it could go under his leadership."
The International Criminal Court in The Hague has been rocked by a series of withdrawals by African countries that were original signatories to the Rome Statute that established the court.

This week, Russia also pulled its signature from the ICC treaty, and the Philippines could follow.

Three African states  Burundi, South Africa and Gambia  signaled their intention to quit the court this year, claiming it disproportionately targets African leaders.

"There's a real concern right across Africa about the meddling of international actors in African affairs," said Phil Clark, from the London University School of Oriental and African Studies.

Russian President Vladimir Putin removed his country's signature from the founding treaty this week, though it had never ratified its membership.

His Philippine counterpart, President Rodrigo Duterte, said Thursday that he might follow Moscow's lead, claiming that "only the small ones like us are battered."

However, ICC Chief Prosecutor Fatou Bensouda defended the court's actions.

"As an international community, we should be more concerned about ensuring accountability and justice for these very serious atrocity crimes," Bensouda said this week.

While some African countries plan to quit, others have engaged more directly with the ICC.

"Countries like Uganda and the Democratic Republic of Congo have, in fact, seen the ICC as a tool that they can use against their military and political opponents, said analyst Phil Clark. Nigeria is also engaging in discussions with the ICC prosecutor at the moment about potentially opening investigations into crimes committed by Boko Haram."

The ICC is opening its first major investigations outside Africa  looking into potential war crimes in the 2008 Russia-Georgia conflict, as well as torture allegations against U.S. and British forces in Afghanistan.

"Those I think are very important cases, Clark said, because it would enable the court to say, Look we're not just picking on African states. We're also willing to tackle the biggest powers in the world."

But as the United States is not a signatory to the court, any successful prosecution appears unlikely.

And analysts say the series of member state withdrawals raises the prospect the ICC will no longer be seen as an institution of global justice.
Free trade, the notion of international trade with few restrictions and low tariffs, is likely to be among the losers in a Donald Trump administration.

The billionaire businessman won the presidency after a tumultuous and divisive election, partly by blaming what he called bad trade deals for massive job losses in U.S. manufacturing.

As a result, the pending Trans-Pacific Partnership (TPP), a 12-nation free-trade zone that, combined, accounts for nearly 40 percent of the world's economic output, is essentially dead in Congress.

Scrapping TPP may be a missed opportunity for the United States, says Jeff Kingston, director of Asian studies at Temple University in Japan.

"There are already concerns around Asia about the reliability of the United States as an ally," Kingston said. "Clearly, Trump's election will amplify those concerns and anxieties. And I think that this means that there's going to be a significant decline in American influence in Asia."

"If we don't take the lead in writing the rules for the economy of East Asia, the Chinese will, and we are not going to like the outcome," said Bill Galston, a senior fellow at the nonpartisan Brookings Institution, referring to President Barack Obama's argument for creating a level playing field for Pacific trade.

China, the world's second-largest economy, is already capitalizing on the U.S. Congress' failure to vote on a Trans-Pacific trade deal. It has announced plans to propose a rival trade pact at the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation CEO Summit in Peru that would create a Beijing-led regional trade zone in Southeast Asia excluding the United States.

Trade war potential

Trump, who once called China "a cheat" and a currency manipulator, has threatened to raise tariffs on Chinese-made goods by 45 percent to correct the trade deficit between the two countries. Beijing responded quickly with its own threats, raising the possibility of an all-out trade war. Galston said the possibility of a damaging trade war has never been higher, and he outlined a number of options China could take.

"To start, they could cancel the orders they placed with Boeing and redirect those orders to Airbus, and that would have a large effect on the economy of the Pacific Northwest," he said.

Beijing could also impose tougher regulations on companies that do business in China, or severely limit iPhone sales, for example, to Chinese customers.

"The idea that this is a one-way street, that we can threaten China and China can't threaten us back, I think, is too simple," Galston said.

If a trade war were to break out, Galston said, there would be no winners. However, given the asymmetry between Chinese exports to the U.S. and American exports to China, Galston said Trump might be gambling that both sides would have enough to lose to come to the table to work things out.

Other trade agreements

Trump has also signaled his intention to renegotiate what he called "the worst trade deal ever," NAFTA, the 1994 North American Free Trade Agreement with Canada and Mexico. Analysts say such a move is unlikely to create new jobs. Despite its flaws, Galston credits NAFTA for helping to create a continental supply chain that has made the U.S. auto industry among the most competitive in the world.

"If that relationship were to be disrupted, then it could have serious consequences. And it's not clear to me that it would have the effect of bringing auto jobs back to the United States," he said.

Given Trump's protectionist rhetoric, European Union Trade Commissioner Cecilia Malmstrom thinks a pending U.S. free-trade deal with Europe  TTIP, the Transatlantic Trade and Investment Partnership  is probably not moving forward anytime soon.

"There is strong reason to believe that there would be a pause in TTIP, that this might not be the biggest priority for the new administration," Malmstrom said.

Labor unions have been among the most vocal critics of free trade. The AFL-CIO blames NAFTA for the loss of nearly a million jobs and claims those who manage to find new jobs earn on average about 23 percent less than they used to. Labor groups insist any future free-trade agreements must include protections and a larger retraining budget for laid-off American workers.
The U.S. House of Representatives passed a bill Thursday that would block the sale of commercial aircraft to Iran, a bid to stop sales by Boeing and Airbus that have already been approved by President Barack Obama's administration.

The bill passed the Republican-led House 243-174, largely along party lines. Eight Democrats joined Republicans in favor. All 174 "no" votes were from Democrats.

The measure would bar U.S. Treasury Department from issuing licenses that U.S. banks would need to finance sales of commercial aircraft, the latest in a series of efforts by congressional Republicans to counteract the international nuclear deal between Iran, the United States and other world powers.

Over 200 jets involved

The deals by Airbus and Boeing to sell or lease over 200 jets to IranAir would help modernize and expand the country's elderly fleet, held together by smuggled or improvised parts after years of sanctions.

Although Airbus is based in France, it must have the U.S. Treasury Department's approval for the sale because at least 10 percent of the aircraft's components are American-made.

Some members of Congress have raised concerns that killing the sale could cost jobs. But opponents, particularly Republicans who unanimously opposed the nuclear agreement, argue that the passenger aircraft could be used for military purposes such as transporting fighters to battle U.S. troops or allies in Syria.

Senate vote is next

The measure is unlikely to become law during the current Congress. It would need to pass the Senate, where it would face stiff opposition from Democrats.

And the White House said Obama would veto the measure even if it did pass the Senate. The administration believes the legislation would be a violation of the nuclear pact, in which Iran agreed to curtail its nuclear program in exchange for sanctions relief.

However, the climate for the nuclear pact could change once Republican President-elect Donald Trump takes office on January 20. Trump was harshly critical of the nuclear agreement during his campaign.
U.S. Attorney General Loretta Lynch called on civilians to continue to report hate crimes and incidents of harassment and intimidation Friday.

"We need you to continue to report these incidents to local law enforcement, as well as the Justice Department, so that our career investigators and prosecutors can take action to defend your rights," she said in a video statement on hate crimes in the United States.

The video spoke to the FBI's hate crime statistics from 2015, released earlier this week, which documented a 7% rise in hate crimes last year, with incidents targeting Muslims jumping 67 percent.

Hate crimes escalated to 5,850 from 5,479 last year, according to the bureau's latest data. And anti-Muslim hate crime was at its highest level since the September 2001 terrorist attacks.

Reports of hate crimes and harassment also spiked in the week since Donald Trump's election as president of the United States. The Southern Poverty Law Center, which monitors hate groups, says many included references to Trump or his campaign. Some reports have also been discredited or proven false.

"Beyond these 2015 statistics, I know that many Americans are concerned by a spate of recent news reports about alleged hate crimes and harassment," Lynch said, also noting that the numbers are likely much higher, as many people do not report these crimes out of shame or fear.

She praised both local law enforcement and the Department of Justice for ensuring that hate crimes are reported and accurately prosecuted as well as an anti-hate crime law passed seven years ago. Lynch also looked forward to how much more work must be done.

That work is not just about enforcing the law," Lynch said. "Its about staying true to our highest ideals and most cherished principles. Its about making sure that all Americans receive the protection of the law. And its about giving real meaning to our shared belief that all people are created equal."
The Laos government is pressing ahead with a new dam on the Lower Mekong River, leading scientists and activists to warn of growing threats to regional food security.

Laos informed the four-nation inter-governmental Mekong River Commission (MRC) earlier this month that preparatory work was under way on the 912-megawatt Pak Beng Dam in the northern province of Oudomxay.

Pak Beng would be the third dam on the lower Mekong mainstream under Lao control. The $3.5 billion Xayaburi Dam and the Don Sahong Dam near the border with Cambodia are part of 11 dams planned on the Lower Mekong river system.

Laos says construction of the dams is key to its long-term economic development, promoting the country as a battery of Asia, although regional sales of hydroelectricity are largely destined for neighboring Thailand.

Maureen Harris, Southeast Asia program director at non-government group International Rivers, says construction of the Pak Beng Dam increases the risk of damaging a critical river ecosystem that feeds 60 million people in the region.

[The dam] will have significant impacts on the lower stretches of the river as the northernmost project on the cascade. It will have particular impacts on blocking sediment flows, but also impacts on fisheries. And our concerns are also around additional projects going ahead, Harris told VOA.

The World Wildlife Fund (WWF) says the fisheries alone are worth an estimated $17 billion a year. All economic activity in the region is directly or indirectly linked to the river and therefore vulnerable to changes to the river, WWF said in a recent report.

On the upper reaches of the 4,300-kilometer Mekong River, China has built half a dozen dams with increasing concerns over the impact on vital nutrient-rich sediment flows downstream.

Robert Mather, a consultant and former Southeast Asia director for the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN), says China plans to carry out major river navigation changes above the Lao township of Luang Prabang to allow for navigation of vessels of 500 deadweight tons (DWT).

The work would include destruction of dozens of rapids, rocks and shoals as well as dredging and construction of new ports at the same time the Pak Beng Dam construction is expected to be under way on the same stretch of river.

It just illustrates the fact even at the level of these big projects theres no coordination going on between them. And its just different agencies pushing their own agenda, Mather told VOA.

Studies have predicted regional rice production falling due to the planned dams in Laos, trapping sediments, reducing nutrients and fish stocks by disrupting migratory breeding.

The people of the region are among the poorest in Southeast Asia - their lives dependent on fresh fish for food security.

Chris Barlow, a fisheries expert with the Australian Centre for International Agricultural Research (ACIAR) says once the dams are in place, the impact on fish stocks will be immediate.

As soon as these mainstream dams are built in Laos, they will start to have an immediate impact on fisheries recruitment and therefore the size of fish populations, Barlow said.

He warned the situation was leading to a regional food crisis.

The time of governments responding is over. Its over in terms of maintaining the fisheries stocks - the only response is what else you do to try and replace that food supply, Barlow added.

The Mekong River Commission (MRC) has come under criticism over its handling of debates over the river's planned extensive dam building.

MRC chief executive Pham Tuan Phan, in comments, said the commissions role was a "platform" for cooperation, not a regulatory body. The MRC is imperfect but its indispensable, Phan told local media.

Activists say the MRC lacks influence over individual members, undermining its authority.

Robert Edis, ACIAR research program manager on soil and crop nutrition, says water flow reaching major agriculture producing regions, such as the Mekong Delta in Vietnam, would be hard hit.

If the tap was turned off there would be insufficient water to grow non-rice crops in many areas, Edis said.

And theres a lot of people who depend on that and theres a lot of people for whom the buffer between adequacy and inadequacy is very small. So were not talking about people on abundant incomes or abundant food reserves, he said.

International Rivers has called on the MRC to delay the consultation process for the Pak Beng Dam and suspend all construction activities to ensure transparency and public consultations.
The Mozambican government has declared a three-day national mourning period following a tragic explosion that killed at least 60 people.

A fuel tanker exploded in the Moatize district of central Mozambique after the driver left it on the side of the road. Dozens of people were attempting to remove the fuel from the tanker when the explosion occurred, according to the government.

Radio Mozambique reported that at least 60 people had been killed and 108 were injured.



The period runs from Saturday through November 21, said the spokesman for the Mozambican cabinet, Mouzinho Saide, after the cabinet met Friday in Maputo.



"During the period of national mourning, the national flag will fly at half-staff across the whole country and at the diplomatic and consular mission of Mozambique, Saide told journalists.



The cause of the explosion is under investigation, but local witnesses told a reporter for VOA's Portuguese to Africa service that a police officer fired a gun while people were surrounding the truck to disperse them. Others say a short circuit in the truck electric system may have caused the explosion.



This is the second time in two years the government has declared a period of official mourning after tragedies. In January, 2015 75 people died in the Chitima region from poisoning after drinking a traditional drink after a funeral.
The head of the company building the Dakota Access oil pipeline said Friday that it won't be rerouted but that he'd like to meet with the head of an American Indian tribe to try to ease the tribe's concerns about the project.

Kelcy Warren, the CEO of Dallas-based Energy Transfer Partners, told The Associated Press that the company has no alternative than to stick to its plan for the $3.8 billion pipeline, which would ship oil from North Dakota to Illinois and which is nearly completed.

"There's not another way. We're building at that location," Warren said.

Tribe's concerns

Warren said he would welcome the chance to meet with Dave Archambault, the chairman of the Standing Rock Sioux, to address the tribe's concerns that the pipeline skirting its reservation would endanger drinking water and cultural sites.

Archambault, who was with celebrity sympathizers who toured the tribe's protest encampment Friday, including the actors Shailene Woodley and Ezra Miller, said he'd be willing to meet with Warren but that he doesn't think it would make a difference.

"We already know what he's going to say -- that this is the cleanest, safest pipeline ever," the chairman said."What he doesn't know is that this is still an issue for Standing Rock and all indigenous people."

The 1,200-mile, four-state pipeline is largely complete except for a section that would pump oil under Lake Oahe, a Missouri River reservoir in southern North Dakota. The Standing Rock tribe fears that a leak could contaminate the drinking water on its nearby reservation and says the project also threatens sacred sites, which Warren disputes.

Possible changes

President Barack Obama earlier this month raised the possibility of rerouting the pipeline, and Archambault has told the AP that would be acceptable to the tribe as long as the new route wouldn't take it near the reservation.

Warren noted that the Dakota Access route parallels the existing Northern Border Pipeline, which crosses the Dakotas as it carries natural gas from Canada and the U.S. to the Chicago area.

"We're going to cross the river at that location," he said, calling it the "least impactful" site.

The Army Corps of Engineers in July granted ETP the permits needed for the crossing, but the agency decided in September that further analysis was warranted given the tribe's concerns. On Monday, the Corps called for even more study and tribal input.

ETP responded the next day by asking U.S. District Judge James Boasberg to declare that it has the right to lay pipe under Lake Oahe. The judge isn't likely to issue a decision until January, at the earliest.

The matter might linger until after President-Elect Donald Trump takes office. Trump, who owns stock in ETP, has said he wants to rebuild energy infrastructure.

"Do I think it's going to get easier? Of course," Warren said of the incoming administration. "If you're in the infrastructure business ... you need consistency, and you need rules and (regulations). And we need to follow those -- everybody needs to follow them, including our own government. That's where this process has gotten off track."

Protests continue

In the meantime, the months of protests against the pipeline continue.

There have been demonstrations at the protest encampment near the site of the proposed reservoir crossing and elsewhere, including at the state Capitol and state-owned Bank of North Dakota. About 500 people have been arrested, in total.

Warren called protests that became violent "repulsive," but he also said the company could have done some things differently.

"I think we could have had communication with state government before we did," he said. "That dialogue wasn't started until after we had a problem."
President Barack Obama joined the leaders of major European countries in Germany Friday to discuss security and economic challenges facing the trans-Atlantic partners.

The session with the leaders of Germany, Britain, France, Italy and Spain expands on lengthy talks he held a day earlier with Chancellor Angela Merkel.

In what is likely the last such gathering before he leaves office in January and President-elect Donald Trump moves into the White House, Obama brought his message of Americas enduring unity and cooperation to the heart of Europe Thursday, stressing to Germans and all Europeans that the United States will continue to engage with the world.

Obama called on his successor, Donald Trump, to stand up to Russia, saying his hope is that the president-elect takes a similarly constructive approach as he did, finding areas where we can co-operate with Russia where our values and interests collide. "I don't expect the president-elect will follow exactly our approach, but my hope is that he does not simply take a realpolitik approach and suggest if we cut some deals with Russia, even if it hurts people or violates international norms or leaves smaller countries vulnerable or leaves long-term problems in regions like Syria, that we do what's convenient at the time," Obama said during a news conference with Merkel in Berlin.

The U.S. leader chose Germany as the main stop of his final overseas tour as president. The country is Europes top economy and U.S. trading partner, an important member of NATO and host to thousands of U.S. troops.

Observers have also suggested Merkel could be emerging as the most prominent liberal voice in a region where nationalist movements are gaining strength.

This last trip marks President Obamas sixth visit to Germany.

There will be no return to a world before globalization, Obama and Merkel wrote in a joint editorial published in the German business weekly WirtschaftsWoche, before the U.S. leaders arrival.

Obamas message was meant to reassure European leaders who are nervous about what some perceive as Americas turn toward isolationism as reflected in remarks made by President-elect Trump during his campaign.

Trump called into question the relevance of NATO, praised Britains decision to quit the European Union, and criticized Merkels policy of admitting hundreds of thousands of migrants, most of them Muslims, into Europe. During his campaign, Trump referred to Merkel as a great world leader, but said her decisions on immigration issues were tragic and a catastrophe.

Analysts say Merkels calls for migrant quotas among EU nations have fueled nationalist movements across Europe, including Germany, and were a key factor in British voters June decision to leave the European Union.

Far-right populist movements have also made gains in Germany following the migrant crisis, and Merkels party has suffered losses, including in her home state.

She is now weighing whether to run for a fourth term as chancellor.

The outgoing U.S. president will be heading to Peru for the Asia Pacific Economic Cooperation summit later Friday.
Outgoing U.S. President Barack Obama has bid farewell to European allies, capping his final trip to Europe as president with reassurances of Americas enduring support and calls for allies to stand up to Russia.

The U.S. leader left Berlin Friday after a four-day tour of the region that started with Greece, the cradle of western-style democracy, where he reflected on the importance of fighting for democratic values, and ended in Germany, Europes top economy whose Chancellor, Angela Merkel, is regarded as Europes most influential leader.

The top item on Obamas agenda was reassuring nervous European allies about the future of Transatlantic relations under the presidency of Donald Trump, whose campaign remarks raised uncertainty, especially about Americas commitment to NATO, the EU, and other multilateral institutions.

Before departing Berlin, President Obama met with leaders of Britain, France, Germany, Italy and Spain and repeated those reassurances. A White House statement says Obama expressed confidence that, even at a moment of great change, democratic values have done more to advance human freedom and progress than any other system in history, and will continue to do so going forward.

He thanked his European counterparts for their close cooperation and urged them to work with the Trump administration on the basis of the core values that define the United States and Europe as open democracies.

Obama and the other leaders agreed on Friday to maintain sanctions on Russia over the conflict in eastern Ukraine. They called on Moscow to abide by the Minsk agreements and allow for a security environment that is conducive to elections.

They agreed Europe should keep working toward de-escalation and a diplomatic solution to the conflict in Syria, and they called on Russia to stop its bombing of Aleppo, where they said the humanitarian situation is of grave concern.

Obama headed to the last stop of his last foreign tour, Peru, to attend the Asia Pacific Cooperation summit (APEC).
President-elect Donald Trump has selected Kansas Congressman Mike Pompeo to serve as the leader of the Central Intelligence Agency, according to a release on the Trump transition website.

Pompeo is a veteran congressman and former Army officer who has served on the House Intelligence Committee and is known as a prominent member of the House Select Committee on the Events Surrounding the 2012 Terrorist Attack in Benghazi, Libya, which has been tasked with investigating the attack on the American diplomatic compound there.

Army experience



Pompeo graduated first in his class from the West Point Military Academy and served as an active duty cavalry officer in the Army, according to the Trump transition team release. Pompeos congressional website says he served as an officer patrolling the Iron Curtain before the fall of the Berlin Wall.

He has served our country with honor and spent his life fighting for the security of our citizens, Trump said in a statement. He will be a brilliant and unrelenting leader for our intelligence community to ensure the safety of Americans and our allies.

Harvard Law



After leaving the Army, Pompeo earned a law degree from Harvard where he worked as the editor of the Harvard Law Review. After working briefly as a private lawyer, Pompeo founded Thayer Aerospace, which built components for military aircraft.

He later became the president of an oil field supplies company called Sentry International before being elected to Congress in 2010.
Ibrahim Hassan, 49, was delighted to have a home after living more than 20 years in Kenya's Dadaab refugee camp.



All my life I never slept in a house of my own," he said. "Half of my life I spent in a refugee camp dependent on aid agencies. February this year, I bought a [piece of] land and built it.



But Hassans dream was short-lived. This past October, a year after he returned to Somalia from the largest refugee camp in the world, he was told to tear his home down.



I was told to move out of my house. The reason authorities gave me was that the land is a disputed one and the person who sold it to me was not the genuine owner, he said while collecting structural remnants to build a new home.

I was compensated with another piece of land," he said. "But its disheartening for a refugee and a poor man like me to be evicted from his original home. Its still a difficult move."

Rough return

Hassan was among the first occupants of Dadaab, which was opened in 1991 to accommodate refugees from Somalia's civil war. At one point, the camp population swelled to more than 400,000.

Earlier this year, Kenyan officials said that the camp would close on November 30, only to renege on the deadline. Just this week they said the camp would remain open until May, to allow Somali authorities extra time to improve security and services for returning refugees.

UNHCR, the U.N. refugee agency, has been helping Somalis return to their former homes. To start a new life, Hassan, a father of nine, used all of his savings and stipends he received from UNHCR in Dadaab and local authorities in Kismayo.

Land disputes



Most returnees, however, have found it difficult to secure reliable food, health care and shelter, and Hassan, like 75 other families, are affected by ongoing land disputes in Kismayo.



Mohamed Noor, vice chairman in the Jubaland Refugee and Internally Displaced Persons agency, says its up to the government to sort out the land disputes and issue titled deeds to minimize violence.



In the last 20 years, there are many people who claim to own land and conflict has risen from this," Noor said. "Its the duty of the government to look into this conflict arising from land ownership in the country to make sure people get what is rightfully theirs, and accommodate others who do not own land.

No place to call home



Sokorey Guhad returned in October 2015. She and her mother were the first people to register for the repatriation process that began that same year.



We fled from Kismayo during drought and conflict" in 2011, she said. "I fled with my mother and older sister. For the last five years, we were used to free shelter, food and clean water. When I was coming back to my home, I was afraid I might be caught with the same problem that made me flee."

"After two days and two nights, I left the transit center and moved to the city to a relative's house," she added. "We dont have a home here. I still live with relatives."



When Guhad fled with her family, the Somali militant group al-Shabab was in control of Kismayo. Humanitarian assistance was beyond reach as the group banned aid agencies in the areas it controlled.

Limited services



In October 2012, the militant group lost the city to African Union troops and Somali government forces but it still controls villages surrounding the city.



Kismayo is largely perceived as a safe place for Somali refugees to return to, but authorities admit the city lacks essential services to support them.



The returnees had a good life, good health services, and their children were in school getting an education [in Dadaab]," said Noor of Jubaland Refugee Agency. "In Kismayo, their destination, there was nothing.

Others, however, see the port city as a place to rebuild their lives.



Ibrahim Bundid, another victim of the 2011 famine  which was described as the worst to hit the Horn of Africa region in over a century  returned to Kismayo this past October.



I left Afmadow, my home town, [135 kilomeers outside Kismayo] for Dadaab. I lost all my animals and my livelihood," he said. "Now I do not want to go back to my town; it's a very small town compared to Kismayo. There is a lot you can do here. You have the sea and all the organizations are here."
According to the U.N. refugee agency, about 18,000 Somalis repatriated from Kenyas Dadaab refugee camp this year have returned to the Somali port town of Kismayo. Many, however, are finding it hard to pick up the pieces of their old lives. Mohammed Yusuf reports from Kismayo.
Senate Republicans are eager to flex their party's newfound political muscle next year, but say they have no plans to weaken rules enabling Democrats to block major legislation and, potentially, any Supreme Court nomination put forth by soon-to-be President Donald Trump.

Whether Republicans adhere to their promise of restraint will determine the fate of the filibuster, which checks the power of the majority by making some degree of minority support necessary for most bills to pass the Senate and for high court nominees to be confirmed.

For now, Republicans are defending the filibuster as they plan a busy legislative agenda for the first 100 days of the Trump administration  an agenda they know will prompt fierce Democratic resistance on some items.

"We have not changed the rules in the Senate, should not change the rules in the Senate," Republican Senator Thom Tillis of North Carolina told VOA. "There's a reason why we're a distinct institution."

"I would not like to turn this Senate into the House any more than we have done," said South Carolina Republican Lindsey Graham, referring to the fact that, in the House of Representatives, all legislation is passed by simple majority votes.

Senator Jeff Flake of Arizona said the filibuster "is what makes the Senate the Senate. And I know a number of my [fellow Republican] colleagues feel the same way."

Last legislative check

The filibuster requires at least 60 of the Senate's 100 members to vote affirmatively for the chamber to take up a bill or nomination, and similar three-fifths backing to end debate and hold a final vote. It can be sidestepped if senators grant unanimous consent to advance a bill, or if a party has at least a 60-vote majority in the chamber  a rarity in modern times.

Senators of both parties have long understood the filibuster's importance in America's system of checks and balances on political power.

"If the right of free and open debate is taken away from the minority party, then the millions of Americans who ask us to be their voice [will be silenced]," said Barack Obama in 2005, when he represented Illinois in the Senate.

In 2012, then-Minority Leader Mitch McConnell, a Kentucky Republican, described the filibuster as "the last legislative check against the kind of raw exercise of power majority parties always have been tempted to wield."

Filibusters were never used more than 10 times a year prior to the 1970s. They regularly have exceeded 100 per year during the Obama administration, sometimes to block legislation with significant public support, like stiffer gun laws, but most often to block presidential nominations of judges and members of his administration.

New Senate rules

In 2013, frustrated by persistent Republican filibustering of Obama's nominees, then-majority Democrats changed Senate rules so that only Supreme Court nominations could be blocked. Republicans were outraged.

John Cornyn of Texas warned of setting "a new precedent in the Senate  one that says it's permissible to break the rules of the Senate at any point to get your own way if the majority has the gumption to do it."

Democrats made a similar point years earlier, when then-majority Republicans threatened to rein in the filibuster during the George W. Bush administration.

"They [Republicans] want their way every single time, and they will change the rules, break the rules, misread the Constitution so that they will get their way," said Senator Chuck Schumer of New York in 2005. "The checks and balances say that if you get 51 percent of the vote, you don't get your way 100 percent of the time."

"Majorities are fleeting," Cornyn warned Democrats in 2013. "The shoe will be on the other foot."

Indeed, Senate control flipped to Republicans in elections the following year. It is in the context of more than a decade of partisan warfare over the filibuster that Republicans must decide how to proceed next year, mindful that Democrats could pursue all-out obstruction against Trump's agenda much the way they frustrated Obama's agenda at nearly every turn.

Fury over Supreme Court seat

The fury could be fiercest when Trump makes a Supreme Court nomination to fill the seat of Justice Antonin Scalia, who died in February. The filibuster remains in order for high court picks, and Democrats continue to seethe over the Republicans' refusal to consider Obama's choice, Judge Merrick Garland.

"They [Republicans] stole that Supreme Court seat," Ohio Democrat Sherrod Brown told VOA. "They owe an up-or-down vote on Merrick Garland. To me, it's first about that."

Brown and other Democrats refuse to say whether they intend to retaliate against Trump's eventual pick for the high court vacancy. Republicans who fiercely defend the filibuster, however, say all bets are off if Democrats block a qualified nominee next year.

"They [Democrats] set the standard [for limiting the filibuster]," said Utah Republican Orrin Hatch. "They really screwed up the rules, frankly, for purely political purposes. Republicans are not limited now. They can do whatever they think is in the best interests of the country."

Hatch added that he hopes a filibuster showdown can be avoided.

"I suspect Republicans will show more reverence for the rules than the Democrats [did when they were in the majority]," the senator said.

Delaware Democrat Chris Coons told VOA that the 2013 rules change on the filibuster "was a pretty drastic step," but one necessitated by "years of repeated refusal to allow the Obama administration to nominate and confirm qualified judges, senior members of the administration."

For months, Coons consistently rejected any suggestion that Democrats adopt a scorched-earth policy in the Senate to protest Republican inaction over Garland. His moderation continues now. At a time when Democrats are in the minority and bracing for one-party Republican rule of Washington, the senator is urging restraint across the political spectrum and respect for the filibuster.

When it comes to the whims of the majority, Coons said, "there is some need for a speed bump or even, on occasion, an emergency brake."
Thirty-eight years ago, the bodies of more than 900 members of the Peoples Temple, led by cult leader Jim Jones, were found in a compound in a town knowns as Jonestown in the southern American nation of Guyana.

The mass suicide followed the murder of U.S. Representative Leo Ryan and four members of his delegation on November 18, 1978, who had gone to Jonestown to investigate claims of abuse.

Later that day, members were directed by Jones to commit an act of revolutionary suicide by drinking fruit punch laced with cyanide and sedatives as armed guards stood by.

The next day, Guyanese authorities discovered the gruesome scene: dozens of bloated bodies of men, women and children, many with their arms around one another, strewn around the compounds pavilion.

Jones, age 47, was discovered at the compound, dead from a single bullet wound to the head, believed to be self-inflicted. Before the 9/11 terrorist attacks, the Jonestown massacre was the single largest loss of American civilians in a non-natural disaster.

A compelling, charismatic cult leader

Accounts by many former followers of Jim Jones describe his church as a home and a place of great joy and happiness.

During a time a strained race relations in America  of churches that were largely segregated, Jones actively recruited both blacks and whites into his church. He broke new ground, attracting college educated professionals, young and old African-Americans and whites from a range of socio-economic backgrounds.

Some white church leaders distanced themselves from Jones, criticizing him for opening his doors to black Americans.

He had a dark side that became more evident as his church moved from Indiana to California and, ultimately, Guyana.

Jones had grown up poor and struggled in a deeply dysfunctional family. His message of racial equality and a socialist society was unusual and drew poor and disenfranchised converts.

Of the 918 members who drank the poison under orders that night in Guyana, 276 were children.
A group of news media advocacy organizations is calling on President-elect Donald Trump to "preserve long-standing traditions" to ensure the press is free to inform the public of his presidential activities.

In an open letter Wednesday to Trump, 18 organizations asked him to maintain a pool of reporters that covers all of the president's activities and movements and to have regular briefings with the news media.

The role of the press pool is critically important to our country, whose citizens depend on and deserve to know what the president is doing, the letter said.

Concerns about news media access to Trump during his presidency were raised Tuesday night when he departed his Trump Tower residence in New York City for a dinner without his press pool.

Frosty relationship with media

During his campaign, it was not uncommon for Trump to hurl angry remarks at journalists or to ban news outlets from his campaign appearances.

Trump's frosty relationship with the news media should not be a barrier to pool access to the media, according to Columbia University journalism professor and two-time Pulitzer Prize winner Steve Coll.

I don't prejudge how he's going to handle this, Coll said in an interview with VOA. I imagine he will continue to be hostile to the press as an institution, but I also imagine he will want to make himself accessible since that's been his [mode of operating] that got him to the White House.

Reminded of Reagan

Even if Trump bucked tradition by banning the White House press pool or curtailing its access to presidential activities, Coll said it would not violate the First Amendment of the Constitution, which protects freedom of the press, including the right to criticize the government.

It seems to me that would be a stretch to make that claim, because the First Amendment protects the press against coercion by the government. It doesn't guarantee the press a seat on the president's plane, he said.

Coll noted that the administration of Ronald Reagan, a former movie actor who served as president from 1981 to 1989, was very successful in reducing the influence of the working press by expertly utilizing staged televised events.

Every president since Reagan has found ways to work around the news media, Coll said. President Barack Obama, for example, has a Twitter account and his White House communicates directly with the public on a variety of other social media channels.

Trump, too, has used Twitter, having built a following of more than 15 million people.

Bannon considered "worrisome"

Of more concern to the American public than Trump's obsessive use of Twitter, said Coll, is the appointment of Stephen Bannon as Trump's chief White House strategist. Bannon is also former executive chairman of far-right Breitbart News.

Coll said Breitbart News served as the de facto communications arm of the Trump campaign, and an alignment with the White House would be a departure from presidential tradition.



The fact he has brought Stephen Bannon into the White House suggests he intends to encourage that kind of communication. And I find that much more worrisome than Donald Trump tweeting, he said.
President-elect Donald Trump, in filling the first of many top positions in his administration, has chosen three staunchly conservative Republicans to fill vital roles: Senator Jeff Sessions as his attorney general, Congressman Mike Pompeo as director of the Central Intelligence Agency, and retired Lieutenant General Mike Flynn as his national security adviser.

All three candidates, who have been loyal to Trump throughout his unconventional campaign, are hard-liners who will head up his national security and law enforcement teams.

Sessions strongly backed and advised Trump since the beginning of his presidential campaign.

Pompeo, from the Midwestern state of Kansas, was among the first group of conservative tea party congressional members to be elected in 2010.

Flynn, a decorated combat veteran, served as Trump's go-to national security adviser during the campaign. Flynn's selection would not require U.S. Senate confirmation, unlike those of Sessions and Pompeo.

Sessions could face tough questions during hearings, even with Republicans in control of the chamber. When Sessions was nominated for a federal judicial position 30 years ago, he was sharply criticized for racist remarks he allegedly made while serving as U.S. attorney in his home state of Alabama.

During the 1986 Senate hearing, former assistant U.S. attorney Thomas Figures, an African-American, testified that Sessions referred to him as "boy" and warned Figures to be careful about what he said to "white folks."

Sessions denied he ever called Figures "boy," but the late U.S. Senator Edward Kennedy produced a letter from a group of African-American attorneys that said Figures made the allegations about Sessions to the group at least twice.

Former colleagues also testified that Sessions joked that the Ku Klux Klan, a white extremist group, was "OK until he learned they smoked marijuana."

Sessions eventually withdrew from consideration for the judicial post and went on to become state attorney general before winning election to the Senate in 1996.

Sessions is also known for his anti-immigration position. He has opposed most immigration bills the Senate has considered over the past two decades, including those supporting legal immigration. And a Sessions aide helped the president-elect articulate his immigration policy.

If Sessions is confirmed as attorney general by the Senate, he would be the country's top prosecutor and law enforcement official.



CIA director

In a statement, Trump said Pompeo will be a "brilliant and unrelenting leader" of the CIA.

After graduating first in his class at West Point in 1986, the 52-year-old congressman served as a U.S. Army Calvary officer.

Pompeo is a member of the House Permanent Select Committee on Intelligence and founded and subsequently sold Thayer Aerospace, which makes components for commercial and military aircraft.

A close ally of Vice President-elect Mike Pence, Pompeo is a staunch opponent of President Barack Obama's nuclear agreement with Iran.

Pompeo "is a serious guy who studies issues carefully," former National Security Agency and CIA director Michael Hayden told Reuters on Friday.



National security adviser

Flynn will most likely play a big role in Trump's foreign policy decisions moving forward, because Trump has no practical military experience.

The 57-year-old Democrat is a decorated combat veteran who retired as a three-star general, one of the highest ranks possible. He is also the former head of the Defense Intelligence Agency.

After several years of successive promotions within Army intelligence operations, Flynn was nominated by U.S. President Barack Obama to be director of the Defense Intelligence Agency. He held the position for two years before retiring in 2014 after reportedly being forced out for his poor management style.

Flynn was criticized by former colleagues last year when he traveled to Moscow and appeared next to Russian President Vladimir Putin at a posh event for the state-run propaganda television channel Russia Today (RT). Flynn said he was paid to attend the event and defended the trip by saying he believed RT was no different than some American all-news channels.

WATCH: Vice President-elect Mike Pence on Trump's new hires

Meanwhile, Trump and his transition team traveled about 75 kilometers (47 miles) Friday from Trump Tower to the Trump National Golf Club in Bedminster, New Jersey.

They planned to work through the weekend to fill other key positions in the administration.

Also Friday, New York City Mayor Bill de Blasio said the increased security and police presence around Trump Tower in midtown Manhattan would continue until Trump's inauguration on January 20. The city said it was considering asking for federal help to cover the increased costs.

"We're being asked to do something on a scale that's never been done before," de Blasio said at a news conference with New York Police Department and Secret Service officials.

The mayor said security would be reassessed after the inauguration, if Trump decided to split time between the White House and Trump Tower.
An official with President-elect Donald Trump's transition team says he will meet Saturday with Mitt Romney, who has been mentioned in recent days as a potential candidate for secretary of state.

The relationship between Trump and Romney, the unsuccessful 2012 Republican presidential candidate, has been contentious; but transition team vice chairman and newly-named attorney general candidate Jeff Sessions has urged Trump to consider Romney for a position in the incoming administration.

Details have not been disclosed but campaign manager Kellyanne Conway said transition officials are still "working on" the meeting, which could be perceived by many as a gesture of reconciliation with the Republican establishment.

In a speech last March, Romney blasted Trump as a "con man" and a "fraud." The president-elect responded by saying Romney "choked like a dog" and repeatedly calling Romney a "loser." Their relationship began to thaw after Romney called Trump to congratulate him on his surprising presidential victory.

Trump is considering multiple people for the nation's top diplomatic post, including former New York City Mayor Rudy Giuliani, former U.S. Ambassador to the United Nations John Bolton, Senator Bob Corker and South Carolina Governor Nikki Haley.

Former House Speaker Newt Gingrich was also mentioned as a candidate for secretary of state but withdrew his name from consideration Thursday after deciding to support Trump as an outside adviser.

If Trump selects Romney for secretary of state, they will have to overcome their differences over Russia. In 2012, Romney described Russia as America's "No. 1 geopolitical foe."

The president-elect has praised Russian President Vladimir Putin and expressed the desire to collaborate with Russia in a campaign to destroy Islamic State. After a telephone conversation Monday between Trump and Putin, Trump issued a statement saying he anticipated having a "strong and enduring relationship with Russia."

Trump's overtures toward Russia have raised concern in Washington. President Barack Obama said in Berlin Thursday that Trump should stand up to Russia if it does not conform with America's "values and international norms."

Republican Senator John McCain, a leading voice on national security matters, said any attempt by the Trump administration to reset ties with Russia would be "unacceptable."
New York's attorney general says that President-elect Donald Trump has agreed to a $25 million settlement to resolve several fraud lawsuits involving his former Trump University.

New York Attorney General Eric Schneiderman said Friday that the deal would settle a civil suit he filed against the New York school that taught real estate investing as well as two class-action lawsuits in California filed by former students at Trump University.

The lawsuits claimed that Trump University misled students who paid up to $35,000 each to learn Trump's real estate investing techniques from his "hand-picked" instructors. The suits said Trump was not involved in choosing the instructors and said the school called itself a university when it wasn't an accredited school.

Judge set to rule Friday

Trump has always denied any wrongdoing involving the university, which has since closed. The settlement deal does not require Trump to acknowledge any wrongdoing.

A federal judge in the two California cases had been set Friday to consider arguments on Trump's request to delay a trial until after his inauguration on January 20. Trump's attorneys said that Trump's preparations for his White House administration were "critical and all-consuming."

Schneiderman said the deal is a "stunning reversal by Donald Trump and a major victory for the over 6,000 victims of his fraudulent university." Trump had previously said he would not settle the case.

Settlement had been suggested

Neither Trump's attorneys nor a spokeswoman returned telephone calls on Friday, the Associated Press reported.

U.S. District Judge Gonzalo Curiel, who is presiding over the two California cases, had urged both sides to settle. The judge was at the center of one of Trump's controversial statements during the presidential campaign, when the candidate said the judge was biased against him because of the judge's Mexican ancestry. The judge was born in the Midwestern state of Indiana.
Around the Mahjong table on the edge of "Little Saigon" in Orange County, California, the players have been closely following the election process. Many of them can be described as reluctant Trump supporters.

I voted for him not because I admire him, not because I accept him as a very capable candidate for presidency, but I don't like Hillary Clinton, said Colonel Leslie Le Khac Ly, former chief of staff, II Corps, Pleiku of the South Vietnamese armed forces.

According to the 2016 National Asian American Election Eve Poll, more Asian Americans voted for Hillary Clinton than Donald Trump in the recent U.S. election. Those who voted for Trump did so for a variety of reasons.

Staff key for Trump

Aichau Caoxuan is relying on the people Trump will appoint to advise him. "His staffers and advisers will be there to help," she says as she takes a break from playing Mahjong. "Therefore, at last minute, I ended up with voting for him."

Other Vietnamese voted for Republicans because of their faith.

"I maintain Republican because I don't believe in abortion," said Long Pham, who is Catholic, like many Vietnamese Americans.

Unlike some of the reluctant Trump supporters, Mike Nguyen, who is also Catholic, believes in Trump's proposed agenda, including the selection of a conservative Supreme Court justice whom Nguyen hopes will change certain social issues.

"For example, the family, marriage," said Nguyen. "Since a long time ago, the definition is marriage between men and women. I'm not discriminating against gay people, but they have another form like (civil) union."

Improved economy

He also expects the U.S. economy to improve under Trump's leadership.

"Like any voter, I expect a lot," he said. "I would like to get some jobs back here for the American people."

On Trump's foreign policy, Colonel Le says he likes the president-elect's tough stance on China, saying it can also benefit Vietnam.

"I like the idea that Donald Trump sees China as an enemy," said Le. "Try to draw Vietnam back to the position as a United States ally, and I would like to see Donald Trump continue that policy. That's the only way you can stop Chinese ambition."

U.S. compared to battleship

No matter what Trump promised in the campaign, many Vietnamese Americans know there are limitations to what a president can do, and he may have to compromise.

"We have Congress, we have the Supreme Court. It's not like a third-world country where we have a new king and the king [can] change the whole thing," Pham said.

"I would give him at least one or two years. A hundred days would be a little bit too quick. The U.S. is more like a big battleship. When you turn it around, it takes a little bit of time."
A United Nations Special Rapporteur said Friday the Turkish government is imposing draconian measures that limit freedom of expression and called on the country's leaders to release those held in prison for exercising their rights.

Envoy David Kaye acknowledged that Turkey had a duty to its citizens to keep them safe after the failed July coup attempt, but said the government had gone too far in jailing journalists and others, and the action will generate polarization and long-term instability.

The measures are not only drastic and disproportionate, but they lack any form of transparency," he said in a statement. "As with media professionals, the government accuses people of serious crimes, but without presenting evidence, without due process and without any form of transparency.

Thousands removed from jobs

Kaye said he hopes to work with the Turkish government to help protect the rights of Turkish citizens and improve legal procedures in the country.

Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan has engaged in a crackdown on journalists, academics, military and civilian government employees, accusing them of participating in the coup attempt.

More than 100,000 people have been removed from their jobs since government forces blocked the coup attempt. More than 35,000 others, including military officers and opposition politicians, have been arrested for suspected collusion with the coup plotters.

Turkey has maintained a good and open dialogue with various human rights mechanisms, said Kaye. I thank the authorities for their openness to engage in frank discussions and I look forward to exchanging information on my concerns."

Purges to continue

Erdogan has said that purges will continue until infiltrators seeking to topple his government have been removed from all state institutions.

The Turkish leader has accused U.S.-based Muslim cleric Fetullah Gulen of plotting the coup, and vowed to bring Gulen to justice.

We are in the process of taking necessary steps so this evil network and the band of murderers actually face justice and take the necessary punishments, Erdogan said.

Gulen, a former Erdogan ally in self-imposed exile in the U.S. state of Pennsylvania since 1999, has repeatedly denied involvement in the coup attempt.
U.S. President-elect Donald Trumps reported aversion to the United Nations has come under fire by U.N. Deputy Secretary-General Jan Eliasson, who expressed concern that a Trump administration could undermine the Paris Climate Change Agreement and U.N. efforts to restrain the growth of xenophobia around the world.

Nevertheless, the Swedish diplomat, who will be leaving his post at the end of the year, said he hoped that negative comments made by Trump proved to be exaggerations.

I have personally met Mr. Trump earlier in my roles both at the U.N. and as ambassador to Washington and at that time I did not discover such a hostile attitude to the United Nations.

Eliasson noted that the United States was a founding member of the United Nations and has been a pillar and main contributor to all areas of its work, including peacekeeping, humanitarian action and standing up for human rights and the rule of law.

At the same time, he said the U.S. has been a beneficiary of the world bodys ability to act as an arbiter in many critical issues.

Peacekeeping is an institution, an element that can often help to make sure that there is a neutral party that can deal with a situation rather than immediate military involvement by major powers, he said.

I am sure that the American side, whatever political color, would like to see a comprehensive work on dealing with terrorism in all its aspects. There, we have the machinery also in its broader sense.

While saying it was in the self-interest of the United States to remain engaged with the U.N., Eliasson told VOA he was concerned about the ramifications of the U.S. opting out of the climate change agreement, which he called an existential threat.

The Paris agreement has entered into force on the fourth of November, so the agreement is not in danger, he said. But, of course, if member states do not live up to the intentions and commitments of that agreement, we will have trouble, especially if it is a country of the size of the United States.

Eliasson also expressed concern that the burgeoning refugee and migration crisis was increasing antipathy toward foreigners around the world. He noted that there were 244 million international migrants, 40 million internally displaced people and 25 million refugees in the world.

I think one of the most dangerous trends in the world right now is to divide the world people into us and them and putting lower quality on the them and higher quality on the us, he said. That goes completely counter to the basic values and principles of the United Nations.

Under Secretary-General Eliasson said he hoped the United States would remain committed to the United Nations' campaign to combat xenophobia.

Syria

Touching on another global issue, Eliasson said he was very worried about the escalating conflict in Syria and saw no signs that political negotiations to end the war were imminent.

In response to a question from VOA regarding the often-clashing views of the United States and Russia on how the war in Syria should be waged, Eliasson acknowledged the tensions between the two military powers and said improving the dialogue between them would be good for everyone.

We know very well that both the United States and Russia are interested in fighting or dealing with terrorists," he said. "But on the other hand, it is important that nobody, including the United States and Russia, lose the perspective that we need to have a fair solution through a political process and that that goal should not be deserted or left behind.

Sudan, South Sudan

From 2007 to 2008, Eliasson was a special U.N. envoy to Darfur in Sudan. He said he was hopeful when South Sudan gained its independence in 2011, a hope that was dashed when he saw how that situation has developed.

Eliasson said he was concerned that Russia and China would probably veto a Security Council resolution proposed by the United States to impose an arms embargo on the African country.

I certainly believe that arms flowing into any country in conflict is a negative factor. And, I would hope that the discussions are not finalized, he said. From the side of the United Nations, we have been truly in favor, of course, in closing the arms trade. It is a very negative and damaging element in the already troubled situation.

Since civil war broke out in December 2013 in South Sudan, the United Nations reports tens of thousands of people have been killed and nearly 3 million have become internally displaced or refugees in neighboring countries.
A United Nations expert on migrants rights says a U.S. agreement to resettle an unspecified number of refugees would be a great achievement if it emptied Australia-run Pacific island camps where asylum seekers have been treated badly.

U.N. Special Rapporteur on the Human Rights of Migrants Francois Crepeau said Friday that the bilateral deal announced last weekend was a good start to finding a solution that should involve closing asylum-seeker camps on the island nations of Nauru and Papua New Guinea.

The United States has agreed to resettle refugees among 1,300 asylum seekers held on Nauru and on Papua New Guineas Manus Island for up to four years.

It is not clear if the change of U.S. administrations January 20 will impact the agreement.


The United States said Thursday that it would press for a U.N. arms embargo against those responsible for the violence in South Sudan, which has dramatically escalated along ethnic lines.

"In the coming days, the United States will put forward a proposal to impose an arms embargo on South Sudan, and targeted sanctions on the individuals who have been the biggest spoilers to achieve lasting peace in South Sudan," U.S. Ambassador Samantha Power told Security Council members.

She said such a move would be an important step to help halt the violence by government and opposition forces against civilians that has devastated the country for three years.

Not a blockade

Although an embargo would not completely stop weapons flowing into the country or remove those already on the ground, Power said it could still make a difference, especially in preventing the acquisition of more heavy weapons, aircraft and military vehicles.

South Sudan has been mired in a political conflict since December 2013 that has ignited violence among ethnic groups, caused the economy to tank, killed and displaced thousands, and created a dire humanitarian situation, with nearly 5 million people believed to be severely food insecure.

But getting the council to agree to an arms embargo and targeted sanctions may be difficult. When the idea of an embargo was first raised many months ago, some council members expressed reluctance, fearing that such a measure would be difficult to enforce, and that it would hurt the Juba government and favor the opposition.

Russia, for one, does not appear to have softened its opposition.

"Our position hasn't changed," Russian Deputy Ambassador Petr Iliichev told the council. "We think implementing such a recommendation would hardly be helpful in settling the conflict."

South Sudan envoy Joseph Malok told council members that denying his government the means to protect and defend its citizens and its borders would unacceptably undermine its sovereignty.

Genocide warning

The call for the embargo came amid intensifying warnings that the violence is getting more dangerous in nature.

"I was dismayed that what I saw and heard in South Sudan confirmed my concerns, that there is a strong risk of violence escalating along ethnic lines, with the potential for genocide," Adama Dieng told council members. He is the U.N. special adviser for the prevention of genocide.

In a trip to South Sudan last week, Dieng said he saw a number of risk factors, enough to lead him to warn that conditions are "ripe for the commission of mass atrocities."

"Inflammatory rhetoric, stereotyping and name-calling have been accompanied by threats, targeted killings and rape of members of particular ethnic groups, and by violent attacks against individuals or communities on the basis of their perceived political affiliation," Dieng said.

He went on to warn that what began as a political conflict has transformed into "what could become an outright ethnic war." He said that with the stalled implementation of the peace agreement, the worsening economic and humanitarian situations and the proliferation of arms, "all of the ingredients exist for a dangerous escalation of violence; there is both motivation and means."

Dieng said there is an urgent need for the Security Council to impose an arms embargo. "It is a serious and grave time in South Sudan, and it is time to act," he said.
A dramatic upsurge has taken place in the number of migrant deaths, mainly from West Africa, on the perilous Mediterranean sea crossing between Libya and the Italian island of Lampedusa.

The International Organization for Migration reports at least 365 people have disappeared and are presumed dead after at least six incidents in the Mediterranean in the past three days. It says that brings the number of migrant deaths in the Mediterranean this year to a record 4,636.

IOM spokesman Leonard Doyle calls this a calamity in plain sight.

In November, we have 365 deaths that we have counted. So, this is six times higher than the deaths last year in that month ," said Doyle. " Overall, we are counting 1,000 more migrant deaths in the Mediterranean compared to the same period last year. So, over the stretch of the year from January to November, 1000 extra deaths and six times more in November alone.

Doyle says deaths on the Mediterranean are surging because the migrants are making the dangerous sea crossing in poor weather and rough conditions. Survivors say smugglers are forcing migrants to get on board unsafe rubber dinghies, which take on water and gradually sink.

Migrants assuming and paying in the hope and expectation that they will get a decent passage across the Mediterranean, coming down to the beach and being confronted with a rubber raft and not having any options sometimes, physical restraints and then even going back," said Doyle. "So, the situation is clearly alarming.

Doyle says there are few happy endings for migrants who survive the arduous journey and arrive safely in Italy. He tells VOA their expectations of having a good life in Europe and sending money home to their families is rarely realized.

He says most of the requests for asylum from migrants who come from Gambia, Nigeria, Senegal, Mali and elsewhere in West Africa are rejected. Doyle says they are regarded as economic migrants and are either deported or forced to live underground in the European Union.
A surge in border crossings and a lack of immigration jail space have prompted the federal government to start releasing Haitian immigrants who have been entering the country in large numbers in recent months, backtracking on a pledge to jail the migrants.

A U.S. government official told The Associated Press that the decision to free Haitians arriving in Arizona and California is in response to a lack of jail space. The official said releasing immigrants with orders to report later to immigration court is a tactic used when detention space is scarce, under certain humanitarian conditions or as part of efforts to keep families together.

Before the Haitians are released, they are subjected to a criminal background and national security check. The official was not authorized to discuss the matter publicly and insisted on speaking on condition of anonymity.

Too many to jail

The influx of migrants and lack of jail space on the border will be one of the most immediate immigration challenges for President-elect Donald Trump, whose hard-line rhetoric on the issue won over conservatives and contributed to his historic upset last week. Trump vowed to build a wall on the border and carry out mass deportations.

Thousands of Haitians have arrived at the U.S. border with Mexico in recent months, many after traveling 7,000 miles by foot, taxi and bus from Brazil through eight nations. They present themselves to border U.S. border inspectors, often at San Diego's San Ysidro port of entry, the nation's busiest crossing.

About 5,000 Haitians had showed up at San Ysidro from October 2015 through late September, overwhelming border inspectors. Immigration and Customs Enforcement Director Sarah Saldana said at a recent congressional hearing that officials told her on a trip to Central America that 40,000 more were on their way.

The Department of Homeland Security last week said there were about 41,000 people in immigration detention facilities, compared to a typical population of 31,000 to 34,000. Secretary Jeh Johnson authorized the acquisition of more bed space for single adults.

Pledge reversed

The move reverses Johnson's recently announced plans to detain Haitians during deportation proceedings. In late September, Homeland Security began putting Haitians in detention before sending them back to the homeland they fled.

It was unclear how many Haitians have been released since the change. The Department of Homeland Security did not immediately respond to a request for comment.

The large numbers of Haitians arriving in California and Arizona and Central Americans coming across in Texas have put a tremendous strain on the system.

The decision will likely add to the growing backlog of more than half-a-million cases pending in immigration court. That backlog has effectively meant that immigrants routinely wait years for a judge to decide if they should be kicked out of the country.

At a bus station Thursday in Phoenix, several Central American women said authorities released them on condition that they promise to appear in immigration court. Yarely Cobon of Guatemala was wearing an ankle monitor and was with her 4-year-old daughter.

Cobon, 22, said she left Guatemala more than three weeks ago and crossed the border in Texas. She turned herself in to the Border Patrol and was detained for about six days. Her family paid for a bus ticket to join them in Los Angeles, where she has a court hearing next week.

Cobon said the Border Patrol holding cell where she was held with her daughter was packed with women in children. She called it a hielero  a Spanish term for freezer that migrants use to describe the extremely cold holding cells.

I was just standing, sitting, desperate. There's children crying. It was dirty, Cobon said.

Ana Lidia Dubon Martinez is nearly eight months pregnant with twins and left Honduras with her 11-year-old brother almost a month ago. The pair swam across the river in Matamoros, Mexico, and turned themselves in to border agents in the U.S.

Dubon Martinez is headed to Los Angeles via bus until her hearing.

No deportations to Haiti

The U.S. policy shift announced in September lifted special protections that Haitians got after their country's 2010 earthquake and treats them like immigrants from other countries and regions, including Mexico and Central America. Central Americans, particularly adult men, are often detained until they can be flown home. Mexicans are typically turned around immediately, made possible by their country's shared border with the U.S.

Women with children like Cobon and Martinez are often released and given a court date similar to how the government is handling the Haitians.

The new posture hit hurdles when a powerful hurricane struck Haiti, raising more questions about the ability of the Caribbean nation to accept large numbers of its people. The U.S. temporarily suspended deportation flights to Haiti October 4 but Johnson vowed that Haitians would continue to be detained.
The United States proposed on Friday that the United Nations Security Council blacklist South Sudan opposition figure Riek Machar, South Sudan army chief Paul Malong and South Sudan Information Minister Michael Makuei.

The United States circulated the three names to the 15-member council in an annex, seen by Reuters, to a draft resolution that would place an arms embargo on the world's newest nation amid warnings by a senior U.N. official of possible genocide.

If designated by the council, the men would be subjected to a global asset freeze and travel ban.

However, Russia and China, members with council veto powers, have both voiced opposition to an arms embargo and further targeted sanctions. Deputy Russian U.N. Ambassador Petr Iliichev said on Thursday that sanctions against South Sudanese leaders would "be the height of irresponsibility now."

Political rivalry between South Sudan's President Salva Kiir, an ethnic Dinka, and his former deputy Machar, a Nuer, led to civil war in 2013 that has often followed ethnic lines. The pair signed a shaky peace deal last year, but fighting has continued and Machar fled the country in July.

Machar was in Democratic Republic of Congo, then Sudan and was most recently in South Africa for medical treatment.

The annex to the draft text accused Machar of entering "into alliances with Equatorian rebel groups to work to overthrow the South Sudanese Government" and said "forces allied with Machar have raided villages and abducted civilians and aid workers."

The Security Council set up a targeted sanctions regime for South Sudan in March 2015 and has so far blacklisted six generals  three from each side of the conflict  by subjecting them to an asset freeze and travel ban.

In September last year, the United States proposed that the Security Council sanction Malong, but Russia, Angola and Venezuela objected.

The annex to the draft resolution on Friday accused Malong of being responsible for efforts to kill Machar and said that the army chief had expanded or extended the conflict in the country by breaching a cessation of hostilities agreement.

It accused Information Minister Makuei of being "involved in planning and coordinating an April 17, 2014, attack on the U.N. compound in the Jonglei State capital of Bor, which killed three U.N. guards and 140 civilians, mostly women and children."

U.N. peacekeepers have been deployed in South Sudan since 2011, when it gained independence from Sudan. There are some 13,000 U.N. troops and police on the ground.
While many think of refugees as a drag on a nation's economy, a United Nations World Food Program (WFP) report out of Uganda says that giving cash and land assistance to refugees actually boosts the local economy. However, development economists warn that without including a financial education, the program's successes could be temporary.

In Uganda there's been a surge in South Sudanese refugees since violence broke out in Juba last July. With over half a million South Sudanese refugees in settlements and more crossing the border every day, relief agencies are looking for innovative ways to care for their refugees. And one method, cash assistance, has gotten a recent boost.

A study conducted jointly by the University of California, Davis, the International Food Policy Research Institute and the WFP found that not only did cash assistance reduce the overhead expenses of buying and shipping goods  it also had a multiplying effect on the national economy.

The theory is that once a refugee household is given food or cash they will go to the local markets and buy goods or sometimes even services," explains WFP's Jaakko Valli . "So these goods and services are provided by additional households who receive then the cash and the cash starts moving around and multiplying because the demand is triggered in the local market."

Valli points out that Uganda's generous land policy towards refugees  under which refugee families get a small plot of cultivatable land  also stimulates the local market.

"But in Ugandan context, government also enables the refugees to partake in the agriculture sector by giving them a plot of land and enabling refugees to cultivate and harvest crops," said Valli. "And these crops, they are not only utilizing to feed themselves, they also use it to sell outside. Which again, contributes to trade and contributes into this so called multiplying effect of the assistance.

The cash assistance program currently enrolls 100,000 refugees and is set to double that amount by next March. However, it is a move that development economist Anzetse Were says must come with a solid financial education. Otherwise they risk creating dependency.

They should encourage refugees to develop some sort of trading plan or plan to use some of the money that they've been given to create a means of making a living," said Were. "If those are not there it's just going to create a cycle of dependency. If they're just giving cash with no stipulations, if they're not doing any of that, they're just making thousands of people dependent on that, who still will be worse off because they're getting that money. There is no reason for them to develop their own system of income.

The World Food Program says that while there are no restrictions on cash assistance, they do give basic financial advice and find refugees overwhelmingly spend their money buying food for their families. Representatives say that although the program must be monitored and adaptable to a changing landscape, they have high hopes that it will show success in the coming years.
As the Iraqi Army pushed towards Mosul, a growing brigade of Yazidi women fighters in the west gears up to defend their traditional cities and towns from Islamic State militants that destroyed their homeland, lashing through the region kidnapping, murdering and raping. VOAs Heather Murdock has more from Snuny, Iraq.
Bill Clinton with Saroo Brierley, Sunny Pawar, Priyanka Bose, and Dev Patel. Photo: Sunshine Sachs

If youre wondering how the Clintons post-election life is going to look, last night was a perfect indicator. While Hillary gave an emotional speech at the Childrens Defense Funds gala in Washington, D.C., telling the crowd that shed felt a strong pull to never leave the house again, Bill went to a movie! On Wednesday night, the ex-president attended the MOMA premiere of the Oscar-contender sobfest Lion, which tells the true story of Saroo Brierley, a young boy in India who gets separated from his family, adopted by Nicole Kidman in Australia, grows up to be hot Dev Patel, and 25 years later, tracks down his birth mother through the wonders of Google Earth. It sounds cheesy, but seriously, I cried for two hours straight. (No word if Bill was similarly affected.)

The thwarted first First Gentleman was at the premiere as a guest of Harvey Weinstein, who called him an inspiration for the fight against hate crimes, anti-Semitism [and] prejudice. Bill got a standing ovation, then after the screening, met and posed for pictures with the real-life Saroo and his Australian parents, as well as the films stars Dev Patel, Nicole Kidman, Priyanka Bose, and 8-year old Sunny Pawar, who plays little Saroo. (Pawar was initially denied a visa to attend the premiere, which the Weinstein Company told Variety was probably because of immigration paranoia.) At least the Clintons are staying consistent: Bill the gadfly, Hillary the busy bee. And if she decides to hole up Thanksgiving weekend with a tub of turkey and mashed potatoes and gravy, binge-watching The Gilmore Girls Netflix revival, really, who could blame her?
Debra Messing, Twitter Beefer Photo: Jamie McCarthy/Getty Images for Accessories Council

Way back in the innocent days of spring, two actresses got in a fight on Twitter. In one corner: longtime activist, progressive voice, and Bernie Sanders supporter Susan Sarandon. In the other, longtime activist, progressive voice, and with-her-er Debra Messing. Sarandon was under fire for implying in an interview that she would rather see a Trump presidency than a Hillary one; Messing was ready to throw a couple of (albeit fairly reasonable) 140-character uppercuts in response. All in all, the level of enmity never rose above terse parents at a PTA meeting, albeit on a national-interest scale.

Fast forward to the present day, and things are getting testy again. This time, its because Ms. Sarandon recently tweeted that the left needs to reach out in dialogue to those who voted 4 him. We cant afford a blanket judgement of them. We need allies in that camp. Possible. And so it began again:

JESUS CHRIST. NOW she wants to give racist, islamophobic, homophobic, sexist,mysogynists a chance!"Pure" 4 Bernie. FUCK everyone else. https://t.co/i4oenS2lgb  Debra Messing (@DebraMessing) November 15, 2016

For her part, Sarandon has stayed pretty cool  especially considering that there has been a veritable social media blame-storm headed her way since Trumps victory. Messing, on the other hand, has been slightly more voracious (an ear-biter, if you will). And like any good Twitter fight, its officially past the initial messy punctuation stages and the subsequent back-and-forth, and is on to full cause-baiting passive-aggression  in this case, Sarandons plea for Messing to join the #NODAPL fight:

I know Debra cares about a lot and hope she will care about #NoDAPL as well since Standing Rock needs her voice now more than ever. https://t.co/k9KcKdSyvi  Susan Sarandon (@SusanSarandon) November 16, 2016

Interesting tactic. Classy or distracting? Your move, Messing. This one aint going to be over until America is done blaming someone for this mess were in.
Lupe Fiasco Photo: Noel Vasquez/Getty Images for Hennessy V.S

Its been a minute since we heard new music from Chicago rapper Lupe Fiasco, but thankfully that problem is no more, as Billboard reports. He returned today with Made in the USA, a trap-inflected track that pays credence to the many national origins of his belongings (including a Glock and an F15, from Georgia and California respectively), and then later organizations like the KKK (Indiana) and people like his mother (Mississippi). It comes together as a fierce and timely reminder that much of what were forced to confront right now  good and bad  is all from somewhere within this nations borders. Take a listen below, and prepare yourself for Lupes new album, Drogas Light, set to drop early next year. Its reportedly arriving right around the same time that we inaugurate a new president, also made in these United States.
The frame of Michael Chabons new novel Moonglow is a deathbed confession. The narrator, a young writer named Mike Chabon, has come to Oakland to help his mother care for her father, whos dying of untreated bone cancer. The old man has never liked to talk about himself, but a regimen of opiates has loosened his tongue. Many stories flow from his mouth, dutifully recorded, reconstructed, and embellished by his grandson. Three historical figures play small but decisive roles in his life story: Wild Bill Donovan, founder of the OSS (precursor to the CIA); the Nazi and NASA rocket scientist Wernher von Braun; and the accused spy and convicted perjurer Alger Hiss. In the parts of the grandfathers tale that intersect with these men, he emerges as a tortured hero, a hard man animated by a spark of boyish wonder preserved from his hardscrabble Philadelphia youth.

Chabon began his career as a straight realist. With the slim and charming coming-of-age debut The Mysteries of Pittsburgh (1988) he was also a best seller with a loyal audience. During the 2000s, he led a charge of literary writers into the colorful trenches of genre fiction in books like The Amazing Adventures of Kavalier and Clay (2000) and in editorial collaborations with McSweeneys. The debate about lit-genre hybrids launched a thousand tedious essays, but the trend produced some good writing, much of it by Chabon himself. With Telegraph Avenue, a social novel set in the Bush-era Bay Area, he came back down to realist Earth but left himself the option of comic-book touches (a superhero named Barack Obama makes a cameo).

Moonglow is a further stage in Chabons project of mixing realism, history, and genre elements. Science fiction and the Gothic inflect the plot, but the novels faux-memoir style is so thoroughly executed that it often lacks the shape of realism as Chabon goes for the shapelessness of the real. Throughout, Mike refers to his hero as my grandfather. Ill call him Rico, the nickname a war buddy gave him after Edward G. Robinsons character in Little Caesar. After the attack on Pearl Harbor, Rico, having put himself through Drexel Tech with his earnings as a piano mover (Chabon likes to give even his characters menial jobs a taste of romance), enlists in the Army Corps of Engineers. A misbegotten prank he pulls with a friend during officer training  placing explosives on a bridge on the Potomac with the aim of exposing the capitals vulnerability  lands them in trouble. Donovan, an old pal of Ricos friends father, bails them out and recruits Rico for the nascent intelligence service. After D-Day, Ricos task is to enter Germany and apprehend its military scientists before they fall into Soviet hands.

Wernher von Braun is at the top of Ricos perp list. Hes the evil genius behind the Nazi V-2 rocket, the phallic weapon central to Chabons idol Thomas Pynchons masterpiece Gravitys Rainbow. Chabon is one of those writers for whom the fight against the Nazis never ends. In Germany, after a lively archery shoot-out with a village holdout, he comes upon a German priest who shares his passion for astronomy as well as his dream of rocketing to the moon and guides him to an unused V-2 hidden in the woods, a spectacular score for an American intelligence officer. Rico is tipped off to von Brauns whereabouts, and pulls a Nazi corpse off a motorcycle to hasten the chase.

These tales of Ricos wartime derring-do are the novels strongest material. After the war, Rico moves to Baltimore, where his brother Ray is a rabbi. At a casino-themed congregation gathering  Ray the rabbi would evolve into Ray the dissolute pool shark over the years  Rico meets his future wife, a French Holocaust survivor and mother of the 4-year-old girl who will grow up to be Mikes mother.

The survivor always my grandmother in Mikes telling  is beautiful and for years works as a local television personality in Baltimore, appearing on Friday nights as Nevermore, the Night Witch, emerging from the Usher family crypt to evoke the spirit of Edgar Allan Poe over the airwaves by reading ghost stories. Shes also traumatized by the war in ways she cant share with Rico when she marries him, haunted by visions of a skinless horse with a menacing penis. One night these hallucinations drive her to set fire to a tree in front of the farmhouse she and Rico are renting in Bergen County, New Jersey. The next day Rico is fired from his job as a salesman at a company in Manhattan that makes fancy barrettes from piano wire to make room for Alger Hiss, who has a friend inside the company and has just been released from prison. Ricos firing sends him into a rage, and he tries to strangle the owner of the firm with a telephone cord before the mans secretary brings him to his senses. Hes sentenced to a low-security, rather comfortable prison (his wife is institutionalized), where his talents for making model rockets are recognized by a toy merchant named Chabon, and after his release they go into business together, completing the narrators origin story.

In summary all of this sounds obviously fictional. The story as a whole is too fanciful and the connections are too neat for it to be otherwise. Yet for much of the time I was reading Moonglow, Chabon had me convinced I was reading a lightly embellished memoir. The rigor of his mimicking memoir is impressive but the metafiction is misbegotten. Part of the trouble has to do with the stiflingly nostalgic tone Chabon strikes by referring to his two main characters as my grandfather and my grandmother. It also stems from his heaping on of realistic and no doubt largely real quotidian detail in his scene setting. The cataloguing of smells, clothing, food, furniture, and obsolete brand names makes one suspect Chabon has fallen under the spell of Knausgaard. But in place of the Norwegians signature acid, the American has substituted schmaltz, a pot of which at one point meaningfully appears on a table.

Chabon has some fun winking about the books reality quotient. In an Authors Note he writes: In preparing this memoir, I have stuck to the facts except when facts refused to conform with memory, narrative purpose, or the truth as I prefer to understand it. Wherever liberties have been taken with names, dates, places, events, and conversations, or with the identities, motivations, and interrelationships of family members and historical personages, the reader is assured that they have been taken with due abandon. Thats cute, as is the convincing but perhaps fake circa 1960s Chabon Scientific Co. model rocket ad that appears below it. In the Acknowledgments Chabon jokes about thanking characters who help Mike learn the truth about his grandparents if they existed. He also cites my mothers maternal uncle, Stanley Webrow, a professor of medieval German and a wartime intelligence officer who recorded his memories of growing up in Philadelphia and Washington in the 1920s and 30s before he died in 2005.

The paradoxical result of all this is an intermittently brilliant work of fiction buried under what reads like a bloated and often turgidly written memoir. (The worst passages are gratuitous sex scenes from Ricos last days at a retirement community in Florida.) Moonglow has pushed Chabons project of fusion to a breaking point. He invented a rocket of a story, but the book he put it in never achieves escape velocity.

*A version of this article appears in the November 28, 2016, issue of New York Magazine.
Photo: VALERIE MACON/AFP/Getty Images

Michael Shannon may be on a press tour promoting his new movie Nocturnal Animals, but hes also on the warpath, spewing harsh words at President-elect Donald Trump and any of the 60.9 million Americans who voted for him in the presidential election. And his feedback is getting pretty intense. Earlier this week he suggested that people supporting the Orange Man form their own country called the United States of Moronic Fucking Assholes, and in a new interview with Metro News, hes sounding off again.

After suggesting that a civil war would be the only way to prevent Trump from assuming the highest office in the land, Shannon asserts that if you feel okay about supporting his presidency, its probably time for you to just die already. Theres a lot of old people who need to realize theyve had a nice life, and its time for them to move on, Shannon said. Because theyre the ones who go out and vote for these assholes. If you look at the young people, between 18 and 25, if it was up to them, Hillary would have been president. No offense to the seniors out there. My moms a senior citizen. But if youre voting for Trump, its time for the urn. And if your parents voted for Trump? Fuck em. Youre an orphan now. Dont go home. Dont go home for Thanksgiving or Christmas. Dont talk to them at all. Silence speaks volumes. Despite being from the red state of Kentucky, Shannon says that no one in his immediate family would ever remotely consider voting for Trump. So, it sounds like no one around his holiday hearth will have to sit frozen in terror as he stares them down with his severely threatening gaze.
Nick Gordon and Bobbi Kristina Brown. Photo: Frazer Harrison/Getty Images

A judge in Atlanta has ordered Nick Gordon, former partner of Bobbi Kristina Brown, to pay $36 million in a wrongful-death case against him, according to The Hollywood Reporter. Brown was found face-down and unresponsive in the bathtub of her home in January 2015, and was in a coma for six months before her death. Witnesses in the case claim that Gordon gave Brown a toxic cocktail that rendered her unconscious. The medical examiners office was unable to determine how exactly Brown had died. Gordon has not been charged with a crime, though he was found legally responsible for Browns death in September after he repeatedly failed to meet court deadlines in the civil suit.
The face of an America thats been left behind. Photo: Victor Chavez/WireImage/Getty Images

Donald Trumps rise has been attributed, in many cases, to the economic anxieties of the white working class (or maybe just racism), but what do we make of his support from fellow rich people like Paris Hilton? In an interview on Australian TV to promote her new fragrance Gold Rush, Paris Hilton revealed that she voted for President-elect Donald Trump. Ive known him since [I was] a little girl, she said. So, yes. Hilton refused to reveal her voting preferences in the run-up to the election, but her history with Trump had made headlines earlier this year when reporters dug up a 2003 Howard Stern interview in which Trump said that he had found Hilton attractive when she was 12. Does Hiltons now-public Trump support signal that shes angling for a position in the understaffed Trump administration? If so, we suggest that someone put her in charge of NASA.
Photo: Desiree Navarro/WireImage/Getty Images

While Paul Verhoevens 1995 film Showgirls starring Jessie Spano  sorry Elizabeth Berkley  as the stripper Nomi Malone put him, as he says, in Hollywood prison, its not the film that he cant defend. Ive never done a movie that in retrospect I cannot defend, the 78-year-old director tells The Hollywood Reporter. I can defend Showgirls, but not Hollow Man. That is, the adaptation of H.G. Wellss Invisible Man starring Kevin Bacon from 2000 that the reporter says Verhoeven clearly abhors. It was after all, the last Hollywood film the director has made. I felt like I was doing the bidding of the studio. I couldnt even put a personal touch to it. I fell into that trap, he told IndieWire last year. I decided I wasnt going to do that anymore. If there is a good science-fiction story, Ill do it, if its original. But in this case, I felt that I did Hollow Man without making it personal. The studio wanted it this way. The freedom was gone. It sounds like Verhoeven had a come-to-Nomi-Malone moment.


Colson Whitehead.

The hellhole wasteland of Trumpland, as novelist Colson Whitehead referred to it, hung heavy Wednesday night at the National Book Awards. The top fiction and nonfiction prizes were taken by books about race by authors of color  Whiteheads The Underground Railroad for fiction and Ibram X. Kendis Stamped From the Beginning for nonfiction. Rep. John Lewis won an award for young peoples literature for his graphic memoir trilogy, March. In their acceptance speeches, the authors spoke about race in the shadow of the 2016 presidential election, showing signs of both concern and hope. Heres what they had to say.

IBRAM KENDI:

I of course would like to thank the newest addition to my family  some of you have seen her tonight. Its my 6-month-old daughter. And she truly is the best award that Ive received all year. No offense to the National Book Foundation. And her name, we named her Imani. And Imani in Swahili means faith. Faith, her name of course has a new meaning for us as the first black president is set to leave the White House and as a man who was emphatically endorsed by the Ku Klux Klan is about to enter. Faith, I just want to let everyone know, that I spent years looking at the absolute worst of America: its horrific history of racism. But in the end, I never lost faith. The terror of racism, I never lost faith that the terror of racism would one day end. I never lost faith because for every racist idea, there was an anti-racist idea. For every killer of the mind, for every killer of the mind there was a life saver of the mind. And in the midst of the human ugliness of racism, there was the human beauty, there is the human beauty in the resistance to racism. That is why I have faith. And Ill never lose my faith that you and I can create an anti-racist America where racial disparities are non-existent, where Americans are no longer manipulated by racist ideas, where black lives matter. And so I want to thank Imani, faith, for that. I want to thank all of those in history, all those people across the nation who are learning to be anti-racist, who have dedicated their lives to anti-racist work. You are my rock of faith. You are the nations rock of faith, and I dedicate my award to all of you.

JOHN LEWIS:

Some of you know  I grew up in rural Alabama, very, very poor. Very few books in our home. And I remember in 1956 when I was 16 years old with some of my brothers and sisters and cousins going down to the public library, trying to get library cards. And we were told that the library was for whites only and not for coloreds. And to come here and receive this award, this honor, with these, its too much. But I had a wonderful teacher in elementary school who told me, Read my child, read. And I tried to read everything.

COLSON WHITEHEAD:
Photo: Christopher Polk/MTV1415/Getty Images

It may have seemed like a joke last year when Kanye West announced at the 2015 VMAs that he wanted to run for president in 2020. And while, like many things Kanye does, it was likely at least in part a troll, if theres anything the 2016 election has taught us, its that a celebrity with no political experience can, in fact, assume the nations highest office. On a particularly eventful stop on his Saint Pablo tour Thursday, Kanye reaffirmed his intention to run for president in 2020, and also enraged plenty of fans when he said he didnt vote, but if he had, he would have voted for now-president-elect Donald Trump.

That declaration may come as a little bit of a surprise, since it seemed safe to assume Kanyes a Democrat: He donated $1,000 to President Obama in 2012, gave $15,000 to the Democratic National Committee before the last midterm election, and donated $2,700 to Hillary Clinton in 2015, meaning his comments on supporting Trump make us even more confused about his political leanings. Now, it will still probably be some time before Kanye begins releasing policy papers, but he has shed some light on his ideology through his lyrics and interviews. Heres a guide to the artists political views, beyond his feelings on George Bush and black people, and a look at what we might expect if he really were to run against Trump in 2020.

Racism

Obviously, Kanyes music and performances deal heavily with issues of racism, but in several interviews, hes said his view of Americas core problem has evolved. Its about class and it was a classist move that even when you get invited to certain dinner parties, or even when youre in certain magazines, its still a Dinner With Schmucks situation, he said in a 2013 Wild 94.9 interview. Are they inviting you to be a part of what youre doing or are they inviting you to laugh at your teeth? And ask you a million questions like, Oh, those are cool teeth. Whats that?  Its not about racism anymore. Its classism. Like Paula Deen, she was old school with it. They like, We dont do it like that anymore, thats racist. We classist now.

In an interview on the radio show The Breakfast Club February of last year, host Charlamagne Tha God noted that while Kanye once challenged President Bush, it seems like you were just fighting for the civil rights of rich people lately. Kanye offered an interesting theory on the future of racism:

I think its the rights of everyone. And another thing that I used to get really caught up on was with race. You know, with race its like, okay we know its racist people, we know that a lot of white men over the age of 60 are racist, we embrace that. We know that a lot of people that are in power dont really theyre like Donald Sterling. We understand that. We know that, but the world is moving. Ten years from now, 20 years from now, every person of color or female or any minority that comes into power will eventually shift it. You got the ozone layer, you got all this stuff, you see 100 years from now the entire world might be black. Just to even survive on the earth, period.

During Thursday nights bombastic concert interlude, Kanye made sure to say his support of Trump dont mean I dont think Black Lives Matter. He previously showed his support to the group in a 2014 tweet applauding a weekend of protesting police brutality.

600,000 people rallied for justice on Dec. 13th #blacklivesmatter  KANYE WEST (@kanyewest) December 16, 2014

The Confederate Flag

Kanye believes that the Confederate flag is a symbol of slavery and racism, not merely Southern pride. However, he may want to reclaim the flag rather than removing it from state capitols. Hes worn the flag and featured it on his tour merchandise, explaining, I took the Confederate flag and made it my flag. Its my flag now, now whatchu gonna do?

Tax Reform

In the midst of the 2012 election, Kanye rapped, I be all up in Goldman Sachs like these n trying to hold me back, these n trying to hold me back, Im just trying to protect my stacks, Mitt Romney dont pay no tax, Mitt Romney dont pay no tax. On the one hand, this supported Harry Reids now-debunked claim that Romney evaded paying taxes for years, but on the other hand, Ye seemed to sympathize with the billionaire candidates financial troubles.

LGBTQ Rights

Back in 2005, Kanye spoke out about homophobia in hip-hop in an MTV News interview. He said that everybody in hip-hop discriminates against gay people and he wanted to just come on TV and just tell my rappers, just tell my friends, Yo, stop it, fam. It was a bold and uncommon move for a rapper ten years ago, long before Macklemore released Same Love and ten years before the Supreme Court declared same-sex marriage legal in all 50 states.

Its not just gay rights, either. Kanye was a proud supporter of Caitlyn Jenner when she came out as transgender and began her transition. In the premiere of I Am Cait, Jenners short-lived reality show, Kanye told her not to care what anyone else may think of her and tell them, Fuck everybody. This is who I am.

Kanye assured his fans his support of Donald Trump did not mean he had become any less of an ally. At Thursday nights concert, he told the crowd that it dont mean I dont believe in gay marriage.

Education

On The College Dropout, Kanye detailed his complex feelings about leaving school at 20 to pursue his musical career. He founded the Dr. Donda West Foundation, which is named after his late mother, to combat illiteracy and low graduation rates, and to provide access to music education programs (it ceased operations in 2011). However, education advocates would likely take issue with Ye repeatedly making anti-literacy declarations, such as I am not a fan of books. I would never want a books autograph. I am a proud non-reader of books.

Marijuana Legalization

He hasnt addressed the issue specifically, but considering that his announcement speech included the line, Yall might be thinking right now, Did he smoke something before he came out here? The answer is yes, I rolled up a little something. I knocked the edge off! well assume hes pro-legalization.

Public Health

Kanye has done his part to raise awareness about AIDS, but other advocates were not thrilled when he declared at the 2005 Live 8 concert tour that AIDS is a manmade disease that was placed in Africa just like crack was placed in the black community to break up the Black Panthers. He reiterated this point in the 2005 track Heard Em Say with the line, And I know the government administered AIDS / So I guess we just pray like the minister say. In 2010s Gorgeous he added, I treat the cash the way the government treat AIDS / I wont be satisfied til all my niggas get it, get it?

Foreign Policy

As we learned in 2005s Diamonds From Sierra Leone (Remix), Yeezy is very concerned about West African children forced to mine blood diamonds. He has yet to weigh in on the Iran deal.

Income Inequality

In 2011, Kanye visited Occupy Wall Street with Russell Simmons, which many found ironic since hes made it rather clear that hes part of the one percent. As Yeezy remained uncharacteristically quiet, Simmons explained his thoughts on the matter: Kanyes been a big supporter, spiritually for this movement. Hes just here to stand with the people. Hes not  the politics of it, he doesnt want to make a statement, didnt want to do any media at all, actually. Hes here, and I guess theres no way around it, Simmons said. Hes here  and he understands this idea about getting the money out of the government and letting the people govern. He wants to give power back to the people. Thats why were here.

During a lecture at Oxford University earlier this year, Kanye also shared some deep thoughts on the discrimination inherent in $5,000 sweaters:

Its illegal to not wear clothes, and also possibly too cold. That means someone is imposing an idea on you that should legally have to do! Clothing should be like food. There should never be a $5,000 sweater. You know what should cost $5,000? A car should be $5,000. And you know who should work on the car? The people that work on the $500,000 cars. All the best talent in the world needs to work for the people. And I am so fucking serious about this concept that I will stand in front of anyone and fight for it. Because I was 14 and middle class. I know what it felt like to not get what I have.

Prison Reform

Kanye earned praise from the likes of Michael Moore for criticizing the private prison system in New Slaves. He raps: Meanwhile the DEA / Teamed up with the CCA [Correction Corporation of America] / They tryna lock niggas up / They tryna make new slaves / See thats that private owned prison / Get your piece today.

Commentators said his basic analysis of the prison-industrial complex was correct, but Think Progress Alyssa Rosenberg felt his conclusion was less eloquent:

Instead of targeting, say, Corrections Corporation of America founders Tom Beasley, T. Don Hutto and Doctor Robert Crants, or the private prison companys current board chairman, John Ferguson, or its president and CEO Damon Hininger for their corporate decision-making, or Drug Enforcement Administrator Michele Leonhart for her policy-making, New Slaves ends with a cheap, nasty fantasy of sexual revenge. They prolly all in the Hamptons / Braggin bout they maid, West reflects of the DEA and CCA. Fuck you and your Hampton house / Ill fuck your Hampton spouse / Came on her Hampton blouse / And in her Hampton mouth.

First Ladies

Kanye is against First Ladies being awarded Vogue covers for unadventurous fashion choices. In 2013 he argued that his wife, Kim Kardashian, was more deserving of a cover than the current First Lady, saying, No one is looking at what Obama is wearing. Michelle Obama cannot Instagram a bikini pic like what my girl Instagrammed the other day. A year later, Kimye got that Vogue cover. Expect more sunbathing on the South Lawn of the White House.

Political Parties

Kanye isnt really one for political labels, choosing to focus more on unifying ideas and concepts. And a Yeezy presidency could have one of the most diverse cabinets in history. During his concert Thursday night when he expressed support for Donald Trump, Kanye also emphasized the importance of bipartisan cooperation, something that the government has been sorely lacking recently:

Ill just say I got some ideas about the way that we should connect our ideas. And we should use opposite parties that the Republicans, that the Democrats, that everyone that ran that had an idea that people agreed with should be the collective ideas that are used to run the country. And that should mean more. So it stinks that Benjamin Carson that I believe in that Benjamin Carson should still be a consultant. I think that Hillary Clinton should still be a consultant. I think that Bill Clinton should still be a consultant. Obama said I think Obama should still be a consultant. Its that, Oh, I dont fuck with your principles so now Im not gonna give you no information that could help you help all of us.

Why He Should Be President

Back in 2013, Kanye explained on Bret Easton Elliss podcast, Were currently led by the least noble, least talented, least respected, least respectful people  politicians. Period. But the world could be saved through art and design. Art is something that in definition I think is a really close thing to love, and love is really close to God, and God is the master creator. If youre creative, therefore, you are God, a god of something. Politicians have had their chance; why not switch things up with a president who literally is a god?

This post has been updated throughout.
Two top Waco ISD officials said the board of trustees left a state-mandated training session with a new appreciation for the districts relationship with the Texas Education Agency.

Despite some miscommunication on the front end or folks entering the room Saturday morning with a sense of resentment, frustration and anger, it turned out to be a powerful training, Waco ISD board president Pat Atkins said. Deputy commissioner (A.J.) Crabill clearly presented a continuous improvement framework for governance actions focused solely on student outcomes.

All board members attended the training from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Saturday and Sunday despite a few being previously outspoken against the idea. The sessions focused primarily on the importance of hiring people during certain times of the year to get stronger candidates, board members understanding others expectations and on encouraging each other to show integrity, Atkins and Superintendent Bonny Cain said.

The ordered training is directly related to statements Texas Education Commissioner Mike Morath made in August about cutting the number of failing Texas schools in half by using more and stronger interventions for districts with failing schools, TEA spokesperson DeEtta Culbertson said in October.

I think the bigger takeaway just in terms of relationships between this district and the Texas Education Agency, everybody left that training and for the first time in several years, felt like the TEA is truly on our side in addressing these challenges, Atkins said. The TEA truly wants to be our partner and help us implement these strategies to get better student outcomes. At times that has been perceived, whether intentionally or not, as an adversarial relationship.

Cain said Crabill started by talking about integrity.

Everybody thinks they know what integrity is, so the question was when have you acted without integrity? Its hard to raise your hand and say, Cain said.

That discussion was part of the process of getting board members to be more introspective and take personal ownership of the student outcomes in their community, Atkins said. Its easy to say the district needs more parent involvement or community support, but Crabill said school board members overall have to push away from the blame game, Atkins said.

If trustees had decided not to agree to the training and the turnaround plans were denied, the state would have had the option to implement alternative management of the campuses, close them or go as far as appointing a board of managers to take over the district, according to a letter the TEA sent to inform the district it was not immediately approving the turnaround plans.

In the letter, received by the district Oct. 10, the TEAs deputy commissioner of governance wrote he could not approve the proposed turnaround plans for Brook Avenue Elementary School, Alta Vista Elementary School and G.W. Carver Middle School. The deputy commissioner said he could reconsider the plans after the board went through the training. The campuses have had failing academic performance ratings for multiple years, and district officials were required to develop turnaround plans in 2015 to be implemented during the 2016-17 school year, according to the letter.

While the training didnt specifically address where turnaround plans fell short, the deputy commissioner put Waco ISD staff in touch with TEA officials who could help identify those areas. The district is sorting through that, Cain said.

In the meantime, the board walked away with homework to identify one to five specific, measurable goals for the entire district to focus on in the next three to five years, along with several measurable progress checkpoints, Atkins said.

The process he described is very similar to the process I and others went through in setting up Prosper Waco, Atkins said. It was the idea of you need these overarching goals. You need these very specific metrics to evaluate the progress toward those goals, and then you turn it over to the administration or collective impact model in the community to help us reach those goals.

Prosper Waco is a collective impact initiative that works closely with community leaders and nonprofits to bridge gaps in financial security, education and health care issues in the city.

The board also may re-evaluate its strategic plan and work with a facilitator from the Region 12 Education Service Center to help identify those goals and narrow the goals down from the 14 already in the strategic plan, Atkins said. The board also may adjust how it handles public meetings, by posting part of the agenda a week in advance and restructuring how board meetings unfold to put more emphasis on those identified goals, they said.

It plans to offer a chance for public input on its long-term goals.

Crabill asked us all to use a word at the end to describe the training, and the words that came up were hopeful, exciting,  Cain said. Every one of them were positive, forward-looking words.
After serving six years with Waco Independent School District, Superintendent Bonny Cain is stepping down.

Her last day hasnt been officially decided yet because she wants to give the school board plenty of time to find a replacement and help with the districts leadership transition. She expects her last day to come sometime after graduation, she said.

Cain announced her retirement at the end of Thursday nights school board meeting, days before the district heads into a weeklong Thanksgiving break.

The decision comes after state-mandated governance training from the Texas Education Agency on three of the districts seven struggling schools, an external investigation that found academic wrongdoing at University High School and the questionable hire of a former teacher fired from a different school district because of a racist social media post.

None of those issues, all of which have happened since June, influenced her decision to leave, Cain said.

Cain started discussing her retirement with trustees in the spring, Waco ISD board President Pat Atkins said Wednesday.

Weve wrestled with that, and we started having these discussions in the spring before we even knew what was happening at University. Once that was brought to our attention in June, there was no good time to make the announcement, Atkins said. It was important to let the external investigators issue their report, and if you look at that report, theres nothing that rises to the level of the superintendents office. It was very campus-specific.

At 66, Cain has been thinking about leaving since March, shortly before she became aware of academic issues at University High, she said.

I was looking at what we needed to do about facilities. Do we need to update our strategic plan? We have a whole new teaching testing system coming up. There were all these things I could see that needed someone to stick with it, Cain said. But then this University High thing came up. At first, all we had were fatal (computerized grading) errors from a person who was new in that particular job. Then as it got bigger and bigger and bigger, I had to stay for the investigation.

Then the district was hit with the state-mandated training, and she decided to stay through the training as well.

The change agent cant be the stabilizer. Ive been in (education) for 40 years. Theres always something you want to work on, Cain said. I can think of all these things I would really like to see through . . . There will never be a time as far as Waco ISD that Im thinking, this will be a good time to leave, because theres always great things that are going to happen. It was a hard decision.

Cain was hired in 2011 from Pearland ISD, a larger school district with an exemplary academic accountability rating where she served for more than 20 years, 11 of which were as a superintendent.

Tumultuous start

She came during a tumultuous time when the district faced the decision of closing nine of its struggling campuses and consolidating. She said working closely with the board during that time showed the commitment of the board to its community, but a lot has happened during her tenure to take note of, including getting teachers all on the same page and addressing the fact that more than 80 percent of Waco ISD students are economically disadvantaged.

The closures had to happen, and I actually knew that before I came here. I could tell that from the data and the finances. Closing those schools and getting more money going to instructional programs and teacher salaries was one of the best things, Cain said. I think the transition from the TAKS to the STAAR test  its such a more difficult test, and making that shift when you dont have to deal with these poverty issues isnt as much of an effort. But when youve got kids who may not have that background, its a big effort.

Atkins said Cains work with the board through that process helped build trust, despite their differences.

When you think back to 2011, when we had to close all those schools, Dr. Cain comes in and has one speed and its, Go. We need to get this done,  Atkins said. We talked almost daily during that entire process, kind of tweaking boundaries and looking at campuses that could be closed or consolidated . . . really looking at it from a lot of different angles. That developed a very deep, trusting relationship, and we have two very different styles. She tends to be go and do it now, and I want to be a little more deliberate, thoughtful and strategic. Its turned into a nice balance.

State ratings

Waco ISD was ranked academically acceptable at the time of Cains hire and has retained that rating through the transition to the STAAR test, according to TEA documents.

Though Waco ISD didnt receive the exemplary rating during her tenure with the district, Cain helped lead the work of turning struggling schools around through the efforts of transformation committees, turnaround plans, district and campus improvement plans and more.

When she started, 10 Waco ISD schools were on the states academically unacceptable list. When schools transitioned from TAKS to STAAR in 2013, nine schools were on the list.

The number bumped back up to 10 in 2014 and has dropped since, to seven campuses.

Both University High School and Waco High School were rated academically unacceptable when Cain started but have since passed state academic standards.

As Atkins looks back on his time with Cain, he said Cains greatest impact to the district isnt necessarily the numerous programs shes helped curate or the strides in academic accountability. Its not necessarily the Greater Waco Advanced Manufacturing or Greater Waco Advanced Healthcare academies and their partnerships with local businesses and healthcare providers, or the ATLAS academy that meets the needs of the districts gifted and talented students, he said. And it isnt the fact that Waco ISD started producing high school musicals under her leadership, he said.

The two things that really changed was a sense of urgency and the entire rhythm of this district from six years ago, Atkins said. And it comes at a price. There are folks who will tell you out of that sense of urgency folks were moved around too often at the campus level. The other thing that happened, and its something thats taken place over this entire community, is having folks in key positions that had a sincere level of trust among one another so we could begin to collaborate.

What came about initially was some pretty large institutions where individual leaders felt comfortable dropping those barriers and some of those silos and saying, lets work together to fix some of those issues. Lets quit saying this is my territory. Leave me alone, Ill take care of it. It became much more about what we could do as a community to move the needle, and she was a big part of that.

Looking forward

Cain said shes not necessarily quitting education altogether. She wants to eventually move back to East Texas, where she may decide to help adults learn to read, hold another administrative position or help the homeless community, she said.

She has two pieces of advice for whoever takes her place: Dont be afraid to ask questions, and hire the right people for the right positions.

My suggestion to the next person coming in or to anybody in this situation, when you have a struggling district, be so careful who you hire. There is no substitute for leadership and getting the right people in those positions, Cain said. Theres an old saying in education that if youve got a weak staff and a strong principal and you have the choice of a strong staff and a weak principal, you choose the weak staff and strong principal because a strong principal will turn that staff around.

The board of trustees will most likely use a Texas Association of School Boards executive search service to find the next leader for Waco ISD, but that decision has not been made yet, Atkins said.

I wish there was something about Dr. Cain (people) knew, and I dont think its fully appreciated, Atkins said. That is the level of energy and time and commitment that shes brought to this job and the tireless effort shes put forth for the children in this community for the last six years.
Three more bikers arrested in the Twin Peaks shootout got trial settings Friday after a judge relaxed their bond conditions to allow them to travel anywhere in Texas.

Jerry Edward Pierson, Christopher Julian Carrizal and his son, Christopher Jacob Carrizal, all Bandidos from Dallas, have a priority trial setting for April 25 in 19th State District Court.

McLennan County District Attorney Abel Reyna told Judge Ralph Strother the trial date five months away should allow time for the completion of DNA and cellphone analysis and for the DAs office to provide the information to defense attorneys by February or March.

Not all three defendants will be tried on April 25, but Reyna said he and defense attorney Landon Northcutt, of Stephenville, will get together to decide who will stand trial first. The other two would go to trial in the weeks to follow, Reyna said.

Northcutt, who represents all three, said his clients are eager to go to trial and put the incident behind them.

Also during the brief hearing, Strother agreed to lift Texas travel restrictions for the trio. Previously, they were restricted to an area around their residences and places of business.

Strother denied a request from Northcutt to allow the three to associate with other members of biker groups, also a condition of their bonds.

The judge did, however, say they could meet with potential witnesses in their cases as long as Northcutt is present.

Northcutt told the judge the father-son Carrizals were indicted under the wrong names and asked the court to correct their names in court records. They were indicted as Carrizal Sr. and Carrizal Jr., but they told the judge Friday that is incorrect.

The three were among 154 indicted on identical engaging in organized criminal activity charges after their arrests in the March 17, 2015, shootout that left nine dead and about two dozen injured.

Judge Matt Johnson of Wacos 54th State District Court set the first Twin Peaks biker trial for Jan. 23 earlier this month.

James Rosas, a welder from Selma, is a member of the Valerosos motorcycle group, a support club of the Bandidos. If his trial setting stands, he would be the first biker arrested at Twin Peaks to go to trial.
A Waco Police Department internal investigation to determine if a veteran drug enforcement investigator lied about the use of confidential informants at the behest of his supervisor has concluded with no major disciplinary action against either officer.

Waco Drug Enforcement Unit Cmdr. Clare Crook, a 37-year department veteran, and investigator David Starr, a 26-year department veteran, have been on administrative leave with pay since February after the department and McLennan County District Attorney Abel Reyna initiated investigations of Starrs cases.

While Reynas office conducted a review of Starrs cases pending in his office, former Police Chief Brent Stroman asked Texas Rangers to investigate whether Starr lied about the use of confidential informants to obtain arrest and search warrants.

Waco police Sgt. W. Patrick Swanton said Thursday that the internal investigation was completed recently and that Crook and Starr will remain on administrative leave with pay depending on what, if anything, Reynas office does with the results of the Rangers investigation.

Neither Reyna nor his first assistant, Michael Jarrett, returned phone calls Thursday.

In response to an open records request from the Tribune-Herald seeking the results of the citys internal investigation, Assistant City Attorney Judith Benton said no information is available under Civil Service and Texas Government Code regulations.

If one or both officers had been fired or suspended, information could have been made public, Benton said.

Less-severe actions, such as a private reprimand, are personnel matters and not considered public information, she said.

A source with knowledge of both the Ranger and police internal investigations said Crook was totally cleared in both probes.

Crook did not return phone messages Thursday. Starr could not be reached.

While the dual investigations were proceeding, prosecutors in Reynas office either dismissed outright or were forced to offer defendant-friendly plea bargains in about 20 cases investigated by Starr, courthouse sources said.

An employee in the U.S. Attorneys Office declined comment on the matter.

Waco attorney Edward Vallejo said his client, a Mexican national, benefitted from the situation after he was caught with 500 grams of cocaine. Reynas office dismissed the charges.

A dismissal was made by the district attorneys office, and no reason was given other than, generally, that it was in the interest of justice, Vallejo said. When your client has that much dope and he is looking at a first-degree felony and up to life in prison and he gets a dismissal, you dont ask too many questions. At that point, he was happy to be deported back to Mexico. My client was dumbfounded.

Another case involving Starr that was dismissed by prosecutors involved almost 5 pounds of methamphetamine, sources said.

Reyna sent a letter to defense attorneys in February after Starr was placed on administrative leave. Reyna said inconsistencies in reports and affidavits from Starr in two cases led to the investigation.

The report and sworn affidavit reference an interdiction operation conducted by the Waco PD Drug Enforcement Unit, Reynas letter said. After discussion with the detective, it was revealed that there was not an interdiction operation, and the arrest of the defendants was made pursuant to information received from a confidential informant. Detective Starr indicated to prosecutors that he was apprehensive about wording the report and affidavit this way but was ordered to do so.
There is hardly anything in the Constitution harder to explain, or easier to misunderstand, than the Electoral College. And when a presidential election hands the palm to a candidate who comes in second in the popular vote but first in the Electoral College tally, something deep in our democratic viscera balks and asks why the Electoral College shouldnt be dumped as a useless relic of 18th-century white-gentry privilege.

Actually, there have been only five occasions when a closely divided popular vote and the electoral vote have failed to point in the same direction. No matter. After last weeks results, were hearing a litany of complaints: the Electoral College is undemocratic, the Electoral College is unnecessary, the Electoral College was invented to protect slavery  and the demand to push it down the memory hole.

All of which is strange because the Electoral College is at the core of our system of federalism. The Founders who sat in the 1787 Constitutional Convention lavished an extraordinary amount of argument on the Electoral College and it was by no means one-sided. The great Pennsylvania jurist James Wilson believed that if we are to establish a national government, the president should be chosen by a direct, national vote of the people. But wise old Roger Sherman of Connecticut replied that the president ought to be elected by Congress, since he feared that direct election of presidents by the people would lead to the creation of a monarchy. Sherman was not trying to undermine the popular will but to keep it from being distorted by a president who mistook popular election as a mandate for dictatorship.

Quarrels like this flared all through the convention till, at almost the last minute, James Madison took out a Pen and Paper, and sketched out a mode of Electing the President by a college of Electors . . . chosen by those of the people in each State, who shall have the Qualifications requisite.

The Founders also designed the operation of the Electoral College with unusual care. The portion of Article 2, Section 1, describing the Electoral College is longer and descends to more detail than any other single issue the Constitution addresses. More than the federal judiciary, more than the war powers, more than taxation and representation. It prescribes in precise detail how Each State shall appoint . . . a Number of Electors, equal to the whole Number of Senators and Representatives to which the State may be entitled in the Congress; how these electors shall vote by Ballot for a president and vice president; how they shall sign and certify, and transmit sealed to the Seat of the Government of the United States, directed to the President of the Senate the results of their balloting; how a tie vote must be resolved; what schedule the balloting should follow; and on and on.

Above all, the Electoral College had nothing to do with slavery. Some historians have branded the Electoral College this way because each states electoral votes are based on that whole Number of Senators and Representatives from each State, and in 1787 the number of those representatives was calculated on the basis of the infamous three-fifths clause. But the Electoral College merely reflected the numbers, not any bias about slavery (and in any case, the three-fifths clause was not quite as proslavery a compromise as it seems, since Southern slaveholders wanted their slaves counted as five-fifths for determining representation in Congress and had to settle for a whittled-down fraction). As much as the abolitionists before the Civil War liked to talk about the proslavery Constitution, this was more of a rhetorical posture than a serious historical argument. And the simple fact remains, from the record of the Constitutional Conventions proceedings (James Madisons famous Notes), that the discussions of the Electoral College and the method of electing a president never occur in the context of any of the conventions two climactic debates over slavery.

If anything, it was the Electoral College that made it possible to end slavery since Abraham Lincoln earned only 39 percent of the popular vote in the election of 1860 but won a crushing victory in the electoral college. This, in large measure, was why Southern slaveholders stampeded to secession in 1860-61. They could do the numbers as well as anyone and realized that the Electoral College would only produce more anti-slavery Northern presidents.

Yet, even on those terms, it is hard for Americans to escape the uncomfortable sense that, by inserting an extra layer of electors between the people and the president, the Electoral College is something less than democratic. But even if we are a democratic nation, that is not all we are. The Constitution also makes us a federal union and the Electoral College is pre-eminently both the symbol and a practical implementation of that federalism.

The states of the union existed before the Constitution and, in a practical sense, existed long before the revolution. Nothing guaranteed that, in 1776, the states would all act together and nothing guaranteed that after the Revolution they might not go their separate and quarrelsome ways, much like the German states of the 18th century or South American republics in the 19th century. The genius of the Constitutional Convention was its ability to entice the American states into a more perfect union. But it was still a union of states, and we probably wouldnt have had a constitution or a country at all unless the route we took was federalism.

The Electoral College was an integral part of that federal plan. It made a place for the states as well as the people in electing the president by giving them a say at different points in a federal process and preventing big-city populations from dominating the election of a president.

Abolishing the Electoral College now might satisfy an irritated yearning for direct democracy, but it would also mean dismantling federalism. After that, there would be no sense in having a Senate (which, after all, represents the interests of the states) and, further along, no sense even in having states, except as administrative departments of the central government. Those who wish to abolish the Electoral College ought to go the distance and do away with the entire federal system and perhaps even retire the Constitution since the federalism it was designed to embody would have disappeared.

None of that, ironically, is liable to produce a more democratic election system. There are plenty of democracies, like Great Britain, where no one ever votes directly for a head of the government. But more important, the Electoral College actually keeps presidential elections from going undemocratically awry because it makes unlikely the possibility that third-party candidates will garner enough votes to make it onto the electoral scoreboard.

Without the Electoral College, there would be no effective brake on the number of viable presidential candidates. Abolish it, and it would not be difficult to imagine a scenario where, in a field of a dozen micro-candidates, the winner only needs 10 percent of the vote and represents less than 5 percent of the electorate. And presidents elected with smaller and smaller pluralities will only aggravate the sense that an elected president is governing without a real electoral mandate.

The Electoral College has been a major, even if poorly comprehended, mechanism for stability in a democracy, something which democracies are sometimes too flighty to appreciate. It may appear inefficient. But the Founders were not interested in efficiency; they were interested in securing the blessings of liberty. The Electoral College is, in the end, not a bad device for securing that.

Allen Guelzo is the Henry R. Luce Professor of the Civil War Era and director of the Civil War Era Studies at Gettysburg College. His most recent book is Gettysburg: The Last Invasion.
There are two truths about the Electoral College: It ought to be abolished and it never will be.

Calls for changing the constitutional election system abound now that Hillary Clinton has won the popular vote and lost the electoral vote, as Al Gore did in 2000. But it turns out that the same Constitution that enshrines the Electoral College effectively protects the small states from an amendment they dont want. The problem goes back to the nations founding  and short of abolishing the states as effective sovereigns, it basically cant be fixed.

The small states, which benefit from candidates attention, would never consent to being marginalized through a proportional system that favors the interests of densely populated states. But replacing the Electoral College would take a constitutional amendment approved by two-thirds of both houses of Congress and three-quarters of the state legislatures. Even if the first bar could be cleared  which is wildly unlikely  overcoming the second is unimaginable.

The Catch-22 is no accident. It goes back to the Philadelphia Constitutional Convention and the summer of 1787. The most enlightened Founders, including James Madison, pressed hard for a proportional Senate alongside the proportional House. The small states blocked it. And along the way, the small states also entrenched an amendment process that makes it essentially impossible to overcome their will.

The story of the small states stand is fascinating and deeply consequential, but let me clarify that the Electoral College itself was not primarily a concession to the small states. Rather, the Electoral College was a compromise between selection of the president by state legislatures or election by popular vote.

Madison and other centralizers, such as James Wilson of Pennsylvania, didnt want the state legislatures to have too much power. They feared the states would pull the country apart, as seemed to be happening under the Articles of Confederation. But direct election, which Wilson strongly favored, had its own risks, including a splintered election if the populace hadnt heard of the candidates  or the election of an (ahem) unsuitable candidate by the untutored people.

The Electoral College is, however, almost proportional to population  unlike the Senate, which was the small states main accomplishment.

Madison went into the convention calling for proportional representation in both legislative chambers. His so-called Virginia plan was partly an effect of his republican ideology, which required majority rule. It was also convenient for Virginia, which had the largest population at the time. Majoritarianism would, then as now, favor the regional interests of concentrated population centers.

Of course, Madison knew that small states wouldnt like his proposal. But he privately told his allies that the small states would have no choice but to go along with the big states. If the union fell apart, he figured, the large states would swallow the small states, so the small states had more to lose. Madison actually said as much on the floor of the convention: What would be the consequence to the small states of the dissolution of the union? he asked rhetorically. Would the small ones be more secure when all control of a general government was withdrawn?

Unfortunately for Madison, his prediction was spectacularly wrong. As the summer progressed, the small states flatly refused to give up equal representation in the Senate. They introduced the New Jersey plan, which all knew was a stalking horse to force compromise on the Senate. Eventually (and famously), the big states folded and the Great Compromise prevailed. As an effect of that compromise, Article V made amendments depend on the agreement of the states, too. It also made equal representation in the Senate unamendable except with a states consent.

How did the small states get away with it? Heres the kicker: The small states prevailed on equal Senate representation because they had equal votes in the Constitutional Convention itself  and would have an equal say in ratification. Madison had failed to realize that, given this equality, the small states could hold the large states hostage, gambling correctly that the big states would fold on the Senate.

It didnt escape notice that the reason for the small states power was the voting system of the convention. Madison and others were horrified at the illogic that the convention was itself following voting rules that made no sense as a matter of republican theory. But the big states couldnt change the conventions voting rules, which themselves followed the model of the Articles of Confederation, without getting the small states to agree.

So why did the Articles of Confederation give all states an equal say in Congress? Because on July 4, 1776, the United States came together in part as a union of 13 states that had been British colonies until that day. Acting as separate states, the new states gave each other equal weight  like nations in the general assembly of the United Nations.

In other words, the accident of British colonial charters gave rise to the system we now have  and the great difficulty of amending it. This made no sense in 1787 and it makes no sense now. But short of abolishing the states as sovereign entities  which plenty of reasonable people (from big states) preferred at the founding  there was no choice but to let the small states get away with it.

The upshot? When it comes to the difficulty of amending the Constitution to get rid of the Electoral College, you can blame it on the British Empire.

Noah Feldman, a Bloomberg View columnist, is a professor of constitutional and international law at Harvard.
WAHOO  A fire that brought five are fire departments to downtown Wahoo Friday morning was finally under control by about 1:30 p.m.

However, the fire in the Wahoo State Bank building at the corner of Fifth and Linden street was still burning, according to Wahoo Fire Chief Mark Meyer, and firefighters will remain on scene.

Meyer reported at a 2 p.m. press conference that the fire department was dispatched to the bank around 9 a.m. for a rooftop fire.

Upon arrival, there was no visible smoke or fire. Upon further investigation, fire was underneath the roof, which is covered with a rubber membrane, Meyer said.

The building had three roofs underneath the exterior membrane, where the fire was burning freely, Meyer said.

Firefighters could not get to the fire underneath the exterior membrane. Meyer said that with 15 minutes of arrival, he deemed the roof unsafe and pulled all firefighters off the roof and out of the building.

Meyer said the effort then shifted to keeping the fire contained to the one building and letting the rubber membrane burn off to get to the seed of the fire.

Firefighters from Wahoo, Cedar Bluffs and David City sprayed water from their three aerial trucks.

Meyer said the problem spots of containment came at the edges of the roof and the northeast corner. But, the fire was under control at approximately 1:30 p.m., with the help of the Yutan and Mead fire departments as well.

Meyer said the three main problems they encountered were the rubber membrane, the three roofs and a gusty wind.

It was very frustrating we couldnt get to the fire, Meyer said.

If they had been able to get to the fire, Meyer said he thought some of the building could have been saved. The roof of the Wahoo State building did collapse, Meyer said.

With the blaze still burning during the 2 p.m. press conference, Meyer said they would stay until the fire was completely out.

Nearby business were also evacuated and the street was shut down to traffic.

The neighboring Wigwam Cafe did experience water damage.

Wigwam Owner Silvia Wade, pushing water out of her front door with a mop, said that water had come through the roof, drained down through to the restaurant and also into her basement.

Wade said she had customers in the restaurant when she was asked to evacuate in the morning.

Ive never seen anything like this, Wade said.

She and her husband, Clayton, have owned the long-time downtown mainstay for the past 22 years.

Meyer said he was unable to comment about the potential cause of the fire. The Nebraska Fire Marshal will be investigating the cause.

According to the bank's website, the Wahoo State Bank drive-in location remains open at the corner of Fifth and Chestnut streets.
Waverly City Council Minutes

The Waverly City Council met on Tuesday, November 8th, 2016 in the Community Meeting Hall. The meeting started at 7:00 p.m. Present were Mayor Mike Werner, Council Members Joe Dalton, John Hestermann, Chad Neuhalfen, and Greg Rickers. Other City Officials present were City Attorney Mark Fahleson, Chad Lyon Building Inspector/Zoning Administrator, and Interim Administrator/City Clerk/Treasurer Ginger Neuhart. Also present were Christy Eichorn, and The News Reporter Michael Wunder.

Agenda items the Council took action on:

1. Approved the Minutes of the October 25th, 2016 City Council Meeting.

2. Approved Claims for Payment in the amount of $ 73,737.23.

3. Approved the October 2016 Budget and Treasurers Reports.

4. Introduced and passed Resolution No.16-35 approving an additional Volunteer Fire/Rescue Department Member  Kimberly Riggert.

5. Introduced and passed Resolution No.16-36 authorizing the placing of stop signs, yield signs and other signs in streets within the Citys Jurisdiction for the purpose of regulating traffic.

6. Waived the three reading requirement, introduced and passed the third and final reading of Ordinance No. 16-17 to rezone a portion of Outlot A, Day Commercial Park Second Addition, in the Southeast Quarter of Section 20, Township-11-North, Range-8-East of the Sixth Principle Meridian of Lancaster County, Nebraska from Limited Industrial District (LI) to General Commercial District (GC).

7. Waived the three reading requirement, introduced and passed the third and final reading of Ordinance No. 16-18 to vacate certain Alleys and Streets (Vacation of that part of Dovers Street, located in the Southeast Quarter of Section 20, Township-11-North, Range-8-East of the 6th Principal Meridian in the City of Waverly, Lancaster County, Nebraska).

8. Introduced and passed Resolution No. 16-33 approving the Day Commercial Park 4th Addition Final Plat.

9. Motioned to postpone Agenda Item  Consideration of entering into an Agreement with Mobilitie, LLC for the use of public right-of-way to erect a telecommunications pole and antenna until the November 22nd, 2016 City Council Meeting.

10. Motioned to assess the eleven (11) days of liquidated damages for the 2016 Paving Improvements, provided that Amberly Road is open to traffic by November 9th, 2016 and to authorize Council Member John Hestermann and Utility Superintendent Tracey Whyman to negotiate with TCW Construction to have concrete work done in-lieu of the payment of the liquidated damages.

11. Motioned to postpone Agenda Item  Consideration of purchasing new door locks for the City Office and Shop Building until the November 22nd, 2016 City Council Meeting.

12. Motioned to accept the LES Resolution, Quitclaim Deed and to authorize the payment of $16,100.00 to Lincoln Electric System for the purchase of property for the North 134th Street Acquisition.

13. Motioned to enter into an Agreement with Midlands Contracting for the 2016 Sanitary Sewer Improvements C.I.P.P., issue the Notice to Proceed and authorize the Mayor to sign the necessary documents.

14. Motioned to postpone Agenda Item  Consideration of a quote for updating the City of Waverly Website submitted by Nebraska Interactive until the November 22nd, 2016 City Council Meeting.

15. Received committee reports

Meeting adjourned at 8:10 pm.

A copy of the entire minutes is available at the City Clerks Office, Monday through Friday 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.

Ginger R. Neuhart

Interim Administrator/Clerk/Treasurer

Aspen Builders-ex 940.00; A T and T-ex52.17; Black Hills-ex 103.06; Blue Cross/Blue Sh 6,013.20; Charter-ex 7.21; CS Concrete-ex 1,043.28; Custom Cool-ex 147.50; Colonial Life-ex 128.08; Delta Dental-ex 634.30; EMS Billing-ex 856.25; Fireguard-ex 327.59; Firespring-ex 379.36; Harris Decals-ex 686.85; Hawkins-ex 4,640.56; Industrial Serv-ex 362.88; IRS-ex 4,396.81; J.R. Waller-ex 101.00; JEO Consulting-ex 3,749.00; Legacy Homes-ex 660.00; LES-ex 6,861.92; Menards-ex 284.67; Millard Lumber-ex 13.30; Nadia Koval-ex 700.00; NPHE Labs-ex 729.00; NMCA-ex 25.00; NE Dept of Rev.-ex 16,529.00; NE Dept of Rev.-ex 1,588.59; Northwestern-ex 3,076.07; Pavers-ex 741.87; Printworks-ex 185.00; NE Child Support-ex 234.50; Quick Connect-ex 88.00; Quik Dump Refuse 329.00; Ray Estes-ex 41.94; Shaffer Comm-ex 25.00; US Bank-ex 134.25; US Post Office-ex 580.00; Verizon-ex 133.14; Wells Fargo-ex 2,870.46; Windstream-ex 102.54; Payroll 13,234.88. Total 73,737.23.
Dude, wasnt it just Labor Day? And now I am shivering in my house in socks and a fleece refusing to turn on the heat and admit its October. But Halloween is upon us and that is the beginning of

Read More
Amid the despair at Trump's victory among feminists and Clinton supporters, there is a danger that another woman is being dragged down in defence of their heroine: the next First Lady, Melania Trump. From her childhood in Yugoslavia, to learning five languages as she worked around Europe as a model, to moving to New York, until now, as she prepares to take up residence in the White House, hers is an extraordinary story.

As a woman and an immigrant, she should find support among Clinton's supporters and the liberal-minded. Yet, during the campaign there was an undercurrent of sexism and xenophobia towards her that has only intensified since her husband's victory. This hypocrisy, where it is suddenly OK to poke fun at a Slovenian for the way she speaks, at an ex-glamour model for the way she looks, is staggering.

Melania Trump and Michelle Obama met at the White House on Thursday. Credit:Getty Images

On social media and chat shows there has been sneering about her posing topless, an assumption that she is an unintelligent bimbo afraid to challenge her domineering husband. On The Graham Norton Show last Friday, Andrew Lloyd Webber said the name Melania "sounds like a disease".

There are the unfair comparisons to the Harvard-educated Michelle Obama, as though Melania Trump is academically unqualified to be First Lady. Mrs Obama became a role model for girls and young women not because she married a future president but for what she did as First Lady of the United States. So let's give Mrs Trump the chance to do the same.
Delhi: Driver Rahul Sharma, 25, remembers the exact day when his employer turned from a wolf into a lamb. It was November 9 when his employer called him beta - Hindi for "dear" - for the first time. The maid was asked to give him a cup of tea, for the first time.

"I was shocked at his sudden niceness. It went on for two days," said Sharma. For the past three years, his New Delhi-based employer has been abusive, bad-tempered, and imperious, often demanding that he turn up for work at 6am after finishing work at midnight.

"He didn't even bother to remember my name. When he wanted to summon me, he'd call out 'driver!'," Sharma said.

"On the third day, the penny dropped. He asked me to deposit 250,000 rupees ($4900) in my bank account on his behalf so that he could get rid of his black money."
President-elect Donald Trump has offered retired Lieutenant Gen Michael Flynn the role of national security adviser. Credit:AP But Flynn has also shown an erratic streak since leaving government that is likely to make his elevation disconcerting even to the flag officers and senior intelligence officials who once considered him a peer. Flynn stunned former colleagues when he travelled to Moscow last year to appear alongside Russian President Vladimir Putin at a lavish gala for the Kremlin-run propaganda channel RT, a trip Flynn admitted he was paid to make and defended by saying he saw no distinction between RT and US news channels such as CNN. President-elect Donald Trump says he doesn't plan on setting up a blind trust. Credit:Matt Rourke Flynn said he used the trip to press Putin's government to behave more responsibly in international affairs. Former US officials said Flynn, seen dining next to Putin in photos published by Russian propaganda outlets, was used as a prop by the autocratic leader.

Flynn was forced out of his job as director of the Defenve Intelligence Agency in 2014 over concerns about his leadership style. After the ouster, he frequently lashed out in public against President Barack Obama and blamed his removal on the administration's discomfort with his hard-line views on radical Islam. Spurning the decorum traditionally expected of retired US flag officers, Flynn became a fervent campaigner for Trump and was given a high-profile role speaking before the GOP convention, an appearance in which he led the crowd in "lock her up" chants against Democratic nominee Hillary Clinton. Flynn's behaviour drew the ire of former colleagues and superiors, including retired General Stanley McChrystal, who made Flynn his top intelligence officer during critical stretches of the wars in Afghanistan and Iraq. McChrystal and retired admiral Michael Mullen, former chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, contacted Flynn and urged him to show more restraint, with Mullen warning that Flynn's behaviour could jeopardise White House trust in the military. Flynn dismissed those concerns in an interview with The Washington Post earlier this year, saying efforts to quiet him impinged on his free speech rights. "When someone says, 'You're a general, so you have to shut up,' " he said, "I say, 'Do I have to stop being an American?' "

Flynn continued to campaign for Trump and has said he has admired the mogul since their initial meeting. "I was very impressed," Flynn said in the interview with the Post. "Very serious guy. Good listener. Asked really good questions . . . I found him to be very attuned to what was going on around the world." A longtime Democrat and native of Rhode Island who grew up in a military family, Flynn has articulated an increasingly dark vision of the direction of the United States, saying that it has fallen into a struggle between "centrist nationalists" and "socialists." He has also warned that the United States is failing to adequately address the threat posed by what he calls a "diseased component" of Islam. "There's something going on in the Muslim world," he said. "Why do we have heightened security at our airports? It's not because the Catholic Church is falling apart." That view, and his willingness to voice it publicly, put him in close alignment with Trump, who has called for Muslims in the United States to be registered, subjected to loyalty tests and in some cases deported. As national security adviser, Flynn would be a White House insider in a unique position to influence Trump on almost all aspects of foreign policy. Trump has shown scant respect for the intelligence and institutions that shaped Flynn, dismissing an intelligence community assessment that Russia was interfering in the presidential election as "public relations."

Trump has also said he probably knows more than American generals about how to succeed in conflict zones such as Syria, encouraged Russia to hack Clinton's email accounts, and called for the CIA to resume its use of waterboarding and other brutal interrogation methods widely condemned as torture. Flynn publicly opposed such ideas before his association with Trump, and it is not clear whether he would help the president-elect advance an agenda built around such positions and policies. Flynn most recently raised eyebrows in Washington with the publication of an opinion article in which he called for wholesale changes in US policy toward Turkey and the extradition of exiled cleric Fethullah Gulen, who resides in Pennsylvania and has been accused by the Turkish government of fomenting a failed coup earlier this year. Loading Gulen's "vast global network has all the right markings to fit the description of a dangerous sleeper terror network", Flynn wrote in the piece, which was published in The Hill. Officials with ties to the Trump transition team said that Flynn did not clear that article with the campaign before it was published or disclose that his consulting firm had been hired for lobbying work by a group with ties to the Turkish government.
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Dr. Chad Thibodeaux, a professor of chemistry at Northwestern State University, is spearheading efforts to revitalize the universitys astronomy observatory, which is located on the roof of Fournet Hall. The observatory could be used by students and the public for stargazing and astrophotography.
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By West Kentucky Star Staff

Nov. 18, 2016 | PADUCAH, KY

By West Kentucky Star Staff Nov. 18, 2016 | 12:03 PM | PADUCAH, KY

As holiday shopping ramps up, so does the traffic around Paducah's retail centers. With that in mind, the Kentucky Transportation Cabinet has installed traffic posts and stripes at the US 60 shopping area between I-24 and Olivet Church Road.



The stripes and posts were put in place Friday along the eastbound turn lane at the Wal Mart entrance, and at the shopping center entrance next to TGI Fridays.



In recent months the Paducah Police Department has reported several crashes caused by drivers in the right turn lane veering into the driving lanes at traffic signals. Police met with KYTC traffic engineers and developed a plan to reduce crashes, which included installing the posts and stripes.



The new setup is expected to reduce crashes by forcing vehicles in the right turn lane to continue to the right, instead of cutting across travel lanes at the intersections.



About 24,000 vehicles per day travel this section of US 60 between the Interstate 24 Exit 4 Interchange and KY 998/Olivet Church Road, with even higher numbers during holiday shopping.
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By West Kentucky Star Staff

Nov. 18, 2016 | PADUCAH, KY

By West Kentucky Star Staff Nov. 18, 2016 | 06:21 AM | PADUCAH, KY

A West Paducah man has been arrested after an apparent fight on Paducah's Southside.



According to the McCracken County Sheriff's Department, 30-year-old Brandon Bell of West Paducah was at a home along the 3700 block of Clarks River Road allegedly assaulting someone there.



As deputies were on their way to the home, they say they met a vehicle with Bell inside leaving the home. Deputies tried to pull him over, but Bell instead led them on a chase toward the Southside area of Paducah. Bell's vehicle jumped a concrete curb and went into a parking lot of a local business. Deputies say Bell got out of his vehicle while it was still moving and tried to get away on foot. After fighting with deputies, he was arrested.



Deputies say Bell was intoxicated at the time of arrest. A search of his vehicle produced both alcohol and over three ounces of marijuana believed to be packaged for sale.



Bell was booked in to the McCracken County Regional Jail.



A separate investigation is ongoing into the initial assault that deputies were originally dispatched to. Bell is facing multiple charges for the chase, drugs, and resisting arrest.




RIBBON CUT & DOORS OPENED AT NEW HEALTH SCIENCES CENTER TUESDAY MORNING

IT WAS SUNSHINE AND BLUE SKY FOR THE RIBBON CUTTING AND GRAND OPENING OF THE NEW 100 THOUSAND SQUARE FOOT HEALTH SCIENCES CENTER LATE TUESDAY MORNING



The Grand Opening of this new facility is the culmination of many long hours and hard work. We hope that the community will join us to celebrate this great day for HendersonCounty. This partnership of health care and education is an asset that will pay dividends for generations to come, said Steve Wyatt, Henderson County Manager.

"We invite you to join us for the much-anticipated grand opening of the new Health Sciences Center on the campus of PardeeHospital," said James M. Kirby, II, president and CEO of Pardee Hospital. "This building represents our community's commitment to excellent health care and educational programs for Western North Carolina residents. Our new CancerCenter is a testament to the quality, personalized patient care we strive to achieve at Pardee. Every detail has been designed with our patients in mind. We hope the community will stop by to see how the CancerCenter and Pardee Surgical Associates will create a truly seamless experience for those who need care within our facility."

WingateUniversity is tremendously excited to be a part of HendersonCounty and this HealthSciencesCenter, said Kurt Wargo, PharmD, associate professor and regional dean of WingateUniversityHendersonvilleHealthSciencesCenter. Through the Doctor of Pharmacy and the Master in Physician Assistant Studies degrees, we are helping to shape future health care leaders. Our students are held to high ethical standards and use the very best judgment in all aspects of their lives. They are honest, trustworthy and have a work ethic second to none. We help instill in our students the belief that it takes a collaborative team of experts to care for patients. In addition, community engagement and civic-mindedness are core values of the students of WingateUniversity. Our students understand the importance of assisting the communities of Western N.C., and give back often. We hope you take the time to stop by our floor and learn more about our current programs of study, tour some of our state-of- the-art classrooms, and partake in free wellness checks."

The HealthSciencesCenter is truly an investment in our future and in future generations of students," said Blue Ridge Community College President Molly A. Parkhill. "It brings a tremendous opportunity for our students to learn in a state-of-the-art health education facility with modern technologies and access to a quality, world-class workforce for employers -- both locally and regionally."

The 100,000+ square foot building is located adjacent to PardeeHospitals campus and will house a new CancerCenter, including medical oncology, radiation oncology, cancer research and surgical office space. The building will also carry the existing student programs in allied health care for both Blue RidgeCommunity College and WingateUniversity, as well as the Wingate Pharmacy and PA programs. Once the building is completed, students taking nursing and a full array of allied health professions can have access to PardeeHospital for training through its programs.

PardeeHospitalis a not-for-profit community hospital founded in 1953 and is managed by UNC Health Care. The hospital is licensed for 222 acute care beds. PardeeHospital has several locations separate from the main campus, including a comprehensive physician practice network, two urgent care locations and five orthopedic clinics. For more information or tofind a physician, visitwww.pardeehospital.org.

Blue RidgeCommunity Collegeis a two-year, comprehensive post-secondary institution serving Henderson and Transylvania counties in North Carolina. The College offers more than 100 programs of study, a wide range of college transfer courses, and one of the largest continuing education programs in the state. Its mission is to provide quality education and training opportunities that support student learning, enhance student advancement and success, and meet the workforce needs of the community. To learn more about Blue RidgeCommunity College, visitwww.blueridge.edu.

Wingate University, consistently ranked as a top-10 best value in the South byU.S. News & World Report, serves nearly 3,200 students on three campuses in Wingate, Charlotte and Hendersonville, N.C. Founded in 1896, the University offers 35 undergraduate majors, 35 minors, 12 career concentrations and nine pre-professional programs; masters degrees in accounting, business, education, sport management and physician assistant studies; and doctorates in education, pharmacy and physical therapy. With a 14-to-1 student/teacher ratio, Wingate students gain the tools and support needed to excel in academics and apply that learning toward an extraordinary career and life. To view current news
The most convoluted non-story to emerge from the international break has moved into its sixth day by taking an unsurprising turn for the slapstick.

With the national press steadfastly refusing to let it die, the latest from The Sun is that Wayne Rooney is to be stripped of the England captaincy for drinking on his night off  specifically for defying Gareth Southgates orders to call it quits .

Rooney had been drinking at the wedding reception when Southgate ordered the captain  along with two members of the backroom staff  to finish up for the night. According to sources at the Grove [Hotel], Rooney disappeared before returning to the party. Rooney has already apologised to Southgate for his 5am finish, but Southgate has plans to replace him as captain.

Riiiight.

The Times also have a little snippet pertaining to the knee injury that ruled Rooney out of Tuesday nights friendly against Spain.

Indeed, it would appear that an errant bottle of Lucozade was enough to take the skipper out of action entirely

It is understood that Rooney banged his knee after tripping over a bottle containing an energy drink in the home changing room. He has not been blamed for the accident and his conduct in the dressing room is not open to question.

Farce. The whole thing is a total farce.
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Saskatchewans Golden Opportunities Fund Inc. is the buyer of Fort Garry Brewing Company Ltd., the oldest local brewery in the province.

The sale of Fort Garry by current owners Russell Breweries Inc. was announced a month ago, but the buyers identity had been kept under wraps.

The Saskatoon-based labour-sponsored venture capital fund is paying $7.7 million for the brewer of such local beers as Fort Garry Pale Ale and Frontier Pilsner.

JOE BRYKSA / WINNIPEG FREE PRESS files Fort Garry Brewing Company was sold to Saskatchewans Golden Opportunities Fund Inc.

Its teamed up with local Winnipeg investors, including Winnipeg lawyer David Filmon and Charlie Spiring, founder and former CEO of Wellington West Capital.

Wanda Hunchak, vice-president of Westcap Mgt. Ltd., the entity that manages Golden Opportunities, said, Were very excited to bring Fort Garry back to 100 per cent Manitoba ownership.

Although the fund is based in Saskatchewan, Golden Opportunities raises about $1 million per year from Manitoba investors and has a mandate to invest in Manitoba companies.

We know Golden Opportunities well, and they are great partners, said Filmon, who is a member of the investment advisory committee of another fund Westcap manages. They are patient capital and very supportive of investee companies.

It will be the largest investment by far the fund has made in Manitoba. Golden Opportunities was launched in Saskatchewan in 1999, where it raises about $40 million per year, and it began raising money in Manitoba in 2008.

To date, the only other investment it has made in Manitoba was $500,000 in Librestream as well as a few small oil and gas companies that have operations in this province.

Golden Opportunities is structured similarly to the defunct Crocus and Ensis funds in Manitoba. It has invested almost $341 million in 127 companies since its inception 18 years ago and has more than 28,000 shareholders across the two provinces.

The 2016 federal budget restored the 15 per cent federal tax credit the former Conservative government had gradually cut back. Investments in the fund also include a 20 per cent provincial tax credit.

Fort Garry was originally founded in 1930, acquired by Molson in 1960 and closed in 1990 after the merger of Molson and Carling OKeefe.

The brand was revived in the mid-90s by the late Richard Hoeschen, great-grandson of the founder, and then acquired by Russell in 2007.

The deal to acquire Fort Garry is being done simultaneously with another transaction that will see the rest of Russells B.C. brewing operations acquired by another company owned by Yong Lin and Xiaomin Wang for $1.8 million. The two deals will effectively wind down Russell.

The craft brewery industry in Canada is in a growth mode that has impacted Manitoba breweries well with the industry seeing 12 per cent growth in the past year.

Fort Garry may be the largest and oldest microbrewer in the province, but it will soon face competition from a host of startups such as Torque, Peg Beer, Barn Hammer and soon-to-open Brazen Hall Kitchen & Brewery and One Great City Brewing Co., along with Half Pints, which already has a solid niche.

But Filmon said he believes there is plenty of room in the market.

Sure, the local craft beer market is growing, but its nowhere near where it is in the rest of the country. he said. I think its a good thing there is other competition. I believe the pie is going to grow, and were extremely well-positioned.

The deal still requires approval from a two-thirds majority of Russell shareholders who will vote at shareholder meeting in Vancouver Nov. 28. A company management information circular issued Oct. 31 said directors and other shareholders who collectively own 40 per cent of Russells shares are in support of the sale to Golden Opportunities.

martin.cash@freepress.mb.ca
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This article was published 18/11/2016 (2175 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current.

THE Downtown Winnipeg Business Improvement Zone (BIZ) has formed a new committee to help co-ordinate efforts to improve safety in the downtown.

The new safety committee will include two downtown business owners and representatives from four community partners  the Winnipeg Police Service, Manitoba Justice, the Winnipeg Transit Authority and the Manitoba Liquor and Gaming Commission.

The committees goal will be to further enhance some of the BIZs existing safety programs, such as the Downtown Security Network, Downtown Watch and Community Homeless Assistance Team. It will also be formulating new safety strategies for the future.

TREVOR HAGAN / FREE PRESS FILES The Downtown BIZ hopes to improve existing programs, including the Downtown Watch.

The BIZ said one of the key messages its been getting from members of the downtown community is that the most effective way of improving safety is by addressing ongoing social challenges within the community  things such as homelessness and substance abuse.

These are issues that have emerged as a result of an abandoned downtown and inner city 40 years ago, said BIZ chairwoman Deborah OBray. The efforts of revitalization, both in our downtown and inner city, are not complete until poverty is tackled through homes and jobs, the fundamental cornerstone of a healthy city. It takes time to regain what was lost. It takes patience, sustained policy and commitment.

Sachit Mehra, chairman of the new safety committee and owner of East India Company, said downtown safety remains a priority for both downtown businesses and the public.

While public perceptions are improving and downtown crime stats continue to decline over the last several years, the growth of our downtown needs a proactive approach to managing safety in the future, he added.

Downtown BIZ CEO Stefano Grande said the creation of the new safety committee is timely.

Downtowns nighttime economy is growing. An increase in tourists, convention-goers, students and more residents means more people are living, working and experiencing downtown, so it will take collaborative and collective impact towards taking downtown safety to the next level. Thankfully, many partners in our downtown are committed to improving downtown safety for everyone.

The BIZ has also developed a new three-year safety strategic plan for the downtown. Some of the highlights include maintaining and enhancing a strong Watch presence in the downtown with 25 full- and part-time staff; continuing to focus Watch resources on evening shifts and major events where the public perceives safety as a concern; maintaining year-round mobile patrols of downtown parkades and surface parking lots; and maintaining downtown bike patrols during the summer months.

murray.mcneill@freepress.mb.ca
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Go west, Manitoba.

Premier Brian Pallister has made good on one of his most ardent campaign pledges with the announcement Thursday Manitoba has joined the New West Partnership Trade Agreement.

Manitoba joins Saskatchewan, Alberta and British Columbia in an agreement designed to enhance trade, investment and labour mobility between Western provinces.

Bruce Bumstead/Brandon Sun Michael Leech

With the inclusion of Manitoba, the partnership creates a common market of more than 11 million people, with a combined GDP of more than $750 billion.

Business owners, community leaders and chambers of commerce from across Manitoba have long called for our province to pursue new opportunities for growth and reduced trade barriers, Pallister stated in a news release.

Joining the New West Partnership will bring these advantages. We look forward to working with British Columbia, Alberta and Saskatchewan to expand opportunities and support stronger economies right across Western Canada.

The agreement also removes barriers to the movement of goods and services, investments and people within and between the provinces.

The original New West Partnership Trade Agreement came into effect July 1, 2010 and has been fully implemented since July 1, 2013.

On the outside looking in, the New West agreement has been a thorn in Michael Leechs side for the past few years.

Reflecting on one missed opportunity in particular, the Brandon-based Leech Printing Ltd. owner lamented the preferential treatment the agreement has provided its member provinces of British Columbia, Alberta and Saskatchewan.

The government of Saskatchewan wouldnt allow our work to be produced back in Manitoba through our (Brandon-based) plant, so that was an inhibitor and, in my opinion, that was the primary problem, he said.

These concerns became a thing of the past Thursday, when Manitoba joined the agreement.

Its a move that will put Manitoban companies on an even footing with their competitors in provinces to the west, Leech said after Pallister made the announcement.

I like open-market competitiveness, he added. Id rather have an expanded market than one thats protected.

Earlier this year, Brandon Chamber of Commerce president Terry Burgess joined his colleagues in applauding the Tory pledge to sign the trade agreement. He hasnt changed his tune and, on Thursday, Burgess reflected on the days big announcement as a positive for not only Westman, but also the entire province.

Its something the chamber was advocating for, us signing onto that particular agreement to ensure that any of our businesses who wanted to compete for business in other provinces, that we had a fair shot, he said, adding it will have a particularly strong impact on those in the construction sector.

Most affected locally will be the larger companies that compete in broader markets for business, Burgess said  the Crane Steel Structures and Behlen Industries of the area.

WAYNE GLOWACKI / WINNIPEG FREE PRESS FILES Premier Brian Pallister has delivered on one of his key campaign promises by having Manitoba join the New West Partnership Trade Agreement.

While the New West trade deal might have sounded more attractive several months ago  before oil took a nosedive and forced companies in Alberta to look elsewhere for work  Burgess remains confident it will serve the area well in the long term.

It opens up our local markets to competitors from the other provinces, but I know our local businesses here feel very comfortable that they can compete with anyone coming into our marketplace, he said.

Reflecting on Manitobas last few years outside of the New West trade deal as a time of lost opportunity, Brandon West PC MLA Reg Helwer said Thursday hes relieved to see those days of disadvantage come to a close.

We need to be part of this trade agreement, and we should be talking with and trading with our neighbours, he said, a sentiment his peer in Brandon East shares.

It certainly allows, now, for a lot more trade back and forth, Brandon East PC MLA Len Isleifson said.

Its just a great opportunity, and were just starting.

This idea of just starting is a point that would likely enthuse Farmery Estate Brewery owner Chris Warwaruk.

Based in Neepawa, Manitobas exclusion from the New West trade deal initially made it fiscally impossible for the brewery to sell their product in Alberta.

It would have helped us last year, but in the end Alberta changed their promotion of it, Warwaruk explained, adding that, for his company anyway, New West has become a moot point.

Now, Farmery Estate Brewery wants to see Manitobas provincial government introduce a grant program similar to the ones in Alberta and other provinces, which bolster their local craft brewers in the marketplace.

kristin.annable@freepress.mb.catclarke@brandonsun.com
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This article was published 17/11/2016 (2176 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current.

OTTAWA  The buildings at Kapyong Barracks in Winnipeg would have been torn down years ago if there hadnt been an extended lawsuit keeping the Department of National Defence from doing anything to the property, an official with DND said Thursday.

Lyse Langevin, director general of infrastructure and environment, said until the lawsuits between Treaty One First Nations in Manitoba and the federal government were settled, DND had to leave everything as is. In September 2015, when the former Conservative government chose not to appeal the latest ruling requiring proper consultation with First Nations, DND was free to pursue its usual process for declaring land as surplus. That is to demolish the site and return it to its original condition.

This is absolutely nothing out of the ordinary, said Langevin in an interview with the Free Press Thursday.

BORIS MINKEVICH / WINNIPEG FREE PRESS FILES The federal government's plan to raze buildings at Kapyong Barracks 'is absolutely nothing out of the ordinary,' a government spokesperson said.

In a letter to area residents sent this week, the department noted it intends to destroy all 41 buildings, internal roadways, surface parking lots and underground utilities including electrical, gas, water and sewer lines starting in 2017. It is seeking public input as part of the environmental-assessment requirements of federal law.

She couldnt say how much the demolition would cost or when exactly it will begin because the project will be tendered. The public-input period is from today to Dec. 16.

Langevin confirmed DND has spent nearly $20 million maintaining the 160-acre Kapyong site at Kenaston Boulevard and Grant Avenue since the Princess Patricias Canadian Light Infantry unit left Kapyong for CFB Shilo in June 2004. The current annual upkeep budget is $1.5 million. Most of that is property taxes, which in 2016 were nearly $900,000. The rest is for grass cutting and snow shovelling, security and other basic maintenance.

Langevin said the buildings are structurally safe, but they have been vacant for so long, mould has grown inside and they can no longer be entered safely.

The negotiations for the redevelopment underway with First Nations are an entirely separate process and have nothing to do with the decision to gut the property, said Langevin.

Natural Resources Minister Jim Carr, the Liberal MP for the riding where the barracks are located, said the former government allowed the property to fester for more than a decade while it fought First Nations in court over their attempt to claim the property for treaty land entitlement. He said the government is negotiating with the First Nations, and the property will no longer be an eyesore.

I think its a very positive development. It will help the neighbourhood while negotiations continue.

No representatives from the seven First Nations involved in the negotiations will speak publicly about the situation. Sources say there is a dispute about whether all seven would receive an equal partnership in the land or whether larger bands should get a bigger share.

Carr said Thursday the First Nations are happy to see the buildings demolished.

Im glad the First Nations communities who are involved in the conversation also think its a good idea. Thats our understanding.

NDP MP Daniel Blaikie, who learned of the plan from the media, said the lack of information coming from DND about the demolition is frustrating.

Did they think they were going to do something that big and nobody was going to notice? he asked.

He said DND should be explaining exactly why they want to demolish the buildings, what it does for the process to redevelop the site and whether it will affect the value of the land going forward. He said removing buildings that are a hazard is one thing, but tearing out utilities that could be used by future occupants doesnt make sense until its determined what is going to go in there.

mia.rabson@freepress.mb.ca
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This article was published 17/11/2016 (2176 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current.

A Winnipeg gang member who was the director of a street justice-style shooting but didnt fire the gun has been sentenced to six years in prison.

Aaron Chartrand was 19 when he and two others approached a home on Dufferin Street around 1 a.m. one day last February. In a video of the shooting played in court Thursday, Chartrand is seen pointing, encouraging the shooter to fire bullets through the door of the home where a rival gang member lived.

Chartrand said Do it, do it, Crown attorney Libby Standil told the court, as another person pulled the trigger and all three people ran away. The victim of the shooting, an Indian Posse member, suffered lung damage as a result of the shooting, and the bullet remains lodged in his body, court heard.

MIKE DEAL / WINNIPEG FREE PRESS FILES Harpreet Kanda pleaded guilty Monday to impersonating a peace officer, uttering threats and conveying false messages as his trial was set to resume.

The shooter was never arrested in this case, and the gun was never found. A youth who was also arrested has, like Chartrand, pleaded guilty to discharging a firearm with intent. Both were initially charged with attempted murder.

The shooting was apparently retaliation on behalf of the B-Side gang for the death of Chartrands friend, 16-year-old Paris Bruce, who was beaten to death during an attempted takeover of an Indian Posse-controlled North End crack house in 2012, court heard.

Both Crown and defence lawyers agreed on the seriousness of the crime, which carried a mandatory minimum four-year sentence. The Crown asked for six years; defence sought five.

Court of Queens Bench Justice Chris Martin said while the shooting was a purported form of street justice, This really isnt justice in any way, shape or form. He said the casualness with which Chartrand could carry out such brutality is absolutely breathtaking, especially since the shooting was in a residential area where a bystander could have been hurt.

This has to stop, the judge said, adding he wouldnt be surprised to see more bodies on the street before all is said and done.

katie.may@freepress.mb.caTwitter: @thatkatiemay
Opinion

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This article was published 18/11/2016 (2175 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current.

The election of Donald Trump as U.S. president has some people ecstatic, others stunned and grieving. His opponents have urged patience and hope he might somehow moderate some of his policies, having been elected. His appointment of Steve Bannon, the head of Breitbart News, dealt a blow to those hopes: Bannon, who has white supremacist connections, has said he wants to destroy the U.S. establishment  Republican and Democrat  entirely.

On the day after the election Mark Blyth, political scientist at Brown University, wrote, The era of neoliberalism is over. The era of neonationalism has just begun.

Blyth predicted Brexit, and he predicted Trump as well. Now he says to look to Europe, where the far-right National Front party is polling in France at 40 per cent. Italy is about to have a constitutional referendum the prime minister will probably lose. This will shake the European Union.

FRANCOIS LENOIR / POOL / THE ASSOCIATED PRESS Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, left, with European Council President Donald Tusk after signing CETA. Upheaval in the EU could make it harder to ratify the trade agreement.

Elsewhere in Europe, aside from the slow-burning tragedy in Ukraine, some members of NATO are abandoning liberal democracy. Hungarys Viktor Orban publicly declared that liberal democracy was a thing of the past and outlawed opposition parties. Turkeys Recep Tayyip Ergodan faced a coup earlier this year  it failed in part because he had already thrown tens of thousands of potential political opponents in jail.

Indias Prime Minister Narendra Damodardas Modi is a strongman who was once banned from the United States as a security threat for failing to quell riots in his home province where more than 1,000 Muslims and Hindus died. President Rodrigo Duterte of the Philippines ran a war on drugs that has seen 3,000 people killed, including addicts, not just pushers, and he has said he would kill three million if he could. That was before he declared he would shift his allegiance from the U.S. to China.

In Russia, Vladimir Putin changed the constitution so he could run for office again and all media is now controlled by the state. In Japan, Prime Minister Shinzo Abe has been remilitarizing and has banned the humanities from all universities.

Post-U.S. election, there have been plenty of recriminations as supporters of the losing side rip into one another blaming the Clintons, Bernie Sanders and the media. But Trump won by the skin of his teeth in an election where Clinton will carry the popular vote by several million votes. The tipping point, 10 days out, was an astonishing decision by the FBI director to release a statement about Hillary Clintons emails, which, the day before the election, he revoked.

Whats been driving all this? Prejudice is one ingredient, but 30 years of stagnant incomes in Europe and North America, followed by a massive financial crisis and a dose of terrible austerity, has radicalized people. In the EU, austerity increased unemployment by 25 million compared to the U.S. Many countries still have 25 per cent unemployment. In 17 states in the U.S., the tipped minimum wage is $2.13  what it was in 1991.

All of this is happening just as The Economist ran a cover story on Canada as being the last liberal place on Earth  committed to diversity, tolerance, trade. But global instability threatens to burst our Canadian bubble. Upheaval in the EU will make it harder to ratify CETA. Under President Trump the TPP is considered dead and NAFTA is up for negotiation.

Why has Canada been spared? Unlike other countries, we have not had a major terrorist attack. Our borders are not as open as those of the U.S., EU or the United Kingdom: the U.S. has millions of undocumented immigrants, the EU has 1.3 million refugees. None of our banks failed in 2008-09. For a while, the high price of oil kept our economy afloat. And  this is very important  Canada and the U.S. avoided the harsh austerity and cuts that, in the U.K. and Europe, were brutal. The Harper Conservatives stabilized banks, and the Economic Action Plan, matched by provinces, made a difference.

Canadas economy is very trade-dependent  and there are some worrying economic signs domestically, including high private debt, an overheated housing market and sluggish growth. This, combined with international instability, could deliver serious shocks to our economy  and we could see the same kind of divisive nationalism growing here. Canada must respond by doing what it can to shield itself from shocks that could range from new tariffs and disrupted international supply lines to financial downturns. This might seem daunting, but we have the capacity to handle it  so long as we recognize that extraordinary circumstances may require extraordinary investments. Providing safe harbour in an unstable world is an opportunity that could pay off in the long run.

Dougald Lamont is a lecturer in government-business relations in Canada at the University of Winnipeg and ran for the leadership of the Manitoba Liberal Party in 2013.
Opinion

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OTTAWA  On Nov. 8, the same day Hillary Clintons bid to become the first female president in the United States fell off the rails, the only two female candidates looking to run for the leadership of the Alberta PC Party leadership withdrew their names just two days before nominations closed.

While some of the criticism Calgary MLAs Sandra Jansen and Donna Kennedy-Glans received was because of where the two reside on the political spectrum, it was an endless slinging of hateful, anti-woman crap that drove them both from the race.

My social media has been filled with filth, my domain name purchased to direct people to smear pieces on me and finally, this past weekend in Red Deer, the final straw, Jansen said. Insults were scrawled on my nomination forms. Volunteers from another campaign chased me up and down the hall, attacking me for protecting womens reproductive rights and my team was jeered for supporting childrens rights to a safe school environment.

DEAN BENNETT / THE CANADIAN PRESS Jason Kenney and Sandra Jansen at an Alberta Progressive Conservative party leadership forum in Red Deer, Alta. The only two female candidates in the race are calling it quits.

Jansens team was tearing down posters with the word c**t plastered across it. Her Twitter feed was, and still is, filled with the kind of language and hatred one hoped might have disappeared along with the cave men. Accusations about her providing sexual acts to a former premier, posts calling all female politicians whores, even one man who suggested because she is a woman she should be stoned to death.

Disgusting feminists and pansies that keep voting in inexperienced women, wrote one Brent Waddell on Twitter. Women period should not run an oil rich province. As Alison Redford, Danielle Smith or Rachel Notley (sic). All garbage.

Not quite finished, Waddell went on to write they should never allowed women to vote in the 70s.

Bad writing aside, this dude needs a fast history lesson because women got the vote long before that. And probably to Waddells chagrin, getting the vote did make a difference, because after women started voting women gained a whole bunch of other rights such as child custody rights, divorce and property rights and wage rights. And that was all in the first decade.

When Jansen backed out many of her critics accused of her of playing a victim card and said if she was that weak she had no business in the race to begin with. I would love to know how many of those people have been threatened with stoning, accused of offering sexual favours and chased down hallways at a convention with filth being spewed at them. On Thursday, Jansen crossed the floor to sit with the governing NDP, while the Tories promised an independent review of the bullying allegations.

The fact is politics is a tough world but the fire is monstrously hotter and more damaging when youre female. Calgary Mayor Naheed Nenshi acknowledged as much when a supporter suggested he was the most racially and religiously targeted public official out there.

What I get is nothing compared to how many women in public life are treated, he said on Twitter this week.

A male colleague and friend said something similar on Facebook, noting the only time in his life he had received intense online hate from readers was when they mistook his name for that of a woman.

While Jansen isnt running for the Tory leadership in Alberta anymore she isnt running for the hills either. She is a constant presence on Twitter, continuing to shine a light on the abuse she receives, and promising she isnt done yet with politics.

Unfortunately, for many young women who would like to consider a career in public office, this kind of thing is enough to rethink that plan.

A group of Manitoba women next week hope to start a plan to keep that from happening. Led by three former Manitoba MPs from the three main national parties, a Manitoba chapter of Equal Voice will hold its inaugural event Nov. 22.

Liberal Anita Neville, Tory Dorothy Dobbie and the NDPs Judy Wasylycia-Leis are behind the plan, hoping to provide a forum for women and a place to offer mentorship, support and information, as well as to draw attention to the lack of progress of women in politics.

In 2015, that 88 women were elected to the House of Commons was a cause for celebration. It was more than ever before, and women now account for 26 per cent of MPs. Still 26 per cent is far from equal.

Provincial legislatures ranges from a low of 13 per cent to a high of 35 per cent. Only 16 per cent of Canadas mayors are women and about a quarter of city councillors are female.

Neville said the next election in Manitoba will be the civic election so the Equal Voice Manitoba chapter will focus on that initially.

She said the hope is to create a non-partisan effort to provide advice and support to women who want to make a run for politics.

Her advice to a woman who is considering it but isnt quite sure.

I would say do it but just make sure you have certain things in place, both personally and politically, she said. You have to know what you want to accomplish.

Mia Rabson is the Free Press parliamentary bureau chief.

mia.rabson@freepress.mb.caTwitter: @mrabson
Opinion

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This article was published 18/11/2016 (2175 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current.

Its a public-health concern. Data collection has been highlighted as an important strategy in dealing with it. Yet the provincial government remains stymied in getting an accurate understanding of just how big the problem is.

Welcome to the opioid crisis in 2016.

Today, a two-day opioid conference opens in Ottawa to discuss the growing number of overdoses and deaths as a result of these drugs. Premiers are asking the federal health minister to institute a national strategy to fight the rise of opioid abuse and the influx of fentanyl from places such as China.

Earlier this week, three bodies were pulled out of a home in Inkster, dead from a suspected fentanyl overdose. The United Fire Fighters of Winnipeg have started an ad campaign designed to educate the public about fentanyl as paramedics and police deal with the crisis on a daily basis.

In the face of this mounting public-health issue, Manitobas Office of the Chief Medical Examiner has provided little information about the number of deaths this year from opioid overdoses, including fentanyl  information, by the way, other provinces seem capable of providing.

At a news conference earlier this week, Health Minister Kelvin Goertzen complained about his inability to get real-time data about opioid overdoses. The latest figures provided by the medical examiner were from 2015, nearly one year too late. Furthermore, the information provided doesnt contain details of where deaths are occurring. For example, is the opioid crisis a problem only in urban centres, or has it started to affect rural areas  including First Nations reserves  as well?

In Alberta, information regarding opioid overdoses is provided quarterly. Included is an overview of where the most deaths are occurring as well as insight into the effect its having on First Nations.

Just recently, Albertas Office of the Chief Medical Examiner had included on an individuals death certificate the list of drugs that caused the death, which allows for faster collection of data and easier access to information. In Saskatchewan, the Office of the Chief Coroner began compiling data in May that is expected to help health authorities understand the extent of the opioid crisis in that province. It would be wise for Manitobas health minister to push this provinces medical examiners office to step up its reporting as well. The province cannot be left twisting in the wind.

Unfortunately a lack of health statistics is nothing new in Manitoba. In 2009, when the Free Press was attempting to understand the tuberculosis epidemic that was plaguing First Nations reserves in northern Manitoba, provincial officials refused to disclose the number of cases on reserve, saying to do so would harm relations with the federal government.

Manitoba currently has an acting chief medical examiner. Dr. Thambirajah Balachandra retired earlier this year after two decades in the position. Dr. John Younes, a pathologist who had been the deputy chief medical examiner since 2013, is now temporarily filling the role. Perhaps improving the data-collection system for public-health issues should be among the criteria considered when hiring Dr. Balachandras replacement.

The more information, the better public-health officials and policy-makers can determine where resources should be focused and how to best approach the situation. Year-old statistics arent enough.
Vegetarians seldom to never get the star treatment at a Thanksgiving meal. They are the second-class feasters, pushed to a side, while the talk about turkey carries on endlessly.

Every now and then they would be asked if the buttery mashed potatoes, green bean casserole, roasted Brussels sprouts or pecan-studded sweet potato casserole is to their liking, and then the conversation would return to the preparation of the bird like thats the only thing man has accomplished since inventing the wheel.

Before anyone starts justifying that the spuds and verdant-hued vegetables should appease the non-meat eaters, think about it: They are sides, and nothing more than delicious sides, people.

So how about switching things up this year? Make the growing number of vegetarians in your family and on your guest list feel special by serving a vegetarian main dish and keep the bland butterball of a bird to the side by tossing it in a wild rice-cranberry salad.

By main dish, I am not talking about Tofurkey  that terrible faux meat play on turkey with a rubbery texture and insipid taste  but instead a stellar vegetarian one that will have everyone going gaga. Something that is a treat to look at and to eat, a conversation starter and immensely satisfying but wont leave anyone groaning in pain.

Granted, the Native Americans didnt greet the Pilgrims with kale or pomegranates, but I can guarantee that both camps will approve of the rustic and comforting kale slab pie.

Packed with plenty of kale and perfumed with dill and mint, its earthy in flavor and style and sits on a layer of cornmeal. Creamy feta and grated mozzarella cheeses soften the kales rough textures while red pepper flakes cut the greens bitterness by lending some heat. Pomegranate seeds not only brighten the slab pies appearance for a photo-op but also add a slight sweetness.

Even the health freaks will have a good word about the pie, as kale after all is the king of nutrient greens and is loaded with antioxidants. If kale isnt your green of preference, you can always make a spinach or Swiss chard version.

Because its a slab pie, it can feed many more hungry mouths than the average round pie, and you dont have to deal with the mess or fuss of trying to crimp the edges or weave a lattice on top. Slab pies usually call for a jellyroll pan, but you dont even need that here; just go with any large rectangular baking pan you have in your kitchen.

The pie is the perfect team player and can be made hours before serving, so it wont have to compete for space with the sweet potato casserole in the oven. All it needs is to be warmed at a low temperature in the oven along with the other sides about a half-hour before the meal.

After the grand meal, not only will you have the vegetarians saying thanks earnestly but also the kitchen cleanup crew  for there wont be anything left to put away.

Kale slab pie

2 pounds kale leaves with short stems

Salt to taste, divided

1/3 cup extra-virgin olive oil, divided

2 medium onions, finely chopped

1 bunch scallion, chopped

 cup fresh dill, chopped

 cup fresh mint, chopped

1 teaspoon red pepper flakes

Freshly ground pepper to taste, divided

3 cups skim milk

2 cups fine cornmeal

2 cups feta cheese, crumbled

1 cup mozzarella cheese, shredded

1 cup pomegranate seeds, for garnish

Blanch kale leaves and stems in salted boiling water for about 4 minutes. Transfer wilted greens along with stems to a bowl of cold water, then drain and squeeze out moisture. Chop whatever longish stems attached to the leaves to small slices; set kale aside in a bowl.

Heat 4 tablespoons of olive oil over medium heat in a skillet; add onions. Cook, stirring, until tender, about 8 minutes.

Add scallions and cook for another 2 minutes. Stir in kale, dill and mint. Add red pepper flakes, and salt and pepper to taste, and combine well. Remove from heat and let kale mixture cool.

Heat oven to 350 degrees and grease 13-by-9-inch rectangular pan with remaining oil (1 tablespoon plus 1 teaspoon).

In a medium saucepan, bring milk to a simmer over medium heat. Add salt to taste and slowly stream in cornmeal (so it doesnt lump up) while stirring with a wooden spoon.

Stir until mixture is thick, like polenta. Remove from heat and spread the mixture in oiled baking dish with wooden spoon or spatula.

Add feta and mozzarella cheeses to kale mixture; lightly combine well. Spread kale mixture evenly over cornmeal crust in an even layer.

Cover slab pie with foil loosely and bake for 30 minutes. Remove foil and bake for 15 to 20 minutes, until top is slightly brown.

Remove from oven and allow to sit for 30 minutes.

Garnish with pomegranate seeds on top before cutting.

Makes 12 servings.

Note: The slab pie can also be made with Swiss chard or spinach. Let the slab pie sit at least for 30 minutes after baking so that the cornmeal crust can set and the flavors of the greens and herbs combine.
A forum Thursday night for a diverse gathering of Winona State University students to speak to local law enforcement revealed fear and anxiety, while providing an opportunity to learn about local resources.

Some of the atmosphere of the event focused on the results of the presidential election combined with vote totals that showed Winona County, among nearly every other in Minnesota, voting in the majority for Donald Trump.

There is a sense among minority communities, participants said, that many residents do not want them here. The anxiety ranged from Muslim students who fear being targeted for wearing hijabs, to young women who feel powerless against sexual assault, to African-American students who dont want to be a victim of unconscious police bias.

Winona County Sheriff Ron Ganrude led the forum along with Winona County Attorney Karin Sonneman, and both spent time educating the young attendees about resources the broader city and county communities have to offer.

Ganrude talked about ongoing training and education programs for law enforcement to better equip them for various challenges. Many of the programs are encouraged and not mandated, and departments are constrained by tight budgets and unaccommodating schedules. However, Ganrude said, he hopes there will be legislation to support mandated training.

Many members of Winona States KEAP (Knowledge, Empowerment, Advocacy, and Pluralism) Diversity Center, were present.

KEAP center liason Chuck Ripley, who helped organize the event and also serves as the chair of the Winona Human Rights Commission, said he created the event with hopes that students would be able to convey their concerns and communicate directly with local law enforcement.

Attendees acknowledged that the inflammatory presidential race has strained public unity, and that many students have reported feeling unsafe in extremely divided atmospheres. Ganrude stressed that everyone has a right to a safe environment, while balancing respect for the right to free speech. Its almost always, he said, decided on a case-by-case basis.

Disorderly conduct, as Sonneman explained, is defined by causing fear and apprehension. The rights of the First Amendment do not protect speech if it infringes on another persons rights.

Ganrude emphasized calling the police in any unsafe situation. Even if a police response doesnt produce an arrest, the departments awareness of the incident can be useful going forward, he said.

WSU student Timothy said he was pleased to have a direct connection to local officials at the event. I see that the attorney and the sheriff have genuine interest in whats going on in our campus, he said. As a student here, and especially as a student of color, it makes me feel a lot safer.

Sonnerman also took the opportunity to open a channel for members of Winona State to express themselves, offering contact info to all attendees.

Were the community, too, she said.
An invasive snail is being blamed for killing hundreds of waterfowl on the Upper Mississippi River this fall.

Field workers have found almost 1,000 dead coot and lesser scaup washed up on the shores near Genoa since early October, according to the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. The birds are believed to be the victims of an intestinal parasite found in faucet snails, which the birds eat during stopovers on their fall migration.

Die-offs have become an annual event during the past 15 years, since the arrival of the faucet snail. Native to Europe, the snails were introduced to the Great Lakes in the late 1900s and have since made their way into inland waterways. Faucet snails were first discovered in Lake Onalaska in the early 2000s and are now prevalent on the river between La Crescent and McGregor, Iowa.

They basically came in and basically out-competed native snails, said Roger Haro, associate dean for the College of Science and Health at the University of Wisconsin-La Crosse. Theyve been around for a while but they never caused a detectable problem with waterfowl.

While the snails provide a food source for waterfowl, they carry a parasite known as trematodes that can infect the birds and cause them to die within three to eight days, according to the Fish and Wildlife Service.

Though trematodes can affect up to 19 species of waterfowl, Haro said they are most harmful to coot and scaup.

The outbreaks are a concern because about 40 percent of all North American waterfowl follow the Mississippi River flyway during their annual migration, stopping to feed as they make their way south each fall and back north in the spring.

Haro and other scientists at UW-L have been studying the snails to better understand their behaviors and the effects of temperature variations on their growth.

There are no reported health risks from handling or consuming waterfowl infected by trematodes, according to the National Wildlife Health Center, but sick birds can have secondary infections that cause their intestines to leak into the body cavity. Hunters are advised to wear gloves if handling sick birds.

Haro said the infected birds do not appear to be a threat to other species, instead providing an abundant food source for bald eagles and vultures.

In some years the Fish and Wildlife Service collects carcasses, but with cold temperatures forecast in the coming days officials decided the birds would not create a significant nuisance this year, said Hallie Rasmussen, visitors services director for the Upper Mississippi River National Fish and Wildlife Refuge.

Its kind of a jolting thing for people to see all these dead birds, Haro said.

Faucet snails were first discovered in Lake Onalaska in the early 2000s and are now prevalent on the river between La Crescent and McGregor, Iowa.
With great power comes great responsibility  and pizza.

High-schoolers and middle-schoolers packed the Tau Center at Winona State University on Thursday for the 54th annual Model Legislature, a two-day event where young people from area schools create and run their own version of Minnesotas state government.

Shrugging off their backpacks and tossing them into the corner, students got to work Thursday morning by first electing their peers to the states most coveted offices.

A vote for Stensgard and Quimby is a vote for experience, leadership  and a greater Minnesota, said Logan Quimby, a senior from Rushford-Peterson Senior High School, who ran alongside one of his classmates and ultimately won after a refreshingly short election.

Promising the power would not go to their heads, Gov. Hayden Stensgard and Lt. Gov. Quimby took their seats in a private office as the 100 or so senators and representatives broke into their respective committees.

I may or may not be chair of the Commerce Committee, said one young man trying to find his table.

Students carried around hulking books of real bills that have been introduced before the state Legislature. Each had picked a particular bill to research and to pitch to their fellow legislators.

Rep. Noah Lund, who goes to Austin High School, introduced a bill that would automatically allocate disaster relief funds to counties in southeast Minnesota  because its inevitable those areas will flood  and this allows us to react faster and not hold a long meeting.

Rep. Sarah Mensing, who goes to Rushford-Peterson, introduced a bill that would lengthen prison sentences for people who conceal or tamper with evidence relating to a homicide  so families will get a sense of justice.

And Sen. Zoey Aune, who goes to Cotter High School, introduced a bill that would increase state funding for organizations working to prevent human trafficking.

Its a big problem, she said. They need our support.

In the governors office, Stensgard and Quimby were enjoying the perks of power.

We just ordered a pizza, Stensgard said.

Sausage and pepperoni, said Quimby, ever a man of the details.

From their office, they could hear a hum of activity coming from the giant room down the hall, where senators and representatives debated which bills should pass and which ones should die  which ones would make up the mountain of papers that would soon hit the governors desk.

It feels like the calm before the storm, Quimby said.

Gene Pelowski, an actual state representative whose district includes Winona County, even loaned Stensgard a stamp with the official seal of Minnesota, so he would look the part when approving the bills.

Pelowski has been an adviser at Model Legislatures for 41 years, and said it is impressive to see how students come together for the common good.

It takes them two days to balance a budget, he said. We cant do it in two sessions.

By the time they graduate, some students will have attended four or five Model Legislatures.

They begin in middle school as humble pages, running documents back and forth between different committees, and finish their careers in high school as legislators or governors.

Rep. Precious Pritchett, who goes to Winona Senior High School, waited until this year, her senior year, to attend her first Model Legislature.

She was having a good time, she said, fighting for a bill that would put those convicted of cruelty to animals on an online registry.

I wanted to go before, but other things were stressing me out, Pritchett said. This year, I told myself to forget about the stress.

Bryce Tienter, a seventh-grader at Cotter, is a page this year  the best one here, according to members of his committee.

They do not mind that he sometimes gets distracted by his friends, who are also pages, or that he sometimes sneaks away to sit in the windowsill.

There might even come a day when Bryce joins them on one of these committees. He says he would like to make this an annual stop of his.

You get two days off school, he said.
Sauk County inmates will receive treatment over the next two years from a jail health care company that has come under intense scrutiny.

On Tuesday, the Sauk County Board accepted a $353,000 bid to provide health care services in the Sauk County jail from Peoria, Illinois-based Advanced Correctional Healthcare.

A CBS News segment that aired in April reported that ACH settled at least six lawsuits with families whose relatives died from preventable causes. In a statement, the companys CEO said CBS misrepresented (ACH)s mission to provide quality health care to our clients at correctional facilities across the nation.

One of the cases highlighted in the CBS segment occurred at the nearby Rock County jail, where 39-year-old inmate Dante Wilson died in August 2015.

The nurse who attended to Wilson was an ACH employee. She gave him antacid tablets after he complained of chest pains. And when he asked for help less than an hour later, the nurse told him to relax. Wilson died of a heart attack.

A video included in the CBS report shows the nurse wrapping up an interview with a detective who was investigating the death. She says, Oh yeah, we dont want to drag it out. St happens.

Like the other inmates featured in the CBS report, Wilson was incarcerated for a non-violent offense. The nurse was later fired.

Provider drops out

ACH has contracts in 17 states, providing health care services at 298 facilities, according to its website. That includes 24 Wisconsin locations.

Sauk County jail officials were forced to begin the search for a new health care provider after the facilitys current contractor, a Nashville firm called Correctional Care Solutions, sent a letter in September that terminated its contract without cause.

Sauk County Sheriff Chip Meister said he is aware of the concerns about the countys new contractor, but that lawsuits are not unusual in the medical field. Oh sure, I find stories like this concerning, but there are many health care providers that are sued, Meister said in an email.

Indeed, the other firms that submitted bids have also been subjected to lawsuits.

ACHs $353,000 bid was the lowest of three. Other firms that submitted proposals included the countys current contractor, Correctional Care Solutions, with a bid of $414,000, and MEnD Correctional Care of Minnesota, with a bid of $519,000.

The board voted 29-1 in favor of the new contract with ACH. Supervisor Tom Kriegl of Baraboo cast the only no vote, saying he had read bad things about each of the contractors online.

I hadnt seen this particular story, Kriegl said about the CBS report. However I had seen many like it which is why I commented and voted as I did.

In-house solution

Meister told board members Tuesday night that the sheriffs department and its oversight committee investigated the possibility of contracting with a local doctor. But he said health care professionals are concerned about the financial impact that jail medical work might have on themselves and their colleagues.

They are not interested because their malpractice insurance (cost) not only rises for them, but it rises for the other ones that work in that same facility, Meister said.

ACH will provide 24/7 consultation regarding inmate medical needs, 104 hours per week of nursing services, expertise regarding specialized inmate populations, and malpractice insurance coverage, according to the resolution approved Tuesday. Meister said the company also will provide four hours of access to a doctor per week.

Company responds

CBS noted that six weeks before the death of a Kentucky inmate featured in its report, the U.S. Department of Justice sent a letter to the local jail that warned unqualified staff are serving as gatekeepers to medical care.

ACH responded to CBS that staffing decisions are dictated by local jail administration.

When asked for comment about its bid and history, ACH provided the Baraboo News Republic with a letter its CEO sent to clients after the CBS report aired. The letter took issue with CBSs portrayal of ACH.

In the rare event our team has made a mistake in patient care, we do the right thing by taking ownership of the error and settling the case  because its the right thing to do for the patient and their family, ACH founder and CEO Dr. Norman R. Johnson stated in the letter.

Johnson used data collected by federal agencies to draw comparisons between his companys own internal numbers. He claimed the company has experienced fewer lawsuits than the national average for inmate litigation, has won the majority of the lawsuits filed, and settles one in 10.

But some of the conclusions he reached were based on comparisons between unspecified company data for one time period and national data from a different period.

For example, Johnson claimed ACH has experienced fewer lawsuits over the last 10 years than should be expected based on federal inmate litigation data. But he based that assertion on a National Institute of Corrections survey conducted 15 years ago.

The letter also claimed 11 fewer inmates died under ACHs care in 2015 than should have been expected based the national jail mortality rate for 2013. This implies that our health care program saved over 11 lives last year, Johnson concluded in his letter.

ACH declined to provide access to reports that would allow the newspaper to draw its own conclusions.

I hope you understand that we prefer not to release internal company documents, ACH Senior Counsel Jessica Young wrote in an email.

The letter also said federal healthcare privacy laws prevent the company from defending itself against certain allegations made in the CBS report.
On election night, I gave up at midnight and went to bed. At 3:30 in the morning I got up and checked the results. Since then, my emotions have gone from disappointment in the American people, to anger against liberals who voted third-party to assuage their conscience, to grief, and now to a slight understanding of why it happened.

Im sure most voters who supported Trump are good people who heard only parts of his message. Its not because theyre racists or because they hate Muslims, Mexicans or other immigrants. Its because theyre a lot like I used to be when we were farming and raising children.

Back then, there was no time to do research on candidates or issues. We worked over 12 hours a day and had no time or energy to be involved in local or national politics. We voted based on gut feelings and skimpy, incomplete information, not because we were ignorant, but because thats all we had time for. When you have to wonder how youre going to buy socks for your kids, youre probably not going to spend time reading the about politics or looking into how your lawmaker voted on important issues.

Its even harder today to make wise decisions, with non-stop campaign ads filled with misinformation and hate-filled talk radio shows that spew lies and incite fear about imaginary dangers. Its much easier and quicker to believe those lies than it is to actually search for facts. Anyway, most research shows that people vote based on emotions, not facts.

Even so, the fact that the KKK supported Trump should have been a wake-up call, but most voters were unaware of it. All they heard was that hed bring back jobs. They didnt question how hed do that or even if it were possible in this age of new technology that replaces people with robotics.

They didnt consider that if he deports all undocumented workers the costs of meat, fruits and vegetables will go through the roof while produce rots in the fields. Because most Americans are not going to work for minimum wage as they harvest crops 10 hours a day under the hot sun or are covered with blood and guts as they process meats.

They may not have noticed that Trump changes his stance on issues almost hourly, so we have no idea what hell do. For one thing, his right-wing supporters may be astounded if he reverts to his more liberal social ideologies.

When he sees how much we spend on defense, he may cut its budget and halt production of military weapons and other supplies. Or he may become an extreme war-monger who orders the bombing of large areas of the Middle East, calls up hundreds of thousands of American soldiers and incites even more hatred and terrorism against the United States.

As Speaker of the House Paul Ryan wants, he may push to privatize Social Security and Medicare, making them vulnerable to the whims of the stock market and therefore threatening the retirement income of millions of seniors. Or he may decide thats not a good idea. Who knows?

Hes declared climate change a hoax, so hell most likely eliminate important protections for our air and water. His friends who profit from dirty energy deemed it a hoax because they make their billions by selling products made from dirty coal and oil. Its much cheaper, after all, for big agricultural operations and manufacturers to dump their toxic wastes into our water supplies than it is for them to dispose of them responsibly. We do know Trump never will be against higher corporate profits, so we can guess whatll happen to the quality of our air and water.

As for jobs, a man whos profited from sending them overseas isnt likely to change that practice, no matter what he says. And since hes also profited immensely from a skewed tax code that allows companies like his to pay nothing while the rest of us make up the difference, I wouldnt hold my breath waiting for legislation that requires fair taxation. Hes also said wages are too high, so his supporters may get some nasty surprises before long.

Like it or not, it looks like hell be the next president of the United States. And one things for certain: Not only will they have the White House, Republicans will have the majority in both houses of Congress and also on the Supreme Court. Because theyll be totally in charge, theyll no longer be able to blame President Barack Obama or the Democrats for anything that goes wrong.

Now thatll be interesting.
Beaver Dam: Where all the men are strong, all the women are good looking and all the children are above average.

That may be true considering that four Beaver Dam schools and a pair of elementary charter schools reached the gold level of the state school district report card assessment system.

Prairie View, South Beaver Dam, Washington and Wilson elementary schools were listed as significantly exceeding state expectations. Discover Grade School in Columbus and SAGES in Fox Lake also were listed in the top category on the list.

As part of the Wisconsin public school accountability system, the Wisconsin Department of Public Instruction released report cards for every public school in Wisconsin Thursday.

Schools are evaluated on four priority areas;

student achievement in reading and mathematics on statewide assessments,

student growth in those assessed areas,

closing gaps for reading and mathematics achievement and graduation based on student subgroups, and

post-secondary readiness, which uses several measures as predictors of college and career readiness.

Accountability is calculated on a score of zero to 100 and schools are placed in one of five overall accountability rating categories ranging from fails to meet expectation to the highest category, significantly exceeds expectations. A complete list of area schools can be found at wiscnews.com/bdc.

The other schools in Beaver Dam were listed in the exceeds state expectations and meet state expectation list.

Beaver Dam High School, Lincoln Elementary School and Jefferson Elementary Schools were listed as exceeding state expectations. Beaver Dam Middle School and Don Smith Learning Academy met state standards.

Beaver Dam Unified School District Superintendent Steve Vessey said these are the highest scores Beaver Dam Schools have seen since the state of Wisconsin implemented a school report card system.

We could not be more proud of the way our students have performed academically and the support our parents and community have demonstrated for our school system, Vessey said. We have a world-class staff that works tirelessly for our students every day.

Vessey said the report card scores are appreciated but is not the focus of the educational endeavors in Beaver Dam.

Beaver Dam Schools are so much more than a set of report card scores, Vessey said. The breadth and depth of learning experiences in Beaver Dam are unmatched. Our students learn in the classroom, on the field, in the auditorium, on Saturdays and travel around the world. No report card system can quantify these experiences.
The Mauston Police Department reported the release of registered sex offender T.J. Nels Steinmetz during an informational session Wednesday at city hall.

Police Chief Mike Zilisch said Steinmetz, 41, will be released next week under supervision. He will live within the city of Mauston. Steinmetz served his sentence and is not wanted by law enforcement. Zilisch said the notification is not intended to increase fear, but to inform the public of Steinmetzs release.

Steinmetz is a white male with brown hair and hazel eyes. He stands 5-foot-11 and weighs 190 pounds. Zilisch said abuse of this information to threaten, intimidate or harass registered sex offenders will not be tolerated.

The essence of this meeting is to notify people he is going to be in our community, Zilisch said. Its no different than if there was a raging river behind your house, everyone would know there is a raging river and would act appropriately.

Steinmetz will be under the supervision of the New Lisbon Office of Probation/Parole. Under court stipulations, Steinmetz is not allowed at taverns, bars or liquor stores; should have no contact with the victim, and is not to consume alcohol or drugs, and have no contact with minors. He must also comply with standard sex offender rules, cooperate with electronic monitoring, have face-to-face contact with law enforcement, and comply with all requirements of the Wisconsin Sex Offender Registry Program.

He will be at our transitional living home, which is on Wisconsin Street, Zilisch said. That is not uncommon. People will go there when they get released because they may not have anywhere else to go. If he has family in the area that is willing to take him in, the stay there could be fairly short.

While the facility isnt as supervised as a prison, Steinmetz will have some rules to follow.

People will check in to see he is there when he is supposed to be there and doesnt have any big wild parties or anything, Zilisch said. Quite frankly, its a big change for them to go from being incarcerated to being released out into the public.

Wednesdays session also provided information for parents on how to protect children from sex offenders. Valerie Santana, Sex Offender Registry Specialist for the Wisconsin Department of Corrections, provided a detailed presentation with facts about sexual assault and the perpetrators who commit these crimes.

Sex offenders are nothing new. Theyve always been in our community, its just that now we all have laws so you can see who they are, where they live and what they look like, Santana said.

Santana said 85-90 percent of sexual assaults go unreported. She said there are many sex offenders in communities who have yet to be charged or convicted. The perpetrators that have been convicted are listed on the state Sex Offender Registry website at www.widocoffenders.org.

Most people think sex offenders are the creepy guy hiding in the bushes, Santana said. But they are often normal-looking people who you could pass while walking on the sidewalk.

A federal law was passed in the early 1990s to make sure every state has a registered sex offender database. In 2006, the Adam Walsh Law closed gaps between states so sex offenders could move from state to state to avoid conviction. There are 24,420 sex offenders in custody in Wisconsin and 5,803 on supervision, along with more than 11,000 sex offenders no longer on supervision.

Santana said some municipalities have set up pedophile free communities, but it hasnt worked to keep sex offenders away. She said sex offenders are often lured to these communities because they believe they can float under law enforcements radar.

Santana also squashed another myth that child sexual assaults are often committed by strangers. In most cases, someone close to the childs family, such as a relative or neighbor, commits the assault.

For more information, contact the Wisconsin Sex Offender Registry at 608-240-5830.
Conservative media critic Brian Sikma has left Media Trackers and is headed to the state Capitol.

Sikma is set to become a policy adviser in Republican Sen. Duey Stroebel's office sometime later this month, Sikma said Friday.

"It's been great to be a part of the conservative alternative media in Wisconsin," he said. "Weve worked hard to hold both Republicans and Democrats accountable. The good news is Media Trackers will be sticking around, I just decided I wanted to do something else for awhile."

Sikma has been the communications director at Media Trackers for over five years. He was an early hire and helped develop the conservative group founded in 2011 to examine and call out media bias in the state. Jerry Bader, host of a conservative talk radio show in the Green Bay area, has already taken his place, Sikma said.

Sikma said he hopes the Bader hire will further expand the organization's reach statewide.

"(Bader) will be continuing the organization's efforts. Im very confident hell be able to do a great job." Sikma said.

Bader said in an email Friday that he will continue his radio show, but is now a part-time employee of the company that owns the station. He will be a full-time employee of Media Trackers, he said.

He said he sees his roles as communications director at Media Trackers and a conservative radio talk show host as promoting the same mission.

"Two employers, now a single mission," he said.

According to its website, Media Trackers "examines stories published in the mainstream media, explores claims made by some of the more partisan political groups, and provides the facts on the issues." It also has a presence in Ohio, Florida, Montana and Pennsylvania, according to its website. The group is funded in part by American Majority, a conservative advocacy and training group based in Virginia.

Sikma is a frequent guest on conservative talk radio in Madison and Milwaukee and has become known among journalists for calling out reporters on Twitter with grievances about their stories, often willing to get into extended public quarrels.

"Ill needle reporters from time-to time if I feel the full context of the story isnt being told," he said. He said he'll occasionally deal with reporters and encourage them to broaden their focus.

But Sikma himself was the subject of criticism in 2012, when he published a story on Media Trackers' website alleging U.S. Rep. Mark Pocan's husband had threatened the supporter of a political opponent. The story proved false and Media Trackers retracted it.

Once he becomes a state employee, Sikma said he will likely stop the social media jabs.

"Im not quite sure Ill continue doing that. I probably wont be doing that," he said.

Stroebel, a Republican from Saukville, is considered one of the Legislature's most conservative lawmakers. He ran unopposed earlier this month to keep his seat, comprised of parts of Ozaukee, Washington, Fond du Lac and and Sheboygan counties.

Sikma said he will be commuting to Madison from "crucial Waukesha County" where he lives. He has also served in the Wisconsin Army National Guard since 2014 and recently became a commissioned officer as a Second Lieutenant.

This story has been updated to include details on Jerry Bader's employment at Media Trackers and his radio show.
When a person commits suicide, the trauma extends beyond one person. People who want to offer support to the survivors who carry the burden of loss received insight Thursday night at St. John's Lutheran Church on how to navigate that difficult terrain.

St. Johns hosted psychologist Amy Cole to help volunteers better understand the counseling required and, when it is beyond their own abilities, the professional resources available in Portage and Columbia County.

St. John's volunteer Grief Ministry Group, which meets every-other month to develop outreach in grief counseling, works on the premise that not all cases are the same. That led to the invitation for Cole, a Portage Public School psychologist and member of Prevent Suicide Columbia County, to speak to the group.

Im one of the people that tries to keep the group together and provide meaningful support to our volunteers so they can have confidence in their work with people who are grieving," said event organizer Danielle Pollex-Rabl, who is also a psychotherapist with Compass Counseling in Portage.

Cole, who lost a brother to suicide in 2002, said grief counseling is not for everybody, "but Ive been through the process myself and found it beneficial.

Cole attended group grief counseling for family and friends of suicide victims and took part in another group after losing her mother to cancer in 2009.

I went to a general grief counseling group, for my profession, and I thought, its good to be with people who are in your same boat, Cole said. So I realized the need for a group for suicide loss because it is so much different.

Its hard to grasp what all these people go through that nobody can help, said Cole. "When your loved one takes their own life it is kind of hard and can follow you around.

In October 2015 Cole began hosting group counseling sessions for those affected by the suicide of someone close to them. The group meets at Divine Savior Healthcare the first and third Wednesday of the month.

Right now it is three women who have lost their sons. One was in April and one was in July, so they havent even been through the first year of loss, which is the hardest, said Cole. So Im glad that I can provide support for them because were all in the same boat. So we talk to each other and feel a tiny bit better for the hour that were there.

The meetings are based on an eight-week program to work through different aspects of the grieving process, although Cole has yet to go straight from beginning to end, as new attendees arrive with questions about the initial stage of shock.

So Ive found that it isnt real long, you go through them all one time and then youve heard everything, said Cole.

If you want to stay for a year, Ill be there. But Ive found that that usually it is a few months. And a lot of them are in other general grief groups and then this one on top of it. They learn to cope, which is basically what Im trying to teach them. Different ones work for different people and I just want them to find something that will work and help them move on with their life without their loved one.

Based on input from her group, on Thursday Cole offered suggestions about what to say and what not to say to someone sorting through the grief of a suicide.

Simplifying the situation for any friend wanting to offer support, a unanimous suggestion was "there are no words."

Following her presentation, there was no rush to questions, but once the group of 15 were talking, they went into one of the most difficult points with suicide in a religious setting.

I think there needs to be less of the law and more of the Gospel, one man suggested.

A woman asked Cole if, as a school employee, she has ever had to deal with a student feeling betrayed after her intervening on their behalf or because of the concern of a friend.

They might be angry for a very short amount of time, she said, but went on to explain that has never been a problem, telling the of a student who after graduation gave Cole a three-page letter to say, If it werent for you I wouldnt be here.

In Columbia County, 12 deaths have been reported so far in 2016 attributed to suicide. That is about average for the county, with 12 reported in 2015, nine in 2014, and 12 in each year of 2011, 2012 and 2013.

The suicide rate in Columbia County was ranked 25th of 72 Wisconsin counties between 2007 and 2011, according to the 2014 report The Burden of Suicide in Wisconsin, produced by the Wisconsin Department of Health Services, Injury Research center at the Medical College of Wisconsin and Mental Health America of Wisconsin.
PARDEEVILLE  The village of Pardeevilles Public Utilities Commission will reconsider a proposed increase in sanitary sewer rates, after some trustees on Tuesday raised questions as to whether homeowners on fixed incomes could afford a rate hike.

The proposal on the table: To raise user rates from $5.47 to $6.75 per gallon of wastewater generated, and to raise the monthly fee for the size of meter used by most Pardeeville residents from $9.65 to $12.64.

Village Administrator David Tracey said the rates last went up in 2012, and they need to increase again to cover the costs of operating the villages wastewater treatment system.

This affects the water that goes down drains or is used to flush toilets.

At the Village Boards meeting on Tuesday, however, Trustee Barry Pufahls motion to raise the rates, as recommended by the Public Utilities Commission, died for lack of a second.

If trustees have a problem with the proposed increase, Pufahl said, they need to give the commission clearer direction as to why they disagree with the increase.

Trustee James Buckley said his problem with the rate hike was twofold.

First, he said, its a steep increase that property owners on fixed incomes might have difficulty affording.

Second, he said, there should have been gradual annual increases instead of a big increase after four years of no change.

Trustee Phil Blader said working residents, not just retired people, might struggle with the increase as proposed.

Its not just people on fixed incomes, he said. Its averages Joes who havent had a raise in years.

Village President Robert Becker said he wanted a clearer indication of how the rate hike might affect the typical homeowner.

Thats hard to say, Tracey said, because it depends on how many gallons of wastewater a household generates per month  and sometimes people, faced with a rate increase, will respond by generating less wastewater.

Even with the proposed increase, Pardeevilles sewer rates would still be on the low end for comparably sized Wisconsin communities.

Trustee Brian Hepler said hed like to see a list of some other communities rates, for comparison.

Pufahl said the Public Utilities Commission considered the financial impact of the rate hike on homeowners very carefully before proposing the increase.

They werent trying to stick it to retired people or people on fixed incomes at all, he said.
A Reedsburg food pantry received a surprise boost just in time for Thanksgiving.

United HealthCare donated around 300 turkey breasts to Catholic Charities Mobile Food Pantry. Employees from the health insurer were on site to hand out turkeys to those in need on Nov. 15.

The company has a new plan in Sauk County so it wanted to do something special as a gesture of goodwill, said Rhonda Grabko, community and provider engagement specialist with the Wisconsin Health Plan, part of United HealthCare. She said United HealthCare partnered with Second Harvest to determine regional necessities and found that theres a gap in offering holiday turkeys.

She said United HealthCare chose 8-pound turkey breasts because they are healthier and easier to prepare than a whole turkey. Many pantry users are elderly, single or couples who dont need a large bird.

Reedsburg was an ideal location, she noted, because its centralized in Sauk County. The pantry, organized locally through Sacred Heart Church, serves people from numerous areas so it made sense to work with the organization.

Expansion

The pantry normally provides food once a month January through October, said co-coordinator Mary Williams. This year they are trying something new, holding the pantry in November and December.

The pantry saw a need so decided to expand, said other co-coordinator Sue Kaczmarowski. The Reedsburg VFW has offered space for volunteers to distribute food.

She said the pantry is supported financially through Catholic Charities, which works with Second Harvest. It serves around 230 families each month and gives around 13,000 pounds of food on average.

Williams said the pantry doesnt set any income requirements so it attracts people from as far away as Mauston and Hill Point. Anyone whos struggling to buy groceries is welcome.

She added that the pantry wouldnt be possible without volunteers who come not only from Sacred Heart but also the broader community. The pantry has between 40 and 45 volunteers per month.

Anyone whod like to help the pantry should donate through Catholic Charities. For more information, visit www.catholiccharitiesofmadison.org.
A team of Reedsburg residents and entrepreneurs seeks to gather input for the possibility of bringing in design experts.

A meeting will be held at 6 p.m. Dec. 13 in the Community room of the Reedsburg Public Library. Those who are interested in the future of Reedsburgs downtown are encouraged to attend.

The meeting will discuss the Design Wisconsin program where University of Wisconsin-Extension professionals visit a community to provide an evaluation and offer suggestions.

Depending on what happens on Dec. 13 the local group may move forward with Design Wisconsin.

Brian Duvalle, the City of Reedsburgs building inspector, planner and zoning administrator, talked about the program during the Community Development Authority meeting on Nov. 15. He said professionals through the UW visit small towns and stay for a weekend to collect and present their findings.

The program requires commitment from local officials, residents and businesses, he said. If the plan meets community approval the UW team likely wouldnt stop in Reedsburg until spring 2017.

The visit would cost $5,000, he said.

As far as what you get for what you pay for it, its a really good deal, Duvalle said.

Kristine Koenecke, executive director of the Reedsburg Area Chamber of Commerce, agreed that its an affordable price. She said consultations of this sort tend to run anywhere from $150,000 to $200,000.

Around 300 invitations have been sent out for the Dec. 13 meeting, she said. The group had hoped to hold a meeting in October but interested parties were too busy that month.

She said she hopes to see at least 50 people at the meeting with a mix of business owners, local elected officials, educators, health care providers, artists and general residents.

If we dont get a good turnout on the 13th we probably wont move forward, she said.

Koenecke said the consultation would only be a starting point. The next obstacle is funding. She said Reedsburg may gather useful data during the UW visit but it also needs to figure out how to enact the possibilities.

Its not that we can have dreams beyond our budget, she said.

The presentation is a joint effort between Placemaking 53959, Sauk County UW-Extension, the City of Reedsburg and the Reedsburg Area Chamber of Commerce.

An RSVP is encouraged for those whod like to attend; call 608-524-2850 to sign up.

More details can be found at www.sauk.uwex.edu.
Ruth Voll

Ruth S. Voll, 94, of Stevens Point, passed away peacefully Nov. 13, 2016, while visiting her daughter in North Carolina and while under the care of hospice.

She was born May 18, 1922, to the late Donald and Lilian Shaw in Southeast, New York. She grew up there, attended the local grade schools, and graduated high school. Ruth attended Mt. Vernon School of Nursing and graduated as a Registered Nurse in 1941.

Ruth enlisted in the Navy immediately after graduation and was honorably discharged in 1944.

On March 27, 1944, she married Dr. Jack Voll. They settled in Reedsburg, where she worked as a nurse until devoting the majority of her life to raising a family. After retirement, Ruth and Jack settled in the Pharr/McAllen, Texas area. Jack preceded her in death in 1988 and Ruth settled in Stevens Point, in 1998.

Ruth will be remembered for her high spirited, adventurous nature and loving persona. Family was extremely important to her and Ruth took pride in her grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

In her earlier years, she was active within the Girl Scouts of America. Ruth enjoyed the administrative duties of the Girl Scouts and was a member of the Black Hawk Counsel serving as secretary/treasurer.

Following her marriage, Ruth obtained her pilots license and enjoyed the spoils of aviation. Ruth also enjoyed spending time vacationing on the familys cabin cruiser, boating up and down the Mississippi River.

Faith was also important to Ruth and she was a faithful member of the First Presbyterian Church in Reedsburg, First Presbyterian Church in Mission, Texas, and Frame Memorial Presbyterian Church in Stevens Point.

Survivors include her loving daughters, Sandra Voll, Sue (John) Swansby, and Sally Voll; seven grandchildren; and four great-grandchildren.

She is preceded in death by her parents; husband Jack; and brother, William Voll.

Boston Funeral Home is assisting the family. Online condolences may be made at www.bostonfuneralhome.net.
The school science curriculum needs input from real, working scientists

School science education is important for those who want to pursue a career in the sciences  and for those who dont.

Sadly, the first category seems to have been the main target for those designing science curricula. Their aim has been quite narrow: to lay a foundation for pupils so that they keep studying with the goal of becoming professional scientists.

But increasingly the second category of students  who arent interested in becoming professional scientists  has become more important in the eyes of curriculum designers. This shift has been encouraged by the recognition of sciences increasing influence on everyones lives. Many jobs now require science as a knowledge area. For example, technicians who monitor the quality of a towns water supply may be trained in routine chemical analysis but they also need an understanding of chemistry when the instruments show readings that are not in the manual.

The trend towards educating science-literate citizens is well illustrated by the recommendation in a 2006 report on science education in Europe which stated:

The primary goal of science education across the EU should be to educate students both about the major explanations of the material world that science offers and about the way science works. Science courses whose basic aim is to provide a foundational education for future scientists and engineers should be optional.

The distinction thats being made here is between normal science education and science education for all. This is the difference between preparing a minority of pupils for tertiary-level science and educating all pupils to deal confidently with a society that runs on applications of science knowledge and the steady flow of science information in the media.

Normal science education

Normal science education characterises normal science as puzzle-solving within a framework of established paradigms. This leads to school science curricula that support normal science and which, according to Dutch university chemistry teacher Bernard van Berkel tend to be isolated from common sense, everyday life and society.

These curricula are also removed from the history and philosophy of science, other sciences, technology and contemporary research.

This suboptimal state of affairs is reflected in surveys of learners views about the relevance of science education. In one, the Relevance of Science Education project, theres a general recognition among participants that science has great benefits for society. This view is held particularly strongly among learners in developing countries. Six countries in the survey were from Africa: Ghana, Zimbabwe, Uganda, Lesotho, Botswana and Swaziland.

In response to the statement I would like to become a scientist less than 40% of learners in developed countries agreed, while 70% of those from developing countries did.

The survey report notes that in poor countries everybody wants to become a scientist or to work with technology. But very few get the opportunity.

Science education for all

The idea of science education for all is linked to the concept of scientific literacy and public understanding of science. The aim is to prepare future citizens to function more effectively in an increasingly science-driven future.

Examples of how several countries are moving in this direction can be found in their science curriculum documents, even though some of their existing science curricula remain firmly normal.

The challenge is to develop curricula that are suited to the goal of scientific literacy. One way of expressing this is:

The capacity to use scientific knowledge, to identify questions and to draw evidence-based conclusions in order to understand and help make decisions about the natural world and the changes made to it through human activity.

School curricula have been developed for this purpose in the US and Germany, for example. Science that students learn in context  rather than science as isolated knowledge items  can deliver both scientific literacy and positive learner interest.

It is evident that the contexts must have relevance to national circumstances. They cannot be taken thoughtlessly from Europe or the US. But some contexts  water and the hydrosphere, or mining and mineral processing  can suit many countries.

Challenges and opportunities in Africa

Berhanu Abegaz, the executive director of the African Academy of Sciences, has highlighted the lack of relevance of most teaching materials, the need to encourage critical thinking and to equip learners to tackle complex issues such as environmental, energy-based and economic questions.

Abegaz has focused on the challenging character of chemistry education and research in Africa. But his insights can be applied to other sciences too.

There is clearly a case for school science curricula that provide science education for all and recognise that scientific awareness in rapidly developing societies depends on being practically involved with science.

Abegaz remains optimistic despite the challenges. He notes that Africa has youth on its side. This makes investment crucial: to provide good-quality, relevant education which will lead to employment opportunities.

Many scientists in Africa are interested in improving school science. They may not have pedagogical expertise. But this is input that educators can provide. Scientists have something different to contribute  up-to-date school science for budding professionals. They can also get involved by encouraging and advising on science curricula for a wider range of pupils.

This is an edited version of an article that first appeared in Science Policy Africa, the newsletter of the African Academy of Sciences.

John D Bradley, Honorary Professor, University of the Witwatersrand and Peter Moodie, Visiting Lecturer, University of the Witwatersrand. This article was originally published on The Conversation. Read the original article.
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Chapman & Associates Insurance Brokers, G.S. Levine Insurance Services, GBS (Australia) Holdings Pty Ltd, GBS Administrators Inc., GBS Insurance and Financial Services Inc., GBS Retirement Services Inc., GBS Specialty Markets LLC, GGB Finance 1 Limited, GGB Finance 2 Limited, GGB Finance 3 Limited, GGB Finance 4 Limited, GPL Assurance, GPL Assurance Inc., Gabor Insurance Services, Gale Smith & Co. Inc., Gallagher (Bermuda) Insurance Solutions Ltd., Gallagher - Grace/Mayer Insurance Agency, Gallagher Bassett Aires Inc., Gallagher Bassett Canada Inc., Gallagher Bassett Insurance Services Ltd., Gallagher Bassett International Ltd., Gallagher Bassett NZ Pty Ltd., Gallagher Bassett Services Inc. , Gallagher Bassett Services Pty Ltd., Gallagher Bassett Services Workers Compensation Victoria Pty Ltd., Gallagher Benefit Services (Canada) Group Inc., Gallagher Benefit Services (Holdings) Limited, Gallagher Benefit Services Inc., Gallagher Benefit Services Management Company Limited, Gallagher Benefit Services Pty Ltd, Gallagher Benefits Consulting Limited, Gallagher Bomford Couch Wilson, Gallagher Burgess, Gallagher Canada Acquisition Corporation, Gallagher Caribbean Group Limited, Gallagher Clean Energy LLC, Gallagher Communications Limited, Gallagher Community Clinic RPG LLC, Gallagher Consulting Ltda, Gallagher Corporate Services LLC, Gallagher Coyle, Gallagher CyberRisk, Gallagher Energy Risk Services Inc., Gallagher Fiduciary Advisors LLC, Gallagher Holdings (UK) Limited, Gallagher Holdings Bermuda Company Limited, Gallagher Holdings Four (UK) Limited, Gallagher Holdings Three (UK) Limited, Gallagher Insurance Brokers (Barbados) Limited, Gallagher Insurance Brokers (St. Kitts & Nevis) Limited, Gallagher Insurance Brokers (St. Lucia) Limited, Gallagher Insurance Brokers (St. Vincent) Limited, Gallagher Insurance Brokers Jamaica Limited, Gallagher International Cash Management s.r.l., Gallagher International Holdings (US) Inc., Gallagher Investment Advisors LLC, Gallagher Inwest Group, Gallagher Koster, Gallagher Lambert Group, Gallagher Madison Risk & Insurance Services, Gallagher Mauritius Holdings, Gallagher Mississippi Brokerage LLC, Gallagher RE Colombia Ltda Corredores de Reaseguros SA, Gallagher Risk & Reward Limited, Gallagher Risk Group LLC, Gallagher Risk Placements Pty Ltd, Gallagher SKS, Gallagher Service Center LLP, Gallagher-Tarantino, Galtney Group, Game Day Insurance Inc., Gardner & White Corp., Gardner Marine Agency, Garza Long Group, Gatehouse Consulting Limited, Gault Armstrong Kemble Pty Ltd, Gault Armstrong SARL, Giles Group, Giles Holdings Limited, Giles Insurance Brokers, Gillis Ellis & Baker Inc., Goodman Insurance Agency, Grandy Pratt Co., Greenseed Alternative Mangaers Platform Ltd, Grossman & Associates, Group Benefits of Arkansas, Group Insurance Associates, Gruppo Marcucci, HLG Holdings Limited, HMG-PCMS Limited, HPF Investments LLC, HR Owen Insurance Services Limited, Hagan Newkirk Financial Services, Hagedorn & Company, Hardman & Howell Benefits, Harlequin Insurance PCC Limited, Hartstein Associates Inc., Healthcare Professionals Purchasing Group LLC, Healthcare Risk Solutions, Heath Lambert Group Ltd., Heath Lambert Limited, Heath Lambert Overseas Limited, Heiser Insurance Agency, Henderson Phillips Fine Arts Insurance, Herbruck Alder & Co., Heritage Insurance Brokers (CI) Limited, Hesse & Partner AG, Hesse Consulting, Hexagon ICC Limited, Hexagon Insurance PCC Limited, Hill Chesson & Woody, Hogan Insurance Services, Home & Travel Limited, Honour Point Limited, Horseshoe Corporate Services Ltd, Horseshoe Fund Services (Cayman) Ltd, Horseshoe Fund Services Ltd, Horseshoe Fund Services USA Inc., Horseshoe ILS Services UK Ltd, Horseshoe Insurance Advisors US LLC, Horseshoe Insurance Advisory Ltd., Horseshoe Insurance Services Holdings Ltd, Horseshoe Insurance Services Holdings US Inc., Horseshoe Management (Gibraltar) Limited, Horseshoe Management (Ireland) Ltd, Horseshoe Management Ltd., Horseshoe PCC Limited, Horseshoe Re Limited, Horseshoe Services (Cayman) Ltd, Horseshoe Services (Pty) Ltd, Horton Insurance Agency, Housing Authorities Services Risk Purchasing Group LLC, Human Resource Management Systems, I-Protect Underwriting Pty Ltd, IBIS Advisors, IBS Reinsurance Singapore Pte Ltd, ILS Fund Services Ltd., ISG International, ITI Solutions, Igloo Insurance PCC Limited, Independent Benefit Services, Independent Fiduciary Services, Ink Underwriting Agencies Limited, InsSync Group Pty Ltd, Inspire Underwriting Limited, Instrat Insurance Brokers, Instrat Insurance Brokers Pty Ltd, Instrat Integration Holdco Pty Ltd, Insurance Acquisitions Holdings Limited, Insurance Associates Inc., Insurance Dialogue Limited, Insurance Dialogue Ltd., Insurance Plans Agency, Insurance Plus Risk Purchasing Group LLC, Insurance Point, Insurance Risk Managers of Missouri Inc., Insure My Villa Limited, Insure Pty Ltd, Integrated Healthcare Strategies, InterNational Insurance Group, InterPacific Underwriting Agencies, Intermountain Financial Benefits, Interstate Insurance Underwriters, JPGAC LLC, James F. 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Inc., Kane Group - Insurance Management Operations, Kelly Financial, Kent Kent & Tingle and RBS, Keyser Benefits Corp., Kingspark Enterprises Pty Ltd, L&R Benefits, LSG Insurance Partners, Learn About Money Limited, Lewis & Associates Insurance Brokers, Leystone Insurance & Financial, Life Plans Unlimited, Lincoln Financial Management, Longfellow Financial, Lucas Fettes Limited, Lucas Fettes and Partners Limited, Lutgert Insurance, MA Underwriting Pty Ltd, MDM Insurance Associates, MG Advanced Coal Technologies-1 LLC, MGA Insurance Services, MRS Holdings Ltd., Madison Scott & Associates, Managed Healthcare Solutions, Mannequin Insurance PCC Limited, Marchetti Robertson & Brickell Insurance, Marine Insurance Service, Martin Gordon & Jones Inc., McDowall Associates Human Resource Consultants, McIntyre Risk Management, McLean Insurance Agency, McNeary, McPherson Benefits Group, McRory & Co., Mecacem Insurance SPC Ltd, MedInsights Inc., Melton Insurance Associates, Memberworks Canada LLC, Merit Insurance, Metcom Excess, Metzler Bros. Insurance, Meyers-Reynolds & Associates, Mid America Group, Midwest Surety Services, Mike Henry Insurance Brokers, Mike Henry Insurance Brokers Limited, Mike Henry Insurance Funding Limited, Miller Buettner & Parrott, Miller-Harrison Insurance Services, Milne Alexander Pty Ltd, Minvielle & Chastanet Insurance Brokers, Monument Insurance (NZ) Limited, Monument Llc, Monument Premium Funding Limited, Mortgage Insurance Agency, Murphy Consultants, Mutual Insurance Services, NationAir Aviation Insurance, National Administration Co., National Ethics Association, National Transportation Adjusters, Nelson/Monarch Insurance Services, Nicoud Insurance Services, NiiS/Apex Group Holdings, Nonprofit Insurance Risk Purchasing Group LLC, Noraxis Capital Corp, Nordic Forsakring & Riskhantering AB, North Alabama Insurance, Nourse Insurance Brokers, O'Gorman & Young, OAMPS (UK) Limited, OAMPS Gault Armstrong Pty Ltd, OAMPS Limited, OAMPS Special Risks Ltd, Offshore Market Placements Limited, Optimum Talent, Orb Financial Services, Orb Financial Services Limited, Osprey Insurance Brokers Limited, Oval Group, Oval Healthcare Limited, Oval Insurance Broking Limited, Oval Limited, Oval Management Services Limited, Oxygen Insurance Managers, P2 Group, PEN Insurance Management Advisors Ltd, PT IBS Insurance Broking Service, Pacific Insurance Agency, Palmer Atlantic Insurance, Palmer Atlantic Insurance Ltd, Palmer Atlantic Risk Services Ltd., Park Row Associates, Parkstar Enterprises Pty Ltd, Parmia Pty Ltd, PartnerSource, Pastel Holding (NZ) Company, Pastel Holdings Pty Limited, Pastel Purchaser (NZ) Limited, Pastel Purchaser Pty Limited, Pavey Group Holdings (UK) Limited, Pavey Group Holdings Limited, Pavey Group Limited, Pearson Dunn Insurance Inc., Pen Underwriting Canada Limited, Pen Underwriting Group Pty. Ltd., Pen Underwriting Limited, Pen Underwriting Pty Ltd, Persing Dyckman & Toynbee Inc., Personal Advice Services Pty Ltd, Petty Burton Associates, Pointer Insurance Agency, Portmore Insurance Brokers (Wilshire) Limited, Portmore Insurance Brokers Limited, Potter-Holden & Co., Powell Insurance Agency, Premier Insurance Services Inc., Premier Risk Services, Premium Finance Corporation, Preston-Patterson, ProSource Financial, Professional Agents Risk Purchasing Group LLC, Professional Claims Managers, Proinova AB, Proinova Agency AB, Pronto California Agency LLC, Pronto California General Agency LLC, Pronto Florida Claims LLC, Pronto Florida General Agency LLC, Pronto Franchise LLC, Pronto General Agency Ltd, Pronto General Agency Management LLC, Pronto Holdco Inc., Pronto Holding California LLC, Pronto Holding Florida LLC, Pronto Insurance Agency of Laredo Inc., Pronto Premium Finance LLC, Property & Commercial Ltd., Property Insurance Initatives Limited, Property and Commercial Limited, Protected Insurance Company, Protection Plan Association Inc., Protek Group Limited, Providium Consulting Group, Ptarmigan Underwriting Agency Limited, Ptarmigan Underwriting UK Limited, Purple Bridge Claims Management Limited, Purple Bridge Finance Limited, Purple Bridge Group Limited, Purple Bridge Investments Limited, Purple Bridge Online Services Limited, Purple Bridge Publishing Limited, Quantum Underwriting Solutions Limited, Quillco 226 Limited, Quillco 227 Limited, R. L. Youngdahl & Associates, R.G. Speno Inc., R.W. Scobie, RA Rossborough (Guernsey) Ltd., RA Rossborough (Insurance Brokers) Ltd, REGENCY Group inc., RGA Referencing Limited, RGA Underwriting Limited, RIL Administrators (Guernsey) Ltd., RJ Dutton Inc., RSM Insurance Services Limited, Reassurance Holdings Inc., Rebholz Insurance Agency, Reid Manson Ltd., Reimbursement Services, Rentguard Limited, Reward Management Limited, Reynolds & Rodar Insurance Group, Riley & Associates, Rio 587 Limited, Rio 588 Limited, Risk & Reward Group, Risk Management Partners Limited, Risk Placement Services Inc., Risk Planners, Risk Services (NW) Limited, Risk Services (NW) Ltd., Risk Solutions Group Limited, Robert A. Schneider Agency, Robert Keith & Associates, Roberts & Roberts Insurance Service, Robinson-Adams Insurance, Rossborough Healthcare International Ltd, Rossborough Insurance (IOM) Ltd., Rossborough Insurance Services Ltd. (Jersey), S. A. Freerks & Associates, SEG Insurance Ltd, SGB-NIA Insurance Brokers, SHILLING Ltd, SKANCO International, SMERI AB, SRS Underwriting Pty Ltd, Secure Enterprises Pty Ltd, Securitas Re, Sellers Group, Sentinel Indemnity LLC, Septagon Insurance PCC Limited, Shuford Insurance Agency, Sigma II Insurance Agency, Sinclair Billard and Weld Limited, Sobieski & Bradley, Solid Benefit Guidance, Spanjers Insurance Agency, Spataro Insurance Agency, Specialised Broking Associates, Specialty Risk, Stackhouse Poland, Stackhouse Poland Bidco Limited, Stackhouse Poland Group Limited, Stackhouse Poland Holdings Limited, Stackhouse Poland Midco Limited, Stackouse Poland Limited, Stanton Group, Stark Johnson & Stinson Inc., Steel Agency, Strata Solicitors Ltd, Strategic Health Plans Corp., Strathearn Insurance Brokers, Strathearn Insurance Brokers (Qld) Trading Trust, Strathern Insurance Group Pty Ltd, Strathern Integration Holdco Pty Ltd, Strathern Unit Trust, Strong Financial Resources, Summit Insurance Group, Sunday and Associates, Sunderland Insurance Services, Super Advice Corporate Services Pty Ltd, Taylor Benefits, Texas Insurance Agency, Texas Insurance Managers, The BeneTex Group, The Buchholz Planning, The Chapman Group, The Commonwealth Consulting Group, The Daniels Group Inc., The EHE Group LLC, The EHE Insurance Agency LLC, The Eagle Insurance Agency LLC, The Eriksen Group, The Forker Company, The Gleason Agency, The Great Lakes Agency, The HR Group, The Hawk Agency, The Human Capital Group, The Lance Group, The Levitt/Kristan Co., The MW Bagnall Company, The Old Greenwich Consulting Group, The Parks Johnson Agency, The Plus Companies Inc., The Presidio Group, The Producers Choice, The Rains Group, The Splinter Group, The Titan Group, The Treiber Group, The Woodsmall Companies Inc., Title & Covenant Brokers Ltd., Title Investments Limited, Tom Sherwin Insurance Agency, Total Reward Group, Total Rewards Group (Holdings) Limited, Towle Agency, Transwestern, Tri-State General Insurance Agency, Triad Insurance Agency, Triad USA, Tribeca Strategic Advisors, Trinder & Norwood, Trip Mate, Trissel Graham & Toole, Tropp & Co., Tudor Risk Services, Tyloma Holdings Limited, Uni-Care Inc., Unison Inc., Universico Group, Unoccupied Direct Limited, V2V Holdings LLC, VEBA Service Group, Vasek Insurance Services Limited, Velo ACU LLC, Velo Holdings Inc., Verbag AG., Vertrue LLC, Victory Insurance Agency, Vincent L. Braband Insurance, Vital Benefits, Voluntary Benefits Solutions, W. E. Kingsley Co. Inc., WM. W. George & Associates, Walker Taylor Agency, Welling Associates, Wesfarmers Insurance - Insurance Brokerage Operations, Western Benefit Solutions, White & Company Insurance, Whitehaven Insurance Group, William Gallagher Associates Insurance Brokers, William H. Connolly & Co., Williams Insurance Agency Inc., Williams-Manny Insurance Group, Winn & Company Insurance Brokers, Wischmeyer Benefit Partners, Woodbrook Underwriting Agencies, Woods & Grooms, WorkCare Northwest, Worksite Communications, Y. S. Liedman & Associates, YOA Capsicum Reinsurance Broker Limited, Zenor Limited, Zuber Insurance Agency, and e3 Financial.

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RenaissanceRe Holdings Ltd. provides reinsurance and insurance products around the world. The company was founded in 1993 and is headquartered in Bermuda with offices in Ireland, Australia, Switzerland, Singapore, and the US.

The company operates through two segments that include multiple underlying businesses and investment vehicles. The two main segments are Property and Casualty & Specialty. The company operates through intermediaries that include DaVinci Resinsurance Inc, Top Layer Reinsurance LTD, and RennaisanceRe Syndicate 1458 among others.

Top Layer Re is the first major venture and was started in 1999. It is a joint venture with State Farm targeting high layers of the US reinsurance business. DaVinci Re was formed in the wake of 9/11 to assist with capacity and it was given added capacity in the wake of hurricanes Katrina, Rita, and Wilma. Medici was formed in 2009 and is an open-ended fund intended to spur investment in the catastrophe bond market.

The Property segment writes catastrophic insurance policies to insure insurance and reinsurance companies against natural and man-made catastrophes. These include but are not limited to hurricanes, floods, freezes, and terrorism.

The Casualty & Specialty segment provides a wide range of consumer products including business insurance, malpractice insurance, liability insurance, workers' compensation, mortgage insurance, and health insurance among others.

Among RenaissanceRes Specialty businesses is capital management. The firm offers 6 investment vehicles and has more than $11 billion under management making it the #1 ILS or insurance-linked asset manager in the US. In regards to its credit ratings, the firm and all of its vehicles carry an A or better rating from every credit rating agency.
Suncor Energy Inc. operates as an integrated energy company. The company primarily focuses on developing petroleum resource basins in Canada's Athabasca oil sands; explores, acquires, develops, produces, transports, refines, and markets crude oil in Canada and internationally; markets petroleum and petrochemical products under the Petro-Canada name primarily in Canada. It operates through Oil Sands; Exploration and Production; Refining and Marketing; and Corporate and Eliminations segments. The Oil Sands segment recovers bitumen from mining and in situ operations, and upgrades it into refinery feedstock and diesel fuel, or blends the bitumen with diluent for direct sale to market. The Exploration and Production segment is involved in offshore operations off the east coast of Canada and in the North Sea; and operating onshore assets in Libya and Syria. The Refining and Marketing segment refines crude oil and intermediate feedstock into various petroleum and petrochemical products; and markets refined petroleum products to retail, commercial, and industrial customers through its other retail sellers. The Corporate and Eliminations segment operates four wind farms in Ontario and Western Canada. The company also markets and trades in crude oil, natural gas, byproducts, refined products, and power. The company was formerly known as Suncor Inc. and changed its name to Suncor Energy Inc. in April 1997. Suncor Energy Inc. was founded in 1917 and is headquartered in Calgary, Canada.
W&M announces new, multimillion-dollar Martha Wren Briggs Center for the Visual Arts

Center will be future home of the Muscarelle Museum

William & Marys Muscarelle Museum of Art will soon expand significantly as it becomes part of a new, multimillion-dollar, state-of-the-art Center for the Visual Arts.

The Board of Visitors today unanimously approved a measure that will name the center in honor of one of the museums greatest benefactors: Martha Wren Briggs 55, a William & Mary alumna who has spent most of her life dedicating her time, talent and treasure advancing the arts on and off campus.

The center will be known as The Martha Wren Briggs Center for the Visual Arts.

Martha is a passionate patron of the arts and a philanthropist who has given back to her alma mater in countless ways, said William & Mary President Taylor Reveley. By naming the new center for the visual arts after Martha, we ensure that her remarkable legacy will live on for all time coming.

The Martha Wren Briggs Center for the Visual Arts will be established with the central mission of advancing art and artists, building a dynamic and vibrant community, promoting thought-provoking dialogue and encouraging diverse and creative thinking. Its expansive space will house world-class exhibitions featuring interactive technologies, a teaching center for research and engaged learning, including the study of tangible works of art. It will have a modern auditorium and gathering spaces to bring the William & Mary community together. The center will also be home to the Muscarelle Museum of Art and the new Kaplan wing.

We are deeply heartened by Marthas extraordinary dedication to transforming the arts on campus. Her gift will be invaluable to so many faculty and students  and the public alike  who are just as passionate about the arts as Martha has been her entire life, said Director of the Muscarelle Museum of Art Aaron DeGroft 88. It is not often that you come across someone who has the perfect blend of wit, humor, compassion and strength that Martha embodies. She continues to inspire the entire Tribe community and we will be forever grateful to Martha for her generosity.

Martha Wren Briggs is an accomplished writer and art historian who has published several award winning articles and books on internationally acclaimed artists such as Louis Comfort Tiffany. After earning a bachelor of arts at William & Mary, Martha completed her masters in art history at the Institute of Fine Arts at New York University. Martha previously made a gift for the restoration of the campus amphitheatre  also named in her honor  and has supported need-based scholarships for students studying the arts.

The study of art history reflects visually the physical, religious, social and philosophical thinking of a particular era. With so much knowledge needing to be absorbed, students who study art and its history must be well educated in many subjects to give a work of art its proper interpretation, said Martha Wren Briggs. I would like to see the Briggs Center used to its full advantage in giving William & Mary students the edge to have this perspective in their academic and everyday life.

The Muscarelle Museum outlined funding for the center as one of its top priorities in the For the Bold campaign. Martha's commitment allows the museum to move forward with the establishment of the new visual arts center. To learn more about the museums campaign priorities, visit here.

"Whether it is a coincidence or not, Martha had lived close by the museum in Williamsburg over many decades. Her heart has always been close to the museum  literally and figuratively," added DeGroft. It is befitting in so many ways that the center is named after Martha."

William & Mary was the first university in the nation to collect art and the first to include the arts as part of its curriculum. In the last two years alone, the museum has featured world-renowned exhibitions on Michelangelo, Leonardo da Vinci and Caravaggio. Most recently, the museum announced it will be one of only two venues in the U.S. to showcase an exhibit on Sandro Botticelli. The exhibit, titled Botticelli and the Search for the Divine: Florentine Painting between the Medici and the Bonfires of the Vanities, will be on display from Feb. 11 to April 5, 2017.

Martha has enriched the entire William & Mary community through her unceasing commitment to the arts. The dedication of this center in Marthas honor is a testament to her lifes work and will serve as a reminder to us all of her enduring spirit and devotion to her Tribe family, said Vice President for University Advancement Matthew T. Lambert 99. We are all excited to witness firsthand the expansion of the museum and the groundbreaking Martha Wren Briggs Center for the Visual Arts."

In the coming weeks, William & Mary plans to announce the architect for the new visual arts center.
W&M sets guaranteed rate for new in-state students

Continuing in-state undergraduates will see no increase in tuition

Previously planned increase for new students cut nearly in half

The Board of Visitors on Friday unanimously approved in-state tuition for next years incoming class at William & Mary. The rate of $16,370 will be the same for all four years that new in-state students spend at William & Mary under the guaranteed tuition plan that is part of the William & Mary Promise. As part of the Promises guarantee plan, in-state students already enrolled will continue to see no increase next year in their tuition bill.

The Board passed the William & Mary Promise in 2013. A key element of the Promise is providing full transparency to Virginia families on the four-year cost of tuition. The Board sets in-state tuition at its November meeting to allow Virginia families to have tuition information ahead of the application deadline. Historically, in-state tuition was set later in the academic year, usually during the Boards April meetings.

Predictability is a key element of the William & Mary Promise, and that is reflected in both the comfort of a four-year guarantee that the rate wont rise and in the timing of todays vote by the Board, said W&M Rector Todd Stottlemyer 85. By setting tuition earlier  before the end of the calendar year  William & Mary provides families of incoming Virginia students with the financial information and time they need in order to make an informed decision.

For incoming Virginia students, the new guaranteed rate for fall 2017 is 4.4 percent higher from the tuition charged to last years incoming class. By virtue of the guarantee, freshmen who enter W&M next fall will pay the equivalent of an annual increase of just over 1 percent per year. Sam Jones, senior vice president for finance and administration, said next years rate represents a reduction from the universitys original six-year plan, which called for the in-state class entering in fall 2017 to pay a rate 7.5 percent higher than students who began at W&M in the fall 2016. He noted that the Board approved the lower tuition rate for new students despite recent state budget reductions of about $5 million the university will have to absorb next year.

We decided to lower the previously planned tuition rate despite having to absorb serious budget cuts in state funding this fiscal year and next, said President Taylor Reveley. Absorbing the cuts wont be easy but we understand the need. Its vital that the William & Mary undergraduate experience remain among the very best in the world.

When considering that quality, William & Mary has a long list of examples that affirms its place as the nations distinctive Public Ivy. For example, William & Mary has the lowest student-to-faculty ratio (12/1) of any top-ranked public university. It also has the second-highest four-year graduation rate of any public university in the country, as well as the second-highest percentage among national public universities for alumni who go on to earn Ph.D.s. The institutions commitment to teaching and career preparation is consistently recognized, and more faculty at W&M have earned Virginias highest teaching honor than any other university in the commonwealth. In addition, William & Mary was the only university in the state selected among the Princeton Reviews 50 Colleges That Create Futures.

In 2013, the Board adopted the Promise, a comprehensive and campus-wide approach to sustaining the universitys excellence, creating predictability for all students and improving affordability for students who qualify for financial aid. Key pieces of the operating model include increased financial aid and lower student debt for middle-income Virginia families; more seats for Virginia undergraduates; productivity gains through innovation and greater efficiency of campus operations; and a greater investment of resources to recruit and retain superb faculty.

Coupled with William & Marys initiatives to sustain and advance academic excellence has been a university-wide commitment to ensure the institution remains a great value. Fridays resolution continues an ongoing investment to providing significantly more need-based financial aid. Increased aid as part of the Promise has allowed the university to reduce student loan debt for in-state students from low- and middle-income families. For example, the net price for families who earn less than $110,000 is less today at W&M than it was in 2012 before the Promise was implemented and reflects universitys commitment to make a William & Mary education affordable for Virginia families.

William & Marys strong value is also apparent when compared to other public universities. According to the latest information available on the U.S. Department of Educations College Navigator website, William & Marys net price for in-state students who qualify for grant or scholarship aid is the fourth-lowest among all public universities in Virginia. Only Radford, Norfolk State and UVA-Wise are lower. Virginia State is fifth and the University of Virginia is sixth. Raising money for scholarships  both increasing aid for in-state students and providing more assistance to out-of-state students  is also the top priority of William & Marys For the Bold campaign.

As part of the Promise, the Board previously established guaranteed in-state tuition rates for undergraduate classes arriving in fall 2013, fall 2014, fall 2015 and this current academic year. The guaranteed tuition rate increases each year for the entering class and does not change for that class during its four years at William & Mary. Out-of-state tuition and fees for 2017-18 will be set in April as part of the university budget.




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By India Today Web Desk: The Bollywood support for Prime Minister Narendra Modi's surgical strike against black money continues. Once again, a B-Town actor has come forward in support of Modi's demonetisation policy.

Speaking to the Times of India, Alia Bhatt, who will soon be seen in Dear Zindagi, called Modi's surprising financial policy a "big change" and that it will inevitably "have some repercussions."

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Before Alia, a large number of Bollywood celebrities like Aamir Khan, Salman Khan, Shah Rukh Khan, Aishwarya Rai Bachchan and Amitabh Bachchan have spoken in favour of Modi's denomitisation policy. The policy which became effective from November 9 makes Rs 500 and Rs 1000 notes invalid as currency. As such, people would be required to deposit these notes in the bank as well as account for them. Any instance of unaccounted cash would be dealt with strictly.

Consequently, where many have lauded the move as an effective attack on black money since many Indians are known to hoard unaccounted cash in bundles of Rs 500 and Rs 1000 notes, a significant number of Indians have also criticised Modi for not being able to implement his policy smoothly.

Alia Bhatt was supportive of Prime Minister Narendra Modi's controversial decision and was quoted as saying, "It's easier said than done. The people who have had that kind of loose cash, (for them) it's not available any more or it's lesser available."

She also insisted that people should wait and watch whether the demonetisation policy works out for the greater good. "We have to be patient," she said.

The 23-year-old actor will be seen alongside Shah Rukh Khan, soon, in English Vinglish director Gauri Shinde's Dear Zindagi. The slice-of-life film releases in theatres on November 23 this year.



--- ENDS ---
Oscar Hancock, of American Beauty Signworks in Woonsocket, adjusts the Polar Express Train Station sign after putting it up this week. It signals the start of the annual Polar Express Train rides, which begin today, at 4 p.m. and 7 p.m., with tickets still available. Train rides will also be held this Saturday at 4 p.m. and 7 p.m. and Sunday at 10 a.m., 1 p.m. and 7 p.m.
Going nuclear in South Australia?

18 November 2016

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The South Australian government supports continued investigation as to whether a used nuclear fuel disposal facility should be established. The only path forward they say is the restoration of bipartisanship and broad social consent, secured through a state-wide referendum. Edward de la Billiere looks at the latest developments in the debate.

In reaction to a declining economy, in 2015 the Labour government of South Australia (SA) set up a Royal Commission to examine the feasibility of expanding its nuclear fuel cycle activities from the existing uranium mining and export endeavours to something much more. After extensive consultations, the Royal Commission reported in May 2016 focussing on four areas of potential development: further radioactive minerals mining, nuclear energy implementation, uranium enrichment and fuel leasing, and offering the world a high-level waste and spent nuclear fuel disposal solution. Of these, the multi-national disposal facility was seen as the most promising option and so the government set about testing public reaction to the idea through establishing a Citizens' Jury - not an uncommon feature in SA.

The Jury gave the government its opinion on 6 November with a resounding two-thirds rejection of the proposal. The other third wanted further dialogue. At first sight, that may seem to be the end of the proposed development, but in the government's official response to the Commission's recommendations published on Monday this week, SA Premier Jay Weatherill appears to have left the door ajar for further discussion.

So, what lay behind the Jury's negative response? Proposing such an idea in the first place was a risk for the government to take, but originally they had opposition support and established a cross-party parliamentary committee to consider the recommendations. Some feel that the question asked of the 300 Jurors was poorly framed and invited a negative response: "Under what circumstances, if any, could South Australia pursue the opportunity to store and dispose of nuclear waste from other countries?"

Against this background, a two-day conference - ANFC16 - held in Adelaide this week brought together the Chairman of the Royal Commission, politicians from both sides in the SA parliament, representatives from Aboriginal communities, nuclear specialists, nuclear regulators, activists, academics, the nuclear industry, lawyers, ecomodernists, professional associations and the international waste management community, to discuss the situation. Several protesters also demonstrated outside the conference on occasion.

The conference was opened with a traditional welcome to the country by a representative of the Kaurna people. In turn, many of the Australian speakers acknowledged that the meeting was taking place on the traditional land of the Kaurna people and paid their respect to Elders past and present.

So, let's take a look at some of the issues discussed.

The Royal Commission Process - It was thought by some that the Royal Commission was the wrong vehicle in any case to look at the issues and that in it was biased in favour of nuclear at the outset.

The Citizens' Jury - Several commentators thought that if the question to the Jury had been along the lines of "do you think that South Australia should do its bit to help world poverty in considering allowing the introduction of nuclear power in many countries through offering waste disposal facilities?", might have elicited a less negative response. One of the main concerns of the Jury was the underlying economic case presented, saying the authors were biased; the counter was that the report was peer reviewed and was only intended as a scoping study in any case, not a definitive answer. The legitimacy of the make-up of the Jury was also called into question, with some feeling that the more vociferous members opposed to nuclear had gained an unfair advantage. It was also asserted that misinformation had been presented to the Jury relating to domestic and international legal matters. The time they had to consider the evidence was also questioned with the six days taken being thought to be too little time.

The Politics - It was apparent in discussions that party politics has now come into the mix. Not only was it the local SA state politics, but also Federal government and opposition stances were also relevant. NIMTO (Not In My Term of Office) was an underlying factor also. The opposition SA Liberal Party had "drawn a line in the sand" with its rejection of further debate and the thought of a referendum down the road. Politicians were also criticised for not being able to take tough, long-term decisions on controversial projects, although they had done so in the past such as with the Olympic Dam mine. It was recognised that the federal government's assent would be required for SA to move ahead with the idea.

The Economics - As well as questioning the underlying assumptions of the economic case, there were concerns about whether there would be a market for the repository and whether also there could be competition and how this could be managed. SA would have the advantage of being the "first mover" to capture potential customers. However, it was felt that the risks associated with the upfront costs for a small state budget were too high and equated to the cost of a new hospital for example. This, it was thought by others, could be managed through contractual arrangements.

The Aboriginal situation - Given that it would be Aboriginal communities most likely to be affected by the development, the conference heard from several of their representatives. Under the UN Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous People, and as also promised by Premier Weatherill, they would have to give their consent for any project to go ahead. It was clear that they were opposed to the idea and that they could never be convinced it would be a good idea. At the heart of their opposition were the memories of the British weapons tests at Maralinga where many communities had been displaced and indeed many individuals had suffered directly from the side effects of the blasts. They clearly felt they had not received full reparation for this and were looking for more. The question was raised as to whether if they did receive full recompense for the damage suffered, would this ease the way for a repository. A further issue arose in discussion which related to the contamination remaining on the land. The common understanding was that there were areas of significant contamination still present, but this was challenged. A clean-up exercise had taken place which aimed to achieve a level of residual contamination which could deliver a dose rate of 5 millisievert per year, but in many cases accomplished 1 millisievert per year, in line with the range of natural background radiation in Australia. However, this fact seems to have been lost within the communities and the conference heard that this will be looked into further.

Safety - Safety wasn't a major factor in discussions, with the possible exception for the Aboriginal representatives and some others. The conference heard that nuclear operations and transport continue safely around the world, and for the long term, that SA had about as good a geology and hydrogeology as you could want for a repository. There would still be some challenges to investigate further but there would be a very high chance of finding a good site. SA was also politically stable and had a good economy.

Continued public debate is important and a matter that the people should decide and not political parties. If there was broad social consent the local Aboriginal community would be given a final right of veto. From now the government will facilitate continued discussion and work to restore a bipartisan position.

Edward de la Billiere

Comments? Please send them to editor@world-nuclear-news.org

Edward de la Billiere is a solicitor and co-founder of Prospect Law. On qualification, Edward moved to Magnox Electric, which was taken over by the nuclear operator BNFL. He has retained a strong interest in energy related projects and has advised recently in respect of energy and waste projects for corporate, local authority and private clients across the UK and internationally. He works as a key part of Prospect Law's nuclear team, which advises the nuclear industry at an international level on operational, technical, financial, environmental and decommissioning nuclear issues, including advising on legislation for states that are new to nuclear power.

Related topics
Spain is a country in the southwestern edge of Europe, sharing the Iberian Peninsula with Portugal. The country covers an area of 195,363 square miles (505,990 square kilometers). The nation has an abundance of rivers that flow across its landscape. The rivers are useful in the generation of hydroelectric power, irrigation of land, and for promoting the fishing industry, among other uses. Some of the major rivers that flow across Spain are the Tagus, Ebro, Douro, Guadiana, Guadalquivir, Garonne, Jucar, Genil, Minh, and Segura.

Tagus

The Tagus is the longest river on the Iberian Peninsula. The river originates from Sierra de Albarracin in eastern Spain and flows westward through narrow valleys and deep canyons toward Portugal. It covers a total length of 645 miles and drains an area of 31,500 square miles. The Tagus forms part of the border between Spain and Portugal. It passes through several cities including the city of Lisbon in Portugal. River Tagus was useful in the development of Spain and Portugal. Cities such as Aranjuez, Toledo, and Talavera de la Reina developed on the banks of the Tagus. It is the primary source of water supply for the populations that live near the river. Additionally, dozens of hydro-power stations use its water to generate electricity. The river basin has an abundance of plants and animals. Trout, royal carp, black bass, and luce are some of the species found in the river. The Tagus basin supports Spanish vineyards. Coniferous trees used in the timber industry are also found on the Tagus basin.

Ebro

The Ebro is the longest river that is wholly in Spain, and the second longest in the Iberian Peninsula, covering 578 miles. Its source is the Fontibre springs in northern Spain. The rivers drainage basin covers an area of 33,000 square miles which is approximately a sixth of Spains land area. The Ebro flows towards the East and drains into the Mediterranean Sea. Over 200 tributaries pour into the Ebro. Some of the main tributaries are Gallego and Aragon Rivers. The Ebro supports Hydro-electric power stations that supply electricity to Spain. The river is also used in irrigating vineyards. Ebro basin is home to 95 bird species, 69 animal species, and nine plant species. The Fish in the Ebro have high mercury levels, and the European Union prohibits commercial fishing on the river. The eco-system of Ebro is threatened by construction of dams, chemical pollutants from factories, the introduction of invasive plants and animals, and agricultural dumping. The Ebro Delta National Park was created in 1986 as an effort to conserve the unique eco-system of Ebro.

Douro

The Douro is one of the major rivers in Spain, and is the third longest in the Iberian Peninsula. It covers a length of 557 miles as it flows across Spain and Portugal. Its origin is in the Sierra de Urbion in central Spain. It flows through the Numantian Plateau and continues westward through northern Portugal before draining into the Atlantic Ocean. Douros main tributaries are the Elsa, Arlanzon, and Pisuerga. The river has been used in hydro-electric power generation since 1930. Cultivation of olives and almonds occurs in the river basin. The Douro valley, famous for its vineyards, is a UNESCO World Heritage site. In the past, wine from the vineyards was transported through the river. Upstream, the river passes through gorges and rapids which make it hard to navigate but downstream in Portugal, and it is navigable. Many Spanish and Portuguese towns are built along the banks of Douro.

Guadiana

Guadiana is the fourth longest river in the Iberian Peninsula with a length of 508 miles. It originates in Castile-La Mancha in Spain and flows westwards to Portugal. Guadiana forms the border between Spain and Portugal in two sections. In Portugal, it flows south and drains into the Gulf of Cadiz. The river has over 30 dams constructed on the river basin. The dams are used for irrigation and hydro-electric power generation. The wetlands along the river are protected zones. Tourists frequently visit the areas of Ayamonte and Vila Real de Santo Antonio where the river passes.

The Rivers that Shape the Spanish Nation

The landscape in Spain is marked by the major rivers that flow across the country. The rivers accommodate a wealth of plants and animals. They also offer scenic views to visitors. The rivers are of immense importance to the economy. Spanish authorities have established protected zones along the rivers to preserve the natural resources on the rivers.
Anita Hassanandani is ready to embrace motherhood. But what about husband Rohit Reddy? Is he ready for fatherhood?

By India Today Web Desk: Beloved television and film actress Anita Hassanandani is quite happy these days. And it is not because of her show, Yeh Hai Mohabbatein's success.

Also read:Mush alert! These pics of Anita Hassanandani and Rohit Reddy romancing in Shimla will make you jealous



Confused? Well, the pretty actress recently was in Australia with her Yeh Hai Mohabbatein cast to shoot for an important sequence, and while she was there, she had a ball with her nephew Lil Jayden. In fact, the talented actress had so much fun that she just couldn't help but post a picture on her personal Instagram account with THIS caption:

Pure Happiness! ?????????????????? Baby I'm reddy ????????? @rohitreddygoa A photo posted by Anita H Reddy (@anitahassanandani) on Nov 16, 2016 at 2:23am PST

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"Baby, I am reddy @rohitreddygoa."

Her husband, Rohit, immediately responded with the statement, "Oh my god! Main toh khud baccha hoon abhi."

Now, isn't that cute?

Already missing this little one ????????? #LilJayden Thank you so much @rahulreddy84 @tacitaj for showing me a lovely time.... plan Bombay soon! Love you ?????? A photo posted by Anita H Reddy (@anitahassanandani) on Nov 17, 2016 at 1:04am PST

Anita was quite upset to leave her nephew behind. She posted another picture with the little one with the caption, "Already missing this little one #LilJayden Thank you so much @rahulreddy84 @tacitaj for showing me a lovely time...plan Bombay soon! Love you."

Well, Anita and Rohit will make cute babies for sure, but maybe not anytime soon.





--- ENDS ---
Young boy (illustration)

By: Tanya Malhotra

Police launched an investigation after dozens of people beat up a young boy and then set him on fire for stealing from a shop, police in Nigeria said.

Lagos police said that the incident unfolded in the early hours of Tuesday morning.

The 7-year-old boy was caught by the shopas owner stealing food and alerted his neighbors. They dragged the boy out on the street, where he was beaten with sticks.

They then put tires on his body and set it on fire. So far, no arrests have been made.

In May, a teenager died in a horrific act of violence with the permission of her family.

Police in Pakistan, arrested 15 members of a tribal council who were accused of ordering the death of the woman by burning her alive.

The 16-year-old girl was burned in an honor killing in Donga Gali, near Islamabad, after she was accused of helping a neighbor elope with her lover.
Janice Acquista

By: Chan Yuan

(Scroll down for video) The mother of an actress who played Michelle Obama, was arrested after she wrote a bad check to cover a fine from a library, according to police in North Carolina.

The Johnston County Sheriffas Office said that an arrest warrant was issued against 65-year-old Janice Acquista, whose daughter Tika Sumpter played Michelle Obama in aSouthside With You,a after ignoring warnings from the Claytonas Hocutt-Ellington Memorial Library that her checked bounced.

Acquista was booked into jail, and her bail was set at $500.

According to the criminal complaint, Acquista was issued a fine of $10 for not returning a book on time. She eventually paid the fine with a check, but it bounced.

The library sent her a notice, but it was ignored.

The library then turned the matter over to the billings department, and the case eventually went to the district attorney.

On Monday, Acquista was traveling with her 10-year-old granddaughter when she noticed a Johnston County sheriffs patrol car.

Acquista slowed down to make sure she was not driving over the speed limit.

When the deputy noticed that Acquista was slowing down to well below the speed limit, he pulled her over to make sure that she was not in any danger.

The deputy asked for her drivers license, and went to the patrol car to check the womans history. He then came back to her and arrested for the outstanding warrant.

Sumpter slammed the arrest of her mother and tied it to the recent presidential election in which Donald Trump was elected.

aPresidential elections matter, but your local elections matter just as much,a Sumpter wrote on Twitter.
Leonard Rinaldi

By: Feng Qian

A man was arrested on a charge of larceny after allegedly stealing valuable coins from his father and using them to purchase cocaine, according to police in Connecticut.

Torrington police said that they have arrested 53-year-old Leonard Rinaldi, after being accused of stealing $8,000 worth of coins from his father and changing them for just $60.

In court, Rinaldi pleaded not guilty to one count of larceny. He was booked into jail, and his bail has been set at $10,000.

According to the criminal complaint, the suspectas father called police that his coins were missing. During questioning, Rinaldi told police that he stole the coins.

He then took them to a Coinstar machine at a Stop and Shop and received about $60 dollars. He then used the money to buy crack cocaine.

Police went to the Coinstar machine and managed to recover the coins that were not rejected.

Some coins were rejected by the machine because of its silver content. Police do not know where those coins are. The suspect lives in the same home as his father.
Kejriwal was booed when he went to RBI on Parliament street to enquire about the fallout of demonetisation. At Azadpur Mandi, where he held a joint rally with Trinamool chief Mamata Banerjee, people started shouting "Modi, Modi".

By Mail Today Bureau: In a day of trouble, Delhi chief minister Arvind Kejriwal faced public anger at Azadpur Mandi and the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) for opposing the Narendra Modi government's demonetisation move against black money.

HEAVY CRITICISM

Ridicule flowed online after extremely personal allegations levelled against him by ex-colleague Kapil Bajaj in a blog post. And media baron and Rajya Sabha MP Subhash Chandra sued him for defamation. On Thursday, mysteriously, the hashtags #AlooKejriwal & #AlooMaloo started trending on Twitter. Unknown to many, these are in reference to charges by former business journalist Kapil Bajaj in his blog that Kejriwal was having an affair in 2008-09 with a colleague 16 years younger to him.

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This was during his days as an RTI campaigner. AAP leader Alka Lamba told Mail Today, "I don't want to even comment on this. It is the lowest level of politics that BJP is doing. Nothing can be below this. It is only an attempt to take attention away from the real issue that is the cash crisis and we will keep struggling for the common man."

KAPIL BAJAJ'S ALLEGATIONS

On October 5, 2016, Bajaj wrote a blog titled, 'My Stint with Kejriwal: Wising up to Democracy and Social Activism', which created an uproar in political circles. He alleged that Kejriwal had an affair with a colleague 16 years younger. He shadow-named this character 'Shilpa'. Bajaj claimed he came to know of this while working with Kejriwal in Thiruvananthapuram during a study of local gram sabhas.

He wrote that this woman had now been appointed the chief of a "powerful statutory body in Delhi". In-charge of the BJP's information and technology cell Amit Malviya also tweeted: "Kapil Bajaj, who wrote about Arvind Kejriwal's sexual escapades, stands by his blog. Will media wake up? #AlooMaloo" BJP's Vijender Gupta raised this issue in the Delhi Assembly a few days back and was promptly marshaled out, he claimed. He tweeted: "AAP MLAs raised hue and cry aftr I raised issue of Kejriwal's sex escapades in House. CM left & the House was adjourned." This attracted over 2,000 retweets. Many used them to counter the sarcastic meme on demonetisation, 'Sonam Gupta Bewafa Hai', referring to a anonymous scribble on a brand new Rs 2,000 note.

HECKLED

One said "Forget #sonamguptabewafahai, who is Shilpa? #demonetisation #Aloo-Maloo #arvindkejriwal" Meanwhile, Kejriwal was booed when he went to RBI on Parliament street to enquire about the fallout of demonetisation. At Azadpur Mandi, where he held a joint rally with Trinamool chief Mamata Banerjee, people started shouting "Modi, Modi".

They heckled him before the police escorted him out of the scene. Also, Subhash Chandra moved a city court on Thursday seeking prosecution of Kejriwal for defaming him by levelling "false allegations" in the wake of demonitisation. Chandra, chairman Essel group, alleged Kejriwal, while addressing a conference on Nov 11, made "false, fabricated and defamatory allegations" against him. The complaint, likely to come up for hearing on Friday, sought his prosecution under Section 500 (defamation) of IPC. The complaint claimed that Kejriwal defamed Chandra by making inherently defamatory statements. In all, a forgettable day for the Delhi CM.



ALSO READ:

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Mamata, Kejriwal lash out at Modi on note ban: Stop giving alms to people, withdraw order in 3 days

Delhi Assembly denounces demonetisation, Kejriwal tables resolution



--- ENDS ---
Petition To Save Our Local Water Company  With Further Concerns Raised Over Dee Valley Sale

This article is old - Published: Friday, Nov 18th, 2016

A petition has been started to save Dee Valley Water, with more concerns raised over the future of the staff and service provided.

Yesterday we reported on the proposed 78.m sale, and then later the major concerns reaction from local MPs over the announcement.

The petition (viewable and signable here) has been launched yesterday entitled Save our local water company, with a statement matching what a Unite The Union representative who works at Dee Valley told us today.

We are deeply concerned over the potential takeover of Dee Valley Water by Severn Trent Water due to the impact on our local staff and customers.

We pride ourselves on our Welsh identity and the high quality of personal service we can offer to our local customers. Our team of dedicated staff are all from the local area and have worked incredibly hard to provide a high quality essential service to the people of North East Wales.

Our concerns with the potential Severn Trent takeover are that there will be significant job losses in an area with relatively high unemployment.

The benefit of the local service that we give to our customers will be lost with any centralisation by Severn Trent, we are the leading water company for billing customer service and leakage. These are important issues for our customers and will be jeopardised from any centralisation and loss of local jobs.

We feel that this takeover is being driven by Ofwat to benefit their regulatory model due to the complexity of our cross border issues relative to our size and their opinion that we are not a good performer. We feel this view is incredibly unfair as we have made significant improvements in service to be one of the leading service providers.

We are a great believer in the benefits of the Dwr Cymru not for profit model for water supply, with it being an essential service and not a commodity. We feel that as Severn Trent are a huge English corporation that the people of North East Wales will be disadvantaged from the profit seeking nature of the supplier.

We would like to ask the Welsh Government if they can use their powers to safeguard the jobs of the local employees and the quality of service to our local customers.

He added, Some potential suggestions we have for doing so are:

Seek guarantees from Severn Trent on job security for our staff.

Facilitate a purchase of Dee Valley Water by Dwr Cymru to operate as a North East Wales and Chester division under the not for profit model.

Facilitate a purchase of Dee Valley Waters Welsh supply area by Dwr Cymru to operate as a North East Wales division under the not for profit model

Severn Valleys takeover documents are public (here) including a glossy presentation that notes the takeover deal would represent an opportunity for Severn Trent to deliver attractive returns to shareholders through applying its successful operating model across an enlarged asset base, in a contiguous geographic area.

As part of the documents Severn Trent say they attach great importance to the skills, operational experience and technical expertise of the existing employees of Dee Valley. Severn Trent intends to maintain front line field force operations at Dee Valleys current locations in Wrexham and Chester.

Severn Trent confirms that, following implementation of the Acquisition, the existing contractual and statutory employment rights of all Dee Valley Group employees will be honoured. Dee Valley employees will also have access to job opportunities across the wider Severn Trent group, including at its nearby Shrewsbury office.

Plaid Cymru AM Llyr Gruffydd said: Dee Valley Water covers parts of Wrexham, Denbighshire and Flintshire as well as Chester and its vital that the good customer service for which its renowned is not lost.

The takeover document makes it clear that local suppliers will lose out under Severn-Trents procurement policy and its unclear what the future holds for existing staff. Water services in Wales are best delivered here in Wales  not from Coventry.

Dee Valley PLCs company documents are here on Companies House for the PLC, and here for the Group PLC.

The official Dee Valley Water site has been updated with details of the Severn Trent offer here, which just points to this legalise style offer documents, which have an agreement that points to talks starting back in July.

We are told local AM and Cabinet Secretary for Economy and Infrastructure Ken Skates will be meeting regarding this matter later today.

Perennial local Conservative candidate Andrew Atkinson has also said: Ive contacted the Secretary of State for Wales, Alun Cairns whos assured me of his assistance.

An EGM is due in December where the final proposals will be likely voted on by shareholders.
By PTI: Borsongaon (Assam), Nov 18 (PTI) With valid currency notes in short supply following the Centres demonetisation move, people in Assams Borsongaon bordering Bhutans Gelephu have turned to the Himalayan Kingdoms currency for their day to day needs.

The locals told media that they decided to go for the currency of the neighbouring country as their efforts to exchange the now defunct 500 and 1000 rupee notes proved futile even after standing in queue every day for nine days since the demonetisation measure was announced.

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The people said they were desperate for money to carry on with their purchases of grocery, milk, vegetables and other daily needs.

They had no problem in accepting Ngultrum, the currency of the kingdom, in exchange for Rupees, as Indian and Bhutanese money is used on both sides of the border towns for trading between people of the two countries.

A district official said there had been no official intimation about such transactions but added that they were enquiring into such reports.

Similar reports have also emerged from parts of neighbouring West Bengals Jalpaiguri district near the Bhutan-border, which district officials have said they would look into. PTI ESB SUS BSA LNS

--- ENDS ---
We are publishing here the opening report to the Socialist Equality Party (UK) Third National Congress, given October 28, 2016 by SEP National Chairman Chris Marsden.

Comrades, the task before this party Congress is to lay down the strategic political axis of our work for the coming periodthe building of the ICFI as the revolutionary centre of opposition to imperialist war through the overthrow of capitalism.

The elaboration of perspective does not mean predicting precisely what will happen over the next months. That is impossible under any circumstances and particularly now, when world events are moving at such an accelerated pace. As we found while drafting the resolution, the more you try and do this the more quickly what you have written becomes redundant. Perspective, as was discussed at the recent congress of the SEP in the United States, means determining where we are in the unfolding revolutionary crisis of capitalism and ensuring that our practices as a party meet the requirements of that objective crisis.

We must reveal the central tendencies of development, what is essential in the political situation and base ourselves on that rather than an impressionistic response to this or that event. Or, it must be stressed, on how the world situation is presently understood by the working class. Indeed, in David Norths lecture in Frankfurt, he notes the vast chasm between the advanced preparations for military conflict, which could involve the use of nuclear weapons, and public consciousness of the extent of the danger.

North stresses, The great challenge that confronts Marxists is the political preparation of a vanguard of advanced workers that can direct the coming mass movement of the working class toward the conquest of political power, asking, Of what does this preparation consist?

He responds by drawing attention to Lenins explanation in Materialism and Empirio-Criticism that Marxism had discovered the objective logic of the economic laws that determine the evolution of social being. Therefore, he wrote: The highest task of humanity is to comprehend this objective logic of economic evolution (the evolution of social life) in its general and fundamental features, so that it may be possible to adapt to it ones social consciousness and the consciousness of the advanced classes of all capitalist countries in as definite, clear and critical a fashion as possible.

That was written just five years before the nationalist betrayal of the German Social Democracy and the Second International as World War I began.

Lenin, Dave states, responded by rallying the revolutionary internationalists in Europe and throughout the world and did so in a political and theoretical struggle against Kautsky, who sought to conceal the objective causes of the war. His theoretical work between 1914 and 1917 uncovered the objective causes of the imperialist war and of the growth of opportunism within the Second International so as to establish the possibility of aligning the consciousness and practice of the Russian and international working class with the objective processes that were leading to revolution. The correct alignment of objective reality and the social consciousness of the working class was realized in the conquest of power by the Russian working class in October 1917.

Now Dave states that the world has become more complicated than it was a century ago, but the essential task remains the same: social thought must be aligned with reality.

More complicated things most certainly are. But we have stressed that the objective situation confronting the worlds peoplesof worsening social and economic catastrophe and the rising threat of waris a reminder of why the Russia Revolution occurred and why the perspective of Lenin and Trotsky, of world socialist revolution, must once again become the basis for the independent political mobilisation of the working class.

An extended period of intense political struggle

The two resolutions before youFor a new socialist movement against militarism, austerity and war, and Jeremy Corbyn and the Labour Party: The strategic lessonsseek to appraise political developments within the UK from an understanding of their relationship to world events. Our aim is to ensure that the struggles we face in building the Socialist Equality Party are firmly grounded in an internationalist orientation and grounded in the struggle to develop the ICFI as a world movement. They are, moreover, an attempt to draw the strategic lessons of the key events in the two years that have elapsed since our last congress in 2014of Brexit and the political convulsions in the Labour Party.

This was no small task. The party has gone through an extended period of intense political struggle, during which intensive reflection on events was, I know, sometimes the luxury and preserve of full-time cadre. And even so, this was the first time we had an extended opportunity to consider these strategic experiences in the round, from the standpoint of their interconnectedness and, I hope, their full historic significance. This congress provides us all with that opportunity.

My opening remarks and our initial discussion are focused on the first of our two resolutions. In line with the responsibility set out in the ICFI statement, Socialism and the Fight Against War--Build an International Movement of the Working Class and Youth Against Imperialism! the World Socialist Web Site reports every day on Syria, NATO manoeuvres on the borders of Russia, the Asian pivot and resurgent militarism in Britain, Germany and throughout Europe. It is a catalogue of an impending catastrophe.

It is worth recalling that the warnings we made of the danger of the situation now unfolding were condemned by Alex Steiner in September 2014 in the following terms:

The SEP sees imperialism in 2014 as a return to 1914 and are convinced that history is repeating itself complete with a tense summer of international incidents reprising the tension of the summer of 1914. But imperialism while it continues to plague the planet is very different today than it was 100 years ago. For one thing, the use of military power to back up economic interests, while certainly still in play, is embarked upon with much greater reluctance today, as witnessed by the obvious paralysis of the Obama Administration toward the events in Syria, Iraq and now Ukraine... Even the Republican hawks opposing Obama have not yet dared to advocate the use of American ground forces in Syria or the Ukraine. This could change of course, especially if the Republicans regain the White House, or for that matter a Democratic hawk like Hillary Clinton, but for now the SEP's outcry over the preparations of the U.S. for a new World War strikes one as manufactured hysteria rather than rational analysis. [Steiner, A comment on the resolution of the SEP on the fight against war]

Steiner was and is a political charlatan. The hawks no longer limit themselves to advocating the use of no-fly zones or of ground forces in Syria, which are tactical questions fraught with complications. They talk openly of launching World War III. Our resolution notes in point three how, At a Future of the Army panel in Washington, Army Chief of Staff General Mark A. Milley declared that war between nation states is almost guaranteed... Our army and our nation must be ready.

The readiness of a major section of the political and military elite to actively contemplate not only war, but nuclear war is both a stark expression of the maturity of the present crisis and a dangerous accelerant in preparing the way for a conflagration. We have in the resolution underscored this with reference to Theresa Mays sickening boast that she will press the nuclear button. Moreover, as we state clearly, it is not a question of the subjective intentions of this or that political or even military figure: The drive to war emerges as a result of the intractable crisis of capitalism as a world system. The fundamental contradiction between the globalisation of production and the capitalist nation state system, based on private ownership of the means of production and class exploitation, is fuelling social and political discontent, destabilising traditional mechanisms of rule, throwing bourgeois politics into a state of upheaval and flux, and preparing a global catastrophe. This danger is made all the more immediate by the deepening crisis of the capitalist profit system, which is the source of war.

There is a growing recognition of how close we now are to the precipice. This week, the media was filled with articles such as that in the Daily Mirror Tuesday, Vladimir Putin sparks WWIII fears with chilling threat to US: 'Stop criticising Russia or there will be problems'

Putins reported remarks were an indication of the Kremlins own conclusions as to where the world now stands and its possible response. He said, Mrs Clinton has chosen to take up a very aggressive stance against our country, against Russia... It's not funny anymore. If somebody out there wants confrontation. This is not our choice but this means that there will be problems.

On Wednesday, NATO states met to pledge troops to an anti-Russia force in the Baltics. NATO head Jens Stoltenberg said that defence ministers from Canada, Germany, the UK, and the US would set out their plans for the battalions they will lead and that other allies would confirm their contributions. A larger force of 40,000 NATO soldiers is to be deployed in the event of Russian aggression. Stoltenberg said of these developments, This is concrete proof that NATO can and will deploy thousands of forces to support our Allies... NATO has implemented the strongest or the biggest reinforcement of collected offence since the end of the Cold War."

We expect a sustained challenge from the east, from Russia, by way of its military activities, added Douglas Lute, the US ambassador to NATO.

In an extraordinary turn of events, Donald Trump has baldly declared that Clintons plan for Syria would "lead to World War Three," because of the potential for conflict with military forces from nuclear-armed Russia, as well as Iran.

One day earlier, the Independents Sean O'Grady wrote a substantial comment asking: Could Hillary Clinton start a world war? Sure as hell she could  and heres how.

His conclusion? Like Donald Trump or not--and I like him no more than, well, Hillary Clinton--there is one thing he might be good for. Peace. A small matter, I know, when set against his serial (alleged) philandering and worse, but worth pondering for a moment... Something like the Cuba crisis could happen again under President Hilary Clinton; one can see her issuing unenforceable ultimatums on Putin because his proxies have grabbed some bit of territory in the Caucasus most of us havent heard of. That is much, much less likely to occur under President Trump.

Now that is a truly desperate responseto place the fate of the world in the hands of Trump. Yet here we are, and on Clinton, the favoured candidate of Wall Street, the Pentagon and the bourgeois and petty bourgeois left crowd, OGrady is giving voice to conclusions that others within ruling circles will have drawn.

The ICFIs analysis of the last 25 years

The ICFI alone predicted events as they have unfolded over the past quarter century and could do so because it correctly appraised what took place in 1991. As it states in the introduction to A quarter century of war:

First, and most important, the International Committee interpreted the collapse of the Stalinist regimes in Eastern Europe in 1989-90, and the dissolution of the Soviet Union in 1991, as an existential crisis of the entire global nation-state system, as it emerged from the ashes of World War II. Second, the ICFI anticipated that the breakdown of the established post-war equilibrium would lead rapidly to a resurgence of imperialist militarism... The dissolution of the Soviet Union in December 1991, combined with the restoration of capitalism in China following the Tiananmen Square massacre of June 1989, was seen by the American ruling class as an opportunity to repudiate the compromises of the post-World War II era, and to carry out a restructuring of global geopolitics, with the aim of establishing the hegemony of the United States... The last quarter century of US-instigated wars must be studied as a chain of interconnected events. The strategic logic of the US drive for global hegemony extends beyond the neo-colonial operations in the Middle East and Africa. The ongoing regional wars are component elements of the rapidly escalating confrontation of the United States with Russia and China. [David North, Introduction, A Quarter Century of War]

The Brexit crisis

In our resolution, we stress that Brexit is an existential crisis for the British bourgeoisie. But crucially we cite in part the fundamental appraisal we made in our referendum statement:

The post-1945 project of European unification was an attempt by the ruling elites to resolve the fundamental contradiction that had twice in the 20th century plunged the continent into warbetween the integrated character of European and global production and the division of the continent into antagonistic nation states. Economic integration came to be considered as essential to enable Europe to compete effectively in the global marketplace against the United States, with the ultimate aim of an accompanying move towards political union. At the same time, US imperialism promoted the integration of capitalist Europe as a bulwark against the Soviet Union and the threat of socialist revolution by a militant and radicalized European working class. But unity within the framework of capitalism could never mean anything other than the domination of the most powerful nations and corporations over the continent and its peoples. Rather than national and social antagonisms being alleviated, they have taken on malignant forms. The EU is breaking apart and cannot be revived. It is only through the creation of the United Socialist States of Europe, established as an integral component of a world federation of socialist states, that the vast productive forces of the continent can be utilised for the benefit of all. [For an active boycott of the Brexit referendum!29 February 2016]

As to the crisis provoked by Brexit for Britains ruling elite, frankly it is hard to know where to start. For everyone but the speculators in the City of London and the bigger FTSE companies who trade overseas and in dollars and euros, Brexit looks set to become an economic nightmare.

Here are the immediate winners:

Companies in the FTSE 100 and FTSE 250 who mostly get their earnings abroad. The mid-cap 250 index, is, says the FT, enjoying sterlings pain, since it is populated by commodities companies.

HSBC shares have surged by around 27 percent. It is the UKs second biggest company and earns about three quarters of its profits in Asia. Burberry, which generates about 85 percent of its sales abroad has seen its share prices go up 24 percent.

Mexican gold and silver miner Fresnillo's shares have risen 46 percent. Swiss mining trader Glencore is up 39 percent. British miner Anglo American has also gained 39 percent.

This is not a vote of confidence in the UK economy, but the opposite. The less tied to its fortunes the better you do.

As to the losers:

Shares in more UK-focused banks Lloyds and Royal Bank of Scotland have dropped 24 percent and 29 percent.

Easyjet is down more than 34 percent, British Airways owner IAG is down 23 percent.

Construction companies Taylor Wimpey, Barratt Developments and Persimmon, are down 20 percent, 14 percent and 13 percent.

All companies importing anything including raw material, imported parts and equipmentall already up 7.2 percent in September.

Finally and most importantly, British workers who have seen their wages and pensions devalued and prices begin to rise boosting inflation to 2.2 percent on average next year. This is on top of falls of between 10 and 20 percent in real incomes.

What is posed for working people is a deeper descent into austerity. Manufacturing activity has posted its strongest reading since June 2014, thanks to an exchange-rate driven fillip to exports. But this will not last. Brexit is a policy decision which is benefitting some of the most parasiticand little wonder. The top 10 donors to the Tory Party are all hedge fund managersincluding the Tories biggest donor at over 6 million, Michael Farmer, who said that Brexit would be a bright new beginning and number two Sir Michael Hintze, who heavily funded the leave campaign and gave over 3 million to the Tories.

Number four, Chris Rokos, is head of Brevan Howard, which raised $3.5 billion earlier this year, and made 3 percent in just the day after Brexit on June 24 speculating on the dramatic movement in share pricesthat is I assume 105 million.

These are the financial supporters of the pro-Brexit line of the Tory Party, alongside sections of manufacturing and the retail sector that is dependent on low wages and market deregulation such as Wetherspoons.

However, the fact remains that most of the big City firms and institutions such as Goldman Sachs, Citigroup, Lloyds of London and the City of London Corporation, were opposed to Brexit and will become more vocal in their opposition in the period ahead. HSBC strategist David Bloom said of the fall in the value of sterling, The currency is now the de facto official opposition to the governments policies.

Grant Lewis, head of research at Daiwa Capital Markets Europe, has stated, Even over a longer time period, sterling now sits among a sorry band of currencies in terms of performance--since the start of the year only the currencies of Angola, Sierra Leone, Nigeria, Venezuela, Mozambique and Suriname have fallen by more.

Anthony Browne, head of the British Bankers Association, has warned that Britains biggest banks, including Goldman Sachs, are preparing to relocate out of the UK in the first few months of 2017 in the event of a hard Brexit involving the UK leaving both the single market and the customs union. The implications for London are clear, but it should also be noted that banks based in the UK are currently lending 1.1tn to the EU, and, in Brownes words, are keeping the continent afloat financially.

Already the swing against Brexit is so sharp that Allister Heath wrote in the Telegraph October 19: Why it's time for a new campaign for Brexit.

The Battle for Brexit must begin  again  now, he demands. Interestingly as an indication of the broader concerns of the Tory right, his appeal began with the declaration, There is no such thing as permanent victory in politics. History never ends: triumphs are fleeting; majorities can turn into minorities; and orthodoxies are inevitably built on foundations of sand. Communism was supposed to be discredited forever after the collapse of the Berlin Wall; yet many young people in Britain and America now call themselves socialists.

We are in the midst of an unfolding political crisis of rule for British imperialism that heralds major social convulsions. For the past months we have been focused on one key strategic element of that crisisthe attempted coup in the Labour Party. But post-Brexit, it is difficult to envision the present political order surviving unscathed.

The Tory government is deeply split, has an unstable and small majority and is becoming a political liability for British imperialism due to its being beholden to the hard Brexit clique in its leadership.

I have mentioned Goldman Sachs repeatedly because it was in their august presence that, prior to the referendum, Theresa Brexit means Brexit May declared her support for Remain explaining: I think the economic arguments are clear. I think being part of a 500-million trading bloc is significant for us. I think, as I was saying to you a little earlier, that one of the issues is that a lot of people will invest here in the UK because it is the UK in Europe.

If we were not in Europe, I think there would be firms and companies who would be looking to say, do they need to develop a mainland Europe presence rather than a UK presence? So I think there are definite benefits for us in economic terms.... There are definitely things we can do as members of the European Union that I think keep us more safe.

This is what a politician losing all credibility sounds like.

A survey in the Independent last week found that a hypothetical Stop Brexit party could win 25.9 per cent of the vote if an election was held tomorrow, pushing Labour into third place on 18.9 percent. This is not simply noting public opinion but an attempt to shape itto popularise and legitimise a desired outcome. It was followed by a direct appeal from no less than Tony Blair for a new movement of the 48 percent, in which he declared, We are the insurgents now!

You could not make this stuff up. It underscores our appraisal of the motives behind the attempted coup against Corbynthough how he responds is an open question. Even he is now challenging the Tories on their lack of a plan for Brexit and getting more sympathetic coverage for having done so.

The Brexit referendum has done nothing to mend the divisions over strategic orientation within the British bourgeoisie. Rather, as we state in our resolution, Opposition to Brexit continues to enjoy the support of powerful sections of Britains ruling class, as well as the US. A minority position within the Tories, the desire to ameliorate or if possible overturn the referendum result unites the majority of the Labour Party, the Liberal Democrats, Scottish National Party (SNP), Plaid Cymru (Party of Wales) and the Greens.

A new anti-working class political realignment

We must carefully explain the motivating factors for what is a political realignment aimed at rescuing British imperialism and suppressing any independent political intervention by the working class through the promotion of nationalism and class collaboration.

Our resolution indicts the advocates of Left Leave over their responsibility for the carnival of reactionConnollys memorable warning regarding partition--that has followed Brexit in both Britain and Europe. But we must also be clear that the advocates of Remain, such as the Pabloites of Thornetts Socialist Resistance, will now be called on to play a deeply reactionary role in any political realignment around a pro-EU position.

It is not for us to predict whether or not Brexit means Brexit. What is certain is that the forces now being mobilised replicate and reinforce the basic political alignment on bourgeois, anti-working class lines we appraised during the referendum campaign and which underscores the significance of the position we took on an active boycott.

The resolution also makes clear that political success for a pro-EU faction would do nothing to lessen the dangers posed to the working class by nationalist reaction and militarism. As we state, There can be no turning back the clock to a supposed golden age of European unity. Deep conflicts are emerging between the European powers over austerity, and who pays for it, over the military direction of the continent, migration and a host of other issues.

In the aftermath of Brexit, George Soros famously warned:

"The catastrophic scenario that many feared has materialised, making the disintegration of the EU practically irreversible. The consequences for the real economy will be comparable to the financial crisis of 2007-2008 but the implications for Europe could be far worse. Tensions among member states have reached breaking point, not only over refugees but also as a result of exceptional strains between creditor and debtor countries within the eurozone.

Have the efforts of Germany and France to re-unite the continent in the basis of moves towards an EU armyliberally mixed with threats to punish the UK--disproved such an apocalyptic secenario? Hardly. There is very little on which the EU 27 can agree.

The last EU summit, it ended without agreement on the war in Syria, the Comprehensive Economic and Trade Agreement (CETA) with Canada, or Britain's exit from the EU. Economically, Europe is tearing itself apart and that must ultimately find political expression.

With the Italian banking system on the verge of collapse and a constitutional referendum scheduled for December 4, the EU is presently demanding that Italy explains why it is breaking its deficit targets, as the banking crisis there rapidly morphs into a crisis of state finance. It has now sent letters to seven state capitals complaining about their budgets.

The question is posed point blank as to how much longer Spain, Greece, Portugal, Ireland and now Italy can fulfil the demands of the EU without economic collapse and the total destabilisation of their societies and an eruption of class struggle that would see many governments fall. Italys finance minister, Pier Carlo Padoan himself warned that Europe must bend or it would be the beginning of the end for the bloc.

We have a particular responsibility to oppose the UKs efforts to ingratiate itself with Washington and stake its claim to a leading role in Europe on the basis of military braggadocio. This is directed above all against Germany and centres on opposing the formation of an EU army. There has even been the threat made by unnamed military top brass that they would not participate in EU missions under the banner of an EU army and would rather quit.

The fight for the United Socialist States of Europe

We must work with our European comrades to concretise the perspective of the United Socialist States of Europeby which I mean to develop the most comprehensive picture of the political situation facing the European working class. This is one of the most important undertakings we must make in the aftermath of this congress.

Among the issues to be addressed are: the drive to war against Russia and the inter-state and inter-imperialist conflicts this is creating; US/European relations; the impact of Brexit on Franco-German relations; Italys economic crisis and the state of the European economy; the political crisis in Spain and the implications of the coup in the PSOE; the lessons of Syriza, the Left Bloc in Portugal and Podemos; their role in facilitating the growth of right-wing and far right parties such as the national Front in France and the general crisis of rule facing regimes of all stripes.

We have tried in our resolution to make more explicit the link between the programme of the USSE and the struggle against imperialist war. This will be central to the work of all our European sections in the next months.

And when I speak of European sections, I want to take this opportunity to welcome on behalf of the entire section the formation of the French Section of the ICFI. There will be further discussion on this issue, but let me state here that the re-establishing of Trotskyism and the reconnection of the French working class with the Fourth International is a tremendous accomplishmenta victory over Pabloism, the OCI and a decisive conquest of the movement since the split with the Workers Revolutionary Party. It will change the relationship of the ICFI to the entire European working classbeginning I am sure with the joint work we will now undertake in the weeks leading up to the congress of the PSG.

The final issue I want to address is the theoretical and political struggle against the pseudo-left. Later in our proceedings, comrade Julie Hyland will speak to the headlong rush of most of them back into the Labour Party, on the basis of their uncritical embrace of Corbyn. And we have written extensively on their role in the Brexit campaign. Both are markers of their integration into bourgeois politics. But, as we state in the resolution, ...the most degenerate expression of the integration of the pseudo-left into the mechanisms of capitalist rule is their support for militarism and war.

The perspective of the Stop the War Coalition

As comrades know, the last few weeks have seen a major political campaign waged against Corbyn over his continued relations with the Stop the War Coalition. This is in line with the essential thrust since day one of the coup in the Labour Party that he cannot be leader or prime minister because he does not agree with Trident, is not sufficiently committed to NATO and has stated a desire for a negotiated settlement with Russia over Ukraine and in Syria. The Guardians Jonathan Freedland is typical when he writes:

Despite what Stop the War says, opposing the west wont bring any of that horror to an end. For it is Russia that is up to its neck in the blood of Aleppo... Still, we mustnt get hysterical. Perhaps we ought instead to be even-handed, as suggested by a spokesman for the Labour leader this week, when he expressed his worry that all this focus on Russia diverts attention from the atrocities committed by the other outside powers, such as the US  and that it would be just as sensible to protest outside the US embassy as outside Russias. Nor is it good enough simply to call for the strongest possible push for negotiations and a diplomatic solution, as Stop the War do. What do they think John Kerry and his fellow foreign ministers have been doing round the clock for months if not years?

But significantly Freedland also makes clear that the Stop the War Coalition is not yet considered to be a lost cause. He adds, And here is where Stop the War can be useful. They insist they can only influence western nations, that a protest outside the Russian embassy wouldnt make a blind bit of difference. But how can they be so sure?

Useful in the past and potentially useful in the future--provided that the social forces it constitutes can be placed on message.

What is behind all this? What does the STWC position express and why is it being castigated in one breath and cultivated in the nextwith no less than Boris Johnson urging an STWC picket of the Russian Embassy and this demand then being adopted by a significant section of the pseudo-left?

We must clarify workers and young people that the STWC does not offer an alternative to war. In the first instance, their alliance with Corbyn shows that we are dealing with tactical differences within the sphere of bourgeois politics.

Corbyns position on Syria, or on Russia is framed as his loyal advice on how British imperialism can best advance its global interestsstressing not relying too heavily on the US, working with the UN, etc. In this, he represents the last dregs of the Bennite left and a political fellow traveller of the Communist Party. Most important of all he loyally heads a pro-NATO, pro war party.

The latest exposure of the bankruptcy of Corbyns protestations are the comments of his latest appointment as Shadow Defence Secretary, Nia Griffith, who has called on Britain to unilaterally impose additional sanctions on Russia, which she described as certainly a very major strategic threat to us. Labour would go into the 2020 election backing the renewal of Trident, she added. Jeremy is very much in favour of democracy in our party. He understands the situation we are in...

As with Freedland, a layer of Corbyns supporters are now urging him to join in the demands for anti-Russian measures over Syria. They declare in a letter signed thus far by over 200 people, many in Momentum, we are concerned by your silence--thus far--on the ongoing slaughter of civilians by Russian and Assad-regime forces in Syria... in the face of the horrors being perpetrated across Syria, with impunity, and above all by Russian and Assad-regime forces, we believe socialists and anti-war activists cannot simply look on in silence.

Signatories include the official endorsement of the Alliance for Workers Liberty and the RS21 split from the SWP.

The STWC coalition is a much reduced political creature. In 2003, it was able to come to the head of a demonstration of over one million in London and was backed by many Labour MPs and even Charles Kennedy of the Liberal Democrats. But the intervening years have seen the majority of the anti-Iraq war pseudo-left and liberal milieu transformed into a howling pro-war mobfirst in Libya, then Ukraine and now in Syria.

The STWC is today essentially reduced to an alliance of Counterfire, the split from the SWP, and the Stalinist Communist Party of Britain.

The SWPs own position has for some time essentially been indistinguishable from that of Achcar. Indeed it was Alex Callinicos who in Libya took the slogan of the pro-interventionist Euston manifesto crowdrailing against knee-jerk anti-imperialism--and gave it a leftist gloss. In Syria, the SWP do not formally support direct Western interventionofficially taking a plague on both your houses position. What they do is to sow the same lethal complacency as Steiner. The latest pronouncement on Syria from Callinicos states:

As long as Barack Obama remains US president, there is very little likelihood of serious Western military intervention in the Syrian war. Obama has made his extreme reluctance to return to the Middle East quagmire so clear it has weakened secretary of state John Kerrys bargaining hand with Russia. Hillary Clinton, who now looks set to succeed him, will almost certainly pursue a more belligerent global policy. But both the US and Russia will still operate according to the same strategic calculus that governed the Cold War. In other words, they will try to avoid a direct clash that unleashes a nuclear war that would end civilisation.

Callinicos clearly does not want to be that type of Marxist who sounds the tocsin on the danger of war any more than he wanted to proclaim a crisis of capitalism in 2008.

What then of the remnants of STWC? We explain in the resolution:

The Stop the War Coalition does not represent an alternative to the militarist politics of the pseudo-left. An alliance of Counterfire (a break-off from the SWP) with the Communist Party of Britain (CPB), it is driven by an anti-American rather than an anti-imperialist perspective. Its convenor, Lindsey German, has declared, Weve said for some years that one of our aims as a movement should be to break Britain from following the US in every step of its foreign policy. In 2003, the STWC subordinated the mass protests against the invasion of Iraq to appeals to the United Nations and France and Germany to oppose Washington. Today, the CPB distinguishes itself in being openly pro-Assad and in portraying Russia as a bulwark against both US imperialism and ISIS-inspired terrorism.

I am stressing at some length the unprincipled and bankrupt politics of the STWC because the right-wing attacks on it, like the attacks on Corbyn, can be the source of dangerous political confusion. It encourages an uncritical sentiment for solidarity among forces that we must win to our perspective.

The CPB is represented in its leadership by Andrew Murray, a leading Unite union official, and by vice-president Kamal Majid, one of the founders of the Stalin Society. Murray too is a vicious opponent of Trotskyism and a Stalin apologist. His last major literary endeavour was a review of Trotskys biography of Stalin in the October 17 Morning Star which he declared:

In fact, Stalin was both greater and more terrible than Trotsky knew. He is long since indicted with vast crimes but they no longer seriously include that of being the grey mediocrity presented in this book... Trotskys murder on Stalins orders, one of those crimes, prevented him living to see the confounding of all his anticipations regarding the imminent collapse of Stalins regime, the rickety Thermidorian reaction which Trotsky imagined it to be. The USSR won the war and Stalin emerged stronger than ever, with socialism spreading to half of Europe and much of Asia, perhaps the most significant of the many circumstances which left Trotskyism without Trotsky stillborn as a major political movement.

Counterfire makes a positive principle of its readiness to work with such political reactionaries--and of allowing their pro-Putin/pro-Assad line full rein. It explains its own split from the SWP as one over a conflict between those who believed the United Front (i.e. unprincipled political alliances) was a tactic and those who understood it to be a strategy under conditions where the working class was a sleeping giant that showed no sign of waking from its slumbers.

This, they wrote, meant continuous, long-term work with others to the right of the SWP (indeed perhaps even somewhat hostile to it)...

We state clearly in point 27 and 28:

The SEP rejects the designation by the pseudo-left groups of Russia and China as imperialist states. This false characterisation, torn out of all historical context, is a key means through which they seek to legitimise US and European aggression aimed at subordinating these regions to their direct control. However, this implies no support for the right-wing capitalist regimes in Moscow and Beijing... Both their diplomatic manoeuvres and military interventions are aimed at securing an accommodation with imperialism that safeguards their own ability to continue the brutal exploitation of the working class that is the defining feature of these societies. The admirers of Vladimir Putin, Xi Jinping, their armed forces and nuclear arsenals only disorient the working class, prevent its independent mobilisation and prepare the way for a catastrophic war.

The tasks of the Socialist Equality Party

Comrades, the past period has been one of intense political struggle. As a party we have turned energetically into the working classin the general election, the Brexit referendum, over the coup directed against Corbynand before that in the European elections and in the Scottish referendum. But this work has taken the form of an extended polemic against the pseudo-left groups.

We have written dozens upon dozens of articles, statements and lectures clarifying our essential differences with our political opponents because we know that only in this way can the working class be freed from the influence of hostile social forces and the party cut a path to leadership. We must deepen this work, confident that the political tide is with us and that the pseudo-left is being discredited by its own actions in the eyes of millions.

I hope that from my report, and on the basis of the resolutions before you, comrades understand that we are on the eve of major social, economic and political convulsions that will provide us with fertile ground for building the ICFI. And I am confident that we have a membership that also understands that the spontaneous eruption of the class struggle does not allow us to somehow bypass the complex theoretical and political tasks associated with the construction of the revolutionary party of the working class. Rather, it better enables workers and young people to understand the full significance of our differences with the pseudo left and to accept the necessity of our perspective.

As we will discuss this weekend, we must seize the opportunity offered to us to deepen our political offensive for Trotskyism as the centenary of 1917 approaches. The ICFI is the sole political tendency on the face of the planet that sets as its aim the revolutionary mobilisation of the working class against war and for socialism. This is the essential thrust of the congress resolution, For a new socialist movement against militarism, austerity and war. I recommend it for discussion, amendment and ratification.
Europe

Walkout by Swedish dockers

Dockers in Swedens largest port, Gothenburg, walked out on strike Tuesday. They are in dispute with their employer, APM terminals over pay, collective bargaining issues and improved facilities at the port.

The strikers were due to return back to work at 11am this morning. They are members of the Swedish Dockworkers Union, which represents 85 percent of the ports dockers.

Further strike at UK technology company

Staff at the technology company, Fujitsu, in Manchester began a 48-hour strike on Wednesday. It was the third such round of industrial action by the members of the Unite union.

The dispute is over pay, pensions and job security. Fujitsu had already announced plans to cut its workforce in the UK by around 20 percent, but has now written to 2,500 more staff saying their jobs are at risk. Female Fujitsu staff are also seeking pay parity with male colleagues. On average, they earn 16 percent less.

Ritzy cinema staff strike in London

Cinema staff working for the Ritzy cinema in Brixton and the Hackney Picturehouse in London held a strike on Thursday with a further strike to be held on Monday. The workers are currently paid 9.10 an hour and are demanding the London living wage rate currently set at 9.75.

They have already taken five days of strike action. In 2014, they held a series of strikes over the same issue but their union, BECTU, finally settled the dispute, accepting a 26 percent staged pay rise. This equated to less than the then London living wage. Many of the staff are on zero-hour contracts. Staff are only entitled to paid sick leave after working for a year but then only after the eight day of sickness.

Further strike by confectionary workers in York, England

Confectionary workers employed in York by sweet manufacturer Tangerine held a further 24-hour strike Monday. The GMB union members are seeking a pay rise. Tangerine insists any pay rise must be financed through productivity gains.

UK atomic weapons staff hold strike

Staff working for the Atomic Weapons Establishment (AWE) at its sites at Aldermaston and Burghfield in Berkshire, England held a one-day strike Monday. This was in response to AWEs move to end the defined pension scheme, and replace it with an inferior scheme. The Unite union represents the majority of the staff who took part in the strike, which was also supported by members of the Prospect union, representing professional staff. Further days of action are planned.

Strike threat by German pilots

The Vereinigung Cockpit (VC) union, representing pilots at the German national airline, Lufthansa, announced on Monday their intention to strike. The union said pilots working for the Lufthansa brand and its cargo section would walk out giving 24-hour notice. VC did not give any dates.

VC made the announcement after talks between itself and airline management broke down. The talks on behalf of over 5,000 pilots have been taking place for over four years and to date there has been more than a dozen strikes.

Pilots are demanding an average pay increase of 3.66 percent, as they have had no increase over the last four years.

German property management staff strike threat

Around 600 staff employed by Vonovia, Germanys largest housing association, are preparing to strike in protest at deteriorating working conditions and in pursuit of a pay increase.

The staff are represented by the Ver.di trade union, which has protested Vonovias refusal to enter into talks. No date has been given for a strike, with Ver.di stating only that it will take place before the end of the year.

Vonovia manages around a third of a million properties.

Icelandic fishermen end strike

A strike of Icelandic fishermen was called off last weekend. The members of the Fishermens Union of Iceland voted by a 90 percent majority to take action against the fishing vessel owners association.

The fishermen were seeking a bigger share of the money at the auction of fish caught, leave entitlement and were protesting owners plans to reduce manning levels.

The fishermen returned to work following the intervention of the Icelandic government conciliation service. The proposed agreement will be voted on by the fishermen. The strike led to a shortage of fish in Iceland and threatened to lead to the laying off of fish processing workers.

Two smaller unions were not part of the agreement and remain on strike.

Irish health staff confront government

This week, the Irish Medical Organisation (IMO) representing Irish junior doctors, announced its intention to ballot its members to demand the restoration of a 3,000 living-out allowance.

Talks between the IMO and Department of Health broke down after the government announced the recently formed public sector pay commission would now handle the talks.

Dr John Duddy, IMO president told the Irish Examiner, No doctor wants to strike and indeed it would be with great reluctance that we would embark on such an action but in the face of a government that behaves in such a manner we will have no choice.

Last week the Irish Nurses and Midwives Organisation (INMO) announced it would be balloting its members over bad working conditions. The union is calling for the government to recruit more nurses and take action to retain current nursing staff.

Nurses are concerned current understaffing is leading to excessive, unpaid working hours and creating dangerous situations for staff and patients.

Ukrainian miners end hunger strike

Fifty coal miners at the number 10 mine in Novovolynska ended their week-long hunger strike on Monday. They were demanding the payment of several months of wage arrears owed to several hundred mines at the pit. They ended the strike after being promised they would receive a portion of their back pay.

Irish public sector workers seek pay rise

Irish public sector workers in health, local authority and education could be balloted over action to demand a pay increase unless the government agrees to start new talks by next February. They are members of the Services Industrial Professional and Technical Union (SIPTU), which has around 60,000 members in the public sector.

Irish pilots vote for strike

Pilots working for Dublin-based CityJet voted to strike unless the employer agrees to their dispute, over a pay claim, being referred to the Workplace Relations Commission.

Pilots have been taking limited industrial action since September. Around half the 80 pilots employed by CityJet are represented by the Unite union. More than 80 percent of members voted to escalate action to a strike to be held before Christmas.

Turkish suburban rail workers strike

Over 300 staff employed on the Izban commuter rail network in the western province of Izmir, Turkey, held a one-day strike last week. They walked out after talks over an agreement on collective bargaining broke down.

The Izban employees are seeking pay parity with rail workers on the Izmir Metro AS system who are paid around a third more.

Middle East

Israeli airline staff may strike

Staff working for the Israeli state airline El Al are voting this week as to whether they are prepared to declare a labour dispute. The dispute, which could lead to industrial action, is over El Als practice of cancelling flights and rescheduling them using other airlines. By doing this El Al avoids having to pay its staff overtime.

Israeli workers poised to strike over care insurance

This week the Histadrut labour federation met with workers committees and will declare a labour dispute. If a strike goes ahead, it would encompass most public sector workers along with many private sector staff.

The dispute is over the cancellation last year by the government of the payment of insurance for workers to fund their stay in nursing homes should it be required in their old age.

Palestinian UN staff strike

Staff employed by the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East (UNWRA) held a one-day strike Monday.

They also held a protest outside the UNWRA headquarters in Gaza City to push their demands. The workers are protesting wage arrears, unfilled job vacancies and are pushing for a wage increase in line with the high cost of living.

Africa

Doctors increase strike in the Sudan

Sudanese doctors have resumed and escalated strike action to demand a wage increase, and an end to poor working conditions. A previous strike was suspended, but has now been resurrected after an agreement by the government to end the strike was not honoured.

Doctors in 138 hospitals throughout Sudan held a two-day strike at the beginning of November but after the government failed to meet their demands, they began a three-day strike on Tuesday. They are providing emergency cover. The doctors also demand protection against security forces that regularly brutalise hospital medical staff. The National Intelligence and Security Service (NISS) have been detaining striking doctors and some of those doctors cannot be accounted for.

Protesting teachers also face confrontation as a result of police state measures. A head teacher was detained by NISS forces in South Darfur after organising demonstrations on November 10 against militia attacks. Other protesting teachers have also been incarcerated and are being held in detention camps in Nyala state.

South African wine workers continue twelve-week strike

A strike by 220 workers at Robertsons Winery in South Africa has entered its 12th week. The Commercial, Stevedoring, Agriculture and Allied Workers (CSAAWU) is demanding a wage of N8.500 ($628), with the company offering N4000 ($295) and refusing to negotiate.

The strike was referred to the Commission for Conciliation, Mediation and Arbitration (CCMA). The CCMA pulled out after it failed to resolve the dispute, although the union is reported to have parked its N8500 wage demand.

The company is the subject of a Danish TV documentary titled, Bitter GrapesSlavery in the Vineyards, resulting in Robertsons products being taken off the shelves in Danish stores.

Nigerian academic staff protest

Academic staff at the Federal University of Technology (FUT) in Abeokuta, Nigeria came out on strike Monday demanding the reinstatement of 23 colleagues who were sacked last week. The walkout and protest was organised by the Senior Staff Association of Nigeria Universities.

The protest was to demand an investigation into the sacking of the 23 staff and management activities over the last four years. The union claims the sackings were carried out after staff members called for transparency into how the institution was being managed.

Three workers that furnished information to the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) over corrupt activity of management were included in the sackings. The union accused the EFCC of passing their names to the university vice chancellor.

Members of the Non Academic Staff Union, who have been on strike for six weeks over corruption allegations, were threatened with losing their jobs at FUT if they did not return to work Monday. The university claims both academic and non-academic staff were back at work Monday.

Kenyan civil servants oppose pay cuts

Kenyan civil servants, along with doctors and nurses, are protesting wage restructuring. The Salaries and Remunerations Commission (SRC) intends to harmonize the remuneration of 600,000 public sector employees on the basis of equality, in a cost cutting exercise. The SRC has not entered into discussion with any of the relevant unions.

Doctors are demanding a 300 percent pay rise and threaten to strike if they do not get it within 21 days. Nurses have issued a separate 21-day strike notice, in pursuit of a pay increase of between 25-40 percent.
Nearly 100 students attended a meeting held Wednesday by the International Youth and Students for Social Equality at Humboldt University in Berlin. The title of the meeting was The election of Trump: Political causes and lessons. The IYSSE organised the meeting on short notice and advertised it over just three days with flyers and posters on the campus. Nevertheless, every chair in the meeting room was filled and additional chairs had to be brought.

The large turnout and intense discussion at the meeting, which we will summarize in a subsequent article, indicate an important political change. A new generation of young workers and students is becoming politicized and commencing a serious discussion on a revolutionary perspective to fight social reaction and war.

The meeting was chaired by Sven Wurm, spokesman for the IYSSE university chapter and a representative in the student parliament at Humboldt. To address the meeting, the IYSSE invited Johannes Stern, also a member of the IYSSE and an editorial board member of the World Socialist Web Site.

Stern began his contribution by stating that the election of Trump represented a historic turning point. With his election, an extreme right-wing representative of the American ruling class had moved into the White Housesomeone who would escalate US military violence abroad and attack social and democratic rights at home.

Above all in Germany, nobody should underestimate what it means when a semi-fascist commands the worlds strongest military power with the largest nuclear arsenal, Stern said.

A glimpse at Trumps staff leaves no doubt about the nature of his administration, Stern continued. With Steve Bannon, the former head of the far-right, anti-Semitic Internet platform Breitbart News, Trump has appointed a fascist to be his chief adviser in the White House. Under consideration as possible ministers are, among others, Rudolph Giuliani, the former law-and-order mayor of New York, and John Bolton, one of the architects of the illegal attack on Iraq during the term of George W. Bush.

On the basis of statistics, Stern rebuffed the notion spread by liberals and the pseudo-left to the effect that the white working class was responsible for Trumps victory. In fact, Trump received fewer votes than his Democratic rival Hillary Clinton and fewer votes than the losing Republican candidates John McCain and Mitt Romney in the 2008 and 2012 elections.

Over the past eight years, however, support for the Democrats had collapsed due the partys anti-social and militarist policies. This slump in support included millions of women, youth and minorities. The largest group in the election, around 100 million, were non-voters and supporters of third parties.

Stern identified those principally responsible for Trumps election victory: Hillary Clinton, representing Wall Street, the military and identity politics, who attacked Trump essentially from the right, accusing him of being an agent of Putin. Secondly, Barack Obama, who had been elected by many workers eight years ago as the candidate of hope and change, but then continued the hated war policy of the Bush administration and passed the entire burden of the international financial crisis onto the population.

And then there are Bernie Sanders and the pseudo-left organizations who supported him, Stern said. Sanders won support in the primaries because he called himself a socialist and called for a political revolution against the billionaire class. But then he cowardly called for a vote for Clinton and thus enabled Trump to channel all opposition to the established parties.

Under conditions of growing class tensions, the ruling elite was now closing ranks. Within a few hours of the election, they all lined up behind Trump, from Obama to Sanders and the unions, declaring their readiness to work with him.

In order to understand the deeper causes of Trumps ascendency and the turn to the right by the entire ruling establishment in the US, Stern continued, one had to examine major political and historical developments. He referred in detail to US war policy, the decline of American democracy, and the deep social divisions that have developed over the 25 years since the dissolution of the Soviet Union. Amongst other issues, he addressed the stolen election of 2000, Abu Ghraib, Guantanamo, extralegal killings and the massive build-up of the police in the US.

In summing up, Stern quoted from a Perspective commentary published by the World Socialist Web Site titled Mass student protests against Trump election: The way forward:

Decades of war, austerity and social reaction have fatally undermined democratic processes and produced a society dominated by financial parasitism and political corruption. These are the conditions that have vomited up Donald Trump, the fascistic personification of the collapse of American democracy.

The Perspective went on to state that The fight against Trump must therefore be based on the fight against capitalism. It required uniting the working population and youth across all racial, ethnic and gender divisions in the United States and internationally on the basis of a socialist program.

It is not a question of opposing one individual, the statement continued, but an entire social and economic system that is based on private ownership of the levers of production and the ever-greater accumulation of wealth by the corporate and financial aristocracy.

Stern stressed that it was precisely in Europe and Germany that the construction of a revolutionary socialist movement assumed great urgency. The elites here are also reacting to the break-up of the post-war order and growing transatlantic tensions with a return to militarism and nationalism, he said. In Germany, a doubling of the military budget is already being demanded and the need for German nuclear weapons is being discussed.

Stern ended his lecture with a quotation from David Norths lecture Philosophy and Politics in an Age of War and Revolution, delivered to some 250 students at Goethe University in Frankfurt:

We are living in revolutionary times. The contradictions that give rise to war also prepare the ground for social revolution. Contradicting the claims of the subjectivists and irrationalists, who proclaim the disappearance of the subjective agency of socialist revolution as conceived by Marx, the global development of capitalism during the past half-century has vastly expanded the ranks of the working class. This is the basic force to which Marxists turn. The great challenge that confronts Marxists is the political preparation of a vanguard of advanced workers that can direct the coming mass movement of the working class toward the conquest of political power.
Rohan Mehra is the new captain of the house, but he is clearly misusing his powers.

By India Today Web Desk: After being called the puppet of former captain Bani Judge, Rohan Mehra has got a brand new tag-dictator. The Yeh Rishta Kya Kehlata Hai actor has even declared that he'd do things according to his whims and fancies in his tenure as captain.

Bigg Boss will call the new captain to confession room and ask him to punish two contestants and put them in jail. Rohan will come out of the room and announce that he wants to jail Manveer and Manu. When they will ask the reason for the same, Rohan will refuse to give one, saying he is not required to state the same.

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Also read: Bigg Boss 10: Om Swami reveals how "his soul had left his body once"

Manu and Manveer will put their foot down and refuse to go to the jail. Especially, because in the jail, they will be required to stand inside a box till Bigg Boss' further notice. They will not be even allowed to use the washroom without captain Rohan's permission.

Bigg Boss will intervene saying that it is the responsibility of the captain to play fair game and take the right decisions. Bigg Boss will also say that it is also the responsibility of the contestants to obey captain's orders and if they don't do that, they are breaking the rules of the house, which will have consequences.



Also read: Bigg Boss 10 Day 30: Contestants give up essentials for task; Om Swami plays his own game

Will Manu and Manveer finally go to the jail? Will Rohan Mehra pay the price for misusing his authority?

Stay tuned to this space for more.

Bigg Boss 10 airs Mon-Fri at 10:30pm and Sat-Sun at 9pm on Colors TV





--- ENDS ---
A contract truck driver was killed at the ArcelorMittal plant in Burns Harbor, Indiana on Friday, November 4. Kevin Campbell, 69, was struck by another contract semi truck driver while he was securing a load of steel to his own truck.

Burns Harbor police have begun their investigation of the accident, which, according to Police Chief Mike Heckman, is expected to take six to eight weeks. Police have ruled out the possibility of drugs or alcohol as causes of the accident, and said they expected no arrests to be made, calling the tragedy a freak accident.

The Indiana Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) will not investigate the incident, because the agency does not cover independent contract workers like Mr. Campbell. The Indiana Department of Transportation (INDOT) will also not investigate the accident because it occurred on private property. The United Steelworkers union (USW) said it wants to be involved in the investigation, supposedly to assess whether new safety measures should be implemented, according to Pete Trinidad, USW Local 6787 president.

Despite its declarations of concern, the USWs role in the investigation will bear no benefit to workers. After decades of colluding with the steel bosses in cutting costs, imposing speed-up and longer hours, blocking any resistance by workers, the USWs role will be to protect ArcelorMittal by foisting the blame on workers themselves.

There were many workers present at the scene of Campbells death, which was reportedly very gruesome, though the exact details are not yet known. The USW plans to provide counseling to workers who were present when the accident occurred. Trinidad told local news that steel mills are a dangerous place to work.

Through the proliferation of various labor-management safety committeeswhich largely absolve federal, state and local agencies of oversightthe USW has protected corporations from any responsibility for wrongdoing in the deaths of workers. These cover-up operations come at the expense of workers, who, despite union investigations, continue to die on the job.

Four workers died over the course of a year from August 2015 to 2016 at the Goodyear plant in Danville, Virginia. Goodyear workers are members of the USW. Another worker, steelworker Jonathan Arrizola, was killed in September while working on a maintenance job at the US Steel mill in Gary, Indiana, near Burns Harbor. A union official suggested his death was due to the failure of workers to look after each other while working overtime and undermanned. The responsibility for Arrizolas death, as in Campbells, lay in the hands of the corporation and the USW, which aided in cutting back staff and pay and facilitating the replacement of full-time employees with contract laborers.

After Arrizolas death, the USW promised to investigate the cause, projecting that the so-called investigation could take months. After nearly two months, no conclusions have been released to the public.

Any new safety measures implemented by the union following an investigation would largely not be for the benefit of independent contract workers like Kevin Campbell and the truck driver who struck him. Though they may work for a specific contracting company, these workers are not considered employees of any company, but self-employed independent contractors, leaving them legally deprived of many protections and benefits of full-time employees. These include proper job and safety training, health care and retirement benefits, unemployment benefits, minimum wage guarantees, and overtime pay.

The USW forced 14,000 ArcelorMittal workers to labor without a new contract for 10 months in order to isolate them from 18,000 US Steel workers whose contracts also expired in August 2015, and another 2,200 steelworkers locked out by Pittsburgh-based Allegheny Technologies. It then rammed through a sellout deal at ArcelorMittal in June 2016, which has given the steel giant a free pass to hire independent contractors in the name of improving competitiveness and profits. The terms of the contract allow the company to hire one non-union worker for every four union workers hired. This means that a large portion of the future workforce will be made up of casualized workers, like Kevin Campbell, with few if any rights.

The contract also freezes wages for three years, amounting to a cut in real wages, and in place of a raise gives employees the option to take part in profit sharing program that is largely pegged to the price of steel. Having pushed through the deal, USW President Leo Gerard said he would join the steelmakers in demanding tariffs on steel from China, South Korea and other countries. The USW has long used such nationalist campaigns to divide US workers from their class brothers and sisters around the world and to cover up the unions collaboration in the endless attacks on the jobs and living standards of US workers.

Campbell is far from the first contract worker to die at Burns Harbor. In April 2015, 53-year-old Gregory Sebahar, a contract worker for KONE Elevators & Escalators, was found dead after he was crushed working on an elevator at the mill. In another incident at US Steel in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, contract worker Parrish Sewell, 44, died after he fell over 40 feet while performing maintenance operations.

Following Campbells death in Indiana, a utility worker was killed in Canton, Illinois on Wednesday. Arturo Silva, Jr. was killed by an explosion while working on a gas line that was reportedly damaged by a contract worker earlier. The cause of the blast remains to be found.

Workers must break free from the suffocating grasp of the pro-company unions and form rank-and-file committees to investigate the deaths of Kevin Campbell, Jonathan Arrizola, Arturo Silva, Jr. and others, and to guarantee safe working conditions. These committees must reject the corporatist program of labor-management partnership, which subordinates the lives and limbs of workers for corporate profit.

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Worker killed at US Steel mill in Indiana

[3 October 2016]

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[19 September 2015]
Amid a slowdown of the economy and growing social inequality, indicators of distress and hardship are mounting, belying the claims of media pundits that Australian workers and young people are fortunate to live in the lucky country.

A report released by the Community Council for Australia (CCA) late last month showed that suicide rates and incarceration levels have risen starkly, hitting the most oppressed sections of the working class hardest.

The report, titled The Australia We Want, underscores the punitive character of the prison system, with imprisonment and lengthy sentences serving as the official reaction to a host of social problems.

Over the past decade, Australias prison population has increased by a staggering 42 percent, from 25,400 in 2005 to 36,134 last year.

The report noted that from 2014 to 2015, the number of prisoners increased by 7 percent. The rise takes the national average to 196 prisoners per 100,000 people, up from 186 prisoners per 100,000 in 2014. This is higher than every country in Western Europe, along with Canada, and is more than double the rate in a number of Scandinavian countries.

The Northern Territory has the highest incarceration rate, with 885.1 prisoners per 100,000, or four times the national average. The figure exceeds the rate across the United Statesa world leader in mass imprisonmentof 700 prisoners per 100,000. The second highest levels of incarceration are in Western Australia, with 278.2 people imprisoned per 100,000. The number of prisoners has grown in other states, including South Australia, which now has 204.4 people behind bars per 100,000.

According to the report, the number of prisoners who have not been sentenced, but are in custody is almost 10,000, up by 21 percent from 2014. Many prisoners wait months for a sentence to be delivered.

Less than 25 percent of inmates have committed a violent crimethe majority are found guilty of property offences, often a result of poverty. Only 20 percent of imprisoned adults have completed high school education. One third of adult prisoners have a disability or long-term chronic health condition. Among Aboriginal people, the most oppressed section of the working class, the incarceration rate is 2,253 per 100,000.

The rise in incarceration is a direct result of the policies imposed by successive governments. In the late 1990s, state governments in the Northern Territory and Western Australia introduced mandatory sentencing laws for petty property offences, leading to young people being locked-up for stealing bottles of water, packets of biscuits, stationery and alcohol.

The policy was the sharpest expression of a broader turn to law and order measures by Labor and Liberal governments at the state and federal level, which has continued unabated. Last year, the Western Australian Liberal government and Labor opposition came together to push through an expansion of mandatory sentencing, including for children aged 16 to 18 involved in burglaries. In 2014, the New South Wales Liberal government and Labor opposition introduced mandatory sentences for assaults associated with alcohol.

The report also draws attention to a high incidence of suicide, which is a leading cause of death, outnumbering fatalities in car accidents. Suicide rates have risen by 20 percent in Victoria, South Australia and the Northern Territory.

In 2014, approximately 7.8 people committed suicide every day. In 2016, the figure stood at over 8 suicides per day. Incidences are highest in the most poverty-stricken areas, with workers, young people and the unemployed confronting a myriad of social and health issues.

The Northern Territory, which has served as a testing ground for punitive policies targeting welfare and expanding juvenile detention, has the highest rate of suicides20.8 per 100,000 in 2014, up from 14.3 in 2013. The report notes that the current suicide rate for indigenous youth is four times higher than that of non-indigenous youth.

The official response to the social disaster was underscored by the recent announcement by Lifeline, which provides emergency assistance to people suffering depression and experiencing suicidal crises, that it is ending operations in the Territory. The charity organisation cited a persistent lack of government funding over the past 10 years.

Underlying the growth of social distress is the dramatic increase in social inequality over the past three decades. The report notes that the average income of the wealthiest 20 percent of households is five times that of the poorest 20 percent.

Australias GINI coefficient, which measures social inequality, has also grown. The higher the coefficient, the greater the wealth inequality. In 2012, Australias coefficient stood at 32.6, higher than more than half of the countries in the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD.) In 2014, it increased to 33.73.

The report notes the rising cost of living, which is compounding the social crisis. It points, in particular to housing costs, and notes that those in the lowest quintile spend the highest proportion of their income on rent and mortgage payments.

House prices across the country have soared. Median house prices in Sydney hit a record $1.06 million last month and in Melbourne, the figure stands at over $773,000. These figures have risen by 65 percent and 45 percent respectively, over the past four years. The increases have seen rates of home ownership among young people drop by 50 percent over the past three decades, and have led to widespread financial stress and growing homelessness.

The social divide revealed in the CCA document contrasts sharply with the political complacency of its authors, including Tim Costello, CEO of World Vision Australia, and other charity organisations. The reportwritten in the form of a note of advice to the very governments responsible for the mounting social crisisis a warning to the ruling elite that growing inequality will fuel social opposition and anger. To that end, the report issues a series of pathetic calls for greater inclusivity, a united community and a more optimistic, kind and compassionate society.

In reality, the corporate elite, and the major parties, including Labor, the Liberals and the Greens, are all committed to imposing the burden of the deepest crisis of the capitalist system since the 1930s, onto the backs of the working class and young people. In September, for instance, Labor and the federal Liberal-National government agreed to impose $6.3 billion in cuts to social spending, particularly targeting education, healthcare and welfare.
The election of Donald Trump has been greeted enthusiastically by the right wing and far-right in Italy. At the same time, prospects for the constitutional referendum due on December 4 are worsening. The head of government Matteo Renzi (Democratic Party, PD) has linked his own political future to a positive outcome of the referendum.

Trumps election victory has been celebrated by Beppe Grillo, the initiator of the Five-Star Movement (M5S). In a video on his blog Grillo saluted Trumps victory obscenely, writing: This is a general f**k-off (un Vaffanculo generale).

It is those who dare, the obstinate, the barbarians who will take the world forward, Grillo wrote. We are the barbarians! The real idiots, populists and demagogues are the journalists and the establishment intellectuals.  Corncob [Trump] has told everyone to piss off: Masons, banking conglomerates, the Chinese.

Grillo, who three years ago presented himself as a spokesman for the environmental and protest movement, claiming he would mobilize the population against the corruption of the ruling elite, has shown his real coloursas a right-wing populist.

Grillo joins a long chain of right-wing and far-right politicians who have welcomed the election of Donald Trump.

Eighty-year-old Silvio Berlusconi (Forza Italia, FI) expressed his enthusiasm for the comparisons made in the media between Trump and himself, a billion-dollar entrepreneur who was four times prime minister in Italy. Trump had been elected, Berlusconi said, because Americans were sick and tired of politics that commits the typical mistake of the left all over the world: i.e., to believe that what is politically correct corresponds to the needs of the people.

Referring to Renzis constitutional referendum, Berlusconi said that the same spirit that led the Americans to choose Trump would now lead Italians to say: No to a referendum, which restricts their freedom of choice.

Renato Brunetta, a spokesperson for FI, called on the head of government to resign and said: From this day forward Matteo Renzi is politically finished, he is a dead man walking. He justified his remark by saying that Renzi was a recent guest of Obama who had expressed his support for Renzis constitutional reform.

The reform, which is due to be voted on December 4, is a reactionary undertaking. The Renzi government wants to abolish the current parliamentary two-chamber system in order to speed up the decision-making process in parliament. The government is responding to the requirements of finance capital and is preparing for war and violent class struggles.

In his almost three years in office, Matteo Renzi has introduced reactionary policies such as his Jobs Act and pension reform, attacking the rights of the working population and youth. Renzi, who came to power as a modernizer and pulveriser of vested party interests, confronts growing popular resistance. Polls on the result of the referendum have put the no camp in the lead for weeks.

Renzi has repeatedly linked the referendum to his own political fate. In a television broadcast last Sunday he declared: You remain in power as long as you can change something. If you have to leave things as they are, others should take over. ... Politics is not the only thing in life.

Italy is in deep economic crisis. The third largest economy of the European currency union has still not recovered from the global financial crisis in 2008. Government debt, at almost 133 percent of GDP, is the second largest in Europe behind Greece and the countrys banking crisis remains unresolved. Bank balance sheets reveal bad loans amounting to 136 billion. Many small and medium-sized companies cannot pay their loans and are going bankrupt.

Many commentators fear that Italy could be the next country to leave the European Union (EU), following the UK. The Trump effect is immensely dangerous for Italy, wrote the German newspaper Die Welt, and ARD television reported on November 14: Investors currently consider Italy leaving the euro as more likely than a Greek exit.

Poverty and unemployment are rising, and the government has become less and less popular. Tens of thousands of young Italians are voting with their feet and are leaving the country in search of better conditions.

Meanwhile strikes and protests are increasing. Car workers, teachers, railway workers, bus, train and flight personnel, parcel carriers and transport and logistics workers are preparing to take up the fight against the governments austerity measures. Strikes in the middle of November against the governments budget are due to be followed by a general strike throughout Italy on November 24-25.

The strikes, however, are designed to merely let off steam and strengthen the influence of the official trade union federations. The major trade unions support the economic program of the Renzi government, while so called rank-and-file unions share basically the same bourgeois program as their bigger counterparts.

Under conditions where a progressive socialist alternative is lacking, opposition to Renzis referendum has been dominated by the right wing. The Northern League (Lega Nord) and fascists are not only mobilizing impoverished shopkeepers, artisans and small entrepreneurs, but also desperate workers eager to fight against Renzi, the establishment and the EU in Brussels.

Last Saturday, the right-wing camp called for a rally at Piazza Croce in Florence, the city where Renzi was formerly mayor, and which is traditionally governed by the centre-left. On December 4 we will dispatch with Renzi home, cried Matteo Salvini, head of the Northern League. The city of Florence was not a communist city, but rather an occupied city, he said, but the people would expel the liars. Salvini said he was ready to take over the government: If required, I am ready to run.

On the same day, Giorgia Meloni, president of the fascistic Fratelli dItalia, also made an appearance. She called for an insurrection in Florence if, after a defeat in the referendum, President Sergio Mattarella refused to hold elections. Then we will mobilize the people, Meloni said.

The referendum reveals the urgent need to construct a revolutionary leadership in the working class. As the constant stream of strikes and workers protests show, workers are ready to fight and very angry. But they lack a revolutionary party and an international socialist perspective to defeat the ruling elites program of social devastation, dictatorship and war.
The election of Donald Trump as US president has produced something of a panic reaction in Japanese ruling circles, with Prime Minister Shinzo Abe organising a meeting with the president-elect in New York yesterday.

The meeting, held at Trump Tower in Manhattan, lasted 90 minutes, with virtually no details emerging because Abe said the talks were unofficial. He said the discussion was candid and was held in a warm atmosphere, describing Trump as a trustworthy leader, and stated that the two had agreed to meet again to hold wider and deeper discussions.

The tone of his remarks belied the deep concerns of the Abe government over the Trump victory. The haste with which the meeting was convened, on the initiative of Abe with a phone call to Trump the day after the election, was exemplified by the fact that one day before it was due to take place, basic logistics such as the time, place and who would be present, were described as being up in the air.

The major concern of the Japanese prime minister and the political establishment as a whole is that, in the words of the Asahi Shimbun, one of the countrys major daily newspapers, Trumps victory amounts to a huge political earthquake that will shake the post-war order to its core.

The issues involve economic relations, the future of the Japan-US security pact, the cost of stationing US troops in Japan and whether the US will continue to back Japan in its conflicts with China over disputed territories in the East China Sea as well as ensuring that China is pushed back in the South China Sea.

Abes visit to New York was organised as part of his trip to the meeting of the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) summit meeting to be held in Lima, Peru, over the weekend where the scuttling of the Trans Pacific Partnership (TPP) will be one of the key items on the agenda.

The TPP, which excluded China, was the economic cornerstone of the Obama administrations anti-China pivot to Asia. It is now dead in the water. Trump has said he will not go ahead with it after his inauguration on January 20 and Obama has scrapped earlier commitments to try to push it through a lame duck session of Congress before Trump takes power, leaving Japan and other TPP partners that signed on in the lurch.

At the urging of the Obama administration, Abe made a considerable commitment to the TPP, securing support for it this week in the lower house of the Japanese parliament against some internal opposition. But the strategy of his government has been ripped apart, creating opportunities for its chief regional rival, China.

Speaking to an Upper House committee on TPP ratification on Tuesday, Abe said attention could now shift to a China-backed free trade agreement that excludes the United States.

Theres no doubt that there would be a pivot to the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP) if the TPP doesnt go forward, he said. RCEP doesnt include the United States, leaving China the economy with the largest gross domestic product.

Japan is concerned that the failure of the TPP will lead other countries throughout the region to consider strengthening their economic ties with China. The number two Malaysian trade minister, Ong Ka Chuan, said the country would be looking to complete the RCEP after Trumps election.

Now with the situation of the TPP, the focus will be on RCEP. We hope RCEPs conclusion will offset a lot of the negative impact of the TPP, Ong said, expressing the hope that the deal could be rapidly concluded.

In the negotiations on the TPP, the Singapore government made several warnings that failure to secure the trade deals passage in the US would force the island trading nation to seek other options.

The Australian government, which together with Japan forms the base of US alliances in the Asia-Pacific region, has indicated that with the failure of the TPP, it could also be looking elsewhere.

In an interview with the Financial Times this week, trade minister Steve Ciobo said Australia would support pushing ahead with a proposal for a Free Trade Area of the Asia-Pacific (FTAAP) because any move that increased trade and economic growth was a step in the right direction.

The FTAAP, which has been under discussion within APEC since 2010, formally includes the US. However, given the opposition of the Trump administration to trade agreements, it is highly unlikely that the US would sign up. This means that China would play a leading role. In a comment published in the Australian Financial Review, Ciobo said Australia would work cooperatively with its partners on the RCEP.

Trade and economic relations are only part of the overall concerns of the Abe government and the Japanese ruling class. As part of the post-war settlement, Japan pursued its regional and global economic and strategic interests within the framework of the US alliance. In the recent period, the Abe government has been more assertively promoting Japans global and regional role, in particular in response to the economic and military rise of China, which it regards as the greatest threat to its interests.

But the whole framework, based on the US-Japan alliance, within which the Japanese ruling elite has conducted its economic and foreign policy, has been called into question by the Trump presidency.

During the election campaign, Trump at various times denounced Japan as a trade rival and demanded that Tokyo pay the entire cost of stationing US troops in the countryestimated to be more than $5.7 billion per annumon top of the expenses it already incurs of about $6.6 billion. Trump said the bilateral security treaty was lopsided and warned that Japan should pay us or consider providing its own defences.

Much more than dollars are involved. In words that would have sparked concern in Japanese ruling circles, Trump told a rally in Des Moines in August: You know we have a treaty with Japan, where if Japan is attacked, we have to use the full force and might of the United States? If were attacked, Japan doesnt have to do anything. They can sit home and watch Sony television, OK? he declared, insisting that the alliances had to be a two-way street.

The Abe administration, along with other governments around the world, did not seriously entertain the prospect of a Trump victory. During a September visit to the US, Abe met with Clinton, the key promoter of the pivot to Asia as secretary of the state in the Obama administration, and not with Trump. This miscalculation prompted the frantic push for yesterdays meeting.

Speaking to reporters as he was about to depart Tokyo, Abe said the US-Japan alliance was the cornerstone of Japans diplomacy and security and that only when there is trust does an alliance come alive, adding that he wanted to build that trust with Trump.

While the immediate issues in the US-Japan relationship differ in their particulars, there are resonances with the situation in the 1920s.

At the conclusion of World War I, Japan, which had aligned itself with Britain and the US against Germany, sought to advance its growing economic and strategic interests within a post-war framework increasingly marked by the rise of the US to economic and military pre-eminence. But this strategy broke apart with the Wall Street collapse of 1929, the turn of the US towards economic nationalism and protectionism and the collapse of world trade.

After a bitter struggle within the ruling political and military elites, Japan moved to advance its interests through military means, starting with the invasion of Manchuria in 1931 and then the full-scale invasion of China in 1937 that led to the outbreak of war with the US in 1941.

Today, all the contradictions that led in an earlier period to heightened geo-political tensions and eventually war are re-emerging as Japan faces the prospect of a rift in its key strategic alliance, the rise of economic nationalism and the growth of a rival in the form of China.




The Socialist Equality Party and the International Youth and Students for Social Equality are holding meetings throughout the country on the origins and implications of the US elections. An initial list of meetings is listed below. We encourage WSWS readers to contact us to set up a meeting in your area.

Protests have erupted throughout the country against the election of Donald Trump. These demonstrations of high school youth, college students and other sections of young people express a deep hostility to the right-wing and xenophobic policies of a future Trump administration and all efforts to divide the population along racial lines.

The sentiments animating the protesters stand in sharp contrast to the response of leading Democratic Party officials who have lined up to wish Trump success and pledge their readiness to collaborate with him.

This cowardice of the Democrats before Trump and the far right is a continuation of their role in the election campaign. Clinton ran a right-wing campaign based on scandals and warmongering, directed particularly against Russia. She ran as the continuation of the Obama administration, which has presided over eight years of military violence, growing social inequality and escalating attacks on democratic rights.

Opposition to Trump cannot be carried forward through or in association with the Democratic Party or any of its factions. This longtime party of American imperialism cannot be changed, reformed or taken back.

In these meetings, we will discuss the significance and implications of the US presidential election and the way forward for workers and youth.

Meeting details:

Monday, November 21, 7:00 p.m.

Ann Arbor, Michigan

University of Michigan, Ann Arbor

Pierpoint Commons, Boulevard Room

2102 Bonisteel Blvd.

Tuesday, November 22, 7:00 p.m.

Chicago, Illinois

University of Illinois, Chicago

Taft Hall Room 207

826 South Halsted Street

Tuesday, November 22, 7:30 p.m.

Detroit, Michigan

Wayne State University

State Hall, Room 101

5182 Cass Avenue, Detroit

Tuesday, November 22, 3:00 p.m.

Annandale, Virginia

Northern Virginia Community College, Annandale Campus

Building CC Room 234

Thursday, December 1, 7:00 p.m.

Nacogdoches, Texas

Stephen F. Austin State University

Liberal Arts North 142

1936 North Street

Thursday, December 1, 5:30 p.m.

Geneseo, New York

SUNY Geneseo

Bailey Room 101

Thursday, December 1, 7:30 p.m.

Berkeley, California

University of California, Berkeley

Evans Hall, Room 61

Thursday, December 1, 5:30 p.m.

Syracuse, New York

Beauchamp Library

2111 S. Salina Street

Saturday, December 3, 3:30 p.m.

New York, New York

Houston Street Center

273 Bowery

Wednesday, December 7, 6:30 p.m.

Los Angeles, California

LA City College

Student Union - Multi-purpose Room (3rd floor)

888 N. Vermont Ave, Los Angeles

Thursday, December 8, 7:00 p.m.

New Orleans, Louisiana

Tulane University

Lavin Bernick Center, Room 202

Thursday, December 8, 7:00 p.m.

Cambridge, Massachusetts

Cambridge Public Library

Central Square Branch, Lewis Room

45 Pearl Street
The final European trip by US President Barack Obama has been characterised by attempts at political placation and damage control. The outgoing US president is seeking to calm fears over his successor Donald Trump, to encourage close collaboration with him and on this basis retain a NATO dominated by the US as the most important military alliance.

In this, he is relying on German Chancellor Angela Merkel, whom he hopes to secure as a leader of a strong Europe under German leadership. Obamas promotion of his designated successor is so obvious that the German daily Suddeutsche Zeitung described him as Donald Trumps press spokesman.

After a brief stay in Greece, where he gave his backing to Greek Prime Minister Alexis Tsipras, who is deeply despised for his austerity policies, and held a speech in a cultural centre belonging to the billionaire ship owner Stavros Niarchos, Obama arrived in Berlin Wednesday evening for a three-hour dinner with Merkel.

Thursday was also given over entirely by Obama to his German host. An official meeting at the Chancellors Office was followed by a joint press conference as well as interviews with Der Spiegel and public broadcaster ARD. French President Francois Hollande, British Prime Minister Theresa May, Italian Prime Minister Matteo Renzi and Spanish Prime Minister Mariano Rajoy were only invited to join the meeting early Friday, before Obama leaves early Friday afternoon.

An article authored jointly by Obama and Merkel appeared in the Wirtschaftswoche journal on Thursday titled On the future of Transatlantic relations. The close relationship between Germany and the United States was praised. That friendship is based on our shared commitment to personal freedom and dignity, which only a vibrant democracy under the rule of law can guarantee.

The article invoked the global recognition of international law as a prerequisite for stability and prosperity, as well as our deep respect for human dignity, protecting our planet and other common values. It then proclaimed, It is our treatment of those most vulnerable that determines the true strength of our values.

These unctuous and hypocritical phrases are aimed at defending NATO and the wars in the Middle East. Our countries are committed to collective defence within the North Atlantic Alliance (NATO) because we want to preserve the security of the Euro-Atlantic area as a whole. We cooperate closely in the fight against terror, including in the Global Coalition to Counter ISIL, because we must protect our citizens and because we will not sacrifice our way of life to the enemies of freedom, the article stated.

In Berlin, Obama tirelessly noted that his successor also supported this line. Asked at the press conference if Trumps appointment of right-wing extremist Stephen Bannon to the position of chief strategist and his decision to make a meeting with UKIP leader Nigel Farage his first with a European politician did not prove the exact opposite, Obama responded, I am always optimistic. This was what his life had taught him. The solemn responsibility of the office would result in Trump changing. Obama said he would do everything to assist him in this.

Obama showered Chancellor Merkel with praise and compliments. He lauded her strong leadership and noted that she had cooperated closely with the US during the Ukraine crisis and over Syria. Asked if he supported a fourth term in office for Merkel, Obama answered that he would not intervene in the politics of another countrybut if Merkel chose to stand, she would have his vote, if he could vote.

But Obama found it difficult to convince even US-friendly media outlets that Trump does in fact support such a course. The Suddeutsche Zeitung dismissed Obamas Athens speech, writing Thursday, That was someone speaking who does not seem to have understood what has happened over recent days. The paper described it as a nice touch that the US president, who proved incapable of preventing Trumps rise, finds himself during his farewell European tour next to Europes biggest deceiver, [Greek] Prime Minister Alexis Tsipras.

The same newspaper published an opinion piece by James W. Davis, who teaches international politics in St. Gallen in Switzerland and was a member of Hillary Clintons advisory team. He described the fear rampant in Europe that something fundamental from the already weakened trusted world order is breaking apart. In the past, all American governments, whether led by the Democrats or Republicans, recognised the basic principles of open markets and collective defence. A president in the White House had never openly questioned the fundamental pillars of the American-led order Donald Trump, who has been elected president, does so.

At their joint press conference, Obama and Merkel also affirmed the significance of the European Union, whose dissolution will be accelerated by Trumps victory. The right-wing nationalist forces that celebrated victory with the Brexit referendum in Britain are on the rise throughout Europe.

In Italy, the government of Matteo Renzi is currently in a battle for survival ahead of a constitutional referendum in early December. If new elections are called, opponents of the EU have a good chance of winning. In Austria, the presidential election will take place at the same time, in which Norbert Hofer, the candidate of the far-right FPO, has strong prospects of winning. And in France, Marine Le Pen of the National Front is being heavily tipped in presidential elections in early spring next year.

As in the United States, the rise of these right-wing populist forces is a result of growing anger with the establishment parties on the one hand, and the lack of a progressive alternative on the other. The ruling elites are much more fearful of the social opposition developing in an independent, anti-capitalist direction than they are of the far-right parties, which will direct the social anger into a reactionary blind alley. They merely have tactical differences with them. This is the reason why Obama is advocating cooperation with Trump in Europe.
In the week and a half since Donald Trump won the 2016 presidential election, leading Democrats have moved with extraordinary speed to embrace the president-elect. The same individuals who before November 8 were denouncing Trump as an existential threat to the country and the world are now pledging to work and collaborate with him.

What has happened in the ten days since the election? First, there were the conciliatory statements from President Barack Obama and Trumps rival in the election, Hillary Clinton. Obama declared the day after the vote that his number one priority was to ensure that Trump was successful. This was followed by an apology from the New York Times, the leading national newspaper in the US and a fervent promoter of the Clinton campaign, for its coverage of the election.

Nominally left Democrats, including Senators Bernie Sanders and Elizabeth Warren, jumped in to say that they would work with Trump on basic elements of his agenda, as have top trade union executives like AFL-CIO President Richard Trumka and UAW President Dennis Williams. This week, Vice-President Joseph Biden put in his praise after a meeting with Vice-President elect Mike Pence, saying that the office would be in good hands from Day One of the new administration.

Throughout this process, the ultra-right agenda of the incoming administrationepitomized in Trumps selection of Stephen Bannon, a racist and fascist, as chief strategisthas been ignored or downplayed. So too has the fact that Trump likely lost the popular vote by as many as two million, treated by Democrats and the media as an inconvenient fact in the effort to assure the stability of the new government.

Aside from the spinelessness that has long characterized the Democratic Party, a definite political logic is at work. While the election campaign gave expression to bitter factional conflicts within the ruling class, its outcome has paved the way for a reorientation of class policyin a ferociously nationalist direction.

Most revealing is the response of congressional Democrats to the new power in Washington. This turn is spearheaded by Senate Democrats, who elected a new leader Wednesday, Charles Schumer, to replace the retiring Harry Reid of Nevada.

As a senator from New York state, Schumer is a fervent defender of Wall Street interests. But he is also identified with a more aggressive anti-China stance in economic and trade policy. Year after year, he has co-sponsored legislation with Republican war hawk Lindsey Graham of South Carolina demanding that the US government force China to revalue its currency upwards with the threat of punitive tariffs on Chinese imports.

The most vehement advocate of such a policy is President-elect Trump, who has declared he will issue an executive order branding China a currency manipulator, and impose tariffs of up to 45 percent to force Beijing to revalue. Trump and Schumer have known each other for decades, and Trump has contributed to Schumers House and Senate campaigns.

The New York Times, which largely supports the pro-Trump campaign by the Democrats, headlined its Thursday lead, Senate Democrats Surprising Strategy: Trying to Align With Trump. The article reported that congressional Democrats are constructing an agenda to align with many proposals of President-elect Donald J. Trump that put him at odds with his own party.

Given Trumps lack of ties to the Republican congressional leadership, the Democrats hope to win him to their side on certain issues if they embrace his trade war program, on which they largely agree. The Times report continues: Senator Chuck Schumer of New York, elected Wednesday as the new Democratic minority leader, has spoken with Mr. Trump several times, and Democrats in coming weeks plan to announce populist economic and ethics initiatives they think Mr. Trump might like.

The effort to present the Democrats alliance with Trump as a populist turn to the white working class is a fraud. The nationalist agenda is aimed at aggressively asserting the interests of American corporations in relation to their rivals. The corollary of this policy is ever more violent military intervention all over the world.

Sanders now elevated role in the Democratic Party (he was appointed to the Senate leadership this week) is particularly significant. Sanders based much of his campaign for the Democratic presidential nomination on opposition to trade agreements. The other addition to the Senate leadership is West Virginia Senator Joe Manchin, a rabid protectionist who has discussed switching to the Republican Party.

The claim by Democrats that they will work with Trump on certain issues while opposing him on others is a political fiction. A nationalist economic policy will inevitably be accompanied by the aggressive use of military force abroad. This was signaled Thursday night by the announcement that Trump will be appointing retired general Michael Flynn, an arch warmonger, as his national security advisor.

Moreover, to the extent that the ruling class attempts to stimulate economic growth through nationalist measures, this will be based on an intensification of the exploitation of the working class within the United States. The turn to Trump signals that the ruling elite is preparing to use more authoritarian methods of rule and police-state violence to deal with the growth of social opposition.

While the election of Trump marks a significant shift in the political methods of the ruling class, his policies are in line with a general trajectory going back decades.

There is no constituency in the American ruling elite or its two political parties for a genuine struggle against the ultra-right, authoritarian, militaristic regime that is taking shape in Washington. The incoming Trump administration is one of enormous crisiselected with the votes of less than a quarter of the population, without a popular mandate for the ferociously reactionary policies it will unleash.

The struggle against Trump cannot be waged through any faction of the discredited Democratic Party or any of the institutions of the capitalist state. It requires the independent political mobilization of the working class through the building of its own party, based on a socialist and internationalist program.
On Thursday, Vermont Senator and former Democratic Party presidential candidate Bernie Sanders appeared before a crowd of several hundred workers, young people and trade union members on the north lawn of the US Capitol Building in Washington, DC. The event, billed as a Rally for Social and Economic Justice and Equality, was organized by the trade unions and various organizations tied to the AFL-CIO and the Democratic Party.

Despite organizers claim that the rally was intended to promote a peoples agenda stepping up grassroots mobilizations for economic and social justice and equality as the incoming Trump administration takes office, the event offered no way forward for workers seeking to defend themselves against the attack on democratic rights and living standards being prepared by a Trump administration.

In the wake of the US presidential elections, tens of thousands of youth, professionals and working class people have taken to the streets protesting the election of Trump. High school students have staged mass walkouts throughout the country in recent days.

Speakers at the event made few direct references to Trump, instead seeking desperately to bolster illusions in the Democratic Party. In various trade union functionaries speeches, Trumps election victory was portrayed as something potentially beneficial. Numerous speakers touted the president-elects right-wing nationalist opposition to the Trans-Pacific Partnership (TPP) deal, a view that is shared by the trade unions.

In the social media description of the event, the organizers declare months of protests by labor and progressive organizations culminated in the opposition to the trade deal by all three leading Presidential candidates.

This perspective was captured most grotesquely by former-Communications Workers of America president and representative of Sanderss Our Revolution organization, Larry Cohen. Jumping up and down hysterically, Cohen declared, we need to celebrate in dark times. This is a victory!

Several trade union representatives declared that progressives and the labor movement needed to stick together going forward. This was stated without a hint of irony under conditions where the trade union apparatus in multiple industries has organized the isolation and sellout of strikes by sections of the working class throughout the US.

Sanders began his speech by reminding audience members not to forget that Trump had lost the popular vote to Hillary Clinton. Trump won for a number of reasons, Sanders said, noting the various aspects of the economic and social crisis in America.

The future of the Democratic Party must be rectified [and] it is time for a new direction, said Sanders. He said he supported the nomination of Minnesota Democrat Keith Ellison as the new chair of the Democratic National Committee. Sanders himself has been recently elevated to the leadership of the Democratic caucus in the US Senate.

The claim that the Democratic Party is capable of being moved to the left is disproven by the results of Sanderss own failed presidential run. After gaining the support of millions with his calls for political revolution against the billionaire class, Sanders pivoted to backing Clinton, the chosen candidate of Wall Street and the military-intelligence agencies.

Sanders said nothing of his attempts to present the Wall Street servant Clinton as the continuation of his political revolution against the billionaire class in his speech.

Sanders sought to stoke illusions in the new administration, declaring demagogically people thought Trump would stand up to the establishment He wont, but we will. Sanders stated that Trump had been dangerously wrong on issues such as climate change, before urging the president-elect to pay more attention to the scientific community and less to the fossil fuel industry.

The notion that a Trump administration can be pressured to adopt progressive policy positions is to sow fatal illusions about the real character of a Trump presidency. A hint of what Trump is preparing to do was given just days before, when Milwaukee County Sheriff David Clarke, an avid Trump supporter and prospect for a top position in his cabinet, accused anti-Trump protesters of causing riots and advocated for the use of ALL non lethal force against them.

Despite the events claim to promote an agenda for stepping up grassroots mobilizations, not a single speaker bothered to make a reference to the mass anti-Trump protests occurring in cities throughout the US. The refusal of the Democratic Party and trade union establishment to support the protests is of a piece with efforts to legitimize the Trump transition to power while containing popular hostility to the elections outcome.

Reporters from the World Socialist Web Site spoke to Jessica, who had attended the event. I was a Sanders supporter during the primaries. I honestly think if he had won [the election] America would not be in the situation we are in right now, she said.

Speaking of the anti-Trump protests sweeping the country, Jessica said I think people should be protesting. I think we have a duty to [protest]. When asked why she thought the Democratic Party was attempting to play down the significance of Trumps election, Jessica said, Trump always complained during the election that the system was rigged, but it turned out to be rigged for him.

The author also recommends:

As anti-Trump protests spread, Democrats scramble to contain opposition

[17 November 2016]
By PTI: Bhubaneswar, Nov 18 (PTI) BJD president and Odisha Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik today sought explanation from party MP Bhartruhari Mahatab for his recent statement on the partys possible ties with opposition Congress.

Mahatab, the leader of BJD Parliamentary party in the Lok Sabha, has also been accused of issuing "harmful" statements to media without prior permission of the party president, a release by BJD secretary Ananta Narayan Jena claimed.

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"Party president Naveen Patnaik has today sought explanation from the Cuttack MP over his anti-party statements," he said.

Mahatab said, "He (Patnaik) is my leader. He has every right to seek explanation from me. I will give reply after receiving the letter."

On November 2, Mahatab, in a statement to a local news channel, had said, "As Congress has been weakened now, the party (BJD) should reconsider its policy of maintaining distance from that party."

He had also said since Congress is "not strong enough",there is "no danger" in tying up with it to fight BJP.

"The Uttar Pradesh polls will determine BJDs strategy. As Congress has looked after the general welfare of the people of Odisha, BJD can be a part of the grand alliance against BJP," Mahatab had said.

Reacting immediately to Mahatabs statement, Patnaik had said, "There is no question of any kind of alliance with Congress as it has always neglected the people of Odisha."

The developments took a new turn when a section of the local media quoting Mahatab, said the Cuttack MP spoke about the possible alliance with Congress as per the direction of the Chief Minister.

Mahtab, however, immediately claimed that he had never made such statements. PTI AAM SKN SUS NSD SNP

--- ENDS ---
By Siddhartha Rai: After Prime Minister Narendra Modi held an Obama-style town hall to reach out to the people directly in August this year, it is now BJP president Amit Shah's turn. The party chief is all set to hold a massive 'Yuva Town Hall' in poll-bound Uttar Pradesh (UP) on November 19 to establish a direct connect with the young college-going voters of the state.

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REACH OUT TO YOUNG VOTERS

The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) had found much resonance with the young voters of the state in the last general elections in 2014, when riding on the Modi wave the party had bagged 71 of the 80 parliamentary seats. "The young men and women of Uttar Pradesh have a stake in the state's development and BJP recognising their aspiration wants to establish a direct dialogue. Yuva Town Hall is the first step towards participative governance," said Amit Malviya, in-charge of BJP's national information and technology.

In this massive town hall, to be held at the Babu were to come to power. The party calls this crowd-sourcing its manifesto by leveraging technology as students from across UP's colleges would be connected to the party president via online modes such as WhatsApp and online telephony along with the regular phone calls.

STUDENTS' INVOLVEMENT

The BJP has already appointed its student representatives in the major colleges of the state -the party has christened them as 'Campus Saarthi' of 'Campus Ambassadors'- who have been pressed into service to take the party's message, especially underline what the party claims to be Modi's connect with the youth, to the common students. Meanwhile, the party is making grand preparations to make the town hall a success. "The BJP is the only alternative in front of the people of the state, especially the youth and students, as the past regimes have neglected all the avenues for their betterment. UP needs a major refurbishing of the educational system. The state needs more colleges and more schools but the Samajwadi Party as well as BSP have had just no focus in this field as they have been busy perpetrating corruption and making parks," said UP BJP spokesperson Chandra Mohan

"Ask anyone when did Akhilesh Yadav or for that matter Mayawati before him ever talked to the students?" the spokesperson asked. Banarasi Das University in Lucknow, over a lakh students from across 200 locations in the state are expected to get in touch with Shah apart from the ones in which the BJP chief would be getting face-toface on the varsity campus. At this town hall the party would ask the youth of the state what they want from it and the government if the BJP.

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ALSO READ:

Will BJP's reliance on Modi backfire in UP elections?

Demonetization: Has BJP scored a self goal in UP ahead of polls? Modi's December rally deferred





--- ENDS ---
TALLAHASSEE, Fla. (WTXL) - A man in Leon County Sheriff's custody has been charged with 34 counts of child porn possession.

Benjamin Jones was arrested in Alabama in July and was extradited to Leon County.

He's facing additional charges as well, with 4 more counts of "obscene communication" in the electronic transfer of child porn being added on Wednesday.

A probable cause document related to the case, showed that Jones was arrested after LSCO and the Florida Department of Law Enforcement were able to track his IP address through his multiple email accounts.

Jones is still in the Leon County Jail.
THOMASVILLE, Ga. (WTXL) - Thomasville police are warning parents and students about the serious nature of bomb threats.

In the past two weeks, they've responded to four threats at schools.

Police are cracking down on finding students responsible for the threats.

So far, three people have been charged with making terroristic threats and that's a felony.

Police have to treat every threat seriously but they say students are acting up and wasting the department's time and resources.

The most recent threat was Wednesday at Thomasville High School. Threats pull in different resources from the city and county, including police, EMS, and fire crews.

Another incident was reported at Macintyre Park School. Officials were forced to dismiss students early to investigate empty threats.

Police are fed up with the pranks and warn that students will be in big trouble if it happens again.

Captain Maurice Holmes with the Thomasville Police Department said, "It really waters down the seriousness of it, when in essence, someone might just be in danger and you're pulling resources away or you have watered the resources down to the point where we're not responding as effectively as we should."

Police say one threat was on a day where they were responding to a bank robbery and a shooting at the same time.

The department says it's an unnecessary stretching of resources.

Police say they'll hold guilty parties accountable. If students are caught, they'll be expelled from their school.
Ralph Raines Jr. led a fantasy life.

At 66, the heir to a third-generation Washington County logging company had once faced the prospect of a lonely existence. He was without close family and, as prosecutors now say, he was a bit socially awkward.

But he had found a beautiful young wifeor she had seemed to find him, actually. Mary Marks was thin and blond and preferred heavy makeup. She had presented Raines with a baby boy she said was their son, a child who sat on his lap and called him "Daddy."

What's more, a devoted caregiver named Rachel Lee, who had looked after Raines' father, was now helping Raines handle the millions of dollars that came from the family's timber company.

Raines' life had gone on like this for nearly a decadeuntil March, when police told him the life around him was a hoax.

Mary wasn't really his wife, and the boy wasn't his son. And Rachel, the caregiver? She was, in reality, Mary's mother and the architect of a yearslong scam that, authorities say, drained Raines of at least $12 million and as much as $20 million. Prosecutors say Raines is left with $200,000.

It's a classic con called the "sweetheart swindle"a younger woman ingratiates herself with an older, vulnerable man so she can get access to his money.

Investigators say these scams are on the rise as the population ages. "Once you get your hooks in, it's easy money," says Jay Pentheny, the elder-abuse detective for the Multnomah County Sheriff's Office, who has investigated many "sweetheart" cases. "This is very prevalent, and it's getting worse. I guarantee there are so many more cases going on in Portland that we don't know about."

Prosecutors say they've never seen a "sweetheart" fraud as large or as egregious as the one waged against Raines. The scammers allegedly bought luxury cars and financed trips to Las Vegas by liquidating Raines' bank accounts and selling off his propertiesall while keeping Raines isolated and confused.

Rachel Lee, 43, and her daughter, Porsha Lee, 24, who played the wife "Mary" in the alleged scam, were arraigned May 9 in U.S. District Court in Portland on charges of wire fraud, money laundering and conspiracy.

Rachel Lee's boyfriend, Blancey Lee, and another daughter, Samantha Lee, are also named in the 13-count indictment.

"The defendants, their family and their friends lived a lavish lifestyle on the back of this victim," Assistant U.S. Attorney Donna Maddux told a federal judge at the Lees' arraignment. "In terms of sweetheart scams, it was like winning the Powerball."

Raines declined to be interviewed for this story. His attorney, Brett Hall, says investigators are still trying to understand what happened, and that includes helping Raines figure it out himself.

"This is devastating," Hall tells WW. "He believed that Rachel [Lee] was helping him. She created a dream state and kept him there."









An only child, Ralph Raines Jr. grew up logging with his father, Ralph Sr., and his mother, Helen, on their 1,300-acre tree farm overlooking Gaston. Ralph Sr., a World War II veteran, had inherited the former Carnation Logging Co. from his father.

The family lived modestly, rarely giving hints of how rich the timber business had made them. When Helen died in 2001, she left tens of thousands of dollars to local libraries in Gaston and Forest Grove, news reports say, and $375,000 for a library at Pacific University. The family also gave $400,000 to Tuality Forest Grove Hospital for the Raines Dialysis Center.

Raines served a tour as a sailor in Vietnam, and then earned an associate's degree in forestry from Clatsop Community College. He never married, and he had no children.

In 2004, Raines traveled to Bend for a conference of tree-farm owners, where he met Rachel Lee, then 32, a slender dark-haired woman with large, vulnerable eyes. Raines confided to her that his mother had died a few years earlier. Lee said she could relateshe too had lost her mother recently. The two quickly bonded. (Prosecutors say Rachel Lee's mother was actually alive and living in California at the time.)

Over the next two years, prosecutors say, Lee gained the trust of Raines and his father. "It was his understanding that [Lee] was there to help them, to guide them through their finances," Maddux told a federal judge last week at Lee's arraignment.

Lee was hired as caretaker for Ralph Sr., then 86, after he suffered a stroke in 2006. Prosecutors say Lee didn't let on that her only work experience was as a psychic. Before long, court records say, Rachel Lee was controlling the Raines family finances. In 2006, Ralph Jr. bought a new $915,000 home in Portland's Northwest hills, and public records show Rachel and her family moved in.

In 2008, the indictment says, Rachel Lee brought her daughter, Porsha, then 17, into the scam.

Porsha Lee put on a blond wig, large glasses and plenty of makeup. Feigning an English accent, she introduced herself to Ralph Jr. as Mary Marks, a British citizen in the U.S. illegally who needed a green card.

Raines told investigators he fell in love with Mary. Porsha Lee, disguised as Mary, told Raines she wanted to have his child, but only through artificial insemination. She convinced him to give her a sperm donation, and then told him she was going to California to have the baby.

She later returned with a little boy and told Raines this was his son. Court records obtained by WW confirm the child was born not to Porsha Lee but to her sister, Samantha, who, prosecutors say, goes by the aliases "Bubbles" and "Pebbles." The boy's birth certificate doesn't list a father.

Porsha Lee then managed to convince Raines they were actually married, court records say. That was also a lie. It's still not clear how or why Raines could have been fooled into believing this. His attorney, Hall, will only say Raines was convinced of her story by his desire for a family of his own, and by the extremes the Lees took to make the story seem real.





Meanwhile, Rachel Lee, mother of the young woman portraying Raines' wife, had opened joint bank accounts with Raines and was funneling money to her personal accounts. Raines' father, Ralph Sr., died in 2011.

That's when the money really started to fly.

Ralph Sr.'s probate file, obtained by WW, shows that Rachel and Porsha Lee, posing as Raines' wife, inserted themselves into the handling of the estate, which was valued at $5 million.

According to court documents, Rachel Lee convinced Raines to sell the Northwest Portland home, where she lived, for $640,000. She also got him to sell his family's tree farm for $12.3 million, telling him he needed the money to cover inheritance taxes, the indictment says.

The day after the tree farm sold, court records say, Lee and her boyfriend, Blancey Lee, went on a buying spree. Blancey bought a $200,000 Ferrari convertible and a $300,000 Bentley Mulsanne, according to the indictment and Oregon Department of Motor Vehicles records reviewed by WW. The vanity plates he put on the cars: aMRBIGa and aMRBIG1.a

The indictment says Rachel Lee and Blancey Lee took Raines' money to Las Vegas, where they stayed and gambled at the Wynn, the Venetian and the Bellagio hotels. They bought rental properties and opened psychic businesses in Bend, Canby, St. Helens and Portland.

Last fall, court records say, Rachel Lee told Raines he was broke and would have to file for bankruptcy.

Porsha Lee, still posing as his wife, Mary Marks, called a real-estate agent and put Raines' last two properties on the market: a 1930s family homestead and a dilapidated A-frame cabin near Gaston where Raines continued to live. The cabin had once been surrounded by woods his family owned. After the sale of the tree farm, the house stood isolated and exposed in the middle of a clear-cut.





Investigators say the scam unraveled when someoneauthorities won't say whotipped the Canby police, who joined with the Internal Revenue Service to build the case against the Lees.

When agents told Raines he had been scammed, he was skeptical. After checking back with Rachel Lee, Raines explained to agents he had given her $4 million as a gift. Agents told him she had taken much more than that.

Federal agents arrested Rachel Lee and Porsha Lee at their psychic shop in Bend last week. According to prosecutors, the Lees had traded their iPhones for disposables and had suitcases packed next to the door. When she was arrested, Porsha Lee had $40,000 in cash hidden in her underwear.

Investigators say Raines tried to cover for Rachel and Porsha Lee, something that Pentheny, the Multnomah County detective, says is common in such scams.

"The men who have been victimized do not want us involved," he adds. "They don't want friends or family to know about what happened to them.a

Prosecutors say Porsha Lee told authorities after her arrest that she made only $500 a month as a psychicwhich didn't explain why she was driving a new Mercedes.

Neighbors of the Lees' psychic business in Canby tell WW that Rachel Lee had recently met an older man who owns lots of land. The man has since told investigators he plans to marry Rachel Lee and, as a sign of affection, recently bought her a Mercedes of her own.

WWeek 2015
The Bombay High Court asked the FTII head to meet the student who has been rusticated. The bench said the reform of the student was ultimate, adding 'Jo bhoola shaam ko laut aye use bhoola nahi kehte'.

By Vidya : A dramatic, straight out of a film, scene played out at the Bombay High Court on Thursday when Justice VM Kanade asked the head of the Film and Television Institute of India (FTII) to at least meet a student who has been rusticated.

"Jo bhoola shaam ko laut aye use bhoola nahi kehte" Justice V M Kanade said.

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Justice Kanade and Justice Nutan Sardesai asked Tom Alter, the head of FTII, to meet the student once.

The division bench said, "We don't want to compel him" but ultimately, it is the reform of a student that is important.

"The bad blood that is created will also go," the justices said.

ALSO READ | Shatrughan Sinha's message to FTII students: Be best of the best or different from the rest

THE CASE

The student in point was rusticated in October this year on the inquiry committee's recommendation, which had found him guilty of misconduct.

The student, who had enrolled in 2013 for a diploma in acting, was a part of numerous protests that happened in FTII after the appointment of actor Gajendra Chauhan as the institute's chairman.

This student, in particular, had written an email with expletives to the head of department Tom Alter.

Dressed in a 'hippy' attire (red tie and formal clothes), the student came to court on Thursday and stood in front of the bench with his head bowed.

His lawyer Mihir Desai said that "he must be allowed to complete the film in the final year".

For a student to get his diploma, he has to shoot a film. This student's team is shooting a film with only two days left for the shooting to complete.

The lawyer argued that he should be at least allowed to join the team to complete the shooting." If, even after the film, they don't want to give him a diploma- it is fine. But at least let him join the team."

Advocate Priyanka Telang, representing FTII, however said that the student has been rusticated due to his actions, and it doesn't seem that he is interested in the diploma.

ALSO READ | Framing dreams

'GIVE THE STUDENT A CHANCE'

Justice Kanade, however, seemed persistent.

He said, "It will set an example. Many talented people have come out of the premier institute. Ultimately, the reform of a person is more important than anything else. We have seen number of cases where people have reformed even in criminal cases."

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On the other hand, advocate representing the FTII told the court that the student in question was already given an opportunity by Tom Alter, but the student never apologised.

The lawyer said "there were many times that the student passed by Alter but did not even acknowledge his presence. There is no respect."

"There are two apology letters but if you look at the wording, it hardly seems like one," she said.

Justice Kanade, however, did not go into the merits of the case and allowed the student to shoot the film on humanitarian grounds.

Also Read:

Bombay High Court refuses to entertain plea filed by lawyers over demonetisation

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File report in a week's time on the amount of money pending against people who have been given security, Bombay High Court asks Maharashtra government.

By Vidya : Bombay High Court has directed the Maharashtra government to file a report in one week on the amount of money that is pending against people who have been given security by the government.

Public prosecutor Abhinandan Vaigyani said, "Security is provided only when there is a threat perception." In response to this, Chief Justice Mridula Chellur said, "If you keep on giving security without collecting money, who will bother to pay? Who will pay the charges? Have you collected the pending amount?"

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Also read | Bombay High Court refuses to entertain plea filed by lawyers over demonetisation



PETITION MENTIONS COPS' PAY IS PALTRY

A petition was filed by activist Ketan Tirodkar last year that talked about policemen not getting pension, their salaries being paltry even as their working hours were not fixed and about the miserable condition in which they lived.

In the petition, a point pertained to the state government coming out with an affidavit "containing details on the strength of the police force posted on guard duty at the residences of bureaucrats, judges and ministers."

Advocate Sadhna Kumar told the court that the issue also pertained to a police reform to which Vaigyani replied that Maharashtra had already undertaken the reform as set by the Supreme Court.

Also read | No stay on Coldplay concert in Mumbai on Nov 19, rules Bombay High Court



However, Justice Chellur wanted all that to be said in the affidavit, along with the names of people who had been given security and had not paid their dues. Chellur said, "How much you are charging and how much is pending, we need all details, especially about the extension of courtesy to private parties. The details have to be given by the state within a week."

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By PTI: New Delhi, Nov 18 (PTI) CBI is probing cases of ponzi schemes in which over Rs 85,000 crore of over six crore investors are involved and it is assisting the Centre in framing a legislation to put a ban on such deposit-taking activities, agency Chief Anil Sinha said here today.

"CBI alone is investigating cases in which more than six crore investors/victims spread across 26 states involving Rs 85,000 crores of public money. There are hundreds of criminal cases with state police and EOWs," he said at the valedictory session of 22nd Conference of CBI and Anti-Corruption Bureaux of states.

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He also said the scope and reach of these fraudulent entities coming out with nefarious schemes to induce gullible public to invest in their dubious schemes is bewildering.

Earlier, during a conference in Mumbai in March, Sinha had said that the agency was investigating Ponzi schemes involving funds of over Rs 1.20 lakh crore.

Officials in CBI claimed that figures often change because of allegations and later its cross verifications during the investigations.

Sinha said CBI was part of the sub-group of an Inter- Ministerial Group for identifying gaps in the existing legal and regulatory framework for "deposit-taking" activities and to suggest administrative/legislative measures including formulation of a new law, to cover all relevant aspects of deposit-taking.

"As we are all aware, a comprehensive central law titled the Banning of Unregulated Deposit Schemes and Protection of Depositors Interests Bill, 2016 is on the anvil," he said.

The CBI chief said the government has announced in the 2016-17 budget that it proposes to bring in a comprehensive central legislation to deal with the menace of unauthorised deposit-taking scheme.

Sinha said the conference resolved that early enactment of the proposed central law which bans and criminalises all unregulated deposits with provisions for attachment and confiscation of proceeds of crime to refund the depositors will go a long way in curbing the menace. PTI ABS NES SMJ

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It may not have been the Defense Minister Avigdor Liebermans intention, but his proposal to restrict construction to the settlement blocs is in line not only with the policy which will likely be adopted by the new American administration, and he knows what hes talking about, but also with one of the most important court rulings on settlers rights compared to the rights of property owners. The ruling was issued by the European Court of Human Rights, one of the most important courts in the world.

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It began in 1974, after Turkey invaded Cyprus. About 200,000 Christian Cypriots were expelled or forced to leave the northern part of the island, where a new diplomatic entity was established (the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus  TRNC), sponsored by Ankara, recognized by no other country apart from Turkey. The lands and homes of the residents who left were captured by tens of thousands of settlers, encouraged by Turkey.

Illegal outpost of Amona. The radical right wants to adopt the regulation idea and reject the principle it is based on (Photo: AP)

The property owners began claiming their property. In response, Turkey initiated a sort of regulation law, allowing the property owners to receive compensation. They didnt settle for what was offered. Some of them, led by Takis Demopoulos, petitioned the European court in 1999, claiming their property. Following discussions of more than a decade, the judges reached a dramatic decision: There is no precedent in the Courts case-law to support the proposition that a Contracting State must pursue a blanket policy of restoring property to owners without taking into account the current use or occupation of the property in question. The judges directed the petitioners to the compensation system established by the Turkish entity, despite the fact that the entity is unrecognized and the compensation is limited.

The ruling is in line with the solution adopted by the international community regarding Cyprus, which included a reunification of the island, while separating between the Turkish entity and the Greek entity. The initiative was launched in 2004 and named after then-UN Secretary General Kofi Annan. The initiative, by the way, limits, and basically denies, the right of return, and establishes a complicated system of property issues.

The legal precedent allows the right to argue that the Regulation Bill is enforced by international law, but thats just part of the story. Because the ruling has another part: It essentially adopts the principle of separating between populations. Many conflicts have created huge waves of population swaps. For example, tens of millions in Europe. Property of enormous value, which cannot be assessed, remained behind. International law usually adopted the international and state decisions against the return of property. The ruling in the Demopoulos case goes in the same direction and is based on the principle of not restoring the situation, both concerning the residents and concerning the property.

There is an Israeli precedent as well: The lands of Kibbutz Lehavot Haviva were owned by an Israeli Arab citizen who claimed his property. The issue was discussed by the Knesset in January 1954. Then-Finance Minister Levi Eshkol spoke about the hypocrisy of the Mapam party, which demanded that Lehavot Haviva return the property while its own kibbutzim were located on Arab lands too. The farms buildings stand on the land of an Arab who lives in Israel. He is claiming the land, and there is no doubt that he should be compensated, but there is also no doubt that the buildings cannot be destroyed, Eshkol said. Lehavot Havivas members dont want to leave the land rightfully, justifiably and legally.

Amona is not Lehavot Haviva, because the communities established after the War of Independence were based on the principle of separating populations. Amona, on the other hand, was established on the opposite principle of mixing populations. The Regulation Bill could be amended so that it is restricted to the settlement blocs, which will remain under Israeli sovereignty even after an agreement or arrangement. That is the direction which was rightfully raised by Lieberman this week.

This is not a dispute between the Left and the Right, its a dispute between the Israeli majority and the radical right, which is refusing to settle for the blocs. It wants to adopt the regulation idea and reject the principle it is based on. Thats sort of like constructing a building while skipping its ground floor. That wont work. the building will collapse.
BERLIN- A Munich court on Thursday rejected a U.S. soldier's asylum application in Germany, arguing that he hasn't exhausted all avenues to leave the military.

Army Spc. Andre Shepherd deserted from his military base in southern Germany in 2007, claiming he wanted to avoid returning to Iraq where he feared being involved in war crimes.

The 39-year-old, who has permanent residency in Germany because he is married to a German woman, took his case to court after German authorities rejected the asylum bid.

The Munich administrative court noted in its ruling that the Apache helicopter mechanic had repeatedly re-enlisted with the U.S. military.
BEIRUT -- Airstrikes pounded rebel-held eastern Aleppo on Thursday, killing more than 20 people and hitting a water pumping station on the third day of a renewed air campaign on the besieged territory, Syrian activists and rescue workers said.

The Russian military meanwhile said airstrikes in the rebel-held province of Idlib earlier this week killed at least 30 members of an al-Qaida-linked group, including three commanders. The strikes are part of a major Syrian and Russian offensive launched earlier this week on opposition-held areas that has killed dozens of people.

In one area, volunteer first responders dug through the rubble for four hours before pulling out a six-year-old child who was still alive. The child's mother was killed in the strikes, said Ibrahim al-Haj, a spokesman for the rescuers, known as the Syrian Civil Defense.

The activist-run Public Services Authority said the Bab al-Nairab water plant was struck with a barrel bomb. Spokesman Ahmad al-Shami said the plant was damaged but is still operating.

"This regime uses any means to add pressure to civilians. It has bombed bakeries and hospitals and has not made an exception for water and electricity," he told The Associated Press.
The United States and Iran clashed Thursday openly at the UN atomic watchdog for the first time since they signed a landmark nuclear deal last year, differing over Tehran's repeated testing of one of the deal's less strictly defined limits.

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The International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), which is policing the deal, said Iran's overstepping of the limit on its stock of heavy water for the second time this year risked undermining countries' support for the agreement.

Arak heavy water reactor (Photo: Getty Images)

The victory of Donald Trumpa vocal critic of the dealin the US presidential election also raised the question of whether his country would continue to support the accord, which restricts Iran's nuclear activities in exchange for the lifting of sanctions against the Islamic Republic.

"Iran must strictly adhere to all commitments and technical measures for their duration," US ambassador to the IAEA Laura Holgate said in a statement to the agency's quarterly Board of Governors meeting.

The dispute centers on the part of the deal between Tehran and six major powers that limits Iran's stock of heavy water, a material used as a moderator in reactors like the unfinished facility in Arak, which has been put out of use.

In contrast to strict limits elsewhere in the deal on materials including enriched uranium, the text says Iran should not have more heavy water than it needs, adding that those needs are estimated to be 130 tons. Western countries see it as a hard limit, and Iran argues it is not.

Iranian nuclear agreement (Photo: AP)

"We note with concern Iran's accumulation of heavy water in excess of the limit set forth in the JCPOA of 130 metric tons," Holgate said, using the abbreviation for the deal's full name, the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action.

The IAEA said Iran was preparing to ship some heavy water out of the country to come back under the 130-ton limit, but Holgate said Iran would not be in compliance until it had been delivered to a foreign buyer as the deal requires.

"Simply notifying states that this heavy water is for sale without removing it from Iran does not fulfill this JCPOA commitment," she said.

Iran said the issue was not that clear-cut.

"Where is (the) limit?" Iran's envoy to the IAEA, Reza Najafi, told reporters on the sidelines of the board meeting, adding that the country was preparing to export more than the 5 tons of heavy water it originally informed the IAEA of.

"The JCPOA is very clear," he added. "It says that the needs of Iran are estimated (to be) 130 tons. Who is the native English speaker to tell me what estimated means?"
Israel's Ambassador to the US Ron Dermer met with US President-elect Donald Trump's transition team at Trump Tower in New York on Thursday, bringing with him a message of support from Jerusalem.

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It is unclear whether Dermer met with the president-elect himself, while the Israeli Embassy in Washington would not confirm or deny it.

"Israel has no doubt that President-elect Trump is a true friend of Israel. We have no doubt that Vice President-elect Mike Pence is a true friend of Israel, he was one of Israels greatest friends in the Congress, one of the most pro-Israel governors in the country," Dermer, a close associate of Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, told the surprised reporters who met him at the lobby of Trump Tower.

Ron Dermer after his meeting at Trump Tower (Photo: AP)

"We look forward to working with the Trump administration, with all of the members of the Trump administration, including Steve Bannon, and making the US-Israel alliance stronger than ever," Dermer added.

Trump's appointment of Bannon has been criticized by Democrats, civil rights organizations and some Republicans, who denounce the former Breitbart News chief as having made the website a forum for the "alt-right," a loose grouping of neo-Nazis, white supremacists and anti-Semites.
Pnina Grynszpan-Frymer, one of the last fighters of the Warsaw Ghetto Uprising, died at the age of 95 on Thursday at Ichilov Hospital in Tel Aviv. She will be buried beside her husband in Holon.

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"She was a wonderful mother, a courageous woman and very special," her daughter Neta said. "It was very important to her in recent years to work with children of other ghetto fighters to establish a special fund for Holocaust Studies at Haifa University. She wanted students from around the world to internalize and learn about the Holocaust and she has achieved her dream."

Pnina Grynszpan-Frymer (Photo: Courtesy of the family)

Grynszpan-Frymer was born in Nowy Dwor, Poland near Warsaw. With the outbreak of World War II, she and her family were moved to the ghetto and eventually found their way to the Jewish Combat Organization.

During the ghetto uprising, Pnina fought the Germans and escaped through the sewers into the Wyszkow forest, where she joined the partisans.

Pnina with her grandson (Photo: Elad Gershgorn)

After her family perished, Grynszpan-Frymer, together with her husband Chaim who was also a resistance fighter, immigrated to Israel in 1945 and made Tel Aviv their home.

In 2011, Pnina was one of 25 fighters who received a medal of honor from then-Speaker of the Knesset and current President, Reuven Rivlin.

She is survived by one daughter, one son and four grandchildren.
Bentzi Gopstein, the head of radical right-wing anti-assimilation organization Lehava, slammed Israeli Arab journalist Lucy Aharish and the rest of the Israeli media on Thursday evening.

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Gopstein waved a rag with Aharish's photo printed on it during a Jerusalem event in memory of Rabbi Meir Kahane, which was attended by hundreds of people and included speeches from other prominent right-wing figures such as Rabbi Dov Lior , attorney Itamar Ben-Gvir and former MK Michael Ben-Ari

"All these media rags, when we are in the government, we'll make them wash the floors," Gopstein told Ynet afterwards.

Gopstein waves his Lucy Aharish rag (Photo: Eliran Aharon, Channel 7)

"The media needs to understand that just like they fought (US President-elect Donald) Trump, the more they fight me the more it'll strengthen me," he added.

On Aharish, Gopstein said, "she can't forget what I told her and keeps crying. She compared me to Hamas. So we'll make her nightmare come true."

Gopstein is referring to an incident in July 2014, when Aharish interviewed Gopstein on her morning show. "This isn't your country. You shouldn't be here," he told her.

The moment he left, I pushed my chair backwards, turned around and burst into tears, Aharish told Ynet's print-publication Yedioth Ahronoth in an interview last month . Why should I feel that someone hates me because of who I am? Its like ISIS. Gopstein is like the garbage can of Islam.

She went on to explain: "You know what shattered me, that day with Bentzi Gopstein? It wasnt the first time I had heard that kind of talk. What shattered me was the hatred in his eyes, because of one thing only: Because I am an Arab. His hatred reminded me of the terrorist who threw a Molotov cocktail at me and looked at me. I was the only one who saw him, a five and a half-year-old girl. Gopsteins gaze had the same hatred.

In response to Gopstein's rag with her photo on it, Aharish told Ynet: "He can do whatever he likes. He's not worthy of a response."
Twelve Iranian officials have been arrested on suspicion of espionage, an Iranian parliament member was quoted by Al-Arabiya as saying on Friday.

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According to the report and MP Hussein Ali Haji Degana, all 12 of them had key negotiating positions on the nuclear deal signed last year.

Degana, a parliament member in the opposition, demanded that the judiciary deliver rulings with transparency, and inform the public of the identities of those detained, some of whom apparently possess dual citizenship.

Photo: Reuters

Iran's Minister of Intelligence Mahmoud Alavi and other officials previously denied the existence of dual nationals in the Iranian decision-making apparatus. According to previous reports however, Abdol Rasul Dori Esfahani, one of the chief nuclear negotiators, was arrested following allegations of dual citizenship following his family moving to Canada.

Photo: AP

Earlier this month, the Swiss Attorney General announced the freezing of a criminal investigation into allegations of espionage at the nuclear talks hosted in Switzerland in April of last year. The investigation was launched one month after talks were held at the Woodrow Wilson hotel in Geneva following the discovery of malware on computers.
By PTI: exchanging notes

Mumbai, Nov 18 (PTI) An assistant police inspector was today suspended for his alleged involvement in a case of duping a real estate developer on the pretext of exchanging his old notes, a senior police official said.

Sanjay Mali, attached to Santacruz police station, has been suspended and his involvement in the alleged duping of Sanjay Naik, on the pretext of exchanging Rs three crore from a bank in Santacruz, is being probed, the official said.

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"An inquiry is going on against Mali in this connection," a senior police officer told PTI.

Police had yesterday arrested three persons for cheating Naik on the pretext of exchanging his money from a bank in Santacruz on Tuesday.

The accused had asked Naik to come to a place near the bank two days ago, where they took his money and fled.

The accused, whose names have not been disclosed, were arrested and a case under section 420 (cheating) of IPC was slapped on them, police had earlier said, adding more arrests were likely in connection with the incident. PTI AVI/DC GK DIP

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MANILA -- The Philippine military says fierce clashes between government troops and Muslim extremists in the country's south have left at least 14 combatans dead.

Military spokesman Maj. Filemon Tan says 10 Abu Sayyaf rebels were killed in Friday in Sulu province, but troops retrieved only three bodies.

Four were killed and nine wounded on the government side.

Tan says army units encountered some 150 militants in Patikul township and exchanged fire for 45 minutes until the extremists withdrew. Soldiers then pounded the rebels' position with artillery fire and put up checkpoints as they pursued the militants.
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is expected on Sunday to pass David Ben-Gurion as the prime minister who served the longest consecutive term in Israel's history.

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Like Netanyahu, Ben-Gurion also served as prime minister in two non-consecutive periods. Ben-Gurion's first term lasted for five years and nine months until January 1954, when he resigned following a series of political clashes inside the coalition. He then retired to Kibbutz Sde Boker, only to return a year and nine months later for a longer second term that lasted 2,790 days.

As of Friday, Netanyahu has served 2,788 days consecutively spanning over three terms after having been re-elected three times in 2009, 2013 and 2015.





Netanyahu holding a cabinet meeting marking 40 years to Ben-Gurion's passing (Photo: Koby Gideon, GPO)

To break Ben-Gurion's overall record, which includes both of his terms, Netanyahu would need to serve as prime minister for 972 more daysabout two and a half years.



Ben-Gurion served a total of 4,872 days in office. Netanyahu, whose first term in office was from 1996 to 1999, has served a total of 3,900 days.

The next elections are scheduled for November 5, 20191,082 days from now. If early elections are not called before July 2019, Netanyahu will have broken that record.

Even on a world scale, that's impressive. Data collected by Dr. Ofer Kenig of the Israel Democracy Institute (IDI) shows Netanyahu is ranked at 62 in length of consecutive time in office among hundreds of leaders of democratic nationsboth past and present. If he completes his current term, he will leap to the 21st spot.

David Ben-Gurion in a photo from 1968.

Zionist Union MK Merav Michaeli has submitted a bill proposal in the previous Knesset's term to limit the prime minister to two terms in office, but the legislation wasn't put to a vote.

A year ago, Michaeli tabled the same bill, which was put to a vote in a preliminary reading after the heads of the opposition's parties added their names to the proposal. Yisrael Beytenu leader Avigdor Lieberman, who at the time was still in the opposition and a staunch critic of Netanyahu, gave his full backing to the proposal, as did Yesh Atid leader Yair Lapid and Zionist Union leader Isaac Herzog. Joint List leader Ayman Odeh and Meretz leader Zehava Galon chose to miss the vote, however, and the bill failed to pass.

The six months cooling period required before Michaeli can raise the proposal again have since passed, but Michaeli is waiting before putting it to a vote again.

"It's a complex proposal and we need to wait for a very specific political situation to pass it," she said.

Netanyahu visits Ben-Gurion's Hut in Sde Boker (Photo: Amos Ben-Gershom, GPO)

Lieberman, who supported the proposal in the past, would not vote for it now when he's the defense minister in Netanyahu's government.

To stop Netanyahu from claiming that the bill proposal targets him specifically, Michaeli set a provision according to which the legislation would only come into effect during the election for the 22nd Knessettwo terms from now. This would allow Netanyahu to continue serving for four additional terms, but despite this he continues opposing the legislation.

IDI researchers believe the solution is not in limiting the prime minister's time in office, but in passing legislation that would determine that the head of the biggest party would be the prime minister.

"The political system does need a structural change to increase government stability and the ability to implement long-term plans, but limiting the prime minister's term will not provide the answer for that," said IDI President Yohanan Plesner, a former MK. "It is no coincidence that there is no mechanism to limit the term of the state's leader in all other parliamentarian regimes."
BERLIN -- Federal German prosecutors have charged an 18-year-old with supporting a terrorist organization by translating Islamic State propaganda and correcting errors in texts the group posted online.

Prosecutors said Friday Mikail S., a German citizen whose last name wasn't disclosed in line with privacy laws, faces nine counts of supporting the Islamic State group on allegations he'd been in contact with the extremist organization's propaganda operations since mid-2016.

S. is alleged to have contacted the group, offering to translate English, German and Turkish texts and correct linguistic errors.

After being taken up on his offer, he delivered over the period of about a month beginning at the start of June one translation and eight corrected texts which ended up on the internet.

The suspect has been in custody since July 14.
Yigal Bar-Lev, a 43-year-old Ramat Gan resident, was arrested Wednesday for aggravated assault after security cameras captured the suspect viciously assaulting 82-year-old Yosef Lavi. The assault occurred in a bike shop following a dispute about money after the man tried to return a mobility scooter he had purchased a few weeks earlier.

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The district attorney decided to file charges against Bar-Lev in the Tel Aviv Magistrates' Court following a review of the assault. The indictment read: "The plaintiff came to the store of the accused with the aid of a cane and demanded that he return the money paid for the mobility scooter." It was further reported that an argument ensued and a store employee "shoved the plaintiff backward toward the entrance of the store, where he continued his claims against the accused."

While Yosef stood at the doorway and continued to argue with the storeownerwho was repairing a bike tirehe called the defendant "a cheat." This prompted Bar-Lev to come from behind the counter and strike the senior citizen in the face with an open hand, causing the man to collapse to the ground.

The indictment against Bar-Lev continued, "Upon seeing the plaintiff lying on the floor in agony, he returned to his work repairing the bike wheel as if nothing had happened." The indictment went on to detail how Bar-Lev demanded that his employee remove Yosef from the store. Finally, both lifted the man and carried him onto the sidewalk, where they left him alone and bruised.

Video of the assault (Video: Israel Police) (:  )

X

MDA paramedics arrived on the scene and took the man to Tel Hashomer Hospital. Ramat Gan police also arrived at the scene and detained Bar-Lev.

Lavi described the situation, saying, "I bought a mobility scooter from him and I returned it after a day or two. I told him, 'It's not for me, I can't use it.' He told me would try to sell it to someone else and later told me that he succeeded and the other person would pay for it in installments. He didn't give me my refund and then called me a thief. I told him I'm owed NIS 4,000, but he told me he would give me 1,000. This was all over NIS 3,000."

According to Lavi, after Bar-Lev assaulted him, "He didn't even call an ambulance. He dragged me into the street and his assistant helped him. His assistant was all right though; he at least brought me water."

Findings from a Knesset research project demonstrated that most attacks against the elderly are committed by the young. In addition, the study showed that in recent years, there was a 14% rise in violent crime in the general population, while the elderly population experienced an increase of 24%.
New details have emerged from the investigation into Brig. Gen. (res.) Avriel Bar-Yosef, who was slated to become the new head of Israel's National Security Council (NSC).

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Bar-Yosef, 61, was arrested for the alleged offenses of bribery, money laundering, fraud, and breach of trust, while working to promote the interests of a German business associate.

Police investigators suspect that German businessman Michael Herzog invested 700,000 euros (roughly NIS 3 million) in a startup company founded by Bar-Yosef's daughter, Dr. Hila Fogel, in an effort to butter up Bar-Yosef himselfthe deputy head of the NSC at the timeso he would promote Herzog's business interests in Israel's gas market.

Brig. Gen. (res.) Avriel Bar-Yosef

Bar-Yosef denies the allegations against him.

It has now come to light that Bar-Yosef's daughter was also arrested and questioned over suspicions of conspiring to commit a crime, receiving bribes and laundering money.

Investigative journalists from Ynet's print-publication Yedioth Ahronoth found that Herzog had Bar-Yosef's daughter, Dr. Hila Fogel, fly to Berlin on his private plane three months ago, but it now seems that the VIP treatment was only a small perk compared to the hefty sums she allegedly received from Herzog's investment fund.

Dr. Fogel, a neurophysiology researcher who researches Alzheimer's among other things, founded a company called NIBS two years ago with a fellow researcher from Tel Aviv University. The company deals with electrical brain stimulation.

In early 2015, Fogel traveled to France to meet with potential investors. A month later, Herzog's investment fund decided to invest 700,000 euros in the project in return for control of 30 percent of the company's stocks.

Police investigators claim this investment in Fogel's company was actually a bribe meant for her father Bar-Yosef.

Dr. Hila Fogel (Photo: Michal Kadron)

Fogel denied the allegations against her, claiming it was a "legitimate investment," which was accepted after she sought legal counsel on the matter. She confirmed to police investigators that her father was indeed the one who introduced Herzog to the company, but claimed there was no obligation made on Herzog's part. In support of her claims, Fogel noted that Herzog is a physicist and that's why his investment in her startup made sense.

After being questioned, Bar-Yosef and Fogel were both put on a five-day house arrest.

Bar-Yosef's lawyer, Jacques Chen, said the police investigation "is looking into matters that have been made public in the past by interest groups. Mr. Bar-Yosef answered all of the investigators' questions and clarified the situation to them. I'm confident that at the end of the investigation, allegations will be proven baseless and no faults will have been found in his conduct."

Yaron London, who represents Fogel, said: "My client acted innocently. She had legal counsel the entire time, and is certainly not connected to the accusations the investigators made against her."

Bar-Yosef is also suspected of involvement in Israel's deal with Germany to buy three new submarines and on Thursday it was revealed his German business associate Herzog was involved as well.

According to information obtained by Yedioth Ahronoth, Herzog, who heads the private equity and investment fund IFC, sought to buy an abandoned shipyard in Portugal several years ago for 250 million euros. He explained to his board that this would allow him to own a naval company that could be used to acquire the manufacturers of technological equipment for submarines, and later secure a financial return on the investment from the Israeli government. The board, however, did not approve the deal.

Herzog declined to comment.

Tova Tzimuki and Shahar Ginosar controbited to this report.
PARIS - French presidential hopefuls are showing off their patriotism by sampling sausages, fashions, and concept cars -- all made in France.

Far right leader Marine Le Pen, capitalizing on frustration with globalized trade and the status quo, reveled in her visit Friday to the "Made in France" exhibit in southern Paris.

Socialist Arnaud Montebourg -- who once posed on a magazine cover wearing a striped French sailor's jersey and holding a French-made blender -- also toured the expo.

Montebourg, who as economy minister tried to reinvigorate French manufacturing, is seeking the left-wing nomination for president.

Nathalie Kosciusko-Morizet, running in a conservative primary Sunday, visited the exhibit, too.
Some 2,000 protested on Friday against the "Muezzin Bill" in Kafr Qasim, Tayibe, Kabul, Kafr Kanna and Rahat.

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They called to end the legislative process that aims to prevent mosques from using loudspeakers to announce prayer times after leaving Friday prayers. They waved banners that read, "Silence the voice of racists, not the voice of the muezzin" and "A racist law," and cried, "The voice of the muezzin will not be stopped; such a law will not be followed."

Kafr Qasim's mayor, Adel Badir, joined those protesting in his city. He said, "Here, at this place where we're demonstrating, 49 martyrs were murdered in a massacre carried out by soldiers." Referencing the words contained in the call to worship that mean "God is (the) greatest," the mayor continued, "We were born with 'Allahu akbar,' and we'll continue saying, 'Allahu akbar.'"

Protestors in Kafr Qasim (Photo: Ido Erez)

At the beginning of the week, the Ministerial Committee for Legislation approved a bill Sunday evening to ban mosque muezzins from announcing prayer times via loudspeakers in the streets. The bill was submitted by MK Motti Yogev (Bayit Yehudi) and Robert Ilatov (Yisrael Beytenu) after numerous complaints from residents of various cities. The first call to prayer occurs at approximately four or five in the morning every day, disturbing the sleep of local residents.

"We are not opposed to religious observance, and certainly not to the call of the muezzin that 'God is greatest,'' Yogev told Channel 1s education program. "(Religious Jews have been) reciting a similar phrase for thousands of years, long before the emergence of Islam.

Muezzin schedule in Lod mosque (Photo: Asaf Magal)

"But with all the technological advances of today, there is no justification for waking people up at 4 oclock in the morning who dont want (to attend prayer services). There are cell phone applications, alarm clocks, and other technologies to use. There is no need to wake up the whole neighborhood."

The bill passed an initial reading in the Knesset and then was passed on to the committee stage for further rounds of voting. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu himself voiced his broad agreement with the legislation, commenting, "Muslims, Jews and Christians all suffer from this. I cannot count the number of times that civilians have approached me from all strands of Israeli society who complain about the choice and the suffering which is caused by the excessive noise from houses of worship."

(Photo: Ido Erez)

The bill's explanatory notes elaborate, Hundreds of thousands of citizens in Israel in the regions of the Galilee, the Negev, Jerusalem, Tel Aviv-Jaffa and other locations in the center of the country regularly and daily suffer from noise caused by the muezzin's call in mosques."

Minaret in Kafr Qasim (Photo: Gil Lerner)

It also detailed, "This noise is created as the result of using a loudspeaker, which disturbs the rest of citizens multiple times a day, including during the early morning hours and at night."

Protest in Tayibe

Yogev added that the bill "brings a worldview according to which freedom of religion doesn't require harming quality of life and suggests that houses of prayer be prohibited from using loudspeakers to call the congregation or to transmit religious or national messages, and sometimes even incitement."

The bill infuriated many Arab Israelis. One Kafr Qasim resident who came to the protest said, "If this racist law passes, quiet will not come. We'll continue to fight with all (our) strength, and it doesn't matter to us what the results may be. Arrests, indictments and investigations won't deter us. The Israeli government must understand that harming the Muslim religion is a red line."

(Photo: Ido Erez)

Speaking of the prime minister, he added, "A man who's going in this direction is destroying relations and causing an explosion. He'll be responsible for the outcome. A man like this cannot remain in a position as leader, and he must resign."

Tayibe Mayor Shuaa Mansur also warned about the effects of the legislation: "These extreme measure of the Israeli government is a challenge to the Arab populations, which believes in shared life and freedom of worship. We believe that Jews and Christians too must be given freedom of worship everywhere in the world. I hope that the voice of sanity in this country, including that of the attorney general, will triumph." He said that Netanyahu should "not be dragged over by the extreme right. At the end of the day, you're everyone's prime minister."

A Tayibe resident at the protest said, "The muezzin is an inseparable part of the prayer, which is required of every believing Muslim. Therefore, a proper democratic country should defend its existence and certainly not prevent it, as this is part of the freedom of religion and faith."

Responding to Yogev's call to use different, less intrusive technologies to call the faithful to prayer, another Tayibe resident said, "The voice of the muezzin has become part of the tradition and day-to-day life. In addition, there's tons of people and principally elderly who don't know how to read and write, and certainly not how to use a smartphone. I recommend that the prime minister of Israel deal with other noises, like the noises of planes above populated areas, marriages in illegal locations."
ATHENS - The United Nations refugee agency is expressing concern over attacks on a migrant camp on the Aegean island of Chios, and wants Greek authorities to increase security at the site.

The UNHCR said Friday petrol bombs and stones damaged tents and shelters at the camp holding 2,300 people, in the island capital of Chios. Thursday's attacks followed overnight clashes between camp residents, police and islanders.

Police are investigating the attacks.
MINSK  A comprehensive reform of the Jewish religious conversion system in Europe means that from now on, continental religious Orthodox courts will have uniform procedures for the process, the Conference of European Rabbis announced at their Biannual Standing Committee in the Belarusian capital.

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This measure is intended to the trend of what rabbis have termed "the conversion industry" (i.e., conversion for money) that they assess as granting thousands of bought conversions each year.

CER in Minsk (Photo: Eli Itkin)

According to the CER's decision, only rabbinical courts that have received the conference's approval will be permitted to perform conversions. For the first time, a uniform process for conversion across the continent is to be assembled. Applications for conversion from persons outside the area of the Jewish community in which they are seeking to carry out the process will not be received in an attempt to keep out those with insincere intentions. Fundamental principles are also to be set regarding religious observance, such as keeping Shabbat and kashrut that will be necessary prerequisites for conversion eligibility.

The CER describes itself as "the primary rabbinical alliance in Europe. It unites more than 700 religious leaders of the mainstream synagogue communities in Europe," and it is headed by its president and Moscow's chief rabbi, Pinchas Goldschmidt.

The CER will determine the composition of those who sit on conversion courts and will be able to disqualify rabbis from dealing with the subject. The State of Israel, for its part, will not recognize conversions carried out by parties that it has not authorized, but it will regularly accept and approve without delay the supervised conversions performed in Europe.

"Very unfortunately, we're talking in Europe about dozens of percent of intermarriage," Rabbi Moshe Lebel, the CER's rabbinical director, explained regarding the circumstances that led to the decision. "The father can be a synagogue's gabbai, but have a son with a non-Jewish girlfriend. Unfortunately, here pirate courts come into the picture that in exchange for money out of a weird ideology, convert anybody who asks.

The new measures that are to bind European Jewish communities will be decided on in complete collaboration with the administration of Israeli religious Jewish courts. For the planned reform, a joint conference is planned with European religious judges and the Chief Ashkenazi Rabbi of Israel David Lau, intending to improve the collaboration between the two sides.
Advisory: Graphic content



Gaza's health ministry said that a 26-year-old Palestinian, Mohammad Abu Seada, was killed by soldiers in clashes along the border between the territory ruled by the Islamic militant group Hamas and Israel.

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Another three Gazans taking part in the protests were also injured.

Abu Seada viewed in morgue (: )

X

The IDF said dozens of Palestinians breached the buffer zone, damaged the fence, threw rocks at soldiers, burned tires and "attempted to infiltrate Israel."

A relative mourns over the body of Mohammed Abu Saada (Photo: AFP)

Relatives react after seeing the body of Mohammed Abu Saada (Photo: AFP)

Dozens of protesters hurl rocks at Israeli soldiers every Friday along the border with Gaza.

The Associated Press, Elior Levy, Reuters and Yoav Zitun contributed to this report.
By PTI: exchanging notes

Mumbai, Nov 18 (PTI) An assistant police inspector was today suspended for his alleged involvement in a case of duping a real estate developer on the pretext of exchanging his old notes, a senior police official said.

Sanjay Mali, attached to Santacruz police station, has been suspended and his involvement in the alleged duping of Sanjay Naik, on the pretext of exchanging Rs three crore from a bank in Santacruz, is being probed, the official said.

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"An inquiry is going on against Mali in this connection," a senior police officer told PTI.

Police had yesterday arrested three persons for cheating Naik on the pretext of exchanging his money from a bank in Santacruz on Tuesday.

The accused had asked Naik to come to a place near the bank two days ago, where they took his money and fled.

The accused, whose names have not been disclosed, were arrested and a case under section 420 (cheating) of IPC was slapped on them, police had earlier said, adding more arrests were likely in connection with the incident. PTI AVI/DC GK DIP RDS

--- ENDS ---
WASHINGTON - Three former top Soviet officials are marking the signing of a treaty 25 years ago that formally dissolved the Soviet Union and are urging dialogue on the deadly separatist conflict in Ukraine.

In December 1991, the leaders of the Soviet republics of Russia, Ukraine and Belarus signed a pact that broke up the USSR and defeated the efforts of Soviet leader Mikhail Gorbachev to keep the country together.

One of the signatories, Stanislav Shushkevich, then head of the Belarusian parliament, said Friday the deal helped avoid civil wars and many other calamities and required "a touch of heroism." He spoke at a think tank event in Washington.

Gennady Burbulis, an aide of the late Russian President Boris Yeltsin, said the Soviet Union was "an inviable entity" from the very beginning.
Master Sgt. Joe Poltor, lead recruiter at Youngstown Air Reserve Station (YARS), Ohio, won three awards during the annual Air Force Reserve Command recruiting conference held in Orlando, Florida in late October.

Poltor was named Top Get 1 recruiter in the north, Top Non-Prior Service (NPS) Recruiter in the North and Top NPS Recruiter in the command. The last is the highest award a recruiter can earn.

It is a great honor to win any awards in recruiting, but being maned the Top Non-Prior Service recruiter was an honor, Poltor said.

According to Senior Master Sgt. John Wood, senior recruiter at YARS, Poltor set a goal for this year to be the top NPS Recruiter in the Command, and he achieved that goal.

Hard work, dedication and commitment best define the Airman and the recruiter. That is Master Sgt. Poltor, Wood said. Joe is one of the best recruiters I have worked with. He is driven to provide world-class customer service, and that is validated by his accomplishments.

Poltor is a Brookfield, Ohio native and knows what its like to grow up in a small town.

I joined the Air Force at 17 and left for basic training right after high school graduation, he said. I know what its like to want to want to get away from home.

The master sergeant was a C-17 loadmaster from 2002 to 2008 as an active duty Airman and transferred to the reserve in 2008. He joined the recruiting team in 2014 to help people and add more stability to his life.

Poltor spent his first year recruiting in the Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania area before transferring closer to family.

Im from this area of Ohio. I know the struggles of being from a small town, Poltor said when asked about coming to Youngstown Air Reserve Station. I can show people the path to something more than they may have if they dont join the reserve.

Poltor said the hours in recruiting can be very long, but it is rewarding and beautiful to see the change in the people he recruits from the time they are enlisted, though their time in the Development and Training Flight to basic training and tech school and back here at the unit.

The best thing about this job is being able to help kids become productive adults, Poltor said.

He had one recruit who hadnt made the best decisions in his young life. Poltor said he seemed to have no real focus, he didnt have a plan, then his girlfriend got pregnant and he knew he needed to make a change. Poltor was able to recruit him into the 910th Civil Engineer Squadron where he will learn to be an electrician. That skill will help will help him find a job when hes not on Reserve orders and be able to support his family.

He listened to what I had to tell him and was able to get basic training and tech school scheduled so he will be home before the baby is born, Poltor said. Thats the kind of recruit who makes my job worth all of the long hours.

Poltor recruited 47 NPS Airmen and a total of 62 Airmen for the year. A NPS recruit has never served in any capacity in any branch of the military. The other 15 recruits either came from active duty Air Force or other branches of the military.

One of the 47 NPS recruits Poltor enlisted is Airman 1st Class Sarah Gruber, 910th Airlift Wing Public Affairs broadcast journalist.

Master Sgt. Poltor is ambitious and determined. He worked very hard to ensure I would like the job that I was interested in, Gruber said. He cares about the people he puts in the Air Force. He checked up on me after basic training to see if I was doing well in training and having a good time.

Poltor got into recruiting to help people. The hours are long, the pay doesnt change because you recruit more or less people, so you have to do it because you want to help someone, said Poltor.

He advises all potential recruits to do their homework and not fall for the pressure that some recruiters use to get people in their branch of service.

Each branch has benefits and drawbacks depending on what someone is looking for so people need to research the information they are given. Everything is available on the web, Poltor said.

Not everyone who has tried to enlist in the Air Force Reserve has been a success story. Unfortunately medical issues like severe asthma and concussions have kept people from being able to join.

I had one kid who wanted to come in, but was disqualified because he had suffered two concussions playing sports. It broke his heart to be told he didnt qualify, Poltor said.

Poltor said he is very happy with the recruiting team at YARS. They have a positive attitude and make the job more fun. He plans to continue to strive for the best in his job, but also wants to find a better balance to spend more time with his family.

If you are interested in learning more about becoming an Air Force Reserve recruiter or about joining the Reserve, please call 330-609-1394 to speak with a member of YARS' recruiting team.
This has been a long time in the making, but in our continuing pursuit to bring only the best of firearms, 2nd Amendment and defence related news to our readers, we are very excited to announce the next step in our evolution as a company.

As of 2020, Minuteman Review is now the proud owner and operator of Your Defence News, a website with a long history of breaking huge news stories and investigative journalism.

We hope you are equally as excited as us.

This means that now the teams of Minuteman can combine with the firepower of Your Defence News to stay at the absolute forefront for our readers.

Keep an eye. Big things are coming soon. We couldn't be more excited.

In the meanwhile, here are some of our most popular posts and categories to keep you busy.

Happy shootin' my friends!

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By PTI: From K J M Varma

Beijing, Nov 18 (PTI) China today warned Mongolia of "serious repurcussions" to bilateral ties if it allowed the Dalai Lama to visit the country and allow the monk to engage in "separatist activities".

The 81-year-old monk is due to start a four-day visit to predominantly Buddhist Mongolia this evening as the resource rich Mongolia invited him defying Chinas strong objections to any country holding the Tibetan Buddhist monk.

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The Dalai Lama is in a "political exile who has long been engaging in splitting China activities in the name of religion with the aim of alienating Tibet from China," ministry spokesman Geng Shuang told media briefing here.

"We strongly urge Mongolia to act by keeping in mind the big picture of maintaining the stable development of bilateral relations and to keep their promises made on this issue," Geng said.

"Do not allow the Dalai Lama to visit. Do not support or facilitate the separatist activities of the Dalai clique," Geng said adding that Mongolia should stick to commitment given on Tibet related issues.

China regards Dalai Lama as separatist and routinely objects his visit to any country. Recently Beijing objected to Indias permission to him to visit Arunachal Pradesh, which regards as southern Tibet.

However, the invitation to the Dalai Lamaby Mongolia whose source-centred economy is heavily dependent on China came a surprise as it is currently in negotiations for a USD 4.2 billion loan from Beijing to help pull it out of a deep recession.

Mongolian Buddhism is closely tied to Tibets version of Mahayana Buddhism.

The Tibetan monk made the first of his eight visits to Mongolia in 1979. PTI KJV AJR AKJ AJR

--- ENDS ---
As a homeowner, you probably already know that you should be working to maintain your home. But, chances are, you Read More
Dobra, k. Szczecina 900 m2

40 miejsc parkingowych



Atut: Dodatkowe dochody z paczkomatow InPostu, a juz niedugo i z myjni samoobsugowej.



Tradycyjny zakup nieruchomosci, mozliwosc wykupienia uzytkowania wieczystego.
The Delhi Police today arrested two in connection with theft in Delhi and NCR. They recovered 401 mobile phones, four flashers and one laptop from them.

By Tanseem Haider: The Delhi Police today arrested two in connection with theft and recovered 401 mobile phones which were stolen from Delhi and NCR.

The two accused, Mohammad Shafi and Waseem, residents of Ghaziabad, Uttar Pradesh were nabbed today by the Central District Police.

In addition to 401 mobiles, four flashers and one laptop has also been recovered.

The mobiles recovered by the police.

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Due to increasing incidents of snatching and pick-pocketing of mobile phones in the area, patrolling was strengthened. The special staff of the police made the people aware and asked them to be alert and keep a close watch on suspicious people.

Sources were also deployed to get clues about the accused.

The police received information on September 8 that two persons, who used to boy stolen mobiles, would come at Old Iron Bridge in Darya Gang. A police team was deployed around the area and the accused were apprehended.

Also Read:

India Today Impact: Centre asks Delhi Police to act against cash mafia



--- ENDS ---
At a meeting convened by BJP president Amit Shah, some party MPs expressed concerns fearing backlash of people over demonetisation decision ahead of UP polls.

By India Today Web Desk: While publicly they are heaping lavish praise on Prime Minister Narendra Modi's step to fight corruption and black money through demonetisation, a section of the ruling BJP leaders, including MPs, are unhappy with the government's move.

A meeting of party MPs called by Bharatiya Janata Party chief Amit Shah to discuss ways of promoting and endorsing demonetisation in poll-bound Uttar Pradesh (UP) and the adjoining states, was cancelled at the eleventh hour, following apprehensions that a section of the MPs may express their displeasure over the move.

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READ| Demonetisation Day 10: Election Commission asks Finance Ministry to stop using indelible ink at banks



According to sources, the meeting that was to be held on Wednesday was called off after apprehensions were raised that certain MPs may express their displeasure in front of Shah.



MPs FEAR BACKLASH

At least three of the MPs, admitted privately to IANS, that they were not happy with demonetisation and said they had to face the backlash of people in their respective constituencies.



They said people were even coming to their houses to complain about the lack of availability of cash and the pains they had to undergo to get their money exchanged in banks.

READ| Demonetisation: Government promises action after India Today exposed misuse of Jan Dhan accounts



While Shah proposed that banners and posters endorsing demonetisation and hailing Prime Minister Modi for the "bold move" be put up in Uttar Pradesh, the MPs got cold feet fearing it may backfire.

WATCH:





READ| Exposed: Crooks turning kala dhan into Jan Dhan



PARLIAMENT HOUSE ATMs GO DRY

The ripple effects of demonetisation have not spared the high-security Parliament House complex too. On Thursday, the second day of the Winter Session, ATMs went dry at Parliament House, causing intense disappointment among those lined up in the queue.

Hoping to get hold of much-needed cash, many people, mostly Parliament staff, security officials and some journalists, queued up at the two ATMs in Parliament House in the afternoon. But their wait turned futile as the cash vending machines were not refilled during the day.



READ| India Today Impact: Centre asks Delhi Police to act against cash mafia

'ONLY WHEN THE GOVT HAS MONEY?'

Hoping the ATMs would be replenished in the evening, people again queued up but yet again they were left dejected.

"The RBI and the office of the Prime Minister are situated just a few yards from here, but even then they couldn't provide cash. Imagine the situation in ATMs outside Parliament," said a man frustrated over his wait going in vain.

Later at the Central Hall, a union minister talking to reporters, quipped "Only when the government has money will it fill the ATMs."

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(Inputs from IANS)

WATCH:





--- ENDS ---
MAIDUGURI, Nigeria: Suicide bombers in the northeastern Nigerian city of Maiduguri, the heart of a seven-year-old insurgency by the Islamist militant group Boko Haram, killed two people, the state police commissioner said on Friday.

"We had a number of explosions today in Maiduguri," said Damian Chukwu, Borno state police commissioner. He said a total of six people died - two members of a government-approved militia and four suicide bombers.)
District of Columbia: US President-elect Donald Trump`s choice to be his powerful national security advisor, Michael Flynn, is a former military intelligence chief who sees militant Islam as the biggest threat to global stability.

The retired three-star general, a veteran of America`s recent wars in Iraq and Afghanistan, has courted controversy with extreme statements that critics say border on Islamophobia.

Meanwhile, he has taken a more flexible line on Russia and China -- countries the outgoing administration of Barack Obama regards as the country`s principal strategic opponents.

Flynn`s paid appearance at a dinner in Russia last year sitting next to Russian President Vladimir Putin has raised eyebrows, as have his accommodating statements toward Moscow that suggest, along with Trump`s, a readiness to accept Russia`s seizure of Crimea and its support for embattled Syrian leader Bashar al-Assad.

"We beat Hitler because of our relationship with the Russians, so anybody that looks on it as anything but a relationship that`s required for mutual supporting interests, including ISIS, ... that`s really where I`m at with Russia," he told the Washington Post in August.

"We have a problem with radical Islamism and I actually think that we could work together with them against this enemy. They have a worse problem than we do."

Son of a Rhode Island banker, Flynn had a professional army career mainly in intelligence units. In the 2000s he served in Iraq and then Afghanistan, where he became director of intelligence for coalition forces.

In 2012 he was named by Obama to lead the 16,500-strong Defense Intelligence Agency, but he was forced out in less than two years amid a turbulent restructuring effort and clashes with his superiors.

Since then he has repeatedly criticized the Obama government as inadequately focused on the Islamist threat, publishing a book this year entitled: "The Field of Fight: How We Can Win the Global War Against Radical Islam and Its Allies."In it he argues that Muslim countries must be forced to recognize and stamp out radical Islamic beliefs, which he says are "metastasizing" around the world.

"We`re in a global war, facing an enemy alliance that runs from Pyongyang, North Korea, to Havana, Cuba, and Caracas, Venezuela," he wrote in the New York Post in July.

"Along the way, the alliance picks up radical Muslim countries and organizations such as Iran, Al-Qaeda, the Taliban and Islamic State."

Like Trump, Flynn has also criticized US allies in NATO for not putting enough of their own effort and funding into the crucial western defense treaty.

Critics in the national security community see his views as one-dimensional and warn they could upset well-established relationships that benefit the United States.

They also question his willingness to take money from Russian government-backed groups, and his support for Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan`s harsh crackdown on dissent.

In a statement Friday Adam Schiff, the top Democrat on the House Intelligence Committee, said he was "deeply concerned" over Flynn`s view on Russia.

"The incoming president would be better served by someone with a healthy skepticism about Russian intentions, and willing to be guided by the unequivocal intelligence we have of Russian`s malignant policies towards the US and our allies," he said.
Washington: US President-elect Donald Trump has tapped his trusted military advisor Lt Gen (rtd) Michael Flynn, who helped dismantle insurgent networks in Afghanistan and Iraq, as his National Security Advisor, media reports have said.

A shrewd intelligence professional and a straight talker, Flynn, 56, was one of the top military leaders to have endorsed Trump and has been his closest military advisor for more than a year now.

"The most influential national security job in the still-forming Trump administration will likely go to a retired three-star general who helped dismantle insurgent networks in Afghanistan and Iraq but then surprised ? and sometimes dismayed colleagues by joining the political insurgency led by Donald Trump," The Washington Post reported.

If selected, he would succeed Susan Rice as the NSA.

In his latest book in August, Flynn had advocated cutting off aid to Pakistan, if it continued to help the jihadis.

"We need to have some tough love conversations with the leaders of countries who pretend to be our friends, but who also collaborate with our enemies," Flynn had said in his latest book

"How We Can Win the Global War Against Radical Islam and Its Allies," that hit the book stands in August.

"Countries like Pakistan need to be told that we will not tolerate the existence of training camps and safe havens for Taliban, Haqqani, and Al-Qaeda forces on their territory, nor will we permit their banks and other financial institutions to move illicit funds for the terror network," said Flynn.

As an adviser, Flynn has already proved to be a powerful influence on Trump, convincing the president-elect that the US is in a "world war" with Islamist militants and must work with any willing allies in the fight, including President Vladimir Putin of Russia, The New York Times reported.

They both believe that the US needs to start working with Putin to defeat Islamist militants and stop worrying about his suppression of critics at home, it said.

He served as the director of the Defence Intelligence Agency, the Pentagon's top spy agency, commander of the Joint Functional Component Command for Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance, and chair of the Military Intelligence Board.

Flynn was forced out of his job as director of the agency in 2014 over concerns about his leadership style. After the ouster, he frequently lashed out in public against President Barack Obama and blamed his removal on the administration's discomfort with his hard-line views on radical Islam, the Post reported.

Fox News said Flynn was in line for the NSA position, which does not require confirmation by the Senate.
The Election Commission has been apprehensive that the indelible ink will be misused during the elections, if the banks in rural areas are allowed to use it now.

By Ajay Kumar: Even as the finance ministry wants indelible ink be used for those who are exchanging demonetised currency notes, the Election Commission of India has directed district magistrates across the country not to supply the ink to the banks to avoid any possible misuse during elections.

EC APPREHENSIVE ABOUT INDELIBLE INK

Mail Today has accessed the letter issued by RK Srivastava, senior principal secretary to ECI, to the district magistrates on November 16. The district magistrates are the officials under whose authority the electronic voting machines, indelible ink and other voting items are stored. "Following the finance ministry's announcement regarding use of indelible ink, we had approached the district administration of Gurugram. But they cited the ECI order, and refused to give us any indelible ink," said RK Nayak, lead district manager of Gurugram, who monitors bank operations.

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The Election Commission has been apprehensive that the indelible ink will be misused during the elections, if the banks in rural areas are allowed to use it now. Sources said fraudsters may get access to the stocks of indelible ink from the banks once the cash crisis gets over and it would be misused during the elections. The finance ministry has asked the Indian Bankers Association in Mumbai to distribute indelible ink to the banks. But the banks can use indelible ink only in the metropolitan areas where people are visiting banks and post offices multiple times to exchange demonetised currency notes. For such areas the poll panel has also directed the banks to avoid putting ink on the first finger of any individual, citing polling in some of the constituencies.

ALSO READ:

Demonetisation Day 10: Supreme Court refuses to stay petitions against note ban in lower courts

Indelible ink at banks to stop people from hoarding cash, creating panic





--- ENDS ---
New York: US President Barack Obama on Friday crticised Facebook for spreading fake news that favoured Donald Trump.

"In an age where there`s so much active misinformation and it`s packaged very well and it looks the same when you see it on a Facebook page or you turn on your television," Obama was quoted by The Verge as saying.

"If everything seems to be the same and no distinctions are made, then we won`t know what to protect," he further said.

Buzzfeed found that top-performing fake stories performed better on Facebook than accurate stories shared by traditional media sites during the US presidential election campaign.

Critics have blamed the social networking giant Facebook for influencing the US-elections in favour of President-elect Donald Trump by circulating a "host of fake news stories about political topics.

CEO Mark Zuckerberg had declined that Facebook played a role in spreading fake news and termed this idea "crazy". To mitigate the criticism, Facebook decided to ban sites that post fake news from using its advertising network to make money.

"The capacity to disseminate misinformation, wild conspiracy theories, to paint the opposition in wildly negative light without any rebuttal, that has accelerated in ways that much more sharply polarise the electorate and make it very difficult to have a common conversation," Obama told New York editor David Remnick.


Anantapur: In a shocking incident, a 40-year-old woman was forced to drag her ailing husband on the ramp of a government hospital in Andhra Pradesh after hospital staff allegedly expressed their inability to provide her a stretcher.

The incident took place in Guntakal city in Anantapur district, Andhra Pradesh.

Sree Vani had taken her 45-year-old husband Srinivasa Chary, having symptoms of gastroenteritis, to the hospital.

However, the staff "bluntly" told her that they did not have a stretcher.

This left Vani with no other option but to drag her husband to the first floor of the hospital even as other patients and attendants watched her.

(With ANI inputs)
Karachi: With focus on the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC), the Navies of both sides are presently engaged in a joint exercise aimed at promoting maritime security and stability in the region.

The fourth joint exercise, which began on Thursday, will continue till November 21, reports the Dawn.Commodore Mirza Foad Amin Baig, Commander 18th Destroyer Squadron, told the media that the fourth exercise carried far more importance in the context of the CPEC project. He said that the drill was aimed at enhancing security in the strategic region including port areas and the sea where ships would sail out.

"The [fourth] exercise will help improve the naval capability of both countries to protect Gwadar port activities while providing a safe and conducive environment for the movement of merchant ships from there," said Chi Qingtao, Senior Captain Flotilla Commander Chinese Naval Force.The Chinese Naval Commander said that in addition to enjoying "solid friendship", both sides share waters and mountains, "which we will protect together".

Chinese naval ships Changxingdao and Handan reached Karachi earlier on Wednesday to participate in the exercise.Providing details of the exercise, Commodore Baig said that it would have harbour and sea phases.

He said that this exercise was aimed at exchanging and making use of combined maritime operations to ensure a stable maritime environment, which was vital for economic stability, growth, peace and security of the region."The exercise is reflective of a strong mutual desire to improve the level of coordination and interoperability at operational and tactical levels," he said.

"The navies of both China and Pakistan enjoy an all-weather relationship with joint maritime collaboration, including regular exchange visits of senior naval leadership and fleet units, joint construction of naval ships and submarines, PLA(N)`s regular participation in Aman series of exercises, and annual joint SOF exercises. The current visit of PLA (N) ships to Karachi and... this bilateral exercise is a testimony of the same," he added.The Chinese Naval Commander said that this exercise would further refine the operational capabilities of both navies.
Chennai: At a time when people are queuing to banks to get new currency notes, a fire broke out at a State Bank of India's Parry's Corner branch in Chennai.

As per officials of the fire department, the blaze has been brought under control and there are no casualties. However, the extent of loss to property is yet to be ascertained.

Earlier in the week, a fire had broken out at an ATM of Central Bank of India in north Delhis Kashmere Gate area.

The ATM was damaged but there was no currency in the ATM. A short-circuit was said to be the cause of the fire.
Paris: Right-wing candidates for the French presidential election face off in the first round of a US-style primary on Sunday with former president Nicolas Sarkozy and ex-prime minister Alain Juppe fighting to avoid being knocked out by an outsider.

In a contest overshadowed by the election of Donald Trump in the United States, support for the early favourite Juppe has slipped and Francois Fillon, who served as prime minister under Sarkozy, has risen fast.

The right-wing nominating contest is crucial because with the French left divided, the winner is expected to go on to take the presidency in May, beating far-right leader Marine Le Pen in the runoff.

Juppe, 71, entered the two-month-long contest with polls showing him to be France`s most popular politician, but his approach of playing the moderate against the fiery Sarkozy and the conservative Fillon appears to be backfiring.

Most polls now show Juppe and Sarkozy are neck-and-neck at around 30 percent, with Fillon close behind after making striking progress in recent weeks.

The two winners on Sunday will go through to the second round run-off a week later."We were expecting a duel but in the end a three-way contest has emerged," political scientist Jerome Jaffre said in Le Figaro newspaper on Thursday.

Many have noted that 62-year-old Fillon`s rise had coincided with the publication of his latest book entitled "Beating Islamic totalitarianism".

An often confused final TV debate of the seven candidates on Thursday offered few clues about the possible outcome, although viewers polled afterwards said Fillon had performed the strongest.

Sparks flew when Sarkozy was asked about fresh claims that he received millions in funding from the late Libyan leader Moamer Kadhafi towards his 2007 campaign.

Sarkozy called the question "disgraceful" and refused to answer.

Turning to the Trump effect, the former president said a more isolationist America created "a fantastic opportunity for France and Europe to re-establish a leadership role" on issues including border security and the reform of the UN Security Council.

"The next five years will mark the return of France and Europe to the international scene. America won`t be there to put us in the shade," he said.

Juppe meanwhile said the Trump-era heralded a triple "shock" -- in the areas of trade, defence and the environment.

A return to protectionism would be "a tremendous regression", Juppe said, while warning Europe against being "naive" in its dealings with the United States.

The three leading candidates have similar programmes, underpinned by pledges to reinforce domestic security in a country still under a state of emergency following a series of jihadist attacks.

They also share a desire to reinforce European borders and reduce immigration, while tax cuts also loom large.

The choice will come down to style.

Sarkozy has emphasised his tough-guy credentials, saying it makes him a better choice to handle Trump than the mild-mannered Juppe.

Fillon, who is popular in the business world, has promised "radical" economic measures but is the most conservative of the three on social issues.

Another unknown factor in Sunday`s first round is the number of left-wing voters prepared to pay two euros and sign a declaration that they subscribe to "the values of the centre and the right" to vote in the right-wing primary.

Those who do are expected to vote against 61-year-old Sarkozy, who remains a highly divisive figure in France four years after he left office.

When the right-wing candidate is chosen on November 27, it is expected to trigger an announcement from deeply unpopular Socialist President Francois Hollande on whether he intends to bid for re-election.

On Wednesday, Hollande`s former economy minister Emmanuel Macron announced he would stand as an independent.
Hyderabad: Three members of a gang were on Friday arrested for allegedly robbing a man of Rs three lakh cash on the pretext of getting his scrapped higher denomination notes exchanged, police said.

The accused Venkata Srinivas Pilla, P Ashwin and B Shivudu committed the crime on the night of November 13 after they lured the victim of getting his old currency notes exchanged with the new ones in Seethpalmandi area, Osmania University police station Inspector, V Ashok said.

Two more members of the gang, Pavan and Krishna, are still at large, he said.

Venkata contacted the victim through an acquaintance and went to his place along with Ashwin. He then introduced him as cashier of a state-run bank and assured of getting the old notes exchanged, the inspector said.

"Later, Ashwin asked the victim to accompany him to the bank, while the four members followed them," he said.

While on the way, Shivudu along with Pavan and Krishna, impersonating as policemen, intercepted their bike and started quizzing the victim, who was carrying a bag loaded with cash.

They beat up the victim and threatened him with dire consequences and then forcibly took away the cash, other valuables from him and fled, the officer said.

Venkata and Ashwin, who kept quiet during the entire incident, then made the victim board an auto-rickshaw and asked him to go home. Later, the victim lodged a complaint and a case of dacoity was registered.

During the course of an investigation, police today arrested Venkata, Ashwin, and Shivudu and recovered stolen booty of Rs 2.5 lakh from them. A hunt has been launched to nab the remaining two members, the officer added.
New Delhi: While the Centre has taken a number of calibrated measures aimed at easing the pressure on the common man, its decision to ban the old currency notes of Rs 500 and 1000 has still affected some families organising weddings this season.

The Narendra Modi government has been assessing the situation on a daily basis and announced a number of new measures to improve the situation and end cash crunch in banks and ATMs.

Interestingly, noted yoga guru and Patanjali Ayurved founder Baba Ramdev, who has strongly backed the Centre's decision to ban the old currency to curb black money, has a humorous take on prevailing economic situation in the country.

In an interview to a leading TV news channel, Ramdev admitted that a little delay in implementing the demonetisation decision would not have affected several families.

There are many bachelors in BJP who did not realise that it was wedding season, that was the mistake, Ramdev said.

Baba Ramdev further said If the government had done this around 15 days or one month later, then the weddings wouldnt have been affected.

Ramdev's response left the audience in splits. However, he was quick to say that it is a bold decision and aimed at curbing the menace of black money.

Listing out other benefits of the demonetisation decision, the yoga guru said that it has stopped the practice of dowry.

One good thing that has come out of all thispeople cannot demand dowry now, the Yoga guru said amid thunderous applause from the audience.

On November 8, the Narendra Modi government announced its decision to withdraw currency notes of Rs 500 and Rs 1,000 in an unprecedented move aimed at weeding out a huge amount of black money circulating in the country.

Within first 10 days of its implementation, the demonetisation move evoked a mixed response from the countrymen, with the majority supporting it and a small section including a few opposition parties voicing serious concerns over it.

However, the central government, Finance Ministry and the RBI has since taken several corrective measures to help the common man and tweaked the cash deposit and withdrawal rules.
New Delhi: While the Union Ministers and Bharatiya Janata Party MPs are demanding his apology for comparing the impact of the ban of notes with terrorist attacks, Leader of Opposition in the Rajya Sabon Friday said there is no question of apologising for his remark.

Talking to the media, Azad said, "BJP should ask apology for pushing the country to edge. The kind of situation that is presently created it is all because of the BJP government."

Prime Minister Narendra Modi and senior ministers of his government, meanwhile, met in the former`s chamber in Parliament this morning.

Union Minister of State for Minority Affairs Mukhtar Abbas Naqvi today raised Azad`s controversial remark in the Upper House and said, "Congress is trying to destroy the fight against corruption."

"The Leader of Opposition in the House should apologise to the nation for his comments against the prime minister, who is fighting for the poor and the weak," he added.

On Day 2 of the Winter Session, both Houses were adjourned yesterday as a united Opposition demanded a debate on demonetisation, including voting, which was rejected by the government. Opposition parties attacked the Centre, saying the demonetisation move has hit the poor and the marginalised.

The main opposition Congress Party on Thursday demanded that Prime Minister Narendra Modi had made demonetisation announcement on November 8, and thus, until the former comes to the Rajya Sabha, there will be no discussion on the issue.

"We raised this issue in the Rajya Sabha yesterday that the demonetisation announcement was made by the Prime Minister, therefore, he should have been present in the House, and should have listened to the opposition, and answered too.

We wanted his presence in the House yesterday, but he did not turn up. We have been demanding since morning, and had also made it clear to the leader of the House yesterday, that until the Prime Minister comes to the Upper House, there will be no discussion on the issue," the leader of opposition Ghulam Nabi Azad told ANI.Bahujan Samaj Party (BSP) president Mayawati also sought a reply from the Prime Minister on the ongoing discussion on demonetisation in the Rajya Sabha.

Talking to reporters outside Parliament, Mayawati said the issue is sensitive and a Joint Parliamentary CommitteeJ (JPC) should be set up to probe the alleged leakage of the decision on demonetisation.
New Delhi: Congress and its allies do not want Parliament to function and were shying away from a debate on demonetisation as the poor look at Prime Minister Narendra Modi as "messiah" after the decision, Union Minister M Venkaiah Naidu said on Friday.

Attacking the Opposition as both the Houses faced adjournment due to their noisy protests, the Information and Broadcasting Minister said Congress was "rattled" by smooth functioning of the Rajya Sabha yesterday as it was not interested in a fruitful discussion.

Calling the demonetisation measure a "national project" and massive social mobilisation, he said people's lives will be impacted for a "better tomorrow". The government is concerned over the hardship being faced by masses and taking measures based to ease it.

"Modi ji is very popular in the country and after this step he has become further... Immensely popular. The poor of the country are looking at Modi as their messiah... We cannot understand why the Congress and its friends are raising a ruckus (in Parliament)."

"Congress is now saying that the PM should come only then the debate will go on, demanding JPC probe. There is an attempt to divert from the issue. It does not have facts and public opinion is turning against it. They do not want Parliament to function and seem to be moving in that direction," he told reporters.

He accused the opposition party of taking a U-turn after initially agreeing to a debate.

Congress leaders are discussing the issue outside Parliament just for the sake of it and are not willing to take part in a debate and give meaningful feedback to the government to resolve issues, he said.

While BJP members protested in the House against Congress leader Ghulam Nabi Azad's remarks yesterday in which he compared deaths following demonetisation with those killed in Uri terrorist attack, Naidu asked Congress to clarify if it was his personal remark or the party's official line.

Azad justified Pakistan-aided terrorism attack and he might have got carried away in the heat of the moment, Naidu claimed while appealing Opposition parties to resume the debate in Parliament.

Naidu also attacked TMC President Mamata Banerjee and AAP chief Arvind Kejriwal over their protests yesterday, saying they went to the RBI's office for a photo opportunity. If both chief ministers have any query they can always meet Finance Minister Arun Jaitley, he said.

During their protests, people also chanted "Modi, Modi" at many places, he said.

Naidu accused the opposition parties of "abusing" the Prime Minister, saying they compared him with the likes of Hitler and Mussolini.

Modi has intervened during various debates in Parliament earlier, Naidu said on the demand by some opposition leaders that the PM speak on the issue. But it cannot be a practice as the precedence is of ministers concerned replying on the behalf of government, he added.

The minister said that people want Parliament to debate demonetisation but the opposition has disappointed them as well as the government by disrupting it.

"Are you against cleaning up of the economy? Are you against black money, hoarders... Or you are against the problems faced by the people," he asked, urging the rival parties to start a discussion and offer their suggestions to the government.
"It indicates the magnitude of the problem is serious. People are going to the High Courts for relief. This is a serious issue. Let them go," said the apex court.

By Anusha Soni: The Supreme Court today refused to stay, for now, the petitions against demonetisation of Rs 500 and Rs 1000 notes pending before different High Courts and subordinate courts.



The apex court expressed its reservation on the Centre's plea for direction that no other court should hear pleas on the demonetisation notification, allowing the lower courts to admit petitions against the November 8 order.

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"It indicates the magnitude of the problem is serious. People are going to the High Courts for relief. This is a serious issue. Let them go," said a bench of Chief Justice TS Thakur and Justice Anil R Dave as Attorney General Mukul Rohatgi urged the apex court to stay all such proceeding in High Courts and subordinate courts.

The Supreme Court, however, asked Rohatgi to file a transfer petition appeal if they want a stay. The next date of hearing is November 25.



Here are the other developments so far:



Meanwhile, the Election Commission today wrote to the Finance Ministry asking it to use the indelible ink keeping in view the panel's rules for usage during elections. The poll panel raised the concern as several states are set to go to polls. Indelible ink is primarily used to mark citizens who have already voted. Lok Sabha was adjourned today till Monday following uproar over banning of Rs 500 and Rs 1000 notes. There was pandemonium in Rajya Sabha for a third straight today over the demonetisation issue, with the Opposition demanding Prime Minister Narendra Modi's reply in the House. Despite Congress MP Ghulam Nabi Azad's controversial remarks on Uri martyrs being expunged in Rajya Sabha, the BJP said it will raise the issue in Rajya Sabha today. Azad on Thursday said more Indians have died following the November 8 note ban order than in the terror attack on an Indian Army camp in Uri in September this year. The Congress said there is nothing wrong in Azad's remarks and there is no question of any apology by Azad, who is the Leader of Opposition in Rajya Sabha. The government today allowed dispensing cash of up to Rs 2000 through debit or credit cards at select petrol pumps across India. The drive to purge black money from the economy has, at a stroke, wiped out 86 per cent of the money in circulation. Delays in printing new 500 and 2,000 rupee notes mean that money could be tight for weeks to come, resulting in more chaos in the streets.

ALSO READ | Demonetisation: Govt promises action after India Today exposed misuse of Jan Dhan accounts



--- ENDS ---
New Delhi: Amid scathing attack from the Opposition over its sudden decision to ban old currency, the Narendra Modi government has now warned people against fraudulent cash deposit and withdrawal to convert black money into legal tender.

The Ministry of Finance today warned that tax evasion activities by some people using other persons bank a/cs to convert their black money can be subjected to income tax and severe penalty.

Tax evasion activities by some people using other persons Bank A/Cs to convert their black money can be subjected to income tax & penalty.  Ministry of Finance (@FinMinIndia) November 18, 2016

The person who allows his or her bank account to be misused for this purpose can be prosecuted for abetment under Income Tax Act, it said in another tweet.

Also the person who allows his or her bank account to be misused for this purpose can be prosecuted for abetment under Income Tax Act.  Ministry of Finance (@FinMinIndia) November 18, 2016

However, the Ministry of Finance assured that those with genuine money need not worry.

However, the genuine persons having their own household savings in cash and depositing the same in the bank would not be questioned.  Ministry of Finance (@FinMinIndia) November 18, 2016

It also requested the common public not to fall in the trap of black money hoarders.

Among other measures, the Income-Tax (IT) department has made it mandatory to link the permanent account number (PAN) to cash deposits of a certain value and lowered the threshold for reporting of such transactions by banks.

It has also introduced reporting requirements for cash deposits into current accounts.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on November 8 said all existing Rs500 and Rs1,000 notes will cease to be legal tender from midnight in a crackdown on black money untaxed and unaccounted-for incomeand terror and drug financing using fake currency.

The government set a December 30 deadline for people to deposit their old high-value notes in banks and post offices.

To keep track of such deposits and to ensure that tax evaders do not use the poor to legalise their illicit wealth, the IT department has notified fresh reporting requirements.

All cash deposits above Rs 50,000 in a day and those that aggregate to more than Rs2.5 lakh during November 9-December 30 will be required to quote PAN.

This means that tax evaders cannot get away by making multiple deposits of less than Rs50,000 without providing their PANa common practice at present.

Also, banks and post offices will be required to report all deposits exceeding Rs2.5 lakh in the annual information return (AIR) sent to investigative agencies, as against the current ceiling of Rs10 lakh. These are part of the changes that have been notified by the I-T department after demonetisation.

A new clause on deposits in current accounts has also been introduced, wherein cash deposits of more than Rs12.5 lakh will have to be reported by a bank.

The government has taken a number of measures to ensure tax evaders do not go scot-free. From conducting surveys on jewellers and money launderers to using indelible ink to prevent the same people from lining up multiple times to exchange old currency, the government is looking to clamp down on tax evaders.
New Delhi: Taking a dig at Aam Aadmi Party for protesting against the government's decision to demonetise Rs 500/1000 currency notes, Union Minister Venkaiah Naidu on Friday said the AAP might be upset with the move, but not the common man.

Justifying Prime Minister Narendra Modi's decision of demonetisation, the senior Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) leader said, this type of a surgery was required for the country.

Naidu asserted the bold decision will benefit people in the long run, adding that the dishonest will fall in line.

Arvind Kejriwal-led AAP has been viciously attacking the Modi regime over the demonetisation move.

Kejriwal and West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee on Thursday jointly tore into PM Modi's demonetisation move and warned of a public revolt if the decision that has caused cash chaos was not reversed in three days.

Besides AAP and Trinamool Congress, Opposition parties like Samajwadi Party, Bahujan Samaj Party, Indian national Congress have been continuously attacking the Centre over the implementation of the big decision.

Finance Minister Arun Jaitley had categorically stated that there was "no question of rolling back" the demonetisation move and accused Kejriwal and Banerjee of "spreading panic".

The Central government on November 8 has demonetised 500 and 1,000 rupee notes in a bid to curb black money and counterfeit currency.
New Delhi: An Ethiopian woman has been arrested for allegedly trying to smuggle into the country gold worth Rs 89 lakh at Indira Gandhi International Airport (IGIA) here.

The accused was yesterday intercepted by the customs officials after her arrival from Addis Ababa.

"On detailed examination of her baggage and personal search, five gold bars and gold jewellery total weighing 3.1 kg having market value of Rs 89 lakh were recovered from her hand bag, which was found concealed in a small pouch," a press release issued today by the customs said.

The woman has been arrested and the recovered gold seized, it said.
Ahmednagar: Anti-corruption crusader Anna Hazare on Friday described Prime Minister Modi's bold decision to demonetise currency notes as "bold and revolutionary" and said it will stamp corruption and terrorism to a large extent.

"This revolutionary step will curb black money, corruption and terrorism (funding) to a large extent," Hazare told PTI.

"The previous governments never showed the will to crackdown on black money. The present dispensation has taken a bold step and this will strengthen the democracy," he said.

Pointing out "discrepancies" in funding of political parties, the veteran social activist said the next course of action for the government should be to "clean up" the election process.

"Now the government should accept the challenge to eliminate black money from the poll process and politics as well by bringing in large electoral reforms," he said, ahead of the Assembly elections scheduled in some states next year.

Hazare alleged that almost all political parties accept huge cash donations for elections but furnish receipts (for amounts below Rs 20,000) against donors to avoid coming under the scanner of Income Tax officials and RTI.

"Hence, it is time the government ensures transparency in the poll process to make it more credible," he said.

However, he cautioned that adequate safeguards need to be taken before ushering in the new currency regime.

After the Narendra Modi government came to power, the Gandhian was often seen attacking it for its "failure" to bring back black money stashed in tax havens abroad.

(With PTI inputs)
New Delhi: The Indian Navy on Friday rejected Pakistan's claim that its military has stopped one of India's submarines from entering its territory.

Categorically deny Pak media report that (an) Indian submarine was detected by Pak Navy and blocked from entering Pakistani waters, ANI quoted the navy as saying.

Earlier in the day, the Pakistan Navy had claimed that it detected an Indian submarine near its waters and "chased it out" in time.

Citing a Pakistan Navy spokesperson, Geo TV reported that their fleet units "chased" the Indian submarine until it left Pakistani territory.

The official further said that the Pakistani Navy's ability to "push back" the submarine was a testament to its anti-submarine warfare capabilities.

The development comes even as the Indian Navy on Friday inducted four types of indigenously developed sonars that will boost its underwater surveillance.

The systems included Abhay compact hull mounted sonar for shallow water crafts, Humsa UG upgrade for Humsa sonar system, Near-field Acoustic Characterisation System and Advanced Indigenous Distress sonar system.

The systems were designed and developed by NPOL, a Kochi based laboratory of DRDO.

With the induction of these four systems, the underwater surveillance capability of the Indian Navy will get a boost.
New Delhi: In a setback to the Centre, the Supreme Court on Friday refused to accept rejection of 43 names by the NDA government that were recommended by its collegium in connection with appointment of judges in various high courts.

The Supreme Court also sent back all 43 names for reconsideration by the Union government, reported ANI.

The apex court made this observation on the plea of Lt. Col. Anil Kabotra seeking the highest courts intervention in the appointment of judges in various high courts.



The Centre had on November 11 informed the apex court that it has returned over half the names recommended to it for appointment as high court judges by the Collegium of judges headed by Supreme Court Chief Justice Tirath Singh Thakur.



Out of the 77 names recommended to the government, 34 judges have been cleared for appointment. The remaining 43 names have been returned.



Attorney General Mukul Rohatgi had told the top court that the Collegium is yet to respond to the draft Memorandum of Procedure (MoP) that the Centre had submitted to it on August 7 this year.
New Delhi: Kidney has no religious labels, this is what External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj, undergoing treatment for renal failure, tweeted while thanking a Muslim man who offered her his kidney.

64-year-old Swaraj has been offered kidneys by scores of people since Wednesday when she said on Twitter that she was in hospital due to kidney failure and was undergoing tests for a transplant.

"Thank you very much brothers. I am sure, kidney has no religious labels," she tweeted.

Her remark came in response to a tweet by Mujib Ansari who offered his kidney to her while adding that he is a Muslim and a supporters of BSP in Uttar Pradesh.

"@SushmaSwaraj mam I am a BSP supporter and a Muslim,bt I want 2 donate my kidney 4 u,4 me u r like my mother figure, May allah bless u," he said on twitter.

Another Muslim Nyamath Ali Shaik also offered his kidney to Swaraj saying he was ready to donate his kidney, if need be.

Another Twitter follower Jaan Shah also said he was ready to offer his kidney to her.

Swaraj has been flooded with wishes from politicians cutting across party lines as well as from a cross-section of society.

She has been undergoing treatment for renal failure at AIIMS.

Swaraj also exuded confidence of being able to come out of the health condition with good wishes of people and blessings of God.
New Delhi: Navy on Friday formally inducted four types of indigenously developed sonars that will boost its underwater surveillance capability.

The systems included Abhay ? compact hull mounted sonar for shallow water crafts, Humsa UG ? upgrade for the Humsa sonar system, NACS ? Near-field Acoustic Characterisation System, and AIDSS ? Advanced Indigenous Distress sonar system for submarines.

Defence Minister Manohar Parrikar, who today handed over the sonars to the Navy, praised the force along with DRDO and said he expects more synergy in the coming days.

The systems have been designed and developed by NPOL, a Kochi based laboratory of DRDO.

With the induction of these four systems, the underwater surveillance capability of the Indian Navy will get a boost, besides providing a fillip to the quest for self-reliance in this critical area of technology.

Abhay is an advanced active-cum-passive integrated sonar system designed and developed for the smaller platforms such as shallow water crafts and coastal surveillance/patrol vessels.

It is capable of detecting, localizing, classifying and tracking sub-surface and surface targets in both its active and passive modes of operation.

The prototype of this compact sonar installed onboard a nominated naval platform has successfully completed all user evaluation trials to demonstrate the features as per the Naval Staff Qualification Requirements.

Indian Navy has proposed to induct this SONAR on three of the Abhay class ships.

Intensifying the command over the high seas is the Humsa -UG that is designed for upgrading the existing Humsa sonar system.

This system is proposed to be installed on seven ships of three different classes of ships.

AIDSS is a distress sonar is an Emergency Sound Signaling Device which is used to indicate that a submarine is in distress and enable quick rescue and salvage.

It is a life-saving alarm system designed to transmit sonar signals of a pre-designated frequency and pulse shape in an emergency situation from a submarine for long period, so as to attract the attention of passive sonars of ships or submarines in the vicinity and all types of standard rescue vessels in operation.

It is also provided with a transponder capability.
New Delhi: Prime Minister Narendra Modi will on Friday address the inaugural session of the Rail Vikas Shivir at Surajkund near New Delhi.

The PM is likely to speak on the role of the railways sector for the country's economic growth, setting the agenda for the mega event.

During the three-day Rail Vikas Shivir beginning today, making train journeys a pleasant experience and achieving near-zero fatalities on tracks are among a number of critical issues that will be up for discussion.

The PM will deliver the address through video conferencing from here.

The programme will seek to generate innovative yet practical ideas in the most crucial areas of rail operations and chart out a roadmap for the substantial progress of the sector.

Making Indian Railways the preferred freight carrier in India, reducing the operational cost, improving non-tariff revenue and increasing the investment in rail infrastructure substantially are among the other issues to be taken up during the event.

Such brainstorming and large-scale planning involving all railway employees are taking place for the first time in the 163-year-long history of the Indian Railways.

More than one lakh new crowdsourced ideas for improving railways were generated and examined by various teams, and all those selected ideas will be discussed in the event.

The venue at Surajkund has been divided into various areas named after iconic trains services like Rajdhani, Shatabdi, Duronto, Humsafar, Tejas, Gatimaan, Uday, Antyodaya and Jan Shatabdi.

The Prime Minister will be present personally again to have a detailed interaction with the participants on the concluding day of the Shivir and will give away prize money to the top three teams and top 15 crowdsourced ideas.

(With Agency inputs)
By Mail Today Bureau: Jewellers are under the scanner of income tax department as 'credible intelligence' inputs point out that there has been a sudden surge in transactions that show black money is being converted into gold at inflated prices.

RAIDS BASED ON INTELLIGENCE

A senior I-T official, however, told Mail Today that the raids are only being carried out at specific establishments and are not generalized in nature, as is being made out. The raids have taken place nationwide, including in metros such as Delhi, Mumbai and Chennai and big cities like Ludhiana, Chandigarh and Pune. The official also said that in some cases it has been found that the jewellers' stocks were far below what was shown in their books, which meant that there had been outright black money transactions.

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TOO EARLY FOR ESTIMATES ON BLACK MONEY RECOUPED

There were also instances of gold being found in excess of what was reflected in the books which are suspected to be cases of smuggled gold coming into the system, he added. He, however, said it was "too early to arrive at an estimate on the amount of black money that may have been converted in all these transactions as the 'stock taking was still going on." The official also pointed out that the IT raids also covered builders as there was credible intelligence to show that they had been selling homes to black money holders with back-dated receipts.

Foreign exchange dealers were another section that has been raided in connection with black money transactions. Similarly, those dealing in other commodities such as copper and aluminum are also being tracked to see whether any black money is being laundered though stocks of these goods. According to sources, operations were planned after CBDT Chairman Sushil Chandra asked all the investigation units in the country to keep a check on suspicious movement of huge cash and other illegal transactions leading to tax evasion. Senior IT officials say of the `14 lakh crore that was in circulation through in 500 and 1000 rupee notes, anywhere between `2 to `4 lakh crore will not come back into the banking system.

ALSO READ:

Income Tax raids in Delhi, Mumbai to find banned 500 and 1000 rupee notes

Income Tax raids to continue crackdown on black money hoarders





--- ENDS ---
Mumbai/Osmanabad: The Opposition parties in Maharashtra have attacked the BJP after Rs 91 lakh from a vehicle allegedly belonging to state cooperative minister Subhash Deshmukh.

According to reports, Rs 91 lakh cash - in now-invalid tender of Rs 1000 - belonging to Lokmangal Group of Deshmukh was seized by the squad of Osmanabad municipality yesterday. The cash reportedly comprised of the.

A PTI report said that the minister was not available for comment. His assistant claimed that Mr Deshmukh was not in town.

The Opposition Congress and NCP have demanded the sacking of Deshmukh. They have also sought an enquiry by Income Tax department into bank transactions of state BJP leaders to "unearth black money".

"(Recovery of cash) proves that BJP leaders are in the possession of black money. Since the government has launched a campaign against black money and corruption, properties of the BJP leaders should be searched to unearth black money.

"He (the minister) should be sacked from the ministry and arrested," NCP spokesman Nawab Malik said in a press conference.

Meanwhile, state unit Congress spokesman Sachin Sawant has demanded a probe by I-T department into the bank accounts of prominent BJP leaders in the state and the transactions made into them in the last six months.

He also sought ouster of Mr Deshmukh from cabinet. Mr Sawant alleged that certain BJP leaders were aware of the demonetisation move in advance.

"There is a possibility that BJP leaders and ministers in Maharashtra and Mumbai might also be aware of the decision in advance. So there is a need to probe their bank accounts," Sawant said in a statement.

A few days ago after the demonetisation, old currency notes worth more than Rs 6 crore were seized from the brother of a BJP MLA in western Maharashtra while Rs. 91 lakh has been seized from Subhash Deshmukh's Lokmangal Bank in Umerga town, Sawant stated.

With PTI inputs
New Delhi: A massive fire reportedly broke out at the Mundka scrap market in Delhi on Friday morning.

According to news agency ANI, 33 fire tenders are on the spot to minimize the damage.

The situation is now under control as the fire has now been doused.

Further details are awaited.
New Delhi: Fake Indian currency notes (FICN) worth around Rs 400 crore are in circulation in the country at any given point of time and smuggling of such notes from Pakistan, Bangladesh and Nepal has completely stopped after the demonetisation announcement, Union minister Kiren Rijiju today said.

"Smuggling of FICN from three international borders - Pakistan, Bangladesh and Nepal has completely halted after the announcement of Prime Minister Narendra Modi," he told reporters here.

The Minister of State for Home said at any given point of time, fake notes valued around Rs 400 crore are in circulation in the country. He said annually counterfeit notes worth Rs 70 crore are infused in the country.

Proceeds of illegal sale of drugs, opium, arms etc have also been completely stopped, Rijiju said, adding hawala transaction is also badly hit. Fake notes worth Rs 12.35 crore were seized by the security agencies till June.

In 2015, counterfeit notes worth Rs 34.99 crore were seized while in 2014, the value was Rs 36.11 crore and in 2013 it was Rs 42.90 crore.

An estimated Rs 700-Rs 800 crore terror funding is done in India out of which Rs 300-Rs 400 crore are being used by Naxals annually, Rs 20-Rs 30 crore by Kashmiri separatists and Rs 350-Rs 400 crore by insurgents in the northeast.

Meanwhile, official sources said there are around Rs 40,000 crore black money in circulation in the country and these funds were also badly hit by the demonetisation of old Rs 1000 and Rs 500 notes.

The total currency in circulation in the country as on September was Rs 17,00,000 crore, sources said.
Chennai: All India Anna Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (AIADMK) spokesperson CR Saraswathi on Friday called for the formation of Cauvery Management Board (CMB) at the earliest to resolve a water-sharing dispute between Tamil Nadu and Karnataka.

"All our MPs want the Cauvery Management Board to be constituted immediately. Some people say that it is a disturbance, it is not a disturbance, it is our right," said AIADMK leader CR Saraswathi.

She further said that since the court has given the order to share the waters of the River Cauvery, the need for forming the CMB has become a priority.

Expressing grief about fishermen being shot at by the Sri Lankan Navy, Saraswathi said the matter will be looked into and action would be taken at the earliest.

Earlier, the Supreme Court had reserved its order on maintainability on an appeal of Tamil Nadu, Karnataka, and Kerala against the Cauvery Tribunal`s order of 2007.

The Cauvery dispute dates back to 1892 when an agreement was filed between Madras Presidency and Mysore for arbitration but led to a fresh set of disputes.

Later, attempts were renewed to arbitrate between the two states under the supervision of Government of India and the second agreement was signed in 1924.

With Kerala and Puducherry also staking claims to a share of Cauvery water after India attained independence, a fact-finding committee was set up in 1970 to figure out the situation on ground.

The committee submitted its report in 1972 and further studies were done by an expert committee and the states reached an agreement in 1976.

However, after a new government came to power in Tamil Nadu, it refused to give consent to terms of the agreement paving way for further dispute.
Kolkata: By-elections will be held in two Lok Sabha constituencies and one Assembly constituency in West Bengal tomorrow under the shadow of the Centre's demonetisation decision.

The by-elections will be held in Cooch Behar and Tamluk Lok Sabha constituencies and in Monteswar Assembly constituency. Ruling Trinamool Congress, BJP, Left Front and Congress have fielded their candidates in all three seats.

Although the Congress and CPI(M)-led Left Front had contested the Assembly polls held earlier this year, the two decided to part company in this round of by-elections.



Demonetisation has become a key issue in the last lap of campaign for the by-polls. Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee did not campaign for the by-polls and left it to the other leaders of her party.

Apart from state BJP president Dilip Ghosh, Union minister Babul Supriyo canvassed for his party.

WBPCC chief Adhir Chowdhury and CPIM state secretary Surjya Kanta Mishra spearheaded campaign for their party candidates.



TMC MLA and party candidate from Tamluk seat Dibyendu Adhikari told PTI, "Demonetisation move has affected every citizen of this country. The common man is suffering. Demonetisation has also impacted our campaign as we are unable to pay the decorators, sound organisers. In Tamluk, most of the rural areas still don't have proper banking facilities, what will the poor farmers do?" he asked.



According CPI(M) and Congress leaders, demonetisation has all of a sudden come up as an issue for the polls as they are receiving feedback that people are inconvenienced due to the new decision.

CPI(M) leader Sujan Chakraborty said demonetisation became a prominent issue as the people faced huge problems and added that the situation was much worse in rural areas.

The BJP, on the other hand, said that by-elections would be a litmus test for political parties.

"What TMC, Congress and CPI(M) are saying is not right. People of Bengal are happy with the decision and will give a hands down victory to our candidates," state BJP president Dilip Ghosh said.

"It's not a question of black money or white money. All of a sudden if you scrap high value notes how will you meet various expenditures for the campaign," Congress candidate from Monteswar Bulbul Ahmed Sheikh said.

By-election in Cooch Behar was necessitated by the death of TMC MP Renuka Sinha while the by-election in Tamluk in East Medinipur district was caused by the resignation of TMC MP Suvendu Adhikari who also won the Assembly poll and joined the state cabinet as transport minister.

The bypoll to Monteswar Assembly seat in Burdwan district is due to death of TMC MLA Sajal Panja.
Ottawa: The Canadian army's recruiting website was hacked and briefly redirected to a Chinese central government portal, a spokesman said.

Spokesman Dan Le Bouthillier told AFP yesterday the website www.Forces.Ca contained no sensitive information.

It was taken down by the military after the hack was discovered.

Users had been redirected to China's State Council website, www.Gov.Cn. It showed photos of Premier Li Keqiang and contained links to information about jobs, tourism and investment in China, as well as government news.

Ottawa is investigating, Le Bouthillier said.
Washington: US President-elect Donald Trump has met Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe, his first meeting with a foreign leader after winning the presidential elections last week.

The meeting, after which Abe said the two leaders can have "a relationship of trust", lasted for about 90 minutes at the Trump Towers in New York yesterday.

Presidential transition team has described the meeting as private.

"I am very honoured to see the President-elect ahead of other world leaders. The Japan-US alliance is the axis of Japan's diplomacy and security. The alliance becomes alive only when there is trust between us," Abe told reporters after the meeting, which was closed for the press.

This was Trump's first meeting with a foreign leader after he was voted to power in one of the most surprising results of a US presidential election held on November 8.

He has spoken with as many as 32 world leaders including Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
Colombo: Sri Lanka`s former ambassador to the US, Jaliya Wickramasuriya, was arrested on Friday for suspected misuse of state funds under the previous government.

Wickramasuriya, a relative of former President Mahinda Rajapakse, was arrested by the Financial Crimes Investigations Division for allegedly accepting a $245,000 commission while serving as the envoy in Washington, Xinhua news agency reported.

He is also suspected to have defrauded more than $33,000 in purchasing a building for the Sri Lankan embassy in the US. The former diplomat is expected appear in a court later on Friday.
BEIJING: China told Mongolia to forbid the Dalai Lama`s planned arrival there on Friday, suggesting the Tibetan spiritual leader`s trip could harm Beijing`s relations with its northern neighbour.

China regards the Dalai Lama as a separatist, though he says he merely seeks genuine autonomy for his Himalayan homeland Tibet, which Communist Chinese troops "peacefully liberated" in 1950.

"We strongly urge Mongolia to act by keeping in mind the big picture of maintaining the stable development of bilateral relations and to keep their promises made on this issue," Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesman Geng Shuang said.

"Do not allow the Dalai Lama to visit. Do not support or facilitate the separatist activities of the Dalai clique," Geng said at a regular press briefing.

Mongolian media have said the Dalai Lama is expected to arrive Friday afternoon.

After the Dalai Lama`s visit to Mongolia in 2006, China cancelled flights between Beijing and Ulaanbaatar. Flights later resumed.

Beijing frequently expresses its anger with countries that host the 81-year-old Nobel Peace Prize winner, who fled to India in 1959 following a failed uprising against the Chinese.

Rights groups and exiles accuse China of trampling on the religious and cultural rights of the Tibetan people, charges strongly denied by Beijing, which says its rule has brought prosperity to a once backward region.
Port Louis: Mauritius is threatening to take Britain to the international court of justice in a dispute over sovereignty of the Chagos Islands.

In the wake of the Foreign Office`s announcement this week that none of the Chagossians expelled in the 1960s to make way for military bases would be allowed to return to live on the Indian Ocean archipelago, Mauritius, which claims the territory, has accused Britain of "outrageously" undermining human rights, The Guardian reported on Thursday.

Mauritius Prime Minister Anerood Jugnauth criticised the British government`s refusal to let the Chagossian community return to the island, which he said "always formed and continues to form an integral part of the territory of Mauritius".

He added: "In view of the purported unilateral actions of Britain, Mauritius would be fully justified in taking forward the completion of the process of decolonisation, which is now on the agenda of the current session of the UN general assembly, with a view to putting the matter before the international court of justice."

A United Nations vote in favour of referring the case to the court in The Hague would have to be obtained. The Mauritian government said Britain`s "unilateral" decision to ban the right of return and to renew the lease for the US base on Diego Garcia, one of the Chagos Islands, for another 20 years breached international law.

Mauritius said Britain had "acted in blatant breach of the letter and spirit" of a judgment under the UN convention on the law of the sea last year.

"The denial of the right of Mauritians in general, and those of Chagossian origin in particular, to settle in the Chagos archipelago is a manifest breach of international law and outrageously flouts their human rights," the statement said.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi, who will be addressing a rally in Agra on Sunday, might have to face public outrage over demonetisation.

By Siraj Qureshi: PM Modi will address a rally in Agra on November 20 after a gap of three years, but if a report filed by Agra's bank managers to Reserve Bank of India is to be believed, Modi is likely to face strong opposition and public outrage following demonetisation.

A confidential report filed by the nationalised bank managers of Agra to the RBI Governor said that people were very angry with the demonetisation, and this might have an affect on Modi's rally.

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According to the report, there is an acute shortage of small denomination cash in the banks in Agra and some branches are even resorting to distributing coins to their customers in the absence of Rs 100 and Rs 50 notes.



ALSO READ | Note ban deaths: SBI cashier dies of heart attack while at work in Nagpur

PEOPLE ARE ANGRY, BANKS ARE RUNNING DRY

It is becoming difficult to satisfy hundreds of people waiting outside banks. There are regular reports of verbal and sometimes, even physical clashes between customers and bank staff.

The bank managers have intimated the district administration about these problems.

A senior bank officer told India Today that RBI is prioritizing the delivery of new currency notes, and most of it is being delivered to the metropolitan cities.

On Friday, many bank branches refused to exchange old currency from non-clients claiming that they did not have enough cash to support both withdrawals and exchanges.

The police had to resort to lathis at several places to control the crowd.

Social media was also rife with posts complaining about unavailability of cash in the banks.

On the other hand, the opposition parties are leaving no stone unturned to use the present situation to their advantage. Some are even inciting anger against PM Modi using social media.

Many political leaders could be seen distributing food, water and tea to the people standing in queues outside banks and ATMs, fuelling the simmering anger amongst people.

MUSLIMS URGED TO BOYCOTT MODI'S RALLY

A meeting of Rashtriya Sarvdaliy Muslim Action Committee was held near the district magistrate's office in Agra today after the namaz.

Chairing the meeting, Muslim leader Haji Jamiluddin said the Muslims will oppose PM Modi's Agra visit on November 20 and will even show him black flags, demanding that he rolls back the demonetisation scheme.

Jama Mosque Manager Aslam Qureshi, Corporator Haji Bilal Ahmed, Adnan Qureshi also raised his voice against Modi and asked all Muslims in Agra to oppose his visit.

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Also Read:

Demonetisation Day 10: Supreme Court refuses to stay petitions against note ban in lower courts

Demonetisation: Govt promises action after India Today exposed misuse of Jan Dhan accounts



--- ENDS ---
Aden: More than 30 people have been killed in intense fighting between rebels and loyalists on the outskirts of Yemen's third city Taez, military and medical sources said on Friday.

The clashes have eliminated hope of the warring parties abiding by a truce announced by US Secretary of State John Kerry that was to have taken effect yesterday.

Loyalist military sources told AFP that 24 rebels and 14 pro-government forces were killed over the past 24 hours, while the rebels reported dozens of casualties in shelling of a local market.

Two civilians were also killed and 16 wounded when rebels fired Katyusha rockets into a residential area of Taez, they said.

A photographer identified as Awab al-Zubairi with the pro-government Taiz News Network, which posts on Facebook and Twitter, was also killed when a landmine planted by the rebels exploded in Taez, a government official said.

For its part, rebel-controlled sabanews.Net website reported that pro-government forces fired artillery rounds into areas east of the city.

A rocket hit a market selling the popular mild narcotic leaf qat, killing 24 people and wounding 27 yesterday, according to sabanews.Net.

It cited the Taez province health chief, Watheq Faqih, as saying the toll could rise as rescue workers had not been able to gather the body parts of all the dead because of artillery fire today.

The medical charity Doctors Without Borders (MSF) said emergency rooms it supports or manages in Taez province had received a total of 21 dead and 76 wounded.

Among those killed was a watchman who worked at the MSF trauma centre in Taez.

He was killed while "off-duty when a blast hit a local market in the neighbourhood", said Djoen Besselink, who heads the MSF mission in Yemen, apparently referring to the qat market.

"Fighting has been intensive in Taez during recent days, and hospitals on both sides of the frontline have received a continuous influx of war-wounded civilians and fighters," MSF said.

Pro-government forces are pressing on with a four-day-old offensive to recapture the presidential residence and police headquarters in the southwestern city, while the Shiite Huthi rebels have brought in reinforcements.

The fighting has continued despite Kerry's announcement of a new ceasefire.
They are armed with wrenches instead of rifles and are rarely found on the front lines, but Mosul`s mechanics say they are indispensable to the fight against the Islamic State group.

"If the Humvees break down and the weapons stop working without anyone to repair them, how could we advance against IS?" says Lieutenant Colonel Anwar Rajdi, who heads the mechanics unit of the elite Iraqi Counter-Terrorism Service (CTS).

The tall commander proudly says his unit is "the most important part" of the month-long fight for Iraq`s second city, the last one in the country still held by IS.

As they advance farther into the city`s easy, CTS forces are facing a daily barrage of sniper fire, mortar attacks, and car bombs from the jihadists who still hold much of Mosul.

Between 15 and 20 damaged Humvee armoured vehicles are brought to the repair unit on the edge of the city each day, dragged by massive white tow trucks, CTS mechanic Mustafa Muin says.

Most have had their windows cracked into a spiderweb of glass by repeated shots from IS sniper rifles, and some need a quick tune-up for their radiators or engines.

Others need their tyres changed after driving over the long metal spikes IS fighters place in Mosul`s narrow alleyways to slow down advancing units.

An infographic distributed by the jihadist-linked Amaq news agency on Tuesday said that IS destroyed nearly 50 Humvees and four tanks during the battle for Mosul.

"Fixing the radiator takes us half an hour, but an engine takes us half a day," says Muin. He is overseeing two grease-covered colleagues struggling to dislodge a damaged radiator.

"We try to get the machines back up and running so we can finish work by nighttime and relax," he tells AFP.

On days where fighting is intense, technicians are dispatched to the front lines to do on-site repairs.

They crawl under damaged vehicles to swap out parts, their feet sticking out dangerously while bullets ping off nearby houses.

But when CTS units are reinforcing their forward positions, the pace is more relaxed with repairmen passing the time pumping iron in a shaded courtyard.

"We repair about 20 weapons per day if there`s an advance, but if there`s no advance, you can clearly see I don`t have much work," says Atheel Shaalan, who is responsible for servicing arms including "all types of American weapons."

American-made equipment that Iraqi special operations forces use include assault rifles and armoured vehicles.

Large vehicle parts, such as engines and radiators, are regularly trucked up from Baghdad to the edge of Mosul.

Mechanics also try to salvage whatever parts they can from the charred remains of vehicles that were damaged beyond repair by IS car bombs.

"We`re helping the fight against Daesh back here at the factory," says mechanic Qusay Adnan, using an Arabic acronym for IS.

"I`m not a soldier fighting on the front lines, but I`m just like them."
Brussels: NATO chief Jens Stoltenberg on Friday voiced confidence that Donald Trump was committed to the transatlantic alliance, which has stood the test of time for both the United States and Europe.

"I am absolutely confident President-elect Trump will maintain America's strong commitment to European security and to NATO," Stoltenberg told AFP in an interview in Brussels.

"That is in the interests of both Europe and the United States," he said, with the disasters of two World Wars and the Cold War showing how inter-connected both sides' security was.

The only time NATO's Article 5 "all for one, one for all," collective defence guarantee had been invoked was after the 9/11 terror attacks on the United States, he recalled.

Stoltenberg said he expected Trump to continue to press NATO allies to increase defence spending, just as previous US presidents had, and this was fully justified.

Washington accounts for nearly 70 percent of the NATO allies combined defence outlays and has long demanded they do more.

Trump caused consternation on the campaign trail when he suggested Washington might think twice about coming to the defence of an ally if it had not paid its NATO dues.

NATO announced later today that Stoltenberg had had a "good talk" with Trump on the alliance's future.

He had thanked him in particular for raising the issue of defence spending, a "top priority" for the secretary general since he took office in 2014, it said in a statement.

"The two leaders agreed that progress has been made on fairer burden-sharing but that there is more to do," it added.

Trump's more positive approach to President Vladimir Putin also rattled allies who at a July Warsaw summit had endorsed NATO's biggest military build-up since the end of the Cold War to counter a more assertive Russia.

Stoltenberg said he did not see an issue.

"What I have heard is that he has conveyed a message about also talking to the Russians. At our Warsaw summit, we made decisions on strong defence but also on political dialogue" with Moscow, he said.

"Russia is our biggest neighbour, Russia is here to stay; there is no way we can isolate Russia so we have to continue to strive for a more constructive relationship with Russia."

Pundits in Europe largely took Trump's campaign comments at face value, wondering if the new president was about to ditch Washington's 70-year security guarantee for Europe in favour of a more isolationist, "America First," policy.
BRUSSELS: NATO Secretary-General Jens Stoltenberg said on Friday, he was certain that Donald Trump as U.S. president will lead the North Atlantic Treaty Organisation and he is hoping to speak to the president-elect soon.

"I am absolutely confident that President Trump will maintain U.S leadership in the alliance," Stoltenberg told a conference in Brussels, saying his team was seeking to set up a telephone call with the president-elect.


Seoul: North Korea lashed out on Friday at a new South Korea-Japan intelligence-sharing accord, accusing Seoul of a gross act of betrayal with the "sworn enemy" of the Korean people.

The deal to share defence intelligence -- largely driven by the growing threat of the North`s nuclear and missile programmes -- was reached and provisionally signed in Tokyo on Monday.

It was a controversial move in South Korea, where the legacy of Japan`s harsh 1910-45 colonial rule of the Korean peninsula is a deep well of anti-Japanese sentiment and a belief that Tokyo has never properly atoned for the abuses of that era.

Tensions between South Korea and Japan are welcomed and even encouraged by North Korea, which seizes any opportunity to drive a wedge between the two key US military allies in the region.

A spokesman for the Korea Asia-Pacific Peace Committee in Pyongyang called the intelligence agreement a "hideous act of treachery aimed to stifle fellow countrymen in the north in league with the sworn enemy of the nation".

In a statement carried by the North`s official KCNA news, the spokesman said it was a "dangerous act" that would further raise already-elevated tensions on the Korean peninsula and open a door to Japanese "re-invasion."

The amplified rhetoric will strike a chord in the South, where the main opposition party called Monday`s agreement "unpatriotic and humiliating".
Manila: Ex-Philippine dictator Ferdinand Marcos was buried at the national heroes` cemetery in a secretive ceremony Friday, outraging opponents who said it whitewashed his brutal rule and tainted the famous 1986 "People Power" revolution that toppled him.

The burial at the "Cemetery of Heroes" was another stunning development in the remarkable political comeback of the Marcos family, a phenomenon given fresh energy this year by the clan`s strong alliance with new President Rodrigo Duterte.

The Supreme Court last week endorsed a decision by Duterte to allow Marcos to be laid to rest at the heroes` cemetery, rejecting petitioners` complaints that the dictator did not deserve such an honour because of his many crimes.

The Marcos family and government then moved quickly, secretly flying the embalmed body to the cemetery on Friday and interring him despite appeals still pending with the Supreme Court urging it to reconsider.

"Like a thief in the night, the Marcos family deliberately hid the information of burying former president Marcos today from the Filipino people," said Vice President Leni Robredo, who was elected separately to Duterte and belongs to another party.

"This is nothing new to the Marcoses -- they who had hidden wealth, hidden human rights abuses, and now, a hidden burial -- with complete disregard for the law."

Marcos`s 87-year-old wife Imelda -- infamous for an extravagant lifestyle during her husband`s two-decade rule -- attended Friday`s ceremony, along with her children and grandchildren, according to footage released by the family on Facebook.

The military honoured Marcos at the ceremony with a 21-gun salute as soldiers in parade dress and ceremonial rifles stood to attention.

Two thousand riot police and soldiers guarded the perimeter of the cemetery, blocking entry by journalists and protesters who rushed there after police confirmed minutes before that the burial was about to take place.

"I am very angry and disappointed. I am disgusted. Marcos is no hero," university student Antonio Navarro told AFP outside the cemetery.Marcos ruled the Philippines for two decades until forced into US exile by the "People Power" revolution, a largely peaceful event that inspired democracy movements throughout Asia and around the world.

Marcos, his wife and their cronies plundered up to $10 billion from state coffers during his rule, according to government investigators and historians.

The dictator also oversaw widespread human rights abuses to maintain his control of the country and enable his plundering, with thousands of people killed and tortured, previous Philippine governments said.

Anti-corruption watchdog Transparency International in 2004 named Marcos the second most corrupt leader of all time, behind Indonesian dictator Suharto.

The Philippines` foreign debt went from $2.67 billion in 1972, when Marcos declared martial law, to $28.2 billion in 1986, according to the World Bank.

After Marcos died in Hawaii in 1989, his family was allowed to return and began its political comeback.

Imelda became a congresswoman and fended off all corruption charges against her.

Two of her children established themselves as influential politicians. Ferdinand "Bongbong" Marcos Jnr, was the more successful, becoming a senator before almost winning the vice presidency this year.

However, previous presidents had refused to allow the dictator to be buried in the heroes` cemetery because of Marcos`s crimes, so the family kept the preserved body in a glass casket at his home in the northern province of Ilocos Norte.

The family`s fortunes changed with the election of Duterte, a long-time ally of the Marcos family, as president in May this year.

He said Marcos deserved to be buried at the heroes` cemetery based on the fact he had been a president and a veteran of World War II.

Duterte also said he owed loyalty to the family because his father had served in the Marcos government and the family had helped fund his election campaign.

One of the Marcoses` two daughters, Imee, made a short statement after the ceremony thanking Duterte and all of the family`s supporters.

"At last our beloved father Ferdinand Edralin Marcos`s final instruction to be buried alongside his fellow soldiers was carried out today," she said.

Opponents said they would hold protests on Friday afternoon.
Manila: Ex-Philippine dictator Ferdinand Marcos was given a hero's burial with military honours today, a deeply controversial move three decades after he was ousted in a "People Power" revolution.

The ceremony began with a 21-gun salute as soldiers in parade dress and ceremonial rifles stood to attention at the "Cemetery of Heroes" in Manila, after his body was secretly flown to the venue in an apparent effort to avoid protests.

The Supreme Court said last week that Marcos, who ruled the nation for two decades until millions of people took to the streets in the 1986 military-backed uprising, could be buried at the heroes' cemetery.

The decision, endorsing a recommendation from controversial President Rodrigo Duterte, outraged many opponents of the Marcos regime who said it would whitewash the dictator's many crimes.

The surprise move by the Marcos family and the government to bury him so quickly after the Supreme Court verdict, with appeals still to be heard, caused further outrage.

Barry Gutierrez, counsel for the anti-Marcos court petitioners, said the burial was illegal because of the outstanding appeals. "It's not really surprising that this is happening. Marcos flouted the law when he was still alive, and even at his burial, he is still breaking the law," Gutierrez told AFP.

Police only announced that Marcos's body had been flown to the cemetery shortly before the ceremony began, leaving opponents who had been planning rallies flat-footed.

"We are shocked and angered," Gutierrez said.

Thousands of riot police and soldiers guarded the perimeter of the cemetery, but there were no protesters.

Journalists who rushed to the cemetery were barred from entering. However reporters were able to view the ceremony with long camera lenses from outside.

Marcos ruled the Philippines for two decades until forced into US exile by the "People Power" revolution, a largely peaceful event that inspired democracy movements throughout Asia and around the world.

Marcos, his infamously flamboyant wife Imelda, and their cronies plundered up to USD 10 billion from state coffers during his rule, according to government investigators and historians.

The dictator also oversaw widespread human rights abuses to maintain his control of the country and enable his plundering, with thousands of people killed and tortured, previous Philippine governments said.

Anti-corruption watchdog Transparency International in 2004 named Marcos the second most corrupt leader of all time, behind Indonesian dictator Suharto.
Manila: Few leaders began their presidency with such promise and ended in such ignominy as the Philippines` Ferdinand Marcos.

Born in 1917 to a prominent political family in the rural north of the country, Marcos easily won the 1965 presidential elections -- widely regarded as a fair contest -- with an abundance of charisma and superb oratory skills.

He could also credit his wife, beauty queen Imelda Marcos, who he married in 1954 and whose glamour and singing voice helped attract crowds to his campaign rallies.

The magnetic couple also proved irresistible to the United States, which during the time of the Vietnam War saw Marcos as an important ally in its efforts to quash the communist threat in Southeast Asia.

Marcos was re-elected to a second four-year term in a landslide in 1969 but allegations of corruption and authoritarianism had already begun to cloud his presidency.

Then in 1972, to the shock of the nation, Marcos declared martial law, saying it was needed to save the country from communist insurgents.

By doing so he could stay in power longer than the constitutionally mandated limit of eight years.

With the continued backing of the United States, the Philippines` former colonial ruler, Marcos ruthlessly moved to stamp out dissent.

Television, radio stations and newspapers were only allowed to promote his "New Society", so the public was fed a constant stream of praise for Marcos and his jet-setting wife, whose extravagance was a sharp contrast to the poverty of most Filipinos.

Opposition politicians, including Marcos` arch-critic, Senator Benigno Aquino, as well as student leaders and other dissidents, were thrown behind bars, as the Philippines descended into a climate of fear.

"The Marcos government appears, by any standard, exceptional for both the quantity and quality of its violence," wrote American academic Alfred McCoy, one of the pre-eminent historians on the Philippines.

McCoy said the regime`s security forces killed 3,257 people -- many of the victims first abducted, then abused and finally murdered and dumped on a roadside in a warning to others.

An additional 35,000 were tortured and 70,000 were unfairly imprisoned under Marcos, according to McCoy.

Behind closed doors, Filipinos whispered about how Marcos, his relatives and cronies had seized control of the economy, monopolised key industries, skimmed off money from foreign debt-funded infrastructure projects and stashed the wealth abroad.

The end for Marcos began when Aquino, who had been allowed to go to the United States for medical treatment, returned to the Philippines in 1983, seeking to convince his old rival to step down peacefully.

Marcos troops gunned him down as he was descending from the plane at Manila airport in an act that enraged the public. Slowly, more and more Filipinos found their voice, denouncing Marcos.

This culminated in a popular revolt in 1986 led by Aquino`s widow, Corazon, that sent the ailing Marcos and his family fleeing to Hawaii, finally restoring democracy to the Philippines.

In the wake of the peaceful "People Power" uprising, the carefully manufactured image of a courageous war hero-turned-leader concerned only for his people quickly fell apart, and his wife became a figure of ridicule.

The crowds that surged into the presidential palace found a trove of 3,000 shoes belonging to Imelda, which became enduring symbols of extravagance as more evidence of corruption was uncovered.

Government investigators subsequently found that, while the country wallowed in poverty, the Marcos family had plundered about $10 billion from state coffers.

Marcos died in Hawaii in 1989 as one of the most despised rulers of the Philippines, although his family returned after his death and were able to start rehabilitating his reputation.

The astonishing comeback was sealed Friday when the dictator was finally buried at the national heroes` cemetery, after the Supreme Court endorsed a decision by President Rodrigo Duterte, a friend of the Marcos family, to allow the burial.
Marrakesh: Fiji urged the United States on Friday to "save" the world from climate change as it had helped to win World War II.

"We in the Pacific, in common with the whole world, look to America for its leadership and for its engagement and assistance on climate change," Prime Minister Frank Bainimarama told a UN conference in Marrakesh overshadowed by president-elect Donald Trump's threats to withdraw the US from a climate rescue pact.

"Just as we looked at America during the dark days of World War II... I say to the American people 'you came to save us then, it is time for you to help to save us now'," he said.

Bainimarama invited Trump to Fiji "to see the effects of climate change for himself and to meet Pacific island leaders face to face in Fiji to discuss the crisis we are all facing along with other low-lying areas of the world, including parts of America."

The United States had a responsibility, he argued, to contribute to the global response to climate change.

The first gathering of the UN's climate forum since last year's adoption of the Paris Agreement to curtail global warming, is tasked with drafting a roadmap for its execution.

It has been overshadowed by uncertainty about Trump's vow to "cancel" the pact to rein in greenhouse gas emissions blamed for planet warming.
Seoul: South Korea said on Friday it has rejected Google`s latest request for permission to take government mapping data for use in servers outside the country, citing security issues with North Korea.

Google, an Alphabet Inc company, has said it needs to use the data on servers worldwide to enable services that would give walking and driving directions in South Korea.

But South Korea, whose 1950-53 war with North Korea ended without a peace treaty, argues that if it allowed such data to leave the country, the locations of military facilities and other sensitive sites could be revealed.

The government could grant permission if Google removes images of sensitive sites on its satellite imaging services, an official at the body in charge of mapping data has previously said.

But Google has rejected that condition, saying the information is widely available through satellite images that can be purchased freely.

The land ministry said it would reconsider if Google changes its position. A Seoul-based spokeswoman for Google did not have immediate comment on Friday`s decision.

Separately, Google is under scrutiny in South Korea, with the antitrust regulator examining whether the U.S. firm`s agreements with handset manufacturers on the Android mobile operating system limits market competition.
The information and broadcasting minister has asked the Delhi Police to probe in detail the corrupt practices aimed to puncture demonetisaiton scheme after India Today exposed them.

By India Today Web Desk: Union minister of state for finance Santosh Gangwar has promised strict action against those trying to circumvent the demonetisation scheme of the government.

Santosh Gangwar's response came after India Today's investigation exposed how some crooks were misusing the Jan Dhan accounts of the poor.



"Whenever a new scheme is launched, some people try to find loopholes in it and try to get advantage of that to serve their own selfish purpose. I thank Aaj Tak to expose such people and urge media to help identify such unscrupulous people," Santosh Gangwar said.

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READ| Exposed: Crooks turning kala dhan into Jan Dhan



The MoS Finance promised strict action against those indulging in corrupt practices. He said, "Whosoever is indulging in wrong practices will be acted against. The (demonetization) scheme is being implemented properly."



VENKAIAH NAIDU WRITES TO POLICE



A day earlier, union minister Venkaiah Naidu had also praised the series of investigative reports done by the India Today saying that the "sting operations helped government to identify those trying to derail the demonetisation scheme launched by the government."



"Such people are doing a world of bad to the economy and the nation," Naidu had said.



Naidu also told India today that he had forwarded a letter to Delhi Police commissioner asking to take strict action against those indulging in wrongful acts.

WATCH:









READ| India Today Impact: Centre asks Delhi Police to act against cash mafia

INDIA TODAY STING OPERATION

India Today and Aaj Tak showed a series of sting operations done on people, who tried to short circuit the demonetisation scheme by finding ways to change unaccounted money.



In the latest report, the India Today showed how crooks involved in the black market trade of banned bank notes maniputed some Jan Dhan accounts for parking unaccounted wealth of tax cheats.

READ| India Today Impact: Govt cracks down on cash jugaad mechanics



The Jan Dhan scheme was launched by the government in 2014 to bring the vast majority among the poor in the formal banking system to provide targeted benefit to them. More than 22 crore bank accounts were opened under the Jan Dhan scheme.



India Today investigation found that unscrupulous elements were out to bribe Jan Dhan account holders to convert black money into white. The government has now promised action against such people.ALSO READ:



Demonetisation Day 10: Election Commission asks Finance Ministry to stop using indelible ink at banks



--- ENDS ---
Aleppo: Air strikes and ferocious artillery bombardment pounded rebel-held east Aleppo on Friday as an escalating military offensive underscored the Syrian regime`s determination to take full control of the divided city.

Streets were deserted and residents took refuge indoors as the government unleashed a fourth straight day of bombardment on opposition-controlled parts of Aleppo, Syria`s second city.

The artillery fire was the most intense in east Aleppo in around two years, according to AFP`s correspondent there, while rescue workers said it was too dangerous to move around bomb-scarred neighbourhoods.

"I have never heard such intense artillery bombardments," said Najib Fakhoury, head of the White Helmets volunteer rescue group in the rebel-held Ansari district.

"Earlier, we received a call for help to extinguish a fire," he said. "But we cannot go because the shells are falling on the streets".

Aleppo has been ravaged by some of the worst violence of the five-year-old war, which has displaced more than half the population and killed over 300,000 people.

President Bashar al-Assad`s Russian-backed government has carried out several bombing campaigns this year but has failed to dislodge the rebels from east Aleppo, where more than 250,000 civilians are living under siege by the army.

Barrel bombs and other ordnance rained down until midnight only to resume in the early hours, an AFP correspondent reported.

Dozens of shells and rockets were heard falling on several east Aleppo districts, causing the ground to shake.

Regime helicopters dropped barrel bombs -- crude unguided explosive devices whose use has been denounced by international rights groups because they kill indiscriminately.The bombardment came as government troops pressed an assault on the southern neighbourhood of Sheikh Said, which they briefly entered before being pushed back by rebel fighters, the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights said.

The rebels riposted by firing more than a dozen rockets into government-held areas of the city, the Britain-based monitoring group added.

At least 65 civilians have been killed since the offensive resumed on Tuesday, according to the Observatory, which relies on a network of sources inside Syria for its information.

The bombardment ended a period of relative respite, particularly in east Aleppo, where Moscow halted air strikes on October 18 ahead of a series of brief ceasefires.

The ceasefires were intended to encourage residents and surrendering rebels to leave the east, but few did so, fearing moving into government-held territory.

Once the country`s main commercial and industrial hub, Aleppo has been devastated by fighting since the rebels overran the east of the city in 2012.

The rebels have been besieged by the army since July and aid agencies say food stocks in the sector are virtually exhausted.

The 1.2 million civilians living in government-held areas have come under repeated rocket fire by the rebels that has killed dozens.

Russia, which intervened in Syria in September 2015 in support of Assad`s regime, said on Wednesday that it had not carried out any raids on Aleppo since October 18.

Instead it has concentrated its strikes in the northern province of Idlib, controlled by an alliance of rebels and jihadists.

Russian and Syrian aircraft continued to bomb several cities and towns in Idlib on Friday, according to the AFP correspondent in the province.

Regime artillery fire also hit the besieged rebel-held town of Douma, east of Damascus.

In New York, meanwhile, the UN Security Council on Thursday unanimously decided to extend for another year the mandate of a panel tasked with investigating chemical attacks in Syria and identifying those responsible.

Backed by Russia, the council adopted a US-drafted resolution to prolong the joint investigation by the United Nations and the Organization for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons (OPCW) until November 2017.
Bangkok: The royal palace of Thailand says Queen Sirikit has been hospitalised with fever and lung infection, a month after her husband, King Bhumibol Adulyadej, died.

Today's statement says the 84-year-old Sirikit had high fever on Wednesday. She was admitted to Chulalongkorn Hospital and doctors succeeded in bringing down the fever on Thursday, when she was able to "breathe well and eat."

It says an X-ray revealed a lung infection for which she is being treated with antibiotics. The queen has been in poor health for years and is known to have suffered a stroke.

Bhumibol, the world's longest-serving monarch, died on October 13 after battling several illnesses for years. The country is observing a one-year mourning period.
ISTANBUL: Turkish police detained 73 academics in dawn raids on Friday targeting followers of U.S.-based cleric Fethullah Gulen, accused by Ankara of orchestrating an attempted coup in July, state-run news agency Anadolu reported.

Some 110,000 people have been sacked or suspended in the civil service, army and judiciary and 36,000 people jailed pending trial in the investigation of the failed putsch, in which over 240 people were killed. Gulen denies involvement.

Istanbul prosecutors issued detention warrants for 103 teaching staff accused of "membership of an armed terror group" in the investigation targeting the city`s Yildiz Technical University, the agency said.

Police searched the academics` homes and offices and the suspects were taken to hospital for routine health checks and then to Istanbul police headquarters, the agency reported.

Some were said to have been users of a smart-phone messaging app called ByLock, which Ankara says Gulen`s followers began using in 2014.

Judicial authorities on Thursday dismissed 203 judges and prosecutors over links to what Ankara terms the "Gulenist Terror Group".

Human rights groups and some Western allies have voiced concern at the scope of the purges, fearing President Tayyip Erdogan is using the coup as a pretext to curtail dissent.


Melbourne: More than 20 people were hurt today, some seriously, after a man apparently set fire to a branch of the Commonwealth Bank in Australia, police said.

Paramedics treated 21 people at the scene, an ambulance spokesman said. Most suffered breathing problems but five have serious burns.

"Police responded to reports that a man had allegedly set fire to a Springvale Road bank," Victoria state police said of the incident in the Melbourne suburb.

"The man has been taken to hospital in a serious condition under police guard."

Eric Sleuriot, who was nearby, told the Melbourne Age newspaper: "It's bloody awful. I just can't believe it."

The Commonwealth Bank, Australia's biggest, said the branch would remain shut for the rest of the day, with its response team on site.

"We are working closely with local authorities and emergency services," it said in a statement.
United Nations: The UN Security Council on Thursday unanimously decided to extend for another year the mandate of a panel tasked with investigating chemical attacks in Syria and identifying those responsible.

Backed by Russia, the council adopted a US-drafted resolution to prolong the joint investigation by the United Nations and the Organization for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons (OPCW) until November 2017.

US Ambassador Samantha Power said the work of the panel, known as the Joint Investigative Mechanism (JIM), was "far from finished" and pointed to reports of alleged chlorine gas attacks in east Aleppo.

The JIM has already established during its year-long investigation that Syrian government forces carried out three chlorine gas attacks on villages in 2014 and 2015.

It was the first time that an international probe pointed the finger of blame at President Bashar al-Assad`s forces, after years of denial from Damascus.

Despite the findings, Russia has dismissed the conclusions as unconvincing and said no sanctions should be imposed on Syria.

Russian Deputy Ambassador Vladimir Safronkov said "Russia`s skeptical position is well-known regarding the conclusions" but he added that Moscow`s backing was a recognition that chemical weapons use remained a threat in Syria and in Iraq.

The JIM also found that the Islamic State group in Syria used mustard gas as a weapon in August 2015.France and Britain have repeatedly called for UN sanctions against Syria for its use of chemical weapons but there has been no action at the Security Council.

French Ambassador Francois Delattre said "today`s adoption is an important step but we will need to go further" by ensuring that those responsible for the attacks face sanctions.

Power said the council must work to "make sure those who use these gruesome weapons face consequences."

The resolution tasks the JIM with identifying the "perpetrators, organizers, sponsors" of attacks including among groups associated with the Islamic State group or Al-Qaeda.

It states that all "individuals, entities, groups or governments responsible for any use of chemical weapons must be held accountable."

In its last report, the JIM found that government helicopters flying from two Assad regime-controlled air bases dropped chlorine barrel bombs on the villages of Qmenas, Talmenes and Sarmin, in rebel-held Idlib province.

The panel identified three helicopter squadrons as the perpetrators.

Syria signed the Chemical Weapons Convention (CWC) in 2013 and agreed to give up its chemical stockpile under pressure from close ally Russia.

At a meeting in The Hague last week, the OPCW`s executive body condemned Syria for its use of chemical weapons, the first-ever condemnation of a state-party to the CWC.

"With the extension of the UN-OPCW Joint Investigative Mechanism for another year, all those thinking of using chemical weapons in Syria will know that they may be exposed. But accountability is also crucial," said Louis Charbonneau, the UN director for Human Rights Watch.

"The Security Council should quickly impose sanctions on senior leaders in the Syrian chain of command who have allowed the use of chemical weapons on their watch."

Set up by the council in August 2015, the JIM was due to shut down on Friday unless its mandate was renewed.
LIVE-2 Inning |02-6

INDIA VS BANGLADESH

IND 184/6 VS 35/0 BAN

Bangladesh need 150 runs in 95 balls at 9.47 rpo
In June, Union defence minister Manohar Parrikar had vowed not to speak to the media for six months as his statements always seemed to draw him into controversies. However, within four months, at a book release function on November 10, in answer to an innocuous question from a journalist in the audience, Parrikar raised a storm when he went on to question the fundamentals of India's nuclear doctrine, particularly its policy on unleashing its atomic arsenal against an enemy country.

Ever since India's second test in 1998, ordered by the then prime minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee, there has been heated debate over what red lines have to be crossed for India to launch a nuclear attack. In January 2003, the Vajpayee government released the deliberations of a Cabinet Committee on Security (CCS) meeting on the nuclear doctrine that made it clear what India's threshold was. The CCS explicitly stated that India would have "a posture of No-First Use" and that "nuclear weapons will only be used in retaliation against a nuclear attack on Indian territory or Indian forces anywhere". It then went on to add, "Nuclear retaliation to a first strike will be massive and designed to inflict unacceptable damage (to the aggressor)." Since then, there has been no official revision of the doctrine outlined in the statement, including the moratorium on conducting further nuclear tests.

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In 2014, when the BJP swept to power at the Centre with a clear majority, nuclear experts expressed concern over the party's election manifesto promise to revise India's nuclear doctrine. The manifesto had stated that if the BJP came to power, it would "revise and update" India's nuclear doctrine and "make it relevant to [the] challenges of current times". Many interpreted the statement to be primarily a demand to alter the No-First Use (NFU) posture so as to send a strong message to an aggressive Pakistan.

However, even before he took charge as prime minister, Narendra Modi made it clear that the policy was "a great initiative of Atal Bihari Vajpayee and there is no compromise on that". Months later, on his first visit to Japan as prime minister, when questioned about India's nuclear posture, Modi was even more emphatic: "There is a tradition of national consensus and continuity on such issues. Currently, we are not taking any initiative for a review of our nuclear doctrine."

It was important for Modi to make that clarification because our government had been negotiating with Tokyo since 2010 to sign an agreement to enable Japanese manufacturers to supply nuclear equipment to India. Under the landmark Indo-US nuclear deal that fructified in 2008, the Nuclear Suppliers Group (NSG) made an exception for India and waived the clause that prohibited member-countries from entering into nuclear trade with nations that had not signed the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty (NPT). (India is not an NPT signatory.) While Japan, which is an NSG member, had no issues with other countries conducting nuclear trade with India, it was unwilling to relax its own stringent rules that prevented its companies from trading with non-signatory countries.

Modi was acutely aware that it was critical to get Japan to relax its rules, otherwise India's ambitious nuclear energy programme would be grounded. Three major manufacturers of nuclear power reactors - Areva of France and GE and Westinghouse of the US-were either partly Japanese owned or dependent on manufacturers from there for supplies of critical parts. Between these companies and their Japanese counterparts, 18 large nuclear power plant deals worth over 100 billion dollars were pending.

Nuclear energy was critical to Modi's much-lauded proactive counter to the threat of climate change, including signing the Paris Climate Change pact in November 2015. Under that, India was committed to achieving a target of sourcing 40 per cent of its energy mix from clean energy sources, including nuclear power by 2030. That meant India's current nuclear power generation had to increase tenfold, from around 6,000 MW to 63,000 MW. Foreign collaboration was critical for the great leap forward and without Japan onboard there was no way India could meet the target.

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Ever since he came to power, Modi had assiduously wooed his Japanese counterpart Shinzo Abe to sign an agreement to permit nuclear trade with India. For Japan, it would be a major exception-it had so far never permitted trade with a country that hadn't signed the NPT. Its reservations were understandable because it is the only country in the world to have grievously suffered a nuclear attack. Critical to the agreement was India's assurance that it would not go back on the nuclear doctrine it had articulated in 2003 and reiterated in 2008 while signing the Indo-US nuclear agreement.

That included a voluntary moratorium against conducting another test and maintaining its NFU posture and also committing to International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) safeguards on all its designated civilian reactors, including the ones it planned to import. To assuage Japanese concerns, India also agreed to append a separate note to the agreement that clarified actions that Japan would take if India were to conduct another nuclear test. While there was some criticism that India was bartering away its nuclear sovereignty, Indian negotiators took pains to clarify that there was no deviation from the reassurances the UPA government had given the US on the question of India conducting nuclear tests.

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On the eve of signing the historic nuclear pact with Japan, Parrikar committed the indiscretion of reopening what everyone regarded as a settled debate. He told the audience, "India has a no-first use policy. Why should I bind myself to it? I should say I am a responsible nuclear power and I will not use it [weapons] irresponsibly. This is my thinking. It has not changed in any government policy but it is my concept. As an individual, I get a feeling sometimes why do I say that I am not going to use it first."

Parrikar was possibly responding to a provocative remark made by his Pakistan counterpart Khawaja Asif who, fearing retaliation after the Uri attack, threatened, "Tactical nuclear weapons have been developed for our protection. We haven't kept the devices that we have just as showpieces. If our safety is threatened, we will annihilate them [India]." Unlike India, Pakistan has maintained a first-use policy and has stated it would resort to nuclear weapons if it was in danger of losing territory, if its armed forces were being routed or if an economic blockade threatened the survival of its citizens. The Modi government was quick to clarify that Parrikar had expressed his personal views and that there was no change in the government doctrine. While the deal with Japan was signed without a hitch, Parrikar's loose remarks went viral in the capitals that matter and are likely to be a subject of debate for months to come.

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Parrikar may have been echoing arguments by retired senior Indian armed forces personnel that by changing its NFU posture, India could deter even a potential conventional attack from China or Pakistan. Another point being made is that if India suspected that Pakistan was going to launch a nuclear attack, why should it put its citizens in peril? Why not launch a nuclear strike to disable Pakistan's capability? There is the added danger that if another country is allowed to strike first, India's nuclear arsenal may be depleted and its capability to retaliate may be rendered ineffective.

Yet the idea that India should be using its weapons if it is threatened by another country is not just crazy but abhorrent to the very ethos of the country. India is a firm believer that the world should move quickly to a nuclear zero - a scenario where all such weapons are eliminated. The only reason it developed nuclear weapons was as a deterrent, particularly against China and later Pakistan, so as not to be blackmailed into submission. Our nuclear weapons have long been regarded as a 'political' weapon, rather than just another part of the military arsenal. Not a weapon to pre-empt a strike but one of retaliation.

That is why, unlike Pakistan, India didn't develop tactical or short-range weapons designed to be employed in battlefields rather than against civilian populations. For India, even a tactical attack on its troops is sufficient for it to respond with massive nuclear force that would annihilate Pakistan as it can never be sure that the next attack from it would be confined to the battlefield.

If India changes its NFU posture, it brings in ambiguity and uncertainty in Pakistan's decision-making and lowers the nuclear threshold. A first-use posture would mean that India would not only have to develop far more nuclear weapons than it now has to enable it to not just strike first but also to conduct repeated strikes if the enemy retaliates. And from its current relaxed nuclear posture, India would move to a taut and stressful situation and have to develop an elaborate command-and-control structure.

Moreover, India has always wanted to 'demonetise' nuclear weapons as a currency of power. As the first step towards reducing the salience of nuclear weapons, India has called for all nuclear weapon powers to adopt an NFU posture. (China has an NFU, but the US doesn't). India hopes that this would push nations to an agreement to eliminate all nuclear weapons. That is a laudable goal for a nation that was born on the principle of non-violence and one we should continue to strive for. For in a nuclear war, there are no winners, only survivors.

Follow the writer on Twitter @rajchengappa

--- ENDS ---
With Republicans controlling the White House and both chambers of Congress, the Democratic Party looks set to rely more heavily on top law officials in states they run to help keep a check on Trump's exercise of power.

By Reuters: Democratic attorneys general in at least five US states have vowed to fight President-elect Donald Trump in the courts if he rolls back Obama-era regulations or adopts policies they view as infringing upon civil liberties.

DEMOCRATS RELYING ON LAW OFFICIALS

With Republicans controlling the White House and both chambers of Congress, the Democratic Party looks set to rely more heavily on top law officials in states they run to help keep a check on Trump's exercise of power.

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Any efforts by a Trump administration to weaken consumer protection or climate change policies, for example, could lead to conflict between the states and the federal government, attorney general offices in Maryland, Virginia, Washington, Massachusetts, and New York told Reuters. In some instances, that could see them asking a federal judge to block federal action nationwide.

"I view my role as being on the first line of defense against a Trump administration if it chooses to act in an unconstitutional fashion," said Bob Ferguson, the Democratic attorney general of Washington state.

When George W. Bush was president, Democratic states forced his administration to take the first step toward regulating carbon emissions for the first time.

Michael Kelly, a spokesman for Virginia's attorney general, Mark Herring, said that if a Trump administration "crosses the line and pursues actions that are illegal or violate the Constitution, Attorney General Herring will be ready to stand up and defend the rights of Virginians."

The Trump transition team did not respond to a request seeking comment.

Attorneys general are the top legal officials in the 50 states and are typically elected. After this year's elections, 21 will be Democrats, in addition to the attorney general for the District of Columbia.

Acting on behalf of their states, they generally have legal standing to bring lawsuits challenging federal regulations or executive actions, including those that may infringe upon civil rights.

"The President-elect has made a number of promises that, if implemented, would violate the Constitution or Massachusetts law," Massachusetts Attorney General Maura Healey said in a statement.

"If the incoming administration chooses to try to act in ways that are unconstitutional, my office will take action to protect the rights and liberties of our residents and our state," she said.



SYMPATHETIC HEARING

A dozen attorney general offices contacted by Reuters declined to discuss potential legal strategies before Trump takes office.

Democratic states that sue might initially get a sympathetic hearing, as many federal courts are staffed with judges appointed by President Barack Obama during his eight years in office.

But challengers face one major obstacle, a Supreme Court likely soon to regain its conservative majority once Trump makes an appointment to fill a vacant seat. The court is currently divided 4-4 between conservatives and liberals.

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Republican-controlled Texas, which took a leading role in challenging Obama's executive actions, provides a model for the Democratic attorneys general.

Climate change is likely to be area of friction between Trump, who has vowed to roll back regulations aimed at cutting greenhouse gases, and Democratic states, which have supported such efforts at the federal level or enacted their own measures.

The top target for Trump is Obama's Clean Power Plan, which seeks to limit carbon emissions from power plants.

Amy Spitalnick, a spokeswoman for New York Attorney General Eric Schneiderman said his office "will continue to fight to protect New Yorkers' public health, property, and environment, and to lead the coalition of states defending the Clean Power Plan."

Immigration policy is another potential flashpoint. Trump has said he will rescind an Obama executive order giving deportation relief to up to 4 million people and end federal funding for cities like New York and Los Angeles that give sanctuary to undocumented immigrants.

A federal court blocked the Obama executive order in February 2015 after Texas and 25 other Republican states challenged it. The Supreme Court split 4-4 on the issue in June, leaving the lower court's ruling in place.

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On consumer protection, states can both challenge any Trump efforts to loosen regulations and ramp up their own enforcement efforts, said Doug Gansler, a Democrat who served as Maryland's attorney general from 2007 to 2015.

"If the federal government abdicates that responsibility, the more aggressive and progressive state attorneys general will fill that vacuum," he said.



ALSO READ:

Is Donald Trump a nice person? Does he deserve a chance as the President?

NATO says 'absolutely confident' of Trump leadership in alliance





--- ENDS ---
BHP Billiton and Vale are also facing billions of dollars in legal claims for clean-up costs after the 2015 environmental disaster

A Brazilian federal judge has accepted homicide and environmental criminal charges against 22 people and four mining companies involved in last year's deadly Samarco dam burst.

Judge Jacques de Queiroz Ferreira gave the green light to indictments accusing Samarco and its co-owners Vale and BHP Billiton, as well as the VogBR consultancy, of culpability in the November 5 collapse of an iron ore tailings dam in the Minas Gerais region. Nineteen people were killed.

The ruling, seen by AFP, was signed Wednesday but only made public on Friday.

The companies, which have all rejected the accusations, are charged with crimes against the environment.

Twenty one people, including senior executives, face charges of "qualified homicide" and environmental crimes. A VogBR engineer is charged with having falsely certified the dam as stable prior to its collapse.

The defendants have 30 days to respond. A judge will then consider the evidence and decide whether to bring the defendants to a jury trial.

Reacting to this week's ruling, the Anglo-Australian mining giant BHP Billiton said it had not yet been officially notified about the acceptance of the indictment.

But "BHP Billiton Brasil strongly repudiates the accusations made by the Federal Public Prosecutors against the company and individuals and will defend itself in the course of the proceeding," the company said.

The Samarco dam burst unleashed a torrent of mud down the River Doce, a major waterway.

It was branded Brazil's worst environmental disaster, drawing comparisons with the 2010 Deepwater Horizon oil rig explosion which killed 11 workers and triggered a devastating spill in the Gulf of Mexico.

Prosecutors denounced the mining companies for reckless policies "to boost profits and dividends."

Samarco says that the accident was impossible to foresee, and that it is compensating victims' families and helping to restore environmental damage.

The mining companies have agreed to pay billions of dollars in compensation but in May prosecutors filed a civil lawsuit against Vale, BHP and Samarco seeking 155 billion reais ($49 billion).
A UN climate summit in Marrakesh tasked with implementing the hard-won Paris Agreement moved toward its scheduled close Friday, dogged by Donald Trump's promise to abandon the landmark pact.

The 196-nation forum was stunned to see an avowed climate change denier capture the White House, and has been left to ponder the impact that could have on their collective effort to beat back the threat of global warming.

On Thursday, the conference sought to shore up their commitment with a rare united appeal.

"Our climate is warming at an alarming and unprecedented rate and we have an urgent duty to respond," the 196 nations, including the outgoing US administration, said in the "Marrakesh Action Proclamation".

"We call for the highest political commitment to combat climate change, as a matter of urgent priority."

Many fear that US president-elect Trump -- who has described climate change as a "hoax" perpetrated by China -- will act on his threat to withdraw from the Paris accord or its framework convention, which could roll back years of painstakingly negotiated political goodwill.

It would also deprive poor countries of billions of dollars in promised finance aid, to help them shift to clean energy and shore up defences against climate change impacts that can no longer be avoided.

"We have to work on facilitating access to finance," Moroccan foreign minister Salaheddine Mezouar, who has taken over stewardship of the UN talks from France, said on Friday.

"There's no doubt that if Mr. Trump makes sharp cuts to the federal government support of developing countries, that will be noticed and have an impact," veteran climate negotiations analyst Alden Meyer of the Union of Concerned Scientists told AFP.

The Paris pact sets the goal of limiting average global warming to 2.0 degrees Celsius (3.6 degrees Fahrenheit) over pre-Industrial Revolution levels.

- No backtracking -

That can only be achieved by rapidly slashing greenhouse gas emissions generated by the burning of fossil fuels, scientists say.

Story continues

Countries -- including the United States -- have pledged to do so under the deal by shifting to renewable energy sources.

But Trump has vowed to boost oil and gas production, and to revive the sagging US coal industry, battered mainly by the rise of natural gas from fracking.

Experts say global warming over 2C will result in land-gobbling sea level rise, worsening storms and droughts, disease spread and conflict over ever-scarcer resources.

Highlighting the stakes, US government scientists said Thursday that the first 10 months of the year were the hottest in modern times -- and 2016 will likely surpass 2015 as the warmest year on record.

On current trends, the world is headed for warming of 3C or more, a recipe for human misery on a global scale, they warn.

Without the US, delegates and analysts say, the goal will be even harder to reach.

"The chances of the rest of the world contributing the emissions reductions commitments that the US is required to undertake, or covering the shortfall in climate finance that the US is required to contribute, is unlikely to happen," said Mohamed Adow of Christian Aid, which monitors the climate negotiations on behalf of poor countries.

"That is scary."

While waiting for the in-coming US president to make his climate position clear, many now look to the rest of the world to bolster the Paris Agreement.

The BASIC group of Brazil, South Africa, India and China, stressed they would "continue and strengthen" their own actions, while stressing "there can be no backtracking on commitments from developed countries and no attempt to renegotiate the terms of the agreement reached in Paris".

Mezouar announced Friday that the next high-level climate meet would take place at the end of next year in Bonn, Germany, but be presided by Fiji.

"It is the first time that a small island state, and one from the Pacific, will organise a COP," he told journalists.
It's been over a week since Donald Trump won the US presidential elections. Are people beginning to warm up to him now?

By Shreya Biswas: Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe recently met President-elect Donald Trump, and here's what he had to say: "I am convinced Mr Trump is a leader in whom I can have great confidence."

Blink. Blink. Blink.

Yes, he said that.

After their 90-minute meeting in New York yesterday, a Japanese government spokesman said Abe and Trump had hit it off with an "extremely good start". Abe also said Trump has "renewed my conviction that together with Mr Trump I will be able to establish a relationship of trust."

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Read more: Trump meets Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe



All this comes after Trump spent much of his energy during the presidential campaign critisising Japan's contribution to bilateral security ties. He even suggested the US pulling troops out of Japan and South Korea.

Why did Abe vote in confidence of Trump? He has a point. He said, "without confidence between the two nations, our alliance would never function in the future." And considering Japan is one of Washington's closest allies in the Asia-Pacific, a lot depends on this alliance.

But what about others? Is the rest of the world slowly warming up to Trump too?

It's been over a week since Trump won the US presidential elections. We've had our time to stomach the news and process it. Meanwhile, many politicians who were against Trump during the campaign began playing a different tune.

Also read: What does Donald Trump's HISTORIC win say about Americans?





BORIS JOHNSON

Last year, Britain's Foreign secretary Boris Johnson lashed out at Trump for calling London "radicalised". Johnson retorted by saying he wouldn't go into some parts of New York for the "real risk of meeting Donald Trump." Now, he insists that Trump is a "dealmaker".

"Donald Trump is a dealmaker and I think that could be a good thing for Britain, but it could also be a good thing for Europe and that I think is what we need to focus on today," Johnson said earlier this week.

Also read: Trump effect? Canada immigration site crashes, shows internal server error





REPUBLICAN MITT ROMNEY

Former Massachusetts Governor Mitt Romney switched sides quickly. Romney once labelled Trump as "phony," "fraud" and called upon his traits like, "the bullying, the greed, the showing off the misogyny, the absurd third grade theatrics."

After Trump's win, Romney congratulated Trump by referring to him as "our duly elected president".

Best wishes for our duly elected president: May his victory speech be his guide and preserving the Republic his aim.

Mitt Romney (@MittRomney) November 9, 2016



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SENATOR JEFF FLAKE

Arizona senator Jeff Flake was one of those Republicans who did not side with Trump. He even called Trump "very weak and ineffective". But when the election results came out, Flake took to Twitter to congratulate Trump, and hinted at someday working with him. Some, 'crow eating' that is.

Congrats to Pres. Elect Trump on a big win and a gracious and healing speech. I look forward to working with him. Now, back to eating crow.. Jeff Flake (@JeffFlake) November 9, 2016

Also read: Hello President Trump, here's what Twitter feels about your win



NEW YORK POST



The best of all reactions to Trump's win was that of the New York Post. The daily, which once ran Melania Trump's nude photos all over its cover, responded to Trump's victory by calling him the "little guy" who beat the "elite".

Ahem.

Donald Trump's victory is a win for the little guy over the elite https://t.co/QZb96gvry8 pic.twitter.com/MNw6Bs8J4B New York Post (@nypost) November 9, 2016



Also read: This South Indian astrologer predicted Trump will win

Is it all part of politics? Is it for the sake of healthy alliances and truce?

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THERE'S A THIRD REASON: DEALING WITH THE REALITY.

Donald Trump is going to swear in as the next US president soon, whether you like it or not. The call that many are making now is to swallow their pride and make the best of what they have.

Well-known senior journalist Nicholas Kristof writes in his opinion piece:

"Americans have a new president-elect, and it's time to buck up. I've seen past elections that were regarded as the end of the world - including, in many Democratic circles, the Reagan triumph of 1980 - and the republic survived. This time as well, our institutions are stronger than any one man. We are not Weimar Germany."

He's not alone. Quite a few TV news anchors and guests looked straight into the camera after the election results came out, and repeated the same thing: "Give Trump a chance."

Also read: Oh my God! America will have a president who said such things











IS TRUMP BECOMING MORE SENSIBLE?

Seriously, what's with the mellowed voice?

Since the elections, Trump seems to be backing out of the "promises" he made during the campaign, the ones which probably won him the election in the first place.

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He promised to consider retaining some features of President Obama's healthcare reforms, which he promised to "repeal and replace" during campaign. Hillary Clinton, whom he once swore to imprison and called "nasty", has now become a "very strong and very smart" woman for him.

The most shocking switch in his stance has been the disappearance of the Muslim-ban propaganda from his campaign page.

Read more: Post election results, Donald Trump removes 'ban all Muslims from the US' page from his website



As for the Iran nuclear deal, Trump adviser Walid Phares said, "'Ripping up' is maybe a too strong of word. He [Trump] is gonna take that agreement, it's been done before in international context, and then review it."

In a recent interview with CBS, Trump appeared as more subdued, more serious??. When asked about the wall he promised to build along Mexico border, he said he would but "for certain areas." Go figure.

He also left the reporters shocked when he said he was in favour of Libya, and was not in support of killing Gaddafi and Saddam Husain.

Also read: Americans protest against Donald Trump big time, president-elect calls it unfair







BUT SHOULD WE GIVE TRUMP A CHANCE?

John Oliver has another plan for dealing with the reality of Trump's presidency, which he shared with the world in the latest episode of Last Week Tonight.

"Optimism is nice if you can swing it, but you got to be careful," Oliver points out. "Because it can feed into the normalisation of Donald Trump."

Whether warming up to Trump will help or not, we don't know. But there are something one should not forget: This is the man who called for a ban on a community, who waved off sexism as "locker room talk".



--- ENDS ---
German business leaders caught off guard by the election of Donald Trump are facing the prospect of a new U.S-German trade relationship.

As uncertainty looms over President-elect Trump's White House priorities, German companies are holding out hope free trade will win over protectionist policies in the West Wing. Businesses expressed skepticism over Trump's anti-globalization rhetoric on the campaign trail, saying the future president is more likely to take a balanced approach to trade relations with Germany, its crucial economic and political ally. But some worried Trump's "America-first" promise could infiltrate the alliance.

"Everybody hopes that we will see better decisions from now on from Trump than in the election campaign," said Thilo Brodtmann, executive director of VDMA, Germany's engineering federation representing more than 3,000 companies. "If you believe in what has been said during the campaignthat would be of very harmful."

Germany shipped more goods to the U.S. than any other country in 2015 with exports increasing 73 percent since 2010, according to the Munich-based Ifo Institute for Economic Research. Top exports include automobiles, machinery, and electrical goods. German Chancellor Angela Merkel reinforced the necessity of a strong U.S.-German trade relationship in a joint press conference with President Barack Obama Thursday in Berlin.

"Our bilateral relations are very good, they are very close in the areas of business, of the economy," Merkel said. "The European Union and the United States of America are the big important economic areas for us, which is why I always have come up strongly in favor of concluding a trade agreement with the United States of America."

Multinationals like Germany-based chain saw maker Andreas Stihl AG & Co. have exported more than their products to the United States. The company brought German-style workforce training and advanced manufacturing to its U.S. headquarters in Virginia Beach, Virginia.

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"We're very proud of the fact that our products are German engineered but also built in America and the fact that we add so much value over here," said Bjoern Fischer, president of the company's U.S. subsidiary Stihl Inc.

Fischer said he was optimistic about Stihl's growth prospects in the U.S., citing the company's long-term business strategy. He said operations in both the U.S. and Germany will continue to take advantage of a global manufacturing environment under president-elect Trump.

"Both countries are obviously very strong countries with very large markets," he said. "That cooperation will continue and I'm sure we'll find solutions."

Fischer pointed to possible benefits for business under a Trump administration, including lower corporate tax rates and reduced business regulations. He said there were "two sides of a coin" from a stronger dollar in the U.S., which has appreciated since the election.

"All the components that we buy overseas are benefiting from a stronger dollar so that helps us, but a strong dollar overseas makes our product more expensive to other parts of the world," he said.

Increased trade barriers would likely pose problems for German industrial companies with large footprints in the U.S., said Jacob Funk Kirkegaard, a senior fellow at the Peterson Institute for International Economics. He said German multinationals might not be able to produce or sell their goods in the U.S. as easily as before.

"The irony is that deteriorating U.S.-German relations might actually jeopardize German manufacturing investments in the U.S. and thereby pose a threat to the very jobs Trump has said repeatedly that he wants to boost," Kirkegaard said.

He added disagreements between Trump and Merkel over climate change could further deteriorate the U.S.-German business relationship. Kirkegaard said efforts to fight climate change within Germany are "completely uncontested," and Merkel does not want to defend her country's position to the United States as she gears up for the 2017 German elections.

"If Donald Trump goes ahead and does what he said he would do during the campaign and takes the United States out of the international climate agreement, then I would predict that the political and economic response from Germany would be very negative," he said.

German industry leaders insist they will continue to push business initiatives like TTIP, a bilateral trade agreement between the United States and the U.S. The proposed legislation has met opposition on both sides of the Atlantic.

"German industry will continue to work towards a fair TTIP with good regulations for both sides," said Ulrich Grillo, president of the Federation of German Industries (BDI) in a statement.

Grillo pointed to more than 5,000 German companies represented in the U.S., saying the country must continue to honor its responsibilities as a global leader. An estimated 1.5 million jobs in Germany depend on trade with the U.S., according to the Ifo Institute.

"The United States must continue to support open markets," Grillo said in the statement. "Everything else would be poison for the economy."

Other industry leaders were skeptical Trump would follow through on trade restrictions, dismissing his anti-trade language as fiery campaign rhetoric.

"We hope that there will be some learning curve when answering the question of free trade and the necessity for trade," VDMA's Brodtmann said. "It will show quite quickly that any kind of protectionism will harm the macroeconomic data of the U.S. as well as elsewhere."




Peru's President Pedro Pablo Kuczynski speaks at the opening of the APEC CEO Summit in Lima on November 18, 2016

A summit of top world leaders was urged to fight rising protectionism after Donald Trump's election victory stoked fears that free trade is under threat, and the global economy along with it.

Trump, who triumphed in last week's US presidential vote, successfully tapped the anger of working-class voters who feel left behind by years of globalization, vowing to protect American jobs against cheap labor in countries like China and Mexico.

As a summit of the 21-member Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) group got under way, host President Pedro Pablo Kuczynski of Peru urged the region's leaders to robustly defend free trade, while the US sought to reassure worried allies.

"In the US and Britain, protectionist tendencies are taking over," Kuczynski told APEC leaders.

"It is fundamental that world trade grow again and that protectionism be defeated."

Trump's victory came after Britain's surprise "Brexit" vote in June to leave the European Union, adding to deep uncertainty about the post-war world order and the future of free trade.

The sentiment also exists on a far smaller scale in Peru, where several dozen protesters -- including Amazon natives in indigenous headdress -- gathered Friday in Lima to condemn free trade agreements and the "capitalist beast."

Trump has notably vowed to scuttle US President Barack Obama's key trade initiative in the Asia-Pacific, the Trans-Pacific Partnership (TPP), leaving a vacuum that China -- which was excluded from the deal -- is keen to fill.

A delegate at ministerial meetings held on Thursday and Friday said APEC ministers had expressed concern over growing protectionism in the United States, and that the mood had been somber.

US Trade Representative Michael Froman sought to reassure leaders that US policy would not change radically from one administration to the next.

He urged those fearing the worst to give Trump time.

"It's only been 10 days since the election," he said.

"Any new administration needs time to go through the transition process."

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Citing a recent study suggesting failure to ratify TPP would cost the US around $94 billion in the first year alone, he said Trump had major incentives to see the deal through in some form.

"Inaction poses serious costs," he said.

- 'Unequivocal message' -

Trump is not at the summit but he looms large over the meeting of APEC, a free-trade club founded in 1989 that represents nearly 40 percent of the world's population and nearly 60 percent of the global economy.

In a clear jab at the billionaire mogul's anti-trade stance, Kuczynski said that "anyone who wants to promote protectionism (should) read an economic history of the 1930s."

The center-right economist urged his fellow leaders to deliver an "unequivocal message" in support of free trade.

The US election has left China, a country the United States once considered a threat to free-market capitalism, as the unlikely leader of the movement for open trade.

Chinese President Xi Jinping is holding a strong hand as he meets Obama and other APEC leaders this week.

"There is no doubt that if the TPP fails it will be a huge win for China, politically and economically," said Brian Jackson, a China economist at consultancy IHS Global Insight.

Even longtime US allies in the Asia-Pacific region now say they are keen to get on board with Chinese-backed alternatives to TPP.

Beijing is pushing an APEC-wide Free Trade Area of the Asia-Pacific (FTAAP) and a 16-member Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP), which includes India but not the United States.

World business leaders gathered on the sidelines of the summit bemoaned TPP's "grim prospects" and urged governments to pour resources into FTAAP and set a concrete timeline, said Sun Xiao, an official with the China Chamber of International Commerce.

And amid mounting criticism that globalization has benefitted only the wealthiest, IMF chief Christine Lagarde defended trade as a major engine of growth.

"We hope it continues to be -- but it has to be inclusive growth," she said.
Volkswagen on Friday announced the biggest revamp in its history, cutting 30,000 jobs in a huge savings plan to help the German auto giant recover from the dieselgate emissions cheating scandal.

The deal, agreed with workers' representatives after months of tortuous negotiations, will lead to annual savings of 3.7 billion euros ($3.9 billion) by 2020 and will allow the group to ramp up its investment in electric vehicles, VW brand chief Herbert Diess said.

"It's a major step forward, and undoubtedly one of the biggest in the history of the company," Diess told a press conference at the group's Wolfsburg headquarters in northern Germany.

The job reductions will be at VW's own-brand unit and will not affect the group's other brands such as Porsche, Audi and Skoda.

Some 23,000 of the job cuts will be in Germany alone, Diess said, adding that these would be mostly through measures such as attrition and temp job losses and not through forced lay-offs.

Jobs will also be lost in Brazil and Argentina, two markets where the VW brand is struggling.

"I am very sorry for those affected, but the situation of the brand at the moment gives us little room for manoeuvre," Diess added.

The so-called "Future Pact" agreed with labour leaders will also see VW create 9,000 positions in areas of new technology, as part of the group's shift to electric vehicles in the wake of dieselgate.

- 'VW can change' -

"We are tackling the problems at the root, even if it's painful. Many didn't think we could do it," Diess said. "Today, we have shown that Volkswagen can and will change."

VW's own-brand unit, which employs 215,000 people worldwide, had already been struggling with profitability, weighed down by high costs and low productivity.

But the VW group, which owns 12 brands, was plunged into the biggest crisis in its history last year after it admitted to installing emissions cheating software in some 11 million diesel vehicles.

The so-called defeat devices could detect when a vehicle was undergoing regulatory tests and lowered emissions accordingly to make the cars seem less polluting than they were.

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The crisis hurt sales and damaged the image of the proud German company, pushing it to its first loss in over two decades last year.

In response to the controversy and to burnish its environmental credentials, VW has revved up its focus on clean energy cars, announcing plans to develop and manufacture more than 30 new electric vehicles by 2025.

As part of the shift to new technologies, Diess said VW would invest some 3.5 billion euros in Germany over the next four years in projects focussed on e-mobility, digitalisation and automation -- including self-driving cars.

- Costly legal woes -

Top worker representative Bernd Osterloh said the radical shake-up had "positive and negative aspects", but he welcomed that German plants would be at the forefront of manufacturing VW's electric vehicles.

"These future-oriented vehicles will be made in Germany and not in other countries," he said in a statement.

Analyst Ferdinand Dudenhoeffer, an expert on the German auto industry, told n-tv rolling news channel that VW was on the right track with its massive restructuring plan.

"It's painful but it's the right decision," he said.

The VW group has set aside some 18 billion euros to cover the fallout of the dieselgate scandal, but experts believe the final bill for the buy-backs, fixes and legal costs will be far higher.

Last month the carmaker agreed a $14.7 billion settlement with authorities in the United States that includes compensation for nearly half a million owners of the affected cars.

But VW still faces a web of investigations and legal claims around the world.

The group's shares gained 0.64 percent to 118.30 euros in afternoon trading in Frankfurt, outperforming the overall market, which was up by 0.30 percent.
In a country where tourism is the 5th growth driver, local Philippine companies are scrambling to take advantage

The Philippines has been enjoying an accelerated pace of growth in its tourism industry. With over 4 million arrivals in the first eight months of 2016 alone, a 12 per cent increase from the same period in 2015, coupled with its Its More Fun in the Philippines international campaign, there is room in the market for various travel companies to disrupt the tourism industry.

In this list, we put the focus on five Filipino travel startups that are changing the way people travel around the Philippines.

Trail adventours

Tagline: Share. Life. Outdoors.

Hiking since 1997, the decision to start Trail Adventours seems to have come naturally to brothers Coby and Guido Sarreal. Launched in October 2010 with three adventure guides and two hiking destinations, the company now offers hikes to over 50 mountains in the Philippines alone, including newly opened trails in unique destinations in the country.

Also read: Why establishing a strong social presence is vital for any startup

With a network stemming from 58 adventure guides and a strong online presence in adventure groups, Trail Adventours have serviced all sorts of hikers  from new hikers to seasoned mountain climbers  just as long as they share the passion for the great outdoors. The company works with seasoned adventure guides and local communities to ensure safe hikes that are neither intrusive or destructive to the environment and the local culture.

Trail Adventours has also expanded its hikes to various mountains outside of the country. Travelers can join their hikes through their website.

Experience Philippines

Tagline: Dont think. Be random.

True to its tagline, any trip that Experience Philippines offers seem random. Any trip posted in the website only includes what travellers should prepare to bring and not the destination. Destinations are announced upon meet-up on the day of the trip and only upon arriving will the travellers know what activities they can join.

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The company offers five types: random road trips, singles road trips, retro road trips, quick getaways, and random OUTings. Travellers can take part in any of the surprise destinations and activities that the group organises.

Founder Giancarlo Gallegos credits collaboration with local tourism offices, other travel groups, and local communities in the success of their trips. The companys strong online presence and online customer relationship has also helped Experience Philippines expand its network of avid travellers and local service providers.

Experience Philippines also organises special trips for individuals and groups. It is also the only company in the Philippines that organises roadtrips exclusively for the LGBTQ community (random OUTings). Travellers can sign up to join trips through the Experience Philippines website.

MAD Travel

Tagline: Adventures that matter.

Standing for Make A Difference, MAD Travel was launched in partnership with Gawad Kalinga, a global movement building homes and communities for the less fortunate. The companys tailor-made travel experiences aims to bring travellers to different destinations for activities that would help them gain an awareness of the social problems that various social groups in the country are trying to solve.

Also read: 7 Filipino social entrepreneurs who are making a difference in the community

A social enterprise, MAD Travel partners with other local social enterprises, as well as development groups in the local communities, to provide an alternative travel experience. The activities that MAD organises involve interaction between the travellers and locals, such as volunteering in an organic farm, learning to surf from the locals, and visiting transformed communities.

MAD Travel also customises trips for individuals and organisations, and the team also offers experiences made especially for kids. Travellers can join their scheduled activities through the website.

Zigzag Travelers

Tagline: A global gateway for Philippines culture.

What started as a group to organise tours in the El Nido islands of Palawan in 2015, Zigzag travellers has expanded to become an online booking platform for experiences all over the Philippines.

With a mission to empower local communities, Zigzag Travelers work closely with its travel partners all over the country to promote the services of the local enterprises. Founder Karl Murphy stresses the importance of the startups collaborative relationship with partners in providing new and exciting tour packages that travellers can avail. It is the goal of the company to reacquaint Filipinos and introduce visitors to true colourful Filipino heritage and culture.

Also read: What will be the impact of Philippine-US split on the countrys startup community?

Zigzag Travellers offer trips to some of the most popular destinations in the country which involve activities such as rock climbing, culture tour, and food crawl. Travellers can book trips using the website.

Tripkada

Tagline: Trips by travelers like you.

When April Cuenca and Ragde Falcis started FlipTrip back in 2014, the idea was to give travellers a platform where they can customise their own trips to off-the-beaten-path destinations in the Philippines. A couple of years in, though, they noticed that travellers dont create their own trips; they join the trips already organised by the company.

Realising that trip joining is a growing trend in the adventure travel market, FlipTrip pivoted their model, and Tripkada was born.

Launched in August 2016, Tripkada offers trips created, organised, and led by their curated community of travelers. The trips feature smaller and lesser-known destinations where their travel groups can interact with the locals, creating livelihood opportunities and promoting sustainable tourism development in local communities.

Tripkada collaborates with various organisations to create its trips. They also encourage individuals to become part of their community of trip organisers. Travellers can join their trips through the website or by downloading their app.

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Featured Image Credit: supertrader / 123RF Stock Photo

The post 5 Filipino startups that showcase a different Philippines appeared first on e27.
By David Ljunggren OTTAWA (Reuters) - The leaders of Mexico and Canada will hold talks this weekend on the potential impact that a Donald Trump presidency could have on the NAFTA trade pact, a source close to the matter said on Thursday. Prime Minister Justin Trudeau and Mexican President Enrique Pena Nieto will meet on the sidelines of an Asian regional summit in Lima, Peru. They intend to speak to each other more frequently about their NAFTA strategy in the months to come, said the source, who declined to be identified given the sensitivity of the issue. Trump, who takes office in January, says he will either tear up or push to renegotiate the trilateral North American Free Trade Agreement, under which Canada and Mexico both send the vast majority of their exports to the United States. "The two men will run through a number of scenarios in Lima and talk about how to address them," said the source. "They will hold more frequent talks on NAFTA in the coming months as the president-elect's plans become clearer." The Mexican government later said in a statement that Economy Minister Ildefonso Guajardo will meet Canada's International Trade Minister Chrystia Freeland in Lima on Friday to discuss "issues of regional interest" in preparation for a meeting between Pena Nieto and Trudeau at the summit. It did not provide further details on the leaders' meeting. Trump is working with close aides to decide who should get key jobs. His key transition officials do not yet have access to detailed briefing documents on national security and economic policy. The source said it was too soon to say what, if any, common front Canada and Mexico would take to defend NAFTA, given neither country had any idea what Trump's intentions were. Canadian officials say that if Trump walks away from NAFTA, Canada could fall back on an earlier 1984 free trade deal with the United States. There are no such options for Mexico, which Trump has also singled out over what he says is the problem of illegal immigration. Trump made building a wall on the U.S.-Mexico border a central issue of his campaign. (Reporting by David Ljunggren; Editing by Cynthia Osterman and Kim Coghill)
By Greg Torode HONG KONG (Reuters) - A U.S. congressional panel has warned of an "alarming" rise in China's interference in Hong Kong, noting fears over the former British colony's continued role as a global financial hub. In its annual report to Congress on Wednesday, the bipartisan U.S.-China Economic and Security Review Commission highlights the "chilling" abduction and detention of five booksellers based in Hong Kong as well as pressure on media and academic freedoms. Britain handed Hong Kong back to China in 1997 under a "one country, two systems" agreement that ensures its freedoms, independent legal system and wide-ranging autonomy remain intact. The commission, in a detailed 33-page section, urges a fresh probe from the State Department into Hong Kong's autonomy and freedoms, as well as continued congressional oversight. "Hong Kong's traditional standing as a global financial hub has significant economic implications for the United States, as U.S. trade and investment ties with Hong Kong are substantial," the report notes. It says the booksellers' detentions - including two foreign nationals and one who was abducted inside Hong Kong - broadened domestic fears of mainland encroachment and sparked a record turnout in September's legislative election. "This incident has threatened the maintenance of the 'one country, two systems' framework and led some observers to question Hong Kong's status as a leading global financial hub," the report warns. "The election took place against the backdrop of an alarming rise in mainland interference in Hong Kong." U.S. senators Marco Rubio and Tom Cotton also introduced a bill that would freeze U.S.-based assets and ban U.S. entry of those responsible for the "surveillance, abduction, detention, or forced confessions of certain booksellers and journalists in Hong Kong", according to a statement on Rubio's senate website. In Beijing, Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesman Geng Shuang said Hong Kong was an internal matter for China and no foreign country had the right to interfere. "In order to try to split the country, some forces have openly sought foreign support," Geng told a daily news briefing. "Those who attempt to use foreign forces to achieve their own political goals will not succeed." The report comes amid deepening concerns in Beijing over a fledgling independence movement in the city. The High Court this week backed a government demand to bar two recently elected lawmakers, who insulted China when taking their oath of office, from the legislature. In a statement after the report's release, the Hong Kong government said the "one country, two systems" principle was being implemented successfully, as was the city's role as a global commercial hub. It also urged foreign parties not to interfere. The booksellers were involved in the production and sale of gossipy political titles banned in mainland China but freely available in Hong Kong. Their plight fueled Western governments' concerns and sparked formal diplomatic protests. One of the five men, Swedish passport holder Gui Minhai, who disappeared from the Thai resort of Pattaya last October, is the only one still in detention in China. Another, Lam Wing-kee, returned to Hong Kong in June, saying he had been held captive by Chinese agents for eight months. The report places the worsening climate in the city in the context of China's broader disregard for international legal agreements and norms on issues such as the South China Sea and Taiwan. (Additional reporting by Beijing newsroom; Editing by Paul Tait and Nick Macfie)
Ryan Norris has studied gray jays for many years in Algonquin Park. Photo by Brett Forsyth.

It doesnt just survive but thrives in the cold Canadian winter. Its friendly and smart.

The gray jay has surprised some as the choice for the countrys national bird but not Ryan Norris, an associate professor and research chair in the department of integrative biology at the University of Guelph.

I think its a fantastic choice, Norris, who has studied the gray jay for many years, told Yahoo Canada News.

I like the gray jay because it toughs it out in Canada and we tough it out in a lot of places, too. What better bird to pick as our national bird?

Norris is an ecologist who studies the behaviour, population dynamics, conservation, and evolution of animals in seasonal environments, with an emphasis on migratory birds and butterflies. He and his graduate students have been working with former Algonquin Park chief naturalist Dan Strickland to study the gray jay population there.

In recent decades, the population in Algonquin Park, some of the gray jays southernmost range, has declined by more than half.

The Royal Canadian Geographical Society has recommended the gray jay as the national bird, to join the beaver and the maple tree as official symbols of the nation. The society hopes the federal government will table a bill recognizing the gray jay in time for the countrys 150th anniversary next year.

The gray jay is truly Canadas bird with traits that symbolize the Canadian spirit, the society said in a statement announcing the choice.

In true Canadian fashion, the year-and-a-half long national bird project involved a poll of the public and an official debate by ornithologists. There was consultation with cultural experts and Indigenous peoples.

More than 50,000 Canadians weighed in.

Canadians overwhelming interest in choosing a national bird really impressed us, Aaron Kylie, Canadian Geographics editor, said in a statement.

The list of feathered contenders was narrowed to five: the common loon, the black-capped chickadee, the snowy owl, the Canada goose and the gray jay.

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Some have called foul, pointing out that the loon and the snowy owl both polled higher than the diminutive, some might say dowdy, jay.

But the hard-working hoser of the bird world came out the winner, not for flashy feathers or a sexy song but due to its hardiness. The gray jay, also known as the Canada jay or the whiskey jack, is found in every province and territory.

The common loon, snowy owl and black-capped chickadee are also already official provincial symbols.

In terms of representing the qualities we like to think of in ourselves as Canadians, the gray jay is highly intelligent; its able to endure harsh winters; its extremely friendly. Its one of the few birds that will come to your hand and feed from your hand, Norris said.

They are resident in Canada year-round. Unlike loons and seniors, they do not flock to Florida when the snow starts to fly.

They cache food beginning in August and September that they rely on to get them through the winter, recalling six or even seven months later where theyve stashed the cache.

Perhaps their most amazing feat, is that like Canadians, they breed in winter.

They start building nests in the deep snow, in February, Norris said.

Females lay eggs in early March.

Theyre often sitting on nests during snowstorms. Thats not unusual, he said. Theyre very hardy birds. Theyre not just surviving the Canadian winter.

The gray jay, or whiskey jack, is the Royal Canadian Geographical Societys choice for Canadas national bird. Photo by Dan Strickland.

Gray jays are found in the boreal forest across the country and, like many species, are subject to a changing climate, Norris said.

They dont cache seeds, they cache meat and berries and insects and to properly preserve that food, they need the trees to act as a freezer, he said.

A warming climate means a greater risk that food will spoil before the winter freeze.

When that food goes rotten, that means theres less food not only to survive the winter but for breeding.
By PTI: Mumbai, Nov 18 (PTI) Media firm Eros International today said it has partnered with leading Russian company Central Partnership to promote and distribute Indian and Russian content across multiple platforms in both countries.

The two companies will jointly explore distribution of content across platforms in India and Russia, Eros International said in a statement.

Central Partnership (CP), an affiliate of Gazprom Media Holding, will dub films from Eros extensive film library in Russian language, which will enable the company to cater to a much larger audience in Russia and CIS.

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Eros can further utilise the dubbed content on its digital platform, Eros Now, to reach out to a wider audience in Russia.

"With the rapid growth of satellite pay TV in Russia, there is an increased demand for premium digital and television content. This alliance will pave the way for CP to showcase extensive repository of Bollywood films from the Eros library on pay TV," it said.

"Furthermore, CP will also approach free TV channels to explore showcasing of Indian titles," it added.

Eros too, will endeavour to distribute CPs media assets on Indian television, the statement said.

"With our entry into the Russian market, we continue to build strong global position. The market potential is promising, and with the rise in digital consumption by local audiences, we see huge opportunity in exploiting high-quality content together to reach audiences across the two diasporas," said Eros International group CEO & MD Jyoti Deshpande.

"Our strategic partnership with Eros is a big step for both companies in their international expansion, since content from India is now under-represented in Russia and vice-versa. Our plan is to benefit from both companies leading positions in domestic markets to change this layout," CP CEO Pavel Stepanov said. PTI DS ARS BAL RDS

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By Jeff Mason and Andrea Shalal BERLIN (Reuters) - U.S. President Barack Obama and European leaders on Friday underscored the importance of working together in NATO and chided Russia for its bombing of Syria and failure to implement a Ukrainian peace accord. The White House statement followed a meeting at which Obama sought to reassure his counterparts from Germany, Britain, Spain, Italy and France that his successor Donald Trump would not break up the transatlantic alliance. Trump raised concerns during the campaign when he said he could withhold military aid from NATO allies if they had not met their defence commitments and said he would forge closer ties with Russian President Vladimir Putin. "President Obama expressed confidence that, even at a moment of great change, democratic values have done more to advance human freedom and progress than any other system in history, and will continue to do so going forward," the White House said. The leaders agreed on the need to work together to stabilise the Middle East and North Africa, as well as securing diplomatic resolutions for the conflicts in Syria and eastern Ukraine. European leaders had sought Obama's support as they prepare to extend sanctions imposed on Russia by Washington and Brussels in 2014 following its intervention in eastern Ukraine, and consider fresh sanctions over Russia's actions in Syria, where it backs Syrian President Bashar al-Assad. German Chancellor Angela Merkel told a news conference with Spanish Prime Minister Mariano Rajoy that no decisions had been made about extending the Ukraine sanctions, but actions to implement the Minsk peace accord were not sufficient. Merkel said the leaders discussed their concerns about Syria during their meeting on Friday, but did not talk about imposing Syria-related sanctions against Russia that have been sought by the Syrian opposition. Obama and the EU leaders called for an immediate end to attacks on rebel-held parts of the city of Aleppo by Syrian government forces and their allies Russia and Iran that monitoring groups say have killed dozens this week alone. Syrian opposition officials on Friday met EU foreign policy chief Federica Mogherini and other officials and urged them to focus on protecting civilians and lifting the siege, said Anas al-Abdah, who heads the Syrian National Coalition. He said he had hoped for stronger words from Obama and the EU leaders, and called for Washington and Brussels to put more "real pressure" on Russia and Iran. U.S. and EU officials have stressed the need for a political solution, including the departure of Assad, but Trump has said he views the fight against Islamic State as a bigger priority. EU leaders are expected to extend sanctions related to Ukraine in December or January. Obama and the European leaders "unanimously agreed on the continued need for Russia to fully meet its commitments under the Minsk agreements and that Ukraine-related sanctions against Russia must remain in place until it does so," the White House said. They said a durable ceasefire in eastern Ukraine was needed to move forward with free and fair local elections in the occupied regions of Donetsk and Luhansk. (Additional reporting by Andreas Rinke and Michelle Martin; Writing by Andrea Shalal; Editing by Janet Lawrence)
LOS ANGELES and CHARLOTTE, N.C., Nov. 17, 2016 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Kay Properties and Investments has completed another 1031 exchange DST offering in Charlotte, NC.



The Charlotte Corporate Center DST was a Regulation D, 506(c), 1031 exchange DST offering available to 1031 exchange and direct cash investors.

Dwight Kay, the founder and CEO of Kay Properties and Investments commented: The Charlotte Corporate Center DST is a 100% occupied, Absolute Triple Net Leased (NNN) property occupied by a global tenant and located in Charlotte, NC. The property has immediate access to I-77, is just 7 miles from the Charlotte Douglas International Airport and is located in very close proximity to Costco and other national retailers.

Mr. Kay continued, The DST was particularly attractive to investors due to the DST being an all-cash/debt-free DST with no long term financing encumbering the property.

For more information on Kay Properties and Investments, LLC please visit www.kpi1031.com

ABOUT KAY PROPERTIES AND INVESTMENTS, LLC

Kay Properties and Investments, LLC was founded by Dwight Kay to offer solutions to 1031 Exchange clients throughout the country.

Headquartered in Los Angeles, CA with offices in New York, NY and Washington, D.C.

Specialists in the Delaware Statutory Trust (DST) 1031 Exchange Marketplace.

Offering DST Advisory Services to 1031 Exchange Clients and working with many major DST sponsor companies throughout the country.

Offering client exclusive DST properties solely available to Kay Properties clients.

Offering both leveraged DST properties as well as all-cash/debt-free DST properties.

Over $127,000,000 of DST properties purchased by our clients in 2015.

Licensed in all 50 states, Washington D.C. and the Virgin Islands.

Always Available to Help Our Clients - Weekends, Holidays and Whenever You Need Us.

Better Business Bureau A+ Accredited Business.

Dwight Kay - Founder

Office: (855) 466-5927

Cell: (310) 404-7297

Email: Dwight@kpi1031.com

Chay Lapin - Vice President

Office: (855) 466-5927

Cell: (562) 882-7617

Email: Chay@kpi1031.com

Jason Salmon - Senior Vice

President and Managing Director

of Real Estate Analytics

Office: (855) 466-5927

Cell: (917)-837-1492

Email: Jason@kpi1031.com

Betty Friant, CCIM  Senior

Vice President

Office: (202)-552-6627

Cell: (540)-550-1784

Email: Betty@kpi1031.com



This material does not constitute an offer to sell nor a solicitation of an offer to buy any security. Such offers can be made only by the confidential Private Placement Memorandum (the "Memorandum"). Please be aware that this material cannot and does not replace the Memorandum and is qualified in its entirety by the Memorandum.

This material is not intended as tax or legal advice so please do speak with your attorney and CPA prior to considering an investment.

This material contains information that has been obtained from sources believed to be reliable. However, Kay Properties and Investments, LLC, Colorado Financial Services Corporation and their representatives do not guarantee the accuracy and validity of the information herein. Investors should perform their own investigations before considering any investment.

There are material risks associated with investing in real estate, Delaware Statutory Trust (DST) and 1031 Exchange properties. These include, but are not limited to, tenant vacancies; declining market values; potential loss of entire investment principal; that past performance is not a guarantee of future results; that potential cash flow, potential returns, and potential appreciation are not guaranteed in any way; adverse tax consequences and that real estate is typically an illiquid investment.

Please read carefully the Memorandum and/or investment prospectus in its entirety before making an investment decision. Please pay careful attention to the "Risk" section of the PPM/Prospectus. This material is not intended as tax or legal advice so please do speak with your attorney and CPA prior to considering an investment.

IRC Section 1031, IRC Section 1033, and IRC Section 721 are complex tax codes; therefore, you should consult your tax and legal professional for details regarding your situation.

Securities offered through registered representatives of Colorado Financial Service Corporation, Member FINRA / SIPC. Kay Properties and Investments, LLC and Colorado Financial Service Corporation are separate entities. OSJ Address: 304 Inverness Way S, Ste 355, Centennial, Colorado. 303-962-7267

Kay Properties & Investments, LLC, is registered to sell securities in all 50 states.

DST 1031 properties are only available to accredited investors (generally described as having a net worth of over $1 million dollars exclusive of primary residence) and accredited entities only (generally described as an entity owned entirely by accredited individuals and/or an entity with gross assets of greater than $5 million dollars). If you are unsure if you are an accredited investor and/or an accredited entity please verify with your CPA and Attorney prior to considering an investment. You may be required to verify your status as an accredited investor.
Top sources in the government said the notification is likely to be issued soon, a decision that may trigger more chaos as the scramble to banks and ATMs refuses to dissipate.

By India Today Web Desk: In the latest bid to contain the cash crunch, the government is likely to allow the exchange of old currency notes of Rs 500 and Rs 1000 only at the branch where a person holds her account.

Top sources in the government said the notification is likely to be issued soon, a decision that may trigger more chaos as the scramble to banks and ATMs refuses to dissipate.

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Sources said the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) is likely to issue fresh guidelines tonight on depositing the old currency. As per information, the new rules RBI would allow people to deposit the old currency in their own bank branches only.

Until now, it was permitted to deposit the old currency in any bank by submitting a proforma with a copy of their identity proof.

The decision was taken following reports that people were using their IDs to deposit money in different bank branches.

ALSO READ | Demonetisation Day 10: Supreme Court refuses to stay petitions against note ban in lower courts

ALSO READ | Demonetisation: Govt promises action after India Today exposed misuse of Jan Dhan accounts

There have been multiple revisions by the government following the November 8 decision to ban Rs 500 and Rs 1000 notes, a decision announced by Prime Minister Narendra Modi himself in a televised address.

With long queues continuing at banks and ATMs, petrol pumps were allowed on Friday to dispense Rs 2000 cash per person per day.

That came a day after the government announced a set of seven decisions pertaining to demonetisation, mainly aimed at smooth sowing season ahead, including permission to farmers to withdraw up to Rs 25,000 per week and registered agri-traders Rs 50,00 per week from their bank accounts.

This apart, for families that have an upcoming wedding, one member of the household can withdraw up to Rs 250,000 one-time, subject to furnishing an undertaking that no other individual will be availing such a concession for the purpose and also upon giving the PAN card details.

Also Read:Exposed: Crooks turning kala dhan into Jan Dhan

Demonetisation Day 10: Election Commission asks Finance Ministry to stop using indelible ink at banks

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Md Islammuddin (46) had been camping outside the SBI branch in Rajabagan area of Metiaburj since Thursday night to exchange his old currency notes.

By Indrajit Kundu: A middle aged person has died in Kolkata's Metiaburj area on Friday following a heart attack after allegedly being stranded in queue outside his local bank branch for two consecutive days.

Sheikh Islammuddin (46) had been camping outside the SBI branch in Rajabagan area of Metiaburj since Thursday night to exchange his old currency notes. After spending the whole night waiting outside the bank, he reportedly complained of chest pain this morning and went back home.

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But soon after reaching home he collapsed following a massive cardiac arrest. According to his fanmily, Islammuddin who wored as a tailor in Metiaburj had made two unsuccessful attempts to exchange old currency notes at the bank due to massive crowds.

"He had been camping outside the bank for two days. Last night he went and stood in line since 2AM. This morning there was heavy crowd and a lot of commotion due to which he feel unwell this morning," said his brother Md Israel.

Local Trinamool Congress MLA Abdul Khaleque Molla visited Islamuddin's residence and assured full support to his family. Speaking to India Today Molla said if the family sought governments help, he will try and provide necessary assistance .

This comes on a day when West Bengal chief minister Mamata Banerjee continued her tirade against the Modi government over the demonetization issue. Banerjee has set a three day deadline for the centre completely rollback of the decision.

"Three day deadline to withdraw this demonetisation financial emergency, people suffering. Dying. Enough is enough," Banerjee had written on Twitter on Thursday.

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Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them starring Eddie Redmayne is a spin-off of the Harry Potter film series. Here's our Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them movie review.

Katherine Waterson and Eddie Redmayne in a still from Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them

By Devarsi Ghosh: Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them stars Eddie Redmayne as a wizard trying to protect some really fantastic beasts. Here's our Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them movie review.

Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them Cast: Eddie Redmayne, Katherine Waterson, Dan Fogler, Colin Farrell, Ezra Miller, Samantha Morton, Alison Sudol, Jon Voight

Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them Director: David Yates

Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them Rating: (4/5)

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Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them is the latest addition to the Harry Potter film series and it works. Fantastic Beasts brings a lot of new to the table and retains a bit of the old from the Harry Potter series to appeal to loyal fans as well as charm some new ones. If the remaining Fantastic Beasts films continue to be at least as good as this one, then there is no stopping the RCU (Rowling Cinematic Universe) from being the most successful film franchise of all time, a position currently held by the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU).

MOVIE REVIEW: FORCE 2

ALSO READ: Potterheads unhappy with Fantastic Beasts makers casting Johnny Depp

ALSO READ: When Fantastic Beasts' Ezra Miller got acting advice from Emma Watson

ALSO READ: Working in Fantastic Beasts... interesting adventure, says Colin Farrell



The protagonist Newt Scamander is a wizard who studies, collects and protects magical creatures. Newt is played by Eddie Redmayne at his awkward, autistic best - a caricature he cannot seem to let go off from the sets of The Theory of Everything and The Danish Girl. But somehow, Redmayne makes it all work thanks to the excellent supporting performances, imaginative CGI and a great screenplay.

Anyway, Scamander lands in New York for research purposes with regard to fantastic beasts. However, his suitcase gets exchanged with a muggle, Jacob Kowalski's (a fantastic performance by Dan Fogler). Kowalski opens Newt's suitcase and lets loose a number of magical creatures who escape into big, bad New York.

Meanwhile, tensions are rising between wizards and the human world. Strange occurrences have been witnessed in the city and a dark wizard Gellert Grindelwald is on the run after causing some terrorist attacks across Europe.



Fantastic Beasts has just the right amount of sameness with the Harry Potter universe to get dedicated Potterheads nostalgic. And at the same time, there is a different story, a different set of characters with a whole new world to explore and much different but equally urgent stakes at hand for newer audiences to care.

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Eddie Redmayne exudes a kind of noble sincerity in his portrayal of Scamander. While Scamander has a sense of purpose, trying to protect the fantastic beasts, he is also vulnerable to greater, more wicked powers. Redmayne's performance makes it easy to root for him and his ragtag team.

The supporting performances are excellent; Samantha Morton is adequately creepy as the cult leader of wizard/witch haters. Colin Farrell is stern and brute as the enigmatic Percival Graves. Ezra Miller (We Need to Talk About Kevin, The Perks of Being a Wallflower) is mighty impressive as a troubled wizard. In particular, a surprising cameo by a very popular actor cast as the main villain at the end of the film's climax is sure to win many a heart at the theatre - the reveal is just too fantastic!

Full of Spielbergian wonder and spectacle, Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them is a well-written, well-directed and well-acted family film. It is rare that a spin-off of a highly popular franchise genuinely works as a film and not just exists as a cash cow (The Hobbit, Puss in Boots).

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(The writer tweets as @devarsighosh .)



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By PTI: New Delhi, Nov 18 (PTI) A massive fire broke out in a plastic scrap market in west Delhis Mundka area in the wee hours today which damaged scrap worth lakhs of rupees but there was no report of any casualty.

"We received a call about a fire breaking out in the Tikri scrap market that houses PVC scrap around 12.55 AM today. Thirty fire tenders were rushed to the spot to douse the fire that spread through the three acre area. The fire was doused by 7.40 AM," said a senior official from Delhi Fire Services, adding that the cooling operations ended around 5pm.

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Police said that they are currently investigating the cause of the fire.

"It is suspected that the fire could have been triggered off by sparking but we are investigating as to what could have triggered the fire. Its an open area and the fire spread within minutes and ravaged scrap worth lakhs of rupees," said a senior police officer, adding that no casualties or injuries were reported due to the fire incident.

A case against unknown persons has been registered under the relevant sections of law at the Mundka police station. PTI SLB RG

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By Suhani Singh: Direction: Abhinay Deo

Cast: John Abraham, Sonakshi Sinha, Tahir Raj Bhasin, Narendra Jha, Adil Hussain

Rating: (2/5)



The good news: Force 2 makes for a remotely better viewing than John Abraham's other 2016 action flick Rocky Handsome. The bad news: John Abraham isn't the reason for this brief compliment. This despite him appearing shirtless with the veins in his neck popping out at one point, and even fighting in a white towel. The actor who makes this film a remotely interesting watch is Tahir Raj Bhasin (of Mardaani fame), who may not have Abraham's fighting skills but certainly has a body which he isn't afraid to show off entirely. At least the CBFC's blurred portion suggests so.

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FORCE 2 REVIEW: John-Sonakshi put country above all else in this thriller

PHOTOS: John and Sonakshi pay tribute to Indian Army and unsung heroes at Amar Jawan Jyoti



Tahir plays Shiv Sharma, a spy gone rogue, who has police officer Yashvardhan (Abraham) and RAW agent KK (Sonakshi Sinha) chasing him on streets and rooftops or otherwise driving him around Budapest with the heroic duo trying to dodge cars and bullets. (P.S. At least once they tried to pass off One Indiabulls Centre in Lower Parel, Mumbai for Budapest). Every antagonist has to have a quirk and with Shiv it is his penchant for the mouth organ which he likes to play when he has the upper hand which is for most part of the film. While Yashvardhan is hungry to avenge his spy-bestie's death in Hungary, KK aka Kamaljit Kaur is trying to overcome her own fears. It's a clash of ideologies: she is more bookish and analytical, while he has a more rough and instinctual approach. The banter between KK and Yashvardhan is limited and hardly fun.

Force 2 has a storyline which highlights the sacrifice of Indian spies working in hostile conditions abroad but it also adopts a very rote, and later mawkish, approach for its tribute. It doesn't help that it is a Mumbai police officer who puts all the dots together, not entirely presenting the R&AW as an institution of smart, reliable fellows. Shiv has emotional baggage which has compelled him to tie up with China to kill Indian secret agents. (Credit to Force 2 for going beyond Bollywood's favourite worst enemy Pakistan to focus on China, the bigger and more powerful and dangerous nation.) Shiv has a bigger target and Yashvardhan and KK often seem ill-equipped with little help from Indian authorities. They both have secrets of their own - him being unable to rescue his wife (Genelia D'Souza in a cameo) in Force (2011) and she repentant for her actions in an earlier mission - but their love for the motherland is bigger than personal anxieties.

WATCH | FORCE 2 REVIEW: What works and what doesn't in this John-Sonakshi film



The multiple chase sequences involving cars, bikes and one on foot unfolding on the rooftops of Budapest, which is on the lines of the parkour scene in Morocco in Bourne Ultimatum, does keep the film moving but most often Force 2 always feels like it is headed for a destination that is already known. There is a code to crack, an alias, snipers, a hacker, and innumerable goons to keep the hero and heroine always on their feet. But the trouble is most often you end up rooting for the baddie because at least he is a more colourful personality, the predominant being grey, clever and also a better actor.

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With the body counting rising, bullets firing from all directions and kicks and punches galore, this game of cat and mouse soon runs short on ideas. Abraham flexes his biceps, gives choke slams and shows off his physique but his action hero act is beginning to wane. Sonakshi, who had more stunts in Akira, starts off as the woman admonishing the hero and then eventually partnering with him but she barely comes across as one of the best RAW operatives in the country because for most part Yashvardhan has to be the man of the two hours and six minutes running time. Thankfully there is only one song albeit it is a ghastly remix of "Kaante Nahi Kat Te", and KK and Yashvardhan always have work and not sightseeing on their mind. There are brief sparks of an action thriller with taut fight and chase scenes but with its contrived plot it's not enough to pack a hefty punch.



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In the poll-bound Goa, the BJP government has decided to implement the Seventh Pay Commission for the state government employees by December this year.

By PTI: Goa Chief Minister Laxmikant Parsekar today said the Seventh Pay Commission would be implemented for the state government employees by December this year.

"All the procedures for the implementation of seventh pay commission for the state government workers have been completed. We will place the file before Cabinet during ensuing week or week after that. After that the notification would be issued," Parsekar told PTI today.

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"Efforts are in place to ensure that the implementation of seventh pay commission would start from December this year. Accordingly directions are issued to the officials," he added.

Parsekar said the implementation would be ordered much before the Code of Conduct for the upcoming State Legislative Assembly election.

"Goa will be going for polls soon and the question of hurting or upsetting any section of society does not arise. We have assured to implement and we will do it," said the CM.

"Before the election code of conduct comes into force, the notification would be out. There is no need to be panic or agitate," he said referring to the strike call given by the Goa Government employees Association (GGEA).

GGEA had served 21 days strike notice to the state government last week.

The association had threatened to plan a massive march on the secretariat on December 7 to force state government to implement the Seventh Pay Commission.



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By PTI: New Delhi, Nov 17 (PTI) Faced with a lukewarm response, entry ticket prices for the ongoing India International Trade Fair (IITF) have been slashed for visitors from November 19 and free entry allowed for children aged upto 12.

Adults visiting on working days will now have pay Rs 50, from Rs 60 earlier, whereas entry for children aged below 12 is free against Rs 40 earlier.

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On weekends and holidays, adult visitors will have to spend Rs 100 to visit the fair from Rs 120 earlier. Free entry has been permitted for children, whereas earlier the entry fee was Rs 60.

Senior citizens and differently-abled persons will continue to enjoy free entry at the fair.

The fair began on November 14, with the first five days reserved for business visitors.

"India Trade Promotion Organisation announces reduction in India International Trade Fair 2016 entry ticket charges and free entry for children up to 12 years for all days starting from November 19 to 27," ITPO said. "This is considered necessary to facilitate adequate footfall and thereby enhance trading activity during IITF 2016, ITPOs basic mandate being trade promotion," it added. The fair has been witnessing much lower crowds this year due to cash crunch as it comes close on the heels of the Governments demonetisation move on November 8, entailing withdrawal of legal tender status of Rs 500 and Rs 1,000 denomination notes. PTI RSN JM

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Speaking at Japan's oldest university, Keio, in 1916, Rabindranath Tagore said the "whole of eastern Asia, from Burma to Japan, was united with India in the closest ties that can exist between nations". Prime Minister Narendra Modi's recently concluded visit to Japan is to be seen in this historical context and in the wake of a series of prime ministerial visits which, since 2005, have become an annual feature. The close economic cooperation between the two countries, especially the strategic and military dimension, dates to the historic visit of then Japanese PM Yoshiro Mori to India in August 2000, at the invitation of his counterpart here, A.B. Vajpayee. A 'Global partnership for India and Japan for the 21st century' was announced. Joint naval and coast guard exercises and annual meetings between the defence and foreign ministries and uniformed military officers of the two countries became a regular affair after this date. The partnership was elevated to a 'strategic and global partnership' in December 2006, when then PM Manmohan Singh signed an agreement to this effect in Tokyo with PM Shinzo Abe.

For the last five or more years, India and Japan have been in talks about civil nuclear cooperation. During Abe's visit to India in December 2015, the outlines of a civil nuclear agreement were finally agreed to, as also an agreement for the protection of classified military information and defence-related technologies. The agreement, signed by Abe and Modi in Tokyo on November 11, is a landmark for Japan, even though it has similar treaties for civil nuclear cooperation with 13 other countries. The significant point is this-it is the first such agreement Japan has signed with a country which is not a member of the Non-Proliferation Treaty (NPT). Japan is the only country in the world to have suffered atomic bombing. So there are deep concerns about nuclear matters and cooperation with a country which is not a signatory to the NPT. There is, in addition, a strong anti-nuclear movement in Japan comprising influential and vocal voices. The Abe government has overcome the domestic opposition with considerable effort by following the example of eight other nations, including France, the US and Russia, which have similar civil-nuclear agreements with India.

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India's pledge to the Nuclear Suppliers Group (NSG) in 2008, to maintain its moratorium on further testing, provides Japan the domestic legitimacy it seeks in working with India. In the event of a breach, Japan has the right to sever the agreement with a year's notice. India is also committed to refraining from enriching uranium to 20 per cent or higher without Japan's written consent. Owing to supply chains with companies in Japan, France and the US, such as Toshiba, Hitachi, GE, Areva and Westinghouse, the recently-concluded agreement with Japan is most essential for the practical transfer of technology to India. The pact with India comes in the context of a recent decision by Vietnam to submit a resolution to cancel its proposed nuclear power station with Japan, owing to continuing safety concerns with the stricken nuclear power plant in Fukushima, which was struck by a triple tragedy on March 11, 2011. In any event, the agreement that Abe has pushed through with India represents a recognition of the reliability of India as a partner; it is also an expression of confidence and trust in India by Japan. This makes the pact truly unique. Japan has promised to continue its efforts to get India into the NSG and other related organisations, underlining its commitment to India's development of nuclear power. Business circles in Japan are optimistic that the agreement will lead to enhanced exports of equipment and machinery to India.

Other features of the Modi visit also bear mention. The first is the manner in which Pakistan has been singled out, in the paragraph on terrorism and cross-border support to terrorist activities. There is a clear reference to the need for Pakistan to pursue the culprits sheltering there who are responsible for the 26/11 attacks in Mumbai in 2008. India, it will be recalled, had been unable to get such an endorsement at the BRICS summit in Goa last month. The endorsement is symbolic of the distance Japan is willing to go in expressing its support to India unequivocally, on a matter which is of critical importance to India's security.

The India and Japan Vision 2025 statement, announced on December 12, 2015, was mentioned again. This is significant because it underlines the commitment of both countries to democracy, an open society and firm opposition to all forms of terrorism. As was the case during Abe's 2015 visit, this time again there is a mention of the dangers posed by North Korea's nuclear and missile policies and its abduction of Japanese nationals. This is a most emotive issue in Japan and India's support on an issue of vital strategic importance to Japan is much appreciated here. In both 2015 and 2016, there is a clear reference to the South China Sea and the need for all countries to respect the UN Convention on the Law of the Sea.

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Like so much else in the Japan-India strategic equation, the aggressive postures of China in the South China Sea, the Senkaku islands and in the Indian Ocean region, lie at the centre of much of the dialogue and indeed the conclusions of the two countries. The sale of US-2 (utility seaplane) amphibian aircraft was mentioned in the joint statement as a vital aspect of defence cooperation and it appears that further discussions on this will happen between the two defence establishments. An agreement, had it taken place, would have represented the first major export of defence material by Japan, after the changes made in Japanese laws governing such exports in the summer of 2015. Japanese assistance for Skill India and Make in India finds a place again in the 2016 document. Japan will continue to assist with the development of Japan industrial townships, promotion of tourism and in encouraging Indian students to spend time there.

During his 2007 visit to India, Prime Minister Abe outlined his vision of a 'Confluence of Two Seas' in Parliament. He stressed the indivisibility of the security of the Indian and Pacific Ocean regions. Earlier, in July 2005, then PM Manmohan Singh had reached a far-reaching defence agreement with then US president George W. Bush. This agreement, in the context of the 50-year security agreement that already existed between Japan and the US, provided the necessary legal framework for defence cooperation. It enabled trilateral naval exercises between Japan, India and the US off Okinawa, in April 2007. In September that year, the three countries were joined by the navies of Australia and Singapore. For a few years after these trilateral manifestations of cooperation, there was a gap in such activities (some analysts say this diffidence was caused by concern about China's views on Japan-India cooperation). With the advent to power of PM Modi in 2014, however, bilateral and trilateral exercises were resumed; in October 2015, Japan, the US and India held the Malabar naval exercises in the Indian Ocean. It may be noted that this enhanced level of strategic cooperation was specified in September 2014 during Modi's visit to Japan, when he and PM Abe raised the global and strategic partnership to a 'special' global and strategic partnership.

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In December 2015, when they met in Delhi, the two leaders also agreed to cooperate in the development of connectivity between India and the ASEAN regions, where both India and Japan have important economic and strategic interests. Similarly, Japanese ODA (official development assistance) for the development of the Andaman Islands assumes strategic importance since the most remote of our islands is only 90 km from Sumatra, Indonesia. Progress on both the development of our Northeast region with road and rail links to Myanmar and beyond and the development of the Andaman islands was reviewed by the two sides at the November 11 meet in Tokyo. This cooperation in the Northeast with Myanmar as a focal point of entry to ASEAN needs to be viewed in the context of Aung San Suu Kyi's visit to Japan last week and the pledge given by Abe to grant $7.73 billion over five years to develop the country's infrastructure. PM Modi and Abe, in their recent talks in Tokyo on November 11 and 12, would doubtless have compared notes on Myanmar and ASEAN, a region where both Japan and India have deep strategic and economic interests and where both countries are seen as a counterweight to China's preponderance.

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The successfully concluded Ahmedabad-Mumbai bullet train link assumes added significance in this Indo-Pacific partnership. These are modern manifestations of a history of shared values going back 15 centuries. They augur a bright future for our friendship.

The author, a former Indian ambassador to Tokyo, is chairman of the Japan-India Partnership Forum

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INS Nashak was moving in the harbour when its GT engines failed midway and it collided in the flow with the jetty and the front portion of the boat was damaged.

By Ajit Kumar Dubey: An Indian Navy missile warship met with a freak accident inside a naval harbour, causing damage to its front portion and making it operationally unworthy for next few weeks. "The missile boat INS Nashak was moving in the harbour when its GT engines failed midway and it collided in the flow with the jetty and the front portion of the boat was damaged," sources in the Naval dockyard Mumbai told Mail today.

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PROBE EXPECTED

Navy officials confirmed the incident saying the accident was a minor one and the warship was standing aside the jetty. INS Nashak is a Veer Class missile boat and dockyard officials said the vessel would be under repairs for three weeks at least as the damage will take some time for repairs. The Navy has also informed the Defence Ministry about the incident and it is expected that the maritime force would form a board of inquiry to probe the incident. The Veer class corvettes of the Indian Navy are a customised Indian variant of the Soviet Tarantul Class vessels. They form the 22nd Killer Missile Vessel Squadron in Mumbai.

PAST MISHAPS

INS Nashak was built by the Goa Shipyard Limited in 1996 and has been taking part in almost all the important operations and exercises in the force. Almost couple of years ago, the Navy was badly hit by a spate of accidents which started with a minor fire incident on decommissioned aircraft carrier INS Virat and continued till the death of two officers on a Kilo Class submarine leading to the then Navy chief Admiral DK Joshi taking voluntary retirement. With intervention from the top brass and application of standard operating procedures, the Navy has managed to cut down on accidents in the recent times. But two people lost their lives onboard the aircraft carrier INS Vikramaditya a few months back when toxic gas leaked from the sewage compartment of the vessel apparently due to non-complaince of safety measures.

In yet another freak mishap, the periscope of the submarine INS Sindhughosh had also suffered damage during an exercise when it rammed into fishing boats operating close to the coastal area. During the spate of mishaps, the Navy had been warned by the Ministry against frittering away expensive national assets. The incidents had also created a feeling where officers and sailors had become over-cautious while operating warships.

ALSO READ:

Indian Navy commissions new fast attack craft INS Tihayu

Indian Navy bids farewell to INS Viraat- its 'grand old lady' and world's oldest aircraft carrier



--- ENDS ---
Samsung sold more smartphones in the third quarter of 2016 than any other company, according to a new report from Gartner. But that doesnt mean it was a good quarter for Samsung: sales to consumers were down more than 14 percent from the same period in 2015.

Gartner says thats the worst year-over-year decline in Samsungs history.

One obvious reason for the decline? Samsungs Galaxy Note 7 launch was a pretty big failure. While the phone received strong reviews at first, a number of reports started coming in that phones were spontaneously catching fire.

Samsung issued a recall, promised that the problem had been fixed, started shipping the Note 7 again and then recalled the phone again and cancelled its production when it became clear that the problem had not been resolved.

Before you start feeling too sorry for Samsung, Gartners report suggests the company still has a 19.2 percent share of the smartphone market and sold nearly 72 million phones in the third quarter.

Thats almost as much as the number two and three companies (Apple and Huawei) combined.

But its also interesting to note that Gartner also sees increasing competition from Chinese smartphone makers: three of the top five vendors in the third quarter were Huawei, Oppo, and BBK, and they all saw growth in sales and market share, while Samsung and Apple saw declines.

via 9to5Google
The Karnataka Chief Minister today said that he was not a judge, while commenting on the Tanveer Sait watching porn controversy.

By Rohini Swamy: "I am not a judge, I have asked the cyber crime department to investigate", said Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah on the action taken against the primary and secondary Education minister Tanveer Sait.

The Karnataka Chief Minister, Siddaramaiah, earlier came to the rescue of the Karnataka Primary education minister Tanveer Sait saying 'he was only scrolling through his messages."

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Sait had met the Chief Minister to apprise him about what happened on the day he was allegedly caught watching objectionable pictures.

Tanveer Sait has maintained that he is innocent and said that he would not resign.

Based on a complaint filed by Tanveer Sait, the Raichur police filed a case against the local channel team who recorded and aired the alleged clip.

Also Read:

Siddaramaiah defends minister who was caught watching porn, says he was only scrolling through messages

Former Karnataka CM Yeddyurappa courts arrest to protest against Tipu Jayanti celebration

Porn access blocked on free Wi-Fi at Patna railway station

--- ENDS ---
Investigation of the criminal case, which was launched into the murder of an Armenian family in Georgias Vachiani village on July 10, is still in progress after the suicide of the defendant of this case.

Vachiani prefect Fedya Torosyan told about the aforesaid to Armenian News-NEWS.am.

But, we still dont have anything new [regarding this investigation], he added.

Nodar Akopov, who was charged with these murders, had committed suicide in prison, on August 27.

Four members of the Kachotyan familythe 37-year-old mother as well as her 5-, 13-, and 18-year-old childrenwere found dead in their home in the aforesaid village in Javakhetia predominantly-Armenian-populated part of Georgias southeastern Samtskhe-Javakheti Province, by their relatives, on July 10.

According to preliminary information, the assailant had killed the mother and her daughters with a blunt instrument, whereas strangled the boy to death.

The table and chairs of the house were lying on the floor, and the house was sooty with smoke.

The father of the family, Vaghinak Kachotyan, was in Russia as a migrant worker.

To note, a recently opened Turkish-Georgian border checkpoint is nearby the said primarily-Armenian-populated village.
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Erdogan plans talks with Putin and Zelenskyy in coming days

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European gas price falls to $1,246 per 1,000 cubic meters in October

Legislature vice-speaker thanks visiting European Parliament lawmakers for supporting Armenia

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Flight restrictions extended at 11 airports in south and center of Russia until November 9

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Valery Permyakova serviceman of the 102nd Russian Military Base in Gyumri, Armenia, who was found guilty in the murder of the Avetisyan family of this cityconfirmed that he is foregoing his appeal, Permyakovs attorney, Eduard Aghajanyan, stated at Fridays Court of Appeal hearing.

The attorney said he visited his client on Wednesday.

He confirmed that he is withdrawing his appeal, he agrees with the decision of the court, [and] said that he did this voluntarily, informed Aghajanyan. But he does not object to the attorney attending the hearing of the appeal of the [legal] representatives of the legal next of kin of the victim. He informed that he does not want to participate in the [respective] court session, regardless of its place. He admitted to his guilt, and said that he committed the crime alone.

Valery Permyakov was found guilty of the brutal murder of Avetisyan family of Gyumri. The 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.

Armenia and Russia instituted criminal cases on charges of murder and military desertion, respectively. On August 12, 2015, the Russian court sentenced Permyakov to ten years in prison. And on October 16 of the same year, Armenia formally brought criminal charges against the Russian soldier.

And on August 23, 2016, the court found Valery Permyakov guilty of all chargesmurder, robbery, and attempt to cross the Armenian state borderthat were brought against him. And he was sentenced to life in prison.
With no respite in sight to the clashes between advocates and journalists in Kerala, the Ernakulam district collector has imposed Section 144 within the Kerala High Court premises in Ernakulam.

By Revathi Rajeevan: With no respite in sight to the clashes between advocates and journalists in Kerala, the Ernakulam district collector has imposed Section 144 within the Kerala High Court premises in Ernakulam. Collector Mohammed Y Safirulla, in his order, said that prompt action to restore peace was desirable to prevent such acts of violence.

The prohibition order dated November 17, 2016 is effective within a 200-metre radius around the high court for two months from the date of the order. The order directs people to abstain from all types of processions, meetings, assemblies, demonstrations or collective expression of opinion in these areas.Also read | Bar bribery case should be investigated by another agency says Kerala High Court

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The order is made public a day after the high court published norms for journalists willing to report court proceedings.

QUALIFICATIONS FOR REPORTING ON COURTS



On Thursday, the high court said that those journalists who wished to acquire permanent accreditation for court reporting must have a law degree and five years of experience reporting court proceedings, among other qualifications.

The prohibition order comes after the collector took note of the ongoing clashes between the advocates and journalists that have led to serious law and order issues in the area.

Also read | Kerala High Court stays FIR against CM Oommen Chandy in solar scam

HOW IT BEGAN



It was in July this year that advocates of the Kerala High Court and journalists clashed within the court premises following a dispute over a news report on government pleader Danesh Mathew, who was arrested on charges of molesting a woman. Since then, there have been repeated clashes between the two groups in court premises across the state.

The journalists were banned from the courts and lawyers resorted to "public shaming" of mediapersons by displaying their pictures on flexes demanding action against them.

On November 1, most newspapers in Kerala published an open letter to the Chief Justice of India TS Thakur, requesting to put an end to the "media ban" in courts. However, the dispute has seen no end.

Also read | Kollam temple tragedy: Kerala High Court bans fireworks at night in all places of worship



--- ENDS ---
Shoigu: The NATO grouping near Russia's borders has grown 2.5 times since February

New Iraqi Prime Minister Mohammad hopes to continue talks between Saudi Arabia and Iran

Second President of Armenia Robert Kocharyan to take part in rally on November 5

Canada to welcome 500,000 immigrants a year by 2025

Armenia PM: Communication difficulties, challenges in relations with Turkey have been overcome

Pashinyan: Armenian side suggests extending mandate of Russian peacekeepers in Karabakh

MFA: Armenia has no misunderstandings with Iran

Russia position on Karabakh status corresponds to Armenia government approach, PM says

Pashinyan: Armenia attaches great importance to further development, deepening of relations with Brazil

Premier: Armenia defense spending will increase by 113% in 2023 compared to 2018

Deputy PM Grigoryan to attend Armenia-Azerbaijan border delimitation, security commissions 3rd meeting

Israir Airlines launches flights between Tel Aviv, Yerevan

Armenia envoy briefs UK House of Commons defense committee chair on impact of recent Azerbaijan attack

PM: Armenia's economy is booming today

Seoul, Pyongyang launch missiles

Newspaper: Armenia ruling political team is in favor of western version of peace treaty with Azerbaijan

State Department: US will contribute to Armenia-Azerbaijan talks

Turkey parliament approves extending mandate of countrys military in occupied Aghdam of Karabakh

Sweden to reach NATO's defense spending goal of 2% of GDP by 2026

Lebanon raises electricity price for first time since 1990s

Lavrov and Cavusoglu discuss situation over 'grain deal'

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Azerbaijan claims to have 'exposed' Azerbaijanis who acted 'under control of Iranian secret service'

Taliban sets up female Interior Ministry unit in Afghanistan to disperse protests

U.S. concerned about Iran's 'threats' against Saudi Arabia

Lebanon is facing a power vacuum, left without a president

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Delegations of Ukraine, Turkey and UN temporarily suspend movement of ships in framework of Black Sea grain deal

Qatar Energy Minister calls EU proposal to limit gas prices hypocritical

Jamshidi: Any capturing of further territories is occupation

Putin: Kiev must give real guarantees of strict compliance with the Istanbul agreements

Putin and Erdogan discuss results of meeting of Russian, Armenian and Azerbaijani leaders in Sochi

Blinken goes to Germany to meet with G-7 colleagues

Iranist: Cooperation between Yerevan and Tehran will prevent further Turkish activism

U.S. military conducts field weapons inspections in Ukraine

Defense Ministers of Russia and Turkey once again discuss suspension of 'grain deal'

Armenian President and ICRC representatives discuss Armenian captives held in Azerbaijan

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Macron promises Ukraine to survive winter and strengthen air defense

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OPEC Secretary General: Europe and U.S. are heading for economic recession

Pashinyan briefs Raisi about talks in Sochi and their results

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CSTO meeting on Armenia-Azerbaijan border situation to be held on November 23 in Yerevan

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Iran expands sanctions on U.S.

Cavusoglu discusses relations with Azerbaijan with his Iranian counterpart

European gas price falls to $1,246 per 1,000 cubic meters in October

Legislature vice-speaker thanks visiting European Parliament lawmakers for supporting Armenia

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Economy minister: Authorities plan to increase number of tourists in Armenia to 2.5mn annually by 2026

Armenia official: Our border checkpoints are ready to receive Azerbaijanis

Flight restrictions extended at 11 airports in south and center of Russia until November 9

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Kopirkin: Karabakh status issue should be left to next generations

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Armenia economy minister: Government predicts 7% economic growth in 2023

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YEREVAN.  Prime Minister of Armenia, Karen Karapetyan, on Friday received a delegation, led by Vice-President Jan Vapaavuori of the European Investment Bank (EIB).

The PM lauded Armenias cooperation with this bank, and underscored the past and present EIB co-funded projects in the country.

Karapetyan also thanked this bank for its technical assistance to Armenia within the framework of loan programs. The Premier added that the Government of Armenia will continue to be more scrupulous toward the spending of loans.

The PM noted that the government is willing to further develop cooperation with EIB. He also informed that new sectoral funds will be founded in Armenia toward promoting business.

Vapaavuori, for his part, said he is aware of the Armenian governments steps aimed at improving the business climate, and stressed that the EIB stands ready to contribute in this regard, as well.

At the same time, he expressed satisfaction with the level of EIB cooperation with the Armenian government. He noted that this bank has directed considerable measures toward the implementation of programs of strategic importance for Armenia.

At the ensuing talk, Karen Karapetyan and Jan Vapaavuori conferred on several other matters of mutual interest.
YEREVAN.  Prime Minister of Armenia, Karen Karapetyan, on Friday met with Deputy Minister of Economy and Finance, and head of Customs Administration of Iran, Massoud Karbassian.

The political discourse between us [i.e. Armenia and Iran] is at a high level, noted Karapetyan, Armenian News-NEWS.am learned from the Press Office of the Government of Armenia. But we have potential to further expand and develop our economic relations.

In this connection, the PM informed that he instructedat Fridays Cabinet meetingto work toward promoting Armenian product exports to Iran, and to discuss the prospects for establishing a free economic zone in the area bordering Iran.

Karbassian, for his part, noted that several arrangements were made as a result of his negotiations with chairman Vardan Harutyunyan of the State Revenue Committee of Armenia.

By way of the free economic zone, we can collaborate toward the Eurasian Economic Union [i.e. EAEU, which comprises Armenia Russia, Belarus, Kazakhstan, and Kyrgyzstan] market, added the Iranian official. Armenia, as a linking bridge, can assume a decisive role in this domain.

In response, PM Karapetyan stressed that Armenia stands ready to set up a respective platform toward the EAEU market, for Iran.

The interlocutors also conferred on some other matters of mutual interest.
The fourth annual Business Innovation Forum Armenia 20.18  Armenia among 20 most innovative countries by 2018 took place in Armenias Dilijan town on Friday.

According to the Deputy Director of the Union of Information Technology Enterprises (UITE), Hayk Chobanyan, Armenia currently ranks 60th among the innovative countries of the world.

Everything should be done so that in 2018 Armenia appears in the list of top 10 countries, he said.

UITE President Alexander Yesayan noted that the Business Innovation Forum is an important platform, where the work carried out in Armenia and abroad is discussed.

Currently, traditional business is also subjected to changes: the business models are changing. Thus, the need for innovations in business is evident. And a country with close borders like Armenia must use technologies and achieve noticeable results in short period, he said.

The Deputy Minister of Transport, Communication and IT, Gagik Tadevosyan, read out PM Karen Karapetyans opening speech, noting that the event is of great significance in terms of bringing together the beneficiaries of the innovation area, jointly discussing the existing issues and developing cooperation formats.

Development of national innovation system is one of the priorities of the Armenian Government.

The aim of the Innovation forum is to define the key priorities of Armenias innovation strategy and formulate solutions. In the framework of the forum, the Armenian Government representatives, as well as local and international experts will present the leading development practice, hold discussions and form an agenda on Armenias ranking in list of top 20 most innovative countries.

The Business Innovation Forum is attended by about 150 representatives of technological, educational and entrepreneurship areas, as well as Armenian Government and international organizations, including international speakers from six countries (U.S., Russia, Taiwan, Bulgaria, Israel and Georgia).

The two-day forum is held in the framework of the EU4Business and EU4Innovation initiatives.
By India Today Web Desk: As the lady superstar celebrates her birthday today, the makers of Nayanthara's Kolaiyuthir Kaalam have revealed the first look poster of the film, which is now trending online.

To be helmed by Chakri Toleti of Billa 2 fame, the Tamil Telugu bilingual will be produced by music composer Yuvan Shankar Raja, which will also mark his first production venture. However, there are no information regarding the cast and crew.



ALSO READ: Rajinikanth's 2.0- Kamal Haasan, Shah Rukh Khan invited for first look launch



SEE PICS: Happy Birthday Nayanthara: Five best performances of the birthday girl



Meanwhile, the title of Nayanthara's forthcoming film has been locked. Titled Aramm, the makers unveiled the first look poster as a surprise for Nayan fans.

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In the film, Nayanthara plays a District Collector, who delves into the water problems of her jurisdiction.

The film also stars Vignesh and Ramesh of the National Award-winning Tamil film Kaaka Muttai, the film's principal shooting has been wrapped up and it's gearing up for release soon.

Nayanthara is currently busy shooting for Tamil thriller Imaikaa Nodigal, which also stars Atharvaa, Raashi Khanna and Anurag Kashyap, who is being introduced as the antagonist.

Earlier, filmmaker Gautham Menon was approached to play the baddie. However, the Varanam Aayiram director turned down the offer.









--- ENDS ---
YEREVAN. - President of Armenia Serzh Sargsyan on Friday received Vice President of the European Investment Bank (EIB) Jan Vapaavuori.

Serzh Sargsyan highly appreciated the cooperation with the bank, which, according to him, stands out for its growing activity and productivity. The bank funds the programs of strategic significance in the area of infrastructures and small and medium enterprises, the President noted. He also underscored the importance of holding periodic meetings with the bank leadership, which, in his words, helps develop new programs and implement them effectively.

The bank Vice-President thanked the Armenian President for the active cooperation, adding that despite the short period, the first agreement and loan program were signed in 2007 and 2010 respectively, huge work having been carried out.

Sargsyan thanked the guest for the cooperation in implementing the modernization program of Bagratashen, Bavra and Gogavan border crossing points, which is important for the republic.

The interlocutors also discussed issues of further cooperation.
YEREVAN. - Armenian Foreign Minister Edward Nalbandian on Friday received the delegation led by Chairman of the Russian State Duma Foreign Affairs Committee Konstantin Kosachev.

At the meeting, reference was made to the ArmenianRussian strategic ally relations based on centuries-old friendship between the two peoples, as well as the implementation of the agreements reached between the supreme leadership of Armenia and Russia.

The Armenian FM and Russian parliamentarians discussed in detail a large scope of issues related to the close cooperation between the two parliaments. They also exchanged views on the parliamentary format cooperation in international organizations.

Apart from this, the interlocutors touched on the situation in the Middle East and especially Syria, as well as possible ways to come out of the crisis. Special attention was attached to the Syrian Armenians and efforts exerted by Armenia towards supporting them.

FM Nalbandian briefed the guests on the situation emerged as a result of the large-scale aggression unleashed by Azerbaijan against Karabakh in April, underscoring the need for implementing the agreements reached in Vienna and Saint Petersburg.

At the request of the guests, Nalbandian touched on the Armenia-Diaspora cooperation and priorities of Armenias foreign policy, also responding to their various questions.
There are relations which it is impossible to speak about without warmth, one of them being the Armenian-Arabic relations and also our relations with the United Arab Emirates (UAE).

President of Armenia Serzh Sargsyan said the aforementioned in an interview with Sky News Arabia.

Armenians and Arabs know each other; they have cooperated for many years, and it is no coincidence that we oftentimes find historical information about the Armenian people in the works of Arab authors and vice versa. The interstate relations established after the independence of Armenia are very stable, developing the way we wish,Sargsyan said. He also added: Thus, I think it will be very correct to distinguish between these two platforms, namely public and interstate ones. It should be noted that our interstate relations are built on the basis of the strong friendship of our peoples.

According to Sargsyan, in this context, many examples can be cited from history. But I would like to cite only one example: during the Genocide committed in the Ottoman Empire in 1915 - one of the most tragic pages of the Armenian people - and generally before and after that, our Arab sisters and brothers manifested themselves from many positive sides, every time seeking to save Armenians lives. Apart form this, they gave an opportunity to Armenians to settle in their country, at the same time encouraging their development. We will always be grateful for this. Our relations are developing very well now too.

The President also noted that the Arab world and first of all the Emirates have huge investment potential. We have a potential for absorbing investments. And the result of uniting these potentials and linking them closely with each other can be very positive.

We already have the first results. I am very glad about the agreements reached today on holding a large investment meeting in the United Emirates in near future so that the Arab investors can see the investment privileges of Armenia. We have also reached a number of various other agreements today on working for our peoples friendship,Sargsyan noted.
Azerbaijan is trying to involve other countries and structures in the Karabakh conflict.

President of Armenia Serzh Sargsyan said the aforementioned in an interview with Sky News Arabia.

Azerbaijan and we conduct different policies. It is apparent that our problem, our conflict is related to Nagorno-Karabakhs right to self-determination, since we are sure that this right is entirely in conformity with the international law, Sargsyan stated.

He also stressed that the Armenian side is not trying to involve friends and partners in the conflict or attract them to its side.

We are sure, simply sure that justice is on our side, and the Nagorno-Karabakh issue will finally be resolved exactly the way the Nagorno-Karabakh people and the OSCE Minsk Group Co-Chairs, mediators, want. Azerbaijan is trying to involve other countries and other structure, since it feels that it is wrong in this issue. Thus, regardless of how warm and strong the Azerbaijani-Iranian relations are, they do not harm the Armenian-Iranian relations, Sargsyan noted.
The best times for Armenia are those without contradictions and confrontations between the West and the East, President of Armenia Serzh Sargsyan said the aforementioned in an interview with Sky News Arabia.

More precisely, [contradictions and confrontations] between Russia and the United States, Russia and Europe, as well as Russia and NATO, since we think that looking for interests in contradictions is very dangerous, the President said.

We see our interests in cooperation, always striving to do so that this situation dominate. But nevertheless, from time to time tensions rise in life, and in this case Russia is apparently our strategic ally: we are EAEU and CSTO members. As I said, we are allies, but this circumstance doesnt prevent us from having normal relations with the EU and the United States, Sargsyan noted.

Currently we are continuing the talks with the European Union on forming a new document on our relations. I am sure that this document will be ready in near future and we will sign it.
By PTI: Bengaluru, Nov 18 (PTI) Karnataka government today announced a slew of allowances to police personnel covering 90 per cent of the force and scrapping of the orderly system, but said their long-standing wage anomaly issue can be addressed only next year.

"At this point of time, it is difficult to decide on wage anomaly, because next year we are constituting a state wage revision commission, which has to discuss about the revision and send a recommendation to the government," Chief Minister Siddaramaiah told reporters here.

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The government had constituted a committee headed by Additional Director General of Police (ADGP) Raghavendra Auradkar to look into wage anomaly faced by Karnataka police in comparison to other government employees and police from other states. The committee submitted its report in September according to which the anomaly exists.

In June, the constabulary had threatened to go on leave protesting alleged "harassment" by senior officials, lesser pay and no proper leave, but government had thwarted it by warning strict action and by bringing police and related services under Essential Services Maintenance Act (ESMA).

The state government has, meanwhile, decided to give some new allowances to police personnel, effective from December 1, which increases their salary by Rs 2,000 per month.

Siddaramaiah said Uniform allowance had been increased from Rs 100 per month to Rs 500 per month. Earlier there was no conveyance allowance and now government had decided to give Rs 600 per month for it.

"Likewise there was no hardship allowance, now we will give Rs 1,000 per month towards this," he added.

He said this would be applicable to those from constable to Sub Inspector rank and cover about 90 per cent of the police force, approximately 80,000 people.

The Chief Minister also said government has decided to make changes to promotion rules to facilitate promotions of constables after 10 years of service, instead of 20 odd years earlier.

"If someone joins as a constable, they dont get promotion till about 20-23 years. At the most, he/she may retire as head constable or ASI. So we have decided to make changes to the rules to see to (it) that they get promotion in 10 years," he said.

Claiming that this measure would motivate the constabulary, Siddaramaiah said "now at least they may wish to wear two stars at the time of their retirement".

He also announced that the government had decided to end the orderly system in police and find an alternative to it.

According to reports, there are about 3,000 people trained to be constables, but are doing menial jobs at homes of senior police officers as orderlies. PTI KSU RA APR SAI

--- ENDS ---

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Updated with comments from Chipotle.

Outspoken activist investor Bill Ackman may be about to take a bigger bite out of beaten-up Chipotle (CMG) .

Chipotle and Ackman are nearing a settlement that would give the activist a voice in the boardroom, according to a report from the Wall Street Journal today. A spokesman for Ackman's Pershing Square declined to comment on the report.

Said Chipotle spokesman Chris Arnold: "We often meet with or speak with our investors, but we do not comment on the nature of those conversations. I'll also note that we are already on record indicating that we are interviewing potential board candidates as we work to refresh our board."

So far, the relationship between Ackman -- an admitted fan of Chipotle's food -- and the beleaguered burrito giant has been cordial. Ackman's Pershing Square disclosed a 9.9% stake in Chipotle on Sept. 6 after the close of trading, immediately sending the shares 7% higher. In a filing, Pershing said it intended to engage in discussions with Chipotle's board and management. It added that it believes Chipotle shares are undervalued and attractive. Since the filing, Chipotle shares have shed about 3% following a challenging third quarter for the company as it continued to struggle to regain consumers after food safety issues in 2015.

Chipotle has certainly extended an olive branch to Ackman.

The company uncorked a dizzying array of new initiatives on a conference call in October targeted at igniting growth, ranging from possibly doing national TV ads in spring 2017 to hiring a person in Europe to explore faster international development to installing tablet ordering systems in its restaurants. But as is often said on TV: Wait there's more!

Chipotle executivess showed a rare desire to introduce new food to its menu (such as two unnamed desserts that are now being tested somewhere) and a commitment to aggressively establish mobile ordering, an area in which the company has fallen woefully behind other major fast food chains such as Starbucks (SBUX) and Panera Bread (PNRA) . The company even promised a return to brighter days, projecting a high-single digit percentage same-store sales increase and earnings of $10 a share for 2017. As icing on the cake: The company said it would look to exit its unsuccessful Asian fare concept Shophouse.

Starbucks and Panera Bread are holdings in Jim Cramer's Action Alerts PLUS Charitable Trust Portfolio. Want to be alerted before Cramer buys or sells SBUX or PNRA? Learn more now.
Bangkok, 17 November 2016  The Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) is supporting Thai Airways International (TG) in inaugurating the first direct TG Frankfurt-Phuket route by hosting a familiarisation trip. The trip will be for 20 travel agents, tour operators and 7 members of the media who were among the first passengers to fly on the new route TG-926, which departed from Frankfurt on 16 November, 2016. The fam trip will take place from 17 to 23 November and will give journalists and tour operators a taste of Phuket and the surrounding areas.

Mr. Yuthasak Supasorn, TAT Governor said, This new TG route shows how popular the island of Phuket is as a holiday destination for long-haul visitors and confirms that confidence in Thailand is high among European travellers. There is so much to visit in Phuket and in nearby provinces. Supporting the campaign Discover Amazing Stories in Amazing Thailand, we want this fam trip to show case some of the unique Thai activities people can enjoy here, not to mention the welcoming hospitality to be found on the Pearl of the Andaman.

They will visit the lovely region of Khao Lak in Phang-nga province and explore the old town of Takua Pa with its Chinese business and markets. The fam trip will also make a real connection with the local people by experiencing community-based tourism at Tha Din Daeng in Phang-nga and learn about how the local fishermen live and work. There will also be a trip to the Coastal Fisheries Research and Development Centre in Thai Muang district where turtles will be released into the sea.

Besides, they are going to explore four islands of Krabi by long-tail boat and experience community-based tourism in Ko Yao by visiting rice and coconut farms; learn about rubber tapping, and see displays of local craftsmen. The fam trip has been designed to give a taste of the luxury experiences in and around Phuket as well as eco-friendly and community based activities, all of which are increasingly popular with European tourists.

The Frankfurt-Phuket route will offer three flights a week on Wednesdays, Fridays and Sundays on a Boeing 777 flight to the island meaning travellers can fly direct to their holiday destination without having to make connections in Bangkok. This will help boost tourism in Phuket and enhance its reputation as the perfect place to seek the winter sun. Last year, we welcomed 760,604 German visitors to Thailand, up by 6.34 percent, generating tourism revenue to the country around 47 billion Baht or 1.4 billion USD. During January to August of 2016, Thailand has welcomed 536,422 German visitors, up by 10.18 percent over the same period of last year.
There was pandemonium in Rajya Sabha for a third straight today over the demonetisation issue, with the Opposition demanding Modi's reply in the House.

By India Today Web Desk: The political firestorm over PM Modi's demonetisation move continues to resonate in the House on the third day of the Winter session of Parliament.

Here are the LIVE updates:

Rajya Sabha adjourned till Monday after uproar over demonetisation issue.

Action less, whimsical announcements, nothing else: WB CM Mamata Banerjee #DeMonetisation pic.twitter.com/LQmzwT26D7&; ANI (@ANI_news) November 18, 2016

Congress is trying to divert the issue, says Minister for Information and Broadcasting Venkaiah Naidu.

-I want to know from Congress that what is their view on Ghulam Nabi Azad's statement, says Naidu.



Rajya Sabha adjourned till 2.30 pm as protests continue demonetisation.

Delhi: TMC protest at Gandhi statue in Parliament premises over Govt's demonetisation move pic.twitter.com/KyTkB5QNXA&; ANI (@ANI_news) November 18, 2016

Amid uproar, Rajya Sabha, Lok Sabha adjourned till 12 noon.

BJP issues 3 line whip to Lok Sabha MPs to be present in the House.



Prime Minister Narendra Modi met his senior ministers in his chamber in Parliament. Arun Jaitley, Venkaiah Naidu, Ananth Kumar attended the meeting.

Both Houses of Parliament witness uproar, BJP demands apology from Ghulam Nabi Azad for his controversial remarks



In Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala CM Pinarayi Vijayan and his Cabinet colleagues stage protest in front of RBI office.

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Watch video here





Despite Congress MP Ghulam Nabi Azad's controversial remarks on Uri martyrs being expunged in Rajya Sabha, the BJP said it will raise the issue in Rajya Sabha today.

Azad on Thursday said more Indians have died following the November 8 note ban order than in the terror attack on an Indian Army camp in Uri in September this year.

Watch video here

--- ENDS ---
China's president was set Friday to monitor the opening of a Chinese-built hydroelectric plant in Ecuador on the second day of his visit to the South American country.

President Xi Jinping arrived Thursday and met with leftist President Rafael Correa, who has prioritized closer relations with Beijing since coming to power in 2007.

Since then Ecuador has attracted some $10 billion in investment from the Asian giant.

Xi announced on Thursday a $150 million donation to build two hospitals and 400 homes in a region devastated by a powerful earthquake in April.

The visit serves to improve ties and "formalize an integral strategic association," Correa said in a statement after welcoming Xi to the government headquarters in Quito.

This is the first time that a Chinese leader has visited Ecuador, an oil-rich country braving the global slump in crude prices.

One major project is the $2.2 billion Coca Codo Sinclair hydroelectric plant, built by the Chinese state-owned engineering and construction company Sinohydro.

The plant, located in the Amazon region, is set to generate 1,500 MW of electricity.

It was unclear, however, if Correa obtained $13 billion he is seeking to finance the construction of a new oil refinery that would process 300,000 barrels of crude a day.

Senior Chinese and Ecuadoran officials however did sign 11 agreements on issues ranging from finance and culture to extraditions.

China is one of Ecuador's top three trading partners, with some $4.1 billion of trade between the two in 2015.

Once the visit is wrapped up Xi will fly to Peru to participate in the summit of Asia-Pacific leaders in Lima -- where he will meet with outgoing US President Barack Obama -- and then head south to visit Chile.
By PTI: Mumbai, Nov 18 (PTI) Mauritius will waive 40 per cent shooting tax for Indian film-makers for shooting on the island nation.

The decision was taken by Mauritius Prime Minister Anerood Jugnauth, who is on a three-day visit to the city, during a meeting with Maharashtra Finance Minister Sudhir Mungantiwar today.

"A number of issues were discussed in the meeting, including tourism, logistics, education, sugarcane industry and construction," Mungantiwar told PTI.

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"One of the sectors that was discussed was films. The Mauritius Prime Minister has agreed to waive 40 per cent of the tax paid by film-makers who shoot there," he said.

An official who was present at the meeting said 60 industrialists and 20 Bollywood personalities were among those who were present in the meeting.

He said both sides discussed ways to make exporters and manufacturers work together in both the countries and the Maharashtra government highlighted its ease of doing business initiative.

The state government also discussed how it could adopt the Mauritius model of tourism to beautify the beaches in Maharashtra. PTI MM KRK AAR

--- ENDS ---
Authorities in Mozambique started investigations on Friday into whether locals were illegally taking petrol from a tanker that exploded killing at least 60 people and injuring more than 100. Officials had originally put the death toll at 73 following the massive blast on Thursday in Tete province in the country's remote western region near Malawi. By Friday, officials had counted 60 bodies in mortuaries as recovery efforts continued. "In the accident, 108 people were injured, 96 of whom are still being kept in for treatment at Tete Provincial Hospital," government spokesman Mouzinho Saide said at a press conference in Maputo. "The cabinet has created a commission of inquiry to investigate the circumstances, causes and responsibilities for this accident." According to authorities' initial accounts, the truck was carrying petrol from Mozambique's port city of Beira to neighbouring landlocked Malawi. The driver took a detour and stopped close to the Malawi border in the village of Caphiridzange to sell petrol to local people, a common practice in Mozambique. "The truck drivers were transferring petrol into a smaller truck and they fled when they noticed there was an (electrical) short circuit," Emilia Moiane, an information ministry director, told AFP. "Seeing the truck had been abandoned, locals came to syphon petrol off, not knowing that the truck was already burning inside." One of the truck drivers was from Mozambique and the other from Malawi, officials said. - Horrific burns - President Filipe Nyusi told reporters that "tragedy has knocked on our door" with the high loss of life. "What is important now is to take action and help the affected," he said. Photographs and video footage from the hospital in Tete showed badly burned children arriving for emergency care and adults lying on hospital beds. "We still have a lot of cases in a critical condition, including children and two pregnant women, out of 38 cases in total," Tete hospital director Veronica de Deus said. "The vast majority of patients have severe burns. Some have 80 to 90 percent of their bodies burnt," she said on public broadcaster TVM. Authorities said many of the dead would be buried in a mass grave, and announced that three days of national mourning would start on Saturday. A plastic surgeon and other emergency health staff have been sent from Maputo, 1,500 km (930 miles) by road, to help deal with the large numbers of injured, including 17 children. The government in Mozambique, one of the world's poorest countries, recently increased the price of fuel after the value of the local currency -- the metical -- fell sharply. The metical has collapsed by 70 percent against the US dollar this year after falling 36 percent in 2015. The Tete provincial government has appealed for emergency food aid and transport assistance for affected families.
Top world leaders meet from Thursday to try to save their cherished free trade accords from feared extinction under US President-elect Donald Trump. Here are three big factors looming over the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) summit from Thursday to Sunday in Lima, Peru. - Trump effect - Trump has cast uncertainty on the postwar world order with his vows to tear up or renegotiate international free trade agreements in order to protect US jobs. This particularly concerns the 21 members of APEC, which account for nearly 60 percent of the global economy and 40 percent of the world's population. The world will look to the summit for "a strong statement" to counter Trump's anti-trade arguments, said Eduardo Pedrosa, secretary general of the Pacific Economic Cooperation Council. Economists expect Trump to make protectionist moves that they say may strengthen his country's economy in the near term but could threaten global growth. "If such measures materialize, trade tensions would certainly increase, with trade war a possible worst case scenario," the Institute of International Finance said in a report. Outgoing US President Barack Obama sought to "rebalance" trade towards deals with Asia and the Pacific. But Trump has rejected Obama's signature trade initiative in the Asia-Pacific region, the Trans-Pacific Partnership (TPP), as a "terrible deal." - Asia-Pacific security - As well as taking aim at free trade, Trump has questioned the US role as the "policeman of the world." Allies such as Japan and South Korea are worried Trump will cut back the US military, economic and diplomatic presence in the region. They fear that could leave them exposed to a dominant China and belligerent North Korea. Trump has caused concern in the region by suggesting Japan and South Korea get nuclear weapons to defend themselves. He has embraced Russian President Vladimir Putin, widely mistrusted by Obama and his allies. US Secretary of State John Kerry sought to send reassuring signals in a series of meetings with regional counterparts Thursday, including with Japanese Foreign Minister Fumio Kishida. Kerry underlined "the continued strength of our partnership and alliance with Japan, the cornerstone of US engagement with the Asia-Pacific region," said Deputy Spokesperson Mark Toner. The summit officially opens Thursday evening. Obama, Putin and China's President Xi Jinping are each scheduled to give addresses on Saturday. The leaders hold their key meeting on Sunday. The Latin American leaders in the room, including Mexican President Enrique Pena Nieto, will also be looking nervously to the new US administration. On the campaign trail, Trump insulted Mexican immigrants as "criminals" and "rapists." He vowed to build a border wall with Mexico to keep out illegal migrants and threatened mass deportations. - China - China will meanwhile be pushing its own proposed trade deals to gain an edge over the United States in the battle for regional influence. "The economic landscape in the Asia Pacific is changing rapidly, with China increasingly taking a regional leadership role," wrote Rajiv Biswas, Asia-Pacific chief economist at research group IHS Global Insight. China was pointedly excluded from the 12-member TPP. But due to Trump's refusal to endorse the deal, Biswas said, "the TPP agreement has shifted from being a lame duck to a dead duck." Instead, China proposes an APEC-wide Free Trade Area of the Asia-Pacific (FTAAP) and a 16-member Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP), which includes India but not the United States. In Asia, where an industrial boom fueled by globalization has lifted millions of people from poverty, strong appetite for such deals means they will likely move ahead with or without the US. Australias trade minister, Steven Ciobo, told the Financial Times on Wednesday his country is keen to get on board with the Chinese-backed proposals now that TPP looks doomed. "Any move that reduces barriers to trade and helps us facilitate trade, facilitate exports and drive economic growth and employment is a step in the right direction," he said.
QUITO (Reuters) - Ecuador's foreign minister said WikiLeaks founder Julian Assange should receive guarantees that he will not be extradited if he faces justice in Sweden after four years of living in the South American nation's embassy in London. Assange, who enraged Washington by publishing a flood of secret U.S. diplomatic cables, fled to the embassy fearing that Sweden could end up sending him on to the United States where he could face prison for leaking U.S. secrets. "If we can obtain guarantees that Mr. Assange will not face extradition to the third country, I think it's fine for him to face Swedish justice - if there are charges, because there are still no charges," Foreign Minister Guillaume Long said in an interview on Wednesday with an Ecuadorean radio station. But a Swedish government official said on Thursday it would not be possible to offer Assange or Ecuador a guarantee, as Sweden has not been asked by the United States to extradite him. "It would actually breach the constitution if the government would give such a guarantee in advance," Cecilia Riddselius of the Swedish Ministry of Justice's Division for Criminal Cases and International Judicial Co-operation said. Swedish Chief Prosecutor Ingrid Isgren posed questions through an Ecuadorian prosecutor at the embassy earlier this week, but did not give any comment on the case. Assange, who has repeatedly denied the rape allegation, sought refuge in Ecuador's embassy in August 2012. He is wanted in Britain for breaching bail. (Reporting by Alexandra Valencia; Additional reporting by Daniel Dickson in Stockholm; Editing by Catherine Evans)
Egyptian President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi on Thursday pardoned 82 "youths" including a prominent advocate of Islamic reform, following calls to free prisoners swept up in a crackdown, his spokesman said. Sisi, a former army chief who won elections after toppling his Islamist predecessor Mohamed Morsi in 2013, had promised to look into pardoning prisoners at a youths' conference last month. The pardoned include Islam al-Behairy, a television show host and Islamic reform advocate sentenced to a year in prison for criticising canonical religious works, presidency spokesman Alaa Youssef told AFP. Nashwa el-Hofy, a member of a panel that recommended prisoners for the pardons, said the focus was on "university youths". "We focused on those who have a final ruling against them," she said. Sisi has also pledged that the government would look into revising a protest law that bans all but police sanctioned demonstrations. Morsi's overthrow in July 2013 unleashed a crackdown on his supporters that killed hundreds of protesters and jailed thousands. The crackdown extended to liberal and leftwing activists who had supported Morsi's ouster but turned against the government after rights abuses mounted. Sisi pardoned 100 people in September 2015, including two journalists and several prominent dissidents.
A retired general acquitted of war crimes was on Thursday given a key post in Croatia's defence ministry, the HINA news agency reported. Ante Gotovina, 61, was acquitted of war crimes on appeal in 2012 before the Hague-based International Criminal Tribunal for the former Yugoslavia (ICTY) alongside another former general, Mladen Markac. On Thursday, the Croatian government named Gotovina as a "special adviser to the ministry of defence" during a meeting in the town of Vukovar in the east of the country, HINA said. The meeting was held on the eve of the 25th anniversary of when Vukovar fell to Serbian separatists during the 1991-95 Croatian War of Independence. Prime Minister Andrej Plenkovic said Gotovina's "advice will be precious given the challenges facing the country and the region". According to newspaper reports in France and Croatia, the former general, who has acquired French nationality, has had a chequered history. French monthly Le Monde Diplomatique and Croatian newspaper Jutarnji List claimed he once served in the French Foreign Legion, worked for French far-right leader Jean-Marie Le Pen's security detail, spent time in a French jail, trained paramilitary groups in Latin America and was once involved in kidnapping and extortion. Gotovina and Markac were initially sentenced to 24 and 18 years in jail respectively when they were found guilty of the murder of 324 ethnic Serbs and the forced displacement of some 90,000 others during an operation led by the former. That Operation Storm practically ended the war sparked by Croatia's proclamation of independence from the Serb-dominated former Yugoslavia. It is the first political posting assigned to Gotovina since his acquittal, although both he and Markac were given positions on an advisory security body 18 months ago. Gotovina will link up again with a former brother in arms, Defence Minister Damir Kristicevic, another former general. Krsticevic welcomed his former colleague and said he was "convinced" that Gotovina will "make a significant contribution to maintaining national security".
I was perched on a plastic stool on Cau Go Street, a short stretch of road in Hanois Old Quarter with an amazing concentration of food stalls, eating a delicious plate of bun cha: grilled pork, rice noodles, sliced papaya, shredded carrots, a heaping pile of herbs. Locals rushed past me on motorbikes that buzzed like leaf blowers. The next day I would set out on a two-wheeler of my own to explore Vietnams inland north, a place of breathtaking topography that is home to many of the countrys more than 50 ethnic minorities.

Many visitors to the country, seeking a more intimate connection with the landscape, follow the example of the locals and travel on lightweight motorbikes. A Brit Id met in Central America had told me about the phenomenon, explaining that some travelers were inspired by an episode of Top Gear in which the hosts rode from Ho Chi Minh City to Hanoi. On Vietnamese Craigslist, there is an active trade in used motorcycles among visitors. I decided to rent instead, scoring a simple Honda Wave from Viet Nam Motorcycle Tour in the Old Quarter.

Of course, I could have gone by car, but Id come looking for adventure. I hoped to recapture some of the backpackers spirit of my youth, and maybe even get a little muddy.

Day 1: Uneasy Rider

After loading upon breakfast pho, I left Hanoi by way of narrow streets crowded with buses and other careening, honking bikes, then followed a route along the Red River. On the sides of the road, strips of eucalyptus had been set out to dry before being made into veneer for furniture. When I saw my first rice paddies, I couldnt believe how much the scenery looked like every Vietnam flick Id ever seen. Like many Americans reared on baby-boomer cinema, I have a distinct idea of how the country is supposed to look (even though many of those movies, such as Apocalypse Now and Platoon, were actually shot in the Philippines). So there was something oddly familiar about the glistening green grid spread before me.

Story continues

The landscape grew only more magnificent as I approached the La Vie Vu Linh eco-resort, riding along a narrow mud path flanked by paddies and rolling hills. It was tough going on the Honda, and there were few signs pointing the way. I kept pulling up at houses whose inhabitants would wave me onward. Finally, I arrived at my destination, a thatched-roof lodge on the shores of Thac Ba Lake. I sat by a fire on which a giant pot boiled, before sitting down to eat with the employees. We dined in the traditional style of the Dao people, one of the regions ethnic groups, snatching individual bites from steaming communal plates of pork, broccoli, cabbage, and rice. After dinner, I met some business people who had traveled from Hanoi that morning to volunteer on a nearby farm. We spent the evening swapping stories and downing shots of rice wine brewed on the property.

North Vietnam Road Trip

Lef: Beef pho in Hanois Old Quarter. Right: Rice paddies near La Vie Vu Linh eco-resort. Christopher Wise

Day 2: Climb Every Mountain

My next stop was Sapa, a French colonial city on a hill overlooking misty terraced farms, but the resort staff suggested I go instead to the market town of Bac Hajust as beautiful but less touristy. I checked the forecast: heavy rain in Sapa, clear skies in Bac Ha. When riding a motorbike, it is always advisable to avoid rain.

As I motored along the rural roads toward Lao Cai province, children chased after me shouting joyous hellos. I love the freedom of solo travel, but after a few days alone, nothing makes the endorphins kick in like a chorus of little kids cheering you on. At a roadside store, the shopkeeper smiled at me and pointed to a stool made from a tree stump. We sat down for green tea and tobacco from his bamboo water pipe. A single hit left me reeling. As I woozily regarded the man, I pondered our countries shared history. Was he doing the same? He poured more tea.

The world glistened on the switch backs up to Bac Ha. Lush farms, blanketed in clouds, appeared beyond the guardrail. I had to share the road with water buffalo and chickens. When I arrived in late afternoon, I called the owner of Sa House, the no-frills homestay Id booked for the night. He arrived, smiling, on his own motorbike and led me up a winding road. The cool, wet air wrapped around me like a cloak.

North Vietnam Road Trip

Left: Na Hang, a rural district in Tuyen Quang province, northwest of Hanoi. Right: Women in traditional Flower Hmong dress at the market in Bac Ha. Christopher Wise

Day 3: When the Going Gets Tough

As I motored along the rural roads, children chased after me shouting joyous hellos.

Early the next morning, I found Bac Has market. Men in puffy jackets and women in the colorful dresses of the Flower Hmong ethnic group hawked vegetables, meat, coffee, textiles, plastics, electronics, and livestock. Shoppers carried bags with squirming creatures inside. I bought a pair of leather gloves before embarking on the most difficult leg of my trip.

The early part of my days journey had hairpin turns and the occasional wayward water buffalo, but at least it had fresh asphalt. Then, at a sign for Ha Giang province, the road turned to dirt and I fell off the bike. Id gotten my wishI was covered with mud. I was elated to emerge, several hours later, onto a real road again.

A few days earlier, at a museum in Hanoi, Id snapped a photo of a photo of Ho Chi Minh and set it as my phones wallpaper image. When I was checking in to Nha Nghi Hoan Nuong, a hotel in the rural town of Na Hang, the owner noticed it and pointed to an older man sitting on a couch. He in turn directed my attention to a picture of himself on the lobby wall, taken when he was much younger and dressed in uniform. He laughed and held up an imaginary machine gun, then said, Rat-a-tat-tat-tat.

It was a quiet Sunday night. There were several restaurants on the main drag, but only one with people inside. With its plastic tables and chairs it felt like it could have been anywhere in the world. As I waited for my beef pho, a young man dropped an elbow on my table, wanting to arm wrestle. I shook my head, but he insisted. We locked hands. His friends were drunk on rice wine, and soon they all wanted a turn, too. They urged me to take shots. I ordered a beer instead.

North Vietnam Road Trip

Left: The bar at La Vie Vu Linh. Right: Ba Be Lake, in Ba Be National Park, part of Bac Kan province. Christopher Wise

Day 4: The Water Cure

The next day, I pulled my helmet over my aching head and plunged into Na Hang, which looked like a mountain version of Vietnams iconic Halong Bay. Sheer peaks reached toward the sky, as if subterranean giants had poked their fingers through the surface of the earth. I was so distracted by the terrain that I almost ran out of gas. At the last possible moment, I bought half a gallon from a young woman in a roadside shack.

Within a few hours I had coasted all the way down into the verdant valley of Ba Be National Park. In Ba Be Lake, I saw reflections of the same mountains Id ridden through that morning. The narrow road curved past waterfalls and caves beneath a canopy of trees. I could have spent an entire day there watching the monkeys, bears, and butterflies, but the highway beckoned.

Near the town of Tuyen Quang, I stopped at My Lam Hot Springs to soak my battered bones. Inside an unassuming blue building surrounded by gentle hills and lush trees, I began my path to rejuvenation. I lay in a porcelain bathtub filled with lukewarm mineral water, appreciating the stillness after four bumpy days on the road. The next morning, I planned to sleep late, then ride back into Hanoi, straight into the Old Quarter for another fragrant plate of bun cha.

Road Trip Cheat Sheet

Day 1

Vietnam Motorbike Tour Expert: Intrepid travelers can buy used bikes on Craigslist Vietnamor rent from Viet Nam Motorcycle Tour (84- 973-812-789). But the safest option is this operator, which organizes guided trips throughout northern Vietnam.

La Vie Vu Linh: This eco-lodge in Yen Binh district is a sustainable-tourism initiative to empower the areas Dao people. $30 per person.

Day 2

Sa House: A clean, under- stated lodging option near Bac Ha. 84-984-827-537; doubles from $13.

Day 3

Bac Ha Market: Flower Hmong women sell goods here on Sundays. Nha Nghi Hoan Nuong Simple digs in Ha Giang province. 84-273-864-302; doubles from $15.

Day 4

Ba Be National Park: Established in 1992, this stunning reserve in Bac Kan province contains limestone peaks, evergreen forests, and a glittering freshwater lake.

My Lam Hot Springs Spa & Resort: Renowned among medical tourists for its healing mineral waters. 84-273-774-418; doubles from $25.
Photo of a pair of handcuffs (Getty Images)

A Nigerian drug trafficker was executed on Friday (18 November) after his eleventh-hour appeal was rejected by the Court of Appeal a day earlier.

According to a report by Today newspaper, Chijoke Stephen Obioha, 38, was convicted of trafficking in 2.6kg of cannabis and sentenced to death on 30 December 2008.

The Misuse of Drugs Act (MDA ) provides for the death penalty if the amount of cannabis trafficked is 500g or more.

Obiohas lawyers filed a criminal motion in court for a stay of execution and to commute his death sentence to life imprisonment. The criminal motion was heard and dismissed on Thursday.

The Nigerian, along with Malaysian Davendran Supramaniam, were sent to the gallows on Friday. The 31-year-old Malaysian was convicted of importing 83.36g of diamorphine into Singapore and sentenced to death in July 2014.

Davendran appealed against his conviction and sentence in May last year but his appeal was dismissed. His counsel had filed two criminal motions in court for a stay of execution and to re-open his appeal, both of which were dismissed by the Court of Appeal.
President Barack Obama will use his final meeting with China's President Xi Jinping Saturday to press for an increase in the pace and severity of sanctions against North Korea. With Pyongyang launching test after provocative test to develop a miniaturized nuclear warhead and a missile capable of delivering that deadly payload to the United States, Obama's White House wants to ratchet up the pressure before he leaves office in January. Contributing to the tensions as the United States undergoes a transfer of power to President-elect Donald Trump, is the possibility that North Korea will see it as a prime opportunity to test an inexperienced new US commander in chief. In an interview ahead of Obama's last foreign trip, his National Security Advisor Susan Rice told AFP that the United States would work with allies and at the UN to "put increased and maximum pressure on North Korea." "We don't view their progressive development of their capabilities as being anything other than a significant threat to our interests and that of our allies." This pressure, she said, "has been building and will continue to build, certainly through the duration of this administration." A second US official said the issue would be high on the agenda when Obama and Xi meet on the margins of an Asia-Pacific summit in Lima, Peru. The US intelligence estimate of North Korea's nuclear-missile program is classified. But military officials have said its "prudent" to assume North Korea could already have some capability to deliver a nuclear warhead to the United States atop an intercontinental ballistic missile. North Korea has conducted two nuclear tests this year and test-fired a series of missiles. Sanctions are already in the works at the United Nations to target North Korea's coal exports to China, diplomats said -- a vital source of revenue for the regime. - Screw tightening - Pyongyang has used loopholes in previous sanctions to increase coal exports by as much as 60 percent, netting more than 100 million dollars a month in much needed income. North Korea's reclusive leaders are estimated to have spent billions of dollars on weapons programs, while as many as 18 million of North Korea's 25 million people face food shortages, according to the Japanese government. Washington is advocating "robust new sanctions measures designed to curtail the North Korean regime's ability to fund its nuclear and missile programs," a senior US administration official said. "The goal is not pressure for pressure's sake. We are trying to compel North Korea to make the right choice." While many sanctions have been in place for years, the last two years have seen the screw tighten considerably. Beijing has long dragged its heels on sanctioning its allies in Pyongyang, fearing a flood of refugees if North Korea's economy collapses. But earlier this year Beijing moved to sanction a conglomerate based in China's frontier city of Dandong that did an estimated $530 million in trade with North Korea between 2011 and 2015. "You can make a compelling argument that China has taken unprecedented steps to increase pressure on North Korea so as to compel North Korea's leadership to make the right choice," said the US official. In parallel with UN sanctions, American officials are looking at other unilateral and multilateral measures, including possible sanctions targeting Chinese and other financial institutions that do business with the north. "The object is to take all necessary steps to constrain North Korea's ability to fund its nuclear missile programs and I would say we are open to any and all measures to get that done." "Given the urgency of the challenge and the fact that North Korea continues to carry out these unlawful provocative acts, our shared responsibility is to continue to increase the pressure," the senior administration official told AFP. Also on the agenda for this final meeting will be the treatment of US companies, including IT companies, in China.
When it comes to real estate investment in Southeast Asia, Cambodia is hard to beat. Despite the oversupply in Phnom Penh, foreign property investors are seeing more opportunities in other areas of the country.

Parts of Cambodias southern coast, such as Sihanoukville, are lucrative for foreign property investors.

When it comes to real estate investment in Southeast Asia, Cambodia is hard to beat. The oversupply situation in Phnom Penh might cast doubt over that notion, but in other areas of the country, foreign property investors are seeing more opportunities.

This is especially true in parts of the countrys southern coast, such as Sihanoukville. Cambodia is also particularly lucrative for American investors, since the US dollar is widely circulated there.

The most straightforward way in which foreign investors can gain access to property and land ownership in Cambodia is to become citizens, after which they have the same rights as native Cambodians.

A foreign investor can do so by donating a minimum of KHR1 billion (S$349,565) to the Royal Government of Cambodias national budget, or investing at least KHR1.25 billion (S$435,962) in a project or business venture authorised by the Cambodian Development Council.

Investors who prefer to be more prudent with their expenditure can become naturalised citizens, a lengthier process than the aforementioned routes to citizenship. They must live and work in Cambodia for at least seven years, learn Khmer and sit for a Khmer proficiency exam. Alternatively, a foreign investor can marry a local and live with his / her spouse in Cambodia for a minimum of three years.

A foreign investor who does not want to obtain Cambodian citizenship (such as a Singaporean investor, as Singapore does not recognise dual citizenship) can become eligible to buy and own land and property in the country via a landholding company.

Although 100 percent foreign ownership is legal in Cambodia, this does not apply to land. Setting up a landholding company allows a foreigner to own land, but only partially: at least 51 percent of equity must be in a Cambodian citizens name, and a foreign investors share in any plot of land cannot exceed 49 percent.

Story continues

Furthermore, local and foreign shareholders have different rights of control over a landholding company, so a foreign investor can boost his control of the plot by registering a mortgage on it via the company. This is to ensure land ownership cannot be transferred without authorisation from the foreign investor.

Another method of land ownership for a foreign investor who does not want Cambodian citizenship is to own land via a local nominee. The local nominee is prevented from selling or transferring the property without the investors permission through a series of legally binding documents signed by both parties, and the land is leased or mortgaged to the foreigner.

However, such a partnership is risky, as a high level of trust is needed between both parties. With enough money and the right connections, the local nominee could cause the land to be expropriated or the state to force its sale, and the foreign investor would lose ownership.

Whichever route a foreign investor chooses, the most indispensable aspect is legal assistance. Investors would do well to hire a lawyer with expert knowledge of Cambodian property and land laws, especially due to the lack of transparency surrounding the countrys land ownership schemes.

An earlier version of this article was first published on Property Report.

Cheryl Marie Tay, Senior Journalist at PropertyGuru, wrote this story. To contact her about this or other stories, email cheryl@propertyguru.com.sg
Union minister for home affairs, Kiren Rijiju, said that merely ten days after demonetisation, the smuggling of fake currency notes from three international borders - Pakistan, Bangladesh and Nepal - has completely stopped.

By Kamaljit Kaur Sandhu: Ten days after demonetisation, Narendra Modi government claims that the circulation of fake Indian currency notes (FICN) worth around Rs 400 crore has been stopped.

"Smuggling of FICN from three international borders - Pakistan, Bangladesh and Nepal - has completely halted after the announcement of Prime Minister Narendra Modi," Union minister of home Kiren Rijiju said.

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The minister said that at any given point of time, fake notes worth Rs 400 crore, are in circulation in the country. He said annually, counterfeit notes worth Rs 70 crore are pumped in.

ALSO READ | Demonetisation: PM Modi likely to face people's wrath at his Agra rally

'ILLEGAL SALE OF DRUGS AND ARMS, HAWALA TRANSACTIONS STOPPED'

Rijiju said the illegal sale of drugs, opium and arms had also been completely stopped. He said hawala transactions were also badly hit.

Fake notes worth Rs 12.35 crore were seized by the security agencies till June.

In 2015, counterfeit notes worth Rs 34.99 crore were seized, while in 2014, the value was Rs 36.11 crore and in 2013 it was Rs 42.90 crore.

The government is likely to share this information in Parliament when the discussion on demonetisation takes place.

ALSO READ | Note ban deaths: SBI cashier dies of heart attack while at work in Nagpur

HAS TERROR FUNDING COME TO A HALT?

According to the Home ministry, demonetisation has brought terror-funding to a halt.

Sources said it will take more than a year for Pakistan-based terror planners to make new notes.

An estimated Rs 700-Rs 800 crore terror funding is done in India out of which Rs 300-Rs 400 crore are being used by Naxals annually, Rs 20-Rs 30 crore by Kashmiri separatists and Rs 350-Rs 400 crore by insurgents in the northeast.

Meanwhile, official sources said there are around Rs 40,000 crore black money in circulation in the country and these funds were also badly hit by the demonetisation of old Rs 1000 and Rs 500 notes.

The total currency in circulation in the country as on September was Rs 17,00,000 crore, sources said.



Also Read:

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By Francois Murphy VIENNA (Reuters) - The United States and Iran on Thursday clashed openly at the U.N. atomic watchdog for the first time since they signed a landmark nuclear deal last year, differing over Tehran's repeated testing of one of the deal's less strictly defined limits. The International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), which is policing the deal, said Iran's overstepping of the limit on its stock of a sensitive material for the second time this year risked undermining countries' support for the agreement. The victory of Donald Trump - a vocal critic of the deal - in the U.S. presidential election also raised the question of whether his country would continue to support the accord, which restricts Iran's nuclear activities in exchange for the lifting of sanctions against the Islamic Republic. "Iran must strictly adhere to all commitments and technical measures for their duration," U.S. ambassador to the IAEA Laura Holgate said in a statement to the agency's quarterly Board of Governors meeting. The dispute centres on the part of the deal between Tehran and six major powers that limits Iran's stock of heavy water, a material used as a moderator in reactors like the unfinished one it has at Arak that has been put out of use. In contrast to strict limits elsewhere in the deal on materials including enriched uranium, the text says Iran should not have more heavy water than it needs, adding that those needs are estimated to be 130 tonnes. Western countries see it as a hard limit, and Iran argues it is not. "We note with concern Iran's accumulation of heavy water in excess of the limit set forth in the JCPOA of 130 metric tonnes," Holgate said, using the abbreviation for the deal's full name, the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action. The IAEA said Iran was preparing to ship some heavy water out of the country to come back under the 130-tonne limit, but Holgate said Iran would not be in compliance until it had been delivered to a foreign buyer as the deal requires. "Simply notifying states that this heavy water is for sale without removing it from Iran does not fulfil this JCPOA commitment," she said. Iran said the issue was not that clear-cut. "Where is (the) limit?" Iran's envoy to the IAEA, Reza Najafi, told reporters on the sidelines of the board meeting, adding that the country was preparing to export more than the 5 tonnes of heavy water it originally informed the IAEA of. "The JCPOA is very clear," he added. "It says that the needs of Iran are estimated (to be) 130 tonnes. Who is the native English speaker to tell me what estimated means?" (Reporting by Francois Murphy; Editing by Richard Balmforth)
Todays businesses need an online marketing strategy to succeed. While every businesss strategy may look a bit different, there are some common threads that hold most of those successful strategies together.

Members of the small business community have plenty of tips to share when it comes to successfully marketing businesses online. Check out their top tips below.

Make Your Way with Social Media

Social media isnt a one-size-fits-all solution. You have to determine the strategy that is going to work best for your business, as Rachel Strella of Strella Social Media discusses here. And Strella elaborated on these suggestions in a conversation in BizSugar community here.

Super Charge Your Local Search Results

Even for local businesses, online marketing can make a huge difference. Local search, for example, can help to bring new faces to your store, restaurant or other local business. To make the most of your local search marketing, check out this Inc article by Small Business Trends CEO Anita Campbell.

Think About These Things for Your Websites Social Sharing Features

Letting customers or followers do some of your online marketing for you can really help out and save you time. But you need to make sharing your content easy for them. So in this article at the Social Media Week, Larry Alton suggests some things you should think about when incorporating social sharing buttons into your website.

Keep Up with Marketing Technology Trends

Thanks to technology, online marketing is constantly changing. That means that you need to keep up with the new trends in order to stay relevant to tech savvy consumers. This article at Docurated by Angela Stringfellow includes some marketing technology trends that are poised to re-shape the world of marketing.

Grow Your Website Traffic

Content creation can be a key part of your online marketing strategy. But you need to build traffic in order for your content to be effective. This post on the official dlvr.it blog by Bill Flitter includes a playbook for growing traffic to your content.

Expect These Things When Joining Social Media

As a small business owner, the idea of joining various social media sites and regularly using them as part of your online marketing plan can seem daunting. But if you know what to expect, the process can be a bit easier. Here on NutsPR, Corina Manea shares some things you should expect when joining social media as a small business owner.

Use These Best Practices for Twitter Polls

Twitters polling feature can help you to gain insights and interaction from your followers on the platform. And the microblogging site has now revealed some of the best practices that people should use when running polls, which Matt Southern covers in this Search Engine Journal article. BizSugar members also chime in with their own thoughts here.

Consider Starting Your Own Podcast

Lots of businesses have websites and social media accounts. But starting your own podcast can really help you to stand out in todays business world. Here, Ileane Smith shares some of the benefits that businesses could realize through starting a podcast.

Create a Content Anchor

When creating content for an online audience, the length and quality of your content can make a big difference in how many people see and interact with it. In this post on Blogger Sidekick, Will Blunt discusses the concept of a content anchor and how it could help your online marketing strategy.

Use Influencer Marketing That Works

Influencer marketing is a relatively new concept to a lot of businesses. But it can really jumpstart your online marketing efforts if used correctly. Here, Ann Smarty discusses how small businesses can use influencer marketing in a way that should work both now and in the future.

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.
Samsung (KRX:005935) has filed a patent for a foldable smartphone, which according to several reports may be available sometime in 2017. Both Bloomberg and Mashable reported in June of this year the phone might see light of day in the coming year.

Considering the unfortunate turn of events with the Galaxy Note 7, which was discontinued after some of the devices caught fire, any distraction is good news for Samsung. The new products and services being introduced show the companys efforts to put its Galaxy Note 7 troubles behind by highlighting the innovations it is developing.

The patent for the foldable phone is a sure fire way of getting the right attention, especially in light of the lackluster developments in the smartphone segment. The iPhone 7 didnt do much, and other vendors are essentially in the same boat.

In terms of applications, the integration of Viv, a new generation of Artificial Intelligence (AI) into the upcoming Galaxy S8 phone to be released in Spring 2017 is also a step in this direction.

The technology exist to create foldable displays, as demonstrated by YouTube personality Meghan McCarthy at Lenovo Tech World 2016 in June. But the phone and tablet Lenovo showcased were limited in their functionality and there wasnt a firm date on availability.

The patent for the Samsung phone, called the Galaxy X or Project Valley, almost looks like an old flip phone when it is folded. Once fully extended, it resembles todays smartphones. As for specs, there is no information, but it does seem to have a camera of good quality. However, the design shown in the patent doesnt guarantee what the final product will look like. The filing of the patent doesnt even guarantee that the phone will ever go into production.

The question is, what is the point of a foldable phone, and are there any practical uses for it? The first iteration of these phones will probably be nothing more than a novelty until the technology matures. This could mean you will have to wait several years to see foldable phones that are truly functional.
The human gut is a complex and amazing system, and the more we learn about it, the more amazed we are. It turns out
Monica Liu might have started out as an immigrant, but today she's known as the 'Don of Tangra' who owns four restaurants.

By Shreya Goswami: It's now common knowledge that there's a thriving Chinese community in Kolkata. This community has been around for centuries, and are a part of the fabric of the city. They're also a community of restaurateurs, giving Kolkata a taste of what authentic Chinese cuisine tastes like.

And if you go looking for a stalwart in this community, you need to look no further than Monica Liu.

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All those who come across her today might assume the grandmother of nine to be a softie, like most grannies. But nothing could be further from the truth, because Liu actually holds a title that can make your heart tremble--Don of Tangra.

No, she's not somebody with underground connections with bhais, or even a criminal mastermind in Kolkata. Her title, in fact, is a mark of respect; it was given to her by the community for her bravery in the face of the real goondas who tried to intimidate her.

Monica Liu's restaurants give Kolkata a taste of Chinese food cooked by the Chinese. Picture courtesy: Facebook/Mandarin

According to 101 India, the story dates back to 1991, when Liu opened her family's first restaurant, Kim Ling in Tangra. The local goons tried to coerce the family into serving them free meals, but Monica stood up to them. She made it clear that they were here to do business, and would not be serving free meals. So if the locals behave like goondas, she would return their behaviour in kind.

Also read: 10 lip-smacking street foods of Kolkata that you'll regret missing out on



If you're wondering where this woman of steel got such strength from, here's a glimpse into her past: During the 1962 Indo-China War, Liu's whole family was arrested (along with hundreds of other Chinese living in India), and shifted to Deoli Camp in Rajasthan. Even after the war got over, the government seemed to have forgotten about these arrested families for five years.

Finally, it was Liu and a few others who wrote a petition to the Home Minister, which led to their release. But by then, the family had lost all their connections in Kolkata, and had to start all over again. The young Monica and her sister would help their mother make momos to sell. That's whereMonica Liu's food journey began.

Tung Fong in Park Street is one of the restaurants run by Monica Liu. Picture courtesy: Kolkatacurry.blogspot.com

Today, she owns five extremely popular Chinese restaurants in Kolkata--Kim Ling and Beijing in Tangra, Tung Fong in Park Street, Mandarin on Sarat Bose Road, and Mandarin on Lake Avenue. Liu has been quite a success as an entrepreneur, and was awarded the title of Best Woman Entrepreneur of the Year in 2003.

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Of course, we prefer the name 'Don of Tangra' much better, because here's one super-woman to holds the power and respect worthy of that title.

Take a look at Monica Liu's journey in her own words, here:



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Free Workshops

Free Hour of Code at All Apple Stores Dec. 5 Through 11

Kids enjoying a Free Hour of Code workshop. Photo courtesy of Business Wire.

Apple is offering free Hour of Code workshops at all of its 487 retail stores worldwide from Dec. 5-11, in celebration of Computer Science Education Week. Registration opened today.

The Hour of Code workshops teach the basics of computer science with Code.orgs programming tutorials. Apple and Code.org share the goal of giving every student the opportunity to learn computer science, according to a news release.

Hour of Code embodies our vision for Apple stores as a place for the community to gather, learn and be entertained, said Angela Ahrendts, Apples senior vice president of Retail, in a statement.

This year, Hour of Code programs at many Apple locations will include an introduction to Swift Playgrounds, the free new app for iPad that intends to bring coding to life. The interactive interface of Swift Playgrounds encourages beginners to explore working with Swift, the easy-to-learn programming language from Apple, used by professional developers to create real-world apps.

Coding is just like any language  the earlier youre exposed, the more successful youll be, said Craig Federighi, Apples senior vice president of software engineering, in a statement. Swift Playgrounds brings real coding concepts to life and empowers the next generation with the skills they need to express their creativity.

A new Hour of Code challenge in Swift Playgrounds makes it easy for anyone to set up their own one-hour coding event, and for those continuing to build their coding skills on iPad, Swift Playgrounds adds a new Learn to Code 3 set of lessons and a companion teacher guide.

In addition to in-store workshops, Apple has developed a series of tools to extend Hour of Code into schools and community centers, including a free facilitator guide offering lesson ideas, group activities and more. Apple Teacher, a free, professional, self-paced learning program supporting and celebrating teachers in the United States, has added resources, badging and recognition for learning and teaching code with Swift Playgrounds on iPad.

Staying true to its $100 million commitment and ongoing partnership to provide 114 underserved schools with technology, services and support, Apple will provide materials and resources to assist ConnectED schools around the country to host their own Hour of Code workshops, according to the news release.

For more information about the Hour of Code, visit Apples website.
People

Polymath Physicist, First Lady of Software Awarded Presidential Medal of Freedom

President Obama yesterday named 21 recipients of the Presidential Medal of Freedom, an award that honors individuals who have made especially meritorious contributions to the security or national interest of the United States, to world peace, or to cultural or other significant public or private endeavors, according to the White House announcement.

Richard Garwin previously won the National Medal of Science, the United States' highest honor in science and engineering fields

Among the winners is physicist Richard Garwin, who is often credited as the author of the first hydrogen bomb design. According to the White House, Garwin is receiving the award for pioneering contributions to U.S. defense and intelligence technologies, low temperature and nuclear physics, detection of gravitational radiation, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), computer systems, laser imprinting and nuclear arms control and nonproliferation. In 2002, Garwin won the National Medal of Science, which is the United States highest honor in science and engineering fields. He has held adjunct professorships in physics at Columbia University, Cornell University and Harvard University, and he taught at IBMs Thomas J. Watson Research Center in New York.

Grace Hopper joined the United States Navy during World War II.

Another pioneer in science and technology fields was posthumously awarded a Presidential Medal of Freedom. Grace Hopper was a computer scientist and United States Navy rear admiral. Known as the first lady of software, Hopper was at the forefront of computers and programming development from the 1940s through the 1980s, and her work made programming languages more practical and accessible, according to the White House statement. She taught mathematics as an associate professor at Vassar College in New York before joining the United States Naval Reserve during World War II. Hopper became one of the first programmers of the Harvard Mark I computer.

A full list of winners is available on the White House site.
Mobile App

Seattle Elementary Teacher Uses Bloomz App to Encourage Good Behavior

Before she started using the Bloomz app, Seattle elementary teacher Jude Miqueli would hand-color a gumball chart on the wall.

The better a class behaved, the more gumballs would be colored in. If students were acting out, no gumballs would receive color. Overall, the results were  satisfactory.

But once she started using Bloomz a year and a half ago, she noticed that her kids were responding better, and were even improving their behavior in class.

The Bloomz award system has helped our classroom. Its given us a structure for what behaviors they want to achieve, Miqueli said in an interview. It has helped us think about our behavior throughout the day. Its given us the opportunity for peer reflection and self-reflection, and helped students give compliments to each other and receive compliments.

Miqueli teaches first through third graders at West Seattle Montessori School and Academy, a private school in Washington state. She has been teaching professionally for three years.

Last year, the assistant director at her school introduced Bloomz to the staff. Since then, Miqueli has become the Bloomz ambassador  an example of how to use the app with kids and with their parents.

Its just been great to share the information, she said. It feels like theres so much more being shared between me and the parents. It doesnt feel like an overwhelming amount of information I need to share with them at parent-teacher conferences this Friday.

Bloomz is an app designed to improve communication and coordination between teachers and parents. Teachers can send notifications, emails, photos, text messages or badges through the app. They can schedule appointments, send reminders and ask for project volunteers. Parents can receive the messages and notifications on their phones and respond with likes, comments or their own text messages.

But the app, based in Redmond, WA and founded by Chaks Appalabattula in 2014, also has features that can be used directly in the classroom. Students may have a hand in using it too.

Jude Miqueli posts whats going on in her classroom and also takes advantage of a section called members  which are her students. Each student has a flower pot, and a flower grows out of it if the teacher rewards the student for good behavior.

Its been working out really well, because the students are able to reflect on their behavior throughout the day, she said.

The teacher can share and encourage different values, such as teamwork, courage and listening to others. When I reward them with a behavior, theres a timeline for them and their parents to see. When a students flower finally blooms in Ms. Miquelis class, she gives the student a real flower as a reward.

It works out really well IRL  in real life, she said. Theyre really excited about doing this activity at the end of the day, when we look at the flowers and their progress. And theyre keeping their behavior in check throughout the day.

Miqueli, 35, said the app works well with special needs kids as well. I do have one special needs student whos on the autism spectrum. He has an aide, and we reinforce the exact same behaviors  receive a compliment from a friend, give a compliment. The class is very accommodating and welcoming of differences.

Bloomz is available for free, and is accessible online through Chrome, Explorer and Safari browsers. Chrome is generally preferred, according to the official website.

Bloomz is also available on Apple and Android devices. Users should have iOS 7 or above, with an iPhone 5 or above, or an Android 4.1 and above.

According to the companys site, Bloomz does not currently generate revenue from its site or app. The company is funded by seed capital from current and past senior leaders at Google, LinkedIn, Microsoft and other successful companies.

For more information on Bloomz, visit the companys website or email [email protected].
"A little fill here and there may seem to be nothing to become excited about. But one fill, though comparatively inconsequential, may lead to another, and another, and before long a great body may be eaten away until it may no longer exist.

Our navigable waters are a precious natural heritage, once gone, they disappear forever," wrote the Wisconsin Supreme Court in its 1960 opinion resolving Hixon v. PSC and buttressing The Public Trust Doctrine, Article IX of the Wisconsin State Constitution.
The truck was transporting fuel to Malawi from the port city of Beira and was near the border when the accident occurred.

By Reuters: At least 73 people were killed and more than 100 others were injured in Mozambique on Thursday as they tried to siphon fuel from an overturned truck which exploded, the government said.

The truck was transporting fuel to Malawi from the port city of Beira and was near the border when the accident occurred, the government said in a statement.

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INJURED RUSHED TO HOSPITAL



The injured had been rushed to the hospital and a government team was due to travel to the area in Tete province, some 2,000 km (1,242 miles) from the capital Maputo on Friday.



Media in Mozambique say 73 people killed and more than 100 wounded in fuel tanker explosion. ANI (@ANI_news) November 18, 2016

Mozambique is one of the world's poorest countries and struggles constantly with food shortages caused by drought.

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Boris Johnson has become embroiled in a row with an Italian minister after threatening that Brexit would hit prosecco sales.

A Brexit discussion between Mr Johnson and Italian economic development minister Carlo Calenda degenerated into a scrap over who would be able to sell more prosecco and fish and chips when the UK left the EU.

Mr Calenda accused the Foreign Secretary, who has recently returned from a five-country tour to "strengthen relations with European partners", of making "insulting" comments.

He said Mr Johnson claimed that if the UK didn't get a good Brexit trade deal then prosecco sales would suffer.

In an account of their conversation given to Bloomberg, Mr Calenda said: "He basically said: 'I don't want free movement of people but I want the single market.

"I said: 'No way'. He said: 'You'll sell less prosecco'. I said: 'OK, you'll sell less fish and chips, but I'll sell less prosecco to one country and you'll sell less to 27 countries.'

"Putting things on this level is a bit insulting."

Mr Johnson has also come under fire for claiming that it was "b*******" to suggest that freedom of movement was a fundamental right of the EU.

:: Jaguar Land Rover admits hard Brexit could threaten its UK future

During an interview with a Czech newspaper, the Foreign Secretary said: "It's a total myth, nonsense. It is stupid to stay that freedom of movement is a fundamental right.

"It's something that has been acquired by a series of decisions by the courts.

"And everyone now has in his head that every human being has a fundamental, God-given right to go and move wherever he wants. But it is not."

He added: "The idea that freedom of movement is a fundamental right of the EU is just b*******."

Mr Johnson was also criticised for suggesting that the UK would leave the customs union - but retain a "dynamic trade relationship".

:: Corbyn uses Boris Brexit claims to attack May

Downing Street was quick to say that no decision had been taken on membership of the customs union, which allows trade free of customs levies but with agreed tariffs on imports outside the union.

Story continues

At Prime Minister's Questions, Jeremy Corbyn suggested Mr Johnson's claims, also made in the newspaper interview and which seemed to differ from those coming from Downing Street, showed a Government whose Brexit plans were a "total shambles".

Lib Dem Leader Tim Farron said: "It's outrageous that Boris Johnson seems to think it's OK for foreign newspaper readers to know more about our economic future than British businesses."

Mr Johnson's incendiary comments come in a week where two reports were highly critical of the Government's approach to Brexit.

And in a new poll by Ipsos Mori, almost half of voters said they believed Theresa May and her team were handling the exit from the EU well.

Some 48% of those questioned said the Government was doing a bad job of handling Brexit, compared to 37% who felt it had been successful so far.
By Ayman al-Warfalli BENGHAZI, Libya (Reuters) - The dominant armed force in the east Libyan city of Benghazi said on Thursday it had taken control of one the last holdouts of Islamist-led militias, amid clashes in which at least 18 troops were killed, according to medical officials. The self-styled Libyan National Army (LNA), whose commander, Khalifa Haftar, is a figurehead for factions aligned with an eastern-based government, has been fighting Islamist militants and other militias in Benghazi for more than two years. Fighting resumed this week in the southwestern district of Ganfouda, and in nearby Guwarsha, the area in which the LNA said it had now flushed out the opposing forces. "The forces of LNA have liberated Guwarsha and our forces found 15 bodies belonging to terrorist groups," military spokesman Ahmed al-Mismari told Reuters. A video circulating on social media showed LNA special forces field commander Wanis Boukhamada shouting into a radio: "Repeat, repeat, the main road of Guwarsha district Shajar Street has fallen! ... God is great." Libya slid into political turmoil and conflict after Muammar Gaddafi was toppled in an uprising five years ago. In 2014, rival parliaments and governments were set up in Tripoli and eastern Libya, both backed by loose alliances of armed groups. The eastern government, supported by the LNA, is opposed to a U.N.-backed government that arrived in Tripoli in March. Clashes were continuing on Thursday around Ganfouda, where the LNA has besieged fighters from the Benghazi Revolutionaries Shura Council (BRSC), the main group fighting it. The LNA also conducted air strikes in Ganfouda and another district, Sabri, a military official said. At least 18 LNA soldiers were killed and 54 wounded in the fighting, medical officials said. Four of the dead were killed in a mine explosion in Guwarsha, they said. A car bomb exploded near a building captured by the LNA in Ganfouda, though the number of casualties was not immediately clear, security and medical officials said. The BRSC claimed responsibility for the bombing, according to a statement posted from a Twitter account close to the group. The LNA also has a presence in parts of southern Libya. (Writing by Aidan Lewis; Editing by Catherine Evans)
By Simon Johnson and Johan Sennero STOCKHOLM (Reuters) - Loosening euro zone budget rules and spending more to boost growth and jobs would put the bloc's recovery at risk, Sweden's finance minister said on Thursday. On Wednesday, the European Commission effectively urged Berlin to spend more, moving further away from its mantra of austerity. Magdalena Andersson, finance minister of Sweden, which is not in the euro zone, said growth in the 19-country bloc was beginning to pick up after years of stagnation, made worse by high levels of government debt and large budget deficits. "Now we are moving toward better growth in Europe. To start being careless again, I think, is completely the wrong way to go," she told Reuters. "I think it would put at risk the growth we have got." Germany, the economy with the most room for extra spending, has rejected the Commission's call. Sweden's finances are in rude shape with the government estimating a deficit of 0.2 percent of GDP this year and a surplus in 2019. Government debt is around 40 percent of GDP, well below the EU's ceiling of 60 percent. But Andersson ruled out opening the spending taps to take advantage of record-low borrowing costs to meet structural challenges such as integrating record numbers of asylum seekers and turning around a fall in school results. "Given the uncertainty we have today with Brexit and Trump, I think it is very pleasant to have such low government debt," she said. "We know it will be a bit of a bumpy ride ahead, so we have a safety margin." Britain is Sweden's fourth biggest trading partner and Andersson said that the Nordic country wanted to have "as soft a Brexit as possible". "From our point of view, the softer Brexit is, the better. But at the same time there cannot be any 'cherry picking'," she said. With negotiations yet to start Andersson said it was tough to say what Britain's eventual exit from the European Union would look like. It is still unknown whether Britain will be able to maintain anything like the free trading position it currently enjoys with the bloc. "A soft or hard Brexit sounds very black or white," she said. "But there is a big grey area in between and it is clear that's where we will end up." (Reporting by Simon Johnson and Johan Sennero; Editing by Robin Pomeroy)
By Reem Shamseddine, Tom Finn and Rania El Gamal

RIYADH/DOHA (Reuters) - The energy minister for top OPEC exporter Saudi Arabia said on Thursday he was optimistic about OPEC's deal to limit oil output and mentioned the lower end of a previously agreed production target, helping spur a rally in the price of crude.

The Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries, at a meeting in Algeria in September, made a preliminary deal to limit oil output. The details are meant to be finalised when OPEC ministers gather in Vienna on Nov. 30.

Saudi Energy Minister Khalid al-Falih, speaking to Saudi-owned Al-Arabiya TV, said the oil market was on a path towards becoming balanced and that "reaching (a decision) to activate that ceiling of 32.5 million barrels per day (bpd) will speed up the (market) recovery and will benefit producers and consumers".

OPEC agreed on Sept. 28 to limit supply to between 32.5 million and 33 million bpd, with special conditions given to Libya, Nigeria and Iran, whose output has been hit by wars or sanctions.

Falih and other ministers have said previously that OPEC would reduce output to that range, without specifying the higher or lower end.

Oil prices climbed above $47 a barrel on Thursday as comments from Falih and other ministers boosted expectations that OPEC would complete the deal.

"I'm still optimistic that the consensus reached in Algeria for capping production will translate, God willing, into caps on states' levels and fair and balanced cuts among countries," Falih said.

A number of OPEC energy ministers, including Falih, are expected to meet informally in Doha on the sidelines of a gas exporters' conference to try to build consensus.

Algeria's Energy Minister Nouredine Bouterfa said the issue of Iran's production would not undermine a deal.

"There is strong consensus among OPEC producers for a freeze," he told Reuters.

"Iran is not a problem. Iran is a particular situation and needs particular treatment. They will not have the same rule for the reduction. We will study what the best solution is for Iran."

Story continues

Qatar's Energy Minister Mohammed al-Sada said Iran and Iraq - which has also sought special treatment in any supply cut - were being asked to freeze output at current levels.

"We are discussing with both countries on that and we are looking at various ways and means of coming to a mutual understanding," Sada told reporters.

Non-OPEC exporter Russia is ready to support OPEC's decision on an output freeze and sees a good chance that it can agree terms by Nov. 30, Russian Energy Minister Alexander Novak said on Wednesday.

Falih told Al-Arabiya that he hoped an agreement with Russia to cooperate on market stability would correspond with OPEC's meeting on Nov. 30.

(Addiitonal reporting by Katie Paul and Ekaterina Golubkova; Writing by Alex Lawler; Editing by Dale Hudson)
A terminally ill girl won a historic legal fight to have her body cryogenically frozen in the hope of being brought back to life.

The 14-year-old, described as a "bright, intelligent young person", had her wish granted shortly before she died.

The schoolgirl, who had a rare form of cancer and was too young to make a will, asked the High Court to intervene because her divorced parents were divided over her request.

They had become embroiled in a dispute relating to whether her remains should be taken to a specialist facility in the United States.

Mr Justice Peter Jackson made the ruling in October after a private hearing in the Family Division of the High Court in London.

:: How cryonics works: Process of freezing bodies explained

He had visited the girl in hospital and agreed her mother, who supported her decision, could have sole control over decisions about the disposal of her body.

He said he had been moved by the "valiant way" in which she had faced her "predicament" and there was no doubt she had the mental capacity to launch legal action.

He added she had spent months researching how she could be frozen and "she died peacefully in the knowledge her body would be preserved in the way she wished".

The teenager, from the London area, had written to Mr Justice Jackson explaining she wanted a chance to "live longer".

He recorded what she had said in his ruling on the case.

The girl had written: "I have been asked to explain why I want this unusual thing done.

"I am only 14-years-old and I don't want to die but I know I am going to die.

"I think being cryo-preserved gives me a chance to be cured and woken up - even in hundreds of years' time.

"I don't want to be buried underground. I want to live and live longer and I think that in the future they may find a cure for my cancer and wake me up.

"I want to have this chance. This is my wish."

Her remains have now been taken to the Cryonics Institute in Michigan and frozen at around -193C (-315F). The facility houses more than 100 people.

Story continues

Mr Justice Jackson had said nothing about the case could be reported while she was alive because the media coverage would distress her.

He also ruled no-one involved could be identified - again in line with the girl's wishes.

He said the girl had lived with her mother for most of her life and had not had "face-to-face" contact with her father for eight years when she died.

Her father had been concerned about the consequences of his daughter being cryogenically preserved, and the costs involved.

He told Mr Justice Jackson: "Even if the treatment is successful and she is brought back to life in, let's say, 200 years, she may not find any relative and she might not remember things.

"She may be left in a desperate situation, given that she is still only 14-years-old, and will be in the United States of America."

But during the legal battle his position changed and he later added: "I respect the decisions she is making.

"This is the last and only thing she has asked from me."

Mr Justice Jackson said the girl's arrangement cost around 37,000, and while the family are not well-off, the mother's parents had raised the money.

He said there had been problems on the day she died and hospital bosses had expressed misgivings.

"On (her) last day, her mother is said to have been pre-occupied with the post-mortem arrangements at the expense of being fully available to (her)," he said.

He added: "The voluntary organisation is said to have been under-equipped and disorganised, resulting in pressure being placed on the hospital to allow procedures that had not been agreed.

"Although the preparation of (her) body for cryogenic preservation was completed, the way in which the process was handled caused real concern to the medical and mortuary staff."

He admitted the technology is controversial but he made decisions relating to a dispute between parents, not about the rights and wrongs of cryogenic preservation.

He also said this case is an example of new questions science posed to lawyers and ministers might consider "proper regulation" of cryonic preservation.

The girl's application is said to be the only one of its kind to have come before a court in England and Wales, and probably anywhere else.

Cryonic preservation was introduced in the 1960s and there are three commercial organisations, one in Russia and two in the US, that perform the process.
SWNS

<p>The average American begins to notice the signs of aging at the age of 42, but 15% noticed themselves getting older before age 35. </p><p>Thats according to a new poll of 2,000 Americans with representative samples for Gen Z, millennials, Gen-X and baby boomer respondents, where respondents believe they were at the peak of their health at the age of 34.</p><p>On top of that, 46% of Gen X were unaware they couldnt engage in the same fitness or diet regimens as they could when they were younger until they were over 40.</p><p>While respondents start noticing they need to make changes to their health and wellness routines around the age of 39, 21% admit theyre currently in denial about their body aging.</p><p>Another 30% of respondents admit they used to be in denial, but theyve since accepted it.</p><p>Of those respondents, 61% put off making necessary routine changes for three to six years, while 29% put it off for up to two years.</p><p>Conducted by OnePoll on behalf of evidence-based weight care program, <a href="http://www.joinfound.com/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" data-auth="NotApplicable" data-safelink="true" data-linkindex="1">Found</a>, the survey found that things like joint pain (39%), the onset of chronic conditions such as high blood pressure or diabetes (37%), slower metabolism (35%), or where respondents carry their weight (30%) are some of the top indicators that respondents believe are signs of aging.</p><p>Because of these changes, respondents are making adjustments to their health and wellness routines. </p><p>Overall, 36% are making adjustments to the types of vitamins and supplements they take, with baby boomers (41%) being the most likely generation to do so.</p><p>Two in five (40%) baby boomers are changing the types of food they eat, with 34% of Gen X doing the same. </p><p>Even 30% of Gen Z are doing so, despite their relatively young age. </p><p>Thirty-one percent of all respondents are fine-tuning what types of exercises they do as they get older.</p><p>And millennials might be getting ahead of aging more than others, with that generation being more likely to do so than any others (36%), including Gen X (31%) and baby boomers (30%). </p><p>Millennials were also the most likely generation to practice meditation or mindfulness, especially when compared to baby boomers (30% vs 21%).</p><p>And while about one-quarter (24%) found making those adjustments difficult, 46% found it to be an easy process.</p><p>But that doesnt mean respondents arent looking for guidance, as 35% tend to lean on their primary care physician and specialty doctors (30%). </p><p>While aging is inevitable, making healthy changes to your lifestyle are preventative care measures that can help mitigate age-related issues like weight gain and chronic conditions. Over the past 100 years we have nearly doubled our life expectancy, so its crucial to be proactive about extending our health span as well as our lifespan, said Dr. Rekha Kumar, Chief Medical Officer at Found. Programs that incorporate guidance to not only help people manage their weight, but also improve overall lifestyle habits, such as improved sleep, daily movement or taking care of their mental health, can help people maintain their health as they age. </p><p>While aging may be inevitable, respondents outlined mixed feelings about it. Almost three in 10 (29%) admit theyre either stressed or anxious about aging, while some are confident (25%) about the inevitability.</p><p>In fact, 41% of respondents have experienced shame or embarrassment when discussing their changing health and wellness with their primary care physician, with 47% of millennial respondents experiencing this.</p><p>Even so, 31% also say they trust their PCP the most when it comes to advice about maintaining a healthy weight as they age.</p><p>Almost two-thirds (64%) agree that they struggle with their body not only not looking like it used to, but also not feeling the same either. . </p><p>Although 39% are happy with their current weight, one in five were happiest between the ages of 20 and 30.</p><p>Research has found that the stories we tell ourselves about our weight and our motivations to make lifestyle changes dramatically affect how successful and satisfied we are with those changes, said Laura Garcia, Director of Clinical Design at Found. We are so used to focusing on what we want to get rid of, and not what we want to gain. Positive lifestyle changes give us the opportunity to feel better about our bodies now and, most importantly, allow us to continue doing what we care about in the long-term. If we are motivated by extending our health and preventing the negative effects of our lifestyle on our bodies, we will be more likely to maintain these changes over the years--which is key for sustainable weight loss and overall health.</p>
By PTI: Mumbai, Nov 18 (PTI) Mumbai lad Aryan Goveas could not sustain the winning run in the USD 10,000 ITF Kuwait Futures tournament and lost in straight sets in the semi-finals today.

The 18-year-old, who shocked No. 2 seed Evgeny Karlovskiy of Russia in the quarter-finals of the singles event yesterday, did not serve well and went down 4-6 2-6 to German No. 3 seed Daniel Altmaier.

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Thanks to his good show in the outdoor hard court tournament held in Meshref, Kuwait, Goveas earned six points and his ranking, currently 1,076, would get a significant boost and is set to dip well under 1,000 to around 925. PTI SSR RSY BS BS PTP

--- ENDS ---
BERLIN  President Barack Obama and German Chancellor Angela Merkel on Thursday issued a joint defense of strong American leadership in global security, free trade and combating global warming while cautioning against cozying up to Russia, in what appeared to serve as a message to President-elect Donald Trump.

Eight years after his massive rally in Berlin turned Obama into a global phenomenon, he wrapped up his final official visit to Europe on Thursday with a plaintive warning to Western democracies at a time of rising populism. Do not, he said, take for granted our system of government and our way of life.

He conceded things left undone  saying it would be naive to envision a breakthrough in Syrias raging civil war before he relinquishes the White House. But, speaking to reporters beside a woman described as his closest European ally, Obama said he remained optimistic about Trumps presidency, despite having sharply criticized him during the long, bitter election campaign.

Yet Obama also drew a stark picture of a world without even-handed U.S. leadership  a world in which a divided United States would lose its way and disengage.

The United States is the voice that insists on rules and norms governing international affairs, the voice that helps to steer the world away from war wherever possible; thats our voice more often than not, Obama said. And were not always successful, but if that voice is absent or divided, we will live in a meaner, harsher and more troubled world.

Asked to weigh in on U.S. protesters turning out in cities across the nation, he said, I would not advise people who feel strongly or who are concerned about some of the issues that have been raised during the course of the campaign, I wouldnt advise them to be silent.

In a sign of their close ties, Obama met both Wednesday and Thursday with Merkel, a centrist leader whom observers see as heir apparent to his legacy as the leading global advocate of liberal democracy. On Friday, the pair are set to convene with a broader group of leaders, including the heads of France, Britain, Italy and Spain at a time when the continent is unsettled by the U.S. transition of power.

One of the thorniest issues: Trumps overtures toward a newly belligerent Russia. Obama challenged Trump to stand up to Russia at the right times.

My hope is he does not simply take a realpolitik approach and suggest if we just cut some deals with Russia, even if it hurts people or violates international norms or leaves smaller countries vulnerable or creates long-term problems in countries like Syria, that we just do what is convenient at the time, he said.

Obama said he was heartened by Trumps recent recognition of the importance of the North Atlantic Treaty Organization. Merkel, for her part, said she recognized that Germany could contribute more toward security  an apparent response to Trumps calls for allies to shoulder more of their own defense.

Yet ahead of their encounter with the media, the pair also delivered what appeared to be a joint rebuttal to Trumps most populist foreign policy pledges. They never mentioned Trump by name, but called in a joint op-ed article published in the German weekly WirtschaftsWoche for more transatlantic cooperation on a range of issues including free trade, security, climate change and fighting inequity and intolerance.

Merkels Germany may have a big bridge to build to meet Trump halfway. On the campaign trail, Trump derided her open-door policy on refugees, saying it was ruining Germany. Foreign Minister Frank-Walter Steinmeier  poised to win the German presidency next year  has described Trump as a hate preacher. And while global leaders appear to be rushing to congratulate Trump, Merkel, considered the European Unions most influential leader, is taking a cooler approach.

She reiterated on Thursday her belief that the U.S. relationship is the cornerstone of Germanys strategic future. But as she did in an earlier note to Trump, she cautioned that cooperation should be based on a common platform of democracy, freedom, advocacy for human rights all over the world and championing the open and liberal world order.

Obama and Merkel said Thursday that globalization and rapid advances in technology have left voters behind in both their nations, but they argued that there is no going back to pre-globalization times. They condemned the march of populism on both sides of the Atlantic, with Merkel defining it as people looking for simple or negative answers.

Obama also took aim at the spread of false news, a subject of increasing scrutiny in the United States and overseas.

Theres so much active misinformation, Obama said, adding, Its packaged very well and it looks the same when you see it on a Facebook page or you turn on your television.

For Obama, Merkel is something of a political soul mate. No other world leader so closely matches Obamas ideology of tireless diplomacy with an emphasis on human rights, tolerance and equality. Sharing similar temperaments, Merkel and Obama forged a friendship that helped broker several major agreements  including a deal to curb Irans nuclear program and sanctions against Russia for its annexation of Crimea and intervention in eastern Ukraine.

Merkel has not yet said whether she will seek reelection in national elections next year, but the RND newspaper network, citing unnamed party sources, reported Thursday that she would announce her decision Sunday. Some of her close allies have suggested she will run.

Describing their ties as a friendship, Obama joked that if he were German, he might vote for Merkel, whom he flatteringly described as tough. When he suggested he might come back as a private citizen to attend Oktoberfest, Merkel replied, deadpan, Well, we have freedom of movement.

It is perhaps fitting that Obama bids farewell to Europe in Germany, the nation where his outdoor rally as a candidate in 2008 inspired millions. Although he has had ups and downs with the public here, Germans appeared to turn nostalgic during his last trip.

Looking back, it now slowly sinks in that we fared very well with Obama, the Leipziger Volkszeitung newspaper said in an editorial Thursday.

Yes, he got the Nobel Peace Prize far too early. He didnt shut Guantanamo. He couldnt pacify Syria. But still this president had an important impact on the relationship with Europe. . . . He actually practiced the common leadership that his predecessors only spoke about in abstract terms.



Nakamura reported from Washington. The Washington Posts Stephanie Kirchner contributed to this report.

obama-2ndld-writethru
MOSCOW  Russias most recognizable landmark has been set ablaze during Napoleons occupation, bombed by Germans and completely destroyed by Hollywood courtesy of Tom Cruise.

The Kremlins occupants, security-conscious to the point of paranoia, are now giving the forces at their disposal a refresher course in protection.

On Thursday, entire swaths of downtown Moscow, including Red Square and the Kremlin, were blocked off for a massive security drill involving police, emergency workers and the federal guard service to practice preventing anything from getting through.

Coming at a time of poor relations with the United States  during which Russia has conducted nationwide emergency drills amid warnings about the possibility of nuclear war  the latest exercise at least raised the question in some Russian minds: Do President Vladimir Putin and company know something we dont know?

No, according to the federal guard service, which termed the exercises part of regular security practices.

Phew.

So what were they practicing for? According to the federal guard service, the drills included countermeasures against illegal break-ins and various and unspecified extremist activities, detection and elimination of equipment and gear meant for acts of terrorism and sabotage, and fire-safety precautions. All reasonable. The United States has the same sort of precautions at the White House, where fence jumpers and drones have punctured security.

The federal guard service also said certain measures were practiced to make sure that roads are safe. That is a good idea. Since 1998, at least six people have tried to illegally breach Kremlin defenses by car, according to the state-run RIA Novosti news agency.

Back to the list. Of particular interest are unauthorized flyovers by drones.

Drones today represent an objective security threat, the state-run Rossiyskaya Gazeta commented this week, and so Russia understandably makes it illegal to fly one over the Kremlin.

Lured by the incredible view, people sometimes do anyway. And they get caught. Russia has some of the most sophisticated air defenses in the world, though ordinary Russian people have proven very resourceful at downing drones by any means available.

The Kremlin, incidentally, uses modern means to confound potential aerial aggressors, as a programmer found recently when his research revealed that Putins heavily guarded residence had a system for blocking GPS signals and repositioning people to an airport 18 miles away.

More inconveniences awaited anyone who tried to get around central Moscow while the drills were underway. Entire sections of road were blocked off for the exercises, further snarling what is already one of the worlds most impassable downtowns.

One commuter who wasnt inconvenienced is the Kremlins main occupant.

Putin is in the Black Sea resort city of Sochi this week, huddling with his military and security top brass about the countrys defenses.

russia
TUCSON, Ariz.  Police in Tucson say theyre searching for five suspects in connection with an armed robbery at a church.

They say five young males wearing masks entered a church on the citys south side where up to 50 women of various ages were attending a faith-based meeting about 7 p.m. Wednesday.

The suspects ordered the women to get on the floor before taking their purses at gunpoint and fleeing the scene in at least two vehicles.

Police Department spokesman Sgt. Pete Dugan says investigators interviewed witnesses who say the five suspects are either teenagers or in their early 20s and some spoke only Spanish during the robbery.

Dugan says some of the older female victims suffered minor injuries when they were forced to the ground by the robbers.
IRBIL, Iraq  The listeners who call in to Radio Alghad are typical of talk radio audiences around the world. Its complain, complain. Except the callers to Radio Tomorrow are in the Islamic State-controlled city of Mosul, and they dont want to yak about traffic or sports.

They want to unload on suicide bombers and errant airstrikes, on the lack of food and medicine. They have questions about when to wave white flags and what to do with bodies in the rubble.

Shrapnel hit the tanks on the rooftop, a caller named Hasan told FM-95.5 the other day. We have lost all water we have saved.

On calls made from the front lines in Mosul, listeners to Radio Alghad can hear mortar rounds falling as the government battles to retake the city. They can hear windows rattle, bursts of gunfire, children crying in a backroom.

There is a difference between hearing about the crimes and seeing them with your eyes, another caller told one of the stations hosts.

She begged Iraqi forces to hurry to recapture the city. Many of her neighbors still support the Islamic State, she said. So its hard to tell who is a friend and who is an enemy.

The callers often speak in rushed whispers.

A cellphone, even a SIM card hidden in a pocket or purse, can be a death sentence in Mosul, where Islamic State militants have ordered collaborators and spies to be summarily executed.

The stations founder is a 30-something tech entrepreneur who calls himself Mohammad of Mosul in interviews because he does not want to be targeted by the Islamic State or its supporters. He also insists on keeping the location of his station and most of the names of its hosts secret. He is concerned about car bombs. He will allow a reporter only to say the operation is in the Kurdish area of Iraq.

On a recent evening, during one of four call-in shows hosted each day, a dozen people from Mosul and the surrounding towns and villages telephoned the station and went live on-air.

Callers are told to use an alias. So instead of Sleepless in Seattle, the callers identify themselves as with monikers like Tear of an Oppressed, Prisoner of Memories and others such as Mother of Ali or Son of Mosul.

The guests are also warned not to mention their exact location, both for their own protection and to foil intelligence-gathering by Islamic State militants, who monitor the radio station.

The first call of the evening went like this:

CALLER: As-salamu alaykum!

HOST: Peace to you, Son of Mosul! Where are you calling from?

CALLER: From the left side (meaning the east side of the Tigris River in Mosul), from the liberated areas.

HOST: Inshallah, the whole of Mosul gets liberated, we want to hear soon that Mosul has completely been liberated.

CALLER: It will be liberated by the help of God. What is left for Daesh? [The Arabic acronym used instead of the Islamic State.] Only to hide behind women? They protect themselves by women!

HOST: Inshallah, God will give revenge for you, Son of Mosul, and for all the oppressed people in Mosul. Go ahead, tell me about the situation on the left side.

CALLER: I only want to say one thing, do you know what? In Hay Al-Samah the people are still under the destroyed houses, the houses have collapsed on top of them. . . .

Radio Alghad went on the air in March 2015. Mohammad said he decided Mosul needed an alternative radio station after watching how the Islamic State operated.

Their social media skills are high. Their psychologists are impressive, he said. They get a lot of hits. Their videos  such as the infamous Clash of Swords series  instilled fear among Iraqi defenders and diminished their will to fight.

In 2014, the Islamic State took Mosul, then a city of about 2 million, in a couple of days as the Iraqi security forces retreated.

Then I realized this is a media war, the Alghad director said.

The Islamic State has its own radio station operating in Mosul, Radio al-Bayan 92.5 FM.

They use their transmitters to jam us  and we now use our transmitters to jam them, Mohammad said. Were both on each others frequencies all the time.

In the frequency wars, the anti-Islamic State station now operates seven transmitters.

Before the governments offensive to recapture Mosul began in early October, hot topics on the call-in shows were the Islamic States bans on smoking, cellphones and satellite dishes. Men complained about being forced to grow beards, and the women, about full-face veils.

They also complained about taxes, arrests and street executions.

Now Radio Alghad includes public-service messages, warning listeners to shelter inside interior rooms during bombardment and to open windows to relieve the pressure so the glass doesnt implode.

On a normal day, about 80 callers go live on-air, most of them from Mosul. In recent days, many callers say they are being pounded both by Islamic State mortars and shelling from Iraqi forces. They are pleading for the Iraqi army to be careful.

A caller, Mother of Ali said, Honestly, we cant stand the bombings anymore, but we have no choice but to thank God and be more patient.

Another caller complained that Daesh launches one or two rockets, but the Iraqi army bombing is very intense, the area is full of civilian families and they get hurt, so through your station I would like to ask them to decrease the bombings and to be more accurate.

The host thanks his callers  but when they begin to criticize the Iraqi army more than the Islamic State, he brings the conversation to a polite close.

On occasion, Radio Alghad has allowed suspected Islamic State supporters to speak on-air. They complain of distortions and lies.

Mohammad, the station director, recalled that one ISIS fan said,  The people can leave Mosul at any time, and the host said, Okay, let them go. If you live in Mosul, you know this is not true. You know if the gates to the city were open for an hour, Mosul would be empty.



Listen to a radio station helping Iraqis trapped in Mosul:

http://wapo.st/2g1kkB3

iraq-mosul
Retired Army Gen. David Petraeus said after Donald Trump won the presidential election that he was not necessarily opposed to serving in the new administration, according to one U.S. military official who speaks with him often.

The official, speaking on condition of anonymity Thursday, said that he asked Petraeus if hed be interested in serving as national security adviser, defense secretary or secretary of state. Petraeus responded that he would wait and see how the situation developed. The general is one of the most influential military officers of his generation, but ended his government career as director of the Central Intelligence Agency in November 2012 amid revelations that he had an affair with his biographer.

Petraeus pleaded guilty in April 2015 to a misdemeanor charge of mishandling classified information in connection with the scandal  namely sharing information with biographer Paula Broadwell  and was sentenced to probation and paying a $100,000 fine. Since resigning, he has worked as a college professor at a few schools and in international development with the firm KKR.

The Guardian, citing diplomatic sources, reported Thursday that Petraeus was a contender for secretary of state, while naming Sen. Jeff Sessions, R.-Ala., as the frontrunner for the job. Sessions, an early Trump supporter, also is seen as a potential secretary of defense or attorney general.

Petraeus could face a tough confirmation process if nominated to serve as secretary of state or defense considering his recent criminal history, but has testified before the Senate Armed Services Committee as a foreign policy expert since pleading guilty.

Four years ago, I made a serious mistake, one that brought discredit on me and pain . . . to those closest to me, Petraeus testified in September 2015. It was a violation of the trust placed in me and a breach of the values to which Id been committed throughout my life.

No Senate confirmation process is required to become national security adviser at the White House, but retired Army Lt. Gen. Michael Flynn is seen as the frontrunner for that job. The office of Sen. Jack Reed, D.-R.I., released a statement regarding the announcement that Flynn had been selected for national security adviser, before issuing an apology and saying that they issued the statement in response to non-official information.

If selected for secretary of defense, Petraeus would require a congressional waiver because he has not been out of uniform at least seven years. He retired from the Army in 2011.

petraeus
By PTI: New Delhi, Nov 17 (PTI) CPI(M) today took on Finance Minister Arun Jaitley alleging he "misled" the Parliament and whole country on FCRA and NPAs and accused the government of practising "crony capitalism". CPI(M) General Secretary Sitaram Yechury said the party will also move a resolution for constitution of JPC on demonetisation crisis as "prior information was with some people" before the announcement made by Prime Minister Narendra Modi on November 8. Describing the NPAs as "big scam", he said "It has risen two times in the last two years and conviction of wilful defaulters have come down. The government is involved in crony capitalism." Referring to yesterdays reply of Jaitley in the House, Yechury said "What Finance Minister said on NPAs was wrong. Finance Minister said that writing off debt is not writing off the loan as it still remains in the book and banks can make attempts to recover it."

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He quoted "RBI guidelines" to prove Jaitleys observation on NPAs wrong and said there is a clear RBI guidelines on performing assets becoming NPAs.

Since there will be no incentives the banks will not go after loan recovery after writing off debts, Yechury said.

Yesterday, the CPI(M) leader said in the Rajya Sabha that SBI waived off Rs 7000 crore from their Non-Performing Assets (NPAs), of loans which are not being returned. Intervening, Jaitley had said, "Written off does not mean waiver.... It does not mean that the loan ceases to be a loan. We will still chase the loan, the entry in the book changes that is from being performing assets, it become a non-performing."

Attacking the government, Yechury said "In the last two years Rs 1,12,078 cr debt has been written off and they are saying they will still recover and pursue it."

He said the CPI(M) will move a resolution when the time will come for JPC. On FCRA, he said "It was amended through Finance Bill in the 2016 budget which was wrong. Finance Minister misled Parliament and the whole country." CPM leader Mohd Salim said,"There was a selective leak of demonetisation move and prior information was available with some people.This is a serious charge and we want formation of JPC to go into this," PTI ARU RCJ

--- ENDS ---
Marion Christopher Barry, Jr., son of the late D.C. Mayor Marion Barry, died as a result of an overdose of PCP, the D.C. medical examiners office ruled Thursday.

Barry, 36, died Aug. 14, minutes after stepping outside a residence on Pomeroy Road SE and smoked K2  a type of synthetic drug  mixed the hallucinogen PCP, according to a D.C. police report issued at the time. Barry was rushed to George Washington University Hospital where he was pronounced dead at 2:11 a.m.

The medical examiner ruled Barry died of acute phencyclidine toxicity and the manner of death was accidental.

The younger Barry had a long  often public  struggle with drug use, friends said. In 2011, he was sentenced to 18 months of supervised probation for felony PCP possession. Last year, Barry ran an unsuccessful bid for a Ward 8 City Council seat, which was held by his father before he died in 2014. His mother, Effi, died of cancer in 2007.

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A police officer in Arizona was placed on administrative leave this week after a video that shows him punching a woman in the face was posted online.

The Flagstaff Police Department learned of the footage Wednesday evening and launched an internal investigation into the incident, which occurred earlier in the day, according to the department.

During the arrest the female, who appears somewhat uncooperative, was struck in the face by the officer, police said in a news release. Our agency is very concerned by what is depicted in this video.

The officer was identified as Jeff Bonar.

According to the Arizona Daily Sun, the woman has been identified as 30-year-old Marissa Morris.

The video shows Bonar and Morris in a tense exchange, apparently about whether she can be taken into custody. Morris insists that she cannot be arrested until she knows that there is a warrant for her arrest.

Thats when Bonar punches Morris in the face.

Hey! You cant hit a girl like that! a man protests after Morriss head snaps back.

The struggle between the woman and the officer continues, as off-camera, people can be heard yelling in outrage. Another law enforcement officer helps restrain Morris, who cries out.

Off-camera, those watching the violent interaction plead with Morris, saying: Just let him arrest you, just let him arrest you, and, Just let him.

I didnt do anything! Morris screams as the officers struggle to put her on the ground and handcuff her. I didnt do anything!

Morris is eventually led off, shouting: I dont have a warrant! I dont have a warrant! Screaming, she continues to struggle as she is loaded in the back of a cruiser.

The video, which is about seven minutes long, had been viewed on Facebook more than 60,000 times by Thursday afternoon.

The incident occurred at a time of heightened tensions between members of law enforcement and the communities they serve, as many have found themselves questioning some tactics used by officers.

I am as concerned with what is depicted in the video as I know many others are, Flagstaff Police Chief Kevin Treadway told reporters at a news conference Thursday. I have heard your concerns, and the department is taking this incident very seriously.

Bonar was placed on administrative leave, Treadway said. Additionally, the chief said that he has asked another department to conduct a criminal investigation into Bonars actions. He said there are police reports on the incident, as well as body-camera video.

So often in cases like these, there is a rush to judgment and a call for immediate action, he said. We owe Marissa, her family, the Flagstaff community, the officer and the department a full and complete investigation.

A police report completed by Bonar indicated that he was kicked and kneed in the groin by Morris before the punch occurred, Treadway said. That doesnt appear to be a detail that can be verified or disproved from the Facebook video, which doesnt show the lower portion of Morriss body.

Bonar, who has been with the department for just under three years, was at the scene Wednesday after he responded to a request from the Coconino County Sheriffs Office, which was in the process of serving an eviction, Treadway said. According to his report, he recognized Morris and thought that she had some warrants.

After Morris had been detained, Treadway said, it was determined that the warrants were no longer valid. She was arrested and booked on charges of aggravated assault and resisting arrest, according to a police spokesman. Morris was arraigned Thursday morning and later released.

As your police chief, I would call to my community to have a little patience, Treadway said. We are taking this, again, very, very seriously. It will be a very in-depth investigation, but that takes just a little bit of time.

  

Video: Officer on leave after punching woman during arrest

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ANCHORAGE, Alaska  Nancy McGuire, the longtime publisher of Alaskas oldest newspaper, said goodbye to her subscribers in an editorial published Thursday, the day she died after battling cancer for years. She was 72.

McGuire was publisher of the weekly Nome Nugget for 34 years in the western Alaska town of Nome. Her friend and former Nome mayor, John Handeland, said McGuire died at a local long-term care facility.

Even as her health waned, McGuire was determined to remain in Nome instead of seeking medical treatment elsewhere.

Nome was her home and this is where she wanted to stay, Handeland said.

The Nugget was established in 1897, thriving in the rough-and-tumble Gold Rush town.

In an editorial published in the newspaper Thursday, McGuire said goodbye, telling readers she hoped her editorials had stimulated thought about what was happening in the community over the years.

I have loved Nome and the folks in our community and our village neighbors since the day I took over in 1982, she wrote. I must depart soon. I will bid an affectionate farewell to all.

McGuire was born in Pennsylvania December 15, 1943, and grew up on a farm according to Handeland, who did not know what part of the state.

Before moving to Nome in 1973, McGuire taught secondary school science, according to Larry Campbell, a former Alaska bureau chief for The Associated Press. Handeland said McGuire taught in secondary and university settings before she moved to Nome in 1973, initially for a position at the University of Alaskas northwest campus.

Among other endeavors, she also was a part-time reporter for the Nugget, which she purchased in 1982, launching her decades-long career as editor and publisher. Handeland said arrangements have been made to keep the newspaper running under private ownership as McGuire had. He did not provide details on the ownership.

She was very proud of the newspaper and wanted to continue it as an independent newspaper, he said.

In 2012, the Alaska Press Club presented McGuire with its First Amendment Award, saying she worked tirelessly to advocate on behalf of her communitys right to know.

The club called her a fearless, unapologetic journalist who was unafraid to use press freedoms to tackle controversial issues in the frontier town of 3,800.

Campbell noted the Nome area is a hard, hard place to cover. But McGuire was up to the task.

She was an absolute journalist, he said. She didnt practice small town or big town. She just practiced journalism.

Handeland said survivors include McGuires brother Robert McGuire in Pennsylvania.

A funeral mass is set for Saturday afternoon at St. Joseph Catholic Church in Nome, with a celebration of life tentatively planned for July.

___

Associated Press writer Mark Thiessen in Anchorage contributed to this report.

___

Follow Rachel DOro at https://twitter.com/rdoro
While its pretty much a given that the Affordable Care Act wont survive a Trump presidency and Republican Congress in its current form, there are sweeping implications of reversing a law that has reached in so many ways into our health care system. The government has never undone a major benefits program after it has taken effect  and neither the incoming administration nor GOP lawmakers know exactly how theyll replace it.

If your head is spinning because of the politics and lingo thats being thrown around, heres a primer on what we know about the president-elects plans so far and what they might mean for the ACA marketplaces and for you personally.

  

Lets start at the beginning. What did Donald Trump promise on the campaign trail?

As a candidate, Trump released a plan, Healthcare Reform to Make America Great Again, which called for a full repeal of Obamas signature domestic achievement on day one of the new administration. You can read the original text here. He later said he would call Congress into special session to repeal the law. Now that he has been elected president, Trumps timeline is unclear. Most of what he wants to do requires an act of Congress.

GOP leaders on Capitol Hill say that ending the ACA is a priority for them, too. But lawmakers aides have not yet begun to compare notes with the president-elect and his transition team on substance or strategy.

  

What has he said on the subject since the election?

Last week Trump created a stir by saying he might amend the ACA instead of repealing and replacing it. But his views on the substance of the law didnt change. As hed said during his campaign, he mentioned keeping the provision that forbids insurers to deny coverage to people with preexisting medical problems. He also said hed like to continue letting young adults stay on their parents insurance policies until they are 26  an idea that has been part of House Republicans health-care plan.

On Sunday, Trump talked about the ACA during an interview on CBSs 60 Minutes with reporter Lesley Stahl. Repealing and replacing the law would be done simultaneously, he explained, so that people would not face a limbo period with no insurance.

Itll be better health care, much better, for less money, he promised. Not a bad combination.

Trump has revised other health-care positions to conform more closely to the heart of Republican thinking in recent decades. On his presidential transition site, GreatAgain.gov, he has added antiabortion statements and several policy positions that were not part of his campaigns platform as well as deleted a few proposals. A Washington Post story that ran several days after the election detailed some of the changes.

  

If Congress and the Trump White House repeal the ACA, how soon would my marketplace health plan go away?

Its hard to know, but there are some clues. Early this year, when lawmakers sent Obama an ACA-repeal bill, which they knew he wouldnt sign, they included in the legislation a two-year period before the marketplaces and other parts of the law ceased.

Right now, the fourth years open enrollment for marketplace health plans is underway. The plans that consumers can buy until Jan. 31 have pledged to participate through 2017. More than eight in 10 ACA customers receive federal subsidies to help pay for their premiums, and it is unlikely that those will go away as soon as Trump takes office. According to the Health and Human Services Department, just over 1 million people chose ACA health plans during the first 12 days of this month, about 50,000 more than the same period a year ago. That puts enrollment roughly on pace to match the 1.6 million who signed up during the first three weeks of the last enrollment period. HHS officials said that sign-ups increased during the three days after the election.

  

I have a 23-year-old son without a full-time job. Will he lose his coverage through my insurance plan?

This is unclear  but might not change. After the election, Trump began to say that he likes the ACA provision that lets young adults stay on their parents policy until they are 26. House Republicans support this idea, too.

  

Im being bombarded with messages on social media urging me to get an IUD before coverage for birth control disappears. How seriously should I take this? Will I lose really lose that benefit?

In the 24 to 48 hours following the election, it was hard to ignore panic about birth control. Cosmo magazine reported that Women Are Urging Each Other to Get IUDs Now  Before Its Too Late, and Quartz warned that a Trump presidency will threaten womens reproductive rights. Many commentators raised the idea of women getting an IUD, a intrauterine device type of birth control that is reversible but long-lasting, noting that it could get them through an entire presidential term.

For the past six years under the ACA, women have had access to free birth control through their insurance plans because of a provision requiring coverage for preventive health benefits. Trump hasnt addressed this issue, but fears have been stoked because he became more clearly opposed to abortion as the campaign went on. And Vice President-elect Mike Pence is a strong social conservative who opposes abortion in almost all circumstances.

Trump might not even have to rely on Congress to get rid of these benefits. HHS could redefine what types of services must be included among the preventive care the law requires insurers to provide.

  

Thats not very reassuring. What about coverage for other benefits we have now? Should I stock up on the medicine I have to take regularly for diabetes, arthritis or other chronic diseases or conditions?

Feeling anxious about the upcoming changes is understandable because they will likely be pretty big. But doctors recommend against hoarding prescription drugs. Even if the law or federal rules change, it may take a little time to figure out exactly what has happened. When the ACA was passed, patient groups months combed through the documentation for months before figuring out that HIV drugs, for example, werent covered adequately in some cases.

  

Will the ACA insurance exchanges go away? If so, where would people who dont get insurance through an employer obtain coverage?

Trump has not provided a lot of details. Again, Congresss last attempt to repeal the ACA would have had a two-year transition period. And remember, for all the attention they get, marketplace health plans are covering about 11 million people  a small fraction of the approximately 214 million people with any kind of private health insurance at last count by the U.S. Census.

  

What will happen to health insurance prices?

This is a big debate among economists. To understand why this question is so difficult to answer, you have to look at the recent history of health plan prices before and after the ACA. Before, premiums purchased by individuals were rising about 10 percent per year  but because insurers were able to deny coverage to sick people, they were able to keep overall costs down. That changed when the law required companies to insure everyone.

In 2014, the first year of the insurance exchanges, analyses showed that prices for certain benchmark plans were 10 to 20 percent cheaper than before the law took effect. Prices have climbed since then, but liberal and conservative economists have argued over whether the increases were more or less than what would have happened without the ACA. An important point to keep in mind is that most people who buy in an ACA market get subsidies. Trump has not detailed whether he would offer similar assistance or whether his tax proposals would end up saving people more than under Obamacare.

  

Im getting a monthly subsidy that lowers the premium of my ACA plan. What will happen to this subsidy?

The laws subsidies might go away. Under some Republican thinking, you and other consumers might be able to make up part of the money by deducting the premiums from your taxes. But critics say that would not help lower-income people, who do not pay much, if any, in taxes.

  

Im finishing college and deciding where to move. Which states are most likely to have affordable health care for people with low-paying jobs in the next few years  and which are least likely?

This is a tough one as were still in the early stages of postelection discussion on what will replace the ACA. If you need to make an immediate decision, its worth looking at how certain states have historically dealt with the issue of health insurance. Massachusetts has been at the forefront of offering universal access to health care for years and would probably still be a good bet. The state implemented its own version of the ACA several years before the federal law took effect nationally; that will remain in place even if the ACA goes away. It might also be helpful to look at states that set up their own insurance exchanges and expanded their Medicaid programs under the ACA. While your low-paying job may or may not meet the Medicaid threshold, the overall trend in these states is toward more people being covered (though it is uncertain if those states would continue to get extra federal money for their Medicaid beneficiaries).

Below is a map of the 19 states that opted against Medicaid expansion. The list, from the Kaiser Family Foundation, was current as of October.

  

What are Trumps main ideas and where do they come from? Have they ever been tried before?

Taking away health insurance from about 20 million people  which would happen if the ACA were repealed with no replacement  would be wildly unpopular, and Trump has outlined several parts of a possible successor plan. Some of the ideas come from legislation that was introduced in recent years by congressional Republicans, including House Speaker Paul Ryan, but has never become law. The major changes Trump has endorsed, often without details, include:

 Changing the tax code to allow individuals to fully deduct all health insurance premiums;

 Allowing insurance plans to be sold across state lines, presumably increasing competition;

 Ensuring price transparency for medical procedures and other health care costs;

 Expanding access to health savings accounts that are tax free;

 Turning Medicaid into block grants to states;

 Allowing medications to be imported, creating more competition in drug pricing. (This shows up on Trumps campaign page but not on his transition page.)

  

What would be the impact of Trumps positions on insurance marketplaces and the economy?

Most analyses agree that many more people would be uninsured but differ on how the federal deficit would be affected. According to Rand Corp., in the first full year of the new administration, Trumps proposals would result in about 20 million previously insured Americans going without health coverage and would add nearly $6 billion to the deficit.

In contrast, the Center for Health and Economy, which is nonpartisan and includes both liberal and conservative experts, estimates that 18 million people  mostly low-income adults  would become uninsured in the first year and that Trumps changes would decrease the deficit by $583 billion between 2017 and 2026.

Previously, the Committee for a Responsible Federal Budget, which promotes fiscal constraint and is anti-deficit, calculated that repealing the ACA would double the number of uninsured, leading to more than 21 million people losing coverage, and would cost $550 billion over a decade.

The Congressional Budget Office in 2015 estimated 22 million fewer people would have coverage in 2017 if a repeal bill were enacted.

  

Tell me more about making Medicaid a block-grant program for states. What does that mean, and what difference would that probably make?

Since it began in the mid-1960s, Medicaid has been an entitlement program, which means that it is an open-ended commitment to cover everyone who qualifies for it. In return, states must cover certain groups of people and certain benefits, though they have some freedom to include or exclude some discretionary benefits and to set eligibility rules. The result is that federal spending on Medicaid varies from year to year, depending on how many people are in the program and how much care they use. In contrast, under a block grant, the government would give states a lump sum of money. Kaiser Health News has a good explanation of how this would work.

Critics say that, over time, a lot of money would be cut from Medicaid if the federal grants fail to keep pace with the programs costs, inevitably eroding eligibility and benefits.

Yet supporters say block grants would encourage states to reduce waste, save the federal government billions of dollars and give states more freedom to choose how to implement the program. Oren Cass, a senior fellow at the Manhattan Institute, block grants can be done in a way that would satisfy both sides. Speaking to Politico, Cass said that savings from implementing the grants could then be used for other anti-poverty programs.

Another looming question is what will happen with the part of the ACA intended to expand Medicaid eligibility to people with slightly higher incomes  up to 138 percent of the federal poverty level, which this year is about $16,000 for an individual and $33,000 for a family of four. Thirty-one states and the District did expansion. It is unclear whether, in making other changes to Medicaid, Trump would let them keep the extra federal money they received for enrolling newly eligible people.

  

Lena H. Sun and Lenny Bernstein contributed to this report.

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In each of their allotted 140 seconds, Dilara Akay might tell about her fascination with La Llorona, Jason Baerg might discuss a range from water ceremonies to laser-cut paintings, and Lisa Hirmer very well may explore social connections that form when water flows as a gift between people.

Thats just a small sampling of what could be on tap at tonights Water Rights SFAI 140, an evening that features 20 talks and performances of only 140 seconds each, where members of the community  from scientists to activists to teachers  coalesce around art and social consciousness.

The rapid-fire talks, held three times a year at the Santa Fe Art Institute, connect its artists in residence working on a particular theme with people in the community who have an interest or expertise in the topic  or simply an interest in art projects. And that includes audience members. About 230 people show up each time, said Robert Gomez Hernandez, SFAIs design strategy manager.

The program features a dozen SFAI artists in residence and another three from the Institute of American Indian Arts, along with Beata Tsosie Pena of Tewa Women United and others from the University of New Mexico, the Office of the State Engineer and more.

The residents spend one to three months at SFAI, and their projects are completely self-directed  with a lot of cross-pollination of ideas as their work spaces cluster together  and no particular outcome is required at the end of their stay, according to Gomez Hernandez. Many times, they form collaborations and pursue projects that result from their stay here, but SFAI officials know nothing about it, he added. Its all about giving artists the time and space to create works that have some relationship to social issues. The previous theme, for example, was immigration and the upcoming one is equal justice.

The artists come from as far away as Turkey  Akay  and as near as next door. You may have already seen the mural Santa Fe resident Joerael Elliott has been painting on the wall facing Lena Street at Second Street as his SFAI residency project.

Both Baerg and Hirmer came to SFAI courtesy of the Canada Council for the Arts, but through different programs under it.

Baerg (Cree/Metis) said he is teaching two credits at IAIA while hes in Santa Fe and working on a Digital Dome project on water, as well as working on laser-cut paintings (hes been getting instruction on the laser cutter at the Meow Wolf Arts Complex) for three exhibitions he has coming up in January and February in Canada and Mexico.

His workspace at SFAI is adorned with cutout designs incorporating two totems he has settled on: rabbits and ravens. Both are tricksters and shape-shifters, he said. His designs merging the two reflect what is happening on the earth plane and the spirit world, he said.

His abstract paintings stretched across three sides of his workspace are done in traditional indigenous pigments of red, yellow and white ochre, he said. Ive done a number of residencies in Australia. Its something their indigenous people use, he said of the ochre.

Hirmer had only been in Santa Fe for a little over a week when she talked to the Journal and said she was concentrating on doing research for her project. Her work, she said, generally centers on social practices that link communities and people. Her past projects have included building a water condenser in Australia and gifting the 10 liters of water produced to the local community, and wrapping materials around portions of tree branches in Saskatchewan and capturing the moisture they exude in their respiration.

Shes interested in the gifting economy, Hirmer said, and is exploring the idea of how currency and water both need to circulate.

For her part, Akay said she made a water and spice installation, some portion of which was taken to the Standing Rock Sioux Reservation protest of the Dakota Access Pipeline, which opponents say endanger tribal water sources. That controversy has been a seminal influence on the residents discussions and activities, she noted, and four of the residents who traveled there likely will report on the activities at tonights event.

Meanwhile, she also has been working with the Nuestra Jornada project at Gerards House, using art activities to help children express their losses, not only in the death of a family member, but in the loss of a country as they have immigrated to the United States. Im hoping to use the experience and information back home, Natay said, explaining that Turkey has 2.7 million Syrian refugees.

And shes exploring the Southwests story of La Llorona, the weeping woman whose children were drowned, some say by her, others say through her neglect of them. Natay showed some sketches she has made of her reactions to the story and explorations of why a mother would kill her own children, as well as snake symbolism of death and restoration. Eventually, an art installation may result, she said.
Officers responding to a report that shots were fired in a southeast Albuquerque neighborhood Thursday afternoon found a dead man inside a home, according to an Albuquerque police spokesman.

Officer Daren DeAguero said the man was possibly shot and violent crimes detectives were investigating the death.

But a friend of the man who lived in the house was more definitive.

Ricky Medina, a neighbor, told the Journal he talked to a couple of maintenance workers at a house on the 500 block of Valencia SE, near Zuni and San Mateo, who said they heard gunshots from across the street. Medina and the workers walked through the backyard of the single-story house to investigate the situation.

The door was really heavily bolted. I grabbed a sledgehammer and took the door off, Medina said. I went in and he was lying on the floor. He was hunched over because they shot him sitting in the chair.

Medina said it looked as though the man had been beaten up and was shot twice in the chest. He was already dead when Medina arrived.

He said the man who lived in the house had lived there alone for years and was friendly with everyone on the block.

Medina said he believes it was a robbery, but DeAguero couldnt confirm that. DeAguero said Thursday evening that no one had been arrested.

Medina said hes still in shock from what he saw.

It just kind of sucks, he said You dont expect to see your friend shot two times and see him dead on the floor.
WASHINGTON  California lawmakers in the House and Senate offered legislative proposals Thursday that would allow nearly 10,000 California National Guard soldiers to keep improper enlistment bonuses they were paid during the height of the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan a decade ago.

In a rare sign of bipartisanship on Capitol Hill, Democrats and Republicans argued that congressional action is needed to make sure the Pentagon forgives the soldiers debts and closes out an episode that has hurt thousands of veterans, roiled the Pentagon and embarrassed members of Congress.

A version of the bill could be approved as part of a defense authorization package as early as next week, when Congress leaves on Thanksgiving recess, congressional leaders said.

If approved, the legislation would make it likely that most or all of the roughly 9,700 California Guard soldiers who received inflated enlistment bonuses and student loan payments between 2004 and 2010 would have those debts waived, lawmakers said.

Under the Democrats version of the bill, the approximately 1,700 California Guard soldiers who already have repaid all or part of their bonuses to the Pentagon would be given the money back with interest.

The proposed legislation also orders the Pentagon to inform credit agencies that the debt was never valid, meeting a key complaint from soldiers unable to get mortgages or car loans because of poor credit scores. Credit agencies would be barred from including references to the soldiers debts in credit reports.

The Los Angeles Times/Tribune Washington Bureau reported last month that the Pentagon was demanding repayment of enlistment bonuses that were given to about 9,700 California Guard soldiers to help fill enlistment quotas for the wars. Many of the soldiers served in combat and some returned with severe injuries.

Many of the soldiers were told to repay bonuses of more than $15,000 years after they had completed their military service.

In response to a public outcry, and at the urging of the White House, Defense Secretary Ashton Carter ordered a suspension of the repayment program on Oct. 26 and set up an internal appeals process to review the debts by next July.

But Pentagon officials emphasized that they could not fully forgive all the soldiers debts, which totaled in the tens of millions of dollars.

Some of the bonuses were awarded as part of an illegal scheme that saw several recruiters convicted of fraud and other crimes in 2011, they noted. Pentagon officials also warned that forgiving all the debts could hurt future efforts to stem waste, fraud and abuse in the military.

Congress appears likely to sweep away those concerns, however, arguing that soldiers who agreed to enlist or re-enlist in return for a financial bonus should not be forced to repay the money years after they had gone to war.

On the Democrats side, Sen. Dianne Feinstein, Sen. Barbara Boxer and Rep. Adam Schiff introduced a bill Thursday that would require the Pentagon to waive repayments even for soldiers who were ineligible for the bonuses as long as the individual did not knowingly commit fraud.

Its still not clear to me that even those who accepted the bonuses in good faith will have their debts forgiven under the plan Carter announced, Schiff, D-Calif., said in an interview. We dont want there to be any doubts.

Schiff said he expected the proposal would be added to the defense authorization bill expected to pass Congress this year. And if not, well push to pass it early next year, he said.

Feinstein said she was concerned that the effort by Congress to forgive the soldiers debt wont lapse after Donald Trump is inaugurated as president in January and a new administration is in place.

We want to reassure the affected service members that our government stands by its commitments and they will not be punished for the actions of others, she said.

The Democrats bill has 15 co-sponsors in the Senate and 27 in the House.

On the Republican side, Rep. Jeff Denham of California, who was involved in an abortive effort to provide debt relief to the affected soldiers in 2014, and Rep. Ken Calvert of California introduced legislation similar to the Feinstein-Schiff proposal.

While the (Defense Department) has stopped the harassment, much more needs to be done, and it is important that we resolve this issue under the current administration where it all started, Denham said in a statement. Our veterans deserve a secure financial future.

The bills would bar the Pentagon from ordering soldiers to repay their bonuses because the military had lost their enlistment contracts or because other paperwork errors had occurred, a problem for many California Guard veterans.

Sen. John McCain, R-Ariz., and Rep. Mac Thornberry, R-Texas, chairmen of the Senate and House Armed Services committees, respectively, both have vowed to address the repayment issue in their committees.

If Congress approves a waiver measure, it may be attached to a bill authorizing Pentagon programs that has passed the House and Senate. The final version of the bill is being decided in a House-Senate conference.

McCain told reporters Wednesday that he hopes to have the bill finished before Congress leaves for its Thanksgiving recess next week.

Another option would be for the House and Senate to pass a separate bill, aides said, though several said that doing so in the lame-duck session is not a certainty. The Pentagon has said it doesnt need Congress to intervene.

The authorization bill already contains a provision that would establish a 10-year statute of limitations on the militarys ability to recover overpayments. That offers little immediate help to California Guard members, however, since it would not take effect until 2027.

The Pentagon began ordering California Guard soldiers to repay enlistment bonuses after The Sacramento Bee reported in 2010 that a federal investigation had found that thousands of ineligible soldiers were given enlistment bonuses and student loan payments, or were approved despite incomplete paperwork.

Army Master Sgt. Toni Jaffe, the California Guards incentive manager, pleaded guilty in 2011 to filing false claims of $15.2 million and was sentenced to 30 months in federal prison. Three officers also pleaded guilty to fraud and were put on probation after paying restitution.

Recoupment of the bonuses has been underway ever since, with little attention until recently.

Soldiers identified by California Guard audits as having received improper payments were told to repay the money and threatened with wage garnishments, tax liens and interest payments if they did not. An appeals process that allowed them to contest the debts was lengthy and difficult, officials acknowledged.

The proposed legislative fix in Congress comes at least two years after the California Guard first warned members that thousands of soldiers have inadvertently incurred debt, through no fault of their own because of faulty Army recruiting or accounting practices.

But lawmakers in Washington said the notice, part of a list of legislative priorities the California Guard sent to Capitol Hill, did not alert them to the scale of the problem.

Soldiers involved in the dispute responded warily Thursday to news of a potential solution in Washington. One of them was retired California Guard Master Sgt. Bill McClain, who served four tours of duty in Iraq and Afghanistan and was wounded in the jaw.

In 2013, McLain was ordered to repay $30,000 in reenlistment bonuses because the California Guard determined he already had served too many years in the Army to qualify.

The Pentagon has not contacted him or withdrawn its repayment demands despite Carters announcement of a suspension last month. So McClain sent a $100 check this month, the token amount he sends each month on a debt he denies owing.

I would be more than pleased if they would do the honorable thing and say anybody who didnt knowingly commit fraud can keep their bonus, he said. But when it comes to our government, you never know.
Last weeks general election results in Senate District 39 maybe should be called Stefanics Revenge.

Democrat Liz Stefanics, a two-term member of Santa Fe County Commission, narrowly won a tough race over incumbent Republican Ted Barela in this monster of a district, which spreads over parts of no fewer than six counties.

Stefanics was elected once before to the District 39 seat, in 1992, when the districts boundaries were just as bizarre, but different. The district back then was the shape of a large, messy doughnut, with Santa Fe as the missing part in the center, the doughnut hole.

She was knocked off in the Democratic primary when she ran for re-election in 1996 by Phil Griego, at the time best known as a former Santa Fe City Councilor, by a mere 54-vote margin. Stefanics, after losing another close race for a Public Regulation Commission seat two years later, staged a District 39 rematch with Griego in 2000, but Griego prevailed in the all-important primary again, this time by a relatively wide margin.

That second Griego-Stefanics contest was also a tough one  Stefanics brought up Griegos infamous DWI during a legislative session, while someone spread anti-gay fliers at churches targeting Stefanics. Griego held the Senate seat until last year, when he resigned amid a scandal over his role in a state government real estate transaction that has led to pending criminal charges against him. Gov. Susana Martinez appointed Barela, a former Estancia mayor, to fill the vacancy.

With her win on Nov. 8, Stefanics is back in the Senate, in the seat that Griego took from her 20 years ago, while Griego awaits trial on corruption charges.

And it must be noted here that she won in a district that was, by all appearances, designed specifically for Griego, considered a conservative Democrat who got some help in his last re-election race in 2012 from a group with ties to Gov. Martinez. The district is largely rural, stretching from the southern reaches of Santa Fe, east into San Miguel County, then south over mostly open country before it manages to reach parts of both the Belen and Ruidoso areas.

It is Democratic by voter registration  50 percent Democratic compared to 31 percent Republican. But District 39 is also considered a battleground where a GOP candidate has a chance. Democratic registrants in the district are seen as potentially more cowboy Democrat, in the tradition of the late governor and rancher Bruce King, than your rad-lib, deep blue Santa Fe-style Democrat.

Hey, Barela is rarely seen in photos without a cowboy hat. Griego also favored that kind of haberdashery.

Heres a county-by-county look at how Stefanics, who also has run social service nonprofits and held high-ranking jobs in state government, won the District 39 race by taking just under 51 percent of the 18,859 votes that were cast.

Big vote came in from Santa Fe County

Despite the districts vastness, more than a third of the votes, roughly 6,800, came from Santa Fe County, where 64 percent of voters are registered Democrats. Stefanics won a whopping 74 percent of the Santa Fe County vote. Along with wide open spaces in the south part of the county, District 39 takes in more heavily populated spots around the airport and south of town (but not Eldorado).

Lincoln County down south also has a lot of District 39 votes  about 4,000 in this election  and Lincoln is Republican country, with the GOP having 55 percent of registered voters. Barela won that county with 76 percent of the vote.

In Torrance County  where Republicans also hold the voter registration advantage and Barela served as mayor of Estancia  the incumbent got 73 percent of the about 3,000 votes cast. He also mopped up among the small number of district voters in Valencia and Bernalillo counties. So Barela won in four of the districts six counties.

But District 39s county number six  San Miguel, where Democratic voter registration is at 72 percent  sealed the deal for Stefanics.

There were nearly 3,400 San Miguel votes, including from the Pecos area and, yes, San Jose just off Interstate 25, where Phil Griego established his District 39 residency at a family ranch. Cowboy or not, San Miguels voters went 61 percent for Stefanics. Her margin of about 770 votes in San Miguel combined with a whopping 3,250 votes on the upside for her in Santa Fe County to make her the victor.

Overall, she won by 367 votes in unofficial totals.

Landslide in House run for Garcia Richard

District 39 will probably remain a battleground district going forward, since it includes territory that mixes both Republican and Democratic strongholds. But maybe its time to give House District 43, centered around Los Alamos, to Democrat Stephanie Garcia Richard for the foreseeable future, despite the lingering conventional wisdom that her seat should be up for grabs.

Los Alamos in the past was considered GOP turf, much to the chagrin of Democratic legislative leaders of the past, like former Sen. Manny Aragon, who never missed a chance to take a shot at the Atomic City (and the fact that the state couldnt tax its national lab when it was run for decades by the public University of California).

Garcia squeaked out a victory four years ago in the first election after the death of longtime Republican District 43 Rep. Jeannette Wallace. Since then, she has crushed two GOP challengers who were serious candidates, including County Clerk Sharon Stover last week.

Garcia Richard won in a landslide over Stover, garnering nearly 59 percent of the vote, including 56 percent in Los Alamos County. Parts of Rio Arriba, Sandoval and Santa Fe counties are also in the district, but only the tiny vote in Rio Arriba (273 total) favored Stover.

The House districts voter registration trends blue  43 percent Democratic to 32 percent Republican. In voter registration in Los Alamos County, Dems also have the edge, but its slim  38 percent Democratic, 35 percent Republican.

Last Tuesdays voting results reflect that purplish tinge.

Los Alamos went for Hillary Clinton for president, favored Democrats for Congress and New Mexico Secretary of State, and chose Dems for all three County Council spots up for election.

But, in the district attorneys race, Los Alamos voters, by a 51 percent margin, favored Republican Yvonne Chicoine over Democrat Marco Serna, who swamped Chicoine in the judicial districts other counties, Santa Fe and Rio Arriba.

They also went for winning Republican Judith Nakamura for state Supreme Court, and for GOP candidates for the state Court of Appeals and county clerk.

So there seems to be a fair amount of residual GOP strength on the hill. Just maybe not enough to go after Garcia Richard.
HERNANDEZ  A proposed 33-mile, high-voltage power line through parts of southern Rio Arriba County and northern Santa Fe County is the latest issue to create a split between the areas Indian pueblos and non-pueblo residents.

Texas Hunt Power says its planned 345-kilovolt Verde Transmission Line will plug a gap in the existing regional transmission system, increase capacity and improve reliability. It would run from a PNM substation near the Rio Arriba community of Chili, close to where U.S. 84/285 splits into two highways, south to an existing substation roughly 12 miles west of Tesuque.

About one-third of the route is on federal Bureau of Land Management land and most of the rest goes through three area pueblos.

At a BLM hearing in Hernandez north of Espanola on Wednesday night, many non-pueblo speakers expressed sadness or anger over Pojoaque, Santa Clara and Ohkay Owingeh taking unspecified payments from Hunt to allow the line to cross their lands.

Keith King of nearby La Mesilla, who signed, as well as spoke, to the crowd of about 125, drew loud applause when he asked his Indian neighbors to learn from your brothers and sisters who are fighting for Mother Earth at Standing Rock, North Dakota, referring to ongoing Indian protests against an oil pipeline, and to reject Hunts proposal.

He said the transmission line and its towers 90 to 120 feet tall  there would be five to seven per mile through a 150-foot right of way  would destroy views and landscapes that attract tourists and film crews to northern New Mexico.

Jan Brooks of Santa Fe said, Im dismayed that the pueblo community would capitulate to something so obscene in return for money for rights of way or leases from Hunt. This is a corridor to Bandelier (National Monument) and the route runs near San Ildefonso Pueblos landmark and sacred Black Mesa, she said, although it would not cross San Ildefonso land.

Santa Clara Pueblo Gov. J. Michael Chavarria, speaking late in the evening, noted what he called the negative energy in the room at Hernandez Community Center.

He said the Santa Clara tribal council has supported the project for five years and that it was important for his pueblo to engage in economic development to benefit social services, education for its children and elder programs.

We understand that there will be visual consequences, he said, to some gasps among the crowd. But he asked, How much have we (the pueblo) lost? Who has been here first? What have we given up? Talk about fences  we only have 55,000 acres that we can call home.

We respect the land, he said. He said the pueblo has had a good working relationship with Hunt Power and were very satisfied with the project, adding, This is an important opportunity to help all of us, its not just the tribes and pueblos. 

I want to work together on this, he told the crowd. Nows your chance.

People shouted back, Bury the line and Bury it, meaning to put the wires underground.

Thats what I mean, negative energy, Chavarria responded.

Gabriel Montoya, speaking for Pojoaque Pueblo, said the project would bring economic development and provide a power source to help ensure the future growth of all of our communities.

Proposed in May

Hunt filed its application to cross BLM land  a few short sections of the route cross non-pueblo private property, as well  in May and there were two prior public hearings. But it was only this week that residents opposed to the project sent out alerts to news organizations and others. They say they have gathered 2,000 signatures on a petition against the transmission line.

Hunts Gabriela Canales said the 33-mile stretch of proposed 345kV line is the last uncompleted section of a high-capacity transmission loop running roughly from the Four Corners area to Albuquerque, and back through north-central and northwest New Mexico.

When the loop hits a smaller 115kV line that already exists along much of the proposed route, its like a four-lane highway going down to two lanes, creating congestion, said the companys Paul Schulze.

He said that when you improve the system, the whole region benefits from increased capacity and reliability.

Canales told the crowd Wednesday night that new section could help avoid outages like one caused by a brush fire in 2000 that affected 1 million power customers and provide infrastructure for economic development by users such as data centers. Hunt would recover its investment  estimated at between $60 million and $90 million  from power wholesalers.

Canales responded to questions about health impacts from high voltage lines by saying Hunt would be required to follow government guidelines on height and right of way width, and that studies have found no significant impact from electromagnetic fields (EMFs) in residential areas, but opponents said experts have found EMFs from high-voltage lines are a carcinogen.

A green project?

Hunt is also touting the line as a boost for renewable energy by providing more capacity for moving around power from solar or wind farms in New Mexico.

Opponents, though, lambasted the idea that the Verde Transmission Line is ecologically green. Seven-year-old Mazie Kostrubala, to huge applause, read a statement that said: Verde means green in Spanish. Green projects are supposed to help the Earth, not hurt it. Green projects are not supposed to harm animals, birds, water, plants or people. Green projects should not harm sacred land. But this project would do all of that harm and more.  If Hunt Power was green, you would put the wires underground (beneath) roads already built. Mazie said the proposed line should be called The Very Bad Project That Will Hurt Everyone.

On the other side, Margaret Campos asked the crowd to remember when opposition blocked plans for a regional landfill in the area 20 years ago. She said the lack of waste disposal capacity has blocked industry. Educate yourself, she said.

Elena Guardincerri, a Los Alamos National Laboratory physicist who lives in Jacona west of Pojoaque, said the new power lines would be 200 feet from her house. She was among those who questioned any direct benefit for area residents from a line used to move power around the grid.

Guardincerri said the high-voltage line being so close to her home is a health concern, would ruin the landscape and drive down property values, making the house impossible to sell.

San Ildefonso off path

The line route appears to run through the populated Jacona section of northern Santa Fe County where Guardincerri lives because Hunt doesnt have an agreement for using the most direct path between the two existing PNM substations, through San Ildefonso Pueblo.

South from Chili in Rio Arriba County, the line would parallel an existing 115kV line that, according to Hunts application to cross BLM land, has 55-foot towers. That path takes the proposed route through Ohkay Owingeh and Santa Clara land north and west of Espanola, and then to the Santa Clara Pueblo-San Ildefonso Pueblo line.

To avoid crossing San Ildefonso, the route takes a sharp jag east instead of continuing due south and, when it turns back south and west, it crosses through the Jacona-Jaconita area. Efforts to reach San Ildefonso officials for comment Thursday were unsuccessful.

The BLM will continue taking public comment on the project through Jan. 5. Officials said it will probably be two years before a final decision is made to approve any version of the transmission lines sections on public land or to go with a no build option, in effect rejecting Hunts application.
Homelessness in New Mexico continues to decline, according to the 2016 Annual Homeless Assessment Report to Congress from the federal Department of Housing and Urban Development.

That report shows homelessness in New Mexico declined by 13.9 percent from 2015 to 2016, and by 24.9 percent from 2007 through 2016.

HUD estimates that from 2015 on, New Mexico experienced a 26.5 percent reduction among homeless families, a 61 percent decrease in veteran homelessness, and a 9.3 percent decline in individuals experiencing chronic homelessness.

Every person deserves a safe, stable place to call home, said HUD Secretary Julian Castro in a news release that accompanied the release of the report. The Obama Administration has made unprecedented progress toward ending homelessness and today marks the seventh straight year of measurable progress.

The homelessness estimates are based on the last Point-in-Time count, or PIT, done in January 2016. During these nationwide counts, volunteers in communities across the country identify and count individuals and families living in emergency shelters, transitional housing, on the streets, under bridges and in cars, abandoned buildings, parks and other places not meant for human habitation.

While the upbeat HUD study shows year-to-year declines in the numbers of homeless, some Albuquerque homeless providers arent buying it.

The PIT places the number of homeless in Albuquerque at about 1,300.

I certainly dont agree with HUD, said pastor Danny Whatley, director of The Rock at Noon Day. The numbers were seeing are increasing at our location. Were seeing a lot of faces weve never seen before and were seeing younger people and millennials.

Based on the number of homeless people Noon Day and other shelters and service providers see day in and day out, the homeless total in Albuquerque is probably in the range of 4,500 to 5,000, Whatley said. In addition, the number of homeless Title 1 kids in the Albuquerque Public Schools also exceeds the HUD estimate, he said.

APS spokeswoman Monica Armenta said Thursday that the number of homeless kids enrolled in APS in the last five years has ranged from 4,000 to 6,500, depending on changing definitions of who is homeless and how to count them.

Based on the number of people seen at Joy Junction, the states largest homeless shelter, HUD estimates are clearly an undercount, said shelter founder Jeremy Reynalds. He believes the PIT count is false, misleading, disingenuous and should be scrapped because it makes people think homelessness is going down, and it may be the way HUD counts, but their count does not reflect reality.

Since 2007, there has been an increase in permanent supportive housing in Albuquerque, which no doubt factors into the decline tracked by HUD, said Lisa Huval, associate director of the New Mexico Coalition to End Homelessness. However, the count does not include people who sleep on friends couches, find temporary shelter in cheap motels and other unsheltered people who simply cannot be located.

The PIT survey is a mere snapshot of one night and is certainly an undercount, Huval said, but its probably not a vast undercount.
"What makes me cautiously optimistic about my successor and the shift from campaign mode to governance is there is something about the solemn responsibilities of that office ... that it forces you to focus," Obama said.

US President Barack Obama and Chancellor Angela Merkel smile during their press conference at the German Chancellery in Berlin, Germany (Image: Reuters)

By Reuters: US President Barack Obama gave a strong endorsement of German Chancellor Angela Merkel on Thursday and used a visit to Berlin to warn Russia about consequences for intervening in the US election and prod Donald Trump to hold firm against Moscow.

OBAMA HOPEFUL ABOUT TRUMP REIGN

On a sentimental final trip to Germany as president, Obama expressed hope that the New York businessman who has never previously held public office would jettison controversial campaign rhetoric when he entered the White House and keep democratic values in mind as he chose his staff.

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"What makes me cautiously optimistic about my successor and the shift from campaign mode to governance is there is something about the solemn responsibilities of that office ... that it forces you to focus," Obama said.

"If you are not serious about the job, then you probably won't be there very long because it will expose problems."

Republican Trump defeated former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton, a Democrat, in an upset election after criticizing his opponents in sharply-worded blasts on Twitter, promising to build a wall on the US border with Mexico, and pledging to ban Muslims temporarily from entering the United States.

He also praised Russian President Vladimir Putin, whose annexation of Crimea from Ukraine led to western sanctions.

CRITICAL OF RUSSIAN INTERFERENCE

Obama, who along with Merkel called for those sanctions to be renewed until Russia complied with international agreements, said he hoped Trump would be pragmatic in dealing with Washington's former Cold War foe.

"My hope is that he does not simply take a realpolitik approach and suggest that we just cut some deals with Russia even if it hurts people, even if it violates international norms or even if it leaves smaller countries vulnerable or creates long term problems in countries like Syria," Obama said.

Obama said he had spoken to Putin before the US election about cyber attacks that US officials said were an attempt to influence the presidential race and told him Washington would respond appropriately. Moscow has dismissed the allegation.

HARD TO SAY GOODBYE

Merkel, a Russian speaker who grew up in the former East Germany, has helped lead European efforts to sanction Russia.

She and Obama forged a particularly close relationship, and his stop in Berlin on his farewell tour reflected that.

"The parting is hard for me," Merkel acknowledged, adding she had to accept that the US constitution limited a president's time in office to eight years, drawing a wink and a smile from Obama.

No such limits exist in Germany, and Merkel has declined to say whether she will run in a general election next year in which her conservatives are expected to remain the largest bloc in parliament.

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MERKEL'S POLITICAL FUTURE

Obama indicated he hoped she would. "Chancellor Merkel has been an outstanding partner," he said.

Many in Germany expect Merkel to run, adding to what would be 12 years in power. The chancellor said on Thursday it was not the time to announce such a decision.

"If she chooses to continue, she will have big burdens. I wish I could be there to lighten her load," he said, declaring Merkel "tough."

The two leaders dined together at Obama's hotel on Wednesday and did the same at the chancellery on Thursday night. On Friday, they will meet with other European leaders before Obama heads to Peru the final stop on his trip.ALSO READ:

Trump will get wake-up call when he takes office, says Obama

President Obama calls meeting with Trump at White House 'excellent'

--- ENDS ---
No matter whom we supported for president, at least we were spared the sight of Donald Trump marching down Fifth Avenue, chanting and waving a scrawled #NotMyPresident cardboard sign.

Oh, wed get something like that, just without Trump or his deplorables.

He had horrified a lot of folks in the final debate when he refused to say he would accept the results of his race against Democrat Hillary Clinton. A chilling pronouncement, some said. Unprecedented, others intoned. Dangerous, evidence of his unfitness, on and on.

His surprisingly decisive victory in the Electoral College tally, despite narrowly losing the popular vote, negated all that. As Trump later promised, he accepted the win and gave a sober, even humbled, address in promising to be a president for all Americans and reaching out for unity. Clinton, to her credit, gave her best, most human speech in years, pledging to accept a Trump presidency with an open mind.

Even President Barack Obama, a bitter Trump political enemy, graciously received him at the White House and said he was rooting for him to succeed because that would mean America succeeded.

This was classy leadership all around. Really, the best of our political system, especially welcome after the worst of campaigns.

The word must not have reached the streets.

Anti-Trump protests sprouted across the country. A few popped up on election night in New York, Los Angeles and Chicago. They also spread to Portland, Ore.; Seattle; Philadelphia; Oakland, Calif.; Richmond, Va.; Atlanta; Omaha, Neb.; and Kansas City, Mo. (Protests also occurred in Albuquerque and Santa Fe.)

In Oakland and Portland business windows were bashed in, law enforcement vehicles were trashed, small fires burned in the streets and police officers were injured trying to rein in the self-absorbed spasms of sour grapes.

Trump would tweet that professional protesters, incited by the media were involved. A Portland activist, speaking to The Washington Post, did not entirely disagree.

Theyre not coming to show solidarity, theyre coming because they know theres going to be a big crowd, said Teressa Raiford, a community organizer in Portland. They dont respect our movement.

All of this had the effect of persuading roughly no one to the protesters point of view, in the grand tradition of Occupy This or Black Lives That. Whatever legitimate point one has usually gets buried under all the stuff you tore up.

Or, as noted law professor Jonathan Turley put it, Were raising a generation of emotional hemophiliacs. If legal or political things dont go your way, if something upsets you, you have a modern version of the vapors.

These protesters were well within their rights to be sad, angry, frustrated or even terrified at the thought of a Trump presidency, although that last bit seems an overreaction. Speaking out publicly is an American tradition.

Obviously, that right stops at the point of public destruction.

Shouldnt it concern us that some Americans refuse to accept the results of a free and fair election? Trump was wrong to say he wouldnt; arent the #NotMyPresident protesters equally guilty?

Reputable news sources were full of high-minded admonitions of Trump, portrayed as some banana-republic autocrat for refusing to accept the peoples will.

Of course, that was when those news sources, like so many of these protesters, assumed the peoples will would point in a different direction. Protesters now say their faith in democracy is shaken, that they fear for themselves in Trumps America. Anyone have a safe space to offer them?

Yet they had to know  didnt they?  that tens of millions of Americans would vote for Trump, win or lose. His total of nearly 60 million votes came in just short of Mitt Romneys 61 million in 2012. Clinton, too, underperformed to her partys previous nominee. Obama had about 66 million votes in 2012, or nearly 7 million more than Clinton.

All told, of about 231.5 million eligible voters, only 131.7 million bothered to show up. Thats a lot of potential votes left on the table, votes Clinton could have used in states like Florida, North Carolina, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Wisconsin, New Hampshire and Michigan.

Or those no-shows just as easily could have broken for Trump, since we dont know who they might have been.

Thats the thing about democracy  or our democratic republic, to be precise. You are promised a level-playing-field chance but are not guaranteed an outcome. As in a criminal trial, a verdict that doesnt go your way is not unfair, just the side of democracy that you must accept like an adult.

Mike Hashimoto is a columnist for the Dallas Morning News. Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC.
The mother of a man fatally shot by a deputy U.S. marshal who was searching for a suspect demanded $10 million in compensation and then filed a federal civil rights lawsuit when the Marshals Service didnt respond.

Deputy Marshal Paul Hernandez shot and killed Edgar Camacho-Alvarado, 23, on Feb. 20 at the Loon Creek Mobile Home Park in west Albuquerque. The lawsuit alleges Camacho-Alvarado was working on his vehicle around 3:30 a.m., in preparation for a job interview later that morning, when shots were fired.

A spokesman for New Mexico State Police, which investigated the shooting, previously said Hernandez entered the mobile home park to try to pinpoint the location of George Bond, who was wanted on a murder charge from Valencia County.

Hernandez told investigators that as he searched the trailer park for Bond, a man later identified as Camacho-Alvarado started following him. Hernandez said the man was armed so Hernandez gave chase and identified himself as a law enforcement officer.

Camacho-Alvarado was shot as he was running up the steps of the home where he lived in with his family. A bullet entered near his right armpit and traveled downward and lodged in the left side of his chest. He died at the scene.

State Police said their investigation determined that Camacho-Alvarado was raising his weapon when he was shot.

The lawsuit, however, said Camacho-Alvarado was unarmed and said the arrest warrant for Bond only allowed for execution during daytime hours.

Camacho-Alvarado and his family lived in space No. 26 at the park. Bond, the homicide suspect, was arrested later that day in space No. 29.

Hermelinda Alvarado-Escobedo, Camacho-Alvarados mother, brought the lawsuit against the United States and unnamed deputy marshals. She sent a claim to the U.S. Marshals Service for the District of New Mexico for $10 million for her sons death, and she filed a lawsuit after not getting a response from the agency, according to the suit.

Robert Gorence, an attorney for Camacho-Alvarados family, said in the lawsuit that the defendants conduct was unreasonable and reckless and led to Camacho-Alvarados wrongful death.

The lawsuit, which was filed in U.S. District Court, is seeking punitive damages against the defendants that are an amount sufficient to punish them and to deter future misconduct.

Officials from State Police, the U.S. Attorneys Office for the District of New Mexico and the Marshals Service couldnt be reached for comment.
National Adoption Day, an annual event celebrated the third Saturday in November, is a coordinated national effort to raise awareness of more than 100,000 foster children awaiting permanent and loving families.

In 2015, approximately 4,000 children in foster care were adopted in ceremonies across the country during the 16th annual National Adoption Day. Albuquerque was one of 400 cities hosting an adoption event in 2015.

Tomorrow, children and families will again fill Bernalillo Countys Childrens Court as part of the ongoing effort to make dreams come true. A myriad of volunteers, including court-appointed special advocates, law students, social work interns, CYFD employees and court staff will make the joyful event a reality.

Festivities will include extended family, teddy bears, photographs, face painting, snacks and an abundance of smiling faces.

A majority of youngsters who will officially become members of forever families were removed from their biological families due to maltreatment. They have spent time in foster care, sometimes in multiple homes and different schools.

Children in foster care who cannot be safely reunified with their biological families become available for adoption after the parents rights are voluntarily or involuntarily terminated. Adoptees who have not been involved in the child protection system are being adopted by a step-parent or by a substitute family carefully selected by birth parents prior to a voluntary adoptive placement.

Regardless of the type of adoption, the result is the creation of a legal relationship between the new parent and the child identical to that of a parent and biological child.

New Mexico law pertaining to children has as one of its purposes to preserve the unity of the family whenever possible. Further, it is the Legislatures intent that to the maximum extent possible, children in New Mexico shall be reared as members of a family unit. Consequently, when a child is removed from her family due to maltreatment and corrective efforts are unsuccessful, permanency through adoption by another family becomes an alternative.

Nationally, the number of children in foster care has increased from 397,000 in 2012 to 428,000 in 2015. Similarly, the number of New Mexicos children in foster care has been steadily increasing.

The average number of New Mexico children in foster care in July 2011 was just less than 1,700. In July 2015, the average number of our children in foster care was just over 2,200, but by June 2016 had increased to 2,300.

Unfortunately, for children available for adoption, the number of finalized adoptions in New Mexico has been declining. During the 12 month period ending June 2009, the number of finalized adoptions of New Mexico children in foster care was 466. For the reporting period ending June 2016, the number of finalized adoptions of our children in foster care was 312.

The first choice for forever families should be the childs biological parents, if the childs safety and well-being are not compromised. Recent studies show child abuse is preventable when resources are utilized early in a childs life to assist parents develop skills and protective capacities that enhance safety, health and positive development. Yet, our approach has been to expend scarce and diminishing resources to address the problem through corrective services and litigation.

Our children are our most valuable resource. Prevention of child maltreatment is every New Mexicans business, not just the work of law enforcement, child protection agencies and the courts.

Judge John J. Romero Jr. is a judge of the 2nd Judicial District Court (Bernalillo County). He is presiding judge of the Childrens Court Division. Opinions expressed here are solely those of the judge individually and not those of the court.
WASHINGTON  More than a week later, America is still struggling to understand what produced last Tuesdays election stunner, but heres one factor thats too little discussed: Hillary Clintons relentless (and in my view, accurate) attacks on Donald Trumps character may actually have made his supporters more entrenched.

One of my closest high school friends drove home this point in a message two days after the vote. As a traditional Christian, I felt attacked, myself  not implicitly, but explicitly  during the entire election cycle, he emailed me. The attacks on Trump by Clinton and the media backfired, he argued.

Ill come back to my friends comments in a moment, but first some background.

This backfire effect was something I explored in a column in August. I cited behavioral science research by Christopher Graves, global chairman of Ogilvy Public Relations, and others showing that attempts to refute false information could actually reinforce peoples misperceptions.

Arguing the facts doesnt help  in fact, it makes the situation worse, Graves had written in February 2015 in the Harvard Business Review. Because of a behavioral trait known as confirmation bias, people discount arguments that challenge their beliefs.

Instead of changing their minds, most will dig in their heels and cling even more firmly to their originally held views, Graves wrote.

If this psychological research is accurate, then the Clinton campaigns focus on Trumps racist and sexist statements may have had the perverse effect of making his supporters feel defensive, and more supportive. That was especially true after Clinton called some holding these views a basket of deplorables (and again, I thought she was right to admonish them).

Graves noted in an October interview with the Harvard Business Review: Clintons categorization of Trumps supporters as deplorable is an example of what behavioral scientists call outgroup derogation. It can be a powerful mobilizing  and polarizing force.

People who feel attacked retreat to which tribe we hope to be identified with, and which we would not want to be caught dead with.

Now, back to my high school classmate, the Rev. Paul F.M. Zahl. He was the top student at my school, graduated from Harvard University and took a doctorate in theology from the University of Tubingen (in German). Hes not the stereotypical undereducated Trump voter, in other words. He has been dean of an Episcopal cathedral, head of a seminary and rector of local parish churches. My friends email continues:

I told some friends, 18 months ago, that I believed Trump would win, even though I did not expect to vote for him  for the simple reason that what you resist, persists.

Zahl cited a passage from Scripture to support his argument: The Law increaseth the trespass'  which is to say, the more one interdicts a phenomenon, the more reaction among those who identify with the phenomenon.

Zahl went further, taking me and my colleagues to task: The media, in my opinion, helped make this happen  albeit, unwittingly. I felt personally attacked by the Democratic Partys current ethos, as a Bible Christian. I wondered whether, if Clinton won, I and others who believe as I do would be considered legitimate Americans anymore.

I wrote back to my friend (with whom I have been having political arguments for 55 years):

Dear Paul: In friendship and respect: This notion that the media made me do it baffles me, frankly. Each human brain (and heart) must weigh these choices, yes, prayerfully, in terms of what is best for the country. Sixty-three percent of those voting thought Trump was unqualified, 61 percent thought he was temperamentally unsuited to be president, according to exit polls. Yet people voted for him anyway, out of  what? Spite? Anger at the media? I see what has happened, and it makes me very sad, but each voter is responsible for making a wise decision, no?

And Zahl responded: No, David. Many people dont make decisions rationally or even consciously.  When people are told, across the board, that they are xenophobes, racists, misogynists, and Islamophobes for holding the views they do  whatever they are  they become hardened in those views.

Condemnation (of people or groups of people  and this goes for all ideologies, right and left) always has the opposite effect: The Law (i.e., judgment/condemnation) increases sin (i.e., the very thing that the judgment is supposed to correct or educate),' Zahl admonished.

Were all working through the meaning of this election with our family and friends. Zahl urged me to share his thoughts with readers. Amen to that.

Lets keep talking.
Daniel Arushanov told police he simply wanted to judge the response time of law enforcement last week when he carried a holstered handgun, which had one round in the chamber and eight more in the magazine, onto the University of New Mexico campus.

He got his wish when someone called UNM police.

Officers arrived nine minutes later to take him into custody, according to Lt. Tim Stump, a spokesman for the UNM Police Department.

Around 7:30 a.m. on Nov. 9, officers were called to the Student Union Building food court because a man had a handgun on his hip, according to a police report. Although New Mexico allows people to openly carry a firearm, they are prohibited on college campuses.

When officers arrived, they found 24-year-old Arushanov, with bows in his hair and wearing a tie and an I voted sticker, according to the report. A university spokeswoman said he is not a student.

Arushanov was sitting in the food court and not creating a disturbance, Stump said.

Officers handcuffed Arushanov and checked his semiautomatic .40-caliber Smith & Wesson handgun, which was loaded, according to the report. Officers also found that a protection order issued last year in California prohibits Arushanov from possessing a firearm. The order expires in 2020, but its unclear why it was issued.

When officers checked Arushanovs car  which was parked the wrong way in a space for the handicapped  they found a loaded shotgun and a large quantity of ammunition, according to the report. Stump said the large amount of ammunition raised some concerns for police.

Weve had incidents where someone has had a firearm on campus before, but this was of a higher magnitude, Stump said.

Arushanov was charged with unlawful carrying of a deadly weapon on university premises and violation of a restraining order and booked into the county jail. He was released Tuesday. Jail records identify him as Danil Arushanova.

After the incident, university officials emailed a notice to students and staffers to notify them of the incident and tell them that Arushanov has been banned from campus, said Dianne Anderson, a UNM spokeswoman.

She said that although the nature of the incident didnt fall under federal guidelines mandating that an alert be sent to all students, UNM officials decided they should send out a notification about it.

There was still some concern, Anderson said.  We wanted to show a picture (of him) and let campus know what happened without raising too much alarm.
SANTA FE  The New Mexico insurance superintendent faced a contingent from the Office of the State Auditor, top legislative finance staff and Gov. Susana Martinezs state budget division director in a tense public showdown Thursday over a decision to scrap an audit that showed more than 50 health care companies owed about $193 million in back state taxes.

The move potentially reduced one top unidentified health insurers tab by some $85 million, from the audits estimated liability of $118 million to $33 million.

Weve got our agencies at each others throats, state Rep. Patricia Lundstrom, D-Gallup, said at one point during a legislative meeting Thursday. We have enough of this kind of stuff at the national level.

The fireworks came during a meeting before the state Legislative Finance Committee in which Superintendent John Franchini defended his agency against accusations that it had sent mixed messages about whether, amid the recent controversy, the Office of the Superintendent of Insurance already had issued invoices to some health insurers to pay reduced amounts.

Initially, Franchini told legislators no invoices were sent, but one member of his staff later said that two invoices were already in the works before this process began. Further testimony revealed the invoices were issued as recently as Oct. 21.

That revelation prompted the LFC vice chairman, Rep. Jimmie Hall, R-Albuquerque, to tell Franchini, Now your credibility with me is in the negative.

Franchini then apologized.

Rep. Peter Wirth, D-Santa Fe, echoed Halls concerns.

It seems like you need a third party to look at the methodology, he said.

The audit, which was commissioned through a $100,000 legislative appropriation, concluded that the insurance department had under-collected $193 million over a five-year period from April 2010 to April 2015.

That conclusion, and a legal analysis by a law firm hired by Franchinis department, have since been put aside, and a different computation method is in the works, according to testimony from the hearing.

Its very notable that we have three oversight agencies working together, and we are concerned because we are all counting pennies these days and there are too many inconsistencies for me to feel comfortable about the process, state Budget Director A.J. Forte told the committee.

Franchini told the committee his agency was getting steamrolled by the criticism over the decision to replace staff originally involved in the outside audit with two temporary employees who are now in charge of the assessments.

Sen. Carlos Cisneros, D-Questa, told the committee that the audit company, CliftonLarsonAllen LLC has a stellar reputation in New Mexico and to discredit them is not going to help us, either.

Theres so much money at stake, state Auditor Tim Keller told the committee. Were in a situation where everyone wants a high degree of confidence in the process.

By the end of the meeting, Franchini promised to refrain from making any new assessments on back taxes while the state agencies try to reach a consensus as to how the taxes should be computed.
WASHINGTON  In December, after presidential candidate Donald Trump called for a total and complete shutdown of Muslims entering the country, Sen. Patrick J. Leahy, D-Vt., introduced a sense of the Senate resolution affirming that the United States must not bar people from the country because of their religion.

Sen. Jeff Sessions, R-Ala.  a member of the Judiciary Committee, along with Leahy  voted against the resolution, but not before delivering a 30-minute oration urging fellow senators to reject the measure. The resolution, he warned, would make global migration to the United States a human right.

It would mean, he said, that the United States could not favor for entry the moderate Muslim cleric over the radical Muslim cleric. Or that a foreign cleric overseas could demand a tourist visa to deliver a sermon denouncing the U.S. Constitution and claim religious discrimination if it is not approved.

I think, he said, it is a dangerous step.

Although the measure passed the committee, it failed in the full Senate. And President-elect Trump has chosen Sessions, who has served in the Senate for 20 years, to be the next attorney general  a position that will give him the platform to shape civil rights policy and to defend the constitutionality of policies that effectively restrict Muslim immigration, legal and civil liberties experts warn.

Sen. Charles E. Grassley, R-Iowa, chairman of the Judiciary Committee, lauded Sessions as a respected member and former ranking member of the committee who has worked with Democrats on major legislation. He predicted that the committee will approve his nomination for consideration by the full Senate. He knows the Justice Department as a former U.S. attorney, which would serve him very well in this position, Grassley said.

A person close to Sessions said that Sen. Mitch McConnell, R-Ky., the majority leader, spoke directly to his colleague and said he would give his strong and full support for his confirmation as attorney general.

The appointment of Sessions is expected to bring sweeping change to the Justice Department as it operated under Loretta E. Lynch and her predecessor, Eric H. Holder Jr., who, when he was nominated to be the first black attorney general, pledged to make rebuilding the civil rights division his top priority.

Several former Justice officials predicted that Sessions would reverse the emphasis on civil rights and criminal-justice reform that Holder put in place.

From his time as U.S. attorney through his service on the Judiciary Committee, he has left serious doubts about whether he would faithfully enforce civil rights laws as attorney general, said former Justice Department spokesman Matthew Miller. The civil rights division was gutted during the last Republican administration, and the burden of proof is on Senator Sessions to show that he would not follow that same path.

Sessions voted against confirming Lynch as attorney general, citing her statements that President Barack Obamas executive actions on immigration passed legal and constitutional muster. Sessions and other Republicans considered those measures to be presidential overreach.

Ms. Lynch has said flat-out that she supports those policies and is committed to defending them in court, Sessions said at the time. We do not have to confirm someone to the highest law enforcement position in America if that someone is publicly committed to denigrating Congress.

Obamas Justice Department stopped defending the Defense of Marriage Act and successfully argued the historic same-sex-marriage case last year before the Supreme Court. Sessions has opposed same-sex marriage and has a zero rating from the nations largest LGBT advocacy group, the Human Rights Campaign.

Senator Sessions brings experience, intelligence and passion to Justice, said Robert Raben, an assistant attorney general under President Bill Clinton and now president of the lobbying and consulting firm the Raben Group. Regrettably, it is likely to be exercised toward the attempted elimination of civil rights, environmental and antitrust enforcement.

A former aide to Sessions said that, as attorney general, he will make national security and fighting terrorism a top priority.

Sessions is of the mind that the most essential duty of government is to protect its citizens, the aide said. Sessions opposed closing the Guantanamo Bay prison in Cuba and bringing terrorist detainees to the United States for trial in federal courts. He felt it would needlessly eliminate an important tool in fighting terrorism and would needlessly put our citizens at risk.

The aide said that Sessions is strongly in favor of an extremely tough stance on terrorists and believes that theres also a place for military commissions for unlawful foreign enemy combatants  a nonuniformed illegal terrorist without a nation whos killing women and children overseas.

One of the first things he would do is emphasize finding and disrupting, in cooperation with the FBI and Homeland Security Department, terrorist cells in the United States, the former aide said. Theres a thousand open investigations right now. That will be a very high priority for him.

Jefferson Beauregard Jeff Sessions, 69, who was born in Selma, Alabama, began his career as a prosecutor in 1975 in the U.S. attorneys office in the Southern District of Alabama. In 1981, President Reagan nominated him to be the U.S. attorney for that district, where he served there for 12 years.

In 1986, Reagan nominated him to be a judge for the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of Alabama, but at his Senate confirmation hearing, Justice Department lawyers who had worked with him testified that he had made racist statements. One of those lawyers, J. Gerald Hebert  now the director of the voting rights and redistricting program at the Campaign Legal Center  said that Sessions had called the NAACP and the American Civil Liberties Union un-American and Communist-inspired.

Thomas Figures testified that Sessions said he thought the Ku Klux Klan was okay until I found out they smoked pot. Sessions later apologized for the comment, saying he was not serious when he said it. He also denied that he made racist statements, but he was not confirmed.

In 1994, he was elected attorney general of Alabama and in 1996 was elected to the U.S. Senate.

Sessions, who was the first senator to endorse Trump, in February, first met him in 2005 when Trump was criticizing the United Nations plan for a $1.2 billion renovation of its New York City headquarters. Sessions invited him to testify about it before a Senate subcommittee hearing. After the hearing, they were out of touch until last year, when they had a phone call about immigration policy and Trump tried to get Sessionss endorsement. Sessions defended Trump when he called for a temporary ban on Muslim immigrants.

During Trumps campaign, Sessions was an adviser and his chief resource on policy issues. He was also the liaison with groups such as the Heritage Foundation and the Federalist Society, and he courted other GOP officials. Trump considered him as a possible running mate.

Not only would Jeff bring integrity and immense expertise to the role of attorney general due to his decades of experience in the legal field and an impressive tenure on the Senate Judiciary Committee, but Jeff has also gained the deep respect of his Senate colleagues for his commitment to upholding the rule of law, said Sen. Richard C. Shelby, the senior senator from Alabama and a fellow Republican.



The Washington Posts Mike DeBonis contributed to this report.

sessions-doj
WASHINGTON  In Donald Trumps world, most roads, it seems, lead back to Sen. Jeff Sessions, R-Ala., President-elect Trumps pick for attorney general.

After Sessions became one of the first members of Congress to endorse Trump this February, he became an adviser on almost every major decision and policy proposal Trump made during the campaign:

 A top Sessions aide helped Trump communicate his immigration policy.

 Sessions chaired Trump national security advisory committee.

 Sessions advised Trump on who to choose for vice president. (Sessions was also in the running himself for the No. 2 job.)

The president-elect has been unbelievably impressed with Senator Sessions and his phenomenal record as Alabamas attorney general and U.S. attorney, a Trump transition statement released Thursday read. It is no wonder the people of Alabama re-elected him without opposition.

Heres a crash course in a politician likely to be a pivotal figure in Trumps administration:

The basics: Sessions has served as a senator from Alabama for two decades. But Alabama is such a loyal state to its top lawmakers that Sessions is actually the junior senator from the state; Republican Sen. Richard Shelby has been in office three decades.

Sessions is popular back home: Aside from his first election in 1996, Sessions has never won with less than 59 percent of the vote. In 2014, he ran unopposed.

His middle name is: Beauregard. (Fun trivia fact.)

Hes amnestys worst enemy: The conservative National Review crowned Sessions with that title in 2014, with good reason. Sessions has opposed nearly every immigration bill that has come before the Senate the past two decades that has included a path to citizenship for immigrants in the country illegally.

Hes also fought legal immigration, including guest worker programs for illegal immigrants and visa programs for foreign workers in science, math and high-tech. In 2007, Sessions got a bill passed essentially banning for 10 years federal contractors who hire illegal immigrants.

Legal immigration is the primary source of low-wage immigration into the United States, Sessions argued in a 2015 Washington Post op-ed.  What we need now is immigration moderation: slowing the pace of new arrivals so that wages can rise, welfare rolls can shrink and the forces of assimilation can knit us all more closely together.

Hes a debt hawk and a military hawk: Sessions, a lawyer before he became a politician, is known for touring Alabama with charts warning of the United States crippling debt. On foreign policy, Sessions has advocated a get-tough approach, once voting against an amendment banning cruel, inhuman or degrading treatment of prisoners.

These are two positions that could put him at odd with the president hell serve: Trump has expensive plans that involve significant spending, like $1 trillion on an infrastructure program  and he campaigned on a strong non-interventionist worldview (often claiming, inaccurately, that he opposed the Iraq War before it started).

Hes a climate change skeptic: Heres Sessions in a 2015 hearing questioning Environmental Protection Agencys Gina McCarthy: Carbon pollution is CO2, and thats really not a pollutant; thats a plant food, and it doesnt harm anybody except that it might include temperature increases.

Accusations of racism have dogged Sessionss career: Actually, they almost derailed it. In 1986, a Senate committee denied Sessions, then a 39-year-old U.S. attorney in Alabama, a federal judgeship. His former colleagues testified Sessions used the n-word and joked about the Ku Klux Klan, saying he thought they were OK, until he learned that they smoked marijuana.

By the time the testimony was finished, Sessionss reputation was in tatters, wrote Isaac Stanley-Becker in The Post this July, on the eve of Sessions delivering a prime time speech at the Republican National Convention for Trump.

In 1986, Sessions defended himself against accusations of racism. I am not the Jeff Sessions my detractors have tried to create, he told the very same Senate Judiciary Committee he now sits on. I am not a racist. I am not insensitive to blacks.

And he told Stanley-Becker this summer: Racism is totally unacceptable in America. Everybody needs to be treated fairly and objectively.

But the Southern Poverty Law Centers Heidi Beirich, who tracks hate speech, said Sessions is guilty of it, and that his mere presence in Trumps inner circle is a tragedy for American politics.

Hes got a populist streak: Heres one area where he and Trump likely get along swell. Wall Street and corporate executives are often the antagonists in the Alabama senators speeches. A small group of CEOs dont get to set immigration policy for the country, he said in a 2014 speech opposing a multi-billion-dollar bill to help control the stem of influx of Central American refugees on the border.

As hard-line as Sessions can be, hes worked with Democrats before: Say what you will about him, former longtime Senate Democratic communications aide Jim Manley told the Almanac of American Politics. He was always nice to [the late Ted] Kennedy and other Democrats as well.

Even people who have run against him have nice things to say about him. Stanley-Becker talked to Susan Parker, a Democrat who tried to unseat Sessions in 2002. During a debate, she asked for a tissue and Sessions handed her one. She joked she would use it to dry her eyes when Sessions made her cry, and he responded: Please dont say that. Thats my nightmare. I promise Ill be nice.

Sessions has joined with Democrats to support criminal justice reform legislation, and in 2010 he teamed up with Sen. Claire McCaskill, D-Mo., on a proposal to put strict limits on non-military federal spending. It fell one vote short of passing.

In 2016, hes gone from fringe to mainstream: Aside from immigration battles, Sessions mostly operated in the background on Capitol Hill. Until 2016. His mix of hard-line immigration position and a populist streak had made him a tea party star and thus and a coveted endorsement catch for Republican presidential candidates catering to the tea party. In presidential primary debates, Sen. Ted Cruz, R-Texas, would even brag about his ties to Sessions.

In the end, Sessions chose Trump, surprising the political establishment by jumping on stage with him at a rally in February in Madison, Ala. two days before Super Tuesday and donning a Make America Great Again hat.

I told Donald Trump this isnt a campaign, this is a movement, Sessions said at the time.

Nine months later, Sessions will be a central figure in transitioning that movement into a working government.

sessions
SEOUL

Around the world, our allies are worried. Here in South Korea, President-elect Donald Trumps unexpected election victory has fueled a deep sense of uncertainty about the future of American leadership in Asia and the world. Government officials and foreign policy experts are scrutinizing every Trump utterance about South Korea, trade and security made during the campaign, and they dont like what they find. As I have been asked repeatedly during my stay here, does he really believe that the U.S.-Korea Free Trade Agreement kills American jobs, that South Korea does not contribute substantially to the costs of basing our soldiers here, or that South Korea and Japan should defend themselves against the maniac of North Korea, including by acquiring their own nuclear weapons?

A similar frightened discussion about the credibility of the United States commitments is occurring in Japan, Australia and most countries in the NATO alliance. In conversations, emails and public statements I get from foreign policy officials from Estonia to Canada, the question is always the same: Does Trump really believe all the crazy things he said on the campaign trail about our allies?

Historically, uncertainty never enhances alliances. As a candidate, Trump suggested that his unpredictability could increase his negotiating leverage, keeping those on the other side of the table guessing as to what he might do next. That strategy might work when negotiating construction contracts and may even be effective in deliberations with foes, but it does not work with allies. Above all else, uncertainty about our security commitments to our allies tempts our competitors. We dont want Russia challenging our commitments to our NATO allies, North Korea poking at our fortitude to defend the Republic of Korea or China testing the waters about our staying power in Asia.

As his first order of business regarding foreign policy, President Trump should reset relations with all U.S. allies before thinking about a reset with Russia or anyone else. Reassuring allies in Europe and Asia is actually low-hanging fruit: Three signals could change the negative dynamics in our alliance relationships overnight.

First, President Trump could state clearly that our resolve to defend our allies is not conditioned by what our allies pay us for security. Alliances are not protection rackets. Early in his administration, President Trump could add credibility to his statements by expressing support for recently announced but not yet implemented enhancements of our defense commitments to our allies, such as the deployment of the Terminal High-Altitude Area Defense (THAAD) missile defense system in South Korea or the $3.4 billion increase in defense spending planned for Europe to enhance our contributions to NATO deterrence against Russia.

In the second paragraph of such reassurance statements, Trump could then affirm his desire to pursue new burden-sharing arrangements with our allies. Regarding our Asian allies, he could start that conversation by acknowledging the facts about the serious expenditures that Japan and South Korea already provide to underwrite the costs of U.S. troop deployments in these two countries. Doing so would create the permissive conditions for renegotiations about upping their share. Regarding NATO, Trump could simply reaffirm existing policy; every ally should spend 2 percent of its budget on defense. No one would balk, incremental change would begin to happen, and Trump could declare victory.

Second, to further reset relations with our allies, President Trump should moderate his hostile campaign pronouncements about free trade. Here in Seoul, business and government leaders fear the negative consequences for the South Korean economy of 45 percent tariffs on all Chinese goods, since Korean companies provide many of the parts for products assembled in China that are then sold to the United States. More generally, all of our allies in Europe and Asia would suffer from global economic declines triggered by a trade war between the two largest economies in the world. Trump needs to back away from these extreme ideas, which are gross violationsof our own World Trade Organization obligations, and instead take a more pragmatic, evolutionary and cooperative approach.

Trump also could reassure allies in Europe and Asia by continuing, not stopping, negotiations over the Transatlantic Trade and Investment Partnership (TTIP) with our European partners and agreeing to explore amendment  not complete abandonment  of the Trans-Pacific Partnership (TPP) in Asia. Prematurely walking away from the TPP full stop would be particularly insulting and destabilizing to our Asian partners who have already signed the agreement. President Trump must understand that our retreat from the TPP would create a vacuum for China to fill with its own Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership.

Third, President Trump could utter the words democracy, freedom or liberty when describing what makes our alliances special. As one senior Korean official told me this week, Trump only talks about money, and never about values. It might be too much to hope that President Trump might commit to promoting democracy abroad, but at least he could pledge to defend democracy abroad.

Unlike some other foreign policy rethinks, signaling support for our alliances would not alienate Trumps core electoral constituencies. On the contrary, public opinion polls show deep support for our alliances among the American people. And a reset with our allies would be cheap, requiring mostly rhetorical statements, confirming existing commitments and adding very few new resources. So, for an easy and early win in his new administration, President Trump should focus first on resetting relations with our allies; Russia can wait.

  

McFaul is director of the Freeman Spogli Institute for International Studies and a Hoover fellow at Stanford University, and a contributing columnist to The Post.

trump-world-comment
COLUMBIA, S.C.  Authorities have freed a South Carolina man who served 39 years in prison for a murder that they now say he didnt commit.

I am free, The Herald of Rock Hill (http://bit.ly/2g35TKh) quoted James Robert McClurkin as saying. The air. It smells different. Like freedom.

McClurkin, 61, left Broad River Prison on Thursday as a parolee after police and prosecutors said he did not kill 74-year-old Claude Killian of Chester in August 1973.

I have been trying for 39 years  to try and get someone, anybody, to believe me, McClurkin said. I am out now, paroled. I am a free man. But that is not the end. I am still convicted. I want to be exonerated. I did not kill Claude Killian.

McClurkin and Ray Charles Degraffenreid were convicted of Killians murder in 1977. The evidence against them was the word of a co-defendant, Melvin Harris. The three had been friends since childhood. Last month, Chester County Sheriff Alex Underwood told the South Carolina parole board that McClurkin was innocent. McClurkin was paroled Oct. 11 but was not released until Thursday.

His attorney, Jerry Bloom, said he is going to ask a judge to overturn the conviction.

He deserves to have his name cleared, Bloom said.

The newspaper reported that Degraffenreid is in a prison mental wing. McClurkin says Degraffenreid also should be released.

McClurkin said Degraffenreid was helping somebody fix a car in Bascomville when Killian was killed in 1973 and that he was in Great Falls with two other people, including Harris uncle.

They investigated us and cleared us, he said. But then Melvin Harris lied and said we did it. And we been in prison ever since. And Ray Charles  he broke down because of it. He deserves to get out of prison, too. We both are innocent.

McClurkin, Degraffenreid and Harris were all convicted in late 1973 of an armed robbery that happened two weeks after Killian was killed at a car wash. All pleaded guilty.

Harris also was charged with Killians murder but never prosecuted, the newspaper reported. He became the star witness against his friends. Harris later admitted that he lied before he died in prison for another 1992 murder, the newspaper reported.

Harris told McClurkins lawyer at the time in 1992 that he was the one who killed Killian in 1973. But a judge ruled that Harris was not believable, and McClurkin and Degraffenreid stayed in prison.

Sheriff Underwood agreed in 2015 at the request of McClurkins family to re-open the case. A detective found what police describe as huge discrepancies in the evidence.

We found that these two men McClurkin and Degraffenreid were not there at the time of the crime, Underwood said. They had alibis and witnesses that had them in other places.

McClurkin said he blames race  hes black and the victim was white  for the conviction. The jury, prosecutor and judge were white.

What happened in 1977? he asked. I was black and I got life, thats what happened.

___

Information from: The Herald, http://www.heraldonline.com
The Pakistan Navy had said it detected an Indian submarine near its waters and "chased it out" in time, Geo News reported.

By Indo-Asian News Service: The Indian Navy today denied Pakistan's claim of detecting and chasing away an Indian submarine in its waters, amid heightening of bilateral tensions.

The Pakistan Navy had said it detected an Indian submarine near its waters and "chased it out" in time, Geo News reported.

"Indian Navy categorically denies the report as blatant lies," Indian Navy Spokesperson Captain DK Sharma said.

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According to a Pakistan Navy spokesperson, their fleet units "chased" the Indian submarine until it left Pakistani territory, Geo reported.

The spokesperson further said that the Pakistani Navy's ability to "push back" the submarine was a testament to the country's anti-submarine warfare capabilities.

Pakistan was "capable of giving a fitting response to any sort of aggression (by India)", the spokesperson added. He alleged that India is "trying to station its submarines in Pakistani waters".

Also Read: Indian Army rubbishes Pakistan's claim of killing of its 11 soldiers on Nov 14 in cross-border firing

Also Read: IM operative Andul Wahid channelised funds for outfit via Dubai from Pak: NIA

--- ENDS ---
Five local startups won free passage to next years South by Southwest conference in Texas at the Scrappy Startup Challenge Thursday night at Sister Bar Downtown.

The pitch competition featured nine new Albuquerque businesses seeking free SXSW tickets, valued at about $1,500 each, and other prizes.

The pitch event, sponsored by the New Mexico Technology Council and other local entrepreneurial groups, is one of about two dozen activities taking place in Albuquerque during this years Global Entrepreneurship Week, which began Nov. 11 and continues through Sunday.

The SXSW ticket winners include:

n DermaTec, which has a wearable patch for alcohol detection to prevent DWI

n Dovetail Community Workshop, which offers a makers space and classes for woodcrafters

n InnoBright, which is marketing technology to speed up the rendering process for video animation

n Teeniors, which pairs tech-savvy teens with seniors to help them navigate new technology

n MetaPipe, which offers cloud-based software for computer-generated imagery

The competitions three-judge panel named MetaPipe as the top-place winner, awarding it free vendor space at SXSW, automatic acceptance into ABQids Ski-lift pitch competition next February in Taos and a $500 cash prize.

DermaTec and Teeniors also won three months free rent at the FatPipe ABQ business incubator Downtown. And IndieBeats, which developed an app to promote local musicians, won a $50 peoples choice award.

SXSW co-sponsors the Scrappy Startup Challenge. Conference programming associate Dhinuka Perera served as a pitch-event judge.

Theres a groundswell of really creative, passionate people here working to create opportunities and develop resources to help startups make their dreams a reality, Perera told the Journal. SXSW is about helping people to be successful. Our goals align very well.

The Austin conference has become one of the nations premier annual gatherings for new businesses to network with investors and entrepreneurs, attend workshops and promote their ventures.

Austin has a huge makers movement, said Dovetail founder Erin ODonnell. The conference is a great place to meet people and share new technologies.
Albuquerque native Joshua Rupley is one of four finalists in the Inaugural Olga Kern International Piano Competition.

The only American in a pool of 11 semifinalists from across the globe, Rupley will perform Beethovens Concerto No. 3 with the New Mexico Philharmonic at Popejoy Hall when the eight judges, along with Kern, choose a winner Saturday. The stakes include $30,000 in prize money, a professional recording on the Steinway & Sons label and concert engagements throughout the U.S. and Europe.

I was a little dizzy; a little shocked, the 23-year-old Rupley said of the moment he learned he had made the final cut Thursday night.

If you go

WHAT: Inaugural Olga Kern International Piano Competition

WHEN: 6 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 19

WHERE: Popejoy Hall, University of New Mexico

HOW MUCH: $22-$75; $10 students with ID. Call 925-5858 or see WHAT: Inaugural Olga Kern International Piano CompetitionWHEN: 6 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 19WHERE: Popejoy Hall, University of New MexicoHOW MUCH: $22-$75; $10 students with ID. Call 925-5858 or see nmphil.org

In the second round, I was very pleased with the performance, he said. It felt great and everything worked.

The pianist plowed through a suite by Debussy, eight improvised Hungarian folk songs by Bartok, two Christmas pieces by Messien, Bachs Corelli variations and the competitions commissioned work by Scottish composer Rory Boyle.

Rupley has been practicing the pieces for his 60-minute performance since May.

I was totally exhausted after the performance, he said. It was like running as fast as you can for an hour.

His father John sat in the audience texting all his friends.

Rupley renewed himself by downing half a bag of trail mix.

Then I headed straight home and slept for an hour and a half, he said. He spent the rest of the afternoon practicing the Beethoven concerto for Saturdays finals as he waited for the judges decision.

His semifinal performance was scheduled early  about 11 a.m.  so he waited 12 hours before learning how hed done.

Rupley once battled nerves during performances. A recurring voice taunted him with, You dont know what comes next. Hes since learned how to silence the beast.

My goal is just to be so interested in my own playing that I dont notice the other things, he said. I can kind of tune it out.

He says he feels confident about the finals.

All I really wanted to do was get through round two, he said. Whatever happens next doesnt matter. I played a good program.

Rupley will compete against Anna Dmytrenko, 24, of the Ukraine; Chen Guang, 22, of China and Anastasiya Naplekova, 32, of the Ukraine. The initial outreach drew more than 100 applicants through blind auditions. A combination of donors and sponsorships provided funding.

In the second round, I was very pleased with the performance, he said. It felt great and everything worked.

The pianist plowed through a suite by Debussy, eight improvised Hungarian folk songs by Bartok, two Christmas pieces by Messien, Bachs Corelli variations and the competitions commissioned work by Scottish composer Rory Boyle.

Rupley has been practicing the pieces for his 60-minute performance since May.

I was totally exhausted after the performance, he said. It was like running as fast as you can for an hour.

His father John sat in the audience texting all his friends.

Rupley renewed himself by downing half a bag of trail mix.

Then I headed straight home and slept for an hour and a half, he said. He spent the rest of the afternoon practicing the Beethoven concerto for Saturdays finals as he waited for the judges decision.

His semifinal performance was scheduled early  about 11 a.m.  so he waited 12 hours before learning how hed done.

Rupley once battled nerves during performances. A recurring voice taunted him with, You dont know what comes next. Hes since learned how to silence the beast.

My goal is just to be so interested in my own playing that I dont notice the other things, he said. I can kind of tune it out.

He says he feels confident about the finals.

All I really wanted to do was get through round two, he said. Whatever happens next doesnt matter. I played a good program.

Rupley will compete against Anna Dmytrenko, 24, of the Ukraine; Chen Guang, 22, of China and Anastasiya Naplekova, 32, of the Ukraine. The initial outreach drew more than 100 applicants through blind auditions. A combination of donors and sponsorships provided funding.
President-elect Donald Trumps pick to lead the CIA is a Kansas congressman who is widely respected for his intelligence but also seen as a fierce partisan on polarizing issues including the deaths of U.S. personnel in Benghazi, the leaks of Edward Snowden and the email controversy that engulfed Hillary Clinton.

Rep. Mike Pompeo, R-Kan., has used his perch on the House Intelligence Committee to attack major pillars of President Barack Obamas foreign policy agenda including the nuclear deal with Iran. Just hours before his name surfaced as Trumps CIA nominee, Pompeo tweeted that he looked forward to rolling back this disastrous deal with the worlds largest state sponsor of terrorism.

In closed-door briefings on Capitol Hill, Pompeo has been an intense critic of a covert CIA program to train and arm moderate rebel forces in Syria, according to U.S. officials who said that dismantling the program  or at least subjecting it to a major reevaluation  would likely be at the top of his agenda if he is confirmed.

Pompeo, 52, has no meaningful experience in espionage issues beyond his relatively brief stint as a member of the House Intelligence Committee. But he has earned a reputation as a serious student of national security issues who finished first in his class at the U.S. military academy at West Point, served as a cavalry officer in the Army and earned a law degree from Harvard.

Current and former U.S. intelligence officials said that Pompeo is not widely known among the CIA rank-and-file but that his nomination was greeted at least initially as a reassuring development at a spy agency that has been treated largely with disdain by Trump.

Rep. Adam Schiff, D-Calif., who has sparred with Pompeo on Benghazi and other issues, gave the selection tempered praise in a statement released on Friday.

Mike is very bright and hard-working and will devote himself to helping the agency develop the best possible intelligence for policy makers, Schiff said. While we have had our share of strong differences  principally on the politicization of the tragedy in Benghazi  I know that he is someone who is willing to listen and engage, both key qualities in a CIA Director.

Pompeos congressional background raised early comparisons to that of Porter Goss, who was plucked from the House Intelligence Committee by then-President George W. Bush to lead the CIA and was forced to resign two years later after a turbulent tenure that saw one of his principal executives convicted of corruption charges.

Pompeos ties to the arch-conservative Tea Party movement and scant background on intelligence issues were also cited as a cause for concern among some CIA veterans.

The Tea Party owns the drones now, one official said, referring to the agencys involvement in lethal drone strikes against terrorist groups in Pakistan, Yemen and elsewhere.

But former senior CIA officials expressed guarded optimism that Pompeos ideological bent can be tempered by the analytic approach he has brought to difficult security subjects.

Im heartened by the choice, said former CIA director Michael V. Hayden, who has been a staunch critic of Trump on security matters. I would recommend that when he goes to Langley he get out of the car by himself and embrace the workforce, Hayden said, alluding to the rocky tenure of previous directors who arrived with entourages and agendas that put them at odds with the agencys powerful and entrenched directorate of spies.

In some ways Pompeo is already part of the intelligence inner-circle in Washington. He attended a dinner this week with CIA Director John Brennan at the home of former Republican congressman Mike Rogers, who had previously been seen as a leading candidate for the CIA job under Trump. The gathering included cast and producers of the CIA-themed show Homeland, according to a person familiar with the event.

Brennan has led a major bureaucratic overhaul of the agency over the past year, a re-organization designed to replicate the structure of the agencys Counterterrorism Center. Pompeo would face decisions on whether to preserve those changes.

Pompeo emerged as a surprise pick for Trump. His name had not surfaced in the flurry of post-election rumors that had largely focused on other potential nominees, including Rogers, who was ousted from the Trump transition team this week, and Rep. Devin Nunes, R-Calif., the current chairman of the House Intelligence Committee who reportedly turned down a chance at the CIA job.

Pompeo reportedly has close ties to the Koch family, Kansas billionaires who have devoted a considerable part of their wealth to advancing a deeply conservative agenda and driving Democrats out of office. Articles in Kansas papers indicate that Pompeo built much of his wealth with investment funds from Koch industries and that his campaigns for Congress have been backed by Koch money.

In just five years in Congress, he has built a political following by staking extreme positions in polarizing debates. He has called for Snowden to face the death penalty and for Clinton to be barred from receiving classified information.

Pompeo was one of the more outspoken Republican members of the House Select Committee on Benghazi, saying that the Obama administration was guilty of a scandal worse than Watergate. When the committee concluded its final report in July, Pompeo and fellow member Rep. Jim Jordan, R-Ohio, released a 48-page annex charging failure at the most senior levels of government and calling for additional information on what he said was the administrations intentional misrepresentation and concealment of facts.

During hearings, his questions to administration witnesses were often among the most accusatory. In October 2015, when Clinton testified for the second time, Pompeo grilled her on her relationship with slain U.S. Ambassador J. Christopher Stevens, included a series of rapid-fire questions about why Stevens did not have her personal telephone number, did not know her personal home address and had never stopped by your house.

Separately, in remarks that drew sharp criticism from U.S. Muslim organizations, Pompeo said that Muslim leaders who fail to denounce acts of terrorism done in the name of Islam were potentially complicit in the attacks.

Pompeo led congressional attacks on the nuclear accord Obama reached with Iran last year, accusing the administration of hiding a series of secret side deals from the public, allegations rejected by the White House.

At the same time, it is not clear whether Pompeo will be in agreement with the most extreme positions taken by his new bosses, Trump and his designated national security adviser, Michael T. Flynn.

Trump has called for the CIA to resume the use of waterboarding and other interrogation measures widely condemned as torture. Trump has derided the quality of the intelligence from the nations spy community, publicly belittling a multi-agency conclusion that Russia used cyberespionage methods to interfere in the U.S. election.

Pompeo is not known to have publicly backed those positions and in some cases has articulated views that would seem at odds with the Trump team. In a speech delivered in Kansas last year after returning from a trip to the Middle East, Pompeo cautioned against equating all Muslims with terrorism, saying that a line needs to be drawn between those who are on the side of extremism and those who are fighting against them.



The Washington Posts Karen DeYoung contributed to this report.

pompeo
CHEYENNE, Wyo.  A Wyoming man pleaded guilty Friday to involuntary manslaughter in the death of an infant whose disappearance prompted an unsuccessful search of a northern Colorado landfill this month for his remains.

Authorities still havent found the body of 13-month-old Silas Ojeda, who was reported missing late last month by his grandfather. Divers searched a pond on Wednesday on the outskirts of Cheyenne but found nothing.

Logan Rogers, 23, entered his plea Friday in district court in Cheyenne. He faces up to 20 years in prison at a later sentencing.

Prosecutors have agreed to drop a second charge alleging Rogers endangered Silas by exposing him to methamphetamine before his death on Oct. 20.

Rogers was the boyfriend of Ojedas mother, Rhiannon Ojeda, according to law enforcement statements filed in court.

Rogers told Judge Thomas Campbell that Rhiannon Ojeda was present at their Cheyenne home when Silas fell off a counter. Rogers said he bathed Silas after he fell but said the boy had a seizure.

Under questioning of his defense lawyer, Brandon Booth, Rogers responded yes when asked whether he or anyone else in the home was using methamphetamine at the time Silas fell.

Rogers said he performed CPR on Silas for an hour but said it wasnt successful. Campbell didnt question Rogers about what he did with Silas body.

According to a detectives statement filed in court, Rogers has told investigators that he had put Silas body in a trash container at a local community college.

Trash from the container goes to a landfill near Ault, Colorado. Authorities searched for Ojedas body at the landfill for more than a week before halting the effort late last week.

Booth told Campbell that prosecutors have been keeping him informed about developments in the investigation. Booth said he believes there are two or three other people who will have an interest in saving their skin as the case unfolds. Even though a body has not been found, Booth said evidence could develop that would pre-empt Rogers ability to argue that he was guilty only of manslaughter.

Campbell told Rogers that Booth was describing the trade-off that Rogers was making by pleading guilty without going to trial. Theyre not going to, now or later, charge you with murder or some other, greater offense, the judge said of prosecutors.

Silas grandfather, Richard Ojeda of Cheyenne, called authorities on Oct. 26 to report his grandson missing. He declined comment after Fridays court hearing. Booth also declined comment.

Jeremiah Sandburg, Laramie County district attorney, said after the hearing, I cannot comment on the case. Its still a very active investigation.
RIGA, Latvia  Amid surging fears about what the Trump presidency will mean for nations lining Russias border, the employees of Latvias Defense Ministry already have a worst-case plan: They will defend their imposing headquarters in central Riga to the last.

They formed a 20-person-strong unit of a volunteer militia over the summer. They are armed. And they have been training.

Baltic leaders, scarred by the Soviet takeover in 1940 that lasted for more than half a century, are worried that they could be cut out of any deal that Trump makes with Russian President Vladimir Putin. The president-elect repeatedly praised Putin on the campaign trail as a stronger leader than President Obama and has vowed to prioritize cooperation with the Kremlin on anti-terrorism efforts. Trump and Putin spoke on the phone on Monday in a conversation that made no mention of Russias annexation of Crimea or support for rebels in eastern Ukraine, according to the Kremlin.

Here in Latvia, a nation of 2 million where the annual government budget is one-sixtieth what the United States spends on its military alone, security officials are responding to the U.S. push to bolster their military capabilities in big and small ways. That includes the scrappy effort to protect the Defense Ministry, a fallback plan that employees were preparing even before Trumps victory.

We will have weapons in the ministry and we will be ready to defend ourselves, said Defense Ministry State Secretary Janis Garisons, a mild-mannered former diplomat who is the senior civil servant in the ministry  and who has been drilling with his colleagues since summertime.

Latvia, Lithuania and Estonia joined the North Atlantic Treaty Organization in 2004 and received commitments of thousands of allied troops just this summer. But they were spooked by Trumps campaign-time view that NATO was obsolete and his vow that he would not automatically come to the aid of U.S. allies if they were attacked by Russia and instead would review if they fulfill their obligations to us.

Now Baltic leaders are waiting to see how Trump actually shapes his evolving relationship toward Putin and NATO. Mindful that Baltic states have little ability to shape U.S. policy, many here say that they have no choice but to continue with their current plans, which include bolstering defense spending above their NATO commitments. But Latvian officials also say they are ramping up planning for the last-ditch scenario if they need to fend off Russia on their own.

Though the countries would be vastly outmatched if the Kremlin invaded using its conventional forces, they say they have the will to mount a fierce insurgency. Latvia is expanding its part-time volunteer force, the National Guard, to 8,000 people and in the wake of Trumps election hopes to push the numbers higher. Estonia has enrolled more than 25,000 volunteers in its similar Defense League. Lithuania has published guides about what to do in case of Russian invasion.

The dreams that Americans or God will save us, its somehow over, said Artis Pabriks, a former Latvia defense minister who is now a lawmaker in the European Parliament. We simply have to stick to the view that if something should happen, we will fight like the Finns in 1939, so the West will have to help us.

Angst about Trump suffused Latvian Independence Day celebrations Friday, even making its way into the official benediction at the 13th-century Riga Cathedral as leaders and military officials prayed for Latvias continued freedom. The service ended with Latvias national anthem, which was a crime to sing during the half-century of Russian domination that ended in 1991.

For the first time were worried about our future, our kids, said Ivars Aboltins, 41, a civil engineer who brought his family to the banks of the Daugava River on Friday to watch a military parade marking the holiday. A handful of U.S., British and Canadian troops stationed in the country also took part.

At home, we dont talk about politics, but he can tell were worried, Aboltins said of his 8-year-old son.

But amid the concerns, Latvians also take comfort that despite the countrys size, they believe it has pulled its weight in recent years. Latvian forces fought alongside U.S. soldiers in Afghanistan and Iraq, and seven soldiers were killed.

We are not going to panic, said Latvian Foreign Minister Edgars Rinkevics. We really dont see the end of the world as we know it.

He noted that presidents George W. Bush and Barack Obama also tried to reset relations with Putin before abandoning those efforts when the Kremlin proved more obstreperous than they expected.

Despite the concerns from national leaders, voices in Latvias ethnic Russian minority, which is about a third of the population, welcome the prospect of reconciliation between the United States and Russia.

If we can get back to the relations we had in 2013, before the Crimean annexation, wed welcome that, said Nils Usakovs, the mayor of Riga and the leader of the Harmony Center party, which draws most of its support from Russian speakers. It was very relaxed. There was trade, tourism.

Over the summer, the United States, Britain, Canada and Germany committed to lead battalions of about a thousand troops each in Latvia, Poland, Lithuania and Estonia. Despite Trumps questioning of NATO, the U.S. troops who will be deploying to Poland early next year have already begun the complex logistical arrangements to transit across the ocean. And it is unclear whether the new president would be willing to accept the international opprobrium that would come from backing down on the plans.

People who go to Moscow and think we can offer peace in our time, they dont understand that from every encounter like that, Putin takes something very substantial, said Juri Luik, the head of the International Center for Defense and Security, based in Tallinn, Estonia . If you are ready to give it to him, you have to be ready to look like a real loser, someone who rolls over and plays dead.

Still, some leaders here say they fear the Trump administration may abandon long-term commitments to NATO or the U.S. advocacy of sanctions against Russia  and they say that if the United States backs out, European nations may be quick to follow. On a tour of Europe this week, Obama said that Trump was committed to NATO. But many U.S. allies would prefer to hear that from Trump.

Most officials here doubt that their security is immediately on the line. Trumps apparent unpredictability may lead Putin to be cautious about making mischief inside NATO countries  and Trump even said before the election that under his command, the U.S. military would shoot down Russian jets if they showed disrespect by buzzing U.S. ships and planes. Unlike in Ukraine, which the Kremlin appears to covet because of its historical ties to Russia, Baltic officials say they feel they are targets only because attacking them would challenge NATO and the European Union as a whole.

If President Trump could work a deal with President Putin that would reverse the annexation of Crimea, remove all Russian troops from Ukraine and remove the buildup of troops on the Baltic border, then we say more power to him, said Ojars Kalnins, the chairman of the foreign-affairs committee in Latvias parliament. But if a good relationship is at the expense of the Ukrainian people or security on our borders, that does trouble us.

Kalnins and other Baltic lawmakers are planning a trip to Washington in early December to meet with Republicans in Congress in a bid to appeal to their traditionally hawkish position on Russia.

It remains unclear how much influence the Republican establishment will have on Trumps foreign policy. Trump is expected to award his most influential national security position to retired Lt. Gen. Michael Flynn, the former head of the Defense Intelligence Agency who astonished his former colleagues by traveling to Moscow last year and sitting next to Putin at a gala dinner sponsored by Russia Today, the state-owned Russian television network. Flynn has called for tighter ties with Putin to battle the Islamic State in Syria.

Its a present, current security threat for us. We do not need to be told that it is. We know it, said Lolita Cigane, who is the head of the European-affairs committee in the Latvian parliament and said she is counting on Trump to hold to U.S. commitments.

But her family has a fallback, she said: Her husband recently signed up for the National Guard.

baltics
Federal Statistical Office

Neuchatel, 18.11.2016 - Neuchatel, 18.11.2016 (FSO)  In Switzerland one in 20 children was affected by income poverty in 2014 and one in six was at risk of poverty. Children growing up in households without an employed person or with a single parent are particularly affected. They are also more likely to be confronted with material deprivation and poor housing conditions. In many households that have to cope with material deprivation, parents put the children's needs before their own. These are some of the findings from the new report by the Federal Statistical Office (FSO) on child poverty and material deprivation.

This press release and further information on this topic can be found on the FSO website (see link below)

Address for enquiries

Martina Guggisberg, FSO, Social Analyses Section, tel.: +41 58 463 62 38,

e-mail: martina.guggisberg@bfs.admin.ch

Publisher

Federal Statistical Office

http://www.statistics.admin.ch




Federal Department of Finance

Bern, 18.11.2016 - On 18 November 2016, Switzerland and Uruguay signed a joint declaration on the introduction of the automatic exchange of information (AEOI) in tax matters on a reciprocal basis. Both countries intend to start collecting data in accordance with the global AEOI standard in 2018 and to exchange it from 2019 onwards.

The signing of the joint declaration with Uruguay by Switzerland's ambassador in Montevideo confirms Switzerland's international commitment to implementing the AEOI standard. Switzerland is thus strengthening its network of AEOI partner states. Uruguay meets in particular the high demands in terms of adherence to the principle of speciality and the safeguarding of confidentiality for the data delivered, which are prerequisites for the introduction of the AEOI.

From a legal viewpoint, the automatic exchange of information with Uruguay will be implemented based on the Multilateral Competent Authority Agreement on the Automatic Exchange of Financial Account Information (MCAA). The MCAA is based on the international standard for the exchange of information developed by the OECD.

The Federal Council has authorised the Federal Department of Finance (FDF) to conduct a consultation for the introduction of the AEOI with Uruguay and other countries. It will be initiated soon. Thereafter, the corresponding federal decrees will be submitted to Parliament for approval.

Address for enquiries

Beat Werder, Head of Communications, State Secretariat for International Financial Matters SIF

Tel. +41 58 469 79 47, beat.werder@sif.admin.ch

Publisher

Federal Department of Finance

https://www.efd.admin.ch/efd/en/home.html




Federal Department of Finance

Bern, 18.11.2016 - On 18 November 2016, Switzerland and Brazil signed a joint declaration on the introduction of the automatic exchange of information (AEOI) in tax matters on a reciprocal basis. Like in the declaration with Argentina, both countries intend to start collecting data in accordance with the global AEOI standard in 2018 and to exchange it from 2019 onwards. State Secretary Jorg Gasser from the State Secretariat for international Finance Matters (SIF) met with representatives of the Brazilian authorities in Brasilia. Here issues to do with market access for financial service providers were also discussed.

The signing of the joint declaration with Brazil confirms Switzerland's international commitment to implementing the AEOI standard. Switzerland is thus strengthening its network of AEOI partner states. Brazil meets in particular the high demands in terms of adherence to the principle of speciality and the safeguarding of confidentiality for the data delivered, which are prerequisites for the introduction of the AEOI.

From a legal viewpoint, the automatic exchange of information with Brazil will be implemented based on the Multilateral Competent Authority Agreement on the Automatic Exchange of Financial Account Information (MCAA). The MCAA is based on the international standard for the exchange of information developed by the OECD.

The Federal Council has authorised the Federal Department of Finance (FDF) to conduct a consultation for the introduction of the AEOI with Brazil and other countries. It will be initiated soon. Thereafter, the corresponding federal decrees will be submitted to Parliament for approval.

State Secretary Jorg Gasser from the State Secretariat for international Finance Matters (SIF) ended his working visit to South America with a visit to Brazil. Switzerland's financial market policy, market access for financial service providers, the positions of partners in international financial bodies and the possibility of structural reforms were the main topics during the visit.

Address for enquiries

Beat Werder, Head of Communications, State Secretariat for International Financial Matters SIF

Tel. +41 58 469 79 47, beat.werder@sif.admin.ch

Publisher

Federal Department of Finance

https://www.efd.admin.ch/efd/en/home.html




We can help you make sense of the agribusiness industry, extending from chemicals and fertilizers used as inputs into agriculture, to the commodities, food and by-products that are an output to farming, with policy and regulation applied at every step of the value chain.
The Pakistani Navy chased an Indian submarine in Pakistan's territorial waters and forced it to retreat from there, news channel in Pakistan claims.

By Sandeep Unnithan : A Pakistani TV channel today uploaded footage of what it claimed were the images of an "Indian submarine" in Pakistani territorial waters.

Samaa TV claimed the submarine was "detected and expelled" by the Pakistan Navy.

"Pakistan Navy chased and later warned the submarine, forcing it to retreat," the TV channel quoted a Pakistan naval spokesman.

An Indian Navy spokesperson, however, dismissed the claim and the footage broadcast by the channel. "We have no assets operating in the north Arabian Sea."

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Indian veteran submariners who viewed the video say it appears to be a type 209 diesel-electric submarine of the kind operated by the Indian Navy.

ALO READ | India denies Pakistan navy claim of submarine straying into territorial waters



'NOTHING TO SUGGEST THAT IT WAS AN INDIAN SUBMARINE'

The German-designed type 209 submarine is operated by a dozen navies, including the Turkish, South African and South Korea. The footage appears to have been captured using an infra red sensor and shows a submarine snorting or sucking in air to run its diesel engines." (A diesel-electric submarine has to periodically surface or run a snort mast close to the surface from which it takes in air. The diesel engines are used to charge the submarine's batteries).

In the footage, three parts of the submarine's mast can be spotted sticking out of the water-a snort mast, an electro-optical periscope mast and a radio communication mast.

"There is however nothing on the footage- no coordinates, latitude or longitude position or anything at all to suggest it is an Indian submarine," they said.

Also Read:

Indian Navy warship INS Nashak out of action for weeks after freak accident



--- ENDS ---
The rampant inflation currently tearing through world economies has had little to no effect on venture capital investing according to a new survey from PitchBook.
Arun Kumar Chowdhary, resident of Raxaul in Bihar today faced a harrowing time to withdraw Rs 40000 from his account for the marriage of his daughter which is scheduled for November 24.

By Rohit Kumar Singh: After the Centre granted immediate relief of withdrawing Rs 2.5 lacs to families where a marriage is scheduled to be held in next few days, banks are not complying with the guidelines. Arun Kumar Chowdhary, resident of Raxaul in Bihar today faced a harrowing time to withdraw Rs 40000 from his account for the marriage of his daughter which is scheduled for November 24.

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A small time grocer, Chowdhary had gone to withdraw money from HDFC bank where he has an account but was refused to withdraw the money for marriage as the bank manager cited lack of any official communication regarding the Centre's guidelines.

The wedding card

"We have also heard about the Centre's guidelines where a person can withdraw Rs 2.5 lacs from bank for the purpose of marriage but we have no official circular from the bank head office in this regard", said Nilesh Kumar, Bank Manager, HDFC Bank.

Chowdhary who had Rs 46,000 in his account wanted to withdraw Rs 40000 but he could manage to withdraw only Rs 10,000 Chowdhary, out of the withdrawal limit of Rs 24,000 per week set by the Centre had had already withdrawn Rs 14,000 earlier this week and therefore he could only withdraw Rs 10,000, which according to Chowdhary was insufficient.

"The bank is informing that they have not received any official communication from their seniors and therefore they have refused me to withdraw Rs 40,000. I have distributed wedding cards for my daughter's marriage and I don't know what to do now", said Arun Chowdhary, father of the girl.

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These new Rs 2000 notes had been kept to help people get their now-demonetised notes exchanged. Thieves could not open the steel vault containing the cash.

By Rohini Swamy: Thieves attempted to rob a post office in Mandya that had Rs 42 lakh in cash in denomination of 2000 rupee notes. These Rs 2000 notes had been kept to help people get their now-demonetised notes exchanged.

The notes were kept in a steel vault after post office officials had no choice but to store them there as banks had refused to accept the money, saying they had no space in their security vaults.



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POST OFFICES LACK SECURITY ARRANGEMENTS



Since post offices lack proper security arrangements, thieves had planned to rob this one at Mandya but failed to do so as they were unable to open the steel vault. While they broke open the door, they couldn't open the vault despite using gas cutters.

Also read | Motorists now vulnerable to robbery attempts on DND flyway after removal of guards



Sensing that they could be caught by the locals in the vicinity as the post office was located in a residential area, they fled in a hurry. But the incident has raised questions on the safety of the new denominations in post offices, which lack proper security to store huge amounts of money.

--- ENDS ---
Seventh seed PV Sindhu moved past Chinese He Bingjiao 22-20, 21-10 in 39 minutes to reach the semis.

PV Sindhu will play the winner of Akane Yamaguchi and Sung ji Hyun (Reuters Photo)

By Indo-Asian News Service: Olympic silver medallist P.V. Sindhu advanced to the semi-finals, while Ajay Jayaram exited in the last eight stage of the China Superseries Premier badminton tournament here on Friday.

Seventh seed Sindhu moved past Chinese He Bingjiao 22-20, 21-10 in 39 minutes. The Indian will meet the winner between Japan's Akane Yamaguchi and Sung ji Hyun of South Korea. (Also read: Indian badminton team manager cancelled visa application : China)



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Jayaram, meanwhile, found it tough against Olympic champion Chen Long of China, who won 21-15, 21-14 in 40 minutes.

Long will meet Olympic bronze medallist Viktor Axelsen, who smashed past Japanese Takuma Ueda 21-11, 21-6 in just 30 minutes.

--- ENDS ---
Serious threats abound for small businesses according to the Chairman of the Small Firms Association (SFA), AJ Noonan, who was today addressing over 500 small businesses at the SFA Annual Lunch.



Brexit is one factor in this shift according to the SFA Chairman. Forty one per cent of SFA members report that Brexit has already had a negative impact on their business, rising to 68% expecting a negative impact in the next 6 months.



In May, 66% of small businesses thought the business environment was improving, this has dropped to 50%. The number that feels it is disimproving has jumped from 3% to 18%. In the SFA quarterly sentiment survey conducted just this week, managing wage expectations has emerged as the most important issue facing small businesses.

The Government has already committed to effectively a 2.5% pay increase per public sector worker with 150mn in increments and 317mn under existing commitments under Lansdowne Road. In contrast, just 60% of SFA members are able to give pay increases this year with the average being 2%.



SFA Chairman, AJ Noonan today commented, "We need immediate Government intervention to help sustainable businesses maintain their businesses and the jobs they employ in every part of the country to survive this crisis, with direct stabilisation funding and with new low interest and specialised export credit insurance and trade finance. We need Government to become obsessive about our cost-competitiveness and tax-competitiveness vis-a-vis the UK."

Source: www.businessworld.ie

About us
The charity sectors relationship with government has gone horribly wrong, the chief executive of Social Enterprise UK told charity leaders yesterday.

Speaking in London at the annual conference of charity leaders body Acevo, Peter Holbrook said that government needed to make a number of changes to reform that relationship, but also warned that the sector itself had to take the blame for some of its reputational problems.

Holbrook told delegates that government had made a series of promises in opposition to empower charities, in a 2008 document entitled A stronger society: Voluntary action in the 21st century.

In that document David Cameron, then the leader of the opposition, wrote:

Our aim is not to change the voluntary sector, which is more than capable of changing itself as it sees fit. Rather, our aim is to change government: from being an object that gets in the way of civil society to being a force that gets behind civil society, open to, and supportive of, the energy and initiative of a free and civilised nation.

Holbrook said this vision had not been met.

I think its fair to say that relationship with government has been more strained in recent years, he said.

He said government promises had gone unmet, including a powerful Office for Civil Society, a select committee on civil society and a new, more powerful version of the Compact  the agreement governing good practice in governments relationship with charity.

The Compact promises long-term funding, freedom of voice for civil society, and consideration for the needs of charity when drafting new policy. While it is still official government policy that the Compact should be followed, it has little force.

Holbrook questioned whether it was possible for the sector to feel trusted by government, and asked why so few promises had been met.

This is a consequence of cock-up rather than conspiracy, he said. We have to find an opportunity to restore this relationship because just about everyone would recognise that this has gone horribly wrong.

There is part of the current government that wants charities to just be quiet and deliver services. There is another group that feel we should just stick to our knitting.

Only when we consider our current range of influence within the context of events in the United States is it possible to draw any comfort at all.

Sector also to blame

Holbrook said the sector had some honesty to undertake about its own role in its reduced reputation.

He said charities had not communicated clearly enough with the public and with government about the reality of how they operated.

We have been complicit in allowing the public and our other stakeholders to continue in an unreconstructed view of what we do, he said. The sector is far more diverse than we allow our stakeholders to understand.

He said charities were economic units which had paid staff, and that the voluntary and community sector was on the periphery in financial terms. And he said that social enterprises were starting up at three times the rate of traditional charities and were increasingly a large part of the solution.

Theres a growing view that charities have failed to tackle some of the big challenges weve faced, he said. Charity alone cant be our solution to social problems.

Challenges to charities and government

Holbrook outlined five challenges for the sector

Create better collaboration between infrastructure organisations.

Increase transparency in reporting.

Make better use of the evidence of the impact of what we do.

Be much more honest with the public about what happens within charities.

Invest more in an infrastructure to support front line services.

And four for government:

Implement the recommendation of the 2012 Hodgson review of charity regulation in full

Enforce the Compact

End uncertainty around anti-advocacy

Reform the governance of the Charity Commission
More needs to be done to protect the consumer, the agency says

Consumers who think that Buy Now Pay Later (BNPL) loans are a perfect way to buy something on time should perhaps think a little more. After seeing BNPL grow tenfold over the past three years, the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB) went on a mission to find out if those type loans have anything that could harm the consumer in any way.

On top of issues like the risk of fraud and the impact on credit scores, the agency concluded in its new report that while the ma...
Low-price alternatives can be good, but the features can be slim pickins

Just like nearly everything else, customer satisfaction with wireless services is trending down. According to the American Customer Satisfaction Index (ACSI) Wireless Phone Service and Cell Phone Study 2021-2022, that segment retreated 1.4% to a score of 73 (out of 100).

But there is a silver lining to that cloud. Satisfaction with value mobile virtual network operators (MVNO) like Boost Mobile, Consumer Cellular, and Mint, which buy minutes from the mobile big boys like...
Minneapolis Fed President Neel Kashkari on Wednesday released his plan to end too-big-to-fail banks, advocating for much higher capital levels for large banks and a tax on leverage for shadow banks.

Kashkari released his four-step plan in comments before the Economic Club of New York.

A former assistant secretary of the Treasury who oversaw the Troubled Asset Relief Program (TARP) that was part of the governments response to the 2008 financial crisis, Kashkari said that while he supported Congress moving quickly to institute the Dodd-Frank financial reform act in 2010, and that significant progress has been made to strengthen the U.S. financial system under the act, the biggest banks are still too-big-to fail and continue to pose a significant, ongoing risk to our economy.

Many experts agree, he said, that TBTF still exists today because current plans to address it have not been fully implemented. More importantly, we believe that the current plan, even when fully implemented, will not sufficiently minimize the threat of TBTF.
Credit unions are fully aware that there is a new kid in town and he isnt playing by the traditional rules. His name is fintech. In the last five years, the global investment community has been ramping up investments in technology start-ups that are targeting the financial services industry with extremely disruptive offerings.

There are many different forms of fintech innovation aimed at a number of traditional banking functions, including payments, lending and personal financial management. Regardless of the service targeted, there are two key weapons fintech start-ups typically have in common in their arsenalsimplicity and agility.

Simplicity. Many fintechs focus on democratizing complex services by offering an extremely easy-to-use online service at market-beating rates. Unlike traditional financial institutions, fintechs tend to focus on one specific product or service.

Agility. Another differentiator for fintechs is speed. These start-ups look for opportunities to dramatically streamline business processes through innovation, digitization and cutting out human involvement wherever possible.

A good example of how fintech leverages simplicity and agility is QuickenLoans Rocket Mortgage. This service enables customers to upload all of their mortgage application data directly to QuickenLoans system, eliminating the need to talk to a loan officer. The system then automatically analyzes the application as an underwriter would do and, if accepted, offers real-time rates for the customer to lock in. Rocket Mortgage reduces the mortgage application process from weeks or months, traditionally, to 10 minutes or less.

Taking stock of mobile capabilities is key

Fintech players like these are forcing financial institutions to rethink how they do business. One area in particular that requires intense focus is mobile services, a favorite delivery channel for fintech services.

In comparison with other industries that send high volumes of customer communications, financial services organizations have been leading adopters of mobile technology. Despite this, financial institutions are under pressure to continue to review their mobile operations and business models, checking them against new market realities and building future-proof platforms that are agile enough to keep up with evolving technology and competition.

Mobile technologies are also shaping consumer expectations about how organizations should engage with them. E-commerce and technology companies such as Amazon, Apple and Google are leading the way in streamlining the customer experience, realizing it results in better engagement, more up-sell and cross-sell opportunities, higher brand advocacy and lower customer attrition rates. Costs are typically reduced as well, which means fewer complaints, lower service needs and reduced acquisition costs.

Credit unions and other financial services organizations should give careful consideration to the many different ways in which mobile engagement is taking place. Popular options include mobile banking (whether as a native app or as a mobile-optimized web page), mobile payments, the use of mobile as a security device and using mobile push messages through an app. There is particularly high interest in mobile push messages, and most major financial institutions are expected to implement this technology in the next five years. Mobile push messages drive higher engagement and can be interactive when, for example, suspicious transactions require a quick response from the customer.

Consider the benefits of a CCM strategy

When developing mobile customer communications as part of a transformed business process, it is important to ensure it is developed in the most agile way possible. This will not be the result if an organization digitizes its business processes and then hard codes its customer communications in the app itself or develops additional, proprietary database-driven platforms that involve costly IT resources to adapt or maintain.

A better approach is to leverage a customer communications management (CCM) platform that marries messaging templates with data from a system-of-record such as a CRM or ERP and pushes personalized messaging out to any delivery format required. This strategy drives agility by enabling the easy repurposing of content for virtually any channel, including integrating directly into a mobile or web app, and it supports tracking and archiving customer interactions. It also enables business users to take full control of message development and management, eliminating the need to involve IT resources.

Other benefits of a CCM strategy include the ability to accommodate customer channel preferences, meet compliance requirements and enhance brand awareness. Moreover, for enterprises that use a corporate-wide communications infrastructure to centralize all of their communications, it will be easier for customer service representatives and front-line business users to gain a full understanding of what has been communicated with a specific customer. Marketers and customer insights professionals can leverage this data as well for better up-sell/cross-sell promotions and more relevant communications in general.

Fintech is pushing the envelope when it comes to relevant customer communications. However, implementing a flexible and agile customer communications management strategy, credit unions and other financial organizations can meet the fintech challenge and achieve enhanced internal processes and improved customer experience along the way.
There are so many apps for our smartphones that sometimes its hard to know which ones are worth downloading. There is literally an app out there for everything, from communication and messaging, to gaming, health, and travel. With Turkey Day right around the corner, we thought wed give you some ideas for food and cooking apps, to make your Thanksgiving just a little less stressful.

BigOven: This app allows you to easily search and organize recipes, create shared grocery lists, and follow your friends and favorite bloggers for cooking inspiration. Downloaded over 11 million times, BigOven is one of the only apps available that will synchronize your recipes, grocery lists, and meal plans across the web and your various mobile devices.

Appetites: If youre like me, even if youve gathered all the ingredients and have all the proper cooking utensils, sometimes you still have trouble getting it together in the kitchen. The Appetites app provides you with hundreds of step-by-step cooking videos and tutorials. If you need even more assistance, you can actually order all your ingredients directly from the app and have them delivered directly to your door that same-day.

GrubHub: Sometimes if youre not planning a large family affair, you dont feel like cooking at all on Thanksgiving Day. If thats the case, GrubHub is for you. This app provides free online ordering at thousands of different restaurants for both delivery and pickup. So kick back and relax and have the food brought directly to you.

Escoffier Cooks Companion: This free app is the perfect companion to any cook, whether its your first time in the kitchen or youre an expert chef. It includes conversions (how many tablespoons are actually in one cup?), timers, and various references to help make things easier during meal prep.

Dont get stressed or frustrated thinking about meal planning this Thanksgiving holiday. Utilize that smartphone and use technology to your advantage so you can truly enjoy your time with family and friends.
In a suspected case of ragging death, a 17-year-old girl ended her life in Andhra Pradesh by consuming pesticide.

Usha Rani, who committed suicide by consuming pesticide in her hostel room.

By India Today Web Desk: Failing to cope up with an alleged ragging at an engineering college in Andhra Pradesh, a first-year student has committed suicide. Usha Rani consumed pesticides after allegedly being harassed by a senior of the RGM Nandyal Engineering College.

The 17-year-old girl reportedly ended her life in her hostel room Thursday night. The incident took place at Nandyal in Kunool district of Andhra Pradesh.

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READ| Committing suicide not easy, Amity student wrote to his parents



Usha Rani was a native of Budwel in neighboring Kadapa district and pursuing B Tech Information Technology course at the college.

Usha Rani was a native of Kadapa district in Andhra Pradesh.

Usha's parents and friends have lodged a complaint with the police alleging that she was ragged by her senior forcing her to take the extreme step.

The college management, however, denied the ragging allegation. The college administration said that an anti-ragging regulation was in place on the campus for past seven years. Strict monitoring is done to prevent any kind of ragging, the college said.

Usha Rani was a B Tech first-year student. Usha Rani was a B Tech first-year student.

READ| Another Hyderabad University student commits suicide

Meanwhile, the Kadappa Police have registered a case under section 306 of the IPC and various sections of anti-ragging Act of 1997. Probe is on to ascertain the chain of events that led to the alleged suicide.

WATCH:





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Dalhousie had a big night at the 14th annual Discovery Awards on Thursday evening.



The Discovery Awards, hosted by Halifaxs Discovery Centre, are an annual event that recognizes talented individuals and outstanding companies for their national and international work in the science and technology fields. Before a capacity crowd at the Halifax Marriott Harbourfront Hotel, the evening celebrated innovative and groundbreaking research happening right here in Nova Scotia.



By the end of the event, Dalhousie researchers from the Faculties of Science and Medicine walked away with awards in three of the four major categories.



Professional of Distinction Award: James Robar



James Robar, a professor in Dals Faculty of Medicine, was the winner of this years Professional of Distinction Award.



Dr. Robars career has been devoted to helping improve the lives of cancer patients who receive radiation therapy. His research and development efforts have led to more than 80 publications, 10 patent applications, and two spin-off companies. He has a passion for translating his fundamental work into practical solutions that can be  and are  used in the clinic. He is also director of Dal's Medical Physics programs.



Graduate students are the engines, really, who bring our ideas to fruition. And frankly, they make us look really good, says Dr. Robar. I truly appreciate receiving this award. its really easy to shine when youre surrounded by stars.



Emerging Professional: Alec Falkenham



A PhD graduate from the Department of Pathology and now first-year Medicine student, Alec Falkenham hit the headlines after he came up with a new tattoo removal technology. The story went global and generated hundreds of inquiries, indicating he had hit a sweet spot in public need.



Dr. Falkenhams tattoo removal technology (the rights to which were acquired by Cipher Pharmaceuticals in May 2016) speeds up the bodys natural process that causes ink to fade. It does this by targeting white blood cells called macrophages, which remove foreign material from the body. What his team did was develop a cream carrying a lipid-vesicle, or liposome. When the cream is applied to a tattoo, ink-containing macrophages die off and new macrophages enter the skin. Some of the new macrophages depart for the lymph nodes with a cargo of ink, thus fading the tattoo.



I'm so honoured to have won a discovery award, says Dr. Falkenham. Just being a finalist for category of Emerging Professional was a great accomplishment. That said, there is a lot of credit due to those who supported, inspired and mentored me, including my supervisor, Dr. Jean Francois Legare, my partner in Dal's ILI office, Andrea McCormick, my good friend and colleague Roberto de Antueno, and my fiancee Kerry McInnes. I also can't forget to thank my brother Tom for getting me interested in tattoos in the first place.



Dr. Falkenham is also an up-and-coming name in cardiovascular research. As a graduate student, he presented nationally on how the immune system heals the heart and has been awarded multiple provincial and national scholarships.



Science Champion: Boris Worm



Boris Worm has long felt compelled to share knowledge on the state of our global ocean. Dr. Worm, a professor in the Department of Biology, is fast-becoming a household name. Between publishing his headline-making research on marine biodiversity and conservation, Dr. Worm is the Oceans Guy for CBC Radio 1, covering ocean issues every second Tuesday afternoon in his own radio column. The marine biologists passionate voice has been captured in documentaries like Sharkwater, Racing Extinction and Bluefin.



Dr. Worm took home the Science Champion Discovery Award, and during his acceptance remarks spoke of how he started out as a basic scientist, and through his work, learned how much trouble the oceans were in.



It created this sensation that I needed to get this [message] out, because I felt that most people werent really aware of this, said Dr. Worm. And to this day, we know less about the ocean than we really could  including us scientists.



Now, Dr. Worm is taking science education and outreach to a new level with Ocean School, a groundbreaking new educational initiative done in partnership with the Ocean Frontier Institute and the National Film Board. Ocean School will bring ocean education for 11-15 year olds into classrooms using cutting-edge technologies, powerful storytelling techniques and audiovisual teaching platforms. The Ocean School pilot project will launch early next year in some grade seven classes in Nova Scotia.



Science Hall of Fame Inductee: Jeff Dahn



Jeff Dahn, NSERC/Tesla Canada Inc. Industrial Research Chair, Canada Research Chair in Materials for Advanced Batteries and Professor of Physics and Chemistry at Dal, was inducted into the Discovery Awards Science Hall of Fame.



Dr. Dahn was recognized for his front-line battery research as well as his contribution to teaching. A pioneering developer of the lithium-ion battery, his research has led to cells being produced in a more cost effective manner. His material combination is now used in batteries to power everything from electric cars to smart-grid power-storage devices that could eventually support the widespread use of renewable energy.



Im very honoured to be inducted into the Discovery Centre Hall of Fame for work done by my research team over the last 35 years, said Dr. Dahn.



This is not the first time Dr. Dahns work has been honoured. He was elected as a fellow of the Royal Society of Canada in 2001 and has won more than 20 major awards since he began with work with lithium batteries in 1978, most recently the augural Governor Generals Innovation Award.



In my experience, success in research doesnt always mean the ability to do complex mathematics and rocket science, says Dr. Dahn. Instead its about passion for ones work, mental engagement, and a personal commitment to the highest standards. Its about biting the bullet, investing the resources, whatever they may be, and maybe figuring something out.



Dr. Dahn was inducted alongside the late Dr. Henry Marshall Tory, a leader in establishing world-renowned universities and research labs across Canada. Dalhousie has had more than a dozen inductees to the Hall of Fame since it was created in 2002, most recently Chemist Axel Becke, Microbiologist Leo Vining, Neurologist Jock Murray and Engineer George Meyerhof.

Other honourees



In addition to the winners, five finalists who were up for Discovery Awards also had Dal connections:



Professional of Distinction

Fred Whoriskey is executive director of the Ocean Tracking Network. His research focuses on fish biology and ecology, and the impacts of exotic species on native ecosystems. He has been heavily involved in public policy issues, especially with environmental impact assessments, and has worked extensively in public education. He received a Gulf of Maine Visionary Award in 2008.

Emerging Professional

Brett Dickey is a recent PhD graduate from the School of Biomedical Engineering and the co-founder and chief technical officer for Covina Biomedical Incorporated. Dr. Dickey is developing an injectable glass-based cement to stabilize broken bones. This discovery has potential to impact a wide range of clinical needs, from use in third-world dental clinics, to material used in total joint replacement.

Devin Horsman was an undergraduate and graduate student in Dals Computer Science program, and is currently the technical director for Twisted Oak, a worker-owned co-operative offering technical services and consulting in the areas of game development, security and augmented and virtual reality. He has been involved in over 45 projects spanning a range of applications including VR technology, 3D rendering technology, camera capture systems, motion control technology, and digital music effects.

Innovation Award

Chris Burns is a recent graduate of Dalhousie and the CEO of Novonix, a spin-off of Jeff Dahns lab. Novonixs ultra-high precision charger system enables accurate and precise measurements of a Lithium-ion batterys efficiency, which can be used to estimate their lifetime on the scale of decades. The company has sold equipment to key battery companies all over the world with customers in more than ten countries.

Jordan Kyriakidis is the CEO and president of Quantum Research Analytics and an associate professor in Dals Department of Physics and Atmospheric Science. His company is focused on solving one of the greatest hurdles for innovation: verification of complex systems. QRAs main product is called QVTrace, an advanced platform that discovers design faults in complex, embedded systems. Within the past year, QRA has celebrated multi-million dollar partnerships with Lockheed Martin, Innovacorp, and Dalhousie University, and received 2.9-million-dollars of funding under the Atlantic Innovation Fund.



Dalhousie's Faculties of Science and Medicine also sponsored the Youth Award, which was presented to King's-Edgehill Grade 10 student Sophie Fraser. Read all about the Discovery Award winners and finalists at the Discovery Centres website.


Washington, November 18, 2016 -The American College of Physicians (ACP) has outlined its plans to address the implications of the 2016 U.S. presidential and congressional elections.

In a letter sent to ACP's 148,000 domestic and international members, ACP President Nitin S. Damle, MD, MS, MACP, reaffirmed ACP's continued commitment to equal access to care and non-discrimination against persons based on their gender, gender identity, race, ethnicity, religion, or sexual orientation, including support for our international ACP members and immigrants to the U.S. who are concerned about potential changes in U.S. immigration policies.

Damle said ACP, as a non-partisan organization, will strive to engage in a constructive and bipartisan way with President-elect Trump and his administration, and with Congress, to achieve progress on the College's policy objectives. Damle also reiterated that ACP supports the critical role played by internists and other primary care physicians in providing high-value, team-based, patient and family-centered care.

In seeking common-ground, Damle laid out several areas where ACP hopes to make bipartisan progress including addressing the cost of prescription drugs, working to stem the opioid epidemic, increasing access to mental health services, strengthening graduate medical education, and supporting the Medicare Access and CHIP Reauthorization Act (MACRA) and the transition to quality based payments and new models for physicians.

In the letter, ACP acknowledges that there may be more challenging issues, and remains committed to working to sustain the gains that the Affordable Care Act (ACA) has made, as well as continue to sustain and pursue progress on addressing the health impacts of climate change and seek to advocate for evidence-based policies to reduce injuries and deaths from firearms.

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The American College of Physicians is the largest medical specialty organization in the United States. ACP members include 148,000 internal medicine physicians (internists), related subspecialists, and medical students. Internal medicine physicians are specialists who apply scientific knowledge and clinical expertise to the diagnosis, treatment, and compassionate care of adults across the spectrum from health to complex illness.
In November, the Paris Climate Agreement goes into effect to reduce global carbon emissions. To achieve the set targets, experts say capturing and storing carbon must be part of the solution. Several projects throughout the world are trying to make that happen. Now, a study on one of those endeavors, reported in the ACS journal Environmental Science & Technology Letters, has found that within two years, carbon dioxide (CO2) injected into basalt transformed into solid rock.

Lab studies on basalt have shown that the rock, which formed from lava millions of years ago and is found throughout the world, can rapidly convert CO2 into stable carbonate minerals. This evidence suggests that if CO2 could be locked into this solid form, it would be stowed away for good, unable to escape into the atmosphere. But what happens in the lab doesn't always reflect what happens in the field. One field project in Iceland injected CO2 pre-dissolved in water into a basalt formation, where it was successfully stored. And starting in 2009, researchers with Pacific Northwest National Laboratory and the Montana-based Big Sky Carbon Sequestration Partnership undertook a pilot project in eastern Washington to inject 1,000 tons of pressurized liquid CO2 into a basalt formation.

After drilling a well in the Columbia River Basalt formation and testing its properties, the team injected CO2 into it in 2013. Core samples were extracted from the well two years later, and Pete McGrail and colleagues confirmed that the CO2 had indeed converted into the carbonate mineral ankerite, as the lab experiments had predicted. And because basalts are widely found in North America and throughout the world, the researchers suggest that the formations could help permanently sequester carbon on a large scale.

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The authors acknowledge funding from the U.S. Department of Energy; the National Energy Technology Laboratory; the Big Sky Carbon Sequestration Partnership; Shell Exploration & Production Company; Portland General Electric; and Schlumberger Inc.

The paper's abstract will be available on Nov. 18 here: http://pubs.acs.org/doi/abs/10.1021/acs.estlett.6b00387

The American Chemical Society is a nonprofit organization chartered by the U.S. Congress. With nearly 157,000 members, ACS is the world's largest scientific society and a global leader in providing access to chemistry-related research through its multiple databases, peer-reviewed journals and scientific conferences. Its main offices are in Washington, D.C., and Columbus, Ohio.

To automatically receive news releases from the American Chemical Society, contact newsroom@acs.org.

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Up until now, little has been known about how helping care for grandchildren might affect the well-being of older adults who are Chinese-Americans. Researchers recently considered that question in a study published in the Journal of the American Geriatrics Society.

The researchers looked at information from the "Population Study of Chinese Elderly (PINE)," which examined more than 3,000 Chicago-area Chinese-Americans aged 60 and older between 2011 and 2013. The participants answered questions to screen for depression, anxiety, stress, loneliness, and other factors affecting their health and well-being.

In the study, 35 percent (818) of the participants said they were caregivers for children and spent an average of about 12 hours a week on childcare.

To measure the level of caregiving pressure they experienced, participants were asked "How often do you feel pressured...to take care of [your grandchildren]?" The participants answered questions about caregiving burdens, and whether they felt their own health was at risk due to caregiving. Researchers also determined how much positive or negative social support the grandparents received from family and friends.

The researchers discovered that 80 percent of the participants believed that caring for grandchildren was not a burden. Most participants reported never feeling pressured by their adult children and didn't experience any negative effects from caregiving. These grandparents were generally happier, and felt much less depression, anxiety, stress, and loneliness compared to older adults who didn't care for grandchildren.

Specifically, people who didn't care for grandchildren compared to those who did were:

40 percent more likely to have symptoms of depression

20 percent more likely to feel anxious

10 percent more likely to have stress

60 percent more likely to feel lonely

However, grandparents who felt pressure from their adult children and who believed that they had no choice about providing care for grandchildren reported having higher levels of depression, anxiety, and stress than people who didn't feel pressured. The grandparents who had negative feelings about caregiving reported a 50 percent increased rate of depression symptoms, 30 percent higher stress rates, and a 70 percent increase in loneliness.

"Caring for grandchildren can be a burden, a blessing, or both. Enjoy the time with your family and grandchildren--just be in control of how much time you spend caregiving," said study co-author Fengyan Tang, PhD, Associate Professor, School of Social Work, University of Pittsburgh.

Caregivers' feelings partly depend on their perception of the experience, as well as on how they are treated by their family and by the community. Both formal and informal support systems and healthcare services are key to helping older grandparents maintain their psychological well-being, the researchers noted.

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This summary is from "Psychological Well-being of Grandparents Caring for Grandchildren among Older Chinese Americans: Burden or Blessing?" It appears in the Journal of the American Geriatrics Society. The study authors are Fengyan Tang, PhD; Ling Xu, PhD; Iris Chi, DSW; and XinQi Dong, MD.

About the Health in Aging Foundation

This research summary was developed as a public education tool by the Health in Aging Foundation. The Foundation is a national non-profit established in 1999 by the American Geriatrics Society to bring the knowledge and expertise of geriatrics healthcare professionals to the public. We are committed to ensuring that people are empowered to advocate for high-quality care by providing them with trustworthy information and reliable resources. Last year, we reached nearly 1 million people with our resources through HealthinAging.org. We also help nurture current and future geriatrics leaders by supporting opportunities to attend educational events and increase exposure to principles of excellence on caring for older adults. For more information or to support the Foundation's work, visit http://www.HealthinAgingFoundation.org.
The ability to perform the simple activities of daily living--dressing, bathing, toileting, preparing simple meals, and doing light housekeeping, for example--is crucial to an older adult's independence and quality of life. When older adults begin having trouble managing these activities by themselves, their risks for falls, hospitalization, and even death can increase. Recently, a group of researchers from the Nara Medical University in Japan examined whether or not participation in social activities could affect an older adult's ability to function. Their study was published in the Journal of the American Geriatrics Society.

The research team studied 2,774 men and 3,586 women between the ages of 65 and 96. At the beginning of the study, all the participants (who lived in Nara, Japan) were able to manage their daily activities. Before the study began, participants answered questions about their participation in various kinds of social activities.

During the study's three follow-up periods, nearly 14 percent of the men and 9 percent of the women began having problems handling their daily activities.

People who experienced a decline in their ability to perform daily activities tended to be older and more likely to use medications, describe their health status as poor, experience depression, and have trouble with memory or making decisions compared to those who maintained their ability to function well. These people also were less likely to participate in hobby clubs or volunteer groups versus those who could still perform simple activities of daily living.

The researchers discovered that women who participated in social activities such as hobby or senior citizen clubs and volunteer groups were less likely to experience a decline in their ability to perform daily functions. Men who participated in hobby clubs were able to maintain their ability to function.

The researchers suggested four reasons for the link between social activities and maintaining the ability to perform one's daily activities:

1. Participating in social activities means that an older adult is engaging in life--using public transportation or managing money, for example. 2. Social activities can provide support and networking, which could delay the decline in an older adult's ability to function. 3. Losing a spouse is considered a stressful experience that may speed up an older adult's functional decline. But participating in social activities may help relieve the stress of loneliness--and that might help an older adult maintain his or her ability to function. 4. Participating in social activities allows older adults to have a meaningful role in society, giving them a sense of value and belonging. This sense of value may motivate older adults to maintain their ability to function.

The researchers suggested that healthcare professionals should be aware of older adults' social activity participation--or lack of it--to help lessen the likelihood of functional decline.

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This summary is from "Association between Social Participation and a 3-year Change in Instrumental Activities of Daily Living among Community-Dwelling Elderly Adults." It appears in the Journal of the American Geriatrics Society. The study authors are Kimiko Tomioka, MD, PhD; Norio Kurumatani, MD, PhD; and Hiroshi Hosoi, MD, PhD, from the Nara Prefectural Health Research Center, Nara Medical University, Kashihara, Japan.

About the Health in Aging Foundation

This research summary was developed as a public education tool by the Health in Aging Foundation. The Foundation is a national non-profit established in 1999 by the American Geriatrics Society to bring the knowledge and expertise of geriatrics healthcare professionals to the public. We are committed to ensuring that people are empowered to advocate for high-quality care by providing them with trustworthy information and reliable resources. Last year, we reached nearly 1 million people with our resources through HealthinAging.org. We also help nurture current and future geriatrics leaders by supporting opportunities to attend educational events and increase exposure to principles of excellence on caring for older adults. For more information or to support the Foundation's work, visit http://www.HealthinAgingFoundation.org.
Andras Vasy of Stanford University will receive the 2017 AMS Bocher Prize "for his fundamental paper `Microlocal analysis of asymptotically hyperbolic and Kerr-de Sitter spaces,' Inventiones Mathematicae, 194 (2013), 381513."

Vasy's main area of research is in partial differential equations, which are equations representing systems that change over time. For example, various kinds of waves including sound waves can be represented by partial differential equations. Studying how waves scatter when encountering objects or other waves---for example, sound waves bouncing off walls and other objects in a concert hall---is the goal of scattering theory. Within mathematics, scattering theory examines similar issues in more-abstract settings, by examining how solutions to partial differential equations interact over time.

The prize-winning paper of Andras Vasy resolves a 35-year-old conundrum in geometric scattering theory and develops a systematic framework for analyzing certain partial differential equations. Although it appeared only in 2013, the paper has had a major impact and stimulated much subsequent research, some of it by Vasy and his co-authors. The prize citation also recognizes "Vasy's outstanding contributions to multi-body scattering and to propagation of singularities for solutions to wave equations on regions with singular boundaries."

Andras Vasy received his PhD in mathematics from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology in 1997. He was on the faculty of the University of California, Berkeley, and of MIT before taking his present position of professor of mathematics at Stanford University. He was a Clay Research Fellow (2002-2004) and an Alfred P. Sloan Research Fellow (2002-2004).

In 2015, the AMS published Vasy's book Partial Differential Equations: An Accessible Route through Theory and Applications. Keeping the technical demands as low as possible in this highly technical area, the book aims to introduce advanced undergraduates or beginning graduate students to some of the basic tools needed to solve partial differential equations.

The AMS Bocher Prize is awarded every three years for a notable paper in analysis published during the preceding six years. The prize will be awarded Thursday, January 5, 2017, at the Joint Mathematics Meetings in Atlanta.

Find out more about AMS prizes and awards at http://www.ams.org/profession/prizes-awards/prizes.

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Founded in 1888 to further mathematical research and scholarship, today the American Mathematical Society fulfills its mission through programs and services that promote mathematical research and its uses, strengthen mathematical education, and foster awareness and appreciation of mathematics and its connections to other disciplines and to everyday life.
Water is vital for our survival. However, water quality is always a concern for public health authorities as it may contain diverse environmental pollutants, including endocrine disrupting chemicals (EDCs). Endocrine disrupting chemicals are one group of potentially hazardous substances that comprise natural and synthetic chemicals, with the ability to mimic endogenous hormones or interfere with their biosynthesis, metabolism, and normal functions. Common examples are bisphenol A, triclosan, phthalates, lead, mercury, nickel and polychlorinated biphenyls, among others.

Fish are known to be quite sensitive to the effects of EDCs and therefore, are employed as research models to study the possible impacts of these chemicals in humans. In a review led by Purdue University (USA) and the University of Cartagena (Colombia), a team of researchers has proposed the zebrafish as a model to predict the effects of EDCs on humans using toxicogenomic tools, such as microarrays or whole-genome sequencing. This is possible due to the fact that zebrafish genes that have significantly altered expression after exposure to EDCs are very similar to those found in humans. In addition, many of the glandular system found in zebrafish have similarities with those in humans, making this fish model suitable to study alterations on the endocrine system.

According to the authors, vitellogenin and aromatase cytochrome P450 are key genes that can be monitored in zebrafish to detect the presence of EDCs in water samples, especially at environmentally relevant concentrations.

Toxicogenomic tools also offer the possibility to find new mechanisms by which EDCs alter the reproductive status of zebrafish, allowing its use to test the safety of new products entering the market. The possibilities are immense and the goal is to continue finding new markers of toxicity, and therefore alternative bridges to link EDC exposure to common diseases in humans.

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Co-authors of the paper include Karina Caballero-Gallardo, Jesus Olivero-Verbel (University of Cartagena, Cartagena, Colombia) and Jennifer L. Freeman (Purdue University, USA).

For more information about the article, please visit http://benthamscience.com/journals/current-genomics/volume/17/issue/6/page/515/

Reference: Caballero-Gallardo, K.; et al (2016). Toxicogenomics to Evaluate Endocrine Disrupting Effects of Environmental Chemicals Using the Zebrafish Model., DOI: 10.2174/1389202917666160513105959
CINCINNATI -- One of every four children admitted to pediatric intensive care units around the world develops acute kidney injury (AKI), which increases the risk of death as well as longer and more intensive hospitalizations, according to a study published online in The New England Journal of Medicine.

Moreover, the nearly 12 percent who develop more severe AKI have a further increased risk of death within 28 days, according to lead author Stuart L. Goldstein, MD, director of the Center for Acute Care Nephrology at Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center.

"The common and early occurrence of acute kidney injury reinforces the need for systematic surveillance for AKI at the time patients are admitted to intensive care," says Dr. Goldstein. "Severe AKI was associated with an increased need for mechanical ventilation to assist breathing, and with renal replacement therapy (acute dialysis). Since children who survive AKI are at risk for developing chronic kidney disease, long-term follow up of these survivors is warranted."

Dr. Goldstein and his colleagues collected data from 5,297 patients admitted to 32 pediatric intensive care units in nine countries around the world. To determine AKI, the researchers measured both urine output volumes and levels of creatinine in the blood. Creatinine is a chemical waste molecule transported through the bloodstream to the kidneys, which filter most of the waste and deposit it in the urine.

The researchers discovered that severe AKI based on decreased urine output increases the risk of death compared to AKI based on creatinine levels. Assessment using blood creatinine levels alone missed AKI in two thirds of patients with oliguria (a particular measured volume of decreased urine output), and oliguria alone conferred increased mortality risk, according to Dr. Goldstein. This reinforces the importance of using both measures to detect AKI, which he says is not commonly done.

The AWARE (Assessment of Worldwide AKI, Renal angina and Epidemiology in children) study was coordinated by the Center for Acute Care Nephrology at Cincinnati Children's. Working closely with other divisions within Cincinnati Children's, the center monitors, detects and treats kidney injury before it causes irreparable damage.

The study is being published in conjunction with presentation of the data at Kidney Week 2016, the American Society of Nephrology's annual meeting, in Chicago.

The study was supported, in part, by funding from the National Institutes of Health (NIH P50 DK096418). Rajit Basu, MD, a physician in the division of Critical Care Medicine at Cincinnati Children's, was co-lead author of the study.

Fourteen subsequent manuscripts are planned for the AWARE dataset. These will include the assessment of novel AKI biomarkers and an early AKI risk scoring system to improve early detection and prediction of severe AKI.

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Anyone who has tried to lead a group of tourists through a busy city knows the problem. How do you keep the group together when they are constantly jostled, held up and distracted by the hubbub around them?

It's a problem the designers of quantum computers have to tackle. In some future quantum computers, information will be encoded in the delicate quantum states of groups of particles. These face jostling by noise and disorder within the materials of the processor. Now, an international team has proposed a scheme that could help protect groups of particles and enable them to move together without any getting lost or held up.

The proposal, published 17 November in Physical Review Letters, comes from researchers at the National University of Singapore (NUS), Technical University of Crete, University of Oxford and Google. Their paper puts forward a scheme that can reliably transport quantum states of a few photons along a line of miniature quantum circuits. Simulations show that it should efficiently move a three-photon state from one circuit site to the next over dozens of sites: the particles jump together throughout and finally appear at the other end undisturbed, with no spreading out.

The scheme is based on the ideas of physicist David J. Thouless, who won half the 2016 Nobel Prize in physics for his work on topological effects in materials. Topological effects are to do with geometry, and their use in quantum computing can help protect fragile quantum states during processing.

One of Thouless' major contributions was the invention of 'topological pumping'. This works something like Archimedes' screw pump for water. The Ancient Greek's screw spins around, but the water within it travels in a straight line up a hill. "Even though the motion of the machine is cyclical, the motion of the particles is not, they move in a line," explains Jirawat Tangpanitanon, first author on the paper and a PhD student in the group of Dimitris Angelakis at the Centre for Quantum Technologies (CQT) at NUS.

In the quantum scheme, the screw thread is not a physical structure but an oscillating external field imposed on the particles by electronic control over the device that contains them.

Angelakis started his group looking into topological pumping after others in 2015 demonstrated the effect for individual, non-interacting, particles. Angelakis, Tangpanitanon and Research Fellow Victor Bastidas wanted to find out if it would be possible to move groups of particles coherently too.

The answer is yes. What's more, unlike Archimedes' pump, which can only move water one way, the quantum particles can even be sent into reverse by changing the initial conditions. "It's like a moonwalk," jokes Tangpanitanon. It looks like everything should be moving forward, but instead the particles go backwards due to quantum effects.

Co-author Pedram Roushan - part of the Google group in Santa Barbara, California building superconducting circuits for quantum computing - and the team hopes to see the idea implemented in similar hardware. "This paper is almost a blueprint. We developed the proposal to match existing devices," says Angelakis, who is a Principal Investigator at CQT and a faculty member at the Technical University of Crete.

###

Reference: Jirawat Tangpanitanon et al, 'Topological Pumping of Photons in Nonlinear Resonator Arrays', Physical Review Letters 117, 213603 (2016) https://journals.aps.org/prl/abstract/10.1103/PhysRevLett.117.213603 Preprint available at: https://arxiv.org/abs/1607.04050

This research is supported by Singapore Ministry of Education Academic Research Fund Tier 3 (Grant No. MOE2012-T3-1-009), National Research Foundation (NRF) Singapore and the Ministry of Education, Singapore under the Research Centres of Excellence programme. The research leading to these results has received funding from the European Research Council under the European Union's Seventh Framework Programme (FP7/2007-2013) Grant Agreement No. 319286 Q-MAC and UK Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council (EPSRC) funding EP/K038311/1.

Researcher Contact:

Dimitris Angelakis

Principal Investigator, Centre for Quantum Technologies, National University of Singapore

Assistant Professor, Technical University of Crete, Greece

dimitris.angelakis@gmail.com

+65 6601 1468
WASHINGTON, DC - A Children's National Health System research team has uncovered a novel process by which the gene APOL1 contributes to renal disease, according to a paper published November 18 in the Journal of the American Society of Nephrology. Mutated versions of the APOL1 gene render people of African descent at heightened risk of developing chronic kidney disease. Employing powerful genetic approaches, Children's National researchers were able to mimic APOL1 renal cell pathology in the fruit fly Drosophila melanogaster. This opens the door to pinpointing other proteins that interact with APOL1, a vital first step toward identifying medicines to treat renal diseases that currently have no drug therapy.

"This is one of the hottest research topics in the kidney field. We are the first group to generate this result in fruit flies," says Zhe Han, PhD, a senior Drosophila specialist and associate professor in the Center for Cancer & Immunology Research at Children's. Han, senior author of the paper, will present the study results this week during Kidney Week 2016, the American Society of Nephrology's annual gathering in Chicago that is expected to draw more than 13,000 kidney professionals from around the world.

The advantages of Drosophila for biomedical research include its rapid generation time and an unparalleled wealth of sophisticated genetic tools to probe deeply into fundamental biological processes underlying human diseases. People of African descent frequently inherit a mutant version of the APOL1 gene that affords protection from African sleeping sickness, but is associated with a 17- to 30-fold greater chance of developing certain types of kidney disease. That risk is even higher for individuals infected with the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV). Drosophila renal cells, called nephrocytes, accurately mimic pathological features of human kidney cells during APOL1-associated renal disease.

"Nephrocytes share striking structural and functional similarities with mammalian podocytes and renal proximal tubule cells, and therefore provide us a simple model system for kidney diseases," says Han, who has studied the fruit fly for 20 years and established the fly nephrocyte as a glomerular kidney disease model in 2013 with two research papers in the Journal of the American Society of Nephrology.

In this most recent study, Han's team cloned a mutated APOL1 gene from podocyte cells cultured from a patient with HIV-associated nephropathy. They created transgenic flies making human APOL1 in nephrocytes and observed that initially the transgene caused increased cellular functional activity. As flies aged, however, APOL1 led to reduced cellular function, increased cell size, abnormal vesicle acidification, and accelerated cell death.

"The main functions of nephrocytes are to filter proteins and remove toxins from the fly's blood, to reabsorb protein components, and to sequester harmful toxins. It was surprising to see that these cells first became more active and temporarily functioned at higher levels," says Han. "The cells got bigger and stronger but, ultimately, could not sustain that enhancement. After swelling to almost twice their normal size, the cells died. Hypertrophy is the way that the human heart responds to stress overload. We think kidney cells may use the same coping mechanism."

The Children's research team is a multidisciplinary group with members from the Center for Cancer & Immunology Research, the Center for Genetic Medicine Research, and the Division of Nephrology.The team also characterized fly phenotypes associated with APOL1 expression that will facilitate the design and execution of powerful Drosophila genetic screening approaches to identify proteins that interact with APOL1 and contribute to disease mechanisms. Such proteins represent potential therapeutic targets. Currently, transplantation is the only option for patients with kidney disease linked to APOL1.

"This is only the beginning," Han says. "Now, we have an ideal pre-clinical model. We plan to start testing off-the-shelf therapeutic compounds, for example different kinase inhibitors, to determine whether they block any of the steps leading to renal cell disease."

###
By PTI: Colombo, Nov 18 (PTI) A cousin of Sri Lankan President Mahinda Rajapaksa, who served as the countrys ambassador in the US and Canada, has been arrested here for alleged misappropriation of Rs 3 million.

Jaliya Wickremasuriya was arrested by polices Financial Crimes Investigation Division (FCID) last night from the Colombo international airport for alleged misappropriation of 3 million rupees.

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He was remandedin to police custody till December 2.

Wickremasuriya is a cousin of Rajapaksa. His arrest comes as many of Rajapaksas family members have faced prosecution since the strongman was defeated by Maithripala Sirisena in the presidential election last year.

Rajapaksas have slammed the action against them as a political witch hunt.

They have alleged that polices FCID is working to fulfil the political agenda of the current government. PTI CORR ASK AKJ ASK

--- ENDS ---
On the occasion of the 9th European Antibiotic Awareness Day, the European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control (ECDC) is releasing its latest EU-wide data on antibiotic resistance and antibiotic consumption. In 2015, antibiotic resistance continued to increase for most bacteria and antibiotics under surveillance. In particular, the EU average percentage of carbapenem resistance in Klebsiella pneumoniae increased from 6.2% in 2012 to 8.1% in 2015, and combined resistance to carbapenems and polymyxins (e.g. colistin) was sometimes reported. These two groups of antibiotics are considered last-line antibiotics as they usually are the last treatment options for patients infected with bacteria resistant to other available antibiotics. While antibiotic consumption in hospitals significantly increased in several EU Member States, antibiotic consumption in the community decreased in six EU Member States.

Vytenis Andriukaitis, European Commissioner for Health and Food Safety, said: "Antibiotic resistance is one of the most pressing public health issues of our time. If we don't tackle it, we can go back to a time when even the simplest medical operations were not possible, and organ transplants, cancer chemotherapy or intensive care even less so". He added: "The European Commission will launch a new Action Plan next year so that we can, together with our partners in the EU Member States and internationally, continue to ensure that the prevention and control of antibiotic resistance is strengthened within a one-health approach".

ECDC Acting Director, Dr Andrea Ammon, said: "Antibiotic resistance in Klebsiella pneumoniae is of increasing concern in Europe. More than one third of the isolates reported to ECDC for 2015 were resistant to at least one of the antibiotic groups under surveillance, and combined resistance to multiple antibiotic groups was common. Moreover, the emergence of K. pneumoniae infections with combined resistance to carbapenems and colistin is worrisome and an important warning that options for treatment are now even more limited than in the past". Dr Ammon added: "However, the decrease of antibiotic consumption in the community in six countries is a positive sign and shows that we are starting to use antibiotics more prudently. Prudent use of antibiotics is pivotal, both in the community and in hospitals, to ensure that these drugs remain effective".

ECDC's data also show that antibiotic resistance in Escherichia coli, one of the most frequent causes of bloodstream infections and community- and healthcare-associated urinary tract infections, requires close attention as the percentages of isolates resistant to commonly used antibiotics continues to increase throughout Europe. In contrast, the percentage of meticillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) showed a significantly decreasing trend at EU/EEA level between 2012 and 2015. Despite this positive development, MRSA remains a public health priority as eight out of thirty countries reported percentages above 25%.

Dr Zsuzsanna Jakab, WHO Regional Director for Europe said: "Surveillance of antibiotic resistance is the backbone of our work in defence of antibiotics' effectiveness. Until we know where resistance is, we cannot prioritize action. This is why we focus on expanding the map of antibiotic resistance beyond the European Union countries through the Central Asian and Eastern European Surveillance of Antimicrobial Resistance (CAESAR) network. What the report indicates is of concern: our patients are exposed to resistant bacteria in hospitals due to overuse and misuse of antibiotics and poor infection prevention and control. We urge our leaders to use this evidence and accelerate their response to a major global health threat of our time".

Activities promoting prudent use of antibiotics are organised in more than 40 countries across the European Region during the week of 18 November to mark European Antibiotic Awareness Day. ECDC works jointly with the World Health Organization (WHO) Regional Office for Europe, and partners World Antibiotic Awareness Week.

ECDC, in cooperation with the European Commission, will host an EU-level launch event entitled "European Antibiotic Awareness Day: the future is now". The planned interventions will not only present the current situation and future steps at EU level, but will also aim at highlighting how resistance to antibiotics is affecting our lives today and what can be done by different sectors to ensure that they remain effective. It will take place on 18 November 2016, from 9:30 to 13:00 CET, and will be web streamed here: http://bit.ly/2f7IgiQ. ECDC and partner organisations will be live tweeting from the event using #EAAD2016.

Following the success of last year's 24-hour Global Twitter conversation on antibiotic resistance and prudent use of antibiotics around the world, ECDC is again coordinating a Global Twitter conversation on 18 November, hosted jointly by participating organisations from Australia, Canada, New Zealand, the United States, and WHO Headquarters and the WHO Regional Offices. The hashtags that will be used are #AntibioticResistance and #EAAD2016.

###

About European Antibiotic Awareness Day

European Antibiotic Awareness Day is a European health initiative coordinated by ECDC which aims to provide a platform and support for national campaigns on the prudent use of antibiotics. Each year across Europe, the European Antibiotic Awareness Day is marked by national campaigns on the prudent use of antibiotics during the week of 18 November. Prudent use means only using antibiotics when they are needed, with the correct dose, dosage intervals and duration of the course. Follow #EAAD2016. http://antibiotic.ecdc.europa.eu

About World Antibiotic Awareness Week

The World Health Organization is leading the World Antibiotic Awareness Week with the slogan "Antibiotics: Handle with Care". The campaign calls on individuals, governments and health and agriculture professionals to take action to address this urgent health problem. The second World Antibiotic Awareness Week will take place on 14-20 November. Follow #AntibioticResistance.

http://www.who.int/antimicrobial-resistance/events/world-antibiotic-awareness-week-2016/en/

More information:

ECDC Surveillance Atlas of Infectious Diseases http://atlas.ecdc.europa.eu/public/index.aspx?Instance=GeneralAtlas

European Antimicrobial Resistance Surveillance Network (EARS-Net) http://www.ecdc.europa.eu/en/activities/surveillance/EARS-Net/Pages/index.aspx

European Surveillance of Antimicrobial Consumption Network (ESAC-Net) http://www.ecdc.europa.eu/en/healthtopics/antimicrobial_resistance/esac-net-database/Pages/database.aspx

ECDC news release http://ecdc.europa.eu/en/eaad/antibiotics-news/news-release/Pages/news-release.aspx

ECDC Antimicrobial Resistance and Healthcare-associated Infections Programme http://ecdc.europa.eu/en/healthtopics/antimicrobial-resistance-and-consumption/antimicrobial-resistance-healthcare-associated-infections-programme/Pages/ARHAI.aspx

Further information:

WHO Headquarters: http://www.who.int/drugresistance

WHO Regional Office for Europe: http://www.euro.who.int/amr

CEASAR Annual Report 2016 http://www.euro.who.int/en/2016/CAESAR-annual-report-2016

United States - Get Smart: Know When Antibiotics Work: http://www.cdc.gov/getsmart/week/index.html

Canada: http://www.canada.ca/antibiotics and http://www.canada.ca/antibiotiques

Australia - Antibiotic Awareness Week: http://www.safetyandquality.gov.au/our-work/healthcare-associated-infection/antimicrobial-stewardship/antibiotic-awareness-week/ and http://www.nps.org.au/bemedicinewise/antibiotic_resistance/antibiotic_awareness_week

New Zealand: http://www.health.govt.nz/our-work/diseases-and-conditions/antimicrobial-resistance

Media contact:

ECDC press office

Tel: +46 (0)8 586 01 678

Email: press@ecdc.europa.eu

Social media:

Twitter: https://twitter.com/eaad_eu

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/EAAD.EU
A new study conducted by researchers at Marcus Autism Center, Children's Healthcare of Atlanta, and Emory University School of Medicine helps put to rest a longstanding controversy and question about children with autism spectrum disorder.

Eye-tracking measures developed by the group demonstrate that young children with autism do not avoid eye contact on purpose; instead, they miss the significance of social information in others' eyes.

While reduced eye contact is a well-known symptom of autism used in early screeners and diagnostic instruments, why children with autism look less at other people's eyes has not been known. New research, reported in the American Journal of Psychiatry, helps answer that question.

"This is important because we're disentangling very different understandings of autism," said Jennifer Moriuchi, a graduate student at Emory University. "Depending on why you think children with autism are making less eye contact, you might have different approaches to treatment and different ideas about the brain basis of autism. Drug treatments and behavioral interventions are already being developed and tested on the basis of these different explanations. By clarifying which explanation is correct, we can make sure that we're addressing the correct underlying concern."

Two explanations for reduced eye contact have been proposed. One explanation holds that children with autism avoid eye contact because they find it stressful and negative. The other explanation holds that children with autism look less at other people's eyes because the social cues from the eyes are not perceived as particularly meaningful or important.

The new research, conducted on the day when children were first diagnosed, shows that young children with autism do not actively avoid eye contact, and it confirms that other people's eyes are not aversive to young children with autism. Instead, young children with autism look less at the eyes because they appear to miss the social significance of eye contact.

Together with Drs. Ami Klin and Warren Jones, Moriuchi studied how 86 two-year-old children with and without autism paid attention to other people's eyes. Children with autism watched a series of carefully made videos. "Before each video, we flashed a small picture to capture the child's attention, and when they looked to where the picture had been, they found that they were either looking directly at another person's eyes or looking away from the eyes," said Moriuchi. "When we did this repeatedly, we found that young children with autism continued to look straight at the eyes. Like their peers without autism, they didn't look away from the eyes or try to avoid the eyes in any way."

However, when varying levels of socially meaningful eye contact were presented, children with autism looked less at other people's eyes than their peers without autism. "These results go against the idea that young children with autism actively avoid eye contact," said Warren Jones. "They're looking less at the eyes not because of an aversion to making eye contact, but because they don't appear to understand the social significance of eye contact."

The researchers studied eye gaze responses in young children with autism at the time of their initial diagnosis in order to have clearer evidence about the initial underlying reasons for reduced eye contact. Some adults and older children with autism have reported feeling anxious in response to eye contact. "Our results aren't meant to contradict these personal experiences," emphasized Jones. "For children with autism, social signals can be confusing. And as children grow up to be adults, those signals can become even more challenging to understand. This research highlights the opportunity to target the right underlying concerns as early as possible."

"Studies like this one help advance our understanding of autism and improve the way scientists and clinicians develop new treatments," said Lisa Gilotty, Chief of the Research Program on Autism Spectrum Disorders at the National Institute of Mental Health, one of the agencies that funded the study. Additional support was given by the Autism Science Foundation, the Marcus Foundation, the Whitehead Foundation, and the Georgia Research Alliance.

###

Jennifer Moriuchi is a graduate student in the Psychology Department at Emory University. Ami Klin, PhD, is director of Marcus Autism Center, Children's Healthcare of Atlanta, and is Chief of the Division of Autism & Related Disorders in the Department of Pediatrics at Emory University School of Medicine. Warren Jones, PhD, is Director of Research at the Marcus Autism Center and faculty in the Department of Pediatrics at Emory University School of Medicine.

Marcus Autism Center

The Marcus Autism Center is a not-for-profit organization and an affiliate of Children's Healthcare of Atlanta that works with than 5,000 children and families affected by autism each year. As one of the largest autism centers in the U.S. and one of three National Institutes of Health Autism Centers of Excellence, Marcus Autism Center offers families access to the latest research, comprehensive evaluations and intensive behavior treatments. With the help of research grants, community support and government funding, Marcus Autism Center aims to maximize the potential of children with autism today and transform the very nature of autism for future generations. Visit marcus.org for more information.

Children's Healthcare of Atlanta

Children's Healthcare of Atlanta has been 100 percent dedicated to kids for more than 100 years. A not-for-profit organization, Children's is dedicated to making kids better today and healthier tomorrow. Our specialized care helps children get better faster and live healthier lives. Managing more than 920,000 patient visits annually at three hospitals and 27 neighborhood locations, Children's is the largest healthcare provider for children in Georgia and one of the largest pediatric clinical care providers in the country. Children's offers access to more than 60 pediatric specialties and programs and is ranked among the top children's hospitals in the country by U.S. News & World Report. With generous philanthropic and volunteer support since 1915, Children's has impacted the lives of children in Georgia, the United States and throughout the world. Visit http://www.choa.org for more information.

Emory University School of Medicine Department of Pediatrics

Faculty-physicians in the Emory Department of Pediatrics provide the highest quality state-of-the-art clinical care, with a commitment to improving treatment for children through scientific research as well as training the next generation of leaders in pediatrics.
TALLAHASSEE, Fla. -- Florida State University researcher Joseph Franklin made a startling discovery during an exhaustive examination of hundreds of suicide prediction studies conducted over the past 50 years:

Science is still not very good at predicting who will kill themselves.

In a new study published today in the journal Psychological Bulletin, Franklin and his colleagues found traditional risk factors -- such as depression, substance abuse, stress or previous suicide attempts -- were not good predictors of suicide.

"Nothing was better than chance," said Franklin, assistant professor of psychology at Florida State. "It's like you guessing, or flipping a coin, is as good as the best suicide expert in the world who has all the information about a person's life. That was pretty sobering for us and sobering for the field because it says all the stuff we've been doing for the past 50 years hasn't produced any real progress in terms of prediction."

That lack of progress is highlighted by the facts: Suicide rates in the United States are at their highest levels in 30 years. More than 40,000 Americans will kill themselves this year. Every day, 117 people take their own lives.

If you compare historical rates for suicide, homicide and car deaths, you find a disturbing truth: In the 1970s, you were more likely to be killed by someone else or in a car crash than to kill yourself. Today, with tougher crime laws and better car safety features, the opposite is true. You are far more likely to die by your own hand.

Franklin's project -- a meta-analysis of 365 suicide studies -- found past research was flawed because it typically focused on a single risk factor, such as depression or low serotonin in the brain, and then followed patients over a decade. That type of long-term approach produced incomplete risk factors that did not accurately identify who needed mental health assistance.

Franklin completed the research as a postdoctoral fellow at Harvard University. He and his colleagues -- Jessica Ribeiro, faculty researcher in FSU's department of psychology and Colin Walsh, assistant professor at Vanderbilt University -- want to change the way someone is determined to be at risk for suicide. They think a shorter-term method, using artificial intelligence, will produce more accurate risk factors.

That's why they are testing a "machine-learning" method employing algorithms to identify risk factors for suicidal behavior.

Franklin compared it to the Google search algorithm that combines hundreds of factors based on personal search history, and more, to find accurate results. The machine-learning method combines hundreds of factors from a person's health history to improve the accuracy of suicide prediction. This method can easily be implemented across large hospital networks with millions of patients.

"This work is still in progress, but it represents a huge advance in a short amount of time," Franklin said. "We believe this line of work will take us from 'I have no idea' to 'I can tell you pretty strongly that this is going to happen.'"

Then, once more accurate risk factors are identified, Franklin hopes to expand the use of new technology to battle suicide and mental illness on a large scale.

The team of researchers has already developed a free web app that's proven effective in trials at reducing suicidal behaviors. The app, called "Tec-Tec," is available on iTunes and Amazon right now. Franklin hopes millions of people will eventually use it.

"Our studies so far have shown that the app alone reduced suicidal behaviors by about 50 percent over the course of a month in hundreds of people," Franklin said. "And it's free, so anyone can have access to this treatment that can work pretty well at no cost. It's an example of something you can create that may be effective and could be available to anyone with internet access."

Franklin brings a can-do attitude to these goals: Better understand the causes of suicide and predict who will develop suicidal behaviors with an accuracy rate near 100 percent.

"If you can do that with millions of people, then you can make population-level impacts on these things," he said.

As for current suicide risk factors, Franklin warned against discarding them. He recommended therapists continue using the guidelines but said there's an urgent need to re-evaluate them.

###

The study published today, "Risk Factors for Suicidal Thoughts and Behaviors: A Meta-Analysis of 50 Years of Research," included contributions from Ribeiro; Kathryn R. Fox, Evan M. Kleiman, Adam C. Jaroszewski, and Matthew K. Nock, all of Harvard University; Xieyining Huang and Katherine M. Musacchio of Vanderbilt University; Bernard P. Chang of Columbia University Medical Center; and Kate H. Bentley of Boston University.

It was funded in part by the Military Suicide Research Consortium. Additional funding was provided by the John D. and Catherine T. MacArthur Foundation.
FRANKFURT. The first Research Training Group ever with a focus on film studies will be established in the course of the coming year at Goethe University Frankfurt. This was announced by the German Research Foundation on the 14th of November. In the framework of the RTG with the title "Configurations of Film", twelve doctoral researchers and two post-docs will examine from 2017 onwards how film culture is changing in the context of advancing digitalisation in various areas.

Contemporary film culture is often referred to as the "post-cinematographic era". Professor Vinzenz Hediger, scholar and film expert at the University who will also be the RTG's speaker, remarks: "Film has expanded its reach more and more beyond public screenings in the cinema. With the proliferation of digital platforms, new forms are developing and new patterns of cinematic experience emerge." At the same time, film serves increasingly as a creative template in theatre, fine arts and music. Hediger says: "As films circulate ever more widely, they affect other art forms and have a growing impact on other areas of life, including interpersonal communication. This increasing presence of filmic images and formats in all areas of life also constitutes a growing societal challenge."

The "Configurations of Film" RTG of the German Research Foundation wants to take on this challenge by investigating the current transformations of film and their impact on other art forms and areas of life from an interdisciplinary perspective. The RTG combines an emphasis on historical research with systematic and comparative perspectives; in addition, the programme will use digital methods for film analysis and data mining on the internet, with which, for example, the proliferation of new film formats via platforms such as YouTube or Vimeo can be tracked.

The Research Training Group will build on successful cooperation between Goethe University Frankfurt and the German Film Institute (Deutsches Filminstitut), which together run the Masters degree programme in "Film Culture: Archiving, Programming, Presentation", and profit from links to other cultural institutions in the Rhine-Main region. The RTG also builds on the interdisciplinary Masters degree programme in "Aesthetics", which is unique to Frankfurt and in which all the disciplines participating in the RTG are also involved.

Twelve doctoral researchers and two post-docs, who can apply for a German Research Foundation scholarship in the framework of the Research Training Group, will start with their research in 2017. They will be supervised and mentored by 15 researchers from six universities: Goethe University Frankfurt, Offenbach University of Art and Design, Johannes Gutenberg University Mainz, the University of Mannheim and Philipps University Marburg. Alongside film studies and media studies, the disciplines involved include theatre studies, philosophy, musicology, literary studies and sociology. The RTG has an international focus and cooperates with the film studies programmes at Yale University (New Haven, USA) and Concordia University (Montreal, Canada). Funding amounts to about  3.3 million for the first phase from 2017 to 2022.

In the spirit of the "citizen's university", the study programme will include a series of public lectures and events, for example at b3, the Biennale of the Moving Image, and at the cinema of the German Film Museum (Deutsches Filmmuseum), in the framework of which the RTG's themes and research questions will be discussed in public and address a broader audience.

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HOUSTON -- (Nov. 18, 2016) -- Scientists from Rice University, Baylor College of Medicine and other institutions are using synthetic biology to capture elusive, short-lived snippets of DNA that healthy cells produce on their way to becoming cancerous.

Researchers said the work could lead to the development of new drugs that could prevent cancer by neutralizing "DNA intermediates," key pieces of genetic code that are produced when healthy cells become cancerous. The research is described in a new paper in the open-access journal Science Advances.

"In my lab we study how the genome -- the genes in an organism -- changes, in particular, how the genome of normal cells changes to transform the cells into cancerous cells," said project lead scientist Susan Rosenberg, Baylor's Ben F. Love Chair in Cancer Research and the leader of the Cancer Evolvability Program at Baylor's Dan L Duncan Comprehensive Cancer Center.

When cells divide and make copies of the instructions encoded in their DNA, the DNA unwinds and becomes vulnerable to damage that must be repaired. Sometimes the process of repairing the DNA can also cause mutations and errors. When these errors accumulate, the cells may acquire characteristics of cancer.

"The process of editing the DNA is carried out by specific enzymes -- proteins that work on DNA to fix the mistakes," said Rosenberg, who is also an adjunct professor in Rice's Department of BioSciences.

She said DNA repair usually takes several steps to complete. Between the original DNA and the final product, cells produce DNA reaction intermediates, which are crucial to the reaction but are difficult to study because they are present for just a fraction of a second as an enzyme catalyzes the changing of one molecule into another.

"The intermediate molecules are the most important parts of biochemical reactions," said Rosenberg, who holds appointments in Baylor's departments of Molecular and Human Genetics, Molecular Virology and Microbiology, and Biochemistry and Molecular Biology. "They define what the reaction is and how it will proceed. But because they are transient and elusive, it's really difficult to study them, especially in living cells. We wanted to do that. We decided to invent synthetic proteins that would trap DNA reaction intermediates in living cells."

Qian Mei, a graduate student in Rice's Systems, Synthetic and Physical Biology program and a research assistant in the Rosenberg lab, took on the task of applying the synthetic protein that could capture the short-lived intermediates. Using the tools of synthetic biology, Rosenberg and colleagues created and added packages of genes to Escherichia coli, an organism that Rosenberg's group and others have shown to be a reliable model of the genetic changes that occur in animal cells.

Rosenberg said other investigators also have attempted to trap intermediates, but they have only succeeded in a few biochemical reactions.

"We want to use synthetic proteins to study mechanisms that change DNA sequence," she said. "We do that now with genetics and genomics in my lab. But genomics, which allows us to compare the genes of normal cells with those of cancerous cells, is like reading the fossil record of these processes. We want to see how the real-time processes that change DNA happen, including all the intermediate steps, which our synthetic proteins allow us to freeze in time and isolate."

In their tests on , Mei, Rosenberg and colleagues from Baylor, the University of Texas at Austin and the University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center found they could discover molecular mechanisms underlying genome instability, a hallmark of cancer. In one instance, they discovered a new role for an protein that is related to five human cancer proteins. They then analyzed gene-expression data from human cancers and were able to implicate two of the five -related human cancer proteins in potentially promoting cancer by a similar mechanism -- one not previously implicated.

"The most exciting part in this paper for me is that we can learn something new about the mechanisms of cancer from the model," said Mei, co-first author of the new paper. "Even though bacteria and human cells are very different, many DNA repair proteins are highly conserved through evolution; this makes a good model to study how cells repair DNA or accumulate mutations."

Rosenberg and colleagues think that their approach offers significant advantages. For instance, with the synthetic proteins, they have been able to identify specific DNA-repair intermediate molecules, their numbers in cells, rates of formation and locations in the genome and the molecular reactions in which they participate.

"It is most exciting that we are now able to trap, map and quantify transient DNA reaction intermediates in single living cells," said co-first author Jun Xia, graduate student in the Rosenberg lab and in the Integrative Molecular and Biomedical Sciences program at Baylor. "This new technology helps us reveal the origins of genome instability."

"When you know these reactions and the role each intermediate plays in the mechanisms that change DNA, you can think about making drugs that will stop them," Rosenberg said. "In the future, we hope we will be able to design drugs that target specific types of cancers -- drugs that block the cells' ability to evolve into cancer cells, instead of, or in addition to, traditional chemotherapies that kill or stop cancer cells from growing."

###

Other contributors to the work include Li-Tzu Chen, Chien-Hui Ma, Jennifer Halliday, Hsin-Yu Lin, David Magnan, John Pribis, Devon Fitzgerald, Holly Hamilton, Megan Richters, Ralf Nehring, Xi Shen, Lei Li, David Bates, P.J. Hastings, Christophe Herman and Makkuni Jayaram.

The research was supported by the WM Keck Foundation, the National Institutes of Health, NASA, the Cancer Prevention and Research Institute of Texas, the National Science Foundation, the Welch Foundation, Baylor College of Medicine, the Dan L Duncan Comprehensive Cancer Center and the John S. Dunn Gulf Coast Consortium for Chemical Genomics.

VIDEO is available at:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DBOpkEhHzjA&feature=youtu.be

High-resolution IMAGES are available for download at:

http://news.rice.edu/files/2016/11/161118-PROTEINS-lab-lg-w6sy5r.jpg

CAPTION: (From left) Baylor College of Medicine's Susan Rosenberg discusses research aimed at capturing elusive, short-lived "DNA intermediates," key pieces of genetic code that are produced when healthy cells become cancerous, with Baylor graduate student Jun Xia and Rice University graduate student Qian Mei, who are co-first authors on a new paper about the work in Science Advances. (Photo courtesy of Baylor College of Medicine)

http://news.rice.edu/files/2016/11/161118-PROTEINS-img-lg-1bjffna.jpg

CAPTION: The orange wheel shows the circular chromosome or genome of bacteria. The spikes indicate where a molecular intermediate in DNA repair -- four-way DNA junctions -- accumulate near a reparable double strand break in the genome. (Image courtesy of Jun Xia and Qian Mei)

The DOI of the Science Advances paper is: 10.1126/sciadv.1601605

A copy of the paper is available at: http://advances.sciencemag.org/content/2/11/e1601605

This release can be found online at news.rice.edu.

Follow Rice News and Media Relations via Twitter @RiceUNews

Located on a 300-acre forested campus in Houston, Rice University is consistently ranked among the nation's top 20 universities by U.S. News & World Report. Rice has highly respected schools of Architecture, Business, Continuing Studies, Engineering, Humanities, Music, Natural Sciences and Social Sciences and is home to the Baker Institute for Public Policy. With 3,910 undergraduates and 2,809 graduate students, Rice's undergraduate student-to-faculty ratio is 6-to-1. Its residential college system builds close-knit communities and lifelong friendships, just one reason why Rice is ranked No. 1 for happiest students and for lots of race/class interaction by the Princeton Review. Rice is also rated as a best value among private universities by Kiplinger's Personal Finance. To read "What they're saying about Rice," go to http://tinyurl.com/RiceUniversityoverview.
The length of time donor lungs could be preserved prior to transplant could be safely extended to more than 12 hours--more than double the average 5-6 hour standard time [1]--without jeopardising recipient outcomes, by using a combination of cold preservation and a new technique called ex-vivo lung perfusion (EVLP), whereby the lung is kept alive outside the body and supported by a supply of oxygen and nutrients.

The new study, published in The Lancet Respiratory Medicine, found that patients who received a donor lung preserved for more than 12 hours had similar survival at 1 year post transplant to those who received lungs preserved for less than 12 hours. The findings suggest that this new approach could increase the availability of donor organs by reducing geographical limitations on donors and recipients, and enabling organs to be transported over longer distances to recipients further away than previously viable.

Currently, about 200 adults are waiting for a lung transplant in Canada, and over 1500 in the USA [1]. About a quarter of those on the waiting list will die before they receive a transplant. Lung transplantation requires the donor organ to be stored and transported from the donor to the recipient. Traditionally, donor lungs have been flushed and preserved at cold temperatures to reduce tissue decomposition during transport. But the generally accepted maximum time from when an organ is removed from the donor, cooled, and then transplanted into the recipient is 6 to 8 hours.

The recent development and use of EVLP around the world has completely altered the basic theory of lung preservation from slowing tissue death to preserving life, in order to allow and enhance recovery. This new technique involves continuously perfusing or pumping a bloodless solution containing oxygen, proteins, and nutrients into donor lungs to give doctors the opportunity to protect, assess and treat the lungs while they are outside the body and make them suitable for transplantation.

"We have been using EVLP as standard practice to assess high-risk donor lungs for the last decade and almost 300 patients have benefited from this technology at our centre to date", explains lead author Dr Marcelo Cypel, Thoracic Surgeon at Toronto General Hospital, University of Toronto, Toronto, Canada. "Donor lungs are transported cold to the hospital where they are warmed, evaluated and then cooled again until they are transplanted into the recipient. Because assessing the lungs using EVLP takes at least 4 hours, total preservation times have regularly exceeded 8 hours."[2]

Intrigued by the technique's possibilities for extending overall preservation times, Cypel and his team retrospectively examined data on the outcomes of 906 patients (aged 18 or older) who received a lung transplant at Toronto General Hospital between 2006 and 2015. They compared patients who had received a lung that had been preserved (i.e. the sum of cold preservation and normal temperature EVLP) for more than 12 hours (97 patients; 95% donor organs underwent EVLP) with those who were given lungs preserved for less than 12 hours (809; 5% underwent EVLP).

They found that despite the use of higher-risk lungs in the more than 12-hour group, the average length of time recipients spent in the intensive care unit and in hospital post-transplant were similar in both groups (table 2). Additionally, the life-threatening complication of immediate graft dysfunction and survival at 1 year did not differ between the two groups (figure 2). Further analysis also showed that cold preservation and EVLP time did not affect survival (table 4). Older recipient age was the only factor that was linked with reduced survival.

"It is important to remember that the lungs preserved for more than 12 hours using EVLP started out as more injured lungs. In fact, many of them might have been turned down for transplantation in the past. That they performed similar to conventional lungs with shorter preservation times suggests EVLP provides additional benefit over cold preservation", says first author Dr Jonathan Yeung, also from Toronto General Hospital [2].

The authors point to several limitations including the study's retrospective nature and the fact that it was conducted at a single institution. Additionally, the maximum safe preservation time for human lung transplantation remains unknown. They say that clinical trials are now needed to understand the optimum combination of cold and normal temperature EVLP lung preservation methods.

According to Dr Cypel, "At a time when there is a critical shortage of lungs available for transplantation, combining cold preservation and EVLP will hopefully make a lot more donor lungs available for successful transplantation. This approach has allowed our Toronto-based programme to essentially abolish any geographical boundaries to donor lung retrieval in North America. The safe extension of preservation time not only has the potential to give clinicians extra time to evaluate, but also to treat and recondition donated organs that would otherwise not be used. Extra preservation time also allows additional flexibility in planning recipient surgery and gives more time to transport the donor lung from the EVLP site to the recipients' operating room."[2]

###

NOTES TO EDITORS:

Jonathan C Yeung (JCY), Thorsten Krueger (TK), Shaf Keshavjee (SK), and Marcelo Cypel (MC) conceived the study and contributed to its design. All authors participated in the acquisition, analysis, and interpretation of data. JCY, Thomas K Waddell (TKW), and MC contributed to the statistical analysis. JCY, SK, and MC contributed to drafting the paper. MC, TKW, and SK are co-founders of Perfusix Canada, XOR Labs Toronto, and consultants for Lung Bioengineering, United Therapeutics.

[1] Data from United Network for Organ Sharing, USA https://www.unos.org/

[2] Quotes direct from authors and cannot be found in text of Article.

IF YOU WISH TO PROVIDE A LINK TO THIS PAPER FOR YOUR READERS, PLEASE USE THE FOLLOWING, WHICH WILL GO LIVE AT THE TIME THE EMBARGO LIFTS: http://www.thelancet.com/journals/lanres/article/PIIS2213-2600(16)30323-X/abstract
A new research, affiliated with UNIST has presented a novel strategy for non-precious metal catalyst that can replace rare and expensive platinum(Pt)-based catalyst, currently used in hydrogen fuel cell.

In their study, published in the November issue of the Journal of the American Chemical Society, Professor Sang Hoon Joo of Energy and Chemical Engineering and his team have devised a new synthetic strategy to boost the activity of iron- and nitrogen-doped carbon (Fe-N/C) catalyst that can realize low-cost hydrogen fuel cell.

Hydrogen fuel cell generates electricity with hydrogen and oxygen, producing water as a byproduct. Precious platinum(Pt) has been used in commercialized fuel cell. However, the high cost of Pt (>40$ per g) hampers widespread application of the fuel cell.

The research team has attempted to develop high-performance non-precious metal catalyst which can substitute for state-of-the-art Pt-based catalysts. In this research, they focused on carbon-based catalyst with iron and nitrogen due to low cost and high activity (Fe-N/C catalyst). During the preparation of the Fe-N/C catalysts, high-temperature heat-treatment at over 700 ? is commonly required to endow high catalystic activity, but unfortunately this treatment also diminishes the number of active site. The active site refers to the place where rate-determining catalytic reaction occurs.

To solve the problem, they have introduced 'silica-protective-layer' approach. The silica layer effectively preserved the active site at high-temperature, preventing the destruction of the active site.

The novel Fe-N/C catalyst prepared by 'silica-protective-layer' approach showed very high oxygen reduction reaction (ORR) activity which is comparable to Pt catalyst. ORR is an electrochemical reaction at the cathode of hydrogen fuel cell. Due to 1-million-times slower reaction kinetics of ORR at the cathode compared with hydrogen oxidation reaction at the anode, ORR is a major factor for a large drop of the efficiency of fuel cell. Up to date, expensive Pt has been used primarily as an efficient ORR catalyst.

The research team realized a record high activity by employing their catalyst as the cathode catalyst of alkaline membrane fuel cell (one type of hydrogen fuel cell). The team also demonstrated very high performance in proton exchange membrane fuel cell (PEMFC), in which the developed catalyst showed the activity of 320 A cm-3, exceeding 2020 US Department of Energy (DOE) activity target for non-precious metal catalyst (300 A cm-3).

"Our novel strategy for high-performance catalyst is expected to hasten the commercialization of hydrogen fuel cell, and the catalyst design can be also applied to other energy storage and conversion devices." says Prof. Joo.

###

This research has been published on November 2nd in JACS (Journal of the American Chemical Society), a world renowned journal in the field of chemistry.

This work has been supported by the Korea Evaluation Institute Of Industrial Technology (KEIT) funded by the Ministry of Trade, Industry and Energy, and by the National Research Foundation (NRF) of Korea funded by the Ministry of Science, ICT and Future Planning.

Journal Reference

Young Jin Sa and Sang Hoon Joo et al. "A General Approach to Preferential Formation of Active Fe-Nx Sites in Fe-N/C Electrocatalysts for Efficient Oxygen Reduction Reaction", JACS, (2016).
Two UNIST professors have distinguished themselves with inclusion in the 2016 list of Highly Cited Researchers, a yearly distinction released by Clarivate Analytics, formerly the Intellectual Property & Science business of Thomson Reuters. The report revealed that UNIST also recorded the most number of highly cited researchers in the field of materials science among research institutions in South Korea.

The latest Highly Cited Researcher listing by Thomson Reuters recognizes leading researchers in 21 fields of the sciences and social sciences from around the world. The new Thomson-Reuters list evaluated close to 130,000 highly cited papers in science and social sciences journals, indexed in the Web of Science Collection over an 11-year period from January 2004 to December 2014. Highly Cited Papers are defined as those that ranked among the top 1% most cited for their subject field and year of publication, earning them the mark of exceptional impact.

In 2016 edition, about 3,000 researchers who represent some of world's leading scientific minds earned the distinction. Twenty-eight scientists from South Korea made it on to the list, including Professor Rodney S. Ruoff of Natural Science and Professor Jaephil Cho of Energy and Chemical Engineering.

Professor Jaephil Cho, the world leading expert on secondary batteries, is the only South Korean researcher to be recognized as one of the world's top 1% researchers in materials science. Besides, this is the first time he has been included in the list of Highly Cited Researchers.

Professor Rodney S. Ruoff has been recognized by Thomson Reuters as one of the ten most cited researchers worldwide in all three fields of materials science, chemistry, as well as physics. Professor Ruoff made this list for the third time in a row.

"It is precisely this type of peer recognition, in the form of citations given and rooted in the collective and objective opinions of scientific field experts that makes achieving highly cited researcher status meaningful," said Jessica Turner, global head of government and academia at Clarivate Analytics.

Professor Rodney S. Ruoff, Director of the Center for Multidimensional Carbon Materials (CMCM) at the Institute for Basic Science (IBS) and Distinguished Professor in the School of Natural Science at UNIST has made pioneering discoveries in carbon science for more than 20 years. In addition to being a world-leading pioneer in graphene and other carbon materials, in 2007, he has been ranked as the world's 16th top materials scientists by Thomson Reuters. Moreover, on July 14th, he has been also selected to receive the SGL Carbon (Skakel) Award for his outstanding and many contributions to the field of carbon materials.

Professor Jaephil Cho, professor and director of Research Center for Innovative Battery Technologies, is known as the world leading expert on secondary batteries. He is in possession of ultra-fast charging battery technology and is working hard in the lab to commercialize the technology. Dr. Cho is also the recipient of many honors, including Dong-A Inchon Award (Natural Science, Inchon Memorial Foundation, 2013), Knowledge Creation Award in Material Science (MSIP, 2013), Best ITRC Center Award (Minister of Science, ICT & FP, 2014), and ICT Innovation Prize (Prime Minster Award, MSIP, 2015).

###
Pioneering new insights into why high concentrations of some of the most rare and desirable natural elements - vital for the production of vital environmental, digital and security technologies - have been revealed.

Pivotal new collaborative research, led by the world-famous Camborne School of Mines, based at the University of Exeter's Penryn Campus in Cornwall, provides a ground-breaking explanation of why remarkably high levels of these crucial earth elements are found at the Songwe Hill Rare Earth Project in Malawi, Southeast Africa.

The research team insisted that the new findings could pave the way for mining companies to significantly increase the likelihood of enhancing the global security of the supply of critical, yet rare, earth elements.

The innovative findings are published in the respected journal Ore Geology Reviews.

At present, many of the 15 naturally occurring rare earth elements are essential components in the vast majority of green and digital technology production and advances.

These include neodymium, a 'light rare earth' element vital for the production of permanent magnets in electric cars, wind turbines and smartphones; and 'heavy rare earth' elements such as dysprosium, europium and terbium which are used in lighting, anti-fraud and safety technologies.

However, all 15 are considered as "critical raw materials" by the European Union, due to risks of disruption to the supply by the dominant global producer, China.

The new research reveals that the Songwe Hill carbonatite - an igneous rock containing at least 50 per cent carbonate minerals - is composed not just of the relatively common rare earth mineral synchysite, but also the heavy rare earth-enriched variety of the mineral apatite.

This apatite is the key to why Songwe has a higher content of heavy rare earths than most other similar types of carbonatite host rock.

Dr Sam Broom-Fendley, lead author of the study said: "The occurrence of heavy rare earth rich apatite is particularly uncommon in carbonatites. Our work indicates that you need to 'simmer' these rocks in hot fluids to cause heavy rare earth enrichment. This is particularly useful as combined extraction of both light rare earth minerals and the heavy rare earth rich apatite creates a well-balanced deposit potentially suitable to support the growing magnetics industry."

The research team employed a variety of techniques including cathodoluminescence, laser ablation and electron microprobe analysis, to unravel the sequence of events that formed the rare mineral apatite. It was conducted in collaboration with the UK / Canadian exploration company Mkango Resources, who are working predominantly in Malawi.

William Dawes, CEO of Mkango Resources and co-author of the paper adds: "Mkango is very pleased to have collaborated on this pioneering research into heavy rare earth enrichment at Songwe. Our focus is on developing a new sustainable source of light and heavy rare earths outside China. Pushing the boundaries of research into rare earths through collaborations with leaders in the field is a core theme of the company's strategy."

Frances Wall, Professor of Applied Mineralogy at Camborne School of Mines said, 'A better understanding how and where heavy rare earths can be concentrated helps exploration companies improve their deposit models and increases the chances of a new rare earth deposit coming into production."

###

The research was funded by the UK's Natural Environment Research Council, including its Security of Supply of Minerals programme.
A newly discovered giant valley on the planet Mercury makes the Grand Canyon look tiny by comparison. Located by scientists at the University of Maryland, the Smithsonian Institution, the German Institute of Planetary Research and Moscow State University, the expansive valley holds an important key to the geologic history of the innermost planet in our solar system.

Discovered using stereo images from NASA's MErcury Surface, Space ENvironment, GEochemistry, and Ranging (MESSENGER) spacecraft, the "great valley" lies in the planet's southern hemisphere and overlaps the Rembrandt Basin--a large crater formed by a relatively recent impact from an asteroid or other such body. But the "great valley" formed in a much different way, according to a research paper published online November 16, 2016 in the journal Geophysical Research Letters.

Unlike Earth, which has a crust and upper mantle (collectively known as the lithosphere) divided into multiple tectonic plates, Mercury has a single, solid lithosphere that covers the entire planet. As the planet cooled and shrank early in its history, roughly 3-4 billion years ago, Mercury's lithosphere buckled and folded to form the valley, much like the skin of a grape folds as it dries to become a raisin.

"This is a huge valley. There is no evidence of any geological formation on Earth that matches this scale," said Laurent Montesi, an assistant professor of geology at UMD and a co-author of the research paper. "Mercury experienced a very different type of deformation than anything we have seen on Earth. This is the first evidence of large-scale buckling of a planet."

The valley is about 250 miles wide and 600 miles long, with steep sides that dip as much as 2 miles below the surrounding terrain. To put this in perspective: if Mercury's "great valley" existed on Earth, it would be almost twice as deep as the Grand Canyon and reach from Washington, D.C. to New York City, and as far west as Detroit.

More notable than its size, according to Montesi, is how the valley most likely formed and what that reveals about Mercury's geologic history.

The valley's walls appear to be two large, parallel fault scarps--step-like structures where one side of a fault moved vertically with respect to the other. Both scarps plunge steeply to the flat valley floor below. According to Montesi and his co-authors, the best explanation is that Mercury's interior cooled rapidly, forming a strong, thick lithosphere. The entire floor of the newly discovered valley is one giant piece of this lithosphere that dropped between the two faults on either side.

This would make sense if, like most planets, Mercury has been steadily cooling since its formation. But Montesi notes that there are several clues to suggest that Mercury went through a more recent period of warming. This analysis, if true, would upend some time-tested assumptions about Mercury's geologic past.

"Most features on Mercury's surface are truly ancient, but there is evidence for recent volcanism and an active magnetic field. This evidence implies that the planet is warm inside," Montesi said. "Everyone thought Mercury was a very cold planet--myself included. But it looks like Mercury might have heated significantly in recent planetary history."

###

The research paper, "Fault-bound Valley Associated with the Rembrandt Basin on Mercury," Thomas Watters, Laurent Montesi, Ju?rgen Oberst, and Frank Preusker, was first published online November 16, 2016 in the journal Geophysical Research Letters.

This work was supported by NASA (Award No. NNX07AR60G) and the Russian Science Foundation (Award No. 14-22-00197). The content of this article does not necessarily reflect the views of these organizations.

Media Relations Contact: Matthew Wright, 301-405-9267, mewright@umd.edu

University of Maryland

College of Computer, Mathematical, and Natural Sciences

2300 Symons Hall

College Park, MD 20742

http://www.cmns.umd.edu

@UMDscience

About the College of Computer, Mathematical, and Natural Sciences

The College of Computer, Mathematical, and Natural Sciences at the University of Maryland educates more than 7,000 future scientific leaders in its undergraduate and graduate programs each year. The college's 10 departments and more than a dozen interdisciplinary research centers foster scientific discovery with annual sponsored research funding exceeding $150 million.
Called the 'Declaration of States as Sponsor of Terrorism Bill, 2016', Chandrashekhar, an independent MP, had moved it after the Uri terror attack which had killed 19 soldiers.

By India Today Web Desk: Rajya Sabha MP Rajeev Chandrashekhar today introduced his Private Member's Bill in the Upper House to declare Pakistan as a terror country.

Called the 'Declaration of States as Sponsor of Terrorism Bill, 2016', Chandrashekhar, an independent MP, had moved it after the Uri terror attack which had killed 19 soldiers. He hoped the government would take note of the Bill.

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"I know that Private Member's Bill can hardly become law, but we have introduced this only to bring it to the government's notice," he said after the Bill was introduced.

He also thanked Rajya Sabha Deputy Chairperson PJ Kurien for allowing him to introduce the Bill.

After the Uri attack by Pakistan-backed terrorists, he had said that not just the US, even India should declare Pakistan a state sponsor of terror. The MP had also written to Prime Minster Narendra Modi asking the government to withdraw Most Favoured Nation (MFN) status to Pakistan, which Pakistan has never reciprocated.

--- ENDS ---
DALLAS - November 18, 2016 - Proactive outreach to cirrhosis patients in a safety net health system successfully doubled their screening rates for liver cancer, UT Southwestern Medical Center researchers found.

Cirrhosis (liver disease) patients are at high risk to develop liver cancer, which is increasing in frequency an average of 3 percent annually and has a five-year overall survival rate of just 17.5 percent.

"Finding ways to reach patients at high risk of liver cancer is critical. Liver cancer has the fastest increasing mortality rate among solid tumors in the U.S.," said first author Dr. Amit G. Singal, Associate Professor of Internal Medicine and Clinical Sciences, and a member of the Harold C. Simmons Comprehensive Cancer Center. "This high mortality is primarily due to low rates of liver cancer screening and high rates of late-stage diagnosis."

The study randomly divided 1,800 cirrhosis patients at Parkland Health & Hospital System in Dallas into three groups. The first group received mailed outreach invitations for screening ultrasound. The second group received similar outreach plus patient navigation, and the third received their usual care. Researchers learned that the group receiving mailed outreach invitations were most likely to schedule an ultrasound, which doubled the overall rate of screening.

The study appears in the journal Gastroenterology.

"Our study is one of the first interventions to improve liver cancer screening and early detection among at-risk patients. The vulnerable patient population we studied in our safety net health system are those who are at highest risk of dying from liver cancer, so this intervention helped those who might benefit the most," said Dr. Singal.

Only one-fourth of patients with cirrhosis in routine care are currently screened every six months for liver cancer with an ultrasound as recommended by national guidelines. Symptoms are not usually present when the cancer is in its early stages.

"Our research previously demonstrated that liver cancer screening is underused in clinical practice, with lower rates of screening among racial/ethnic minorities and socioeconomically disadvantaged patients," said senior author Dr. Ethan Halm, Director of the Center for Patient-Centered Outcomes Research, Chief of the William T. and Gay F. Solomon Division of General Internal Medicine, and Professor of Internal Medicine and Clinical Sciences. "Our new study presents a model of a proactive, population health outreach strategy that can improve liver cancer screening and early detection among those at highest risk of adverse outcomes." Dr. Halm holds the Walter Family Distinguished Chair in Internal Medicine in Honor of Albert D. Roberts, M.D.

According to the National Cancer Institute, liver cancer is diagnosed in an estimated 39,230 people annually. In 2013, there were an estimated 54,954 people living with this cancer in the U.S. Risk factors include a diagnosis of fatty liver disease, hepatitis B, hepatitis C, cirrhosis, or a combination of these diseases.

###

Additional UT Southwestern faculty who contributed to the study include: Dr. Jasmin A. Tiro, Associate Professor of Clinical Science and member of the Simmons Cancer Center; and Dr. Jorge A. Marrero, Medical Director of Liver Transplantation, Associate Vice President, Clinical Transformation Officer, and Professor of Internal Medicine. Dr. Tiro, Dr. Marrero, Dr. Halm, and Dr. Singal are all members of the Simmons Cancer Center. Dr. Noel O. Santini from Parkland Health & Hospital System also contributed to the study.

This study was conducted as part of UT Southwestern's Center for Patient-Centered Outcomes Research with support from the Agency for Healthcare Research & Quality, the National Institutes of Health, and the National Cancer Institute. Dr. Singal reported being on the speaker bureau for Bayer Pharmaceutical and receiving grant funding from Gilead Pharmaceuticals.

The Harold C. Simmons Comprehensive Cancer Center is the only NCI-designated Comprehensive Cancer Center in North Texas and one of just 47 NCI-designated Comprehensive Cancer Centers in the nation. Simmons Cancer Center includes 13 major cancer care programs. In addition, the Center's education and training programs support and develop the next generation of cancer researchers and clinicians. Simmons Cancer Center is among only 30 U.S. cancer research centers to be designated by the NCI as a National Clinical Trials Network Lead Academic Participating Site.

Cancer that starts in the liver is called primary liver cancer. There are often no symptoms for early-stage liver cancer. Liver cancer can also develop in the bile ducts within the liver.

Hepatitis B

Hepatitis C

Cirrhosis

Fatty liver disease

Treatment Options

For primary liver cancer, treatment may include:

Surgery

Stereotactic radiation

Chemotherapy

Liver transplantation

Local ablative therapies

Clinical trials

Source: National Cancer Institute

About UT Southwestern Medical Center

UT Southwestern, one of the premier academic medical centers in the nation, integrates pioneering biomedical research with exceptional clinical care and education. The institution's faculty includes many distinguished members, including six who have been awarded Nobel Prizes since 1985. The faculty of almost 2,800 is responsible for groundbreaking medical advances and is committed to translating science-driven research quickly to new clinical treatments. UT Southwestern physicians provide medical care in about 80 specialties to more than 100,000 hospitalized patients and oversee approximately 2.2 million outpatient visits a year.

This news release is available on our website at http://www.utsouthwestern.edu/news.

To automatically receive news releases from UT Southwestern via email, subscribe at http://www.utsouthwestern.edu/receivenews.




Haiti - Politics : D-4, US statement about the Haitian elections





Four days before the elections scheduled for Sunday, November 20, the US Embassy in Port-au-Prince declared :



"On November 20 Haitians will go to the polls to vote for their next president and members of parliament. We applaud the significant steps taken by the Government of Haiti and the Provisional Electoral Council following Hurricane Matthew to ensure that credible elections will occur as scheduled. We are encouraged by the improvements in the process made by the Provisional Electoral Council and urge all actors to participate fully and peacefully in the democratic process. We encourage all Haitian registered voters to exercise their civic rights and to vote for the candidates of their choice.



The United States notes with concern inflammatory rhetoric and incidents of violence that have occurred during the campaign. As the CEP noted in its press releases of 17 September, October 31, and November 14, all political parties have the obligation to ensure that their campaigns are carried out peacefully and in accordance with the law. We applaud the CEP's statement that it will not tolerate violence as part of the electoral process.



Electoral intimidation and violence are unacceptable and have negative impacts on citizen participation in elections. In these final days before the November 20 election, we continue to reiterate the importance of all governmental actors, including judicial, maintaining strict neutrality in the electoral process. We urge the CEP, Haitian National Police, and Government of Haiti to ensure that those who organize, finance, or participate in electoral intimidation and violence are held accountable under Haitian law. The United States is taking note of parties involved in electoral violence.



The United States reiterates its support for the completion of the electoral process as scheduled in order to allow an elected president to be seated in early 2017, as a result of fair and peaceful elections. We look forward to working with whomever the people of Haiti elect as we strengthen our longstanding partnership with Haiti. "






















Haiti - Economy : Laurent Lamothe winner of the ABICC 2016 Award





This Thursday, November 17 in Florida, former Prime Minister Laurent Lamothe will receive from the Association of Bi-National Chambers of Commerce in Florida, the ABICC 2016 Award for leadership in world trade before a crowd of important personalities of politics and business.



He will receive this prestigious distinction for his outstanding work as an entrepreneur in assisting developing country governments in the regulation and globalization of their innovative financing sectors for development, which have greatly helped to improve the competitiveness and economic sovereignty of these countries.



"I am proud to receive this prestigious award on behalf of my children, my family and every Haitian. This distinction is the culmination of the actions I have undertaken throughout my life to improve the living conditions of my fellow citizens and enable developing countries to find their way in an increasingly constraining world. My experience as former Prime Minister of Haiti has also allowed me to put my know-how to the benefit of the most needy. So it is with humility and gratitude that I receive this ABICC 2016 Award," declared Laurent Lamothe.



Recall that several major political and business figures have already received this award. These include Lech Walesa, former President of Poland (1999), Violeta Chamorro, former President of Nicaragua (2001), Enrique Iglesias, former President of the Inter-American Development Bank (2002), Gonzalo Sanchez de Lozada Former President of Bolivia (2003), Cesar Gaviria, Former President of Colombia and Former Secretary General of the Organization of American States (2004), Oscar Arias, Former President of Costa Rica (2005), Luis Alberto MorenoPresident of the Inter-American Development Bank (2006), Professor Muhammad Yunus, Nobel Peace Prize and President of Grameen Bank, Bangladesh (2007) and Michelle Bachelet, current President of Chile (2010).



Learn more about Laurent Lamothe:

Laurent Lamothe held the post of Prime Minister of Haiti (May 2012 - December 2014). He received in November 2014 the Award of the "the most innovative leader in Latin America" https://www.haitilibre.com/en/news-12087-haiti-politic-laurent-lamothe-innovative-leader-of-the-year.html . Founder of the Louis G. Lamothe Foundation and LSL World Initiative (2015), Laurent Lamothe holds a BA in political science from Barry University in Miami and an MBA obtained in 1996 with honors from the University of St. Thomas . In 1998, Lamothe founded Global Voice Group SA (GVG), which is now considered as a global provider of ICT solutions for telecom and tax authorities.



HL/ HaitiLibre


























Haiti - News : Zapping politics...





National Simulation of the Election Day

Friday will take place a simulation, linked to the running of the election day, throughout the territory. This day will mobilize all the Departmental Electoral Offices (BED) and Communals (BEC), as well as the great trainers, the main and deputy supervisors, the Members of the Voting Offices (MBV), the reservists (members in reserve, capable of supplementing failing members of polling stations...) and Electoral Security Officers (ESA)...



Privert's wife prays for elections

On Thursday morning, First Lady de facto, Dr. Ginette Michaud Privert attended a prayer meeting at the Kinam Hotel, invited by "Christian Businessperson Fellowship" and "Christian Ministry Leaders" who jointly interceded in favor of Haiti at the approach of elections.



Important publications in Le Moniteur

Wednesday in Le Moniteur special issue #17 have been published: the Regulations of the CEP on the processing of the Minutes; The Rules Governing the Operation of Electoral Materials Receiving Centers, the Provisional Electoral Council Rules on Voting Calculation Method and the CEP Rules on the Operation of the Voting Tabulation Centre.



4,251 CIN reprinted

The Provisional Electoral Council (CEP) informs that the National Office of Identification (ONI) has reprinted 4,251 National Identification Cards (CIN), the CEP invites persons, having communicated the loss of their CIN to the ONI, to pass to the premises of the institution and to the other distribution points available https://www.haitilibre.com/en/news-19205-haiti-news-zapping-politics.html



D-4 Privert calls for collaboration

Wednesday, at the National Palace, as part of the elections scheduled for this Sunday, de facto President Jocelerme Privert met with the various actors of civil society including ADIH, ANMH, ISC / OCID, RNDDH , POHDH, AMIH and Digicel. During this important meeting, the Head of State show determination to facilitate the success of this electoral day and called in this sense to the collaboration of all the sectors of the national life.



PetroCaribe projects, high-level meeting

Wednesday, de facto President Jocelerme Privert, accompanied by Prime Minister Enex Jean-Charles, had an important meeting around projects funded by the Petrocaribe funds. Participants included: Avion Fleurant (Planning), Yves Romain Bastien (Economy), Jacques Evelt Eveillard (Public Works) and Patrick Norame, Director General of the Monetization Bureau of Development Assistance Programs (BMPAD)



HL/ HaitiLibre


















Despite the chilling brutality of the Islamic State (ISIS), the harsh laws of Sunni Saudi Arabia and the hate speeches of mullahs from Tehran to Islamabad, the more extremist strains of radical Islam receive less criticism than they deserve.

Few want to meet the fate of the journalists and cartoonists of Charlie Hebdo, murdered by Islamist terrorists, or Kamlesh Tiwari, still languishing in jail nearly a year after his allegedly derogatory comments on the Prophet.

Islamaphobia is rightly condemned. Hinduphobia though is acceptable in living rooms across upper middle-class urban India where secular poseurs are many in number.

In India its kosher, even fashionable among the nouveau elite, to be anti-Hindu.

Pathology

Well come to the pathology of this curious phenomenon in a bit but first a look at The Economists story on Muslims in India whom it calls An Uncertain Community.

The magazine grudgingly concedes that Indias Muslims have not, it is true, been officially persecuted, hounded into exile or systematically targeted by terrorists, as have minorities in other parts of the subcontinent, such as the Ahmadi sect in Pakistan.

The Economist has displayed poor editorial judgement so often (it backed the US invasion of Iraq in 2003) that its insight on secularism in India is predictably myopic.

And yet, the patronising, all-knowing tone it adopts towards Indias secular ethos echoes the position of Indias Hinduphobes.

Most Indian Hinduphobes are, strangely, Hindus.

They call themselves secular but are often not. Secularism requires religion-neutrality. They lack that. Bias colours their views.

So why are sophisticated, educated Hindus who aspire to be secular so Hinduphobic?

Because they completely misunderstand what real secularism means.

As I wrote in my book The New Clash of Civilizations, Influential sections of especially the electronic media, suffused with hearts bleeding from the wrong ventricle, are part of this great fraud played on Indias poverty-stricken Muslims  communalism with an engaging secular mask.

The token Muslim is lionised  from business to literature  but the common Muslim languishes in his 69-year-old ghetto.

It is from such ghettos that raw recruits to the banned Students Islamic Movement of India (SIMI) and the Indian Mujaheedin (IM) are most easily found.

Indias religious diversity though is deeply embedded. Six of Indias highest constitutional functionaries have recently been Sikh (prime minister), Christian (UPA chairperson), Muslim (chief election commissioner), Parsi (chief justice of India), Dalit (speaker of the Lok Sabha) and Hindu (president).

There is no other country in the world with such breathtaking plurality at the highest level of leadership.

Consider Britain: only Protestant (not Catholic) Christians can be monarch.

In Saudi Arabia and Pakistan, minorities (including Muslim Ahmadis) have severely restricted rights.

Unlike burqa-banning Western democracies such as France and Belgium, Indian secularism does not separate church from state.

It allows them to swim together in a common, if sometimes, chaotic pool.

Atrocities

Politicians are the worst offenders. Bengal chief minister Mamata Banerjee turns a blind eye to atrocities by Muslims against Hindus.

In a brazen exhibition of communal politics, she does so in order to secure Bengals 27 per cent Muslim electorate that, along with a small slice of the Hindu majority, can guarantee her over 40 per cent of the vote-share and a near-landslide in a four-cornered contest with the Left, BJP and fr-enemy Congress.

This sort of communal polarisation suits the BJP. The rise of majoritarianism has underpinned its success in states like Assam.

The biggest loser has been the Congress, the original communal polariser in the 1985 Shah Bano case. It is now reaping the ill wind.

The rise of Hindu extremist fringe elements is a direct consequence of decades of political parties pandering to minorities in the name of a fraudulent secularism.

Meanwhile, the mild, everyday Hindu, inured to caste stratification, fatalism, karma and centuries of Islamic and Christian-British subjugation, is an easy target for Hinduphobes.

Uncertain

The Economists piece on Indian Muslims  An Uncertain Community   ends with a quote by a veteran Muslim voice:  They called it a secular state, which is why many who had a choice at Partition wanted to stay here, says Saeed Naqvi, a journalist whose recent book, Being The Other, chronicles the growing alienation of Indias Muslims.

But what really happened was that we seamlessly glided from British Raj to Hindu Raj.

This is misleading for two reasons. First, it is of course a misnomer to call the British occupation of India the British Raj.

That connotes a benign presence which the occupation was not.

Second, India is hardly a Hindu Raj given the fact that Muslims, Christians, Parsis and others have their own personal laws and, bar isolated incidents, are safer in India than virtually anywhere else in the world.

While Hinduphobia is a psychological affliction, countering it with Hinduphilia is hardly the answer.

The RSS is wrong to call for a Hindu Rashtra. It should instead work for a Bharat Rashtra. Confine religion to your home. It has no place in public discourse. (Hindu Janajagruti Samiti is also striving for establishment of Hindu Rashtra i.e. Sanatan Dharmarajya which will be a Rashtra of sattvik people run by sattvik people. Such Hindu Rashtra will strive for Vishwakalyana, which means welfare of all humans !  Editor, Hindujagruti)

Secularism is not top-down but bottom-up. No number of laws can guarantee religious tolerance as the examples of France, Belgium and the United States demonstrate.

It is the inborn secularism of Hindus that makes India secular.

Source : Daily Mail
How such outcome of overseas political struggle affects Lithuania's future.

How such outcome of overseas political struggle affects Lithuania's future.

On the eve of the US presidential election, Lithuanian website 'LDiena' published a curious material about how the outcome of overseas political struggle would affect Lithuania's future.

Today, only a very naive person can think that Lithuania's strategic future does not depend on the outcome of the US presidential election. If Clinton wins, further militaristic blast is planned for Lithuania, with a clear perspective to become the theatre of war, which will have predictable results. If Trump wins, the 'bargaining by Russia over Lithuania' is to be expected. And it is to be supposed that the overseas influence on the republic (as well as, on Poland and the Baltics as a whole) will be reduced during the 'Great Game' with the Kremlin.

What does Lithuania's exclusion, albeit partial, from the sphere of US influence mean? First of all, it is a blow against interests of the country's pro-American elite, whose inclusive leader is current Lithuanian President. So, it is Dalia Grybauskaite we are going to talk about.

I was always wondering why Moscow does not want publicly to nail Grybauskaite to the barn-door for her close links with the Committee for State Security of the Soviet Union. I know that in the last 2 years, everybody has liked to write about it, but everything is still kept on the qt. For instance, more than once they have carried the story that at Soviet times, Leningrad militia detained a foreign diplomat in company with the student of Leningrad State University (LSU) Grybauskaite, and nevertheless, this 'female athlete, Komsomol member and really beautiful girl' did not lose face at all and continued to study.

But when Lithuanian and Russian public men filed a request with relevant Russian organs to get admission to the personal record of Grybauskaite, they received the strangest answers.

In particular, Russia's Ambassador in Vilnius Alexander Udaltsov responded to the request of Signatory of the Independence Act Zigmas Vaisvila. The diplomat only made a helpless gesture, saying that the Russian law does not grant the right to disclose and disseminate personal information to third parties without the consent of the personal data subject.

"Thus, information containing personal data of Grybauskaite can be requested only by Ms. Grybauskaite herself", Udaltsov summed it up.

Then, similar trick has been made by Saint Petersburg State University (formerly LSU) where current Lithuanian President studied. The administration of the University publicly appealed to Grybauskaite with request to give 'the consent to the publication of her personal file's materials'. "We refuse to give the consent...", instead of her answered Chancellor of the Office of Lithuanian Republic's President, Giedrius Krasauskas.

What on earth is this circus act about? Why would Moscow play the role of 'a center of democracy' while this very 'subject of the personal data' names Russia 'a terrorist state' and compares ordinary Lithuanians, who call to be friends with the eastern neighbors, with certain 'jet fighters flying over our heads'?

There can be, in fact, only one answer  the Kremlin, keeping Dalia on the fishing hook, is engaged in trivial (according to fisherman's vocabulary) playing with fish. It is when a fisherman passes from stretching the line to releasing it, from time to time. After such manipulations the fish, even if it is a power predaceous organism, loses its grip, goes limp and gets easily beached.

University's snide response is just a gag. Look at the letter from the St. Petersburg State University: it's signed by the Vice-Rector of the St. Petersburg State University A. A. Zavarzin. But just imagine for a minute, this very Zavarzin is only Press Secretary at the St. Petersburg State University. In brief, this letter is nothing but the outright trolling Dalia Grybauskaite, to which her Chancellor responded very seriously.

But the pity laughter will be died pretty soon, I think. Moscow will not release some numbers on Grybauskaite yet because so far there has been no prospect for it. Well, if you say "A", who says "B"?

Obviously, public disclosure of the full 'package of deeds' of the hot blonde from Lithuanian SSR, who was the KGB secret agent, spells an end to her career of the President. Besides, it would greatly damage the reputation of all the pro-American elite of Lithuania. And right after it, somebody is going to ask the question, what then?

While Lithuania is coordinated by the U.S., the "Red Dalia's scandal" will have positive repercussions on newsboys' fees only. Complete shift in power is not yet at hand in the republic. That will happen only when active forces of Lithuanian National Redemption, oriented to mutually-beneficial dialogue with their neighbors, lift up their head, while weakening the US positions in the Baltics.

And in this case, Grybauskaite's Personal Record would benefit the society.
Update 6.54pm: Pat Hickey is to pay the bond and accept the terms laid down by a Brazilian judge in order to have his passport returned to him.

A judge ruled earlier this week that he could return to Ireland for medical treatment.

His lawyer has said this evening that the money will be deposited but it is still not clear who will be paying the money.

Earlier: The International Olympic Committee has revealed that it will not pay the bond that the former President of Olympic Council of Ireland Pat Hickey is required to produce as a condition of being allowed leave Brazil, writes Joe Leogue.

While the OCI yesterday ruled out paying the BRZ$1.5m bond (410,000), the IOC had referred media queries to Mr Hickeys representatives.

As a member of its Executive Board, the IOC had covered the cost of Mr Hickeys flights to the Olympic Games in Rio de Janeiro.

This morning however, the IOCs Media Relations team confirmed its position to the Irish Examiner.

No, the IOC will not pay for Mr Hickey's bond, the Media Relations Team said.

It did not elaborate as to whether or not it was contributing to Mr Hickeys legal fees or other associated costs.

On Wednesday, Mr Hickey, who is facing charges relating to alleged ticket touting during the Rio games, was given permission to return to Ireland on health grounds by Brazils special court for supporters and large events.

Denying all allegations against him, he had been released from custody in August, however Brazilian authorities retained his passport.

The 71-year-old has stepped aside from his Olympic duties until the conclusion into the investigation.
German chancellor Angela Merkel has said she feels a duty to serve her country and Europe, adding fuel to speculation she will seek a fourth term.

After she hosted a meeting of outgoing US president Barack Obama and the leaders of Spain, Italy, France and Britain, Mrs Merkel was asked how she sees her short and long-term responsibilities.

"I want to perform my task as German chancellor, which on the one hand is to serve the people of Germany, but it also includes working for the cohesion and success of Europe," she replied.

Mrs Merkel, 62, is scheduled to hold a news conference late on Sunday after meeting with senior members of her Christian Democratic Union party.

So far, she has refused to say if she plans to run again when Germany holds a general election.

But with Europe facing an unresolved conflict in Ukraine, tough talks over Britain's exit from the European Union and a politically sensitive influx of migrants, whether Mrs Merkel will remain as leader of Europe's biggest economy has generated interest.

Spanish prime minister Mariano Rajoy, who recently won his country's Parliament's backing to head a minority government after 10 months of political deadlock, said Germany's stability was important for Europe as a whole.

"It's fundamental for Europe that things go well in Germany, as fortunately they are at this moment," he said.

Mr Rajoy noted the headway that populist political groups on both the left and the right have made in Europe lately.

Striking visual reminder of how many foreign leaders Angela Merkel has seen come and go pic.twitter.com/7NXZ3HzIc7  BBC Newsnight (@BBCNewsnight) November 18, 2016

In Germany, Mrs Merkel faces fierce opposition over her decision to take in hundreds of thousands of refugees last year.

"I'm confident, although next year will be a difficult one from an election point of view in Europe, that things will begin returning to normal," Mr Rajoy said.

After the meeting in Berlin, Mrs Merkel appeared keen to downplay recent descriptions of her as the last great defender of Western values following Donald Trump's election.

"One person alone can never solve everything," she said. "We are only strong together."

AP
Insurance companies are heavily criticised by the report, which says their closed mentality and unwillingness to share data is a contributory factor in recent motor insurance hikes.

Tougher laws forcing insurance companies to reveal details of claims, awarding greater powers to the Personal Injuries Assessment Board (PIAB) and tougher penalties for drivers caught speeding or on their mobile phone while driving are among some of 76 key recommendations in the report.

The findings are contained in a joint Oireachtas committee on finances report on the rising costs of motor insurance, which is due for publication next week, and was seen by the Irish Examiner.

The committee has held a series of hearings into the crisis since the summer.

The cross-party committee, which is chaired by Fianna Fail TD John McGuinness, expresses serious concerns about the bona fides of the insurance sector in promising to provide such details in the future of its own accord.

The draft report concludes that on average, premiums have increased by 37%, but in some cases premium hikes have been in the order of 200%-300%.

It is apparent that insurance companies in many cases are refusing even to quote insurance, it states. In other instances, insurance companies quote but the amounts sought are so large that the net effect is to prevent people from getting insurance.

It says it is unacceptable that the insurance industry publicly states that certain variables are behind steep increases in motor insurance, yet fail to publicly furnish the supporting evidence.

The committee is conscious of the roles of both the Competition and Consumer Commission and the Central Bank of Ireland in their failures to protect consumers and citizens.

The insurance industry has insisted that the substantial premium hikes are the result of an increase in legal costs and compensation awards, but will not supply supporting evidence for verification.

However, it is the consumer and policyholder who has suffered the most in this debacle, the report states.

The committee concludes that the Central Bank has abrogated responsibility for protecting consumers by claiming European Law prevents it from getting involved in pricing and risk.

Thus, it is the opinion of the committee, that the consumer has been thrown to the wolves, the report states.

The committee report concludes that 70% of claims are settled privately by insurers outside of both the Personal Injuries Assessment Board and the Courts Service.

As a result, there is no visibility or transparency whatsoever about these claims.

It is as if they have disappeared into a black hole to remain ring-fenced from interrogation and wider public scrutiny, Mr McGuinness states in his introduction.

The committee has proposed the powers of the PIAB be modernised and strengthened,

History has proved that the PIAB made a significant impact in the personal injuries environment following its inception, the report states. The facts speak for themselves: awards were reduced by 40% and waiting times to process cases were reduced from three years to seven months.

Meanwhile, the chief executive of Insurance Ireland Kevin Thompson said there has been a 36% increase in Injuries Board claims since 2008, with whiplash accounting for 80% of all motor injury claims.

Chief executive of Insurance Ireland Kevin Thompson

Insurance Ireland has been calling for the level of personal injury awards to be benchmarked internationally, as such awards in Ireland are about three time those in the UK.
In 1729, when Maharaja Jai Singh II was building the main palace in Jaipur, he was made to build the Rajmahal Palace 10 km away on the whims of one his queens, Chandra Kanwar Ranawat. She, it is said, wouldn't agree to living near the main palace. Close to three centuries later, the Rs 5,000 crore property has become a source of dispute once again, now between two former queens of Rajasthan - Padmini Devi of the erstwhile royal family of Jaipur, and Chief Minister Vasundhara Raje.

The battle lines were drawn on August 24, when then Jaipur Development Authority (JDA) commissioner Shikhar Aggarwal led some 600 personnel, mostly policemen, on a dawn swoop of the palace, encircling the land around its main entrance, sealing the gate and pulling down a heritage building in the media's presence. This, despite Padmini Devi and Raje being old friends and having had two dinners together the week before. Even on the evening of August 22, Raje, who was on her way to Bhutan, had returned her call and assured Padmini Devi that just the road in front of the property was planned for widening. The latter's daughter, Diya Kumari, a BJP MLA from Sawai Madhopur, too, had checked with Aggarwal, who reportedly said nothing would be done before the family was heard across the table.

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JDA demolition at the Rajmahal palace hotel (Photograph by Purushottam Diwakar)

The assurances were not kept, and the JDA's bulldozers moved in. A video and photographs of Diya Kumari pleading with Aggarwal to be shown the necessary documents also went viral. After repeated pleas, the JDA put the demolition of another building on hold, but locked the gates serving as the main entrance to the palace.

Rajmahal Palace is now a heritage hotel, operated since 2014 by Delhi-based Jaisal Singh's Sujan group on a 10-year lease. The JDA wants to take over 2,700 square yards of land, including the entrance to the palace, that has been with Padmini Devi's family. When clubbed with the 34,000 square yards already acquired by it in the area, the piece of realty becomes a premium square, corner plot commanding a Rs 1,000 crore price tag. Padmini Devi's family says that while they accept the JDA's ownership of the 34,000 square yards, the remaining land belongs to them, as per a covenant signed by the Indian government with the princely states after Independence and a 2011 court order against takeover of the property by the government. "If this could happen to a BJP MLA from a royal family, you can imagine what would be happening to the common man," Diya Kumari had said on the day the palace entrance was sealed. Her husband, Narendra Singh, later said: "It was the worst humiliation the Jaipur royals could have been subjected to."

In the days that followed, the family took its battle to the people. Padmini Devi led a show of strength through the streets of Jaipur, demonstrating the support they enjoyed, especially among the Rajputs. She declared her faith in the family's long association with the RSS and refused to speak to Raje again. The family then approached BJP president Amit Shah, and while denying any encroachment of land, conveyed, that they were willing to negotiate the sub judice case. Shah, in turn, reportedly called up Raje to question how her officials could treat a royal family as land mafia. He sent BJP national joint general secretary (organisation) Saudan Singh to negotiate a peace deal. A meeting was arranged between Raje and Padmini Devi, following which the sealed entrance to the palace was reopened around midnight on September 4. Two days later, a local court ruled against the JDA, ordering status quo and directing the authority to rebuild the demolished structures at its own cost. When the JDA appealed against the verdict, the Rajasthan High Court ruled in favour of reopening the entrance gate, but stayed the lower court's order on the rebuild.

As the conflict looked settled for a prolonged court battle, Aggarwal, on the night of October 28, sent his deputy to demarcate the land the JDA lays claim on. As his team got down to work, Narendra Singh locked the main entrance. JDA officials found themselves stuck inside and their vehicle tyres were deflated. Finding no support from the police, the JDA team returned the morning after even as senior BJP leaders worked on the sidelines to end the stalemate. Singh eventually cooperated, but-in an apparent counter-offensive to the JDA's move-Padmini Devi extended support to a shutdown announced in Jaipur's walled city area on November 15 against the demolition of old temples to make way for a metro rail line. Pulling down temples for the metro project has, in the past, not been taken to kindly by even the RSS. The latter is said to be annoyed with Raje for not reining in the officials behind these demolitions and has even held protests in Jaipur.

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In the ongoing tug of war, the axe eventually fell on Aggarwal and JDA secretary Pawan Arora. Both were removed on November 3. The JDA and the Vasundhara Raje government suffered another setback when a magistrate took cognisance of a complaint filed by Padmini Devi's family and issued bailable warrants against Aggarwal, Arora and three other top JDA officials for the August 24 demolition. They are to appear in court on November 25. On November 9, Aggarwal and Mukesh Sharma, Rajasthan principal secretary for urban development and housing, appeared before the Rajasthan HC and filed affidavits explaining why the main entrance of Rajmahal Palace was first sealed and then reopened. The court has adjourned this case for two weeks.

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What prompted the JDA to take on the erstwhile royals? Aggarwal says Padmini Devi's family had moved an application in the Jaipur Municipal Corporation (JMC) for subdivision of the land title that the JDA was disputing and to get approval for constructing residential flats next to Rajmahal Palace, on a plot in Diya Kumari's name. Aggarwal maintains the entire land belongs to the JDA and that the family had "fraudulently" tried to get the municipality's approval. He says the JDA was alerted by a letter received from the Jaipur Municipal Corporation on August 22, seeking clarification on the matter, but insiders say the authority had already begun looking for loopholes against the family a week before. Rajasthan urban development and housing minister Rajpal Singh Shekhawat backs the JDA. Shekhawat says that while he holds the royal family in high esteem, it was wrong on their part to create such a big issue out of the August 24 incident. "We treated them like anybody else. Had we not, we would have been accused of siding with them," he says.

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With Aggarwal gone, some JDA officials now say he could have explored legal options or held negotiations with Padmini Devi's family before moving in the demolition squad. One view is that Aggarwal was merely following Raje's orders. But going by what Raje told Padmini Devi and Shah, she had been misled by officials about the scale of the action planned by the JDA.

Diya Kumari argues that the JDA cannot take away her right of way by sealing the entrance to Rajmahal Palace. "We would have handed over the land without compensation had she (Raje) asked for it," claims her husband. For now, nobody's winning this battle. As Diya Kumari puts it, "Everyone has been left embarrassed."

Follow the writer on Twitter @rohitO

--- ENDS ---
GMV Minerals Inc. (TSX.V: GMV) (the "Company" or "GMV") is pleased to announce that its drill program is underway at its Mexican Hat gold property in S.E. Arizona. The Company's 14-hole reverse circulation drilling program is specifically designed to expand mineral resources to the west, east and south of the existing Mexican Hat gold resource. The drill program will test along strike of the known mineralization and to the southeast where a previous operator identified significant gold mineralization. The program will also test down to a depth of 300m per hole to explore mineralization below historical drilling of 200m from surface.

Column Leach Testing Update

In addition, the Company reports that its run of mine (ROM) testing in a large column leach is still recovering economically significant gold after 119 days under leach. At the recommendation of John Fox, P.Eng., our consulting metallurgist, and in discussion with the Dr. Alice Shi at Bureau Veritas, GMV will continue to leach this material until no further significant gold values are recovered. Ian Klassen, GMV's CEO commented, "Upon concluding the bulk sample leach test, the remaining rock in the test will be assayed to confirm the reconciled head grades and subsequently the exact percentage of recovery. We eagerly await those results."

The Company will issue updates on its geochemical and geophysical surveys when they are complete.

About GMV Minerals Inc.

GMV Minerals Inc. is a publicly traded exploration company focused on developing precious metal assets in Arizona. GMV, through its 100% owned subsidiary, has a 100% interest in a Mining Property Lease commonly referred to as the Mexican Hat project, located in Cochise County, Arizona, USA. The Mexican Hat property contains an inferred mineral resource of 23,452,000 tonnes grading 0.70 grams of gold per tonne hosting 531,400 troy ounces of gold. The project was initially explored by Placer Dome (USA) in the late 1980's to early 1990's. GMV is focused on developing the asset and realizing the full mineral potential of the property through near term gold production.

Source: GMV Minerals
Anaconda Mining Inc. (TSX: ANX) ("Anaconda" or the "Company") is pleased to announce that the nominees listed in the management proxy circular for the 2016 Annual General Meeting were elected as directors of Anaconda. Detailed results of the vote for the election of directors held at the Annual General Meeting on November 17, 2016 in Toronto are set out below.

Nominee Votes For % For Votes Withheld % Withheld Dustin Angelo 38,125,829 98.91% 419,581 1.09% Kevin Bullock 38,025,548 98.65% 519,862 1.35% Michael Byron 38,025,748 98.65% 519,662 1.35% Tim Casgrain 38,101,599 98.85% 443,811 1.15% Glenn Dobby 38,126,029 98.91% 419,381 1.09% Lewis Lawrick 38,125,329 98.91% 420,081 1.09% Maruf Raza 38,338,318 99.46% 207,092 0.54%

ABOUT ANACONDA MINING

Anaconda Mining is a growth-oriented, gold mining and exploration company with a producing project called the Point Rousse Project and two exploration/development projects called the Viking and Great Northern Projects in Newfoundland.

The Point Rousse Project is approximately 6,300 hectares of property on the Ming's Bight Peninsula located in the Baie Verte Mining District in Newfoundland, Canada. Since 2012, Anaconda has increased its property control by ten-fold on the peninsula and gold production to nearly 16,000 ounces per year. In an effort to expand production, it is currently exploring three primary, prospective gold trends, which have approximately 20 km of cumulative strike length and include five deposits and numerous prospects and showings, all within 8 km of the Pine Cove Mill. A second property called the Tilt Cove Property, consisting of 350 hectares, is located approximately 60 kilometres by road from the Pine Cove Mill but is also within the Baie Verte Mining District and underlain by similar geology to the Point Rousse Project.

Anaconda also controls the Viking and Great Northern Projects, which have approximately 6,225 and 6,375 hectares of property (respectively) in White Bay, Newfoundland, approximately 100 kilometres by water (180 kilometres via road) from the Pine Cove Mill. The Viking Project contains the Thor Deposit and other gold prospects and showings and the Great Northern Project includes numerous prospects and showings within a similar geological setting as the Viking Project. The Company's plan is to discover and develop more resources within these project areas and substantially increase annual production at the Pine Cove Mill from its current rate of nearly 16,000 ounces.

As the only pure play gold producer in Atlantic Canada, Anaconda Mining is turning the rock we live on into a growing and profitable resource. With a young and motivated workforce, innovative technology and the support of local suppliers, Anaconda is investing in the people of Newfoundland & Labrador and giving back to the communities in which we operate  building a better future for all our stakeholders, from the ground up.

SOURCE Anaconda Mining
A group of students hold a rally calling for President Park Geun-hye to step down at a district office in Jongno-Gu, Seoul, Friday, a day ahead of the fourth candlelit rally which is expected to draw more than 500,000 protesters in central Seoul. / Yonhap



By Choi Ha-young



Tension is heightening over the fourth candlelit protests on Saturday against President Park Geun-hye in Seoul and other major cities across the nation amid growing concerns over possible clash with Park's supporters.



The rally comes after Cheong Wa Dae made it clear that it will stand firm against people's mounting calls for her resignation over the scandal involving her confidant Choi Soon-sil.



Park's determination to stay in power has fueled the public anger further. Police also said they will block the march near the presidential office citing traffic inconveniences and concerns over clash in disregard of repeated rulings from the Seoul Administrative Court in favor of the march.



"It appears that the police has changed their stance and decided to block the march near Cheong Wa Dae because of Park's determination to fight against people's call for resignation," said Han Seon-beom, a spokesperson for the rally's organizers.



A civic group filed an injunction with a court to dismiss the police's decision. If the court accepts the request again, the police cannot impose a ban on the march.



About 5,000 members of President Park's longtime fan club "Park Sa Mo" plan to turn out on central Seoul to advocate her and protect the presidency, which may lead to physical conflicts.













The police will try to separate the two groups as they are supposed to take different routes for the march. Still, the two groups might clash.



For the fourth candlelit protest, about 500,000 people are expected to flock to Gwanghwamun Square, with high school seniors who finished their College Scholastic Ability Test on Thursday vowing to join the rally.



From 2 p.m., participants will walk toward the square, from Dongdaemun History and Culture Park, Hongik Univ. Station, Samgakji Station and Marronnier Park, according to the organizers.



This time, citizens will scatter across the nation to demand Park to step down. People will flock to over 100 places including Jeonju, Yeosu, Pohang, Gangneung and Geoje, unlike last Saturday when people came by bus from provinces. The organizer keeps updating the nationwide protests' schedule on its Facebook page.



Meanwhile, youth groups are preparing anti-Park festivals in Sinchon, the commercial zone for young people, western Seoul. From 2 p.m. social media-based group "Do it do it again" will do a flash mob, with a song "Do you hear the people sing?" from the movie "Les Miserables."



"At mass rallies, participants don't have enough chances to talk to each other," the organizer of the event Park Hye-min told The Korea Times. "We aim to expand the political activities into daily space out of large square, by playing together," she said.



From 4 p.m. in the middle of Sinchon's main street, youth will express their anger against Choi Soon-sil's daughter Chung Yoo-ra, who entered a prestigious university by illicit admission. The event will feature rapper's performance and free speeches under the title, "Show me the Yoo-ra."



"Besides Park's resignation, we should make a society without privilege and foul," the organizer Jeong Woo-ryeong told The Korea Times.



Meanwhile, Park's approval rate has no sign of rebound, standing at five percent for three consecutive weeks, according to Gallup Korea, Friday.
Rannvijay Singha's wife Prianka Vohra was thrown the most amazing baby shower by her friends.

By India Today Web Desk: Popular television personality and film actor Rannvijay Singha and wife Prianka Vohra are expecting their first child together. Prianka recently celebrated her baby shower in London with close friends and family in attendance.

The gorgeous mother-to-be was thrown a surprise baby shower by her relatives and friends in the United Kingdom.

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Also read:Congratulations! Rannvijay Singha and wife Prianka Singha will soon become parents

Prianka took to social media to express her gratitude and happiness at having received such a grand party. She even posted a picture of herself on her personal Instagram account. Prianka was surrounded by a lot of goodies and colourful balloons as she posed for the picture.

She captioned the picture as "Blessed to have the best of friends that are more like sisters who threw the most stunning baby shower! Thank you girls. You know who you are! #promisetonotexpose #untilmynextpost #loveyougirls #lovethecolors #neutraltheme #funtimes @maxmara love the jumpsuit! #maxmara @harveynichols- thank you team Harvey for the most comfortable and delightful experience! #harveynichols satnamwaheguru#blessed."

Prianka looked stunning in a white jumpsuit as she posed for the camera.

Rannvijay and Prianka had tied the knot on April 14, 2014 in Kenya.



--- ENDS ---
Soon after the death of late veteran actor Ebenezer Donkor, aka Katawere, was announced on Monday, November 13, 2016, his daughter Diana Donkor was said to have indicated in an interview with myjoyonline.com that his late dad has six children.

The late Katawere's first daughter, Helena Donkor, also confirmed to razzonline.com that her late dad has six children. She explained that they are five females and a male who happens to be the third child.

My late dad had six children five females and a male the male is the third born.All my siblings are in Accra, Helena stated.

But, speaking in an interview with razzonline.com, the second wife of the departed veteran actor, Maame Beatrice Boatema, refuted her step daughter's claim by indicating that her late husband had seven children.

The widow explained that she met the late Katawere on September 9, 1985, and had two children  a boy and a girl  with him but unfortunately the girl died. She explained that the first wife had two daughters with Katawere and the late Katawere also had children by two extra women somewhere, amassing to seven children.

The late veteran actor died at the age of 78 and was known for the popular 'Efiewura' television series and has starred in several local movies.
Lawyer Poku Adusei and Kojo Antwi. INSET: Nana Yaa Attufuah, Bandex and Nana Tuffour

The Ghana Music Rights Organisation (GHAMRO) has cut ties with the Ghana Independent Broadcasters Association (GIBA) after talks between the two groups on royalty payment ended in a deadlock.

GHAMRO reached the decision on Thursday after the collection rights organisation accused GIBA of deliberately showing bad faith after an agreement had been reached on a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) regarding how members of GIBA should pay music royalties.

It said after three months of negotiations, GIBA called for a formal MoU, but after the terms were amicably reached, GIBA refused to attend the signing ceremony and did not give any reason for the refusal or even bothered to propose a new date.

Ahmed Banda, Vice President of the GHAMRO, explained the drama, saying, The laws of Ghana mandate GHAMRO to collect royalties from radio and television networks that use music for public and commercial purposes. Many of them have defaulted in paying so we took a number of them to court and we won and they paid hugely for it. Many more are still in court when GIBA approached GHAMRO and requested for an out of court negotiation on behalf of the radio and television stations who are members of GIBA.

GHAMRO showed GIBA the due respect and we started talks and negotiations for close to three months until GIBA itself came to us with a MoU which would solve the challenge of radio and television stations which fail to pay the due music royalties. We went through the terms of the MoU and both parties agreed it would be mutually beneficial. We agreed on a date to sign and GIBA came to us with a full team made up of its leaders and lawyers. Just when we were about o sign, GIBA suggested the date should be postponed to Thursday November 17 so we invite the media and make it a subject of news. We agreed to the suggestion.

He continuedHere we are today, Thursday, November 17 the invited media houses are here, GHAMRO is here with its leadership and team of lawyers but GIBA is nowhere to be found, we have waited for several hours they have not showed up, they are not picking their calls, and they have just ignored us completely in a very disrespectful way.

After the invited media houses had waited for hours, lawyer for GHAMRO, Dr Poku Adusei, addressed the journalists and said he had also tried without success to get an explanation for the absence of GIBA at the event.

I have called the GIBA president and what he told me on phone was that he was outside Accra. This is bad faith and disrespectful when GIBA knows we have an agreement to sign and they themselves scheduled the date, invited the media, gave the time and everything but failed to turn up without the courtesy of even calling to explain their absence or sending a message.

We have no choice than t return to court with radio and television stations who have defaulted in the payment of music royalty and this time the courts would even make them pay more because they would pay the legal cost, cost of defaulting because it is an infringement and also pay the arrears all because GIBA does not want the easy way out, Lawyer Poku Adusei stated.

One of the vice chairs of GHAMRO, Nana Tuffour, had travelled all the way from the Ashanti Region to join the chairman, Kojo Antwi, and the other vice chair for the event.

The Copyright Administrator, Nana Yaa Attuafuah, and a team from her office were also at the event, but they all left in disappointment after several hours of waiting.




Some of Ghana's best known music stars will mount the stage tomorrow at the famous Efua Sutherland Park in Accra for the 'Ghana + Peace Concert'.

The peace concert, organised by Obiba Foundation, is aimed at promoting peace and unity among Ghanaians, as well as educate Ghanaians about the importance of peace before, after and during the December 7 elections.

The mission of the Obiba Foundation is to build peace in Ghana through music, youth development and peace education.

The foundation also seeks to champion public awareness that would enable people to make peaceful and healthy decisions for themselves, their families, nations and the continent.

The event will bring together dignitaries, the clergy and representatives from the various political parties and music fans from all walks of life who will dance their hearts out to music from all the artistes on the bill.

Representatives from the various political parties who will attend the event will also be given the opportunity to address their various supporters and music fans.

The organisers stressed that peace is vital to the development of every nation, therefore, the need for this peace campaign.

They urged all Ghanaians to be peace ambassadors and imbibe peace at all levels, adding, Peace has to be comprehensive. We all need to join the crusade of preaching peace wherever we find ourselves.

The free concert which kicks off from 3:00pm will witness performances from stars such as Obiba Sly Collins, Amandzeba, SP Kofi Sarpong, Karmelyon, Agbeshie and a host of others.

The event will also be used to climax the 'Ghana + Peace' nationwide campaign.

By George Clifford Owusu


Multiple award-winning music group VVIP has reunited with Kennis Music Group in Nigeria through a new contract with the music label.

The partnership is to further strengthen the group to become one of Africa's best as well as promote it on the international market.

Kennis music was responsible for making the group formerly known as VIP a household name in Nigeria.

VVIP member, Reggie Rockstone, explained that Kennis music was doing well on the Ghanaian and Nigerian music market, hence VVIP's decision to work with the leading music label.

The music label has worked with some of the biggest music icons in Nigeria, including 2 Face, Tony Tetuila, among others.

Kennis Music some years back managed the promotion of VIP's hit album, 'Ahum Ka Womu' in Nigeria, produced by Ghana-based Goodies Music Productions.

VVIP recently won the awards for Best African Group and Best Music Video at the All Africa Music Awards (AFRIMA 2016). This has brought a lot of attention to the group from the new generation and those who already know 'VIP'.

VVIP has launched its new music project dubbed 'VVIP Awards' featuring Stonebwoy, directed by Pascal AKA.
Ghanaian Musician and NPP supporter, Kwame A-Plus has just accused the NDC's National Organizer Kofi Adams of sleeping with different women in his car at Legon.

The loud-mouth musician who has neglected his musical career for politics is doing everything possible to secure a position in the NPP.

In a Facebook post, Kwame A-Plus revealed that, the NDC National Organizer has been sleeping with different women in his car under a tree on the University of Ghana, Legon campus.

From the musician's post, it appears that this evil act by Kofi Adams has been going on for a long time and he does not understand why a married man should be sleeping around.

A-Plus also dared Kofi Adams to take him to court for dafamation and he will release all the evidence.

This is what A- Plus wrote,

So why does Kofi Adams like chopping women in his car at Legon like that? I mean Kofi Adams the NDC national organiser. Everyday he's chopping a woman in his car under a tree on Legon campus. I thought he's married? I made it very clear who I'm talking about. Those who will come here to defend Kofi Adams ask him why he can't take me to court for defamation. Because he knows it's true and if he tries I'll post evidence on social media. Kwasia you went and sat on radio that me I do drugs. If you like say fi.. anka wo b hu wo nakedness. Siaaa!!!!

Source: konkonsagh.biz
Maiduguri (Nigeria) (AFP) - Boko Haram Islamists staged three suicide attacks in Nigeria's restive northeast on Friday, leaving four attackers and two civilian vigilantes dead, police said.

"Aside from the explosion near a mobile police location in Jiddari, we had two other suicide bombings along Maiduguri-Gamboru road," Borno state police commissioner Damian Chukwu told reporters in Maiduguri, epicentre of Boko Haram's seven-year insurgency.

The Islamist group have multiplied their attacks in recent days, Chukwu said, without detailing the incidents.

"This is about the sixth or seventh suspected suicide attack in the last couple of days. The police and other security agents are working hard to stop the ugly trend," he said.

The first attack took place before dawn when a female suicide bomber blew herself and another bomber up near a police checkpoint at Jiddari, Borno state police spokesman Victor Isuku earlier said,

A third suspected bomber survived and was being questioned.

"At 3:50am today, mobile police personnel on guard duty opposite the federal high court in Jiddari sighted three suspected suicide bombers comprising two females and a male running towards their sandbag," Isuku said.

"They ordered them to a halt for questioning but they refused," he said. "One of the females detonated the Improvised Explosive Device (IED) strapped to her body, killing herself and one other male accomplice," he said.

Later in the morning a male suicide bomber detonated his explosives after being stopped at the entrance of a garage on the Maiduguri-Gamboru road where traders had gathered to travel under military escort.

The bomber died instantly, police said.

Another male suicide bomber detonated his explosives on the same road a few meters away a little later, killing himself and two local vigilantes, assisting the military to fight the jihadists.

Ahmed Satomi of the Borno State Emergency Management Agency (SEMA) said five villages in Monguno had been attacked by Boko Haram insurgents early in the week, leaving eight dead and dozens injured.

"Boko Haram gunmen attacked the five villages late Monday and continued until Tuesday. They killed eight people and injured dozens," he said.

He said the victims had been evacuated by soldiers who deployed to the area.

Boko Haram, which seeks to impose strict Islamic sharia law in Nigeria's mainly-Muslim north, has killed at least 20,000 people and left more than 2.6 million homeless in its six-year insurgency.

A counter-offensive backed by a regional force has seen the Nigerian military retake swathes of territory from the insurgents, but the jihadist group still poses a security threat to civilians.

On November 1, a truck carrying eight suspected Boko Haram extremists exploded near a military checkpoint in Maiduguri, killing all the occupants.
Journalists billed to cover this year's elections for various media house are being advised to work as a team for their own safety.

Media Consultant Michelle Betz made the call at a Workshop organized by the Media Foundation for West Africa for News Editors and Senior Journalists on safety for journalists during the elections.

She said the elections are bigger than any individual media house's competitive interest and the need to get the facts right and ensure the safety of reporters should take preeminence over other interests.

"Getting it right goes a long way to ensuring your safety because politicians will find it difficult to single you out for criticism and attack," she said.

Michelle Betz noted that media owners are usually preoccupied with getting audience they can sell to advertisers for revenue, but the journalist must think of his or her safety in covering the election.

"No story is worth more than your life - no breaking story is worth dying for so you as journalists must work together at the individual level while you are in the field because your media owners will never agree to work together at their level," she said.

Michelle Betz thinks the two weeks to the elections media houses must work together in order to get it right and be safe instead of being preoccupied with competition.

She observed that journalists working for international organizations like BBC, CNN, Sky News, Aljazeera and others, usually collaborate with each other in fact checking issues before publishing during the coverage of sensitive events like elections.

Violation of press freedom

Head of Media Studies at Wisconson University, Prof. Kwame Karikari noted that a study by the MFWA on violation of press freedom in West Africa shows that Ghana tops as the worst offender of journalists rights this year.

He said between January and now, 25 cases of attacks on journalists have been recorded in all West African countries, out of which Ghana tops with seven cases, representing 28% of the total.

Police

Prof. Karikari noted that the most worrying part is that out of the seven cases recorded in Ghana, six are violation committed by members of the security services, mainly the police.

He said this is an indication that journalists cannot even count on the police for safety in the course of their duty and that is a worrying trend.

Prof. Karikari, therefore, emphasized the need for journalists and journalist associations to work together and find a way of using their numbers to create a safe haven for themselves while covering the elections.

He also urged the police and other security agencies to rid itself of the bad record and assure journalists and the public of their commitment to protecting democracy, including press freedom.
(Marrakech, Morocco, 17 November 2016)  The United Nations Climate Change secretariat today launched a new initiative that will showcase efforts by individuals, companies and governments that are achieving real results in transitioning to climate neutrality.

Momentum for Change: Climate Neutral Now brings together two of the secretariats flagship activities that recognize leadership in tackling climate change by non-Party stakeholders.

In December 2011, the secretariat launched its Momentum for Change initiative to shine a light on the enormous groundswell of activities underway across the globe that are moving the world toward a highly resilient, low-carbon future.

In September 2015, the secretariat launched its Climate Neutral Now initiative to urge individuals, companies and governments to measure their climate footprint, reduce their greenhouse gas emissions as much as possible, and offset what they cannot reduce using UN-certified emissions reductions.

Speaking Thursday morning at a special event at the UN Climate Change Conference in Marrakech,

Morocco, senior government officials and influential corporate leaders highlighted the importance of climate neutrality, especially as national governments prepare to implement the Paris Climate Change Agreement.

There is no reason today not to measure, reduce and offset your emissions and become climate neutral now  especially if you are living in a developed country, said UNFCCC Executive Secretary Patricia Espinosa. Over time the need for offsets is going to decline as energy systems become ever more low carbon, healthy ecosystems like forests expand and we arrive at a climate neutral world in the second half of the century. Climate change will affect everyone, yet everyone can effect positive change starting today and beginning now.

Harry Verhaar, Head of Global Public & Government Affairs with Philips Lighting, also spoke at the event. Philips has publically pledged to cut its carbon footprint to zero by 2020.

We will become carbon neutral from a combination of efficiency gains and business process re-engineering. By 2020, our carbon footprint will shrink to zero from reducing energy consumption, close monitoring of our supply chain and logistics, plus strict conditions for business travel, said Mr. Verhaar. We are committed to achieve 80% of our business revenues from sustainable operations by 2020. By sharing lessons from our experience, we can work collaboratively to meet the needs of our customers and the planet.

Philips isnt the only company taking strong action on climate change, Microsoft has also been a corporate leader when it comes to putting innovations to work to minimize its environmental impact.

We believe that our responsibility as a leading cloud services provider require that our business practices have a positive impact on the communities we serve. And that is why we are working towards new solutions to realize a low-carbon future and address climate change, said Tamara (TJ) DiCaprio, Microsofts Senior Director of Environmental Sustainability. To that end, weve operated 100% carbon neutral for our datacentres, offices, labs, manufacturing plants, and business air travel since 2012 by establishing an internal carbon fee model that holds our business groups accountable for their carbon impact of their operations.

Microsoft has also been actively involved in the secretariats Climate Neutral Now initiative, not only by pledging to go carbon neutral but also by providing its Azure cloud computing platform on which the secretariats online platform for voluntary cancellation of certified emission reductions is built.

According to the UNFCCC secretariats Climate Neutral Now initiative, climate neutrality is a three step process, which requires individuals, companies and governments to:

Measure their climate footprint; Reduce their emissions as much as possible; Offset what they cannot reduce with UN certified emission reductions.

The new partnership between Climate Neutral Now and Momentum for Change is part of a larger initiative that showcases successful climate action around the world. In 2017, Momentum for Change will have five focus areas: Women for Results, Financing for Climate Friendly Investment, ICT Solutions, Planetary Health and, now, Climate Neutral Now.

Beginning next year, people, institutions and companies can submit examples of how they are transitioning to climate neutrality. The most inspiring, innovative and successful activities will be selected as Momentum for Change Lighthouse Activities, which will be recognized and celebrated during the 2017 UN Climate Change Conference (COP 23).

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Marrakech, 16 November  UNDP has formally launched the 2nd edition of its flagship report on climate change, this time focusing on the impact of climate change on development gains.

Specifically, the report, UNDP and Climate Change: Scaling up Climate Action to Achieve the SDGs looks at how local efforts to mitigate and adapt to climate change empowers communities across a range of Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), including education, healthcare, food security and gender empowerment.

We have long known that climate change and sustainable development are inextricably linked, notes Magdy Martinez-Soliman, UN Assistant Secretary General and UNDP Assistant Administrator. What this report does, possibly for the first time, is really showcase how each of the actions taken to address climate change has profound and concrete results that benefit human, social and economic development.

Showcasing UNDPs rich climate portfolio and country examples, the report provides a compelling narrative on how action on climate change positively contributes to the achievement of the SDGs. Through vivid infographics, the report illustrates how UNDPs nearly 800 climate change programmes  covering a $2.8 billion portfolio across 140+ countries in five regions  are contributing to achievement of each and every one of the 17 SDGs.

Since 2008, UNDP has assisted more than 140 countries, including all the 48 LDCs and 39 SIDs, to access climate grant finance. Nearly 40% of the portfolio is contributing to adaptation efforts - the largest portfolio with around US$ 1billion.

Mitigation action, including both sustainable energy and aforests, amount to 30% and 22% respectively; while cross-cutting issues such as finance, capacity building, policy and institutional strengthening, and support to achieve the targets of the Paris Agreement  the so-called NDCs  amount to around 11% of the portfolio.

Thanks to the Paris Agreement, we now have a path for the world to work together on an integrated solution to climate change, notes Martinez-Soliman. It is now our responsibility to work with our partners to follow this path and to help achieve climate and development priorities.

Launched on the sidelines of the 22nd Conference of the Paries (COP22) in Marrakech, the report reiterates UNDPs key message going into the conference  the deal is done; the time to act is now.
His Majesty King Mohammed VI delivers Royal Speech during the "Africa Action Summit", held on the side lines of COP22

Here follows the full text of the Royal speech:

Distinguished Heads of State and Government of African sister nations,

Your Excellency Mr. Idriss Deby Itno, current Chairman of the African Union,

Your Excellencies,

Ladies and Gentlemen,

The Kingdom of Morocco, and the city of Marrakesh in particular, are delighted to welcome you to the "Africa Action Summit", which is being held on the sidelines of the COP22.

We are honored to have you here with us today. Your presence is a testament to your commitment to an African continent that is looking to the future and shaping its own destiny.

I have taken the initiative to invite you to this Summit so that our Continent may agree on a common approach to fighting climate change as well as on actionable measures for sustainable development.

Bringing large-scale regional and transnational projects to fruition is the challenge I am inviting you to take up.

I suggest that we build an African continent that is resilient to climate change and that commits resolutely to sustainable development;

an African continent that will use its resources in an optimal way, while respecting environmental and social balances;

a continent that will seek to promote inclusive development, in line with the specific features of its identity, particularly the culture of sharing, of fairness and of solidarity.

Before going any further, I would like to raise a fundamental question.

It goes without saying that the concern about the future of our planet and the interest taken in the issue by active civil society organizations are real.

But are there really any common, action-oriented objectives? There are two basic elements I would like to consider with you in this regard.

First, there is a disparity between the North and the South when it comes to culture and the environment. That disparity concerns priorities as well as means.

For this reason, it is important to harmonize, even unify, environmental education efforts. The Moroccan Presidency will seek to achieve that objective during its term.

Do we need to point out that the colonial era is over, and that imposed decisions cannot be productive? Do we need to point out that stakeholders lack neither the commitment nor the goodwill required, though they sometimes lack the necessary means?

We are all aware that what is at stake is the preservation of life, and that we need to work together to protect the Earth. It is precisely for this reason that I would like to see a convergence of views regarding our actions on the ground.

Your Excellencies,

Ladies and Gentlemen,

Africa is paying a heavy price in the climate equation. It is, undoubtedly, the continent that is suffering the most.

Rising temperatures, shifting seasons and successive droughts are depleting the biodiversity of our continent, destroying ecosystems and jeopardizing Africas progress, security and stability.

And yet, our continent is responsible for only 4% of greenhouse gas emissions.

However, climate change on a global scale is significantly hampering Africa's development and poses a serious threat to the basic rights of tens of millions of Africans.

As a result, all types of vulnerabilities are concentrated in our continent.

There are already 10 million climate refugees in Africa. By 2020, nearly 60 million people will be displaced because of water scarcity if no measures are taken in this regard.

The immense freshwater reservoir that Lake Chad used to be has already lost 94% of its surface area and is facing the risk of drying up once and for all.

4 million hectares of forest  that is to say, twice the global average  are lost each year.

African agriculture  which consists predominantly of subsistence farming  employs 60% of the African workforce; yet our crops suffer from severe disruptions, and our food security is seriously jeopardized.

Agricultural output in Africa could therefore drop by 20% by the year 2050, at a time when our population will have doubled.

Entire sections of the coastline and almost a third of coastal infrastructure would be submerged.

Water-borne diseases, which kill thousands of people each year, would be eradicated if wastewater treatment plants were created.

Finally, the degradation of land and of natural resources could continue to be the main driver of most transnational conflicts in Africa.

Your Excellencies,

Ladies and Gentlemen,

The Paris Climate Agreement, which was adopted to the satisfaction of all, enshrines the principle of common but differentiated responsibilities.

It is important that our continent speak with one voice, demand climate justice as well as the mobilization of the necessary resources and submit concerted proposals in connection with the fight against climate change.

There are four things that need to be done:

 identify measures to gain access to funding in order to organize the continents adaptation efforts;

 identify the mechanisms needed to support the implementation of flagship programs;

 ensure institutional capacity building in our continent;

 and finally, seize opportunities and study the implications of low-carbon development in the fields of energy, technological innovation and "green" jobs.

Your Excellencies,

Ladies and Gentlemen,

African stakeholders showed remarkable dynamism during the thematic days of COP22.

In addition to being project promoters, they have joined many Coalitions, Alliances and Networks of the Global Climate Action Agenda.

It is gratifying to see these continental and regional actions. Not only do they increase our continents resilience in the face of climate change threats, but they also allow for the common, sustainable emergence of our continent.

My brothers the Heads of State will have the opportunity today to tell us about the projects they are spearheading and championing.

We are duty-bound to lend political support to these initiatives, to mobilize the means and competences required for their implementation, to put them into perspective and to ensure their coherence.

Your Excellencies,

Ladies and Gentlemen,

The Kingdom of Morocco is a committed actor in the task of consolidating regional security and stability.

In this regard, it is determined to enhance its contribution to defending the vital interests of the continent, alongside sister nations and, soon, within the African Union.

As it implements its ambitious program in the field of renewable energy, Morocco is making its expertise available to its partners.

By being actively involved in projects centered on Africa, the Kingdom of Morocco is, today, contributing to bringing new partners on board, both public and private, as well as structuring governance mechanisms.

My country will also lead an African climate expertise network, through the Climate Change Competence Center based in Morocco.

Aware of the vulnerability of the agricultural sector and of its vital importance, Morocco is actively preparing for the implementation of the "Adaptation of African Agriculture" (Triple A) initiative.

This innovative system promotes the adoption and financing of solutions to increase productivity and ensure food security.

Finally, given the share allocated to Africa in terms of resources to combat climate change, Morocco has made financing a priority issue of the COP22.

In addition to the funding provided for in the Paris Agreement as of 2020, the Moroccan Presidency is keen to see public funding mobilized, financial arrangements diversified and access to climate funds facilitated.

Moreover, Morocco encourages the involvement of Sovereign Funds in order to develop green infrastructure in Africa.

Your Excellencies,

Ladies and Gentlemen,

Our partners in the South and the North, as well as the international and regional institutions operating in the field of development financing, have a crucial role to play in shoring up Africas collective effort.

Doing things ourselves and for ourselves is imperative. And involving our strategic partners has now become a necessity.

By pooling efforts and consolidating cooperation with our strategic partners, I am convinced we can redress the climate injustice affecting our continent.

This twofold action will contribute to the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals, knowing that twelve of the seventeen SDGs are directly or indirectly linked to climate change.

To conclude, I should like to assure you that my country will undertake all necessary actions and spare no effort to make sure Africas voice is heard, both in the formal negotiations and in the implementation of the Global Climate Action Agenda.

I hope today's meeting will not only be a decisive step and a worthwhile exercise, but will also reflect our commitment, before history, towards future generations.

Thank you for your kind attention.
Shahid Kapoor and Deepika Padukone will be seen together in Padmavati. And the Udta Punjab actor can't stop praising his co-star.

By India Today Web Desk: If one has upped his game in Bollywood, the other is making the right noises in firang-land too. Meet Bollywood's new on-screen jodi - Shahid Kapoor and Deepika Padukone. After being offered many projects and unavailability of dates, Deepika and Shahid have finally come on board for the first time for Sanjay Leela Bhansali's much-talked-about period drama Padmavati.

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PHOTOS: When Shah Rukh, Alia paid a surprise visit to Bhansali on the sets of Padmavati

ALSO READ: Shahid Kapoor agreed to Bhansali's Padmavati after a long list of terms and conditions



And before shooting for the film, Sasha is all praise for his co-actor. Keeping a close eye on her career graph and achievements, Shahid is happy to share screen space with Deepika. In fact, the 35-year-old actor, who will essay the role of Deepika's husband in the film, is looking forward to work with her.

In an interview to DNA, Shahid has revealed that Deepika is doing much better work than many actresses in B-Town. "I am really looking forward to working with her. I have been seeing her do some great work, especially in the last few years. She has really upped her game and she's at her best right now. She's probably doing better work than many today. So that's awesome," said Shahid.

He added, "It's great that we are working together in a film like Padmavati because it's a great opportunity for anybody who's a part of this film. I really feel that Padmavati is going to be a special film."

It isn't just Shahid who is smitten by his Padmavati co-actor, here are other stars who had an awesome experience working with their co-actors.

Working with SRK was magical: Alia Bhatt

Gauri Shinde pulled off the perfect casting coup when she got Shah Rukh Khan and Alia Bhatt together for her film Dear Zindagi. More than anything, it was a fangirl moment for Alia. The 23-year-old actor hasn't just referred to working with King Khan as "magical", but has also called it a dream come true for her.

Ranveer Singh makes you feel comfortable: Vaani Kapoor

Befikre is Ranveer's 10th film and Vaani's second film, but Kapoor didn't feel intimidated while working with the electrifying actor. Vaani has revealed that Ranveer did not make her feel any less; in fact, he was quite friendly and made her very comfortable on the sets of the film.

Hrithik Roshan is inspiring: Yami Gautam

Yami Gautam, who plays Hrithik Roshan's love interest in Kaabil, calls her co-actor inspiring. After working with the 42-year-old, Yami has become aware of the reason behind his stardom. She has revealed that Hrithik never takes his work for granted and that's what makes him a superstar.

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ALSO WATCH: Ranveer Singh wants to do more films like Befikre



--- ENDS ---
As Ghana gears up to vote on December 7th 2016, the Member of Parliament for Bantama Constituency of the Ashanti region, who is also a Member of the Parliamentary Select Committee on Lands and Forestry, Hon. Henry Kwabena Kokofu, has thrown a critical challenge to the Ghanaian media to tackle and probe political parties on their commitments to the Climate Change agenda.

According to the New Patriotic Party (NPP) legislator, it was very necessary, for Ghanaian political leadership to accept that Climate Change is a phenomenon and its a reality.

"I am with the people who think this time around, climate change and for that matter environmental issues should be one of the electoral campaign messages and I believe that will inform how we go about our general governance issues to get our people on board and be able to make awareness creation a major factor through education within our 2nd cycle institutions, tertiary institutions, within our set up particularly, the legislature."

He further decried the low level of climate issues in Ghana, adding that "we as a people are not much abreast of all these things; we will not appreciate the dynamics of all these, especially the problems, concerns and challenges. And if there were to be advantages and benefits, we will not be able to take due advantages of them. So it is very important."

He stated that principally as a legislature, as an environmentalist and being a lawyer in Oil and Gas sub sector, with particular interest on the impact of climate change, he was very much concerned.

The MP was speaking in an interview with selected Ghanaian media organisations currently at the ongoing UN Climate Change Conference COP22 in Marrackech Morocco.

"I am part of the Ghana delegation here in Morocco and this is about my third time coming to the COP. My first was Lima COP20 in Peru 2014 and second was last year in France COP21 2015 and now am here in Marrakech, Morocco.

...Basically, we are here to consolidate on the Paris Agreement of COP21 and to make sure how regional blocs are doing, I mean the parties and then at the national level," he said.

He went on to add that Ghana has a lot to do as a nation, in protecting the bio physical environment by taking advantage of the climate change as part of our mitigation and adapation efforts.

"As you saw me at the stands of ISSER, they mounted a stand showcasing a research they conducted in Ghana and Kenya in sourcing for financing for some of these adaptations and mitigation strategies of Climate change. The vulnerable in our society particularly, women and children, the rural folks and farmers are major victims and when you talk about Agriculture and climate change, sanitation too is a major issue. I am very confident we will be able to get back home and try to fashion out our way of accelerating the climate change awareness and of course education to be able to do better."

Touching on accessing climate funds, Ghana has cost it's our way up to USD $22Billion and the government of Ghana is prepared to cough out up to 6billion dollars.

"That is what we can locally mobilize as per financing but the gap of 16billion dollars will surely need to come from the international community and that is why we are here and Africa as a group, is trying to make a case out of that. So basically, we havent reached that far but hopefully we may," the MP disclosed.

He said though he was not part of the negotiations per se but had been out there behind the scenes providing the necessary impetus to the negotiating team.

"I also think we havent gotten that far with the issue of financing. The developed countries that have pledged so much we need to see real commitment, in relation to that cause and what needs to be done in individual national contexts, so we will be able to access these financing to be able to accelerate it better in our various countries. Adaptations and mitigations in itself present another set of cost.

The MP indicated that Ghana needed to do more on Climate Change.

"We had the EPA, the Climate Educational sector, about few weeks ago, trying to bring political parties to this pedestal and political parties were asked about their commitment to climate change and all that and now if you look at the whole scenario, we are looking at social ecological aspects of Climate Change and it is human scented and all developmental programmes being it infrastructure, Agriculture, economy, oil and gas whatever has to do with human activities.
From left: Martin Amidu, Marietta Brew Appiah-Oppong, Alfred Agbesi Woyome

I say with all the strength at my disposal that a cheque drawn by Woyome in favour of the Economic and Organized Crime Office, which was not a party to the action or the judgment creditor, cannot be a cheque in part payment of the unconstitutional monies ordered by the Court to be refunded to the Republic, says former Attorney General and Minister of Justice, Martin Alamisi Burns Kaiser Amidu.

This latest bombshell comes in the wake of claims by government that Alfred Agbesi Woyome, a self-acclaimed financier of the ruling National Democratic Congress (NDC), who the Supreme Court found guilty of defrauding the nation to the tune of GH51.2million, has paid GH4 million out of the said amount.

Amidu said from the look of things, the Mahama administration has no intention of retrieving the money, saying that the best way out is to kick it out.

Although the Supreme Court ruled against Woyome over the infamous GH51.2 million judgment debt scandal which it described as a 'create, loot and share' scheme and ordered him to refund the money to the state, the man has been dragging his feet while the Attorney General, Marietta Brew Appiah-Opong, has also adopted a somewhat lukewarm attitude in retrieving the money until the recent announcement of a supposed payment of GH4 million.

But even that, Mr Amidu, whose fight against corruption in government has earned him the nickname 'Citizen Vigilante,' insists it was a facade as it appears more as a cover-up.

Doubts

In a statement released to the media yesterday, Mr Amidu said he was contesting the genuineness of the payment while providing details of the supposed cheque Woyome issued and the acknowledgment of receipt by the Ministry of Justice which was signed by one Dorothy Afriyie-Ansah.

For him, The acceptance of the Economic and Organized Crime Office cheque by the Attorney General and the deception of the public by the Attorney General that it is part payment for the refund ordered by the Court brings into question the competence of the Attorney General and the government in pursuit of the interest of the Republic and that the whole scheme appears to have been cooked to defeat my application for leave to examine Woyome orally on oath.

That, he said, was evident in fact that In the hurry of the government and Woyome to defeat my application, they could not even cover their tracks with a cheque drawn on the Ministry of Finance or the Accountant General as custodian of the Consolidated Fund.

He noted, The cheque could also have been drawn on the Registrar of the Supreme Court and paid into court for the Republic.

Suspicion

He therefore believes, The foregoing is evidence, if evidence be needed, that the Attorney General and the government are determined to kill the non-refund of the judgment debt as an election issue by cooking up the deceptive cheque and receipt to allow the status quo to continue.

They are purposefully deceiving the electorate that efforts are being made to retrieve the unconstitutional loot by Woyome jointly with Austro-Invest, the client of Lithur-Brew and Co, a law firm in which the Attorney General was a partner. The law firm is also the president's personal lawyer's, he emphasized.

Change Govt

Mr Amidu is pained because, I fought for two long years for justice for the Constitution and for all of us, and the Supreme Court eventually vindicated the public's interest by ordering the refund of the unconstitutional loot to the Republic of Ghana. Unfortunately, the government as the leading looter, has put obstacles in our way in enforcing the orders of the Court.

In spite of being a senior and founding member of the NDC, Mr Amidu said, I am compelled to put Ghana first and to defend the 1992 Constitution by saying that the only way Ghanaians can have the Woyome/Austro-Invest joint loot refunded is to change the government that created, looted and shared the loot with them during the presidential election this year.

Confidence

He is confident a new government will prosecute Woyome under Article 2(3) and (4) of the 1992 Constitution for High Crime, should he delay any further in refunding the unconstitutional loot. The new government will also enforce the Waterville judgment debt of over 47 million loot or prosecute it for High Crime.

The Citizen Vigilante is convinced, This is the only way out for Ghanaians to stand up for their constitutional rights and to retrieve the unconstitutional monies created, looted and shared by this government with its political party supporters who are now unconstitutional judgment debtors to the Republic.

Resolve

As a loyal NDC member, he vowed, I will support most of my political party's parliamentary candidates who have shown honesty and integrity to the Constitution. But I cannot in good conscience and in defence of the Constitution, support its presidential candidate to continue leading the looting of the public purse.

He therefore, made a passionate appeal to all well-meaning Ghanaians to as it were, help me in the name of the Constitution to retrieve your money that was looted by voting for a new president. Let us protect our Constitutional rights and not be hoodwinked by electioneering ploys.

Let us get our GH51,283,483.59 back. Defend the 1992 Constitution by voting for a new president on 7th December, 2016, to get our money back.

AG Blasted

In a related remark, Executive Director of the Ghana Integrity Initiative (GII) Victus Adaboo Azeem, says he supports the efforts of Martin Amidu, stressing that he believes Attorney General Marietta Brew Appiah-Oppong has not done enough to recover the GH51.2 million judgment debt paid to Woyome.

I don't think the Attorney General has done enough and that's why I think the Attorney General should welcome the support of other Ghanaians to help her retrieve the money, Mr Azeem told Accra 100.5FM yesterday. Is it not two years now since the Supreme Court ruled that the money should be recovered? Is it not true that the Attorney General has not been able to recover those monies? Why would the Supreme Court be prosecuting Alfred Woyome? They did not initiate the case in the first place

In Mr Azeem's view, Mr Amidu probably has some other information that in examining the guy [Mr Woyome], he'll be able to uncover, or as a former Attorney General, he may have other capabilities, skills that the current AG probably does not have and he thinks if he uses those skills, he'll be able to solicit something that is very important in helping to recover the monies.

Before filing his application, Mr Amidu said, I have examined the circumstances surrounding the government's reluctance to enforce the judgment and orders of the Court with the seriousness the matter deserves. I share the view expressed by objective and reasonable members of the public that because the government was the 1st defendant/respondent against whom the Supreme Court made declarations of unconstitutional conduct in paying the judgment debt to Alfred Agbesi Woyome, the government has been pretending for purely political reasons, at each turn, to take steps to enforce the judgment and orders of the court only to deliberately abort them.

I agree that the government's objective has always been to create the appearance and impression in the minds of the unsuspecting public that it is complying with the enforcement orders. The Attorney General's latest application to discontinue the government's application to examine its financier, Alfred Agbesi Woyome, is one more such trick to deceive the public and obstruct the course of justice, according to Citizen Vigilante.

Mr Amidu had said that when the AG served its application on Mr Woyome, he (Woyome) went to the Attorney General and the president personally, that should the order applied for by the government for his examination not be discontinued, he [Woyome] will have no option  than to disclose truthfully and faithfully to the Court on oath, the names of all NDC and government beneficiaries of the judgment debt.

However, President Mahama told GBC's Presidential Encounters on Wednesday that he had nothing to do with the discontinuation, saying: I mean, that is a practice in law, and then somebody says: 'Hey it is the president who asked her to discontinue!' We have people who are just willing to publish any allegation in the papers against the person of the president

By Charles Takyi-Boadu


Martin Amidu

18.11.2016 LISTEN

Let us extol Mr Martin Amidu, the former Attorney General, in the late Mills administration, for his patriotism, vigilantism and unparalleled intrepidity.

As a matter of fact, Mr Amidu has evidenced his patriotic qualities over the years through his actions. That is, he has shown beyond conscionable doubt of his affection, solicitude and strong predilection towards his beloved Ghana.

If we go down memory lane, Mr Amidu was relieved of his duties by the late Mills for rightly exposing the gargantuan corruptions in the NDC government.

Mr Amidu, however, pledged wholeheartedly to retrieve all the undeserving monies that had been doled out to people and organisations like Wayome, Waterville and Isofoton.

Despite his unfortunate dismissal from his high profile position by the late Mills, Mr Amidu did not buckle under enormous pressure. He somehow persisted, and single handedly pursued the case in the Supreme Court of Ghana.

Ironically, however, it was revealed in the Supreme Court in 2014 that Mr Wayome was undeservingly paid a judgement debt in an excess of GH51 Million by his conspiratorial plotters.

As JSC Dotse aptly put it, it was create loot and share. In other words, Wayomes judgement debt payment was a conspiratorial plot to dupe the nation. The Supreme Court thus ordered Mr Wayome to cough all the money in full.

Contrary to our expectations, however, the Attorney General, who has the sole responsibility as Ghanas debt collector, showed lackadaisical approach in retrieving the money from Wayome.

It has been two years since the Supreme Court directed Mr Wayome to pay the money back into the coffers of Ghana. Nevertheless, Ghanas sole debt collector, the Attorney General, has not shown any seriousness in taking the money from Wayome.

Consequently, the citizen vigilante, Mr Amidu, headed back to the Supreme Court with a view to assisting the laid-back Attorney General to retrieve the money back from Wayome. Subsequently, Mr Amidu filed with the Supreme Court with a view to interrogating Mr Wayome about his assets and how he expended our gargantuan GH51.2 million.

The citizen vigilante anticipates that by doing this, it will help to ascertain the whereabouts of Wayomes assets and thereby facilitating the retrieval of the money. However, the Attorney General puzzlingly filed with the Supreme Court to discontinue the case.

Nevertheless, the Attorney Generals weird action did not dissuade Mr Amidu from proceeding to the Supreme Court for hearing. The Court however set the hearing date to Wednesday 16th November 2016.

To the delight of Mr Amidu and the well-meaning Ghanaians, the Court agreed that Mr Amidu can question Mr Wayome on 24th November 2016.

Truly, it is because of courageous and reflective thinkers like Mr Amidu that I do not want to assent to President Obamas assertion that Africa needs strong institutions, not strong men.

For me, Obamas observation is sophistic. Yes, Africa needs strong institutions, but then again, Africa needs strong men like Mr Amidu to fortify the redundant institutions. Indeed, without courageous and strong men like Amidu, Africa cannot build strong institutions.

In fact, if you were to find out from me who is a serious corruption crusader between President Mahama and Mr Amidu, I will dare state that it is rather the latter. Absolutely, Mr Amidu has honourably upheld the relevant provisions of the United Nations 2005 Convention against Corruption.

Apparently, all that we keep hearing from President Mahama in his attempt to fighting corruption is the paradox of exposure. For in so far as detection is recognised in the fight against corruption, it is not an isolated tool in combating the menace of corruption; it goes hand in hand with prevention and deterrence.

Besides, the prevention and eradication of corruption is a responsibility of all and sundry, and with a view to cooperating with one another with the support and involvement of groups outside the government such as civil society, non-governmental organisations and community-based organisations.

If, indeed, the prevention and eradication of corruption is a synergistic venture, why is it then that President Mahama and his Attorney General are not willing to cooperate with Mr Amidu to retrieve the money from Wayome?

Corruption is indeed a global phenomenon and it therefore requires a collaborative effort to prevent and eradicate. It is against that background that in its resolution 55/61 of 4 December 2000, the UN General Assembly recognized that an effective international legal instrument against corruption, independent of the United Nations Convention against Transnational Organized Crime (resolution 55/25, annex I) was desirable and decided to establish an ad hoc committee for the negotiation of such an instrument in Vienna at the headquarters of the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime.

Subsequently, the international community adopted the UN Convention against Corruption in 2003 and it came into force in 2005.

The UN Convention against Corruption is the first meaningful universal instrument enacted to prevent and combat corruption with a view to networking and building on a broad international consensus.

More importantly, Ghana signed the UN Convention against Corruption on 9th December 2004 and ratified on 27th June 2007.

In the great scheme of things, the Corruption Convention requires States to take measures to ensuring that public services are subject to safeguards that promote transparency, efficiency and merit-based recruitment. More so public servants should be subject to codes of conduct, financial disclosures and disciplinary measures.

Furthermore, the UN Convention against Corruption requires public officials to make declarations to appropriate authorities regarding, inter alia, their outside activities, employment, investments, assets and substantial gifts or benefits from which a conflict of interest may result with respect to their functions as public officials.

So, the all-important question we should ask President Mahama is: why did you receive a clandestine gift of a Ford Expedition Vehicle from a Burkinabe Contractor without informing your employers-Ghanaians?

Whats more, the Corruption Convention stresses that transparency and accountability in public finance must be promoted, and specific anti-corruption requirements, especially in the judiciary and in public procurement, must be established.

Apparently, former President Kufuor transposed one of the most relevant provisions of the UN Convention against Corruption -the procurement clause into our national laws.

Nevertheless, the crucial question the discerning Ghanaians should ask is: has President Mahama been able to fulfil Ghanas obligations under the UN Convention against Corruption following the ratification?

Regrettably, however, Ghanas ratification of the UN Convention against Corruption has not helped in our fight against the existential corruption under President Mahama and his NDC government.

Take, for instance, in recent years, President Mahama and his NDC government have been under the radar for numerous bribery and corruption allegations, inter alia, the furtive gift (the Ford Expedition)by the Burkinabe Contractor Djabril Kanazoe; the Embraer 190 scandal; Armajaro; SADA; GYEEDA; SUBA Info Solutions scandal and many others.

Unfortunately, President Mahama and his NDC apparatchiks are bent on embezzling Ghanas resources to the detriment of the poor. How bizarre?

Apparently, President Mahama and his NDC government corrupt practices have resulted in excessive public spending, less efficient tax system , needless high public deficit and destabilization of national budgets, heightened capital flight and the creation of perverse incentives that stimulate income-seeking rather than productive activities (create, loot and share-apologies to JSC Dotse).

K. Badu, UK.
18.11.2016 LISTEN

I believe in culture and tradition. I believe that any action that needs to be taken in our traditional homes the elder must first be consulted for wisdom and direction. I always promise never to allow that to elude me.

News making rounds showed that 200 Mamprugu Youth Chiefs endorsed NPP. It is important to indicate that such never happened in real life. A few of the Chiefs sat and concocted such a wicked and sad lies to represent the opinion of all youth chiefs in Mamprugu.

As I write this article, I want to wish President John Dramani Mahama that we are solidly behind him and Mamprugu will never let him down.

The supposed press release was meant to destroy the image of Mamprugu. God will never allow that to happen. Mamprugu is a civilized society and our behaviour will reflect that.

The information we are hearing has it that those who did it were paid to give a bad name to Mamprugu and its youth chiefs. The idea that everyone enjoys freedom of speech does not mean that they should go to that extend to make the political image of Mamprugu bad before the President of the Republic of Ghana.

Chief Na-achinaba Bugdow Abdulai and Chief Nayiri Za-achi Adam Tia who were enskined by the Paramount Chief of Mamprugu vehemently disagreed with the content of the press release and disassociated the rest of the chiefs from it. Mamprugu has over thousand youth Chiefs and the opinion of the few cannot reflect the opinion of all the Youth Chiefs of Mamprugu.

The pictures we saw on the news making headlines last week were NPP supporters and not the totality of the Mamprugu Youth Chiefs.

The rest of the Youth Chiefs are sending a warning signal to the one who claimed to be their PRO that he should stay away from Youth Chieftaincy matters since he is not a chief and that he should leave traditional matters to the youth chiefs.

It is disheartening to note that people are trying to create fertile grounds to forment troubles in Mamprugu. The gods of the land are wiser and would not allow such thing to happen. We love Mamprugu and we will continue to respect the culture and tradition of Mamprugu particularly Nayiri. Nayiri is the spiritual home of Mamprugu and it will be continuously observed as such. The rest of the Youth Chiefs led by Chief Na-achinaba Bugdow Abdulai and Chief Nayiri Zaachi Adam Tia would see to it that no Youth Chief uses politics to dent the image of Mamprugu.

Now to address the substantive matters of the press release, the idea that the president promised to construct road from Gambaga to Walewale has not been fulfilled is a blatant lie and greviciously I have answered them. The first question I always ask relative to the Gambaga-Walewale Road is whether when npp was in power the road wasn't in existence. Or whether they constructed the road and NDC came to power and destroy it, why all these vilifications?

While Nayiri is praying day-in-day-out and giving sacrifices to the gods to help keep peace, some miscreants who called themselves chiefs try to forment trouble. Oh my God, "chief who is chief"! That reminds me of the literature book," The Marriage of Ananesewa ".

His Excellency, John Dramani Mahama has raised the image of Mamprugu very high in the political Map of the world. John Mahama has never disobeyed the culture and tradition of Mamprugu. That alone makes me fall for John Mahama. Arrogance, insults and lies never win elections in Mamprugu and the country at large.

The NDC government has chalked a lot of success stories in Mamprugu. I will concentrate the success stories in Nalerigu-Gambaga Constituency since my good friend, Abdul Majeed Ali has digested that of Walewale Constituency.

The first teacher training college at Gambaga was set up by the NDC government. The positive impact of the college is unmeasurable. Nalerigu College of Nurses and Mid-wifery is gotten to its present stage because of the NDC government. NDC government from 2009 to date has connected 17 communities to the national grid as seven more are in the pipeline. The NPP from 2001 to 2008 connected 5 communities to the national grid. Insofar as electricity is concerned, the NDC is far ahead of NPP.

In terms of infrastructure, President John Mahama has provided two gigantic dining halls, one for Gambaga Girls Senior High and Nalerigu Senior High Schools. Roads in the principal streets of Nalerigu are 80% complete. So far, the road from Bongbini to Langbinsi is completed. The stretch from Langbinsi to Walewale is almost done. So the question I ask is, why the need for such wicked and malicious press release by the "ghost chiefs".

The NDC government has the greatest economic, educational, social and traditional impact on the lives of the people of Mamprugu than any government that had ever ruled the country.

Ladies and Gentlemen, Alhaji Baba Seidu Issifu and John Mahama are our favourite candidates for the 7th December, 2016 general elections. There is no turning back.

In the field of health and agriculture, the people of Mamprugu are content with the Mahama Government.

I will leave the rest of the success stories for another day.

Long Live Nayiri!

Long Live Mamprugu!

Long Live Ghana!

Author: Atindow Musah

Tel: 0245953869 /0208532470
Sorry, we can't find the content you're looking for at this URL.
18.11.2016 LISTEN

I have keenly apprised myself with all the promises and manifestos of the various political parties contesting the up and coming general elections even though not all of them have good message for students but some do. Political parties try as much as possible to convince students by the inclusion of student-friendly policies in their manifestos. This is because they know the value of students votes. They know students have the numbers that can make or unmake their dream of winning power.

It therefore appears strange to me and so many other students that a scheme is being mounted by tertiary institution heads to prevent us from voting. What is strikingly amazing is the deliberate silence by the ministry of education on this unholy development. If students are critical to decision making in this country, then why these schemes to deny us our inalienable right guaranteed us in the constitution? Could this be a perfunctory decision to prevent students from sailing along the obvious tides in our country?

I have come to the firm conclusion above because the examination timetables of many tertiary institutions have been planned in manner that endangers the franchise of students. Even though no examination would be conducted on 7th December but still majority of students cannot vote.

For instance how is a student expected to write a paper from 2:30pm - 5pm on 6th December and travel to far a distance to vote. What makes the situation puzzling is that, such a student is also expected to return on 8th Dec to write another exam. Incredible!

Given the trajectory of events and coming from the history where most Technical Universities which hither to were known as polytechnics have always written exams after Christmas break, this swift change in the status quo particularly in an election year is suspicious and only lends credence to the perception of many that, some unseen hands are manipulating the system to disenfranchise students. Students are at a crossroad to choose between examination and exercising their franchise.

All issues aside, I want to make a passionate appeal to the Heads to take a second look at this issue and not become agents of disenfranchisement for a 'certain effect'. Students should rather be encouraged to vote since they form the academic class who understand the real issues in our country and can as such make good decisions for the benefit of our country.

I also want to join the many voices calling for elections day to be declared as statutory holiday in order to enhance our elections.

Elvis Osei Amponsah

Former Public Relations Officer

Ghana National Union of Polytechnic Students.

0545431600
The urge of wariness against the campaign message of Vote against President Mahama and the NDC by NPP faithful and all those clamouring for a change of government from NDC to NPP descended upon me like a possessed person on Thursday, 17 November 2016 while I was in the middle of enjoying my breakfast. I had to put away the food to cogitate about why that message had come to bear heavily upon my mind.

Not long into cogitation about it when the answer was revealed to me. It was all about avoiding the repeat of the tricks NDC people played on the minds of people, especially on the elderly, the village folks and the unlettered.

In some years back when the NDC went into the rural areas, thus, the hinterlands, on their campaign trails, they would trick all those determined to vote NPP how to do it. By their tricks, they were rather getting them to vote for the candidate(s) of the NDC.

In the electioneering era of Rawlings as the presidential-candidate of NDC who was being challenged by then NPP presidential-candidate Kufuor, the NDC urged the illiterate folks or the elderly who despised Rawlings and wanted him off the presidency how to vote to get rid of him. They told them that on the ballot they would see the pictures of all the aspiring presidential candidates and the logos of their parties. As we want President Rawlings out, by trying to bring in Mr Kufuor, where you see the picture of Rawlings, thumbprint it while saying, the devil get away from us (obusueni firi ye so k3), they would advise the uneducated rural folks.

They kept doing the same trick on them during candidate Mills time.

The NDC campaigners make their targets believe that by thumb printing the column where the candidate they dont want to be in power is, they are actually voting to get rid of such candidates without knowing that they are rather voting for such candidates as against those they had wished to vote for.

This is why NPP campaigners with myself inclusive, should desist from saying, vote against President Mahama and NDC on 7 December 2016 (mo nto nntia Oman panin Mahama ne NDC) but rather, Vote for Nana Akufo Addo and NPP (Mo nto ma Nana Akufo Addo ne NPP). Then explain to the audience that where you thumb print is the person or party you are voting to bring in as your future president or MP but not as the NDC have tricked them to believe in the previous years.

Who knows if NDC is again not fooling the illiterates in the villages with the same tricks as explained above?

God reveals to redeem so please, we must explain to our audience and supporters how to vote for Nana Akufo Addo and NPP parliamentary candidates.

The wind for change is blowing and turning into a hurricane as it moves along. This is frightening the NDC hence their desperation to grease their propaganda machines with more lies but as long as God lives, it will not wash.

Is my point taken on board, oh dear Ghanaian masses who are eagerly aspiring to vote to bring about the change of government from NDC to NPP for our common good?

Please, let us tell our listeners and the electorates when we are on our campaign trails that they are to vote for Nana Akufo Addo. We are also to tell them how their vote is to be effected.

The battle is still the Lords with the third time lucky proverbial factor playing in favour of Nana Akufo Addo, the reminiscent of Joseph, Moses and David of our time. As Joseph outlived all odds to bring his people out of hunger into Egypt; Moses liberating his people from slavery under the hands of the Egyptian Pharaoh, and David liberating the Israelites from the domination of the oppressive Philistines by killing Goliath, so shall Nana Akufo Addo be and do for Ghanaians.

Therefore, we have the obligatory duty as wise citizens of Ghana to vote for him en mass without falling for the trickeries by President Mahama and the NDC.

This message comes to you from a member of the Mahama Must Go movement.

Rockson Adofo
Parliamentary candidates in the Bimbilla constituency of the Northern Region, have pledged to engage in issue-based campaign ahead of the polls.

Bimbilla is a volatile area which has seen several curfews in recent years.

The candidates made the pledge during a parliamentary debate organized by the National Commission on Civic Education (NCCE) with support from the European Union.

Four candidates are contesting for the parliamentary seat in the Bimbilla constituency; but only three candidates turned up for the debate: National Democratic Congress' (NDC) Dr. Joseph Kwabena Manbour-Rockson, the Convention Peoples Party's (CPP) Alhassan Samed, and the Progressive Peoples Party's (PPP) Iddisah Zehara.

The New Patriotic Party (NPP) candidate, who is the incumbent Member of Parliament for the Bimbilla constituency, Dominic Nitiwul, did not participate in the debate.

Dr. Joseph Kwabena Manbour- Rockson, pledged to consolidate the peace and stop the inter-tribal conflict between Nanumbas and Konkombas. He says he has set aside cash reward for any inter-tribal marriages between Nanumbas and Konkombas.

He believes such marriages could help to end the protracted ethnic conflict between the two tribes.

Peace is very important in Nanung, and I believe strongly that peace is holding in Nanung. When we talk about peace, we should thank the security forces such as the police and the army for the excellent work they are doing. We are very thankful to them.

Iddisah Zehara (R)



Iddisah Zehara (R)

As a parliamentary hopeful, one of things I should do is to listen, when you listen and communicate you are able to prevent conflicts, because there are tensions before conflicts. If I am elected to parliament, I will put my ears on the ground in this constituency to make sure that tensions do not overblow into open warfare or conflicts. I think we have failed in that aspect and we need a different face to be able to bring peace into the communities.

I have a campaign message that I have promised to provide money for a Nanumba or Konkomba who will marry from either tribe. I pledge this openly, we need to integrate to create peace and to live peacefully in Nanung. We need to bridge this bridge so that Nanumbas, Konkombas, Chekosis, Ashantis and any other tribe will live as brothers and sisters in Nanung.

The CPP candidate, Samed, is however worried about the situation in Bimbilla, and urged the people to give peace a chance. According to him, without peace, there cannot be development in the area.

He thus called on the people to prove that they are peace loving people.

The PPP candidate, Iddisah Zehara, who is the only woman in the race, said women and children are most affected when there is conflict, and called on women in the constituency to stand up tell the men that enough is enough.

Some of the participants shared their views about the commitment of the candidates.

I have seen that the things the aspirants are saying is good, politics is good. If you want to campaign, do that on issues, tell the electorates what you have done and will do if elected and not personal attacks. This will not bring about the peace that we all call for.

The organization is good, the moderator demonstrated high level of intelligence, the aspirants too handled themselves very well. I like their responses to the questions especially the NDCs candidate, Dr. Joseph Kwabena Manbour-Rockson, actually I was impressed.



By: Mohammed Aminu M. Alabira citifmonline.com
Johannesburg, South Africa, 18 November 2016  Sage, the market leader for integrated accounting, payroll, and payment systems, today announced the winners of its Sage CEO circle for the Africa and Middle East region. An award program designed to reward and recognise outstanding performance of the top partners that serve our customers, recommend and advocate for Sage.

Partners competed against each other under criteria such as: highest product revenue, customer migration units, license sales and referrals. As well as being the recipient of this illustrious accolade, the winning business partners will also join Stephen Kelly, Sage Group CEO, on an all-expenses paid winners trip to Costa Rica, taking place in February 2017, which includes an FY17 business planning session and awards reception.

Alan Laing, EVP of Partners and Alliances at Sage said Our business partners at Sage are integral to helping us serve business builders across the world. The CEO Circle event will recognise their achievements, give us chance to celebrate with them and collaborate on how we will achieve further growth and revenue together.

Added Anton van Heerden, Executive Vice-President, Africa & Middle East at Sage: Our business partner ecosystem in Africa and Middle East does an excellent job of supporting our customers by enabling them to unleash the full benefit of our solutions. Congratulations to the winners. Through your excellence, Sage customers across the region are empowered to use our solutions to simplify their business processes and build their businesses.

The Sage CEO Circle is a global programme, and the winners in the region are:

Africa:



Top Sage X3 Business Partner (X3 and X3 people): Warren Williams , Parity Software

, Parity Software Top African Business Partner (Sage X3 and Sage X3 People): Ashley Regenass , Synergy

, Synergy Top African Business Partner (Sage Evolution Accounting, Sage 300, Sage Premier Payroll & HR, Sage VIP People): Walter Muwandi, Camelsa Consulting Group

Camelsa Consulting Group Top African Business Partner (Sage One Accounting & Payroll, Sage Pastel Accounting, Sage Pastel Payroll): Rob Watson, Chips Enterprise Solutions

Middle East:


Desperation has set in, government machinery is virtually shut down as the Chief of Staff who is supposed to be running the government systems is on the campaign trail, Kwmena Ahwoi has his team, Asiedu Nketia is on the other side. The otherwise neglected and abandoned Amissah-Arthur who is a 'constitutional Vice-President' with no active role in government has been offered a role in the campaign. By the way, Asiedu Nketia seems to be emaciating in the midst of plenty. What is happening to him, suffering from cancer or moneymalities? When poverty is killing our people, Asiedu Nketia seems to be dying of 'good living'.

One of the things that amaze me in all these desperate campaigns is Prof. Kwamena Ahwoi's epistle against the NPP; the NPP (sic) and what they did to Nkrumah. He goes on to talk about jobs the NDC intends to create when given another four years to govern this country. It is such a long time, but not too long to erase the actions of Prof. Kwamena Ahwoi, then Mr. Kwamena Ahwoi in confiscating and virtually collapsing the businesses of Ghanaians, mainly Akans, in this country. Do I name them? He helped collapse Ghanaian initiatives, their foibles notwithstanding, he under the PNDC threw the baby of Ghanaian industry with the bathwater. Almost 30 years down the line, he is preaching job creation. May the souls of the B.A. Mensahs, Appentengs, Kowus, Boakye Mattress and the host of other unsung business heroes who fell under the gavel of Ato Ahwoi's Citizen's Vetting Committees, rest in perfect peace.

It is also strange when the NDC campaigners attempt to resurrect the bones of Osagyefo Dr. Kwame Nkrumah and blame the NPP on anything bad about that great man. Just as it is very convenient but disingenuous for them to interchange the United Party (UP) with the NPP, have they forgotten that the successor of the CPP, ideologically and in terms of leadership and personality, the CPP minus Nkrumah, was the People's National Party (PNP) led then by Dr. Hilla Limman, which was brutally ousted from office by the very people who today are praising Nkrumah political tradition instead of their own Rawlings and the Ahwois tradition? Are they ashamed of their past?

I listened briefly to President Mahama on Wednesday evening when he was answering questions on GTV, mundane as some of the questions were, he simply rattled without answering those questions. On the creation of sustainable job opportunities for the teeming youth of this country, he threw figures here and there, 1000 jobs here, 5000 jobs there, 2000 jobs being created in other places and on and on and on. When asked about the sustainability of those jobs by the discredited GYEEDAs and the YEAs, he then turns round to blame the youth for being unemployed because they do not have the skills to have sustainable jobs. 'Employers are not looking for fresh graduates,' he said and urged the youth to look out for skills that industry requires. Great, the question is what other skills do trained nurses who have not been employed three years after training and graduation, require to be employed?

He tells them they cannot have money in their pockets when they sit at home without doing anything: are we requiring trained nurses, teachers and other professionals to go to Kokompe to further train to be able to be given jobs? If there are modules for unskilled and informally educated Kaya Yei to create jobs for themselves, what modules do you have for trained nurses and teachers without jobs so that they will not be staying at home and expect to have monies in their pockets.

Mahama gives an example of welders not properly trained to be gainfully employed by the burgeoning oil industry. The NPP through vision and effective targeting, found oil in commercial quantities, it did not live to see the drilling of the commodity. The NDC inherited it, but did not have the common sense that welders, as artisans, are so much crucial to the oil industry to make conscious efforts to train our numerous youth to be able to contribute significantly to that sector. A government bereft of vision and forward planning, populist in its outlook believes that converting Polytechnics into Universities is more important than effectively resourcing the institutions to offer artisanal training to the youth to empower them to work on their own and where necessary, be employed in sectors that require their skills and training.

It is the responsibility of a government to shape the educational programme in a manner that will produce skills and training that are relevant to the needs of the labour market at any given time. Government fails to do that and turns round to blame the youth for taking what is available to them. He says the youth are not taking advantage to make money, where are the opportunities? Barren minds at work. It is heartwarming, if it is true that many young people are acquiring lands to cultivate cocoa to increase our production and export. That crop remains the single largest exportable commodity which brings in substantial foreign exchange.

The next question to President Mahama is, what is he doing to stop the destruction of existing and matured cocoa farms by the Chinese who invade the cocoa farms to illegally mine gold? Cocoa farms have been unwilling hosts to bulldozers and caterpillars, clearing the farms with glee and impunity, indeed, they are armed to the teeth while the owners of the farms gnash their teeth with no help from anywhere. What guarantee do those young ones you claim are rushing to acquire lands to produce the cocoa have against the predating mechanical claws of the Chinese and their principals in government? The young ones are not going to plant cocoa for the sake of it; it is their life and future. As a grandson of cocoa farmers in the Upper Denkyira District in the 1970s, I know what it takes to produce cocoa.

President Mahama never ceases to amaze the world that Komenda Sugar Factory is in operation? That edifice is simply a white elephant since the monies for the production of the basic raw materials are now being sought for. No single sugar cane is being produced for the purposes of producing sugar from the factory, so how is the factory operating? Reviving the Aboso Glass Factory? This factory was functioning until the P/NDC took power and presided over its total collapse under the 19 year rule of the same group of people. In the late 1990s, the factory was virtually given to Gilchrist Olympio of Togo for free. It operated for a while, not much investments were put in, and it collapsed again, leaving behind a light bill of about two billion old Ghana cedis at that time. I personally as a journalist visited the factory in or around 1999 to talk to the management of the company then, to find out how it was performing. It happened under the NDC.

Reviving the STC, according to President Mahama? Once again, this Company which had almost 95 percent ownership by SSNIT was in 1999 offered to a relation of Nana Konadu Agyeman Rawlings who had just 5% shares to manage. It was the Kufuor administration which reversed the situation else we would have lost it. The P/NDC sold off over 200 State Owned Enterprises whose existence cannot be located, save about five in the hospitality industry. Kufuor did one major divestiture of the Ghana Telecom which then was 70% owned by the state. The efficient performance of Vodafone out of Ghana Telecom is unparalleled among all divestitures we have done in this country. Old staff were paid handsome compensations, young people have been employed and trained and are working to help build the country.

The economic policies of the Mahama administration which hinge on taxing the blood out of industry, crowding out industry from credit from the financial institutions are not enabling enough to help the private sector. He does not believe in the philosophy of the private sector being the engine of growth so he can't do it. Don't trust him.

Daavi, some three tots.

[email protected]
The prices of Shatabdi, Rajdhani and Duronto trains might witness might see a considerable fall in the "lean season."

By India Today Web Desk: The Railway Ministry might just slash fares of several premium trains including Shatabdi, Rajdhani and Duronto owing to the berths going "unreserved."

According to an Economics Times report, the railway ministry has been facing "a fall in passenger traffic as it has been losing long distance passenger to airlines and short distance to roadways."

Reportedly, Railway Minister Suresh Prabhu is keen on the current situation being tackled in the upcoming weeks and is in fact taking measures to ensure berths on the above mentioned trains do not go empty.

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Also Read: Currency crackdown: With nowhere to go, black money is now buying railway tickets

As per a recent policy by Prabhu's ministry, the prices of train tickets see a surge in sync with their demand.

Also Read: Bijwasan to be Delhi's largest transportation hub

"We can have a mechanism where we reduce the fares before a day or two so that all unreserved seats could be filled. We are yet to figure out the contours of this proposal," a railway official was quoted as telling Economic Times.

Also Read: Indian Railways names trains after personalities to woo voters in UP elections

The surge pricing scheme has also managed to bridge the gap between air and rail tickets--bringing it down to almost Rs 500--which is probably why passengers are opting for airplanes instead of trains.

Prabhu--who neither denied, nor confirmed the news--was quoted as saying, "It's a possibility. Why only increase the fare. You can decrease it as well when there's no demand. Fixed cost will be incurred on that train anyway even when the berths are going empty."

Other important railway-related issues will be taken up in the three-day Rail Chintan Shivir, starting today, November 18, 2016 that apart from top railway officials will also be attended by Prime Minister Narendra Modi .





--- ENDS ---
Ever since IGP John Kudalor suggested the possibility of a social media ban on Election Day and justifiably incurred the wrath of civilised Ghanaians, the subject appears to have refused to leave the public domain.

Even President John Mahama was in opposition to the suggestion as was Dr. Mohammed Ibn Chambas, who was in town for an activity when the subject was in the air, his position obviously mirroring the United Nations' which flag he bears as a representative of the international organization.

Ironically, though President Mahama is now vacillating on the subject, his position not too clear for comfort. His recent remark that social media constitutes a threat to the forthcoming elections is disturbing. For those who have known the president since he assumed the highest office of Ghana, he has presented himself as a public official who hardly keeps his word.

When his seeming reassuring word that social media would not be shut down earlier on Election Day was released, there were as many who heaved a sigh of relief as were those who doubted the reassurance. Then the vacillation happened a few days ago when he said social media constitutes a threat to the forthcoming election. Those who could not vouch for his word are laughing last and best because by the president's altered stance on social media, he has left most Ghanaians in doubt about the status of social media on Election Day.

Social media, as Dr. Chambas noted when he spoke about his abhorrence for its ban, is an aspect of freedom of expression. This position therefore, is a suggestion that any attempt at scuttling social media on Election Day or subjecting it to the arbitrariness of government under the flimsy guise of protecting the integrity of the polls, is nothing but a ruse.

We have a democracy to protect. It behooves us therefore as citizens obsessed with ensuring the sanctity of our democracy, to resist such infantile excuses to curb this critical segment of the freedom of expression.

Being a critical segment of democracy, it plays an important role in protecting the sanctity and integrity of the electoral process.

While we do not doubt the possibility of the abuse of social media, we advance the argument nonetheless that same can be said of radio and the other channels of mass communication. The excessiveness of radio in the hands of irresponsible persons was in full flight recently when the Montie 3 rocked the foundation of our democracy: they spewed outrageous remarks on the airwaves. In spite of the anomaly, the thought of a shutdown of the specific radio station was never an option. Indeed, the culprits after judicial process were jailed only to be pardoned by the president.

The status of social media, as in radio and the newspaper, is akin to fire or electricity  both bearing positive and negative attributes.

It stands to reason therefore, that the president should be the last person to start triggering another discussion about whether to shut down social media on Election Day or not.

On Election Day, social media has a critical role to play in ensuring the integrity of the polls.

When Nana Akufo-Addo's residence was attacked by NDC hoodlums in the face of a momentary but costly apathy by the police, it took the social media to prick the attention of the nation about the nauseating development. But for the social media intervention, the worst could have happened. Let them not dare lest our democracy is reduced to a laughing stock in the comity of civilized nations.
What saddens me is the issue of feeding grants for our schools. Today feeding grants for the Northern schools have been in arrears for over 14 months. The children are being fed on maggot-infested food. How can we sit and watch this situation continue? We have a so-called Northern president who is in-charge of the whole Ghana but Northern students in schools are suffering and starving.

These were the words of Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia, running mate to Nana Akufo-Addo, presidential aspirant of the New Patriotic Party (NPP), in Zuarungu Moshie in the Bolgatanga East Constituency of the Upper East Region on Wednesday.

Dr. Bawumia, who before visiting the constituency had toured the Talensi Constituency earlier in the day, criticised President John Mahama for merely paying lip service regarding the plight of Northerners in particular and Ghanaians in general.

Touching on the plight of Northern senior high school students currently, Dr Bawumia said that the situation was one thing that particularly made him sad and wondered how someone who doesn't fail to remind people of his Northern roots, could preside over such an unfortunate situation  a situation that has lasted for over three academic terms.

Many headmasters are dodging suppliers because they cannot pay the feeding grants; and we have a Northern president who says we should vote for him but who presides over this sad situation, Dr. Bawumia noted.

The Mahama administration has failed to pay feeding grants to schools in the three regions of the north since the first term of the last academic year, despite several appeals by the school authorities, parents, students and the inhabitants of the North, including chiefs. The situation has given rise to students feeding on small rations of meals which are mostly said to be of poor quality as suppliers have refused to supply the schools with their food needs until the debts that have been accumulated are cleared.

The crisis has gotten so bad that many suppliers are now threatening to drag authorities in the various Northern schools to court to retrieve their monies, while some of them (authorities) have been left with no other choice than to find food for their students, rather than watch them starve.

In addition, the government has failed to pay subsidies to the schools for two terms, and this has worsened an already bad situation.

Touching on other issues which had worked against the progress and development of the North in the last eight years, Dr. Bawumia mentioned the infamous SADA loot, where officials of John Mahama's government reportedly pilfered the resources meant for development in the North, through various shady schemes.

Aside this situation, we have a president who presides over SADA, where our monies supposed to be used to develop the North, was stolen.

Should we vote for John Mahama again? he asked, a question which received a thunderous 'No!' from the residents gathered.

Dr. Bawumia urged the people of the North to reject the NDC and its presidential candidate as their record over the last eight years is one of corruption, incompetence and suffering.

When John Mahama comes  and he will be here soon. When he comes and says we should vote for him because he is our brother, we should say 'No.' We are not going to vote for him because he is piling suffering on our people. He is bringing disgrace to the people of the North. We were never known for corruption; and he is destroying our brand, he stated.

Dr. Bawumia also visited the Bolgatanga Central Constituency on Wednesday.

See pictures below


Dr. Charles Dwamena receiving the petition from Cynthia Sunu, Greater Accra Deputy Youth Coordinator of WSR-Ghana

WOMEN ACROSS Ghana have petitioned the two main political parties  the ruling National Democratic Congress (NDC) and the opposition New Patriotic Party (NPP)  asking them to promote peace before, during and after the December 7 elections.

The petitions were presented separately at the national headquarters of the two parties in Accra on Thursday by Women's Situation Room Ghana (WSR-Ghana), a non-partisan group representing the voices of women and children in the country.

As women, we are gathered here today to call on your executives and supporters to do all in their power to remain calm and resolute as the Election Day unfolds, the petitions read.

The women argued that they and their children are likely to be worst affected should there be any political conflict in the country emanating from the elections.

As women, we suffer most with our children when there is violence and will not look on as the security of our beloved country is compromised in the name of politics, they stated in the petitions.

They admonished the two parties to desist from any acts that are likely to undermine the peace of the country before, during and after the polls.

They also advised the parties to be conscious of the fact that no meaningful socio-economic development can take place when there is war.

Development cannot take place in the midst of conflict and violence. The situation in some of our conflict-afflicted sister African countries is an example for us as a country to choose the path of peace, part of the petition read.

Attacks

Already there had been reports of violent confrontations between supporters of the NDC and the NPP, with the most recent one being the reported attacks by supporters of President Mahama and the NDC on the Nima private residence of the leader of the New Patriotic Party, Nana Akufo-Addo.

The attack on Mr. Akufo-Addo's residence received an international condemnation, with the US and the United Kingdom embassies in Ghana threatening to revoke and embargo visas to politicians who will incite violence in this year's elections.

Justice

Dr. Charles Dwamena, Director of Finance and Administration, NPP, who received the petition on behalf of his party, thanked the women for the path they had chosen, but urged them to extend it to other stakeholders like the Police Service and the Electoral Commission.

He said the women should do everything in their capacity to ensure that justice is done to all, as he argued that there could not be 'true' peace without justice.

According to him, the willingness of Nana Akufo-Addo to accept the verdict of the Supreme Court in the 2012 Election Petition case points to the fact that the NPP as a party is committed to peace. Mr Dwamena expressed disgust that supporters of the party continue to be attacked by those of the NDC while the police and the National Peace Council look on unconcerned.

Director of Administration, NDC, Zumakpeh, who received the petition from WSR-Ghana on behalf of his party, said the NDC and President John Mahama are committed to ensuring peace.

He said anything that will tamper with the peace of the country will be condemned by the NDC and its leadership.

Peace March

The presentations of the petitions were preceded by a special peace march by about a 1,000 women and youth in Accra.

The Women's Situation Room was formed in Liberia in 2011 and currently operating in seven African countries, according to the United Nations Resident Coordinator, Christine Evans-Klock. It aims at ensuring that the elections are peaceful.

BY Melvin Tarlue


The disqualified presidential aspirant of the Independent People's Party (PPP), Kofi Akpaloo, and his party have thrown their weight behind the flag bearer of the opposition New Patriotic Party (NPP), Nana Akufo-Addo, in the run-up to the December 7 polls.

Mr Akpaloo told Adom FM yesterday that the IPP is supporting Akufo-Addo because the NPP has agreed to implement some polices in the IPP's manifesto, should it (NPP) win the polls.

Though we are a new party, if you give us the opportunity we will be able to transform Ghana; but [for this year's elections] we don't want to shelve those ideas. As a party, when it comes to job creation we believe we have fantastic ideas and also putting money into people's pocket with child benefits and unemployment benefits. So we decided to speak to the political parties and one party gave us the opportunity to help them and [and in return] they will implement this idea, Mr Akpaloo stated.

According to him, the NPPs agenda for employment and education are in line with the dream IPP had for the country before his disqualification.

He said even though he approached other parties, NPP gave him the respect and a listening ear.

Mr Akpaloo said after careful analysis, he believes the NPP will transform Ghana and has the country at heart.

He said once NPP wins, he will concentrate on his party and promised to come back stronger.

We are just helping the NPP capture power. But that doesnt mean that will be the end of IPP. I promise you that IPP will come out stronger, Akpaloo said.


The standard bearer of the New Patriotic Party (NPP), Nana Addo-Dankwa Akufo-Addo, has asked residents in the Afram Plains South and North Constituencies of the Eastern Region to change their voting pattern and vote massively for the NPP to win the December 7 poll.

Nana Akufo-Addo, who addressed residents at the ruling National Democratic Congress (NDC) stronghold at Donkorkrom, Tease, Mame Krobo and Ekye-Amanfrom, said if elected, he would work hard to build a nation that would work for everybody.

He said his government would make good every single campaign promise made and implement policies that would boost the agricultural sector and build a college of education for the residents at Donkorkrom.

Nana Akufo-Addo said that his government would introduce the Adult Education System and also establish businesses that would create jobs for the teeming youth.

The NPP flag bearer, who is currently on a four-day campaign tour of the region, urged the electorate to go to the polling stations and cast their votes for the party on 7th December to ensure a resounding victory for the party.

He was emphatic that the NPP is not divided and that nobody has left the NPP to form his or her own political party.

At Tease, the community chief, Nana Mireku aka Olandor, appealed to Nana Addo to rehabilitate the deplorable roads in the Afram Plains if he wins the polls.

Mr.Yaw Osafo-Maafo, a leading member of the party, said it would build a more robust and strong economy, to create jobs and wealth for the people if the NPP wins power.

FROM Daniel Bampoe, Tease


The United States is deeply concerned by the deaths of dozens of Nigerians during clashes between individuals participating in a Shia procession and the Nigerian Police Force in Kano State on November 14. While the matter is still under investigation, we are troubled by the apparent disproportionate response by the police. This is the latest in a series of violent incidents between security forces and members of the Shia Islamic Movement of Nigeria (IMN), some of which have resulted in deaths, destruction of property, and the arbitrary detention of IMN members. The United States calls for calm and restraint on all sides, a reduction of tensions, and greater communication between Shia citizens and government authorities.

Members of the Shia community, like other religious communities, have the right to assemble, peacefully express their religious beliefs, and mark their celebrations. We call on the Nigerian government to protect and defend these rights. It is also incumbent on members of the IMN and all Nigerian citizens to respect the rule of law and cooperate with the police as they attempt to maintain public order.

We continue to urge the government to ensure accountability for the deaths of more than 300 IMN members during December 15, 2015 clashes between the IMN and security forces in Zaria, Kaduna State. We also call on the Nigerian government to conduct a transparent investigation of the latest incidents and bring to account anyone responsible for violating the law.
Accra, Ghana - 18th November, 2016 - JumiaTravel, Africas leading online hotel booking website has awarded its partners at a ceremony in Accra.

The awards ceremony, which was held at the Accra City Hotel served as a form of appreciation for the immense contributions of these partners in the development and success of the company. The company recently took giant strides by reaching a landmark of 1000 hotels on its website thus giving its customers more options to select from when they want to book a hotel anywhere in Ghana.

These amazing partners are the focus of all our operations. We keep succeeding because they are always there to support us. Without them, we will not be in business. It is great to have partners who are always on hand to receive our guests, offer them the best hotel experience and give us the best rates in order to better serve our ever growing customer base said Claire Staal, MD of Jumia Travel ( Ghana ).

Jumia Travel has over the past 3 years made a name for itself as the one stop destination for top hotel deals, amazing discounts and best hotel rates. The company has also made giant strides in technological services by providing hotels with an extranet application that allows hotel managers to confirm bookings, change rates and change availability of their hotel rooms.

As part of the activities of the night was an extranet application training and other great performances by the Ghana Kizomba family,Jay Hunton and Tijani Pepe.

Speaking at the #JumiaTravelAwards celebration organized by the company in Accra , Bennet Otoo, Marketing & Public Relations Manager (Ghana) said, We have come a long way in serving our guests with amazing deals and exquisite customer service. This is only possible because we are fortunate to work with such energetic and cooperative hotels. They are always on hand to support our ideas and meet us at a point where the guest is the major beneficiary. In the end, we can boldly say that we have been successful because of their immense support and corporation. Besides, the role of the media in promoting tourism and hospitality in Ghana cannot be overemphasized. We appreciate all the support and hardwork they put in. They put us on the map and that is what every growing business needs.

The company continues to enhance efforts to better serve and satisfy its customers by providing quick and easy ways of hotel reservation, as well as helping customers with all travel related needs.

About Jumia Travel

Jumia Travel ( travel.jumia.com ) is Africa's No.1 hotel booking website, allowing you to get the best prices for more than 25,000 hotels in Africa and more than 200,000 hotels around the world.

Our ambition is to bring every bit of available accommodation online, and to create the easiest and cheapest way for customers to book it.

At Jumia Travel, we have hundreds of travel specialists constantly in touch with our customers. Our offices are located in Lagos (Nigeria), Accra (Ghana), Dakar (Senegal), Abidjan (Ivory Coast), Algiers (Algeria), Douala (Cameroon), Kampala (Uganda), Dar Es Salaam (Tanzania), Nairobi (Kenya) and Addis Ababa (Ethiopia).

Before June 2016, Jumia Travel was known as Jovago.

Jumia Travel was founded in 2013 by Jumia and is backed by MTN, Rocket Internet, Millicom, Orange, Axa and financial partners.
Ecobank Ghana has unveiled a widespread digital offering showcasing its products and services across its unparalleled Pan-African network.

Ecobank Group CEO, Ade Ayeyemi presented the digital array at the World Trade Centre in Accra, Ghana.

As part of the unveiling, Mr. Ayeyemi also revealed the Ecobank Mobile App to a Ghanaian audience.

Ecobank Digital leverages the power of technology to deliver instant, convenient and cost-effective solutions to customers around Africa.

Ecobank Mobile App, Ecobank Xpress Account, internet banking, Pan African Card, Automated Teller Machines, Points of Sale terminals, are just some of the digital solutions created to make banking easier, more accessible and affordable than before.

Mr. Ayeyemi said: Ecobank digital platforms offer an opportunity to develop new, previously unimagined services for our customers to help use money more effectively. The power of digital banking has the potential to unlock enormous lifestyle, business and other financial opportunities across Africa. Ecobank's digital offerings are opening up financial services to the unbanked, while serving existing customers at a whole new level. This will help transform our continent and leapfrog economic development.

Dan Sackey, Ecobank Ghana's Managing Director and Regional Executive Anglophone West Africa, said: By leveraging the power of digital, Ecobank is freeing up customers, including merchants, in Ghana and West Africa, to grow their businesses and live their lives more easily. Ecobank Ghana  Ghana's biggest bank  is here to support the country's already strong economy to grow further.

Ecobank's flagship Ecobank Mobile App was first launched in Lagos, Nigeria on 20th October 2016. Ecobank Mobile App boosts the spread of Ecobank Digital products, allowing wherever, whenever banking, bill payments and receipts, all online.

Owureku Asare, Regional Head, Cards & e-Banking, Ecobank Anglophone West Africa, said: The Ecobank Mobile App enables customers to open a free digital account  Ecobank Xpress Account. The beauty of this account is that you can open it instantly with no references or paperwork.

The Ecobank Mobile App enables customers to send and receive money instantly across 32 other African countries other than Ghana.

Ecobank Ghana has grown over the years to become the biggest bank in Ghana. With the app, Ghanaians now have the opportunity to carry out transactions on their phones no matter where they are in the country.
A newly constructed world-class multi-storey commercial building with retail ground floor has been opened at Airport City Accra.

One Airport Square has premium office space unmatched in Ghana, including an atrium with high ceiling, a ground floor lobby and a landscaped public piazza with cafes, restaurants, gym, shops and other services for the office occupiers and the general public.

Serviced offices available on the 8th floor has state-of-the-art architecture, fully furnished and ready-to-use.

It has many offices and meeting spaces, offering flexible lease options, including hourly rates for space usage.

The team at One Airport Square offers administrative and technical and operational support which allows clients to focus on their core businesses.

The serviced offices also come well equipped shower facilities, massage and reflexology services to help ease the tension of a hectic day work.

One Airport Square also has an on-site events centre that can be used for corporate events, cocktails, seminars, weddings etc.

There are vacant office spaces on the 1st, 4th and 6th floors, totaling more than 3000 sqm.

The square has two level basement parking space, piazza, four standby generators (800kv each), parking ratio of 1.5 per 100sqm, energy saving lights which are motion censored, two large male & female washrooms on each floor, three passenger lifts with one goods lift, 24-hour security and cleaning services.

One Airport Square is a joint venture between Actis and Myma Belo Osagie of Boston Investments Limited, developed by Laurus Development Partners.
President John Dramani Mahama has stated that the rapid decline of the agricultural sector in favour of the services sector is normal.

According to him, the contribution of the agriculture sector to Gross Domestic Product (GDP) must decline as the country develops.

Speaking at a breakfast meeting with the Ghanaian business community organized by the Ghana Investment Promotion Center (GIPC) recently, President Mahama said, The services sector has overtaken agriculture as the highest contributor to GDP which is what it should be when a country is developing.

The contribution of agriculture to the country's GDP has declined since 2009 from 31.8 percent to about 12.8 percent in September 2015.

Many have attributed the decline to governments refusal to invest in the sector, which has imposed untold hardship on farmers and denied many jobs.

Government, in its 2016 budget, allocated GH501.5 million to the agric sector, a mere 1.2 percent of governments total expenditure.

Agriculture will continue to decline and the services sector will continue to increase, as well as manufacturing, construction and mining and quarry. And so that is the way it should go, President Mahama said.

For all the developed countries, contribution of agriculture to GDP is the smallest. But of course, it does not mean that you are not producing enough to feed yourself, he said.

The President said government was looking at other ways to support the private sector apart from borrowing, saying that is why the Ghana Export and Import Bank has been established to support businesses and create import substitution which has begun with the pharmaceutical and poultry companies.

We will continue to look at how we can improve lending to Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs). We will continue to ensure that we attain micro economic stability because it is the most dangerous threat to the private sector, he said.

By Cephas Larbi

[email protected]


By PTI: Priyanka to attend

Allahabad, Nov 18 (PTI) Congress president Sonia Gandhi, accompanied by daughter Priyanka Vadra and a number of top party leaders, will visit the city on Monday to inaugurate a photo exhibition commemorating the birth centenary of former Prime Minister Indira Gandhi.

"Sonia and Priyanka will be in the ancestral town of Nehru-Gandhi family on November 21 to attend the inauguration of Indira: A Life of Courage, a photo exhibition providing a glimpse into the life of the late Prime Minister and her contribution towards building a modern India," Uttar Pradesh Congress spokesman Kishore Varshney said here.

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Varshney also said "there are reports that party vice-president Rahul Gandhi may also be present to attend the function held in the memory of his grandmother. However, we are yet to receive an official confirmation."

He said the photo exhibition will be held at the historic Swaraj Bhavan -- the house where Indira Gandhi was born on November 19, 1936 -- and will remain open to the public till January 5 next year.

"Besides Sonia and Priyanka, senior party leaders Sheila Dikshit, Raj Babbar and Rajiv Shukla will be present on the occasion", Varshney said.

"To spread awareness about Indira Gandhis contribution to the nation, the exhibition will be held at various places across the country after Allahabad.

"In February, the exhibition will be held at Mumbai, followed by Kolkata in April and Bengaluru in August," Varshney added. PTI NAC BSA

--- ENDS ---
Flagbearer of the People's National Convention (PNC) Dr. Edward Nasigri Mahama, says all Ghanaians must work hard to tackle corruption which hampers the effective development of the country.

According to him, some Ghanaians, including people in government, condone institutional corruption, adding that the country needs a selfless president who would not encourage corrupt practices, especially in government.

Corruption in Ghana has permeated all sectors, especially in governance. Corruption has become strong and dangerous like the biblical 'Goliath' and we need a 'David' to tackle corruption and make it less attractive. I will be that 'David' if I become the President of Ghana.

Dr. Mahama made the disclosure while addressing supporters and members of the party in Bolgatanga, the Upper East Regional capital, where the PNC recently launched its manifesto for the forthcoming general elections.

Corruption has been prevalent in our national life; resources that are supposed to be invested in productive areas of the economy to generate sustainable jobs and better livelihoods for majority are redirected into individual pockets. This practice has a negative effect on the nation's development. This is why at this point in our life as a nation we need a leader who will have the political will to really fight corruption.

Dr. Edward Mahama noted that records from the Auditor General's Office estimate that the country loses over $3 billion annually through corruption, adding that there is lack of strict compliance with the Public Procurement Act.

Although these corrupt issues are so glaring, previous governments and current government, led by President John Mahama, lack the political will to prosecute culprits, according to him.

He mentioned that a PNC government shall amend the Public Procurement Act to plug the existing loopholes that some corrupt people in government are taking advantage of, stressing that he would ensure strict compliance with the Public Procurement Act.

Dr. Mahama indicated that a PNC government would not interfere in the prosecution of public officials found to have engaged in corrupt practices, saying the capacity of institutions would be strengthened to independently investigate and prosecute offenders.

He called on supporters of the PNC to campaign vigorously for him to become the next President of Ghana in the December polls.

Unlike other political party leaders, I represent peace and my position on the ballot paper means that I have been ordained by the Big six of the country.

National Chairman of the party, Bernard Mornah reminded supporters about the need to go all out to campaign for both parliamentary and presidential candidates of the PNC.

He disclosed that the productive activities of the PNC have sent shivers down the spines of members of the NDC and NPP, especially after the Electoral Commission (EC) allowed Dr. Mahama to contest in this year's presidential race.

From: Ebo Bruce-Quansah, Bolgatanga


As British High Commissioner to Ghana, I am pleased to be here this afternoon and very pleased that the UK is supporting the preparations for Ghana's 2016 election.

The UK, one way or another, has supported each of the last six elections in Ghana, and we have all seen how the process has strengthened with each election. It is something of which Ghana is rightly proud.

Of course, there is always room for improvement  in the UK as well as in Ghana. And the UK government, as well as other development partners, sees providing support for this year's election  and democratic processes more broadly  as an important part of our work here.

DFID has been working with a wide range of Ghanaian partners over the last eight months to develop a programme aimed at supporting a successful election in December 2016, including for example with the Electoral Commission, Ghana Police Service and civil society. One key part of this includes over one million Ghana Cedi worth of support to the Judicial Service.

There are three strands to this support;

 The first strand is to provide a standardised manual on the resolution of election-related disputes by the Judicial Service of Ghana. We are paying for

6,000 copies of the manual  called 'the 3rd edition of the Manual on Election Adjudication in Ghana'  to be printed and distributed to all election stakeholders;

 The second strand is to provide some specific, tailored training so that electoral disputes can be resolved expeditiously. About 250 supreme, appeal, high, circuit and district court judges will be trained in election adjudication, and another 60 registrars, private bailiffs and court staff will be trained in their own supporting roles too;

 The third strand will look at reforms for Election Adjudication. The Supreme Court Bench will have a high level retreat to discuss the lessons learnt from the adjudication of the 2012 Presidential Election Petition. This will afford the other Members of the Court who were not empaneled during the 2013 petition, as well as other stakeholders, to discuss the Supreme Court Rules, administrative lapses and other reforms that are required to make the Judicial Service better prepared for any such petition should it occur during the 2016 Presidential Elections.

Ghanaian citizens know that free and fair elections require the rule of law to prevail if the intent of the voters is to be accurately reflected. They look to the Judiciary to take action when there is an interference with this basic principle. When the fairness of elections is called into question, we need an effective process of complaints adjudication to sift the facts and determine whether proper election procedures were followed, as prescribed in laws and regulations. Respect for the law and the constitutional process is vital. Likewise, the Electoral Commission must be independent, unfaltering in its administration of the process, swift and resolute in dealing with political intimidation, and open to listening and responding to legitimate concerns voiced by political parties, the media and the public.

The whole purpose of this support is to help you, the Judiciary, to do this critically important job effectively  to equip and enable you to serve as an impartial last arbiter in election disputes. Ghana's Judiciary already has an enviable reputation and I note that the 2nd edition of the Manual on Election Adjudication in Ghana that was produced in 2012 has received a lot of commendations, and was proposed as a model for Kenya and Togo. As I understand it, the manual aims to set out in plain English the various regulations and processes on election adjudication in one place and will be accessible to everyone, especially all election stakeholders. So we are pleased to be able to work with the Judicial Service to build on the success to date, to deliver what will  I am sure  be Ghana's seventh free and fair and peaceful election.

The UK is a great supporter of Ghanas democracy and its electoral record. But Ghana's enviable reputation for free and fair elections must not be taken for granted. Whilst we admire the open and energetic nature of its campaigns, we also believe that violence has absolutely no place in the electoral process. Nor do provocation, intimidation and incitement, including through hate speech  we condemn all manifestations of those practices.

We therefore call on all of Ghanas political actors to promote peace and to respect Ghanas electoral and constitutional processes. All political parties should strongly urge their activists and supporters to refrain from, and, indeed, actively to condemn, any violence, incitement or intimidation which only serves to undermine democracy. Similarly, political parties should hold their own members, who undertake in such activities, to account.

Aside from our support to Ghana's Judicial Service, we are providing assistance to the Electoral Commission, Civil Society, the Ghana Police and the media. All of this support is designed to ensure a strong process that provides a level playing field where all candidates have a fair chance to make their case for election, and those who the majority of voters choose are the ones that end up in office.

And the UK  always absolutely impartial and neutral between all of Ghana's political parties  will always work happily with whatever government the people of Ghana vote for in free and fair elections.

Congratulations once again on the launch of the 3rd edition of the manual and I wish you all well up to and through the elections and during the months ahead.

Thank you.
18.11.2016 LISTEN

By Richard Kofi Attenkah.

Martin Amidu, former Attorney General and Minister of Justice in the late President John Evans Atta-Mills' administration, has hinted that the Mahama-led National Democratic Congress (NDC) would never compel businessman Alfred Agbesi Woyome to refund the GH51 million wrongfully paid to him by government officials.

This is because, according to him, the Mahama-led government created, looted and shared the GH51 million loot with the businessman.

He has, therefore, charged Ghanaians to vote out President John Dramani Mahama and his NDC in the December 7 elections, saying that is the only way Ghana can retrieve the GH51 million from Mr. Woyome.

This is the only way out for Ghanaians to stand up for their constitutional rights, and to retrieve the unconstitutional monies created, looted and shared by this government with its political party supporters, who are now unconstitutional judgment debtors to the Republic, Mr. Amidu said.

According to him, even though he is a senior and founding member of the NDC, he is compelled to put Ghana first and to defend the 1992 Constitution, saying the only way Ghanaians can have the Woyome/Austro-Invest joint loot refunded is to change the government during the presidential election this year.

Mr. Amidu, also known as Citizen Vigilante, believes that: A new government will prosecute Woyome under Article 2(3) and (4) of the 1992 Constitution for high crime, should he delay any further in refunding the unconstitutional loot.

In a statement he released in Accra yesterday, the former Attorney General continued: The new government will also enforce the Waterville judgment debt of over Euro 47 million loot or prosecute it for high crime.

Insisting that he is still loyal to the NDC, Mr. Amidu posited that he would support most of the party's parliamentary candidates who have shown honesty and integrity to the Constitution.

He, however, pointed out that he cannot, as a matter of good conscience and in defense of the 1992 Constitution, support President Mahama to continue to loot the state purse.

Fellow patriotic citizens, he continued, I fought for two long years for justice for the Constitution, and for all of us, and the Supreme Court eventually vindicated the public's interest by ordering the refund of the unconstitutional loot to the Republic of Ghana.

Unfortunately, the government, as the leading looter, has put obstacles in our way in enforcing the orders of the court. Fellow citizens, help me, in the name of the Constitution, to retrieve your money that was looted by voting for a new President. Let us protect our constitutional rights and not be hoodwinked by electioneering ploys. Let us get our GH51,283,483. 59 back, he maintained.

Mr. Amidu said the GH4 million cheque Mr. Woyome issued to the Economic and Organised Crime Office (EOCO), as part payment of the monies ordered by the Supreme Court to be refunded, is only a ploy, as smoke and mirrors for their election campaign.

He called on the people of Ghana to demand from the government how its Attorney General can  in enforcing the order of the Supreme Court for Woyome to refund the unconstitutional payments made to Woyome to the Republic of Ghana  accept a cheque of GH4,000,000 drawn by Woyome, dated 4th November 2016, in favour of the Economic and Organised Crime Office, as part payment of the monies ordered by the court to be refunded.

Continuing, he emphasised: I say with all the strength at my disposal that a cheque drawn by Woyome in favour of the Economic and Organised Crime Office, which was not a party to the action or the judgment creditor, cannot be a cheque in part payment of the unconstitutional monies ordered by the court to be refunded to the Republic.

The acceptance of the Economic and Organised Crime Office cheque by the Attorney General, and the deception of the public by the Attorney General that it is part payment for the refund ordered by the court, brings into question the competence of the Attorney General and the government in pursuit of the interest of the Republic, he noted.

He explained that whatever is going on is a scheme designed to defeat my application for leave to examine Woyome orally on oath.

In the hurry of the government and Woyome to defeat my application, they could not even cover their tracks with a cheque drawn on the Ministry of Finance or the Accountant-General as custodian of the consolidated fund.

The cheque could also have been drawn on the Registrar of the Supreme Court and paid into court for the Republic.

The foregoing is evidence, if evidence be needed, that the Attorney General and the government are determined to kill the non-refund of the judgment debt as an election issue, by cooking up the deceptive cheque and receipt to allow the status quo to continue, he stressed.

He said the NDC is tenaciously deceiving the electorate that efforts are being made to retrieve the unconstitutional loot by Mr. Alfred Woyome.
In the run up to the 2008 Presidential and Legislative elections, with most social commentators rooting for the then ruling New Patriotic Party on the basis that it was delivering on infrastructure, then Vice-Presidential Candidate of the opposition National Democratic Congress, John Dramani Mahama made a profound statement.

If you vote for someone because of schools, hospitals and interchanges, you have a weak mind because it is government's responsibility.

Evidence abound that many Ghanaians bought into his assertion and sent the NPP tumbling out of Government House. The interesting development is that with him now in in power and with elections barely three weeks away, President Mahama is going to the polls on the basis of what he claims his government has done in infrastructure development.

When the President opened the Kwame Nkrumah Interchange, he unashamedly told Ghanaians that he has brought Dubai to Ghana and that Ghanaians should reward him with another term at the Jubilee House.

Not too long ago, the Head of State toured the country with all expenses paid for by the state, armed with what state officials and party apparatchiks fondly refer to as the Green Book, a pictorial presentation of spurious projects the government claims to have undertaken in cities, towns and villages.

The snag is that, most Ghanaians believe a number of those construction projects were inflated in terms of cost.

On Wednesday, the opposition New Patriotic Party called a news conference and alleged that the government had specialized in inflating the cost of projects and creaming off the excesses for party and private use.

In other words, President John Dramani Mahama and his administrators have enriched themselves at the expense of the poor Ghanaians, by initiating projects which cost bear no relationship with the reality on the ground.

And that the administration has resorted to borrowing for projects as a result of what state officials could pocket from such loans.

It has been a contentious issue since the then Vice-President was heavily involved in the purchase of aircrafts for use by the military from Brazil. The prices kept changing until the delivery period when this nation paid nearly two times the advertised rate.

We were told that late President John Evans Atta Mills set up a committee to investigate his deputy and that only his demise curtailed the enquiry.

Be it as it may, The Chronicle is unable to applaud an administration which has extended this nation's indebtedness to external and internal creditors by over 1,500 percent.

In January 2009, when the NDC returned to the centre stage of this nation's administration, Ghana owed GHc9.5 billion to creditors. Now, we owe nearly GHc150 billion.

Most of these strange deals are clothed in sole sourcing formula under which contracts are awarded without competitive bidding.

One naked example of how sole sourcing has raped this nation is the deal under which a Burkinabe contractor was paid an outrageous amount of US$ 650,000 to construct a wall around a state property in Ouagadougou.

The bribery allegation against the President was dismissed by officials of the Commission on Human Rights and Administrative Justice.

But the damage to the reputation of the man seeking a second term at the Jubilee House will follow President Mahama for a long time to come.

A political commentator once observed: Truth and politics are on rather bad terms with each other. No one, as far as I know, has ever counted truth among political virtues. Seen from the viewpoint of politics, truth has a despotic character and is, therefore, hated by tyrants and enjoys a rather precarious relationship with governments that rest on consent and abhor coercion, our apologies to Hannah Arendt, an American political commentator.

The Mahama administration has stretched this assertion too far. Unfortunately in this country, truth has taken flight. In its place, cronyism and the crooked way of doing things have completely taken over.

If you want to know why this nation is deeply in debt, The Chronicle would answer you by pointing to sole sourcing means of awarding contracts with virtually half the contract sums ending in officials' pockets.

Unfortunately, President Mahama would struggle to plead innocent to the charge of corrupting the system.
Tete (Mozambique) (AFP) - Authorities in Mozambique started investigations on Friday into whether locals were illegally taking petrol from a tanker that exploded killing at least 60 people and injuring more than 100.

Officials had originally put the death toll at 73 following the massive blast on Thursday in Tete province in the country's remote western region near Malawi.

By Friday, officials had counted 60 bodies in mortuaries as recovery efforts continued.

"In the accident, 108 people were injured, 96 of whom are still being kept in for treatment at Tete Provincial Hospital," government spokesman Mouzinho Saide said at a press conference in Maputo.

"The cabinet has created a commission of inquiry to investigate the circumstances, causes and responsibilities for this accident."

According to authorities' initial accounts, the truck was carrying petrol from Mozambique's port city of Beira to neighbouring landlocked Malawi.

The driver took a detour and stopped close to the Malawi border in the village of Caphiridzange to sell petrol to local people, a common practice in Mozambique.

"The truck drivers were transferring petrol into a smaller truck and they fled when they noticed there was an (electrical) short circuit," Emilia Moiane, an information ministry director, told AFP.

Mozambique is one of the world's poorest nations, according to the International Monetary Fund, and since its 16-year civil war ended in 1992 its population has suffered the consequences of a terrible economic crisis

"Seeing the truck had been abandoned, locals came to syphon petrol off, not knowing that the truck was already burning inside."

One of the truck drivers was from Mozambique and the other from Malawi, officials said.

Horrific burns

President Filipe Nyusi told reporters that "tragedy has knocked on our door" with the high loss of life.

"What is important now is to take action and help the affected," he said.

Photographs and video footage from the hospital in Tete showed badly burned children arriving for emergency care and adults lying on hospital beds.

"We still have a lot of cases in a critical condition, including children and two pregnant women, out of 38 cases in total," Tete hospital director Veronica de Deus said.

"The vast majority of patients have severe burns. Some have 80 to 90 percent of their bodies burnt," she said on public broadcaster TVM.

Authorities said many of the dead would be buried in a mass grave, and announced that three days of national mourning would start on Saturday.

A plastic surgeon and other emergency health staff have been sent from Maputo, 1,500 km (930 miles) by road, to help deal with the large numbers of injured, including 17 children.

The government in Mozambique, one of the world's poorest countries, recently increased the price of fuel after the value of the local currency -- the metical -- fell sharply.

The metical has collapsed by 70 percent against the US dollar this year after falling 36 percent in 2015.

The Tete provincial government has appealed for emergency food aid and transport assistance for affected families.
Accra, GHANA  This week, the U.S. Embassy in Ghana is celebrating Global Entrepreneurship Week from November 14 through November 20. During this annual week, U.S. Embassies around the world are emphasizing the importance of entrepreneurship, and celebrating visionary entrepreneurs.

The U.S. government supports Ghanaian entrepreneurs through a number of channels. The Young African Leaders Initiative (YALI) is a signature U.S. government initiative to invest in the next generation of African leaders. Through YALI, the United States helps to enhance leadership skills, bolster entrepreneurship, and connect young leaders from throughout Africaincluding Ghanawith one another, the United States, and leaders in the private, civic, and public sectors.

In addition, the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID) has a number of programs that support entrepreneurs in Ghana. Through the Feed the Future AfricaLead Project, USAID trains, mentors, and provides networking opportunities for entrepreneurs. Various USAID programs, such as the Agricultural Development and Value Chain Enhancement Project (ADVANCE) and the Supply Chain Development Project, help Ghanaian entrepreneurs access finance and international and domestic markets, and to obtain international certifications. In the recent past, USAID held the Road to the Global Entrepreneurship Summit in cities around the world including Accra, bringing together startup entrepreneurs, investors and innovators to lead up to President Obamas Global Entrepreneurship Summit in Silicon Valley.

USAID is also partnering with Geeks on a Plane, a worldwide tour for startups, investors, and executives to learn about high-growth technology markets, which is taking place in Accra in March. USAID also holds regular contests open to the global public called Grand Challenges for Development, in which entrepreneurs and other innovators are invited to submit proposals for funding to address a variety of development challenges.

Ghana is filled with talented entrepreneurs, said U.S. Ambassador Robert Jackson. The people of the United States salute these committed men and women, who have the potential to spur economic growth and transform the country for the long term, he said.

Global Entrepreneurship Week was launched in 2007 by the Marion Ewing Kauffman Foundation, and in the years since then, millions of people have participated in thousands of events held in more than a hundred countries around the world.
Elections in Africa have mostly been characterized by tension, violent clashes, allegations and counter allegations of rigging, intimidation, among others. Ghana has had its fair share of this unfortunate development before, during and after elections in Ghana. The 2012 General Elections for instance witnessed a similar fate which led to the opposition New Patriotic Party filing a suit at the Supreme Court culminating in an eight months long legal gymnastics at the Supreme Court which was aired live on television for citizens of Ghana to view.

During the period, some phrases and terms became popular in the Lexicon of Ghanaians including; amicus curae pink sheets You and I were not there contempt over voting among many others. The Supreme Court ruling went in favour of the Respondents but with a call on the Electoral Commission to undertake several reforms in the way they conducted elections.

This years general election is very crucial and unique in many respects and it requires every possible attention from all stake holders in order for it to be hitch free. The stakes are much higher and this years general election may probably be the most competitive and acrimonious of all elections since 1992 for a number of reasons. However, I believe we can get it right if we all play our cards well and we will come out of the elections with our heads up and once again hoist our flag as the beacon of democracy in Africa.

The referee for the election (The Electoral Commission) has a new Commissioner. Some may see her as inexperienced because she is new and this election will be her first major election. Some may even see her through the lenses of gender, thinking that because she is female, she may not be strong enough or firm, thus some may explore the chance of pushing her to a breaking point in order to prosecute their agenda because political parties have interests which they will want to advance at all costs. But so far, the Electoral Commissioner has proven that she is up to the task. Perhaps more tougher than many thought resulting in some calling her all kinds of unprintable names especially after some presidential aspirants were disqualified.

The disqualification and the many law suits brought against the EC created some uncertainty on whether the elections will be held on December 7. Thankfully, the Supreme Court ruling culminating in the window of opportunity for the disqualified aspirants to alter and re-submit their nomination forms has cleared that uncertainty. With many of the legal hurdles cleared and in order to make the 2016 general election credible, free and fair, devoid of any minuscule of violence, all stakeholders must work very hard and prepare adequately for December 7. Indeed, all hands must be on deck.

This years general election may be Honorable Nana Addo Danquah Akuffo Addos last shot at becoming president considering the fact that he is advanced in age. Thus, the NPP will put in all the resources and energy they can marshal in order to seal a victory. If they dont win the elections, it will mean that they will be in opposition for more than eight years and this may not be an easy pill for the NPP to swallow considering the fact that since we ushered in the 1992 Constitution, NDC 1 governed for eight years, after which NPP took over for eight years. NDC 2 is about to complete eight years although their first term was headed by Professor John Evans Atta Mills who met his untimely demise and the then Vice President, H. E. John Mahama had to take over. He won the 2012 General Election and after almost serving his first term is seeking re-election for his second and final term. He will not want be a one term president so together with the NDC, they will also do everything possible within their means to win the elections.

The other smaller parties on the other hand will also do their utmost best to make their presence felt in this election. It is to be expected that, they will put up a strong fight that may send the election into a run-off so that they can become an ally to any of the two leading parties that may give them an offer they cannot reject.

With the election close-by, the campaigns have become more intense and the political temperature is rising very fast. We have seen and heard of pockets of violence in various constituencies. Debates for parliamentary candidates have turned into fist fights, health walks have turned violent, there are allegations of rigging mechanisms being hatched to give some candidates unfair advantage over others, among others.

The campaign trail of the two major political parties, have also witnessed many royal and celebrity endorsements. But I dare say that, endorsements alone are not enough to win elections. Parties must move beyond their party members who make all the noise and get down to the people who really decide the winner. They are called The Silent Majority. They normally do not make much noise or announce avowedly what bothers them or who they will vote for. They express their concerns through the ballot box. Those are the real king makers. So any party that is very keen on winning the election must knock on those doors, go on a house-to-house, door-to-door campaign, have a one-on-one time with these people, appeal to them and make their policy proposals known to them and be very honest about it. Dont make phantom promises which you know, just as these people also know you cant fulfil when given the nod.

The EC must be very fair and firm at this crucial time in all its dealings and it must purge itself of any iota of doubt and suspicion. Electoral officers must be well trained and must be seen to be on top of their game. Their posture and utterances must not be seen to favour one party over the other.

The media, a very key partner in the election must also be very circumspect in all their reportage. The truth, fairness, balance, must be the driving forces behind any reportage. The airwaves must be sanitized to prevent it from use by some selfish persons to incite violence. People with the tendency of making wild unsubstantiated allegations that have the tendency of causing fear and panic must not be given the platform by any media house to spew words which will not unite and build but tear down.

All political parties must call all their supporters to order and conduct themselves in a manner not to breach the peace the country is currently enjoying. The message of peace, love, tolerance, and respect for one another must be trumpeted in all Churches, Mosques, and at all gatherings.

The political party that is likely to win the election is that party that has prepared itself adequately. It is that party whose message resonates well with the people. It is that party that majority of the people can trust or lend their power to, to govern them for the next four years. It is that party that is working very hard and has the blueprint to turn Ghanas economy around. It is that party which is not complacent and depends on opinion polls because, if opinion polls were an accurate way of predicting, elections, Hillary Clinton would have won the just ended American elections. Nobody including myself, really thought that Donald Trump would win the election. Many influential Republicans even denounced him but it looks to me, he knew exactly what he was doing and a statement he made during his victory speech makes me think so:

As I have said from the beginning, ours was not a campaign, but rather an incredible and great movement made up of millions of hardworking men and women who love their country and want a better, brighter future for themselves and for their families. Its a movement comprised of Americans from all races, religion, backgrounds and beliefs who want and expect our government to serve the people and serve the people well

So for the parties that may be depending on opinion polls, expert predictions and political prophecies, it may be wise for you all to have a rethink because Donald Trumps win defied opinion polls, endorsements, prophecies and other expert predictions and this for me must be a lesson for all politicians.

It is worth mentioning that, some people may use this election as a smoke screen to settle old scores so the Security Agencies must be very alert and more visible, strengthen their intelligence gathering mechanisms in order to prevent crime before, during and after the elections. Crime does not wear a political vest, so anybody caught to have breached the law irrespective of his political affiliation must be dealt with in accordance with the law without fear or favour.

To the political prophets, I wish to entreat you to be very circumspect in the kind of prophecies you churn out. Predicting or prophesying the outcome of a crucial election such as this one can have some negative effects. Such prophets must remember that members of their churches belong to different political parties. When a so called electoral prophecy does not come to pass, some members may think, there was rigging which can spark agitations considering the fact that many of our people are religiously gullible.

To the people who have decided not to vote in this election, I entreat you to reconsider your decision. One out of every three persons I have spoken to so far about this years election tells me they will not vote. But we must all understand that every single vote counts. Remember our system is first past the post (50% + 1) and one persons vote may be that special vote to decide the winner in this election. Your vote is a loud declaration for maintenance of the status quo or a change and you cannot blame anybody for the outcome of the election if you dont vote. The NCCE, EC, media and other civil society organizations must step up their voter sensitization and education campaigns to reduce the incidence of rejected or spoilt ballots as we still have many of our people who are illiterates or uneducated.

Finally, it is important for all stakeholders in this years general elections to understand that, violence has never proven to be the best solution to any problem. Violence always leaves in its wake devastating consequences. We must all seek peace and pursue it. In all our dealings before, during and after the election, we must remember that we have one Ghana and we must strive to put Ghana first. All utterances, comments and actions that will provoke violence or threaten the peace must be eschewed. Whatever we do must be to strengthen our democracy and not to derail it. In that respect, everybody must think twice about anything before he does it. Any action which is fueled by gbeshie kpokpogbligbli or the like will only jeopardize the peace we enjoy. Peace is a priceless gift and we must guard it jealously. May God Bless Our Homeland Ghana and Make Our Nation Greater and Stronger.

The writer is an international award winning Author, Founder/Executive Director of Human Rights Education Africa (an NGO committed to human rights education, advocacy, research, counseling)

[email protected]
Strategic Communications Africa Ltd. (Stratcomm Africa) has won the United Nations Award for Public Relations and Sustainable Development at this year's International Public Relations Association (IPRA) Golden World Awards for Excellence in Public Relations. The ceremony took place on 5th November, 2016 in Doha, Qatar.

The prestigious UN Award, one of the two top Golden World Awards, is for outstanding achievement in Public Relations, giving recognition to PR programmes that address priority issues of the UN. It was awarded to Stratcomm Africa for a PR campaign, Colour me W, that promotes the UN Goal of Gender Equality (UN Sustainable Development Goal 5). Mr. Bart de Vries, President of the IPRA, presented the award.

The Colour Me W communication campaign was developed by Stratcomm Africa in support of Access Bank Ghana's goal to promote economic empowerment among Ghanaian women through the introduction of banking products that meet their needs.

Other awards, under various categories of public relations practice, were won by various PR agencies from different parts of the world, including Japan, Korea, Angola, Nigeria, Netherlands, UK, Turkey, China, France, Indonesia, Singapore, India, Spain, Bulgaria and Russia. The event was hosted by the IPRA Chapter in the Gulf Region and was attended by IPRA members from all over the world. The Minister of Energy and Industry of Qatar, His Excellency. Dr. Mohammed Bin Saleh Al-Sada, was the Special Guest of Honour at the event.

Stratcomm Africa's Chief Executive Officer, Esther A. N. Cobbah, who, along with some members of staff of the company, received the award said: We are encouraged by this recognition from the UN and the International Public Relations Association. At Stratcomm Africa we see public relations as an important tool for Africa's development. We are, therefore, delighted that this is an award related to the objectives of the UN for development. We are grateful to Access Bank Ghana for the opportunity to develop this campaign.

The Chairman of the Board of Directors of Stratcomm Africa, Rev. Professor Samuel K. Adjepong, also noted: This UN IPRA award to Stratcomm Africa, a Ghanaian company with world class professional capabilities, not only shines the light on Ghana, but on Africa in general. It reinforces the fact that Ghana has a strong human resource base that is able to attain the heights of the international public relations industry as well as other fields of endeavour. We congratulate management and staff of Stratcomm Africa on the hard work that has earned this prestigious award.

This is the second time an African company has won the UN IPRA award since it was established in 1990.



By: citifmonline.com/Ghana
A Ghanaian, Richard Asante Yeboah has petitioned the Chief Justice to allow live cameras in the Supreme Court during the oral examination of businessman, Alfred Agbesi Woyome by former Attorney General, Martin Amidu.

In his petition, Mr. Yeboah insisted that the live telecast would bolster confidence in the legal system especially in the apex court of the land in ensuring that due processes are followed and whatever is owed Ghanaians is paid promptly.

He also explained that the move will also ensure transparency in the process and further update the good people of Ghana on how our Tax-cedi was expended in this Woyome debacle.

Mr. Yeboah is also of the view that allowing live cameras in the court room would equally end the usual media spin that characterizes court room reporting and throw more light on the matter especially the incessant tantrums and accusations of Mr. Alfred Agbesi Woyome to the effect that the apex court of the land, the Supreme Court has sidestepped the constitution and has rather chosen to persecute him.

Amidu to orally examine Woyome

Martin Amidu, also known as Citizen Vigilante has been granted permission by the Supreme Court to orally examine Mr. Woyome.

Mr. Amidu prayed the Supreme Court to allow him examine Woyome because the Attorney General who had early applied to take up the issue backtracked at the eleventh hour.

Brouhaha over GHc51 million booty

Alfred Woyome was paid 51 million after he claimed that he helped Ghana to raise funds to construct stadia for purposes of hosting the CAN 2008 Nations Cup.

However an Auditor General's report released in 2010, said the amount was paid illegally him and subsequently a Supreme Court in 2014 ordered Mr. Woyome to pay back the money after Mr. Martin Amidu challenged the legality of the payments in court.

Meanwhile several efforts by the Attorney General to retrieve the GHc51 million including selling his property to defray the debt has proved futile.

Camera in Supreme Court

The only time Ghana's Chief Justice allowed cameras in the court room was during the Election Petition case in which the New Patriotic Party and its flagbearer, Nana Akufo-Addo challenged the 2012 presidential election results at the Supreme Court.

-Citifmonline
7 bags of human hair worth Rs 25 lakh have been stolen from the Srisailam Temple in Kurnool district of Andhra Pradesh.

By Ashish Pandey: In the wake of the government's demonetisation decision, burglars too are coming up with their own strange ways to loot money.

In an incident reported to the police early today, 7 bags of human hair were stolen from the Srisailam Temple in Kurnool district of Andhra Pradesh.

The temple, which is one of the 12 Jyotirlingas of Lord Shiva known as Sri Mallikarjuna Swamy, is famous among tourists and devotees across India.

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WHAT HAPPENED



On Wednesday night, 3 masked miscreants broke into the store room of the Srisailam temple and stole 7 bags of human hair kept there. The hair stocked in bags is an offering devotees make at the time of worship. Authorities say that the cost of hair in the market is estimated to be worth Rs 25 lakh.

Also read | Siddhivinayak temple's cash donation shot up by 70 per cent



The entire incident has been captured by the CCTV cameras.

Speaking to India Today, Kurnool SP AKE Ravi Krishan said, "We received the information and are verifying the facts. Some insider's role is suspected. We are questioning the temple staff and will soon crack the case."



FIR LODGED, PROBE ON



A FIR has been lodged into the case and further investigation is on.

Also read | Sabarimala temple opens to pilgrims but it is still a long wait for women



Only recently, a thief in Telangana's Warangal district had stolen small value currency leaving behind 500 and 1000 rupee notes.



--- ENDS ---
The British High Commissioner to Ghana, Jon Benjamin has said that the United Kingdom has no favoured political party and candidate in Ghana's elections.

Benjamin said what UK wants to see is a peaceful, credible, free and fair election and they will work with whoever is voted into power.

But he reiterated that they will consider visa bans on anyone behind violence, or otherwise heightens tensions unnecessarily through intimidation, incitement or hate speech.

Jon Benjamin made these remarks while addressing police officers at the police headquarters at the launch of educational material for the elections 2016.

Some of the materials included public order management manuals, election booklet on the roles and responsibilities of a security officer at the polling station, aide memoire, posters, flyers, duty armlets, maps and others.

He told the police hierarchy represented by the Inspector General of Police and police management board members, to strive to work professionally in the discharge of their duties during the elections period.

Adding, he posited that United Kingdom believe that public security is the job of the police and theirs alone.

There should be no role for so-called party vigilante groups. Indeed, we think that such groups are wholly incompatible with democracy in the 21st Century.

Jon Benjamin continued that the UK has supported each of Ghana's six elections and have all seen how the process has strengthened the country's democracy.

He noted that UKAID, Department for International Development (DFID) has been working with a wide range of Ghanaian partners over the last eight months to develop a programme aimed at supporting a successful election in December 2016.

He entreated the public to behave properly during the election period.

The Inspector General of Police, John Kudalor in his address said the maps given will be distributed to all the 275 constituencies within the country.

The duty armlet is to be worn by all security personnel on duty at the 29,000 polling stations countrywide and the use is to ensure easy identification of security personnel on lawful duty at the polling stations.

The Minister of the Interior, Prosper Bani, for his part, urged members of the national election security task force to work as a team and strive to share information and intelligence for a peaceful election.

By Linda Tenyah-Ayettey

([email protected])




Administrator of the Donkorkrom Presbyterian Hospital in the Afram Plains, Kwaku Fianko Gyan, has lamented the persistent delays in the payment of claims owed them by the National Health Insurance Authority (NHIA).

According to Mr Fianko Gyan, in the case of the Donkorkrom Prebyterian Hospital, the NHIA has, for the last eight months, been unable to pay claims submitted to them for persons who accessed healthcare at the facility using the National Health Insurance Scheme (NHIS).

The administrator indicated that as we speak, we have submitted all our claims till September, but, the NHIA has reimbursed this facility only for January 2016.

He made this revelation on Wednesday when the 2016 presidential candidate of the New Patriotic Party (NPP), Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo, paid a visit to the hospital as part of his tour of the Afram Plains North Constituency of the Eastern Region.

With the government of President John Mahama and his assigns vehemently denying suggestions that the National Health Insurance Scheme is facing a major crisis and on the verge of collapse, Mr Fianko Gyan stated that the Health Insurance has been a major challenge (across the country), and Donkorkorom is part.

This situation, in the view Mr Fianko Gyan, means that managing the facility has become extremely difficult. You know, working in this area, we have a lot of non-mechanised staff we have to pay. At the end of the month it is difficult. Your staff are looking up to you for their meagre salary.

In addition to this, Mr Gyan mentioned that the indebtedness of the NHIA to the hospital has resulted in the inability of the hospital to procure medicines and other supplies needed to aid the hospital in delivering quality healthcare to residents of Donkorkrom.

Drug issues, consumables, our suppliers are all over the place, and this time if you call them they don't even respond to your calls. It is a very big challenge that we are dealing with, he added.

Mr Fianko Gyan hoped that sooner than later, the NHIA will do something about the situation, because we are prepared to provide healthcare to the people. It is up to them to honour their part of their obligation so that the people of Afram Plains will enjoy quality care.

The importance of making the NHIS work, according to Kwaku Fianko Gyan, is borne out of the fact that 98 percent of people who attend the Donkorkrom Presbyterian Hospital use the NHIS card.






Mary Aboagye, Principal of Health Concern Ghana, a health training institution in Accra, has urged nursing assistants to exhibit the spirit of excellence in their work.

Speaking at the school's graduation ceremony for 358 students who had successfully completed their two-year study in Nursing Assistant Clinical programme, Mrs Aboagye said excellence was a critical component to the success of the noble profession.

Nurses who deliver excellent nursing care implement nursing in a professional and competent manner demonstrate a holistic approach to caring, possess certain personal qualities which enhance practice and relate to patients in a competent manner, she stated.

She further encouraged the graduates to practise the skills they had acquired through demonstrating an excellent spirit in the assistance they give their patients who are mostly at their most vulnerable state.

We need to care for our patients with love and compassion, we need to empathise with them and put ourselves in their shoes and to give out our best because life is very important, she told the graduates.

She was optimistic the training the students received at Health Concern Ghana has laid the firm foundation for them to progress in their nursing career.

Dr Mary Ani-Amponsah, special guest of honour in her speech, called on the students to move out of their comfort zone and have a personal drive to achieve something great in life.

She mentioned that one cannot claim excellence without making reference to their breadth of knowledge in an area of clinical practice, development of creative approaches that contribute to quality care, improvement of patient health outcomes, and promotion of standards of practice.

To achieve excellence, we need to master our skills, develop our knowledge and improve our attitude in clinical practice, leadership positions, care and outlook in life, she stated.

Florence Hutchful, Managing Consultant, 2MB Consulting Services Limited, addressing the gathering, advised the management of Health Concern Ghana not to rest on their achievements but strive to be the standard for excellent healthcare training in the country.

Deserving students and teaching staff were recognised for their contribution to quality healthcare training at the ceremony which also coincided with the 10th anniversary of the Nursing Assistant Clinical programme of the school.

By Jamila Akweley Okertchiri
Accra, GHANA The United States Agency for International Development (USAID) in collaboration with the Alliance for a Green Revolution in Africa (AGRA), through their joint Scaling Seeds and Technology Partnership (SSTP) held a national dialogue on November 17 to 18 in Accra, to discuss the challenges facing the development of Ghanas seed sector. USAID/Ghana Mission Director Andrew Karas delivered remarks on the importance of the production and distribution of high-quality certified seeds in Ghana.

The dialogue brought together representatives from the Ministry of Food and Agriculture, crop breeders, and the private sector to examine recommendations from the recent USAID-AGRA funded independent Early Generation Seed Study, and to further develop an action plan for the seed sector. The group reviewed supply and demand constraints facing publicly developed, released, and registered seed varieties of seven crops: maize, rice, cowpea, soybean, sorghum, groundnut and yam. Participants discussed steps to creating a policy environment to boost and sustain seed development, as well as methods to include the private sector throughout the seed production process.

USAID recognizes that developing Ghanas seed system is critical to enhancing the productivity of key values chains and increasing incomes of smallholder farmers, remarked Mr. Karas. Through Feed the Future, the U. S. government's global hunger and food security initiative, USAID works alongside the Ghana Government, research organizations, the private sector, and development partners to increase agricultural productivity and build opportunities for economic growth in Ghana.

Through Feed the Future, the U.S. governments global hunger and food security initiative, USAID works to strengthen the Ghanaian seed sector to increase the quality and quantity of certified seeds available to smallholder farmers. USAID supports institutions like the Savanna Agriculture Research Institute (SARI) and the West Africa Center for Crop Improvement to develop and release new higher yielding and more climate-resilient varieties of maize, rice, and soybean.

To guarantee a consistent and increasing supply of certified seed, USAID has leveraged $10 million towards the seed sector, to grow and enhance the quality of seeds available in Ghana. USAID also trained 65 private seed companies on the production of certified seed, post-harvest best practices and business management. These companies then successfully produced over 1,300 metric tons of certified seed for release into the market for the 2017 growing season.
By January next year, the Ghana Revenue Authority (GRA) has announced it will begin rolling out a new policy which will see Ghanaian tax evaders denied access to passports, drivers licenses and visas.

The introduction of the new policy follows the implementation of the revised tax law  2015 tax Act.

Ghanaians are therefore advised to get a tax-payer identification number (TIN) so as to be able to renew or acquire new passports, drivers licenses or even secure visas.

The announcement of this new tax policy has angered many citizens. Some taxpayers have described the move as a misplaced one.

The introduction of the new tax policy is in a quest to widen the tax bracket as a way of raking in more revenues for infrastructure development, several Ghanaians have expressed mixed reactions over a number of these new policies in the country.

The Taxpayer Identification Numbering System (TIN) under the (TIN ACT) is described as a unique Identification Number issued to taxpayers for official transactions with the under listed public institutions. These are: the Domestic Tax Revenue Division, the Customs Division the Controller and Accountant General's Department of the Ghana Revenue Authority; the Registrar General's Department; District Assemblies and any Public Institution which the Minister may by legislative Instrument prescribe.

All persons liable to pay tax, or from whom taxes are withheld at source by employers or agents through payroll deductions and /or other business transactions under any enactment are required to register for a TIN.

All person transacting a business with any of the listed public institutions specified above are obliged to quote their taxpayers identification number for purposes of identification on all official documents.

According to TIN Act, a person shall not be permitted to undertake the under listed activities without use of a TIN. They include: to clear any goods in commercial quantities from any port or factory; to register any title to land, interest in land or any document affecting land; and to obtain any Tax Clearance Certificate from the internal Revenue Service, Customs Excise and Preventive Service or the Value Added Tax Service.

The rest are: to obtain a Certificate to commence business or a business permit issued by the Registrar-General or a District Assembly; and to receive payment from the Controller and Accountant General or a District Assembly in respect of a contract for the supply of any goods or provision of any services.

One of the following documents are as well needed to be able to register for a TIN: Certificate or Letter of Business Registration; Copy of Valid Drivers License; Copy of Valid Passport; Copy of Valid Voters ID; and Copy of Valid National ID. Meanwhile, the pending law enforce that without the TIN, a person cannot obtain the above stated documents.

The soon to be rolled tax policy makes every tax payer identified and captured on the GRA database and as well for ensuring effective and universal tax compliance in the country.
A 22.82 million euros soft loan (approximately GHC 98 million) have been secured to be used to build a 12 megawatts of solar power plant in Kalio in the Upper West Region.

This was part of a three loan agreement signed by the Ministry of Finance with the German government for 40.82 million euros (approximately GHC176 million) last week.

The Volta River Authority (VRA) is the beneficiary of the amount secured for the solar plant. The project involves the establishment of 12MW solar power plant at Kalio for 8MW and Lawra for 4MW in the Upper West Region.

Deputy Minister of Finance, Mona Quartey during the signing ceremony said the solar power plant project is in line with the Renewable Energy Act 2011 (Act 832) which envisages the attainment of 10 percent of electricity generation mix from renewable energy sources by 2020.

She added that currently Ghana has about 3 percent electricity generation mix from renewable sources.

According to her, the financing terms of the 40.82 million euro loan facility includes a grant element of up to 54.5 percent.

The German Ambassador to Ghana, H.E. Christopher Retzlaff in his remarks said Ghana is a strategic and key partner for the Republic of Germany in West Africa and the whole of Africa.

He added that the progress we have seen in democracy and market economy and economic development within the last 25 years is indeed remarkable.

They have four priority areas for investment that which includes the Economic Development, Good Governance, Agriculture and lastly Renewable Energy which was added lately.

The loan amount included, a 13 million euros (approximately GHC56 million) is to help increase the performance of the Ghana Audit Service (GAS) to ensure that all financial resources are fully spent for the purpose of planned programs and development activities.

The third loan agreement of 5 million euros (GHC21.5 million) is earmarked for the Ghana Revenue Authority (GRA) for the construction of an IT training institute.

Mona Quartey expressed that the Ghana Audit Service is expected to support the construction of 22 district offices, 3 regional Ghana Audit Service regional offices in Cape Coast, Koforidua and Ho.

This is expected to enhance the work of the GAS to reduce office accommodation problems and helping to better position the service to carry out its mandate as the supreme audit service of Ghana.

With regard to the GRA project, she added that it involve the construction of an IT training institute in Tema and forms part of the modernization of the GRA which is expected to support sustained improvement in the IT literacy within the Authority, she said.
The flag bearer of the National Democratic Congress (NDC), President John Mahama has strongly defended his administrations record of tackling unemployment when he took his turn at the Ghana Presidential Encounters 2016 organised by the Ghana Broadcasting Corporation (GBC) in Accra last week.

The president in his presentation said, his administration had taken steps to improve vocational and technical education, which he said had created thousands of jobs for Ghanaians.

He said the government had also created an atmosphere that supports entrepreneurs, undertaken several infrastructural projects and revived defunct factories.

Among some of the initiatives he enumerated are that, he said, the government had invested US$1 billion to expand the Tema Port. This is expected create 1,000 jobs during the construction phase and 5,000 jobs when the project is completed.

The current administration, under President Mahamas had also built the Accra Digital Centre, which he said had the potential to create 12,000 jobs.

The president urged unemployment members of the public to take advantage of the economic opportunities available to them.

He gave the assurance that the governments efforts to grow the economy would create more opportunities for Ghanaians.
The current management of the Savanna Accelerated Development Authority (SADA) have over the few years worked tirelessly to restore confidence in the Authority after it was hit with financial malfeasance in 2012.

SADA management under the leadership of Dr. Charles A. Abugre, has really transformed the face of administration and operation of the Authority.

A number of contracts for projects have been signed in line with the objectives and goals of the Authority.

The Chief Executive Officer (CEO), Dr. Charles A. Abugre recently observed that, the authority has regained the trust and confidence of the Ghanaian populace after attracting bad publicity for engaging in activities that were deemed unprofitable to the country.

Dr. Abugre, who took office in June 2014, has since worked successfully with the board and management of the authority to stabilise SADA from its internal challenges and refocus the institution on its core mandate, which is the long term development of the zone.

This effort of him has really attracted a lot admiration for him and his team.

The President John Dramani Mahama has expressed delight at moves by SADA to partner with the China National Textiles and Apparel Council (CNTAC) to establish a textile factory in the Northern Savanna Ecological Zone (NSEZ) of the country.

He has, therefore, pledged government's support for the project, explaining that it would help exploit the huge potential that the country has in the textile business.

The president threw his support behind the project in Kumasi, when a 10-member delegation from CNTAC, accompanied by the incoming Economic and Commercial Counsellor of the Embassy of the Peoples Republic of China in Ghana, Chai Zhijing, paid a courtesy call on him at the residence of the Ashanti Regional Minister.

The delegation visited the president after the signing of two Memoranda of Understanding (MoU) between SADA and CNTAC at Flagstaff House in Accra. The MoU was to establish a framework for the establishment of a cotton and textiles project in the NSEZ, which SADA has working to exploit its economic potential.

Using Ghana's vast potential in cotton production as basis, President Mahama said the SADA-CNTAC cotton and textiles project would be the beginning of bigger things to happen in that industry.

He noted that Ghana had all the conditions necessary to be a leader in cotton and textiles on the continent and was, therefore hopeful that the agreement would help to unlock that potential.

He assured the delegation of governments full support for the project, emphasising that the decision to partner with SADA was the right decision, given that the authority has been mandated by law to lead the comprehensive development of the savannah zone of the country, and to represent government in joint ventures.

Meanwhile, the CEO of SADA had noted that, the staff strength of the authority had also been beefed up and internal controls strengthened as part of efforts aimed at building a resilient institution that can respond to challenges while facilitating the long term development of the zone.

These structures, he said had placed SADA on a solid foundation to be able to smoothly facilitate the transformation of the Northern Savanna Ecological Zone (NSEZ) from a poverty-stricken area into an investment hub for local and foreign businesses to thrive.

"The first milestone is stabilizing the institution and building it for the purpose for which it was set up. The institution is now much more stronger, we have a lot more staff and we are present in all our regions and systems are also working," he said, when asked about the key milestones of SADA in recent times.

As a result of these milestones, the CEO said SADA had now "won back the trust and support of Ghanaians and its partners" as it works towards creating the enabling environment that will help attract investments into the bigger half of the country.

He bemoaned the current situation where despite the enormous potential of the NSEZ, which comprises 63 metropolitan, municipal and district assemblies (MMDAs) in five administrative regions, the area is still the least developed in the country.

He attributed this abnormality to the inability of the nation as a whole to recognise and harness the vast potential of the zone into investment opportunities that can help lift millions out of poverty.

Dr. Abugre said a recent survey showed that the NSEZ could easily become an economic growth pole of the country should its resources be properly harnessed. "Part of the experience of poverty [in the SADA zone] lies in the inability to recognise these resources and assets that lie there," he said.

This, he said, had been the concern of the revitalised SADA, which has been working at laying a solid foundation for commercial agriculture to thrive in the zone.

With about 54percent of the country's landmass being in the SADA zone, the CEO said the availability of proper irrigation facilities in the area could help turn it into the country's food basket and that will help reduce food imports while stemming the rising unemployment.

He added that an assessment of crop viabilities in the zone showed that 5million hectares of land in the area is suitable for rise should it be properly irrigated.

"Well over 2.5 million hectares of land is suitable for sugar cane. Also, the southern part of the SADA -- the Brong Ahafo, Volta and part of Salaga and Yendi in the Northern regions -- is suitable for bananas and even for cocoa, if we irrigate it well. So, the area lies vast and untapped and with the right mechanisms, it can become an economic hub," he said.

Interventions

Although SADA is busy working on implementing its Master Plan -- a 25-year medium term development plan for the zone  Dr. Abugre said the authority had successfully implemented a series of interventions that were already yielding results.

He mentioned a joint venture irrigation scheme that is irrigating about 40,000 hectares of farmland in Yagaba in the Northern Region as one of the best schemes in the country. Another, he said was the millennium project, which has ensured that maternal mortality is eliminated completed.

Others, he said included a series of solar power companies that the authority is investing, the establishing of a shopping mall in Tamale, which will kick off this year, and the construction of a 10,000 hectare-irrigation facility at Nasia-Nabogre area.
Local cement producers in the country have in the past months complained bitterly to government over unfair competition by importers of cement from other countries as well as the operation of Dangote Cement.

This has brought untold operational difficulties on local cement producers since the market does not favour their operational cost.

Direct effect of the situation is that, Diamond Cement, one of the older local cement producers in the country has threatened to lay off a significant number workers.

The Diamond Cement Company served notice that, it will lay off 50 percent of its staff due to the inability of the company to sustain its operations.

According to the company, it is utilizing only 43% of its production capacity despite the 1000 direct and indirect staff strength.

Just last month, I was compelled to sack 10 people from the marketing department in Tema because I couldnt sustain the companys operations. Since I am running at a loss, I cannot continue to keep the marketing staff in the company. Whatever decision that we decided to take has been and that is exactly what we will be doing, General Manager for Diamond Cement, Tati Ramarao threatened.

He added, Actually we are so sorry with the decision to sack people home but we have no other option.

Mr. Ramarao also chastised the Trade Ministry and government for what he described as their lack of commitment to solve the issue of unfair competition in the manufacturing space.

We are suffering a lot even though we have written several letters to the Ministry of Trade. There have been promises but we have seen nothing from the state. There is neither implementation nor action at all; the situation is the same and the competition keeps getting worse, he stressed.

The concerns by the local cement manufacturers have been intensified within the past few months as they fear the imminent collapse of their businesses.

A recent decision by the Trade Ministry to allow Korean cement company, Fujian, to export 500 thousand tonnes of cement to Ghana was also met with stiff opposition by the local manufacturers.

The Ministry has since defended its decision citing the insufficient supply to meet demand.

Some consumer interest groups and the importers association have however insisted that the country allows the importation of foreign cement to control pricing and avoid monopoly in the sector.

However, President John Mahama has said his government will ensure Dangote Cement competes fairly in the Ghanaian market if investigations by the Ghana International Trade Commission find that the Nigerian cement company is enjoying certain subsidies and tax holidays in Africas most populous country, which give it certain advantages over local cement manufacturers in Ghana.

Local manufacturers GHACEM and Diamond Cement have made complaints to cabinet about unfair competition by Dangote in Ghana. They say Dangote is selling below competitive prices.

The president gave the assurance when he took his turn on the GBCs Encounters with presidential candidates last week.

Mr Mahama said Dangote brings bagged cement into Ghana under the Ecowas Trade Liberalisation Scheme (ETLS) which allows members states to export finished products into each others country.

Weve received a complaint from the local cement producers saying that the entrance of Dangote Cement is affecting them and that Dangote is selling at prices that are below competition.  Now weve passed the Ghana International Trade Commission [bill] which is the body responsible for such complaints and so the matter came to cabinet, weve discussed it and then weve asked the trade minister to put it before the Ghana International Trade Commission  so Im sure the first complaint theyll get is on cement and what theyll have to do is to find out what makes Dangote able to sell below competition. Is it that they are getting some subsidies in Nigeria, which is the accusation our cement manufacturers are making?  Or they are being given some tax waivers that our producers here dont have?

I dont have that information and so the right body to investigate is the Ghana International Trade Commission  and if it is found that Dangote is being subsidised by the Nigerian government  or they are being given some waivers that make them more competitive and able to sell lower, then we might have to adjust the tariffs on their cement to reflect that and improve the competition between us.  We cannot stop the competition because of the ETLS but we must make sure they are playing by the rules so that they dont have an unfair advantage over our people, Mr Mahama added.
Acting General Secretary of the opposition New Patriotic Party (NPP), John Boadu, has served notice that the party will reject all faulty Biometric Verification Devices (BVDs), meant for the forthcoming December 7 polls.

According to John Boadu, the NPP has uncovered an agenda by the Electoral Commission, to send faulty Biometric Verification Devices to their strongholds.

He further raised alarm over what he called the slow pace at which the EC is transporting election materials to the NPPs strongholds.

He has therefore challenged the EC to ensure that all the BVDs are functioning.

He called for an IPAC meeting to discuss some pertinent issues ahead of the polls.

John Boadu, said this during an interaction with the media in Tamale, after a day's capacity building workshop for all NPP Parliamentary candidates in the Northern, Upper East and Upper West Regions.

He said the workshop offered the Parliamentary candidates the opportunity to religiously study the CI 94. The NPPs acting General Secretary hinted that, the party was well-prepared for the December 7 polls, and that the NDC cannot undo their mapped out strategies.

He described the party's 2016 manifesto as comprehensive and a problems solving one. John Boadu appealed to the electorate to give the NPP a one-touch victory with Parliamentary majority to assuage their plight.

He tasked the nation's security operatives particularly the police administration to be neutral. The Member of Parliament for Okre, Hon. Dan Kweku Botwe, said all NPP operatives were adequately prepared for the December 7 polls.

He encouraged the police to impartially deal with hooligans who might attempt to disrupt the upcoming elections.

In a related development, the NPPs Northern Regional Chairman, Daniel Bugri Naabu, reminded the Parliamentary candidates of the Supreme Court's ruling on the land mark election petition, that elections are won at the polling stations.

He urged them to carefully select and train incorruptible party agents to police the ballots as means of deflating any rigging machinery.

Daniel Bugri Naabu said the NPP remained the best alternative to the Mahama-led NDC administration.

We are resolved and are ready to take over power from the governing NDC government under President John Dramani Mahama, who by all measures is incompetent, irresponsible and insensitive to the plight of majority of our people.

He charged all party loyalists to be vigilante on December 7, to prevent the NDC from subverting the will of the people after the polls.

They have always subverted the will of the people and that is why this time round, we all should be very vigilante especially at the polling stations on the D-Day.

He called for enough campaign logistics to help the party achieve its goal of winning the December 7 polls one-touch.



By: Abdul Karim Naatogmah/citifmonline.com/Ghana
Sushant Singh Rajput and Kriti Sanon's relationship is a hot topic, in spite of both actors denying that they are dating.

By India Today Web Desk: Sushant Singh Rajput and Kriti Sanon's relationship has been Bollywood's hot topic for a while now. The actors, who will be seen together in Dinesh Vijan's film Raabta, reportedly even holidayed together in Thailand.

ALSO READ: Did Sushant Singh Rajput pay a midnight visit to Kriti Sanon's home on her birthday?

ALSO READ: Kriti Sanon opens up on dating rumours with Sushant Singh Rajput



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If a report in MissMalini attributed to Filmfare is to be believed, Kriti, who just wrapped the shoot for Bareilly Ki Barfi in Lucknow, keeps a check on Sushant's life, from his meals to his meetings. Apparently, rumoured beau Sushant is quite happy being showered with attention.

On their alleged romance, Sushant had said, "These stories are entertaining, but they are fictional. I am not dating anyone right now." Kriti, meanwhile, had taken to Twitter to write, "As much as we like and respect each other as co-stars, there is absolutely no truth to these baseless manufactured stories."

Sushant and Kriti have repeatedly denied that they are dating, but stories of their romance continue to do the rounds. Recently, the two chilled together at a plush Mumbai hotel, but avoided being clicked in the same frame and even exited separately.





--- ENDS ---
The National Organizer of the National Democratic Congress (NDC) has said that former Attorney General. Martin Amidu's recent legal challenges and utterances regarding the GH51m Woyome judgement debt are borne out of jealousy.

Kofi Adams described Martin Amidu's action as deliberately seeking to discredit the efforts of the current Attorney General, Marrietta Brew Appiah-Oppong.

Martin Amidu, a former Attorney General, was recently granted a request at the Supreme Court to orally examine businessman, Alfred Agbesi Woyome who is currently facing legal actions to repay some GH51 million wrongfully paid to him by the state in 2010.

Martin Amidu who welcomed the Supreme Court ruling in a statement suggested that the money cannot be retrieved from Woyome if Ghanaians do not vote out President John Mahama.

But according to the party's organizer, Kofi Adams, such comments were mere out of jealousy of the hard work of the current AG who has achieved more than Martin Amidu did during his tenure as AG during the erstwhile President Attah-Mills administration.

Speaking on Eyewitness News on Thursday, November 17, Kofi Adams said: We are talking about an Attorney General today who has saved this country millions of cedis or dollars that we would have paid as judgement debt. What did he [Martin Amidu] do as an Attorney General? There was nothing much to his credit as an Attorney General.

For someone who has been a Deputy Attorney General before, maybe we would have expected much more, [but] we say nothing, so what he is doing is that; 'this woman is doing so well and I [Amidu] was a disaster as an Attorney General so let me attempt to discredit her.

Kofi Adams accused Martin Amidu of fabricating lies against the current Attorney General to create public disaffection towards her and her office.

You should clearly see that Martin Amidu is up to an agenda. He is not speaking based on truth, he is speaking based on lies. The current AG has done so well that Martin cannot match [up to] her, Kofi Adams said.

NDC wont waste time on Amidu

The 2016 NDC campaign Coordinator, Kofi Adams has also said the party would remain focused on its bid to win power as the election day draws closer and would not waste time in focusing attention on Amidu.

At this moment, we don't want to spend time on Martin Amidu. We are very focused. We will tell our stories. Our story is out there. The great job of President Mahama and his government is out there; and that is what the people will be looking at to vote, he said on Eyewitness News.



By: Jonas Nyabor/citifmonline.com/Ghana
The Police in the Eastern Region have arrested twenty two people at Asamanma, after clashes there on Thursday left two people dead. Some illegal miners reportedly attacked the Police who were on operation to stop them from mining in the Birim River. The Eastern Regional Police Public Relations Officer, ASP Nketsia Yeboah, told Citi News that the incident occurred around 11:00am on Thursday.

On Thursday, the Police Command was directed to go to Asamanma to arrest those who are mining in the River Birim with some equipment imported from China. So our officers and men went there around 11:00am; but when they got to the River bank, the galamsey operators mobilized and blocked their access back to town.

In the violent exchanges, two police officers were seriously wounded, two of the galamsey operators were killed, and eight of them were wounded. One of the air-conditioned buses the Police used for the operation was smashed, and ten people including two Police officers were wounded. ASP Yeboah also hinted that, although the Police were outnumbered by the galamsey operators, they were still able to make some arrests.

They outnumbered the Police that is why the Police team decided to retreat; but unfortunately they also prevented them from retreating and they started pelting them with stones. We've retrieved two catapults, one single barrel gun and 22 of them including the one in POP are now in Police custody, he added.

Birim River severely polluted by 'galamsey'

Residents of the Eastern Region risk losing the Birim River to illegal mining. The River is their main source of water treated by the Ghana Water Company for onward distribution. The Kyebi Water Treatment Plant, which takes its source from the River, has been earmarked for shut down following such activities.

-Citifmonline
Ghana has come a long way and cannot afford to go backward, by voting any party other than the National Democratic Congress (NDC) in the upcoming polls, says President John Mahama.

He said the government is taking the upcoming polls very seriously because it wants to protect the destiny of the country by ensuring its development gains are sustained.

The President, who is currently on a campaign tour of the Upper West Region, said the government has commenced a lot of developmental projects that require that it stays in power for a second 4-year term to complete them.

Addressing the chiefs and people of Waala in the Region, Mahama said: I'm taking this election very seriously, and I'm taking the campaign seriously. We are campaigning as if we are rather the opposition looking for political power because the destiny of the country is at stake. We cannot afford to send this country backward, and that is why I will cover every blade on grass, I will go to every nook and cranny of this country to ensure that we achieve victory.

According to him, this years election is the most important in the countrys development agenda, and any decision that must be made, must inure to the development of the country.

The President said there is the need to retain the NDC to allow his administration to complete its unfinished development projects across the country.

'Vote out NDC'

Meanwhile, the flagbearer of the opposition New Patriotic Party (NPP), Nana Akufo-Addo, has called on Ghanaians to vote out the governing NDC over what it describes as gross mismanagement of the country's resources.

The party has among other things, accused the government of absurd corruption levels that has resulted in untold hardship on many citizens.



By: Jonas Nyabor/citifmonline.com/Ghana
President John Mahama says Ghanaians will not be fooled into voting for the New Patriotic Party because of the many promises being made by its presidential candidate, Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo.

According to the president, the promise by the NPP presidential candidate to build factories in each district is already being implemented by his administration.

There are districts where we have metal fabrications taking place, producing steel chairs and iron gates for houses. What kind of factory? Is it a block making factory, we have block making factories already and so until you define what a factory is we dont know what you are talking about, Mr Mahama said.

President Mahamas comment is in reference to a promise made by Akufo-Addo in June during his campaign tour of the Ajumako/Enyan/Essiam, Mfantseman and Abura/Asebu/Kwamankese constituencies in the Central Region, that he will build a factory in every district if voted for during the December polls.

The only way to free ourselves from the shackles of poverty is by fixing our monetary system. If we are to do this, our monetary system must be stable and strong. This is the only way we can empower Ghanaians. We want to help the private sector to flourish, and we will help establish factories in every district to help create jobs for the people, Akufo-Addo said.

But President Mahama said the presidential candidate should not be flattered into believing that these promises will help him win power.

Just empty sloganeering and throwing things about [wont work], Ghanaians are discerning now, he said when he paid a courtesy call on the Wa Naa in the Upper West region.

Thousands of NDC supporters welcome Mahama as he arrives in Upper West

He recounted similar promises made by the NPP during the 2000 elections, only for them to turn around and say the previous government had left too many debts, therefore they were unable to carry their promises through.

That trick has been played on us before, you make the promises and then when you win the elections you say you didnt realize that was the state of the economy, you know John Mahama has left so much debt that we have to pay the debt before we can fulfil the promises'.

It has happened to us before, in 2000, so we wont be fooled this time. We know that this country is moving forward, she is not going backwards, he added.

President Mahama says his party has built up momentum and it is in the interest of this generation and those unborn for that momentum to be maintained.

In response to criticisms by the opposition party on why he is campaigning if he claims he has transformed the country, President Mahama said the destiny of the country is at stake.

We cannot afford to send this country backwards and that is why I will cover every blade of grass, I will go to every nook and cranny of this country to make sure that the momentum we have gained as a country moving forward is not set back and that is the purpose for the campaign that I have embarked on.

He said the NPP cannot deny the fact that the country has seen a drastic improvement in infrastructure during his administration.

"And so you cannot say you have not seen the roads unless youre sleeping. You cannot say water is not flowing better in many parts of this country and that youre getting water to drink because of the massive infrastructure that we have embarked on, he said.

Story by Ghana | Myjoyonline.com | Naa Sakwaba Akwa | [email protected]
President John Mahama was in the Volta region last October for the Krachi State Yam Festival. He took time to interact with some everyday people at the event.

That's where he shook hands with a nurse and left her awe-struck.

Story by Ghana|myjoyonline.com


Ghana and Namibia have held the second session of their Permanent Joint Commission of Cooperation (PJCC) in Accra.

The First Session was held 12 years ago in Windhoek, the capital of Namibia. It was Ghana's turn to hold the Second Session, which took place at the Obed Yao Asamoah Conference Hall of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Regional Integration from 9th to 11th November, 2016. The technical experts session was officially opened by Mr. Edwin Agyei the Acting Chief Director of the Ministry on behalf of Ghana's Foreign Minister, the Hon. Hannah S. Tetteh, MP.

The First Session was held in 1992 during the visit of the Founding President of Namibia, Dr. Sam Nujoma to Ghana. Within that context Ghana and Namibia signed two bilateral agreements on Mutual Exemptions of Visa Requirements for Holders of Diplomatic/Official/Service Passports and for the Holding of Political and Diplomatic Consultations

The Ministerial Meeting took place on the last day of the Session where the Agreed Minutes and an MOU on Fisheries were signed. Ghana's Minister of Foreign Affairs and Regional Integration (MFA&RI) led the Ghanaian side which included the Deputy Foreign Minister, the Acting Chief Director, the High Commissioner of Ghana to Namibia and officials of MFA&RI. The Hon. Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah, Deputy Prime Minister/Foreign Minister of the Republic of Namibia, led the Namibian side which also included the Minister of Fisheries, Deputy Minister of Works and Transport, the Permanent Secretary, Namibia's High Commissioner to Ghana and officials from the Ministry of International Relations and Cooperation (MIRCO) of the Republic of Namibia.

The two Ministers underscored the importance of the relations between their two countries and called for more interaction to advance their economies. They spoke of the need for more trade and commerce between their countries and cooperation in other crucial areas like education, culture, air transport and exchange of best practices in other fields.

The Agreed Minutes identified among others, the following areas for cooperation: Industrialization, Trade and SME Development; Lands and Natural Resources; Tourism; Environment; Poverty Eradication; Narcotics Control; Natural Resources and Children and Gender Issues.

Jointly closing the Session, the Namibian Deputy Prime Minister, Hon. Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah, and Ghana's Deputy Foreign Minister, Hon Mr. Emmanuel Bambande appealed to the MMDA's involved to be more assertive and ensure that the aspirations of the PJCC are met. The two Foreign Ministers had earlier agreed during their meeting that officials of both countries will meet regularly annually to monitor and evaluate progress while a full PJCC would be held every two years.

The Namibian delegation has since left for home.

-Starrfmonline
Acting General Secretary of the opposition New Patriotic Party (NPP), John Boadu, has served notice that the party will reject all faulty Biometric Verification Devices (BVDs), meant for the forthcoming December 7 polls.

According to John Boadu, the NPP has uncovered an agenda by the Electoral Commission, to send faulty Biometric Verification Devices to their strongholds.

He further raised alarm over what he called the slow pace at which the EC is transporting election materials to the NPP's strongholds.

He has therefore challenged the EC to ensure that all the BVDs are functioning. He called for an IPAC meeting to discuss some pertinent issues ahead of the polls.

John Boadu, said this during an interaction with the media in Tamale, after a day's capacity building workshop for all NPP Parliamentary candidates in the Northern, Upper East and Upper West Regions.

He said the workshop offered the Parliamentary candidates the opportunity to religiously study the CI 94.

The NPP's acting General Secretary hinted that, the party was well-prepared for the December 7 polls, and that the NDC cannot undo their mapped out strategies.

He described the party's 2016 manifesto as comprehensive and a problems solving one.

John Boadu appealed to the electorate to give the NPP a one-touch victory with Parliamentary majority to assuage their plight. He tasked the nation's security operatives particularly the police administration to be neutral.

The Member of Parliament for Okre, Hon. Dan Kweku Botwe, said all NPP operatives were adequately prepared for the December 7 polls.

He encouraged the police to impartially deal with hooligans who might attempt to disrupt the upcoming elections. In a related development, the NPP's Northern Regional Chairman, Daniel Bugri Naabu, reminded the Parliamentary candidates of the Supreme Court's ruling on the land mark election petition, that elections are won at the polling stations.

He urged them to carefully select and train incorruptible party agents to police the ballots as means of deflating any rigging machinery.

Daniel Bugri Naabu said the NPP remained the best alternative to the Mahama-led NDC administration.

We are resolved and are ready to take over power from the governing NDC government under President John Dramani Mahama, who by all measures is incompetent, irresponsible and insensitive to the plight of majority of our people.

He charged all party loyalists to be vigilante on December 7, to prevent the NDC from subverting the will of the people after the polls.

They have always subverted the will of the people and that is why this time round, we all should be very vigilante especially at the polling stations on the D-Day.

He called for enough campaign logistics to help the party achieve its goal of winning the December 7 polls one-touch.

-Citifmonline
The New Patriotic Party (NPP) has urged fresh dialogue between the police and political party executives in the Ayawaso East Constituency to ensure that last Sundays clash is not repeated.

NPP parliamentary candidate for the Constituency, Peter Mireku said even though calm has returned to the area after police intervention, another round of talks with the political actors would help.

He said as a party, the NPP has shown its commitment to the maintenance of the peace in the country and brought that to bear during the clash.

"We will continue to do so, we will continue to speak to our members as well and we keep telling them the importance of keeping calm and peace," he said.

Mr Mireku made these remarks during an exclusive interview with Joy News on Thursday.

Supporters of the governing National Democratic Congress (NDC) and NPP clashed last week Sunday at Nima close to the residence of NPP flagbearer, Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo.

The cause of the incident is not known since functionaries of the two parties are blaming supporters of the other for the clash.

President John Mahama has said the Nima police were not in the position to properly arrest the issue because they were not briefed with the right information.

He promised that as the Commander-in-chief, he would do his best to ensure that the peace in the country is maintained before, during and after the polls.

Ayawaso East Constituency executives of the two dominating parties were invited by the police for briefing and urged to keep the peace of the area.

Mr Mireku said the NPP is doing its best to desist from violence, adding the police has to find out if the other political parties are ready to do same.

"They [police] have spoken to us, but they need to invite us again to hammer on the importance of whatever they put before us when we met them," he said.

"On my side I will do my best to speak to my people," he promised.

Meanwhile, the Inspector General of Police, John Kudalor has admitted the police failed to adequately contain the clash between the NDC and NPP supporters.

He said the police could have averted the incident had his men been properly briefed.

Story by Ghana | Myjoyonline.com | Austin Brakopowers
The Convention Peoples Party (CPP) Presidential candidate, Ivor Kobina Greenstreet, continues with his Northern Regional campaign tour with a call for positive change of government on December 7.

According to him, the governing National Democratic Congress (NDC) and the opposition New Patriotic Party (NPP) have nothing new to offer Ghanaians.

Ivor Kobina Greenstreet at a massive rally in Gushiegu, promised to revamp the agric sector when elected.

He said the next CPP administration under his watch, would build on Dr. Kwame Nkrumahs legacy. He cautioned the electorate against subscribing to the NDC and the NPPs political gimmicks in the run up to the December 7 polls.

We are desperate, and we are kneeling before you pleading with you to tell your mothers, fathers, brothers and sisters to vote the CPP this year.

Ivor Kobina Greenstreet told the electorate that they would not regret voting for the CPP.

He pledged the partys commitment to solve the nations problems of education, health, water and youth unemployment.

The CPP Presidential Candidate, who is on a weeks campaign tour of the Northern Region, has so far visited Mion, Tatale, Saboba, Gushiegu, Tolon, Nantong and Savelugu.



By: Abdul Karim Naatogmah/citifmonline.com/Ghana
They are rejected, stigmatised, abandoned and left to fend for themselves but very hardworking and full of life. They represent a bustling community of predominantly deaf and dumb farmers in the remote village of Adamorobe in the eastern region.

Farmers for Peace, an initiative of Alberta Nana Akyaa Akosa, General Manager of the the National Food and Agric Show Secretariat  FAGRO , has in line with the mood of the nation, taken its peace campaign for the upcoming elections to farming communities to engage tillers of the earth and their allied dealers in constructive dialogue aimed at staying the nations peace as citizens ready themselves to elect national leaders in December.

The Adamorobe community  their first port of call  is 40 kilometres from Accra. The village is located in a bowl-shaped valley at the foot of the Akuapem hills in the eastern region of Ghana. Unfortunately, Adamorobe, has an unusually high incidence of hereditary deafness and hence appear neglected. But residents there have given meaning to their lives by engaging in the noblest profession on earth  agriculture  to survive.

Alberta and her team from the FAGRO secretariat together with members of the University of Ghana sign language club  who provided sign language services - visited Adamorobe to interact with residents and it turned out to be a mind blower. Though the residents can neither hear nor speak, they were over themselves with joy at the special attention they were receiving from the FAGRO secretariat through the peace campaign.

.She had this to tell the farmers; You are the most important in every country so dont allow your challenges and stigmatization to bring you down. Without you, we cannot have three square meals on our tables everyday. You are the developers of every nation and we are proud of you and will continue to find means to support you, after this event.

Sarah Dede Agor, a 4th year sign language student of the university of Ghana, who has volunteered to be the lead interpreter for the Farmers for Peace campaign in all the deaf and dumb communities the team will visit, expressed her excitement on meeting the residents, and said they are important in nation building so they should exercise their right peacefully at the polling station on the day of voting and go back home.

Ghana goes to the polls on December 7 in a crucial national exercise that has upped the ante for peace promotion by well-meaning individuals and identifiable bodies to calm nerves as the jostling for positions gathers heat. Tension among competing political groupings is building and sending worrying signals across the country. The FAGRO secretariat chose to focus its peace campaign on their core stakeholders  Farmers.

Alberta admonished the residents to go about their activities in peace and called on them to exercise their franchise on Election Day as it is their civic responsibility as Ghanaians. Vote in peace, come back home as one people so that our country will continue to prosper and lead as an example of a maturing democracy in Africa. Ghana is all we have, lets work together as one people for our own benefit.

Producer of Accra-based Class FMs morning show, Kojo Appiah, who is one of the volunteers shared his excitement that even though they are deaf and dumb, they are not sitting idle but working hard to feed a whole nation. He encouraged them to live in peace and vote peacefully on election day.

Farmers for Peace campaign is touring selected  deaf and dumb - farming communities in remote areas across the country. We chose to deal with farmers in the rural areas because most of them spend a great deal of their time on their farms and may miss similar outreaches while they are away. We have chosen to take the message of peace to them on their farms so that the whole Ghana will be on the same page. Peace is priceless, we cant afford to toy with it at this crucial time, Alberta explained.

With support from Keness Ventures, a company engaged in protective gears and agri-inputs, the team rounded off the eventful visit with donations of 30 Wellington boots, T-shirts and Caps to the Farmers, who demonstrated visible excitement and thanked the secretariat through their interpreter for the show of kindness and for remembering them.

Other deaf and dumb farmer communities in the Ashanti and Western regions will be visited by the Alberta and her team to talk about peace and donate various farming equipment to them. Our focus is to preach the message of peace to the farmers and support them with agri-input materials, where we can

Img-20161118-wa0016
For months Sushma Swaraj made arrangements to rescue Indian nationals stuck or troubled in foreign lands. Now, countless Indians are looking to return the favour.

By India Today Web Desk: For months now Sushma Swaraj has been making arrangements to rescue Indian nationals stuck or troubled in foreign lands. So, it seems only legit that now, in time of her need, people respond with equal fervour to rush to her rescue.

Delhi's All India Institute of Medical Sciences has been flooded with offers to donate a kidney to External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj, according to a report in Indian Express.

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Swaraj is on dialysis at the hospital, and undergoing tests for a kidney transplant. She had tweeted earlier this week that she was suffering from kidney failure.

Read: Sushma admitted to AIIMS even last year

Express quoted a hospital official as saying, "I cannot remember the exact number of calls that I have received. But I remember receiving around forty calls... The first call was from Tamil Nadu. It was very evident from the accent. Later, I got calls from different states, but majority of them came from Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, Punjab and Haryana."

I am in AIIMS because of kidney failure. Presently, I am on dialysis. I am undergoing tests for a Kidney transplant. Lord Krishna will blessSushma Swaraj (@SushmaSwaraj) November 16, 2016

A traffic constable from Madhya Pradesh also offered to donate one of his kidneys to Swaraj yesterday.

"I wish to donate one of my kidneys to Sushmaji... I am impressed by her work. She is our External Affairs Minister and a good leader. Therefore, I have decided to donate my kidney to her and also made an offer through Twitter," the 26-year-old constable Gaurav Singh Dangi told PTI.

Read: MP traffic cop offers kidney to Sushma Swaraj

The overwhelming support, however, is bested by rules that dictate that the donor has to be an immediate family member. It is only in rare cases that unrelated people get green-lit to donate kidneys. Even in cases of cadaver transplants, family consent of the donor is necessary. In some cases hospitals also allow family members of two patients swap donations, if compatibility can be established.

Swaraj, meanwhile, took to Twitter last evening to acknowledge for the many donation offers. "Some friends have also offered their kidneys for my transplant. I have no words to express my deep sense of gratitude towards them," she wrote.

The hospital is yet to finalise a donor for Swaraj, who has emerged as one of the most revered ministers in the Modi cabinet, and prayers and best wishes continue to pour for her on social media.

With your good wishes and Lord Krishna's blessings, I will be able to come out of this situation.Sushma Swaraj (@SushmaSwaraj) November 17, 2016

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Read: Farooq, Omar wish speedy recovery to Sushma Swaraj

--- ENDS ---
Today, I left office as the President of the National Union Of Ghana Students, NUGS, at the time the Union celebrated its Golden Jubilee.

To me, it's an honour to have served as the President of NUGS at such a moment.

It is not a matter of contention that the best of our days lie ahead and we must reinvent our approaches to suit the times we find ourselves and we must, going forward seek a new beginning. Putting our 50 years behind us, this is another beginning, to make things right and give students more reason to rally around the vision that founded NUGS.

Though it has been full of turbulent moments, I deem it prudent to say, it has been well, and there is the need to salute all who played key roles.

My joy stems from the fact that God has been faithful.

It all begun ten years ago, when I was elected SRC President of Jasikan College of Education. I served as SRC President, then proceeded to be a sector TTAG Organizer, President, Coordinator II, Coordinator I, to National Coordinator II, Coordinator I and Chairman for the Board of Trustees for the Teacher Trainees Provident Fund. I recall chairing the committee that led to review the TTAG Constitution and equally served on the committee that drafted the Colleges of Education Bill. It was a beginning of a long learning process.

From the circles of TTAG, I served colleague students again in the capacity of the National President for GUPS, I afterwards proceeded to the peak of the offices of students leadership in Ghana, serving as the President heralding the Golden Jubilee of the National Union Of Ghana Students, NUGS.

I certainly couldn't have made it alone without the support, advice, criticisms and even fierce opposition from the good people I engaged throughout.

If I have been able to come this far, paying my dues to students activism for almost a decade, then it is because I stood on the shoulders of others. I look forward to doing same for others.

I wish to render my appreciation to God for His Grace and Divine Enablement; to all and sundry who contributed in this journey of service to the Students of Ghana and in shaping and sharpening our leadership potentials as well.

Secondly, I would like to thank my family, especially, MY WIFE, Mrs. Sedinam Adu and my son Nana Yaw Adom Adu who came to me at a time I was neck-deep in tough Utility Bills negotiation with government; all students of Ghana, all friends and comrades especially YOU for your unflinching support, pieces of advice and encouragement as well.

Some of you sacrificed a lot for me before I came to office and even while in office. Your toil and sacrifices are worth appreciating. You have been part of my story and the story of NUGS- a story of revolutionary solidarity, consciousness and love for God, Country and Students.

You may not see the volume of your touch in my leadership life, but, I must say, your name is already cast in stone and your story is immortalized somewhere special.

I'm grateful to all former students leaders who supported me and equally advised me on several issues.

I'm equally grateful to those who stood with me from my leadership days in college through TTAG, to GUPS and to my days in NUGS.

I'm particularly grateful to those who helped and contributed in making sure the Dream of establishing NUGS SCHOLARSHIP FUND became a reality.

I wish I could mention names, but given the sky as a book and the sea as ink, I will still need more space and more ink to write these names.

I will keep the names in my heart, and count the blessings of our communion as I look forward to saying thank you to you all in action, and not just in words. But, as you read this, bear in mind, that I'm very grateful.

While serving, there were decisions and steps I took which might not have been neither Right nor Wrong but NECESSARY, but like Rev Jesse Jackson said to the 1984 DNC, "count it to my head, and not my heart".

If in the course of these periods of my leadership, I have consciously or unconsciously stepped on your toes, please do find a place in your heart to forgive me.

I wish the new Administration success and I am convinced, given our past, that we couldn't have started the next 50 years life of NUGS on any better note.

This however should not make us blind to what challenges there is which must be addressed in a most timely, tactful and pragmatic manner.

To end, I want you to know I AM GRATEFUL for the privilege to serve YOU and the students of Ghana at the highest level.

ALUTA CONTINUA!

TO GOD BE THE GLORY.

SIGNED

PAA-QUECY ADU

IMMEDIATE PAST PRESIDENT OF NUGS

(50TH NUGS PRESIDENT)

Dated: Thursday 10th November, 2016.
By Stephen Asante/Florence Afriyie Mensah, GNA

Kumasi, Nov 18, GNA - Woodworkers have been asked to show business ingenuity - find new ways of doing things to add more value to their products, to stay competitive.

Dr. Abukari Nantogmah Attah, Head of Business Development and Consultancy Services, Forestry Commission Training Centre (FCTC), said they needed to drift towards increasing use of technology.

He was speaking at the end of a two-week training programme organized for more than 500 carpenters in Kumasi.

This was put together by the Council for Technical and Vocational Education and Training (COTVET) with funding from the Skills Development Fund (SDF).

Held under the theme 'Capacity building in modern furniture making and entrepreneurship', it exposed the participants to skills in kiln drying and quality management, knock-down technology and modern panel doors production.

They were also taught the techniques of furniture glazing and quality finishing.

Dr. Nantogmah Attah reminded them that it could not be business as usual if they were to survive the emerging stiff competition in the wood industry, saying, they had no option but to embrace new ideas.

It was therefore important they availed themselves of training programmes run by the FCTC to bring efficiency into their work.

He described as troubling the situation where many of them lacked the capacity and technology that would make their products to meet international standards.

That, he noted, was not healthy to the growth of the wood industry, given the influx of value-added foreign products.

Dr. Nantogmah Attah said the programme was part of the effort to aid local furniture producers to bring professionalism into their work.

He advised the participants to put into practice, what they had been taught to enhance their operation.

Mr. Yaw Logah, Chairman of the Anloga Small Scale Carpenters Union, said it would continue to collaborate with COTVET to train its members on modern furniture making techniques.

GNA
18.11.2016 LISTEN

By Ken Sackey/ Benjamin Mensah, GNA

Accra, Nov. 18, GNA - The National Democratic Congress (NDC) Members of Parliament (MPs) who are not contesting this year's parliamentary elections have formed a group to ensure victory for President John Dramani Mahama and NDC parliamentary candidates at the December 7.

Known as the 2016 NDC MPs Exit Group, the 47-member group said its priority was to ensure a one-touch victory for President Mahama.

It would also ensure the party maintains a majority in parliament after the polls.

The groups, made a strong case for the re-election of President Mahama, based on the 'impressive and unprecedented development of infrastructure across the country.'

Mr Alfred Kwame Agbesi, Deputy Majority Leader and MP for Ashaiman, addressing a press conference in Accra, urged Ghanaians to retain Mr Mahama for another four-year term.

'Ghana stands to gain a lot from Mr Mahama's leadership in a second term, 'Mr Agbesi said.

He said: 'We have formed the group to add up in the campaign efforts of our and visionary President John Dramani Mahama as he seeks his constitutional second term mandate.

'As MPs, we have a vast experience in the campaign process, so we believe that when this is applied we would be able to help the NDC party secure the one touch victory needed to enable the president continue with his unprecedented infrastructural development drive in his second term, God, willing.'

The Group is of the firm belief that 'whether in or out of parliament, the interest of the great NDC party remains supreme,' and reiterated the commitment and loyalty of the group to the NDC and the 'abled and distinguished leadership' of the NDC Government.

Since its formation, the Group has been to and campaigned, with material support, in Volta, Central and Greater Accra regions and hopes to cover the entire country before the December 7 polls.

Mr Agbesi said the group would split into regional groups to visit the regions and constituencies to campaign for one touch victory.

GNA
18.11.2016 LISTEN

By Patience A. Gbeze, GNA

Accra, Nov. 18, GNA - Mr Prosper Douglas Bani, Minister of the Interior, said he has hope in the Ghana Police Service to ensure peace during the December 7 elections.

He said Ghana had gone through six elections successfully and ensuring peace during the seventh one was not a new terrain for the Service.

The Minister, who was speaking at the National Police Regional Command Conference in Accra, urged the Police to ensure that the country remained unified, strong and stable after the elections.

The conference was to reaffirm the Command's commitment to ensure peaceful elections. It was on the theme: 'Reaffirming our commitment to ensuring a peaceful General Election in December, 2016.'

Mr Bani said: 'I am confident in the Ghana Police Service that they will operate within the Constitutional provisions to deliver on security needs of the country.

'You must perform your duties creditably without any doubts on your ability to ensure peace.'

He urged the public to believe in all institutions mandated to ensure peace and transparent elections and accord them the necessary respect and support.

The Minister announced that the Ghana Police service would be beefed up with other security agencies and urged them to have uniform command to enhance cohesion on the election's day.

'You must be prepared at all times, plan, analyse and gather intelligence and respond appropriately to any threat to national security to retain the trust of the civilians,' he added.

He, therefore, warned groups or individuals preparing to disturb the peace of the country to desist because the men and women were prepared to combat their actions appropriately.

The Inspector- General of Police, Dr John Kudalor, said the determination and efforts of the political parties were undoubtedly going to pose a lot of challenges to them, as stakeholders, as had happened in the past in similar situations.

He said that nonetheless, the Police had always surmounted their tasks to ensure peace before, during and after elections with utmost admiration, thereby making Ghana the envy of all and had distinguished the country as glowing example on the African continent.

'As key stakeholders in this election there is the need also for us to work together as a team to ensure a safe and secure environment before, during and after elections.

'We all have to take note that, different environmental situations and prevailing circumstances in your areas of responsibilities may dictate different and appropriate responses on the operational ground,' he added.

'Our role as law enforcement organisation is to provide the requisite security coverage so as to create an enabling and conducive atmosphere for the electorates to go to the polls and exercise their constitutional rights as voters without any sense of insecurity, fear or hindrance.

Dr Kudalor, therefore, implored all Regional, Divisional, District and Unit Commanders to be proactive and innovative in the field to achieve their common mission of ensuring an accident free election.

GNA
18.11.2016 LISTEN

By Samuel Osei-Frempong

Kpeyibor (V/R), Nov.18, GNA - The International Organisation for Migration (IOM) has encouraged Ghanaians to give children the protection, time and space to fully develop their potentials.

Speaking at the launch of the Anti-Human Trafficking Booklet at Kpeyibor School Park, Ms Sylvia Lopez-Ekra, IOM Ghana Chief of Mission, said by passing anti human trafficking laws, Ghana had boldly stated her abhorrence of the canker before the community of nations.

According to her, although adults fall prey to perpetuators of the inhuman activity, children suffer most because their entire idea of life is limited to servitude and abuse.

She denounced child slavery, hardship and neglect adding that 'against their will, little boys forcibly sent or sold to fishermen will be diving into the cold waters of the Volta before sunset to do their masters' will.'

She called for the total appreciation of the law 'because the law is powerful and it gives you the strength to prevent the trafficking of children and right and strength to rescue even those in servitude.'

The booklet raises awareness on issues of child trafficking, child slavery and existing anti human trafficking laws amongst the general public.

The French ambassador to Ghana, Mr Francois Pujolas, said the French government contributed 800,000 Euros to the project and called for global, regional and local concerted efforts to combat child trafficking and slavery.

According to him, child trafficking and slavery were exploitative and a violation of children's rights.

He asked parents, families, opinion leaders, the Police, social workers, media Immigration and Customs Officers to cooperate and be vigilant as Ghana wages war against those who perpetuate 'this terrible crime'.

Mr Joseph Amenowode, Chairman of West African Parliamentarians Against Child Labour, said Ghana had more than forty laws on child protection adding 'we have many beautiful laws but the implementation and enforcement are always the problem.'

He said people did not understand the law and called on District Chief Executives to see to the proper functioning of Community Child Protection Committees, which were a critical part of local intelligence and vigilance.

Mr Amenowode called for international and local support to enable Ghana eradicate child trafficking by 2025 and child labour 2030. GNA
By Josephine Naaeke, GNA, Marrakech, Morocco, courtesy UNFCCC

Marrakech (Morocco), Nov. 17, GNA - Mr John Kerry, US Secretary of State has acknowledged that the recent election in his country has left many people feeling uncertain about the future.

He said: 'While I can't stand here and speculate about what policies our president-elect, Donald Trump will pursue, I will tell you this. In the time that I have spent in public life, one of the things I have learned is that some issues look a little bit different when you're actually in office compared to when you're on the campaign trail.'

Mr Kerry said this when he attended the 22nd session of the Conference of Parties in Marrakech, Morocco.

He added that the truth was that climate change should not be a partisan issue in the first place, for the military, the intelligence community, mayors from New Zealand to Miami, liberal and conservative business leaders alike who are investing unprecedented amounts of money into renewables, voluntarily committing to reduce their own emissions, and even holding their supply chains accountable to their overall carbon footprint.

'There is nothing partisan about climate change for the world scientists who are near unanimous in their conclusion that climate change is real, it is happening, human beings for most parts are causing it, and we will have increasing catastrophic impacts on our way of life if we don't take the dramatic steps necessary to reduce the carbon footprint of our civilisation.

'Now, whether we are able to meet this moment is a big test - probably as big a test of courage and vision as you'll ever find. Every nation has a responsibility to do its part if we are going to pass that test - and only those nations who step up and respond to this threat can legitimately lay claim to a mantle of global leadership. That's a fact,' he added.

Mr Kerry said: 'We know today what is required, and with all of the real-world evidence, with all of the peer-reviewed science, with all of the plain just old common sense, there isn't anyone who can credibly argue otherwise.

'So we have to continue this fight, my friends. We have to continue to defy expectations. We have to continue to accelerate the global transition to a clean energy economy. And we have to continue to hold one another accountable for the choices that our nations make.'

'Earlier this year, on Earth Day, I had the great privilege of signing the Paris Agreement on behalf of President Obama and the United States.

'Let us make clear to the world that we will always remember the stakes. Let us stand firm in support of the goals that we set in Paris and recommit ourselves to double our efforts to meet them. Let us say that when it comes to climate change, we will commit not just to doing our best, but as Winston Churchill admonished, 'we will do what is required'.'

He said: 'I look forward to working with you in this important work for whatever number of years ahead I have a chance to.

Mr Kerry said the last time that Morocco hosted the COP was in 2001, and the intervening 15 years have been among the 16 hottest years in recorded history.

He said 2016 was going to be the warmest year of all. 'Every month so far has broken a record. And this year will contribute its record-breaking heat to the hottest decade in recorded history, which was, by the way, preceded by the second-hottest decade, which was preceded by the third hottest decade'.

'At some point, even the strongest skeptic has to acknowledge that something disturbing is happening.'

He said the world had seen record-breaking droughts everywhere - from India to Brazil to the west coast of the United States, storms that used to happen once every 500 years were becoming relatively normal, 'we never saw that in the 20th Century'.

He said communities in island states like Fiji have already been forced to take steps to relocate permanently, because the places they have called home for generations were now uninhabitable, 'and there are many, many more who know it's only a matter of time before rising oceans begin to inundate their cities'.

GNA
Tema, Nov.18, GNA - The Tema Development Corporation (TDC) made gross income of 40.4 million Ghana cedis posting a profit before tax of 8.78 million Ghana cedis in 2015 against 25 million Ghana cedis recorded as profit in 2014.

Addressing the sixth Annual General Meeting of the Corporation in Tema, Mr E D Adjetey, Chairman of TDC's Board of Directors, said :'The major reason for the dip in the Corporation's performance in 2015 was that a court injunction was placed against it restraining it from carrying out activities in Community 24.'

According to him, the injunction and other commitments created serious liquidity challenges resulting in its inability to declare dividend for the 2015.

'As a result of the liquidity challenges that rose out of the court injunction and also for the fact that the Corporation continued with the construction of Site 3 residential apartments and the Community 2 Offices and Shops Complex which were all financed solely from internally generated funds', he said.

Fifty million Ghana cedis was however transferred from its income Surplus Account to Stated Capital as a way of restructuring the capital mix of the Corporation.

Mr Joe Abbey, Managing Director, TDC, said the injunction halted the construction of 1,400 fully serviced residential and commercial plots including 13 kilometres of internal road network, 27 km drainage system and 6 kilometre storm water drain infrastructure services adding that' the court case has indeed been a major setback to the Corporation's operations.'

According to him, the first phase of TDC's four blocks of eight storey flats at the in-filling site at Community One, Site 3, offering 64 two bedroom apartments, have been completed.

'TDC made significant progress on the Kpone Affordable Housing project. Overall works progressed to 98.5 per cent on eight of the twenty four blocks handed over to the Corporation.'

Mr Abbey said TDC is deploying the Geographic Information System (GIS) technology to effectively map out and demarcate the Tema Acquisition Area.

He appealed to government to hasten the process of turning the Corporation into a Limited Liability Company for it to expand its operation beyond Tema.

GNA
Agona Swedru, Nov. 17, GNA - The Agona West Election Security Taskforce has vowed to work extra hard to protect ballot boxes in all polling stations in the constituency on December 7.

The taskforce, made up of security chiefs in the municipality, pledged to give maximum protection to all eligible voters to cast their ballots.

This came to light after a five-hour peace march through the principal streets of Agona Swedru by parliamentary candidates of three political parties.

The parties represented are the New Patriotic Party, National Democratic Congress and Convention Peoples Party.

Security agencies comprising the Ghana Police Service, Immigration Service, Ghana National Fire Service, Bureau of National Investigation and Ghana Prison Service.

The peace march was organised by the National Commission for Civic Education (NCCE) to create awareness and also educate the people especially party supporters on the need to ensure violence-free elections.

The political parties complained about the poor publicity by the NCCE officials which resulted in the poor attendance.

They promised to maintain their neutrality and work without fear or favour to ensure peace and tranquility.

The security chiefs cautioned the political party supporters to comport themselves before, during and after the elections.

Mrs Cynthia Morrison, the NPP candidate, called on the police and other security agencies to discharge their duties devoid of bias and ensure that they prevented any mayhem.

It was all joy to see Mr Charles Obeng-Inkoom, the NDC parliamentary candidate, Mrs Cynthia Morrison, NPP parliamentary candidate, and Mr Idan Coffie, CPP parliamentary candidate holding their hands and dancing as one people signifying that election is not war.

They pledged to ensure that their supporters did not misconduct themselves and urged them to take a cue from other countries which had been destroyed as a result of elections.

GNA
18.11.2016 LISTEN

By Racheal Dwamena Akenteng, GNA

Accra, Nov. 17, GNA - The Electoral Commission (EC) has warns voters who obstruct the work of an election officer would they would be fined or imprisoned not less than two years.

The EC also cautioned voters not to wear any political party dress or take anything whatsoever to the polling station on Election Day that identifies one's candidate or party.

This was stated in the Election 2016 presidential and parliamentary manual tagged: 'A Guide to Voters,' made available to the Ghana News Agency in Accra.

'It is also an offence: to impede or prevent a voter from freely exercising his/her right to vote; to use or threaten to use force or violence against a group of persons or a person; and to inflict or threaten to inflict physical or spiritual injury or harm on a person.

'It is also an offence to force somebody to vote in a particular way,' the manual said.

The EC said was an offence: to tamper, or attempt to tamper in any way with the contents of a ballot box; to compel or induce a candidate to withdraw his or her candidature; and to organise or train a group of persons in the use of force or violence for election purposes.

It is also punishable to excite enmity against a person, group of persons, or political party on the grounds of religious, ethnics, professional, regional, or political affiliation and also to canvass for votes to seek find out how a person intends to vote within 500 meters of a polling station.

To sell alcohol within 500 meters of any of the polling station, to take a polling station anything that reveals the candidate or party you intend to vote for.

The EC noted that it was a crime to give or receive money or something of value as a means of inducing a person to vote, or not to vote in a certain way.

The publication of the EC Elections Guide is captured under the 'GNA Tracks Election 2016 Project', being funded by GOIL, the foremost indigenous oil marketing company and CIMG 2015 Petroleum Company of the year.

The project seeks to sensitise the electorate on the various issues raised by political parties, the elections management body and other governance institutions.

It aims at ensuring gender and social inclusion in national politics and to provide voice for the youth, vulnerable groups, opinion leaders and the broader spectrum of the society, and to contribute to the achievement of peaceful polls.

Another objective of the project is to create a platform to dissect the manifestoes of all political parties and provide in-depth analysis of each thematic area to the electorate to enable them to make an informed judgment.

GNA
18.11.2016 LISTEN

By Prosper K. Kuorsoh, GNA

Wechiau (U/W), Nov.18, GNA - President John Dramani Mahama has promised to focus on building the poor road network in the Upper West Region if given another four-year mandate.

He said it was unfortunate that the region had the least quota of tarred roads in the country despite its potential and contribution to the development of the nation, and gave the assurance that he was determined to reverse that trend if voted to continue the work.

President Mahama made the promise while addressing a rally at Wechiau in the Wa West District on the first day of his three-day campaign tour of the Upper West Region.

The President noted that even though his government had done more roads than any other government in the history of the region, it was still lacking in terms of good road network adding that he would give special attention to that if his mandate was renewed.

He said his first term witnessed massive infrastructure expansion in the area of health, education, electricity and the provision of good drinking water.

'We have extended electricity to so many communities and indeed, Ghana is estimated to have access to more than 80 per cent in electric power,' he said.

President Mahama said the Government had taken Ghana from 58 per cent access to clean drinking water in 2008 to 76 per cent access in 2016.

He touted his government for achieving 97 per cent in school enrolment including a gender parity ratio of 1:1 for boys and girls.

He said the Government had reduced maternal mortality rate in the country and now more children were surviving beyond their fifth birthday resulting in a reduction in infant mortality.

The President said Ghana had the highest life expectancy of 63 years among its peers in Africa but admitted that there was still a lot more to be done to improve on the quality of life of the people.

President Mahama said he had gone round the country and the level of enthusiasm in appreciation of government's effort at providing development infrastructure gave him confidence that the NDC was going to win the December polls.

He, therefore, called on supporters of the party to be calm and not give in to provocations by anybody to contribute to Ghana achieving another successful and peaceful election.

Earlier President Mahama paid a courtesy call on Naa Sohimwininye Danaa Gori II and Naa Imoro Nandon Goma, the Paramount chiefs of Dorimon and Wechiau Traditional Areas, respectively.

Naa Gori appealed to the President for a separate district for the Dorimon Traditional Area to facilitate the fast development of the area.

The President also visited Funsi in the Wa East District, Issah and Bussie in the Daffiama-Bussie-Issa District and Kaleo in the Nadowli Kaleo District where he addressed enthusiastic party supporters who stayed throughout the night waiting for his arrival.

He took the opportunity to introduce the party's parliamentary candidates including Mr Joseph Yieleh Chireh for Wa West, Dr Henry Seidu Danaa for Wa East and Dr Sebastian Sandaare for the Daffiama-Bussie-Issa Constituency.

GNA
By PTI: New York, Nov 18 (PTI) President-elect Donald Trump and his deputy Mike Pence are true friends of Israel in the US, the top Israeli diplomat in America has said.

"Israel has no doubt that President-elect Trump is a true friend of Israel. We have no doubt that vice-president-elect Mike Pence is a true friend of Israel, he was one of Israels greatest friends in the Congress, one of the most pro-Israel governors in the country," Israeli ambassador to the US Ron Dermer told reporters yesterday at the Trump Towers here.

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"We look forward to working with the Trump administration, with all of the members of the Trump administration, including Steve Bannon, and making the US-Israel alliance stronger than ever," Dermer said in response to a question with the Trump Campaign manager Kellyanne Conway standing on his side.

It was not clear if Dermer met the president-elect.

Meanwhile, Trump in a series of tweets said Ford Motor company has informed him that it would not be moving its plant to Mexico.

"Just got a call from my friend Bill Ford, Chairman of Ford, who advised me that he will be keeping the Lincoln plant in Kentucky - no Mexico," Trump said in his first tweet.

"I worked hard with Bill Ford to keep the Lincoln plant in Kentucky. I owed it to the great State of Kentucky for their confidence in me!" he said in his second tweet.

It was one of the major election issue for Trump. PTI LKJ ABH

--- ENDS ---
18.11.2016 LISTEN

By Francis Ameyibor, GNA

Accra, Nov. 17, GNA - Nana Oye Lithur, Minister of Gender, Children and Social Protection on Thursday affirmed that Government was committed to ensuring gender equality and women empowerment in all sectors of the economy.

She said in view of the commitment, government initiated series of strategies for reducing poverty levels, social injustices among women and men, improving health standards and enhancing efficiency of public and private sector investments and domestic finance.

Nana Oye Lithur noted that the government sought to ensure that Ghana achieved gender equality for the attainment of human rights, which serve as a pre-requisite for sustainable national development.

The Gender Minister in an interview with the Ghana News Agency explained that the country's aims towards achieving gender equality targets were guided by its commitment to international instruments, its Constitution and national development frameworks.

She said article 17(1) and (2) particularly of the 1992 Constitution guarantees gender equality and freedom of women and men, girls and boys from discrimination on the basis of social or economic status among others.

Nana Oye Lithur said Ghana's efforts for gender equity are evident in the nation's recent achievements as shown by international indices.

She explained that the overarching goal of the National Gender Policy is to mainstream gender equality concerns into the national development processes by improving the social, legal, civic, political, economic and socio-cultural conditions of the people of Ghana.

She noted that President John Dramani Mahama has demonstrated commitment to address bottlenecks and barriers, and critical issues existing alongside the successes.

Nana Oye Lithur noted in an attempt to address the challenges posed by these inequities, President Mahama has been assertive by promoting girl-child education, social development and protection initiative.

The initiatives includes the distribution of free school uniforms, free exercise books, skilled training for young women, free ante-natal services for pregnant women, access to credit in the form of programmes such as the Livelihood Empowerment against Poverty among others.

The Gender Minister said the Government has also improved the legislative environment through the enactment of statutes including the Domestic Violence Act 2007, Act (Act 732) to aggressively tackle gender inequality and the promotion of the welfare of women and girls.

Nana Oye Lithur stressed that it was evident that male involvement in removing systemic socio cultural practices that slow down women's empowerment especially stopping violence against women and girls and improving gender relationships in homes and public places was affirmed as an important policy issue.

She said the government has placed the marginalized and vulnerable groupings such as people with disability, the homeless and the displaced and other sub groups such as Kayayei and persons with disability on the agenda.

She said within the context of Ghana's Constitutional requirements, its development frameworks as well as international instruments, government has demonstrated commitment to women empowerment and social protection concerns.

She said government has set five policy commitments: Women Empowerment and Livelihood; Women's Rights and Access to Justice; Women's Leadership and Accountable Governance; Macroeconomics, Trade and Industries; and Gender Roles and Relations.

She said the application of Information and Communication Technology (ICT) tools, skill development, advocacy, lobbying, negotiation, mobilization, transformational leadership, research, monitoring and evaluation were key strategies listed for action towards achieving government's commitments.

Nana Oye Lithur said government has also set out clear policy level roles and responsibilities to be played by identified state and non-state actors, including Civil Society Organizations (CSOs), the media, the private sector, Traditional Authorities, and Local Communities for efficiency and effectiveness in achieving results.

She said the Ministry of Gender will be the main machinery to drive all the policy actions using a Strategic Implementation Plan to actualise the policy objectives.

Nana Oye Lithur said based on the track record of achievement by President Mahama, 'the electorates should vote massively for him and NDC Parliamentary candidates for another term to continue the progressive work'. GNA
18.11.2016 LISTEN

Accra, Nov. 17, GNA - The Delta Airlines is celebrating five years of providing internship programme for four African countries, including Ghana as it also celebrates 10 years of flying to Africa in December.

This year marks the fifth anniversary of Delta introducing internship scheme for Ghana, Nigeria, Senegal and Kenya to help in curbing the graduate unemployment situation in Africa.

A statement issued by the Delta Airlines and copied to the Ghana News Agency in Accra on Wednesday said the scheme provided 12-month contract to post-graduate students from the four countries to gain hands-on knowledge and experience of working for a multi-national company.

The programme forms part of Delta's commitment to Africa, by helping young people from underprivileged backgrounds acquire the skills they need to get ahead in business.

Nineteen people have completed the scheme and two are currently employed at Delta. The rest have gone on to find managerial positions in a range of industries, becoming teachers or furthering their studies.

Mr Bobby Bryan, Delta's Sales Manager for East and West Africa said: 'It's often difficult for graduates to get a break in the corporate world so offering opportunities like our intern programme can give them a real step up the ladder as well as learn about the complex nature of working for a global company.'

Mr Bryan said: 'Some of our past interns have gone on to gain executive jobs in the public and private sectors. I'm very proud of their achievements and am pleased Delta has been able to play a part in their success.'

Mumbe Muthama, a former intern and now Sales Executive in Nairobi, had said: 'When I started as an intern, I never thought I would have the opportunity to work for Delta after my contract ended'.

The airline flies daily to four points in Africa; Accra, Ghana, Dakar, Senegal, Johannesburg, South Africa and Lagos, Nigeria.

It also has sales offices in a number of additional markets, including Kenya and Uganda.

Delta Airlines serves nearly 180 million customers each year across six continents of the world and operates a mainline fleet of more than 800 aircraft.

It is headquartered in Atlanta and employs more than 80,000 employees worldwide.

GNA
Accra, Nov. 17, GNA - The Ministry of Fisheries and Aquaculture Development is currently using Geographic Information System (GIS) data for the management and development of the fisheries sector.

The Ministry, through the use of GIS in the aquaculture sector, had achieved the mapping out of suitable areas for aquaculture development and all existing aquaculture facilities in the country.

Mrs Shirley Ayittey, the Minister of Fisheries and Aquaculture Development, disclosed this at the 2016 celebration of Geographic Information System (GIS) Day at Legon.

It was on the theme 'GIS -An Essential Tool for Ghana's Development.'

Mrs Ayittey said the Ministry had also used the GIS to map out support facilities for aquaculture development as roads, markets and cold stores, adding that the data had helped the ministry to monitor the expansion of existing aquaculture facilities and facilitated data collection.

'GIS data has been used for the management of the marine fisheries through the tracking of the movement and location of fishing vessel using Vessel Monitoring System (VMS) and Automatic Identifier System (AIS), she said, adding that the use of the VMS and IAS was a cost effect way of ensuring that vessels were compliant to fisheries laws and regulations.

The minister said the GIS data had helped to map out areas of high potential yield and distribution of fisheries resources and environmental parameters likely to have positive impact on the sector.

Mrs Ayittey said though efforts by various public, private and inter-governmental agencies, the number of organisations using GIS data worldwide had grown considerably over the last decade.

However, she said the human and organisational capacity needed to support the effective use of GIS in the country and many other African countries had remained structurally weak.

'As a nation, we need to ensure the full deployment of GIS and other relevant technologies to promote and sustain critical areas of national development including finding solutions to the annual devastating floods which are linked directly to climate change issues, traffic congestion, and land use planning.

She said the Ministry would also ensure functioning street address systems to assist the law enforcement agencies to fight crime and maintain law and order.

Mrs Ayittey expressed the hope that the celebration of the day would further constitute a significant springboard to implement clearly defined collaboration among stake holder institutions at the university level.

She said this would enable the university to provide the GIS the expertise needed in the short, medium and long term in the various sectors of Ghana's economy especially in the areas of environment, public health, agriculture, education and local government.

Professor P.W.K. Yankson, the Director of Remote Sensing and Geographic Information Systems Laboratory (RSGISLAB) said the Department of Geography and Resource Development had been spearheading the development of GIS in the country through teaching, research and extension activities centred on remote sensing and GIS laboratories since 1990.

He enumerated some of the challenges facing the institution as lack of a research centre and called on the Government and other corporate bodies to come to the aid of the institute.

Dr Tony Aubyn, the Chief Executive Officer of Minerals Commission, who chaired the function, commended the institute for its hard work and pledged the support of his outfit to towards its improvement.

GIS Day is celebrated annually on the third Wednesday of every November across the globe to bring together practitioners, businesses and policy makers to demonstrate real world geospatial applications that are making positive difference in our society.

GNA
Accra, Nov. 17, GNA - President John Dramani Mahama has launched the start of major expansion works at Tema Port.

The ambitious project, a Public Private Partnership between the Ghana Ports and Harbours Authority (GPHA), representing Government and Meridian Ports Services (MPS), involves an upgrade and significant expansion of Ghana's main seaport.

MPS is a partnership between Ghana Ports and Harbours Authority (GPHA) and the Meridian Port Holdings (MPH), which is in turn a joint venture between APM Terminals of the Netherlands and BollorA Transport & Logistics of France.

The launch of marine engineering works marks the material start of the execution of a deed, signed between GPHA and MPS in June 2015 to substantially expand Tema Port, as a key component of GPHA's master plan for the development of port infrastructure.

The successful completion of this initiative is set to fundamentally change Ghana's position in West Africa's maritime industry by effecting an increase in trade flow and improvement in transport links across West Africa.

The expanded port will have a 1.4 km quay with four deep berths, equipped with sophisticated container handling gantry cranes and Terminal Operating Systems.

Its capacity to accommodate cargo ships will consequently be four times greater than its current capacity.

Tema Port will then be able to handle some of the world's biggest container ships, carrying up to 18,000 containers.

In his inaugural speech, President Mahama said government's decision had been to position the ports of Ghana as a trade and investment gateway to the West African sub-region.

'The overall economic impact of this project will translate into 400, 000 jobs along the logistics chain. The investment being made would change the dynamics of the country's maritime industry over the next 100 years,' he said.

The first phase of this project will involve the construction of a breakwater, dredging the entrance channel to accommodate larger ships, building a quay wall and reclaiming the terminal area behind the quay wall.

Mr Richard Anamoo, Director General of the Tema Port, spoke about the authority's commitment to contribute relevant and tangible resources to improve the economic status of Ghana.

'GPHA appreciates the harbour expansion project as an important step in achieving the dream of being a regional leader in the maritime industry. We recognise the collaboration of our partners and are grateful for their support,' he stated.

Mr Mohamed Samara, Chief Executive Officer of MPS said: 'We have selected top contractors and consultants for this project and will be placing a strong emphasis on local content. By the time it is finished, this sea port will be a world class port that could match the capacity of world renowned ports and compete most favourably with the largest ports on this continent.'

The Tema Port expansion is in response to increasing trade volumes of export goods and imports into the country as well as the growth in global economic activity.

'This project will save Ghana's trade & industries an estimated $ 400 million a year in sea freight and logistics charges. Ghana will then become a much more cost-effective trade destination and make shippers in Ghana internationally recognised as being much more competitive, on a global scale,' Chairman of the MPS Board, Alhaji Banda said.

The project is also earmarked to bring the benefit of 5,000 more direct jobs, substantial capacity building, new equipment and the requisite technology transfer to the people of Ghana.

'Over the years, Ghana has become the centre of attraction for many investors even in the wake of the current global economic meltdown.

'We believe Ghana is a viable and promising place to do business and this is evident in the amount of the foreign direct investment that the country's economy has been injected with over the period,' said Philippe Labonne, President of BollorA Transport & Logistics.

Mr Peder Sondergaard, Vice President of APM Terminals adding: 'Ghana has looked forward to maximising its potential and making use of its abundant natural resources to boost economic growth and development. This is in line with the ideals of the APM Terminals'

The newly expanded Tema Port is projected to be fully operational in the 4th quarter of 2019, on completion of the construction works and is one of the largest public private collaborations in Ghana's history.

GNA
Ashanti Regional Chairman of the New Patriotic Party, Bernard Antwi Boasiako, has suggested that Former Attorney General Martin Amidu be made the next Electoral Commission Chairperson for Ghana.

According to him, the request granted by the Supreme Court to orally examine businessman Alfred Agbesi Woyome from whom the state is trying to retrieve 51.2 million cedis wrongfully paid to him shows how transparent he is.

Martin Amidu is an honest and transparent man. When Afari Gyan was about to retire as the EC boss, I said that I want Martin Amidu to become the EC boss because he is one person who is very true to his words and will never allow any dubious acts come his way he stated on Accra based Neat fm.

Chairman Wontumi as he is popularly known was reacting to a ruling by the apex court of the land granting permission to Mr Amidu to question Mr Woyome in court on the GHS51.2million judgment debt saga.

The apex court said both parties should reappear in court on 24 November. Mr Amidu filed an application to examine Mr Woyome about two weeks ago. He said in a statement: I have this morning, 4th November, 2016, filed an application at the Supreme Court for leave to examine the judgment debtor as the citizen public interest plaintiff in favour of whom the case was decided for the Republic of Ghana.

Mr Amidu's action followed a move by the Attorney General to discontinue oral examination of Mr Woyome.

The AG's notice said: Please take notice that the 1st Defendant Judgment Creditor [Attorney General] herein has this day [26th day of October 2016] discontinued the present application to orally examine the 3rd defendant Judgment Debtor [Alfred Agbesi Woyome] with liberty to reapply.

But Chairman Wontumi is of the firm conviction that the present Attorney General may have benefited from Mr Woyome, which he believes is the reason for discontinuing the case and therefore lauded Mr Amidu for his bold decision to cross examine Mr Woyome.

He indicated that though Martin Amidu is a member of the ruling NDC, his ideologies are different from some elements in the Mahama-led administration.

This notwithstanding, Mr Antwi Boasiako pointed out that no matter what the EC and its Chairperson, Madam Charlotte Osei, tries to do, there is no way President Mahama and the NDC can retain power.

He therefore asked the NPP and its leadership to remain resolute in their quest to win the December 7 elections.

 Adomonline
18.11.2016 LISTEN

Dear Sirs,

The cock has not yet crowed, and so before I wet the floor with tears, it's only fair I render a thick apology for knocking on your door with a hard copy of "The Cockrow", a literary book approved by Ghana Education Service to be used for the teaching and learning of Junior High School literature in Ghana. Sleeping motionlessly in the heart of the book is a paper, flooded with 170 questions, not from Dr. Bawumia to our Vice President, Amissah Arthur, but from a concerned teacher who has used The Cockrow for close to three years now. Let it be made clear that this article is not intended to unleash any criticism on Mr. Darmani.

He has been tagged here because he, together with John A. Sackey, compiled the book in question and I'm pretty sure he will have a fair understanding of the issues at hand. I'm, myself, one of the biggest fans of Mr. Darmani, with his poem, 'Scribbler's Dream', topping my list of favourite poems. I also have no beef with "The Cockrow" per se. Its content is apt and I have no doubt the book will ultimately live up to literature's core mandate of educating, informing and entertaining. That notwithstanding, I think there are a few puzzles that need to be unlocked here.

Since the introduction of the book in 2013, the G.E.S has organised quite a handsome number of workshops on it for English Language teachers, and on each occasion, teachers are resourced and charged to adequately prepare their children for the year's B.E.C.E, as the eight questions on literature will come from the book. Whether or not this is misinformation, teachers prepare their candidates each year using this book, only to be informed just a few weeks to the final examination that there will be no questions on it. This has continued for some years now and it's tempting some of us to believe this is a mere business strategy aimed at getting the books sold in large quantities to schools. We have again, been assured to expect questions on the book in the 2017 B.E.C.E but whether or not another excuse won't be given is another story on its own.

What's more disheartening is the manner some directorates of the Ghana Education Service are chancing on the 'Christmas' to 'chew' helpless chicken. Just within a spate of eleven months, the Sekondi Takoradi Metro Directorate of the Ghana Education Service has organised two of such workshops for private school teachers, besides the earlier two separate workshops organised by Mr. Darmani himself and the Ghana National Association of Private Schools respectively. The worrying part of the situation is not the participation fee of thirty Ghana cedis or more paid on each occasion, it has to do with how teachers, under the guns of their proprietors, have to sacrifice lessons or periods meant for the other aspects of the English Language in the name of a two-day literature workshop which only offers a repetition of the same old and tired knowledge and method of approaching the subject.

While we make conscious efforts at selling literature to our children, let us not forget there are other equally-important aspects of the English Language that need serious attention. The English Language paper is not comprised of only metaphor, simile, alliteration and other figures of speech which dominate our discussions at the workshops. Judging from the faces and body language of teachers who attended the just-ended two-day workshop at the Teachers' Resources Centre in Sekondi-Takoradi , it's crystal -clear most of us are not interested in these incessant workshops again, except the few teachers who have fallen deeply for the fried rice and chicken thighs served for lunch.

For teachers to attend a workshop on the same book over and over again is sickening and until there is repacking somewhere, our interest will never be restored. If Ghana Education Service and Mr. Darmani himself have copies of The Cockrow, they should read the last two lines of "Desert Rivers" and know that, the fact that they cannot see our tears does not mean we do not cry.

Till I hear favourably from G.E.S and Mr. Darmani, this has been yours truly..........

Jet Alan.
The role of the nurse in health delivery cannot be overemphasized and so a government that does not attach importance to the training of young people to become nurses is not a serious one.

Over the years, many leaders have recognized and appreciated the relevance of nursing training and have thus supported young people to be able to take up the challenge of health care in the country. It was therefore very shocking to many well meaning Ghanaians when a decree of the government scrapped the allowances these young people who are training to take up the daunting task of caring for the people of Ghana.

This made it difficult for many qualified people who have the job of care giving to undergo training. Nursing training has now become the preserve of the economically lucky ones.

To curb this unfortunate situation, many people under training and concerned citizens have been agitating for the restoration of the trainee allowances to enable young Ghanaians passionate about our health to under go nursing training.

This message has been said loud and clear but the John Mahama's NDC government refused to listen to good reason.

It was only when Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo, the presidential candidate of the New Patriotic Party and his running mate, Dr Mahamadu Bawumiah decided to make it an issue of concern and promised to restore the allowanced when voted into power did the NDC start to take an unconcerned look at the situation.

Today, John Mahama in a last ditch desperate attempt to win votes of trainee nurses have began a face saving payment of pittance to insult the intelligence of nurses. the government has seen the need pay us our allowances. They are grateful to Nana Addo and the NPP for making this possible.

Their continuous advocacy to bring back the nursing trainee allowances and their promise to reinstate the allowances if they are given the nod to lead the country resulted in the governments paying the trainee nurses allowances today.

We are indeed grateful and we trust that the future government of the NPP will make the healthcare needs of Ghanaians a priority.

Thank you Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo and Dr Mahamadu Bawumiah.

Signed

18th November 2016

Josephine Kwarteng

+233243363437

Suraka Zainah

+233264609559
United Nations (United States) (AFP) - The United States on Friday proposed that South Sudan's rebel leader Riek Machar as well as the army chief and information minister face UN sanctions for their role fueling violence in the war-torn country.

The names of Machar, President Salva Kiir's army chief Paul Malong and his information minister Michael Makuei were on a sanctions blacklist circulated to the Security Council, diplomats said.

The proposed sanctions were presented after the United States late Thursday presented a draft resolution on imposing an arms embargo on South Sudan, where a civil war has raged since December 2013.

Russia however made clear it opposed the measure, arguing that it would further sour relations between South Sudan's leadership and the international community.
The New Patriotic Party (NPP) has rejected the Electoral Commissions parliamentary ballot printed for the Savelugu Constituency in the Northern Region.

NPP Northern Regional Secretary, Sule Salifu explained that the portion of governing National Democratic Congress (NDC) parliamentary candidate has been thumb printed which invalidates the ballot.

He disclosed that upon seeing the anomaly, the NPP agents approached the EC's Regional Director to ask for the withdrawal of the ballot.

Mr Salifu who spoke to Joy News' Nothern Regional Correspondent, Martina Bugri said, as a result of the party's protest, the EC Director took a sample to examine it.

According to him, a consultation was held between the Regional EC directorate and the Deputy EC boss, Amadu Sulley who was in the Region for a visit.

At the end it was resolved that the ballot be withdrawn for a new one to be re-printed in the coming days, Mr Salifu said.

But NDC Regional Secretary, Halid Abdul Rauf said even though the NPP has a genuine case it should not approach it as though it was a deliberate attempt to manipulate the election.

He said similar incident had taken place at the Wulensi Constituency in which the column of the NPP parliamentary candidate was thumb-printed, adding all the political parties called for the anomalies to be corrected.

"That the incident that occurred there shouldn't be used by somebody to cry wolf," he said.

Meanwhile, the Northern Regional Director has urged political party representatives to cooperate with the Commission as it works to replace the ballot for the two constituencies.

Story by Ghana | Myjoyonline.com | Austin Brakopowers
Naidu waved a copy of Mail Today citing how ban on Rs 1000/500 notes had dried up the funds for the Naxals.

By Mail Today Bureau: Union Minister Venkaiah Naidu on Friday hit out at detractors of demonetization of big currency notes saying the move will clean up the economy.

NAXAL FUNDING DRIES UP

Naidu waved a copy of Mail Today citing how ban on Rs 1000/500 notes had dried up the funds for the Naxals. Mail Today had on November 16 published a report "Red Funds in a Black Hole" that detailed on how currency ban had crippled Naxal activities more severely than any security operation had in the recent past.

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He termed the move a "surgery" which was being done in the country for a better India. "Aam Aadmi Party naraz ho sakti hai, par aam aadmi naraz nahi hai (The move may displease Aam Aadmi Party but not the common men)," Naidu said.

ALSO READ:

Demonetisation: Government promises action after India Today exposed misuse of Jan Dhan accounts

Congress does not want Parliament to function: Naidu



--- ENDS ---
Residents of Asamama, a community in the Atiwa District of the Eastern region have embarked on a demonstration to express their displeasure over the police shooting which led to the death of two persons with several others sustaining severe injuries.

The residents, mostly illegal miners, poured on the street, wearing red arm bands and chanting war songs. They accused the security personnel deployed to carry out the operation in the community on Thursday of unprofessional conducts.

According to them, even though tempers were high leading to the clashes, they were harmless hence the Police had no justification to open fire on them.

The residents claim landguards wielding weapons accompanied the security operatives to attack the illegal miners.

The miners accused their Traditional rulers for conniving with one Yaw Ayebiahwe, a concessioner, to orchestrate the attack .

The miners say they have reorganized themselves and are battle ready to crash any security personnel who steps on the land to face them.

Speaking to Starr News' Eastern regional Correspondent, Kojo Ansah, who visited the community on Friday, the leader of the demonstrators, Kelvin Siameh Kobena, discounted claims by the Police that, only two persons were gunned down.

According to him, about five of the miners attacked on site cannot be found and suspect they were shot into the Birim River.

He said, the youth in the area are unemployed hence small scale mining is the only source of livelihood to take care of their families.

Asamama, is the only community in the enclave that has consistently rejected illegal mining activities citing its devastating effect on the environment.

Meanwhile, the wife of Kwadwo Osei, a 40-year-old leader of the miners gunned down on Thursday, is seeking for justice.

-Starrfmonline
Bamako (AFP) - Campaigning ended on Friday ahead of Mali's first elections since 2013, the year international forces came in to tackle a rebel surge which threatened to split the country in two.

On Sunday, voters will elect 12,000 councillors in communes throughout the country, two years later than originally scheduled, as the government wrestles with implementing a peace deal and warding off the stubborn jihadist threat in the north.

The election campaigning has been marked by bitter opposition criticism of the government and calls for a voter boycott.

Despite the presence of numerous candidate posters in Bamako, and the organisation of campaign rallies, there has been little enthusiasm in the capital for the first elections since August 2013, when President Ibrahim Boubacar Keita was voted in.

Islamic rebels have prevented campaigning and posters in some parts of the north.

Opposition head Soumaila Cisse has called for a further delay to the voting, citing the "serious concerns of populations in the north and centre of the country faced with growing insecurity which has seriously hampered the smooth running of the campaign".

In January 2013, French troops were deployed to repel Al-Qaeda-aligned jihadists who had overrun several northern towns, joining forces with Tuareg-led rebels.

Some 11,000 UN military and police followed, but the jihadists were never defeated -- merely displaced.

Last year, Mali's rebel alliance signed a peace deal along with government and loyalist militias.

It was hoped that the deal would bring stability to the northern desert, cradle of several Tuareg uprisings and a sanctuary for Islamist fighters.

But since then, rival armed groups have repeatedly violated the ceasefire, threatening attempts to give the north a measure of autonomy that might help prevent separatist uprisings.

Tribal rivalries and banditry have also deteriorated the security situation in the north, where many children are at risk of malnutrition.
President John Mahama has dismissed claims that the Electoral Commission (EC) has plans to manipulate the December 7 polls for the governing National Democratic Congress (NDC).

He said the Commission has an enviable reputation across the African continent and would not engage in acts that would denigrate its works so far.

Some of them [political opponents] have gone to the extent of saying the Electoral Commission is preparing to rig the elections for John Mahama. What absurd nonsense? Ghanas Electoral system is one of the best in the world," he said.

President Mahama made these remarks when he addressed a rally of NDC supporters at Funsi in the Wa East Constituency of the Upper West Region.

The EC has repeatedly come under pressure for acts that have been construed as a deliberate attempt to rig the presidential election for the NDC.

The disqualification of some 12 presidential candidates by the EC on October 10 which resulted in series of lawsuits was described as a ploy to divert the attention of Ghanaians from the machinations of the Commission.

Progressive People's Party (PPP) Policy Advisor, Kofi Asamoah Siaw had said the EC was using the party's flagbearer, Dr Papa Kwesi Nduom as a pawn to influence the electoral process.

When the Commission headed to the Supreme Court to challenge a ruling in which it was asked to allow disqualified presidential candidates to make corrections on their nomination forms, Mr Asamoah said the EC boss, Charlotte Osei was doing the work of those who appointed her.

"What is happening is a deliberate scheme design by some people with the help of the EC to make sure we have limited time run this election rush things through to declare somebody who is not deserving of the people of Ghanas vote and declare him president of Ghana," he had said.

The New Patriotic Party (NPP) has also been suspicious of EC's actions and this explains the party's outcries over the electoral process.

The NPP had issues with the Commission's decision to print supplementary ballot without serial numbers. It was later revealed that the EC has plans to provide a space for the Constituency codes to be entered on them.

But President Mahama said the kind of scathing criticisms and allegations leveled against the Commission does not augur well for the nation's democracy.

He said most of these claims are meant to prepare the minds of party supporters in the event they are defeated in the polls.

"Indeed they have said the most unspeakable things about the Chairman of the Electoral Commission...so when they lose, they can blame the Electoral Commission as not being neutral," he said.

He urged Ghanaians to be mindful and reject people who would want to run-down the EC in the bid to win the upcoming election.

Funsi in the Wa East Constituency of the Upper West Region - See more at: http://citifmonline.com/2016/11/18/election-rigging-allegations-absurd-nonsense-mahama/#sthash.2pa3Dmyl.dpuf

Funsi in the Wa East Constituency of the Upper West Region - See more at: http://citifmonline.com/2016/11/18/election-rigging-allegations-absurd-nonsense-mahama/#sthash.2pa3Dmyl.dpuf

If you notice, in the run up to the election, there has been a consistent criticism of the Electoral Commission. Indeed they have said the most unspeakable things about the Chairman of the Electoral Commission and that is all preparing the minds of their supporters for when they lose, so when they lose, they can blame the Electoral Commission as not being neutral.Note my words, not in Africa, in the world because it has inherent instruments for guaranteeing its integrity.

Story by Ghana | Myjoyonline.com | Austin Brakopowers | Email: [email protected]
18.11.2016 LISTEN

Embattled businessman Alfred Agbesi Woyome, is claiming the actions by Martin Amidu is nothing more than sour grapes.

He claims Mr. Amidus crusade is not in defence of the Constitution as he would want Ghanaians to believe but in furtherance to his own anger against the NDC and the government.

Martin Amidu was called by then President (John Atta Mills) because there was an issue concerning his health. In that meeting Martin Amidu tried to be the president of Ghana so he had to be sacked, Mr. Alfred Woyome alleged.

The self-styled financier of the governing National Democratic Congress has been in and out of court for the past four years.

The state is pursuing him for 51.2 million cedis wrongfully paid to him as settlement debt.

A criminal case of defrauding by false pretences and causing financial loss to the state brought against him failed.

But former A-G, Martin Amidu obtained a favourable judgment in 2014 at the Supreme Court which declared that the payment was unconstitutional.

The Court ordered the businessman to return the money to the state.

Two years after the judgment, the state has not been able to retrieve the money.

There appeared to be a lull in this controversy until a couple of weeks ago when Attorney-General Marietta Brew Appiah-Opong sought to discontinue a process she initiated in relation to retrieving the amount.

She had sought permission from the court to orally examine Woyome because "In circumstances such as these where it has become difficult for the Republic of Ghana as the judgment creditor to execute the judgment of this court as a result of lack of information with which the Republic of Ghana could deploy any of the methods of execution to satisfy the judgment debt, it is appropriate to apply to this Court for an order that 3rd Defendant be orally examined regarding whether any debts are owing to [him] and whether [he] has any property or means of satisfying the judgment of this Court dated 29th July 2014."

On October 31, 2016, however, Mrs Appiah-Opong went back to court seeking to discontinue this process.

Convinced that government is not committed to retrieve the amount because of Mr. Woyomes ties with the governing party, Mr. Amidu applied to the court to allow him to do the oral examination.

The Supreme Court granted this application to the chagrin of Mr. Woyome who stormed out of the court after the judgment shoving off journalists and warning some of unfair reportage.

He took his case to the media Friday evening levelling a litany of allegations against the man whose individual effort has brought him so much pain and anguish.

He said the so called Citizen Vigilante was a bitter man who couldnt accept that he is neither the president nor the vice-president.

Martin Amidu was Vice-Presidential candidate of the NDC in 2000 but the party lost the election.

Woyome claims that he was not selected again for the slot in the subsequent elections.

Im challenging Martin Amidu to tell Ghanaians what happened between him and the late president [Mills] he stated.

He also took issues with Martin Amidus call on Ghanaians to vote out president John Mahama if they want the 51.2 million cedis returned to the state.

The former A-G, he alleged, is being used by some unseen hands against President Mahama.

Story by Ghana | Myjoyonline.com
The Progressive People's Party (PPP) Presidential Candidate has said the economic challenges bedeviling the country are culminating results of bad leadership.

Dr Papa Kwesi Nduom said Ghanaians made a grave mistake when they voted for the governing National Democratic Congress (NDC) in the last election.

"We are a people made poor by bad governance and leadership. Ghanaians have wasted their votes on leadership that has not utilized all our hopes and aspirations," he said.

The celebrated businessman said Ghanaians deserve a better life than what they have been provided by the NDC.

The PPP's leader made these comments when he took his turn at the Ghana Broadcasting Corporation (GBC)'s Presidential Encounter Friday.

NDC flagbearer, President John Mahama was the first presidential candidate to appear on the platform to tell Ghanaians the policies he intends to implement if he is given a second term in the December polls. He also delved into his government's achievements.

Refresh the page for more...

Story by Ghana | Myjoyonline.com | Austin Brakopowers | Email: [email protected]
18.11.2016 LISTEN

By Stephen Asante/Florence Afriyie Mensah, GNA

Kumasi, Nov 18, GNA - The government has been urged to increase the budgetary allocation to the Gender, Children and Social Protection Ministry for child rights advocacy programmes.

Mrs. Aba Oppong, Ashanti Regional President of the Ghana Coalition of Non-Governmental Organizations on the Rights of the Child, a civil-society organization, said this was vital to the effort to provide more protection for children.

She indicated that inadequate funding was undermining the fight to comprehensively tackle child rights abuse to aid their growth and development.

Addressing a general meeting of the Coalition in Kumasi, she said issues concerning children - education, health, physical and mental development must be made an urgent national priority.

It provided the platform to discuss the United Nations' (UN) Convention on the Rights of the Child and the role of civil society groups in its effective implementation.

The Convention seeks to ensure that the child is protected against all forms of discrimination or punishment on the basis of the status, activities, expressed opinions or beliefs of the child's parents, legal guardians or family members.

Mrs. Oppong pointed out that children, by reason of their physical immaturity, needed special safeguards and care, including appropriate legal protection.

She called for proper training of groups working for and with children, including the law enforcement agencies, teachers, religious and traditional leaders, health personnel and social workers.

She expressed worry about the continued exposure of children to harmful information - profanity on radio, violent scenes and pornography on the television and internet.

Pastor Stephen Ofosu Darfour, Regional Director of the Department of Children, announced of plans to establish District Child Protection Committees across the nation.

Deputy Superintendent of Police (DSP) Susana Dery of the Regional Police Domestic Violence and Victims Support Unit (DOVVSU), advised the public to have the courage to report child abuse cases to the police.

GNA
By Afedzi Abdullah, GNA

Cape Coast, Nov. 18, GNA - The Minister of Education, Professor Naana Jane Opoku-Agyemang has called for effective collaboration between education stakeholders and the Ministry to ensure that the country achieved the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) on education.

She said in as much as the country tried to fit into global standards of education, it had to craft and determine its own standards so that it did not misdirect the indications of its own development.

Prof Opoku -Agyemang was speaking at the 140th anniversary speech and prize giving day of the Mfantsipim Senior High School in Cape Coast at the weekend.

The celebration was on the theme, 'Mfantsipim at 140th milestone: Contributing to professionalism and meritocracy for national and global development'.

She said the SDGs gave countries space to craft their own standards and as such the Ministry had prepared a draft but was engaging stakeholders on discussions to solicit their views.

The idea was to ensure that effective strategies, policies and programmers were put forward to achieve the SDG four, she noted, and called on all stakeholders to endeavour to make inputs into it.

Prof Opoku-Agyemang said education in Ghana was rated high in Africa because it continued to perform very well in the West African Senior Secondary Certificate Examination (WASSCE), but indicated that it was time it was taken to another milestone for it to be counted among the best in the World.

She said the Government looked forward to having more Grade 'A' schools in the country, and indicated that it was ready to partner stakeholders to make it a reality.

The Headmaster, Mr. Manfred Barton Odro in his annual report, said the school had undergone tremendous development since its establishment in 1876 and commended the sponsoring year groups for their benevolence.

He said the School produced outstanding results in the 2016 WASSCE with one of its students, Master John Owusu being adjudged the best General Arts student.

He said 28 students who sat for the examination had 8As, 56 had 7As while 51 also had 6As and expressed optimism that the current batch would do more.

He appealed to the Government and old students to assist the School with a new school bus as the existing two buses were too old.

He also appealed for a new assembly hall with a larger capacity to accommodate the over 2,000 students as the old one had compelled students to go for meals in batches, distracting academic work on campus.

Mr. Barton Odro said as part of efforts to ensure that the School had a manageable enrolment of not more than 1,800 students within the next three years; it admitted only 600 fresh students this year.

He explained that the exercise was to ensure that students receive quality training at the School.

Awards were giving to deserving students, teachers and non-teaching staff.

GNA
Goaso (B/A), Nov.18, GNA - Vice President Kwesi Amissah-Arthur has called on Ghanaians to renew the mandate of President John Dramani Mahama to continue with his developmental agenda for the country.

'President Mahama is somebody who is passionate about the development of the country and does not discriminate in the distribution of projects,' he said.

Vice President Amissah-Arthur made the call when he paid a courtesy call on the Traditional Council and addressed National Democratic Congress (NDC) supporters at Goaso in the Brong-Ahafo Region as part of his three-day campaign tour.

The Vice President called on the chiefs and elders to inform them of his mission and to seek their permission to campaign in the area.

Enthusiastic NDC supporters besieged the Goaso Traditional Council amid drumming and dancing.

Vice President Kwesi Amissah-Arthur said the NDC was not only campaigning on its manifesto promises but also gathering views of the chiefs on their pressing needs.

He said President Mahama deserved a second term as it was done for two other former presidents - Rawlings and Kufuor.

Nana Akwasi Bosomprah I, Omanhene of the Goaso Traditional Area, said he was confident that the President John Mahama led Government would get a second term to enable it to continue with the unprecedented development taking place in the country.

He said Goaso and the Asunafo North municipalities and the entire Ahafo area had had their fair share of development.

He urged his fellow chiefs to collaborate and support every government in order to attract development to their communities.

Nana Bosomprah mentioned the construction and rehabilitation of road networks, educational and health facilities, a fire station and a fire tender, and the DVLA office as some of the projects that had come to improve the lives of his people.

He said he would continue to proclaim the good works of the Government bearing in mind the insults that would be hurled at him.

He said he would not lie about the visible transformation taking place in the Ahafo area adding that the gods and ancestors of Goaso would not forgive him if he failed to publicly proclaim the good things happening in the Asunafo North Municipality.

Nana Akwasi Bosomprah wondered why a chief would not co-operate with government in order to get development to their areas.

He said governments would come and go but the chieftaincy institution would remain.

Nana Bosomprah, therefore, asked the chiefs to begin to show interest in the development of their communities and support whichever government was in power to attract development to their areas.

Vice President Amissah-Arthur introduced the NDC's parliamentary candidate for Asunafo North, Alhaji Mohammed Kwaku Doku, who is also the Municipal Chief Executive of the area.

Vice President Amissah-Arthur was accompanied by Mr Eric Opoku, the Brong-Ahafo Regional Minister, Barbara Serwah Asamoah, the Deputy Minister of Lands and Natural Resources, Mr Samuel Ofosu Ampofo, the National Vice Chairman of the NDC and Mr Yaw Boateng Gyan, a former National Organiser of the NDC.

GNA
18.11.2016 LISTEN

Akyem-Ofoase E/R), Nov. 18, GNA - Mr Kenneth Budu, the National Democratic Congress (NDC) parliamentary candidate for Ofoase/Ayirebi, in the Eastern Region, had a field day, when he was the only person who appeared at a parliamentary debate.

The debate organised by the National Commission for Civic Education(NCCE) in collaboration with the European Commission, was to be attended by Mr Kwadwo Oppong-Nkrumah of the New Patriotic Party (NPP) and Mr John Obiri Yeboah of the Progressive People's Party (PPP).

Mr Daniel Chartey, Akyemmansa District Director of the NCCE expressed regret about the absence of the duo because according to him all the parliamentary candidates prior to the programme agreed to participate.

He said the debate was a platform offered to all the candidates to share their ideas and visions to their constituents to make informed choices and therefore felt it was a missed opportunity for the two who refused to attend.

Mr Chartey said the debate was based on research findings dubbed: 'Election 2016: Matters of Concern to the Ghanaian Voter,' which was undertaken by the NCCE in July.

He said apart from enabling the NCCE to undertake effective civic/voter education towards the December 7 polls and beyond.

Answering questions on education, Mr Budu, who also doubles as the District Chief Executive, said for effective supervision of education in the area, one of the things he did on assumption of office was ensuring the decoupling of the District Education Directorate from the Brim North District.

Apart from that he made sure the government's policy of removing schools under trees was fully implemented.

He said when given the mandate to represent his people in Parliament, he would lobby for more schools to be constructed in the constituency.

Mr Budu said another vision was to implement a programme dubbed: ' One family, one graduate,' by ensuring that at least each family in the community got one graduate by using part of his Member of Parliament's Common Fund to offer scholarships to students to the tertiary level.

Akyemmansa he said had neither a district hospital nor a resident medical officer to take care of the serious medical needs of the people and would lobby as a member of parliament to reverse the situation.

On employment Mr Budu said he would encourage more investors to set up businesses in the constituency to create job opportunities for the people apart from the oil palm extraction factory set up by Indian entrepreneurs at Brenase.

He said he facilitated the project which created employment for a lot of people in the area.

He said he would encourage the youth to form cooperatives and establish oil palm plantations, which he believed would offer them sustainable employment.

GNA
By Joyce Danso, GNA

Accra Nov. 18, GNA - David Geh Mensah, the man who introduced himself as a security personnel from Flag staff House during the commissioning of a community school at Frafraha has been remanded into custody.

Appearing before an Accra Circuit Court on Friday, Mensah charged with possession of firearm without authority and impersonation has pleaded not guilty.

His Counsel Mr Xavier Sosu prayed the court for bail, saying the facts as presented are not of admission.

Mensah is expected to reappear on November 28 for the Court presided over by Mr Aboagye Tandoh to rule on his bail application.

Prosecuting Chief Superintendent of Police Mr Duuti Tuaruka argued that on November 11 this year, the President of Ghana, John Dramani inaugurated a Community Senior High School at Frafraha, Adenta in Accra.

The state security apparatus were all gathered at the ceremony grounds with party functionaries, school children and members from civil societies to welcome the President.

Chief Supt. Duuti said Mensah was dressed in civilian clothes and desert boot with a foreign pistol and a pair of handcuff also arrived at the scene.

According to the Prosecution, Mensah introduced himself as security personnel of the Flagstaff house. The Police who were not convinced apprehended him and took him to Lakeside Estate Police Station for further questioning.

During the questioning it came to light that Mensah was not a security officer hence was escorted to his home.

In his room prosecution said four set of military camouflage uniforms, two digital cameras and one (BB) ammunition were found.

Mensah told the Police that he was a soldier in 2006 to 2008 but was dismissed for misconduct, however he could not mention his Military number and where exactly he worked for the two year period in the Ghana Armed Force.

According to Prosecution, Mensah said the uniform belonged to a friend by name David Datsumor of the Ear, Nose and Throat Unit of the 37 Military Hospital.

The Prosecutor said efforts were being made to contact the said Soldier for further investigations.

GNA
By PTI: Los Angeles, Nov 18 (PTI) Women who choose to become first-time mothers at 25 years of age or later may increase their chances of living into their 90s, a new study has claimed.

The study by researchers at University of California San Diego in the US is the first to look at age at first child-birth in relation to longevity.

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The researchers found an association between a womans age at child-birth and parity (the number of times a woman has been pregnant) with survival to age 90.

"We found that women who had their first child at age 25 or older were more likely to live to age 90," said lead author Aladdin Shadya from UC San Diego School of Medicine.

"The findings indicate that women with two to four term pregnancies compared with a single term pregnancy were also more likely to live at least nine decades," he said.

Out of about 20,000 participants in the study, 54 per cent of women survived to 90 years old.

The participants were part of the Womens Health Initiative (WHI), a national longitudinal investigation of women that began in 1991 in the US. The women were followed for up to 21 years.

The study also found that women who lived to age 90 were more likely to be college graduates, married, have a higher income and less likely to be obese or have a history of chronic disease.

"Our findings do not suggest that women should delay having a child, as the risk of obstetric complications, including gestational diabetes and hypertension, is higher with older maternal ages," Shadya said.

"It is possible that surviving a pregnancy at an older age may be an indicator of good overall health, and as a result, a higher likelihood of longevity," he said.

"It is also possible that women who were older when they had their first child were of a higher social and economic status, and therefore, were more likely to live longer," he added.

The study was published in the American Journal of Public Health. PTI NKS SAR SAR

--- ENDS ---
18.11.2016 LISTEN

By Priscilla S. Djentuh, GNA

Accra, Nov. 18, GNA - The next NDC government will ensure that it eliminates mother-to-child transmission of HIV and meet the health needs of adolescents and youth by 2017.

In the NDC 2016 Manifesto made available to the Ghana News Agency, the party also outlines plans to prioritise and implement the National Strategic Plan 2016-2020 on HIV/AIDS and work towards achieving the 90-90-90 fast-track targets which will ensure that 90 per cent of People Living with HIV know their status, 90 per cent of People Living with HIV are on Antiretroviral treatment and 90 per cent on immune suppression.

'The priorities shall include strengthening of strategic information and health systems, community empowerment to scale up HIV testing, treatment and targeted behaviour change among others,'' it said.

The next NDC government also promises to reduce the incidence of malaria by 50 per cent including reduction cases of maternal and neonatal deaths by further 50 per cent and creation of more spaces for maternal and neonatal care in existing health facilities.

The publication of the manifesto is captured under the 'GNA Tracks Election 2016 Project,' being funded by GOIL, the foremost indigenous oil marketing company and CIMG 2015 Petroleum Company of the year.

The project seeks to sensitise the electorate on the various issues raised by political parties, the elections management body and other governance institutions.

It aims at ensuring gender and social inclusion in national politics and provide voice for the youth, vulnerable groups, opinion leaders and the broader spectrum of the society as well as contribute to the achievement of peaceful polls.

Another objective of the project is to create a platform to dissect the manifestos of all political parties and provide in-depth analysis of each thematic area to the electorate to enable them to make an informed judgment.

The manifesto among others also gave assurance to diversifying the sources of funding for the National Health Insurance Scheme by allocating an approved percentage of the ABFA from Ghana's Petroleum Revenue.

It also promises to motivate health workers by rewarding conditions of service that respond to changing trends in healthcare and increment of supply and fair distribution of health personnel across the country.

According to the Manifesto, the next NDC government would: ''Complete ongoing regional hospitals in the Ashanti and Upper West regions as well as complete construction of regional hospitals in Upper East, Eastern and Western regions and undertake a comprehensive upgrade of the Tema General Hospital''.

Putting citizens first, it said it would establish a National Infectious Disease Centre which would mainstream mental healthcare into the health delivery system and ensure adequate resourcing and infrastructural development.

'Continue to implement policies on the integration of Traditional Medicine into the mainstream healthcare delivery system in compliance with the provisions of the Traditional Medicine Practice Act, 2000, Act 575'', it added.

It also assures to establish the School of Traditional Medicine at Keta in addition to the School of Pharmacy as a satellite campus of the University of Health and Allied Sciences.

The Manifesto also promises to upgrade existing health facilities located in Sogakope, Anomabo, Half-Assini, Nkawkaw, Kintampo and Techiman into Accident and Trauma Centres.

Other towns targeted for the upgrading health facilities include Wa, Hohoe, Gambia No. 2 and Buipe.

It said: 'It will scale up the implementation of e-Health systems piloted in Korle-bu, Wa and Zebila hospitals to all secondary and tertiary hospitals,'' adding that it would protect patient privacy by ensuring strict compliance with data protection laws of the country of medical records.

GNA
By Afedzi Abdullah, GNA

Winneba (C/R), Nov. 18, GNA - Many Ghanaian students are still unable to complete secondary education in spite of efforts to make education accessible and progressive, the 2016 Global Education Monitoring (GEM) Report has said.

The first of a new series of post-2015 reports says 53 per cent of students in Ghana are able to complete Junior High School (JHS) education while only 39 per cent are able to complete Senior High School (SHS) education.

This, according to the report entitled 'Education for People and Planet: Creating Sustainable Futures for All' meant that a significant portion of Ghanaian youth are not able to progress from secondary school to the tertiary level.

The (GEM) Report is a new series of reports used by the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) to monitor the state of education in the new framework of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

It examined the complex interrelationships and links between education and key development sectors and also highlighted education strategies, policies and programmes which were most effectively linked to the economic, social, environmental and political priorities of the new sustainable development agenda.

Launched at a ceremony at Winneba in the Central Region on Thursday, the report stated that education needed a major transformation to fulfill its purpose so as to propel progress towards the attainment of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

The Minister of Education, Professor Naana Jane Opoku-Agyemang, who launched the report, said a national action plan for the implementation of the 2030 agenda was already in place and implored stakeholders to make inputs to it.

She called for effective collaboration between education stakeholders and the ministry to ensure that the country achieved the SDGs on education.

Prof Opoku-Agyenabg said the government had put in place policies and programmes which included Inclusive Education Policy, Complimentary Basic Education Policy and the implementation of the Free Tertiary Teacher Performance and Management Programme to help improve the quality of education in the country.

She appealed to graduate and under graduate students at the universities to conduct research into challenges in the education sector such that their findings spoke to specific issues and provided recommendations to specific challenges.

Professor Yaw Ankomah, a former Director of the Institute for Education Planning and Administration (IEPA), University of Cape Coast (UCC), who read excerpts of the report, said for education to be transformative in support of the new sustainable development agenda, it required a more rigorous approach.

Prof Ankomah said though Ghana had made significant strides with 92 per cent primary school enrolment rate, 319,000 children between six and eleven years were still out of school.

According to the report, while youth literacy rate in the country was 86 per cent, 699,000 youth of which 59 per cent were women remained illiterate while 633,000 SHS youth, with a larger proportion of them being females and 121,000 JHS aged adolescent were respectively out of school.

It said female enrolment at both secondary and tertiary levels as well as the inclusion of gender equality issues in education curriculum was still low, with 63 per cent of female adults in Ghana being illiterate while only three per cent had tertiary education.

That notwithstanding, the report commended Ghana for showing strong commitment towards funding education with six per cent of its Gross Domestic Product (GDP).

Professor George Kankam, Dean of the Faculty of Education Studies at the University of Education, Winneba (UEW), who chaired the ceremony, said as much as societies in the World were undergoing deep transformations, education needed a new approach to meet the aspirations of the changing world.

GNA
By Albert Futukpor, GNA

Tamale, Nov. 18, GNA - The Ghana National Fire Service (GNFS) has launched the 2016/2017 National Bushfire Prevention Campaign and the Regional Home Fire Safety Certification Project to create public awareness on fire safety standards.

The GNFS, under the project, would create awareness on fire safety and prevention including encouraging the citizenry to obtain fire certificates for their premises and homes to indicate compliance with fire regulations.

Dr Albert Brown Gaisie, the Chief Fire Officer of GNFS, during the launch of the campaign in Tamale, emphasised the need for all to avoid unnecessary acts that caused fires which put stress on the national kitty.

Statistics from the GNFS showed that from 2011 to 2015, a total of 24,500 fires were recorded in the country and about 10,051 of them emanated from private homes.

Dr Gaisie complained about the rampant bush fires, especially in the food producing zones of the country causing destruction to large acres of farm produce, a situation which affected the incomes of farmers and food security situation of the country.

He said GNFS would form volunteer and fire prevention cadets at schools to complement efforts at creating awareness on fire safety and prevention.

He called on all to support efforts at preventing and fighting fires in the country.

Mr Abdallah Abubakari, the Northern Regional Minister, whose speech was read on his behalf, lauded the bushfire prevention and home fire safety project saying it would help traders on how to prevent fires at the various markets in the region.

GNA
18.11.2016 LISTEN

By Linda Baah, GNA

Accra, Nov. 18, GNA - The Convention Peoples Party (CPP) says it will ensure strict implementation of the Mental Health Act 2012 (Act 846).

The CPP captured this in its 2016 Election Manifesto that promised to implement the Policy by working with local and international partners to galvanise support.

The Party said it would encourage the training of more psychiatric specialists (doctors and nurses), train more psychologists and allied professionals to specialise in mental health care and ensure the mainstreaming of mental healthcare in hospitals.

''We will move the Accra Psychiatric Hospital to Pantang and develop the Pantang Mental Hospital into a first class mental health facility and we will build two additional psychiatric hospitals in Ashanti and the Northern Regions.''

The manifesto available to GNA in Accra says Ghana continues to be affected by the double burden of communicable and non-communicable disease, due to this, CPP will establish a National Infectious Disease Centre, step up campaigns and undertake activities to improve personal hygiene and sanitation to deal with communicable diseases.

'We shall also vigorously create national awareness on the need to combat lifestyle diseases such as diabetes, high cholesterol, high blood pressure and stroke,'' CPP stated.

The Party says, in addition to Physical Education Exercises in schools: ''We shall promote the establishment of Community Residence Health Teams to encourage regular communal physical exercise, regular drills in Basic Life Support and Health Talks, with the view to inculcating healthy lifestyles in the citizenry''.

The publication of the manifesto is captured under the 'GNA Tracks Election 2016 Project', being funded by GOIL, the foremost indigenous oil marketing company and CIMG 2015 Petroleum Company of the year.

The project seeks to sensitise the electorate on the various issues raised by political parties, the elections management body and other governance institutions.

It aims at ensuring gender and social inclusion in national politics and to provide voice for the youth, vulnerable groups, opinion leaders and the broader spectrum of the society.

Another objective of the project is to create a platform to dissect the manifestoes of all political parties and provide in-depth analysis of each thematic area to the electorate to enable them to make an informed judgment.

GNA
By Prosper K. Kuorsoh, GNA

Wechiau (U/W), Nov. 18, GNA - President John Dramani Mahama has said when given the nod, he would continue in his effort to improve the road network in the Upper West Region.

He said it was unfortunate that the region had the least quota of tarred roads in the country despite its potential and contribution to the development of the nation.

President Mahama said this during a rally at Wechiau in the Wa West District on the first day of his three-day campaign tour of the Upper West Region.

He said even though his government has done more roads than any other government in the history of the region, it was still lacking in terms of good road network, adding that he would give special attention to that if his mandate is renewed.

He said his first term witnessed massive infrastructure expansion in the area of health, education, electricity and the provision of good drinking water.

'We have extended electricity to so many communities and indeed, Ghana is estimated to have access to more than 80 per cent in electric power', he said.

President Mahama said the government of the National Democratic Congress (NDC) had taken Ghana from 58 per cent access to clean drinking water in 2008 to 76 per cent access in 2016.

He said his government also attained 97 per cent in school enrolment including a gender parity ratio of 1:1 for boys and girls.

He said his government has also reduced maternal mortality rate in the country and now more children were surviving beyond their fifth birthday resulting in a reduction in infant mortality.

The President said Ghana had the highest life expectancy of 63 years among its peers in Africa, but admitted that there was still a lot more to be done to improve on the quality of life of the people.

President Mahama said he had gone round the country and the level of enthusiasm in appreciation of government's effort at providing development infrastructure, gave him confidence that the NDC was going to win the December polls.

He called on supporters of the party to be calm and not give in to provocations by anybody and contribute to ensuring another successful and peaceful election.

Earlier, President Mahama paid a courtesy call on Naa Sohimwininye Danaa Gori II and Naa Imoro Nandon Goma, the Paramount Chiefs of Dorimon and Wechiau Traditional Areas, respectively.

Naa Gori appealed to the President for the creation of a separate District for the Dorimon Traditional Area to accelerate the development of the area.

The President also visited Funsi in the Wa East District, Issah and Bussie in the Daffiama-Bussie-Issa District and Kaleo in the Nadowli Kaleo District where he addressed enthusiastic party supporters who stayed throughout the night waiting for the President.

President Mahama took the opportunity to introduce the party's Parliamentary candidates including Mr Joseph Yieleh Chireh for Wa West, Dr Henry Seidu Danaa for Wa East and Dr Sebastian Sandaare for Daffiama-Bussie-Issa Constituency.

GNA
18.11.2016 LISTEN

By Paul Achonga Kwode, GNA

Tamale, Nov. 18, GNA - Mr John Boadu, Acting General Secretary of the New Patriotic Party (NPP), has assured Ghanaians of the party's commitment to ensure a violence-free election.

He said the NPP was ahead of the National Democratic Congress in campaign strategies noting that the party does not want to engage in any violent act that could mar the peace of the country.

Speaking at a press conference in Tamale, Mr Boadu called on the Electoral Commission (EC) and the Ghana Police Service to be fair, transparent and objective in their duties.

Mr Boadu and Mr Dan Botwe, Member of the NPP Campaign team are in the Northern Region to train and educate parliamentary members of the party and its executives on regulations of this year's election.

He said the NPP has better ideas than its opponents stressing that it was in the lead in winning this year's crucial general elections saying 'our party has been crisscrossing the country preparing our members and educating them on the new constitutional instrument (CI 94).

Mr Boadu called on the EC to be very diligent in their responsibilities saying the situation where electoral materials were sent late to the strongholds of the NPP would not be acceptable.

'NPP will not accept faulty biometric materials in its strongholds', he said explaining that it was not fully satisfied with some activities the EC had undertaken towards the December polls.

Mr Daniel Bugre Naabu, Northern Regional Chairman of the NPP, appealed to the party hierarchy to consider the large landmarks of the region and provide it with means of transport to ensure efficient campaigning.

He said though the party had little resources going into this year's elections, it still believed that the battle was the Lord's adding, 'we still need support from all those who love the party .any pesewa in this cause is welcome'.

Mr Naabu urged supporters of the party to be very vigilant especially on the Election Day to prevent any act of manipulation of the ballot.

GNA
Bolgatanga (U/E) Nov. 18, GNA - Dr Edward Nasigiri Mahama, Presidential candidate of the People's National Convention (PNC), has paid a courtesy call on the Paramount Chief of the Bolgatanga Traditional Area, Naba Alafia Abilba IV.

Addressing the traditional council, Dr Mahama said he was in the region to launch his party's manifesto and called on the people of the area to rally round the PNC to win power from the ruling National Democratic Congress (NDC).

He said the people of Bolgatanga showed courage and stood up for the late President Dr Hilla Limann in the third Republic in the face of military intervention, hence his choice for Bolgatanga for his manifesto launch.

Dr Mahama said when the Electoral Commission (EC) 'supposedly' disqualified him, it was a blow to him and the party.

'The disqualification was a blow to my party and me, whilst I was injured personally, Ghana as a nation benefited because we had the opportunity to test two of the institutions of Ghana; the EC and the Judiciary. So far as the nation is benefitting from this wrongful disqualification,' he said.

Dr Mahama said, 'God in His wisdom in 1996 selected three men on whom he would balance the cooking pot of Ghana. Those three men were ex-Presidents Jerry John Rawlings, John Agyekum Kufuor and me'.

He said the two have had their share and it was his time to win the forthcoming December 7 elections.

He said he is the sixth person on the presidential ballot adding that the number six in creation was the day of completion, and God rested on the seventh day.

Ghana, he said, gained her independence on March 6 and so 'I am getting the number six to bring economic independence to the people of Ghana to rest and to be happy.'

The PNC leader in the company of his running mate, Mr Emmanuel Anyidoho and some party executives, presented copies of the party's manifesto to the traditional council.

Naba Alafia Abilba IV, Paramount Chief of the Bolgatanga Traditional Area, expressed gratitude to Dr Mahama for the call and thanked him for making Bolgatanga his choice.

Naba Abilba IV used the opportunity to implore all political parties to exercise decorum in their campaigns and eschew violence in all their activities to ensure that the elections were conducted peacefully.

GNA
By Samira Larbie/William Fiabu, GNA

Accra, Nov.18, GNA - Air Vice Marshal MM-T Nagai, the Chief of Air Staff, has admonished the youth to abstain from any act of violence before, during and after the December 7 general election.

'Use the opportunity you have to promote and propagate the message for peace and remain true ambassadors of peace to make Ghana a better place to live in.'

Air Vice Marshal Nagai said this at the recommissioning of the renovated Junior Rank's Mess Base in Accra.

The renovated edifice for the junior officers is to enable them have a comfortable relaxation after the day's work

The edifice, which is also a social recreational centre, has been expanded and can now boast of an anteroom with an adjoining stocked bar, rooms for personnel on transit, storerooms, summer huts, a water sachet producing plant and a wide all-purpose area to host events.

The event was also used to outdoor the new musical instruments for the Silver Wings Dance Band of the Base to boost their performance.

The new set of musical instruments would as well enhance the performance of the Band during the festive season.

Air Vice Marshal noted that the refurbishment would create a conducive environment to imbibe into the troops military traditions to help shape their etiquettes in all phases of their lives.

Air Commodore Abdul Rahim Abbas (Rtd), said the Junior Ranks Mess called for proper maintenance.

He advised the personnel to: 'Promptly repair minor damages to allow it serve its purpose.'

Group Captain Fredrick Asare Kwesi Bekoe, the Base Commander, expressed gratitude to Air Commodore for his support to the Base in the provision of facilities as well as the renovation of dilapidated facilities.

The Base has witnessed the renovation and construction of Air [email protected] airmen accommodation block, a canteen for the students, an ultra-modern kitchen and dining facility to replace the dilapidated cookhouse and the construction of barracks drainage to solve the long existing sewage problem.

He urged them to see the mess and the new instruments as their personal property and take good care of them.

He advised that both the Mess and the instruments should be well managed to generate enough funds to help the Base's activities.

GNA
By Julius K. Satsi, GNA

Accra, Nov. 18, GNA - Mr Joshua Mensah, the team leader for Foundation for Financial Inclusion (FFI), says the time has come for vocational schools to take their positions by venturing into entrepreneurship.

Mr Mensah said it would be beneficial for the youth, especially those in the vocational schools, to think outside the box to create more employment to help close the graduate unemployment gap.

He was speaking at the sixth edition of the Entrepreneurship Development Workshop organised by the FFI in Accra on Thursday.

The workshop dubbed: 'Time with the Entrepreneur,' has students from the New Century Career Institute, National Community Development Vocation Institute, South Labone Girls Vocation and Kanda Career Training Institute as well as some workers as participants.

Mr Mensah said the skills of an entrepreneur were highly needed for the success of any business venture.

He asked the participants not to look down on themselves but rather believe in their endowed potentials and exploit them to transform lives.

Mr Mensah explained that entrepreneurs were people who solved problems and 'there are more problems in Ghana that needs people who can solve them to make wealth'.

'Your ability to identify a need and provide solution will make you rich or poor,' he added.

Mr Paul Appiah-Konadu, a training coordinator with the FFI said, for a person to start a business 'financial discipline is highly required.'

He said being an entrepreneur came with a number of challenges as well as benefits such as financial independence, reduction of unemployment and enjoyment of high societal status among others.

Mr Wisdom Akuffo, Head of National Dress Makers Association, Tesano branch and the Chairman of the board of FFI told participants to 'know that your business is your future', and that there is no need to give up on a set goal during troubling moments.

In an interaction with the Ghana News Agency (GNA), Oliver Ampofo, a level 400 student of the New Century Career Institute said: 'I have highly benefited from this programme and set to implement the knowledge acquired.'

Ms Esther Konu, a student of National Community Development Vocation Institute told the GNA that she had learnt that 'as an entrepreneur, I need to focus in my goal'.

Foundation for Financial Inclusion is a group seeking to help students and people in the informal sector to refine their ideas, start or grow their businesses and locate the resources needed to succeed.

GNA
By PTI: Kohima, Nov 17 (PTI) Governor of Nagaland P B Acharya today said the Naga people need to realise that the worst enemy for development are insurgency and corruption.

"Corruption has diluted the Naga culture and it is high time to change our mindset, for to bring about a change in the Naga society, only Nagas can do it," Acharya said at a civic reception given to him at the Town Hall in Mokokchung district.

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Talking about the Naga political issue, the Governor said at present the Nagas were going through a crucial hour where peace was the pre-requisite for any solution.

Acharya said the political dialogue between the Centre and NSCN (IM) was going in the right direction.

The Governor while reiterating on the development issues in the state, said central funds should be well monitored so that the beneficiaries get their benefits.

Lamenting on the poor infrastructure in the state, he said in most of the district hospitals there were less patients as compared to the capacity and those who have to move to other hospitals experience immense hardships due to pathetic road connectivity.

The Governor said the basic foundation for a society is education, as education empowers the society.

The Governor further emphasising on the need to explore the natural resources and set up industries to solve the unemployment problem in the state. PTI NBS DKB

--- ENDS ---
Nigerians have condemned the country's military over the demise of another top soldier who was killed by Boko Haram terrorists in Bita on their way to Yola in Adamawa state.

The soldier, identified as Lieutenant Colonel BU Umar, had about three weeks ago, taken over the 114 battalion which he was leading until he met his end.

The Army has already denied knowledge of the occurrence through its spokesperson Colonel Sani Kukasheka Usman, who said he was unaware of Lt Col Umars death.

But Nigerians are livid as the demise of the young Colonel is coming only weeks after the exit of Abu Ali, another top army commander who was killed in an ambush by the terrorists.

President Buhari has been blamed for paying ransom to Boko Haram terrorists to secure the release of Chibok girls.

Some Nigerians are of the opinion that the Nigerian army are the ones killing their soldiers, while some believe that the lives of the soldiers are not as valuable to the Nigerian government following the reports that the Islamist sect bought more sophisticated weapons with money they got from Chibok girls ransom.

Idris Yusuf Idris, one of those who commented on the story after it was published on the social media, wrote: "Hhhhhhmmmm pls naij news,point of correction,don't say boko haram killed another top army commander,instead,just say,army kill another commander,i don't know wot kind of dirty politics is being played in nigeria."

Political science graduate, Philip Chinedu Onwuegbule, was also livid when he saw the report, claimed that it is only in Nigeria that politics is being played with human lives as he cited the US elections where there was no report of a life being lost even when the person whom many expected to win, lost the polls.

"Is only in Nigeria I discover that they can play politics with human life, look at the election in USA no single life was lost. I thought buhari said he will end bokoharam yet boko is killing them. Thank God Biafra is here, we are different from them," he wrote.

Junior Chukwuka believes that Nigeria is not worth dying for as he expressed his sympathy for the soldiers who were recently killed by the insurgents.

Abuja-based Alfred Joshua said: "It is all because buhari gave them $150m in exchange for 29 fake chibok girls that they, boko haram, were able to purchase sophisticated weapons. Now they giving the output of buhari's input. Let them KILL more... na their father dey throne" while Iyke Henry who lives in Ghana blasted: "A reasonable president doesn't negotiate with terrorists but this old man swap #3.8 billion naira and 4 boko haram bomb makers in prison with 21 girls so what do you expect, he has reduce no of soldiers fighting boko haram sending them to Niger Delta, buhari doesn't have sense of reason."

Self employed Oyeleke Oyeniyi Idris affirmed that the federal government has been telling lies to Nigeria about her many victories against the insurgents.

Some soldiers clashed with the insurgents in the north-eastern part of the country

He wrote: "Wot Is D Essence Of D Nuisance Noise Dat Govt Is Making Dat They Ar Winning War Against Boko Haram While D Terrorist Ar Killing Nigeria Army One By One. Dis Govt Is Full Of Lies Like Lie Muhammed."

Alfa Abdullahi, a senior registrar at the Aminu Kano teaching hospital, Kano state, was quite different with his comment as he believes that the Nigerian army should look inward and change tactics so as to be able to win the war against the die-hard terror group.

According to him: "This is a very big set back on this war. There is need to look inward and change tactics."

Recently, Ibrahim Usman, one of the wounded Nigerian soldiers during the battle against Boko Haram terrorists, urged Nigerians to treat them the same way they are treating Chibok girls.

Usman was admitted to military hospital, Maimalari Cantonment, about three weeks ago after he was badly wounded in fight against Boko Haram terrorists.

The man said his both legs were broken after a vehicle conveying him and 9 fellow soldiers to Monguno in Borno north hit a mine planted by the terrorists.

He said: We need Nigerians to take care of us. Like this my injury, broken legs, they suppose to take me to a specialist hospital or abroad for a good treatment."

Source: Legit.ng
Former president, Goodluck Jonathan received a heros welcome when he visited Sokoto state to pay a condolence visit to the family of Ibrahim Dasuki.

The former president visited the family of the late Sultan on Thursday, November 17.

The former Sultan who is also the father to former national security adviser, Sambo Dasuki, died on Monday, November 14, evening at the National Hospital in Abuja.

Jonathan had earlier sent a condolence message and followed it up with a visit.

In what might be considered an unexpected reception, Sokoto youths carried placards hailing Jonathan and asking him to come back as president.

READ ALSO: 12 surprising facts about Ibrahim Dasuki

Although they were kept at bay by security details, the youths kept on chanting songs in honour of the former president.

See photos of the former president and how he was received by Sokoto youths below:

Source: Legit.ng
By PTI: Tirunelveli (TN), Nov 18 (PTI) Zoho today announced launch of Zoho Desk, the industrys maiden context-aware helpdesk software and first such product developed in rural India by a team in Tenkasi of southern Tamil Nadu.

Zoho Desk uses customer data from past interactions and from other Zoho products like Zoho CRM to organise tickets and intelligently present information to agents so that they can better understand a customers problem and resolve it effectively, a top company official said. "Zoho has challenged the conventional wisdom... We built the first software product from India when IT services were the rage and established them in the global market. We are now showcasing something that has never been done before: the first software product created in rural India, world-class in its refinement, competing with the best," said Zoho Corp Chief Executive Officer Sridhar Vembu. What started out five years ago as a small team of three engineers has developed into a team of over 150 people in rural surroundings near Tenkasi, added Vembu. "In an industry where companies have come to believe that the only location that matters in the cloud is a few square miles of downtown San Francisco, we are proving that a determined and sincere group of people can build path-breaking products anywhere," Vembu said. "We believe that rural talent should not have to leave home to find opportunity. Our broken urbanisation model creates severely overcrowded and polluted mega-cities and denudes rural areas of talent. That is why what Zoha Tenkasi is doing matters." Zoho Desk, the sixth product launched by the company this year, helps companies deliver the right solution at the right time. Its clean user interface packs innovations like Work Modes that helps agents send context-aware response, the Headquarters dashboard enabling visibility managers to make better decisions and the Team Feed to help the entire company participate in customer service. Vembu said Zoho Desk is available immediately and free up to 10 users. The company said Zoho was the only cloud platform that runs entire business and offers a comprehensive suite of business applications, specifically suited for small and medium businesses. It has 4,000 people working across six global locations to serve more than 20 million users across the world. Zoho is headquartered in Pleasanton, CA, with international headquarters in Chennai and has offices in Austin, London, Yokohama and Beijing. PTI COR VS ARD

--- ENDS ---

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Three suicide bombers suspected to be Boko Haram members have attempted to hit the Federal High Court in Jidari Polo area of Maiduguri, the Borno state capital on November 18, Friday.

Police operatives on the scene of the attack on November 18, Friday.

According to Sahara Reporters, the bombers could not do much harm as Nigerian police contingent stationed in a Catholic church nearby killed the attackers made up of a male and two females before they could impose damage to anybody.

The sources noted that one of the bombers, a female took off her suicide vest and ran towards the security operatives with her hands raised and was caught alive.

The attacker then set off her bomb which killed her male partner.

Police officers in the state told journalists that only the suicide bombers died in the attack.

READ ALSO: Heavy gun battle between army and Boko Haram in Maiduguri

The female bomber on the team who surrendered has been arrested and taken into custody by the Nigerian army.

Damian Chukwu, the commissioner of police, has confirmed to newsmen in Maiduguri that six people have been declared dead following the incident.

He said: "Side from the explosion near a mobile Police location in Jiddari, we had two other suicide bombings along Maiduguri-Gamboru road.

In the first case, a suspected male suicide bomber detonated his explosives after he was stopped at the entrance of the Muna Garage, killing himself instantly, Chukwu said.

He said that another suspected male suicide bomber detonated his explosives on the same road a few meters away, killing himself and two local vigilantes called Civilian JTF.

In all, we recorded six deaths, comprising four suspected bombers and two vigilantes.

This is the sixth or seventh suspected suicide attack in the last couple of days. The Police and other security agents are working hard to stop the ugly trend.

READ ALSO: Boko Haram ambushes Nigerian army

Before the Nigerian troops recapture Maiduguri, the capital of Borno state was epicentre of the Boko Haram insurgency,

Boko Haram has frequently used female and child suicide bombers to mount their attacks, particularly in the past year, as a Nigerian and regional military crackdown has stripped the group of the territory it once held.

Source: Legit.ng
Atlantic Shrimpers Limited (ASL), a leader in the Seafood segment in Sub-Saharan Africa, and number one in the Nigerian Fishery sub-sector, has unveiled its latest state-of-the-art shrimp farm located in a community in Badagry, Lagos state.

The facility that was commissioned on Wednesday, November 16 also holds the record of being the largest shrimp farm in the entire Sub-Saharan Africa.

The 160 hectares Shrimp Farm is the first of its kind in sub-Saharan Africa and will help to boost Nigerias production capacity in the seafood market. The Shrimp Farm will hatch, nurture and process shrimps on the Farm that will serve both Nigeria and the export market. The latest technological procedures and newly installed ultramodern equipment will ensure fresh top quality shrimps are readily available locally. This will contribute to Nigerias food security, improve Nigerias trade balance in international markets and create employment opportunities for thousands of Nigerians.

Arial View of the 160 hectares Atlantic Shrimp Farm

Conducting the commissioning exercise, His Excellency the Governor of Lagos Mr. Akinwunmi Ambode, represented by the Honourable Commissioner for Agriculture, Mr. Oluwatoyin Suarau, was pleased to note that the clarion call for investments in the agriculture sector has been answered by Atlantic Shrimpers Limited.

The Commissioner for Agriculture, Lagos State Ministry of Agriculture, Suara Isiaka Oluwatoyin Commissioning the Atlantic Shrimp farm, in Badagry, Lagos.

Suarau in his speech said: The Nigerian Government is keen to support local investments in agriculture. We must start looking inward and encourage development in areas where Nigeria has a competitive advantage. ASL has led the way by building this impressive facility. This farm will employ many Nigerians and will help the Nigerian economy generate foreign exchange when the products are exported. It will also go a long way to address food security in Nigeria.

The Commissioner further thanked ASL for siting the facility in Lagos and also taking the investment to Badagry as this will help in boosting the economic activities of the local community.

As the Commissioner for Agriculture in Lagos State I am happy when people bring such investments to the Centre of Excellence, but I am even happier when such investment is not just what people want but what they actually need. ASL has addressed several needs in Nigeria through this state of the art facility and Lagos State is proud to play host to it. Suarau said.

L-R: Managing Director, Atlantic Shrimpers Limited, Kamlesh Kabra; Officer, Notary Public, Bankole Animashaun; Executive Director/CEO, Nigerian Export Promotion Council, Olusegun Awolowo and The Commissioner for Agriculture, Lagos State Ministry of Agriculture, Suara Isiaka Oluwatoyin during the inauguration of Atlantic Shrimp farm, in Badagry, Lagos.

ASL has been active in shrimp trawling since the 1990s when they commenced with just 15 trawlers. Since then they have continuously invested in the Nigerian economy, growing the fleet to over 70 trawlers and investing in their own Dry Dock to facilitate in-house maintenance of the fleet. ASL also developed a value added processing factory, in-house lab, workshops and modern cold storage facilities.

On his part the Managing Director, Atlantic Shrimpers Limited, Kamlesh Kabra said: This new Shrimp Farm is proof of the companys continued dedication to investing in Nigeria. We are proud of the fact that we are developing products in which Nigeria has a competitive advantage, all of which are locally sourced and where Nigerians do the value addition in Nigeria. The companys tropical shrimps are distributed worldwide to over 20 countries, including all the European countries and the USA, bringing much-needed foreign exchange into the Nigerian economy. This Farm will substantially increase our export volumes and foreign exchange generation.

Atlantic Shrimpers Limited is the producer and exporter of top quality Prim7Stars brand of frozen seafood products from Nigeria. Atlantic Shrimpers Limited also produces and supplies frozen shrimp, fish and value added products to the Nigerian market through their own The Fish Shop retail outlets that ensures the products gets to the consumer at the best preserved quality.

The company has several outlets of The Fish Shop" located strategically across Lagos and Abuja, with more outlets being planned to ensure consumers are guaranteed fresh frozen and nutritious products.

Commending this massive investment, Nigerian Export Promotion Council, Mr. Olusegun Awolowo in his remark said that the opening of the largest shrimp farm in sub-Saharan Africa by Atlantic shrimpers could not have come at a better time than this in view of the global fall in oil price, and even as the Shrimp Farm initiative falls under the One-State-One-Product (OSOP) program, in which Lagos as a state is focusing on fisheries.

The Nigerian Export Promotion Council has the statutory role to champion the campaign of diversifying the nations non-oil export, and Atlantic Shrimpers Limited which is the number one company in the Fishery sub-sector, has also ranked amongst the top twenty non-oil exporting companies in Nigeria for the past six years. We are therefore proud to be associated with Atlantic Shrimpers limited in view of its commitment to non-oil export said Awolowo.

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Source: Legit.ng
A source close to the Babangida family has revealed that Rahama Ndimi, the estranged wife of Mohammed Babangida lied in her petition to top Nigerians over a planned abduction.

Ndimi has written a petition to President Muhammadu Buhari, the Sultan of Sokoto alleging that her former husband who is the son of the former head of state was going to kidnap her children while also claiming threat to her life.

A source close to the Babagida family who spoke on the condition of anonymity said the case was still in court and that Rahama was only trying to fool the people she was writing to.

READ ALSO: Rahama Indimi confirms split from Mohammed Babangida

The source said the estranged wife of Babangida was insincere in her allegation as she actually prevented the children from returning to school.

Read the statement below:

After failing in her bid to force the court to do her bidding, Rahama Ndimi is not done yet. She has through her lawyer petitioned the President Muhammadu Buhari, the Sultan of Sokoto, the Chief Justice of the Federation as well as the Inspector General of Police alleging harassment by Mohammed son to former military leader, Ibrahim Babangida. This is in spite of the fact that she has also decided not to obey a simple court order concerning her children's custody.

If the truth be told, Rahama is all out to drag her former husband and his family's name in the mud. She had through various text messages threatened to do this ever before the issue of. Custody of the kids went to court and this is exactly what she is doing now. To buttress this point, we can easily refer to the way in which she shouts that assassins and killer policemen are after her each time the court bailiff comes around to execute the court order or even when relations whom she knows visit to discuss issues relating to the kids.

The kids have been with their father even since she moved out of the family home in Minna about four years ago. She moved out on her own volition and left her kids. Despite all these, Mohammed still ensured that the family came together during vacation through holiday trips abroad. After the last one, she refused to allow the kids come back to Minna. Mohammed had allowed the kids to wait with her after the trip. She had to be cajoled into coming to Minna before the kids were returned to school.

At that point, efforts were made to ensure that she was placated with gifts and money. Unknown to Mohammed, she only took a break. When during the long vacation, the kids went to her again for another holiday, she refused to release them for school, for the second time.

Even when the Sharia Court that is presently hearing the custody suit decided that the children should be returned to their father so that the status quo be maintained, she refused it. She appealed against the decision of the Sharia Court and lost. Yet, she has refused to obey the Court order. Rather, she decided to put the kids in another school in Abuja. Meanwhile, each time court bailiff and policemen attempted to enforce the court order, she would take to Instagram claiming that her rights are being trampled upon.

READ ALSO: Mohammed Banbangida drags ex-wife to Sharia court

The latest effort, which involved a petition being sent to President Buhari and other top Nigerians is another step aimed at scandalising Mohammed and his family. What would a reasonable woman be looking for sending petitions to public figures when she has a case in court over the same issue?

Obviously, after she had failed to secure what she want through the court and social media, she has decided to try public figures hoping they will come to her rescue in a bid to perpetuate illegality. We also reliably gathered that her father had never at any point supported her moves as he had ab initio told her to take the kids back to their father.

READ ALSO: Hamisa Mobeto responds to Zari Hassan's rant on snapchat

Source: Legit.ng
Scientific cooperation to address concerns about the environment helped to foster detente between the United States and the Soviet Union in the 1970s, NYUs Rachel Rothschild concludes in a newly published paper. Her research, which appears in the journal Technology and Culture, underscores the role scientific cooperation can play in easing tense relations between governments.

Scientific partnerships, spearheaded by Norway, with Eastern Europes Communist bloc in the 1970s served as a foundation for international cooperation on environmental pollution despite ongoing Cold War frictions, says Rothschild, an assistant professor at NYUs Gallatin School of Individualized Study.

Her analysis centers on the European-wide monitoring programme (EMEP), which was designed to investigate the pollutants causing acid rain and began operations under the United Nations Economic Commission for Europe in 1977.

In her work, Rothschild finds that the impetus for cooperating across the Iron Curtain on air pollution monitoring came not from Soviet leader Leonid Brezhnev, as other historians have argued, but from a group of scientists and environmental officials in Norway working on acid rain in the early-to-mid-1970s.

Despite security concerns over disclosing power plant locations and resistance on placing pollution monitoring stations within the Soviet Union, the Scandinavian scientists were eventually able to secure the commitment of the Communist bloc to a European-wide environmental research programa breakthrough that resulted in limited technological cooperation.

This development, Rothschild observes, helped foster subsequent political relationships, which took hold, in part, at the United Nations.

Norway capitalized on the openings in the Iron Curtain provided by technological cooperation with the Eastern Bloc to begin earning their support for UN negotiations on acid rain, she writes. Norway was then able to generate enough political capital to bring Western polluters to the negotiating table in the late 1970s, culminating in the 1979 UN Convention on Long-range Transboundary Air Pollution.

Rothschild notes that the creation of the EMEP is evidence of how addressing global environmental concerns can pave the way for easing geopolitical conflicts.

EMEPs formation illuminates the importance of developing technological networks and international research projects on acid rain in furthering both detente among European countries as well as international research and policies for environmental protection, she concludes.


Brooklyn Brewery expands upstate, Pennsylvanians case out six-packs, Canadian retirees lose out on free beer and scientists Frankenstein a 220-year-old beer. Read on for this and more craft beer news.

Brooklyn Brewery has outgrown its borough. The esteemed Big Apple brewery will construct an $80 million brewery and warehouse in upstate New Yorks Orange County. Formative plans anticipate a 250,000 square foot facility. The brewery had been exploring sites on Staten Island and elsewhere in metro New York, but settled on the Orange County location as it offered the best option, to develop a facility that can handle our volume growth for decades to come, that gives us the flexibility and efficiency to produce the variety of craft beer styles that our global craft beer fans demand, and to be able to deliver those efficiently to all of our domestic and global markets, according to a blog post by Brooklyn Co-owner and CEO, Eric Ottaway. The missive went on to assure fans that they were still brewing in Brooklyn and efforts to build a new brewery in the Brooklyn Navy Yard were moving forward.

While quirks in Pennsylvanias blue laws allowed tipplers to buy six-packs to go at bars and convenience stores, they had to purchase by the case at any of the states 1,000+ beer distributors. That will all change in less than 60 days when new legislation passed by Governor Tom Wolf goes into effect. The legislation paves the way for patrons to purchase beer in any quantity at distributors. It will also allow the sale of alcohol at bars beginning at 9 a.m. even if the establishment does not serve food, and lift the ban on beer-of-the-month clubs that deliver directly to private residences.

For workers at Labatt, life after 60 just got a whole lot dryer. The Canadian brewery recently announced that it would do away with an employee perk that offered retirees free beer for life. Labattowned by AB In-Bevsays the cost of providing beer to retirees was prohibitive and the program would be phased out completely starting January 1, 2019. The reason for the change relates to the rising overall cost of maintaining a full benefits package, including health care coverage for retirees, said Labatt vice-president Lindsay King in a letter to employees published by CBC News. The brewery opened shop in Edmonton in 1962 and as part of the local union contract employees could look forward to kicking back with the equivalent of one case of Labatt a week for life once they punched their last time card. Not since Bob & Doug Mackenzie ran out of beer money have there been such disappointed Canadian beer drinkers.

In 1797 the Sydney Cove wrecked on Preservation Island off Tasmania en route to Port Jackson from Calcutta. 220 years later, yeast microbes from a recovered bottle of beer are being used to recreate the 18th century beer, dubbed Preservation Ale. The microbes are similar to those associated with Trappist ales and tasters have said the brew has a sweet, cider-like flavor. A scientist at the Queen Victoria Museumwhere an unopened bottle residesbelieves the beer was a high quality ale most likely destined for military officers in Port Jackson. The wreck also contained wine and various spirits along with lower quality beer for mass consumption. It is hoped that proceeds from the beer will help secure funding for the museum to maintain its collection of Sydney Cove artifacts.

Winners of the 13th annual European Beer Star competition were announced last week and American breweries received their fair share of decoration. The competition featured 2,103 beersa 7% increase from 2015from 44 countries in 57 different categories ranging from sourbier to ultra strong beer. 22 countries received medals including 27 American breweries. Ballast Point Brewing & Spirits led the pack with four total medals including three golds (Double IPA, Black Marlin and Barometer Drop). Firestone Walker Brewing Co. and Pelican Brewing Co. received three medals while Deschutes Brewery, FiftyFifty Brewing Co., Reubens Brews and Sierra Nevada Brewing Co. picked up two a piece.
Researchers in Arctic Russia are anticipating another mass starvation among Arctic reindeer this winter, making it the third such famine in the last ten years. Thanks, climate change.

Since 2006, 80,000 reindeer20,000 in 2006 and another 61,000 in 2013have starved to death due to unusual weather patterns caused by global warming, and, judging by weather patterns from this fall, scientists at the University of Lapland in Rovaniemi, Finland are projecting another mass starvation this winter.

Arctic sea ice retreats and unseasonally warm temperatures topple the region with heavy rains. This rain then freezes over the old snow, creating a thick layer of ice, often up to several tens of centimeters thick, completely cutting off the reindeers food supply of lichen and other vegetation.

This September saw the second-lowest level of sea ice over on record in the region, and scientists fear another famine is on its way.

If we see such events again this year, it could mean that theyre becoming more frequent, says Bruce Forbes, a researcher at the the University of Lapland. Now is the risk window, and if it happens again, it will be a major problem for traditional reindeer herders still suffering from losses in 2013, Forbes told the New Scientist.

And if traditional reindeer herders continue suffering, whos gonna pull Santas sleigh? Whos gonna appear alongside Tim Allen in the 30th installment of The Santa Clause? A moose sure as hell wont do.

Tom is a travel writer, part-time hitchhiker, and hes currently trying to imitate Where in the World is Carmen Sandiego? but with more sunscreen and jorts.
This column, Escape Artist, is a series about folks who have escaped. More importantly, this biweekly column is for those thinking about trading in their 9-to-5, leg-shackled-to-the-desk existences to forge their own way. The brave outliers featured in this collection of interviews are the digital nomads, online entrepreneurs and lifestyle trendsetters who decided it was time to say to hell with the humdrum and grab life by the roots.

Travel bloggers Howard Blount and Jerry Woods run Backroad Planet, a road trip and fly-drive travel site that focuses on scenic routes, offbeat sites and roadside attractions. Run by two men from Central Florida, the blog features destination guides to plan trips, as well as inside tips to travel their home state.

Paste Travel The escape the 9-to-5 mentality seems to be popular now. What are your impressions?

Howard Blount Its gaining popularity from increased exposure to the work of travel bloggers and their interactions on social media. Before I retired last year, I was always planning my next getaway. As a public school teacher, due to summer vacations and school holidays, I had more opportunities to travel than the average American worker. But it was never enough, and I was rapidly tiring of the educational deforms that tied my hands as a teacher at every turn. The stress was killing me, and I knew my days were numbered. So, I bit the bullet and retired! But lets be perfectly clear. Jerry and I will never become digital nomads. As much as we love to travel, we still need a place to call home.

Paste Travel What was the aha moment that sparked travel and the Backroad Planet site for you guys?

Howard: Backroad Planet came about as a plan to supplement my pension after retirement. I had published several educational books with major houses in the 1990s, so it only made sense to merge my two loves of travel and writing. Even though the anticipated date was still two years away, we launched the web site in September 2013.

Paste Travel Why did you decide to focus on the backroads and scenic routes?

Jerry: Soon after we met, we started taking day trips to local destinations I had discovered while riding my Harley around Central Florida. Howard was a bit disenchanted with Florida after spending time at his property in North Georgia. I wanted to remind him that the real Florida had some beautiful scenic drives and cool off-the-beaten-path destinations. Some of our earliest drives were to Solomons Castle in Ona, the ghost town of Brewster, and Cherry Pockets fish camp in Lake Wales.

Paste Travel Why is it important to you guys to focus on road trips in particular?

Howard: We enjoy air and rail travel, and we really love small ship cruises. But there is nothing better than packing a cooler, throwing it in the back of the Mountaineer, and hitting the road. We feature road travel at Backroad Planet because that is our favorite mode of travel, hands down. On a road trip you can take the roads-less-traveled, stop whenever you like, and you never know what adventures await around the bend.

Paste Travel The dream job and travel blogging mentality is also becoming more popular. Does the market seem saturated?

Howard: The travel blogging market is definitely saturated, but there is always room for people who love to travel and write, especially within specialized niches. We have colleagues who specialize in certain countries, specific styles of travel, and communities such as LGBT, solo travelers, or Boomers.

Paste Travel Whats one tip you have for readers who want to live a life like yours?

Howard: Many people think travel blogging is a way to score free trips. Sponsored travel opportunities are never free. They are always in exchange for articles, social media promotion, and other deliverables to our targeted audiences. I work longer hours now than I did when I was a classroom teacher. But Im not complaining. I love what I do. If you enjoy travel, have excellent writing skills, and are willing to invest time in the many diverse aspects of travel blogging, go for it.

Paste Travel What are you most excited to focus on in 2017?

Howard: One thing I love about being a full-time travel blogger is the anticipation of the next day. You never know what opportunities will present themselves by way of your inbox, social media, or an unexpected phone call. In September, for example, I booked an impact cruise to the Dominican Republic. Impact cruising is a new category of tourism, where passengers do onboard training during days at sea in preparation to work with social and environmental organizations at the destination. I believe this is a great way to invest in our planet, and I look forward to doing more of it.

Carolyn Crist is a freelance journalist based in Georgia. She writes about travel, health and business for regional and national publications.
Food isnt without its trends, and Asian cuisine appears to be dominating the conversation. We saw it last year with Filipino food, and this year Singaporean food has received serious hype. It also helps when you have iconic organizations backing you up. Last Friday (November 11), the James Beard Foundation (JBF) held its annual Fall Gala and Fundraiser with the nights theme called Singapores Culinary Crossroads, raising almost $250,000 for programming and scholarships. A spotlight from the countrys premier culinary organization is a big deal, and its another milestone win for Singapore.

Singapore has been very much in the news this year with President Obama welcoming Prime Minister Lee [Hsien Loong] in the White House for a State Dinner, said JBF President Susan Ungaro, also noting when Michelin Guide awarded stars to Singapores local food venues over the summer. The time was right for us to do an East and West combination dinner, and its wonderful when we can celebrate countries that are little a bit more unexplored by people who really love food.

Inside the Rainbow Room at Rockefeller Plaza, Singaporean and American chefs worked together to elevate their respective culinary heritage. We figured we wanted a few U.S.-based chefs cooking with Singapores best chefs and thats how we did it, explained Ungaro, who had helped from Singapore Tourism Board in selecting their countrys finest chefs. Those chefs are: LG Han of Restaurant Labyrinth, Yew Eng Tong of Ocean Restaurant by Cat Cora and Cheryl Koh of Tarte by Cheryl Koh and two Michelin-starred Les Amis. The US-based host chefs were Rainbow Rooms very own Robert Aikens and Pastry Chef Kyung Kim as well as JBF Award Winner chef Alfred Portale of Gotham Bar & Grill and chef, restaurateur and television personality Cat Cora.

As the host pastry chef, Kim assisted Koh and her team in creating a savory Dessert Lounge that featured Kohs Singapore Sling Chocolate Egg Shooters and Kims Matcha Cakes with Yuzu Curd. Koh, who was named one of Asias Best Pastry Chefs this year, uses tropical fruits in her tartes to bring out the local flavors. I havent been here long enough to see the Singaporean food scene here, said Koh. But then I think this gala dinner would be a nice way to highlight what we have to offer in Singapore and taste the cuisine and the different spices and tropical fruits and flavors that we have.

And the nights main menu was just as spectacular. The four-course dinner featured a main dish each from Cora, Tong, Han and Portale (Aikens was in charge of creating the tasting menu during the VIP reception prior to the dinner). Cora prepared the Langoustine-Daikon Ravioli with Langoustine Emulsion as the first course; Tong did the second course with Compressed Rougie Duck Foie Gras with Sauternes Jelly; meanwhile, Miso Blue Lobster with Burnt Chile Cream and Black Pepper Tuile was the third course by Han; and lastly Singaporean Braised Beef Short Rib with Coconut Jasmine Rice was made by Portalle as the final course.

Ungaro called Singapore a food lovers paradise citing influences from Malaysia, China, India and more, but it is also the kind of food in which you cant follow its recipe so easily. Just ask Han. The banker-turned-chef explained that one has to grow up eating and tasting Singaporean food to know not only the recipes but the flavors. In his Restaurant Labyrinth, Han said that he is representing Singaporean food through his own eyes while showcasing innovative interpretations of Singaporean cuisines. He calls his approach Neo-Singapore cuisine which represents post-modern cuisine but also respecting the food of his country. Its about re-exploring and researching the traditions and at the same time pushing the envelope, Han further explained. He also hopes that Singaporean cuisine can follow suit in fame with other Asian cuisines like Korean, Japanese, Chinese, Thai or Indian. It is a bit of a journey, he added. Were not just a restaurant. Were here to entertain people and challenge people as well.

Last month, I asked Are We Having an International Singaporean Food Moment? and I got my answer that night at the Gala Dinner. But the great thing about certain food or an entire cuisine ascending to the food world is that it isnt just about what makes it so enticing; its also about, as Han puts it, the journey. Who knows if Singaporean cuisine can eventually be up there with the other Asian cuisines, but right now, Singaporean food is getting talked about as well as garnering recognition abroad and domestically. On the same name as the gala, Singaporean-born chef Simpson Wongs Chomp Chomp was included in Michelins 2017 list of New York restaurants that earned the Bib Gourmand distinction. And maybe thats where the journey is at this moment for Singaporean food.

Kristina Bustos is a Midwestern-bred writer who likes her food as much as her pop culture. She now calls New York City home. You can find her other work on The Riveter, Digital Spy and Essence. Holla at your girl at @krisbustos.
Lagunitas was originally founded in 1993 on the kitchen stove of its founder, Tony Magee. Tony was quickly evicted from his wifes kitchen and forced to relocate to a building down the road in Forest Knolls, California. However, since Lagunitas was already on all his licensing paperwork, and because its fun to say, Magee decided to keep the name.

Lagunitas was in Forest Knolls for eight months before a septic issue forced relocation again, and Magee found a spot in Petaluma where the brewery has remained ever since.

Today, Lagunitas is a massive operation, where much of its beer is available year round around the country. While the brewery is definitely best known for its iconic IPA, it also makes a number of other equally tasty brews that are worthy of a spot in your fridge.

We recently took a tour of Lagunitas Petaluma facilitysomething we definitely recommend you do as well if youre ever in the area. Take a look at the gallery for a taste of what we saw.

1 of 17 Lagunitas' Petaluma facility is massive.

2 of 17 The original bar at Laguintas is now its employee break room.

3 of 17 This beauty is Lagunitas' original bottling line. It's now on display in the employee break room.

4 of 17 This was the draft list the day we visited

5 of 17 Everyone who does the tour at Lagunitas also gets to try some of its brews. While you can get Lagunitas all over the country, there are often one-off beers at its Petaluma facility you won't be able to find anywhere else.

6 of 17 The Lagunitas gift shop even has something for the smallest fans.

7 of 17 Take your growler game up a notch with one of these beauties.

8 of 17 Who says books have to be boring?

9 of 17

10 of 17 As you might imagine by the dog on the label, Lagunitas is very dog friendly.
Photo by Brian Colson CC BY-NC-ND

Spain has a lot to offer the intrepid culinary explorer, and nowhere more so than in the coastal city of San Sebastian, in the countrys northern Basque Country. The coastal city is home to three of Spains five Michelin-star restaurants and also the birthplace of its thriving txokos traditiontxokos being the exclusive experimental gastronomy societies that have been meeting to cook and dine together since the 19th century.

Easily the best way for a visitor to get a taste for the citys love affair with food is by partaking in its lively and unique pintxos tradition.

As the sun begins to set in San Sebastian, locals and visitors emerge to explore the streets, stopping into 50-plus bars and eateries that offer a diverse array of small dishes, which are meant to be enjoyed standing up. Think tapas, in the perambulatory mode of a pub crawl, crossed with window shopping. Local cooks clearly relish the task of making a strong impression on your palate with their miniature concoctions, and theres a blissful community spirit to the tradition, with plenty of well-tanned San Sebastian natives out and about.

Put on sensible walking shoes for the ideal evening of pintxos crawling at these five essential San Sebastian destinations.

With a terrace space overlooking the River Urumea, Kata 4 is a perfect post-siesta spot to rouse the taste buds and enjoy the fresh coastal air. Its also one of the best spots around for delicious seafood and vegetarian pintxos. The mussels and head-on shrimp are divine, but for something truly exotic, seek out the oak-smoked percebesthat is, Galician goose barnacles. The popular Spanish delicacy doesnt look exceptionally edible until you coax off its leathery sleeve, revealing a delicious fleshy finger underneath. Fortunately, the gracious servers at Kata 4 will be only too happy to advise on proper barnacle-handling technique.

On the stroll from Kata 4, you might stop at the Plaza de la Constitucion, a square originally designed for bullfights. Happily, the dishes at Casa Urola offer an antidote from any bloodthirsty imaginings. This establishment, and its chef Paco Loureiro Rodil, are renowned for pintxos offerings that are both tasty and stylish. Esparragos frescos con mahonesa (white asparagus with mayo) and cazuelita de ajoarriero (mule drivers casserole made with cod and garlic) are big hits, but the spring salad is nothing short of ingenious: langostino and mesclun, zizas (St. Georges mushrooms), breadcrumbs, foie and shrimp, with a surprising coffee vinaigrette as an eccentrically delicious final touch. Look out for the ensalada de primavera con vinagreta de cafe on the handy chalkboard menu.

When it comes to pintxos offerings, Calle 31 de Agosto is probably the most vibrant thoroughfare in San Sebastian, spanning the comfortingly traditional (Bar La Vina at number three, more of which later) to the ultramodern (A Fuego Nero at number 31). It was the only street in San Sebastian not burned down in the 1813 war of independence against Napoleons troops. Youll spot number seventhe historic La Cepa, which opened in 1948by its alluring preponderance of dangling meats. This is the stop to indulge in heartier, more carnivorous pintxos fare, along the lines of deviled eggs, steak, potatoes and some truly mouth-watering jamon. Try the hongos a la plancha (grilled wild mushrooms with confit egg yolk) or bocadillo de jamon (paper-thin slices of Iberico ham and melted Manchego on baguette). Back when Jamon Iberico was unavailable in the U.S., it even got a shoutout in a Spanish-language action film, Perdita Durango: Illegal, but delicious.)

Hopefully youve still left room for meat, because the griddled foie gras on toast and solomillo (tender sirloin cuts) at Casa Gandarias are a must. As if to confirm its status as a must-visit on any travelers pintxos route, its one of the few San Sebastian pintxos locations with an English menu online. As youll see, the light bites on offer are plentiful: keep an eye out for the barbecue duck skewers, grilled baby squids (drizzled with their own squid ink) and creamy Idiazabel (sheeps milk cheese) served with sweet quince paste. Its the perfect late-night, penultimate pintxos destinationstill abuzz as others are beginning to shut up shop around midnight.

Among the pintxos offerings piled on the counter at this family-owned bar are boquerones (pickled anchovies with diced garlic) and an octopus salad, but lets be honest: by now, youre ready for dessert. No evening spent sampling the tastes of San Sebastian would be complete without experiencing La Vinas signature baked cheesecake, a light and golden concoction that locals speak about in hushed tones. Same time tomorrow?

Darryn King is an arts writer and critic based in New York.
Playground Poker Fall Classic Comes to an End; Pascal Lefrancois Wins High Roller for $128,000

November 18, 2016 Anthony Charter

The final three events of the 2016 Playground Poker Fall Classic concluded early Friday morning, closing out the festival with a bang. Event #14: $1,650 NL Holdem Second Chance, Event #15: $10,400 NL Holdem High Roller, and Event #17: $330 NL Holdem Bounty each crowned a winner as the last champions trophies found their home.

Event #14: $1,650 NL Holdem Second Chance:

Day 2 began with the bubble looming as 21 hopefuls returned, but only the top 17 left with a prize. With several notables in the mix, Christopher Fisher navigated the field best and walked away with a cool $37,295 and the champions trophy.

Samuel Tsehai and David Jeanneau-Cyr were among the first to exit followed by bubble buster Farzad Zare, leaving the remaining players in the money. Thomas Lefort would soon fall in 15th before the elimination ofHarley S in 11th paved the way for the final table.

Fisher found himself in the middle of the pack as play at the final table resumed. Erik Lemarquand was crippled by Francois Bergeron and moments later became the first casualty. A very short-stackedOlivier Boyer departed next in ninth. Fisher picked up a big pot while busting Marton Szlavy, his ace-king outdrawing Szlavys pocket queens.

Jordan Saccucci had Terry Flood all in and dominated to bring the event to six-handed. Bergeron was the next player at risk, needing to win a race holding ace-queen to Saccuccis two fives. Bergeron hit an ace on the flop but a five came as well and Bergeron bowed out in sixth. Paul Petten got it in bad against Theodore Doukas and wasnt able to improve, falling in fifth. Start of day chip leader Kenneth Lindgren couldnt get much going at the final table and fell victim to Fisher, hitting the rail in fourth place.

The final three players paused the clock to discuss numbers and came to terms on a deal splitting the prize pool based on ICM, leaving $4,000 aside for the eventual champ. With almost all the money already locked up, play loosened up and soon after, Saccucci was eliminated, setting up a heads-up battle for $4,000 and the trophy.

With Fisher in the lead, Doukas found a couple double ups and was looking good to score a third straight when he got his chips in the middle, having the best of it with king-six. Fisher had two live cards holding ten-seven of spades, and as the flop spread out revealing two sevens, Fisher took the lead and faded the turn and river to capture the title.

Final table results:

Place Name Prize 1 Christopher Fisher $37,295.00 2 Theodore Doukas $31,000.00 3 Jordan Saccucci $43,150.00 4 Kenneth Lindgren $12,760.00 5 Paul Petten $9,720.00 6 Francois Bergeron $8,240.00 7 Terry Flood $7,160.00 8 Marton Szlavy $6,280.00 9 Olivier Boyer $5,550.00 10 Erik Lemarquand $4,910.00

Event #15: $10,400 NL Holdem High Roller:



Pascal Lefrancois

After the field was narrowed from 44 to 21 during Day 1, the remaining players returned for Day 2 with big money on the line. Just six of them would leave with a prize. The first few to depart on Thursday included Jack Gong, defending High Roller champ Marc-Etienne McLaughlin, Darren Elias and Keven Stammen.

A final table was soon formed but not before Dylan Wilkerson, Senthuran Vijayaratnam and final table bubble buster Dean Murphy said their goodbyes. The final table of nine was set but there was still a lot of work to do with only six of them getting paid. Manig Loeser hit the rail first, getting coolered by Cate Halls pocket aces. A short-stacked Martin Raus fell to Lefrancois in eighth when his queen-six got crushed by Lefrancois ace-nine.

The bubble lasted for almost a full level before Anthony Zinno ran into Lefrancois. Zinno put himself at risk with ace-deuce, but Lefrancois woke up with two tens and Zinno popped the bubble, busting in seventh. Peter Chien earned a min-cash for a sixth-place effort, finding himself dominated against Radoja. A nasty cooler spelled the end for Cate Hall. Calling a five-bet shove from Lefrancois, Halls ace-king was crushed by Lefrancois two aces and she took her leave in fifth.

Ari Engel chose the wrong time to three-bet shove on Radoja and looked down to see Radoja table pocket-kings. Engel had a chance holding ace-ten but no help came and he dropped out in fourth. An ill-timed blind-versus-blind shove ended Lucas Greenwoods run. Greenwood had open-shoved on Lefrancois big blind with queen-nine and Lefrancois made the call turning over king-jack. Both hit a pair on the flop but Lefrancois was best and Greenwood was eliminated in third place.

With a deal already in place, Radoja and Lefrancois played back at each other for a few hands before all the chips ended up in the middle. On the final hand, Radoja limped from the small blind and Lefrancois shoved. Radoja had been trapping with ace-queen, making the call, and was ahead of Lefrancois king-three. After fading the flop, Lefrancois paired his three on the turn and faded the river to claim the 2016 Playground Poker Fall Classic High Roller.

Final table results:

Place Name Prize 1 Pascal Lefrancois $128,000.00 2 Mark Radoja $120,000.00 3 Lucas Greenwood $56,000.00 4 Ari Engel $40,000.00 5 Caitlin Hall $32,000.00 6 Peter Chien $24,000.00 7 Anthony Zinno $0.00 8 Martin Raus $0.00 9 Manig Loeser $0.00

Event #17: $330 NL Holdem Bounty:

The final event of the 2016 Fall Classic always has the most fun atmosphere. Staff at Playground, if lucky enough to have the night off, are able to enter and its the last chance players have to make a big score. Jason Trottier made the most of the opportunity, reaching a deal with heads-up opponent Mike Saragossi that saw both men leave with over $8,000.

The $330 Bounty has long been the closing event of festivals at Playground. The structure is simple: $200 to the prize pool, $100 bounty for every elimination. When registration closed, a total of 234 entries had been received, surpassing the $30,000 guarantee.



Jason Mann, Ruben Perceval, Shawn Daigle, Pierre Paulin, Yan Nadeau, Jason Conforti, Paul Sokoloff

Recent WPT National Montreal winner Tommy Coulombe was the first to depart in the money, earning a min-cash of $440 for 24th. The eliminations flowed quickly until the final table was reached. A time went by without an elimination and then fittingly so, Gianfranco Giordano scored a double knockout. Having the best hand preflop with pocket eights, Giordano flopped a set to beat Ian Tangs pocket threes and Paul Dalrymples ace-queen.

Malawai Hoyer and Bob T would soon join them on the rail, as did Nectarios Lazaris and Giordano soon after. Martin Dyotte would be the last to fall before a deal was made. The final three players agreed to chop the remaining prize pool evenly, leaving $950 to play for. Jean-Luc Joseph was eliminated in third place when his ace-eight was bested by Trottiers pocket tens, setting up a heads-up battle.

Trottier began heads-up play with the chip lead but Saragossi soon closed the gap. The two asked the tournament staff to make an exception and allow the them to split the remainder and close the event. Trottier expressed interest in the trophy and an agreement was reached that Trottier would take the win and the bonus cash in exchange for his nine bounties.

Final table results:

Place Name Prize 1 Jason Trottier $8,196.00 2 Mike Saragossi $7,245.00 3 Jean Luc Joseph $7,245.00 4 Martin Dyotte $4,160.00 5 Gianfranco Giordano $3,140.00 6 Nectarios Lazaris $2,360.00 7 Bob T $1,780.00 8 Malawai Hoyer $1,340.00 9 Ian Tang $1,010.00 10 Paul Dalrymple $760.00

Sharelines Christopher Fisher took Playground Poker Fall Classic's Event #14: $1,650 NL Holdem Second Chance.

Pascal Lefrancois won Playground Poker Fall Classic's Event #15: $10,400 NL Holdem High Roller.

Jason Trottier nabbed the champion title of Playground Poker Fall Classic's Event #17.
Contact

Andrea Kovac, Marketing Manager at GIS Cloud

***@giscloud.com Andrea Kovac, Marketing Manager at GIS Cloud

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-- GIS Cloud solution for the Police of Chile was presented at the IBERPOL, 3rd Summit of Police Chiefs on November 16th, 2016, in front of the President of Chile - Michelle Bachelet, 13 Chiefs of Police from different countries and 40 majors of Chile municipalities.The meeting also included representatives of police forces from 22 countries: Andorra, Argentina, Bolivia, Brazil, Colombia, Costa Rica, Cuba, Ecuador, El Salvador, Spain, Guatemala, Honduras, Mexico, Nicaragua, Panama, Paraguay, Peru, Portugal, Dominican Republic, Uruguay and Venezuela, and Chile.The presentation, which took place in the capital of Chile, Santiago, was held by the National Police of Chile (Carabineros)Director, Victor Herrera Pintor.The technical team that implemented "Community Police Managment Analysis" system, built on the GIS Cloud customized API, Map Editor,and Map Portal apps, consisted of 2 software developers, 4 cartographers and 2 members of the police. Patricio Llanos from Teramaps ( http://teramaps.cl/ ) GIS Cloud partners for Chile, responsible for introducing the system to Chilean police, stated that the system was implemented very successfully, with more than 1. 200 map views in the first day of use.On the occasion of releasing the new GIS system for the police of Chile, the President of Chile Michelle Bachelet noted:Public safety must be confronted with a global, transversal approach, involving our entire society, facing new criminal challenges with all our professional and technological skills.-- About GIS Cloud:GIS Cloud, launched in 2010, is one of the leading cloud GIS providers in the market. Offering a range of mobile and web-based applications, GIS Cloud provides solutions for many different industries, focusing on the development of an intuitive platform with unmatched collaboration and sharing capabilities. Learn more at www.giscloud.com
Contact

Jon Agustin

jon@healthy- wiser.com Jon Agustin

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-- In a study conducted by conservation scientists as published on the website Cool Green Science, climate change will reportedly affect irrigation in many farmlands in South and Southwest United States. The study has shown that states such as Idaho, Montana and Colorado are required to increase water levels that are needed for irrigation.Drought brought by climate change has affected the Southern and the Western regions in the U.S., making farmers worry about the quality of water for the crops planted on those fields."While the use of wetting agents and soil surfactants can help to stretch shrinking water supplies, the story does not end there," an article on Aquatrols Blog stated. "With an increasing reliance on recycled or effluent water, there should be equal concern over water quality."Experts have advised on regularly testing your irrigation water to ensure their safety for the crops. Aquatrols Blog noted that unsafe water will seep through the soil which might affect the health and growth of your plants. One of the efficient ways known to determine the safety of irrigation water is to perform some tests. Testing your irrigation water will get information on salinity and sodium problems on your land.The blog advised that you determine the perfect testing procedure for your irrigation water before starting the actual test. Make sure that you have a "baseline for making management recommendations and tracking improvements."HealthyWiser is a known brand when it comes to testing the quality of water systems. It offers a TDS EC meter that has professional-grade water testing kit for drinking water, aquarium, hydroponics, water purifier systems and even irrigation water. The product has been known for its quality three-in-one meter that provides accurate results for your water testing needs. Among its other uses are for waste waters, laboratories, water spas, water treatments and more.The company is a trusted brand in providing health solutions that concerns wellness and beauty. Aside from the TDS EC meter, it also has products such as Vitamin C serum, eye roll-ons, pH test strips, nail care system, ketone test strips and digital pH meter.If you want to know more about their TDS EC meter, visit the Amazon page to read details and features of the product. Feel free to leave reviews and comments if you have used the product.Sources:
By: Cigno Family Dental

Tony Cigno

Contact

CelebritySites

***@celebritysites.com CelebritySites

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-- Wisconsin Dentist Tony Cigno recently published an article titled, "Proper Brushing with Braces  It's Not Necessarily Easy but It's Oh So Important!"As Dr. Cigno explains, if you have braces, there are likely few other times in your life when proper tooth brushing and dental care is so important. Although, he adds, it definitely isn't easy. "The key," he adds, "is knowing the right way to brush when you have braces on your teeth and knowing what to avoid too!"Dr. Tony Cigno then goes on to give three key tips for brushing with braces and two bonus tips for braces care.First, he instructs, be sure to use the right toothbrush for brushing with braces. There are manual and electric toothbrushes specifically made for people who are wearing braces.Then, he discusses how to actually brush in the right way, cautioning that brushing harder is not always better. Primarily, because hard brushing puts the wearer at risk of knocking braces out of alignment or damaging brackets. Furthermore, brushing the teeth too hard while wearing braces can destroy cementum-the natural substance produced in the mouth and key to the effectiveness of braces.Additionally, Dr. Cigno gives tips for flossing while wearing braces and advice for proper braces dental care.The entire article can be found here: http://www.cignodental.com/ proper-brushing- with-braces/ Dr. Antonio (Tony) Cigno has been practicing dentistry for 25 years. Dr. Cigno received a DMD from the Washington University School of Dental Medicine in St. Louis, Missouri. Dr. Cigno is also finishing a Fellowship and Mastership at the Academy of General Dentistry and has written several published articles. He is a member of the Academy of General Dentistry, American Association of Functional Orthodontics, and the International Association of Orthodontics. Dr. Cigno was Wisconsin's very 1st and Premiere Provider of Fastbraces and one of 10 senior master affiliates in the world.Committed to continuing education, Dr. Cigno has completed over 600 hours of additional courses in implant dentistry, orthodontics, endodontics, periodontics, fixed prosthodontics, myofascial pain/occlusion and operative dentistry. He also has another 400 hours in interpersonal communication training.
Florida's Rapidly Growing Business Phone Company, VoiceOnyx, Celebrates Its 10 Year Anniversary by Announcing an Industry Changing Business Listing Service

By: VoiceOnyx

1 2 3 4 5 Business - Phone - Florida Polycom Business Meeting VoiceOnyx On-Site Installations Polycom VVX 400 Polycom VVX D60

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-- VoiceOnyx Business Phone Service & Systems is now offering a complimentary business listing service that brings back the idea behind the once very successful Yellow Pages Phone Book. In years past, obtaining a Yellow Pages listing was vital for business marketing  as it allowed companies to be found by their potential customers.Eventually, the Internet evolved and ultimately changed the way we search for products and services from local businesses. Although most companies hope for incoming traffic over the phone, it takes a wealth of marketing knowledge and effort to make their phones ring."History shows us that once the incumbent telephone companies found the phone book business unprofitable, they divested their interests or stopped publishing their business listings altogether. They forgot about the importance of the customer relationship and how important it was for some small businesses that relied on this simple but effective form of marketing," says Edward Warren, operations manager at the Orlando headquarters.VoiceOnyx is bringing back to life the abandoned responsibility of the telephone company by providing a groundbreaking internet listing platform, VoiceOnyx Presence . For those customers who opt-in, business listing information will be syndicated to over 300 online business directories and local listing websites. For VoiceOnyx customers, the resulting effect will yield greater search engine rankings, accurate business information, and enhanced credibility."We are very excited to be offering this service to our customers. We have a vested interest in their success and ability to be found by their prospective customers," says Elizabeth Allen.According to a recent study conducted by Invoca, the ratio of people who would rather call a business than fill out a form online is more than double. "In a world of emails and text messages, some businesses have forgotten about how important a good old fashioned phone conversation is for their customer service and reputation,"continues Elizabeth. The study also shares that 46% of customers want to call a business to get a quick answer when they are in need of expert advice. "We don't want our customers to miss out on any opportunities!"The VoiceOnyx Presence platform will complement their free Business Listing service with additional value added services such as Social Media Marketing and Reputation Management. "We want our customers to have all the tools not only to drive customers to their websites but also to their phone numbers. It is a win-win for everyone, and we look forward to reinventing what the Yellow Pages did for businesses a decade ago," concludes Edward Warren.
By: Doobert.com

Contact

Maddie Fiello

***@doobert.com Maddie Fiello

End

-- Recently, media across the nation featured an innovative animal rescue transport system based out of Pewaukee, WI.WNEM of Midland, WI and The Daily Progress of Charlottesville, VA both recently featured volunteers from Doobert.com in news stories. Doobert.com volunteers are dedicated to transporting rescue animals to safety across the country.Volunteers use the custom-built software on Doobert.com to save animals by volunteering, fostering, and/or transporting animals. This software helps solve the most difficult aspect of coordinating animal rescues: transportation. With Doobert.com, animal lovers around the country come together to bring animals to their forever homes.Doobert's recent updates bring the software to the forefront of animal rescue. Now, drivers and transport coordinators involved in an animal rescue transport can give each other feedback on the transports and earn acknowledgment for their work. Doobert also now has a feature for volunteers to track charitable milesVolunteers and organizations can sign up for free to rescue more animals at http://www.Doobert.com
Hesburger is coming to Bulgarian market. Its first owned premises, acquired with the help of the real estate consultant Colliers International, is located in Lovech and is expected to start operations at the beginning of 2017.The total number of restaurants, planned by the chain for the next year, is at

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Pandox has entered into an agreement with Invesco Real Estate to acquire seven hotel properties in Europe  four in Germany, two in Austria and one in the Netherlands  with a total of 1,744 rooms. The acquisition price amounts to 415 million, corresponding to approximately SEK 4,100 million, on

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Researchers at the University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus have found that high doses of vitamin D reduce the incidence of acute respiratory illness (ARI) in older, long-term care residents.

The findings of the clinical trial, published today in the Journal of the American Geriatrics Society, could help reduce one of the leading causes of serious illness, debilitation and death among patients in nursing homes and other long-term care facilities.

"After studying these patients for a year, we found a 40 percent reduction in acute respiratory illness among those who took higher doses of vitamin D," said the study's lead author, Adit Ginde, MD, MPH, professor of emergency medicine at the University of Colorado School of Medicine. "Vitamin D can improve the immune system's ability to fight infections because it bolsters the first line of defense of the immune system."

Ginde said in older people that first line of defense is often impaired. But vitamin D can reinforce it and prevent illnesses like pneumonia, influenza and bronchitis.

It may also prevent infections and exacerbations of Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) like emphysema.

At the same time, Ginde found that those who received higher doses of vitamin D also saw an increase in falls. The falls were lower in those given smaller doses rather than higher monthly doses of vitamin D.

The clinical trial, the first to examine vitamin D's impact on respiratory infections in nursing home residents, looked at 107 patients with an average age of 84 over a 12 month period. Of those, 55 received high doses of vitamin D or 100,000 units monthly (averaging 3,300-4,300 units daily). And 52 received lower doses averaging between 400-1,000 units daily. Those with higher doses saw ARIs cut nearly in half. They also had over double the incidence of falls, the study said.

"This finding requires a confirmatory trial, including whether high daily doses of vitamin D, rather than high monthly doses, makes patients less likely to fall," Ginde said.

But Ginde said the primary finding that vitamin D can reduce ARI is a major step forward in treating these dangerous infections.

"This is a potentially life-saving discovery," Ginde said. "There is very little in a doctor's arsenal to battle ARI, especially since most are viral infections where antibiotics don't work. But vitamin D seems able to potentially prevent these infections."

He cautioned that the study is not definitive proof that vitamin D can prevent ARI but it suggests that it can and at little risk to the patient.

"If our results are confirmed by a larger trial, high dose vitamin D, ideally using daily dosing to minimize fall risk, has the potential for substantial public health benefit through ARI prevention for the large and growing population of long term care residents," Ginde said.
A new study in rats could begin to explain why allergies during pregnancy are linked to higher risks for attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder and autism in children.

Researchers at The Ohio State University found significant changes in the brain makeup of fetuses and newborn rats exposed to allergens during pregnancy.

Animals that lived to adulthood after allergen exposure before birth showed signs of hyperactivity and antisocial behavior and decreased anxiety, found a research team led by Kathryn Lenz, an Ohio State assistant professor of psychology.

"This is evidence that prenatal exposure to allergens alters brain development and function and that could be an underappreciated factor in the development of neurodevelopmental disorders," said Lenz, who presented her research Nov. 16 in San Diego at Neuroscience 2016, the annual meeting of the Society for Neuroscience.

Though there are established links between allergies and ADHD and autism -- as well as between inflammation and risk of autism, schizophrenia and ADHD -- the cellular-level changes that could contribute to those connections largely remain a mystery.

Autism and ADHD are both three to four times as common in boys than in girls, Lenz said. And so she and her collaborators set out to look for sex differences in the rats as well.

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"We're really interested in figuring out unknown factors in psychological disorders and in differences between male and female brain development as it relates to autism, ADHD and other disorders," Lenz said.

To study the effects of allergies on offspring, researchers sensitized female rats to ovalbumin (found in egg whites) before pregnancy. Then, 15 days into their pregnancies, they exposed them to the allergen, prompting an immune response in the animals.

They analyzed whether prenatal allergen exposure changed the number and behavior of immune cells in the developing brain of offspring. They explored possible changes in young rats' physical activity, anxiety-like behavior, ability to learn and sociability. And they examined the density of dendritic spines in the juvenile animals' brains. The spines protrude from neurons and are vital to cellular-level communication in the brain.

Rats exposed to allergens before birth had higher levels of immune cells called mast cells in the brain and lower numbers of immune cells called microglia, regardless of the animals' gender.

Animals with allergic mothers were hyperactive, but had lower levels of anxiety-like behavior. When they interacted with other juvenile rats, the males in the allergen group were less likely to roughhouse with their peers.

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"Young rats engage in social play and males are more rough and tumble and usually play much more than females," Lenz said.

"The males born to the allergen-exposed mothers looked more like females. They were more socially reserved. They were really hyperactive, but socially disengaged. That looks a bit like ADHD."

And when the researchers looked at the animals' ability to be mentally flexible, the rats born to allergic mothers had a tougher time, Lenz said.

"They have to use rules to find a reward -- a Cheerio in a terracotta pot -- and the rules we give them keep shifting," Lenz said, explaining that in one test the treat might be in a pot covered in sandpaper and in another test it might be in a pot covered in velvet.

The rats in the allergen group weren't as capable of adapting to the changing parameters of the test, and the males had deficits that were more significant than the females.

Early data from the study shows that the dendritic spines -- the points of synaptic connection between cells in the frontal cortex of the animals' brains -- were decreased in males with allergy exposure and increased in their female counterparts.
Finally, psychologists have discovered a type of face that men are better at identifying than women: the faces on Transformer toys.

It's a first. All previous scientific studies have found that either women are better than men at identifying faces or there is no gender difference.

"One of the suggestions of this prior work is that that women are inherently better than men at recognizing faces," said Isabel Gauthier, David K. Wilson Professor of Psychology at Vanderbilt University, who conducted the new study with graduate student Kaitlin Ryan. "But we believe that experience plays a major role in facial recognition so we tried to come up with some way to test our hypothesis regarding this gender difference."

The approach they hit upon was testing people's ability to identify the faces of the toys they played with as children. The researchers' intuition was that men may have played more with Transformers then Barbies when they were younger, and vice versa for women, and they confirmed this by surveying people about their experience playing with these toys.

"So women had much more experience studying Barbie faces and men had much more experience studying Transformer faces. That difference in experience was just what we needed," said Gauthier.

To take advantage of this difference, the researchers designed a study that compared men's and women's ability to recognize male faces, female faces, Barbie doll faces, Transformer faces and, as a control category, different kinds of cars. The results are described in the article "Gender Differences in Recognition of Toy Faces Suggest a Contribution of Experience" published online by the journal Vision Research on Nov. 3.

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The test consisted of giving participants a group of six images to study, and then presenting them with a series of trials that showed them three images -- one from the initial set and two that they hadn't seen before -- and asking them to identify the familiar image. They did this with male faces, female faces, Barbie doll faces, Transformer faces and different automobiles.

(There is a popular misconception that all Barbie dolls have the same face. "Different models have distinctly different faces," said Gauthier. "They appear to be modeled on different women.")

The researchers administered the test to 295 people: 161 men and 134 women. Some took the test in a laboratory and some took it online through the Amazon Mechanical Turk crowd-sourcing website that psychologists have begun using to conduct large studies. One advantage of the online platform is that the researchers can sample a more diverse population in terms of age, ethnicity and socio-economic status, relative to laboratory studies that generally test undergraduate students.

Replicating prior work, men slightly outperformed women when recognizing cars and, in this study, men and women performed equally well with human faces. "We also found that women had a small but statistically significant advantage at identifying Barbie faces while men had a small but statistically significant advantage in identifying Transformer faces," said Gauthier. "This is the first category of faces where men do better than women."

The psychologists considered the possibility that the male advantage was because the participants treated the Transformers as objects rather than faces. Previous studies have shown that men are sometimes better than women recognizing vehicles like cars, planes or motorcycles. That is why the researchers included the automobile recognition task.

The researchers addressed this question by looking at individual differences. They found that those people who were best at recognizing human faces were generally those who were best at recognizing Transformer faces and Barbie faces. In contrast, there was a weaker relation between performance with toy faces and cars, leading them to conclude that the participants were reacting to the toy faces as faces, not as objects. Gauthier's other research has shown that just a few hours of experience with a new type of face, such as a new alien race from a Star Trek episode, can change how the brain processes these faces. The new research suggests that the experience is long lasting.

"Clearly, the faces you experience as a child leave a trace in your adult memory," Gauthier said. "It is unlikely that this effect is limited to these particular toys."
Scientists have established comprehensive maps of the human epigenome, shedding light on how the body regulates which genes are active in which cells. Over the last five years, a worldwide consortium of scientists has established epigenetic maps of 2,100 cell types. Within this coordinated effort, the CeMM Research Center for Molecular Medicine contributed detailed DNA methylation maps of the developing blood, opening up new perspectives for the understanding and treatment of leukemia and immune diseases.

One of the great mysteries in biology is how the many different cell types that make up our bodies are derived from a single cell and from one DNA sequence, or genome. We have learned a lot from studying the human genome, but have only partially unveiled the processes underlying cell determination. The identity of each cell type is largely defined by an instructive layer of molecular annotations on top of the genome -- the epigenome -- which acts as a blueprint unique to each cell type and developmental stage.

Unlike the genome the epigenome changes as cells develop and in response to changes in the environment. Defects in the factors that read, write, and erase the epigenetic blueprint are involved in many diseases. The comprehensive analysis of the epigenomes of healthy and abnormal cells will facilitate new ways to diagnose and treat various diseases, and ultimately lead to improved health outcomes.

A collection of 41 coordinated papers now published by scientists from across the International Human Epigenome Consortium (IHEC) sheds light on these processes, taking global research in the field of epigenomics a major step forward. These papers represent the most recent work of IHEC member projects from Canada, the European Union, Germany, Japan, Singapore, South Korea, and the United States. Three of these papers have been coordinated by Christoph Bock at CeMM.

The latest study from Christoph Bock's team, published today in the journal Cell Stem Cell, charts the epigenetic landscape of DNA methylation in human blood. Led by CeMM scientists Matthias Farlik and Florian Halbritter together with Fabian Muller from Max Plank Institute for Informatics, this study highlights the dynamic nature of the epigenome in the development of human blood.

Our body produces billions of blood cells every day, which develop from a few thousand stem cells at the top of a complex hierarchy of blood cells. Using the latest sequencing and epigenome mapping technology, Bock's team now unraveled a blueprint of blood development that is encoded in the DNA methylation patterns of blood stem cells and their differentiating progeny.

This success was made possible by close international cooperation of European scientists: Blood donations of British volunteers were sorted by cell type by the team of Mattia Frontini at the University of Cambridge. These samples were shipped to Austria, where CeMM scientists performed the epigenome mapping. All data were then processed in Germany at the Max Plank Institute for Informatics and jointly analyzed by scientists at CeMM and at the Max Plank Institute for Informatics.

The result of the combined effort of Bock's team and many other members of IHEC is a detailed map of the human epigenome, similar to a three-dimensional mountain landscape: The stem cells reside on the mountain top, with valleys of cellular differentiation descending in many directions. As the cells differentiate, they pick one of several epigenetically defined routes and follow it downhill, eventually arriving at one specific valley, corresponding to a specialized cell type. Cells cannot easily escape these valleys, which provides robustness and protection against diseases such cancer.

Two other studies by Christoph Bock's team were published earlier this year and showcase how researchers are seeking to utilize epigenetic information for medicine. For instance, certain routes of differentiation are jammed in leukemia, such that cells can no longer reach their destination and take wrong turns instead. Surveillance of those cells by epigenetic tests can contribute to a more precise diagnosis of leukemia -- clinical tests of this approach are ongoing.

"The epigenetic map of the human blood helps us understand how leukemia develops and which cells drive the disease," says Christoph Bock. This is relevant to cancer diagnostics and personalized medicine, and it provides a compass for future efforts aiming to reprogram the epigenome of individual cells, for example by erasing critical epigenetic alterations from leukemia cells.
A newly discovered giant valley on the planet Mercury makes the Grand Canyon look tiny by comparison. Located by scientists at the University of Maryland, the Smithsonian Institution, the German Institute of Planetary Research and Moscow State University, the expansive valley holds an important key to the geologic history of the innermost planet in our solar system.

Discovered using stereo images from NASA's MErcury Surface, Space ENvironment, GEochemistry, and Ranging (MESSENGER) spacecraft, the "great valley" lies in the planet's southern hemisphere and overlaps the Rembrandt Basin -- a large crater formed by a relatively recent impact from an asteroid or other such body. But the "great valley" formed in a much different way, according to a research paper published online November 16, 2016 in the journal Geophysical Research Letters.

Unlike Earth, which has a crust and upper mantle (collectively known as the lithosphere) divided into multiple tectonic plates, Mercury has a single, solid lithosphere that covers the entire planet. As the planet cooled and shrank early in its history, roughly 3-4 billion years ago, Mercury's lithosphere buckled and folded to form the valley, much like the skin of a grape folds as it dries to become a raisin.

"This is a huge valley. There is no evidence of any geological formation on Earth that matches this scale," said Laurent Montesi, an assistant professor of geology at UMD and a co-author of the research paper. "Mercury experienced a very different type of deformation than anything we have seen on Earth. This is the first evidence of large-scale buckling of a planet."

The valley is about 250 miles wide and 600 miles long, with steep sides that dip as much as 2 miles below the surrounding terrain. To put this in perspective: if Mercury's "great valley" existed on Earth, it would be almost twice as deep as the Grand Canyon and reach from Washington, D.C. to New York City, and as far west as Detroit.

More notable than its size, according to Montesi, is how the valley most likely formed and what that reveals about Mercury's geologic history.

The valley's walls appear to be two large, parallel fault scarps -- step-like structures where one side of a fault moved vertically with respect to the other. Both scarps plunge steeply to the flat valley floor below. According to Montesi and his co-authors, the best explanation is that Mercury's interior cooled rapidly, forming a strong, thick lithosphere. The entire floor of the newly discovered valley is one giant piece of this lithosphere that dropped between the two faults on either side.

This would make sense if, like most planets, Mercury has been steadily cooling since its formation. But Montesi notes that there are several clues to suggest that Mercury went through a more recent period of warming. This analysis, if true, would upend some time-tested assumptions about Mercury's geologic past.

"Most features on Mercury's surface are truly ancient, but there is evidence for recent volcanism and an active magnetic field. This evidence implies that the planet is warm inside," Montesi said. "Everyone thought Mercury was a very cold planet -- myself included. But it looks like Mercury might have heated significantly in recent planetary history."
New research suggests that Lake Champlain may be more susceptible to damage from climate change than was previously understood -- and that, therefore, the rules created by the EPA to protect the lake may be inadequate to prevent algae blooms and water quality problems as the region gets hotter and wetter.

"This paper provides very clear evidence that the lake could be far more sensitive to climate change than is captured by the current approach of the EPA," said University of Vermont professor Asim Zia, the lead author of the new study. "We may need more interventions -- and this may have national significance for how the agency creates regulations."

The research was published November 17 in the journal Environmental Research Letters.

More than modest

The study, led by a team of ten scientists from UVM and one from Dartmouth College, used a powerful set of computer models that link the behavior of social and ecological systems. Their results show that accelerating climate change could easily outpace the EPA's land-use management policies aimed at reducing the inflow of pollution from agricultural runoff, parking lots, deforestation, cow manure, lawn fertilizer, pet waste, streambank erosion -- and other sources of excess phosphorus that cause toxic algae and lake health problems.

The EPA's modeling to prepare its rules under what's called the TMDL, for "total maximum daily load," concluded that "any increases in the phosphorus loads to the lake due to the climate change are likely to be modest (i.e. 15%)," the agency writes. But the eleven scientists, within the Vermont EPSCoR program at UVM, who led the new modeling were concerned that this approach might underestimate the range of likely outcomes in a warmer future.

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UVM professor Chris Koliba, a co-author and social scientist on the new study observed that, "there have been extensive efforts by federal regulators, the State of Vermont, and many other stakeholders to try to remediate and improve water quality in our watersheds. These should be honored. The message of our research is not to demean that work, but to say that in the long run protecting the lake is going to take a lot more than what's being proposed right now."

Limited options

The new lake model, with support from the National Science Foundation, integrates a much larger assembly of possible global climate change models and greenhouse gas pathways than the current TMDL approach used in its modeling. And the Vermont scientists delved deeply into the indirect and interactive effects of land use changes, "legacy phosphorus" that's been piling up for decades in the sediment at the bottom of the lake, and other factors. From this, they created a set of forecasts for what might happen to Lake Champlain over the next few decades out to 2040 -- including changes in water quality, temperature, and the severity of algae blooms. Their result: a much more dramatic range of possible outcomes -- and greater uncertainty -- than those assumed in the EPA's approach.

In several of the plausible hotter and wetter scenarios that the model considers, a cascading set of problems could lead to phosphorus pollution levels in segments of Lake Champlain that "drastically limit land management options to maintain water quality," the team wrote -- especially in shallow bays like Missisquoi Bay that was the focus of the new study. In the long run, the risk of underestimating the impacts of climate change could lead to what the scientists call "intractable eutrophic conditions" -- a permanent change in the lake that leads to self-perpetuating algae blooms, lost fisheries, and poor water quality.

New tool

The new integrated assessment model created by the NSF-funded team under the science leadership of Asim Zia provides a powerful tool that goes far beyond understanding Lake Champlain.

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By connecting sub-models -- of human behavior and land use, watershed dynamics, global climate models "downscaled" to the local region, and the hydrology of the lake itself -- the overall model links together "the behavior of the watershed, lake, people and climate," said Judith Van Houten, UVM professor of biology, director of Vermont EPSCoR, and co-author on the new study. This provides "a way forward to pull back the veil that often surrounds effects of climate change," she says.

"Integrating these models is an enormous achievement that will be exportable across the US and be of practical use to many states and countries as they try to develop policies in the face of climate change," she said. It can allow lake and land managers to test scenarios that draw in a huge range of time scales and types of interactions, ranging from water chemistry to air temperature to land use policies.

Only by solving this kind of model-of-many-models problem, "as we have done," Van Houten said, could a tool be created that has predictive power for decades ahead, "allowing stakeholders to test their ideas," she says, and even "describing the health of the lake out to the turn of the century."

UVM hydrologist Arne Bomblies, a co-author on the study, noted that, "We show through this modeling work the importance of a more comprehensive consideration of climate change impact mechanisms to achieve water quality goals, and the need to adequately address climate change uncertainty."

"Lake Champlain's future is sensitive to climate change," Bomblies said, "and similar challenges are faced by other impaired waters throughout the United States."
The following companies are subsidiares of Quanta Services: (De) Lazy Q Ranch LLC, 1 Diamond LLC, 1Diamond AS, 618232 Alberta Ltd., 8246408 Canada Inc., Advanced Electric Systems, Advanced Electric Systems LLC, Advanced Utility Testing & Maintenance LLC, Alexander Publications LLC, Allteck GP Ltd., Allteck Limited Partnership, Apprenticeship Programs Inc., Arby Construction, Arcanum Chemicals LLC, Arnett & Burgess Oil Field Construction Limited, Arnett & Burgess Pipeliners (Rockies) LLC, Arnett & Burgess Pipeliners Ltd., B&N Clearing and Environmental LLC, Banister Pipelines Constructors Corp., Banister Pipelines Constructors GP Ltd., Banister Pipelines Limited Partnership, Brent Woodward Inc., Brink Constructors Inc., Brink Constructors Inc. A Corporation Of South Dakota, Brown Engineering and Testing, CAT SPEC Ltd., CAT-SPEC Limited Partnership, CAT-SPEC Limited Partnership (Regd Name) CAT SPEC Ltd., CAT-Spec Limited Partnership, Canadian Utility Construction Corp., Cat Spec Limited LP, Cat Spec Ltd, Cat Spec Ltd. L.P., Cat Spec Ltd. LP, Cat Spec. Ltd. LP, Cat-Spec Ltd (A Domestic limited Partnership), Cat-Spec Ltd LP, Cat-Spec Ltd., Cat-Spec Ltd. L.P., Cat-Spec Ltd. LP, Cat-Spec Ltd. Limited Partnership, Catalyst Changers Inc., Chatham Electric, Citadel Industrial Services L.P., Citadel Industrial Services Ltd., Citadel Industrial Services Ltd. L.P., Citadel Industrial Services Ltd. Limited Partnership, Coe Drilling Pty Ltd., Computapole, Conam Construction Co., Consolidated Power Projects Australia Pty Ltd, Conti Communications Inc., Crux Subsurface Canada Ltd., Crux Subsurface Inc., Cutting Technology - 1 Diamond LLC, DB Utilities Inc., DE Lazy Q Ranch LLC, DNR Pressure Welding Ltd., Dacon Corporation, Dashiell (DE) Corporation (Dashiell Corporation), Dashiell Corporation, Dashiell Corporation DBA Dashiell (DE) Corporation, De Mears Group, De Mears Group Inc., Delaware Quanta Technology LLC, Delaware Underground Construction Co., Didado Utility Company Inc., Digco Utility Construction L.P. Digco Utility Construction Limited Partnership, Dorado Specialty Services L.P., Dorado Specialty Services Ltd., Dorado Specialty Services Ltd. L.P., Dorado Specialty Services Ltd. Limited Partnership, Dorado Specialty Services. Ltd. L.P., Driftwood Electrical Contractors, EHV Power ULC, ELITE PIPING & CIVIL L.P., ELITE TURNAROUND SPECIALISTS LTD, Elite Fabrication Ltd. Elite Fabrication LP, Elite Piping & Civil Limited Partnership, Elite Piping & Civil Limited Partnership, Elite Piping & Civil Lp, Elite Piping & Civil Ltd L.P., Elite Piping & Civil Ltd., Elite Piping & Civil Ltd. L.P., Elite Piping & Civil Ltd. Limited Partnership, Elite Piping and Civil L.P., Elite Turnaround Specialists L.p., Elite Turnaround Specialists Limited Lp, Elite Turnaround Specialists Limited Partnership, Elite Turnaround Specialists Limited Partnership, Elite Turnaround Specialists Ltd Lp, Elite Turnaround Specialists Ltd., Elite Turnaround Specialists Ltd. L.P., Elite Turnaround Specialists Ltd. LP, Elite Turnaround Specialists Ltd. Limited Partnership, Energy Consulting Group LLC, Enscope, Enscope Pty Ltd, FIC GP LLC, Field Personnel Services LLC, First Infrastructure Capital Advisors LLC, First Infrastructure Capital GP L.P., Five Points Construction Co., G-Tek, G-Vac, GEM Engineering Co., Grand Electric Inc., Great Lakes Line Builders, Grid Creative Inc., Grid Manufacturing Corporation, Grid Training Corporation, H.L. Chapman Pipeline Construction Inc., Haverfield Aviation, Haverfield Aviation Inc., Haverfield International Incorporated, Heritage Midstream LLC, IM Electric Inc., IUC ILLINOIS LLC, IUC Nebraska LLC, InfraSource Construction LLC, InfraSource Field Services LLC, InfraSource Services LLC, InfraSources Construction LLC, Infraestructura ETP de Mexico S. de R.L. de C.V, Infrasource Engineering Company PC, Infrasource Iowa Underground LLC, Infrasource Of Pa LLC, Integracion Tecnologica del Peru SAC, Intermountain Electric Inc., Intermountain Electric Inc. A Corporation of Colorado, IonEarth LLC, Irby Construction Company, Irby Construction Company Inc., Iron Mountain M.J. Electric LLC, Island Mechanical Corporation, J.C.R. Construction Co. Inc., J.C.R. Utility Construction Co., J.W. Didado Electric Inc., J.W. Didado Electric LLC, J.w. Didado Electric, JBT Electric LLC, Kingston Contracting Inc., Lazy Q Ranch LLC, Lazy Q Training Center LLC The Lazy Q Lineman School, Legend Foundation Services, Lex Engineering Ltd., Lindsey Electric L.P., Logical Link, Longfellow Drilling, M. G. Dyess Inc., M. J. ELECTRIC LLC IRON MOUNTAIN, M. J. Electric LLC, M. J. Electric LLC - Iron Mountain, M. J. Electric LLC DBA M. J. Electric Iron Mountain LLC, M.J. Electric LLC DBA M.J. Electric Iron Mountain, M.J. Electric LLC Iron Mountain, MTS Field Services, MTS Field Services (Richmond Co), MTS Quanta LLC, Manuel Bros. Inc., Marathon Construction Services, Mears Canada Corp., Mears Equipment Services LLC, Mears Group Inc., Mears Group Pty Ltd, Mears Installation LLC, Mearsmex S. de R.L. de C.V., Mejia Personnel Services LLC, Mercer Technical Services, Microline Technology Corporation, Mid America Energy Services Inc., NACAP Niugini Ltd., NC Northstar Energy Services Inc, NGI Construction, NGI Construction Inc., NGI Construction Inc. (FN), NLC CA. Inc., NLC FL. Inc. Northwest Lineman Center, NLC ID. Inc. Northwest Lineman College, NLC TX. Inc., NPC Energy Services LLC, Nacap Australia, Nacap PNG Limited, Network Communication Services, North Houston Pole Line L.P., North Houston Pole Line Limited Partnership, North Sky Communications, NorthStar Energy Services Inc., Northern Powerline Constructors Inc., Northstar Energy Solutions LLC, Northwest Lineman Center, Northwest Lineman College, Northwest Lineman Training Center, Northwest Lineman Training Center Inc., Nova Constructors LLC, Nova Constructors LTD, Nova Equipment Leasing LLC, Nova Group Inc, Nova Group Inc (CA), Nova Group Inc., Nova Group Inc. DBA NGI Construction, Nova NextGen Solutions LLC, O. J. Pipelines Canada Corporation, O. J. Pipelines Canada Limited Partnership, O.J. Industrial Maintenance, O.J. Pipelines Canada, One Call Locators Canada Ltd., P.D.G. Electric, PAR Electrical Contractors Inc., PDG Electric Co., Par Internacional S. de R.L. de C.V., Performance Energy Services Guyana Ltd., Performance Energy Services L.L.C., Phasor Engineering Inc., Phoenix North Constructors Inc., Phoenix Power Group Inc., Potelco Inc., Potelco Incorporated, Power Delivery Program Inc., Price Gregory International Inc., Price Gregory Services LLC, Probst Construction Inc., Probst Electric Inc., QEPC, QEPC Power Solutions LLC, QES GP LLC, QP Energy Services LLC, QPS Engineering LLC, QPS Engineering LTD., QPS Engineering PLLC, QPS Environmental, QPS Flint Construction, QPS Flint Tank Services, QPS Global, QPS Global Services, QPS Global Services (Richmond Ci), QPS Professional Services, QPSE, QS Mats, QSI Engineering Inc., QSI Finance (Australia) Pty Ltd., QSI Finance (Cayman) Pvt. Ltd., QSI Finance Canada ULC, QSI Finance GP (US) LLC, QSI Finance I (Singapore) Pte. Ltd., QSI Finance I (US) LP, QSI Finance II (Australia) Pty Ltd., QSI Finance II (Lux) S.a r.l, QSI Finance II (Singapore) Pte. Ltd., QSI Finance III (Canada) ULC, QSI Finance III (Lux) SARL, QSI Finance IV (Canada) ULC, QSI Finance IX (Canada) Limited Partnership, QSI Finance V (US) L.P., QSI Finance VI (Canada) ULC, QSI Finance VII (Canada) Limited Partnership, QSI Finance VIII (Canada) ULC, QSI Finance X (Canada) ULC, QSI Inc., QSN Lux Holdings I SCSp, QSN Lux Holdings II SCSp, QSN Lux Holdings III SCSp, QSN Lux Holdings IV SCSp, QTSL LLC, QUANTA FOUNDATION SERVICES, Quanta APL GP II Ltd., Quanta Asset Management LLC, Quanta Associates L.P., Quanta Aviation Services LLC, Quanta Canada GP ULC, Quanta Canada Holdings III Limited Partnership, Quanta Canada Holdings LP, Quanta Canada III GP Ltd., Quanta Capital GP LLC, Quanta Capital LP L.P., Quanta Capital Solutions Inc., Quanta Cares, Quanta EPC Services, Quanta Electric Power Construction LLC, Quanta Electric Power Construction Management Inc., Quanta Electric Power Services LLC, Quanta Electric Power Services West LLC, Quanta Energized Innovations Ltd., Quanta Energized Services U.S. LLC, Quanta Energized Services of Canada Ltd., Quanta Energy Services LLC, Quanta Environmental Solutions, Quanta Equipment Company LLC, Quanta Government Solutions Inc., Quanta Holdings I (Netherlands) B.V., Quanta Holdings II (Netherlands) B.V., Quanta Infraestructura de Chile SpA, Quanta Infrastructure Services LLC, Quanta Infrastructure Services S. de R.L. de C.V., Quanta Inline Devices LLC, Quanta Inspection Services, Quanta Insurance Company Inc., Quanta International Holdings (US) LLC, Quanta International Holdings II Ltd., Quanta International Holdings Ltd., Quanta International Limited, Quanta Kingsvale LP Ltd., Quanta Lines Pty Ltd., Quanta Maine Services LLC, Quanta Middle East LLC, Quanta Pipeline Services Inc., Quanta Power Australia Pty Ltd, Quanta Power Generation Inc., Quanta Power Inc., Quanta Power Solutions India Private Limited, Quanta Resource Development, Quanta Services Africa (PTY) Ltd., Quanta Services Australia Pty Ltd., Quanta Services Chile SpA, Quanta Services Colombia S.A.S., Quanta Services Costa Rica Ltda., Quanta Services Guatemala Ltda., Quanta Services International Holdings II LP, Quanta Services International Holdings LP, Quanta Services Management Partnership L.P., Quanta Services Netherlands B.V., Quanta Services Panama S. de R.L., Quanta Services Peru S.A.C., Quanta Services Puerto Rico LLC, Quanta Services of Canada Ltd., Quanta Subsurface Canada Ltd., Quanta Subsurface LLC, Quanta Tank Services, Quanta Technology Canada ULC, Quanta Technology LLC, Quanta Technology UK Ltd., Quanta Tecnologia do Brasil Ltda., Quanta Telecom, Quanta Telecom Services, Quanta Telecommunication Services, Quanta Telecommunication Services LLC, Quanta Telecommunications Services LLC, Quanta Underground Services, Quanta Underground Services (Culpeper Co), Quanta Underground Services (Spotsylvania Co), Quanta Underground Services Inc., Quanta Utility Engineering Services Inc., Quanta Utility Installation Company Inc., Quanta Utility Operation LLC, Quanta West LLC, Quantecua Cia. Ltda., R. R. Cassidy Inc., RMS Holdings LLC, RMS Holdings LLC (Delaware), RMS Welding Systems, RMS Welding Systems LLC, Ranger Directional, Realtime Engineers Inc., Realtime Utility Engineers Inc., Redes Andinas de Comunicaciones S.R.L., Riggin & Diggin Line Construction, Rms Welding LLC, Rms Welding Systems LLC, Road Bore Corporation, Ryan Company Inc. The, Ryan Company Inc. of Massachusetts, Ryan Company Inc.(The), Seaward, Seaward Corp, Seaward Corporation, Service EC (DE) Inc., Service Electric Company (DE), Service Electric Company Inc., Service Electric Company of Delaware, Servicios Par Electric S. de R.L. de C.V., Servicios de Infraestructura del Peru S.A.C., Southwest Trenching Company Inc., Specialty Tank Services L.P., Specialty Tank Services LP, Specialty Tank Services Limited Partnership, Specialty Tank Services Limited Partnership, Specialty Tank Services Ltd., Specialty Tank Services Ltd. (LP), Specialty Tank Services Ltd. L.P., Specialty Tank Services Ltd. LP, Specialty Tank Services Ltd. LP, Specialty Tank Services Ltd. Limited Partnership, Stronghold General LLC, Stronghold Holdings (BVI) Limited, Stronghold Inspection L.P., Stronghold Inspection Limited Partnership, Stronghold Inspection Limited Partnership, Stronghold Inspection Lp, Stronghold Inspection Ltd L.P., Stronghold Inspection Ltd., Stronghold Inspection Ltd. L.P., Stronghold Inspection Ltd. Limited Partnership, Stronghold Limited Partnership, Stronghold Ltd., Stronghold Ltd. Limited Partnership, Stronghold Management Holdings LP, Stronghold Specialty General LLC, Stronghold Specialty Ltd., Stronghold Specialty Ltd., Stronghold Specialty Ltd. Limited Partnership, Stronghold Tower Group LP, Stronghold Tower Group Ltd LP, Stronghold Tower Group Ltd., Stronghold Tower Group Ltd. LP, Stronghold VI LLC, Subterra Damage Prevention Specialists Ltd., Summit Line Construction, Sumter Utilities Inc., T. G. Mercer Consulting Services Inc., TA Construction, TC Infrastructure Services Ltd., Taylor Built, Texas Specialty Tank Services Ltd. LP, The Aspen Utility Company LLC, The ComTran Group Inc., The Hallen Construction Co. Inc., The Massachusetts Ryan Company Inc., The Ryan Company Inc Of Massachusetts, The Ryan Company Inc., The Ryan Company Inc. (Massachusetts), The Ryan Company Inc. of Massachusetts, The Ryan Company Incorporated of Massachusetts, The Ryan Company Of Massachusetts Inc., The Ryan Company of Massachusetts, The Ryan Company of Massachusetts (FN), Tom Allen Construction Company Inc., Tom Allen Construction Company of Delaware, Trans Tech Electric, TurnKey Automation Limited Partnership, TurnKey Automation Limited Partnership, TurnKey Automation Ltd., TurnKey Automation Ltd. Limited Partnership, TurnKey Automation Ltd. Limited Partnership, TurnKey I&E Ltd., Turnkey Automation Ltd. L.P., Turnkey Automation Ltd. LP., UCC Underground Construction Co. Inc., Ucc - Underground Construction Co., Underground Construction Co. Inc., Underground Construction Co. Inc. (Delaware), Underground Electric Construction Company LLC, Utilco Inc., Utility Fleet Services, Utility Line Management Services Inc., Utility Testing & Maintenance LLC, Utility Training Services Corporation, VALARD Polska sp. Z o.o., Valard, Valard, Valard Construction (Ontario) Ltd., Valard Construction (Quebec) Inc., Valard Construction 2008 Ltd., Valard Construction Australia Pty Ltd, Valard Construction LLC, Valard Equipment (AB) Ltd., Valard Equipment GP Ltd., Valard Equipment Limited Partnership, Valard Geomatics (Ontario) Ltd., Valard Geomatics BC Ltd., Valard Geomatics Ltd., Valard Mechanical Ltd., Valard Norway AS, Valard Sweden AB, Valard Zagreb d. o. o., Wade D. Taylor Inc., West Coast Communications, Winco Helicopters, Winco Inc., Winco Inc. an Oregon Based Corporation, Winco Powerline Services, Winco Powerline Services Inc., Winco Powerline Services Inc., Winco Services Inc., World Fiber Inc., and mmit Line Construction Inc..

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Someone at a puppy mill in Taiwan decided that this little dog barked too much. So her owner cut her vocal cords and eventually, when she could no longer produce puppies to sell, he dumped her at a high-kill shelter. That's where the voiceless dog, beaten down by years of breeding, would get the closest thing she may have ever gotten to a name: a stark steel tag that read 143.

Kimberley Ann Barley

But sometimes, even a dog with no voice can be heard. Johanna Quinn, who works with a local rescue called Heart of Taiwan Animal Care, found the dog there. She arranged to have a contingent of death row dogs transported to Canada through Eleven Eleven Animal Rescue. Among them? Number 143. Only this time her rescuers gave her a real name - Akiko, which means "sparkle, bright." And soon, Akiko would shine a light in a Canadian woman's heart. Kimberley Ann Barley was already on a list to foster shelter dogs. She heard a Chihuahua from Taiwan needed a lift from the airport - and a temporary home. Barley didn't hesitate, bringing the exhausted dog home, where Akiko would sleep for days on end, only stirring to go to the bathroom.

Dodo Shows Wild Hearts Guy And Wild Shark Have Been Best Friends For Decades

Kimberley Ann Barley

"She had kind eyes that bulged from her little head," Barley tells The Dodo. "She was skin and bones and was missing a lot of fur." Akiko was also heartworm positive and several rotting teeth had to be removed. "She was not afraid of me. She wanted to be close to me and we bonded instantly," she says.

Kimberley Ann Barley

From the start, this dog knew she was home. It just took Barley a little longer to get the memo. While the woman wanted to give Akiko a forever home, she had just changed careers and wasn't sure if her schedule would work for a dog.

Kimberley Ann Barley

"I took her to a meet-and-greet where potential adopters got to spend time with her," Barley recalls. "I held back my tears every time someone filled out the adoption papers that day." By the end of that day, Barley had made her decision. "I knew I couldn't let my friend be adopted by anyone other than myself," she says. And so Akiko, who now goes simply by Kiko, began living up to her name in earnest and brightened every corner of Barley's life.

Kimberley Ann Barley

Part of Barley's decision stemmed from the grim steel tag Akiko wore when she was living at the shelter. #143. "Just like farmed animals are given," Barley says. "I made the connection."

Kimberley Ann Barley

And that's how a death row dog without vocal cords found her voice. And became an advocate not only for "no-hope" shelter dogs, but animals everywhere.

Kimberley Ann Barley
The vigils for Harambe - a 17-year-old Western lowland gorilla who was shot and killed by Cincinnati Zoo officials in May after a young boy climbed into his enclosure - are largely over, but a federal investigation is still trying to understand what happened on that day and how it could have been prevented.

Scared Pittie Gets So Happy When He Meets This Guy And His Pack Of Dogs

In a report issued on Thursday, USDA inspectors said that the barrier meant to separate visitors from the gorillas wasn't in compliance with federal standards. However, the USDA had never before cited the zoo for the reportedly insufficient fence over the exhibit's 38-year history, including at a recent inspection in April.

"It became apparent on May 28 that the barrier was no longer effective," Tanya Espinosa, USDA spokeswoman, told the Associated Press.

USDA inspectors just reported that during an inspection on June 6, there was "some slack" in wire cables in the barrier and that a visitor could have "manipulated [the cables] to an 8-inch gap."

That the enclosure was substandard wasn't surprising to Adam M. Roberts, CEO of Born Free USA, who said the finding "shows the deficiencies in both the modern American zoo and the regulatory scheme used to assess wild animal facilities."

"The USDA is expected only to enforce minimum standards and with a limited number of inspectors and [considering] the might of the zoo industry it's no surprise that things slip - with potentially deadly consequences for zoo animals and human visitors," Roberts told The Dodo. "What's needed is a complete overhaul of the rules for licensed animal exhibitors, full dedication to the government's inspection program and the immediate closure of any facilities that cannot pass muster."
SAN FRANCISCONot content with just renting out spare rooms and vacant homes, Airbnb is adding local tours and activities like surfing lessons and pub crawls to its travel services in major cities around the world.

With the new features announced Thursday, the fast-growing online rental company is hoping to tap into leisure travellers' desire for distinctive experiences that make them feel more connected with the places they visit, travel industry analysts say.

The move also shows the ambitions of a company that's already one of the world's fastest-growing privately held firms. Airbnb, which boasts millions of rental listings around the world, has been valued at $30 billion (U.S.)  though it's run into growing pains in some cities where local officials complain the boom in short-term rentals is reducing long-term housing for residents.

Airbnb's new guided activities include things like surfing lessons or cooking class led by a local chef, a pub crawl through a trendy nightclub district or even a truffle hunt in Tuscany. The company has been testing the services in a few cities over the last year, enlisting local hosts as guides. It's expanding to 12 cities, while promising 50 by next year.

They want to be viewed as more of a travel company and not just an alternative lodging firm, said Henry Harteveldt, an analyst with Atmosphere Research. Our research shows travellers spend as much as 60 per cent of their travel budget at their destination. So they want to tap into that very large revenue stream.

The new services add to a set of online guides that Airbnb introduced earlier this year that list restaurants, outings and other attractions recommended by Airbnb hosts. Airbnb says it will also recommend meet-ups, or impromptu gatherings, and other activities keyed to travellers' interest in topics like food, history, music or local crafts.

Travellers can already get similar recommendations from a variety of online services, including popular sites like Google and Facebook. But Airbnb hopes travellers will find it easier to use the new services within its own mobile app or website.

Similarly, the company is partnering with online booking app Resy to let travellers make restaurant reservations through Airbnb  in competition with services like OpenTable and Yelp.

In an interview, Airbnb CEO Brian Chesky said he hopes to add more services, including the ability to book airline flights.

Since the company launched in 2008, when the co-founders invited travellers to sleep on an air mattress in their San Francisco loft, Airbnb has grown to be one of the world's most valuable private startups by collecting fees when private hosts rent out accommodations listed on the site. It's raised $3.9 billion from investors, according to CB Insights, which tracks venture funding.

Chesky declined to say if the company is profitable, although the Wall Street Journal reported last year that Airbnb was spending heavily to expand in more cities. The newspaper cited internal projections that forecast Airbnb to have nearly $1 billion in revenue last year and to become profitable by 2020.

Airbnb has run into regulatory battles in some cities, including New York and San Francisco, but Chesky said he's hopeful to resolve those issues.

The company also recently faced criticism after researchers reported some hosts appeared to reject rental applications from travellers whose names or photos indicated they were African-American. In response, Chesky has apologized and said the company would institute new policies, including sensitivity training and an anti-discrimination pledge for hosts, developed with input from advocacy groups and former U.S. Attorney General Eric Holder.

Chesky said Thursday that he's committed to addressing discrimination, while adding: I think this is something that we're not going to be able to fix overnight.

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Volkswagen AG reached a landmark agreement with workers to cut as many as 30,000 jobs globally and save 3.7 billion euros ($5.3 billion) in expenses as the company tries to claw back from the emissions-cheating scandal and invest in electric vehicles.

Reducing headcount by nearly 5 per cent will come through attrition as the automaker agreed to refrain from forced layoffs until 2025, the Wolfsburg, Germany-based company said Friday.

After months of intense talks, labour and management agreed on a package to balance cost-cutting with investment as the auto industry shifts away from traditional combustion engines and adapts to car-sharing services and self-driving technologies.

This is a big step forward, maybe the biggest in the companys history, VW brand chief Herbert Diess said at a press conference in Wolfsburg. All manufacturers must rebuild themselves because of the imminent changes for the industry. We need to brace for the storm.

The labour agreement is critical to Volkswagens efforts to accelerate restructuring at its biggest unit and emerge from the worst crisis in its history.

It also allows the carmaker to create more jobs in future-oriented technologies by retraining workers at traditional factories and hiring software engineers and battery specialists.

The moves highlight the changes sweeping the auto industry as old-school metal stamping and mechanical expertise make way for electronics and digital technology.

The VW brand is at the centre of Volkswagens changes. The unit accounts for almost half of the groups sales and was struggling even before the emissions crisis erupted last year, tarnishing the marques reputation and burdening the 12-brand group with at least 18.2 billion euros ($26 billion) in costs for fines and repairs.

The deal was a prerequisite for Volkswagens plans to push ahead with investment in new models and upgrading factories.

The labour talks, which started in June, went down to the wire, with the supervisory board meeting on Friday to approve the companys budget for the coming years as it pushes to sell as many as 3 million electric vehicles a year by 2025 and expand in services like ride-sharing.

Volkswagen is under pressure to reduce annual capital expenditures, which currently stand at 12 billion euros ($17 billion), making the company one of the biggest corporate spenders in the world.

In a concession to workers, the manufacturer agreed to build two electric cars at German sites, one in Wolfsburg and one in Zwickau.

The company, which employs 624,000 people globally, will add as many as 9,000 positions for future-oriented projects such as electric vehicles and digital features. The state of Lower Saxony, where Volkswagen is based, will become a technology hub for the manufacturer, and many of the 1,000 jobs to be created there will be for software engineers and cloud-technology experts.

The job cuts will come through early retirement and not replacing workers that leave. The savings comprise 3 billion euros at its German factories and another 700 million euros abroad. Argentina and Brazil will be hit hardest by the staff reduction outside Germany, with Volkswagens personnel chief Karlheinz Blessing describing the Brazil cuts as brutal.

Weighed down by unwieldy labour contracts, a bloated lineup of vehicles and a convoluted structure, the VW brand has struggled with weak profitability. In the first nine months, the units operating profit margin narrowed to 1.6 per cent from 2.8 per cent a year earlier. The goal of the labour agreement is to reach a 4 per cent profit margin by 2020.

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After kicking off something of a one-way Canadian literary feud, comedian Norm Macdonald has deleted a series of Twitter rants in which he called author Margaret Atwood a no-talent mountebank bent on fooling fools and other insults.

Some of the tirade from Macdonald, a former Saturday Night Live star, came late Tuesday night and Thursday morning of this week, after Atwood tried to console Americans after the election of Donald Trump.

Atwood: Just like the Wizard of Oz, Donald Trump has no magical power

Macdonald: You make a very good, if utterly obvious, point. So, youre saying he DOESNT have magical powers. Thanks.

And then Atwood, a Toronto resident, tries again to console American readers with: Dear Americans. It will be all right in the long run. (How long? We will see.) Youve been through worse, remember.

Macdonald replies: Gee, thanks, lady.

Atwood, winner of the prestigious Booker Prize for Literature, urges readers to take practical measures to help them cope with life under Trump, to which Macdonald adds: How to SURVIVE in the era of Trump, lady? How about staying in your house with your money?

Earlier, the 57-year-old Quebec City native observed, Canadians have frauds and imposters (sic) just like everyone else. Most people in the arts are charlatans. One is @MargaretAtwood. Macdonald later deleted the Atwood run of tweets (though they remain on his Facebook page), as he has done in the past with stories about meeting Bob Dylan, helping to write the SNL 40th anniversary special and more.

The comedian has a well-received book of his own currently out, Based on a True Story: A Memoir. Despite the title, Macdonald has described it, on Twitter and elsewhere, as a novel.

The shots he took online at Atwood went beyond her advice on life in a Trump America.

When Atwood sends a reader a handwritten quote from her novel, The Handmaids Tale, Macdonald jumps in and posts: Oh, bad writing scribbled on a piece of paper. Well, who wouldnt want that?

Atwood has 1.32 million Twitter followers while Macdonald has 768,000.

Several of her fans jumped in to defend her. One posts: as if I dont have enough to deal with Norm hates Margret (sic) Atwood??

Macdonald replies: I dont hate @MargaretAtwood. I hate bad writing.

He then adds: It isnt her fault and Id never have anything but pity for the talentless. But the Canadian school system makes you read her.

One Atwood defender tries for some sort of anti-Trump solidarity but Macdonald has none of that.

@normmacdonald In an authoritarian regime, the most important thing is whether you are one of them or one of us,  he tweets.

no, Macdonald replies.

Macdonald accuses Atwood of chasing celebrity and promoting anything for a buck and compares her unfavourably to Canadas Nobel Prize-winning Alice Munro.

It is nauseating to consider that through shameless self-promotion someone like @MargaretAtwood could care consider herself Munros peer, Macdonalds writes.

Unlike Munro, @MargaretAtwood is incapable of writing a novel, yet churns out chum at an alarming rate, Macdonald continues.

Munro is the greatest writer Canada has ever produced but feels herself incapable of writing a novel. On the flip side sits @MargaretAtwood, Macdonald continues.

Atwood, 77, did not respond to the Stars request for comment.

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ECUADOR-You dont have to travel far from Quito for these five experiences. Theyre just a half-hour to two-hour drive away from the city, depending on traffic, and doable on day trips.

Otavalo Market: Ecuadors largest indigenous market runs daily but Saturday and Wednesdays apparently have the most vendors. Take at least several hours to explore and admire textiles, painted wood trays, ponchos, blankets, scarves, worry dolls, knitted Diablo Umo masks and toy llamas made with real wool. Bargain politely, not ruthlessly. Guide Alejandro Segura took me to his favourite snack spot, Los Choclitos, for a takeout cup of potatoes, boiled white corn and fresh cheese drizzled with herb and fresh cheese sauces. Otavalo is about 90 kilometres from Quito.

Rose plantation tour: They say its cheap to be romantic in Ecuador, where a bouquet of roses costs about $2 (U.S.) and 200 farms make them the countrys fourth largest export. In Cayambe, the capital of the roses, I toured Rosadex rose farm, where 45 varieties are grown. Twelve hours of sunlight, volcanic soil and consistent weather produce ideal roses. Martin Perujo manages Hacienda La Companias tourist business. By appointment only, he shows the greenhouses, packing building, Jesuit chapel, rose showroom and familys hacienda. We snacked on warm bizcochos (hard biscuits) and fresh cheese. Cayambe is about 70 kilometers from Quito.

Middle of the World: The centerpiece of Mitad del Mundo (Middle of the Earth) is a monument and the chance to put your feet on either side of the equator in the northern and southern hemispheres and take silly selfies. Thanks to GPS, people realized this government-owned park isnt actually home to 0 degrees latitude, 0 minutes, 0 seconds. There is lots to do here, though, with a mini Quito of folklore shops, a chocolate shop, restaurants, a solar culture museum, llamas, huts and houses, and a demonstration tourist train. San Antonio de Pichincha is about 28 kilometres from Quito.

Museo de Sitio Intinan: Near Middle of the World is Museo de Sitio Intinan, which claims to be the real site of Latitude 0. Carolina Vera shows us around the living museum, displaying tombs, totem poles, shrunken heads, and candiru (vampire fish) that swim into your urethra if you pee in the Amazon River. Walk in two hemispheres and do science experiments along the equator. Theres an indigenous house with cuy (guinea pigs raised for food) and a cacao house where you can sample the fleshy seed in a cacao pod.

Craft beer: Craft beer is a global craze and in Pomasqui, on the highway to Ciudad Mitad del Mundo (Middle of the Earth Monument), lies the low-profile (there isnt even a proper sign outside) Quitena Craft Beer Co. Owner Andres Erazo has been using local ingredients to make batches of La Quitena pale ale, abbey ale, stout and more for the past five years. The brewery/tasting room serves chorizo and bratwurst sausages and ice cream. In Quito, his Gourmet brewpub is in La Floresta. Pomasqui is about 21 kilometres from Quito.

Jennifer Bain was hosted by Quito Tourism, which didnt review or approve this story.

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QUITO, ECUADOR-Quito Mariscal Sucre International Airport is jammed with a ragtag bunch of adventurers excitedly spilling out of evening flights from the U.S. and Europe.

Those with coin are heading to the Galapagos Islands for once-in-a-lifetime journeys. Those on lesser budgets are going outdoor adventuring in Banos, birdwatching in Mindo or volcano gawking in Cotapaxi.

Almost everyone will spend a day exploring Quito while acclimatizing to the high altitude. Quito, the gateway to Ecuador, wants everyone to stay a little longer.

If you like to wander, eat, admire churches, check out food and craft markets, take in views and eat again, then Quito is an excellent home base.

Related stories:

Foods you must try in Quito

5 things to do near Quito

At Mercado San Francisco, look for the row of limpias (ancient healing stalls) where Mercedes Correa will cleanse your worries and bad energy by brushing a bundle of herbs over your body, splashing you with alcohol and cologne, and showering you with Ecuadorean rose petals.

Eat in the food court for a couple of bucks and admire the markets tree tomatoes and array of potatoes.

A few blocks away, look for Colaciones Cruz Verde, where Luis Banda cheerfully makes sugar-coated peanut candies in a copper pot over coals. Buy a bag and help Banda continue his familys 101-year-old tradition in the face of so much cheap commercial candy.

Ecuador, still smarting from an April earthquake that devastated its Pacific coast, wants people to know the quake didnt affect most of the rest of the country.

Barely bigger than Colorado, Ecuador doesnt have Perus promotional budget or Colombias edgy allure, but it is now asserting bragging rights to the Galapagos Islands and three other bio-diverse regions: the coast, Amazon and Highlands (or Andes).

Quito is 2,850 metres above sea level in the Highlands. Take it easy when you arrive. Drink lots of water and coca tea and avoid alcohol  just for a day. If you get a headache, feel short of breath, dizzy or nauseous, slow down.

The boutique hotel Patio Andaluz where I stayed has an oxygen tank at the ready for people suffering from soroche (altitude sickness). The Teleferiqo cable car, which whisks you up the slopes of the Pichincha volcano to 4,100 metres in 18 minutes, has a medical station.

You probably wont experience anything but mild, fleeting discomfort, but its good to know this country has your back. Quito is a big city of 2.1-million people and pickpockets are a concern, and so tourist zones have a strong police presence.

Just about everyone who visits Quito, founded on the ruins of an Incan city and declared a UNESCO World Heritage site in 1978, gravitates to the Old Town.

Fanning out from Plaza de la Independecia, which is flanked by three palaces and a church, there are vendors everywhere, dragging plastic crates of oranges, selling colourful shoelaces, hawking empanadas and lupine bean ceviche. Many vendors have babies strapped to their backs or toddlers playing at their feet.

You will be spoiled for choice when it comes to colonial churches. The Cathedral  with Gothic, Moorish and Baroque influences  has a museum and a South American painting of the Last Supper featuring cuy (guinea pig) on a platter. Pay extra to climb a dark, narrow, winding stone-and-brick staircase to the roof with a docent for sweeping city views.

Quito is all about the view. Orient yourself by looking for the Winged Virgin that watches over the city. She stands alone, just as La Capilla Del Hombre is set apart from other hot spots in the city.

La Capilla del Hombre (Chapel of Man) art museum showcases the home and work of Ecuadors most famous artist, the late painter and sculptor Oswaldo Guayasamin, an atheist transfixed by human suffering and violence in Latin America.

Laid-back Quito is only now putting together a tourist map that will pinpoint not just its main attractions but its trendy neighbourhoods.

La Marsical, and Plaza Foch, is the nightlife zone. Its home to the Casa Quebecua poutine shop and Mercado Artesanal La Mariscal, a maze of vendors, and where I spent a small fortune on Pacaris rose-scented artisan chocolate bars.

Roses are one of Ecuadors top exports. The country also produces the worlds best cacao arriba, and at Republica del Cacao near Plaza Foch you can learn how cacao beans become chocolate. Theres a Republica del Cacao shop in the airport, but the Plaza Foch location has a cafe.

Eventually you will make your way to La Ronda, preferably later in the day when everything is open. This pedestrian-only street is just a few blocks long and puts traditional jobs on display so you can meet people making Panama hats (which are actually from Ecuador), wooden toys, honey products and paletas (popsicles).

Quito has a lot of things to show to the world, says Quito Tourisms social media specialist Soledad Cevallos over lunch at Casa Los Geranios in La Ronda. We are trying to invite people to taste Quito, experience Quito, feel Quito.

Do all this in La Florestas Parque Navarro, where kids play in the oversized letters that make up the Quito sign while people line up for tripe and other cheap meals at a daily night market.

La Floresta, known as Quitos Soho, is also home to Misquilla, a cantina and bar created by musician Juan Fernando Velasco to turn the younger generation and tourists on to traditional pasillo music. The house band plays Friday and Saturday and Ecuadors favourite foods and drinks are served. Try canelazo, a warm drink made from cinnamon and sugar cane schnapps.

People know Quito because its the centre of the world, right? muses Misquillas operations manager Alejandro Chaves, a 20-something musician and chef who incidentally spent a few years cooking in Canada (Lethbridge) until coming home to nurse a broken heart and falling in love with his country all over again.

Quito, he declares, is a place where you can find things  if you search for them.

Jennifer Bain was hosted by Quito Tourism, which didnt review or approve this story.

When you go:

Get there: There are no direct flights to Quito from Toronto. I flew American Airlines via Dallas/Fort Worth one way and via Miami the way back (the Miami route is shorter by several hours).

Get around: Quitos Mariscal Sucre International Airport is about a 45-minute drive from the Old Town. You can get around by walking and taking buses and taxis. To do tours, hire a guide, who doubles as a driver and translator, for about $180 (U.S.) a day. My guide was Alejandro Segura from Geo Reisen (georeisen-ecuador.com). Companies such as the double-decker Quito Tour Bus (quitotourbus.com) offer day trips.

Be prepared: The time in Quito is just one hour earlier than Toronto so jet lag is not an issue. English is widely spoken, the U.S. dollar is used and the voltage is the same. Quito is up high, and elevation sickness does affect some people. Take it easy the first day, drink lots of water and let your body acclimatize to the altitude.

Stay: I stayed at Patio Andaluz (hotelpatioandaluz.com), a renovated Colonial home in the Old Town that offers a buffet breakfast, free Wi-Fi and a charming restaurant. There are chain and independent hotels, plus hostels, for every budget in Quito.

Eat: Food is inexpensive here so you could spend anywhere from a few dollars at a street vendor, food court or casual eatery, to $20 to $30 at a restaurant with table service.

Do your research: quito.com.ec/en

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VANCOUVERMargaret Atwood says the University of British Columbias investigation of fellow author Steven Galloway was flawed and failed both sides, comparing it to the Salem witchcraft trials.

Galloway was fired from his position as creative writing chairman in June after a months-long probe into what the university would only describe as serious allegations.

Atwood, who has won the prestigious Man Booker Prize, faced a social media backlash this week after she joined dozens of prominent authors in signing an open letter calling for an independent inquiry into the universitys handling of the case.

She defended her decision on Thursday, writing in an emailed statement that the model of the witchcraft trials, which took place in colonial Massachusetts in the late 1600s, is not a good one.

Those accused would almost certainly be found guilty because of the way the rules of evidence were set up, and if you objected to the proceedings you would be accused yourself, she wrote.

Obviously the university was trying to shield students from something  we are still not clear as to what, exactly, and if its a matter of rape then it should be a matter of jail  but their methods appear to have resulted in a big foggy mess.

The university has said that it reached its decision after a thorough, deliberative process and that it is legally barred from disclosing the allegations against Galloway without his consent.

Galloway has not spoken publicly about the allegations and hasnt responded to several requests for comment including on Thursday. The open letter signed by his supporters said he has been prevented from speaking publicly while the faculty association grieves his firing.

But a police report filed in Ohio provides some insight into what he was being accused of.

Galloway was there to speak with students at Wright State University on Nov. 16, 2015, the day he was suspended, when, the report says, his co-workers in Canada called police to report the author was having suicidal thoughts.

The officer who responded filed a report saying Galloway told him that he had received an email from his employer putting him on notice that he is at the centre of a sexual assault investigation between him and one of his students.

He explained that he has never felt this low in his life, and is very upset at these false allegations as they are likely to lead to him losing his job, the officer wrote.

The report says Galloway indicated he would never actually kill himself and the officer took him to hospital for a mental-health evaluation.

The Canadian Press has spoken with five people who say they filed complaints based on behaviour they witnessed or experienced. They say the allegations included sexual harassment, bullying, threats and one incident where Galloway is alleged to have slapped a student.

The faculty association has said all but one of the allegations, including the most serious, was not substantiated by the universitys investigation.

Several female writers have accused Atwood on Twitter of silencing and intimidating women who might come forward in the future with allegations against powerful men.

In her statement, Atwood questioned whether it is an endorsement of rape culture or a silencing of anyone to want the university to take a hard look at how it handled the case. She references Steven Truscott, who was wrongfully convicted as a teenager for the rape and murder of a classmate in 1959.

To take the position that the members of a group called women are always right and never lie  demonstrably not true  and that members of a group called accused men are always guilty  (Steven) Truscott, anyone?  would do a great disservice to accusing women and abuse survivors, since it discredits any accusations immediately, she wrote.

Atwood asks several questions of the university, including: Does it need a clear code of conduct that everyone teaching there should adhere to? (Dont socialize and drink with students, for beginners? No bets that involve slapping?)

But Andrea Bennett, a student who says she saw Galloway slap her friend at a bar, said it was not the result of a bet. She said her friend explained that it came about because shed badmouthed Galloways writing, and he jokingly told her he would slap her as soon as she graduated.

The slap was shocking, it was loud, it did not come across as a joke to me, and I saw an aspect of Galloways personality I hadnt seen before, Bennett said in an email.

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OTTAWAA Canadian soldier who was looking at ways to train the Jordanian military as part of Canadas fight against Daesh has died, the Department of National Defence said Thursday.

Maj. Scott Foote, 50, of Carbonear, N.L., was found unconscious in a military gym in Jordans capital city of Amman, officials said. Foote was pronounced dead after attempts to revive him were unsuccessful.

His death has been labelled non-combat related. National Defence has launched an investigation, but officials said there were no indications of foul play.

A veteran of Afghanistan, Foote arrived in Jordan at the beginning of September as part of a small team tasked with examining ways in which the Canadian Forces could train Jordanian counterparts.

This mission is not a combat mission, said Maj.-Gen. Omer Lavoie, commander of 1 Canadian Division in Kingston, Ont., where Foote was most recently serving as a logistics officer.

Its a mission where were there to enhance the capabilities of the Jordanian Armed Forces in areas such as resources, planning, organization and equipment.

A similar team is currently working in Lebanon. Lavoie said both missions fall under the umbrella of Canadas broader effort to fight Daesh, also known as ISIS or ISIL.

Foote was to return to Canada just before Christmas, Lavoie said. He leaves behind a wife and son.

Maj. Foote was a good Newfoundlander  and always maintained his eastern roots, Lavoie said.

Scott was level-headed, jovial and a good mentor for his peers. He was an outstanding officer and a great member of my team here at 1st Canadian Division.

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OTTAWAA member of the Canadian Forces has been charged with sexual assault.

The Canadian Forces Investigation Service says the alleged crime took place in July at a cadet training centre at Canadian Forces Base Cold Lake in Alberta.

The service says the alleged crime did not involve any youth attending the training camp.

Charged is officer cadet Oscar Morgado, who is also a student at the Royal Military College of Canada.

The college is in Kingston, Ont.

The next step is a possible court martial, but no date has yet been set.

The Canadian Armed Forces takes all reports of sexual misconduct by its members very seriously and, in all cases, action is taken to determine facts, conduct applicable investigations, analyze available evidence and, if warranted, lay the appropriate charges, Lt.-Col. Francis Bolduc, commanding officer for the investigation service, said in a news release.

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I grew up in the margins of Little Italy. Earlier  and still somewhat in the 60s  it had been a predominantly Jewish neighborhood. These days the businesses, if not the households in that area around Christie Pits, skew to ethnic Greek, Portuguese and Korean.

Immigrants gravitate to urban districts where they feel less alien, most often following paths smoothed down by relatives and acquaintances whod settled earlier, sometimes entire Old Country villages transplanted to New Country environs. They can speak to each other in the language of home. Grocery stores sell the food they cook and eat. Haberdasheries carry the style of clothing they prefer. Places of specific worship are close to hand and serve as community beacons.

Dare one say they also share values ?

Nabil Warda tried to say that and put it badly in a one-and-a-half page letter he circulated to prospective buyers for a housing development with halal financing he envisions being built in Brossard, south of Montreal.

It has been my baptism of fire, the 68-year-old tax accountant admits to the Star. The choice of words was not the best.

And then he said it worse when interviewed by journalists following up after Radio-Canada broke the story early this week, attempting to delineate the values Muslim home-buyers might be seeking in a community which at the moment exists only in Wardas imagination.

You dont drive drunk on the street, he told the National Post. If you want to drink alcohol, you drink it in your house.

Which hardly applies only to Muslims since driving inebriated is contrary to the law of the land.

He added, however, that while Muslim women might choose to wear a hijab or not, they would be expected to dress demurely, avoid walking around publicly in revealing clothing. As many do, whether you or I like it. Or not. Whether you or I see a misogynist subtext there. Or not.

There must be some modesty in the way you dress, Warda was quoted in the Post story. We dont want women living there going half-naked down the streets. We dont like that. If they want to do that, let them go and live in downtown Montreal.

Warda, a personable fellow clearly overwhelmed by the backlash, was born a Christian in Egypt, immigrated to Canada in 1970 and converted to Islam in 1992. He regrets overtly associating conservative attitudes with a faith practiced by some 1.6 billion Muslims around the world, although thats certainly a quality  whether religiously or culturally  adhered to by many.

I presented my document to the Muslim community. Had I presented it to the non-Muslim community I would have said human values instead of Muslim values.

Yet that would have defeated the purpose since the buyer pitch expressly references Islamic  halal  financing. To many Muslims, interpretation of Sharia laws forbids engaging in usury  which prevents them from securing mortgages and loans that charge interest, known in Arabic as Riba .

In fact, there are Islamic financing cooperatives in Canada now that have partnered with traditional brokerages, fully compliant with both Sharia and the regulatory framework, so that Muslims can obtain loans to purchase a home or start a business. Basically, the prospective home owner and financier agree to co-own a property or undertaking. As an example, the buyer would provide a 20 per cent down payment and pay a monthly amount for use of that property, similar to rent. Those payments would be put towards acquiring the financiers share of the property, eventually taking over the financiers entire share. The premium for those payments  what goes to the bank or brokerage firm  is considered a profit rather than interest.

Yes, Warda agrees, its really a matter of semantics. But eschewing Riba is crucial to many observant Muslims. Its what has prevented them from buying homes in Canada, rendering them life-long tenants.

Im an accountant. I see very clearly there is no difference. But not everybody does. In Islam, were talking about tradition. When you borrow money you have to give back the money and nothing more. So we have a lot of people in Canada that are not having conventional bank loans and buying houses and leaving something to their children. They give all their money to a landlord.

Of course its not the Islamic funding part that has so outraged critics, including Premier Philippe Couillard, who said from a climate conference in Morocco he would be worried about non-Muslims facing discrimination. Discrimination works in both directions, and so does inclusion. We are in favour of mixed housing for cultural communities and religious groups.

Sure, a diverse mish-mash would be best. Historically, though, thats not how putting down roots has worked; not in Montreal, not in Toronto, not in New York City or any other large metropolis where immigrants have settled by the masses.

In Canada, in truth, diversity is promoted at the expense of integration. Weve made a virtue of it. A pre-designed Muslim enclave, as long as its not an exclave, seems hardly an assault on commonweal senses.

Little Italy, Little India, Little Somalia, Chinatown, Greektown, Koreatown: Thriving cities are made up of vibrant ethnic neighborhoods, even if the original inhabitants have moved on, migrated outwards, leaving behind the essence of their presence, if only as a tourist flavouring. A second generation, more comfortable and confident as Canadians, pushes beyond the limits of a benign ghetto. Upward mobility has always been a strong motivating factor. And the cycle of renewal gentrifies districts so that what was once, say, blue-collar Cabbagetown, with its narrow row-houses and apron-sized front yards, is transformed into prime real estate for double-income professionals.

So why not a Muslim enclave, where the homes are yet to be built?

The answer, obviously, is that a common denominator based on faith  and the broader spectrum of culture  feels contrary to Canadian values, even more so in the distinct culture of Quebec which hammers francophone identity into its residents and which has flirted with the idea of banning religious symbols in the public work sphere.

In the letter of the law, segregation is verboten. Exclusivity of domicile cant be delineated along lines of religion or race, gender or sexual orientation. Yet gated communities and condo boards tacitly seal themselves off from encroachment of the un-welcome. So lets not pretend that realty segregation is non-existent in Canada.

I never intended to have a Muslim community, Warda claims, though this sounds disingenuous because it was Muslims who were clearly being addressed by the document. Upwards of 40 respondents have expressed interest, says Warda, who was scheduled to hold a meeting Friday evening at a Brossard mosque to see if his plan is viable. (The mosque is not involved in the endeavor.)

Whats wrong with Wardas proposal, really? Hes simply applying a different common denominator. That makes a lot of us queasy.

I should have said, listen, we want to have people with whom we can live in harmony. Then again, what is harmony? He laughs ruefully. When I decided who to approach, the hanging fruit was these people (Muslims).

Warda would be one of the property-buyers himself.

I figured if we were to buy as a group, a nice piece of land, and get pre-fabricated houses, I would be able to live somewhere where there are people that are my neighbors, that I have some kind of link to them. I know them for decades, I know their kids. People I can get old with. At least I would have people that know me; if I have a problem theyre there. If I stay where Im living now, I could die in my house and nobody would even know.

Its not a radical idea. Just more blunt than many can apparently tolerate  while professing platitudes of multicultural virtue.

Rosie DiManno usually appears Monday, Wednesday, Friday and Saturday.

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PORT-AU-PRINCE, HAITICanada will give $54 million to Haiti over the next five years, including more than $2 million in immediate aid, International Development Minister Marie-Claude Bibeau said Friday.

The funding announcement came on the final day of Bibeaus three-day trip to the country, where she is seeing first-hand how Canadian aid money is being used in areas decimated last month by hurricane Matthew.

Most of the money will go toward long-term agricultural initiatives, but Bibeau says $2.65 million will be invested immediately to help those impacted by the disaster.

Part of that will go to the United Nations World Food Program, which is currently providing food to those left homeless.

And $1.4 million has also been earmarked for Haitian elections, which begin on Sunday after numerous disputes and delays.

Canada will help with voting logistics and provide independent observers.

Most of the money  about $50 million  has been set aside for developing long-term projects in the agriculture sector.

Its resilient agriculture: the idea is to get the best projects to face climate change, natural disasters, draught and floods, Bibeau said in an interview.

Bibeau told humanitarian organizations at a roundtable meeting on Thursday that the government will show preference to projects that put an emphasis on women and girls.

One representative at the table suggested adding disabled people to that list, but Bibeau said shes starting from the premise that empowering women  including financially  will help to better serve other groups as a result.

The federal government is in the process of completing the review of its international aid policy, which will be presented early next year.

I can already tell you that women and girls will be at the heart of all our priorities, Bibeau said.

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A reliable Canadian reflex ensures that whenever something big and surprising happens in the United States, somebody here will decide its the fault of Canadas political leaders.

The most extraordinary demonstration of this reflex happened in the days after 9/11. Nine days after the attacks, Tony Blair sat next to Laura Bush as then-president George W. Bush spoke to a joint session of Congress. The National Post, where I then worked, moved immediately to DEFCON 1. Why was their guy sitting next to the presidents wife? Where was our guy? What had he  good God, what had we  done wrong?

Articles of indictment were drawn up. Jean Chretien had taken too long to speak to reporters after the attacks. He had waited until Monday, six full days, to convene Parliament; Blair had convened his in three. Chretien took too long to visit Ground Zero, preferring to leave the site to rescue workers until a public backlash forced him to visit the rubble pile.

When Canadian soldiers arrived in Afghanistan wearing forest camouflage designed for European theatres of operation where Canadians had been stationed for two generations, there was more outrage. And when, a year and a half later, Chretien declined to participate in the Iraq invasion, even some Liberals were terrified that hed made the wrong call.

Even Stephen Harper got some of the same guff whenever surprises gusted up from the south. The Wall Street banking collapse endangered his re-election in 2008, and nearly finished him off five weeks after that election, when the opposition parties decided he was not reacting nimbly enough to events none of them had foreseen either.

And when Americans elected Barack Obama, Globe and Mail columnist John Ibbitson wrote Open And Shut, a quick book lamenting the contrast between their leader and ours. Ottawa is in the midst of a crisis of competence, he wrote. The political class is a wraith of its former self.

Somehow in all this garment-rending, the answer that would be obvious to an observer in, say, Dublin or Buenos Aires  that these events have nothing to do with Canada and cast no judgment on its leaders worth  never gets aired in Toronto or Ottawa.

And now its happening again. Donald Trump won, so Justin Trudeau is too weak, inexperienced, naive or wrong-headed to be trusted with government. This is hardly the majority view, but then its still early days yet. Here at the vanguard is Kevin OLeary: My imagery of that, Donald Trump versus Trudeau, is Godzilla versus Bambi, the reality-show businessman told BNN.

Derek Burney, who used to be Brian Mulroneys chief of staff, said naive would be a polite word for Trudeaus decision to say, immediately after Trumps election, that he would be willing to discuss changes to NAFTA with a President Trump.

Well, in that case, heres to naive leaders. Trumps fallback plan is to abrogate NAFTA, which would be a short road to chaos in Canada-U.S. relations. Discussing changes might be the best way to keep the pin in that particular grenade, which may explain why Susan Schwab, who was Bushs trade representative, told a Washington audience this week that Trudeaus remark on NAFTA was a very, very clever response.

Before deciding Trump will fleece Trudeau in bilateral talks, prognosticators would do well to wait until everyone knows what Trump plans to ask, or demand, or threaten. For greater certainty, they should then wait a little longer to ascertain whether Trump will contradict himself a day later.

The president-elect has proven himself more than capable of debating every side of most major questions. Waiting for his foreign policy is like waiting for a flipped coin to land. And talking to him  which is to say, putting ideas into his head  may be the best way to influence his decisions. It is, notoriously, the tactic employed by those members of his campaign team who survived until election day and are spending the week holed up with him at Trump Tower.

It is true that Trump is more predictable on some issues than others. He is likely to cut corporate taxes, reducing or eliminating a Canadian tax advantage in that field. But corporate taxation isnt the only basis for investment decisions. Ability to attract talent matters, too, and on that score Trump is perfectly capable of balancing one move that helps his economy with 20 that hurt it.

While we wait for the Trump coin to land, a little sang-froid would be in order, if out of character. The Americans have made their decision. They will be years finding out what it means. It doesnt always have to be about us.

Paul Wells is a national affairs writer. His column appears Wednesday, Friday and Saturday.

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MONTREALThe developer behind a controversial proposal to build a Muslim housing community on Montreals south shore has temporarily put his plans on hold.

Nabil Warda said hes not giving up on the idea, but decided to postpone a presentation to the local Islamic community centre in Brossard scheduled for Friday evening.

He said he put off the meeting because of the backlash hes faced this week over his plan to build dozens of homes near the community.

My plan is to make a project that is acceptable, legally and socially, when the people are ready to accept it, he said.

He said his proposal was misinterpreted as a Muslim ghetto although he had never intended to limit membership to any one group.

Right now, we are just letting things calm down and waiting for the time people will use their brains more than their emotions, he said.

The plan drew widespread criticism this week, with Premier Philippe Couillard weighing in that the concept of segregated neighbourhoods runs counter to Quebec values of diversity and inclusiveness.

A spokesman for the Islamic Community Centre based in Brossard, Que., said it wasnt associated with Wardas project.

The centre published a statement on its website saying it did not wish to be linked to development projects that are not initiated or approved by ICC or its management.

We promote full integration within Quebec society and we are proud Quebecers and Canadians, the statement read.

Warda, an accountant, said his proposed development would be open to all qualified buyers, regardless of colour, race and religion.

His primary goal with the project is to help Muslim families who couldnt otherwise buy homes because their beliefs prevent them from paying interest.

We are second-class citizens money-wise, he said. It is unfair that because people have religious beliefs, they cannot have access to real estate.

Hes hoping to show theres enough demand to convince banks to offer what he calls Islamic financing, where the principal and interest are presented as one lump sum.

More on thestar.com:

Montreals proposed Muslim community not so different from other ethnic enclaves: DiManno

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Police are investigating after a man was found with multiple gunshot wounds at a Toronto gas station.

Police responded to the call at around 8:30 p.m. near Jane St. and Falstaff Ave. on Thursday night. The victim was transported to hospital in serious condition with multiple gunshot wounds to his torso, paramedics said.

It is not yet clear where the shooting took place, or how the victim ended up at the gas station, police said.

There is no suspect information at this time.

Its the second shooting in the area tonight. Police rushed a shooting victim to hospital at 6:20 p.m. near the intersection of Weston Rd. and Lawrence Ave. W. He was in serious but non-life threatening condition according to police.

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Toronto police have issued a warrant for a third suspect in the killing of Julian Jones, a Baltimore man beaten to death in Little Italy.

Andrew Christopher OBrien, 28, of Toronto, is wanted for second-degree murder, said homicide Det. Rob North at a press conference Friday.

If you are watching this, I urge you to contact a lawyer and or turn yourself in to the nearest police station wherever that may be, said North, addressing OBrien.

The detective added that anyone helping OBrien evade police could face legal trouble as well.

Jones was in Toronto for a friends bachelor party when, in the early hours of Nov. 5, he was punched, kicked and stomped on outside Blnd Tger bar on College St. near Bathurst St.

Officers say there was already an altercation going on outside Blnd Tgr when Jones and his friends left the bar around 2:20 a.m.

Jones got separated from his group in the fray. Then, police say, seven to nine men approached him. Two of those men attacked Jones, who then died en route to hospital.

North said the attack was unprovoked.

On Nov. 9, Toronto police charged Toronto men Kamari Folkes, 24, and Kenneth Omorogbe, 25, with second-degree murder.

North did not release a photo or a description of OBrien, and urged media not to publish any photos they find of the suspect, as they might compromise some investigative avenues.

North said he and another officer are scheduled to fly to Baltimore next week to interview Joness friends who witnessed the attack and meet with his family.

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A stolen van with 16 dogs inside was found Friday night with all of the canines still inside, nine hours after it was stolen, Toronto police said.

All dogs are accounted for and in good health, said Const. Craig Brister of the Toronto Police Service. The van was found in a parking lot at 200 Queens Quay E.

The animals were in a van owned by Soulmutts, a local dog daycare company. The dog walker had left it briefly outside a condo building at 215 Fort York Blvd. at around 11 a.m. to run upstairs and pick up a dog; during that time a man broke into the vehicle, climbed in and took off.

He was in there for a minute, minute and a half, and when he came back the van was gone, said Soulmutts co-owner Alison Fodero. It happened in a flash.

Dogs reunited with owners after missing van found

Joe Farrugia, a railway worker whos employed nearby, said he saw the van and heard dogs barking on his way in to the office, but didnt initially think anything of it. Then, a co-worker told him about the theft as they chatted before starting their shifts.

We came over and had a look, and the next thing you know, the dogs are in there, Farrugia said.

And so it was a happy scene on Queens Quay as owners came to pick up their beloved pets, with an abundance of wagging tails and smiling humans crowding the area around the van.

Amy Morse, who owns a six-year-old rescue dog named Lily, said she was relieved that the long, terrifying day was over.

She does smell really bad, but I would take that over never smelling her again, Morse said.

Lindsey Peacock said she was overjoyed to have her 18-month-old husky, Charlie, back in her arms.

You better believe were going to spoil him rotten, even more so than we do already, she said.

The other owner of Soulmutt, Jake Steinman, said he was grateful that whoever stole the van appeared to have listened to pleas to leave it running, ensuring that its climate-control functions would keep the animals warm.

At the end of the day, were angry at this person, but the most important thing is that the dogs are safe right now, Steinman said.

Earlier in the day, owners had been frantic as the people across Toronto joined the search for the missing dogs.

Camilla De Cesare said she was hysterical when she found out her two dogs, Lupo and Panda, were among the 16 missing dogs.

I just really want them to be OK, she said, breaking into tears. I mean my one dog, hes such a princess. He cant survive anything. My other dog is a tank, like he can survive for a couple days.

Dog parents were gathered at the condo Friday to comfort each other as they waited for their dogs to be found.

Were all pretty panicked and shocked so we came down to try and help out, said Adam Woodhouse, Charlies co-owner.

I am devastated, just devastated, Sheila OToole. She was returning from her lunch break Friday when she received the news that Agnes, her 8-year-old Jatzu (half Japanese Chin, half Shih Tzu), was one of the pets taken.

I had to read the email five times. I broke down, she said. Shes a family member. Shes my soulmate.

Among the dogs taken in the van was Simba the Shiba Inu, popular on Instagram with more than 17,500 followers. His owner Stas Dimos, who had just signed his dog up for the service two weeks ago, drove around the area all afternoon hoping to find his companion.

I just want him back, he said.

On Friday night Brister said there was no new information on the suspect who stole the van; he was earlier described the suspect as a blond male, white, six feet tall and around 200 pounds, carrying a pink bag. Fodero said she was told that police dont believe that the van was targeted.

In the end, many dog owners were simply overjoyed that they could go to bed with their beloved pets back at home. Emily Johnston, whose pug, Charlotte, was among the missing pups, said she was grateful to everyone who helped with the search.

This is a testament to how great the human spirit is, said Johnston, bursting into tears. It just warms my heart hearing that so many people care that dont know each other.

Meanwhile, Fodero said Soulmutt plans to place iPads in their vehicles starting Monday, so that staff can use Find my iPhone to track them, should a similar situation ever arise again.

Soulmutts vans, the owners say, have two keys  one for the driver to keep at all times and another to leave in the ignition, so the climate-control systems are running at all times. Though the vehicles are always locked, Fodero said Soulmutt and other similar companies are now rethinking their security measures.

Something like this happens and it really makes you think, she said.

We really, really just want our dogs to be safe. Thats happened now, so we can exhale. I really hope they find who did this, because this was a really terrible thing.

With files from Azzura Lalani and Evelyn Kwong

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Mayor John Tory is not surprised by a rash of racist and xenophobic incidents but says it shows city hall and Torontonians must step up efforts to confront hate.

Im not surprised because I see such (racist) comments on the internet, Tory said from Jerusalem where he is on a weeklong technology trade trip to Israel and the West Bank.

We pride ourselves on the fact that that sort of thing doesnt go on, and wont go, on but it does.

Its aberrant behavior, its totally out of place in Toronto, and theres virtually no one who accepts it having any place at all. But weve got to make sure people know its partly their responsibility, not just a government responsibility, to show there is no place for that.

On Monday signs targeting white people sick of being blamed for all the worlds problems were discovered in East York. Later that day video emerged of a man using violent and racially-charged language on a streetcar, prompting other riders to challenge him and move between him and a dark-skinned passenger.

A surge of racial incidents has been reported in the U.S. since voters chose Donald Trump to be their next president.

Tory pointed, as one anti-racism tool, to the recent launch of an ad campaign by the City of Toronto and Ontario Council of Agencies Serving Immigrants, challenging viewers assumptions based on skin colour.

The mayor said the recent incidents have him thinking of other ways the city and its residents can redouble their efforts. He called TTC riders confronting racist behaviour commendable but added you have to be careful how you do that.

Were doing well but we have a lot of work to do on anti-black racism and other kinds of hate, Tory said.

Thats what the poster campaign has been about. We cannot put down our guards for one minute because the minute you do, those lonely people sitting in basements drawing up those posters, they start to win.

They are not going to win in our city because there are too many people determined to make sure they dont, starting with the mayor.

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A Justice who claimed to have suffered sleepless nights while considering a York Regional Police officers evidence, finally decided to reject it entirely, finding him guilty of sexually assaulting a 21-year-old student in the back of his cruiser.

Police Const. Young Min von Seefried was convicted Thursday at the Newmarket courthouse, a judgment that could carry a sentence of 18 months in jail.

The 34-year-old married father-of-two listened quietly as Justice Marquis Felix read out a lengthy judgment calling into question practically every portion of Const. von Seefrieds defence, calling parts flimsy, truly bizarre and nonsensical.

The January 2015 incident began after Const. von Seefried was patrolling Markham streets near Woodbine Avenue and Yorktech Drive.

At about 4:30 a.m., after noticing a Mercedes Benz that was a different colour than the one listed on the vehicles registration Const. von Seefried said he pulled the car over. He said after approaching the car and questioning both the driver and the passenger, he grew concerned over what he perceived to be prostitution, alcohol and domestic issues. In light of this, he claimed to escort the passenger to his cruiser to ensure she was in the mans car of her own free will.

Once there, the complainant said Const. von Seefried began kissing the Chinese foreign exchange student. She further noted that he placed his hand up her top grabbing her breast, before placing his hand down her shorts fondling her and then placing her hand on his erect penis, asking her to taste it. Const. von Seefried denied all of this, but did admit to writing her phone number down in his notebook before calling her twice, thirty minutes later and leaving a voicemail.

Justice Felix rejected Const. von Seefrieds explanation that he called the girl later that morning to make sure she was OK, claiming his defence smacks of after-the-fact justification.

Justice Felix also criticized the Toronto Police Sgt. who took the complainants statement, explaining he was extremely concerned that the officer not only interviewed the complainant in the same room as her boyfriend, but also suggested he showed serious neglect of basic fundamental procedures by failing to video or audio tape the interview. Felix called the failures unconscionable considering the complaint was about one of his fellow officers.

In summing up, Justice Felix said he was resolute in believing little of what Const. von Seefried said on the stand.

I reject almost all of the defences evidence, he said. Other than he was working Im hard pressed to give any credence to the remainder of the evidence."

Const. von Seefried will remain suspended with pay until the end of proceedings, according to police.

York Regional Police Chief Eric Jolliffe released a statement following the conviction, stating von Seefrieds actions do not reflect the other members of the service.

It is extremely disappointing to have one of our officers charged and convicted criminally, Jolliffe said. Let me be clear  York Regional Police will not tolerate any behaviour that victimizes anyone in our community.

Correction- Nov. 18, 2016: This article was updated from a previous version that mistakenly said a York police officer had taken the complainants statement. In fact, it was a Toronto Police officer.

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Inflammatory speakers on university campuses in the past have prompted a protester to hurl a ceremonial mace at a presenter, have provoked mass protests and violence and have required mounted police to step in, even forced a presenter to don a bulletproof vest.

On Saturday, a forum featuring a controversial University of Toronto professor will join the grand tradition of debate-style showdowns the country has seen in the last few decades.

A university is supposed to be a place where there can be civil and respectful discussion of even the most highly controversial issues, said the dean of the Faculty of Arts and Science at U of T, David Cameron, to U of T News.

The university is hosting the forum to discuss Bill C-16 and the gender provisions of the Ontario Human Rights Code.

The event will pit Jordan Peterson, the U of T psychology professor who gained national attention for his refusal to use gender-neutral pronouns, against two other professors.

Its not the first time Canadian universities have considered the question of whether they should limit free speech, especially when the speech is hateful or controversial.

In 1985, during apartheid, Glen Babb, the South African ambassador to Canada, was invited by the University of Torontos law school to participate in a debate on whether international law applies to South Africas racial segregation policies.

Many people were outraged Babb was being given a platform to advocate for apartheid.

The debate pitted free-speech advocates against anti-hate speech advocates.

Four professors at the University of Toronto went to court to try to stop Babb from speaking, but the debate ultimately took place.

It ended abruptly after a teacher threw a ceremonial mace at Babb.

In 1986, Babb finally spoke at the university, but, as the Star reported at the time, he wore a bullet proof vest.

Mounted police were called to control the crowd of protesters outside.

In 1989, Philippe Rushton, a Western University professor took on Canadian environmentalist and geneticist David Suzuki in a televised debate, amid public outcry. Rushton was known for his controversial theories on race, intelligence and sexuality after publishing Race, Evolution and Behavior: A Life History Perspective.

The university defended him, giving him a platform to express his views even though many people called his work racist and unscientific.

In the debate, Suzuki discussed the necessity for academic freedom, but said research should justify this privilege.

I did not want to be here. I do not believe that we should dignify this man and his ideas in public debate, he said.

The academic community has a great role to ensure that all ideas, but especially those with enormous social ramifications, can withstand critical scrutiny.

Rushtons do not in a fundamental way.

Just last year, the controversial psychologist Mark Yarhouse, who believes sexual orientation may be changeable, spoke at Trinity Western Universitys Langley and Richmond campuses in British Columbia.

Trinity Western is a Christian university that requires students and staff members to pledge to abstain from sexual intimacy that violates the sacredness of marriage between a man and a woman.

Some students at the university expressed concerns, Guy Saffold, the special assistant to the president at Trinity Western told the Globe and Mail, but the talk went ahead as planned.

We want our university campuses to be safe places, but we dont want to sanitize the intellectual environment so that theres only one view, Saffold said.

On some occasions, debates involving controversial figures have been cancelled.

In 2006, Jared Taylor, an American who believes races have real differences, who edited a magazine preaching race realism, called American Renaissance, was to debate on racial diversity at Dalhousie University against the James R. Johnston chair of Black Canadian studies at the university, David Divine.

But Divine did some research on Taylor and ultimately reversed his decision.

We are a responsible institution, and, therefore, we have to decide very carefully when we put on presentations that we do not unnecessarily cause offence and compound the difficulties of individuals and communities who have been systematically discriminated against over centuries,  Divine said to The Canadian Press.

Therefore, we will not provide a platform to individuals or organizations who espouse hate against particular groups.

A planned speech at the University of Ottawa by Ann Coulter, a right wing American pundit, was cancelled over safety concerns in 2010.

Angry demonstrations by about 2,000 people against Coulter, known for her abrasive and provocative statements, made ensuring security too difficult.

Prior to her planned speech, the provost of the University of Ottawa wrote her a letter advising her that promoting hatred against any identifiable group would not only be considered inappropriate, but could in fact lead to criminal charges.

Coulter had spoken the day before at Western University.

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Its a given. Some people scorn libraries, presumably because they can buy their own books, thank you very much. Or they think reading is effete, or dull, or that they themselves cannot be improved upon.

When people cut library budgets  as is being attempted by Mayor John Tory  they crush the life chances of children with careless or unknowing parents, of students sneaking into libraries after being bullied for bookishness at school, of people who need the librarys computers to look for work, of new Canadians trying to learn English.

A library offers everything to everybody. As Star columnist Edward Keenan recently wrote of the Toronto public library boards refusal to give Tory the 2.6 per cent cut he wanted  though he wants it from every department and may still get it  it was a unanimous statement of defiance.

Some things can be cut. But transit needs a great deal more money. So do libraries. Not all city functions are equally necessary or similarly structured, despite what Tory says. Some are apples, some are oranges. Some are glass and laminate, some are cotton.

Yes, there are ways to cut library costs. The Stars Sara Mojtehedzadeh has described the same bloat of highly paid administrators in libraries that is seen in universities, where precarious adjunct professors teach on the cheap. In 1999 there were six library managers making $100,000 or more. By 2014, there were 63.

I dont want layoffs but certainly dont want branches across the city closed on weeknights, as had been proposed, or less work for an army of precarious part-time library workers.

And then I read a peculiar column by Matthew Lau in the Financial Post calling Torontos entire public library system by a Rob Ford name, gravy train.

Wheres the gravy? It claimed Torontos libraries were less efficient than those in other smaller cities and that in fact, libraries are totally unnecessary. Surely if they wished, anybody with an Internet connection can access an endless supply of virtually costless words.

How writers demean themselves.

The columnist himself had free library access at university but doesnt want it for the rest of us. He earned a commerce degree but wants lower taxes, which will cut higher education. He does not understand city planning, architecture, soft power, self-teaching, the publishing industry, encouraging student graduation or the existence of ethnic enclaves that would welcome more Canada via beautiful libraries.

Christopher Bird of Torontoist.com got wonderfully irate about this. He crunched Laus numbers and found they didnt make enough corn flakes to crust a tartlet. He said numbers were combined wrongly, that Toronto workers are paid more because it costs more to live here than, say, in London, Ont., and that Torontonians in fact use their libraries at a higher rate than do citizens in other cities and towns.

But this doesnt interest me as much as how anti-tax, anti-library, anti-union people like Lau end up sounding like the Ford brothers. Maybe Lau shouldnt have mentioned gravy.

I see status anxiety bubbling in the pot. Well-read people seem a threat, and the dread word elite always pops up, though thats weird in the case of Conservative leadership hopeful Kellie Leitch, who is highly educated and inarguably elitist. She must hate herself but appears not to.

Torontos libraries give power to the people. I have never understood why populists like the Fords wanted regular folks not to have a multiplicity of libraries, in the same way I wondered why they disliked even basic rules of public decorum. They sensed books and courtesy were considered desirable but had been raised to sneer at both. It is an uncomfortable position for an adult to be in.

But an adult has freedom to decide what he wants to be. Children do not.

The association between books for children and autonomy for children is very strong, wrote Francis Spufford in The Child that Books Built: A Memoir of Childhood and Reading.

Books are an escape for children who have difficult lives, as Spufford did. His sister was very ill; his parents were frantic, and for years it was distressing to see. He survived by immersing himself in reading so deeply that it became druglike.

The comedian Stephen Colbert endured the plane-crash death of his father and two of his 10 siblings by immersing himself in Dungeons and Dragons, in Tolkien, one place to distract him, another to hone his good brain.

British feminist Caitlin Moran, the eldest of eight children growing up poor in Wolverhampton  its dire there  was saved by libraries, but theyre now being closed across the nation.

A library in the middle of a community is a cross between an emergency exit, a life-raft and a festival, she has written. They are cathedrals of the mind; hospitals of the soul; theme parks of the imagination. On a cold rainy island, they are the only sheltered public spaces where you are not a consumer, but a citizen instead.

I want more libraries, more hours open, computers and books, softer chairs, more childrens corners, more security guards and librarians. Any cut at all will be a kick in the teeth to the ambitious people of Toronto.

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If you live in one of Torontos priority neighbourhoods, you probably pay more for auto insurance.

At least, thats what the list of 10 most expensive and cheapest areas for car insurance in Toronto looks like at first blush.

Seven of the 10 neighbourhoods are Neighourbood Improvement Areas.

Meanwhile, more wealthy neighbourhoods like Casa Loma, Rosedale and Bridle Path have some of the cheapest premiums in town.

The list, which was published on Nov. 15 by Kanetix Ltd., found that, if you live in the north end of the city, whether its the east end or west end, chances are youre paying more for your insurance then those living in the citys centre and midtown.

Its the second annual list thats been published, based on data from the companys online InsuraMap tool, which compares premiums by postal code.

What are interesting are the differences between neighbourhoods, said Kanetix VP Janine White. Neighbourhoods with less-expensive premiums have good proximity to public transit, fewer drivers and fewer cars, which means there are fewer accidents and claims.

When you look at the most expensive areas, its the opposite.

Malvern, Rouge and Glenfeld-Jane Heights snagged the top three most-expensive spots on the list ($2,595), while Palmerson-Little Italy, Dovercourt-Wallace Emerson-Junction and Forest Hill North, have the least expensive premiums ($1,640).

White also confirmed that, on average, the top five most expensive neighbourhoods have rates that increased by $110 since last year.

The data also found that Toronto insurance rates as a whole are about 30 per cent higher than the provincial average ($1,448), with Toronto drivers paying approximately $448 more for their premiums.

Its a numbers game, explained Pete Karageorgos, director of consumer and industry relations of Ontario with the Insurance Bureau of Canada.

If those postal codes are reporting more claims, and the claims are more expensive than average, the payout will be higher, he said.

Generally, insurers measure claims per 100 vehicles, Karageorgos said. The provincial average is 9.3 claims for 100 vehicles, but a couple of those postal codes had 12 or 13 claims per 100 vehicles, said Karageorgos.

And you have to look not just at frequency but also severity: how expensive are the claims people are having? The provincial average is $11,500, while the city average is $14,000. So claims in the City of Toronto are more expensive.

Kanetix noted that two of Torontos most expensive neighbourhoods for car insurance happen to contain intersections with some of the highest collision rates in the city.

The number of incidents on Islington Ave. at Albion Road, and Sheppard Ave. at Morningside Road may contribute to higher insurance rates in these specific neighbourhoods.

But is it problematic that so many of Torontos Neighbourhood Improvement Areas are getting dinged by higher insurance rates?

John Furr, a housing consultant, knows all about the insurance rate yo-yo. He used to live in M1B, the most expensive neighbourhood for car insurance, and said his premium went up by almost $1,000 when he moved there from Ajax.

We were shortening our commute significantly, but the rates still shot up, he said. When he checked his current rate against his previous rate, he said it was 30 per cent more. It was disturbing.

Furr contends that people in these areas are also really getting hammered by rates because transit is undermined deliberately. So there is no choice but to drive on high-risk roads to get to work, and then be hit with insurance.

Malvern, at the north east end of Toronto, has already been stigmatized by high crime rates and social segregation, earning its Priority Neighbourhood Area status in 2005. The city found that 21 per cent of its 45,096 residents are low-income, and 11.3 per cent are on social assistance.

The Kanetix snapshot doesnt paint the entire picture, Karageorgos cautioned: Its not only about how often your neighbours are crashing. The type of vehicle you drive and your driving record can also contribute to higher insurance rates.

People often ask how they can find ways to pay for the risk they present, rather than paying into the pool, he said. At the end of the day, shop around. Its a competitive market out there.

Take 10 minutes once a year to make sure youve got the best insurance policy, White agreed. Its always good to see whats happening around you  50 per cent of us auto-renew our policies without changing anything.

Kanetix also recommended a few other ways to try and save: Bundling auto insurance with home insurance, checking with your employer for discounts, or paying for premiums annually in one lump sum to avoid administration costs each month.

Furr says he also has concerns about insurance fraud falsely inflating prices, and doesnt understand why the provincial government cant step in to help. Ive reached the point where Im ready to (get) rid of my car and drive a little moped.

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GRIMSBY, ONT.Sam Oosterhoff just became one of Ontarios highest paid teenagers, winning a Niagara byelection and an MPPs salary of $116,500 plus a taxpayer-funded pad in Toronto.

The 19-year-old Progressive Conservative kept the wine-country riding in Tory hands while civil rights lawyer Nathalie Des Rosiers held Ottawa-Vanier for Premier Kathleen Wynnes Liberals in Thursdays other byelection.

To the relief of the Liberals, Des Rosiers easily defeated outspoken former Ontario ombudsman Andre Marin, a star candidate for the Conservatives.

Marin  who was ombudsman for 11 years and is currently suing the legislature because his contract ended  is the first Tory candidate to lose a byelection since Patrick Brown took the leaders job last year.

I am absolutely thrilled that Nathalie Des Rosiers is going to be joining us at Queens Park, an elated Wynne told more than 250 cheering Liberals at a packed Knights of Columbus hall.

The premiers political future might have been imperiled if the Grits had lost a riding they have held since 1971.

With Liberals gathering in Ottawa Friday for their annual general meeting, there would have been questions about her leadership this weekend. But Des Rosiers win means Wynne has dodged a bullet.

Oosterhoff, a home-schooled social conservative on hiatus from first-year political science studies at Brock University, will become the youngest MPP in Ontario history. He lives with his parents.

Brown hailed him for an impressive victory in a fight against soaring hydro rates and downplayed the loss in Ottawa-Vanier, which he dismissed as a Liberal fortress.

Oosterhoff said it was a humbling experience.

Its a great responsibility thats been placed on me, said Oosterhoff, who increased his partys share of the vote in the race that saw the Liberals fall to third place and the NDP vaulting to second.

The young MPP evaded questions on whether he believes homosexuality is a sin and whether he will support Bill 28, which will make it easier for lesbian and gay parents to have children and which Brown has said the Tories support.

I believe we need to treat everyone with dignity and respect, the teen said. I reach out to all communities.

The results do not change the standings in the 107-seat legislature, where Wynne enjoys a slim majority with 58 seats  including Speaker Dave Levac  to 29 Conservatives and 20 New Democrats.

Thursdays byelections came with the Liberals struggling in recent polls behind the Conservatives and a province-wide election looming in June 2018.

The Tories and Andrea Horwaths NDP used the races to hammer the government over skyrocketing hydro bills and scandals, including recent Elections Act charges against former Wynne deputy chief of staff Patricia Sorbara in last years Sudbury byelection.

Wynne insisted she is paying closer attention to pocketbook issues, waiving the 8 per cent provincial portion of the HST on electricity bills starting in January, among other measures.

Oosterhoff replaces former PC leader Tim Hudak in a riding that stretches from Hamilton to St. Catharines. Des Rosiers inherits a suburban Ottawa seat previously held by cabinet minister Madeleine Meilleur.

Both Hudak and Meilleur left politics earlier this year.

I know I have huge, big red shoes to fill, Des Rosiers said of her predecessor, a beloved figure in Vanier.

Oosterhoffs surprise nomination as the Tory candidate  facing Liberal family lawyer Vicky Ringuette, 37 and retired policeman Mike Thomas, 61, of the NDP  created challenges for Brown on two fronts.

With support from parishioners at his church, the teen beat Browns close friend, PC party president and former St. Catharines MP Rick Dykstra, for the job.

The third-place NDP candidate in Ottawa-Vanier was retired civil servant Claude Bisson, brother of New Democrat House leader Gilles Bisson at Queens Park.

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WASHINGTONOne of the first big fights of Donald Trumps presidency will be about what to do with people like Oliverio Cortes, whose future he could crush in a single second.

One little signature, Cortes said Wednesday. One little signature could just destroy me.

Cortes wakes up at five a.m., six days a week, to drive his parents to the life he thought  until last Tuesday  he had managed to avoid: picking tomatoes under the hot Florida sun. They are illegal immigrants.

Through no fault of his own he is one, too. But he has opportunities. At least for another couple of months.

Cortes, 20, was brought to America from Mexico as a one-year-old child. As a DREAMer, someone who arrived illegally before his 16th birthday, he was able to enrol in a Barack Obama program that protects him from deportation and gives him a renewable two-year work permit.

Seeing possibility, he became the first person in his family to graduate high school. He was able to obtain a drivers licence and a good casino job. He bought a car. And he enrolled in cosmetology school, a first step toward his goal of a career as a beauty products entrepreneur.

Trump has vowed to immediately scrap the Obama program, a unilateral executive action he and other conservatives say is both unconstitutional and an inappropriate reward for bad behaviour. He can do so, if he wants to, on his first day in office.

As with any law enforcement activity, we will set priorities. But, unlike this administration, no one will be immune or exempt from enforcement, Trump said in August. Anyone who has entered the United States illegally is subject to deportation. That is what it means to have laws and to have a country.

A cancellation of the program, Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA), would please the anti-illegal-immigration voters who helped propel Trumps unlikely rise. But it would pose a real risk to Trump as well, testing the extent to which he can sell a zero-tolerance stand against sympathetic people whom polls suggest most voters think should be put on a path to citizenship.

Of Americas 11 million illegal immigrants, DREAMers are easiest for white citizens to feel bad for: young, morally innocent, fluent in English, often well-educated. And they are savvy and aggressive, having honed their persuasion skills in relentlessly lobbying Obama.

We pressured someone that was in the White House that called himself an ally. Imagine what were going to do with someone that has said so many things about our community, said Liz Magallanes, 22, a legal assistant and activist in Texas.

Were not just going to let anybody take our privilege, what we have achieved, away from us. Its that simple. Of course there will be a fight. And Im down for a fight. Down to protect me and all of us, said Carlos Esteban Arellano, 30, a nursing student in Virginia.

Frank Sharry, a leading pro-immigrant reform advocate, believes it is a fight they will probably lose.

The early signs, Sharry said, are unpromising. Among the names being floated for top positions in the Trump administration are two of the countrys most unyielding immigration hard-liners, Alabama Sen. Jeff Sessions and Kansas Secretary of State Kris Kobach.

I dont think our chances are very good of winning it, Sharry said. He added: I think most of us would expect him to throw red meat to his nativist base, and this is going to be one of those ways to do it.

Sharry, executive director of Americas Voice, said the coming battle might involve everything up to widespread civil disobedience and, if need be, law-breaking. He said he expects citizens to literally put themselves in between DREAMers and federal agents trying to apprehend them, some companies to declare they will continue to employ DREAMers, some cities to declare themselves no-apprehension zones.

I think the opposition is going to be increasingly militant, Sharry said. The idea of taking 750,000 kids who are American in all but paperwork and putting them at risk of deportation and taking them out of jobs is just so radical, and if he does it, itll be incredibly unpopular. And I think it will stir a kind of resistance that you dont normally see in American politics.

Obama urged Trump on Monday to think long and hard before they (endanger) the status of what for all practical purposes are American kids. He dismissed a Thursday request from a group of House Democrats from California to grant pardons to DREAMers; only Congress can create legal status for undocumented individuals, a White House official said.

The DREAMers, named for the unsuccessful DREAM Act, say they still think they can change the mind of a president-elect prone to policy waffling. Magallanes said they might have success focusing on the economic harm of a reversal. But they will spend much of their energy on securing protection from the local and university leaders who appear more inclined to help.

We will be calling on local elected officials, including mayors and governors, to support us in building sanctuaries and safe spaces for undocumented immigrants and refugees, said Karla Perez, 24, a DREAMer, law student and activist in Houston.

It is a bitter irony that their participation in an initiative meant to keep them safe may now make it easier for Trump to deport them. To sign up for DACA, the DREAMers had to provide their fingerprints and addresses to the Obama administration. No law prevents Trump from using the information to track them down.

The end of the program would not necessarily mean deportation. Even if DREAMers were allowed to stay, though, they would be forced back into a fearful existence of under-the-table cash labour, professional paths closed again.

If everything goes away, its just heartbreaking, honestly, Cortes said, becoming emotional. Its just so confusing. I worked super hard for everything I have. I hope and I pray that everything is not going to be taken away from me.

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As he watched the news of the presidential election in the last week, Kory Duquette became increasingly agitated. Pundits were blaming a whitelash for Donald Trumps win and called it a massive exercise of angry white ballot power.

Civil rights groups said the president-elects victory has inspired dozens of attacks on black people, Latinos and Muslims by people who shared Trumps suspicions about immigrants. Commentators said that in his quest for a win, Trump pandered to Americas darkest racist impulses.

Duquette, a 37-year-old Trump supporter from Alabama, was ready to fight back.

#Whiteshaming doesnt work anymore! you label me? you wonder why Trump won? Duquette, who is white, posted this week on Twitter. Tired of being classified with untruths.

Duquette voted for President Barack Obama eight years ago and would never call himself a racist. Like many Americans, he was sold on Trumps promises to create jobs and fight terrorism. But there was also something else that attracted him.

Trump has eliminated that uncomfortable feeling of being afraid to speak your mind as a white man, said the 37-year-old prison guard. There is nothing wrong with being white.

Much has been said about the rise of white nationalists who have felt emboldened by Trump and his association with people and groups known to espouse anti-Muslim and anti-Semitic views.

One of the more widespread effects of the Nov. 8 election may be the emergence of a broad array of everyday Americans who insist theyre not white nationalists but say the president-elect has made them more comfortable in their white skin.

In an era of duelling black lives matter and all lives matter campaigns and regular debates over free speech and political correctness, Duquette, who says he has heard the phrase white privilege one too many times, said he now feels vindicated.

We were, I felt, backed into a corner and . . . told, You white people had your day, its our turn now,  he said this week from his home in Arab, Ala. I feel Trump broke that P.C. barrier . . . made me feel comfortable again to speak out.

Trumps election has thrust race even more squarely into the simmering national debate over justice and American identity.

Protesters have blocked streets in dozens of cities over a vote they see as affirming racism and xenophobia.

There has been widespread alarm over a wave of hate incidents directed at minorities across the country, the largest number seen since the period after Obamas election, according to the Southern Poverty Law Center. Some Trump supporters have been beaten in public as well.

This week, the mayor of Clay, W.Va., resigned after praising a friends Facebook comment that called first lady Michelle Obama an ape in heels and celebrated her imminent departure from the White House.

In Wells, N.Y., graffiti was painted on a dugout wall featuring a swastika and the words, Make America White Again.

At a Starbucks in Miami, a white customer began yelling, Trump! Trump at a black barista, declaring he was the victim of white discrimination.

At New York University, students found Trumps name written on the door to a Muslim prayer room on campus.

The Ku Klux Klan announced it would hold a Trump victory parade in North Carolina next month.

One of the catalysts for controversy has been Trumps naming of Breitbart News executive chairman, Stephen K. Bannon, as a senior adviser. Bannon once called his website the platform of the alt-right, a movement broadly associated with white nationalism.

He has been accused of making anti-Asian and anti-Semitic remarks, and both critics and supporters say his influence will allow his self-described virulently anti-establishment ideas about women, gays and others to permeate the next U.S. administration.

Since the election, Bannon has said he doesnt agree with ethno-nationalist parts of the alt-right, though critics say that such views are a central part of the movement.

Already, there are signs that many of those on the fringes of U.S. conservatism are angling to position themselves closer to the centres of power.

Richard Spencer, the chairman of a small alt-right policy institute in Montana who has spoken about peaceful ethnic cleansing and a proxy war on immigration, is now scouting for office space in Washington.

Trumps win was white Americans of all classes revolting against political correctness, said Spencer, whose National Policy Institute has been described by the Anti-Defamation League and Southern Poverty Law Center as a white nationalist hate group.

Whites are expressing a desire for identity politics, or at least the beginning of it, he said.

Spencer has long argued that politicians and the media have falsely convinced whites they should feel guilty while encouraging racial pride among blacks, Asians and Latinos.

Few listened. Then Donald Trump began to rise.

There is no way he doesnt know of us, said Spencer, whose group, now housed in home offices, plans to host a conference Saturday at the Ronald Reagan Building in Washington.

Already, there is pushback. On Wednesday, Twitter suspended five accounts that Spencer used  with about 100,000 followers in total  as well as those of dozens of other alt-right handles.

Sociologists and hate speech experts say white nationalism and white identity politics are vastly different and dont necessarily bleed into each other; instead, they fall on a spectrum.

Some of todays debates hark back to lawsuits and protests in previous years over such issues as university affirmative action admissions policies. Even then, many Americans were arguing that whites had suffered under policies meant to correct long-standing racial disparities.

No one in those cases was advocating a return to segregation, said Thomas Maine, a professor at the City University of New York who is writing a book on the alt-right movement.

The alt-right has a hardcore, and then it has a population manifestation, said Maine. People have embraced the idea that Americans need to take hold of their racial identity. If we do that, if we are more radical about it than we have been before, this will bring us out of our funk.

Duquette, the Alabama corrections officer, said he could support that idea.

I should be out and be able to say Im a proud white man, he said. But those low-lifes that have taken a hold of that phrase like the Klan have it so we have to walk on eggshells.

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WASHINGTONThe Obama administration is blocking new oil and gas drilling in the Arctic Ocean, handing a victory to environmentalists who say industrial activity in the icy waters will harm whales, walruses and other wildlife and exacerbate global warming.

A five-year offshore drilling plan announced on Friday blocks the planned sale of new oil and gas drilling rights in the Chukchi and Beaufort seas north of Alaska. The plan allows drilling to go forward in Alaskas Cook Inlet southwest of Anchorage.

The blueprint for drilling from 2017 to 2022 can be rewritten by President-elect Donald Trump, in a process that could take months or years.

Besides Cook Inlet, the plan also allows drilling in the Gulf of Mexico, long the centre of U.S. offshore oil production. Ten of the 11 lease sales proposed in the five-year plan are in the Gulf, mostly off the coasts of Mississippi, Louisiana, Texas and Alabama.

Confirming a decision announced this spring, the five-year plan also bars drilling in the Atlantic Ocean.

The plan focuses lease sales in the best placesthose with the highest resource potential, lowest conflict and established infrastructureand removes regions that are simply not right to lease, said Interior Secretary Sally Jewell.

Given the unique and challenging Arctic environment and industrys declining interest in the area, forgoing lease sales in the Arctic is the right path forward, Jewell said.

Industry representatives reacted bitterly, calling the decision political and not supported by the facts.

The arrogance of the decision is unfathomable, but unfortunately not surprising, said Randall Luthi, president of the National Ocean Industries Association, an industry group.

Once again, we see the attitude that Washington knows best  an attitude that contributed to last weeks election results, Luthi said, referring to Trumps victory over Democrat Hillary Clinton.

More than 70 per cent of Alaskans, including a majority of Alaska Natives, support offshore drilling, Luthi said.

The states three Republican members of Congress also blasted the decision.

Sen. Lisa Murkowski, R-Alaska, said she was infuriated that Obama has once again ignored our voices to side with the factions who oppose offshore drilling in Alaska.

Arctic development is one of the best ways to create jobs, generate revenues and refill the Trans-Alaska Pipeline, said Murkowski, who chairs the Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee. Why the president is willing to send all of those benefits overseas is beyond explanation.

Fellow Republican Sen. Dan Sullivan said the Obama administration was once again capitulating to the demands of extreme environmental groups over Alaskans and their fellow Americans who want good-paying jobs, energy independence and a strong economy.

For nearly eight years this administration has given lip service to an all of the above energy strategy, when their actions say the opposite, Sullivan said.

Jacqueline Savitz, senior vice-president of Oceana, an environmental group, hailed the announcement and praised Obama and Jewell for protecting our coasts from dirty and dangerous offshore drilling.

The announcement demonstrates a commitment to prioritizing common sense, economics and science ahead of industry favouritism and politics as usual, Savitz said.

Nearly 400 scientists signed a letter this summer urging Obama to eliminate the possibility of Arctic offshore drilling.

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MANILA, PHILIPPINESFormer Philippine dictator Ferdinand Marcos was buried Friday at the countrys Heroes Cemetery in a secrecy-shrouded ceremony, a move approved by President Rodrigo Duterte that infuriated supporters of the people power revolt that ousted Marcos three decades ago.

Marcoss daughter, Imee, expressed relief after her fathers interment at the heavily guarded cemetery in metropolitan Manila, which she said fulfilled his last wish. Enraged pro-democracy activists, however, stressed the decades-long debate over the ex-presidents final resting place was far from over and protested across the metropolis.

Bonifacio Ilagan, a left-wing activist who was detained and tortured during Marcoss rule, said the dictator was buried like a thief in the night in a stealthy fashion similar to when he suddenly placed the country under martial rule. A lawmaker considered asking the Supreme Court to exhume the newly buried Marcos.

Its very much like when he declared martial law in 1972, Ilagan told The Associated Press. This is so Marcos style. I want to rush to the cemetery to protest this. I feel so enraged.

Marie Hilao Enriquez, a former political detainee whose sister, a fellow activist, was raped and killed by policemen, wept upon learning the news.

Marcos died in the arms of his family but many Marcos-era activists remain missing after being allegedly abducted by state forces, Enriquez said at a protest. We are still searching for the victims bodies, trying to find out where they buried the bodies.

Imee Marcos thanked those who were with us in hoping and praying for nearly three decades to see this day.

President Duterte, who gave the go-ahead for the burial, called for calm.

Hopefully, both sides will exercise maximum tolerance and come to terms with the burial, Dutertes spokesman, Ernesto Abella, quoted him as saying after the president landed in Peru, where he is attending a summit of Asia-Pacific leaders.

Military spokesman Brig. Gen. Restituto Padilla said Marcoss remains were flown by air force helicopter from his northern Ilocos Norte hometown for burial at the military-run cemetery in Manila.

Marcoss widow, Imelda, who was clad in black, and her children attended the simple ceremony along with dozens of relatives and friends.

After landing at an airbase, Marcoss remains were brought by a black limousine to the cemetery, where his flag-draped wooden coffin was placed on a caisson and later carried by military pallbearers to the gravesite, military spokesman Brig. Gen. Restituto Padilla said.

A 21-gun salute by military honour troops rang out during the burial ceremony.

We rendered the simplest of honours befitting the former president in compliance to the desire of the family, Padilla said.

Asked why the burial was kept from the public, Padilla said it was the Marcos familys desire to keep it private.

Still, the burial shocked many democracy advocates and human rights victims who had planned protests nationwide Friday against Marcoss interment at the cemetery, where former presidents, soldiers and national artists have been buried, unaware that funeral plans were already underway.

Burying someone accused of massive rights violations and plunder at the heroes cemetery has long been an emotional and divisive issue in the Philippines, where Marcos was ousted by a largely nonviolent army-backed uprising in 1986. At the height of the political turbulence, Marcos flew to Hawaii, where he lived with his wife and children until he died in 1989.

The powerful family has repeatedly denied any wrongdoing and Imelda Marcos and two of her children eventually ran for public office and won stunning political comebacks. One son, Ferdinand Bongbong Marcos Jr., ran for vice-president earlier this year and lost by a slim margin.

In 1993, Marcoss body was taken to his hometown in Ilocos Norte, where it was displayed in a glass coffin and became a tourist attraction. But his family fought for his remains to be transferred to the heroes cemetery.

Duterte, who took over the presidency in June, backed Marcoss burial at the cemetery, saying it was his right as a president and soldier. It was a political risk in a country where democracy advocates celebrate Marcoss ouster each year.

About 2,000 protesters gathered late Friday at the site of the 1986 revolt that toppled Marcos. Some yelled, Marcos dictator, dig him up, dig him up.

Michaela Gotangco, a Catholic nun who stood in front of tanks with others to stop Marcoss forces from crushing that uprising, said the burial may herald a new era of political restiveness.

This is the start of many protests ... its a very painful event, Gotangco said.

Last week, the Supreme Court dismissed seven petitions, including from former torture victims, which argued that an honourable burial for the dictator was illegal and contrary to law, public policy, morals and justice.

Opponents planned to appeal the court decision within a 15-day period but were pre-empted by Fridays surprise burial. They said the Marcos family should be cited by the court for contempt.

The court ruled that Marcos was never convicted by final judgment of any offence involving moral turpitude, adding that the convictions cited by anti-Marcos petitioners were civil in nature.

While critics may reject Marcos as president due to his human rights abuses, the court said he cannot be denied the right to be acknowledged as a former legislator, a defence secretary, a military member, a war veteran and a Medal of Valour awardee.

While he was not all good, the 15-member court said, he was not pure evil either.

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Heres the scenario: Police believe there is evidence on your cellphone or computer that could assist them in a criminal investigation.

They ask that you provide your password or encryption key so they can search for clues.

Currently, there is no law compelling you to comply with that request.

But police in Canada, frustrated by evidence trails that lead to digital dead ends, are calling for a law that would make it a criminal offence to say no to a police officer carrying a judicial warrant.

Its an idea designed to accomplish through a legal order what police are increasingly unable to accomplish technologically  getting inside digital devices containing what they believe is crucial evidence in criminal investigations.

Its a very radical proposal in Canadian law, said Micheal Vonn, executive director of the B.C. Civil Liberties Association. It changes the basic nature of how we go about achieving the ends of criminal investigation, by compelling the person who is under investigation to participate in the investigation.

Many privacy advocates  and even some in law enforcement  call the idea an abuse of both privacy protections and the rights of Canadians against self-incrimination.

Police supporters counter that public safety  and the ability of police to respond to serious crimes  is already being dramatically eroded by disappearing evidence.

A Toronto Star/CBC investigation into police powers and privacy in the digital age has provided specific examples of police hitting digital brick walls.

Among 10 high priority RCMP case files reviewed by the Star and the CBC through unique access provided by the national police force is a current case involving a child alleging sexual assault by their father who recorded the abuse on his iPhone.

While charges have been laid based on the childs complaint, police have been unable to access the alleged video  evidence that would be crucial to the prosecution, said RCMP Chief Superintendent Jeff Adam.

The phone, when we looked at it under lawful authority, is encrypted. And we cannot get the video recorded evidence of that assault . . . . There is no compulsion we can provide to that person to unlock that phone so we can get the evidence.

In this case, Adam says the public has an interest in giving police the option of going to a judge for an order to unlock the phone.

The penalty for that would be something that would have to be decided by the legislators and the people in the courts. However, it would have to be relatively significant . . . to compel somebody to unlock their phone for a serious offence.

Compelling that suspect  or any Canadian  to co-operate with police would breach protections in the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms against self-incrimination and the right to remain silent, said Brenda McPhail, a director with the Canadian Civil Liberties Association.

Do we undermine the fundamental structure of our justice system because its inconvenient to get information from someones device? she said.

Adam countered that Canada already has laws that compel Canadians to provide potentially self-incriminating information to police who have reasonable grounds to believe a crime has been committed.

The roadside breath sample test is one example in which Canadians have decided that the scourge of impaired driving is serious enough to empower police with extraordinary tools to compel evidence, he said.

Another example is DNA samples which can be demanded when an investigator has reasonable grounds to believe a crime was committed.

There are checks and balances on these, said Adam. It is scrutinized heavily by the courts. Every single time. This would be no different.

The CCLAs McPhail said legal decisions in the U.S. have drawn a distinction between evidence that is a product of the body  such as a breath test and DNA  and evidence that is a product of the mind.

The argument, which has also been used to a lesser extent in Canada, is if its a product of your body, compelling disclosure is not self-incrimination but if its a product of your mind, it is, said McPhail.

As a further complication, a growing number of digital devices can now be unlocked with fingerprints  a product of the body.

Its complicated in that regard, said McPhail. But if we accept that products of the mind such as passwords should not be compelled because of protections against self-incrimination, then individuals would have the ability to choose between a password and a fingerprint when setting up their device.

The proposal of compelling passwords is contentious even within policing itself.

While RCMP Commissioner Bob Paulson is calling for  and lobbying Prime Minister Justin Trudeau  for several police powers in the digital realm, he parts company with many of his law enforcement colleagues when it comes to compelling suspects to hand over their passwords.

I do know . . . the dangers of conscripted evidence, and the idea that the state is forcing one of its citizens to say or do anything. Thats at odds with how I understand what we do.

Canadians, meanwhile, are surprisingly open to the idea, based on a Toronto Star/CBC poll by Abacus Data that solicited the view of 2,500 people in October and November.

Nearly half agreed to the idea of police should have the ability to access personal devices. With the addition of a judges authorization, support jumped to 77 per cent.

Canadians should be careful what they wish for, said Chris Parsons, a technology and privacy researcher at the Citizen Lab at the University of Toronto.

I am not a fan of providing encryption keys to any parties. I think we do have a right to privacy and our ability to self-secure our communications is important, he said. Individuals have lots of good reasons both personal and professional to not want to provider that information or strongly resist it.

Scott Tod, deputy chief of police in North Bay, said the technological sophistication of gathering evidence from digital devices is all the more challenging for small forces such as his.

Law enforcement today struggles with finding those tools and finding the resources to be able to get behind those personal firewalls that people put in on their access codes, he said. It is expensive and it is laborious. We dont have that sophistication.

Even those outside of policing say theyve seen suspects cloaked in digital secrecy increasingly outpacing the abilities of police to respond.

Lianna McDonald, executive director of the Canadian Centre for Child Protection, and her staff collect a growing number of child exploitation complaints each month  currently 4,000  through Cybertip.ca and pass them to police across the country and the world.

While we are providing police more information, they now have increased limitations to acting, she said. We need to strike a balance between respecting privacy rights and responding to specific circumstances where there is concern that children are being exploited and abused. When encryption interferes, we need to address this obstacle.

Political reaction to Police, Power and Privacy:

Liberal Public Safety Minister Ralph Goodale: (Police) are certainly concerned about the effect of new technology in an age accelerating digitization. Theyre concerned whether or not their legal tools are sufficient to cope with what they now have to deal with . . . . Others in the academic community, in the open media community, have put forward the contrary opinion. And thats what this consultation is intended to solicit, and we will have to weigh all of that carefully to make sure that in our response, we produce a position that is consistent with Canadians expectations.

NDP public safety critic Matthew Dube: I think that the conversation around encryption is far more complicated than just saying it will help us catch terrorists. I think theres very serious debate that needs to happen over that, and I think we have to be mindful that any loophole that we can create for what we feel is good, can also be exploited for the wrong reasons.

Conservative public safety critic Tony Clement: We have to be disciplined, as a society, to make sure that there is oversight . . . on the now huge ability of government security agencies in their ability to collect data and information that has never existed to this extent in the history of human kind. So, is the threat that we face great? Yes, it is. And thats why the security agencies are there, and thats why we need tools. But thats why we also need to have the oversight and to have the judicial sanction to before we start to abridge peoples rights.

How a $450 device cracked an iPhone pass code

A technological arms race is being a cat-and-mouse game featuring high-tech surveillance and countersurveillance tools.

A technological arms race is being quietly waged between tech-savvy criminals and cops.

Its a cat-and-mouse game featuring high-tech surveillance and countersurveillance tools that range from multimillion-dollar machines to consumer devices that sell online for a few hundred.

The Toronto Star/CBC investigation tested a small, $450 device sold online through a U.S. firm that caters to law enforcement.

Marty Musters, director of forensics at Computer Forensics Inc. in Toronto, purchased the made-in-China device on behalf of the news organizations and used it to crack the code on an iPhone 4S running Apples IOS 7 operating system.

Designed to exploit a security vulnerability in that older model phone  which has since been fixed by the manufacturer  the device is part of a growing marketplace of such technology.

In this case, the IP Box device conducted a brute force attack on the phone, sending a sequential set of four-digit pass codes to the device until stumbling on the right sequence (in this case, 0011).

Theres a vulnerability within it which allows you to continue to send pass codes, even though the phone is telling you it is disabled, says Musters, who has done digital forensics work for both police forces and, now, defence attorneys.

The IP Box he tested would not crack the pass codes of more recent model iPhones  part of the constant race between privacy and access, he says.

The latest phone with the latest operating system, no, you cant get in. But generally speaking, 12- to 18-month-(old) phones, you can.

Critics say police have far more technologically advanced tools at their disposal for cracking encryption and pass codes when the stakes are high.

After a locked iPhone impeded an FBI investigation into a deadly mass shooting in San Bernardino last December, investigators reportedly spent more than $1 million for a private forensics firm to force it open.

If its a terrorist-related activity, and there are many, many lives at stake, I would love the police to be able to do anything that they can, Musters argues. At the same time, Im not okay with that if its a lesser crime  lets say a break and enter or some other lesser crime.

I think its depending on the severity of the crime. Wheres the threshold? And I dont know the answer to that. But thats the debate.

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Two things should be kept in mind about Donald Trump. First, the U.S. president-elect is not going away. Second, his critique of free trade and NATO is not entirely wrong.

If the polls are right, most Canadians find Trump repugnant. So do a majority of Americans. In his campaign for the presidency, he was a big-mouth and bully. He appealed to the worst instincts of the U.S. electorate. At times, his deliberately outrageous xenophobia veered into racism.

For these reasons, Trump critics hope desperately he cant last. They point to the disarray in his transition team. They highlight the significant policy differences between Trump and the Republican legislators who control Congress.

The Internet is chock-a-block with predictions that he will be impeached.

All of this is wishful thinking. Trump may choose at times to act the buffoon but he is not one. Nor is there anything in his history to suggest he will step back from governing and let experts run the shop.

Congressional Republicans may not like everything about him. But they will not lightly impeach the man who won them the White House.

Whats more, deal-maker Trump may be able to count on his political enemies. As the New York Times reported this week, Congressional Democrats plan to help Trump deliver on election promises that his fellow Republicans are likely to resist  including spending billions for infrastructure, penalizing companies that move jobs abroad and making paid maternity leave mandatory.

So dont assume Trump wont last. Dont assume he wont be able to do much of what he promised. The White House press corps may be in a snit because Trump went out to dinner this week without telling them. I doubt he much cares.

The second thing to keep in mind about Trump is that parts of his critique are correct. Globalization and free trade  including the North American Free Trade Agreement  have left too many stranded.

Such deals dont account for everything that has gone wrong. But as the economy shifts increasingly toward precarious part-time work, they havent always helped either.

As intellectual-property expert Michael Geist wrote this week, the era of overarching trade and investment deals may be over. They are too complicated, too opaque and potentially too damaging.

New trade deals, he writes should be less ambitious and, instead of trying to unify disparate national regulatory regimes, focus on tariff reduction alone.

Heres one small example: According to press reports, Trump wants to reintroduce country-of-origin labelling to beef and pork imports from Canada. Ottawa is aghast, saying the move would penalize Canadian farmers.

But why shouldnt Americans (and Canadians, for that matter) know where their food comes from? As this newspaper has reported, many Canadians want to buy ketchup made from Ontario tomatoes. Why shouldnt the same courtesy be extended to those who eat meat?

Indeed, if Canadian beef and pork producers marketed their meat cannily, country-of-origin labelling could be an asset. Americans are willing to pay a premium for what they call Canadian (and we call peameal) bacon. Who knows what they might think about Canadian pork chops?

Finally, NATO. Trump is excoriated for daring to question the usefulness of the Atlantic alliance. But hes not the first. Its not that long since withdrawal from NATO was the official position of Canadas New Democratic Party.

NATO was set up in 1949 to confront the old Soviet Union. After the Cold War ended, it morphed into an organization with no clear purpose. It is now treated as a counterweight to Vladimir Putins Russia.

Is it? The alliance has refused NATO membership to former Soviet republic Ukraine, presumably because it doesnt want the obligation of defending that country in any conflict with Russia. It is already obligated to defend other countries that were once part of the Soviet Union, such as Estonia.

But is it realistic to think the U.S. and its allies (including Canada) would wage nuclear war against Russia over tiny Estonia? Its a question the Estonians ask themselves. It should come as no surprise that Trump is musing along similar lines.

Barack Obama, the current U.S. president, says Trump told him he wouldnt pull the U.S. out of NATO. And maybe he wont.

He may, however, try to rethink its long-term purpose. Thats not necessarily stupid.

Thomas Walkom appears Monday, Wednesday and Friday.

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Before entering politics, Conservative MP and party leadership candidate Kellie Leitch was a surgeon and professor at the University of Western Ontario. I spent some of the most formative years of my life as a medical student at Western where I studied for Leitchs exams and often passed her in the hallways.

Leitchs email following the U.S. presidential election hit me hard. At 3 a.m., just hours after TV networks declared Donald Trump President-elect, Leitch doubled down on his racist and xenophobic campaign in an email to her supporters.

Its an exciting message and one that we need delivered in Canada as well, she declared regarding Trumps victory. Its the message Im bringing with my campaign to be the next Prime Minister of Canada ... Its why Im the only candidate who will ensure that every visitor, immigrant, and refugee will be screened for Canadian values.

As her former student, now a physician in Toronto, who also happens to be Muslim, this comes as a deeply personal betrayal.

My medical school classmates were a remarkably diverse collection of individuals. We studied, struggled, and celebrated together. Recalling those days, I wonder if Leitch saw us the same way we saw each other. Some of us were immigrants, others racialized and many spoke accented English. All of us have since embarked on careers of service and compassion.

Surveying the class as she lectured, did she think we all belonged? Did she think we shared her values, presumably the Canadian ones she has in mind? What does her campaign mean for those who think we dont have a place in Canada?

Lest we dismiss her dog-whistle politics as a fringe problem, Trumps exciting message that we need delivered in Canada has already unleashed a torrent of hate and intimidation.

At the University of Michigan, a Crime Alert was issued after a student was told to remove her hijab or be set on fire. In Los Angeles, a teacher taunted his Latino students, telling them their parents were going to be deported. In Indiana, a black women was told Trump is going to deport you back to Africa.

With many other incidents being reported, its amazing that a little more than a week has passed since Trumps victory and Leitchs endorsement.

Instead of using her medical instincts to heal wounds, Leitchs endorsement of Trump and co-option of his language is threatening to inflict fresh trauma.

I most recently crossed paths with Leitch a year ago. It was at an awards gala celebrating the achievements of Muslim Canadians. I was shocked and puzzled to see her amongst the guests. During the federal election just months before, she had proposed a Barbaric Cultural Practices tip-line. The tip-line was widely recognized as a tactic to inflame anti-Muslim sentiment and drive anxious voters to the Conservatives. Leitch was its public face and a designated advocate.

Though I wasnt ready to forgive her, despite a post-campaign apology, I was open to the signal she was sending by attending the awards gala. I was ready to see what she would do next. She didnt take long to demonstrate the insincerity of her apology.

Its been disturbing how little her past actions have dampened support for her in mainstream Canadian politics. Her campaign is managed by Nick Kouvalis, the architect of John Tory and Rob Fords mayoral campaigns in Toronto. With the blessing of his boss, Andy Pringle, the chair of Toronto Police Board, was actively fundraising for Leitch. Pringle has since distanced himself from the campaign. Leitch has even received a donation from Jerry Dias, a prominent leader in the union movement (though Dias has since repudiated his support for her).

Leitchs approach is working. According to a recent Mainstreet Poll, she is leading the race for Conservative leader.

Racism is not new to Canada, and neither is the xenophobic politics of Leitch. What makes her chosen politics so unsettling, is that they come in spite of her relationships with those who will suffer its consequences.

Usually, professors and teachers become invested in the success of their students. For idealists among us, we hope the best political leaders do the same for their country. Leitch has made the choice to do neither.

If Leitchs Trumped up rhetoric succeeds, we will all lose.

Danyaal Raza is a family physician at St. Michaels Hospital in Toronto and an assistant professor at the University of Toronto.

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A Nov. 18 article about York Police Const. Young Min von Seefried being found guilty of sexually assaulting a 21-year-old student in the back of his cruiser mistakenly said a York Police officer had taken the complainants statement. In fact, a Toronto Police officer took her statement.

A Nov. 18 article about the Royal Canadian Geographical Society selecting the grey Jay as Canada's national bird misattributed a tweet protesting the choice to Kelda Larsen. In fact, Mercedes Serna tweeted, What??!! Really?? Not the Mighty loon??

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Re: We are so close and yet so far, Nov. 14

We are so close and yet so far, Nov. 14

This story reported on child poverty in Toronto, as documented in the Divided City Report. Have our politicians accepted responsibility for this sorry state of affairs?

The report indicated that 133,000 children in Toronto have something in common with each other: they all live in poverty  thats 26.8 per cent of children in Toronto. That is more than in Montreal (25 per cent); Winnipeg (24.1 per cent) and Hamilton (20.6 per cent). How is this possible in a city that is both progressive and affluent?

For years we have known about the deep economic and geographic divides that have existed in Toronto  and especially here in Scarborough. A map published in the Star on Monday shows that only one small area east of Victoria Park Ave. has a child poverty rate of less than 12 per cent. Only one! The map also shows that vast areas of Scarborough have child poverty rates of between 22 and 40 per cent. Are the councillors from Scarborough outraged?

City hall, we have a problem!

It seems that there are always priorities that rise higher in the minds of the decision and budget makers than taking care of their neighbours, and making life better for families who struggle with insufficient incomes.

The Star quoted Michael Polanyi as saying: Going into the 2017 budget, were seeing talk of up to $600 million in spending reductions on these very programs and services that we found that children dont have good enough access to.

The good news is that the problem of poverty in Toronto can be fixed. An Nov. 29, 2015 article in the Star by Richard Florida, of the Martin Prosperity Institute, talked about how to repair this divided city. As one of our leading thinkers, he described how to increase equity among the citizens of our city. The plan is available. It can be done. Is anyone listening?

My question is: whose responsibility is it to provide the moral and political leadership to reduce this totally unacceptable level of child poverty in Toronto?

Allan Baker, Scarborough

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Re: Food bank usage up across Canada, Nov. 14

Food bank usage up across Canada, Nov. 14

A Nov. 15 a Star article reported that  despite a recent study showing Canadian cellphone bills ranking among the highest of the G7, there are ways to cut the cost. Is it reasonable to assume that Internet and cellphone fees are indeed tipping the scale for many households, wherein they are forced to require the use of food banks?

Many readers do remember the days before the cellphone and household Internet. Generally speaking, the middle class could choose to manage household spending, and not rely on food donations. For over 20 years now the big three Internet companies in Canada have been given the opportunity to gouge the consumer, while making it very prohibitive for families to manage financially. It is not even so much a choice today to have Internet access, even if you are trying to obtain employment, due to the necessity for networking.

People around the globe (for example Australia) cannot understand why we Canadians tolerate our huge burden of Internet fees. We Canadians do sit quietly, and stew, and complain, but there is no momentum for challenging the companies to reduce their rates, and improve their service.

If governments are failing to provide adequate supports to people who have fallen on hard times should we not be pressing our government to limit the fees of the Internet provider companies, so that perhaps those excess funds can be re-directed to put food on the consumers plate?

Elizabeth Daw, Georgina

Get use to it! The growth of food banks marches in lockstep with the growth of greed and inequality and I cannot see any reason why that is going to change any time soon, none at all as far as I can see.

I am tired of reading about inequality. It is time to talk about equality: There is enough validated evidence that show that a more equal society is better for everyone from the poorest to the riches, it is time to talk about this.

Once people understand why a more equal society is better for everyone they will want to make it happen.

Keith Parkinson, Cambridge

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Robin Pariagh was one of those students who kept falling off the radar in high school.

The pattern was always the same. Hed start a new school, attend enough classes to scrape by, lose interest and stop going. There would be recorded phone calls to his mother reporting he hadn't shown up for class, followed by warning letters. But beyond that he figured no one noticed or cared. By age 18, Robin had gone to four schools and been suspended.

Then he discovered PEACH  Promoting Education and Community Health  and its flagship school away from school program, which helps at-risk high school students get back on track and graduate through one-on-one teaching, an intimate setting and lots of emotional support.

When he first arrived at the renovated industrial-commercial space near Jane and Finch, Pariagh figured hed quickly earn all his credits and move on. Then something amazing happened to the teen who couldnt have cared less about school. He started to enjoy learning.

I needed the one-on-one help. After a few months I was thinking I dont want this to end, says Pariagh, 21, who now works in the demolition and construction business and has a job selling window coverings.

This week he was crushed to learn the decade-old program, which has helped about 300 marginalized kids at risk of suspension, will be shut down as of Dec. 23 because of a funding shortage.

The 13 students currently enrolled  including Pariaghs 15-year-old brother Lenny  wont be returning to its classrooms next semester.

Its a shock, says Pariagh, who urged his parents to get Lenny into the program after he finished Grade 9 last year without a single credit.

At the end of his first semester at PEACH, Lenny will have earned four.

We know that you will find this news distressing, Mary Lafontaine, PEACH interim managing director wrote in a letter to parents this week outlining its severe funding challenges.

At issue is the roughly $30,000 salary of the child and youth worker considered essential to helping the maximum 20 students in the program who may have mental health or behavioural problems, criminal issues or difficult home circumstances.

The youth worker had been funded through a three-year grant from the Rogers Youth Fund, Lafontaine said, but left the position last Friday when that ran out.

The organization is also struggling to meet overhead costs of keeping the building and its range of other programs for vulnerable youth running. Lafontaine said PEACH has a total of about $500,000 in outstanding applications, but mismanaged the timing, leaving it in a financial crunch.

We were not successful in ensuring we had (new) funding in place when the day came up, she said.

The Toronto District School Board, which provides two teachers and educational assistants as well as some monthly funding during the school year, said it is in the process of finding suitable space in the community for the students to complete their credits.

The TDSB has had a longstanding partnership with PEACH and we are saddened that they can no longer provide this great program, the board said in a statement.

The school away from school program, originally aimed at suspended and expelled students who needed a place to land, evolved over the years to take a more proactive approach, intercepting youth and reengaging them in school before their problems escalate and lead to suspension or expulsion.

While most kids are referred by schools, others apply through parents, social workers, police, child welfare or other agencies.

Once enrolled, they typically stay from one to three semesters and are supported in their transition back into high school, which they must make in order to graduate.

The program helps you find your interests and your pathway, says Pariagh.

But what made the biggest difference, he says, was the individual attention from staff who knew him and cared about how he was feeling every day.

Lafontaine says the transformation in the kids is the biggest reward.

In the beginning they dont want to be here, they come in very reserved and their guard is up and theyve got the hard face on, she says. And down the road they come in and its good morning Miss, and they give you a hug.

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After discovering oil off the shores of Guyana, Exxon Mobil (XOM) appears to have hit it big. However, as the integrated oil major works to further develop the Liza discovery, it is also in the midst of significant financial negotiations with foreign governments.

Analysts at Credit Suisse recently highlighted the discussions between Exxon Mobil and the Chadian government as well as the Nigerian National Petroleum (NNPC), which could both affect the company's balance sheet in the coming years.

On the positive side, Nigerian National Petroleum, the state's oil firm, agreed on Thursday to pay back $5.1 billion in unpaid bills to oil majors including Exxon Mobil and Royal Dutch Shell (RDS.A) , according to Reuters. The firm has accumulated a total of $6.8 billion in unpaid bills up to December 2014, of which it was responsible for paying under joint ventures with the oil majors.

However, there is one critical caveat that could alter the deal: production.

"The agreement calls for the $5.1 billion to be repaid within five years, interest free, in the form of crude oil cargoes, but only if the country's production exceeds 2.2 Mbpd," the Credit Suisse analysts mentioned in a research note on Thursday. The Nigerian oil minister also said that if, for any reason, it did not meet the threshold, it will not pay the $5.1 billion, "so that is fantastic," Kackikwu added.

Even though this deal hinges on the production from a member nation of the Organization of Petroleum Exporting Countries, Nigeria, along with Iran and Libya, are currently exempt from the proposed production cuts and will likely be allowed to raise production levels. Still, it could take five years for Exxon Mobil to see some of those bills being paid off.

Meanwhile, Exxon Mobil is discussing its $74 billion fine over royalties with the Chadian government, an amount that is an astounding five times the country's annual gross domestic product, the Credit Suisse analysts noted. Chad is reportedly wants a 2% royalty fee on crude exports, which is higher that the previously agreed up royalty fee of 0.2%. Exxon has appealed the October court ruling, Bloomberg reported, but due to the ongoing talks, the appeals court hearing has been delayed.

The $74 billion fine is even greater than the $61 billion penalty BP Plc (BP) incurred following the 2010 Macondo disaster, when a well below the Deepwater Horizon oil rig erupted, killing 11 rig workers and contaminating the Gulf of Mexico with crude oil for months.

Even though the world's biggest oil producer, with a $352 billion market cap, is facing these financials deals and negotiations, it has a "commercial find" at its Liza Discovery off Guyana, according to the Credit Suisse analysts, which marks "the first in the 50-year history of the South American nation."

Exxon Mobil has partnered with Hess (HES) and CNOOC Nexen Petroleum Guyana Limited, which is a subsidiary of China-based major national oil company CNOOC Limited. "The discovery is estimated to hold between 1.0 to 1.4 billion barrels of oil equivalent, which was the largest oil discovery in 2015," the Credit Suisse analyst team said. "Guyana officials expect to see a potential [final investment decision] next year," they added.

While the oil major's Liza discovery presents an opportunity for upside, the fine negotiations could weigh on the stock, and it could take five years to see the funds from Nigeria, if Exxon Mobil ever will.

Shares of XOM were holding relatively flat during the trading session on Friday, trading at around $84.95. The Credit Suisse analysts rate XOM shares at Underperform, a rating that has been maintained since it was downgraded in January 2015. The consensus rating among analysts is Hold at 48.3%, according to Bloomberg data.

Employees of TheStreet are restricted from trading individual securities.



Credit Suisse does and seeks to do business with companies covered in its research reports. As a result, investors should be aware that the Firm may have a conflict of interest that could affect the objectivity of this report. Investors should consider this report as only a single factor in making their investment decision.
Mr. Deprez congratulated Mrs. Rajavi on the victory for the Iranian Resistance and the Peoples Mojahedin of Iran (PMOI/MEK) in the successful relocation of the residents of Camp Liberty to Europe.

The Friends of a Free Iran have the support of over 300 members of the European Parliament across the political groups, and the FOFI has endeavored over many years to ensure safety and security of the Iranian freedom fighters. Mr. Deprez said he is glad that the selfless children of the people of Iran have been relocated to a safe place despite deaths, injuries and considerable deprivations.

Mr. Deprez stated the solidarity of MEPs with the Iranian peoples Justice Seeking Movement, to prosecute and punish the perpetrators of the 1988 Massacre of Iranian political prisoners.

He talked about the significant support in the European Parliament for democratic change in Iran.

Maryam Rajavi told the President of the Friends of a Free Iran that she was grateful to him and the groups members. She said that the European Parliament should pay heed to the deteriorating situation of human rights in Iran, as well as the escalation of protests across the country. She said that trade relations should be conditioned at every step, to end to executions. No investment will be productive while the regime faces irremediable political and economic crises, as well as the Iranian peoples profound discontent.
The federal government has reportedly reversed plans to discontinue funding Sounds Australia, the market development initiative aimed at helping young musos spread their music overseas.

As Tone Deaf reported last month, whilst the Australia Council will still proceed with funding Sounds Australia with $300,000 per year between 2017 and 2020, the federal government will no longer do so after 2016.

In a statement, Shadow Minister for the Arts Tony Burke confirmed the Turnbull Government was planning to axe Sounds Australias funding at the end of this year, severely impacting their ability to help export Aussie music.

However, The Music now reports that the federal government has done a 180 and will commit to funding Sounds Australia for another four years.

The news was confirmed by Minister for the Arts Mitch Fifield during a press conference at Face The Music in Melbourne today. The Minsiter has reportedly approved $1.16 million in funding across four years.

We really didnt think that we were going to get to 50% of the international markets, Sounds Australia Executive Producer Millie Millgate told the conference, via The Music.

This news from the Minister just couldnt have come at a better time. I think the testament is seriously what Australian artists are doing around the world and it starts at events like Face The Music, like BIGSOUND.

With all the regional and state and industry body partners and the way that this industry has come together to support our artists and industry and export, has been phenomenal.

The support that weve had globally has been amazing and to have this current government recognise that and commit to four years is just beyond overwhelming.
They applauded the resolution adopted on November 15, by the UN General Assemblys Third Committee, regarding Human Rights in Iran. Ambassador Martin Shearman, of the UK Mission to the United Nations, stated that, It remains crucial that we keep a focus on human rights and continue to hold the Iranian Government to account for its human rights record.

Some 200 MPs and Peers called for an international and independent investigation of massacre of political prisoners in Iran in 1988. The call was made in a statement regarding Iran and an Early Day Motion supported by cross party members of both Houses of Parliament. Those gathered at the conference joined that call.

An estimated 30,000 political prisoners were massacred in the space of a few months, and buried secretly in mass graves during the summer of 1988. This crime against humanity was based on a fatwa decreed by the Islamic Republics founder Ayatollah Khomeini. The officials who facilitated the massacre still hold high positions within the regime.

In a video message, Maryam Rajavi, the President-elect of the National Council of Resistance of Iran (NCRI), addressed the conference.

She condemned the Iranian regimes restrictions on freedom of expression, assembly and religion, as well as its violent crackdown on popular protests, suppression of women and youths, and the institutionalised discrimination against religious and ethnic minorities, especially the Christians and Bahais.

Panellists concurred with Mrs. Rajavi.

Mrs Rajavi told the them, The mullahs regime preserves its power [by these atrocities]  [as] the anti-government protests spread across the country. She added, referring to the mass executions in Iranian prisons in 1988, which Sir Geoffrey Robertson QC, the former UN tribunal chief judge on Sierra Leone, described as one of the worst crimes against humanity since World War II, On the opposite side, our people and Resistance have been advancing in their quest for freedom. A major achievement has been the Justice Seeking Movement launched to demand justice for the 30,000 political prisoners massacred in summer 1988 in Iran.

The mullahs for long tried to conceal this horrific crime. The distribution of an audio recording of the remarks made by Mr. Montazeri, the ousted successor to Khomeini, revealed new dimensions of the massacre  If the international community had not remained silent and passive in this regard, letting the criminals evade justice, the wave of executions and repression in Iran could not have continued to date, she continued.

Sir David Amess, MP, the co-chairman of the British Parliamentary Committee for Iran Freedom, presented the two initiatives supported by some 200 MPs and Peers. The signatories urge the government to recognise and condemn this brutal massacre as a crime against humanity and ask the UN Human Rights Commissioner, Human Rights Council, the General Assembly and the Security Council to order an investigation and bring the perpetrators to justice Sir David Amess went on to say, The statement also recognises the 10-point democratic platform presented by Mrs Maryam Rajavi as the vital road map to abolish death penalty and torture and establish democracy, gender equality and rule of law in a future Iran and urges the government to back the efforts of Iranian people and the NCRI to make this platform a reality in their country.

The Rt. Reverend John Pritchard, said, following the successful relocation of the Iranian refugees in Camp Liberty to safety in Europe, we must now focus on human rights abuses that are taking place in Iran, campaigning to raise awareness and to remind the International Community, and our government, about their responsibility to turn words into action in order to hold the Iranian regime and its senior officials accountable for growing violations. This is particularly important because the Iranian judiciary is today the major obstacle to any improvements of the human rights situation in the country.

Dr Matthew Offord MPs, said, The current UK policy on pursing business opportunities in Iran in the post-nuclear deal era risks empowering the Revolutionary Guards, which is the paramilitary arm of the Supreme Leader and the major force in exporting terror out of Iran and suppressing any popular dissent. It also controls close to 70% of Irans economy.

Lord Clarke of Hampstead CBE joined Dr Matthew Offord MP and other panellists in urging the government to make mending relations with Tehran contingent on concrete and verifiable improvements of human rights, in particular a halt to executions, torture and arbitrary arrests, without which there are no real long term dividends.

According to the UN and International NGOs like Amnesty International, the Iranian authorities carried out over a thousand executions last year.

In a report published on January 26, 2016, Amnesty International listed 73 executions of juvenile offenders since 2005 and stated that at least 160 juvenile offenders are currently on death row in violation of international law and conventions that prohibits the execution of juveniles.

Other participants included, The Bishop of Stepney, The Rt Reverend Adrian Newman; The Bishop of Croydon, The Rt Reverend Jonathan Clark SCP; The Bishop of Salisbury, The Rt Reverend Nick Holtam; Christina Rees CBE, a long-time advocate for womens ordination in the Church of England and a founder member of the Archbishops Council; Bob Blackman MP; Jim Fitzpatrick MP; Lord Judd; Lord Clarke of Hampstead CBE; Prof. Lord Alton of Liverpool; Lord Cotter; Prof. Sara Chandler QC (Hon), Vice President of the European Bars Federation; Linda Lee, former President of the Law Society of England and Wales; Malcolm Fowler, former member of the Human Rights Committee of the Law Society of England and Wales; and Mr Hossein Abedini, from the NCRI Foreign Affairs Committee.

Maryam Rajavis message to the meeting at the House of Commons is reproduced in full, below:

The honorable members of the British Houses of Commons and Lords,

Distinguished Bishops,

Dear friends,

Greetings to everyone. I am grateful for your attention to the issue of Iran and the Iranian peoples human rights, resistance and freedom.

The P5+1 nuclear talks with the clerical regime and its consequences have placed Iran in the center of International attention over the past three years.

Sixteen months have passed since the nuclear agreement was signed. So, there has been enough time to test various policies. The nuclear agreement was an opportunity for the mullahs to change their behavior or at least stop creating crisis and international terrorism. However, they increased their aggression and warmongering in the region, particularly in Syria. The Iranian regime remains the most hostile and significant contributor to instability in the region.

Some thought that human rights would improve in Iran. In the past year, however, nearly 1,000 people were executed. Rouhanis interior minister has admitted that they arrest some 600 thousand people every year. These figures are only part of the reality.

The mullahs regime preserves its power by making arrests, and by torture and executions on a daily basis. These are accompanied by a constant and systematic crackdown on women and youths, arbitrary arrests and harassment of religious minorities: including Christians, even the arrest of British-Iranians, censorship of free access to the internet, and prohibiting concerts.

On the opposite side, our people and Resistance have been advancing in their quest for freedom.

A major achievement has been the Justice Seeking Movement launched to demand justice for the 30,000 political prisoners massacred in summer 1988 in Iran. The mullahs for long tried to conceal this horrific crime. The distribution of an audio recording of the remarks made by Mr. Montazeri, the ousted successor to Khomeini, revealed new dimensions of the massacre.

The Iranian Resistance is working through supporters in Iran to collect the documents and evidence in this regard. Our aim is to have the international community recognize this tragic massacre as a crime against humanity and prosecute the officials who were responsible. If the international community had not remained silent and passive in this regard, letting the criminals evade justice the wave of executions and repression in Iran could not have continued to date.

Another important development has been the spread of anti-government protests across the country. Thousands of people gathered on October 28th staging a protest against the mullahs in Persepolis, at the Tomb of Cyrus who was the founder of ancient Iran and the writer of a human rights charter, 25 centuries ago.

Finally, I would like to point out a great achievement and a major victory of the Iranian Resistance in recent months, namely, the safe and sound relocation of all members of the Peoples Mojahedin of Iran from Camp Liberty to Europe.

The mullahs did everything to stop this relocation. They tried to have some PMOI officials arrested by fake judicial verdicts. They launched rocket attacks to kill all camp residents.

With PMOIs efforts and an international campaign by the Iranian resistance, the mullahs plots failed. The relocation was the greatest blow to the mullahs over the past year.

I would like to sincerely appreciate all the efforts and support given by the British peoples elected representatives in both houses of parliament and also the UK Church leaders for this great relocation.

Honorable friends,

The Iranian resistance strives for a republic based on freedom, equality, and separation of religion and state; a country where the death penalty is abolished. We seek to end the mullahs Sharia law and guarantee freedom and equality for followers of all religions.

I plead for your support, the elected representatives of Britain, the UK Church, and all humanitarian people in the UK to further help and support this struggle.

The Justice seeking movement is a just common cause with roots in human dignity. We need your assistance in this movement. We need your support to encourage western governments to recognize the Iranian peoples struggle for regime change. Once again, I thank you all. And I hope to be able to see you, very soon.
Along with his family, he fled Monguno when ongoing attacks on the town by Boko Haram made it too dangerous to stay. Like many thousands of others, they took refuge in a host community in Maiduguri, the state capital. Modu briefly attended a school there, before the fighting closed that one too.

I used to feel like crying," Modu says, "when I saw other children with uniforms and bags going to school.



Widespread displacement

Modus home of Borno State is the epicentre of the humanitarian crisis that has been unfolding in Nigeria and the Lake Chad region since mid-2013. In Borno alone, more than 1.3 million people have been displaced as a result of Boko Haram violence, while an estimated 2.2 million people currently remain inaccessible to humanitarian actors.

Many of the children caught in the conflict have lost years of education. Schools are often targets of Boko Haram attacks, and more than 1,800 schools in the Lake Chad region have been closed, damaged, looted, set on fire or used to shelter displaced persons.

UNICEF aims to reach 586,400 school-aged children, including adolescents, with safe learning environments and learning materials by the end of the year.

>> Donate now to help children affected by the Nigeria and Lake Chad crisis



Schools turned into camps

A tentative security is now in place in Monguno, and along with it thousands of displaced people like Modu have returned home. Families are looking for safe places to stay, and many schools that had been closed because of the violence have become camps for internally displaced people.
World Toilet Day is marked every year on 19 November as a way to raise awareness and break taboos around toilets and sanitation. This year, UNICEF is celebrating Toilet Heroes  the children and adults who are making an impact in their communities by demanding toilets and improved sanitation.



In Nigerias rural communities, open defecation is a common problem, creating serious public health risks.



BAKORI, Katsina State, Nigeria, 18 November 2016  They call me the Iron Lady, I dont know why, laughs Zainabu Abubakar. Im not ferocious or anything, Im just doing my job.

Zainabu is a mother of four living in Katsina State in northern Nigeria. Back in 2009, the State Governor appointed her to become the Director of the newly formed Local Government Area (LGA) Water, Sanitation and Hygiene (WASH) Department in Bakori, an unusual move in a region which has very few female decision makers.

I studied nursing back in college because I was always really passionate about improving community health  especially for women and children. This was the perfect role for me, she says.



Ending open defecation

Zainabus job is particularly important in a country like Nigeria. According to the 2013 National Demographic Health Survey, 28.7 per cent of Nigerias population practised open defecation, while another 37.3 per cent was using unimproved latrines.

Zainabu works long hours and manages a team of 96 staff  among the largest WASH departments in the country. But it hasnt always been this way. We started out as a really small team with not much money, but we fought hard to get both the staff and budget required. It took a lot of work, but luckily our Governor was really supportive. He trusted that once we got the money we would get the results. We made sure that we didnt disappoint him.

Since then, Zainabu and her team have gone on to roll out an extensive Water and Sanitation programme in the district. One of the first initiatives to be introduced was Community-led Total Sanitation (CLTS). Back in 2009, it was considered a new and innovative approach, inspiring communities to construct their own latrines and eliminate the practice of open defecation  a common problem, particularly in rural areas. The ongoing SHAWN II project (Sanitation, Hygiene and Water in Nigeria) is being run in collaboration with UNICEF and NGO partners, with funding from UK Aid.



Community engagement

In less than six years, almost 90 per cent of Bakoris communities have now been certified Open Defecation Free (ODF). This also means that residents practise handwashing and have access to safe water through the installation of new water points.
Associate Professor | College of Distance Education

Professor Sexton began teaching at the U.S. Naval War College in 2001 as a military professor in the National Security Decision Making Department. Upon retiring from the military in 2005, she taught as an adjunct professor for the College of Distance Education (CDE) where she taught over 850 students online before returning to campus as a civilian CDE professor in 2014. In 2018, Professor Sexton was named the program manager for online programs and is responsible for the Naval Command and Staff and electives online programs.
This is one of our most exciting volcano tours! Halmahera, North Sulawesi and the Sangihe Islands are not only very scenic and interesting as well as nearly unspoiled by tourism, but also home to some of the country's most active (and often erupting) volcanoes, inclduing Dukono, Ibu, Lokon, Soputan and Karangetang.
Steven Mnuchin arrives at Trump Tower in New York for meetings with President-elect Donald Trump, in New York on Nov. 17, 2016. (Eduardo Munoz Alvarez/Agence France-Presse via Getty Images)

A leading candidate to be President-elect Donald Trumps treasury secretary was deeply involved in running a bank that has received $900 million in federal bailout money and that has been accused of discrimination  examples of the potentially thorny conflicts of interest that could plague Trumps nascent administration.

Steven T. Mnuchin was the finance chairman for Trumps campaign, and three people close to the presidential transition team said that at the moment he is among the most likely candidates to helm Treasury. Mnuchin, a Goldman Sachs veteran, made his name as a private investor when he led the 2009 purchase of failed subprime mortgage lender IndyMac, the California bank whose long lines of customers waiting to withdraw their money became an enduring image of the financial crisis.

Central to the deal was a promise by federal regulators to cover a significant share of the banks losses  a guarantee that lasts through 2019. In addition, the bank  later renamed OneWest  has repeatedly faced criticism over its attempts to foreclose on homeowners who were in the process of modifying their loans, among other practices.

On Thursday, an advocacy group filed a complaint with the Department of Housing and Urban Development accusing the bank of locating branches in predominantly white neighborhoods while avoiding minority communities, including two years in which only two black borrowers received home loans across six counties.

1 of 81 Full Screen Autoplay Close Skip Ad  Inside Trump Tower: The epicenter of a presidential transition View Photos The setting for Donald Trumps reality TV show and campaign headquarters now serves as the president-elects base of operations. Caption In Manhattan, the setting for Donald Trumps reality-TV show and campaign headquarters now serves as the president-elects base of operations. Jan. 16, 2017 Martin Luther King III, son of civil rights leader Martin Luther King Jr., exits an elevator at Trump Tower in New York with President-elect Donald Trump. Mark Abramson/for The Washington Post Wait 1 second to continue.

If you look at the story of IndyMac and OneWest, its a story of hardship, foreclosure and pain for working communities, and a story of profit for investors, said Kevin Stein, deputy director of the California Reinvestment Coalition, the umbrella organization representing more than 300 community groups that filed the complaint.

Mnuchins long involvement with the bank could raise questions about his ability to lead an agency at the forefront of the governments oversight of the financial industry. OneWest was purchased last year by the financial firm CIT, which is partially overseen by Treasury. It has been named a systemically important financial institution  often informally called too big to fail  worthy of additional scrutiny because of the risk it poses to the economy in a crisis. Mnuchin is on CITs board of directors and owns $100 million in company stock, according to compensation research firm Equilar.

Whenever you have someone coming from the financial sector, youre going to see issues, especially post-bailout, said Jordan Libowitz, communications director at Citizens for Responsibility and Ethics in Washington.

Mnuchin is one of several Cabinet candidates and members of Trumps transition team whose close ties to the industries is drawing criticism from some lawmakers. Oil industry magnate Harold Hamm is under consideration for energy secretary. The list of financiers advising Trump includes Anthony Scaramucci, Steve Feinberg and John Paulson, who was one of Mnuchins partners in the deal to buy IndyMac. Former New York mayor Rudolph W. Giuliani, whose consulting company has had extensive contracts with foreign governments, could be the next secretary of state.

Other widely discussed candidates for treasury secretary, including JPMorgan Chase chief executive Jamie Dimon and private equity financier Wilbur Ross, might face conflicts of their own.

A spokesman for Mnuchin declined to comment. But a person close to him, speaking on the condition of anonymity because his employer does not allow him to talk on the record, said that while at the bank, Mnuchins entire mission was to save peoples homes.

CIT said in a statement that it is committed to fair-lending and works hard to meet the credit needs of all communities and neighborhoods we serve.

The purchase of IndyMac is just one of the many complex deals that Mnuchin has struck over his decades in the upper echelons of finance. He spent 17 years at Goldman Sachs before leaving to join an investment fund set up by hedge fund investor  and prominent Democrat  George Soros. Mnuchin helped back the construction of Trump International Hotel and Tower in Chicago  and was later sued by Trump in an effort to secure more favorable terms. And after moving to California to take control of IndyMac, Mnuchin reinvented himself as a film producer and financier, putting out blockbusters such as Avatar and Suicide Squad.

Mnuchin would not be the first Wall Street veteran to be recruited for treasury secretary, of course. Robert Rubin spent more than two decades at Goldman Sachs before joining President Bill Clintons administration. Henry M. Paulson Jr. was chief executive of the storied investment bank when he was nominated to the post by President George W. Bush and moved to sell about $500 million in Goldman stock upon his confirmation.

Government ethics experts said Mnuchin could avoid conflicts of interest by severing his ties to the industry. If Mnuchin were nominated, the Office of Government Ethics and the Senate committee overseeing his confirmation would recommend how to proceed. It would almost certainly entail Mnuchins stepping down from executive positions, the experts said, and it could include creating a blind trust for his assets or divesting his holdings in financial firms.

The only way for him to be treasury secretary is to sell all of his holdings in financial services companies, said Richard Painter, a law professor at the University of Minnesota who served as chief ethics lawyer under President George W. Bush.

Libowitz, of Citizens for Responsibility and Ethics in Washington, agreed. That way the public can rest assured that whatever decisions they make are not for their personal profit but for the good of the American citizen.

Still, Mnuchins connection to a bank under criticism over its handling of consumer mortgages and still receiving government aid could complicate his appointment, particularly amid the rising populist sentiment against Wall Street that helped propel Trump to his presidential victory.

Steve Mnuchin is the ultimate Wall Street insider, a wheeler-dealer, said Marcus Stanley, policy director at the nonprofit coalition Americans for Financial Reform. That gives us a lot of concern. We are opposed to having people who are Wall Street insiders being the people who regulate Wall Street.

The Trump transition team did not respond to a question about the steps his Cabinet would take to diminish conflicts of interest.

Mnuchin decided to invest in the banking industry after watching news coverage of the run on IndyMac in 2008, according to an interview he gave four years later to Bloomberg News. It was a major gamble during the collapse of the housing market. IndyMac was ground zero for some of the worst lending abuses, including shoddy documentation and high loan-to-value ratios.

He offered to pay $1.55 billion for the remains of IndyMac: about $13.9 billion in assets covering 57,000 homeowners. The Federal Deposit Insurance Corp., a government agency, had taken over the bank and was desperately seeking buyers at a time when financial markets were cratering and even the nations biggest banks were trembling.

To lure buyers, the agency promised to share in any future losses on the banks outstanding loans. Mnuchin and his partners were responsible for the first $2.5 billion, then the FDIC would cover 80 percent of the losses until they totaled $3.8 billion.

After that, the government would reimburse the bank for 95 percent of its losses. The bank is expected to reach that level  and continue receiving government payments  by 2019, when the agreement ends, according to documents on the FDICs website.

Steven was the guy who rode in on a horse when nobody else would, the person close to Mnuchin said. He was the guy who showed up to save it.

As an owner and chairman of the bank, Mnuchin was actively involved in steering its direction, according to the Bloomberg News interview. Under his leadership, the bank not only survived but also expanded as he bought other failed lenders across California.

The result was a windfall for Mnuchin and his private equity firm, Dune Capital. CIT acquired the bank last year for $3.4 billion, roughly double the original sale price.

Right from Day One, when you have a venture deal like that, you are thinking of how do I exit? How do we liquefy our profits so we can go on to the next thing? said Bert Ely, a banking consultant in Alexandria, Va. It was a very profitable deal for Mnuchin and company, and I dont fault them for that.

But the bank remained a target for consumer advocates and watchdog groups under Mnuchin. In the complaint filed Thursday with the Department of Housing and Urban Development, advocates alleged that only 11 of the banks 74 branches are in Hispanic neighborhoods. One was in a majority Asian neighborhood, and there were none in predominantly black communities.

The complaint covers the final year of Mnuchins tenure at OneWest; the sale to CIT was completed in August 2015. The California Reinvestment Coalitions analysis of loans made that year alleged that only 8.4 percent of mortgages went to Hispanics, though they accounted for 43 percent of the regions population. It also alleges that the bank did not properly maintain foreclosed homes in minority areas.

The evidence included in this complaint suggests that OneWest Bank has steered clear of people of color in its assessment areas for a number of years, said Sharon Kinlaw, executive director of the Fair Housing Council of San Fernando Valley. We want to know how many people were harmed and we look forward to learning what HUD finds out.

But the person close to Mnuchin said the bank had sharply curtailed its mortgage lending to focus on working through IndyMacs massive portfolio of distressed loans. Though the bank was part of the federal governments earliest attempts to modify mortgages, the majority of its business was servicing loans owned by others.

OneWest successfully modified many of the hundreds of thousands of loans it managed after purchasing IndyMac and other failed banks. But as the housing crisis deepened, Mnuchins bank came under criticism for the pace of its foreclosures and what customers complained was a hard-line stance.

Their frustration hit a peak in 2011 as homeowner Rose Gudiel led a protest in front of Mnuchins home in the tony Bel Air neighborhood of Los Angeles. Gudiel said she missed her mortgage payments after her younger brother was fatally shot and she was furloughed from her state government job. Gudiel said she was applying for a loan modification when OneWest issued a notice that it would foreclose. Though the bank was servicing the loan, it was owned by Fannie Mae.

About 100 demonstrators gathered outside his home. They brought a mattress, a nightstand and a lamp to illustrate her fear of sleeping on the streets if she lost her house.

After the protest, Gudiel said she qualified for a loan modification and hasnt missed a payment since receiving it. She is still living in her three-bedroom home outside of Los Angeles. In an interview, she reflected on what she would tell the man who could become treasury secretary.

If youre going to hold that type of position, I hope you know how to truly help this country, Gudiel said. The only way this country is going to come ahead is if you help the people that live in it versus taking them out of their homes. They end up being a charge to society versus a contribution.

Philip Rucker and Elise Viebeck contributed to this report.
Sunrise was still almost three hours away. Bob Schmidt rubbed his eyes, straightened his camouflage hat and climbed into the drivers seat of his van. He was about to begin his daily drive through this politically deep-red region, picking up refugees and dropping them off at work.

Blocks away was the auditorium where, during the summer, an anti-Islam activist warned the crowd that radicalism and hatred was rising throughout the world, including in Twin Falls. Nearby was the family restaurant where, one night earlier, a team of self-avowed defenders of freedom had reveled in Donald Trumps victory and talked about being on guard against sharia law.

On the horizon were the countys farms and factories, where employers said they would be lost without the low-wage workforce from Iraq, Afghanistan and sub-Saharan Africa  refugees whose best chance in the United States meant a seat in Schmidts van and a shift that started at 6 a.m.

So, is everybody ready? Schmidt said Tuesday morning, once his van was filled.

Yeah, came a groan from the back.

Activist Vicky Davis is working to end refugee resettlement in Twin Falls. (Kim Raff for The Washington Post)

Twin Falls is now a testing ground for whether the bitter cultural divisions intensified by this years presidential campaign can recede in favor of the co-dependency that marks many communities with large white and immigrant populations. In this southern Idaho city of 45,000, the question surrounds a growing Muslim population. Across the country, people in meatpacking towns and agricultural areas are wondering whether their communities will hold on to a supply of Hispanic workers and other foreign laborers crucial to those industries.

We need to take the time to understand one another, said Schmidt, 61, paid $8 an hour by a staffing company. The hate in our country has gotten worse.

The rancor in Twin Falls began to surface only over the past year and a half as concerns about domestic terrorism awakened a fierce and sudden debate about whether the local Muslim population represented a point of pride or a potential danger  an anxiety that Trump amplified during his campaign. For decades before, the refugee resettlement program run by a local community college had flourished with little opposition, with refugees filling open jobs on dairy farms and in cheese factories.

Amid the debate, a crime allegedly committed by refugees thrust Twin Falls under the spotlight of hard-line right-wing websites, galvanizing anti-refugee activists and even drawing the attention of one of Trumps sons. Racially loaded and often false accounts about Twin Falls-based Muslim refugees on the website Breitbart reinforced many of Trumps warnings about the threats from immigrants.

There is not going to be any reconciliation, said Vicky Davis, 65, a local retired computer systems analyst who opposes the refugee program. I will never, never give in to people that walk around in burqas.

Opinions about the refugee program in the Magic Valley, as this region is called, do not neatly align with party affiliation or other typical dividing lines. The vast majority of Democrats and Republicans say the refugees deserve a chance in the United States. Trump earned 66 percent of votes in Twin Falls County, slightly less than prior Republican presidential candidates, and local donations to the refugee center have increased in the days since his victory. Still, according to residents and officials, an increasingly vocal minority has been emboldened by Trumps rise, rallied by his message about strict immigration controls to guard against radical Islamic terror.

The fervor in Twin Falls isnt easily explained by other factors. The city has an unemployment rate of 3.1 percent, compared with 4.9 percent nationally, and has recently attracted several new factories, including one run by the Clif Bar snack company. Yet the character of Twin Falls is changing. Its pro-refugee mayor has reported threats to the FBI made against him. Newly hostile city council meetings were guarded for the first time by armed police. A local Fox radio morning host says refugees, rather than helping fill the labor force, are at the grocery store spending the food stamps that you paid for.

Newly resettled students take notes during an English-language class at the College of Southern Idaho Refugee Center in Twin Falls. (Kim Raff for The Washington Post)

This is the $24 question, said Chris Talkington, a city council member in favor of the refugee program. Does our economic vitality get put up on the shooting gallery for the sake of folks whod like to ship [refugees and immigrants] away? They are fomenting dissent, and I do not expect them to go away.

Crime energizes movement

In the week after Trump defeated Hillary Clinton, 15 members of a group called We the People Magic Valley, formed this year, gathered for their monthly meeting in the wood-paneled back room of Idaho Joes restaurant. One member made a presentation about government overreach, and then local resident Adrian Arp, an agronomist, stood up.

I dont know how you feel, Arp said to applause, but it was a miracle that Trump won.

In the room were young mothers, grandmothers in sweaters, professionals. A few had been laid off. One woman said she hadnt been able to buy a new car in 16 years. Davis, the retiree, said she had once earned $125,000 in the computer industry in Manhattan and lost her job because of outsourcing and a visa program that paved the way for foreigners.

I think God is giving us another chance, Arp said. I mean, seriously. You looked at all the odds. The Republican establishment. The crooked media. Despite it all, he was able to pull it off. And now weve got to hold his feet to the fire.

The anti-immigration sentiment in Twin Falls began to take off in April 2015, when the College of Southern Idaho Refugee Centers director erroneously said Twin Falls was set to receive Syrians, setting off sharp opposition. Opponents of the program proposed local ballot measures calling for a ban on refugee centers, but they didnt gain traction.

Then this June, something seemed to galvanize the movement: A sexual assault took place in a local apartment complex, and rumors spread that the suspects were Syrian teens. Syrian Refugees Rape Little Girl at Knifepoint in Idaho, read a headline on the Drudge Report.

The case was sealed because it involved juveniles, including the victim, a 5-year-old girl. Still, Twin Falls police corrected a few facts, saying the suspects were from Sudan and Iraq. It hardly mattered. (The case is now in court, and all suspects have been charged, Twin Falls Prosecuting Attorney Grant Loebs said.)

A surge of Twin Falls residents appeared at council meetings, castigating city officials and accusing them of endangering the town. Right-wing commentators descended. Breitbart published at least 20 stories from Twin Falls, most of which generated thousands of comments. (Among the headlines: How Muslim Migrants Devastate a Community. Twin Falls Refugee Rape Special Report: Why Are The Refugees Moving In?) Eventually, Donald Trump Jr. tweeted out an article written by Michelle Malkin, a right-wing commentator.

Wheres the outrage for this 5 year old girl??? Trump Jr. wrote.

It became this stirring of facts blended in with opinion, Twin Falls Mayor Shawn Barigar said. In this Breitbart phenomena, Id get an email with a link. Id see the article. Id end up in the comments. Youd have 2,000 comments from across the country  vile, nasty comments about Muslims. I ended up down the rabbit hole to the point where I had to stop reading this stuff.

(Breitbarts former president, Stephen K. Bannon, recently was named as White House chief strategist under Trump.)

Nobody in Twin Falls is sure whether Trump will follow through with his campaign pledge to curb or end Muslim entry into the United States.

But at Idaho Joes, the group brainstormed smaller ways to change minds. They could closely monitor and raise awareness about what they called unpatriotic activity. They could update the groups website to highlight the ways in which sharia law opposed the Constitution. They could recruit more millennials. They could collaborate with a Breitbart reporter that some in the group know. They could hold a potluck  one that served food Muslims wouldnt eat  to build camaraderie.

Stefany Clark, sitting in the corner, said her neighborhood was 20 to 22 percent Muslim and suggested she could host.

A pig roast, she said.

Defending the refugees

About 300 refugees arrive in Twin Falls each year, and although they are free to resettle elsewhere in the county, many choose to stay. In nearly all cases, Refugee Center Director Zeze Rwasama said, refugees find jobs within two or three months. Some end up working at Chobani, a yogurt company founded by a Turkish immigrant. Others take jobs at Everton Mattress Factory or Jerome Cheese.

Im tired all the time, said Mohammed Osman, 21, a Sudanese worker who pulls a 12-hour overnight shift at the cheese plant. He said he is fearful of Trump and his influence. We were hoping for a different direction.

As criticism about the refugees bubbled up, an Idaho Dairymens Association representative defended the program in front of the city council. At one dairy farm, 60 of 250 workers are refugees.

The one thing we hear repeatedly from different employers, theyre continually short on employees, said Rick Naerebout, the groups director of operations. Everybody is always looking to fill holes. Were in a situation where weve got this workforce coming to us.

Schmidt, the driver, found himself in the middle of the debate almost by accident. He had been laid off during the depths of the financial crisis by Glanbia, a cheesemaker with a plant in Gooding, Idaho. He went to the areas unemployment office and got linked up with a staffing company. Soon, he was driving a van marked with the CSI refugee programs logo, rows of foreign faces in the back. On the streets of Twin Falls, a few glared at Schmidt at red lights, he said. One person doused his windshield with a milkshake.

Its that old Civil War attitude, Schmidt said.

Schmidt had served in the 82nd Airborne Division, stationed in Fort Bragg, N.C., 772 jumps under his belt, with the hip and lower back pain to prove it. He had $160,000 in medical debt and no insurance. Hed all but abandoned his retirement plans to buy an RV and tour the country because he had $1 in his bank account and no clear way to save more. But he liked his job, and he said he identified a bit with the people he drove. They worked hard. They scraped by.

How many people do you know that would get up every day, on time, for a job where a cow might take a s--t on them? Schmidt said as he drove to the dairy. And then do it again day after day. Never a complaint.

Schmidt had avoided some of the online conversations about the refugees  he is dyslexic and does almost no reading.

But Schmidt said one thing bugged him and gave him a window into what was happening all around him in Twin Falls: His brother opposed the refugee program. Schmidt had tried to convince him that it wasnt a danger. He said that all Americans had come here from somewhere else and that if Trump tightened the United States borders for refugees, his own job might be on the line.

It didnt matter.

No, I didnt convince him, Schmidt said. I guess I dont understand a lot of Americans. In many ways it reminds me of a plow horse. Just running with blinders on.
In the heat of the 2008 Democratic primary campaign between Sens. Hillary Clinton of New York and Barack Obama of Illinois, Obama responded in writing to questions posed by The Washington Post on a variety of foreign policy topics, laying out much of what he would do if he were elected president. The exchange was first published shortly after the Wisconsin and Hawaii primaries, which Obama won decisively, and before the Texas and Ohio contests, both of which he lost to Clinton.

Beyond the intensity of the campaign, the world seemed particularly chaotic at the time: The war in Iraq ground on, killing 29 Americans in February 2008 and 39 in March; violence in the Gaza Strip killed more than 100 people in less than a week, and Fidel Castro resigned as leader of Cuba after nearly 50 years of authoritarian rule, handing over power to his brother Raul.

As a candidate, Obama was trying hard to stake out a position as a bold pragmatist who would change the way the U.S. did business abroad, particularly with his expressed willingness to engage in negotiation with traditional adversaries in places such as Tehran and Havana, and Rangoon, Burma. It was the beginning of what became Obamas open-hand/clenched-fist approach to dealing with antagonistic regimes.

Here is an edited version of much of the exchange, first published March 2, 2008, with summary analyses of how close President Obama came to living up to some of his campaign promises.



A detainee is escorted at Camp Delta detention facility in Guantanamo Bay, Cuba, on April 19, 2010. (Bill OLeary/The Washington Post)

The Washington Post: Do you believe democracy promotion should be a primary U.S. goal? If so, how would you achieve it? How would you balance democracy and human rights priorities against other strategic needs in the case of countries including Egypt, Saudi Arabia, Pakistan, China and Russia?

Barack Obama: We benefit from the expansion of democracy: Democracies are our best trading partners, our most valuable allies and the nations with which we share our deepest values.

Our greatest tool in advancing democracy is our own example. Thats why I will end torture, end extraordinary rendition and indefinite detentions; restore habeas corpus; and close the detention facility at Guantanamo Bay.

I recognize that our security interests will sometimes necessitate that we work with regimes with which we have fundamental disagreements; yet, those interests need not and must not prevent us from lending our consistent support to those who are committed to democracy and respect for human rights.

Eight years later: The power of U.S. democracy as an example became a consistent presidential theme. On his second full day in office, Obama signed executive orders ending extraordinary rendition  the transfer of captured terrorism suspects to secret prisons; ending the U.S. governments use of torture; mandating that detainees held at the prison in Guantanamo Bay, Cuba, had the right to habeas corpus, and committing to closure of the prison itself by the end of 2009. By the end of October 2016, Obama had repatriated or transferred to other countries 178 detainees. The prison remained open with 60 detainees  a number of them not eligible for transfer to a third country and prevented by Congress from imprisonment in the United States.

TWP: You have said that you will open talks with countries such as Iran, Cuba and North Korea. Are you willing to reestablish diplomatic relations with Iran and Cuba as the logical extension of that policy, and open an embassy in Pyongyang?

Obama: I have said that we should consider carrots as well as sticks in our negotiations with these and other countries. Reinstatement of normal diplomatic relations is one carrot I might consider, but normalizing relations would require the countries meeting their requirements on key U.S. and international demands, which in the case of Iran, for example, would mean verifiably ending its nuclear program and its support for terrorism. On Cuba, I have made clear that I will authorize unlimited family travel and family cash remittances.

Eight years later: A deal negotiated to contain Irans nuclear development has gone into effect, but there are no formal diplomatic ties between the two countries. Obama acted early in his administration to remove restrictions on family travel and remittances to Cuba, and diplomatic relations were restored, after more than a half century, in July 2015. There have been no direct talks with North Korea.



President Obama greets military personnel in Baghdad on Aug. 31, 2010. (Charles Dharapak/Associated Press)

TWP: You have said that as president you will focus on the Israeli-Palestinian issue from the start. . . . How will you succeed where other presidents have failed? What, specifically, can you do to insist that good faith efforts are made? What leverage are you prepared to use?

Obama: The current administration has talked a good game on Israeli-Palestinian peace efforts, but until recently it has done very little. The Annapolis conference was a worthy, but late, effort, and already the follow-up has been lacking. As president, I will commit myself personally, and I will assign high-caliber diplomats, to be engaged with both sides on an ongoing basis  encouraging communication, helping them develop and implement solutions, holding them accountable to their commitments by carefully monitoring and reporting on their implementation. I will also demand greater support for this process from the Arab world.

Eight years later: A special envoy, former Senate majority leader George Mitchell, made little progress in bringing the two sides together during Obamas first term, and the president himself seemed to tire of their recalcitrance. Second-term Secretary of State John F. Kerry spent much of his tenure on shuttle diplomacy between Israel and the Palestinians, with no agreement to show for it. In September 2016, the United States signed a 10-year, $38 billion military assistance agreement with Israel.

TWP: You have said that within your first 100 days in office, you would give a major speech in a major Islamic forum in which you will redefine our struggle. What is that redefinition? What would be the substance of that speech?

Obama: As president of the United States, I will directly address the people of the Muslim world to make it clear that the United States is not at war with Islam, that our enemy is al-Qaeda and its tactical and ideological affiliates, and that our struggle is shared. In this speech, I will make it clear that the United States rejects torture  without equivocation  and will close Guantanamo. I will make it clear that the United States stands ready to support those who reject violence with closer security cooperation; an agenda of hope  backed by increased foreign assistance  to support justice, development and democracy in the Muslim world; and a new program of outreach to strengthen ties between the American people and people in Muslim countries. I will also make it clear that we will expect greater cooperation from Muslim countries, and that the United States will always stand for basic human rights  including the rights of women  and reject the scourge of anti-Semitism. Simply put, I will say that we are on the side of the aspirations of all peace-loving Muslims, and together we must build a new spirit of partnership to combat terrorists who threaten our common security.

Eight years later: He didnt quite make the 100 days, but on June 4, 2009, Obama spoke at Cairo University on A New Beginning in U.S. relations with the Muslim world.



Vice President Biden, second from left, and Army officials stand by as soldiers carry the remains of Pfc. Tyler R. Iubelt at Dover Air Force Base in Delaware on Nov. 15, 2016. Iubelt was killed by an improvised explosive device in Afghanistan. (Steve Ruark/Associated Press)

TWP: Your call to act on actionable intelligence about high-value terrorist targets appears identical to current [Bush] administration policy. Yet the problem seems to be less a willingness to act than the availability of actionable intelligence. Do you advocate increasing that presence in Pakistan, regardless of whether the Pakistani government agrees? What type of increased U.S. presence would you like to see in both Pakistan and Afghanistan?

Obama: The problem goes beyond developing actionable intelligence. It is acting on it. The failure to focus on Afghanistan and the FATA [Federally Administered Tribal Areas in Pakistan] because our resources were diverted to Iraq has enabled al-Qaeda to develop a sanctuary for its core leadership, likely including Osama bin Laden and Ayman al-Zawahiri.

The Bush administration has not acted aggressively enough to go after al-Qaedas leadership. In 2002, their failure to use U.S. troops in the Tora Bora region of Afghanistan allowed al-Qaedas leadership to cross the border to Pakistan.

As president, I would send at least two additional combat brigades to Afghanistan. I would focus more Special Operations resources along the Afghanistan-Pakistan border, including intelligence-gathering assets. I would condition some military assistance to Pakistan on their action in the FATA. And I would be clear that if Pakistan cannot or will not take out al-Qaeda leadership when we have actionable intelligence about their whereabouts, we will act to protect the American people. There can be no safe haven for al-Qaeda terrorists who killed thousands of Americans and threaten our homeland today.

Eight years later: In 2009, Obama authorized an additional 50,000 troops to Afghanistan. By mid-August 2010, the total U.S. force was 110,000. A drawdown began in 2011, and Obama declared the end of combat operations at the end of 2014. But the goal of a complete withdrawal was not achieved. By his final months in office, about 8,400 troops remained, initially as trainers and advisers but with an increasing combat role as Afghan forces continued battling the Taliban.



In Pakistans Federally Administered Tribal Areas, U.S. drone strikes against al-Qaeda and other terrorist groups increased sharply, to about 120 in 2010 (four times the number in Bushs final year in office). The number decreased every year after that, as the administration said it had decimated al-Qaedas leadership, including the May 2011 killing of Osama bin Laden in a U.S. Special Operations forces raid in Pakistan. In 2016, as the year drew to a close, there had been only a handful of drone strikes there.

TWP: In implementing your plan to immediately begin withdrawing U.S. combat forces from Iraq and to complete the process within 16 months, what weight will you give to the counsel of the Chairman of the Joint Chiefs, the CENTCOM [U.S. Central Command] commander, the combatant commander on the ground in Iraq and current intelligence chiefs on the ground in Iraq regarding an immediate phased withdrawal?

Obama: I will give their counsel great weight. But, as commander in chief, it is my responsibility to make my own assessment of the situation. We must send a clear signal to the Iraqi political leadership that we are leaving Iraq on a timeline. Doing so will put pressure on those leaders to begin to resolve the political impasse at the heart of this civil war.

But I also want to be clear about another thing. I am worried our Army is overstretched and that we have asked an awful lot from our military families. Many in our senior military leadership are worried about a plan that will keep 130,000 troops on the ground in Iraq for the foreseeable future. So, as commander in chief, I will also have to take into consideration the counsel of other senior military leaders who may be concerned that Iraq is undercutting our ability to confront other security challenges.

Eight years later: Obama came into office with a deadline, negotiated by the Bush administration, for withdrawing all U.S. troops from Iraq by the end of 2011. In August 2010, when about 50,000 troops remained, he declared that the American combat mission has ended. Those remaining would serve as trainers and advisers to the Iraqi military, he said, and all but a handful stationed at the U.S. Embassy would be gone by December 2011. Over the next year and a half, U.S. military commanders pushed for at least 20,000 to remain. Obama agreed to negotiate the retention of about 3,500 but was unable to reach a deal with Prime Minister Nouri al-Maliki, whose government and parliament refused to include standard provisions giving U.S. troops immunity from prosecution in Iraq should they commit a crime there.



In June 2014, as Islamic State fighters swept into Iraq from the northwest to the outskirts of Baghdad, Obama authorized sending about 275 military personnel to aid in protecting the capital. By the end of 2016, as U.S.-trained and equipped Iraqi forces had pushed the militants back and launched a final offensive against them in the northern city of Mosul, the number had grown to about 5,000.



Two Iraqi girls are helped onto a truck by Iraqi Special Forces soldiers to be taken out of the combat zone in the Samah neighborhood of Mosul on Nov. 15, 2016. (Odd Andersen/Agence France-Presse via Getty Images)

TWP: The military is becoming ever more involved in state to state relations.

You, and many others, speak of the need to increase diplomatic and civilian resources and to integrate them more closely with the military as instruments of foreign policy and have called for mobile development teams for the military to carry out such functions. Some critics believe that the military is already too involved in diplomacy and that the image the United States presents to the world is already too identified with the armed forces. Does this concern you?

Obama: One of the greatest tactical failures in the occupation of Iraq was the inability to marshal the capabilities of American experts in the State Department and elsewhere to aid in the stabilization and rebuilding. Because of inadequate planning by civilian leaders, the military has been asked to carry this burden alone.

I will work with Congress to ensure that the State Department has the authorities and resources it requires to lead U.S. government efforts to prevent and respond to conflict. I will increase the size of the Foreign Service, fully fund the Coordinator for Reconstruction and Stabilization and create a new office of conflict prevention and resolution with senior ambassadors to support high-level negotiations and provide the expertise and capacity to seize opportunities or address crises as they arise. I will also build a ready reserve corps of private civilians that can participate in post-conflict, humanitarian and stabilization efforts around the globe.

At the same time, I will modernize our foreign assistance policies, tools and operations into a restructured, empowered and streamlined USAID [U.S. Agency for International Development].

As the U.S. confronts new global challenges, greater cooperation between civilian and military agencies is essential. That is why, in my administration, the National Security Council will assert a powerful coordinating role, and a deputy national security adviser will be empowered to develop integrated strategies to build capable, democratic states and ensure policy coherence in the application of development and democracy programs as key elements of U.S. power.

Eight years later: Military withdrawal from Iraq at the end of 2011 left the State Department struggling to fill the gaps in military-run programs and to provide its own security, transportation and other functions the Defense Department undertook. Many of States efforts were sharply scaled back or discontinued as it quickly became apparent that working in what the government calls a non-permissive environment  a dangerous place  required far more protection and logistics, as well as far more resources, than those available to the State Department.



There has been little growth in the State Department, even as its responsibilities have greatly increased. Although the need for cooperation between State and Defense has grown, its execution has ebbed and flowed. As promised, Obamas National Security Council developed a powerful role  too powerful, some argued  as it doubled in size to about 400 people and exerted ever more White House control over national security issues large and small.
On June 4, 2009, President Obama called for a new beginning between the Islamic world and the U.S. during a speech at Cairo University. (Sarah Parnass/The Washington Post)

When President Obama strode to the podium at Cairo University on June 4, 2009, he faced a Muslim world bursting with optimism about his middle name  Hussein!  along with his barrier-bashing skin color, and a heart they believed was wide open to their concerns and dreams.

Assalaamu alaykum, Obama said, using the traditional Arabic salutation Muslims use to greet one another. Peace be upon you.

He called for a new beginning between the United States and the worlds billion Muslims. He promised to close the reviled prison at Guantanamo Bay, to personally pursue Palestinian-Israeli peace and to bring U.S. troops home from Iraq. Obama said he would invest billions in Afghanistan and Pakistan; seek a nuclear deal with Iran; encourage deeper ties in science, education and business; and promote womens rights.

Its easier to start wars than to end them, he said to applause. Its easier to blame others than to look inward. Its easier to see what is different about someone than to find the things we share. But we should choose the right path, not just the easy path. . . . We have the power to make the world we seek, but only if we have the courage to make a new beginning.

Barack Obama, we love you, shouted someone in the audience.

More than seven years later, the romance has withered. Along with some lingering fondness, there are feelings of bitterness and regret, and nagging questions about what might have been.

They will remember him as the first black president; someone like Muhammad Ali. But not like Martin Luther King Jr., said Hisham Kassem, former publisher of Al-Masry Al-Youm, Egypts only independent newspaper.

You cant hold Obama responsible for what happened in Egypt. Egyptians do determine their fate. . . . [But] Obama has disappointed people more, and thats what his legacy is. . . . His pledges were for the people to be treated as real human beings with rights and [to] help propel democracy. But if you are still doing deals with corrupt dictators, how does that fulfill your promises? Wael Eskandar, activist, Egypt

Although much of the world still views Obama favorably, the dominant emotion in the Middle East is disappointment. Just under half of those in Israel and Turkey have confidence in him, according to a 40-nation Pew Research Center survey conducted in June 2015. Few expressed favorable views of the U.S. president: about a third of Lebanese, 15 percent of Palestinians and 14 percent of Jordanians.

Saleh Mohammed Saleh, an Afghan legislator from Kunar province, said he and other Afghans were encouraged when Obama reached out just months after his first inauguration. But during the years of Obamas presidency, Saleh said, both the world and the region had become more unstable. He claimed credit for killing [Osama] bin Laden and some Taliban leaders, but are we safer than before? Are the world and the U.S. safer? I dont think so at all. The region is on fire.



Protesters light fireworks in Cairo to celebrate President Hosni Mubaraks resignation on Feb. 11, 2011. (Linda Davidson/The Washington Post)

The reasons Muslims give for their disillusionment are almost too many to count: seven years of drone strikes, deepening chaos in Iraq and the rise of the Islamic State, continued violence in Afghanistan, the collapse of Libya, the lack of Israeli-Palestinian progress, ongoing U.S. support for autocratic governments, the failure to close Guantanamo.

I think it was the right decision in terms of protecting the Libyan civilians. But the follow-up after that decision, leaving Libya alone after the fall of the regime, that was the tragic mistake. . . . You let Libya become a hub for terrorists. Mahmoud Jibril, former opposition leader, Libya

Some see the Iran nuclear deal  something the administration considers a signature foreign policy achievement  as a positive step to keep the ayatollahs in Tehran from getting a nuclear weapon. The idea of minimizing the risk of a nuclear Iran or multilateral intervention against Iran is definitely a plus for the Middle East, said Amr Adly, a political analyst and researcher with the Carnegie Middle East Center.

But critics in the region  echoing naysayers at home  call the agreement a naive capitulation that does the opposite, arguing that it simply allows Iran to postpone its nuclear ambitions in exchange for renewed stature in the world and a windfall of billions of dollars that it will use to spread its state-sponsored terror.

Hisham Melhem, Washington bureau chief of Saudi Arabia-owned al-Arabiya News Channel, said that he applauded the deal but that Obama should have used the negotiations to pressure Iran on other fronts.

He was silent on human rights in Iran, Melhem said. He did not check, or try to check, Irans proxy wars in Iraq and Syria.

In the first term of Obama, Iraq wasnt among his priorities. . . . We hope the next American administration will be more serious in supporting Iraq, because now Iraq needs all the support it can get. Ibrahim Bahr al-Ulloum, parliamentarian, Iraq

And then there is Syria, the Rubiks Cube of a civil war that has left hundreds of thousands dead and more than half the population displaced from their homes or scattered as refugees abroad. In Lebanon, Turkey and Jordan, it has created a humanitarian nightmare. In Europe, the flow of more than a million fleeing migrants has led to right-wing nationalism with ominous historical echoes.

Obama has defended his early decision to limit support to rebels fighting President Bashar al-Assad, and the quick erasure of a red line drawn over Assads use of chemical weapons, as wise restraint. But to many in the region, his actions seemed like dithering.



Two Syrian rebels take sniper positions in central Aleppo on Oct. 18, 2012. (Javier Manzano/Agence France-Presse via Getty Images)

Obama allowed human rights violations committed by the Syrian regime to happen every day, said Melhem Riachi, an analyst who teaches communications at Lebanons Holy Spirit University of Kaslik. This do-nothing policy actually empowered terrorism by aiding the rise of extremist Muslim groups, he said, and actually strengthened the [Assad] regime.

The resulting vacuum in Syria itself allowed the Islamic State to grow from its Iraqi roots. As it has spread its medieval horrors across the region, it has displaced al-Qaeda as the source of inspiration for ultra-violent militants who have struck brutally from Istanbul to Paris to San Bernardino.

Some of the things Obama promised to do, such as the closure of Guantanamo, were blocked by a recalcitrant Congress. He did bring the troops home from Iraq, and billions have been spent in Afghanistan. Yet both those countries remain at war. And despite years of effort, there has been no substantive improvement to the Israeli-Palestinian struggle.

I think it is very clear as far as the Palestinians are concerned, the Obama administration has been a huge disappointment. George Giacaman, university professor, Palestinian territories

The Arab Spring, which brought hope to millions in the Middle East as well as to the Obama administration, limps on in Tunisia, where it began. But it lies in ruins in Egypt, Libya, Yemen, Syria and beyond.

Laying the regions manifold problems at Obamas doorstep grossly oversimplifies some of the worlds most complex and confounding dynamics. And the complaints follow a familiar historical pattern: high expectations that the United States can solve a problem, followed by inevitable disappointment when it cannot. Too much intervention. Not enough. Too much emphasis on democracy and human rights. Too little.



A protester wearing a Tunisian flag makes his way past closed shops toward sporadic gunfire in Tunis, Tunisia, in February 2011. (Nikki Kahn/The Washington Post)

You have this element of association with the Obama administration and anarchy in the region, said Adly, the Carnegie researcher. So hes not that popular at all nowadays. . . . You have this mainstream distrust in whatever the U.S. does, and a gross overestimation for what the U.S. can do. . . . There is definitely a disenchantment with Obama.

Embers of hope still glow in the hearts of some: Said Ghorayeb, a writer who lives in Beirut, is one of those who still see Obama as the world leader most capable and inclined to ease Muslim suffering.

President Obama brought only negative changes to Afghanistan. A majority of youths are unemployed, security is bad and every day we hear of attacks. The money sent . . . under his presidency went to corrupt government officials, not ordinary people. Ezmarai Nesari, taxi driver, Afghanistan

Our country has been burdened so much, Ghorayeb said of Lebanon. These refugees  this situation  is a ticking time bomb, and God only knows when it will explode and destroy what is left of one of the few free and democratic countries in the region.

But Melhem of al-Arabiya said Obama too often is more words than actions. Hes an honorable man. Hes an extremely gifted and smart man. But hes not really a fighter.

He went to Cairo and he introduced himself to a billion-plus Muslims in the world through a speech. He gives all these difficult speeches on terrorism, on drones, on race, on all of these issues, and they are beautifully crafted, Melham said. But you get the impression that he thinks his words are a substitute for actions.

With reporting from Loveday Morris in Baghdad; Sudarsan Raghavan in Cairo; Hugh Naylor and Suzan Haidamous in Beirut; Pam Constable, Mohammad Sharif and Sayed Salahuddin in Kabul; and Ruth Eglash in Jerusalem.
5

Andrew Kelly/Reuters

The Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade has been held in New York City since 1924. It began featuring giant helium balloon characters a few years later, and the colorful balloons have been parading through Manhattan ever since. What was the first giant balloon character to be featured in the parade?


(Jennifer Chase for The Washington Post)

Before the Fall

By Noah Hawley (Grand Central)

One August evening, a private plane awaits passengers on Marthas Vineyard. The plane, chartered by a Republican kingmaker who has founded a wildly profitable (and proudly right-wing) cable news network, crashes. Was it foul play, and if yes, who was behind it?

The English Teacher

By Yiftach Reicher Atir, translated from the Hebrew by Philip Simpson (Penguin)

This story of a Mossad operative written by a former Israeli intelligence officer provides an astonishing look at Middle Eastern spycraft. Operative Rachel Goldschmitt is preparing to vanish, but when she makes a mysterious phone call to her former handler, the Mossad comes after her.



A Great Reckoning" by Louise Penny. (Minotaur)

"A Hero of France" by Alan Furst. (Random House)

A Great Reckoning

By Louise Penny (Minotaur)

In the 12th Chief Inspector Gamache novel, our hero has just stepped into a new post as chief superintendent of the police academy in Three Pines, Quebec, where hes charged with finding the source of corruption within its ranks. When a professor at the academy is murdered, Gamache becomes caught up in a way he never expected.

A Hero of France

By Alan Furst (Random House)

After the Germans invade, a French army captain devotes himself to helping British bomber crews forced to bail out over France make their way back to England to rejoin the desperately short-handed Royal Air Force.



"Under the Harrow" by Flynn Berry. (Penguin)

"Where It Hurts" by Reed Farrel Coleman. (Putnam)

Under the Harrow

By Flynn Berry (Penguin)



A taut psychological thriller with shades of Daphne du Mauriers Rebecca. Nora arrives in the British countryside and walks into the shocking scene of her sisters murder. As she seeks clues to her sisters death  and life  Nora becomes nearly unhinged, and the reader must decide whether to trust her.

Where It Hurts

By Reed Farrel Coleman (Putnam)

Gus Murphy, a middle-aged ex-cop, falls apart after the death of his son and takes a job at a seedy hotel on Long Island. But Gus is roused back into action by a phone call from a drug dealer who may have clues about his son.



"The Whisperer," by John Grisham. (Doubleday)

"The Woman in Cabin 10" by Ruth Ware. (Gallery/Scout Press )

The Whistler

By John Grisham (Doubleday)

Two investigators are approached by a whistleblower with information about a conspiracy involving a casino on a Native American reservation, organized crime and a crooked judge.

The Woman in Cabin 10

By Ruth Ware (Gallery/Scout)

On a luxury cruise ship in the North Sea, travel writer Lo Blacklock hears a splash and then sees what she thinks is the body of a woman sinking beneath the waves. Lo swears she met this woman in Cabin 10, but no one believes her.



"The Wrong Side of Goodbye," by Michael Connelly. (Little, Brown)

"You Will Know Me" by Megan Abbott. (Little, Brown)

The Wrong Side of Goodbye

By Michael Connelly (Little, Brown)

Retired LAPD detective Harry Bosch is summoned by an aging billionaire for an almost impossible task: find someone who might not even exist. Brooding and intricate, suspenseful and sad, this is Connelly at his best.

You Will Know Me

By Megan Abbott (Little, Brown)

Abbott takes readers deep into the obsessive world of young female gymnasts and the families that help push these athletes to victory. Might their hopes for glory be powerful enough to cover up a murder?

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Georgetowns Cafe Milano is gearing up for a busy inauguration season. (Joseph Victor Stefanchik/for The Washington Post)

Theres a long list of people who are expected to benefit from a Trump presidency: alt-righters and Rudolph W. Giuliani, to name a few. Add to that list: some bar and restaurant owners in Georgetown.

Of course parts of Georgetown are getting psyched for a Trump presidency. In a city where 93 percent of voters picked Hillary Clinton, Georgetown and Upper Northwest are where most of our Republicans live. Its where the young-staffer social scene was concentrated during the Bush administration. And its where some restaurateurs are hoping and praying theyll return under Trump.

Ive seen Georgetown on a steady decline for the past eight years, said restaurateur Bo Blair. I do think that this change in administration will invigorate Georgetown and hopefully re-energize it.

Blair would know. His Georgetown bar Smith Point became the epicenter of young Republican Washington during George W. Bushs presidency because it was a frequent hangout for first daughters Jenna and Barbara. Ivanka and Eric Trump, both of whom attended Georgetown, went to his club, too, he says. It was also the base of a short-lived conservative social scene called Late Night Shots, which became notorious for its racist and misogynistic online message boards, where members posted about boat shoes, luxury cars and, in the words of one user, Figuring out if girls are sluts.

But Smith Point has struggled during the Obama years, and Blair said he had been trying to sell it. He changed his mind after the election and is now planning renovations to attract newcomers. I think a preppy, conservative place in Georgetown is hopefully what some of them will be looking for, said Blair, who considers himself an independent.

Cafe Milano, a longtime favorite haunt of politicians on both sides of the aisle, is also gearing up for a busy season.

Everybody says Republicans have a tendency to spend more, said Franco Nuschese, the restaurants owner. Hes already booked most of the restaurants private rooms for inauguration weekend.



Jose Andres is moving his America Eats Tavern, now in Tysons Corner, to Georgetown. (Scott Suchman/for The Washington Post)

The neighborhood has ebbed and flowed. From the Reconstruction period through the 1930s, it was a working-class black neighborhood, before being gentrified in the 1940s. In the 60s, it was synonymous with Kennedy-era dinner parties. Elegant restaurants followed, and so did the rowdy, drunken 20-somethings of the early Aughts. But with the closing of several major restaurants, including Citronelle, as well as the attention paid to 14th Street and Shaw, Georgetown hasnt gotten as much attention in recent years.

Even before the election, big-name restaurateurs made plans to branch into the neighborhood. Jose Andres recently announced he would move America Eats Tavern from Tysons Corner to Georgetown. His former Minibar chef, Johnny Spero, is opening Reverie there next year. A longtime liquor license moratorium for the neighborhood expired this year, opening the door to more restaurants and bars.

Lauren Boston, communications director for the Georgetown Business Improvement District, resisted the idea that the neighborhoods fortunes might be tied to Trump. We have a diverse political spectrum here and welcome everyone to dine and shop in Georgetown, she said.



The dining room at BLT Prime, overlooking the lobby of the Trump International Hotel. (Dixie Vereen/for The Washington Post)

The Obama Effect

Trump himself may never even set foot in the neighborhood. His effect on the local restaurant scene certainly wont echo that of the Obamas, who are credited with breathing new life into boring old Washington.

But many changes attributed to the Obama Effect are the result of market forces  an improving economy, a nationwide trend of young people moving into urban centers, and the fruition of developments, such as CityCenter, that had been planned during the Bush years. We all love the involvement that the president had in the city, but I would not say that the boom happened because of that alone, Andres said. Washington, its destiny was to have the boom. I was opening restaurants before Obama came here.

Still, the Obamas presence at a restaurant was a boon for business. They were young, they dined out, they wanted to be part of the city, said Ashok Bajaj, owner of the Oval Room, Rasika and other restaurants the Obamas visited. They visited those places and gave their endorsement. Its very good for me.

If theres a Trump Effect, its likely to mostly benefit BLT Prime in the Trump International Hotel, which has the potential to become the center of the Republican social scene. Jane Freundel Levey, a historian for the Historical Society of Washington, D.C., imagines little bursts of Trumpian socializing and excess there. Nuschese, on the other hand, says that because the hotel has gotten so much attention, it will be too public for politicians to dine there often. The people who eat every single day and entertain, I dont think they will want to be around that, he said.

Besides, the hotel has become a center of protest, too. And as with Trumps other businesses, it has raised the hackles of ethics watchdogs, since the Trump family stands to benefit from its elevated stature. ESquared Hospitality, parent company of BLT Prime, declined to comment.



Security staff guard the 21 Club in New York while President-elect Donald Trump dines inside. (Carolyn Kaster/AP)

Will his children set trends?

Given what we know about Trumps habits, its unlikely he will follow Obamas lead as a man-about-town.

He has a well-known distaste for Washington. In the second presidential debate, he called it a violent place. He has repeatedly referred to the federal government here as a swamp to drain. And the Trumps have hinted they will be only part-time residents of our city, anyway. The New York Times reported that he wants to split his time between the District and New York, with some stints at Mar-a-Lago in Florida.

Hes also a notorious germaphobe and an unadventurous eater, preferring fast food restaurants such as McDonalds, and steakhouses, such as New Yorks 21 Club, that will cook him a well-done slab of meat. For obvious reasons, its also hard to envision Trump eating immigrant food, as George H.W. Bush did with his penchant for Peking Gourmet Inn, or the Obamas with their love of Rasika. Hell probably just go to his own hotel.

His children are another story. Maybe they will set the trends, and people will follow them, Bajaj said. Hopefully they will go out as much as President Obama.

Bajaj and other restaurateurs from immigrant backgrounds are prepared to welcome Trump and his children. That includes Andres, who is mired in litigation with the president-elect after Andres canceled his plans to put a restaurant in Trumps hotel after Trump called Mexican immigrants rapists.

Im a guy that believes in second and third opportunities, Andres said.



Washingtons 14th Street NW, now home to a slew of popular restaurants, including Le Diplomate, was quite a different scene during the last Republican administration. (Melina Mara/The Washington Post)

The staffers who move to Washington to work for the administration will probably participate in local culture more than Trump will. Georgetown was the obvious choice for them in 2000 because neighborhoods like the more-diverse 14th Street and Shaw didnt have as many amenities. Now that there are excellent bars and restaurants throughout the city, its likely that Trump staffers will go to those, too.

Tons of people that are coming to town have never been to 14th Street or Barracks Row or tried Roses Luxury, Blair said. Its exciting to have a whole new group of people try all these places that have come alive.

How well those staffers integrate with the citys Democratic population remains to be seen. Still, even though the city probably wont change too drastically, I think theres going to be even more hunkering down than ever, Levey said. In previous administrations, there was more bipartisan socializing, particularly at dinner parties.

That style is gone, and thats a shame, because we need that more than ever, if were going to be able to talk to each other again, she said.

Correction: A previous version of this story said that Georgetown got its start as a working-class black neighborhood. Georgetown was a working-class black neighborhood from the Reconstruction period through the 1930s.
THE DISTRICT

Fueling of generator may have caused fire

A fire that destroyed a food truck Wednesday at George Washington University, leaving three workers injured, started when an employee tried to refuel an electrical generator while the vehicle was running and food was being prepared and served, the D.C. fire department said.

A spokesman for the department said the fire started outside the Falafel Bus and quickly spread to the interior, where fuel feeding hot stoves added to the fires intensity and helped it quickly spread.

Three employees, a man and two women, were taken to MedStar Washington Hospital Center. Fire officials said one patient was in critical condition with severe burns.

 Peter Hermann

Autopsy shows Barry died of drug overdose

Marion Christopher Barry Jr., son of the late former D.C. mayor Marion Barry, died of an overdose of PCP, the D.C. medical examiners office said Thursday.

Barry, 36, died Aug. 14, minutes after he stepped outside a residence on Pomeroy Road SE and smoked K2  a type of synthetic drug  mixed with the hallucinogen PCP, according to a D.C. police report issued at the time. Barry was rushed to George Washington University Hospital, where he was pronounced dead.

The medical examiner ruled that the manner of death was accidental.

 Keith L. Alexander

Man, 18, is indicted in two slayings

An 18-year-old District resident was indicted Thursday in two slayings.

A D.C. Superior Court grand jury indicted Maurice Bellamy on multiple charges, including first-degree premeditated murder while armed, first-degree felony murder and robbery.

Authorities say that on March 26, Bellamy fatally shot 15-year-old Devonte Washington. Authorities say Washington was targeted because he or a sibling was perceived to have looked at the shooter the wrong way at the Deanwood Metro station.

Bellamy also was charged in the Dec. 15 slaying of Arthur Baldwin Jr., a Secret Service officer who was shot during a robbery in Southwest.

 Keith L. Alexander

MARYLAND

Harris will not chair GOP study committee

Rep. Andy Harris on Thursday lost his bid for the chairmanship of the Republican Study Committee, a conservative policy-oriented caucus that will work to push the party and President-elect Donald Trump to the right.

Harris, a three-term congressman whose district is based on the Eastern Shore, was defeated by Rep. Mark Walker, a freshman lawmaker from North Carolina.

 Jenna Portnoy

Former police cadet is convicted in crash

A former Maryland State Police cadet was convicted of manslaughter in a 2014 crash that killed a teacher.

Sebastian Reyes, 21, faces up to five years in prison at a sentencing set for January.

Reyes was on the Capital Beltway on Aug. 1, 2014, when he lost control of his police cruiser trying to avoid a crash with a tow truck, according to the Prince Georges County states attorneys office. Prosecutors said Reyes was driving about 74 mph in a 55-mph zone when he hit the car of Karen Holt-Williams, 59, of Temple Hills.

 Lynh Bui

VIRGINIA

4 Stafford deaths said to be murder-suicide

Authorities are investigating the deaths of four people in Stafford County as a domestic-related murder-suicide.

The four people  a 35-year-old man, a 30-year-old woman and two girls, ages 5 and 18 months  were found dead in the Windsor Forest subdivision in the northwest part of the county, said a Stafford County Sheriffs Office spokeswoman.

Information about the causes of death was not immediately available.

There is no danger to the public, said Margaret Morris-Moncure, a spokeswoman with the sheriffs office.

 Justin Moyer and Victoria St. Martin

Deputy acquitted in assault case

A former Loudoun County sheriffs deputy who was convicted of misdemeanor assault after he threw a handcuffed man to the ground in the Loudoun jail last year appealed his conviction and was found not guilty by a Loudoun circuit court jury Wednesday.

Video footage from surveillance cameras in the jails receiving area showed then-Deputy John W. Gregory arriving with prisoner Lyle Grenoble, who was charged with being drunk in public.

An in-car video showed that Grenoble was not hostile or resistant throughout a long arrest and transportation process but that within seconds of arriving at the jail, he was body-slammed by Gregory.

Gregory, 33, was prosecuted in Loudoun General District Court in 2015, found guilty and fined $500. Gregory appealed to the circuit court, where a seven-person jury found him not guilty, his attorney, Caleb Kershner, said Thursday.

 Tom Jackman
Judges in Maryland would not be able to set bail that is too high for a poor defendant to pay unless the defendant is considered a flight risk or a danger to society, under a rule change that a key judiciary committee voted Friday to recommend to the states highest court.

The Standing Committee on Rules of Practice and Procedure of the Maryland Court of Appeals voted 18 to 5 to recommend an overhaul of the states money-based bail system, which critics say is unfair to poor and minority defendants.

The public will have 30 days to review the rule change  which is opposed by bail bondsmen, most state prosecutors and some state lawmakers  before it is considered by the Court of Appeals.

We saw a problem that needed to be fixed, said retired judge Alan M.Wilner, the chair of the rules committee, after the nearly five-hour hearing. The impact of setting bail that a person cannot make is irrational. It is not really setting bail  it is putting them in jail, and it has a disparate impact first on poor people, for sure, and on people of color.

Advocates in Maryland and across the country have been fighting for years to change the bail system, which can leave poor people in jail for months awaiting trial while those charged with similar crimes but who can pay go free.

Among those testifying in favor of a change was Attorney General Brian E. Frosh (D), who asked the rules committee to consider a change after his office issued an opinion that the states system probably was unconstitutional, and Prince Georges County States Attorney Angela Alsobrooks (D), who broke from most of her colleagues.

Im almost ashamed to admit that we have a two-tiered system, Alsobrooks said. I have become devastated about the way we have operated our criminal justice system.

Opponents of limiting cash bail said the state is not equipped to handle such a change and would struggle, for example, to find a way to deal with defendants who do not show up for trial.

As part of an effort to lobby against a change, bail bondsmen have begun disseminating data about the growing number of defendants released on recognizance since last month, when District Court Chief Judge John P. Morrissey advised judges and commissioners to impose the least onerous conditions on those awaiting trial.

[Md. attorney generals office raises questions about cash bail system]

Frosh said eliminating cash bail for poor defendants would have a major impact.

People will no longer be sitting in jail waiting for trial because they cant afford to pay for bail, he said. If they are a danger, they should be locked up; if they are not going to show up for trial, they should be locked up. But if they are not a threat to anybody . . . they should not be sitting in jail for weeks or months awaiting trial.

Del. Joseph F. Vallario Jr. (D-Prince Georges), a member of the rules committee and chairman of the House Judiciary Committee, was one of five people who voted Friday against recommending the change to the Court of Appeals.

Vallario argued that the issue should be handled by the legislature, not the courts, and accused the committee of a rush to judgment.

Previous attempts to pass laws reforming the bail system have stalled in the General Assembly, including bills sponsored by Frosh when he was a state senator.

In a letter to the rules committee this week, state Senate President Thomas V. Mike Miller Jr. (D-Calvert) and Sen. Robert A. Zirkin (D-Baltimore County), the chairman of the Senate Judicial Proceedings Committee, also tried to discourage the committee from taking action on the rule change.

Zirkin said in an interview that the court system usually makes rule changes after legislation has been enacted, and he noted that the General Assembly could pass legislation that negates any changes the Court of Appeals makes.

Gerard Evans, a lobbyist for the bail bondsmen, accused Frosh of trying to dodge the legislative process. But Frosh said the action was completely within the purview of the courts.

The five Democratic lawmakers who initially sought the attorney generals opinion  Dels. Kathleen M. Dumais (Montgomery), Erek L. Barron (Prince Georges), Shelly L. Hettleman (Baltimore County), Marc A. Korman (Montgomery) and Brooke E. Lierman (Baltimore City)  say they support a rules change and plan to introduce additional legislation addressing bail and other pretrial issues in the upcoming legislative session.

This has been legislatively debated, and nothing has happened, Robert Zarbin, an attorney and a member of the rules committee, said during the hearing. If we pass this rule, something will happen in Annapolis. This is the best catalyst to get people talking.
An officer takes a photo of a man in a motel room as Prince Georges County police run a sting operation to nab prostitutes and johns in 2012 in College Park, Md. (Bill O'Leary/The Washington Post)

New legislation in Prince Georges County aims to hold landlords and property managers accountable for prostitution and human trafficking at their rental properties  the latest sign of a growing concern in an immigrant-rich corner of the Washington suburb.

County Council member Deni Taveras (D-Adelphi) proposed the bill after receiving complaints from several Langley Park-area mothers, who said units in their apartment buildings were being used as brothels and the property managers knew about it.

Taveras says police told her that they would like more legal tools to discourage landlords from leasing to individuals involved in sex trafficking, or forcing women and girls, often immigrants in this country illegally, to engage in prostitution.

The bill makes it a misdemeanor to knowingly allow use of an apartment or home for prostitution or trafficking, punishable with a $1,000 fine or six months in jail. It passed the council unanimously last week, and a spokesman for County Executive Rushern L. Baker III (D) said he will sign it into law.

This can only stop when the property owner feels the pain and curtails this kind of activity, Taveras said. This is a mechanism that holds the entire chain of individuals, not just the pimp, responsible for what happens at these apartments.

[Human trafficking survivors recommend changes to U.S. policies ]

The legislation is tailored to address criminal activity that police, government officials and community activists say is happening in the largely Hispanic immigrant community of Langley Park.

There are men coming in and out of the apartments all night long, said Maria DeLeon, who lives in Langley Park and has sought help from Taveras. Its scary to know your family is only one or two doors away from it all. Im frightened for my children.

Michael Lyles, co-chair of a task force in Prince Georges that develops recommendations for how to fight human trafficking, said gangs such as MS-13 are extorting money from forced prostitution rings, charging them for protection and providing lookouts. Men and women are being trafficked up and down the Interstate 95 corridor, Lyles said, and moved from apartment to apartment to evade authorities.

Different jurisdictions have different tools for targeting human traffickers. In the District, nuisance abatement boards can penalize landlords for harboring illegal activity and benefiting financially. In Montgomery County, lawmakers have imposed strict regulations on businesses, such as massage parlors, that are thought to be fronts for illegal activity including prostitution.

But the Prince Georges law takes those efforts a step further by assigning criminal charges to those who knowingly sublease, assign, transfer possession, or permit use of an apartment or home for prostitution or trafficking.

Its a crime of economics. And so if individuals are profiting from this business thats where we have to tackle cutting the head off the snake, said Jeanne Allert, founder and executive director of the Samaritan Women, a group that tries to help trafficking victims.

[Hunting for sex traffickers abroad by posing as johns]

The Apartment and Office Building Association of Metropolitan Washington said state laws that focus on property owners whose home or building becomes a haven for drug manufacturing or sale should provide enough of a deterrent. States attorneys can also use civil forfeiture laws to seize homes and properties where illegal activity is taking place.

We dont want drug activity or prostitution on or near our premises, said Ronald Wineholt, the associations vice president of government affairs. We support prosecuting these crimes, but its not entirely clear to us how this language will lead to stronger enforcement.

But John Erzen, spokesman for the Prince Georges states attorney office, said there is no state law that attempts to hold property owners or managers criminally liable for human trafficking, he said.

The intention is to provide a tool against those who are committing it or know its being committed, he said.

Critics questioned how prosecutors and investigators will be able to prove landlords or property managers know about trafficking and have done nothing to stop it.

Taveras said she thinks that property owners, when faced with the possibility of charges, will address problems before they become deeply rooted in the community.

The law also formalizes the countys system for reporting sex-trafficking crimes. Complaints phoned into the countys 311 line will be routed to Lyless Human Relations Commission and to police. Landlords can call to find out whether their property has been reported and request training workshops so building employees can better identify the signs of trafficking.

Assistant Prince Georges Police Chief Hector Velez called the law a step in the right direction.

It is effective because it sends a message, he said. Having something like this puts people on notice that you cant turn a blind eye . . . and they are a part of the solution. And if youre not helping, youll be held accountable.
Richard Spencer, a leading promoter of white nationalism, is hosting a major gathering Saturday that is expected to draw protesters. (Linda Davidson/The Washington Post)

A white nationalist organization that has come under fire for promoting racism will host a conference Saturday at the Ronald Reagan Building and International Trade Center in downtown Washington  a gathering of more than 250 that will celebrate Donald Trumps presidential victory.

The past 12 months might be remembered as the year of Donald Trump . . . and the year of the Alt Right, according to the website for the National Policy Institute, which is hosting the event. It was a time when more people joined our movement then [sic] ever before and when our ideas began invading the mainstream.

The conference is expected to draw dozens if not hundreds of protesters, who have launched a Facebook page asking that people join them to defeat this hate.

The institutes president, Richard Spencer, who coined the term alt-right, is a leading promoter of white identity. He and his followers oppose immigration and multiculturalism.

Friday night as prospective attendees of the Saturday conference gathered at a restaurant for a private dinner, protesters rushed up a flight of stairs toward them. They were prevented from reaching them, however, and went back outside to continue protesting.

About 200 people protested a gathering of white nationalists sponsored by the National Policy Institute at the Ronald Reagan Building and International Trade Center on Nov. 19 in downtown Washington. (Facebook/Tauhid Chappell)

The Southern Poverty Law Center describes the National Policy Institute as an extreme right-wing group whose core belief is that white identity is under attack by multicultural forces using political correctness and social justice to undermine white people and their civilization.

[Whats the alt-right? A primer]

The movement gained national prominence during the 2016 presidential campaign as supporters crusaded on Twitter and Facebook for Trump, whose blunt talk and immigrant bashing resonated with them.

When the president-elect named as chief White House strategist the former Breitbart News chief Stephen K. Bannon  who is closely associated with the movement  the alt-rights leadership touted the appointment as another enormous victory for their cause.

 Strategist is the best possible position for Steve Bannon in the Trump White House, Spencer wrote on Twitter, just days before the social media platform, without explanation, suspended him and a number of like-minded users.

Saturdays speaker lineup features a number of prominent, and controversial, white nationalists, including Kevin MacDonald, a retired professor of psychology at the California State University at Long Beach, who is considered deeply anti-Semitic by Jewish groups. He is, the SPLC says, the neo-Nazi movements favorite academic.

Peter Brimelow, an author and anti-immigration activist who leads the VDare Foundation, will also address the gathering.

Spencer, a 38-year-old with degrees from the universities of Virginia and Chicago, has worked for months to inject the movements ideology into the mainstream, offering interviews to dozens of major media publications.

Although people have fiercely objected to the Reagan building hosting Saturdays conference, the management has said it cant discriminate because the building is federal.

On its Facebook page, the anti-fascist group Smash Racism DC celebrated that the Hamilton had canceled a Friday-night dinner the institute intended to host at the restaurant.

We didnt really know the nature of the event, said Hamilton spokeswoman Molly Quigley. Once there was a threat of protest and disruption, we canceled it for the safety of our guests and employees and our business.

The restaurant, she said, had been inundated with calls from activists.

However, a group of prospective conference attendees gathered for dinner at another restaurant, Maggianos in the Friendship Heights area, and protesters tried to confront them inside.

Midway through the private dinner, more than 30 demonstrators swarmed into the restaurant and tried to reach the second floor area where the dinner was going on.

Restaurant personnel blocked the protesters from reaching the diners,and police later forced them outside. A protest continued on the Wisconsin Avenue sidewalk for about an hour and a half, with posters and chants.

At one point during the turbulence inside the restaurant, a foul-smelling liquid was sprayed on Spencer.

Theyre total scum he told a reporter later. They attacked me, they attacked the employees of this restaurant.

Among protesters chants was No Nazis, No KKK, No Fascist USA.
A second group of lawsuits has been filed by residents of a Silver Spring apartment complex that exploded into flames in August, litigation that again asserts that blame rests with the company that managed the complex and the utility that supplied it with natural gas.

Kay Apartment Communities and Washington Gas had been warned on several occasions about the smell of gas in apartments in the summer months before the tragedy, according to the lawsuits filed Thursday.

Defendants deliberately disregarded the danger to the propertys residents, and undertook no steps to repair the condition, say the new lawsuits filed in Montgomery County Circuit Court.

On the night of Aug. 10, natural gas built up in a basement utility room at the Flower Branch Apartments, leading to a huge explosion and a lengthy fire. Seven people died, and many more were injured as they jumped from balconies or made their way down burning, crumbling staircases.

Investigators have not said how the gas leaked or whether it was a rapid buildup from equipment overseen by the utility or by the management company. The National Transportation Safety Board is investigating the disaster, a process expected to last into next year.

The 14 new lawsuits were filed on behalf of people who lived at 8701 and 8703 Arliss St. They escaped their apartments, but many were injured and lost all of their possessions, including clothing, furniture, important documents and cash, according to the lawsuits.

It was almost unimaginable horror, said one of the residents attorneys, Patrick M. Regan. These folks were all sleeping. They were literally blown out of their beds, sometimes across their rooms.

He said virtually all of his clients are immigrants, with many working two or three jobs and sending money home to relatives. There were often two families, and other relatives, living in the apartment units.

Regan said he does not expect any of the litigation to move quickly through the courts because it is difficult for companies to turn over documents in response to the lawsuits before the NTSB finishes the federal investigation.

Bernie Tylor, a spokesman for Washington Gas, declined to comment on the new lawsuits, saying the utility is constrained by the investigation. Washington Gas continues to work closely with the NTSB to help determine the cause of this tragic event, Tylor said.

A spokeswoman for Kay said the company could not comment on the recent lawsuits because it had not yet been served with formal notification. She said Kay remained deeply saddened by the effects of the natural gas explosion and is committed to working with government agencies as quickly as possible to finish the investigation.

In an interview in August, Clark Melillo, president of Kay Apartment Communities, said company records for Flower Branch Apartments show the company received two complaints from residents about gas smells at 8701 and 8703 Arliss St. in 2016, months before the fire. In both cases  in January and May  by the time a maintenance worker checked, the smell was not noticeable, and no leak could be found, Melillo said.

On Nov. 2, similar litigation was filed in D.C. Superior Court. According to attorneys from the firm Bailey & Glasser, the lawsuits should be litigated there because Washington Gas is headquartered in the District and Kay, although it is a Maryland company, conducts business in Washington.

In an interview Thursday, Regan said he filed suit in Montgomery County because that is where the explosion and related events occurred.
A former third-grade teacher in Montgomery County, already facing charges of improperly touching two students, has been charged with additional sexual-offense counts involving three more victims, authorities said.

John Vigna, 50, who had worked at Cloverly Elementary School in Silver Spring, turned himself in to county police detectives Thursday and was ordered held without bond. His new charges include three counts of third-degree sexual offense, two counts of sexual abuse of a minor and one count of child abuse exploitation, according to a police spokesman.

Vignas attorney, Thomas C. Morrow, said his client is totally devastated by what he has called false accusations. He has emphatically denied all the allegations, Morrow said. We look forward to our day in court.

The additional victims, according to police, contacted detectives after publicity of Vignas earlier arrest.

Police described the new allegations as:

John Vigna (Montgomery County Police)

A girl who said Vigna sexually abused her during the 2015 to 2016 school year at Cloverly.

A girl who said Vigna sexually abused her during the 2013 to 2014 school year at Cloverly.

A woman in her 20s, who said Vigna sexually abused her while she was a student at Cloverly during the 2000 to 2002 school years.

Vigna was placed on administrative leave after school officials were made aware of the initial allegations.

That case came to light after an 11-year-old who took a body safety class for elementary school students reported the longtime teacher allegedly had been improperly touching her for 18 months, according to court documents. Vigna had taught at Cloverly Elementary School for 24 years, and also helped run an after-school computer club and the schools student safety patrol.

I remain deeply troubled by the allegations regarding Mr. Vigna, Cloverly principal Melissa Brunson said in a letter sent to parents on Thursday. The behavior that he is accused of is reprehensible and does not conform to the values of MCPS [Montgomery County Public Schools].

She said the school will host a community meeting at 7 p.m. Monday, with school and police representatives present.
Montgomery County detectives arrested a Gaithersburg man on charges that he fatally shot a 23-year-old man last month when two masked assailants burst into a Gaithersburg home during a home invasion and attempted robbery of marijuana, police said.

Authorities believe that Mohammed Sirleaf, 20, of the 17700 block of Towne Crest Drive, fatally shot Ronald Michael Lone III on Oct. 24 inside his family home. Police said the home housed a marijuana growing operation and that they believe Sirleaf and a second suspect intended to rob Lone.

Lone was found dead on the back deck of the home with gunshot wounds to the body, officials said. One witness recognized one of the suspects as a former Magruder High School student and later identified Sirleaf through photographs, police said.

Detectives obtained an arrest warrant Sirleaf charging him first-degree murder, armed robbery, conspiracy to commit first-degree murder, and conspiracy to commit first-degree assault, police said. Police arrested him Wednesday and he is currently being held without bond, officials said.

Police have identified a second suspect, but did not charge him in the case.
Metro abruptly pulled all of its 4000-series rail cars from service Thursday after discovering a glitch that poses a collision risk, the transit agency said.

General Manager Paul J. Wiedefeld ordered the cars immediately be taken out of service after engineers warned safety officials of the problem, which could leave trains traveling faster than theyre supposed to.

Eighty-two cars were to be removed while Metro investigates the problem, which centers on automatic train control (ATC), a system that is supposed to act as a safeguard against crashes.

ATC assigns speed commands to keep trains at a safe distance from one another, according to Metro. When a train is not authorized to move, the operator receives what is called a zero speed command, which shows up as a double-zero on the trains control panel. Metro said there is a slight risk that 4000-series cars could receive an improper speed command when in the lead position  or front of a train  posing a crash risk.

Todays action is being taken in an abundance of caution and, while we believe that the risk is small, it is a risk I am unwilling to take, Wiedefeld said in a statement. Everything we do here is going to put safety first, no matter what.

Metro said it does not conduct the manufacturer-recommended annual testing that would eliminate the risk of a false command.

Thursdays action was the latest chapter in the troubled history of the 4000-series, manufactured by Breda in 1991. The series is the systems most problematic and is prone to persistent breakdowns. The 100-car fleet was pulled from service last year following reports that doors were opening mid-ride. Metro was considering retiring the fleet by the end of 2017, following the scrapping of the systems oldest 1000-series rail cars.

[Metros 4000-series rail cars still out of service]

Thursdays discovery will likely speed up that process.

We are looking at ways to potentially accelerate the retirement of 4Ks, Metro spokesman Dan Stessel said in an email. But, he said, the retirement of the 1000-series cars, mandated by the National Transportation Safety Board after the 2009 Red Line crash at Fort Totten that killed nine, remains the priority.

By 3:30 p.m. Thursday, Metro had begun taking the 4000-series cars out of service.

Metro plans to eventually replace more than half of its entire fleet with 7000-series cars, the systems newest model, manufactured by Kawasaki.

[For Metros original subway cars, the last stop is just ahead]

While the 4000s are out of commission, the agency said, riders may notice fewer eight-car trains across the system, which could create crowding.

The 82 4000-series cars represent about 7 percent of Metros 1,212-car passenger fleet. Metro said that no specific incident prompted their removal, but the agency has never performed the technical tests needed to mitigate the crash risk, and doesnt have the equipment to do so.

When the 4000s are floated back into service, the agency said it will turn to a solution devised for the 1000-series cars: sandwich them in the middle of newer, more reliable cars to eliminate the risk.

The Metro board chairman, Jack Evans, said the problem, though unfortunate, demonstrates that Metro is doing a better job of quickly diagnosing potential hazards and making decisions to prioritize safety. He said Metros staff  rather than federal inspectors or NTSB investigators  discovered the problem and brought it to the attention of agency leadership.

[Delivery of Metros new 7000-series rail cars back on track]

The good news is we found it, Evans said. As silly as that sounds, its a big deal that Metro actually found a problem on our own and are correcting it. . . . It shows that the increased emphasis on safety has, in this case, paid off.

And Evans noted that theres no love lost for the perpetually problematic 4000-series cars.

The 4000-series cars are unreliable cars anyway, so maybe getting them all off of the tracks  even with fewer cars in the system  maybe thats a good thing if we have fewer cars breaking down.

Carol Carmody, chairman of the Metro boards safety committee, lauded Wiedefelds quick thinking.

Pauls actions are right on target, she said. Im sure this is disruptive, and you never like to hear these things, but it sounds like this decision was the right thing to do.
Smoke from wildfires obscures the Walnut Street Pedestrian Bridge in Chattanooga, Tenn., on Wednesday. There has been a spate of fires in the state, which is gripped by a long drought. The state Department of Health said more than 200 people in Chattanooga had been hospitalized for breathing problems related to the fires. (Dan Henry/ Chattanooga Times Free Press via Associated Press )

FLORIDA

Court removes two men from death row

Two double-murderers were spared execution Thursday after years on death row when the Florida Supreme Court ordered both to be resentenced to life without parole.

In one case, the justices decided that death would amount to unequal punishment; in the other, they said mitigating factors should have ruled out execution.

Robert McCloud, 35, faced capital punishment for the 2009 murders of Tamiqa Taylor, 26, and Dustin Freeman, 23, who were killed while McCloud and three other men tortured and robbed Wilkins Merlin, a drug dealer, according to court documents.

The group ransacked Merlins house, taking about $5,000 in cash, marijuana worth $10,000 and a handgun. Convinced Merlin was hiding more, they tortured him. They also killed Freeman and Taylor with gunshots to the heads at close range.

Prosecutors made plea deals, and the other three defendants received sentences of 10 to 15 years for second-degree murder in exchange for their testimony against McCloud.

The Supreme Court said McClouds double death sentences were unfair because his co-defendants were just as culpable and received far less severe sentences. The court also noted that the jury determined McCloud wasnt the shooter.

Terrance Phillips, 25, had been awaiting execution for the murders of Mateo Hernandez-Perez, 26, and Reynaldo Antunes-Padilla, 30, whom he shot during a botched 2009 robbery.

After two women posing as prostitutes entered the victims apartment, Phillips and a friend burst in. A struggle ensued, and Phillips fired three shots, killing Hernandez-Perez and Antunes-Padilla.

The Supreme Court agreed Phillips was guilty but said he shouldnt have been sentenced to death because he was 18 at the time and is borderline intellectually disabled.

 Associated Press

MISSOURI

Suit over drowning in police custody settled

The state of Missouri will pay $9 million to the family of a 20-year-old Iowa man who drowned in the Lake of the Ozarks in 2014 while in the custody of a state trooper, an attorney representing the mans family said Thursday.

The settlement signals the end of a lawsuit filed by the family of Brandon Ellingson over the May 31, 2014, incident.

In terms of the settlement, it is a bit of closure for them, the attorney, Matt Boles, said in a phone interview.

Missouri State Highway Patrol Capt. John Hotz confirmed the settlement in a statement but refused to make any further comment.

Ellingson was piloting his familys boat in May 2014 when Trooper Anthony Piercy stopped the vessel, according to reports. The college student, who was with a group of friends, was taken into custody for boating while intoxicated.

Piercy brought Ellingson onto his patrol boat, handcuffed him and pulled a life jacket over his head. But the life jacket came off when Ellingson fell into the lake. Piercy attempted to rescue him but was unsuccessful.

Ellingsons body was retrieved the next morning, Reuters reported.

According to the Kansas City Star, Piercy, a veteran road trooper, received only two days of field training before being detailed to work on the water patrol alone.

Manslaughter charges are pending against Piercy.

 Sarah Larimer

Rep. Conyerss son missing from college: Police in Houston were searching Thursday for the youngest son of Rep. John Conyers Jr. (D-Mich.), who was reported missing this week. Carl Conyers, 21, a student at the University of Houston, was last seen Tuesday by his roommate, police said. His girlfriend, Daisha Lewis, told WWJ Newsradio 950 in Detroit that she was supposed to meet him on campus Wednesday but that he never appeared. When she and friends checked his apartment, they found some clothes and other items missing.

 Associated Press
'Dreamer' Juan Salazar, who came to the U.S. when he was seven, contemplates whats at stake in this election for him and his undocumented family members. (Alice Li/The Washington Post)

'Dreamer' Juan Salazar, who came to the U.S. when he was seven, contemplates whats at stake in this election for him and his undocumented family members. (Alice Li/The Washington Post)

In many immigrant communities across the country, the election of Donald Trump has sparked fear, and in some cases panic, over the prospect that deportations could break up many families if the president-elect follows through on his campaign promises.

According to the Pew Research Center, at least 9 million people live in mixed-status families  households in which some members are U.S. citizens or legal immigrants while others are undocumented or have overstayed their visas. In these households, there is a deepening anxiety among children as well as adults that a loved one may soon be deported.

If you have heard a presidential candidate say for months, We will round up and remove 11 million undocumented immigrants, said Eva A. Millona, co-chair of the National Partnership for New Americans, a nationwide immigrant advocacy coalition, it is legitimately and terribly frightening to be where we are right now.

Organizations in 10 states that work closely with immigrants told The Washington Post this week that in the days since the election, they have been beset by frantic phone calls, tear-filled office visits and urgent requests to set up legal plans for the guardianship of children or help with other possible deportation planning.

Immigration advocates say that they have become even more concerned: Trump, in a 60 Minutes interview, promised that his administration would target for swift removal 2 million to 3 million immigrants who entered the country illegally and have since been convicted of crimes.

Its unclear how Trump will define the term criminal alien and, as such, which immigrants will be targeted for removal. In fiscal 2013, a Department of Homeland Security report found that there were about 1.9 million undocumented immigrants, legal permanent residents and other legal immigrants who have been convicted of crimes, which under federal law make them subject to deportation.

Many advocates and immigrants are convinced that distinctions  legal vs. unauthorized, permanent resident vs. visa holder  will not matter. They worry, in particular, that U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement agents (ICE) will detain and deport anyone in the country without authorization, even those without criminal records, especially if they live or work near targeted individuals.

It seems that the 2 to 3 million figure that other people may find comforting includes a lot of collateral damage, said Susan Bowyer, deputy director of the Immigrant Center for Women and Children in the agencys Oakland, Calif., office.

Since Trumps win, the San Francisco-based Immigrant Legal Resource Center and many other similar organizations have begun to alter the advice they offer members, clients and other organizations.

Obama issued an executive order in 2012 that allowed Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA). It offered deportation relief and work permits to young adults brought to the country as children who are in school, have graduated from college or have entered the military.

In the years since, immigrant organizations across the country strongly encouraged young people to complete DACA applications and helped cover the application fees. As of March 2016, 819,512 applications were approved. More than 500,000 have been renewed, according to federal data.

Now, things are sadly very different. For those who are approaching the point of renewal, we are strongly recommending that they request that immediately, before Trump takes office, said Nancy Kelly, co-managing director of the immigration unit at Greater Boston Legal Services, a law lecturer and co-managing director of Harvard University Law Schools Immigrant and Refugee Clinical Program. Their names and addresses are already known. But for those who have never applied, were advising that the risk is probably too high for them to do so now.

Kelly said public support for deporting more than 800,000 young adults and children probably does not exist. But, as resource center staff wrote in a tipsheet posted on the organizations website after the election, Trump is more unpredictable than past presidents, so we do not really know what to expect.

But they know they are worried.

The reality is that millions of people  legal and unauthorized immigrants  will be driving, walking or going about their daily lives in Trumps America while brown, said law professor Andrea Ramos, director of the Immigration Law Clinic at Southwestern Law School in Los Angeles.

There are communities where that makes them more likely to be stopped by the police, and, if they dont have the proper ID, they can be arrested, then detained for ICE, Ramos said. Thats true even if they have done nothing else wrong. You are talking about millions of people who genuinely have reason to fear that they may drop their children off at school or head to work and, if they are detained, never come home again.

Mark Silverman, a senior staff attorney with the San Francisco-based Immigrant Legal Resources Center, has been deluged with requests from churches, parent groups, community organizations and other entities seeking expertise in immigration law to speak to groups of immigrants.

Silverman has already given three presentations this week and has five others scheduled in the next few days, up from the usual one or two per month.

His Spanish-language presentation begins with a PowerPoint slide bearing the words, Calmados pero informados. Thats Calm but informed, in English. Silverman has encountered people at events and in his work circles who are spiraling into irrational pools of worry and fear and those who may be too calm to properly prepare for the variety of possibilities. Silverman and several other immigrant rights advocates advise something in between.

The thing is, the Constitution applies to all persons in the United States, Silverman said, not just its citizens. And any administration is still governed by the rule of law. But people have to be prepared and aware of their rights to begin to assert them
MOZAMBIQUE

73 reported killed in fuel truck explosion

At least 73 people were killed and scores were injured in Mozambique on Thursday as they tried to siphon fuel from an overturned truck that exploded, the government said.

The truck was transporting fuel to Malawi from the port city of Beira and was near the border when the accident occurred, the government said in a statement.

The injured were taken to the hospital, and a government team was to travel to the area in Tete province, about 1,200 miles from the capital, Maputo, on Friday.

Mozambique is one of the worlds poorest countries and struggles constantly with food shortages caused by drought.

 Reuters

EGYPT

82 young detainees pardoned by Sissi

Egypt on Thursday pardoned 82 detainees, including many students and a former TV host convicted of defaming religious symbols.

The names of those pardoned by President Abdel Fatah al-Sissi were compiled by a committee he set up to examine the cases of young detainees who had not been involved in violence.

The committee has said that active members of the outlawed Muslim Brotherhood group would not be pardoned. The military overthrew President Mohamed Morsi, who hailed from the Brotherhood, in 2013.

Sissi, who led his ouster, was elected the following year.

Authorities have detained thousands of people in the past three years, mostly Islamists but also secular activists. The government has not said how many detainees are being held, but rights groups estimate the number at 20,000 to 40,000.

Those released Thursday included more than 30 students, as well as a 21-year-old news photographer. A second batch of detainees is expected to be pardoned before years end.

The government maintains that there are no political detainees in Egypt, arguing that everyone in detention is being accorded due process.

 Associated Press

SOUTH KOREA

Lawmakers pass bill on Park investigation

South Koreas parliament on Thursday passed legislation that would allow a special prosecutor to investigate a corruption scandal threatening the presidency of Park Geun-hye.

The opposition-controlled National Assembly also voted for a parliamentary investigation into allegations that Park let a secretive confidante manipulate power from the shadows and amass an illicit fortune.

The bill on an independent investigation came as state prosecutors prepared to indict Parks friend by Sunday.

An independent investigation would increase the pressure on Park to resign. Although emboldened by a wave of massive protests, opposition parties have yet to seriously push for her impeachment over fears of triggering a backlash from conservative voters and negatively affecting next years presidential election.

Park has 15 days to sign off on the bill or to reject it, although that is seen as unlikely.

Park has apologized for letting her friend Choi Soon-sil, the daughter of a late cult leader who was Parks mentor in the 1970s, edit some of her draft speeches. But she has not commented on accusations that she let Choi manipulate key government decisions on policy and personnel.

 Associated Press

Ex-Rio governor snared in Brazilian graft probe: A former governor of Rio de Janeiro state long dogged by corruption allegations was arrested at his home, accused of receiving bribes and laundering money in a graft probe roiling Brazil. Federal police arrested Sergio Cabral in a raid that also snared others connected to his 2007-2014 administration. Cabral received tens of millions of dollars in a scheme that included laundering money via the writing of fake contracts and the buying of luxury goods, according to investigators. Cabral is the latest top politician to be arrested in a massive kickback scheme connected to the state oil company Petrobras.

Indonesia sentences American to life term in drug case: An Indonesian court sentenced an American man to life in prison after finding him guilty of drug smuggling. Philip Russell, 56, was arrested with seven other people after a January raid on a furniture workshop in Central Java province turned up more than 200 pounds of crystal methamphetamine hidden inside 54 electrical generators. Russell, also known as Kamran Muzaffar Malik, was accused of partly financing the import of the generators from China, a court spokesman said.

 From news services
Donald Trumps election has created an explosion in my being, and the chaos, like coal dust afloat in the air, has blurred my mind. Yet, I have stumbled across a new hero, almost a modern truth teller, in the form of 78-year-old William Sisk, the man who was interviewed while getting his hair cut in a ramshackle barber shop in Lebanon, Va., in the Nov. 13 front-page article In Va. coal towns, Trump was seen as the only hope.

While Mr. Sisks barber and others were holding forth about how they voted for Mr. Trump, the Republican presidential nominee, in hopes that he can return coal jobs to their area, Mr. Sisk politely spoke with wisdom:  No, he cant. . . . You wont see those people working in the coal industry no more. Natural gas is too cheap. Any kind of market for coal anymore is very weak.  This common sense came from a man who worked in the coal industry for 30 years and who was fair enough to accurately state how President Obama got all the blame for the market drying up even though he was not responsible.

Thanks for the momentary clarity, Mr. Sisk.

Michael Hoover, Palmyra, Va.
Andrew Solomons most recent book is Far and Away: Reporting From the Brink of Change: Seven Continents, Twenty-Five Years.

In Bellevue: Three Centuries of Medicine and Mayhem at Americas Most Storied Hospital, David Oshinsky has written a meticulous, if somewhat too narrowly focused, history that lays out the progress of medicine in the United States as well as the contextual history within which it has unfolded.

Bellevue was one of the first public hospitals in North America. From its first incarnation as a small infirmary in the 1660s up to its role in the AIDS crisis and beyond, it has been central to the invention of the American hospital as we know it. Oshinskys narrative reveals how hospitals, once a public service only for desperate people unable to pay a doctor to visit them at home, became the central locus of modern health care.

Bellevue contained an almshouse in its early days, and one of its buildings more recently served as a homeless shelter; no one, sick or otherwise, has ever been too destitute for its charity. Oshinsky delineates the squalor in which impoverished immigrants have lived in New York and the pestilence associated with their misery. He writes of the hospitals function in times of plague: yellow fever, cholera, puerperal fever, tuberculosis, swine flu, AIDS, even Ebola. Unlike many parallel institutions, Bellevue has never turned away incurable patients, offering them whatever mitigating treatment was possible, often risking doctors lives in the process.

Oshinskys book also chronicles the gradual professionalization of medicine, describing the 18th-century grave robbers who enabled early medical students to learn anatomy and how those amateurish operations evolved into the highly competitive, technologically sophisticated medical schools of today. The author traces the invention of the modern American civilian ambulance following the use of medical evacuation vehicles during the Civil War. He describes the infancy of anesthesia in the mid-19th century. He takes us through the gunfire to which Presidents Abraham Lincoln and James Garfield succumbed. He reflects on the debates about germ theory, quoting the once-prevalent medical wisdom that the removal of a bullet should always be done with the thumb and fore-finger, usually unwashed, a prejudice that endured even after the advent of sterile procedures.

"Bellevue: Three Centuries of Medicine and Mayhem at America's Most Storied Hospital," by David Oshinsky (Doubleday)

He reports on how Florence Nightingales visionary practice of nursing in the Crimean War provided a model for the nursing school at Bellevue, where only women who were moral and cultivated were allowed to assist; he also recounts the hospitals flirtation with training male nurses, which was quashed by scandal amid rumors of homosexuality. He reviews the popularization of circumcision, led by a Bellevue physician. He depicts the emergence of a chest service in the 1920s that affiliated cardiology and pulmonology.

Oshinsky writes with particular vigor of Bellevues refusal to subscribe to popular prejudices, noting that the hospital welcomed Jewish doctors as well as Christian ones, female doctors as well as male ones, and African American staff as well as Caucasian. Implicitly, he tells the story of a nation riven with bigotry, where the social advancement of stigmatized groups was contingent on their irrefutable courage, brilliance and ingenuity. He is particularly impassioned about the achievements of early female doctors.

In the public imagination, Bellevue is synonymous with psychiatry, but its psychiatric facility did not achieve real prominence until the late 19th century, though the hospital had long included a small wing for the insane. In the 1840s, the issue of mixing the mentally ill with the physically ill began to attract troubling notice. The invalid, the aged, the infirm, the vagrant, and half lunatic [are] now confined together, and are allowed the most unrestrained intercourse, a grand jury reported, calling such arrangements an affront to every Christian. Journalist Nellie Bly, in a famous 1887 undercover assignment, exposed the appalling conditions in which the mentally ill were being held for supposed treatment. Funding for and attention to their care soon increased by vast multiples.

Doctors at Bellevue have since championed some of what came to be seen as best practices and some of what came to be seen as the worst. Locked wards for the criminally insane engendered their own legal system, allowing people to be tried before a clinically trained judge in a hospital courtroom. Oshinsky narrates Lauretta Benders alarming midcentury experiments using electroconvulsive therapy for children with a broad range of diagnoses, some of whom seem to have been helped and many of whom were certainly traumatized.

All in all, Oshinsky portrays a place where bold, creative, if sometimes bizarre and Frankenstein-like, experimentation prevailed. The gist of the book is that caring for impoverished populations, criminals, the insane and AIDS victims has always been steeply challenging work that all too often goes unacknowledged. It makes you feel better about humanity to learn about people who have chosen this noble work over the centuries; indeed, Oshinskys greatest strength may be his capacity for admiration. But seldom do we really get to know these people; they appear in vignettes  largely professional ones  until the AIDS chapter, where he expands more liberally on the personalities involved.

If you are already interested in the history of Bellevue, this is the book for you; if you are not thus invested, you may not feel compelled to stick out some of the tough sledding. Oshinsky has done a great deal of homework, and his researchers pride in detail leads him to provide a weight of gratuitous information  long sequences about how one building was designed, another built, yet another planned but never built, and who in which office of the city government favored or opposed a particular project. We get a rather too-thorough roster of hospital administrators. Bellevue is curiously lacking in emotional punch, expressing an almost hagiographic veneration for the very real accomplishments of the hospital, its doctors and its programs, but without deeply moving the reader. You find much to respect about medical progress, but your heart does not swell with the advancements. The prose can be academic even when the content has the potential to be electrifying.

Oshinsky also has an irritating habit of overstating the case. He is given to assertions such as The stakes for American medicine could hardly have been higher, or A political tragedy of epic proportion struck the United States, bringing esoteric terms like Germ Theory and antisepsis into the national dialogue in an unimaginable way, or These two men didnt simply revolutionize the field of forensics science, they were the field.

The history of Bellevue is not the story of American medicine. It is a story within the bigger context of American medicine, and Oshinsky does a less-than-adequate job of universalizing from his material. Despite frequent digressions into social history or the larger medical narrative, the book remains more descriptive than insightful; the author seldom looks up from the story he is telling.

Though Oshinsky paints the dire medical circumstances poor people face and contrasts them with the experiences of those with means, we hear little of the long-running public debate about whether health care is a right or a luxury. Though he comments on the hard-pressed staff at an underfunded and crumbling facility, he doesnt pursue the social factors that have enabled such decay. He brings up private hospitals, but he never really unpacks the class privilege that has engendered our tiered system of care. Aside from brief allusions to physicians who immigrated or trained abroad, he makes no parallels between the development of public health care in the United States and its more liberal growth in Europe.

Without this context, his narrative of Bellevue feels admirable but limited, a lively rendition of a hospitals history but not a book relevant, as it might have been, to the ongoing crisis in American health care.
The Republican Party is fractured by ideological divisions, led by an inexperienced and unpredictable president-elect, and quite possibly headed for a fratricidal civil war. The Democratic Party should be so lucky.

There is much unpleasant reality for Democrats to deal with right now, starting with this: The GOP controls virtually everything. The two-party system is, at best, one and a half.

Republicans won the presidency. They retained control of both houses of Congress. Soon, when Donald Trump appoints a replacement for the late Justice Antonin Scalia, they will re-establish a conservative majority on the Supreme Court. As far as the federal government is concerned, thats the whole trifecta.

But theres much more: After making significant gains last week, Republicans control both legislative chambers in 32 states  and hold the governorships in 33. Some of the nations most diverse and populous states, including Texas and Florida, are living under one-party Republican rule.

Democrats should reject the urge to take comfort in favorable demographic trends. It is true that within a generation, minorities will be in the majority  and that minorities tend to vote for Democrats. But what would the country be like after 20 or 30 years of near-total Republican control? Im sure most progressives would join me in not wanting to run that dangerous experiment.

President Obama said during a news conference Monday that it's "healthy" for the Democratic Party to go through reflection. "When your team loses, everyone gets deflated," Obama said. (The Washington Post)

Did Democrats lose the White House because their presidential candidate had baggage and was not perfect in every way? Come on, the Republicans nominated Trump, for heavens sake, a man who bragged about grabbing women by the genitals. I dont have nearly enough space to list all the ways in which he disqualified himself. Yet he won.

The Republican Party is so splintered  the establishment, the tea party wing, the fiscal tightwads, the defense hawks, the social conservatives, the libertarians and now the Trumpistas  that sometimes I think of it as Afghanistan: with each faction having its own warlords and grievances and goals. Many of the demands they make upon Trump, House Speaker Paul D. Ryan (Wis.) and Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell (Ky.) will be uncompromisingly extreme and mutually exclusive. There will be blood (metaphorically, of course).

Yet if Democrats expect to sit back and watch the GOP self-destruct, I fear they will be disappointed. Consider this fact: The Republican Party not only survived the Trump candidacy, but also prospered. Why would the same not be true of a Trump presidency?

One of the biggest lessons I draw from the election is that the GOP basically came together behind its candidate. Despite all the Never Trump noise, most prominent Republican officials eventually fell in line. Some voiced strong reservations but said they would vote for him anyway, which amounted to an endorsement. Others, such as the Bush family, declined to publicly proclaim their opposition in a way that perhaps might have made a difference. Maybe they thought he was bound to lose anyway; if so, they miscalculated.

Another lesson, perhaps the most important one, is that the Democratic Party cannot hope to succeed by relying solely on its ability to win the popular vote in presidential elections.

Democrats have won the popular vote in 1992, 1996, 2000, 2008, 2012 and now 2016. Thats six out of the past seven presidential contests. Yet the Republican Party is running the country, or at least most of it.

The Democratic Party cannot just wait for the next Barack Obama to come along. The president is a unique political talent of the kind that appears only once in a great while, when the stars magically align. Instead, Democrats need to do what Republicans did, which is to build from the ground up and start winning state and local elections.

A Democratic rebound has to begin with the basics: getting people who agree with you to vote. Less than 60 percent of those eligible to cast ballots in last weeks election bothered to do so. Conservatives who say this is a center-right nation may be right in terms of who votes, but theyre wrong in terms of who could vote. Polls show that the country favors Democratic over Republican positions on most issues.

The Democratic Party should put its energy and money into connecting with potential voters at the grass-roots level. Trump made a bunch of pie-in-the-sky promises he can never keep. Democrats need a hopeful but realistic message recognizing that while most big cities prosper in todays globalized economy, much of the rest of the country suffers.

Democrats will win when theirs is the big tent party. Right now, though, the GOP circus is in town.

Read more from Eugene Robinsons archive, follow him on Twitter or subscribe to his updates on Facebook. You can also join him Tuesdays at 1 p.m. for a live Q&A.
Woodrow and Edith Wilson in 1918. William Hazelgrove argues that the first lady was in control after the president suffered a stroke. (Associated Press)

Manuel Roig-Franzia is a Washington Post reporter and the author of The Rise of Marco Rubio, a biography of the Florida senator and 2016 presidential candidate.

As battleground states trickled, then gushed, into Donald Trumps column and the electoral map turned redder and redder, the New York Times scrapped its Madam President front page.

Later, a photo made the rounds on social media of the papers design editors huddled around a screen, reenvisioning what might have been an iconic A1. Newsweeks prematurely distributed Madam President commemorative cover, sent out by one of the magazines licensees, had to be recalled.

The startling defeat of Hillary Clinton seemingly consigned the notion of a woman running things at 1600 Pennsylvania Ave. to the realm of prime-time television and movies  for now, at least. One woman, however, came about as close as any woman ever has to being a female commander in chief. She was Edith Bolling Wilson, the second wife of the 28th president, Woodrow Wilson. Her legacy is revisited in William Hazelgroves useful and crisply written, yet ultimately unpersuasive history: Madam President: The Secret Presidency of Edith Wilson.

Edith was the first woman to hold a drivers license in Washington, according to Hazelgrove, and she proudly laid claim to being a descendant of Pocahantas. Her life was transformed in late 1919 when her husband suffered a serious stroke, and his attending physician, Francis Dercum, laid out a plan: Have everything come to you. . . . See if it is possible by consultations with the respective heads of the Departments to solve them without the guidance of your husband.

"Madam President: The Secret Presidency of Edith Wilson," by William Hazelgrove (Regnery History)

The president retreated from the public eye for months, and his wife, as Hazelgrove copiously documents, began to filter the deluge of correspondence that came his way from various government agencies. The first ladys control of the flow of information did not go unnoticed by an increasingly skeptical Congress. Sen. Albert Fall (R-N.M.), an ardent antagonist of the Democratic president, declared: We have a petticoat government! Wilson is not acting! Mrs. Wilson is President!

Hazelgrove posits that in the decades since, there has been a cover-up to conceal the first ladys role during her husbands long illness, a deception in which historians have been complicit.

If that is true, one of their best allies in the snow job is Edith herself. To his credit, Hazelgrove cites her memoir, where she writes, I myself never made a single decision regarding the disposition of public affairs.

Still, Hazelgrove isnt buying it, and the evidence he presents is enough to remind us that Edith was, at a minimum, an exceptionally consequential figure in her husbands White House. As the presidents infirmity deepened and the business of the White House stalled, government officials took to addressing their letters about presidential business directly to her. The proposed State of the Union text was sent to her, and her handwriting appeared on important papers. She pitched the agriculture secretary on switching to treasury, though she said she was communicating her husbands wishes.

Ediths primary motivation, in Hazelgroves telling, was a hope that by insulating her husband from stress, she might have been able to save his life. Her guide in this effort was Wilsons confidant and physician, Cary Grayson, who kept the press at bay with vague statements about the presidents health while advising that the ailing leader shouldnt be bothered with any matters of official character. . . . It was to be a complete rest, not partial rest.

The publics expectations about a womans role in the White House came into focus in the hubbub after Woodrow Wilson met with the Queen of Belgium, one of the few people allowed to see him. Mistaken reports that he wore a torn sweater for their chat (it was apparently only a worn garment) prompted many women to send yarn to Edith. She was expected to stitch together her husbands wardrobe  not his policies.

Yet, outside the public eye, she was enmeshed in the daily combat of governing, particularly during the ferocious debate over her husbands failed proposal for the United States to join the League of Nations, an alliance that Wilson needed Congress to ratify. The presidents foes on Capitol Hill countered with a list of changes  dubbed reservations  that would have altered the agreement Wilson had made when he signed the Treaty of Versailles after World War I. But, according to Hazelgrove, Edith blocked the majority of entreaties to compromise. . . . In doing so, she also deprived him of the necessary input to adjust his position.

Eventually, Hazelgrove writes, Edith relented and asked her husband to consider compromise. Her recollection of that moment in her memoir contributes to the impression that the president was still in charge: Little girl, dont you desert me. . . . Better a thousand times to go down fighting than to dip your colors to dishonorable compromise.

A. Scott Berg, a biographer of Woodrow Wilson, wrote that Edith Wilson failed to acknowledge the commanding nature of her role, that in determining the daily agenda and formulating arguments thereon, she executed the physical and most of the mental duties of the office. She did not become, as some have asserted, the first female President of the United States,  Berg wrote, but she came close.

What Berg is describing  and what Hazelgrove, despite his most fervent efforts, ends up illustrating most convincingly  sounds like Edith playing the role of a Madam Chief of Staff more than a Madam President.

A woman has never held that vital position. In this post-Clinton world, its worth pondering whether a headline trumpeting the first female White House chief of staff might make the papers before the one that evaporated on election night. It might be a place to start.
Bill McKibben is the Schumann distinguished scholar in environmental studies at Middlebury College and founder of the global climate group 350.org.

President-elect Donald Trump has already begun to back off some of his promises: Maybe not all of Obamacare has to go. Maybe parts of his wall will actually be a fence. Maybe its okay to have some lobbyists running the government after all.

But I fear he wont shrink from the actions he has promised on climate change: withdrawing the United States from the Paris accord, ending President Obamas Clean Power Plan and okaying every new fossil-fuel plan from the Keystone XL pipeline on down. He wont back down because those are hard-to-hedge choices and because hes surrounded by climate-change deniers and fossil-fuel insiders who will try to ensure that he keeps his word.

So lets be entirely clear about what those actions would represent: the biggest, most against-the-odds and most irrevocable bet any president has ever made about anything.

Its the biggest because of the stakes. This year has been the hottest year recorded in modern history, smashing the record set in 2015, which smashed the record set in 2014. The extra heat has begun to steadily raise sea levels, to the point where some coastal U.S. cities already flood at high tide even in calm weather. Global sea ice levels are at record lows, and the oceans are 30 percent more acidic. And thats just so far. Virtually every scientific forecast says that without swift action in the next few years to cut carbon emissions, this crisis will grow to be catastrophic, with implications for everything from agriculture to national security that dwarf our other problems.

Donald Trump will enter the White House with an environmental policy agenda opposed to that of the Obama administration and many other nations that have pledged support to the Paris climate agreement. The Washington Post's Chris Mooney breaks down what a Donald Trump presidency will mean when it comes to climate change. (Daron Taylor/The Washington Post)

Its the most against-the-odds bet because at this point theres so little scientific dispute about climate change. Researchers have spent three decades narrowing the error bars and establishing an ever-clearer picture of the future. Theres always the chance that scientists have overlooked something, but its by now so narrow a chance it hardly deserves that description.

And its the most irrevocable bet because the next few years are crucial. This makes global warming unique: If you take away Obamacare, poor people will suffer until something replaces it  which would be bad, but that suffering would not make it harder to fix the problem later. Climate change, however, comes with a time limit, which is why senior scientists last week were saying that if Trump carries through with his wager, it might well be game over. If he loses his bet, he will have cost us the last years in which we might have made a real difference.

Against all this, Trump has merely the conviction that climate change is a hoax. Its a conviction more or less shared by the man he has put in charge of his energy and environmental transition team, Myron Ebell of the Competitive Enterprise Institute, and a handful of other climate-change deniers at websites such as WattsUpWithThat.com . Some, like Ebell, are funded by the fossil-fuel industry, and others are quite sincere freelancers who have involved theories about how some of the thermometers measuring the planets climate have been placed too near to airport runways or believe that sunspots or cosmic rays or natural cycles will soon cool the Earth. They are contemptuous of the consensus science (the product of a lot of third-, fourth- and fifth-rate researchers, says Ebell) and of anyone who takes it seriously. (Pope Francis, in his encyclical on climate change, was scientifically ill informed, economically illiterate, intellectually incoherent and morally obtuse, says Ebell.)

Its easy to see why these kinds of pronouncements might appeal to Trump. Its not just that theyre spoken in the brash language he likes to use, but they made it easy for him to justify, say, his promises to restore the nations coal mines to their glory days. It would indeed be much easier for all concerned if global warming were hogwash.

But as far as anyone knows, he has never tested his beliefs by sitting down with scientists for even a cursory examination of the data. So someone who has his ear needs to tell him that the opinions on which hes relying are marginal at best.

And that friend might remind him, too, of the difference between issues governed by opinion and those governed by fact. If you dont think poor people should get subsidized medical care, thats ugly, but its an opinion youre entitled to hold. Science isnt like that: The heat-trapping properties of the carbon dioxide molecule simply a re. Which is why, even if we fail in our efforts to stop Trump from making his bet, its important for history to note whats going on. One man is preparing to bet the future of the planet in a long-shot wager against physics.
Much of the political commentary over this past week has been bleak and despairing for the future of our fragile republic. It has assumed the worst about Americans true character, our dedication to inclusiveness and diversity, and our ability to rein in our ugliest instincts. America has abandoned its values, we pundits fret in unison.

Iraqi-born immigrant Omar al-Khattab doesnt buy it.

On Tuesday night, with a full heart and an open mind, al-Khattab recited the oath of allegiance to the United States. He became a newly minted U.S. citizen exactly one week to the day after Americans elected a president who said Muslim immigrants like himself dont belong here.

Al-Khattab was joined by 14 other immigrants at a naturalization ceremony at the Lower East Side Tenement Museum . The museum, dedicated to telling the stories of generations of American immigrants, hosts this event every year; this years proceedings, though, took on a new sense of urgency and hopefulness.

As despondent native-born Americans muse about ditching their country for greener, Donald Trump-free pastures in Canada or New Zealand, these 15 immigrants instead pledged their commitment to stay and fight for the nations most fundamental values.

These emigres swore  as no native-born American is ever legally required to do as a condition of their own citizenship  to support and defend the Constitution and laws of the United States of America against all enemies, foreign and domestic.

Al-Khattab, 37, may have recited this oath aloud for the first time on Tuesday. But he has been walking the walk for years.

As a child, he was enamored of American culture. He taught himself English by watching Robert De Niro films and listening to Michael Jackson songs.

And as an adult, he repeatedly risked his life for Americans.

Al-Khattab is a surgeon by training. While working in an Iraqi hospital, he began liaising with local American hospitals and eventually became an interpreter for the U.S. Air Force.

Yes, I worked several missions in the field, he says. They were very, very risky, and exposed me to almost assassination.

Six years ago, he came to the United States on a special immigrant visa for Iraqi and Afghan interpreters. (The United States has pledged to help the 50,000 interpreters who heroically aided U.S. forces, but we have actually brought over shamefully small numbers of them.) He says his parents remain in Iraq and have been seeking refugee status.

Today al-Khattab works as a patient coordinator at New York-Presbyterian hospital while he studies for his medical licensure exams. He ultimately plans to redo his residency and practice as a doctor once again.

His new citizenship status offers him some additional legal protections, of course (well, maybe). More generally, though, he mostly shrugged off concerns about recent displays of anti-immigrant and anti-Muslim sentiment. Including those from our new president-elect.

What matters are Americas enduring institutions and legacies, al-Khattab says. The fear we are seeing is basically fear of the unknown, he says, arguing that everyone has been unfairly prejudging Trump. If given the chance, al-Khattab says, he would have voted for Hillary Clinton, but he trusts that the candidate who won instead will take his new responsibilities seriously.

The guy has not even been in the White House yet. He speaks strongly. He has. But remember his job entitles him to be the protector of the U.S. Constitution, no matter what, al-Khattab says.

He notes that the United States has always been a temple of immigrants: Its the Constitution and the values you look at. Its the values of the country as a whole, not what a person says or not.

But what of Trumps proposed Muslim immigrant ban, or the outbreak of anti-Muslim hate crimes?

If you survive Iraq, you will survive anything, he says with a smile.

He believes that journalists have been irresponsible in our portrayals both of Muslims and those who might fear Muslims. (Although a brand-new citizen, al-Khattab has already adopted Americans favorite pastime: media criticism.) Everyone he has come into contact with here in the United States has been kind and good to him, he says.

I come from a country where fear from the other is tearing it apart right now, he says, suggesting that Americans must engage with fellow citizens motivated by fear as well. When somebody tries to impose that on me, I have to please understand where is he coming from. He probably doesnt know who I am as a person, but once he knows who I am, Im sure his attitude will definitely change.

Welcome (more permanently) to the United States of America, Dr. al-Khattab. For your sake, and all of ours, may your countrymen be everything you believe us to be.
Lori Stokes is an independent scholar who studies the founding decades of Puritan New England and Congregational church history.

As Thanksgiving approaches, Americans look back on the first English settlers in what is now New England. Since these Puritans fill the earliest chapters of the American story, they make plenty of appearances in our shared imagination. But debates over who the Puritans were, what they stood for and how they contributed to our sense of national identity are shrouded in misunderstandings. Here are a few.

Myth No. 1

The Puritans established a theocracy.

As the International Encyclopedia of the Social Sciences puts it, With the Puritan migration to New England during the 1630s, theocratic governments were established. And the Encyclopedia Britannica echoes the claim, stating that the Puritans established a theocratic government.

Its not true. A theocracy is a government run by religious authorities claiming divine sanction for their political leadership. In 1631, the Massachusetts Bay Colonys governor, John Winthrop, expanded the franchise to all free adult males in the colony. These men voted for their representatives to the General Court (their legislature), who then voted for the governor and his council of assistants.

None of these elected officials were clergymen, because no minister was allowed to hold political office. Equally important, anyone holding political office who was censured or excommunicated by his church could not lose his office because of his religious difficulties. While its true that the first generation of men were required to be full church members in order to vote or hold political office, that requirement was modified in 1658 and permanently retired in 1664. The Puritan government in Massachusetts did frequently seek the advice of its ministers, but it was under no obligation to take that advice, and it frequently did not.

Myth No. 2

Puritans had a special hatred of American Indians.

The Puritans supposed white-hot hatred of Indians is often invoked around Thanksgiving, as Americans reflect on the circumstances of our nations founding. Many articles point to the slaughter of Pequot men, women and children at the tribes village, near present-day Mystic, Conn., in 1637, during the Pequot War, as evidence of the special enmity between Puritans and Indians. Capt. John Underhill, a militia leader, described the carnage in that battle: Down fell men, women, and children. . . . Should not Christians have more mercy and compassion? Sometimes the Scripture declareth women and children must perish with their parents. . . . We had sufficient light from the word of God for our proceedings. Its true that Puritans mistrusted Indians, deplored their religions as savagery and devil-worship, fought them, and enslaved them.

But this wasnt much different than the approach they had taken to different groups back in Europe, where some of them, like Underhill, fought in the Thirty Years War, and many pressured King James I to send English troops to assist Protestant forces on the continent. The massacre at Mystic was quite similar to the scores of town-burnings in Europe during the Thirty Years War: Twenty thousand were killed in the 1631 razing of Magdeburg, Germany, for instance. In November 1631, a visitor to another sacked village in Germany was appalled to find the vineyards and fields red with blood, with corpses scattered in bizarre positions over a three-mile radius.

If you had to choose a group the Puritans really had a special hatred for, it would be Catholics. (After that came splinter groups like Quakers and Anabaptists, and then anyone else who was not a Puritan.) In one regard, the Puritans cut Indians more slack than Catholics. They preferred to try to convert Indians first, believing that, unlike Catholics  who had sworn loyalty to the pope and chosen to resist Protestantism  the Indians couldnt be blamed for their heathenism. In parts of New England, Puritans and Indians lived in neighboring towns, did business with each other, sometimes worshipped together and had complex loyalties. This was evident during King Philips War in 1676-1677, when some settlers refused to fight their Indian neighbors.

Myth No. 3

Puritans hated sex.

In the Huffington Post, science writer Dan Agin described Puritans dictatorial repression of daily life, mostly of sexual behavior. Anya Taylor-Joy, star of the 2015 movie The Witch, said she learned from the films script that everything about being a Puritan . . . seems to be going against what it means to be human. Even the word puritanical is usually taken to mean sexless and joyless, as in a New York Times article chalking up American prudishness to Puritan roots.

What, then, are we to make of this letter from Winthrop, many times the governor of the Massachusetts Bay Colony, to his fiancee, Margaret Tyndal? Being filled with the joy of thy love, and wanting opportunity of more familiar communion with thee, which my heart fervently desires, I am constrained to ease the burden of my mind by this poor help of my scribbling pen. . . . Love was their banqueting house, love was their wine, love was their ensign; love was his invitings, love was her faintings; love was his apples, love was her comforts, love was his embracings, love was her refreshing.

The Puritans believed that the love between married people was the closest humans could get on Earth to experiencing the joy of being united with Christ in heaven. And love in marriage had no higher expression than sex. The Puritan minister at Cambridge, Mass., Thomas Shepard, often described the passion people felt in marriage in his sermons: In all marriage bonds there is a choice made, and, if love be great, there is little standing on terms  let me have him though I beg with him.

Myth No. 4

Puritans came to America to establish freedom of religion.

Its hard to suppress disappointment with the Puritans when one reads that they pulled up the gangplank behind them once they arrived in America, as one author put it, not allowing Quakers and others to worship freely  especially because many works of U.S. history, including the PBS documentary First Freedom, locate the origin of American views on freedom of religion with our earliest Puritan founders.

But the Puritans didnt leave England to found a society where all religions would be tolerated. After all, they were granted the pejorative moniker Puritan in England because of their efforts to purge Catholic influences from the Anglican Church. They sought religious freedom only for themselves.

In 17th-century Europe, every kingdom had an official religion, and the monarch was the head of the church. There were a few exceptions, but it was certainly the case in England, where King Charles I led the Anglican Church when the Puritans left for America. Since the Puritans wanted to change Anglican worship by, among other things, ridding priests of expensive robes, putting an end to kneeling for Communion and doing away with the Book of Common Prayer, they were persecuted for treason  for challenging the kings authority to dictate forms of worship. So they went to America to create a political entity where their brand of reformed Anglicanism was the only religion.

Myth No. 5

Puritans were relentless witch hunters.

Because of the infamous Salem witch trials, in which 20 people accused of witchcraft were executed, the New England Puritans are often framed as a wildly superstitious and persecutory people with a special hysteria for sniffing out witchcraft. Witchcraft was portentous, Stacy Schiff wrote in her recent book on the Salem trials, a Puritan favorite.

Its true that the Puritans believed in witchcraft, as did every society in Europe at the time. But they were not hysterical about it, and the number of witchcraft cases that made it to court is vanishingly small. From the first witchcraft trial in New England in 1638 to the last in 1697, excluding Salem, 65 people were tried, out of a population of tens of thousands. More than half were acquitted. Only 16 were executed.

The Salem episode was the only time in Puritan New Englands history that an actual panic developed over witchcraft. Thats what makes Salem memorable: It was an anomaly.

outlook@washpost.com

Five myths is a weekly feature challenging everything you think you know. You can check out previous myths, read more from Outlook or follow our updates on Facebook and Twitter.
ISRAELI PRIME Minister Benjamin Netanyahu had a notoriously difficult relationship with President Obama, so you might expect him to celebrate Donald Trumps election. As it turns out, things are not so simple. To be sure, Mr. Trump is expected to scrap the Obama administrations policy of pressuring Israel to curb Jewish settlement construction in the occupied West Bank. But that prospect has emboldened the radical right wing of Mr. Netanyahus coalition, which is moving quickly to adopt measures that would legalize existing settlements, create new ones and foreclose the possibility of Palestinian statehood.

The Israeli Knesset on Wednesday gave preliminary approval to a law that would retroactively legalize West Bank outposts that were built on land owned by Palestinians. The bill is aimed at preventing the forced evacuation of a small settlement that the Israeli Supreme Court ordered carried out by Dec. 25, but it would also legalize some 2,000 other illegally constructed homes.

Emboldened rightists are pushing the measure in spite of Mr. Netanyahus initial objections and those of the attorney general, who says it violates both Israeli and international law. They are meanwhile planning to relaunch major settlement construction plans that Mr. Netanyahu has kept on ice for years in order to avoid conflict with the Obama administration. Several of these would fill tracts of land around Jerusalem to seal off the city from Arab areas of the West Bank.

The era of a Palestinian state is over, Naftali Bennett, a member of Mr. Netanyahus cabinet and leader of the pro-settlement Jewish Home party, told reporters after Mr. Trumps victory. The combination of changes in the United States, in Europe and in the region provide Israel with a unique opportunity to reset and rethink everything.

In reality, the reset Mr. Bennett and his allies have in mind would do enormous damage to the interests of Israel and the United States. Mr. Netanyahu has supported Palestinian statehood since 2009, albeit without much enthusiasm, because Israel cannot remain both a democracy and a Jewish state while ruling the Palestinians of the West Bank and Gaza. If Israel takes steps to foreclose that option, such as legalizing settlements far outside the barrier it has constructed near its border with the West Bank, it will trigger a huge international backlash  not just from European governments, but also from Arab Sunni states with which it has recently built a quiet alliance.

The Obama administration will be pressed to allow a U.N. Security Council resolution condemning Israeli settlements. And Mr. Trump, who recently spoke of brokering an Israeli-Palestinian settlement, instead would find his administration dragged into yet another Mideast conflict.

No wonder that Mr. Netanyahus defense minister is counseling caution. Avigdor Lieberman is not known internationally for his moderation, but on Wednesday he advised his colleagues to stop the jubilation and public enthusiasm, adding that the government has received messages from Mr. Trumps team ask[ing] us to act modestly. Mr. Lieberman proposed that the government seek a deal on settlements with the Trump administration after it takes office, and in the meantime not legalize existing outposts or take other provocative steps. Those in Israel who really want better relations with the United States will follow that course.
ON SOME points President-elect Donald Trump has been consistent. One of those is opposition to the 2010 Dodd-Frank financial regulation law, which as a candidate he repeatedly blamed for crippling the financial sector and stifling economic growth. Now he and his fellow Republicans, who control Congress, are in a position to make good on his promise to either scrap it or substantially revise it. What would they put in its place?

Any such discussion should begin by acknowledging that the major banks are far more stable today than they were before the panic of 2008, and that tighter regulation under Dodd-Frank is one reason why. Since the crisis, the top 33 institutions have added more than $700 billion in high-quality capital, according to the Federal Reserve. The Feds June 2016 stress test (required by Dodd-Frank) determined that the big banks could withstand a severe global recession that raised U.S. unemployment five percentage points  with no taxpayer bailout.

It would be the height of folly, not to mention a contradiction of Mr. Trumps purported concern for working-class Americans, if his administration were to enable the reversal of these achievements. Dodd-Frank is a hideously complex law, and it imposes significant compliance costs on smaller financial institutions not responsible for the 2008 panic, as its critics say. However, if its going to be streamlined and simplified, the paramount goal should be to reinforce, not weaken, strong capital requirements for banks.

There is no shortage of proposals for doing this. Some, such as the Republican platforms odd call for a restoration of the Depression-era Glass-Steagall Act, would enjoy bipartisan support, even if Glass-Steagalls emphasis on separating commercial from investment banking is not entirely relevant to todays financial stability challenges. The Federal Reserve Bank of Minneapolis, under President Neel Kashkari, has unveiled a plan that would require bank holding companies with more than $250 billion in assets to hold as much as 38 percent equity capital  a rule that could constitute a de facto bank breakup.

However, the main Republican legislative plan is House Financial Services Chairman Jeb Hensarlings (Tex.) bill, which would all but dismantle Dodd-Frank. Its least attractive proposal is one that would, in the name of ending bailouts, further constrain the Feds ability to act as a lender of last resort to troubled but salvageable financial firms. Rather than stabilizing the system, this could destabilize it by deterring needed crisis borrowing. More promising is Mr. Hensarlings idea to offer regulatory relief to banks that hold at least 10 percent capital as a buffer against losses, which could be stabilizing, as long as the capital is defined as real equity, and not the risk-weighted variety that regulators too often accepted in the past.

Meanwhile, except for Mr. Kashkari, who wants to put a tax on hedge funds and finance companies, depending on the risk they pose to the wider system, no one is talking much about the shadow banking sector. Yet it must be addressed, lest systemically risky activity simply migrates there from more tightly regulated portions of Wall Street. During the campaign, only Hillary Clinton flagged that important issue.
While the challenges of the GOP  its long-term demographic difficulties, its erratic leadership, the bitter struggle for its ideological soul  are obscured by victory, the problems of the Democratic Party are on full display. Republicans suffer from heart disease; Democrats have an ugly, gushing head wound.

The losing party would be foolish to minimize the scale of its political failure. Hillary Clinton proved incapable of defeating a reality-television host whom more than 60 percent of Americans viewed as unfit to be president. It is perhaps the most humiliating moment in the long history of Mr. Jeffersons party. But the effect is more than reputational. The Democratic candidate and her team could not protect the United States from a serious risk to its ideals and institutions by an untested and unstable novice who flirted with authoritarianism and made enough gaffes on an average Tuesday to sink a normal presidential campaign.

Donald Trump was riding a modest electoral wave in certain parts of the country, but it was not large enough to overwhelm a reasonably capable Democratic candidate with a decent political strategy. Trumps vote did not burst the levees; it barely lapped over the top of them in the industrial Midwest. The blue wall was too low by just a foot or two.

But why was the election even close enough for bad strategy in Wisconsin, Michigan and Pennsylvania, or utter incompetence by the FBI director, to matter? Trump obviously benefited from extreme polarization. The proposition anyone but Hillary was tested, with Republicans (and others) ultimately rallying to anyone. The Obama coalition  including young, minority and college-educated voters  did not turn out in sufficient numbers. And an appeal to racial and ethnic resentment remains disturbingly potent in our politics  the continuing evidence of Americas original sin.

But here is the largest, long-term Democratic challenge: It has become a provincial party. It is highly concentrated in urban areas and clings to the coasts. But our constitutional system puts emphasis on holding geography, particularly in the House of Representatives and the electoral college. It is difficult for Democrats to prevail from isolated islands of deep blue. In 2012, President Obama won the presidency with fewer than 700 counties out of more than 3,000 in the United States  a historical low. Clinton carried a little under 500  about 15 percent of the total.

President Obama said during a news conference Monday that it's "healthy" for the Democratic Party to go through reflection. "When your team loses, everyone gets deflated," Obama said. (The Washington Post)

This is another way of saying that the Democratic candidate for president cant prevail  at least at the moment  when she receives less than 30 percent of the vote from the white, non-college-educated Americans who live in the spaces between the cities. Most of these voters were not examining public policy and calculating their interests  except in the vague sense that they dont like sending American jobs abroad and dont want anyone messing with their Social Security. They were convinced that Trump had their back. Democrats have become symbolically estranged from white, working-class America.

What are the Democratic options moving forward? First, there is the Bernie Sanders option  the embrace of a leftist populism that amounts to democratic socialism. This might also be called the Jeremy Corbyn option, after the leftist leader of the British Labour Party who has ideologically purified his party into political irrelevance. Second, there is the Joe Biden option  a liberalism that makes a sustained outreach to union members and other blue-collar workers while showing a Catholic religious sensibility on issues of social justice. Third, there is the option of doubling down on the proven Barack Obama option, which requires a candidate who can excite rather than sedate the Obama-era base.

Democrats should not overlearn the lessons of a close election. Option No. 3 is the Democratic future on the presidential level. Clinton was correct to appeal to a slightly modified version of the Obama coalition (fewer African American and millennial voters, but more support from Latinos and college-educated women). She simply could not pull it off. But for the foreseeable future, Democrats will also need a dash of No. 2, including a more accommodating attitude toward religion and associational rights. In this election, evangelical Christians and white Catholics sensed real hostility to their institutions from law school liberalism.

There is a serious prospect, however, that Democrats will choose No. 1. There would be many reverberations for our politics. But chiefly, the United States would cease to have a center-left party and a center-right party. Both radicalized institutions would exaggerate our national differences, becoming the political equivalent of the hard-left and hard-right media. And the cause of national unity would be damaged even further.

Read more from Michael Gersons archive, follow him on Twitter or subscribe to his updates on Facebook .
Before President-elect Donald Trump brings in the bulldozers to drain the swamp in Washington, I hope he will consider the career achievements of two people who embody the nations tradition of bipartisan foreign policy leadership, Zbigniew Brzezinski and Brent Scowcroft.

The two former national security advisers came from vastly different worlds to join in constructing the foreign policy tradition Trump seems ready to demolish. Brzezinski, now 88, is a Polish refugee who served Democratic President Jimmy Carter. Scowcroft, 91, is a Mormon ex-military officer from Utah who worked for Republican Presidents Gerald Ford and George H.W. Bush.

Both were Cold War hawks who were honored recently by Defense Secretary Ashton B. Carter with the Distinguished Public Service Award, the Pentagons highest award for civilians. But both were also outspoken critics of the U.S. invasion of Iraq in 2003  not the belated and muffled opposition expressed by Trump, but the kind that cost them friendships and access.

What these two shared was a vision of an outward-leaning United States that led a global network of security alliances and trading partnerships. This system, anchored by NATO and alliances with Japan and South Korea, was often described as the liberal international order.

With Trumps election, this global architecture seems to be cracking. Trump is so inexperienced that its hard to predict just where his foreign policy views will settle out. But many of his supporters (and kindred spirits abroad) are in open revolt against what they see as the menace of globalization.

During his campaign, President-elect Donald Trump repeatedly vowed to "drain the swamp" in D.C. and rid the federal government of political elites and lobbyists. But just days into his transition to president, Trump seems to be doing the opposite. (Deirdra O'Regan/The Washington Post)

Trump should think carefully about what he would cast aside. This is the structure of enduring American power. It has been built on military strength, yes, but also on the generosity and openness of the American system. Our soft power was expressed in the biblical injunction carved on the gates of the American University of Beirut, founded in 1866: That they may have life and have it more abundantly. Whatever egregious mistakes the United States may have made over the past 150 years, people still thought our country represented that aspiration.

The globalization that Trump supporters oppose is nearly impossible to undo on an economic level: Todays corporations and financial markets are instantly connected and integrated. But on a political level, the global system is already unraveling, and that should worry Trump, not cheer him. As this American-led system weakens, the beneficiaries will be a rising China and a pugnacious Russia. Globalization may need a course correction, as President Obama said Wednesday, but that requires continued American leadership.

Heres where I wish Trump would listen to Brzezinski and Scowcroft and the traditional foreign policy consensus they represent. Eight years ago, I moderated a conversation with the two of them that was published as America and the World. I spoke with them this week about Trump.

Scowcroft spoke at a luncheon in his honor hosted by the Aspen Strategy Group, a bipartisan foreign policy organization that epitomizes the elite that Trump wants to overthrow. Scowcroft, frail and struggling for words to convey the lessons of a lifetime of public service, implored the group to cast aside their misgivings and put the country first. If youre asked to serve, please do, said Scowcroft. This man needs help badly.

Brzezinski was honored a week ago at the Pentagon. Carter described him as one of the finest strategic thinkers and policymakers of our time. He said Brzezinski had understood that America must live in an insecure world with dignity, with idealism, with steadfastness. 

I asked Brzezinski what advice he would give Trump. Mr. President, he said, composing the memo in his head, dont assume that strong verbiage conveys strength. It has to be convincing. Be honest and frank, but dont kiss ass. You could do the world a service if you said to President Putin: Dont be an adventurer, especially when youre carrying a loaded weapon. 

In Trumps eagerness to show he really means to bring change, he has been signaling disdain for all the traditional centers of power, from environmental scientists to economists, from diplomats to generals. Some Americans who resented these traditional sources of power must enjoy watching the Faculty Club burn to the ground.

But Trump needs to be careful. Unless hes very foolish, he will want to be a good and successful president. He inherited a nation that is still the worlds only superpower. New reports Thursday night said Trump planned to name Lt. Gen. Michael Flynn, a combative and very political retired Army officer, to the national security adviser post held by Scowcroft and Brzezinski. Is he a person who can sustain the structure of alliances and power built over 70 years? Or is he someone who would undermine that structure? Thats the right question for Flynn and Trump.

Read more from David Ignatiuss archive, follow him on Twitter or subscribe to his updates on Facebook.
Much of the world has been shocked and dismayed by Donald Trumps electoral success, but there are those who are delighted. This was a victory for the forces which oppose globalization, are fighting illegal migration and are in favor of clean ethnic states, declared a spokesperson for Golden Dawn, Greeces far-right party, which is sometimes characterized as neo-Nazi. Viktor Orban, the Hungarian prime minister who has said he wants to build an illiberal state in his country, hailed the results as great news. The deputy leader of Frances right-wing National Front Party, historically seen as ultra-nationalist and anti-Semitic, was exultant as well. Their world is collapsing. Ours is being built, he said.

You cannot be judged by those who approve of your actions, but its worth trying to understand what Trumps admirers are celebrating. In some cases, Trumps appeal is that he is against political correctness. Beppe Grillo, the former comedian who now leads Italys Five Star Movement, noted that like Trump, his party had been labeled sexist and populist but that people didnt care. The Guardian, which has compiled many of the favorable responses, reported that Grillo applauded Trump supporters for filtering out the media and giving a big f--k you to the freemasons, major banks and Chinese groups.

For others, it is the sense of kinship among strongmen who are unconcerned with human rights. Syrian dictator Bashar al-Assad called Trump a natural ally. Rodrigo Duterte, the authoritarian leader of the Philippines, said of him, We both like to swear . . . were the same. Duterte has been hostile to the United States because Washington has criticized the extrajudicial killings and human rights abuses that have marked his tenure. Robert Mugabe, who has clung to power in Zimbabwe for 36 years while destroying that nations economy and liberties, has been similarly hopeful. A full-page editorial in a state-run paper there hailed the election of the mighty Trump, and the 92-year-old dictator has reportedly described Trump as a friend. No doubt Duterte and Mugabe hope that a Trump administration will go easy on them.

What unifies Trumps foreign admirers is the idea that the existing global order is rotten and should be torn down. Many of Trumps domestic supporters would agree. All of the European parties cheering Trumps victory seek the destruction of the European Union and, more generally, the tightly knit Western community centered upon shared values and interests. They are almost all strikingly pro-Russian because they see in Vladimir Putins Russia a country that actively seeks to undermine the current international system. Many of these groups take covert and overt support from Russia and benefit from the Kremlins cyberwarfare. We all need to use [Trumps election] together to reshape the transatlantic relationship, and to end the big conflicts in Ukraine and Syria together with Russia, said Frauke Petry, the leader of Germanys ultra-nationalist party Alternative fur Deutschland, according to the Guardian.

But what is this globalism to which these people are so opposed? After 1945, after the Great Depression and two world wars, Western nations established an international system characterized by rules that honored national sovereignty, allowed for the flourishing of global commerce, and encouraged respect for human rights and liberties. This order resulted in the longest period of peace among the worlds major powers, marked by broad-based economic growth that created large middle classes in the West, the revival of Europe, growth in poor countries that lifted hundreds of millions of people out of poverty and the spread of freedom across the globe.

Around the globe, right-wing leaders reacted to the victory of Republican President-elect Donald Trump with joy, while some expats and politicians expressed dismay and anxiety for international relations. (Jenny Starrs/The Washington Post)

The U.S. role in all this was pivotal. It set the agenda and provided security, which was about more than just deterring the Soviet Union and other aggressive powers. Radek Sikorski, Polands former foreign minister, said, Americas influence and its commitments have been our security blanket. They have allowed Europes national rivalries to stay dormant. If you take away those guarantees, Europe could get very unstable. And remember, the European Union is the worlds biggest market and the United States largest trading partner.

For the United States, globalism has produced enormous advantages. With 5 percent of the worlds population, the United States dominates the global economy, in technology, education, finance and clean energy. One in five U.S. jobs is a result of trade, and that number is growing fast. The United States maintains the worlds reserve currency, giving it a huge economic advantage.

The benefits of growth and globalization have not been shared equally, and the pace of change causes anxiety everywhere. But these are reasons to invest in people, upgrade their skills and better integrate communities. They are not reasons to destroy the most peaceful and productive international system ever devised in human history.

Read more from Fareed Zakarias archive, follow him on Twitter or subscribe to his updates on Facebook.
In the days since the election, there have been many calls for anti-Trump forces to remain resolute in their resistance. If the presidency of Donald Trump inspires anything, it should be a fierce spirit of opposition, Leon Wieseltier wrote last weekend in these pages. The proper response is steely resolve to wage the fight of our lives, Jonathan Chait wrote in New York magazine.

But what can anti-Trump liberals and progressives actually do? With his party in control of the White House and Congress, and with Trump about to tip the balance of the Supreme Court, its easy to despair over how little leverage the Democrats seem to have.

One episode from history reveals reasons to hope.

In 1850, like the Democrats and their allies in 2016, the abolitionists took a terrible hit. They had worked for 20 years to bring down the worst institution in American history, chattel slavery. And they thought they might have been on the verge of a breakthrough, with a proposal to ban slavery in all the territories taken in the Mexican War. But in the Compromise of 1850, Congress basically handed those territories to the pro-slavery forces, and, with an updated Fugitive Slave Act, it conscripted every Northern citizen into an army of slave catchers, obliged to aid in sending black people back to the slaveholding South.

And yet, a little over a decade later, Abraham Lincoln signed the Emancipation Proclamation. The abolitionists comeback was impressive. And it offers a road map away from the election of 2016.

Indeed, by marching and making street theater, forces of resistance to the Trump and GOP victories have already started emulating the abolitionists.

In 1854, the federal government tried and convicted fugitive Anthony Burns, sending him back to slavery. Unfortunately for the slaveholders, the abolitionists happened to be holding their annual convention in Boston, where the trial was held. After an ax-wielding mob rushed the courthouse, Bostons mayor put the city under martial law. And on the day of Burnss rendition, 50,000 protesters lined the streets, as federal troops marched the hapless fugitive to the ship that would take him back to his master in Virginia. Chronicled at every step, the Via Dolorosa of Burns awakened and intensified opposition to slavery throughout the North. Bostons Ralph Waldo Emerson expressed the feelings of many when he said of the Fugitive Slave Law: I will not obey it, by God.

Todays counterpart to the Burns rendition, of course, would be deportations. Trump has vowed to deport millions of undocumented immigrants. His recent remarks have focused on deporting criminals, but hes also threatened to overturn the amnesty that has protected dreamers  immigrants brought to the United States as children.

What would the abolitionists do? They would gather in huge numbers every time federal agents came for a Hispanic honors student. They would compel those agents to use force if they wanted to proceed. They would document every moment. And they would use the media  back then it was the penny press, the Twitter of its time  to spread the images everywhere. Every vulnerable dreamer should be carrying a cellphone with a number to text if the feds come.

But periodic protests are not enough. Resistance movements need the support of permanent infrastructure. And they must be willing to engage in the time-intensive and expensive organizing that actually changes minds and behavior.

In 1831, William Lloyd Garrison and friends he called the Twelve Apostles met in a black church (no white one would have them) and signed the charter of the New England Anti-Slavery Society. Theirs was the first of what would be thousands of such societies formed in the subsequent decades  and they were especially important after the 1850 defeat, when the normal channels of politics looked so hopeless. These groups were highly organized. They elected executive committees to run their affairs, dispatched speakers to spread the word and held annual conventions. They also had womens auxiliaries; the gender divide sounds awful today, but the women were the heart of the movement. They held fairs to raise money and sell goods made without slave labor. Then they started going door to door with petitions. The pro-slavery Congress forbade them from delivering those petitions, but that didnt matter. Each time a woman approached a neighbor about signing, she got a chance to publicize slaverys cruelty.

Of course, the Democratic Party is an established network. But too often, it reaches out to people only at election time. In this years presidential campaign, its outreach to key constituencies, such as Hispanics and Rust Belt voters, was overly dependent on television and radio ads.

The party  and, just as critically, growing networks of organizations such as Black Lives Matter and Mi Familia Vota  should look to the model of the abolitionists. They should engage people in person, with concrete actions such as old-fashioned petition drives. Social media can help energize supporters, but beware of activism that never translates beyond Facebook or Twitter. The Freedom to Marry activists developed a smart approach to same-sex marriage rights: They trained supporters to each have conversations with five of their friends or relatives  and to ask people who responded positively to seek out five more.

As a leader of People United for Justice, the Arizona Hispanic outreach group that finally brought down racist sheriff Joe Arpaio, put it succinctly: This is about community organizing rather than electoral campaigning.

Anti-Trump forces should also embrace the potential for states and cities to become bastions of resistance.

Before the Civil War, threats of nullification and secession were not limited to the slave states. Garrison, the Massachusetts abolitionist, advocated disunion from the start. Who wants to be in a club with slave owners, he asked? The Northern states became the abolitionists strongholds in the 1850s. They passed laws ordering their officials not to participate in renditioning slaves. And when federal authorities initiated proceedings under the Fugitive Slave Act, state courts proceeded to nullify them. In Wisconsin, for instance, after abolitionist Sherman Booth was jailed for encouraging protesters who liberated a fugitive slave due to be sent back to Missouri, the state Supreme Court freed him and declared the Fugitive Slave Act unconstitutional. When the U.S. Supreme Court asked to review the case, Wisconsin simply refused to forward the papers. The last thing President James Buchanan did before handing the White House to Lincoln was to clear Booth.

There are echoes of this strategy in the pledge by Californias legislative leaders that they are not going to allow one election to reverse generations of progress at the height of our historic diversity, scientific advancement, economic output, and sense of global responsibility. There are echoes, too, in the declarations of Washington, Chicago, New York and Seattle that they will remain sanctuary cities, protecting residents from deportation. And there are echoes in statements like that of the Los Angeles police chief , who said, If the federal government takes a more aggressive role on deportation, then theyll have to do that on their own.

Yes, Democratic power at the state level is limited. Democrats will control the governorship and both branches of the legislature in only six states: California, Connecticut, Delaware, Hawaii, Oregon and Rhode Island. But they could be joined in their resistance by some populous and important states that voted against Trump by large margins and that have at least one branch in Democratic hands  Illinois, Maryland, Massachusetts, New Jersey, New York and Washington among them. Together, these states could make for a formidable opposition.

If a Trump-tipped Supreme Court overturns abortion rights or same-sex marriage, these states could offer themselves as havens. If the GOP repeals Obamacare, they could imitate Massachusetts and pass state-based health-care systems. If the Trump administration demands any records they may have of illegal immigrants, states and cities could refuse.

By doing so, they would risk losing federal money. But they would also stand to benefit. They would attract businesses and workers, especially young workers, who tend to be more progressive. As North Carolina recently demonstrated, when its transgender bathroom law prompted the loss of billions of dollars in business, defending progressive positions on social issues can make good economic sense, too.

If Democrats and their allies follow the abolitionist plan for organizing, they stand a good chance of reversing their ill fortune.

It must have seemed like a permanent failure for the abolitionists when they heard about the Compromise of 1850. But the end of slavery wasnt as far off as they feared.

Twitter: @LindaHirshman1

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ABuzzFeed analysis this week concluded that fake news stories about the election generated more engagement on Facebook than the top election stories from 19 major news outlets  combined.

And thats not the half of it.

Not only is fake news getting more attention than actual news, but also the leading purveyor of fake news in the United States is now the president-elect.

For 17 months, Donald Trump treated the nation to a series of outlandish promises. Hell eliminate the $19 trillion federal debt in eight years. Hell balance the budget without cutting Social Security, Medicare and other entitlements. Hell bring back lost coal jobs. Hell make Mexico pay for a border wall. Hell deport 12 million illegal immigrants while growing the economy by at least 6 percent.

Consider these points before sharing a news article on Facebook. It could be fake. (Monica Akhtar/The Washington Post)

Now Trump is the president-elect, and its time to deliver on the impossible. No wonder his transition is racked with chaos and infighting. Scripture tells us you cant serve both God and mammon. Yet Trump proposes to be served by both Reince Priebus and Stephen K. Bannon  a chief of staff who is a paragon of the establishment and a top adviser who is a leading voice for white supremacists. The array of impossible promises and false claims has all the appearances of a Ponzi scheme, with the $18 trillion U.S. economy in the balance. Bernie Madoffs scheme lost only $50 billion.

Early indications are that Trump plans to continue to fake it. On Thursday night, he tweeted that as a result of his work with Ford, the automaker would keep a plant that makes Lincoln SUVs in Kentucky  no [sic] Mexico.

But Ford had never planned to close the Kentucky plant. It was merely planning to make more Ford Escapes instead of Lincolns there  a change that would have resulted in no job losses. Ford is proceeding with its previously announced plan to build a new factory in Mexico.

We see the Ponzi scheme unraveling in the substance of what Trump is proposing, too. One of Trumps surrogates, Carl Higbie, caused a furor this week by saying the infamous internment of U.S. citizens and noncitizens of Japanese descent during World War II provided a legal precedent for Trumps plan to create a Muslim registry. But for all the outrage Higbie caused, the actual policy being floated  reinstatement of a George W. Bush-era policy  is far more modest than Trumps proposed ban on Muslim immigration and threat to register American Muslims.

This is the best-case scenario  that Trumps fake-news presidential campaign really was all a con. Preposterous promises give way to modest proposals. This would disappoint his supporters, but perhaps save the country.

Trumps vow that Carrier would reverse its plans to move a factory to Mexico and eliminate 1,400 U.S. jobs by 2019? Carrier is continuing with its plans.

Trumps promise to negotiate the release of all American prisoners in Iran before taking office? Hed better hurry: Iran continues to apprehend and imprison American dual nationals.

Trumps bold threats to appoint a killer ambassador to Japan and to force Japan to pay for U.S. military protection? Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe, after visiting Trump on Thursday, thinks otherwise; he said he has great confidence in Trump.

Many of Trumps absurd promises will come due soon. Trump spoke of abolishing the Education Department and the Environmental Protection Agency, said he would rebuild American roads for one-third the current price, monitor mosques, prosecute Hillary Clinton and never take a vacation. He said he would spend no money on space exploration before infrastructure is repaired, would bomb the s--- out of the Islamic State, kill the relatives of terrorists, shut down parts of the Internet, reinstate waterboarding, dramatically increase tariffs, eliminate Wall Street reforms, cut the budget 20 percent and end birthright citizenship.

No surprise that the transition is chaotic. Lobbyists are in, then out. Chris Christie and Mike Rogers are in, then out. Frank Gaffney is in, or perhaps not. Jared Kushner is settling personal vendettas. Eliot Cohen withdraws his cooperation, predicting ugly things ahead.

And Trump says everything is proceeding so smoothly.

The British are fuming because at least nine foreign leaders, including Egypts, reached Trump before theirs. Trump plays cat-and-mouse with the national press corps and continues to tweet like an Internet troll, complete with bad spelling. His advisers give contradictory accounts about personnel decisions. Qualified candidates are rejected in favor of loyalists. His choice for national security adviser is aligned with Vladimir Putin.

You cant make this stuff up. Or maybe you can. Paul Horner, the leading purveyor of fake news on Facebook, told The Posts Caitlin Dewey he was stunned by Americans gullibility: I mean, thats how Trump got elected. He just said whatever he wanted, and people believed everything.

But surely you cant fool all the people all the time.

Twitter: @Milbank

Read more from Dana Milbanks archive, follow him on Twitter or subscribe to his updates on Facebook.
Justice Samuel Alito leaves the stage after speaking at the Federalist Society's National Lawyers Convention in Washington on Nov. 17. (Cliff Owen/AP)

Justice Samuel A. Alito Jr. on Thursday said free speech and religious liberty hang in the balance at the Supreme Court and warned of other issues along the constitutional fault lines that might confront the divided justices.

A little more than a week ago, it seemed those issues would come before a court with a liberal majority for the first time in nearly half a century. Instead, the election of Donald Trump is likely to mean a restoration of the conservative majority that prevailed before the death of Justice Antonin Scalia in February.

[Trump victory has enormous consequences for Supreme Court]

In a speech before the conservative Federalist Societys National Lawyers Convention, Alito did not mention the election or the vacancy on the court. But he listed the issues that concern him, including gun rights and alleged overreach by government agencies, and said they should be answered with this thought in mind: What would Scalia do?

That is pretty much the theme of the three-day conference that opened Thursday. Scalia was an early supporter of the Federalist Society, which supports a conservative view of the Constitution and has been an active participant in advising Republican presidents on filling the federal judiciary.

The society, along with the Heritage Foundation, helped produce a list of potential nominees from which Trump says he will make his Supreme Court choice. Nine of the 21 people on the list have been participating in the conference.

The mood was jovial. An organization that has been on defense for the past eight years  a home to those mounting legal challenges to President Obamas policies  is ready to play offense again.

Alito steered clear of any direct mention of that. But he noted that some of the issues that most concerned him were decided by 5-to-4 majorities and said the constitutional fault lines were dangerous places.

Sometimes the earth starts to tremor and people get worried about whats coming, Alito said.

In District of Columbia v. Heller, for instance, the court decided in 2008 that the Second Amendment actually means what it says, Alito said, and protects an individual right to own a firearm for self-defense. But Justice Stephen G. Breyers dissent in the case provides a road map for denaturing Heller without actually overruling it, Alito said.

Likewise, Alito said he was alarmed that more than 40 senators were willing to amend the Constitution to overturn the courts ruling in Citizens United v. FEC, which held that restrictions on corporate and union political spending violated free-speech rights.

What would that amendment do? Alito said. It would have the effect of granting greater free-speech rights to an elite group  those who control the media  than to everybody else.

Religious freedoms, Alito said, are in even greater danger. Quoting the latest recipient of the Nobel Prize for literature, Bob Dylan, Alito said, Its not dark yet, but its getting there.

Alito objected to the courts decision in June not to review a requirement in the state of Washington that pharmacies dispense emergency contraceptives to women. It was challenged by pharmacists who said that they considered some of the drugs to be tantamount to abortion and that dispensing them violated their religious beliefs.

[Supreme Court wont hear challenge from pharmacists over contraception]

Alito said he missed Scalia in ways that transcend the courts jurisprudence. In the courts arguments and conferences since February, Alito said, there has been a palpable emptiness in the room. Something vital is obviously missing.

After speaking to the Federalist Society chapter at Columbia University, Alito said, he was given a T-shirt that read WWSD, a play on the popular Christian slogan What would Jesus do?

At the time, it struck me as slightly sacrilegious, Alito said, adding, Now the question is real.
"My job was to sell, sell sell," says former Trump University instructor James Harris, who explains the inner workings of the company, detailing high pressure sales tactics and the battle for profit. (Dalton Bennett/The Washington Post)

"My job was to sell, sell sell," says former Trump University instructor James Harris, who explains the inner workings of the company, detailing high pressure sales tactics and the battle for profit. (Dalton Bennett/The Washington Post)

President-elect Donald Trump, who has repeatedly bragged that he never settles lawsuits despite a long history of doing so, has agreed to a $25 million settlement to end the fraud cases pending against his defunct real estate seminar program, Trump University.

The settlement eliminates the possibility that Trump will be called to testify in court in the midst of his presidential transition. It ends three separate lawsuits that made claims against Trump University, including a California class action case that was scheduled to go to trial later this month, as well as a second suit in that state and an action filed by New York Attorney General Eric Schneiderman.

In a statement, Trump Organization General Counsel Alan Garten said he thought Trump would have prevailed at trial but settled so Trump could devote his full attention to the important issues facing our great nation during his presidential transition.

Schneiderman, a Democrat who had faced harsh attacks from Trump since filing the 2013 suit, said in a statement that his office had sued Trump for swindling thousands of innocent Americans out of millions of dollars and that the settlement had come despite significant resistance from Trump for years.

Today, that all changes, Schneiderman said. Todays $25 million settlement agreement is a stunning reversal by Donald Trump and a major victory for the over 6,000 victims of his fraudulent university.

Schneiderman said the settlement includes a $1 million penalty paid to New York state for violating the states education laws by calling the program a university despite offering no degrees or traditional education. Trump did not, however, admit fault regarding the claims that customers were cheated.

A lawyer representing former customers in the two California cases also confirmed the settlement at a hearing in San Diego.

[Donald Trump said his university was about education. Actually, it was about sell, sell, sell!]

The Trump University settlement appears to fit a pattern in which lawyers for the president-elect are working to reduce the number of his legal entanglements before he takes office.

On Wednesday, Trumps attorneys dropped an unrelated lawsuit he was pursuing in Florida against Palm Beach County, in which he had complained about commercial air traffic over his Mar-a-Lago estate.

Trump has fought the county for years over flight patterns from the county airport, which he has complained causes too much noise at his club. New airspace restrictions likely to be imposed with Trumps election could mean that Trump will win the long fight without legal action.

Negotiations over the Trump University deal were handled in part by lawyers for Schneiderman, who had filed suit against Trump University in 2013. Schneiderman has called the real estate program a fraud from beginning to end.

1 of 74 Full Screen Autoplay Close Skip Ad  Heres what president-elect Donald Trump has been doing after the election View Photos He has been holding interviews and meeting with Congress and the president as he prepares to transition into the White House. Caption He has been holding interviews and meetings as he prepares to enter the White House. Jan. 19, 2017 President-elect Donald Trump and his wife, Melania, visit the Lincoln Memorial before the Make America Great Again concert. Jabin Botsford/The Washington Post Wait 1 second to continue.

The fates of the New York case and the two California suits were closely linked because they were all brought on behalf of an overlapping pool of former Trump University customers, said a person familiar with the situation, who spoke on condition of anonymity because of the sensitivity of the ongoing negotiations.

Lawyers for customers who sued in California said the settlement must still be approved by the court, but that some customers would see full refunds of the money they spent on Trump University, potentially as much as $35,000 in some cases.

An administrator is expected to be appointed to disburse the funds, but attorney Jason Forge said many could see refunds in three to four months. Forge called the settlement an unprecedented recovery for such a case.

Charles Spada, an attorney for former Trump University president Michael Sexton, said in a statement that the one-time Trump business partner remained proud of the work done at Trump U. and is grateful for the unwavering support he received from Trump.

Trump is known for aggressively pursuing his business interests in court. Still, he has settled lawsuits many times, despite arguing that doing so only invites further litigation.

I dont settle cases. You know what happens? When you start settling lawsuits, everybody sues you, he said on MSNBC in March, responding to a question about Trump University. I dont get sued, because I dont settle cases. I win in court.

The Trump University case emerged as a political issue during the presidential campaign. And even as he rose in the polls, won primaries and emerged as the Republican nominee, Trump at times seemed deeply engrossed in the litigation and repeatedly defended the business from the stump.

At a rally in San Diego in May, Trump dissected the matter at length, insisting that most customers who had spent money on the real estate program had been pleased. He attacked particular plaintiffs by name, including one who later dropped out of the case, citing the publicity.

Trumps San Diego statements included an attack on U.S. District Judge Gonzalo Curiel, who was overseeing the California cases, and a promise: If we have a trial, well go all the way, he said then. Watch how we win it.

In subsequent interviews in June, Trump continued to press complaints against Curiel, alleging that the Indiana-born judge was biased because of his Mexican heritage.

Those comments sparked an uproar that swallowed days of Trumps campaign and subsided only when his campaign released a lengthy statement in June claiming his comments had been misconstrued as a categorical attack against people of Mexican heritage.

The cases against Trump University were based on complaints from customers who described their experiences in programs that could cost more than $30,000.

The former customers said they were taken in by false promises including advertisements in which Trump promised seminar attendees would learn his personal tricks for succeeding in real estate from instructors he had personally hand-picked. In depositions, Trump has acknowledged he did not pick seminar leaders.

Trump argued in a written statement that, with all of the thousands of people who have given the courses such high marks and accolades, we will win this case!

Curiel had strongly urged a settlement in the cases pending in his courtroom, where Trumps lawyers had recently asked for a delay, citing the burdens of the presidential transition. They suggested the trial, which was scheduled to open Nov. 28, would be easier in February or March, after Trump takes office.

Roxana Popescu in San Diego contributed to this report.
First lady Michelle Obama was visiting China with her daughters and mother in 2014 when she remarked to her Chinese counterpart, Peng Liyuan, that it was very rare for her to travel abroad.

The sentiment quickly drew scorn from conservative pundits in the United States who mused about her expensive overseas trips to Africa, Europe and India.

But after nearly eight years, the first lady has been proven correct, at least by comparison to the two women who preceded her, Laura Bush and Hillary Clinton. Although official statistics are hard to come by, figures compiled by the National Taxpayers Union show that Obama has traveled abroad less than half as often as Bush and Clinton.

Obama has made 22 foreign trips and spent 116 days outside the country, according to the NTU analysis, compared to 46 trips and 212 days for Bush and 47 trips and 274 days for Clinton.



Clockwise from bottom left, first lady Michelle Obama; her mother, Marian Robinson; and daughters Malia and Sasha arrive in Beijing on March 20, 2014. (Wang Ye/Xinhua via Reuters)

East Wing aides and outside analysts suggested several reasons to explain the contrast, foremost among them the fact that she and the president have raised their two young daughters in the White House.

Mrs. Obama said she didnt need to race away from home, said Anita McBride, Bushs former chief of staff who now runs a program on first ladies at American University. She was very protective of her schedule from day one.

Yet Obama also took a different approach to her policy work than did her predecessors, focusing more heavily on a domestic agenda. Her chief initiative, Lets Move!, was an effort to combat childhood obesity, and she also worked closely on the Joining Forces program to help military families.

The first ladys office is part of the Executive Office of the President, with a staff and travel budget funded by taxpayers, but the official role of the presidents spouse is not formally defined. Since 1901, when Ida McKinley popped across the U.S. border into Juarez, Mexico, to attend a brunch at a private residence, first ladies have taken trips to other countries  for personal reasons but also as extensions of their husbands diplomatic outreach.

Until Clinton, Eleanor Roosevelt was the most well-traveled first lady, visiting Europe and the South Pacific during World War II as a representative of the American Red Cross.

Clinton, who also raised a young daughter in the White House, revved up the engines of her Air Force jet for 141 stops around the globe, an itinerary that began in earnest during President Bill Clintons second year in office.

After a failed effort to help lead a health-care reform bill through Congress in the first year, Hillary Clinton turned her focus abroad. One of her first stops was a United Nations conference on social development in Copenhagen, where Clinton substituted for Vice President Al Gore.

She was the superstar of the conference, recalled Lissa Muscatine, a former journalist who became Clintons speechwriter and adviser. At the United Nations World Conference on Women in Beijing in 1995, her declaration that womens rights are human rights made headlines around the world.

She realized she could have an impact, Muscatine said, and use the world stage to not only speak out on behalf of womens rights and human rights but galvanizing people to act on those things.



Hillary Clinton meets U.S. soldiers at Camp Alicia in northern Bosnia on March 25, 1996. (Win McNamee/Reuters)

Laura Bush entered the White House when her twin daughters were in college. Unlike Clinton, she was not intimately involved in her husbands domestic governing agenda. But she took on an active role in foreign affairs in the wake of the Sept. 11, 2001, terrorist attacks that scrambled the Bush administrations engagement abroad.

Bush traveled to Afghanistan three times to help promote education initiatives for girls after the U.S.-backed overthrow of the Taliban. She also took a personal interest in promoting social programs in Burma, then run by a repressive military junta.

And she was a frequent companion with President George W. Bush to international summits, something Michelle Obama has shied away from.

Her view was that it was valuable and important for the American first lady to be there, McBride said.



Laura Bush pays respect to Jews and other World War II prisoners who suffered at the Nazi concentration camp in Terezin, near Prague in the Czech Republic in 2002. (J. Scott Applewhite/Associated Press)

By contrast, Michelle Obama did not launch a foreign policy initiative until early 2015, when she announced the Let Girls Learn program. Since then, she has made seven trips abroad, many supporting the initiative; it has been her most sustained stretch of international travel since she took five trips overseas during President Obamas first year in office.

The Obamas entered the White House during a global recession and at a time when Barack Obama had campaigned on ending the long U.S. military conflicts in Afghanistan and Iraq. So it made sense that the first lady focused more heavily on domestic issues, said MaryAnne Borrelli, a professor of government at Connecticut College who has studied the role of first ladies.

Her focus is not to be understood as dismissing international affairs, Borrelli said.

First ladies have at times blurred the line between personal and official visits. On several occasions, Obama has brought along her daughters, Malia and Sasha, and her mother, Marian Robinson, who lives in the White House.

But she learned early on that the scrutiny of her travel would be intensive. In 2010, she was criticized by government watchdog groups over the cost of a vacation to a Mediterranean beach in Spain with her mother, children and two friends. A New York tabloid labeled her a modern-day Marie Antoinette.

Before leaving, Obama made a visit to the king and queen of Spain, transforming the trip into more of a diplomatic visit.

She never made that mistake again, McBride said. It was just not worth it.
President-elect Donald Trump has asked Michael Flynn, a retired lieutenant general with a record of incendiary statements about Muslims, to be his White House national security adviser, a person close to the transition confirmed Thursday night.

At the same time, Trump is soliciting the help of Mitt Romney, a mainstream consensus figure who had been the face of the Republican resistance to Trumps candidacy, in assembling his government.

Trump sought a meeting with Romney, scheduled for this weekend, to broker peace  and Sen. Jeff Sessions (R-Ala.), a vice chairman of Trumps transition, told reporters that Trump could consider the 2012 GOP presidential nominee for an administration position, perhaps secretary of state.

The presence of Flynn and Romney in Trumps orbit sends mixed signals to already jittery leaders around the globe, as well as officials in Washingtons foreign policy community, about the tone and substance of the Trump administrations posture to the world.

Flynn, who would hold the most powerful national security position, is a retired three-star general and decorated intelligence officer who established a close relationship with Trump while campaigning at his side this year. His behavior and a string of controversial and dark statements about Islam, among other topics, have alarmed many of his former colleagues.

Sen. Jeff Sessions (R-Ala.), a vice chairman of President-elect Donald Trumps transition team, and Kellyanne Conway, Trumps campaign manager, speak to reporters at Trump Tower on Thursday. (Carolyn Kaster/AP)

Trumps selection of Flynn, which was first reported by the Associated Press, comes after the president-elect enraged Democrats and civil rights groups by appointing Stephen K. Bannon, former chairman of Breitbart News, an alt-right news site that has become a forum for the white nationalist movement, as his chief strategist and senior counselor in the White House.

Flynn was widely expected to be tapped as national security adviser. A vice chairman of the transition team, Flynn has been a frequent presence at Trump Tower since the election. But the role of Romney was a surprising development, coming as Trump is expanding his outreach to foreign leaders.

[Trumps pick for national security adviser brings experience and controversy]

On Thursday, he met with Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe, who has been concerned by Trumps negative campaign statements about Japan and his position against free trade. In a 90-minute meeting in Trumps New York apartment  attended by Flynn, Trumps oldest daughter, Ivanka, and her husband, Jared Kushner  Abe sought assurances from the incoming U.S. president that he would maintain the long-standing alliance between the two nations.

The Trump-Romney relationship has been marked by acrimony: Trump has said Romney walks like a penguin and choked like a dog, while Romney labeled Trump a phony, a fraud who threatens national security.

But Romney is said to feel compelled by patriotic duty to answer Trumps call for counsel, and he has long been animated by global affairs and enticed by a return to government service  even if he stops short of acquiescing and agreeing to join the Cabinet should Trump extend an offer.

I think its good that the president-elect is meeting with people like Mr. Romney, Sessions said. Hes meeting with a lot of talented people that he needs good relationships with. I think Mr. Romney would be quite capable of doing a number of things, but hell be one of those Im sure thats reviewed, and Mr. Trump will make that decision.

Others close to the transition, however, said they doubted Romney ultimately would be in the mix for a Cabinet post.

[Japans prime minister hopes to build a trusting relationship with Trump]

Romney would be a more conventional choice than two others who are considered to be leading contenders to helm the State Department: former New York mayor Rudolph W. Giuliani and former ambassador to the United Nations John R. Bolton.

A fourth prospect, South Carolina Gov. Nikki Haley, was thrust into the mix for secretary of state after she met Thursday with the president-elect in his Trump Tower office. Haley, who is close with Vice President-elect Mike Pence, criticized Trump during the primaries but has since said she is encouraged by the promise of his presidency.

Calling Haley unbelievably talented, Trump transition spokesman Sean Spicer said on CNN: Donald Trump right now isnt looking to figure out who supported him and who didnt . . . As long as they are committed to bringing change to Washington and making this country better, then they can be part of this team.

Former House speaker Newt Gingrich, who had been considered a potential pick as secretary of state or another Cabinet position, announced Thursday that he had decided to serve Trump only as an outside adviser.

I want to be free to network across the whole system and look at what we have to do to succeed, Gingrich said Thursday when briefly reached by phone. Holding a Cabinet post, he said, would have been not physically doable.

The developments came on the same day that President Obama stood in Berlin with German Chancellor Angela Merkel to reassure Western allies about the United States commitment to NATO and other transatlantic partnerships.

Obama sounded notes of confidence that Trump recognizes the seriousness of the job before him, but he also challenged his successor to aggressively confront Russia.

During the campaign, Trump spoke admiringly of Russian President Vladimir Putin, and the two men spoke by phone on Monday. Obama  whose administration has accused Moscow of meddling in the U.S. elections by hacking the email of the Democratic National Committee  called on Trump to be willing to stand up to Russia where they are deviating from our values and international norms.

The U.S. posture with Russia is not only an area of disagreement between the 44th and 45th presidents, but also between Trump and Romney.

Trump has praised Putin as a stronger leader than Obama and vowed to work with Putin to fight Islamic State terrorists in Syria and elsewhere. Romney, meanwhile, has sharply condemned Putin, as have most Republican leaders.

In other respects, however, Romney would be a natural choice to lead Trumps State Department. He has been an unrelenting critic of Obamas foreign policy and of Hillary Clintons tenure as secretary of state. At a June 2015 summit he organized of business and political leaders in Park City, Utah, Romney presented a PowerPoint slide show assessing global hotspots that was titled: The Most Consequential Obama Foreign Policy Mistakes.

[Mitt Romney gives a brutal Power Point critique of Obamas foreign policy]

Romneys meeting with Trump was an outgrowth of a phone call the two men had last Wednesday, the day after the election. Trump later tweeted, Mitt Romney called to congratulate me on the win. Very nice!

Similarly, Abes meeting with Trump came after the Japanese leader placed a congratulatory phone call to him. Abe, who was scheduled to travel through New York on his way to a regional economic summit in Peru, offered to meet with Trump, who quickly agreed.

Trumps session with Abe raised questions among some in Washingtons foreign policy community because Trump apparently was not briefed by the State Department in advance. A former State Department official said such meetings normally would be preceded by numerous briefings for Trump from key diplomats  which is considered especially important here because the Japanese are concerned about comments Trump made on the campaign trail.

Tokyo fretted over Trumps vow to kill the 12-nation Trans-Pacific Partnership trade accord that includes the United States and Japan, as well as his suggestions that the U.S. military basing agreements in Japan and South Korea are too costly to maintain.

Trump said various things during his campaign, but I will not presuppose what he will do as president, Tomomi Inada, Japans defense minister, said late last week.

Trumps campaign manager, Kellyanne Conway, explained that the Trump-Abe meeting was designed to be informal because Trump has yet to assume office. We are very sensitive to the fact that President Obama is still in office for the next two months, Conway said.

Abe entered the meeting intent on emphasizing their common ground, including more robust U.S. defense spending and Japans role as the United States strongest ally in Asia.

Hes going to work on chemistry and rapport and planting the idea that in the chaotic world that Trump is going to discover, Japan will be one of his best friends, said Mike Green, an analyst at the Center for Strategic and International Studies who served as senior Asia director in the George W. Bush administration. A lot of Asia, and I suspect the Europeans, too, are looking to Abe for signals of how Trump intends to engage the world.

Trump has spoken with or met with several dozen foreign leaders and officials. Ron Dermer, the Israeli ambassador to the United States, appeared at Trump Tower on Thursday afternoon, but neither transition officials nor Israeli Embassy officials responded to questions about whether he met with Trump, someone else, or was just visiting.

With Conway by his side, Dermer told reporters that Israel had no doubt that Trump is a true friend of Israel. Pence, he said, was one of Israels greatest friends in the Congress and we look forward to working . . . with all the members of the Trump administration, including Steve Bannon, and making the U.S.-Israel alliance stronger than ever.

Asked why he had specifically mentioned Bannon, whose Breitbart News site has been decried as anti-Semitic by the Anti-Defamation League, Dermer did not respond.

Meanwhile, another ambassador in Washington, the United Arab Emirates Yousef al-Otaiba, noted in a CNN op-ed that Thursday was the United Nations-designated International Day for Tolerance and said that divisiveness and polarization are on the rise across the world and  if left unchecked  this trend will undermine global stability and peace.

Around the world, there is considerable anxiety about Trumps presidency, and concerned and curious foreign leaders have rushed to establish contact with Trump and Pence.

Unless Trump schedules something earlier, his first international appearance will be at Group of 20 and NATO summits, both scheduled to be held next summer. But many world leaders are pushing for an earlier, up-close and personal sign that the new president wants to be a presence on the global stage.

Clinton had indicated that, if elected president, she would quickly convene NATO leaders for an informal gathering; the two most recent former alliance heads this week called on Trump to do the same.

Anders Fogh Rasmussen and his predecessor, Jaap de Hoop Scheffer, also warned the president-elect against undermining U.S.-European policy on Ukraine by making an early deal with Putin.

Having expected, like most U.S. pollsters, a Clinton victory, U.S. allies are shifting gears to ready for what one senior European diplomat called an earthquake, politically speaking, for the transatlantic alliance.

Greg Miller and Jerry Markon contributed to this report.
President-elect Donald Trump announced Friday that he plans to nominate Sen. Jeff Sessions (R-Ala.) as attorney general and Rep. Mike Pompeo (R-Kan.) as CIA director, a pair of hard-line conservatives who offer early signs of the shape of Trumps Cabinet.

Trump also confirmed the news reported a day earlier that he has selected retired Lt. Gen. Michael T. Flynn as his national security adviser, a position that, unlike the other two, does not need to be confirmed by the Senate.

The president-elect is a man of action, and weve got a great number of men and women with great qualifications who look forward to serving in this administration, Vice President-elect Mike Pence told reporters in New York. Our agency teams arrived in Washington D.C. this morning, and I am very confident it will be a smooth transition that will serve to lead this country forward.

[Jeff Sessions is Donald Trumps biggest fan. Heres how their relationship began.]

The announcements were greeted with widespread applause from Republicans, but Democrats and civil rights groups denounced Sessions and Flynn for their hard-line views on Muslims and immigrants that have put them in close alignment with Trump. The criticism could portend a messy Senate confirmation process for Sessions, though several of his GOP colleagues, including Majority Leader Mitch McConnell (R-Ky.), lavished praise on him.

And Senate Democrats will not be able to filibuster Trumps nominations to executive branch positions, having eliminated that option in 2013 for all nominations except Supreme Court justices.

Flynn has spoken out frequently against radical Islam and clashed with the Obama administration while serving as head of the Defense Intelligence Agency, from where he was ousted in 2014. Sessions supported Trumps call last year for a temporary ban on Muslims entering the United States and has called for deporting millions of people who are in the country illegally.

In a statement, Trump called Sessions one of his most trusted campaign advisers and cited his world-class legal mind.

Jeff is greatly admired by legal scholars and virtually everyone who knows him, Trump said.

Trump said he was pleased to have Flynn at his side as we work to defeat radical Islamic terrorism, navigate geopolitical challenges and keep Americans safe at home and abroad.

Late Friday, Robert L. Woodson Sr., who heads the Center for Neighborhood Enterprise in Washington and advises House Speaker Paul D. Ryan (R-Wis.) on poverty issues, said he is under consideration to be secretary of housing and urban development in Trumps Cabinet. Woodson is scheduled to meet with Trump in Bedminster, N.J. on Saturday. If selected, Woodson, who is black, would add diversity to Trumps team.

Also Friday, Trump spoke by phone with NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg, and the two men underlined NATOs enduring importance, according to a statement from a NATO spokeswoman. During the campaign, Trump had said he might reconsider the United Statess commitment to the alliance. Stoltenberg invited Trump to Brussels for the NATO Summit next year.

President-elect Donald Trump has tapped Rep. Mike Pompeo (R-Kan.) to be CIA director, close allies say. Here's what we know about him. (Victoria Walker/The Washington Post)

GOP officials working with the Trump transition operation said that the president-elect plans to meet Friday with former Arkansas governor Mike Huckabee (R), amid reports he is being considered to be U.S. ambassador to Israel. Also spotted at Trump Tower on Friday was Sen. Tom Cotton (R-Ark.), reportedly a candidate for defense secretary.

Among those Trump will meet with on Saturday are former Massachusetts governor Mitt Romney, who has been cited as a possible candidate for secretary of state, former D.C. public schools chancellor Michelle Rhee, Chicago Cubs co-owner Todd Ricketts and retired Marine Gen. James Mattis, whose name also has been mentioned as a potential defense secretary nominee.

Meantime, the Trump transition named agency landing teams for the departments of Defense, State and Justice, along with the National Security Council, to help smooth the transfer of power in the weeks leading up to Trumps inauguration Jan. 20.

Sessions, 69, was Trumps first endorser in the Senate and quickly became the then-candidates chief resource on policy, but the fourth-term senator has been dogged by accusations of racism throughout his career.

In 1986, he was denied a federal judgeship after former colleagues testified before a Senate committee that he joked about the Ku Klux Klan, saying he thought they were okay, until he learned that they smoked marijuana.

If you have nostalgia for the days when blacks kept quiet, gays were in the closet, immigrants were invisible and women stayed in the kitchen, Senator Jefferson Beauregard Sessions is your man, Rep. Luis Gutierrez (D-Ill.) said in a statement. No senator has fought harder against the hopes and aspirations of Latinos, immigrants, and people of color than Sen. Sessions.

The NAACP wrote in a Twitter message that Sessionss nomination is deeply troubling, and supports and old, ugly history where Civil Rights were not regarded as core American values.

Sean Spicer, a Republican National Committee spokesman who has been assisting the Trump transition operation, said on a conference call with reporters that the nominees personal view isnt what matters. You are serving the president-elect of the United States and his views . . . Everybody who serves in a Trump administration will serve Donald Trump and Mike Pence. They will implement their vision and their ideas.

South Carolina Gov. Nikki Haley (R), appearing at a Federalist Society convention in Washington, did not mention Trumps nominees in her remarks. But Haley, whose parents immigrated from India, urged the Republican Party to remind the public that it is the party who will offer opportunities to all citizens, regardless of their race, gender or where they are born and raised.

Sessions served as a U.S. Attorney for the Southern District of Alabama and as Alabamas attorney general. In a statement, he said there was no greater honor than to lead the Justice Department.

I enthusiastically embrace President-elect Trumps vision for one America, and his commitment to equal justice under law, Sessions said in a statement. I look forward to fulfilling my duties with an unwavering dedication to fairness and impartiality.

Sen. Jeff Flake (R-Ariz), a key Judiciary Committee member who had been wary of Trump during the campaign, intends to support Sessionss nomination, his office said.

Sen. Ted Cruz (R-Tex.), also at the Federalist Society convention in Washington, said that Sessions would make an extraordinary attorney general.

He is a committed and deeply principled conservative, Cruz said.

Several Senate Democrats pledged a rigorous confirmation review.

Sen. Charles Schumer (D-N.Y.), who will become Minority Leader in January, said Sessionss rhetoric and opposition to a comprehensive immigration reform in 2013 make him very concerned about what he would do with the Civil Rights Division.

But some conservatives suggested it would be politically damaging to Democrats if they attempt to block Trumps nominees.

Mr. Trump has a plane and double-digit victories where Senate Democrats are up for reelection, said Leonard A. Leo, executive vice president of The Federalist Society. Obstructing his nominees will be a political loser.

Pompeo, 52, was elected to the House in 2010 as part of the first wave of so-called tea party lawmakers. A U.S. Military Academy and Harvard Law School graduate, he has a varied background. He served as a U.S. Army cavalry officer before founding an aerospace company, serving as president of an oil-field equipment manufacturing firm and  in a brief, little-known chapter of his early career  was an attorney with the Washington, D.C. mega-law firm Williams and Connolly.

He currently serves on the House Permanent Select Committee on Intelligence and is a close ally of Pence.

He has served our country with honor and spent his life fighting for the security of our citizens, Trump said of Pompeo in a statement.

Notably, Pompeo backed Sen. Marco Rubio (R-Fla.) over Trump in the Republican presidential primary. In May, a Pompeo spokesman gave a somewhat tepid endorsement, saying the congressman would support the nominee of the Republican Party because Hillary Clinton cannot be president of the United States.

Pompeo is a vocal critic of President Obamas nuclear accord with Iran. I look forward to rolling back this disastrous deal with the worlds largest state sponsor of terrorism, he tweeted Thursday, before his offer to become CIA director was public.

The choices of Sessions and Pompeo follow Trumps decision to offer the position of national security adviser to Flynn, and confirm the president-elects desire to assemble his Cabinet by naming national security and law enforcement leaders first.

[Trumps pick for national security adviser brings experience and controversy]

At the same time, Trump is soliciting the help of Romney, a mainstream consensus figure who had been the face of the Republican resistance to Trumps candidacy, in assembling his government.

Trump sought a meeting with Romney, who had fiercely criticized him during the campaign, to broker peace  and Sessions, a vice chairman of Trumps transition, told reporters that Trump could consider the 2012 GOP presidential nominee for an administration position, perhaps secretary of state.

The presence of Flynn and Romney in Trumps orbit sends mixed signals to already jittery leaders around the globe, as well as officials in Washingtons foreign policy community, about the tone and substance of the Trump administrations posture to the world.

Flynn, who would hold the most powerful national security position, is a retired three-star general and decorated intelligence officer who established a close relationship with Trump while campaigning at his side this year. His behavior and a string of controversial and dark statements about Islam, among other topics, have alarmed many of his former colleagues.

Trumps selection of Flynn comes after the president-elect enraged Democrats and civil rights groups by appointing Stephen K. Bannon, former chairman of Breitbart News, an alt-right news site that has become a forum for the white nationalist movement, as his chief strategist and senior counselor in the White House.

Karen DeYoung, Robert Costa, Mike DeBonis, Ellen Nakashima, Greg Miller, Phillip Rucker and Katie Zezima contributed to this report.
[November 18, 2016] ShapeBlue contributes native support for Kubernetes and Docker to Apache CloudStack

Seville, Spain, Nov. 18, 2016 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- ShapeBlue, the largest independent integrator of CloudStack technologies worldwide, today announced at ApacheCon Europe that it will be donating its CloudStack Container Service software to the Apache CloudStack project. The technology integrates CloudStack with Kubernetes and Docker to provide a seamless Container-as-a-Service (CaaS) offering within existing Infrastructure-as-a-Service (IaaS) environments with no disruption to user experience or business process.



"We are really excited to be handing over the code and IP of CloudStack Container Service to the CloudStack project as part of our ongoing commitment to open source," said Giles Sirett, CEO of ShapeBlue. "The CloudStack project is the best environment for others to build on the work weve done to date."



CloudStack Container Service is a plug-in for Apache CloudStack that enables users to create container clusters within an existing multi-tenant environment, provided by CloudStack. The user experience is seamless: users can both manage container clusters and deploy/manage cloud native applications in the same user-interface that they use to manage their existing compute, network, and storage. Service providers running dedicated or custom UIs benefit from a number of simple API calls that have been added to the CloudStack API to allow simple integration.



"We have focused on creating a seamless experience between CloudStack orchestrated infrastructure and Kubernetes orchestrated container environments to meet demand from our customers," explained Sirett.



The project began as a collaboration between ShapeBlue and Skippbox, providers of platforms and tools that ease the deployment and lifecycle management of cloud-native applications. It has been available for download since May 2016 under the Apache 2.0 license and, ultimately, will be oved under the governance of the Apache CloudStack project.







"The Kubernetes CloudStack plug-in has been used by a number of cloud service providers for some time, and we are now confident about its potential to be utilised for a number of other use-cases by the open source community," said Skippbox founder and CEO, Sebastien Goasguen. "Open sourcing it is the right thing to do, to help the community transition to a container world."



The software gives end-users the ability to use multiple container engines such as Docker or rkt from CoreOS, hosted container registries like Docker hub, Quay or Google Container Registry (GCE), as well as their own private registries. It provides this whilst overcoming the biggest challenge for existing IaaS providers: how to quickly offer their users a robust CaaS offering, but with a seamless user experience and no disruption of their existing IaaS business processes and commercial models.





Ian Rae, CEO of Cloudops, said "ShapeBlue's contribution allows service providers to offer 'Containers-as-a-Service' for their customers (similar to AWS ECS) based on Apache CloudStack. Their customers can now provision and manage containers on top of their cloud resources. CloudOps works with many open source cloud computing projects and we believe this contribution represents an important advancement in the capabilities of Apache CloudStack."



"The underlying framework that we have created can be easily used as a basis for integrating Docker swarm, Apache Mesos, Apache Hadoop, or any other cluster orientated platform," explained Sirett. "Adoption can be greatly accelerated by making this part of CloudStack itself, where the community can collaborate on further development."



"Supporting containers is a great step forward for our users given the current cloud computing landscape," said Will Stevens, Vice President of Apache CloudStack. "We appreciate ShapeBlue contributing this integration to the CloudStack community."



Further information on CloudStack Container Service is available at http://www.shapeblue.com/cloudstack-container-service/



About ShapeBlue

ShapeBlue are the largest independent integrator of CloudStack technologies globally and are specialists in the design and implementation of IaaS cloud infrastructures for both private and public cloud implementations. Services include IaaS cloud design, software engineering, CloudStack consulting, and training. The company has a global customer base with offices in London (UK), Mountain View (CA), Bangalore (India), Rio de Janeiro (Brazil), and Cape Town (South Africa). For more information, visit http://www.shapeblue.com/. "Apache", "CloudStack", and "Apache CloudStack" are registered trademarks or trademarks of the Apache Software Foundation in the United States and/or other countries. "Kubernetes" is a trademark of the Cloud Native Computing Foundation. All other brands and trademarks are the property of their respective owners. CONTACT: ShapeBlue Media Office [email protected] +44(0) 20 3603 0540

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1 of 15 Full Screen Autoplay Close Skip Ad  Where We Live | Old Dominion in Arlington, Va. View Photos This walkable community has a range of housing styles, from 1940s Colonials to McMansions. Caption This walkable community has a range of housing styles, from 1940s Colonials to McMansions. Old Dominion in Arlington is bounded by 26th Street North to the north, North Wakefield Street to the east, Lee Highway to the south and North Columbus Street to the west. Amanda Voisard/For The Washington Post Wait 1 second to continue.

For Jim and Abby Hughey, finding a house in the Old Dominion neighborhood of Arlington was no easy task, but they say it was worth the effort.

The couple placed offers on nine or 10 houses before finally closing on their 1940s brick Colonial house and moving in at the beginning of July 2014. All told, it was a six-month process.

We didnt say we need a brand-new house, Jim Hughey said. We were very interested in a good location with a neighborhood feel.

And for them, Old Dominion filled the bill. Finding a house required discipline, said Jim Hughey, a banker. We looked ourselves. When youre on the house hunt, you keep your eyes peeled. Then they turned to a real estate agent.

The Hugheys, new parents and first-time homeowners, say they like that they can walk to nearby shopping and get to their jobs easily.

[In the Montgomery farm country, Poolesville is a small-town delight]

They had lived in a high-rise close to the Ballston Metro station for almost 10 years and had their eyes on the nearby residential neighborhood just 1 to 1 miles from the station. We always liked it, he said. It had a neighborhood feel and was also walkable. We knew we wanted to stay in Arlington.





Its an easy commute  by bus or bike  for him, and even closer for his wife, who works as a government contractor in Tysons Corner. Thats why it all makes sense, said Jim Hughey, 36. He tends to bike when the weather is appealing and otherwise relies on an express bus to the McPherson Square Metro station. He can pick up the 3Y Metro bus on Lee Highway, a block from their house.

Plethora of shops and eateries: Old Dominions closest shopping area is just across Lee Highway, where there are banks and insurance businesses as well as locally owned shops that draw neighborhood residents and others.

The Lee Heights Shops, on Lee Highway (Route 29), include restaurants, a bakery, a needlepoint shop, a childrens shoe store and an antiques and home furnishings store, among others. It really checks all of our boxes, Jim Hughey said. Other stores, including a Harris Teeter, are at the Lee Harrison Shopping Center, and there is a Safeway in Cherrydale.

On a recent Monday, midday diners were already seated at Cassatts: A Kiwi Cafe & Gallery, where local art is displayed and a variety of egg dishes, quesadillas, burgers and vegetarian lasagna dot the menu. The marble mousse cake at Pastries by Randolph calls out to customers from a glass case filled with cakes, pastries and cookies.

[Bellevue is a quiet corner of Southwest D.C. that has undergone a transformation ]

Its very neighborhoody, said Jenni Emory, the manager at Random Harvest, Antiques and Home Furnishings. Emory lives in a townhouse in the neighborhood. Her younger son attends Yorktown High School while her older son is a student at Virginia Commonwealth University. Of the Lee Heights Shops, she says, Its really a sweet little destination. Everybody makes their stops along the way. On the other side of Lee Highway, closer to the residential neighborhood, is the Metro 29 Diner, and farther up the hill, away from the District, is a hardware store.

Living there: Old Dominion is bounded by 26th Street North to the north, North Wakefield Street to the east, Lee Highway to the south and North Columbus Street to the west.

The Old Dominion Citizens Association includes about 450 households, according to Richard Lolich, president of the association, who has lived in the neighborhood since 1983. He worked in the private sector and, more recently, retired from the Transportation Department. Through the years, he has seen a lot of changes in the neighborhood, most notably the increase in families with school-age children.



Houses range from brick Colonials built in the 1940s to newer houses that have replaced older homes, as is common inside the Beltway. (Amanda Voisard/For the Washington Post)

Houses range from brick Colonials built in the 1940s to newer houses that have replaced older homes, as is common inside the Beltway. In addition, there are townhouses built in the 1970s, condominiums and apartments. The neighborhood association is working with Arlington County to create a new park at North 26th Street and Old Dominion Drive.

According to Jade Yang, principal agent with Metropolitan Premier Living, Signature Home Realty, in Tysons Corner, in the past year, 21 properties sold in the Old Dominion neighborhood, ranging from a three-bedroom, one-bath bungalow for $360,000 to a five-bedroom, seven-bath transitional home for $1.8 million. Two properties are on the market: a three-bedroom, two-bath Cape Cod for $709,000 and a five-bedroom, five-bath Craftsman for $1.6 million, based on data from multiple-listing service MRIS.

Schools: Discovery Elementary, Williamsburg Middle, Yorktown High.

Transit: Ballston Metro on the Orange and Silver lines is the closest Metro stop; there are both Metro and Arlington County Transit (ART) buses. The 3Y Metro bus stops in Lee Heights en route to the McPherson Square Metro station Monday through Friday during the rush hour, suitable for commuters to the District.

Crime: During the past 12 months, according to Arlington County police, one aggravated assault (domestic) was reported in the neighborhood.


Abortion rights advocates and feminist activists (clockwise from top left) Aleksandra Solik, Zofia Marcinek, Bozena Przyluska, Izabela Maksymowicz, Martyna Edyta and Katarzyna Bogusz-Przybylska. Grass-roots feminist groups organized street rallies advocating for abortion rights in Poland in October that halted a government bill to ban all abortions. They expect a protracted fight with Polands nationalist government and the conservative Catholic Church. (Andrew Roth/The Washington Post)

The long-submerged struggle over abortion has abruptly resurfaced in Poland after more than a generation, as the failure of a right-wing initiative to impose an outright ban has revitalized the countrys feminist movement.

The most hopeful now have their sights on overturning the legal restrictions on abortion that date back 23 years, and bringing womens issues in from the margins of Polish society.

Warsaw is  for the first time in a generation  a small hotbed of abortion rights activism.

The feminist and womens movement even half a year ago was quite small, and because of the protests, it has expanded, said Barbara Nowacka, an opposition politician and activist who held a public discussion in a downtown Warsaw cafe on a recent evening.

Across town, activists were protesting at Parliament. You could say that were in the same place we were a year ago. The abortion law has not changed. But weve managed to build big support for womens issues, not only for abortion but for dignity, the fight against domestic violence and others, Nowacka said.

Some women are going public, sharing their stories. The most famous is Natalia Przybysz, a Polish R&B singer who released a downbeat protest anthem, Through a Dream, a self-inspired ballad about traveling to Slovakia for an abortion. Nobody speaks, she told Gazeta Wyborcza, a liberal Polish daily, last month. And this solitude is terrible. I felt like I was the only woman in Poland who ever did it. The tabloids went on the attack.

But her openness was not in vain. Izabela Maksymowicz, 35, a mother of two and a feminist, heard her and could relate. Maksymowicz was a fellow demonstrator in last months Black Protest movement, in which 30,000 women descended on the capitals Castle Square in a swell of black umbrellas. Some women carried wire clothes hangers that day.

Her story is my story, Maksymowicz said in an interview in her apartment in a bedroom community of the Polish capital, as her son slept on a couch nearby. She has two kids. I have two kids.

She was not ready for a third. When Maksymowicz chose to have an abortion last year, she decided to travel abroad to a clinic in Berlin rather than go underground.

I didnt want this kind of stigma, of doing something illegal, she said. The protests and Przybyszs story inspired her to write a post on Facebook telling friends what had happened, which she called a coming-out. She allowed The Washington Post to use her name, knowing that other women who have spoken openly about abortion have been criticized.

We are human, she said. We cant take any more on our shoulders. There is already so much. To me, this is the language we can use, and we should use, to talk about these very hard issues. Because when we use words like abortion, liberalization, then they imagine things. Not people.



Activist Izabela Maksymowicz, a mother of two, recently revealed via Facebook that she had an abortion in Germany last year in preference to having the procedure done underground in Poland. (Andrew Roth/The Washington Post)

Tens of thousands of women face a similar choice each year in Poland, where abortions are banned except in extreme cases: danger to the mothers life, severe birth defects or pregnancy as a result of rape or incest. They choose to go abroad to find gynecologists who are sympathetic or willing to break the law for money; to order pills on the Internet; or, in extreme cases, to resort to homemade methods.

Their stories are usually shared in whispers, if at all; as speculation increases over whether the U.S. Supreme Court could overturn the landmark case Roe v. Wade, Poland delivers a poignant counterfactual. Abortion was legal here until communism fell, but a resurgent Catholic Church in 1993 struck a deal with the government. Poles tend to call it the compromise, although activists say it is anything but. Just 1,040 legal terminations were carried out in Poland last year. In many cases, activists say, doctors will not perform abortions even when they are permitted to do so under the law.

The street protests last month helped defeat a right-wing legislative initiative to ban abortion outright. But the issue has not been resolved. The activists interviewed for this article repeated one characterization of Polish society: divided. The culture wars are a blood sport.

Ive probably been insulted more in the past month than in my entire life, said Zofia Marcinek, who began attending feminist demonstrations at age 14 and helped organize last months protests. People perceive feminism very negatively in Poland. Its all those jokes about feminist women hating men and burning bras. It is seen as something violent.

Concerned that protesters will begin to tire of public demonstrations, she is focusing on educational initiatives and helping to organize the dozens of scattered new nongovernmental organizations dedicated to womens issues.

If the protests halted the total ban on abortions, legalizing most abortions, a process commonly called liberalization, also seems unlikely. A poll by Newsweek Polska reported that 74 percent of Poles support maintaining the current legislation.

One woman, a government employee, who attended Nowackas discussion said that she had protested the total ban on abortions and wanted to see better sex education. But if a bunch of feminists go out and say they want to get rid of the

law entirely, then I would be against.

The retort is usually that the status quo does not work.

Every week, several women from the provinces come to Warsaw looking for Romuald Debski, the head of gynecology and obstetrics at Bielanski Hospital. Of the approximately 1,000 legal abortions that are carried out each year in Poland, many are linked to Down syndrome. Close to a third of them are performed at Debskis hospital.

Antiabortion demonstrators have picketed him there, carrying banners showing his image next to aborted fetuses.

I have been called a murderer, and there have been protesters outside my hospital, he said. So far, I havent been put to jail for my actions, but we have seen cases of doctors being put to jail for saying what they really think.

Jaroslaw Kaczynski, the powerful leader of Polands majority, and highly conservative, Law and Justice party, said he opposed the total abortion ban last month after the protests. But he has signaled support for new laws.

Even when the pregnancy is very difficult, when the child is doomed to die or seriously malformed, he told a Polish news agency in an interview, it is important that there is a delivery, so that the child can be christened and buried, so that it has a name.

Since then, the government has authorized cash payments to mothers to carry disabled fetuses to term.

The abortion restrictions are older than many of the protesters.

I was a small child when abortion was banned, said Martyna Edyta, a 23-year-old from a small, conservative town in southern Poland who now heads an abortion rights NGO called Medical Students for Choice. Two of her childhood friends have had abortions: one in Slovakia, the other in the Czech Republic.

I was born into the status quo, Edyta said. This is the first moment when people are discussing abortion or reproductive rights in my lifetime.

An older generation of activists, still here, remembers protesting in 1992 to keep abortion rights. They collected more than 1 million signatures and still lost.

Read more:

Rule No. 1 for Polands new right-wing government: Ignore the critics

New report rekindles questions about 2010 plane crash that killed Polish leader

Polands controversial new media law could get it booted off Eurovision

Todays coverage from Post correspondents around the world

Like Washington Post World on Facebook and stay updated on foreign news


Chinese tourists walk on the broken bridge that extends only halfway to North Korea  it was bombed by the United States during the Korean War  as trucks go back and forth across the operational bridge that acts as the main commercial artery between the countries. (Anna Fifield/The Washington Post)

Theres a chill in the air in Dandong these days, and not just because winter is coming.

A steady stream of trucks still rumble across the single-lane bridge from China to North Korea from dawn until dusk every day, and North Koreans can still be seen in the streets and in the restaurants of this grimy border city, the commercial gateway to the isolated state.

But trading has become significantly harder in recent weeks, a dozen people involved in doing business with North Korea said in interviews, the result of a double-pronged attempt by Beijing to communicate its anger with the regime in Pyongyang.

Everythings become tougher since September, a Korean Chinese factory owner who employs North Korean workers here told The Washington Post. This crackdown is because of the missile and nuclear tests, and it doesnt look like its going to blow over.

This news might be slightly more encouraging than official Washington has been expecting  but only slightly. Although China is annoyed with North Korea, its primary consideration  keeping the regime afloat  has not changed.

Indeed, the chill here is partly because of the tough international sanctions imposed in March after North Korea conducted its fourth nuclear test. They are aimed at cutting off North Koreas ability to earn hard currency through coal exports and shipping.

But an equal or even bigger influence is the surprise detention of a prominent Dandong business executive, a member of the Communist Party no less, who stands accused of helping North Korea dodge sanctions and obtain materials for its weapons program.

When business people hear this kind of story, of course we feel very constrained and it makes us very cautious, a South Korean businessman trading in this area said on the condition of anonymity. The atmosphere is so tense that none of the business executives interviewed were willing to be publicly identified, even as they insisted that everything was aboveboard.

Business is down, but no one knows how long that will last. Even now, there are plenty of ambiguous signs: The annual trade fair here was canceled  yet coal exports from North Korea are breaking records. China holds the lever, and its intentions can be only speculated upon.

For more than a decade, the international community, led by the United States, has tried to inflict economic pain on North Korea in an effort to convince it that the costs of pursuing a nuclear weapons program outweigh any benefits.

North Korea leader Kim Jong Un has tested nuclear weapons and ballistic missiles at an unprecedented rate since he came into power. Yet, the country is under some of the toughest sanctions ever. This is how the regime is able to funnel billions of dollars into its nuclear program. (Jason Aldag/The Washington Post)

Increasingly tight rounds of sanctions have, however, clearly failed to change the regimes calculus. North Koreas leader, Kim Jong Un, has ordered two nuclear tests and dozens of missile launches this year, apparently aiming to produce a nuclear weapon capable of reaching the U.S. mainland.

[North Korea runs its fifth nuclear test, claims its warheads have extra power]

Sanctions are the only tool that the international community really has, given that there is no appetite for engagement and even less for military action.

In March, the U.N. Security Council passed a resolution that, among other tough measures, ordered mandatory inspections of all cargo going into North Korea and banned North Korean exports of coal, iron and iron ore unless they are for livelihood purposes.

But with almost all North Korean trade going through China, and Dandong specifically, sanctions are only as effective as Beijing wants them to be. Beijing doesnt want the collapse of its impoverished nuclear-armed neighbor, and it certainly doesnt want the 28,000 American troops stationed in South Korea to be able to move right up to the peninsulas border with China.

China has a permanent interest in keeping North Korea afloat no matter what, said Andrei Lankov, a Korea expert who teaches at Kookmin University in Seoul. You will never be able to persuade China to do something different.

As a result, this frontier long has felt like a border in name only.

There were always officials willing to turn a blind eye, middlemen brokering deals in the shadows, entrepreneurs looking to gain a foothold in what they hoped would become an increasingly open market.

Sanctions were a matter for faraway Beijing, and even farther-away Washington.

[North Koreas growing economy  and Americas misconceptions about it]

But theres a shift in the wind. And the question now is: After the nuclear tests and missile launches, including three while China was hosting the Group of 20 summit meeting in September, is President Xi Jinping angry enough to inflict a little more pain on Kim?



At the port in Donggang, just south of Dandong, fishermen on boats flying both Chinese and North Korean flags complain bitterly about the people on the other side of the river. If they intercept you at sea, they force you into port and take everything. If they see you're wearing a watch, they confiscate it, said one fisherman, standing on the deck of the rickety boat. (Anna Fifield/The Washington Post)

Loophole is still open

What was once a black-and-white picture  China supported sanctions in principle but not in practice  has become a complicated gray one.

There is plenty of activity going on here. Dozens of trucks laden with steel rebar and sacks of cement line up on the road outside the customs house every day, waiting to cross into North Korea.

At the main logistics center, everything from tangerines to a Mercedes-Benz SUV without tags was being prepared for export on a recent day. The customs process has become a little more complicated, said a North Korean driver with a truck full of tiles. But if you pay, its okay.

Solar panels and generators continue to be popular, and there are still tens of thousands of North Korean laborers here. And trade in coal, which makes up about 40 percent of North Koreas exports, hit a record in August.

That is because China has a different interpretation of the livelihood exception, said Western diplomats involved in the process. While the international community has focused on the ban, China is focusing on the exception.

[U.N. adopts sweeping new sanctions on North Korea]

Diplomats in Beijing are highly doubtful that the Chinese government has any intention to seriously punish North Korea, expressing frustration at the coal figures and skepticism about reports of tougher times on the border.

In the wake of Septembers nuclear test, the United States has been pushing the United Nations to close the loophole, but China has resisted.

China still believes it should not hurt ordinary people in North Korea, said Zhang Tuosheng, director of research at the China Foundation for International and Strategic Studies.

The main problem is that the gap between the U.S. and China on North Korea is so huge, Zhang said. I dont think China would agree to close the livelihood exception. That would damage ordinary people.

But one joint action, even if it was grudging, has had a tangible impact.



Chinese tourists pose next to Chinese and North Korean flags on the riverfront in Dandong, a city that acts as the commercial gateway into North Korea. Across the Yalu river, the North Korean city of Sinuiju is clearly visible. (Anna Fifield/The Washington Post)

In September, the U.S. Justice Department slapped sanctions on the Dandong Hongxiang Industrial Development company and its chief executive, Ma Xiaohong, accusing her of using the company as a front to channel American dollars to North Korea, helping it to finance its nuclear weapons program. It was the first time Washington had used secondary sanctions to punish a Chinese entity for helping North Korea.

Chinese provincial authorities, while saying their actions were independent, responded by detaining Ma and launching an investigation of Hongxiang, alleging the company committed serious economic crimes.

That someone who was such a big mover and shaker here could be stopped in her tracks has sent shivers through Dandong.

Ma was a city official and the government doesnt usually mess with people like that. Its had a very serious impact here, the Korean Chinese factory owner said.

The South Korean businessman echoed this sentiment: I personally think that the Hongxiang case has had a bigger impact than sanctions. The vibe I get is that people are being cautious.

In interviews, businessmen detailed an increasingly difficult operating environment.

[A new push to stop North Korea from sending workers abroad]

Last year, I did about 10 big deals  construction equipment, automobiles  but this year, Ive done none, said a Korean Chinese intermediary who brokers deals for investors on both sides of the border.

The actions, and specifically those against Hongxiang, have riled some locals.

Dandong people are feeling insulted, like the Americans are bullying us, said a man who said his name was Wang and who drives business people around town. This was business approved by the governments in China and North Korea. You can link any material to nuclear development if you want to.



The Chinese city of Dandong has developed significantly in recent years, but the citys economy relies on trade with North Korea. Doing business here has become significantly harder following sanctions and the detention of a prominent businesswoman accused of helping North Korea, local traders say. (Anna Fifield/The Washington Post)

People involved in the Hongxiang case warn against seeing Chinas response as the start of a broader crackdown, with one saying that getting Beijing to act was exceptionally difficult.

But recent evidence shows, Lankov said, that Beijing has decided to enforce  and not enforce  sanctions in a new, controlled way.

This is all being done at the central-government level, assuming that low-level officials are difficult to control, Lankov said. They need it to be planned and measured.

China will always put its interests first, he said.

They want to have the situation under control. They will keep North Korea afloat, but the central government in Beijing will decide which buttons to push and when.

How long will this chill last?

Business executives here said they hope that it wont continue much longer. Whenever there are specific events, China shows that they have tightened up for a short period. But after some time, it goes back to business as usual, said one of the South Koreans who spoke to The Post.

But the ball is in North Koreas court.

It depends on whether there is a sixth nuclear test or not, the Korean Chinese middleman said. If that happens, things are going to get even harder.

Yoonjung Seo and Congcong Zhang contributed to this report.

Read more

Did North Korea just test missiles capable of hitting the U.S.? Maybe.

She fled North Korea and turned to online sex work. Then she escaped again.

North Korea shows no sign of wanting to talk about releasing two Americans

Todays coverage from Post correspondents around the world

Like Washington Post World on Facebook and stay updated on foreign news
Amid surging fears about what Donald Trumps presidency will mean for nations lining Russias border, the employees of Latvias Defense Ministry have a worst-case plan: They will defend their imposing headquarters in central Riga to the last.

They formed a 20-person-strong unit of a volunteer militia over the summer. They are armed. And they have been training.

Baltic leaders, scarred by the Soviet takeover in 1940 that lasted for more than half a century, are worried that they could be cut out of any deal that Trump makes with Russian President Vladimir Putin. The president-elect repeatedly praised Putin on the campaign trail as a stronger leader than President Obama and has vowed to prioritize cooperation with the Kremlin on anti-terrorism efforts. Trump and Putin spoke on the phone Monday in a conversation that made no mention of Russias annexation of Crimea or support for rebels in eastern Ukraine, according to the Kremlin.

[Kremlin: Trump, Putin agree in call to improve U.S.-Russia relations]

Here in Latvia, a nation of 2 million where the annual government budget is one-sixtieth what the United States spends on its military alone, security officials are responding to the U.S. push to bolster their military capabilities in big and small ways. That includes the scrappy effort to protect the Defense Ministry, a fallback plan that employees were preparing even before Trumps victory.





We will have weapons in the ministry and we will be ready to defend ourselves, said Defense Ministry State Secretary Janis Garisons, a mild-mannered former diplomat who is the senior civil servant in the ministry  and who has been drilling with his colleagues since summertime.

Latvia, Lithuania and Estonia joined the North Atlantic Treaty Organization in 2004 and received commitments of thousands of allied troops just this summer. But they were spooked by Trumps campaign-time view that NATO was obsolete and his vow that he would not automatically come to the aid of U.S. allies if they were attacked by Russia and instead would review if they fulfill their obligations to us.

Now Baltic leaders are waiting to see how Trump actually shapes his evolving relationship toward Putin and NATO. Mindful that Baltic states have little ability to shape U.S. policy, officials say that they will simply hold to current plans, which include bolstering defense spending above NATO guidelines. Many are skeptical that Trumps dreams of detente with Russia will be successful. But Latvian officials also say they are ramping up planning for the last-ditch scenario if they need to fend off Russia on their own.

Though the countries would be vastly outmatched if the Kremlin invaded using its conventional forces, they say they have the will to mount a fierce insurgency. Latvia is expanding its part-time volunteer force, the National Guard, to 8,000 people, and in the wake of Trumps election hopes to push the numbers higher. Estonia has enrolled more than 25,000 volunteers in its similar Defense League. Lithuania has published guides about what to do in case of Russian invasion.

The dreams that Americans or God will save us, its somehow over, said Artis Pabriks, a former Latvia defense minister who is now a lawmaker in the European Parliament. We simply have to stick to the view that if something should happen, we will fight like the Finns in 1939, so the West will have to help us.

Angst about Trump suffused Latvian Independence Day celebrations Friday, even making its way into the official benediction at the 13th-century Riga Cathedral as leaders and military officials prayed for Latvias continued freedom. The service ended with Latvias national anthem, which was a crime to sing during the half-century of Russian domination that ended in 1991.

For the first time were worried about our future, our kids, said Ivars Aboltins, 41, a civil engineer who brought his family to the banks of the Daugava River on Friday to watch a military parade marking the holiday. A handful of U.S., British and Canadian troops stationed in the country also took part.

At home, we dont talk about politics, but he can tell were worried, Aboltins said of his 8-year-old son.

But amid the concerns, Latvians also take comfort that despite the countrys size, they believe it has pulled its weight in recent years. Latvian forces fought alongside U.S. soldiers in Afghanistan and Iraq, and seven soldiers were killed.

We are not going to panic, said Latvian Foreign Minister Edgars Rinkevics. We really don't see the end of the world as we know it.

He noted that Obama and President George W. Bush also tried to reset relations with Putin before abandoning those efforts when the Kremlin proved more obstreperous than they expected.

Despite the concerns from national leaders, voices in Latvias ethnic Russian minority, which is about a third of the population, welcome the prospect of reconciliation between the United States and Russia.

If we can get back to the relations we had in 2013, before the Crimean annexation, wed welcome that, said Nils Usakovs, the mayor of Riga and the leader of the Harmony Center party, which draws most of its support from Russian speakers. It was very relaxed. There was trade, tourism.

Over the summer, the United States, Britain, Canada and Germany committed to lead battalions of about a thousand troops each in Latvia, Poland, Lithuania and Estonia. Despite Trumps questioning of NATO, the U.S. troops who will be deploying to Poland early next year have already begun the complex logistical arrangements to transit across the ocean. And it is unclear whether the new president would be willing to accept the international opprobrium that would come from backing down on the plans.

People who go to Moscow and think we can offer peace in our time, they dont understand that from every encounter like that, Putin takes something very substantial, said Juri Luik, the head of the International Center for Defense and Security, based in Tallinn, Estonia. If you are ready to give it to him, you have to be ready to look like a real loser, someone who rolls over and plays dead.

Still, some leaders here say they fear the Trump administration may abandon long-term commitments to NATO or the U.S. advocacy of sanctions against Russia  and they say that if the United States backs out, European nations may be quick to follow. On a tour of Europe this week, Obama said that Trump was committed to NATO. But many U.S. allies would prefer to hear that from Trump.

Most officials here doubt that their security is immediately on the line. Trumps apparent unpredictability may lead Putin to be cautious about making mischief inside NATO countries  and Trump even said before the election that under his command, the U.S. military would shoot down Russian jets if they showed disrespect by buzzing U.S. ships and planes. Unlike in Ukraine, which the Kremlin appears to covet because of its historical ties to Russia, Baltic officials say they feel they are targets only because attacking them would challenge NATO and the European Union as a whole.

If President Trump could work a deal with President Putin that would reverse the annexation of Crimea, remove all Russian troops from Ukraine and remove the buildup of troops on the Baltic border, then we say more power to him, said Ojars Kalnins, the chairman of the foreign-affairs committee in Latvias Parliament. But if a good relationship is at the expense of the Ukrainian people or security on our borders, that does trouble us.

Kalnins and other Baltic lawmakers are planning a trip to Washington in early December to meet with Republicans in Congress in a bid to appeal to their traditionally hawkish position on Russia.

It remains unclear how much influence the Republican establishment will have on Trumps foreign policy. Trump awarded his most influential national security position to retired Lt. Gen. Michael Flynn, the former head of the Defense Intelligence Agency who astonished his former colleagues by traveling to Moscow last year and sitting next to Putin at a gala dinner sponsored by Russia Today, the state-owned Russian television network. Flynn has called for tighter ties with Putin to battle the Islamic State in Syria.

Its a present, current security threat for us. We do not need to be told that it is. We know it, said Lolita Cigane, who is the head of the European-affairs committee in the Latvian parliament and said she is counting on Trump to hold to U.S. commitments.

But her family has a fallback, she said: Her husband recently signed up for the National Guard.

Read more:

Russian warplanes keep buzzing the Baltics. Heres how NATO scrambles.

European leaders, NATO caution Trump on warming relations with Russia

Russia sends warships toward Syria via English Channel  and with a message

Todays coverage from Post correspondents around the world

Like Washington Post World on Facebook and stay updated on foreign news
[November 18, 2016] Easy Solutions Ranked Number 93 Fastest Growing Company in North America on Deloitte's 2016 Technology Fast 500

Easy Solutions, the Total Fraud Protection company, today announced it ranked 93 on Deloitte's (News - Alert) Technology Fast 500, a ranking of the 500 fastest growing technology, media, telecommunications, life sciences and energy tech companies in North America. Easy Solutions grew 1,022 percent during this period. Easy Solutions CEO Ricardo Villadiego credits the company's forward-looking approach to fraud prevention and cybersecurity with the company's 1,022 percent revenue growth. "We know that in order to stay ahead of cybercriminals, financial institutions and enterprises need to have cutting-edge security solutions that not only help them identify and stop attacks, but foresee them. Our Total Fraud Protection platform of solutions includes predictive, machine-learning solutions that allow our customers to head off potential fraud attacks long before any damage is done." "Today, when every organization can be a tech company, the most effective businesses not only foster the courage to explore change, but also encourage creativity in using and applying existing assets in new ways, as resourcefully as possible," said Sandra Shirai, principal, Deloitte Consulting LLP and U.S. technology, media and telecommunications industry leader. "This ingenious approach to innovation calls for the encouragement of curiosity and collaboration both within and outside theoffice walls."



"This year's Fast 500 winners showcase that when organizations are open to diverse perspectives and insights, they are able to create an environment for their employees and customers to see the possibilities and ingenious solutions that might lie ahead," added Jim Atwell, national managing partner of the emerging growth company practice, Deloitte & Touche LLP. "Entrepreneurial environments foster change and innovation within businesses, and we look forward to watching these companies continue to drive change across all sectors." ABOUT DELOITTE'S 2016 TECHNOLOGY FAST (News - Alert) 500

Deloitte's Technology Fast 500 provides a ranking of the fastest growing technology, media, telecommunications, life sciences and energy tech companies - both public and private - in North America. Technology Fast 500 award winners are selected based on percentage fiscal year revenue growth from 2012 to 2015. In order to be eligible for Technology Fast 500 recognition, companies must own proprietary intellectual property or technology that is sold to customers in products that contribute to a majority of the company's operating revenues. Companies must have base-year operating revenues of at least $50,000 USD, and current-year operating revenues of at least $5 million USD. Additionally, companies must be in business for a minimum of four years and be headquartered within North America. As used in this document, "Deloitte" means Deloitte LLP and its subsidiaries. Please see www.deloitte.com/us/about for a detailed description of the legal structure of Deloitte LLP and its subsidiaries. Certain services may not be available to attest clients under the rules and regulations of public accounting. ABOUT EASY SOLUTIONS Easy Solutions is a leading security vendor focused on the comprehensive detection and prevention of electronic fraud across all devices, channels and clouds. Our products range from anti-phishing and secure browsing to multifactor authentication and transaction anomaly detection, offering a one-stop shop for multiple fraud prevention services. The online activities of over 94 million customers 350 leading financial services companies, security firms, retailers, airlines and other entities all over the world are protected by Easy Solutions fraud prevention systems. United States: 8550 N.W. 33 Street, Miami FL 33122. Phone (News - Alert): 1 (866) 524 4782 Latin America: Cra. 13A No. 98 - 21 Of. 401. Bogota, Colombia. Phone: +57 1 - 742 5570 View source version on businesswire.com: http://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20161118005108/en/

[ Back To TMCnet.com's Homepage ]
Buckingham Palace needs a taxpayer-funded facelift if its to remain fit for the queen.

The London home of Queen Elizabeth II hasnt been upgraded since just after World War II and needs urgent infrastructure work to fix plumbing, electrical cables and heating, palace officials said Friday.

The work will cost some $459 million over 10 years and is considered critical to safeguarding the building from fire or flood damage. If the work goes as planned, the palace wont need another renovation until 2067, when Prince William would be 85, or five years younger than the current monarch.

Palace officials acknowledged that the sum is vast, but said that they hoped the public will accept the expenditure for a building that symbolizes a nation.

We take the responsibility that comes with receiving these public funds extremely seriously indeed, said Tony Johnstone-Burt, the official in charge of administering the royal familys affairs. Equally, we are convinced that by making this investment in Buckingham Palace now we can avert a much more costly and potentially catastrophic building failure in the years to come.

The project will be paid for through a temporary increase in the Sovereign Grant, a percentage of the profits from the Crown Estate.

The cost of the refurbishing prompted dissent from the anti-royal campaign group Republic.

Royal attitude always the same: its theirs to use and ours to pay for, the group said on its Twitter feed. Time we took the palace back and turned it into world class museum.

The scale of the project is enormous  though it deals with the parts of the palace the public would not see in a building that boasts 775 rooms, which includes 78 bathrooms and 19 state rooms. Some 322,000 square feet of floorboards, for example, will need to be lifted to fix cabling.

The queen will be able to remain at home during the work, though she will have to move to another part of the palace when her private apartments are renovated.

The project envisions the improvement of visitor facilities and improved public access, making it more accessible for the disabled, for example.

 Associated Press
President Obama, German Chancellor Angela Merkel, French President Francois Hollande and Italian Prime Minister Matteo Renzi wait for the beginning of their meeting in Berlin on Thursday. (Kay Nietfeld/AFP/Getty Images)

President Obama departed Europe on Friday after a final round of crisis talks with U.S. allies about hot spots including Ukraine and Libya, even as he sought to ease concerns about possible policy shifts under the incoming Trump administration.

The victory of President-elect Donald Trump has startled European allies because of campaign pledges that seem to pull back from the traditional U.S. commitment to transatlantic security.

Obama urged the leaders of Germany, France, Britain, Italy and Spain to continue seeking solutions with the incoming administration on the basis of the core values that define the United States and Europe as open democracies, according to a White House statement.

Obama joined with his European counterparts in strongly supporting the North Atlantic Treaty Organization as the cornerstone of Western security, while backing their calls to uphold sanctions against Vladimir Putins Russia, which annexed Crimea in 2014 and is seen as aiding pro-Moscow separatists in Ukraine.

Also on the agenda was the Iraqi-led offensive to retake the northern city of Mosul from the Islamic State, as well as the resumption of attacks in Aleppo and other parts of Syria by government forces and their ally Russia.

The president emphasized that de-escalation and a diplomatic solution to the ongoing conflict are the only viable ways to end the suffering, prevent another migration crisis, and move toward a political transition, according to the White House statement.

[Obama bids bittersweet farewell to closest partner on world stage]

Although Obamas visit here had the usual trappings, including a group photo with the five European leaders who had converged in Berlin to meet with him, it had a more subdued tone than past visits. By midday, he had left the German Chancellery under a drizzle for Air Force One to head to his trips final stop, Peru.

The summit took shape as Europe is awash in its own tensions, over Britains vote to leave the European Union, differences on a defense strategy, and a rise of populist nationalism that is challenging the fortunes of several leaders across the continent.

Maintaining European and U.S. sanctions on Russia in particular remains a top concern amid signs of a possible thaw between Washington and Moscow under Trump.

This week, Trump and Putin agreed in a telephone conversation that U.S.-Russian relations were unsatisfactory, and they vowed to work together to improve them, the Kremlin said.

But Obama has said that the president-elect, in their one-on-one meeting after the election, expressed a great interest in maintaining our core strategic relationships, including with NATO.

U.S. President Barack Obama boards Air Force One as he departs Berlin. (Kevin Lamarque/Reuters)

During Fridays talks in Berlin, Obama and European leaders unanimously agreed on the need to press Russia to stand by promises to help calm the conflict in Ukraine, and said that Ukraine-related sanctions against Russia must remain in place until it does.

In a joint news conference with Spanish Prime Minister Mariano Rajoy after the summit, German Chancellor Angela Merkel expressed impatience that peace in Ukraine is still far from reach.

Not enough progress can be seen, she said.

Rajoy described thriving populism as one of the most important issues confronting the European Union, acknowledging that 2017 would be a difficult election year, with nationalist forces vying for power in France, Germany and the Netherlands.

Merkel, commenting on her growing influence in the European Union and globally, said: One person alone can never solve everything, were only strong together. . . . I will do what is my duty as the German chancellor, namely on the one hand to serve the people in Germany, but that includes for me to work for European unity and European success.

Even among European powers, positions vary on Russia. Some urge warmer ties, while others are warning against cozying up to Putin because of the annexation of the Crimean Peninsula and the rebel clashes in Ukraine.

Speaking beside Merkel on Thursday to the media, Obama urged Trump to stand up to Russia at the right times.

My hope is he does not simply take a realpolitik approach and suggest if we just cut some deals with Russia  even if it hurts people or violates international norms or leaves smaller countries vulnerable or creates long-term problems in countries like Syria  that we just do what is convenient at the time, he said.

[Europe ponders: How to deal with Trump?]

Obama, in talks with Merkel, conceded Thursday that it would be naive of him to expect a breakthrough in the Syrian conflict before he leaves office. Earlier this week, Syrian President Bashar al-Assad, speaking to Portuguese TV, opened the door to a change under Trump, whom he described as a natural ally. Merkel cautioned against any bargains with Assad.

He has brought untold suffering on his people, if you look at Aleppo and other places, she said. When you talk to the many Syrian refugees who have fled here to Germany, they will be able to tell you their own personal story, and the majority of them  the great majority of them  fled from Assad, and most of them not even fled the Islamic State. So I dont see him as an ally.

The wild-card nature of Trumps presidency is amplified in Europe by the continents own internal pressures. Nowhere are those tensions more on display than in the talks over Britains departure from the European Union. British Prime Minister Theresa May will hold a one-on-one meeting with Merkel as the Germans call for stiff penalties as the price of Britains exit.

Wolfgang Schauble, Germanys finance minister, laid out a tough bargaining position with Britain in an interview with the Financial Times. He insisted that any deal would mean that London must still pay billions into the E.U. budget beyond its exit date, perhaps stretching to 2030. He also said Britain should be prepared to see financial services industries flee London in favor of cities such as Frankfurt so that they can more easily work with the European Union.

Particularly after Trumps election, European leaders are calling for the region to take more responsibility for its own security. This week, German Defense Minister Ursula von der Leyen singled out Britain for being obstructionist as other member states moved to forge a deeper defense alliance, including forming a possible European army.

The biggest resistance is coming from the British, von der Leyen told the German weekly Die Zeit. The USA will always be our most important and closest partner, but we Europeans cannot derive our strength from Americas. . . . Europe must decide whether it wants to shape events or be a pawn.

Underscoring the heightened concern, European officials are speaking in increasingly stark terms. Manuel Valls, Frances prime minister, issued a dire warning in the German capital on Thursday, calling for Berlin and Paris to quickly forge deals to improve economic growth and generate jobs amid strong challenges from anti-establishment nationalists.

Europe is in danger of falling apart, Valls said. So Germany and France have a huge responsibility.

Stephanie Kirchner in Berlin and Juliet Eilperin in Lima, Peru, contributed to this report.

Read more:

How Obama and Merkel formed a special bond

Obama to bid farewell to closest partner on world stage

Merkel seen as key to Obama's success at G-7

Todays coverage from Post correspondents around the world

Like Washington Post World on Facebook and stay updated on foreign news
In December, after presidential candidate Donald Trump called for a total and complete shutdown of Muslims entering the country, Sen. Patrick J. Leahy (D-Vt.) introduced a sense of the Senate resolution affirming that the United States must not bar people from the country because of their religion.

Sen. Jeff Sessions (R-Ala.)  a member of the Judiciary Committee, along with Leahy  voted against the resolution and delivered a 30-minute oration urging fellow senators to join him. The resolution, he warned, would make global migration to the United States a human right.

It would mean, he said, that the United States could not favor for entry the moderate Muslim cleric over the radical Muslim cleric. Or that a foreign cleric overseas could demand a tourist visa to deliver a sermon denouncing the U.S. Constitution and claim religious discrimination if it was not approved.

I think, Sessions said, it is a dangerous step.

Although the measure passed the committee, it failed in the full Senate.

President-elect Trump has chosen Sessions, who has served in the Senate for 20 years, to be the next attorney general  a position that will give him the platform to shape civil rights policy and to defend the constitutionality of any policies that effectively restrict Muslim immigration, legal and civil liberties experts warn.

Sessions has also been dogged with accusations of racism, which sank his nomination to become a federal judge after President Ronald Reagan nominated him 30 years ago. At his Senate hearing, Sessions said he was not a racist, but several Justice Department employees testified that he had used racist language.

[Jeff Sessions is Donald Trumps biggest fan. Heres how their relationship began.]

Sen. Charles E. Grassley (R-Iowa), chairman of the Judiciary Committee, lauded Sessions in a statement Friday as a respected member and former ranking member of the committee who has worked with Democrats on major legislation. Grassley predicted that the committee will approve his nomination for consideration by the full Senate.

He knows the Justice Department as a former U.S. attorney, which would serve him very well in this position, Grassley said.

The appointment of Sessions is expected to bring sweeping changes to the way the Justice Department operated under Loretta E. Lynch and her predecessor, Eric H. Holder Jr., who, when he was nominated to be the first black attorney general, pledged to make rebuilding the Civil Rights Division his top priority.

Several former Justice officials and Democratic lawmakers predicted that Sessions would reverse the emphasis on civil rights and criminal-justice reform that Holder put in place.

The Department of Justice built up an aggressive civil rights division under President Obama, but under President-elect Trump it would likely take a different approach toward police departments alleged to have overused force. (Monica Akhtar/The Washington Post)

[10 things to know about Sen. Jeff Sessions]

From his time as U.S. attorney through his service on the Judiciary Committee, he has left serious doubts about whether he would faithfully enforce civil rights laws as attorney general, former Justice Department spokesman Matthew Miller said. The Civil Rights Division was gutted during the last Republican administration, and the burden of proof is on Senator Sessions to show that he would not follow that same path.

Sessions voted to confirm Holder as attorney general, but he voted against Lynch, citing her statements that President Obamas executive actions on immigration passed legal and constitutional muster. Sessions and other Republicans considered those measures to be presidential overreach.

Ms. Lynch has said flat-out that she supports those policies and is committed to defending them in court, Sessions said at the time. We do not have to confirm someone to the highest law enforcement position in America if that someone is publicly committed to denigrating Congress.

Obamas Justice Department stopped defending the Defense of Marriage Act and successfully argued the historic same-sex marriage case last year before the Supreme Court. Sessions has opposed same-sex marriage and has a zero rating from the nations largest LGBT advocacy group, the Human Rights Campaign.

Ibrahim Hooper, spokesman for the Council on American-Islamic Relations, expressed dismay about Sessions nomination. It only adds to a growing list of nominees with troubling pasts, and troubling histories of bigotry and intolerance, Hooper said.

George J. Terwilliger III, who served as deputy attorney general under President George H.W. Bush and has known Sessions for nearly three decades, disputed the characterization. I can say unequivocally theres not a racist bone in the guys body, he said.

Democratic lawmakers on Friday promised a tough and thorough vetting and confirmation process.

I know Senator Sessions, and we work out in the gym, but the fact that he is a senator does not absolve him from answering tough questions in the confirmation process, said Sen. Charles E. Schumer of New York, the incoming minority leader.

Given some of his past statements and his staunch opposition to immigration reform, I am very concerned about what he would do with the Civil Rights Division at the Department of Justice, and I want to hear what he has to say, Schumer said.

A former aide to Sessions said that, as attorney general, he will make national security and fighting terrorism a top priority.

Sessions is of the mind that the most essential duty of government is to protect its citizens, the aide said. Sessions opposed closing the Guantanamo Bay prison in Cuba and bringing terrorist detainees to the United States for trial in federal courts. He felt it would needlessly eliminate an important tool in fighting terrorism and would needlessly put our citizens at risk, the aide said.

[New national security adviser brings experience and controversy]

Jefferson Beauregard Jeff Sessions, 69, who was born in Selma, Ala., began his career as a prosecutor in 1975 in the U.S. attorneys office in the Southern District of Alabama. In 1981, President Reagan nominated him to be the U.S. attorney for that district, where he served for 12 years.

In 1986, Reagan nominated him to be a judge for the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of Alabama. But at his Senate confirmation hearing, Justice Department lawyers who had worked with him testified that he had made racist and other incendiary statements. One of those lawyers, J. Gerald Hebert  now the director of the voting rights and redistricting program at the Campaign Legal Center  said that Sessions had called the NAACP and the American Civil Liberties Union un-American and Communist-

inspired.

Thomas Figures testified that Sessions said he had thought the Ku Klux Klan was okay until I found out they smoked pot. Sessions later apologized for the comment, saying he was not serious when he said it.

Witnesses also testified that after disagreement between a black and a white member of his staff, Sessions admonished the black staffer to be careful what he said to white folks, and once referred to a black lawyer in the U.S. attorneys office as boy.

Sessions denied the allegations, but he was not confirmed.

Aides to Session said that he was not insensitive to African Americans and pointed out that as a young Republican at Huntingdon College in 1966, Sessions campaigned against segregationist candidates such as Lurleen Wallace, who was running for governor to sustain the policies of her husband, then-governor George Wallace, a staunch opponent of desegregation. George Wallace was banned by state law from serving consecutive terms.

In 1994, Sessions was elected attorney general of Alabama. He was elected to the U.S. Senate two years later.

Sessions, who was the first senator to endorse Trump, in February, first met him in 2005 when Trump was criticizing the United Nations plan for a $1.2 billion renovation of its New York City headquarters. Sessions invited him to testify about it before a Senate subcommittee hearing. After the hearing, they were out of touch until last year, when they had a phone call about immigration policy and Trump tried to get Sessionss endorsement.

Mike DeBonis, Robert Costa, Matt Zapotosky and Julie Tate contributed to this report.

Read more:

President Trumps Justice Dept. could see less scrutiny of police, more surveillance of Muslims

Trump defends pace of transition work as process remains opaque

Key figures purged from Trump transition team
President-elect Donald Trump has tapped Rep. Mike Pompeo (R-Kan.) to be CIA director, close allies say. Here's what we know about him. (Victoria Walker/The Washington Post)

President-elect Donald Trump has tapped Rep. Mike Pompeo (R-Kan.) to be CIA director, close allies say. Here's what we know about him. (Victoria Walker/The Washington Post)

President-elect Donald Trumps pick to lead the CIA is a Kansas congressman who is widely respected for his intelligence but also seen as a fierce partisan on polarizing issues including the deaths of U.S. personnel in Benghazi, the leaks of Edward Snowden and the email controversy that engulfed Hillary Clinton.

Rep. Mike Pompeo (R-Kan.) has used his perch on the House Intelligence Committee to attack major pillars of President Obamas foreign policy agenda, including the nuclear deal with Iran. Just hours before his name surfaced as Trumps CIA nominee, Pompeo tweeted that he looked forward to rolling back this disastrous deal with the worlds largest state sponsor of terrorism.

[Iran nuclear deal could collapse under Trump]

In closed-door briefings on Capitol Hill, Pompeo has been an intense critic of a covert CIA program to train and arm moderate rebel forces in Syria, according to U.S. officials who said that dismantling the program  or at least subjecting it to a major re-evaluation  would likely be at the top of his agenda if he is confirmed.

Pompeo, 52, has no meaningful experience in espionage issues beyond his relatively brief stint as a member of the House Intelligence Committee. But he has earned a reputation as a serious student of national security issues who finished first in his class at the U.S. Military Academy at West Point, served as a cavalry officer in the Army and earned a law degree from Harvard.

Current and former U.S. intelligence officials said that Pompeo is not widely known among the CIA rank and file but that his nomination was greeted at least initially as a reassuring development at a spy agency that has been treated largely with disdain by Trump.

Rep. Adam B. Schiff (D-Calif.), who has sparred with Pompeo on Benghazi and other issues, gave the selection tempered praise in a statement released Friday.

Mike is very bright and hard-working and will devote himself to helping the agency develop the best possible intelligence for policymakers, Schiff said. While we have had our share of strong differences  principally on the politicization of the tragedy in Benghazi  I know that he is someone who is willing to listen and engage, both key qualities in a CIA Director.

Pompeos congressional background raised early comparisons to that of Porter Goss, who was plucked from the House Intelligence Committee by then-President George W. Bush to lead the CIA and was forced to resign two years later after a turbulent tenure during which one of his principal executives was convicted of corruption charges.

Pompeos ties to the arch-conservative tea party movement and scant background on intelligence issues were also cited as a cause for concern among some CIA veterans.

The tea party owns the drones now, one official said, referring to the agencys involvement in lethal drone strikes against terrorist groups in Pakistan, Yemen and elsewhere.

But former senior CIA officials expressed guarded optimism that Pompeos ideological bent can be tempered by the analytic approach he has brought to difficult security subjects.

Rep. Mike Pompeo (R-Kan.), who has been nominated to lead the CIA by Donald Trump, speaks on Capitol Hill in October 2015. (Jacquelyn Martin/AP)

Im heartened by the choice, said former CIA director Michael V. Hayden, who has been a staunch critic of Trump on security matters. I would recommend that when he goes to Langley he get out of the car by himself and embrace the workforce, Hayden said, alluding to the rocky tenure of previous directors who arrived with entourages and agendas that put them at odds with the agencys powerful and entrenched directorate of spies.

In some ways, Pompeo is already part of the intelligence inner circle in Washington. He attended a dinner this week with CIA Director John Brennan at the home of former Republican congressman Mike Rogers, who had previously been seen as a leading candidate for the CIA job under Trump. The gathering included cast and producers of the CIA-themed show Homeland, according to a person familiar with the event.

Brennan has led a major bureaucratic overhaul of the agency over the past year, a reorganization designed to replicate the structure of the agencys Counterterrorism Center. Pompeo would face decisions on whether to preserve those changes.

Pompeo emerged as a surprise pick for Trump. His name had not surfaced in the flurry of postelection rumors that had largely focused on other potential nominees, including Rogers, who was ousted from the Trump transition team this week, and Rep. Devin Nunes (R-Calif.), the current chairman of the House Intelligence Committee who reportedly turned down a chance at the CIA job.

Pompeo reportedly has close ties to the Koch family, Kansas billionaires who have devoted a considerable part of their wealth to advancing a deeply conservative agenda and driving Democrats out of office. Articles in Kansas papers indicate that Pompeo built much of his wealth with investment funds from Koch industries and that his campaigns for Congress have been backed by Koch money.

In just five years in Congress, he has built a political following by staking extreme positions in polarizing debates. He has called for Snowden to face the death penalty and for Clinton to be barred from receiving classified information.

Pompeo was one of the more outspoken Republican members of the House Select Committee on Benghazi, saying that the Obama administration was guilty of a scandal worse than Watergate. When the committee concluded its final report in July, Pompeo and a fellow member, Rep. Jim Jordan (R-Ohio), released a 48-page annex charging failure at the most senior levels of government and calling for additional information on what Pompeo said was the administrations intentional misrepresentation and concealment of facts.

During hearings, his questions to administration witnesses were often among the most accusatory. In October 2015, when Clinton testified for the second time, Pompeo grilled her on her relationship with slain U.S. Ambassador J. Christopher Stevens. He asked a series of rapid-fire questions about why Stevens did not have her personal telephone number, did not know her personal home address and had never stopped by your house.

Separately, in remarks that drew sharp criticism from U.S. Muslim organizations, Pompeo said that Muslim leaders who fail to denounce acts of terrorism done in the name of Islam were potentially complicit in the attacks.

Pompeo led congressional attacks on the nuclear accord Obama reached with Iran last year, accusing the administration of hiding secret side deals from the public, allegations rejected by the White House.

At the same time, it is not clear whether Pompeo will be in agreement with the most extreme positions taken by his new bosses, Trump and his designated national security adviser, Michael T. Flynn.

Trump has called for the CIA to resume the use of waterboarding and other interrogation measures widely condemned as torture. Trump has derided the quality of the intelligence from the nations spy community, publicly belittling a multiagency conclusion that Russia used cyberespionage methods to interfere in the U.S. election.

Pompeo is not known to have publicly backed those positions and in some cases has articulated views that would seem at odds with those of the Trump team. In a speech delivered in Kansas last year after returning from a trip to the Middle East, Pompeo cautioned against equating all Muslims with terrorism, saying that a line needs to be drawn between those who are on the side of extremism and those who are fighting against them.

Karen DeYoung contributed to this report.

Read more:

Intelligence community is already feeling a sense of dread about Trump

Trump defends pace of transition work as process remains opaque
The most influential national security job in the still-forming Trump administration will likely go to a retired three-star general who helped dismantle insurgent networks in Afghanistan and Iraq but then surprised  and sometimes dismayed  colleagues by joining the political insurgency led by Donald Trump.

As national security adviser to Trump, retired Lt. Gen. Michael T. Flynn would be responsible for helping a president with no national security experience navigate complicated global issues including the unfinished campaign against the Islamic State, the expansionist agenda of China and rising aggression from Russia. Flynns selection for the post was confirmed Thursday night by a person close to the Trump transition team who spoke on the condition of anonymity to discuss internal conversations.

[How Flynn went from intel officer to leading lock her up chants]

As a decorated military intelligence officer and former head of the Defense Intelligence Agency, Flynn has deep experience to draw upon as he serves as Trumps principal point of contact with the State Department, the Pentagon and a collection of U.S. intelligence agencies that have surged in power and influence since the Sept. 11, 2001, attacks.

This is a guy who has the presidents trust, has credentials with the military, credentials with the intelligence community and credibility with Congress, said Rep. Devin Nunes (R-Ca.), the chairman of the House Intelligence Committee and a member of the Trump transition team. Hes a very serious person. He takes his job very seriously.

1 of 74 Full Screen Autoplay Close Skip Ad  Heres what president-elect Donald Trump has been doing after the election View Photos He has been holding interviews and meeting with Congress and the president as he prepares to transition into the White House. Caption He has been holding interviews and meetings as he prepares to enter the White House. Jan. 19, 2017 President-elect Donald Trump and his wife, Melania, visit the Lincoln Memorial before the Make America Great Again concert. Jabin Botsford/The Washington Post Wait 1 second to continue.

But Flynn has also shown an erratic streak since leaving government that is likely to make his elevation disconcerting even to the flag officers and senior intelligence officials who once considered him a peer.

Flynn stunned former colleagues when he traveled to Moscow last year to appear alongside Russian President Vladimir Putin at a lavish gala for the Kremlin-run propaganda channel RT, a trip Flynn admitted he was paid to make and defended by saying he saw no distinction between RT and U.S. news channels such as CNN.

Flynn said he used the trip to press Putins government to behave more responsibly in international affairs. Former U.S. officials said Flynn, seen dining next to Putin in photos published by Russian propaganda outlets, was used as a prop by the autocratic leader.

[Transcript: Michael T. Flynn on his dinner with Putin and supporting Trump]

Flynn was forced out of his job as director of the Defense Intelligence Agency in 2014 over concerns about his leadership style. After the ouster, he frequently lashed out in public against President Obama and blamed his removal on the administrations discomfort with his hard-line views on radical Islam.

Spurning the decorum traditionally expected of retired U.S. flag officers, Flynn became a fervent campaigner for Trump and was given a high-profile role speaking before the GOP convention, an appearance in which he led the crowd in lock her up chants against Democratic nominee Hillary Clinton.

Flynns behavior drew the ire of former colleagues and superiors, including retired Gen. Stanley A. McChrystal, who made Flynn his top intelligence officer during critical stretches of the wars in Afghanistan and Iraq.

Retired Lt. Gen. Michael T. Flynn called for Hillary Clinton to drop out of the presidential race during the Republican National Convention in Cleveland. (Republican National Convention)

McChrystal and retired Adm. Michael Mullen, former chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, contacted Flynn and urged him to show more restraint, with Mullen warning that Flynns behavior could jeopardize White House trust in the military.

Flynn dismissed those concerns in an interview with The Washington Post earlier this year, saying efforts to quiet him impinged on his free speech rights. When someone says, Youre a general, so you have to shut up,  he said, I say, Do I have to stop being an American? 

Flynn continued to campaign for Trump and has said he has admired the mogul since their initial meeting. I was very impressed, Flynn said in the interview with The Post. Very serious guy. Good listener. Asked really good questions . . . I found him to be very attuned to what was going on around the world.

Civil rights groups denounced the Flynn selection, saying he has refused to reject Trumps repeated statements supporting the use of waterboarding and other brutal interrogation measures on terrorism suspects. Trump has also advocated killing or capturing innocent relatives of terrorism suspects.

Asked about such proposals, Flynn said in an interview with Al Jazeera this year that he is a believer in leaving as many options on the table right up until the last possible minute.

Michael Flynn has exhibited basic contempt for international law, including the Geneva Conventions and laws prohibiting torture, said John Sifton, deputy Washington director of Human Rights Watch. By offering the post to Flynn, President-elect Trump will be cementing a dark return to the illegalities of the Bush administration and further undermining the foundation of the international human rights system.

A longtime Democrat and native of Rhode Island who grew up in a military family, Flynn has articulated an increasingly dark vision of the direction of the United States, saying that it has fallen into a struggle between centrist nationalists and socialists.

He has also warned that the United States is failing to adequately address the threat posed by what he calls a diseased component of Islam. Theres something going on in the Muslim world, he said. Why do we have heightened security at our airports? Its not because the Catholic Church is falling apart.

That view, and his willingness to voice it publicly, put him in close alignment with Trump, who has called for Muslims in the United States to be registered, subjected to loyalty tests and in some cases deported.

In February, Flynn tweeted a link to a YouTube video with the message: Fear of Muslims is RATIONAL: Please forward a link to this video so that people may learn the BASICS of Islam.

As national security adviser, Flynn would be a White House insider in a unique position to influence Trump on almost all aspects of foreign policy. Trump has shown scant respect for the intelligence and institutions that shaped Flynn, dismissing an intelligence community assessment that Russia was interfering in the presidential election as public relations.

Trump has also said he probably knows more than American generals about how to succeed in conflict zones such as Syria, encouraged Russia to hack Clintons email accounts and called for the CIA to resume its harsh interrogation methods.

Flynn publicly opposed such ideas before his association with Trump, and it is not clear whether he would help the president-elect advance an agenda built around such positions and policies.

Flynn most recently raised eyebrows in Washington with the publication of an opinion article in which he called for wholesale changes in U.S. policy toward Turkey and the extradition of exiled cleric Fethullah Gulen, who resides in Pennsylvania and has been accused by the Turkish government of fomenting a coup attempt earlier this year.

Gulens vast global network has all the right markings to fit the description of a dangerous sleeper terror network, Flynn wrote in the piece, which was published in the Hill. Officials with ties to the Trump transition team said that Flynn did not clear that article with the campaign before it was published or disclose that his consulting firm had been hired for lobbying work by a group with ties to the Turkish government.

Read more:
A billboard showing President-elect Donald Trump and Russian President Vladimir Putin in Danilovgrad, Montenegro, on Nov. 16, 2016. The Russian city of Obninsk is planning a rally in support of Trump on Saturday. (Savo Prelevic/AFP/Getty Images)

One Russian city wants to send a message to Americans protesting the election of Donald Trump: Well, we like him.

The city of Obninsk was granted a permit for a rally Saturday in favor of the U.S. president-elect  another sign of Trumps embrace in a country whose relations with the Obama administration soured badly over rifts such as Syria and Ukraine.

The demonstration was organized by Artyom Mainas, a 27-year-old blogger in Obninsk, a nuclear-research center some 60 miles south of Moscow. He said he decided to act after seeing news from the United States about demonstrations in the wake of Trumps election.



I thought, well, it would be good if we can organize something here in Russia to demonstrate our support to the newly-elected president, Mainas said by telephone Friday. We think that Trump is a good candidate for Russia.

Russians have greeted the election of Trump as a victory, in part because of the Republicans support for Putin and calls for better ties with Russia during the campaign. On Friday, Sergei Lavrov, Russias foreign minister, said Trump and Putin see eye-to-eye politically, according to the TASS news agency.

Throughout the campaign, Russian officials and state media constantly warned that a Hillary Clinton presidency could erode already poor U.S.-Russia relations . Meanwhile, Moscow has conducted nationwide civil defense drills.

The U.S. administration accused Russia of interfering on Trumps behalf, including hacks of emails from top members of Clintons campaign team. Earlier this week, President Obama warned his successor not to embrace Putin too readily.

[Obama to Trump: Stand up to Putin and Russia]

Putin also sounded a bellicose note Friday, saying Russia is working to develop new weapons to ensure a strategic balance.

The Russian leader, wrapping up a week-long series of talks with his senior commanders on Moscows plans to modernize its military, said that Russia is developing state-of-the art weapons that draw on laser, hypersonic and robotic technologies.

We are giving special attention to the development of weapons based on new physical principles that allow selective, pinpoint impact on critically important elements of enemy weapons and infrastructure, Putin said at the meeting, broadcast on Russian television from the Black Sea resort of Sochi.

Russian military officials have recently described developing warheads for ballistic missiles that would be invisible to antimissile defenses, or capable of evading them. Russia has protested NATOs U.S.-led missile defense system, and Putin on Friday appeared to lodge a response to the U.S. development of Prompt Global Strike, a weapons systems that would allow the U.S. to deliver a strike anywhere in the world within an hour.

We will do all necessary to ensure a strategic balance, Putin added. Our task is to efficiently neutralize any military threats to Russia, including those created by strategic missile defenses, the implementation of the concept of global strike, and information wars.

The Kremlin believes that the Obama administration is waging a propaganda war to isolate Russia, and a top Putin aide accused the White House on Thursday of doing everything it can to drive bilateral ties into such a deadlock that it would be difficult for a new team to improve relations.

[Trumps pick for national security adviser brings experience and controversy]

The aide, Yuri Ushakov, said Trump supported Putins call for normalizing ties, and expressed his readiness not only to normalize ties, but also develop them intensively in all areas.

Mainas, the blogger who organized the pro-Trump demonstration scheduled for Saturday, said his idea has attracted more support than he expected when he applied for a permit for a rally of 40 people.

Ive gotten so many calls already and people are coming in from other cities, so I think there might be more, he said. We hope that Russia-U.S. relations will improve under Trump and so we have to express our support.

Natalya Abbakumova contributed to this report.

Read more:

Yes we did: Russian establishment basks in Trumps victory

U.S. government officially accuses Russia of hacking campaign to interfere with elections

Are the Russians really preparing for war?



Todays coverage from Post correspondents around the world

Like Washington Post World on Facebook and stay updated on foreign news
[November 18, 2016] Philips introduces DoseWise Portal 2.2, next generation dose management software solution at RSNA 2016

AMSTERDAM, Nov. 18, 2016 /PRNewswire/ -- Royal Philips (NYSE: PHG AEX: PHIA) today introduced DoseWise Portal 2.2 [1], a next generation radiation dose management software platform for healthcare providers to record, track and analyze radiation exposure to patients and clinicians. The latest version of DoseWise Portal includes enhanced connectivity and informatics capabilities to address key challenges faced by radiology departments, such as managing dose exposure to ensure patient and staff wellbeing and improving integrated access to patient information to deliver data-driven decision support. Radiation dose management and safety are growing concerns as clinicians and health systems comply with new Joint Commission standards related to CT imaging protocols and dose optimization. Additionally, the new Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) payment program, MACRA, includes dose management-related requirements clinicians must follow for more accurate and complete reimbursement. At this year's Radiological Society of North America (RSNA) annual meeting, Philips will demonstrate DoseWise Portal 2.2, highlighting its new capabilities, including integration with Philips IntelliBridge Enterprise for HL7 functionality and IntelliSpace PACS. Collectively, these new features enable clinicians to access more patient information, helping them to more easily interpret patient radiation dose per exam across modalities and analyze overall cumulative exposure. Philips DoseWise Portal 2.2 integrates with key Philips health IT systems as well as third-party radiology dictation software to provide radiologists with greater patient information access and data capture for more informed decision support about dose management. DoseWise Portal 2.2 is now integrated with: IntelliSpace PACS  Users may view the patient's exam radiation exposure directly from the PACS image, or by retrieving the patient's total radiation exposure exam history from the modality worklist.

 Users may view the patient's exam radiation exposure directly from the PACS image, or by retrieving the patient's total radiation exposure exam history from the modality worklist. IntelliBridge Enterprise  Allows users to query/retrieve crucial updated patient demographics from the hospital's EMR, such as body mass index (BMI) weight and age, for use with the DoseWise Portal.

 Allows users to query/retrieve crucial updated patient demographics from the hospital's EMR, such as body mass index (BMI) weight and age, for use with the DoseWise Portal. Leading radiologydictation software  Enables patient radiation exposure to be populated into dictation reports, saving time and helping to reduce transcription errors.



Dominic Siewko , clinical marketing leader and former Radiation Safety Officer at Philips. "Philips is committed to providing industry-leading technology and informatics solutions for radiation dose management. The new features in DoseWise Portal promote a culture of safety in the radiology department while allowing clinicians to tap into deep analytics and actionable insights from radiation exposure data." New Integrations Enable Improved Decision-Support and Reporting

DoseWise 2.2 is a multi-vendor and multi-modality solution that collects patient radiation dose data from X-ray modalities and allows for enhanced customer data analysis. In addition to expanded integration with Philips IntelliSpace PACS, IntelliBridge Enterprise and vendor neutral third-party radiology dictation software, DoseWise Portal 2.2 also includes:

Expanded connectivity to Philips DoseAware products  Compatibility with DoseAware and DoseAware Xtend combines patient and staff dose information into a single display for deep analytics of radiation exposure. The entire family of DoseAware products are now compatible with DoseWise Portal.

 Compatibility with DoseAware and DoseAware Xtend combines patient and staff dose information into a single display for deep analytics of radiation exposure. The entire family of DoseAware products are now compatible with DoseWise Portal. Customized user-friendly Analytics Package  Intuitive user interface and enhanced "Chart Builder" charting and graphing functionality simplifies reporting needs and includes a customizable dashboard and popular reporting formats. Philips is showcasing DoseWise Portal 2.2 at RSNA 2016 at booth #6735 in Hall B at McCormick Place. Follow @PhilipsLiveFrom for updates throughout the event, or visit Philips' RSNA event website for more information about Philips' presence at #RSNA16. To learn more about Philips' DoseWise Portal 2.2 and the full suite of Philips' dose management solutions, please visit http://www.usa.philips.com/healthcare/product/HC895001. Ahead of RSNA 2016, join the @PhilipsHealth #RadChat16 Twitter Chat on Wednesday, November 23, 2016 at 2:00PM CET/8:00AM ET to discuss radiation dose management and the imminent EU guidelines requiring hospitals to better track and record staff radiation exposure. Ronald Tabaksblat (SVP, Image Guided Therapy) and Dominic Siewko (Clinical Marketing Leader and former Radiation Safety Officer at Philips) will be available to answer questions and share insights. [1] Product in research phase of development For further information, please contact:

Kathy O'Reilly

Philips Group Communications

Tel.: +1 978-659-2638

E-mail: [email protected]

Twitter: @kathyoreilly Alicia Cafardi

Philips Group Communications

Tel: + 1 412-523-9616

E-mail: [email protected] About Royal Philips

Royal Philips (NYSE: PHG, AEX: PHIA) is a leading health technology company focused on improving people's health and enabling better outcomes across the health continuum from healthy living and prevention, to diagnosis, treatment and home care. Philips leverages advanced technology and deep clinical and consumer insights to deliver integrated solutions. Headquartered in the Netherlands, the company is a leader in diagnostic imaging, image-guided therapy, patient monitoring and health informatics, as well as in consumer health and home care. Philips' health technology portfolio generated 2015 sales of EUR 16.8 billion and employs approximately 70,000 employees with sales and services in more than 100 countries. News about Philips can be found at www.philips.com/newscenter. Photo - http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20161109/437599

Logo - http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20140122/NE50581LOGO To view the original version on PR Newswire, visit:http://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/philips-introduces-dosewise-portal-22-next-generation-dose-management-software-solution-at-rsna-2016-300365516.html SOURCE Royal Philips

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The flag-draped coffin of former Philippine dictator Ferdinand Marcos is followed by Marco's family during burial rites at the Heroes' Cemetery in Pasay, Philippine. (Reuters)

On a sunny afternoon last week, a crowd gathered outside the Supreme Court in Manila to honor a long-dead dictator.

They were fans of Ferdinand Marcos, the man who ruled the Philippines for two decades before being toppled by the people power revolution of 1986. He fled to the United States with his footwear-obsessed wife, Imelda, and a not insignificant portion of the countrys wealth.

Since his death in 1989, the Philippines has debated what to do with his remains. His embalmed corpse has been displayed since 1993 in a glass casket in his home province. Those assembled outside the court wanted to bury him at Manilas National Heroes Cemetery.

Now, thanks to President Rodrigo Duterte, they got their wish.

On Friday, Marcos was interred in a private ceremony on military land, a striking symbol of the nostalgia for the kind of strongman politics thats fueling the global rise of the populist right.

Activists and civil society groups stage a rally to protest the hero's burial accorded to former Philippine dictator Ferdinand Marcos on November 18, 2016 in Manila, Philippines. (Dondi Tawatao/Getty Images)

The move fulfilled a campaign promise made by Duterte, who has praised the former dictator and said the burial will heal the country. Millions of Filipinos disagree.

[Imelda Marcos lobbied hard to give her late husband a heros burial]

Ferdinand Marcos was a thief, a murderer and a dictator, said Vice President Leni Robredo in a statement issued Friday. He is no hero.

The debate over the ceremony shows a nation divided on the weight of its authoritarian past and what that means for the future.

For many Filipinos, the Marcos era was a horror that cannot and will not be forgotten.

Marcos was elected in 1965 and declared martial law in 1972, during his final term in office. The suspension of democracy brought extrajudicial killings, forced disappearances and torture.

Meanwhile, the Marcoses grew ridiculously, ostentatiously rich. They are believed to have made off with billions of dollars.

Former Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos reads a statement at the Hickam Air Force Base in Honolulu in 1986. (Jack Smith/AP)

But in the three decades since Ferdinand and Imelda fled, leaving behind her infamous shoe collection, their clan has largely escaped punishment and, in recent years, has even returned to public life.

Imelda is a member of congress, daughter Imee is a governor, and son Ferdinand Jr., known as Bongbong, is an influential former senator who narrowly lost the race to be vice president in Dutertes government.

Support for the family comes mostly from those young enough not to remember martial law and those who deny or play down what happened during Marcoss rule.

In a Nov. 14 interview, Delfin Lorenzana, Dutertes secretary of national defense, denied that Marcos was directly responsible for human rights violations. During martial law, there were a lot of abuses that were committed, but I dont think they were sanctioned by the president, he said.

Rehabilitating the Marcos legacy serves two political purposes: It helps secure an alliance between the new president and a powerful political clan. It also plays to a longing for a national savior who can restore discipline, a sentiment that has fueled Dutertes rise.

Duterte, once nicknamed the death squad mayor, swept to power last summer on a promise to kill all the countrys drug users and dealers and rid the country of crime.

His bold promises impressed Filipinos fed up with the corruption of the countrys ruling class. Thirty years after the people power revolution, about one quarter of people live in poverty  Duterte vowed to help by tackling social ills.

As president, Duterte has delivered the bloodshed he promised. Thousands of people identified as suspects have been killed, often after being named on drug lists compiled by neighborhood officials and the police.

Faced with criticism of his drug war, Duterte has lashed out at critics at home and abroad, using sexist language to shame a senator who challenged him, lecturing President Obama on colonialism, and directing profane gestures and comments toward the European Union.

Blasting American colonialism and calling for an independent foreign policy appeal to a rising nostalgic nationalism in the country that is becoming a potent political force.

The people gathered outside the court in Manila saw Duterte as Marcoss heir and someone who would create an era of pride and stability, they said.

They insisted that Marcos seized power because he had to, that he had no choice. If there were no problems, there would not have been martial law, said Grace Koo, 52.

Koo said todays drug problem justifies a similarly strong response. Its good that theres lots of killing, she said.

There should be due process, but theres millions of people [using drugs]. How long would that take?

That is not far from what the president himself has said. Duterte recently said he may be forced to suspend the writ of habeas corpus to enable arrests without warrants, a plan critics called a precursor to martial law.

Some Marcos-loving supporters said that would be fine. Martial law was the best time that happened in the Philippines, said Artemio Lachica, a 74-year-old retired teacher.

Duterte will follow in Marcoss footsteps, for the good of the nation, because he has no choice, he said.

Duterte wants to duplicate what Marcos has done.

Read more:

How one man survived in Dutertes Philippines when the death squad came

When Duterte was the death squad mayor of Davao

Drug war in Philippines claims at least 2,000 lives

Todays coverage from Post correspondents around the world

Like Washington Post World on Facebook and stay updated on foreign news
Photo: Stocksy

On Tuesday, Georgia state Rep. Jason Spencer proposed a bill to bar women in the state from wearing burqas, hijabs, or other forms of veiling on public property, including roads and highways, and for any public identification cards, such as drivers licenses. By Thursday, however, the legislation had been withdrawn as a result of intense scrutiny and criticism it had received for its discriminatory tone.

Spencers bill did not explicitly mention Muslim women and religious veiling but rather sought to expand upon a law already on the books in Georgia aimed at members of the Ku Klux Klan by preventing them from wearing ceremonial hoods in public places and IDs for the sake of public safety. Yet the Republican politicians bill did seek to revise the existing law by explicitly including women in the mandated ban on the public wearing of masks, hoods, or other devices that in any way cover or obscure the face. The bill, if approved, would have kept Muslim women from wearing religious veils not only while driving but also while walking on sidewalks and in parks or other public recreation areas.

We suspect its motivated by a desire to discriminate against Georgia Muslims, Edward Ahmed Mitchell, executive director for CAIR-Georgia, told the Washington Post. The bill is a bad solution to a nonexistent problem.

Aisha Yaqoob of the Georgia Muslim Voter Project told Atlantas ABC affiliate WSB-TV that she believed the bill was rooted in bigotry and she couldnt understand the need for a state law that specifically targets Muslim women. The practice of veiling is one utilized by some Muslim women as a sign of modesty, in accord with their religious beliefs. (Orthodox Jewish women also often cover their hair by wearing wigs or hats because of religious standards of modesty.) Civil rights experts insist that the ability to veil  whether wearing a hijab, burqa, or other form of religious veil  is a constitutionally guaranteed right, inherent in the ability of individuals to freely and safely practice their religion.

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Just last year, the Supreme Court ruled against retailer Abercrombie & Fitch after the brand had refused to hire a Muslim American woman who interviewed while wearing a hijab, insisting that the wearing of a hijab was a violation of the companys dress code policy. The court determined that this move constituted religious discrimination.

On Wednesday, Spencer told WSB-TV, This bill is simply a response to constituents that do have concerns of the rise of Islamic terrorism, and we in the state of Georgia do not want our laws used against us.

Then, in a statement released the next day, Spencer adjusted his message: While this bill does not contain language that specifically targets any group, I am mindful of the perception that it has created. My objective was to address radical elements that could pose a threat to public safety. However, further consideration dictates that other solutions will need to be considered. In conclusion, anti-masking statutes have been upheld as constitutional (State v Miller, 1990), and HB 3 would withstand legal scrutiny, but not political scrutiny.

Lets keep in touch! Follow Yahoo Beauty on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and Pinterest.




Prince William Visits Vietnam to Join Fight Against Poaching Endangered Animals Prince WIlliam, the Duke of Cambridge, flew to Vietnam for two days as part of his campaign to end illegal trade of animal parts

Fighting to save wildlife. Prince William has taken his campaign to end illegal trade of animal parts all the way to Vietnam for a two-day visit.



On Wednesday, November 16, the Duke of Cambridge traveled to the world's busiest country for trafficking of wildlife products, including rhino horn used in traditional medicines. William's aim during the short trip is to inform local people about how they can protect endangered animals who are targeted for their ivory.

PHOTOS: Celebrity Activists!

One of the prince's first visits in the capital of Hanoi was to Hong Ha Primary School, where many of the kids have parents who practice traditional medicine.



William, 34, sat down with the school's pupils and read from I'm A Little Rhino, a children's book released by the Vietnamese government to educate about the lack of proven effect rhino horn has as medicine and how much of a threat poaching is to the future of rhinos.

PHOTOS: Princes William and Harry: How They've Grown

Afterward, the father of Prince George and Princess Charlotte was invited to a traditional medicine store on Lang Ong Street, Hanoi's biggest hub for traditional medicine. There, he spoke to a local pharmacist about their work to end the use of rhino horn and other products in medicine.



At night he met with Vietnam's Prime Minister Nguyen Xuan Phuc at the presidential palace. A Kensington Palace spokeswoman tells Us Weekly, "[William] said he was looking forward to hearing what Vietnam was doing to tackle the challenges presented by the illegal wildlife trade."

While many of the animals are actually poached in Africa, Vietnam is known as one of the world's main stops for trafficking illegal animal parts. William is patron of the conservation organization Tusk Trust and also a president of United For Wildlife, which works with a number of the world's biggest conservation groups.



Last weekend, ahead of the Third Conference on the Illegal Wildlife Trade on November 17, Vietnamese authorities crushed and burned more than two tons of seized elephant ivory and rhino horns, urging the public to stop consuming illegal wildlife products. The seized goods  worth more than $7 million on the black market  came from 23 rhinos and 330 African elephants that were slaughtered by poachers.

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PHOTOS: 15 Charming Throwback Photos of the Royal Family

As well as medicinal use (it has long been believed that rhino horn can cure cancer), ivory is also used to make handcrafts and jewelry, which tourists often buy without knowing the devastating stories behind the products and how they are driving several species toward extinction.



Says a Kensington Palace rep of Prince William, "He knows the people of Vietnam will share his concern that we have less than 25 years to save some of our most iconic species from extinction. He believes Vietnam has a real opportunity to be leaders in wildlife conservation."





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Kino Lorber has acquired North American rights to Attila Tills Kills on Wheels, Hungarys official submission to the 2017 Academy Awards.

The dark comedy thriller, featuring wheelchair-bound assassins, had its world premiere at this years Karlovy Vary film festival and won the Golden Alexander award at the Thessaloniki International Film Festival, where a shared best actor award was given to actors Zoltan Fenyvesi, Szabolcs Thuroczy, and Adam Fekete.

Kills on Wheels also won the Roger Ebert Award at the 2016 Chicago International Film Festival where the jury commended the film as genre-mashing, highly entertaining, and distinguished by the equanimity with which it treats its protagonists, who are rarely seen on the silver screen.

The film stars non-professional disabled actors in the lead roles and focuses on two twenty-something close friends and roommates at a disabled care facility. When they meet the ex-fireman and wheelchair-user (played by able-bodied star Thuroczy, seen in last years White God), the trio decides to strike a unique partnership and sell their services to the mafia as a gang of hired assassins.

I was inspired after meeting several people in wheelchairs while I was volunteering with the disabled, Till said. It was crucial to me to make a movie about disabled people where they arent played by actors and have the opportunity to act themselves and be the real heroes.

Kino Lorber is planning to open Kills on Wheels in theaters during the spring, before an on-demand and home media release in early fall 2017.

The producer is Judit Stalter, who runs Laokoon Filmgroup with two co-owners Gabor Sipos and Gabor Rajna. The trio is known for holocaust drama Son of Saul, which won the Academy Award for best foreign language film, a Golden Globe, and the Cannes Grand Prix in 2016.

The deal was negotiated between Kino Lorber CEO Richard Lorber and Wendy Lidell and Laokoon Filmgroups Judit Stalter.

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Related stories

Iranian Horror Movie 'Under the Shadow' Selected as U.K. Foreign-Language Oscar Entry (EXCLUSIVE)
Plan a carefree postnuptial escape on the high seas.

Cruising isn't just for spring breakers, families or seniors. Honeymooning at sea can be a wonderful escape for newlyweds who want to bask in relaxation, romance and luxury. Colleen McDaniel, senior executive editor at Cruise Critic, advises letting your travel agent or cruise line know you're planning your honeymoon when booking. Once onboard, McDaniel also suggests informing the maitre d' at the main dining room that it's your honeymoon. Also, consider booking a special experience to enjoy while on your cruise, like in-cabin dining with butler service, McDaniel says. For an at-sea honeymoon to remember, book one of these enchanting cruises.

Take a small-ship cruise.

Paul Gauguin Cruises offers the perfect setting for honeymooners with upscale, small-ship voyages in Tahiti, French Polynesia, Fiji and the South Pacific aboard the 332-guest m/s Paul Gauguin on seven- to 17-night itineraries. What's more, Oceania offers requisite Polynesian hospitality. Couples can take in their surroundings from the privacy of their suite or stateroom, dine al fresco under a starry sky and dance the night away. "In my mind it's a fantastic aspect that sets them apart from so many of the more entry level cruising," says Jim Welch of travel agency Amaze Travel in Michigan. "They also make it an all-around wonderful, relaxing and luxury romantic experience."

Sail to Tahiti with Windstar Cruises.

Tahiti, with its romantic setting and pristine beaches, is certainly on the honeymoon short list. Consider taking a cruise aboard a 148-passenger yacht that island hops across the South Pacific, for a mix of a relaxation and adventure and stops in Moorea, Raiatea, Taha'a and more. Windstar's multiple overnights in different ports allow ample time for exploration, and an optional excursion to spend an evening in an overwater bungalow is a great way to combine the joys of a cruise with the beauty of a Tahitian bungalow. What's more, you can enjoy diving, stand-up paddleboarding, kayaking and an array of other water-based activities.

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Embark on an epic honeymoon across Iceland.

For the ultra-adventurous couple, consider a cruise around one of the coolest destinations on the planet: Iceland. Windstar Cruises' 212-passenger Star Legend and Star Pride offer all-suite yachts taking seven-night Around Iceland itineraries, a circumnavigation of Iceland from Reykjavik that takes guests beyond the tourist meccas to isolated fjords and tiny fishing villages. Among other points of interest, cruisers can explore visit Heimaey Island, where a 1973 volcanic eruption left behind a modern-day Pompeii. The itinerary includes an overnight stay in Seyisfjorur, a gateway to some of Iceland's most beautiful waterfalls.

Set sail for the Galapagos.

On Celebrity Cruises, honeymooners can escape to some of the most unique, unspoiled islands in the world. And thanks to Celebrity's all-inclusive pricing, you and your better half won't have to worry about paying extra for beverages, meals, activities or accommodations. The line's Galapagos itineraries, which range from seven to 15 nights, offer passengers intimate onboard atmospheres, particularly on the smaller Celebrity Xploration and Celebrity Xperience ships, as well as luxurious accommodations facing the ocean and the chance to enjoy romantic meals beneath the stars.

Explore iconic cities and cultural events across South America.

Celebrity Cruises' Signature Event Sailings make for bucket-list vacation experiences. For instance, experiencing the Carnival Samba Parade in Rio de Janeiro is an absolute spectacle with ornate floats, costumes, music and spectators. Onboard, honeymooners can enjoy samba classes by day. On Celebrity Infinity's 14-night cruise departing from Buenos Aires, Argentina, on Feb. 19, 2017, cruisers experience Brazilian locales Sao Paolo, Ilhabela, Buzios and Rio de Janeiro.

Plan a Canadian or New England voyage.

Not all honeymooners have the post-wedding budget to take trip to Europe, but Holland America Line offers scenic cruises to Canada and New England for couples who may not want to incur the cost of a pricey flight. Whether exploring the area during the summer or in the fall when the leaves put on an incredible display of jewel-toned hues, Canada and New England offer a perfect backdrop from May to October. Cruises depart from Boston, New York City, Montreal and Quebec City, Canada, and Fort Lauderdale, Florida. Onboard activities might include regional beer and wine tastings, mixology classes, cultural cooking demonstrations and musical performances.

Choose a classic cruise line.

Cunard Line, which is renowned for its long-standing tradition of black tie evenings, ballroom dancing and glamour on the high seas, has many special offerings tailored to newlyweds. The world's only ocean liner offering regularly scheduled Transatlantic Crossings between New York and Southampton, England, gives passengers the gift of time. Cunard also boasts special touches such as performances by members of the Royal Academy of Dramatic Arts and 3-D shows designed by the Royal Astronomical Society on the Queen Mary 2. Other unique services include fencing classes on Queen Victoria and private viewing boxes in The Royal Court Theatre onboard Queen Elizabeth and Queen Victoria.

Plan a quintessential Hawaiian honeymoon.

One of the unique benefits of a honeymoon cruise is the opportunity to visit multiple destinations with no need to unpack, repack and arrange transportation between each stop. Couples can take island hopping to the next level aboard Norwegian Cruise Line's Pride of America, which offers seven-day inter-island Hawaiian sailings year-round. You and your sweetheart can witness the Kilauea Volcano, take in the dramatic views of the Napali Coast or whale watch from the privacy of your stateroom's balcony. What's more, Pride of America recently underwent an extensive renovation and has been refurbished with ship-wide enhancements, including newly designed public spaces, brand new venues and refreshed stateroom decor.

Be a cruise port trailblazer.

MSC Cruises will be the first mainstream cruise line to stop in Sarande, Albania, in summer 2017. Honeymooners departing from Venice will have the opportunity to discover the beautiful town of Sarande -- an up-and-coming destination and exciting addition to the itinerary now featuring seven destinations in seven days -- as well as visit Bari, Italy, Katakolon and Athens, Greece, and Dubrovnik, Croatia. During your trip, you and your better half can explore ancient ruins, take in striking seaside views and admire natural splendors like the spring of Syri Kalter, a pond that's renowned for its distinctive blue shade from afar and crystal-clear hues up close.

Consider barge cruising in France.

For a special European experience, consider honeymoon cruises on the Hotel Barge Nymphea in the Loire Valley. "What could be more romantic than sedately cruising through France's Loire Valley aboard your own fully crewed luxury hotel barge? Imagine cruising past tranquil vineyards and fairy tale chateaux, enjoying each other's company as you sip Champagne and indulge in gourmet, candlelit dinners prepared by your own master chef," says Derek Banks, managing director of barge cruising company European Waterways. Plus, you can enjoy bespoke experiences, such as a hot air balloon ride or private wine tasting, he adds. European Waterways offers six-night all-inclusive honeymoon charter cruises for two aboard the Nymphea.
Nouakchott (AFP) - Ten Mauritanian anti-slavery activists were on Friday handed their freedom in a partial appeal court victory that left three of their fellow accused in jail, a judicial source said.

An appeals court in the northern town of Zouerate acquitted three of the activists, while seven others were handed jail sentences that they have already served. Three more, however, must still spend time behind bars.

"The court has corrected an error by qualifying the events as an offence, and not a crime. That's very positive," one of the defence lawyers, Bah Ould Mbareck told AFP.

"In the meantime, we're continuing to believe that they're all innocent."

On Wednesday, prosecutors had called for a 20-year sentence against the activists, who were originally handed 15-year jail terms at their trial in the Mauritanian capital Nouakchott in August.

The prosecutor accused all 13 activists of launching a "rebellion against the public authority and vandalism".

The public prosecutor did not say whether or not a further appeal would be lodged against the appeal court's decision.

The activists previously claimed to have been tortured in custody, something the prosecution denied.

The 13 were initially convicted of using violence, attacking security forces, gathering while armed and membership of an unrecognised organisation -- the Abolitionist Movement.

All the activists had denied being involved in violence and asked to be acquitted.

Amnesty International welcomed their release but implored Mauritanian authorities to investigate the claims of torture and do more to tackle slavery.

- 'Brutal crackdown' -

Amnesty's West Africa campaigner Kine Fatim Diop said in a statement the anti-slavery activists "had been unfairly sentenced" for "peacefully expressing their opinions".

Diop said their release was "a huge relief" for those "campaigning for an end to the brutal crackdown on human rights defenders in Mauritania".

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However, she said that the fact that three activists remain in jail was a "distressing sign of the shrinking space" afforded to human rights activists in Mauritania.

"It is even more appalling that the court's ruling ignored the serious allegations of torture that were made by the defendants and that no investigation has yet been launched," added Diop.

The government should "recognise the legitimacy" of those fighting to end "slavery and discrimination", including the Abolitionist Movement, she said.

Balla Toure, vice-president of the movement, insisted his group was "pacifist".

"I am a facilitator of development and not a facilitator of destruction. I don't destroy," he said.

French lawyers for the activists lodged a complaint in Paris against unknown persons for "torture and cruel treatment".

They identified 20 high level officials they accuse of being the "architects of torture in Mauritania" and asked for French authorities to arrest them if they set foot in France.

- Slave caste -

Officially, slavery was outlawed in Mauritania in 1981 but the West African country remains a bastion of the practice.

Modern-day slavery under a hereditary system of servitude forces members of the "slave" caste to work without pay as cattle herders and domestic servants, despite an official ban.

Many Mauritanians live below the poverty line while there is huge disparity between the Arabised moorish elites and the country's black population.

Alongside this case, Mauritania has also come under the spotlight for human rights abuses in respect to a blogger on death row, originally accused of apostasy but then a reduced charge of "infidel" behaviour.

Cheikh Ould Mohamed Ould Mkheitir was sentenced to death in 2014 in the deeply conservative Islamic country over an article he wrote, allegedly challenging decisions taken by Islam's prophet Mohammad and his companions during holy wars in the seventh century.

Mkheitir's article also attacked the mistreatment of the country's black population, blasting "an iniquitous social order" with an underclass that was "marginalised and discriminated against from birth", and to which he belongs.
The leaders of some of the nation's top private colleges are speaking out against Donald Trump.

In a letter published on Inside Higher Ed, 110 college leaders have called out the president-elect's rhetoric and urged him to "condemn and work to prevent the harassment, hate and acts of violence that are being perpetrated across our nation, sometimes in your name, which is now synonymous with our nation's highest office."

[See how the counties where the nation's best colleges are located voted.]

Most of the institutions are liberal arts colleges, including top-ranked Williams College, but others, including two-year school HACC, Central Pennsylvania's Community College, also voiced support.

Six of the letter-signing colleges rank in the top nine of the U.S. News Best National Liberal Arts Colleges. Notably, the president of Hillary Clinton's alma mater Wellesley College did not sign the letter, making Wellesley the only school in the U.S. News top five National Liberal Arts Colleges not included.

The letter goes on to note that the schools' students, employees and many other s are "facing very real threats, and are frightened."

It ends by urging the soon-to-be 45th president of the United States to "protect and empower the most vulnerable," adding the "responsibility rests heavily on you."

See the full letter here.

Darian Somers is an associate social media editor at U.S. News. You can follow him on Twitter or email him at dsomers@usnews.com.
Retail light-vehicle sales in the United States are expected to reach 14.0 million units in 2016, a decrease of 1.5% from 2015. With that in mind, both vehicle dealers and lenders are focusing on building better long-term relationships with their customers, according to the J.D. Power 2016 U.S. Consumer Financing Satisfaction Study.SM

With competition for sales thus increasing, it becomes more important for dealers and lenders to help the customer get financing quickly and at the best rate, establish an automatic payment method with a lender, and provide other services to ease the borrowing process.





2016 U.S. Consumer Financing Satisfaction Study photo

The small drop in sales is making for a very competitive auto lending market, which means dealers and lenders in many ways need to get back to the basics to satisfy customers, said Jim Houston, senior director of auto finance at J.D. Power. Lenders need to move beyond a transactional relationship and create a customer-centric culture that helps them build a relationship with their customers. The lendersand dealersthat are able to do that are the ones most likely to excel.



Keep Musts in Mind

The study cites five fundamental musts that a dealer or lender should keep in mind as means to improving customer satisfaction:

Understanding the Deal: In the Luxury brand segment, overall satisfaction is 49 points higher (on a 1,000-point scale) among customers whose dealer or finance manager explained account features, services, or benefits of their financing than among those whose dealer or finance manager did not (880 vs. 831, respectively).

Reference Guide: A lender welcome package that answers basic loan servicing questions (such as how to make payments and how to sign up for automatic payments) can reduce the number of contacts the customer needs to make. Specifically, among Luxury brand customers who say they completely understand all of the servicing information, problem incidence drops to 8%, compared with the overall Luxury problem incidence of 10%.

Accessible Self-Help Tools: When email customer service is available, satisfaction improves by 42 points among customers of Luxury brand vehicles and 61 points among customers of Mass Market brand vehicles. When online bill pay is available, satisfaction improves by 53 points in the Luxury segment and by 86 points in the Mass Market segment.

One and Done: Satisfaction declines significantly when a customer has to contact their lender more than once to resolve a problem. Overall satisfaction among Luxury brand customers resolving a problem with one call is 875 points but declines to 821 among those whose resolution requires two calls.

Satisfaction Equals Loyalty: Highly satisfied Luxury and Mass Market brand customers (overall satisfaction scores above 900) can have a significant effect on dealers and lenders, as they are nearly twice as likely to return to a particular dealership and are more than twice as likely to lease or purchase the same brand again as those who are less satisfied (scores range between 801 and 900).

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In the seemingly complicated environment of vehicle financing, its the sometimes-overlooked customer handling steps that can bring clarity to the customer and give dealers and lenders a unique competitive advantage, Houston said. Working together on the steps that clearly affect satisfaction levels can enable dealers and lenders to turn first-time customers into repeat customers.



Ford Motor Company Sweeps Brand Rankings

Lincoln Automotive Financial Services has the highest overall satisfaction score among finance providers for Luxury brand vehicle customers, with a score of 879. BMW Financial Services (866) ranks second and Audi Financial Services (864) ranks third.



Ford Credit ranks highest among lenders that specialize in Mass Market vehicle brands, with a score of 856. Bank of America (854) ranks second and Kia Motors Finance (851) ranks third.



Consumer Tips

Based on the study, J.D. Power offers the following consumer tips:

Ask friends and family about their experiences with the lenders associated with the vehicles youre considering: two equally good lenders might offer quite different financing plans.

Some vehicle brands, and some individual dealers, might offer especially attractive financing. Take advantage of special incentives and figure out which plans offer the best overall terms, not just the near-term benefits.

Ask a financial expert about the advantages and disadvantages of various car loans.



About the Study

The 2016 U.S. Consumer Financing Satisfaction Study measures overall customer satisfaction in four factors: billing and payment process; onboarding process; phone contact; and website. The study is based on responses from more than 19,000 customers who financed a new- or used-car purchase or lease within the past four years, and was fielded in July-August 2016.

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Retail light-vehicle sales in the United States in 2016 are expected to decrease 1.5% from 2015. With that in mind, both vehicle dealers and lenders are focusing on building better long-term relationships with their customers, according to the J.D. Power 2016 U.S. Consumer Financing Satisfaction Study.

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[November 18, 2016] Changing the Way Labels & Flexible Packaging are Made

ANAHEIM, Calif., Nov. 18, 2016 /PRNewswire/ -- Adcraft Labels is proud to announce it has taken possession of the first and only digital-flexo hybrid press of its kind. Utilizing Adcraft's JetFlex Technology we can now go beyond features offered in traditional digital and flexo printing. Adcraft's proprietary JetFlex Technology workflow, which is based on the Mark Andy Digital Series platform, allows customers to do more than they could ever afford before. We can produce a label using flexo features like custom colors and tinted foils, then change, on the fly, all of the CMYK+white graphics. Clients will have an improved embellished label tat also eliminates plate and screen costs. Add in digital capabilities, like variable data, and you have a winning combination.



The digital capabilities of JetFlex Technology provide Consumer Packaged Goods companies with the ability to personalize packaging while still maintaining brand consistency across a number of product lines. Most digital label manufacturers recreate Pantone colors using CMYK, which does not always match brand standards. Our JetFlex Technology uses true Pantone colors with the ability to include digital information on each label. The JetFlex Technology ink system is so durable that in many cases varnish and laminates can be eliminated. The inks can also have a texture and thickness that gives a tactile effect without varnish. The digital opaque white ink rivals that produced by screen-printing and provides brand owners the ability to use multiple colors on a clear label. This is a huge improvement over traditional digital and flexo printing.

Other digital label and packaging manufacturers must use offline converting to die cut and add embellishments. This takes additional time and effort adding cost and production time to the job. With JetFlex Technology Adcraft Labels can accomplish this on one press and in one pass. Most digital equipment used by other label and packaging manufacturers use heat-based printing methods which limit printing on certain films and plastics. Adcraft's JetFlex Technology is inkjet based and thus supports a wide range of label materials ranging from 1 mil to 14-point stock, including pressure sensitive papers and films. JetFlex Technology was on display during a recent ribbon cutting ceremony at Adcraft's production facilities. Representatives from the Anaheim Chamber of Commerce and the office of California State Senator Bob Huff presented Adcraft's CEO, Keith Mottram, with multiple certificates praising the company's accomplishments. Video - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=m_Q1Zzb-mI8 To view the original version on PR Newswire, visit:http://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/changing-the-way-labels--flexible-packaging-are-made-300365744.html SOURCE Adcraft Labels

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This week, Hyundai Motors new Genesis premium brand took the wraps off its 2018 Genesis G80 3.3T Sport variant at the 2016 Los Angeles Auto Show. The 3.3T Sport adds an energetic, turbocharged, 3.3-liter V-6 engine and sport-tuned suspension for performance plus special exterior and interior sport treatments. The new G80 Sport will reach U.S. dealer showrooms in the spring of 2017, according to company officials. The G80 is the successor to the Hyundai Genesis before being spun off into a premium stand-alone brand.



Genesis brands G80 3.3T Sport is a variant of the G80 midsize premium car with a twin-turbocharged V-6 that produces 365 horsepower and 376 lb.-ft. of torque when partnered with a sport-tuned 8-speed automatic transmission that uses shift-by-wire technology. Performance is enhanced with continuous damping control suspension.





2018 Genesis G80 3.3T Sport front quarter left photo

Sport styling includes dark chrome trim on a cross-hatch design dark grille and Genesis signature copper-colored accents with unique sporty front and rear fascias. This sporty variant rides on special 19-in. dark alloy wheels and is offered in two exclusive colorsPolar Ice and Sevilla Redin addition to three standard exterior hues.



Inside, the G80 3.3T Sport is equipped with black or gray leather sport seats and a leather steering wheel with contrast copper-colored stitching. Carbon fiber interior trim and aluminum sport pedals add to the sporty feel. A black microfiber suede headliner finishes the cabins interior environment.



The 2018 G80 3.3T Sport is equipped with standard advanced safety, connectivity, and infotainment technologies, including a 9.2-in. touch screen navigation system and multimedia and camera technologies. It also features LED lighting systems that bend and a premium sound system with 17 speakers, plus wireless device charging.

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This week, Hyundai Motors new Genesis premium brand took the wraps off its 2018 Genesis G80 3.3T Sport variant at the 2016 Los Angeles Auto Show.

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Up to 30,000 people have been displaced by violence in Myanmar's Rakhine state, half of them over the course of last weekend when dozens of people died in clashes with the military, the UN said Friday.

Troops have poured into a strip of land along the Bangladesh border, an area which is largely home to the stateless Muslim Rohingya minority, since coordinated attacks on police posts last month.

The army this week said troops have killed nearly 70 people as they hunt the attackers, although activists say the number could be much higher.

Violence escalated over the weekend, with state media reporting troops had killed more than 30 people in two days of fighting after the army responded to ambushes by bringing in helicopter gunships.

The UN's special rapporteur on Myanmar, Yanghee Lee, criticised the government led by Nobel Laureate Aung San Suu Kyi for their handling of the crisis and called for "urgent action".

The UN's Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) said 15,000 people were believed to have fled their homes over the space of 48 hours.

"Up to 30,000 people are now estimated to be displaced and thousands more affected by the 9 October armed attacks and subsequent security operations across the north of Rakhine State," said a spokesman for the UN OCHA.

"This includes as many as 15,000 people who, according to unverified information, may have been displaced after clashes between armed actors and the military on 12-13 November."

Activists have accused troops of killing civilians, raping women and torching homes -- allegations the government has vehemently denied.

Authorities have heavily restricted access to the area, making it difficult to independently verify government reports or accusations of army abuse.

A delegation of UN officials and foreign diplomats made a brief trip to the area in an effort to get aid deliveries reinstated, which state media has hailed as proof no abuses had been carried out.

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The resurgence of violence in western Rakhine state has deepened a crisis that already posed a critical challenge to Suu Kyi's administration seven months after it took power.

More than 100 people died in 2012 in clashes between the majority Buddhist population and the Muslim Rohingya, and tens of thousands of them were driven into displacement camps.

The UN's Lee slammed the government's handling of the crisis, and urged a transparent investigation into accusations of rape and murder by the security forces.

"State Counsellor Aung San Suu Kyi has recently stated that the government is responding to the situation based on the rule of law. Yet I am unaware of any efforts on the part of the government to look into the allegations of human rights violations," Lee said in a statement.

"The security forces must not be given carte blanche to step up their operations under the smokescreen of having allowed access to an international delegation. Urgent action is needed to bring resolution to the situation."
It's good to be in the business of "Star Wars" these days. Hasbro, Inc. (ticker: HAS), which has a license to sell certain toys from the movie franchise found that came out last year. While revenues jumped just 4 percent, its boys division flew up 20 percent, in large part because of its Star Wars toys.

But what's often the case in the toy industry, the hot item one year won't likely remain on the top the next. And as the holidays approach, the original Star Wars isn't necessarily on the tip of everyone's tongue, even as the first franchise spinoff, "Rogue One: A Star Wars Story" comes out in December.

Yet, despite the potential coals in the holiday sales, HAS stock has jumped nearly 27 percent in 2016. The rise comes after a multi-year effort to shift the company into focusing on its largest brands and greatest stories. Has Hasbro transitioned far enough from a cyclical toy company to make it a buy in non-hit years? Or could the cycle of consumer products rear its head, sending Hasbro downward?

[See: 8 Ways President Donald Trump Will Affect Wall Street.]

Star Wars offers prospects for years. While Star Wars isn't expected to have as robust of an impact on the company's bottom line this year, they're not expected to fall. Finishing flat over the holidays "would be a strong result, if they achieve that," says Trevor Young, an analyst at Jefferies.

It's an encouraging sign, since often in non-movie years a franchise's popularity can drop between 30 percent and 50 percent, Young says. "Rogue One" is outside the Star Wars anthology, which has reduced the hysteria around the film.

And while Hasbro shares the toy production of Star Wars products, it still signals the impact that it can have for years to come. Since the Walt Disney Co. ( DIS) expects to release a Star Wars movie every year for the next several years, Star Wars will remain a valuable franchise.

[See: 8 Stocks to Buy for 'Star Wars' Fans.]

Hasbro will "continue to bring experiences to consumers year after year," says Piper Jaffray managing director Stephanie Wissink.

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HAS is learning from its partnership with Disney. One reason the optimism remains high around Hasbro is that for the first holiday season, the company will be selling Disney dolls, like Elsa from the mega-hit "Frozen." This isn't just a win for Hasbro, but a blow to Mattel ( MAT), which previously handled production.

Hasbro stole the business away from Mattel by offering Disney insight into the experience it will try to sell, Wissink says. Instead of simply producing dolls, it identified why modern girls buy dolls, and targets them based on their personalities. Hasbro "discovered unique attributes that no one had brought back to Disney before," Wissink says.

It's also because Hasbro had moved away from manufacturing its own products, unlike Mattel. In 2015, it sold two of its largest remaining plants, one in Massachusetts and the other in Ireland. This allows Hasbro to focus efforts -- and investments - on the marketing and selling of products, while outsourcing manufacturing.

Hasbro has tried to find stories that have long consumer cycles, like Disney princesses and Star Wars, or Transformers and My Little Pony. These are brands that come back often, as opposed to smaller movies that have a big success but can't be repeated year after year.

Increasing the exposure to their brands. Licensing partners' brands has grown to nearly 30 percent of revenues. It's not something that Hasbro necessarily wants to have taking up a greater percentage of the revenue pie. "That's toward the high end of the range in terms of what they're comfortable with," Young says.

That's because margins on these licenses aren't as strong as Hasbro's owned entities, since the company has to pay royalties back to Disney, for example. That's also why it's important for Hasbro to grow its game business -- like Monopoly and Game of Life -- and its own brands, like Nerf, My Little Pony and Transformers.

For games, it has transitioned the popularity onto digital formats -- Monopoly is on Apple's ( AAPL) app store top 20 most-downloaded paid apps, for example. And Transformers has another movie coming out next year, along with efforts in growing the franchise on television, including the release of a cartoon aimed at grownups earlier this year.

Can Hasbro's stories grow beyond the cycle? The 52 percent jump in stock price over the past two years has left Hasbro pricey compared to its past. With a 2017 price-earnings of 18, it's at a very similar level to Mattel and a slight premium to its historical average.

Whether or not that's expensive depends on the eye of the beholder. For those that believe Hasbro is a toy company, completely at the whim of the cycle toy manufacturers deal with, then there's limited room for upside.

[See: 7 Ways to Tell if a Stock Is a Good Price.]

But if Hasbro has moved beyond just a toy company to one that is developer, marketer and storyteller, then 18 might sound enticing. As long as Star Wars remains fresh, that is.





More From US News & World Report


Richard Driehaus, a pioneer in momentum investing, came out with a strategy with high return prospects for investors not afraid of taking risks. The philosophy  "buying high and selling higher"  is the base of this strategy. Driehaus proven high profitability strategy made him popular throughout the investment world. Several well-known organizations including Barron recognized him as one of the top investors.

Separately, famous investing institutions such as the American Association of Individual Investors (AAII) found that Driehaus momentum strategy has the potential to offer healthy returns. According to AAII, the strategy generated returns of 13.5% and 18.1% in the five- and 10- year timeframe, respectively, against -1.1% and 4.2% returns registered by the S&P 500.

Driehaus Momentum Strategy

After studying Driehaus strategy thoroughly, AAII came to the conclusion that companies with impressive earnings growth rates and the potential to maintain the positive trend are its main focus. In addition to that, Driehaus gave precedence to those companies that have a solid track of beating expectations. Moreover, the strategy works better for longer time periods.

Driehaus had said in an interview: That means buying stocks that have already had good moves and have high relative strength  that is, stocks in demand by other investors. I would much rather invest in a stock thats increasing in price and take the risk that it may begin to decline than invest in a stock thats already in a decline and try to guess when it will turn around.

How to Apply the Strategy

Based on Driehaus approach, we have created a screen for picking solid momentum stocks. In it, we have added positive relative strength as an important criterion. Then, we have followed it up with the percentage 50-day moving average  which is calculated by dividing the numerator (month-end price minus 50-day moving average of month-end price by the 50-day moving average of month-end price). Positive percentage 50-day moving average indicates that the stock is trading at a price higher than its 50-day moving average level, indicating an uptrend.

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Screening Parameters

In order to make the strategy more profitable, we have considered only those stocks that have a Zacks Rank #1 (Strong Buy) and a momentum score of A or B. Our research shows that stocks with a Style Score of A or B when combined with a Zacks Rank #1 or 2 offer the best upside potential.

 Zacks Rank equal to #1

(Only Strong Buy rated stocks can get through. You can see the complete list of todays Zacks #1 Rank stocks here.)

 Last 5-year average EPS growth rates above 2%

(Strong EPS growth history ensures improving business.)

 Trailing 12 month EPS growth higher than 0 and industry median

(Higher EPS growth compared to the industry average indicates superior stocks.)

 Last four-quarter average EPS surprise greater than 5%

(Positive EPS surprise indicates potential.)

 Positive % 50-day moving average and relative strength over 4 weeks

(High % 50-day moving average and relative strength signal uptrend.)

 Momentum Score equal to or less than B

(Favorable momentum score indicates that it is ideal to take advantage of the momentum with the highest probability of success.)

These few parameters narrowed down the universe of over 7,700 stocks to only 10.

Here are five of the 10 stocks:

MGM Resorts International MGM is a global hospitality company, operating a portfolio of destination resort brands. It has a Momentum Score of A. MGM Resorts has an average four-quarter positive earnings surprise of more than 100%.

Stamps.com Inc. STMP provides easy, convenient and cost-effective Internet -based services. It has a Momentum Score of A. Stamps.com has an average four-quarter positive earnings surprise of 66.7%.

Willdan Group, Inc. WLDN is a provider of professional technical and consulting services. It has a Momentum Score of A. Willdan Group has an average four-quarter positive earnings surprise of 18.7%.

Northrop Grumman Corporation NOC is a high technology company providing innovative solutions in systems integration, defense electronics and information technology. It has a Momentum Score of A. Northrop Grumman has an average four-quarter positive earnings surprise of 8.3%.

Sandy Spring Bancorp Inc. SASR is a bank holding company for Sandy Spring National Bank of Maryland. The bank is community oriented, and conducts a full-service commercial banking business. It has a Momentum Score of B. Sandy Spring Bancorp has an average four-quarter positive earnings surprise of 14.4%.

Get the rest of the stocks on the list and start putting this and other ideas to the test. It can all be done with the Research Wizard stock picking and backtesting software.

The Research Wizard is a great place to begin. It's easy to use. Everything is in plain language. And it's very intuitive. Start your Research Wizard trial today. And the next time you read an economic report, open up the Research Wizard, plug your finds in, and see what gems come out.

Click here to sign up for a free trial to the Research Wizard today.

Disclosure: Officers, directors and/or employees of Zacks Investment Research may own or have sold short securities and/or hold long and/or short positions in options that are mentioned in this material. An affiliated investment advisory firm may own or have sold short securities and/or hold long and/or short positions in options that are mentioned in this material.

Disclosure: Performance information for Zacks portfolios and strategies are available at: https://www.zacks.com/performance.

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Zacks Investment Research
Its starting to look like the only thing Gigi Hadid cant do is make us feel better about our unglamorous lives.

The 21-year-old supermodel-designer-social media sensation is set to host Sunday nights 2016 American Music Awards alongside former Saturday Night Live cast member Jay Pharoah. This will be Hadids second time hosting a major awards show, as she made her hosting debut at the Much Music Video Music Awards in Toronto earlier this year.

Here are five reasons we think you will be glued to your TVs to watch her on Sunday night. Aside from, you know, catching the musical performances 

1. Shes not afraid to laugh at herself.

Hadid still cant get over being a public figure  and how ridiculous her life is.

I think its always funny to find out online that youre going through a breakup or something crazys happening in your life, she told People Style. Its just funny that it comes out of nowhere a lot of the time, but its always entertaining. Theres something every day honestly thats pretty entertaining.

For the record, she is still very much dating Zayn Malik, who is up for artist of the year.

2. Oh, and about that Zayn guy? Shes rooting for him and is #sorrynotsorry about it.

When People Style asked about that dude who is up for new artist of the year, Hadid responded, as coy as ever, I heard about that dude! Handsome! Zayn, right? Yeah, hes cute, adding that Maliks debut solo album Mind of Mine is her favorite of the year.

No one ever said that hosts had to be objective.

I dont know if as a host Im allowed to say who Im voting for  but voted for him, Hadid told PEOPLE on Nov. 9 at a press day for the AMAs.

3. Shes going to wear something incredible.

Hadid told PeopleStyle that shes going to pick a look that is different and cool and makes her really excited to put on.

I want it to be really eclectic and fun and kind of surprise people and be colorful and have cool textures, she said of her AMAs wardrobe. Just whatever I think will kind of excite people. Thats what the fun part of being a host is. Im not gonna force like a certain amount of outfits, but I think that just bringing out as many outfits that make me really excited as possible.

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4. Shes a huge music fangirl.

One of the star-studded performances Hadid is most excited for? Lady Gaga.

I love Gaga and I think that she always brings something with so much heart, Hadid told PEOPLE. Im very excited to see what she has for us.

5. Against all odds, shes still down to earth.

Hadid still cant wrap her mind around being called an It Girl, though she appreciates the recognition and support.

Obviously its an honor to be called that, Hadid told the Today show. Something Ive just paid attention to is just being someone people like to work with. If you really touch someone on a personal level, theyll be the ones that are fighting for you the next day at a meeting or pushing for you on a campaign. And thats just something I like to stick too.

Aside from Hadids (and Pharoahs) awesomeness, the AMAs will feature performances by major artists including John Legend, Shawn Mendes, Ariana Grande and Nicki Minaj.

The American Music Awards will air live on Sunday, Nov. 20 at 8 p.m ET on ABC.




(Photo of an e-bike: AFP)

A 62-year-old Chinese man was killed on Friday (18 November) morning after his e-bike collided with a tipper truck in the Central Business District, the second such accident in less than a month.

The tipper truck driver, a 54-year-old man, has been arrested for causing death by negligent act.

Police were alerted to the accident along Cecil Street towards Collyer Quay at 10.29am. The rider was pronounced dead by paramedics at the scene.

Police investigations are ongoing.

A video of the aftermath of the accident was posted on road safety community page Roads.sg.

On 27 October, two men have died following an accident involving a trailer and three e-bikes along West Coast Highway.

The 34-year-old male trailer driver was arrested for causing death by a negligent act, police said.
When it comes to the topic of racism, Kanye West has a varied past. Early in his career, the Life of Pablo rapper never shied away from the topic, rapping about it on songs and delivering his now-famous, George Bush doesnt care about black people line on live TV.

In recent years, Kanyes views on the issue have changed, which has included him saying racism is a dated concept and revealing he would have voted for President-elect Donald Trump if he voted in the U.S. election. Check out these seven times Kanye has spoken about racism:

1. Never Let Me Down

One of the standout tracks from Kanyes discography features one of his most quoted lyrics. On Never Let Me Down from 2004s The College Dropout, Kanye famously rapped, Racisms still alive, they just be concealin it.

2. George Bush Doesnt Care About Black People

Four days after Hurricane Katrina had hit the city of New Orleans, Kanye appeared on the NBC telethon A Concert for Hurricane Relief to help raise money for the devastated city. Kanyes appearance on Sept. 2, 2005 came just a week after his second album, Late Registration, was released and sold 860,000 copies in its first week.

The rapper was becoming a popular figure, and while standing next to actor Mike Myers, West looked straight into the camera and said, George Bush doesnt care about black people. While the statement was controversial at the time, it showed just who Kanye West was: someone who isnt afraid to speak his mind.

Kanye West

Photo: Reuters/Andrew Kelly

3. New Slaves

On 2013s Yeezus, Kanye put out two his most politically charged songs, New Slaves and Black Skinhead. Its the latter that features some of Kanyes most memorable lyrics about racism.

4. There Arent No Black Guys Or Celebrities Making No Louis Vuitton Nothing

During a 2014 performance at Londons Wireless Festival, Kanye went on one of his famous rants, this time, against the fashion industry. According to the rapper, he was discriminated against in meetings with fashion companies. Kanye said while rappers such as him and Pharrell have collaborated with companies before, they didnt want them doing too much.

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They let Pharrell make those glasses, and we liked them, right? They let me make those shoes, and we liked them right? And they say... Not no more. Thats too much. Thats too much... Thats way too much. Thats way too much. Stay in your place. Sit in the front of that show and wear this jacket I made you. Stay in your place. Do what you get paid to do. Stay in your place. Dont embarrass yourself trying to chase your dreams. Save face. Save face, he said.

5. The Human Race

While accepting the Visionary Award at the 2015 BET Honors, West delivered a speech which dealt with humans focusing on different races as opposed to the human race. The micro of it is we focus on the different races as opposed to the macro, which is the human race, he said.

6. Racism Is A Dated Concept

Kanyes most controversial statement came a few months after his BET speech when he called racism a dated concept. While speaking with Clique TV, the rapper said racism was a silly concept that is used to separate, to alienate, to pinpoint anything. West revealed he doesnt like to use the word racism because its not an actual thing that even means anything.

7. I Wouldve Voted For Trump

The Ultralight Beam rapper may have delivered his most controversial statement during a concert on Thursday night when he said, I told yall I didnt vote, right? But if I wouldve voted, I wouldve voted for Trump. The crowd at the San Jose, California, show began booing West after his statement with some even leaving the show.

West also spoke about racism during the show, echoing his previous statements about the topic. Specifically to black people, stop focusing on racism, he said. This world is racist, OK? Lets stop being distracted to focus on that as much We are in a racist country. Period.

Related Articles
Black Friday sales are springing up online and in your local stores. But you still have time to pull together a financial plan for the holidays that will keep your bank account in the black. Carve out some time in the next few days to do the following, and you should be in good financial shape for the festivities to begin.

[See: 10 Classic (and Unique) Retirement Gift Ideas.]

Check your credit score. It may seem like an unlikely place to begin your holiday preparations, but Manisha Thakor, director of wealth strategies for women at financial advisory firm Buckingham and The BAM Alliance, says it's smart to check your financial pulse before wading into the stores where easy credit is readily available. "There's a power that comes from knowing where you are," Thakor says. "That awareness will give you the right level of motivation." Shoppers who are motivated to maintain or improve their score may find they are less likely to charge purchases or open new credit lines while holiday shopping. Although there are several credit scores available, Thakor recommends people check their FICO score, since it is the one most widely used by lenders.

Decide whether to cast a wide net. Next, it's time to create a game plan for holiday spending. "Think about whether you want to go narrow and deep with gifts or wide and shallow," Thakor says. Narrow and deep means limiting the shopping list to only a few people and spending the majority of your budgeted amount on them. Those who decide to go wide and shallow may give inexpensive presents to a large number of people. "What you really want to avoid is wide and deep," Thakor says. When people try that approach, they almost always overspend what they can afford.

Set a per-person shopping budget. It's not enough to simply know how much you plan to spend in total for the holiday season. You also need to break that number down by person, says Zaneilia Harris, author of Finance 'n Stilettos and president of Harris & Harris Wealth Management. "The more organized you are and the more detailed you are, the better," she says. That means naming an exact dollar amount for each person on your shopping list. "Say I'm only going to spend $150 on each kid," Harris says as an example. Then, once you've hit that dollar amount, stop shopping for that person.

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[Read: How to Keep Grandkid Spending in Check This Christmas.]

Scope out purchases in advance. Harris is also a fan of using online shopping carts as a way to avoid impulse purchases. "You can keep things in your basket and then step away to think about it," she says. As a bonus, some retailers will email coupons to those who have left a full cart on the site, making a future purchase less expensive.

For offline shoppers, Harris recommends a similar strategy of scouting out purchases. "Leave your credit cards at home and go look [in the store]," she suggests. Both methods also help consumers avoid the scenario in which they buy one gift and then later find something else they like better.

Pick one day to go shopping with a list. When it does become time to start spending money, try to pick one day to complete all your shopping. Don't venture out without a list of specific purchases for each recipient either. "We're planners, and we know the best way to avoid stress in any type of situation is to have a plan," says Steve Martin, a certified financial planner and director at BKD Wealth Advisors in Oakbrook Terrace, Illinois. "If you don't have a list, everything is on your list."

Have a plan for credit usage. Michelle Hutchison, money expert at personal finance comparison website Finder.com, says many people may have a budget for the holidays, but don't have access to all that money upfront. "For instance, if you plan to spend $500 on the holidays, you should put away $100 each week towards your holiday budget," she says.

However, that approach means people won't have cash to do all their shopping until the end of December. In that case, they may want to look to credit options including credit cards, personal loans or other lines of credit. "There's nothing wrong with using credit cards during the holidays if you don't go overboard and get yourself into more debt than you can afford to repay in a reasonable amount of time," Hutchison says.

[Read: 4 Reasons to Start Your Holiday Shopping Early.]

Scrap the store-bought gifts. One of the best ways to avoid being financially stressed during the holidays is to skip the expensive store-bought gifts altogether. This approach has benefits beyond simply saving money.

Martin remembers making Christmas gifts with his wife each year early in their marriage when money was tight. They made candles one year and flavored olive oils another. "It was fun," Martin says. "It was time spent together."

The holidays are closing in fast, but there is still time to take these proactive steps to avoid finding yourself in a financially stressful situation. And then for next year, Harris has some other advice: "I think you start planning in the summer, honestly."
Associated Press

Saudi Arabia has shared intelligence with American officials that suggests Iran could be preparing for an imminent attack on the kingdom, three U.S. officials said Tuesday. The heightened concerns about a potential attack on Saudi Arabia come as the Biden administration is criticizing Tehran for its crackdown on widespread protests and condemning it for sending hundreds of drones  as well as technical support  to Russia for use in its war in Ukraine. We are concerned about the threat picture, and we remain in constant contact through military and intelligence channels with the Saudis, the National Security Council said in a statement.
[November 18, 2016] Casio Has The Perfect Tools For Businesses This Holiday Season

DOVER, N.J., Nov. 18, 2016 /PRNewswire/ -- The holidays are around the corner and Casio America, Inc., a leading consumer electronics manufacturer, is here to assist small businesses with the hustle and bustle that comes with the holiday shopping season. Large crowds and long lines are unavoidable, especially on Black Friday and Small Business Saturday, but with Casio's V-R200 Android point of sale (POS) terminal and the HR-8TMPlus printing calculator, business owners will be able to easily navigate through the holidays and beyond. "At Casio, we know how important it is for business owners to have the most innovative tools at their fingertips so they can focus their full attention on their customers," said Yuji Sasajima, CEO of Casio America, Inc. "The V-R200 POS terminal and HR-8TMPlus calculator are the ideal technologies because they help make planning and processing transactions more efficient." V-R200

The V-R200 is an Andoid-based POS terminal that operates on flash ROM technology and provides the flexibility and security of the Android Platform that is ideal for a variety of businesses. With the V-R200, store owners no longer need to purchase expensive hard drives or deal with loud cooling fans. This advanced POS terminal not only includes a 10.4" operator color touch screen, but also a built-in 80mm thermal printer and a pop-up 2x20 customer display. In addition, the VR-200 features an Ethernet port for high speed communications between terminals and the internet, multiple serial ports for peripheral connectivity, a cash connector, and an SD Card for program backup.



HR-8TMPlus

Casio's HR-8TMPlus is perfect for businesses looking to have an affordable and lightweight printing calculator on hand for Black Friday or Small Business Saturday. It features large input keys and an easy-to-read Large 12 Digit Display, as well as the capability to produce 1.6 lines per second. The HR-8TMPlus also comes equipped with function command signs, including a tax and currency exchange function that will keep the process of customer checkout quick and organized. The HR-8TMPlus, which comes with an adapter, is available for a MSRP of $19.99. For additional information on Casio's POS and desktop calculator solutions for businesses, please visit www.Casio.com

About Casio America, Inc.

Casio America, Inc., Dover, N.J., is the U.S. subsidiary of Casio Computer Co., Ltd., Tokyo, Japan, one of the world's leading manufacturers of consumer electronics and business equipment solutions. Established in 1957, Casio America, Inc. markets calculators, keyboards, digital cameras, mobile presentation devices, disc title and label printers, watches, cash registers and other consumer electronic products. Casio has strived to fulfill its corporate creed of "creativity and contribution" through the introduction of innovative and imaginative products. For more information, visit www.casiousa.com. Logo - http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20160223/336539LOGO To view the original version on PR Newswire, visit:http://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/casio-has-the-perfect-tools-for-businesses-this-holiday-season-300365772.html SOURCE Casio America, Inc.

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Anmarie Calgaro is suing her own teen. (Photo: Facebook)

A mother of five kids is suing her 17-year-old transgender child  along with the teens supportive school district, school principal, and various local health service providers  after the teen transitioned from male to female without her moms express permission.

If this had been a child custody case, I wouldve had my day in court, the mom, Anmarie Calgaro of St. Louis, Minn., said in a press conference that was broadcast Wednesday through Facebook Live. Speaking at times through tears, and always referring to her child as my son and he, despite the teens transition to female, Calgaro noted, It was brought to my knowledge that my son began receiving hormone replacement treatments from Park Nicollet Health Services to transition from male to female, with medical assistance paying for this. I was not consulted or informed about this in any way.

Calgaro added that she had been robbed of her rights and responsibilities as a parent and that her teen has been robbed of a key advocate in his life: his mother. The Facebook post adds, Anmarie, her family, and her son have been grievously harmed by this unconstitutional collusion of groups that exclude her from the on-going medical, physical, and emotional care and education of her own child.

But while Calgaro and her lawyers, including one from the anti-abortion Thomas More Society, are representing the case as being strictly about the erosion of parental rights, transgender equality activists view it more symbolically  and part of a larger conservative movement that aims to chip away at the rights of transgender youth to access medical care across the country.

The real goal of this suit is for the case to be a lightning rod for conservatives everywhere  and it is attached to bans on transgender youth care, Jenn Burleton, executive director of the national TransActive Gender Center, based in Portland, Ore., tells Yahoo Beauty.

Burleton says her organization has been in touch with the youth (referred to as J.D.K. in the lawsuit) to lend support, but would not share any details of the situation in order to protect her privacy. She also believes, along with other advocates, there are other goals at play in Calgaros case: to chip away at the rights of youths, in some states, to attain abortions without parental consent, as well as to make it easier for parents to subject their children to gay conversion therapy.

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The mom, Burleton says, is a pawn.

The lawsuit names not only J.D.K, but also Park Nicollet Health Services, which would not comment on the case, and the St. Louis County School District, where no one was available to comment on Friday because of a snowstorm that sent staff members home early.

At issue in the lawsuit is Minnesota Statute 144.341, which allows minors living away from parents, in many cases, to give their own medical consent. The statute says that any minor who is living separate and apart from parents or legal guardian, whether with or without the consent of a parent or guardian and regardless of the duration of such separate residence, and who is managing personal financial affairs, regardless of the source or extent of the minors income, may give effective consent to personal medical, dental, mental and other health services, and the consent of no other person is required.

The statute exists in the absence of a formal emancipation process for minors in the state of Minnesota, which can make declaring emancipation difficult. In this case, according to the lawsuit, J.D.K. worked with Mid-Minnesota Legal Aid in 2015 to create an emancipation statement stating that mother has made it known to him that she no longer wishes to have any contact with him, and that she knows where he is and has made no attempts to bring him home and has taken no actions to report him as a runaway or taken legal action to keep him in her home. Calgaro disputes the characterization of her relationship with her teen.

According to Michelle Forcier, MD, associate professor of pediatrics at Brown University, whose expertise is in treating transgender youth, [The case] very much sounds political and part of the current social discourse looking to limit rights for minorities  gender, sexual, racial. Additionally, she tells Yahoo Beauty, This teen is almost 18  if mom wanted to get involved in this youths life, there were more productive and supportive ways that she might have done so. At face value, Forcier says, the fact that mom and teen have been living apart for some time suggests significant difficulty in their relationship.

Forcier adds, That a parent disagrees with a child or adult transgender person is unfortunately not a unique situation, though it is a tragic situation, as lack of parental support and rejection is harmful, and parental acceptance and support (even if not totally understanding it) is hugely protective against self-harm and many bad health outcomes.

Gender identity, she explains, begins as early as age 2 and sometimes younger, with some children realizing their gender identity does not necessarily match their assigned gender  based on chromosomes, body parts  in early childhood. For others, that realization could come later, with puberty, and, Forcier says, research and clinical experience shows that most teens around the time of or after puberty do not change their mind or make mistakes about their identified gender.

While the lawsuit mentions a life-changing operation, its not clear what exact treatments have been doled out, as experts say surgery is unlikely for someone so young. But in order to start hormone or other therapies, Forcier adds, this patient would have talked with medical, psychological, and/or surgical specialists who would go through a thorough history, exam, and evaluation to make sure that gender hormones and/or surgery would be in the patients best interest. These decisions are not taken lightly by patients or providers as they make a plan for next steps. A doctors letter dated January 2016, included in the lawsuit, stated that the teen had undergone gender transition treatment.

If Calgaros lawsuit is successful, approximately 6,580 transgender and gender-nonconforming high school students in the state of Minnesota could have trouble accessing the care they need, according to NBC News, which referenced the Minnesota Department of Educations 2016 Minnesota Student Survey, which this year included questions about gender identity for the first time. NBC also quoted David Edwards, a leader with the support group Transforming Families, who said he was disturbed by Calgaro referring to her teen as he, because purposefully mis-gendering a transgender person is an act of violence. To continually do that to your child is not only insensitive but also really harmful.

Still, parental rights advocates see a different picture: that the legal issues raised are independent of the treatment and services this child received. David DeLugas, executive director and general counsel of the nonprofit National Association of Parents (which is not involved in this case), suggests observers consider this case not about gender transition, but a case that raises the issue of due process and that reveals conflict in Minnesotas statutes. He tells Yahoo Beauty that in every state there are duties and obligations that are rightfully placed on parents and, under Minnesota law, there is a legal process by which a court can terminate parental rights. And just as there is a legal process in Minnesota to terminate parental rights, the statute being scrutinized purports to give a minor the power simply to make certain representations about living independently of his or her parents and can then receive medical care or procedures that otherwise the medical provider would not be authorized to provide. Because this statute makes no reference to harm to the child if this process is not allowed and has no due process to protect the parents, the child and third-party medical providers, it may not pass Constitutional scrutiny.

Still, Burleton maintains the importance of the statute regarding medical care, and praises the teens fortitude in this situation.

What weve found is that the resilience and maturity of many of these kids is really exceptional, so its not surprising that she has been able to identify what her needs are, Burleton says. Whats amazing is that she allowed her drive to get her needs met to overcome the anxiety and depression she may be feeling, and the discouragement of whatever made her feel her house was not a safe place to be. She found the right people. And contrary to what the [moms] attorneys are alleging, this is an example of the system actually working.

Lets keep in touch! Follow Yahoo Beauty on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and Pinterest.
Nov 18 (Reuters) - Teen apparel retailer Abercrombie & Fitch Co posted its 15th straight drop in quarterly sales as fewer customers visited its stores.

Abercrombie & Fitch's shares fell 8.4 percent to $15.50 in premarket trading on Friday.

The company, whose brands include Hollister and abercrombie kids, said net sales fell 6.5 percent to $821.73 million in the third quarter ended Oct. 29 from $878.57 million a year earlier.

Sales at established stores fell 6 percent, while analysts on average had expected a 3.9 percent fall, according to research firm Consensus Metrix.

Net income attributable to the company fell to $7.88 million, or 12 cents per share, in the quarter, from $41.89 million, or 60 cents per share, a year earlier.

(Reporting by Gayathree Ganesan and Jessica Kuruthukulangara in Bengaluru; Editing by Martina D'Couto)
By Joseph Ax

NEW YORK (Reuters) - Accused New York bomber Ahmad Khan Rahimi pleaded not guilty on Thursday to federal charges that he set off an explosive device in September on a crowded city street, injuring 30 people.

Wearing a dark blue jump suit, Rahimi, 28, shuffled slowly into federal court in Manhattan and had several coughing fits during the brief hearing. He suffered serious injuries in a shootout with police two days after the bombing.

He spoke only once, when U.S. District Judge Richard Berman asked him to confirm that he intended to plead not guilty to an eight-count indictment filed on Wednesday.

"Yes, sir," Rahimi said.

Prosecutors have accused the Afghan-born U.S. citizen of setting off an explosion in Manhattan's Chelsea neighborhood on Sept. 17. It did not kill anyone but hurt 30 people.

The attack came hours after authorities say another pipe bomb planted by Rahimi went off along the course of a charity road race in New Jersey, although that detonation did not injure anyone.

Federal prosecutors also say Rahimi left another bomb in Chelsea that did not go off and several explosive devices in a bag at a train station in Elizabeth, New Jersey.

In addition to the New York indictment, Rahimi faces charges from federal and state prosecutors in New Jersey.

He was captured after a manhunt that ended when police officers discovered him sleeping in the doorway of a bar in Linden, New Jersey. The confrontation left him with several gunshot wounds, delaying the filing of federal charges and forcing him to make his first court appearance in New Jersey from a hospital bed.

Assistant U.S. Attorney Nicholas Lewin told Berman that prosecutors had compiled video clips showing Rahimi's movements on the day of the bombings, including leaving his house carrying bags, walking on West 23rd Street where the device went off and planting the second bomb on West 27th Street.

He also said the government has records showing Rahimi purchased bomb components online and DNA evidence tying him to the bombs.

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Lewin asked Berman to consider a trial date in the "late winter" or "early spring," saying the amount of evidence in the case is relatively limited. Berman scheduled court dates for Dec. 19 and Jan. 31 but has not set a trial date.

Rahimi's court-appointed defense lawyers declined to comment after the hearing.

(Reporting by Joseph Ax; Additional reporting by Daniel Trotta; Editing by Alistair Bell and Dan Grebler)
By Edmund Blair NAIROBI (Reuters) - Africa's giant rats have been trained to sniff out landmines and detect tuberculosis in humans, and soon they could turn their superior noses to protecting other animals by finding illegal wildlife trophies being smuggled out of African ports. The U.S.-financed project is still in its early stages - the rats who will be trained to scuttle over shipping containers in search of pangolin scales were only born in October. But the aim is to prove by late 2017 that their powerful sense of smell can distinguish the illegally traded items even if they are stashed in coffee or other scent-masking substances in containers before they are loaded onto ships for export. "I firmly believe that we are going to be able to prove that they can," said Kirsty Brebner, whose organization Endangered Wildlife Trust had the idea of putting rats to work on the illegal wildlife trade. "They are clearly trainable, they clearly have a strong sense of smell," Brebner told Reuters from South Africa. She said the eventual aim is to train rats to find ivory and rhino horns, too. Pangolins, a mammal hunted close to extinction for the unique scales on its body, which find a ready market in Asia, are the first target because they have a stronger scent than ivory or rhino horn, giving the rats a better chance of success. The rats will be tested and trained by APOPO, a Tanzanian-based group that pioneered using the African Giant Pouched Rat to find landmines. Harnessed to wires, the rats scamper along and are rewarded by a handler if they find a buried device. After that success, the rats have also been trained to detect sufferers of tuberculosis by sniffing sputum. For the wildlife project, APOPO's James Pursey said, the rats would first be trained to sniff out a substance in return for a reward . Then they would be taught to discriminate pangolins from other smells, a process likely to last until mid-July. "We will then be developing the optimal method for how to actually test the shipping containers," Pursey said. If that succeeds, the project could be rolled out from late 2017. The giant rats have been chosen for these projects for their longevity - they live as long as eight years, so there is a better return on the training investment - and they don't bond easily with handlers, so they will adapt to whoever uses them, Brebner said. The Endangered Wildlife Trust has long used dogs to trace wildlife trophies, but rats can scramble into small, dark places and could climb up containers, Brebner said. The authorities in Tanzania, a nation that boasts the sweeping wildlife-filled plains of the Serengeti but is struggling to fight poaching, have supported the project. Dar es Salaam and other East African ports often announce seizures of poached items, but experts say more evade detection and make it to markets mainly in Asia, threatening populations of pangolins, elephants, rhinos and other African species. (Writing by Edmund Blair, editing by Larry King)
President-elect Donald Trump ran for election on a platform built in large part on enforcing lawshowever harshagainst illegal immigrants and a promise to bar refugees and others from Muslim countries from entering the United States. Now, experts say, with his decision to nominate Alabama Sen. Jeff Sessions to be Attorney General, Trump is giving one of the most ardent anti-illegal immigration voices in the US Congress tremendous power to reshape immigration enforcement in the United States.

Sessions, the first member of the Senate to endorse Trumps candidacy, strenuously opposed bipartisan immigration reform bills that came before the Senate in 2007 and 2013, arguing that they were insufficiently strict and ultimately led to amnesty.

Related: Trump Has Another Job to Fill as Top US Intelligence Chief Resigns

In 2015, as the Republican Party took control of the Senate, he circulated what he called an Immigration Handbook for the New Republican Majority. In part, it reads, Immigration reform may be the single most abused phrase in the English language. It has become a legislative honorific almost exclusively reserved for proposals which benefit everyone but actual American citizens.

In Congress, he wrote, The GOP should focus on discrete, targeted enforcement measures designed to have an outsize effect on reducing illegality, empowering immigration officers, restoring enforcement, and putting a stop to catch-and-release.

As Attorney General, he would be in a position to actively encourage all of those things by setting policies that guide law enforcement agencies.

While the Justice Department does not directly enforce US immigration policy -- that is the domain of the Department of Homeland Securitys Immigration and Customs Enforcement division -- the attorney general has considerable influence over how the governments power to detain, charge, and deport undocumented immigrants is exercised.

Related: Return of the Neocons: Trumps Surprising Cabinet Candidates

Story continues

Decisions by the attorney general about how willing the Department of Justice will be to defend challenges to strict interpretations of immigration law has a direct effect on how likely agencies like ICE are to employ them. During the George W. Bush administration, for example, the Justice Department became frustrated with having to defend the government from charges that immigration enforcement officers were abusing their authority to implement expedited removal of aliens. Use of the practice dropped off dramatically.

Experts like William A. Stock, president of the American Immigration Lawyers Association, say that under an Attorney General Sessions they would expect to see a revival of the use of expedited removal authority.

The attorney general also exercises control over the Executive Office for Immigration Review, a panel of administrative judges who adjudicate immigration court proceedings, appellate reviews, and administrative hearings.

Im most concerned about the precedent decisions that he would be in place to issue [rules] that would bind immigration judges, said Stock. Based on his history and rhetoric, Stock said he would expect Sessions to take very restrictive interpretations of the current law that could limit the scope of relief available to individuals facing deportation proceedings.

Related: Trump Has Another Job to Fill as Top US Intelligence Chief Resigns

The news of Sessions appointment provoked anger and outrage from many civil rights advocates because of the lawmakers history of making racially charged comments. Indeed, in 1986, after President Ronald Reagan appointed him to a federal judgeship, a Republican-controlled Senate Judiciary Committee refused even to send his nomination to the Senate floor after hearing testimony about his history of racial insensitivity.

Marielena Hincapie, executive director of the National Immigration Law Center Immigrant Justice Fund, on Friday released a statement opposing Sessions.

Under Donald Trump, Jeff Sessions has been pushed from the fringe into the center of American politics. As a result, women, immigrants, the Black community, the LGBTQ community, and anyone who cares about justice and equality for all are being pushed out. This most recent appointment should send chills down the spines of all Americans.

Top Reads from The Fiscal Times:
By Charlotte Greenfield WELLINGTON (Reuters) - A convoy of 27 military trucks reached the stricken New Zealand town of Kaikoura on Friday, five days after the seaside community was completely cut off by huge landslides caused by a 7.8-magnitude earthquake that killed two people The convoy, which had been delayed by bad weather on Thursday, carried food and medical supplies and a team of civil engineers, officials said. Helicopters have also flown provisions to the town from navy vessels anchored offshore since the quake struck early on Monday. More than 1,000 tourists and residents were evacuated from the small South Island fishing town, a whale-watching base that draws visitors from all over the world. Relief efforts by sea, air and road will continue to supply the town of around 2,000 people as roads remain shut to the public. "Our people are going to be there for a very long time," a spokeswoman for the New Zealand Defence Force said. Not all tourists have left, and New Zealand media reported that a local lawmaker and motel owner had complained that some were staying to get drunk and party through the night for a "cheap holiday" as residents tried to clean up. The quake's cost could add up to almost NZ$12 billion ($8.4 billion), which could push the government budget back into deficit after two years of surpluses, analysts say. "This week's disaster struck in more lightly populated areas but damage to infrastructure has been severe," said Citibank economists in a research note. Prime Minister John Key said earlier this week the damage bill would be about NZ$2 billion($1.40 billion), although he cautioned that was only an early estimate. Finance Minister Bill English told parliament the damage was "relatively localized". Catastrophe modeling firm AIR Worldwide said the total for insurance losses - which excludes losses to land, infrastructure or cars - would be between NZ$1.15 billion and NZ$5.3 billion. Most residential damage would be covered by the government-owned insurer, the Earthquake Commission, which is backed by NZ$4.7 billion in reinsurance, AIR Worldwide said in a statement. In 2011, an earthquake in Christchurch, the South Island's largest city, killed almost 200 people and required a NZ$40 billion rebuild. Warships from Australia, Canada and the United States, in New Zealand for the Royal New Zealand Navys 75th anniversary, have been assisting with Kaikoura's recovery. This week's quake damaged as many as 60 buildings in the capital, Wellington, on the North Island some 150 km (95 miles) to the northeast of Kaikoura. That included serious structural damage to three relatively recently constructed multi-storey buildings, one of which engineers said would have to be torn down. The government said on Thursday it would investigate why the newer buildings had been unable to withstand the quake. ($1 = 1.4278 New Zealand dollars) (Additional reporting by Carolyn Cohn in London and Noor Zainab Hussain in Bengalaru; Editing by Mark Trevelyan)
[November 18, 2016] Zoho Launches Industry's First Context-Aware Help Desk Software

Zoho today launched Zoho (News - Alert) Desk, the industry's first context-aware help desk software. Zoho Desk uses customer data from past interactions and from other Zoho products, like Zoho CRM and Zoho Projects, to organize tickets and intelligently present information to agents so they can better understand a customer's problem and resolve it efficiently. "Every interaction with a customer is an opportunity for a company to grow," said Raju Vegesna, chief evangelist of Zoho. "With Zoho Desk, we aim to provide companies with the context, understanding and tools to focus on improving customer happiness with every interaction. Until now, most help desk products have basically looked and functioned like an email inbox. With Zoho Desk, we have completely rearchitected the help desk product and are providing levels of detail and functionality that are unmatched in the industry." Zoho Desk helps companies deliver the right answer at the right time. Its clean user interface packs innovations like Work Modes that help agents send context-aware responses, the Headquarters dashboard that provides managers greater visibility and enables them to be more impactful, and the Team Feed to help the entire company participate in customer service. Highlights of Zoho Desk include: Context-Aware (News - Alert) Responses Work Modes - Work Modes prioritize customer interactions in real-time based on response due-time, status, and customer type. This helps agents identify the tickets that need their attention right away. Unified Response Editor - Inside a ticket, Zoho Desk provides contextual intelligence like customer information from Zoho CRM, past conversations with the customer, and suggestions on possible solutions for the issue at hand, helping agents respond to customers effectively. Context-Aware Decisions Headquarters - With this feature, customer service managers can monitor broad trends like volumes of interactions and customer happiness ratings, as well as finer details such as long interaction threads and recent negative feedback, all from a single screen. Agent Scorecard - Agent Scorecard is a dashboard that shows each agent their own average response and resolution time, number of open and closed tickets, and happiness ratings earned. I helps create a culture of self-management in customer service teams by allowing agents to monitor their own performance.



Context-Aware Collaboration Team Feed - Users can mention their colleagues from other departments in a social-network-style feed within tickets to provide them the complete context of the issue raised and collaborate with them to resolve it quickly. They can also follow specific tickets or customers to get real-time updates on both the web and their mobile phones.

Pricing and Availability Zoho Desk is available immediately and is free up to 10 users. Paid (News - Alert) plans begin at $12 per user, per month for the Professional Edition and increases to $25 per user, per month for the Enterprise Edition. For more information on Zoho Desk, please visit www.zoho.com/desk. Additional Resources Zoho news coverage: https://www.zoho.com/inthenews.html Zoho press releases: https://www.zoho.com/press.html Zoho videos: https://www.youtube.com/user/zoho Zoho blogs: http://blogs.zoho.com Zoho on Twitter: http://www.twitter.com/zoho Zoho on Facebook (News - Alert): http://www.facebook.com/zoho About Zoho Zoho is THE operating system for business - a single cloud platform with all the necessary applications to run a business entirely from the cloud. Businesses can acquire and manage customers using Zoho's marketing, sales and customer support applications - Campaigns, CRM and Desk - and can then empower employees to create, store and distribute content on the cloud with Zoho's productivity and collaboration applications - Office, Mail and Docs. Additionally, businesses can run their own operations on Zoho's finance and human resources applications - Books, People and Recruit. More than 20 million users around the world across hundreds of thousands of companies rely on Zoho every day to run their businesses - including Zoho itself. A business can choose to run the entire Zoho suite or just a single application. Zoho applications are available directly through zoho.com, or through an ecosystem of hundreds of worldwide Zoho partners. Zoho is a division of Zoho Corp., a privately-held and consistently profitable company, with more than 4,000 employees. Zoho is headquartered in Pleasanton, CA (News - Alert) with international headquarters in Chennai, India and offices in Austin, London, Yokohama, and Beijing. For more information, please visit http://www.zoho.com. View source version on businesswire.com: http://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20161118005093/en/

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We come here because this is one of the only times you can actually talk to Lorne [Michaels], said Alec Baldwin on Thursday night at the American Museum of Natural History gala in New York. This is one of the only nights of the year that Lorne is not working. If you get anything with Lorne when hes off the clock, its breathtaking.

Michaels, one of the Museum Gala Chairs, was announced a recipient of the prestigious Presidential Medal of Freedom earlier this week, and was welcomed to a standing ovation at the gala.

The evenings host Seth Meyers congratulated Michaels in his opening and joked that this honor couldnt have come at a better time  Lorne is an immigrant. The night was full of political humor.

More than 700 guests ate a swanky dinner in the museums Milstein Hall of Ocean Life under an extravagant whale to raise money for educational and scientific programming.

This annual black tie affair brings out many of the citys A-listers but the majority of notable attendees were current Saturday Night Live cast members, including Kate McKinnon, Colin Jost, Michael Che, Aidy Bryant, Leslie Jones, Vanessa Bayer, Sasheer Zamata and Pete Davidson.

Other celebrities included SNL alumnae Tina Fey and Kristen Wiig as well as Matthew Morrison, Jane Krakowski and Ellie Kemper. Mayor Bill de Blasio even made an appearance and spoke to the crowd about the importance of inclusivity.

There is such a commitment here to making sure all kinds of New Yorkers participate and a huge commitment to our public school children, said de Blasio. That inclusivity is a pure New York value; thats one of the things that makes us distinct.

Fey, a fellow Gala chair, has a special feeling for this museum and said, Its a great resource, and its at a time when we have to fight for people to believe science. Its an important institution.

The evening consisted of an energetic auction and a special performance by Steve Martin and Martin Short with Steep Canyon Rangers and Jeff Babko. Martin and Short showcased an act from their nationwide tour, which fuses comedy and music to follows a story of their friendship that goes back more than 30 years.

Story continues

One highlight of the night was a nod to Martin and Shorts 1986 film Three Amigos! where they brought Baldwin, Meyers, and SNL vet Kenan Thompson onto the stage for a special recreation of the memorable dance scene wearing sombreros.

Baldwin, whos become known for his impeccable Donald Trump impression on SNL, says hell continue this character every now and then.

Whats interesting is when people said to me, You didnt do it after the election,' Baldwin told Variety. Im not available every Saturday night of my life, you know what I mean? We had other things to do.

Baldwin will be at it again this Saturday (Nov. 19) along with Wiig, who will host.

Related stories

Tom Hanks, Diana Ross Among This Year's Presidential Medal of Freedom Recipients

WRAL Says It Will 'Review' Obscenity Policy in Wake of 'SNL' Censorship

North Carolina's WRAL Censors Parts of Post-Election 'Saturday Night Live'
Alec Baldwin hasnt mothballed that Donald Trump wig just yet.

The 30 Rock actor will return to impersonate the now President-elect this Saturday, Variety reports. Baldwin, who presented a silly, finger-pointing caricature of the Republican nominee during sketches that tackled the presidential debates and his public apology for a leaked tape featuring his lewd language toward women, says hell continue this character every now and then.

After the surprising election results, Baldwins squinting Trump face was notably absent from the latest Saturday Night Live episode. Instead, the episode opened with Kate McKinnons sobering version of the late Leonard Cohens Hallelujiah, in character as Hillary Clinton without her opponent. Addressing this, Baldwin explained he didnt perform because he was unavailable.

Whats interesting is when people said to me, You didnt do it after the election, Baldwin told Variety. Im not available every Saturday night of my life, you know what I mean? We had other things to do.

Baldwin will be at it again this Saturday with Kristen Wiig, who will host.

[Variety]
Alexis Bledel reveals more about where her character is when the Gilmore Girls reboot picks up

Can you believe that Gilmore Girls: A Year in the Life is only a week away from its premiere?!

In honor of the revival, Rory Gilmore herself, aka Alexis Bledel, talks getting a do over with Gilmore Girls revival and explains where her iconic character is when the show picks back up and were really excited.

Bledel was just as excited as we were to to return to Stars Hollow after nine years, especially because creator, Amy Sherman-Palladino and her husband Dan Palladino were going to be the sole writers on the revival.

When [Amy] went through all the major points of what she wanted to do  which she said just kind of spilled out of her, and she really felt that [was] a real indication that this was the right time and the right thing and the right way to tell the story  I liked it, Bledel told The Hollywood Reporter. I just thought it was great and I was excited to get started.

The 35-year-old actress explained that this chance to play Rory Gilmore once again was everything she hoped for and felt like it was a do over she didnt know she wanted.

Coming back was an incredible opportunity to approach our work with intention, Bledel said.

Rather than being sort of reactionary to everything around me, I could just focus on the scenes and what I wanted to do and that was just a great thing to get to do. Its almost like getting a do over. It doesnt happen very often, she added.

Of course, Bledel wanted to make sure that Rory was still Rory and therefore she made sure to talk with Sherman-Palladino about what her character would be doing these days.

This is really Amys vision so it really had a lot to do with what she wanted for the characters, the actress told the publication.

I wanted to hear it ahead of time before signing on and it was great to get to do that this time around, to be a part of that process and to voice my opinions and hear all her reasons for why she wanted to craft it the way that she did.

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So what was most important for Bledel when it came to Rorys current life situation? Hint: it has nothing to do with which man is in her life.

I felt really strongly about making sure that all my characters hard work somehow had paid off, Bledel admitted. That she had lived a life that was some indication that we got to see where she went from there, what the reward from all that work was.

In addition to working hard as youd expect, Rory is trying to figure out her place in the journalism world when she returns to Stars Hollow.

She started her career in journalism at a time when the industry was changing quite a bit so newspapers were going away and she has kind of been chasing stories and crashing on peoples couches in the process, the Texas native said. So shes not really rooted anywhere.

The one thing we hoped hadnt changed is Rorys relationship with her mom, Lorelai, but Bledel explained that even their close bond has a few rocky spots. Dont panic they are still very close!

I think anyone who has a bond as close as theirs, a relationship thats that closely knit together and you do have a lot of time apart, coming back together can put you througha roller coaster of emotions, some transitions possibly, depending on how long its been, Bledel said.

Is it Nov. 25 yet? We can barely wait another minute, but alas we have to wait until Nov. 25 for Netflix to give us those final four installments of Gilmore Girls.

The post Alexis Bledel reveals more about where her character is when the Gilmore Girls reboot picks up appeared first on HelloGiggles.
A pro-Donald Trump white supremacist website called the Daily Stormer said it created 1,000 fake Twitter accounts for fictional black people this week to a way to troll the internet and spread racist ideas. The announcement, which came from a blog post from the websites founder Andrew Anglin, is a response to Twitters recent ban on accounts circulating alt-right content, the Guardian reported Thursday.

"Twitter is about to learn what happens when you mess with Republicans," said Anglin in the blog post. Anglin called on his readers to create more fake Twitter profiles, saying that their posts needed to be indistinguishable from actual Twitter accounts belonging to black people.

When you have time, create a fake black person account, Anglin wrote. Just go on black Twitter and see what they look like, copy that model. Start filling it with rap videos and booty-shaking or whatever else these blacks post.

Upon revealing its new "anti-harassment policy" Tuesday, Twitter removed several of the most high profile accounts among right-wing users, including Richard B. Spencer of the National Policy Institute, a white nationalist think-tank based in Arlington, Virginia, and Pax Dickinson, the former chief technology officer for Business Insider, who was dismissed for offensive and racist Tweets.

Spencer coined the term alt right in 2008, the Independent reported Friday. He referred to Twitters suspension of his account as corporate Stalinism in a YouTube video Wednesday. The alt-right is a largely Internet-based group of people with far-right political beliefs opposing mainstream conservatism in the United States.

Twitters new policy prohibits online attacks or threats on the basis of race, ethnicity, national origin, sexual orientation, gender, gender identity, religious affiliation, age, disability, or disease. The company also created a feature with which a user can block tweets that contain certain words from ever reaching them.

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The Daily Stormer, which claims to be Americas #1 Most-Trusted Republican News Source on the homepage of its website, was named after the infamous Nazi Julius Streichers anti-Semitic weekly newspaper, Der Sturmer, which specialized in pornographic attacks on Jews, according to the Southern Poverty Law Center, a nonprofit civil rights group based in Birmingham, Alabama.

The number of accounts belonging to self-identified neo-Nazis and white nationalists multiplied by more than 600 percent since 2012, according to a study from the George Washington University Program on Extremism titled Nazis vs. ISIS on Twitter. That rate is higher than social media accounts used by ISIS supporters, the study said.

There were more than 400 incidents of physical harassment and intimidation since Trump's presidential election victory, the Southern Poverty Law Center reported Tuesday.

Related Articles
Amal Clooney just warned Donald Trump  we all need to listen to her words

Amal Clooney knows a thing or two about human rights  considering shes an international attorney who specializes in the subject. So when she was the keynote speaker at the Texas Conference for Women on November 15th, Amal Clooney had something to say about Donald Trump. While The Hollywood Reporter noted that she gave a hopeful message about the United States president-elect, she also made sure to comment on his problematic statements about Muslim immigrants.

Although Trumps camp recently denied that he wants to create a Muslim registry, there are plenty of other times he has been outspoken about Muslim immigrants. So its understandable that the public international law, international criminal law, and human rights lawyer dedicated part of her speech to Trumps potential policies:

[Trumps comments] that there should be a religious test imposed on entering the U.S. or the fact that there should be state-sponsored torture or that families of suspected terrorists should all be killed  all of those things are violations of international human rights law and the values that underlie that.

17th Annual Texas Conference For Women

While she is married to George Clooney, Amal has made it clear that her human rights career is what shes truly passionate about  not her celebrity. And having someone who is as intelligent, and tested in the laws surrounding human rights, as Clooney is speak out against Trumps hateful rhetoric is so important.

However, she also noted that its promising that Trump does want to focus on defeating ISIS. Clooney herself is trying to build up a case against ISIS for the genocide of Iraqs Yazidi community. She spoke at the womens conference about the person who inspired her to take this case, 23-year-old Nadia Murad, who was horrifically sold as a sex slave to an ISIS commander in 2014.

V moving talk from human rights lawyer #AmalClooney on the Yazidi genocide by ISIL #TXConfWomen pic.twitter.com/RCWu75fxJv  Amy Hayes (@amymhayes1) November 15, 2016

In their joint pursuit to bring down ISIS, Clooney could find common ground with Trump.

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The president-elect has said that fighting ISIS is actually a priority  so it may be that there can be progress, and obviously everyone has to respect the outcome of the democratic process here, and we have to hope for the best.

Clooney is an inspiration to the international community for her pursuit of justice  if she can find the potential in President Trump, then we all can. But its good to know that if he does violate human rights, Clooney will be right there to take him on.

The post Amal Clooney just warned Donald Trump  we all need to listen to her words appeared first on HelloGiggles.
Saturday Night Live alum Jay Pharoah isnt quick to give away his best material before a big show. This Sunday hes co-hosting the 2016 American Music Awards with model Gigi Hadid, and hes keeping the list of people he will joke about or impersonate under wraps.

Will there be any jokes about the presidential election or specifically, Donald Trumps win? The comedian known for his spot-on impressions of President Obama, Jay Z, and Denzel Washington prefers to keep me guessing.

Hmmm, you never know. You better watch, he teases, laughing. Theres no-holds-barred, thats all Im saying. You got to go in. You gotta talk. You gotta address whatever is the elephant in the room. So you can expect the unexpected.

In November 2015, the Virginia native who left SNL after six seasons collaborated with then-Republican presidential candidate Trump, when the real estate tycoon/reality star-turned-president-elect hosted the show. Pharoah spoofed Drakes silly dance video for Hotline Bling, and Trump made an attention-grabbing cameo.

But Pharoah doesnt have any memorable behind-the-scenes moments with Trump. Uh, lets see. What was it like on that video set? I dont even remember, he says when asked about shooting the clip with Trump. It was fun. It was cool. We were having good fun, especially me and my other cast members. We were cracking each other up and Donald did that crazy dance and it was fun too.

The actor, who has appeared in movies Ride Along, Top Five, and Get A Job, rather not share his reaction to Trumps win. Im not going to give you that. I know thats what youre looking for, he replies. You could smell it in the air. You could see what was happening. You could look around and see peoples faces. Just knowing how heavy the tension is in America right now, what were going to do this weekend is make you forget about that for a few hours. I think thats the most important thing.

Pharoah, however, easily recalls his meeting with President Obama. While Pharoah says his SNL Obama sketches were more politically correct than the Obama act he does in his standup routine, he says Obama has seen some of the bits. I dont know if hes seen the standup, but he said he thinks its pretty good when I met him, he says.

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In his standup act, Pharoah has portrayed Obama in college as a charismatic ladies man. If you see me do Obama on the show and me do it on my standup, its totally different, he explains. I say what I want to say as Obama in my standup. But you cant really get away with doing that on television. They kinda have a box that they want to keep that character in. I just read the lines and said what I was instructed to do.

Though Pharoah is tight-lipped about the specifics of his jokes for the AMAs, theres a chance rapper Desiigner will be the subject of a joke on Sunday. The artist signed to Kanye Wests GOOD Music is up for two awards, Video of the Year and Favorite Song  Rap/Hip Hop for his breakout track Panda. Desiigners melodic, mumbling rap style is often the brunt of jokes. Pharoah admits that hes added a Desiigner act to his repertoire. I got a Desiigner, Pharoah says. He sounds like hes constipated and he cant push it out, he continues, before emulating the rapper, rattling off a few seconds of indecipherable lyrics. I cant get it out! he laughs. Hes trying to get it out, but he cant. He needs some Ex-Lax.

Pharoah likely owes his keen ability to mimic rappers to his own music talents. Pharoah has been posting original songs online for years. The song and video for Problems, that portrayed Pharoah as a tough-guy rapper who cant complete a verse without pausing for a sentimental meltdown, incorporated his comedic persona in the song that has reached more than 100,000 views on YouTube.

But hes been working harder to present a more serious side of his music. In 2014, he released The Resurrection EP and he has recently dropped socially conscious freestyles to instrumentals of Beyonces Just Blaze-produced track Freedom and Kendrick Lamars Blacker the Berry.

Miles Williams, who worked with Just Blaze on Freedom and has made tracks for Iggy Azalea, Fetty Wap, Lil Wayne, Drake, T.I., and Rick Ross, is producing Pharoahs forthcoming album slated for a spring release. I got some dope tracks Im already cooking on, Pharoah says. Im already half way through with the project where we actually sift out what exactly can we use and see what we need to record.

In the meantime, Pharoah plans to start working on visuals for the album and to continue releasing freestyles on his SoundCloud page. He wants people know, however, that his raps are legitimate and that he should not be compared to another actor-rapper, Nick Cannon, dismissing the Americas Got Talent host as pop cornball.

Pharoah is quick to give props to another actor-rapper, Shia LaBeouf, who shocked the Internet last week, when he slayed the Sway in the Mornings Five Fingers of Death freestyle rap challenge.

Shia got bars, Pharoah says with excitement. Hes got bars. Pharoah jokes that hes been a fan of LaBeoufs flow since the A-List actor rapped on the song Dig It from the 2003s Walt Disney Pictures film Holes. Listen man, we all saw it. Yall frontin, Pharoah says, campaigning for LaBeouf. People trying to act like he didnt snap on Holes, remember that? Pharoah then recites Shias lyrics: With two suits, two tokens in hand / I got no respect cause Im the new man. He snapped on that.

Like LaBeouf, Pharoah has some new film projects. He voices characters in the Illumination/Universal animated film SING with Matthew McConaughey, Scarlett Johansson, and Reese Witherspoon. And he has a role The Adventures of Drunky, an independent animated comedy. Other new credits include, voicing roles on Comedy Central series Legends of Chamberlain Heights and the pilot for Jamie Foxxs Showtime/Lionsgate series White Famous.

Whether stand up comedy, acting, or music, Pharoah is working to put all his gifts to good use. I want to let people know I do it all, he says. You can say whatever you want to say about me, at the end of the day, youre going to have to be able to say hes talented as hell.

Pharoah may be a funny man, but that statement is no joke.
The Grand Tour, the new auto show from the former hosts of Top Gear, Jeremy Clarkson, Richard Hammond and James May, premiered on Amazon Prime Video Friday, and the British press love it.

The Guardians Sam Wollaston acknowledged that the big-budget  reported to be 160 million ($197 million) across 36 episodes, or $5.5 million an episode  is up on the screen.

He marvels at the opening sequence, in which a Mad Max convoy of cars, trucks and bikes travels across the California desert to a surreal concert. It is, undeniably, a brilliant beautiful spectacle, Wollaston says.

The Grand Tour

The Grand Tours Hollywood-esque opening sequence shows a convoy trekking through the California desert to an auto festival

The spectacle and new format points (such as replacing The Stig with The American as the test driver) aside, the core appeal that made the BBCs Top Gear the most watched reality show in the world, remains. Its all utterly familiar, he says. You can pour something into a different container, but it still tastes the same. And, like it or not, this tastes of Clarkson, Hammond and May.

The same questionable humor and aversion to political correctness that got the three guys into hot water at the BBC is evident here. The new test track is shaped like the Ebola virus, so its called the Eboladrome. Referring to the itinerant nature of show, Clarkson says: Were going to be like Gypsies. Only the cars we drive are going to be insured.

Clarkson is unrepentant. He comments, Its very unlikely Im going to be fired now, because were on the internet, which means I could pleasure a horse.

The Daily Telegraphs Ed Power too focuses on the strange marriage of Hollywood-style production values and British middle-aged male banter. The real question was whether Clarkson, May and Hammond could reprise the chemistry that made Top Gear an international sensation, Power writes. The answer is an emphatic yes. From a Hollywood introduction to three wrinkly blokes trading good-natured insults, The Grand Tour was certainly covering all its bases.

Story continues

Power goes on to point out that the hosts have not forgotten that The Grand Tour is at heart a show about motor vehicles, with the first episode including a trip to Portugal for a race between a Porsche 918, a McLaren P1 and a Ferrari LaFerrari.

As with all British papers, the Telegraph refers at length to the rivalry with the BBCs revamped Top Gear, generally considered a failure under new hosts Chris Evans, who quit after one season, and Matt LeBlanc, who remains. Petrolheads can rejoice. The BBC may wonder how Matt LeBlanc and whoever joins him next year can possibly compete, the Telegraph concludes.

The Suns Dan Wootton is awestruck, and again focuses on the twin charms of top-notch production values and boyish banter.

A 160 million investment has made The Grand Tour one of the most exhilarating TV series ever  and I dont even like cars, he writes. Wootton reassures the audience that despite the glitz, the grumpy old men remain unreconstructed. If you thought the trademark banter that made Top Gear such a phenomenon was gone for good, there was no need to worry, he says. Within seconds of taking the stage, the put-downs begin flying with Hammond describing Clarkson as a shaved ape in a shirt.

Despite the high-octane elements, guns, explosions, super yachts, madcap stunts . dramatic crashes, a sinking ship and Hammond being dangled from a chopper, Wootton concludes, the one thing that really matters is Clarkson being reunited with his two mates on screen.

Jim Shelley for the Daily Mail questions whether the show is really new, unless you were labeling it the new Top Gear.

It was vintage Top Gear too, a futuristic Top Gear (Top Gear filmed in 4K), the American Top Gear, and more like the Return of Top Gear than Chris Evans recent horrible, hollow, imitation of the original, Shelley writes.

He underscores the similarities with the BBC show, the same juvenile obsession with speed, same outlandish (stupid) stunts, exotic locations, banter with the audience, race-track and test driver

Rather than lambasting the hosts for this, he applauds them. They were canny and confident enough to resist the temptation of being different for the sake of it, contenting themselves with being themselves instead, he writes.

Shelley concludes that the departure from the BBC, and the period of rest that followed has been for the best. After all that time away it was good to see them back  not necessarily where they belonged but bigger, better, and more badly behaved than ever.

Related stories

Amazon Gives Quiet Launch to Prime Video in Australia

Amazon to Stream 'The Grand Tour' in 200 Countries

Tech Stocks' Donald Trump Hangover Continues
Beardless Andrew Cashner pitching for the Miami Marlins. (Getty Images)

It looks like the Texas Rangers have finally gotten their man. The team has reportedly signed right handed starter Andrew Cashner to a one-year deal worth $10 million.

Looks like it's done at one-year and $10 million for CashnerLong been on the Rangers radar screen  TR Sullivan (@Sullivan_Ranger) November 18, 2016

Deal is expected to be a one-year deal  TR Sullivan (@Sullivan_Ranger) November 18, 2016

Cashner started 2016 pitching for the San Diego Padres, racking up a 4.76 ERA in 79.1 innings. The Rangers had been interested in him at the 2016 trade deadline, but he ended up going to the Miami Marlins instead. Unfortunately, he didnt have the best second-half with the fish. He started 11 games, pitching to a 5.98 ERA in 52.2 innings. With those stats, its not clear whether the Rangers plan to use him in the starting rotation or the bullpen.

So Cashner, a Texas native who went to Texas Christian University, is headed home. And even better? Hell finally be able to grow his beard back. Yes, facial hair was an important issue to him as he considered his options in the offseason. He told Barry Jackson of the Miami Herald that the Marlins no-facial hair policy would be a key factor in where hed go during free agency.

Cashner said I still hate the Marlins no-beard rule and that is a big deal to me in free agency.

Grow that beard back, Andrew. Your facial hair is finally free!

More MLB coverage from Yahoo Sports:

     

Liz Roscher is a writer for Big League Stew on Yahoo Sports. Have a tip? Email her at lizroscher@yahoo.com or follow her on twitter! Follow @lizroscher
Tunis (AFP) - As anger erupted and the tears began to flow, four hours of testimony on live television by abuse victims shone a rare spotlight on the crimes of Tunisia's dark dictatorship years.

In a plain white room inside a night club once owned by a dictator's entourage, victims of torture and abuse joined bereaved relatives to deliver an unprecedented account of the violence and intimidation Tunisians endured over decades of despotic rule.

"We will not be silent," said Ourida Kadoussi, whose son was killed by security forces during the 2011 uprising against the regime of Zine El Abidine Ben Ali. "We want justice for our martyrs."

Kaddousi's witness statement is one of tens of thousands gathered by the Truth and Dignity Commission (IVD), which has tracked human rights violations spanning five decades.

The complaints which the commission received include torture, arbitrary detentions, physical abuse and violations of freedom of speech.

The televised interviews, which will continue Friday, are part of the panel's attempt to get Tunisians to confront the demons of their past, as well as provide justice to those who endured the worst.

Latifa Matmati's husband Kamel died in police custody after his arrest in October 1991, just one of hundreds of Islamists to be detained and mistreated under Ben Ali's rule.

Latifa told of her frantic attempts to find her husband, who was tortured during his detention. Although he died shortly after being dragged from his office by police, she was instructed to bring him clean clothes and food, teasing her with the hope he may still have been alive.

His death certificate didn't arrive until 18 years later.

"We want his body so we can bury it," Latifa told the panel. "And we want these people to be held accountable."

- 'Why did they do that?' -

Sami Brahem, an Islamist academic, also spoke of his experience of torture by Ben Ali's henchmen.

Story continues

After being arrested for a remark that was judged to be provocative, he was severely beaten and had his head forced down a toilet bowl.

"I couldn't get up for a week," Brahem said.

He also described horrific scenes to the panel -- and the television audience -- of prisoners stripped naked, beaten and forced to climb on top of one another.

"This was sexual violence which I cannot understand. I don't want to sully my country, I want to talk about the honourable things it has done... but why did they do that?" Brahem asked.

"When I was asked to testify, I didn't hesitate in spite of my embarrassment," he said.

Some in the room began to cry.

"I am ready to forgive if they provide an explanation. It is society's right to know these things, so that they can be told in history."

Last to speak was writer Gilbert Naccache, well known for his leftist opposition to Habib Bourguiba, who ruled ruthlessly between 1957 and 1987.

"The police, whether they are political or not, only know one method: torture," said Naccache during a testimony sprinkled with dark humour that had audience members chuckling in spite of the seriousness of his allegations.

"I have been to prison three times and three times I was subjected to torture."

Naccache said he did not wish to dwell on the details of what he was forced to undergo during the Bourguiba years, or the hardships suffered by Tunisians since the 2011 uprising.

For him, Thursday's televised testimonies were "one day that makes up for the frustrations of the last five years."
Istanbul (AFP) - Thousands of people, including women and children, marched Saturday in Istanbul against a controversial bill that would overturn men's convictions for child sex assault if they married their victim.

"We will not shut up. We will not obey. Withdraw the bill immediately!" the around 3,000 protesters shouted amid claps and whistles as they marched to Kadikoy square on the city's Asian side.

Others waved banners emblazoned with slogans such as "#Rape cannot be legitimised" and "AKP, take your hands off my body," a reference to the ruling party of President Recep Tayyip Erdogan, which introduced the bill.

The opposition, celebrities, and even an association whose deputy chairman is Erdogan's daughter have expressed alarm over the move.

But the government insists the legislation was aimed at dealing with the widespread custom of child marriages and the criticism was a crude distortion of its aim.

Justice Minister Bekir Bozdag on Saturday moved to reassure opponents that the bill would not pardon rapists.

"The bill will certainly not bring amnesty to rapists.... This is a step taken to solve a problem in some parts of our country," he told a NATO meeting in Istanbul.

After the controversy, Prime Minister Binali Yildirim late Friday ordered his ruling Justice and Development Party (AKP) to hold talks with the opposition in parliament on the planned measures.

- 'Women will take to streets'-

The measures were approved in an initial parliamentary reading on Thursday and will be voted on again in a second debate in the coming days. Critics have said the government is encouraging the rape of minors.

"We will not allow the AKP to acquit and set free rapists in this country," one of the women protesters who gave her name as Ruya told AFP.

"Women will resist and take to the streets until this law and similar other laws are withdrawn."

Another protester, a middle-aged man named Ugur, was at the protest with his 14-year-old daughter.

Story continues

"I am concerned about my daughter's future," Ugur told AFP. "AKP is passing any law they want in the parliament."

The AKP enjoys a comfortable majority in the 550-seat parliament, holding 317 seats.

"That's the maximum we can do. To protest," he said.

If passed, the law would allow the release from prison of men guilty of assaulting a minor if the act was committed without "force, threat, or any other restriction on consent" and if the aggressor "marries the victim".

The legal age of consent in Turkey is 18 but child marriage is widespread, especially in the southeast.

Another protester, Yagmur, called the bill "nonsense".

"In which century are we are living? Forgive me but we are talking about rape while other issues should be up for discussion," he said.

"A country cannot advance with more bridges or roads. We are against the bill and we will not remain silent."

- 'Violence against children a crime' -

The UN children's fund said Saturday it was "deeply concerned" over the bill.

"These abject forms of violence against children are crimes which should be punished as such, and in all cases the best interest of the child should prevail," spokesman Christophe Boulierac told AFP.

The latest controversy comes after Turkey's constitutional court in July annulled a criminal code provision punishing as "sexual abuse" all sexual acts involving children under the age of 15.

Defenders of that law argued it made a distinction between cases of sexual acts involving a young teenager as opposed to a much younger child.

The bill comes amid widespread concern at what the UN rapporteur on freedom of expression on Friday described as a "grim" situation in Turkey following an attempted coup in July.

Since a rogue military faction tried to oust President Erdogan from power, over 100,000 people within the judiciary, media, military and civil service have been arrested, suspended or sacked.
An Ohio shelter pup who discovered a cat stuck in a sewer while on a walk with a volunteer is being hailed a hero  and hoping for a home for the holidays.

The pooch, a 6-year-old Chinese shar-pei mix named Leopard, currently resides at the Cuyahoga County Animal Shelter and alerted the person walking her after hearing the cats cries.

While Leopard was out on her walk this afternoon, she alerted the volunteer to the sound of crying in the sewer, said a Facebook post shared by the shelter on Monday. Volunteers and deputies were able to retrieve the cat and all is well. The cat has now gone home to stay with one of our volunteers and Leopard (kennel 2) is a hero!!

The dogs heroics will hopefully translate into a forever home before Turkey Day  though sadly, health issues have made adoption a challenge so far. Shortly after she arrived at the shelter in May, Leopard had a cancerous tumor removed. The tumor has a low chance of metastasis but needs to monitored for the remainder of her life in the event of regrowth, the shelter said.

Despite all that, this hero deserves a home. Leopardss heroic act of saving another furry friend just reaffirms what a wonderful addition she would be to any family, animal shelter administrator Mindy Naticchioni told PEOPLE. We know she would forever grateful to have a home to call her own, especially for the Thanksgiving  the table scraps alone would be worth it!

If youre interested in adopting Leopard, contact the Cuyahoga County Animal Shelter at -216-525-7877. To read more about the organizations adoption process, click here.




annie

When Annie Leibovitz  perhaps the world's most well-known portrait photographer  sat down to shoot Secretary Hillary Clinton in her office in 2009, a paperweight on the wooden desk caught her eye.

It read in capital letters, "Never, Never, Never Give Up."

"This is a powerful moment to be photographing women. I now see, especially in this work, that women are presenting themselves in a way Ive never seen before  with a sense of strength and dignity," Leibovitz tells Business Insider.

annie

Leibovitz shot the photo for a 2009 Vogue cover story, but now it appears again in her latest series and most personal project, "Women: New Portraits."

The series, which premiered in New York City on November 18, is an update to her 1999 project "Women," a book collaboration with her partner of 15 years, Susan Sontag, who died in 2004.

For the past year, Leibovitz has been taking powerful photos of new subjects, including Serena and Venus Williams, Adele, Malala Yousafzai, and Caitlyn Jenner. She's also teaming up with Gloria Steinem, a political activist who was a prominent leader in the feminist movement in the '60s and '70s.

Compared to the 1999 project, "New Portraits" features a more diverse representation of women "who are in our collective conscious and who have achieved something," Leibovitz says. One of her favorite portraits in the updated series is of Andrea Medina, a human rights lawyer who defends murdered and missing women in Mexico City.

annie

Unlike the 1999 series and other Leibovitz exhibitions, "New Portraits" is also moving beyond the printed page and museums. Each exhibition takes place in "pop-up" sites, in buildings going through renovations. The audience is also invited to engage in "talking circles" led by Steinem, which have focused on issues that range from women's marginalization in Silicon Valley to rising female incarceration in the US.

Story continues

"One of the many problems with museums is that people are atomized," Steinem tells BI. The talking circles are meant to be "communal experiences that elicit people's stories."

annie

A couple hundred people attended the talking circle when the exhibition was in San Francisco, she adds.

Photos are always being added (there are now 41 in the series), and Leibovitz keeps of list of women on her wishlist for the series, like Chimimanda Ngozi Adichie, JK Rowling, and an updated portrait of Clinton.

The traveling exhibition is currently at the former Bayview Correctional Facility, a former women's prison that's being transformed into a hub for womens groups and services, called the Women's Building. Pinned to a wall, the photos will be there until December 11, until the exhibition moves to its last stop in Zurich.

Commissioned by the global financial services company UBS, the free exhibition has traveled to eight cities around the world  from San Francisco to Tokyo. But New York's exhibition is the first time Leibovitz has included Clinton's 2009 portrait.

"Women: New Portraits"  which debuted in London in January  is especially poignant now after Election Day, when Clinton, who advocated for women's rights on the campaign trail, lost to Donald Trump, who has bragged about forcibly kissing women and grabbing their genitals.

Leibovitz says the idea behind the series was to show "what women look like now, what roles we play." The photos are meant to concentrate on the spirit of someone and their work  rather than just on their appearance.

"I am really interested in what people do, more than what they look like or who they are," she says. "I like to pull back and see the full body, I like to see that person."

annie

Steinem hopes the series serves as a departure from how women have historically been photographed, especially in mainstream media.

In photographs, women "have always been younger than the men being displayed," she says. "We're required to have a more artificiality and be valued for our beauty or potential childbearing years. And after that, so long, because our womb is apparently more important than our brains."

NOW WATCH: A mysterious cloud moving 700,000 mph is going to collide with our galaxy  here's what will happen





More From Business Insider


At a gathering in Washington, D.C., earlier this week, the mood among the diplomats, economists and policy-makers was somber. Brought together to discuss the merits of free trade and economic integration, the group confronted an apprehension brought by the U.S. presidential election a week earlier.

The victory of Donald Trump has forced a reset of expectations, both from people at the D.C. event and leaders around the world. Chief among the pillars of the Republican president-elect's campaign is a promise to renegotiate trade deals, including the North American Free Trade Agreement and the yet-to-be ratified Trans-Pacific Partnership (TPP).

With Trump's inauguration still two months away, speakers at the event acknowledged an uncertain period that may mean re-examined trade relationships. "What is better, a less ambitious agreement, or nothing at all," Sergio Amaral, Brazil's ambassador to the United States, asked the group. "Perhaps it is best to be less ambitious."

Such uncertainty extends into this weekend, when leaders of the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) meet in Peru.

As international conferences go, APEC is traditionally a ho-hum affair -- trade talks stir up only so much public excitement. But the APEC summit brings heightened interest and a new set of challenges. The conference marks outgoing U.S. President Barack Obama's final trip overseas, and it is the first international meeting to ponder a world with the incoming Trump administration.

This weekend's summit of the 21 economies belonging to APEC, a group born in the early days of globalization, also comes at the end of a year where world currents have questioned assumptions the organization was built upon: that every citizen benefits from a more connected world. Political and economic analysts acknowledge Trump's victory, the British vote to leave the European Union, the unending flow of refugees from war and a rise of populist and far-right political groups in Europe cumulatively challenge the merits of global connectedness. APEC leaders recognized the need to address such issues in a news release published earlier this week.

Story continues

[READ: Does China Manipulate its Currency Like Donald Trump Says?]

"It's been a year of big surprises," Carla Hills, the former U.S. Trade Representative and a U.S. negotiator for the North American Free Trade Agreement, told the gathering in Washington. "Globalization is being blamed for slower economic growth."

Anxiety has in part been fueled by a slowdown in growth in Asia-Pacific economies, notably in China. Growth among the APEC economies softened to 3.1 percent in the second quarter of last year, down from 3.4 percent the previous year, according to the APEC Economic Trends Analysis.

Leaders across the Asia-Pacific had anticipated a period of transition from Washington in an American election year. But Trump's campaign rhetoric has potentially far-reaching ramifications across the region, says Malcolm Cook, a senior research fellow at the Institute of Southeast Asian Studies in Singapore. In the run-up to this weekend's APEC summit, the prime minister of Singapore warned that a U.S. withdrawal from TPP would harm U.S. credibility.

In addition to TPP, leaders of APEC economies -- 20 countries and the Chinese territory of Hong Kong -- will also discuss the implications of a U.S.-China trade relationship that Trump says he wants to re-examine, and the implications of the president-elect's promise to crack down on U.S. firms offshoring jobs across the region. Any move on U.S. firms across the Asia-Pacific has far-reaching implications on supply and production chains stretching across the region, Cook says.

These issues may present an opportunity for Beijing, analysts say. Last week, Reuters and other news organizations reported that, at this weekend's meetings, China will push for a Beijing-led Asia-Pacific free trade area. One of Obama's primary arguments for TPP was that the pact allowed the U.S. to take the lead on dictating trade rules across the region.

"China has announced it wants to make Australia a partner in free trade.

[MORE: The Pacific Alliance's Pivot to Asia]

Regardless of Washington's future short-term position on trade across the Pacific, observers say the region's growing global importance in the world make engagement unavoidable.

"This is a fast-growing, stable region. It's on its way to having the world's biggest middle class," says Scott Miller, a senior adviser at the Center for Strategic and International Studies. "It's part of a world that is integrating on its own. We want to be a part of that."

Such trends, Miller says, means TPP may yet to be revived down the road.

Kevin Drew is assistant managing editor, international, at U.S. News and World Report. You can follow him on Twitter here.
Apollo Nida may be stuck behind bars in a New Jersey prison, but the former Real Housewives of Atlanta star isnt letting that stop him for publicly bashing his fiancees ex-husband. In an Instagram post, Apollo called out Sherien Almuftis ex, Derrick Copes, for supposedly falling behind on child support.

On Thursday, a few days after announcing his engagement, Apollos team posted a letter stating that Copes allegedly owes Almufti child support for their daughter. Do you know the difference between a bucket of KFC chicken & Derrick Copes?? KFC CAN FEED A FAMILY OF 4 while Derrick cant even pay current or back child support from 2013, the caption read. #thenidateam #paperwork dont lie !! this is a high mountain this guy is attempting to climb on. Dont be a groupie be a man take care of your child oh sorry children ??? To be continued!!! #THENIDATEAM!!

Almufti also took to Instagram to bash her ex, posting a text message conversation she had a with a friend about a recent interview Copes did. In one of the messages, Almuftis friend said it was funny that Copes said he had just recently stopped paying child support. Girl wish you were here with me  Sipping Martinis and having dinner with the family. Ex is an ex for a reason, Almufti responded to her friend.

On Tuesday, Copes told Radar Online that he wasnt going to give his ex-wife money for their 8-year-old daughter until she stopped taking the child to see Apollo in prison. The former Bravo star is serving an eight-year sentence for fraud at New Jerseys Fort Dix Federal Correctional Facility.

Im not giving her child support right now because shes taking my daughter to prison and I have asked her numerous times to stop doing that, Copes told the outlet. My daughter is eight years old, she is not happy to go into a prison. If you want me to give you money, I will, but at the same time you have a responsibility to our daughter. He added: If Apollo is in my daughters life, thats no problem  but dont take her to prison.

Story continues

Apollo announced he was engaged to Almufti earlier this week. The pair have been dating for at least two years. The engagement news came weeks after Real Housewives of Atlanta star Phaedra Parks announced that her divorce from Apollo had been finalized.

Apollo Nida fiancee

Photo: Getty Images

Related Articles
[November 18, 2016] Investment in OpenStack Accelerates as Foundation Welcomes China Telecom, Inspur and ZTE as Gold Members

The Board of Directors of the OpenStack Foundation approved China Telecom, Inspur and ZTE (News - Alert) as the newest Gold Members, supporting strategic opportunities in public cloud, telecom networks and the rapidly growing Chinese market. All three new Gold Members demonstrate the massive scale and opportunity for OpenStack in China, collectively managing millions of servers and contributing code and knowledge to the OpenStack community. The vote was taken during the November 17 Board Meeting and follows the approval of four new Gold Members at the October Board Meeting, all of which will bring new investment and resources to complement the ranks of technology vendors and users in the community. The Board evaluates new potential members based on their strategic commitment to OpenStack, contributions to the community, and diversity of company size, location and industry. China Telecom (News - Alert) is one of the largest mobile carriers in the world with more than 500 million subscribers and 300 datacenters, and the company is currently migrating its CloudStack deployment to OpenStack. Inspur has more than 9.8 billion USD in annual revenue and manages hundreds of thousands of servers. ZTE is aglobal leader in telecommunications and information technology and was a top 15 contributor to the latest OpenStack Newton software release.



"OpenStack is truly a global community, with nearly 650 companies supporting the project in 187 countries," said Jonathan Bryce, executive director of the OpenStack Foundation. "The investment and commitment of these seven new Gold Members underscores the global growth and evolution of OpenStack, with projects of massive scale serving millions of end users in China and other markets worldwide." Foundation membership is limited to eight Platinum Members and 24 Gold Members. In addition to the three new Gold Members elected at the November Board meeting on Thursday, Gold members for 2017 are 99cloud, Aptira, CCAT, China Mobile, Cisco, City Network, Dell EMC, Deutsche Telekom, DreamHost, EasyStack, Ericsson, Fujitsu, Hitachi, Huawei, inwinSTACK, Juniper Networks (News - Alert), Mirantis, NEC, NetApp, Symantec and UnitedStack.

About OpenStack

OpenStack is the most widely deployed open source software for building clouds. In use globally at large and small enterprises, telecoms, public cloud service providers and government/research organizations, OpenStack is a technology integration engine that supports the diverse ecosystem of cloud computing innovation. Current news and alerts signup at: http://www.openstack.org/news/signup. View source version on businesswire.com: http://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20161118005653/en/

[ Back To TMCnet.com's Homepage ]
From Esquire

OK, so let's get one thing out of the way here: Don't commit arson. Arson is very bad. So don't do it in general. But, like, definitely don't do it using Cheetos as kindling, because on top of being a violent criminal, you'll make yourself look like an asshole.

TheTaunton Daily Gazette reports that 31-year-old Shemroy Williams from Taunton, Massachusetts, attempted to burn down his ex-girlfriend's house while she was still inside. We can all agree that's a pretty bad move on its own. But get this: He tried to light the home on fire in five different locations until he was apprehended and found to possess two lighters and an empty bag of Cheetos, which he had used to accelerate the fire.

Said District Attorney Thomas Quinn in a statement to the Taunton Gazette:

"The defendant engaged in outrageous behavior that jeopardized the safety of the intended victim, her friend and first responders. I want to thank Deputy Fire Chief Scott Dexter for his quick response and removal of the propane tank. I would also like to thank Judge Brennan for imposing the maximum jail sentence, which was well deserved."

Williams was sentenced to two-and-a-half years behind bars.

(H/T Taunton Daily Gazette)

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A woman in San Isidro, Argentina, dragged a traffic inspector on the hood of her car for around 1,300 feet, on November 16, after she pulled away from a traffic stop.

The 61-year-old woman allegedly drove towards the traffic inspector after he tried to detain for her for failing to produce her car documents during a routine stop, according to Argentinas La Nacion newspaper.

The traffic officer reportedly fractured one knee during the incident, which ended with him jumping off the moving car, as seen in this footage.

The women was arrested shortly after and is being held by police for attempted murder over the incident that occurred in San Isidro, a northern suburb of Buenos Aires. Credit: YouTube/Prensa SanIsidro via Storyful
Photo credit: Getty | Krystalina Tom

From Cosmopolitan

Photo credit: Getty

Ariana Grande might be living in a different decade, as evidenced by her spot-on 90s outfit last night. She showed up to a press junket for her upcoming NBC musical, Hairspray Live!, wearing the most throwback duds around: insanely wide-legged denim overalls.

Said onesie, which had Ariana looking like the lost member of TLC, had exposed seams that were distressed, frayed and, in some locations (ahem, the crotch, ahem), literally sporting foot-long undone threads.

Photo credit: Getty

The loose-fitting pants were wide enough to look like a maxi skirt, but Ariana did some ~moves~ on the carpet that proved there were in fact two legs to the garment.

Photo credit: Getty

She paired the flashback ensemble with a cotton bralette, a choker, diamond stud earrings, and sky-high heels. While posing for pictures, Ari goofed off with her castmates, including Kristen Chenoweth, whom she called the love of my life on Instagram that same evening.

Photo credit: Getty

Fine, but can someone just snip off those loose threads?

Get non-boring fashion and beauty news directly in your feed. Follow Facebook.com/CosmoBeauty.

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By David Schwartz

PHOENIX (Reuters) - An Arizona police officer caught on video punching a woman in her face was put on administrative leave and investigations were underway, the Flagstaff police chief said on Thursday.

"I am as concerned with what is depicted in this video as I know others are," Police Chief Kevin Treadway told a news conference. "I have heard your concerns and the department is taking this incident very seriously."

He said separate internal and criminal investigations had been launched into the Wednesday confrontation between Flagstaff Police Officer Jeff Bonar and Marissa Morris.

Police became aware of the incident after the video surfaced on social media on Wednesday, he said.

Bonar, who has been with the Flagstaff Police Department for less than three years, will be on administrative leave until the investigations have been completed, Treadway said.

Police said Bonar was assisting a county sheriffs deputy with an eviction at residence at about 11 a.m. local time when he recognized Morris, whom he believed had outstanding warrants against her.

The situation became heated as Bonar attempted to detain Morris, Treadway said.

He said the warrants for failing to appear in court on charges of driving under the influence and resisting arrest had already been served and were no longer valid.

The video posted on Facebook showed Bonar, Morris and a deputy near a house, and Morris arguing that she did not have an active warrant. Bonar is seen punching her in the face.

Hey, hey, you cant hit a girl like that, a man is heard saying in the background.

She was ushered into a police car.

Treadway said Bonar wrote in the incident report that Morris had kicked and kneed him in the groin before he hit her.

Morris could not be reached for comment.

The Arizona Republic reported that the video was recorded by the brother-in-law of Morris boyfriend.

According to the newspaper story, her boyfriend Jimmy Sedillo said the couple had until Wednesday to comply with an eviction order and that they were preparing to do so when Bonar spotted Morris and the argument ensued.

Story continues

He said his children, aged 3 and 9, mother, niece and brother-in-law Danny Paredes witnessed Morris being hit and tackled.

It was just shocking," the newspaper quoted Paredes as saying. I pulled out my camera immediately.

Treadway said the family had yet not been in contact with the police department.

(Editing by Sharon Bernstein)
arrival-feature

Paramount

Director Denis Villenueve (Prisoners, Enemy, Sicario) is so brilliant at shooting a beautiful scene and setting a mood that he gets away with a lot, narratively. In Sicario he never questioned the idea that a street drug dealer in Mexico with five sub-machine guns pointed at him would commit certain suicide trying to shoot back. Theyre crazy drug dealers! Plus them dying in a hail of bullets will look really cool! And damned if it didnt look cool. It looked so cool most of the audience probably didnt question it either. The most intense action sequences since Heat will make you overlook little lapses in logic like that. And Sicario was a step forward from Prisoners, a 153-minute movie about vengeance that never really questioned the idea of vengeance.

Villeneuves latest, Arrival, written by Eric Heisserer (based on a story by Ted Chiang), is another film thats more probably more clever than it is creative, but its also another leap forward for Villeneuve, one step closer to exploring concepts rather than simply arranging them. Just as impressive, his fastballs getting faster even as he expands his repertoire. Not only is Arrival his most thoughtful film, its probably his most competently crafted, even for a guy who makes his bones being cinemas most competent craftsman.

Still, on a lot of levels, Arrival is more a smart arrangement of existing alien movie narratives than it is a new one. The aliens arrive in cool ships, which utilize technologies our human brains can scarcely fathom, and when the government needs someone to communicate with them, they tap the unlikely, lonely academic still reeling from the loss of a child, in this case played by Amy Adams. Could this experience with the aliens help heal old wounds from her personal life? To be sure, the dead kid flashbacks eventually come to something more, which is part of why I think Arrival is Villeneuves best to date. But the problem with retroactively defying a trope is that while were watching it, it still feels like the trope. You think Aw jeez, not another dead kid flashback, and the movie says Well what if it wasnt a dead kid flashback? Would that make it better?

Story continues

It does, but I also cant go back in time to reexperience it. Mostly though, Arrival serves up the familiar with such a flourish that you dont really mind. The general idea of wise, benevolent aliens who come to Earth bearing gifts that were too fractious and war-like to receive is pretty old and dull at this point, but like virtually all of Villeneuves movies, Arrival is triumph of execution, not of concept. He piles cool trick on top of cool trick, starting with Dr. Louise Banks (Amy Adams character, the linguist) and Ian Donnellys (Jeremy Renners character, the physicist) entry into the spaceship, which, thanks to an alien gravity control device, turns the scene into a dazzling exercise in shifting perspective. The aliens themselves turn out to be massive, didgeridoo-voiced elephant trunk things, who hang out in smoky rooms and squirt complex ink sentences with their squid hands. Ill be honest, Ive never seen aliens who communicate via inky smoky ring blown from squid hands, thats quite a touch. The beauty of Villeneuve is that hell take a familiar concept like alien first contact and treat it more like a designers white box challenge than a creative crutch.

The most inventive element of the film is that the plot revolves around a linguistic challenge. The aliens communicate in these inky smoke puffs, which are not only cool to look at, but, according Dr. Louise Banks (perfect Amy Adams character name), theyre an example of non-linear orthography. As in, their sentences have no beginning or end, but rather exist as a kind of infinity circle or ouroboros snake. Its a beautiful plot device because it cant entirely be fathomed, so we just have to take the movies word for it, an element of the time travel paradox similar to Doctor Strange. Its also a retroactive explanation of one of Dr. Banks lines at the beginning of the film, There are certain days that define your story beyond your life.



Arrival is a riff on two linguistic concepts. One, which Dr. Banks mentions by name, is the Sapir-Whorf hypothesis, where language affects (or determines, depending how strongly you interpret the concept) thought. The idea that language influences thought isnt quite the magic trick in real life as it is in the movie, but thats science fictions job  to find magic in the mundane and the arcane. And Sapir-Whorf is Arrivals dinosaur DNA encased in amber. The other idea, not mentioned by name, but underpinning the entire plot, is the embodied cognition of time. Thats where different cultures have different spatial perceptions of time. Western cultures think of time as moving from left to right or backwards to forwards (the future in front, the past behind), whereas Mandarin speakers are likely to think of time moving vertically, from top to bottom. It was recently discovered that a tribe in New Guinea thinks of time as flowing uphill, and not in a straight line. With its smoke-enshrouded didgeridoo elephants and their squid hands, Arrival is essentially asking What if time was a circle? Which is fairly novel, with all due respect to Rust Cohle. The aliens are actually kind of McConaughey-esque, now that I think about it, flying through space in a giant vape cloud. Far out, man.

Could Arrival do without the bellicose military industrial complex constantly angling to screw things up? Absolutely. Not to mention, in this case, theyre constantly micromanaging a rather technical linguistics project in ways that dont make much sense. At least, other than hearkening back to the rich tradition of military representatives being the bad guys in everything from E.T. to Alien and beyond. A familiar story element works when its a jumping off point, not when it feels like youre doing something a certain way automatically, because thats the way its been done, without even remembering why. Its vestigial plotting.

Likewise, Arrivals riff on the linguistics of time (and by extension life and mortality) is so smart and so beautiful that I wish it wasnt also grafted to the trope of tragic motherhood. Especially coming so relatively soon after Sandra Bullocks dead daughter flashbacks (and spaceship as womb metaphors) in Gravity. Its a relationship that goes at least as far back as Aliens, which gave Ripley a daughter, then deleted the scene and then added it back again in the extended version. These are all fine in a vacuum, but if you keep seeing the same story element across different films you start to wonder why it has to be there. Like maybe Hollywood feels compelled to explain why the heroine is up there hanging with aliens instead of home taking care of her kids.

Arrival is clever enough to turn this trope on its head a bit, but it does it retroactively, as a twist (without spoiling too much). A good third act twist expands on what came before it, whereas Arrivals mostly just justifies it. For me that makes it not quite a brilliant film, but definitely a hell of a movie.
By Kathryn Doyle (Reuters Health) - An automatic insulin delivery system that has performed well in type 1 diabetes patients also proved safe and feasible for type 2 diabetes patients on a general hospital ward, according to a U.K. study. The so-called artificial pancreas, or closed-loop insulin delivery system, monitors blood sugar levels and increases or decreases insulin delivery in response - approximating how a healthy pancreas would work, researchers write in The Lancet Diabetes and Endocrinology. The system eliminates the skin-pricks and manual insulin injections that many type 2 diabetes patients currently rely on, the authors note. The artificial pancreas allows more responsive insulin delivery and the expectation, so far supported by clinical studies, is that health outcomes can be improved, said senior author Dr. Roman Hovorka of the University of Cambridge Metabolic Research Laboratories. But it costs more than injections and requires patients to wear a device around the clock, Hovorka told Reuters Health by email. For the study, the researchers enrolled 40 adults with type 2 diabetes who were receiving insulin therapy in general wards at Addenbrookes Hospital in Cambridge. Half received closed-loop insulin delivery and half received conventional insulin injections for three days. The artificial pancreas includes a glucose sensor inserted into the skin, which took measurements every 1 to 10 minutes and used the information to determine how much insulin to deliver. Patients with the artificial pancreas spent about 60 percent of the three-day study period in their target blood sugar range, compared to an average 38 percent of the time in the comparison group. There were no incidents of severe high or low blood sugar in either group and no other adverse events related to the devices. We presently use the closed loop system in people with type 2 diabetes staying in hospital, Hovorka said. Glucose control in hospital is often suboptimal and our aim is to improve it while people with type 2 diabetes are staying in hospital for various reasons such as treating diabetes complications. At the moment, Hovorka and his colleagues are not planning to try the system outside the hospital, he said. Before all people with type 2 diabetes can obtain one, the major issue will be demonstrating cost effectiveness, through larger clinical trials, given the continual push on health care expenditure, he said. Development of commercial systems specifically for type 2 diabetes is also a necessity. This was a small study; a larger one may have found that the artificial pancreas helps reduce the risk of dangerously low or high blood sugar, writes Gerry Rayman of Ipswitch Hospital NHS Trust in Suffolk, U.K., in a commentary accompanying the study. He notes that hospitalized patients are generally sicker than average type 2 diabetics outside hospitals, and whether they are hospitalized for diabetes-related reasons or not, controlling their diabetes in the hospital is an important problem to solve. Right now, good blood sugar control is achieved in these patients just 40 percent of the time, Rayman writes. He questions whether this test represents real-world conditions, where 85 percent of hospital admissions of diabetics are emergencies unrelated to diabetes, so these patients are not usually under the care of diabetes specialists while in the hospital. Even for diabetes specialists, learning to insert and calibrate the glucose sensors can be tricky, and sensors sometimes fail, Rayman notes. SOURCE: http://bit.ly/2eK7R55 The Lancet Diabetes and Endocrinology, online November 9, 2016.
Pinkafeld (Austria) (AFP) - Ask the people of Pinkafeld what makes them proud of their pastel-coloured town set amid pine-strewn hills and many will reply "Our flowers", followed by "...and our Norbert".

Prosperous, pretty and almost migrant-free -- rural Austria paradoxically offers a happy hunting ground for far-right presidential candidate Norbert Hofer and his populist Freedom Party.

Like elsewhere in the countryside, the 45-year-old swept most of the votes in Pinkafeld in the first runoff in May, which was annulled over procedural irregularities.

Back then, he lost by a paper-thin margin to the Greens-backed Alexander Van der Bellen.

Now many Pinkafelders hope "Norbert", as he's affectionately known, will finally emerge victorious on December 4 -- and not just because he's a local resident.

"Hofer's a nice guy who walks his dog around town but I think people here would support him even if he wasn't from Pinkafeld," local newsagent Hannes Stecker told AFP.

"There's a lurch to the right in Austria and Van der Bellen is too left-leaning. That scares people off. I'm not keen on either but because some of my opinions are more on the right side, I vote for Hofer," the 21-year-old said.

Other locals say they are also frustrated with the ruling centrist coalition, in power since 2008.

"I'm so tired of the main parties always lining their pockets and forgetting about us normal folk," said a butcher in her forties who refused to be named.

This fatigue of the establishment stretches far beyond Austria's borders all the way to the other side of the Atlantic where Donald Trump won the US election in a shock upset.

While Trump appears "too excessive" for rural Austrians, the FPOe strikes just the right note.

- Life is good -

Yet, life in Pinkafeld is a far cry from the doomed vision pushed by the party, which has been firing up public anger over refugees and spiralling joblessness.

Story continues

Thanks to several large manufacturing companies , unemployment is low and the infrastructure excellent.

Of the 130,000 migrants who have arrived in Austria since 2015, only around 100 have been moved to Pinkafeld -- hardly a visible number compared to the 5,500 residents.

Several schools and a university campus mean cafes are thronging with noisy students on any given day of the week.

The town also draws young families from nearby cities because of the affordable housing, good quality of life and easy transport links to Vienna, an hour's drive north.

"The ambience makes this a lovely town to live in," mayor Kurt Maczek told AFP.

In summer, hordes of tourists arrive armed with cameras to capture the town's elaborate floral arrangements, which won a prestigious international prize in 2002.

- 'Tangible fear' -

But all this hasn't stopped a growing sense of unease from bubbling up to Pinkafeld's prim and proper surface.

Last month, unknown perpetrators spray-painted an "SS" symbol and racist slogan on the door of a doctor who is part of a local refugee volunteer group.

The attack prompted a couple of hundred people to organise a flash mob in support of Rainer Oblak outside his surgery.

"I think this was just a stupid action by some idiots. I don't want to excuse or justify it but I think it's a one-off. I don't see this as a sign of people's radicalisation... We're not overburdened with refugees," local FPOe MP Peter Jauschowetz told AFP.

For the doctor, however, the incident cannot be brushed aside so easily.

"There's been a lot of tangible insecurity and even fear because of the populist side stoking jealousy and hatred," Oblak told AFP.

Mayor Maczek also warned that public concerns over refugees were real.

Ignoring these concerns is what has cost his party, the Social Democrats, and their ruling coalition partner voters across the country, he said.

"Migrants are definitely the big issue," said Christian Akanatovic, a German who moved to Pinkafeld five years ago.

"If I was allowed to vote here, I would vote Hofer. I understand that we need to help people from war-torn countries... But to accept one million refugees (in Europe) without checking their identity is just too extreme," the hotel receptionist, 44, told AFP.

For observers, the FPOe's rural success is not just down to Hofer -- seen as the far-right's "friendly face" -- but also to what his 72-year-old rival Van der Bellen stands for.

The ex-Green Party leader and university professor "is simply a no-go for the countryside. He doesn't represent their lifestyle or values," analyst Peter Hajek said.

There are nonetheless some dissenting voices in Pinkafeld, including elderly handyman Karl Janitsch.

"I will always vote Van der Bellen. If we allow the FPOe in, it's the end of democracy as we know it."
Technology has leveled the playing field for small businesses, allowing them to market their offerings, process and ship orders, and manage their accounting processes with minimal staff. But even a one-person operation can sometimes suffer from tech failure, which can disrupt operations and cut into earnings.

While there are many third-party services that can help a business with its IT needs, troubleshooting software and hardware problems are only part of what a corporate IT team does. Its important that small business owners pay close attention to what large companies do in order to remain competitive. Here are a few things you can learn from corporate IT departments.

Security First

Survey any IT department and youll likely find security is a top priority. Protecting the sensitive information housed on a businesss servers and devices is essential. This is equally true for small businesses, which can often be targeted by attackers due to the assumption that they wont have top-notch protection in place. Consider the cost of a security breach and protect your business with malware protection and strong passwords that you change frequently. Many businesses contract with cloud providers for their hosting and applications, but its important to carefully review the security precautions those third-party companies take to protect their customers.

Equipment Replacement

Large IT departments often put an equipment replacement cycle in effect. This avoids unexpected breakdowns by replacing computers, laptops, printers, and other electronics once they reach their fourth or fifth year. Unfortunately, many small businesses wait until a device fails to replace it, leaving them stranded until they can purchase and prepare something new. Not only does this lead to downtime, but it also impacts productivity, since equipment usually slows down as it ages. By simply building computer replacement into your budget every four to five years and mobile device replacement within three years, youll keep your business moving forward. Before you officially replace anything, conduct thorough analysis to ensure youre adequately filling the needs of your business.

Legal Considerations

In addition to security breaches, businesses also must protect themselves against legal troubles. As San Diego attorney Chris Movafagh explains, businesses without IT departments need to realize their legal obligations when it comes to preserving emails and documents. If, for some reason, your company should find itself in legal hot water, your failure to save and back up your crucial files could cost you in court.

As a business, youre responsible for storing both electronic and paper-based data, especially once legal proceedings are underway, says Movafagh. Its important that small businesses realize that they could be asked to explain their electronic data storage procedures in a court of law and put processes in place that theyll be proud to disclose.

Disaster Preparedness

Disasters happen unexpectedly, from fires to earthquakes to floods and beyond. If your building is impacted by one of these events, it could destroy everything youve worked so hard to build. In fact, 40 percent of businesses do not open after a catastrophe, according to the Insurance Information Institute (III). Of those that survive, another 25 percent fail within one year. Consider how quickly youd be able to get your business operational after different types of disasters. In addition to ensuring all of your data is backed up to the cloud, you should also be prepared for all of your employees to work remotely should your building become uninhabitable.

Employee Independence

The goal of any successful corporate IT team is to empower its end users to manage the technology they use each day. Its important to first hire employees who possess the basic computer skills necessary to do the work. However, once hired, you can also boost productivity by providing training, whether it relates to your own specialized software or basic applications. There are now so many training opportunities available online, you can give your workers access to classes they can take directly from their computer.

For corporate IT departments, keeping employees productive and safe is a top priority. Small businesses can learn from their much larger counterparts, using the many third-party services available to remain competitive. Its important to always come up with strategies for improving the technology your business uses to keep things moving forward. In doing so, youll be able to see quick growth.

Edited by Alicia Young
BII Drone

This story was delivered to BI Intelligence IoT Briefing subscribers. To learn more and subscribe, please click here.

Lockheed Martin, a prominent aerospace developer, recently showed off four unmanned aircraft, including a self-flying helicopter, that are designed to fight forest fires, reports Wired.

These tests highlight the many potential public safety uses for drones and other unmanned aircraft, and could spur increased municipal adoption in the coming years.

The test showcased a drone, known as the Indago, that identifies a fire using infrared technology and directs the K-Max chopper to that location. K-Max was outfitted by Lockheed Martin to fly autonomously, initially for use in war zones such as Afghanistan.

Helicopters could be put to use fighting fires in the next three to five years, according to Lockheeds Business Development Head John McMillan. While the Indago drone is already assisting in fighting fires by itself in Australia, the task of retrofitting a firefighting helicopter to fly autonomously provides a more substantial engineering and programming challenge.

Autonomous aircraft manufacturers could target states and municipalities in the future to fight both crime and natural disasters. In addition to fighting wildfires, autonomous helicopters and drones could help better identify criminals over large areas that uniformed police officers cannot see with their own eyes.

Further, since drones have already been tested to deliver medical supplies in the event of a natural disaster, it would be a relatively easy transition for them to move to fighting natural disasters. These sorts of autonomous aircraft could become highly popular as forest fires and similar natural disasters continue to pose risks to communities.

Drones turned the corner in 2015 to become a popular consumer device, while a framework for regulation that legitimizes drones in the US began to take shape. Technological and regulatory barriers still exist to further drone adoption.

Story continues

Drone manufacturers and software providers are quickly developing technologies like geo-fencing and collision avoidance that will make flying drones safer. The accelerating pace of drone adoption is also pushing governments to create new regulations that balance safety and innovation.

Safer technology and better regulation will open up new applications for drones in the commercial sector, including drone delivery programs like Amazons Prime Air and Googles Project Wing initiatives.

BI Intelligence, Business Insider's premium research service, has compiled a detailed drones report that forecasts sales revenues for consumer, enterprise, and military drones. It also projects the growth of drone shipments for consumers and enterprises.

The report details several of worlds major drone suppliers and examines trends in drone adoption among several leading industries. Finally, it examines the regulatory landscape in several markets and explains how technologies like obstacle avoidance and drone-to-drone communications will impact drone adoption.

Here are some of the key takeaways from the report:

We project revenues from drones sales to top $12 billion in 2021, up from just over $8 billion last year.

Shipments of consumer drones will more than quadruple over the next five years, fueled by increasing price competition and new technologies that make flying drones easier for beginners.

Growth in the enterprise sector will outpace the consumer sector in both shipments and revenues as regulations open up new use cases in the US and EU, the two biggest potential markets for enterprise drones.

Technologies like geo-fencing and collision avoidance will make flying drones safer and make regulators feel more comfortable with larger numbers of drones taking to the skies.

Right now FAA regulations have limited commercial drones to a select few industries and applications like aerial surveying in the agriculture, mining, and oil and gas sectors.

The military sector will continue to lead all other sectors in drone spending during our forecast period thanks to the high cost of military drones and the growing number of countries seeking to acquire them.

In full, the report:

Compares drone adoption across the consumer, enterprise, and government sectors.

Breaks down drone regulations across several key markets and explains how theyve impacted adoption.

Discusses popular use cases for drones in the enterprise sector, as well as nascent use case that are on the rise.

Analyzes how different drone manufacturers are trying to differentiate their offerings with better hardware and software components.

Explains how drone manufacturers are quickly enabling autonomous flight in their products that will be a major boon for drone adoption.

To get your copy of this invaluable guide, choose one of these options:

Subscribe to an ALL-ACCESS Membership with BI Intelligence and gain immediate access to this report AND over 100 other expertly researched deep-dive reports, subscriptions to all of our daily newsletters, and much more. >> START A MEMBERSHIP Purchase the report and download it immediately from our research store. >> BUY THE REPORT

The choice is yours. But however you decide to acquire this report, youve given yourself a powerful advantage in your understanding of the world of drones.





More From Business Insider


What could be mistaken for a futuristic water cannon is actually a piece of technology developed more than 50 years ago that is destined to help launch NASA's next megarocket, the Space Launch System.

The RL10, a rocket engine developed in the 1950s by Pratt & Whitney, flew first in 1963. This engine has traveled to each planet in our solar system, powering spacecraft such as Voyager 1  the first to reach interstellar space.

The RL10 rocket engine out-performs all other current engines and has over half a century of performance and documented reliability to its name. With more than 400 flights, over 15,000 hot fires on record and more than 2.3 million seconds of hot fire operation time with a greater than 0.999 demonstrated reliability during its use, the RL10 has earned its place in history. [The World's Tallest Rockets: How They Stack Up]

Because of its stellar record and its technically mature design, this rocket engine will make its way from the history books into the future of human spaceflight.

NASA's new Space Launch System, or SLS for short, will utilize this upper stage engine to launch an Orion spacecraft in the latter part of 2018 as well as eventually sending astronauts beyond the moon. Aerojet Rocketdyne of West Palm Beach, Florida will produce several RL10C-3 engines for NASA, powering its several planned deep space missions, with the ultimate goal being NASA's Journey to Mars.

According to James Burnum, NASA SLS Liquid Engines RL10 manager, "Engines are one of the most complex rocket elements  We need a reliable engine with a proven track record that has the performance to power humans to deep space."

Using the RL10 "leverages existing propulsion technology to provide SLS with a robust engine in a timely manner [avoiding] costs associated with a new engine development program," added Steve Wofford, SLS Liquid Engines manager at NASA's Marshall Space Flight Center in Huntsville, Alabama, where the SLS Program is managed.

Story continues

The $174 million, 8-year contract leaves Aerojet Rocketdyne responsible for the management, testing (at NASA's West Palm Beach, Florida test facility), certification and delivery of the engines.

Follow us @Spacedotcom, Facebook and Google+. Original article on Space.com .

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Https%3a%2f%2fblueprint-api-production.s3.amazonaws.com%2fuploads%2fcard%2fimage%2f289260%2f70962129f92b46a589a51f0f737055cf

When 6-year-old Logan Peon got an ear infection last year, his pediatrician in Chicago gave him antibiotics. That should've been the end to a typical childhood illness.

But Peon had acquired a drug-resistant bacteria called Pseudomonas aeruginosa. Round after round of antibiotics failed to clear up the boy's painful infection and left him sick from side effects.

"It didn't matter what we did, we couldn't get rid of it," his mother Katie Fearon recalled.

SEE ALSO: Bacteria in our mouths may hold clues about why people get migraines

Her son eventually went to the hospital this fall to receive antibiotics intravenously. Fearon said she hopes this will finally do the trick. "It's just relentless," she told Mashable.

Drug-resistant infections like Peon's are rising among U.S. children, according to a new study in the Journal of the Pediatric Infectious Diseases Society.

A doctor performs a physical exam on a fourth-grader in Cicero, Illinois.

Image: tom boyle/Getty Images

Researchers found increasing rates of antibiotic resistance among samples of P. aeruginosa collected from pediatric patients nationwide. Left on their own, these infections can lead to severe illnesses, longer hospital stays and raise the risk of death.

"It's becoming more complex and difficult to treat," said Latania Logan, a co-author of the study and a pediatric infectious disease specialist at Rush University Medical Center in Chicago.

Globally, infections such as pneumonia and tuberculosis are becoming harder to treat across the board as antibiotics grow less effective. The World Health Organization now lists antibiotic resistance as one of the biggest threats to global health.

Too many prescriptions

The main reason for this scary trend is that we're taking too many antibiotics. Doctors might prescribe the pills as a catch-all cure when no treatment, or a different medication, is more appropriate. Patients similarly expect their doctors to prescribe antibiotics for whatever ails them. Or they might self-medicate or share leftover pills.

Story continues

In addition, there has been a shift toward using large amounts of antibiotics in the livestock industry, which is also increasing the incidence of drug resistant bacteria.

By reducing the collective use of antibiotics, we could help reduce the spreading of highly resistant bacteria, doctors say. Until then, children like Peon may be increasingly at risk of hard-to-treat infections.

A pharmacy manager in Miami counts out the correct number of antibiotic pills to fill a prescription.

Image: Joe Raedle/Getty Images

For the study, Dr. Logan and her co-authors analyzed clinical data from about 300 hospitals nationwide for the years 1999 to 2012.

P. aeruginosa infections are fairly common among people with cystic fibrosis, a life-threatening disorder, so the researchers did not include those patients. The team studied samples from patients ages 1 to 17 who were in various health care settings at the time, such as an intensive care unit or in outpatient treatment.

While healthy people can acquire the bacteria, P. aeruginosa is more prone to attack patients who already have a compromised immune system. Six-year-old Peon, for instance, has always been prone to infections and is often at the hospital, where he may have picked up the ear infection, his mother said.

The researchers found the proportion of bacterial stains that are resistant to at least three classes of antibiotics rose from 15.4 percent in 1999 to 26 percent in 2012. The proportion of strains resistant to carbapenems  a class of antibiotics considered a treatment of last resort for highly resistant infections  rose from 9.4 percent to 20 percent.

Electron micrograph of Pseudomonas aeruginosa.

Image: Cultura/ap images

Drug resistance was most common in teenage patients, ages 13 to 17, and more prevalent in the Midwest, according to the Nov. 17 study.

The research is the first to examine national trends in P. aeruginosa infections.

Roberto Posada, a pediatrics specialist who was not involved in the research, said the findings provide important insight for medical professionals and families trying to understand the rising threat of drug-resistant infections.

Growing resistance to carbapenems in particular "has serious consequences" for infections in children, said Posada, who is a professor at the Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai in New York City.

Logan said she hoped the findings would help get the word out to not only researchers but also nurses, home health care providers and other caregivers of sick children who may be at a higher risk of acquiring these serious infections.

"I don't know that people are as aware of how threatening this problem really is," she told Mashable.

BONUS: Smartphone cameras now have the power to detect anemia with this brilliant app
Donald Trump's impending move to the White House is doing little to dispel concerns from the Baltic states about a revitalized Russia, something NATO's top general is watching closely.

"We have to deal with Russia as a country that is using military power to pursue its political objectives. We are doing our best to deter them from any such intention," Gen. Petr Pavel told Chris Hall in an interview airing Saturday on CBC Radio's The House.

This week, Lithuania's Foreign Minister LinasLinkeviciustold the BBC the Russian leader may test NATO in the weeks before Trump becomes president.

"Russia is not a superpower, it's a super problem," Linkevicius told the British news outlet. "I'm very afraid and concerned about this period, not just because of the regions which are close to here, but let's hope that Aleppo [in Syria] is not smashed from the ground by then."

Pavel said he doesn't think Russia would provoke NATO "at this point," but didn't rule out an eventual test of NATO's resolve.

"Given the unpredictability of Russian behaviour, it's difficult to talk about anything 100 per cent," he said.

"From a large point of view, I don't believe Russia would gain anything from testing NATO at this point, because if President [Vladimir] Putin says he wants to have more dialogue with the United States and even NATO, such an action wouldn't support that effort."

Baltic nations fear neighbouring Russia

Roland Paris, the research chair in international security and governance at the University of Ottawa and a former foreign policy adviser to Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, says a Russian move is unlikely to happen soon, but would likely occur in the Baltics.

"NATO represents both a threat to [Putin's] ambitions and it symbolizes the coherence of the West, which he's seeking to undermine. So to the extent that Putin can weaken NATO's credibility, resolve and integrity, I think that he'll do what he can," he said.

Story continues

A test could involve using local proxies and pro-Russian groups to stir unrest and provoke instability, said Paris.

"It's hypothetical, but we've seen a game plan that Putin has used in other places, including in Georgia, Ukraine and Moldova," he said.

Trump has spoken favourably about Putin, which has intensified fears in the Baltic countries about how an emboldened Russia will act.

"Their concern is justified. They are living close to Russia. They face on the daily basis the effects of a continuous information and propaganda campaign," said Pavel, the first NATO military chairman from a former Eastern Bloc state, what is now the Czech Republic.

On Friday, Putin met with top military leaders at his residence in the Black Sea resort of Sochi, where he said Russia is working to develop new weapons to ensure a global strategic balance. He vowed to fend off threats posed by NATO's U.S.-led missile defence system.

Pavel said strong deterrence and defence coupled with dialogue with Russia  the approach agreed upon earlier this year at the NATO meeting in Poland  is the way forward.

Canada's deterrence role

Canada will play a role in that deterrence next year when it moves about 450 troops into Latvia.

Russia has been building up its presence in Kaliningrad, its province sandwiched between Poland and Lithuania, with nuclear-capable missiles.

"Russia has increased its military capabilities significantly over, I'll say, the last decade," Pavel said, adding NATO troops stationed in neighbouring countries will show Russia "such a policy wouldn't be successful."

The general, who is in Canada for the annual Halifax International Security Forum, wouldn't delve into what Trump's win could mean for NATO. During one of the election debates, Trump suggested America wouldn't defend allies who didn't contribute sufficiently to the alliance.

U.S. President Barack Obama expressed hope Thursday that Trump would stand up to Russia when it deviates from U.S. "values and international norms."

Pavel said there's a difference between what is said during an election campaign and what is actually accomplished once in power.

"We believe there is a great deal of continuity and mutual interests on both sides of the Atlantic," he said.

Paris agrees the United States benefits from international stability, but an unconventional president means nothing is guaranteed.

"Nobody knows what Trump is going to do in foreign policy as president," he said.

"If he were to turn into policy everything that he said on the campaign, then we would be in a very uncomfortable position right now."
Thanks to its many qualities, the Catalan capital has been rated Europe's best destination for weekend getaways. The transport reservation platform GoEuro studied various price-based criteria relating to nightlife, accommodation and more to draw up a list of Europe's top cities for weekenders.

For each city, GoEuro studied the nightlife -- the number of bars and clubs open late and the average price of a beer -- as well as activities and shopping, the price of eating out, the average cost of accommodation per person per night, and the price of public transport and taxis, giving each destination a score out of 100. The ranking is based on data from TripAdvisor and recommendations from specialists like Time Out magazine.

The Spanish city of Barcelona tops the list, with a score of 98.3 out of 100. Its buzzing nightlife and the low cost of eating out makes the city a great choice for a fun weekend away that won't break the bank. Barcelona also comes top of the individual ranking for bars and restaurants.

Similarly, Berlin stands out for the quality of its nightlife. Although the German capital comes third (95.8/100) in the general ranking, the city comes top in this particular field. This will come as little surprise to many travelers, since Berlin is a well-known hotspot in Europe for clubbers and partygoers, and specifically for its electronic music scene. As well as Berlin, GoEuro recommends Krakow in Poland (2nd), Kiev in Ukraine (4th) and Madrid in Spain (5th) for weekenders looking to party.

The Czech capital Prague takes second place in the general ranking, scoring 96.1/100. The city stands out from rivals on the podium thank to the wealth of activities it offers to visitors. Although the birthplace of Kafka can't match the British capital London (1st) or France's Paris (2nd) on that front, the combination of Prague's rich and diverse activities, its lively nightlife and its good-value restaurants sees the city take second place overall.

Story continues

The 10 best European cities for weekend breaks

1. Barcelona, Spain

2. Prague, Czech Republic

3. Berlin, Germany

4. Madrid, Spain

5. London, United Kingdom

6. Paris, France

7. Lisbon, Portugal

8. Krakow, Poland

9. Budapest, Hungary

10. Seville, Spain
In late 2014, Paul Verhoeven began to experience pain - deep, searing migraines that struck him at all times of the day and night. He consulted doctor after doctor, underwent test after test at home in Los Angeles and at his pied-a-terre in The Hague, Netherlands, and yet no cause was found, no explanation given. Then the headaches vanished as mysteriously as they had arrived.

Was it a coincidence that the problems began after Verhoeven, 78, agreed to direct his first feature film in a decade - Sony Pictures Classics' Elle, a provocative drama starring Isabelle Huppert, 63, which opened Nov. 16 in Los Angeles - and after he learned the movie would be shot in French, a language he had not spoken with any frequency for 60 years?

"It was fear," he acknowledges, sitting in the airy living room of his Pacific Palisades home one October afternoon, projecting very little fear at all. "Ultimately, when I started to realize I could do it, [the headaches] disappeared. It was undoubtedly stress."

He bends toward a large, timid golden doodle that has just loped into the room. "It took him a while to feel safe around men - even me," says the director.

It's hard to reconcile this smiling, energetic man with the polarizing figure whose films have pushed the boundaries of sex and violence, who has offended as many people as he has entertained and who has been accused of everything from misogyny to sexual obsession. This is the man producer Irwin Winkler once tossed out of his house, repelled by Verhoeven's erotic plans for 1992's Basic Instinct; the man who was lambasted by The Washington Post for 1997's Starship Troopers, featuring iconography it deemed "Nazi to the core"; and the man who drew protests in his native Holland for a gay rape scene in his early film Spetters.

A filmmaker of relentless intellectual curiosity (his home is filled with thousands of books), who speaks enthusiastically about almost any topic you raise, he's also a man of hidden extremes, whose complexities are kept "secret" even from those who know him well, says his Elle producer Said Ben Said.

Story continues

"He's someone who doesn't easily open up, though he's very likable and joyful in life, very human," says Ben Said. "But as an artist, his work speaks for him."

Verhoeven is an atheist who spent years investigating the life of Christ, and even wrote a book about him, 2007's Jesus of Nazareth; a political liberal who borrowed from Leni Riefenstahl in Troopers; and a vibrant presence who acknowledges a more fragile side, an inner fissure that once led to a near crackup.

Photographed by Joe Pugliese

A similar fissure may be present in the heroine of Elle, a successful businesswoman who is raped by a masked intruder and perversely welcomes his return. The $9 million movie played at Cannes, where it was inaccurately described as a "rape comedy"; in fact, it's far more dramatic and nuanced.

When Ben Said bought the rights to Philippe Djian's novel Oh and asked Verhoeven to direct, his intent was to make a Hollywood film. Then one major star after another turned it down. "The result was pretty bad," says Verhoeven, who won't name names (they reportedly included Nicole Kidman). "There was a resolute and very fast response: no."

After two months of rejection, Ben Said proposed making the film in France. "I said yes," says Verhoeven, "and in the [following] weeks started to realize what that meant."

Huppert, a two-time best actress winner at Cannes (Violette Noziere, The Piano Teacher), immediately agreed to star and then met with Verhoeven to discuss the project.

Courtesy of Guy Ferrandis/SBS Productions/Sony Pictures Classiscs

"We didn't talk about her character because it wasn't necessary," says Verhoeven. "There was an intuitive connection we felt, and during the shoot, we discussed many other things - staging, costume - but never the character." As to the nudity and violence in the picture, "She didn't care. If she believes in the character, she will do whatever is necessary."

Huppert found her director to be kind and understanding - rather different from what she might have expected. "There's a misunderstanding about him," she says. "His support was immense."

A start date was set for January 2015, and Verhoeven immersed himself in French. He had lived in France as a student; now he took a crash course in the language, speaking 10 hours a day. When he moved to France, "I said, 'OK, I won't speak English anymore.' "

A 52-day shoot got underway in Paris. Despite the challenges of the material, filming went smoothly. The $9 million picture debuted at Cannes in May of this year, earning the director some of his best reviews. THR's reviewer Jordan Mintzer said it "will finally bring Verhoeven back into the spotlight after a decade-long absence."

Still, the rape sequences make the movie's reception by the Academy a wild card at a time when memories are fresh of a president-elect who was caught on tape discussing sexual assault. And Verhoeven has at times not only pinpointed the zeitgeist but tripped over it.

Verhoeven's first powerful memory is of bombs falling on The Hague during the war, and the sky turning red from all the fires. He was 6 years old and mesmerized.

"I grew up among bombing and deaths and hunger and starving and dead people and blood," recalls the only child of a school principal and a homemaker. "The Hague was bombed because of the rocket launchers there. The whole region was bombed all the time."

Courtesy of Guy Ferrandis/SBS Productions/Sony Pictures Classiscs

Once, he was compelled to walk past a row of cadavers the Nazis had lined up, after executing the victims as payback for the killing of a German officer. "They took 10 political prisoners out of prison, put them against the wall and shot them," he says. "It felt like, 'This is what happens if you are against us.' "

He shrugs off the long-ago experience, but acknowledges its weight. "If you believe in the Freudian explanation for things, you would say that, growing up in a world that's continually in flames, you [develop] the feeling that that's the way the world is," he says.

After studying mathematics at Leiden University, Verhoeven did his military service in the navy, where he developed his interest in film and made an award-winning documentary. That led to work in TV.

But after marrying young (he remains with his wife of almost 50 years, Martine Tours, a psychologist) and returning to civilian life, he felt lost. When a passer-by handed him a religious leaflet, he was drawn to the Pentecostal movement; it was after his initial visits to the church that he had his quasi-breakdown.

"There was an episode when I was in my 20s, that I got myself in what you would probably call a religious psychosis," he says. "That's a big word for starting to see reality in a different way. I was aware that if I [wasn't] careful, it would take over. As they say in Total Recall, the walls of reality would fall apart."

When pushed to explain, he compares his experience to that of Friedrich Nietzsche, the 19th century German philosopher who had a mental breakdown, after which he spent his life in an asylum. Does Verhoeven mean something that extreme?

"It was really a feeling of threat, that your subconscious would take over the rest of your brain," he says. "I mean, a feeling that you would lose [it]. You feel a force in your brain that will take over. And I think my interest in double realities - in Total Recall and other movies - is [based on] my knowledge that the brain can be brought [to this point]."

Could that mental imbalance strike him again? "Sure," he says. "Sometimes I feel if I let myself go in that direction, it would happen. But when it presents itself, I just block it out."

Verhoeven quickly made his name as a director with such movies as Soldier of Orange (1977), Spetters (1980) and The Fourth Man (1983), all commercial hits in Europe and widely admired in America. But controversy dogged him. Spetters, in particular, stoked outrage in the LGBT community, with a gay gang-rape scene that proved inflammatory.

The controversy didn't rattle Verhoeven, but he acknowledges that "it became more difficult for me, especially with the things I had been doing, which had been criticized left, right and center as being perverted and decadent. Spetters was attacked as being anti-women, anti-gay, anti-people that were paralyzed. It became so difficult to get money [for films]. I felt I had to beg or be on my knees, and I thought that was absurd."

He decided to relocate to Hollywood, even though "I felt very comfortable in Holland, and I feared to go to the U.S. It's different - the language, the culture. It's not your home. But at a certain point, Martine said, 'This flirting with the U.S. should stop. We should just go.' "

In 1985, the couple and their two daughters started their lives anew in Los Angeles (one daughter is now a professor of revolutionary terrorism at Cornell, the other a painter), where the director switched styles, becoming an A-list helmer known for elevating genre movies such as 1987's RoboCop and 1990's Total Recall with a unique visual flair and electric wit. From the late '80s to the mid-'90s, he was among the most successful artists in Hollywood. Then came 1995's Showgirls.

The drama about women trying to make it in Las Vegas was a financial flop and critical bomb ("A film of thunderous oafishness that gives adult subject matter the kind of bad name it does not need or deserve," said Kenneth Turan of the Los Angeles Times). The $45 million movie made less than half of that domestically. "It was difficult for people to accept this movie in any way," says Verhoeven. After that, "I was in Hollywood prison."

He laughs it off, then reaches down for the coffee and cookies his wife has just brought us, and runs his hand through his iron-gray mane of hair. If the Showgirls fallout still bothers him, he doesn't reveal it.

Verhoeven followed that with Starship Troopers, a film about humans fighting killer bugs. "We were using the original story [in Robert Heinlein's novel] and commenting on it, which was subversive," he says. He adds that he has no interest in the remake. "They want to go closer to the novel. We had a discomfort with it. We didn't want to say this military-fascist utopia was good."

Even as Starship was being condemned, Verhoeven's intellectual pursuits were tugging him away from the Hollywood mainstream.

Since the mid-1980s, he had been a member of the Jesus Seminar, a somewhat controversial collection of theologians who wish to place Jesus in his context as a man - a great one, but not the son of God. "They had started to study the historicity of Jesus' actions and words," he explains. "I thought, 'OK, I should join them,' because I wanted to make a movie on what really happened, and not even what the Gospels tell me."

He has yet to make his Life of Jesus, which would portray Christ, warts and all. "[Christ] was drinking a lot and liked to eat," the director notes. "That should be seen. And he was an exorcist, a real one."

Verhoeven spent years researching that subject and continued to do so during the fallow period after his last American film, 2000's The Hollow Man, an Invisible Man update starring Kevin Bacon that Verhoeven clearly abhors. "I've never done a movie that in retrospect I cannot defend," he says. "I can defend Showgirls, but not Hollow Man."

Photographed by Joe Pugliese

His last movie before Elle was 2006's The Black Book, about a Jewish woman who joins the Resistance in Holland and falls in love with an SS officer. It is as troubling as it is entertaining, pushing on the side of its charismatic Nazi, even as we know he has been part of the genocide machine.

Verhoeven seems strangely blinkered to the ethical dilemma his hero poses. "People are good and bad," he says. "You cannot say all Nazis were horrible and all the Resistance good. This was based on a real character who was called 'the Soft One,' because he was a very decent man."

It's late afternoon as we talk about the film, and I ponder what he has just said. Some part of me understands, another part wonders - a good Nazi?

I try to make sense of this brilliant but confounding man, as his dog wanders back, eyes me warily and sniffs my recorder. It strikes me what a gulf there is between the man I'm sitting with and the more turbulent artist inside. Huppert speaks of his "real delicateness. He's the complete opposite of his films."

The comfort of his home seems poles apart from the uncomfortableness of his films - as if the duality we find in his movies has its best embodiment in Verhoeven himself. He has created an outer life that's almost at odds with his inner one. It's a theme he plans to explore further in other pictures, now that he's back behind the camera. And he has no plans to let Hollywood derail him again. "They applaud comebacks here," he says happily. "You can fall as deep as you want. But if you come back, you're OK."

This story first appeared in the Nov. 25 issue of The Hollywood Reporter magazine. To receive the magazine, click here to subscribe.
Near Tal Saman (Syrie) (AFP) - A US-backed Kurdish-Arab alliance on Friday fought fiercely to drive the Islamic State group from a hilltop north of the jihadists' de facto Syrian capital of Raqa.

The fighting took place as a senior official with the Syrian Democratic Forces told AFP that US-led coalition forces had not only provided weapons to the alliance but was also engaged in combat on the ground.

The SDF -- which on November 5 launched an offensive to retake Raqa city with support from the coalition -- encircled the village of Tal Saman, 25 kilometres (15 miles) from Raqa.

Fighting also raged between the SDF and IS inside Tal Saman, an officer said after returning from the front.

"The jihadists have sent three car bombs since Thursday. Our forces managed to blow them up," said Farhad Kurdistan said.

"Our forces are using heavy weapons because Daesh is putting up tough resistance," he said, using an Arabic acronym for IS.

SDF fighters said Tal Saman offers a view of surrounding rocky desert terrain and villages near Raqa, which has been under IS control since 2014.

"Daesh is resisting because Tal Saman is on a hill from which one can see the villages" outside Raqa city, another officer said, asking to remain anonymous.

Nasser Hajj Mansur, an adviser to the SDF general command, said the alliance had received better weaponry from the international coalition against IS.

"The coalition was already supporting us in the Raqa campaign by supplying arms, equipment, troop transport, armour and ammunition," he said.

"But recently, the deliveries have become greater, both in terms of quantity and quality," he told AFP, without going into specifics.

He said "the actions of coalition forces are not confined to advice and air coordination, they are directly involved in operations on the ground".

In neighbouring Iraq, US-backed forces are also pressing an assault to retake the IS bastion of Mosul from the jihadists.

The battle against IS in both countries is taking place against the backdrop of a conflict in Syria that has killed more than 300,000 people since it erupted with anti-government protests in 2011.

It has since escalated into a complex, multi-faceted war.
Founded in 1978 and headquartered in Orange County, CA, BJs Restaurants (BJRI) owns and operates a chain of 186 high-end casual dining restaurants in 24 states. Their signature menu items include deep dish pizza, craft beer and pizookie dessert. They call their positioning contemporary, high-quality, casual plus.



Results Disappoint



The company reported lackluster Q3 results, missing both on the top and bottom lines. Adjusted earnings of $0.30 per share fell short of the Zacks Consensus Estimate of $0.32 by 6.3%.



Revenues increased 1.9% year over year to $233.7 million but were below the Zacks Consensus Estimate of $239 million by 2.2%.



Did the Presidential Election Impact Results?



According to the management, businesses dependent on consumer discretionary spending were challenged by a variety of macro factors including the timing of the Summer Olympics as well as the current economic uncertainty arising from the political elections.



The CEO Greg Trojan said the election had created "a nearly unprecedented level of negativity and doubt in the minds of everyday American citizens."



Falling Estimates



Analysts have slashed their estimates for the company after disappointing results. Zacks Consensus Estimates for the current and the next fiscal year have fallen to $1.75 per share and $1.95 per share respectively, from $1.82 and $2.10, 30 days ago. Declining estimates sent the stock to a Zacks Rank #5 (Strong Sell).







The Bottom-Line



While the company has taken a number of positive steps in recent years, including introduction of a new menu in February 2014, simplifying kitchen processes under project Q and cost control initiatives, a challenging sales environment continues to pose headwinds.



Further the Zacks Industry Rank of 192 out of 265 (bottom 28%) also indicates chances of underperformance in the short-term.



According to the latest MillerPulse survey, same-store sales fell 0.6% in October in the worst performance for the restaurant industry in more than three years. Traffic at the restaurants continued to decline as investors remained reluctant to spend.



But there are a handful of companies in the industry that have reported strong results despite industry headwinds. Investors should take a look at Dominos Pizza (DPZ), which currently enjoys a Zacks Rank #1 (Strong Buy).



More Stocks to Sell. Now.



Beyond our Bear Stock of the Day, today's list of 220 Zacks Rank #5 Strong Sells demand even more urgent attention. If any are lurking in your portfolio or Watch List, they should be removed immediately. Many appear to be sound investments but, since 1988, such stocks have actually performed more than 11X worse than the S&P 500.



See today's Zacks ""Strong Sells"" absolutely free >>.



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President-elect Donald Trumps transition team is all in the family. Three of his children  Donald Jr., Eric, and Ivanka  are involved in the transition, though the President-elect denied reports that his team requested top-level security clearance for them and his son-in-law, former New York Observer publisher Jared Kushner. When Kushner was spotted taking a walk with President Barack Obamas Chief of Staff Denis McDonough on Thursdaythe same day that Trump and Obama met for the first timethe sighting quickly led to rumors that Kushner wants a job in the White House. According to the Wall Street Journal, he is talking to lawyers about possible roles and has reportedly expressed a willingness to stop receiving income from his own real estate company if it proves to be a conflict of interest.

But at least one federal law limits the types of jobs that Trump could give to his children and even Kushner, who all count as relatives under The Federal Anti-Nepotism Statute. According to that law, A public official may not appoint, employ, promote, advance, or advocate for appointment, employment, promotion, or advancement, in or to a civilian position in the agency in which he is serving or over which he exercises jurisdiction or control any individual who is a relative of the public official.

Violators are not entitled to pay.

This provision went into effect six years after John F. Kennedy made his brother Robert F. Kennedy the U.S. Attorney General in 1961, so it has been nicknamed the Bobby Kennedy Law. (JFKs brother-in-law Sergeant Shriver also ran the Peace Corps.) The Nation blasted the appointment as the greatest example of nepotism this land has ever seen, while Newsweek called it a travesty of justice. Irresponsible, said a New York Times editorial: It is simply not good enough to name a bright young political manager, no matter how bright or how young or how personally loyal, to a major post in government. The President would shrug off criticism by joking, I cant see that its wrong to give him a little legal experience before he goes out to practice law.



It is often reported that Robert Kennedys appointment was the reason for the statute  and some historians believe it was added to the Postal Revenue and Federal Salary Act of 1967 at the request of President Lyndon B. Johnson, who used to call RFK a snot-nosed son of a bitch.

But the Acts sponsor, Rep. Neal Smith (D-Iowa), later denied that argument in an interview with the Des Moines Register. Smith claimed that his goal was to crack down on nepotism at smaller post offices and Congress, because when he arrived on Capitol hill in the early 60s, there were 50 members who had their wives on the payrolls, as he told the newspaper.

Some were doing a good job, buttwo-thirds of them didnt do any work at all, he said. We cant prohibit someone from getting a job just because they have a certain relative, but you need to make sure its not going too far.

Get your history fix in one place: sign up for the weekly TIME History newsletter

Twenty years later, in 1987, an investigation published by the news agency United Press International reported that at least 73 relatives of lawmakers had been on the congressional payroll since June 1986 because members of Congress were skirting the 1967 anti-nepotism statute by getting them jobs at other House and Senate offices. For instance, a congressmans wife was a staff assistant on her husbands subcommittee, while two congressman essentially traded their kids. [A]n applicant has to only mention his or her widely recognized surname to get a job, the article said. Though a substantial number of those hired in that category were merely summer interns, others were staff members who went to great lengths to conceal their relationships with representatives.

Legal experts are divided on how to apply this anti-nepotism statute. Some claim U.S. Code Title 3 gives Trump some leeway in tapping people  and possibly family members  to serve at the pleasure of the president on the White House staff, because the anti-nepotism law applies to federal agencies and not the White House. Others say Kushner could serve in the White House if he is not paid.

The 2016 Democratic presidential nominee Hillary Clinton is well-acquainted with this statute, since many accused her husband, Bill Clinton, of violating it when he made her chair of a health reform task force when he was President. But in March 1993, a federal appeals court ruled that she was a de facto federal official on her own merit, arguing that there was a longstanding tradition of public service by First Ladieswho have acted (albeit in the background) as advisers and personal representatives of their husbands.

[T]he Arkansas Governor casually points to his wife in the easy chair next to him, noted TIMEs 1992 Man of the Year feature on Bill Clinton, when asked who will be the Bobby Kennedy of his Administration.
Cash is crucial to a company and offers strength and vitality. It gives a company the flexibility to make investment decisions and fuel to run its growth engine.



In fact, even a profit-making company can have a dearth of cash flow and fail to meet its obligations. But a companys resiliency can be fairly judged when its efficacy in generating cash flows is assessed. Because cash not only shields a company from market mayhem but also indicates that profits are being channelized in the right direction.



To find out this efficiency, one needs to consider a companys net cash flow. While, in any business, cash moves in and out, it is net cash flow that explains how much money the company is actually generating.



If a company is experiencing a positive cash flow then it denotes an increase in its liquid assets, which gives it the means to meet debt obligations, shell out for expenses, reinvest in business, endure downturns and finally return wealth to shareholders. On the other hand, a negative cash flow indicates a decline in the companys liquidity, which in turn lowers its flexibility to support these moves.



But positive cash flow alone is not sufficient to predict a companys future growth. A company can competently grow only when this positive cash flow is rising. Increasing cash flow indicates managements efficiency in regulating its cash movements and less dependency on outside financing for running its business.



So, while picking stocks, look beyond profits and select companies with dependable and increasing cash flows.



Screening Parameters:



To find out stocks that have seen increasing cash flow over time, we ran the screen for those whose cash flow in the latest reported quarter was at least equal to or greater than the 5-year average cash flow per common share. This implies a positive trend and increasing cash over a period of time.



In addition to this, we chose:



Zacks Rank 1: No matter whether market conditions are good or bad, stocks with a Zacks Rank #1 (Strong Buy) have a proven history of outperformance. You can see the complete list of todays Zacks #1 Rank stocks here.



Average Broker Rating 1: This indicates that brokers are also highly hopeful about the companys future performance.



Current Price greater than or equal to $5: This sieves out low-priced stocks.



VGM Score of B or better: This score is also of great assistance in selecting stocks. Importantly, this scoring system helps in picking the winning stocks in their individual industry categories.



Here are four out of the seven stocks that made it through the screen:



Stamps.com Inc. STMP, based in El Segundo, CA provides Internet-based services for mailing or shipping letters, packages or parcels anywhere in the U.S. The stock has a VGM score of B. With a decent earnings surprise history, the company remains a solid pick. It exceeded estimates in each of the past four quarters, with an average surprise of 66.7%.



Cambrex Corporation CBM manufactures and markets a broad line of specialty chemicals and commodity chemical intermediates, and manufactures chemicals to customer specifications. The stock has a VGM score of A. It experienced a rise in estimates over the past 30 days.



Gibraltar Industries, Inc. ROCK , with a VGM score of B, is a leading manufacturer, processor and distributor of metals and other engineered materials for building products, vehicular and other industrial markets. The company is headquartered in Buffalo, NY. This company is a solid performer, having surpassed the Zacks Consensus Estimate in each of the past four quarters, with an average surprise of 67.3%.



FutureFuel Corp. FF is a manufacturer of diversified chemical products and biobased products comprised of biofuels and biobased specialty chemical products. The company is headquartered in Clayton, MO. Currently, the stock has a VGM score of A. It has a decent earnings surprise history, having exceeded estimates in each of the trailing four quarters with an average beat of 60.6%.



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Disclosure: Officers, directors and/or employees of Zacks Investment Research may own or have sold short securities and/or hold long and/or short positions in options that are mentioned in this material. An affiliated investment advisory firm may own or have sold short securities and/or hold long and/or short positions in options that are mentioned in this material.



Disclosure: Performance information for Zacks portfolios and strategies are available at: https://www.zacks.com/performance.



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Black adults born in the United States and residing in New York City have more health issues than African immigrants, Caribbean immigrants, and other black populations in the city, a new study found. A study released Thursday by the New York City Health Department analyzed the health data of blacks in the city from 2010 to 2014 and found significant differences between various groups.

Black New Yorkers born in the U.S. are more likely to smoke, drink, and have chronic health conditions like high blood pressure and obesity than other black groups, the analysis found. Chronic diseases such as high blood pressure, diabetes and obesity account for 23 percent of all hospitalizations in the state of New York and six out of every 10 deaths, according to the New York State Health Department.

The study found that 53 percent of U.S. born blacks reported being drinkers, while 44 percent of Caribbean-born blacks and 34 percent of African-born blacks reported drinking. All black groups were less likely to be drinkers than white New Yorkers, 70 percent of whom reported drinking.

Twenty-two percent of U.S. born blacks reported being current smokers, whereas only six percent of Caribbean black adults and nine percent of other black adults did. U.S. born black adults were more likely to have high blood pressure, with 38 percent reporting hypertension compared to 35 percent of Caribbean immigrants and 30 percent of African immigrants.

RTX1NT20

Photo: Reuters

The study was conducted by the NYC Health Departments Center for Health Equity, which aims to eradicate health inequality.

These data are a reminder that communities of color are not monolithic. It is sobering that immigrants of African descent, on average, have better health and fewer risk factors than the native born, said Health Commissioner Dr. Mary T. Bassett. The city remains committed to reducing these troubling health inequities and ensuring that every New Yorker has the opportunity to live a longer and healthier life.

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Although Black-ish creator Kenya Barris was disappointed by the 2016 presidential election results, he is encouraging Americans to come together for the sake of the nation.

On Wednesday, Barris, 42, accepted the Rod Serling Award for Advancing Social Justice Through Popular Media at the Paley Center for Media in Los Angeles, which recognizes a modern media professional whose work raises awareness of prejudice, inequality and societys changing social norms.

During his acceptance speech, Barris called the Nov. 8 election  which saw GOP nominee Donald Trump take the victory over Democratic hopeful Hillary Clinton  results a gut punch, but he believes the United States can move forward if citizens are willing to have open minds and engage in challenging conversations.

I think that we can really come together and use whatever experiences we have to make the next 4, 8, 12, 20 years of our lives a more enriched, a more fulfilling and a more honest and open community for all of us and our children, Barris said.

He added, I think that Ive been given a unique opportunity to tell a story and start conversations, and I think thats the most important thing that any artist can do.

The ABC executive producer, whose series has been renewed for a fourth season that will air in 2017, has not strayed from tackling real-life topics on the show, including the Black Lives Matter movement, racism, police-community relations and violent protests.

Black-ish airs Wednesdays (9:30 p.m. ET) on ABC.




By Jake Spring and Catherine Cadell

GUANGZHOU/WUZHEN, China (Reuters) - German automaker BMW and Chinese internet giant Baidu will end their joint research on self-driving cars, executives for the two firms said on Friday, with Baidu now searching for new global research partners.

Wang Jing, the head of autonomous car development at Baidu, told Reuters the company was now using cars from Ford's Lincoln in its U.S. testing, declining to elaborate.

"I'm open for any partners, actually I'm talking to many, Wang said, speaking on the sidelines of China's third World Internet Conference in the eastern Chinese city of Wuzhen.

Tech and automotive leaders contend that cars of the future will be capable of completely driving themselves, revolutionizing the transportation industry, with virtually all carmakers as well as companies such as Alphabet's Google and parts supplier Delphi investing heavily in developing the technology.

The two companies decided to end the cooperation, which involved testing in the United States and China, because they held different opinions on how to proceed with research, BMW's China CEO Olaf Kastner told Reuters at the Guangzhou auto show, which began on Friday.

"We now have found that the development pace and the ideas of the two companies are a little different," Kastner said, without specifying the exact point of disagreement.

At the conference in Wuzhen, Baidu offered test drives of various autonomous driving prototypes developed separately with Chinese automakers Chery [CHERY.UL], BYD Co Ltd and BAIC Motor.

The test cars drove a closed road, automatically avoiding a bicycle and overtaking cars moving at various speeds.

BMW's Kastner said the two made decisions to part ways after jointly developing the automatic overtaking capability, seeing it as a key milestone for the technology.

The German automaker plans to expand its research and development team for autonomous drive in China, Kastner said.

The two companies will continue to be partners on high-definition maps, which are a vital to the navigation of autonomous cars, he added.

Story continues

Baidu aims to commercialize autonomous cars on a small scale by 2018, with wider deployment by 2021. BMW has similarly targeted highly or fully autonomous cars by 2021.

Last month, China issued its roadmap for the development of self-driving cars that can drive in most situations between 2021 and 2025, with nearly every car having some self-driving capability by 2030.

That roadmap did not back a single technology for self-driving cars to communicate with each other, leaving the possibility it could back a different standard from Europe or the United States.

(Reporting by Jake Spring in GUANGZHOU and Cate Cadell in WUZHEN; Editing by Mark Potter)
The judge overseeing the wrongful death case of Bobbi Kristina Brown ordered her partner Nick Gordon to pay her estate $36 million, Brown's estate announced Thursday.

In September, the court found Gordon "legally responsible" for the death of Whitney Houston and Bobby Brown's daughter after he failed to appear at a pair of wrongful death civil lawsuit hearings.

Brown's estate initially sought $50 million in the civil suit, which claimed that Gordon "gave Bobbi Kristina a toxic cocktail rendering her unconscious and then put her face down in a tub of cold water" in late January 2015; she died six months later on July 26th.

The estate alleged that Gordon did this as "part of a scheme to control Bobbi Kristina and benefit from her wealth." Gordon was never charged with a any crimes related to Brown's death, but a spokesman for the Fulton County District Attorney told the Associated Press that the case is still under investigation.

When Gordon failed to appear at the civil lawsuit hearings in September, the judge ruled that anything the Brown's estate alleged against Gordon is "admitted through omission."

"There was an urgent need, in my mind, to get justice for Bobbi Kristina Brown and that's why I took the case. We intend to pursue, with all vigor, the full collection of the judgment," Brown estate attorney David Ware said in the statement. "We hope that in some small way this will allow Krissy's family to continue their quest for peace."

Gordon did not attend Thursday's decision and never hired lawyers to defend him in the civil lawsuit.

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Bobby Brown issued a statement saying he was pleased by a judges ruling yesterday that found Nick Gordon liable for the wrongful death of Bobbi Kristina Brown. As part of the settlement, Gordon has been ordered to pay $36 million to Bobbi Kristinas estate  and Brown intends to collect immediately.

Bobby is relieved to have this chapter of the process behind him, but now he intends to actively pursue the collection against Nick Gordon, Browns attorney, Craig Terrett, tells PEOPLE. We will be working with a collection attorney in Florida and we are moving forward quickly. We will be attaching the judgements to all those things in Florida.

Those close to Gordon admit that he does not have sufficient assets or funds to pay the high settlement cost, so instead they will garnish his wages. If he goes on Dr. Phil, they will get that money. If he writes a book, and so on, explains Terrett.

In addition to the money, the judge also ruled to repossess an engagement ring believed to be in Gordons possession that was originally owned by Browns former wife, Bobbi Kristinas late mother Whitney Houston. It was Whitneys ring and Bobby wants it back, says Terrett. That ring is valued  as determined by the courts  to be $1.5 million.

Glenda Hatchett, the co-counsel for Bobbi Kristinas estate executor Bedelia Hargrove, echoed a familiar sentiment from the Brown family. It is the principle more than the money, she tells PEOPLE. We know does not have that kind of money, but we never want him to profit from this. This judgement over him will make sure of that to make sure people know about his despicable behavior, how he battered her, assaulted her many times.

Despite the heartbreaking ordeal, Terrett says that Brown is eager to move forward with criminal proceedings. Bobby is feeling reinvigorated and wants to get justice through the criminal justice system more than ever. He intends to push Fulton County DA Paul Howard to move forward. He said that since the case is still considered an ongoing investigation by the DA, its hampering everyones ability to get the evidence and the documents that they need for criminal because they are all sealed during an active investigation.

Reporting by ELISSA ROSEN
Photo credit: WireImage

From Cosmopolitan

Photo credit: WireImage

People magazine reports that Bollywood star and model Mallika Sherawat and her boyfriend Cyrille Auxenfans were tear-gassed and attacked by two masked intruders Friday inside the lobby of their Paris apartment building. The incident occurred just a little over a month after Kim Kardashian was tied up and robbed at gun point by two armed men in a neighboring Paris apartment during Paris Fashion Week.

Sherawat and Auxenfans had returned home around 9:30 p.m., when two attackers wearing scarves sprayed the couple with tear gas before punching them, according to French newspaper Le Parisien. The attackers ran away, apparently without actually stealing anything, and the shocked couple called emergency services. A criminal investigation has since been launched and police suspect the attack was an attempted robbery.



After the Kardashian robbery made international headlines, Paris mayor Anne Hidalgo called the robbery a "rare act" and insisted the capital is still a safe place for celebrities.



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U.S. government debt prices were mostly lower on Friday as investors reacted to comments from Federal Reserve Chair Janet Yellen and eyed a host of Fed speakers on Friday.



The yield on the benchmark 10-year Treasury note (U.S.:US10Y), which moves inversely to its price, was higher at 2.352 percent, while the yield on the 30-year Treasury bond was slightly higher, at 3.03 percent.

On Thursday, Fed Chair Janet Yellen gave testimony before the Joint Economic Committee of Congress. Yellen, like many other Fed speakers, reaffirmed that a rate hike is coming soon.





Friday morning, St. Louis Fed President James Bullard said he is leaning toward supporting a rate hike next month and argued on Friday that the real question now is the Fed's rate path in 2017.



Kansas City Fed President Esther George said she supports a rate hike "sooner rather than later" at a joint conference of the Federal Reserve Banks of Dallas and Kansas City Friday morning.

New York Fed President Bill Dudley said during a press briefing Friday morning that it was too soon to speculate on new fiscal policies. The post-election market response suggests people expect fiscal policy to move in a more stimulative direction, he said, although he doesn't think the current status of the markets is concerning in terms of the implications for monetary policy. Dudley reaffirmed that free trade is generally good for economic growth, adding that fiscal changes tied to infrastructure spending would presumably increase productive capacity.

 CNBC's Patti Domm and Reuters contributed to this report





More From CNBC


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We all can learn a lot from Alex, the 6-year-old who melted hearts when he opened his home to a child war victim, said President Barack Obama as he met the boy at the White House.

Alex's letter to Obama was shared over and over again online in September and inspired the president to quote the young New Yorker during a speech at the Leaders Summit on Refugees later that month. Last week, Alex put on a new suit and visited Obama in Washington. The White House released an Instagram video of the meeting Thursday encouraging viewers to support refugee causes.

You being so nice, and kind, hopefully makes other people think the same way. So I was very proud of you. Remember Alex, the six-year-old boy who wrote to President Obama to ask how he could help kids his age in Syria? Last week, the President had a chance to meet Alex and his family at the White House. Watch their visit and learn how you can support refugees at home and abroad at the link in the bio. A video posted by The White House (@whitehouse) on Nov 17, 2016 at 5:34pm PST

I liked what you wrote so much that I ended up reading it to everybody," Obama told Alex. "You being so nice, and kind, hopefully makes other people think the same way. So I was very proud of you."

In the letter, Alex promised to befriend a Syrian boy injured during an airstrike on Aleppo. A photo of the child, Omran Daqneesh, sitting in an ambulance, dazed and bloody, had been shared widely online.

Doctor in #Aleppo just sent this photo of a dazed child who survived an airstrike pic.twitter.com/IHLDc6KPh8  Raf Sanchez (@rafsanchez) August 17, 2016

Alex asked Obama to bring Omran to his home so he could teach him to ride a bike and introduce him to his friend at school, who is also from Syria.

"We will give him a family and he will be our brother," Alex wrote.
Rio de Janeiro (AFP) - A Brazilian federal judge has accepted homicide and environmental criminal charges against 22 people and four mining companies involved in last year's deadly Samarco dam burst.

Judge Jacques de Queiroz Ferreira gave the green light to indictments accusing Samarco and its co-owners Vale and BHP Billiton, as well as the VogBR consultancy, of culpability in the November 5 collapse of an iron ore tailings dam in the Minas Gerais region. Nineteen people were killed.

The ruling, seen by AFP, was signed Wednesday but only made public on Friday.

The companies, which have all rejected the accusations, are charged with crimes against the environment.

Twenty one people, including senior executives, face charges of "qualified homicide" and environmental crimes. A VogBR engineer is charged with having falsely certified the dam as stable prior to its collapse.

The defendants have 30 days to respond. A judge will then consider the evidence and decide whether to bring the defendants to a jury trial.

Reacting to this week's ruling, the Anglo-Australian mining giant BHP Billiton said it had not yet been officially notified about the acceptance of the indictment.

But "BHP Billiton Brasil strongly repudiates the accusations made by the Federal Public Prosecutors against the company and individuals and will defend itself in the course of the proceeding," the company said.

The Samarco dam burst unleashed a torrent of mud down the River Doce, a major waterway.

It was branded Brazil's worst environmental disaster, drawing comparisons with the 2010 Deepwater Horizon oil rig explosion which killed 11 workers and triggered a devastating spill in the Gulf of Mexico.

Prosecutors denounced the mining companies for reckless policies "to boost profits and dividends."

Samarco says that the accident was impossible to foresee, and that it is compensating victims' families and helping to restore environmental damage.

The mining companies have agreed to pay billions of dollars in compensation but in May prosecutors filed a civil lawsuit against Vale, BHP and Samarco seeking 155 billion reais ($49 billion).
Sao Paulo (AFP) - The top prosecutor in Brazil's biggest ever corruption investigation called Friday on the public to rally around the operation in the face of attempts to shut it down.

"We will be defeated if society is not at our side," said Deltan Dallagnol, head prosecutor for the probe codenamed Carwash, which is unravelling a massive embezzlement and bribery scheme involving high-ranking politicians and executives who ransacked state oil company Petrobras.

Dallagnol was speaking at a televised event as pressure grew in Congress, where many members have been linked to the scandal, to scupper the Carwash probe.

On Tuesday, a congressional committee will discuss a series of new anti-corruption measures that would toughen existing laws but, critics say, could also result in an unofficial amnesty of existing cases.

Dallagnol warned that "the problem here is that the corrupt have a lot of power. A few have stolen a lot from many."

Operation Carwash has already seen charges or convictions brought against some of Brazil's most powerful figures, ranging from ex-president Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva to the current Senate speaker and leading business executives.

The heat could soon grow even fiercer for Brazil's elite with an expected plea bargain between prosecutors and Odebrecht, the construction company at the heart of the pay-to-play scheme with Petrobras.

The deal means Odebrecht would be expected to cooperate with prosecutors, testifying against alleged participants in the scheme.
BRASILIA (Reuters) - A federal judge in Brazil has agreed to hear a criminal case against four companies and 22 employees for a burst tailings dam at the Samarco mine that killed 19 people last November, according to a court document seen by Reuters on Friday. Prosecutors last month accused Samarco, its joint-venture owners Vale SA and BHP Billiton, and consultant VogBR of environmental crimes, while employees were accused of homicide in the disaster, which also polluted a major river. Prosecutors said there were signs that the dam was unsafe for several years before its collapse but Samarco officials, executives, employees and board members appointed by Vale and BHP failed to take proper action. The court document, signed by federal judge Jacques de Queiroz Ferreira and dated Wednesday, said the defendants had 30 days to present their defense. Vale and Samarco repeated their rejection of the charges. BHP also rejected the charges, saying in a statement that the court decision was only a procedural stage that did not "analyze the merits of the charges." VogBR did not immediately respond to requests for comment. Samarco said investigations into the cause of the spill showed it did not have prior knowledge of any risks to the structure of the dam. The spill is considered the largest environmental disaster in Brazilian history. The dam collapse released millions of tonnes of muddy mine waste known as tailings, leaving hundreds homeless and polluting the Rio Doce river. (Reporting by Stephen Eisenhammer; Editing by Lisa Von Ahn and Bill Trott)
By Huw Jones and Simon Jessop

LONDON (Reuters) - Investors get poor value for money from Britain's 7 trillion pound ($8.7 trillion) asset management industry because there is not enough competition and a lack of transparency on fees, the industry regulator said on Friday.

To remedy this situation the Financial Conduct Authority has proposed a single fee for investors in funds in the world's second largest asset management market but has stopped short of recommending a cap on fees.

It also launched a consultation into whether the investment consultancy market should be referred to Britain's Competition and Markets Authority for a full blown anti-trust probe. This market, which advises funds on asset manager selection and investment products, is outside the FCA's remit.

Just three companies account for 60 percent of the consultancy market, the report said.

"There is a strong culture of gifts and hospitality in the investment consultancy sector which could influence the ratings given to managers," the FCA said.

Analysts said a single fee would allow investors to see upfront for the first time how much they are paying for trading costs.

"The eye-catching headline is the proposed introduction of an all-in fee so that investors can easily see what is being taken from the fund," Paul McGinnis, analyst at Shore Capital, said in a note.

The difference from the existing fee structure "could be that these measures contain certain costs (including transaction costs) that are not known in advance by the investor", McGinnis said.

FCA Chief Executive Andrew Bailey said the watchdog wanted to make sure that asset managers were "pursuing energetically" their duty to act in their customers' best interests so investors got value for money.

"We want to see greater transparency so that investors can be clear about what they are paying and the impact charges have on their returns," Bailey said.

Accounting firm PwC said this would change the way the market operated by referring to direct and legally enforceable rights for investors.

Story continues

"The industry will need to work hard to demonstrate how it already best serves investors and how they intend to meet the concerns expressed," Amanda Rowland, a regulation partner at PwC.

The FCA's proposals, which run to 200 pages, are the interim results of a year-long study into the asset management industry which found that "limited" competition in actively managed funds, which account for 77 percent of the total market, offer poor value for money.

"On average, these costs are not justified by higher returns," the FCA said.

Even though a large number of firms operate in the market the asset management industry as a whole has enjoyed sustained, high profits over a number of years, the FCA said.

The watchdog has proposed a "significant package of measures", including a stronger duty on asset managers to act in the best interests of investors.

It has proposed the "all-in" fee so that investors in funds can easily see what is being taken from the fund in charges, stopping short of more radical measures.

"A price cap is a competition measure that is a last resort. That is not a good response from the point of view of encouraging competition," Bailey told reporters.

It has also recommended that Britain's finance ministry should consider bringing the provision of institutional investment advice under the FCA's remit.

The watchdog's final report, along with any proposed rule changes, will be published next summer.

($1 = 0.8072 pounds)

(Additional reporting by Carolyn Cohn; Editing by Rachel Armstrong and Jane Merriman)
LONDON (Reuters) - The number of Britons buying homes abroad has slumped since June's vote to leave the European Union and there are signs that thousands of families will react to the fall in the value of sterling by holidaying at home next summer.

Mark Horgan, chief executive of Moneycorp, which runs airport exchange booths and consumer and corporate money transfer services, said foreign house purchases had fallen by a quarter compared to a year ago.

He said there had also been a surge in sales of houses in Europe due to uncertainty over what rights UK citizens will have there in future and fear that the pound, down roughly 20 percent in the last year, could weaken further.

With more than 40,000 clients, Moneycorp says it has more than 10 percent of the market in transferring funds for British people buying properties abroad, who now number an estimated 380,000 separate investors.

"There has definitely been a big trend back in from euro to sterling," Horgan told Reuters. "For us that is bad news because it probably means its people selling up and exiting the market.

"New completions are off by about a quarter year on year. You can understand why that would be the case. You clearly have hesitancy from Brits who are unsure of their status after Brexit. The question is whether those are lost purchases or delayed purchases."

The volatility in currency markets since the Brexit vote has driven Moneycorp's overall volumes 55 percent higher since July 1. But private client transfers from pounds to euros, are down 30 percent, while transfers from euros back to the UK are up 80 percent.

Horgan, who runs the currency sales desks at two of London's big package-holiday heavy airports, Gatwick and Stansted, said that he had seen signs of possible falls in passenger volumes next year.

Europe's biggest airline, Ryanair, said in the aftermath of June's vote to leave the EU that it would fly 2 million fewer seats from a total planned 23 million from Britain next year, cutting 600,000 seats from a planned 9 million at Stansted this winter.

Story continues

Rival airline easyJet, facing the fallout of Brexit both for consumers and its own corporate infrastructure, reported a 28 percent drop this week in annual pretax profit, its first decline since 2009.

Both Gatwick and Stansted say they expect the robust growth of recent years to continue, while admitting that they are watching the impact of Brexit on UK holidaymakers closely.

"We are quite clearly seeing that staycations are likely to be on the rise in 2017," Horgan said. "There has been a slowdown in growth in recent months."

(Writing by Patrick Graham; Editing by Jamie McGeever and Robin Pomeroy)
One's having the builders in! Queen Elizabeth is renovating Buckingham Palace over the next decade at a cost of $455 million, officials announced Friday, November 18.

New floorboards and baseboards (nearly 33,000 square yards worth!), 78 refurbished bathrooms, 100 miles of electrical wiring, 760 new windows and 6,500 electrical sockets are just a few of the essential maintenance works on the repair list for the 17th century building and its 775 rooms.



So Many Royals Attended Queen Elizabeths 90th Birthday Celebration: See the Pics

A Buckingham Palace spokesman confirms to Us Weekly that the major works will begin in April, and that the Queen and Prince Philip will remain in residence throughout the project.



And while the work is being done one wing at a time (the palace has four), the 90-year-old monarch will still experience some disruption  she and her husband, 95, will have to temporarily leave their his and hers bedrooms.

Thirty-seven of the Queen's staff will also temporarily live in cabins on the palace lawn while during the renovations, but aides say that other members of the royal family who often live there  Prince Andrew, Prince Edward and Countess Sophie, and Princess Anne  wont have to take on temporary accommodation.



PHOTOS: 15 Charming Throwback Photos of the Royal Family

Other essential refurbishments being done during the 10-year project include solar panels to lower electricity bills, 30 miles of new pipework, 1,514 new doors, 2,500 new radiators, 5,000 new light fixtures and even repair works to the to the famous East Front balcony, the site of so many iconic royal moments.



The $455 million (369 million) cost of the project will be funded by a temporary increase to the Sovereign Grant, an allowance funded by British taxpayers. Palace officials defended the costs, saying that if repairs were left any longer there could be "potentially catastrophic building failure" in years to come.



Meghan Markle Thanks Fans for Their Support After Boyfriend Prince Harry Defended Their Relationship

Story continues

Buckingham Palace isn't just the home to the Queen; the London landmark houses numerous staff and offices, hosts over 90,000 people (including a wealth of dignitaries and state officials) and receives over 500,000 tourist visitors to its grand State Rooms every summer. It is also home to countless (and priceless) works of art.



Master of The Queen's household Tony Johnstone-Burt said: "Buckingham Palace is one of the most iconic buildings in the world, and this programme is designed to extend its working life by a further fifty years."







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Who doesnt want to invest likethe Oracle of Omaha or Warren Buffett? After all, this Wall Street guru has successfully put his money in the right place and continues to reap huge returns. Buffetts Berkshire Hathaway Inc. BRK.B is up about 19% so far this year (as of November 16, 2016) and added over 115% in the last five years compared to the S&P 500s 6.5% gains this year and an 87.9% five-year return.

Following an investor of this aptitude will surely be anybodys dream. Normally, Buffett takes interest in companies trading below what he believes is their intrinsic value. He aims long-term outperformance and apparently ignores short-term downturns.

Probably this is why this investment veteran recently picked up some airlines stocks that are currently overlooked by investors. The sector is in the bottom 39% of the Zacks Industry Rank at the time of this writing (read: If Oil Continues to Soar, These 7 ETFs May Fall).

The stocks that Buffett bought are American Airlines AAL, Delta Airlines DAL and United Continental Holdings Inc. UAL. As per sources, Buffett also bought Southwest Airlines Co. LUV recently.

Why Buffett Catches Airlines?

This shows a tectonic shift in preference as Buffet has stayed away from airline stocks for long. But the latest surge in interest can be credited to a decent level of share buybacks by airlines, as per Market Watch. The industrys profitability and efficiency ratios have also improved in recent times, barring some exceptions.

In the latest reporting cycle too, the beat ratios show that the corporate strength in the airlines industry is not as bleak as the stock trend. Plus, most of the airlines are restraining capacity growth, which should improve unit revenues (read: Brexit or Earnings: What Will Decide the Route Map for Airline ETF?).

Investors should also note that UAL, AAL and DAL carry a Zacks Rank #3 (Hold) each with a VGM score of A, which is a combination of value, growth and momentum characteristics. The trio especially has a Value score of A. Though LUV is not in our favored list with a Zacks Rank #5 (Strong Sell), it still has a VGM score of B with the same value score. Since Buffet is a fan of value investing, his sudden interest in airline stocks is self-explanatory.

Story continues

Below we elucidate how cheap these four stocks are compared to the air transportation industry and the S&P 500 using various valuation metrics:

If these were not enough, airlines expect a 2.5% surge in travelers in the thanksgiving weekend and accordingly beefed up the number of flights and seats. All in all, investors intending to follow Buffetts latest move on airlines stocks and having faith in the industry fundamentals may find U.S. Global Jets ETF JETS an intriguing choice (see all industrial ETFs here).

JETS in Focus



The $49.7 million-fund holds over 34 stocks in its portfolio and is concentrated on a few individual securities. United Continental (13.26%), Delta Airlines (13.11%), Southwest Airlines (12.78%) and American Airlines (12.61%) are the top four elements in the basket. The product charges 60 bps in fees. The fund gained about 5.2% in the last five trading sessions (as of November 17, 2016).

Want key ETF info delivered straight to your inbox?

Zacks free Fund Newsletter will brief you on top news and analysis, as well as top-performing ETFs, each week. Get it free >>



Want the latest recommendations from Zacks Investment Research? Today, you can download 7 Best Stocks for the Next 30 Days. Click to get this free report



SOUTHWEST AIR (LUV): Free Stock Analysis Report



DELTA AIR LINES (DAL): Free Stock Analysis Report



BERKSHIRE HTH-B (BRK.B): Free Stock Analysis Report



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AMER AIRLINES (AAL): Free Stock Analysis Report



To read this article on Zacks.com click here.
Learning beyond the classroom is essential for all students -- and a sense of community outside of class is critical for students' growth throughout their learning experience. For online students, extracurricular learning communities create an avenue to engage with other students and share knowledge, regardless of where students are.

For some, thriving in an online learning community may include joining a club; for others, it may be joining a social media group or meeting up in person for a class or with other students nearby. For many, this can be new territory.

Here are a few ways to create community that prospective students should look for and current students should take advantage of.

[Explore how to develop self-motivation skills for online learning.]

-- Join a student organization: Getting involved is easier than many students may think. Even if students are not on campus, they can still be an important part of their university's student organizations.

Whether they want to pursue a leadership position or connect with other students who share their hobbies or passions, joining a student club is a great way to meet others, build connections and make the most of the online learning experience.

ASU Online, for example, offers online membership to several clubs, including the National Society of Collegiate Scholars, the Graphic Information Technology Club, the Video Game Development Club and Lux Undergraduate Creative Review, to name a few. The goal truly is to connect students and create a meaningful sense of community that allows students to express their interests and passions.

-- Engage with course-specific communities: An online learning experience is what students make it. It helps to have a group to turn to for coursework help and tips as they juggle everyday life.

One way to get involved with others is to join or create a social media group where students in the class can engage in conversation around assignments, challenges with coursework or to schedule study groups. Finding a group of students can provide a great deal of inspiration and support.

Story continues

Additionally, online students can get involved by personally meeting up with others nearby who may share common interests, are majoring in the same subject or are just taking classes through the same university. Online learning can be time-consuming , and it's important for students to create connections with others who are experiencing similar opportunities and challenges.

[Learn tips to interact successfully with professors and students in online classes.]

-- Build an online community beyond graduation: Creating relationships beyond graduation is also valuable as students look to embark on their careers and build a network.

Most universities have strong alumni associations and provide numerous ways for people to connect with others who share the common thread of their college degree. At ASU, for example, these groups can be found all over the country and the globe, and many offer various networking opportunities throughout the year.

Getting connected to one of the alumni groups gives students confidence that once they complete their degree, there's a community they can join that shares a similar sense of accomplishment and pride.

The takeaway: Students should feel a sense of community throughout their online learning experience and beyond -- that comes from capitalizing on opportunities outside the classroom and getting involved in a meaningful way.

Joe Chapman, director for online student services at Arizona State University, is responsible for supporting and retaining students at ASU Online. He holds a bachelor's degree in business marketing from Northern Arizona University and an MBA from the University of Phoenix, and has worked in online student services for more than 12 years.
Chinas largest private education provider delivered another strong quarter. Analysts have been raising their price and earnings estimates after solid results, sending the stock back to a Zacks rank #1 (Strong Buy).



About the Company



Founded in 1993, New Oriental Education & Technology Group (EDU) is the largest provider of private educational services in China with over 26.6 million student enrollments. The company IPOd on the NYSE in September 2006.



Headquartered in Beijing, New Oriental group currently has a network of 771 schools/learning centers and over 19,700 teachers in 56 cities. Additionally, it has a large online network with over 14.2 million users.



They provide a comprehensive range of educational products for students of all ages, including POP kids programs, summer camps, private schools, after school tutoring, adult English as well as domestic and overseas entrance tests preparation.



Excellent Quarterly Results



The company reported its Q1 FY 2017 (ended August 31) results on October 25. Revenue for the quarter increased 16.5% year-over-year to $534.1 million. Net income increased 9.7% year-over-year to $141.1 million.



Strong growth was mainly attributable to 31.2% increase in total enrollments. Their K-12 all-subjects after-school tutoring business continued to perform well, with revenue up 28% year over year and enrollment up 46% year over year.



Strong Guidance



The management expects net revenues in the second quarter of fiscal year 2017 (ending November 31, 2016) to be in the range of $324.6 million to $335.1 million, representing year-over-year growth in the range of 17% to 21%.



Rising Estimates



After strong results, analysts have been raising their estimates for the company. Zacks Consensus Estimates for current and the next fiscal year have gone up to $1.76 per share and $2.29 per share respectively, from $1.75 and $2.18, before the results. Rising estimates sent the stock to a Zacks Rank # 1 (Strong Buy).







The Bottom Line



The company has a recognized brand name and a leadership position in areas like overseas test prep, English language tutoring, overseas study consulting and K-12 after school tutoring. Private education industry in China has been growing rapidly thanks mainly to rising incomes of the expanding middle class in the country. Strong brand awareness and pricing power will continue to drive profits going forward.



Story continues

New Oriental group is also a pioneer in the online education industry in China. Of late, they have increased their spending on their online education platform, which is expected to boost revenues in the coming years.



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California is trying to make #GreenFriday a thing and we are ON BOARD

California is offering an alternative to the crazy shopping scene that is Black Friday  #GreenFriday. And no, thats not green as in money, its green as in the earth. Because the day after Thanksgiving, California state parks are having Green Friday, a day where you can get a free, day-use parking pass to go visit the parks for no cost. Rather than spend your time inside shopping, Green Friday encourages people to go outside and enjoy the beauty of nature.

Regardless of how you feel about holiday shopping, you cant deny that Black Friday has gotten a little out of hand (HUGE understatement). And while we love Small Business Saturday as a counter to Black Friday, Green Friday really is the antithesis to the consumer chaos. Because its not about spending  its just about embracing the great outdoors.

#CAStateParks, @calparks & @savetheredwoods plan to help make your Black Friday green. Find out how this Wed! #OptOutside with us in 2016. pic.twitter.com/4q2u5K3yrJ  CA State Parks (@CAStateParks) November 15, 2016

This initiative is sponsored by the Save the Redwoods League, California State Parks Foundation, and California State Parks. And the Green Friday website wonderfully explains why they chose Black Friday for this event:

Thanksgiving is about spending time with friends and family, and appreciating our many shared blessings. State parks are uniquely suited for both! Experience joy, renewal, and inspiration among our natural wonders.

As nature lovers ourselves, we couldnt agree more!

You should still be spending time with your friends and family the day after Thanksgiving. While shopping can be a bonding experience in its own right, Green Friday seems like a more peaceful way to hang out with your loved ones.

Story continues

Taking in the beautiful sights on a hike rather than being bombarded by crowds in an effort to reach the bargains sounds better to us at least. Plus, the deals on Black Friday really arent all that great anyway.

We also love the focus on connecting to the environment  especially when so many products are not green-friendly. And its not like stores are good for the environment.

If you do want to participate in Californias Green Friday  and we think you should if you can swing it  there are some things you need to do beforehand.

Whats better than spending #GreenFriday outdoors? Getting 1 of the limited free #CAStateParks passes at https://t.co/YnlfNUGsfo pic.twitter.com/5YI2v5CPhF  CA State Parks (@CAStateParks) November 16, 2016

Not every state park is participating and there are a limited amount of free parking passes for each park. Still, there are 116 parks with 13,000 passes that were initially made available. Make sure to visit greenfriday.org beforehand to see which parks still have passes, then download and print your pass to spend November 25th, 2016 in nature with some delightful animals.

Not only do we hope Californians will participate in #GreenFriday (its in its second year), but we hope to see other states come up with a similar plan for Black Friday next year. Even if you dont live in California, you could celebrate your own Green Friday by doing some earth-friendly physical activity outside.

So dont sweat the holidays  sweat it out in nature on #GreenFriday! Youve got at least another month to do your holiday shopping.

The post California is trying to make #GreenFriday a thing and we are ON BOARD appeared first on HelloGiggles.
The chancellor of the largest four-year public university system in the country said this week that it wont help federal authorities deport undocumented studentsan announcement that came the same day students across the country led walkouts urging schools to shield students from the deportations proposed by President-elect Donald Trump.

We want people to know that they will be welcome here if they lack documentation or not, Timothy White, chancellor of the California State University (CSU) system, told TIME. The concern that has arisen with respect to many of our students and their families is real and has become debilitating, and I want our students to knowand I want our faculty and staff and communities to knowthat we support these students, that we understand the times were in, but were going to be there to support them and help them succeed, whatever comes our way.

Trump said he plans to deport up to three million undocumented immigrants with criminal records, and he has said he will repeal President Obamas executive orders, which could include the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals policy. Its not a secret that the President-elect has indicated that he wants do things differently with respect to immigration, White said.

At a Board of Trustees meeting on Wednesday, White noted that students on CSU campuses have experienced a lot of uncertainty at best, and a sense of fear and vulnerability at worst, in the wake of the presidential election.

During the meeting, White said the CSU system would not work with state, local or federal law enforcement agencies to enforce federal immigration law. He said university police departments would not honor immigration hold requests, nor would they question or arrest anyone simply because they are undocumented or suspected of being undocumented.

Of the more than 470,000 students in the CSU system, White estimated that 10,000 to 12,000 are undocumented. He said many students have reached out to him since Wednesdays remarks, which drew from his personal experience. White, who is from Argentina, immigrated to the California when he was 9 years old.

Story continues

I find myself thinking back to those days and understanding what it really means and feels like to be somebody who comes into a new country, he said. I have a special place in my personal history that makes me very attentive when somebody is marginalized or potentially marginalized by a policy of ours at the university or by a state law or by a federal law.

Students across the country this week have called for universities to designate sanctuary campuses, a term that mirrors the classification of sanctuary cities, which have pledged to do what they can to protect residents from deportation.

Maria Blanco, executive director of the Undocumented Student Legal Services Center, said student petitions have focused on three common requests: that universities not share students personal informationincluding address and immigration statuswith U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) without a subpoena, that they prevent law enforcement agencies from conducting raids on campus without a warrant, and that campus police officers decline to take on the responsibility of enforcing immigration law.

Blanco said privacy laws and Fourth Amendment rights against unreasonable search and seizure should enable schools to accommodate all three requests, which would help ensure that undocumented students can at least complete their degrees. If somebody got sued for what we just talked aboutnot sharing records which are already protected under existing law and not allowing indiscriminate raids on a campus, or because police refused to enforce immigration lawIm positive they would not win their case, she told TIME, suggesting courts would rule in favor of universities.

Blanco said the undocumented students who have sought advice from her office since Election Day have been very, very stressed.

They really feel like the rugs been pulled out from under them, she said, adding that any indication of support from university leaders serves an important purpose. Its more than symbolic because it might retain students, and it might keep students coming to the different colleges if they have these assurances.

But Jessica Vaughan, director of policy studies at the Center for Immigration Studies, which supports more restrictive immigration policies, thinks universities that decline to cooperate with federal authorities have questionable legal standing and face the loss of federal funding.

Colleges and universities cannot control the movement of law enforcement agencies onto their campuses, she told TIME, dismissing sanctuary campus policies as unnecessary. They cannot prevent ICE, for example, from coming onto a campus to make an arrest.

Obstructing law enforcement and refusing to share information could be very problematic and could be contrary to federal law and rise to the level of harboring, she added.

White is quick to note that his announcement Wednesday did not designate a policy change, and he said the university system will still comply with immigration laws. But he also said CSU will enforce a standard of inclusivity and diversity, and he thinks leaders at other universities will soon need to take a stand on the issue.

Its much more than the politics of the moment, White said. Whats at stake here with respect to educationaccess to education for peopleis really the whole fabric of Americas communities and its economy. To me, politics are politics, and Americas resilient, and theres different people, and things come and go. But theres a bigger thing at stake here.
Canadian Solar Inc. CSIQ has begun commercial operation of a 24 megawatt-peak (MWp) solar photovoltaic ("PV") power plant in Yamaguchi Prefecture, Japan.



Details of the Plant



The Yamaguchi plant, the largest solar power plant built by Canadian Solar in Japan, utilizes 92,064 Canadian Solar CS6P-260P/CS6P-255P modules.



The plant is expected to generate around 28,487 MW-hour ("MWh") of electricity annually. Power generated by the facility will be sold under a 20-year feed-in-tariff contract to Chugoku Electric Power Company at the rate of 38 cents per kWh.



Canadian Solar's Take on the Deal



According to Dr. Shawn Qu, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Canadian Solar, energizing of the 24 MWp solar plant boosted its portfolio of projects in operation in Japan, bringing its total portfolio to 46 MWp.



Apart from these, the company already has 167 MWp of projects under construction and another 66 MWp of projects that are ready to build. This will enable Canadian Solar to deliver more solar projects in Japan in future.

CANADIAN SOLAR Price

CANADIAN SOLAR Price | CANADIAN SOLAR Quote

Scope of Alternate Energy



Regulations pertaining to pollution control are becoming increasingly stringent, making it crucial for utilities to spend more on emission control infrastructure. Meanwhile, because of their clean-burning nature, investment in the alternate energy space could prove to be profitable over the long run. In particular, solar energy, which presently contributes to only 1% of the total electricity generation in the U.S., represents ample scope of improvement in the days to come.



Going forward, rising investments in the U.S. solar industry will benefit domestic solar companies like Canadian Solar, First Solar, Inc. FSLR, SolarCity Corporation SCTY and SunPower Corporation SPWR.



Canadian Solar's Presence in Japan



Canadian Solar caters to a geographically-diverse customer base spread across key markets including Japan. At the end of second-quarter 2016, the companys late-stage utility-scale solar pipeline in Japan was 576 MWp.



The company has a significant presence in Japan and continues to expand its operations in this growing solar energy market. It expects to complete about 56.2 MWp of projects, including construction and grid connection, in Japan in 2016.



Zacks Rank & Key Picks



Canadian Solar currently has a Zacks Rank #3 (Hold). You can seethe complete list of todays Zacks #1 Rank (Strong Buy) stocks here.



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BRUSSELS (Reuters) - The EU's economic and monetary union (EMU) needs to be completed before another crisis strikes, European Central Bank Governing Council member Jan Smets said on Friday.

"We should take this moment to strengthen the resilience of EMU and to complete its architecture. History teaches us that it would be unwise to wait for a new crisis to do that," Smets, who heads Belgium's central bank, told a conference in Brussels.

Smets said the banking union was still to be complete with a backstop for the single resolution fund and a common deposit insurance system. He also said a capital markets union, which has been proposed by the European Commission, was required.

The four presidents of the EU institutions, including the ECB, and also the president of the Eurogroup, laid out a plan in mid-2015 to deepen EMU in two stages and complete it by 2025.

New proposals will be included in a paper to reform the euro zone to be presented by the Commission by March next year.

(Reporting by Robert-Jan Bartunek; writing by Philip Blenkinsop; editing by Francesco Guarascio)


We have been called to heal wounds, to unite what has fallen apart, and to find those who have lost their way.





Our prayers each day are for the intentions of our readers, and for all those who visit here this week.







Especially we pray for those whose hearts are hardened against His grace and loving kindness by greed, fear, and pride, and the seductive illusion and crushing isolation of evil. We pray that we all may experience the three great gifts of our Lord's suffering and triumph: repentance, forgiveness, and thankfulness. And in so doing, may we obtain abundant life, and with it the peace that surpasses all understanding.
Cara Delevingnes latest bomber jacket is 100% our favorite one yet

If theres one thing model-turned-actress Cara Delevingne loves, its bomber jackets  and we dont blame her. They look amazing on her statuesque frame, and theyre exactly the right garment for her tomboy aesthetic. Its no wonder she wears them on the regular!

Her latest bomber, though, really captivated our attention. Seen on the red carpet at the opening of H&Ms new World Trade Center location in New York this week, Cara was eye-catching in a tiger-print bomber jacket worn over a simple white top and black jeans.

See for yourselves!

H&M And Cara Delevingne Celebrate Opening Of New Location At Westfield World Trade Center

Were gonna need one just like it, ASAP.

In an interview with Vogue, Cara explained why she loves shopping at H&M:

For me, its always about those staple pieces, a pair of black skinny jeans, or these wicked Japanese-style bomber jackets, things that you can wear with everything. They have everything and they cater to everyone.

Stars, theyre just like us!

If you need a refresh on Caras history with bomber jackets, enjoy the trip down memory lane below. She never ceases to wow us!

She recently wore this satin bomber for a night out with her friends.

Ladies unite @imladyleshurr #rimmelxcara A photo posted by Cara Delevingne (@caradelevingne) on Nov 10, 2016 at 4:48am PST

Love the ladder-esque details.

And that time she twinned with Margot Robbie?

Twins @margotrobbie #whatababe A photo posted by Cara Delevingne (@caradelevingne) on Aug 4, 2016 at 10:28am PDT

#Adorbz.

Were obsessed with this badass bomber she recently wore on a flight from London to L.A.

Celebrity Sightings In Los Angeles - November 12, 2016

And were totally into this outfit she wore over the summer in London.

London Celebrity Sightings - August 05, 2016

Consider us inspired!

The post Cara Delevingnes latest bomber jacket is 100% our favorite one yet appeared first on HelloGiggles.
By Daniel Wiessner and Robert Iafolla (Reuters) - U.S. President-elect Donald Trump has often boasted about the strict confidentiality pledges he exacts from his employees. Now a legal challenge to one of those agreements is pending before a U.S. agency over which he will soon have influence, potentially posing an early test of concerns about conflicts of interest between Trump's public role and his business empire. In September, a worker-advocacy group filed a charge with the National Labor Relations Board (NLRB) claiming a nondisclosure contract used by Trump is unlawfully broad. The contract prohibits employees, independent contractors and even volunteers from ever disclosing any information that Trump deems confidential about his personal, business or political life. The NLRB has said that sweeping or unclear contracts inhibit workers from discussing working conditions or speaking to union organizers. The five-member NLRB currently has two vacancies that Trump is slated to fill early in his term, likely tipping what has been a liberal-leaning agency under President Barack Obama to a more business-friendly posture. If the NLRB rules against Trump, it could free up workers to be more vocal about their concerns and strengthen their bargaining power. In addition to the confidentiality case, there are about 10 other Trump-related cases pending at the NLRB. The cases involve alleged labor violations at the Trump International Hotel Las Vegas, where management has refused to bargain with the Culinary Workers Union. It was not clear if the confidentiality contract was intended for workers on Trump's election campaign or employees in his businesses, and Reuters could not independently verify its authenticity. Representatives of the Trump Organization did not respond to requests for comment. The case is at a very early stage and could be settled or dismissed before reaching a full hearing before the five-member NLRB. The board's decisions may be appealed in a federal court. The NLRB is comprised of three members from the sitting presidents party and two from the opposing party, a system that typically results in wide policy shifts between administrations. In addition to the current two vacancies, another will arise when a current member's term expires next December. Under the Obama administration, the NLRB has struck down confidentiality agreements and other employment contracts that could discourage workers from organizing at T-Mobile USA Inc, Quicken Loans, DirectTV and a number of other companies. Government ethics experts and labor lawyers said that if Trump's handpicked NLRB members uphold the contract, it could suggest favoritism. There is an appearance of bias and political pressure that could undermine the legitimacy of the agency," said Richard Painter, a professor at the University of Minnesota Law School who was the chief White House ethics lawyer under Republican President George W. Bush. The NLRB cases represent one of several areas where concerns may arise over potential conflicts of interest raised by Trumps new role and his sprawling business interests. Trump last week said he would allow his children to run his businesses while maintaining his ownership interest via a "blind trust." If the current cases are ruled upon by the NLRB, one possible solution to the potential conflict could be for Trump appointees to recuse themselves from cases involving his business organization, said a former NLRB chairman, William Gould. Gould said that during his tenure at the agency, in the mid-1990s, members recused themselves from cases that raised any chance of a conflict. Gould, who is now a professor at Stanford Law School, said he disqualified himself from cases involving a union of which his son was a member. Several experts, however, said recusal would not be legally required unless Trump's appointees represented him or his companies in the past or were otherwise involved in his business. 'MR. TRUMP INSISTS' The challenge to Trump's confidentiality agreement was filed by David Rosenfeld, a California labor lawyer, on behalf of the Committee to Preserve the Religious Right to Organize, a worker advocacy group that he created. Reuters reviewed a copy of the employment agreement that Rosenfeld filed with his complaint, which targeted both the Trump Organization and the Trump campaign. Rosenfeld said he copied it from the campaign website, but that the agreement was no longer posted there. It was not clear how many employees signed this version of the agreement, and Reuters was unable to find a copy on the website. The agreement prohibits disclosure of details about Trump's "personal life, political affairs and/or business affairs," as well as anything Mr. Trump insists remain private or confidential. It forbids employees from publicly disparaging Trump and his wife, children, grandchildren, siblings and other relatives. Confidentiality agreements are common, but labor law experts said they can be unlawful if they are too broad or don't specify what types of information will be deemed confidential. Trump defended a similar confidentiality agreement in a case earlier this year involving a former campaign aide, whom Trump accused of giving information about other staffers to reporters. In a statement, the Trump campaign said confidentiality agreements were "standard practice" for entities that need to safeguard sensitive information. The case settled for undisclosed terms. (Reporting by Daniel Wiessner in Albany, New York and Robert Iafolla in Washington, D.C.; Editing by Alexia Garamfalvi, Amy Stevens and Stuart Grudgings)
By Catherine Ngai

NEW YORK, Nov 18 (Reuters) - Castleton Commodities International LLC on Friday announced the purchase of more than $1 billion in assets from Anadarko Petroleum Corp, in the commodity trader's latest move to expand its East Texas footprint.

As a result of the acquisition, the Stamford, Connecticut-based trader will own over 160,000 net acres of leasehold, also known as working or operating interest, in East Texas.

Castleton announced more than a year ago that it had acquired working interests in a number of oil and gas wells from EDF Trading Resources LLC in East Texas, as well as acreage in various counties. In 2014, it also acquired a gas processing plant in New Mexico from Anadarko.

The growth in East Texas could be a strategic choice as demand for natural gas is rising given the start of liquefied natural gas exports from the lower 48 U.S. states earlier this year, according to Sandy Fielden, director of oil and products research for Morningstar.

East Texas is home to the Haynesville formation, one of the largest U.S. shale gas plays, with gas production of roughly 5.9 billion cubic feet per day.

"It's a giant bet on gas prices improving based on incremental demand," Fielden said.

The acquisition would increase Castleton's daily net production in East Texas to more than 320 million cubic feet equivalent per day.

Craig Jarchow, president of Castleton's oil and gas unit, said in a statement that the company remains focused on growing and diversifying its upstream and midstream assets.

Castleton's expansion comes as its competitors have been selling assets recently. Vitol Group in September sold its crude oil unit in the Permian Basin to Sunoco Logistics Partners for $760 million. That deal includes a crude oil terminal and other pipelines.

Vitol's chief Ian Taylor told Reuters last month that physical oil assets in the United States appear to have become too pricey, as trading houses have been crowded out of potential purchases.

In 2015, Morgan Stanley - a major player in the physical oil markets for nearly three-decades - completed the sale of its physical oil business to Castleton.

(Reporting by Catherine Ngai; Editing by Tom Brown)
(Reuters) - Caterpillar Inc (CAT.N) said on Friday its global retail sales declined 12 percent for the three months ended October, but the pace of the decline is less steep than in previous months, the data shows.

Three-month rolling retail sales ending in September and August were down 17 percent and 18 percent respectively. A year ago three-month sales ended in October were down 16 percent.

While the retail sales decline rate slowed in both the North American and Europe/Africa/Middle Eastern regions, the Asia/Pacific region saw some growth.

Total retail sales in Caterpillar's Asia/Pacific region were up 12 percent, boosted by construction machinery sales, resulting in the third consecutive month of sales growth in the region.

Overall, the company's retail sales remain weak, but are not getting worse, Jefferies analyst Stephen Volkmann said in a research note published on Friday.

While Caterpillar shares are up more than 30 percent from a year ago, most recently the shares have jumped nearly 9 percent since November 8, U.S. Election day.

Investors expect President-elect Donald Trump will be pro-U.S. infrastructure spending, though funding details of his proposed $1 trillion plan are not yet clear, analysts have said.

Even so, the company would not likely benefit from any U.S. infrastructure investment until late 2017, Amy Campbell, Caterpillar's director of investor relations, said last week during a conference.

"It's going to take some time for large infrastructure projects, for the funding to come in, for the projects to be planned, and for orders of equipment to be delivered," Campbell said.

(Reporting By Meredith Davis in Chicago; Editing by Sandra Maler)
Photo credit: Hearst Communications, Inc. All rights reserved

From Cosmopolitan

An ex-con turned surrogate son to celebrity jeweler Jeffrey Rackover was arrested Thursday after the body of a missing Connecticut man was discovered buried in a shallow grave in New Jersey.

According to People, James Rackover, 25, has been charged with second-degree murder for the death of Joey Comunale, 26, along with concealment of a corpse and tampering with physical evidence. His alleged co-conspirator, Lawrence Dilione, 28, was arrested on the same charges, with the added charge of "hindering prosecution in the first degree." (Dilione and Rackover are pictured above, LR.)

The body of Comunale was discovered Wednesday, just a mile from Dilione's former residence. Police report that the victim had been bludgeoned, partially burned, and stabbed in the chest 15 times.

According to the victim's friends, Comunale attended a party at Rackover's apartment in Manhattan on Sunday and was last seen entering the building at approximately 7:30 a.m. Witnesses claim they later saw two men dragging a heavy piece of luggage - presumably containing Comunale's body - out of the building on a luggage cart.

New York Daily News reports that over 30 pieces of evidence were found in Rackover's apartment, and that the duo appeared to have attempted to bleach blood from Comunale's clothing.

"We uncovered a substantial amount of blood evidence inside the building," NYPD Chief of Detectives Robert Boyce said. "Plastic bags that were downstairs through the garbage chute, in that room, his clothing with a substantial amount of blood, some sheets, some towels."

While the motive for the murder remains unclear, police believe a fight might have broken out after Comunale rejected the sexual advances of either one or both of the accused killers. The Daily Mail reports that Comunale allegedly first met either Rackover or Dilione at a nightclub and returned to Rackover's apartment along with three women, who left at approximately 6:30 a.m.

Story continues

Rackover, who previously went by James Beaudoin before taking his surrogate father's last name, has a lengthy criminal record in Florida, where he has been arrested for burglary, armed robbery, and drug possession. He allegedly first met his benefactor at a gym approximately three years ago, where they instantly clicked. According to the Daily Mail, despite most sources reporting that the two have a father-son relationship, some people familiar with the pair believe they might be dating.



New York Daily News reports that Rackover and Dilione are currently being held on $3 million bond over $300,000 cash bail. It is unclear at this time if they have entered a plea deal.

Follow Gina on Twitter.



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For over two years, the streets of Bangkok  which had grown accustomed to frequent and massive demonstrations  have been uncharacteristically quiet. Thailands raucous last phase of democracy ended in May 2014, when the Royal Thai Armed Forces launched a coup that deposed the government and installed a military junta. Since then, the democratic opposition has remained internally divided and mostly passive on the national stage. But with the adoption of the juntas constitution this August  and even more significantly, after the death of the widely revered King Bhumibol several weeks ago  a new political landscape has been taking shape. The junta has consolidated its power and gained an electoral mandate, but lost the popular legitimacy it derived from a beloved and revered king. For an opposition that has been all but inert, the new political environment offers an opportunity to form a united front, challenge the junta, and restore democratic rule  if they can grasp it.

In the wake of the coup, the military government  led by General Prayuth Chan-ocha  presented itself as a ship that would guide Thailand to safety in rocky waters. The country had endured months of political gridlock between supporters and opponents of the ruling Pheu Thai Party, founded by populist leader Thaksin Shinawatra. The raging protests, punctuated by violence, had created fear across the capital. The coup, Prayuths deputy foreign minister said, was a revolution to install stability. Since then, Thailand has indeed grown quieter as the military detained and intimidated journalists, banned any assembly of over five people, and issued a stream of endless, often ham-fisted propaganda. Its leaders have regularly promised elections that would return the country to civilian rule  but as expected, these have been continuously postponed. Like previous military rulers, Prayuth has leaned heavily on the monarchy, the last symbol of national unity in a deeply polarized society. The kings support for the coup was a powerful legitimizing force. Exploiting this stamp of approval to the fullest, the military has positioned itself as the ultimate defender of the royal institution and has made harsh and broad use of lese-majeste laws to silence dissent.

Story continues

Having suppressed any immediate opposition, the junta quickly moved to institutionalize its control over Thai politics for the long haul, engineering a referendum last August that enshrined a new, more favorable constitution. According to the new charter, Thailands senate  which holds veto power over the lower house  will be appointed entirely by the junta. For the first time, the prime minister will no longer have to be drawn from the parliament, clearing the way for a member of the military to lead the country. Prayuth has even floated the idea that he himself could continue on as prime minister after the junta relinquishes power. The new electoral system, which is strictly proportional, will make it harder for any parties to win strong majorities, leading to weak coalitions and reinforcing the power of the military as the arbiter of the countrys political order.

The junta campaigned vigorously for the referendum, sending as many as 350,000 pro-draft canvassers into the countrys towns and villages. At the same time, the regime denied opponents the chance to campaign on a level playing field, punishing criticism of the proposed constitution by imprisonment, criminalizing assembly, detaining opposition leaders, and intimidating the press. Even as pro-constitution canvassers and media flooded Thailands villages, shop owners who displayed banners in opposition were forced to take them down. Across the country, the junta carefully stacked the deck while parading the referendum as a show of popular participation.

The governments efforts to push through the new constitution were aided by a deeply divided opposition. The countrys two dominant political parties, Pheu Thai and the Democratic Party, expressed their opposition to the charter but refused to actively campaign against it for fear of arrest or harassment. The Red Shirts, who support former prime minister Thaksin and are Thailands largest civil society mobilizing force, also refrained from campaigning against the constitution to avoid reprisals. Instead, it attempted to monitor the referendum to prevent fraud, only for the monitoring to be banned. Labor unions and rural organizers urged their followers to boycott the ballot to avoid legitimizing the junta. In the end, it was the student groups that campaigned most vigorously against the new constitution, despite facing harassment and arbitrary detention. But while these groups  representing the countrys democratic opposition  were all opposed to the constitution, they failed to create a united front. This led to a predictable victory for the junta, with 61 percent of voters in favor and a turnout of 55 percent, the lowest of any ballot since 1983.

Perhaps the most glaring divide within the opposition is between its two most active elements: The student groups, who are at the forefront of the current fight against the junta, and the Red Shirts, who are officially known as the United Democratic Front Against Dictatorship due to their opposition to the previous military coup in 2006. The student groups, most notably the New Democracy Movement (NDM), like to stage symbolic, high-visibility actions (primarily in Bangkok), using Facebook to spread awareness across the country. The Red Shirts, on the other hand, are influential among farmers and laborers from the countrys rural North and Northeast. Their strong presence in the traditional media and in local community networks enabled them to bring millions into the streets prior to the coup. In todays repressive environment, the students have thrived by using dispersive tactics, such as flash protests, while the Red Shirts have abandoned the streets.

Given their different tactics and constituencies, it would seem that the student groups and the Red Shirts would form a natural united front against the junta. But the Red Shirts are far from an apolitical, pro-democracy movement. They are closely aligned with rural populations and the Pheu Thai party of former Prime Ministers Thaksin Shinawatra and his sister Yingluck Shinawatra, who were both ousted by previous coups in 2006 and 2014 respectively. For years, the Red Shirts have faced off in the streets with the Yellow Shirts, a coalition of royalists, nationalists, and members of the political and business establishment. The Red Shirts alliance with Pheu Thai and the Shinawatras make it a polarizing force, and the students fear that any alliance with them would prevent them from being able to form wider coalitions. They believe that their movement is more effective when operating independently, and that the Red Shirt leadership would merely attempt to absorb their following.

Finally, until now, there has been little agreement among student groups, Red Shirts, labor organizers and other democratic forces on when and how to mobilize against the junta. Many saw the adoption of a new constitution as unavoidable and decided to wait it out. Most critical of all, the impending death of king Bhumibol had kept opposition groups indecisive, as they knew it would destabilize the juntas power base if they only waited. In coup after coup  Thailand has experienced 19 since 1933  the military has used royal support as a legitimizing force. But in contrast to his father, who had been revered and respected by almost all sections of Thai society, Crown Prince Vajiralongkorn is a divisive figure who enjoys far less legitimacy. Already facing growing challenges to its authority, the monarchy  and thus the military junta  is likely to lose a great deal of its popularity during the royal succession. Seeing the link between the monarchs legitimacy and its own, the junta has launched massive propaganda campaigns to educate the youth on the monarchy, building statues of past kings, running television ads, and organizing seminars in schools. It has also worked to rehabilitate the reputation of the prince. So while the referendum provided the military junta with an electoral mandate and great institutional power, the death of the king was a serious blow.

In sum, the waiting game is now over. In a few months at most  following a period of mourning for the beloved king  the dust will settle and a new political landscape will come into being. In this new environment, the democratic opposition will be able to organize and mobilize far more effectively for a return to democratic rule. It will be able to capitalize on the unpopularity of the new king, mobilizing populations who were unwilling to challenge the junta and its royal mandate. It will also be able to unite various groups around common strategies and campaigns, now that the uncertainties of the referendum and the kings health have passed. These campaigns might target the new centers of power, or use elections as mobilizing opportunities, or focus on uniting both major parties against the junta.

But of course, this will depend on the ability of civil society groups to bridge their divisions and unite behind a single banner: returning Thailand to democratic governance. Indeed, unity is one of the most critical components of a successful democratic movement. Given the militarys steady consolidation of power and its relentless propaganda, only a robust, unified front will be able to place Thailand back on track towards democracy.

The next elections, planned for November 2017, provide the perfect opportunity for the opposition to challenge the junta. The question is whether democracy activists will seize on this opportunity.

In the photo, Thais sing the Royal anthem in honor of the late King Bhumibol Adulyadej on October 22.

Photo credit: PAULA BRONSTEIN/Getty Images
USA TODAY Sports

Chandler Parsons will make his return to Dallas on Friday. Parsons spent two years in Dallas before opting out of his deal this past offseason and signing a four-year max contract with the Memphis Grizzlies.

His decision to opt out was kind of controversial, so much so that hes apparently gotten a ton of flack from Mavs fans on social media. Furthermore, Parsons expects that the social media banter will carry over to his return to Dallas in the form of boos. As he told ESPNs Tim MacMahon, he thinks this is ridiculous.

Dallas, I dont understand. Its like getting mad at somebody for getting in a car wreck and breaking their arm. Like, how in the world can you be mad at somebody for getting hurt? It makes no sense. Thats just so wrong to get mad at somebody for getting hurt, like they want to go through the rehab, want to go through the pain, want to go through the misery of not playing. I can never understand that aspect of it. So when it comes to Dallas, youre going to get mad at me because Dirk decided to take less money to bring in a really good player and then unfortunately he gets hurt? Thats why youre mad? Sure, boo.

Parsons is referring to the knee injury that ended his 2015-16 season after only 61 games. His decision to opt out was kind of risky, because he turned down $16 million in the final year of his deal with Dallas. It ended up working out in his favor since he got paid, but considering he said earlier in the year that he was returning to the Mavericks, it obviously ruffled some feathers.

Comments like this wont help Parsons case with Mavericks fans, and this may cause the Dallas faithful to boo him a little more on Friday. He seems like he has thick skin and expects this to happen, though, so at least he wont be blindsided by all this.

(Via ESPN)
As far as crazy villains go, Barbara Kean (Erin Richards) and Tabitha Galavan (Jessica Lucas) of Gotham really take the cake. The two are already wild and wicked on their own, but together, they form quite a formidable duo.

For the next few episodes of Gotham Season 3, Babs and Tabs, as they are known, will have a meatier storyline. Ed Nygma (Cory Michael Smith) is out for revenge since he believes Butch Gilzean (Drew Powell) was responsible for Isabellas death (when in truth, his boss Penguin has his hands all over it).

Tabithas kidnapping was featured in the new Grindhouse trailer for The Sirens. In it, Nygma threatens to chop off Tabithas hands while Barbara wreaks havoc looking for her. But will she save Tabitha on time?

The next episode is titled Mad City: Time Bomb. The synopsis, which was shared by Comic Book, reads: On the eve of their rehearsal dinner, a threat to Mario (guest star James Carpinello) and Lee (Morena Baccarin) is exposed, and Falcone (guest star John Doman) looks to Jim for help. Meanwhile, Nygma seeks revenge and Bruce learns more about The Court of Owls.

Meanwhile, Ben McKenzie, the actor who plays Jim Gordon, was earlier asked if his character could still repair his relationship with Barbara. After all, the two shared a loving relationship at one point in their lives and were even set to get married.

But McKenzie told Blastr that its no longer possible. I dont think the relationship can be healed; I do think theres a chance of personal redemption for all of these characters no matter how villainous they become, he said.

But what McKenzie loves about the show is that theres always a way for audiences to empathize with the villains. I think we really play with the thin line between heroes and villainy on a show like this. Were it not for Oswald (Robin Lord Taylor) being beaten down by Fish Mooney (Jada Pinkett Smith) all the time, maybe he wouldnt have become the cold-blooded killer he became, he said.

Story continues

Gotham airs every Monday at 8 p.m. EST on Fox.

Gotham

Photo: Fox

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Fewer leaders had lower public expectations than Chester Alan Arthur, but fewer people knew the 21st President was dealing with a terminal illness while he pressed for government reforms and tax cuts during his one term in office during the 1880s.

presidentarthur

On November 18, 1886, former President Arthur passed away in New York City, surrounded by his family at the age of 56. Dr. George A. Peters, Arthurs doctor, confirmed publicly the former President had a kidney ailment known as Brights disease, and he had known for about six months that he could die from it at any time.

The New York Times also confirmed from a former Arthur official that at least Arthurs Secretary of State, Frederick Frelinghuysen, knew in 1883 that President Arthur had Brights disease and his condition was likely terminal. In fact, Arthur himself likely knew of his fate about one year after assuming office.

The source told Frelinghuysen because as a matter of presidential succession, there was no Vice President serving under Arthur after President James Garfields assassination.

Arthur was a surprise choice as James Garfields running mate on the Republican ticket at the 1880 Republican national convention. Arthur was a New York attorney who had come to prominence as a skilled public administrator, first during the Civil War and then as the powerful Collector of the Port of New York.

Arthur was also the colleague, friend and protege of Roscoe Conkling, the New York political boss and Senator who ran that states extensive and lucrative patronage machine.

The highly paid Arthur, while not accused directly of wrongdoing, was ousted from his port collector position by President Rutherford B. Hayes, a fellow Republican, in 1880. Hayes used his presidential powers during a congressional recess to remove Arthur, which caused a rift within the Republican Party.

Hayes and others were concerned about a patronage spoils system championed by Conkling and Arthur that required kickbacks from port employees that went directly to Conklings party operations.

Story continues

But in a twist of fate, Arthur received the vice presidential nomination, apparently without Conklings prior approval in 1880. Garfields supporters needed votes in the key state of New York, and Arthur proved to be a skilled political campaigner and organizer.

Within six months after going to Washington as the Vice President, Arthur replaced Garfield after Garfield died from wounds received in a July 1881 assassination.

And soon after assuming the presidency, Arthur set his own independent course for his remaining three years in office. The new President fought the spoils patronage system he supported in New York, advocated tariff relief for businesses, and demanded breaks for taxpayers.

One reason for Arthurs independent streak, some historians speculate, is that the President was diagnosed with what was called Brights disease in October 1882, which was known as a terminal condition at the time.

Today, the term isnt used to describe one specific kidney condition, but physicians in Arthurs time knew the President was starting to show signs of kidney failure, and he likely would have heart problems as the disease progressed.

In late 1882, the New York Herald reported Arthur had the disease, but in an example of 19th century spin control, the White House countered with a story that Arthur had contracted malaria years earlier, and he was fatigued from a flare up.

Although he was in pain and ill health for the rest of his presidency, Arthur championed reforms of the patronage system. In 1883, he signed the Pendleton Civil Service Reform Act, which banned kickbacks in the civil service system and made merit, and not patronage, the basis for promotion and pay.

Arthur also wanted lower tariffs and less patronage because he thought the huge government budget surpluses in the 1880s should be lowered, through lower tax rates and money returned to taxpayers.

Publicly, Arthur had a reputation for dressing well, eating well, and enjoying the finer things in life. He also convinced Congress to pay for well-needed White House renovations.

Knowing of his illness, Arthur made a less-than-enthusiastic bid for his partys renomination in 1884, and his political enemy, James Blaine, gained the GOP nomination.

No man ever entered the Presidency so profoundly and widely distrusted, and no one ever retired  more generally respected, said newspaper editor and GOP supporter Alexander McClure, after Arthurs death.

Historical Stories on Constitution Daily

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Benjamin Franklins last great quote and the Constitution

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Chinese digital content aggregator ByteDance has signed a licensing deal with Studio 71, a multi channel network that belongs to Germanys ProSieben group.

Studio 71s content will be subtitled into Chinese and carried on ByteDances Top Buzz platform.

Founded in 2012, and now with backing from Silicon Valley investors that include Sequoia Capital and Digital Sky Technology, ByteDance has scored as a news aggregator. It claims some 600 million registered users and over 66 million daily users for its Toutiao (Todays Headlines) app. It has operations in China, New York and Los Angeles.

The Wall Street Journal recently reported that terms of a new funding round ascribed the company a valuation of $10 billion. In September ByteDance announced that it would invest $150 million on funding high-quality, short-form content for its global platform.

Studio 71 has over 1,200 YouTube channels. Its roster of creators includes Vitaly Zdorovetskiy (9.2 million subscribers), Epic Meal Time (7 million subscribers), Matthew Santoro (5.6 million subscribers), Tana Mongeau (2 million subscribers), and Logan Paul (13 million Facebook followers).

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From Popular Mechanics

China's state media reports that the country's first aircraft carrier, Liaoning, is now "combat ready." The ship's political commissar says the ship is "preparing for actual combat at any time." Despite the tough talk, all evidence indicates that Beijing's sole flat top is likely a mere training vessel that would do very poorly in actual combat.

Liaoning was commissioned into service with the People's Liberation Army Navy in 2012. Originally built for the Soviet Navy, her unfinished hull languished in a Ukrainian shipyard after the end of the Cold War. Purchased by a PLA front company under the guise of housing a casino, the hull was towed back to China where it spent nearly a decade being refitted. The carrier was modernized in a Dalian shipyard to carry 18-20 J-15B strike fighters and up to a dozen helicopters.

Four years later, is Liaoning ready for combat? Almost certainly not. China may have trained up enough pilots to man the ship's air wing (less than half the size of its American counterpart) and operate the ship, but the world of carrier operations is an extremely complex and dangerous. The ship's crew and the embarked air wing must work seamlessly to provide a ready warship capable of tackling a variety of threats. This alone took the U.S. Navy decades to accomplish, and there is no way China could achieve a similar level of proficiency in just four years.

The Chinese carrier is also something of a homebody, a rarity for aircraft carriers. Liaoning's American counterparts regularly span the globe, traveling from Virginia to the Persian Gulf, or San Diego to the South China Sea. Even the decrepit Russian aircraft carrier Admiral Kuznetsov has traveled from its home base in Arctic waters all the way to the eastern Mediterranean.

By contrast Liaoning has never ventured far from the Chinese coastline, preferring to exercise in nearby locations such as the Yellow Sea-essentially China's Gulf of Mexico. This implies the PLAN is insecure either about the crew's ability to handle the ship or the reliability of the ship's propulsion system. Either reason would be enough to declare the ship unfit for combat.

Story continues

Another reason why Liaoning is not combat ready is that according to China's Global Times the ship is home to 1,000 noncommissioned officers and 42 petty officers whose experience in the Navy amounts to 20 years or more. These personnel are a brain trust that will be expected to teach crews manning China's future carriers how to operate the ship. If Liaoning were sunk in combat, the loss of these personnel would hurt even more than the loss of the ship itself.

Despite Beijing's boasting, Liaoning is likely exactly what analysts predicted it would be-a training ship that will never stray far from the Chinese coastline.

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By Ben Blanchard KUNMING, China (Reuters) - China and the United States wrapped up a three-day humanitarian relief military drill on Friday, looking past simmering tensions over the disputed South China Sea and uncertainty at what Donald Trump's presidency will mean for defense ties. The exercises, held in the southwestern Chinese city of Kunming, come a month after a U.S. navy destroyer sailed near islands claimed by China in the South China Sea, prompting fury in Beijing which called the moved illegal and provocative. That patrol, the latest by Washington to challenge Chinese claims in the strategic waterway, capped a tense year for military-to-military ties between the world's two largest economies, which are also at odds over the U.S. decision to base Terminal High Altitude Area Defense (THAAD) anti-missile system battery system in South Korea to defend against North Korea. China, neighboring North Korea, worries the system's radar will be able to track its own military capabilities. New concerns loom with Trump's shock election as U.S. president earlier this month, a man who lambasted China on the campaign trail and has suggested Japan and South Korea be allowed to develop nuclear weapons. But it was all smiles and friendship as Chinese and U.S. soldiers simulated digging out bodies from an earthquake-destroyed building and rescuing people from an overturned boat in a reservoir. Liu Xiaowu, army commander of the Chinese southern military region, and General Robert Brown, commanding general of the U.S. Army Pacific, chatted amiably as they oversaw the last day of exercises. Asked if he was worried Trump's administration could cancel next year's drills, Brown said he was confident that would not happen. "I would give my best military advice, if asked at the appropriate time in the transition, that these type of military-to-military exchanges are really critical because of that trust they build." Liu was upbeat too. "No matter who is president, as long as it's aimed at humanitarian relief to help relieve suffering of those in disaster zones, it will win support." This is the fourth time China and the United States have conducted such drills since they began in 2013, as the two try to set aside mutual suspicion from the bottom up, rather than just relying on contacts at a more senior level. "These operations do help to create a mutual understanding between our two militaries," said Jeremy Reynolds, a U.S. army captain based in Hawaii, standing on a pontoon bridge. "The execution of the exchange went very well between the Chinese and the American forces." The exercise involved 134 military personnel from China and 89 from the United States, using helicopters and engineering equipment. They also conducted tabletop exercises focusing on sharing information and joint decision-making, field maneuvers focusing on evacuation of earthquake victims and search and rescue. "We had very happy cooperation with the United States. I was really happy," said Chinese army doctor Zhao Yao. "This was the first time I'd met the U.S. military. The exchange with them has really helped my English." (Editing by Nick Macfie)
HONG KONG, Nov 18 (Reuters) - China's e-commerce giant Alibaba Group Holding Ltd plans to invest 2.1 billion yuan ($305 million) in supermarket chain Sanjiang Shopping Club Co Ltd to further expand its retail presence.

Sanjiang said announcements it had made about Alibaba's investment had prompted the Shanghai stock exchange to ask whether Alibaba will ultimately seek control. Sanjiang's shares were suspended on Nov. 8 and will resume trading on Nov. 21.

Under the terms of the deal outlined in the stock exchange filings, Alibaba will subscribe to a private placement in Sanjiang, which will help raise up to 1.5 billion yuan and be equivalent to a 25 percent stake in the supermarket operator.

Sanjiang also plans to issue up to 188 million yuan worth of exchangeable bonds to Alibaba, equivalent to 16.4 million of the supermarket operator's shares.

Alibaba will also acquire another 9.3 percent stake for 438.6 million yuan via a share transfer, Sanjiang said.

Alibaba's stake in Sanjiang will rise to 32 percent after the share transfer and share subscription, Sanjiang said. This is above the 30 percent threshold where a company is required to make a full takeover bid in China. Alibaba will need approval from Sanjiang's shareholders to waive this requirement.

Sanjiang said it aims to use Alibaba's e-commerce platform to make the most of the increasingly competitive bricks-and-mortar retail sector as China's economic growth slows.

In early November, Alibaba posted a 55 percent rise in second-quarter revenue, logging a second straight quarter of robust results, indicating that it could still generate strong growth despite worries about the health of China's economy and its retail sector. ($1 = 6.8810 Chinese yuan renminbi) (Reporting by Meg Shen in Hong Kong and Lee Chyen Yee in Singapore; Editing by Alexander Smith)
BEIJING (Reuters) - China's Shenzhou 11 space capsule landed safely in the northern region of Inner Mongolia on Friday with two astronauts aboard, state media said, completing the country's longest manned space mission to date. China Central Television showed images of the craft - whose name translates as "Divine Vessel" - on the ground flanked by Chinese flags and support teams. State news agency Xinhua said the capsule had touched down "successfully" just after 2 p.m. The two astronauts, Jing Haipeng and Chen Dong, spent 30 days aboard the Tiangong 2 space laboratory, or "Heavenly Palace 2", which China is using to carry out experiments ahead of a longer-range plan to have a permanent manned space station around 2022. They did not immediately emerge from the capsule as CCTV said they were undergoing medical examination, but mission commander Zhang Youxia, who is also a senior military official, said in a televised speech that they were in "good condition". "The Tiangong 2 and Shenzhou 11 flight duties were a complete success," Zhang said. Tiangong 2 will remain in its orbit and next docks with Tianzhou 1, China's first cargo spacecraft, which is set to be launched in April next year, according to state media. In a manned space mission in 2013, three Chinese astronauts spent 15 days in orbit and docked with a space laboratory, the Tiangong 1. Advancing China's space program is a priority for Beijing, with President Xi Jinping calling for the country to establish itself as a space power. The U.S. Defense Department has highlighted China's increasing space capabilities, saying it was pursuing activities aimed at preventing other nations using space-based assets in a crisis. China has been working to develop its space program for military, commercial and scientific purposes, but is still playing catch-up to established space powers the United States and Russia. It insists the program is for peaceful purposes. China's Jade Rabbit moon rover landed on the moon in late 2013 to great national fanfare, but soon suffered severe technical difficulties. The rover and the Chang'e 3 probe that carried it there were the first "soft landing" on the moon since 1976. Both the United States and the Soviet Union had accomplished the feat earlier. China will launch a "core module" for its first space station some time around 2018, a senior official said in April, part of a plan for a permanent manned space station in service around 2022. (Reporting by Michael Martina and Ben Blanchard; Editing by Nick Macfie)
Two Chinese astronauts returned to Earth on Friday after completing the country's longest manned space mission on board the Tiangong-2 space laboratory. According to the state-run Xinhua News Agency, the return capsule of the Shenzhou-11 spacecraft carrying the astronauts Jing Haipeng and Chen Dong landed safely in the steppes of Inner Mongolia on Friday afternoon.

Chinese astronauts of the Shenzhou-11 space mission opened the return capsule's hatch and are reported by the ground team to be in good condition, Xinhua reported.

The astronauts spent 30 days in the space lab, where they carried out medical and scientific experiments, and tested the complexs habitability.

The success of the mission indicates that our manned space program has achieved major new progress and is the latest achievement in building a country of innovation and a world power of science and technology, the ruling Communist Partys Central Committee said in a congratulatory letter cited by the Associated Press. It is the newest achievement of Chinese people in climbing the peak of the world.

RTX2P488

Photo: REUTERS

The next vehicle that docks with Tiangong-2 would be Tianzhou-1  Chinas first cargo spacecraft that is scheduled for launch in April 2017.

Since it sent its first satellite into orbit in 1970, China has been pumping large amounts of cash into its space program. It sent its first astronaut into space in 2003, and in 2011, it launched Tiangong-1  the first operational component of the Tiangong program, which seeks to put a permanently manned space station into service by 2022.

The second component, Tiangong-2, was launched in September.

Tiangong is a precursor testbed of capabilities. Building toward the large space station has always been the culminating goal of the Shenzhou program, Joan Johnson-Freese, a professor at the U.S. Naval War College in Newport, Rhode Island, told CNN.

Story continues

However, the countrys space ambitions extend far beyond sending astronauts to low-Earth orbits. In 2013, as part of its lunar exploration program, China launched the Jade Rabbit  its first lunar probe. By 2018, China aims to land its Chang'e-4 probe on the far side of the moon, and by 2020, it plans to send an unmanned rover to Mars.

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Chocolate-flavored cheese is a thing, and what a time to be alive!

In the midst of the stress of the last few weeks, its nice to just sit back and remember that great things exist in the world. Many of them cheese-related! Thats right, time to unleash your inner foodie.

Cosmo just let us know that chocolate cheese is the weird new food you never knew you needed, and were TOTALLY on board. Being addicted to cheese, and reconizing that chocolate is the best means that the news of their marriage is literally the most exciting thing ever.

This foodie delight was created by dairy specialist Curds & Whey in Australia, and its an Italian blue cheese with chocolate liqueur, topped with chocolate chips and dusted with cocoa powder. In other words, a heavenly dessert cheese plate.

PREPARE FOR YOUR MOUTH TO WATER UNCONTROLLABLY:

Talking about the flavor, owner Anna Burley told Mashable:

The blue itself is quite mild, and the liqueur added the chocolate flavor without being sweet.

That soundsperfect. Yeah, no wonder these things are sold out!

Choco 21 cheese has arrived! Each wheel of this mild & delicate blue is ripened with Choco 21 Liqueur, rubbed with cocoa and decorated with chocolate chips. A photo posted by Curds & Whey (@curdswhey) on Nov 9, 2016 at 11:29am PST

Choco 21 cheese has arrived! Each wheel of this mild & delicate blue is ripened with Choco 21 Liqueur, rubbed with cocoa and decorated with chocolate chips.

Could the next batch be shipped to American shores, perhaps? We know what were wishing for this holiday season

The post Chocolate-flavored cheese is a thing, and what a time to be alive! appeared first on HelloGiggles.
The world faces the prospect of more tension with China over trade, security and human rights after Xi Jinping awarded himself another five-year term as leader of the ruling Communist Party and called for self-reliance in technology, a stronger military and protection of core interests abroad. At a party congress, Xi gave no sign of plans to change the "zero-COVID strategy that has frustrated Chinas public and disrupted business and trade. He called for faster military development and announced no change in policies that strain relations with Washington and Asian neighbors. Xi is tightening control at home and trying to use Chinas economic heft to increase its influence abroad.
Photo credit: Wikipedia Commons

From Road & Track

You've heard of a car company called Chrysler, right? Well, in the mid-seventies, following the horrible sales disaster that was the Opel Record copy known as the Chrysler 180, they really wanted to create something people would notice as better than mediocre.

While the full-sized Chrysler 180 was born out of two separate projectsthe British Rootes Group's C car and the French Simca's Projcet 929 running parallel under one company's umbrella in true seventies fashion, Chrysler's next flagship sedan code named internally as 'P9' was supposed to be developed by the French and styled by the British. Unfortunately, the Brits wanted to go almost Citroen SM crazy with the exterior, something Chrysler's American half just couldn't let happen. So, they went for three boxes instead, because that has worked before.

By 1976, the Oil Crisis was over, and Chrysler's new big car was set to compete with such success stories as the Ford Granada, the Audi 100 and the V8-powered Rover SD1. After presenting a fiberglass mock-up for approval at Detroit, Chrysler Europe's next task was to figure out where to get a six-cylinder engine for the thing. Off the shelf, they only had gutless four-pots.

Photo credit: Chrysler via rootes-chrysler.co.uk

After ruling out Mitsubishi's straight-six simply because it was rubbish even by seventies standards, Chrysler started to fantasize about the Peugeot-Renault-Volvo V6, the one that later made it into the DeLorean. And while it seemed highly unlikely that what was now Peugeot-Citroen would approve supplying their engine to a direct competitor, by 1978, that suddenly stopped being a problem.

On the edge of bankruptcy, Chrysler decided to get rid of its European operations, selling the whole lot to PSA for $1. Despite the French having three cars in the segment already, the C9 project was in such an advanced stage that Peugeot had no choice but to go through with it, hoping that Chrysler's dream of a five percent market penetration would somehow become a reality in a world full of Citroen CXs, Peugeot 604s and 505s, plus all the rest Europe had to offer.

Story continues

Photo credit: Talbot via John Lloydundefined

Peugeot modified Simca's design heavily in the last seconds in order to use as many of their existing parts as possible (including an awkwardly narrow rear axle), and after rebranding all Chrysler products as Talbots, the first Tagora was ready to leave the plant in Poissy by 1980. Needless to say, the recent end of the second Oil Crisis didn't help them selling V6s, but that seemed to be the least of their problems.

Nobody knew what a Talbot was supposed to be, and even if they managed to lure customers into their dealerships, the product just wasn't convincing enough to turn that rendezvous into the correct amount of French francs. The Tagora wasn't necessary terrible despite PSA's cheapening efforts, but it wasn't special enough to catch the public's imagination either. Chrysler's 5 percent prediction never had a chance of materializing, and so PSA discontinued the car after just three years.

Of the 19,389 Talbot Tagoras made, not many survive to this day.

Photo credit: Arnold.p via Wikimedia Commons

Photo credit: Arnold.p via Wikimedia Commons

Hat tip to Roots-Chrysler UK!

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By Colleen Jenkins WINSTON-SALEM, N.C. (Reuters) - North Carolina's gubernatorial race was undecided 10 days after the Nov. 8 vote and new allegations by the Republican incumbent's campaign about felons and dead people casting ballots could leave the outcome in limbo for weeks. Republican Governor Pat McCrory, trailing Democratic challenger Roy Cooper by about 6,300 votes according to the state elections website Friday afternoon, has not conceded. Under state law, Friday was the deadline for counties to certify their results. But challenges over the validity of hundreds of votes and reviews of provisional ballots were expected to delay the reports from many, if not all, of the state's 100 counties, elections officials said. The uncertainty has been punctuated this week by a war of words, with McCrory's campaign accusing Cooper of being lax on voter fraud and Cooper's campaign calling the incumbent dishonest and desperate. "It is unfortunate to see that rather than accepting the results, Pat McCrory is going to go down by besmirching Republican election officials (and) by impugning voters," Marc Elias, a lawyer for the Cooper campaign, said in a call with reporters on Friday. McCrory's campaign, however, argues it is following the legal process to ensure all legitimate votes are counted. Protests being filed by registered voters in some 50 counties argue that up to 200 ballots should be thrown out because they were cast under the names of dead people or by felons or individuals who voted more than once, according to the campaign. McCrory representatives also said thousands of votes in 12 counties may have been part of an absentee ballot fraud scheme. Several counties rejected election protests on Friday, including Durham County, where Republicans had called into question the tabulation of about 90,000 ballots on election night, local media reported. All of the state's county elections boards are controlled by Republicans. Elias said there are not enough votes at issue to keep Cooper from winning. McCrory campaign spokesman Ricky Diaz called that claim presumptuous with counting incomplete. "There's additional cases of voter fraud being discovered each day," he said in a phone interview. If McCrory trails by 10,000 or fewer votes once counties submit their final tallies, he could demand a recount. A Cooper victory would be the only governorship addition for Democrats. Republicans, who flipped seats in New Hampshire, Missouri and Vermont, will hold at least 33 governor offices next year, the most for the party since 1922. (Reporting by Colleen Jenkins; editing by Bill Trott and Grant McCool)
Photo credit: Heraa Hashmi/Twitter

From Seventeen

Heraa Hashmi, 19, was sitting in history class at the University of ColoradoBoulder three weeks ago when the conversation turned to violence and Islam. One of Heraa's classmates declared that most violent events today stem from Muslim extremism or terrorism. Heraa corrected him and said he was mistaken.

Another student piped up to disagree with Heraa. "If that's true, then why don't Muslims condemn violence?" he asked.

Heraa politely told her classmate that he could Google many examples of Muslims condemning violence. Nevertheless, she left the class feeling upset and frustrated.

"I felt like I had to do something to answer not just him, but the media and people online whose perceptions of Muslims are wrong," she told Seventeen.com.

Photo credit: Heraa Hashmi

For the next three weeks, Heraa spent a few hours every day filling a spreadsheet with examples backing up her point. "I found peaceful declarations from Muslims all over the world," she said. In the end, Heraa wound up with 5,686 examples of Muslim organizations and individuals speaking out against ills including terrorism, ISIS, al-Qaeda and the 2016 mass shooting at Pulse nightclub in Orlando, Fla. For good measure she included examples of Muslims condemning climate change, discrimination against women, and more.

A friend told her she should publish the spreadsheet, so she tweeted out the link right before she went to bed on Nov. 12.

classmate: why dont muslims condemn things

me: *goes home makes 712 page long list of Muslims Condemning Things with sources*

me: fight me pic.twitter.com/sDhwUMIAK1 - Heraa Hashmi (@caveheraa) November 12, 2016

When Heraa woke up, the tweet had racked up thousands of approving responses - and is now up to more than 26,000 likes and 13,000 retweets.

not even joking you can organize it by individual/org., location because we condemn worldwide and by Thing Condemnedhttps://t.co/GWEd43pBc4 - Heraa Hashmi (@caveheraa) November 12, 2016

"I knew that even if it helped just one person, my efforts were worth it," she said.

Story continues

Obviously, it's helping a lot more than just one person - Heraa has been overwhelmed with a wave of positive tweets.

Music coming from the printer...because the paper is jamming pic.twitter.com/hIAIBgajDo - Heraa Hashmi (@caveheraa) November 17, 2016

Two of Heraa's followers, Ire Aderinokun and Timi Ajiboye, turned the spreadsheet into a searchable website called Muslims Condemn.

Photo credit: Muslims Condemn

"When you're a minority, everything you say and do isn't just a reflection of you; it's a reflection of your entire community," Heraa told Seventeen.com. "The best thing we can do right now is educate people and show them that this is who Muslims are. We're active in the community, and we strive to be good citizens just like anyone else."

Hannah Orenstein is a writer at Seventeen.com. Follow her on Twitter and Instagram.

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On Thursday, after Democrats bruising losses on Election Day, members of several powerful labor unions swarmed a Washington, D.C., park a stones throw from Senate offices. They waved signs with slogans such as Stop Corporate Trade Deals, Tax Wall Street and even Bernie 2020.

Most prevalent: signs opposing the Trans-Pacific Partnership trade deal, whose prospects for approval have now been declared null.

TPP, RIP! the crowd shouted at one point.

Strikingly, unions  long a cornerstone of the Democratic party  were celebrating the death of a trade agreement negotiated by Democrats and that Hillary Clinton praised before changing her tune and advocating against it. Its now clear that Republican Donald Trumps anti-trade deal message resonated with many union members, and Clintons support among them was weaker than expected.

Clintons underperformance among union members came despite union bosses spending tens of millions of dollars supporting Clintons bid. Union-related political action committees, for example, gave more than $17 million to Priorities USA Action, the main super PAC boosting her candidacy, and more than $21 million to For Our Future, another super PAC focused on convincing Americans to vote for Clinton and other Democrats.

The AFL-CIO stressed that Clinton won more union member votes than Trump despite Trumps efforts to appeal to workers. The union released exit poll numbers showing Clinton won union households by 51 percent to 43 percent, and she carried union members by 56 percent to 37 percent.

Nonetheless, Clintons support from union households was 10 points lower than President Barack Obamas support four years ago, according to exit poll data released by Fox News.

In the end, labor supported Trump more than it did 2012 Republican presidential nominee Mitt Romney  3 percentage points better among union households and 4 percentage points better among union members.

With nearly 15 million union members in the United States, this shift from election to election translated into hundreds of thousands of votes for Trump.

Story continues

Trump used our rhetoric on trade and keeping jobs in America, the AFL-CIO said, adding, he forged a personal connection with working people by acknowledging their resentment about the rules being written to marginalize them.

This story is part of Buying of the President 2016. Tracking the candidates, political committees and nonprofits that are making this presidential election the most expensive in history. Click here to read more stories in this investigation.

Don't miss another Politics investigation: Sign up for the Center for Public Integrity's Watchdog email.

Several union leaders in recent days said the signs of many members reluctance to support Clinton were visible before the election, and the Democratic Party must reconsider its approach to working-class voters.

Harold Schaitberger, the general president of the International Association of Fire Fighters, said its politically active union didnt endorse either Clinton or Trump because internal polling showed its members were too divided. It was the first time since 1976 that the union has failed to endorse in a presidential election.

We were going to do significant harm to our union by endorsing a presidential candidate, he told the Center for Public Integrity.

Instead, the International Association of Fire Fighters gave to committees supporting Democratic congressional candidates. Since the election, Schaitberger said hes had candid discussions with other members of the AFL-CIOs executive council.

Im not going to speak for anybody else, but I can tell you this: It wasnt just my members that were part of a number of the votes behind Trump, he said.

Schaitberger also said he found it disturbing that some of the Democratic voices speak about blue-collar workers, white working-class non-college educated whites, almost in a disparaging way.

The reality now, Schaitberger said, is a Democratic party that lost the White House, both houses of Congress, hundreds of state legislative seats and governorships.

There needs to be a lot of soul searching, he said, and discussions about how to maintain a progressive, diverse coalition without ignoring blue-collar white union members who have felt disenfranchised and angry and in many ways left on the sidelines.

The International Longshoremens Association endorsed Clintons bid early, in October 2015.

Nonetheless, James McNamara, a spokesman for the union, said the membership was probably evenly divided between Trump and Clinton.

If we posted something up on Facebook  you had comments that were calling our endorsement into question. You had just as many supporting our endorsement, he said.

At the rally in Upper Senate Park Wednesday, other union officials, too, acknowledged some of their members had found Trumps message appealing.

As I traveled around the country campaigning for Hillary Clinton, no doubt, many of our members voted for Donald Trump, said Oscar Owens, the international secretary-treasurer for the Amalgamated Transit Union. Based on what he was saying he is going to do for America, to do for working people.

John Costa, an international vice president for the Amalgamated Transit Union, agreed, and said he had sensed a lack of excitement for Clinton.

The Democratic party needs to do a better job in their process, he said. They have to listen to the people. They have to listen to the young people and the workers, not the lobbyists.

One prominent Democrat who agrees? Vice President Joseph Biden.

In October, he sounded a warning note about working-class voters, saying on MSNBC that we dont associate with their difficulty anymore.

This story is part of Buying of the President 2016. Tracking the candidates, political committees and nonprofits that are making this presidential election the most expensive in history. Click here to read more stories in this investigation.

Related stories

Copyright 2016 The Center for Public Integrity. This story was published by The Center for Public Integrity, a nonprofit, nonpartisan investigative news organization in Washington, D.C.
An election recount could be underway soon in Colorado about a ballot initiative seeking to redefine the presence and meaning of the word slavery in that states constitution.

coloradocapitol456

As of Thursday, the Yes-No vote on a referendum seemed too close to call. And some critics were blaming confusion over a one-sentence referendum question as prolonging the vote.

Back in 1876, Colorado voters approved the only constitution in that states history, just months before President Ulysses S. Grant declared the territory as the 38th state. The states constitutions drafters, aware of the pre-Civil War debate in the territory, included a direct reference to the 13th Amendment of the United States Constitution, which banned slavery in the United States.

The first part of the 13th Amendment, as ratified in 1865, reads as follows: Neither slavery nor involuntary servitude, except as a punishment for crime whereof the party shall have been duly convicted, shall exist within the United States, or any place subject to their jurisdiction.

Colorado incorporated similar language in its original constitution, even though slavery was outlawed nationally by the 13th Amendment. Section 26 of the Colorado constitution reads as follows: Slavery prohibited. There shall never be in this state either slavery or involuntary servitude, except as a punishment for crime, whereof the party shall have been duly convicted.

And so that language has remained in the Colorado constitution since. This year, the troublesome section met its match on several fronts. Organized groups wanted the word slavery in the state constitution redefined so that it wasnt acceptable under any circumstance. Another group wanted the redefinition to clarify that inmates held in privately operated prisons couldnt be forced to work without pay.

The proposed amendment would eliminate the last clause of the current Section 26, to read, There shall never be in this state either slavery or involuntary servitude.

Story continues

The change met with unanimous approval in Colorados state Senate and House, and in the local media. The Denver Post editorial board agreed with state Rep. Jovan Melton, one of the three sponsors of the amendment. We agree with Melton that that kind of exception to slavery sends the wrong message, including how we treat and value the lives of those being held in custody, the Post said. Words matter especially to African-Americans, Melton said, and those words are dehumanizing.

The measure was placed on the November 8 general election ballot in the state, but with the following language: Shall there be an amendment to the Colorado constitution concerning the removal of the exception to the prohibition of slavery and involuntary servitude when used as punishment for persons duly convicted of a crime?

As of November 16, the No votes led the Yes votes, by about 26,000 votes out of 2.5 million votes cast, and a No vote would defeat the proposed amendment.

Richard B. Collins, a University of Colorado law professor, told the Post that is was possible that people were confused about the wording and cast a No vote to indicate their opposition to any pro-slavery language.

The 13th Amendment is still there, and theres no move to change it, Collins said. But whenever people dont understand something, they vote no. Thats a given.

Rep. Joe Salazar, another legislation sponsor, told the Durango Herald that the language was a problem, based on conversations he had with voters.

They said that it was very confusing, he said. When they said they voted no on Amendment T, I explained to them what Amendment T was about  They were like, Thats not how it read.

Colorados secretary of state will need to determine by December 8 if a recount is in order for the ballot measure. If not, the amendment could reappear in a future election, in a plain-English form, observers said.

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This Coca-Cola bottle lets you snap selfies while you sip, because why not

Not to sound too judgmental, but you *might* have a certified selfie addiction if you routinely take pictures of yourself drinking soda. No judgment! But come on. Like, were not even kidding: Per Uproxx, theres a Coca-Cola selfie bottle that allows you snap selfies while you sip because apparently, taking selfies at the right moment just became way more crucial.

Well let the world decide whether this bottle should be labeled a serious selfie game changer, but for now, lets take a closer look at how this chug-and-smile contraption works. According to Gefen Team, which designed the bottle for the Coca-Cola Summer Love Campaign, users can snap selfies and immediately share them on Instagram, Snapchat and Facebook.

LATEST: @CocaCola has unveiled a custom-designed selfie bottle camera that lets you casually take snaps as you drink. #Innovation pic.twitter.com/odqgJPWPjw  BDTechTalk (@BDTechTalk) November 18, 2016

Users tag themselves and their friends in photos on Coca-Colas social media assets. It really does the trick and makes the partygoers more present and active during the event, knowing they can share their special moments just by drinking, Gefen said in a statement.

Um, OK.

Well, if youre not sure where you stand on this most pressing technological issue, then youll have time to mull it over because the Coca-Cola selfie bottle is only available in Israel for now, with no word on when or if itll be released worldwide.



The post This Coca-Cola bottle lets you snap selfies while you sip, because why not appeared first on HelloGiggles.




Netflix

While comparing the arrival of Irish immigrants in New York City to that of subsequent Jewish and Italian travelers, Colin Quinn: The New York Story delivers a joke about the Statute of Liberty I didnt quite understand. My Brooklyn-born and Queens-raised Italian girlfriend, however, laughed so hard she scared the dog off the couch. We were cynical to begin with, Quinn explains, [because] there was no Statue of Liberty yet. There was never that poetic moment the Italians and Jews had. Because the Italians came theyre already crying and emotional, and they look up and welcoming them is a 100-foot mother.

This ex-Texan eventually got the joke, but the Saturday Night Live alum appreciated the response from a native New Yorker to his Big Apple-based Netflix special, which premieres Friday, November 18th. Tell her Im glad she liked the line because I said it during the whole run of the show and it never got a laugh, Quinn said over the phone. I kept it in because I knew it was true.

The New York Story, which is based on Quinns 2015 The Coloring Book: A Comedian Solves Race Relations in America, marks the stand-up comedians fifth one-man show since his 1998 Broadway debut, An Irish Wake. Its also his second outing with fellow comic turned director Jerry Seinfeld, who previously directed Quinn in his 2010 HBO special, Long Story Short. Both points came up in our discussion, which quickly turned to President-elect Donald Trumps victory a few days prior  an appropriate subject given Quinns focus on immigration.

Youve probably been asked about this countless time, but I feel it necessary to bring up Donald Trump, especially since you spend so much time discussing immigration in New York Story.

Nobodys brought that up actually. Yeah, its definitely one of those things to look at it. And believe me, Im not somebody thats just going to be like, Hey you know what? This is a country of immigrants. No, theres another side to it too. You cant just dismiss it. That being said, the fact that nobody even discusses immigration  on either side, nobody discusses it  is so typical of whats going on with us in general. Theres a lot of screaming on the surface going on, but nobody ever goes, Lets sit down and have a real conversation about it. My new theory is [we should have] publicly held constitutional conventions, only no ones allowed to criticize until after. So you cant just attack people for giving their opinion. Thats the problem. Nobodys going to be honest, because if youre honest youll be in trouble. So thats my new thing. With immigration, I think thats another thing. The truth about immigration in New York City is, it saved it during the past 20 years. It changed New York for the better and no one denies that. Every neighborhood in Queens, Brooklyn, the Bronx and elsewhere is better because immigrants moved in.



You poke fun at the mostly white millennials whove gentrified your native Park Slope, especially for their commitment to racially charged protest movements like Black Lives Matter  while simultaneously refusing to acknowledge a persons color for fear of reprisal. Im a liberal straight white male, and I know its a joke at my expense, but I totally get it. Do you worry others wont?

Story continues

I dont blame you or them. Like I say in the special, you can lose your job if you do [refer to people by their skin color]. My intention is not mean, but if people want to take clips or take it in a different context, Im sure they can. At this point, people can do that with anything. If you say anything, people can do that. You can do that with my book a lot easier, actually. If people are going after you, theyre going after you and theyre probably going to get you. Its just the way it goes, but I dont care at this point. Your intention is your intention, but if people want to misconstrue what Im saying then theyll do it. Thats just how it is. You want to get me? Go ahead. Anybody can.

Sure, but does that bother you at all?

It bothers me, but its just the way it is. I mean it bothers me, but Im not deluded enough to think you can change the whole national culture and conscience. You can try but you cant be like, Guys stop now! Thats enough! I want everybody online to stop behaving like this. [Laughs.] We need a wave your fist emoticon.

This is your second outing with Jerry Seinfeld, who doesnt direct that much. Why do you think he decided to helm New York Story?

Because he believes in the stuff Im doing. I hope thats what it is. He believes its there for a reason, that its going for the right thing. He loves doing things like this. Its the kind of stuff he loves. And he does it, I think, to help me. Definitely to help me, because when you see his name on it, people are more inclined to be like, Oh Jerrys involved. It definitely helps. But also, he likes doing this kind of stuff. He likes to structure things, and I think it drives him nuts that I dont give a shit.

[Laughs.] Whats it like to be directed by Seinfeld?

Once were filming, he lets it go. Hes very hands-on in the early days with the structural things. Thats when hes really involved. When it comes down to figuring out the beginning, middle, end and things like that. Thats when hell ask questions about what Im saying at certain points and why. Where theyre coming from. Things like that.





Netflix

In a 2013 interview with The New Yorker, you discussed a television show about immigration youd written that nobody wanted to make. Whatever happened to it?

Nothing. They never made it. Ive written a bunch of immigration shows and tried to get them all made. A bunch of different types of shows. Everyone was always like, This is a good idea! This is a good time for it! And its never happened. I dont know what to say at this point.

Did anything from it percolate into The Coloring Book or New York Story?

No. Its all stuff about immigration, and all the different aspects of immigration in New York and in the country in general. None of them ever got made.

The cut of New York Story I saw came in at just over an hour, though Im sure the live show was at least an hour and a half. Was there anything you had to cut for time youd wished you hadnt?

I cant remember, to tell you specifically, what we cut at this point. It was more like an hour and 50 minutes instead of an hour and a half in total. But I guarantee whatever we cut, in my mind, I thought How did we cut that? Thats gold. Every time I write something, Im like What? You want to cut that? Thats my masterpiece! But you have to do that. You know how they say in movies that you kill your little darlings? Its like that.

At least with Netflix, you dont have to cut for commercial breaks or broadcast timeslots.

Yeah, but then if Comedy Central or somebody else like that buys it The worse thing is when they cut into the middle of a joke and you have to call them out for leaving a setup without a punchline. People watching at home are going to think, that guys not funny, because they left the setup in but not the punchline. So you have to go in there and watch it because its so arbitrary and theyll just kill it. That combined with political correctness, with which theyll cut things and ruin the whole joke  especially a show like this. But if Comedy Central does buy this  I dont know Netflix rules, I think they just own it forever, hopefully  I dont want it cut up for commercials. Because if they do Im getting in there and saying, You cant make this comfortable for people. Its either they like it or they dont.



They cant keep doing this in comedy. I was talking to somebody the other day about it. Look, you can argue for or against political correctness, but in comedy you cant argue for it. Because whatever the standard is that people want, whatever is considered appropriate, the whole point of comedy is to go a little bit past that. Thats the point of it! Everybody talks about how youre supposed to push the envelope, but then if you push the envelope theyre like, Whoa! Theres standards of decency! What is this, the Catholic League? [Laughs.] Is this 1930s? Stop! Youre speaking like the moral majority back in the fucking 80s, you know? Its so weird. I understand you want to be like that, but not with comedy. Were off limits! Hows that work for everybody? Im calling it now, were off limits. You cant judge us! You can say were not funny, but you cant judge us based on the normal standards of society. Thats it.

Its an appropriate topic for discussion, given who we just put in the White House.

Yeah! [Laughs.] Were in whole new sphere right now. Were in a mindset thats never been explored in society. People say may you live in interesting times. Well guess what? I guarantee you one thing  its not going to be boring. Whatever happens, it wont be boring.

What are you working on at the moment?

Ive been working on something. Its about, for the lack of a better word, that one asshole in every situation. When youre at your job or anywhere else you go, theres always the one person who has that sort of toxic personality. You know what I mean? Its about them.

How appropriate.

Yeah!

Are you still writing it, or have you already been trying it out on stage?

Ive been putting it up for a couple of months. The thing about writing stand-up is, the audience has to be a part of it. More than anything else, they have to be in it the whole way. Thats the funny thing about stand-up. The audience is there for the development of the whole thing.

Unlike writing books, like your The Coloring Book. Its much more insular.

[Laughs.] About halfway through the book, I was like, You know what? I hate writing books. Which is horrible, so I figured I should make it into a stand-up show or I would be miserable. Everybody was saying, You should write a book! and now I know I hate it.

Colin Quinn: The New York Story streams Friday, November 18 exclusively on Netflix.
By Keith Coffman

COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. (Reuters) - Lawyers for the man declared mentally unfit to stand trial for a fatal shooting rampage at a Planned Parenthood Clinic in Colorado last year lost their bid on Thursday for a court order to bar him from communicating with the news media.

Robert Lewis Dear's defense team took the unusual step of essentially seeking a gag order for their own client, saying his penchant for giving press interviews could undermine his right to a fair trial if he were found competent to face prosecution in the future.

"Some journalists have demonstrated a willingness to publish and broadcast statements made by Mr. Dear despite his obvious mental illness, his attorneys said in their motion.

As an example, Dear told a Denver television station he intends to plead guilty and expects to be executed. During an earlier court appearance, he proclaimed himself guilty and a warrior for the babies.

But El Paso County District Judge Gilbert Martinez said he would deny the defense request, while also stating that Dear, 58, was still "not competent to proceed" in the criminal case against him.

Following Thursday's proceedings, Dear was to return to a state mental hospital for further "restorative treatment." His status will be reviewed again in another 90 days, at a hearing in February.

Dear has been held without bond since surrendering after a bloody five-hour siege on Nov. 27, 2015, at the Planned Parenthood center in Colorado Springs, where he opened fire while armed with several guns.

The mother of two small children and a military veteran who happened to be in the clinic's waiting area were killed, along with a police officer. Nine other people were wounded.

According to an arrest warrant affidavit, Dear told police detectives afterward that he believed the souls of aborted fetuses would thank him for stopping more abortions when he gets to heaven.

Prosecutors have charged the South Carolina native with multiple counts of first-degree murder, attempted murder and assault in the shooting.

Story continues

Martinez declared Dear to be mentally incompetent in May after two psychologists testified that the onetime self-employed art dealer suffered from a psychotic delusional disorder. The judge said Dear's mental state rendered him unable to meaningfully assist in his own defense.

Dear, who has insisted he is competent, launched into a verbal tirade as he was led into the courtroom on Thursday. Four-thousand babies are murdered every day by Planned Parenthood, he said in a loud voice. Think about that.

(Editing by Steve Gorman and David Gregorio)
SPRINGFIELD -- Changes are on their way for a program that provides in-home care for more than 80,000 elderly residents after the Illinois House failed to override Gov. Bruce Rauners veto of a bill that would have preserved the existing program.

Despite warnings from advocates that the changes could result in the loss of services such as assistance with household chores for thousands of elderly residents, House Democrats on Wednesday came up four votes short of the 71 they needed to override the Republican governors veto.

The Department on Aging will now move forward with implementing changes to the community care program, which is designed to help keep older residents in their own homes and out of nursing homes. Facing a growing elderly population and rising costs, the Rauner administration is planning an overhaul of services for more than 40,000 people in the program who dont qualify for Medicaid, the joint state and federal insurance program for the poor.

Those people will be shifted into the departments new community reinvestment program, which officials estimate will save the state $200 million annually by providing services more efficiently. One example the administration has offered is having a service pick up and drop off laundry rather than paying an in-home worker to do it.

The Illinois Department on Aging worked diligently to develop a thoughtful, person-centered program that will allow our state to continue serving increasing numbers of older adults across the state in a fiscally sustainable manner, spokeswoman Veronica Vera said in an emailed statement. It is encouraging that members of the General Assembly recognize the value of this program and its primary objective -- to allow seniors to live independently in their homes and communities longer.

But many members of the General Assembly dont see it that way.

State Rep. Greg Harris, D-Chicago, the bills sponsor, said rolling out the changes statewide is a risky proposition.

Harris called the departments proposal a pilot program that has not been tested.

It is something that could very well put  our homebound seniors at risk, he said.

If the program doesnt work, it could result in more elderly residents moving into nursing homes, which would cost the state more, Harris said.

Vera said the department is working with local agencies that will implement the program to develop the rules that will govern it.

AARP Illinois, which opposed the new program and supported Harriss bill, will now work to shape the rules to make sure that those currently in the program continue to receive services, said Lori Hendren, associate state director.

Were going to continue to have conversations with the governors office and with the Department on Aging as they move forward with their initiative of the community reinvestment program and to discuss improvements and reforms to (the community care program) now which can better sustain in-home and community care services for all those in the program, Hendren said.

One of AARPs concerns is that the state might create a waiting list for the new program if there arent enough resources to go around, but the department has said it doesnt anticipate the need for one.
Did a stand-up comedian alter the outcome of the 2016 presidential election?

Paul Horner, who is behind some of the fake news articles seen on Facebook and Google, is taking credit for Donald Trump's win.

Read: Crowd Boos as Kanye West Says He Didn't Vote But Would've Picked Trump

"I think Trump is in the White House because of me," the 38-year-old told the Washington Post.

He's behind crazy stories including Donald Trump Requiring All Muslims To Wear Badges" and "President Obama Signs Executive Order Banning The National Anthem.

President Obama denounced the fake stories on his final trip overseas as commander-in-chief.

Obama said Thursday in Berlin fake news threatens our democracy, adding: There is so much active misinformation and it is packaged very well and it looks the same when you see it on a Facebook page or you turn on your television.

Horner lives in Mesa, Arizona and performs stand-up comedy at local clubs around Phoenix.

His major source of income is those fake headlines -- about $10,000 a month, he told Washington Post reporter Caitlin Dewey.

"When a lot of people read those stories he gets a certain amount of money for each person that clicks through and that adds up to a lot of money," she told Inside Edition.

Read: Some Lavish Homes Inside Trump Tower Dropping in Price as It Becomes Base of Operations for Transition

One survey says more people read the fake news stories on Facebook than read real stories from reputable news outlets, a fact that had TV journalists at the 30th annual "Power Lunch For Women" in New York very upset.

Rosanna Scotto of Fox told Inside Edition: "This should be a lesson to people everywhere: Don't believe all the junk you read."

Deborah Roberts of ABC News said: "Just breathe before you read."

Watch: Hillary Clinton Looks Tired at First Post-Election Appearance: 'I Wanted to Curl Up With a Good Book'

Story continues

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Photo credit: Warner Bros.

From Cosmopolitan

Photo credit: Warner Bros.

Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them finally premieres Friday, but unless youre actually J.K. Rowling, its highly possible you know next to nothing about it even if youre a Potterhead from way back. Unlike the rest of the Harry Potter movies, Fantastic Beasts is based on a textbook rather than a novel, so theres not much source material to study before you see it. In case youre a little confused about just what this Newt Scamander guy is up to in New York City, use this cheat sheet as a guide to the newest installment in the Wizarding World. Spoilers ahead!

THE CHARACTERS

Newt Scamander (Eddie Redmayne): British wizard and author of Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them (not yet written in the movie). He is the grandfather-in-law of Luna Lovegood, who married Newts grandson Rolf Scamander.

Porpentina Tina Goldstein (Katherine Waterston): American witch and former Auror. After botching an investigation, she has been demoted to the wizard equivalent of the DMV - the wand permit office.

Queenie Goldstein (Alison Sudol): Sister and roommate of Tina. She likes to cook and is so good at Legilimency that she often does it by accident.

Jacob Kowalski (Dan Folger): American No-Maj who works in a factory but dreams of becoming a baker.

Seraphina Piquery (Carmen Ejogo): The president of MACUSA (see below). She has a penchant for extravagant headwear.

Percival Graves (Colin Farrell): American Auror investigating a string of mysterious incidents in New York City. Hes not that into Newt and his whimsical English ways.

Mary Lou Barebone (Samantha Morton): No-Maj leader of the New Salem Philanthropic Society, a group devoted to exposing witches and wizards.

Credence Barebone (Ezra Miller): Adopted son of Mary Lou. He keeps to himself and has a very strange haircut.

THE PLOT

Newt Scamander arrives in New York City with a magical suitcase full of magical beasts, which he studies in his career as a magizoologist. While attempting to catch an escaped niffler, Newt encounters Jacob Kowalski, a No-Maj who accidentally takes the magical suitcase home. Jacob agrees to help Newt find the rest of the escaped creatures but not before Tina gets involved. Tina, a disgraced Auror, is determined to get back in the good graces of MACUSA, but theyre not really having it because American wizards arent supposed to interact with No-Maj.

Story continues

Meanwhile, Percival Graves, MACUSAs Director of Magical Security, is investigating a series of unsolved magical incidents at the behest of President Seraphina Piquery. Are these incidents just wizards messing around, or is something darker at work? This is all in addition to the growing notoriety of the New Salem Philanthropic Society, whove been giving speeches and handing out pamphlets about the dangers of magic.

NEW VOCAB WORDS

No-Maj: Theres a good chance you know this one already, given the amount of ~controversy~ it caused when J.K. Rowling first announced it about a year ago. No-Maj, pronounced no-madge, is the American word for Muggle. Its like how British people call underwear pants, but way worse.

MACUSA: This is an acronym for Magical Congress of the United States of America, pronounced mah-coo-sah. Think of it as the American version of the Ministry of Magic, though even more out of touch with reality - MACUSA law prevents wizards from interacting with No-Maj in any way.

Obscurial: An obscurial is the dark force/creature created when a wizard child suppresses their magic. It kind of looks like the Smoke Monster from Lost.

Occamy: If you have not actually read the Fantastic Beasts textbook and have difficulty understanding Eddie Redmaynes oh-so-British accent, then you might go the entire movie not knowing what any of the major beasts are actually called. The occamy is the peacock-esque bird creature that can shrink or expand to fit its environment.

Erumpent: This is the one that looks like a glowing rhinoceros and goes on a rampage through Central Park.

JOHNNY DEPP

Earlier this month, Deadline reported that Johnny Depp had been cast in the first Fantastic Beasts sequel and would have a cameo in this movie, but didnt say who (or what) hed be playing. If you dont want to know, skip this part, but if you do - big spoiler alert - here you go: Johnny Depp is Gellert Grindelwald. Grindelwald, you may remember, is the Dark wizard who was a friend and colleague of Albus Dumbledores until he went power-mad while looking for the Deathly Hallows. Second only to Voldemort in terms of evilness, Grindelwald ended up in the wizard prison Nurmengard after Dumbledore defeated him and became the new master of the Elder Wand. It would be an even bigger spoiler to explain how exactly Grindelwald fits into the events of Fantastic Beasts, but suffice it to say that you have not seen the last of him or Johnny.

HOW IT RELATES TO HARRY POTTER

Fantastic Beasts takes place about 70 years before the events of the original Harry Potter novels, and while it doesnt totally relate to Harry and the gang right now, its clear that J.K. Rowling is laying the groundwork for a bigger connection in future movies (there will eventually be four more). In addition to the aforementioned appearance of Grindelwald, theres a reference to Dumbledore, who during the events of the movie is a professor at Hogwarts. Theres also a moment where Newt mentions a Hogwarts friend named Leta Lestrange, with whom he used to be close until they drifted apart because in his words, people change. Its not yet clear how shes related to Bellatrix, but that last name definitely isnt a coincidence. Thank Merlin for the sequels!

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BRAZZAVILLE (Reuters) - Congo Republic has lowered oil and gas royalty rates under a new petroleum code approved by parliament as part of efforts to encourage investment in new exploration, an oil ministry official said on Friday. Under the new law, oil royalties are being reduced to 12 percent from 15 percent previously and gas royalties have been cut to five percent from 15 percent, said Brice Sebastien Poaty, legal advisor at the ministry. "Most of our fields have arrived at maturity. We needed to try to develop them because these fields still contain oil reserves," Poaty said. "We also must explore for oil deep offshore. That requires big investments." The new oil and gas law, which must now be enacted by President Denis Sassou Nguesso, also bans gas flaring, requiring instead that excess gas be channelled into industrial projects. New production sharing agreements must also reserve a 15 percent stake for private Congolese companies. That stake is 25 percent for projects aiming to relaunch production on old fields, Poaty said. Companies operating in Congo Republic include France's Total, Italy's ENI, London-listed Tullow and the U.S. firm Chevron. (Reporting by Christian Elion; writing by Joe Bavier; editing by David Clarke)
House Speaker Paul Ryan on Thursday all but guaranteed a relatively modest lame duck session of Congress with his announcement that lawmakers would approve another short-term extension of spending authority through late March to avoid the possibility of another government shutdown. By kicking the can down the road again, the speaker postponed all the heavy lifting until after President-elect Donald Trump takes office early next year.

Ryans decision, announced to members of Congress the same day that Vice President-elect Mike Pence conferred on Capitol Hill with Republican and Democratic leaders, ends an element of suspense over whether GOP congressional leaders would press to cut one last big spending deal with outgoing President Obama, or leave major decision-making on defense and domestic spending policies for the remainder of the fiscal year to the new Republican power structure in Washington.

Related: Here's What Could Scuttle Trumps Big Spending Plans

In a move to simplify the post-election legislative session while placating arch conservatives unwilling to take the chance of Obama extracting some last minute concessions, Ryan announced a stopgap spending bill through March 31 to keep the government spending roughly at last years levels. Without action now, government spending would run out Dec. 9.

Ryan and his lieutenants said that the short-term extension would allow Trump and his budget advisers to have more input in funding the government through the remainder of the fiscal 2017 year that runs through next Sept. 30. I think the new, incoming government would like to have a say-so on how spending is allocated," Ryan told reporters.

But some, including House Appropriations Committee Chair Hal Rogers (R-KY) fear the leadership is making a big mistake by postponing final action on current year spending levels, instead of clearing the decks for the new Republican Congress and White House.

House Democratic leader Nancy Pelosi of California said that another continuing resolution would perpetuate uncertainty among federal workers and taxpayers about government funding and add to the chaos of the returning Congress. "They're making a big mistake for themselves, she said, according to Reuters. They're going to have a kettle of fish in March that they can't even imagine.

Story continues

Related: Five Things Trump Wants to Do That Liberals Would Love

Indeed, while maneuvering over spending issues during the next several weeks will be fairly pro forma, the fiscal chess board will rapidly begin to expand in January when Republicans begin the task of tearing down many of President Obamas most cherished policies and implementing an evolving Trump-GOP agenda.

The Republican takeover of both branches will come at a time of renewed concern about runaway spending, as the national debt steadily inches up towards a record $20 trillion. Many conservative lawmakers, including the chairmen of the House and Senate Budget Committees, and government spending watchdogs are clamoring for new approaches to balancing the budget and controlling long-term entitlement growth.

And while the Republicans retained a sizeable majority in the House, 247 to 188, the GOP majority in the Senate shrank slightly. Republicans will now hold a slight edge over the Democrats, 51 to 48, with one more seat to be decided in Louisiana before the end of the year. There are a few major things the Republicans can accomplish on their own without Democratic support, including dismantling many of the key elements of the Affordable Care Act using a byzantine budget process called reconciliation.

But Republicans will ultimately discover that it will be impossible for them to pass many other measures without Democratic support, because of the constant threat of a filibuster in the Senate that would require at least 60 votes to overcome.

Related: Ryan Declares GOP Has a Mandate to Enact Sweeping Changes

Unified Republican control of Congress and the executive branch provides potential for significant changes in fiscal policy, Edward Lorenzen, a senior policy advisor for the Committee for a Responsible Federal Budget, wrote in a memorandum provided to the media Thursday. The budget process provides Republicans in Congress tools to enact parts of their agenda over Democratic opposition. However, there are limits on what can be done through the budget process [in the Senate] with 51 votes.

Enacting their agenda through the budget process will require some difficult choices that they have been able to avoid in the past and ultimately will require bipartisan support to achieve many of their goals, he added.

Heres a brief summary of some of the heavy lifting awaiting the new Congress in January:

New budget resolutions  Passing just one budget resolution often can be a nightmare for the party in power because of the many conflicting interests, but passing two in the same calendar year may be unprecedented. Yet that is precisely what the new Republican leadership appears to have in mind heading into the new year.

Related: Despite Differences, President Obama Asks Americans to Unite Behind President Elect Trump

Last December, Republicans used arcane budget reconciliation rules in the Senate to push through legislation dismantling the Affordable Care Act with a simple majority vote instead of a 60-vote super majority typically required. President Obama vetoed that legislation, but it turned out to be a GOP dress rehearsal for another budgetary assault on Obamacare in January. And this time Trump will be in the Oval Office to sign the legislation.

House Republicans will almost certainly resurrect a fiscal 2017 balanced budget resolution to use as the vehicle for dismantling the heart of the Affordable Care Act. But that would be followed by a fiscal 2018 budget resolution with fresh reconciliation instructions in order to push through Trumps major tax cuts or reductions in entitlement spending, to make good on GOP pledges.

Replacing Obamacare  Dismantling Obamacare will be the relatively easy part for Republicans and Trump. Figuring out what to replace it with will be infinitely more difficult. Some of the replacement provisions discussed by Republicans include a refundable tax credit, expanded use of Health Savings Accounts and high-risk pools for individuals with pre-existing medical conditions.

However, there is nothing approximating a consensus among House and Senate Republicans and the Trump camp. Ryan and other House Republicans are promoting their Better Way plan, but Senate Republicans and Trump are not on board. As they did before during their practice run last December, Republicans will include a provision in the reconciliation package postponing repeal for two years, to give them time to hammer out a compromise alternative.

Related - Trump Proposes $1 Trillion for Infrastructure Without Raising Taxes

Tax Reform  Trump and his Republican allies in Congress are eager to push through major tax cuts and reforms next year, and the drive for that may come sooner rather than later. Most of the tax reforms would be enacted through reconciliation, although there are a number of Senate rules that may make that difficult, especially because they would substantially reduce revenues over the coming decade and likely drive up the deficit.

House Ways and Means Committee Chair Kevin Brady (R-TX) has publicly declared that tax reform must be revenue neutral over ten years, but that may be difficult to pull off because both Trumps and Ryans competing tax proposals would substantially reduce government revenues.

One of the key issues in the budget resolution will be what revenue level is assumed in the budget and what target is set in reconciliation instructions for tax reform, Lorenzen explained. That decision will dictate what can and cannot be done in tax reform and the trade-offs that will be necessary.

Lifting spending caps  Sooner or later, the two parties will have to make some hard decisions over long-term spending  and whether to lift the statutory restriction on defense and discretionary domestic spending or keep them in place. Under current law, the fiscal 2018 spending levels are scheduled to decline in nominal terms from the fiscal 2017 levels, which would make it very difficult to pass appropriations bills at that level.

During the campaign, Trump called for a major boost in defense spending beyond the caps, which experts say would cost $450 billion. He has suggested offsetting the costs with additional reductions in domestic programs, but Democrats arent likely to support such a move unless spending was increased as well for domestic programs.

Related: Dueling Trump and GOP Tax Plans Would both Cause Much Larger Deficits

Debt Ceiling  With the national debt currently at $19.84 trillion and rising, Republican leaders and the new president will find themselves stuck with the unpleasant task of raising the legal debt ceiling for borrowing by the Treasury. Raising the debt ceiling is typically one of the most onerous tasks because the party in power inevitably is blamed by the minority for recklessly encouraging more borrowing.

Congress passed legislation suspending the debt limit in 2015, but it will be reinstated on March 15. The Treasury can avoid breaching the debt limit by using extraordinary measures for several months, but Congress will need to pass legislation raising the debt limit by late summer or early fall.

The need to increase debt limit increases pressure for action on a plan to reduce deficits, Lorenzen wrote. While the need to raise debt limit can be blamed on the legacy of Obama, it will be hard to get support for increasing debt limit if the deficit is still projected to grow without action to control it.

Top Reads from The Fiscal Times:
By Laila Kearney

(Reuters) - The youngest son of U.S. Representative John Conyers was found safe on Friday after his disappearance in Texas earlier this week triggered a search that included police, the FBI and Secret Service.

Carl Conyers, 21, a student at the University of Houston, was located by university authorities at his Houston apartment complex at about 1 a.m. CST, a city police spokesman said.

Conyers, who had last been seen on Tuesday, was interviewed by detectives and released to family, the spokesman said.

Investigators still are seeking to determine where Conyers had been and why he abruptly cut off contact with family and friends.

Conyers' mother, Monica Conyers, told KHOU-TV that her son was in need of a shower and had not eaten when he was located but was in otherwise good condition.

Houston police did not immediately return a request for comment.

His mother said Conyers told roommates he "had a bad day" the day he went missing, KHOU reported.

He was last seen on Tuesday afternoon by his roommate at their Houston apartment, police said. On Wednesday, messages were sent from Conyers' social media account to his girlfriend, Daisha Lewis, and several friends asking them to meet him at the university, Lewis told WWJ Newsradio in Detroit. The friends met at the campus, she said, but Conyers did not show up.

Lewis said the friends then went to Conyers' apartment where they found that his identification card, debit card and some clothing were gone, while his car, phone, computer and other items were left behind.

John Conyers, a Democrat who represents Michigan's 13th congressional district and is the longest-serving current member in Congress, had asked for privacy on Thursday while his family worked through what he called "this situation of uncertainty."

Houston police led the investigation into Conyers' disappearance and the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Secret Service helped in the search.

A private search and rescue group, Texas Equusearch, is also involved in the search.

(Reporting by Laila Kearney; Editing by Daniel Wallis and Bill Trott)
The maker of three pro-style gas range models sold exclusively through Costco is warning owners that the oven racks could fall when pulled out to remove the cooked food, posing a burn hazard.

Duro Corporation, the manufacturer of the pro-style NXR ranges, issued the warning in conjunction with Costco after the safety issue was discovered in Consumer Reports testing labs. We also notified the Consumer Product Safety Commission.



Costco, which sells the NXR ranges only online, immediately stopped selling them after being contacted by Consumer Reports. The warehouse club chain will notify owners via email and phone calls today about the problem with details on the fix to come.



The NXR ranges involved are the NXR Pro 3051, the NXR Pro 3651 and NXR Pro 4851, all of which share the same design, and started selling in June 2016.

Unlike most ovens, in which the baking racks slide in and out of metal grooves with stops, the NXR Pro models have metal brackets with gliding supports in two fixed positions on each side. The glides have metal pegs on top that secure the racks.

The problem, as Consumer Reports discovered in its test labs, is that there are also several open grooves with no mechanical stops to prevent the rack from extending too far. So if you use the rack in one of these positions and pull it toward you, it can easily fall down, possibly spilling the cooked food and burning you. (See video.)



What If You Own This Range?

Duro told Consumer Reports that it will replace the brackets on the NXR ranges with the open slots. It plans to begin shipping the replacement brackets directly to consumers by the end of the month. The fix should take a few minutes and does not require tools, the company says.



The fixes wont be made in time for Thanksgiving, when consumers may adjust oven racks to accommodate a large turkey. That means owners of the models involved should only place the racks on the gliding supports and not use the open slots over the holidays.

Story continues

"While we have not received any reported cases of injuries from our oven racks, we are choosing to be proactive in sending redesigned oven rack brackets to all our valued customers who own an NXR Pro," said Saban Chang, president of Duro.



About 500 of these ovens have been sold, and no injuries have been reported or complaints posted on saferproducts.gov. It is the only model among the 100-plus ranges in our range ratings to pose this potential safety risk, including two different NXR ranges from previous tests.



The email from Costco warns consumers of the potential burn hazard, advises them to only use the racks in the positions with the gliding supports, and not to move the racks to other positions. It also explains that a fix is on the way and lists a phone number to call for further information.



Duro will also retrofit any unsold ovens so they have three glides. Newly manufactured models will have the three glides already installed and come with two racks.

For its tests, Consumer Reports paid $2,200 for the 30-inch NXR Pro 3051, which is less than half the price of most pro-style models in our ratings. When our secret shopper receives the replacement parts, our experts will evaluate whether the fix solves the safety issue. At that point we'll update the story.







More from Consumer Reports:

Top pick tires for 2016

Best used cars for $25,000 and less

7 best mattresses for couples





Consumer Reports has no relationship with any advertisers on this website. Copyright  2006-2016 Consumers Union of U.S.
Brasilia (AFP) - As Brazil's biggest ever corruption probe creeps higher up the political food chain, there are signs that Congress could be looking for a way to bring it to an end.

The probe codenamed operation Car Wash has already seen charges or convictions brought against some of Brazil's most powerful figures, ranging from ex-president Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva to the current Senate speaker and leading business executives.

They're accused of participating in a mammoth embezzlement scheme in which businesses bribed politicians or illegally paid into their party campaign funds in order to secure inflated contracts at state companies, especially oil flagship Petrobras.

But for members of Congress, dozens of whom are named in Car Wash inquiries, the operation may be getting too close for comfort.

The heat could soon grow even fiercer for Brazil's elite with an expected plea bargain between prosecutors and Odebrecht, the construction company at the heart of the pay-to-play scheme with Petrobras.

"Without doubt this is worrying and it explains attempts to limit the investigations. There are a lot of people with problems with Car Wash," said Onyx Lorenzoni, a deputy in the lower house with the DEM party.

- Escape route? -

"The closer the investigations get to those in power, the more reactions there'll be. If there's less impunity, those who imagine themselves as untouchable will try to create mechanisms to block the investigations," Roberto Veloso, president of the Association of Brazilian Federal Judges, told AFP.

Ironically, one of these measures could be a proposed law toughening anti-corruption rules.

The measure would stiffen penalties for undeclared donations to political campaigns. However the sting in the tail is that the law would not apply retroactively, effectively giving the parties already suspected of receiving dirty money an amnesty.

But the idea is popular in Congress where fear of operation Car Wash is rampant.

Story continues

"If you criminalize all those using (slush funds) you're going to take out this entire political generation," an official with one of the main parties, who asked to remain anonymous, told AFP.

- Battle with judges -

The Senate president, Renan Calheiros, is one of the highest profile names in the Car Wash crosshairs.

A major scandal blew up in the capital Brasilia last month when federal police arrested four Senate police officers who'd allegedly been sweeping for listening devices planted by prosecutors.

Calheiros was furious and called for pension schemes to be cut for judges who are found guilty of violations during their service. The prosecutor general, Rodrigo Janot, shot back that this could lead to criminalizing judges for their work.

The Senate is also looking into public sector salaries, a move that is widely seen as aimed at hurting the tough judiciary.

"This is aimed at Car Wash," said Veloso, the head of the judges' association.

Meanwhile, the lower house has shelved for now a bill that sought to give amnesty to executives if their businesses admit guilt and aid investigators.

"If this bill is approved in the middle of the night... it will allow amnesty for crimes investigated by Car Wash," prosecutors said in a notably strong statement.
CHARLESTON -- State workers across Illinois put pressure on Republican Gov. Bruce Rauner to negotiate in demonstrations at 120 worksites.

The demonstrations Thursday were organized by the American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees (AFSCME), which represents about 38,000 state employees.

A state labor board ruled Tuesday that contract negotiations are stalled. On Wednesday, Rauner's administration said it intends to implement a 40-hour workweek, instead of 37.5 hours, and a merit-pay system as soon as possible.

Rauner estimates his plan will save Illinois $3 billion over four years.

AFSCME says health insurance premiums will double and workers' wages will be frozen for four years.

State employees in the Mattoon and Charleston area sought to voice their frustrations with the recent Illinois Labor Relations Board decision along with the other rallies across the state Thursday.

Rita Haupt, a Department of Human Services caseworker, was one of many who would be feeling the effects of the decision and, in turn, Rauner's terms. She said she rallied with the other state employees in the area at the corner of Douglas Street and Lincoln Avenue in Charleston because she is worried about being able to afford Rauner's terms.

Haupt said the terms will make it that much more difficult to pay health insurance premiums, which some say are expected to double, along with dealing with a four-year wage freeze also detailed in the terms. Haupt and her husband are both state employees who would see the effects of the decision made by the labor board.

Renee Kerz, AFSCME Eastern Illinois University chapter president, said these terms are major hit to state employees like her who to pay these additional health costs with no expectations of a raise in the near future.

"Our premiums go up. Our co-pays go up," Kerz said. "In turn, we will be working to pay for our health insurance a lot."

AFSCME staff representative Michael Wilmore said AFSCME is still wanting to negotiate the terms but Rauner's refusal to do so along with the board decision will jeopardize state employees.

"We are here to say we are not done talking about this," Wilmore said at the local rally.

People from Eastern Illinois University and Department of Human Services along with other local state agencies were out in full force at the corner to voice their frustrations with what has happened recently, garnering support from numerous people in cars honking as they passed by.

In Springfield, workers chanted "2-4-6-8, Rauner should negotiate." In downtown Rockford, about 75 workers picketed.

AFSCME plans to appeal the labor board ruling. If they lose, workers can vote on whether to strike.
LIMA (Reuters) - Countries that signed the Trans-Pacific Partnership (TPP) free trade pact have said at the APEC summit in Lima they could focus on the China-led Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP)if TPP does not move forward, United States Trade Representative Michael Froman said on Friday.

The perception that the United States is pulling back on free trade is creating a void China is willing to fill, Froman said in a briefing with reporters. He said partners in the region have told him they want U.S. leadership on trade but could also consider a pact based on TPP without the United States.

(Reporting by Mitra Taj; Writing by Caroline Stauffer; Editing by Andrew Hay)
Fans of The CWs Crazy Ex-Girlfriend were crushed when co-star Santino Fontana (Greg) left the show last week, four episodes into Season 2. (RIP, #TeamGreg.) But star/co-creator Rachel Bloom (Rebecca) says Gregs exit  or should we call it Gregxit?  was planned all along.

We always knew this is how it would go, she tells TVLine. And we wanted to completely demolish the love triangle. Other shows have love triangles where the other person leaves. But in the back of your head, youre always rooting for Ross and Rachel. We wanted to do something else, to say, No, this just ends.'

RELATEDCrazy Ex-Girlfriends Santino Fontana Exits Midway Through Season 2

Crazy Ex Girlfriend Greg Rebecca Josh

For the first season-plus of Crazy Ex-Girlfriend (Fridays, 9/8c), Greg had competed with his pal Josh Chan for Rebeccas affections. But even Greg realized that his relationship with Rebecca was, as he sang last week, a total stshow. This person has been repeatedly taken advantage of by Rebecca, Bloom says. And he ultimately cant flourish as a person right now, as long as they are both in the same town. Because she will continue to try to seduce him.

Showrunner Aline Brosh McKenna adds that letting the Rebecca-Josh-Greg love triangle drag on any longer wouldnt fit with what we know about Gregs character. In real life, at some point, if you dont learn that this is not a good idea, you become not a smart person, she says. The character would lose respect for himself. It didnt make sense, since hes such a smart guy, that he wouldnt be learning from his lessons.

VIDEOSCrazy Ex-Girlfriends Donna Lynne Champlin Previews Paulas Princess Number

So Greg is gone, and Josh is still keeping his distance from Rebecca. So what does that mean for the show going forward? Bloom hints that we get to spend the next few episodes just focusing on the dynamics between the women, and Rebecca finding out who she is without men. A little Bechdel [Test] going on. And you see the other women grow by leaps and bounds. McKenna says Rebeccas friendship with Paula takes center stage: I would say Rebecca and Paulas love story becomes the preeminent love story in that section.

Story continues

Brittany Snow Crazy Ex Girlfriend

But all that girl power doesnt mean Rebecca has given up on Josh. This week, in fact, Brittany Snow will be coming on, Bloom teases. The American Dreams alum plays Joshs new girlfriend, which causes big problems. It tests the Bechdel between Rebecca and Valencia, she adds with a laugh. They become kind of fixated on it.

Plus, fans should know theres another man about to enter Rebeccas life. Scott Michael Foster (Greek) is joining the cast when the show returns from winter break in January, playing a lawyer who upends Rebeccas professional life. And TVLine will have much more on him in the new year so stay tuned.

Will you miss Greg? Are you ready for a new man in Rebeccas life? Hit the comments, Crazy fans, and let us know where you stand.

Related stories

Supergirl Preview: Jeremy Jordan Exposes Guardian's Fatal Flaw, Predicts Major Fallout With Kara

Arrow Star Stephen Amell Previews Episode 100 ('A Radical Departure') and Its 'Therapeutic' Goodbyes

Vampire Diaries EP and Zach Roerig Analyze Matt's Daddy Issues, Preview His Emotional Road to Closure
DailyFX.com -

Talking Points:

Gold price drop gains momentum after hawkish Yellen comments

Crude oil prices erase OPEC-inspired gains as US Dollar surges

OPEC headline risk, rig count figures in focus into the week-end

Gold prices accelerated downward once again after hawkish comments from Fed Chair Janet Yellen inspired another hawkish shift in the priced-in monetary policy outlook (as expected). The priced-in probability of a rate hike in December now stands at a potent 96 percent and the projected 2017 tightening path is at its steepest in eight months. Not surprisingly, this has undermined demand for anti-fiat and non-interest-bearing assets, punishing precious metals.

Crude oil was unable to escape Yellen-inspired volatility. Prices were on the upswing after Saudi oil minister Khalid al-Falih said he was optimistic about finalizing a deal to cut output agreed to by OPEC members in September. Cartel members are trying to iron out implementation details and cajole Russia  a pivotal non-OPEC producer  into joining the effort before a formal meeting on November 30. The USD-denominated WTI benchmark succumbed to de-facto selling pressure as the greenback soared however, erasing gains to finish the day with a loss.

A lull in high-profile event risk leaves commodities vulnerable as established momentum finds few roadblocks to disrupt continuation. OPEC-related headline risk remains an important consideration however as officials continue to haggle in Doha. An unexpected breakthrough or a decisive breakdown in the negotiations is likely to inspire a response from oil prices and may echo into broader sentiment trends. The Baker Hughes Rig Count measure is also due to cross the wires. The number of active drilling sites fell for the first time since mid-September last week.

See the schedule of upcoming webinars and join us LIVE to follow the financial markets!

GOLD TECHNICAL ANALYSIS  Gold prices have dropped to the weakest level in almost six months, challenging the $1200/oz figure. A daily close below the May 30 low at 1199.55 exposes the 123.6% Fibonacci expansion at 1171.83. Alternatively, a turn back above the 76.4% level at 1234.97 paves the way for a retest of the 61.8% Fib at 1254.50.

Story continues

Crude Oil Prices Drop as Yellen Comments Outweigh OPEC Optimism

CRUDE OIL TECHNICAL ANALYSIS  Crude oil prices are struggling to maintain momentum after launching higher from support near the $43/bbl figure. Near-term resistance remains at 45.90, the 38.2% Fibonacci retracement, with a daily close above that opening the door for a test of the 50% level at 47.05. Alternatively, a turn below triple bottom support at 43.02 targets the August 11 low at 41.08.

Crude Oil Prices Drop as Yellen Comments Outweigh OPEC Optimism

--- Written by Ilya Spivak, Currency Strategist for DailyFX.com

To receive Ilya's analysis directly via email, please SIGN UP HERE

Contact and follow Ilya on Twitter: @IlyaSpivak



original source

DailyFX provides forex news and technical analysis on the trends that influence the global currency markets.

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Starbucks green cup

There's a movement for Trump supporters to get Starbucks baristas to write the president-elect's name on their cups.

On Friday, alt-right Twitter user Baked Alaska challenged his 123,000 followers to go to Starbucks and tell the employees that their names are Trump. The movement was inspired by a video posted on social media of a man apparently being turned away from Starbucks for a similar action.

"We have a culture war to win," Baked Alaska says in a Periscope video, in which he complains about alt-right Twitter suspensions and accuses liberals of making white people and men feel guilty. "If someone is getting so triggered, they can't write Trump on a coffee cup at Starbucks and they're crying liberal tears and they're calling the cops, that's insane."

Operation #TrumpCup



1) Go to Starbucks & tell them your name is Trump



2) If they refuse take video



Pls share & spread the word pic.twitter.com/huPj4g6cqY  Baked Alaska (@bakedalaska) November 18, 2016

According to Baked Alaska, the purpose of asking baristas to write "Trump" on cups is to "trigger SJW" employees (SJW is an abbreviation for social justice warrior, a derogatory term for feminists and progressives). He says that asking to write Trump on the cups is a way to normalize Trump and the alt-right.

The alt-right is rooted in a fringe movement comprised of groups including white nationalists, men's right activists, and reactionaries, who, in the word of Republican strategist Rick Wilson, promote a "white ethno-state." It emerged as a major support base for Donald Trump during the election, especially on social media.

If baristas refuse to write Trump on the cup, Baked Alaska says his followers should take a video and to share it with others online.

Story continues

Starbucks told Business Insider that the coffee chain does not require employees to write or call out names provided by customers.

"Over the years, writing customer names on cups and calling out their names has been a fun ritual in our stores," the coffee giant said in a statement. "Rarely has it been abused or taken advantage of. We hope and trust that our customers will continue to honor that tradition."

The inspiration for the Trump Cup movement stems from a video posted on Twitter on November 7 of a man asking for employees to write "Trump" on a cup. The employees seem to refuse to write "Trump" as the man's name, and are in the process of calling the police.

this is what happens when we go to a store that has liberal employees! @Starbucks this is against y'alls policies! pic.twitter.com/yyH4GCgOJc  FLPrincessSJK (@lollicakesFL) November 8, 2016

On Thursday, the video resurfaced on the conspiracy website Infowars, where it was brought to the attention of Baked Alaska.

Baked Alaska's tweet has been favorited more than 5,000 times and retweeted more than 3,500 times since he posted it soon after midnight on Friday morning.

Since Infowars and Baked Alaska's Trump Cup call to arms, #TrumpCup has exploded on social media.

If we want Trump written on our cups don't call the cops! Feel free to boycott Starbucks after this. Even Kanye wants to #MAGA!#TrumpCup pic.twitter.com/YyFv96dhz0  Irma Hinojosa  (@latinaafortrump) November 18, 2016

Refuses to write Trump on a cup.



Demands Christians to bake cakes for homosexuals.



Lib Logic.#TrumpCup  Deplorable Josh (@JoshNoneYaBiz) November 18, 2016

Some people have pointed out that Trump Cup actually helps Starbucks' business. (Baked Alaska theorized on Periscope that the chain is too large to be impacted by a boycott.)

#TrumpCup Your protesting Starbucks by buying Starbucks?  Bobby A Sabbar (@BASabbar) November 18, 2016

Hey Trumpsters...I love your brilliant idea to protest Starbucks by...buying coffee there! Boy, that'll sure show them!  #TrumpCup  Matthew Chapman (@fawfulfan) November 18, 2016

Starbucks CEO Howard Schultz has long been an outspoken figure when it comes to politics. In September he endorsed Democrat Hillary Clinton for president.

In part because of Schultz's beliefs, Starbucks' cups have become a surprisingly political symbol.

In the week or so leading up to the election, Starbucks debuted a green cup that featured an illustration showing the faces of more than 100 people, drawn with a single continuous line. The cup was intended to encourage unity during what Schultz called a "divisive time in our country."

Instead, many customers were critical of the cups. While some people were simply confused about the color, others accused the coffee chain of "political brainwashing."

NOW WATCH: How to pick the perfect watch for the office and the weekend





More From Business Insider


On Nov 18, 2016, we issued an updated research report on Rhode Island-based pharmacy retail giant CVS Health Corp. CVS, which provides integrated offerings across the entire spectrum of pharmacy care.

CVS Health posted mixed third-quarter 2016 results, with adjusted EPS beating the Zacks Consensus Estimate while revenues missed the mark. The company also anticipates continued margin declines related to both reimbursement pressures and the mix of business. According to management, the recent network changes have made it more difficult to grow share and thereby, offset the ongoing margin pressures in the near term. Hence, 2017 will be a challenging year on the margin front.

It is also disappointing to see the trimmed guidance, which indicates no immediate chance of recovery. The company has lowered its full-year 2016 earnings expectations. It currently expects adjusted EPS in the range of $5.77$5.83 (earlier expectation was $5.81$5.89). The current Zacks Consensus Estimate for earnings is pegged at $5.86 per share for 2016, above the projected range.

Nonetheless, year-over-year growth remained impressive in the third quarter, with the Pharmacy Services segment reaping benefit from growth in the Specialty Pharmacy business while the Retail Pharmacy segment gained from increased same-store sales. CVS Health also expects to benefit from the recently acquired Omnicare and Target in both the near and long term. Additionally, it anticipates market share gain in the specialty pharmacy suite of services with differentiated specialty offerings providing a high level of clinical support to patients.

Meanwhile, according to recent data, 3 million people in the U.S. are currently in need of specialty treatment and the potential cost for this tends to be very high. With management emphasizing that CVS Health's specialty business remains a top priority for customers, we believe it is well positioned to tap this opportunity based on its broad, differentiated offerings, including the likes of Specialty Connect.

Story continues

However, given the highly competitive retail pharmacy business, shareholders of CVS Health anticipate severe threat from the $17.2 billion mega merger between Walgreens and Rite Aid, once the deal closes. Also, the sluggish economic conditions in the U.S. might hamper the company's profit margin.

The stock currently holds a Zacks Rank #5 (Strong Sell).

Key Picks

Better-ranked medical stocks are Nxstage Medical Inc. NXTM, Baxter International Inc. BAX and Bovie Medical Corporation BVX. Nxstage Medical and Baxter sport a Zacks Rank #1 (Strong Buy), while Bovie Medical carries a Zacks Rank #2 (Buy). You can see the complete list of todays Zacks #1 Rank stocks here.

Nxstage Medical surged 31.6% over the last one year compared to the S&P 500s 5.1% over the same period. The company has a four-quarter average positive earnings surprise of 50.00%.

Baxter International rallied 20.9% in the past one year, much higher than the S&P 500s 5.1%. It has a trailing four-quarter average positive earnings surprise of 27%.

Bovie Medical recorded a 126.5% gain in the past one year, way better than the S&P 500s 5.1%. The company has a trailing four-quarter average positive earnings surprise of 28.7%.

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By Subrat Patnaik REUTERS - Three, the smallest of Britain's four mobile phone networks, said late on Thursday hackers had accessed its customer upgrade database after using employee logins. The cyber security breach could put the private information of two-thirds of Three's 9 million customers at risk, the Telegraph said, citing sources familiar with the incident. http://bit.ly/2g0u0s2 Three said it was investigating how many customers were affected and would be contacting them as soon as possible. "This upgrade system does not include any customer payment, card information or bank account information," Three spokesman Nicholas Carter told Reuters in an email. The company, part of CK Hutchison Holdings Ltd, said that over the last four weeks Three has seen an increasing level of attempted handset fraud. "To date, we have confirmed approximately 400 high-value handsets have been stolen through burglaries and eight devices have been illegally obtained through the upgrade activity," Carter said. "This has been visible through higher levels of burglaries of retail stores and attempts to unlawfully intercept upgrade devices." Three men have been arrested in connection with the breach at Three, the National Crime Agency (NCA) said on Friday. A 48-year-old man from Kent, southern England, and a 39-year-old man from Manchester, northern England were arrested on suspicion of computer misuse offences, and a 35-year-old man, also from Manchester, was arrested on suspicion of attempting to pervert the course of justice, the NCA said. All three have been released on bail pending further enquiries, a spokesman said. Britain's data protection regulator fined broadband provider TalkTalk Telecom Group Plc 400,000 pounds ($496,200) in October for security failings that enabled a cyber attack last year, which affected around 4 percent of the company's 4 million customers and cost it around 60 million pounds. ($1 = 0.8061 pounds) (Reporting by Subrat Patnaik in Bengaluru and Paul Sandle in London; Editing by Richard Chang and Elaine Hardcastle)
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The grieving father of a 26-year-old Connecticut man who was recently stabbed to death at a party in New York City spoke through tears as he remembered the son he called a gentle kid.

Story continues

Who does this to a human being? I mean, who would do this to an animal? Pat Comunale said of the death of his son, Joey Comunale, during a Friday appearance on the Today show.

He was a gentle kid, Pat said. When he came over, I always got my kiss. And when he left, I always got my kiss.

Police said Joeys remains were found buried in a shallow grave in Oceanport, New Jersey, on Wednesday  days after he was last seen alive heading to a party at the Grand Sutton, a luxury apartment building in New York City.

James Rackover, 25, and 28-year-old Lawrence Dilione, of Jersey City, New Jersey, have been charged with concealment of a human corpse, second-degree murder and tampering with physical evidence in the mans death, according to the New York Police Department. Dilione faces an additional charge of hindering prosecution in the first degree.

Both men were arraigned early Friday and have not entered pleas. Though they have reportedly both retained attorneys, their counsel could not immediately be reached.

Bail was reportedly set for both men at $3 million bond or $300,000 cash. It was not immediately clear if they remain in custody of posted bail.

That is only the beginning for us. I look forward to what our review of the evidence will reveal, Rackovers attorney, Maurice Sercasz, told ABC7.

Police said Joey was stabbed 15 times in Rackovers fourth-floor apartment in the Grand Sutton early Sunday.

Comunale headed into the city from Connecticut with his friends for the weekend, but parted ways with them and headed to James apartment with three men he had met Saturday night, according to the New York Times.

Joey was last seen on surveillance video entering the building at around 7 a.m. Police allege that he was fatally stabbed in the apartment, and then Rackover and Dilione loaded his body into a car, drove him to the wooded area in Monmouth County, New Jersey, and dug a shallow grave to bury him under a foot of dirt.

Gasoline was found at the grave site, indicating that there was an effort to burn body, New York Police Department Chief of Detectives Robert Boyce said at a recent news conference.

We recovered about 32 pieces of evidence at the  location. We have blood on clothing, substantial, we also have bleach. There appeared to be bleach on that clothing as well in order to cover up the blood, Boyce said. There is blood splatter in the apartment as well  its visible actually.

 Want to keep up with the latest crime coverage? Click here to get breaking crime news, ongoing trial coverage and details of intriguing unsolved cases in the True Crime Newsletter.

Boyce said no motive has been determined, though investigators have reportedly said they believe there was some kind of altercation at the apartment party.

Pat has often broken down in tears when speaking about his son. On Today, he described how Joey surrounded himself with great people.

He judged people not by their possessions, but by their friends. He had great friends, Pat said.

RELATED VIDEO: Man Linked to Celebrity Jeweler Allegedly Murdered Partygoer

Rackover has been linked in media reports to jeweler-to-the-stars Jeffrey Rackover, who has worked with celebrities including Jennifer Lopez and Oprah. The exact nature of their relationship is unclear, but multiple outlets report the men live in the building where Joey attended his party.

Jeffrey could not be reached. The Comunale family has declined to comment.




FBI Errors Cause Courts to Take a Second Look at Convictions

DALLAS, TX / ACCESSWIRE / November 18, 2016 / You don't have to look far to get concrete evidence that the FBI is far from perfect. In fact, the agency flat-out admits it. In a 2015 press release, the nation's top criminal investigation agency stated that "at least 90 percent of the trial transcripts analyzed in its Microscopic Hair Comparison Analysis Review contained erroneous statements."

The press release goes on to state that "these findings confirm that FBI microscopic hair analysts committed widespread, systematic error, grossly exaggerating the significance of their data under oath with the consequence of unfairly bolstering the prosecutions' case."

The admitted errors have caused many courts across the country to reexamine convictions based on analyses of hair samples. If you have been convicted of a crime in federal court and wish to appeal your case, it's important to act quickly. Contact a Texas federal criminal appeal lawyer as soon as possible to discuss your case.

Arkansas Supreme Court Orders Review of Two Cases

Recently, the Arkansas Supreme Court joined several other courts in referring criminal convictions back to lower courts for further analysis. The state's high court sent two cases back to lower courts after receiving notice that the cases involved evidence containing potentially flawed hair analysis.

If the cases contain errors, the court could order the cases reopened. The cases are just two out of over 250 criminal cases across the country identified as containing possible errors based on FBI mistakes.

In one of the Arkansas cases, the defendant was convicted of sexual assault in 1990 based on FBI testimony regarding a hair sample. In the other case, the defendant was convicted of kidnapping and murder in 1979.

In September 2016, the Justice Department said it has adopted a new code of professional responsibility for all of its forensic science laboratories and will no longer use the phrase "reasonable scientific certainty" in court testimony or official reports.

Story continues

Million-Dollar Settlements for the Wrongfully Convicted

However, the change comes too late for numerous innocent people who have been wrongfully convicted based on the flawed hair analysis. In 2016, Santae Tribble received $13.2 million for the wrongful conviction that caused him to serve 27 years in prison for a murder he didn't commit. His conviction, which was based almost entirely on flawed hair analysis, was overturned after DNA testing revealed that none of the hair used in his case belonged to him. In fact, one of the hairs was later identified as dog hair. Tribble, who is now 55, has been told he has just a few years to live due to the HIV and hepatitis he contracted in prison.

Discuss Your Case with a Texas Criminal Defense Lawyer

The hair analysis mistakes made by FBI crime labs continue to send shock waves through the criminal justice system. If you have been charged with a crime, it's important to work with aggressive federal criminal defense lawyers. The lawyers at Broden & Mickelsen are Board Certified in Criminal Law and Criminal Appellate Law by the Texas Board of Legal Specialization.

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COPENHAGEN (Reuters) - An Uber driver in Denmark was convicted on appeal of violating taxi laws on Wednesday and fined 6,000 Danish crowns ($855.10), the latest blow to the ride-hailing app that has stirred protest and legal action worldwide.

Traditional, professional taxi operators regard U.S.-based Uber, which allows customers to book and pay for a taxi by smartphone, as a threat to their livelihoods.

The Danish Uber driver, a male student, was found guilty of failing to meet legal requirements for driving a taxi, the High Court of Eastern Denmark ruled, upholding a conviction issued in July by the Copenhagen City Court.

The High Court said he lacked a permit to drive as an occupation and his car was not registered or licensed as a taxi.

In July, the driver pleaded innocent and argued he had only taken part in car-pooling. It was not immediately known whether he would appeal Friday's verdict to Denmark's Supreme Court.

"We have great respect the Danish system of justice, but are of course deeply disappointed in the verdict," an Uber spokesman told Reuters. "There is a growing recognition of the positive effects of car-pooling, and it is encouraging that modern legislation is being considered in the (Danish) parliament."

In one of many recent legal rulings against Uber, Finland's court of appeal ordered two Uber drivers on Sept. 21 to give up their earnings to the state for not having a valid taxi license.

Earlier this year a French court fined Uber 800,000 euros ($900,000) for running an illegal taxi service with non-professional drivers and slapped smaller fines on two of its executives in the first such criminal case in Europe.

Despite the various operating challenges, Uber has become a highly successful business since its 2009 launch. It is valued at about $62.5 billion and has investors including Goldman Sachs [GS.N] and GV, formerly known as Google Ventures [GOOGL.O].

(Reporting by Nikolaj Skydsgaard; editing by Mark Heinrich)
Location: Plan International Inc., Asia Regional Office Bangkok or other country in Region.

Purpose:

The post holder is responsible for the management, coordination, and resource mobilisation for the Increased Accountability of ASEAN and SAARC to the Realization of Childrens Right to Protection project under the supervision and guidance by the Regional Head of Child Protection. Given the distinct focus of the Project on child protection advocacy by CSO coalitions towards regional bodies for collaboration ASEAN and SAARC, daily management, coordination and support throughout all stages of the Project cycle, including planning, budgeting, documenting and reporting, constitute key responsibilities via a robust M&E framework. The post holder is also responsible for ongoing reporting, financial monitoring and coordination and ongoing flow of communication and exchange of information between civil society actors and country offices involved. The Project Manager will communicate directly with the designated focal NO and other NO representatives involved, while remaining directly responsible and accountable to ARO. Analysis and broader dissemination of the Project outcomes and learning include the other key responsibilities.

Dimensions of Role:

Financial measures or statistics relevant to post such as budget; list of direct and indirect reports

Budget and resource mobilization:

The Project Manager is under the supervision, guidance and support of Plans Regional Head of Child Protection, expected to:

Manage and coordinate the currently confirmed budget of $1 million USD for the period of four years (2016-2019) (under the supervision of Regional Adviser, CRP).

Support the mobilization of a further U$ 2 million USD to ensure project continuation beyond the initial four-year cycle.

Monitor and coordinate financial aspects of the Project, including regular spending, financial and narrative reporting of the project.

Staff Numbers:

The position holders have no direct reports. The Project Manager will establish and maintain ongoing communication with Plan Country Office focal points, relevant individuals/groups and partners in the project, (including CSO Coalitions and member organisations, NO focal points etc. The postholder is managed by and works under technical guidance and supervision of the Regional Head of Child Protection.



Area of Responsibility:

Regional (Asia)





Other statistics:

Member of the following networks:

ARO Child Rights/Protection Network

The Project Manager will contribute to the publications which will be produced under specific activities of the Project, training events to be delivered, selection of the consultants and other external experts engaged.





Typical Responsibilities - Key End Results of Position:

What is done and why, but not how; include indicators for success

Responsibilities

Under the guidance and supervision of the regional Head of Child Protection the Project Manager will be responsible for the following (but not limited to):

Project Design:

monitor and make adjustments to the project design as and when required based on learnings, good practices and increased resources, in line with donor conditions.

Indicators for success: Regularly revised and submitted project work plans.

Project Implementation:

overall responsible for coordinating the development of annual work plans in line with approved project documents (narrative, logframe, and budget) together with partners and other relevant stakeholders.

Indicators for success: Implementation on track and according to work plans.

Monitoring:

monitor implementation; identify and analyze for linkages with ongoing complementary advocacy activities at country level. Overall responsible for reporting to the focal NO in line with FAD, including but not limited to review of partner progress reports

Indicators for success:

Periodic updates on implementation, at the regional and country level collected, assembled and analysed.

Good practice and resources are shared among participating CSO coalitions and Plan COs.

Quality reports submitted on time to the focal NO.

Exchange and learning:

facilitate exchange and learnin among CSOs and COs.

Indicators for success:

Reports, materials, publications and other relevant resources regularly shared among CO staff and CSO partners regularly.

These resources are uploaded onto the regional CSO website.

Advocacy:

explore opportunities to galvanize and support sub-regional level advocacy via CSO coalitions joint effort

Indicators for success:

Opportunities for advocacy are identified and shared.

Child Participation:

support to meaningful child participation within the project.

Indicators for success:

Childrens gatherings are effectively organised.

Platforms for regular exchanges between childrens organisations identified and promoted.

Knowledge management:

ensure that achievements and challenges are properly analyzed, documented and when desirable disseminated

Indicators for success:

Quarterly newsletter produced and shared.

Documentation:

ensure documentation, and dissemination of relevant key documents related to implementation.

Indicators for success:

Quality documents are produced and disseminated in a timely manner.

Networking and peer support:

ensure regular updating and promotion of the Civil Society website

Indicators for success:

The website is regularly updated.

Periodic updates to CSOs and COs on the new resources accessible through the website are shared.

Coordinate communication:

as and when required coordinate with external consultants

Indicators for success:

External consultants supported in their tasks.

Resource mobilisation:

support resources mobilization to make sure that the project can continue beyond the initial three- year period

Indicators for success:

Additional funds successfully raised

Donor compliance:

ensure adherence to donor and Plans project management requirements.

Indicators for success:

Regular reporting as per the donor requirements ensured.

Comply with and promote Plans Child Protection Policy and other relevant organisational policies:

ensure adherence to relevant , particularly Programme Quality Plan internal polices Policy

Indicators for success:

Relevant policies and procedures are followed.

Travel:

regional travel as required for workshops and meetings.

Indicators for success:

Travel reports.

Dealing with Problems:

Complexity of problems handled & the degree of investigation, analysis & creative thinking required solving them:

Delays in compiling information related to the Project implementation due to the delayed/non response from partners

Facilitation of smooth communication with the partners , Country Offices, as well as the NO representatives to avoid confusion and misinterpretations

Ensuring that proper measures are taken for the protection of children in their involvement in the Programme activities

Generate or find new ways of working to cope with internal and external changes affecting programme implementation

Manage the dynamic of relationships which range from intra-offices, inter-offices to external networks.

Effective coordination, communication and team work skills are crucial for dealing with difficulties that might arise.

Communications and Working Relationships:

Contacts: CSO Partners to the project (CRC Asia and NACGs)

Purpose: Informing, consulting, collecting information, facilitating exchange and sharing of Project related activities, resources and lessons learned

Frequency: High

Contacts: Plan Asia Country Offices (COs) involved in the Project

Purpose: Informing, consulting, collecting information, facilitating exchange and sharing of Programme related activities, resources and lessons learned

Frequency: High

Contacts: ARO Child Rights Network

Purpose: Consulting, informing, sharing and exchange of Project related activities, resources and lessons learned

Frequency: Medium

Contacts: ARO Programme Support Mangers and Country Directors of the countries involved in the Project

Purpose: Sharing of information and consulting on different initiatives of the Programme

Frequency: Medium

Contacts: ARO administration, finance and other support service departments

Purpose: Organising different events/meetings and activities of the Programme

Frequency: High

Contacts: Consultants involved in the Project

Purpose: Coordinate the activities entrusted by the consultancy for their successful and qualitative completion

Frequency: Medium

Contacts: NO focal points for this regional Project

Purpose: Engages in regular exchange of information and provides periodic updates

Frequency: High
Before going dancing cost hundreds of dollars, it was a ceremony, a mass of sorts, where people of color and the LGBTQ community gathered to release themselves from the memories and pain of their lives. Those on the fringes (black, latin, transgender and beyond) could congregate and dance together in a safe space, which had been previously illegal in pre-Stonewall era NYC.

While walking down 2nd Avenue in the fall of 1966, David Mancuso happened upon the Fillmore East (the same building that would later become legendary nightclub The Saint) where Dr. Timothy Leary was giving one of his "Turn On, Tune In, Drop Out" speeches. He met Leary that night and the rest was history. After dropping LSD in that environment, he knew he wanted to turn people on and blow people's minds. He initiated experiments with friends where he would gather people together to drop acid. Over time he added music and lights to those adventures. In underground circles, David's counterculture importance couldn't possibly be understated. Many credit him with being the first to put LSD on blotter paper.

David Mancuso was raised in a Children's Home in Utica overseen by an incredibly loving and dedicated nun named Sister Alicia. She would throw birthday parties for all of the children at the home, with balloons, cake and the latest tunes from the local record shop. This was the template that David followed when he began hosting parties in his Soho loft in the late 1960s. His first official private, member-only party was Valentine's Day 1970, and informed by that fateful night with Leary, he was inspired to offer guests an opportunity to experience a unique artistic experience with lights, an ephemeral soundscape, psychedelic accouterments, and a cadre of outsiders who were each a creative force in and of themselves. They joined in a collective experience that offered everyone the revelation and salvation that they were not welcome (based on their outsider status) to receive from their local houses of worship, but which was every bit as soul-fulfilling and spiritual as any church experience could be. That night the dance floor was officially born and the music he cherished and shared became the soundtrack of nightlife. His genre-expansive sets and masterfully designed sound systems remain the gold-standard of DJs and club venues worldwide.

Story continues

Having always felt like an outsider himself, David built a safe haven for those disenfranchised by the prejudices and bigotry of their time; a place where one could be themselves without fear of retribution. For the gay and queer culture, for people of color and for the working class, David's parties -- which became known as "The Loft" or "David's Loft" -- were a sanctuary for those who sought salvation and validation through a shared psycho-acoustic experience.

here is David Mancuso in the late Sixties at his home, 647 Broadway, location of the 1st incarnation of The Loft. #LoveSavesTheDay

A photo posted by Tommie Sunshine (@tommiesunshine) on Nov 14, 2016 at 8:41pm PST

Many renowned artists were part of the core of David's guest list, from John Lennon and Yoko Ono to Grace Jones and Madonna, yet it was understood that there was no celebrity at The Loft, and that you were welcome if you were invited or came as a guest of an invitee as long as you brought positive energy and were open to whatever experiences the night might bring. It is said that legendary DJs Frankie Knuckles and Larry Levan, both still in high school at the time, ran into their juvenile parole officer Robert Williams at The Loft. Williams would later go on to create both The Warehouse and the Music Box in Chicago. As resident of The Warehouse, Knuckles honed his DJ skills to become legendary as the Godfather of House Music, while Levan went on to become the most legendary DJ of the 20th century.

For Mancuso, this was a journey of self-discovery as well. Having been deeply affected by his experiences with Sister Alicia at the Children's Home growing up, he offered his guests an opportunity to let go of their egos and embrace a larger, collective consciousness that valued the life energy in the music and the shared musical experience above all. Before The Loft, most people went out dancing to a club with a band and live musicians. David respected the value of genuine musical talent to such a degree that he obsessed about ways to recreate live performance's sonic and spiritual experience and sought out the highest possible fidelity in sound reproduction. Along the way, he helped to create the "art of the DJ" by introducing the first DJ mixer, which he developed with his friend Alex Rosner, and by experimenting with sonic technology in order to fine-tune the aural experience of his guests.

David spent more than 40 years of his life carrying the message and energy of The Loft forward from Soho to the East Village, with thousands of dedicated revelers, many of whom have gone on to illustrious careers in the music industry, being inspired by his selfless approach to spreading "the medicine in the music."

His parties were responsible for the introduction and development of musical styles that reign pop circles today - house, afro-carribean, jazz, soul, techno and gospel music all have serious roots at The Loft. Were it not for his daring approach to presenting music as medicine for so many of us that were seeking healing, our culture would not have dance clubs nor DJs in today's context at all.

I went to my first party at The Loft in 2009. A friend of mine named Jon Groce brought me and without him I would be telling a much different story. There was one moment frozen in my memory of David playing Eddie Grant's 'Living On The Frontline' which is no easy track to dance to. The floor cleared and I looked to my wife to make sure she wouldn't leave the dance floor. We both went into a trance dancing to that track around a spacious dance floor (which almost never happened while the party was in full force) and towards the end I made eye contact with David, who was smiling ear to ear and gave me a nod of approval for staying the course while so many others fell off.

on repeat. forever. I love you, David Mancuso. #LoveSavesTheDay

A photo posted by Tommie Sunshine (@tommiesunshine) on Nov 14, 2016 at 8:15pm PST

The best part of those seven years was having the opportunity to share a dance floor with people in their seventies alongside children; all of whom were dancing and sharing joy. I've been on many dance floors, but none as diverse and emotionally charged as David's. I count myself a very lucky man to have witnessed such beauty in motion.

David was a man who nurtured virtually every person he encountered in his lifetime. One who always chose integrity over potential profit, who refused to commercialize his venture beyond a point at which the integrity of the party would be sacrificed to the money Gods. On one of his many acid trips, David realized that this entire journey was bigger than him, and he encouraged everyone he met to sacrifice their ego for the greater good -- what we all experienced on the dance floor of The Loft.

What made it that much more attainable for all of us, the outsiders who found our home on his dance floor, was that he refused to ever let it be about him. It is now our responsibility to carry his legacy forward. Those of us who were lucky enough to know David understand that all he wanted in his life was for the party to go on.

Just think about it, dance music DJs, underground club culture and the LGBTQ community worldwide owe an eternal debt to his important contributions. Not only was he one of the key progenitors of what would become the art of DJing and DJ culture, but he provided the blueprint for dance clubs as we know it. There would be no rave, no festival, no EDM without David Mancuso.

In this life, I've always recognized and accepted that we will bury everyone that we love until they bury us. It's a sad and sobering reality we all must face. When I heard the news that David Mancuso had died, I was heartbroken but not sad or surprised. For those of us that who were lucky to know him, it was always understood that this day could and would come at any moment. He wasn't the healthiest and had many demons and struggles. However, he was content and uncompromising. He lived his life fully and on his own terms. He packed more in his 72 years than most all people, and he experienced and accomplished far more than he ever imagined or intended. Those close to him note he'd learned all he needed to learn and had taught all he needed to teach. It was time for David to share his teachings with another realm now.

It's always difficult to say goodbye to someone you love - someone that touched your heart and influenced your life immeasurably. However, we can continue to celebrate David's rich life and lasting legacy through his first love -- the music -- and at the house that he built -- The Loft, which continues to this day. See you in paradise, my friend. Be sure to save a space for me on the dance floor right next to Bowie, Prince, Romanthony, Frankie Knuckles, Larry Levan, Ron Hardy, Loleatta Holloway and Sylvester.

Love Saves the Day <3

I reached out to many people I felt were important for their own unique reasons to say a few words about David. What I received back was extraordinary and I deemed it best left uncut for all to read. Enjoy.

- T.S.

Listen to Tommie Sunshine's "This Is: David Mancuso" Spotify playlist:

Nicky Siano (owner/resident of The Gallery, Studio 54 resident):

"David influenced me more then any other music maker. He didn't play records, he created atmosphere. It was on his dance floor in 1970, when I was 15, that I decided I had to be a DJ. I learned so much from him over our 47-year friendship, his ideas regarding sound and giving a party steered the business at its inception, and they still rule my concepts. I've always considered myself the Mother of dance music, David was the father."

Irvine Welsh (author of Trainspotting):

"Many dance artists are described as the 'godfather' of disco or dance or even acid house. David Mancuso was the godfather of rave. His parties, under the Loft umbrella in New York City, were instrumental in establishing the DIY ethos that pervaded the very best of every subsequent dance music genre. They instilled the idea that the dance party, at its highest expression, was, in an increasingly monolithic commercial world, an essentially political act and its pleasures were best enjoyed illicitly and underground. Mancuso understood that great music both needed -and deserved- a great scene. He was a cultural giant and we owe him loads."

Arthur Baker (producer for New Order & Afrika Bambaataa):

"This AM waking up to the news of maestro David Mancuso's passing at around 5 am immediately threw me right back to another early morning, this one navigating the streets of NYC, following Judy Weinstein and Bobby Shaw (I think) from the Paradise Garage to our final destination; The Loft. I remember entering and being directed through cascading balloons straight to the DJ area. Wasn't really a booth, more like a captains quarters on a handmade sail boat, and David was that captain, a calm before the storm. We exchanged first greetings and I think he was playing "Rock Creek Park" maybe-sounding like it never had before. I hadn't brought any music to give him as most of my tracks of the time were too aggressive for The Loft, which was fine for me, I went there to get away from it all. David will be greatly missed as will the times, the civility and the music he represented."

Dimitri from Paris (Grammy nominated DJ/producer):

"What really strikes me in David Mancuso's life's work is that he was more of a philosopher than a DJ. One that was using records, music, rather than words to get his vision through.

There was always a sense of purpose to what he was doing. He dedicated his life to making the concept of The Loft, a place where people of various life paths, could safely get together, congregating around the music he would orchestrate. It was not solely about entertaining people and sending them home happy. It was also about changing the way they'd feel about themselves, and those around them. It was about, sending love, healing through music. The highest sound fidelity he was striving for was providing a warm cocoon for his people.

The pause he would leave between each piece of music, would leave time for people to reflect, on themselves, on the others around them. I believe he succeeded in his mission. People can let their guard down with music, whereas they'll more likely stay impervious to words. We have a lot to learn from this. He used to say, and think, that "Love Saves The Day", I think this motto is more than ever relevant, in the rougher everyday, times we're going through."

Frankie Bones (Storm Rave founder, creator of PLUR):

"Mancuso's approach of invite only and members only to The Loft was pretty much instrumental, like the music itself, when I first threw raves in New York City. 'Hey, invite all your friends over and listen to loud weird music all night long.' David was the master of doing just that."

Bill Brewster (djhistory.com, co-author of Last Night a DJ Saved My Life):

"David Mancuso was the first. Without his input into how a sound system should work or exquisite taste in dance music that influenced a whole generation of New Yorkers, disco and therefore dance music would not sound the same as it does today. Without him, there would have been dance music, but it would have undoubtedly sounded less rich and more impoverished than it does today."

Danny Rampling (DJ/producer, Shoom founder)

"David Mancuso a perfectionist of sound and great taste in music. Grateful to have danced to David in London at the Loft parties on a couple of occasions. No mixing -- just an individual approach playing records from start to finish with outstanding flow. A risk taker and a hero to so many DJs. The original New York loft party pioneer who has given the world and nightlife so much through his creative vision and passion for the party. A master of the DJ craft. Thank you for the music. RIP"

Greg Wilson (music journalist, Hacienda resident)

"Not a DJ, but the musical host -- an enigmatic selector of esoteric grooves, who, via his Leary connections, links psychedelia and disco. You can't overemphasize his legacy -- he was there at the dawn of club culture as we've come to know it. The fact that the great and the good of New York's DJ community of the 70s and 80s cite The Loft as a crucial influence says it all -- he sent out the ripples that would later become waves. I wrote a piece about The Loft and highlighted those connections between psychedelia and disco. I spoke to David to check out some facts, and it meant a great deal to me for the piece to receive his personal endorsement when it was published on The Loft's website. This connection provided a missing link between two countercultural areas previously regarded by many as polar opposites. Through David's legacy, people learnt, and are still learning, that there was a lot more to disco than had previously met the eye."

Derrick Carter (DJ/producer, Classic Recordings owner):

"I only met him twice. Once Wade Hampton was part of a party being thrown at his space and we went in and had a very good time. I think I played for a little while and was really careful about the sound system. He was super courteous and even sat and spoke with me for a while. The second time he was sitting out on the sidewalk somewhere and he remembered me and we chatted for half-an-hour about life and dreams."

Oscar G (DJ/producer, Murk founder):

"A pioneer in so many ways. I was lucky to hear him play Funky Green Dogs "Reach For Me" at an incarnation of The Loft. One of the most memorable nights of my life."

Wade Randolph Hampton (Hardkiss Music):

"To be quite honest, I damn near had PTSD from working on California parties during New Music Seminar at the Limelight in the years before I met Dave Mancuso. Walking into The Loft in 1993 to throw our first party there was like going to group therapy for all that chaotic time spent working in a bad Batman movie. Dave allowed us to do what we do without the inherent pitfalls of the big megaclub system. It was the caliber of authentic impresario education that I'd always expected to get from New York City. And so, Dave Mancuso will remain the architect and the rest of us will always just be the students. And I'm eternally grateful for this arrangement.

The Loft is the genesis of Rabbit in the Moon and Hardkiss Music. We all met that day and danced at The Loft until sunrise. David Christophere and Steve McClure brought hand stamped test pressings of the original Out of Body Experience EP to my party and our lives pretty much changed forever. I did five nights straight that year and got to know Mancuso well enough to he likely would always shoot me straight. So when he told me it was a great year, but nothing in this room has ever sounded like that Hardkiss night. Well, I can't even imagine how that made me feel about the record we were about to sign to our label. Everything was certainly in it's right place, for sure.

Keoki and I going to The Loft after Robots was always the best. There were times when Dave and Scott Hardkiss reminded me a lot of each other. Right down to the way they loved to play records long as fuck; the beginning, middle and end better be good because I'm playing the whole damn thing. Do you know how few DJs can get away with that? Both of them had this incredible way of layering in the drama. Leveling, over and over. Creating false ceilings so you thought you were there, but then there was really more room somewhere else in those stunningly simply cabinets. For a room that simple to be able to present records with that kind of drama and impact... without all the pomp and circumstance. Now you're boiling this down to the root elements. Yes, his sound being a huge part of that but nobody could top the authenticity of his crowd. Nobody. And that was a palpable reverence for what he had already accomplished long before most of us kids arrived. It verified that everything I had learned at the Starck Club and actually came from a very real school of thought about how to throw a real party. Dave's mantra stitched neatly into Starck's DNA, in part from our own Texan Mancuso type -- Mr. Kerry Jaggers, who was working in New York in the late 70s and early 80s before returning as the first DJ at Starck. Still reeling from those early years myself and trying to make sense of how Dallas came to be, this was a really cool epiphany to see how much of it actually was Mr. Mancuso's vision. And for once, this was not about Studio 54."

Nita Aviance (The Carry Nation):

"Experiencing the Loft in the early stages of my life as a DJ, when I was really learning what the craft was all about, is something I will cherish forever. Love and respect for the music and each other is the ultimate message you walk away with, and David made a place for everyone on that dance floor no matter what age, race, gender or sexual orientation; we were all one under the disco ball. The catharsis of the dance was so powerful and satisfying that upon leaving I often wondered if I ever needed to dance again... knowing full well I could never ever stop. He will be truly missed."

Cosmo Baker (DJ/activist):

"The thing about David is that I knew him before I knew him, all through the records that he championed. So many songs that I love and that are engrained as the soundtrack to my life, he was responsible in bringing them to light for me. And as a DJ, I've always tried to honor his philosophy in letting the strength and purity of the music be what I lead with. I'll miss you David. I hope they're playing War's "City Country City" on the most amazing sound system for you when you get there."

Craig Roseberry (artist manager, KID Recordings):

"To me, David was more than just a seminal, influential and elusive figure in the development of DJing and underground club culture, he was family - a true friend and mentor. I'm incredibly fortunate to have known and spent real time with him. He was a real character, to say the least. He was difficult, stubborn, uncompromising, extremely private and somewhat fragile. He had an unbelievably fascinating, yet difficult, life but remained humble. He could be incredibly warm, especially if you connected with him. He shared so many wonderful stories with me about NYC, the gay underground scene, as well as, the beat movement. He was right at the epicenter of so many revolutionary movements that emerged throughout the late 50's and 80s, it's astonishing. He was truly one of the last of a dying breed - an old New York revolutionary and outsider who would become one of the founding fathers of a movement that continues to reverberate, expand and reinvent itself today."

Jon Martin (member of The Loft family):

"Rest In Power my brother, mentor and friend. You left an indelible mark and made the world a better place, with kindness and humility the likes of which most of us can only aspire to.

To all my Loft brothers and sisters, know that I am here to help however I can. I love you all and you're each in our prayers as we process this incredible loss. Thank you David Mancuso."

Maurizio Morselli:

"I met him in Brooklyn in a discotheque where they didn't want to let me in because I was too young. It was in the mid-70s, maybe '73, and I looked like a little kid. I had no ID so a big to-do erupted and this guy Dave (Mancuso) came out and talked to the guys at the door to let me in. He was very kind and was interested in my Italian roots and we danced and I got very drunk. Probably the one of three times I can remember where I got wacky wacky drunk... then he invited me to a party on Broadway."

Vito Fun (DJ/producer):

"Although I was too young to ever go the The Loft, I spent many hours in my friend's apartment with two of The Loft's remaining speakers and vinyl. On Friday nights, Loft veterans would gather, smoke weed and take turns flipping records on the platter. Our friend Alex Funk hand-built a tube amp to power the speakers and the fidelity was unreal. You could hear every non-quantized drum and every rough vocal with a clarity that is scarce to find in the best modern day sound systems and focus-group dance hits. The Loft was truly shaping the blueprint for modern dance music. The face of angst has always been punk rock, but for me it has always been house music. House music is how people dealt with their stress, they took their problems to the dance floor. Listening to the music of The Loft was a glimpse into problems only my parents understood from a city I've lived in my whole life. Loft people were always happy when I was there, a sponge soaking up their dance floor history as they tried to describe the euphoria they got from a handful of quaaludes."
This Immigrant Doctor Is Reimagining Health in the American City

WEST HOLLYWOOD, Calif.Living with HIV has its own challenges, but advocates say outdated laws mean the illness stigma is putting people living with HIV behind bars.

Thirty-three states have laws that criminalize knowingly exposing or transmitting HIV, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Most of these laws took effect in the early years of the HIV and AIDS epidemic; advocates say they do not take modern advances in treatment into consideration and that many statutes criminalize actionssuch as spitting, biting, or external exposure to bodily fluidsthat pose almost zero risk of transmitting the disease. For example, in 2008, an HIV-positive homeless man in Texas was sentenced to 35 years in prison after a court ruled that spitting at a police officer meant he used a deadly weapon when harassing a public servant.

We have had these awful laws on the books for almost 30 years. They made no sense then, and they make absolutely no sense in 2017, said John Duran, a West Hollywood city councilmember who is HIV-positive. We have case-by-case conversations where advocates and attorneys have to get in there and work to prevent unjust results from occurring.

Duran spoke at a panel discussion Wednesday that featured members of Californians for HIV Criminalization Reform, a coalition of advocacy groups including the American Civil Liberties Union and Equality California. West Hollywood is a Los Angeles enclave beloved by the LGBT community, one where rainbow flags fly over many shops and the annual Pride Parade attracts thousands.

The Ryan White Comprehensive AIDS Resources Emergency Act, or the CARE Act, was signed into law in 1990. It provided states with money to fund treatments for the disease if they certified that their criminal laws supported prosecuting HIV-positive people who knowingly exposed another person. Such laws were often proposed with the intent of helping prevent HIV transmission, but advocates point to research that shows the opposite may be true. Criminal laws have not been effective in reducing rates of HIV infection, according to a 2013 national study published in the American Journal of Public Health. The study also found that these laws may provide a disincentive for people to get tested, as most HIV-positive people are subject to prosecution only if they know they have the disease.

Story continues

The National HIV/AIDS Strategy for the United States, released by the Obama administration in 2010, recommends state legislatures review their criminal statutes to ensure that they are consistent with promoting public health and current information on the disease.

In many instances, the continued existence and enforcement of these types of laws run counter to scientific evidence about routes of HIV transmission and may undermine the public health goals of promoting HIV screening and treatment, the report says.

From 1988, when the laws were enacted, to 2014, ninety-five percent of all HIV-related criminal incidents in the state of California affected people engaged in or suspected of sex work. California is the only state to have comprehensive state-level data on who is affected by these laws, according to Ayako Miyashita, director of the Los Angeles HIV Law and Policy Project. She says trans women are particularly vulnerable because of the phenomenon known as walking while trans, in which trans women are suspected of prostitution by law enforcement when they are just going about their day.

She may be engaged in everyday activities, meeting a friend, going out to dinner, Miyashita said. These are scenarios Ive heard from women Ive spoken to, and theyre still being picked up by law enforcement on suspected solicitation.

Women and minorities are disproportionately affected by these laws in California, according to a 2015 study by UCLA and the California HIV/AIDS Research Program. Black women and white women make up 4 percent and 3 percent, respectively, of the population of people diagnosed with HIV in California, but 21 percent and 15 percent of the population of people who had contact with the criminal justice system related to the disease. In comparison, white men make up 40 percent of the HIV-positive population in California, but only 16 percent had contact with the criminal justice system because of the disease.

As a person who was born HIV-positive, any crimes I commit are that of any other person, not as a person with HIV, Nestor Rogel, a member of Californians for HIV Criminalization Reform, said during the panel. I dont think anyone should be punished further than having the virus.

Take the Pledge: Dont Be Silent: Take the Pledge to Be an Ally for Racial Justice

Related stories on TakePart:





 Why Its Time to Dismantle HIV Criminalization Laws

 30 Gay Men Face Decade in Prison for Having Sex While HIV-Positive

 The Worldwide Fight Against HIV/AIDS Just Scored a Major Win

Original article from TakePart
Six-year-old Joey Flores felt a bit left out when his father, who's deployed overseas with the Navy, was unable to attend his schools annual Lunch with Dad day.

But little did he know, he wasn't going to miss out.

Chief Pablo Flores, a meteorologist and oceanographer, was deployed just months after the family moved into their new home in Corpus Christi, Texas. He had been gone for two months, but to little Joey, it felt like forever.

Hes been very emotional since his dad left, Margaret Flores, Joeys mom, told InsideEdition.com.

Read: Watch 7-Year-Old Boy Break Down inTears When His Navy Officer Dad Returns Home Early

Mrs. Flores considered other male figures in her sons life, such as his grandfather or uncle, to attend the luncheon but what he really needed was his father.

So she decided that FaceTime would be the best idea for the two spend some much needed father-son quality time.

I told my husband to stay up due to the different time zones, said Flores. I didnt want Joseph to feel alone or left out.

As the day arrived, Joey couldnt contain his excitement. According to Mrs. Flores, he asked repeatedly why his mother had arrived to his school.

Once she connected the FaceTime, Joey was completely shocked, a smile never leaving his face.

His older sister, Clarisse Flores, took photos and videos of the luncheon.

Read: How Veterans Are Protecting War Memorial After It Was Vandalized More Than 30 Times

During the call, he was ecstatic; he kept showing all of his friends and making silly faces with his dad, Flores said.

Mrs. Flores said due to the loud noise through the cafeteria, Joey was unable to hear what his dad was saying.

It was as if the two were in a muted conversation just like old black and white movies but it was such a cute interaction, said Flores.

When it was time to end the call, little Joey was said to say goodbye. Joseph misses him so much; its been tough on him, said Flores.

Story continues

The adorable pair truly shows there is no greater love than that of a father for his son.

Watch: Military Dad Pretends to Video Chat with Deaf Daughter for Surprise Homecoming

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Https%3a%2f%2fblueprint-api-production.s3.amazonaws.com%2fuploads%2fcard%2fimage%2f289995%2fgettyimages-618312666

For designers, dressing the First Lady has long been a surefire way to increase brand visibility. But when Melania Trump enters the White House, Sophie Theallet won't throw her hat in the ring.

Theallet, a French designer who immigrated to the United States in the mid-1990s, pledged never to dress Melania in an open letter posted to her Twitter account on Thursday.

"As someone who celebrates and strives for diversity, individual freedom and respect for all lifestyles, I will not participate in dressing ... the next First Lady," she wrote.

SEE ALSO: Melania Trump doesn't want your pity for her 'boy-like' husband

Theallet went on to admit that while her vow was not necessarily the best economic decision for her brand, her values  and the values of her company  took precedence.

"We value our artistic freedom and always humbly seek to contribute to a more humane, conscious and ethical way to create in this world," she explained.

"I encourage my fellow designers to do the same," she added.

Theallet has dressed First Lady Michelle Obama on several occasions, including for the Obamas' Independence Day BBQ in 2011.

U.S. President Barack Obama and First Lady Michelle Obama deliver remarks at an Independence Day barbeque for members of the armed services and White House staff and their families on the South Lawn of the White House on July 4, 2011 in Washington, D.C.

Image: kevin dietsch-pool/Getty Images

Read her full letter below.

Open letter | Sophie Theallet | November 17th, 2016 pic.twitter.com/g1hIAyBmdF  sophie theallet (@sophietheallet) November 17, 2016

[H/T: The Cut]

BONUS: Social media is obsessing over Michelle Obama's state dinner dress
As per Reuters, Germany banking giant Deutsche Bank AG DB is likely to shut down its brokerage business in Poland, operating as DB Securities S.A. The move is in sync with the banks restructuring efforts to fortify its capital position by streamlining operations. In addition, weak performance of Warsaws stock market also led to the probable decision.



The domestic stock market has declined nearly 6% in 2016, succeeding a fall of around 20% in 2015. Further, the market turnover decreased to $39 billion in the first 10 months of 2016 versus $225 billion for full-year 2015.



Reuters cited four banking industry sources familiar with the matter. One of the sources noted that the bank might face difficulties during the process as it has to collaborate with the Polish Financial Supervision Authority (KNF). Deutsche Bank has to seek a buyer, which could over take its existing retail clients in Poland.



Further, another source stated that it was Deutsche Bank that initiated price war in brokerage commissions in Poland many years ago, by slashing the commission to nearly half. Also, the source mentioned that the brokerage unit is one of the smaller players in Poland, currently serving nearly 30,000 accounts.



Deutsche Bank has been undertaking several initiatives under its strategy 2020 to improve the overall business performance. Among such initiatives, the company is streamlining its global footprint by offloading unprofitable businesses and shedding non-core assets to free up capital. The bank has been contemplating to sell the whole of Deutsche Bank Polska to ease available capital. (Read more: Deutsche Bank Contemplates Sale of Business in Poland)



Recently, in Sep 2016, the bank inked a deal to sell its Argentine subsidiary  Deutsche Bank S.A  to Banco Comafi S.A. Financial, to reorganize global operations. Also, it signed a deal to sell its UK insurance business, Abbey Life, to Phoenix Life Holdings Limited, to boost its capital position.



Deutsche Banks potential exit follows the Katowice-based ING Bank Slaski S.As decision to back out from Poland brokerage business. Similarly, among other foreign banks mulling to exit from the nation, General Electric Company GE entered a deal to sell GE Capitals major stake in Poland-based Bank BPHs Core Bank to state-owned lender, Alior Bank.



Our Viewpoint



We expect Deutsche Banks top-line growth challenges to ease, as the company is expediting Strategy 2020 efforts. The company is making progress in several areas, including building capital strength, reorganizing its investment banking and retail businesses and further investing in controls and resilience. We believe that gradual achievements in the strategy will support bottom-line expansion going forward.



Deutsche Bank currently carries a Zacks Rank #3 (Hold). You can see the complete list of todays Zacks #1 (Strong Buy) Rank stocks here.



Other stocks that warrant a look in the foreign bank space, include Bancolombia S.A. CIB sporting a Zacks Rank #1 and Banco de Chile BCH holding a Zacks Rank #2 (Buy). Bancolombia and Banco de Chile have long-term expected EPS growth rate of 2.53% and 5.04%, respectively.



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To read this article on Zacks.com click here.



Zacks Investment Research
* Debt securities trading made Deutsche global heavyweight

* Bank now examining retrenchment from business

* Decision due early 2017, U.S. mortgages first up - sources

By Arno Schuetze, Kathrin Jones and Mariana Ionova

FRANKFURT/LONDON, Nov 18 (Reuters) - Deutsche Bank is looking to cut its loan securitisation business further starting with repackaged U.S. mortgages, two people familiar with the matter said, as the lender braces for a large fine in the United States for alleged mis-selling of such debt.

A final decision about this core business is set to come early next year, the people said, and securitisation cutbacks could become a central part of an expected strategic overhaul at the bank, once U.S. authorities have settled on a penalty.

As well as rolling back the repackaging and resale of U.S. mortgages, European car loan securitisation and other areas may also be cut, the people said, adding that management were still debating the scale of the reductions.

"We have already shrunk the business over the last two to three years," a person with direct knowledge of the bank's plans said. "It could shrink a lot more. Not only sales and trading, but also in origination."

Such a move would mark a retreat from a core business that helped Deutsche become one of the most dominant investment banks in the world before the financial crash. Now, the International Monetary Fund considers it a big risk to the financial system.

Deutsche Bank declined to comment.

Germany's flagship lender is among the top six investment banks globally in securitisation, according to research group Coalition. The asset-backed Securities (ABS) market in the United States alone was worth almost $2 trillion in 2015.

But tougher regulation following the financial crash has made it more expensive for banks to trade such complex securities as they tie up more capital.

Compounding Deutsche's difficulties, the U.S. Department of Justice has demanded it pay up to $14 billion to settle claims it misled investors when selling mortgage-backed securities in the United States before the crisis.

Story continues

FALLING RETURNS

Despite its insistence the final fine will be less, Deutsche Bank's stock price fell by almost a quarter in the two weeks that followed the U.S. demand, dragging down many of its rivals.

Deutsche Bank is one of the most high profile cases in the United States. It had a 6.4 percent share of the U.S. residential mortgage-backed securities market before the crash, according to rating agency Moody's.

U.S. investment bank Goldman Sachs, which had a slightly larger share of the U.S. mortgage-backed securities market than Deutsche, reached a settlement of roughly $5 billion over similar allegations.

In paring back its presence, Deutsche is responding not only to tighter regulation but also tougher market conditions. Banks are now sometimes required to hold more than a fifth of the value of such securities as capital to guard against losses, making it more expensive than many other forms of banking.

That prompted banks to shift from trading parcels of loans to helping clients create such securities as a way of raising finance. But competition in this sector is stiff and Deutsche Bank has struggled to get a foothold, market players said.

Although it has largely recovered in the United States, the European market for asset-backed securities - securities based on pooled loans such as mortgages, car loans or consumer credit - is only half the size it was before the crash in 2008.

While trading such securities has been a money spinner in the past, one of the people said Deutsche's track record was mixed: "We don't always have the right level of returns."

Paring back securitisation would be in line Deutsche Bank Chief Executive John Cryan's pledged to get out of unprofitable businesses.

(Writing by Arno Schuetze and John O'Donnell; editing by David Clarke)
By Arno Schuetze, Kathrin Jones and Mariana Ionova

FRANKFURT/LONDON (Reuters) - Deutsche Bank is looking to cut its loan securitization business further starting with repackaged U.S. mortgages, two people familiar with the matter said, as the lender braces for a large fine in the United States for alleged mis-selling of such debt.

A final decision about this core business is set to come early next year, the people said, and securitization cutbacks could become a central part of an expected strategic overhaul at the bank, once U.S. authorities have settled on a penalty.

As well as rolling back the repackaging and resale of U.S. mortgages, European car loan securitization and other areas may also be cut, the people said, adding that management were still debating the scale of the reductions.

"We have already shrunk the business over the last two to three years," a person with direct knowledge of the bank's plans said. "It could shrink a lot more. Not only sales and trading, but also in origination."

Such a move would mark a retreat from a core business that helped Deutsche become one of the most dominant investment banks in the world before the financial crash. Now, the International Monetary Fund considers it a big risk to the financial system.

Deutsche Bank declined to comment.

Germany's flagship lender is among the top six investment banks globally in securitization, according to research group Coalition. The asset-backed Securities (ABS) market in the United States alone was worth almost $2 trillion in 2015.

But tougher regulation following the financial crash has made it more expensive for banks to trade such complex securities as they tie up more capital.

Compounding Deutsche's difficulties, the U.S. Department of Justice has demanded it pay up to $14 billion to settle claims it misled investors when selling mortgage-backed securities in the United States before the crisis.

FALLING RETURNS

Despite its insistence the final fine will be less, Deutsche Bank's stock price fell by almost a quarter in the two weeks that followed the U.S. demand, dragging down many of its rivals.

Story continues

Deutsche Bank is one of the most high profile cases in the United States. It had a 6.4 percent share of the U.S. residential mortgage-backed securities market before the crash, according to rating agency Moody's.

U.S. investment bank Goldman Sachs, which had a slightly larger share of the U.S. mortgage-backed securities market than Deutsche, reached a settlement of roughly $5 billion over similar allegations.

In paring back its presence, Deutsche is responding not only to tighter regulation but also tougher market conditions. Banks are now sometimes required to hold more than a fifth of the value of such securities as capital to guard against losses, making it more expensive than many other forms of banking.

That prompted banks to shift from trading parcels of loans to helping clients create such securities as a way of raising finance. But competition in this sector is stiff and Deutsche Bank has struggled to get a foothold, market players said.

Although it has largely recovered in the United States, the European market for asset-backed securities - securities based on pooled loans such as mortgages, car loans or consumer credit - is only half the size it was before the crash in 2008.

While trading such securities has been a money spinner in the past, one of the people said Deutsche's track record was mixed: "We don't always have the right level of returns."

Paring back securitization would be in line Deutsche Bank Chief Executive John Cryan's pledged to get out of unprofitable businesses.

(Writing by Arno Schuetze and John O'Donnell; editing by David Clarke)
President-elect Donald Trumps choices for leadership posts threaten national unity and promise to turn back the clock on progress for racial, religious and sexual minorities, civil rights leaders and others said Friday after his nomination of Sen. Jeff Sessions for attorney general.

Comments attributed to Trumps picks, also including alt-right architect Stephen Bannon as senior adviser and chief strategist and former Army Lt. Michael Flynn as national security adviser, serve to embolden everyday Americans to lash out at members of minority groups, they said.

Sessions, of Alabama, was denied a federal judgeship in 1986 after hearings in which he was accused of making racially charged remarks as a U.S. attorney. According to transcripts, Sessions was accused, among other things, of joking that he thought the Ku Klux Klan was OK until he learned they smoked marijuana, and of calling a black assistant U.S. attorney boy. During the hearing, Sessions denied making some of the comments and said others were jokes taken out of context.

Every American should be concerned about the direction of the U.S. Department of Justice and oppose any nominee who threatens to turn back the clock on civil rights by 50 years, said National Urban League President Marc Morial.

Bannon led the Breitbart website, which has widely condemned as racist, sexist and anti-Semitic. In a 2011 radio interview, he said conservative women infuriated liberals because they would be pro-family, they would have husbands, they would love their children, contrasting that against a slur for lesbians.

Trump campaign manager Kellyanne Conway has called the accusations against Bannon very unfair.

Lennie Gerber, an 80-year-old resident of High Point, North Carolina, who led the fight against her states ban on same-sex marriage, said she worried Trumps appointments will further incite such sentiments among the public.

Story continues

Saying that kind of thing incites the racism and the anti-gay feelings in everybody else and says youre free to express these things, Gerber said. These people whove been suppressed by the positive transformation that has gone on over the last few years are now feeling free to express themselves.

Civil rights leaders are calling on Trump to rescind Sessions nomination or for the Senate to reject him. Sessions requires Senate confirmation as attorney general, as does Kansas Rep. Mike Pompeo for CIA director, but Bannon and Flynn do not.

In August, Flynn spoke at an event in Dallas for the anti-Islamist group Act for America, calling Islam, a religion with 1.6 billion adherents, a political ideology and a cancer.

Unfortunately, these very important picks in his administration send a troubling message indicating that the bigotry we saw expressed in the campaign will continue, said Ibrahim Hooper, spokesperson for the Council on American-Islamic Relations.

Aside from comments and actions attributed to the nominees, their lack of diversity worries civil rights leaders. Trump has said he planned to reward loyalty, and demonstrated such with his nomination of Sessions, who was the first senator to endorse him.

Washington attorney A. Scott Bolden said Trump is 0 for 4 on diversity. All four of his picks so far are white men.

The scariest part of his potential administration will be how his political debts to the alt-right will manifest itself in his administration and policies, Bolden said. Jeff Sessions is one of those manifestations  to be in control not only of justice in America, but really to bring injustice to America.

Daniela Lapidous, a 22-year-old Jewish woman who works to fight climate change, called Bannon a misogynist and anti-Semite and an anti-climate extremist. She said she never before felt the need to fight anti-Semitism, but now thinks that she must.

Ive been somewhat convinced that anti-Semitism isnt a thing in the United States anymore, but this past year, with Trump and Bannon, its made me scared about that for the first time in my life, said Lapidous, who lives in San Francisco.

The Rev. Jeffrey Brown, associate pastor of the Twelfth Baptist Church in Boston, said he is not happy with Trumps choices so far, particularly Sessions.

I hear people complaining that we should give the Trump administration a chance, Brown said. Its very clear by his appointments that hes not going to give a lot of communities in the United States that same chance.

Elaine Walton, an African-American resident of New Orleans, said she had deep concerns. Her most visceral reaction to Trumps picks? Fear. How is he going to be the top watchdog for the country when hes so biased?

I think those people cannot lead him, advise him on how to lead this country forward, she said. They are going to advise him on how to lead the country backwards.
James Otis, 52, was charged Thursday with a single count of felony vandalism for destroying Donald Trumps star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame.

Otis has admitted attacking the star with a pick-ax and a sledgehammer in the early morning hours of Oct. 26, in protest of Trumps alleged sexual assaults. He also took the brass medallion at the center of the star.

Hes a serial liar and a misogynist, Otis said at a press conference following the incident. I admitted my mistakes, and Im now dealing with my consequences, unlike Mr. Trump who has never admitted what hes done, nor has he gotten his consequences. Thats why I destroyed the star. I broke the law.

People can make a difference by voting and not destroying public property, Leron Gubler, president/CEO of the Hollywood Chamber of Commerce, which administers the Walk of Fame, said in a statement after Otis was arrested.

Otis is scheduled for arraignment on Friday. The charge carries a maximum sentence of three years in county jail, though that is unlikely in this instance.

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Donald Trump has gone on a hiring spree, his team announced Friday morning, after a week of reports his presidential transition was in disarray.

Trump offered Alabama Sen. Jeff Sessions the job of attorney general, Retired Lt. Gen. Michael Flynn national security adviser and Kansas Rep. Mike Pompeo CIA Director. All three have accepted the positions.

Sen. Sessions has been a close ally of Trumps since February, when he became the first sitting senator to endorse the then-candidate. Hes a lawyer known for his hardline stance on immigration, which puts him in harmony with many of Trumps views on the topic. In a press release, Trump called Sessions a world-class legal mind and said he is greatly admired by legal scholars and virtually everyone who knows him.

Sessions would need to be confirmed by the Senate for the Attorney General post. While sitting senators are generally afforded swift confirmation hearings, Sessions brings unique baggage to the role of Attorney General, which oversees Justice Department efforts to ensure the protection of civil rights. Sessionss nomination by President Ronald Reagan to be a federal district judge in Alabama was rejected on a bipartisan basis by the Senate Judiciary Committee in 1986 over concerns he made racially-charged statements while a U.S. Attorney. Sessions denied that he made the comments at the time.

With the support of my Senate colleagues, I will give all my strength to advance the Department [of Justice]s highest ideals, Sessions said in the press release, accepting the nomination.

Flynn marks another tap by Trump out of his close circle of loyal campaign advisers. As national security adviser, which is not a Senate-confirmed position, Flynn, the former head of the Defense Intelligence Agency under President Barack Obama, will have the new presidents ear on the countrys military and foreign policy efforts. Flynn is one of the foremost experts on military and intelligence matters and he will be an invaluable asset to me and my administration, Trump said.

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Flynn had stark disagreements with the current administration and has a history of controversial comments about Muslim world. Fear of Muslims is RATIONAL, he tweeted in February. Flynn has also taken money from Russia Today, a state-backed television network aimed at influencing the West with Russia-friendly spin on the news.

Pompeo, a Republican who represents the Kansas 4th District, is a member of the House Intelligence Committee, and was a member of the House Select Benghazi Committee. He endorsed Trump after first backing Florida Sen. Marco Rubio, but his embrace of the President-elect was never enthusiastic. He will also need to be confirmed by the Senate. He will be a brilliant and unrelenting leader for our intelligence community to ensure the safety of Americans and our allies, Trump said.

Trumps presidential transition has been off to a rocky start, as TIME reports in this weeks magazine.

Read More: Inside Donald Trumps Chaotic Transition
During the 1990s, two amateur historians, Neil Howe and the late William Strauss, developed a new theory of American history in two books, Generations: the History of Americas Future (1991), and The Fourth Turning: An American Prophecy (1997). They identified an 80-year cycle in American history, punctuated by great crises that destroyed an old order and created a new one.

Though their theory is not widely taught in colleges or discussed in the media, Strauss and Howe may well play a major role in Donald Trumps administration. Stephen Bannon, the former head of Breitbart News who has been appointed Trumps chief strategist in the White House, is very familiar with Strauss and Howes theory of crisis, and has been thinking about how to use it to achieve particular goals for quite a while. I know this because Bannon interviewed both Neil Howe and myself in 2009 while he was making a documentary film about the ongoing financial crisis. The film, called Generation Zero, discussed those ideas in some detail.

Bannon focused on the key aspect of their theory, the idea that every 80 years American history has been marked by a crisis, or fourth turning, that destroyed an old order and created a new one: The great crises identified by Strauss and Howe included the era of the American Revolution and the Constitution (1774-1794); the Civil War and its immediate aftermath (1860-68); and the Depression and the Second World War (1929-45). Doing the math, they predicted another great crisis sometime in the first 15 years of the 21st century.

Strauss and Howes major prediction has now obviously come true: Few would deny that the U.S. has been in a serious political crisis for some time, marked by intense partisan division, a very severe recession, war abroad and, above all, a breakdown in the ties between the country and its political establishment.

I was one of very few professional historians to become interested in the work of Strauss and Howe, and I incorporated their insights into books on the origins of the Vietnam War and Franklin Roosevelts role in leading the nation into World War II. I have also incorporated their theory into analyses of European history and current events. I must admit that I did not know exactly what I was getting into when Bannon, who was then working at the conservative group Citizens United, contacted me to ask me for an interview, but I appreciated any chance to discuss Strauss and Howes ideas and the crisis that was by then indisputably upon us. Bannon is both intelligent and charismatic, and he clearly enjoyed our interview as much as I did. In the finished film, he used my interview perfectly fairly, without attempting to give it his own extreme right-wing slant.

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The power of Strauss and Howes theory of crises comes from its lack of a specific ideology. My own interpretation of it is that the death of an old political, economic and social order creates an opportunity for any determined movement or leader to put a new vision in place. To use the most striking example, both the United States and Germany were in the midst of a terrible economic and political crisis in 1933. The United States turned to Franklin Roosevelt and the New Deal; Germany turned to Adolf Hitler and National Socialism.

In 2009, when Bannon and I met, I hoped that Barack Obama and the Democratic Congress would use the economic crisis of our own age to revive the values of the New Deal. Bannon obviously had other ideas about where the crisis would lead.

Get your history fix in one place: sign up for the weekly TIME History newsletter

As it turned out, Obama failed to embark on a New Deal. He evidently believed that there was nothing fundamentally wrong with our system and that it could be fixed with only marginal adjustments. Late in his term, he told David Remnick of The New Yorker that Presidents could not, in fact, remake American society, and that that was a good thing. That differentiated him from Lincoln and FDRand also from todays Republican Party.

Since at least 2000, in my opinion, the Republican Party has managed to seize and generally keep the initiative during our current crisis precisely because it is the revolutionary party of change, while the Democrats are essentially the party of the status quo. The Republican stance goes back, of course, to the early career of Newt Gingrich in the 1980s. (Gingrich was interviewed at great length in Generation Zero and is evidently destined for a very high position in the new administration. John Bolton, another possible Secretary of State, is also interviewed.) Meanwhile, House Speaker Paul Ryan has been dreaming for years of undoing Medicare and Social Security. The opportunity to do so has now come.

Trump, Bannon and the rest of the Trump campaign have already managed to destroy the old political order. Trump wiped out a slate of traditional Republican candidates and has won the White House, despite losing the popular vote. Meanwhile, a ceaseless Republican political offensive at various levels of government has given Trump an entrenched majority in the House of Representatives and a small majority in the Senate. Soon the conservatives will have a majority on the Supreme Court.

What will they do? Their rhetoric and personalities, viewed in the context of Strauss and Howes theory of crisis, suggest that they will not be bound by existing precedents and that they will rely on their own view of the heroes and villains of our time.

Generation Zero slanted the story of the economic crisis rather cleverly. On the one hand, plenty of contributors pointed out that greed and shoddy banking practices had brought about the economic collapse, but the ultimate blame is placed on liberals, bureaucrats and established politicians. And just as Republican politicians and commentators have done for the last seven years, many of the contributorsspeaking at the dawn of the Obama administrationpictured a horrible fate under Barack Obama, featuring economic catastrophe and attempts to impose socialism.

This, however, is one of the terrible things about crisis periods: many people will believe almost anything. The United States faces a terrible crisis right now even though our economy is much improved from eight years ago and we are not involved in a large war. And the Republican Party and Donald Trump are poised to take advantage of it. In my opinion, Trump, Bannon, Gingrich, Ryan and the rest will use their opportunity during the next year or two to undo as much of the Democratic legacy as they cannot only the Obama legacy, but that of FDR and LBJ as well.

Meanwhile, however, two other dangers lurkone of them embodied in my most vivid memory of my own encounter with Bannon.

When I was first exposed to Strauss and Howe I began thinking how their ideas explained the histories of other countries as well, and during our interview, I mentioned that crises in countries like France in the 1790s and Russia after 1917 had led to reigns of terror. Bannon included those remarks in the final cut of Generation Zero.

A second, more alarming, interaction did not show up in the film. Bannon had clearly thought a long time both about the domestic potential and the foreign policy implications of Strauss and Howe. More than once during our interview, he pointed out that each of the three preceding crises had involved a great war, and those conflicts had increased in scope from the American Revolution through the Civil War to the Second World War. He expected a new and even bigger war as part of the current crisis, and he did not seem at all fazed by the prospect.

I did not agree, and said so. But, knowing that the history of international conflict was my own specialty, he repeatedly pressed me to say we could expect a conflict at least as big as the Second World War in the near or medium term. I refused.

Apocalyptic rhetoric and apocalyptic thinking flourish during crisis periods. This represents perhaps the biggest danger of the Trump presidency, and one that will bear watching from all concerned citizens in the months and years ahead.

The Long View

Historians explain how the past informs the present

David Kaiser, a historian, has taught at Harvard, Carnegie Mellon, Williams College, and the Naval War College. He is the author of seven books, including, most recently, No End Save Victory: How FDR Led the Nation into War. He lives in Watertown, Mass.
MANILA (Reuters) - Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte has lashed out at the "hypocrisy" of the West for closing borders to an exodus of refugees he said he would welcome to his country and accept until it was "filled to the brim". In a short documentary broadcast Thursday by Al Jazeera, Duterte lambasted critics for complaining about his deadly war on drugs and railed at the United States for "bullying" that he said someone had to stand up to. He accused Washington of double standards and said where human rights were concerned the Philippines was in the same league as the United States, where "bigotry is very much alive" and where police kill innocent people, not drug pushers. In interviews crammed with expletives, the 71-year-old former mayor spoke warmly of Beijing and Moscow, describing Chinese President Xi Jinping as "a very courteous person" and Vladimir Putin as a man who was sincere. Commenting on the refugee exodus that has plagued Europe, Duterte said Western countries had failed those most in need and the Philippines, a developing country of 100 million, was willing to take them in. "They can always come here, and will be welcome here, until we are filled to the brim," he said. "It's all right. We will survive. I say send them to us. We will accept them. We will accept them. They are human beings." Since he was elected in May, Duterte has been shaking up the Philippines and scoring high approval ratings, despite his hostility towards ally the United States and an anti-drug campaign that has killed more than 2,400 people. Many of the deaths have come during police operations to arrest suspects, but some are believed to be the work of vigilantes. Duterte denied responsibility for unleashing a wave of vigilante killings and denied that gunmen were hired by authorities to carry out hit-and-run killings. But he said he would take the law into his own hands if his own family members were killed, saying, "I will kill you." Asked if that meant he was encouraging vigilantism, he responded: "Yes I am encouraging. So what's wrong now?" Duterte said he was "pissed off" hearing criticism from the West about his drugs crackdown. "If I look like a bad boy to them I really do not give a shit," he said. "Who are they to me? They are nothing." (Reporting by Martin Petty)
Stockholm (AFP) - Music icon Bob Dylan is expected to come to Stockholm next spring, as the winner of this year's Nobel prize in literature will skip the award ceremony in December, a Swedish academy member said on Friday.

Sara Danius, permanent secretary of the Swedish Academy, told public Swedish radio that she received confirmation from Dylan's manager.

"Then he will have an excellent opportunity to hold his lecture," Danius said. Holding a lecture is the only requirement for the Nobel laureate and must be done within six months starting from December 10.

The Swedish Academy said the American song writer might perform in the Nordic nation next year.

"There is a chance that Bob Dylan will be performing in Stockholm next year, possibly in the spring, in which case he will have a perfect opportunity to deliver his lecture," it said in a statement.

On Wednesday, the academy announced that Dylan would skip the Nobel ceremony because of "pre-existing" commitments.

"He wishes that he could accept the award personally, but other commitments make it unfortunately impossible. He underlined that he feels incredibly honoured by the Nobel prize," it said.

Asked on October 28 by Britain's Daily Telegraph newspaper if he would attend the Nobel prize winners' banquet, Dylan said: "Absolutely. If it's at all possible."

But the American song writer's decision not to attend the Nobel ceremony does not come as a surprise.

The 75-year-old didn't say a word about his prize on the day it was announced on October 13 when he was performing in Las Vegas.

Dylan, whose lyrics have influenced generations of fans, is the first songwriter to win the literature prize, although experts bet on writers such as Salman Rushdie, Adonis or Ngugi wa Thiong'o.

Nobel laureates are honoured every year on December 10 -- the anniversary of the death of prize's founder Alfred Nobel, a Swedish industrialist, inventor and philanthropist.

Several other literature prize winners have skipped the Nobel ceremony in the past for various reasons -- Doris Lessing on grounds of ill health, Harold Pinter because he was hospitalised and Elfriede Jelinek due to social phobia.

The value of the prestigious award this year amounts to 8 million kronor ($870,000).
One of the more troubling discoveries during the 2016 U.S. presidential campaign was just how casual Republican candidate Donald Trumps attitudes about nuclear weapons really were. His commitment to unpredictability as a strategy, his private statements that nuclear weapons should be used if we have them, and his conviction that nuclear proliferation is inevitable could, if they evolve into actual policies, create a much more dangerous nuclear world. Although Trump agreed with Hillary Clinton that nuclear is the single-greatest threat, his alternative approaches could dramatically expand those threats. In Northeast Asia, which already combines nuclear potential with long-standing enmities, the consequences could be deeply dangerous.

To be fair, Trumps campaign was more notable for bombast than nuance and policy development will await his political appointments over the next few months. But if two of the positions he claimed on the campaign trail turn into actual policy  that allies should shoulder more of their defense burden and that nuclear proliferation is inevitable  security in Northeast Asia is likely to become much more tenuous. Together these have led Trump to conclude and declare that acquisition of nuclear weapons by Japan and South Korea is a solution to North Koreas nuclear weapons. These outrageous statements are probably what prompted South Korean President Park Geun-hye and Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe to be among the first to phone the president-elect for reassurance.

Trump first raised eyebrows last spring when he began suggesting that the United States was spending too much defending its allies. Trump called NATO, a treaty almost as old as he is and one that is widely regarded as the linchpin of European defense, obsolete.

And in a New York Times interview in March, Trump said he would be willing to withdraw U.S. forces from Japan and South Korea if they did not substantially increase their contributions to the costs of housing and feeding those troops. This was accompanied by the suggestion that he would be willing to let both countries develop their own nuclear forces to defend themselves against North Korea.

When pressed on his statements in a town hall meeting in March, Trump responded: Its going to happen anyway. Its only a question of time. Theyre going to start having them, or we have to get rid of them entirely.

Such an approach would reverse more than four decades of hard-won U.S. (and now global) nuclear nonproliferation policy, and ignores the commitments of Japan and South Korea under the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty not to acquire nuclear weapons. Holding Asia, with its particular set of threats, to these commitments has not always been easy. The United States spent considerable effort walking back covert nuclear weapons programs in Taiwan and South Korea in the 1970s. South Korean dictator Park Chung-hee  father of the current president  began his nuclear weapons program in response to U.S. troop withdrawals, exactly what Trump promises today on a grander scale.

In the 1970s, however, South Korea faced only a conventional threat from North Korea  albeit one potentially backed by Chinese nuclear weapons. Today, North Koreas nuclear weapons program is unfettered and accelerating at an alarming rate. In 2016 alone, North Korea conducted two nuclear tests and over 22 ballistic missile tests. While North Korean claims of having a hydrogen bomb are greatly exaggerated, there is little question that the North is advancing toward much more powerful, perhaps even boosted, fission weapons.

So far, South Korea has responded by improving conventional missile ranges, continuing exercises with the United States, and installing missile defenses that have aroused Chinese criticism. But a handful of South Korean politicians and journalists in the last few years has called for South Korea to acquire its own nuclear weapons. So far they have stayed on the fringes. But Parks current severe political scandal may topple her government before her term ends in 2017, with uncertain political results. An unpredictable ally in Washington suggesting South Korea go it alone could shift the political calculus in Seoul in favor of nuclear weapons.

A nuclear-armed Seoul would almost certainly provoke a response by Tokyo. Although linked through their separate alliances with the United States, South Korea and Japan labor under historical and political tensions. At a minimum, a shift in Seouls nuclear policy would throw Japanese politics into disarray, but it could also have a domino effect.

Japan abandoned its own World War II nuclear weapons program, and most observers conclude that the atomic bombing by the United States of Hiroshima and Nagasaki in 1945 left the Japanese public with a strong conviction that nuclear weapons were an abomination. Still, Japan is the only non-nuclear weapon state that has both sensitive uranium enrichment and spent fuel reprocessing capabilities, a fact that its neighbors (China and South Korea) attribute to Japans desire to maintain a latent nuclear weapons capability. These are precisely the capabilities that were the target of limits in the nuclear deal with Iran and that greatly shorten the time it would take to make a nuclear weapon. For this reason, the time it would take for Japan to make its first nuclear weapon would probably be measured in months, compared with the years it would take South Korea to develop a nuclear bomb.

Its hard to assess which would have more severe consequences for Northeast Asian security  a withdrawal of U.S. forces or the nuclearization of Japan and South Korea. Beyond Northeast Asia, however, the withdrawal of Japan and South Korea from the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty would damage the global nonproliferation regime irrevocably and call into question the United States commitments of extended deterrence to all its other allies.

If there is a silver lining in all this, it is that Trump is likely to learn very quickly that it is in no countrys interest for the United States to walk away from defending Japan and South Korea, including China and Russia. And, that the norm of nonproliferation is stronger than he suspected.

Rather than abandoning its allies in the region, the Trump administration will need to confront the North Korean nuclear threat head-on. U.S. engagement is critical, but it needs to be nuanced. Belligerent rhetorical exchanges with North Korea of the sort the George W. Bush administration engaged in could set in motion a chain of events from which no country would benefit. It would therefore be useful for Trump to adopt two principles of engagement when it comes to Northeast Asia and nuclear weapons: Dont make the situation worse, and combine incentives with patience (a wait-and-bait approach). There may be room in this model for Trumps trademark unpredictability vis-a-vis North Korea, but not for American allies in the region, who need all the assurances they can get.

Photo credit: JUNG YEON-JE/AFP/Getty Images
The latest editions of two indexes that track growth in Nebraska have both declined.

The latest leading economic indicator report from the University of Nebraska-Lincoln fell by 0.14 percent in October.

The indicator, a composite of economic factors that predict economic growth six months into the future, still predicts growth in the first half of next year, but the October reading suggests that growth will be more modest.

The October decrease, while small, reduces optimism for 2017, said economist Eric Thompson, director of the Bureau of Business Research at the university. The Nebraska economy, however, should continue to grow next year.

Of the six economic factors tracked by the indicator, two were negative, three were positive and one was neutral.

Airline passenger counts declined and the value of the U.S. dollar rose, both potentially negative signs for the Nebraska economy.

Three components of the indicator rose during October. There were small improvements in manufacturing hours, business expectations and building permits for single-family homes. Initial claims for unemployment insurance were flat during October.

The other index, Creighton University's Rural Mainstreet Index, painted a more dire picture for the state.

The Nebraska Rural Mainstreet Index for November plummeted to 37.9 from Octobers 51.1.

The index, which tracks conditions in rural areas, showed that job growth in rural areas over the past 12 months was only 0.1 percent, while in urban areas it was 1.2 percent.

The overall score for the 10 states in the index rose in November to 36.6 from Octobers 31.8. But it remained below the growth-neutral level of 50 for the 15th straight month.

Farm commodity prices continue to slam Rural Mainstreet economies. Over the past 12 months, livestock commodity prices have tumbled by 27.2 percent and grain commodity prices have slumped by 16.6 percent. The economic fallout from this price weakness continues to push growth into negative territory for seven of 10 states in the region, Creighton University Economist Ernie Goss said in a news release.
For the first time, the election of Donald Trump as President is having a direct impact on the federal governments operations  specifically, on President Obamas sweeping new orders aimed at delaying the deportation of upwards of four million undocumented immigrants.

In a joint motion filed in a federal trial court in Texas Friday morning, lawyers for the government and for 26 states cited the change in administration in asking the judge to put on hold those states case against the policy, until a month after Trumps inauguration. The case was moving slowly toward a trial on the legality and constitutionality of the Obama policy  which has not yet gone into effect.

As a candidate, President-elect Trump was strongly critical of government immigration policy in general and of the deferred deportation initiative in particular. At times during the campaign, he vowed to swiftly deport all undocumented immigrants; more recently, he has seemed to modify that position.

Almost as soon as the Obama administration had announced the delayed deportation policy, the 26 states sued to bar its enforcement. That lawsuit soon resulted in court orders blocking the policy temporarily, until a trial could be held. Last June, the Supreme Court split 4-to-4, upholding the enforcement ban but without deciding anything on its validity.

The case then returned to its origin, in a federal District Court in Brownsville, Texas, near the Mexican border, and the two sides had been negotiating on a possible schedule for moving the case along toward a trial. The trial judge, Andrew S. Hanen, ordered the two sides last month to report by today on whether they could agree on a schedule.

Instead, they joined in filing the motion for a stay of any further litigation in this court. Such a delay, the motion said, would serve judicial efficiency and economy so that the parties have a better understanding of how they might choose to move forward. The two sides specifically cited the change in administration as the reason for their motion.

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The filing noted that the preliminary order barring enforcement would remain in effect for the duration of any stay. They asked that the delay, including a postponement of any need to file a schedule for future prodeedings, last until February 20. Since everyone involved supported the motion, it said, the balance of interests weighs heavily in favor of granting the stay.

In practical terms, what the motion means is that the case now depends upon policy choices that the Trump administration will start to make after the inauguration on January 29. The proposal for delay would give the new leaders of the government a month to decide what they want to do about the delayed deportation policy. If more time were needed, they could ask that the case be delayed further.

If the new administration decides to scuttle the Obama policy entirely, it can do so by simply wiping out a series of orders issued by federal agencies, at Obamas direction, on November 14, 2014. Those orders affect undocumented immigrations who came to the U.S. as children and have grown up in the country, as well as their parents.

Legendary journalist Lyle Denniston is Constitution Dailys Supreme Court correspondent. Denniston has written for us as a contributor since June 2011 and he has covered the Supreme Court since 1958. His work also appears on lyldenlawnews.com, where this story first appeared.

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Elon Musk and wife Talulah Riley are officially divorced, reports TMZ.

According to the site, a judge has signed the legal documents necessary to finalize the divorce.

This is not the first time Musk, 45, and Riley, 31, have split: They were married in 2010, only to divorce two years later. They wed for the second time in July 2013. This past March, Riley filed for divorce.

Asked if another reconciliation was still possible in August, Riley said in a U.K. interview, never say never.

Marriage is a social construct, but I still believe in it. Elon and I are best friends. We still see each other all the time and take care of each other, she added.

Musk was also married once before, to Justine Musk, with whom he shares five sons.

TMZ reported that Musk was recently spotted again with Amber Heard, following her own divorce from Johnny Depp.

In July, Musk and Heard were seen at the same Miami hotel, but a source told PEOPLE that the tech guru is not dating Heard.

Amber and Elon are friends and have been for a few years, the source said, explaining that the pairs schedules had overlapped and they hung out at the hotel for privacy.

A few weeks later they were spotted at the same London nightclub.
BERLIN, Nov 18 (Reuters) - Emirates Airline is having some technical issues with new Rolls-Royce engines for A380 jets that are coming up for delivery, the airline's president said on Friday.

When asked whether Emirates was looking to defer jet deliveries, Tim Clark said no, but there were some technical issues holding up deliveries.

"We want the engines as prescribed," Clark said at a meeting with journalists in Berlin, declining to comment further on the nature of the issue.

"We have made no hard and fast decisions about fleeting draw down. We're hoping to get resolution to this very quickly," he added.

Emirates has $112 billion of aircraft on order, including 55 A380s.

(Reporting by Victoria Bryan; Editing by Maria Sheahan)
By Victoria Bryan

BERLIN (Reuters) - Emirates Airline is having some unspecified technical issues with Rolls-Royce engines for A380 jets that are coming up for delivery, but still hopes to take the first one as scheduled in December, the airline's president said on Friday.

When asked whether Emirates was looking to defer A380 jet deliveries given a tough operating environment for airlines, Tim Clark said no, but that there were some technical issues with the Rolls-Royce engines, new for the Emirates fleet, that needed to be ironed out.

"We want the engines as prescribed in the contract," Clark said at a meeting with journalists in Berlin, declining to elaborate.

Emirates is due to receive its first A380 powered by Rolls-Royce engines on Dec 2. The rest of its A380 fleet uses Engine Alliance, a joint venture of General Electric and Pratt & Whitney.

A spokesman for Rolls-Royce said: "We are working with Emirates and Airbus to meet the planned entry into service of the Trent powered A380 within the Emirates fleet."

The $9.2 billion deal for Rolls-Royce to supply engines for 50 Emirates A380 planes, announced in April 2015, was the largest order in the history of the British company.

Shares in Rolls-Royce were down 2.0 percent at 1028 GMT.

Clark said he hoped the airline could still take the first superjumbo with Rolls-Royce engines on Dec 2, as scheduled.

"We have made no hard and fast decisions about fleeting draw down. We're hoping to get a resolution to this very quickly," he said.

Emirates has $112 billion of aircraft on order, including 55 A380s. It is due to receive 5 A380s in December alone, Clark said.

"We are working with our customers, supporting their delivery stream," an Airbus spokesman said.

(Additional reporting by Tim Hepher in Paris and Paul Sandle in London; Editing by Maria Sheahan and Elaine Hardcastle)
(Corrects spelling of Patoka, Illinois, in paragraph 8)

WASHINGTON, Nov 18 (Reuters) - Energy Transfer Partners LP Chief Executive Officer Kelcy Warren said the company will not consider rerouting its Dakota Access oil pipeline despite concerns voiced by U.S. native groups, according to an Associated Press interview published on Friday.

President Barack Obama said earlier this month that the government was examining ways to reroute the pipeline.

Energy Transfer did not immediately respond to calls and emails seeking comment. Warren did tell the AP that he would like to meet with tribal leaders to ease their concerns about the project.

The Dakota Access Pipeline has been delayed since September, when federal regulators including the Army Corps of Engineers decided to re-review permitting under Lake Oahe, a federally owned parcel of land where the pipeline needs to cross.

The stoppage came after protests from the Standing Rock Sioux tribe, whose reservation is adjacent to the federal land where the pipeline runs. The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers elected to review their permitting again, and this past week deferred a decision, citing concerns about the tribe having been moved off its lands in the past.

On Friday, North Dakota Governor Jack Dalrymple asked the Army to resolve the permitting issues, citing protests that have sometimes turned violent at Cannon Ball, where the Standing Rock Sioux have erected a large camp that they plan to man throughout the winter. He also asked for assistance in law enforcement from federal authorities.

"Further delays simply prolong the risks to public safety, prolong the hardships endured by area residents and increase costs incurred by the state of North Dakota and Morton County," he said in a statement.

The 1,172-mile (1,885-km) pipeline is expected to take oil from North Dakota's Bakken shale region to Patoka, Illinois, en route to the Gulf of Mexico.

Production in North Dakota has been declining, however, in part because of low oil prices and the crude there is more expensive to extract than other regions, and also because of the limited transport opportunities by pipeline.

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Production in North Dakota fell to 972,000 barrels daily in September, lowest since February 2014, according to latest state data.

ETP crews have been moving equipment in recent weeks to the edges of Lake Oahe; the company has said it will begin tunneling under the lake once it is finished. It does not yet have the permit to do so, however.

(Reporting by Susan Heavey; Editing by Marguerita Choy and Lisa Shumaker)
IRVINE, CA / ACCESSWIRE / November 18, 2016 / Khang & Khang LLP (the "Firm") announces a class action lawsuit against Tenet Healthcare Corporation ("Tenet"or the "Company") (THC). Investors who purchased or otherwise acquired shares between February 28, 2012 and October 3, 2016 inclusive (the "Class Period"), are encouraged to contact the Firm prior to the December 6, 2016 lead plaintiff motion deadline.

If you purchased shares of Tenet during the Class Period, please contact Joon M. Khang, Esquire, of Khang & Khang, 18101 Von Karman Avenue, 3rd Floor, Irvine, CA 92612, by telephone: (949) 419-3834, or via e-mail at joon@khanglaw.com.

There has been no class certification in this case. Until certification occurs, you are not represented by an attorney. You may choose to take no action and remain a passive class member.

The Complaint alleges that during the Class Period, Tenet made false and misleading statements and/or failed to disclose that: the Company illegally paid kickbacks to induce the referral of patients to Tenet's hospitals for labor and delivery; that Tenet defrauded the Georgia Medicaid program through this scheme; and that as a result of the above, statements about Tenet's business, operations, and prospects were materially false and misleading and/or lacked a reasonable basis at all relevant times. On August 1, 2016, Tenet announced that it reached an agreement in principle with federal and state authorities that the Company would pay nearly $514 million to settle allegations that four Tenet hospitals in Georgia and South Carolina paid kickbacks for obstetric referrals. Under the settlement, two Tenet subsidiaries would plead guilty to one count of conspiracy to violate federal kickback laws. On October 3, 2016, Tenet issued a press release and filed a Current Report on Form 8-K with the SEC, announcing that the Company finalized the agreement in principle announced on August 1, 2016. When this information emerged to the public, shares of Tenet dropped in value, causing investors harm.

If you wish to learn more about this lawsuit, at no charge, or if you have questions concerning this notice or your rights, please contact Joon M. Khang, a prominent litigator for almost two decades, by telephone: (949) 419-3834, or via e-mail at joon@khanglaw.com.

This press release may constitute Attorney Advertising in some jurisdictions.

Contacts

Joon M. Khang, Esq.

Telephone: 949-419-3834

Facsimile: 949-225-4474

joon@khanglaw.com

SOURCE: Khang & Khang LLP
IRVINE, CA / ACCESSWIRE / November 18, 2016 / Khang & Khang LLP (the "Firm") announces a class action lawsuit against Xerox Corporation ("Xerox" or the "Company") (XRX). Investors who purchased or otherwise acquired shares between April 23, 2012 and October 23, 2015 inclusive (the "Class Period"), are encouraged to contact the Firm prior to the December 23, 2016 lead plaintiff motion deadline.

If you purchased Xerox shares during the Class Period, please contact Joon M. Khang, Esquire, of Khang & Khang, 18101 Von Karman Avenue, 3rd Floor, Irvine, CA 92612, by telephone: (949) 419-3834, or by e-mail at joon@khanglaw.com.

There has been no class certification in this case. Until certification occurs, you are not represented by an attorney. You may choose to take no action and remain a passive class member.

The complaint alleges that during the Class Period, Xerox repeatedly touted its new software product, Health Enterprise, as an important growth area for the Company, which would operate at low cost and high profit margin. The Company's statements pertaining to the profitability and growth prospects of the Health Enterprise business were materially false and misleading because Xerox failed to disclose: that the Company's existing Health Enterprise projects were experiencing major delays and cost overruns; that Xerox would be unable to deliver Health Enterprise implementations at sustainable profits; and that as a result of the above, the Company's statements about its business, operations, and prospects lacked a reasonable basis. On October 26, 2015, Xerox released its third quarter 2015 financial results which were disappointing due to costs associated with the implementation of Health Enterprise and the termination of Health Enterprise contracts with the state agencies of California and Montana. When this information emerged to the public, shares of Xerox fell in value, causing investors harm.

If you wish to learn more about this lawsuit at no charge to you, or if you have questions concerning this notice or your rights, please contact Joon M. Khang, a prominent litigator for almost two decades, by telephone: (949) 419-3834, or via e-mail at joon@khanglaw.com.

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This press release may constitute Attorney Advertising in some jurisdictions.

Contacts

Joon M. Khang, Esq.

Telephone: 949-419-3834

Facsimile: 949-225-4474

joon@khanglaw.com

SOURCE: Khang & Khang LLP
LOS ANGELES, CA / ACCESSWIRE / November 18, 2016 / Lundin Law PC , a shareholder rights firm, announces a class action lawsuit against Tenet Healthcare Corp. ("Tenet" or the "Company") (THC) concerning possible violations of federal securities laws between February 28, 2012 and October 3, 2016 inclusive (the "Class Period"). Investors, who purchased or otherwise acquired Tenet shares during the Class Period, are encouraged to contact the firm in advance of the December 6, 2016 lead plaintiff motion deadline.

To participate in this class action lawsuit, click here. You can also call Brian Lundin, Esquire, of Lundin Law PC, at 888-713-1033, or e-mail him at brian@lundinlawpc.com.

No class has been certified in the above action. Until a class is certified, you are not considered represented by an attorney. You may also choose to do nothing and be an absent class member.

The complaint alleges that throughout the Class Period, Tenet made false and misleading statements and/or failed to disclose that: the Company illegally paid kickbacks to induce the referral of patients to Tenet's hospitals for labor and delivery; that Tenet defrauded the Georgia Medicaid program through this scheme; and that as a result of the above, statements about Tenet's business, operations and prospects were materially false and misleading and/or lacked a reasonable basis at all relevant times.

On August 1, 2016, Tenet announced that it reached an agreement in principle with federal and state authorities that the Company would pay nearly $514 million to settle allegations that four Tenet hospitals in Georgia and South Carolina paid kickbacks for obstetric referrals. Under the settlement, two Tenet subsidiaries would plead guilty to one count of conspiracy to violate federal kickback laws. On October 3, 2016, Tenet issued a press release and filed a Current Report on Form 8-K with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission, announcing that the Company finalized the agreement in principle announced on August 1, 2016. When this news was announced, shares of Tenet fell in value, causing investors harm.

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Lundin Law PC was established by Brian Lundin, a securities litigator based in Los Angeles dedicated to upholding the rights of shareholders.

This press release may be considered Attorney Advertising in some jurisdictions under the applicable law and ethical rules.

Contact:

Lundin Law PC

Brian Lundin, Esq.

Telephone: 888-713-1033

Facsimile: 888-713-1125

brian@lundinlawpc.com

http://lundinlawpc.com/

SOURCE: Lundin Law PC
Kawasaki Rail Car Inc. has received an order for at least 60 and possibly as many as 94 more rail cars from the Metro Transit Authority in the New York City Area.

The contract, which was approved by the MTA's board earlier this week, initially calls for 60 additional new M8 rail cars that provide train service on Metro-North Railroads New Haven Line in Connecticut. Of those 60 cars, the contract calls for 10 to be converted to cafe cars that serve beverages.

The new cars will be almost identical to the more than 400 M8 cars Kawasaki has manufactured for the Metro-North line over the past decade.

The cars would be made at the Kawasaki Rail Car manufacturing plant in Lincoln at a cost of $3.83 million per car, for a total cost of almost $230 million. The contract contains an option for an additional 34 cars at a cost of $3.71 million, which could bring the total cost of the contract to about $356 million.

In a news release earlier this week, MTA said the M8 cars have exceeded expectations for both customer service and reliability.

Through September, the cars are averaging 460,277 miles between mechanical breakdowns, 53 percent above the railroads goal for the cars.

Mike Boyle, plant manager of the Lincoln Kawasaki operation, said he could not comment on the order because Kawasaki has yet to receive official notice.
BRUSSELS (Reuters) - The European Commission has ended proceedings against Hungary over the award of a contract to Russia's Rosatom to expand the Paks nuclear power plant, although it is still investigating the country's funding for the project. The Commission said in a filing that its infringement proceedings had closed on Nov. 17. EU rules allow public procurement without call for competition if the contract can only reasonably be given to one company. Hungary has said that no supplier other than Rosatom would have met the government's demand of keeping the plant in Hungarian state ownership permanently. Hungary plans to build two Russian VVER 1200 reactors for a total budget of 12.5 billion euros ($13.2 billion), of which 80 percent will be financed by Russia and 20 percent by Hungary. The project, fully owned by the Hungarian state, plans to start building the reactors in 2018 and aims to complete the first one in 2025, and the second in 2026. The Commission is still investigating Hungarian funding for the plan. It has said it was concerned that the Hungarian investment might not be compatible with market pricing and opened an in-depth investigation into the business case for the construction, operation and decommissioning of the two reactors. (Reporting By Philip Blenkinsop; editing by Robert-Jan Bartunek)
BERLIN (Reuters) - German Finance Minister Wolfgang Schaeuble said on Friday that the European Commission, which has effectively urged Germany to spend more in 2017, did not have the right to decide on how much fiscal room for manoeuvre EU members have.

"We are bound by European law and so is the Commission. The Stability Pact says that budgets are reviewed by the member states. The Commission has instead reviewed fiscal space for the euro zone and it has no mandate for that," Schaeuble said at an event in Berlin organised by the Sueddeutsche Zeitung newspaper.

The European Commission on Wednesday called for the 19-country euro zone, in which Germany is the largest economy, to loosen overall budget policy next year.

The Commission did not explicitly name Germany, where Chancellor Angela Merkel's conservatives face an election next autumn complicated by the emergence of the fiscally hawkish, eurosceptic AfD, in its recommendation for the whole euro zone.

But because France, Italy and Spain are among those butting up against the currency union's budget deficit limits, only Berlin has the scope and economic weight to make a difference.

Schaeuble said it was necessary to stick to Europe's Stability and Growth Pact to protect the euro currency in a swipe at the Commission which is seen by many northern European countries as not policing budget discipline strongly enough.

Under EU rules, each euro zone country should seek to diminish its structural budget deficit until it reaches its so-called medium term objective.

For various countries this goal, which excludes one-off expenses and revenues and the effects of the business cycle, ranges from a structural deficit of 0.5 percent of GDP to a surplus. For Germany it is a 0.5 percent structural deficit.

Starting from 2012, Germany has been exceeding that goal and has even had surpluses from 2013. The Commission has been recommending therefore that Berlin spend more domestically to make its export-driven economy less dependent on external demand.

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"We are not asking all Member States to spend more, and those that should do more to deliver the appropriate fiscal stance for the euro area as a whole should not be surprised," Commission spokeswoman Annika Breidthardt said.

"Our communication reflects what our recommendations have said for a long time," she said.

(Additional reporting by Jan Strupczewski; Reporting by Michelle Martin and Joseph Nasr; Editing by Paul Carrel)
Brussels (AFP) - EU interior ministers said Friday they remained far from reaching a compromise on how to share the burden of migrants who have entered Europe en masse.

The European Union has struggled to implement a deal struck in September last year to relocate 160,000 asylum-seekers from Italy and Greece as eastern member states reject quotas and others drag their feet.

"There is still a lot of disagreement on this," German Interior Minister Thomas de Maiziere said at talks in Brussels.

"Every member state has to take a certain share of the refugees. Beyond this it can be possible to provide efforts in solidarity in different ways," de Maiziere said.

More talks are needed, he added.

Frontline Italy scoffed at the notion of "flexible solidarity" as eastern member states reject their quota of asylum-seekers but offer financial or other help instead.

"It's more rigid mockery than flexible solidarity," Italian interior minister Angelino Alfano tweeted.

Italy has seen 167,000 migrants arrive on its territory since January, several thousand more than for all of last year.

Hungary and Slovakia have taken their outright opposition to the refugee-sharing plan to the European Court of Justice.

Some 7,500 people have been relocated since last September when the EU agreed to relocate 160,000 mostly Syrian, Iraqi and Eritrean asylum seekers from Greece and Italy.

The plan was to complete the relocations by September 2017.
By Francesco Guarascio

BRUSSELS (Reuters) - Euro zone banks could be forced by watchdogs to suspend their payments to some creditors for a maximum of five days if there are risks of bank failure, a draft EU law said, granting regulators power to intervene early to prevent crisis.

The proposal is part of a wider review of EU rules meant to reduce the cost to taxpayers of bank rescues, while imposing losses on lenders' creditors - a so-called bail-in. Under the draft law, seen by Reuters, foreign creditors will also benefit from some minor exemptions from bail-in obligations.

National and European watchdogs can already prevent banks from making payments when lenders are already deemed to be failing, under bail-in rules that came into effect this year.

The draft law, expected to be published by the European Commission next week, gives regulators the extra power to intervene preventively to assess whether there is a risk of failure.

"Such power can be activated when it is necessary to determine whether early intervention measures are necessary or whether the institution is failing or likely to fail," the draft law said.

Under the proposed rules, payments to shareholders and bondholders can be preventively frozen, but covered deposits or payments to central counterparties will not be affected.

The suspension "shall not exceed five working days," the draft law said.

FOREIGN CREDITORS

The draft proposal also introduces exemptions for banks' foreign creditors in the application of the bail-in instrument.

Foreign countries have opposed the recognition of bail-in contracts in Europe, forcing in certain cases EU banks to cease business, such as trade financing, in non-EU countries.

In a bid to eliminate these constraints on European banks, which are already retreating from several foreign activities, the Commission proposed to grant a limited exemption.

The waiver for foreign creditors can be allowed when "it is legally, contractually or economically impracticable for banks to include the bail-in recognition clause for certain liabilities," the Commission proposal said.

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A senior Commission official said this exemption does not apply to liabilities that are used to absorb losses, such as shares or bonds.

For the proposal to become law, a backing of EU states and the European Parliament is required.

(Reporting by Francesco Guarascio)
Brussels (AFP) - European Council President Donald Tusk stressed the need for transatlantic cooperation on Ukraine during a phone call Friday with US President-elect Donald Trump, an EU source said.

Tusk, the European Union source said, also spoke by phone to Ukrainian President Petro Poroshenko who has asked for Trump's support against "Russian aggression" following Moscow's annexation of Crimea.

Trump suggested earlier this year the US could accept Russia's annexation of Crimea if it led to improved relations between the two nations, which are bitterly at odds over Syria.

"Tusk congratulated Trump on his election, invited him for an EU-US summit and emphasised transatlantic cooperation including regarding Ukraine," the EU source said on condition of anonymity, repeating an earlier invitation.

Trump thanked Tusk for the invitation and "invited Tusk to the White House before an EU-US summit, after his inauguration" on January 20, the source added.

The EU source said Tusk and Poroshenko discussed "transatlantic cooperation on the Ukraine/Russia conflict" and preparation for the EU-Ukraine summit next Thursday.

The pair also discussed EU member states approval Thursday of visa-free travel for Ukraine citizens, long sought by Kiev to help cement ties as it combats pro-Russian rebels in the east.

Visa-free travel was part of an EU-Ukraine partnership accord signed in 2014 as the country, a Soviet-era satellite, angered Moscow by casting its lot with the West.

In Berlin on Thursday, US President Barack Obama said he hoped his successor Trump would "stand up" to Russia if it breached international norms, citing the conflicts in Syria and Ukraine.
Eva Longoria and Victoria Beckham's "girlie sleepovers" sound a lot more fab than your average pajama party!

"We do have proper sleepovers in our pajamas, and our hairdresser, Kenny Pavis, brushes our hair until we go to sleep," the 41-year-old actress revealed during her debut as a panelist on the British talk show Loose Women on Friday.

EXCLUSIVE: Eva Longoria Reveals That She Cut Her Honeymoon Short to Attend Hillary Clinton Fundraiser

Longoria also dished on a side of her bestie that the world may not realize.

"She's really funny, she makes me laugh," Longoria said of the 42-year-old fashion designer and former Spice Girls member.

"She's very loyal," Longoria added, calling Beckham an "amazing businesswoman" with a "great business mind."

The Devious Maids producer definitely had Beckham on the brain when she flew across the pond. Upon landing in the U.K. on Thursday, Longoria went straight to her friend's Dover St. store location.

"Hello London! Just landed and headed straight over to #VBDoverSt," Longoria captioned a pic of herself decked out in Beckham's designs as Pavis snaps a photo of her look.

Hello London! Just landed and headed straight over to #VBDoverSt A photo posted by Eva Longoria Baston (@evalongoria) on Nov 17, 2016 at 6:28am PST

RELATED: Eva Longoria and Victoria Beckham Featured on the First Cover of 'HOLA! USA' Magazine

In another adorable post, Pavis and Longoria do a little dance number on the massive stairs inside Beckham's store. "Just missing our third musketeer VB!" she wrote.

Just missing our third musketeer VB! #London A video posted by Eva Longoria Baston (@evalongoria) on Nov 17, 2016 at 1:30pm PST

MORE: Eva Longoria Says Her Wedding Was a 'Victoria Beckham Weekend': 'She Was the Best, Sweetest Person'

Longoria and Beckham have been friends for a decade, and they don't mind sharing some BFF fun on social media. Watch the video below to see Beckham hilariously fail at Snapchat with Longoria by her side.

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Related Articles
With a couple of brand-new songs in the set of its current fall tour, Evanescence is signaling that it's clearly on the path toward a new album -- its first since 2011's self-titled effort. But it may not be wise for fans to hold their breath waiting.

"The wheels are turning, but we're not on a set schedule yet and a path yet to when that's going to happen," frontwoman and sole remaining founding member Amy Lee tells Billboard. "We have this very beautiful scrap pile [of songs] we've been collecting and hoarding for a few years now. We have the vision but we don't have all the songs. We're going to have to get to work and actually make the album."

The album, whenever it happens, will follow The Ultimate Collection, a six-LP vinyl box set of all of Evanescence`s studio releases coming Dec. 9, which adds a bit of pressure to the eventual project.

"I feel like the bar is definitely high," Lee says. "Every time we make an album, I know if I don't wait until I have a true, inspired idea of how to take it to the next level, I'm not going to do anything 'cause there's no way we're gonna put something out that not only lives up to the last one that we did, but in some way surpasses it. No pressure, right?" she adds with a laugh.

And don't be surprised if there's more than one next thing from Evanescence, either. "We do have plans for something coming up in the near future, but I'm not talking about it yet. It's not going to be a traditional album," Lee teases. "So there's a couple things happening."

Evanescence has been playing one new song, "Take Cover," on its tour, which Lee says "was at the top of the heap [of new songs], so we took it and sort of worked it as a band. We wanted this tour to be about listening to the fans' requests and playing some things we haven't played in a long time, and we knew they wanted to hear some new things too. So that's been really fun." The group is also playing "Even in Death," a track from its previously unreleased Origin demo album that the group made a new recording of for the box set.

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"It really felt like redemption, like that song was truly redeemed because the early recording we have is not an enjoyable recording, but I really love that song," Lee says. "It was a beautiful experience to be able to take that and live in it now and give it the treatment I would give to any one of our songs with the ability I have now. Now I'm in love with that song again." Lee also has a more sympathetic view of Origin, which is included as part of The Ultimate Collection.

"It's something I've always cringed about because ever since we made a real studio album and honed in our sound and became Evanescence and made Fallen, I'm like, 'OK, everything before this we were just practicing,'" Lee explains. "But many fans love Origin and talk about Origin and wish Origin would be released. I've been against it for 13 years, but for the first time I guess I have enough separation from it to look at it and feel like, 'Y'know what? I see why that's cool. As a fan, I want to listen to that too.' So having that whole change of heart was really huge."

Before its return to the stage at OZZFest Japan last November, Evanescence has been on a hiatus of several years. During that time, Lee had a baby, Jack Lion (now 2 years old), wrote and recorded some film music and made the children's album Dream Too Much with members of her family. Now, however, she's feeling rededicated to the band she started more than two decades ago in Little Rock, Arkansas.

"I've always got to put some space in between real life and this amazing and horrifying mega-monster that Evanescence is in my life," Lee says. "If I don't separate myself from it a little bit, I start to go crazy. But now I definitely feel this new inspiration and a sense of, 'OK, it's time.' I always have to wait until I have that feeling, that inspiration, that drive and desire. I just have to want to do it. But it's a huge part of me. It's this beautiful playground where I can go and make badass rock music and I love it and I'm not going to let it die. I've fought for it this long; We're definitely going to keep it alive."
The sky is falling! exclaimed Chicken Little, in the well-known folk tale, after an acorn fell on the poor fowls head, leading to mass hysteria over an imminent apocalypse or at least the End of the World as we know it.

To judge by reactions in Europe, President-elect Donald Trumps victory last week is that acorn. Coming on the heels of the debt crisis, the Russian annexation of Crimea, the migration crisis, and Brexit, the U.S. election result has sent shivers through the continent, leading to a slew of stories about NATO falling apart, the pending Russian invasion of the Baltics, and the spread of anti-EU populism.

True, some of Trumps campaign statements rightfully put Europeans on edge. True, the far-right populists in Europe have exulted. However, lest collective fear lead to paralysis and learned helplessness, where every successive shock is perceived to be beyond Europes control, we should all calm down. European leaders should avoid hyperbole and journalists cliches.

The domestic policy of any president, U.S. or otherwise, is his or her own concern, as long as democratic norms are followed. Europe therefore should  for now  concern itself only over U.S. foreign policy, in particular toward Europe.

Even when it comes to foreign policy, we need not concern ourselves overly much with pre-election statements. Recall that many thought that Bill its the economy, stupid Clinton would, in the wake of Cold Warriors Ronald Reagan and George H.W. Bush, focus U.S. policy inward; instead, Clinton turned out to be one of the more engaged foreign-policy presidents, intervening in Bosnia, in Serbia, and expanding the NATO alliance to include three members from the Warsaw Pact.

That said, two issues do stand out from Trumps campaign: his statements on the U.S. commitment to NATO  the primary treaty upon which U.S.-European relations since 1949 have been anchored  and his relationship with Russia and its leader, Vladimir Putin.

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On the first, we simply dont know yet what the president-elect will do. As a candidate, Trump said U.S. support for NATO members would be contingent on allies having paid up; in the event of an attack on an ally, he would first look at whether that country had fulfilled their obligations to us. Then, in the first presidential debate, Trump said he was all for NATO  after listing his concerns about burden-sharing. President Barack Obama this week at a press conference put his own view of Trumps views on U.S. foreign policy thus: He expressed a great interest in maintaining our core strategic relationships, and so one of the messages I will be able to deliver is his commitment to NATO and the transatlantic alliance. Amid these varied messages, we now await the president-elects own policy statements.

It also seems wise to await Trumps appointments to senior foreign and security policy positions, before assessing whether the sky will fall. Some of the names already mooted for these posts  former National Security Advisor Stephen Hadley, for example, and former Governor Mitt Romney  are known for their strong transatlantic views; some served in George W. Bushs administration, hardly known for its isolationism. These men may not be appointed; the point is that right now we dont know.

What we do know, however, is that there is little new in what Trump said pre-election. The fact that most NATO members dont spend the agreed-upon 2 percent of GDP on defense is a long-standing U.S. concern. In 2011, the first Obama administrations secretary of defense, Robert Gates, on his way out the door harshly rebuked European allies for doing less than their share: The blunt reality is that there will be dwindling appetite and patience in the U.S. Congress, and in the American body politic writ large, to expend increasingly precious funds on behalf of nations that are apparently unwilling to devote the necessary resources  to be serious and capable partners in their own defense.

This was Obamas own message at the 2014 NATO summit in Wales. The problem, in other words, is not with Trump. He merely gave the same message in somewhat more robust terms. While waiting for him to take office, Europe should finally take the point to heart. For a continent facing an aggressive, revanchist Russia, it will no longer do to allow the United States to shoulder the bulk of Europes own defense costs and have only four European countries  Estonia, Greece, Poland, and the U.K.  meet the alliances agreed-upon spending minimum.

However, Trumps statements have, in effect, served as a sort of journalistic Rorschach test. A good amount of ink, for instance, has been used up on scare stories about the fate of the Baltics. But why look to Estonia, Latvia, and Lithuania when a candidate says he will look at whether NATO countries pay their share? Estonia, as mentioned, is one of the very few that does. Latvia and Lithuania are committed to 2 percent by 2018. To instantly sound the alarm over the Baltic countries in response to Trumps words reflects more about the worldview of various publications than the reality of what was said.

Its true that Trump has made admiring statements about Russian President Vladimir Putin on the campaign trail, and disquieting comments about the United States potentially recognizing Russias annexation of Crimea in Ukraine. The latter, in particular, is problematic. Russias annexation of Crimea threatened the foundations underpinning European security since World War II. The U.N. Charter, the Helsinki Final Act, and the Charter of Paris all forbid changing borders through the use of force or threat of the use of force. The United States has also maintained this position since the end of World War II. Should Trump now accept the Crimean annexation, it would mark a fundamental shift in Europes security relationship with the United States. The same would be true if Trump adopted a transactional approach with Putin  that is, making a deal with him that encompasses issues like Crimea, Ukraine, and Syria. For Europeans, deals are not made over the heads of those affected. The rules are paramount. Agreements matter.

But a premature post-Trump panic does not help on the Russia question. Up until now, the EU has managed to maintain a fragile united front on the issues of Ukraine, Crimea, and sanctions. Yet various parties  Greece and Italy for instance  have long felt tempted to break off and cut their own bilateral deals with Russia. A transactional approach toward Russia on the part of the United States would indeed undermine Europes united front  but so does the present atmosphere of hysteria, which puts even more pressure on those inclined to cut their own deals with Russia to be the first ones to do so. It is in this arena where the Chicken Littles could end up helping to achieve Putins goal  to fracture a relatively united and, hence, relatively strong Europe  even before Trump reveals his ultimate intentions.

Sadly, the one productive thing that Europe might do, while it is waiting to see what comes next, is the thing that seems most out of reach: to move toward even greater continental unity. The prospect of a Europe largely sidelined on questions of its own security ought to force it to put aside current differences in order to deal with serious concerns. But greater unity in Europe would need a good deal of political courage, particularly in the face of a populist upheaval that could overturn the current leaderships in a number of countries. It would require member states to move from entrenched positions on issues such as Greek debt, Italian spending, and the migrant crisis. It would require a more adult and flexible approach to Brexit, one that doesnt seek to punish but comes at it with the goal of maintaining European strength. Could the above come about as a result of the shock of a pending Trump presidency? It would be wonderful if it did, but I cant say Im hopeful.

In short: Europe must wait. But it should wait as productively as possible, building up its capacity to defend itself  which it should have been doing all along  and pushing for strength in unity  which ought to have always been the goal. That is the way to prepare as best we can for facing the future, regardless of whether the Chicken Littles are right.

Photo credit: Marc Piasecki/Getty Images
By Nate Raymond

NEW YORK, Nov 18 (Reuters) - A former JPMorgan Chase & Co executive who spent eight years on the run in Argentina pleaded guilty on Friday to U.S. charges that he embezzled $5.4 million from clients at the bank and at a prior employer, UBS AG.

Hernan Arbizu, who became involved in a tax-evasion probe involving JPMorgan, pleaded guilty in Manhattan federal court to charges including wire fraud and embezzlement. He was extradited in June from Argentina.

"I knew what I was doing was wrong," he said in court. "I'm very sorry and am ashamed by my actions."

The 48-year-old citizen of Argentina faces a mandatory-minimum two-year prison sentence and a maximum of 422 years.

But under a plea agreement, Arbizu agreed to cooperate with prosecutors, which his lawyer, Guy Lewis, said could help him avoid further prison. What that cooperation entails, Lewis said, "remains to be seen."

JPMorgan declined to comment on Friday.

Arbizu was first indicted in 2008, the same year he was fired by JPMorgan, where he was a vice president in its private banking division. He worked at UBS from 2002 to 2006.

While at JPMorgan, Arbizu oversaw more than $200 million of client assets and was responsible for managing relationships with high-net-worth Argentine customers, according to the bank.

Prosecutors said that from March 2007 to April 2008, Arbizu initiated 12 wire transfers from clients at UBS and JPMorgan totaling nearly $5.38 million, about half of which came from a single JPMorgan account.

In lawsuits JPMorgan filed against Arbizu in 2008 and 2009, the bank said he wired the $2.8 million to an account at UBS to conceal the millions of dollars that he had previously stolen from one of its customers.

JPMorgan said that after it discovered evidence of the wire transfers, Arbizu, then living in Connecticut, fled to Argentina, taking with him confidential data on clients.

That data later became the basis of a tax evasion investigation and raid by Argentina authorities of JPMorgan's office in Buenos Aires in 2008 after Arbizu handed over a list of customers. No case against JPMorgan appears to have resulted.

The case is U.S. v. Arbizu, U.S. District Court, Southern District of New York, No. 08-cr-615.

(Reporting by Nate Raymond in New York; Editing by Steve Orlofsky)
A 49-year-old Lincoln man walking at midnight one May night at 27th and O with a loaded AR-15 got probation Friday for carrying two knives on his belt.

A jury found Michael Jahn guilty of carrying a concealed weapon for the knives, each with eight-inch blades, in sheaths attached to his belt inside his trench coat.

Jahn wasn't charged in connection to the rifle, which he had legally and hadn't concealed or pointed at anyone.

At his sentencing, Lancaster County Court Judge Matt Acton ordered the knives destroyed and said Jahn would need to surrender any firearms or other weapons immediately as part of his 18-month probation.

At trial in September, a 22-year-old Lincoln man testified that on May 18 he and several friends saw a man with what he thought looked like an AK-47 walking down 27th Street stop in front of a gas station. They weren't sure what to do, so he called 911.

A Lincoln officer drew his gun on Jahn and ordered him to drop the rifle, which he did. Jahn said he wanted to prove a point that he is an American citizen and could walk around with a gun, according to police.

But he ended up charged with carrying a concealed weapon for the knives.

Deputy Lancaster County Public Defender George Dungan argued Jahn hadn't concealed them either. His coat wasn't shut or tied, and an officer 15 feet from him had seen one of them.

But the jury found him guilty.

"I just want to move forward," Jahn said Friday.

Dungan said Jahn understands why people may have been frightened, but asked the judge to consider a fine.

He said Jahn has been doing well since his release from jail on Community Corrections supervision and has gotten treatment for PTSD, mental health and substance abuse issues.

Acton said Jahn had gone through drug court "and then of course this happened." But he said he wasn't going to give him jail for it.

Prosecutors originally cited Jahn with a city ordinance violation for being a prohibited person in possession of a firearm because it happened within 10 years of a 2007 conviction for possession of drug paraphernalia, an infraction. But prosecutors never charged him with that.
Disney lovers will need to gear up for another visit to the Happiest Place on Earth after seeing the newest Pandora collection. The latest Disney Parks Autumn/Winter 2016 collection is fit to dazzle any Prince or Princess.

Disney Park pandora disney charms

While there are many jewellery items in the Pandora Disney line, these exclusive charms in the Disney Parks line are not sold in regular Pandora concept stores and are exclusive to Disney Parks locations across the world.

Disney Park pandora disney charms

Disney Park pandora disney charms

Chef Mickey Mouse Charm by PANDORA

 Epcot International Food & Wine Festival

(USD $65)

Img: Disney Store

This unique Chef Mickey Mouse dangling charm is cooked up by Pandora in celebration of the Epcot International Food & Wine Festival 2016. The sterling silver charm is sold only at the culinary spectacular, so those hungry for Chef Mickey will have to make their way down quick! Perfect for those limited-edition charm hunters!

Disney Park pandora disney charms

Mickey/Minnie Mouse  Pave Charm by PANDORA

(USD $75 / JPY 10800)

Disney Park pandora disney charms

Mickey / Minnie Mouse Ears Charm by PANDORA

(USD $85)

Img: Disney Store

Adding some sparkle to the latest collection are these dazzling Mickey and Minnie clips which will help keep your bracelet in place. The hinged charm clips are fashioned in sterling silver and encrusted with cubic zirconia.

Disney Park pandora disney charms

Cinderella Castle Magic Kingdom 45th Anniversary Charm by PANDORA

(USD $70)

Img: Disney Store

A Disney lover can never be without the classic Cinderella castle, where all the magic started! This shimmering sterling silver charm is the 45th Anniversary edition, celebrating the years that Magic Kingdom made the dreams come true at Walt Disney World Resort.

Disney Park pandora disney charms

Fantasyland Fireworks Charm by PANDORA (USD $65)

Img: Disney Store

No park-goer would ever leave the Disneyland Park without feeling the magic of their fireworks show, so why not take some fairy dust home with you in the form of this colourful bead? Cubic zirconias and enamel surround the iconic silhouette of the Fantasyland castle.

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Disney Park pandora disney charms

Mickey & Minnie Sparkling Icons  Limited Edition Disney Charm

(USD $80)

Img: Pandora.net

This dazzling dual-sided charm is not exclusive to Disney Parks, but we thought you should note that it is a current limited release. This special jewel is cast in sterling silver and embellished with black crystals and shimmering clear and red cubic zirconias with the Mickey Mouse outline on one side and Minnie Mouse on the other.

This sophisticated charm is perfect for those looking to add a subtle bling to their Pandora bracelet, but still want to express their love for Disneys favourite couple. The exclusive charm comes in a square silver hinged box with rose foil stamping.

Shop the full collection on Tokyo Disney Resort here, or Disney Store here.

Not flying to any Disney Parks anytime? Ask a traveller to pick it up for you on Airfrov!

disneypark

The post Exclusive Pandora Charms from the Happiest Place on Earth appeared first on Airfrov Blog.
San Francisco (AFP) - Facebook's board of directors on Friday authorized spending as much as $6 billion to buy back shares in the leading social network.

The stock repurchase program would go into effect at the start of next year, potentially allowing Facebook to take advantage of a price dip triggered early this month by word that revenue growth will slow because the company has hit a limit on how many ads it can pack onto pages.

"The timing and actual number of shares repurchased will depend on a variety of factors, including price, general business and market conditions, and alternative investment opportunities," Facebook said in a filing with the US Securities and Exchange Commission.

The plan is part of Facebook's strategy to focus on long-term business growth, according to the filing.

Facebook shares, which ended the formal trading day down less than a percent, rose slightly to $118.25 in after-market trades.

The share buyback could help soothe the hearts of investors after a tumultuous period for Facebook.

Shares tumbled early this month after the social network delivered a blockbuster quarterly earnings report, but also warned that its stunning growth is set to slow.

The company joined other large tech stocks in another tumble less than a week later because of worries about policy changes and protectionism under the administration of President-elect Donald Trump.

The social network then found itself at the center of a debate about whether it aided Trump's surprise victory by allowing false news stories to be shared unchecked.

Facebook also accidentally declared its founder Mark Zuckerberg and many other users dead this month, acknowledging -- after fixing the problem -- that it had committed a "terrible error" with a feature designed to memorialize accounts.

Facebook this week also said it is working to fix flaws in its metrics calculations that sometimes caused them to overestimate the social network's audience.

It was the second time in months that the company has acknowledged problems with assessing the reach of its content, a key factor for luring crucial advertising.

While Facebook has become a dominant player in online advertising and especially strong in mobile, it remains unclear whether the company can maintain momentum as it shifts into new areas such as virtual reality.
LONDON (Reuters) - Prime Minister Theresa May has a reputation for choosing her words carefully on Brexit, using phrases such as "Brexit means Brexit", making "a success of it" and getting "the best deal" to describe preparations for leaving the European Union. But a closer look at her speeches suggests her position on some aspects of Brexit has evolved since she took office in the aftermath of the June referendum when Britain voted to leave the bloc, sending sterling to a 31-year low against the U.S. dollar. Here are some key excerpts from the official government website at www.gov.uk: SINGLE MARKET/TRADE/IMMIGRATION July 20, meeting German Chancellor Angela Merkel in Berlin: "Well, it's very clear to me that one of the messages that the British people gave in their vote that the UK should leave the European Union was that they wanted to see control brought into the movement of people from the European Union into the United Kingdom." "But I'm also clear that we want to get the right deal in trade in goods and services for the UK. I think that's important for us. I think actually it's important for other countries in the European Union who are trading with the UK as well, that we do that." July 21, meeting French President Francois Hollande: "Well, the message that the British people gave in their vote for the UK to leave the EU also had a very clear message that we should introduce some controls to the movement of individuals from the countries in the European Union into the UK. And obviously looking at that issue will be part of the negotiations. "I'm clear that the government should deliver and will deliver on that for the British people, but we also want to get the right deal on the trade in goods and services. And I think this is important economically not just for the United Kingdom, but for other countries within the European Union as well." July 27, meeting Italian Prime Minister Matteo Renzi: "We had a very clear message from the British people in the Brexit vote, that they want us to bring in some control on free movement; they don't want free movement rules for movement of people from the European Union member states into the UK to operate as they have done in the past. And we will deliver on that." "But on the other side, we do of course need to ensure that we get the best possible deal in relation to trade in goods and services. And I'm looking at this with an open mind. I think we should be developing the model that suits the United Kingdom and the European Union; not at opting necessarily a model that's on the shelf already, but saying: what is going to work for the UK and what is going to work best for the European Union; in ensuring that we can maintain that economic relationship which has been of benefit to us in the past, and we want to ensure that we can continue and build on in the future." Sept 4, press conference with U.S. President Barack Obama: "We are both strong supporters of free trade, and today we've discussed how to take forward consultations to ensure that the UK and US have the strongest possible trading relationship. And this reinforces my belief that as we forge a new global role for the UK, we can and will seize the opportunities that Brexit presents and make a success of it." Sept. 27, reported telephone call with Belgian Prime Minister Charles Michel: "The prime minister explained that as we conducted the negotiations, it would be a priority to allow British companies to trade with the single market in goods and services, but we would also need to ensure we had more control of the numbers of people who come here from Europe." Oct. 2, Conservative Party conference: "I know some people ask about the 'trade-off' between controlling immigration and trading with Europe. But that is the wrong way of looking at things. We have voted to leave the European Union and become a fully-independent, sovereign country. We will do what independent, sovereign countries do. We will decide for ourselves how we control immigration. And we will be free to pass our own laws." "But we will seek the best deal possible as we negotiate a new agreement with the European Union ... I want it to involve free trade, in goods and services. I want it to give British companies the maximum freedom to trade with and operate in the Single Market  and let European businesses do the same here." Oct. 21, European Council: "No. I haven't said anything that differs at all from what we said previously, because we've got a very clear position on this, which is that we want to have the best possible deal for trading goods and services with  and operation within  the single European market. "Now, as I have also said, I think we need to look at this in a new way, which is saying what we will be doing is, when the United Kingdom leaves the European Union, it will be having a different relationship with the EU from the relationship that it has as a member of the European Union. And so what we will be doing is negotiating that new relationship with the EU." Oct. 27, first statement on Nissan investment: "It is a recognition that the government is committed to creating and supporting the right conditions for the automotive industry so it continues to grow -- now and in the future. This vote of confidence shows Britain is open for business and that we remain an outward-looking, world-leading nation." VISION POST-BREXIT: July 13, her first speech as prime minister: "As we leave the European Union, we will forge a bold new positive role for ourselves in the world, and we will make Britain a country that works not for a privileged few, but for every one of us." Sept. 7; statement to the House of Commons after meeting of the G20: "And as I have said this is about getting the kind of deal that is ambitious and bold for Britain. It is not about the Norway model or the Swiss model or any other country's model  it is about developing our own British model." Oct. 2, Conservative Party conference: "As ever with international talks, it will be a negotiation, it will require some give and take, and while there will always be pressure to give a running commentary on the state of the talks, it will not be in our best interests as a country to do that. But make no mistake: this is going to be a deal that works for Britain." Oct. 21, European Council: "I recognise the scale of the challenge ahead. I am sure there will be difficult moments. It will require some give and take." BILATERAL RELATIONSHIPS May has focused on boosting bilateral relationships with individual countries; emphasising partnerships and, especially with eastern European countries, stressing security cooperation. July 20; meeting Merkel: "It (May's first international visit) underlines my personal commitment to building a strong and constructive partnership between ourselves, Chancellor. A partnership that works for the benefit of people here in Germany and people back home in Britain too." July 21, meeting Hollande: "I am delighted to have this opportunity, so soon after taking office, to underline my commitment to the profound friendship between our countries and our peoples; a friendship that I believe has never been more important than it is today." July 28, meeting Polish Prime Minister Beata Szydlo: "I wanted to come here early on to tell you, Beata, and the people of Poland, that Britain attaches a huge importance to the relationship between our two countries ... And it is a partnership that will endure long after the UK has left the European Union." July 28, meeting Slovak Prime Minister Robert Fico: "So, it matters to both of us that we maintain the closest possible economic relationship once the UK has left the European Union." "And the UK will continue to stand up for our eastern allies. Earlier this month, we agreed to deploy UK troops as part of an increase in the number of NATO troops present along our eastern flank." Sept. 29, call to Czech Prime Minister Bohuslav Sobotka: "They agreed that the UK and the Czech Republic enjoyed excellent bilateral relations and that the relationship would continue to go from strength to strength, particularly in defence and commercial areas." Oct. 11, meeting President Kolinda Grabar-Kitarovic of Croatia: "Finally, they discussed the key regional role that Croatia can play in southeast Europe, and the importance of stabilising NATO's southern flank" - said a statement released by May's office. UNITED KINGDOM May has not deviated from her message that she wants Britain to remain united as it leaves the European Union. July 13, first speech as prime minister: "The full title of my party is the conservative and unionist party, and that word unionist is very important to me." July 15, before meeting Scotland's first minister, Nicola Sturgeon: "I believe with all my heart in the United Kingdom  the precious bond between England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland." July 18, before meeting First Minister of Wales Carwyn Jones: "In my first statement as Prime Minister I made clear how strongly I believe in the Union. I want to say to the people of Wales that the government I lead will always be on your side - and that means I will stand up for you and your family against injustice and inequality." July 25, meeting First Minister Arlene Foster and Deputy First Minister Martin McGuinness of Northern Ireland: "I stood on the steps of 10 Downing Street and said that my government will be a government for the whole of the UK and Northern Ireland is a valued part." (Reporting by Elizabeth Piper)
(Reuters) - Even for a 2016 election campaign marked by rhetorical invective, the remarks President-elect Donald Trump and Mitt Romney made about each other in the run-up to the Nov. 8 vote were especially harsh. Those exchanges make all the more significant Trump's plan to meet Romney, the unsuccessful 2012 Republican presidential candidate, on Saturday. A source familiar with the meeting said they may discuss whether Romney should be considered for secretary of state in a Trump administration. Here are some of the things, kind and unkind, that Trump and Romney have said about each other. * "Governor Romney, go out and get 'em. You can do it." - Trump endorsing Romney in February 2012 * "Donald Trump has shown an extraordinary ability to understand how our economy works ... It means a great deal to me to have the endorsement of Mr. Trump." - Romney accepting the 2012 endorsement * "Dishonesty is Donald Trumps hallmark." - Romney speaking at a political forum in Utah in March * "He was begging for my endorsement. I couldve said, 'Mitt, drop to your knees,' and he wouldve dropped to his knees." - Trump at a March campaign rally responding to the Romney speech and describing how Romney had sought his endorsement in 2012 * "Think of Donald Trumps personal qualities. The bullying, the greed, the showing off, the misogyny, the absurd third-grade theatrics. Now, imagine your children and your grandchildren acting the way he does." - Romney's anti-Trump speech in March * "He failed horribly ... Mitt is indeed a choke artist." - Trump in March assessing Romney's presidential run * "Heres what I know. Donald Trump is a phony, a fraud. His promises are as worthless as a degree from Trump University." - Romney in March * "Mitt Romney had his chance to beat a failed president but he choked like a dog. Now he calls me racist - but I am least racist person there is." - Trump tweet in June * "I think his comments time and again appeal to the racist tendency that exists in some people and I think that's dangerous." - Romney in a CNN interview in June * "Mitt Romney called to congratulate me on the win. Very nice!" - Trump tweet five days after the Nov. 8 election (Compiled by Bill Trott in Washington; Editing by Howard Goller)
WASHINGTON (Reuters) - Republican U.S. President-elect Donald Trump on Friday announced his selections for his top security posts, including the head of the Central Intelligence Agency (CIA), his national security adviser and attorney general. An official with Trump's transition team told Reuters that Trump had chosen retired General Michael Flynn as national security adviser, U.S. Senator Jeff Sessions to serve as attorney general, and U.S. Representative Mike Pompeo to lead the CIA. All three accepted, the official said. Below are details about his selections: U.S. ATTORNEY GENERAL: U.S. SENATOR JEFF SESSIONS Sessions, 69, was the first U.S. Senator to endorse Trump's presidential bid and has been a close ally since. A conservative from Alabama, he is serving his fourth term in the chamber, where he is a member of the Senate Judiciary Committee with oversight of federal courts, immigration, crime and terrorism. The son of a country-store owner, he is a former Army Reserve captain and served as the U.S. Attorney for Alabama's Southern District under former President Ronald Reagan and later as Alabama's Attorney General. Although he was confirmed by the Senate for his U.S. Attorney post in 1981, he was denied a federal judgeship in 1986 when a Senate panel failed to advance his nomination amid allegations he had made racially-charged remarks, which he denied. Sessions must secure confirmation by the U.S. Senate to lead the Justice Department as attorney general, but he would only need to win majority support in the chamber, which is controlled by Republicans. Sessions has long taken a tough stance on immigration, opposing any path to citizenship for undocumented immigrants. During the Republican George W. Bush administration, he blasted a bipartisan effort to create a guest-worker program for illegal immigrants backed by Bush. NATIONAL SECURITY ADVISER: RETIRED LIEUTENANT GENERAL MICHAEL FLYNN Flynn, 57, was an early supporter of Trump and serves as vice chairman on his transition team. A former director of the Defense Intelligence Agency (DIA), he began his U.S. Army career in 1981 and served deployments in Afghanistan and Iraq. He later worked in the Office of the Director of Intelligence. Once a registered Democrat, Flynn became head of the DIA in 2012 under President Barack Obama and but retired a year earlier than expected according to media reports and became a fierce critic of Obama's foreign policy. He went on to launch his own consulting firm that has come under scrutiny for its ties to a Turkish businessman. He told the Wall Street Journal on Thursday that he would sever ties with the firm to serve Trump. Flynn has said the United States should work more with Russia on global security issues. In an August interview with the Washington Post, he defended a paid speech for state-run Russian Television. CIA DIRECTOR: U.S. REPRESENTATIVE MIKE POMPEO Pompeo, 52, is a third-term congressman from Kansas who serves on the U.S House Select Intelligence Committee, which oversees the CIA, National Security Agency (NSA) and cyber security. Pompeo also was a member of the House Select Committee on Benghazi investigating the 2012 attack on a U.S. compound in Libya. The California native graduated first in his class from the U.S. Military Academy at West Point and served as a platoon leader in the U.S. Army before leaving military as a captain to attend Harvard Law School. In 1996, he moved to Kansas to launch an aircraft parts company. The firm's decision to open a factory in Mexico came under fire when Pompeo later ran for public office. Pompeo defended his work, saying the company had created jobs in the state. His ties to Koch Industries, owned by billionaire conservative donors Charles and David Koch, has also drawn scrutiny. He won re-election in the Nov. 8 election with 61 percent of the vote, according to Kansas's unofficial election results online. Pompeo has been critical of former U.S. intelligence contractor Edward Snowden who leaked National Security Agency information, saying in a 2014 letter that his telecast appearance at an event undermined the ideals of "fairness and freedom." (This version of the story was refiled to remove extraneous "to" in headline) (Reporting by Susan Heavey, Emily Stephenson and Patricia Zengerle; Editing by David Alexander)




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Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them takes place in J.K Rowlings wizarding world, but its set in an as-yet-undiscovered corner of that world for most Harry Potter fans. That doesnt mean its entirely unfamiliar territory, however. The film, which premieres this weekend and kicks off a proposed pentalogy, is an extension of the authors hit book series, a series that launched a hit movie franchise. Whether youre a fan whos only watched the movies, just read the seven books, or will take your first trip to the wizarding world with Fantastic Beasts, heres a helpful guide to read before going to the theater.

Where Does Fantastic Beasts and Where To Find Them Come From And How Does It Connect To Harry Potter?

Much like the Star Wars universe, which has a massive number of viewers for its films but a smaller percentage who read the novels, comics, and keep up with the animated series, the wizarding world is more than just Warner Bros. eight film adaptations. Theres Pottermore (both the original and post-overhaul versions), the official fan site where Rowling posts additional content; expanded universe books like The Tales of Beedle the Bard; the Harry Potter and the Cursed Child play (and script book); and even the Wizarding World of Harry Potter theme parks in Florida and California. All that supplemental material can make for a hard-to-navigate landscape. And even if you were aware of the existence of something called Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them before news of the film, you may not be sure how we got to a whole other film franchise from it.

While its true that Fantastic Beasts is based on a book, its not a traditional adaptation. Fantastic Beasts, the textbook, was fictionally published in 1927 by Newt Scamander, famed Magizoologist. Its a standard textbook required at Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry and mentioned in both the book and film Harry Potter and the Sorcerers Stone. Fantastic Beasts, the real book, was written by Rowling back in 2001 to raise money for Comic Relief. (I purchased it in a box set along with another wizarding world book, Quidditch Through the Ages.) Neither are very long and Fantastic Beasts is essentially a fictional encyclopedia. So how did we get what was once three, but now five, films out if it?

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Jill Pantozzi



When Rowling revealed the extent of the new films, many fans worried this was another case of stretching material, much like Peter Jacksons three Hobbit films, which were created from one, not particularly long, novel. Thats not the case. In her first time as a screenwriter, Rowling has written all new material for this prequel spinoff. Its safe to say shes been immersed in the wizarding world since she started Sorcerers Stone and she (and likely she alone) knows an absurd amount of information about that world never included in the novels. Rowling has admitted this film, and the follow-ups were always where I was interested in going. This is what I wanted to do. She also said Fantastic Beasts will connect to the Potter books [in ways] I think people will find surprising. So lets start with what we know.

First, what does the Fantastic Beasts book tell us? One of its chief concerns is helping the audience discern the difference between a being (a creature worthy of legal rights and a voice in the governance of the wizarding world) and a beast, a matter that troubled the authorities attempting to make a determination. Issues around the number of legs, speech, and other attributes were considered and a consensus wasnt found quickly. Much like history itself, it involved countless arguments and a fair amount of bias, including a campaign by extremists to categorize Muggles (non-magical people) as beasts.

Some species, like the centaurs we met in Sorcerers Stone and subsequent stories, prefer to be called beasts and steer clear of humans and their complications. While others, who for all intents and purposes should be classified as beings are not because, to put it quite plainly, they like to eat humans. The giant spiders, a.k.a. Acromantulas, Harry and Ron meet in Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets are one of the best examples.



Who is Newt Scamander?

The beasts in the book are categorized from most dangerous (known wizard killer) to least dangerous (boring) by its fictional author Newt Scamander (played by Eddie Redmayne in the film). In 1897, Newt was born to a mother who bred fancy Hippogriffs which is probably where he caught the beast bug from. He went to Hogwarts, was sorted into Hufflepuff, and subsequently expelled for endangering his fellow students and teachers with you guessed it. A dangerous beast. I wouldnt be surprised if we found out all about that event, which Newt claimed was an accident, in Fantastic Beasts (or its sequels).

Although its not clear how many years Newt had at the school, after his expulsion he found a job at the Ministry of Magic. Although the Office for House-Elf Relocation (remember Dobby and Kreacher?) wasnt the best part of the Department for the Regulation and Control of Magical Creatures, he worked his way up to the Beast Division. While there he helped create the Werewolf Register and the Ban on Experimental Breeding.

Have We Seen Any Of These Beasts Before?

Speaking of experimental breeding, well leave the story of Newt there and move on to the Harry Potter character you probably most associate with magical creatures  Rubeus Hagrid! Even before he became Hogwarts Care of Magical Creatures teacher, he was its groundskeeper and was tasked with taking care of a number of beasts. He also just really, really loved them, no matter how dangerous. While Hagrid wont appear in Fantastic Beasts (he was born two years after it takes place), youll be able to connect some dots through knowing him and his favorite work.

Warner Bros.

In Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire (book only) Hagrid introduces the students to nifflers, burrowing creatures that goblins often use for treasure hunting. Ron Perlman is playing a goblin named Gnarlack in Fantastic Beasts and as weve spotted in the trailers, it looks like he may be using one to rob jewelry stores. Nifflers are gentle but can be dangerous to keep in a house as Dolores Umbridge found out when students purposefully put a few in her office during Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix (book only). You may have also spotted a bowtruckle keeping close to Newt in the trailers. Its a beast that could easily be mistaken for plant life and in fact, they guard wand-wood trees. When Professor Grubbly-Plank takes over the Care of Magical Creatures class from Hagrid in Order of the Phoenix she teaches the students about them. Theyre mentioned just once in passing by Hagrid in the film series but never appeared.

One last beast of note: the Erumpent, a magical beast from Africa, which will also make its (living) debut in the film. You may recall the Erumpent horn being talked about by a concerned Hermione in Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows. Luna Lovegoods father, Xenophilius, believed it to belong to the Crumple-horned Snorkack (which doesnt exist) much to the detriment of his house. You can only imagine what a live Erumpent will do running loose in New York. However, as weve seen from the trailers, theres going to be a lot more beasts in the film than weve ever seen before and many that were only ever mentioned in passing in the novels.

But What About The Humans?

Colin Farrells Percival Graves is an Auror in the film. Aurors are the specially trained wizard officers who report to the Ministry in the UK and who have a specific eye on catching dark wizards and witches. Graves is the head of the Department of Magical Law Enforcement which reports to the Ministry equivalent in New York, the Magical Congress of the United States of America (MACUSA). Katherine Waterstons character, Porpentina Goldstein, apparently used to be an Auror but was demoted. Her sister Queenie (played by Alison Sudol) is a skilled Legilimens, thats the mind-reading skill Professor Severus Snape and the Dark Lord himself were so adept at in the novels. Snape tried to teach Harry the opposite, blocking skill, Occlumency, in Order of the Phoenix. Weve yet to see if that will play a large role in the film.

It was recently revealed Johnny Depp would have a cameo in Fantastic Beasts as the famed Dark Wizard Gellert Grindelwald. In the universe Grindelwald lived from 18821998, went to the Durmstrang Institute (where Triwizard Tournament competitor Viktor Krum went to school), and eventually wound up imprisoned in his own fortress, Nurmengard. He was the first Dark Wizard to rise (before Voldemort came into power), but in his younger days he had a friendship with Albus Dumbledore. In 1945 the two had a famous duel, which Dumbledore won. But as far as we know, Grindelwalds villainy was relegated to Europe. Dumbledores name has also been mentioned in the trailers and we can expect him to be cast for subsequent films.

While wed heard Grindelwalds name in trailers long before Depp was announced, character posters revealed Percival Graves might have a connection to the Deathly Hallows. A key plot point in both the book and film adaptation of Deathly Hallows, they were symbols of both Grindelwald and his followers but also a much older story told in The Tales of Beedle the Bard which involved cheating death itself.





Warner Bros.

This is a lot of information, I know. You dont have to memorize it. This is just a helping hand. The important thing to remember when sitting down to watch Fantastic Beasts is that mostly everyone in the audience is on an even playing field. While some may already be familiar with the concepts Ive written about here, even the most dedicated of Harry Potter fans dont know what to expect from the film because so far, its only lived in Rowlings imagination.

Variety is reporting Fantastic Beasts is expected to make between $70 million and $75 million domestically on opening weekend and around $200 million globally which are great numbers but doesnt quite hit what the Harry Potter films themselves made. Will a new generation, possibly devoid of Potter knowledge attach themselves to Fantastic Beasts with the same kind of fever? Without children starring in the film, maybe not. But those who originally grew up with the book and film series are more than likely to turn out and go for seconds. After all, who doesnt need a little magic in their lives?
(Reuters) - FBI agents have joined police in Wichita, Kansas, in the search for a week-old infant girl reported missing by her father when he arrived home to find the mother shot to death in their home and the baby gone, police said on Friday.

The father of the missing newborn, 7-day-old Sofia Gonzales, is not considered a suspect in the slaying of the mother, Laura Abarca-Nogueda, 27, or in the disappearance of the child, said Sergeant Nikki Woodrow, a spokeswoman for the Wichita police.

She said investigators, including a special team specializing in child abductions, have made no arrests and have identified no suspects.

Baby Sofia is "believed to be endangered and as with any newborn, an infant needs medical care and attention," police said in a statement.

The mystery unfolded on Thursday when the father, the boyfriend of Abarca-Nogueda, arrived home from work at about 3:30 p.m., found the mother shot inside the dwelling and immediately called emergency 911 for help. The woman was pronounced dead at the scene.

The boyfriend also informed responding officers that the couple's infant daughter was missing from the home, and police searched the entire premises to no avail. The boyfriend's name was not disclosed.

Investigators have since interviewed numerous family members, friends and co-workers, and the Federal Bureau of Investigation was called in to assist in the case, police said.

Police said no "Amber" alert was issued in the search for the missing child because investigators have no suspect.

(Reporting by Steve Gorman; Editing by Andrew Hay)
The hallway to Fender CEO Andy Mooneys office is lined with his personal collection of rare electric guitars, some dating back to the iconic guitar makers first year of production in the early 1950s.

The guitars are more than artifacts of the storied music brands past for Mooney, who became CEO in June 2015. They are a living history, and he encourages employees at the companys new headquarters in West Hollywood to play his more than 30 guitars, which date back to every decade that Fender has been in business. The tones are instantly identifiable, even for casual music fans. You dont have to know the specific model of the instrument to recognize the sound that has defined youth rebellion for decades.

The wall is a veritable history of rock n rolls great past, but Fender cannot simply rest on its fabled history  it needs to compete in todays marketplace. So theres an obligation to respect that history while working to evolve to keep the company vibrant.

Ive worked for three great brands. Nike, Disney and Fender. People have a very deep, emotional connection to those brands. And I think it absolutely is imperative to honor the past, but its equally imperative to really embrace the future, because otherwise you run the risk of embalming the brand in the process, Mooney said in an interview with Yahoo News.

Mooneys strategy is to find ways for Fender to stay true to the spirit of its history without being stifled by it.

Clarence Leo Fender, the companys founder, made an impact because he looked to the future. He was the first to mass produce a solid-body electric guitar with the Telecaster (originally named Broadcaster) in 1950, a model famously played by the Rolling Stones Keith Richards and the Clashs Joe Strummer. Four years later, he unveiled the revolutionary Stratocaster, the favored guitar of Buddy Holly and Stevie Ray Vaughan.

He took everything he learned in the creation of the Telecaster, and he radically redesigned the form for the Strat. If we really want to be like Leo, if we really want to be like Walt [Disney], you got to be very forward looking in your desire to meet the needs of contemporary artists, he said.

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Fenders main headquarters are in Scottsdale, Ariz. The new offices on Sunset Boulevard in Los Angeles were opened on Sept. 22. Setting up shop in Southern California is a homecoming of sorts, considering that Fender was founded in Fullerton, in Orange County, in the 1940s.

Mooney, a native of Whitburn, Scotland, is a lifelong guitarist himself who played semiprofessionally until his late 20s when  like so many others with rock n roll dreams  he accepted that he would need to earn his livelihood elsewhere.

He had been living in the U.S. for a couple years when he strolled past a pawnshop in Portland, Ore., that had a black, 86 American Standard Stratocaster  it called out to him. Growing up, Mooneys musical hero was Deep Purples Ritchie Blackmore, who played a black Stratocaster with a white pickguard, just like the one he wound up buying.

When I played it, this thing was just a work of art, he said.

It was one of the first American standards to come out after former CEO Bill Schultz led an employee buyout from then-owner CBS in 1985 and returned Fender to its former glory, earning him a reputation as the man who saved Fender.

Around this time, Alan Rogan, who was a guitar tech for the Whos Pete Townshend, gave Mooney a beautiful, short book about Fenders history. Flipping through, he decided he would try to collect every guitar in the book, and hes been working on making this a reality for the past 30 years.

His collection boasts a 1952 Blonde Telecaster and a 1954 Sunburst Stratocaster, which are among the first few thousand guitars Fender ever made, and many other first-year models.

Though some musicians salivate over Fenders of yesteryear, Mooney said hes more likely to play his 86 Strat or something more recent. He likened guitarists who gravitate toward vintage guitars to gearheads who prefer retro cars.

What Ive found is that, in terms of what I ended up playing myself, when you drive a vintage car you kind of miss not having power steering, you kind of miss not having air conditioning, all of the niceties that make driving a modern car so pleasant, he said.

One might suspect that the person at the helm of a guitar company might not be thinking about whether or not young people prefer retro guitars or recent models, but whether they want guitars at all. Theres been much ado about the waning cultural relevance of rock music and by proxy guitar. At the very least, rock n roll is not currently the dominant music of youth culture as it was in the past.

Thanks to the rise of EDM with artists like Skrillex and the sustained popularity of hip-hop, plenty of teenagers harbor dreams that involve laptops and turntables rather than guitars and drums.

But Mooney isnt too worried about the instruments prospects. Look at the stages of todays big music festivals, he suggested, and youll see the guitar still going strong.

To paraphrase Mark Twain, the death of the electric guitar has been greatly exaggerated. I think the last time the death of the electric guitar was proclaimed was round about the creation of disco. So we survived disco and were surviving EDM, Mooney said.

People have been sounding the death knell for the guitar for a long, long time. Just think back to the Beatles audition for Decca Records in 1962 when they were rejected because guitar groups are on the way out.

Its worth noting that its harder to track what musical genres young people are listening to now than ever before anyway. MTV and top 40 radio are no longer the overriding tastemakers they once were. The Internet has upended the industrys longstanding business models and given music fans more power to discover new music. Listeners are no longer the passive recipients of what the major labels cook up and are forming their own online communities.

This splintering means its more unlikely than ever for a single band or artist to command the kind of cultural sway that the Beatles, or even Nirvana, once had. Its also less likely that the Billboard charts are an accurate reflection of whats on anyones iPhone.

Back in Mooneys youth, he said, the guitar was considered a virtuoso instrument  think Jimi Hendrix, Eric Clapton, etc.  but now more people think of it as a compositional instrument, and theres been a tremendous uptick in the sales of acoustic guitars overall.

I call it the Taylor Swift syndrome, he said. Theres been a big influx, which I think is great, of women into the industry.

So if Mooneys correct, the guitar isnt dying but has to stay fresh to retain its new customers. The new Los Angeles office has more than 100 employees dedicated to a team for digital products and services, such as lessons for players at a variety of levels. To Fender, this move to Los Angeles represents a significant investment in the brands future growth.

Roughly 90 percent of players who pick up a guitar for the first time abandon it in their first year and the 10 percent who stick with it often buy several guitars and commit to the instrument for life, according to Mooney.

As an individual business, the lessons segment is actually twice the size of the instrument segment, Mooney said. So as an independent business endeavor, it makes sense to take the brand into that space. If were fortunate enough to reduce the abandonment rate to have more people commit to the instrument for life, we have the potential to grow the size of the entire industry.
Fiji urged the United States Friday to "save" the world from climate change as it had helped to win World War II.

"We in the Pacific, in common with the whole world, look to America for its leadership and for its engagement and assistance on climate change," Prime Minister Frank Bainimarama told a UN conference in Marrakesh overshadowed by president-elect Donald Trump's threats to withdraw the US from a climate rescue pact.

"Just as we looked at America during the dark days of World War II... I say to the American people 'you came to save us then, it is time for you to help to save us now'," he said.

Bainimarama invited Trump to Fiji "to see the effects of climate change for himself and to meet Pacific island leaders face to face in Fiji to discuss the crisis we are all facing along with other low-lying areas of the world, including parts of America."

The United States had a responsibility, he argued, to contribute to the global response to climate change.

The first gathering of the UN's climate forum since last year's adoption of the Paris Agreement to curtail global warming, is tasked with drafting a roadmap for its execution.

It has been overshadowed by uncertainty about Trump's vow to "cancel" the pact to rein in greenhouse gas emissions blamed for planet warming.
A 33-year-old Lincoln woman got six to 12 years in prison Friday for trying to rob a fast-food manager on the way to the bank in broad daylight, days before going to prison on other charges.

Ashley Wood said she wanted to apologize to the court and her victim and said she wanted to break the cycle for her children.

"I do know I made horrible choices," she said.

Just before 10:45 a.m. Oct. 9, 2015, Lincoln police went to West Cornhusker Highway on a 56-year-old woman's report that she had left the McDonald's near the airport with cash to get change at the bank when a Lincoln Navigator ran into the back of her Jeep.

When she stopped to check for damage, a woman came up with part of her face covered threatening to use a Taser on her, then she felt a shock to her arm. When she yelled for her to stop, she was shocked again, she told police.

A bystander driving by saw the woman being assaulted, stopped and pulled the woman off her.

She got away in the Navigator, which had its front license plate covered. Police tracked it down a short time later and arrested Wood.

On Oct. 29, 2015, she went to the Nebraska Correctional Center for Women in York for two years and eight months to four years for unrelated felony theft and misdemeanor charges.

Wood later pleaded no contest to attempted robbery.

Lancaster County District Judge John Colborn said he couldn't ignore the serious nature of the crime, which involved violence. And he sentenced her to additional prison time.

The alleged driver, Shonda Curry, has a warrant out for her arrest.
By Lawrence Hurley WASHINGTON (Reuters) - Democratic attorneys general in at least five U.S. states have vowed to fight President-elect Donald Trump in the courts if he rolls back Obama-era regulations or adopts policies they view as infringing upon civil liberties. With Republicans controlling the White House and both chambers of Congress, the Democratic Party looks set to rely more heavily on top law officials in states they run to help keep a check on Trump's exercise of power. Any efforts by a Trump administration to weaken consumer protection or climate change policies, for example, could lead to conflict between the states and the federal government, attorney general offices in Maryland, Virginia, Washington, Massachusetts, and New York told Reuters. In some instances, that could see them asking a federal judge to block federal action nationwide. "I view my role as being on the first line of defense against a Trump administration if it chooses to act in an unconstitutional fashion," said Bob Ferguson, the Democratic attorney general of Washington state. When George W. Bush was president, Democratic states forced his administration to take the first step toward regulating carbon emissions for the first time. Michael Kelly, a spokesman for Virginia's attorney general, Mark Herring, said that if a Trump administration "crosses the line and pursues actions that are illegal or violate the Constitution, Attorney General Herring will be ready to stand up and defend the rights of Virginians." The Trump transition team did not respond to a request seeking comment. Attorneys general are the top legal officials in the 50 states and are typically elected. After this years elections, 21 will be Democrats, in addition to the attorney general for the District of Columbia. Acting on behalf of their states, they generally have legal standing to bring lawsuits challenging federal regulations or executive actions, including those that may infringe upon civil rights. "The President-elect has made a number of promises that, if implemented, would violate the Constitution or Massachusetts law," Massachusetts Attorney General Maura Healey said in a statement. "If the incoming administration chooses to try to act in ways that are unconstitutional, my office will take action to protect the rights and liberties of our residents and our state," she said. SYMPATHETIC HEARING A dozen attorney general offices contacted by Reuters declined to discuss potential legal strategies before Trump takes office. Democratic states that sue might initially get a sympathetic hearing, as many federal courts are staffed with judges appointed by President Barack Obama during his eight years in office. But challengers face one major obstacle, a Supreme Court likely soon to regain its conservative majority once Trump makes an appointment to fill a vacant seat. The court is currently divided 4-4 between conservatives and liberals. Republican-controlled Texas, which took a leading role in challenging Obama's executive actions, provides a model for the Democratic attorneys general. Climate change is likely to be area of friction between Trump, who has vowed to roll back regulations aimed at cutting greenhouse gases, and Democratic states, which have supported such efforts at the federal level or enacted their own measures. The top target for Trump is Obama's Clean Power Plan, which seeks to limit carbon emissions from power plants. Amy Spitalnick, a spokeswoman for New York Attorney General Eric Schneiderman said his office "will continue to fight to protect New Yorkers public health, property, and environment, and to lead the coalition of states defending the Clean Power Plan." Immigration policy is another potential flashpoint. Trump has said he will rescind an Obama executive order giving deportation relief to up to 4 million people and end federal funding for cities like New York and Los Angeles that give sanctuary to undocumented immigrants. A federal court blocked the Obama executive order in February 2015 after Texas and 25 other Republican states challenged it. The Supreme Court split 4-4 on the issue in June, leaving the lower court's ruling in place. On consumer protection, states can both challenge any Trump efforts to loosen regulations and ramp up their own enforcement efforts, said Doug Gansler, a Democrat who served as Maryland's attorney general from 2007 to 2015. "If the federal government abdicates that responsibility, the more aggressive and progressive state attorneys general will fill that vacuum," he said. (Reporting by Lawrence Hurley; editing by Amy Stevens and Ross Colvin)
As China inches ever closer to surpassing North America as the world's largest box-office territory, its movie budgets are getting bigger, too.

Hollywood studio tentpoles routinely cost $100 million to $200 million to make, but China's biggest titles seldom top $50 million.

Stephen Chow's fantasy romp The Mermaid, which earned $550 million in February to become China's biggest local box-office hit ever, had a reported production budget of just $60 million - and many in the Chinese industry believe it was made for less (it's not uncommon for Chinese productions to exaggerate their budgets to attract attention, insiders say).

Asura, an epic fantasy film loosely based on Buddhist mythology, is perhaps a glimpse of the Chinese industry to come. With a budget of $100 million, it is said to be the country's most expensive fully domestic film ever. And THR got some first-look exclusive photos.

The debut directorial effort of Chinese filmmaker Peng Zhang, whose career as a Hollywood stunt coordinator goes back two decades (Ant-Man, The Twilight Saga, Scott Pilgrim vs. the World), the film features an international cast and veteran Hollywood production team, despite being a Chinese-language film intended first and foremost for the Chinese market.

Produced by Zhenjian Yang, who scored big in 2012 with Painted Skin: The Resurrection ($105 million, a big haul at that time), all of Asura's key production roles are held by Hollywood veterans, while the the rest of the crew is made up of Chinese staff - a strategy Yang pursued to both bootstrap the local industry's experience level and to give the film an international polish. The costumes, for example, were designed by Oscar winner Ngila Dickson (The Lord of the Rings franchise), while the sound design is done by Martin Hernandez (The Revenant, Birdman) and visual effects are supervised by Charlie Iturriaga (Deadpool, Furious 7, The Social Network).

Asura is set in the mythical realm of Asura - the dimension of pure desire, according to ancient Buddhist mythology - which is threatened by a coup from a lower heavenly kingdom.

Story continues

Sixteen-year-old Chinese rising star Lei Wu plays the film's young hero, alongside Hong Kong veterans Tony Leung and Carina Lau. Eighteen-year-old newcomer Zhang Yi Shang is the female lead and love interest. The international elements of the cast are made up of American actor Matthew Knowles (based part-time in Beijing, Knowles speaks fluent Mandarin and is well-known to the local audience from roles in Chinese TV dramas like Love Me If You Dare, Deng Xiaoping and Red Star Over China), stuntman Damien Walters (Captain America: The First Avenger, The Huntsman: Winter's War) and British contortionist Bonetics Junior.

Still in production, Asura is being shot in seven locations across China, including Ningxia in the country's north and the Qinghai Tibetan Plateau.

The movie is financed and produced by Jack Ma's Alibaba Pictures Group, Ningxia Film Group, Zhenjian Film and others. The first in a planned trilogy, the film is targeting a summer 2018 release.

Chinese actress Zhang Yi Shang is the female lead.
When the leaves startfalling and the air becomes bitter cold throughout theEast Coast,the temperature in Southern California could still be a perfect 72 degrees.When traveling to the sunny coast in the fall or winter seasons, there is no need to pack heavy coats or thick wool pants. While you may not be able to wear shorts, sandals, and a tank top exclusively throughout your trip, you will be able to get away with fewer layers.

Designer Mari Giudicelli, who has a chic shoe brand with the same name, went to Los Angeles recently and perfected the art of fall packing. The result were these fiveeffortlessly cool outfits that are shopable, so you can create them yourself for your next vacation!

Mari Outfits

Redone tee: $78; shopredone.com

Marni pants: $1,730; modaoperandi.com

Maryam Nassir: $379; mnzstore.com

Mari Outfits

Elizabeth and James sweater: $275; net-a-porter.com

Trademark Skirt: Similar style by Vince $455; barneys.com

Celine shoes: Purchase at Madison Ave store 212-535-3703

Proenza Schouler bag: $1,495; nordstrom.com

Mari Outfits

Proenza Schouler blazer: $2,490; farfetch.com

Redone jeans: $286; shopredone.com

M2Malletier bag: $1,735; net-a-porter.com

Everlane silk top: $58; everlane.com

Maryam Nassir: $379; mnzstore.com

Mari Outfits

Simon Miller pants: $335; simonmillerusa.com

Simon Miller sweater: $255; simonmillerusa.com

Celine shoes: Purchase at Madison Ave store 212-535-3703

Proenza Schouler bag: $1,495; nordstrom.com

Celine sunglasses: $410; sunglasshut.com

Mari Outfits

The Row Sweater: $1,950; net-a-porter.com

Rag & Bone slip Dress: $450; net-a-porter.com

Trademark bag: Similar bag $525; barneys.com

Celine shoes: Purchase at Madison Ave store 212-535-3703

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Iceland's WOW Air is once again offering $99 one-way flights from Los Angeles and San Francisco to Reykjavik for winter and spring travel.

From Los Angeles International Airport, the deal is available on select dates from November 23 to December 14, and from January 10 to April 4. From San Francisco International Airport, the $99 flights are available on select dates from November 25 to December 9, and from January 10 to April 4.

Return flights start at $179.99, making it possible to see one of the top destinations in the world for a very reasonable price.

If Iceland is on your budget-minded bucket list, WOW Air is the airline to watch for cheap deals.

The low-cost airline is also offering one-way flights to cities including Amsterdam, Paris, Frankfurt, and London starting at $199.99.

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(Adds more details, attempt to reach Trump spokeswoman, sales figures)

By David Shepardson

WASHINGTON, Nov 17 (Reuters) - U.S. President-elect Donald Trump said Ford Motor Co Executive Chairman Bill Ford Jr told him the automaker would not move a Kentucky plant to Mexico, but the firm said it informed him the decision was to keep one vehicle in U.S. production.

On Thursday, Trump posted on Twitter: "I worked hard with Bill Ford to keep the Lincoln plant in Kentucky. I owed it to the great State of Kentucky for their confidence in me!"

"He will be keeping the Lincoln plant in Kentucky - no Mexico," the President-elect tweeted.

But Ford has repeatedly said it has no plans to close any U.S. plants and likely could not do so under the terms of the current United Auto Workers contract that expires in 2019.

This is not the first time Trump's comments about Ford production have been called into question. Last year, he took credit for Ford moving work from Mexico to Ohio, while the automaker had already made the decision in 2011 - long before Trump announced a run for president.

Spokeswoman Christin Baker said Ford "confirmed with the President-elect that our small Lincoln utility vehicle made at the Louisville Assembly plant will stay in Kentucky".

"We are encouraged that President-elect Trump and the new Congress will pursue policies that will improve U.S. competitiveness and make it possible to keep production of this vehicle here in the United States," she added, in a statement.

The company builds both the Ford Escape and Lincoln MKC SUV at its Louisville Assembly Plant in Kentucky, which Trump refers to as the "Lincoln plant" and where Ford employs about 4,700 people. It also has a separate truck plant in Louisville, where it builds pickups and larger SUVs.

It is not clear how many jobs would have been impacted if the low-selling MKC had moved to Mexico.

Ford has sold about 20,000 MKC SUVs this year in the United States, compared with 258,000 Escape SUVs.

Story continues

Ford said last month it would suspend production of the Escape and MKC at its Louisville Assembly Plant in Kentucky for two weeks because of low demand.

In 2015, it told workers at the plant that it planned to phase out MKC production by 2019 and move it elsewhere.

The U.S. No. 2 automaker is planning to move some small-car production south of the border.

SCATHING CRITICISM

Ford has endured scathing criticism from Trump over its Mexican investments for nearly 18 months.

He has said at times incorrectly that Ford planned to fire American workers because of its Mexican investments. During his presidential campaign, the Republican candidate also said that if elected he would not allow Ford to open a new plant in Mexico and would slap hefty tariffs on any Ford vehicles made there.

A Trump spokeswoman did not immediately respond to questions about whether Ford's decision to keep production of an SUV in the United States would cause him to drop plans to impose tariffs on some Ford vehicles built in Mexico.

In April 2015, Ford said it planned to invest $2.5 billion to build two new plants in Mexico, adding 3,800 jobs in all. Earlier this year, Ford said it will invest a further $1.6 billion in Mexico for small-car production to start in 2018.

In September, Ford confirmed that all of the company's small-car production will leave U.S. plants and head to lower-cost Mexico by 2019, but no plants would be closed as a result.

Ford has repeatedly said no U.S. jobs will be lost because of the move - and it will produce two new vehicles at a Detroit area plant that built the small cars.

In October, Bill Ford said he had met with Trump to talk about his extensive attacks on Ford's investments in Mexico.

Ford said Trump's criticism was "infuriating" and "frustrating" because of the company's extensive investments and employment in the United States.

(Reporting by Eric Beech and David Shepardson; Editing by Sandra Maler, Bill Rigby and Himani Sarkar)
Photo credit: Forever21 + Getty

From Cosmopolitan

Yesterday, the Los Angeles Times reported that garment workers at some factories in Southern California were earning as little as $4 an hour making clothes for brands like Forever 21, Ross Dress for Less, and TJ Maxx. That is less than half of the state-mandated hourly minimum wage of $10.

The report was the result of an investigation by the California Department of Labor, which looked into the labor practices of 77 independent factories in Southern California. Labor violations were found in 85 percent of cases and those companies were ordered to pay their workers $1.3 million in lost wages and damages. However, because the Labor Department can only penalize companies that directly employ workers, the retailers themselves, including Macy's and Nordstrom, avoided any repercussions.

This business model [using independent factories to produce their goods] has shielded them from any legal responsibility, said Ruben Rosalez, a regional administrator with the Labor Department. The retailers are setting the prices. Theyre saying, Make this shirt for this amount, but its the workers at the end of the chain that are getting screwed.



In an email to the Los Angeles Times, a Forever 21 representative denied any responsibility for the conditions under which their clothes are made and said the company "takes these issues very seriously, and requires all of its vendors to comply with these laws. What they did not say was whether or not they would continue working with these factories or increase the prices they pay their manufacturers.

Brands like Forever 21 need cheap (even criminally cheap) labor to produce goods they can then turn around and sell at the insanely low prices consumers have come to expect. But it is impossible to ethically produce a dress for $18 without it severely impacting a company's bottom line, which, let's be real, is the only thing any company actually cares about.

While the workers in these Southern California factories may have won a small victory today, there are millions of workers in this country and around the world being exploited in the name of low prices. That is not going to change until consumers start valuing human dignity above cheap clothing.

Story continues

In other words, it's up to you. Every time you buy a dirt-cheap piece of clothing, you are propping up the sweatshop-labor industry. If that bothers you, you know what to do: Shop less and spend more on better quality, ethically-produced clothes. Your closet won't be as full, but you probably own more shit than you wear as it is.

Photo credit: Giphy

Get non-boring fashion and beauty news directly in your feed. Follow Facebook.com/CosmoBeauty.



Follow Charles on Twitter and Instagram.

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Prijepolje (Serbia) (AFP) - Bus driver Adem Alomerovic was returning home to southern Serbia after undergoing medical tests in Belgrade when he was hauled off a train by members of a notorious militia as it crossed through Bosnian territory.

Alomerovic, 57, and another 18 passengers were bundled off to a nearby school gym where they were robbed, stripped naked and brutally tortured before being executed and dumped in a river.

Their crime? They were mostly Muslim men living in Sandzak, a poor mountainous region of Serbia, during the first year of a bloody inter-ethnic war just across the border in Bosnia.

Almost a quarter century on, the relatives of the victims of the 1993 atrocity are still waiting for justice.

"We are all still crushed by this," Alomerovic's 61-year-old daughter Ramiza Mulic told AFP.

"Even the birds know what happened... but nobody wants to tell us anything, to help us to ease our pain, helplessness and humiliation."

The fearful Muslims of Sandzak had been desperately trying not to get caught up in the conflict just across the border that was pitting Croats, Muslims and Serbs against each other.

Nijazim Kajevic, a telecommunications technician, was another passenger on the ill-fated train, returning home from a birthday party for a friend's son in Belgrade when it made an unscheduled stop in the border village of Strpci on February 27, 1993.

- Betrayed by their names -

He and the other men, given away by their Muslim family names, are believed to have been abducted by the feared Serb paramilitary group known as "Osvetnici" (Avengers) headed by convicted war criminal Milan Lukic.

Kajevic's brother Nail told AFP he was certain the massacre was a deliberate plot masterminded in Belgrade to chase away Muslims from Sandzak.

"Their goal, the forcible displacement and intimidation (of Muslims), was eventually achieved," he said.

Serb forces -- who persecuted and exterminated hundreds of thousands of Croats and Muslims during the Bosnian war -- wanted to ethnically "cleanse" the Sandzak area, agreed Mulic.

Story continues

Before the war Muslims made up less than three percent of Serbia's mainly Orthodox Christian population.

- Serbia's silence -

Just four months before the Strpci killings, an Avengers unit had intercepted a bus in the area carrying 16 Muslim workers, including one woman, from the village of Sjeverin.

They were never seen again.

Lukic was arrested in 2005 in Argentina and sentenced to life in prison for war crimes -- but he was never charged over the Strpci massacre.

The only person convicted was Nebojsa Ranisavljevic, who was sentenced to 15 years prison in 2002 by a court in nearby Montenegro before being released nine years later.

The identities of the other suspects surfaced in Ranisavljevic's confession read out at his trial.

Sixteen of them, who had become bar owners or shopkeepers after the war, were arrested in 2014 in Bosnia's Serb-run Republika Srpska or Serbia itself.

Eleven have gone on trial in Sarajevo but the others are still being investigated in Belgrade.

Belgrade's failure to bring anyone to justice "proves that Muslims are still not considered equal citizens in Serbia," said Muamer Zukorlic, the former mufti of Sandzak and now a Serbian MP.

In the town of Prijepolje, home to several of the victims, an inscription on a monument in their memory states that "anyone in this country who forgets" the killings "is giving up on the future".

Shortly after the victims disappeared, thousands of people massed every day for weeks outside the town hall seeking answers.

"We were all frightened," recalled Nail Kajevic, saying residents gathered despite fears they could themselves be rounded up by Serb forces.

On March 17, 1993, late Serbian strongman Slobodan Milosevic flew in on a helicopter and promised to find the missing, and later met with victims' families in Belgrade on four occasions.

- Still seeking revenge -

For a while afterwards the relatives believed their loved ones had been abducted to be exchanged for Serb prisoners of war held by Bosnian Muslim forces.

But today, Kajevic said he is convinced that Milosevic, the mastermind of a "Greater Serbia," knew everything about the fate of those who went missing.

Belgrade refuses to "shed a light on the crimes in which its services were involved", he said.

Relatives of the victims want the European Court of Human Rights to order compensation for their families.

At her house in Novi Pazar, Sandzak's main town, Mulic vowed she would never forgive her father's killers.

"I would like to swap roles, that we do to them what they did to us," she said, drawing a finger across her throat.
Washington (AFP) - US President-elect Donald Trump and France's far-right leader Marine Le Pen are part of "identical phenomena" that have swept the two countries, the mayor of Paris said Friday.

Mayor Anne Hidalgo, who was in Washington accepting an environmental award from Foreign Policy magazine, added that Trump "is bad news, because we don't need to restart discussions of last century" -- a reference to his skepticism of climate change.

Le Pen, the leader of France's far-right National Front (FN), has her eye on the French presidency in next year's elections, with polls currently showing her making it past the first round to the May run-off among the top two vote-getters.

"The fact that (Le Pen) is already so high in the polls, it's because there are identical phenomena at work," Hidalgo told a handful of journalists.

She said the presidency of Trump, who has described climate change as a "hoax," would not have a decisive impact on the landmark Paris agreement on climate change.

"Even if Mr Trump declares his skepticism every morning... it will not stop the momentum," she said, adding that "countries cannot leave the agreement anyhow."

Trump has threatened to "cancel" the pact, which could roll back years of painstakingly negotiated political goodwill.
University of Nebraska Regent Kent Schroeder has driven more than 129,000 miles and attended 648 meetings over the last 18 years.

Schroeders last meeting after three terms representing District 6 on the NU Board of Regents was Friday.

Amherst farmer and businessman Paul Kenney will replace Schroeder in January. Kenney defeated Kearney attorney Marsha Fangmeyer in the Nov. 8 election.

Schroeder, a Kearney attorney, told the board he was thankful for the opportunity to work with them, joking he appreciated other regents tolerating him for nearly two decades.

It goes without saying, he said, I could not have served without the support of my family, particularly my wife Linda.

When he began as regent, the District 6 seat represented 23 counties in central Nebraska stretching from the South Dakota border in the north to the Platte River.

In 2004, the district comprised 22 counties but extended south to the Kansas border, Schroeder said, and during his last reelection bid, District 6 had once again shifted to represent 20 counties border to border.

Counting other markers of his service, Schroeder said he worked alongside 20 regents, met and forgot the names of 72 student regents, and advised three different university presidents.

NU President Hank Bounds said Schroeder understands the importance of good governance.

His service is marked by unselfishly setting aside personal interests and always placing the best interest of the university, its students and the state of Nebraska first and foremost, Bounds said. He is a regents regent.

Regent Bob Phares of North Platte said Schroeder diligently served Nebraska for 18 years, building a reputation for using common sense and being straightforward in his opinions, but never forgetting to inject humor into his work.

If there was one upside to Schroeder retiring as a regent, Phares joked, it would be the fact that one less lawyer will be on the board.

On Friday, regents approved creating the honorary title of Regent Emeritus before bestowing that award upon Schroeder.

An emotional Schroeder thanked his colleagues one last time before closing the meeting as chairman, repeating the personal mantra he uses to guide his work as well as evaluate the university.

If you dont know how good you are, you will never know how much better you can be.
Paris (AFP) - Seven right-wing presidential hopefuls will compete in the first round of a US-style primary on Sunday that is widely expected to decide France's next leader.

Polls show the winner of the two-round November 20-27 nominating contest meeting -- and beating -- far-right National Front leader Marine Le Pen in the second round of the election in May.

The race is seen as a three-way affair between Alain Juppe, Nicolas Sarkozy and Francois Fillon, with the four other candidates all polling under 10 percent.

- Alain Juppe, unifier -

Former prime minister Alain Juppe, 71, has campaigned as a moderate and a sage who will unify a country divided by a deep economic malaise and a wave of jihadist attacks.

The man with the longest CV in French politics, including stints as foreign and defence minister under Sarkozy, has attempted to banish the gloom with his vision of a "happy" national identity.

In 1995, the then premier's attempts to push through reforms sparked huge protests that paralysed France. Juppe says he is a "changed" man and now more open to dialogue.

He spent a few years in the political wilderness after a party funding scandal in 2004, in which he was seen as the fall guy for his mentor Jacques Chirac.

Sarkozy has accused him of being "soft" but Juppe insists he "stands his ground".

- Nicolas Sarkozy, comeback kid -

Former president Nicolas Sarkozy, 61, promised to blow the competition out of the water as he bids to win back the keys to the Elysee Palace but has so far failed to land a knockout blow on his arch-rival Juppe.

In a strategy that cost him re-election in 2012 he has again lurched to the right on immigration, security and Islam in a bid to woo voters tempted by the National Front.

The son of a Hungarian immigrant, Sarkozy was elected in 2007 on a promise of reforms.

But his taste for the high life -- he is married to former top model Carla Bruni -- and failure to enact many of his promises led voters to cast him out after a single term.

Story continues

After telling the French they would never hear from him if vanquished, he returned to lead the Republicans party in 2014 as the champion of the "silent majority".

"How many Brexits, how many American elections, how many lost European referendums do you need to finally hear the anger of the people?" he told a rally this week.

- Francois Fillon, the third man -

Francois Fillon is hoping to cause an upset by winning a place in the November 27 run-off as a compromise choice with more bite than Juppe but less punch than his former boss Sarkozy.

Fillon became the youngest member of the French parliament at age 27 in 1981 and held several ministerial portfolios under Jacques Chirac.

As Sarkozy's prime minister from 2007 to 2012 his unflappable, avuncular style made him an antidote to the hyperactive president.

The 62-year-old is best remembered for having warned before the eurozone debt crisis that France was living beyond its means.

A car-racing fanatic, he has come from behind in the last weeks of the campaign on a pledge to cut half a million civil servant jobs, increase the working week from 35 to 39 hours and reduce immigration to the "strict minimum".

- Bruno Le Maire, the good pupil -

Agriculture minister under Sarkozy from 2009 to 2012, Bruno Le Maire, 47, has struggled to shake off an image of slightly stodgy, over-educated technocrat.

"My intelligence is an obstacle," the clean-cut politician once famously declared.

His programme comes in the form of a 1,012-page "contract" with the French.

- Nathalie Kosciusko-Morizet, free spirit -

At 43, former environment minister Nathalie Kosciusko-Morizet is the youngest candidate, and the only woman.

A maverick who has called for cannabis to be decriminalised, she was sacked by Sarkozy as the Republicans' vice president in December 2015 after she criticised his leadership.

Known in France by her initials NKM, she made an unsuccessful bid to become Paris mayor in 2014.

- Jean-Francois Cope, 'uninhibited' right -

Jean-Francois Cope, 52, was forced to resign as president of the UMP, the forerunner of the Republicans Party, in June 2014 over a campaign finance scandal that has also embroiled Sarkozy.

A former budget minister and advocate of an "uninhibited right" he was led red-faced recently after revealing he had no idea of the price of a pain au chocolat, a French breakfast staple.

"I think it must be around 10 or 15 centimes," he said of the pastry that sells for around 10 times that.

- Jean-Frederic Poisson, Christian choice -

The head of the Christian Democratic Party, 53-year-old Jean-Frederic Poisson has taken a firm stance against gay marriage, legalised in France in 2013.

He courted controversy during the campaign for refusing to rule out voting for Le Pen in the unlikely event she meets current Socialist president Francois Hollande in the election run-off in May.
New York (AFP) - There's no doubt which side the fashion world supported during the US presidential campaign.

For years, First Lady Michelle Obama and Democrats' vanquished presidential candidate Hillary Clinton have been favorites with fashion designers who dressed them in clothes aimed at evoking their values.

But New York-based French designer Sophie Theallet has gone a step further, throwing down the gauntlet by refusing to dress future first lady Melania Trump because of the political views of her husband, President-elect Donald Trump.

Theallet is urging other designers to follow her lead.

"As one who celebrates and strives for diversity, individual freedom and respect for all lifestyles, I will not participate in dressing or associating in any way with the next first lady," she wrote in an open letter published Thursday.

"The rhetoric of racism, sexism and xenophobia unleashed by her husband's presidential campaign are incompatible with the shared values we live by."

"I am well aware it is not wise to get involved in politics," Theallet added.

"That said, as a family-owned company, our bottom line is not just about money."

The letter has prompted a flood of reaction on social media, much of it negative.

Theallet, 52, who has worked in the United States for more than fifteen years, is a regular fixture at New York's fashion week.

Her feminine designs have appealed to Michelle Obama, who provided welcome publicity by donning several of her dresses since 2009.

"She has contributed to having our name recognized and respected worldwide," Theallet wrote of the current first lady, indicating purpose behind Obama's fashion choices.

"Her values, actions and grace have always resonated deeply within me."
Paris (AFP) - Right-wing French presidential hopefuls faced off Thursday over the repercussions of Donald Trump's election in the last debate ahead of the first round of their US-style primary at the weekend.

All eyes in France are on the right-wing nominating contest, whose winner is expected to go on to take the presidency in May in a duel with far-right leader Marine Le Pen.

Former president Nicolas Sarkozy, ex-premier Alain Juppe and five other candidates will compete in the first round on Sunday, with the two poll toppers going into a run-off on November 27.

Trump's stunning ascent to the White House loomed large over the last of three debates among the seven candidates.

Sarkozy, who is running neck-and-neck with Juppe in polls, said a more isolationist America created "a fantastic opportunity for France and Europe to re-establish a leadership role" on issues including security in the Mediterranean and the reform of the UN Security Council.

"The next five years will mark the return of France and Europe to the international scene. America won't be there to put us in the shade," he said.

Juppe said the Trump era heralded a triple "shock" -- in the areas of trade, defence and the environment.

A return to protectionism would be "a tremendous regression", Juppe said, while warning Europe against being "naive" in its dealings with the United States.

Responding to Trump's campaign threat to help NATO allies only if they paid their way, Juppe said EU members needed to speed up plans for greater defence cooperation -- a proposal backed by most of his rivals.

Trump's win has caused jitters in France, where Le Pen has seized on it as evidence that she could debunk the polls and take the Elysee Palace on a similar anti-establishment platform.

Socialist Prime Minister Manuel Valls admitted during a visit to Berlin on Thursday that it was "possible" that Le Pen could win the election and warned against ignoring the "danger" of the far right.

Story continues

- US-style 'hangover' -

"I don't want us to wake up with a hangover, like the Americans, in six months' time," the sole female candidate in the right-wing primary, Nathalie Kosciusko-Morizet, said during the debate.

Thursday's debate was restrained in tone but sparks flew when Sarkozy was quizzed about fresh claims that he received millions in funding from the late Libyan leader Moamer Kadhafi towards his 2007 campaign.

Sarkozy had no answer for the question, which he termed "disgraceful".

Polls show the allegations having little impact on his campaign, with the ex-president closing in on Juppe, who has led the race for the past two years.

An Ifop survey on Thursday put them both at 31 percent, ahead of the reform-minded Fillon, up seven points in two months to 27 percent.

In the run-off Sarkozy is shown as losing to either Juppe or Fillon. If Juppe and Fillon are the two finalists Ifop predicts a dead heat.

Sarkozy has emphasised his tough-guy credentials, saying it makes him a better choice to handle Trump than the mild-mannered 71-year-old Juppe.

Both he and Fillon welcomed the prospect of a rapprochement between Washington and Moscow under Trump.

- 'Cold war' no more -

"The good news" of the US upset, Sarkozy said, was that it spelt an end to the "totally counter-productive climate of cold war between the United States and Russia."

Both Sarkozy and Fillon have pledged to dramatically curb immigration following a wave of jihadist attacks.

Bordeaux mayor Juppe, accusing Sarkozy of aping Le Pen, has campaigned as a unifier.

"To succeed we have to come together. For that our diversity must be respected," he said Thursday.

As the right prepares to pick its nominee the ruling Socialists are in disarray.

On Wednesday, Hollande's former star economy minister Emmanuel Macron became the latest to repudiate his mentor, announcing a bid to become president even though Hollande himself has yet to say whether he will seek a second term.
Agen (France) (AFP) - A 32-year-old Frenchman was sentenced to life in prison on Friday for the brutal rape and murder of an 80-year-old British woman in southwestern France.

Following the murder, Madi Mahaboudi, who has a previous conviction for a 2005 unlawful killing for which he was sentenced to eight years, cut up the body of Violet Price into seven pieces and discarded them in a field.

The criminal court in Agen heard from a medical examiner who said the attack last year on Price had been particularly violent.

"In 15 years of practice, I had never seen such a degree of bruising on the throat and neck," he said after having asked members of the victim's family to leave the court before reading out the long list of physical and sexual injuries suffered by Price.

"He's not someone who really regrets what he's done," said the prosecuting attorney.

Mahaboudi, who was said to be addicted to cannabis and pornography, was the brother of the victim's daughter-in- law.

On April 11, 2015, he went to Price's house hoping to find his ex-girlfriend, who had recently left him.

Price let him in and offered Mahaboudi a cup of coffee, on which his DNA was found.

Mahaboudi also strangled the woman he killed in 2005.

"It was stronger than me," he said of the urge to murder Price. "I took hold of her neck and squeezed."

He said he was at a loss to explain why he committed the attack.

"He's a boy who did not know how to develop as a man because he had a violent father (who was) imposing and very severe," said defence attorney Isabelle Gillet, who claimed Mahaboudi was raped as a child by an acquaintance of his father.

Given an opportunity to speak before jurors retired to deliberate, Mahaboudi said: "I ask to be given a chance. Deep down I know I can be rehabilitated."
(Adds details, share movement, outlook)

Nov 17 (Reuters) - Apparel chain Gap Inc said it would shut more stores than forecast previously and that it expected a further drop in traffic during the crucial holiday shopping season.

The company's shares fell 4.9 percent to $29.21 after the bell on Thursday.

"Given that challenging traffic trends have continued, we are investing meaningfully in marketing across our portfolio brands during the holiday season," outgoing Chief Financial Officer Sabrina Simmons said on an earnings call.

Gap said it now expected to shut about 65 company-operated stores this year, compared with its previous forecast of about 50 stores.

Traditional apparel chains are struggling with the growing popularity of online retailers and fast-fashion chains such as H&M, Forever 21 and Inditex's Zara, which are known for offering trendier clothes at cheaper prices.

Gap reaffirmed its adjusted profit forecast of $1.87 to $1.92 per share for the full year. Analysts on average were expecting $2.02, according to Thomson Reuters I/B/E/S.

The company reported its seventh straight quarterly sales decline in the three months ended Oct. 29 as demand for its Gap and Banana Republic brands remained sluggish.

Gap has been trying to replicate the success of its low-end Old Navy brand at its Gap and Banana Republic chains since Art Peck took over as chief executive last year.

The company's net income fell to $204 million, or 51 cents per share, in the third quarter ended Oct. 29 from $248 million, or 61 cents per share, a year earlier.

Excluding restructuring costs, the company earned 60 cents per share, in line with analysts' estimates.

The company said same-store sales fell 3 percent in the quarter, in line with analysts' estimate, according to Consensus Metrix.

Net sales fell to $3.80 billion from $3.86 billion.

Up to Thursday's close, the San Francisco-based company's stock has risen 24.3 percent this year.

(Reporting by Jessica Kuruthukulangara in Bengaluru; Editing by Anil D'Silva)
GAZA (Reuters) - Israeli troops shot and killed a 26-year-old Palestinian during a rock-throwing protest near the Gaza-Israel border on Friday, a Palestinian health official said. An Israeli military spokeswoman said troops had fired shots to disperse Palestinians trying to breach the Gaza border fence and authorities were investigating reports that one person had been killed. The Gaza health officials said Mohammad Abu Seada was killed by Israeli gunfire and that two others were wounded. Dozens of protesters hurl rocks at Israeli soldiers every Friday along the border with Gaza. At least 227 Palestinians have been killed in violence in the occupied West Bank and the Gaza Strip since October 2015. Israel says 154 of them were assailants. Others died during clashes and protests. Palestinians, many of them acting alone and with rudimentary weapons, have killed at least 33 Israelis and two visiting Americans. Palestinian leaders say assailants have acted out of desperation over the collapse of peace talks in 2014 and Israeli settlement expansion in Israeli-occupied territory that Palestinians seek for an independent state. Palestinians have accused Israeli police and soldiers of using excessive force in many cases, saying the assailants could have been stopped or detained without being shot and killed. Israel has opened investigations into several incidents. (Reporting by Nidal al-Mughrabi, Writing by Ori Lewis)
Fifth-ranked middleweight Gegard Mousasi is riding a three-fight winning streak. He's 5-1 in his last six fights. The lone loss during that stretch was to Uriah Hall in September 2015, but Mousasi has the chance at redemption when he faces Hall for the second time at UFC Fight Night Belfast on Saturday.

For me, its a good fight. I dont have a lot to gain, but to put something straight. Its a risky fight for me, but every fight is risky. Im going to go out and prove that Im the better fighter, Mousasi told MMAWeekly.com.

In their first fight, Mousasi won the opening round, but ducked into a spinning back kick in the opening seconds of the second frame. Hall followed with a flying knee and became the first fighter to knock Mousasi out. The Dreamcatcher doesn't plan on making the same mistake in the rematch.

Im not going to make the same mistakes that I did the first time. Once you fight a guy, you feel his strengths; you feel the way he fights, he said.

In that fight, I wanted to just go to him, just destroy him. Im not going to make the mistake. Its going to be a calm and collected fight. Im going to pick my shots. If it goes five rounds, it goes. If a knockout comes, Ill finish him. Im going to fight smarter this fight.

TRENDING > Tyron Woodley Open to Conor McGregor Bout

Mousasi doesn't take anything away from Hall's win over him, but believes that he's the better fighter and plans on proving that on Saturday.

He won fair-and-square. Im just saying that Im the better fighter, he said. Do I believe that something like that is going to happen again? No, I dont think so. Ive never been knocked out in my career. I have good reaction. I have a good chin. Its time for payback.

The fight with Hall will only be the second rematch in Mousasi's 48-fight career. It's a fight that he wanted, asked for, and received.

This is the fight that I wanted and they gave it to me, said Mousasi. I said that I want to rematch Uriah Hall, or fight Anderson Silva. I said, if those fights dont happen, Id like to fight Chris Weidman or Luke Rockhold.

Story continues

Mousasi plans to fight smart in the rematch and possibly take Hall into the deep waters of the fourth and fifth rounds.

Im going to fight smart. If the finish comes, it comes. If not, then it goes five rounds, and I dont believe that hes going to look good after five rounds, he said.

I dont believe that hes going to be able to go five rounds. After four or five, hes going to be fatigued, and Im going to be able to do whatever I want.

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As President-elect Donald Trumps administration takes shape, Star Trek alum George Takei has penned an impassioned essay imploring our countrys incoming leaders to not repeat the mistakes of the past and to use extreme caution when considering the possibility of a national Muslim registry.

In a Washington Post essay published Friday, the 79-year-old recounted his experience of being forced into a Japanese-American internment camp at age 5, and openly worried that the rhetoric hes heard from Trump and his surrogates suggest that they would not rule out a similar measure for Muslim-Americans.

The stigmatization, separation and labeling of our fellow humans based on race or religion has never led to a more secure world, he wrote. But it has too often led to one where the most vulnerable pay the highest price.

Takei expressed concern over the dangerous talk he has heard recently, pointing to Megyn Kellys interview Wednesday with prominent Trump supporter Carl Higbie, co-chair of Great America PAC. While addressing Trump transition team member Kris Kobachs suggestion that the new administration could reinstate a reinstate a national registry for immigrants from countries where terrorist groups were active, Higbie suggested that the Japanese-American internment camps set a precedent for such a measure.

Weve done it based on race, weve done it based on religion, weve done it based on region, Mr. Higbie said. Weve done it with Iran back  back a while ago. We did it during World War II with Japanese.

Takei says in his essay that such talk very old and very deep wounds.

The internment was a dark chapter of American history, in which 120,000 people, including me and my family, lost our homes, our livelihoods, and our freedoms because we happened to look like the people who bombed Pearl Harbor. Higbie speaks of the internment in the abstract, as a precedent or a policy, ignoring the true human tragedy that occurred.

Story continues

(According to The New York Times, Higbie said in a phone call the next morning that there is historical, factual precedent to do things that are not politically popular and sometimes not right, in the interest of national security, he said, adding that he fundamentally disagreed with the internment camp mantra and doing it at all.)

Japanese-Americans in internment camp

The actor and social media darling went on to paint a vivid and grim picture of life at the internment camp, recounting how he and his family were forced out of their home at gunpoint and initially forced to live in a single smelly stall within a horse stable.

Later, a rail car  with its blinds drawn for our own protection, they said  took the family more than 1,000 miles to the pungent swamps of Arkansas at the Rohwer Relocation Center: really, it was a prison.

Japanese-Americans in internment camp

Armed guards looked down upon us from sentry towers; their guns pointed inward at us; searchlights lit pathways at night. We understood. We were not to leave, he wrote, and pointed out that it was actually a Democratic president  Franklin Delano Roosevelt  who sanctioned the camps, which shows that demagoguery and race-baiting knows no party.

Related Video: Physically Attacked by Donald Trump  a PEOPLE Writers Own Harrowing Story

Now, Takei says he is troubled to hear that Trump himself also declined to fully denounce Americas decision to force families like his into the camps. He pointed to the then-candidates interview with Time last December, in which he said that I would have had to be there at the time to tell you, to give you a proper answer. I certainly hate the concept of it.

Takei makes it clear that statements like that raise deep concerns.

Let us all be clear: National security must never again be permitted to justify wholesale denial of constitutional rights and protections. If it is freedom and our way of life that we fight for, our first obligation is to ensure that our own government adheres to those principles. Without that, we are no better than our enemies.




Oh, the choices.

Students at Trinity Lutheran Elementary took to the gymnasium Friday morning to do some shopping in what's become a school tradition.

Armed with red and green shoeboxes, they went from station to station picking out enough Christmas gifts to fill those boxes for an unknown recipient.

They had an idea. It would be a girl or a boy, probably the same age as themselves.

Someone just like them, said teacher Candace Jurchen.

Except not them, which was the point.

I like to give kids the opportunity to get excited about doing something for someone else, to get excited doing something theyll never (personally) see the benefit of, said Jurchen.

Operation Christmas Child, a program organized by an evangelical Christian humanitarian aid organization called Samaritan's Purse, seemed the perfect vehicle for that.

So Jurchen, whos taught second grade at Trinity Lutheran since 2004, started doing it with her class about five years ago.

Participants fill shoeboxes with Christmas gifts for children, which Samaritans Purse then delivers to children in need around the globe.

Trinity Lutherans boxes have gone to Mexico and Africa, said Jurchen.

About five years ago, Jurchen had each child in her class fill boxes. Then interest in the project began to spread and last year the giving went schoolwide.

Church members and families donated gifts -- toys and school products and washcloths and handmade items. Those items were set up in the gym and all students -- from 2-year-old preschoolers to fifth-graders -- got a box and went shopping.

Last year, the school made 100 boxes, about the same as this year. Theyll go to a central location, with other boxes put together by other local churches or organizations and then be shipped to children in need.

This year at Trinity Lutheran the Playdough was gone in minutes. Preschoolers nabbed the stuffed animals. Socks were a hot item, like necklaces and bracelets and markers and erasers and toothbrushes.

Jurchen said she likes the project because its a way for students to show their faith through giving.
Actor George Takei attends the Star Trek: The Star Fleet Academy Experience Preview at the Intrepid Sea, Air and Space Museum in New York City, June 30, 2016. (Photo: Michael Loccisano/Getty Images)

Actor and activist George Takei is speaking out against the notion that internment camps for Japanese-Americans during World War II established precedent for a potential registry of Muslims in the U.S.

For Takei, who spent his childhood in an internment camp, to tout this dark chapter in American history is to ignore the tragedy that took place when 120,000 people were robbed of their home, livelihood and freedom.

Takei, who rose to prominence on Star Trek and later connected with a new generation as a social media personality, penned an op-ed for the Washington Post on Friday criticizing Carl Higbie, a prominent Donald Trump surrogate, for suggesting that the internment would allow the president-elect to establish a database of Muslims.

Let us all be clear: National security must never again be permitted to justify wholesale denial of constitutional rights and protections, Takei wrote. If it is freedom and our way of life that we fight for, our first obligation is to ensure that our own government adheres to those principles. Without that, we are no better than our enemies.

Trump told Yahoo News last year that he was open to a potential database for Muslim Americans. The real estate mogul distanced himself from the proposal, but this week a Trump policy adviser said the president-elect was mulling a registry for immigrants from Muslim countries.

On Wednesday, Higbie, the co-chair of the Great America PAC, told Fox News Megyn Kelly that Trumps proposed registry would be legal and hold constitutional muster. Video of the striking exchange sparked headlines across the country.

We did it during World War II with Japanese, which you know, call it what you will, he said.

Kelly pushed back against the idea: Come on, youre not proposing we go back to the days of internment camps, I hope.

No, no, no, Im not proposing that at all Megyn, he said. Im just saying there is precedent for it.

You cant be citing Japanese internment camps as precedent for anything the president-elect is going to do, Kelly said.

Story continues

Takei agrees with Kelly. In the Washington Post essay, he talks about how his family was forced from their home at gunpoint when he was just 5 years old to live in a horse stable near a racetrack. A few weeks later, they were sent to Arkansas Rohwer War Relocation Center, which was essentially a prison, complete with armed guards and searchlights.

Years later, when Takei studied government and civics at school, he came to view the internment as not just an attack on Americans of Japanese descent but also on the Constitution. Fear and prejudice had trampled over that founding documents guarantees of due process and equal protection, he said.

Slideshow: World War II Japanese internment camps in the U.S. >>>

It had been a Democratic administration at the time, under Franklin D. Roosevelt, that had ordered us to the camps, proving that demagoguery and race-baiting knows no party, he wrote.

Takei also criticized Trump for telling Time magazine that he wasnt sure whether or not he would have supported the internment.

I would have had to be there at the time to tell you, to give you a proper answer, Trump said in December 2015. I certainly hate the concept of it. But I would have had to be there at the time to give you a proper answer.

Around the same time, Trump told ABCs Good Morning America that his proposed ban on Muslims from entering the country is no different than FDRs solution.

In response to Trump and Higbie, Takei said unequivocally that greater security cannot be used to justify ethnic or religious discrimination. He said Americans cannot allow the government to become an instrument of terror and division.

We cannot permit this invidious thinking, discredited by history at the cost of so much misery and suffering by innocents, to take root once again in America, let alone in the White House, he said. The stigmatization, separation and labeling of our fellow humans based on race or religion has never led to a more secure world. But it has too often led to one where the most vulnerable pay the highest price.

In 1988, President Ronald Reagan  one of Trumps professed political heroes  signed legislation apologizing to the victims of the internment camps.
George Takei has condemned any government plans for a Muslim registry, which a Donald Trump surrogate compared to American Japanese internment camps during World War II while speaking to Megyn Kelly on Fox News earlier this week.

The former Star Trek actor wrote a Washington Post op-ed headlined They interned my family. Dont let them do it to Muslims, which criticizes former Navy SEAL Carl Higbies comment to Kelly that there is precedent for such a registry.

Stop and consider these words. The internment was a dark chapter of American history, in which 120,000 people, including me and my family, lost our homes, our livelihoods, and our freedoms because we happened to look like the people who bombed Pearl Harbor, Takei wrote. Higbie speaks of the internment in the abstract, as a precedent or a policy, ignoring the true human tragedy that occurred.

Also Read: Kanye West Would Have Voted for Donald Trump: 'His Approach Was Absolutely Genius' (Video)

Takei was five years old when his family was forced at gunpoint from their Los Angeles home, and relocated to the Rohwer Relocation Center in Arkansas, where Takei said they were prisoners in our own country.

It was normal to stand each day in our makeshift classroom, reciting the words to the Pledge of Allegiance, With liberty and justice for all, as I looked past the U.S. flag out the window, the barbed wire of the camp just visible behind it, Takei wrote. Not until I was older did I understand the irony of those words and the injustice that had been visited on so many of us. As I studied civics and government in school, I came to see the internment as an assault not only upon an entire group of Americans, but upon the Constitution itself  how its guarantees of due process and equal protection had been decimated by forces of fear and prejudice unleashed by unscrupulous politicians.

Trumps transition team spokesman released a statement on Thursday denying that the President-elect is considering a Muslim registry.

Story continues

President-election Trump has never advocated for any registry or system that tracks individuals based on their religion, and to imply otherwise is completely false, Jason Miller, communications director of Trumps presidential transition team, said. The national registry of foreign visitors from countries with high terrorism activity that was in place during the Bush and Obama administrations gave intelligence and law enforcement communities additional tools to keep our country safe, but the President-elect plans on releasing his own vetting policies after he is sworn in.

Also Read: Alec Baldwin to Return as Trump on 'SNL' Tomorrow, Shares Plan Going Forward

Trump has previously called for extreme vetting of immigrants, in hopes of catching radical Islam terrorists before they enter the country.

Takei points out that the closest Trump has come to commenting on internment camps, specifically, is during a Time interview when asked if he would have supported or opposed the act enforced by President Franklin D. Roosevelt, a Democrat. I would have had to be there at the time to tell you, to give you a proper answer, Trump said.

Instead, Takei took a bigger issue with Trump supporter Higbies additional comment comparing a Muslim registry to internment camps. There is historical, factual precedent to do things [that] are not politically popular and sometimes not right, in the interest of national security, Higbie told the New York Times after his Fox News appearance.

Also Read: Hollywood Latinos 'Devastated' and Even Bedridden as Trump Era Beckons

Let us all be clear: National security must never again be permitted to justify wholesale denial of constitutional rights and protections, Takei wrote. If it is freedom and our way of life that we fight for, our first obligation is to ensure that our own government adheres to those principles. Without that, we are no better than our enemies. Let us also agree that ethnic or religious discrimination cannot be justified by calls for greater security.

He concluded: The Constitution and the government exist in large measure to protect against the excesses of democracies. This is particularly salient when, in an atmosphere of fear or mistrust, one group is singled out and vilified, as Japanese Americans were during World War II and as Muslim Americans are today. How terrible it is to contemplate, once again, that the government itself might once more be the very instrument of terror and division. That cannot happen again. We cannot allow it.

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(Adds Commission comment)

BERLIN, Nov 18 (Reuters) - German Finance Minister Wolfgang Schaeuble said on Friday that the European Commission, which has effectively urged Germany to spend more in 2017, did not have the right to decide on how much fiscal room for manoeuvre EU members have.

"We are bound by European law and so is the Commission. The Stability Pact says that budgets are reviewed by the member states. The Commission has instead reviewed fiscal space for the euro zone and it has no mandate for that," Schaeuble said at an event in Berlin organised by the Sueddeutsche Zeitung newspaper.

The European Commission on Wednesday called for the 19-country euro zone, in which Germany is the largest economy, to loosen overall budget policy next year.

The Commission did not explicitly name Germany, where Chancellor Angela Merkel's conservatives face an election next autumn complicated by the emergence of the fiscally hawkish, eurosceptic AfD, in its recommendation for the whole euro zone.

But because France, Italy and Spain are among those butting up against the currency union's budget deficit limits, only Berlin has the scope and economic weight to make a difference.

Schaeuble said it was necessary to stick to Europe's Stability and Growth Pact to protect the euro currency in a swipe at the Commission which is seen by many northern European countries as not policing budget discipline strongly enough.

Under EU rules, each euro zone country should seek to diminish its structural budget deficit until it reaches its so-called medium term objective.

For various countries this goal, which excludes one-off expenses and revenues and the effects of the business cycle, ranges from a structural deficit of 0.5 percent of GDP to a surplus. For Germany it is a 0.5 percent structural deficit.

Starting from 2012, Germany has been exceeding that goal and has even had surpluses from 2013. The Commission has been recommending therefore that Berlin spend more domestically to make its export-driven economy less dependent on external demand.

Story continues

"We are not asking all Member States to spend more, and those that should do more to deliver the appropriate fiscal stance for the euro area as a whole should not be surprised," Commission spokeswoman Annika Breidthardt said.

"Our communication reflects what our recommendations have said for a long time," she said.

(Additional reporting by Jan Strupczewski; Reporting by Michelle Martin and Joseph Nasr; Editing by Paul Carrel)
(Reuters) - Germany's Aixtron Se <AIXGn.DE> said the Committee on Foreign Investment in the United States (CFIUS) informed the company it would recommend that its pending takeover by China's Fujian Grand Chip Investment Fund (FGC) be blocked.

Aixtron said the committee, which reviews deals that may be national security risks, told the chip equipment makers it plans to recommend to the U.S. president that the deal be blocked due to security concerns and advised the companies to drop the deal.

Aixtron said in a statement the companies decided not to follow CFIUS recommendation. Neither company was available for further comment.

Experts say CFIUS, the task force headed by the Treasury Department, rarely kills a deal outright but will inform lawyers handling the deal of its opposition, and the companies usually drop the transaction.

The only deal CFIUS had formally stopped was in 2012, when it obtained a presidential order ordering a small Chinese company, Ralls Corp, to sell a wind farm in Oregon because the farm was near a training site used to test unmanned drones.

German newspaper Handelsblatt had reported last month that U.S. intelligence services had warned Germany on the proposed Chinese takeover of Aixtron, adding that the deal could give Beijing access to technology that could be used for military purposes.

The German government had also withdrawn its approval for the deal following security concerns.

(This story corrects to remove extraneous word from first paragraph.)

(Reporting by Parikshit Mishra in Bengaluru and Diane Bartz in Washington and So Young Kim in New York; Editing by David Gregorio)
By John Tilak and Allison Lampert TORONTO/MONTREAL (Reuters) - German real estate investment firm KanAm Grund Group has put up for sale two office buildings in Montreal that could fetch about C$400 million ($296 million) to C$450 million, according to two sources familiar with the situation. Interest has come from institutional players, including pension funds and real estate-focused investors, the sources said on condition of anonymity, as they were not authorized to talk with the press. KanAm expects to complete a deal by the end of the year, the sources said. KanAm spokesman Michael Birnbaum did not comment on the sale process. The buildings are expected to be sold at a low capitalization rate for the Montreal market, indicating that demand for high-quality office buildings is spilling over from Toronto and Vancouver. Capitalization rates are calculated by dividing an asset's net operating income by its market price. A lower rate indicates stronger demand. The 1350-1360 Rene-Levesque West properties are a pair of office buildings in downtown Montreal. They have 25 and 17 stories respectively. KanAm, which owns real estate assets in Europe, North America and Australia, acquired the buildings in 2007 and 2008. The nearly 1 million square-foot property is managed by Canderel Inc, a Canadian real estate developer. Tenants include IT services providers CGI Group, Computer Sciences Canada, IBM and TD Bank, according to its website. The appetite for class A office buildings in major Canadian cities has been increasing, driven in part by foreign buyers looking for real estate investments in Canada. Recent Canadian office asset deals include the acquisition of a 50 percent stake in Toronto's Scotia Plaza by private equity firm KingSett Capital and pension fund Alberta Investment Management Corp from real estate investment trusts Dream Office and H&R . (Reporting by John Tilak and Allison Lampert; Editing by Dan Grebler)
Despite the white-washing controversy, criticism about changes in the storyline and a slew of other complaints, the Ghost in the Shell trailer has garnered an overwhelmingly positive response from Japanese fans of the original manga and anime.

The Japanese-subtitled version of the trailer, released at an event party on Sunday in Tokyo, has been viewed more than a quarter of a million times on YouTube, with the "likes" outnumbering the "dislikes" by about ten to one.

While some people have complained about the casting of a white actress in the main role, the majority of comments about star Scarlett Johansson are positive, as are comments about the look of the film. Japanese fans were largely unbothered about Johansson playing the lead role, having expected a white actress to star in the Hollywood film. There were more sarcastic comments about the casting of Takeshi Kitano, whom many said always reminded them of a yakuza gangster because he had played so many in his career.

"Wow! I wasn't expecting anything from this live-action version, but I'll watch this, I really want to see it. Paramount and Dream Works, this is more than enough to convince me! And Scarlett has just the right feel for it! I take back what I said about this turning out to be a piece of crap," wrote Afro na Samurai.

Read more: 'Ghost In The Shell' Trailer Leans Into Its Whitewashing Controversy

Many commenters were full of praise for the striking visuals in the trailer, pointing out that the production values are much higher than they likely would have been for a Japanese film, which are generally made on much lower budgets.

"This looks 100 times better than a Japanese live-action movie would have beenthough I'm not saying it's a good idea to have done a live-action version," commented Takahiro Watanabe

"What a difference it makes if you have money. This is a completely different level to Japanese live-action films," wrote uramasago@K4.

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According to many commenters, expectations were low for the film, but what they have seen so far of Rupert Sanders' reimagining of the story appears to have exceeded them.

"Well, we won't know until we can see the whole thing, but looks like we can have higher hopes for this than Dragon Ball," wrote tutona8, referring to the ill-fated 2009 Dragonball Evolution, an example of a failed Hollywood manga adaptation.

Mamoru Oshii, director of the seminal 1995 anime version of the story, has come out in support of the new film, but the author of the original manga Masamune Shirow has yet to comment, which some are suggesting may be a warning sign for the film. But Shirow, 54, is known to be reclusive and rarely talks to the media, spending most of his time these days drawing erotic manga.

Read more: 'Ghost in the Shell' Trailer Unveiled at Tokyo Launch Party

"It has been a very long project, discussions began nine years ago. I believe Shirow gave his opinion in the early stages of the process," said Sam Yoshiba, head of the international business division at Kodansha, the publisher of the original manga and rights' holder, at the time the remake was finalized.

"He hasn't made any comment recently, but he's not someone who speaks in public these days," Yoshiba told The Hollywood Reporter.

Two Japanese long-time fans of the franchise said they were impressed by the trailer, had no issue with Johansson's casting and will see the film when it is released in Japan in April.

"It looks incredible. They've recreated some of the scenes directly from the anime and really captured it," Koki Kikuchi, 23, told The Hollywood Reporter. "I thought it might end up looking like the kind of crappy version of Tokyo in The Fast and the Furious: Tokyo Drift, but I'm looking forward to seeing this."

"Scarlett Johansson is really good casting, and anyway, I can't think of any Japanese actress who can do action well," said Teppe Machida, 33. "The trailer looks really cool, I'm definitely going to watch it."

The U.S. release is set for March 31.
A 13-year-old who was allegedly groped by a stranger while flying solo from Dallas, Texas to Portland, Oregon, is speaking out about her terrifying ordeal.

I would never think this would happen, the teen, Mackenzie, told Inside Edition.

In June, she flew on an American Airlines flight from Dallas to Portland, Oregon by herself. Her family had paid extra for the airlines' Unaccompanied Minor Program, which is designed to protect and help young passengers who are traveling without a parent or adult supervision.

But a passenger sitting next to her allegedly touched her inappropriately.

"From the beginning of the flight to when they found her cryingtears coming down her cheek and the man's hand in her crotch areawas approximately 30 minutes," the family's lawyer, Brent Goodfellow, told Inside Edition. "It was a horrible event for this young girl.

Chad Camp, 26, was arrested upon landing and was charged with abusive sexual contact. He's pleaded not guilty.

Read: Dirty Bathrobe at Trump's New Hotel Not Washed Between Guests, Investigation Finds

He was able to touch her," Mackenzies mom, Rachel Miller, told Inside Edition. "He was basically able to do whatever he wanted.

Goodfellow has filed a lawsuit on behalf of the family against the airline.

She was devastated," he said. "And she didn't want to be on an airplane again when I talked to her after the flight. She didn't even want to be touched or hugged by her mom."

Mackenzie knows her parents will never let her fly solo again.

You see this stuff and you think that's crazy and it happens to you and its shocking, she said.

American Airlines says they fully cooperated with law enforcement in Mackenzies case. They say they care deeply about young passengers and are committed to providing a safe travel experience.

Story continues

Read: Such Airheads! Mom Demands Answers After JetBlue Puts Son, 5, on Wrong Flight

With her parents cooperation, Inside Edition followed an unaccompanied minor on a flight to see if the child could be at risk. You can read the full investigation here.

Watch: Some Restaurants With Lamb on the Menu Are Mixing It With Cheaper Meat, Investigation Finds

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In 2014, Edgar Ramirez experienced what every watch collector fears most: His timepieces were stolen from his apartment in Caracas, Venezuela. "I had just come back from the movies and saw all of my things on the floor. I didn't have a safe, and the watches were in my kitchen because that was the place I would put them on before I left the house. They stole the only valuable thing that I had, which was my watches," says the actor, 39.

It wasn't the loss of the objects that bothered Ramirez so much as the trespassing on the moments in his life that each piece represented. To Ramirez - who was studying to become a diplomat before he decided to pursue acting in 2002 - his growing watch collection was a mirror in many ways of his rise in Hollywood, which has culminated this year in high-profile roles in August's Roberto Duran biopic Hands of Stone, October's The Girl on the Train and the upcoming crime adventure Gold alongside Matthew McConaughey.

Read more: Men's Watch Guide: 4 Timepiece Trends Hollywood's Top Collectors Are Wearing

Stolen was the Chanel J12 Chromatic titanium ceramic watch (a gift from the brand) that he wore to amfAR's Cinema Against AIDS Gala at Cannes in 2011, the same year he was nominated for a Golden Globe for playing Venezuelan terrorist Carlos the Jackal in the biopic series Carlos. "It was a beautiful gift. It meant something, and it meant a moment," he says. "Every time I would wear that watch, I would remember how fun that event was."

Also gone: a Cartier Santos; a TAG Heuer Aquaracer ("The first rubber band I had") that he bought around the time he landed his first English-language role in Tony Scott's 2005 film Domino; and a Montblanc TimeWalker Chronograph that he wore to Toronto two years later as the star of The Liberator, in which he played Venezuelan revolutionary Simon Bolivar. He'd been drawn to Montblanc for a personal reason - his father, a retired military attache and a watch lover ("He was a Rolex guy"), had collected its fountain pens.

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The Collaborationist

Ramirez, whose grandfather was a tailor, says that growing up in Venezuela and across Europe (as his father changed postings) helped him form a genuine appreciation of style. "Even though Venezuela is going though a very painful crisis right now, it was a very cosmopolitan country, and many Venezuelans from my generation were exposed to a lot of different cultural ideas," says Ramirez, who splits his time among four cities (Caracas, Panama City, New York and Los Angeles).

When it comes to watches, his taste, not unlike his understated acting style, veers toward pieces that don't have a lot of ornament. "I like watches that have a gravitas and a simplicity," he says, "watches that, despite their complexity, you can read very easily."

Ramirez has since rebuilt his collection and it's already becoming just as meaningful to him. It includes a rose-gold Cartier from the new art deco-inspired Drive collection. "For something casual, with a sporty suit, the Cartier is great. I wear it every day," he says.

Read more: Women's Watch Guide: What Constance Zimmer, Martha Stewart Are Sporting on Their Wrists

He also has acquired two elegant Vacheron Constantins. One is a slim dress watch, the Patrimony in platinum, which he wore to the Girl on the Train premiere. "The Patrimony is very aerodynamic and feels very '50s and, like most of my watches, comes on a beautiful strap. It goes great with a tuxedo."

He takes pride in his gold Harmony Monopusher Chronograph (Vacheron Constantin's homage to a vintage doctor's watch from 1928), noting that his is No. 210 in an edition of 260. "There is a beautiful moment attached to the first time I wore it," he says. "It was a photocall at Cannes for Hands of Stone, and I was with [co-star] Robert De Niro. It was a long and beautiful day."

For a fourth piece in his collection, Ramirez is getting a bit more unorthodox than his usual style, with Montblanc's "Homage to Nicolas Rieussec," featuring a non-traditional chronograph layout, plus day/night and date indicators. "There's something about complicated watches that seems to move me now," he says. And, this time around, "I have a safe."

This story first appeared in the Nov. 25 issue of The Hollywood Reporter magazine. To receive the magazine, click here to subscribe.
By Alister Doyle and Nina Chestney MARRAKESH, Morocco (Reuters) - President-elect Donald Trump's plan to quit a landmark 2015 accord to fight climate change is likely to dent rather than derail the pact, with almost 200 governments defiantly saying this week that a trend towards cleaner energy is irreversible. The 2015 Paris Agreement, more than 20 years in the making, won a renewed vote of confidence from governments from China to Saudi Arabia and companies who foresee a shift from fossil fuels towards solar and wind power as technology prices fall. Trump has called man-made climate change a hoax and says he will pull out of the Paris deal and will instead bolster the domestic coal, oil and shale industries. The battle between the two rival visions will shape how fast the world tackles climate change. "An alliance from California to Germany to China is emerging and they stand for the new economy. Trump, (Turkish President Tayyip) Erdogan and (Russian President Vladimir) Putin stand for the old economy," said Hans Joachim Schellnhuber, head of the Potsdam Institute for Climate Impact Research in Germany. "It's the economy, stupid, but it's the new economy," he said, borrowing a catchphrase of former U.S. president Bill Clinton's successful 1992 election campaign. Almost 200 nations at two-week talks on climate change in Marrakesh, Morocco agreed a statement on Thursday night that the fight against climate change was an "urgent duty" and "irreversible", and reaffirming support for the Paris Agreement. Still, Trump's threats cast a long shadow, with worries ranging from a drying-up of U.S. climate finance for developing nations to a spread of nationalist, populist sentiment that could undermine global action to limit greenhouse gases. Shares in First Solar Inc , the largest U.S. solar equipment maker, have fallen 7 percent since the U.S. election. By contrast, shares in U.S. coal producer Peabody [BTUUQ.PK], in bankruptcy proceedings, have surged 24 percent. RISKS FOR CLIMATE ACTION Many note that Trump has often changed positions - in 2009, he signed a call for U.S. action on climate change to avert "catastrophic and irreversible consequences". "I believe a wise leader will follow the historical trend and we shall have faith in that," China's top climate change negotiator Xie Zhenhua said. Average world temperatures this year are set to be the warmest on record, beating 2015. The Paris Agreement, which entered into force on Nov. 4, aims to phase out net greenhouse gas emissions in the second half of this century to limit floods, droughts, heat waves, extinctions of animals and plants and a rise in sea levels. Hundreds of businesses including DuPont, Gap, General Mills, Hewlett Packard, Nike, Mars Incorporated, Schneider Electric, Starbucks and Unilever also reaffirmed action on climate change during the Marrakesh talks. "Donald Trump is our peer in the real estate industry," said Wang Shi, the founding chairman of Vanke, one of China's biggest property companies. "We will still rally together with U.S. companies and NGOs to move forward" if Trump drops out. Still, there are risks for climate action. Trump's promises to drop out of all U.N. climate programs could jeopardize a plan by rich nations to provide $100 billion in funds a year by 2020, from public and private sources, to help developing nations cope with global warming. Robert Stavins, director of Harvard University's environmental economics program, likened the impact of Trump's election on climate change to an engine problem for a bus that had been speeding on a freeway from New York to California. "Do we let the bus grind to a halt for four years, maybe eight? Or do we say 'we can keep going in the right direction, but at a much slower speed?'" he said, urging the latter. Delegates say any setback is likely to be less than the near-mortal blow when former U.S. President George W. Bush in 2001 decided against joining the 1997 Kyoto Protocol that bound about 40 other developed nations to cut emissions. Badly wounded, Kyoto only entered into force in 2005 and now has the backing of only the European Union and a few allies. The Paris Agreement, built on a looser model proposed by U.S. President Barack Obama's administration, lets all nations set their own goals to curb emissions with no penalties for non-compliance. Another problem for climate diplomacy is that governments will have no breakthroughs in 2017. They began work in Marrakesh on a detailed set of rules for the often vaguely-worded Paris Agreement, likely to take two years until 2018. (Additional reporting by Megan Rowling; Editing by Mark Trevelyan)
A hotly contested Lancaster County Board of Commissioners election will not require a recount.

The Lancaster County Canvassing Board opened and counted 2,701 provisional ballots Wednesday afternoon. Those votes propelled Democrat Jennifer Brinkman, 45, across the finish line ahead of Republican Jim Ballard, 51, in the District 2 race.

Election results, which remain unofficial until the six-member Canvassing Board certifies them Thursday, show Brinkman with 9,488 votes, or 50.28 percent of ballots cast. That's 143 more than Ballards 9,345 votes, or 49.53 percent. There were 36 write-in votes.

The director of communications for real estate company Tetrad Property Group, Brinkman said she is excited about the prospect of serving Lancaster County and working with fellow commissioners and other local officials.

"The first thing I want to do is meet the colleagues I'm going to work with and get the lay of the land. I've never been an elected official, although I've worked in local government before, and I know that is an awesome responsibility," she said.

Brinkman campaigned on three key issues: economic development, expanding access to health and safety services in the county to counteract health disparities in some areas of Lincoln and bringing together a task force to address aging roads and bridges.

Ballard said he's disappointed in the results and feels badly for those who supported him.

I thought we ran a good campaign and worked hard. We just didnt get enough votes to get us on the other side of the ledger, said Ballard.

Im just going to get back to doing what we do best out here at the winery. Lord knows I have enough to keep me busy.

Ballard co-owns James Arthur Vineyards in Raymond and the From Nebraska Gift Shop in the Haymarket. He campaigned with a focus on public safety, job creation and supporting small business.

Brinkman will replace longtime Commissioner Larry Hudkins, who chose not to run for re-election after nine terms. The four-year term on the five-member County Board comes with a $42,000 annual salary.

Under Nebraska law, recounts are automatically triggered after a race in which more than 500 ballots were cast and a candidate wins by a margin of less than 1 percent of votes received by the apparent winner.
Information overload is a real problem these days. Internet trolling, fake news stories, information echo chambers, and the dark side of social media have headlined discussions on the future of politics and culture, particularly after the U.S. presidential elections. Perhaps no one is better suited to address this challenge than the man behind Google.

We, and I personally, believe very strongly that more information is better, even if its wrong, said Eric Schmidt, executive chairman of Googles parent company Alphabet, Inc.

Lets start from the premise that more information, more empowerment, is fundamentally the correct answer to the worlds most pressing challenges, Schmidt said Thursday after accepting Foreign Policys Diplomat of the Year award.

Google is facing scrutiny in the aftermath of a presidential election season headlined by hacking, falsified news, trolling, and hateful rhetoric on the net. On Tuesday, Google CEO Sundar Pichai said fake news sites bankrolled by Google-served ads could have swung the election results in President-elect Donald Trumps favor. Facebook CEO Mark Zuckerberg pushed back against similar accusations, saying it was extremely unlikely that his social media platform swayed the election, despite new findings indicating fake news performed better than real news on Facebook during the election.

Pichai said Google has already taken steps to confront the fake news phenomenon. From our perspective, there should just be no situation where fake news gets distributed, so we are all for doing better here.

In a discussion Thursday night with FP CEO and Editor David Rothkopf, Schmidt touted Googles recent tests to combat trolling. Im absolutely convinced that these questions about validity, good information, bad information, will be sorted out, he said. On trolling, Schmidt said theres a straightforward technological solution to an evil behavior. Its easy to do, we did it, it can be replicated. And therell be more such solutions. Google announced a new project to automatically fact-check news in real time earlier Thursday.

Story continues

Schmidt also stressed the positive impact of information on the world. Its amazing how powerful the need for information is and how information-starved everyone is. So lets start by celebratingthat we are busy empowering people in a way that is fundamentally different, he said, citing the economic, educational, and security benefits a person in the developing world gains from just a cell phone.

Schmidt joined awardees Paris Mayor Anne Hidalgo and Hafsat Abiola, founder of the Kudirat Initiative for Democracy (KIND) on stage at FPs awards dinner. Tech talk wasnt the events only agenda item. Climate change also dominated the evenings discussion.

Hidalgo, receiving the Green Diplomat of the Year Award on behalf of C40 Cities, called climate change the most important challenge humankind has ever had to face. In December 2015, a landmark international climate change deal was brokered in Hidalgos city. Now that deal may be under threat as Trump, a vocal skeptic of climate change, steps into the Oval Office.

Climate change is not just a bad movie or a bad reality show, Hidalgo said, a tacit poke at the real estate mogul and reality TV star who just won the U.S. presidency.

Amid talks of cyber war, fake news, and climate change, Abiola gave a message of hope and optimism at FPs dinner when she received the Citizen Diplomat of the Year award.

What we hope depends on who is in our corner, Abiola said, speaking of the optimism she shares for the future of her native Nigeria and the United States, despite the reality of each countrys political challenges. The distance between hope and reality is partnership, collaboration, solidarity, she said.
By Lefteris Papadimas ATHENS (Reuters) - Thousands of Greeks vented frustration at their economic lot on Thursday as they marched in Athens to mark the anniversary of the bloody 1973 student uprising that helped topple the then-military junta. Students, workers and pensioners held banners reading: "We won't become a generation of unemployment and fear," reflecting widespread fury at the leftist-led government which signed up to more austerity as part a third international bailout, despite its pre-election promises. Hundreds of police guarded the peaceful march to the Embassy of the United States, which supported the seven-year military dictatorship that collapsed in 1974. At the front of the procession, individuals held a blood-stained Greek flag which belonged to students engaged in the revolt which triggered an army crackdown. Clashes between police and a separate, much smaller group broke out in the streets near the Athens Polytechnic University, where dozens are believed to have been killed when tanks smashed its gates in 1973. Several dozen hooded protesters threw petrol bombs at riot police and TV images showed thick clouds of tear gas rising into the air. The annual march often becomes a focal point for protests against government policies amid rising public anger at pension and wage cuts demanded by the European Union and International Monetary Fund in exchange for loans. "We want the government to do a true redistribution of wealth and, at long last, tax the wealthy. Not just pass the burden of the crisis onto the poor," said Sotiris Vaporidis, 58, a pensioner. A group of self-proclaimed anarchist protesters occupied one of the Polytechnic University's buildings: "We won't forget the fallen of the war waged against society," they said in a statement on the Internet, referring to the financial crisis. Since 2009, the debt crisis has shrunk Greece's economy by about a quarter, putting thousands of Greeks out of work and shutting down businesses. Many Greeks blame governments since the fall of the junta of driving the country to near-bankruptcy. During a commemorative session of parliament earlier, Prime Minister Alexis Tsipras said he was optimistic Greece would emerge from crisis. "Our government received a mandate to pull the country out of the crisis, with society standing upright, smashing this vicious circle of austerity ... to restore the wounded democracy in our country during the era of bailouts," Tsipras said. (Writing by Renee Maltezou, editing by Michele Kambas and Jeremy Gaunt)
Greg Grunberg took to Twitter to confirm his casting on The Flash.

I couldnt be MORE excited! Hey @grantgust, Im a BADASS!!! Grunberg wrote on the social media site just a few hours after Mashable broke the news that he landed a recurring role on the Grant Gustin-led series.

Grunberg, who rose to fame for his role as Matt Parkman on NBCs sci-fi series Heroes, also posted a behind-the-scenes photo with Keiynan Lonsdale, who plays Wally West/Kid Flash on the CW series.

According to Mashable, Grunberg will play Detective Patterson  a gruff, stalwart figure at Central City Police Department known for his relentless commitment to protecting the city from all the dangerous metahumans that threaten it. The 50-year-old actor is set to make his series debut in Season 3, episode 7, titled Killer Frost, which happens to be directed by his Geeking Out co-host Kevin Smith.

According to synopsis for the episode, Caitlins (Danielle Panabaker) inner Killer Frost is unleashed after she uses her powers to save Barry (Gustin). When her metahuman self completely takes over her consciousness, Caitlin goes on a rampage looking for Doctor Alchemy and ends up fighting Barry and Cisco (Carlos Valdes).

As seen in the trailer for the episode, Caitlin also kidnaps Julian (Tom Felton) who gets hurt by her icy metahuman powers.

Your friend, shes a meta. [But] not one of the friendly ones, Julian tells Barry in the clip. When Barry seems to defend Caitlin from his fellow CSI, Julian furiously calls her a bloody menace and shows Barry the arm injury he gets from his recent encounter with her. Despite all the troubles that Caitlin brings, Barry refuses to fight her.

Also in the trailer, Caitlin blames Barry for her frosty transformation. You keep messing with everyones lives, Caitlin tells Barry. You did this to me! You make me cold, Barry.

Story continues

The Flash Season 3, episode 7 airs on Tuesday, Nov. 22, at 8 p.m. on The CW.

Greg Grunberg

Photo: REUTERS/Kevork Djansezian

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Warning: This recap of the You Havent Done Nothin episode of Greys Anatomy contains spoilers.

Its the end of the world as Alex Karev knows it.

Hes not the only one whose life is crashing down around him. In this episode, dozens of people literally have their apartment building collapse around them. Theyre all rushed to Grey Sloan, where the doctors juggle the injured with their own personal dramas. Alex believes hell be in prison after his trial the next day. Jo might have to reveal her whereabouts to her husband. Richard learns that hes being replaced by Minnick. Owens very new marriage is still on the rocks. And Meredith grapples with the possibility that yet another loved one will be ripped away from her.

The questions that they all must answer are: What is worth fighting for? And how long do you keep fighting? As usual on Greys Anatomy, there is no easy answer.

Heres a rundown of the fall finale, including our live tweets:

Rubble trouble

Meredith, Alex, and Maggie are heading to work. Alex wants to drink his face off that evening, believing its his last night as a free man since his trial is the next day. Meredith insists that the world isnt ending  just as they witness an entire building collapse into rubble right before their eyes.

"Oh, we're drinking tonight."  Alex. Yeah, where's Olivia Pope with wine when we need her? #greysanatomy  Yahoo TV (@YahooTV) November 18, 2016

At the hospital, Bailey prepares for the onslaught of victims. Minnick arrives, ready to help, even though her start date isnt for a few days. A clueless Richard wants to take her out for coffee, not realizing that shes there to replace him.

Jo is freaking out on DeLuca because shes been called to testify in the trial. If a lawyer asks about her past, shell have to tell the truth about her real name and her marital status  which means her abusive husband could track her down. And if that happens, well, her life as she knows it is over.

Story continues

The doctors work on the patients from the collapsed building. Theres Charlie, who vomits all over Aprils shoes. Theres a 12-year-old girl named Winnie whose parents are distraught over her injuries. And then theres the landlord, who asks for a priest. Stephanie brings him Ben, instead, and the landlord ends up confessing that he ignored earthquake damage in the foundation and the collapse is entirely his fault.

Ben isn't just a great doctor, he's apparently a good priest #GreysAnatomy  Yahoo TV (@YahooTV) November 18, 2016

When Ben and Stephanie dish about this later, Winnies parents overhear  not good. The parents and other tenants start yelling at the doctors to let them yell some more at the landlord.

Meanwhile, a woman finds Charlies photo on the victims board and introduces herself to Owen as Charlies wife. A minute later, a different woman introduces herself as his girlfriend. Yikes!

Arizona is treating a teen boy when Minnick steps in to help. Shes clearly flirting with Arizona, who pretends like she doesnt even remember Minnick. Oh, Arizonas working it.

That was a cute spark between Arizona and Minnick! Romance ahead? #GreysAnatomy  Yahoo TV (@YahooTV) November 18, 2016

Richard gets his first clue that his job might be in jeopardy when he and Maggie run into Minnick again. She alludes to her first day and sidesteps when he says something about working as a team. Talk to Bailey, she urges. Jo is gathering supplies in the storage closet when Alex seeks her out. Before hes possibly imprisoned, he wants her to know that hes sorry for calling her trash. Youre not trash, Jo. With tears in her eyes, she flees.

Do the right thing

As Owen and Riggs treat Charlie, Riggs wonders if they should rat the guy out. When Owen brushes that idea off, noting that Riggs himself is no angel, Riggs points out that he and Megan had problems before the cheating. Of course, Owen would never do such a thing  except, wait, he did! He confesses that he cheated on his first wife, Cristina.

Owen finally admits to Riggs he isn't a saint, good for him #GreysAnatomy  Yahoo TV (@YahooTV) November 18, 2016

Meanwhile, Winnie is crashing on the OR table as Richard and Stephanie frantically work on her. But they arent able to save her, and a despondent Richard steps outside the OR. Later, they tell her devastated parents in a heartbreaking, wordless scene.

Jo gets onto an elevator to find Alex there too. She stops the elevator and finally blurts out the truth: Shes married, and her name isnt really Jo Wilson. Hes shocked and asks why she never told him. She was worried that he would go nuts and do something that would land him in jail. Well, that happened anyway. Before getting off the elevator, Jo sadly tells him that if shes gone after the trial, it isnt his fault. She just cant let her husband find her. Alex is even more stunned and begs her not to let the SOB ruin her life.

It's a night of confessions! Jo finally comes clean to Alex about her past #hugesighofrelief #GreysAnatomy  Yahoo TV (@YahooTV) November 18, 2016

Minnick finds Arizona again and lays her cards on the table: She likes girls and she usually has game. But maybe Arizona isnt into her? Oh, Arizona is totally into her and they are going on a date!

Alex catches Meredith as she comes out of surgery and tells her the basic details of what Jo revealed. And now he has some figuring out to do. Uh-oh

Oh no, Alex is going to do something selfless and heroic like he alway does, isn't he? #GreysAnatomy  Yahoo TV (@YahooTV) November 18, 2016

Winnies distraught mom is wandering the halls of the hospital when Ben finds her. She gives him a photo of the landlord and lies that hes her husband. Winnies mom is clearly looking for revenge. Ben leads her straight to the landlord; this cannot be good. Winnies dad and the other tenants are also demanding to know where the landlord is. Security gets called, and they catch Winnies mom trying to kill the landlord. She gets carted off by the police.

A sad Richard watches them take her when Bailey finds him. He asks her, straight up, if hes losing his job as head of the residency program. She admits that Minnick is taking over and feeds him some drivel about being the chairman. He knows exactly what shes doing  hes the one who taught her how to fire people, after all! Teary-eyed, Bailey says she tried to make the best decision she could without involving her personal feelings.

But, Richard notes, if she doesnt let her personal feelings guide her judgment, she has no business being chief.

This scene of Bailey demoting Richard is breaking our hearts ???? #GreysAnatomy  Yahoo TV (@YahooTV) November 18, 2016

Fight club

Alex visits Bailey to ask her to sign over his pension to his mother. She realizes hes up to something. Well, he explains all to Meredith in the next scene. As she scrubs for surgery, he says that hes going to take a plea deal for two years in prison, and hes doing it so that Jo doesnt have to testify. Meredith is pissed. You think this is noble, what youre doing? Its giving up, she says.

He tells her shell be fine. This makes Mer even angrier. Stop making this about me, she yells. This is about him  and if he takes this deal, his life and career will be over.

Don't do this Alex! Meredith's already lost Derek, her mom, her sister  isn't that enough?! #GreysAnatomy  Yahoo TV (@YahooTV) November 18, 2016

Maggie, angry on Richards behalf, talks to Jackson since hes an Avery and a member of the board. Jackson is mad too. He and April note that they received far better training under Richard than they got at Mercy West. And all the doctors plan to protest Richards demotion.

Riggs and Owen update Charlies significant others, separately, about his condition. When Riggs asks Owen out for a beer, Owen declines, wanting to go home and patch things up with Amelia. But at home, Amelia has left him what seems to be a Dear John note. Dont make this all your fault, she writes.

Meanwhile, Meredith leaves a voicemail for Alex, whos waiting for the district attorney at the courthouse. She pleads with him not to give up. It used to be five of them  Mer, Alex, Cristina, Izzy, and George. Now, its just the two of them. And he cant leave her alone.

"It can't just be me."  Meredith. And with that, #GreysAnatomy goes on break until Jan. 19 #wahhh  Yahoo TV (@YahooTV) November 18, 2016

Alex hangs up as the DAs assistant finds him. Is he going to fight? Well find out in January.

Greys Anatomy airs Thursdays at 9 p.m. on ABC. Watch clips and full episodes of Greys for free on Yahoo View.
It's a good challenge to have: As life expectancy for people with cystic fibrosis keeps rising, more children are aging out of pediatric clinics, leaving the comfort zone of home, going to college, joining the workplace, starting families and trying to shoehorn hours of essential daily self-treatments into full adult lives.

Taking full ownership of cystic fibrosis was a theme for the yearly family education day hosted by the Johns Hopkins Cystic Fibrosis Center in Baltimore on a Saturday in November. While parents attended in person, young people who have the progressive genetic condition were absent, although invited to participate by webcast. The very nature of CF makes it risky for two or more people who have it to come in close contact, because they're too vulnerable to cross-infection with dangerous respiratory bacteria.

In cystic fibrosis centers throughout the country, young people are moving forward into grown-up health care. "For the first time, a year or two ago, we had more adults than children," said speaker Dr. Natalie West, an assistant professor in the division of pulmonary and critical care at Johns Hopkins University and staff member with the adult CF clinic. "Which means adolescents are living longer with improving therapies and all the research that's been put in."

[See: When Health Treatments Go From Hospital to DIY.]

Jordan Long, 26, of Owings, Maryland, starts his morning by snapping on his airway clearance vest. Attached by a tube to an oscillating machine, the inflatable vest pulses to loosen tenacious mucus from his lungs. "It kind of shakes me to make me cough and clear the mucus," Long says. "That's the main goal of it. I keep clearing the mucus."

Next, Long sets up his aerosol nebulizer and inhales medicine into his more-open airways in misted form. He alternates inhaled antibiotics, either Cayston or vancomycin, from month to month. Hypertonic saline -- a mucus-thinning solution -- is a constant. About 25 minutes later, he's ready to jump in the shower and get ready for work as a financial analyst with Northrop Grumman.

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That night, as he does every night, Long will repeat the routine with a slight variation, inhaling the drug Pulmozyme to "cut" through sticky mucus. He also takes vitamins or antibiotic pills several times a week, drinks mega-calorie shakes to keep up his body weight and strength, and does weightlifting and cardio workouts.

Long's bosses and a few co-workers know he has cystic fibrosis; the majority of his co-workers don't. The condition doesn't disrupt his social life, he says.

Long counts himself fortunate that he hasn't been hospitalized for a respiratory infection in quite a few years. "Luckily, I don't have as bad a case as a lot of people do," he says. "I just try to live as normal a life as possible and keep taking care of myself for as long as I can."

SIgns of CF

Before 1989, when the gene that causes cystic fibrosis was discovered, certain cardinal signs in babies and toddlers -- breathing problems, bowel obstructions and overly salty sweat on the skin -- alerted doctors to a possible CF diagnosis. The sweat test, performed on sweat obtained from a baby's forearm or thigh, is the definitive test for cystic fibrosis. (Newborn screening with a heel stick is now done nationwide to identify children with CF as soon as possible.)

Normally, a thin liquid-and-gel layer covers the airways, trapping bacteria and other foreign objects and allowing mucus to be cleared out of the lungs and toward the mouth. With cystic fibrosis, however, this mucus layer becomes dehydrated. Mucus in the lungs becomes more tenacious, providing a breeding ground for respiratory infections like methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus pneumonia.

Cystic fibrosis also affects the digestive tract. Meconium ileus is a type of bowel obstruction in newborns that almost always indicates the baby has cystic fibrosis. Surgery is required for the most severe cases.

Many CF patients will suffer from pancreatic insufficiency. Enzymes that digest food -- protein, fats and carbohydrates -- come from the pancreas. Pancreatic enzyme replacement is a mainstay of cystic fibrosis treatment.

With cystic fibrosis, avoiding malnutrition is a real struggle. Kids and adults may need to take in twice the daily calories of healthy people to keep up their body weight and receive sufficient nutrition. Otherwise, they can have impaired growth, muscle wasting and other related complications. Nutritional therapy includes vitamin and mineral supplements. Some people have feeding tubes placed to allow easier supplementation with liquid feedings.

[See: What Not to Say When Someone Loses Major Weight.]

Dr. Pamela Zeitlin, professor and director of pediatric pulmonology at the Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine and co-director of the Cystic Fibrosis Center, is enthusiastic about the progress in her field.

"Research has been very important to this story," says Zeitlin, who praises the work of the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation and its fundraising focus on research. Breakthroughs ranging from pancreatic enzyme replacement, recombinant DNA treatments to thin mucus, inhaled antibiotics and now personalized medicine geared toward patients' specific CF mutations -- such as ivacaftor or the combination drug lumacaftor/ivacaftor -- continue to improve patients' outlooks.

"As new drugs are introduced to the market that are more specific to the different kinds of CF that exist, there are also guidelines that are being created by physicians and caregivers through the CF Foundation to use them responsibly and correctly," Zeitlin says.

The cost of these drugs is jaw-dropping. The pre-discount list price for Kalydeco, the brand name for Ivacaftor, is roughly $300,000 a year. Even with insurance discounts, patients can pay thousands of dollars in yearly out-of-pocket costs for their combined CF treatments. Heather Chesiyna, a case manager with the CF Foundation Compass program, told conference-goers how the program can help with insurance, financial, legal and other issues.

Survival statistics presented at the conference speak for themselves. For a child born with cystic fibrosis in 1990, the average life expectancy at birth was about 29 years old. A child born with cystic fibrosis today has an average life expectancy of about 40, although that's not the maximum. A person who's survived to 40 today has an average life expectancy in the mid-60s.

Family Support

Jean Kilby, of Savage, Maryland, wouldn't dream of missing the family education day hosted by Johns Hopkins. Her son Michael Riddle, now a young adult, has been coming to Johns Hopkins for treatment since he was 2 months old. Michael spent the entire month of March 1994 in the hospital, undergoing a battery of tests. Co-existing medical conditions, not necessarily related to CF, have also affected his life. He has a shunt in his head to treat hydrocephalus and also suffers from osteoporosis.

Kilby has always spoken up for her son, who she calls Mikey, and helps him stay on top of his treatments. Her advice to parents: "Just take it day by day. Find out everything possible. Don't always believe what the doctors believe. Like they told me my son wouldn't live past 8, but he's 23 years old today."

Promising Future

Lisa and Walter Whitt of Northern Virginia attended the Johns Hopkins event in support of their son Walter, 19, now a freshman at Harvard University. In an interview, they recalled how he was born with a bowel obstruction, necessitating emergency surgery. A sweat test and genetic test confirmed cystic fibrosis.

This was before widespread internet, so educational resources were limited. "Don't look at any books," hospital staff warned them. Nevertheless, Walter Whitt made a beeline to the medical center library and found an outdated medical textbook with chilling survival statistics.

"That's what's been so poignant for me about college," Lisa Whitt says. "When the [Cystic Fibrosis] Foundation was started in 1955, kids didn't live long enough to go to kindergarten. So when our son was born 19 years ago, we wondered, what is his life going to be like? When is he going to start getting really sick, and how is it going to go?"

In middle school, Walter started getting sicker. He went through seven hospitalizations by the time he graduated from high school.

[See: 10 Lessons From Empowered Patients.]

"For us, one of the big things was always being honest from an early age," Lisa Whitt says. "We never hid things; we never sugarcoated things." The openness extended to others. "He was always doing his treatments front and center in front of friends and family," she says.

The dramatic pace of biotechnology as well as drug development and genetic testing, especially in the past five years, has been "night and day" compared to previous decades, the older Walter says. The overriding hope is for a cure, as Lisa Whitt says: "One pill, and you're done."

Lisa Esposito is a Patient Advice reporter at U.S. News. She covers health conditions, drawing on experience as an RN in oncology and other areas and as a research coordinator at the National Institutes of Health. Esposito previously reported on health care with Gannett, and she received her journalism master's degree at Georgetown University. You can follow her on Twitter, connect with her on LinkedIn or email her at lesposito@usnews.com.
AMSTERDAM  If Lars Von Trier were to make a documentary about the current immigration crisis in Europe, it might very well turn out like Stranger in Paradise, the debut feature by Guido Hendrikx.

Aged just 29, the ambitious director  who believes himself a late-starter, having only taken up filmmaking in his early twenties  is already committed to thorny issues, as evidenced by his controversial 2014 short Among Us, which focused on the stories of three adult paedophiles. Developed in his native Netherlands but shot in Italy, Stranger in Paradise offers three takes on immigration, first from an aggressive right-wing tabloid perspective, then from a more humane, liberal stance. Finally, a classroom of real-life migrants are told how their cases may yet be handled.

The film opened IDFA on Wednesday night, affirming outgoing festival director Ally Derks belief that the event has a reputation to maintain for strong, topical, controversial opening films  films that generate discussion on both form and content, by young, talented makers. Indeed, Hendrickx is enjoying the discussion his provocative film has caused there.

Most people are a little bit surprised by the first act, because its quite confrontational, he notes. I can understand that, but on the other hand, this is whats going on in real life. But they also find the ending quite interesting  they say it holds up a mirror.

How did you always want be a filmmaker?

Guido Hendrikx: First I studied medicine, after I finished secondary school. After I quit I went to university to study Liberal Arts and Science. Actually, it was kind of a coincidence how I got myself into filmmaking. I had a kind of side job  I used to get groceries for people who werent able to do it by themselves, and there I met this remarkable man, who hadnt been outside his home for two years. I became friends with him and I made a film about him, called Day Is Done. It was accepted by IDFA. [Laughs] I didnt even know what it was, this festival! And then I went to film school  it was also my admission film. So I guess my interest grew from there.

Story continues

Have you always been attracted to difficult subjects?

Yeah. As a documentary maker, I think youre always preoccupied with the subject youve chosen for quite a long time, so your world gets very narrow. So for me its important to challenge myself and find a topic thats interesting. Also, I can learn something for myself.

What made you decide to tackle immigration?

When I first went to Lampedusa  initially for a different film project, which turned out not to be so interesting  I talked to many migrants, and I became intrigued with the power relationship that existed. I first noticed from a distance, and then subsequently during the research, the power relationship between Europeans and migrants. So I tried to take a more detached view of it, making no judgement. I dont really like a lot of activist documentaries I think you should take the audience seriously, and if your message is only one-sided, then it seems very cynical to me. I think you have to let the audience work.

Where did you shoot the film?

The first idea was to shoot in Lampedusa. For many migrants this is the first place where they set foot on European soil. But, practically, we couldnt shoot there, so we had to look for another, similar place. We chose Sicily.

When did you come up with the concept for the film?

My goal was always to make the power relationship. I was looking for a very direct [setting]  an arena that you cannot escape from, and also an arena that emphasises this power relationship. The result was a classroom.

Who are the people in that classroom?

They are real migrants. Some of them arrived a few days before, some a few weeks, so they really were fresh, you could say. We did a test shoot a year before the real shoot, in which we learned a lot. We had certain criteria  80% of the migrants had to speak English and they had to come from various countries. We were quite transparent about it, so we explained everything. We said, Were going to represent to you all the things we hear in Europe about the refugee crisis. We want you to interact and react as you try to find your voice in this setting. But whats interesting is that you [as the audience] dont really get to know them, and that was a choice we made on purpose. We didnt want to give the refugees the stage because there are many documentaries on this subject, and what I find sometimes problematic is that filmmakers try to get inside the head of the refugee. For me, thats always a little bit shallow  how can we really visualise what theyre going through when we live in such a different world?

How did you gather all the information you needed?

For the first two acts we studied the public debate and various political sentiments. For the third act, for a year or so, we talked a lot with the immigration service in the Netherlands. We also looked at policy papers and records of people who actually do the immigration interviews. In reality, those interviews last four or five hours, but our goal was to catch the essence of it.

The migrants we see in the film  whats their status?

All of them have a goal to obtain a residents permit. Thats what they all told us. Most of them will stay in Italy, because of the Dublin regulation, and then they will go into the procedure there that will determine where they come from and what their chances are.

What was their experience of making the film?

Some were shocked, but some were happy that they had some insight into how Europeans were talking and thinking about them, and how E.U. policy works. But whats interesting there is that the power relationship we tried to show and make tangible in the film also exists in the power relationship between us, as filmmakers, and our subjects. Sometimes they say things, and its hard to know if theyre saying what they want to say or if theyre just being polite to us.

Did making this film change your own thoughts on immigration?

I became more sceptical, you could say. If youre researching through Italy and youre seeing the different camps where these people are being held, theyre very isolated from society, and its very difficult for them to integrate. For me its like a new lower class, one that we are deliberately creating. Still, if you compare Europe, for example, to the United States, we have quite an open [attitude]. I mean, we are thinking about our moral [duty] and our relationship to them.

Whats next for you?

Well, this film has been quite an intense process, because there were a lot of deadlines, and we worked hard, without any brakes, to make it to IDFA for the premiere. For the next project? I only have one rule for myself and it is not to repeat myself. So it will be something totally different.

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IDFA 2016: Race, Rights, New Global Reality on Agenda

IDFA Film Review: 'Machines'
Port-au-Prince (AFP) - More than six million Haitians are due to vote on Sunday in their latest attempt in an 18-month-long effort to choose a president and parliament.

The poorest country in the Americas, with a history of corrupt and autocratic rule, Haiti has suffered a string of devastating disasters since 2010, including an earthquake, a cholera epidemic and a hurricane.

Recovery efforts have been hampered by corruption and political chaos, with local and national polls variously delayed, marred by fraud or canceled outright.

So a lot is now riding on Sunday's vote. Can Haiti choose new leaders and try to move on?

- An electoral marathon -

Haiti embarked on an electoral process in spring 2015 that would have been a logistical and political challenge for any young democracy.

The plan was to hold three elections, on separate days, to choose every local mayor and lower house lawmaker, two-thirds of the senate and a president.

The parliamentary vote, held in August 2015, was marked by violent street battles and the cancelation of results in a quarter of districts.

Although voting in the presidential poll went ahead on October 25 without violent incident, the opposition immediately challenged the results.

The vote results were canceled after an independent commission that examined the ballots concluded there had been "massive fraud."

Early attempts to revive the process stalled despite pressure from the United States, a major donor, and a new vote was scheduled for October 9.

But less than a week before polling, Hurricane Matthew struck, causing another delay.

Now the first round of voting is set for November 20, with an eventual run-off on January 29.

- Posts in play -

Twenty-seven candidates are competing to become president for a five-year term that -- barring more delay -- will begin on February 7.

Elections are also being held in the 25 parliamentary constituencies for which last year's vote was canceled, with 52 candidates in the running.

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Sixteen senate seats and one mayoralty are also up for grabs.

- Main candidates -

Jovenel Moise, a 48-year-old plantation owner, was chosen by former president Michel "Sweet Micky" Martelly to lead the presidential bid of the ruling party, the PHTK.

He "won" last year's first round before opposition protests broke out and poll monitors found evidence of widespread fraud.

Jude Celestin of the LAPEH Party was runner-up in 2015, but refused to recognize the results he called a "ridiculous farce" and is now in the running again.

Moise Jean-Charles, a 49-year-old former senator and fierce Martelly critic, is the only avowed left-winger in the race.

Jean-Charles and his movement -- known as the "Children of Dessalines" after Haiti's independence hero -- are a common sight in street protests.

Maryse Narcisse, one of two women on the ballot, is best known for her role as spokeswoman for former president Jean-Bertrand Aristide.

The 57-year-old candidate for Aristide's Fanmi Lavalas Party has his backing.

- High security -

Haiti will mobilize 9,400 of its own police, 1,400 international United Nations police and the military arm of the UN mission in Haiti for the vote.

Some 4,200 Haitian and 400 international monitors from the Organization of American States and the CariCom regional bloc will observe the polls.

A handful of international officials and diplomats attached to missions in Haiti will help monitor the voting.

The European Union has declined to send observers, however. It sent 60 monitors in 2015, when it was vexed by the cancelation of the presidential vote's first round.
LONDON (Reuters) - Chancellor Philip Hammond is likely to announce a "steady as she goes" budget plan next week without big tax or spending surprises, and he will avoid setting a firm target for turning the budget deficit into a surplus, a lawmaker said. Stephen Hammond, who is a friend of the minister and a member of his Conservative party but is not related to him, told the BBC that Philip Hammond would not announce on Wednesday a big increase in spending to help the economy during the uncertainty caused by June's vote to leave the European Union. "Anyone who thinks Philip Hammond is going to be Keynes I think has probably misunderstood his economic philosophy," Stephen Hammond said, referring to the economist John Maynard Keynes, who argued that aggressive public spending was the best way to fight economic downturns. Britain's new government has said it will drop the target of former Chancellor George Osborne of a budget surplus by the 2019/20 financial year, the last of the current five-year parliament, but will still push to eliminate the deficit. "Intellectually the framework remains that same, that we intend to achieve a fiscal surplus within the life of the next parliament," Stephen Hammond said in a television interview broadcast late on Thursday. He said any increase in spending on infrastructure would need to provide value for money and show a proven business case although he said Philip Hammond should not be considered "a boring accountant." While there could be some help for households such as a cut in fuel duty or measures to have savers, there would not be a big focus on what Prime Minister Theresa May has called Britain's "just managing" group of families. "This is the time I think for steady as she goes Autumn Statement," Stephen Hammond said. "No rabbits out of a hat." Hammond's options for his first budget statement since taking over Britain's Treasury in July are limited by the prospect of a slowdown in economic growth over the next few years as Britain negotiates its exit from the EU as well as its already weak public finances. Many economists expect the British government is now on course to borrow 100 billion more pounds than it previously expected over the next five years. (Editing by Larry King)
This Immigrant Doctor Is Reimagining Health in the American City

Now that Donald Trump is the next president and given his rhetoric against traditional public schools, the nations students, parents, and teachers want to know: Will the president-elect take a sledgehammer to public education? Considering the issue largely took a backseat to immigration and the economy during the election, analysts have a better question: Does Trump have a plan for public educationand who will he appoint to oversee it?

What [education] will look like under Trump, I really dont know, Catherine Brown, vice president of education policy at the Center for American Progress, a left-leaning think tank, told TakePart.

RELATED: As Scandals Plague Charter Schools, Calls for Oversight Grow

Trumpwho has never held office but has run a for-profit college thats being sued for fraudcould delegate decision making instead to Congress, the corporate reform community, or high-profile experts like former Washington, D.C., schools chancellor Michelle Rhee, who is considered a strong candidate for education secretary.

While Brown said Trumps opaque agenda for public schools is cause for concern, its possible that the new presidents seemingly hands-off approachcoupled with the restrictions in the new federal education law, the Every Student Succeeds Actcould constrain the actions of a new secretary and maintain current education policy.

RELATED: No Child Left Behind Is Dead, So What Happens to Standardized Testing?

When he talked about education on the campaign trail, Trump was for school choice and private school vouchers, said far too much money is spent on failing government schools with mediocre results, and was firmly against the Common Core state standards.

Were going to end Common Core, Trump promised in a campaign video released in January. It was a popular rallying cry supported by conservative lawmakers who have come out against the standards and what they consider to be federal overreach, particularly by former Secretary of Education Arne Duncan.

Story continues

Under Duncans leadership, the U.S. Department of Education dangled $4.35 billion in grant funding in front of cash-strapped states after the Great Recession. A states chance of getting much-needed grant money increased if it agreed to adopt the Common Core standards and other federal mandates.

RELATED: Your State Might Be Spending Less on Schools Than Before the Recession

A backlash ensued, and the new law, which replaced No Child Left Behind and goes into effect during the 201718 school year, contains prohibitions that curtail the role of the secretary of education and prevent future arm-twisting grants.

How explicit are the rules? One section of the law states, Nothing in this Act shall be construed to authorize an officer or employee of the Federal Government, including through a grant, contract, or cooperative agreement, to mandate, direct, or control a State, local educational agency, or schools curriculum, program of instruction, or allocation of State or local resources, or mandate a State or any subdivision thereof to spend any funds or incur any costs not paid for under this Act.

Although the Every Student Succeeds Act largely keeps the Education Department from meddling in state standards and testingand its likely that neither Congress nor the new president can completely destroy the cabinet-level postwho Trump picks for the job will matter.

Besides Rhee, who started the controversial education reform group StudentsFirst, other names on Trumps shortlist include Tony Bennett, Indianas former education chief, and Rep. Luke Messer, a pro-reform member of Congress representing suburban Indianapolis.

As for what mandate Trump will assign to his secretary of education, I think you can assume that school choice is imperative, Brown said.

We spend more per student than almost any other major country in the world. Yet our students perform near the bottom of the pack for major large advanced countries, Trump said in September in a speech in Cleveland. He rattled off per-dollar, per-pupil statistics: $20,226 in New York City, $15,287 in Baltimore, and $11,976 in Chicago.

Now, as president-elect, Trump will get his opportunity to expand charters and vouchers, as well as take control of the nations public education system. But experts say his declaration about wasteful school spending, made in a speech arguing for school choice, is about the only concrete education-policy program the next president has proposed.

Brown predicts Trump will attempt to dismantle many of President Obamas initiatives, including restrictions designed to improve and racially balance public schools, as well as his crackdown on for-profit colleges and universitiesan industry that rakes in billions of dollars per year, mostly in government student loans, despite paltry graduation and job-placement rates.

When it comes to higher education, I dont think [Trump] is going to have a strong agenda, and college costs are likely to continue rising, at least in the short term, Brown said.

I think it will be banks, not students that get their needs met, she said.

Take the Pledge: If We Dont Act Now, Who Will Teach Our Kids?

Related stories on TakePart:





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Original article from TakePart
A series of sometimes disturbing and sometimes criminal "creepy clown" sightings in the Southeast region of the United States stretched up to the East coast and to places as far west as Arizona and Idaho weeks before Halloween 2016.

Men dressed up as clowns tried to lure children into the woods and alleged sightings led to school closures and official warnings from law enforcement.

Over the last few weeks, the number of creepy clown sightings have come down, with people wondering what happened to them. Several cities reported that there were no sightings of the clowns.

Earlier this month, the spate of creepy clown sightings hit an area nearby Portage, where a man dressed up like a clown villain from comic books spent an afternoon sitting on a park bench.

During the creepy clown phenomenon, social media reports spurred rumors of murderous clowns, which later triggered the transmission of creepy-clown images and hoaxes.

Meanwhile, Miami Patch reported that the threat of eerie killer clowns is still a recurring nightmare, particularly in Miami.

Local police released a video, which has received thousands of views, urging residents that scary clown pranks are being taken seriously by law enforcement.

Related Articles
Six people in the Schaftlein family now have the same birthday.

A Kentucky woman has delivered a rare set of quintuplets, on the same day and month that she came into the world. They arrived just minutes before the stroke of midnight.

Read: It Takes a Canadian Village to Raise Rare Identical Quadruplets

Katie and Lucas Schaftlein are the proud parents of four girls and one boy  Savannah, Sadie, Scarlett, Sofia and Lucas.

Were overjoyed, the mom said Thursday during a press conference at Lexingtons University of Kentucky HealthCare Center, where the infants remain in the neonatal intensive care unit. They are expected to go home in six weeks.

They were born on Nov. 11, just as Lucas was landing in Tokyo on a business trip. Katie had shown no signs of going into labor before he left on his long, overseas flight.

Weve never been happier, Katie said. Anything couldve gone wrong, but theyre so stable and so healthy.

The babies were conceived through fertility treatments and are the couples only children.

Read: Talk About Seeing Double: High School Graduating Class Has 'Unprecedented' 9 Sets of Twins

They were born at 29 weeks and are all healthy. Scarlett is the biggest at 2.4 pounds. Sadie is the smallest at 1.96 pounds.

They have the same personalities as they did in my belly, Katie said.

Sadie would move all the time, and that's exactly how she is right now, she moves all the time, she cannot sit still."

The mother said she hasnt decided how she will tell the four girls apart once they all get home. Maybe fingernail polish, she said. Lucas, of course, is easy to identify among his four siblings.

Watch: Parents Reveal the Biggest Challenge of Having 1-Year-Old All-Girl Quintuplets

Related Articles:
By Maiya Keidan and Jemima Kelly

LONDON (Reuters) - Tucked into the attic of a Georgian building in London's West End, seven people run a $200 million hedge fund following artificial intelligence formulas. But the supercomputers that process their complex algorithms are nowhere to be seen.

While most established hedge funds keep their trading systems at close quarters, Piquant Technologies outsources all its IT to third parties via the cloud, where multiple computing resources are shared by multiple and often unrelated users.

Moving data off-site to cloud providers may be physically safer than storing servers in an office in Mayfair and may even provide security in anonymity.

Piquant co-founders James Holloway, 32, and Iain Buchanan, 36, say putting their trading and back office systems on external platforms halves hardware costs and means one less person to hire for maintenance.

"Do not burgle Piquant - it's not worth it," said Holloway, the fund's Chief Investment Officer. "In our office we have really no hardware except for a mouse, a keyboard and a screen."

But risks lurk if data is not properly protected. Technology provider RFA, which has 576 hedge fund clients globally, said 20 percent - or 115 - of them funds moved some operations to the cloud last year.

The likes of Amazon, Google and Microsoft are winning new customers - asset managers who gain access to the latest supercomputers without having to buy any hardware, helping them cut costs.

Regulators are trying to keep up, raising concerns about how well the risks are monitored.

Britain's Financial Conduct Authority spelled out in guidelines earlier this year that use of the cloud must not "erode, impair or worsen the firms operational risk".

It said "some respondents" wrote in to challenge that prerequisite.

The regulator also asked funds to actively supervise and test arrangements. The Monetary Authority of Singapore added the topic to its guidelines.

Regulators in Germany, Spain, Italy and the United States have put out no guidelines specifically on cloud usage, though many address outsourcing generally. They declined to comment on whether they might provide future guidelines.

Story continues

A spokesman at the Swiss regulator said they were "aware of the topic" but had no plans to bring out FCA-style guidelines.

"TOE IN THE WATER"

Piquant's founders set up their fund in 2013 and later outsourced all their IT.

Most other hedge funds - worried by the risks of cyber-attacks and data centres going down - are reluctant to trust third-party providers with their trading systems. They are outsourcing less sensitive areas such as email.

"We are putting our toe in the water, starting to use infrastructure and other services on the private cloud," said Iain Anderson, Chief Technology Officer at $15 billion hedge fund Cheyne Capital.

Cheyne has moved investor relations and marketing applications to an off-site location dedicated solely to their firm. It is not currently using "public" cloud platforms such as Amazon's, where hardware is shared by multiple users who require technological aptitude to use it securely.

Amazon says, for example, that clients should encrypt their own data to keep it totally safe.

Some funds worry the size of public cloud providers makes them a hacking target.

Others say only platforms like Amazon Web Services have the money and expertise to put in place the safest systems. Research firm Gartner says Amazon holds almost double the amount of data held by its seven nearest competitors combined.

"Few firms have the means to stay on top of cyber security," said Alexandru Agachi, the chief operating officer of Empiric Capital, a Knightsbridge-based hedge fund. "The largest clouds in the world do have these resources."

LITTLE DATA Some anticipate a wholesale move.

"This will be the last set of servers we buy," said Andy Flatt, Chief Technology Officer at London-based fund Omni Partners. "My guess is that in three years we will not be buying physical servers".

Others fear that many breaches - beyond well-publicised hacks of celebrities' images stored on Apple's iCloud - may go unreported.

"If you're storing someone else's data, you'd think there'd be hacks on that but that's not something we've seen," Garry Liburn, detective inspector for the Metropolitan Police Cyber Crime Unit, said at an event in Mayfair last month.

Under the FCA's new guidelines, which only took effect in July, firms should tell the regulator if they experience a breach. The watchdog declined to comment on whether any had reported incidents.

"I am sure there have been hacks of the cloud ... no one is reporting them," said Viktor Ula, managing partner at investment consultant PivotalPath.

"If a cloud reported a hack, it would halt their growth. The risk that everyone believes exists out there would then be perceived to be even higher and folks would probably revert to having systems internally."

SECURITY FEARS

Such fears explain why some funds, like $10 billion Systematica Investments Services, reject the cloud.

"Systematica does not use any external cloud at this point in time," said Matt Kilsby, chief operating officer at Systematica. "Security is a big risk, with the growing range and complexity of cyber crime in the backdrop."

Ian Massingham, a technical evangelist at Amazon Web Services (AWS), told Reuters AWS hadn't had any hacks, though it was possible to create an insecure system using AWS.

"When we give you the resources, you're creating machines, you're configuring machines on our platform so we give you a set of tools - but it's in your hands," he said.

(Reporting by Maiya Keidan and Jemima Kelly, additonal reporting by Joshua Franklin, Lawrence Delevingne and Andrew MacAskill; Editing by Ruth Pitchford)
Photo credit: undefined

From Town & Country

A team of counterterrorism officers from the New York Police Department stood guard at the front entrance of Trump Tower on Fifth Avenue this morning.

Their presence seemed to run counter to the "Open to the Public" lettering above the front door of the building that houses both the president-elect's residence and office. But as it turns out, those willing to submit to U.S. Secret Service security checks, which are akin to TSA airport screening, are able to enter as long as they know one of a few magic words.

This stretch of Fifth Avenue between 57th Street to 56th Street appears to be closed to foot traffic-police barricades and officers bar the entrance to the block at both ends-but tell one of the officers you'd like to visit the Starbucks in the Trump Tower, as I did this morning, and you'll be waved through (you'll need to dodge the throngs of people taking selfies outside). The security check inside the building is actually less severe than the TSA's-bags are surveyed through an x-ray machine, but there are no full-body scanning machines to pass through (at least not yet).

Photo credit: Sam Dangremond

Next door at Tiffany, a spokesman says it's business as usual.

"Tiffany is in frequent communication with the New York Police Department and U.S. Secret Service regarding safety and security along the perimeter of our Fifth Avenue flagship," says Nathan Strauss, director of corporate communications. "We remain open for business with regular hours and welcome customers to enter the store via our 57t Street entrance while any barricades along Fifth Avenue are in place."

The store's holiday windows and facade will be illuminated as planned, Strauss said.

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On the southern side of Trump Tower, a female shopper at Gucci told the New York Times yesterday that she "had to be questioned by three different police officers just to get into this store." A call to the store today revealed that it now has greeters stationed outside on the corner of 56th Street and Fifth Avenue to encourage shoppers' visits (it's within the barricade). A spokeswoman for Gucci declined to comment on whether the increased security protocol has affected the store's sales, and a spokeswoman for Starbucks said the brand does "not report on individual store performance or traffic." According to Cosmopolitan, the heightened security and protesters outside Trump Tower have already cost Fifth Avenue retailers "millions of dollars."

For his part, New York City Mayor Bill de Blasio does not seem to be worried with the luxury retailers. "I will not tell you that Gucci and Tiffany are my central concerns in life, but I will say the traffic situation is a very real problem," de Blasio told reporters outside Trump Tower yesterday after meeting with Trump for an hour.

Photo credit: undefined

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Women who put more importance on physical appearance are more likely to engage in fat talk. (Photo: Stocksy)

Whether its declaring that youre so fat after eating dessert or that you hate your hips after someone compliments your outfit, chances are you or someone youre close to has engaged in fat talk  that negative self-talk of putting yourself down in front of others.

To understand why women participate in this common self-degrading banter, researchers at the University of Ottawa applied self-determination theory  in other words, what motivates you  to 453 female college students. In general, some people are motivated by extrinsic factors, such as physical attractiveness (in particular, thinness) and social status, while others are motivated by intrinsic factors, such as health and personal growth. Not surprisingly, the researchers found that women who participate in fat talk are more likely to be driven by physical appearance, reports Canadas National Post. Theyre also more inclined to have unhealthy eating habits, likely in an effort to reach their internalized body ideal, which is often the thin body perpetuated by media.

The researchers also found that fat talk can be contagious. Women who overhear others engage in fat talk are more likely to fat talk themselves and to experience heightened body dissatisfaction and guilt, noted the researchers, according to the National Post.

The bad habit is also one way women bond  albeit in a negative fashion. As Alexandra F. Corning, a research associate professor in psychology at the University of Notre Dame, told the Huffington Post: Its a way to keep us feeling like no one is better, no one is above the mean and were all the same.

Just as when a friend says shes fat and you chime in with Of course youre not fat!, fat talk is often a way for women to receive reassurance when theyre feeling bad about their bodies or eating habits. According to a 2011 study in the Psychology of Women Quarterly: The most common response to fat talk was denial that the friend was fat, most typically leading to a back-and-forth conversation where each of two healthy weight peers denies the other is fat while claiming to be fat themselves.

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Its done with the purpose of fishing, or trying to understand what people think of you, or perceive of you, Luc Pelletier, a co-author of the Ottawa study and a professor and social psychologist at the University of Ottawa, told the National Post.

So how can you stop the fat talk? Break the cycle by catching yourself when you fat talk and not participating in it when others do. If your friend is going down a fat-talk spiral, Corning suggests saying something along the lines of: Are you listening to the way youre demeaning yourself? Youre so much more valuable than that, or You and I are not doing fat talk  we are way above it.

Lets keep in touch! Follow Yahoo Beauty on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and Pinterest.
Saint Petersburg (AFP) - Russian art restorers on Friday unveiled a recently discovered portrait of the last Tsar Nicholas II, almost a century after it was hidden behind a giant painting of his Bolshevik foe Lenin.

A team of art restorers led by Tatiana Potseluyeva painstakingly uncovered the tsar's image over the last three years.

The portrait of Nicholas -- shot by the Bolsheviks in 1918 -- was hidden under a layer of water-soluble paint, suggesting it was meant to be preserved and eventually found.

"The ceremonial portrait painted by Ilya Galkin in 1896 was hidden for almost 90 years on the back of another portrait -- depicting Lenin," Potseluyeva told AFP.

Galkin, a little-known artist who painted several portraits of tsars, died in 1915 before the October Revolution of 1917.

The portrait of Lenin wearing a peaked cap and standing in front of Saint Petersburg's Peter and Paul fortress was painted by another artist, Vladislav Izmailovich, in 1924, Potseluyeva said.

Since then, the giant portrait measuring four by three metres (13 by 10 feet) has hung in the assembly hall of a school in the historic centre of Saint Petersburg.

The painting was damaged in the 1970s but restoration experts from the city's Shtiglits Arts and Craft Academy only began restoring it in 2013, leading to the discovery of the hidden portrait.

"We were really surprised!" recalled Potseluyeva, adding that the first detail they discovered was the ornate carpet on which the tsar was standing.

- Taking a risk -

The Lenin portrait painter Izmailovich, who died in 1959, apparently took pains to preserve the work of his predecessor and camouflage it, working in the year when the long-ailing Bolshevik leader died and Stalin cemented his control of the regime.

"Normally you paint over the old canvas, destroying the previous image," Potseluyeva said.

"Here the painter kept it and made it disappear under a coat of water-soluble paint, before painting on the reverse" of the canvas, she said.

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"It seems that he hoped that one day the portrait of Nicholas II would be discovered," she said.

Izmailovich studied in Paris, Rome and Berlin before the Revolution and became known for frescoes and portraits.

After 1917, he was one of the first to paint Lenin from life. He also painted scenes of revolutionary history and taught art.

While his motive for hiding the tsar's portrait may never be known, experts said that he ran a risk by doing so.

"By keeping the tsar's portrait, Vladislav Izmailovich risked a lot at that time," said the acting head of the Shtiglits Academy, Vasily Kichedzhi.

The Bolsheviks pulled down statues and removed the tsars' emblem from buildings after taking power.

The double-sided canvas with both paintings will be put on show to the public at the end of the month at the Academy.

In neighbouring Ukraine, the pro-Western authorities have launched a campaign to topple all the Lenin statues, prompting fury in Moscow, where Lenin's embalmed body is still on display in the Mausoleum on Red Square.
Photo credit: undefined

From Popular Mechanics

A third, hidden structure has been found inside a pyramid at the famed Mayan archaeological complex known as Chichen Itza. The structure was discovered through the use of electrical signals, and offers new insight into how the temple was built.

The Temple of Kukulcan dominates the center of Chichen Itza. The step pyramid is almost 100 feet tall and was built sometime between the 9th and 12th centuries. Its complexities are still being discovered by modern scientists. The second, inner structure of the Kukulcan was discovered in 1935. A 1931 issue of Popular Mechanics described the beginnings of the research efforts which sought to find answers to such questions as how the Mayans could move the immense rocks used to build the structure.

Photo credit: National Autonomous University of Mexico

The third structure was discovered non-invasively. Thirty-three feet tall, the new pyramid fits comfortably inside Kukulcan's outer shell. It was discovered using small currents injected into the building itself, too small to cause any damage. These signals were then measured by a separate computer, and their variations revealed the inner structure. Its discovery led researcher Rene Chavez Seguro, of the National Autonomous University of Mexico, to describe the building in a news conference as "a Russian nesting doll."

The new internal structure is believed to been have been created before the other two. The building around it may have either been constructed to fix deterioration or to signify a new political power structure. Just last year, it was discovered that Kukulcan stands above an underground river, possibly giving a hint towards why the structure and location was treated with such prominence by the Mayans.

Source: BBC

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PARIS (Reuters) - United Nations Secretary General Ban Ki-moon received the Legion of Honour from French President Francois Hollande on Thursday for his contributions to tackling climate change. The South Korean diplomat helped push through the 2015 Paris Agreement, a deal aimed at moving away from fossil fuels to cleaner energies that was signed by almost 200 countries after nearly two decades of negotiations. "It was largely because of your contribution, because many years ago you started putting this topic on all the agendas," Holland said at the ceremony of Ban's efforts. The Legion of Honour was established in 1802 by Napoleon Bonaparte and is considered to be one of France's highest civilian awards. "By doing this you are rewarding our honorable organization and I feel deeply honored and proud," said Ban, who will step down as head of the 193-member world organization after 10 years on Jan. 1. He will be replaced by Antonio Guterres of Portugal. (Reporting by Reuters TV. Editing by Patrick Johnston and Malcolm Foster)
Even Groucho Marx might have joined a home improvement membership club.

The late, great comedian, as you likely know, had that famous quip: "I refuse to join any club that would have me as a member." But home improvement services are hardly snobby and exclusive. They'd be glad to have anyone with a pulse -- and a bank account. It's a concept that plumbing, heating and cooling services around the country particularly seem to be gravitating toward.

Just as an example, and mentioning these companies shouldn't be considered an endorsement, some of what's out there includes:

-- Stan's Heating and Cooling, in Austin, Texas, has a Gold Service Club that includes bi-annual AC tune-ups.

-- Jason's Water Systems, another San Antonio company specializing in water treatment appliances, offers a yearly maintenance plan ($120 a year, $12 a month) that includes a full-service cleaning of its water softeners.

-- Gem Plumbing, in Lincoln, Rhode Island, offers a VIP Membership Plumbing & Drain Cleaning for $15.95 a month, according to its website. Along with its maintenance program, members get a 15 percent discount off any plumbing and drain cleaning service and 5 percent discounts off things like buying a new septic or air conditioning system.

-- Service Stars, in Danbury, Connecticut, has a plumbing and electrical membership and a heating and air conditioning club membership. Along with inspections, it offers things like a 20 percent discount on plumbing and electrical repairs.

[See: 9 Easy Ways to Boost Your Home's Curb Appeal.]

The concept behind all these types of services is that your air-conditioning, your water pipes and your furnace are parts of your home that really benefit from tune-ups and general preventative maintenance. If you pay your service a monthly fee, it will periodically send out workers to your home for a preventative maintenance inspection, or if you have a problem, like a leaky toilet, you can get reduced plumbers' rates instead of paying full price.

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The homeowner's hope, of course, is that by having regular maintenance, the heating and air-conditioning system will stay around longer than if it had never been serviced, and maybe this will protect against disaster -- say, having your sump pump die without warning one rainy night, and suddenly your basement is flooded.

But are these home improvement membership clubs really worth it? Maybe. As with anything, it depends on your point of view. You really should ask yourself the following four questions before you decide.

Are you handy around the house? John Bodrozi, co-founder of HomeZada.com, a home management website, says he pays a monthly membership to an HVAC service, which comes four times a year to inspect his heating and air-conditioning.

"It's a system that is in regular use every month, and it requires electrical skills and product knowledge we don't have," Bodrozi says. "But other tasks such as draining the hot water heater or changing air filters are things that that we are reminded of with our home maintenance calendar, and have the skills to do the task ourselves."

So in other words, if you're mechanically inclined, and a true DIY-er, you could definitely make the case that you don't really need this.

[See: 12 Home Improvement Shortcuts That Are a Bad Idea.]

Are you organized, especially when it comes to your home? If you've ever hired a heating and cooling guy, only to have him tell you that your heat gave out because you haven't changed your filter in three years, then you're probably a good candidate for one of these services.

Still, in many cases what these service people do isn't a lot of work, says Coleen Pantalone, a professor of finance at the D'Amore-McKim School of Business at Northeastern University in Boston. "But like paying bills," she adds, "you need to set up a schedule and follow it. If you decide you just don't want to be bothered with any of it, then buy a membership and let the company do the work. But recognize you will still have to set up appointments and wait for someone to come to your house."

Do you really have the money for a membership? That's the key question. It's easy to get sucked into the marketing mission of these companies without crunching the numbers and asking yourself what $15 or $20 a month will do to your finances in the long run.

It is definitely a good deal for the service company, Pantalone says. "It is steady income and generally a nice profit," she says.

But that isn't to say these services don't make sense. Even Pantalone, who isn't a fan, admits that these services may buy peace of mind. But she doesn't think they'll buy you all that much time.

"We know that older water heaters are more likely to leak and older furnaces are more likely to fail, but that is about all we can predict. No matter how many times someone monitors your systems, problems like these will happen and are not all that likely to be caught by an inspection," Pantalone says. "Just like regularly changing the oil in your car, a little diligence and effort by homeowners is probably all that you need."

[Read: Is a Home Warranty Worth the Money?]

Is your house old? If you've bought a new home, you're already spending a small fortune on new furniture, maybe a lawn mower and you're adjusting to paying your mortgage. Your appliances are likely new, and it would be nice to think that they'll last for some time. You probably don't need plumbers and electricians servicing your equipment. It may be harder to make that argument, though, if you have an old home, or you've recently purchased a house that's only new to you but has been around for a few decades.

But whatever you decide, it would be prudent to start putting money aside, in a savings account, for when you need to replace your water heater, air-conditioning system or whatever you have that you fear won't be long for this world. As Pantalone observes, eventually, everything is going to leak and fail.
Tech insiders are cautiously optimistic billionaire tech investor Peter Thiel can help steer President-elect trump in the right direction. Source: Kim Kulish | Corbis | Getty Images

Many questions linger in the wake of President-elect Donald Trumps stunning win, including how his still-hazy tech policies will affect Silicon Valley.

Perhaps its a positive sign that Trump, who reportedly does not use a computer, appointed billionaire tech investor Peter Thiel to his transition team. Thiel, who was Trumps most vocal supporter from the tech industry, certainly knows the ins and outs of tech, with over two decades of tech experience, as co-founder and former CEO of PayPal (PYPL) and early investments in Facebook (FB) and LinkedIn (LNKD).

Several members of the tech community Yahoo Finance reached out to expressed cautious optimism that Thiel would help steer Trump towards forming an administration and tech policy thats fair to the tech industry and enables the kind of innovation Silicon Valley is known for.

Thiel, an immigrant from Germany with vast connections, may be able to help Trump understand the importance of trade and immigration on tech  two areas Trump was extremely hostile about during his presidential campaign. Thiel, who is no stranger to controversy himself given his endorsement of Trump earlier this year, is currently the only member with significant tech experience on Trumps transition team, and he may also be able to connect the president-elect with tech insiders who could help him shape his policy.

The transition teams number one priority is to fill all of the other positions in Trumps administration, explains Charlene Li, CEO and founder of the San Francisco-based Altimeter Group. What Thiel has is access to an amazing Rolodex. The question becomes who out in Silicon Valley, the tech circles, would be interested in filling those positions and potentially be guiding the policy that will be set.

Oracle co-CEO Safra Catz Source: AP Photo/The Montana Standard, Walter Hinick

One interested member of the tech elite may be Oracle co-CEO Safra Catz. On Thursday, the Trump transition team offered a detailed update on individuals Trump was scheduled to meet with. Among them was the 54-year-old Catz, an Israeli-born, Wharton School-educated longtime tech executive who was instrumental in the $10.3 billion acquisition of PeopleSoft in 2005. Given her experience also as an investment banker at Donaldson Lufkin & Jenrette, and a stint as CFO for several years at Oracle (ORCL), Catz could be a solid treasury secretary candidate.

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Peter Thiel is the only person on Trumps transition team with strong ties to the Valley, says Kyle Lui, a principal at DCM Ventures, who knows Thiel personally. The two key areas where Washington can truly impact Silicon Valley are both cross-border related: the ability to attract the best talent in the world and the ability to attract capital from the global markets. Having open policies around talent and capital benefits Silicon Valley and private growth companies. Peter, as a VC and immigrant  he was born in Germany  understands the importance of these two areas intimately.

Aaron Levie, CEO of Box (BOX), echoed the theme of diversity being vital to continued innovation in tech.

What I would hope is that Peter brings that perspective, which is that this community and innovation, in general, thrives on diversity, and it thrives on bringing together people with lots of different backgrounds, religions, races, sexual preferences, and you need to be able to create an environment that can bring people together to be able to do amazing work, Levie tells Yahoo Finance. There needs to be clarity and communication from Trump, in terms of what are going to be the important issues that the new administration is going to care about. Thats something that is very top-of-mind to many in the technology industry.

Levie also cautions that Trumps eventual tech policy wont strictly apply to Silicon Valley, but eventually, the broader economy.

We have a whole bunch of categories that are labeled as tech issues, but over time, are actually going to become national, broad economic issues, Levie adds. Because in 10 or 20 years, its hard to imagine a transportation company, a life sciences company, health care provider or a bank that isnt fully reliant on technology to run their organizations, and to deliver their business models.

In other words, the very issues the tech industry faces today will become issues every industry will one day face, and Donald Trumps administration will play a big role in shaping that future.



JP Mangalindan is a senior correspondent for Yahoo Finance covering the intersection of tech and business. Follow him on Twitter or Facebook.

More from JP Mangalindan:

Trump victory bursts Silicon Valley bubble

Why Trump might not be a disaster for tech

Obamas chief tech boss explains the shortage of women in tech

Shaquille ONeal explains why he missed the boat on investing in Starbucks

Michael Phelps is trying to be the Michael Jordan of ex-swimmers
(This November 15 story corrects death toll in paragraphs 1 and 14, after official clarification that army figures referred to deaths since October 9) By Serajul Quadir and Wa Lone DHAKA/SITTWE, Myanmar (Reuters) - Hundreds of Rohingya Muslims are fleeing a military crackdown in western Myanmar to Bangladesh, trying to escape an upsurge of violence that has brought the total number of dead confirmed by the army to nearly 90. Some of the Rohingya were gunned down as they tried to cross the Naaf river that separates Myanmar and Bangladesh, while others arriving by boat were pushed away by Bangladeshi border guards and may be stranded at sea, residents said. The bloodshed is the most serious since hundreds were killed in communal clashes in the western Myanmar state of Rakhine in 2012. It has exposed the lack of oversight of the military by the seven-month-old administration of Nobel Peace Prize winner Aung San Suu Kyi. Soldiers have poured into the area along Myanmar's frontier with Bangladesh, responding to coordinated attacks on three border posts on Oct. 9 that killed nine police officers. They have locked down the district, where the vast majority of residents are Rohingya, shutting out aid workers and independent observers. The army has intensified its operation in the last seven days and has used choppers to reinforce, with dozens reported killed. Aid workers, camp residents and authorities in Bangladesh estimated at least 500 Rohingya had fled Myanmar since the October attacks. The refugees are now staying in four Rohingya camps on the Bangladeshi side of the border, they say. But on Tuesday, Bangladeshi border guards pushed back a large group of Rohingya trying to cross. "Early Tuesday, 86 Rohingya including 40 women and 25 children were pushed back by the BGB (Border Guard Bangladesh) from the Teknaf border point," said Lt. Col. Anwarul Azim, commanding officer of the Cox's Bazar sector in eastern Bangladesh. "All of them tried to enter Bangladesh and came by two engine-operated boats. Now we have beefed up our patrolling and additional forces have been engaged to ensure security in the border area," he said. Reuters sources said the Rohingya group was unlikely to have gone back to the villages in Myanmar and might be stranded at sea. The stateless Rohingya are seen by many Myanmar Buddhists as illegal immigrants from Bangladesh. Col. Htain Lin, Border Affairs Minister of the Rakhine state government, refused to comment on the situation. Police Major Kyaw Mya Win, from the Maungdaw police, said the people were trying to escape because they tried to attack the military. "The villagers have become insurgents, including women in the village," said Kyaw Mya Win. A series of recent skirmishes and attacks had increased to 69 the tally of suspected Rohingya Muslim attackers killed since Oct. 9, while the security forces' toll stands at 17, according to state-owned media. MANY DEAD BODIES Four Rohingya from northern Rakhine contacted by Reuters by telephone on Wednesday confirmed that hundreds were trying to escape and cross the river to Bangladesh. They said some were gunned down. "The residents told me nearly 72 people were killed near the riverbank, that the military shot into the crowd on the river bank," said a Rohingya community leader who declined to be identified. Another man from Maungdaw said women and children from around 10 villages were trying to flee to Bangladesh and some were killed as they were trying to get into the boats. "A lot of dead bodies were floating in the sea," said the man. He added that these people were not traveling together, but that they had separated into groups of 20 or 50 to get on to the boats. Residents and rights advocates have accused security forces of summary executions, rape and setting fire to homes in the recent violence. The government and army reject the accusations. Diplomats have also appealed for an independent and credible investigation, but the government has not announced any plans to carry it out, instead cautioning against a "misinformation campaign" by a "violent group based in Rakhine". "They are using our country, our region as a base...with the intention of disrupting the area, causing unrest, chaos in the area, they are doing this to get international attention, to pressure Myanmar," said Aye Aye Soe, director general of Myanmar's Ministry of Foreign Affairs, run by Suu Kyi. She said the group was doing this to get financial support with the intention of "getting their political agenda through". The "extremist group" did not want peace in Rakhine, she said. The suspected Rohingya militants have identified themselves as the previously unknown Al-Yakin Mujahidin in videos posted online. In a fresh clip, a man who has appeared in previous videos stands in front of several men prostrated on the ground with wounds on their back and bloodied legs. "We are Rohingya and we want to restore our usurped rights," the man shouts to the camera. "We deserve our rights and we are not terrorists." Authorities have denied independent journalists access to the area, so Reuters has been unable to independently verify either the military accounts or the accounts of the residents. (Additional reporting by Yimou Lee in Myanmar and Mohammad Nurul Islam in Bangladesh; Writing by Antoni Slodkowski; Editing by Nick Macfie and Alex Richardson)
hyperloop one

Hyperloop One has settled a lawsuit filed by four former employees.

Hyperloop One is pleased to announce that it has reached a confidential resolution of litigation with its former employees and looks forward to continuing to execute on its business plan," Hyperloop One wrote in a statement.

Brogan BamBrogan, co-founder and former chief technology officer, and several other employees sued Hyperloop One on claims that the company executives allegedly misused funds, breached their fiduciary duty, violated California labor code, and even assaulted at least one employee by placing a noose on his desk seat.

The defendants in the Hyperloop One case  which included Shervin Pishevar, co-founder and chairman, and CEO Robert Lloyd  denied those charges and filed a counter lawsuit at the time accusing BamBrogan and the other employees of manufacturing a rebellion in a transparent attempt to seize control of the company.

The litigation has been settled and Hyperloop One's staff has been informed of the news.

Along with BamBrogan, the other three employees that filed the suit were David Pendergast, former assistant general counsel for Hyperloop One; William Mulholland, former vice president for finance of Hyperloop One; and Knut Sauer, former vice president for business development of Hyperloop One.

All four employees wrote in a statement sent to Business Insider: "We are planning to build rad s**t with rad people, starting with our take on hyperloop. More to come in the near future.

Justin Berger, the counsel for the four employees who filed the lawsuit against Hyperloop One, also wrote in a statement: My clients are pleased to announce that they have reached a confidential resolution of litigation with their former employer and look forward to moving on with their future plans."

Hyperloop One

The timing could not be better for Hyperloop One as it has been making headway on building the high-speed transport system for both passengers and cargo.

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In early November, Hyperloop One signed an agreement with Dubai Roads and Transport Authority to evaluate using the Hyperloop to shuttle passengers between Abu Dhabi and Dubai. Hyperloop One will conduct the feasibility study with McKinsey & Co. and the Bjarke Ingels Group.

The start-up also secured $50 million in a funding round led by DP World, the third largest port and terminal operator in the world, in early October. As part of the agreement, Hyperloop One and DP World will conduct a feasibility study to see how Hyperloop technology can more efficiently transport cargo to DP World's flagship Jebel Ali port.

Peter Diamandis, a Hyperloop One board member and CEO of the X-Prize Foundation, previously told Business Insider how the Hyperloop would travel underwater to transport cargo to ports.

Hyperloop One said that latest $50 million funding round brought its total funding to $160 million.

Hyperloop One also plans to open a full-scale development test track in Las Vegas in the first quarter of 2017. The Finnish and Dutch governments have also granted the start-up approval to build "proof of operations" facilities.

Here is the full note Hyperloop One CEO Rob Lloyd sent to employees about the settlement:

Team,



I am pleased to inform you that we have resolved the lawsuit that was filed this summer against Hyperloop One by several of its former employees.



Lawsuits can be distracting for companies; they often halt momentum until they can be resolved. That didnt happen here.



The resilience we have shown as a company since June has been nothing short of remarkable. Lets just take a moment to reflect on just some of the accomplishments since.



On construction: We opened Metalworks, the worlds first hyperloop fabrication facility. This week we installed the first tubes on columns, a major step in our development loop. Today we have 65 full time team members working in Nevada at both Metalworks and our Test and Safety. We remain on track to have our Kitty Hawk moment in early 2017.



On partnerships: In Dubai, we announced the Port Jebel Ali feasibility study with DP World and we were selected for Dubai Future Accelerators. We then revealed our designs for the worlds first hyperloop to go from Dubai to Abu Dhabi in 12 minutes in coordination with RTA. And in Europe, we established working groups with the Dutch and Finnish governments for project feasibility.



On financing: We announced a $50 million investment led by DP World and hired Brent Callinicos as chief financial advisor.



This is an impressive list and none of this would have been possible without the entire team, from top to bottom. This is an amazing group to be a part of and we are on the cusp doing something extraordinary together.



Now lets keep our focus on achieving our Q1 milestones and show the world the first working Hyperloop One system to the shape the future of transportation. The world is watching!

Regards and thank you,

Rob Lloyd, Chief Executive Officer

NOW WATCH: Heres how the Hyperloop will work





More From Business Insider


Maite Alberdi, Chiles foremost young documentary director, is preparing her third feature  The Mole Agent  which takes place in a world of private investigators and intelligence operatives. The news comes as Alberdis second feature, the anticipated The Grown-Ups, which has been acquired by Paris-based CAT&Docs for international sales, world premieres on Nov. 9 at Amsterdams IDFA documentary festival and Chiles documentary scene, arguably with Mexico the most active of any Latin America country, is gaining increased recognition abroad.

Directed by Marcia Tambutti, a granddaughter of Salvador Allende, Beyond My Grandfather Allende scooped Cannes first LOeil dOr, awarded in 2015 to its best documentary. In another win for Chilean documentary, Patricio Guzman took a best screenplay Silver Bear for The Pearl Necklace at 2015s Berlin Festival. Chile was the guest of honor at this years Nyon Visions du Reel where I Am Not From Here, which Alberdi co-directed, a study of ageing minds regression to childhood, won best short in its international competition.

Agent will be a genre blender. The aim is to work within the non-fiction boundaries on elements that habitually belong to fiction  film noirs, cop movies, thrillers, Alberdi told Variety.

The Mole Agent is set up at the directors outfit, Micromundo, and is backed so far by diverse Chile national funds including the National Fund for Development and Production and the Consejo Nacional de Television fund. It is also supported by IDFA Bertha Fund, which supports documentary filmmakers and festivals in developing countries.

Grown-Ups is produced by Micromundo Producciones in co-production with Netherlands Volya and Frances Mandra Films. Grown-Ups log-line is eloquent: Kids who wanted to grow up and instead grew old. It also homes in on a new reality: People with Down syndrome now enjoy far higher life expectancy and nobody has prepared them to be adults, Alberdi said,

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This has multiple consequences. In Chile, for instance, a law permits people with Down syndrome to be paid less than the minimum salary, although they perform the same productive work as others, Alberdi observed.

Grown-Ups turns on the lives of four classmates, all with Down syndrome, who have been attending the same school for almost 40 years: Their quarrels, misbehaviour, secrets, learning processes, loves and desires. The documentary, an intimate dramedy,creates a strong sense of empathy with the viewer.

One growing trend in Latin American movies is a build in films which portray how the lack of a developed social state pushes individuals to radical act  Rodrigo Plas A Thousand-Headed Monster or means that the less-advantaged need to depend for support on family or their neighbours  Lucia Carreras Tamara & The Ladybug. Grown-Ups inevitably begs the question of what will happen to its protagonists when their parents die.

Alberdis previous works The Lifeguard and Tea Time garnered a considerable number of prizes not only at specialised documentary festivals. Unusually, Tea Time was nominated at Spains Academy Awards as best Ibero-American Film. In addition, it took an IDFA Alliance of Women Film Journalists EDA Award for best female-directed film at IDFA, plus a best documentary award at the Miami Film Festival, DocsBarcelona, and Guadalajara Festival, among others. Co-directed by Lithuanias Giedre Zickyte, I Am Not From Here is nominated for the 2016 European Film Awards.

The Mole Agent will go into production in August 2017. It will be ready for delivery in 2018.

John Hopewell contributed to this article

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Kiev (AFP) - The International Monetary Fund said Friday its team had ended a visit to Kiev without seeing sufficient economic restructuring progress to release a new loan to Ukraine this year.

The impoverished and war-scarred former Soviet republic had been hoping to receive a $1.3-billion ($1.2-billion-euro) tranche payment in November from a rescue package of $17.5 billion agreed with the Fund in 2015.

But Kiev has only seen $7.6 billion of that money due to foot-dragging by populist lawmakers in parliament over deeply unpopular belt-tightening measures prescribed by the Fund.

The IMF last released a $1-billion tranche payment in September that Kiev had expected to see last year.

A statement from the Fund's mission said the pro-Western government still needed "some time" to adopt all the economic prescriptions mandated under the four-year programme.

"While good progress has been made, the authorities need some more time to implement policies to ensure medium-term fiscal sustainability -- including adoption of the 2017 budget consistent with program targets -- safeguard financial stability, and tackle corruption," the IMF team said.

"Discussions on these policies will continue in the period ahead."

Ukrainian media reported the IMF had outlined five points that Kiev must comply with in order to receive future payments.

The first involves obtaining capital to keep 12 large and systemically important banks afloat.

An earlier central bank stress test found that 28 of 39 lenders checked lacked the required cash at hand to survive another potential economic crisis.

The Fund also wants the government to start gradually raising household bills for gas and central heating to "market levels" starting in March 2017.

Ukraine has already slashed its utility subsidies and saw loud street protests from predominantly pension-age people who cannot afford the new bills.

But economists view Ukraine's subsidisation of its energy sector as one of the largest drains on the state budget.

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The IMF also wants the government to turn its loss-making state gas and oil company into a profitable venture by the end of 2017.

It further would like to see Kiev speed up its privatisation efforts and simplify its outdated tax system.

Ukraine has pulled out of a dire two-year recession by recording nine consecutive months of economic growth.

But the Fund's statement said that Ukraine's gross domestic product "is still very low -- just 20 percent of the EU average, the second lowest level of all central and eastern European countries."

It also noted that "tangible results in prosecuting and convicting corrupt high-level officials and recovering proceeds from corruption have yet to be achieved".
It was gratifying that after Wisconsin voted him into the presidency, the gentleman did not talk about putting Hillary in prison. That was a nice surprise. And when he met with Obama of Kenya, the white sahib was well-behaved, listened to what the African had to say, did not interrupt or call him stupid, and in fact thanked the alien for meeting with him. He did a good impersonation of modesty.

Say what you will, the man is flexible. The wall on the border, his reliable applause line this past year, has been downgraded to a fence in some places and may eventually turn into a line of orange highway cones. The 11 million deportees are down to two or three. Hillary may be let off with an ankle bracelet.

While he's making alterations, he should consider getting a presidential hairdo rather than the hair of a hotel lounge pianist in 1959. It's distracting to watch a man talk about national security, looking like he may suddenly burst into "Volare." A makeover would take about 15 minutes max. And might a speech therapist try to smooth out the Tony Soprano accent and give him a presidential voice like Nixon's or Reagan's and cut out those irritating repetitions for emphasis -- do you know what I mean? Am I right? Am I right? You know I'm right. You better believe I'm right.

He will never be my president because he doesn't read books, can't write more than a sentence or two at a time, has no strong loyalties beyond himself, is more insular than any New Yorker I ever knew, and because I don't see anything admirable or honorable about him. This sets him apart from other politicians. The disaffected white blue-collar workers elected a Fifth Avenue tycoon to rescue them from the elitists -- fine, I get that -- but they could've chosen a better tycoon.

Life goes on. A person has to keep that in mind. The day after the election, my wife and I set out to replace some burnt-out light bulbs in some interesting fixtures chosen by an elderly interior decorator years ago. We are from Minnesota and we hesitate to impose our taste on others, even when we're paying the bill. So we have several truly ugly and impractical light fixtures that use odd rare bulbs not sold at Wal-Mart, Walgreens, Ace Hardware, or even at boutiques with names like Let There Be Light Bulbs. Long cylindrical bulbs. Perhaps handmade by Cistercian monks on a mountaintop in Montana.

I voted for Hillary, so I'm an elitist, but still. We use regular old G.E. light bulbs.

My wife is a violinist so she has excellent small motor skills, plus a better sense of logic and smaller hands, so she's the foreman, and my job is to stand by the stepladder, hold her by the hips, hand her the Allen wrench -- yes, these fixtures, unique in the Western hemisphere, require hexagonal wrenches -- receive loose screws and the burnt bulb, hand her the fresh bulb while bracing the loose fixture and not letting it fall, and maintaining an upbeat attitude.

It's interesting to hold a kind, gentle Episcopalian lady by the hips and hear how well she can swear while trying to replace a light bulb in a fixture that -- how many liberals does it take? Three. One to turn the bulb, one to hold the ladder, and one to make sure the manufacturer offers good health care and pension plans to its employees.

This is what pulls a couple together. Every marriage has its bumps but when she stands on a stepladder and I brace my shoulder against her rear end to leave my hands free to hold the big glass shade as she screws the bulb into the socket and takes the Allen wrench from me and the screws and drops one and I bend down, my hand still on her haunch, and reach for the fallen screw, and we both start laughing, this is a sweet moment that momentarily transcends politics.

I hope that Mr. Trump does not make Wisconsin regret having elected him president, but it's still the same old story about love and glory and a case of do or die and lovers must replace their light bulbs as time goes by.
By Rajendra Jadhav and Sethuraman N R

MUMBAI/BENGALURU (Reuters) - Gold premiums in India jumped to two-year highs this week as jewellers ramped up purchases on fears that the government might put curbs on imports after withdrawing higher-denomination notes from circulation in its fight against black money.

Retail demand was subdued due to a cash crunch following the government's move on high-value banknotes, but dealers in the world's No.2 consumer of the metal were charging a premium of up to $12 an ounce this week over official domestic prices that include a 10 percent import tax.

The premium was the highest since mid-November 2014, and compared with a premium of up to $6 an ounce last week.

"There was a rumour that after scrapping 500 and 1,000 rupee notes, the government will ban gold imports. It prompted many jewellers to increase buying," said a Mumbai-based dealer with a private bank.

"Jewellers were running businesses with limited stocks after good sales during the Diwali festival. Now they are keen to replenish inventory as prices have fallen."

The government last week withdrew 500 and 1,000 rupee banknotes from circulation, in a surprise move designed to bring billions of dollars worth of cash in unaccounted wealth into the mainstream economy.

"We are seeing some jewellery demand due to the ongoing wedding season and crash in prices. But the cash constraint is going to be really tough for the gold industry in the near future, especially from rural areas," said Chirag Thakkar, a director with Amrapali Group.

Two-thirds of gold demand comes from rural areas where jewellery is a traditional store of wealth.

"Our business has nearly stalled due to the cash crunch," said Mangesh Devi, a jeweller based in Satara, Maharashtra, who caters mainly to farmers.

Gold was on track to post a second straight weekly fall on rising expectations of a rate hike by the U.S. Federal Reserve. Spot gold has declined 1.5 percent so far this week.

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Meanwhile, premiums in China rose up to $10 an ounce against the international benchmark from $5 last week.

"It (the buying) could be driven by the panic in reaction to the recent depreciation of the yuan," said Zhirui Ji, an analyst with Thomson Reuters-owned metals consultancy GFMS.

The yuan fell to an 8-year low on Friday on resurgent dollar.

In Hong Kong, sellers were offering a premium of up to $1 an ounce compared with 50 to 70 cents last week, while in Singapore premiums were unchanged at 80 cents.

Demand in Japanese markets continued to remain tepid with premiums flat to a discount of 10 cents.

(Reporting By Nallur Sethuraman in Bengaluru and Rajendra Jadhav in Mumbai; Editing by Subhranshu Sahu)
An Indiana mom is hospitalized after allegedly admitting to killing her children and stabbing herself in the neck on Thursday, police confirmed in a press conference.

Brandi Worley, 30, called 911 around 4:35 a.m. EST and allegedly said, I just stabbed myself and killed my two children, Sheriff Mark A. Casteel of Montgomery County Sheriffs Office said.

When officers arrived at Worleys Darlington home, Tyler Worley, 7 and Charlie Worley, 3, were found deceased in their bedroom. Worley again allegedly admitted to killing the children, and was transported to hospital with self-inflicted injuries to the neck, Casteel said.

Worley seemed matter-of-fact, the sheriff said, adding that she did not seem remorseful.

No additional information has been released on how the children died as detectives are still in the process of interviewing witnesses in this case, Casteel said. Autopsies were scheduled for 10 a.m. EST Friday. The Montgomery County Coroners office did not immediately respond to PEOPLEs request for comment.

Worley remains hospitalized at Indiana University Health Methodist Hospital in Indianapolis and had not yet been processed into jail as of Friday morning, Casteel tells PEOPLE. Our detectives are still waiting for Worleys medical condition to improve in order to interview her in more detail, he says.

I cant imagine the pain and the grief that these families are experiencing this morning, Casteel said during Thursdays press conference, pausing as he got choked up.

 Want to keep up with the latest crime coverage? Click here to get breaking crime news, ongoing trial coverage and details of intriguing unsolved cases in the True Crime Newsletter.

Casteel said that the childrens father, Jason Worley, was home when police arrived but was asleep in the familys basement, unaware of what happened. The couple were still married, Casteel said, but the Montgomery County clerks office confirms to PEOPLE that Jason Worley filed for divorce on Nov. 16.

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There had been no previous calls to police from the residence, the sheriff confirms.

Tyler was a student at Sugar Creek Elementary School, WTTV reported, and Charlie was in preschool.




Lluis Cruanas, one of the most influential and beloved restaurateurs of late twentieth-century and early twenty-first-century Catalonia, died last Sunday at the age of 79 in the Costa Brava town of Palamos, near his home in Sant Feliu de Guixols.

Cruanas was born in Sant Feliu, a fishing town and center for the cork-making trade, in 1937. Five years later, his father opened a tavern called Eldorado in the town. This was a simple place where fishermen and cork-makers came to play cards, drink, and eat cheap seafood like espardenyes, a kind of sea slug, sauteed with garlic and parsley. The younger Cruanas went to work in his father's tavern when he was old enough, and in 1970 opened a small full-service restaurant of his own next door to Eldorado, which he dubbed Eldorado Petit (petit means "small" in Catalan as well as French).

Slideshow: 12 Travel Destinations for Every Food Lovers Bucket List

The menu was mostly traditional, focusing on rice and fideus noodle dishes and on the region's excellent fish and shellfish. The restaurant thrived, drawing travelers off the autoroute between France and Barcelona, and in 1978, with financing from some of his regular customers, Cruanas and his wife, Lola (who died several years ago), opened a second Eldorado Petit in Barcelona.

This became one of the best restaurants not just in Barcelona but in Spain throughout the late 1970s and into the '80s. The dining room was softly lit and warmly furnished, and the food was refined Catalan fare  shimmeringly fresh giant shrimp lightly poached in seawater, salt cod salad garnished with angulas (elvers), black rice (made with cuttlefish); whole turbot roasted on a bed of thin-sliced potatoes  even espardenyes, no longer the cheap throw-away fare of Costa Brava fishermen, but a newly discovered delicacy among Catalan diners, more expensive per pound in the market than even lobster.

Though Cruanas was a good cook and could run a kitchen, he left the day-to-day cooking to others  the early Catalan celebrity chef Jean-Luc Figueras (who died two years ago) was responsible for the cuisine at the Barcelona restaurant for much of its existence, and such other now well-known chefs as Toni Saez, Domingo Garcia, and Pedro Moreno worked for Cruanas  while he and his wife oversaw the dining room. He had a genius for it: He was amiable and helpful, the kind of host who made every person walking into the place feel as if they were special, but he also had an eagle eye for details of presentation and service. He got everything right and made it seem effortless.

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In 1990, benefitting from the publicity surrounding the awarding of the 1992 Olympic Games to Barcelona, Cruanas opened a new Eldorado Petit, this one in New York City, overseen mostly by his son, Marc. Though the place got a favorable two-star review from Bryan Miller in The New York Times, it never found the kind of appreciative clientele its predecessors in Catalonia had known, and it closed late in '92.

One effect of the Olympics in Barcelona was a shift of community focus from the inland portion of the city to the coast, and Eldorado Petit, which was in a hilly residential neighborhood in the city's Sarria quarter, gradually lost its customers. In 2002, he closed that restaurant, too, and retreated to Sant Feliu. There, he expanded and modernized the original Eldorado Petit, now called simply Eldorado (or El Dorado) and opened a tapas bar nearby and a seafood restaurant, Eldorado Mar, overlooking the water. Cruanas's daughter, Suita, is in charge of Eldorado Petit now, while Marc runs Eldorado Mar. Their father, though, remained a frequent presence, greeting old friends and keeping an eye on things.

The best thing Cruanas did for American diners was to give early exposure to Jose Andres  the greatest champion of Spanish food both traditional and avant-garde in this country today. Andres was brought to New York by the proprietors of another restaurant from the Catalan capital, Paradis Barcelona, part of a chain. He wanted to work for Cruanas, though. As Andres tells it, "Lluis was a gentleman! He was a friend of the owner of Paradis and told me 'I cannot hire you directly from him, but if you are somewhere else first, later on I may.' So I went to Puerto Rico, and then, on the day he got two stars in the New York Times, I called him, and he said 'Come see me in my apartment.' I didn't get there until 11.30 p.m. He was in his pajamas, and he gave me his baby to play with, then said 'You're hired.'"

Andres was in charge of the food at Eldorado Petit for more than two years, until it closed, earning himself a reputation that led to his beginnings as a successful chef-restaurateur in Washington, D.C.

Andres adds, "Nobody taught me more respect for our profession than him. He was always radiating positive energy through his smile. When he arrived at the restaurant in New York, even the flowers that were almost dead seemed to reborn again!"
Photo credit: Alice Proujansky

From Cosmopolitan

As Kayla Jones, 28, kisses her 2-year-old daughter, Lola, good-bye this morning, she doesnt know if shell spend the day working with women who are joyfully welcoming or somberly ending their pregnancies. Jones is a licensed practical nurse at Buffalo Womenservices in Buffalo, New York - the only free-standing clinic in the U.S. that offers both childbirth and abortion services.

In 2014, Jones was the first woman to give birth here at Buffalo Womenservices Birthing Center of Buffalo, an out-of-hospital space that encourages mothers to labor at their own pace with minimal medical intervention. It is a homelike place with a birthing tub and childbirth classes full of expectant mothers learning about the technicalities of breastfeeding and chanting, "My body knows just what to do." Jones gave birth without pain medication, and I surprised myself that I could do it! If I could do it, you can do it.

At her grandad's house on Buffalos economically depressed East Side, Lola plays a pink plastic keyboard and sings. I love you, baby, I love you, baby. Jones doesn't see a conflict between her decision to have a baby as a single parent and her patients' decisions to do otherwise. She had four abortions and a miscarriage before having a baby herself, and often tells worried patients that she turned out just fine: I get to tell my story about 20 times a day. Their eyes always get really big and they say, You look so innocent!

I work here because I used this service before and I believe that every woman should have access to an abortion. They know when its the right time for them to have a baby, she says.

Joness reasons for having abortions were clear. I had to finish school. I was young, I hadnt even finished high school yet [when I got pregnant the first time]. I was finding out who I was. Now, Jones comfortably occupies the common overlap between abortion and motherhood. Fifty-nine percent of U.S. women who had abortions in 2014 were mothers. When she decided to keep her last pregnancy, It was different because I felt like I had a career now and a stable home and a car. I felt like I was mature and I had the patience to have a child.

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Jones grew up poor, and her job at the clinic enables her to support her family while doing work that she believes in. With the election of Donald Trump and his appointment of a handful of extremely anti-abortion staff members comes fear that clinics like Buffalo Womenservices will be shut down and the women like Jones who rely on them left in medically dangerous situations. Womenservices is the only local facility that accepts Medicaid for abortions past nine weeks of pregnancy. Dr. Katharine Morrison, the clinic's head doctor, isn't worried about being shut down because New York is a liberal state. "But I'm sickened to death over what our country will look like going forward," she says. "Women will be able to obtain an abortion in only a few states just as prior to Roe v. Wade." Jones and the rest of the staff see the choice to terminate a pregnancy and the choice of a birth approach as inextricably linked by the necessity of female bodily autonomy and respect.

Photo credit: Alice Proujansky

Jones talks with her mother, Susan Furst, while getting ready to leave with Lola. Jones is the only person working in the household, and she supports her mother, daughter, and two teenage siblings. She also helped care for her mother after a recent operation.



Donald Trump's campaign platforms made Jones worry about more than the future of women's reproductive rights. My mother depends on Section 8 and SNAP benefits," she says. "If these benefits get cut, what's going to happen? How are we going to eat? People think that everybody that receives benefits are lazy or they dont work. I work! I'm not lazy! If a woman finishes high school and she goes to work, she still can't afford to feed her family." Jones and Furst wept together when the election results were announced.



Jones is grateful for her support system though: Furst and her daughters paternal grandfather babysit regularly, and her mother encouraged Jones to apply for the job at Buffalo Womenservices while she was working at fast-food restaurant Tim Hortons.

Photo credit: Alice Proujansky

Jones and Lola leave the house. The family moved six years ago to a suburb that had better subsidized housing options than Buffalos, but suburban living brings isolation: Jones would like to enroll Lola in Head Start, but public transit isn't easily accessible here and Jones needs the family's only car for work.

It's not an easy life, but Jones has been through worse. She grew up poor in Buffalo, sometimes coming home to a house without electricity on.

Photo credit: Alice Proujansky

In 1998, Dr. Barnett Slepian, a doctor working at the clinic, was murdered in his home by an anti-abortion extremist. After Dr. Slepian's death, protesters turned their anger toward the clinic's current doctor, Dr. Katharine Morrison, and graffitied "Dr. Morrison is a murderer" on a nearby building. Dr. Morrison moved her family - including her 3-year-old daughter and 12-year-old son - to New York City for safety in 2000, and flew or took an eight-hour Greyhound bus trip to work Thursday through Saturday each week for six years. "I did what I needed to do to protect my family," she says. The building now has tight security, with a metal detector, guard, locked doors, surveillance cameras, and strict requirements about identification and large bags.

Photo credit: Alice Proujansky



Jones talks with Dr. Morrison, her boss and mentor, in front of a Donald Trump pinata at work. "I got the pinata as a protest," Dr. Morrison says. "I don't use the words 'fascist' or 'Hitler' lightly - my mother was a refugee from Germany - but he is a fascist. One of the first things a fascist does is scapegoat people." Dr. Morrison was present when Jones gave birth to her daughter at the birth center.

Photo credit: Alice Proujansky

Jones studies for a pediatric nursing final at Trocaire College, the Catholic school where she works toward her associate's degree so she can become a registered nurse. (As a licensed practical nurse, she must be supervised by an RN.) Hydrocephalus, encephalopathy, hepatopathy  Shes struggling, and worried that she wont pass this test. School is expensive and time-consuming, but shes determined to become her familys first college graduate.

Photo credit: Alice Proujansky



Dr. Morrison performs a procedure on one of her gynecological patients. In addition to performing abortions and attending births, Dr. Morrison does routine gynecological care.



Photo credit: Alice Proujansky



An instructional breastfeeding video plays before a Centering Pregnancy meeting in the waiting room at Buffalo Womenservices. The group prenatal class educates patients expecting to deliver at the Birthing Center, one of two free-standing birthing centers in New York State, where women can give birth in a supportive, safe environment outside of a hospital. Dr. Morrison believes that women should be able to choose how to give birth as well as whether to do so.



Photo credit: Alice Proujansky



Jiyong Kim Mai has a prenatal visit with midwife LuAnn Conte at the Birthing Center of Buffalo.



Photo credit: Alice Proujansky



Lactation consultant Meghan McCarthy teaches a breastfeeding class during a group prenatal care meeting called Centering Pregnancy as Birthing Center coordinator Mary Badame listens.



Photo credit: Alice Proujansky



Jiyong Kim Mai touches her round belly during a Centering Pregnancy meeting. She gave birth to her first son here at the Birthing Center of Buffalo as well.

Photo credit: Alice Proujansky



Jones pours antiseptic into cups before patients arrive at Buffalo Womenservices. The liquid will be used to cleanse patients' cervixes before their abortions.



Photo credit: Alice Proujansky



Jones fills a syringe with Versed, a sedative, before patients arrive at Buffalo Womenservices. The medication will be used in combination with a painkiller and anti-nausea medication to provide patients with conscious sedation during their abortions.



Photo credit: ALICE PROUJANSKY



The first step for a patient seeking an abortion here is an ultrasound to confirm how far along her pregnancy is. This patient waits after Jones performed her ultrasound to confirm her gestational weeks. If she is too far into the pregnancy, she will be referred to a clinic in New York City that can perform abortions until the state limit of 24 weeks because they have the necessary anesthesiologist. In 2012, 91.4 percent of abortions took place before the 14th week of pregnancy, and 7.2 percent were between 14 and 20 weeks. Only 1.3 percent of abortions were after 20 weeks gestation.



Photo credit: Alice Proujansky



A 25-year-old patient watches TV in a waiting room before receiving a first-trimester abortion. This patient was confident in her decision and angry that her own gynecologist had pressured her to continue the pregnancy, and that an emergency room employee revealed her pregnancy to her mother. "If I do have kids," she says, "I want to be more progressed in life. I love my life right now and I don't want to change it."

Photo credit: Alice Proujansky



Counselor Lyndsey Marsh and Jones hold the 25-year-old patient's hands while Dr. Morrison performs the first-trimester abortion.



Photo credit: Alice Proujansky



Birthing Center coordinator Badame and Dr. Morrison laugh with Jones during a lunch break. Morrison mentors Jones, helping with some school fees. Jones credits her experience there with changing the way she understood birth and newborn care. She continues to breastfeed her 2-year-old daughter.



Photo credit: Alice Proujansky

Counselor Marsh holds a speculum while talking with a 16-year-old patient before her first-trimester abortion. The counselor uses a plastic model reproductive system to explain the procedure: how the cervix will be dilated and the pregnancy terminated, reminding the patient that abortion is a safe procedure - it carries less than a 0.05 percent chance of major complications.



Photo credit: Alice Proujansky



The 16-year-old patient meets with a counselor. All patients seeking abortions here must meet with a counselor who explains their options: adoption, keeping the baby, or abortion. The counselor confirms that the patient is making her decision without coercion from family or partners, and will cancel the appointment if she seems unsure.



The doctor also reconfirms each patients decision one final time just before the procedure begins.



Photo credit: Alice Proujansky



The 16-year-old patient touches her belly in a waiting room. In 2014, 3 percent of abortion patients were 15 to 17 years old.



Photo credit: Alice Proujansky



Nurse Karen Pfaffenbach holds the 16-year-old patient's hand while Dr. Morrison performs a first-trimester abortion. Unlike 38 other states, New York permits minors to receive abortions without parental involvement.

Photo credit: ALICE PROUJANSKY



Jones walks a 24-year-old patient to the door after her first-trimester abortion.



Photo credit: Alice Proujansky



An 18-year-old patient reclines just after her first-trimester abortion.



Photo credit: Alice Proujansky

Jones takes a patient's blood pressure after her abortion. Almost half of U.S. pregnancies were unintended in 2011. Twenty-one percent of all pregnancies (not including miscarriages) ended in abortion.

Photo credit: Alice Proujansky

The waiting room at Buffalo Womenservices.

Photo credit: Alice Proujansky

Jones leaves Buffalo Womenservices after work. The protestors are legally prohibited from stepping outside of the yellow lines on the sidewalk.

Photo credit: Alice Proujansky

Anti-abortion protestors JoAnn Thomasello and Joan Brandon picket outside of Buffalo Womenservices. "I consider myself a feminist but I never burned my bra," says Brandon. "I always encouraged my daughters to do whatever they wanted to whether it was climbing a tree when they were little girls to making careers for themselves before they married because I wanted them to be at home with their children when they did marry. [Abortion] is the most important basic issue in life. Stop murdering our babies."

Photo credit: Alice Proujansky

Jones reads to Lola at home as Jones's brother, Noah, gets ready to go for a walk. Jones takes on a lot of responsibility at home: Noah, who has Asperger's, was recently beaten up by a bully, and Jones met with his principal several times and attended the bully's court dates.



Photo credit: Alice Proujansky

Jones bakes cupcakes with Lola at home.



This story was produced with support from the Economic Hardship Reporting Project, a nonprofit devoted to journalism about inequality.

Alice Proujansky is a documentary photographer covering women and labor: birth, work, motherhood, and identity. Follow her on Twitter.

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Reportedly, Intel Corporation INTC announced this week that it is on track to invest more than $250 million over the next two years to develop fully autonomous driving technology. The company will collaborate with German carmaker BMW and Mobileye N.V. MBLY, a provider of smart-car visions systems for developing the technology.

INTEL CORP Price

INTEL CORP Price | INTEL CORP Quote

Why This Move?

According to Intels CEO, Brian Krzanich, the most important aspect of smart cars and Internet of Things (IoT) will be data generation that could be utilized in various ways by the marketers.

An estimated 4 terabytes of data will be produced by each smart vehicle per day through its GPS, radar, cameras and sonar. Data such as the number of passengers in the vehicle, music preferences of individual passengers as well as brand or store preferences will help the marketers to advertise their products.

Moreover, with the use of wearables, it will be possible to monitor focus, behavior, biometric and emotional status to enhance safety and security.

According to Krzanich, there are three challenges around data, namely data size, capability to process data intelligently and last but not the least to ascertain its security. Moreover, he thinks that having access to more data will be quintessential to develop and deliver better user experience in the future.

Intensifying Competition

We note that there is fierce competition in the autonomous driving technology market with the presence of heavyweights such as Alphabet Inc.s GOOGL Google and Tesla.

As per an IDC report, worldwide spending on connected vehicles is estimated to reach $29.6 billion by 2017. Given the huge scope that the segment offers, it is no surprise that major players are rushing in to grab a share of the pie.

Zacks Rank & Key Picks

At present, Intel has a Zacks Rank #3 (Hold).

A better-ranked stock in the broader technology space is Applied Optoelectronics, Inc. AAOI, carrying a Zacks Rank #1 (Strong Buy). You can see the complete list of todays Zacks #1 Rank stocks here.

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Notably, the consensus estimate for Applied Optoelectronics current year improved to 81 cents from 51 cents over the last seven days.

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Vice President of IP at Cabeau Demonstrates Excellence & Leadership In Law Community

LOS ANGELES, CA / ACCESSWIRE / November 17, 2016 / Troy Grabow, General Counsel and Vice President of IP at Cabeau, a global consumer travel products brand, has been named a Fellow at the American Intellectual Property Law Association. The AIPLA is a worldwide leader in intellectual property through its commitment to education, outreach, member service and advocacy. Grabow was inducted at the Annual Meeting in Washington, D.C. which took place October 27-29, 2016. A highly respected member of the law community, Grabow has built an outstanding record of protecting intellectual property rights for over twenty years.

Fellows are nominated by their peers and must demonstrate outstanding service to the Association, prominence within the intellectual property profession, learned contributions to the profession through teaching and writing, and observation of the highest standards of ethical conduct. His role as a Fellow will include initiating, taking ownership of, or participating with other leaders and committees in special projects ranging from public service events, leadership training planning, and other projects approved by the AIPLA Executive Committee and Board of Directors.

"Infringements on intellectual property are a major issue for the travel products industry. Troy is focused on the challenges we face, particularly as they impact intellectual property law," said Cabeau Founder & CEO David Sternlight. "He shows a mastery in navigating complex issues while providing strategic planning, guidance and protection of our brand. We're thrilled he's been recognized by the AIPLA and furthers his involvement with the preeminent bar organization for IP law professionals."

While leading Cabeau's robust legal department, Grabow initiated an aggressive and focused effort at increasing the level of IP on Cabeau's innovative products, as well as enforcing Cabeau's IP throughout the world. Since Grabow joined Cabeau in September 2015, he has led dozens of enforcement actions against infringers throughout the world, with a particular emphasis in the U.S. and China.

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Grabow has also held various other positions within the AIPLA including Chair of the Young Lawyers Committee, Chair of the Education Committee, Chair of the IP Law Associations Committee, and Mentor of the Year in 2015.

For more information about Cabeau, please visit www.cabeau.com.

About Cabeau

Cabeau creates exceptional and affordable travel products for all of life's journey's. Our company began with one simple mission: to find a travel pillow that actually works. What started with the Evolution Pillow has now evolved into a smart assortment of solution-driven products. Each one is specifically designed to make travel easier, more manageable and infinitely more comfortable, turning every trip into a first-class experience. Cabeau's award-winning travel pillows, comfort products, and accessories are available in over 110 countries worldwide.

For more information, please visit http://www.cabeau.com

Contact Info:

Name: Amanda Molina

Organization: Konnect Agency

SOURCE: Cabeau
LOS ANGELES, CA / ACCESSWIRE / November 18, 2016 / Lundin Law PC, a shareholder rights firm, announces a class action lawsuit against Impax Laboratories, Inc. ("Impax" or the "Company") (IPXL) concerning possible violations of federal securities laws between February 25, 2014 and November 3, 2016 inclusive (the "Class Period"). Investors who purchased or otherwise acquired shares during the Class Period should contact the firm prior to the January 9, 2017 lead plaintiff motion deadline.

To participate in this class action lawsuit, click here. You can also call Brian Lundin, Esquire, of Lundin Law PC, at 888-713-1033, or e-mail him at brian@lundinlawpc.com.

No class has been certified in the above action yet. Until a class is certified, you are not considered represented by an attorney. You may also choose to do nothing and be an absent class member.

The complaint alleges that during the Class Period, Impax made false and/or misleading statements and/or failed to disclose: that the Company was engaged in conduct that would trigger investigations of possible collusion of generic drug pricing by the antitrust division of the U.S. Department of Justice ("DOJ") and the Connecticut Attorney General; that the DOJ investigation and the underlying conduct would likely result in criminal charges against Impax for collusion of generic drug pricing; that the Company lacked effective internal controls over financial reporting; and that as a result of the above, Impax's public statements were materially false and misleading at all relevant times.

Lundin Law PC was founded by Brian Lundin, a securities litigator based in Los Angeles dedicated to upholding the rights of shareholders.

This press release may be considered Attorney Advertising in some jurisdictions under the applicable law and ethical rules.

Contact:

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By Isabel Coles MOSUL, Iraq (Reuters) - U.S.-backed Iraqi troops expanded their foothold on the eastern side of Islamic State's stronghold of Mosul on Friday, as the group pledged to mount more suicide attacks on their offensive to take the city. The elite Counter-Terrorism Service (CTS) stormed the Tahrir district on the northeastern edge of Mosul, the last major city under control of the Sunni hard-line group in Iraq. A Reuters correspondent reporting from the CTS-held line in Tahrir saw civilians streaming out of the nearby Aden district where fighting blazed, pushing trolleys containing their belongings and carrying home-made white flags. The women were still shrouded in black robes imposed by the militants but most had uncovered their faces as they fled intense fighting. Militants have been steadily retreating from areas around Mosul into the city since the battle started on Oct. 17, with air and ground support from a U.S.-led coalition. "The advance is slow due to the civilians," said CTS Lt. General Abdul Wahab al-Saidi, adding that the U.S.-trained unit aims to clear the rest of the neighborhood during the day. A Friday prayer sermon referring to "mujahideen", or holy warriors, could be heard coming from a mosque under control of the jihadis in the vicinity. An armed man, possibly a sniper, was in the minaret of the mosque. As the offensive entered its second month, Iraqi government forces are still fighting in a dozen of about 50 neighborhoods on the eastern part of Mosul, which is divided by the Tigris River that runs through its center. Militants are dug in among the civilians as a defense tactic to hamper air strikes, moving around the city through tunnels, driving suicide car bombs into advancing troops and hitting them with sniper and mortar fire. "READY FOR MARTYRDOM" A loud explosion was heard several streets away from the CTS lines. An officer said it was a suicide bomber who blew himself up after being surrounded in a house. The CTS unit was using a drone to try to detect insurgents. The number of fighters who are ready to blow themselves up is increasing, an insurgent commander told Islamic State's weekly magazine, al-Nabaa, published online on Thursday. "We're giving you the good news that the number of brothers ready for martyrdom is very large and, with God's grace, the brothers who are demanding martyr operations are increasing," said the commander, who was not named. The offensive to take Mosul, the largest city under Islamic State control in either Iraq or Syria, is turning into the biggest battle in Iraq's turbulent history since the U.S.-led invasion that toppled Saddam Hussein in 2003. The CTS became the only unit to have breached the city limits from the eastern side two weeks ago. Other army units have yet to breach the northern and the southern sides. Iranian-backed militias earlier this week announced the capture of the Tal Afar air base, west of Mosul, part of their campaign to choke off the route between the Syrian and Iraqi parts of the caliphate Islamic State declared in 2014. The base is located just south of Tal Afar, a mostly ethnic Turkmen town that Turkey would not want to fall under the control of the mostly pro-Iranian militia coalition known as Popular Mobilisation, or Hashid Shaabi. The Hashid plans to besiege the town for now, a spokesman of Kata'ib Hezbollah, one of the main paramilitary groups making up the coalition, told Reuters on Friday. Iraqi military estimates put the number of Islamic State fighters in Mosul at 5,000 to 6,000. Facing them is a 100,000-strong coalition of Iraqi government forces, Kurdish fighters and Shi'ite paramilitary units. DRAWN OUT BATTLE Iraqi authorities have declined to give a timeline for recapture of the whole city, but the battle is likely to last for months. Militants have launched waves of counter-attacks against advancing forces, tying them down in lethal urban combat in narrow streets still full of residents. The Islamic State commander cited in al-Nabaa said the battles with the Shi'ite paramilitary groups known as Popular Mobilisation west of Mosul will continue "in long episodes". Iraqi authorities have not published a casualty toll for the Mosul campaign overall - either for security forces, civilians or Islamic State fighters. The warring sides claim to have inflicted thousands of casualties in enemy ranks. A resident said a mother and her three children were killed in Instissar, one of the eastern neighborhood already taken by the CTS, when a mortar shell hit their home, probably fired by Islamic State. Nearly 59,000 people have been displaced because of the fighting, moving from villages and towns around the city to government-held areas, according to U.N. estimates. The figure does not include the thousands of people rounded up in villages around Mosul and forced to accompany Islamic State fighters to cover their retreat towards the city as human shields. In some cases, men of fighting age were separated from those groups and summarily killed, according to residents and rights groups. Human Rights Watch said on Thursday more than 300 former police officers were likely killed last month and buried in a mass grave near the town of Hammam al-Alil, south of Mosul. Mosul's capture is seen as crucial towards dismantling the caliphate, and Islamic State leader Abu Bakr al-Baghdadi, believed to have withdrawn to a remote area near the Syrian border, has told his fighters there can be no retreat. (Reporting by Isabel Coles, writing by Maher Chmaytelli, editing by Peter Millership)
WASHINGTON -- Seventeen days before President Donald Trump, his spoken oath of office still lingering in the wintry air, lifts his left hand from Scripture (a leather-bound edition of "The Art of the Deal"), the Republican-controlled Congress will begin working. Fittingly, on Jan. 3 the First Branch of government will go first, flexing its somewhat atrophied Article I muscles.

When Trump reaches his desk on the morning of Jan. 21, he should find there two congressional measures emblematic of how quickly elections can have consequences. One should be the Regulations from the Executive in Need of Scrutiny Act (REINS). The other should be legislation mandating construction of the Keystone XL pipeline. As president, Trump will have the authority and intent to proceed with construction, but Congress should make the point that this concerns national policy, which Congress should set.

The REINS Act would begin Congress's retrieval from the executive branch of responsibilities the Founders vested in the legislative branch. The act would sharply slow the growth of regulations that are suffocating economic growth. REINS would require Congress to vote on -- to have its fingerprints on -- all "major" regulations, understood as those with an annual economic impact of at least $100 million. Congress would thus take responsibility for, and be held accountable for, the substance that executive agencies' rule making pours into the almost-empty vessels that Congress imprecisely calls "laws."

Opposition to the Keystone XL pipeline has illustrated environmentalism's, and the Democratic Party's, descent into the theater of pointless gestures. The nation is crisscrossed with more than 2 million miles of natural gas pipelines and 175,000 miles of pipelines carrying hazardous liquids. Yet our theatrically thoughtful current president wasted seven years pretending to ponder the weighty question of whether Keystone's 1,179 miles -- bringing oil from Alberta, Canada, to Nebraska -- might somehow menace the nation and planet.

Some of the oil would be from Canada's tar sands. Keystone opponents say such oil is especially "dirty," so the pipeline, by enabling the oil to get to market, would injure the climate. But even if the opponents' allegations about the tar sands oil can be trusted, the allegations are irrelevant: The opponents evidently believe that if the pipeline is not built, Canada will simply say "Oh, dang!" and leave the world's third-largest proven crude oil reserve -- larger than Iran's -- locked up in the tar sands. The opponents evidently think that if they block the pipeline, this vast wealth will not find another way into the international oil market.

Furthermore, without Keystone XL, more oil will be transported by trains, which have notable carbon footprints and sometimes spectacular spills. Hence legislation mandating the pipeline's construction will not only create jobs, which once upon a time was a Democratic priority, it should soothe climate anxieties.

So, Congress should call this Keystone XL legislation the "Zach, We Feel Your Pain Act." After the election, someone reportedly named Zach, a Democratic National Committee staffer, suffered a hilarious eruption of hysteria. In the process of blaming DNC interim Chair Donna Brazile for the lost election (wrong woman, Zach), he said, according to The Huffington Post:

"You and your friends will die of old age and I'm going to die from climate change. You and your friends let this happen, which is going to cut 40 years off my life expectancy."

Well. Suppose Zach is 30 and expects that, although he appears to be unhealthily excitable, his life expectancy is 90. If climate change subtracts 40 of Zach's years, it is going to kill him within 20 years. Perhaps Zach can take grim pleasure from the fact that Brazile, a vigorous and cheerful 56, probably will still be spry when the Grim Climate Reaper swings his deadly scythe. Be that as it may, consider that Zach's scary arithmetic probably represents commonplace thinking within the Democratic Party, aka "the party of science."
Jerusalem (AFP) - Hundreds of Muslims in Israel and the Gaza Strip demonstrated on Friday against a bill to limit the volume of calls to prayer at mosques in the Jewish state.

In the southern city of Rahat, 100 Israeli Arabs held a rally against the bill, while more than 500 people took part in various demonstrations in the north, police said.

In the northern city of Jisr a-Zarqa, lawmaker Ahmed Tibi of the Arab Joint List called the legislation "a provocation and act of coercion in the place of dialogue and tolerance", a party spokesperson said.

In Gaza, hundreds of supporters of the Islamist Hamas group that controls the Palestinian territory held a protest march through the Jabalia refugee camp near the enclave's northern border.

Yusef al-Sharafi, a Hamas leader, told the crowd that "this unprecedented Zionist decision is an encroachment on the freedom of Muslims".

"Attempts to ban the Azan (call to prayer) are doomed to fail because of the steadfastness of the Palestinians," he said, reiterating the long-standing Hamas demand that the Palestinian Authority end its security cooperation with Israel.

The bill, which passed the ministerial committee for legislation on Sunday, had been appealed by Health Minister Yaakov Litzman, who demanded another discussion on it before its first parliamentary reading.

Litzman, a member of the ultra-Orthodox United Torah Judaism party, was concerned that the bill could also outlaw the weekly sirens that indicate the beginning of the Sabbath.

The bill, drafted by Moti Yogev and supported by Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, will now be put on hold until a ministerial committee holds a second vote.

It was drafted in response to noise from mosques, but would in theory apply to all religious institutions.

Around 17.5 percent of Israelis are Arab, the vast majority of them Muslim, but they complain of discrimination and are under-represented in high-level jobs.

Israeli Arabs are the descendants of Palestinians who remained on their land during the war that led to the creation of Israel in 1948.

The draft law would also apply to east Jerusalem, occupied in 1967 and later annexed by Israel and where more than 300,000 Palestinians live.
By Crispian Balmer ROME (Reuters) - If Italian Prime Minister Matteo Renzi loses his referendum on constitutional reform, the chances of the anti-establishment 5-Star Movement winning power will recede rather than grow. Renzi has said he will resign if the Dec. 4 ballot goes against him and markets are worried that this might open the door to the opposition 5-Star, which has denounced the euro. Latest opinion polls show the 'No' camp well ahead, pushing the yield gap between bellwether Italian and German 10-year bonds to two-year highs, partly out of concern over the seemingly unstoppable rise of the 5-Star. However, analysts say Italy is more likely to return to old-style consensus politics after a 'No' vote, with traditional mainstream parties on the left and right sharing a common interest in keeping the maverick 5-Star in opposition. The key to doing that will be a reform of the electoral law, which heavily favors the 5-Star and which Renzi said this week would have to be changed before the next election, which is due in 2018, regardless of what happens in the referendum. "It is clear that as things stand, the present law would have brought the 5-Star to power. By changing it, many different electoral outcomes will open up," said Piero Ignazi, a political science professor at Bologna University. The last three elections in Italy were staged using an electoral law that was so universally disliked it was known as the "pigsty" and was eventually ruled unconstitutional. After many attempts at reform, Renzi finally succeeded last year, introducing the so-called Italicum which gave Italy a two-round voting system, with the leading two parties from the initial ballot heading into a decisive run-off, promising a sizeable parliamentary majority to the victor. The law was originally thought to favor Renzi's Democratic Party (PD), but the 5-Star's standing has since risen and all recent polls say it would easily triumph in a two-round race. COLD WAR POLITICS Alarmed by these surveys, the PD said this month that it was willing to get rid of the run-off ballot and review how seats should be distributed in a simple one-round system. The center-right Forza Italia (Go Italy) party of former prime minister Silvio Berlusconi supports this stance and is calling for a return to proportional representation. "If no-one wins a clear majority, then the two (political) blocs will have to reach a (coalition) deal, as happens in Germany," Berlusconi told RTL radio on Wednesday. The 5-Star has in the past ruled out any coalition deals to avoid compromising its ideals, meaning a pure proportional representation system could leave it perennially in opposition, like Italy's powerful Communist Party during the Cold War. Despite being favored by the Italicum, the 5-Star is also clamoring for change, saying the current law is undemocratic. "This shows people that we are different and don't do things purely out of self-interest, like the other parties," said 5-Star lawmaker Danilo Toninelli. He has drawn up a draft electoral law that also foresees a return to proportional representation, but with a very high vote threshold for entering parliament which will sweep away smaller parties and reward the bigger ones. This system might initially result in broad left-right coalitions, but Toninelli said voters would eventually realize that such pacts do not work and turn in droves to the 5-Star. "We are thinking in the long term ... but they will never accept our proposal. They will draw up an electoral law that is the most anti-5-Star they can come up with," he told Reuters. (Editing by Robin Pomeroy)
New York (AFP) - Japan's leader voiced confidence about Donald Trump as he became the first foreign leader to meet the US president-elect, who was narrowing in on cabinet choices.

Prime Minister Shinzo Abe met for 90 minutes with the president-elect Thursday evening at Trump Tower to sound him out after a campaign that included rhetoric that alarmed many US allies.

"As an outcome of today's discussions, I am convinced Mr Trump is a leader in whom I can have great confidence," Abe told reporters, describing a "very warm atmosphere." He gave no specifics.

Japan is one of Washington's closest allies, but Trump alarmed Tokyo during the campaign by musing about pulling the thousands of US troops from the region, and suggesting that officially pacifist Japan may need nuclear weapons.

Trump also vowed while campaigning to tear up the Trans-Pacific Partnership, a proposed trade pact backed by outgoing Democratic President Barack Obama and which Abe had made a top priority.

Also at the meeting with Abe was Trump's model-turned-business executive daughter Ivanka and her husband, real estate developer and publisher Jared Kushner.

The presence of the couple, who have emerged as key advisors, underscores the family's influence as the president-elect readies to take power.

- Flynn as top security adviser? -

Trump on Friday will head to his exclusive golf club in Bedminster, New Jersey, transition officials said, a location that offers more seclusion and comes amid complaints about the congestion in front of Trump Tower on New York's bustling Fifth Avenue.

Trump, who has been interviewing Republican operatives for top cabinet posts, appeared to be zeroing-in on staunch supporters but also considering former rivals.

The president-elect has offered the role of national security adviser to retired general Michael Flynn, a military intelligence officer and staunch campaign loyalist, several US media outlets reported late Thursday, citing transition team sources.

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It was unknown if Flynn has accepted the job, which does not require senate confirmation.

A former director of the Defense Intelligence Agency in 2012-2014, Flynn was sharply critical of Obama administration policies.

Flynn however was ousted from that job amid reports of an abrasive management style and clashes with senior officials.

During the campaign his vocal support for Trump gave the businessman credibility with veterans despite the billionaire's lack of military service.

And at the Republican National Convention, Flynn led chants of "Lock her up!" -- calling for Democrat Hillary Clinton to be imprisoned.

Trump also met with Senator Jeff Sessions of Alabama and hinted that he would offer him a prime position. Sessions was one of Trump's earliest supporters.

- Victory lap for Trump -

Trump is set to meet over the weekend with one of his harshest Republican critics, Mitt Romney, and may be considering him for secretary of state, MSNBC and CNN reported.

Romney, who lost to Obama in 2012, had described Trump as vulgar, dishonest and out of line with US values, rebuking the tycoon for proposals such as banning the entry of all foreign Muslims.

If chosen Romney would bring a more orthodox Republican worldview to foreign policy. In 2012 Romney described Russia as the top geopolitical threat -- a sharp contrast to Trump, who has exchanged compliments with President Vladimir Putin.

Earlier reports said Trump was considering South Carolina Governor Nikki Haley, an Indian-American woman who would inject rare diversity into his team. Haley visited Trump Tower on Thursday but did not speak to reporters.

Another possible State Department pick is former New York mayor Rudy Giuliani, a longtime Trump supporter who would likely face tough Senate scrutiny over controversial business dealings.

Pentagon and State Department officials said that Trump's team had reached out on the transition, easing concerns of critics who note Trump's lack of governing experience.

Trump also met 93-year-old Henry Kissinger, the apostle of realpolitik who guided foreign policy for presidents Richard Nixon and Gerald Ford, and Israeli ambassador Ron Dermer.

"Israel has no doubt that president-elect Trump is a true friend of Israel," Dermer said.

- Democrats face internal challenge -

Trump pulled off the biggest upset in modern US political history through support from white working-class voters, defeating Clinton on November 8 in several states that had given Obama comfortable victories.

George Gigicos with the Trump team told reporters that the president-elect would head to some of those states after the November 24 Thanksgiving holiday in a post-election "victory tour."

Trump has drawn outrage by tapping anti-establishment firebrand Stephen Bannon, who pushes white identity politics, as chief strategist. House Democrats urged him to cancel the appointment.

Top House Democrat Nancy Pelosi, meeting in Washington with vice president-elect Mike Pence, nevertheless said her party stood ready to work with the incoming US leader on areas such as improving childcare access -- an issue the tycoon embraced during the campaign.

Pelosi, 76, who as House speaker was the highest-ranking woman in US history, has led House Democrats since 2002 with strong internal support.

But 43-year-old Congressman Tim Ryan from Ohio on Thursday announced he would challenge Pelosi, saying the election defeat showed that Democrats need to change.

"Keeping our leadership team completely unchanged will simply lead to more disappointment in future elections," Ryan said in a statement.
By Steve Holland and Kiyoshi Takenaka NEW YORK (Reuters) - Japan's Prime Minister Shinzo Abe described Donald Trump as a "trustworthy leader" after meeting the U.S. president-elect on Thursday to get clarity on statements Trump had made while campaigning that had caused concern about the alliance. Abe, speaking after the hastily arranged 90-minute meeting at Trump Tower in Manhattan, reporters: "The talks made me feel sure that we can build a relationship of trust." But he would not disclose specifics because the conversation was unofficial. Trump, in a brief entry on his Facebook page accompanied by a photo of the two men, said: "It was a pleasure to have Prime Minister Shinzo Abe stop by my home and begin a great friendship." Japan's leadership has been nervous about the future of an alliance that is core to Tokyo's diplomacy and security. Trump had fanned worries in Tokyo and beyond with comments on the possibility of Japan acquiring nuclear arms, demands that allies pay more for keeping U.S. forces on their soil or face their possible withdrawal, and his opposition to the U.S.-led 12-nation Trans-Pacific Partnership (TPP) free trade pact. Abe had worked closely with President Barack Obama on the TPP trade pact, which was part of Obama's push to counter the rising strength of China and a pillar of Abe's economic reforms. "Alliances cannot function without trust. I am now confident that President-elect Trump is a trustworthy leader," said Abe, describing the talks as "candid" and held in a "warm atmosphere". Abe gave Trump a golf driver and received golf-wear in return, Japanese officials said. Photographs taken inside the ornate meeting room at Trump Tower showed Abe accompanied only by an interpreter and Trump by his daughter Ivanka, her husband and Trump adviser Jared Kushner, and Retired Lieutenant General Michael Flynn whom a senior Trump official said on Thursday had been offered the national security adviser position. COMMON GROUND Abe said he had agreed to meet again with Trump "at a convenient time to cover a wider area in greater depth." It was unclear if that would happen before Trump's inauguration on Jan. 20. Trump official Kellyanne Conway told CBS earlier on Thursday that "any deeper conversations about policy and the relationship between Japan and the United States will have to wait until after the inauguration." Back in Tokyo, Finance Minister Taro Aso commented: "The meeting ran longer than planned, which means that they were on the same wavelength and it went well." Some of Trump's campaign rhetoric suggested an image of Japan forged in the 1980s, when Tokyo was seen by many in the United States as a threat to jobs and a free-rider on defense. A Trump adviser who spoke earlier in the week, however, stressed a more positive view and credited Abe with making changes. "Frankly, the prime minister has been more assertive and forthright in trying to make those changes to Japans global posture," he said. Trump, a brash billionaire real estate magnate, and Abe, a political blue blood, share a stated desire to raise their countries' global standing and both have support from right-wing constituencies. Abe has boosted Japan's overall defense spending since taking office in 2012. He has also stretched the limits of its pacifist postwar constitution to allow the military to take a bigger global role. Japan's defense spending, though, still stands at just over 1 percent of GDP compared with more than 3 percent in the United States. Abe was expected to see Obama at an Asia-Pacific summit in Peru on the weekend. Hours before Abe and Trump met, Obama's secretary of state, John Kerry, and Japanese Foreign Minister Fumio Kishida met in Lima to discuss the Paris climate accord - a deal Trump has pledged to exit. Diplomats and analysts say that however good the atmospherics, it will be hard to assess Trump's policies on security issues ranging from overseas deployments of U.S. troops, China's maritime assertiveness and the North Korean nuclear threat until Trump makes key appointments. (Additional reporting by Steve Holland in New York, Linda Sieg, Kaori Kaneko and Tetsushi Kajimoto in Tokyo, and David Brunnstrom, Doina Chiacu, Matt Spetalnick and Susan Heavey in Washington; Writing by Roberta Rampton and Richard Cowan; Editing by Peter Cooney and Simon Cameron-Moore)
Japan's Prime Minister Shinzo Abe will make an official visit to Argentina on Monday hoping to boost investment in the Latin American nation, officials said.

It is the first visit to Argentina by a Japanese prime minister in 57 years -- the last was by Abe's grandfather Nobusuke Kishi in 1959.

Abe's one-day visit provides the latest big international encounter for Argentina's conservative president Mauricio Macri.

He has been working to boost Argentina's trade ties since he took office a year ago after 12 years of protectionist policies under his leftist predecessors.

Heading to Argentina after the APEC trade summit in Peru, Abe will meet businesspeople and members of Argentina's 65,000-strong Japanese community.

The Japanese embassy in Buenos Aires said in a statement it is "a historic visit that will seek to further strengthen bilateral relations."

The Argentine foreign ministry said the visit aims to reinforce ties "in the political and economic spheres and in trade, investment and cooperation in science, technology, culture and sport."

Japan's ambassador in Buenos Aires, Noriteru Fukushima, said in July that he wanted to multiply Japanese investment in Argentina over the next three years.

He said Japan aimed to increase investment to as much as $3.0 billion a year from its current level of $100 million.

Japanese carmakers already have major factories in Argentina and Toyota, for example, is looking to expand, said Belisario de Azevedo, an economist at Argentine consultancy Abeceb.

"Currently bilateral relations between Argentina and Japan are very much focused on investment, above all on the auto sector, with the Honda, Toyota and Nissan factories," he said.

Japan has trading agreements with Brazil, Mexico and Chile, but not with Argentina.

Japanese exports to Argentina were worth about $1.2 billion in 2015, according to the Argentine state statistics institute.

That was twice the amount that Argentina exported to Japan.
* Peach will start using new A320s from 2019

* Peach will use new jets to expand flights

* Order takes Airbus closer to annual target (Adds comments, details)

TOKYO, Nov 18 (Reuters) - Japan's Peach Aviation said it had ordered 10 fuel-efficient Airbus A320neo passenger jets and three older versions of the jet, for a total of $1.3 billion at list prices, as part of its business expansion plans.

The Japanese budget carrier in a press release said it will begin introducing the new planes from 2019. It currently operates 18 older A320s.

The order will help Airbus in its race against Boeing in Japan, where the latter is a bigger player with its strong ties to local aerospace firms such as Mitsubishi Heavy Industries that build significant portions of its jetliners. The deal is, however, smaller than some had expected.

On Thursday, industry sources told Reuters that Airbus had spent months trying to sell dozens of A320neo passenger jets to Peach Aviation.

Peach Aviation, which is 39 percent owned by ANA Holdings , Japan's biggest airline, began flying in 2012 from Kansai in western Japan.

Last year it started flying to Tokyo's Haneda airport and plans to open services to Sendai in northeast Japan in the business year starting April and to the northern island of Hokkaido in the following twelve-month period.

"The A320neo will be used as a part of the introduction of new aircraft for Peach's business expansion," the company said in the release on Friday.

The order from Peach Aviation will take Airbus nearer to its target to sell 670 planes this year in the global market that is seen as somewhat oversupplied with jets. At the end of October, Airbus was 85 aircraft short of its aim.

(Reporting by Tim Kelly; Editing by Himani Sarkar)
Jason Sudeikis has enough mischief in his eyes to make John Keating a credible non-conformist hero in Dead Poets Society. Youve heard of this secret club of pubescent prep-school pishers, who meet in a cave near the finest preparatory school in the United States, according to its headmaster. That was the club and this the fictional setting of the 1989 film starring an atypically sedate Robin Williams as Keating, the prodigal alumnus who has returned to snooty Welton to inflict poetry on lads whose focus is elsewhere.

Keating, whose mantra is carpe diem and whose deity is Walt Whitman, fits squarely (so to speak) in the tradition of Miss Jean Brodie and Mr. Chips, Mr. Holland and Mr. Kotter and all the other convention-busting expanders of young minds in the apparently insatiable maw of teacher-centered pop mythology. Now comes Sudeikis  known for his Joe Biden on Saturday Night Live and Horrible Bosses among other comedic high jinks  to fill Keatings brogues. And hes just fine.

Adapted for the stage by Tom Schulman from his Oscar-winning screenplay, Dead Poets Society follows this weeks stage adaptation of another 80s film, Terms Of Endearment, both of which deal with the complicated ties binding overbearing parents and their overwrought spawn, and both of which end with an untimely death. Both adaptations also suffer from compression that turns more expansive screenplays into stage shorthand best suited to folks familiar with the films.

This is especially true of Dead Poets Society, even though its the better show. No leafy New England greenery, pseudo-Gothic architecture, cramped dorm rooms, spooky cave or any of the other atmospherics provided in Peter Weirs film. At the Classic Stage Companys tiny East Village theater, the audience faces a wall of books suggesting a well-appointed library (designed by the estimable Scott Pask) for the duration of the plays 90 uninterrupted minutes.

Story continues

All the films touchstones are here: The opening, in which the boys recite the four pillars of the school, their rowdy play as Keating enters the classroom whistling the Ode To Joy from Beethovens Ninth (pretty good whistler, Sudeikis is), and his heartfelt, if unlikely, success at instantaneously transforming them from arrogant, privileged, snotty brats into verse-spouting adventurers ready to epater any available bourgeoisie. Norman Lloyds scary-as-hell wooden paddle from the film is downgraded to the leather belt of David Garrison, playing the Headmaster, one of the storys two embodiments of mustache-twirling evil. The other is Stephen Barker Turner as Mr. Perry, tightly wound father of Neil, the thoughtful boy (played in the film by Robert Sean Leonard and here by the effective Thomas Mann) who discovers Shakespeare.

Dead Poets Society is an odd choice for director John Doyle in his first season as CSCs artistic head. Hes not new to the company; his revival of Stephen Sondheim and James Lapines Passion was exquisite; on Broadway he is responsible for both the brilliant Tony-winning revival of The Color Purple and the flawed but riveting musical The Visit. By comparison, Dead Poets Society seems small beer, coasting. While there are some pleasures to be had in Sudeikis tweedy performance, theyre offset by the blandness of the others and some genuine weirdnesses in the script.

At one point, for example, one of the boys blurts, in response to the carpe diem theme, carpe vagina. As this does not exist in the film, I took it to be Schulmans sly social commentary on a recently uncovered declaration by our President-elect; a CSC spokesman says this is not so. And absent any off-campus settings, the plays climax makes no sense at all. (One change for the better: Mr. Perrys motivation for destroying his sons soul is fleshed out with a line admonishing Neil not to forget his place on a lower social stratum than his trust fund mates.)

Truth to tell, however, the virtue of the film, besides Williams lovely performance, is seeing Leonard, Ethan Hawke and Josh Charles giving their youthful all to a heaping helping of hokum. The stage version has Sudeikis displaying his own charms, small-scale though they are. But no matter how many dead poets names are dragged in to class up the act, hokum is still hokum.

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Donald Trumps team announced Friday that the president-elect has offered Alabama Sen. Jeff Sessions the job of attorney general.

Sessions, who was one of the first members of Congress to endorse Trump in February, chaired Trumps national security advisory committee and has also advised the now president-elect on some of his biggest campaign decisions and proposals, including his immigration policy and his vice president pick, The Washington Post reports.

Like Trumps other cabinet picks so far  Mike Pompeo as CIA director and retired Lt. Gen. Michael Flynn as security advisor  Sessions is a controversial figure. Here are five key things to know about him:

1. In 1986, the Senate Judiciary Committee denied Sessions a federal judgeship over alleged racist remarks

Sessions former colleagues testified that he had called the N.A.A.C.P. and other civil rights groups un-American and Communist-inspired. They also said Sessions had joked about the Ku Klux Klan, saying he thought it was okay, until he learned its members smoked marijuana.

Sessions did not specifically deny any of the allegations at the time, but said he had been quoted out of context, according to The Washington Post. He told the committee (of which he is now a member), I am not the Jeff Sessions my detractors have tried to create. I am not a racist. I am not insensitive to blacks.

2. Sessions once called the Voting Rights Act a piece of intrusive legislation

During the 1986 hearings, Sessions did admit that he had referred to the Voting Rights Act to prohibit racial discrimination in voting as a piece of intrusive legislation.

3. He has fought both illegal and legal immigration

Like Trump, Sessions takes a hard stance on immigration. During his 20 years in the Senate, Sessions has opposed almost every immigration bill that included a path to citizenship for immigrants living in the U.S. illegally, according to the Post.

Hes also spoken out against legal immigration, calling it the primary source of low-wage immigration into the United States in a 2015 Washington Post op-ed. What we need now is immigration moderation, he wrote, slowing the pace of new arrivals so that wages can rise, welfare rolls can shrink and the forces of assimilation can knit us all more closely together.

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4. He opposed the Supreme Courts 2015 ruling legalizing same-sex marriage nationwide

He wrote in a news release at the time: When a society begins to strike its shared faith and traditions from every place of respect, a new faith always takes its place. Where the family is not the center of American life, government is. Todays ruling is part of a continuing effort to secularize, by force and intimidation, a society that would not exist but for the faith which inspired people to sail across unknown waters and trek across unknown frontiers.

5. Hes a climate change skeptic

During a 2015 Senate hearing for EPA Administrator Gina McCarthy, Sessions claimed, Carbon pollution is CO2, and thats really not a pollutant; thats a plant food, and it doesnt harm anybody except that it might include temperature increases.




Marc and J.Lo sealed the Latin Grammys with a kiss.

Superstars Jennifer Lopez and Marc Anthony surprised everyone, once again, after joining forces for a duet on the Latin Grammy stage on Thursday night (Nov. 17). The performance was Lopez's first time ever on the Latin Grammy stage.

After being honored as person of the year, Anthony kicked off his performance with a medley that included "I Need to Know," "Tu Amor Me Hace Bien" and "Vivir Mi Vida." Then Lopez joined him to perform "Olvidame y Pega la Vuelta," a classic Pimpinela song. Their duet was available for download on iTunes immediately following the performance.

Anthony was honored by the Latin Recording Academy as person of the year in recognition of his decades-long musical career. "Marc is a living legend," Lopez said from the stage. "He is a magical and pure artist giving away classics that will stay forever. He will always be many things in my life."

As requested by the rowdy audience, Marc and Jennifer -- formerly married and parents to twins Max and Emme -- sealed the big moment with a kiss.

Recently, Lopez joined Magnus Media, a company managed by Anthony himself, who is also producing her next studio album in Spanish.
In our history, weve had five times where a candidate won the popular vote but lost the Electoral College vote. In each case, no doubt, there were calls to eliminate this so-called archaic remnant.

What is often lost in the argument is the Electoral College was conceived to protect the minority. To illustrate this, lets simplify things. Suppose there are only two states, Nebraska with 5 electoral votes and Texas with 38. For our illustration every person, even children, vote. Texas has 27.47 million voters while Nebraska has 1.9 million. There is one question on the ballot: Whether or not to give Texas everybodys money.

Nebraska will never win this election and Texas will get every cent we earn. Now, the people of Nebraska would get mighty sick of this, so they talk to their friends in Michigan and Ohio to join them. The population of the Nebraska-Michigan-Ohio union is 23.43 million, but together they have 39 electoral votes. The three-state compact will never win the popular vote, but together they could win the Electoral College and put the money of the people back into their pockets.

So, next time theres a call to eliminate the Electoral College, stop and think how the unintended consequences may affect Nebraska and Kansas and the Dakotas and so many other smaller states.

Norman W. Schaefer, Lincoln
By David Henry

NEW YORK, Nov 18 (Reuters) - JPMorgan Chase & Co is once again facing questions about who will succeed its larger-than-life chief executive after Jamie Dimon was courted by the incoming U.S. president for the role of Treasury secretary.

Dimon, 60, has been running the largest U.S. bank for more than a decade and has faced questions about his longevity in the role before: when potential successors left, when he allowed an embarrassing $6.2 billion derivatives trading loss and, most recently, when he was diagnosed with throat cancer in 2014.

Although associates have said Dimon is not interested in the Treasury job, the recent invitation from a member of President-elect Donald Trump's transition team to apply for the job was a reminder to interested parties, including some investors, that his time at the helm is finite.

"He is not going to be CEO forever," said Walter Todd, chief investment officer at Greenwood Capital Management, which owns JPMorgan shares.

Although a sudden departure would not necessarily lead the investor to sell the stock, it would be "troubling," Todd said. "I would have to gain some comfort with who was taking over that role."

Dimon will not be easy to replace. He has won a higher valuation for JPMorgan stock than rival banks by shepherding it through the financial crisis without any quarterly losses, while earning relatively high returns on equity and explaining the workings of the bank to analysts as though he were a demanding business school professor.

He has been quick to point out that the JPMorgan board has a succession plan in place, whether he departs abruptly due to unforeseen circumstances - known colloquially as a "hit by a truck" scenario - or whether he takes part in a more gradual transition. The board does not publicize those plans. Doing so could prompt executives who are not the favorite to leave.

There are six key members of Dimon's management team who are often mentioned in discussions about succession. They range in age from 46 to 58, with the older executives seen as "hit by a truck" contenders, and younger ones thought to be potential CEOs-in-training.

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Each has some qualities Dimon has identified as necessary for the next CEO - like moving through senior roles in different parts of the company, having experience with the investment bank, or having the temperament to be the public face of JPMorgan - but none clearly has them all.

JPMORGAN'S GOT TALENT

Gordon Smith, a 58-year-old Briton with computer science training, is chief executive of the consumer bank. He runs nearly half of JPMorgan, including Chase branches, credit cards, mortgages and auto loans.

Dimon hired him from American Express Co in 2007. Although Smith has many of the skills needed to be CEO, he is close enough to Dimon's age that insiders see him as an unlikely long-term candidate.

Daniel Pinto, 53, who oversees corporate and investment banking, is also on the succession shortlist.

Dimon has entrusted Pinto with running the most volatile part of JPMorgan and dealing with the biggest corporate clients. A native of Argentina, Pinto spends much of his time working from JPMorgan's London office.

Doug Petno, who runs commercial banking, is another possible contender. With $212 billion in assets, his segment of the company is bigger than all but a handful of competitors. The 51-year-old came up through the ranks as lender and investment banker to the oil and gas industry.

Mary Erdoes, 49, who runs asset management, is also said to be in the running. Erdoes keeps a relatively low public profile as she travels the world to cater to the richest clients.

Chief Financial Officer Marianne Lake, who is 47, is also floated as a possibility. Lake already has a high profile, because she handles public presentations of the bank's financial results each quarter and has shown she can be as dextrous with numbers as Dimon.

But while Lake is known internally for grasping the details behind summaries she receives from business heads, she has not run any of JPMorgan's units day to day.

Chief Operating Officer Matt Zames is the youngest contender, at 46. In his role, he has the advantage of learning all segments of the bank from the inside out.

Dimon turned to Zames in early 2012 to clean up the portfolio of the bad "London Whale" derivatives trader that was costly not only in dollars but in reputation. Zames came from fixed-income trading, and has worked through financial crises going back to 1998.

'I DON'T WANT TO RETIRE'

Dimon has said JPMorgan has a "deep bench" of talent, with several people who could take over. But he has been careful not to clearly show favorites.

When all goes right with succession plans, companies tend to announce a few months ahead of time that their leaders will be relinquishing the CEO title to a successor but remain on the board as chairman for a smooth transition. During the interim, other executives in the horse race tend to peel off, letting up-and-comers take over their own roles.

JPMorgan has resolved nearly all of its major legal investigations. Dimon received a clean bill of health after undergoing cancer treatment. And, apparently, he has no plans to join Trump's cabinet. So unless an unexpected event forces his hand, Dimon may not feel compelled to tell investors who is next.

"My retirement date, every time you ask me that, I'm going to say five years," Dimon said in response to a question last year. "I don't want to retire." (Reporting by David Henry in New York; Editing by Lauren Tara LaCapra and Bill Rigby)
With time running out on President Obamas nomination of Circuit Judge Merrick B. Garland to be a Supreme Court Justice, a federal trial judge in Washington, D.C., on Thursday threw out a New Mexico lawyers lawsuit seeking to force a vote in the Senate.

U.S. District Judge Rudolph Contreras, in a five-page opinion, did not rule on the legal merits of the lawyers case, but simply found that the lawsuit had been filed in the capacity of a citizen who claimed his own rights had been violated by Senate inaction, and that was not enough to justify court jurisdiction to decide the case.

Treating the claim by Santa Fe lawyer Steven S. Michel as a request for the court to assume a position of authority over the governmental acts of another and co-equal department, the judge said that a court could act only to protect a uniquely injured individual. The New Mexico lawyer failed to show that, the judge declared.

Judge Garlands nomination to replace the late Justice Antonin Scalia has now been pending in the Senate, without any action at all, for eight months, with the Senates Republican leadership insisting on holding the nomination opportunity open for the newly elected president. The GOP leaders made that commitment within hours after Justice Scalia died last February. Garland was nominated on March 16.

While there have been at least two other lawsuits seeking to compel the Senate to consider the Garland nomination, the case of Michel v. McConnell had appeared to be a more serious attempt because it sought to overcome all of the constitutional and procedural obstacles that ordinarily prevent courts from second-guessing how the Senate does its work.

But Michels lawsuit was dismissed based on just one of those obstacles  the need to show direct, personal harm from the Senates decision not to move the Garland nomination, even to a hearing, let alone hold a final up-or-down vote. Under the Constitutions Article III, as interpreted for decades by the courts, the federal courts only have authority to decide a live case or controversy, and that means that the individual or group filing the lawsuit must be able to prove a clear injury resulting from government action  or inaction.

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Michel had claimed that, under the Seventeenth Amendment, which changed the way members of the U.S. Senate are chosen to the method of direct election, he as a voter was guaranteed an opportunity to cast his vote for an effective member of the Senate. The two senators from New Mexico for whom Michel said he had voted, he had argued, were being deprived of an opportunity to vote on the Garland nomination, and that violated Michels own vote in favor of those senators elections.

The judge concluded that this vote-dilution claim, if it amounted to that, was shared by all of the nations voters, so Michel could not lay claim to an injury personal to himself. Michel, the judge concluded, must turn to the political branches, not the judiciary, to press his claim.

The Senate had opposed the Michel lawsuit, relying on a lengthy list of constitutional arguments, including that he lacked standing under Article III. That is the sole basis on which Judge Contreras based his ruling in dismissing the case.

The Garland nomination remains technically pending in the Senate. If, as is generally expected, the Senate takes no action on the nomination when it meets in a post-election session, the nomination will be sent back to the White House at the end of that session. The nomination thus is expected to be open for President-elect Donald Trump to make after his inauguration on January 20.

There is, as yet, no firm indication of what the new presidents plan is for the Scalia seat on the Court.

Legendary journalist Lyle Denniston is Constitution Dailys Supreme Court correspondent. Denniston has written for us as a contributor since June 2011 and he has covered the Supreme Court since 1958. His work also appears on lyldenlawnews.com, where this story first appeared.

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Julianne Nicholson revealed why she fell in love with USA Networks crime thriller Eyewitness the moment she read the script for its pilot episode.

I loved the story, Nicholson told Variety when asked what drew her to the Adi Hasak-created series, which is based on the Norwegian show yevitne.

I thought Helen Torrance was a really fascinating and fleshed-out character, the actress said of what she liked about her role on the series. I loved digging deep into her life and her marriage.

Helen used to be a hotshot homicide detective in Buffalo, New York until a traumatic event made her move to Tivoli, where she now works as the town sheriff. She is married to Gabe (Gil Bellows), and together they are foster parents to Philip (Tyler Young).

I think that is one of the exciting things about playing Helen. She is not just a sheriff. She also has her home life, Nicholson told Parade in a separate interview.

But Helens multi-layered characterization isnt the only thing that drew Nicholson to the series. [Helens story is] paired with the story of two boys [Philip and Lukas (James Paxton)] falling in love, which I thought was portrayed in a beautiful way that I hadnt seen on television, the actress told Variety.

When asked how the LGBTQ storyline of the show is different from others, Nicholson said: It begins more as a straight-up love story than necessarily a 'gay love story,' and I liked that. It doesnt have to do with sexuality, and I feel like thats important.

An all-new episode of Eyewitness airs on Sunday, Nov 20 at 10 p.m. EST on USA Network. Check out the synopsis for Season 1, episode 6, titled The Yellow Couch, below:

As Helen looks for the murder weapon, Kamilah (Tattiawna Jones) pulls her into a desperate search for Sita (Amanda Brugel). Lukas is on the verge of his dream sponsorship but it requires an act of betrayal to secure the deal.

Julianne Nicholson as Helen Torrance

Photo: Shane Mahood/USA Network

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Please understand it is against my personal code to cause lasting harm to any individual, says Justin Chatwins the Ghost in the BBCs upcoming Doctor Who Christmas special. However, light to moderate injury is fine, he adds, before throwing a bad guy across the room after saving the life of a certain Time Lord and pals.

You can see the whole scene from The Return Of Doctor Mysterio in the video the BBC released today. The peek at the December 25-airing special penned by Steve Moffat first went public in the UK on as part of BBC Ones telethon for Children in Need, the public broadcasters corporate charity.

A look at Orphan Black and Shameless alum Chatwins masked superhero role was first unveiled at New York Comic-Con back in October during BBC Americas takeover event at Madison Square Garden.

Fighting off an alien threat to the Big Apple (cause thats what they do on Doctor Who, you know), the holiday special will of course star Peter Capaldi as the 12th Doctor. Little Britain star Matt Lucas back on the show in his Nardole role, and Wolf Halls Charity Wakefield joins as a journalist potentially in the right place at the right time.

The new season of Doctor Who  set to be the last for executive producer Moffat  debuts in America in the spring.

[youtube=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=miZVEkic89I&w=605&h=340]

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'Dirk Gently' & 'Black Mirror' Season 3 Review: Brits Coming With Savory Treats
SARASOTA, FL / ACCESSWIRE / November 18, 2016 / Kali Inc. (OTC PINK: KALY) today announced the appointment of JR Bott as Chief Operating Officer (COO). Mr. Bott joined Kali earlier this year as the CEO and President of Kali's operating subsidiary, Wave Marina & Yacht Services. Mr. Bott continues in his role as the CEO and President of Wave in addition to assuming the new responsibility of Corporate COO.

JR Bott has over 40 years of boating expertise and a wealth of experience in sales, business development, and marketing. He is also the owner/operator of a 100' megayacht and held a Master 200-Ton Captain's License, as well as being a licensed/certified yacht broker in the state of Florida. Prior to joining Wave, Mr. Bott owned and operated a precious metals business where he drove the company's annual gross revenue to $20M. He has also served over 15 years in management with various public utility companies, holding AVP and GM titles.

"JR is an exceptional asset that I expect will contribute substantially to Kali's ability to accelerate our marina services roll-up strategy," said Charles Yawn, Kali CEO. "At Wave he has demonstrated an in-depth industry knowledge and obvious overall management experience that can only come through years of senior management experience. Kali is ready from a management perspective to sail forward into a standout, leadership position within the marina management sector."

KALY entered the $5 billion fragmented and underserved marina management market sector earlier this year when it acquired Wave Marine & Yacht Services as the first acquisition in a comprehensive roll-up strategy. Industry analysis indicates that no dominant player currently exists in the marina management market. KALY's plan is to build upon the $5 billion marina management market opportunity by adding complimentary business lines that will increase the Company's overall revenue opportunity in addition to building an asset rich balance sheet.

Yesterday, KALY published an online presentation providing a progress report on the Company's ongoing execution of its strategic business plan to carve-out a niche in the High Net Worth Individuals (HNWI) population anticipated by Capgemini to reach a collective wealth of over $100 trillion by 2025. Specifically, KALY is pursuing the HNWI boating hobby and lifestyle niche.

CLICK HERE TO SEE THE FULL ONLINE PRESENTATION

Management plans to update the online strategic progress presentation on a regular basis. Check back frequently for the latest.

Learn more about KALY: wavemarineservices.com

This press release contains forward-looking statements within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the "Exchange Act"), and as such, may involve risks and uncertainties. These forward-looking statements relate to, amongst other things, current expectation of the business environment in which the company operates, potential future performance, projections of future performance and the perceived opportunities in the market. The company's actual performance, results, and achievements may differ materially from the expressed or implied in such forward-looking statements as a result of a wide range of factors.

CONTACT:

Kali, Inc.

941.444.6994

management@wavemarineservices.com

SOURCE: Kali Inc.
Https%3a%2f%2fblueprint-api-production.s3.amazonaws.com%2fuploads%2fcard%2fimage%2f290158%2fap_388615554130

He keeps threatening to run, but what exactly would a Kanye West 2020 presidential campaign look like?

On Thursday night, during a tour stop in San Jose, California, West pulled out a few more surprises in his continuing political saga. First, he announced his support for Trump as president and people were pissed. Then, he went deeper in depth than ever before about what his specific presidential platform might look like.

So based on last night's sporadic, wild remarks, given in between songs or in the middle of them, we've tried to gather exactly where he stands on issues, from immigration to education policy.

SEE ALSO: Kanye West just said he would have voted for Trump and people can't cope

ONLY ONE TO SAVE US ALL #Kanye2020 pic.twitter.com/nezgpAJK4L  Fashun Faux Pas (@rafsimonsavedme) November 9, 2016

On education reform

West spoke a bit regarding schools, and while we may have to wait a few years to hear any tangible solutions regarding issues like segregation and funding for arts programs, he did expound upon his belief of, "creating new schools that approach the way we should receive our education post-the internet," rather than a, "1930s idea of how to put everyone in the same factory."

"Schools were designed to put people in certain forms of jobs," he elaborated. "The internet has opened up all other forms of jobs. Education is far behind where it needs to be for us as human beings to be informed enough to not be disappointed in the way that so many people were. We have to ask questions. None of us are experts at everything."

On systematic racism, Black Lives Matter, and women's rights

Westwho famously said in 2005, "George Bush doesn't care about black people" is no stranger to expressing his opinions regarding race relations in the United States, particularly in his music. But during the San Jose show, West called upon folks to talk about something other than racism.

Story continues

"Specifically to black people, stop focusing on racism," he said. "This world is racist, OK? Let's stop being distracted to focus on that as much. It's just a fucking fact: we are in a racist country, period."

"Not one or the other candidate was going to instantly be able to change that because of their views," he continued.

When he revealed his support for Trump, West quickly followed it with a clarification. "That dont mean that I dont think that Black Lives Matter, that I dont mean that I dont think I believe in womens rights, that don't mean that I don't believe in gay marriage..." he said.

On housing

No, West didn't divulge ways to end homelessness or the affordable housing crisis, but while riffing about bringing different skill-sets together in the political realm, he touched upon what might end up being a very aesthetically pleasing housing platform.

"Education, housing," he said, listing issues he believes he can make people come together over. "Theres so many elements that Ive been out here learning, when I make my rich-guy house and shit. I be learning about elements that everyone should have. Color palettes, proportions."

On immigration

While he didn't outright say anything regarding of how he would help or prevent people from immigrating, tweets from concertgoers reported that West inserted a line in support of Trump's plans to build a wall between the Mexico and United States border.

LMAO kanye just freestyled at his concert and said "I hope they build the wall,I hope they get rid of them all"   Jonn. (@JonnGrey) November 18, 2016

So, take that with a grain of salt. Just like his 2020 presidential bid.





On preparedness and future campaign strategy

In his candid remarks, West explained that Trump's campaign style was more interesting to him than the president-elect's actual politics. According to tweets from concertgoers, West revealed he was already gearing up for the race.

Kanye just said he thinks he'll have the experience in 2020 to run for office, I'm dead serious, Kanye just said he's preparing for 2020.  Raptor (@RaptorJesuss) November 18, 2016

Theres nonpolitical methods to speaking that I like, that I feel were very futuristic," West said, explaining what he liked about Trump's campaign. "And that style, and that method of communication, has proven that it can beat a politically correct way of communication. And I fuck with that."

West later rattled on about how he would implement tactics and concepts from previous presidential nominees because, "fuck all the power plays."

"Its the collective idea of Hillary or, if we like Bill Clinton and things that he did for the country, we like things about Obama, things that he did," he elaborated. "Our current president has to take the best of all candidates principles, and combine them right now. If that doesnt happen, Imma run, and Imma say this. And its gonna be more clear."

"I got some ideas about the way we should connect our ideas," West insisted. "And we should use opposite parties that the Republicans, that the Democrats, that everyone that ran that had an idea that people agreed with, should be the collective ideas that are used to run the country."

He said this before explaining that he believed Ben Carson, Hillary Clinton and President Obama should all be consultants to Trump rather than distance themselves because of party politics.

"I dont have all of the answers, but I know that if I work with the best of class, with the idea of empathy for the human race, that idea of a power struggle between whos Republican, whos Democrat, who said this, who said that, [but rather with] more of what is the principles that can collectively come together?," he said. "We can start with America. And bring together the best of all skill sets."

See you on the campaign trail/tour, Mr. West.

BONUS: Kanye West for President 2020 | Kids Lip Dub
Getty Image

Kanye West opened his mouth and promptly inserted his foot in it once again during one of his rants at a show. As if his remarks about voting for Donald Trump werent enough, he also decided to share his two cents on racism and once again prove what a contradiction he can be at times.

Before I get out of here I want to talk about race and the idea of racism in America and the world, West said. From there, he went into a brief spiel on how the outcome of the presidential election wouldnt affect racism in America. Instead of worrying about discrimination, Ye suggests people just get over it.

Specifically to black people, stop focusing on racism, he said. This world is racist, OK? Lets stop being distracted to focus on that as much. Its a f***ing fact. We are in a racist country. He reportedly also told the crowd how, as a black man and a celebrity, he felt persecuted for supporting Trump but now feels vindicated by his victory in the presidential race.

Kanye West tonight speaking on racism in America. Specifically to black people, stop talking about race so much. pic.twitter.com/HTWlJgdq7E  Brandon E. Patterson (@myblackmindd) November 18, 2016

Yes, the same Kanye who called out George Bushs lack of concern for Hurricane Katrina victims was due to their skin color. The same Kanye who used the Confederate flag as part of his tour merch in recent years. The same one who once rapped that he might encourage his son to become a Republican So everybody know he love white people. Hes the same man who railed against the fashion industry, citing race as part of the reason why he wasnt be accepted.

Yes, these are all the same Kanye. While hes not reaching Lil Wayne levels of unchecked ignorance, hes running very close. Actually, he was one utterance away of the phrase all lives matter to end up at the top of the list of celebs telling black people to check themselves and not the actions of crooked police, politicians, and other members of society whove made it hard on minorities for centuries.

Story continues

People are entitled to their right to grow and change. Its something Ive had to acknowledge privately and publicly regarding Pusha Ts decision to get political. I may not agree with Pushas take, I can at least understand parts of his thought process on why he was pro-Clinton even though she and her husband supported the push that lead to thousands of young black males ending up in prison.

Kanyes just a walking contradiction governed by his own self-interest and a refusal to face reality at certain times.

One Sunday, maybe he should walk into Emanuel African Methodist Episcopal Church in Charleston, South Carolina and tell church members there not to be concerned with race. Or maybe take a trip to Flint and ask citizens there whether they think the lack of clean water in their city has anything to do with race or class. He could also ask Michael Brown or Trayvon Martins families if they feel like race is a non-issue that we shouldnt worry about anymore. Kanye should go back home to the south and west sides of Chicago to tell those people race isnt anything to be concerned with, even though recent acts point toward a different truth.

Right now, Kanyes living in a celebrity world where hes insulated from certain daily headaches the rest of black America may experience. In ways very similar to Lil Wayne, money and media attention blind Kanye from the idea that he might be refused service at a restaurant, albeit subversively, as if we were still living in a Jim Crow world. His reality isnt filled with the same uncertainty many parents of different minority groups have been dealing with as their kids ask them what reality will be like under a new president who hasnt always expressed the most likable thoughts about race. Small wrinkles like those arent visible when youre living your life in a world of flashing lights while youre perched on a flying stage above everyone else.

Getty Image

Kanyes reality isnt the same as the average black person trying to provide a better life for their family and give them a sense of security as well. I can respect the difference. I just wish he could do the same for me and many others like me. Maybe the backlash and healthy conversation with many of the great, creative minds he has around him will open his eyes to whats inherently wrong with asking black people not to focus on race. If that happens, then maybe he, too, will continue to evolve and change the way he sees things in comparison to the statements he made on Thursday night.

Or, maybe in another 15 years or so, when his son gets pulled over for driving while black, then well see how he feels about how much time, attention and energy should be dedicated to the concept of racism.

He got one thing right: racism isnt going away. But not focusing on it wont help create any of the necessary changes our country needs in order for our kids not to have the same problems when theyre adults.




Rep. Mike Pompeo, Donald Trumps pick to be CIA director, has called for expanding the surveillance powers of U.S. intelligence agencies while strongly defending waterboarding and other enhanced interrogation tactics. Those hard-line views are already drawing criticism from a leading Democrat on Capitol Hill, Sen. Ron Wyden of Oregon, who called Pompeos selection deeply troubling.

Given its recent history of operating a disastrous torture program and then spying on the Senate itself, the Agency demands principled leadership now more than ever, Wyden, a veteran member of the Senate Intelligence Committee, said in a statement Friday. Unfortunately, Representative Pompeos comments in which he asserted that the CIAs torture program was legal and that the American people did not deserve to know about it are deeply troubling.

Wyden was referring to Pompeos blistering comments two years ago when the Senate Intelligence Committee released a landmark report documenting CIA abuses during the interrogation of terror suspects  including the use of rectal feeding and mock executions. Pompeo lashed out at the panels then chair, Sen. Dianne Feinstein, D-Calif., for releasing the report, saying she had put American lives at risk by disclosing details about what the CIA had done.

Our men and women who were tasked to keep us safe in the aftermath of 9/11  our military and our intelligence warriors  are heroes, not pawns in some liberal game being played by the ACLU and Senator Feinstein, said Pompeo in a statement at the time. These men and women are not torturers, they are patriots. The programs being used were within the law, within the constitution, and conducted with the full knowledge of Senator Feinstein.

His defense of waterboarding is far from Pompeos only view that could make him anathema to liberals and civil libertarians. A tea party conservative who graduated from West Point and Harvard Law School, Pompeo has been a vigorous foe of the agreement to curb Irans nuclear program. He consistently denounced Hillary Clintons role in failing to prevent the terrorist attack in Benghazi, Libya  at one point calling Benghazi worse than Watergate.

Story continues

After Congress enacted a new law last year terminating the NSAs bulk collection of phone records  a response to the disclosures of former contractor Edward Snowden  Pompeo co-authored a newspaper op-ed citing the terror attacks in Paris and San Bernardino, Calif., as justification for reinstating the program and even expanding U.S. surveillance powers. He also lamented that the collection of communications of terror suspects had been dumbed down by the Obama administration with overly onerous requirements to obtain warrants.

The intelligence community feels beleaguered and bereft of political support, Pompeo wrote. Whats needed is a fundamental upgrade to Americas surveillance capabilities.

Wyden stopped short of vowing to oppose, much less filibuster, Pompeos nomination. And the soon-to-be nominee got a somewhat warmer reception from Sen. Mark Warner, D-Va., the new vice chairman of the Senate Intelligence Committee, who praised Pompeo for his firsthand appreciation for Congress responsibility to provide vigilant oversight of our nations intelligence activities. Speaking on CNN, Rep. Adam Schiff, D-Calif., the ranking minority member on the House Intelligence Committee, also applauded Pompeos selection. Schiff said that despite their policy differences, his colleague was well qualified for the job. They couldnt have picked a more capable person for the position, he said.

Pompeo also got a positive endorsement from an unlikely source Friday: Evan McMullin, the former CIA officer who ran for president against Trump. McMullin, who worked with Pompeo as a top policy aide to the House Republican Conference, praised the Kansas lawmaker as a strong-willed personality who despite his hard-line policy views is open to new information. Added McMullin: Hes the right kind of personality to come into the agency and take control of it.
When the Constitution was written, information was sent was by a horse and buggy, for crying out loud. The Constitution was made to grow with us, not keep us chained to it but our senators and congressman wont change it. We the people will have to force the issue because they will lose the power to set it. Maybe then it won't just be two parties that don't stand for anything anymore.

The old line that the Electoral College was there to keep one state from having more power is so much crap. Nebraska only votes Republican unless we get lucky and then state legislators want to take that away. The Republican senators of this "nice" state spent so much money and time on trying to get that one electoral vote changed that it is pathetic. While we are trying to get rid of things, we need to get rid of the unicameral and make it a just like all the other states because it is just as broken as the rest.
A group of 21 young Americans has officially won the right to sue the U.S. government over global warming.

In a groundbreaking decision announced Thursday, U.S. District Court Judge Ann Aiken denied the governments motion to dismiss the suit that demands increased efforts to curb emissions that cause climate change.

Its clear Judge Aiken gets whats at stake for us, Victoria Barrett, 17, and one of 21 plaintiffs in the case, said in a statement to PEOPLE. Our planet and our generation dont have time to waste. If we continue on our current path, my school in Manhattan will be underwater in 50 years.

Aiken ruled that the suit which was brought against the U.S. government by a group of young people aged 9 to 20, along with climate scientist James E. Hansen, could move forward to trial in federal court as it adequately alleged infringement of a fundamental right.

The suit is based on the argument that the federal government has known for decades that carbon pollution destabilizes the climate in a way that puts future generations in significant danger but has taken no action to curb it. The group alleges this failure to act has endangered their rights to life, liberty, property and vital public trust resources.

I have no doubt that the right to a climate system capable of sustaining human life is fundamental to a free and ordered society, Aiken wrote in her ruling.

The case, Juliana v. United States, will go to trial in 2017. A ruling in the groups favor would be a landmark decision on climate change and open a path for a court-mandated, science-based plan to reduce emissions in the U.S.

We are moving to trial and Im looking forward to having the world see the incredible power my generation holds, Barrett continued. We are going to put our nation on a science-based path toward climate stabilization.




The Killers will release a Christmas charity album in conjunction with the 10th anniversary of (RED), a charity co-founded by Bono that works to eradicate AIDS in Africa. Don't Waste Your Wishes will feature songs the band previously recorded for the charity alongside a new track.

For the past 10 years, the Killers have crafted an annual holiday single to benefit (RED). The new album compiles those 10 previously released tunes in addition to one new song, "I'll be Home for Christmas." Their new rendition on the classic holiday song features a duet with Brandon Flowers and his fourth grade teacher, Ned Humphrey Hansen. Flowers attributes learning the meaning behind the song to his former teacher.

Don't Waste Your Wishes will be released digitally on November 18th exclusively on iTunes and Apple Music. The 11-track set will also be available as a limited edition CD on December 9th via a new website the band created for the project. The website also houses videos for 10 of the tracks. The band will give 100 percent of the proceeds to The Global Fund via (RED).

Earlier this fall, the Killers marked the 10th anniversary of their sophomore album Sam's Town with a two-day celebration in their Las Vegas hometown, which included concerts and a bus tour. The band also released a vinyl reissue of the album.

Dont Waste Your Wishes Track List

1."A Great Big Sled" featuring Toni Halliday

2. "Dont Shoot Me Santa" featuring Ryan Pardey

3. "Joseph, Better You Than Me" featuring Elton John and Neil Tennant

4. "Happy Birthday Guadalupe!" featuring Wild Light and Mariachi El Bronx

5. "Boots"

6."The Cowboys Christmas Ball"

7. "Feel It In My Bones" featuring Ryan Pardey

8. "Christmas In L.A." featuring Dawes

9. "Joel The Lump Of Coal" featuring Jimmy Kimmel

10. "Dirt Sledding" featuring Ryan Pardey and Richard Dreyfuss

11. "I'll Be Home For Christmas" featuring Ned Humphrey Hansen

Related Content:
Nov 18 (Reuters) - Kirkland Lake Gold Inc urged shareholders on Friday to vote for its proposed C$1 billion ($764 million) acquisition of Australian miner Newmarket Gold Inc.

Shareholders wanted the Canadian miner to resume talks with Gold Fields Ltd and Silver Standard Resources Inc on Wednesday, arguing that it was too hasty in rejecting their takeover offers.

Kirkland had confirmed last week a Reuters report that the two firms had made three joint bids for the mid-sized gold miner and recently sweetened their offer to about C$1.4 billion.

Shareholders want the company to disclose more details of the offer so they can weigh it against Kirkland's planned acquisition of Newmarket Gold.

The Newmarket Gold transaction is somewhat of an outlier, as gold mining executives say the rising price of bullion has made acquisitions costlier for a sector focused on financial discipline.

Results of the shareholder vote on the Kirkland Lake-Newmarket deal are due Nov. 25.

(Reporting by Vishaka George in Bengaluru; Editing by Shounak Dasgupta)
(Reuters) - Gold Fields Ltd and Silver Standard Resources Inc withdrew their offer to buy Kirkland Lake Gold Inc after the Canadian miner asked its shareholders to vote in favor of its takeover bid for Australia's Newmarket Gold Inc. Kirkland had confirmed a Reuters report last week that South Africa's Gold Fields and Canada's Silver Standard had made three joint bids for the company and recently sweetened their offer to about C$1.4 billion ($1.04 billion). Gold Fields said on Friday it would pursue negotiations with Kirkland if the miner's shareholders rejected the Newmarket transaction. Some Kirkland shareholders had said on Wednesday that they wanted the company to resume talks with the two entities, arguing that it was too hasty in rejecting their bid. Shareholders also want Kirkland to disclose more details on the joint bid from Gold Fields and Silver Standard so that they can weigh it against the company's proposed C$1 billion takeover offer for Newmarket Gold . The Newmarket Gold transaction is somewhat of an outlier as gold mining executives say the rising price of bullion has made acquisitions costlier for a sector focused on financial discipline. Results of the shareholder vote on Kirkland Lake's potential deal to buy Newmarket are due on Nov. 25. Kirkland Lake's shares were down nearly 4 percent at C$7.65. (Reporting by Vishaka George in Bengaluru; Editing by Shounak Dasgupta and Anil D'Silva)
Donald Trump tapped Kansas Rep. Mike Pompeo to be his new head of the Central Intelligence Agency.

Trump said Pompeo will be a brilliant and unrelenting leader for our intelligence community to ensure the safety of Americans and our allies, pending the Senate confirmation required for his new post.

Heres what you need to know about Pompeo.

Background

Pompeo is a West Point graduate and served as a cavalry officer in the Army from 1986 to 1991. Hes also a graduate of Harvard Law School where he was an editor at the Harvard Law Review. After law school, he founded a company and worked in the business world in Kansas until he was elected to Congress in 2010.

Time in Congress

Pompeo is a member of the Tea Party movement, and in Congress opposes the Affordable Care Act and supported the federal government shutdown. He serves on the Energy and Commerce Committee and the House Intelligence Committee, and in 2014 joined the House Select Benghazi Committee to investigate the 2012 attack in Libya. He felt the Benghazi committee, which didnt find evidence of wrongdoing by President Obama or then-Secretary of State Hillary Clinton, wasnt harsh enough on Clinton. In an addendum to the committees report, he wrote that the State Department was seemingly more concerned with politics and Secretary Clintons legacy than with protecting its people in Benghazi, according to the New York Times.

Relationship with Trump

Pompeo supported Florida Sen. Marco Rubio in the primary and tepidly supported Trump in the general, saying he will support the nominee of the Republican Party because Hillary Clinton cannot be president of the United States. But he became friendly with Trump and his campaign, CNN reports, and the two men have espoused similar views on certain issues. Pompeo strongly denounced Obamas Iran nuclear deal, writing in a 2016 op-ed for Fox News that the U.S. should walk away from this deal. Trump has called the Iran deal the worst deal ever negotiated. In 2013, Pompeo gave a speech on the House floor arguing that American Muslims are potentially complicit in terrorist attacks if they do not speak out against violence in the name of Islam. This foreshadowed a theme Trump carried throughout his campaign: One of the problems we have is the people in the community, the Muslim community are not turning over the sickos, Trump said in June, Buzzfeed reports.
The Santa Barbara Film Festival is honoring La La Land stars Emma Stone and Ryan Gosling with the festivals 2017 Outstanding Performers of the Year award. The honor will be bestowed on Friday, February 3. This is the first time that Stone has been honored by the festival and it marks the return of Gosling, who was the inaugural recipient of the Cinema Vanguard Award in 2008.

Stone and Goslings tribute will take place at Santa Barbaras Arlington Theatre. The 32nd annual fest runs February 1-11.

La La Land, directed and written by Oscar nominee Damien Chazelle, doesnt open until December 9, but the Lionsgate/Summit musical has already generated a significant amount of buzz on the fall festival circuit taking the Oscar bellwether Peoples Choice Award at the Toronto Film Festival, the best narrative feature audience award at The Hamptons, and the Volpi Cup best actress award at Venice for Stone.

Ryan and Emmas luminous performances in La La Land remind us of the transformative and magical role of cinema, said Santa Barbara executive director Roger Durling in anouncing the award. We are so proud to celebrate them and this incredible film and its nod to the classic love stories of Old Hollywood with a contemporary twist.

Stone and Gosling also join other SBIFF honorees whove been announced for this years fest: Warren Beatty (Rules Dont Apply), who is receiving the Kirk Douglas Award for Excellence in Film; and honorees Aaron Taylor Johnson (Nocturnal Animals), Dev Patel (Lion), Janelle Monae (Hidden Figures, Moonlight), Mahershala Ali (Moonlight), Naomie Harris (Moonlight), Ruth Negga (Loving), Simon Helberg (Florence Foster Jenkins) and Stephen McKinley Henderson (Fences).

Related stories

Peter Bart: 'La La Land' Adds Musical Backbeat To Wide-Open Awards Race

'Land Of Mine' Scoops Early EFAs; Sky Ups Zai Bennett To UK Entertainment Chief - Global Briefs

'Patriots Day' Trailer: Mark Wahlberg In Race To Catch Boston Marathon Bombers
LONDON/BERLIN, Nov 18 (Reuters) - An investigation is under way after one set of landing gear on an Emirates Airbus A380 failed to deploy properly before landing, forcing the world's largest airliner to touch down on its remaining wheels.

The airliner was arriving in Dubai from London last week when the crew received an error message concerning a system responsible for deploying the gear.

An alternative method of deployment based on lowering the wheels using gravity failed to work properly.

"What happened was that right-hand gear didn't deploy under gravity drop," Emirates President Tim Clark said when asked about the incident.

"So the aircraft landed on the main gear (and) nose gear: it's certified to do that," he said, adding the under-wing gear which contains four wheels had since been fixed.

The cause is being investigated by the United Arab Emirates' air crash investigation agency.

"I will be asking Airbus a few questions as to how this could have happened," Clark told reporters in Berlin.

"We are assisting our customer in the technical investigation into the issue," an Airbus spokesman said.

The A380 weighs up to 391 tonnes on landing. The giant plane has a total of 22 landing wheels, including two sets under the belly of the plane and one set under each wing and the nose.

Emirates is the biggest operator of A380s, using engines powered by Engine Alliance, which is co-owned by General Electric and Pratt & Whitney.

Separately, Clark said Emirates was having technical issues with alternative Rolls-Royce engines for A380s due for future delivery.

(Reporting by Tim Hepher, Victoria Bryan; editing by Jason Neely)
BEATRICE -- After 27 years on the bench, District Court Judge Daniel Bryan Jr. will retire at the end of the year.

Bryan presides over the District Courts First Judicial District, which includes Clay, Fillmore, Gage, Jefferson, Johnson, Nemaha, Nuckolls, Pawnee, Richardson, Saline and Thayer counties, and will be leaving the position to spend more time with family.

My family doesnt live in Nebraska and my grandkids dont live in Nebraska, which means that at this point in time, after 27 years, I decided I would give somebody else a chance and Id go see my grandkids and kids more, he said.

Based in Auburn, Bryan has presided as a District Court judge since 1999.

Prior to his District Court career, he spent 10 years as a County Court Judge in the 10th Judicial District. He was a private practice lawyer in Geneva from 1981-89, and served in the Fillmore County Attorneys Office in Geneva as both a deputy county attorney from 1974-78 and the County Attorney from 1978-89.

Bryan attended St. Josephs College and the Creighton University School of Law.
One stock that might be an intriguing choice for investors right now is Las Vegas Sands Corporation LVS. This is because this security in the Gaming space is seeing solid earnings estimate revision activity, and is in great company from a Zacks Industry Rank perspective.

This is important because, often times, a rising tide will lift all boats in an industry, as there can be broad trends taking place in a segment that are boosting securities across the board. This is arguably taking place in the Gaming space as it currently has a Zacks Industry Rank of 28 out of more than 250 industries, suggesting it is well-positioned from this perspective, especially when compared to other segments out there.

Meanwhile, Las Vegas Sands is actually looking pretty good on its own too. The firm has seen solid earnings estimate revision activity over the past month, suggesting analysts are becoming a bit more bullish on the firms prospects in both the short and long term.

LAS VEGAS SANDS Price and Consensus

LAS VEGAS SANDS Price and Consensus | LAS VEGAS SANDS Quote

In fact, over the past month, current quarter estimates have risen from 59 cents per share to 63 cents per share, while current year estimates have risen from $2.19 per share to $2.23 per share. This has helped LVS to earn a Zacks Rank #1 (Strong Buy) further underscoring the companys solid position. You can see the complete list of todays Zacks #1 Rank stocks here .

So, if you are looking for a decent pick in a strong industry, consider Las Vegas Sands. Not only is its industry currently in the top third, but it is seeing solid estimate revisions as of late, suggesting it could be a very interesting choice for investors seeking a name in this great industry segment.

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Leslie Jones is feeling herself. (Photo: Mike Pont/WireImage)

Leslie Jones isnt having the best year when it comes to her bod  first, she couldnt find a designer to dress her non-stick-thin frame for the Ghostbusters premiere (props to Christian Siriano for coming to the rescue). Then, her website was hacked and nude photos of her were leaked online.

But shes bounced back in a major way. And why shouldnt she? Shes beautiful, talented, and utterly hilarious.

Feeling Beautiful in My Skin ???? Styled BY: @bmcstylez ???? Dress BY: @badgleymischka Shoes BY: @vincecamuto Purse BY: @judithleiberny A photo posted by Leslie Jones (@lesdogggg) on Nov 17, 2016 at 8:16pm PST

Her radiance was on display last night at the 2016 American Museum of Natural History Museum Gala, to which she wore a $440 Badgley Mischka cocktail dress. Oh, and in case she wasnt relatable enough already, her stylist Brian Mcphatter told Yahoo Style this dress was straight off the rack. The tight eggplant frock featured cutouts on her collarbone and down the middle of her chest, showing a hint of cleavage. She paired it with a bedazzling Judith Leiber box clutch and strappy Vince Camuto heels. Her hair, which usually sticks straight up, was styled a little softer for the evening, and her makeup was full-on glam with lipstick that matched her dress and long false eyelashes.

We arent the only ones who noticed how gorgeous she looked last night; she was feeling pretty good about herself as well.

With all her boisterous work on Saturday Night Live, we dont get to see this side of Jones that often, but we love when we do.

Follow us on Instagram, Facebook, and Pinterest for nonstop inspiration delivered fresh to your feed, every day.
Any mom deals with guilt when theyre away from their children  even celeb moms like Rebecca Romijn.

Its hard. A mothers guilt is no joke, the mother of two, 44, says in the current issue of PEOPLE. Its a little bit of a balance. Im not as available to them when Im in production as I am the rest of the year.

But even though her hit TNT drama The Librarians films in Portland, Oregon, and her family is based in Southern California, Romijn  who has 7-year-old twin daughters, Dolly Rebecca Rose and Charlie Tamara Tulip, with husband Jerry OConnell  considers herself lucky that the show shoots during the summer months.

They usually come up with me for half the summer and then go to their grandparents and the camp that Jerry went to as a kid, she says.

But because her work often keeps her from her daughters, Romijn says she chooses her projects carefully.

If its something thats going to take me away from my daughters for a few months, I want them to be able to see what Ive been making, she says.

Romijn says her daughters love The Librarians and shes glad she can play a character that is a role model for them.

RELATED VIDEO: Why is Rebecca Romijn Obsessed With Dolly Parton?!

Its great playing a strong female character who can be a role model for them, says the actress. Thats important to me.

Season 3 of The Librarians premieres Sunday at 8 p.m. ET on TNT.

For more from Romijn  including which former Ugly Betty star joined her magical adventure drama for season 3  pick up the Sexist Man Alive issue of PEOPLE, on newsstands now.




Miami (AFP) - Tampa Bay Lightning captain Steven Stamkos is to undergo surgery for his torn meniscus and could be out for up to six months, multiple reports said Thursday.

Stamkos is to travel to Colorado for the procedure by knee specialist Robert LaPrade, the Tampa Bay Times reported.

Although no timetable for the 26-year-old's return has been set, the typical recovery time for the procedure ranges between four to six months.

The Lightning said Wednesday Stamkos faced an indefinite period on the sidelines following the injury, which occurred during the team's win over the Detroit Red Wings on Tuesday.

The Canadian star's stellar career has been dotted with injuries. He suffered a broken leg during the 2013-14 season.

He underwent surgery for a blood clot on his right collar bone this past April, which forced him to miss the last few regular-season games of last season and all but one of Tampa Bay's final Stanley Cup playoff game.
Little Mix has always been a living example of girl power, but the British gals may have outdone themselves with their fourth LP, Glory Days.

In the year since the group released its previous album, Get Weird, every Little Mix member has been through ups and downs (whether together or individually), experiences that they weren't just able to channel into songs -- they were able to create an album they loved in record time. Billboard got a chance to catch up with the group's Perrie Edwards and Leigh-Anne Pinnock ahead of the big release, finding out why this album is so special to them and their hopes going into the Glory Days era.

"With Get Weird, it just didn't seem to be working. Like we couldn't get the right songs, it just wasn't jelling," Pinnock explains. "And this time around, I feel like we just had so much to write about it just happened. It felt natural."

Agreeing with Pinnock, Edwards piggybacked off the "natural" comment, mentioning how honest everyone was in the songwriting sessions, which resulted in a different concept and production process than they've ever had before. There were times when the writing hit a wall, though. Little Mix's solution? Fro-yo.

During one of their last recording sessions, Edwards explained that the writer they were working with suggested a frozen yogurt run when it seemed like everyone was struggling with their creativity. "So we ordered an Uber, jumped in the car, and stayed at the mall for about half an hour just eating frozen yogurt," laughs Edwards. Upon returning with full bellies, "We wrote one of our favorite songs on the album in like 10 minutes after that," Edwards says. "I guess it was the sugar rush."

A few months after Glory Days hits stores (Nov. 18), Little Mix is set for a trek across North America in support of Ariana Grande, an opportunity for which the girls are extremely excited and grateful. They have yet to figure out the set list for their opening gigs, but Edwards hopes it includes "Touch" -- a sexy, danceable track with a bit of a "Hips Don't Lie"-vibe -- while Pinnock is eager to sing heartbreaking ballad "Nobody Like You" because of its powerful vocal moments for each member.

Story continues

But whatever the girls choose to perform from Glory Days, power moments are bound to happen no matter what. The album is chock-full of them, particularly in songs like the "boy bye" declaration "F.U.," feisty beat-dropper "Power" and anthemic single "Shout Out to My Ex."

Although there are tinges of heartbreak and struggles on the album, the overall feeling that resonates from Glory Days is that the Little Mix girls have turned the past year's hardships into success -- coming out stronger, both musically and emotionally, because of it.

"The reason that we called the album Glory Days is because we're gonna look back on this time and say that it was the glory days, the best time of our life," Edwards says. "Hopefully our fans can share that with us."

Adds Pinnock, "We've heard a lot of people say that we've changed their lives with our music. That's what we set out to do."
WASHINGTON (Reuters) - Lockheed Martin Corp <LMT.N> subsidiary Lockheed Martin Aeronautics Co has been awarded a $1.2 billion contract to upgrade F-16 aircraft for South Korea, the Pentagon said on Friday.

Work will be performed at Fort Worth, Texas, and is expected to be complete by Nov. 15, 2025, the Pentagon said in a statement.

(Reporting by Eric Walsh; Editing by Eric Beech)
WAHOO -- Wahoo State Bank's main office, a longtime cornerstone of downtown Wahoo, has been gutted by fire.

An employee smelled smoke around 9 a.m. and went to investigate. On the roof, he discovered a worklight had turned over and burned a hole, likely sparking a fire that burned throughout the morning and into the afternoon.

The approximately 16 employees in the building scrambled to secure deposits and documents in the bank vaults, then safely fled the two-story building at East Fifth and North Linden streets in the town about 30 miles north of Lincoln, said Cindy Hohl, the banks executive vice president.

Patching work was done on the building's roof the day before, Hohl said. No official cause of the fire has been determined, but the state fire marshal's office is investigating.

From a store across the street, Hohl watched as smoke billowed from the bank building and water poured from the front and side doors of the structure as firefighters used aerial and platform ladder trucks to battle the blaze.

She and her brother, bank CEO and President Greg Hohl, are the fourth generation to run Wahoo State Bank.

My great-grandfather with other investors opened the bank in 1932, Hohl said.

There has been a bank on that corner even longer, said community historian Joe Vculek.

The very first bank on that corner was 1884 Saunders County National Bank, which, he said, closed at the start of the Great Depression.

Hohl said she has a long personal connection to the building, which went through major remodels and exterior facelifts in 1969 and 1989. When she joined the family business 40 years ago, her father, Robert Hohl, started her at the bottom, cleaning the basement.

Wahoo Fire Chief Mark Meyer said there was no smoke or flames visible when first responders arrived shortly after 9 a.m., but upon investigation they found the fire burning between three layers of the building's roof.

A rubber membrane on the top kept water from reaching the fire, and a northwesterly wind of 35 to 45 mph fanned the flames, helping it spread.

Because they feared a roof collapse, which happened sometime midmorning, firefighters fought the blaze entirely from outside of the structure.

Wahoo Fire and Rescue called in mutual aid from David City, Cedar Bluffs and Yutan. About 50 firefighters worked the scene, no injuries were reported and the fire was contained by 1:30 p.m., Meyer said.

An hour later, Silvia Wade and a friend were mopping brown water from the floor of Wades Wigwam Cafe, which abuts the west wall of the bank.

The Cafe and other neighboring businesses were evacuated, including Mayor Loren Lindahls law office, while the fire raged. Wade, who lives above the cafe with her husband, was stressed but happy firefighter kept the fire from spreading to her building.

My head is about to explode, she said. Im soaked."

Hohl said Wahoo State Bank remains committed to being a cornerstone of the community. Bank customers information is safe and secure in vaults and backed up electronically. Bank employees will do business out of an office in Omaha, if needed, and a drive-up branch remains open in Wahoo.

I cant say for sure when well be up and running, Hohl said. I hope by Monday, but it does take a little while to enact a plan and get going.
Lucille Ball and Desi Arnazs daughter is a gorgeous, talented fashionista

Fans of I Love Lucy will be glad to know that Lucille Ball and Desi Arnazs daughter, Lucie Arnaz, is carrying on her parents tradition of great style and a love for music. First acknowledged by Good Housekeeping, not only is Lucie a bandleader, like her Cuban American father, shes also a total style icon  just like her mom.

As Lucie gears up for the premiere of her new musical, Lucie Arnaz  Latin Roots, set to hit the stage in Miami on November 19th, shes been spotted on many a red carpet. And we couldnt help but notice her impeccable sense of style!

Recently, Lucie attended The Paley Center for Medias Hollywood tribute to Hispanic achievements in television looking chic in head-to-toe black, adding a red clutch for a pop of color.

We also loved this chic take on a tailored tux that Lucie wore to the Latin Songwriters Hall of Fame Gala in the spring.

Latin Songwriters Hall of Fame Gala - Backstage

The leather lapels! OMG!

Lucies great style is nothing new, either. Take a look at this sexy one-shoulder frock she wore to perform in New York in 2012.

Lucie Arnaz Performs At Feinstein's At Loew's Regency

And this p-e-r-f-e-c-t ensemble she wore to the Kentucky Derby in 2014.

140th Kentucky Derby - Arrivals

Were going to need that hat  stat!

Lucies new show is her latest offering in a long musical career: After her fathers death in 1986, she created a nightclub act based on his unreleased recordings and recorded an album of that work.

Then, in 2010, she recorded an album of her own music called Latin Roots. And that same year she mounted a musical production in Miami called Babalu  A Tribute to the Music of Desi Arnaz. Her new show will feature some of her fathers most beloved hits as well as new music.

Lucille And Desi

Shine on, Lucie. Youre doing your parents proud!

The post Lucille Ball and Desi Arnazs daughter is a gorgeous, talented fashionista appeared first on HelloGiggles.
Headquartered in Austin, TX, Luminex Corporation LMNX recently announced that its ARIES System and Flu A/B & RSV Assay has been assessed by the Department of Viroscience at Erasmus Medical Center, a Netherland-based consultation center for the World Health Organization on viral infections. The study has also been published in the Journal of Clinical Virology, an international magazine on human virology and virus-induced clinical conditions.

Meanwhile, the current market sentiments of the stock lack luster as Luminex represents a negative one-year return of 1.64%, compared to the S&P 500s 5.09% over the same time frame. However, Luminex gained almost 0.5% to close at $20.95 following the news.

Coming back to the latest development, the study by Erasmus exclusively highlights the clinical sensitivity and specificity of the ARIES System and Flu A/B & RSV assays. Per management, the study by Erasmus demonstrates the value of the ARIES platform for the molecular diagnostic labs that aims to perform 'out of sync' MDx testing.

Of the recent events, Luminex reported third-quarter adjusted earnings of 6 cents per share, which missed the Zacks Consensus Estimate of 12 cents. In fact, earnings slumped 64.7% on a year-over-year basis.

However, the full-year guidance holds promise for the stock, as Luminex expects revenues in the range of $267$270 million, up from the previous range of $261$269 million, reflecting overall growth between 12% and 14% over 2015 levels.

LUMINEX CORP Price

LUMINEX CORP Price | LUMINEX CORP Quote

Our Take

On the Aries platform, Luminex submitted the Group B Strep assay to the U.S. FDA in the last reported quarter. Notably, this will be the third IVD-cleared assay on the Aries system fortifying the companys foothold in the market.

Apart from the lucrative assay portfolio, Luminexs collaboration with Nanosphere in the recent past is a significant growth driver. Particularly, the Verigene System of Nanosphere is likely to enhance Luminexs growth trajectory in the coming quarters, in our view.

Story continues

Key Picks

Luminex currently holds a Zacks Rank #2 (Buy).

Favorably-ranked stocks in the broader medical space include Cogentix Medical, Inc. CGNT, CryoLife Inc. CRY and IDEXX Laboratories, Inc. IDXX, all of which sport a Zacks Rank #1 (Strong Buy). You can see the complete list of todays Zacks #1 Rank stocks here.

Cogentix Medical registered a positive earnings surprise of 100% in the last reported quarter. Notably, the company has a solid one-year return of roughly 76.4%.

CryoLife has a stellar one-year return of roughly 86.9%. In the last reported quarter, the company registered an impressive earnings surprise of 225%.

IDEXX Laboratories represents a solid one-year return of almost 66.8%. The company has a long-term expected growth rate of almost 14.96%.

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In a nod to the burgeoning importance of seniors as a target demographic of technology companies, Lyft and Home Care Assistance announced the ridesharing company will donate a portion of fares booked through the in-home care company.

Under the pilot program, which is currently only available in Palo Alto, California, for every Lyft ride booked by a client of Home Care Assistance  one of the largest in-home care providers in the country  Lyft will donate 1 percent of the fare to the Village to Village Network, an organization that helps seniors live independently. The announcement also signals a deepening of ties between Lyft and Home Care Assistance, which became partners earlier this year.

Under the partnership, older adults can bypass the app and instead request a Lyft ride by calling Home Care Assistance. Lyft's competitor, Uber, announced a similar partnership with 24Hr HomeCare earlier this year. The emergence of ties between the ridesharing companies and in-home care companies underscores a convergence of interests between the two segments: Ridesharing services can extend the ability of older adults to live independently while the 50-plus demographic provides a lucrative market for tech companies. The AARP estimates adults over the age of 50 account for $7.6 trillion dollars of annual economic activity in the U.S.

Other tech companies are also taking notice of the baby boomer and senior market. At the recent Aging 2.0 conference in San Francisco, Jennifer Haroon, an executive with Google (GOOGL)'s self-driving car program, spoke about the impact of automated car technology on the lives of seniors.

"When you can't drive, it can be very isolating, and everyone wants to be able to go out, run their errands, go to the doctor, see their friends, on their terms," said Haroon. "And that's what a self-driving car can really bring."

Still, there are challenges. A 2015 study by the Pew Research Center found that only 27 percent of 65-plus adults own a smartphone. Home Care Assistance CEO Lily Sarafan says by having access to ridesharing services through a landline, more seniors will be able to tap into the potentially transformative benefits of ride-hailing apps.

The program is currently only available in Palo Alto, but Home Care Assistance officials say they hope to expand it to its clients nationwide.




Our cover features (from left) Centennial Mall renovation fundraising campaign co-leader Mary Arth, Mayor Chris Beutler and Patty Pansing Brooks, another campaign co-leader who is now a state senator.

An Oct. 9 celebration dedicated Nebraskas revitalized Centennial Mall. Originally constructed in 1967 to commemorate Nebraskas statehood centennial, the seven-block mall had fallen into disrepair over the past few decades, did not meet accessibility standards and needed to be rebuilt.

The effort to revitalize the mall gained momentum a decade ago, when the City of Lincoln committed $3 million to the project. Support from Lancaster County and the State of Nebraska followed.

Next, the Lincoln Parks Foundation led a successful $9.6 million fundraising campaign that allowed the revitalization project to begin in 2012. The effort received support from across the state, as 130 donors contributed to the campaign, which included a $1.5 million endowment to maintain the mall. A $2 million gift from Hebron native Glenn Korff finished the campaign in early 2013.

The driving force behind the campaign was a team of tireless volunteer fundraisers led by Arth, Pansing Brooks and the late Roger Larson. The project is an excellent example of how a public-private partnership can work.

See more details, including a block-by-block description of what the new Centennial Mall includes, in our cover story in this website's Features section. John F. Keller contributed this months cover photo.

Getting around town

I love how my job gets me around Lincoln, and this past month was no exception. In addition to the Centennial Mall celebration, my wife ReNae and I attended Okto Beerfest at the Lancaster Event Center, an event that raised $25,000 for the Nebraska State Stroke Association (details and photos in this website's Around Town section). I shot photos at the Fall into Fashion fundraiser at Country Club of Lincoln, an event that supports the Lincoln Community Playhouse (see this website's Around Town section). I witnessed Raising Canes heartwarming distribution of 1,900 donated coats to the homeless and nearly homeless at the Peoples City Missions Homeless Prevention Center (again, please see this website's Around Town section). And son John and I took in the sunshine and outdoor splendor at the Prairie Run, which raised funds to support prairie restoration projects at the Pioneers Park Nature Center (article and photos in the Around Town section).

As always, I received a lot of help covering activities all over Lincoln and the surrounding area. I am always amazed and blessed to receive so much cooperation from incredibly talented people throughout our community.

I appreciate your ideas

Id like to know what kinds of stories you want to see and any other suggestions you have for L Magazine. Please email these to mark.schwaninger@lee.net or call me at 402-473-2644. As always, I appreciate your Likes and comments on the L Magazine Facebook page as well.
Skopje (AFP) - Ten Macedonian intelligence officers, including senior spies, have been charged with wiretapping thousands of people in a scandal that plunged the country into political crisis last year, prosecutors said Friday.

The charges were announced shortly before Macedonia goes to the polls in a snap election on December 11 that was triggered by the resignation of the prime minister over his alleged involvement in the affair.

Conservative former premier Nikola Gruevski was accused in February 2015 by the main opposition Social Democratic party of orchestrating the wiretapping of thousands of people, including politicians, journalists and religious leaders.

The tapes of the conversations appeared to reveal corruption among high-ranking officials, including Gruevski, who was accused of accepting a 20-million-euro ($22-million) bribe from Chinese firms to grant them motorway construction concessions.

"Ten former and current employees of the Security and Counterespionage Agency, holding either managerial or lower positions, were charged with abusing their position in the agency," Fatime Fetai of the special prosecutor's office told reporters.

Prosecutors say 20,000 people were caught in the illegal wiretapping by the agency which monitored nearly 6,000 telephone numbers from 2008 to 2015.

After a wave of demonstrations, Gruevski resigned in January this year following an EU-brokered deal with the opposition, paving the wave for snap elections.

Gruevski's right-wing VMRO-DPMNE has ruled Macedonia in a coalition with the main ethnic Albanian party since 2006.

He plans to run again in December and could form a government again if his party wins, although analysts say he may leave the post of prime minister to another VMRO-DPMNE official.

Macedonia obtained European Union candidate status in 2005, but has yet to begin membership talks.
By Joern Poltz MUNICH (Reuters) - Macedonia's former prime minister, who resigned in January after a wiretap scandal, said he would seek to return to the post at an election on Dec. 11. Nikola Gruevski, who led the country for almost a decade as head of the right-wing VMRO-DPMNE, stepped down as part of an EU-brokered deal to end a crisis that began in February 2015 when the opposition accused him of listening in on the phone calls of more than 20,000 people. "We believe that this political crisis will be resolved with the elections of Dec. 11," Gruevski told Reuters in Munich where he was visiting Bavarian premier Horst Seehofer. Confirming he would run as the prime ministerial candidate for his party, which currently is in power, Gruevski said it should be up to the people to chose. "Now it is time to give chance to them to decide who is right, who is wrong," he said. Opinion polls put the VMRO-DPMNE slightly ahead of the opposition Social Democratic Union (SDSM). Gruevski and dozens of his associates are being investigated by the office of a special prosecutor appointed to look into the phone-tapping scandal. His opponents say he and his people interfered in the work of the judiciary and media, intimidated voters and appointed cronies to public sector job. He has denied any wrongdoing. Gruevski said Macedonia would need more help, including financial assistance, from the European Union in tackling flows of migrants crossing the country to get the EU. (Reporting by Joern Poltz; Writing by Ivana Sekularac; Editing by Robin Pomeroy)
Netflix

Making A Murderer subject Brendan Dassey wont be going home any time soon. The news came last night as the Seventh Circuit Court of Appeals ruled on the Wisconsin Attorney Generals emergency motion to stay his release. The three judge panel granted the stay, and now Brendan Dassey will remain in prison while the Seventh Circuit considers the states full appeal of the earlier ruling that tossed Brendans confession. No reasoning was included in the filing denying Dasseys release.

Its the end of a roller coaster of a week that saw a judge deny the states original appeal and order Brendan Dassey freed by Friday at 8pm. Attorney General Brad Schimel filed another appeal with the Seventh Circuit along with an emergency motion to keep Dassey in prison, but it was a toss up as to whether the court would hear the case in time, or at all. The states original appeal of Brendans overturned conviction was denied in harsh terms, with the judge chastising the attorney general for offering up the same arguments and no new evidence as to why Dassey should remain in jail.

At the heart of Dasseys overturned conviction is the judges opinion that the 16-year -olds confession was coerced, and that the state had no other compelling evidence tying him to the crimes he was found guilty of with the confession thrown out. And while the judge may be right on a common sense level  anyone who has watched the confession can see the detectives fabricating Dasseys statements  the state argues that much worse confessions have been upheld as legitimate, so why not this one too? Its a messed up argument, but unfortunately terrible precedents often hold tons of sway when it comes to the rulings of judges.

All hope is not lost for Dassey, though. His lawyers Laura Nirider and Steven Drizin are hard at work preparing their arguments for the Seventh Circuit appeal, and Laura Nirider literally wrote the book (the actual book law students read) on wrongful convictions and juvenile justice. Just last week, Drizin stated Niriders appeal was a work of art, so it could lay bear the unjustness of Dasseys conviction and how the state of Wisconsin continues to punish him despite having no real evidence he had anything to do with the death of Teresa Halbach.
Nsanje (Mozambique) (AFP) - A Malawian man accused of sleeping with more than 100 girls and women in a series of traditional cleansing rituals was on Friday convicted by a court of "engaging in harmful practices".

Eric Aniva -- who has said he is infected with the HIV virus -- was prosecuted after publicly speaking about his role as a "hyena" in a BBC documentary.

Custom in some parts of southern Malawi demands that a man, known as a "hyena", is paid to have sex with bereaved widows to exorcise evil spirits and to prevent other deaths occurring.

At the request of a girl's parents, the "hyena" is also paid to have sex with adolescents to mark their passage to womanhood after their first menstruation.

The ritual, which many Malawians says is rarely practised today, is believed to train girls to become good wives and protect them from disease or misfortune that could fall on their families.

After an international outcry, President Peter Mutharika ordered Aniva's arrest in July.

In the first case of its kind, Aniva, 45, was found guilty on two counts by magistrate Innocent Nebi after a one-day trial in a packed courtroom in the district of Nsanje.

"It is clear... that the state has proved beyond reasonable doubt that the accused was engaging in harmful practices," the magistrate said.

"I find you guilty and convict you accordingly," he said, adding that sentencing would be on November 22.

He faces a maximum of five years in jail.

- High HIV infection -

The state produced six witnesses against Aniva, who pleaded not guilty.

The magistrate said the court had concluded that "sexual cleansing violates the dignity of widows".

State prosecutor Chiyembekezo Banda demanded a long prison sentence for Aniva, saying he was probably responsible for the spread of HIV.

Malawi is one of the worst affected countries in the world, with 27,000 deaths from AIDS-related illnesses and nine percent of the adult population infected with HIV.

Story continues

Michael Goba Chipeta, Aniva's defence lawyer, told the court his client should not be jailed.

Chipeta appealed for Aniva to not be used as "a sacrificial lamb", saying "the publicity he has attracted is punishment enough".

Before being led by police to his cell, Aniva told AFP: "I am not worried about being convicted. I think I will be given a suspended sentence."

His second wife Sophia, who was in court, was in tears and declined to speak to the press.

Aniva is said to have slept with at least 104 women and girls, some as young as 12, in a ritual that lasts three days.

He said each family paid him a fee of between $4 and $7 (3.78-6.61 euros).
Its difficult to say just how many Malaysians flooded the streets of Kuala Lumpur during the last weekend of August 2015  by some estimates, 200,000, most of them dressed in the shade of canary yellow that has become the de facto hue of the global pro-democracy movement. They were there to demand the resignation of Prime Minister Najib Razak, who had allegedly embezzled nearly $700 million in cash from a suffering state-development fund called 1Malaysia Development Berhad, or 1MDB. (Najib has consistently denied the allegations.)

The protest, organized by a confederation of pro-democracy and anticorruption activists known as Bersih (which in Malay means clean), was one of Malaysias largest public gatherings in recent memory, and certainly the most spirited. Malaysia is literally the perfect country  and its been completely spoiled by corruption and money politics, one protester said at the time. Were finally tired of it.

That was 15 months ago. This weekend, Bersih will reconvene, in Kuala Lumpur and in Malaysian communities around the world. But if the demonstration in 2015 was an exemplification of the democratic spirit  defiant, outspoken, responsibly optimistic  this weekends protests will likely demonstrate the frustration of that spirit when its ambitions are deferred. Najib is still in power, and is in fact more powerful than ever: as public opposition to his leadership has escalated, his government has cracked down on Malaysias civil society, jailing his critics and blocking access to websites that publish controversial information.

Many Malaysians who participated enthusiastically last year will simply stay home: some say they are pessimistic about the prospect of changing a system they see as irrevocably corrupt; others worry about the consequences of publicly airing their political grievances in an increasingly autocratic society. Several individuals who were once eager to discuss the movement have anxiously asked not to be quoted.

There is a bit of lethargy, and people do give up quite easily, says Maria Chin Abdullah, the 60-year-old activist who serves as Bersihs chairperson. Earlier this week, the World Organization for Torture made note of the number of death threats she has received in the weeks leading up to the protests. But weve achieved quite a lot  electoral awareness, bringing people together  and we have to fight it out.

On Friday night, local media reported that Chin Abdullah was arrested and charged with engaging in activities detrimental to parliamentary democracy.

It was not supposed to be this way. Malaysias emergence on the global economic and industrial stage in the past decades of the 20th century was one of the great Asian miracles, and the democratization of its politics and society was supposed to be the logical next step. Specifically, Najib was supposed to be the one to lead that change. When he took office in 2009, he spoke in lofty terms about things like multiculturalism: a breath of fresh air in Malaysia, where society is fragmented along its ethnic Malay, Indian, and Chinese populations. He promised economic betterment after years of a lull in growth.

But the story of democracy in 21st-century Asia has been a story of broken promises  look at Thailand, or Hong Kong  and under Najib, Malaysia has become yet another example of this. His party, the increasingly right-wing United Malays National Front (UMNO), has pushed for reinforcements of policies that offer education and employment benefits for the bumiputra, as the Malay majority is called, at the expense of the Chinese and Indian communities  reverse affirmative action, as it were. Najib pledged to reverse Malaysias draconian security laws and has done precisely the opposite, imposing regulations that allow his government to effectively suspend constitutional civil liberties.

There is no question whatsoever that Najibs government has become more dictatorial and repressive, Phil Robertson, deputy director of Human Rights Watchs Asia division, tells TIME. Its incredible how far and how fast the human-rights situation in Malaysia has deteriorated. (Najib, meanwhile, has advised the West to stop lecturing countries they once exploited.)

Popular disenchantment escalated into outrage in early July 2015, when the Wall Street Journal and the London-based investigative website Sarawak Report reported that Najibs personal bank accounts held $700 million in dubious cash  cash, it was believed, that had been transferred from the fund known as 1MDB, a pet project of Najibs launched in 2009 ostensibly in the interest of economic stimulation. A later report from the Journal later put the sum of the loot at upwards of $1 billion.

It is quantitatively one of the biggest corruption scandals in modern history. In their reporting, the Journal and Sarawak Report have outlined a money trail that spans the globe and implicates a host of parties from Hong Kong to Switzerland to Manhattan to Hollywood. The money is believed to have been used to bankroll Martin Scorseses 2013 film The Wolf of Wall Street, which Najibs stepson Riza Aziz co-produced. In July, U.S. federal prosecutors announced that they had filed a civil lawsuit to seize assets funded by the money linked to 1MDB in the largest single action ever under the Department of Justices antikleptocracy initiative.

Najib has ardently denied all allegations of malfeasance  none of which have cracked his armor anyway. Barisan Nasional, the ruling coalition to which Najibs party UMNO belongs, has succeeded in regional elections, despite the public unrest. Najib has manipulated the popular discourse by utterly cracking down on the online media, blocking access to Sarawak Report and the popular publishing platform Medium. The Malaysian Insider, a popular antigovernment news blog, was shuttered in March; on Friday, editors from Malaysiakini, another influential blog that has intensively covered the 1MDB affair, were in court, charged with intent to annoy. The Guardian reports that they face up to a year in prison, where they will join Rafizi Ramli, an opposition parliamentarian sentenced on Monday to 18 months for disclosing confidential information regarding 1MDB.

Najibs latest crackdown on the freedom of the press is all about trying to eliminate views that challenge progovernment narratives in the government-controlled print media, TV, and radio, Robertson of Human Rights Watch says. Evidently, the governments idea is: if we cant stop opposition party members and civil society activists from saying things they dont like, we can make it harder for people to hear them.

This, the organizers of Saturdays protest say, is why popular demonstration is now all the more imperative, despite threats from pro-government groups to disrupt the gathering with violence. Bersihs organizers have spent the past seven weeks traveling to hundreds of locales across Malaysia, encouraging citizens who might otherwise be apathetic to join the fray.

At the end of the day, its the peoples power that will create change, Chin Abdullah says. Were not here to fight the government  this is not about a war. This is exerting our fundamental right to speak out.
Laughing, yelling, singing and chanting, a steady stream of humanity moves toward the rivers edge. Waves of vibrant sarees pulse in and out of timeworn temples and shrines, while eager shop owners vie for attention. As predictable as vegetarian curry is for lunch, their products and services include rafting trips, yoga courses and souvenirs.

Hoping to get in on the action, cheeky monkeys launch surprise attacks on tourists, lapping at their ice cream while holy cows do their best to clog main arteries with their lackadaisical, hefty backsides. Above it all, the smell of freshly fried samosas and tandoor naan mingle with aromas of sweet pastries from one of many German bakeries.

Welcome to Rishikesh.

Nestled against the foothills of the Himalayas and situated on the sacred Ganges River, Rishikesh is famous among Hindu pilgrims and Western spiritual seekers alike. The western craze began after 1968, when the Beatles visited the ashram of Maharishi Mahesh Yogi to learn about meditation and ultimately write many of the lyrics for their famous White Album. This publicized visit created a waterfall effect of Westerners searching for self in the Home of Yoga.

But long before the Wests glamorization of Rishikesh, Hindus have been visiting. Legends of saintly penances performed on the banks of the Ganges, apparitions of beloved deities and the location where the Vedas, sacred Hindu scriptures, were revealed to cave-dwelling monks, are just a few reasons why many Hindus embark on this meaningful pilgrimage at least once in their lives.

Some arrive by plane  wealthy urbanites from the big cities of New Delhi or Mumbai. Others, less fiscally inclined, arrive after lengthy train or bus rides  a 40-hour transit considered short by many other pilgrims. And then theres the most humble devotee of all. Arriving on their own two feet, the poorer levels of society can be found alongside the road with battered tins of water and lentils balanced atop their heads. They often travel for weeks, even months, to reach this holy location.

Divided into two areas, Rishikesh downtown carries little spiritual significance. But just upstream, the riverside communities around the Lakshman Jhula and Ram Jhula bridges are where most of the ashrams, temples and tourists reside. These jhulas, suspension bridges, hover high above the Ganges River and provide the only crossing for pedestrians.

Like ants to an anthill, hundreds of people pour onto the bridges. Pushing themselves and family members forward, there is little regard to personal space in this frenzied attempt to reach their respective sides. Designated as foot traffic only, hasty scooters and overloaded motorcycles invariably find entry. Using their magical light saber, a horn, drivers truly believe people will disintegrate with each aggressive honk!

Ding ding! Dozens of bells do their best to rise over the chaos below. With 13 floors devoted to countless gods and goddesses, the iconic Tera Manzil temple heaves with believers. The sweet smell of rose and sandalwood wafts through the corridors, and the recurring sounds of families final rupees clink against the bottom of copper offering dishes.

Below, in the Mother Ganga, other pilgrims bathe. Wading into the cool waters, many for the first and only times in their lives, they splash water thoughtfully over their limbs and pray for nullification of sins. Others pray for enlightenment.

Just down the river a nightly display of devotion, the ganga aarti, is about to begin. Performed on the steps of the famous Parmarth Niketan Ashram, below a towering statue of Lord Shiva, processions of chanting, saffron-robed monks move toward the rivers edge. Seated around a fire, the monks sing and perform rituals to Agni, the fire goddess.

Woo hoo!! Screaming at the top of their lungs, raft after raft of enthusiastic tourists float past. A part of the community since the sport began, now hundreds of rafting companies call Rishikesh home.

Bungee jumping and trekking have further developed the adventure market, calling to another type of tourist; the young, wealthy city slicker. Living on parental credit, their goals hardly parallel anything spiritual. They are more concerned with the perfect Facebook picture and the inflated stories they can share with friends.

The subsequent tourism dichotomy is baffling. Traditionally veiled women of Rajasthan, hidden under yards of bright fabric and ornate bracelets, walk next to 20-something divas from New Delhi in tight jeans and AC-DC tank tops. Just beyond, well-dressed middle-age men disembark chauffeured vehicles, round potbellies boasting wealth and excess, while humble sadhus and swamis (holy men), swathed in bright orange robes, beg for a handout in the dusty streets. Throw a few unwashed, Ali baba pant-wearing Westerners and suave Indian raft guides trying to score alcohol in a dry city, and you have a taste of what makes Rishikesh one of the best places in the world for watching people.

And then there was me  a 30-something transient in lycra yoga pants and a thin cotton tunic. I arrived with the hope of filling the spiritual reservoir and discovering the benefits of yoga. Me, and just about every other Westerner.

Its 5 a.m. The first of a series of annoying alarms sounds off. Snoozing the first three or four, I finally surrender to their electronic summons. Peeling my body from the sweaty sheets, I swing my feet onto the slightly cooler concrete ground. Sitting up straight, my back cracks louder than the rickety wooden bed frame and my knees and glutes scream for mercy.

Rubbing my eyes, I clear just enough of their sleepy film to reach the kitchen. Good morning, stovetop coffee maker. What? Not all yogis need to give up caffeine.

At 6:15 a.m., I join my fellow students in the yoga hall. Large and airy, the second-floor yoga hall is flanked on three sides by floor-to-ceiling windows. A light orange drapery filters out the harsh sunlight, while a half dozen oscillating fans do their best to keep the 110-degree heat of Indian summer moving (power outage permitting, of course).

Ekam  Dve  Treeni (One, two, three).

Bending forward, my toes seem farther away than enlightenment. Trying to suppress the feelings of envy I hold for my flexible neighbors, discomfort and doubt creep in like a slow, debilitating leak.

Closing my eyes, I try to bring awareness to my breath. In  and out. In  and out. Physical poses are only a piece of ones practice. Yoga is the union of mind and body. It is a discipline. It is an evolution of peace, serenity and bliss that grows with meditation and manifests in action.

Yoga is a lifelong journey, I repeat to myself. And this is only the first chapter.

Om  Santi  Santi  Santi.

* Regina spent three months in Rishikesh and received her 500-hour RYS Yoga Teacher Training Certificate at the Association for Yoga & Meditation (AYM). To read more about her experience, see backpackerswanted.com.
Ten months after its debut at the Sundance Film Festival, Kenneth Lonergans Manchester by the Sea will roll out in theaters this weekend. Starring Casey Affleck, Michelle Williams and Lucas Hedges, the feature, opening via Amazon Studios and Roadside Attractions, is up for three Gothams and enjoying strong Oscar contention. It will make its initial run in New York and L.A. Meanwhile, Tom Ford, seven years after making his first film, A Single Man, returns this weekend with Nocturnal Animals starring Jake Gyllenhaal and Amy Adams. The Focus Features title won the Grand Jury Prize at this years Venice Film Festival. Well Go USA is heading out with Chinas I Am Not Madame Bovary in a few dozen locations, while Abramoramas doc Best Worst Thing That Could Have Happened opens in New York before heading west. And Rough House Pictures will spearhead the roll out of Joshua Locys drama Hunter Gatherer.

Among other titles opening in limited release this weekend are FilmRises Magnus, Cohen Media Groups re-release Daughters of the Dust, Magnolias The Eyes of My Mother and High Top Releasings The Take.

Manchester by the Sea

Director-writer: Kenneth Lonergan

Cast: Casey Affleck, Michelle Williams, Kyle Chandler, Lucas Hedges, Liam McNeill, C.J. Wilson, Tate Donovan, Heather Burns, Matthew Broderick, Gretchen Mol, Ben OBrien

Distributor: Amazon Studios/Roadside Attractions

Sundance fest debut Manchester by the Sea was born of collaboration between producer Chris Moore and Matt Damon. Damon had been looking to direct his first feature, though his acting gigs ended up pushing that aside. [Actor-producer] John Krasinski pitched the idea for Manchester, Moore explained this week. And Matt, who had worked with Kenny [Lonergan] before thought it would be good for him.

The feature follows the life of a solitary Boston janitor who is transformed when he returns to his hometown to take care of his teenage nephew. After the death of his older brother Joe (Kyle Chandler), Lee Chandler (Casey Affleck) is shocked to lear that Joe made him the sole guardian of nephew Patrick (Lucas Hedges). Taking leave of his job, Lee reluctantly returns to Manchester-by-the-Sea to care for Patrick, a spirited 16 year old, and is forced to deal with a past that separated him from his wife Randi (Michelle Williams) and the community where he was born and raised.

Story continues

John and Matt pitched the story to Kenny in late summer or early fall of 2010. Kenny thought about it and had a different take on it, which we really liked, said Moore . John didnt have time to work on the script, so we got some money together and hired Kenny to write it. It took [a bit of time] since he was also working on other stuff, but in summer 2014 he gave us the first draft.

In the meantime, the group met with independent financiers and spoke with their friend Casey Affleck, who did have a window of time in the winter of 2015. They loved Kenny, said Moore . Often you have good meetings but then nothing ever happens, but within a week we had some money together. Kenny convinced Michelle [Williams] to begin the film. Talent wants to work with him.

Manchester by the Sea shot over 32 days, which Moore described as pressure packed, though Lonergan had a precise vision. The feature includes scenes aboard a boat and other potentially budget-busting moments, but the production team kept their original vision. Theres stuff that an independent movie would normally have had to cut out, but they were part of what makes this movie great, said Moore. The town is also a great character. Its part of the tension that [influences] the main character.

The made its Sundance debut last January, and the premiere was the center of attention until another title ended up grabbing the headlines.

We had the fantasy experience of a bidding war at Sundance, he said. For ten minutes we were the talk of Sundance until Birth Of a Nation came along and everyone forgot about us, which probably ended up being a good thing. We didnt want to overplay it because we knew wed be waiting until November for the release. When you work on something like this, you want the marketing and planning to be as diligent as the execution.

Amazon Studios picked up the title and tapped Roadside Attractions to handle the theatrical release. The Awards-hopeful will open in 4 locations including Lincoln Plaza and the Angelika in New York as well as the Arclight Hollywood and The Landmark in L.A. Manchester then will head to an additional 8 markets Thanksgiving weekend. More theaters will be added in the following weeks before going to about 800  900 theaters in mid-December.

Nocturnal Animals

Director-writer: Tom Ford

Cast: Amy Adams, Jake Gyllenhaal, Michael Shannon, Aaron Taylor-Johnson, Isla Fisher, Karl Glusman, Armie Hammer, Laura Linney, Andrea Riseborough, Michael Sheen

Distributor: Focus Features

Nocturnal Animals is Tom Fords second directorial, following the 2009 feature A Single Man that starred Colin Firth and Julianne Moore. His latest, with Amy Adams and Jake Gyllenhaal, won the Grand Jury Prize at this years Venice Film Festival.

Focus touts the feature as a haunting romantic thriller of shocking intimacy and gripping tension that explores the thin lines between love and cruelty, and revenge and redemption. Gyllenhaal and Adams star as a divorced couple discovering dark truths about each other and themselves.

What attracted us to Nocturnal Animals is Tom Ford, said Lisa Bunnell, president of Distribution at Focus. His last film, A Single Man, was a remarkable first-time effort. What Focus is trying to do is to work with directors that are inspired and to show their vision. He totally fits with what we want to do.

The Weinstein Company opened A Single Man in December 2011 in 9 locations, grossing over $217K its first weekend ($24,148 average). It continued to do well, grossing nearly $9.2 million domestically.

Nocturnal Animals is going to appeal to an upscale, sophisticated audience, said Bunnell. But its still a thriller, so it will go beyond the arthouse crowd. It will have critical acclaim. The vision of the film is heavier [than most thrillers] but in a good way. Theres also an aspect to it that [lends] social commentary.

Focus Features is opening Nocturnal Animals initially in 37 theaters in 14 major cities including New York, L.A., San Francisco, Washington, D.C., Miami and more. Added Bunnell: Were going broader than the usual four theaters in New York and L.A. This has big city appeal with a huge cast. Well expand [over Thanksgiving] and well go wide on December 9. Tom Ford will participate in Q&As on Sunday in LA at select screenings at the Landmark and Arclight.

I Am Not Madame Bovary

Director: Feng Xiaogang

Writer: Liu Zhenyun

Cast: Fan Bingbing, Guo Tao, Da Peng, Zhang Jiayi, Yu Hewei

Distributor: Well Go USA

Well Go USA CEO Doris Pfardrescher had been tracking Feng Xiaogangs I Am Not Madame Bovary for a while, finally grabbing rights to the film ahead of its premiere at the Toronto International Film Festival, picking up a film critics prize there followed by the Grand Jury Prize at the San Sebastian Film Festival.

The film centers on Li Xuelian and her husband Qin Yuhe who stage a fake divorce to secure a second apartment reserved by the government for single people. Qin remarries six months later  as agreed  but to a different woman. Furious, Li files a lawsuit with the county court but loses the case. Refusing to accept the courts findings, Li appeals to the chief justice, the county chief, and even the mayor, but fails at every turn. After Qin publicly accuses Li of being a promiscuous woman because she was not a virgin on their wedding night, Li is driven back to the courts to redeem her reputation. Li makes her way from county to city, enduring one trial after another, until she decides to make her appeal in far-off Beijing, but 10 years go by, and the cases of Lis divorce and her ruined reputation have not been resolved.

We expect the Chinese diaspora audience to come out in droves, and were working our usual magic on that front, but we also expect that the arthouse audience looking for something different will be interested to see what Feng Xiaogang has accomplished here, noted Well Go USAs Dylan Marchetti. So in New York City, for example, while well open venues that are familiar to the diaspora audience like the AMC Empire 25, well also open key arthouse venues known for adventurous programming like the Metrograph.

I Am Not Madame Bovary will open here alongside its roll out in China, which Well Go USA is hoping will help the title stateside as it is being pushed heavily at home.

The internet means there are no borders anymore, and so whenever possible, we like to release these films the same day they release in their home markets, commented Marchetti. That allows the massive campaign being undertaken in China, where the film will play on thousands of screens, to hit the diaspora audience here in North America on one side while we market to both them and to arthouse audiences on the other side. This particular weekend is crowded, but weve got a good track record with counter-programming on these kinds of titles and so we elected to release the same day as China.

Well Go USA will open I Am Not Madame Bovary in 40 theaters in 35 cities in North America this weekend. It will continue to expand into December and January.

Best Worst Thing That Could Have Happened

Director-writer: Lonny Price

Writer: Kitt Lavoie, Ted Schillinger

Subjects: Terry Finn, Ann Morrison, Stephen Sondheim, Harold Prince, Jim Walton

Distributor: Abramorama

Veteran theater director Lonny Price and producer Kitt Lavoie raised some initial money nine years ago to film a group of actors who had performed in Stephen Sondheims Merrily We Roll Along on Broadway decades earlier. They then recruited veteran producer Bruce Klein of Atlas Media Crop., who happens to be a huge Stephen Sondheim.

Best Worst Thing That Could Have Happened is a reunion of sorts for the cast who performed Merrily at the Alvin Theatre back in 1981. The film charts the journey of the original cast in the 30-plus years since the musical debuted and flopped on Broadway.

Im a Sondheim freak, so [this project] was embedded in every bit of my being, said Klein, whose company provided financing. I saw a blurb [about it] in Playbill and I just had to do it. When Lonny came in, it was a marriage made in heaven.

Best Worst Thing is Prices first film as director. He said that although hes had experience in theater and television, the learning curve for a documentary was steep. This was much tricker, he said. Youre discovering the narrative as you go.

Added Klein: Because its his first film, he was willing to take a lot of chancesThe big thing was conceptualizing the story and acknowledging that the story we started with may not be what we end up with. When we brought back the first Merrily cast members to the original stage at what is now the Neil Simon Theater, that moment crystalized to us the spine of the story.

Lonny Price recalled that an ABC-produced show filmed a segment with the original cast in 1981. He hired an archivist to search for the material, though tracking it down became a major endeavor. I knew it existed, Price said, but people told me it had been destroyed We hired [someone to search] and after [much effort] they found that it was sitting in a huge crate in Connecticut. Finding that footage was the holy grail.

Abramoramas Richard Abramowitz saw an early cut of the feature. Though he said it wasnt theatrically ready, he believed in its potential and asked to be kept up to date. We knew there would be a rabid, excited audience out there, said Abramowitz. We expect it to thrive theatrically. This is not an aggressive release in terms of media dollars, but were doing a lot of outreach.

Abramowitz noted that Best Worst Thing was listed by the Los Angeles Times as a top doc pick for the year, which came as a surprise to all involved. The film will open at the Film Society of Lincoln Center and IFC Center in New York this week, followed by L.A. next week. It will subsequently head to other cities including San Francisco and Chicago afterward. Added Bruce Klein: There is incredible love for this material and we believe it will have an incredible after life.

Hunter Gatherer

Director-writer: Joshua Locy

Cast: Andre Royo, Jeannetta Arnette, Kellee Stewart, Kevin Jackson, Ashley Wilkerson

Distributor: Rough House Pictures

Filmmaker Joshua Locys original idea for what would become Hunter Gatherer came when he met a man in Philadelphia who had been a pimp and had a drug problem. He wrote a script based on the stories but found it didnt work. Later, he removed the violence, cursing and the religious component that it contained, and found that he connected to the characters need for human connection. I wanted to take some part of that story and connect it to my life, he said. So the new story correlates to me.

Hunter Gather revolves around Ashley Douglas who thinks everything should fall into place when hes released after three years in prison. When that doesnt happen, he restarts his life with next to nothing: no friends, no lovers, no connections. All he has is a bedroom in his moms house, a box of treasures buried in his backyard, and a deeply ingrained need to be with Linda  his one, true love  who has moved on without him. Ashley sees an opportunity in the form of Jeremy, an eccentric loner. They start a two-man business of dumping unwanted refrigerators for cash, which Ashley hopes will get Linda back and Jeremy hopes will help his ailing grandfather. As their partnership takes hold, a friendship flourishes  though their fates are very much still up in the air.

Alex Ullman at Rough House Pictures and filmmaker David Gordon Green read the script and connected to it, with both signing on as executive producers. A casting director gave the script to Andre Royo, who also signed on to star. Once I had Andre, Rough House and the [other producers], we took the script to various production companies, said Locy. We then went to Cinetic, which helped us to get financing. Mama Bear Studios in Tennessee then boarded the project.

We had production dates and we hired casting directors to find additional cast, but then Andre was offered a role in Empire, so we thought we were screwed, said Locy. We thought wed have to find a new actor, but he negotiated with Empire and said he needed time to make this movie. Co-creator Danny Strong gave him a window, so we pushed the shoot a little bit.

Hunter Gatherer shot over 18 days in South Central Los Angeles, and edited for two months. Andre Royo won a Best Actor prize at the SXSW Film Festival where it debuted. Rough House is spearheading the features theatrical roll out, while The Orchard will handle the digital release. Theatrically, Hunter Gatherer opened at Cinefamily in L.A. on Wednesday and will have a one-week run at IFP Media Center in New York. It will be available digitally starting in February.

Related stories

Casey Affleck On 'Manchester By The Sea' And Lonergan: "He's Playing A Different-Sounding Song" - AwardsLine

'Arrival' Sound Editor Sylvain Bellemare On First Sci-Fi Experience & Working With Denis Villeneuve To Craft An Alien Sound

'Manchester By The Sea' Review: Devastating Film Features Some Of Year's Best Acting
Writer-director Kenneth Lonergans Manchester by the Sea is possibly the saddest movie Ive ever seen. I cant think of any other movie, at any rate, that left me feeling vaguely weepy and in a need of a parish priest for a good 24 hours.

And yet what would a parish priest have accomplished? For that matter, what parish where?

The point is that the movie causes such a persistent trickle of sorrow, you wish you could talk it over with someone whos made a career of offering consolation, even under circumstances in which no true consolation is to be had.

It is not to be had, not really, in Manchester by the Sea.

The movie, easily one of the best releases of the year, takes its place alongside Lonergans two prior movies, You Can Count on Me and Margaret, as some kind of indie-film masterpiece. The writing and the acting stick to an unpretentious, almost just-noodling-along naturalism while slowly, quietly charting out moral and emotional dilemmas  chiefly about responsibility, chiefly within the framework of a troubled family  so dense they would burst the spine of a proper literary American novel.

The movie should also win Casey Affleck the Oscar for best actor, assuming the world isnt completely silly.

Affleck plays Lee Chandler, a Boston maintenance worker called back to his old town, Manchester by the Sea, after his brother, Joe (Kyle Chandler), drops dead of a heart attack. Joes will has named Lee as guardian to Patrick (Lucas Hedges), his teenage son. Yet Lee, who apparently hasnt been exposed to Baby Boom, Annie and other cheering movies about reluctant parental figures who make good, doesnt want the burden of looking after Patrick.

Lee is such a disgruntled little smudge of a man  a drinker, a brooder, a loner and a fighter  its hard to imagine that his brother would ever conceive of naming him as guardian if there were any other relative capable of taking on the job. (Theres a mother out there, somewhere, who was evidently a troubled woman and skipped out.)

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Or, you wonder, is this Joes posthumous attempt to forge (by force) a reconnection to Lee? To somehow rein him back into Manchester by the Sea and into the family?

Eventually, gradually, Lonergan lets us know why Lee fled town, and the reason is so horrible  a terrible, existence-shattering thing  a reviewer has no choice but to treat it as spoiler material, in effect to tell people who havent seen the movie: If you prefer to be completely devastated, you wont want to know.

On some level that does a disservice to Lonergans achievement  it feels like coddling, this urge to protect a story of such serious, severe dramatic weight, as if Manchester were a satisfyingly weepy melodrama that could be gauged by the amount of tissues dampened and crumpled.

Because Manchester is very much the first thing, and not at all the second.

Still: I wont say anything further, except that once Lonergan has led you to this point, theres nothing to do but be prepared to go further, and deeper, on a difficult journey. Lee, who would rather run back to his lair in Boston and continue bricking up the entrance, is thrust into situations that threaten to overwhelm him with memories.

His ex-wife, Randi (Michelle Williams), sobs and sobs in a heartbreaking attempt at reconciliation, finally unable to articulate her sense of loss as anything more than a suggestion that perhaps she and Lee should have lunch sometime. His nephew also sobs, also heartbreakingly, when looking for food in the freezer. Hes reminded that his fathers body has to remain at the morgue until spring. The New England ground is too cold and too hard for burial.

Writing this is making me sad all over again, so lets end by saying that the acting throughout is exceptional, and that Affleck  as a man in permanent retreat from any sign of hope  is phenomenal: Its a black hole of a performance, and its pull is overpowering.

In limited release Friday, R.




DALLAS, TX / ACCESSWIRE / November 18, 2016 / Sophisticated design and ecologically responsible housing are mutually important to the Chairman and CEO of Western Rim Property Services, Marcus Hiles. The innovative real estate developer who singlehandedly altered the Texas real estate market with his creation of luxury apartments and townhomes has maintained the highest standards for protecting the environment. With upscale rentals that are seamlessly integrated into the natural landscape, utilizing sustainably minded building practices and featuring state-of-the-art, energy-efficient amenities; Marcus Hiles' Western Rim has made elegance eco-friendly.

In all of the communities built and managed by Marcus Hiles throughout the Lone Star state, residents enjoy resort-style living and upgraded conveniences. From the rich wood and Italian marble flooring to the cooling radiant barrier roofing in the attics of Western Rim's Estates, Towers and Mansions brand properties, lavish interiors and green construction go hand in hand. The striking design of extra-tall, dual pane windows belies their functionality: a layer of argon gas with a solar heat gain coefficient minimum of 0.22 reduces heat loss in colder months by as much as 75 percent, and helps minimize cooling requirements during summer. Energy bills are likewise controlled by highly effectual weather stripping; tight seals regulate the temperatures set by programmable thermostats and HVAC systems, which use substantially less energy than standard thermal comfort units. Homes are also treated with cellulose sound insulation, giving residents protection from outside noise, diminishing volumes between walls and floors by 80 percent. Water-conserving irrigation systems feed opulent baths outfitted with jetted tubs and rainwater showerheads, while ENERGY STAR stainless steel Whirlpool brand appliances provide stylish and sustainable choices for the refined gourmet chef-quality kitchens.

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In addition to the environmentally minded and well-appointed details of the properties themselves, Marcus Hiles also ensures that green space within Western Rim's developments stands as a top priority. Communities center on expansive urban and private parks, often providing on-site walking trails and dog run areas, while preserving existing trees and vegetation on and around the properties; the native greenery removes air pollutants while storing and sequestering carbon dioxide, lowering greenhouse gas emissions overall by reducing energy demand. As Hiles has continues to build upmarket homes in the Dallas, Austin, Houston and San Antonio suburbs, he has added to the natural beauty of those regions by increasing the tree canopy beyond their pre-developed statemore than 3,000 trees were planted last year alone. "We will continue to exhibit leadership in energy conservation and respect for the environment, while engaging our communities in ongoing efforts to safeguard the planet," Hiles confirms.

Marcus Hiles, Fort Worth property development authority and philanthropist, has spent more than three decades creating properties that embody his unique vision of luxury living for working class Texans. While growing his residential communities, Marcus Hiles has personally donated more than 59 acres of parkland to the general public to preserve wildlife habitats and offer residents accessible green spaces. A graduate of Pepperdine and Rice Universities, he is deeply committed to education and has donated over $2.5 million to public and private K-12 initiatives, after school programs, and university career services and job placement programs.

Marcus Hiles - Chairman & CEO of Western Rim Property Services: http://www.MarcusHiles-News.com

Western Rim Property Services- Marcus Hiles - Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Western-Rim-Property-Services-Marcus-Hiles-1013270532051763/

Marcus Hiles (@marcus_hiles) - Twitter: https://twitter.com/marcus_hiles

Marcus Hiles - A Magnanimous and Big Hearted Person - YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BWgsmiPe7-4

Contact Information

MarcusHiles-News.com

www.MarcusHiles-News.com

contact@marcushiles-news.com

SOURCE: Marcus Hiles
Colorado continues to be the most progressive state when it comes to marijuana. They were one of the first states to legalize the recreational use of marijuana in 2012, and now Denver has passed a measure that could give a whole new meaning to the Mile High City!

The Doctors weigh in on Denvers just-approved city measure that would allow the drug to be used in bars and restaurants, with some conditions. First, establishments must get neighborhood approval first. Patrons would be required to bring in their own marijuana, and it could only be used inside if it is not smoked. The new law lays out the possibility for smoking it outside in the future, but not yet.

Watch: Fries with a Side of Weed?

Plastic surgeon Dr. Andrew Ordon says, A weed oil martini has a certain panache to it, but its a slippery slope, because its mixing things that maybe people have not tried together before. Youre possibly going to get reactions. Youre definitely going to get more high, and thats a whole new issue [with regards to] driving.

ER physician Dr. Travis Stork understands why many bars might have wanted this new law to pass. Marijuana is an appetite stimulant I do not think marijuana should be illegal, having said that, I do not think marijuana should be ubiquitous, he says, explaining he worries about it getting to a point where it appears everywhere.

Watch: Disturbing Video of a Toddler Smoking Marijuana?

The Doctors also worry about the effects of secondhand smoke, especially for minors, that might come from marijuana being more prevalent in public.
Some power plants with smog controls arent using them effectively  or at all  and are fouling the air hundreds of miles away as a result.

Thats the conclusion reached by the Maryland Department of the Environment, which petitioned the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency this week to make 19 coal-fired plants run their control equipment throughout the summer, when ground-level ozone  often known as smog  is most likely to form.

Ten of those 19 plants were identified by the Center for Public Integrity in September as super polluters because they were among the top 100 U.S. industrial sites for toxic substances pumped into the air, greenhouse gases released, or both, in 2014.

Marylands petition focused on releases of nitrogen oxides, a key ozone ingredient. Ben Grumbles, Marylands secretary of the environment, said he simply wants the 19 plants to do what his states coal plants must: Run the controls  run the controls every day of the ozone season, and downwind states will benefit significantly from that.

Ozone is bad for the lungs, can trigger asthma attacks and, researchers suspect, can harm the heart as well. And the pollutants that turn into it when baked in the sun can travel far afield.

Maryland contends that roughly 70 percent of its ozone problem can be linked to emissions from upwind states. Its petition names power plants in Indiana, Kentucky, Ohio, Pennsylvania and West Virginia, including three in the southwest Indiana region that the Center featured because of its concentration of big air polluters.

This story is part of Carbon Wars. The fossil-fuel industry is under attack as the world warms and pollution impairs and shortens lives. But industry is fighting back. Click here to read more stories in this series.

Don't miss another Environment investigation: Sign up for the Center for Public Integrity's Watchdog email.

Maryland says in its petition that the power plants inefficient use of their controls put roughly 39,000 tons of nitrogen oxides into the air in the summer of 2015 that otherwise would have been captured. Thats because federal rules capping those emissions are based on averages over the entire summer, rather than on a daily basis.

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As coal plants run less frequently due to competition from natural gas and renewables, they no longer have to use their controls consistently to meet the federal caps. That saves the plants money. But it contributes to ozone, which forms as a result of conditions on a given day  not based on summer-wide averages. Its also created tensions between states, some of which have acted to require smog controls be run, and some of which have not.

The EPA said it is reviewing the petition.

Indiana Department of Environmental Management spokeswoman Courtney Arango called the request deficient because Maryland air wasn't violating ozone requirements as of 2015, the most recent publicly available ozone data from the EPA. Maryland says exceedances in 2016 pushed it over the limit, and an even tighter standard kicks in next year.

Arango said the EPA recently updated nitrogen oxides caps for Indiana in a September rule intended to reduce ozone ingredients pumped out by power plants.

Indiana and its utilities are complying with the rule and have no plans to challenge it, she said in an email.

Maryland officials said the new rule still allows power plants to average their emissions over time, and therefore won't address their concerns.

Marylands effort follows a regional petition in 2013 to make Indiana and eight other states do more to control ozone. The EPA has yet to act on that petition as required; New York and four other states sued in October to force a decision.

Indiana uses coal to make three-quarters of its electricity, and Gov. Mike Pence  the vice president-elect  has fought federal efforts to cut down on power-plant pollution. Pence casts it as an economic issue, saying coal employs Hoosiers and makes the lower-cost electricity the states manufacturers rely on.

Health and environmental advocates are pushing back, contending that coal is no longer the cheapest option, even without considering the costs to health and the climate. This week, a trade group promoting energy efficiency and other advanced energy industries said the sector  coals competition  employs nearly 48,000 in Indiana. Thats seven times the number of people directly employed by coal mining there, according to federal figures.

The common misunderstanding is that clean-energy jobs dont matter, theyre not very significant. And they really are, said Advanced Energy Economy CEO Graham Richard, a former Indiana mayor and state senator. These transitions are wrenching for a community, and we certainly understand a coal-country job being lost is a travesty for that family. But weve got to find ways of transitioning to a new kind of economic opportunity in those areas, and we dont help ourselves by promising to retain that which the economic forces are going to wash over anyway.

This story is part of Carbon Wars. The fossil-fuel industry is under attack as the world warms and pollution impairs and shortens lives. But industry is fighting back. Click here to read more stories in this series.

Related stories

Copyright 2016 The Center for Public Integrity. This story was published by The Center for Public Integrity, a nonprofit, nonpartisan investigative news organization in Washington, D.C.
By Elizabeth Piper LONDON (Reuters) - There is a recognisable repetition in Theresa May's speeches about Britain's decision to leave the European Union: "Brexit means Brexit", making "a success of it" and getting "the best deal" for Britain are some of her stump phrases. But a closer look at her speeches suggests her position on key aspects of Brexit has evolved since she took office in the aftermath of the June 23 vote to leave. Together with public comments by ministers in her Conservative government, the changes appear to suggest May has shifted from favouring a "hard Brexit" - a clean break with the EU's single market of 500 million consumers - to supporting continued membership of that market if possible. May has declined to say whether she wants Britain to remain in the single market. Her aides say she is considering all options. Since July 13, when May made her first speech as prime minister, subtle changes have emerged in the way she describes her priorities for talks with the EU. Those talks will determine Britain's future, and that of the EU. Early on in her tenure, May said little more than that she wanted "the right deal" or "best possible deal" on the trade of goods and services with the rest of the EU. Britain's total trade with the EU - imports and exports - is equivalent in size to more than a quarter of its economy. But at the Conservative Party conference in October, she unveiled a more specific phrase to describe her aims for Brexit. "I want it to give British companies the maximum freedom to trade with and operate within the single market  and let European businesses do the same here," May said. Richard North, a former speech-writer for several eurosceptic lawmakers, says the phrase "operate within" is telling. "She is very, very precise and there is no way that she is saying anything other than she's going after the single market within a negotiated settlement," said North, who wants Britain to remain a member of the broader European Economic Area trading zone after leaving the European Union. A spokeswoman for May said the government was "going for a bespoke deal" and declined to comment on speculation of what that agreement might look like. READ MY LIPS EU officials, investors, companies, opposition lawmakers and leaders in Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland often complain about the lack of detail offered by May on Brexit. At her first EU summit as prime minister on Oct. 20-21, some European leaders said they had learnt little more beyond her public statements that she will trigger Article 50 of the EU's Lisbon Treaty to start divorce talks by the end of March, and that she wants the best deal for Britain. In her Oct. 2 speech to the Conservative Party, she dismissed the choice between a "soft Brexit" and "hard Brexit" as a "false dichotomy" and said Britain could regain control over immigration and its sovereignty while continuing cooperation on security and trade. "Let me be clear," May told the conference. "We are not leaving the European Union only to give up control of immigration again. And we are not leaving only to return to the jurisdiction of the European Court of Justice." Her tough wording on immigration and sovereignty may have pleased the eurosceptics in the party, but it spooked some European leaders who felt she was heading for a "hard Brexit". It contradicts the EU position, which states that the bloc cannot divide its four freedoms - of movement of goods, capital, people and services.But May has also regularly qualified her vision for controlling immigration from the EU. At a meeting with Slovakia's prime minister, Robert Fico, in Bratislava on July 28, she referred to needing to find "a solution that addresses the concerns of the British people about free movement". A week earlier, she told German Chancellor Angela Merkel "it may take some time" to get net levels of immigration down to sustainable levels. And in a phone call with Belgian Prime Minister Charles Michel on Sept. 27, May subtly softened the message again, referring to trade first. She said it would be "a priority to allow British companies to trade with the single market in goods and services, but we would also need to ensure we had more control of the numbers of people who come here from Europe," a statement read. Since ruling out a points-based system for screening people heading for Britain in September, May has said little new on controlling immigration, something she earlier called the "very clear message" of the British people in the referendum. This week, talking to business leaders in London, immigration did not figure in her speech at all. BUSINESS CONCERNS Instead, May has increasingly focussed on business concerns. That may have been prompted by the big fall in sterling since the referendum, according to sources close to the government. Financial markets seem not to like the idea of a "hard Brexit". Scotiabank economist Alan Clarke said the market was acutely sensitive to any hints from Downing Street. "I guess it's no accident that when her language pointed to a hard Brexit...the pound weakened," he said. Financial and business sectors have begun lobbying May over the divorce. On Oct. 27, three weeks after she said she wanted to "give British companies the maximum freedom to trade with and operate in the single market", she said she had assured Japanese carmaker Nissan to help it decide to build two new models in Britain. True to form, she has given little away on what those assurances were. At an EU summit six days earlier, she had called on leaders to look at the single market "in a new way". While May fine tunes her strategy, her reticence to get specific has offered opposition lawmakers an opportunity to poke fun. "I thought for a moment the prime minister was going to say 'Brexit means Brexit' again," Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn said to roars of laughter in parliament in October. "I am sure she will tell us one day what it actually means." (This eversion of the story has been refiled to correct trade figures in sixth paragraph) (additional reporting by Kylie MacLellan and Andy Bruce, editing by Angus MacSwan and Janet McBride)
(Adds details from meeting, executive comments)

By Chris Prentice and Lisa Baertlein

NEW YORK/LOS ANGELES, Nov 17(Reuters) - McDonald's, aiming to become more modern and nimble, is updating U.S. restaurants with self-service kiosk ordering, mobile payments, "smart" menu boards, custom sandwiches and table service, executives said on Thursday.

The 61-year-old fast-food company has been overhauling its food with simpler ingredients and selling breakfast items 24-hours a day, but it is playing catch up in the technology realm to early adopters such as Domino's Pizza, Starbucks Corp and Panera Bread.

About 500 of McDonald's more than 14,000 U.S. restaurants have made the changes with Florida, New York and Southern California the first regions to adopt the new format.

Restaurants in San Francisco, Boston, Chicago and Seattle will start making the switch next year, according to the company, which declined to give a timeline for how long the changes will take to go nationwide.

McDonald's will pilot mobile ordering in the United States in the first half of 2017 and do a national rollout in the second half, Chris Kempczinski, a former Kraft Foods executive who will take over as McDonald's USA president on Jan. 1, told journalists at a press event in New York. Mobile ordering and payment will be added to the McDonald's app, which has been downloaded by 16 million people, he said.

Chief Executive Steve Easterbrook said the company was in the early stage of using technology. "There is nothing more powerful than one-on-one customer experience" such as smartphone apps, he said to Reuters.

Still, some of McDonald's U.S. franchisees have chafed at the prospect of making significant investments at a time when labor costs are rising and restaurant sales growth is tepid.

Analysts note that just 50 percent of U.S. McDonald's restaurants have been recently renovated, and the company wants new food and tech elements in addition to the restaurant makeovers.

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The cost of installing kiosks is between $50,000 and $60,000 and the company is willing to help with money or financing, McDonald's executives said. Eastbrook has said that equipment is not expected to reduce the number of workers in restaurants, since traditional order takers would be redeployed to help customers learn to operate kiosks and to deliver food to tables.

Demonstrating returns is key to convincing franchisees to make the switch, executives said. In a video, one UK executive said sales grew 8 percent in downtown London as a result of the initiative.

"People may not always like to change, but people like to make money," Kempczinski told Reuters.

McDonald's USA draws on results from modernization projects in the United Kingdom, Australia and Canada as it pushes the effort. "We've worked a lot of the kinks out," Easterbrook told Reuters.

Kempczinski said McDonald's may also pick up the pace of its response to consumer demands for simpler, more natural food.

McDonald's USA already has switched to chicken raised without antibiotics important to human health, replaced margarine with butter in its Egg McMuffins, and swapped sugar for high-fructose corn syrup in its hamburger buns.

Most recently, it said it would fully transition to cage-free eggs in the United States and Canada over the next decade.

(Reporting by Lisa Baertlein in Los Angeles; Editing by Bernard Orr)
The second annual Real Men Wear Pink campaign raised over $55,000 to support the American Cancer Society Making Strides Against Breast Cancer of Lincoln.

Throughout October, 22 area men raised funds and encouraged the women in their lives and in the community to take action in the fight to end breast cancer. The celebration of the fundraising was held Nov. 15 at Rodizio, 737 P St.

Boyd Ober, president of Leadership Resources, was the campaigns chairman, raising nearly $7,000 to support the Society and those impacted by breast cancer. He also challenged the other 21 men to do the same.

We are grateful to Boyd and all our Real Men Wear Pink participants for lending their voices to our cause, said Kate Holman, event manager for the American Cancer Society. Not only did they wear pink throughout the month of October, but they raised awareness about breast cancer issues and made a huge commitment to raise funds to help save more lives."

No one should have to face a breast cancer diagnosis alone, said Ober. Thats why I joined the American Cancer Society in support of their lifesaving work by becoming a candidate in the Real Men Wear Pink campaign. This is a cause I am personally connected to as my wife is a survivor. Im looking forward to raising the stakes for next year.

In addition to Ober, the 2016 Real Men Wear Pink candidates were: Kent Forney - NAMC, Scott Morgan - KZCO, Matt Olson - Stifel, Brad Meyer  Peoples Health Center, Ric Stoakes - UNICO, Tim Clare  Rembolt Ludtke, Dr. Derrick Anderson  Peoples Health Center, Josh Midgett  Integrated Life Choices, Joe Armstrong  Cowboy Chicken, Ken Koop, Jr.  Morgan Stanley, Dr. Royce Mueller  ENT Specialities, Derrick Eells - TenDot, Joel Friesen  Five Nines, Justin Jones  Southern Hospitality Ventures, Jay Wilkinson - Firespring, Brent Friehauf  Seim Johnson, Dan Klaus  Remboldt Ludtke, Corey Spreeman  New York Life, Travis Koenig  New York Life, Jeff Eells  ClassBundl, and Randall Jantzen  American Cancer Society.

An estimated 246,660 women in the United States will be diagnosed with breast cancer and an estimated 40,450 will die from the disease this year. In Nebraska, 1,480 women will be diagnosed this year and 210 will die from the disease. Breast cancer is the second-leading cause of cancer death in women, and it is the most common cancer diagnosed in women other than skin cancer.

For free breast cancer information and resources or to donate, visit cancer.org or call 1-800-227-2345.
Andrew Bastawrouss entire life was transformed the day he put on his first pair of glasses at age 12.

The whole world came into focus. I saw leaves for the first time, Id never seen the stars and I quickly went from the bottom of my class to doing very well, Bastawrous, 36, tells PEOPLE.

But Bastawrouss feelings of joy soon transformed to guilt when he left his home in London to visit his parents home country of Egypt.

I became very aware that if I had been born somewhere else, something as simple as a pair of glasses wouldnt have been available to me, he says.

Bastawrous resolved to channel that guilt into something positive by working towards a career where he could help others access the same care that had transformed his life. He made good on this promise with the invention of PEEK vision, an app and clip-on device that can transform any smartphone into a mobile eye clinic.

Of the estimated 285 million people who are visually impaired around the world, 90 percent live in low-income settings, while 80 percent of cases could be cured or prevented, according to the World Health Organization.

The majority of people who are permanently visually impaired shouldnt be. We know how to fix it, Bastawrous says.

The Leeds-trained ophthalmologist realized the need for a cheap and efficient way to identify poor vision while doing a research project in Kenya for his PhD.

I set up 100 eye clinics and most were in places where there were no roads, no electricity and no water, he says. And in the remote places wed get the biggest lines with hundreds of people waiting for us.

I realized I could set up clinics every day for the rest of my life and I would barely scratch the surface of the problem, he continues.

Instead of continuing to build clinics, Bastawrous decided to bring the benefit of a clinic to schools and other healthcare facilities. The PEEK examination kit consists of an easy-to-use eye examination app and a 3D-printed hardware adapter that clips onto a smartphone camera and allows screeners to see inside the eye and detect cataracts, glaucoma and other issues.

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Bastawrous and his team have worked with education and health ministries to train a team of examiners who can do their work in schools, clinics and even travel door to door. Once an eye problem is detected, the patient (or their guardian) is notified of the problem via SMS and their contact information and GPS data is stored.

Were able to track all patients who received treatment and those who havent so we can follow up, he explains.

In its first trial, PEEK vision helped to screen 21,000 students in Kenya in nine days. Screening programs are now being organized for 300,000 more children in the same area of Kenya with similar programs beginning in Botswana, Tanzania and India.

The PEEK team also works to make sure that there is funding in place to ensure that everyone who gets screened can be treated.

In a place like sub-Saharan Africa, the cost of eye surgery is between $30-50  its very low, he says. Half the people in the world who are blind are blind from cataracts and weve known how to treat that for decades.

There are millions of people who are minutes away from low-cost basic treatment that would completely change their lives, he continues.

Bastawrous hopes this model can be implemented around the world. And thanks to a grant from the Rolex Awards for Enterprise, Bastawrous has the funds necessary to build a center of excellence in Kitale, Kenya where medical professionals can come together to learn how to implement the PEEK model.

The aim is to say if you want to run a national program in Europe or in the U.S., go to remote Kenya to learn best practices, he says. We need to change the thinking that Africa needs help. Theres so much ingenuity and knowhow and knowledge there that we can all learn from.




BERLIN (Reuters) - Prime Minister Theresa May on Friday assured her German counterpart that preparations for Britain's exit from the European Union were on schedule, and that the legal process would begin by the end of March next year. "Our work is on track, we do stand ready to trigger Article 50 before the end of March, or by the end of March 2017," she told German Chancellor Angela Merkel during a joint media briefing in Berlin ahead of a bilateral meeting. May's comments follow persistent criticism from opposition lawmakers that the government does not have an exit strategy. There is also the possibility that her plans could be delayed by a legal decision that she must win parliamentary approval before triggering Brexit. The government's appeal against that decision will be heard in early December. "I want to see this as a smooth process, an orderly process, working towards a solution that is in the interests of both the United Kingdom but also in the interests of our European partners too," May said. Merkel said it would not be possible to discuss Brexit in detail during their meeting on Friday as Britain has not yet started the formal process of leaving the bloc. (Writing by William James and Adela Suliman,; editing by Kate Holton)
As Donald Trumps national security adviser, retired Lt. Gen. Michael Flynn will have the Presidents ear on the countrys military and foreign policy affairs, but hes espoused controversial views in the past.

Flynn, the former head of the Defense Intelligence Agency under President Obama, 7 for months, and his appointment marks another clear example of the President-elect rewarding loyalty in his budding administration.

I am pleased that Lieutenant General Michael Flynn will be by my side as we work to defeat radical Islamic terrorism, navigate geopolitical challenges and keep Americans safe at home and abroad, Trump said in a statement Friday. General Flynn is one of the countrys foremost experts on military and intelligence matters and he will be an invaluable asset to me and my administration.

Heres what we know about Flynns worldview.

On the Middle East

Flynn holds hardline views on Islam and the Middle East. Flynn was fired from his post as the head of the Defense Intelligence Agency in late 2014, which he says was because he wanted to identify terrorists as radical Islamists and clearly and forcefully attack their crazy doctrines, he wrote in the New York Post this year. (U.S. officials said he was fired due to poor management.) This year, while promoting his new book, Flynn also wrote in TIME about the need to wage ideological war against radical Islam and its supporters. In the book The Field of Fight, Flynn also writes of the need for the U.S. to form more partnerships with nations in the Middle East and help them defeat the violent Islamists within their borders.

Flynn has been criticized for some of his rhetoric surrounding the topic, including a February tweet which said, Fear of Muslims is RATIONAL.

Fear of Muslims is RATIONAL: please forward this to others: the truth fears no questions https://t.co/NLIfKFD9lU  General Flynn (@GenFlynn) February 27, 2016

On Russia

Flynn has come under similar fire as Trump for apparent coziness with Russian President Vladimir Putin. His Russian policy aligns with Trumps oft-stated view, Wouldnt it be nice if we got along with Russia? The Washington Post reports that Flynn acknowledged being paid to give a speech and attend an anniversary party for the Kremlin-backed RT television network in Moscow last year. He was seated next to Putin at the party.

Story continues

On Turkey

Flynn wrote an op-ed in The Hill in November arguing the Obama administration isnt doing enough to support Turkey, a U.S. and NATO ally whose relationship with the United States has been worsening. Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan wants the U.S. to hand over Fethullah Gulen, a Pennsylvania-based religious leader accused of backing the Turkeys failed military coup this year, and Flynn thinks the President should. We need to adjust our foreign policy to recognize Turkey as a priority, Flynn wrote. We need to see the world from Turkeys perspective. What would we have done if right after 9/11 we heard the news that Osama bin Laden lives in a nice villa at a Turkish resort while running 160 charter schools funded by the Turkish taxpayers? We should not provide [Gulen] safe haven.

On abortion

Over the summer when Flynn was being considered for Trumps running mate, he broke with Republican anti-abortion orthodoxy on abortion during a television interview. Abortion, I think its a thing for women, he said on ABC in July. I think women have to be able to choose what they  you know, that  the  sort of the right of choice. But I think that thats a  thats a difficult legal decision that  and I think that women are so important in that  in that decision-making process.  They are the ones that have to make the decision because theyre the one thats  ones that are going to decide to bring up that child or not.

On same-sex marriage

In the same ABC interview Flynn, a registered Democrat, seemed to support same-sex marriage, or at least agree with settled law on the matter. What people do in their private lives, Im not  these are not big issues that our countrys dealing with that are  that will cause our country to collapse, he said.
Retired Lt. Gen. Michael Flynn talks to media as he arrives at Trump Tower, Nov. 17, 2016, in New York. (Photo: Carolyn Kaster/AP)

Retired Lt. Gen. Michael Flynn, who has reportedly been offered the role of national security adviser in Donald Trumps White House, began receiving classified national security briefings last summer while he was also running a private consulting firm that offered all-source intelligence support to international clients.

Flynns relationship with his overseas clients is coming in for new scrutiny amid recent disclosures that two months ago, during the height of the presidential campaign, his consulting firm, the Flynn Intel Group, registered to lobby for a Dutch company owned by a wealthy Turkish businessman close to President Recep Tayyip Erdogan of Turkey.

Robert Kelley, the chief counsel to the Flynn Intel Group, read a statement from Flynn to Yahoo News on Thursday, promising that if I return to government service, my relationship with my company will be severed, in accordance with the policy announced by President-elect Trump.

But critics today dismissed Flynns pledge as Too little, too late, given that he began sitting in on U.S. intelligence briefings for Trump in August while working for foreign clients. Classified national security briefings are by tradition provided to the major presidential candidates and their top aides.

This is profoundly troubling and should be disqualifying, said Norm Eisen, who served as President Obamas ethics adviser and later as an ambassador to the Czech Republic. He predicted that if Flynn is named as Trumps national security adviser, there will be wholesale resignations of national security professionals, and I believe some have already drafted their resignation letters.

On Wednesday, the White House press secretary, Josh Earnest, said that President Obama had authorized that the Presidents Daily Brief (PDB) materials also be provided to Trump, Vice President-elect Mike Pence and designated members of Trumps transition team. The PDB comprises some of the most sensitive intelligence in the U.S. government, beyond the national security briefings Trump received as the Republican nominee.

Story continues

But White House officials declined to say Thursday whether Flynn  an executive member of the Trump transition team and his chief foreign policy adviser during the campaign  was among those so designated. Flynn was not in attendance on Tuesday when Trump received his first PDB briefing at Trump Tower, according to a source familiar with the matter. Trump transition officials did not respond to requests for comment.

Donald Trump, left, jokes with retired Gen. Michael Flynn at a rally at Grand Junction Regional Airport on Oct. 18, 2016, in Grand Junction, Colo. (Photo: George Frey/Getty Images)

The criticism of Flynn over his overseas clients came on a day that the Trump transition team announced a sweeping new conflict-of-interest policy that will require all members of the transition team to sever their relationships with lobbying clients and, if they join the administration, forswear lobbying for five years after ending their government service. It does not apply to past lobbying contracts. A transition official said that instead of looking backward, the new policy looks forward.

But according to a copy of a Memorandum of Understanding signed on Election Day, and released today by House Democrats, the Trump transition team, as a condition of receiving government briefing materials, was required to provide a statement to White House chief of staff Denis McDonough last week that all designated members of the transition team had disclosed their financial interests and did not have any conflicts of interest.

A Trump transition spokesman did not respond to questions about whether Flynn had made such disclosures. But Rep. Elijah Cummings, the ranking Democrat on the House Oversight and Government Reform Committee, said the terms of the memorandum raise questions about whether Flynn is even eligible to continue to receive national security briefings at this point.

The full extent of Flynns overseas business is unclear. In the statement released by his lawyer, Flynn said only that his firm  which he described as a private business intelligence company  has unnamed international and domestic clients. In a brief telephone interview, Kelley, a former Capitol Hill staffer, declined to specify the issues for which the firm was hired to lobby Congress on behalf of Innova BV, a firm based in Holland and owned by the Turkish businessman, Ekim Alptekin. The lobbying disclosure statement filed with the secretary of the Senate on Sept. 30 states only that Flynns firm will advise client on U.S. domestic and foreign policy and congressional appropriations bills for the State Department.

Alptekin, according to his LinkedIn profile, serves as chairman of the Turkish American Business Council, is the founder and president of EA Havacilik, an aerospace firm based in Istanbul, and is commercially active in the real estate and defense industries through multiple other companies. He also serves as a member of Turkeys Foreign Economic Relations Board and, in that role, helped coordinate Erdogans visit to the United States earlier this year, according to the Daily Caller, which first reported Flynns lobbying contract.

Russian President Vladimir Putin, center right, with retired U.S. Lt. Gen. Michael T. Flynn, center left, and Serbian filmmaker Emir Kusturica, obscured, second right, attend an exhibition marking the 10th anniversary of RT (Russia Today), the 24-hour English-language TV news channel in Moscow, on Dec. 10, 2015. (Photo: Mikhail Klimentyev/Sputnik, Kremlin Pool Photo via AP)

Without disclosing his lobbying relationship with the Turkish-owned firm, Flynn published an op-ed in the newspaper the Hill on Election Day, in which he advanced the No. 1 cause of Erdogans government: advocating the extradition of Fethullah Gulen, a Turkish exile living in Pennsylvania whom Erdogan has blamed for instigating the failed military coup against his government last summer.

In the op-ed, which ran under the headline Our ally Turkey is in crisis and needs our support, Flynn described Gulen as a shady Islamic mullah, who runs a vast global network [that] has all the right markings to fit the description of a dangerous sleeper network. From Turkeys point of view, Washington is harboring Turkeys Osama bin Laden.

This is the not the first time questions have been raised about Flynns overseas ties. Last December, Flynn, who served as director of the Defense Intelligence Agency from 2012 until 2014, flew to Moscow to participate in the 10th anniversary of RT, the Russian government propaganda network. He gave an interview to one of its anchors and attended a gala dinner where he sat at the same table as Russian President Vladimir Putin.

In a testy exchange with Yahoo News during the Republican Convention in Cleveland in July, Flynn acknowledged that he was paid through his speakers bureau to attend the RT event, but he declined to say how much.

What was striking, according to ethics experts, is that given his overseas consulting business, Flynn began sitting in on classified intelligence briefings with Trump last summer. Flynn was reportedly so assertive during the initial briefing in August, peppering the briefers with rapid-fire questions, that Trumps adviser Gov. Chris Christie of New Jersey, who also attended the briefing, was prompted to try to calm him down by placing a hand on his arm.

Danielle Brian, executive director of the Project on Government Oversight, an outside watchdog group, said that she finds it deeply disturbing that Flynn attended these briefings at a time that he was representing foreign clients with interests before the U.S. government. Its exactly the kind of foreign entanglements our laws are designed to prevent, she said.

One retired military officer who has advised both Republican and Democratic presidents said of the allegations about Flynn: If this is true, its a disqualifying conflict of interest  if not by ethics laws, certainly in the spirit of conflict of interest, not to mention security regulations. We should be deeply concerned about his ethical judgment, but more specifically how can he possibly provide unbiased advice to the POTUS about Turkey and Russia, when hes taken money from both.


Shares of Microsoft Corporation MSFT have been steadily scaling higher grounds over the last one year. The stock generated a return of 9.30% compared with the S&P 500 index's 7.01%.

The upside in the stock price of Microsoft was primarily driven by strong cloud growth. The continuing enterprise strength, benefits from the Office 365 subscription model, strong growth prospects of Azure and promising new products will continue to generate top-line growth in 2016.

Meanwhile, Microsoft recently announced that it has made its largest purchase of wind energy to date to power its data centers in the U.S. The company will utilize power from three wind farms. While two farms of Allianz Risk Transfer AG will provide 178 megawatts of wind power, another farm owned by Black Hills Corporation will supply Microsoft with 59 megawatts of clean energy.

MICROSOFT CORP Price

MICROSOFT CORP Price | MICROSOFT CORP Quote

Why this Move?

Cloud computing is gradually gaining traction among the masses, given the convenience and security features it provides to the end user. As per an IDC report, global public cloud services spending is estimated to reach $195 billion by 2020 at a CAGR of 20.4%.

To operate a cloud infrastructure, data centers are required that in turn require a steady and unwavering power supply to function properly. Given the growing demand for cloud, demand for datacenters and power is likely to increase in the future. To meet the power requirements many major cloud players are turning to renewable sources of energy and Microsoft is no different.

Microsoft intends to achieve a 44% dependency on renewable energy for its power requirements by the end of 2016. Similarly, Amazon.com, Inc.s AMZN Amazon Web Services has plans to achieve a 40% dependency on renewable energy by the end of 2016. Alphabet Inc. GOOGL owned Google is also working on similar lines and currently uses renewable energy for 35% of its datacenters.

Story continues

We note that dependence on renewable resources to cut down on operating costs is just another way to be more competitive and profitable and Microsofts decision to do so augurs well for the company in the long run.

Zacks Rank & Key Picks

At present, Microsoft has a Zacks Rank #3 (Hold).

A better-ranked stock in the broader technology space is Konami Holdings Corporation KNMCY, sporting a Zacks Rank #1 (Strong Buy). You can see the complete list of todays Zacks #1 Rank stocks here.

Notably, the consensus estimate for Konami Holdings current year improved to $1.59 from $1.39 over the last 30 days.

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Donald Trump, left, jokes with retired Gen. Michael Flynn at a rally at Grand Junction Regional Airport on Oct. 18, 2016, in Grand Junction, Colo. (Photo: George Frey/Getty Images)

On Friday, President-elect Donald Trumps office announced that retired Lt. Gen. Mike Flynn had accepted his offer to serve as national security adviser. Flynn served as the chief of the Defense Intelligence Agency, but was supposedly forced to step down because of his controversial views and a contentious relationship with the White House and other senior officials. Such opinions were not the only contentious aspects of his tenure. As reported by the Daily Beast, a DIA presentation in 2013 urged the agencys female employees to apply makeup to appear more attractive, wear clothes to accentuate ones features, and encouraged high heels.

The documents accompanying the presentation in January 2013, which Susan Strednansky, public affairs officer at the DIA, described as informal, were obtained by MuckRock in 2013 through a Freedom of Information request. While the briefing was addressed to both genders, men were instructed that dark suits appear more authoritative in the workplace and suspenders = elegance, while women were told to straddle the line between the Plain Jane look and items that highlight the positive/disguise the negative and do not stand out as flamboyant, gaudy, attention-drawing.

Slide titles included Dress considerations for women, Body size and shape considerations, and What not to wear. Some suggestions for women included paying attention to trends and adapting the latest look to an individuals figure and personality, avoiding tight-fitting clothing and items that were too big/too small, shunning certain fabrics, and so on. The presentation also noted that open-toe shoes are no longer a faux-pas as long as worn with suit pants or skirt and that low to moderate heels were recommended.





As for makeup tips, the presentation suggested that the Plain Jane look could be avoided by finding a perfect product balance. The line was that coordinated makeup communicates that an individual is moving assertively toward identified goals, but that too much makeup can distract from a professional look. The document noted that makeup helps women look more attractive.

Story continues

Im not going to deny that it exists, and it was bad. It was inappropriate for sure, Strednansky, the public affairs officer at the DIA, said at the time. Neither the agency nor the leadership has condoned anything that was in that briefing.

In a memo to employees that was also obtained by MuckRock, which responded to the presentation, Flynn apologized for the unnecessary and serious distraction the highly offensive briefing had caused. He added that the intention was pure of heart and intended to help but even smart people do dumb things sometimes. That said, no one is going to be taken to the wood shed over this. Theyll require some counseling (to be sure) on what it means to think before you act.

Throughout the election, Flynn served as a surrogate for Trump and defended his behavior as evidenced in the leaked Billy Bush tape, and after many women came forward to accuse of Trump of unwanted advances and sexual assault. Flynn also called former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton really stupid for introducing into the news cycle former Miss Universe Alicia Machado, whom Trump had called Miss Piggy and Miss Housekeeping.

Lets keep in touch! Follow Yahoo Beauty on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and Pinterest.




Amanda Francis of Lincoln has earned a $2,500 Whitmer Early Childhood Education Scholarship. Francis is a senior in the University of Nebraska-Lincoln's College of Education and Human Sciences. Mae Whitmer of Lincoln recently established the Bill and Mae Whitmer Early Childhood Education Scholarship Fund as a permanently endowed fund at the University of Nebraska Foundation. The scholarship was created in memory of her husband, a Nebraska alumnus and the former owner of ABC Electric of Lincoln, who died in 2012.
Trump protests

Thousands of people took to the streets in the weeks after the election, outraged that Donald Trump is the new president-elect.

Over 4 million signed a petition to encourage the Electoral College to make Hillary Clinton president instead, partly because she won the popular vote.

The electors will gather at their state capitols on December 19, and vote to formally make Trump the 45th president.

With so many citizens calling on the Electoral College to choose Clinton, and some electors even saying they will switch their votes, could it happen?

How does the electoral vote stand right now?

Each state has an elector for every congressperson they have, plus D.C. gets three, resulting in 538 people in today's Electoral College.

Trump won the popular vote in 30 states, plus one of Maine's districts (which, along with Nebraska, splits up its electors by district), giving him 306 electoral votes.

While Clinton won over 1.3 million more votes than he did overall because she carried population-heavy states like California and New York, she only won the popular vote in 19 states plus D.C.  giving her 232 electoral votes.

final 2016 electoral map

How would electing Clinton work?

Members of the Electoral College who decide to go against their state laws or party rules telling them who to vote for are quite ominously called "faithless electors."

They're pretty rare in modern political history. Thomas H. Neale, an expert in American government and the electoral college for the Congressional Research Service, found that only eight electors have been faithless since 1900.

Only electors from the party that won the popular vote get to cast their ballots in December, so only Republican electors will vote in the states that Trump won, and only Democratic electors in the states Clinton carried.

That means Clinton would need 38 electors to vote for her instead. As Neale told Business Insider: "That would require a lot of electors to change their mind."

Story continues

What are the chances of it actually happening?

electoral college

Several barriers are in place preventing electors from turning "faithless."

First, Neale said, 30 states plus D.C. have laws on the books "binding" their electors to vote for the candidate who won the state's popular vote. Punishments for becoming a faithless elector range from paying a fine to being replaced with an elector who will follow the rules.

Trump has 155 unbound electoral votes, so there are technically enough electors who could decide to vote for Clinton and wouldn't get punished legally for it.

Second, electors are usually selected by the political parties in each state, Neale said. Because 306 electors voting in December will be Republicans, the petitioners encouraging them to vote for Clinton instead would have to convince them to abandon their party.

"The important point here to realize is these are all party loyalists, and they are pretty carefully vetted," Neale said. "Part of that is because there have been the occasional faithless electors in the past who have been an embarrassment to the party, and they want to make sure they avoid it."

A few electors have spoken out about voting for someone other than Trump, including Christopher Suprun from Texas. (The state doesn't have a law to punish faithless electors.)

"I am asked to cast a vote on Dec. 19 for someone who shows daily he is not qualified for the office," he wrote in a New York Times op-ed December 5. "The election of the next president is not yet a done deal. Electors of conscience can still do the right thing for the good of the country."

But unfortunately for Clinton, Suprun and other faithless electors (some call it being "moral") have said they plan to write in Ohio Gov. John Kasich, former Republican presidential candidate Mitt Romney, or Sen. Bernie Sanders' name. For his part, Kasich released a statement December 6 urging electors not to vote for him:

Gov. John Kasich statement on the recent news about the upcoming Electoral College meeting: pic.twitter.com/dm9yOfBqwF  John Kasich (@JohnKasich) December 6, 2016

Even if they do turn faithless, members of Congress can formally protest elector votes, and have them thrown out, when they officially count the ballots in a joint session on January 6, 2017.

"One of my legal colleagues suggests that the joint session is the 'break glass in case of emergency'  it's the last line of defense against an election that may have been corrupted in some way," Neale said.

Finally, history isn't on Clinton's side.

"The argument can always be made that, 'Well, Sec. Clinton won the popular election and therefore she should win the presidency.' This is the core argument of the direct popular election reform movement to eliminate the electoral college," Neale said. "But that argument has been raised time and time again, and Congress hasn't acted on this proposal since 1979."

Plus, the few times faithless electors have gone against their party's nominee, they've never swung an election.

NOW WATCH: Turns out a presidential candidate could win the election with just 22% of the popular vote





More From Business Insider


By Xan Holston ST. PAUL, Minn. (Reuters) - A Minnesota police officer charged in the shooting death of a black motorist that received national attention after part of the incident was broadcast on the internet made his first court appearance on Friday, but did not enter a plea. Jeronimo Yanez, 28, a police officer in St. Anthony, Minnesota, did not enter a plea at the brief hearing and waived the reading of charges, the most serious of which is one count of second-degree manslaughter. Yanez shot and killed Philando Castile, 32, in Falcon Heights, a St. Paul suburb, during a traffic stop in July. Ramsey County Judge Mark Ireland released Yanez on his own recognizance and ordered him to appear back in court for a Dec. 19 hearing, at which he is expected to enter a plea. The Minnesota Police and Peace Officers Association has said it expects Yanez to plead not guilty. On Wednesday, Ramsey County Attorney John Choi announced the charges against Yanez, saying his use of deadly force was not justified. The traffic stop turned chaotic after Castile calmly told Yanez he was legally carrying a firearm and that he was not reaching for it, Choi said. Yanez claimed he thought Castile was reaching for the weapon before he fired seven shots into Castile, Choi said. Starting about 40 seconds after the shooting, Castile's girlfriend, Diamond Reynolds, who was sitting in the vehicle's passenger seat, streamed images of a bloody Castile on Facebook Live, and the recording went viral on social media. Following the hearing Yanez was whisked from the courtroom, leaving from a back door and avoiding media. Yanez's attorney, Tom Kelly, declined to comment as he left the courthouse. Philando Castile's cousin, Nakia Wilson, said afterward that she was disappointed with his release. "They've put trust in him to come back," she said. "I'm saddened ... I'm still feeling a lot of emotions." "Just looking him in the face - the man who shot my cousin," Wilson said. Yanez is also charged with two felony counts of dangerous discharge of a firearm that endangered the safety of Reynolds and her four-year-old daughter, who was in the car at the time of the shooting. Before Yanez, no officer had been charged in more than 150 police-involved deaths in Minnesota since 2000, according to Minnesota House Rep. Raymond Dehn. If found guilty of the manslaughter charge, Yanez could be sentenced to nearly five years in prison. (Writing by Rory Carroll; editing by Dan Whitcomb, G Crosee)
This article originally appeared on EW.

Miranda Lambert may have named her sixth studio album The Weight of These Wings, but shes never been the kind of girl who claimed to wear a halo. Sprung from the unlikely launchpad of a second-tier TV talent show called Nashville Star circa 2003, the Longview, Tex., native offered country music the walking contradiction it didnt know it needed: a six-string rebel capable of writing massive mainstream hits; a dimpled, blond kewpie doll with a gas can in her hand and a fresh box of matches in her back pocket. (Even the titles of her first three releasesKerosene, Crazy Ex-Girlfriend, Revolutionsounded like fire hazards.)

For more than a decade the hit singles and gold trophies rolled in, and the klieg-light blast that came with her 2011 marriage to Blake Shelton imbued them both with fresh power-couple luster: the Brangelina of down-home Oklahoma. Then came their now-infamous 2015 split, and an ugly tabloid echo chamber to gleefully document the wreckage in real time.

Watch Miranda Lamberts Throwback to Her Nashville Star Audition

But D-I-V-O-R-C-E, of course, is exactly the kind of emotional cannon fodder that immortal country songs are made of. And Weights double-album length is a gold mine for anyone looking to know exactly where the exMrs. Sheltons head is at. I carry them around with me, I dont mind havin scars/Happiness aint prison but theres freedom in a broken heart, she sings plaintively on the thrumming, expansive opener Runnin Just in Case. Taken together, these 24 songsnotably free of slick production and special guestsdo feel like a sort of emotional jailbreak, restless open-road anthems and raw-nerved confessionals written by a woman with her hands on the wheel and no particular desire for a steady plus-one in the passenger seat. There may or may not be bourbon in her Big Gulp cup; if some of those late-night pit stops and detours lead to bad choices, shell own them.

In a lot of ways Weight lines right up with Nashvilles recent small-batch bid for renewed authenticitya bro-country course corrective spearheaded by lauded outlaw revivalists like Sturgill Simpson and Chris Stapleton. But the major players in that movement have mostly been men, beardy and reverent and nowhere near Lamberts level of fame. Though her star power here is undiminished, the album feels looser and more vulnerable than her earlier work, sometimes even surprisingly subdued. But the melodies, once they start to dig their hooks in, sound as if theyve always been thereespecially on early standouts like Pink Sunglasses, a swaggering celebration of the power of plasticpositive plastic; jangly jukebox ramble Highway Vagabond; and sly last-call stomper Ugly Lights. Even as Lamberts stylistic reach swerves from hip-cocked honky-tonk to delicate back-porch balladry, nearly every track has at least one line that should find immortality on a throw pillow or a tombstone.

Double albums often run the risk of offering too much; that 22nd bite of pie never tastes quite as sweet as the first five. And more than a few songs here could probably sneak out the back door without being overly missed. Theres something pleasingly organic, though, in Weights cohesiveness; it asks for patience and rewards it, weaving true tales of regret and resilience into one fiercely honest, gloriously flawed whole. Bless this mess.

GRADE: A-

KEY TRACKS

Vice: The lead singles rueful love letter to wrong turns and misdemeanors

Highway Vagabond: A near-perfect wanderlust anthem

Pushin Time: A lovely heartbreaker of a ballad

Ugly Lights: Every barflys best nightmare




This week at the 2016 Los Angeles Auto Show, Mitsubishi unveiled a futuristic, racy-looking eX Concept compact SUV that features a profile inspired by what the Japanese automaker calls shooting brakes. This new electric vehicle (EV) concept also heralds a more sophisticated and longer-range next-generation EV system from Mitsubishi Motors.



The aerodynamic, sporty pure electric crossover features flowing lines, a low-slung roof with swept-back blackened window treatments combined with a hatchback SUV on big wheels. The Concepts front end reflects Mitsubishis current Dynamic Shield design interpretation and also foreshadows the companys product direction that will focus on electrification and crossovers, according to a Mitsubishi official.





Mitsubishi eX Concept side profile photo

The Mitsubishi eX Concepts electric system includes a new battery with improved energy levels and a better driving range of 400 km (248.5 miles) before needing to be recharged, according to the automaker. A new Twin Motor 4-wheel drive drivetrain delivers 70 kW (94 horsepower) to both front and rear wheels for total output of 140 kW or 188 horsepower.



In addition, advanced autonomous driving systems and safety features will be available in the next-gen eX Concept. For instance, sensors and cameras are set up to automatically select one of three driving modes for various road surface conditions such as gravel, snow, and rain.

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This week at the 2016 Los Angeles Auto Show, Mitsubishi unveiled a futuristic, racy-looking eX Concept compact SUV that features a profile inspired by what the Japanese automaker calls shooting brakes.

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Faced with the possibility that President-elect Donald J. Trump will try to pull the U.S. away from the landmark Paris Climate Agreement, more than 190 countries performed the diplomatic equivalent of subtweeting Trump.

Near the closing of the latest round of U.N. climate talks in Marrakech, Morocco, diplomats agreed to issue a document known as the "Marrakech Action Proclamation." The proclamation makes clear that countries are all in on fighting climate change, regardless of what a Trump administration does.

"Our climate is warming at an alarming and unprecedented rate and we have an urgent duty to respond," the proclamation states.

SEE ALSO: China may leave the U.S. behind on climate change due to Trump

It goes on to say:

Documents like this must be passed by consensus during U.N. climate talks, which means that any objections can scuttle their adoption.

The fact that this made it through, reportedly to cheers from participants and observers, indicates the solidarity among the international community  including representatives of the Obama administration  to move forward with the Paris agreement regardless of what the U.S. does.

In other words, if the U.S. backtracks, it will be walking a lonely road.

The Paris Climate Agreement, which entered force on Nov. 4, set a goal of limiting human-caused global warming to under 2 degrees Celsius, or 3.6 degrees Fahrenheit, above preindustrial levels.

Participants at the COP22 climate conference stage a public show of support for climate negotiations and Paris agreement, on Nov. 18, 2016.

Image: David Keyton/AP

It also sets an aspirational goal that is more stringent, at 1.5 degrees Celsius, or 2.7 degrees Fahrenheit, to more confidently ensure the survival of low-lying island nations vulnerable to sea level rise.

In addition to the proclamation, an alliance of 47 of the countries most vulnerable to climate change, such as Ethiopia and the Marshall Islands, committed to transforming their economies to rely 100 percent on renewable power "as rapidly as possible."

Story continues

Negotiators have been meeting in Marrakech to determine how to implement the agreement, but Trump's election has cast a shadow of uncertainty over much of the meeting.

During the campaign, Trump called climate change a "hoax" and vowed to stop spending money on programs that help vulnerable nations adapt to climate impacts. He also pledged to revive the ailing and pollution-intensive coal sector, and maligned wind turbines for killing birds.

While the world signals its resolve for tackling global warming, American environmental groups are signaling that Trump will be in for a major fight if he tries to roll back global warming policies, such as the EPA's Clean Power Plan that limits emissions from coal-fired power plants.

Global surface temperature departures from average for Oct. 2016.

Image: nasa giss

The Paris Agreement represents the bare minimum of what is necessary to preserve a livable planet. We need more action, not less," said Mary Boeve, executive director of 350.org, in a statement.

"Scientists are very clear that we do not have four years to waste waiting for the United States to come back to the table. Its all of our responsibility to make sure we continue to raise the level of ambition rather than let Trump drag us under the rising seas," Boeve said.

The Marrakech talks have been taking place during the planet's hottest year on record, and at a time when greenhouse gas concentrations are at the highest level in all of human history, and increasing quickly.

BONUS: Ship made a voyage that would not have happened without global warming
The current activities of Boko Haram terrorists have given rise to the assumption that 60 percent of them are not Nigerians, Chief of Army Staff Tukur Buratai said Wednesday.

The comments on the extremist group were made when the lieutenant general was in Maiduguri, the capital city of Borno State, for receiving the Special Representative of the U.N. Secretary-General, Mohammed Ibn Chambas, at the headquarters of the Theatre Command of Operation Lafiya Dole at the Maimalari Cantonment.

Your Excellency, I want to bring to your attention that while the Boko Haram (insurgency) can be said to have started in Nigeria, by and large as at today, I can say that almost 60 percent of the insurgents are from our neighboring countries. You can see that almost all of the recently surrendered insurgents are not Nigerians," Buratai reportedly said.

This is a challenge that impacts more on the Nigerian side than the other countries. But by and large, our military is up to the task and we will continue to do our best to ensure that our country is secured."

Meanwhile, over 1,000 Chadians who are believed to have been fighting for Boko Haram have returned home.

Buratai also said that there was no doubt that the terrorists had been defeated but Nigerian troops would continue with their operations until the insurgents finally surrender.

Boko Haram, which pledged allegiance to the Islamic State group in 2015, has been active in Nigeria since 2009, and in 2015 upped its activities across Nigerias borders in Cameroon, Chad and Niger.

Earlier, Chambas said that his visit was an expression of the U.N.s solidarity with Nigeria in the fight against Boko Haram and efforts to restore peace to the country's northeastern region. He noted that the immediate consequence of the insurgency was the "huge humanitarian crisis" in the northeast and assured that the U.N. had stepped up efforts to address it.

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At the event, children may select their favorite books and meet law enforcement officers from Southeastern Wisconsin and the Racine Fire Department, who will be available to autograph books for children. Books selected as gifts may be gift wrapped at no charge. Children may also have their picture taken with Santa Claus and receive a picture to take home at no charge.
By John Davison NEAR BASHIQA, Iraq (Reuters) - When Kurdish forces began rounding up his relatives and friends, 23-year-old Iraqi Omar Abdallah fled with his pregnant wife and four brothers to Mosul. At the time, life under Islamic State seemed preferable for the Sunni Arab to indefinite detention. That was shortly after the ultra-hardline Sunni group captured large areas of northern Iraq in the summer in 2014, and despite its reputation for brutality, Abdallah says it remained a relatively unknown quantity to his family. Now, Abdallah, Maha and their two infant children have fled again. They huddle in the desert a short distance northeast of Mosul, Iraq's second city, where government forces are fighting to drive out Islamic State in an offensive involving Kurdish fighters and Shi'ite militias. The family is waiting with hundreds of others near the town of Bashiqa to cross a trench dug by Kurdish peshmerga forces who recently drove the jihadists out of the area. "We timed our escape well," Abdallah said, explaining how the family moved from central Mosul to a relative's home on the outskirts after the U.S.-backed campaign to regain Islamic State's stronghold began in earnest last month. [nL8N1DI36C] "When Iraqi forces recaptured the area, we left. Now we just want to go home," he said. But their hometown of Sheikhan is in an area which has been controlled by the autonomous Kurdistan Regional Government since 2003. It lies on the other side of the trench and a long earth wall that the Kurds erected recently to mark their expanded territory - and could become a permanent new boundary. Abdallah and his family are among thousands of Sunni Arabs struggling to find their place in an Iraq whose boundaries are shifting along ethnic lines, even before the anticipated defeat of Islamic State. With Iraq torn by sectarian strife, many Sunni Arabs fleeing Mosul now fear persecution for being perceived to support their fellow Sunnis of Islamic State. Having experienced Islamic State rule for two years, Abdallah denies sympathizing with the group that he calls by its derogatory Arabic name, Daesh. "Living in Mosul, I kept my head down, grew my beard long and worked as a fruit seller. I tried to avoid any contact with members of Daesh," he said. Nevertheless, Kurdish suspicions mean the family has found its way home blocked, at least for the moment. "The peshmerga have searched people here in case there are Daesh fighters hiding among us. We all arrived this morning. They haven't told us when we'll be allowed to cross," he said. Abdallah said one of his brothers had spent 13 months detained without charge by Kurdish authorities on suspicion of supporting Islamic State. "After Daesh, the peshmerga began a crackdown," he said, holding his six-month-old son Ali in the back of their pickup truck. The vehicle was piled with blankets, clothes and what other belongings they managed to salvage when fleeing Mosul. "It's possible I'll be arrested now, especially having lived under Daesh. But that's a risk I'm willing to take to get home," he said. "My parents have never seen their grandchildren. They call every day asking after Ali and Aboudi." GUARDING THE FRONTIER Dozens of families, mostly Sunni Arabs, sat patiently in their cars or on tarpaulins in the dust waiting to cross into Kurdish-held territory. Aid worker David Eubank, who has helped to ferry hundreds of displaced people to camps every night for several days, said they would probably be allowed to cross after dark, and taken to camps or for further security and background checks. Asked how many people had already crossed the narrow, deep trench in recent days, he said: "We're looking at at least 2,600 people so far." A peshmerga fighter standing on the other side did not know at what time the displaced would be allowed to cross. "We've just been told to guard the frontier. In the afternoon we search the families and take down their details," he said. His comrades provided some medical treatment to children, and distributed boxes of food sent by an international aid group. On the Kurdish side, the peshmerga were digging in for a long stay, ferrying drainage pipes on trucks and tractors and flattening out the dirt road that runs the length of the ditch. Abdallah is relieved to have escaped the harsh rule of Islamic State, but remains apprehensive. "In Europe, if a migrant from Syria or Iraq blows himself up in a terrorist attack there is a backlash against all migrants. Here, with the Kurds and Arab Daesh sympathizers, it's the same," he said. REVENGE ATTACKS FEARED Islamic State has carried out atrocities against numerous ethnic and religious groups including Kurds, Shi'ites and Sunnis. Abdallah said a neighbor and a friend had been expelled by Kurdish authorities on allegations of being Islamic State supporters. "I also know people - Arabs - whose homes or villages have been destroyed," he added. Kurdish fighters were recently accused by a human rights group of unlawfully destroying Arab homes in areas they captured from Islamic State between 2014 and May 2016, a charge the Kurdish regional government denies. [nL8N1DE08B] Abdallah said these actions had in some cases driven Sunni Arabs into the arms of Islamic State, which has claimed to be their protector. With Kurdish leaders vowing to hold onto areas the peshmerga have seized from Islamic State and Shi'ite militias also making gains elsewhere, he worries about the future of Mosul. "We're scared that the Shi'ite militias will come into the city, kill men and rape women," he said, echoing Sunni fears of revenge attacks. Shi'ite militias were accused earlier this year of torturing Sunni civilians in areas they had helped to recapture. [nL3N1AS47U] Iraq's government has tried to ease fears of sectarian bloodshed, saying the army and the police will be the only forces allowed to enter Mosul. As they wait, Abdallah and his family face an uncertain future. "Our home is just behind that hill, but we can't get there," his cousin Mohammed said, pointing in the distance. "Sunni Arabs are stuck now," Abdallah said. With no sign they would be crossing before nightfall, the families began to wrap up in coats and woolly hats as the temperature dropped and the sun set over Mosul. (editing by David Stamp)
UFC Fight Night 99 is set following the early weigh-in on Friday in Belfast, Northern Ireland.

Gegard Mousasi and Uriah Hall both hit the mark to make their five-round middleweight main event official. That's the good news.

The bad news is that Dublin's Neil Seery, who had been planning to retire following the event, had his bout canceled. His opponent, Ian McCall, fell ill and was removed from the bout.

In addition to the Seery vs. McCall cancellation, Zak Cummings was 1.8 pounds over the limit for his welterweight bout with Alexander Yakovlev.

TRENDING > Gegard Mousasi on Uriah Hall Rematch: Its Time for Payback

Cummings was fined 20-percent of his show money, which goes to Yakovlev. Their bout will go ahead at a 172-pound catch weight.

UFC Fight Night 99: Mousasi vs. Hall 2 Weigh-in Results

Main Card (on UFC Fight Pass)

Gegard Mousasi (184) vs. Uriah Hall (185)

Ross Pearson (156) vs. Steven Ray (155)

Timothy Johnson (264) vs. Alexander Volkov (249)

Artem Lobov (144) vs. Teruto Ishihara (146)

Prelims (on UFC Fight Pass)

Ian McCall (did not weigh)* vs. Neil Seery (126)

Magnus Cedenblad (185) vs. Jack Marshman (184)

Ali Bagautinov (126) vs. Kyoji Horiguchi (125)

Kevin Lee (155) vs. Magomed Mustafaev (156)

Amanda Cooper (116) vs. Anna Elmose (116)

Mark Godbeer (238) vs. Justin Ledet (240)

Zak Cummings (172.8)** vs. Alexander Yakovlev (171)

Milana Dudieva (135) vs. Marion Reneau (135)

Brett Johns (136) vs. Kwan Ho Kwak (136)

Abdul Razak Alhassan (170) vs. Charlie Ward (169)

*McCall did not weigh in

**Cummings missed weight

(Weights courtesy of MMAJunkie.com)

Follow MMAWeekly.com on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram
A little girl sends a message to Donald Trump. (Photo: Courtesy of Dear President Trump: Letters from Kids About Kindness/Facebook)

In the aftermath of a vicious election, children are writing letters to President-elect Donald Trump imploring him to adopt the values they learned about in elementary school: kindness and compassion.

Molly Spence Sahebjami, a mother from Seattle, asked other parents of young children to write letters addressed to Trump Tower in New York about the importance of being kind to other people, even if theyre different than you are.

She launched a Facebook called Dear President Trump: Letters from Kids About Kindness, in which she asked if any other kids would like to write letters  that are kind in tone and nonpartisan  about how the issue affects the children personally. The parents were encouraged to share photos of the letter on social media with #kidsletterstotrump. They came pouring in.

These kids may not have known much about manufacturing jobs, and NAFTA, and wars, and the other reasons being explained as to why Trump won, Sahebjami told Yahoo News. But they did know they heard Trump say really unkind things about many people  about people in wheelchairs, about women, about overweight people, about brown-skinned people from other countries.

A little boy named Tommy requested that President-elect Trump be kind please. (Photo: Courtesy of Dear President Trump: Letters from Kids About Kindness/Facebook)

She said she had Republican friends and family who were also disturbed by Trumps remarks that were unkind at a basic, human level.

So the idea sprouted to help these kids deal with concern by doing something very American, and positive and productive: writing letters to the president-elect, she said.

It all started when her 5-year-old son Calvin expressed disappointment that the mean man won. She suggested that he could write Trump a letter to help him be kinder.

Sahebjami said she did not include Calvins letter on the Facebook page because she did not want the focus to be on them her family. She described the project as a nonpartisan, global grassroots campaign.

The campaign quickly went viral and was featured in the Washington Post, the Seattle Times and other news sites.

Story continues

Jonah says that if you dont have anything nice to say that you shouldnt say anything at all. (Photo: Courtesy of Dear President Trump: Letters from Kids About Kindness/Facebook)

Sahebjami told Yahoo News that she thinks its caught so much attention because it stands in stark contrast to the unkindness and division thats been seen on both sides of the aisle this past week.

Its a call for positive, American action  to call on our new president-elect of our great country to be kind and show respect. We all need to be more kind and show more respect, she wrote.

Heres what some of the children are saying to Trump:

Dear Mr. President Trump, I would first like to ask that you be nice to everyone, whatever color, race and creed. I got to a Montessori school, where we learn it is very important to respect and be kind to everyone, wrote Helena, an 8th grader from Chicago. She said that the U.S. would be great if the president is kind to everyone.

Hadley, 13, wrote that she hopes Trump can defy her expectations and prove his critics wrong: I hope you can help everyone of every race, not just white men with the same beliefs. I hope that you will maintain everyones rights, and give more rights equally. The country is counting on you.

A little boy made a special request that Trump be nice to people from other countries and to people who are gay, like his moms.

Mr. Trump please be nice to people who have dark skin and people who are immigrants, wrote one little girl, whose mother said she had nightmares all last week.

Annie, 9, said she thinks blocking people from other races isnt a good decision  an apparent reference to Trumps hardline immigration policies  and that she goes to a school where at least 65 percent of the students are not white: Some of my best friends are Mexican and African- American, and I am a white girl.
By Irene Klotz (Reuters) - A multinational crew, including a U.S. astronaut who is the oldest and most experienced woman to fly in space, blasted off from Kazakhstan on Thursday for the International Space Station, where it should arrive in two days, a NASA TV broadcast showed. The Russian Soyuz rocket carrying American Peggy Whitson, Russian cosmonaut Oleg Novitskiy and French astronaut Thomas Pesquet lifted off from the Baikonur Cosmodrome at 3:20 p.m. EST (2020 GMT). Whitson, 56, a biochemist and NASA's former chief astronaut, is making her third trip to the station, a $100 million research laboratory that flies about 250 miles (420 km) above Earth. By the time she returns to Earth in six months, she will have accumulated more time in orbit than any other U.S. astronaut, surpassing the 534-day record set in September by astronaut Jeff Williams. "The most important thing about the station is the friendships and the work we accomplish there," Whitson said during a prelaunch news conference on Wednesday in Kazakhstan. Novitskiy, 45, who is making his second spaceflight, added: "The station is ... a place where we can demonstrate to the entire world that you can have normal relations, where you can work without being distracted by things that don't really matter." Joining the veteran fliers is Pesquet, 38, a rookie astronaut representing the European Space Agency. The crew is due to reach the station at 5:01 p.m. EST (2201 GMT) on Saturday, where it will be greeted by NASA astronaut Shane Kimbrough and Russian flight engineers Sergey Ryzhikov and Andrey Borisenko, who arrived on Oct. 21. The combined crew will be one of the last six-member teams to live on the station for a while. Beginning in March, Russia plans to cut the number of cosmonauts serving on the station to two from three, following delays in launching a new science laboratory. The Multipurpose Laboratory Module is now expected to be launched in 2018. (Reporting by Irene Klotz in Houston; Editing by Letitia Stein and Peter Cooney)
(This November 15 story corrects time period in paragraph 1, death toll in paragraph 9 and edits after official clarification that the figures referred to deaths since October 9) By Antoni Slodkowski YANGON (Reuters) - Sixty-nine members of what Myanmar's government has described as a Rohingya Muslim militant group and 17 members of the security forces have been killed since the start of fighting in western Rakhine State, the army said on Tuesday. The death toll, announced in the state-owned Global New Light of Myanmar daily, demonstrates the scale of the escalation of the conflict since violence erupted a month ago, and came as former United Nations chief Kofi Annan, who chairs a commission on resolving Rakhine's problems, voiced concern at the upsurge in violence. The bloodshed is the most serious since hundreds were killed in communal clashes in Rakhine in 2012. It has exposed the tension between Nobel Peace Prize winner Aung San Suu Kyi's seven-month-old civilian administration and the army, which ruled for decades and retains key powers, including control of ministries responsible for security. "I wish to express my deep concern over the recent violence in northern Rakhine State, which is plunging the state into renewed instability and creating new displacement," said former UN Secretary General Annan in a statement. "All communities must renounce violence and I urge the security services to act in full compliance with the rule of law," he said. Members of the commission, set up by Suu Kyi in August, are in Rakhine for consultations with community members this week. Soldiers have poured into the area along Myanmar's frontier with Bangladesh, responding to coordinated attacks on three border posts on Oct. 9 that killed nine police officers. They have locked down the district, where the vast majority of residents are Rohingya Muslims, shutting out aid workers and independent observers, and conducted sweeps of villages. A series of recent skirmishes and attacks had increased to 69 the tally of suspected Rohingya Muslim attackers killed since Oct. 9, while the security forces' toll stands at 17, according to state-owned media. HUMANITARIAN AID Myanmar's 1.1 million Rohingya Muslims are denied citizenship, with many of the country's majority Buddhists regarding them as illegal immigrants from Bangladesh. The Rohingya face severe restrictions on travel and access to healthcare. Many were dependent on regular nutritional and medical aid long before the outbreak of fighting in October. Top diplomats from the UN, Britain, the United States and several other countries traveled to the area in early November and said the government had agreed to the restoration of humanitarian aid. But only 7,200 people from four villages have received food, while regular aid convoys to the area have not been restored, according to the UN's humanitarian agency. "While this limited access is welcome, thousands of people remain in need of humanitarian assistance with up to 15,000 people displaced in the area of security operations," the UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs said in a statement. "Humanitarian services for more than 150,000 people have now been suspended for more than a month," it said. Residents and rights advocates have accused security forces of summary executions, rapes and setting fire to homes in the recent violence. The government and army reject the accusations, blaming the "violent attackers" for razing houses. Rohingya rights advocates have distributed online video images of what they said were civilian casualties of the attacks, urging the international community to investigate. Authorities have denied independent journalists access to the area, so Reuters has been unable to independently verify either the military accounts or the video clips. (Editing by Clarence Fernandez and Alex Richardson)
By Antoni Slodkowski YANGON (Reuters) - Myanmar's government on Friday rejected accusations by minority Rohingya Muslims that the military has killed residents fleeing the conflict in the northwest of the country, in which at least 86 people have been killed so far and up to 30,000 displaced. Hundreds of Rohingya are trying to escape the military crackdown after a recent escalation in violence in Rakhine State, residents have told Reuters, adding that some of them have been gunned down while attempting to cross the river that marks the frontier with Bangladesh. The information taskforce on Rakhine, formed this week by the office of de facto Myanmar leader and Nobel Peace Prize winner Aung San Suu Kyi, has rejected the allegations against the military, known as the "Tatmadaw" in the Burmese language. "Regarding those incidents, after asking the Tatmadaw and border guard troops in those regions, it is known that the information is absolutely not true," said the State Counsellor Office Information Committee in a Facebook post. The office added that the military and the border guard troops had not conducted operations near the border and were only engaged in an "area clearance operation" in the "inner part" of the state. Soldiers have poured into the north of Rakhine along Myanmar's frontier with Bangladesh, responding to attacks by alleged Muslim militants on border posts on Oct. 9. They have locked down the district, where the vast majority of residents are Rohingya, shutting out aid workers and independent observers. A senior Bangladeshi official said its border guard force on Friday turned back 82 Rohingya Muslims, including women and children, attempting to leave Myanmar. This came after two boats with 86 people were pushed back on Tuesday. Lieutenant Colonel Anwarul Azim, commanding officer of the Border Guard Bangladesh (BGB) in the Cox's Bazar sector said those turned away had been provided with food and medicines. The United Nations stressed the border should be kept open. "It is essential that the border is kept open for people fleeing violence at the moment," said the U.N. refugee agency spokesman, Adrian Edwards, at a briefing in Geneva on Friday. CALLS FOR INVESTIGATION Sixty-nine suspected insurgents and 17 members of the security forces have been killed, according to official reports, since the violence began last month. Residents and rights advocates have accused security forces of summary executions, rape and setting fire to homes. The government and army have rejected the accusations. The U.N. envoy on human rights in Myanmar, Yanghee Lee, criticized Suu Kyi's handling of the crisis and renewed her appeal to investigate the allegations of abuses. "State Counsellor Aung San Suu Kyi has recently stated that the government is responding to the situation based on the principle of the rule of law. Yet I am unaware of any efforts on the part of the government to look into the allegations of human rights violations," Lee said in a statement on Friday. "It would appear, on the contrary, that the government has mostly responded with a blanket denial," said Lee, adding the security forces "must not be given carte blanche to step up their operations". Up to 30,000 people are now estimated to be displaced and thousands more affected by the Oct. 9 attacks and the following security operation, said Pierre Peron, the spokesman of the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) in Myanmar. "This includes as many as 15,000 people who, according to unverified information, may have been displaced after clashes between armed actors and the military on 12-13 November," said Peron. He added that humanitarian operations that had been providing food, cash, and nutrition to more than 150,000 vulnerable people have been suspended for 40 days. More than 3,000 children have not received their regular treatment for severe acute malnutrition (SAM). "Without appropriate treatment and care, many children with SAM are at risk of dying," said Peron. (Story corrects day when Bangladesh turned back 86 Rohingya to Tuesday from Wednesday in paragraph 8; fixes typos in paragraphs 2 & 3) (Additional reporting by Mohammad Nurul Islam in COX'S BAZAR and Stephanie Nebehay in GENEVA; Editing by Alex Richardson)
By Wa Lone and Yimou Lee SITTWE, Myanmar (Reuters) - Ever since deadly attacks by alleged Muslim militants in Myanmar's troubled northwestern Rakhine State, Myint Lwin says he has been unable to sleep at night. As rumors spread of fresh violence, even the sound of dogs barking frightened him. "No one in the village has had enough sleep since last month," said Myint Lwin, an ethnic Rakhine Buddhist from a Muslim-majority village in the north of the state. "We were scared when we heard people shouting and dogs barking in the middle of the night." The 18-year-old motorbike taxi driver is one of 116 civilians to sign up for a new auxiliary police force in Rakhine State, part of the response by authorities to the latest spasm of violence that began with attacks on border police posts that killed nine officers on Oct. 9. Human rights monitors say arming and training non-Muslims will lead to further bloodshed in the divided state, but Myint Lwin sees it as necessary for self-defense. "These Muslims are trying to abuse our Buddhist women and people, so I want to protect our country from them," he told Reuters, wearing his new police uniform with a badge bearing a white star on the shoulder. Sixty-nine suspected insurgents and 17 members of the security forces have been killed, according to official reports since a military crackdown began last month along Myanmar's frontier with Bangladesh. It is the most serious unrest in the state since hundreds were killed in communal clashes between Muslims and ethnic Rakhine Buddhists in 2012. Residents and rights advocates have also accused security forces of killing and raping civilians and setting fire to homes in the area, where the vast majority of residents are Rohingya Muslims. The government of Nobel Peace Prize laureate Aung San Suu Kyi and the army reject the accusations. There have been no reports of insurgent attacks on Buddhist civilians. LOYALTY OATH Chanting an oath of loyalty to the state, the new recruits began an accelerated training program in the state capital Sittwe this week. Mostly Rakhine Buddhists in their early 20s, in 16 weeks they will be deployed guarding border posts in the tense north. The training is two months shorter than the program undertaken by regular police and the recruits did not have to meet the usual entrance criteria such as educational attainment standards and minimum height. Only citizens were eligible, excluding the 1.1 million Rohingyas living in Rakhine State who are denied citizenship in Myanmar, where many regard them as illegal immigrants from Bangladesh. The recruits, who are from across Rakhine, will be given training courses including martial arts, use of weapons and riot control. "The ethnic Rakhine asked the government to protect them in the Muslim-majority region," said Rakhine State police chief Colonel Sein Lwin. "If we have enough police force, we can give more security to them." He said the recruits would help protect residents from what the government has described as a Rohingya Muslim militant group, estimated to be 400-strong, that has been blamed for the Oct. 9 attacks. "These Muslims never follow the laws," Sein Lwin said. "They are trying to seize land and extend their territory in northern Rakhine and kill Rakhine ethnics." The state-run Global New Light of Myanmar reported that apart from the special training for new police recruits, "healthy Rakhine women" and wives of members of the security forces had received military training in January. The auxiliary force will come under the control of the border police. After an 18-month stint on the border, the recruits will be deployed to police stations close to their hometowns. They will be paid 150,000 Kyat ($115) monthly, a salary many recruits said was less than they earned as civilians. "I don't care about salary," said Than Lwin Oo, a 24-year-old waiter from the northern Buthidaung township who failed a college entrance exam - a requirement to join the regular police. "I dislike the Muslim who try to intimidate our country. That is one of the reasons why I want to become a policeman." "RECIPE FOR ABUSES" While officials have said the auxiliary police recruits are not a new "people's militia", like those that fight ethnic insurgencies elsewhere in Myanmar, some observers fear the move will sharpen tensions between the two communities. "This is a recipe for rights abuses against the Rohingya,"said Phil Robertson, deputy director of Human Rights Watch's Asia division. "The Burmese government is foolhardy to think they will be able to control the local recruits operating on a basis of bias against the Rohingya people." Not all the recruits voiced hostility towards Muslims. Kyaw San Win, 29, said he had always wanted to join the police, but had not achieved the level of education usually required. He said his village of 100 houses in northern Rakhine was close to a Muslim settlement of 500 homes. "I have some Muslim friends, they are not bad people, and we have no problems," he said. But many Muslims say the auxiliary program was likely to worsen the distrust and fear between the two communities. "We don't dare to go out on the street. If they found us, they would accuse us of being insurgents," said a Rohingya teacher from northern Rakhine, who asked not to be named because he was afraid of repercussions. In Buddhist Rakhine communities the fear is just as palpable. Some living in the Muslim-majority north said the auxiliary police recruitment comes too little and too late. "The police training is useless," said Kyaw Win from a village where some 1,200 Rohingya houses outnumber the 40 ethnic Rakhine households. He said some 50 Rakhine villagers have fled since fighting escalated in mid-November. He urged the government to reinforce with militias with weapons rather than police. "We don't know what would happen in the future," he said. "We can get killed any time because we are surrounded by Muslims." ($1 = 1,299.0000 kyat) (Editing by Alex Richardson)
Editors of National Geographic Traveler magazine have released their picks for the best destinations of 2017, giving shout-outs to places like Banff, Chengdu, Seoul, Madrid and Georgia, USA.

For their annual Best of the World list, editors chose a total of 21 destinations they deem to be must-see places to visit next year.

The selections fall into three categories: cities, nature and culture.

In the nature category, the magazine shines the spotlight on Kauai, a paradisiac island in Hawaii which has stood in as blockbuster locations for no less than 60 feature films, including the Jurassic Park franchise.



Nature lovers will find renewal in Kauai's towering sea cliffs, cascading waterfalls, mahogany forests and lush living landscapes.



Finland is also singled out for travelers looking for quiet. The country's 40 national parks, 12 wilderness areas, and six national hiking areas are described as sanctuaries for silence-seekers.

The year 2017 will be a big one for the country, as they will celebrate 100 years of independence marked by four nationwide Finnish Nature Days, one for each season.



Similarly, Canada fetes its 150th birthday next year. To experience the best of the country, editors suggest heading to the jewel of Canada, Banff, renowned for its rugged mountain peaks, meadowed valleys and turquoise-blue lakes.



On the flipside, travelers in search of an exciting, city holiday are advised to check out Seoul, which can make even the most hardened urbanite feel like a country bumpkin.



With a population of 25 million for the Greater Seoul area, the city pulses with humanity, palaces, markets, high-rises, restaurants and fashionistas.



And for its legendary, unparalleled cuisine Sichuan cuisine, Chengdu, China made the cut in the culture category.

A UNESCO-designated City of Gastronomy, the region is known for dishes like tea-smoked duck, ma po tofu, hot pot, twice-cooked pork and kung pao chicken.



The online hub features additional details such as travel tips for each locale and 360 videos.

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Here are Nat Geo Traveler's picks for the best destinations of 2017 in alphabetical order:

Anchorage, Alaska, USA

Baja California National Marine Parks, Mexico

Banff, Alberta, Canada

Canton Uri, Switzerland

Cartagena, Colombia

Central India's National Parks

Chengdu, China

Cradle of Humankind, South Africa

Ecuador's Cloud Forests

Finland

Georgia, USA

Guadeloupe Islands

Hamburg, Germany

Kauai, Hawaii, USA

Madrid, Spain

Malta

Marrakech, Morocco

Moscow, Russia

Papua New Guinea

Seoul, Korea

Via Dinarica, Western Balkans
WATERFORD  A Waterford man was arrested Wednesday after reportedly attempting to dine and dash at a Waterford restaurant.

Robin J. Grainger, 56, of the 31400 block of Hickory Hollow Road, rang up a $104.11 bill for dinner and drinks at the Cotton Exchange, 345 Hickory Hollow Rd., around 11:04 p.m., according to the criminal complaint.

After the meal, Grainger allegedly left without paying and was located by Waterford Police at Dizzys, 201 1st St. The suspect appeared to be intoxicated.

Grainger reportedly told police that he had a bill at the Cotton Exchange and said he only needed a PIN number though he did not have a credit or debit card on him. The suspect added that he was going to pay the bill but his ride was leaving so he left with his ride, the complaint said.

According to the complaint, Grainger told the officer that only the Racine County Sheriffs Office could do anything to him. Soon after, Grainger was arrested by the officer.

Grainger faces two misdemeanor charges for fraud on an innkeeper and disorderly conduct. He is scheduled for a pre-trial conference at 3:15 p.m. Jan. 5 at the Racine County Law Enforcement Center, 717 Wisconsin Ave.

Grainger remained in custody as of Thursday at the Racine County Jail, online records showed.
Brussels (AFP) - NATO chief Jens Stoltenberg on Friday voiced confidence that Donald Trump was committed to the transatlantic alliance, which has stood the test of time for both the United States and Europe.

"I am absolutely confident President-elect Trump will maintain America's strong commitment to European security and to NATO," Stoltenberg told AFP in an interview in Brussels.

"That is in the interests of both Europe and the United States," he said, with the disasters of two World Wars and the Cold War showing how inter-connected both sides' security was.

The only time NATO's Article 5 "all for one, one for all," collective defence guarantee had been invoked was after the 9/11 terror attacks on the United States, he recalled.

Stoltenberg said he expected Trump to continue to press NATO allies to increase defence spending, just as previous US presidents had, and this was fully justified.

Washington accounts for nearly 70 percent of the NATO allies combined defence outlays and has long demanded they do more.

Trump caused consternation on the campaign trail when he suggested Washington might think twice about coming to the defence of an ally if it had not paid its NATO dues.

NATO announced later Friday that Stoltenberg had had a "good talk" with Trump on the alliance's future.

He had thanked him in particular for raising the issue of defence spending, a "top priority" for the secretary general since he took office in 2014, it said in a statement.

"The two leaders agreed that progress has been made on fairer burden-sharing but that there is more to do," it added.

- 'Russia cannot be isolated' -

Trump's more positive approach to President Vladimir Putin also rattled allies who at a July Warsaw summit had endorsed NATO's biggest military build-up since the end of the Cold War to counter a more assertive Russia.

Stoltenberg said he did not see an issue.

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"What I have heard is that he has conveyed a message about also talking to the Russians. At our Warsaw summit, we made decisions on strong defence but also on political dialogue" with Moscow, he said.

"Russia is our biggest neighbour, Russia is here to stay; there is no way we can isolate Russia so we have to continue to strive for a more constructive relationship with Russia."

Pundits in Europe largely took Trump's campaign comments at face value, wondering if the new president was about to ditch Washington's 70-year security guarantee for Europe in favour of a more isolationist, "America First," policy.

Since his stunning upset election victory, opinion has veered sharply, with some believing the demands of office will prove a reality wake-up call while others argue Trump meant what he said.

- Turkey a 'key ally' -

Stoltenberg also confirmed that several Turkish officers posted to NATO commands had sought asylum after a bloody failed coup in July sparked a massive crackdown and purge.

NATO and its European allies have stressed Ankara has the right to prosecute the coup plotters but say it must do so while respecting the shared democratic values the alliance is meant to uphold.

Turkish President President Recep Tayyip Erdogan has chafed at the criticism, saying the allies do not fully appreciate the threat posed by the coup.

"Turkey is a key ally, is a highly valued ally ... and plays an important role in the alliance not least because of its strategic location," Stoltenberg said.

He said he had visited Turkey shortly after the coup and seen the damage inflicted on the parliament building by F16 fighter jets in an assault on democracy.

The Turkish authorities have the right to track down those responsible but "it is important that this is done ... in accordance with the rule of law," he said.

Stoltenberg said he was going back to Turkey on Sunday to attend a meeting of the NATO parliamentary assembly which brings together member state MPs.

"I expect an open debate," he said.
Brussels (AFP) - NATO chief Jens Stoltenberg said Friday he had had a positive talk with US President-elect Donald Trump on the future of the US-led alliance, amid concerns in Europe about Washington's commitment.

"Good talk with US President-elect realDonaldTrump. We both underlined the enduring importance of NATO and increased defence spending," Stoltenberg tweeted.

Trump caused consternation among NATO allies in Europe during the election campaign when he suggested Washington might think twice about coming to the rescue of an ally under threat if it had not paid its NATO dues.

Favourable comments about President Vladimir Putin added to concerns of a major policy switch just as NATO mounted its biggest military build-up since the end of the Cold War to counter a more assertive Russia.

A NATO statement said Stoltenberg spoke by phone with Trump, congratulating him on his election victory and looking forward to working with his national security team.

The two men "discussed how NATO is adapting to the new security environment, including to counter the threat of terrorism," it said.

Stoltenberg thanked Trump for "raising the issue of defence spending during the campaign, which has been a top priority for the secretary general since his appointment in 2014".

"The two leaders agreed that progress has been made on fairer burden-sharing but that there is more to do," it added.
President-elect Donald Trump (Photo: CBS via Getty Images)

During his history-making 2016 campaign, Donald Trump took heat for suggesting that he would not automatically enforce Americas longstanding commitment to coming to the aid of NATO allies if they were attacked. Trump warned that his administration might not help countries that had not met an alliance-wide pledge to spend at least 2 percent of gross domestic product on defense. The brash entrepreneur at one point also called NATO obsolete.

Since Election Day, President-elect Trump has not publicly repeated those comments, which had alarmed national security experts and professionals of both parties.

And NATO Secretary-General Jens Stoltenberg now says that the new president assured him by telephone Friday of his commitment to the alliance conceived to protect Europe from potential aggression by Moscow.

The president-elect and the secretary-general both underlined NATOs enduring importance, and discussed how NATO is adapting to the new security environment, including to counter the threat of terrorism, according to a NATO summary of their conversation. The Trump transition team did not return an email seeking its version of the back-and-forth.

Stoltenberg congratulated Trump on his victory over Hillary Clinton and said that he was looking forward to working with him and his national security team  and even threw in a nod to the new presidents repeated demands that other NATO countries spend more on their militaries.

The secretary-general thanked Trump for raising the issue of defense spending during the campaign, which has been a top priority for the secretary-general since his appointment in 2014. The two leaders agreed that progress has been made on fairer burden-sharing, but that there is more to do.

And Stoltenberg also said he looked forward to welcoming Trump to the annual NATO summit, to be held next year in Brussels.

In the 10 days since the election, President Obama has repeatedly tried to reassure NATO that Trumps America wont walk away from its treaty commitments.

Story continues

In a Nov. 14 press conference, on the eve of his ongoing trip to Europe and Peru, Obama even took on the role of de facto Trump spokesman while describing their Nov. 10 meeting in the Oval Office.

He expressed a great interest in maintaining our core strategic relationships, and so one of the messages I will be able to deliver is his commitment to NATO and the Transatlantic Alliance, the president said. I think thats one of the most important functions I can serve at this stage during this trip is to let them know that there is no weakening of resolve when it comes to Americas commitment to maintaining a strong and robust NATO relationship.

Its a message Obama has carried to each stop of his trip. And hes not the only one trying to reassure U.S. allies warily watching what the president-elect, who has vowed better relations with Moscow, will say and do.

The day after the election, Republican Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell reaffirmed his belief in the U.S. commitment to mutual defense under Article V of the NATO charter.

I will say for myself the NATO alliance is every bit as important today as it ever was, McConnell told reporters at the Capitol. You attack any member of NATO, you have us to deal with. I want the Russians to understand that fully.
NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg on November 18 said he was absolutely confident in President-elect Donald Trumps commitment to NATO. He was speaking at a German Marshall Fund (GMF) event in Brussels.

In answer to a question from Ian Lesser, senior director for Foreign Policy at the GMF, Stoltenberg said that he was looking forward to meeting Trump at the next NATO summit in spring 2017. He said he was certain that Trump would maintain American leadership and a strong US commitment to European security.

He said that US and European cooperation was important in maintaining security, and said NATO staff were in contact with Trumps transition team. Credit: YouTube/German Marshall Fund via Storyful
By David Schwartz

PHOENIX, Nov 18 (Reuters) - The Navajo Nation, the largest Native American tribe, has settled a trademark suit brought against the apparel retail chain Urban Outfitters Inc over use of the tribe's name in company merchandise, the two sides said on Friday.

The deal resolves any and all claims by the tribe, whose reservation spans three Western states, contesting the Philadelphia company's "Navajo" and "Navaho" brands in a variety of products, including pullovers, feathered earrings and underwear.

Navajo leaders claimed in the 2012 lawsuit, filed in U.S. District Court in New Mexico, that the retailer had infringed on the tribe's trademark rights by selling more than 20 lines of products under those two brand names.

Terms of the settlement were not disclosed. Court records show that a federal judge formally dismissed the case on Monday.

But a statement by Navajo leaders said the two parties have also signed a "supply and license agreement" and plan to collaborate on authentic American Indian jewelry in future years.

"We believe in protecting our Nation, our artisans, designs, prayers and way of life," Navajo Nation President Russell Begaye said. "We expect that any company considering the use of the Navajo name, or our designs or motifs, will ask us for our permission."

Azeez Hayne, the company's general counsel, said in the statement that Urban Outfitters was pleased with the agreement.

"(Urban Outfitters) has long been inspired by the style of Navajo and other American Indian artists and looks forward to the opportunity to work with them on future collaborations," Hayne said.

A Navajo spokesman declined comment on any specifics of the settlement, adding that the agreement was confidential. A company spokesman likewise declined further comment.

The territory of Navajo, a sovereign American Indian nation with some 300,000 enrolled members, occupies 27,425 square miles (71,010 square km) in parts of northeastern Arizona, southeastern Utah and northwestern New Mexico. The seat of the tribal government is located at Window Rock, Arizona.

(Editing by Steve Gorman and Sandra Maler)
Neil deGrasse Tyson cant wait to get his hands on president-elect Donald Trump. Or at least a certain part of Trump.

Celebrity astrophysicist Tyson tweeted Friday that he might grab Trumps crotch when he comes face-to-face with the reality TV host-turned-world leader.

When I meet President Trump, I may first grab his crotch  to get his attention  then discuss science with him, Tyson wrote.

Its unclear when Tyson plans to meet Trump. However, its evident that Tyson was referring to lewd remarks made by Trump during a 2005 conversation with then-Access Hollywood personality Billy Bush.

Also Read: Neil DeGrasse Tyson, JK Rowling Tag-Team Against Donald Trump on Twitter

When I meet President Trump, I may first grab his crotch  to get his attention  then discuss Science with him.  Neil deGrasse Tyson (@neiltyson) November 18, 2016

During the conversation, which was leaked prior to the election, Trump bragged that, when youre famous, women will let you do anything, including grab em by the py.

Also Read: Neil deGrasse Tyson Spanks Conservative Pundit After 'Horse's Astrophysicist' Crack

As for the talking-science part, that seems like a logical topic of conversation for Tyson, if not for Trump  the president-elect has in the past claimed that global warming was a concept created by the Chinese in order to make U.S. manufacturing non-competitive  a claim that was disputed by Chinese Vice Foreign Minister Liu Zhenmin this week.

Related stories from TheWrap:

Neil DeGrasse Tyson, JK Rowling Tag-Team Against Donald Trump on Twitter

Neil deGrasse Tyson Spanks Conservative Pundit After 'Horse's Astrophysicist' Crack

Neil deGrasse Tyson Stopped 'a Dozen' Times for 'Just Being Black'
In the animal kingdom, sometimes the best survival strategy is to pretend to be something you're not  either to ambush unsuspecting prey or to convince predators that you're not very tasty.

And scientists recently discovered a spider that uses a unique masquerade to hide in plain sight. It is the only known spider to have a body that bears an uncanny resemblance to a dangling, partly dried-up leaf.

The find was reported in a new study, though the spider is yet to be described and assigned a species name.

The newfound costumed arachnid is in the Poltys genus in the orb spider family, which contains more than 3,000 species and one spider celebrity from children's fiction  a Araneus cavaticus was the barn spider Charlotte from the classic story "Charlotte's Web" (Harper and Brothers, 1952). [In Photos: 13 Animals That Mimic Plants]

A leggy masquerade ball?

Masquerading is far more common in insects than in arachnids. In fact, many types of insects have bodies that mimic plants. For example, the Phasmatodea order contains hundreds of species of so-called stick insects, which look like bare branches or leaves. And brightly colored orchid mantises have petal-shaped legs to complete their disguises as harmless flowers, tricking other insects into flying close enough for the mantises to snatch them out of the air.

But about 100 spider species also sport physical features that make them appear inanimate and unappetizing, like a jumble of twigs, plant debris or a messy glob of bird poo.

This is the first known spider species to be leaf-shaped. And its discovery was accidental, according to the study's lead author, Matjaz Kuntner, a principal investigator with the Evolutionary Zoology Lab at the Biological Institute Jovan Hadzi, Scientific Research Centre of the Slovenian Academy of Sciences and Arts.

Make like a leaf

The scientists spied and photographed the unusual arachnid in 2011, while looking for other types of spiders in Yunnan, China. They found the individual  a female  on a twig, surrounded by dead leaves and with no web nearby. The researchers noted that her back looked like a living, green leaf, while the underside of her body was brown, mimicking a dead leaf, and a hairy, stalk-like structure protruded from her abdomen.

Story continues

The greenish-yellow underside of the spider resembles a fresh leaf, and the hairy, stalk-like structure curving from its abdomen makes it look even more like a plant. Matjaz Kuntner

Leaves close by the female spider on the branch were attached with silk, which hinted that she had placed them there deliberately to further camouflage herself. However, additional observations would be necessary to confirm this behavior, Kuntner told Live Science.

After searching for two weeks, Kuntner and colleagues were able to find only one more leaf-shaped spider  a juvenile male, crouching on a web. Next, they turned to museums to see if they could turn up more specimens, Kuntner said.

"Having first noticed their rarity in nature, we talked to curators and established their overall rarity," he said. One similar specimen eventually emerged from a museum collection  a female that had been found in Vietnam. But the scientists suspected the Vietnam spider belonged to a known species in the Poltys genus, whereas the other two spiders likely represented a new species.

There is still much to be learned about this enigmatic leaf imitator  and considering how difficult it was to find just the first two representatives, that's easier said than done. The authors concluded their study with the somewhat rueful observation that the mysterious spider's secretive habits and nocturnal lifestyle enabled it to successfully avoid not only predators, but researchers as well.

The findings were published online Nov. 11 in the Journal of Arachnology.

Original article on Live Science.

Editor's Recommendations
Baby number three is on the way for Nick Cannon.

The Americas Got Talent host confirmed during an appearance on Power 105.1s The Breakfast Club, Thursday, that he and former Miss Arizona U.S.A. Brittany Bell are absolutely expecting a child together.

Ive got a baby on the way, he told the radio hosts after calling Bell a special young lady.

While he and Bell are no longer an item, Cannon, 36, would not call her his ex, clarifying that ex Mariah is my last ex. Everybody else is people that Ive known, loved and cared for.

Want all the latest pregnancy and birth announcements, plus celebrity mom blogs? Click here to get those and more in the PEOPLE Babies newsletter.

Cannon and Carey, 46, share two children: 5-year-old twins Monroe and Moroccan. The pair split in 2014, but Cannon just confirmed earlier this month that their divorce has been finalized.

Its always been amicable, 100 percent. Despite everything, their focus has always been the kids, a Cannon source tells PEOPLE of the exes. It wouldnt have gone down the way it has if it wasnt amicable. What divorced stars do you know who still celebrate every holiday together? Its all about family for them.

Just last week, Bell shared a photo of her baby bump to Instagram, writing,  Children are a gift from God Psalm 127:3.

RELATED VIDEO: Nick Cannon on Co-Parenting With Mariah Carey

She also celebrated a shower with some other former Miss U.S.A.s on Wednesday.

Wrote Bell on Instagram of the sweet celebration: Miss USA /Miss Universe not only puts you in a rare sisterhood no money can buy.. but your child ends up with some of the most naturally beautiful, sweetest, and strongest women from around the country/world to call Aunties!!
Photo credit: Chris O'Neil/National Transportation Safety Boardundefined

From Popular Mechanics

The engineer of a commuter train that slammed into a station going double the 10 mph speed limit, killing a woman, suffered from undiagnosed sleep apnea, his lawyer said Wednesday, and a U.S. official told The Associated Press that investigators are looking at it as a potential cause.

The official, who was briefed on the investigation, spoke to The Associated Press on the condition of anonymity because they weren't authorized to discuss the matter.

Engineer Thomas Gallagher, 48, was diagnosed with severe sleep apnea after the Sept. 29 crash in Hoboken, attorney Jack Arsenault said in an email.

Sleep apnea robs its victims of rest because they are repeatedly awakened as their airway closes and their breathing stops, leading to dangerous daytime drowsiness.

"The undisputed facts available to us immediately following this tragic accident led us to find and refer Tom to a specialist," Arsenault said. "The result of this diagnosis is a material fact in this inquiry to be assessed by people far more qualified than me."

Arsenault said the results were forwarded to investigators on Oct. 31. He said Gallagher underwent a physical in July and was cleared for duty.

The same condition went undiagnosed in the engineer of a commuter train that sped into a curve and crashed in New York City in 2013, killing four people.

NJ Transit said federal rules prohibited it from discussing specifics about the crash during the investigation.

The agency has a sleep apnea screening program but said it is not authorized to discuss any employee's medical or personal information. Another official briefed on the investigation said given the screening program, it's "not clear why he wasn't screened or if he was, how he passed."

A spokesman for the National Transportation Safety Board said the agency was not in a position to confirm specifics of the engineer's health.

"These are matters that are being looked at as part of the NTSB's comprehensive investigation of the Hoboken accident," said NTSB spokesman Christopher O'Neil.

Story continues

The Federal Railroad Administration said it will issue a safety advisory in the coming days to "once again push railroads to address worker fatigue" and accelerate the installation of inward- and outward-facing cameras.

"FRA has long believed it is important for railroads to address worker fatigue more aggressively, and to implement a program that puts cameras in locomotives," said Matthew Lehner, public affairs director for the FRA. "While FRA has regulations in the works to address both of these challenges, railroads should not, and do not, need to wait to take action."

Gallagher, a NJ Transit engineer for about 18 years, told investigators he had no memory of the crash and only remembered waking up on the floor of the engineer's cab. He was pulled from the wreckage, treated at a hospital and released.

The throttle on the train went from idle to the fourth position, about half-power, 38 seconds before impact, and the speed increased to 21 mph, according to investigators. The throttle went back to idle and Gallagher hit the emergency brake about a second before crashing into a bumper at the end of the track.

Fabiola Bittar de Kroon, a 34-year-old lawyer and mother, was standing on a platform when she was killed by falling debris. More than 100 people were injured.

Gallagher told investigators he felt fully rested when reporting to work at 6:46 a.m. that day. He said the trainoperated normally and he remembered it was going 10 mph as he approached the station.

The NTSB recommended sleep apnea testing for engineers, and Metro-North and the Long Island Rail Road started requiring it after finding the engineer in the 2013 crash had fallen asleep at the controls because he had a severe, undiagnosed case of sleep apnea.

The engineer in that crash, William Rockefeller, told investigators he felt strangely "dazed" right before the crash, which occurred as he sped through a 30 mph curve at 82 mph.

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RACINE COUNTY  A federal judge will decide soon whether a new rule expanding overtime pay  which many businesses and local governments are preparing for  will go into effect as planned.

A lawsuit filed by 21 states, including Wisconsin, urged Amos Mazzant, a federal judge for the Eastern District of Texas, to block the rule before it takes effect Dec. 1. About 4 million higher-earning workers would become eligible for overtime pay under the measure, which critics say would burden private and public sectors but supporters argue ensures workers are compensated fairly for their work.

Mazzant, an appointee of President Barack Obama, could rule on the lawsuit Tuesday, according to court records. A ruling may also be pushed to Nov. 28, just three days before the Dec. 1 deadline.

Currently, only salaried workers making less than $23,660 per year must be paid 1.5 times their regular rate when they work beyond 40 hours. But come Dec. 1, that amount would more than double to $47,476 per year, under Department of Labor changes to the Fair Labor Standards Act. And the threshold would continue to climb in future years.

In addition to the court ruling, the future of the overtime rule under President-elect Donald Trump is unknown. Trump has not said specifically what he will do about the changes, according to media reports.

Ryan opposes changes

The congressional office of House Speaker Paul Ryan, R-Wis., a vocal critic of the rule, referred a question about the upcoming ruling to Ryans May 18 statement in which he said the rule hurts the very people it alleges to help.

Ryan, R-Wis., argues that by mandating overtime pay at a higher salary threshold, companies will be unable to afford skilled workers and will eliminate salaried positions altogether.

For the sake of his own political legacy, President Obama is rushing through regulations  like the overtime rule  that will cause people to lose their livelihoods, said Ryan, who represents Racine County in Congress. We are committed to fighting this rule and the many others that would be an absolute disaster for our economy.

But others have hailed the changes. Citizen Action, a liberal advocacy group, calculated the average annual overtime bonus in Racine at $8,788 per worker.

The new federal overtime rule will mean that more will be rewarded for working longer hours, boosting consumer spending in our local economies as families can afford to go out to dinner, buy necessities, and send their kids to college, Citizen Action Executive Director Robert Kraig said.
BELFAST (Reuters) - An attempt by a Northern Ireland activist to block Britain's exit from the European Union was referred to the Supreme Court on Friday after the case was rejected by Belfast's High Court. Belfast's Court of Appeal on Friday ruled that the contention by rights activist Raymond McCord that the people of Northern Ireland should have sole sovereignty on deciding their future within the EU should be decided by the Supreme Court. The court heard that a parallel case against Brexit by several members of Northern Ireland's regional assembly was referred to the Supreme Court earlier this week by a High Court order after an appeal by Northern Ireland's attorney general. Britain's Supreme Court will be asked to rule on whether any provisions of Northern Ireland's 1998 peace deal mean that an act of parliament is required before Brexit can be triggered and whether the consent of its regional parliament is required, according to the court order. The Supreme Court is already due to hear an appeal by the British government against a ruling by London's High Court that parliamentary approval is required to trigger Article 50 of the EU's Lisbon Treaty by the end of March next year, starting a 24-month countdown to departure from the bloc. There are fears that Brexit could undermine the peace accord that ended three decades of bloodshed in Northern Ireland and could lead to the reintroduction of unpopular controls on the border with the Republic of Ireland, an EU member. Britain's June 23 vote to leave the EU has stirred political tension among the four nations of the United Kingdom - England and Wales, which voted in a majority to leave the EU, and Northern Ireland and Scotland, which voted to remain. (Story corrects headline to read Northern Ireland.) (Reporting by Alan Erwin and Ian Graham; Writing by Conor Humphries; editing by Mark Heinrich)
BELFAST (Reuters) - An attempt by a Northern Ireland activist to block Britain's exit from the European Union was referred to the Supreme Court on Friday after the case was rejected by Belfast's High Court. Belfast's Court of Appeal on Friday ruled that the contention by rights activist Raymond McCord that the people of Northern Ireland should have sole sovereignty on deciding their future within the EU should be decided by the Supreme Court. The court heard that a parallel case against Brexit by several members of Northern Ireland's regional assembly was referred to the Supreme Court earlier this week by a High Court order after an appeal by Northern Ireland's attorney general. Britain's Supreme Court will be asked to rule on whether any provisions of Northern Ireland's 1998 peace deal mean that an act of parliament is required before Brexit can be triggered and whether the consent of its regional parliament is required, according to the court order. The Supreme Court is already due to hear an appeal by the British government against a ruling by London's High Court that parliamentary approval is required to trigger Article 50 of the EU's Lisbon Treaty by the end of March next year, starting a 24-month countdown to departure from the bloc. There are fears that Brexit could undermine the peace accord that ended three decades of bloodshed in Northern Ireland and could lead to the reintroduction of unpopular controls on the border with the Republic of Ireland, an EU member. Britain's June 23 vote to leave the EU has stirred political tension among the four nations of the United Kingdom - England and Wales, which voted in a majority to leave the EU, and Northern Ireland and Scotland, which voted to remain. (This version of the story corrects paragraph 2 to say the Court of Appeals ruled on Friday, not last month) (Reporting by Alan Erwin and Ian Graham; Writing by Conor Humphries; editing by Mark Heinrich)
Photo credit: Mini

From Road & Track

While the Mini Countryman is built by Magna in Austria, the Dakar version is a German product made by X-raid to be the ultimate off-roader. It's powered by BMW's six-cylinder turbodiesel, and while the previous version became a multiple champion throughout the years, it still wasn't good enough to get Jalopnik's Raphael Orlove across some sand. After realizing this, X-raid had to build a better one.

Photo credit: MINI

The 2017 MINI John Cooper Works Rally comes with improved aerodynamics, better thermal management and weight distribution, a lower center of gravity and new engine mapping for improved performance and lower fuel consumption.

Modifications to the tubular steel chassis mean a removable subframe supports the engine, which can be removed as a complete package in just an hour. The dry sump three liter diesel produces 340 horsepower at 3250 rpm, and approximately 590 lb.-ft. of torque at1850 rpm with the regulatory 38mm air restrictor in place. Linked to a six-speed sequential gearbox, this race car has a top speed of 114mph.

The body shell is made from carbon fiber and Kevlar, while the underside housing all three of the allotted three spare wheels and two hydraulic jacks are built from a honeycomb mix. Inside, it's even more carbon fiber on the dashboard, with three displays. The one for the driver shows the selected gear, RPM and shift alert, while the center unit has the speed, oil pressure, fluid temperatures and electronic functions. Finally, all navigational systems are located on the co-driver's side.

Photo credit: MINI

With its 101 gallon fuel cell and 245/80R 16 BF Goodrich tires, the MINI John Cooper Works Rally will climb above 9800 feet in Bolivia during its attempt to master the 2017 Dakar Rally. Only the local goats know how much of its 340 horses will remain in place at that altitude, but its lockable, oil-cooled Xtrac front and rear diffs with a central SADEV transfer case should keep it going just fine either way.

Story continues

Photo credit: MINI

Photo credit: MINI

Photo credit: MINI

Photo credit: MINI

Photo credit: MINI

Photo credit: MINI

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You can now pre-order beauty blogger Kathleen Lightss chic new nail polish line

Finally, after weeks of suspense, drooling, and gazing desperately into the abyss whilst dreaming of sexy nail polish, the Kathleen Lights nail polish line is available to pre-order on the KL Polish website! The new Kathleen Lights nail polish line includes six shiny colors that will make your nails look like they were just drenched in a bunch of liquid flowers and spices.

While the premiere line of the Kathleen Lights nail polish isnt officially available for purchase until December 5th, she just made an announcement that you can now pre-order one of her delicious nail colors from the website.

This is a preview of the creamy raspberry color Zoey, which pairs perfectly with all the minimalist gold jewelry on the models arm.

ZOEY. @klpolish - @parishelena Makeup: @gabyteemua A photo posted by kathleenlights (@kathleenlights) on Nov 15, 2016 at 6:04pm PST

You can snag your polish early today, directly from the KL Polish website. Youll definitely have your nail polish shipped out during the lines launch in early December.

Yes please, give us the goodies.

Currently wearing ZOEY @klpolish  A photo posted by kathleenlights (@kathleenlights) on Nov 17, 2016 at 11:19am PST

The colors available in the collection include: the rich red Brick Sidewalk, the goth-lite Broccoli and Chocolate, the mustard-colored Caramello, the deep sea Gumption, the sugary Snickerdoodle, and of course Zoey.

They look even better next to each other.

Be sure to take a look at the KL Polish line for yourself, or pre-order now before they get snatched up!

The post You can now pre-order beauty blogger Kathleen Lightss chic new nail polish line appeared first on HelloGiggles.
Washington (AFP) - US President Barack Obama on Friday declared portions of the Arctic off-limits for oil exploration for the next five years, dealing a blow to Republican efforts to expand fossil fuel extraction.

The decision means new oil and gas exploration leasing in the Chukchi Sea and Beaufort Sea will not be considered until after 2022.

"Given the unique and challenging Arctic environment and industry's declining interest in the area, forgoing lease sales in the Arctic is the right path forward," Interior Secretary Sally Jewell said in a statement.

The US government made a similar announcement in March, when it removed the Atlantic Ocean from the five-year road map.

Environmental groups hailed Friday's decision as historic and coming at a key moment, as President-elect Donald Trump has promised to expand drilling for oil and to revive the American coal industry.

"Today's news couldn't come at a better time," said the Sierra Club.

"President Obama has protected the Arctic and Atlantic Oceans from Big Oil."

The decision will protect wildlife migration routes, crucial feeding grounds, seafloor habitats and the larger Arctic marine ecosystem, said the Pew Charitable Trusts.

Oceana's senior vice president for the United States, Jackie Savitz, said she was "hopeful" about charting a new course for protecting the Arctic, rather than trying to exploit it.

"The decades-long push to drill in the Arctic has put this unique and diverse ecosystem at risk, cost tens of billions of dollars and created significant controversy without providing the promised benefits," she said.

"Companies have been given every opportunity to find oil and have failed at every turn because of the extreme conditions and limited window for operations there."

The US plans offered 11 potential lease sales -- 10 in the Gulf of Mexico and one off the coast of Alaska in the Cook Inlet area.

Story continues

"The plan focuses lease sales in the best places - those with the highest resource potential, lowest conflict, and established infrastructure - and removes regions that are simply not right to lease," said Jewell.

House Speaker Paul Ryan, a Republican from Wisconsin, said lawmakers would work to overturn the plan.

"In its final days, the Obama administration is throwing up more barriers to American energy development," Ryan said in a statement.

"This plan to exclude the resource-rich Arctic from exploration possibilities squanders our ability to harness the abundant, affordable energy sources that power our economy," he added.

"We will work to overturn this plan, and to open up the Arctic and other offshore areas for development."
By Jeff Mason and Andrea Shalal BERLIN (Reuters) - U.S. President Barack Obama and European leaders on Friday underscored the importance of working together in NATO and chided Russia for its bombing of Syria and failure to implement a Ukrainian peace accord. The White House statement followed a meeting at which Obama sought to reassure his counterparts from Germany, Britain, Spain, Italy and France that his successor Donald Trump would not break up the transatlantic alliance. Trump raised concerns during the campaign when he said he could withhold military aid from NATO allies if they had not met their defense commitments and said he would forge closer ties with Russian President Vladimir Putin. "President Obama expressed confidence that, even at a moment of great change, democratic values have done more to advance human freedom and progress than any other system in history, and will continue to do so going forward," the White House said. The leaders agreed on the need to work together to stabilize the Middle East and North Africa, as well as securing diplomatic resolutions for the conflicts in Syria and eastern Ukraine. European leaders had sought Obama's support as they prepare to extend sanctions imposed on Russia by Washington and Brussels in 2014 following its intervention in eastern Ukraine, and consider fresh sanctions over Russia's actions in Syria, where it backs Syrian President Bashar al-Assad. German Chancellor Angela Merkel told a news conference with Spanish Prime Minister Mariano Rajoy that no decisions had been made about extending the Ukraine sanctions, but actions to implement the Minsk peace accord were not sufficient. Merkel said the leaders discussed their concerns about Syria during their meeting on Friday, but did not talk about imposing Syria-related sanctions against Russia that have been sought by the Syrian opposition. Obama and the EU leaders called for an immediate end to attacks on rebel-held parts of the city of Aleppo by Syrian government forces and their allies Russia and Iran that monitoring groups say have killed dozens this week alone. Syrian opposition officials on Friday met EU foreign policy chief Federica Mogherini and other officials and urged them to focus on protecting civilians and lifting the siege, said Anas al-Abdah, who heads the Syrian National Coalition. He said he had hoped for stronger words from Obama and the EU leaders, and called for Washington and Brussels to put more "real pressure" on Russia and Iran. U.S. and EU officials have stressed the need for a political solution, including the departure of Assad, but Trump has said he views the fight against Islamic State as a bigger priority. EU leaders are expected to extend sanctions related to Ukraine in December or January. Obama and the European leaders "unanimously agreed on the continued need for Russia to fully meet its commitments under the Minsk agreements and that Ukraine-related sanctions against Russia must remain in place until it does so," the White House said. They said a durable ceasefire in eastern Ukraine was needed to move forward with free and fair local elections in the occupied regions of Donetsk and Luhansk. (Additional reporting by Andreas Rinke and Michelle Martin; Writing by Andrea Shalal; Editing by Janet Lawrence)
(Recasts with details on Russia, Ukraine sanctions, adds Merkel)

By Jeff Mason and Andrea Shalal

BERLIN, Nov 18 (Reuters) - U.S. President Barack Obama and European leaders on Friday underscored the importance of working together in NATO and chided Russia for its bombing of Syria and failure to implement a Ukrainian peace accord.

The White House statement followed a meeting at which Obama sought to reassure his counterparts from Germany, Britain, Spain, Italy and France that his successor Donald Trump would not break up the transatlantic alliance.

Trump raised concerns during the campaign when he said he could withhold military aid from NATO allies if they had not met their defence commitments and said he would forge closer ties with Russian President Vladimir Putin.

"President Obama expressed confidence that, even at a moment of great change, democratic values have done more to advance human freedom and progress than any other system in history, and will continue to do so going forward," the White House said.

The leaders agreed on the need to work together to stabilise the Middle East and North Africa, as well as securing diplomatic resolutions for the conflicts in Syria and eastern Ukraine.

European leaders had sought Obama's support as they prepare to extend sanctions imposed on Russia by Washington and Brussels in 2014 following its intervention in eastern Ukraine, and consider fresh sanctions over Russia's actions in Syria, where it backs Syrian President Bashar al-Assad.

German Chancellor Angela Merkel told a news conference with Spanish Prime Minister Mariano Rajoy that no decisions had been made about extending the Ukraine sanctions, but actions to implement the Minsk peace accord were not sufficient.

EU leaders are expected to rollover the sanctions in December or January before they expire at the end of January.

NEW OFFENSIVES

Merkel said the leaders did not discuss imposing Syria-related sanctions against Russia during their meeting on Friday.

Story continues

European officials fear Russia will use the time before Trump's inauguration in January to launch new offensives in Syria and Ukraine.

"They unanimously agreed on the continued need for Russia to fully meet its commitments under the Minsk agreements and that Ukraine-related sanctions against Russia must remain in place until it does so," it said.

They said a durable ceasefire in eastern Ukraine was needed to move forward with free and fair local elections in the occupied regions of Donetsk and Luhansk.

The leaders also called for an immediate end to attacks on rebel-held parts of the city of Aleppo by Syrian government forces and their allies Russia and Iran.

Obama said Washington remained convinced that de-escalating the conflict and finding a political solution were "the only viable ways to end the suffering, prevent another migration crisis and move toward a political transition."

European Union leaders last month signalled that they could introduce new sanctions for Russia's actions in Aleppo if the bombing continued.

The Syrian opposition has been pressing Western countries to expand sanctions to include some Russian firms that are supplying weapons and bank notes to Syria.

Syrian opposition leaders are due to meet with EU leaders, including EU foreign policy chief Federica Mogherini, in Brussels on Friday.

(Additional reporting by Andreas Rinke and Michelle Martin; Writing by Andrea Shalal; Editing by Janet Lawrence)
Apparently, yes, you do.

Since Donald Trump won the U.S. election, the number of Americans looking for jobs in Ireland has nearly doubled, according to Indeed, an employment website. It says that the number of Americans looking for jobs there saw a 91 percent increase since Nov. 8. It is unclear why you chose Ireland  perhaps you are of Irish descent, or perhaps you yourself are one of the 50,000 undocumented Irish citizens now living stateside  but Ireland you chose.

But to those of you planning on sitting out the Trump years over a pint of Guinness in a cozy sweater while pretending that life is just a scene from Once, consider this: The leader of Irelands brand new (and, admittedly, not yet mainstream) National Party supports racial profiling.

Yes, thats right. On Friday, Justin Barrett, formerly of an avidly anti-abortion group, told Corks 96FM radio that there needs to be check of all people coming into this country. Most people, at a quick glance, you can tell they are no threat.

Profiling, he continued, is something that police throughout the world use as an instrument of law and order.

To be fair, though, Barrett did clarify earlier Friday to Radio Kerry that he does not believe Ireland needs a complete ban on Muslims entering the country.

The National Party, which Barrett helpfully says is not a Nazi party, seeks to remind the political elites and the general commentariat . . . of the extent to which the promise presented by the Proclamation of the Republic [the 1916 proclamation through which Ireland declared independence] remains unfulfilled.

To be clear, Barretts leadership for now extends just to the newcomer National Party, not the national government. But if youre now rethinking your Irish goodbye, note that the Emerald Isle was only the third most popular escapist destination for would-be American political exiles.

The second was Canada. Its immigration website crashed on election night, but its now fully functioning; its own populist movement, however, might get up and running soon, too. The most popular place for desperate Americans looking for a lifeboat is New Zealand  which, earthquakes apart, simply cannot fit all of you.

Photo credit: David Cannon/Getty Images
MUSCAT (Reuters) - Omani leader Sultan Qaboos made his first public appearance in nearly a year on Friday, attending annual National Day celebrations. Wearing a military uniform, Qaboos appeared in good health as he was welcomed by high-ranking military and civilian officials before presiding over the parade. The 76-year old Western-backed Qaboos had received a number of visitors in recent months, including U.S. Secretary of State John Kerry last week, but no visual images had emerged from his last two meetings. Qaboos returned to Oman in April after a trip to Germany where he underwent medical checks. He had previously spent eight months there for medical reasons before returning home in March last year, fueling concern over succession. At the time of his previous trip to Germany between July 2014 and March 2015, some Omanis had expressed concern about reports the sultan was suffering from colon cancer. The authorities have not commented on those reports. The Arabian Peninsula state has been ruled by Qaboos since he took over from his father in a bloodless coup with the help of Oman's former colonial power, Britain, in 1970. Since then, he has helped to transform an impoverished backwater riven by internal conflict into a prosperous state that plays a small but important role in regional diplomacy. (Reporting By Fatma Alarimi; Writing By Maha El Dahan)
OMG McDonalds is making MAJOR changes including nationwide table service

Your favorite spot for fast food will be getting a massive facelift next year, and we cant wait to see the changes. McDonalds announced table service is coming to all US locations, as well as a long list of other tweaks to the restaurant that brought you the Big Mac and the McRib. McDonalds insists that these changes will streamline its system for customers and incorporate new technology. We like that, because we could always use more ways to keep things simple. And since fast food hasnt changed much over the years, maybe it was time for a facelift.

McDonalds announced that the biggest change will be table service in all of its locations.

McDonalds already has table service locations in Southern California, Florida, and New York City. They plan to roll out table service in other major US cities like San Francisco, Chicago, Boston, Seattle, and Washington, D.C. in 2017.

The table service system will be more efficient, because diners will order from electronic kiosks, rather than cashiers.

McDonalds CEO Steve Easterbrook told Business Insider that theyre trying to make the experience of dining at McDonalds more enjoyable.

Taking your kids to McDonalds should be a fundamentally fun experience. But, the initial stages of it can be quite stressful when youre trying to place the order, youre trying to get it right, youre trying to get the drinks, youre trying to search for a table, and your kids are running around.

We hope that the ordering system streamlines things, because Easterbrook is right  ordering is definitely the most stressful part.

McDonalds will also makeover their decor as well as their food.

McDonalds will update the interior decoration to look more modern. They will also be emphasizing food with higher quality ingredients, like their Signature Crafted burgers.

In selected restaurants nationwide, well be freshly preparing each Signature Collection burger! Check out where! https://t.co/KU3ZCIRXtv pic.twitter.com/LqZvFGfTRg  McDonald's Ireland (@McDonaldsIRL) November 16, 2016

Easterbrook said, This is not about being a different McDonalds, this is about being a better McDonalds.

Story continues

McDonalds is definitely changing things up, but it sounds like its for the better.

A video posted by McDonald's (@mcdonalds) on Sep 2, 2016 at 2:59pm PDT

As long as McDonalds will still occasionally bring some nuggets to our table.

The post OMG McDonalds is making MAJOR changes including nationwide table service appeared first on HelloGiggles.
President-elect Donald Trump tweeted that he had a great talk with Ford Motor Company (F) Chairman Bill Ford and said the automaker had agreed not to move Lincoln production to Mexico and keep it in Kentucky.









Ford representatives we contacted were initially wondering what Trump was talking about since the auto company has never said it plans to move production of the Lincoln MKC (a small SUV) out of the Louisville plant and to Mexico.

What the company has said is that at some point in the future it would likely move the MKC out of Louisville ... when the current model runs out (within the next couple years). Where production of the MKC might go has never been finalized, but Ford's plants in Mexico might have been a possibility. Emphasis on the word "might."

There are also other assembly plants in the U.S. where MKC production could have also been shifted to depending on a number of factors (UAW contracts, assembly line capacity, etc.).

Bottom line: Bill Ford has told the president-elect the Lincoln MKC is not going anywhere.

So yes, Trump can claim a victory in getting Ford to reverse plans to move the MKC out of Louisville at some point in the future.

That is no longer happening.

Questions? Comments? BehindTheWheel@cnbc.com .


By Rania El Gamal, Tom Finn and Katya Golubkova

DOHA (Reuters) - OPEC is moving closer toward finalizing this month its first deal since 2008 to limit oil output, with most members prepared to offer Iran significant flexibility on production volumes, ministers and sources said on Friday.

Iran has been the main stumbling block for such a deal because Tehran wants exemptions as it tries to regain oil market share after the easing of Western sanctions in January.

Iran's rival Saudi Arabia, the biggest producer in the Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries, has argued Iran's output has peaked and it should not be granted major concessions.

On Friday, several OPEC oil ministers including Saudi Arabia's Khalid al-Falih met in Doha on the sidelines of a gas forum. Iranian officials attended the gathering although minister Bijan Zanganeh did not come.

At the meeting, OPEC member countries proposed Iran cap its oil output at 3.92 million barrels per day (bpd), a source familiar with the proposal told Reuters.

Iran has previously said it would accept a freeze at between 4.0 and 4.2 million bpd.

Gulf OPEC sources have said they wanted Iran to cap output at around 3.6-3.7 million bpd - the volume the Islamic Republic is currently producing, according to OPEC estimates.

The source said Tehran had yet to respond to the proposal.

Iran's OPEC governor, who attended Friday's talks, said he was optimistic that the producer group would reach a deal when it gathers formally in Vienna on Nov. 30.

Falih said the Friday meeting went well, but declined further comment.

If OPEC reaches a deal on Nov. 30, it may also draw support from non-OPEC members including Russia, which promised to cooperate but so far has refrained from any firm commitment.

Russian Energy Minister Alexander Novak participated in Friday's meeting and said he thought OPEC was moving closer to a deal. If an agreement were reached, Russia was prepared to join and cap output for six months or longer, Novak said.

He also said more non-OPEC producers could join such a pact. The Azeri Energy Ministry said on Friday it would send a delegation to consultations in Vienna later this month.

(Writing by Dmitry Zhdannikov; Editing by Dale Hudson)
Ottawa (AFP) - Deaths from opiate overdoses in Canada have become a "public health crisis" that could prompt the government to declare a national health emergency, the Canadian Health Minister said Friday.

If such a measure is found "appropriate and helpful," then "we will use all the tools available," Jane Philpott said in Ottawa at the opening of a national summit on the crisis.

Others participants reinforced the sense of urgency.

An estimated 2,000 Canadians died from opioid overdoses in 2015, said Don Davies, spokesman for the left-leaning New Democratic Party.

"Many provinces are seeing an even higher number of fatalities in 2016," he added.

"When you have 700-plus deaths occurring in Ontario each year, a similar number in British Columbia, growing numbers in places like Alberta and Manitoba, I think there is a societal understanding that we need to act urgently and effectively," Ontario Health Minister Eric Haskins said.

Experts say the crisis is being fueled by the proliferation of counterfeits of opiates such as fentanyl, a powerful sedative that caused the death of pop icon Prince in April.

In British Columbia, authorities recorded 332 fatal fentanyl overdoses during the first nine months of this year, three more than last year.

The drug is believed to be 100 times more potent than morphine.

"A lethal dose of pure fentanyl for a typical adult can be as little as two milligrams, or the size of a few grains of table salt," the federal police said.

The health care industry also took on some blame for opioid painkiller prescription practices, which often lead to addiction.

"We also recognize that opioid prescribing patterns are one of the many contributing factors to this crisis," the Canadian Medical Association said.

Ottawa resident Donna May said her daughter became hooked after a doctor prescribed the opiate OxyContin following a fall on a staircase.

Her daughter's addiction prompted her to buy fentanyl on the streets after her OxyContin prescription ran out, and she eventually ended up homeless, May told state broadcaster CBC before speaking at the conference.

Story continues

"It eventually led to her contracting a flesh-eating disease and taking her life."

Solving the crisis, Philpott said, must involve increasing the number of medically supervised injection centers as well as the use of naloxone -- which counteracts the effects of overdoses -- by first responders in the field.

Vancouver -- the only Canadian city that allows intravenous drug users to inject themselves with illegal substances under medical supervision -- currently has a single injection center.

However, Montreal is set to open three, along with a mobile clinic.

Philpott said she wants to speed up the opening of centers "in communities that need them" by amending Canada's drug law, which is delaying the process.

Prime Minister Justin Trudeau's government has already changed the law to make naloxone available over the counter and distribute it to federal police officers for administering to victims.
By Rosalba O'Brien and Teresa Cespedes LIMA (Reuters) - Leaders of Pacific rim nations gathered in Peru on Friday, looking to China to salvage hopes for regional trade as prospects of a Donald Trump presidency in the United States sounded a possible death knell for the Trans-Pacific Partnership (TPP) free trade pact. Discussions between the 21 members of the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) summit were dominated by fears of rising anti-globalization sentiment in the West, with increasing signs that countries are looking to China to take up the slack in leading global trade. "We have noticed that protectionist tendencies have begun to emerge," Peru's President Pedro Pablo Kuczynski said in an opening speech. "To anyone who wants to propose protectionism I suggest that you read the history books about the 1930s." U.S. President Barack Obama, Chinese President Xi Jinping, and Russian President Vladimir Putin are due to attend the summit that brings together leaders whose economies represent 57 percent of global gross domestic product. While campaigning for the presidential election which he won, Trump labeled the TPP "a disaster" and called for curbs on immigration. His isolationist stance echoed sentiments in Britain, which voted in June to quit the European Union. Though Obama championed the TPP, his administration has now stopped trying to win congressional approval for the deal that was signed by 12 economies in the Americas and Asia-Pacific, but excluded China. Without U.S. approval the agreement as currently negotiated cannot come to fruition. But Alan Bollard, the APEC secretariat's executive director, said it was premature to write the TPP off, though he expected it to be "put on the shelf" temporarily. "I think at the minute they will sit on it and wait and see what the new U.S. administration looks like after a year or a couple of years," Bollard said. ROLE OF CHINA China's Xi is expected to sell an alternate vision for regional trade by promoting the Beijing-backed Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP), which as it stands excludes the Americas. "We see people around the table here right now talking about if the TPP does not move forward then they're going to have to put their eggs in the RCEP basket," U.S. trade representative Michael Froman told Reuters. Sun Xiao from China's Chamber of International Commerce blamed unequal distribution of free trade's benefits for rising protectionism, and suggested it would be different under Chinese leadership. "If there was a bigger role for China we would promote the principle of joint participation and shared benefits to ensure free trade arrangements can benefit all," he said. Summit host Peru, one of the world's most open economies, has already said it would like to join the Beijing-backed trade pact. Others like Japan have expressed interest in moving forward with some sort of regional trade pact without the United States, Peruvian Vice President Mercedes Araoz said. "We probably will have several paths we could take, always with the commitment of having a free trade agreement in the Asia-Pacific region," Araoz told journalists. Australia's Trade Minister Steve Ciobo said he hoped negotiations on TPP would continue, but in the meantime believed the Chinese-led agreement presented a big opportunity. "If we are able to successfully land it over the coming months or the year ahead it would create again a terrific opportunity for Australian businesses to export through a common set of rules across the region," he told Australian Broadcasting Corp radio. The world would need to wait and see what happened with a Trump presidency and Brexit but customers accustomed to enjoying the fruits of free trade were unlikely to support the effects of increased barriers, said Scott Price, Chief Administrative Officer of Wal-Mart International. "The fact is that moms in Minnesota are still going to want blueberries in January, that your average consumer in England is still going to want the full assortment of products that they've been used to, and I have confidence that it will work out in a way that is practical and pragmatic." (Reporting by Rosalba O'Brien, Teresa Cespedes, Caroline Stauffer, Ursula Scollo and Mitra Taj in Lima, Additional reporting by Jamie Freed in Sydney; Writing by Caroline Stauffer and Rosalba O'Brien; Editing by Meredith Mazzilli and Alistair Bell)
Australian embassy organises Education for All workshop

Australia Awards Regional Alumni Workshop: Education for All Australian Ambassador Glenn White on Thursday inaugurated the Australia Awards South and West Asia Regional Alumni Workshop in Kathmandu.
KARACHI (Reuters) - The Pakistani navy detected an Indian submarine off the Pakistani coast and prevented it from entering its waters, it said in a statement on Friday, prompting a denial by India as tension between the nuclear-armed rivals simmers. The submarine was detected "south of the Pakistani coast" on Monday, the navy said in a press release. "Thereafter, despite the submarine's desperate efforts to escape detection, it was continuously tracked by Pakistan Navy Fleet units and pushed well clear of our waters," the press release said. The Pakistan navy also released footage and photographs of what it was said was the submarine. "This is all blatant lies," Indian navy spokesman D. K. Sharma told Reuters. Relations between Pakistan and India have been strained for several months, while cross-frontier shelling has intensified leading to deaths of civilians and soldiers stationed along the disputed frontier. Kashmir lies at the heart of the tension. The countries have fought two of their three wars over the region since partition and independence from Britain in 1947. (Reporting by Syed Raza Hassan in Karachi and Tommy Wilkes in New Delhi; Writing by Mehreen Zahra-Malik; Editing by Nick Macfie)
Participant Media is scaling back and rebranding its TakePart division in a bid to re-orient its strategy with the changing digital landscape. Several layoffs are expected at the TakePart division as a result.

The revamp will fold TakePart into the Participant Media brand and focus more resources on original video as well as new forms of storytelling, such as virtual reality.

Participant CEO David Linde said, This is a continuation of Participants strategy to focus on content and social impact, based on the belief that a good story well told can change the world. This decision is not a reflection on the work done by the exceptional TakePart team, but rather a strategic move to shift away from running a standalone site. We are incredibly proud of the TakePart team and its body of work over the past seven years, which has inspired significant engagement and countless individual actions on causes ranging from environmental protection to social justice.

TakePart focused on content revolving around the environment, food, and social justice, as well as supporting Participants films and, previously, programs on its Pivot television station.

With so many niche sites jostling for position, TakePart had an uphill battle to make a name for itself as a popular news and advocacy site. But the site did make a mark in the social justice area, winning a Shorty social good award for best Facebook presence as well as Telly, L.A. Press Club, and other awards for coverage of issues such as fracking, food sustainability, Syrian refugees, and more. Its social media sites have close to 4 million members across Facebook, Twitter, YouTube, and others.

The changes continue a reconfiguration of the company that began a year ago when Linde took over as CEO. He has been trying to remake Participant to respond to the quickly-changing media landscape. The company acquired Rainn Wilsons SoulPancake in October to increase video programming.

That meant that in August, Linde shut down the multimedia companys struggling television outlet, Pivot, which failed in three and a half years to gain a substantial profile or audience, despite an investment by owner Jeff Skoll of $200 million-plus.

Story continues

TakeParts audience reached as high as 7.8 million unique visitors in February of 2015 and dipped as low as 2.8 million in May of this year, according to ComScore. The site drew more than 4 million visitors last month.

The alterations of the digital venture are less dramatic than the Pivot shutdown. In that case, Participant walked away from an operation that had hosted a full slate of programs, including the Arctic outpost drama Fortitude, the Australian relationship dramedy Please Like Me, and the public affairs program TakePart Live.

The television audience has fragmented so severely, in the multi-channel and streaming universe, that niche channels like Pivot struggle to find and hold audiences. The stations struggle to hold on to their MVPD carriage deals. With no buyer on the horizon, Participant simply let Pivot go dark.

Past social action campaigns on TakePart encouraged the audience to support water conservation on the Colorado River, demand better working conditions for farm workers, and to write Congress on a variety of causes.

Related stories

Participant, Tribeca Developing Thriller 'Price of Liberty'

Drama, Local Business, Digital, Women's Empowerment Energize Mipcom 2016

Mipcom: Participant Media To Expand TV Content Business, Drive Into Short-Form Video
Bangkok (AFP) - A Siamese fighting fish sporting the red, white and blue stripes of the Thai flag has been sold for 53,500 baht ($1,500) -- a massive price tag for the tiny, inch-long pet.

The vibrantly-coloured animals, also known as Betta fish, can go for as little as $5 in Thailand, where the species is native.

But highest bidder Chuchat Lekdeangyu said he could not back down from the online price war after seeing the fish's iridescent, patriotic pattern.

"There have been other fighting fish that resemble the national flag before but none with as clear colours as him," said the 44-year-old freelance photographer and fish enthusiast.

He joined the auction when the fish was priced at 13,000 baht ($365) and fought off rival buyers to take it home for 53,500 baht ($1,500) on November 9.

"It is a lot of money for me but I think it is worth it," he told AFP, adding that he has named the three-month old fish "Tri-colour" in Thai.

He plans to snap photos of the pet and keep it in its own tank to avoid the territorial death-matches the species is famed for.

"I want to show the world that Thailand can breed a beautiful fish. This one belongs to all Thais," said Chuchat.
(Adds details on contract, background)

By Mitra Taj

LIMA, Nov 18 (Reuters) - Peru is considering rescinding Odebrecht SA's $5 billion natural gas pipeline contract after the Brazilian company's attempt to sell its majority stake in the project got snagged on corruption concerns, a government source said Friday.

As a condition to buying Odebrecht's stake, a Sempra Energy-led consortium asked to remove a clause in the contract that could hold it liable for any corruption during the awarding of the project, said the source, who spoke on condition of anonymity.

The government of Peru's President Pedro Pablo Kuczynski has refused to remove the clause from the contract and is growing impatient as it seeks to untangle billions in stalled infrastructure projects to bolster growth, the source said.

Odebrecht, entangled in a vast corruption investigation in neighboring Brazil, must exit the pipeline project in order for a group of banks to disburse a $4.1 billion loan needed to finance its construction.

If Sempra does not change its mind on the clause and close the deal, the government could rescind the pipeline contract as soon as the end of the month and hold a new auction to find a company to build and operate the pipeline, the source said. Sempra would be welcome to bid on the project, the source added.

It was unclear what rescinding the contract would mean for Odebrecht, which has been trying to sell off assets to cut its bloated debt in the wake of a massive graft scandal in Brazil.

Odebrecht, Sempra Energy and Techint Group, part of the Sempra-led consortium, did not immediately respond to requests for comment.

The 34-year concession to build and operate the pipeline was awarded to Odebrecht in 2014 after its sole competitor - a Sempra-led group - was disqualified the day of the auction for making last-minute changes to the share each company held in the consortium.

Public prosecutors in Peru have been investigating potential wrongdoing in the bidding process, which Odebrecht and public officials have repeatedly denied.

Story continues

Prosecutors carrying out a separate investigation in the attorney general's office have accused ex-president Ollanta Humala, whose five-year term ended in July, of taking illicit funds from Odebrecht.

Humala and Odebrecht have repeatedly denied wrongdoing in Peru.

Spanish energy firm Enagas SA controls a 25 percent stake in the pipeline project. Peruvian construction group Grana y Montero has a 20 percent stake.

Work on the pipeline, scheduled to finish in 2019, was 35 percent complete in July.

(Additional reporting by Marco Aquino; Editing by Bernard Orr)
At an EY forum live streamed by Yahoo Finance on Friday, the CEO of biotech company Regeneron Pharmaceuticals (REGN) acknowledged that really bad actors have posed a problem for the drug industry.

We have a few bad actors that have raised prices for no reason, just because they could, not because they innovated anything, Regeneron CEO Len Schleifer said at the EY panel. We have to weed those people out without destroying the industry, which I think has to succeed or the health of the nation and the world will suffer.

Schleifer was responding to a question from the moderator, Harvard Business Review Group Editor-in-Chief Adi Ignatius, about how Schleifer succeeds in a challenging industry thats facing increasing pressure to bring prices down.

In asking his question, Ignatius alluded to the public castigation of the drugmaker Mylan (MYL) after it raised the price of the life-saving EpiPen from $100 in 2007 to over $600 this year. The Mylan uproar came a year after pharmaceutical CEO Martin Shkreli became the poster child for corporate greed when his Turing Pharmaceuticals hiked the price of a life-saving drug called Daraprim from $13.50 to $750. That scandal helped shed light on other unnecessarily high drug-price hikes across the industry.

Martin Shrkeli, AP Photo/Susan Walsh

Schleifer  whose company has produced treatments for a range of diseases including asthma and rheumatoid arthritis  said the drug makers that are gouging consumers inevitably drum up more publicity than the ones that are doing the right thing. However, drug makers have to balance the needs of consumers with other interests, Schleifer noted.

We have to set up a bargain where people feel theyre getting a fair price for a drug today. At the same time, other people  shareholder, investors  are willing to put several billion dollars down a blind path which frequently needs nowhere, Schleifer said.

Those comments illuminate how tough it can be for drug makers to satisfy shareholders in an often-vilified industry. When addressing Schleifer on Friday, the Harvard Business Reviews Adi Ignatius pointed to another sign of challenging times in big pharma. This year, HBR named Lars Sorensen, CEO of the Danish drug maker Novo Nordisk, as No. 1 on its list of best-performing CEOs, and before the list went to press he ended up stepping down from that role.

In a Sept. 1 article about Sorensens resignation, Reuters noted that the drug makers prices had been squeezed by pharmacy benefit managers (PBMS). PBMs process deals between pharmacies and insurers or employers, and they often negotiate for drug discounts.

Ultimately, PBMs can affect drug makers bottom lines and provide an incentive for them to hike their prices. As Ignatius told Schleifer on Thursday, Youre in a tough industry.
Several companies were present at the annual meeting of the American College of Rheumatology (ACR) presenting data on approved as well as pipeline candidates. Meanwhile, Bristol-Myers BMY announced an immune-oncology deal and also provided updates on some of its cancer treatments.



Recap of the Weeks Most Important Stories



Data Presented at ACR: Quite a few companies presented data at the annual meeting of the American College of Rheumatology (ACR). Sanofi SNY and partner Regeneron presented results on sarilumab from their late-stage SARIL-RA-MONARCH study, which demonstrated sarilumabs superiority versus AbbVies Humira in adults with active rheumatoid arthritis (RA). Top-line results from this study were previously announced in Mar 2016.



Roche RHHBY was also present at ACR with late-stage data showing that Actemra/RoActemra is superior to steroids alone in maintaining steroid-free remission for people with giant cell arteritis. The company expects to submit these results to regulatory authorities by year end.



Meanwhile, Novartis presented new data on its IL-17A inhibitor, Cosentyx, showing long-lasting efficacy in psoriatic arthritis over 3 years including patient-reported pain. Pfizer PFE also presented new data on Xeljanz from the phase III Oral Psoriatic Arthritis TriaL (OPAL) studies, Broaden and Beyond (Read more: Pfizer Reports Phase III Psoriatic Arthritis Data on Xeljanz). Other companies like Glaxo and Lilly also presented data at ACR.



Bristol-Myers Announces Deal, Provides Pipeline Updates: Bristol-Myers entered into an immune-oncology focused collaboration with Enterome, a company focused on the development of pharmaceuticals and diagnostics based on the gut microbiome. The agreement will see the companies working on the discovery and development of microbiome-derived biomarkers, drug targets and bioactive molecules to be used as potential companion diagnostics and therapeutics for cancer. The companies will also work on identifying novel microbiome-derived biomarkers to improve clinical outcomes for patients treated with Bristol-Myers immuno-oncology portfolio (Read more: Bristol-Myers, Enterome Ink Immuno-Oncology Collaboration). Bristol-Myers also presented data on Opdivo and Yervoy from a study evaluating the combination treatment in previously treated patients with advanced form of bladder cancer. Interim data was also presented on the combination of lirilumab and Opdivo for the treatment of patients with advanced platinum refractory squamous cell carcinoma of the head and neck (SCCHN) and on urelumab plus Opdivo in hematologic and solid tumors (Read more: Bristol-Myers Offers Updates from Opdivo Combination Trials).



Sanofi PCSK9 Cardiovascular Outcomes Study to Continue as Planned: Sanofi and partner Regeneron will be continuing with the ODYSSEY OUTCOMES study on Praluent as planned instead of stopping it early, based on the recommendation of an independent Data Monitoring Committee (DMC) following a second pre-specified interim analysis. Praluent is one of two PCSK9 inhibitors (the other being Repatha) currently available in the market. While both drugs have been touted as having blockbuster potential, sales have disappointed so far and are yet to pick up significantly. Focus remains on cardiovascular outcomes study data, which if positive, are expected to boost sales significantly.



Sanofi also announced that it got a positive opinion from the Committee for Medicinal Products for Human Use (CHMP) of the European Medicines Agency (EMA) for Suliqua, a once-daily titratable fixed-ratio combination of Lantus (basal insulin glargine 100 Units/mL) and GLP-1 receptor agonist Lyxumia (lixisenatide) for the treatment of type II diabetes.



Allergan Seeks FDA Approval for Avastin Biosimilar: Allergan AGN and partner Amgen have filed a BLA seeking FDA approval for ABP 215, a biosimilar candidate to Roches cancer treatment Avastin (bevacizumab). The companies believe theirs is the first Avastin biosimilar application to be submitted in the U.S. We note that just a few days back, Mylan and partner Biocon had announced the submission of a biosimilar version of Roches Herceptin (trastuzumab) in the U.S.



J&J Provides Regulatory Updates: Johnson & Johnsons JNJ Janssen Biotech has submitted a BLA for guselkumab for the treatment of adults living with moderate to severe plaque psoriasis. Guselkumab is one of the key candidates in J&Js pipeline. J&J also announced that Stelaras label has been expanded in the EU to include the treatment of moderately to severely active Crohns disease in adult patients who have not responded adequately or have lost response to, or were intolerant to either conventional therapy or a TNF antagonist or have medical contraindications to such therapies (Read More: J&J Stelara Gets Approval in EU for Label Expansion). J&J is a Zacks Rank #3 (Hold) stock. You can see the complete list of todays Zacks #1 Rank (Strong Buy) stocks here.



Teva Reports 3Q Results, Sets Aside $520 Million for Settlement of FCPA Investigations: Tevas TEVA third quarter results were disappointing with the company missing on revenues and lowering its outlook for the year. In addition to announcing third quarter results, Teva is setting aside $520 million related to the settlement of U.S. Foreign Corrupt Practices Act (FCPA) investigations into conduct in three countries, Russia, Mexico and Ukraine, from 2007-2013. The company is in advanced discussions with the DoJ and the SEC to settle the investigations (Read more: 6 Things You Need to Know about Teva's Q3 Earningss).



Performance

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Large Cap Pharmaceuticals Industry Price Index

Large Cap Pharmaceuticals Industry Price Index

The NYSE ARCA Pharmaceutical Index was down almost 3% over the last five trading days. Among major pharma stocks, Pfizer was down 5.3% during this period. Over the last six months, Bristol-Myers declined 20.4% while Merck was up 15.4% (See the last pharma stock roundup here: Pharma Stocks Rally on Trump Win, Pfizer to Divest Consumer Unit?).



What's Next in the Pharma World?



With third quarter earnings season drawing to a close, watch out for the usual pipeline and regulatory updates.



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By Manuel Mogato and Karen Lema MANILA (Reuters) - Former Philippine dictator Ferdinand Marcos was buried with military honours at a heroes' cemetery in Manila on Friday, almost 30 years after his death in Hawaii, amid scattered protests around the sprawling capital. Many in the Philippines are angered by the way Marcos's family had kept the timing of the burial secret, including Vice President Leni Robredo who likened the ceremony to "a thief in the night". "This is nothing new to the Marcoses - they who had hidden wealth, hidden human rights abuses and now hidden burial - with complete disrespect for the rule of law," Robredo, who belongs to an anti-Marcos political party, said in a statement. President Rodrigo Duterte, who is attending the Asia Pacific Economic Cooperation summit in Lima, Peru, had given orders in August that the burial could go ahead, fulfilling an election campaign promise. But it only took place after a Supreme Court ruling last week that dismissed objections from human rights groups. "I was just being legally strict about it," Duterte said in Lima, defending his decision to allow the burial. "President Marcos was a president for so long and he was a soldier. So, that's about it. Whether or not he performed worse or better, there is no study, there is no movie about it. It's just the challenges and allegations of the other side which is not enough." Marcos's eldest daughter, Imee Marcos, the governor of Ilocos Norte province, thanked Duterte for allowing her father, a former soldier and guerrilla leader during World War Two, to be laid to rest with soldiers. "At last, my beloved father's last will to be buried with fellow soldiers was fulfilled today," she said. She also asked people to understand the family's decision to keep the ceremony "simple, private and solemn". The media was banned from the ceremony and waited outside the cemetery as a 21-gun salute was fired and a Philippine flag was handed to Marcos' widow, Imelda. Thousands of protesters rallied around Manila, some burning pictures of the late ruler. Past governments had blocked the burial, because they were either led by enemies of Marcos or bowed to public opinion, and the body had lain in a refrigerated mausoleum in Marcos's hometown of Paoay since its return to the Philippines in the early 1990s. "At a time like this, it is fitting that we hear the voices of others: learn about their stories, the persons behind the statistics, their loved ones lost to the regime of martial law," said Duterte's predecessor, Benigno Aquino, whose father and namesake was assassinated during Marcos's rule. Marcos had imposed martial law in 1972, before the end of his second term as president and ruled by decrees. He ruled the Philippines for 20 years, during which time he, his family and cronies amassed an estimated $10 billion in ill-gotten wealth, a commission found. Tens of thousands of suspected communist rebels and political foes were killed. He was chased from office in a people's power revolt in 1986 and died in exile in Hawaii three years later. The Marcos family returned to the Philippines in the 1990s and became powerful politicians representing his home province of Ilocos Norte. (Additional Reporting By Roli Ng, Peter Blaza and Romeo Ranoco; Editing by Nick Macfie)
China to let Nepal use Tibet roads

China has agreed to allow Nepal to use its highways in the bordering Tibetan region for transportation of goods.
Ex-Philippine dictator Ferdinand Marcos was buried in a secretive ceremony at the national heroes' cemetery Friday, triggering street protests as opponents denounced what they said was the whitewashing of his brutal and corrupt rule.

The burial at the "Cemetery of Heroes" was another stunning development in the remarkable political comeback of the Marcos family, a phenomenon given fresh energy by the clan's strong alliance with new President Rodrigo Duterte.

The Supreme Court last week endorsed a decision by Duterte to lay the dictator to rest at the heroes' cemetery, three decades after millions of people took to the streets in the famous "People Power" revolution that ended Marcos's reign.

The Marcos family and government moved quickly after the verdict, secretly flying the embalmed body to the cemetery on Friday and interring him despite appeals still pending with the Supreme Court urging it to reconsider.

"Like a thief in the night, the Marcos family deliberately hid the information of burying former president Marcos today from the Filipino people," said Vice President Leni Robredo, who was elected separately to Duterte and belongs to another party.

"This is nothing new to the Marcoses -- they who had hidden wealth, hidden human rights abuses, and now, a hidden burial -- with complete disregard for the law."

His wheelchair-bound wife Imelda, 87, and their children and grandchildren followed a horse-drawn carriage with military escort that bore his Philippine flag-draped casket, footage released by the family on Facebook showed.

- 'Marcos thief' -

The military honoured Marcos at the ceremony with a 21-gun salute as soldiers in parade dress and ceremonial rifles stood to attention.

"At last our beloved father Ferdinand Edralin Marcos's final instruction to be buried alongside his fellow soldiers was carried out today," daughter Imee Marcos told reporters afterwards.

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Two thousand riot police and soldiers guarded the perimeter of the cemetery during the ceremony, blocking entry by journalists.

Marcos opponents taken by surprise by the burial quickly organised a series of rallies across the Philippine capital of Manila on Friday that attracted thousands of people.

One of the biggest was at a roadside monument commemorating the "People Power" revolution where crowds gathered chanting "Marcos, thief until death", "Duterte, a Marcos lapdog" and "exhume, exhume".

Protesters -- both martial law veterans and young students -- delivered speeches on how they or their relatives were tortured, detained and abducted under the dictatorship.

Motorists passing by honked their horns in solidarity with the demonstrators.

Marcos, his wife and their cronies plundered up to $10 billion from state coffers and plunged the Philippines into crippling debt during his rule, according to government investigators and historians.

The dictator also oversaw widespread human rights abuses to maintain his control of the country and enable his plundering, with thousands of people killed and tortured, previous Philippine governments said.

Anti-corruption watchdog Transparency International in 2004 named Marcos the second most corrupt leader of all time, behind Indonesian dictator Suharto.

- Political resurrection -

After Marcos died in Hawaii in 1989, his family was allowed to return and began its political resurrection.

Imelda became a congresswoman and fended off all corruption charges against her. Imee and Ferdinand "Bongbong" Marcos Jnr also became influential politicians.

However previous presidents had refused to allow the dictator to be buried in the heroes' cemetery because of his crimes, so the family kept the preserved body in a glass casket at his home in the northern province of Ilocos Norte.

The family's fortunes changed with the election of Duterte, a long-time ally of the Marcos family, as president in May this year.

He said Marcos deserved to be buried at the heroes' cemetery because he had been a president and a veteran of World War II.

Duterte also said he owed loyalty to the family because his father had served in the Marcos government and the family had helped fund his election campaign.

Duterte, who was in Peru for a global leaders summit on Friday, again sought to justify his decision, as he urged "forgiveness".

"I was just being legally strict about it. President Marcos was a president for so long and he was a soldier. So that's about it," he said.
How this pizza place is combating food waste

Want to help fight Americas huge food waste problem? It could be as simple as eating pizza.

Austin restaurant Bufalina prepared a special meal for the first day of SXSW Eco a pizza topped with food destined for the dumpster.

Its perfectly edible food  its just aesthetically, it might not look beautiful, Bufalina owner Steven Dilley told HuffPo. We look at the appearance of a vegetable, but many times that bears very little relationship to taste.

Bufalina hopes to raise awareness about the 40 percent of American produce that goes uneaten. Though the meal was for a one-time event, Chef Tyreece Burton says hes excited to see more and more people cut down on waste and turn to ugly produce  and, thankfully, its not the only restaurant to incorporate ugly food into its recipes.

Looking at these supposedly ugly vegetables as potential food  the whole movement is going to continue to grow, Burton said.

There are going to be a lot more chefs proud to say theyre serving the kind of stuff that most people would throw away, which I think is really awesome.[/subheader]

We think so, too!

The post How this pizza place is combating food waste appeared first on HelloGiggles.
OTTAWA, ON / ACCESSWIRE / November 18, 2016 / Plaintree Systems Inc. (Plaintree, traded on CSE under the symbol NPT).

Q2 2017 Results

Plaintree announced today that it has released its un-audited condensed consolidated interim financial statements and related management discussion and analysis for the three and six months ended September 30, 2016.

During the first six months of fiscal 2017, Plaintree realized revenues of $9,095,300 up from $7,382,691 for the same period of fiscal 2016 with net losses of $(476,148) and $(1,522,014) in the respective periods. The notes to the financial statements and Management Discussion and Analysis for the period ended September 30, 2016 contain comments from management regarding the ability of Plaintree to continue as a going concern as discussed in Section 2(d) of the notes to the financial statements and the section entitled "Outlook  Going Concern" in the Management Discussion and Analysis.

For more information on these results, please refer to Plaintree's annual 2016 financial statements together with the related Management's Discussion and Analysis report, copies of which can be obtained from the Company's website at www.plaintree.com and/or under Plaintree's name at www.sedar.com.

About Plaintree Systems

Plaintree has two diversified product lines consisting of Specialty Structures and Electronics.

The Specialty Structures Division includes the former Triodetic Group with over 40 years of experience, is a design/build manufacturer of steel, aluminum and stainless steel specialty structures such as commercial domes, free form structures, barrel vaults, space frames and industrial dome coverings, Arnprior Fire Trucks Corp., a manufacturer of high end fire and emergency vehicles, Spotton Corporation, a design and manufacturer of high end custom hydraulic and pneumatic valves and cylinders and the recently acquired Madawaska Doors, a design and manufacturer of premium solid wood doors.

The Electronics Division includes the legacy Hypernetics, Summit Aerospace USA Inc. and Plaintree free space optics (FSO) businesses. Plaintree's FSO systems transmit data at high speeds using beams of light instead of traditional radio frequency which can suffer from congestion. Hypernetics was established in 1972 and is a manufacturer of avionic components for various applications including aircraft antiskid braking, aircraft instrument indicators, solenoids, high purity valves and permanent magnet alternators. Summit Aerospace USA Inc. provides high precision machining to the aerospace and defense markets. Our facility includes 5 axis CNC precision machining of complex castings and large ring parts such as turbine and assembly shrouds as well as assembly & pressure seals. Summit will support requirements from concept, prototype and throughout production.

Story continues

Plaintree's shares are traded under the symbol "NPT". Shareholders and Investors can access Company information on CSE's website and receive full Company disclosure monthly. For more information on Plaintree or to receive stock quotes, complete with trading summaries, bid size and ask price, brokerage house participation, insider reports, news releases, disclosure information, and CSE and SEDAR filings, visit the CSE website at www.cnsx.ca or the Company's website at www.plaintree.com.

Plaintree is publicly traded in Canada on the CSE (NPT) with 12,925,253 common shares and 18,325 class A preferred shares outstanding.

This press release may include statements that are forward-looking and based on current expectations. The actual results of the company may differ materially from current expectations. The business of the company is subject to many risks and uncertainties, including changes in markets for the company's products, delays in product development and introduction to manufacturing and intense competition. For a more detailed discussion of the risks and uncertainties related to the company's business, please refer to documents filed by the company with the Canadian regulatory authorities, including the annual report of the Company for the fiscal year ended March 31, 2016 and related management discussion and analysis.

Canadian Securities Exchange has not reviewed and does not accept responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of the content of this news release.

For further information: (613) 623-3434 x2261

SOURCE: Plaintree Systems Inc.
By Justyna Pawlak and Pawel Sobczak WARSAW (Reuters) - Polish Prime Minister Beata Szydlo has expressed the hope that German Chancellor Angela Merkel will run for a fourth term next year, signaling a shift in tone after a series of quarrels between Warsaw and Berlin. A closer partnership between the two countries could play an important role in pushing for continued western sanctions against Russia at a time when U.S. President-elect Donald Trump may take a different line, having voiced admiration for Kremlin leader Vladimir Putin. "Personally, I am rooting for Angela Merkel and I hope she will be chancellor," Szydlo told Reuters in her first interview with a foreign news outlet since becoming prime minister a year ago. "We have very good relations, and there aren't many female heads of state in the European Union. So far, there is (British Prime Minister) Theresa May, Angela Merkel and me... It's important for me also from this perspective." Britain's pending departure from the EU will deprive Poland of a close eurosceptic ally within the bloc, forcing it to adjust its alliances. But mending fences with Germany will be a challenge. Since taking power in an election last year, Szydlo's conservative government has quarrelled with its biggest trade partner over a range of issues, from gas pipelines to the migration crisis. In particular, Poland opposes the imposition of EU quotas specifying how many refugees member states must accept - an idea favored by Merkel, whose country has taken in the majority of the 1.4 million migrants to reach Europe since the start of 2015. Szydlo restated that disagreement, even as she affirmed her backing for Merkel. "The policies of chancellor Merkel are predictable ... and stabilization is something which Europe needs very much," she said. "Although I think the migration policy has been a mistake." Her tone contrasted with politicians of her Law and Justice (PiS) party, including its leader Jaroslaw Kaczynski, who in their criticism of Berlin have alluded to Nazi Germany's occupation of Poland during World War Two. Earlier this year, Poland's Foreign Minister Witold Waszczykowski summoned the German ambassador in Warsaw after some German politicians suggested imposing EU sanctions on Poland over media and justice reforms they said were undemocratic. Kaczynski has frequently accused Szydlo's predecessor as prime minister, European Council President Donald Tusk, of forging close relations with Berlin at the expense of Poland's national interest. Merkel, in power since 2005, is expected to announce her decision to run for a fourth term at a news conference on Sunday evening, and opinion polls suggest she will win. (Reporting by Justyna Pawlak; Editing by Mark Trevelyan)
Invite-only torrent site What.CD, a favorite destination for audiophiles for its vast trove of hard-to-find releases and high-quality files, has terminated operations immediately. A terse statement found on its website mentions "recent events" as the reason for the piracy site's demise. "We are not likely to return any time soon in our current form," the message reads. "All site and user data has been destroyed. So long, and thanks for all the fish."

According to Zataz Magazine, French authorities seized at least 12 of the site's servers on Thursday during raids at various locations. The Zataz report mentions the raids were the culmination of an investigation that began two years ago. French authoring rights collecting society SACEM is mentioned in the report, though their possible role is lost in translation. SACEM representatives did not immediately respond to requests for clarification.

Launched in 2007 from the ashes of another popular torrent tracker, Oink, What managed to flourish even as its peers were litigated into oblivion as legal streaming services altered how people discover and listen to music. Still, in-the-know fans gravitated to What for its large-and-rare collection (it recently hit 1 million unique releases) and because it offered many files in the lossless FLAC format.

The site was also known for being selective with access, and recently made the blogs when disgraced former pharmaceutical executive Martin Shkreli asked his Twitter followers for a coveted invite.

What.CD let users know about the closure on Twitter:

Due to some recent events, What.CD is shutting down. We are not likely to return any time soon in our current form. 1/2

- What.CD (@whatcd) November 17, 2016

All site and user data has been destroyed. So long, and thanks for all the fish. <3 2/2

- What.CD (@whatcd) November 17, 2016
CJ Karki against appointing judge solely based on proportional representation

Chief Justice Sushila Karki has said that novices should not be appointed as judge in the name of proportional representation. Judiciary is the centre of people's hope, therefore, only the person who have expertise in law and can execute legal matters is worthy to become a judge, she said.
President Obama has publicly denounced the spread of fake news on Facebook and other social-media platforms, which he said could compromise democratic freedoms.

Speaking at a news conference in Berlin on Thursday, Obama said, If we are not serious about facts and whats true and whats not  if we cant discriminate between serious arguments and propaganda, then we have problems.

If everything seems to be the same and no distinctions are made, then we wont know what to protect. We wont know what to fight for. And we can lose so much of what weve gained in terms of the kind of democratic freedoms and market-based economies and prosperity that weve come to take for granted, he said.

The Presidents comments come at a time when Facebook and other social-media platforms are under scrutiny for failing to prevent the spread of conspiracy theories and propaganda packaged as news. Fake news on Facebook generated more user engagement than real news in the run up to the U.S. presidential elections according to one analysis.

Last week Facebook CEO Mark Zuckerberg dismissed the notion that fake news on the social media had influenced the outcome of the U.S. election as pretty crazy, and asserted that voter decisions were based on their lived experience.

However, earlier this week both Facebook and Google  whose algorithms have also proved susceptible to fake news  announced plans to choke the ad revenues of fake news sights.

(Gifts: The 100 Most Influential Images of All Time)

In a TV interview, Googles CEO Sundar Pichai said, From our perspective, there should just be no situation where fake news gets distributed.
President-elect Donald Trump has reached a reported $25 million settlement with disgruntled former Trump University students - just 10 days before he was set to face a fraud trial, according to Reuters.

Reports that a settlement was near, which cited unnamed sources familiar with the situation, began circulating early Friday morning.

The legal fight began in 2010, with thousands of former students claiming they were tricked in to taking on debt to pay for a worthless education, under the guise that Trump had hand-picked instructors and the program would help them have successful real estate careers.

Shortly after Trump won the election, his attorney Daniel Petrocelli asked U.S. District Judge Gonzalo Curiel to delay the trial, which was set to begin Nov. 28, until after the presidential inauguration on Jan. 20 - arguing that preparing for the office is "all consuming." The plaintiffs, who have spent six years fighting for a resolution, opposed the motion. A hearing on the issue is set to begin at 1:30 p.m., but it now appears to be moot.

It's not a surprise that Trump would settle the suit to take it off his plate before taking office, especially given his apparently contentious relationship with Curiel. Following a primary debate in which Marco Rubio took a shot at Trump and the lawsuit over his "fake school," the billionaire then pointed the finger at the court, saying he believed he was being unfairly treated by a Hispanic judge because of his stance on immigration. Curiel, of course, will have to approve any proposed settlement before it is official.

Also not surprising, it has been widely reported that in agreeing to the settlement Trump has admitted no wrongdoing. According to Reuters, $4 million of the payout will go to the New York attorney general to settle a parallel suit there and the firms representing the students will not seek attorney's fees, only costs.

Petrocelli has not yet confirmed the settlement.

Read more: Why Donald Trump Turned to This Hollywood Lawyer to Defend Trump University
President-elect Donald Trump has reached a reported $25 million settlement with disgruntled former Trump University students - just 10 days before he was set to face a fraud trial in California federal court.

Reports that a settlement was near, which cited unnamed sources familiar with the situation, began circulating early Friday morning and New York Attorney General Eric T. Schneiderman later confirmed the speculation by issuing a statement.

The legal fight began in 2010, with thousands of former students claiming they were tricked in to taking on debt to pay for a worthless education, under the guise that Trump had hand-picked instructors and the program would help them have successful real estate careers. A parallel case was filed in New York, which is also resolved by this deal.

"Donald Trump fought us every step of the way, filing baseless charges and fruitless appeals and refusing to settle for even modest amounts of compensation for the victims of his phony university," says Schneiderman in the statement. "Today, that all changes. Today's $25 million settlement agreement is a stunning reversal by Donald Trump and a major victory for the over 6,000 victims of his fraudulent university."

Schneiderman also noted that Trump "will pay up to $1 million in penalties to the State of New York for violating state education laws."

Shortly after Trump won the election, his attorney Daniel Petrocelli asked U.S. District Judge Gonzalo Curiel to delay the trial, which was set to begin Nov. 28, until after the presidential inauguration on Jan. 20 - arguing that preparing for the office is "all consuming." The plaintiffs, who have spent six years fighting for a resolution, opposed the motion. A hearing on the issue is set to begin at 1:30 p.m., but it now appears to be moot.

It's not a surprise that Trump would settle the suit to take it off his plate before taking office, especially given his apparently contentious relationship with Curiel. Following a primary debate in which Marco Rubio took a shot at Trump and the lawsuit over his "fake school," the billionaire then pointed the finger at the court, saying he believed he was being unfairly treated by a Hispanic judge because of his stance on immigration. Curiel, of course, will have to approve any proposed settlement before it is official.

Story continues

Also not surprising, it has been widely reported that in agreeing to the settlement Trump has admitted no wrongdoing.

Petrocelli has not yet commented on the settlement.

Donald Trump later commented on the settlement tweeting, "I settled the Trump University lawsuit for a small fraction of the potential award because as President I have to focus on our country."

The ONLY bad thing about winning the Presidency is that I did not have the time to go through a long but winning trial on Trump U. Too bad!

- Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) November 19, 2016

I settled the Trump University lawsuit for a small fraction of the potential award because as President I have to focus on our country.

- Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) November 19, 2016

Nov. 18, 1:15 p.m. Updated with a comment from NY attorney general Eric Schneiderman.

Nov. 19, 3 p.m, Updated with tweets from Donald Trump.

Read more: Why Donald Trump Turned to This Hollywood Lawyer to Defend Trump University
President Barack Obama said he would support Donald Trump amending the Affordable Care Act, also known as Obamacare, if it meant more Americans would be insured and better overall healthcare.

"He says that he can improve on that system," Obama told German television station ARD on Thursday. "My view is if in fact he can provide the same amount of people with health care in a better way than I could, then I would support such efforts."

The comments from Obama came in the midst of his final presidential trip to Germany and other European counties, where members of the media asked him about the possibility of the president elect-undoing many of his signature achievements, Reuters reported Thursday. Congressional Republicans had tried to repeal the Affordable Care Act throughout his presidency.

Trump said the Affordable Care Act was a disaster and called for it to be repealed and replaced during a presidential campaign rally speech in Macon, Georgia Dec. 1, 2015.

One of his first agendas as president would be to move quickly on Obamas sweeping healthcare law. It has become so expensive that the United States cant use it, Trump told the Wall Street Journal in an interview last week.

However, Trump said he would retain parts of Obamacare, specifically those in which parents are able to keep children on their health insurance plans until they are 26.

I like those very much, Trump told the Wall Street Journal.

More than 100,000 people enrolled in Obamacare across the country since Trumps presidential election victory, Politico reported.

More than 11.3 million people have signed up for Obama's signature health coverage in all 50 states and Washington D.C., the Washington Post reported.

Critics of the healthcare law pointed to the statistic from the Health and Human Services Department that Obamacare premiums were going to rise by more than 20 percent on average in 2017. Premium rates had consistently risen since the law's implementation in 2010, NBC News reported.

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The share of uninsured Americans dropped earlier this year to a historic low of 8.6 percent, which was 1.3 million fewer persons than in 2015 and 21.3 million fewer persons than in 2010, according to the 2016 National Health Interview Survey conducted by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

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President Barack Obama invited the little boy, who wrote a letter offering a home to Syrian child, to meet with him at the White House earlier in November.

Alex, 6, of Scarsdale, New York wrote to President Obama to offer a new home to Syrian boy Omran Daqneesh, who became internationally famous after being photographed in the aftermath of an airstrike on Aleppo. Obama read from Alexs note at the UN Leaders Summit on Refugees held in September, urging world leaders to address the global refugee crisis saying, "The humanity that a young child can display, who hasnt learned to by cynical, or suspicious, or how they look, or how they pray, and who just understands the notion of treating somebody that is like him with compassion, with kindness  we can all learn from Alex.

This video shows Alex and Obamas meeting in the Oval Office. Credit: Twitter/TheWhiteHouse via Storyful
President Barack Obama had wise words for his teenage daughters following the election of Donald Trump and reports that racist incidents and crimes are on the rise.

In a new interview with The New Yorker, the president said he urged daughters Malia, 18, and Sasha, 15, to face bigotry head-on and constantly affirm and lift up and fight for treating people with kindness and respect and understanding.

People are complicated. Societies and cultures are really complicated, the president recalled telling his daughters. This is not mathematics; this is biology and chemistry. These are living organisms, and its messy. And your job as a citizen and as a decent human being is to constantly affirm and lift up and fight for treating people with kindness and respect and understanding.

RELATED VIDEO: President Obama on Donald Trump: This Office Has a Way of Waking You Up

And you should anticipate that at any given moment theres going to be flare-ups of bigotry that you may have to confront, or may be inside you and you have to vanquish. And it doesnt stop.  You dont get into a fetal position about it. You dont start worrying about apocalypse. You say, okay where are the places where I can push to keep it moving forward?

The president has shared a similar message with the American public. After Trumps unexpected victory, he told citizens to stay encouraged. Dont get cynical, dont ever think you cant make a difference.

The path that this country has taken has never been a straight line. We zig and zag and sometimes we move in ways that some people think is forward and others think is moving back, and thats okay, he said. The point though is that we all go forward with a presumption of good faith in our fellow citizens, because that presumption of good faith is essential to a vibrant and functioning democracy.




Nov 18 (Reuters) - The following are the top stories on the business pages of British newspapers. Reuters has not verified these stories and does not vouch for their accuracy.

The Times

* Former shadow chancellor Ed Balls said that the Bank of England has become so powerful since the financial crisis that limits to its independence are now needed. http://bit.ly/2f5Ff1e

* Royal Bank of Scotland Group Plc ignored warnings from senior advisers about estimated losses that would be reported in the prospectus for its record 12 billion pounds($14.89 billion) rights issue in order to portray the bank in a falsely healthy light, according to court documents filed by a large group of shareholders. http://bit.ly/2f5DYYc

The Guardian

* Tesco Plc Chief Executive Dave Lewis warned multinational consumer brand owners, such as Marmite's parent company Unilever Plc, asking them not to push currency-related price hikes on to British shoppers. http://bit.ly/2f5IxBY

* The number of care workers on zero-hours contracts has jumped from one in 10 of the sector's workforce to one in seven in the past year, according to an analysis of data from the Office for National Statistics. http://bit.ly/2f5AWTL

The Telegraph

* Britain's mobile phone company Three Mobile said that hackers have successfully accessed its customer upgrade database which could put the personal data of millions of customers at risk. http://bit.ly/2f5zl0n

* Hundreds of jobs may be lost in Somerset after GKN Plc said it would close a plant that makes helicopter components at the end of next year. http://bit.ly/2g3Bf3W

Sky News

* Office stationery brand Staples Inc will disappear from UK high street after its U.S. owner sold its struggling business to restructuring specialists Hilco Capital for a "nominal sum." http://bit.ly/2f5vNuO

* Accountancy firm Deloitte UK Chief Executive David Sproul said it may move some of its business out of UK if the Government's stance on immigration is too strong. http://bit.ly/2f5uzQn

The Independent

* The Office for National Statistics reported that retail sales surged by 1.9 percent in October, far exceeding City analysts' expectations and showing continued strength of household consumption despite the Brexit vote. http://ind.pn/2f5w7Kb ($1 = 0.8061 pounds) (Compiled by Bhanu Pratap in Bengaluru; Editing by Peter Cooney)
Nov 18 (Reuters) - The following are the top stories on the New York Times business pages. Reuters has not verified these stories and does not vouch for their accuracy.

- Andrew Davenport, the chief executive of the mail-order pharmacy Philidor Rx Services, and Gary Tanner, an executive at Valeant Pharmaceuticals International have been charged with multiple counts of fraud and conspiracy. http://nyti.ms/2fBF7uv

- President-elect Donald Trump has offered the post of national security adviser to retired intelligence officer Michael Flynn. http://nyti.ms/2fBFu8n

- In his strongest public comments since the election, President Barack Obama on Thursday sharply criticized the spread of fake news online and said that Trump would not remain in office for long if he failed to take the job seriously. http://nyti.ms/2fBNTZz

- Trump met with the prime minister of Japan, Shinzo Abe, in New York on Thursday as the president-elect continued his fitful adjustment to the protocols of high-level diplomacy. http://nyti.ms/2fBTwqy

- Airbnb said on Thursday that it is expanding beyond its core short-term rental business, which faces pushback from local governments around the world, to become a fuller service travel agency. http://nyti.ms/2fBNEOf

- McDonald's said on Thursday it would expand its digital self-serve ordering stations and table service to all of its 14,000 American restaurants. http://nyti.ms/2fBNPZV

- Jared Kushner, the son-in-law of Trump, has spoken to a lawyer about the possibility of joining the new administration, a move that could violate federal anti-nepotism law and risk legal challenges and political backlash. http://nyti.ms/2fBLtKx

- With the election now in the rearview mirror, Bloomberg has decided to terminate its daily politics show "With All Due Respect" hosted by the political journalists John Heilemann and Mark Halperin and refocus its Bloomberg Politics team, according to a staff memo on Thursday. http://nyti.ms/2fBOEBY (Compiled by Gaurika Juneja in Bengaluru)
Prince William got surprisingly candid during an appearance on a Vietnamese talk show earlier this week.

Speaking on the English-language show Talk Vietnam during his two-day visit to the country to fight illegal wildlife trade, the 34-year-old royal dad opened up about his family life.

On fatherhood, theres wonderful highs and wonderful lows, he told host Tran Thuy Duong. Its been quite a change for me personally. Im very lucky in the support I have from Catherine, shes an amazing mother and a fantastic wife.

But he also acknowledged, Ive struggled at times. The alteration from being a single, independent man to going into marriage and then having children is life-changing.

I adore my children very much, and Ive learned a lot about myself and about family just from having my own children.

Calling 3-year-old son Prince George a right little rascal, he said, he keeps me on my toes but hes a sweet boy. As for 18-month-old Princess Charlotte, he said, bearing in mind I havent had a sister, so having a daughter is a very different dynamic. So Im learning about having a daughter, having a girl in the family.

Following a question from a 10-year-old girl in the audience about his advice for protecting wildlife and how to make a difference, he said, I worry about the future more. When you have something or someone in your life to give the future to, I think it focuses the mind more about what youre giving them. Are you happy that youve done all you can to leave it in a good state?

I would like to grow up with more simple aspirations. I think theres a lot of huge aspirations and people living with an enormous amount of stuff that they dont necessarily need.

The materialism of the world  I find quite tricky sometimes.

I would like George and Charlotte to grow up being a little bit more simple in their approach and their outlook, and just looking after those around them and treating others as they would like to be treated themselves.




Demonstration in Kalikot against LLRC decision

Residents of Chilkhaya in Kalikot district have staged a protest after the district-level technical committee under the Local Level Restructuring Committee (LLRC) decided to include Chhapre VDC in the area number eight.
Washington (AFP) - President-elect Donald Trump announced three important cabinet appointments Friday, for the posts of CIA director, attorney general and national security advisor.

The following are thumbnail sketches of the three men:

- CIA director -

Mike Pompeo, the Republican legislator nominated to lead the CIA, is a well-known hawk and strident critic of the Iran nuclear deal.

A graduate of the West Point military academy and later Harvard Law School, Pompeo worked in the powerful Republican-oriented law firm Williams and Connolly and ran, then sold, an aerospace components firm, Thayer Aerospace.

With financial support from the influential conservative billionaire Koch brothers, he was elected in Kansas in 2010 to the House of Representatives, where he was a member of the hardline Tea Party faction.

In the House, the 52-year-old made his name as one of the leaders of the controversial Benghazi Committee, which targeted Trump's presidential rival Hillary Clinton in its investigation of the 2012 attack on the US consulate in the Libyan city which left four Americans, including the US ambassador, dead.

Pompeo gained exposure to intelligence matters in 2013 when he was appointed to the House Intelligence Committee.

In that venue he leveled scathing criticism of the Obama administration's deal with Iran to lift sanctions in exchange for halting its program to develop nuclear weapons.

Ahead of his nomination, on Thursday he tweeted: "I look forward to rolling back this disastrous deal with the world's largest state sponsor of terrorism."

His nomination was hailed on Friday by Republican Devin Nunes, the chairman of the intelligence committee, which will have to approve his appointment.

- Attorney general -

Jeff Sessions, Trump's choice to be US attorney general, is an arch-conservative southerner haunted by racially charged comments he made decades ago.

Now a 69-year-old senator from Alabama, Sessions was once denied a judgeship amid concerns over his past comments about blacks, and over remarks that appeared sympathetic to the Ku Klux Klan.

Story continues

The allegations came out in 1986 during witness testimony to the Senate Judiciary Committee as Sessions sought approval to be a federal district court judge. He was turned down, in an extremely rare step.

During the lengthy testimony, Sessions admitted that, when told that a white lawyer had been called a "disgrace to his race" for defending African-Americans, he responded by saying: "Well, maybe he is."

It also emerged during the hearings that in the 1980s he allegedly addressed a black prosecutor working for him as "boy," and joked about the Ku Klux Klan saying he thought its members were "OK, until I found out they smoked pot," according to The New York Times.

Sessions denied making that first comment, and said he meant the second as a joke.

He could face renewed questioning on race as he goes before the Senate to seek approval of his appointment.

A member of the Senate since 1996, Sessions is an outspoken voice against giving undocumented immigrants a path to US citizenship and in favor of reduced spending and a tough approach to fighting crime.

- National security adviser -

Michael Flynn, Trump's choice to be his powerful national security advisor, is a former military intelligence chief who sees militant Islam as the biggest threat to global stability.

The retired three-star general, a veteran of America's wars in Iraq and Afghanistan, has courted controversy with extreme statements that critics say border on Islamophobia.

Meanwhile, the 57-year-old has taken a more flexible line on Russia and China, countries the outgoing administration of Barack Obama regards as the country's principal strategic opponents.

Flynn's paid appearance at a dinner in Russia last year sitting next to Russian President Vladimir Putin has raised eyebrows. So have his accommodating statements toward Moscow that suggest, along with Trump's, a readiness to accept Russia's seizure of Crimea and its support for embattled Syrian leader Bashar al-Assad.

Son of a Rhode Island banker, Flynn had a professional army career mainly in intelligence units. In the 2000s he served in Iraq and then Afghanistan, where he became director of intelligence for coalition forces.

A registered Democrat, he was named by Obama in 2012 to lead the 16,500-strong Defense Intelligence Agency, but was forced out in less than two years amid a turbulent restructuring effort and clashes with his superiors.

Since then he has repeatedly criticized the Obama government as inadequately focused on the Islamist threat, publishing a book this year entitled: "The Field of Fight: How We Can Win the Global War Against Radical Islam and Its Allies."

In it he argues that Muslim countries must be forced to recognize and stamp out radical Islamic beliefs, which he says are "metastasizing" around the world.

"We're in a global war, facing an enemy alliance that runs from Pyongyang, North Korea, to Havana, Cuba, and Caracas, Venezuela," Flynn wrote in the New York Post in July.

Unlike the other two nominees announced Friday, Flynn's appointment does not need approval from the Senate.
A former hairstylist on the reality TV series Project Runway was found dead on Tuesday, the Associated Press reports.

Police told the AP that George Ortiz was discovered in his Manhattan apartment by his roommates. He was 45.

Ortizs death is being investigated by police as a suicide.

Also Read: Heidi Klum Defends Her Egomaniacal Halloween Costume That Everyone Hated

NYPD lieutenant Thomas Antonetti said that Ortiz was last seen alive on Sunday.

People reported that a spokeswoman for the New York City chief medical examiners office attributed Ortizs death to asphyxia by covering of head with a fastened plastic bag and displacement of oxygen by nitrogen.

According to Ortizs IMDb profile, he took part in 53 episodes of the series, ranging from 2006 to 2010.

Also Read: Tim Gunn's Celibate Streak: 10 Ways the World Has Changed Since He Last Had Sex

Ortizs other credits include Models of the Runway and Rachael Ray.

Lifetime had no comment for TheWrap on Ortizs reported death.

Related stories from TheWrap:

'Project Runway' Co-Host Tim Gunn Slams Season 14 Winner's 'Hideous' Plus-Size Clothes

'Project Runway' Winner Ashley Nell Tipton on Plus-Size Online Attacks: 'It Hurts'
Project Runway executive producer Sara Rea remembers the shows late hairstylist George Ortiz as being a happy, loving, fun, exuberant guy.

On Thursday, the Associated Press reported that the shows former hairstylist was found dead in his New York apartment early Tuesday morning. According to director of public affairs Julie Bolcer of the NYC Chief Medical Examiners office, the cause of death was asphyxia by covering of head with fastened plastic bag and displacement of oxygen by nitrogen; the manner of death was suicide.

I saw it on Facebook this morning and I was shocked. I didnt believe it. He was always such a happy, loving, fun, exuberant guy. He was just one of those people you really enjoy being around. I can speak on behalf of the entire crew that we all just love having him around and the energy he brought to work every day. You never expect anything like this, Rea tells PEOPLE after learning about the loss of the former crew member.

Ortiz, 45, served as a key hairstylist on 53 episodes of the reality competition series from 200610, according to IMDb, and worked with the Project Runway exec. producer for one season.

Although Ortiz reportedly took his own life on Tuesday, Rea recalls always seeing a beaming, happy Ortiz come to work every day.

George always came to work with a big smile, big hugs for everyone. Lots of positive energy, she says. He had fun and made sure the people around him had fun. He would even cut crew members hair! He was part of a big family and he was a very positive part of that family.

She adds, Honestly when I picture him, I picture him just giving someone a hug. He just was that guy. And his big smile! Everyone had a different relationship with him but I think everyone would agree that he was a positive force and someone that everyone enjoyed being around.




A Georgia legislator decided Thursday to withdraw a proposed bill that would bar women from wearing burqas on public property in the state.

State Rep. Jason Spencers measure would have prohibited burqas at drivers license facilities or while driving, the Atlanta Journal-Constitution reported. The bill also appears to equate the burqa  a garment that envelops a womans body and hides everything except her eyes, hands and feet  with the Ku Klux Klans hood.

The government has no business preventing Muslim women from wearing face scarves in public, Senate President Pro Tem David Shafer of Decatur said in a radio interview with WGAU 1340 in Athens, Georgia. Too many people on both sides of the religious freedom debate only want to protect freedom when it comes to their own beliefs.

Freedom is a meaningless concept if it does not apply to all beliefs, even the ones, especially the ones, you do not share.

Spencer said his motivation was to "test the waters" when he prefiled the bill earlier this week and issued a statement saying he was withdrawing the measure because of political opposition.

While this bill does not contain language that specifically targets any group, I am mindful of the perception that it has created, Spencer said. My objective was to address radical elements that could pose a threat to public safety. However, further consideration dictates that other solutions will need to be considered.

Covering ones face has been banned in a number of countries for fear terrorists will use the garments to hide explosives and other weapons. They include France, Belgium, Turkey, Netherlands, Switzerland, Italy, Spain, Chad, Cameroon, Niger and Democratic Republic of Congo.

burqas

Photo: Omar Sobhani/Reuters

Emirateswoman.com reported fines for defying a ban can be onerous, citing a nearly $32,000 fine imposed on an Italian citizen of Albanian descent, who refused to remove her niqab for an identity check at a youth parliament meeting in Italy.

Story continues

Ironically, the Islamic State group, which insists on strict adherence to its interpretation of Muslim law, banned the burqa in September in Mosul from security zones after fully veiled women killed a number of ISIS commanders, al Alam News Network reported.

Related Articles
PRISTINA (Reuters) - A Kosovo opposition activist found dead in his cell this month committed suicide and no one else was involved, a prosecutor said on Friday. Astrit Dehari's death triggered street protests after his nationalist Vetevendosje (VV) party called it murder, accused the government of failing to protect him and demanded an investigation. "All the evidence ... shows that this case was a suicide, prosecutor Syle Hoxha told journalists late on Friday. Dehari, 26, was arrested with five other members of the hardline nationalist party in September on suspicion of being involved in a rocket-propelled-grenade attack on parliament. The attack was launched as lawmakers were preparing to vote on a border deal with neighboring Montenegro, a condition of getting visa-free access to the European Union. No one was injured. VV, the largest opposition party, opposes the deal, saying it hands over about 8,000 hectares of Kosovo territory to Montenegro. Prosecutor Hoxha said authorities had examined all the video footage and questioned 17 people. But they had found no evidence or a crime. (Reporting by Fatos Bytyci; Editing by Andrew Heavens)
(Adds details, background)

Nov 18 (Reuters) - The federal board overseeing Puerto Rico's financial restructuring on Friday set a target date of Jan. 31, 2017 to certify a fiscal turnaround plan for the U.S. territory, and heard from bondholders and industry leaders about the merits of a draft of the proposal.

The board, created this year under the Puerto Rico rescue law known as PROMESA, is working on debt restructuring talks with holders of Puerto Rico's $70 billion in bonds in an effort to pull the struggling island out of a crisis marked by a 45 percent poverty rate and shrinking population.

The bipartisan, seven-member board must approve the island's annual budgets and certify a fiscal turnaround plan submitted by its governor, Alejandro Garcia Padilla.

The governor presented a draft plan last month, forecasting a financing gap as high as $59 billion over 10 years. While the plan proposes some revenue-generating measures to close the gap, it relies heavily on cutting repayments to bondholders.

Board Chairman Jose Carrion said at Friday's meeting in Fajardo, Puerto Rico, that the board would aim to certify a turnaround plan by Jan. 31. The target date could be ambitious as Garcia Padilla's term ends on Jan. 1, and his successor, Ricky Rossello of the opposition party who was elected on Nov. 8, may want to submit his own plan.

Rossello opposes debt defaults, particularly on the island's constitutionally backed general obligation debt, whereas Garcia Padilla has supported periodic defaults in favor of ensuring government services.

Among those testifying at Friday's meeting was Jorge Irizarry, who leads a group of local bondholders. Irizarry said Garcia Padilla's draft plan failed to account for local residents who hold Puerto Rican bonds.

The vast majority "depend on these bonds  and are just as vulnerable" as any other segment of the population, Irizarry said.

Carrion also said on Friday the board has selected two law firms as legal counsel, and another to serve as a strategic consultant. He said the board hopes to announce the firms next week, when it aims to complete contract negotiations.

Conway MacKenzie, an adviser to the Puerto Rican government, briefed the board on the island's liquidity, reiterating earlier forecasts of a liquidity gap as high as $3 billion by the end of the fiscal year.

(Reporting by Nick Brown in New York; Editing by Jeffrey Benkoe)
(Reuters) - The federal board overseeing Puerto Rico's financial restructuring on Friday set a target date of Jan. 31, 2017 to certify a fiscal turnaround plan for the U.S. territory, and heard from bondholders and industry leaders about the merits of a draft of the proposal.

The board, created this year under the Puerto Rico rescue law known as PROMESA, is working on debt restructuring talks with holders of Puerto Rico's $70 billion in bonds in an effort to pull the struggling island out of a crisis marked by a 45 percent poverty rate and shrinking population.

The bipartisan, seven-member board must approve the islands annual budgets and certify a fiscal turnaround plan submitted by its governor, Alejandro Garcia Padilla.

The governor presented a draft plan last month, forecasting a financing gap as high as $59 billion over 10 years. While the plan proposes some revenue-generating measures to close the gap, it relies heavily on cutting repayments to bondholders.

Board Chairman Jose Carrion said at Fridays meeting in Fajardo, Puerto Rico, that the board would aim to certify a turnaround plan by Jan. 31. The target date could be ambitious as Garcia Padillas term ends on Jan. 1, and his successor, Ricky Rossello of the opposition party who was elected on Nov. 8, may want to submit his own plan.

Rossello opposes debt defaults, particularly on the islands constitutionally backed general obligation debt, whereas Garcia Padilla has supported periodic defaults in favor of ensuring government services.

Among those testifying at Fridays meeting was Jorge Irizarry, who leads a group of local bondholders. Irizarry said Garcia Padillas draft plan failed to account for local residents who hold Puerto Rican bonds.

The vast majority "depend on these bonds  and are just as vulnerable as any other segment of the population, Irizarry said.

Carrion also said on Friday the board has selected two law firms as legal counsel, and another to serve as a strategic consultant. He said the board hopes to announce the firms next week, when it aims to complete contract negotiations.

Conway MacKenzie, an adviser to the Puerto Rican government, briefed the board on the islands liquidity, reiterating earlier forecasts of a liquidity gap as high as $3 billion by the end of the fiscal year.

(Reporting by Nick Brown in New York; Editing by Jeffrey Benkoe)
LONDON (Reuters) - Less than two weeks after pulling out of the Paris Masters semi-finals with a thigh injury, Milos Raonic reached the last four at the ATP World Tour Finals and is close to breaking into the top three of the rankings. His 7-6 (5) 6-3 victory over Austrian Dominic Thiem on Thursday left him second in the Ivan Lendl Group behind Novak Djokovic who won all his three matches. Raonic will next meet world number one Andy Murray, the man he was supposed to play in the last four in Paris, for a place in the final providing the Briton beats Swiss Stan Wawrinka on Friday to seal top spot in the John McEnroe Group. "I've played Andy many times this year," Raonic told reporters. "I haven't gotten the better of him. "The one thing I might have is how much he has on his shoulders right now, a lot of consecutive matches, and what he's playing for," he added in reference to Murray bidding to end the year as world number one. "I have to try to do my best to accentuate that as much as possible in my own favor so I can really get the most out of myself and hopefully be able to get on top of him for once this year." Murray has an 8-3 win-loss record against Raonic who has been beaten in all their five encounters this season. The Canadian also has a target to aim for as he looks to climb from fourth to third in the rankings. "It's very big for me. I had a very big goal of wanting to win my first slam this year. I came up short on that," said Raonic. "That was what I had for myself as the biggest motivator after the U.S. Open." Japan's Kei Nishikori, the world number five, will also be on court Friday when he plays Croatian Marin Cilic. (Writing by Julien Pretot; Editing by Tony Jimenez)
A parasitic infection that's rare in the United States now appears to be showing up more often in American travelers, thanks in part to the growing trend of ecotourism, experts say.

The infection, called leishmaniasis, occurs in people in more than 90 countries around the world, including Mexico and nations in Central and South America, Asia, Africa, the Middle East, and southern Europe  and is spread by the bite of a tiny sand fly. (Ecotourism means traveling to natural, undisturbed areas of the world in a way that conserves the environment, according to the International Ecotourism Society.)

The disease is uncommon in the United States, but in recent years, doctors have been seeing more cases in American travelers and soldiers, as well as immigrants, according to the Infectious Disease Society of America (IDSA). This rise led to the creation of the first ever U.S. guidelines for diagnosing and treating the illness.

"Leishmaniasis is an increasingly common infection in ecotourists traveling to Central and South America," Dr. Naomi Aronson, an infectious disease specialist at the Uniformed Services University of the Health Sciences in Bethesda, Maryland, said in a statement.

In some cases, the infection affects the skin and can cause serious scarring, while in other cases, the parasite infects deeper parts of the body, and the infection can be deadly. "Timely diagnosis and treatment managed by an infectious diseases physician is vital," said Aronson, who was the lead author of the guidelines. [10 Deadly Diseases That Hopped Across Species]

However, many U.S. doctors aren't very familiar with leishmaniasis in patients, so these physicians may not suspect it when making diagnoses, the IDSA said. And symptoms may not show up until months after a person was infected, which makes the diagnosis even harder.

The three main forms of leishmaniasis are:

Cutaneous leishmaniasis: This form causes skin sores that may start out as bumps or lumps, but turn into ulcers that have a raised edge and central "crater," according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. This is the most common form of the disease and occurs in up to 1.2 million people worldwide each year.

Mucosal leishmaniasis: This form occurs when the parasites spread from the skin to the mucous membranes, such as the linings of the mouth, nose and throat. If left untreated, this form of the disease can cause serious scarring, the IDSA said.

Visceral leishmaniasis: This occurs when the parasite infects the body's internal organs, such as the liver and spleen, and can cause fever, weight loss and anemia (a low level of red blood cells). If left untreated, it is fatal in over 95 percent of cases, according to the World Health Organization.

Story continues

Doctors who see a patient who has these symptoms should ask if the individual has traveled to areas where leishmaniasis is found, Aronson said. A number of drugs are available to treat the condition.

Although there are no vaccines or medications to prevent leishmaniasis infection, people traveling to areas where the disease is found are advised to wear protective clothing (such as pants and long sleeves), and use insect repellants that contain DEET, as well as bed nets with insecticide.

The new guidelines were published Nov. 14 in the journal Clinical Infectious Diseases.

Original article on Live Science.

Editor's Recommendations
NBC topped Thursday with the New Orleans Saints-Carolina Panthers game, when Univision finished fourth thanks to its Latin Grammy Awards.

CBS and ABC tied for second in ratings among the key 18-49 demographic.

NBC was first in ratings with a 2.6 rating/9 share in the main demo and in total viewers with an average of 9.2 million, according to preliminary numbers. That was all pregame and pigskin.

Also Read: Here's How 'Designated Survivor' Dominates Ratings

CBS and ABC tied for second in ratings, both with a 1.5/5. CBS was second in total viewers with 7.8 million, ABC was third with 5.7 million viewers.

For CBS, The Big Bang Theory at 8 p.m. scored a 3.1/12 and 14.2 million viewers. At 8:30, The Great Indoors got a 1.5/5 and 7.5 million viewers. Mom at 9 had a 1.4/5 and 7.6 million viewers. At 9:30, Life in Pieces followed with the same demo numbers and 6.6 million viewers. Pure Genius at 10 closed prime to a 0.9/3 and 5.5 million viewers.

For ABC, Greys Anatomy earned a 2.1/8 and 8 million viewers. At 9, Notorious had a 0.9/3 and 4.1 million viewers. How to Get Away With Murder got a 1.4/5 and 4.9 million viewers.

Also Read: Ratings: ABC's David Blaine Special Disappears Behind CBS and NBC in Viewers

Univision was fourth in ratings with a 1.2/4 and in viewers with 3.1 million.

Fox was fifth in ratings with a 0.7/2 and in viewers with 2.7 million. Rosewood at 8 had a 0.7/2 and 3.1 million viewers. At 9, Pitch matched its lead-in rating/share, but slipped to 2.4 million viewers.

Also Read: Here's the Best- and Worst-Rated TV Show on Each Network After 1 Month (Photos)

The CW and Telemundo tied for sixth in ratings, both with a 0.6/2. The CW was sixth in viewers with 1.8 million viewers, Telemundo was seventh with 1.6 million.

For CW, DCs Legends of Tomorrow at 8 received a 0.6/2 and 1.9 million viewers. At 9, Supernatural had a 0.7/2 and 1.8 million viewers.

Related stories from TheWrap:

Ratings: Cookie's Nude Selfie Saga Powers 'Empire,' Fox to Wednesday Win

Story continues

Kelly Ripa's Guest Co-Hosts Ranked by TV Ratings: From Kimmel to Christian Slater (Photos)

Ratings: Trump Boosts '60 Minutes' Viewers by 34 Percent

Megyn Kelly Lifts 'Live With Kelly' to Best TV Ratings Since Michael Strahan's Final Show
Deuba working on key nominations

Eight months after his election, Nepali Congress President Sher Bahadur Deuba is working to give the partys central organisation its full shape.
Getty Image

Well Kanye West done did it now, and unlike all the others times he screwed up, there may be no coming back from this one. During his Saint Pablo tour stop Thursday night, Kanye Omari West told his fans that while he didnt actually vote, if he wouldve cast his ballot, he wouldve voted for president-elect Donald Trump. And as if that wasnt WTF? enough, Kanye jumped completely out the window by pretty much advising black people to sweep racism under the rug and for us to bury our heads in sand because racism will forever be around.

Kanye West tonight speaking on racism in America. Specifically to black people, stop talking about race so much. pic.twitter.com/HTWlJgdq7E  Brandon E. Patterson (@myblackmindd) November 18, 2016

Specially black people, stop focusing on racism. This world is racist, okay? Lets stop being distracted to focus on that as much, Kanye told his booing fans. Its just a f*cking fact. Were are in a racist country. Period. Do not allow people to make us talk about that so f*cking long. Lets talk about whatever you wanna talk about it. Just stop talking about that, bro. Its racist, okay. Radio racism. Hollywood racism. Its a racist f*cking country, period. And not one other candidate was going to instantly be able to change that because of their views.



Naturally, Kanye, the same man who once got on national TV and said George Bush doesnt care about black people after Bush failed to quickly send aid to southern states following Hurricane Katrinas devastation in 2005, is also being accused of not caring about black people. Fans are rightfully hammering the misguided star for his comments all over social media.

Let the @kanyewest boycott begin!!!!  Eric Andre (@ericandre) November 18, 2016

lord why have u forsaken us @kanyewest  Four Pins (@Four_Pins) November 18, 2016

@kanyewest You have no idea what Pablo feels like  Pablo S. Torre (@PabloTorre) November 18, 2016

As a committed fan of Kanye West for more than 10 years I can truly say the Kanye I admired years ago is no longer this years Kanye.  scottiebeam (@ScottieBeam) November 18, 2016

Kanye West is lost.

Been lost since his mother's death.  scottiebeam (@ScottieBeam) November 18, 2016

Kanye West just lost the Black vote  Black Girl Nerds (@BlackGirlNerds) November 18, 2016

The Irony that Kanye would state publicly that "he didn't vote" is horrific. What a total disservice to those lying in their tombs. -:(  Jamel Dorsett (@Dorsett1) November 18, 2016

Kanye: So many people hate me Kanye to Kanye: But not ALL the people hate youmake all the people hate you pic.twitter.com/qkF0HkKnUe  Kozza (@Kozza) November 18, 2016

Kanye West doesnt care about black people.  Mike Monteiro (@monteiro) November 18, 2016

He's definitely trolling because real Trump supporters definitely don't skip out on voting.  Hannibal Buress (@hannibalburess) November 18, 2016

2008 Kanye : George Bush Hates Black People

2016 : I support Trump, let's stop making things about race pic.twitter.com/W8TpY5NZTB  Princess Trill  (@BriiiCarter) November 18, 2016

Can't support Kanye no more. World full of idiots man.  Fuck Trump. (@broduxx_) November 18, 2016

I'm just waiting for Trump to tweet: Wow I can't believe I'm getting support from superstar rapper Kanye West I told you guys blacks love me  :'(  (@Queen_Lauren101) November 18, 2016

Kanye: George Bush doesn't like Black People.

Kanye to Kanye: Nigga you don't either. pic.twitter.com/SxXcxlDexZ  LEGEND (@ChriStylezz) November 18, 2016

I'll be donating a ridiculous amount of NBs and Yeezys to struggling immigrants in NYC.  BAM BAM (@ActionBronson) November 18, 2016

"Now i ain't saying Kanye is a house nigga, but he ain't fucking with you black niggas" pic.twitter.com/t6HyWb6fWF  Zoe (@YourFavoriteZoe) November 18, 2016

Jay-Z is probably somewhere like "Kanye?  No, the name isn't familiar. "  Awesomely Luvvie (@Luvvie) November 18, 2016

President Obama called Kanye a jackass that one time  Kazeem Famuyide (@RealLifeKaz) November 18, 2016
Regeneron Pharmaceuticals, Inc. REGN and Sanofi SNY announced that an independent Data Monitoring Committee (DMC) has recommended the continuation of the phase III ODYSSEY OUTCOMES study on their PCSK9 inhibitor, Praluent. While the DMCs recommendation followed the completion of a second pre-specified interim analysis, the committee will continue to examine the ongoing safety and efficacy of Praluent as planned.

The multi-center, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled ODYSSEY OUTCOMES study is being conducted to evaluate the effect of Praluent on cardiovascular (CV) events in high-risk patients. Patients who entered the study experienced a heart attack or unstable angina requiring hospitalization within a year of enrolment, and were unable to control LDL cholesterol despite being treated with maximally tolerated statins and other lipid-lowering therapies.

Had Praluent demonstrated an overwhelming efficacy at the interim stage, the DMC would have recommended early conclusion of the study, giving Regeneron and Sanofi an edge in the PCSK9 sales market, which also has Amgen Inc.s AMGN Repatha. Regeneron and Sanofi will now have to wait until the final data readout in order to get the much needed sales boost, which an early conclusion could have provided. ODYSSEY OUTCOMES is expected to be complete in 2017. Regenerons shares were down 3.7% on the news.

REGENERON PHARM Price

REGENERON PHARM Price | REGENERON PHARM Quote

Prospects of PCSK9 inhibitors, a new class of cholesterol-lowering treatments with blockbuster potential, had gained instant popularity before hitting the market last year. However, sales of both Praluent and Repatha have failed to impress as the drugs are facing significant payer utilization management restrictions in the U.S. and limited market access in Europe.

SANOFI-AVENTIS Price

SANOFI-AVENTIS Price | SANOFI-AVENTIS Quote

All the three companies believe that positive CV outcomes data will help drive sales of this class of treatments. Amgen expects to report top-line data from its outcomes study FOURIER in the first quarter of 2017.

Story continues

Earlier this week, Amgen announced detailed results of the phase III GLAGOV coronary intravascular ultrasound imaging study on Repatha. Data showed that Repatha, when added to optimized statin therapy, resulted in a statistically significant regression of atherosclerosis in patients with coronary artery disease. Results were presented at the American Heart Association Scientific Sessions and published in the Journal of the American Medical Association.

While Regeneron is a Zacks Rank #2 (Buy) stock, Sanofi carries a Zacks Rank #3 (Hold).

A Stock to Consider

Anika Therapeutics Inc. ANIK is a favorably placed stock in the health care sector, sporting a Zacks Rank #1 (Strong Buy). You can see the complete list of todays Zacks #1 Rank stocks here.

Anikas earnings estimates increased from $1.96 to $2.06 for 2016 and from $2.03 to $2.09 for 2017 over the last 60 days. The company posted a positive surprise in all of the four trailing quarters with an average beat of 33.14%. Its share price has gained 18% year to date.

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Rio de Janeiro (AFP) - Members of a remote Amazon rainforest indigenous tribe have shot dead six illegal gold miners with arrows, Brazilian officials said Friday.

Brazil's Funai agency, which handles indigenous affairs, said that the killings were carried out by the Yanomami tribe in the Amazonian state of Roraima on the frontier with Venezuela.

"The deaths were reported to us by the Yanomami people's association and a team from Funai is preparing to travel there," a spokesman told AFP.

A police spokesman for Roraima state told AFP that "the causes of the conflict are not known."

The Yanomami are one of the Amazon's largest relatively isolated tribes, with an estimated population of about 35,000, according to advocacy group Survival International.

Their pristine ancestral lands have been steadily encroached upon by illegal gold miners who are blamed for introducing new diseases and polluting the rivers and forest. The Yanomami are also under pressure from cattle ranchers on the fringes of their rainforest territory.

Police said they would accompany Funai to the area, probably next week, and that the killings occurred at the start of the month but had only been confirmed now.

"We don't know the motive for the conflict because the tribespeople from the village where the deaths occurred told us by radio that they will not explain what happened until we personally go there," Junior Hekuari, chairman of the Yanomami association, told G1 news site.
The United States Army may have reasons to be worried, at least according to the 2017 Index of U.S. Military Power.

Released Wednesday by the Washington, D.C.-based conservative think tank Heritage Foundation, the report ranked the army as weak, while other branches of services  the Marine Corps, Navy, Air Force and the nuclear capability  registered a slightly better performance with a marginal rating.

The ratings are based on the militarys capability or modernity, capacity for operations, and readiness to handle assigned missions successfully, according to the report. For a country with annual outlays of more than $600 billion on defense  three times more than China and seven times more than Russia, according to figures from Stockholm International Peace Research Institute  the U.S. is far from fulfilling the strategic goal of handling two major wars at the same time.

The army assessment has remained the same as last year, possibly stemming from the decision to decrease the size of the force and delayed equipment upgrades. The report showed that only a third of the armys units are prepared for war, adding: In summary, the Army is smaller, older, and weaker, a condition that is unlikely to change in the near future.

The Navys performance was marked as marginally better, with the report stating: While the Navy is maintaining a moderate global presence, it has little ability to surge to meet wartime demands. Deferred maintenance has kept ships at sea but is also beginning to affect the Navys ability to deploy."

The Air Force currently has about 1,600 combat aircraft, but the service is falling short of almost 700 pilots and 4,000 maintenance crew members. The report stated: The lack of ability to fly and maintain [aircraft], especially in a high-tempo/threat combat environment, means that its usable inventory of such aircraft is actually much smaller.

During a stop at Randolph Air Force Base in Texas on Wednesday, U.S. Defense Secretary Ashton Carter reportedly discussed the shortage of hundreds of aviators, saying it is something we have to be concerned about.

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The document also showed that the Marine Corps had a partially utilized aviation fleet, with less than a third of its F/A-18 Hornets and almost a quarter of its CH-53E Super Stallion helicopters available to fly operational missions.

While the nuclear capability of the country also came under the marginal category, the defense secretary has reportedly called for increased investment over the next five years in the long-term effort to modernize the nation's nuclear capabilities.

Russia has rattled its nuclear saber in a number of recent provocative exercises; China has been more aggressive in militarily pressing its claims to the South and East China Seas; North Korea is heavily investing in a submarine-launched ballistic missile capability; and Iran has achieved a nuclear deal with the West that effectively preserves its nuclear capabilities development program for the foreseeable future," the document stated, outlining the need for the U.S. military to be modernized to meet any possible threat.

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Jeff Sessions

President-elect Donald Trump has picked Sen. Jeff Sessions as his attorney general, his transition team said Friday.

Sessions, the junior senator from Alabama and a staunch opponent to immigration reform, was one of Trump's earliest congressional supporters. He was also thought to be under consideration for secretary of defense.

Before joining the Senate, Sessions was a US attorney and the attorney general of Alabama.

"It is an honor to nominate US Senator Jeff Sessions to serve as Attorney General of the United States," Trump said in a statement. "Jeff has been a highly respected member of the US Senate for 20 years. He is a world-class legal mind and considered a truly great Attorney General and U.S. Attorney in the state of Alabama. Jeff is greatly admired by legal scholars and virtually everyone who knows him."

Trump also announced retired Lt. Gen. Michael Flynn as his national security adviser and Rep. Mike Pompeo of Kansas as CIA director.

Sessions and Pompeo will face the Senate confirmation process. Iowa Sen. Chuck Grassley, the chair of the Senate Judiciary Committee, said he believed he would be reported "favorably" out of the committee. Other prominent Republicans cheered the move.

"Sen. Jeff Sessions nomination as attorney general is great news for all of us who revere the Constitution and the rule of law," said Sen. Ted Cruz of Texas, who was reportedly also considered for the position.

Sessions' consideration for a Cabinet position has renewed scrutiny over allegations of racism that plagued him early in his career. President Ronald Reagan nominated Sessions, then a US attorney, to be a federal district court judge in 1986, but his nomination was withdrawn after a prosecutor testified that Sessions called the NAACP and the ACLU "un-American."

An African-American prosecutor testified that Sessions had joked that he thought the Ku Klux Klan "was OK until I found out they smoked pot." That prosecutor also said Sessions referred to him as "boy," a charge Sessions denied.

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J. Gerald Hebert, a Justice Department lawyer who testified that Sessions told him the NAACP and the ACLU were "un-American" and "Communist-inspired," told CNN this week that he stood by his 1986 testimony.

"Things that I had heard firsthand from him were things that demonstrated gross racial insensitivity to black citizens of Alabama and the United States," Hebert said.





More From Business Insider


Newton Artemis Fido Scamander is ready for his close-up. The magizoologist otherwise known as Newt is the central figure of Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them, J.K. Rowlings prequel of sorts to Harry Potter opening on Friday.

While many Muggles might not recognize the name of the character played by Eddie Redmayne, Potterphiles are well acquainted with Mr. Scamander and his history in the Potterverse, which traces back to the very first novel, 1997s Harry Potter and the Philosophers Stone (released as Harry Potter and the Sorcerers Stone in America the following year). Scamander is briefly mentioned as the author of the seminal textbook Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them, required reading for the Hogwarts-bound Harry Potter.

Related: Harry Potter and the Sorcerers Stone Turns 15  What Christopher Columbus Got Right

The author and his book became more than a footnote in 2001, when Rowling, under the pseudonym of Newt Scamander, released a real book titled Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them. The slim, red-covered volume weighed in at 64 pages, with proceeds from its sale (the paperback originally cost $3.99 or, as the cover noted, 14 sickles, 3 knuts) benefiting the British charity Comic Relief for children in developing countries.

Paired with another Potter-based volume, Quidditch Through the Ages, the books represented Rowlings first expansion of her characters universe, something shed explore later with her Pottermore website. Complete with claw marks, Fantastic Beasts purported to be a reproduction of the actual copy owned by Harry (and shared with Ron), featuring their scrawled notes and doodles (in a nod to Remus Lupin, Harry remarks that not all werewolves are bad), along with a foreword by Albus Dumbledore. (He writes that hed like to reassure Muggle purchasers that the amusing creatures described hereafter are fictional and cannot hurt you.)

Fantastic Beasts was stocked with 85 entries on magical creatures, from Acromantula to Yeti, many of which populated the Potter books and others borrowed from folklore and myth. Did you know the Loch Ness Monster is really a kelpie, a British and Irish water demon [that] can take various shapes? It was like a junior version of the legendary Dungeons & Dragons Monster Manual. Of the dozen key creatures in the new film  Billywig, Bowtruckle, Demiguise, Erumpent, Graphorn, Mooncalf, Murtlap, Niffler, Nundu, Occamy, Swooping Evil, and Thunderbird  only the latter two were not included in the original book.

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The big leaping off point was the book, which became our encyclopedia, and we evolved them from there, explains effects supervisor Christian Manz in the films production notes. The main challenge was to create animals that you believe could live in the animal kingdom of the wizarding world.

Related: Harry Potter Red Carpet Flashback! 15 Years of Magic

The book also fleshes out the story of Newt Scamander and the history of Magizoology (the study of magical creatures), offering many details that have been incorporated into the film. We discover Scamander was born in 1897 to a mother who was an enthusiastic breeder of fancy Hippogriffs. In his introduction, Scamander informs us that he was commissioned to write his compendium in 1918 by Augustus Worme of Obscurus Books. Scamander spent his holidays traveling the globe in search of new magical species. The first printing was done in 1927 (the film is set in 1926 and Redmaynes Scamander notes that his bestiary is a work in progress); there have been, as the authors note reminds us, 51 subsequent editions.

The Fantastic Beasts book also establishes some ground rules for the film. Both book and movie are conservation-minded, stressing the importance of saving even savage monsters to ensure that future generations of witches and wizards enjoy their strange beauty and powers as we have been privileged to. The volume also states that wizards are responsible for preventing Muggles from encountering such beasts. Should a Muggle meet a magical creature, there are several steps wizards can take, from a simple Memory Charm to wipe away the memory of a bystander to escalating a major incident to the Office of Misinformation, which will seek a plausible non-magical explanation for an event. The unstinting efforts of this office in persuading Muggles that all photographic evidence of the Loch Ness kelpie is fake have gone some way to salvaging a situation that at one time looked exceedingly dangerous. (We are really holding out for a Nessie sighting in a future film.)

Finally, the book includes some potential spoilers for the Fantastic Beast movie franchise, which will play out over at least five films. We learn that Scamander is happily retired at the time of the Harry Potter books, living in Dorset with his wife Porpentina and their pet Kneazles: Hoppy, Milly, and Mauler. By the conclusion of the film, however, the romance between Newt and Porpentina (played on screen by Katherine Waterston) is barely starting to bloom. There are also some hints about where the film franchise could go, with several pages devoted to kelpies, werewolves, and dragons, as well as to the dangers of breeding magical creatures. And theres a passage about what happens when Muggle-Repealing Charms fail and the fantastic beasties escape the safe zones they live in. Sounds like perfect fodder for a sequel.

Watch Yahoo Superfan: Eddie Redmayne Didnt Know Fantastic Beasts Would Be 5-Film Franchise:
Mitt Romney, who criticized President-elect Donald Trump as singularly unqualified to be the nations chief executive, reportedly is under consideration for secretary of state.

NBC News reported Romney, the 2012 Republican presidential nominee, is to meet with Trump during the weekend. Reuters reported the meeting is scheduled for Saturday.

Trump tweeted his congratulations after the election.

In March, Romney delivered a scathing speech in which he described Trump as a phony and a fraud.

He's playing members of the American public for suckers: He gets a free ride to the White House, and all we get is a lousy hat," he said.

"Think of Donald Trump's personal qualities, the bullying, the greed, the showing off, the misogyny, the absurd third grade theatrics."

Trump endorsed Romneys presidential bid but then accused the former Massachusetts governor of screwing up a winnable campaign.

"Mitt Romney was a failed candidate  should have beaten Barack Obama easily," Trump complained afterward on ABCs Good Morning America.

Also mentioned as a possible secretary of state candidate is Rudy Giuliani, who was mayor of New York when terrorists took down the World Trade Center towers. South Carolina Gov. Nikki Haley also is on the list of contenders, along with former U.N. Ambassador John Bolton and Sen. Bob Corker of Tennessee.

mitt romney

Photo: Jim Urquhart/Reuters

Romney served as Massachusetts governor from 2003 to 2007. He was born March 12, 1947, in Detroit to George Romney and his wife Lenore. He spent more than two years in France as a Mormon missionary beginning in 1966 and married Ann Davies in 1969.

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Romney worked as a management consultant at Bain & Co., eventually serving as its CEO. In 1984 he founded and spun off Bain Capital, a private equity investment firm that became one of the largest in the country.

Romney ran for the U.S. Senate in 1994, unsuccessfully trying to unseat incumbent Democrat Ted Kennedy.

He was a member of the organizing committee for the 2002 Winter Olympics in Salt Lake City and was elected governor of Massachusetts the same year.

As governor he signed legislation establishing near-universal health insurance access, which served as a model for the Affordable Care Act.

Romney became the first Mormon to run for president but has kept a low profile since losing the presidential election.

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- By James Li





Baron Capital Management founder Ron Baron (Trades, Portfolio) manages several funds, including the Growth and Partners Funds. As discussed in its summary prospectus, the Baron Partners Fund seeks long-term capital appreciation through equity investments with significant growth opportunities, sustainable competitive advantages, good management and attractive valuations. The fund invests in company stocks using a bottom-up approach and a value-oriented discipline. During the third quarter, the Partners Fund increased its positions in Robert Half Financial Inc. (RHI), Netflix Inc. (NFLX), Alibaba Group Holding Ltd. (BABA), Baidu Inc. (BIDU) and Tesla Motors Inc. (TSLA).





Robert Half Financial

Baron's Partners Fund increased its position in Robert Half Financial nearly sevenfold, purchasing 871,840 shares at an average price of $38.11.

The risk consulting services company has strong financial strength and profitability, implying good competitive advantage and high growth potential. Robert Half Financial has solid interest coverage and Altman Z-scores, and the company's operating margin outperforms 84% of competitors. Additionally, the company's margins and returns are near a 10-year high.

Even though the company reported slightly weaker earnings performance in third-quarter 2016 compared to third-quarter 2015, CEO Harold Messmer still acclaimed the company's solid demand for their accounting and financial consulting services. Accountemps and Robert Half Management Resources, two of the company's key staffing divisions, reported the highest year over year revenue gains. Robert Half Financial maintained a 33.48% return on equity as of the third quarter, outperforming 88% of global staffing and outsourcing companies.

Baron discussed his strong views about the financial consulting company in his third-quarter fund report. Robert Half Financial, according to Baron, presents an "attractive entry point" to the fund since the company has several unique competitive advantages, including best-in class management, strong market positioning and well-known brand name. Emphasis on small- and middle-market clients instead of the large institutions contributed to increasing company profit margins.

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As the company exhibits high value potential, Chuck Royce (Trades, Portfolio) and Joel Greenblatt (Trades, Portfolio) increased their Robert Half Financial positions 207.63% and 90.92% respectively. Royce owns the second-largest stake in RHI with 1,458,433 shares while Baron owns the third-largest stake with 1,016,792 shares.

Netflix

Baron increased his Netflix position 388.81% from the prior quarter, purchasing 243,309 shares at an average price of $95.45.

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Unlike Robert Half Financial, Netflix has a modest financial strength rank of 5. The pay TV company has a weak Piotroski F-score of 2 and a poor Beneish M-score of -1.13. Netflix has five severe warning signs, including contracting operating and gross margins. The company's operating margin is near a 10-year low and underperforms 61% of competitors.

Despite poor margins, Netflix reported strong revenue performance in the third-quarter. Quarterly net revenues exceeded $2 billion and increased 36% year over year, likely due to strong content slates from "Stranger Things" and "Narcos." Constant-currency revenue growth year over year accelerated nearly 4% from the past two quarters.

Baron likely initiated a position in Netflix as the company offers leading on-demand media to subscribers in over 100 countries around the globe. Several video programming channels, including Comcast Corp. (CMCSA) and DISH Network Corp. (DISH), have began integrating Netflix to their platform. These integrations can increase Netflix subscribers, yielding higher profit margins. As the company offers good growth potential, George Soros (Trades, Portfolio) and John Griffin (Trades, Portfolio) invested in Netflix during the third quarter. The former took a 137,166 share stake while the latter expanded his stake 27.68%.

Alibaba and Baidu

Baron's fund purchased 337,372 shares of Alibaba and 121,662 shares of Baidu. The two Chinese online media sites averaged $92.68 per share and $173.03 per share, respectively.

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As discussed in a previous article, Alibaba maintained sustainable profitability during the third quarter as revenues increased 55%. Even though Baidu reported slightly lower revenues in the quarter, the Chinese online media company produced strong operational performance. Mobile search and Mobile maps monthly active users increased 3% and 7% year over year, respectively, while gross merchandise volumes increased 49% year over year. CEO Robin Li praised the company's improvements to customer quality and increasing popularity of the Baidu news feed.

Both Alibaba and Baidu have a profitability rank of 8, although the former has a slightly stronger financial strength rank. Alibaba has a 28.32% operating margin and a 26.45% net margin, both outperforming over 97% of global specialty retail companies. Despite having a relatively lower operating margin, Baidu has net margin of 45.84%, which outperforms 97% of global Internet content % information companies.

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Baidu has a 41.38% return on equity and a 21.71% return on assets, while Alibaba only has a 15.05% return on equity and an 8.57% return on assets. Additionally, Baidu's returns outperform over 93% of competitors.

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As both companies offer high value potential to shareholders, several gurus invested in Alibaba and Baidu. Based on consensus picks data, Alibaba had 16 guru buys and six guru sells in the past three months. On the other hand, Baidu had 13 guru buys and five guru sells during the respective period. Howard Marks (Trades, Portfolio) took a 560,148 share stake in Alibaba and an 8,214 share stake in Baidu.

Tesla

Baron increased his position in Tesla 7.70%, purchasing 111,256 shares at an average price of $216.58.

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The electrical vehicle company has a poor financial strength rank of 4, likely due to modest Altman Z-scores and Beneish M-scores. The former suggests mild distress while the latter implies earnings manipulation. The company's margins and returns severely underperform global auto manufacturers, with operating margins and returns on equity ranking lower than 92% and 97% of competitors.

Despite the poor financials, Tesla's third-quarter earnings report suggests strong growth potential. The EV manufacturing company reported $22 million in net income and $176 million in free cash flow based on generally accepted accounting principles. Tesla significantly reduced its long-term debt and increased its GAAP gross profit per car from the second quarter to the third quarter. The latter likely occurred due to increased store efficiency and product enhancements.

On Nov. 17, unaffiliated shareholders of Tesla and SolarCity approved the merger between the two companies, and the merger should close within the next few days. Despite this, Tesla's stock price dropped 1.28% from its previous close of $188.66, continuing its downward trend from the third quarter.

Baron discussed likely reasons for the decline in Tesla's stock price, including market evaluation of the SolarCity merger and product investigation after a fatal incident involving Tesla's autopilot system. However, the Baron Funds manager remains optimistic about the company: Tesla has a strong brand and brings substantial product innovation. The EV company received over 370,000 Model 3 reservations, representing the largest product launch in the company's history.

The Baron funds manager has the largest stake in Tesla as of Sept. 30.

See also

GuruFocus provides two types of guru picks: latest guru picks and real-time picks. Generally, investors must report their quarterly portfolio to the Securities and Exchange Commission within 45 days after the end of the quarter in a Form 13F filing. However, if an investor makes a trade in a company where he owns more than 5% of the total shares outstanding, the SEC requires him to file a Schedule 13D within 10 business days after the transaction takes place. Such guru picks are known as real-time picks, one of several features that we offer to premium members. Additionally, the premium membership gives access to all value screeners, including the All-in-One Guru Screener that offers over 150 filters.

The premium plus membership gives further access, including backtesting for up to 10 years, the Manual of Stocks for all U.S. companies, and over 4000 institutional 13F and 13D filings. Please refer to the membership levels page for all member benefits. If you are not a member, we invite you to a free seven-day trial.

Disclosure: The author has no position in the companies mentioned in this article.

This article first appeared on GuruFocus.






MOSCOW (Reuters) - Russia has launched its first attacks on militant targets in Syria using warplanes operating from both Russian and Syrian air bases as well as from a Russian aircraft carrier, the defense ministry said on Thursday quoted by Russian news agencies. Cruise missiles fired from Russian Tu-95MS planes struck Islamic State and Nusra Front targets in a three-pronged approach, the first such since Russia launched its campaign in Syria more than a year ago. The coordinated Russian attacks became possible after a naval group, comprising the Admiral Kuznetsov aircraft carrier, a nuclear-powered battle cruiser, two anti-submarine warships and four support vessels, arrived off the Syrian coast earlier this month. The naval deployment, a rare sight since the collapse of the Soviet Union, is carrying dozens of fighter bombers and helicopters and is expected to join around 10 other Russian vessels already off the Syrian coast, diplomats said. Apart from the attacks by the strategic Tu-95MS and planes from the Admiral Kuznetsov, warplanes from Hmeimim air base in Syria also took part in the operations, the ministry said according to the report. The cruise missiles were launched from the Mediterranean Sea zone, while some planes were deployed from an airbase in Russia, covering more 11,000 km (6,800 miles) and refueling twice in the air, the reports said. It identified the targets struck as operations centers, warehouses with weapons and ammunition, military hardware and weapon-producing shops. It didn't identify the regions in which the targets were hit. (Reporting by Vladimir Soldatkin, Editing by Richard Balmforth)
Dr KC in frail health on 6th day of fast-unto-death

Health condition of senior orthopaedic surgeon at Tribhuvan University Teaching Hospital Dr Govinda KC has deteriorated further as his hunger strike entered sixth day on Friday.
Russian aircraft carrier Admiral Kuznetsov's air wing will be strengthened and receive new capabilities, Alexey Rakhmanov, president of the United Shipbuilding Corporation (USC), said in an interview Wednesday with Rossiya 24 news network.







The interview came after USC Vice President Igor Ponomarev said that the Admiral Kuznetsov will be upgraded in 2018 after returning from service. "The Zvezdochka shipyard will embark on repairs aimed at the modernization of the Admiral Kuznetsov aircraft carrier," Ponomarev said.

Rakhmanov said during his recent interview that the modernization of the air wing will "unfortunately" not lead to any fundamental or conceptual changes in the vessel.

Russian Defense Minister Sergei Shoigu had earlier said that the carrier had begun taking part in anti-terrorist operations as part of Russia's naval task force in Syria. Russia has been conducting airstrikes in Syria. However, the West thinks that Moscow's participation is more inclined toward helping longtime ally Syrian President Bashar Assad rather than fighting extremists like the Islamic State group, also known as ISIS.

While commenting on Admiral Kuznetsov releasing black smoke on its way to Syria, Rakhmanov explained that the carrier's boilers run on oil, which in turn "has a tendency to burn with the emission of a very large amount of soot."

This week, Shoigu confirmed that they had begun strikes they claim will wipe out ISIS from Syria.

"Today, we started a major operation to launch massive strikes on Daesh and al-Nusra Front targets in the Idlib and Homs provinces [in Syria]," Shoigu said earlier this week at a meeting with the ministrys leadership and defense enterprises.

He added: "For the first time in the history of participation of the Russian Navy in operations, the Admiral Kuznetsov aircraft carrying cruiser began taking part."

According to Rakhmanov, the Russian Defense Ministry will issue an open tender for the upgrade to the Admiral Kuznetsov, Sputnik News reported.

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The Admiral Kuznetsov, which was constructed at the Mykolaiv South Shipyard (in present-day Ukraine) in the mid-1980s, became fully operational in 1995. The delay in operations was reportedly caused due to severe budget cutbacks to the Russian military following the collapse of the Soviet Union.







The ship, designed to engage large surface targets, is capable of carrying between 41-52 fixed and rotary wing aircraft, including Su-25UTG and Su-33 fighter aircraft, as well as Ka-27 and Ka-29 anti-submarine and assault transport helicopters.

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By Lidia Kelly, Katya Golubkova and Sujata Rao

MOSCOW/LONDON (Reuters) - When Russia sought to raise money on Western debt markets this year with a Eurobond, only three people at the state-run investment bank organising the issue were told in advance about the date and details of the launch.

The reason for the clandestine preparations: the Eurobond was a crucial step for Russia's limping economy and Moscow feared its Western adversaries might try to sabotage it by pressuring foreign financial institutions to steer clear.

"I had not experienced such secrecy in my life before," said Andrey Solovyov, head of debt capital markets at the state-run investment bank, VTB Capital, and one of the three people in the know.

Western governments led by Washington have imposed sanctions on certain Russian individuals and entities, over Moscow's annexation of Crimea and its role in the separatist conflict in eastern Ukraine, aiming to hinder access to Western financing.

The sanctions do not, however, forbid Western firms from taking part in a Russian Eurobond - an international bond denominated in a foreign currency.

Reuters interviews with about a dozen government officials, bankers and investors involved in the deal shows the lengths that Russia was willing to go to secure Western finance. The May 23 launch was shrouded in secrecy, even from managers who were going to handle it.

And it came close to collapsing in the fraught hours that followed.

Russian Deputy Finance Minister Sergei Storchak said the U.S. administration "found a way to pressure its financial institutions" to eschew the placement.

And at the eleventh hour, in a highly unorthodox move, officials had to turn to a local intermediary to handle the technicalities of the issue after two European clearing houses declined to handle it  one of them hours into the launch day, according to two banking sources familiar with the placement.

In the end, Russia placed the Eurobond in the market and raised $1.75 billion, as targeted.

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Views differ about whether this was a triumph.

Moscow said it showed it could still access Western credit markets, despite U.S. resistance. Buyers included at least one big U.S. asset manager which declined to be named due to the political sensitivity of the matter.

But some Western financial industry insiders said the issue was a hollow victory, because some of the biggest financial institutions - including the likes of BNP Paribas and JPMorgan - kept away from the primary issue, and they have the capital Russia needs in the long term.

CLEARING CONUNDRUM

The fact Russia was planning a Eurobond was not a secret. This had been announced by Moscow in February and, according to multiple sources in Russian and Western financial institutions, around that time the Obama administration had advised Western players not to participate.

A U.S. Treasury spokesman told Reuters it had not barred U.S. entities from taking part, but "highlighted potential risks that could arise if sanctioned entities were indirectly involved in the issuance".

He did not elaborate, but lawyers said the main risk was that investors' money might end up going to sanctioned entities, which could theoretically breach the sanctions.

Russian officials and bankers say they acted specifically to catch U.S. officials off-guard. From about two months before the launch, they did not tell VTB Capital managers or workers - apart from the select three - about the details of the issue, such as the date and the terms offered.

Once the day of the launch came, it was a rollercoaster.

The bond was launched in the morning Moscow time, so VTB could talk to would-be clients in Europe and Asia at least for a few hours to assure them there was no sanctions risk before they received countervailing calls from the U.S. Treasury, the sources said.

The terms were attractive; the yield was 4.75 percent - a significant premium on the ultra-low yields on offer in European markets, and on existing Russian sovereign bonds.

On May 23, a Monday, the order was given to VTB Capital bankers to start pitching to clients. Would-be investors put in their bids. Business was brisk. The expectation among the organisers, and on the market, was that the order book would be closed quickly.

Yet by lunchtime, the first glitch occurred: the order book was still open.

The problem, according to two banking sources familiar with the discussions around the placement, was with the clearing houses crucial to placing such a bond.

The two big houses, Euroclear and Clearstream, act as intermediaries, taking money from investors and holding the securities on their behalf. Rules at most big banks prevent them taking part in a Eurobond if one of the two is not on board.

Before the bond launch, Clearstream had declined to get involved in the deal, according to a government source who said this was the result of political reasons, without elaborating on this.

Clearstream declined to comment.

That left Euroclear.

The two banking sources, who spoke on condition of anonymity about private discussions, said that shortly before VTB Capital opened the order book for its issue, it reached a loose agreement with Euroclear that it would act as clearing agent.

Yet by midday in Moscow on May 23, Euroclear had still not given a formal, definite answer on whether it would clear the issue or not, according to one of the bankers.

Launching without one of the two houses on board was a highly unusual if not unprecedented move for a country issuing a Eurobond, an indication of Russia's determination to place the bond.

The two banking sources said Euroclear held back because it was worried about the risks stemming from the U.S. government's attitude to the bond.

Euroclear declined to comment.

MAKE-OR-BREAK

By the end of Monday, with the bond still not placed - and no international clearing house to handle the issue - investors were getting anxious.

"Rumours started to spread that 'the goods are sub-standard, rotten, that you should make a run for it'," said the first banking source. "Investors started to gradually take back their orders."

The next morning, VTB staff were fighting a rearguard action, trying to persuade customers not to withdraw orders. Senior executives at the bank kept pressing Euroclear to say if it would take part or not, the source said.

VTB Chief Executive Andrei Kostin personally called Euroclear executives, said the first banking source. Asked about this, VTB said that as sole arranger, "the bank was in contact with all parties involved in this process".

The issue had reached a make-or-break point by late on Tuesday.

"At the end of the second day, we took the decision that we're going ahead without Euroclear," said Solovyov, the VTB Capital head of debt capital markets.

It is unclear if Euroclear ever came back with an answer - but Moscow anyway had a plan B.

A month earlier, the finance ministry had got in touch with the National Settlement Depository (NSD), Russia's domestic clearing house, asking it to handle the Eurobond in case Euroclear did not take part, said NSD head Eddie Astanin.

"It was unexpected," Astanin said of that request to the depository, which had never handled a Eurobond. He had assigned his team to draw up a plan, which was ultimately put into action.

HITTING THE PHONES

It was now evening on day two in Moscow.

VTB bankers knew they were still on thin ice regarding potential clients. While the terms offered better returns than outstanding Russian Eurobonds, the bond would not be "euroclearable" - so buyers would need to take a leap of faith, handing over their money to a Russian settlement system that was untried.

Bankers hit the phones at VTB Capital, where patriotic anthem "Rise up, vast country" was played in the VIP elevator after sanctions were imposed in 2014. Unusually, the bank's senior management also picked up the phones to clients to offer "all sorts of assurances", said the first banking source.

Some investors could not be persuaded. "We were honest and gave them feedback that because of the spirit of the sanctions we would not be taking part," said Bryan Carter, head of emerging markets fixed income at BNP Paribas Investment Partners.

One London-based hedge fund manager, who declined to be identified, said his fund wanted to buy but missed the deadline because the fund's compliance department, worried by U.S. warnings, took a long time to give the green light.

For those who did buy, there were arguments in favour.

Pavel Mamai, portfolio manager at UK hedge fund Promeritum Investment Management, for example believed U.S. investors who did not take part in the initial issue would want to buy the bond later, allowing him to sell at a profit.

"I wasn't sure it would become euroclearable but I still thought it would have upside as it came so cheap," he said. Mamai did later resell the bond, twice, and made money each time, he said.

The order book was closed soon after 8 p.m. Moscow time, 6 p.m. in London, with the primary issue raising $1.75 billion. The finance ministry said around 75 percent of it was bought by foreign investors, though Reuters cannot independently verify that.

The next morning, the bond started selling on the secondary market. Over the following days, Western investment banks included the bond in their indices, making it easier to trade.

On July 28, Euroclear started clearing the bond - meaning every investor in the world could buy it.

(Additional reporting by Kira Zavyalova and Yelena Orekhova in MOSCOW, Karin Strohecker in London, and Joel Schectman in Washington; Writing by Lidia Kelly and Christian Lowe; Editing by Pravin Char)
For UFC light-heavyweight Ryan Bader, not only is his upcoming rematch with Antonio Rogerio Nogueira this Saturday at UFC Fight Night 100 in Sao Paolo, Brazil, important to his standing within the division, its also big in terms of his contractual status with the company.

Bader, in speaking to MMAFighting.com, discussed not re-signing with the UFC prior to his current contract ending after his fight with Nogueira, and what his thought process was going into that decision.

I see myself fighting in the UFC, but its just one of those things where it just made sense for us to just take a fight, and just fight it out, and just go from there, Bader said. You kind of bet on yourself, and theres no real master plan or intent behind it.

Bader states that the UFC did reach out to make an offer, but it wasnt such that he felt he had to sign right away, rather than take his chances after his fight Saturday night.

Yeah, they came and offered us to re-sign, but it was nothing substantially crazy, so we just kind of declined and said were going to fight it out, said Bader. It is what it is.

TRENDING > Khabib Nurmagomedov Wants UFC Title Shot or Hes Out

Like I said, theres no real intent behind it. Its just kind of like, why not? Its my 18th, 19th fight in the UFC, lets just get to that point and hopefully have a little more leverage, and just kind of go from there.

Baders veteran status with the UFC could be a big asset in contract negotiations, as well as possible interest he could get from other promotions.

Thats the beauty about being a free agent, Bader said. Its on the table. Like I said, I dont necessarily want to leave the UFC  I love the UFC, and I believe its where Ill be  but you never know. Its on the table.

Im not even concentrating on that right now. Just concentrated on the fight ahead, and well kind of see after.

While Baders focus is on his fight with Nogueira, he acknowledged that what happens within the bout itself could have an impact on what kind of contract hes offered, but doesnt feel its any different than what hes faced in the past.

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Going out there and losing doesnt help you, said Bader. Winning, yeah, itll help somewhat. But like I said, it was one of those things it was my last fight, and I said lets fight it out, why not?

Like I said, theres no master plan behind it, but yeah, every fight going out there and winning is going to boost your stock, and its no different with this one.

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Almost three million tourists visited Cyprus in the first 10 months of 2016, data showed Thursday, ensuring a record year for the island seen as a regional safe haven.

The finance ministry said the number of tourists visiting the eastern Mediterranean country rose 20.3 percent to 2,974,412 in January-October compared with the same period in 2015.

Arrivals in October alone increased 32.6 percent from 2015 to 357,194, it said, meaning Cyprus has already beaten its previous best figures for a full year: 2.69 million posted in 2001.

Cyprus has benefitted from an upsurge in arrivals, especially from its largest markets Britain and Russia along with a revival in those coming from Greece and Israel.

The island is seen a safe haven for tourists, with other traditionally popular destinations in the eastern Mediterranean -- including Egypt and Turkey -- having been hit by upheaval in the past few years.

Its latest figures for October included a 16.9 percent rise in the number of tourists from Britain, the country's largest source of holidaymakers, said the finance ministry.

Those from its second biggest market, Russia, jumped 132.1 percent.

The figures were hailed by the finance ministry and Cyprus Tourism Organisation (CTO).

"The results indicate that the initial estimate of the CTO for an exceptional year are verified and the strategic target set at more than three million arrivals for 2016 will be achieved," said the state-run tourism body.

The upsurge is a boon for Cyprus, which has returned to growth following a 10-billion-euro rescue package to save its crumbling economy and insolvent banks in March 2013.

Income from tourism accounts for about 12 percent of the eurozone member's gross domestic product and is credited for helping to achieve the relatively quick recovery.
Marc Benioff

Salesforce CEO Marc Benioff and vice president elect Mike Pence don't always see eye to eye.

Benioff famously went to war with Pence last year when the Indiana governor signed a law that would have potentially allowed business owners to refuse to serve people based on their religious beliefs. Benioff threatened to move Salesforce out of Indiana, where it's the largest tech employer, and eventually got Pence to change the law.

Even as recently as September, Benioff warned people not to vote for Pence, saying he could do "some very bad things to the people that we love."

But now that the election is over and Pence is slated to be vice president of the country, Benioff is taking a step back.

During Salesforce's earnings call on Thursday, Benioff said it's time to put the election in the past and move forward. He said:

"In my view, its in the past, were moving forward. We have a beginners mind and we have a sense of optimism for future, and were going to cultivate that optimism and were going to manifest it into our business because that is how we operate here.

I have met with CEOs of some of the largest companies in the world this week, and in each and every case, all of them are moving forward, OK? And we know what we have to do. We now need to execute."

It's understandable why Benioff wants to make nice with Pence. Salesforce is a $50 billion business that generates 75% of its revenue from the US, and there's no good for him to pick a fight with the second most powerful political figure in the world.

Benioff isn't the only CEO to take a much warmer stance on the Trump administration. Amazon CEO Jeff Bezos has congratulated the president-elect recently, while GE CEO Jeff Immelt is now saying he "looks forward to working with Trump," after calling his racist comments "unacceptable."

NOW WATCH: Animated map shows where your bottled water actually comes from





More From Business Insider


Regeneron Pharmaceuticals, Inc. REGN and Sanofi SNY announced the presentation of results from a phase III monotherapy study (SARIL-RA-MONARCH) on their rheumatoid arthritis (RA) candidate, sarilumab. The results were announced at an oral session during the American College of Rheumatology (ACR) Annual Meeting in Washington, D.C. Top line results from the study were announced in March this year.

The study included patients suffering from active RA who responded inadequately to, intolerant of, or were inappropriate for methotrexate treatment. The patients were randomized to receive either a subcutaneous sarilumab monotherapy (200 mg every 2 weeks) or AbbVie Inc.s ABBV Humira (adalimumab) monotherapy (40 mg every 2 weeks).

Results revealed that sarilumab is superior to Humira in improving signs and symptoms in patients with active RA at week 24, thereby meeting the primary endpoint of the study. The study also met other important endpoints including an improvement in ACR criteria and other measures assessing improvements in signs and symptoms of RA and physical function.

REGENERON PHARM Price

REGENERON PHARM Price | REGENERON PHARM Quote

Moreover, sarilumab, which is an anti interleukin-6 receptor monoclonal antibody, is under FDA review for the treatment of patients suffering from active, moderate-to-severe RA. Regarding this, a Complete Response Letter (CRL) from the FDA was given in October, which identified certain deficiencies during a routine good manufacturing practice inspection of the Sanofi Le Trait facility where sarilumab is filled and finished. Those deficiencies must be addressed before the drug can be approved by the FDA.

SANOFI-AVENTIS Price

SANOFI-AVENTIS Price | SANOFI-AVENTIS Quote

While Regeneron is a Zacks Rank #2 (Buy) stock, Sanofi carries a Zacks Rank #3 (Hold). Anika Therapeutics Inc. ANIK is a better-ranked stock in the health care sector, sporting a Zacks Rank #1 (Strong Buy). You can see the complete list of todays Zacks #1 Rank stocks here.

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Anikas earnings estimates increased from $1.96 to $2.06 for 2016 and from $2.03 to $2.09 for 2017 over the last 60 days. The company posted positive surprises in each of the trailing four quarters, with an average beat of 33.14%.Share prices surged 17.1% year to date.

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London (AFP) - The Scottish and Welsh governments will be allowed to intervene in the upcoming Supreme Court case to decide how Britain will begin negotiations to leave the European Union, the court said Friday.

Judges are set to hear the Conservative government's appeal against an earlier ruling that parliament must approve the triggering of Article 50 of the EU's Lisbon Treaty, which begins formal exit talks.

British Prime Minister Theresa May wants to trigger the start of the process by the end of March, but requiring approval by parliament could delay the process.

While Britain as a whole voted to leave the EU in the June 23 referendum, Scotland voted strongly for it to remain in the bloc.

From December 5, 11 judges will hear four days of arguments from the British government and the claimants who brought the case, as well as representatives from the devolved governments in Scotland and Wales.

"The Supreme Court has today confirmed that the following applications to intervene in the above case have been granted: The Lord Advocate, Scottish Government; The Counsel General for Wales," said a statement.

The initial ruling prompted outrage among Brexit supporters, who believe that pro-European lawmakers will seek to water down the break with the EU and derail May's plans to invoke Article 50 by the end of March.

Scottish First Minister Nicola Sturgeon earlier announced that her semi-autonomous government would seek to join the case in a bid to secure a vote not just for the House of Commons but for the Scottish parliament.

"The democratic wishes of the people of Scotland and the national parliament of Scotland cannot be brushed aside as if they do not matter," she said.

"So legislation should be required at Westminster and the consent of the Scottish Parliament should be sought."

Sturgeon's pro-independence Scottish National Party (SNP) party has threatened a fresh vote on leaving the UK if Scotland cannot keep its ties with the EU.

The court is expected to rule early next year.
Some of Hollywoods biggest stars look so alike that they could pass for siblings.

Read: This Great-Great-Grandfather Looks Like Matthew McConaughey And He's Not The Only Vintage Lookalike

Actress Isla Fisher, who is married to comedian Sacha Baron Cohen, told the Today show she regularly gets confused for another actress, Amy Adams.

They look so alike that even her friends and family couldn't tell the difference when she switched their faces for a family holiday card.

I cut and pasted Amy Adams' face over mine. So it was Sacha, Amy and the kids and then we said, 'Season's Greetings From Sacha & Isla' and no one noticed, she said Thursday.

They aren't the only celebrity doppelgangers out there.

Zooey Deschanel resembles Katy Perry and Daniel Radcliffe could pass for Elijah Wood.

Read: Woman Finds Her Look-Alike Living An Hour Away

Bryce Dallas Howard got so tired of people confusing her for Jessica Chastain that she made a hilarious video.

The two even joked about it on Twitter.





Watch: Lookalike Melania Trump Apologizes for Speech Controversy

Related Articles:
Four AIGs assigned roles 7 months after their promotion

Four Additional Inspectors General of Police were finally assigned respective roles on Thursday, seven months after their promotion from the post of deputy inspector general.
New York (AFP) - Donald Trump is close to reaching a $20 million settlement to end two class-action lawsuits accusing his Trump University of having been a fraud, a source close to the case said Friday.

An out-of-court deal with students who enrolled in the training program would spare the president-elect from the opening of a trial in California on November 28, although his team has been pushing for a delay on the grounds that he could not interrupt preparations for his inauguration on January 20.

The settlement would also put an end to legal proceedings brought by the attorney general of New York state, Eric Schneiderman.

The six-year-old lawsuit brought by former students alleges that now-defunct Trump University -- which was not an accredited college or university -- fleeced students by tricking them with aggressive marketing.

Students paid as much as $35,000 to enroll, believing they would make it big in real estate after being taught by experts hand-picked by Trump, the suit says.

Trump's lawyers counter that many students have given the program a thumbs-up and those who failed to succeed have only themselves to blame. The school operated from 2005 to 2011.

Trump has said for some time that he does not fear a trial, insisting it would give him a chance to clear his name.

But at a hearing in Los Angeles last week, Trump's lawyer said he was willing to settle out of court.

A spokesman for the New York attorney general indicated he would also find a settlement acceptable.

"As Attorney General Schneiderman has long said, he has always been open to a settlement that fairly compensates the many victims of Trump University who have been waiting years for a resolution," spokesman Eric Soufer said.

Trump attacked the judge handling the case, Gonzalo Curiel, during his presidential campaign, saying the US-born judge could not be impartial because of his Mexican roots.

Trump cited as reasons his campaign promises to build a wall along the US border with Mexico and deport the millions of undocumented immigrants living in the United States.
IRVINE, CA / ACCESSWIRE / November 18, 2016 / Khang & Khang LLP (the "Firm") announces a class action lawsuit against Pilgrim's Pride Corporation ("Pilgrim's Pride" or the "Company") (PPC). Investors who purchased or otherwise acquired shares between February 21, 2014 and October 6, 2016 inclusive (the "Class Period"), are encouraged to contact the Firm in advance of the December 19, 2016 lead plaintiff motion deadline.

If you purchased Pilgrim's Pride shares during the Class Period, please contact Joon M. Khang, Esquire, of Khang & Khang, 18101 Von Karman Avenue, 3rd Floor, Irvine, CA 92612, by telephone: (949) 419-3834, or via e-mail at joon@khanglaw.com.

There has been no class certification in this case yet. Until certification occurs, you are not represented by an attorney. You may choose to take no action and remain a passive class member.

The complaint alleges that during the Class Period, Pilgrim's Pride made false and/or misleading statements and/or failed to disclose that: the Company systematically colluded with several of its industry peers to fix prices in the market for broiler chickens; that the foregoing conduct constituted a violation of federal antitrust laws; that Pilgrim's Pride's revenues during the class period were the result of illegal conduct; that as a result of the above, the Company's public statements were materially false and misleading at all relevant times. On October 7, 2016, Pivotal Research downgraded its peer company Tyson Foods, Inc. from "buy" to "sell," due to fears of a class action against Tyson Foods, Pilgrim's Pride and other peers over price collusion in the broiler-chicken market. Allegedly, in 2008, Tyson Foods, Pilgrim's Pride, and several other companies conspired by sharing proprietary data and reducing production to support prices. When this information emerged to the public, the stock price of Pilgrim's Pride decreased, thus causing investors harm.

If you wish to learn more about this lawsuit at no charge to you, or if you have questions concerning this notice or your rights, please contact Joon M. Khang, a prominent litigator for almost two decades, by telephone: (949) 419-3834, or via e-mail at joon@khanglaw.com.

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This press release may constitute Attorney Advertising in some jurisdictions.

Contacts

Joon M. Khang, Esq.

Telephone: 949-419-3834

Facsimile: 949-225-4474

joon@khanglaw.com

SOURCE: Khang & Khang LLP
Tesla-SolarCity unveiling by Elon Musk

Teslas shareholders overwhelmingly approved a merger with SolarCity today, opening the way for consummating the marriage of the electric-car company and the solar-panel venture within days.

The vote was more than 85 percent in favor, excluding the shares held by billionaire Elon Musk and other executives affiliated with the companies, Tesla said in a statement. Musk is the CEO of Tesla as well as the chairman of SolarCity.

Musk and other executives talked up the deal in advance of the vote, saying that it would take advantage of the synergies offered by each company. In addition to manufacturing electric-powered vehicles, Tesla is ramping up production of its Powerwall storage batteries. Meanwhile, SolarCity has become Americas top solar-panel installation company.

Last month, Musk unveiled a line of integrated solar roof panels for new construction as well as a next-generation Powerwall 2 battery for home installation.

Federal regulators and SolarCitys shareholders previously gave their approval to the merger, leaving todays vote as the last major hurdle.

Musk tweeted his thanks after the votes outcome was announced:

Vote tally shows ~85% of unaffiliated shareholders in favor of the Tesla/SolarCity merger! Thanks for believing.  Elon Musk (@elonmusk) November 17, 2016

He also thanked shareholders in person during todays meeting at a Tesla facility in Fremont, Calif..

I think your faith will be rewarded, Musk said. Its really going to be some amazing stuff that comes out.

The deal is expected to be worth more than $2 billion, with the precise terms depending on the value of Teslas stock when the merger transaction takes effect. The transaction will be completed in the coming days, Tesla said.

Neither company has been sustainably profitable, although Tesla posted a profit last quarter. Musk argued that a merger would unlock the potential of both companies and add hundreds of millions of dollars in value. In July, he issued a master plan for a system that he said would empower individuals to become their own electric utilities.

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We cant do this well if Tesla and SolarCity are different companies, which is why we need to combine and break down the barriers inherent to being separate companies, he wrote. That they are separate at all, despite similar origins and pursuit of the same overarching goal of sustainable energy, is largely an accident of history.

Not all shareholders agreed: Some have filed lawsuits, questioning whether Tesla would really benefit from taking on SolarCity.

Teslas shares hit $188.66 at the official close of trading, representing a 2.6 percent gain for the day. SolarCitys stock rose 2.9 percent to close at $20.40. Further gains were made in after-hours trading.

Update for 11:10 a.m. PT Nov. 18: Musk also happens to be the founder and CEO of SpaceX, a rocket venture that has the long-term aim of helping to make humanity a multiplanet species. Although the Tesla-SolarCity deal has no direct impact on SpaceX, there could be indirect effects.

Musk says he intends to use his personal wealth (currently estimated at $11 billion) on efforts to build a sustainable settlement on Mars. Thus, Tesla-SolarCitys success could eventually feed into Mars exploration. And going in the other direction, Musk can leverage his stake in privately held SpaceX as a backstop for Tesla-SolarCity if necessary.

More from GeekWire:
One of the mysteries about the ongoing offensive in Mosul, where Iraqi security forces are now pressing into the northern, eastern, and southern edges of the city, has been the apparent decision to leave unattended the desert between the battlefield and Syria. Unless this was a baffling oversight, the 20-mile-wide corridor of desert seemed intended to give Islamic State fighters an escape route to the groups strongholds in Syria, perhaps to limit the destruction in Mosul.

All that changed when the Shiite militias fighting under the umbrella of Iraqs Popular Mobilization Forces (PMF) opened a new front in the desert to close the gap. They have already reached the outskirts of Tal Afar, a Turkmen-majority city 35 miles west of Mosul.

Shiite PMF units were explicitly excluded from the liberation of Mosul itself in an effort to reassure the citys predominately Sunni population. But Shiite militias side mission in Tal Afar should hardly be a surprise. The city is closely associated with the rise of the Islamic State and its forerunner, al Qaeda in Iraq, and has become infamous as a nest of Sunni terrorists. In 2014, the citys Shiite residents were expelled during the Islamic State takeover of northern Iraq.

Now the Shiite fighters want to take Tal Afar back  and, some suspect, to exact revenge. In April, Hadi al-Amiri, the head of the Iranian-backed Badr Organization, began staking out the movements claim to dispense justice on the city. At the time, he told one of us: Only the Popular Mobilization Forces can go to Tal Afar.

Tal Afars dark history

Since 2003, Tal Afar has played an outsized role in Iraqs violent politics. The city, which is just six square miles across, grew up around a 100-foot-high citadel. Its pre-2003 population of around 200,000 was mostly ethnically Turkmen and approximately three-quarters Sunni and one-quarter Shiite. In the 1980s, Saddam Hussein rewarded loyal Turkmen officers with property grants in the towns newer northern districts, including Saad, Bouri, and Qadisiyah.

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After Saddams fall, these policies left a legacy of division between the mostly Sunni, ex-Baathist residents of northern Tal Afar and the towns less-developed, poorer, and primarily Shiite southern areas. Shiite militias like the Badr Organization used their newfound power after 2003 to control the police force and local government in Tal Afar, placing the majority Sunni city under control of the Shiite minority and driving local people into the arms of Sunni terrorist groups. The area thus became a powerful beacon for recruitment for al Qaeda in Iraq and a safe haven for terrorists just an hours drive outside Mosul.

Even as Mosul was falling to the Islamic State in June 2014, a new chapter of sectarian strife was being written in Tal Afar. The Sunni neighborhoods of Saad and Qadisiyah rose up against the Iraqi Army, and within days of seizing the town on June 16, Islamic State fighters destroyed seven Shiite mosques and executed 40 men. In the nearby Turkmen villages of Guba and Shireekhan, the Islamic State ordered 950 families to leave, ransacked Shiite homes, burned agricultural land, and dynamited three Shiite places of worship. Displaced residents noted that local boys and men in black masks helped the Islamic State identify Shiite families and property. By June 20, nearly all of Tal Afars Shiite population had been killed or fled after door-to-door searches for Shiite residents.

Return of the Shiite Afaris

The Shiite exodus from Tal Afar has transformed the liberation of the town into a profoundly personal battle for thousands of Iraqis. During June 2014, most of Tal Afars Shiite residents fled west into nearby Sinjar, then under the control of the Kurdish Peshmerga  only to be displaced again when the Islamic State overran the Kurdish front lines in Sinjar in early August 2014. The Shiite Turkmens were then either flown from the Kurdistan region to Baghdad or were bused south, finding refuge in camps near the southern Iraqi shrine cities of Karbala and Najaf. By the end of 2015, 1,250 Turkmen families (approximately 7,500 people) had found refuge in Karbalas Imam Ali shrine itself.

Many of the Shiite men purged from Tal Afar have found their way back into the liberation struggle. Nearly 12,000 Turkmens from all over northern Iraq have joined the PMF since 2014, many signing up with the militias that receive funding and weapons from Tehran, such as Asaib Ahl al-Haq and Kataib Hezbollah. A large group of Shiite Turkmens from Tal Afar joined the new 92nd brigade of the Iraqi Army, which was recruited directly from former Tal Afar residents living in the southern refugee camps. For Tal Afar emigres, and the broader Badr Organization and PMF that they are often a part of, the desire to wipe out the Islamic State presence in the city is intense  and sometimes entirely unrestrained. In October 2014 in Jurf al-Sakhar, a town just south of Baghdad, Shiite militias addressed the persistent problem of the Islamic State by entirely depopulating the area.

Whatever their motivations or intentions, these are the people who could soon be in a position to determine Tal Afars fate. On Oct. 24, Asaib Ahl al-Haq spokesman Jawad al-Tleibawi announced the PMFs intention to liberate Tal Afar. The operation started on Oct. 29, and in the first week, the Shiite units reached the Tal Afar air base just six miles from the town.

The PMFs exact route is significant, as it is aimed directly at the belt of notorious desert villages that provided al Qaeda in Iraq and then the Islamic State with safe houses for suicide bombers and weapons since 2003. The PMF has already captured several desert towns infamous for facilitating the entry of suicide bombers from Syria to Mosul. The Shiite coalition is now fighting for a swath of villages that will send a shiver down the spine of any U.S. soldier who served in Nineveh province in years past  Tal Zalat, Sahaji, Muhallabiyah, and Tal Abta, the latter including the Islamic States mass shooting and body-dumping site in the valley of Khafsa.

The fate of Tal Afar

Neither Iraqi Prime Minister Haider al-Abadis government nor the Iraqi Kurds nor the U.S.-led international coalition is happy that the PMF has struck out toward Tal Afar. Though they are all too overstretched to do much about it, they are concerned that the presence and actions of Shiite PMF near Mosul could sour their plans to pacify the city after its liberation.

On Oct. 30, Amiri, the Badr Organization leader, attempted to assuage such concerns by declaring that the city of Tal Afar would not be immediately assaulted. Instead, he portrayed the military operation there as an exercise to finish the encirclement of Mosul from the west.

Based on our conversations with Mosul residents over the last decade, the Moslawis have no special warmth or pan-Sunni sympathy for Tal Afar. In fact, Mosul has suffered many depredations from Tal Afar-based terrorists. Nevertheless, Moslawis would be deeply unsettled if the PMF were to wreak vengeance on next-door Tal Afar and drive out its Sunni population.

Tensions between Turkey and the PMF also risk breaking into open conflict in Tal Afar. Ankara did nothing whatsoever to help Tal Afars ethnic Turkmens during their exodus in 2014, but President Recep Tayyip Erdogan has belatedly discovered an urgent interest in the area now that Iranian-backed Shiite militias are streaming toward the city. In the midst of a speech downplaying the risk of a Turkish military intervention in Iraq, Erdogan added: If [the PMF] terrorizes Tal Afar, our response would be different.

Turkey may simply be protecting a strategic zone in the tri-border area where Turkey, Syria, and Iraqi Kurdistan meet, or it may harbor broader fears about a Shiite-controlled corridor between Iran and Syria. Whichever is the case, Erdogan announced on Oct. 29 that he would reinforce the Turkish military presence in the Turkish town of Silopi, near the tri-border area, in anticipation of future developments.

The actions of the PMF will now speak for themselves. PMF leaders like Amiri have plenty of incentive to hold the group to military discipline, treat detainees and civilians with respect, and minimize destruction and displacement. If Amiri hopes to pursue mainstream political ambitions, including in Iraqs national elections scheduled for 2018, it will be important that he now demonstrate his political, and not just military, skills.

One encouraging sign is that more moderate PMF and Shiite Turkmen elements are now heading to Tal Afar to balance out unsavory sectarian militias like Asaib Ahl al-Haq. Around 3,000 PMF fighters loyal to Grand Ayatollah Ali al-Sistani, paid for by the religious shrines and under the operational control of Iraqs Ministry of Defense, have joined the operation, and the 92nd brigade of the Iraqi Army is preparing to join the fight.

That could bring the operation back under the command and control of Iraqs national political and military system once again. But if the opposite scenario unfolds, with widespread extrajudicial killings and mass displacement of Tal Afars Sunni population, the PMF will damage its own political future at the same time as it complicates the Mosul offensive and risks provoking an overreaction from the increasingly erratic Erdogan government. With Ankaras forces massing just over the border, it may ultimately be the thorny issue of Tal Afar  not Mosul  that decides whether this effort to evict the Islamic State from Nineveh succeeds or simply lays the seeds for an immediate conflict between the liberating factions.

MOHAMMED SAWAF/AFP/Getty Images
Getty Images

Regardless of your opinion of Donald Trump being the next president of the most powerful country on the planet, theres no denying that well be seeing just as much of his model wife, Melania, in fashion pages.

The Slovenia native has a style thats less demure than that of other First Ladies. And if the United States has never seen a president elect quite like the Donald, it has also never had a First Lady who has posed nude.

Personal branding strategist Joanne Blake describes Trumps style as sensuous and sexy.

Shes been consistent about showing off her curvaceous body, which leaves very little to the imagination, says Blake, certified image professional with Edmonton, Alta.s Style for Success.

While the FLOTUS elect has said she wants to follow in the footsteps of style icon Jackie Onassis, its a toss up as to whether shell pull off that classic and classy appearance successfully.

Jackie Onassis (Getty Images)

One on hand, she could get away with borrowing certain elements from Jackie, such as fine tailoring, sophisticated colour combinations and rich fabrics, Blake says: I think she could pull the look off as Ive seen her in a number of outfits where she actually looks quite elegant and smart.

On the other, done right, the way you dress should give clues to who you are on the inside, and thats an area where Trump may be lacking, Blake says.

A personal brand needs to speak to your values and needs to be authentic, Blake says. Based on much that was written about Jackie O. and how she presented herself in public, her brand was classy and sophisticated. She was well educated and well read and had a serious job as a reporter before marrying the president.

So far what weve seen of Melania is that she is an imitator, doesnt yet know herself, she adds. She borrowed Michelle Obamas speech. She is a powerful mans accessory and has dressed like the sexy supermodel that she has been. It will take consistent and significant effort for her to reinvent herself and change her stripes.

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A nod to Jackie Os style? (Getty Images)

Blakes advice to Melania is that she tone it down  particularly when it comes to the curves and the cleavage.

When you think of a First Lady, you dont want her bust to be the first thing to come to mind. If shes going to show off an asset like her curvy shape, then I would suggest that she downplay her bust. In other words, [have] one focal point, and everything else should be subdued.

Colours that work well for Trumps complexion are high contrast (black and white) as well as red and jewel tones, which act as a frame around her face.

She should stay away from pastels like beige and peach as they tend to wash her out, Blake says. I would recommend she wear boat style necklines as they show off her great bone structure as long as she doesnt expose too much skin. And now thats shes 45, its time to retire the little girl flared dress; it sends a mixed message.

As for her hairstyle, Blake adds, she looks more sophisticated when her hair is pulled back in a chignon, as Jackie O often did, than when its down.

What do you think about Melania Trumps style? Let us know by tweeting @YahooStyleCA.




Sessions for Attorney General. The New York Times reported Friday that President-elect Donald Trump has selected Sen. Jeff Sessions, a conservative Alabama lawmaker and early Trump supporter, to be the attorney general of the United States. Sessions was also under consideration to be nominated as Defense Secretary, putting that nomination back in the mix. Speculation now turns back to former Republican senator Jim Talent to head the Pentagon.

Its Flynn. President-elect Donald Trump has reportedly offered the job of national security advisor to Michael Flynn, the retired three-star general who stands to become one of the most important voices in government in shaping national security and foreign policy.

Flynn has been Trumps primary national security advisor throughout the campaign, and his views that Islam itself presents an existential threat to the United States will now have a voice in the Oval Office, and in his role of overseeing and guiding policy in the Defense and State Departments.

Earlier this year, Flynn Tweeted that fear of Muslims is RATIONAL, and just last month offered his support for a prominent Alt-Right writer and activist. In his book Field of Fight released earlier this year, Flynn wrote, Im totally convinced that, without a proper sense of urgency, we will be eventually defeated, dominated, and very likely destroyed by Islamic militants, FPs Paul McLeary and Dan De Luce noted in a story about the book.

Intel work. While in the military, Flynn played a key role in dismantling insurgent networks in Iraq and Afghanistan, earning the praise of then-Gen. Stanley McChrystal for his work in building a new intelligence structure to fight the insurgents. His work downrange earned him the job of director of the Defense Intelligence Agency in 2012, a post he was relieved of in 2014 after complaints over his brash management style and clashes with the CIA angered his bosses. His fights with the interagency were outlined in some detail by Foreign Policy last year.

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Flynns outspokenness has also courted controversy. He has claimed that Shariah, or Islamic law, is spreading in the United States, and as the New York Times reminds us this morning, his dubious assertions are so common that when he ran the Defense Intelligence Agency, subordinates came up with a name for the phenomenon: They called them Flynn facts.

Lobbying work. Flynn faces real questions over his overseas consulting work, including reports that he sat in on classified briefings with Donald Trump while continuing to work for foreign clients. After leaving the DIA, he formed the Flynn Intel Group, which has been registered to lobby for a Dutch company owned by a Turkish businessman close to Turkeys President Recep Tayyip Erdogan.

Michael Isikoff of Yahoo! News reported Thursday night that Flynn failed to disclose his lobbying relationship with the Turkish-owned firm, when he published an op-ed in a newspaper on Election Day, in which he advanced the No. 1 cause of Erdogans government: advocating the extradition of Fethullah Gulen, a Turkish exile living in Pennsylvania whom Erdogan has blamed for instigating the failed military coup against his government last summer.

In December 2015, Flynn was paid to fly to Moscow to attend a dinner for RT, the Kremlin-funded news outlet, where he sat next to Russian President Vladimir Putin. Also at the table was U.S. Green Party candidate for president, Jill Stein.

Diplomacy on the fly, and in the dark. The State Department said on Thursday night that it had finally been in touch with the Trump team, after the President-elect had already spoken with 32 world leaders on his private phone line without policy guidance from State officials, which is the custom. Until now, the New York Times tells us, Trumps staff had not requested any briefings, nor had the president-elects calls  including with President Vladimir V. Putin of Russia and other adversaries of the United States  been routed through the State Department, as is customary, according to a department official.

On Thursday, Trump met with Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe in his gold-walled Manhattan apartment, and photos show he was accompanied only by his daughter Ivanka, son-in-law Jared Kushner, and Flynn. The Wall Street Journal reports that a Trump advisor and incoming Vice President Mike Pence joined the group toward the end of the meeting, of which Abe later said renewed my conviction that together with Mr. Trump I will be able to establish a relationship of trust.

Pentagon contact. Late Thursday afternoon, the Pentagon announced that the Trump transition team had also reached out to begin the transition process. The President-elects team is expected at the Pentagon Friday to begin the briefing process.

Budget buster. In more than a year of campaign stops, stump speeches, and debates, President-elect Donald Trump rarely detailed his plans for the U.S. military, other than pledging to use it as a blunt object to hammer the Islamic State and other foreign extremist groups that threaten the United States.

But there is much more to his national security vision, FPs Paul McLeary reports, and it involves tens of thousands of new troops, dozens of ships and hundreds of warplanes. Defense experts said the plans would cost almost $100 billion more than the Pentagon has currently budgeted for Trumps first term, an amount that would require Congress to change laws setting budget caps for the Pentagon.

Good morning and as always, if you have any thoughts, announcements, tips, or national security-related events to share, please pass them along to SitRep HQ. Best way is to send them to: paul.mcleary@foreignpolicy.com or on Twitter: @paulmcleary or @arawnsley

China

What will president-elect Trumps policy towards China be? Chinese officials tell Reuters that they are zeroing in on the U.S. deployment of a missile defense system to South Korea as a key indicator for which way hell lean. Earlier this year, the U.S. and South Korea agreed to deploy a Terminal High Altitude Area Defense (THAAD) battery to South Korean territory in order to hedge against the growing threat of North Koreas ballistic missile program  much to the annoyance of China, which worries the system could target its equipment. Chinese officials say a delay of the deployment would signal a warmer, more welcome attitude towards Beijing.

North Korea

North Korea would like president-elect Trump to know that its prepared to be pals with the U.S. if hes willing to remove American troops from South Korea. Reuters reports that North Koreas UN ambassador So Se Pyong said pulling out of the South might be an opportunity to discuss the relations as we did in the 1990s. Trump famously said during the campaign that South Korea should develop its own nuclear weapons rather than rely on the U.S. for its security. But during a call with South Korean President Park Geun-hye, Trump reportedly told her the U.S. would continue honoring its defense commitment to the South.

NATO

The Baltics are in a state of low-grade panic over the election of the famous NATO-skeptic Trump, and Lithuania is starting to voice its concern about what might happen before he takes office. The BBC reports that Lithuanian Foreign Minister Linas Linkevicius says he thinks that Russia might try some kind of provocation against the Baltic states in order to test NATO countries before the Trump administration is sworn in. Russia has had a tense relationship with the Baltic states since they gained their

Oh, Canada

Patriotic Canadians looking to sign up for the Canadian military were surprised when their requests for the countrys Department of National Defence website were rerouted to the Chinese governments main landing page. The Guardian reports that the department confirmed that the site was hacked. So far, though, the culprits remain a mystery.

Syria

The U.N. will extend the mandate of chemical weapons inspectors in Syria to investigate who is behind chemical attacks in the country. The AP reports that the Security Council gave investigators from the Joint Investigative Mechanism another year on the job. The move comes as some are pressuring the Council to sanction the perpetrators of the attacks. The Organization for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons has reported that the Assad regime was behind chlorine gas attacks in Syrian cities and that the Islamic State has used sulphur mustard agents.

Islamic State

West Points Combating Terrorism Center followed up on the leaked cache of Islamic State foreign fighter recruitment paperwork in order to flesh out a clearer picture of those who have flocked to the caliphate. The report looked at individuals named in arrival forms from the caliphate and followed up on their lives since the documents leaked by using open source research methods. The center found that the fighters tend not to be as religious as many would expect, often die from causes that dont include suicide attacks, and frequently stay in the theater rather than returning home.

South Sudan

Washington wants to slap an arms embargo on South Sudan and new travel restrictions in the face of mounting risk of further civil conflict in the violence-plagued country. But Russia has other thoughts. The Washington Post reports that Russia is throwing a challenge flag on the proposal put forth by U.S. ambassador to the U.N. Samantha Power, saying that it would hardly be helpful. U.N. envoy for South Sudan Ellen Margrethe Loj says the fighting is creating a dire humanitarian situation thats putting food access in the country at risk.

Budgets

Congress has once again punted on passing a regular appropriations bill to fund the Defense Department, going for a continuing resolution to fund the government until March and annoying defense officials in the process. Defense Tech rounded up the reactions, including Defense Secretary Ash Carters lament that theres nothing good to say about the eighth year in a row without a regular appropriations bill for defense. Sen. John McCain (R-AZ) also lashed out at the continuing resolution deal hashed out by Congressional leaders, saying it will do great damage to the military.

Photo Credit: Alex Wong/Getty Images
The days of cashing in miles or trying to sweet-talk your way into an upgrade are mostly behind us. Today the major airlines are looking to sell a ticket in business or first rather than give it away. I dont recommend going to the airport without a premium ticket in hand, says Matthew Bennett, editor of First Class Flyer, a subscription newsletter that publishes advice and premium-fare alerts. Here are the tactics you need to know.

Watch Prices Like a Hawk.

It might actually be easiest, and surprisingly affordable, just to buy a first- or business-class ticket. The prices for premium cabins, especially domestically, are lower than they have been, says Chris Lopinto, the co-founder of expert flyer.com, a site that helps air travelers find award seats. His favorite fare-monitoring tools include Kayak, Hopper, Yapta, and Hipmunk, all of which can easily be set up to notify you when premium fares drop and provide a prediction window for the best possible times to fly at that price.

Look for "EasyUp" Fares.

Little-known last-minute discounts on full-price economy fares, sometimes referred to as EasyUp farestechnically K, Y, and Z farescan come with an automatic upgrade, meaning youll have a confirmed seat up front. These deals are not widely advertised since airlines dont want to irritate passengers who bought premium tickets. First Class Flyer announces EasyUp fares as they become known. You have to be flexible and spontaneous to take advantage of these faresand youll need a travel agent to find them for you.

Wait for It.

Counterintuitively, first-class seats get cheaper in the few days before a flight, whereas economy-class tickets typically get more expensive as you near your departure date. If your schedule and budget are somewhat flexible, sometimes it pays to wait. If youre already holding an economy ticket, American, Delta, and United will occasionally e-mail offers that can be as low as $24. These paying passengers will get the upgrade instead of the elite frequent fliers, who might choose to wait fruitlessly for a free one at the gate.

Story continues

Think Outside The U.S.

Some of the cheapest first- and business-class fares can be found for international flights that originate outside the United States. For example, traveling to Asia or Europe via Toronto can score you a premium seat for less than flying from New York Citywhich makes the short hop to Canada worth it. European fliers departing out of Dublin or Milan have access to affordable premium fares because airport taxes are low and theres lots of competition from legacy and low-cost carriers alikeyou can often find transatlantic deals for less than $2,000.

Wing It at The Airport.

asking about paid upgrades at check-in, suggests Chris McGinnis, editor of the frequent-flier blog travel skills.com. When airlines have premium seats left over and theres no upgrade list, theyll try to sell them at a discount. Before a recent United flight from San Francisco to Tokyo, McGinnis asked at check-in how much it would cost to upgrade to business class. Surprisingly, he was offered a seat for $600, bringing his total airfare to around $1,600. Had he paid for the seat in advance, it could have cost him around $5,000.

And if all Else Fails...

Choose an airline that has a hybrid premium-class cabin. Some carriers, like Virgin America and JetBlue, have front cabins that deliver the comforts of first class without the steep cost. JetBlues Mint can cost as little as $599 each way. Cant afford the upgrade? Opt for premium economy, such as the Main Cabin Extra seats on American Airlines, which have a greater seat pitch (though not the premium amenities). Starting in 2017, American will begin premium-economy cabin service on its new Boeing 787-9 Dreamliners.

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From Esquire

(Permanent Musical Accompaniment To This Post)

Being our semi-regular weekly survey of what's goin' down in the several states where, as we know, the real work of govermentin' gets done, and where you do what you must do, and you do it well.

As you can imagine, the ascendancy of El Caudillo del Mar-A-Lago has given permission out in the country for a general flying of various freak flags. There is doubling and tripling down, and it's Christmas before Thanksgiving for a number of ambitious pols. Ah, where to begin? Why not Indiana, which has gifted us with our new vice-president-elect, Mike Pence? Thanks, Hoosiers. We'll think of something to send you in return.

As you know, Pence made his bones as a radical fetus monitor and as an extremist with regard to people doing the nasty with other people in arrangements that make Jeebus angry with Mike Pence for allowing it to happen. This has created a generation of state politicians who make Mike Pence sound like William Pitt. Like this guy, whom The Indianapolis Star found gleefully eager to horn in on the healthcare decisions of his fellow Indianans of the feminine sort.

State Rep. Curt Nisly said Wednesday he will file so-called "Protection at Conception" legislation when the General Assembly convenes in January. Under his proposal, all abortions would be a crime and prosecutors could file charges against those who participate in the procedure. "You would treat the death of an unborn child like you would any other human being," the Goshen Republican said. The measure would almost certainly be ruled unconstitutional. The U.S. Supreme Court's 1973 ruling in Roe v. Wade and subsequent decisions have effectively established a woman's right to an abortion before viability of the fetus. "My position is that the Supreme Court is wrong with Roe v. Wade," Nisly said, "and they don't have jurisdiction in this manner. This is the state of Indiana asserting the powers that are given to them, specifically in the 9th and 10th Amendments of the U.S. Constitution."

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Surely, you recognize that, as a constitutional scholar, Representative Nisly makes a great sheet-metal worker. (According to his official biography, Curt is a graduate of a Christian school, does not hold a college degree, and used to run a sheet-metal company.) If this passes, the state will surely spend a couple of million dollars in defense of it, all the way up to whatever passes for a Supreme Court in a couple of years. After that, it's anybody's guess.

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We move along to the great state of Mississippi Goddamn, where there was no little controversy about a contract let by the state legislature to rewrite the program for the state's public schools to a company from New Jersey. This happened as some legislators were agitating for a review of the contracts entered into by the state generally. So the Mississippi legislature responded by, essentially, classifying all state contracts. Per Mississippi Today:

The House Management Committee, which approves contracts entered into by the House of Representatives, used a voice vote to pass the policy, which states "All contracts entered into by the House Management Committee shall be confidential and shall not be released to any person or entity, except as specifically directed by the House Management Committee only when the committee deems necessary for the execution of the contract." The action comes as a select group of state legislators have been meeting to review spending procedures, including contracting, by a number of state agencies. The policy also states that any House member may "read and/or review" a contract, but "contents of the contract shall remain confidential and the House member shall not copy, duplicate or photograph the contract in any manner."

The operation of the Republican hive mind-from the Congress down to the states-is truly a marvel to behold. Of course, if Mississippi were to put these contracts on a private server, there certainly would be hell to pay.

As proof that American dickheads are everywhere you look, let's go up to Iowa, where a state legislator has decided that the best use of his time is essentially to write his cleverest internet comment into the statute books. Take it away, WaPo:

Bobby Kaufmann, a Republican, plans to introduce a bill that echoes the eye-rolling frustration expressed by many who think colleges are "coddling" their students. He's referring to the piece of legislation as the "suck it up, buttercup" bill and he hopes to introduce it when the legislature resumes in January, The Des Moines Register reported. The bill would take aim at state universities that offer election-related sit-ins and grief counseling beyond the resources normally available to students. Those colleges that use taxpayer dollars to fund these extra programs would be subject to a budget cut for double the amount they spend. Kaufmann said he had heard of four or five schools in other states that were staffing grief counselors in zones where "kids can come cry out their sensitivity." "People have the right to be hysterical," Kaufmann said. "On their own time."

Earlier this year, Bobby needed his own safe space somewhere because, after he launched an "investigation" into a conference for LGBTQ teenagers, things went badly sideways on him. The Advocate kept us up to date.

"I am here to announce that Rep. Heartsill and I are not in a homosexual relationship," Kaufmann told the Iowa House Government Oversight Committee, The Des Moines Register reports. Both legislators are Republicans with antigay records. He objected to other responses to the investigation as well, saying, "I am getting sick of reading all the crap that is on the blogs."

Oh, suck it up, buttercup.

Of course, there were a few people who let their freak flags fly a little too high and wide. These included this leader from West Virginia who, as the Post tells us, lost her job as mayor of some flyspeck because she didn't realize that the Internet was not her internal monologue.

After Donald Trump's election as president, Pamela Ramsey Taylor, who was director of the Clay County Development Corp., took to social media to comment on the upcoming shift from Obama to Melania Trump, writing: "It will be so refreshing to have a classy, beautiful, dignified First Lady back in the White House." She added: "I'm tired of seeing a Ape in heels." NBC affiliate WSAZ reported that Whaling, the mayor, then replied, "Just made my day Pam."

I continue to be amazed by how varied are the expressions of economic anxiety.

[contentlinks align="center" textonly="false" numbered="false" headline="Related%20Story" customtitles="A%20Few%20Words%20About%20Protests%20in%20the%20Age%20of%20Trump" customimages="" content="article.50747"]

We slide on up to the Pacific Northwest where, in the Washington state legislature, we find another buttercup that needs to suck it up. Q13 attempts to explain what has triggered this particular tantrum.

"I respect the right to protest, but when it endangers people's lives and property, it goes too far," [State Senator. Doug] Ericksen said in a news release. "Fear, intimidation and vandalism are not a legitimate form of political expression. Those who employ it must be called to account. Ericksen said the bill, which is being prepared for next year's legislative session, would allow felony prosecution "of those who intentionally break the law in an attempt to intimidate or coerce private citizens or the government by obstructing economic activity." He didn't indicate who would determine when protesters become economic terrorists. Ericksen said the penalties would also apply "to those who fund, organize, sponsor or otherwise encourage others to commit acts of economic terrorism. Accomplices may be required to pay restitution up to triple the amount of economic damage."

Doug's official biography makes a great deal of what it says is his commitment to protecting the environment. Which, it should be said, did not exactly convince the League of Conservation Voters back in 2014, when Doug was running for re-election. From The Seattle Times:

Ericksen has sought to turn the environmentalist ire into a plus in his largely rural district, suggesting it's just a bunch of big-city liberals out to get him. At a recent meeting of the Whatcom Cattlemen's Association, Ericksen got laughs when he joked: "That smell in the county, that's not Bob's manure spreader. That's all the crap coming out of San Francisco saying I'm a bad person." The 42nd District includes two oil refineries and a controversial proposed coal-export terminal. Ericksen's re-election campaign has been supported by business interests, including oil and gas companies nervous about Democrats' desire to nix tax breaks and impose new clean fuel regulations and carbon emissions limits.

San Francisco? No, thanks. You can leave the Enigma Machine in the safe. We won't be needing it today.

And we conclude, as is our custom, in the great state of Oklahoma, whence, courtesy of local NewsChannel 4, Blog Official Crow Choirmaster Friedman of the Plains brings us the story of a new peril facing the state's hunters.

Experts say it is a bacterial infection that can be passed from animals to people and pets. It is usually spread through flea and tick bites, contact with an infected animal, inhalation and contaminated water. The disease can be present anytime of the year, and usually affects rabbits, hares, muskrats and beavers. Hunters are urged to stay away from rabbits that are behaving in unusual ways or seem to be lethargic.

Also, shooting lethargic rabbits is not sporting.

This is your democracy, America. Cherish it.

Click here to respond to this post on the official Esquire Politics Facebook page.

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Supplier of diagnostics systems and software, Snap-on Incorporated SNA, recently announced that it has acquired torque wrench marker, Sturtevant Richmont, for $13 million in cash. This is Snap-Ons second strategic buyout in fourth-quarter 2016, after it entered into a definitive agreement to purchase Car-O-Liner, earlier in October.

Sturtevant Richmont Buyout

Carol Stream, IL-based firm  Sturtevant Richmont  is engaged in designing, manufacturing and distributing mechanical and electronic torque wrenches. With average annual sales of $10 million, Sturtevant Richmont has earned a solid reputation among clients for providing wireless, torque error proofing systems for a gamut of industrial applications.

Sturtevant Richmont will be integrated into Snap-Ons Commercial & Industrial Group to fortify its product line that uses torque applications. Snap-On believes that this strategic buyout will help it improve critical mechanical performance by addressing critical torque requirements.

Acquisitions to Stoke Growth

Of late, Snap-On has been diligently pursuing acquisitions to bolster its core businesses in key markets. About a month ago, it inked an agreement to buy Sweden-based firm  Car-O-Liner  for $155 million. This acquisition is expected to be conducive to the growth of the companys Repair Systems & Information Group business, by boosting its stronghold in the auto as well as heavy duty markets. Snap-On perceives that this acquisition will go a long way in improving its relationship with repair shop owners and managers.

SNAP-ON INC Price

SNAP-ON INC Price | SNAP-ON INC Quote

Snap-On has a long-standing winning streak, beating estimates each time over the past five years. The stock had an impressive rally on the bourse in the past three months, gaining 9.2% despite macroeconomic headwinds. Snap-On is committed to its rapid continuous improvement (RCI) program, designed to enhance organizational effectiveness and minimize costs. This program has been instrumental in fuelling sales, margins and savings in the recent quarters. With bullish prospects in most of its business lines, we believe that this Zacks Rank #2 (Buy) company has strong upside potential in the near future.

Story continues

Other Stocks to Consider

Some other favorably placed stocks in the sector include Capella Education Co. CPLA, Intrawest Resorts Holdings, Inc. SNOW and Harman International Industries, Incorporated HAR, each holding the same Zacks Rank as Snap-On. You can see the complete list of todays Zacks #1 Rank (Strong Buy) stocks here.

Headquartered in Minneapolis, MN, Capella Education, through its wholly owned subsidiaries, provides online post-secondary education services in the U.S, focused primarily on working adults. The company has an excellent earnings surprise history, beating estimates all through over the trailing four quarters. It boasts an average positive surprise of 10.9%.

Intrawest Resorts Holdings operates as a mountain resort and adventure company which delivers vacation and travel experiences to its customers. The company managed to beat earnings twice in the trailing four quarters and has an average positive surprise of 2.2%.

Harman International is engaged in developing, manufacturing and marketing audio products and electronic systems. The company has topped estimates thrice in the trailing four quarters, with an average beat of 6.5%.

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By Heather Somerville

SAN FRANCISCO (Reuters) - Snap Inc, the red-hot messaging company, is seen by many tech investors as the next Facebook or Google, but its youthful founders are pushing far more aggressively than its predecessors in moving from scrappy startup to public company.

At a time when it is fashionable in Silicon Valley to stay private as long as possible, Snap is planning an initial public offering valuing it at more than $20 billion just two years after it first began to generate revenue, even though it has plenty of cash and ample opportunity to raise more on the private markets. It is expected to be the biggest U.S. tech IPO since Facebook Inc's 2012 debut.

It is also defying convention by declining to bring in "adult supervision" to help 26-year-old co-founder and Chief Executive Officer Evan Spiegel and 28-year-old co-founder and Chief Technology Officer Bobby Murphy manage the company.

Imran Khan, a former Credit Suisse banker who played a big role in the Alibaba Group Holdings Ltd IPO in 2014, is emerging as a key figure in his role as chief strategy officer.

Some investors remain concerned, however, that the combination of an inexperienced management team and a sky-high valuation could be problematic.

"It is a very clearly inexperienced team leading a company that's asking for two things: a huge valuation and a very aggressive multiple," said Max Wolff, a market strategist at 55 Capital. "Once you start asking public investors for 30x earnings, the tolerance for mistake, misadventure and learning on the job goes down."

Questions about the management team have lingered after a string of senior executives left following short stints with the company.

High-profile departures include Emily White, who joined as chief operating officer from Instagram at the start of 2014 and quit after just more than a year, according to her LinkedIn profile. Mike Randall, who joined Snap from Facebook, left last year after less than a year as head of business and marketing.

Story continues

A spokesman for Snap declined to comment.

The executive ranks have since stabilized, and executives such as finance chief Drew Vollero and hardware guru Steve Horowitz have decades of experience. Still, the departure of Jia Li, one of the highest-ranking women at the company and its head of research, to join Alphabet Inc's Google this month left another high-level opening.

"I think Snapchat struggles with leadership," said Dave Carvajal, an executive recruiter for tech companies. "Just because something is a great idea, it still has the very real challenge of bringing in the right people."

Spiegel, an enigmatic figure who choose to locate the company in the Southern California beach town of Venice rather than Silicon Valley, has not followed the example of Facebook founder Mark Zuckerberg, who partnered early on with Sheryl Sandberg, a former Treasury Department official and Google executive. Google co-founders Larry Page and Sergey Brin initially ceded the CEO role to veteran technology executive Eric Schmidt.

"I think (Spiegel) is a sole dictator type," said Lyon Wong, co-founder and partner at venture firm Spectrum 28, and former partner at Lightspeed Venture Partners, a firm that made multiple early investments into Snap.

Hemant Taneja, a managing director at the venture capital firm and Snap investor General Catalyst, pointed to Khan as a key figure in the run-up to the IPO.

I think that hire was critical and they work very well together, Taneja said. He has taken a lot of things off of Evans plate so he can focus on what he does best.

Taneja said the turnover may be more indicative of Spiegel constantly upgrading the talent in his ranks.

I think that Snapchat does everything in an unconventional way, Taneja said. Comparing it to Facebook or another company is an incorrect way to think about it.

Wolff also noted that the company may yet bring in more experienced managers and board members ahead of the IPO.

IPO AS MARKETING

Snap, valued at about $18 billion, has raised roughly $2.5 billion from investors including mutual fund Fidelity Investments, Sequoia Capital, T. Rowe Price and Alibaba. It raised $1.81 billion as recently as May, according to regulatory filings.

The windfall of cash just six months ago, however, did not slow Snaps IPO talks, which have been ongoing for at least a year, according to sources familiar with the matter. An IPO early next year may help Snap capture pent-up investor demand after a prolonged IPO drought, while also getting out in front of other hotly anticipated debuts from Uber Technologies Inc [UBER.UL] and Airbnb.

It could be easier to tell your story because everyone will be focused on you and ready for you to make your move, said Hans Tung, managing partner at GGV Capital. There will be a lot of demand for this stock.

Some investors said the marketing boost and visibility that comes with an IPO is crucial to help Snapchat get more users outside the United States - and outside its dominant user base of millennials. Snapchat says it has more than 150 million daily active users.

The goal of the company is to grow as fast as possible, venture capitalist Wong said. And there are no more 16-year-olds for them to get onto the platform.

An IPO will give the company a more mature image that will appeal to advertisers, investors said. Snap has told investors to expect $1 billion in advertising revenue in 2017, according to sources familiar with the matter.

(Additional reporting by Liana Baker in San Francisco and Lauren Hirsch in New York; Writing by Jonathan Weber; Editing by Lisa Shumaker)
Govt hospitals wont entertain illegal nursing colleges: Thapa

The Ministry of Health (MoH) is planning to write to government hospitals, asking them to stop entertaining any nursing colleges after the Council for Technical Education and Vocational Training (CTEVT) started preparations to grant affiliations to nursing and other allied health programmes.
DESIGNER CHALLENGES TRUMP: In an e-mail sent Thursday afternoon, Sophie Theallet has said she will not dress the incoming First Lady Melania Trump and she is calling on other designers to do the same.

Theallet, who did not respond immediately available for comment, said in her missive that as an independent fashion brand, we consider our voice an expression of our artistic and philosophical ideas.

As one who celebrates and strives for diversity, individual freedom and respect for all lifestyles, I will not participate in dressing or associating in any way with the next First Lady. The rhetoric of racism, sexism, and xenophobia unleashed by her husbands presidential campaign are incompatible with the shared values we live by. she wrote. I encourage my fellow designers to do the same.

A spokeswoman for Melania Trump did not respond immediately for a request for comment. In the lead up to Election Night, the former model wore Ralph Lauren, Gucci, Fendi, Dolce & Gabbana and Michael Kors among other labels  all of which she purchased in New York City boutiques or online.

For more news videos visit Yahoo View, available now on iOS.







Describing herself as an immigrant, the designer said she has been blessed with the opportunity to pursue her dreams in the U.S., and that dressing First Lady Michelle Obama intermittently over the past eight years has been a highlight and an honor. She has contributed to having our name recognized and respected worldwide. Her values, actions, and grace have always resonated deeply within me.

At 18, Theallet moved to Paris to attend the esteemed fashion design school Studio Bercot and graduated early after winning Frances National Young Design Award. She was then hired by Jean Paul Gaultier. Theallet later worked at Azzedine Alaia for 10 years before relocating to New York City, where she continued to work for the French designer on a part-time basis. She launched her own label in 2007 and two years after won the CFDA/Vogue Fashion Fund Award.

Story continues

Noting that her brand stands against all discrimination and prejudice, she said, Our runway shows, ad campaigns, and celebrity dressing have always been a celebration of diversity and a reflection of the world we live in.

Her e-mail continued, I am well aware it is not wise to get involved in politics. That said, as a family owned company, our bottom line is not just about money. We value our artistic freedom and always humbly seek to contribute to a more humane, conscious and ethical way to create in this world.

Theallets open letter ended with Integrity is our only true currency.

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Ivanka Trump Jewelry Brand in Hide-Out Mode After Promotional Scandal
JOHANNESBURG (Reuters) - South Africa's national oil company PetroSA on Friday posted a narrower full-year loss after posting a record loss a year ago, but warned that weak commodity prices were still a threat to its business. Many of South Africa's 300-odd state-owned companies, including South African Airways are a drain on the government's purse and a team commissioned by President Jacob Zuma to review them has recommended that some companies should be sold. The petroleum, oil and gas company said in a statement it posted a net loss of 449 million rand ($31 million) for the 2015/2016 financial year which ended in March versus a 14.6 billion rand loss previously - the biggest of any state-owned firm since 1994. PetroSA also said it plans to launch a turnaround strategy aimed at securing its long-term financial viability. "We are not out of the woods yet," said Chief Executive Officer Siphamandla Mthethwa, referring to global economic headwinds that could affect the business in the current year. Oil prices have fallen the last three days, but Brent is still up 6 percent from a three-month low hit last Friday. Revenue fell by 13 percent to 15.7 billion rand, while core profit (earnings before interest, tax, depreciation, amortisation) declined by 3 percent to 2.1 billion rand, the firm said. PetroSA's huge loss in the last financial year was caused by the sharp drop in oil prices and the weak performance of its gas fields Ikhwezi project, which was expected to deliver 242 Billion Cubic Feet (BCF) of commercial gas reserves for PetroSA's Mossel Bay gas-to-liquid refinery. But the project had only delivered 25 BCF of commercial gas reserves from three wells out of five. ($1 = 14.6015 rand) (Reporting by Nqobile Dludla; Editing by James Macharia)
SEOUL (Reuters) - South Korean President Park Geun-hye's office on Friday dismissed a claim by the leader of the opposition that she was planning to declare martial law as "irresponsible demagoguery". Park's administration has been rocked by allegations that a friend used her ties to meddle in state affairs and wield improper influence, triggering calls for the president to be impeached or step down. The opposition Democratic Party's leader, Choo Mi-ae, said at a party meeting on Friday that there was intelligence Park planned to declare martial law. Park's spokesman, Jung Youn-kuk, said Choo's comments were "unbecoming of the leader of the main opposition party and are political demagoguery that is exceedingly irresponsible". Park is under pressure from an angry public to step down with hundreds of thousands expected to gather in the capital on Saturday in the fourth straight weekend protest. Park's father, Park Chung-hee, took power in a coup in 1961 declaring martial law and ruled until he was shot dead in 1979. He declared martial law twice more during his time in office. (Reporting by Jack Kim and Ju-min Park; Editing by Nick Macfie)
By Joyce Lee and Se Young Lee

SEOUL (Reuters) - South Korea said on Friday it has rejected Google's latest request for permission to use government mapping data in servers outside the country, citing security issues with North Korea.

Google, an Alphabet Inc company, has said it needs to use the data on servers worldwide to enable services that would give walking and driving directions in South Korea.

"We're disappointed by this decision," Google spokesman Taj Meadows said in a statement, adding that the company remains hopeful it will be able to provide people in Korea with the full suite of Google Maps services in the future.

South Korea, whose 1950-53 war with North Korea ended without a peace treaty, argues that if it allowed such data to leave the country, the locations of military facilities and other sensitive sites could be revealed.

The government could grant permission if Google removes images of sensitive sites on its satellite imaging services, an official at the body in charge of mapping data has previously said.

But Google has rejected that condition, saying the information is widely available through satellite images that can be purchased freely.

The land ministry said it would reconsider if Google changes its position.

Separately, Google is under scrutiny in South Korea, with the antitrust regulator examining whether the U.S. firm's agreements with handset manufacturers on the Android mobile operating system limits market competition.

(Reporting by Joyce Lee and Se Young Lee; Additional reporting by Hyunjoo Jin; Editing by Edwina Gibbs)
From Esquire

It took a while to sink in, and maybe not everyone is there yet, but Donald Trump has been elected President of the United States. Last week, the results of the election stunned the country, South Park included, with Trump's victory throwing the show into an uncharacteristic stupor. Now, the show has accepted the reality of our new President-elect, and like Trump himself, South Park has no idea what to do next.

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As I said last week, the absurdity of our country's real-life predicament might have broken South Park. Finding a way to satirize the country embracing racist rhetoric under the leadership of an unqualified buffoon is not only difficult, but it feels almost wrong, like mocking a national tragedy. On top of that, Trey Parker and Matt Stone need to fit daily national embarrassments into their show every week. For example, as if Trump's election wasn't enough, this week they needed to squeeze the appointment of a white supremacist to one of the President-elect's key council positions. They only barely did so in Wednesday's episode, "Members Only," which began with Steve Bannon introducing the new Trump-ized Mr. Garrison, who has his straw mat of hair placed on his head like Darth Vader's helmet inside the Sith lord's meditation chamber from The Empire Strikes Back.

After getting knocked off its feet last week, South Park is crawling again, picking up the pieces of its serialized season and finding a way to deal with the president this country has elected for the next four years. And it's fucking terrifying. As we've seen throughout the last week with Trump's chaotic transition team, the guy has absolutely no idea what's going on. What we do know is this: Trump has a list of enemies, and once he's president he's seeking revenge like a middle school bully.

Story continues

And so is Mr. Garrison, who's wandering around South Park, now that he's president, forcing everyone who even mildly annoyed him to, for lack of a better term, give him a blow job. That we have a president who is a petty, temperamental child isn't even the worst part-it's that he has absolutely no clue how to run a country. In the most disturbing scene of the episode, Garrison meets with the heads of the military where they show him around the Pentagon. "Here are all our military secrets and classified information," the general says to Garrison's delight. "Here is the drone program. In there you can kill anyone remotely. Here are the keys." Then most terrifying of all: the Diplomatic Strategy and Negotiation Room. Garrison walks in to find people running around screaming, alarms going off, phones ringing. It's a total goddamn mess. "This doesn't look very fun," Garrison says before an officer runs up and says, "Thank god you're here, sir. We need your guidance."

Oh, shit.

It would be funny if it wasn't so true. Elsewhere, the Danish are preparing to unleash Troll Hunter on the entire world, which has turned international relations into a complete cluster fuck. The Member Berries have invaded the White House and are calling Putin to ask if he 'members the Cold War. And Cartman and Heidi, somehow the only rational people left, are trying to escape to Mars on SpaceX, but Elon Musk is wasting his time giving hundreds of tours.

Things look grim. Really grim. But hopefully South Park and our IRL country can make it through.

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A Soyuz spacecraft carrying three astronauts  one each from the United States, Russia and France  lifted off from the Baikonur Cosmodrome in Kazakhstan at 3:20 p.m. EST Thursday. The astronauts will join the three Expedition 50 crew members already on board the International Space Station (ISS) when the spacecraft docks with it Saturday evening.

The Expedition 50 crew members will spend over four months conducting more than 250 science investigations in fields such as biology, Earth science, human research, physical sciences and technology development, NASA said in a statement. Upcoming research includes how lighting impacts the overall health and well-being of crew members, and how microgravity affects tissue regeneration in humans and the genetic properties of space-grown plants.

16-108d

Photo: NASA/Bill Ingalls

Thursdays launch is a historic one for both France and the U.S. While Thomas Pesquet from the European Space Agency will become the first French member of an ISS expedition, American astronaut Peggy Whitson is now the oldest woman to fly in space.

The most important thing about the station is the friendships and the work we accomplish there, Whitson, 56, said during a press conference held before the launch in Kazakhstan.

By the time the mission is over, Whitson, who will take command of the ISS in February, would also become the first woman to command the space station twice  the first being in 2007. In addition, she would also have set a new record for the most hours spent in space by a U.S. astronaut, breaking the current record of 534 days set in September by Jeff Williams.

Whitson, Pesquet and the Russian cosmonaut Oleg Novitskiy will remain on board the ISS until next spring. The crew members already aboard the station  Expedition 50 Commander Shane Kimbrough of NASA and cosmonauts Sergey Ryzhikov and Andrey Borisenko  are scheduled to return in late February.

Story continues

Humans have been living continuously aboard the ISS for more than 15 years, and so far, over 200 people from 18 countries have visited it. Although the arrival of Whitson, Novitskiy and Pesquet returns the number of crew on the ISS to six, this may be one of the last missions where this happens, as Russia has announced plans to cut crew size to two beginning next March.

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A Russian Soyuz spacecraft took off from the Baikonur Cosmodrome in Kazakhstan on Thursday, November 17, carrying three new crew members to the International Space Station. The spectacular night launch went off without a hitch.

Soyuz Commander Oleg Novitskiy of Roscosmos and Flight Engineers Peggy Whitson of NASA and Thomas Pesquet of the European Space Agency will arrive at the station and begin docking around 5 pm on Saturday to begin their six-month mission. They join Shane Kimbrough of NASA and Roscosmos cosmonauts Sergey Ryzhikov and Andrey Borisenko, who arrived at the station last month. Credit: YouTube/NASA via Storyful
Peggy Whitson

Todays liftoff of a Soyuz spaceship heading for the International Space Station launched NASA astronaut Peggy Whitson into the history books as well.

The three-time spaceflier, who turns 57 in February, is now the oldest woman to go into space. Whitson took the title from NASA teacher-astronaut Barbara Morgan, who had held the record since her 2007 space shuttle flight (when she was 55).

In a NASA interview conducted last year, Whitson joked that a documentary film crew was following her around mostly because she was old and experienced.

All right, yes, Im old, she said.

The Iowa-born Whitson made her first trip to space in 2003, when she became the first woman to take command of the space station. She served a second orbital tour of duty in 2008, building up her total time in space to 377 days. Thats the record for a woman astronaut, and the record will be rising on every day she spends in orbit from now on.

This time around, Whitson lifted off with Russian cosmonaut Oleg Novitskiy and French astronaut Thomas Pesquet. Their Soyuz craft rose from Russias Baikonur Cosmodrome in Kazakhstan at 12:20 p.m. PT today (2:20 a.m. Friday local time).

The trio is due to dock with the station on Saturday and meet up with the stations three current residents: NASAs Shane Kimbrough, the stations commander; and Russian cosmonauts Andrey Borisenko and Sergey Ryzhikov.

Meanwhile, in a completely different orbit, two Chinese astronauts left the Tiangong 2 space lab, climbed into their Shenzhou 11 capsule and began their homeward journey. Jing Haipeng and Chen Dong are expected to touch down in Inner Mongolia on Friday.

By the time Whitson, Novitskiy and Pesquet return to Earth, sometime next spring, Whitson will have set a new U.S. record for the most cumulative time spent in space. The previous record (534 days) was set in September by NASA astronaut Jeff Williams.

Whitson still has a long way to go to break the overall records for age and time in space. The oldest man to go into space is John Glenn, who flew aboard the space shuttle Discovery in 1998 at the age of 77.

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The holders of the records for most time spent in space are both Russian men: Gennady Padalka for cumulative time (879 days over the course of five spaceflights), and Valery Polyakov for continuous time (438 days in 1994-1995).

Update for 10 a.m. PT Nov. 18: As expected, the two Chinese astronauts landed in Inner Mongolia  closing out a monthlong mission aboard Tiangong 2 during which they tended silkworms and a crop of lettuce. Sadly, our lettuce is only for experimental purposes, and not to be eaten, Jing and Chen wrote in a journal shared with the Xinhua news service.

Chinese crew returns to Earth with space-grown veggies after record 32-day mission, the nations longest to date. https://t.co/ODcqdj0fWk pic.twitter.com/e3PWWYwse7  Spaceflight Now (@SpaceflightNow) November 18, 2016

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MADRID, Nov 18 (Reuters) - A Spanish consortium which is building a high-speed rail link between Mecca and Medina has reached a preliminary deal with Saudi Arabia to finalise the works after a series of delays and setbacks, Spain's public works ministry said on Friday.

The Al Shoula consortium - made up of 12 Spanish companies including builder OHL and engineering and defence company Indra as well as two Saudi firms - had become embroiled in a dispute over payments with the Saudi government.

"This preliminary deal resolves the problems that arose on both sides during the process, clearing the way for the works to be finalised," the Spanish government said in a statement.

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By Yasmeen Abutaleb, Ryan McNeill and Deborah J. Nelson LOS ANGELES (Reuters) - With good reason, Dan Greulichs doctors called him the miracle man. In the span of a decade, the insurance company executive engaged not once, but twice, in a race with death as he awaited replacements for failing organs. And twice, just as death was poised to win, he made it to the top of the national transplant list  ahead of thousands of other dying people. Donor organs became available, he was rushed into surgery, and he emerged with a new lease on life. After Greulichs second combined liver-and-kidney transplant in early 2012, his wife, Rae, sent a letter to the donors family. You not only saved a man, she wrote, you saved a family. But then, less than three weeks into his recovery at University of California-Los Angeles Medical Center, Greulich contracted an antibiotic-resistant infection  a common and often lethal hazard of hospital stays. Over the next five months, according to thousands of pages of medical and billing records reviewed by Reuters, Greulich was attacked by no fewer than half a dozen different superbugs, most of them strains that are encountered almost exclusively in healthcare facilities. Greulichs immune system, suppressed by medications to prevent organ rejection, had no way to fight the bacteria. When the usual antibiotics failed to snuff them, he was pumped full of powerful alternatives, sometimes as many as half a dozen a day. Some had alarming side effects  hearing loss, severe pain, nausea. The infections kept coming. Sepsis, a dangerous inflammatory response to infection, set in. Confined to an intensive-care unit (ICU), Greulich was frequently placed on mechanical ventilation, itself a common source of infection. He wavered in and out of consciousness. Doctors cut him open again to seek the source of the problem. At one point, they considered putting him back on the transplant list, but only if they could clear him of infection. They couldnt. On June 30, 2012, Greulich died, age 64. Dan Greulich is one of the uncounted  the tens of thousands of people in the United States whose infections and deaths by superbug are not tracked by public health agencies. As revealed in the first article in this series, deaths related to drug-resistant infections often arent recorded as such on death certificates. Greulichs death certificate blames cardiac arrhythmia, or an irregular heartbeat. Even when superbug deaths are recorded, tens of thousands a year go uncounted because federal and state agencies are doing a poor job of tracking them. Today, the lack of a unified national surveillance system makes it hard to fight a scourge that officials 15 years ago declared to be a grave threat to public health. Deaths like Greulichs speak to the high human toll of superbugs. But Greulichs death and, in particular, the effort to prevent it also speak to the enormous waste caused by the infections: two precious organs in a country where 22 people die every day waiting for one; thousands of hours put in by dozens of doctors, nurses and other medical workers to save a life; and big sums of money spent on drugs, surgery and hospital care, contributing to the billions of dollars superbugs add to the U.S. healthcare bill every year. Two people that could have gotten those organs died waiting for those organs, Rae Greulich said. To see it become a failure is certainly devastating, said Dr David Klassen, chief medical officer of the United Network for Organ Sharing (UNOS), the Richmond, Virginia, nonprofit group that coordinates all U.S. transplants. It isnt clear how Greulich contracted the superbugs that killed him. UCLA Medical Center declined to make anyone available to discuss his illness and hospitalization. In a statement emailed to Reuters, the hospital said: We treat many severely ill patients who require complex care, and we have detailed procedures and protocols in place to prevent, detect and treat infections. Beyond the loss of viable organs that could have saved other lives, Greulichs infections added to the growing national tab for treating them. Records show that from the time he first entered UCLA Medical Center in December 2011, until he died seven months later, Dan Greulich racked up a total bill of $5.7 million. How much of that went toward treating Greulichs superbug infections and how much went toward his transplant surgery and related treatments is hard to determine precisely. Too many other variables are at play. However, at $5.7 million, the charges for Greulichs seven-month hospitalization were nearly five times what the National Foundation for Transplants says are the average first-year charges for a liver-and-kidney transplant. Charges for antibiotics he was given in a failed attempt to beat his infections were at least $230,000, exceeding the $200,000 in charges for obtaining and transplanting a liver and kidney. Charges for seven months of accommodations at UCLA Medical Center totaled $2 million. AN ELUSIVE NUMBER Lack of reliable data hinders any effort to calculate how much superbugs add to overall U.S. healthcare costs. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) cites figures from a 2009 study sponsored by the Alliance for Prudent Use of Antibiotics that put the annual cost of antibiotic-resistant infections at more than $20 billion. But that figure is extrapolated from data from a single hospital. And it uses infection rates from 2000, which were far less than what they are now. Dr Stuart Levy, director of Tufts Universitys Center for Adaptation Genetics and Drug Resistance in Boston and an author of the 2009 study, acknowledged the limitations of the analysis. The important point was we were supposed to show this was a very costly consequence of doing hospital care, he said. Reuters undertook its own analysis to get an idea of how much superbug infections cost. Using national inpatient data from the federal Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality for 2013, the analysis of millions of records focused on infections from two superbugs: methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) and Clostridium difficile. It found that an infection can add thousands of dollars to the cost of a patients hospital stay. The average MRSA infection added about $11,000 per inpatient stay, while C. difficile added about $5,200. In all, Reuters found that the two infections combined added about $6 billion in charges to hospital stays nationwide in 2013. MRSA infections added about $4.1 billion, and C. difficile added about $1.9 billion. To calculate those numbers, Reuters used a method called propensity score matching to compares costs for patients with and without infection who are otherwise similar in terms of demographic characteristics, other illnesses, hospital setting and so on. While MRSA and C. difficile are two of the most common and well-known drug-resistant pathogens, they are only two of 18 superbugs the CDC considers to be a threat to public health, suggesting a total cost much higher than $6 billion. Some of those other infections, while not as widespread, can be far more costly to treat. Most superbug infections are contracted in hospitals and other medical facilities. The big bills that result are most often covered by health insurers and other third-party payers. This means that ultimately, the costs are passed to consumers in the form of higher insurance premiums, said David Cutler, a Harvard University economist who specializes in healthcare. There is no other way to do it, he said. Private insurers generally do not deny reimbursement for treatment related to superbug infections. Even in cases where hospitals are held legally liable for the infections, they are often shielded from eating the full cost. James Woodard contracted a MRSA infection at age 64 while in the University of New Mexico Hospital for back surgery in 2012. The infection led to a dozen more surgeries over four years and left him wheelchair-bound and with memory loss. But he hasnt forgotten the pain as the infection spread: It felt like someone was hacking my body in half, he said. In a malpractice suit Woodard and his wife brought against the hospital, a jury earlier this year found the hospital at fault and awarded Woodard and his wife $4.25 million for medical costs, Woodards injuries and other damages. But New Mexico caps malpractice awards. Within those limits, the hospital is asking the court to set the award at $700,000, said hospital spokesman Luke Frank. That is less than the $973,000 that Frank said the hospital received in payments from Woodards insurer. Hospitals make money on those complications, said Woodards lawyer, Amalia S. Lucero. And Woodard could end up with even less if his own insurer recovers some of the money it paid to the hospital from whatever award Woodard receives. More than half the states have imposed caps on malpractice awards in response to medical and insurance industry concerns that multi-million-dollar verdicts were driving up the cost of healthcare and premiums. The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) penalizes hospitals for high infection rates by reducing payments from the huge Medicare government health-insurance program for the elderly. And the agency does not pay the added costs of some types of preventable infections, such as catheter-associated urinary tract infections, if they are contracted in the hospital. Hospitals have found a way to get around the CMS payment restrictions. Several studies have shown that hospitals sometimes use a strategy called upcoding, whereby they manipulate the codes for submitting reimbursement claims so that they receive payment for infection-related treatments. For instance, a hospital could claim an infection was present when the patient was admitted, rather than acquired in the hospital. Or it could not mention an infection at all. A 2015 study from the Stanford Graduate School of Business estimated that CMS reimbursed for more than 10,000 upcoded claims from 2009 to 2010, costing Medicare a total of $200 million. As for Dan Greulichs $5.7 million bill, his widow, Rae, said the couple paid about $10,000 themselves. Most of the balance was covered by Dans employer-sponsored insurance with Anthem Inc. The insurance company declined to comment. Hospital charges are typically a starting point that insurers end up negotiating down. Payment records for Greulichs seven-month stay at UCLA Medical Center show that Anthem paid at least $2.9 million. LONG ODDS One day in February 2000, Dan Greulich failed to show up for work as a senior vice president of property and casualty insurer Western Mutual at the companys Agoura Hills, California, office. His son, Tim, found him lying unconscious on the floor at home. At the hospital, doctors told Greulich that his liver and kidneys were failing, damaged beyond repair from his years of heavy drinking. He probably wouldnt live more than a couple of months. His alcoholism disqualified him for a life-saving transplant. Greulich began attending Alcoholics Anonymous meetings while undergoing dialysis four times a week. He completely gave up [alcohol] the second he went to that hospital, Tim said. He never picked up a drink after that. By the end of 2000, he was on the transplant waiting list. The hospital entered his information into a computer system run by UNOS, the transplant coordinator, which uses information from hospitals and organ-procurement groups across the country to match donors with recipients. The odds were against him. In 2001, the 6,080 people who died and became donors didnt come near to covering the 86,000 people waiting for organs. As Greulich waited, his health deteriorated. He struggled to make it through each workday. He spent lunch hours napping in his car. Then, in July 2002, he got his first transplant. Recovery, according to Rae, was complicated by his first encounter with superbugs: He contracted a MRSA infection, which kept him in the hospital until September. A month later, after about two years as a couple, Dan and Rae got married. Tim, Dans son from a previous marriage, lived with them. Dan returned to work, paring down his hours from 60 to 45 a week. He and Rae bought their dream home in Simi Valley, in the mountains 40 miles outside of Los Angeles. They had fruit trees in their backyard  lemon, orange, pomegranate  and kept horses. For nine years, Dan remained healthy and was very religious about taking his transplant medications, according to medical records. In 2011, he began taking an herbal remedy called St. Johns wort to cope with stress at work. He didnt know the plant could block the effects of anti-rejection drugs. On Dec. 6, nearly a decade after his first double transplant, Dan was back in UCLA Medical Center, his donated liver and kidney failing. He was soon relisted for a transplant. Again, as he waited, his health declined. On Jan. 5, 2012, medical records show, he was vomiting blood, and he was moved to an intensive-care unit. He was charged the next day for his first night in the intensive-care bed: $10,400. His skin grayed. He spent more time sleeping. Every day, it seemed more likely that he would die before he made it to the top of the transplant list. In the early morning hours of Jan. 25, Rae received a call in her hotel room: A 40-year-old woman had died, and she was an organ donor. Dan was at the top of the waiting list. Everythings going to be OK, Rae said she was thinking hours later, as Dan was wheeled into surgery. A second transplant is far more complicated and risky than the first, said Dr Fady Kaldas, an associate professor of surgery at UCLA specializing in liver transplants who was part of Dans medical team. Dan was losing so much blood during the operation that doctors spread the procedure over two days to give his body time to stabilize. At one point, Rae recalled, doctors told her they were losing Dan. He survived  one of 462 people to get a double transplant that year. His new liver soon began working on its own. His sister, Pat Herbert, said he told her he would make it to Florida for her birthday in May. His rosy color returned. Even when his new kidney didnt take, meaning he would have to rely on dialysis, he remained optimistic. Then, in early February, as nurses were removing post-surgical drains from Dans abdomen, a nauseating stench filled the ICU room, Rae recalled. Rae suspected something was awry. She was right. Dans medical records show that lab tests of fluid from the drains found two drug-resistant pathogens, Citrobacter freundii and Aeromonas. And they werent Dans first infections. He was already fighting a fungus called Candida albicans, which can be especially dangerous in transplant patients. MODERN DANGERS Modern medical advances  complex organ transplants, drug therapies, devices such as ventilators and dialysis machines  sustain life for people who would otherwise die. But they come at a cost. They leave many people  cancer patients, people with HIV, premature infants, anyone with a suppressed or weakened immune system  particularly vulnerable to bacteria. At the same time, many of the bacteria that thrive in the hospitals where these people are concentrated have developed resistance to antibiotics. Dan Greulich was the perfect target. Transplant patients take drugs for the rest of their lives that suppress their immune systems so that their own bodies dont reject the donor organs. That leaves them vulnerable to opportunistic pathogens like the two that showed up in Dans lab tests. Both rarely cause illness in otherwise healthy people; for the immune-compromised, they can be deadly. Hospitals have well-established protocols to contain the threat. At UCLA Medical Center, once Greulich tested positive for drug-resistant infections, everyone  doctors, nurses, technicians, Rae, other relatives  had to don a gown and gloves before entering his room and discard them when leaving. Rae said she repeatedly asked nurses about Dans post-operative drains. They told her only that he had a fungal infection, she said. No one told her the names of the pathogens, or that they were resistant to multiple drugs, or how dangerous they were. UCLA Medical Center declined to comment. Dan was now battling sepsis  life-threatening inflammation that is triggered throughout the body in a haywire response to infection. His blood pressure was abnormally low. His heartbeat was rapid and weak. Breathing was difficult, and he was often placed on mechanical ventilation, inserted through a tracheostomy, a hole surgeons cut into his windpipe. He was receiving dialysis through a port in his groin. He received fluids and drugs  including increasing amounts of ineffective antibiotics  through multiple tubes inserted into his veins and arteries. He was seldom lucid. Occasionally he would utter an I love you to Rae or ask how his recovery was going. Rae usually lied. Youre doing so much better, she would say, to encourage him to keep fighting. Doctors were desperate to locate the infection behind Dans sepsis. On Feb. 22, they wheeled him into surgery again and opened his abdomen, distended with retained fluid. This was risky in a patient so ill. Its not necessarily the easiest thing to take somebody whos so stressed and sick and take them back to surgery, Kaldas said. The surgery failed to reveal a definitive site of infection. Dans medical bills show at least $20,000 in related charges  for the operating room, the procedure, anesthesia and a liver biopsy. In March, Dan tested positive for a drug-resistant strain of Enterococcus. Unrelenting sepsis caused his body to swell. His skin was stretched tight and easily punctured. When Rae tried to clip his fingernails one day, he bled. Doctors had put Dan on drugs called vasopressors, which constrict blood vessels and thus raise the dangerously low blood pressure that sepsis causes. But that same mechanism also decreases essential blood flow to new organs, putting them at risk. Thats what makes sepsis such an evil process  It just wreaks havoc on your body, including a delicate transplanted liver, Kaldas said. Its always a game of whats going to happen first. Are these organs just going to fall apart from being on vasopressors for a week, or is the infection going to go away first? Another month, another infection. In early April, it was vancomycin-resistant Enterococcus (VRE), another common menace to hospital patients with weakened immune systems. A few days later, Rae recalled, two of Dans doctors sat down with her for a talk. Imaging showed that his new liver was a potential site of infection and a probable source of his sepsis. If they could clear Dan of the infections, they would consider him for a third liver-and-kidney transplant. In notes dated April 18, 2012, Dr Leonard Irwin Goldstein wrote that another transplant would provide his best chance for long-term survival. Only now, Rae said, did she realize that Dans struggle was not to recover from transplant surgery, but from a barrage of infections. Nobody said he had a laundry list of infections, she said. She started researching infection control and keeping a close eye on the nurses caring for Dan. In the ensuing weeks, she wrote three letters to the ICUs nurse manager to urge vigilance against further infection and to list lapses she noticed in her husbands care. In a May 7 letter, she described stopping a nurse from starting an intravenous line when she saw that the nurse wasnt going to change gloves after touching cabinet drawers and other potentially contaminated surfaces. UCLA Medical Center declined to comment. Since February, Dan had undergone increasingly aggressive antibiotic therapy. By the end of March, records show, he had been charged about $45,000 for the drugs. Then, for April alone, the amount ballooned to more than $110,000. Of that, $93,000 covered charges for 169 doses of Synercid, a combination of quinupristin and dalfopristin that is one of the few drugs that can beat back VRE. In just one day  May 2, 2012  Dan was given six different antimicrobial drugs: amikacin, cefepime, daptomycin and Synercid, all of them commonly used to treat multi-drug-resistant infections; Bactrim; and caspofungin, an anti-fungal. Many of these drugs are hard on the body. The Synercid caused severe bone pain. Dan, who for months hadnt complained about his pain, uttered to his wife, Im in agony, according to Rae. At Raes request, doctors eventually stopped the drug. Antibiotics beat you up, said Kaldas. Imagine somebody on nuclear weapons of antibiotics, and theyre on 10 of them, or five of them, or three of them. Its a lot to ask. By June, the continuing antibiotic therapy had left Dan nearly deaf. His hair had fallen out. On and off a ventilator, he had suffered several bouts of pneumonia. Unrelenting sepsis and the phenomenon known as ICU delirium  confusion and cognitive impairment associated with acute-care settings  left him incapable of recognizing little around him other than Rae and Tim. Doctors now said Dan would never be well enough for another transplant. He was going to die. They urged him to sign a do not resuscitate order. He refused. Rae posted a sign above his bed: Mr. Greulich very clearly stated NO DNR and wants aggressive treatment. For Dans medical team, giving up on a third transplant was an admission of defeat. What we worry about is putting yet another organ into somebody thats going to go the same way as the last organ, said Kaldas. Youve developed a relationship with this patient  Theres nothing you want more than to see them get better. But you have to take a step back and say, well, a third liver will not make this person get better. After months of illness, pain and confinement, Dan began to lose his will to live. He told Rae he felt worthless and that he knew he wasnt ever going to recover. On June 29, Rae walked into his hospital room a little before 9 a.m., as she had nearly every day for the past seven months. He was sitting up in bed, alert and almost perky, she said. I want to die, he told her. The next day, Rae and Dans son, Tim, 24 years old at the time, stood at Dans bedside, holding his hands. They said their goodbyes. Just before 11:30 a.m., doctors turned off Dans dialysis machine. He soon lost consciousness. Rae and Tim watched as the tracing on Dans heart monitor slowed and slowed and then flat-lined. Greulichs death certificate did not mention sepsis or the infections that caused it. His autopsy report, however, lists at least five pathogens present in samples taken from his body, most of them drug-resistant. The report states: The autopsy findings and microbiology studies support the clinical diagnosis of septic shock, which appears to be the immediate cause of death. It was clearer than anything that he died of septic shock, Rae said. When I got the death certificate, I was staggered. (Edited by John Blanton)
Darkness was falling across the pagoda outside Yangon when a military officer walked up to Su Thet Htoo and gave him two choices: go to jail or join the untold ranks of child soldiers in Myanmar's army.

Frightened and alone, the then 16-year-old chose military service, beginning a two-year ordeal that would see him cut off from his family, beaten, sent to the front line and turn into an alcoholic.

No one knows exactly how many children are still among the estimated 500,000 troops that serve in Myanmar's military or the rebel militias waging insurgencies against the state.

The army and seven ethnic armed groups have been listed by the United Nations as using underage fighters -- those below the age of 18 -- as they clash in the country's borderlands.

In major cities such as Yangon and Mandalay, recruiters are known to scour parks, pagodas and bus and railway stations for poor and vulnerable boys who they threaten, drug or tempt with promises of well-paying jobs.

Many, like Su Thet Htoo, are taken without a word to their families, who assume they are dead after months without contact.

Now 21, the aspiring mechanic says he is focused on building a new life on his own after years of painful reintegration into society.

"I do not want to remember those experiences. I feel pain whenever I remember what happened," he tells AFP.

"I'm still trying to make amends."

- 'I became an alcoholic' -

Recruitment of underage fighters has slowed since the military stepped down from junta rule in 2011 and started easing its grip after five decades of brutal domination that drove the Southeast Asian country into dire poverty.

The army vowed to end the use of child soldiers the following year and has worked with rights groups to release hundreds of youngsters in sporadic batches.

But experts say children remain at risk as new underage recruits continue to trickle into the military.

"The Tatmadaw (Myanmar army) have to keep up a level of strength, but they have difficulties in recruiting, so they snatch people who are vulnerable," said Piyamal Pichaiwongse, deputy liaison officer for the International Labour Organization (ILO).

Story continues

Many are sent to conflict areas such as the northeastern states of Kachin and Shan, where the army is fighting rebel groups, to be put to work as soldiers or in support roles carrying supplies or growing food.

Local children are often swept up in the clashes -- many are forced to join the ethnic insurgents but others volunteer to fight in a bid to protect their communities.

Su Thet Htoo was taken to the Danyinkone recruitment camp outside Yangon where officers told him to lie and say he was 18.

He spent four and a half months in training before he was deployed to work as a patrol guard on the front line in the southern state of Karen, the site of long-running ethnic rebellion.

Staring down at his tattooed hands in the dim light of the mechanics' office, a sparse fringe of hair on his upper lip and a wearied look in his eyes, he describes how regular beatings drove him to drink.

"I was beaten if I did something wrong. Sometimes, if I made a small mistake I was punched. So I started drinking alcohol," he says.

One night of drinking led to a brawl with a senior sergeant.

"Then about three or four soldiers started punching me," he says. "My head was injured by their blows."

- Stigma persists -

Twice Su Thet Htoo ran away to his parents and younger sister. Both times he was caught, beaten and sent back to the army.

It was only when his mother called a hotline set up by the UN for people to report child soldiers and showed the army his birth certificate that he was finally allowed to leave.

Now he is among 800 underage recruits that have been released since 2012, according to UNICEF, which provides counselling and helps the former soldiers return to school or set up businesses.

Pichaiwongse said the ILO also has a backlog of some 200-300 more cases of runaways that it has yet to deal with.

Like many, Su Thet Htoo has found adjusting to life outside the army difficult.

His relationship with his family broke down as his drinking continued and he bounced from job to job before finally going into a Buddhist monastery to kick the habit.

He now lives alone and is training as a mechanic.

UNICEF's Representative for Myanmar, Bertrand Bainvel, said many former child soldiers are also spurned by their neighbours when they return home.

"Many communities also do not want to have among themselves a child who has committed violence, who would have used weapons against other people," he tells AFP.

"This is why it's very important to work with the whole environment around the child."
As Bournemouth make the long trip to the Bet 365 stadium, Stoke City blogger Rory Watts plots his way to victory

Re-Introduce Arnautovic and Shaqiri back into the first team

Despite the impressive performances of Jon Walters and Ramadan Sobhi a couple of weeks ago, it would be a wise move I feel to get Arnautovic and Shaqiri back in the first team. With the quality they possess, it will be needed to break down a Bournemouth side I assume will sit back and try to hit us on the counter.

The two wingers are essential to what we create in terms of chances in home games and provide players such as Bony and Allen with numerous opportunities with their creative flair.

Stoke must bring back Shaqiri and Arnautovic

Also, the ability they possess to create a moment of magic and score a goal from all their own work is admirable, as Shaqiri recently demonstrated against Hull and Arnautovic against Crystal Palace.

Be wary of Bournemouths counter attacks

If theres one thing Stoke have struggled against in recent years its speed. Stoke will have to play players such as Callum Wilson, Josh King and Junior Stanislas very carefully. I believe because of these pacey and direct players Stokes line would be best dropping a few yards deeper when Bournemouth have possession.

Also, continuous help from the wingers will be necessarily as Bournemouth full backs Adam Smith and Charlie Daniels will be up and down for the whole 90 minutes. Whoever it is starting out wide they will have to be constantly switched on, and up to the task of tracking the Bournemouth full back.

Win the midfield battle

The battle in midfield for this game will be a very intriguing one, as both sets of midfielders are skilled in retaining the ball and keeping the attacking flow going. With Glenn Whelan an apparent major doubt according to Mark Hughes it would be interesting to see who replaces him. Will he play out of favour French flair player Giannelli Imbula or put in recent goal scorer Bojan and play Joe Allen in a deeper role?

That remains to be seen but however, I believe the latter would be the most effective and probably the fairest solution based on Bojans recent cameo against West Ham where he rescued a point at the London Stadium for the Potters. Also, Bojan is far more likely to pressurize the Bournemouth midfield trio and force mistakes, something Giannelli isnt known for so far in a Stoke shirt.

If Stoke are going to ensure they win this battle in midfield they must place someone constantly on the dangerous Jack Wilshere. His laudable vision and weight of pass is very dangerous, so Stoke must make sure he doesnt find himself in pockets of Space by himself in between the midfield and back four. If we can neutralize Wilshere then Bournemouth will struggle as seemingly, most of the play has ran through him.
Critics of fracking often cite increased earthquakes as one of the many dangers the natural gas extraction method poses to communities and regions. Its a contentious issue  natural gas proponents and oil companies say it just aint true  but new research published Thursday finds that clusters of earthquakes in western Canada are indeed caused by fracking.

The study reviewed injection data from a four-month period in Alberta and compared that to actual earthquake events. The study, published in journal Science by scientists at the University of Calgary, found that quakes were induced by the process in two ways. First, by the increased pressure from pumping fluids into the rock layers during the fracking process itself, then from pressure changes from left behind fluids after.

The earthquakes in western Canada differ from trembles in the Midwest United States, which are caused by disposal and burial of wastewater from oil and gas wells rather than fracking itself. In those cases, wastewater is pumped back into the ground under pressure after any sort of drilling. When that water is pushed into sandstone or other permeable rocks, the ensuing pressure changes can rattle nearby fault zones and cause slips.

The key message is that the primary cause of injection-induced seismicity in western Canada is different from the central United States, David Eaton, a co-author of the study and geophysics professor, told the New York Times.

Oil and natural gas extraction methods, and their likelihood to disrupt a fault line, vary. Fracking wells, which produce natural gas and were addressed in the new study, generally operate for a shorter period of time before moving on to new locations and therefore are less likely to cause big disturbances (the high pressure is also significantly reduced once extraction ends). Meanwhile, the wastewater disposal sites for oil production operate for much longer and lead to much higher pressure as more water is pumped into the disposal wells, according to the United States Geological Survey.

Story continues

Sedimentary rocks contain small spaces between grains (pores) that almost always contain some type of fluidwater, oil or natural gas, Eaton told Gizmodo. Increasing the pressure of the fluid within the pores can influence the behaviour of a rockmass, especially if there is a fault.

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Reebok Is Offering Sneakers to the New Balance Customers That Burned Their Kicks [Yahoo]

Infuriated New Balance sneaker owners trashed, burned and flushed their sneakers (and shared the images on social media) after The Wall Street Journal reported that the company's vice president of public affairs was excited about what a Donald Trump presidency would mean for his business. (New Balance and Trump are both anti-Trans-Pacific Partnership, which President Barack Obama has championed.) In the wake of the outrage, Reebok is cleverly capitalizing on the situation by offering Twitter users who posted the destruction of their New Balances a new pair of Reebok kicks for free.

@artsy_indy Realer than real.

- Reebok Classic (@ReebokClassics) November 11, 2016

Toms Teams Up With Apple for Apple Watch Band [Tech Crunch]

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Introducing TOMS for Apple Watch bands. More than 1.2 billion people around the world lack access to safe, reliable electricity. This special collection helps provide solar lights to people in Sub-Saharan Africa. View the full collection through the link in our bio. #givetime #TOMS

A photo posted by TOMS (@toms) on Nov 15, 2016 at 10:30am PST
House informed about lifting of suspension of lawmaker Lama

Parliament Speaker Onsari Gharti Magar has informed that the suspension of CPN (Maoist Centre) lawmaker Lharkyal Lama has been lifted.
At the age of 14, doctors told Maddie Coleman shed never be able to carry her own baby due to a disorder affecting her uterus and cervix.

My mom was with me at the appointment and we were both crushed. We cried and held each other as we walked to the car. But she stopped me, looked me in the eyes and said, When you get older and want a child, Ill carry your baby,  Coleman, 24, tells PEOPLE of her mother, Megan Barker.

A teenager at the time, Coleman thought her moms offer was totally weird. But last year, when a tumor was discovered on her ovary  the Californian decided to take her mom up on the promise she had made 10 years ago.

Before Coleman had the tumor removed in June 2016, doctors told her she should consider fertility treatment as the surgery could make her menopausal. So, she had her eggs frozen and approached her mom with the proposition after talking it over with husband, Tyler Coleman.

We looked at surrogacy, but its so expensive, the Orland, California, resident explains. At first, I couldnt wrap my mind around the idea of mom carrying our baby. It was a bit weird, but I was mostly excited and so grateful but it took a minute for me to understand.

Need a little inspiration? Click here to subscribe to the Daily Smile Newsletter for uplifting, feel-good stories that brighten up your inbox.

Barker immediately agreed to carry her daughters baby.

I knew how important it was for Maddie to be a mom and I understood there were other options like adoption, but I wanted her to know a biological baby was a viable option, Barker, 48, tells PEOPLE. Im just so fortunate I was able to provide the opportunity and that the IVF worked the first time. Its the greatest gift.

Coleman explains, Mom was healthy and had always said she would do it, if I wanted. I say if you have an opportunity, jump on it. I initially didnt want to have children until like five years from now, but I didnt know where my moms health and viability would be then, so I felt like it was the right time.

Story continues

In March of 2016, Barker became pregnant through in vitro fertilization.

We were ecstatic, says Coleman. I am forever grateful for this gift.

Barker gave birth to the couples child, Gus Wyatt Coleman, on October 22, 2016.

The healthy baby boy was delivered naturally and weighed 7 lbs. 7 oz.

Just getting to see Tyler and Maddie hold Gus is the greatest reward, says Barker. Knowing they can be the mommy and daddy they would not have otherwise been able to be is the best prize.

This has been the best experience of my life.




Tal Adh-Dhahab (Iraq) (AFP) - Iraqi forces have found another suspected mass grave containing the remains of victims of the Islamic State group in territory recaptured from the jihadists near Mosul, AFP journalists reported Friday.

An AFP team visited the isolated site that was recaptured recently by elite interior ministry forces down a dirt track outside the village of Tall Adh-Dhahab, some 10 kilometres (6 miles) south of Mosul.

Bone fragments were scattered around the location along with scraps of clothing -- including a man's headdress, ripped trousers and a flip-flop.

The stench was overpowering and several bullet casings could be seen.

Earth was piled in metre-high mounds at the entrance to the shallow pit, located behind a small sand-covered hill.

An officer from the interior ministry forces said local residents reported an estimated 40 people could be buried at the site, which IS allegedly used as an execution ground.

"The majority of them were members of the security forces, army and police," Lieutenant Yahya Jumma told AFP at the scene.

"They brought them by pickup trucks -- they were around 40 people according to eyewitnesses who saw them," he said.

Iraqi security forces have discovered several IS mass graves in areas that they have taken back from the group.

Authorities are investigating a mass grave found last week in the town of Hamam al-Alil to the southwest of the newly discovered site.

Human Rights Watch said local residents have said the grave in Hamam al-Alil could contain some 300 bodies.
UPDATE, 9:48 AM: Daniel Petrocelli might want to remind his client Donald Trump that the proposed $25 million settlement in the Trump University fraud case has not actually been approved by the court  at least before the President-elect decided to bang off a couple of distinctly not contrite tweets this morning on the deal that was announced on Friday.

With the November 28 trial starting now benched, presiding Judge Gonzalo Curiel said yesterday in San Diego that he would look at the proposed settlement to make sure it is fair, adequate and reasonable. Having been attacked repeatedly as biased because of his Mexican ancestry during the campaign by the ex-Apprentice host over the six-year lawsuit from ex-students of his pricey and unaccredited higher education venture, the Indiana-born U.S. District judge also made a point of noting that the end of the suit could be the beginning of a healing process that this country sorely needs.

Even though the agreement saves Trump from ever having to admit wrongdoing in the apparent scam of students, healing doesnt seem to be how the future POTUS sees it  especially after long saying he would never settle:

I settled the Trump University lawsuit for a small fraction of the potential award because as President I have to focus on our country.  Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) November 19, 2016

The ONLY bad thing about winning the Presidency is that I did not have the time to go through a long but winning trial on Trump U. Too bad!  Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) November 19, 2016

By the way, New York state Attorney General Eric Schneiderman has estimated that the total cost of the defrauding Trump U is accused of comes out to around $40 million  so the settlement is actually over half of that.

The tweets from the President-elect early Saturday also included some seething over the boos and words VP-elect Mike Pence received last night while attending a performance of Broadway blockbuster Hamilton in NYC  lets just say Trump didnt approve.

PREVIOUSLY, NOV. 18 PM: After all the posturing, delays and motions, the legal saga of Trump University seems to have come to an end with a big payout from President-elect Donald Trump a mere 10 days before a very distracting trial was set to begin.

Trump has agreed to hand over $25 million to settle the six-year-old class-action fraud case against his much-maligned effort in higher education. With most of the plaintiffs seeing a fair chunk of their tuition returned, the former Apprentice host will not have to admit any wrongdoing in the matter, according to sources.

The San Diego-based trial was set to start November 28, despite recent attempts by Trumps lawyer and Hollywood heavyweight Daniel Petrocelli to get a delay until after the Republican took office January 20. U.S. District Judge Gonzalo Curiel, who Trump personally attacked during the campaign, had not yet ruled on the delay issue, but the plaintiffs were strongly opposed to the idea, saying the soon-to-be POTUS was only going to be busier after the inauguration.

A multimillion-dollar portion of todays settlement also will go to the claims against Trump U. that New York Attorney General Eric Schneiderman first brought forth in 2013.

Donald Trump fought us every step of the way, filing baseless charges and fruitless appeals and refusing to settle for even modest amounts of compensation for the victims of his phony university, Schneidermans office said Friday, accusing the President-elect of swindling thousands of innocent Americans via Trump U. Today, that all changes. Todays $25 million settlement agreement is a stunning reversal by Donald Trump and a major victory for the over 6,000 victims of his fraudulent university.

Todays settlement will see Trump pay up to $1 million in penalties to the State of New York for violating state education laws, Schneiderman added.

The suit from ex-Trump University students alleged they were misled over the years into the value of what was being offered educationally. They say there were also pushed into piling on big debts to take classes at the freshly minted California-based institution. As the NY AGs statement makes clear, a similar case was filed back East on the same basis.

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By Michael Shields ZURICH (Reuters) - Switzerland is poised to test one of the European Union's main policies and unilaterally curb immigration flows by giving locals first crack at job vacancies, betting that the EU won't retaliate while it grapples with its own migration woes. But Brussels is unlikely to sit quietly fearing that showing flexibility on the free movement of people - the principle underpinning Swiss access to the single market -- could encourage Britain as it negotiates its EU divorce. The parliament in Bern is set to embrace domestic hiring preferences as the way to implement a 2014 binding Swiss referendum demanding quotas for EU immigration to a country where a quarter of the population is already foreign. The far-right Swiss People's Party charges that politicians are ignoring voters' demand for quotas, but the political consensus is to preserve at nearly all costs bilateral treaties that enhance Swiss exports to the single market. This still puts Bern on a collision course with Brussels. A senior EU diplomat in Brussels suggested the bloc was not going to budge on Switzerland now. "We cannot agree to restrict the free flow of people, especially in some permanent manner. Had they asked for some temporary thing, for a year or two, maybe. But not like that," the diplomat told Reuters. "No matter what someone might have wanted to do before, Brexit has pretty much tied our hands," the diplomat said referring to Britain's vote to leave. Swiss politicians say the 2014 call for quotas must be seen in the context of the six times voters have backed the bilateral accords. They increasingly suggest they are adopting curbs that the EU itself will also embrace in the post-Brexit era. "I think the European Union will change," said Petra Goessi, leader of the pro-business Free Democrats party (FDP) that has helped shape the Swiss approach. "I am convinced that with Brexit -- France is in a dilemma, Italy too -- possible solutions will emerge that we don't know yet today," she told a panel discussion on migration this week. Britain would generally like to remain in the EU's single market, but the vote to leave was in part a reaction to high immigration. German Chancellor Angela Merkel has signaled a readiness to discuss the parameters of the free movement of people in the EU, suggesting there may be some room for maneuver. But that could be years off. The Swiss parliament need to act by February, although Swiss voters may well be asked again to choose between close ties with its main trading partner and immigration curbs, the government has said. Tobias Straumann, an economic historian at the universities of Zurich and Basel, said the current pace of immigration was politically untenable, meaning Switzerland will likely have to adopt tougher measures in a year or two because the domestic hiring preference scheme will barely put a dent in immigration. "We are talking about absolute record (immigration) numbers seen nowhere else in Europe other than Luxembourg," he said. "Britain had half of this and had domestic political problems. Germany had around 0.5 percent EU immigration and this led to the first tightening of access to social benefits. There is no choice politically." Nearly 1.4 million EU citizens live in Switzerland and another 365,000 commute. The Swiss think that gives them leverage with neighbours Germany, France and Italy whose leaders may not want to have to explain to voters -- especially those in border regions with strong populist party support -- why they can no longer work in high-wage Swiss jobs. (Editing by Jeremy Gaunt)
By Tom Perry and Suleiman Al-Khalidi BEIRUT/AMMAN (Reuters) - On the eve of Donald Trump's election victory, members of a Western-backed Syrian rebel group met U.S. officials to ask about the outlook for arms shipments they have received to fight President Bashar al-Assad. They were told the program would continue until the end of the year, but anything more would depend on the next U.S. administration, a rebel official at the meeting said. When Trump takes office in January, it may stop altogether. The president-elect has signaled opposition to U.S. support for the rebels, and an overhaul of policy on Syria. The military aid program overseen by the Central Intelligence Agency has given arms and training to moderate rebels in coordination with Turkey, Saudi Arabia, Qatar, Jordan and others. It helped to support these rebels, fighting under the Free Syrian Army banner, as jihadist groups linked to al Qaeda emerged as a major force in a war approaching its sixth anniversary. U.S. officials declined to comment on any meetings with rebel groups, and previously have not commented on the CIA program given its covert nature. But Trump has indicated he could abandon the rebels to focus on fighting Islamic State which control territory in eastern and central Syria. He might even cooperate against IS with Russia, Assad's most powerful ally, which has been bombing the rebels for over a year in western Syria. Assad, in an interview published on Tuesday, said Trump would be a "natural ally" if he decides to "fight the terrorists". The rebels are looking on the bright side. They say support via the U.S.-backed program has been inadequate and Washington has stopped Saudi Arabia from giving them more powerful weapons. So the rebels hope a more isolationist United States will give regional states a free hand, allowing Saudi Arabia to provide the anti-aircraft missiles President Barack Obama has vetoed. The rebel official said there had been no contact with U.S. officials since Trump's win. But were U.S. support to end and "this veto lifted", that would be a good outcome, he said. "Everybody is analyzing, there are positive expectations, there are negative expectations - but nothing is yet clear," the official said. DARK DAYS FOR REBELLION The prospect of a shift in U.S. policy comes at a dark time for the rebellion. Russia on Tuesday escalated its military campaign in support of Assad, drawing for the first time on an aircraft carrier it has sent to the region. Assad and his allies are tightening their grip on rebel-held eastern Aleppo, where heavy air strikes have resumed and insurgents have failed to break the siege. Longstanding tensions among rebels have turned into fighting twice in the Aleppo area this month. But analysts also say it is too early to tell what Trump will do in Syria since his views could be reshaped by establishment thinking in Washington. Republicans in his administration will not want to cooperate with Russia, or bow to the huge influence wielded by Iran in Syria, where thousands of Shi'ite militiamen including Lebanon's Hezbollah are fighting on Assad's side. And to many in Washington, Assad remains anathema. Yet since his election win, Trump has reiterated his misgivings about U.S. policy, telling the Wall Street Journal he "had an opposite view of many people regarding Syria" and "we have no idea" who the rebels are. His comments cheered Damascus and its allies, which view his win as positive for their war effort. "INTERNATIONAL COMMITMENT"? "It is true that he doesn't know us, but the American state knows us and will tell him," said a second rebel leader whose group has been a recipient of military support. "There is an international commitment to us," he said. The rebels' other state backers were seeking to explain this to Trump, he said. Western policy towards Syria has been built around the idea that there can be no sustainable peace with Assad in power. Assad, a member of the minority Alawite sect, is dependent on military support from Russia, Iran and Shi'ite Islamist militias in the fight with the Sunni Muslim insurgency. Western policymakers believe the nationalist Sunni rebels are needed to build a stable Syria. But their policy has long been hampered by splits in the opposition and the prominent role jihadists have played in the insurgency. A Western diplomat said jihadist influence would increase were Trump to abandon the FSA rebels. In western Syria, FSA rebels have often fought in close proximity to jihadists against the army and its allies. Concerns about weapons ending up in jihadist hands still appear to act as a brake on military support to the rebels. With the collapse of a ceasefire brokered by the United States and Russia in September, U.S. officials considered military options including direct U.S. military action such as air strikes on Syrian military installations. But rebels say there has been no big shift since then. Were the United States to abandon the rebels, their military fortunes would hinge on Saudi, Qatari and Turkish support. Officials from those countries could not immediately be reached for comment on the subject of their backing for the rebels. The rebels believe Turkey for one remains a steadfast backer. But its recent rapprochement with Russia has raised questions over Turkish aims in Syria. Ankara appears more set on rolling back Kurdish influence and Islamic State than getting more deeply involved in the war for Aleppo, for example. The Syria conflict has killed hundreds of thousands of people, and divided Syria into areas controlled by the government, insurgent groups, Kurdish militia, and Islamic State. The Kurdish YPG militia is at the center of U.S. strategy for fighting Islamic State in Syria, despite opposition from U.S. ally Turkey, which fears Kurdish influence in northern Syria will fuel separatism among its Kurdish minority. The Pentagon also backs some Syrian Arab rebels fighting Islamic State, despite the failure of a program last year which only trained a few dozen fighters. The spokesman for one such group, the New Syria Army, forecast reduced U.S. support for the rebels as Trump sought to "understand the picture more and to separate the jihadist groups from the moderate groups". But in the end, U.S. policy will be forced to "support the FSA groups that have a nationalist complexion", said the spokesman, Muzahim Saloum. Mohamad Aboud, an ex-rebel commander and a member of the main opposition political body, the High Negotiations Council, said Turkish influence would help shape a more supportive U.S. policy towards the rebels. Unlike with Obama, there would "be clarity in the new Trump administration", he said. (Writing by Tom Perry; editing by Giles Elgood)
BEIRUT (AP)  Airstrikes pounded rebel-held eastern Aleppo on Thursday, killing more than 20 people and hitting a water pumping station on the third day of a renewed air campaign on the besieged territory, Syrian activists and rescue workers said.

The Russian military meanwhile said airstrikes in the rebel-held province of Idlib earlier this week killed at least 30 members of an al-Qaida-linked group, including three commanders. The strikes are part of a major Syrian and Russian offensive launched earlier this week on opposition-held areas that has killed dozens of people.

In one area, volunteer first responders dug through the rubble for four hours before pulling out a six-year-old child who was still alive. The childs mother was killed in the strikes, said Ibrahim al-Haj, a spokesman for the rescuers, known as the Syrian Civil Defense.

The activist-run Public Services Authority said the Bab al-Nairab water plant was struck with a barrel bomb. Spokesman Ahmad al-Shami said the plant was damaged but is still operating.

This regime uses any means to add pressure to civilians. It has bombed bakeries and hospitals and has not made an exception for water and electricity, he told The Associated Press.

Airstrikes on Wednesday struck the citys central blood bank and a childrens hospital. Medical facilities have repeatedly come under attack during the Syrian conflict, with 126 such incidents this year alone, according to the World Health Organization.

Doctors Without Borders said the childrens hospital and a specialized surgical hospital were hit by Wednesdays strikes.

Hospital staff managed to move children_including prematurely born babies_from cots and incubators to the basement of the building in order to shelter them from the bombing, said the aid group, which sponsors both hospitals.

The Oxfam aid group said the more than 250,000 residents of eastern Aleppo have limited food and clean water as winter approaches, and are at risk of disease outbreaks.

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No U.N. aid has reached eastern Aleppo since July, and the U.N. has warned that supplies will run out this week. Oxfam said it helped move a generator to the besieged area on Wednesday to improve the water supply.

Clean water is vital, but it wont stop starvation, never mind protect people from indiscriminate aerial attacks, said Andy Baker, who is leading Oxfams Syria response.

The Syrian Civil Defense said 28 people were killed in and around Aleppo on Thursday. The Britain-based Syrian Observatory for Human Rights, which relies on a network of local activists, put the death toll at 25.

At least 70 people were killed in northern Syria on Tuesday and Wednesday.

Russia says it is not bombing Aleppo as part of the offensive announced this week, but is instead targeting insurgents in Idlib and the central Homs province.

Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov, speaking to reporters at an economic summit in Lima, Peru portrayed Russias airstrikes as limited and only targeting Islamic State fighters fleeing the Iraqi city of Mosul and attempting to cross into Syria.

Russian Defense Ministry spokesman Maj. Gen. Igor Konashenkov said the strikes targeting al-Qaida took place in Idlib on Tuesday, and were launched from Russias only aircraft carrier, the Admiral Kuznetsov, which recently deployed to the Mediterranean Sea.

He said three leading members of the al-Qaida-linked Fatah al-Sham Front  Muhammad Helala, Abu Jaber Harmuja and Abul Baha al-Asfari  were among those killed. He said al-Asfari had overseen the groups attempts to break the siege of Aleppo.

Al-Asfari had led a moderate rebel group in 2013, and it was not clear if or when he joined the al-Qaida-linked group.

An opposition media group known as All4Syria reported that the two other named militants were killed Tuesday in an airstrike in the village of Kfar Jalis, in the Idlib countryside, that also killed six civilians. The Observatorys chief Rami Abdurrahman said the airstrike on the jihadi stronghold killed six leading militants, without identifying them.

The same village was struck Thursday, the Observatory said, killing six civilians from the same family.

The Russian Defense Ministry said long-range bombers dispatched from Russia fired cruise missiles at Islamic State and al-Qaida targets in Syria during a 7,000-mile (11,000-kilometer) flight. It said fighter jets from the carrier and an air base in Syria also took part in the strikes. It did not say where the strikes took place, but said they destroyed command facilities, ammunition depots and weapons factories.

Months of negotiations between the U.S. and Russia failed to cement a long-term cease-fire in Aleppo, which has become the focus of the war between Syrian President Bashar Assad and rebels fighting to topple him.

Al-Qaidas Syrian affiliate is fighting alongside the rebels, but the Islamic State group has no presence in Aleppo.

___

Associated Press writers Vladimir Isachenkov and Nataliya Vasilyeva in Moscow contributed.
House panel lays out procedure

A month after its formation, the Impeachment Recommendation Committee of Parliament on Thursday endorsed its working procedure with a provision of allowing the committee to search the office and residence of the accused.
ATHENS (Reuters) - Tensions were high on the Greek island of Chios on Friday after unknown individuals hurled rocks and petrol bombs at a makeshift camp for refugees and migrants, setting facilities on fire, police sources and aid organizations said. Video footage showed people struggling to put out the flames with blankets. Women and children were evacuated and camped outside a tavern in an incident which erupted overnight Thursday. It was the second night running of incidents at the facility, a makeshift camp run by the local municipality of the Aegean island. There were incidents on Wednesday when individuals let off fireworks from the camp and outsiders threw stones into the camp. "Both incidents together have destroyed the places to sleep for some 100 men women and children. Today there was a third incident where .... stones were thrown and one Syrian man was seriously injured to his head and had to be hospitalized," said Roland Schoenbauer, spokesman for UNHCR Greece. According to police, there are more than 1,000 refugees and migrants in the Souda Camp on Chios. Under a European Union deal with Turkey, migrants and refugees arriving after March 20 are to be held in centers set up on five Aegean islands, including Chios, and sent back if their asylum applications are not accepted. Tensions have boiled over at overcrowded camps on Greece's islands as the slow processing of asylum requests adds to frustration over living conditions. "Tensions are not completely new, but the situation is seriously concerning us, because it has deteriorated seriously. The tensions are linked to the overcrowding of the sites," Schoenbauer said, saying the perpetrators of the incidents should be found and brought to justice. More than 3,000 migrants and refugees are currently in Chios. The state facilities have a capacity for 1,100 people. The situation could be eased if authorities improved security around the camp and stepped up efforts to find refugee and migrants alternative accommodation, Schoenbauer told Reuters. In September, thousands of people fled a migrant camp on the Greek island of Lesbos after fire swept through tents and cabins during violence among residents. (Reporting by Lefteris Papadimas and Michele Kambas, writing by Renee Maltezou Editing by Jeremy Gaunt)
LONDON (Reuters) - A 14-year old girl who died of cancer has been cryogenically frozen in the hope she could be brought back to life in the future after winning a landmark court case shortly before her death, the BBC reported on Friday. It said the girl was supported in her wish to be preserved by her mother but not by her father. The BBC said a High Court judge ruled that the girl's mother should be allowed to decide what happened to the body. The girl, who lived in the London area, cannot be named for legal reasons. When she died in October her body was taken to the United States and preserved there, the BBC added. Cryonics is the practice or technique of deep-freezing the bodies of those who have died of an incurable disease, in the hope of a future cure. (Writing by James Davey; editing by Guy Faulconbridge)
It could shrink for the first time post-Asian financial crisis.

Thailand's banking sector assets are on the verge of a contraction amid a reversal in the consumer lending boom seen over recent years, which has been particularly concentrated in auto loans, said BMI Research.

The research house also said that non-performing loans are already rising and look set to increase further, particularly as property prices face downside risks, which is likely to weigh on banking sector profitability.

Here's more from BMI Research:

Thailand's total banking sector assets are on the verge of shrinking for the first time since the aftermath of the Asian Financial Crisis.

Total asset growth came in at just 1.4% y-o-y in September, while total loan growth came in at 2.5% y-o-y. Although loan growth contracted following the Global Financial Crisis, total assets continue to grow modestly, but this time around, an outright temporary contraction in assets looks highly likely.

For the whole of 2016, we are forecasting both loans and assets to grow at 3.0%, before falling to 1.0% in 2017. This marks a revision from previous forecasts of 4.0% for both years.

As a share of GDP, we now see total banking sector assets declining gradually over the coming years, from 127.9% at the end of 2015 to 118.2% by end-2020.





More From Singapore Business Review


* Record hog numbers as herd recovers from pig virus

* Turkey sector revives after bird flu outbreak

* Thanksgiving meal costs off 2015's record high

By Theopolis Waters and Heiwon Shin

CHICAGO, Nov 18 (Reuters) - U.S. consumers can expect to spend less on their traditional Thanksgiving and Christmas turkeys and hams this year as supplies of both have rebounded from outbreaks of avian flu and a pig virus that hit production.

In 2015, an outbreak of avian flu hit poultry flocks and 7.7 million turkeys were culled. Two years earlire, the hog population was hit by porcine epidemic diarrhea virus (PEDv), and roughly 8 million pigs were killed.

Hog farmers have revived herd sizes so successfully that the United States had a record 70.9 million head as of Sept. 1, according to the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA).

Turkey meat supplies dropped about 2 percent last year to 5.63 billion pounds, according to the USDA, due to one of the worst bird flu outbreaks the country has ever had. This year, turkey meat production is expected to rebound to 6.06 billion pounds - the first year-over-year growth since 2012.

"Supply has come back fully with production up over last year. And from a whole bird stand point, specifically for the holidays, there is sufficient product out there," Jay Jandrain, executive vice-president of sales for Butterball, told Reuters.

Butterball, jointly owned by Seaboard Corporation and Maxwell Farms, is the biggest turkey producer in the United States and accounts for about a third of all the whole birds purchased in the country during the holiday season.

Americans eat their way through some 46 million turkeys at Thanksgiving and 22 million during the Christmas holiday.

This year, cheaper birds should help reduce the cost of a traditional Thanksgiving Day spread for 10 people to $49.87 from last year's $50.11 record, according to the American Farm Bureau Federation (AFBF).

A 16-pound turkey this year averages $22.74, a decrease of 30 cents from 2015, AFBF director of market intelligence John Newton told Reuters.

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The AFBF has been conducting its survey of Thanksgiving meal costs for 31 years, asking nearly 150 volunteer bargain hunters in 48 states for a price that tallies up staples such as cranberries, pumpkin pie, sweet potatoes and all the trimmings.

For ham, the USDA's monthly retail meat data issued on Thursday showed boneless hams at $4.05 per pound in October, down from $4.23 a year ago.

"It is advantageous in pricing thanks to the record hog production this year," Patrick Fleming, director of market intelligence and innovation at the National Pork Board, told Reuters.

(Editing by Jo Winterbottom and David Gregorio)
Newt Scamander (Eddie Redmayne) and Tina Goldstein (Katherine Waterston) get questioned by Percival Graves (Colin Farrell) at MACUSA HQ (Photo: Warner Bros.)

Warning: This story contains spoilers for Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them and Harry Potter and the Cursed Child.

Regular visitors to Harry Potters Wizarding World already know that appearances can be deceiving. Remember how Rons trusty rat Scabbers turned out to be Voldermorts sniveling accomplice Peter Pettigrew? Or when Barty Crouch Jr. used Polyjuice Potion to make himself over in Mad-Eye Moodys image? And lets not forget that time when the Order of the Phoenix all became Harry Potters to protect the real deal from Death Eaters.

So it shouldnt come as a huge surprise that wizards were pretending to be other wizards long before Harry was even a gleam in James and Lily Potters eye. At the end of Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them  the first entry in a planned five-film prequel franchise to the eight-chapter Potter film series that is set in the early 20th century  its revealed that Colin Farrells magical security enforcer Percival Graves is actually Johnny Depps Gellert Grindelwald, an expert in the Dark Arts who could give Voldemort a run for his galleons in the being evil department. News of Depps involvement in the Fantastic Beasts franchise broke before the release of the first film, although those initial reports suggested he wouldnt be glimpsed until the second installment. Instead, his appearance serves as the big twist that caps off the inaugural adventure of Eddie Redmaynes magizoologist, Newt Scamander.

Related: Fantastic Beasts 101: A Glossary of Terms, People, and Creatures in Harry Potter Spinoff

Before his true identity is revealed, Percival serves as a high-ranking member of the MACUSA, the governing body of Americas branch of the Wizarding World. For the bulk of the movie, Graves is trying to coerce put-upon teenager Credence (Ezra Miller), the adopted son of fierce anti-witch proponent Mary Lou Barebone (Samantha Morton), into helping him with an off-the-books investigation. The agent has reason to suspect that another one of Mary Lous wards, Modesty (Faith Wood-Blagrove), possesses magical powers that shes actively suppressing to avoid her guardians wrath. Doing that, though, can result in the birth of an Obscurus  a destructive force that grows within the hosts body. In the climax, its revealed that the Obscurus is actually growing inside of Credence, and the troubled boy unleashes this energy, which wreaks havoc on downtown New York.

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Farrells Percival Graves seeks key information from Ezra Millers Credence (Photo: Warner Bros.)

While Percival attempts to capture Credence, Newt  who has encountered an Obscurus in his past travels  strives to help the young man. But theyre ultimately both overruled by MACUSAs president, Seraphina Picquery (Carmen Ejogo), who orders her agents to execute Credence. This infuriates Graves, who declares that hes fed up with having to operate in secret from No-Majs  the American term for Muggles. His speechifying triggers Newts suspicions, and leads him to cast a revealing Revelio Charm that replaces Farrells visage with Depps, sporting shock-white hair and ultra-pale skin. Grindelwald is summarily hauled away, but not before promising that he and Scamander will be seeing each other again. (Fun fact: this isnt the first time that Depp and Farrell have inhabited the same body. Both actors, along with Jude Law, took turns playing Heath Ledgers role in Terry Gilliams 2009 film The Imaginarium of Doctor Parnassus when the Brokeback Mountain star died before shooting was completed.)

MACUSA director Percival Graves stands before a map of the most wanted wizards (Photo: Warner Bros.)

It should be noted that Depps casting has been met with some controversy due to domestic violence allegations made by ex-wife Amber Heard earlier this year. (Producer David Heyman has said that the actor filmed his Fantastic Beasts cameo before that news broke.) Narratively, though, the introduction of Grindelwald provides the Fantastic Beasts franchise with a strong central villain, something this first entry arguably lacks. In fact, director David Yates  who helmed the final four installments of the Harry Potter series and is currently attached to direct every Fantastic Beasts adventure  has already revealed that the second film will feature a more Potter vs. Voldemort-style conflict between Scamander and Grindelwald. Currently the beasts feature slightly less in the second film, and Grindelwald takes more of a foreground, Yates told The Leaky Cauldron.

And where theres more Grindelwald, you can expect to see more of Albus Dumbledore. In 2007, Harry Potter creator J.K. Rowling confirmed that the dearly departed Hogwarts headmaster was gay and, in fact, that Grindelwald was the love of Dumbledores life before Grindelwald embraced evil. While making the press rounds for Fantastic Beasts, for which she wrote the screenplay, the author has teased that a young  or, at least, younger  Dumbledore might appear in the sequel. (His name is dropped in passing in the first film, when its mentioned that, while still a teacher at Hogwarts, Dumbledore helped Newt avoid expulsion over a creature-related mishap.)

Related: Revisiting J.K. Rowlings Original Fantastic Beasts Book

Another minor character that will likely have a major role in the next film is Leda Lestrange, played by Zoe Kravitz. Newt carries Letas picture with him on his travels and winces at the mere mention her name, hinting at a close friendship  and possibly even a romance  that ended poorly. Leda may be a new addition to Harry Potter mythology, but the Lestrange family name is a familiar one: Bellatrix Lestrange (played by Helena Bonham Carter in the Potter films) married into the powerful clan and became a devout acolyte of Lord Voldemort, fighting and dying alongside him during the Battle of Hogwarts. (Meanwhile, the sequel play, Harry Potter and the Cursed Child, dropped the bombshell that Bellatrix bore He Who Must Not Be Named an illegitimate daughter, Delphi.) And if the Lestranges were champions of Lord Voldemort, its likely that theyd be supporters of his predecessor, Gindlewald, as well, thus explaining the Leta/Newt rift. Expect all to be Reveliod um, revealed in the next chapter.
By Ingrid Melander PARIS (Reuters) - Former French prime minister Francois Fillon was seen as the winner of a final debate before a vote on who gets the conservatives' candidacy in next year's presidential election, a poll showed, in a fresh upset for favorite Alain Juppe. Juppe, 71, has for months been ahead in polls. But he has been struggling to fire up voters and has this week been losing some ground to his chief rival, former president Nicolas Sarkozy, and Fillon. Whoever wins the two-round primaries on Nov. 20 and Nov. 27 has a strong chance of becoming France's next president. Socialist President Francois Hollande's deep unpopularity and the divisions of the Left mean polls forecast they won't feature in the two-person run-off and that whoever wins the conservative primaries will face far-right leader Marine Le Pen and beat her. Fillon, who has seen his ratings suddenly start rising one week ago, was perceived as the most convincing by 39 percent of conservative and center-right voters who watched the debate on Thursday evening, versus 26 percent for Sarkozy and 25 percent for Juppe. Minutes before the flash survey by Elabe pollsters was published, Fillon, whom polls had seen lagging for months far behind Juppe and Sarkozy, had urged voters to challenge expectations. "The French are proud and don't like to be told what to do," he said. "Don't be afraid to contradict opinion polls and the media that had decided it all for you ... Vote for what you believe in." Fillon was still ahead among all viewers independently of their political stripe but by a much narrower margin of 33 percent versus 32 for Juppe. Sarkozy, a divisive figure hated by many on the Left was seen winning by only 18 percent. The poll was carried out only amid 1,012 voters who watched the debate. A social conservative with economically liberal ideas who admires late British Prime Minister Margaret Thatcher, Fillon, 62, was Sarkozy's prime minister during his five years as president in 2007-12. In the overall uneventful and sometimes messy TV debate on France 2 television, Juppe and Sarkozy touted their experience in power and urged voters to rally behind them. "I'm asking you to go vote en masse on Sunday," Juppe said in his concluding remarks. "Together we'll once more be proud to be French!" Two much more comprehensive polls published on Thursday ahead of the debate showed Juppe winning the primaries but with a much narrower margin than in previous surveys. [L8N1DI3IF] Anybody can take part in the primaries, the first such vote to choose a conservative candidate in a French presidential election, making it hard to identify who will vote and who will win. The presidential election takes place on April 23 and May 7. Polls have for months shown Le Pen emerging as one of the top two candidates in the first round but losing the second-round run-off. Following the unexpected victories of Donald Trump in the United States and the UK vote to leave the European Union, polls in France are increasingly being taken with a grain of salt. (Additional reporting by Simon Carraud; Editing by Sandra Maler)
Thousands of New Yorkers have pledged to commute with people who fear harassment after the election, and it is such a powerful example of solidarity

The results of the presidential election have left many citizens feeling some pretty complicated and intense emotions  confusion, anger, apprehension, and even sadness and fear for whats in store for them throughout president-elect Donald Trumps four years in office.

In a beautiful and direct stand against hate, thousands of New Yorkers are pledging to commute with people who fear being targeted in acts of violence following the election. And sadly, there has been a significant increase in post-election harassment and targeted violence, specifically towards marginalized communities.

Kayla Santosuosso, who is the deputy director of the New York Arab American Association, was inspired into action after she got a message about a woman on the subway who was harassed.

She had the idea for a buddy system, specifically for the people who are most vulnerable to being targeted in hate crimes. After posting a Google doc on social media, she was met with an outpouring of responses from fellow New Yorkers  with more than 7,000 people signing up, just at the time of this publication.

A photo posted by Lucas Valente (@lucasvalente1) on Nov 17, 2016 at 4:55am PST

The power of social media and the desire to channel frustration into direct change is what makes these efforts so successful, and why so many folks are stepping up as allies.

But Santosuosso isnt stopping there  shes urging more people to get involved in their own communities as well. Despite all of the hardship that is on the horizon for us under a Trump presidency, its inspiring to see the push for change starting with our own neighbors.

The post Thousands of New Yorkers have pledged to commute with people who fear harassment after the election, and it is such a powerful example of solidarity appeared first on HelloGiggles.
Indian Embassy tells NRB to prepare exchange modality

The Indian Embassy in Kathmandu has asked Nepal Rastra Bank (NRB) to prepare a modality for exchanging recently banned Rs500 and Rs1,000 Indian banknotes held by Nepali citizens, the central bank said.
LONDON (Reuters) - Leading British investor Neil Woodford's fund firm said on Thursday it backed a takeover of Reynolds American (RAI.N) by British American Tobacco (BATS.L), calling the tie-up "inevitable".

The firm's 9.4 billion pound ($11.71 billion) Equity Income Fund, which faced a "challenging October", used a spike in Reynolds' share price to sell out of that firm and reinvested some of the proceeds in its position in BAT.

"Our view is that this deal was inevitable and, although it has happened earlier than we thought, makes a lot of strategic and financial sense. We will be voting in favor of the transaction," the fund said in an update on the firm's website.

The fund was the 7th biggest investor in BAT at the end of July, Thomson Reuters data showed. At the end of October, it had 6.25 percent of its assets invested in the company, Woodford said.

Woodford's view on the deal echoes that of Citi analysts which saw the Reynolds' rejection as a formality and expected the firms to agree on terms next month.

Also in October, Woodford said the fund had sold its position in Swiss pharmaceutical firm Roche (ROG.S), to use the money to increase its investments in other companies including Capita (CPI.L) and Paypoint (PAYP.L).

At the end of September, Woodford had been the 30th biggest investor in Roche, Thomson Reuters data showed.

The fund lost 1.44 percent in October, the firm said on its website, but remained up 2.4 percent in the year-to-date, with its largest positions in GlaxoSmithKline (GSK.L) and Imperial Brands (IMB.L).

(Reporting by Simon Jessop, editing by Vikram Subhedar)
LONDON (Reuters) - Leading British investor Neil Woodford's fund firm said on Thursday it backed a takeover of Reynolds American <RAI.N> by British American Tobacco <BATS.L>, calling the tie-up "inevitable".

The firm's 9.4 billion pound ($11.71 billion) Equity Income Fund, which faced a "challenging October", used a spike in Reynolds' share price to sell out of that firm and reinvested some of the proceeds in its position in BAT.

"Our view is that this deal was inevitable and, although it has happened earlier than we thought, makes a lot of strategic and financial sense. We will be voting in favor of the transaction," the fund said in an update on the firm's website.

The fund was the 7th biggest investor in BAT at the end of July, Thomson Reuters data showed. At the end of October, it had 6.25 percent of its assets invested in the company, Woodford said.

Woodford's view on the deal echoes that of Citi analysts which saw the Reynolds' rejection as a formality and expected the firms to agree on terms next month.

Also in October, Woodford said the fund had sold its position in Swiss pharmaceutical firm Roche <ROG.S>, to use the money to increase its investments in other companies including Capita <CPI.L> and Paypoint <PAYP.L>.

At the end of September, Woodford had been the 30th biggest investor in Roche, Thomson Reuters data showed.

The fund lost 1.44 percent in October, the firm said on its website, but remained up 2.4 percent in the year-to-date, with its largest positions in GlaxoSmithKline <GSK.L> and Imperial Brands <IMB.L>.

(Reporting by Simon Jessop, editing by Vikram Subhedar)
After almost two weeks of guessing games, names of the incoming American governments national security leaders are beginning to trickle out of Trump Tower.

President-elect Donald Trump announced on Friday that he has picked three key Cabinet positions: Lt. Gen. Michael Flynn as national security advisor; Sen. Jeff Sessions as attorney general; and Rep. Mike Pompeo to lead the CIA.

A team Trump statement Friday announced all three men have accepted the President-elects offer.

Flynn is a retired three star general who has tweeted that fear of Muslims is RATIONAL, sat next to President Vladimir Putin at controversial Russian media outlet RTs 10th anniversary dinner in 2015, and reportedly oversees a company (Flynn Intel Group) that received tens of thousands of dollars for lobbying from a Turkish client. His appointment suggests the Trump administration will concentrate major national security decisions within the White House.

Sessions was elected to the Senate from Alabama in 1996. He is a senior member of the Senate Judiciary Committee, which in 1986 rejected his nomination as a U.S. District Court judge because of Sessions alleged history of making racist comments, including calling the NAACP un-American and a white civil rights attorney a disgrace to his race. He also was accused of calling a black U.S. attorney boy, a charge Sessions denied by saying, I have never used the word boy to describe a black. He now carries the distinction of being the Senates most vocal opponent of immigration reform.

Pompeo is a member of the House Intelligence Committee, and was heavily involved in the congressional investigation into the 2012 attacks in Benghazi, Libya  and heavily critical of former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton, whom Trump defeated last week in his bid for the presidency. That Pompeo is a three-term congressman, and Flynn is a former general and head of the Defense Intelligence Agency, suggests intelligence issues will be primarily focused not in the CIA, or Office of the National Intelligence Director, but in the NSC.

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On Friday morning, the Trump transition website posted a list of its first landing team  that is, the officials who will meet with sitting Obama administration leaders, agency-by-agency. The first landing team deals with the Pentagon, State Department, Justice Department and the National Security Council. It will be funded by what is described as mix of volunteerism, private funding, and transition entity money.

Here is a list of the people who are included on the national security teams, so far:

PENTAGON: Mira Ricardel of M. Ricardel LLC; Keith Kellogg of Cubic Corporation; Thomas Carter of Elbit Systems of America; Michael Duffey of the Republican Party of Wisconsin; William Hartzog of Burdeshaw Associates, Ltd.; Justin Johnson of the Heritage Foundation; Bert Mizusawa of the U.S. Army; and Sergio de la Pena of de la Pena Consulting LLC.

STATE DEPARTMENT: Erin Walsh, formerly of Goldman Sachs; Alexander Gray of Trump for America, Inc., Jackie Wolcott of the U.S. Commission on International Religious Freedom; Ashley Bell of the Republican National Committee; and Charles Glazer of Fieldpoint Private.

JUSTICE DEPARTMENT: Brian Benczkowski of Kirkland & Ellis LLP; Zina Bash of Doctors Hospital at Renaissance; Greg Katsas of Jones Day; James Burnham of Jones Day; and William Cleveland of City of Alexandria Public Schools.

NATIONAL SECURITY COUNCIL: Marshall Billingslea of Deloitte; Mark Scraba of 29K Leaders; Thomas Higgins of First Data; Sven Kramer, formerly of the Department of Defense; Tera Dahl of Trump for America, Inc; and Kiron Skinner of Carnegie Mellon University.

Photo credit: Drew Angerer/Getty Images
What.CD, an invitation-only torrent site that avoided the wrath of the music industry for nearly a decade, shut down suddenly Thursday following a reported raid on their servers in France.

"Due to some recent events, What.CD is shutting down. We are not likely to return anytime soon in our current form. All site and user data has been destroyed. So long, and thanks for all the fish," the site posted Thursday.



That closing line, a quote from A Hitchhiker's Guide to the Universe, echoed the farewell announcement from What's torrent predecessor OiNK when that site shut down on October 27th, 2007. Following OiNK's takedown, the site's founder and six users were arrested and charged with suspicion of conspiracy to defraud the music industry. Days after OiNK's shutdown, What emerged, operating under a similar foundation.

According to TorrentFreak, France's cybercrime division, in association with French music industry group SACEM, raided What's servers Thursday after a reported two-year investigation. Despite the raid, What's Twitter alerted their users, "Reports of our database being seized are not factual."

French magazine Zataz, who first reported on What's shutdown, added that no arrests had been made and that the founder of What is believed to live in the United Kingdom.

What.CD was home to nearly 1 million unique torrents, the site announced in February after hitting the landmark, as well as many impossible-to-find albums that users had uploaded throughout the years.

Related Content:
(Adds details on investors, Total comment, background)

By Sophie Sassard and Anjuli Davies

London, Nov 18 (Reuters) - French start-up Sigfox has raised 150 million euros ($160 million) to help build networks connecting everything from washing machines to smart meters to the internet, it said on Friday, confirming an earlier Reuters report.

Sigfox said its new investors include France's Total , San Francisco-based Salesforce.com and Henri Seydoux, the founder luxury goods company Christian Louboutin and of drone maker Parrot.

Founded in 2010, Sigfox raised $115 million in February 2015 from investors including include Spain's Telefonica, France's Engie, NTT Docomo Ventures, SK Telecom, Air Liquide and Elliott Management, sources said at the time.

Since it was started by French entrepreneur Ludovic le Moan, Sigfox has built a global wireless network connecting more than 10 million objects to the cloud at minimal cost by relying only on surrounding sources of energy.

The latest round of funding will enable Sigfox, which competes with Cisco's Jasper, to expand its international network from 26 countries to 60 by 2018 and reach financial break-even, the company said.

"We are happy to accompany the development of Sigfox because the technology it offers can be decisive to accelerate the deployment of the Internet of things.", Patrick Pouyanne, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Total, said in the statement.

"This type of solution will improve the performance and operational safety of industrial activities, reduce operating costs, but also be used to serve customers." ($1 = 0.9428 euros) (Editing by Alexander Smith)
Photo credit: Getty

From Redbook

Staying asleep all night has never been my problem. I struggle with going to sleep. And I'm not talking about the tossing-and-turning-with-your-head-swimming-with-worries kind of wakefulness that we all deal with from time to time. I just don't go to bed as early as I should. There's something magical to me about the stillness of the late-night hours that makes me want to revel in them. It's luxuriously reflective at the time, but a huge, stinking drag when the alarm clock screams at me the next morning.

I didn't really think my sleep issues called for prescription meds, so I decided to see if natural sleep aids might help me feel get to bed at a more reasonable hour. (Yes, I do know that turning off my glowing screens would do this too, but you tell me - how realistic is that?) I went to my local health food store and asked the herbal pharmacist for some basic recommendations, herbal remedies that wouldn't be too expensive or so complicated I wouldn't be able to start taking right away. Here's what I found out after testing out her four suggestions over the course of a month.

Tart Cherry Juice

Photo credit: Getty

The sleep-inducing benefits of this beverage were discovered when researchers studying the effects of tart cherry juice on muscle soreness noticed that their study subjects reported that they were sleeping better, too. Drinking juice before bedtime seemed a simple enough way to start my experiment, so I poured a small glass at 10:00 p.m. and downed it. As far as I could tell, it didn't make me feel drowsy a minute earlier than normal (Although, to be fair, studies don't claim that the magic lies with maximized evening drowsiness. Researchers from Louisiana State University found that those who drank it increased their total sleep time by roughly an hour a night - a huge benefit for those who need it)

The verdict: In my case, this not only didn't make me go to sleep earlier, it proved to be a sleep disrupter when I woke up at 3:30 a.m. needing to pee. But I suspect this would be a smart swap for people who enjoy sipping on a glass of vino before turning in, since it's a red (or white) beverage scientifically shown to enhance sleep rather than disrupt it.

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Valerian

Photo credit: Getty

A plant-based sleep aid that comes in tincture or capsule forms, valerian has been used to treat insomnia for centuries. Its effects have been studied extensively, and a comprehensive meta-analysis found that it may improve sleep quality without producing any side effects. That sounded promising, so I popped two capsules an hour before I wanted to hit the sheets.

The verdict: I didn't notice that this one made me feel tired any sooner either. But when my alarm went off the next morning, it woke me from the deepest slumber I can ever remember experiencing at that hour. I doubt even dead people feel that tired. I shuffled around in a perma-grog state for at least three hours - and through three cups of coffee - before my brain started to sharpen and clarify. So much for no side effects, at least for me. But I could have easily slept for several more glorious hours if I just didn't have a job. I'm keeping this bottle in the medicine cabinet as a secret weapon for extending slumber on weekend nights and sick days.

Melatonin

Photo credit: Getty

A hormone produced naturally in the brain, melatonin is responsible for regulating your body's sleep-wake cycle. Research shows that supplements may be useful for adjusting the time you fall asleep, and it's known for being a jet lag remedy when your circadian rhythms are totally out of whack. So unlike the other aids I tried, this one seemed like the ideal solution to my turning-in-on-time problem.

But here's the rub: The label on my bottle gave me no instructions on what time I should be taking it, and Googling it didn't help much either. Expert recommendations online said to pop it anywhere from a half an hour to three hours before your desired sleep time.

The verdict: When I tried it 30 minutes ahead of the time I wanted to turn in, it made zero difference. And when I took it the next night a couple of hours earlier than bedtime, I just fought through my mild drowsiness to continue scrolling through my Instagram feed. As for the morning grog? Nowhere near as dramatic as with valerian, but I woke up nowhere near as refreshed as when I didn't take the melatonin. I think nailing the dosage time is the key here, but it requires time and patience that I just don't have.

Calendula Tea

Photo credit: Getty

The happy and helpful girl at the health food store swore by this one - even though I couldn't find any published research that supported the idea that this marigold flower has any effect on sleep. But Western medical studies aren't everything, and she claimed that it knocked her out cold for five hours the last time she drank it one afternoon. I was a little horrified by the idea of being completely knocked out, yet still intrigued. She said to let it steep for 45 minutes before drinking it, but - since I wasn't sure that I wanted a sleep aid that works like a club to the head - I decided 15 minutes was long enough to let it brew.

At 10:30 p.m., I tentatively sipped on my mug while reading a bunch of blog posts that recommend using calendula tea topically to treat scrapes and rashes. This revelation made me decide that a half a mug was all I was willing to drink, and I headed for the bedroom - a full hour earlier than I normally would.

The verdict: I headed to bed early not so much because it made me tired, but drinking the tea felt like a head-to-bed ritual. And while I didn't lose consciousness immediately, my head felt peaceful on the pillow. I drifted off and woke up refreshed a half hour before my alarm went off. Maybe, sometimes, the scientifically untested methods are the most effective of all.

Pills and liquids aside, the best lesson of all I learned from my experiment is the power of placebo. If you expect you will sleep better by adopting new nighttime rituals, it just might go down that way. And it never hurts to try.

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Donald Trump and Barack Obama

A new profile on President Barack Obama gives more detail on Donald Trump's apparent lack of familiarity with the scope of the presidency.

The Wall Street Journal previously cited sources saying that during Trump's private meeting with Obama last week, the president-elect was surprised by the wide range of the president's job.

New Yorker editor David Remnick described some of the topics the two covered, as explained to him by some of Obama's staff members:

"Obama told staff members that he had talked Trump through the rudiments of forming a cabinet and policies, including the Iran nuclear deal, counter-terrorism policy, health care  and that the President-elect's grasp of such matters was, as the debates had made plain, modest at best. Trump, despite his habitual bluster, seemed awed by what he was being told and about to encounter."

Despite Trump's apparent "loose grasp of policy," Remnick wrote, Obama and his team made sure to respect the traditional etiquette displayed during a presidential transition  in part to preserve a shot at influencing Trump in the future, Remnick said.

Denis McDonough, the White House chief of staff, also painted a less-than-rosy picture of the Trump transition effort. On the day after Election Day, he reportedly chatted with the person Trump sent to learn how to staff and run the White House  Trump's son-in-law, Jared Kushner.

"Everything's great!" McDonough told The New Yorker, evidently with a struggle:

"He clenched his teeth and grinned harder in self-mockery. McDonough is the picture of rectitude: the ramrod posture, the trimmed white hair, the ashen mien of a bishop who has missed two meals in a row. "I guess if you keep repeating it, it's like a mantra, and it will be O.K. 'Everything will be O.K., everything will be O.K.'"

Read the full New Yorker profile here.

NOW WATCH: Obama gives Trump advice during their first White House meeting

Story continues

For more news videos visit Yahoo View, available now on iOS.





More From Business Insider
Although Charles and David Koch are longtime Republican donors, the billionaire brothers declined to back the partys 2016 presidential nominee. But it looks as though the oil and gas tycoons, who run a network of conservative think-tanks and advocacy groups, could still have some influence in the Donald Trump administration: The president-elect has reportedly tapped Kansas Republican Rep. Mike Pompeo, one of the Koch's closest allies in Congress, as CIA director.

I am honored to have been given this opportunity to serve and to work alongside President-elect Donald J. Trump to keep America safe, Pompeo said in a statement Friday. I also look forward to working with Americas intelligence warriors, who do so much to protect Americans each and every day.

Donald Trump, who vowed to drain the Washington DC swamp of lobbyists and monied-interest groups, has bragged about not needing the Koch brothers help.

I turned down a meeting with Charles and David Koch, he tweeted in July, dismissing Koch-funded politicians as puppets.

A former army officer and corporate lawyer, Pompeo has represented Kansas' 4th District since 2011. His ties to the Kochs date back before his political career. In the late 1990s, Pompeo founded the private aerospace company Thayer Aerospace with seed money from Koch Venture Capital. In 2011, Pompeo told the Washington Post that the Kochs funded less than 2 percent of the venture. (Details of the deal were never made public.) Pompeo also served as president of the fossil fuel equipment company Sentry International, a company which, Think Progress reported in 2010, works closely with the Kochs Brazilian distributor.

When Pompeo left the private sector to run for Congress in 2010, the Kochs bankrolled his campaign. He was endorsed by their Super PAC and received more Koch-related donations than any other candidate that cycle. Pompeo then hired Koch industry lawyer Mark Chenoweth to be his chief of staff. Koch Industries is headquartered in Pompeos district.

Story continues

When Pompeo faced a tough primary challenge in 2014, the Koch brothers came to his aid. Koch Industry's Super PAC formally endorsed Pompeo  even though his challenger was another longtime Koch ally, former congressman Todd Tiahrt. Pompeo received over $50,00 from the PAC and from Koch industry employees, and went on to defeat Tiahart in the primary.

pompeo

Photo: Getty

In Congress, Pompeo spearheaded a number of initiatives friendly to the oil and gas industry. He signed on to the No Climate Tax Pledge, an initiative pushed by the Koch-funded Americans for Prosperity to persuade members of Congress to resist any legislation that taxed energy producers for their contributions to climate change. Pompeo introduced the Natural Gas Pipeline Permitting Reform Act in 2013  a bill designed to speed up the Federal Energy Regulatory Commissions' approval process.

Pompeo has never been shy about his links to the Kochs. He wrote an op-ed for Politico in 2012 entitled, Stop harassing the Koch brothers, after Democrats suggested a Koch brothers representative should testify before Congress to explain their support for the Keystone XL pipeline.

Pompeo also sits on the House Intelligence Committee, where he pushed for an investigation into the Benghazi attack. He's a vigorous supporter of the NSA's surveillance program, an ardent critic of whistleblower Edward Snowden, and an opponent of the Iran nuclear deal.

Though not an early supporter of Trump, Pompeo endorsed him in May and boosted him during the final leg of the campaign.

"I am not a reluctant supporter," Pompeo told CNN in August.

During the campaign, the Koch brothers distanced themselves from Trump; they skipped the Republican National Convention and refused to spend any of their reported $300 million war chest to directly boost the GOP presidential nominee. Still, the Koch's massive ground-game operations indirectly helped Trump turn out voters in key swing states, as Koch operatives poured into GOP Senate races in Pennsylvania, Ohio, and Wisconsin.

Related Articles
By Timothy Gardner

WASHINGTON, Nov 18 (Reuters) - Most of the U.S. coal industry doubts Donald Trump can fulfill his promise to make the ailing industry great again in a country awash in dirt-cheap natural gas, a competing fuel.

But a small sub-section of the coal sector that mines metallurgical coal - a variety used by steel makers instead of power plants - is gearing up for a Trump-inspired boom.

That's because the Republican president-elect has promised a spending surge for roads, bridges and tunnels after he takes office on Jan. 20, a push to upgrade America's infrastructure with the support of leading Democrats that could jolt demand for metallurgical coal from American steel mills. Prices for met coal, as it is called, have already risen in recent months on lower supply from China.

"This is the best news that Appalachia as a whole has had in about 10 years," said Jason Bostic, a vice president at the West Virginia Coal Association, referring to Trump's infrastructure agenda. "Suddenly there's a little bit of hope here."

Corsa Coal Corp, a producer of met coal based in Pennsylvania, was already encouraged by the China-driven price spike before Trump's victory. Now it believes U.S. politics are going its way too.

"The thing that has got me the most excited is the potential for infrastructure spending," said George Dethlefsen, Corsa's chief executive. "All those things are very energy- and steel-intensive, and that's good for our business."

The company plans to boost its production of met coal by 70 percent in 2017 to around 1.2 million short tons. In the meantime, it is putting mines on a six-day-a-week schedule, up from four days, and it is looking at loading coal on its midnight shift, which it normally reserves for maintenance.

Arch Coal Inc, which produces both met and steam coal used in power plants, said it was also optimistic about Trump, particularly his promise to roll back regulations. But other representatives of the steam coal industry have said regulation reversals may not overcome their main problem: plentiful and cheap natural gas following a decade-long hydraulic fracturing drilling boom.

Story continues

National production figures for met coal are unavailable, since the government does not break the data out. But total U.S. coal production has fallen to its lowest level since 1986, costing the industry thousands of jobs, as low natural gas prices and President Barack Obama's emissions and water regulations took their toll.

Met coal prices, however, reflect the coal sector's only major sign of life this year. They have risen to above $270 a metric ton this month from lows of $70 a ton in February, driven in part by China reducing its output.

Corsa and Arch are among a very small number of U.S. met coal producers that are publicly traded, with most of the others small and privately owned. Alpha Natural Resources, which emerged from bankruptcy in July, declined to comment.

INFRASTRUCTURE BANK

Trump's transition team is weighing an "infrastructure bank" to make investments in projects as part of an economic focus that also includes revamping taxes and regulation, a Trump adviser said this week.

Democrats, including Senate Democratic leader Chuck Schumer and House Minority leader Nancy Pelosi, have indicated they hope to work quickly with Trump on infrastructure. But whether they will succeed is far from certain, as many Republicans oppose spending bills.

Ramaco, a private company, announced in September it will open two met coal mines in West Virginia and Virginia next year, thanks to $90 million in private equity investments that came in as global met coal prices swung upward.

Randy Atkins, the chairman and chief executive of Ramaco, said adding new mines was possible if Trump's U.S. infrastructure push succeeds but would depend on whether additional investors flock in to fund them.

Banks and financial institutions are sensitive to recent bankruptcies of major coal companies - including Arch and Peabody Energy Corp - and the weak financial conditions of others, Atkins said.

Jim Truman, the director of global metallurgical coal markets at research group Wood Mackenzie, said the specialized workers that would be required, such as underground electricians, could also be hard to find given coal's downturn since 2008.

Phil Smith, a spokesman for the United Mine Workers of America, said the other key to the U.S. met coal industry's outlook is whether new infrastructure relies on American-made steel and coal as Trump has promised.

"If we are importing the coal or importing steel made with foreign coal, then it won't make any difference for American miners," Smith said.

(Reporting by Timothy Gardner; additional reporting by Nicole Mordant in Vancouver and Swetha Gopinath in Bengaluru; Editing by Cynthia Osterman)
By Timothy Gardner WASHINGTON (Reuters) - Most of the U.S. coal industry doubts Donald Trump can fulfill his promise to make the ailing industry great again in a country awash in dirt-cheap natural gas, a competing fuel. But a small sub-section of the coal sector that mines metallurgical coal - a variety used by steel makers instead of power plants - is gearing up for a Trump-inspired boom. Thats because the Republican president-elect has promised a spending surge for roads, bridges and tunnels after he takes office on Jan. 20, a push to upgrade America's infrastructure with the support of leading Democrats that could jolt demand for metallurgical coal from American steel mills. Prices for met coal, as it is called, have already risen in recent months on lower supply from China. "This is the best news that Appalachia as a whole has had in about 10 years," said Jason Bostic, a vice president at the West Virginia Coal Association, referring to Trumps infrastructure agenda. "Suddenly theres a little bit of hope here." Corsa Coal Corp, a producer of met coal based in Pennsylvania, was already encouraged by the China-driven price spike before Trumps victory. Now it believes U.S. politics are going its way too. "The thing that has got me the most excited is the potential for infrastructure spending," said George Dethlefsen, Corsa's chief executive. "All those things are very energy- and steel-intensive, and that's good for our business." The company plans to boost its production of met coal by 70 percent in 2017 to around 1.2 million short tons. In the meantime, it is putting mines on a six-day-a-week schedule, up from four days, and it is looking at loading coal on its midnight shift, which it normally reserves for maintenance. Arch Coal Inc, which produces both met and steam coal used in power plants, said it was also optimistic about Trump, particularly his promise to roll back regulations. But other representatives of the steam coal industry have said regulation reversals may not overcome their main problem: plentiful and cheap natural gas following a decade-long hydraulic fracturing drilling boom. National production figures for met coal are unavailable, since the government does not break the data out. But total U.S. coal production has fallen to its lowest level since 1986, costing the industry thousands of jobs, as low natural gas prices and President Barack Obama's emissions and water regulations took their toll. Met coal prices, however, reflect the coal sector's only major sign of life this year. They have risen to above $270 a metric ton this month from lows of $70 a ton in February, driven in part by China reducing its output. Corsa and Arch are among a very small number of U.S. met coal producers that are publicly traded, with most of the others small and privately owned. Alpha Natural Resources, which emerged from bankruptcy in July, declined to comment. INFRASTRUCTURE BANK Trump's transition team is weighing an "infrastructure bank" to make investments in projects as part of an economic focus that also includes revamping taxes and regulation, a Trump adviser said this week. Democrats, including Senate Democratic leader Chuck Schumer and House Minority leader Nancy Pelosi, have indicated they hope to work quickly with Trump on infrastructure. But whether they will succeed is far from certain, as many Republicans oppose spending bills. Ramaco, a private company, announced in September it will open two met coal mines in West Virginia and Virginia next year, thanks to $90 million in private equity investments that came in as global met coal prices swung upward. Randy Atkins, the chairman and chief executive of Ramaco, said adding new mines was possible if Trump's U.S. infrastructure push succeeds but would depend on whether additional investors flock in to fund them. Banks and financial institutions are sensitive to recent bankruptcies of major coal companies - including Arch and Peabody Energy Corp - and the weak financial conditions of others, Atkins said. Jim Truman, the director of global metallurgical coal markets at research group Wood Mackenzie, said the specialized workers that would be required, such as underground electricians, could also be hard to find given coal's downturn since 2008. Phil Smith, a spokesman for the United Mine Workers of America, said the other key to the U.S. met coal industry's outlook is whether new infrastructure relies on American-made steel and coal as Trump has promised. "If we are importing the coal or importing steel made with foreign coal, then it won't make any difference for American miners," Smith said. (Reporting by Timothy Gardner; additional reporting by Nicole Mordant in Vancouver and Swetha Gopinath in Bengaluru; Editing by Cynthia Osterman)
From the very beginning of his campaign for president, Donald Trump made it clear that he thought House Speaker Paul Ryan of Wisconsin was weak and feckless. He even shot a silver bullet through Ryans heart when he called Ryans budget deal stupid.

Thus began the cold war between the billionaire bully and the reluctant Speaker who had enough trouble on his hands trying to tame the feral Freedom Caucus within his own party. But the attacks continued: Ryan denounced Trump over his comments on the KKK last March and Trumps star tweet; Trump fired back four weeks ago, accusing Ryan of making a sinister deal.

Related: Meet the Freedom Caucus, the Group Inflaming Washington

As Trump recovered from the pussy grabbing tape and his numbers started to rise again, Ryan went full throttle, backing Trump and campaigning for him in the last weeks before the election. As it turned out, Trump saved Ryans job.

Ryan was the House Republicans unanimous choice this week for House Speaker, and even the unruly Freedom Caucus of nearly 40 arch conservatives who have repeatedly clashed with the speaker on policy and strategy were on board. Rep. Mick Mulvaney (R-SC), a founding member of the Freedom Caucus, told Politico, If Trump had not won, then the base would have demanded a scalp, and it probably would have been Pauls.

Ryan is now ebullient, declaring that there is unprecedented unity between the Republican- controlled Congress and the Republican president-elect and that the skys the limit on what the GOP can accomplish after years of political dysfunction under President Obama.

Welcome to the dawn of a new unified Republican government, Ryan told reporters at a news conference earlier this week. This will be a government focused on turning President-elect Trumps victory into real progress for the American people.

Related: Whos Going to Pay for Trumps Huge Infrastructure Plans?

Ryans future was in doubt throughout the general election campaign as he earned the enmity of many of his conservative House colleagues for his on-again, off-again support of Republican presidential nominee Donald Trump. Ryans tendency to promote his own policies for tax reform, health care, welfare reform and national security without fully consulting with rank and file members and other leaders also irked many. And any thought that Freedom Caucus members will merrily climb aboard the new Trump-GOP bandwagon and embrace the President-elects agenda wholeheartedly is ludicrous.

Story continues

"The Freedom Caucus is definitely going to be pushing against the House Republican leadership whenever possible and will find ways to keep relevant, especially over spending issues on big ticket items, Ron Bonjean, a Washington policy expert and former congressional Republican spokesperson, said in an email today. They arent going anywhere and will make their voices heard soon. One-party rules means you can get a lot done, but there are a lot of headaches for the leadership moving it forward as well.

This, after all, is the same group that eagerly supported a government shutdown in 2013 and hamstrung former Republican House Speaker John Boehner on an array of budget and other policy issues before driving him into an early retirement. Most Freedom Caucus members reluctantly agreed to support Ryan to succeed Boehner, in October 2015, but not before intense negotiations over changes in the way the House conducts business.

Related: Paul Ryan Throws in the Towel on Trump

Despite lingering doubts, Freedom Caucus members re-upped on Tuesday to support Ryans second term as speaker during a closed-door session, although Texas Rep. Louie Gohmert admitted to reporters afterward that Ive got mixed emotions because of Ryans soft stand on border security and his repeated insults of Trump.

Conservative displeasure with both Ryan and Trump came spewing out of a Conversations with Conservatives press conference on Wednesday. In a wide-ranging question and answer session with reporters, a handful of Freedom Caucus members voiced strong differences with Ryan and Trump on how to proceed.

As Dana Milbank of The Washington Post reported, the far right conservatives groused about many of the issues that will confront the new president and the Republican-controlled Congress. For instance:

They support a significant increase in spending on highways, bridges and other infrastructure to stimulate the economy, as Trump has proposed. However, they are incensed that the proposed spending of as much as $1 trillion over the coming decade is not offset by corresponding cuts in other government programs. Rep. Raul Labrador (R-ID) warned that unless Trump came up with a way to legitimately pay for the new infrastructure, then a majority if not all of us will vote against it.





They are far from unanimous on whether to repeal Obamacare as early as January and then consider possible replacements for the federal health insurance program, or whether to preserve portions of the 2010 law. One of the lawmakers lamented that the GOP never got around to agreeing on a compromise replacement plan to have ready to go after repealing President Obamas signature health insurance program.

Pressed by a reporter to explain how the Republicans would avoid a situation in which 20 million or more Americans would lose their coverage because of GOP action, Rep. Steve King (R-IA) quipped that people would be way better off if nothing were passed to replace Obamacare.





They warned Trump and Ryan that they would balk if Congress attempted to increase fiscal 2017 spending during the lame-duck session of Congress before Trump takes office in mid-January. Jordan said that when it comes to budget cutting, everything has to be on the table, although Trump is on record opposing cuts in Social Security and Medicare.





Some staunchly opposed efforts by some of Ryans GOP allies to protect him from procedural vehicles for removing him as speaker if the caucus began to sour on him. One of Ryans conditions for accepting the speakership in the first place was eliminating parliamentary provisions that would leave him vulnerable to a rebellion and ouster. Ryan and Freedom Caucus members intensely negotiated the issue but never reached an agreement.





There were other sharp inter-party divisions on display at the press conference, including whether Republicans should risk civil war with the Democrats by trying to abolish the filibuster on Supreme Court nominations in the Senate, or whether to resurrect earmarks in the appropriations process to give individual lawmakers the opportunity once again to steer pork-barrel spending to their congressional districts or states.

Related: Hold the Pork: Return of Earmarks Is Delayed

These and other issues will become grist for spirited debates in the coming months and could divide the GOP and trigger renewed gridlock.

When the dust settled from last weeks election, the Republicans held a solid 247 to 188 seat majority over the Democrats in the House, suggesting that Ryan and the GOP leadership could pretty much pass new legislation at will.

Yet the Republicans new 59-seat edge is more fragile than it may seem, because of glaring rifts among three factions: Ryans more mainstream, center-right wing of the party that is bent on major changes in the tax code and entitlements; the more populist Trump faction that favors infrastructure spending and dismantling of international trade agreements; and the Freedom Caucus, comprised of conservative ideologues, fiscal conservatives and political bomb-throwers.

The 40 or so loyal members of the Freedom Caucus have the power to stop almost any GOP-promoted proposal in its tracks, according to political experts.

Top Reads from The Fiscal Times:
Washington (AFP) - President-elect Donald Trump will meet Saturday with Mitt Romney, one of his top Republican critics, raising speculation that the incoming commander in chief could tap the 2012 presidential nominee for a key cabinet post.

Trump will hold a series of meetings with fellow Republican officials during his weekend getaway to Bedminster, New Jersey, the presidential transition team said Friday.

Romney, a former Massachusetts governor who is considered a Republican Party elder, was mentioned first on the list of guests who will sit down with the president-elect Saturday.

The meeting could signal a reconciliation of sorts between the two.

Romney, 69, helped lead the charge against Trump's nomination earlier this year by branding the provocative billionaire a "fraud" who was "playing the American public for suckers."

Rumors have swirled that Romney was under consideration to be nominated as Trump's secretary of state, a move that would put an experienced politician and trouble-shooter with a calm, reassuringly diplomatic bearing as the future face of American foreign policy.

But the transition team tamped down speculation that Romney could join the cabinet.

"I think that what that meeting suggests... (is) the president-elect wants the best and the brightest, and the people who can offer ideas and suggestions on how to move this country forward and to implement his vision," Republican National Committee spokesman Sean Spicer told reporters on a press call.

"He's going to meet with people who supported him, people who didn't support him, Republicans, Democrats, independents." Spicer added.

"The conversation with Mitt Romney is just that, an opportunity to hear his ideas and his thoughts."

Former Arkansas governor Mike Huckabee, who ran against Trump in the Republican primaries, meets the president-elect Friday, the transition team said.

Scheduled to meet with Trump Saturday are Michelle Rhee, who led the Washington, DC public school system from 2007 to 2010 and who has been floated as a possible education secretary, and James "Mad Dog" Mattis, a retired Marine Corps general who headed US Central Command and whose tough talk has endeared him to US troops.
Bedminster (United States) (AFP) - US President-elect Donald Trump interviewed potential cabinet members at his New Jersey golf club for a second day Sunday, and signaled he may have found a defense chief in James "Mad Dog" Mattis, praising the retired military commander as a "true general's general."

Trump's recent choices for other key posts -- attorney general, national security adviser and chief White House strategist -- have come under fire on civil rights grounds from Democrats and other critics.

But Trump has also moved to mend fences with moderate Republicans as he goes about building a new administration, interviewing one-time foe Mitt Romney for secretary of state on Saturday, and inviting his ousted transition chief Chris Christie for a sit-down Sunday at his Trump National Golf Club.

"We're going to have a great day. Great people coming. You'll see. Great people," he told reporters tracking the comings and goings. Less than an hour and a half later, Trump added: "Getting very close on a lot."

He and Vice President-elect Mike Pence began their day attending a Sunday service at a Presbyterian church in the New Jersey countryside.

But the early-rising Trump was on Twitter before that, attacking the cast of hit Broadway musical "Hamilton" as rude, and "Saturday Night Live," the late-night satirical show that mercilessly lampoons him, as "nothing funny at all."

Meanwhile, the New York Post reported that Melania Trump and son Barron will remain in New York, rather than live in the White House.

Jason Miller, a Trump spokesman, would not confirm the report, but told reporters that "there's obviously sensitivity to pulling their 10-year-old out of school in the middle of the school year. A more formal statement will be coming."

- Cabinet auditions -

The 70-year-old Republican billionaire promised reporters they would "hear some things" after a second marathon day of meetings at his New Jersey golf retreat, a 90-minute drive from Manhattan.

Story continues

"General James 'Mad Dog' Mattis, who is being considered for Secretary of Defense, was very impressive yesterday. A true General's General!" Trump said on Twitter.

Trump called the 66-year-old "the real deal" after their meeting Saturday. Mattis is a retired Marine Corps general who led the US Central Command from 2010-2013, overseeing the US withdrawal from Iraq and a surge in Afghanistan.

A colorful combat commander and voracious reader, he has been quoted as saying, "Be polite, be professional, but have a plan to kill everyone you meet."

Christie, who threw his support to Trump after his own bid for the Republican presidential nomination fizzled, appeared back in favor after being pushed out as transition chief.

The New Jersey governor has been under a cloud over a scandal involving the closing of a major bridge linking New York and New Jersey, allegedly to punish a Democratic mayor. Two former Christie aides were recently convicted in the case.

Asked on Saturday if "Bridgegate" disqualified the governor from serving in the cabinet, Trump retorted: "We like Chris a lot."

Others meeting Trump on Sunday include former New York mayor Rudy Giuliani; immigration hardliner Kris Kobach; Wilbur Ross, under consideration for commerce secretary; global investor David McCormick; and real estate investor Jonathan Gray.

Trump will also meet with Bob Johnson, the founder of Black Entertainment Television (BET) who has urged African Americans to vote for their best interests rather than be wedded to any political party.

Exit polls showed some 88 percent of African American voters supported Democratic nominee Hillary Clinton versus just eight percent for Trump.

Trump's interview with Romney, the 2012 Republican presidential candidate who called him a "fraud" during the recent campaign, suggested to some observers that he is looking for a mix of views despite the hard-line cast of his national security team so far.

Pence confirmed that Romney was under consideration for secretary of state, a post also sought by Giuliani and others.

Trump's picks so far include ultra-conservative Senator Jeff Sessions as attorney general, hawkish congressman Mike Pompeo as CIA director and retired lieutenant general Michael Flynn as his national security adviser. His choice of Steve Bannon, seen as an ideologue of the ultra-conservative alt-right movement, as chief strategist has also drawn fire.

- 'Apologize!' -

Trump, who was spending his first weekend outside Manhattan since his November 8 election -- other than a trip to Washington to meet Obama -- had not appeared in public since he gave reporters the slip to take his family to dinner in New York on Tuesday.

He has, however, been active on Twitter, a forum where he has won fans -- and detractors -- with his provocative, off-the-cuff messaging.

He lashed out at the cast of the award-winning Broadway musical "Hamilton" after Pence was booed at a performance on Friday and the lead actor read out an appeal for the new administration to "work on behalf of all of us."

"The cast and producers of Hamilton, which I hear is highly overrated, should immediately apologize to Mike Pence for their terrible behavior," Trump wrote early Sunday, in his third tweet on the subject.

Also on Twitter, he said he had settled three class-action lawsuits over his now-defunct Trump University for $25 million so that all his energy could be focused on his new job, dismissing any hint of guilt.
NOC plans to re-enter bitumen business

State-owned oil monopoly Nepal Oil Corporation (NOC) has decided to re-enter the bitumen business in a bid to diversify its product portfolio.
New York (AFP) - Ford announced on Friday it will keep producing an SUV model in Kentucky, rather than move it to Mexico, in a decision overplayed by President-elect Donald Trump who claimed he had saved an entire plant from closure.

Trump repeatedly took aim at Ford and other groups during the White House campaign for moving production overseas in search of cheap labor -- and Thursday night he announced the firm's U-turn as a personal victory.

"Just got a call from my friend Bill Ford, Chairman of Ford, who advised me that he will be keeping the Lincoln plant in Kentucky - no Mexico," Trump tweeted.

"I worked hard with Bill Ford to keep the Lincoln plant in Kentucky. I owed it to the great State of Kentucky for their confidence in me!" added the Republican -- who won 62.5 percent of that state's popular vote.

Trump's tweets were initially met with derision since Ford had not made public any plans to shift production from Lincoln to Mexico.

Ford on Friday confirmed there was some substance to the claims.

Under last year's contract agreement with the powerful United Automobile Workers union, Ford indeed made plans to move production of the Lincoln MKC out of Louisville to make room for expanded production of its Escape model. The Kentucky plant produces both small SUVs.

The company said in a statement, "Today, we confirmed with the President-elect that our small Lincoln utility vehicle made at the Louisville Assembly Plant will stay in Kentucky."

"Cuautitlan plant in Mexico was likely the plant for MKC," Ford spokeswoman Christin Baker told AFP.

But the billionaire appears to have significantly overstated the impact of the decision -- on several accounts.

- No impact on jobs -

While Ford confirmed that it was indeed considering moving the one model to Mexico, it certainly had no intention of shuttering the Louisville, Kentucky plant.

In addition, the decision will have no impact on jobs.

Story continues

Baker said that employment at the Louisville plant would have held steady regardless of any production changes, in accordance with the four-year union agreement.

According to The Wall Street Journal, the automaker has been in contact with Trump's transition team since his election, and saw the Lincoln move as a relatively painless way to hand him a victory even before he moves into the White House.

But the reversal has no impact on Ford's wider decision -- confirmed earlier this week -- to move production of the Focus to Mexico from Michigan, a state Trump narrowly won in last week's election.

Ford already produces the Lincoln MKZ sedan in Hermosillo, Mexico, and in early April announced a $1.6 billion investment in a new site in the country.

- Rhetoric swung votes -

One of the main themes of Trump's campaign was to bring back manufacturing jobs that American companies had moved overseas in search of cheap labor. Ford and the IT giant Apple were his favorite targets for criticism for their overseas operations.

Trump even threatened to impose a 35 percent punitive import duty on cars produced in Mexico, and to renegotiate the 1994 North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA).

His rhetoric seems to have resonated since several states where the auto industry is strongly represented and that traditionally voted Democratic, such as Michigan and Wisconsin, voted for Trump, tipping the election in his favor.

Ford said of its decision on Kentucky, "We are encouraged that President-elect Trump and the new Congress will pursue policies that will improve US competitiveness and make it possible to keep production of this vehicle here in the United States."

The company also defended its record, saying it employs more US auto workers and produces more American-made vehicles than any other firm, has invested $12 billion in US plants in the past five years and created nearly 28,000 US jobs.

"We continue to engage with President-elect Trump's team -- and the new Congress -- as they shape the policy agenda for 2017. We have shared our commitment to continue investing in the US and creating American jobs," Ford said.
Washington (AFP) - US President-elect Donald Trump's choice to be his powerful national security advisor, Michael Flynn, is a former military intelligence chief who sees militant Islam as the biggest threat to global stability.

The retired three-star general, a veteran of America's recent wars in Iraq and Afghanistan, has courted controversy with extreme statements that critics say border on Islamophobia.

Meanwhile, he has taken a more flexible line on Russia and China -- countries the outgoing administration of Barack Obama regards as the country's principal strategic opponents.

Flynn's paid appearance at a dinner in Russia last year sitting next to Russian President Vladimir Putin has raised eyebrows, as have his accommodating statements toward Moscow that suggest, along with Trump's, a readiness to accept Russia's seizure of Crimea and its support for embattled Syrian leader Bashar al-Assad.

"We beat Hitler because of our relationship with the Russians, so anybody that looks on it as anything but a relationship that's required for mutual supporting interests, including ISIS, ... that's really where I'm at with Russia," he told the Washington Post in August.

"We have a problem with radical Islamism and I actually think that we could work together with them against this enemy. They have a worse problem than we do."

Son of a Rhode Island banker, Flynn had a professional army career mainly in intelligence units. In the 2000s he served in Iraq and then Afghanistan, where he became director of intelligence for coalition forces.

In 2012 he was named by Obama to lead the 16,500-strong Defense Intelligence Agency, but he was forced out in less than two years amid a turbulent restructuring effort and clashes with his superiors.

Since then he has repeatedly criticized the Obama government as inadequately focused on the Islamist threat, publishing a book this year entitled: "The Field of Fight: How We Can Win the Global War Against Radical Islam and Its Allies."

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- 'Malignant policies' -

In it he argues that Muslim countries must be forced to recognize and stamp out radical Islamic beliefs, which he says are "metastasizing" around the world.

"We're in a global war, facing an enemy alliance that runs from Pyongyang, North Korea, to Havana, Cuba, and Caracas, Venezuela," he wrote in the New York Post in July.

"Along the way, the alliance picks up radical Muslim countries and organizations such as Iran, Al-Qaeda, the Taliban and Islamic State."

Like Trump, Flynn has also criticized US allies in NATO for not putting enough of their own effort and funding into the crucial western defense treaty.

Critics in the national security community see his views as one-dimensional and warn they could upset well-established relationships that benefit the United States.

They also question his willingness to take money from Russian government-backed groups, and his support for Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan's harsh crackdown on dissent.

In a statement Friday Adam Schiff, the top Democrat on the House Intelligence Committee, said he was "deeply concerned" over Flynn's view on Russia.

"The incoming president would be better served by someone with a healthy skepticism about Russian intentions, and willing to be guided by the unequivocal intelligence we have of Russian's malignant policies towards the US and our allies," he said.
Donald Trumps agenda on trade and environmental regulations has raised major questions about the road ahead for car companies.

On the campaign trail, Trump frequently criticized Ford (NYSE:F) and the North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA), saying trade deals have cost American jobs, especially in the manufacturing sector. The transition team currently forming the Trump administration has already signaled that reforming U.S. trade deals will be one of the first tasks undertaken by the President-elect next year.

The incoming administration also has its sights on environmental regulations imposed by President Barack Obama and the Environmental Protection Agency. For car companies, this means fuel-efficiency rules that some in the industry view as overly burdensome could be up for significant changes.

The Alliance of Automobile Manufacturers, a trade group that represents top automakers including General Motors (NYSE:GM) and Ford (NYSE:F), sent Trumps transition team a memo that highlighted its positions on issues like the federal governments emissions standards. The organization has pushed for reform amid cheaper gasoline prices and weak sales of electric vehicles.

Federal agencies recently began a midterm review of the 2012 Corporate Average Fuel Economy (CAFE) program, which stated that automakers would have to more than double their fleet-wide fuel economy to 54.5 miles per gallon by model-year 2025.

Mitch Bainwol, president and CEO of the Alliance of Automobile Manufacturers, told Congress that federal rules cant ignore a consumer shift from passenger cars to sport-utility vehicles, while electric cars struggle to gain traction. Plug-in electric cars make up less than 1% of sales.

Much has changed in four years  most notably, fuel prices and changes in consumer purchasing habits. These changes are important to keep in mind because automakers are ultimately judged not by what they produce but by what consumers buy, Bainwol said in his congressional testimony.

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The CAFE deal allowed for both sides to take a second look at the regulations in 2017, coinciding with Trumps rise to the White House. Final rules are expected in early 2018.

Other potential changes coming next year and beyond may throw a wrench into the auto industrys supply chain.

Trumps attacks on Ford focused on the automakers plan to construct a $1.6 billion factory in Mexico, where it will hire 2,800 additional people. Ford expects to begin assembling small cars at the plant in 2018. Eventually, all of Fords small-car production will be concentrated in Mexico. Ford CEO Mark Fields has argued that new models in the U.S. would replace car production going south of the border, thus preventing any loss of jobs. He confirmed this week that Fords Mexico plans have not changed.

Even before Inauguration Day, Trump is touting progress on the issue. On Thursday evening, Trump posted a message on Twitter (NYSE:TWTR) saying he spoke to Ford Chairman Bill Ford, who told the President-elect that Lincoln production would remain at the companys Louisville, Ky., plant.

Under terms of a new labor deal negotiated last year, the United Auto Workers union gave Ford the green light to build the Lincoln MKC compact SUV at a factory in Mexico. The production move would allow Ford to build more Ford Escapes in Louisville. But sales of the Escape have slipped in recent months, and demand since the start of 2016 has been roughly flat compared to last year.

Ford also said it looks forward to working with the Trump administration to support economic growth and jobs, according to a statement provided after Trumps victory over Hillary Clinton.

Trump has argued that NAFTA, a wide-ranging trade agreement with Canada and Mexico, is an unfair deal that hurts American jobs. Cars shipped from Mexico to the U.S. face no taxes, while Mexico imposes a tariff on cars imported into the country. During the campaign, Trump proposed implementing tariffs as high as 35% to encourage automakers to keep production in the U.S.

Shares in Ford and GM slipped in the wake of Trumps win, but the stocks soon recovered as traders plowed into equities in the hope that the incoming administration will be a sparkplug for the economy.

Efraim Levy, an analyst at CFRA Research, believes Trump will back away from his toughest stance on U.S. trade policies.

Even with some potential tariff costs to automakers, we believe GM and Ford will have time to flex production and regional sales to mitigate the impact, Levy wrote in a note to clients.

As for the UAW, which publicly endorsed Clinton, the union suggested it will work with the Trump administration on trade policy. During a press conference following Trumps victory, Williams called Trumps position on trade right on.

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World

Trump talks with NATO chief as European leaders, Obama vow to hold fast to alliance

President Obama and European leaders on Friday underscored the importance of working together in NATO and chided Russia for its bombing of Syria and failure to implement a Ukrainian peace accord. The White House statement followed a meeting at which Obama sought to reassure his counterparts from Germany, Britain, Spain, Italy and France that his successor, Donald Trump, would not break up the transatlantic alliance. Trump raised concerns during the campaign when he said he would withhold military aid from NATO allies if they had not met their defense commitments and maintained he would forge closer ties with Russian President Vladimir Putin.

President Obama expressed confidence that, even at a moment of great change, democratic values have done more to advance human freedom and progress than any other system in history, and will continue to do so going forward. White House statement

Trumps shocking election win has sparked fears of drastic policy upheavals, as he has challenged a nearly 70-year-old security shield for U.S. allies under NATO and vowed to withdraw from hard-fought deals on the climate and Irans nuclear program. The president-elects admiration for Putin has also raised questions over his attitude toward Moscows backing for Syrian President Bashar Assad as well as Russias role in the Ukraine conflict. NATO chief Jens Stoltenberg said Friday he had had a positive talk with Trump on the future of the alliance. A NATO statement said Stoltenberg spoke by phone with Trump, congratulating him on his election victory and saying he looks forward to working with his national security team.
By Steve Holland NEW YORK (Reuters) - U.S. President-elect Donald Trump picked three conservative loyalists to lead his national security and law enforcement teams on Friday, underscoring his campaign promise to take a hard line confronting Islamist militancy and curbing illegal immigration. Trump picked U.S. Senator Jeff Sessions for attorney general, rewarding a staunch supporter whose tough and sometimes inflammatory statements on immigration have reflected his own. The choice was applauded by the top Republican in the Senate but drew sharp criticism from civil rights activists. Retired Army Lieutenant General Mike Flynn, who has championed Trump's promises to take a more aggressive approach to terrorism, was chosen as his national security adviser. Trump named Representative Mike Pompeo, a vocal critic of the Obama administration's security policy, as director of the Central Intelligence Agency. The three choices, announced by Trump's transition team, come as the Republican president-elect works to fill key positions in his administration, which will take over from Democratic President Barack Obama on Jan. 20. The picks could heighten concerns abroad that the Trump administration might carry out campaign promises of banning Muslims from entering the United States or imposing more severe restrictions on migrants from countries or regions with high levels of militant Islamist activity, such as Iraq and Syria. Sessions and Pompeo seem likely to be confirmed by the Senate despite heavy resistance from Democrats. Republicans will control a majority, with at least 51 seats in the 100-seat chamber, when Congress reconvenes in January. Flynn's post does not need Senate confirmation. One of the earliest Republican lawmakers to support Trump's White House candidacy, Sessions opposes any path to citizenship for illegal immigrants and was an enthusiastic backer of Trump's campaign promise to build a wall on the border with Mexico. He has also argued for curbs on legal immigration on the grounds that it drives down wages for U.S. workers. A former Alabama attorney general and U.S. attorney, Sessions, 69, has been in the Senate for 19 years. Allegations that he made racist remarks led the Senate to deny his confirmation as a federal judge in 1986. The chamber's top Democrat, Chuck Schumer, said he would want Sessions to answer "tough questions" about his civil rights positions. The attorney general acts as the country's chief law enforcement officer and head of the Justice Department. Civil rights groups slammed Sessions as a poor choice to head a department charged with protecting voting rights and running immigration courts. "How can we trust someone in that role who has demonstrated he thinks all forms of immigration are bad for America?" said Beth Werlin, head of the American Immigration Council. Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell said he strongly supported Sessions for attorney general, calling him "principled, forthright, and hardworking." Sessions has been one of Trump's most enthusiastic backers on Capitol Hill and the president-elect has hired several of Sessions' staffers, including policy chief Stephen Miller and Rick Dearborn, who has a top job managing the transition. Also on Friday, the first set of transition landing teams were starting work at the departments of State, Justice, Defense and the National Security Council to begin hashing out the details of shifting to a new administration. ISLAMIST MILITANTS Flynn, one of Trump's closest advisers, was fired from the Defense Intelligence Agency in 2014, a move he has attributed to his outspoken views about fighting Islamist militancy. Other officials who worked with Flynn cited his lack of management skills and leadership style as reasons for his firing. An Army intelligence veteran of three decades, Flynn was assistant director of national intelligence under Obama. He views the 2003 invasion of Iraq as a strategic blunder and has refused to condemn Trump's support for the renewed use of waterboarding. This is an interrogation technique that simulates drowning, is widely considered torture and was banned by Obama. Pompeo, 52, a third-term Republican congressman and former U.S. Army officer who founded an aerospace company, was a surprise pick to lead the CIA. A member of the House Intelligence Committee, Pompeo has called for a revival and expansion of a now-defunct domestic spying program to include "financial and lifestyle information" as well as phone records. He has said that Edward Snowden, a former government contractor who uncovered the spying program and who now lives in Russia, should get the death penalty if he is ever tried and convicted. Pompeo has been one of the most aggressive critics of the Obama administration's handling of a 2012 attack on U.S. diplomatic facilities in Benghazi, Libya, that killed the U.S. ambassador and three other Americans. Nevertheless, Democrats who have worked with him joined Republicans in describing Pompeo as knowledgeable and hard working. "While we have had our share of strong differences - principally on the politicization of the tragedy in Benghazi - I know that he is someone who is willing to listen and engage," Representative Adam Schiff, the top Democrat on the Intelligence Committee, said on Friday. Trump met on Friday with former Arkansas Governor Mike Huckabee, a possible pick to head the Department of Homeland Security, and U.S. Senator Tom Cotton of Arkansas, a possible candidate for defense secretary. Trump is considering retired General David Petraeus, who resigned as CIA chief in 2012 after an extra-marital affair, is being considered for the post of defense secretary, the Wall Street Journal said. Trump was expected to spend the weekend in Bedminster, New Jersey, the home of the Trump National Golf Club. On Saturday he was scheduled to meet with Mitt Romney, the 2012 Republican presidential nominee. Romney was one of the fiercest Republican critics of Trump during his unorthodox election campaign but is now under possible consideration for secretary of state. Admiral Mike Rogers, director of the National Security Agency, is the leading candidate to serve as Trump's director of national intelligence, the Wall Street Journal reported. (Additional reporting by Emily Stephenson, Susan Cornwell, Patricia Zengerle, Mark Hosenball and Dustin Volz in Washington; Writing by Andy Sullivan and Richard Cowan; Editing by Frances Kerry and Alistair Bell)
New Yorkers should avoid the area surrounding Trump Tower, Mayor Bill de Blasio said on Friday -- not exactly the type of advice area businesses want to hear heading into the holiday season.

Donald Trump's neighborhood in Midtown Manhattan has been flooded by cops, Secret Service agents and protesters along with the usual hordes of shoppers, tourists and office workers since his surprise election last week. Six demonstrations took place over the past 10 days, resulting in road closings on three occasions. The Saturday after Trump's victory, more than 20,000 protesters gathered outside. Pedestrians are now subject to bag searches when walking on the east side of Fifth Avenue on certain blocks, and Trump Tower is flanked by bomb-sniffing dogs and armed guards.

"We are devoted to making sure this city will keep moving. This is a big challenge and an unprecedented challenge," de Blasio said at a conference at 1 Police Plaza in Manhattan on Friday afternoon.

"We're working in conjunction with retailers and restaurants to make sure they get customers in as easily as possible," said New York City Police Commissioner James O'Neill.

The businesses up and down Fifth Avenue, a premier destination for tourists and shoppers, are facing a stark new reality in the weeks ahead. Trump Tower will largely remain the president-elect's base until his inauguration on January 20. That means a chaotic scene over the next 65 days, including the all-important holiday season.

"Our business has been affected. A lot of businesses around here are going to be affected," said a salesman at one of the stores nearby.

The sidewalks outside stores like Armani, Dolce & Gabanna, Ralph Lauren , Gap , Prada, Abercrombie & Fitch , Microsoft and Harry Winston are now lined with metal barricades. The strip commands some of the highest retail rents in the world, with the average annual rent being $3500 per square foot.

"Drama," said a doorman on 54th street, describing the scene.

Story continues

Gucci's flagship store flanks Trump Tower. Entrance into it now requires an explanation to police officers and a bag search.

Tiffany TIF sits on the same block as Trump Tower, the next building to the north. The mezzanine floor, which features the watchmaker Patek Philippe, late Thursday morning was completely empty except for two employees. Staff outnumbered shoppers on other floors. More than 10% of sales of total company sales come from the jewelry giant's Fifth Avenue location. Trump purchased the air rights from the story for $5 million years ago.

"I will not tell you that Gucci and Tiffany are my central concerns in life, but I will say the traffic situation is a very real problem," New York Mayor Bill de Blasio said while standing outside Trump Tower after meeting with the president-elect on Wednesday.

Gucci and Tiffany did not respond to request for comment on the matter.

The Starbucks inside Trump Tower has seen traffic drop dramatically. The shop's usual customers, deterred by the barricades, armed guards and bomb-sniffing dogs outside, are getting their caffeine fix elsewhere.

"It's been really slow," said a barista.

Some customers still dare to brave the hoopla outside, treating the visit to Trump Tower almost like a tourist activity and staking out in hopes of catching a glimpse of Cabinet picks, family members and other figures entering the building to meet with the president-elect.

"It's better than a Broadway show," said one Long Island woman sipping on coffee at the Trump Tower Starbucks on Thursday morning.

A few tables down sat Denny Cowger, an Ohio native in New York while on layover from Hong Kong. Proudly wearing a "Make America Great Again" hat, he insisted he wound up there by happenstance, though he had been hanging around long enough to see both Eric Trump and Rudy Giuliani file in.

More than five million tourists are expected to travel to New York City between Thanksgiving and New Year's, according to estimates from the city's tourism-marketing agency, NYC & Company, and Fifth Avenue is a top destination for many. But this year, visitors and New Yorkers alike may be inclined to steer clear. Mayor de Blasio would prefer it.

"To the extent that you can avoid the immediate area around Trump Tower, that will make your own life easier and everybody's life easier," he said on Friday.

Everybody except for the businesses counting on a holiday shopping boom.

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By Michael Martina BEIJING (Reuters) - China will position itself as free trade's new champion at an Asia-Pacific summit this weekend, with the Communist government seeking to project economic leadership as a U.S.-led Pacific Rim trade pact languishes under President-elect Donald Trump. Beijing aims to capitalize on the Trump-induced coma of the Trans-Pacific Partnership (TPP), with President Xi Jinping selling alternate visions for regional trade at the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) meeting this weekend in Peru. "If the U.S. gives up its leadership here, of course China will take the role," said Tu Xinquan, a trade expert at Beijing's University of International Business and Economics, who has advised China's government on trade issues. On the campaign trail, Trump labeled the TPP, championed by President Barack Obama, a "disaster". Obama last week abandoned efforts to win congressional approval for the TPP before Trump takes office, saying its fate was up to the President-elect and Republican lawmakers. The China-backed Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP), a rival pact that excludes the United States, has become the front-runner for new free trade deals in the region. The RCEP and the TPP -- which excludes China -- were viewed as parallel, if competing pathways, to an eventual broader Asia-Pacific free trade zone. But when Beijing hosted the APEC meeting in 2014 and pushed the Free Trade Area of the Asia-Pacific (FTAAP) as a framework for liberalizing Pacific Rim trade, the United States saw it as a distraction from TPP. Now, the RCEP is likely the main avenue to a future FTAAP, giving China, as the largest economy among the deal's 16 countries, a driving role in the future of Asia-Pacific trade. Obama had argued that the TPP would allow the United States and not China to write the rules of trade for the region. GEOPOLITICAL REALITIES China's efforts to push trade pacts coincide with other soft power initiatives aimed at cementing the country's economic influence, such as Xi's global One Belt, One Road infrastructure plan and the Beijing-led Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank. Claire Reade, senior counsel at U.S. law firm Arnold & Porter and a former Assistant U.S. Trade Representative for China Affairs, said China would seek to contrast its commitment to the region with U.S. inconstancy. "The geopolitical realities and China's economic diplomacy make it seem unlikely the smaller countries in the region would spurn China's leadership," she said. In a sign of frustration with the United States among some TPP members, Peru's president has said that Pacific-rim countries can forge a new trade deal to replace TPP that includes China and Russia but not the United States. This week, Peru's trade minister said it was engaging China on ways to get involved with RCEP negotiations. If Lima joined the talks, which is unlikely until existing members come to terms, it would be the only participant from the Americas and could encourage other TPP signatories in Latin America to follow suit. Other TPP members, including staunch U.S. ally Australia, have said they will pursue other free trade options in Asia. Malaysia has said it would shift its focus from TPP to RCEP, and Vietnam, which is also party to both deals, will shelve its ratification of TPP due to political changes in Washington. China's Commerce Ministry did not respond to faxed questions on the trade deals, but Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesman Geng Shuang downplayed Beijing's role. "No matter if it is the RCEP or the FTAAP, neither is being led by China," Geng told a regular press briefing on Friday, adding that China was working together with all parties to advance negotiations. MORE OFF-SHORING Trade experts say that in addition to dealing a blow to U.S. influence, TPP's failure could mean U.S. goods lose out on lower tariffs and market access to RCEP countries, including Japan, China and India. Proposed dates for an agreement have come and gone, but an RCEP deal could be reached as soon as next year. Deborah Elms, who runs the Singapore-based Asian Trade Centre consultancy and advises governments, said the lack of U.S. involvement in future trade deals could spur more off-shoring by U.S. companies. "If you want to take advantage of RCEP, you need to be in Asia to service Asian markets. That means you need to be physically present with at least some part of your operation," Elms said. Governments in the region should take advantage of RCEP momentum, she said. "I would be trumpeting loudly from the rooftops ... Put your whole global operations here to take advantage of the place that is still open for business." The role-reversal on free trade zones and other uncertainties stemming from Trump's election bolsters China's image, Douglas Paal, vice president for studies at the Carnegie Endowment for International Peace, said at a forum in Beijing on Wednesday. "Withdrawing from trade agreements, talking about shaking up alliances, talking about pulling out of the climate change agreement, talking about pulling out of Iran  all of these make China look like the responsible stakeholder," Paal said. (Reporting by Michael Martina; Editing by Tony Munroe and Bill Tarrant)




President-elect Donald Trumps pick to lead the U.S. Justice Department was a key crusader against efforts to shorten federal prison sentences for lower-level drug offenders earlier this year, raising concerns among criminal justice reform activists that the momentum of their movement could slow to a stop.

Sen. Jeff Sessions was one of the few Republican senators who bucked the bipartisan effort to reform the criminal justice system this year. The broader plan to reform sentencing was backed by such unlikely allies as the conservative billionaire Koch Brothers, the former head of the NRA, President Obama and lawmakers on both sides of the aisle  despite a bitterly divided Congress.

At the time, Sessions argued that an uptick in crime in some major cities was a sign that the federal government should not release drug offenders. (Overall, violent crime is significantly down from its peak in the 1990s.)

My best judgment after many, many years in law enforcement is that bottom on crime rates has been reached and the rise were beginning to see is part of a long-term trend, not an aberration, and the last thing we need to do is a major reduction in penalties, Sessions said in May, according to the Washington Examiner. Sessions joined with Sen. Tom Cotton, R-Ark., to kill the bill.

In the grand scheme of things, were just going to have to work harder, said Holly Harris, executive director of the U.S. Justice Action Network, an umbrella group of bipartisan nonprofits pushing for criminal justice reform.

Harris said that while its clear Sessions is not a fan of sentencing reform, the Alabama lawmaker has supported legislation in the past to help people who get out of prison reintegrate into society. Sessions also backed a bill to reduce the vast sentencing disparity between crimes involving crack vs. those involving powder cocaine in 2010. (Crack offenders, most of whom were black, were sentenced 100 times more harshly than people who sold powder cocaine, despite the fact that its essentially the same drug.)

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The opportunity is still there, Harris said. Hope springs eternal.

Sen. Jeff Sessions with Donald Trump at a February rally in Madison, Ala. (Photo: Marvin Gentry/Reuters)

If confirmed by the Senate, Sessions would inherit a Justice Department thats tried to reverse what its current leadership sees as the over-incarceration of Americans due to zealous sentencing of drug crimes beginning in the 1980s and 90s. In 2013, then Attorney General Eric Holder directed federal prosecutors not to charge people with mandatory minimum sentences in lower-level, nonviolent drug cases. That resulted in a 20 percent drop in the use of those mandatory minimums, according to a recent speech by Deputy Attorney General Sally Yates. Yates argued that the U.S. spends $80 billion a year on its prison system and must find better ways to tackle crime than by locking millions of its citizens up.

Criminal justice reformers think its unlikely Sessions would keep that focus. Inimai M. Chettiar, the director of the Brennan Centers Justice Program, said she believes that Sessions would likely reverse Holders smart on crime reforms, including the drug sentencing one.

Probably the police department investigations and also Holders smart on crime initiative  those are the two biggest things that would be in danger, Chettiar said.

Under Obama, the Justice Department has investigated more than two dozen police departments, including the department in Ferguson, Mo., for civil rights violations. The Justice Department sued Ferguson after it refused to pay for its police to be retrained and to install an independent monitor to ensure it was not unfairly targeting black residents.

Trump ran on a law-and-order platform and said he believes that police officers are the most mistreated people in America. This suggests that investigating police departments for abuses would not be a high priority for his Justice Department.

Its also possible that Sessions could object to the current Justice Department policy of largely not interfering with states that have legalized marijuana. In April, Sessions said it was important to send a message that good people dont smoke marijuana so that Americans realize the drug is dangerous. If he changed that policy, it could mean crackdowns on pot dealers who are acting within their states laws.
Prosecution in serious rights violations, says PM

Prime Minister Pushpa Kamal Dahal has assured rights defenders that the transitional justice law would be amended in line with the court verdict, national and international laws and transitional justice norms.
Jeff Sessions

Sen. Jeff Sessions of Alabama is about to face a wave of intense scrutiny as he seeks confirmation to become attorney general and head the Justice Department in President-elect Donald Trump's upcoming administration.

Trump said Friday that it was an "honor to nominate" a "world-class legal mind" to the position. Sessions said, should he be confirmed, that he will give "all my strength to advance" its "highest ideals" and will be dedicated to "fairness and impartiality."

But Sessions is likely to face heavy examination over his overall record, as well as decades-old allegations of racism that are now certain to be hashed out in public.

Sessions, prior to his 20-year Senate career, served as a US attorney and as attorney general of Alabama. While serving as a US attorney for the state's southern district, he was nominated to be a federal district court judge by President Ronald Reagan in 1986.

His nomination, however, was rejected by the Republican-controlled Senate Judiciary Committee  a committee on which he now serves  because of racially charged comments and actions that he denied. It was only the second time in nearly 50 years the committee stunted a judicial nomination.

J. Gerald Hebert, then working on voting-rights cases for the Department of Justice's Civil Rights Division, spent time in Alabama working with Sessions. He testified in front of the panel that Sessions was "not a very sensitive person when it comes to race relations." Hebert testified that Sessions had said a white lawyer described as a race traitor "probably is," and that the ACLU and NAACP were "communist-inspired."

Thomas Figures, a former assistant US attorney who died last year, provided back up to Hebert's testimony on Sessions regarding organizations such as the NAACP. Sessions testified that he recalled saying that "when" such civil-rights organizations "demand more than is legitimate, it hurts their position," he said.

Story continues

Figures, who worked with Sessions, said he was warned by the now-Alabama senator to "be careful what you say to white folks" after Figures, the only black assistant US attorney in the office, told a white secretary that she had made an offensive comment. He also testified that Sessions and two others in the office had called him "boy," which Sessions categorically denied.

"I have never used the word 'boy' to describe a black, nor would I tolerate it in my office," Sessions testified.

Figures also said Sessions remarked that he thought Ku Klux Klan members were "OK," until he found out they smoked marijuana. Sessions later testified that he was joking.

Sessions was also accused of voicing complaints about the Voting Rights Act.

Hebert, who now works as the director of voting rights and redistricting program at the Campaign Legal Center, told Business Insider that he was "extremely unhappy to hear" Sessions was selected for the post.

"Because I think that he has a demonstrated record of anti-civil rights [and] anti-equality," Hebert said Friday. "I don't think he has a good grasp on issues about voting rights. I think a lot of his views are just plain wrong in light of facts."

"He has opinions that are based on suspicion rather than facts," he continued. "And to have somebody like that heading up the Justice Department, the chief law enforcement officer in the United States, is of great concern to me."

Jeff Sessions

Sessions, the first senator to come out in support of Trump on the campaign trail, is known for his hardline stance on immigration, his protectionist platform on trade, and his opposition toward bipartisan proposals to cut mandatory minimum prison sentences.

"When Trump on election night came out and said he was going to be kind of a uniter for all people, this sends the opposite message in my view," Hebert said. "And he's got a demonstrated record of making racially insensitive remarks in the 1980s that he's never really apologized for or backed off of. He's claimed that he's not a racist, but anybody can make a claim, it's what your record shows that's important. He has a record of pretty clearly opposing civil rights enforcement and opposing the laws themselves."

Hebert said that with issues "of race and law enforcement" being at the forefront of the US justice discussion, the nomination of Sessions "sends a very bad message." And he said he does not believe Sessions' views have evolved since the 1980s is a "positive" way.

"I think he's done things since the 1980s in the area of race, ethnicity, and he's made statements about nominees that have shown that he remains racially insensitive," Hebert said, pointing to Sessions' support of controversial voter ID laws whose critics say prevents many in minority communities from being able to cast ballots.

While many Democrats have been up in arms about Trump's appointment of Breitbart News executive Steve Bannon as White House chief strategist, Hebert said the consequences of a Justice Department run by Sessions will be of much greater importance.

"Well, the two positions couldn't be more different," he said. "One is the chief law enforcement officer of the United States. You make decisions about who's going to get prosecuted, what laws are going to be enforced, what the priorities are going to be for the thousands of lawyers who work there, and you reach literally every corner of America and the world, for that matter. This is a far more important position and one that has far greater and far-reaching consequences."

Jeff Sessions

Jason Miller, a spokesman for Trump's transition, came to Sessions' defense in a conference call with reporters Friday. He said Sessions is "universally respected across party lines."

"When Sen. Sessions was US Attorney, he filed a number of desegregation lawsuits in Alabama and supported a 30-year extension of the Civil Rights Act, voted for [former Attorney General] Eric Holder, and spearheaded [the] effort to give a congressional gold medal to Rosa Parks."

Miller was confident Sessions had the support to be confirmed, adding that former Sen. Arlen Specter of Pennsylvania later said his vote against Sessions in the 1980s was a mistake.

Sessions, who is generally well-liked in the Senate, didn't receive the same sort of backlash as Bannon's appointment from Democrats in Congress.

Sen. Richard Blumenthal of Connecticut called Sessions a "respected colleague" who "expects the same exacting, serious scrutiny that any other Attorney General nominee would receive." Vermont Sen. Patrick Leahy, the ranking Democratic member of the Senate Judiciary Committee, said citizens "deserve" to know about Sessions' record "at the public" confirmation hearing.

Incoming Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer of New York, however, signaled a potential confirmation battle. He said that even though he and Sessions "work out in the gym ... the fact that he is a senator does not absolve him from answering tough questions in the confirmation process."

"Given some of his past statements and his staunch opposition to immigration reform, I am very concerned about what he would do with the Civil Rights Division at the Department of Justice and want to hear what he has to say, Schumer continued in a statement.

The strongest statement against Sessions from congressional Democrats came from Rep. Luis Gutierrez of Illinois.

"If you have nostalgia for the days when blacks kept quiet, gays were in the closet, immigrants were invisible and women stayed in the kitchen, Senator Jefferson Beauregard Sessions is your man," he said, using Sessions' full legal name.

Sen. Elizabeth Warren of Massachusetts also provided some strong words about Sessions, advising Trump to "reverse his decision."

"30 yrs ago, a GOP Senate rejected @SenatorSessions judicial nomination, affirming no compromise with racism; no negotiation with hate," she posted to Twitter. "Today, a new GOP Senate must decide whether self-interest & political cowardice will prevent them from once again doing what is right."

Elected Republicans presented universal praise for Trump's selection of Sessions as his nomination for attorney general.

Sen. Ted Cruz of Texas called it "great news," while Sen. John Cornyn of Texas called Sessions a "principled and good man" who will "restore honor" to the Justice Department.

And Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell of Kentucky tried to build the case for why Sessions would be a fair leader for the department, saying he "strongly" supported Trump's decision.

McConnell noted that Sessions worked in a bipartisan fashion to reduce sentencing disparities for "certain drug offenses," in addition to combating sexual assault in prison

"Jeff is principled, forthright, and hardworking," he wrote. "He cares deeply about his country and the Department he will be nominated to lead. ... Jeff has always looked out for the safety, security and freedoms of his constituents and the nation."

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President-elect Donald Trump on Friday selected hardline Republican Rep. Mike Pompeo to be his CIA director, prompting scrutiny over some of his past comments.

Pompeo, a member of the House Intelligence Committee who has represented Kansas' 4th district since 2011, told Congress in 2013 that Muslim leaders across the US who fail to condemn terror attacks motivated by radical Islamic beliefs are "potentially complicit in these acts, and more importantly still, in those that may well follow."

"When the most devastating terrorist attacks on America in the last 20 years come overwhelmingly from people of a single faith and are performed in the name of that faith, a special obligation falls on those that are the leaders of that faith," Pompeo said on the House floor.

He claimed that Islamic leaders across the country weren't doing enough to stand up to terrorism, and that their silence was "deafening."

"The silence in the face of extremism coming from the best-funded Islamic advocacy organizations and many mosques across America is absolutely deafening," he said. "It casts down upon the commitment to peace by adherents to the Muslim faith."



Watch below:

Many Islamic clerics living in the US have spoken out against, and regularly condemn, Islamic extremism, rejecting the suggestion that they are somehow complicit in such acts.

We are more scared of terrorism than anyone. We suffer in the actual act of terrorism, and then we suffer the backlash, the high-profile Muslim academic Yasir Qadhi said last year.

Muslim-Americans were also quick to condemn least year's deadly attack on a clinic in San Bernardino, and the more recent massacre at an Orlando nightclub that left 49 people dead.

"I fully condemn the terrorist act in Orlando and the ideology that stands behind it," Muslim imam and community leader Muhammad Mursi wrote after massacre. "That is not ISLAM. Islam teaches peace not violence."

Pompeo's hawkish views on Islamic extremism appear to align with those of Trump and his new national security adviser, retired Lt. Gen. Michael Flynn. Flynn has called radical Islam a "cancer" and, like Trump, has blamed political correctness for impeding the fight against ISIS.

Story continues

Pompeo played a prominent role on the House Benghazi Committee that was set up to investigate the attacks on a diplomatic compound in Libya that killed four Americans in 2012. He co-wrote a scathing addendum to the committee's decision to clear then-Secretary of State Hillary Clinton of any wrongdoing, claiming that Clinton "failed to lead," "misled the public," and was complicit in the Americans' deaths.

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By Jonathan Landay WASHINGTON (Reuters) - Representative Mike Pompeo, President-elect Donald Trump's surprise choice to head the CIA, supports the U.S. government's sweeping collection of Americans' communications data and wants to scrap the nuclear deal with Iran. The retired Army officer, West Point and Harvard Law School graduate also has defended the CIA's use of interrogation techniques that are widely condemned as torture. The Kansas Republican has criticized Democratic presidential candidate Hillary Clinton's use of a private email server as secretary of state and her handling of the 2012 attacks on U.S. posts in Benghazi, Libya. A member of the House of Representatives Intelligence Committee, Pompeo, 52, was first elected in the 2010 Tea Party wave from the congressional district centered on his hometown of Wichita. Members of both parties regard him as intelligent, collegial and capable, with a keen grasp of national security issues. "Mike is very bright and hard-working, and will devote himself to helping the agency develop the best possible intelligence for policy makers," said Adam Schiff, the top Democrat on the House intelligence committee. "While we have had our share of strong differences - principally on the politicization of the tragedy in Benghazi - I know that he is someone who is willing to listen and engage." Pompeo "is a serious guy who studies issues carefully," said former National Security Agency and CIA director Michael Hayden. Some civil liberties and human rights advocates, however, expressed concern over Pompeo's selection because he opposes closing the Guantanamo Bay detention center. They also criticized his support for the National Security Agency's now-defunct bulk communications metadata collection and other surveillance programs. "These positions and others merit serious public scrutiny through a confirmation process," said Anthony Romero, the executive director of the American Civil Liberties Union. In a January op-ed in the Wall Street Journal he co-authored, Pompeo called for a "fundamental upgrade to America's surveillance capabilities," including resuming bulk collection of domestic phone metadata, the numbers and time stamps of calls, but not their content. The program, which a federal appeals court and two governmental review panels found to be illegal and ineffective, should be expanded to include "publicly available financial and lifestyle information into a comprehensive, searchable database", and that "legal and bureaucratic impediments to surveillance should be removed," he wrote. He also called for the death penalty for Edward Snowden, the NSA contractor who disclosed the existence of the metadata program and other top-secret surveillance programs. Pompeo stands a good chance of being confirmed by the Republican-controlled Senate. Announcement of his nomination was warmly greeted by Senator Richard Burr, the chairman of the Senate Intelligence Committee, which will conduct his confirmation hearing. ATTACKING CLINTON Pompeo has been at the forefront of attacks in Congress on Clinton, accusing her of "criminality" for storing emails containing classified information on her private server. He served on the Republican-led House committee that investigated the attacks by Islamist extremists on U.S. diplomatic and CIA posts in Benghazi that killed four Americans. While the panel found no wrongdoing by the administration, Pompeo and another member appended to the final report a commentary accusing Clinton and other officials of failing to protect the posts and to respond appropriately to the attacks. Democrats accused Pompeo of using inaccurate information to exaggerate alleged failures by Clinton on Benghazi.Some of Pompeo's positions also are at odds with the assessments of the intelligence officers and analysts Trump wants him to command. While he has argued that the CIA's use of harsh interrogation techniques, including waterboarding, which simulates drowning, produced useful intelligence, current CIA Director John Brennan has said he would resign if he were ordered to resume the practice. Other CIA and military officers and FBI agents have said so-called "enhanced interrogation techniques" do not produce reliable information because prisoners will "say anything" to end their suffering, as one CIA official put it. Pompeo also is at odds with the intelligence community's assessment of the 2015 deal that lifted financial sanctions from Iran in return for limits on its nuclear program. He has vowed to overturn the deal, and suggested in a 2014 roundtable with journalists that the United States should bomb Iran's nuclear facilities, a proposal that U.S. intelligence experts said would only delay Tehran's development of a warhead, not halt it. Pompeo also has opposed the regulation of greenhouse gas emissions to combat climate change, while at the CIA, a recently created Mission Center for Global Issues tracks global warming as a threat to U.S. security. He has taken positions that are at odds with Trump's, notably on Russia's actions in Ukraine and its military support for Syrian President Bashar al-Assad, who also is supported by Iran. Russia has established a toehold in the Middle East, and "we now have the Iranian-Russian axis there largely running free," Pompeo told a security forum in 2015. Pompeo, who was born in California, graduated first in his class from the U.S. Military Academy at West Point and was an artillery officer in the army for five years. He received a degree from the Harvard Law School and was an editor of the prestigious Harvard Law Review. (Reporting by Jonathan Landay; Additional reporting by Mark Hosenball and Dustin Volz; Editing by John Walcott and Alistair Bell)
President-elect Donald Trump made another controversial Cabinet appointment on Friday, selecting retired Lt. Gen. Michael Flynn to serve as his national security adviser.

Flynn, a registered Democrat who headed the Defense Intelligence Agency from 2012 to 2014 before he was reportedly forced out by his peers, was one of Trump's earliest and most prominent supporters in the foreign-policy realm. But he has come under scrutiny for some of his business ties, his views toward Russia, and  like Trump  his Twitter account, where he often promoted conspiracy theories during Trump's campaign.

Among them: a fake news story connecting Democratic vice-presidential nominee Tim Kaine to the Palestinian terrorist organization Hamas, a story falsely suggesting Democrat Hillary Clinton was implicated in "sex crimes," and a meme making unsubstantiated claims about prominent journalists colluding with Clinton.

Flynn also tweeted in February that "fear of Muslims is RATIONAL," including a link to a YouTube video that claims the religion of Islam wants "80% of people enslaved or exterminated."

flynn

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'His vision was seen as disruptive'

By most accounts, Flynn had a successful military career, and President Barack Obama appointed him to lead the Defense Intelligence Agency in 2012.

He was reportedly forced out in 2014, however, because "his vision" for the agency "was seen as disruptive," a former Pentagon official who worked closely with Flynn told The Washington Post at the time.

Flynn, who served in Afghanistan and Iraq from 2001 to 2012, has said he was fired from the DIA because he spoke out against "radical Islam," which he has called "a cancer" and made it his mission to eradicate.

But the former official told The Post at the time that the friction was more because Flynn was too hawkish. The official said Flynn wanted to push agents "up and out of their cubicles into the field to support war fighters or high-intensity operations."

Story continues

Michael Flynn

Flynn has also been heavily criticized for attending a gala last year in Moscow celebrating the 10th anniversary of the state-sponsored news agency Russia Today. Flynn has appeared on and been interviewed by Russia Today more than once, and he has said he "absolutely agrees" that the US and Russia need to work together to defeat ISIS.

Russia intervened in Syria on behalf of Syrian president Bashar Assad in September 2015, nearly five years into the country's brutal civil war. Though Russia touted its involvement as an anti-ISIS operation, the vast majority of its airstrikes over the past year have targeted rebels fighting Assad in western Syria who have no association with the jihadist group.

Rep. Adam Schiff, of California, the ranking member of the House Intelligence Committee, said in a statement Friday that he was "deeply concerned" about Flynn's views on Russia, which, he said, "over the last twelve months have demonstrated the same fondness for the autocratic and belligerent Kremlin which animate President-elect Trump's praise of Vladimir Putin."

Flynn Intel Group

A consulting firm Flynn founded with his son after he retired, Flynn Intel Group  a registered lobbying organization  also has ties to Turkey's increasingly authoritarian president, Recep Tayyip Erdogan, through one of its clients, Kamil Ekim Alptekin.

Alptekin chairs the Turkish-American Business Council, whose members are chosen by Turkish government officials, and helped organize Erdogan's visit to Washington earlier this year.

Alptekin told The Intercept on Thursday that his company, Inovo BV, which is based in the Netherlands, paid Flynn's firm thousands of dollars for analysis beginning in August  the same month Flynn began sitting in on classified intelligence briefings with Trump, Yahoo News reported on Thursday.

Alptekin insisted that Flynn Intel Group had not been lobbying for his company, but the firm is registered as a lobbyist for Inovo BV, as The Intercept reported.

erdogan turkey

Flynn wrote an op-ed article last week supporting the extradition of Pennsylvania-based cleric Fethullah Gulen, whom Erdogan has accused of inciting a coup attempt against his government in July. The Obama administration has denied the extradition requests, saying the Turkish government has not presented evidence showing Gulen to be complicit in the failed coup.

Erdogan's harsh crackdown on dissidents and journalists inside Turkey, as well as his renewed war with Kurdish separatists in Turkey's southeast, has also led to chilled relations between Washington and Ankara.

"General Flynn's uncritical acceptance of the Turkish crackdown on dissent, and his call for the extradition of the cleric Gulen without seeing any evidence of complicity in the aborted coup is also worrying," Schiff said in his statement.

"While Turkey is an important NATO ally, we cannot blind ourselves to its increasingly authoritarian character and the bonds it has been forming with Russia and Iran," he added.

In his own statement released Thursday, Flynn said, "If I return to government service, my relationship with my company will be severed in accordance with the policy announced by President-elect Trump."

Trump's transition team announced earlier this week that all registered lobbyists had been purged from its ranks.

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Trumps natl. security pick sat in on secret briefings  and met with foreign clients

Retired Lt. Gen. Michael Flynn, who has reportedly been offered the role of national security adviser in Donald Trumps White House, began receiving classified national security briefings last summer while he was also running a private consulting firm that offered all-source intelligence support to international clients. His consulting firm, the Flynn Intel Group, registered to lobby for a Dutch company owned by a wealthy Turkish businessman close to President Recep Tayyip Erdogan of Turkey. Flynn, in a statement to Yahoo News, said he would sever business ties if he returns to public service. Critics, though, were not satisfied.

This is profoundly troubling and should be disqualifying. Norm Eisen, who served as President Obamas ethics adviser and later as an ambassador to the Czech Republic

Earlier this week, President Obama authorized that the daily brief materials, which include top-secret intelligence details, be provided to Trump, Vice President-elect Mike Pence and designated members of Trumps transition team. The criticism of Flynn over his overseas clients also came on a day that the Trump transition team announced a sweeping new conflict-of-interest policy that will require all members of the transition team to sever their relationships with lobbying clients and, if they join the administration, forswear lobbying for five years after ending their government service.
In the days leading up to the presidential election, the #MannequinChallenge seemed to provide a welcome bit of fun amid national tension. But as President-elect Donald Trump makes his transition toward the White House, trendsetting teens are now ditching the mannequin act and making a run for it.

The #TrumpsComingChallenge has inspired a cascade of videos featuring students screaming, running and, of course, dancing through the halls of high schools and college classrooms around the country.

Some reports have tied the Trump-inspired meme to yet another viral challenge called #AndysComing, in which teens make like the computer-animated toys in Toy Story and freeze when they hear a human coming. But its striking to watch students leap from their desks and race for the door, hop over fences and even play dead  all in the name of Trump, who once vowed to use a deportation force to expel the estimated 11 million people who illegally immigrated to the U.S.

Months before the election, parents, teachers and guidance counselors pointed to Trumps presidential campaign as the source of heightened anxiety and conflicts in classrooms nationwide. In the wake of Trumps presidential win last week, college campuses and K-12 schools have been the site of a majority of reported incidents of hate speech, harassment and intimidation related to the election.

According to Texas teen Emi Chavez, who claims to have started the #TrumpsComingChallenge, fear of the president-elects immigration plans is exactly what inspired the now-viral sensation.

Me and my friends are Mexican, but we were born here, and everyone is scared by what Trump said about sending Mexicans back home and all the other racist things as well, the 16-year-old Chavez told BBC News. The whole idea was to have some fun, but Trump is a very scary guy to kids of our age because we dont want our families to get split up. So we were just thinking about how we would just run away from him if he came near.

Story continues

See some of the best takes on the #TrumpsComingChallenge below.

#trumpiscomingchallenge by me.show me how you would react if you saw trump????(tag me) #retweet ???? pic.twitter.com/1N3RwxBccX  Emi Chavez (@emichavez_) November 9, 2016
Ankara (AFP) - President Recep Tayyip Erdogan has threatened to call a referendum on the future of Turkey's EU membership bid, while Brussels accuses Ankara of "backsliding" on key commitments.

After an already exhausting process of over half a century, could this finally be the end for the long-running saga of Turkey's EU membership bid?

The situation reached a turning point after the failed July 15 coup, with Brussels angrily criticising a relentless crackdown and Ankara accusing the bloc of failing to show solidarity.

Turkey formally applied to become a member of the European Union in 1987 and accession talks began in 2005. Its ambition to become part of the bloc dates back to the 1960s.

Analysts say that, despite all the problems. both sides are keen to keep up an illusion of an accession process. Brussels is also acutely aware of the importance of a deal with Turkey to reduce the flow of migrants to Europe.

- Half-century accession bid over? -

The Turkish government said it may now propose bringing back the death penalty, a move the EU has warned would mark the immediate end of its accession bid.

"It's their (the EU's) choice to continue the path with or without Turkey," Erdogan warned in October.

But German Foreign Minister Frank-Walter Steinmeier, visiting Ankara this week, said that the ball was in Turkey's court. "It is not a decision for Europe or the European capitals," he said.

Aykan Erdemir, senior fellow at Washington-based Foundation for Defense of Democracies, said there is "a reluctance in Brussels to suspend Turkey's accession process".

"The continuation of Turkey's membership bid is seen as one of the last tools available to the EU for checking Erdogan's arbitrary rule."

- What is the impact of crackdown? -

Since a rogue military faction tried to oust Erdogan from power, over 100,000 people within the judiciary, media, military and civil service have been arrested, suspended or sacked.

Story continues

Among those arrested include secular daily Cumhuriyet columnists and the co-chairs of the second biggest opposition Peoples' Democratic Party (HDP).

For Roy Karadag, political scientist at the University of Bremen, the crackdowns mean "factually, this is the end of the Turkish accession process".

"This is a tough sell, diplomatically speaking, but no European leader can credibly commit to the Turkish accession, any longer," he told AFP.

Yet on the surface at least, EU leaders have been keen to keep the membership bid going, with only Austria at a meeting of foreign ministers this week suggesting a halt.

EU foreign affairs chief Federica Mogherini said it was "very important that channels remain open between a candidate country and a partner and the EU".

Presidential spokesman Ibrahim Kalin wrote in Daily Sabah that membership was a "strategic goal" for Turkey and talks should be accelerated rather than stopped.

- What future for refugee deal? -

Last year the continent experienced its worst refugee crisis since World War II, with more than a million people fleeing war and poverty landing on Europe's shores mostly via Turkey.

In a bid to stem the flow, Brussels and Ankara agreed a 6 billion ($6.4 billion) deal in which Turkey would take back migrants in exchange for money, visa-free travel and the opening of new chapters.

Soner Cagaptay, director of the Turkey Program at the Washington Institute for Near East Policy, said the EU was painfully aware it needs Erdogan's cooperation in the refugee crisis.

Erdogan "could actually bluff and walk away from the EU, knowing that the EU will come to him (almost begging) in the spring when the Aegean warms up and becomes crossable for refugees again, threatening to inundate the continent with refugees." he said.

- How great is economic dependence? -

While the rhetoric now is red hot, a significant reason that cooler heads may prevail is Ankara's economic dependence on the EU, say experts.

Anthony Skinner, head of political risk at Verisk Maplecroft consultancy, said with Turkey's slowing GDP growth an end to talks "would land a heavy and multi-dimensional blow to trade with Europe and inbound European foreign direct investment (FDI)".

Erdemir agreed, saying that the president could "shy away" from suspending talks to protect the Turkish economy.

"The Turkish president might be a firebrand populist but at the same time he is smart enough to know that 85 percent of Turkey's FDI comes from the West."
By Daren Butler ISTANBUL (Reuters) - Turkish police detained more than 70 academics at an Istanbul university, NATO said Turkish soldiers had sought asylum and more pro-Kurdish mayors were arrested on Friday as a crackdown after July's failed coup entered its fifth month. Some 110,000 people have been sacked or suspended in the civil service, army, judiciary and other institutions and 36,000 people jailed pending trial in the investigation of the abortive July 15 putsch, in which more than 240 people were killed. Western allies, in particular in Europe, have voiced concern at the breadth of the purges under President Tayyip Erdogan. Some European politicians have called for a freezing of Turkey's EU membership talks, while a senior U.N. official on Friday described the measures as "draconian" and "unjustified". Erdogan has repeatedly rejected such criticism, saying Turkey is determined to root out its enemies at home and abroad, and could reintroduce the death penalty. He has accused Western nations of siding with the coup plotters and harboring terrorists. Istanbul prosecutors issued detention warrants for 103 teaching staff accused of "membership of an armed terror group" under an investigation into the city's Yildiz Technical University, one of the most prestigious education establishments so far affected, the state-run Anadolu agency said. Police detained 73 of them in dawn raids, searching their homes and offices before taking them to hospital for routine health checks and then to the city's police headquarters. Some were said to have been users of a smart-phone messaging app called ByLock, Anadolu said. The Turkish authorities say the app was used by followers of U.S.-based cleric Fethullah Gulen, blamed for masterminding the failed coup attempt. Gulen denies involvement in the putsch. "DRACONIAN" Thousands of soldiers have been dismissed from the Turkish armed forces since the coup. NATO Secretary-General Jens Stoltenberg said on Friday some members of the military who were posted to NATO in Europe had requested asylum. Speaking at a conference in Brussels, Stoltenberg stressed that Turkey remained a crucial NATO ally and that he condemned the July 15 putsch, but said Ankara must respect the rule of law. "Some Turkish officers working in NATO command structures... have requested asylum in the countries where they are working," he said. "As always, this is an issue that is going to be assessed and decided by the different NATO allies." Dozens of journalists in Turkey have also been jailed pending trial in the crackdown. U.N. Special Rapporteur on freedom of expression David Kaye voiced "deep concern" about widespread measures being used to erode free speech. "Across the board, the government is imposing draconian measures that limit freedom of expression," Kaye said after a one-week official mission to Turkey. He acknowledged the national security concerns faced by the government, but said: "The unjustified attacks on lawyers, judges, journalists, artists, academics and activists undermine security and generate polarization and long-term instability." On Thursday, authorities dismissed 203 prosecutors and judges over links to what the government calls the "Gulenist Terror Group". Parallel to the purges targeting alleged Gulen followers, authorities have been cracking down on politicians they accuse of ties to the Kurdistan Workers Party (PKK), designated a terrorist group by Turkey, the United States and the European Union. A court on Friday sent the mayor of the southeastern city of Van, Bekir Kaya, to jail pending trial on a charge of aiding the PKK, a day after he was detained by police at the municipality building, party sources said. Ankara has appointed administrators to run 34 municipalities, including the one in Van, to replace elected mayors from Kaya's pro-Kurdish Democratic Regions' Party (DBP). Police on Friday detained another DBP mayor, Halis Coskun, who ran the council in the Malazgirt district of Mus province in eastern Turkey, the party sources said. (Additional reporting by Tulay Karadeniz in Ankara, Robin Emmott in Brussels; Editing by Nick Tattersall and Janet Lawrence)
Berlin (AFP) - More than 4,400 Turkish citizens have applied for asylum in Germany this year, the government said on Friday, with numbers soaring since a failed coup attempt against Turkey President Recep Tayyip Erdogan.

Among them are several Turkish military officers stationed at Germany's Ramstein NATO air base, national news agency DPA has reported.

Berlin-Ankara relations have been badly strained by concerns over the Erdogan government's stance on civil rights, especially its sweeping crackdown against opposition lawmakers, journalists and other critical voices in the wake of the July coup attempt.

On Friday, Germany's Office for Migration and Refugees said that this year it had received 4,437 political asylum requests to the end of October from Turks, compared to 1,767 during all of last year.

Numbers had steadily climbed from 275 in July to 485 in October, it said, cautioning however that the rise could not be tied directly to the coup attempt, given the long time lags for asylum applications.

German conservative lawmaker Stephan Mayer, who sits on parliament's interior affairs committee, said: "We must presume that the number of Turks who will request political asylum in Germany will rise further."

Foreign Minister Frank-Walter Steinmeier had said last week Berlin wants to "help persecuted scientists, cultural workers, journalists, who can no longer work in Turkey, come to Germany to work".

Erdogan, for his part, has accused Germany of harbouring thousands of Kurdish militants and failing to respond to its requests to extradite terror suspects of the outlawed Kurdistan Workers Party or PKK.

"We gave them 4,500 files. Six of them were looked at," Erdogan said before leaving on a foreign trip on Friday. "Germany is not keeping an eye on this well.

"Terror will return like a boomerang tomorrow and hit Germany. Germany is playing this wrong. The West has become a sanctuary for terror. You say the PKK is a terror group and then support them. What kind of friendship and honesty is this?"

Story continues

- 'Get rid of opposition' -

Mayer, of the conservative Bavarian CSU party, was critical of the foreign ministry for stating that Germany was open to granting refuge to Turkish citizens who need it.

"We don't solve Turkey's problems by inviting all citizens who are critical of the regime to request asylum here," he told the Funke media group.

"That's not a favour we should do for President Erdogan. Because that's exactly what he wants -- to get rid of the opposition."

Developments in Turkey have a strong resonance in Germany, home to a three-million-strong ethnic Turkish population, the legacy of a massive "guest worker" programme in the 1960s and 70s.

Turkey declared a state of emergency following the July 15 failed coup, arresting tens of thousands in a crackdown which critics say has gone well beyond the alleged plotters to include anyone daring to criticise Erdogan.

EU and US officials have expressed concern over the arrests of opposition lawmakers and journalists as fears grow over Turkey's use of emergency laws.

NATO chief Jens Stoltenberg confirmed on Friday that a number of Turkish officers posted to the alliance had asked for asylum in the member countries where they serve amid the post-coup crackdown at home.
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By Robin Emmott BRUSSELS (Reuters) - Some Turkish military officers posted to NATO in Europe have requested asylum since the abortive coup in Turkey in July, alliance Secretary-General Jens Stoltenberg said on Friday. Reuters exclusively reported in October that Turkish authorities had dismissed hundreds of senior military staff serving with NATO in Europe and the United States following July's coup attempt as part of a far-flung, post-coup security clampdown that has raised human rights concerns. Stoltenberg stressed that Turkey remains a crucial NATO ally and that he condemned the July 15 putsch, but also that Ankara must respect the rule of law even it seeks to remove suspected coup plotters from its armed forces. "Some Turkish officers working in NATO command structures, some of them have requested asylum in the countries where they are working," Stoltenberg told a conference. "As always, this is an issue that is going to be assessed and decided by the different NATO allies as a national issue." At least two Turkish military officials, who were at NATO until they were fired by Ankara in September, are seeking asylum in Belgium, where the alliance has its headquarters. Others have made requests in Germany, where NATO has an air base. A senior Turkish official said last month that Turkey had recalled some soldiers and diplomats after the coup attempt. Some of them declined to go home. More than 400 military staff and diplomats have been summoned back to Ankara, according to documents seen by Reuters, but some are choosing not to return. They say their colleagues have been imprisoned without charge and have had almost no contact with lawyers or family members. Colleagues of those recalled and arrested suspect they are accused of being part of the military faction that seized bridges and roads and attacked Turkey's parliament on July 15. They deny any wrongdoing. LETTERS OF APPEAL The issue is highly sensitive both for Turkey and for the West, which relies on Ankara in the war against Islamic State militants and in preventing migrants from heading en masse from its territory to the European continent. At least one non-Turkish NATO ally has written to its ministry of defense to defend their purged Turkish colleagues, but have not received a reply. Others plan to do the same, but are reluctant to speak out for fear of alienating the Turkish authorities in Brussels and across the alliance. Stoltenberg is to travel to Istanbul on Sunday for a meeting of lawmakers from across the alliance, joining Turkish President Tayyip Erdogan and senior government ministers for the NATO Parliamentary Assembly's annual session. Turkey has sacked or suspended over 110,000 people in the military, civil service, judiciary and elsewhere and jailed 36,000 people pending trial as part of inquiries into the coup bid. The scope of the purges has caused alarm among human rights groups and some Western allies of Ankara, who fear that Erdogan is using the putsch as a pretext to curtail dissent. Stoltenberg said the North Atlantic Treaty Organisation, which is designed to protect allies from attack, is based on what he called "core values" of democracy and the rule of law. "I expect all allies to live up to those values," he said. "When I visited Turkey in September, the message from the Turkish leadership was that they would prosecute those responsible and Turkey has the right to prosecute (them)." But he said he had been reassured that "this will also be done in accordance of the rule of law". Turkish officials say the scale of the crackdown, which enjoys broad popular support at home, is justified by the gravity of events on July 15, when rogue soldiers commandeered tanks, fighter jets and helicopters, bombing parliament and government buildings in their attempt to seize power. More than 240 people, many of them civilians, were killed. (Reporting by Robin Emmott; Editing by Alissa de Carbonnel and Mark Heinrich)
Former Turkish military officers posted to NATO in Europe are seeking asylum there after a failed coup earlier this year to overthrow the Turkish President Recap Tayyip Erdogan, NATO Secretary-General Jens Stoltenberg said Friday. Stoltenberg said Turkey remains a vital NATO ally and would have to respect NATOs verdict about whether the military officials would be granted asylum in the European counties where they were working.

Turkish authorities discharged hundreds of senior military staff members serving with NATO in Europe and the Unites States after the July 15 coup, Reuters reported Friday. At least two Turkish military officials, who were working with NATO before being fired by the Turkish government in September, are seeking asylum in Belgium.

More than 400 military staff members and diplomats had been summoned back to Turkey by the government, but some elected not to return, citing colleagues of theirs that had been imprisoned in the aftermath of the coup without the ability to contact lawyers or family members. Greek authorities said eight Turkish military officers fled to the city of Alexandroupoli after the July coup, the Guardian reported Friday.

U.S. and EU officials expressed human rights concerns over the Turkish governments use of emergency laws aimed at cracking down on potential planners of the July coup, BBC reported Friday. Turkey has discharged, detained or arrested hundreds of thousands of people under these laws, which allowed Erdogan and his cabinet to rule by decree. While the majority of those people were in the military, others included teachers, policemen, judges and journalists.

Free speech in the country had been at risk since the coup, with 3,000 Turks accused of insulting the president and 150 national news outlets closed, the New York Times reported Thursday. There was a recent push by the Turkish government to allow businesses loyal to it to take ownership of the remaining media outlets.

Story continues

At least 76 academics were detained at a university in Istanbul Friday as part of the ongoing clampdown, according to another New York Times report. In all, more than 100,000 Turks were fired from the government jobs they originally had before the failed coup, mainly in military, civil service and judiciary positions. Roughly 36,000 of those who were jailed are still awaiting their trials.

Stoltenberg, who was scheduled to visit Istanbul Sunday, said because of these firings there was a great deal of changeovers in the NATO command structure in Turkey. Stoltenberg condemned the July coup and said he expected the Turkish government to fill all of its posts.

More than 240 people, many of who were civilians, died in the coup attempt. The Turkish Armed Forces cited the alleged rise of secularism within Turkish politics and the governments disregard for human rights as reasons for the coup. Erdogan, who issued a 3-month state of emergency in response, said the plotters had tried to assassinate him in a bombing in the Turkish Mediterranean resort town Marmaris.

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Brussels (AFP) - A number of Turkish officers serving in NATO command posts have asked for asylum since a failed military coup in July, alliance head Jens Stoltenberg said Friday.

Stoltenberg also said he would travel to Istanbul on Sunday, having been there in September when he sought to reassure Ankara of NATO's continued support.

"Some Turkish officers working in NATO command structures ... have requested asylum in the countries where they are working," Stoltenberg told a security conference in Brussels.

"We have seen a number of changeovers in the NATO command structure where Turkish personnel has been changed," the NATO chief said.

Stoltenberg said the NATO countries concerned would make their own asylum decisions rather than the alliance headquarters in Brussels.

"We would be wrong if we started to go into that kind of legal issue; that's for the judicial system" of the countries concerned, he said.

Stoltenberg did not name the countries or say how many Turkish officers were involved.

Jonathan Eyal, an analyst with the London-based think tank Royal United Services Institute, told AFP the development could create more tensions with Turkey.

Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan has accused western powers of failing to show enough support and rejected their charges that he is violating human rights with his massive post-coup crackdown.

Turkey declared a state of emergency following the July 15 coup, arresting tens of thousands in a crackdown which critics say has gone well beyond the alleged plotters to include anyone daring to criticise Erdogan.

Eyal warned the NATO chain of command could be undermined in the long term as Turkey may struggle to fill the slots with officers who may be chosen for their loyalty rather than their competence.

On Thursday, German media reported that several Turkish officers from the NATO base in Ramstein had asked for political asylum together with their families.

Story continues

"There is more than one person", Paul Junker, chief administrator for the district of Kaiserslautern, told the online website of the weekly magazine Der Spiegel.

On Friday the German office for Migration and Refugees confirmed that in total 4,437 Turkish citizens applied for asylum between January and October, more than double the number for 2015.

Authorities in Greece have said eight Turkish military officers fled to the northern Greek city of Alexandroupoli shortly after the coup, but they did not appear to be serving with NATO.

Stoltenberg said he would be visiting Turkey on Sunday to attend a meeting of parliamentarians from NATO countries.

Turkey joined the US-led military alliance in 1952 shortly after World War II, at the start of the Cold War.

Its membership has traditionally been a cornerstone of Turkish foreign policy.
Https%3a%2f%2fblueprint-api-production.s3.amazonaws.com%2fuploads%2fcard%2fimage%2f289807%2fgrandtour

LONDON  The first episode of Amazon Prime's new series The Grand Tour has garnered rave reviews from critics.

Fronted by the former hosts of the BBC's Top Gear series, Jeremy Clarkson, Richard Hammond and James May's return has been hotly anticipated following the less-than-successful airing of the revamped Top Gear.

But did Grand Tour pass the true litmus test of watchability in the modern world?

That is, how did Twitter respond?

SEE ALSO: 'The Grand Tour' will stream worldwide as Amazon Prime Video expands

As it turns out, Twitter is a big fan.

The show's opening scenes prompted instant praise

#TheGrandTour almost 5 minutes with nothing said. What an incredible opening sequence!!! Must admit to having a tear in my eye!  Lord James (@LordFawlty) November 18, 2016

The first ten minutes of The Grand Tour are everything I wanted them to be. So epic! @JeremyClarkson @RichardHammond @MrJamesMay  Adam Pitts (@LawsonAdam) November 18, 2016

Overwhelmingly, The Grand Tour scored high praise from Twitter

I never thought I'd get emotional watching 3 morons driving mustangs in the desert. But here I am... #TheGrandTour  Andrew Blanchard (@AndyTheBlanch) November 18, 2016

It's hard to explain to your fiance while as a 32 old man you are kinda tearin up at the sight of 3 British guys in mustangs #TheGrandTour  Lreed (@corbinwalters1) November 18, 2016

Yes I have just stayed up to watch The Grand Tour instead of doing any work. Worth it.  Luke (@_BFCLuke) November 18, 2016

The Grand Tour looks simply stunning. Utilising my HD to the max while the trio prove why they are the only motor journalists that matter  Andy Pilkington (@Peandpi) November 18, 2016

The Grand Tour is excellent fun to watch. Factual(ish) films, cheesy camaraderie in the studio, bit of slapstick also... It's brilliant!  Liam Pape (@papermail7) November 18, 2016

Of course, some of the reviews are less reliable than others

Er, there seems to be some sort of car show already on Amazon. And it's not bad.  Richard Hammond (@RichardHammond) November 17, 2016

But many people seemed to think it was even better than the show's predecessor, Top Gear

That's the first episode of the grand tour watched. Absolutely love it! Its like old top gear but so much better! @thegrandtour  Jake Margalies (@jakemargalies) November 18, 2016

The Grand Tour 9/ ... 4K Cinematography 10/10, banter 8/10, car content 9/10, originality 9/10, verdict: better than Top Gear. *mic drop* pic.twitter.com/Yf2YMmHFP8  Will Carne (@WillCarne) November 18, 2016

Grand Tour Episode 1, the best car show since Top Gear had an elephant in the studio. #grandtour  Dilan Patel (@dilanpatel98) November 18, 2016

But of course, every show has its shortcomings

#grandtour is good, but i'm not sure I want to see @JeremyClarkson's teeth in 4k. Thanks @amazon  Pete Taylor (@5olly) November 18, 2016

BONUS: Jeremy Clarkson and James May of 'The Grand Tour' on why millennials aren't into cars
By Sharon Bernstein

(Reuters) - A federal appeals court in Chicago on Friday blocked the immediate release from prison of Brendan Dassey, a Wisconsin man whose homicide conviction was overturned in a case chronicled in the popular Netflix television documentary "Making a Murderer."

A U.S. magistrate judge in August ruled that the guilty verdict returned by a trial jury in 2007 against Dassey, now 27, was based on a coerced confession he gave as a 16-year-old with a learning disability.

Wisconsin Attorney General Brad Schimel appealed the judge's ruling, and prosecutors sought to keep Dassey in prison while the case is under review.

On Thursday, a day before Dassey was scheduled to be freed, the Chicago-based 7th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals sided with prosecutors. A three-judge panel ordered him to remain incarcerated "pending the outcome of the appeal," but did not explain its reasoning.

Dassey and his uncle, Steven Avery, were convicted in separate trials of killing freelance photographer Teresa Halbach at Avery's home and scrap yard in 2005. Her charred remains were found in an incineration barrel and a burn pit on Avery's property, about 80 miles (130 km) north of Milwaukee.

The nephew, then 17, was found guilty of first-degree intentional homicide, second-degree sexual assault and mutilation of a corpse. Avery was convicted of first-degree intentional homicide and unlawful possession of a firearm as a felon. Both were sentenced to life in prison.

The case was the subject of the 10-part documentary "Making a Murderer," which questioned the handling of the investigation and the motives of Manitowoc County law enforcement officials.

The documentary, which first went into production 10 years ago, recounted how Avery was convicted of an earlier, unrelated rape and sent to prison in 1985, serving 18 years before DNA evidence exonerated him and he was released.

He filed a $36 million federal lawsuit against the county, its former sheriff and district attorney in 2004. A year later, he and Dassey were accused of killing Halbach.

Story continues

The Emmy-nominated documentary suggested that authorities planted evidence against both defendants, a claim rejected by the current sheriff.

Avery has filed a notice of appeal in his own case.

(Reporting by Sharon Bernstein in Sacramento, California; Editing by Jeffrey Benkoe and Will Dunham)
WASHINGTON, Nov 17 (Reuters) - The U.S. State Department notified Congress on Thursday of the possible sale of F-15QA aircraft to Qatar for $21.1 billion and F/A-18E/F aircraft to Kuwait for $10.1 billion, the U.S. Defense Security Cooperation Agency said in a statement.

Qatar asked to purchase 72 of the fighter aircraft with weapons and related support, the statement said. Kuwait has requested to buy 40 F/A-18E and F/A-18F aircraft and related equipment, it said.

Boeing Co is the prime contractor on the possible sale to Qatar, and Boeing, Northrop Grumman Corp, Raytheon Co and General Electric Co are the prime contractors on the Kuwait deal.

(Reporting by Eric Beech; Editing by Eric Walsh)
(Recasts with White House notice)

By Valerie Volcovici and Patrick Rucker

WASHINGTON, Nov 17 (Reuters) - The United States plans to gather more input from native people as officials contemplate projects like the Dakota Access Pipeline, according to a White House notice posted on Thursday that could delay the controversial plan.

The Army Corps of Engineers plans to "revise its regulations" to ensure its consultations with sovereign tribes are "confirmed by the U.S. Constitution, treaties, statutes, executive orders, judicial decisions and presidential documents and policies."

The proposed change comes in the form of what is known as an Advance Notice of Proposed Rulemaking, which states an agency's intention to issue a new regulation.

The Army Corps of Engineers, which manages many federal infrastructure projects, did not immediately respond to a request for comment Thursday evening.

The pending rule is being contemplated in the final weeks of President Barack Obama's term when the administration is mulling whether or not to allow the Dakota Access crude pipeline.

President-elect Donald Trump is due to be sworn in on Jan. 20. Under federal law, the incoming president has authority to invalidate many last-minute decisions from an outgoing administration.

The notice, which was posted on the website of the U.S. Office Information and Regulatory Affairs, said the public will be able to comment on the proposal until Jan. 1, 2017.

The Obama administration has been in a quandary over whether to issue a permit to allow the completion of the final leg of the pipeline.

Demonstrators fanned out across North America on Tuesday to demand that the U.S. government either halt or reroute the pipeline, while Energy Transfer Partners, the company behind the controversial project, asked a federal court for permission to complete it.

(Additional reporting by Ethan Lou in New York; Editing by Cynthia Osterman and Stephen Coates)
The Karki case

Suspended chief of the Commission for the Investigation of Abuse of Authority (CIAA) Lokman Singh Karki faces impeachment as proceedings are underway in Parliament.
Russian authorities have blocked access to LinkedIn after a court ruled that the business networking site had broken local data storage laws.

A Moscow district court decision last week, which went into effect on Friday, said that LinkedIn had failed to observe a 2014 federal law stipulating that internet companies that process the personal data of Russian citizens must store that data on servers located in Russia.

The move marks the first time a social media site has been blocked in Russia. It will see LinkedIn users in Russia gradually lose access as of Friday. In the past, Russia has threatened to block such social media sites as Facebook, but has never done so.

The decision on LinkedIn prompted alarm at the U.S. embassy in Moscow, which expressed concern, with some observers wondering if the decision could set a precedent justifying the blocking of other sites in the country. "The United States is deeply concerned," Russian state news agency RIA quoted an embassy representative as saying. "We call on Russia to immediately restore access to LinkedIn."

Although none of the other large international social media sites, such as Facebook and Twitter, or Facebook's WhatsApp service, keep Russian users' data on Russia servers, observers believe the case, brought by Kremlin media watchdog Roskomnadzor, is designed as a warning that could be used to put pressure on those companies, which are much more popular among Russians than LinkedIn, to fall into line.

LinkedIn has around 400 million registered users worldwide, but only 5 million of those are in Russia. Russian authorities claim the site is vulnerable to hacking, pointing to a massive hack in 2012 when 6.4 million usernames and passwords were stolen.

"They have a bad track record: Every year there's a major scandal about the safety of user data," Roskomnadzor spokesman Vadim Ampelonsky told The Moscow Times.

In a statement sent out Friday to registered users in Russia, LinkedIn said it would provide refunds for "unused time" for any paid services. Russian users who choose not to close their accounts are also likely to still be able to access them when outside of Russia.

Story continues

The move comes at a time when, following Donald Trump's presidential election victory, Russia's relations with the U.S. are looking like they could improve.

Any decision by LinkedIn to comply with the Russian data storage law and restore access to its Russian users is likely to hinge on what Microsoft, which recently agreed to buy the business networking site for $26.2 billion, decides.

This article was originally published by The Hollywood Reporter.
By Michelle Nichols UNITED NATIONS (Reuters) - The U.N. Security Council on Thursday extended for one year an international inquiry to determine blame for chemical weapons attacks in Syria, paving the way for a showdown between Russia and Western powers over how to punish those responsible. Russia had said it wanted the inquiry to be broadened to look more at the "terrorist chemical threat" within the region and the resolution to renew the mandate included language to reflect that request. The 15-member council unanimously adopted the U.S.-drafted resolution. Launched by the Council a year ago, the inquiry by the United Nations and the Organization for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons (OPCW) has already found that Syrian government forces were responsible for three chlorine gas attacks and that Islamic State militants had used mustard gas. Syria's government has denied its forces have used chemical weapons during the country's nearly six-year-old civil war, while Islamic State is not known to have commented. The Damascus government and its main Russian ally refer to all rebels fighting to topple President Bashar al-Assad as "terrorists". France, Britain, the United States and other Council members have said that after the renewal of the inquiry on Thursday, they hope to start negotiations on a draft resolution to punish those blamed for the attacks, likely with U.N. sanctions. French Foreign Minister Jean-Marc Ayrault said on Friday that nobody could deny the Syrian government's culpability and that a resolution needed to be brought to the Security Council. "The first conclusions from investigators were damning. It is impossible to deny that the Syrian government repeatedly used chemical weapons in clear violation of international law and commitments it agreed to. Those responsible must now be held accountable," he said during a news conference alongside U.N. Secretary General Ban Ki-moon. But Russia has said the inquiry's findings cannot be used to take action at the Security Council and that the Syrian government should investigate the accusations. Last week, the OPCW's executive body voted to condemn the use of banned toxic agents by the Syrian government and Islamic State jihadists. Chlorine's use as a weapon is prohibited under the Chemical Weapons Convention, which Syria joined in 2013. If inhaled, chlorine gas turns to hydrochloric acid and can kill by burning lungs and drowning victims in the resulting body fluids. Syria agreed to destroy its chemical weapons in 2013 under a deal brokered by Moscow and Washington. The Security Council endorsed that deal with a resolution that said in the event of non-compliance, "including unauthorized transfer of chemical weapons, or any use of chemical weapons by anyone" in Syria, it would impose measures under Chapter 7 of the U.N. Charter. Chapter 7 deals with sanctions and authorization of military force by the Security Council. It would need to adopt another resolution to impose targeted sanctions - a travel ban and asset freeze - on people or entities linked to the attacks. (Additional reporting by John Irish in Paris; Editing by Mark Heinrich)
The U.N. Special Rapporteur for the human rights of migrants, Francois Crepeau, has described the conditions on the Pacific island of Nauru  where Australia runs an offshore immigration detention center  as cruel, inhuman and degrading.

His remarks came after the completion of his 18-day visit to Australia and Nauru.

Australia would vehemently protest if its citizens were treated like this by other countries and especially if Australian children were treated like this, the special rapporteur told Australias SBS.

Last month, an Amnesty International report found the conditions at Nauru tantamount to torture, citing severe mental anguish and the intentional nature of the system. (The Australian government rejected Amnestys assessment.)

Earlier this year, the Guardian reported at least two refugees self-immolated on the island and that at least six others had attempted suicide in a matter of days.

The Australian governments policy of detaining undocumented asylum seekers who arrive by boat in offshore processing centers has long been a subject of controversy.

Earlier this month, Australia and the U.S. agreed to resettle many of the refugees held in Australias offshore centers in the U.S.
LAGOS (Reuters) - The United States on Friday said it was concerned by the deaths of Nigerians in clashes between Shi'ite Muslims and police earlier this week and what it called the apparently disproportionate response of the police in the violence. Police said nine people were killed in the clashes during which officers opened fire on members of the Islamic Movement of Nigeria (IMN) taking part in a procession in the northern city of Kano on Monday, but the minority sect said dozens died. Security analysts have drawn some parallels between the IMN and Boko Haram, the Sunni Muslim jihadist group whose insurgency began in 2009. The violence was the latest in a series of incidents involving the sect. A judicial inquiry in August reported that 347 IMN members were killed and buried in mass graves after clashes with the army in December 2015, and two sect members were killed in processions in Kaduna state in October. "The United States is deeply concerned by the deaths of dozens of Nigerians during clashes between individuals participating in a Shia procession and the Nigerian Police Force in Kano State," a statement by the U.S. diplomatic mission in Nigeria said. "While the matter is still under investigation, we are troubled by the apparent disproportionate response by the police," said the statement, issued by spokesman John Kirby, which also called for "calm and restraint on all sides". The U.S. said Nigeria's government should conduct an investigation and "bring to account anyone responsible for violating the law". Last month, the government in Kaduna state, which is next to Kano state, declared IMN as an "unlawful society" on the grounds that its processions were a danger to peace, and said anyone convicted of being a member of the sect could be imprisoned for up to seven years. Nigeria, Africa's most populous nation of 180 million inhabitants, combines a predominantly Christian south and mainly Sunni Muslim north. Human Rights Watch estimates that IMN, whose 1980s founders were inspired by the Islamic Revolution in Shi'ite Iran, has around 3 million members. The sect's leader, Sheikh Ibrahim Zakzaky, has been held without charge since December following the clashes with the army in Zaria. (Reporting by Alexis Akwagyiram)
WASHINGTON (Reuters) - Plans by American Airlines Group Inc <AAL.O> and Qantas Airways Ltd <QAN.AX> to expand their alliance for flights between the United States and Australasia were tentatively denied by the U.S. Transportation on Friday, the agency said, citing competition concerns.

The carriers submitted their application in June 2015, several months before American started flights between the United States and Australia. The partners had been marketing flights on routes that the other did not offer, and requested immunity from U.S. antitrust law in order to coordinate prices and schedules.

The Transportation Department said in a statement that air travelers would have few remaining competitive options if the alliance were expanded, "given the scale of the resulting joint business."

The alliance would have the largest share of seats between 200 pairs of cities, and account for nearly 60 percent of all seats between the United States and Australia, the department said.

The airlines started sharing codes on each other's flights in 1989, co-founded the oneworld marketing alliance in 1999 and formed a deeper partnership in 2011 without antitrust immunity, the regulator said.

American said in a statement it would file an objection, noting the department's "significant departure" from its prior decisions.

"Other airlines have the significant competitive advantage of antitrust immunity in the U.S.-Australasia market," American said.

Denials of requests for antitrust immunity are rare, said Henry Harteveldt, founder of the travel consultancy Atmosphere Research Group. However, the United States has become increasingly concerned about protecting consumers as the industry has consolidated through mergers and alliances, he said.

"It's made it more difficult for unaffiliated airlines to compete," Harteveldt said.

(Reporting by Timothy Ahmann in Washington and Jeffrey Dastin in San Franscisco; Editing by David Alexander and Richard Chang)
By Michelle Nichols UNITED NATIONS (Reuters) - The United States proposed on Friday that the United Nations Security Council blacklist South Sudan opposition figure Riek Machar, South Sudan army chief Paul Malong and South Sudan Information Minister Michael Makuei. The United States circulated the three names to the 15-member council in an annex, seen by Reuters, to a draft resolution that would place an arms embargo on the world's newest nation amid warnings by a senior U.N. official of possible genocide. If designated by the council, the men would be subjected to a global asset freeze and travel ban. However, Russia and China, members with council veto powers, have both voiced opposition to an arms embargo and further targeted sanctions. Deputy Russian U.N. Ambassador Petr Iliichev said on Thursday that sanctions against South Sudanese leaders would "be the height of irresponsibility now." Political rivalry between South Sudan's President Salva Kiir, an ethnic Dinka, and his former deputy Machar, a Nuer, led to civil war in 2013 that has often followed ethnic lines. The pair signed a shaky peace deal last year, but fighting has continued and Machar fled the country in July. Machar was in Democratic Republic of Congo, then Sudan and was most recently in South Africa for medical treatment. The Security Council set up a targeted sanctions regime for South Sudan in March 2015 and has so far blacklisted six generals - three from each side of the conflict - by subjecting them to an asset freeze and travel ban. In September last year the United States proposed that the Security Council sanction Malong, but Russia, Angola and Venezuela objected. U.N. peacekeepers have been deployed in South Sudan since 2011, when it gained independence from Sudan. There are some 13,000 U.N. troops and police on the ground. (Editing by Jeffrey Benkoe)
* Uber letter comes after govt plans to have apps pulled

* Uber appealing to Tsai's push for Silicon Valley-like economy

* Latest salvo comes after UberEATS launched in Taiwan

* Tsai's office: Taiwan welcomes foreign capital, tech, including Uber (Adds response from Taiwan Presidential Office in paragraphs 12, 13)

By J.R. Wu

TAIPEI, Nov 17 (Reuters) - Uber Technologies Inc urged Taiwan President Tsai Ing-wen to let the island's people decide whether they want Uber services in Taiwan, the latest salvo in the wrangle between the authorities there and the global ride-hailing service company.

Uber's comments were made in an open letter to the island's president posted on its website on Thursday.

They came after transport authorities said this week they would ask Apple Inc and Alphabet Inc's Google to pull Uber's apps available in Taiwan from their app stores, including UberEATS, its newest meal takeaway service.

Late last month, Taiwan's cabinet said policymakers had reached a consensus on raising potential fines that would affect Uber's operations in Taiwan from at most T$150,000 ($4,707.36) now to as much as T$25 million.

"These developments directly threaten the interests of over a million Taiwanese citizens, especially the mothers, fathers, retirees, professionals, and the otherwise unemployed who have come to rely on the economic opportunities Uber has created," Uber said in the letter signed by Mike Brown, regional general manager of Uber Asia Pacific.

Uber operates in Taiwan as an internet-based technology platform rather than as a transportation company, which Taiwanese authorities have said is a mis-representation of its service and ordered it to pay back taxes. However, Uber has said it complies with local regulations, including paying its taxes.

Uber has been facing similar legal scrutiny in markets across Asia. It entered the Taiwan market in 2013, and its growing popularity has triggered anger from domestic taxi drivers, who staged a massive protest against Uber earlier this year.

Story continues

Appealing to Tsai's push to turn Taiwan into a Silicon Valley in Asia, Uber said it wanted to bring more services, like tech-powered carpooling and self-driving vehicles, to the island.

Taiwan's existing laws are a "poor fit for new technologies and business models", Uber said in its letter, adding that the actions against Uber also deter entrepreneurs and foreign investment.

"We have submitted multiple proposals and updates in an effort to demonstrate our commitment to working together to recognize, and regulate, ridesharing, which is an entirely new technology and business model for Taiwan," it said.

"So we ask you, President Tsai, to please guide the dialogue on innovation, by convening a public hearing on ridesharing and letting Taiwan decide," Uber said.

In response, Taiwan's Presidential Office said it hopes Uber will continue its consultations with the government.

"(We) also welcome foreign capital and technology to Taiwan, including innovative new economic models like Uber," it said in a statement.

Uber's Taiwan general manager Likai Gu told Reuters in a telephone interview on Thursday that the company remains optimistic about a "positive resolution" of the issues in Taiwan.

There are over 10,000 driver partners registered on Uber's platform in Taiwan, estimated Gu. He said drivers must register with a Taiwanese ID card, which means the individual is a citizen, and a valid Taiwanese driver's license.

"That doesn't necessarily equate to jobs, but it's people who decide that their current income opportunities are not enough," said Gu.

"They want to convert these cars into something that helps them earn additional income, instead of something that becomes a financial burden." ($1 = 31.8650 Taiwan dollars) (Reporting by J.R. Wu; Editing by Muralikumar Anantharaman)
The UFC Belfast fight between Ian Uncle Creepy McCall and Neil Seery was canceled on Friday. The bout's cancellation, McCall's fourth in four attempts to get in the Octagon, came when McCall fell ill.

The bout was intended to be 37-year-old Seery's retirement bout. It wasn't to be for the Dubliner, who wanted to end his career at the Northern Ireland event.

Following the cancellation, UFC officials issued the following statement:

On the advice of physicians, and with the athletes health and safety in mind, UFC has removed Ian McCall from his bout (Saturday) night against Neil Seery at UFC Fight Night: Mousasi vs. Hall 2 in Belfast, Northern Ireland, due to illness.

UFC Fight Night: Mousasi vs. Hall 2 will proceed with 13 bouts. Seery will serve as a back-up in the event a flyweight from the card cannot compete.

TRENDING > Conor McGregor Puts a Price on Floyd Mayweather Boxing Match

Seery weighed 126 pounds at the official early morning weigh-in. He will receive his show money, even if he doesn't fight, which is likely. The only other flyweight bout on the card is a preliminary fight between Ali Bagautinov and Kyoji Horiguchi.

Follow MMAWeekly.com on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram
Two dengue deaths in three days in Chitwan

Two dengue deaths have been reported in Chitwan between three days, the District Public Health Office said on Thursday.
Days after Donald Trump was elected president, a University of Georgia student reported to local police that a man threatened her with the same words that president-elect used to describe how he could get away with assaulting women.

The 22-year-old told Athens-Clarke County police that she was eating at the Waffle House in downtown Athens on Saturday when she overheard a group of men making racist comments about Mexicans.

When she turned around to face the group of men  who were all white  one of them reportedly stated that he was going to grab (the student) by the p---y, according to a police report cited by the Athens Banner-Herald.

The threat mirrored the president-elects vulgar remarks caught on tape in a 2005 video where he bragged about how he was able to Grab [women] by the p---y, by virtue of his fame. The video was leaked in October, days before the presidential elections, and prompted a number of women to come forward with accusations of sexual abuse against Trump.

Trump, however, has denied all allegations of sexual abuse and dismissed the comments on the tape  caught backstage on an Access Hollywood segment  as locker room banter.

With Trumps election, many believe that there would be an increase in such incidents as men may consider such acts as being sanctioned by the nations choice for president.

The Southern Poverty Law Center, an Alabama-based legal advocacy organization, reported last week that between the day Trump won and the following Monday, the nonprofit collected 437 reports of hateful intimidation and harassment against woman and minorities.

Jackson Katz, co-founder of Mentors in Violence Prevention  a program taught in high schools and colleges across the country  referred to the construction moguls election as a disaster.

We elected a man who is openly misogynistic, who has a decades-long public life of ridiculing, belittling and sexually objectifying women, Katz told the Huffington Post. The fact that we have lifted him up to be the president makes a powerful statement about our society and what we accept.

Related Articles
By Kathryn Doyle (Reuters Health)  - The mental health benefits of participation in childhood scouting activities might last for decades, a new study suggests. In the middle-aged study participants, mood and happiness tended to range in association with childhood social position  but not for grown-ups who had been in the Scouts-Guides program when they were young, researchers found. Scout or Guide membership appears to almost completely remove the inequality in mental health (aged 50) associated with early life economic disadvantage, said lead author Chris Dibben of the University of Edinburgh in Scotland. Given the difficulty governments around the world have in tackling health inequalities, we think any evidence of substantial impact is significant, Dibben told Reuters Health by email. The Scout Association provides active, outdoor, social activities for young people, male and female, age six to 25 in the U.K. Girlguiding is a similar program, and the largest girls only youth program in the U.K. For the new study, the researchers focused on more than 9,000 people born in 1958, 28 percent of whom had been in the Scouts or Guides program. Mental Health Index tests at age 50 assessed nerves, calmness, downheartedness and happiness over the previous four weeks, with answers scored on a scale of one to 100. On average, participants scored about 75. Adults who had been in Scouts-Guides scored about 2.2 points higher than other adults. For those who had not taken part in the programs, mental health scores ranged along the lines of childhood social position, but there was no similar range for adults who had been in Scouts-Guides, as reported in the Journal of Epidemiology and Community Health. Detecting an apparent effect 40 or so years after an activity is always going to be notable, however in many ways existing research on social mobility, resilience and activities that may be protective of mental health, provide many explanations of why the kind of programs used by the scouts and guides and other similar youth organizations might be protective of mental health, Dibben told Reuters Health by email. We know that many of the things being a Scout or Guide enable you to do or learn are useful for protecting mental health: taking exercise, eating well, enjoying the outdoors, having good social skills, having fun and making a contribution, he said. We also know that being a Scout or Guide helps people to encounter new or challenging situations and cope well, with the help of others. Character skills like conscientiousness, perseverance and curiosity may be as important as intelligence for overall life achievement, he said. This then supports the idea that parents might look to activities that might develop these skills in children, Dibben said. The researchers did not account for how caring or supportive peoples childhood homes were, which may have had an impact, said Dr. Oliver Huxhold of the German Center of Gerontology in Berlin, who was not part of the study. Caring or supporting parents would have been more likely to put kids into these Scout or Guide programs, Huxhold told Reuters Health by phone. But there are no real downsides to these types of programs, which exist in many countries, he said. Thats the main reason why I dont think its problematic to recommend something like this, he said. SOURCE: http://bit.ly/2fDQcLx Journal of Epidemiology and Community Health, online November 10, 2016.
LONDON (Reuters) - Buckingham Palace, one of Britain's best known landmarks and home to Queen Elizabeth, will undergo a decade-long overhaul costing 369 million pounds ($457 million) after the government approved what it said were urgently needed funds. The work will focus on replacing electrical wiring, water pipes and the heating system which were installed after World War Two. "These urgent works have been properly costed and will ensure the palace can continue its centuries-long tradition of being the working house of our monarch," David Gauke, chief secretary to the Treasury, said on Friday. The renovation will be funded by a temporary increase in the Sovereign Grant, the government financial mechanism that covers the running costs of Queen Elizabeth's household. The most critical work will begin in April 2017 and the palace will remain occupied and fully operational while the renovation is carried out, the royal press office said. Millions of tourists flock to see the palace each year, especially to see the traditional Changing of the Guard and Summer Opening ceremonies. (Reporting by Adela Suliman; Editing by Mark Trevelyan)
By Matthias Williams and Margaryta Chornokondratenko KIEV (Reuters) - The office of Ukrainian President Petro Poroshenko hit back on Thursday at claims by former regional governor Mikheil Saakashvili that Poroshenko had allowed corruption to flourish, saying Saakashvili had failed to deliver change while in office. Speaking to Reuters a week after resigning as a governor, Saakashvili, a former Georgian president who went on to have a second political career in Ukraine, had said Poroshenko either abetted or turned a blind eye to corruption. In the first detailed rebuttal by a representative of Poroshenko since Saakashvili quit, Vitaliy Kovalchuk, the first deputy head of the Presidential Administration, told Reuters Saakashvili was a better politician than a manager. Despite being given more power than any previous governor in Ukraine, and allowed to appoint his own people to key positions, Saakashvili had failed to bring corrupt people to book or deliver tangible reform in the customs service, Kovalchuk said. "We may say that Mikheil Saakashvili did not manage to cope with his powers," Kovalchuk told Reuters in an emailed statement. "Believe me, no one in the presidential administration is happy about it. I regret that Mikheil Saakashvili turned out to be a far better politician than a manager." Saakashvili was appointed governor of the Odessa region in 2015 by Poroshenko - Kiev's pro-Western leader who pledged to transform Ukraine after the Maidan street protests, partly fueled by anger over official corruption, led to the overthrow of the previous administration. But for some in the country, dreams of radical change are fading; a report by Transparency International on Wednesday found nearly three-quarters of Ukrainians do not think there has been a reduction in corruption under Poroshenko, compared with under the former president, Kremlin-backed Viktor Yanukovich. "Poroshenko wanted until now to appear nice in front of the West, that he is doing something, without really doing anything," Saakashvili said. "Imitating change without really having any real substantial change." Reuters could not independently verify any of Saakashvili's allegations. Poroshenko and others in the government "have lost all taste for reforms", Saakashvili said in an interview. "Real change and reform really means also decreasing the leverage for stealing, for plundering, pillaging Ukrainian wealth and for the cronies of the president and the others to basically increase their wealth," he said. "First they refused to help us when they could, and then they actually started to sabotage us." Kovalchuk countered assertions that Poroshenko didn't help reforms in Odessa. As an example, he said Poroshenko initiated a law change allowing new roads to be built through the revenues collected from customs, with Odessa in mind. But Odessa still lagged other regions in road repairs on Saakashvili's watch, he said. He added Saakashvili had spent 47 percent, or 167 days out of the 357 days he was in charge of Odessa, traveling outside the region. "Mikheil Saakashvili says that the president has lost the appetite for reforms, but in my opinion, Mikheil as the head of the region has failed to cook this meal," he said. POLITICAL FORCE When Saakashvili quit on Nov. 7 he said he planned to create a new Ukrainian political force without links to big business or established political factions, and that he would pressure the government for snap elections. Saakashvili said he had hoped to reform Odessa on the Black Sea, which had a reputation as a hub for smuggling with a corrupt port customs service. But he said his efforts were blocked at every turn. "We see some of the old cronies of Yanukovich, basically racketeer businesses, being replaced by people close to the sitting president," Saakashvili said. Recalling their conversations, Saakashvili said Poroshenko had tried to blame former Prime Minister Arseny Yatseniuk for blocking reform. But even after Yatseniuk's government fell in April, Saakashvili said corruption was allowed to continue. Yatseniuk resigned and, according to Saakashvili, the price he and his party exacted for supporting Poroshenko's choice of new prime minister was the sacking a reformist prosecutor who was investigating a scam to loot fuel from a state-run refinery. Yatseniuk's People's Front party did not respond to a request for comment. 'LAST OF THE MOHICANS' Saakashvili also said the head of Odessa port customs, Yulia Marushevska, was prevented from implementing reforms to reduce the discretionary powers of officers to set the level of duties and recruit new people who would be less susceptible to bribes. Saakashvili said Marushevska was hounded by official reprimands at the behest of another parliamentary faction leader in exchange for supporting Poroshenko's coalition. Marushevska, a Ukrainian, resigned on Monday, as did police chief Dekanoidze, a former Georgian government minister. Marushevska was not immediately available to comment. She has previously accused vested interests in state agencies of sabotaging her attempts to fire corrupt officials. Her superiors said her leadership had been unsatisfactory and that they had not seen any evidence of her reform plans. Dekanoidze was also unavailable to comment. When she quit she said there was a conflict between "those who want to change, and those who are stuck in the past," warning that politicians should stop meddling in the police force. Earlier official departures in Ukraine included the Economy Minister, a Lithuanian who resigned in February accusing a Poroshenko ally of corruption. "We were almost The Last of the Mohicans trying to keep faith in changing the system from within it," Saakashvili said of reformists who had left their jobs. "So for us, giving up hope was very hard because we invested a lot of time, reputation, effort in trying to change the system." "Keeping the status quo would also destroy Ukraine, so we need some kind of positive change," he said. (Additional reporting by Natalia Zinets in KIEV and Marja Novak in LJUBLJANA; editing by Pravin Char and Grant McCool)
Marrakesh (Morocco) (AFP) - The leader of Fiji, whose nation is being resculpted by rising seas, pleaded Friday with Donald Trump to join the fight against global warming.

Invoking World War II, Prime Minister Frank Bainimarama urged the United States to play its part in rescuing his Pacific island state -- and the world at large -- from climate change.

"You came to save us then, it is time for you to help to save us now," he said before the 196-nation assembly.

Bainimarama invited the US president-elect -- who has repeatedly called global warming a hoax -- to visit Fiji to see for himself the devastating impact of climate-fuelled cyclones and storm surges.

Moroccan foreign minister and conference president Salaheddine Mezouar made a similar plea on the final day of the high-level UN talks tasked with implementing the landmark Paris Agreement.

"We count on your pragmatism and your spirit of commitment," he said when asked if he had a message for Trump.

The UN climate forum was stunned to see an avowed climate change denier capture the White House, and the shadow of his victory hung over the 12-day meeting, which gavelled through a work plan Friday night for implementing the Paris pact.

Trump's "100-day action plan" includes scrapping the hard-won deal, which entered into force earlier this month, in record time for a treaty.

Ministers and diplomats, however, insist a Trump administration cannot derail the massive momentum of the global transition to a low-carbon economy, already well under way.

"Not one country has said that if Trump pulls the US out of the Paris Agreement they will follow him," said Alden Meyer, a veteran climate analyst at the Washington-based Union of Concerned Scientists.

- Trump effect -

The BASIC group of Brazil, South Africa, India and China said in a statement they would "continue and strengthen" their own actions, while stressing "there can be no backtracking on commitments from developed countries and no attempt to renegotiate the terms of the agreement reached in Paris".

Story continues

But if Trump acts on his promises, the consequences could still be severe.

"The chances of the rest of the world contributing the emissions reductions commitments that the US is required to undertake, or covering the shortfall in climate finance," are slim, said analyst Mohamed Adow of Christian Aid.

"That is scary," he told AFP.

Highlighting the stakes, US government scientists said this week that the first 10 months of the year were the hottest in modern times -- and 2016 would likely surpass 2015 as the warmest year on record.

The Paris pact seeks to hold nations to keep global warming below two degrees Celsius (3.6 degrees Fahrenheit).

Voluntary national pledges to slash CO2 emissions, a by-product of burning fossil fuels, falls dangerously short of that goal.

On current trends, average global temperatures are set to top 3 C (5.6 F) by the century's end, a recipe for massive human misery, scientists say.

A key aim of the Marrakesh talks was to lay the groundwork for ramping up -- country-by-country -- the pace of the global transition from dirty to clean energy.

- Unfinished business -

The next "political moment" when countries will be under pressure to increase their carbon-cutting ambition is the UN summit in 2018, to be held in Poland, it was announced Friday.

The other key objective was to rally hundreds of billions of dollars to poor countries hit first and hardest by climate impacts, despite having made a negligible contribution to the problem.

"The issue of finance is very much unfinished business from Paris," said Tracy Carty, an expert from Oxfam who tracks the issue.

Rich nations unveiled earlier this month a "roadmap" projecting that financing from public and private sources is on track to meet a pledge of at least $100 billion (94 billion euros) a year from 2020.

But developing nation recipients have contested the roadmap's figures, saying current climate-specific aid is only half to a quarter of the amount claimed.

Of that, only a sliver is for adapting to climate impacts -- drought, heat waves, flooding -- already under way, a high priority for the world's poorest regions, according to Oxfam.

"It looks like the issue is being kicked down the road to the next COP," said Carty, using the acronym for the annual Conference of the Parties to global efforts to stop climate change.

Mezouar announced that the next high-level climate meet would take place next year in Bonn, Germany, with Fiji presiding.
United Nations (United States) (AFP) - The UN Security Council on Thursday unanimously decided to extend for another year the mandate of a panel tasked with investigating chemical attacks in Syria and identifying those responsible.

Backed by Russia, the council adopted a US-drafted resolution to prolong the joint investigation by the United Nations and the Organization for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons (OPCW) until November 2017.

US Ambassador Samantha Power said the work of the panel, known as the Joint Investigative Mechanism (JIM), was "far from finished" and pointed to reports of alleged chlorine gas attacks in east Aleppo.

The JIM has already established during its year-long investigation that Syrian government forces carried out three chlorine gas attacks on villages in 2014 and 2015.

It was the first time that an international probe pointed the finger of blame at President Bashar al-Assad's forces, after years of denial from Damascus.

Despite the findings, Russia has dismissed the conclusions as unconvincing and said no sanctions should be imposed on Syria.

Russian Deputy Ambassador Vladimir Safronkov said "Russia's skeptical position is well-known regarding the conclusions" but he added that Moscow's backing was a recognition that chemical weapons use remained a threat in Syria and in Iraq.

The JIM also found that the Islamic State group in Syria used mustard gas as a weapon in August 2015.

- Calls for sanctions -

France and Britain have repeatedly called for UN sanctions against Syria for its use of chemical weapons but there has been no action at the Security Council.

French Ambassador Francois Delattre said "today's adoption is an important step but we will need to go further" by ensuring that those responsible for the attacks face sanctions.

Power said the council must work to "make sure those who use these gruesome weapons face consequences."

The resolution tasks the JIM with identifying the "perpetrators, organizers, sponsors" of attacks including among groups associated with the Islamic State group or Al-Qaeda.

Story continues

It states that all "individuals, entities, groups or governments responsible for any use of chemical weapons must be held accountable."

In its last report, the JIM found that government helicopters flying from two Assad regime-controlled air bases dropped chlorine barrel bombs on the villages of Qmenas, Talmenes and Sarmin, in rebel-held Idlib province.

The panel identified three helicopter squadrons as the perpetrators.

Syria signed the Chemical Weapons Convention (CWC) in 2013 and agreed to give up its chemical stockpile under pressure from close ally Russia.

At a meeting in The Hague last week, the OPCW's executive body condemned Syria for its use of chemical weapons, the first-ever condemnation of a state-party to the CWC.

"With the extension of the UN-OPCW Joint Investigative Mechanism for another year, all those thinking of using chemical weapons in Syria will know that they may be exposed. But accountability is also crucial," said Louis Charbonneau, the UN director for Human Rights Watch.

"The Security Council should quickly impose sanctions on senior leaders in the Syrian chain of command who have allowed the use of chemical weapons on their watch."

Set up by the council in August 2015, the JIM was due to shut down on Friday unless its mandate was renewed.
By David Shepardson

WASHINGTON (Reuters) - Ford Motor Co (F.N), one of Donald Trump's prime corporate targets on the campaign trail, offered the President-elect a chance to claim a victory late on Thursday by informing him it would not shift production of a Lincoln sport utility vehicle to Mexico from Kentucky.

Trump jumped at the chance, claiming in a tweet that he had "worked hard" with Ford Executive Chairman Bill Ford Jr. to keep the plant in Kentucky, even though Ford had never considered moving the whole factory south of the border.

In letting Trump claim a victory, Ford made what appeared to be a calculated, public appeal to the next president in an attempt to soothe concerns about outsourcing jobs and to gain some leverage with the new administration as the automaker pushes for favorable policy changes in Congress.

"Ford is not going to make a decision on a purely political basis," said Kristin Dziczek, director of industry, labor and economics at the Center for Automotive Research in Michigan.

"They are going to make a decision that makes business sense, economic sense and if it happens to align with political goals, that's great," she said.

The No. 2 automaker in the United States is not the only company in Trump's crosshairs working out how to deal with the new political reality in Washington.

Apple Inc (AAPL.O), criticized by Trump for not building products in the United States, is studying the possibility of moving iPhone production to the United States, Japanese news service Nikkei reported on Thursday.

Apple did not reply to a request for comment on Friday.

JOBS = VOTES

Trump campaigned heavily on bringing jobs to the United States and attacking companies such as Ford that plan to take some production overseas, a message that resonated in the economically ravaged center of the country.

Ford gave Trump plenty of ammunition, confirming in September that all of its remaining small-car production in the United States, at its facility in Wayne, Michigan, would go to lower-cost Mexico by 2019.

Story continues

Ford Chief Executive Mark Fields said no plants would be closed as a result, and no U.S. jobs would be lost as capacity at the Wayne plant would be taken up by two new models.

The Mexico plans remain in place, despite the fact that Trump vowed on the campaign trail to stop Ford opening a new plant in that country and promised to slap 35 percent tariffs on any Ford vehicles made there.

Ford went further this month, announcing on Election Day a new $195 million investment in India, where it will add 3,000 new jobs in a facility to build its new EcoSport SUV. Ford said this week it would import cars made there to the United States. Trump has not made any public comment on that plan.

BOTH CLAIM VICTORY

On Thursday, Ford said it had been reviewing where to build the Lincoln MKC, just one vehicle built at the Louisville assembly plant, but had decided to keep it in Kentucky.

As such, nothing changed, but letting Trump announce the decision gave him the opportunity to claim he saved U.S. jobs and cast Ford as a patriotic manufacturer.

"Both sides will claim a certain level of victory because nobody wants a significant negative impact on the industry," said Dave Cole, chairman emeritus of the Center for Automotive Research.

It was unclear how many, if any, jobs were actually saved by the decision. Ford decided last year to move MKC production by 2019, on the assumption that production of the Ford Escape, a similar vehicle made in the same plant, would grow. But recently Escape demand has slumped, which may have prompted Ford to reconsider.

According to Cole, Ford's olive branch to Trump was a clear indication that it needs help from the next administration as it faces a host of issues from fuel economy standards and the rise of autonomous vehicles to trade and currency.

Cole said Trump, who boasts about his dealmaking skills, may choose to focus on bargaining with companies he has targeted - even if only for small concessions - rather than pursue more punitive measures such as tariffs, which would take time to implement and potentially damage the economy.

Ford nodded to those wider issues in a statement on Friday, saying it was encouraged that Trump's economic policies "will help improve U.S. competitiveness."

Ford, like other global U.S. corporations, agrees with key aspects of Trump's economic plans. It has called for U.S. tax reform and raised concerns about the costs of federal regulations. Ford also shares Trump's concerns about currency manipulation.

(Editing by Bill Rigby)
Lima (AFP) - US Trade Representative Michael Froman warned of "serious" strategic and economic costs from scrapping a major trans-Pacific trade deal Friday, as proponents lobbied hard to overcome president-elect Donald Trump's opposition.

Acknowledging that the fate of the 12-nation Trans-Pacific Partnership agreement, or TPP, is now largely out of the Obama administration's hands, Froman indicated he would continue to make the case that the deal is good for America.

"We are obviously at a point in time where this is a legislative process to get TPP through and it's really up to the Congressional leadership to determine if, when and how it's going to move forward," he said. "It's a political decision for them to make."

"Our argument is that inaction poses serious costs" he added, citing a recent study suggesting failure would cost the US economy around $94 billion in the first year alone.

Trade deals such as TPP and the 1993 North American Free Trade Agreement featured heavily in the brutal US election campaign and many see Trump's victory as a repudiation of ever-deeper commercial ties.

Neither Trump nor his Democratic rival Hillary Clinton supported TPP during the campaign.

Free-trade supporters say the deals were made a scapegoat for the social and economic disruptions caused by automation and other far more potent trends.

"Globalization is a factor in our life, it's not going away," Froman said.

Some are still holding out a flicker of hope that pragmatism will trump the mogul's tough anti-trade rhetoric when he gets to the Oval Office.

The real estate billionaire's inexperience and seemingly divergent policy positions have led many in Washington to treat the president-elect as a blank canvas for their priorities, hoping he can be persuaded of the benefits.

Allies of the president-elect, including some in Congress and Vice President-elect Mike Pence, have voiced support for the deal.

Story continues

"It's only been ten days since the election," Froman said. "Any new administration needs time to go through the transition process, appoint its people, get briefed up on the state of current policy and to make their decisions about where they want to go from here."

Some envisage the reopening of negotiations that would allow Trump to play dealmaker and claim to improve the pact.

Leaders of TPP countries are scheduled to meet in Lima, Peru on Saturday on the margins of an Asia-Pacific summit.

But some signatories are already looking at whether a Chinese-backed trade agreement might be more feasible than the Washington-led deal.

"TPP is obviously not the only game in town," Froman said. "It's a real risk that's playing out in real time."

Many believe a successful Chinese pact would strike major blow to US influence in the fast-rising region.
* Forecasts for higher output in Indonesia weigh on mkt

* Palm down 3.5 pct this week

* Palm looks neutral in 2,823-2,891 rgt/T range - Techs

(Updates latest prices)

By Emily Chow

KUALA LUMPUR, Nov 18 (Reuters) - Malaysian palm oil futures

dropped on Friday, their first session of losses in three, as

they tracked weaker rival oils on the Chicago Board of Trade

(CBOT) and China's Dalian Commodity Exchange.

Also weighing on sentiment were forecasts for higher output

in Indonesia, the world's top producer of palm.

Benchmark palm oil futures for February delivery

on the Bursa Malaysia Derivatives Exchange were down 0.2 percent

at 2,869 ringgit ($649.98) a tonne at the end of the trading

day. They have declined 3.5 percent this week after gaining 8.7

percent in the previous week.

Traded volumes stood at 39,182 lots of 25 tonnes each, below

the 2015 daily average of 44,600 lots.

Palm was tracking weaker rival oils, said one trader from

Kuala Lumpur.

Another based in East Malaysia said the market fell due to

higher production forecasts in Indonesia and "lacklustre

exports" from Malaysia.

Indonesia's crude palm oil output likely rose for a sixth

month in October, increasing by 5.6 percent to 3.06 million

tonnes, according to a Reuters poll of three industry

associations and a state palm research firm.

Malaysian shipments of palm oil declined in the first half

of November by 17-19 percent from the same period a month ago,

according to data from cargo surveyors.

Palm prices track the performance of related vegetable oils

such as oilseed soy, as they compete for a share in the global

edible oils market.

The December soybean oil contract on the CBOT fell

0.2 percent, while the January soybean oil contract on the

Dalian Commodity Exchange declined 0.2 percent.

In related vegetable oils, the January contract for palm

olein on the Dalian Commodity Exchange was down 0.2

percent.

Palm oil looks neutral in a range of 2,823-2,891 ringgit per

tonne, according to Reuters market analyst for commodities and

Story continues

energy technicals Wang Tao.

Palm, soy and crude oil prices at 1034 GMT

Contract Month Last Change Low High Volume

MY PALM OIL DEC6 2871 -11.00 2850 2880 414

MY PALM OIL JAN7 2870 -11.00 2845 2878 6046

MY PALM OIL FEB7 2869 -7.00 2843 2876 23243

CHINA PALM OLEIN JAN7 6110 -14.00 6062 6194 769170

CHINA SOYOIL JAN7 6632 -16.00 6604 6674 316552

CBOT SOY OIL DEC6 33.63 -0.07 33.45 33.75 9977

INDIA PALM OIL NOV6 526.80 -0.40 522.70 527.8 405

INDIA SOYOIL NOV6 688.2 +1.80 686 688.8 2530

NYMEX CRUDE DEC6 45.31 -0.11 44.55 45.40 20675

Palm oil prices in Malaysian ringgit per tonne

CBOT soy oil in U.S. cents per pound

Dalian soy oil and RBD palm olein in Chinese yuan per tonne

India soy oil in Indian rupee per 10 kg

Crude in U.S. dollars per barrel

($1 = 4.4140 ringgit)

($1 = 68.2099 Indian rupees)

($1 = 6.8870 Chinese yuan)

(Reporting by Emily Chow; Editing by Subhranshu Sahu and Mark

Potter)
Victoria Beckham used her daughters drawing for this World AIDS Day shirt, and we think its gorgeous

The Beckham household is definitely oozing with talent. This time, its visual art thats being showcased! For World AIDS Day, Victoria Beckham used a drawing that her five-year-old daughter, Harper, drew for an incredible t-shirt thatll hopefully raise some funds and awareness for the important cause.

Taking place on December 1st, World AIDS Day observes the struggle and dedication that those infected with the disease conquer through. Were sure that Harper is thrilled that shes helping to make a difference!

According to her Mom, t-shirts will be available on her website for both children and adults. The proceeds will go towards Born Free Africa, which helps prevent the transmission of AIDS from mother to child through birth.

Thank you @voguemagazine! My #WAD2016 t-shirts available tomorrow at #VBDoverSt and victoriabeckham.com x VB A photo posted by Victoria Beckham (@victoriabeckham) on Nov 17, 2016 at 5:53am PST

This year, for the first time (and along with a little help from Harper), Ive created an adults T-shirt with a matching mini-version for children too, Beckham said in an interview with Harpers Bazaar.

This isnt the first time that Beckham wanted the world to check out her daughters incredible art. Just by looking at her Instagram account, its obvious that shes genuinely impressed with Harpers talent.

Fun day painting with mummy and Uncle Kenny X Kisses from the sunshine! X @davidbeckham #clevergirl X vb A photo posted by Victoria Beckham (@victoriabeckham) on Aug 21, 2016 at 7:36pm PDT

Happy Wednesday Kisses from Harper x #proudmummy @davidbeckham XVB A photo posted by Victoria Beckham (@victoriabeckham) on Oct 5, 2016 at 1:46am PDT

And of course, her Dad  the one and only David Beckham  is quite proud of Harpers design as well. About a year ago, her famous World AIDS Day design was actually inked on his palm. (It looks like it probably hurt, but David is a tattoo pro  he has over 40!)

Story continues

Apparently Harper is allowed to scribble on daddy  A photo posted by David Beckham (@davidbeckham) on Oct 28, 2015 at 8:47pm PDT

If youd like to purchase this amazing shirt and support a great cause, its currently available in UK sizes on Victoria Beckhams website.

The post Victoria Beckham used her daughters drawing for this World AIDS Day shirt, and we think its gorgeous appeared first on HelloGiggles.
Visa Inc. V and MasterCard Inc. MA seem to have no reprieve from legal woes over ATM fees. On Thursday, the U.S. Supreme Court ruled that consumers can proceed with their class action lawsuits that accused the two companies and a number of banks of conspiring to fix inflated ATM fees.



The justices, however, dismissed two similar cases which they had previously approved for hearing. The companies had sought to challenge an Aug 2015 ruling by the District of Columbia Circuit Court of Appeals that had reinstated the three lawsuits. According to the court order, the cases were dismissed as the companies had changed their case arguments from previous petition. The court had been scheduled for oral arguments on Dec 7.



Plaintiffs, including several independent operators of ATMs and consumers, alleged that Visa and MasterCard adopted network rules which unlawfully restricted ATM operators from providing lower prices for transactions processed over networks that are not affiliated with Visa or Mastercard. These rules served the defendants as safeguard against competition from ATM networks offering lower charges. Such rules not only reduced the competition for the two companies, but also forced customers to pay artificially inflated ATM access fees.



Plaintiffs also claimed that the rules benefited the major banks  Bank of America Corp. BAC, JPMorgan Chase & Co. JPM and Wells Fargo & Company WFC  which held stakes in MasterCard and Visa. The suit claimed that even after MasterCard and Visa went public in 2006 and 2008, respectively, the ATM rules remained unchanged.



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GUANGZHOU, China (Reuters) - Volkswagen AG <VOWG_p.DE> said on Friday it expects sales of Volkswagen brand vehicles in China to hit 3 million this year, an increase of 340,000 from last year.

Stephan Wollenstein, executive vice president of Volkswagen Group China, made the projection at the Guangzhou auto show.

(Reporting by Jake Spring; Writing by John Ruwitch; Editing by Stephen Coates)
Google Translation of Volkswagen statement:

The Board of Management and the General Works Council of Volkswagen signed a future pact in Wolfsburg after constructive negotiations. He is leading the return of the Volkswagen brand to a profitable growth path. The program for the German locations with around 120,000 employees is intended to significantly improve the competitiveness of the Volkswagen brand and make the company future-proof. It creates the prerequisites for the transition from a pure automobile manufacturer to a successful mobility provider in the age of digitization and increasing electromobility. The focus is on a reorientation across the entire value chain. As early as 2020, the Volkswagen brand wants to be completely relaunched. Operational terminations are excluded. The reduction of jobs is socially acceptable. At the same time, new jobs are being built in the future. In concrete terms, the future pact is expected to lead to a positive earnings effect of  3.7 billion annually by the year 2020; Of which EUR 3.0 billion is attributable to the German sites. The planned investments in future projects in the coming years amount to around 3.5 billion euros. This involves a staff structure of 9,000 positions. In Germany, this represents a socially acceptable reduction of up to 23,000 jobs in conventional areas.

Related Articles
Kanye West's fans would really like to know how he actually feels about Donald Trump.

The Life of Pablo rapper was booed at his San Jose, California, concert on Thursday night, after he said in a rant, "I told y'all I didn't vote, right? But if I were to vote, I would have voted on Trump."

WATCH: Kanye West Tells Concertgoers He Would Have Voted for Donald Trump, Talks His 2020 Campaign

"I just said that I would have voted for Donald Trump and then I did a song and y'all sang it at the top of your lungs," he noted. "That doesn't mean that you're a Trump supporter. That just means you OK with a celebrity having their own opinion. Or that someone else is OK to have their own opinion. That might not be your opinion but you can still like that person or still like that person's music."

However, some fans have wondered whether the "Famous" rapper really means what he said, or if he was, well... just being Kanye.

MORE: Kanye West Ends Concert Early After Losing His Voice, Apologizes to Star-Studded Crowd

In an extended cut of the rant, the 39-year-old artist explained, "That don't mean that I don't think that Black Lives Matter. That don't mean I don't think that I'm a believer in women's rights. That don't mean I don't believe in gay marriage. That don't mean that I don't believe in these things because that was the guy I would've voted for."

Additionally, according to the Federal Election Commission website (first reported by SPIN), Kanye donated $2700 to "Hillary for America" in July 2015, as well as $15,000 to the Democratic National Committee in October 2014. The rapper also donated to President Barack Obama before both of his two elections.

WATCH: Kim Kardashian and Kanye West Meet Alton Sterling's Son in First Photo Since Robbery -- See the Heartwarming Pic!

So, while Yeezy may talk about supporting Trump, in this case, he didn't put his money where his mouth is.

Story continues

Many people reacted strongly to one of Kanye's most controversial concert rants yet, including Deray McKesson -- widely seen as a leader in the Black Lives Matter movement -- who encouraged those close to the rapper to reach out.

EXCLUSIVE: Kim Kardashian 'Ready to Start Getting Back to Normal Life,' Robbery Put 'Things in Perspective' for Her

"Besides one of Kanye's close friends sitting down and talking to him, I'm not sure what else can be done to influence his views," the activist tweeted. "We all loved Kanye's music back in the beginning -- the honesty, the bravado, the self-critiques. And he's so different in content now."

Besides one of Kanye's close friends sitting down and talking to him, I'm not sure what else can be done to influence his views.  deray mckesson (@deray) November 18, 2016

We all loved Kanye's music back in the beginning -- the honesty, the bravado, the self-critiques. And he's so different in content now.  deray mckesson (@deray) November 18, 2016

"But this isn't the first time he's said statements that don't quite make sense to us. If anything I want to know who is calling Kanye today?" Deray added. "I've not given up on Kanye quite yet. I think he's immensely talented. But I am at a loss re: what will change his mind besides a friend."

But this isn't the first time he's said statements that don't quite make sense to us. If anything I want to know who is calling Kanye today?  deray mckesson (@deray) November 18, 2016

I've not given up on Kanye quite yet. I think he's immensely talented. But I am at a loss re: what will change his mind besides a friend.  deray mckesson (@deray) November 18, 2016

PHOTOS: Hillary Clinton's Famous Friends

Comedian Hannibal Buress took a different approach to addressing Kanye's rant -- poking fun.

"He's definitely trolling because real Trump supporters definitely don't skip out on voting," Hannibal tweeted. "I can see why Kanye likes Trump campaign. Even with all the craziness, it had a smoother rollout than Life of Pablo."

He's definitely trolling because real Trump supporters definitely don't skip out on voting.  Hannibal Buress (@hannibalburess) November 18, 2016

I can see why Kanye likes Trump campaign. Even with all the craziness, it had a smoother rollout than Life of Pablo.  Hannibal Buress (@hannibalburess) November 18, 2016

MORE: President Obama Talks to Daughters Sasha and Malia About Trump: 'Fight for Treating People With Kindness'

Also, this is far from the first time the rapper has used his Saint Pablo Tour platform to speak his mind.

Watch the video below to see Kanye's choice words for Jay Z after Kim Kardashian West's Paris robbery incident.

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Students interested in certificate programs that prepare them for a careers are much better off enrolling at public colleges than at private, for-profit schools, according to new data from the Department of Education.

The data finds that students who receive certificates at public colleges go on to make nearly $9,000 more than those who get comparable certificates at for-profit programs.

Related: The Best College for the Money in Every State

Its worth noting that those who attend public schools typically go into higher earning fields, like nursing, but even so, a third of students who graduate from for-profit certificate programs end up making less than minimum wage after graduation.

For-profit colleges have come under fire in recent years, as critics claims that their students take on unreasonable amounts of debt, are less likely to complete their studies, and sometimes receive inadequate training for their careers.

In September ITT Technical Institute was the latest for-profit school to abruptly shut down after the U.S. government ordered it to stop enrolling students who receive federal aid.

Less than a week later, the Consumer Financial Protection Board fined for-profit college Bridgepoint Education $8 million and forced it to discharge outstanding student loans and refund payments, claiming that it misled students about the total cost of the debt they were incurring.

The government crackdown on for-profit schools may be coming to an end, however, if the incoming Trump administration curtails the power of the CFPB or otherwise decides not to take as hard a line with the schools.

Top Reads from The Fiscal Times:
At the end of October, one of the Russian navys main battleships, a guided-missile destroyer called the Smetlivy, set out from its homeport in Crimea and headed west through the Black Sea and into the Aegean. It had two stops to make. The first was in Greecea member of NATO and the European Unionwhere the ship was invited to a maritime festival as part of the Greek-Russian Year of Culture. From there it sailed on toward the Mediterranean to join the Russian naval group involved in the bombardment of Syria.

The journey would, in other times, have caused a scandal in the U.S. and Europe. The Smetlivy is part of the Black Sea Fleet, whose commanders executed the Russian occupation of Crimea in 2014. Most of them have been under strict Western sanctions ever since. On top of that, the U.S. and E.U. have both accused Russia of committing war crimes in Syria. So Greece was, to put it mildly, not in step with its allies when it hosted a Russian destroyer on its way to the Syrian coast.

Yet none of those allies voiced their objections at the time, and President Obama did not mention it during his visit to Athens this week. The closest he came was a glancing reference on Tuesday to the importance of keeping sanctions in place, including E.U. sanctions, until the conflict in Ukraine is settled.

His caution was understandable. The U.S. and Germany, as the two strongest countries still willing to stand up to Moscow, are not in the best position to foster solidarity among their European partners. Even before Donald Trump won the presidential election last week with a promise to get along with Russia, the E.U. was too dividedover refugees, economic stagnation, Islamist extremism and the rise of the populist rightto go picking internal squabbles over Russia.

Some conservative pundits in Washington did grumble that Greeces behavior was unacceptable and unbecoming of a NATO ally. In a policy paper published on Nov. 9, Luke Coffey and Daniel Kochis urged the President to be crystal clear about the Smetlivy incident during his visit to Athens. But what exactly was Obama supposed to say? With Donald Trump on his way to the White House, it hasnt become any easier for the U.S. to badger Greece about its coziness with Moscow.

Story continues

Obamas hope, as he put it in Berlin on Thursday, is that the President-elect also is willing to stand up to Russia where they are deviating from our values and international norms. But that doesnt seem very likely. Trump promised during his campaign that he would look into lifting U.S. sanctions on Russia. He also argued that the Russian annexation of Crimea might make sense, because the people in Crimea would rather be with Russia. In one of his first appointments, Trump on Friday gave the post of National Security Adviser to retired Lieutenant General Michael Flynn, who has called for the U.S. and Russia to align their strategies in Syria and stop playing the bully game against each other.

So Obama could not offer much reassurance to his German counterpart when they met in Berlin to say their goodbyes. The media cliche ahead of the visit was that the departing President would pass the baton to Chancellor Angela Merkel on the last foreign trip of his tenure, leaving her in charge of the West now that the isolationists have taken Washington. The reality is much more complicated. Though Germany is Europes largest economic power, it cannot come close to matching the political or military clout of the U.S. in trying to keep the West united, especially after the U.K. voted to leave the European Union in June.

Europe has been in survival mode ever since that referendum. Its Russia policy over the past three years has rested almost entirely on the coordination between Merkel and Obama, who have moved in lock step and with strong British support. During their meeting in Berlin on Friday with the leaders of France, Italy and Spain, they agreed unanimously to keep the sanctions against Russia in place. But with the U.K. on its way out of the E.U. and Obama on his way out of the White House, Merkel will have to fight much harder to keep her hesitant allies in line going forward.

Under E.U. rules, all member states have the right to veto sanctions policies, which usually come up for review every six months. Numerous European countriesnotably Greece, Italy, Hungary, Slovakia and Cyprushave pushed to ease the sanctions on Russia, arguing that they have hurt Europes economy and failed to change Russian behavior.

The Greek government has been perhaps the weakest link in E.U. resolve on this issue, and Russia has attempted to play on those divisions. Apart from the Smetlivys visit earlier this month, Russian President Vladimir Putin made a trip to Greece in May, offering energy deals and undying friendship based on what he called a rock-solid base of common civilizational values, the Orthodox culture and a genuine mutual affection. It was his first trip to the E.U. since the annexation of Crimea, and the Greeks gave him a lavish reception.

But they have not gone so far as to block the sanctions. They know that such a move could jeopardize the E.U. loans and aid that have kept the Greek economy afloat, and for all of Putins talk of mutual affection, the Russian economy cannot afford to take the place of Greeces European creditors.

I think this is an illusion, says Gikas Hardouvelis, a former Greek finance minister who now teaches at the University of Piraeus. Obviously if you are in need, you try to get support from Russia in terms of money. But in the end, the Greeks are closer to America and Western Europe.

When it comes to their finances, definitely. And that may be enough for Merkel to keep the wayward members of the E.U. in line for a while. But it will not resolve the deeper crisis of solidarity in Europe. In fact it may only serve as proof that E.U. decisions are not made on the basis of principles but on the basis of horse-trading, says Joerg Forbrig, a senior fellow at the German Marshall Fund in Berlin. Theres always somebody who needs something, and theres always something that you can give to buy their consent on the issue at hand.

But that does not seem like a healthy way to run the European family. Whether its Greek debt payments or the resettlement of refugees in Hungary and Slovakia, E.U. members will always have a reason to use Russia as a bargaining chip in their negotiations with Brussels and Berlin. What these countries are doing is trying to blackmail their primary sponsors with outreach to alleged alternatives, says Forbrig. And in that approach to European politics, the visit from the Smetlivy starts to make a lot of sense.

It doesnt mean that Russia has found a reliable ally in Greece. But it may mean the E.U. has lost one.
One of the first orders of business for any newly chosen American president is to figure out his or her cabinet, the group of high-level officials who direct policy in major areas of the government. Much like the run-up to the election, President-elect Donald Trump's cabinet selection has been widely covered and dominated by rumors.

Nearly every famous Republican's name has come up in connection with a cabinet position in the past week. To help you keep it all straight, here's a list of what we know for sure about the Trump White House.

This story will be continually updated as news of the cabinet nominees breaks.

Chief of Staff: Officially chosen. The appointment of Republican National Committee Chairman Reince Priebus was confirmed by Trump's transition team Sunday.

National Security Adviser: Officially chosen. Retired Lt. Gen. Michael T. Flynn has been offered the post, the Trump transition team confirmed Friday.

Secretary of State: Not chosen. Candidates include former New York Mayor Rudy Giuliani, 2012 Republican presidential nominee Mitt Romney, South Carolina Gov. Nikki Haley, former ambassador John Bolton and Tennessee Sen. Bob Corker, Reuters reported Friday.

Secretary of the Treasury: Not chosen. Applicants include ex-Goldman Sachs partner Steven Mnuchin, Texas Rep. Jeb Hensarling and JPMorgan CEO Jamie Dimon  the last of whom reportedly rejected the job, according to CNN.

Secretary of Defense: Not chosen. Candidates include Arkansas Rep. Tom Cotton, former National Security Adviser Stephen Hadley and New Hampshire Sen. Kelly Ayotte, Politico reported.

Attorney General: Officially chosen. Alabama Sen. Jeff Sessions will be nominated for the position, Trump's transition team confirmed Friday.

Secretary of the Interior: Not chosen. Applicants include Oklahoma Gov. Mary Fallin, former Alaska Gov. Sarah Palin, former Arizona Gov. Jan Brewer and Continental Resources CEO Harold Hamm, the Washington Post reported.

Story continues

Secretary of Agriculture: Not chosen. Contenders include Texas Agriculture Secretary Sid Miller, Kansas Gov. Sam Brownback, former Georgia Gov. Sonny Perdue, former Texas Gov. Rick Perry and National Council of Farmer Cooperatives head Chuck Connor, according to Politico.

Secretary of Commerce: Not chosen. Candidates include investor Wilbur Ross, Paypal cofounder Peter Thiel and former Arkansas Gov. Mike Huckabee, CNN reported.

Secretary of Labor: Not chosen. Possibilities include Equal Employment Opportunity Commission leader Victoria Lipnic, Politico reported.

Secretary of Health and Human Services: Not chosen. Candidates include former Louisiana Gov. Bobby Jindal and Georgia Rep. Tom Price, Politico reported. But it won't be former GOP candidate Ben Carson, who recently said he doesn't want to join Trump's cabinet because he has no experience.

Secretary of the Department of Housing and Urban Development: Not chosen. Possible choices include Pamela Patenaude, the director of the Bipartisan Policy Center Housing Commission, and Rob Astorino, who ran for New York governor in 2014, according to the National Mortgage Professional Magazine.

Secretary of Transportation: Not chosen. Possibilities include Florida Rep. John Mica, former National Transportation Safety Board chairman Mark Rosenker, according to Politico.

Secretary of Energy: Not chosen. Candidates include Perry and Hamm, according to NJ.com.

Secretary of Education: Not chosen. People being considered include Indiana Rep. Luke Messer, Hoover Institution research fellow William Evers and Wisconsin Gov. Scott Walker, Politico reported.

Secretary of Veterans Affairs: Not chosen. The leading choice is House Veterans Affairs Committee chairman Jeff Miller, according to the New York Times.

Secretary of Homeland Security: Not chosen. Candidates include Giuliani and Texas Rep. Michael McCaul, according to CNN.

CIA Director: Probably chosen. Kansas Rep. Mike Pompeo was offered  and accepted  the job, the Washington Post reported Friday.

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From Esquire

It's been less than two weeks since Donald Trump was elected into office, and already, his first foreign diplomacy meeting is turning heads.

Ivanka Trump sat in on her father's meeting today with Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe, per handout photo pic.twitter.com/tEbfYYeJFA - Jennifer Epstein (@jeneps) November 18, 2016

A handout photo shows Trump meeting with Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe in Manhattan's Trump Tower...along with Trump's daughter, Ivanka Trump. CNN correspondent Ivan Watson deleted his tweet of the picture, but not before various reporters, political commentators, and other users quoted it pointing out the inappropriateness of Ivanka's presence.

The reason why so many people are peeved? Allegedly, Ivanka will be running Trump's businesses in a blind trust, which means that her presence in diplomatic meetings is mixing Trump's presidency with his business. Just fantastic.

Photo credit: Twitter / Matt Pearce

Photo credit: Twitter / Matt Ortega

Photo credit: Twitter / Chris Sacca

Let's think about this for a second. What reason could there possibly be for Ivanka Trump sitting in on her father's presidential diplomacy meetings? Is there even a reason other than the Trump family's financial benefit?

"Conflict of interest" seems like it may be a theme of the next four years.

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Mitt Romney leaves his campaign plane and passes Donald Trumps, after landing at McCarran International Airport in Las Vegas, May 29, 2012. (Photo: Justin Sullivan/Getty Images)

Mitt Romney already knew he couldnt trust Donald Trump, but to him and his staff, the events of late spring 2012 seemed like the final blow, when Romney, the presumptive Republican presidential nominee, found himself caught up in a wave of controversy over Trumps renewed birtherism.

Trumps questioning of Barack Obamas birthplace was an annoyance to Romney, who had repeatedly reaffirmed his view that Obama was a citizen. But though he considered the conspiracy talk gutter politics, the former Massachusetts governor trod carefully around Trump, worried that a public challenge to the unpredictable real estate tycoon turned reality television star would damage his White House prospects.

Just months earlier, Romney had finally reached an understanding with Trump, who had publicly mused about mounting his own bid for the presidency. Along the way, Trump had raised what many perceived as the ex-governors chief liabilities, describing Romney as a stiff who wasnt telling the truth about his record of creating jobs while he was head of Bain Capital. And in true Trumpian fashion, he attacked Romney for not being as rich as he was.

But after months of overtures, Trump had finally thrown his support to Romney that February, endorsing the ex-governor in a bizarre, freewheeling news conference at his Las Vegas hotel, where Trump did most of the talking as Romney and the candidates wife, Ann, stood awkwardly at his side. The event, in which Trump strolled by reporters repeatedly to talk up his tremendous hotel, would foreshadow the moguls unusual campaign for the presidency four years later. But at the time, it was criticized as a circus by some of Romneys closest allies, who told the ex-governor it was beneath him to align himself with the publicity-hungry mogul.

Returning to Las Vegas that May for a fundraiser with Trump, Romney was determined not to make that mistake again, pointedly refusing to appear publicly with the businessman, who had revived his birther talk just days before the event. But Trump still got the publicity he wanted. As Romney stepped off his campaign plane on the tarmac in Vegas, he noticed that Trumps corporate jet was parked nearby, jutting out in an unusual way from its usual spot next to a private hangar. What Romney and his staff didnt realize until a few minutes later was that the moguls plane had been positioned so that the word TRUMP appeared prominently in the candidates arrival shot.

Story continues

Romney and his team never figured out whether the move had been deliberate, but the incident forever cemented their view that Trumps hunger for attention made it necessary to treat his motives with suspicion. And four years later, that feeling hasnt changed  although the circumstances have.

Trump greets Romney after endorsing his candidacy for president at the Trump International Hotel in Las Vegas, Feb. 2, 2012. (Photo: Steve Marcus/Reuters)

Trump, now the president-elect, is looking to sit down with Romney as early as this weekend to discuss a possible role in his administration. Though the meeting hasnt been confirmed  Trumps campaign manager Kellyanne Conway told reporters Thursday they are working on it  Team Trump has described the move as a conciliatory gesture toward an establishment Republican who was one of Trumps most vocal critics during the 2016 campaign and one that proves the president-elect is more pragmatic than his critics believe.

While Romney hasnt commented on the invitation, people close to him say he still regards Trump with deep suspicion, even after congratulating him on his election and wishing him success. Amid reports from NBC and CNN that Romney is on the long list of names Trump is considering for secretary of state  something Team Trump would not confirm to Yahoo News  allies of the former Massachusetts governor said they would be surprised if Trump really made the offer and even more surprised if Romney took it, or any job in the administration at all.

Mitt is a statesman who loves his country, said a longtime Romney adviser who asked not to be named as discussing the ex-governor. [But] he knows Trump. He knows how Trump is. Who knows if this [outreach] is genuine or just another publicity stunt?

Trumps overtures to Romney would mark a surprising turn in what has been become a bitter relationship. Back in 2015, in the early days of Trumps candidacy, Romney was one of the few Republicans willing to take him on, publicly lambasting him for his suggestion that Sen. John McCain, a former rival who had become Romneys close friend, was not a war hero.

While Romney returned to the sidelines later in the campaign, as Trump soared to the top of the polls, the former Massachusetts governor emerged again to challenge Trump. Speaking in Salt Lake City in March, just before Super Tuesday, Romney blasted Trump in unsparing terms, calling him a con man and a fake who had played on anger among voters and was leading the country into an abyss.

Donald Trump is a phony, a fraud. His promises are as worthless as a degree from Trump University, Romney declared. Hes playing the members of the American public for suckers. He gets a free ride to the White House, and all we get is a lousy hat.

Romney speaks at the University of Utah in Salt Lake City on March 3, 2016. (Rick Bowmer/AP)

In response, Trump trashed Romney as a loser and a failure who had begged for his endorsement four years ago. I dont know what happened to him, Trump said during a rally in Portland, Maine. You can see how loyal he is. He was begging for my endorsement. I could have said, Mitt, drop to your knees. He would have dropped to his knees.

After Romney said he would never vote for him as the GOP nominee  he said he planned to write in his wife, Ann, on the ballot  Trump raged against Romney as a failed candidate who should have won the race against Obama four years ago.

But the tide began to change last week, when Romney sent a public Twitter message congratulating Trump on his victory. The former governor also called Trump, offering his congratulations as well as any assistance he might need in the future. Trump, on Twitter, described the call as very nice!

The overture led to Trumps overtures to Romney this week  an uncharacteristic shift for a man who has been known to reward loyalty above all and to be slow to forgive slights. But Trump has been breaking with that reputation in recent days, meeting with a string of former rivals and enemies as he puts together an administration. Among them: Texas Sen. Ted Cruz, who refused to endorse him for months, and South Carolina Gov. Nikki Haley, an Indian-American who has criticized Trump for his rhetoric toward immigrants.
From Esquire

Brendan Dassey has been in prison for nearly a decade. In 2005, the then 16-year-old confessed to taking part in the murderer of Teresa Halbach with his uncle Steven Avery. Last year the popular Netflix documentary Making a Murderer examined in great depth the lives of Dassey and Avery and the murder trials that have come to define their lives. Dassey eventually recanted his confession, claiming it had been coerced by investigators, an argument examined at length in the documentary.

In August, a judge overturned the conviction in a court order that cited Dassey's age, intellectual deficits, and the absence of supportive adult as to what rendered his confession involuntary. Dassey would be released in 90 days if the overturned conviction wasn't challenged by an appeals court. On September 9, the Wisconsin attorney general chose to appeal Dassey's conviction, condemning the 27-year-old to more time behind bars.

[contentlinks align="center" textonly="false" numbered="false" headline="Related%20Stories" customtitles="Brendan%20Dassey's%20Conviction%20Has%20Been%20Overturned%7CWisconsin%20Won't%20Let%20Brendan%20Dassey%20Walk%20Free%20Yet%7CMaking%20a%20Murderer's%20Brendan%20Dassey%20Has%20Been%20Freed" customimages="||" content="article.47631|article.48490|article.50665"]

Earlier this week, it seemed like justice had finally been served, when a judge ordered Dassey freed from Columbia Correctional Institution in Wisconsin no later than 8 p.m. on Friday.

Today, local Wisconsin news outlets are reporting that the state's emergency motion to keep Dassey in prison while his case is appealed has been granted.

"It is ordered that the appellant's motion to stay is granted. The district court's order releasing appellee Brendan Dassey is stayed pending resolution of this appeal," according to the decision.

The state of Wisconsin is still working to appeal Dassey's overturned conviction, and will not grant the man freedom during this process. Instead, the Wisconsin attorney general claims the state could win the appeal and his release would harm the public interest.

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World War II Japanese internment camps in the U.S. United States Defense Aliens Japanese Internment Camp Upton in New York, November 3, 1941. (AP Photo)

During World War II, more than 100,000 people of Japanese ancestry were relocated and incarcerated for years following Japans attack on Pearl Harbor.

Largely considered one of the most egregious civil-liberties violations in American history, thousands of American citizens, many of them children, were forced to sleep in overcrowded, converted barracks and even horse stalls with no running water. Families assets were seized, and while many returned after the war to find their homes defaced and destroyed, others found their small businesses and industries co-opted by permanent residents and were forced to find less appealing work.

Japanese-American lawmakers lobbied for years for a formal apology, and in 1991 President George H.W. Bush issued one in conjunction with the federal governments reparations payments to Japanese-Americans, saying the US should recognize that serious injustices were done.

A monetary sum and words alone cannot restore lost years or erase painful memories  neither can they fully convey our nations resolve to rectify injustice and to uphold the rights of individuals, Bush said. We can never fully right the wrongs of the past, but we can take a clear stand for justice and recognize that serious injustices were done to Japanese-Americans during WWII.

Donald Trump has expressed support for a Muslim registry during his campaign for president.

Last year, Trump said that while he did not necessarily support Japanese internment camps, he would have had to be there at the time to decide whether it was justified for President Franklin D. Roosevelt to violate the US Constitution by quarantining more than 100,000 Japanese immigrants and Japanese-Americans without cause. (Business Insider)

Heres a look back at Japanese internment camps in the U.S.

See RELATED STORY by Michael Walsh/Yahoo News

See more news-related photo galleries and follow us on Yahoo News Photo Tumblr.
Throughout election year, we asked dozens of actors which of their colleagues theyd like to see run for the president of the United States. One of the only names to come up multiple times was  no, not Snoop Dogg; sorry, Russell Crowe  Moana star Dwayne The Rock Johnson.

Now that Donald Trump, a man as famous for his stint on reality TV as he is for his business endeavors, is going to be the nations 45th president, we figured we should check in with Johnson to see if hed accept the nomination he received from actors like Seth Rogen, Zac Efron, and Scott Eastwood.

Related: Watch Lin-Manuel Miranda Freestyle Rap About Disney Animated Classics

Of course, I would consider [running], Johnson told Yahoo Movies at Moanas Los Angeles press day. Im very patriotic about our country, and I care deeply about it So I think if I felt like I could become a real impactful, tremendous leader, and surround myself with good people, then Id consider it.

So whod be his running mate? Matt Damon, Johnson joked. Kevin Harts going to be pissed.

Moana opens Nov. 23.
- "Deafening" vibrations on his boat have forced Vendee Globe skipper Bertrand de Broc of France to divert towards a volcanic Brazilian archipelago in the South Atlantic. Welshman Alex Thomson held the race lead after day 12 on Friday with French rivals Armel Le Cleac'h and Sebastien Josse in his slipstream off Brazil. De Broc, currently 14th in the solo, non-stop around the world race, said that he had been bothered by the incessant noise for several days after a collision off the coast of Portugal. "The noise got gradually louder until it became unbearable when the boat exceeds 14 knots," he said. As a precautionary measure the MACSF skipper took the decision to head towards Fernando de Noronha, an archipelago of islands and islets.

AFP
For Immediate Release

Chicago, ILNovember 18, 2016Zacks.com looks back on the hottest stories of the week featured in the Stocks in the News blog, where analysts and writers discuss the latest news and events impacting stocks, the financial markets, and the greater investing world.

Here are highlights from this weeks Stocks in the News blog:

Heres Why Bank Stocks (JPM, BAC, PNC, GS) are Still Gaining Today

On Monday, shares of many major bank and financial stocks were gaining, still on the rise almost a week after Donald Trump was elected the 45th president of the United States. The banking industry stands to be a winner under a Trump administration, as regulation rollbacks for Wall Street and overall uncertainty surrounding his presidency stand to boost big banks and other financial companies.

Here's Why Shipping Stocks are Todays Biggest Movers (DRYS, GSL, DCIX)

A quick glance at Thursdays biggest gainers and losers reveals that the shipping industry is a complete mess right now. Several notable stocks in this sector, including DryShips (DRYS), Global Ship Lease (GSL), and Diana Containerships (DCIX) are either soaring or plummeting, as many investors feel a recently-formed bubble is bursting.

So what the heck is going on with shipping companies this week? A recent note from Wells Fargo analyst Michael Webber suggests that this industry is being affected by a bubble created by algorithm-based trading.

Target Soars 8% on Strong Q3 Earnings, E-Commerce Growth

On Wednesday, shares of everyones favorite store, Target Corp. (TGT), soared up around 8% in morning trading after the company posted impressive third quarter financial results. Adjusted earnings per share came in $1.04, surpassing the Zacks Consensus Estimate of 83 cents per share and increasing 22.1% year-over-year. Target reported revenues of $16.441 billion, beating our consensus estimate of $16.3 billion but declining 6.7% year-over-year.

Story continues

For the holiday quarter, Target projects both GAAP and adjusted EPS to be in the range of $1.55-$1.75 per share, while comparable sales should fall in the range of down 1% to up 1%, up from previous guidance of negative 2% to flat.

Gap (GPS) Meets Q3 Earnings, Comparable Sales Decline 3%

Gap Inc. (GPS) released its third quarter fiscal 2016 financial results after the bell on Thursday, posting adjusted diluted earnings of 60 cents per share and revenues of $3.8 billion. Gaps total comparable sales fell 3% in the quarter. For Gap Global, comps were down 8%. For Banana Republic Global, comps were also down 8%. For Old Navy, comps increased by 3%.

Looking ahead to full year 2016, Gap expects its diluted EPS to be in the range of $1.41 to $1.50. The company reaffirmed its adjusted diluted earnings per share to be in the range of $1.87 to $1.92, excluding the negative impact of restructuring costs.

USGS Just Discovered the Biggest Shale Oil Field in America

On Tuesday, the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) announced that it has discovered the biggest deposit of untapped oil in the United States, located in the Wolfcamp shale formation in the Midland Basin portion of Texas Permian Basin. Wolfcamp has an estimated average of 20 billion barrels of oil, 16 trillion cubic feet of associated natural gas, and 1.6 billion barrels of natural gas liquids there for the taking.

Learn More About Zacks Investment Ideas

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The magnitude-7.8 quake that rattled New Zealand, killing at least two people and stranding thousands of people, completely transformed the underlying faults in the region.

Six major faults ruptured as a result of the New Zealand quake, a new map reveals.

The Kaikoura earthquake struck the South Island of New Zealand early in the morning on Nov. 14 local time, triggering landslides, tsunamis and hundreds of aftershocks. And thousands of people were stranded when earthquake detritus dammed a river. During the quake, bystanders captured images of mysterious earthquake lights painting the sky in eerie blue and green.

To see how the massive temblor reshaped the landscape, Nicola Litchfield, a geologist with the geoscience consultancy group GNS Science in New Zealand, and colleagues flew over the South Island in a helicopter to take video footage of the region. [The 10 Biggest Earthquakes in History]

The team compared before-and-after images of the faults in the area.

It turned out the temblor had dramatically changed the earth beneath.

Four faults along the coastline ruptured and extended out into the sea, while another two faults ruptured inland, closer to the epicenter of the quake, Litchfield said. Ground-based GPS stations also reveal major motion at these faults, she added.

"The whole coast appears to have been uplifted from Cape Campbell all the way south to Kaikoura," Litchfield told Live Science. "The ones right on the coast appear to have very large movements, almost 1 meter [3.3 feet] up and almost 3 m [10 feet]  by the looks of things  sideways as well."

Now geologists are scrambling to figure out what this means for earthquake risk in the region.

"It's a really complicated area and there are a lot of faults here, so the earthquake will have relieved the stress in some places, but unfortunately will have increased the stress in others. That's what we are desperately trying to figure out now  what might have been loaded up."

Story continues

New Zealand sits atop the incredibly complicated Marlborough Fault System, a set of four strike-slip faults (where two plates slide past each other rather than crashing into one another) that lie at the boundary of the Australian and Pacific plates. Farther East in the subduction zone, the Pacific plate is diving beneath the Australian plate, but almost all the locked stress there gets translated into motion along the Marlborough Fault System, Litchfield said.

The next step is to take ships out to send sound waves beneath the water to map the seafloor. By comparing before-and-after seafloor maps, geologists can determine how far offshore the ruptures extend, Litchfield said. That, in turn, will help reveal where faults are newly locked and loaded.

Because the quake is so new, the findings have not yet been published or submitted to a peer-reviewed journal, Litchfield said.

Original article on Live Science.

Editor's Recommendations
If youre living in Europe and youre unhappy with the fact that Facebook-owned WhatsApp started sharing data with its parent company in spite of saying it would never do it, then youre in luck. It looks like Facebook can be stopped from gathering even more data about you through WhatsApp.

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Sure, you can always argue that WhatsApp was only sharing your phone number with Facebook. And you could have opted out of it if you hurried, so it wasnt that bad. But local governments in Europe thought otherwise and pressured Facebook into stopping WhatsApp data collection.

Germany authorities ordered Facebook to stop WhatsApp collection, finding the practice to be an infringement of national data protection law. Regulators there also demanded that Facebook delete all the data collected from 35 million German WhatsApp users. Other EU countries are also investigating Facebooks practices regarding WhatsApp data, including the UK, France and Italy. 28 of Europes data collection authorities signed an open letter to WhatsApp CEO Jan Koum urging him to suspend data collection until the legal aspects of the matter are worked out.

The Irish Data Protection Commissioners office told The Financial Times that Facebook did stop collecting WhatsApp data last week in Europe.

Even with Facebook stopping its WhatsApp data collection practice in Europe, its likely the company got what it wanted out of the deal. Being able to connect WhatsApp and Facebook profiles with the help of a phone number is definitely a valuable resource, and could further help Facebook map out your likes, desires, usage patterns and personal connections. Forgetting that link established by a simple phone number, whether its temporary or permanent, might not even matter.

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How do aliens sound in an emotional, psychological, science fiction universe? This was one of many questions faced by French-Canadian sound editor Sylvain Bellemare in overseeing the development of a soundscape for Denis Villeneuves out-of-the-box alien invasion picture, Arrival. In working with Villeneuve, a director Bellemare describes as demanding, and specific in his vision, the reference points for the film were films like Interstellar and the Jodie Foster-starring Contact, and although those films are indeed suggestive of what one can expect of Arrival, they dont tell the full story. Below, Bellemare discusses his long collaboration with Villeneuve, the craft of sound editing, and his first experience editing sound for a sci-fi blockbuster.

What initially attracted you to Arrival, and how did you get involved?

I was really fascinated with the script, when I read it, and I was really interested in [the way in which the script used] the past and future. Of course, its not really good in an interview to share that concept; of course, you saw the film. But for the viewers, I would just say its interesting how it plays with time. That will be a better answer. [Laughs] Ive known Denis for a long, long timeIve been doing films with him here in Montreal forthe first time was like 20 years ago. Weve done different projects over the yearswe have a long-term partnership in movies, so it was a bit natural for me to do the film, even if Denis does all his films in California, for the last few ones. I was involved for that reason.

Sound editing is one of the lesser-understood crafts in filmmaking. What would you say about your artistic process, and your collaborative relationship with Denis, having worked together on a number of films?

First of all, I really approach sound as a charactersound is, in a way, really a part of the cinematographic language. Its always my approach that the sound can define the narration, and define the emotion that you want to share. Also, the first idea is to bring ideas, basically, from the director, and even abstract ideassound really remains kind of a subconscious view of the world; sometimes, its really difficult to put words on it. Its something basically where if you hear the sound, you understand what I mean, but if we just talkedwe need to hear it. Its like if our level of comprehension cannot come by words, but its really by soundswhich is really close to the film, in a way, because [the scientists] try to connect with those E.T. sounds, but sounds cannot connect them. Their language is difficult to understand; communication cannot be sensitive only with words and sounds. She has to go through another level, and that level will be reached through kind of a weird connection.

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Its a thin line. Theres a lot of things that [Denis] doesnt like, theres a lot of things that he likes, but you really need exactly what he wants. If he does not get that, he will throw away all your work. Its a very thin line with him, and at any moment, something cannot be what he wants. Hes always afraid, which is very important, that sound does not overwhelm the image, which has happened sometimes in some films, so we have to be very clever with him to bring the sound at the top level of what the film needs if the sound is too obvious, or too in your face. Its a challenge.

How did Denis express his idea of this films soundscape to you? Did you find cues or ideas within the script itself?

He really wanted a different sound than other filmsits cliche to say that, but he really wanted another sort of sensation with this film, another type of sensation. Some people would relate the film with something like Interstellar, or even like Contact, with Jodie Foster, but its emotional, psychological science fiction, so the sound in the film was really related to memories, and how memories can bring you to a level of presence. And of course, how do you bring that, how do you try to not be too cliche with that? It was a challenge, basically, and sometimes we played with it in the filmthat sometimes, the memory or the image, and the sound was in the present, and sometimes it was in the opposite.

The sound was in the memoryin the pastand the image was in the present. It was something to play with. I think you just want to make sure that the sound was a strong enough character to live by itself, and maybe to cover holes that sometimes we had hard times with in editingthat there was some link to the story that sound had to do in the rhythm, in the narration.

Have you taken on a science-fiction narrative, or a film of this scope in the past? What are the unique challenges and opportunities presented in working on a film of this sort?

My experience came a lot more from the experimental movies. Science fiction wasnt something that I really had the chance to touch because science fiction films, most of the time, are only made basically in Hollywood. There are only so many places in the world where you can afford to do science fiction. Ive done some stuff, but it was closer to experimental kinds of films, so you explore sound in a very abstract way, where sound is really close to music sometimes. In that type of field, we didnt have the time that probably they had on Star Wars, or something. [Arrival] was a film that the schedule was really tight for different matters, and we had to have all the ideas and the design in a short period of time. Fortunately, we were a big, wonderful team that worked very hard on the front lines, for everybody.

One of the basic things that was a success on the sound of Arrival was the voice part [of the alien species], which was made a lot from living animals and creatures, and on the other side, a lot of the radio communication also was really made from real devices, so we had the chance to work the devices instead of going to plug-ins. But on many levels, we used our big sound memory to do the soundscape on other projects, I would have had time to record more sound, but because it was so tight, we had to dig a lot in our huge sound library. It would be like that for the vessels, for instancethe rock sounds of the vessel, made out of real, actual rock sounds that we had to change for the film.

Were most sounds for the film newly recorded, or did you source a great deal from your sound libraries?

Beside the animal voices and the radio communication, we of course did recordings for some things, but basically a lot of it came from our sound library. Unfortunately with the schedule he had, we had to face that, but we found rock sounds that we wanted for the vessel, when it moves. I would also add the fact that one of the things Denis really wanted, maybe going back to one of your first questions, is that Denis really wanted a non-electronic sound for the film. He really wanted a sort of organic and naturalistic soundthats why the vessel sounds really like a natural mountain moving, instead of a very sci-fi, electronic sound. You dont see an engine, for instancewhen you see the vessel, there is no engine. When you see the little vessel that goes to pick up Amy, its the same. Whered that come from? There is no smoke, no nothing. At the end of the film, its really obvious when you see the vessel disappearing, like dust into the clouds. The same for the voices of the Heptopodsthey had to come from naturalistic sounds.

One recurring sound, seemingly coming from the alien ship, has the feeling of blaring trumpets, or other horns. Was that reflective of your intent?

It sounds like that. [laughs] Certain sounds we really tried to make them sound like organic sounds. Some sounds were a bit like whales, or something like that. I dont know if you felt thatit was basically [akin to] subaquatic creatures. They look like thateven though sometimes theyre not a recording based on whale sounds, I would say that they sound sometimes a bit like that, like a subaquatic creature. That was a goal, to make them as a living beast, and also at a very low frequency. We [needed] a sound that was terrifying, on one side, and smooth on the other side. Those creatures are basically not our friends, on the first steps, and we had to make it clear about thatits a very wild beast, in fact, that the character of Louise will [encounter]. We kept the ideal that to be monsters, [the sound] has to be something terrifying.

How would you describe your process in working with Dave Whitehead, the sound designer who was another major contributor to the final product?

Its really important to name Dave. Dave was on the project before mehe really worked specifically on the Heptopod vocal design. He really worked specifically on the vocal soundsI was supervising him, but basically, Daves is the masterpiece of the vocals.

My role as the supervising sound editor was to make sure that we created specific sound ideas and designs for the film. Dave started before me on the project, so he did something with [editor] Joe Walker, and then I came and supervised the entire sound. In film, the Supervising Sound Editor is like a conductor. We have different instruments, and some of them are leading instrumentsDave is definitely like first violin. Id like to have a word also about the crowd: One of the subtle sounds in the film is the crowd at the [military] base camp, trying to have natural crowdskind of a walla sound. And as I said before, one of the big issues was all the communication, the devices, walkie talkies that we hadwe really did a recording of every single word through these devicesreal devicesinstead of using plug-ins, so it was an exciting process, but very hard. It was something special to do.

Where do you look to get access to the sort of specialized equipment involved in a film like this, for purposes of sound recording?

Basically, we did a lot of research into military devices and what the U.S. Army would use. And sometimes wed discover that the U.S. military would use devices that we cannot get. [Laughs] We have access to many things, but wed have to re-create that. Theres a small helicopter scene in the filmits the same. We really get the devices.

The realistic recordings of military devices serve also to ground the film, in relation to the surreal, heightened events taking place within the alien vessel.

One of the things was always to be with Louises emotionsto follow what Louise is going through. As a viewer, we know shes not thereshes between life and death, basically. Shes always between a world that she does not understand, and another world that she doesnt really understandthe military. Shes not really comfortable there. The sound in Arrival was really based in creating a vibration or mood between real and unreal worlds.

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MarketWatch

After record-breaking sales of I-bonds in October, the U.S. Treasury is dangling another good deal in front of savers for the next six months. Starting Nov. 2, when I-bonds will be available again after site maintenance at TreasuryDirect.gov, the inflation-adjusted annualized rate will be 6.89%, down from 9.62%. The fixed rate at the time of purchase will stay with the bond as long as you hold it  up to 30 years  but the inflation adjustment resets every six months in November and May.


Footloose friends and family members will appreciate these grown-up toys to help them document their travelsand stay entertained along the way.

Editor's Note: This article also appeared in the December 2016 issue of Consumer Reports magazine.

Phiaton BT 220 NC

If youre looking for an inconspicuous way to block out the world around you, this pocket-size pair of Phiaton BT 220 NC Bluetooth noise-canceling earbuds just might be the ticket. They have a clip-style remote control, combine elements of in-ear and earbud design, deliver excellent sound, and have good active noise reduction.

1MORE E1001 Triple Driver

The small, sleek 1More E1001 earphones are one of the few portable models that deliver excellent sound quality. Theyre also great to look at and come with nine earpieces in a variety of sizes to help you find a comfortable fit.

Hunter QLS-03

Hermetically sealed hotel rooms can have notoriously dry air. The petite, packable Hunter QLS-03 humidifier is small enough to stash in your suitcase and sit on your night stand, quietly adding much-needed water vapor to the air. It mists in any direction you want, and because the tank is an inverted water bottle, all you have to take along is the base.

Canon EOS Rebel T5i

If youre looking for very good video capability combined with the versatility of a digital SLR at an affordable price, the Canon Eos Rebel T5i should top your list. Its automatic features will please novices, and its manual controls let savvier sorts get creative. Image quality is very good, and it comes with a swiveling touch-screen LCD, which makes shooting and playback a breeze.

Nikon Coolpix P900

This full-featured cameras 83x optical zoom lens can capture craters on the moon. The Nikon P900 is pricey but versatile enough to capture distant wildlife on safari as well as sweeping landscapeswithout the hassle of having to change lenses.

Sony Cyber-shot DSC-RX100 IV

This point-and-shoot packs an impressive number of features into a surprisingly petite and easy-to-use package. The Sony Cyber-shot DSC-RX100 IV comes with a Zeiss lens, is excellent in low-light settings, and records 4K video as well as most any camera weve tested. Its also nicely designed, with an electronic viewfinder that saves space by hiding until needed, then popping up like an onboard flash.

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Michelin Defender

For climates where snow is an infrequent annoyance rather than a daily challenge, a set of all-season tires is the way to go. In our tests of 16 models, the Michelin Defender was the best overall, with solid four-season performance, grip in wintry and rainy conditions, crisp handling, and a quiet ride (size tested, 215/60R16). Plus, based on our treadwear test, you could expect tread life up to 90,000 miles.

Sony FDR-AX33

Whether documenting a walk atop the Great Wall or someone walking down the aisle, this Sony Handycamis up to the job. It shoots excellent 4K (Ultra High Definition) video, and it has very good audio quality and an image stabilizer to smooth out any shake or jitter. It also has a large LCD as well as an electronic viewfinderand even takes excellent still images.

Amazon Kindle Oasis w/ Special Offers (WiFi)

"Thinner and lighter than any other Kindle, the Oasis e-reader is the ideal indulgence for literary travelers. Its nonglare screen makes for easy reading on the brightest beach, and the eight-week battery life means you could get through 'War and Peace' and 'Ulysses' on a desert island with juice to spare. Though the Amazon Kindle Paperwhite is slightly heavier and has a shorter charge, it's a solid second choice at less than half the price."Kevin Doyle, Executive Editor





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Consumer Reports has no relationship with any advertisers on this website. Copyright  2006-2016 Consumers Union of U.S.
Apparently its not just tech CEOs that think they can tweet assassination threats and get away with it. A 24-year-old man from Ohio was arrested and faces possible jail time after posting that hed like to see Donald Trump dead, along with a vague plot to blow up the entire United States.

Zachary Benson says he was watching the election results on television when he went too far and posted a pair of inflammatory threats on Twitter.

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The tweets, posted just after 1 a.m. on November 9th, are exactly as pointless as youd expect:

Diplomacy. Fucking Fools. I hate you all. I want to bomb every one of your voting booths and your general areas.

Its not entirely clear why Benson  who goes by ZeeAyeKeyKay on Twitter  started his tweet with Diplomacy when he clearly meant Democracy, or how broad general areas really is, but suffice it to say that the man is not of sound mind. His second tweet, which arrived about 15 minutes after the first, is equally misguided:

My life goal is to assassinate Trump. Dont care if I serve infinite sentences. That man deserves to decease existing.

It seems that Mr. Benson could use an English lesson and a grammar course before posting his next assassination threat. Basic communication skills aside, bomb threats and assassination vows arent taken lightly these days, and Benson rapidly found himself in police custody. He later claimed that he didnt mean what he said, and that he was very apologetic.

Benson insisted he never intended any harm to anyone and would not want anything to happen to Trump or the general public despite his threat about bombing general areas,' according the court documents. Benson will now need to hope that a judge sees his point of view.

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A day after Russia began blocking professional networking platform LinkedIn, the United States expressed concern over the move Friday, saying the decision set a troubling precedent.

Maria Olson, spokeswoman for the U.S. embassy in Moscow, said in a statement to Reuters: The United States is deeply concerned by Russias decision to block access to the website LinkedIn. This decision is the first of its kind and sets a troubling precedent that could be used to justify shutting down any website that contains Russian user data.

LinkedIn is headquartered in Mountain View, California, and its data servers are located in various states around the U.S.  California, Oregon, Texas and Virginia  as well as in Singapore. In 2014, Russian President Vladimir Putin approved a law that made it mandatory for social networking companies to store data of their Russian users on servers located within Russia. The law came into effect September 2015.

However, it was enforced only on Thursday, when following a court order, the countrys communications regulator, Roskomnadzor, ordered internet service providers (ISPs) to start blocking access to LinkedIn, which has over 6 million registered users in Russia.

A spokeswoman for the company said: Roskomnadzor's action to block LinkedIn denies access to the millions of members we have in Russia and the companies that use LinkedIn to grow their businesses.

According to reports, the company wants to meet with Roskomnadzor to sort out the data localization requirement, so it can keep operating in Russia. But the development could mean other social media platforms could soon be facing the same problem.

LinkedInHQ

Photo: REUTERS/Robert Galbraith

The law has been criticized as being internet censorship in disguise, a charge Russia denies by saying it only wants to properly protect data of and on Russian consumers, which it says it can only do if the data servers were located within its jurisdiction.

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And that could spell trouble for popular platforms like Facebook and Twitter. If they dont move their data servers that contain information about their Russian users to Russia, ISPs in the country could be forced to block access to those services as well.

There are currently 21.44 million Facebook users and 8.95 million Twitter users, according to data compiled by statista.com.

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By Narottam Medhora and Stephen Nellis SAN FRANCISCO (Reuters) - Salesforce.com Inc on Thursday forecast current-quarter revenue above analysts' estimates as it closed deals for its cloud-based sales and marketing software with a number of major customers, sending its shares 5 percent higher in extended trade. The San Francisco-based company has consistently reported double-digit growth in recent quarters as companies shift to cheaper and easier cloud-based products, but it is facing growing competition from Oracle Corp and Microsoft Corp. "Our checks indicate that Salesforce still has a number of very good secular growth drivers, including selling some of their newer cloud offerings and upselling activity into large customers is robust," said Wedbush Securities analyst Steve Koenig. The results marked a sharp reversal from the previous quarter, when a lighter-than-expected revenue forecast prompted concerns about slowing growth. But this quarter the company closed large deals with customers including Citigroup Inc and Amazon.com Inc to help it get back on track. Deferred revenue, a key metric for subscription-based software businesses, rose 23 percent to $3.50 billion in the third quarter. Analysts on average had expected deferred revenue of $3.42 billion, according to research firm FactSet StreetAccount. "We expect to deliver our first $10 billion-year during our fiscal year 2018," Chief Executive Officer Marc Benioff said in a statement. Salesforce stock rose 4.8 percent in extended trade to $78.74. Benioff is looking to broaden the company's cloud offerings through new features, especially focusing on artificial intelligence. The company, which launched its artificial intelligence platform Einstein in October, has made a number of acquisitions to build up its machine learning and big data analysis capabilities. Benioff, who has grown increasingly active in politics and civic affairs in San Francisco, is also eager to make Salesforce a more prominent brand in the minds of consumer. The company considered buying Twitter Inc earlier this year, but abandoned the pursuit last month amid investor concerns over the strategic merits and valuation of the deal. Salesforce also lost out to Microsoft in a bid to buy LinkedIn Corp. The competition between Microsoft and Salesforce is now intensifying on several fronts, with Microsoft's Dynamics product taking business from Salesforce among mid-sized customers. Microsoft also this summer launched a direct competitor to Salesforce's AppExchange for business software. For the current quarter, Salesforce said it expected revenue of $2.27 billion to $2.28 billion, above analysts' average estimate of $2.24 billion. Excluding items, the company earned 24 cents per share in the third quarter on a non-GAAP basis, beating the average analyst estimate of 21 cents, according to Thomson Reuters I/B/E/S. Revenue rose 25.3 percent to $2.14 billion. Analysts had expected revenue of $2.12 billion. However, on traditional GAAP measures of earnings, the company's net loss widened to $37.3 million, or 5 cents per share, in the three months ended Oct. 31 from $25.2 million, or 4 cents per share, a year earlier. Up to Thursday's close, Salesforce's shares had fallen 4.1 percent this year, underperforming the 7 percent gain in the broader S&P 500 index. (Reporting by Narottam Medhora in Bengaluru; Editing by Jonathan Weber and Lisa Shumaker)
Apple was the first company to integrate a voice-controlled virtual assistant into a smartphones operating system, although its main competitors such as Google, Amazon and Microsoft have since come up with similar solutions. Apple hasnt stopped evolving Siri, however. In fact, a new discovery reveals that Apple is interested in bringing Siri to one of its best mobile products, iMessage, and further increasing the assistants capabilities.

DONT MISS: Best Buys pre-Black Friday 2016 sale is live right now  here are the 20 best deals

A patent application titled Virtual assistant in a communication session describes a Siri assistant of the future that would be able to respond to queries performed directly inside an iMessage chat, and then act accordingly.

apple-siri-imessage-patent-1

If that sounds familiar, its because Google is already doing it in its Google Assistant, which is now available on its Pixel phones and the Google Home accessory.

Some may say that Google surpassed Apple in this regard, but others will argue that Apple is falling behind simply because it wants to protect user privacy above all else. Products like Google Assistant need to tap into user data to be able to respond to commands and perform appropriate actions. To do so, Google decided against encrypting its newly released Allo messaging app by default, since the Assistant needs to communicate with Googles servers.

apple-siri-imessage-patent-2

On the other hand, iMessage is end-to-end encrypted by default, and it would be surprising to see Apple change the security setting all for the sake of bringing Siri to iMessage.

The patent does offer several clues that suggest user privacy and safety are still a top priority for Apple. For example, members of an iMessage chat would be notified that at least one party is using the Siri assistant, and it would offer to activate AI on their device. Users would also be able to approve or deny what personal data Siri can access during chats.

Heres a cool example of the direction Apple may be headed: Siri would ask permission to access location data in order to offer nearby restaurant suggestions to a group of people, and then it could make a reservation for them.

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apple-siri-imessage-patent-3

One other interesting feature that Apple is working on is support for payments inside iMessage. And yes, Siri would be able to handle these peer-to-peer payments. This isnt the rumored Apple Pay peer-to-peer payment feature, although it wouldnt be surprising to see Apple Pay evolve. IN the case of this patent, Siri would detect what payment apps users have installed on their devices and then complete a financial transaction using a selected method. Touch ID would still be used to authenticate and secure payments.

You can already send PayPal payments to friends using Siri right now, but the feature isnt integrated into Apples popular messaging platform.

apple-siri-imessage-patent-4

As with all patents, its possible that these technologies may never see the light of day. But given Apples interest in both expanding Siris functionality and enriching the iMessage experience, we may see this type of integration hit iPhones, iPads and Macs very soon.

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Https%3a%2f%2fblueprint-api-production.s3.amazonaws.com%2fuploads%2fcard%2fimage%2f289425%2fdf217793f53e47ada7a13bee5d5f3671

SpaceX has big plans for bringing internet to locations around the world, and it all starts in space.

The Elon Musk-founded company just filed an application with the Federal Communications Commission that lays out its vision for using thousands of satellites in orbit to beam internet down to the world.

"The system is designed to provide a wide range of broadband and communications services for residential, commercial, institutional, governmental and professional users worldwide," SpaceX wrote in a supplement to the filing.

SEE ALSO: Elon Musk says we're going to Mars, and we're bringing tunneling droids

In total, the constellation would be composed of 4,425 satellites in varying orbits, and would cost about $10 billion, according to estimates made by Musk in 2015.

The constellation would begin with 800 satellites initially, the filing states, though it is unclear when they will launch.

"Once fully deployed, the SpaceX System will pass over virtually all parts of the Earths surface and therefore, in principle, have the ability to provide ubiquitous global service," SpaceX said in the filing.

This isn't the first time SpaceX has made its internet plan clear.

Elon Musk in 2015.

Image: AP Photo/Ringo H.W. Chiu

Musk has spoken about the satellite system multiple times, even saying that he would want to use it to help fund a city on Mars, according to the Seattle Times.

SpaceX also isn't alone in its ambitions for space-delivered internet. The company OneWeb hopes to launch a constellation of 648 satellites to deliver internet globally.

Boeing also hopes to create a satellite internet system at some point.

Facebook aspires to the same goal, but the social network experienced a setback due to a SpaceX rocket explosion. The mishap destroyed a satellite Facebook was going to use to deliver internet to parts of sub-Saharan Africa.

Since that explosion in September, SpaceX launches have been on hold. Engineers working with the company are still hunting for the exact root cause of the rocket failure, but the company is getting closer to figuring it out.

SpaceX estimates that they should be flying to space again before the end of the year.

BONUS: Fiery explosion sets back SpaceX and Facebook
The ticker symbol and trading information for LinkedIn Corp. is displayed on a screen at the post where it is traded, before the start of trading, on the floor of the New York Stock Exchange (NYSE) in New York City, U.S., June 13, 2016. REUTERS/Brendan McDermid/File Photo (Reuters)

By Christian Lowe and Maria Kiselyova

MOSCOW (Reuters) - The U.S. government said on Friday it was deeply concerned over Russia's decision to block public access to networking site LinkedIn, saying it created a precedent that could be used to justify blocking other sites operating in Russia.

LinkedIn <LNKD.N>, which has its headquarters in the United States, is the first major social network to be blocked under a new law that requires firms holding Russian citizens' data to store it on servers on Russian soil.

Internet services analysts say other tech firms, including Facebook <FB.O> and Twitter <TWTR.N>, could also find access blocked unless they move data onto Russian-based servers.

Maria Olson, spokeswoman at the U.S. Embassy in Moscow, said Washington urged the Russian authorities to restore access immediately to LinkedIn, and said the restrictions harmed competition and the Russian people.

"The United States is deeply concerned by Russias decision to block access to the website LinkedIn," Olson said in a statement sent to Reuters.

"This decision is the first of its kind and sets a troubling precedent that could be used to justify shutting down any website that contains Russian user data."

Russian Communications Minister Nikolai Nikiforov said the decision to block LinkedIn had been made by two courts but suggested the company's problems in Russia could still be resolved.

"We hope a constructive dialogue can solve this situation," he told reporters on a visit to Ljubljana. "All foreign companies have to act in line with the law and there are many that have no problems with respecting the legislation."

On Friday, anyone attempting to access the LinkedIn website via Russian telecoms operator MTS saw a message in Russian saying: "Access to the resource you requested is restricted." Attempts to access the site via Vimpelcom, another major telecoms operator, were also unsuccessful.

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Russia's government says the new requirements are designed to ensure personal data on Russian consumers is properly protected, something it says can only be done if the servers are inside Russian jurisdiction.

Critics say the new law is part of an attack on social networks in a country which has increasingly tightened control over the Internet. The Kremlin has denied it is practising online censorship.

In a message sent via email to its Russian users, LinkedIn said it regretted the decision to block access, and was seeking meetings with the telecoms regulator. "We are considering all possible ways to resolve this situation," said the message.

The firm has over 6 million registered users in Russia. Russian authorities started taking action after a court this month rejected an appeal lodged by LinkedIn against an earlier ruling that its site should be blocked.

Matthew Hammond, chief financial officer of London-listed Mail.ru <MAILRq.L>, which runs some of Russia's most popular Internet services, said there are likely to be further actions against non-compliant firms. "Will the Russia government enforce it more widely? I don't know. It seems a reasonable assumption that it probably will," Hammond told investors at the Morgan Stanley European Tech, Media and Telecom conference in Barcelona on Thursday.

(Additional reporting by Eric Auchard in BARCELONA and Marja Novak-Vogric in LJUBLJANA; Editing by Janet Lawrence/Ruth Pitchford)
According to a recent Reuters report, U.S. telecom behemoth Verizon Communications Inc. VZ received regulatory clearance from the U.S. telecom regulator, Federal Communications Commission (FCC) for the $1.8 billion deal to purchase XO Communications Inc.s fiber-optic network. Notably, the FCC had allowed Verizon to enter a lease to use XO Communications wireless spectrum licenses for 5G deployment.

This deal is expected to expand the telco's metro and on-net fiber as well as millimeter wave wireless spectrum holdings in several major markets. The deal was announced in Feb 2016 and is expected to close by the first half of 2017.

Meanwhile, Verizon awaits approval from state regulators in Pennsylvania and New York.

XO Communications Buyout Prospects

Verizon has a nationwide wireless network for 4G LTE and plans to launch the faster 5G technology in 2017. Hence the XO Communications acquisition will help the company offer cable TV and Internet services with 5G connection, at 2050 times higher speeds of 25 Gbps (gigabits per second).

XO Communications operates as a fiber-based IP and Ethernet network consisting of 20,000 route mile intercity network in the U.S. and Canada. The network covers 85 major metropolitan markets in these countries offering data transfer speeds of up to 100 Gbps. The company also operates metro fiber networks in 40 major cities, and a 13,000-route mile metro network with more than 4,000 on-net business buildings and 1.2 million fiber miles. XO Communications network of 26,000 miles of fiber-optic cable stretches from Seattle to Miami and New York to Los Angeles.

The XO Communications acquisition will help Verizon serve three of its main domains: Business services, consumer FiOS and as a backhaul for its upcoming 5G wireless services. The takeover will also help Verizon fortify its foothold in the data center interconnection market. Additionally, it will bolster Verizons cell network density and in turn mobile backhaul network. The acquisition of an expanded fiber-based network will help the company compete with major Ethernet service providers such as Level 3 Communications Inc. LVLT and Comcast Corp. CMCSA

Story continues

Recently, U.S. telecom operator CenturyLink Inc. CTL decided to acquire Level 3 Communications in a cash-and-stock transaction. Total deal size is approximately $34 billion, including debt. The equity value of this deal stands at roughly $25 billion. The combined entity is expected to be major threat to other telecom operators. Hence, the buyout of XO Communications will likely help Verizon gain a competitive edge and maintain its business momentum.

In addition, XO Communications fiber assets will allow the company to enhance its dark fiber-based solutions for its small cell network. The densification of cell network will significantly help the company install and build its upcoming 5G network. Sprint Corp. S is also strengthening its dark fiber-network for small cell wireless backhaul. Verizon has estimated that the XO Communications takeover will result in operational synergy of over $1.5 billion in terms of net present value.

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Buganda road court is today expected to decide on whether or not former Old Kampala DPC Joram Mwesigye has a case to answer on assault case against him.

Mwesigye is said to have assaulted a WBS TV journalist Andrew Lwanga while covering demonstration by unemployed youths in Kampala.

DPC Mwesigye charged with assault causing bodily harm and malicious damage to property.

Mwesigye is accused of seriously assaulting Andrew Lwanga and damaging his video camera in January 2015.

The officer is also accused of damaging a khaki trouser belonging to Joseph Ssettimba a journalist working with Bukedde TV, thereby leaving him half naked with his inner closes exposed to the public.

The fracas happened near Florino Bar and Guest House along Namirembe Road in Kampala while covering unemployed youth group that was matching to Naguru police headquarters to seek permission from IGP Kale Kayihura for the different rallies in January 2015.
Uganda will this year host the 17th East African Community Jua Kali, Nguvu Kazi exhibition that promotes locally produced products and transfer of technology as they enhance the integration process.

Speaking to journalists, trades minister, Amelia Kyambadde says the exhibition is an opportunity to build capacity for value addition as producers show case and share knowledge about the locally made products.

Kyambadde says the event will also sit a symposium to discuss issues affecting the Jua kali sector with emphasis to sustainability and how they can access markets for their products.

The minister says over the years the Jua kali community has always found it difficult to find markets where they can sell their products due to the presence of manufactures who retail and wholesale products at the same time.

The exhibition will take place on 5th to 11th December this year at KKCA open show grounds, Lugogo.

The theme of the show will be Buy East African Products build East Africa.
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ANGOLA  Angola area businesses were hit by a team of presumably out-of-town counterfeiters on Wednesday, passing out bogus $100 bills at local businesses, police say.

There were 10 bills turned over to Angola Police as Thursday morning, said Detective Tim Crooks.

I expect more as people make their (bank) deposits, Crooks said.

A wide variety of stores were hit, but particularly convenience stores. At least one big box store was hit.

The perpetrators would go to a business and purchase inexpensive items, say $4 or $5, then pay with the $100 bills so they would receive a sizable sum of change, Crooks said. Store clerks reported marking the bills with their special pens used to authenticate paper money and the bills appeared OK. Apparently store personnel who were taken by the money didnt look for other security features such as water marks and security strips.

The are marking. Look for the security strips and the water marks, Crooks said. Just a heads up on that. We want people to be vigilant.

Those two features can be seen by holding up the bill to light.

The bills passed locally had the feel of real money and the counterfeiters used a substance to fool the security pens.

The bills all contained the same serial number. Each was a 1985 series note.

Crooks said the frequency of passing bogus money tends to increase around the holidays.

We just want people to pay attention at this time of the year, he said.
Only three of the 13 school districts in the four counties of northeast Indiana beat the state average in 2016 ISTEP+ tests, according to scores released Thursday.

Westview, DeKalb Central and the Metropolitan School District of Steuben County topped the state average of 51.6 percent of students passing both the English and math portions of ISTEP+.

The state average itself declined from 53.5 percent in 2015, the Indiana Department of Education said.

Only three area school districts improved their passing percentages from 2015 to 2016, the report showed. The Garrett-Keyser-Butler, DeKalb Central and Hamilton Community school districts raised their scores.

The state also released results of a new ISTEP+ exam for high school sophomores. Once again, only three of 13 area high schools topped the state average of 32.2 percent passing: Prairie Heights, Westview and Fremont.

The state said the 2016 ISTEP+ test marked the second year of a new state assessment for grades 3-8 based on Indianas more rigorous college and career ready standards. It said multiple years are required for educators and students to fully transition to more rigorous standards and assessments.

This was the first year of a new state assessment for Grade 10 on the more rigorous college- and career-ready standards. The state said for the first time, the high school results show the percentage of students meeting the new college- and career-ready benchmarks.

For the first time in more than 20 years, Indiana had a new state assessment vendor for the ISTEP+ test in 2016. The state said this change had additional impacts on students and educators.

Transitions are never easy, but I want to applaud the students, educators and families across the state who have worked tirelessly to shift to more rigorous college- and career-ready standards over the past two years, said state Superintendent of Public Instruction Glenda Ritz in a news release.

Todays results reflect Indianas focus on student progress towards more rigorous benchmarks for college and career readiness. However, it is important to remember that our students, schools and teachers are more than just a test score, Ritz said.

East Noble School Corp. Superintendent Ann Linson said Thursday she had not had time to closely look at the ISTEP+ results. But whether she reviewed the data or not, she would have same comment.

East Noble School Corp. teachers and staff focus daily on what is best and right for our students to ensure they are successful upon graduation, she said.

Linson said teachers and staff use other, more immediate assessments to tailor instruction to meet the needs of students.

There is limited value to the one-size-fits-all ISTEP+ system that continues to support an annually moving target along with a process that produces unreliable data, Linson said.

She added regardless of East Nobles ISTEP+ results, the school corporation will continue to provide instruction and educational experiences that support the skills students need to be successful in a career and in college.

Central Noble Community School Corp. Assistant Superintendent Troy Gaff, who will take over leading the district Jan. 3, echoed several of Linsons comments about the annual assessment.

He said Central Nobles results are further proof that ISTEP+ isnt a good measure of student ability. While less than 20 percent of 10th-grade students passed ISTEP+, he said that cohort of students performed very well on end-of-course assessments.

I think to start we question the validity of the test itself, how its administered, how its assessed, Gaff said.

Since ISTEP+ results are released so late  students took the test last spring and results werent delivered until now  the test is more or less useless to educators to help guide instruction.

Central Noble uses a quarterly Northwest Evaluation Assessment test to gauge where students are at academically. Those results are delivered days  not months  after the test so teachers can adapt their lesson plans.

The districts 1-to-1 technology initiative, which put laptops in the hands of all middle and high school students, also has helped teachers get more immediate feedback on student achievement, Gaff said.
The La Crosse County Board approved its 2017 budget Tuesday morning but voted overwhelmingly against pulling $1 million from the fund balance to expand county highway work next year.

Board member Ray Ebert offered an amendment to the proposed budget that would have added $1 million in road funding to the budget, which already included a $375,000 increase in the tax levy for roads, and borrowing of $2.7 million for highways, $300,000 more than county administrator Steve OMalleys original proposal.

The need for more highway funding has been a hot topic the past few months, and its a statewide issue. In La Crosse County, almost $90 million in needed road projects have been identified.

County Highway Commissioner Ron Chamberlain has noted that it would take $5 million a year for at least five years to avoid falling further behind on replacement and maintenance.

Ebert has been an opponent of borrowing for highway work, but he views the situation as so dire that he supported the $2.7 million in borrowing for next year (up to $2.8 million with bond issuance costs) and wanted to draw another $1 million from the fund balance to start to get caught up on road work.

Its a cycle I dont know how were going to break, Ebert said.

OMalleys proposed budget already pulls almost $2.8 million from the fund balance, about 2.5 times what is normally used. The county board has a policy of keeping the fund balance between 25 and 50 percent of operating expenses. At the end of 2015, the fund balance was at 57 percent, so OMalley suggested the board use some of that instead of borrowing for capital spending, including $682,000 for upgrades to the 911 telephone and radio system and $500,000 to purchase parking spaces in the Belle Square ramp.

OMalley recommended against drawing further from the fund balance, noting that Eberts amendment would take the fund balance down to 44 percent, possibly having a negative impact on the countys bond rating (Aa1, the second highest rating available).

Board member Maureen Freedland argued against Eberts amendment, suggesting it was a Band-Aid when what is needed is more funding from the state.

Eberts amendment was voted down 23-4, with only Ebert, Dan Ferries, Jerome Gundersen and Dan Hesse voting for it. Board members Laurence Berg and Tina Hundt Wehrs were absent.

An alternative proposal from board member Ralph Geary that would have drawn $300,000 from the fund balance for additional road work in 2017 also was voted down, 21-6, with Geary, Gundersen, Patrick Barlow, Keyla Rosa, Patrick Scheller and Tina Tryggestad voting for the Geary amendment.

Geary also proposed an amendment to the budget that would have pulled three new custodial positions from the budget.

For 15 years, the county has contracted for cleaning services for the administrative center and the Health and Human Services Building.

With this budget, building cleaning would become a staff responsibility again, with the custodians also doing tasks not performed by the cleaning contractors, such as changing light bulbs, shoveling snow and doing minor repairs.

Changing from contracted to staff cleaning will cost about $65,000 more, but facilities director Jim Speropulos said the buildings will be better maintained with the in-house custodians.

Gearys move to go with the contractual cleaning and put the $65,000 savings into road work was voted down by a 21-5 vote, with Geary, Ferries, Gundersen, Hesse and Leon Pfaff voting in the minority.

Ebert also proposed pulling the $27,618 budgeted for the countys share of a part-time staff position that would coordinate a new regional blufflands protection program designed to expand and enhance recreational opportunities and preserve the scenic assets of La Crosse County as well as those in Minnesotas Houston and Winona counties.

According to county planner Charlie Handy, about 3,000 acres of bluffland has been protected so far, and the program aims to double that.

The part-time position would transition into a non-county staffer once the regional coalition of government and nonprofit groups is up and running.

Board member Mike Giese argued that investment in bluffland protection will bring a tremendous payback in bringing more tourism dollars to the area as well as helping to attract and retain young people vital to the countys workforce.

After Gieses comments, Ebert said he was swayed and voted against his own amendment. So did the rest of the board.

The approved county budget keeps the tax rate flat at $3.89 per $1,000 in equalized property value, with the overall levy set at just under $33.7 million, rising by a little less than 3 percent.

The tax levy actually only accounts for about 21 percent of the total 2017 spending of just under $162 million, which is down about 4.3 percent from the 2016 budget.

Its a large budget affecting a lot of peoples lives throughout our community, OMalley said. Yet, he added, its probably one of the smaller items on most peoples property tax bills.

Lange salute

Dave Lange, La Crosse Countys corporation counsel since 2012 and a part of the countys legal team since 1988, took part in his last county board meeting Tuesday.

The countys legal department is involved in a wide array of issues, from child protection cases and negotiating contracts to drafting ordinances and advising the county board on all things legal.

I never sign a document unless it has been reviewed by Dave Lange, Tara Johnson, county board chairwoman, said Monday evening in a salute to the retiring Lange. You have kept me out of jail, and for that I am very grateful.

Lange said the county is in capable hands with his successor as corporation counsel, Megan DeVore. It has been an honor and a privilege to serve you and the county all this time.

In La Crosse County it would take $5 million a year for at least five years to avoid falling further behind on road replacement and maintenance.
Treehouse Gift and Home was closed until Thursday, then reopened for a store-closing sale that will last until Dec. 24.

Treehouse has been in business on East Frontage Road in Onalaska for 18 years. Its current owners, Jill and Chip Weisbrod, announced that inventory, fixtures and the building itself are for sale.

The Weisbrods have hired retail marketing consulting firm G.A. Wright Inc. to help them liquidate the inventory as quickly as possible. Chip Weisbrod said prices will be discounted 10 to 75 percent.

Prizes will be awarded, Jill Weisbrod said. It is our way of thanking our customers for their business and friendship.

Treehouse Gift and Homes hours will be from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. weekdays, 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Saturdays and 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Sundays.
Thank you, America. Thank you, Wisconsin. After 28 years, you finally got it right, and you did not fall for the lies of our corrupt mainstream media and had the common sense to return Ron Johnson to the U.S. Senate. But now the hard work begins.

Let me remind you of Benjamin Franklins famous quote when asked what form of government the founders created at the 1787 Constitutional Convention. He said, "A republic, if you can keep it." It is now up to you to keep Mr. Trump and the Republican-controlled U.S. Congress focused on why they are there. I ask that all of you put on your computers and punch into your Smartphones the names of your U.S. Senators and Representatives, their phone numbers, fax numbers and email addresses, and when you read or hear something you like or dislike from them, you contact them and let them know your view.

A republic is where you elect representatives to speak on your behalf, but they must know what you think, otherwise they will resort to doing what is best for them, making sure they get re-elected and campaign instead of legislate.

For Wisconsin, you need contact information on Ron Johnson (R), Tammy Baldwin (D), Ron Kind (D), Gwen Moore (D), Mark Pocan (D), Paul Ryan (R), Sean Duffy (R), James Sensenbrenner (R), Glenn Grothman (R) and Reid Ribble (R). President-elect Donald J. Trumps success or failure lies in your hand. Do your job. He did his.
Minnesota will release a new critical habitat license plate early next year with a design that will feature pollinators in native habitat, according to the Department of Natural Resources. The new design will be selected from a public contest among Minnesota artists and their original artwork.

Wildlife artists can submit entries for the critical habitat pollinator plate from Monday, Dec. 5 through 4 p.m. Monday, Dec. 12. Contest rules, application and artist agreement forms will be available online next week at www.mndnr.gov/plates.

Pollinators such as butterflies and bees have been of concern in recent years due to many of the challenges that affect our native insects, said Crystal Boyd, DNR bee specialist. These challenges include pesticide use, habitat loss, pathogens, parasites, climate change, invasive species, and other factors. A pollinator license plate is a great way for Minnesota motorists to express their concern and appreciation for our native insects.

To learn more about pollinators, go to www.dnr.state.mn.us/pollinator_resources/index.html.

The Minnesota Legislature created the critical habitat license plate program in 1995 to provide additional opportunity for Minnesotans to contribute toward conservation. Motorists who purchase a critical habitat plate pay a $10 initial fee, plus a minimum annual contribution of $30 to the Reinvest in Minnesota program. Every dollar generated through the sale of the license plate is matched with private donations of cash or land. The annual $30 contribution is not tax deductible.

Critical habitat license plate revenue has generated more than $59 million to acquire or improve 22,000 acres of critical habitat and helped fund nongame wildlife research and surveys, habitat enhancement and educational programs. Information about the program and details about how to order existing plates is available on the DNR website at www.mndnr.gov/plates.
BOSCOBEL  Dr. William P. Schultz, O.D. died Wednesday, Nov. 16, 2016, at the Boscobel Care and Rehab, Boscobel. Services with military honors will be 11 a.m. Monday at the First Congregational United Church of Christ. Burial in the Boscobel Cemetery. Visitation will be 10 a.m. until time of service Monday at the church.
I love Thanksgiving. Thinking about the time that Ill spend with my family, planning the meal  the sounds, the smells, the good vibes, and even the relatives that I dont always agree with  its a time of tradition.

Its also a wonderful time that I get to write my Thanksgiving column. To sit down at my typewriter (just kidding. I am a non-speller so having spellcheck changed my life) to compose my thoughts.

So lets start with giving. We could all give more than we have. All of us. It may be a smile, a thank you card, a telephone call. It may mean helping that neighbor down the street that isnt as well as they could be. It may mean writing a check to support the causes that youre passionate about. Americans give an enormous amount to charity  more than $300 billion a year. I reckon that makes us one of the worlds most generous nations.

But what jumps out to me now is food scarcity. Most of us are going to a feast where we eat way too much. What about those who dont have much? Its not a pretty picture.

At our grocery store in Oregon there are bags, about $10 each, stocked with items that our local food pantry say they need. Putting one of those in my cart when I shop gives me a good feeling. I feel like $10 by $10 Im helping some family eat.

With the problems that we face today and have always faced, a $10 food donation may seem like a drop in a bucket. But for the family that gets that package its not a drop  its a meal.

If you want to help more, then look at the HungerCare Coalition, a program of Second Harvest Foodbank of Southern Wisconsin  www.hungercare.org. Their mission is simple  to end hunger through community partnerships. Easy to say, harder to do. But theyre taking a crack at it  and succeeding.

A while ago HungerCares leaders came to my medical group to talk about this problem. I was taught about the signs and symptoms of all sorts of diseases, but no one ever schooled me on how to search for hunger, for food shortages. Which do you think is more common, syphilis or hunger? You can guess the answer.

The risk of hunger is present in any age group, but the young and the old can be hit the hardest. HungerCare told us that we can screen for hunger with two simple questions:

1. Within the last year, were you ever worried that you would run out of food before you got money to buy more?

2. Within the last year, did the food you bought not last until you got money to buy more?

Before you sit down to your Thanksgiving dinner, celebrate the successes of the year, think about those who arent around now, and count your blessings. Before you dig into that turkey and eat more than you should, why not think about your community  those around you? Make a plan to help and do it.

I am a very hopeful person. I am Mr. Optimist. But as my good friend Judy told me, Hope is not a plan. Dig in and help hunger here and now.
WINONA, Minn.  Lonnie Hudson is on his way to prison for killing Adam Fort.

Today we close an ugly chapter in Winona history, Winona County District Court Judge Mary Leahy said Thursday afternoon, before she imposed a 30-year prison sentence on the man who confessed to pulling the trigger 13 months ago.

Hudson is the last of several people convicted for playing different roles in the crime. Most recently his key accomplice, Reginald Alexander Burnett, was sentenced to a 28-year prison sentence in October for his role in the killing.

Hudson pleaded guilty Oct. 6 to a single count of second-degree murder, and two counts of second-degree assault, avoiding trial on a first-degree murder indictment that could have put him behind bars for life.

Hudson sat with head bowed as Forts mother and the mother of his children read victim impact statements to the court.

My life is changed forever, Forts mother said. For 13 months the man sitting here in this courtroom has dominated my thoughts.

Since Adams murder, she said, thoughts of him are sometimes angry; sometimes sorrowful. Sometimes they make me smile, but they are always painful.

Adam was a man with a big heart, she said. His life was cut short by the actions of Lonnie Hudson.

Choking back tears, Hudson offered apologies to his family, my family, the children, the public.

I ask for forgiveness, he said, I ask for another chance to prove I am a good man... My mother raised me to be a good man. I apologize to my mother the most. She really wanted me to avoid a thing like this.

Leahy observed that the gun Hudson brought with him into Forts apartment couldnt be ignored. Guns got you in a lot of trouble, she said. Gun violence is never going to be a solution.

She said his action caused a loss to a lot of people, and a huge amount of loss to the community.

Lets get through the sentencing and on to the healing phase, she said.

In the early afternoon of Oct. 18, 2015, Hudson and three others went to Forts west-end Winona apartment on Gilmore Avenue, supposedly to buy marijuana in a deal set up by Hudsons uncle.

After they arrived, the drug buy turned into an armed robbery when Hudson produced a handgun and demanded all the money youve got. When Fort and his girlfriend did not immediately comply, Hudson fired a single shot that pierced Forts arm, traveled through his chest, and through and out his other arm, hitting a major artery as it passed through his body, resulting in his death at the scene.

Hudson and an accomplice, Reginald Alexander Burnett, Jr., 19, filled bags with money and belongings, and then fled. Hudson and the driver of the getaway car would be arrested four days later. Burnett was arrested in Rockdale, Ill., on Oct. 24.

Hudsons cases is the last of the seven resulting from Forts murder to be settled.

Burnett pleaded guilty July 14 to aiding and abetting second-degree murder and two counts of aiding and abetting second-degree assault. He is serving his sentence at the St. Cloud Correctional Facility.

Kayla Mae Clay, 19, driver of the getaway car, pleaded guilty to a single count of aiding an offender as an accomplice after the fact. She was sentenced to five years of probation.

Richard Gordon Deppe, 24, the man who arranged the drug deal and gained admittance to Forts apartment for Hudson and Burnett, pleaded guilty to a single count of aiding an offender as an accomplice after the fact. He was sentenced to 20 years of probation.

Cornelius Dunnigan, 22, the uncle who was behind the planned marijuana purchase, pleaded guilty to conspiracy to sell marijuana and was sentenced to two years, six months probation.

Ashleigh Ann Bye, 22, pleaded guilty to perjury for giving false testimony to the grand jury. She is on probation for five years, with a stay of adjudication.

Tyesha L. Williams, 24, was indicted on three counts of aiding an offender, accomplice after the fact, but all charges were dismissed since the alleged offenses all occurred in Wisconsin, outside the jurisdiction of Minnesota courts.
Dan Kapanke has yet to decide whether to request a recount in his bid to unseat state Sen. Jennifer Shilling, who says she is again hoping to lead the weakened minority caucus.

Shilling, D-La Crosse, won by just 56 votes out of more than 89,150 cast in the 32nd District in a race that pitted the Senate minority leader against the Republican she unseated in a 2011 recall.

The final county canvass was filed with the Wisconsin Election Commission Friday, which means the deadline to request a recount is 5 p.m. Wednesday. Because the margin was less than 0.25 points, Kapanke would not have to pay for a recount.

Dan will be taking the weekend to decide whether or not to request a recount, his campaign manager wrote in an email Friday.

County clerks are hoping no recount is ordered before the Thanksgiving holiday, as officials are only allowed one day off once the recount begins. They estimate a recount could take five to 10 days.

Crawford, La Crosse, Monroe and Vernon counties would all have to hold recounts, although about 70 percent of the votes were cast in La Crosse County.

Shilling declared victory as the final precincts reported numbers early Nov. 9, but Senate Democrats postponed their leadership vote last week under the shadow of uncertainty surrounding that race and the loss of the 24th District seat held by Julie Lassa of Stevens Point.

That leadership vote is now scheduled to take place Tuesday, and Shilling wrote to her colleagues Thursday asking for their support in her bid for the minority leadership spot, saying she is confident the party can overcome political headwinds to rebuild a majority.

While I firmly believe that we, as Democrats, have better ideas and policies, we must improve our efforts to connect with Wisconsin residents and offer a hopeful vision to overcome the challenges facing our state, Shilling wrote. With your help, we will improve our messaging and outreach efforts while remaining true to our Democratic principles and core values.
The West Salem School District is celebrating its report card from the Wisconsin Department of Public Instruction, while La Crosse is the only one of 21 Coulee Region schools districts rated as meeting few expectations.

Area school districts in general fared well under the new rating system.

Twenty of 21 school districts in the region met or exceeded expectations, and West Salem was the only district rated as significantly exceeding expectations. Statewide, 91 percent of public school districts met or exceeded expectations.

The state rated La Crosse as meeting few expectations after scoring the district in four categories, including student achievement, student growth, ability to close achievement gaps, and metrics related to graduation and post-secondary readiness.

Each school in the district received a rating as well, with seven of the districts schools meeting few expectations, eight meeting or exceeding expectations, North Woods International and Emerson elementary schools significantly exceeding expectations, and Hamilton Early Learning Center failing to meet expectations.

The system for calculating report card scores is new this year, and La Crosses director of curriculum, instruction and assessment, Mike Lichucki, cautions people not to read too much into the numbers.

In addition to examining performance on a new state assessment, the report weighs districts' demographic characteristics, such as the number of economically disadvantaged students at a school.

The state didnt release report cards last year, and this years report cards use a new rating and weighting system. The system, whose methodology the DPI described as value-added, was developed by the University of Wisconsin-Madison.

Lichucki said that weighing student growth more heavily than other categories put La Crosse at a disadvantage. He said its was difficult for La Crosses high-achieving schools to show the growth needed to score well.

This is an example of well-intentioned legislation with unintended consequences, Lichucki said. I caution you to look in more detail than what some of these category ratings are.

According to the districts report card, La Crosse scored 63.7 points out of 100 for student achievement. The district scored lower in both student growth (43.3) and closing achievement gaps (61.8) but ranked high for being on track for post-secondary readiness (88.1).

According to 2015-16 enrollment data from the DPI, 48.7 percent of La Crosse students are economically disadvantaged. That puts the district in the middle of the pack among the 21 area school districts. A third of the districts reported a higher proportion of poverty, as high as 61 percent in Arcadia. All of those districts received better report card ratings, including Prairie du Chien and Independence, which exceeded expectations.

Lichucki said he hopes the state tweaks the formula in the future to make the report cards more accurate and valuable to districts and the public. Districts get access to more data and are able to use that to find areas to focus on.

Its like taking the temperature of the district, he said of the public ratings. If you have a fever you can diagnose different solutions or pathways. Thats what it is: a temperature check.

On the other end of the spectrum, Viroqua, Holmen, Onalaska and Bangor were among 12 area school districts rated as exceeding expectations. Onalaska Superintendent Fran Finco said his district, which rated 79.6 points out of 100, takes its commitment to student growth seriously, with efforts to individualize instruction and provide extra resources to struggling students paying off in the districts report card.

Our teachers try to focus on learning outcomes, he said. Not trying to reach the end of the chapter.

Holmens director of instructional services, Wendy Savaske, said the report cards provide valuable insights into district achievement. The report card data highlighted how well Holmen did in English Language Arts test scores and closing the gap for English language learners and economically disadvantaged students.

Even with the high ratings, West Salem Director of Instruction and Technology Michael St. Pierre said the report cards highlighted areas his district could improve. The data showed the district could do more to improve its math scores in grades six through 12, as well as focusing on improving student achievement in general at the district.

The district batted nearly 1.000 on the ranking for student growth, which St. Pierre said was a testament to a commitment to help all students.

We are hitting a home run on growth, he said. Both for our kids that are proficient and those below proficiency.

Revamped report cards provide snapshot

MADISON (AP)  Five school districts and 99 schools in Wisconsin have been slapped with failing grades, according to report cards released Thursday by the state Department of Public Instruction.

The vast majority  82 percent of schools and 91 percent of districts  scored three or more stars, meaning they met or exceeded expectations. The five that failed to meet expectations  the lowest score  were Racine, Bayfield, Cambria-Friesland, Cassville and Menominee Indian.

Schools have to be in the lowest category for two consecutive years before they face any sanctions.

The vastly overhauled rating system and performance measurements for 2,341 individual schools and 424 districts are back after a one-year absence. There were no report cards last year while the state transitioned from the Badger Exam to the Forward Exam and the Legislature made a host of other changes to how performance data is interpreted and reported.

As a result, the Department of Public Instruction advises it would be "inaccurate and inadvisable" to compare the latest data to that of previous years.

The state's largest district, Milwaukee Public Schools, has struggled with student achievement for years and this year received a two-star ranking, which means it met few expectations. It was one of 33 districts in that ranking.
Concerns have grown about the spread of a deadly disease through Wisconsins deer herd, but most hunters have remained unfazed about eating tainted venison.

Chronic Wasting Disease is related to incurable illnesses that cause dementia and death in humans, but CWD itself hasnt crossed the species line, so most hunters dont take advantage of free testing offered by the state.

In the months leading up to Saturdays start of the nine-day season for hunting deer with guns, more hunters have expressed concerns about how CWD will affect the herd, but only a few thousand of the 300,000 or more deer harvested each year are tested.

Attitudes about testing vary widely among hunters, but theres been no indication that testing will become radically more popular this year, said Larry Bonde, a Manitowoc farmer who serves as chair of the Wisconsin Conservation Congress, which advises the state Department of Natural Resources.

There are people who know the deer they shot have CWD and they dont care, and others who arent anywhere near the CWD areas and they test everything, Bonde said.

About 40,000 samples were tested in 2002, the year the disease was detected in Wisconsin a few miles west of Madison, but the numbers dropped off in 2006 as testing became less convenient amid budget cuts and shifting policies.

Samples submitted for testing hit an all-time low last year when the state switched to an electronic system for registering harvested deer and reduced in-person registration at sites where DNR personnel encouraged hunters to provide samples for testing.

Scientists lament that they have less data than ever about CWD as its prevalence reaches new heights in the core outbreaks in southern Wisconsin and appears in more and more counties miles away.

Bonde said he would consider testing if he hunted where CWD had been found, but it hasnt been detected in the wild near his usual spots in Manitowoc County and Calumet County.

The state Department of Health Services recommends against eating venison from deer that test positive for CWD or show signs of illness  such as emaciation or abnormal behavior.

The World Health Organization and the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention havent found CWD in humans, but the disease has similarities to others linked to proteins called prions that create incapacitating microscopic holes in mammals brains.

The unpredictable prions can mutate, often incubate in an animal for years before symptoms appear, and be spread by animals genetically resistant to symptoms. In the mad cow disease outbreak that swept through cattle herds in the 1980s, prions in beef led to dozens of people dying of another prion illness  a variant of Creutzfeldt Jakob disease.

No one can predict with absolute certainty that CWD will never cause human disease, said Jennifer Miller, a DHS spokeswoman. It is because of this uncertainty that DHS, WHO, and CDC recommend that people should not consume any part of a deer or elk with evidence of CWD.

DHS tracks cases of human prion diseases like Creutzfeldt Jakob and compares them to a registry of people who eat venison, but hasnt found any matches, Miller said.

Whitetails Unlimited president Jeff Schinkten of Algoma said the organization encourages hunters to test venison from counties affected by CWD.

The risk is low, but with more testing maybe we can learn more about it, Schinkten said. He said hell hunt with his granddaughter on Saturday in Door County where the disease hasnt been found.

Were living in the good old days, Schinkten said. If they tell me theres CWD prevalent in my county, I would get it tested.

In southern Iowa County, Miles Narveson lives and hunts a short distance from the center of the Wisconsin outbreak where 30 percent to 40 percent of the herd is believed infected, but he doesnt test the venison he eats.

The risk is very small, said Narveson, who serves on the Conservation Congress in the county. Its probably riskier me walking down the hill and slipping on the snow.

Narveson said he suspects most hunters he knows would test a deer if it looked sick.

To the southeast in central Green County, Kenneth Risley said he tests as a precaution even though there have been no cases in his area, away from the Iowa County and Dane County borders.

Risley said he is aware of research showing that prions can linger indefinitely in soil, animal scat or urine, and in plants. A crow could pick at the carcass of an infected deer, and then fly miles before depositing the disease in a new place, Risley said.

Risley is chairman of the County Deer Advisory Council in Green County, but he said he wasnt speaking on behalf of the group. The councils were set up to advise the DNR on deer hunting.

Most people dont get it tested because testing isnt always so handy to do, Risley said. You have to drive a ways.

The DNR allows hunters to drop off deer tissue for testing at sites determined each year by budget limitations and changing surveillance goals.

Mike Samuel, a UW-Madison scientist who specializes in CWD research, hunts on land he owns in the southwest corner of Dane County. He said he tests every adult deer he shoots, even though it has meant having to dispose of three that were found to be infected in recent years.

Instances of human prion diseases are rare, so people arent accustomed with them, but they are frightening, Samuel said.

Prions cant be reliably cleaned or washed away, and the incurable diseases involve people losing their minds before death, he said.

We dont know very much about what the future can hold, Samuel said.

Lee Fahrney, who lives and hunts on land he owns in southeastern Iowa County, said he almost always tests for CWD. He said he and his family and friends have shot five infected deer on his property in recent years. Two were obviously sick, but the others looked fine.

One dressed out at 200 pounds, he said.

Personally I wouldnt eat a deer if it comes back positive for CWD, Fahrney said. But I know there are a lot of people who arent that worried about it.
COLLECTIVE MADNESS



Soft despotism is a term coined by Alexis de Tocqueville describing the state into which a country overrun by "a network of small complicated rules" might degrade. Soft despotism is different from despotism (also called 'hard despotism') in the sense that it is not obvious to the people."
With Christmas music playing in the background, nearly 30 Fellowship of Christian Athletes members from Onalaska High School gathered on Nov. 11 before their classes to spread Christmas blessings to children in other countries.

The students packed almost 20 shoebox-sized containers with items such as puzzles, coloring books, hair bands, toy cars, crayons, small balls, colorful beads, school supplies and health care items like toothbrushes, soaps and deodorants.

The boxes will go to Operation Christmas Child, a program coordinated through Samaritans Purse that transports holiday boxes across borders and into the hands of children who otherwise might receive nothing for Christmas.

As you are filling your boxes, take time to think about the child who will be getting this, club advisor and teacher Josh Lichty told the students.

Its meaningful because we are giving to kids who are less fortunate and making their Christmas a day to remember, said junior Laura Munson.

With the packing complete, students placed a label on each box that stated the gender and the age range of the child for which it was intended. They also quietly prayed over each box and for the children receiving them. Some students laid their hands on the boxes as they bowed their heads in quiet prayer.

I think it gives our students the opportunity to share their faith through the simple act of giving to other children in need. Its really neat to see how excited the students get when they fill the boxes with toys and little trinkets and to think how that one little box can be such a blessing to someone else, said Amanda Steele, another club advisor and OHS teacher.

Its cool to give kids who are less fortunate something for Christmas and to give them something to be happy about, said Jaclyn Thomas, a sophomore who packed a box.

It is mostly unknown where the groups boxes will end up. Steele said it is likely that they will go to a country in South America, but they could go anywhere in the world. They must go through customs before coordinators of Operation Christmas Child transport them to areas with needy children.

The boxes could be transported by ship, airplane, truck, horse, mule, foot or even by elephant to reach their final destinations. Steele said they may pay to have one of their boxes tracked to get a better idea of where their generosity lands.

Operation Christmas Child started in 1990 in the United Kingdom. Since partnering with Samaritans Purse in 1993, the project has reached more than 135 million children in 150 countries and territories. The boxes go to children affected by war, poverty, natural disaster, famine or disease.
Howard M. Sherpe, 72, passed away Tuesday, Nov. 15, 2016, at his home in Westby. Howard fought a courageous battle with brain cancer.

Howard was born May 4, 1944, in Viroqua. He graduated from Westby High School in 1962 and went on to earn a degree in commercial art. He lived and worked in Madison, Wis. for 37 years and owned his own business, Sherpe Advertising Art. He then moved to Westby and was marketing manager for Vernon Communications Coop. Howard and Linda built a house on the back forty of his home farm.

Howard served in the U.S. Army and was a combat medic with the 4th Infantry Division in Vietnam from 1966 to 1967. He was an original board member of the Highground Veterans Memorial Park, Neillsville, Wis. He was founder of the Nam Ki Do Karate Club for veteran martial arts and meditation. Howard and his son, Erik earned their black belts together in 1987.

Howard was a member of the writing group, the Deadly Writers Patrol, and went on to write a weekly newspaper column entitled Across the Fence. It was published in twelve newspapers in Wisconsin, Iowa and Minnesota. He compiled these columns into eight books.

Howard was known for his wonderful Norwegian Folk Art Wood Carvings, which have been sold both in the U.S. and abroad. Howard enjoyed reading, walking and running, cross country ski racing, music, theatre and genealogy.

Howard is survived by his loving wife, Linda, of 49 years; his children, Erik Sherpe of Madison, and Amy (Tim) Davis of Ixonia, Wis.; with his two grandchildren, Sean and Anna Davis. Howard is lovingly remembered by his brothers, David (Barbara) Sherpe of Sauk City, Wis., Arden (Janice) of Westby; and his sister, Janet (Frank) Servais of Mondovi, Wis. He has a number of nieces and nephews.

Howard was preceded in death by his parents, Hans and Anna Sherpe; his in-laws, Dale and Virginia Bartling; and a sister-in-law, Lori Bartling.

Funeral services were held at 1 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 19, 2016, at Vosseteig Funeral Home, Westby. Pastor Dan Wollman officiated. Burial with military honors followed in the Coon Prairie Cemetery. Friends called from 11 a.m. til time of service at 1 p.m. Saturday at the funeral home.

In lieu of plants or flowers, memorials may be directed to the American Cancer Society or the Westby Norse Fund.

Online Condolences may be offered at www.VossFH.com. Vosseteig Funeral Home, Westby, is serving the family.
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Bill AB 60, which allows undocumented immigrants to obtain a driver's license, was hotly debated before it was signed into law. Advocates said that, among the various benefits that would come from the bill, it would get undocumented drivers to go through the Department of Motor Vehicles, where they'd be vetted before they're allowed onto the road. LAPD Police Chief Beck echoed this sentiment in 2012: he said that roads would become safer after undocumented drivers have been ushered through the "rigorous testing process" of obtaining a license, and surmised that hit-and-runs would be less common if drivers weren't afraid of being caught without a license.

One of the other benefits, apparently, is that it may have led to more vehicles being insured. The California Department of Insurance released a statement today saying that, in 2015 (the first year that AB 60 went into effect), "the number of insured vehicles increased by 200,000 more vehicles than would have been expected." The statement adds that, in the three previous years, the percentage of insured vehicles had risen at the same rate as the number of registered vehicles, which suggests that the recent bump is an aberration (e.g. possibly a result of AB 60).

So undocumented immigrants can get car insurance? Yes, as the only thing you really need to get car insurance (aside from the dough) is a driver's license.

A CDI spokesperson wrote to LAist to say that this spike in insured vehicles is a good thing, because "It means that your chances of being in a collision with an uninsured motorists are reducedthat's good for all of us." Seems straight-forward enough! But how, exactly, do we benefit in real-life terms? As explained by The Zebra, a website that compares insurance quotes, dealing with an uninsured driver can be a massive pain:

If you get into a crash with an uninsured driver, it's likely that you'll be dealing with someone who lacks (or is unwilling to disclose) financial means or proper identification, or is reluctant to undertake a task legally required by U.S. residents. In this case, uninsured motorist coverage is your best protection. If you don't have uninsured motorist coverage, your only other form of possible compensation is the courts, but if the other party didn't have the means to purchase auto insurance, the likelihood that they will be able to pay judgments (if you win) isn't great.

Which is to say that, if everyone had car insurance, this mess would be a whole lot simpler.

The CDI treads carefully, however, saying that the connection between AB 60 and the spike in insured vehicles is one that "needs more study." There are different variables that complicate the matter. For instance, a single insured vehicle may be driven by multiple drivers, so it's inaccurate to make a strict correlation between the number of driver's licenses and the number of insured vehicles. The CDI also noted that lower gas prices and an improving economy may have led more citizens to buy car insurance.

About 605,000 driver licenses were issued under AB 60 in its first year of existence. These licenses have special designations; they indicate on the front that "federal limits apply", and state on the back that they're not to be used for "official federal purposes."
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The man who smashed Donald Trump's star, much to the chagrin/delight of people, is now having to deal with the fallout for his destructive act of protest.James Lambert Otis, a Dr. Seuss fanatic and presumptive heir to the Otis Elevator fortune, has been charged with felony vandalism. The Los Angeles County District Attorney's office announced the charge on Thursday and said Otis faces a possible three years in jail.

Otis smashed the star, which sits in front of the Hollywood and Highland Center, early on the morning of October 26 with a pickaxe and sledgehammer. Despite doing it during the wee hours, Otis said he was not afraid of the consequences he would face, saying, "I'm not frightened of jail and I'm certainly not frightened of Mr. Trump." He turned himself in to police later that day.

Removing the entire star, as he originally planned, ended up being too much trouble, so he hacked away at it and removed the brass emblem and nameplate. Otis said he planned on selling the pieces to raise money for the legal fees of the women who have accused Trump of sexual assault. Last week, he said he planned on suing Donald Trump over the star because it's presence attracted undue attention to the area and was a strain on public resources.

The star, which has previously been defaced and had a wall built around it, is in the process of being replaced by the Hollywood Chamber of Commerce, but isn't yet ready for Inauguration Day:
Former Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos was buried Friday with military honors at a cemetery for national heroes.

His wife Imelda and their children attended the burial at Cemetery of Heroes in Manila.

A police official told the Associated Press that Marcoss body was flown to the capital Thursday from his home province of Ilocos Norte.

The official described the burial service as a simple, family ceremony. Family members and military officials followed the body as it was taken in a horse-drawn carriage to its final resting place.

The ceremony included a 21-gun military salute. Imelda Marcos was given the Philippine flag that covered the coffin.

The burial was kept secret from the public. Groups representing victims of Marcoss rule opposed having his remains moved to the cemetery. Other former presidents, military leaders and artists are buried there.

No protests were reported at the cemetery, where thousands of riot police and soldiers stood guard. But protesters gathered in other parts of Manila. Some burned pictures of Marcos.

The Philippine Supreme Court approved the burial, which President Rodrigo Duterte also supported. Several groups had gone to court seeking to stop it.

Marcos ruled the country for more than 20 years. His administration was accused of widespread corruption and human rights abuses. Family members have denied wrongdoing during his rule.

Marcos was removed from office in 1986 when the army supported what was called a people power rebellion. He later fled the country.

Marcos died in 1989 while living in exile with his family in the American state of Hawaii. In 1993, his body was flown back to the Philippines.

Marcoss oldest daughter Imee is the governor of Ilocos Norte province. She thanked President Duterte for supporting the burial in Manila.

My beloved father's last will to be buried with fellow soldiers was fulfilled today," she said.

Duterte had said it was right for the former president to be buried at the Manila cemetery not because he was a hero, but because he was a Filipino soldier.

Marcos served in the Philippine army and was a guerrilla leader against Japanese occupation forces during World War II.

Philippine Vice President Leni Robredo opposed the burial and criticized the secrecy of the ceremony. She compared the process to a thief in the night.

This is nothing new to the Marcoses - they who had hidden wealth, hidden human rights abuses and now hidden burial - with complete disrespect for the rule of law, she said.

Im Bryan Lynn.

Bryan Lynn wrote this story for VOA Learning English, based on reports from VOA News, the Associated Press and Reuters. George Grow was the editor.

We want to hear from you. Write to us in the Comments section, and visit our Facebook page.

________________________________________________________________

Words in This Story

cemetery  n. place where dead people are buried

salute  n. sign of respect given to high-ranking military officials

coffin  n. box used to bury the body of a dead person

fellow - adj. used to describe people who belong to the same group or who have shared experiences

thief - n. person who steals things
Although Hillary Clinton did not become the first woman to be elected president of the United States, there are now more female state legislators than ever before.

Beginning in January 2017, about 1,824 women will serve in the legislatures of the 50 states -- the highest number in American history. That is 24.7 percent of the more than 7,380 state house and senate seats.

In 1992, 20 percent of state legislators were women. By 2015, 24.4 percent of them were.

A record number of women were candidates this year for state legislative seats.

The legislatures of Arizona, Colorado, Nevada and Vermont have the highest percentage of women. Mississippi, Oklahoma, West Virginia and Wyoming have the lowest percentage.

About 20 percent of the members of the U.S. Congress are women. Women make up a little more than half of the U.S. population.

However, the 2016 election did not bring the big change in the number of women in politics that some people expected, says Debbie Walsh. She is the director of the nonpartisan Center for American Women in Politics at Rutgers University. She recently spoke with the Washington Post newspaper.

For all of the talk of this being a change election, it was not a change election for women in politics. We just arent seeing enough of them, she said.

The elections did bring some firsts for female lawmakers.

Starting in January 2017, 38 non-white women will serve in Congress. That is a record number. Thirty-five of them are Democrats and three are Republicans.

Democrat Catherine Cortez Mastro of Nevada will be the first Latina to serve in the U.S. Senate. And Stephanie Murphy, a Democrat from Florida, will be the first Vietnamese-American woman in Congress.

All of the members of the U.S. House and Senate from the state of New Hampshire will be women.

Voters in Minnesota elected the first Somali-American state lawmaker. Voters in Kentucky elected its first black female legislator in 20 years. Forty Native American Democratic state legislators were also elected in states throughout the country.

Only two of the 50 American states have never elected a woman to serve in the U.S. House or Senate: Mississippi and Vermont.

The new Congress will be the most diverse group of American lawmakers ever. However, about 80 percent of its members will be white males. White men are about 31 percent of the U.S. population.

Im Marsha James.

VOA's Christopher Jones-Cruise wrote this story for Learning English. Ashley Thompson 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

diverse  adj. made up of people or things that are different from each other
We present the short story "Two Thanksgiving Day Gentlemen," by O. Henry. The story was originally adapted and recorded by the U.S. Department of State.

There is one day that is ours. There is one day when all Americans go back to the old home and eat a big dinner. Bless the day. The President gives it to us every year.

Sometimes he talks about the people who had the first Thanksgiving. They were the Puritans. They were some people who landed on our Atlantic shore. We dont really remember much about them.

But those people ate a large bird called turkey on the first Thanksgiving Day. So we have turkey for Thanksgiving dinner, if we have enough money to buy turkey. That is a tradition.

Yes. Thanksgiving Day is the one day of the year that is purely American. And now here is the story to prove to you that we have old traditions in this new country. They are growing older more quickly than traditions in old countries. That is because we are so young and full of life. We do everything quickly.

Stuffy Pete sat down on a seat in the New York City park named Union Square. It was the third seat to the right as you enter Union Square from the east.

Every Thanksgiving for nine years he had sat down there at one in the afternoon. Every time, things had happened to him. They were wonderful things. They made his heart feel full of joyand they filled another part of him, too. They filled the part below his heart.

On those other Thanksgiving Days he had been hungry. (It is a strange thing. There are rich people who wish to help the poor. But many of them seem to think that the poor are hungry only on Thanksgiving Day.)

But today Pete was not hungry. He had come from a dinner so big that he had almost no power to move. His light green eyes looked out from a gray face on which there was still a little food. His breath was short. His body had suddenly become too big for his clothes; it seemed ready to break out of them. They were torn. You could see his skin through a hole in the front of his shirt. But the cold wind, with snow in it, felt pleasantly cool to him.

For Stuffy Pete was overheated with the warmth of all he had had to eat. The dinner had been much too big. It seemed to him that his dinner had included all the turkey and all the other food in the whole world.

So he sat, very, very full. He looked out at the world without interest, as if it could never offer him anything more.

The dinner had not been expected.

He had been passing a large house near the beginning of that great broad street called Fifth Avenue. It was the home of two old ladies of an old family. These two old ladies had a deep love of traditions. There were certain things they always did. On Thanksgiving Day at noon they always sent a servant to stand at the door. There he waited for the first hungry person who walked by. The servant had orders to bring that person into the house and feed him until he could eat no more. Stuffy Pete happened to pass by on his way to the park. The servant had gathered him in. Tradition had been followed.

Stuffy Pete sat in the park looking straight before him for ten minutes. Then he felt a desire to look in another direction. With a very great effort, he moved his head slowly to the left.

Then his eyes grew wider and his breath stopped. His feet in their torn shoes at the ends of his short legs moved about on the ground.

For the Old Gentleman was coming across Fourth Avenue toward Stuffys seat.

Every Thanksgiving Day for nine years the Old Gentleman had come there to find Stuffy Pete on his seat. That was a thing that the Old Gentleman was trying to make into a tradition. Every Thanksgiving Day for nine years he had found Stuffy there. Then he had led Stuffy to a restaurant and watched him eat a big dinner.

They do these things more easily in old countries like England. They do them without thinking about them.

But in this young country, we must think about them. In order to build a tradition, we must do the same thing again and again for a long time. The Old Gentleman loved his country. He believed he was helping to build a great American tradition. And he had been doing very well. Nine years is a long time here.

The Old Gentleman moved, straight and proud, toward the tradition that he was building. Truly feeding Stuffy Pete once a year was not a very important tradition. There are greater and more important traditions in England. But it was a beginning. It proved that a tradition was at least possible in America.

The Old Gentleman was thin and tall and sixty. He was dressed all in black. He wore eye-glasses. His hair was whiter and thinner than it had been last year. His legs did not seem as strong as they had seemed the year before.

As this kind Old Gentleman came toward him, Stuffy began to shake and his breath was shorter. He wished he could fly away. But he could not move from his seat.

Good morning, said the Old Gentleman. I am glad to see that the troubles of another year have not hurt you. You continue to move in health about the beautiful world. For that blessing you and I can give thanks on this day of thanksgiving. If you will come with me, my man, I will give you a dinner that will surely make your body feel as thankful as your mind.

That is what the Old Gentleman said every time. Every Thanksgiving Day for nine years. The words themselves were almost a tradition. Always before, they had been music in Stuffys ear. But now he looked up at the Old Gentlemans face with tears of suffering in his eyes. The snow turned quickly to water when it fell upon his hot face. But the Old Gentleman was shaking with the cold. He turned away, with his back to the wind, and he did not see Stuffys eyes.

Stuffy had always wondered why the Old Gentleman seemed sad as he spoke. He did not know that it was because the Old Gentleman was wishing that he had a son. A son would come there after he himself was gone. A son would stand proud and strong before Stuffy, and say: In remembrance of my father. Then it would really be a tradition.

But the Old Gentleman had no family. He lived in a room in one of the old houses near the park. In the winter he grew a few flowers there. In the spring he walked on Fifth Avenue. In the summer he lived in a farmhouse in the hills outside New York, and he talked of a strange bug he hoped some day to find. In the fall season he gave Stuffy a dinner. These were the things that filled the Old Gentlemans life.

Stuffy Pete looked up at him for a half minute, helpless and very sorry for himself. The Old Gentlemans eyes were bright with the giving pleasure. His face was getting older every year, but his clothes were very clean and fresh.

And then Stuffy made a strange noise. He was trying to speak. As the Old Gentleman had heard the noise nine times before, he understood it. He knew that Stuffy was accepting.

Thank you. Im very hungry.

Stuffy was very full, but he understood that he was part of a tradition. His desire for food on Thanksgiving Day was not his own. It belonged to this kind Old Gentleman. True, America is free. But there are some things that must be done.

The Old Gentleman led Stuffy to the restaurant and to the same table where they had always gone. They were known here.

Here comes that old man, said a waiter, that buys that old no-good fellow a dinner every Thanksgiving.

The Old Gentleman sat at the table, watching. The waiters brought food, and more food. And Stuffy began to eat.

No great and famous soldier ever battled more strongly against an enemy. The turkey and all the other food were gone almost as quickly as they appeared. Stuffy saw the look of happiness on the Old Gentlemans face. He continued to eat in order to keep it there.

In an hour the battle was finished.

Thank you, Stuffy said. Thank you for my Thanksgiving dinner. Then he stood up heavily and started to go to the wrong door. A waiter turned him in the right direction.

The Old Gentleman carefully counted out $1.30, and left fifteen cents more for the waiter.

They said goodbye, as they did each year, at the door. The Old Gentleman went south, and Stuffy went north.

Stuffy went around the first corner, and stood for one minute. Then he fell.

There he was found. He was picked up and taken to a hospital. They put him on a bed, and began to try to discover what strange sickness had made him fall.

And an hour later the Old Gentleman was brought to the same hospital. And they put him on another bed, and began to try to discover what his sickness could be.

After a little time one of the doctors met another doctor, and they talked.

That nice old gentleman over there, he said. Do you know whats wrong with him? Hes almost dead for the need of food. A very proud old man, I think. He told me he has had nothing to eat for three days.

Download activities to help you understand this story here.

Now it's your turn to use the words in this story. What is your favorite holiday? What kinds of holiday traditions do they have in your country? Let us know in the comments section or on our Facebook page.

______________________________________________________________

Words in This Story

Puritan(s)  n. a member of a Protestant group in England and New England in the 16th and 17th centuries that opposed many customs of the Church of England

servant  n. a person who is hired to do household or personal duties such as cleaning and cooking

eye-glasses  n. a pair of lenses set into a frame and worn over your eyes to help you see

tear(s)  n. a drop of liquid that comes from your eyes especially when you cry

remembrance  n. something that is done or made to honor the memory of a person, thing, or event

bug  n. a usually small insect

waiter  n. a man who serves food or drinks to people in a restaurant

cent(s)  n. a unit of money that is equal to / of the basic unit of money in many countries
Cabelas will hold its annual meeting Dec. 13 at 8 a.m. at the companys headquarters in Sidney.

Not on the agenda: details of the $5.5 billion acquisition by Bass Pro Shops, which was announced in October. The company said in a government filing that a separate meeting and shareholder vote will be held at a later date.

Shareholders and community members may still use the meeting as a chance to bring up the merger and how it will affect Sidney, a town of 6,800 in which 2,000 people work at Cabelas. The company, when the deal closes, will be a subsidiary of Bass Pro and will be headquartered in Springfield, Missouri.

My guess is that the elephant in the room is gonna be the Bass Pro deal, and thats not on the agenda, said Rob Berick, senior vice president and managing director of Falls Communications, a public and investor relations company in Cleveland.

That to me will be the whats interesting about this upcoming annual meeting, is what types of rules and protocols they put in place to manage the conversation, should investors or community members try to take the conversation off of the agenda.

That may be one reason the company is hosting the meeting in the middle of December, in the companys headquarters rather than in the public Sidney High School. Cabelas traditionally held its annual meetings in the spring, but this year it was delayed, probably because of the ongoing negotiations with Bass Pro and the involvement of activist investor Elliott Management, which bought up 11 percent of the company last year and agitated for changes  like a sale of the company.

Cabelas didnt comment for this story.

On the agenda in December: re-electing 10 directors to the board; ratifying an appointment of Deloitte & Touche LLP as the companys registered public accounting firm for fiscal 2016; holding an advisory vote on executive compensation; and any other business shareholders might wish to bring up at the meeting.
Washington, D.C.  Constituents of Third District Congressman Adrian Smith (R-NE) who need assistance dealing with a federal agency are invited to attend the Caseworker in Your Community events on Wednesday, November 30, in Lexington and Trenton.

Caseworker in Your Community is an opportunity for constituents to meet directly with one of Smiths congressional caseworkers. Caseworkers may be able to assist constituents who are having problems dealing with a federal agency such as the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, Social Security, Medicare, passports and visas through the U.S. Department of State, U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services, or the Internal Revenue Service.
The tutu wearing thief that broke into a Tampa farmer's market earlier this month has been caught.

Farmers Market on Fletcher Ave in Tampa broken into Nov. 1

Surveillance video showed one suspect wearing a tutu

Jevon Ryner Jamison, 22, arrested and charged

According to Tampa police, Jevon Ryner Jamison, 22, has been arrested and charged, along with another person, of breaking into the Farmers Market located at 1718 East Fletcher Avenue in Tampa Nov. 1.

Police said they entered by breaking out the glass door to the market. Once inside, the suspects consumed fruit and soda.



Police said Jamison is the suspect in the surveillance video wearing a tutu inside the store.

Jamison, of Tampa, has been charged with burglary of an unoccupied structure, criminal mischief and petit theft of $100 or less.





Police said the suspects entered by breaking out the glass door to the market. Once inside, the suspects consumed fruit and soda. Police said Jamison is the suspect in the surveillance video wearing a tutu inside the store. (TPD image)
MARRAKESH, Morocco - African leaders met in Morocco on Wednesday on the sidelines of UN climate talks to agree a joint stance to fight global warming on the continent.

Image by 123RF

"Africa is paying a heavy price over the climate issue and is without doubt the continent worst affected," Morocco's King Mohammed VI told the summit attended by 20 African leaders. "These disruptions... greatly hamper Africa's development and gravely threaten the basic rights of tens of millions of Africans," he said.

He said the continent needed to "speak in a single voice, demand climate justice".

France's President Francois Hollande and UN chief Ban Ki-moon also attended the summit which took place alongside the COP22 climate change conference in Marrakesh.

Ban said Africa was at the forefront of the fight against climate change, and that 36 of the 50 countries most affected by global warming were African.

Senegal's President Macky Sall said African countries would wait until 2020 for promised aid from developed countries to fight global warming. An agreement after last year's climate talks in Paris provides for a green fund of $100 billion (90 billion euros) per year from 2020 to help poorer nations make the shift to clean energy.

Hollande said Wednesday's summit would "lay the foundations" for the plan to help Africa from 2020. "France has made its commitments and will keep them, I will see to it," he said.

African leaders have called for more funding from developed nations to cut fossil fuel emissions and take contingency measures. "Developed countries must shoulder their historical responsibility for emissions," Djibouti's President Ismail Omar Guelleh said on Tuesday.

The UN, too, has called for more money, especially for "adaptation" -- shoring up defences against the effects of global warming.

This could mean building dykes or elevating homes as protection against rising seas, improving weather warning systems and growing climate change-resistant crops.

President Omar al-Bashir, who is wanted by the International Criminal Court on charges of war crimes and genocide during the 13-year-old conflict in Darfur, also attended. He has always denied the charges.

The summit comes amid growing opposition to the ICC among African leaders, who accuse the court of prosecuting alleged crimes in Africa while ignoring those elsewhere in the world.

Burundi, South Africa and the Gambia have all pulled out of the court's founding treaty, the Rome statute, in recent weeks. Kenya, Namibia and Uganda have indicated they may follow suit.

On Wednesday, Russia dealt the ICC a new blow by saying it would formally withdraw its signature from the Rome statute.

Hosting the summit is a diplomatic coup for Morocco as it seeks to reassert its influence in Africa. In July, the kingdom announced it wanted to rejoin the African Union after a three-decade hiatus, and in September it lodged a formal application.

The king has since toured East Africa in a bid to woo support. After the Marrakesh talks he is due to visit Addis Ababa, where the AU is based.

Morocco pulled out of what was then called the Organisation of African Unity in 1984 in protest at the admission of the Sahrawi Arab Democratic Republic declared by the pro-independence Polisario Front in the Western Sahara.

The move came at the height of the armed conflict between the Polisario and Morocco over the former Spanish colony.

A UN-supervised ceasefire has been in effect since 1991 but a quarter of a century of efforts for a lasting peace have yielded few results. Morocco controls all the territory's main towns, with the Polisario confined to a narrow strip in the desert interior. Tens of thousands of Sahrawi refugees still live in camps in neighbouring Algeria.Algeria has long backed the Polisario and Morocco's bid for AU membership has set off what is likely to be dogged diplomatic battle for influence between the North African rivals.

Source: AFP.
As a huge fan of the Harry Potter books I remember the exact moment I lost all interest in the movie adaptations.

It was the scene in the fourth film The Goblet of Fire, when Dumbledore angrily assaults Harry for putting his name in the goblet. Coming from Prisoner of Azkaban, one of the best films Id ever seen, Goblet put an irredeemable dent in my expectations from the film versions of the Potter universe.

The subsequent films were predictably more and more forgettable, and the final film had a painfully underwhelming fight scene between Harry and Voldemort considering Id waited for almost ten years to see it on screen.

So when an adaptation for Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them was announced, I naturally didnt have big expectations. Now, whether its the low bar or the fact that it was written by JK Rowling herself isn't entirely clear, but Fantastic Beasts... is a nice expansion of the Potter universe, and definitely the best since the third film, Prisoner of Azkaban.

This time were taken back to the 1920s when a young Englishman named Newt Scamander (Eddie Redmayne) arrives in New York with a strange suitcase that seems to contain something dangerous. But also on the prowl is a dark wizard named Grindlewald who is responsible for many terrorist attacks.

Adding a far more dangerous layer is an unknown monstrous entity thats been let loose in the city and is causing significant damage. Scamander gets embroiled in a race against time to stop the menace and also secure the contents of his increasingly weird suitcase.

What makes the film far more interesting than the previous Potter movies is that the filmmakers are not bogged down by the childrens film genre. The themes in this film are far darker and more adult than anything seen previously, and while some scenes might be too scary for kids the young adults are going to find it quite entertaining. Its also nice to see the Potter universe expand away from the confines of Hogwarts, and the amazing VFX laden production design brings out some eye popping detailing of 1920s NYC.

The titular beasts themselves are imaginative and fascinating, and how Scamander is connected to the beasts is an interesting commentary on how humans treat something they are not aware of in a negative manner. When the film isnt dark and scary its also quite funny which is a breath of fresh air from the persistent gloom and doom of the previous four films.

On the negative side the film is directed by David Yates, who, to be honest, is a very bland filmmaker. Just like in the previous four Potter films, he had very high quality written material, top of the line visual effects and interesting characters at his disposal, yet his direction has a synthetic, un-energetic feel.

It somehow offsets the high bar set by the other technicians working on the film. The fact that hes going to direct all five Fantastic Beasts films is a worrisome aspect because the franchise could use a fresh filmmaking style, of someone like Alfonso Cuaron, who made the third film. The other let down is the music by James Newton Howard, which is quite a far cry from the all time classic theme by John Williams, and is merely a standard issue generic blockbuster movie score.

The finale of Fantastic Beasts poses some interesting new revelations, and it would be interesting to see where Warner Brothers takes the franchise from here. Theres quite a bit of lore left to explore  in fact its already been announced that Grindlewald will make an appearance in the next films  lets hope his inclusion is an original take and not just another soft reboot of Voldemort.
This time on First Lady, host Meghna Pant got to interview Nimrat Kaur, an up and coming actor whos already making waves in India and abroad.

Kaur is best known for her work in The Lunchbox and Airlift, but she also made quite a name for herself as Homelands Tasneem Qureshi.

Director Raja Sen describes Kaur as disarmingly natural; its as apt a description of her interview as youll find anywhere.

In the course of the interview, Kaur discussed the definition of success and said that its ever changing. What I thought of success two years ago, isnt the same today, said Kaur.

When asked about the changing perception of Indian culture, particularly in Hollywood, Kaur had some very interesting insights to give. She believes that art always reflects the society of the time and the changing perception of Indians in Hollywood is just an extension of the changing perceptions of people the world over.

Kaur loves being an actor and loves her work, and thats very apparent in the interview. I love meeting new people, new energies. Thats what my core is, Kaur added.

She also has a very down-to-earth stance on feminism.

In her own words, The idea of a modern woman is to have a sense of self-worth and identity. She strongly believes that women, by nature, love their families. Were the reason families are together. Were born this way, said Kaur, adding, But what else? Thats what women need to ask themselves.

Catch the full interview above to learn more about Nimrat Kaur and her passion for life as well as her work.


On Thursday (November 17), a lot of stars and their PR crew announced fresh projects and titles for their new films. There was an avalanche of tweets from Kollywood stars or their production houses to announce new films and tie-ups.

Kollywood is currently going through a major crisis due to demonetisation. In an industry where black money plays a key role, shooting of new films have come to a standstill and release dates have been reshuffled due to currency crunch. There is no money in the market as financiers are left with scrapped notes and general public is off movies.

Gautham Menons AYM took an opening only in Chennai city and suburbs in Chennai and Coimbatore where theatres have online booking. However actors in Kollywood wanted to show that demonetisation has not in any way affected their box-office standing.

Vikram has set the ball rolling. After the success of Iru Mugan, reports claim that he was planning to do another film with its director Anand Shankar. Also, director Hari had officially announced he is going to do a Saamy sequel with Vikram. Later, news came out that Vikram will do the remake of the Hollywood horror thriller Dont Breathe, playing the role of the blind army man, enacted by Stephen Lang. The director of the film Frede Alvarez replied to a fan that the film is going to be remade in India.

More recently Gautham Menon announced his next film after AYM will be with Vikram. However yesterday morning news was out officially that Vikram has been signed up to do a film for SFF with the little known director Vijay Chander, who had earlier directed Simbus Vaalu. It took the entire industry by surprise.

A few hours later JiivaKajal Aggarwal's Kavalai Vendam teaser was released along with its 24th November release date announcement. Jiiva also tweeted about.

At sharp 6 pm in the evening, popular music composer and youth icon Anirudh, who has over 2 million followers on Twittter, tweeted 

#RumTeaser is here - https://t.co/jwbo3ZhGtb .. Please support this new team  Anirudh Ravichander (@anirudhofficial) November 17, 2016

The teaser was first released through the Twitter handle of actor Suriya. Rum, a horror thriller, is Anirudhs 13 th film as a music director and he is introducing his cousin Hrishikesh, who debuts as hero in the film.

Two hours later, music director-turned-actor Vijay Antony's new horror thriller film Saithan's opening 8 minutes was made live via social media handles. It is a bold and daring decision by Vijay Antony to create a hype around the film, which was to release on 17 November, but now has been pushed to 2 December. Vijay Antony is riding a wave as his last release Pichaikkaran is one of 2016s super hits.

Half an hour later, Vijay fans were in for a treat when leading production house Sri Thenandal Films officially announced that they would be making Vijay 61 with Atlee as the director. Vijays earlier combo with Atlee had resulted in Theri, the 2016 summer blockbuster.

However the biggest news of the day was when Suriya announced that his next film will be directed by the maverick Selvaraghavan.

Late in the night, the Lady Superstar of Tamil cinema Nayanthara announced her next film, Aramm.

What an evening it turned out to be in Twitter, as all the latest star updates trended!
For farmer Buddha Singh, who works a small plot of land in the village of Bajna south of New Delhi, the government's decision to abolish Rs 500 and Rs 1,000 bank notes to crush the shadow economy could hardly have come at a worse time.

He and millions of other farmers cannot get enough cash to buy the seeds and fertilisers they need for their winter crops, threatening production of key commodities and hurting rural communities only just recovering after two years of drought.

"We can't buy our full requirements of seeds, fertiliser and pesticides on credit. There is a limit," said Singh, a turbaned man in his 50s, who tills a two-acre field near the highway running from the capital to the holy city of Mathura.

"We're running out of time as we've only 10-15 days more to plant crops like wheat, mustard and chickpeas," he added, to murmurs of assent from around 30 fellow farmers sitting under a neem tree and discussing their predicament.

India's 26.3 crore farmers mostly live in the cash economy, exposing them to the full impact of Prime Minister Narendra Modi's shocking 8-November announcement that larger denomination bank notes would immediately cease to be legal tender.

Modi's drive to purge "black cash" from the economy has, at a stroke, wiped out 86 percent of the money in circulation. Delays in printing new Rs 500 and Rs 2,000 notes mean that money could be tight for weeks to come.

While city dwellers are still queuing up to exchange or deposit old money at the bank, and to draw new funds, many villagers live miles from the nearest branch and have yet to see the new notes being rushed into circulation.

Dragged down

Delays to the planting season that began last month threaten to dent agricultural and overall economic growth, wiping out gains for farmers who this year cashed in on decent monsoon rains after being hit by drought in 2014 and 2015.

Farmers who have already spent money on ploughing and irrigation to keep the soil moist can ill afford to leave their land fallow. Late sowing typically reduces yields and increases the risk that inclement spring weather could damage crops.

"In all likelihood, we'll not be able to recover our cost of cultivation as the prime sowing time has nearly lapsed," said Prakash Chandra Sharma, another local farmer.

The farmers said they spent an average of Rs 58,000 per hectare to grow wheat, only to eke out an income of Rs 70,000. That assumes a crop yield of about 3.2 tonnes per hectare.

A drop in wheat output would boost local prices that are already near record highs. Stocks are at their lowest level for nearly a decade, and even before the latest cash crunch, private traders were expected to import around 3 million tonnes this year.

Devinder Sharma, an independent food and trade policy analyst, said rural communities in particular would suffer from the demonetisation move.

"It's a little early to hazard a guess about the extent of crop loss," said Sharma. "But both rural income and demand will take a big hit before things start improving from April next year."

Thanks, but no thanks

In the latest in a series of ad hoc steps, the government on Thursday allowed farmers to withdraw up to Rs 25,000 a week against their crop loans to ensure that sowing of winter crops "takes place properly".

Shaktikanta Das, a top finance ministry official, also said a time limit for farmers to pay crop insurance premiums had been extended by 15 days.

But that cuts little ice with farmers, who often rely for their cash not on banks but on money lenders charging annual interest of up to 40 percent.

Most farmers have already availed of their farm loan for the previous summer season and, for the handful who can still withdraw, the ceiling is too low," said Tejinder Narang, a New Delhi-based farm expert

After selling their rice crop last month, many are stuck with old 500 and 1,000 bills they can no longer spend.

They are only allowed to exchange Rs 2,000 into new money, and the rest must be deposited before the notes cease to be accepted by banks after 30 December.

"Four banks cater to 200 villages of about 2,000 people each. It's not easy to get your old currency notes converted," said Harbir Singh, another local farmer.

Markets idled

The breakdown in the cash economy is causing major disruptions to the supply of produce to the cities, with payment alternatives such as plastic cards or digital wallet apps on smartphones yet to gain widespread acceptance.

At Delhi's Azadpur Mandi, Asia's largest fruit and vegetable wholesale market, traders said business was at a virtual standstill, and labourers who usually earn between Rs 300 and Rs 500 a day sat idle.

"The bosses are giving us Rs 500 bills, but we are refusing to take those notes," said porter Raju Kumar Rathore. "Then they are telling us to collect our money after a week or 10 days. For us that is a big problem."
Berlin: Software service group Infosys is bracing for pressure on its US business from anti-immigrant policies by US President-elect Donald Trump, who has identified clamping down on immigration as one of his three top priorities.

"Margins might be impacted in the near-term," Chief Executive Vishal Sikka said, adding the company had not yet done any simulations on how large the impact may turn out to be.

Infosys' contingency plan for the case that the group would not be able to send low-cost developers to work with temporary work visas on big tech projects in the United States would be to hire staff locally, he said.

Sikka conceded that hiring people in the United States would likely be more expensive, adding that he saw no shortage in potential applicants.

"There are enough universities, enough ability to hire, enough ability to teach," Sikka said, adding he did not expect to lose market share to US peers such as Cognizant.

Infosys last month cut its annual revenue growth target for the second time in three months as India's software service exporters feel the pinch of major Western clients holding back on spending.
In a major setback to India's regional cooperation strategy, Bhutan's Upper House has rejected a move to have the country join the Bangladesh, Bhutan, India, Nepal Motor Vehicles Agreement (BBIN MVA), citing environmental concerns.

The four South Asian nations signed the BBIN agreement in June last year in Thimphu, Bhutan, in what was seen as a significant symbol of sub-regional unity. The agreement allowed for the regulation of passenger, personal and cargo vehicular traffic among the four countries.

However, there have been reservations among some sections within Bhutan about the viability of this agreement given that it was a small country.

After the National Assembly or the lower house of the Bhutanese parliament endorsed the agreement earlier this year, it forwarded it to the National Council for consideration. But, on Tuesday, the National Council voted against Bhutan joining the agreement.

According to Sonam Kinga, Chairman of the National Council, there were two votes for joining the agreement, 13 against, while five members abstained from voting.

The sub-regional pact was being seen as an important milestone in Prime Minister Modi's much touted diplomatic agenda to 'Look East' and forge a regional cooperation boosting trade ties in the region. It was India, under the Prime Minister Modi. that introduced and pitched for the pact in the 2014 Saarc Summit in Kathmandu, urging the South Asian neighbours to fortify regional economic ties.

""Our relations become stronger when we connect the lives of the ordinary citizens of our countries. That is why connectivity and services by rail and road are so important. We should also connect ourselves more by air," Modi had said at the summit according to The Times of India.

But with Bhutan's refusal to ratify the agreement, Modi's dream to establish a seamless cargo and vehicular passageway in the region has hit a roadblock.

What is the BBIN MVA pact?

To boost trade relations, India had proposed a regional cooperation pact in the 2014 Saarc Summit, which entailed building a freight corridor connecting the south Asian nations with each other.

The MVA was proposed to reduce transport costs drastically and and foster development of multi-modal transport facilities for a better connectivity between the four countries. It allowed the member states to ply their vehicles in each other's territory for transportation of cargo and passengers , including third country transport and passenger vehicles or personal vehicles.

All vehicles would however be required to obtain permits to enter another nation's territory and bilateral border security arrangements will also remain in place.

A very optimistic deadline of October 2015 was slated for the implementation of the agreement after a six-month work plan was worked out in accordance with the protocols, according to Business Standard.

However, the pact can only become operational when all nations ratify it.

India, Nepal and Bangladesh have already ratified the pact but Bhutan's refusal is likely to delay the implementation of the key trade cooperation agreement further.

Although, India already holds bilateral motor vehicular pacts with Bangladesh and Nepal, a multilateral agreement could have bolstered regional cooperation manifolds.

The view from Bhutan

India, Nepal, Bangladesh and Bhutan had inked the agreement in June 2015 in Thimphu, the capital of the land-locked Himalayan nation. Union Transport Minister Nitin Gadkari had visited Thimphu to ink the deal sealing India's commitment to the agreement, according to The Economic Times.

In Bhutan, those in favour of the agreement argued that the protocols for the terms and conditions of agreement were yet to be formulated and the country could negotiate to tilt the scales in its favour.

However, reservations from certain sections of Bhutan had been evident ever since the start of the ratification process. Senior government officials in the Union road transport and highways ministry had revealed that a "large cross-section of people in Bhutan, including lawmakers, had expressed concerns over the environmental impact of allowing large number of vehicles enter the country after it ratifies the pact," according to a report in Hindustan Times.

Another report in The Wire said, that although Bhutan's lower house, called the National Assembly, passed the bill, it could only do so on the second attempt, indicating the Bhutanese discomfort with forging a multilateral pact with nations that have better infrastructural assets at their disposal.

Reports in local media too pointed out that Bhutan is a much smaller nation and a huge amount of traffic from its larger neighbours would strain the countries limited infrastructure and impact the environment.

An article from Bhutan News Network states, "Environment protection is one of the four pillars of Bhutans gross national happiness, with sustainable development, promotion of cultural values and good governance being the others," adding that the Opposition parties have been raising concern over the environmental impact of the increased vehicular traffic.

However, Bhutan's reservation on damaging its environment is not unfounded. Tourism is Bhutan's single largest revenue generating industry, and the small Himalayan nation has carefully guarded its pristine natural habitat. It has even worked out a "low-volume, high-value" tourism strategy and maintained its status of an elite tourist destination. It touts itself to be the "untouched Himalayan Paradise" charging tourists $250 a day as a minimum fee (a charge not applicable to Indian and Bangladeshi nationals) to witness the natural wealth abound, according to The Wire.

However, threat to environment is not the only loophole in Bhutan's eyes. The land-locked nation finds itself gaining little from the agreement amid a long list of demerits.

Another article in Business Bhutan, states that there is more to the agreement than meets the eye. The article states that Bhutanese truckers have raised concerns that large number of foriegn transporters plying into Bhutan could eat into the local businesses. The article also states that the local transporters are also "unsure of the ramifications of chartering out into unexplored neighboring territories."

Another article, in Kuensel Online, reported that the Bhutanese upper house, the National Council, was of the view that the merits of the agreement outweighed by the repercussions the tiny Himalayan nation would have to face. Some law makers were of the view that unrestrained influx of vehicles and people could dilute Bhutan's culture and religion and possibly give rise to the crime rate in the region. The committee also found that the pact was in conflict with Bhutan's immigration act. Member's of the committee also observed that Bhutan severely lacks the basic infrastructure of roads, bridges, checkpoints etc to implement the agreement.

Another major objection the committe took was to the principle of reciprocity in the agreement. "The committee could not be convinced that Bhutan would be able to ask other members to stop their vehicles at the border or take in fewer vehicles than what it would be allowed to send in their territory due to the principle of reciprocity spelt in the agreement," the article quoted the National Council's objection.

Another prominent lawmaker in the upper house, Dasho Tashi Wangyal flagged anothe concern, stating that the agreement could impact India-Bhutan relations negatively. He said that India faces multiple security threats and is battling infiltration from its neighbous. A free flow of people could give militants an opportunity to sneak into Bhutan, or use its territory to infiltrate into India, which may compromise the healthy relationship Thimpu enjoys with New Delhi.

A setback to India's strategic interests?

India is keenly invested into the successful implementation of the BBIN MVA agrrement. What was originally mooted as a pan-south Asian initiative, was later downsized to a sub-regional cooperation pact after Pakistan's last minute intransigence, which also snuffed out landlocked Afghanistan's chances to be a part of the deal.

This was being seen as another diplomatic victory for India to isolate Pakistan and undertake a sub-regional cooperation without it's rival neighbour. It was also contrived to be another jewel in Modi's much touted neighbourhood-first policy, making it especially important to the ruling BJP.

With the MVA stuck in another bottleneck, it will be another blow to the Modi government's agenda.

Add to this the fact that India traditionally enjoys close ties and considerable influence in the neighbouring nation. After Pakistan, Bhutan's refusal to be a part of India's ambitious scheme would only add insult to injury.

However, India has stayed wary of pushing Bhutan too hard on the issue as it is aware of the diplomatic repercussions of it. Bhutan lies in between India's largest border dispute  that with China. Beijing has time and again expressed its willingness to establish and improve diplomatic ties with Bhutan. But Thimphu has not pursued ties with China, at least with any visible zeal, to avoid creating any misunderstanding in its close ties with India.

However, this time around, Bhutan seems to be resolved to assert itself wherever it feels its interests are sacrificed.

With inputs from agencies
Mumbai: Refusing to pass any order on a PIL regarding demonetisation, the Bombay High Court on Thursday said the Union government's efforts to act against black money need to be supported.

A division bench headed by Chief Justice Manjula Chellur made the remarks while hearing a PIL filed by Akhil Chitre seeking directions to the Centre and the state government to ease the inconvenience caused to the common people following the demonetisation of the old Rs 500 and Rs 1,000 notes.

"The government's intention to act against parallel economy in black money cannot be said to be mala fide. Though there are problems faced by the citizens, it should be supported," Justice Chellur said.

Refusing to pass any direction, the bench said the Supreme Court was already hearing petitions pertaining to the issue and hence it would not be correct for the high court to interfere.
New Delh: Congress and BJP members on Friday clashed in Rajya Sabha over Leader of Opposition Ghulam Nabi Azad's remarks during demonetisation debate yesterday, forcing adjournment of the House thrice in quick succession.

Slogans and counter slogans forced the adjournment of the House first till 1130 hours, then till noon and again till 1233 hours as similar scenes continued.

Soon after listed papers were laid on the table of the House, BJP members moved into aisles shouting slogans and demanding an apology from Azad for his remarks comparing the deaths after demonetisation with those killed in terrorist attacks. The remarks were expunged by the Chair yesterday itself.

Congress members too rushed into the Well raising slogans demanding an apology from the Prime Minister and government for the hardship caused to the common man due to withdrawal of 86 percent of the currency in circulation in the form of old 500 and 1000 rupee notes.

AIADMK members were also in the Well raising slogans over the Cauvery water issue.

Deputy Chairman P J Kurien asked all members to leave the Well and return to their seats, assuring them that he would hear their submissions.

Amid the din, Minister of State for Parliamentary Affairs Mukhtar Abbas Naqvi alleged that Azad's statement had given a message to the country that Congress was sympathetic to terrorism and asked why was it so agitated when the demonetisation drive was only to hurt blackmoney hoarders.

The Chair persuaded AIADMK and Congress members to withdraw from the Well, telling them that he would give opportunity to their leaders to raise their respective issues. But with BJP members continuing to stand in the aisles and raise slogans, Congress members too were back in the well shouting slogans.

Kurien said treasury benches should not create problems for the Chair. "If you do this, what do I do? You should cooperate with me in running the House. Treasury benches should not disrupt," he said.

But the din continued, forcing him to adjourn the proceedings till 1130 hours.

There was no change in the scenario when the House reassembled as both BJP and Congress members again started raising slogans.

While Congress members trooped into the Well, several AIADMK members were seen standing along their seats.

As the slogans and counter slogans continued, the Chair adjourned the House till noon.
Following the 8 November announcement by the Modi government of demonetising the Rs 500 and Rs 1,000 notes, the banks were faced with an almost insurmountable challenge: How to manage the disbursal of new currency in a timely manner, in spite of the high demand.

Under such circumstances, the role played by automated teller machines (ATMs) in dispensing cash was hugely important and their success in disbursing the cash effectively was, to a great extent, going to decide the fate of the demonetisation scheme.

Following the note ban, long queues outside ATMs across the country became a common sight. In most cases, the ATMs ran out of cash almost instantaneously, leaving people hassled because of the sudden cash crunch. It was the biggest challenge ever faced by the banking sector in India.

Following Prime Minister Narendra Modi's announcement, the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) stated in a press release that all ATMs and other cash machines will remain shut on 9 November (and 10 November) to facilitate the re-calibration of the machines (as the new notes had different dimensions from what the machine accepted). It stated that when ready, they will be reactivated and that cash withdrawals from ATMs will be restricted to Rs 2,000 per day per card up to 18 November, with the limits being raised to Rs 4,000 per day per card from 19 November.

Facing impossible odds, it was left to the Public Sector Banks (PSBs) to plan and execute the re-calibration on a short time-frame, proving yet again that they are still the backbone of the economy in spite of all the criticism heaped upon them for the mounting bad loans and their mode of functioning.

According to a high ranking bank official, a meeting of all the bank chiefs was called upon on 8 November to deliberate upon how the re-calibration of the ATMs would be managed. The official claimed that most of the private sector banks expressed their inability to carry out the re-calibration work in such a short span of time  given the logistical constraints.

It was under these circumstances that Indias largest public sector bank, State Bank of India (SBI), rose to the occasion and took charge of the situation. With a host of private banks bowing out, it was the SBI that assured the government of effective management of its ATMs. The assurance was a big risk given the enormity of the task at hand.

According to RBI data, as on July 2016, out of a total of 1,03,282 onsite and 98,579 offsite ATMs in the country, SBI has 20,419 (onsite) and 29,496 (offsite) ATMs  close to a quarter of all ATMs. In this context, SBI's role in implementing the demonetisation scheme was of immense importance.

When the ATMs reopened on 11 November, 27,000 machines were up and running on the very first day. Out of these, 17,000 were replenished by SBI.

However, since these machines could hold only up to 2500 notes of Rs 100, it was hard to maintain the flow of currency.

We could maintain continuous cash flow for the onsite ATMs and replenish it on regular intervals but for the offsite ATMs, it was a difficult proposition. So, we took various other steps," said a high ranking SBI official.

It was at this point that the role of banking correspondents in the rural and semi-urban areas, mobile banking, online banking and point of sale (PoS) cash disbursal became important.

SBI has PoS facility at 3,40,000 merchant locations in total, out of which 2,33,000 POS machines were re-calibrated so that the merchants could provide cash against a debit card swipe. Such merchants could provide cash up to Rs 2,000 in rural and semi-urban areas, while the limit was Rs 1000 for urban areas. These merchants conducted over 10,470 transactions worth Rs 40 lakh during the time the ATMs were closed in country.

SBI is also helping big corporates for salary and other services with its PoS machines. Around 470 vans are running to help such customers with 100-150 more vans to be added to the fleet soon.

On 14 November, RBI announced the constitution of a task force under the chairmanship of the RBI deputy governor SS Mundra, for the re-calibration and reactivation of ATMs

Stressing the fact that ATMs play a vital role in meeting the currency requirements of the public and have become a major channel for disbursement of cash, RBI said,  Re-activation of ATMs extends the availability and disbursal of notes for the customers of banks at convenient time and location in judicious mix of higher and lower denominations.

According to the RBI press release, re-calibration of ATMs involves multiple agencies  banks, ATM manufacturers, National Payment Corporation of India (NPCI), Switch Operators, etc, and multiple activities making it a complex operation requiring immense coordination among these players.

According to current data, 9,187 ATMs of SBI have been re-calibrated for the new Rs 2,000 note. There are currently 7,725 SBI ATMs dispensing Rs 100 notes as well as the new Rs 500 and Rs 2,000 notes.

The re-calibration process is going on full flow. With more than 2,000 ATMs being currently re-calibrated (till Thursday, the number of functional ATMs touched 13000), said the SBI official. SBI ATMs have conducted 2.46 crore transactions worth 4,551 crore rupees in the last one week.

In yet another move to ease the pressure on ATMs and bank branches, SBI has reached an understanding with public sector oil companies to provide nearly 3,043 petrol pumps with SBI PoS machines to start dispensing cash against debit card swipes. They will get Rs five per transaction. SBI will replenish the cash to the merchants.

Currently, the average number of transactions conducted through SBI debit cards has increased to 35 lakh daily as compared to 22 lakh before the announcement. It seems that the success or failure of the demonetisation move is currently hinged on the efforts of the public sector bank and its innovative methods of restoring some liquidity to the economy.
New Delhi: Government today cautioned Jan Dhan account holders, housewives and artisans that they will be prosecuted under the I-T Act for allowing misuse of their bank accounts through deposit of black money in Rs 500/1,000 notes during the 50-day window till 30 December.

The directive comes against the backdrop of reports that some are using other persons' bank accounts to convert their black money into new denomination notes. In some cases, even rewards are being given to account holders for allowing such misuse.

The government had earlier said deposits up to Rs 2.50 lakh in bank accounts would not come under tax scrutiny as it is within the tax exemption limit. In the case of Jan Dhan account, the holder can deposit up to Rs 50,000.

However, the income tax department has noted that people are under impression that no action will be taken for deposits up to Rs 2.50 lakh during 9 November- 30 December. The ministry said "such tax evasion activities can be made subject to income tax and penalty if it is established that the amount deposited in the account was not of the account holder but of somebody else. Also, the person who allows his or her account to be misused for this purpose can be prosecuted for abetment under the Income Tax Act".

The government has earlier said black money deposited in bank accounts during the 50-day period will be subject to tax, interest and 200 percent penalty. It asked people not to be lured into conversion of black money and become a partner in the crime of converting black money into white through this method. "Unless all citizens of the country help the government in curbing black money, this mission of black money will not succeed," the official statement said.

It also asked people to provide information of such illegal activities to the I-T department so that immediate action can be taken and such illegal transfer of cash can be stopped and seized. "Black money is a crime against humanity. We urge every conscientious citizen to help join the government in eradicating it," it added.

Following the demonetisation announcement of 8 November, people have been cup in front of banks to convert and deposit the now- defunct 500 and 1,000 rupee notes. The tax department has already made quoting of PAN mandatory if cash deposits during the 50-day period aggregate Rs 2.5 lakh or more in bank accounts.
'I promise to pay the bearer of this note...' vows the RBI governor on every Indian currency note.

Every currency note is a contract between the bearer and the state, something that has been signed in good faith and ratified by the extant law of the land.

The question then is this: Can the contract be repudiated unilaterally by the state? Can the bearer of the note be shooed away when he demands its execution even when there is no expiry date or conditions on the contract?

Is the citizen-sovereign contract at the mercy of to executive's fiat taken without consulting the legislature?

Now, that the Supreme Court has refused to interfere in legal challenges filed against the Narendra Modi government's decision to outlaw Rs 500 and 1,000 notes, it is quite likely that some of the pertinent questions could finally be answered and the decision examined under the Indian Constitution.

On Friday, the Supreme Court came down hard on the government and refused to entertain its request to put on hold petitions pending in various high courts challenging the decision to scrap Rs 500 and Rs 1,000 bank notes. The apex court is right. A decision that affects every Indian's life without going through the necessary legislative process  debate, deliberation and vote  ought to be seriously examined. The other two pillars of a democracy  the legislature and the judiciary  must be given an opportunity to scrutinise an executive decision with huge ramifications.

Two days ago, while at a conclave, former RBI governor D Subbarao had argued that he was not sure about the legal position of the government move.

He said all currency notes carry a legal obligation, as the RBI has guaranteed that it will pay the bearer the sum or the value of the denomination that is printed on that note.

The government has not used the word demonetisation. All that the government has said is that it is withdrawing these notes as being legal tender. But it still leaves us with the question: does the RBI have the obligation to pay the bearer, or is that obligation over, after the government announcement, he added.

To be fair to the Modi government, notes of higher denomination have been outlawed in the past too. In 1978, the Janata government had scrapped notes of higher denomination without facing legal hurdles.

Interestingly, as Subbarao points out, the government and the RBI have not used the term demonetisation.

"The press release issued by the government talks only about cancelling the legal tender character of the high denomination notes, raising questions about whether they are drawing a fine distinction between delegalisation and demonetisation.

To the extent the de-legalised Rs 1,000 and Rs 500 rupee notes are destroyed (i.e. not returned to the banking system), the liability of the RBI should come down by that amount," the former RBI governor pointed out.

So, we need satisfactory answer to the relevant questions:

1) Can the state end its contract with citizens ex-parte?

2) On what legal grounds can the RBI write off notes it had promised to honour? Can banks just throw out people who go with these notes to banks after the deadline set by the government?

So far, several explanations have given for this 'delegalisation.' It has been sold as a panacea for black money, corruption, counterfeit currency, Naxalism and cross-border terrorism. We have been told that Kashmir will become quiet now becomes the youth there have no money to buy stones to throw at security forces.

But, not much has been put out in the public domain by figure of data and hard numbers. Most of the answers have come in the form of high-decibel rhetoric and through speeches where the Prime Minister has displayed an entire range of emotions.

But, somebody needs to separate the rhetoric from facts.

The government can, of course, ignore the Court's warning of there being a possibility of riots if things do not improve, the suffering of people is not mitigated and money is not pumped back into circulation. The queues are getting longer, people are dying outside banks and ATMs. In the rural areas, away from the echo chambers of TV studios and social media, there is panic and anarchy.

The court has given the government a warning, a wakeup call. It can, of course, continue to remain in denial and commit suicide.

Arun Shourie would feel vindicated.
On the evening of 8 November, when Prime Minister Narendra Modi in his address to the nation, announced the demonetisation of Rs 500, and Rs 1,000 notes, it gave a sense of hope that we finally have a government which was taking decisive action against black money and corruption. A slew of steps were announced as well to ease the transition.

The prime minister presented a passionate case:

"To break the grip of corruption and black money, we have decided that the five hundred rupee and thousand rupee currency notes presently in use will no longer be legal tender from midnight tonight, that is 8th November 2016...This step will strengthen the hands of the common man in the fight against corruption, black money and fake currency."

Within minutes, the Modi government's sudden but big move was extolled, debated, dissected and analysed, however, the good feeling soon ebbed away leading to panic and anxiety: How to get rid of the old defunct Rs 500 and Rs 1,000 notes?

Since 8 November, the lines in front of banks and ATMs have only grown and so has the frustration and helplessness of citizens. While representatives of the government have repeatedly assured that the situation will normalise soon, people are not buying it anymore. Despite the prime minister various members of his Cabinet appealing to the country to focus on the big picture, life for the majority of Indians has been reduced to an endless queue.

Gauging the mood of the nation, Modi made an emotional appeal in Goa: "Dear countrymen, please give me these 50 days. I am not demanding anything else. If you face any difficulty after that, if you find me dishonest in my efforts, you can punish me in whatever way you would wish to at any crossroad of the country."

Finance Minister Arun Jaitley on Tuesday said that move to demonetise the high-value notes was "very well-planned", and added that the rush in bank branches is "significantly" coming down and 22,000 ATMs are getting recalibrated daily in order to dispense Rs 100, and new Rs 500 and 2,000 notes.

But the ground reality is completely different. People are camping overnight outside ATMs and banks. The urban salaried class of India might have moved to a cashless way of life. Thanks to the cab aggregators, payment gateways and mobile apps, surviving without hard cash may not seem to be so daunting. With the persisting cash crunch, it is the good old jugaad that has come to the rescue of many Indians. Mobile recharges in exchange of vegetables, online transfers instead of cash payments are the new norm. But what about thousands others who have never heard of payment gateways and net banking? India is far away from being a cashless society, forget online banking, there are many who don't have debit cards or even banks accounts. There are senior citizens, who prefer to keep emergency funds at home, instead of making multiple trips to the ATM. Did the government take the plight of these people into account before plunging into this scheme?

You will only have to stand in a queue outside an ATM to realise the extent of Indian resilience, or may be it is desperation. People come stocked with food and juice as if its a prized picnic spot, there is free exchange of information, friends and family drop by or take turns to stand in queue, flared tempers turn into friendly banter  the Indian masses' stoic acceptance of their lot is worth admiring. But it is not happy tales everywhere. There are reports of people collapsing while standing in queues, some have resulted in deaths. Office-goers have been forced to skip work to get hold of their hard-earned cash.

The situation in small towns and villages is worse.

It is the sowing season; no diesel in our tractor; have been standing in queue outside banks for 3 days in row but couldn't withdraw: Farmer pic.twitter.com/8fMlRwwTkO  ANI UP (@ANINewsUP) November 17, 2016

Finding it difficult to buy seeds, cut crops; whole day goes to waste if we need cash: Farmer in Siliguri #DeMonetisation pic.twitter.com/tMBG7qDjV1  ANI (@ANI_news) November 17, 2016

TS Sudhir writes for Firstpost: Srinivas, a farmer in Siddipet town of Telangana, says "This is Rs 10,000, all in denominations of 2,000. This is of no use. I can neither buy a cup of tea for myself or a meal for Rs 5 nor buy a bus ticket." While Aijaz Nazir interviewed Ghulam Ali from Anantnag in Kashmir, who said, I need money to book a ticket for my daughter who studies outside Kashmir. Her exams are approaching and I am worried whether she will be able to attend those. Ali used to book her tickets from home when internet services were functional in the Kashmir Valley.

Adding to the cash crisis, are the constant change in policies that many are finding difficult to track. Economic Affairs Secretary Shaktikanta Das' Thursday's announcement that families that have an upcoming wedding, one member of the household can withdraw up to Rs 2,50,000 at one time came as good news, lowering the maximum sum that could be exchanged from Rs 4,500 to Rs 2,000 drew a lot of criticism.

Harry Stevens and Suchetana Ray wrote in the Hindustan Times, that to print new Rs 500 and Rs 2,000 notes and replace the Rs 14 trillion taken out of circulation, will take around six months. "Printing 17.5 billion notes at a rate of three billion notes per month will take almost six months," says the report. The problems don't end there. The notes have to distributed across the country and the ATMs have to recaliberated.

It's day nine of demonetisation. Parliament is in uproar over the issue, protests are breaking out, politicians are fighting it out to earn some brownie points, but the line outside ATMs and banks are not moving. The situation has not improved since day one. Banks are overburdened, ATMs are running dry, government is busy is facing Opposition onslaught, while the masses wait in queues to get what is rightfully theirs.

And things show little sign of improving.

(With inputs from agencies)
On 14 November, Tamil Nadu Chief Minister J Jayalalithaa, in a statement, told her well-wishers and supporters, "I have taken rebirth because of your prayers and worship. I would like to share this happy news with you in the first place."

Three days after that, chairman of Apollo Hospitals, Dr Prathap C Reddy told ANI that the Chief Minister has recovered completely and her mental and physical faculties are working just fine.

ANI quoted Reddy as saying, "Jayalalithaas recovered completely. Right now other systems of her body are being pepped up. Her mental functions are fine."

Jayalalithaas recovered completely. Right now other systems of her body are being pepped up; her mental functions are fine: PC Reddy pic.twitter.com/Bz5FSqWxWX  ANI (@ANI_news) November 18, 2016

Tamil Nadu CM Jayalalithaas fine; She's in the ICU so that she doesn't get cross infection: Apollo Hospitals chairman Dr Prathap C Reddy pic.twitter.com/HPD5vOzlpQ  ANI (@ANI_news) November 18, 2016

Her(Jayalalithaa's) responsibility is to guide&direct;can do so even now.Her mental conditions are normal:Apollo Hospitals Chairman,PC Reddy pic.twitter.com/HHBkA39iAc  ANI (@ANI_news) November 18, 2016

However, reports also quoted Reddy as saying that doctors wanted keep her infection-free, in view of her very low resistance. "Though she can live beautifully without ventilator support, we still put her on and off the ventilator to ensure that her lungs won't collapse," Reddy said. "I can confidently say our efforts and people's prayers have produced good results. She can leave hospital any time she wants. We keep her in hospital because her other systems needs to be pepped up," he was quoted as saying by The Times of India.

Reddy, in a media briefing, said that Jayalalithaa has still been kept in the ICU to avoid any chances cross-infection. He added that while "other systems of her body are being pepped up", her mental condition is completely fine.

Jayalalithaa, who has been in hospital since 22 September, said she has been slogging for the growth of the people of Tamil Nadu and her party from day one of her public life on the advice of her mentor and AIADMK founder chief MG Ramachandran.

The 68-year-old AIADMK supremo was admitted to the hospital on 22 September after she complained of fever and dehydration. Later, the hospital had said she was being treated for infection with respiratory support, among others.

Specialists from All India Institute of Medical Sciences, New Delhi, and from London, among others, have treated her during the period.

In her first direct communication since being hospitalised in September, Jayalalithaa on 14 November said she has taken rebirth because of people's prayers and urged them to vote for the AIADMK in the 19 November elections.

Stating that she does not have any grievances in view of people's "great love" for her, she said, "by God's grace, very soon, by recovering fully, I am waiting to resume work."

Exhorting party workers, she asked them to work in full swing for the victory of AIADMK in the 19 November polls for Aravakkurichi, Thanjavur and Thirupparankundram constituencies in Tamil Nadu and Nellithope Assembly segment in Puducherry.

Though she could not directly meet cadres and functionaries working in these constituencies and the general public, "my heart and thoughts are with you always," she told them.

Without elaborating much, she asked party workers to "understand the nature of this statement and work with a sense of duty for making MGR's winning symbol two leaves bag a huge victory."

Soon after Jayalalithaa released the statement, political rival DMK raised doubts whether the statement was indeed released by the chief minister herself. DMK treasurer and Leader of Opposition in the state Assembly MK Stalin said "we are happy" if Jayalalithaa had recovered as mentioned by herself yesterday.

However, "It is regrettable that there was no mention of the sufferings of the people," he said, referring to the problems encountered by the citizens following the Centre's demonetisation of Rs 500 and Rs 1,000 currency notes which has resulted in serpentine queues at banks and ATMs.

"So, what I suspect is, whether she herself had released the statement or if it was someone else from behind the screen," Stalin told reporters.

With inputs from PTI
New Delhi: Kidney has no religious labels, this is what External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj,

undergoing treatment for renal failure, tweeted while thanking a Muslim man who offered her his kidney.

The 64-year-old Swaraj has been offered kidneys by scores of people since Wednesday when she said on Twitter that she was in hospital due to kidney failure and was undergoing tests for a transplant.

"Thank you very much brothers. I am sure, kidney has no religious labels," she tweeted.

Her remark came in response to a tweet by Mujib Ansari who offered his kidney to her while adding that he is a Muslim and a supporter of BSP in Uttar Pradesh.

"@SushmaSwaraj mam I am a BSP supporter and a Muslim,bt I want 2 donate my kidney 4 u,4 me u r like my mother figure, May allah bless u," he said on Twitter.

Another Muslim Nyamath Ali Shaik also offered his kidney to Swaraj saying he was ready to donate his kidney if need be.

Another Twitter follower Jaan Shah also said he was ready to offer his kidney to her.

Swaraj has been flooded with wishes from politicians cutting across party lines as well as from a cross-section of society.

She has been undergoing treatment for renal failure at AIIMS.

Swaraj also exuded confidence of being able to come out of the health condition with good wishes of people and blessings of God.
The Indian Meteorological Department has told us all to prepare for a 'kadak' winter in Bhopal, according to a Times of India report.

The minimum temperature might hit a new record, breaking the 50-year-low mark of -3.1 degrees Celsius. Apart from this, spells of winter rain is also expected in January and December, says the same report.

Bhopal that recorded 3.1C as the lowest minimum temperature on 11 December, 1966, may see a dip below the 3C mark this year.

The IMD website shows a cold wave setting in by 23 November which might even result in ground frost. The cumulative rainfall during post-monsoon in Central India shows a two percent departure from the LPA (long period average), the only increase recorded in the entire country.

Another Times of India report claims that in the absence of the El Nino effect, in which the warming of the sea-surface temperature in the Pacific causes warmer weather in parts of Asia and east Africa, the director of the IMD, Anupam Kashyapi says that after 15 Novemberm western disturbances will allegedly bring winter rain in Central India.

There has been an unusual shift in the pattern of western disturbances that bring winter snow over Western Himalayas, in recent times, according to Skymetweather.com. They usually travel downwards, towards lower latitudes, affecting India and Pakistan in the winters.

IMD officials have also said that other factors such as early notherly winds, anticyclones over North West India from the end of October to the start of November could also be contributing factors.
New Delhi: Parliament was stalled for the second consecutive day due to ruckus by Congress-led opposition parties which were demanding a debate on demonetisation in Lok Sabha under a rule that entails voting and presence of Prime Minister Narendra Modi in Rajya Sabha for resumption of discussion on the issue. No business could be transacted in either the Upper House or the Lower House due to the pandemonium.

In the Lok Sabha, Congress and some other opposition parties pressed for a discussion on demonetisation under a rule which entails voting, that too through an Adjournment motion which means suspension of all business. Several notices were given by various opposition leaders for discussion under the Adjournment Motion but Speaker Sumitra Mahajan rejected these, saying a debate could take place otherwise.

Ruckus started soon after the House met for the day, with leader of Congress Mallikarjun Kharge demanding that the issue of scrapping of Rs 1,000 and Rs 500 denomination notes be discussed through an adjournment motion and not the rule being proposed by the government. Parliamentary Affairs Minister Ananth Kumar said the government was willing to discuss the issue and there was no need to press for an adjournment motion.

As the din continued, the House was adjourned for nearly one hour till noon, minutes after it assembled. When the House assembled again for Zero Hour, the opposition again pressed for moving an adjournment motion. But the Speaker rejected all the notices. Both Kharge and TMC leader Sudip Bandopadhyay insisted that the debate be taken up through an adjournment motion.

The Parliamentary Affairs Minister once again urged the opposition to take up the debate under Rule 193 which does not entail voting and a formal motion.

Kumar said the opposition should not "run away" from a debate and maintained that it was up to the Chair to decide under which rule the discussion will take place. As part of their Zero Hour references, Meenakshi Lekhi and Gajendra Singh Chauhan (both BJP) raised the issue of remarks made by Leader of Opposition in Rajya Sabha Ghulam Nabi Azad yesterday linking deaths due to demonetisation crisis to the killings in the Uri terror attack. The remarks were expunged last night itself.

The two BJP members slammed Azad for the statement and demanded that a resolution be passed against him and he should be asked to apologise in writing. As differences persisted and opposition continued to raise slogans like "Pradhan Mantri sadan mein aao" and "Vijay Mallya kahan gaya", the House was adjourned for the day. In the Rajya Sabha where debate took place on demonetisation for six-hours on Wednesday, the discussion could not be resumed even today as Congress and some other opposition parties insisted on presence of the Prime Minister.

The House also saw a clash between Congress and BJP members as the ruling side raked up Azad's controversial comments and demanded apology from Congress. Slogans and counter slogans in the Upper House forced its adjournment, first till 1130 hours, then till noon, then till 1233 hours, after that till 1430 hours and finally for the day. Soon after listed papers were laid on the table of the House, BJP members moved into aisles shouting slogans and demanding an apology from Azad for his remarks.

Congress members too rushed into the Well raising slogans demanding presence of the Prime Minister and an apology from him as well as the government for the hardship caused to the common man due to withdrawal of 86 per cent of the currency in circulation in the form of old 500 and 1000 rupee notes. AIADMK members were also in the Well raising slogans over the Cauvery water issue. Deputy Chairman P J Kurien asked all members to leave the Well and return to their seats, assuring them that he would hear their submissions.

Amid the din, Minister of State for Parliamentary Affairs Mukhtar Abbas Naqvi alleged that Azad's statement had given a message to the country that Congress was sympathetic to terrorism and asked why it was so agitated when the demonetisation drive was only to hurt black money hoarders. Kurien persuaded AIADMK and Congress members to withdraw from the Well, telling them that he would give opportunity to their leaders to raise their respective issues.

But with BJP members continuing to stand in the aisles and raising slogans, Congress members too were back in the Well, shouting slogans. Kurien said treasury benches should not create problems for the Chair. "If you do this, what do I do? You should cooperate with me in running the House. Treasury benches should not disrupt," he said. But the din continued, forcing him to adjourn the proceedings till 1130 hours. There was no change in the scenario when the House reassembled as both BJP and Congress members again started raising slogans.

While Congress members trooped into the Well, several AIADMK members were seen standing along their seats. As the slogans and counter slogans continued, the Chair adjourned the House till noon. After repeated adjournments, when the House met again at 1430 hours, opposition members continued to create ruckus. Congress leader Anand Sharma accused the government of not wanting the House to run and for "destroying the poor" with his policies.

In the melee, the Deputy Chairman asked the MPs to introduce the Private Member's Bill amid continuous sloganeering by the opposition and treasury benches. Prior to this, he read out a decision by Lok Sabha Speaker Sumitra Mahajan on a private member's bill for special package to Andhra Pradesh after its reorganisation, moved in the last session Congress member KVP Ramachandra Rao.

The Bill was referred to the Speaker to ascertain whether it was a money bill and whether it can be introduced in the Upper House. However, Kurien's statement could not be heard in the din.

Independent MP Rajeev Chandrasekhar moved his Bill to declare any country as state sponsor of terrorism and withdraw economic and trade relations with such country and to create legal, economic and travel sanctions for citizens of that country. Following continuous uproarious scenes, Kurien adjourned the House till Monday.
New Delhi: Congress on Friday dared Prime Minister Narendra Modi to have a debate with the Opposition on demonetisation while accusing him of shying away from Parliament to avoid "facing the truth" when it was deliberating on the issue.

On a day the demonetisation issue rocked Parliament, scores of Youth Congress workers held a march, alleging withdrawal of high-value notes is part of a "big scam" and aimed at loot of public money. Speaking to the protesters, senior party leader Anand Sharma charged Modi of committing "injustice" to the country and "spoiling" India's image globally by taking such a huge decision without any preparation to implement it.

He said a Joint Parliamentary Committee (JPC) must be appointed to probe the entire issue. "A debate is on in Parliament and there is a deadlock. Opposition has demanded that Prime Minister listen to us and explain his move. They (ruling party) say Narendra Modi is in Parliament premises but will not come to the House. What is this? He is avoiding Parliament to avoid facing the truth," Sharma said.

He also challenged the Prime Minister for a debate with the Opposition on demonetisation.

"We will not allow him to pile up miseries on the common citizens. It is such a big scam and loot of public money. We have demanded a Joint Parliamentary Committee to probe it. Our fight will continue till the government relents and demand of probe is met.

"People including farmers, small traders and workers are worst hit by the undeclared financial emergency by the Modi government as 86 per cent of currencies has been withdrawn in a blow to the economy." He also slammed government's use of indelible ink by banks to mark people who withdraw money and charged Modi government with "insulting" not only people of the country.

"No government can stoop to such level where people withdrawing their own money are being marked with ink. They are withdrawing their own money and not black money. Foreign tourists are also being similarly insulted if they go to banks," he said.

He called upon Youth Congress activists to create awareness among the masses against demonetisation by Modi government and struggle against it.

Hundreds of activists marched towards Parliament from All India Youth Congress office on Raisina Road. However, they were stopped and around 450 protesters were detained and taken to Parliament Street police station. They were later released.
Lucknow: Criticising the Centre for "foisting crisis" on farmers, who have been at the receiving end of nature's wrath for consecutive years, Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Akhilesh Yadav on Friday said the "ill-planned" demonetisation could have an adverse impact on the economy.

He said the state's farmers, who hoped that this time round they will make up for the losses of past years, have been forced to face not a natural calamity but a "government-made crisis".

"This has been forced by the government knowingly," he said, adding, "They (BJP) have the most knowledgeable persons and if such intelligent people force hardships on people what more can be said," he wondered.

Talking to reporters after presiding over a Cabinet meeting, the Chief Minister said, "The meeting was of the opinion that farmers should get relaxation in use of Rs 500 and Rs 1,000 notes...cooperative banks to which farmers are directly linked should get relaxation as money is not promptly reaching bank branches."

On the Centre's stand that demonetisation will check corruption, Akhilesh said cases of graft involving new currency notes are already making news in some parts of the country.

"We have also come to know that corruption through new notes has already started. Such reports are surfacing in newspapers and especially on the social media," he said, claiming the goal of unearthing black money and weeding out fake currency notes will not be achieved.

Attacking the Central government over "lack" of preparations before demonetising high-value notes, he said, "Even ATM machines were not equipped for the new notes...the currency exchange can take as long as six months or a year."

"People will get relief only when markets start functioning properly but till then if farmers and labourers suffer huge losses all the economic statistics will lag behind and so will the country," Akhilesh said, adding it will impact employment, factory workers and daily wagers the most.

"The entire country is today saying that preparations were not made and everything was changed suddenly. If we believe in them (the Centre) and something emerges from a neighbouring country then they will put the country into problems...if there are no proper preparations, it can spell danger to the country," he said.

Mandis have come to a "standstill" and soon reports will come how the daily wagers are facing problems, Akhilesh said.

Relaxation is being sought in hospitals and also for farmers because the government will be at a loss if any business comes to a halt, he said.
Andhra Pradesh chief minister and Telugu Desam Party (TDP) supremo Chandrababu Naidu, an important ally for the BJP in the south, is known for his penchant to look for ways to maximise his political clout.

Following Prime Minister Narendra Modis announcement of demonetisation of Rs 500 and Rs 1,000 notes from 8 November, Naidu has been on a gloat mission  he had written to Modi barely a week earlier demanding a ban on these denominations in an effort to curb black money.

As the Opposition gears up for a strident battle over the issue, Naidu too is gearing up  not to fight, but to defend the idea. Naidu has geared his administration to face the challenge posed by the cash crunch, particularly in Andhra, a state that serves as a junction to three states with the Bay of Bengal on one side.

A helping hand

As is done during times of natural calamities, the AP government set up a help desk at Vijayawada to help citizens sort out difficulties in exchanging demonetised notes at banks and post offices. A call centre and a toll free number (1800-599-1111) too was made available for information. A notification issued by Chief Secretary SP Tucker also put the state government administration on standby, cancelling all leave for cadres of essential services including the police and treasury departments, in anticipation of enormous confusion and rumour-mongering. We put a five-member team on a 24/7 basis to answer calls and also guide callers to the nearest banks and ATMs, and also advised them to be prepared for a long wait, said a spokesperson in the chief secretarys office.

Besides organising IT-based feedback services from all 10 districts, Naidu also held teleconferences with district collectors on a daily basis to address the crisis. The public relations attempt worked well. Although Telugu news channels beamed the travails of the common man waiting at banks and ATMs through the day, they also telecast Naidus video conferences showcasing him as a working chief minister.

A past master in crowd management, Naidu directed officials to provide shelter, drinking water and also butter milk for the milling crowds at banks and post offices. His office also issued advisories on setting up counters for women, the elderly and handicapped to banks.

In fact, Naidus office knew about the arrival of truckloads of new currencies ahead of us, said a banker after the CMO advised them on where to send the fresh currency in view of the huge crowds and need for marketing agricultural produce.

Officials were also directed to source small change  Rs 50 and Rs 100 notes  from wherever possible, including hundis at places of worships and also toll gates, milk vendors etc to meet the shortfall of smaller denomination notes until the RBI delivered the new notes.

Naidu also wrote to the Ministry of Finance to focus on the ways and means to address the problems faced by people in the wake of demonetisation, particularly the hardest-hit communities of street vendors, transporters and petty traders.

Guidelines for the Centre

Naidu set the ball rolling for the Union government and Ministry of Finance by issuing guidelines and advisories to state administration and bankers within the state on what to do and how to tide over the crisis. All late payments for power, water, property taxes, excise, toll gates, school fees etc were deferred and advisories issued to provide non-stop services in spite of non-payments as per schedule. It appeared as if Naidu was in charge rather than the bankers and the RBI at least in Andhra Pradesh, said a senior official at the stock market at Visakhapatnam.

The Chief Minister's Office issued press releases daily on what he wanted banks and the RBI to do, without bothering with whether he had the authority to advise or direct them. The CMO and the chief minister often advised banks to introduce multi-purpose counters instead of separate counters for withdrawals and deposits. He also wrote to the RBI to send more currency to Visakhapatnam, Tirupati and also Vijayawada in view of the ongoing infrastructure projects and taking into account the significance of the sea port of Visakhapatnam and religious tourism in Tirupati. We dont need Rs 2,000 notes, but only Rs 100 notes, he said, in a request to RBI.

The AP government also threatened traders with the PD Act (Preventive Detention Act) if they resorted to hoarding or denial of essential commodities.

Government employees were roped in to help out people at banks, ATMs and also at bus stands, railway stations and airports along with the regular staff.

We want the Centre to send us the new Rs 500 notes as it had already sent them to Maharashtra and Madhya Pradesh. Only Rs 6,700 crore was deposited in the banks in Andhra Pradesh since demonetisation, Naidu told the media on Tuesday evening.

Digital money focus

The TDP supremo also shifted focus on the use of digital money to tide over the crisis. Presently, only 18 percent of transactions in Andhra Pradesh are on digital mode and the governments target is to increase this to a minimum of 30 percent by the end of the year. As part of this task, e-pass instruments (POS) were being installed at all PDS outlets.

Naidu lauded the efforts of West Godavari District Collector in issuing tokens at rythu bazaars (farmer markets) for small change which were redeemable at banks. This practice was replicated in four more districts during the weekly markets to facilitate farmers who brought their produce from across the state.

Addressing the parliamentary party meeting on Wednesday, Naidu also urged his MPs to build pressure on the Centre to provide swipe machines to traders and abolish transaction cost for online banking in toto. Countries with lower education levels and less development are ahead of India in using mobile banking services, he said, urging TDP MPs to press for policy framework for the popularisation of digital currency in villages and towns.

Politics of the opportune

Naidu is not openly all praise for Modi though, perhaps conscious that it might rebound on him. Precautionary measures should have been taken to minimise difficulties to the public, said Naidu speaking to reporters, adding, To curtail the flow of black money, public must be encouraged towards electronic currency. The Centre must have taken adequate steps to increase online transactions.

Naidu has a good reason to join the Har Har Modi club. He needs money for his state and its brand new capital city Amaravati. The Centre has promised over Rs 1.5 lakh crore in grants and investments in over 115 projects and schemes. But unless they are done before 2017-18, the purpose will not be served, said state finance minister Yanamala Ramakrishnudu on the sidelines of a CII meet at Vijayawada while interacting with industrialists.

The TDP and the BJP are old friends  allies since 1996, except for a decade in between from 2004 to 2014 when the TDP was out of power in united Andhra Pradesh.

Opposition YSRC leaders therefore alleged that the TDP supremo and his son Nara Lokesh had converted their black money into white thanks to the advance information given to them by BJP leaders. Lokeshs benamis have converted almost Rs 13,000 crore into white a few days ahead, said YSRC leader Bhumana Karunakar Reddy.

But TDP leaders insist that the campaign against black money was not new to the party. Way back in 2013, TDP invited Artha Kranti Pratisthan Chairman Anil Bokhale and extended support for his campaign against black money. They had also brought out booklets against former Congress chief minister YS Rajashekhar Reddys alleged corruption and impleaded themselves in the CBI case against corruption in EMAAR Groups real estate activities in Hyderabad city, a case in which YSRs son and YSRC party chief YS Jaganmohan Reddy was named.
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"Most of the people eat food in dhabas when they eat outside. Can the government inform us about a dhaba in which a person carries card-swiping machine in his dhoti?" he said.

"Many labourers became unemployed today...there are very long lines and crores of people in those lines. But it is not just that," he said.

"Does the farmer own black money when he engages in transactions for seeds, fertilisers?" he said.

"It is a reality that the farmer is an important part of the economy. That is why India does not have to beg," said a dramatic Anand Sharma in the Rajya Sabha.

"What authority do the prime minister and finance minister have so that we have to beg you for our very own money?" thundered Anand Sharma.

"You have created a condition in which you told a person that he can exchange Rs 4000...I marvel at your generosity," Anand Sharma said sarcastically in the Rajya Sabha.

"After the Uri attack and surgical strikes, we posed various questions about the army....You said we cannot ask questions about the army," said Anand Sharma.

"If you are the government, that doesn't mean India belongs to you. You have created such an environment that we cannot ask questions," he said. "If we ask questions, you start asking questions about our nationality," he added.

"Who got the benefits of your decisions?" he said. "Your government is only for those people who are your friends. You hurt those people who question you."

"If you are trying to give this impression to the country that India started fighting money laundering now, then the prime minister is living on a different planet," said Anand Sharma in Rajya Sabha.

After this statement, the Congress MPs began shouting again. Note that Anand Sharma was not interrupted even once when he was talking in the Rajya Sabha.

"But I think Anand Sharma does not know much about economics," he said. "If his claim of fight against black money is true, he would not have ignored the fact the entire country has welcomed this move by the Narendra Modi government," he added.

"In the future, inflation will be controlled when more people pay taxes," he said. "The central government will also get more resources for the welfare of farmers, labourers, youth, women in the country."

"Some people had suggested that this move should have been made public seven days before implementing it. But secrecy is most important in such issues," he said.

"The government has taken many steps against corruption. Demonetisation was a historic step against corruption. This was also a warning to the corrupt that the black money they had was useless now," he said.

"Finance Minister had informed the House only about the counterfeit money in the economy, not the money which some people have got through corruption," Goyal said in the Rajya Sabha.

"Some people just seem to be unhappy that Prime Minister Modi has taken an important step against corruption and black money," he said.

"When the government had just come to power in 2014, there was an atmosphere against corruption," Piyush Goyal said in Rajya Sabha.

"This is a step after which a person will think twice before engaging in corruption," he said. "The poor labourers will benefit the most," he added.

"Please do not hold views which the corrupt can use to free themselves," Goyal added.

"You (Congress) talked about surgical strike. We did not mention it. This is good. You have given us a certificate that we conducted precise strikes against corruption," he said.

"The country is ready to tolerate a few days of inconvenience," he said. "The entire country is with us," he added.

"And even the Election Commission won't be able to notice when someone is carrying the Rs 2000 note in one's pocket," he said.

"Several crore vegetables were just thrown away per day from markets," he said. "Who gave you the advice to come up with the Rs 2000 note? Go outside Delhi to the villages of India. Nobody will accept that note," he said.

"The farmer is unable to buy fertiliser and seeds," said SP's Ram Gopal Yadav in Rajya Sabha. "Farmers are not able to sell potatoes now. Were these potatoes made using black money?" he said.

Who gave you the advice to come up with the Rs 2000 note? SP asks govt in Rajya Sabha

"Our party will move adjournment motion in the Lok Sabha," she said, adding that demonetisation was a dictatorial and draconian step by the government.

"We told the President that he is the custodian of the Constitution. We told him to talk to the government," Mamata Banerjee said.

"Today, people are not getting access to vegetables in the markets. Children are not getting milk. People are dying," she said.

"Today, how did the non-performing assets increase in the last six months?" the Bengal chief minister said.

"After cancelling notes, there were a lot of notes needed in banks for the huge demand," Mamata Banerjee said after meeting the President.

"90 percent of blak money is in tax havens abroad," Yechury further said. "It's like the prime minister is killing the pond to kill the crocodiles, forgetting that the crocodiles can survive on land too."

"But where is this black money? All estimates say 6 percent of this black money is in cash," he said. "Black money is in circulation, in real estate...gold imports have surged in the last few days."

"We want black money controlled. We want it eliminated. The World Bank says that nearly 21 percent of the Indian economy is in the black economy," Yechury said.

"If you stop these Rs 500 and Rs 1000 notes, you think corruption will stop? Now, corruption will double with the Rs 2000 notes," Yechury said.

"After 26/11, we went on debating over a new law to combat terrorism. On many issues, we had agreed over how terror funding needed to stop," Yechury said.

"We want to stop counterfeit money. Locate where this is happening. Punish them. We will all support this. But this is not the way to stop it," he said.

"By this way, you are killing the poor," he said. "As Anand Sharma said, 0.02 percent of the cash is counterfeit. To take care of that, you needed to do this?" he added.

"The point is that black money is not going to go away with this. Black money is not stock, it is a flow," Yechury said in the Rajya Sabha.

"For the rest of India, it is Tarasta Bharat," he said. "People can't get their children treated at hospitals."

"In our rural population, 80.8 percent of the rural population is not covered by the banks," he said. "What banking does the prime minister want us to go to? There is Shining India with e-wallets for them," he said.

"Why are you agonising the Indian people?" Yechury said. "Agonising people is a way to tell people: I control your personal lives," he said, adding that this was a fascist move.

"People will say this Tughlaqshahi," he said. "This does not meet the objectives of what the prime minister set out to do."

"You have allowed banks to exchange notes. Bulk of Indians today are dealing with rural cooperative banks. You don't allow them to change notes...86 percent of the rural population is dependent on transactions from these banks," Yechury said.

"Don't give this exemption to political parties to spend whatever they want," Yechury said. "If you're serious about stopping corruption, stop the supply side of corruption," he added.

Laughing at Das, Patel said, "Are you kidding me? How can you allow your EAS to issue such statements. You are making a fool of yourself."

Slamming the Narendra Modi government's handling of the issue, Patel gave example of Economic Affairs Secretary Shaktikanta Das, who during a press conference on Wednesday said: "The new currency notes, just as the old ones, will lose colour if rubbed with a piece of cloth wet because that's the nature of the dye used. If your note does not lose colour, it's one of the signs that it may be fake."

"Abolishing black money is a move we all support, and BJP government's intention is great but you are asking people to be hungry for 50 days for a feast on the 51st day. Vo aadmi toh mar ayega, bhoj kya khayega (The person will die on the 51st day, what will he do with the feast)," says Patel.

Rajya Sabha erupted after the comment. Senior BJP leader and Union Minister Ravi Shankar Prasad interrupted Tiwari's speech and said that the statement, which was "atrocious", should not go in record. "No one speaks about the country's prime minister in such an atrocious way. It should not go in record,"Prasad urged the Chair.

In a dramatised speech, Congress leader Pramod Tiwari from Uttar Pradesh compared prime minister to former dictators like Gaddafi, Adolf Hitler and Mussolini. "The seat that you (Narendra Modi) occupy, has been occupied by Pt Jawahar Lal Nehru, Shastri ji, Charan Singh and Atal Bihari Vajpayee. But the way you are working, I am forced to say that it reminds me of dictators like Gaddafi, Hitler and Mussolini."

"Modi government marched to victory in 2014 because the country was tired of scams and scandals. That was our poll promise. I request Congress to come out of the dilemma - are you in favour of the people who are hoarders and scamsters or you are in favour of a bold step that eradicates black money from the country. Narendra Modi is capable of taking very strong steps. Temporary pain for long term gain - is the buzz across India. One thing I want to assure - if your money is valid, nothing will happen to it."

"You have got a chance to discuss important things on this platform so do not waste it by mud-slinging. When it comes to people and their hatred towards our PM (the way you claim), we saw their hatred in 2014 and we will see it in 2019," Naidu says to a thundering applause.

Union Minister M Venkaiah Naidu addresses Rajya Sabha and says that people across the nation are watching this Session and they are not interested in a history lesson.

As expected, the Opposition targetted the Narendra Modi governmemnt over its "ill-preparedness" and "lack of empathy" for the general public. Senior Congress leader and Leader of Opposition in Rajya Sabha Ghulam Nabi Azad at the end of day one requested the prime minister to appear in the House tomorrow and discuss the issue of demonetisation.

While the Lok Sabha was adjourned earlier in the day, Rajya Sabha argued and debated on topics till 6 pm on Wednesday. Chairman of Upper House PJ Kurien announced that the House will resume the same discussion (on demonetisation) from 2 pm on Thursday.

The first day of Winter Session went as expected, in fact it went better than expected.

While the Union ministers and BJP MPs are demanding an apology from Leader of Opposition in the House Ghulam Nabi Azad for his Uri remark, Congress MPs are demanding an apology from Prime Minister Narendra Modi over the demonetisation scheme.

"The nation wants to know today," he added, reminding of a news anchor famous for shouting at the panellists on his show.

"The Opposition has disappointed us and the country," he said. "I want the Congress to clarify on Azad's remark," he said.

"Those who ruled over the country for 50 years and ruined the situation of the aam aadmi and those who did not let the Parliament function are now also on the same path," said Naidu. "The prime minister will respond if needed," he said.

"They are not strong...they are not on the side of the truth, the people are not with them," Naidu further said.

"The government is ready for a discussion. We don't know what has happened with the Congress. Suddenly, they took a U-turn," said Venkaiah Naidu.

"There is a need to fix the railway infrastructure. Modiji talked about the bullet train. But there is no focus. How will the aam aadmi benefit and get safety?" said Rahul on the Patna-Indore Express tragedy.

"This is one of the biggest economic decisions in India. But the prime minister had not thought about the impact," he said. "This is some other form of the prime minister," he added.

"We are ready for a discussion. These days, why does the prime minister need to come to the Parliament? He is on a different level. He does not need to interact with his ministers," said Rahul sarcastically.

"People are complaining of deals at the back of long lines to banks. So people are suffering huge losses," he said. "Only 15 or 20 friends of the prime minister will benefit from this move," he added.

"People have told me that they are suffering a lot," said Congress vice-president Rahul Gandhi outside the Parliament on the issue of demonetisation.

The Opposition members raised slogans, even as deputy chairman PJ Kurien threatened to adjourn the House. And... he did. The Rajya Sabha is adjourned till 12 pm.

Rajya Sabh and Lok Sabha will resume in a while. Meanwhile, asking his countrymen to tell their views on demonetisation, Prime Minister Narendra Modi tweeted saying, "I want your first-hand view on the decision taken regarding currency notes. Take part in the survey on the NM App."

Speaker of Lok Sabha Sumitra Mahajan, quite hassled by the way the MPs were behaving, threatened to adjourn the House. "Kyun kar rahe ho?" asks Mahajan very politely as Opposition MPs raised slogans and asked for debate over demonetisation. The protesting MPs also demanded that Modi should come to the House and make a speech.

The Lok Sabha is heading for another adjournment as the Opposition escalated their attack on the BJP government over the same issue of demonetisation. By the look of it, the Winter Session of Parliament till now has been a total washout with no constructive debate happening on the floor.

After the ruckus got out of hand, a very calm Hamid Ansari stood up and adjourned the Upper House till 2 pm.

Members could not keep it together even as the Rajya Sabha resumed proceedings at 12.32 pm.

However, an unrelenting opposition continued to raise slogans. The Speaker again appealed to the opposition to participate in the debate saying that the disruption of proceedings would not resolve the problem. "I am really pained. If you are people's representatives, you should stand by them," she said. As pandemonium continued, the Speaker adjourned the House till noon after 20 minutes of proceedings.

Ignoring the slogan shouting opposition members, Speaker allowed the Question Hour to continue amidst noise. When some opposition members tried to bring a placard, denouncing the demonetisation move, infront of Minister of State for Home Kiren Rijiju, who was replying a question related to his Ministry, the Speaker tried to intervene and asked the MPs not to disturb the Minister. "This is not good. Everyone will be shown on TV, but don't disturb the Minister. If you want to discuss something, raise it before the government. People are in pain, tell the government. But this is not the way to highlight people's grievances," Mahajan said asking them to return to their seats.

Samjawadi Party, NCP and RJD stood in the aisles in solidarity with the other opposition members. While AIADMK members were also on the aisles raising the issue of Tamil fishermen injured allegedly in firing by Sri Lankan Navy, Congress vice president Rahul Gandhi was seen busy in his seat in an intimate discussion with AAP MP from Punjab Harinder Singh Khalsa.

Opposition disrupted the proceedings of the Lok Sabha for the fourth consecutive day demanding discussion on demonetisation on a rule which entails voting forcing Speaker Sumitra Mahajan to adjourn the House for about 50 minutes soon after it assembled. As soon as the House met, members of Congress, TMC, Left parties and AAP rushed to the Well of the House demanding discussions on the demonetisation of Rs 1,000 and Rs 500 under Rule 56, that entails.

As BJP members also created a ruckus, an angry Kurien snapped at them. "Why should treasury benches do this? Mr Minister, why should treasury benches to this," he asked Minister of State for Parliamentary Affairs Mukhtar Abbas Naqvi.

He told Azad that he was ready to accept his notice under rule 267 seeking suspension of business. "Mr Azad, I am ready to admit your notice under 267 if only there is order in the House."

As they shouted slogans from the Well, Kurien said, "You cannot speak in the Well. Shouting in the Well is of no use. If you go back to your seats, I will give you time (to speak)."

At this point, TMC members carrying placards of "Financial Emergency" trooped into the Well, with Congress members following suit.

"He should come and listen to the pain people have faced because of his decision," Mayawati said. Leader of the Opposition Ghulam Nabi Azad said the opposition is ready for discussion on the issue but Prime Minister should come to the Rajya Sabha first. As he spoke, members of the BJP moved into the aisles raising slogans.

No sooner were the listed papers laid on the table in Rajya Sabha, Sharad Yadav of JD(U) said the government should pay a compensation of Rs 10 lakh to kin of the 70 persons who lost their lives due to hardships caused by withdrawal of 500 and 1,000 rupee notes. Naresh Agarwal (SP) and Mayawati (BSP) said Modi should be called before starting discussion on the demonetisation.

"Today they want PM Modi to address Parliament, tomorrow they will be demand a JPC on the demonetisation issue. Trust me, the opposition is just shifting the goalpost. Why are they running away from a debate? Why do they just want prime minister to speak, is the finance minister not competent enough to reply to their questions," asks Prasad.

Speaking to CNN-News18, Union Minister Ravi Shankar Prasad attacked the Opposition on their demand of asking Prime Minister Modi to address the House of Parliament and in turn asked, "Why is the Opposition running away from debate?"

"Government wants that there should be a long and elaborate discussion so that we can explain to this country the enormous benefits of this move," Singh said. "Congress and other opposition parties are on a self-destructing course."

On the other hand, Jitendra Singh said that the Opposition was on a self-destruct course.

"Let's keep Opposition and government out of this. Let's think of the people," he further said.

"Almost 70 people have died. He must be crying for them. And I respect that," Congress leader Kapil Sibal told Times Now, clearly taking a dig at the prime minister and implying that he could not come to the Parliament because he was crying.

Speaking to the media outside Parliament, Rahul alleged that the government and the prime minister are not allowing a debate in the House. "We have filed an adjournment motion in the House and we want Modi to discuss the issue with us," says Rahul Gandhi

"Main poochna chahti hoon prime minister se ki agar unhone itna acha kaam kiya hai to vo ghabra kyu rahe hain? (I want to ask PM Modi that if he has taken a decision which is so good why is he scared?) I urge President to summon Modi and ask him to take measures to solve the problems faced by people post demonetisation move," Mayawati told the media after Lok Sabha got its first adjournment of the day.

Alleging that it sends a wrong message if prime minister keeps shying away from a debate, BSP chief Mayawati on Wednesday that a debate is a must because otherwise the BJP government looks like it has done something wrong. "Puri daal kali lag rahi hai."

Proceedings was continuously disrupted as Opposition leaders raised loud slogans against the BJP government. Senior BJP leader Venkaiah Naidu urges Speaker Sumitra Mahajan not to adjourn the Lower House. "The debate has begun, madam Speaker. Please let the debate happen. The world is watching what Congress and the Oppostion is doing inside the House," Naidu said.

The protesting MPs, for the past half an hour, have continously made noise and tried to disrupt the Lok Sabha proceedings. Speaker Mahajan still holding solid ground.

Opposition members are trying their best to disrupt the proceedings, but BJP MPs (MJ Akbar, Jitendra Singh) are holding their ground and not giving in to the awful noise that the protesting MPs are making.

 Samajwadi Party's Akshay Yadav tore paper and threw it at Speaker Sumitra Mahajan in the Lok Sabha. This is definitely a new low for Opposition parties in the Parliament.

"I am very sorry that the RBI has been exposed to this kind of criticism which is fully justified," he added.

"It is not good that every day, the banking system comes up with some modifications. That reflects very poorly on the prime minister's office," he said.

"The national income can decline by about 2 percentage points...I feel that the prime minister must come up with some constructive proposal," said the former prime minister.

"In my opinion, the way demonetisation has been implemented will hurt agriculture, small industries and the people in the informal sector," he said.

"I want to know from the prime minister the names of countries where people have deposited their money in banks but are not allowed to withdraw it," he said.

"What has been done can weaken and erode our people's confidence in the currency and banking system," said Manmohan Singh in the Rajya Sabha.

"I say so with all responsibility that we do not know what will be the full outcome," he said. "50 days is a short period but for those who are poor, even 50 days can bring about disastrous effects. About 60-65 people have lost their lives," he said.

"Today, there are no two opinions in the country. It is important to take note of the grievances of the common people who have suffered," said Manmohan Singh.

"I do not disagree with the objectives of taking steps against terroism and black money," said former prime minister Manmohan Singh in the Rajya Sabha. Prime Minister Narendra Modi was present in the House.

"By the day, the damage to the economy is increasing. Today, reports have come which have said that in three sectors that are biggest in exports, 4 lakh people have lost their jobs in the last one week or so," Sitaram Yechury said.

Addressing the Upper House, Leader of Opposition Ghulam Nabi Azad said how can the prime minister say something like this? "How can the prime minister allege that Opposition parties are in favour of black money? This is wrong."

Within minutes after the Rajya Sabha began today, the opposition members were up in arms protesting against Prime Minister Narendra Modi's statement that those cirticising the government are not angry with the government's preparedness but the fact that they did not get time to prepare.

Slamming the prime minister for his statements on black money hoarders and his veiled attack against the Opposition, the leaders of Congress and SP and BSP created ruckus in the Upper House and demanded that Modi should address the MPs and apologise for his remarks.

"I'm sure many of us have read analysis of noted economist Lawrence Summers, former chief economist of the World Bank and advisor to Obama government who concludes that this exercise has "resulted in chaos and loss of trust" and "without new measures, is unlikely to have lasting benefits. Don't you think it is high time and right time to form a committee of our real experts and intellectuals like Arun Shourie, Yashwant Sinha, Subramanian Swamy and other top economists and intellectuals of our party and veteran Murli Manohar Joshi to help the government in this hour?"

In a series of tweets on Friday, BJP leader Shatrughan Sinha, reiterating his faith in PM Modi's intention, said, "However, I have serious concerns about the outcome, fallout and responses of the people of India and the almost united opposition in particular."

Seventh day of Winter Session and looks like this week business will take a massive hit due to ongoing protests by the Opposition

As Opposition din did not die down even after many requests by the Speaker, Mahajan adjourned the Lok Sabha till Monday (28 November) 11 am.

Speaker Sumitra Mahajan said that a man  Rakesh Singh  tried to jump in the Lok Sabha off the audience gallery on Friday after the House was adjourned. "Security officials overpowered him and took him under custody and he has been let off with warning," Mahajan added.

Taking the nation by surprise, the Prime Minister had on November 8 announced demonetisation of Rs 1,000 and Rs 500 currency notes with effect from midnight.

Latching on to media reports, Yechury sought to pick holes in the November 8 decision as he noted that 29 crore out of the 30 crore Rupay card holders have never used their cards in a swipe machine. Referring to a report on surfacing of two variants of Rs 500 currency notes, the Marxist leader also took a dig at Modi, saying it was the "Prime Minister's way" of stopping circulation of fake currency.

CPM general secretary Sitaram Yechury targeted Prime Minister Narendra Modi over demonetisation, dubbing him as 'Tughlaq' who had "gone missing" after issuing a farman (order). "Barely 20-25 percent of cash demand being met in Metros. Rural areas even worse. While Tughlaq goes missing after his firman," Yechury tweeted.

Will government's wait-and-watch technique, as far as Opposition's protests are concerned, work out in their favour? Most political observers say no because the government does not have the luxury of time. Meanwhile, Opposition leaders are still not relenting with their demand of Prime Minister Narendra Modi's presence in Parliament.

Opposition leaders met before Parliament session commences for the tenth day. However, the worry again is will the Opposition let the Parliament function? Winter Session will go on for 22 sittings - 50 percent of the sittings are already over - the Upper House and the Lok Sabha have still not been able to table crucial bills.

"Why is the BJP government so stubborn? Why is the prime minister not coming to debate?" Mayawati asks.

In Samba, security forces killed two militants early on Tuesday when a group of militants tried to sneak in from Pakistan through the International Border near a border outpost in this Jammu district. According to reports, the two militants were killed following a "heavy firing exchange" with the BSF.

Even as terrorists infiltrated the International Border and attacked two - Nagrota and Samba - districts of Jammu and Kashmir, there was no talk of that in Parliament. The attack in Nagrota reportedly started around 5.30 am with militants firing at a field regiment camp located in the garrison town of Nagrota near the headquarter's of army's 16 corps in the state.

Demonetisation has been the reason for Parliament washouts over ten days now since Winter Session began on 16 November. Interestingly, Parliament has not discussed anything else except note ban imposed by the Narendra Modi government since the Winter Session began.

TMC leader slammed the BJP government for deploying Army in West Bengal. Senior BJP leader Venkaiah Naidu told Deputy Chairman PJ Kurien that the deployment was a routine exercise and casting aspersions on the prime minister is not acceptable.

Opposition: Modiji says he wants the poor to build their own homes, but what about those homes which are being broken?

If one had to compare, Rajya Sabha gets adjourned way faster and sooner than the Lower House.

Unrelenting Speaker Sumitra Mahajan continues to let MPs speak on different issues while a group of MPs continue to try to disrupt Lok Sabha. But since Winter Session has begun (16 November) members who are against the demonetisation drive have tried, and sometimes successfully, to stall Parliament.

"These photos on the walls of the Rajya Sabha, from where emanates the power of democracy, often haunt me. It has been particularly difficult these last few days to get past those photos.Till 1 December (15th day since the commencement of the Winter Session) no business has been allowed to occur in the House except on the first day when a good debate took place in the Rajya Sabha over demonetisation. Regular disruptions, chaos and high-pitched slogan shouting have resulted in complete pandemonium in the House. The continuous ruckus usually leads to the suspension of the House proceedings and, sadly, it has become a regular feature. I ask myself: is this the only alternative left to us to address the genuine grievances of the public, the states and the nation?"

"Today, the situation is that the withdrawals of the foreigners who come to India are being rationed," he said. "This has globally affected India's image," he added.

"Demonetisation created a situation that 86 percent of the currency was invalidated. Now, after one month, tens of millions of Indians are standing in queues...It is wrong to give an impression that the Opposition is opposing the prime minister's crusade against black money," Sharma said.

"The government has collective responsibility but the prime minister is the first among the equals," said Congress leader Anand Sharma in Rajya Sabha.

"In the 2G debates, we have insisted that the prime minister participates in this discussions but there is no such practice in this House that the prime minister must be here to listen to each and every member," Jaitley said.

"What is the stage we are in? Halfway through the debate, you interrupted the debate and are now raising concerns which have never been raised in the House," he told the Opposition.

"In this case, we've repeatedly said that the prime minister is going to participate in the debate," Jaitley said.

"It's obviously an important issue. The questions have to be answered," he said. "The government and the council of ministers fucntions on a collective responsibility. There is no such principle that a specific person has to answer."

"We've gone through this exercise of having a major debate which is incomplete. We have spent seven hours on the debate under rule 167," said Finance Minister Arun Jaitley in Rajya Sabha.

When asked what does the Opposition want, Rahul said, "He should come and debate in Parliament and explain his decision," he said.

Targetting the Prime Minister over the issue of note ban, Congress vice-president Rahul Gandhi slammed the BJP government saying that the decision to scrap high denomination currency was the biggest mistake ever. "It was a bold decision - that's what Modi ji says - but bold decisions are also foolish decisions. Demonetisation was a foolish decision. Our farmers, fishermen and the poor of the society are dying, our Prime Minister does not care for any of that. He (PM Modi) is laughing and having a nice time while the people of the country are suffering. The idea behind cashless economy is that a few people and corporates will get maximum benefits from these transactions. This has damaged the nation."

Today, Congress vice-president Rahul Gandhi launched a full frontal attack on the prime minister and an united Opposition on Thursday observed Black Day to mark one month since the demonetisation scheme kicked in.

8 November was when Prime Minister Narendra Modi announced the scrapping of Rs 500 and Rs 1,000 notes. It's been a month since then and the Opposition protests have gone on unabated - both in and outside Parliament.

"It is a matter of shame that the government refused to pay tributes to the martyrs," Azad thundered, provoking the ruling party ministers and MPs, who began shouting as if Azad had just thrown something at them.

He also said that by protesting in front of the Gandhi statue, the Opposition was the one which paid tributes to the deceased.

"We have been saying for a long time that over 100 people have died because of demonetisation," said Ghulam Nabi Azad in Rajya Sabha. "But the government refused to pay tribute to the deceased," he added.

President Pranab Mukherjee has accused the Opposition of "gagging majority" in both Houses of Parliament. "Debate, dissension and decision are necessary," Times Now quoted the President as saying. "The Parliament must not be disrupted...this is unacceptable."

The Winter Session of Parliament began on 16 November. On 8 December, both the Houses  Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha  met for the 14th day but within minutes of commencing, both the Houses were adjourned. The deadlock over demonetisation has led to wastage of the Winter Session so far and considering that just one more week is left for the session to wrap up, there is little hope that the Houses will be able to pass, introduce or even debate the Bills that have been listed for consideration.

Information and Broadcasting Minister Venakaiah Naidu also termed the 'dharna' by opposition leaders near the Gandhi statue in Parliament premises as a big 'tamasha' and an insult to the Father of the Nation. "Our opponents particularly the Congress I am told are observing a Black Day. I say what they are observing is a 'Black Money Support Day'," Naidu said.

Hitting out at the Congress-led Opposition for observing a 'Black Day' against demonetisation decision, government on Thursday said they are actually observing a "Black Money Support Day".

According to Times Now, the parliamentary panel has found Mann guilty of security breach after he filmed a video entering Parliament by crossing several security layers and posted it on social media.

 As if the logjam in Parliament  for which President Pranab Mukherjee admonished both Houses  was not embarrassing enough for the country, there is now a delegation of parliamentarians from Vietnam who are going to witness what happens in an Indian Parliament.

"Govt running from debate, if they allow me to speak then you will see what an earthquake will come," says Rahul Gandhi.

Keep in mind that Vietnamese Parliamentarians are in both the Houses to witness this scene.

It's hard to decide at this point who is trying to stall Parliament. During zero hour in Lok Sabha, MPs in Lok Sabha kept raising ruckus while Speaker Sumitra Mahajan tries her best to keep the House in session.

Rajya Sabha adjourned till 14 December On Friday as the count of members in the Upper House remained 21 despite calls from the Deputy Chairman PJ Kurien, the house was adjourned till Monday. The benches remained empty while BJP and Congress leaders sparred with each other blaming each other for the non-functioning government.

According to an NDTV report Information and Broadcasting Minister Venkaiah Naidu said that Prime Minister Modi will be present in Parliament for the three remaining days of the Session and can participate in proceedings for either of the House depending on the need.

Congress is going to raise the issue of corruption charges against Kiren Rijiju. Rajya Sabha member and senior Congress leader, Anand Sharma has given notice under Rule 267 in Rajya Sabha for discussion on corruption charges against Rijiju.

"This is the first time that the government is scheming to make sure Parliament does not function. It usually is the job of Opposition to stand up and protest. However, this government is doing a pretty job of that and making sure that Parliament does not work and no one questions the ruling party's decision. Demonetisation has hurt a lot of people, but Modi government's arrogance is not allowing us to debate it in the House," a TMC member said.

BJP was reacting to Congress vice-president's claim that he has information of Prime Minister Narendra Modi's alleged involvement in "personal corruption." Rahul was speaking a joint press briefing of the Opposition after the Lok Sabha was adjourned for the day amid din created by Opposition.

Minister for Parliamentary Affairs Ananth Kumar said that if Rahul Gandhi had any information, he could have revealed them twenty days ago, ""but till today he wasn't ready to make any earth-shattering revelations."

Soon after Rajya Sabha passed the amended The Rights of Persons with Disabilities Bill (2014) and Kurien congratulated the members over a productive day, Anand Sharma raised the issue of Rijiju and his alleged involvement in the Rs 450-crore scam. Kurien tried to maintain calm in the House by saying, "Allegation without informing the Chair cannot be allowed."

As Opposition members raised slogans and ruckus, Kurien said, "What can I do except adjourning. Both sides are indisciplined. The House is adourned till tomorrow (15 December) 11 am."

It seemed like the members in the Upper House were just waiting to pass one single Bill this Winter Session. Soon after Kurien praised the members of the Upper House for being disciplined, ruckus over alleged corruption allegations on Kiren Rijiju took the House by storm again.

Kurien: "I have given the floor to Leader of Opposition. That's the tradition. Let's follow it. Please sit down."

Senior BJP leader Venkaiah Naidu and Mukhtar Abbas Naqvi object to leader of opposition Ghulam Nabi Azad speaking in the Upper House. Kurien asks BJP members to sit down. Amid slogans of "Agusta Agusta" , BJP leaders demanded to know what is the topic of discussion?

"I have to adjourn.. what should I do?" asks Kurien. "This is for the first time in history of India that it's the ruling party that's not letting the House to function," says Azad.

Sources said that it was also decided in the meeting to raise the plight of farmers and common people in both Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha and demand a loan waiver for farmers. Representatives of Congress, Trinamool Congress, BSP, SP, JD-U, CPI, CPI-M, NCP, DMK and All India United Democratic Front (AIUDF) were present in today's meeting.

Leaders of various parties said the entire opposition has decided to approach the President to "complain" against the ruling party for not allowing them to speak in Parliament. The leaders said they were elected representatives of the country and had every right to speak in Parliament and it was "unconstitutional" not to allow them to speak in both Houses. Sources said time is being sought from the President till Friday and all opposition parties were ready to raise the issue unitedly before him.

Taking their protest on demonetisation to President Pranab Mukherjee's doorsteps, Opposition parties sought a meeting with the president to convey the problems caused by the measure to the common man and "over not being" allowed to speak in Parliament. At a meeting of the opposition held in the chamber of Leader of Opposition in Rajya Sabha Ghulam Nabi Azad, representatives of various parties decided to raise with the President the problems of the common people, including the poor and farmers arising out of demonetisation.

Advani also added that "had Atal ji been in Parliament today, he would have been upset."

Senior BJP leader LK Advani told Home Minister Rajnath Singh to intervene and stop disruptions in both Houses of Parliament. Expressing his unhappiness, Advani allegedly said that he "feels like resigning".

Opposition leaders are scheduled to meet the President and PM Modi to push for a way to break the deadlock.

The BJPs Parliamentary Party meeting to discuss the strategy to counter the Oppositions charges against the government is currently underway. Prime Minister Narendra Modi is set to address the gathering.

The last day of the Winter Session of Parliament is setup for a big tussle between the government and the Opposition as both try to break the deadlock.

"Regular and continuous disruptions signify this session... The rules about displaying placards and shouting slogans were ignored by all sections of the house," Rajya Sabha Chairman Hamid Ansari said in his closing statement before adjourning the house.

The Rajya Sabha on Friday concluded its winter session after an emotional speech by the Chairman as the house was adjourned sine die.

On the eve of Winter Session, two all-party meetings were convened, first by the ruling NDA and the other by Lok Sabha speaker Sumitra Mahajan. At the all-party meeting Modi requested all parties for cooperation in order to make Parliament session a fruitful one.

"I hope that Winter Session will be fruitful. I expect that Winter Session will proceed in a positive way. I hope that Winter Session debate will strengthen democracy. I believe that to take the country ahead this Winter Session debate will be useful, " said Modi as Winter Session sets to begin.

"If you will put their husbands in jail, who will provide for them, who will pay for their children," Azad asked as he reiterated that Congress leader Anad Sharma's suggestion to send it to Standing Committee should be taken into consideration.

Ghulam Nabi Azad stood up as the bill was taken up for discussion and said that none of the parties are in opposition of the bill in essence. However, he said that the government's bill will "finish Muslim women" instead of saving them.

He said that a committee should reflect the nature of the House, which the list of suggestions given by Sharma does not. Sharma's suggestion did not include names from the BJP.

Jaitley said that the previous precedents show that any amendments or motions should be introduced with prior notice. He said that the Opposition's demand to send the bill to Select Committee was invalid. He also raised objection on the suggestion on members of Select Committee made by Anand Sharma.

Kurien said that the Leader of the House is a very learned advocate himself and all points raised by him are of relevance. The rule he quotes that a prior notice should be given is also correct, he said. "However, the same rule adds that the Chairman has the power to admit such a motion and which is why I cannot overrule it. It is now admitted and hence is the property of the House, only members can amend it," Kurien said on Jaitley's objection over the Opposition motion seeking triple talaq bill be sent to Standing Committee.

Roy, responding to Jaitley's objection that the Select Committee suggested by him did not reflect the nature of the House, Roy said that he had included members from all parties who were willing to send the bill to the Standing Committee. However, BJP members were not included because the government was not willing to send the bill to the committee. Roy added that if the BJP is interested in sending the Bill for further scrutiny, he has no objection to ammend the list to include its members too.

Govt requests to take up GST bill first as Dy Chairman ruled Triple Talaq bill can't be taken for passage without first building consensus in House

"If you will put their husbands in jail, who will provide for them, who will pay for their children," Azad asked as he reiterated that Congress leader Anad Sharma's suggestion to send it to Standing Committee should be taken into consideration.

Ghulam Nabi Azad stood up as the bill was taken up for discussion and said that none of the parties are in opposition of the bill in essence. However, he said that the government's bill will "finish Muslim women" instead of saving them.

He said that a committee should reflect the nature of the House, which the list of suggestions given by Sharma does not. Sharma's suggestion did not include names from the BJP.

Jaitley said that the previous precedents show that any amendments or motions should be introduced with prior notice. He said that the Opposition's demand to send the bill to Select Committee was invalid. He also raised objection on the suggestion on members of Select Committee made by Anand Sharma.

Kurien said that the Leader of the House is a very learned advocate himself and all points raised by him are of relevance. The rule he quotes that a prior notice should be given is also correct, he said. "However, the same rule adds that the Chairman has the power to admit such a motion and which is why I cannot overrule it. It is now admitted and hence is the property of the House, only members can amend it," Kurien said on Jaitley's objection over the Opposition motion seeking triple talaq bill be sent to Standing Committee.

Roy, responding to Jaitley's objection that the Select Committee suggested by him did not reflect the nature of the House, Roy said that he had included members from all parties who were willing to send the bill to the Standing Committee. However, BJP members were not included because the government was not willing to send the bill to the committee. Roy added that if the BJP is interested in sending the Bill for further scrutiny, he has no objection to ammend the list to include its members too.

Govt requests to take up GST bill first as Dy Chairman ruled Triple Talaq bill can't be taken for passage without first building consensus in House

The Winter Session of Parliament opened on Wednesday with a united Opposition mounting an assault on the government over demonetisation, saying it had led to "economic anarchy" in the country. The opposition parties also demanded a probe by a Joint Parliamentary Committee (JPC) on the alleged selective leak of information before the official announcement.

While Lok Sabha was adjourned for the day after paying tributes to nine leaders, including sitting TMC MP Renuka Sinha, the seven-hour-long debate in Rajya Sabha, however, remained inconclusive. The debate in Rajya Sabha continued till 6 pm on Wednesday before Deputy Chairman of the House PJ Kurien adjourned it till 11 am tomorrow. Kurien said that the discussion on demonetisation will be resumed on Thursday at 2 pm. "From 11am to 12 pm will be the Zero Hour and Question Hour will be from 12-1 pm," said Kurien. There were repeated demands by the opposition members that the Prime Minister should be present in the House to listen to the members.

Leader of Opposition in Rajya Sabha Ghulam Nabi Azad said Modi, who did not come to the Rajya Sabha on Wednesday, should at least be present tomorrow and possibly intervene. The government rejected as baseless the opposition charge that there was "leakage" of the 8 November decision and said everyone was taken by surprise which is why there are "initial" problems.

Joining ranks over the raging issue, parties like Congress, JD(U), RJD, SP, BSP, Trinamool Congress, Left and AIADMK slammed the government, particularly targeting PM Modi, for making Rs 500 and Rs 1,000 denomination notes invalid and said the "ill-timed" and "ill-conceived" step had severely hit the common people, the farmers and the poor.

During a discussion on demonetisation, which was taken up after suspension of all business in response to notices given by a host of opposition members, a scathing attack was made on the government which strongly defended the step as one taken in national interest and to end corruption and black money, which it linked to terror activities in the country.

Here's a quick recap of what happened today

Anand Sharma uses wit and humour to attack Modi

Deputy Leader of Opposition in the Rajya Sabha Anand Sharma on Wednesday demanded a probe into "selective leakage" of the demonetisation move, which he termed a "Nadirshahi farman" (autocratic order). Initiating a debate after listed business was suspended to take up a discussion on the 8 November decision to withdraw old higher denomination currency, Sharma used wit and humour to attack Modi for being insensitive to problems caused to the common man.

He asked Modi to state where he got Rs 23,000-24,000 crore, estimated by the International Money Watch Group, for his Lok Sabha elections. He also asked if cheque or credit card payments were made to organise his rally at Ghazipur in Uttar Pradesh a few days ago. Alleging that the information on demonetisation was selectively leaked, he said, "Your BJP units have deposited crores (just before the 8 November decision)."

Sharma also sought to know from the Prime Minister as to "who wants to kill him", referring to the Prime Minister's speech in Goa where he had said that with demonetisation resulting in "Looting of their 70 year corrupt earnings, they will destroy me, they can kill me". "There should have been an ordinance for demonetization. But no ordinance was brought. This is a Nadirshahi farman (autocratic order)," Sharma said.

"The decision to demonetise high currency notes was leaked to a select few. Secrecy was not maintained on this issue. It was published in a Gujarati newspaper long back and even other newspapers wrote about it," said Sharma. "There should be a probe into the selective leakage of information," he said, asking: "What did the government do to prepare for effective implementation of the policy."

He also sought to know from the government which law gave it the right to impose limits on withdrawing money from peoples' own accounts. "I condemn Prime Minister's statement in Goa for mocking the people who are standing in queues. He must apologise. Please explain who wants to kill you," said Sharma posing a question to Modi. Congress will not tolerate anyone planning to harm the Prime Minister of the country, he said. "An atmosphere has been created by the government where questioning them has become a parameter to decide one's nationalism," said Sharma.

He sought to know from the Prime Minister as to from where the "15 thousand crore rupees spent on your mega election campaign come from". "Did you pay for your recent Ghazipur rally through credit card," Sharma said mocking the government for asking people to use plastic money for day-to-day expenses.

Sharma also demanded that Modi must disclose the list of those names, who are holding black money in Swiss banks. "Government has a list of those holding black money in Swiss banks. We demand that the Prime Minister must tell who all are there in the list," said Sharma. He said the government should disclose how much money left India between March and September this year and how many people invested in bullion, bought gold or forex during this period.

Sharma took a dig at the government for using the term "surgical strike" in the context of demonetization and the unplanned consequences of the move, saying, "Bina doctori padhe sab surgeon ban gaye (You became a surgeon without training or education)."

Quoting media reports, Sharma said State Bank of India  the country's largest lender  knew of the decision way back in March and a Gujarati newspaper had in April published a report of the move to withdraw Rs 500 and Rs 1,000 notes. He demanded a probe into "how many people bought more than Rs 1 crore of foreign currency and bullion" since April. "This is a serious issue... you never kept secrecy (about the decision)," Sharma said. The "ill-timed" and "ill-conceived" move had unleashed "economic anarchy" in the country and benefited a few, he said, adding that to fight black money created by higher denomination currency, a bigger Rs 2,000 note has been brought which is similar to the paper on which 'churan' is sold and "shed colour" was brought.

"Your government is insensitive," he said adding Modi was riding a bullet train in Japan when old, women and common man were queueing up at banks at 3 am in the morning to get currency to buy their daily needs. Sharma said Modi had in his Goa speech had stated that those standing in line at banks were those involved in 2G spectrum and coal scam as well as holding black money. "I condemn the Prime Minister for calling the poor standing in the queue for his Rs 4,000-4,500, black money holders and scamster," he said.

Taking a dig at the Modi, he said someone who "changes clothes five times a day", has become Prime Minister and travels around the globe was "calling himself a sanyasi and tapasvi".

Sharma demanded that the names of persons holding accounts in Swiss bank and those revealed in the Leichtenstein and HSBC lists should be made public. The names of bank loan defaulters above Rs 5,000 crore should also be made public. While the decision had put the common man to immense hardship by way of having to stand in long queues to lay hands on valid currency to meet daily needs, the information about demonetisation was selectively leaked to the "friends of BJP," Sharma alleged. The move had branded 86 percent of the currency in circulation black money and "everyone a criminal," he said adding when Modi announced the plan it was expected that adequate arrangements would be made for dispensing new notes.

"The magnanimous prime minister allowed Rs 4,000 of old currency to be changed... what right does the Constitution give the government to place restrictions on withdrawal of ones hard-earned money," he asked, adding one has to "beg to be allowed to withdraw his own money." He said former RBI Governor IG Patel had written about the government's decision to demonetise currency in 1978 and it would be absurd to think that all ill-gotten money is kept in cash and not invested in real estate, billion, equities or foreign exchange.

Moving towards cashless economy was fine but even the most developed economies of US or Europe have not achieved that objective yet. If they had, the US central bank would have stopped printing dollars, European Central Bank won't be printing Euros and UK central banks would have stopped printing pound sterling, he said.

Stating that the government had in one stroke declared everyone a criminal, he said the government and the finance minister have stated that terrorists would have benefited if advance information on the decision was given. "Which terrorist goes to RBI with sack full of counterfeit currency to change."

After withdrawing Rs 500 and Rs 1,000 currency notes, restrictions were placed even on foreign tourists who could not get their currency changed.

The Congress leader said Finance Minister Arun Jaitley had informed Parliament in August that fake currency was 0.02 percent of the total currency in circulation. "If 0.02 percent by government admission is counterfeit currency, how can that be made the base to remove 86 percent of currency in circulation," he said.

An undeclared emergency has put common people in grave inconvenience, he said while crime money, ill-gotten wealth and that accrued through corruption or tax evasion is blackmoney, Prime Minister should answer if he considered money in the market, or in households, or with farmers, workers and employees was also blackmoney.

"This question arises because a message has gone that Indian economy was run on blackmoney... you decide but don't brand the whole country," he said, adding whether the cash the farmers gets for his crop or the one he uses to buy seeds or fertilizer was blackmoney. He said the move had rendered millions of agriculture workers and labourers unemployed.

Mayawati calls demonetisation ill-timed

As the debate was in progress, BSP chief Mayawati demanded the presence of the Prime Minister in the House to hear out the Opposition parties and address their concerns.

Mayawati questioned the government's preparedness for the demonetisation of high-value bank notes, accusing it of spending the last ten months on settling the black money of its people. Participating in a debate in Rajya Sabha on the demonetisation of high-denomination currency notes, she said: "The government has said that they spent ten months preparing for this decision. Ten months was a long time to prepare. If they were serious about it, they would have prepared well for all the problems that people are facing today."

"What we are witnessing in India today would not have happened had they prepared," she added. Accusing the government of supporting those close to it in settling their ill-gotten wealth, Mayawati said: "In the last ten months, the BJP government has worked to help the party supporters and big businessmen to settle their black money.

"If the government had spent ten months preparing for it, then why do they need another 50 days? There is something fishy."

"Masses are in pain. The Prime Minister must be sleeping after taking pills. The move is without preparedness and people will punish BJP in 2019 during general elections. People of five states going for elections including Manipur, Uttar Pradesh and Punjab will punish BJP," she said, adding that the poor and the middle classes were the worst sufferers. "It is an immature decision taken in haste and the whole country feels that is an 'economic emergency'," she said adding that it was like a "Bharatbandi situation."

Opposition demands Modi's presence in Rajya Sabha

Mayawati said the House should request the Prime Minister to be present and answer the members' concerns. It is "a very serious issue", she said, adding she has been observing Leader of the House and Finance Minister Arun Jaitley, appears "sad".

Her demand was supported by Leader of Opposition Ghulam Nabi Azad, who said the PM must be present in the House to hear out the concerns of various parties.

Earlier, Kurien said he had received as many as 13 notices under rule 267 for suspension of business to take up discussion on inconvience and hardships caused by demonetisation of currency. He said there was a general consensus for discussion and the government too was agreeable, so the list of business as notified stands completely suspended.

Azad demanded that the prime minister should at least "hear out the feelings of six-seven main parties, otherwise there is a mismatch. The feelings of opposition members should be heard by PM. I demand that at least he hears them out and sit in the House at least today. We can wait for him to come."

This was objected to by DP Tripathi (NCP), who said that as Leader of the Opposition he should not distinguish between the big and small parties. Ram Gopal Yadav (who was expelled from Samajwadi Party) joined Anand Sharma to allege that information on demonetisation was "leaked" and termed it as a scam while demanding a thorough probe into it.

"A BJP leader in Punjab had tweeted on 5 November about the new Rs 2,000 note. How did this happen? This is an issue of concern. There is a scam in this. This should definitely be probed," he said, alleging further that 10 percent of the people have 90 per cent of wealth of the country and the remaining 90 per cent do not have anything.

The common people, especially the poor and the housewives were put to great hardship through this move and if elections are held today they will teach this government a lesson, he said, adding that majority of women who saved money through household savings were upset with the move.

"Elections are not fought with money power. You cannot win elections through money power. No one can win elections like that. Elections are won only by winning the hearts of people," he said.

Demonetisation of high denomination currency has created big problems to common people and and law and order situation is being created with police being deployed outside banks to control the queue.

"Do not hold elections now. If you meet and ask for votes from housewives in villages, they will beat you up with 'belan' and you will have to embalm your back with turmeric," he said, adding that you might lose elections if you hold early polls. Yadav said the entire House was against corrupt and drug money, but lamented that an impression is being created that those opposing this are against curbing black money which is erroneous.

JD(U) leader Sharad Yadav, who also sought a JPC probe into the suspected leak, said the sudden move was akin to "jumping out of a moving train". He said unlike the rich, who the PM said were standing in queue, it was the poor, handicapped and old people who were doing so to get their hands on their hard earned money. He alleged that while loans worth Rs 7,000 crore was written off today by banks including Rs 1,200 crore of Vijay Mallya and said that the prime minister has made the honesty of the country to stand in queues.

Yadav also took a dig at Jaitley saying he was sure that the Finance Minister was not part of the decision making on demonetisation, because had he been, Jaitley would have tipped him off. This remark left most members including Jaitley laughing.

Yechury renames PM as "Modi Antoinette"

CPM leader Sitaram Yechury said that of the 130 crore population in the country, only 2.6 crore have credit cards.

He took a dig at Modi and narrated the infamous quote of Queen Marie Antoinette during the French revolution who had said that people can eat cakes when they don't have bread. "We have Modi Antoinette who says 'If you don't have paper, use plastic'".

Yechury compared the Prime Minister with a Roman ruler. He said a Senator had remarked about this ruler that: "I think he knows what Rome is. Rome is the mob. Conjure magic for them and they'll be distracted. Take away their freedom and still they'll roar. The beating heart of Rome is not the marble of the senate, it's the sand of the Coliseum. He'll bring them death - and they will love him for it."

Alleging that a BJP unit in Kolkata deposited Rs 1 crore in Indian's Bank Account on 8 November, he said "prove me if I am wrong." He added that Prime Minister was advertising for Paytm while talking about cashless economy.

The CPM leader said 1/5th of the economy is black economy and people who kept black money invested it in real estate, gold etc. That is why the imports surged and stated that it was this PM only who had stated that 95 percent of the black money is stashed offshore and is in safe havens.

"PM is cleaning a pond to kill crocodiles but big crocodiles have survived and only small fishes are dying."

He also demanded that corporate funding of all political parties should stop and there should be a stystem of state funding for elections to which Kurien said "why don't you move a private members bill in this regard."

Terming the demonetisation move as "Tughlaq shahi", he said the length of queues before banks and ATMs was ever increasing and asked why the government was agonising the people. He sought an investigation into the move, saying "let there be a joint parliamentary committee" for a proper probe. "We need to know the motive behind the move" as before every parliamentary session there is some gimmick which diverts attention from other major issues.

With inputs from agencies
New York: Setting aside their campaign feuds, South Carolina Governor Nikki Haley had a "good meeting" in New York on Thursday amid speculation that she is being considered for the job of secretary of state or other cabinet positions.

"They had a good discussion, and she is very encouraged about the coming administration and the new direction it will bring to Washington," her spokesperson Rob Godfrey said after the meeting.

Trump's former campaign manager Kellyanne Conway was noncommittal about a position for Haley in the Trump administration. "We're just happy to have her here for her advice and counsel and to hear about the great success story of South Carolina," she told reporters.

If Republican Haley gets a cabinet job, she would be the first Indian American to ascend to that level marking a historic milestone for the community in a year that saw a political breakthrough.

Democrat California Attorney General Kamala Harris became the first Indian American elected to the Senate. Three Indian Americans, Raja Krishnamoorthi from Illinois, Pramila Jayapal of Washington state, and Ro Khanna of California won seats on the House of Representatives, where they will join fellow-Democrat Ami Bera of California, who was re-elected.

However, a late development cast a shadow on Haley's hopes for America's top diplomatic job. The Republican presidential candidate in 2012, Mitt Romney, was scheduled to meet Trump over the weekend. He has said that the only job he would be interested in was secretary of state, leading to new intense media speculation that he may be up for the job.

Like Haley, Romney has been a vehement critic of Trump during the campaign - and in turn was hammered by Trump. While Haley said towards the end of the campaign that she would vote for Trump, although she had reservations, Romney did not take back his assertion that he would never vote for the Republican nominee.

Trump, who ran a scorch earth campaign, is now reaching out to his critics in an attempt douse the flames discord he had flamed.

Speculations about Trump's cabinet choices have been rapidly changing. First reports said that former New York Mayor Rudy Giuliani and former UN Permanent Representative John Bolton were the front runners for secretary of state. Both came under criticism for their advocacy of aggressive foreign intervensions in contrast to Trump's own cautious policy.

On Wednesday, when Haley's meeting with Trump was scheduled, CNN and MSNBC independently quoted unnamed sources in the Trump transition team as saying that she was being considered for the foreign policy job.

Now there is mention in the media that she may be also considered for commerce secretary given her strong track record in getting foreign investment into her state.

Haley is the daughter of Sikh immigrants from Amritsar district and her full name is Nimrata Nikki Randhwa Haley. She is married to Michael Haley.
In an interview with US President Barack Obama, Full Frontal host Samantha Bee very rightly posed a question on his achievements: "What would you like your legacy to be other than not having everything being overturned the day after inauguration?" This question is even more relevant in the wake of a Donald Trump presidency  be it the Paris climate change deal, the Iran nuclear deal, or Obamacare, his merits are all on the line.

According to his official website, DonaldJTrump.com, Trump describes a health care overhaul to "Make America Great Again", writing that "since March of 2010, the American people have had to suffer under the incredible economic burden of the Affordable Care Act Obamacare". It's no surprise that Obamacare has found no favour with the Trump campaign; in fact, the website goes on to detail that "none of these positive reforms can be accomplished without Obamacare repeal. On day one of the Trump administration, we will ask Congress to immediately deliver a full repeal of Obamacare." it says.

Will Trump repeal Obamacare, or does it sound easier said than done?

Commonly known as Obamacare, the Affordable Care Act focuses on "providing more Americans with access to affordable health insurance, improving the quality of health care and health insurance, regulating the health insurance industry, and reducing health care spending in the US". According to Centres for Medicare and Medicaid Services, about 12.7 million people are buying individual insurance coverage: 9.6 million of them came through the HealthCare.gov platform and 3.1 million through state-based marketplaces. According to a report in The Atlantic, before Obamacare, insurance companies could reportedly charge people more depending on what they were suffering from or deny coverage as well. Insurers were also able to keep company costs down by denying coverages but not after the advent of Obamacare, it adds.

Politico, in a report earlier this week, mentioned that Republicans aim to start Obamacare repeal in January 2017, planning to move aggressively, "getting points on the board against Barack Obamas health care law right away  as early as Inauguration Day itself" which is on 20 January, 2017. This move will no doubt come at a price, as the report notes that it would be doing away with a law that covers 20 million people, especially with no alternate plan.

It's true. The Trump website, for an alternative plan, only mentions that they will follow "free market principles" and will "work together to create sound public policy" to "broaden healthcare access, make health care more affordable and improve the quality of the care available to all Americans".

More bad news follows: the legislation to repeal Obamacare reportedly exists and Congress has passed it earlier, according to Vox. The only thing standing in between is President Trump's signature, it adds.

As with every situation, this too has a silver lining. Vox further mentions that however easy the repeal of Obamacare might be, replacing it would be difficult, giving rise to a situation called "repeal and delay". Meaning, even though Obamacare will be repealed, the actual breaking down of the programme into pieces might take some time, perhaps two to three years.

Even The Hill talks about a similar situation: transitioning into another law, and smoothly. But one of the bigger talking points is that not all Republicans are agreeing with the decision to repeal this law; you have to remember that this has been one of their goals for six years. The report quotes a Mississippi Republican Senator Roger Wicker who's concerned about how it'll hurt people who've obtained insurance for the first time. "We'll see if we can reach some sort of consensus with our Democrat friends on how to make this repeal and replace. Clearly, we dont want to do any harm to people who are in the system now. We want to be mindful of that," The Hill quoted Wicker as saying.
By Anthony Deutsch and Fergus Jensen

| AMSTERDAM/JAKARTA

AMSTERDAM/JAKARTA The Dutch prime minister on Friday called the disappearance of the wreckage of several allied warships dating back to the 1942 Battle of the Java Sea "unacceptable" and expressed hope that Indonesia would help solve the mystery.A team of international divers searching for Dutch, British and American warships ahead of the 75th anniversary of the decisive World War Two battle discovered that two Dutch ships, the De Ruyter and the Java, are no longer where they sank, the Dutch Defence Ministry said. Part of a third ship, the Kortenaer, had also disappeared.The three ships were part of a fleet of allied vessels, including Australians, that set off from the last remaining allied port in Southeast Asia, the Indonesian city of Surabaya, to stop the Japanese advance. It was defeated and thousands were killed when the vessels were sunk."The fact alone that war graves were violated is an extremely serious matter, with far reaching implications for the survivors and for all of us," Rutte told journalists in The Hague on Friday.

Rutte said the removal of the underwater graves of nearly 1,000 Dutch marines would be discussed during a government trade mission to Indonesia next week."Imagine that a war cemetery ... would be seriously damaged or desecrated, that would be totally unacceptable and the same counts for what happened here," he said.

Indonesian Navy spokesman Gig Jonias Mozes Sipasulta said the ships should have been protected under international law."Normally in these cases those places can be turned into heritage sites, but for this there needs to be a discussion and a written request from the government of the country that feels they own the vessel, with the Indonesian government," he said.

Rutte said "the Indonesians are working with us to get to the bottom of this" and that it was unclear who was responsible for removing the remains, which may have been salvaged for scrap.The search for the ships was initiated by the Karel Doorman Fund, named after a Dutchman who led the doomed allied naval assault in February 1942. (Editing by Janet Lawrence)

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BERLIN The number of Turks seeking asylum in Germany is up sharply this year, and has been rising steadily since a failed military coup on July 15, a German newspaper group reported on Friday.Germany received 4,437 asylum applications from Turkish citizens between January and October, compared to 1,767 applications received in all of 2015, the Funke Mediengruppe newspaper chain reported, citing government data. It said around 350 asylum-seekers from Turkey were registered each month during the first six months of the year, with numbers then rising steadily to around 485 in October. No comment was immediately available from the Federal Office for Migration and Refugees (BAMF), which compiles the data.

"We must expect that the number of Turks who are seeking political asylum in Germany will continue to rise," the media group quoted Stephan Mayer, a senior member of the CSU sister party of Chancellor Angela Merkel's conservatives, as saying.But Mayer criticised statements from German foreign ministry officials in which they said persecuted political opponents of Turkish President Tayyip Erdogan could apply for asylum in Germany.

"We cannot solve Turkey's problems by inviting all critical citizens of Turkey to apply for asylum," Mayer told the media organisation. "That's exactly what (Erdogan) wants: that the opposition disappears."German-Turkish relations have been strained over a series of issues, including Berlin's criticism of mass arrests in Turkey and Ankara's treatment of the media, and charges by Turkey that Germany is a safe haven for the Kurdish militant PKK group.

German officials deny the Turkish accusations and say they have been working for years to prevent attacks by members of the banned Kurdistan Workers Party (PKK). (Reporting by Andrea Shalal; Editing by Catherine Evans)

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By Darya Korsunskaya, Svetlana Reiter and Vladimir Soldatkin

| MOSCOW

MOSCOW The arrest of Russia's economy minister on bribery charges has sown fear across the Moscow political elite that a wider purge may be coming of other senior officials.Several officials who spoke to Reuters on condition of anonymity described a febrile atmosphere inside government ministries following the detention of Alexei Ulyukayev, the first serving cabinet minister to be arrested in decades.Russia's Vedomosti newspaper, citing an unnamed senior security source, published names of other officials that it said had been under surveillance by domestic intelligence agencies looking for evidence of graft.They included Deputy Prime Minister Arkady Dvorkovich and an aide to Deputy Prime Minister Igor Shuvalov. Representatives of Dvorkovich and Shuvalov did not respond to requests for comment.Asked about further repercussions, Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov said he saw no connection between the Ulyukayev case and others in the government, and that only investigators could say if other officials were under surveillance. The investigative committee, the state body which investigates major crimes, denied in a statement that it had other suspects in the case and said media reports about further arrests were ill-informed."We have officially stated that the criminal case concerns one individual and one episode," the committee said. "All contrary information ... lies on the conscience of those publications that rely on dishonest, ignorant and incompetent sources."But officials say privately that they believe more arrests may be coming. One government official drew a parallel with purges of senior Communist Party figures in the Soviet Union, which often ended with the victims shot or sent to a labour camp. He noted that state investigators had said Ulyukayev had been under secret surveillance for a year before his detention, and said this was contributing to the wider sense of fear. "All of us now are under scrutiny," he said.Some of his acquaintances had considered leaving the state bureaucracy, but they were fearful this would not make them immune from arrest, he said: "You can't run away."

ROSNEFT ROLE

Ulyukayev has been charged with extorting $2 million in bribes. He is under house arrest pending trial. His lawyer, Timofei Gridnyev, said his client denied the charges.The anxiety among the ruling elite, officials said privately, was fuelled in part by the circumstances of Ulyukayev's arrest, which took place inside the offices of the state oil firm Rosneft, whose boss Igor Sechin has clashed with Ulyukayev and other top officials over policy.They said this sent a message that the prosecution was backed by Sechin, a powerful lieutenant of President Vladimir Putin, and so was likely to be pursued forcefully.

Russian prosecutors have publicly acknowledged that Rosneft played a role in Ulyukayev's case, saying the company alerted investigators in a timely fashion to evidence of wrongdoing.According to a law enforcement source and a government source, investigators have been collaborating for months with one member of Sechin's security detail, ex-intelligence officer Oleg Feoktistov, to build a case against Ulyukayev.A Rosneft spokesman did not respond to a request for comment on the company's role in the case, or the roles of its boss Sechin and his bodyguard Feoktistov. Sechin and Feoktistov could not be reached directly.Several government sources who spoke about the case to Reuters said there was no evidence that Sechin or Rosneft had any motive in assisting the investigation beyond helping fight corruption.Sechin's Rosneft became Russia's biggest oil company early in Putin's rule after swallowing assets seized by the state from Yukos, a privatised firm whose boss Mikhail Khordokovsky was jailed for fraud.

Sechin has known Putin for decades and has never denied reports that he, like Putin, served years ago overseas as a Soviet spy. He is considered one of the leading figures in the Kremlin faction of former security forces veterans given top jobs running state companies under Putin.The United States has put him on a sanctions blacklist as a member of Putin's inner circle culpable for Russia's military intervention in Ukraine.While no evidence has been publicly produced that Ulyukayev was framed, that has not stopped many officials inside government ministries from reaching the conclusion that other foes of Sechin could be next.Ulyukayev, along with other senior figures in the government of Prime Minister Dmitry Medvedev, had tried to block Rosneft's plans to take over a smaller state owned oil company, Bashneft.Some sources in the government or close to it told Reuters on condition of anonymity that they believed Sechin was pursuing a vendetta against people close to Medvedev.Said one: "It's a message to other ministers. 'If you keep arguing back, you'll end up in the same place'" as Ulyukayev ended up.Medvedev's office did not immediately respond to a request for comment. (Additional reporting by Anastasia Lyrchikova, Olesya Astakhova, Denis Pinchuk, Katya Golubkova and Tatiana Ustinova; writing by Christian Lowe; editing by Peter Graff)

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U.S. National Security Agency Director Admiral Mike Rogers is the leading candidate to become President-elect Donald Trump's next director of national intelligence, the Wall Street Journal reported on Friday, citing two unnamed people familiar with the matter.Rogers met with Trump in New York on Thursday, members of Trump's transition team said on Friday.

(Reporting by Tim Ahmann; Writing by Eric Walsh; Editing by Mohammad Zargham)

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Islamabad: Pakistan on Friday described as "ambiguous" India's 'No First Use' policy on nuclear weapons and said it cannot be a substitute for verifiable arms control and restraint measures, days Defence Minister Manohar Parrikar questioned the doctrine.

"Pakistan believes the ambiguous 'No First Use' Declaration is not verifiable and amounts to nothing. It can't be a substitute for verifiable arms control and restraint measures proposed by Pakistan's standing offer of Strategic Restraint Regime," Foreign Office (FO) spokesperson Nafees Zakaria said in his weekly briefing.

He was responding to the recent remarks by Parrikar in which he asked why India cannot say "we are a responsible nuclear power and I will not use it irresponsibly" instead of affirming a "no first use policy". Later he had said the remarks were personal in nature.

Zakaria said statement by the defence minister of a country that repeatedly and constantly heightens tension and maintains an aggressive posture should be a matter of concern for all.

He said signing of nuclear deals by some countries is a matter of concern as it is only reinforcing arrogance and belligerence with which India conducts itself in the region and beyond, in an indirect reference to Indo-Japan nuclear deal.

Zakaria also said Pakistan established itself as a serious candidate for membership of the Nuclear Suppliers' Group (NSG), increasing number of countries were supporting the non-discriminatory approach.

"There is also growing recognition of the fact that 2008 exemption to India neither benefited non-proliferation regime nor objective of strategic stability in South Asia," he said.

The spokesman expressed the confidence that members of the NSG would bear in mind the need to prevent further erosion of non-proliferation regime and preserving credibility of the NSG as a rule-based organisation.

He said Pakistan has expressed its openness to measures for strengthening non-proliferation objectives to the NSG, which included proposal for binding bilateral agreement with India on non-testing.
Christchurch: Seismologists in New Zealand said on Friday that this week's 7.8 earthquake was one of the most complex ever recorded and warned there was a high likelihood of further powerful aftershocks.

As a massive clean-up continued following the tremor that claimed two lives early Monday, scientists were coming to grips with the "astonishing" scale of the seismic seizure.

The official GeoNet science agency said the land moved up to 11 metres along the many faultlines in the South Island disaster zone, permanently changing the region's geography.

The quake also pushed up the seabed by as much as two metres along a 110 kilometre stretch of coastline that includes the tourist town of Kaikoura.

GeoNet said the quake ruptured at least four faults and was "clearly... one of the most complex earthquakes that has ever been observed".

New Zealand is on the boundary of the Australian and Pacific tectonic plates, which form part of the so-called "Ring of Fire", and experiences up to 15,000 tremors a year.

There have been well over 2,000 aftershocks since Monday and the agency said statistical analysis showed residents should prepare for more major shakes in the coming weeks.

The current probability of quakes of magnitude 6.0 and above hitting in the next month was "about 100 times larger than what we would normally expect", it said.

The warning came as warships from the United States, Canada and Australia began delivering emergency supplies to Kaikoura, which bore the brunt of the tremor.

A convoy of New Zealand military vehicles also reached the town by land for the first time, travelling via a back road after huge landslides cut the main highway and rail lines.

About 1,000 tourists were evacuated from Kaikoura by air and sea in the days after the quake but some 2,000 locals still face difficult conditions.
Marrakesh: Nearly 200 countries on Friday called for "highest political commitment" to combat climate change on "urgent priority" at a UN gathering in Marrakesh, noting that global climate is warming at an "alarming and unprecedented" rate.

The "Marrakesh Action Proclamation", which was agreed upon by all the parties  196 nations and the EU bloc  taking part in the summit, was read out at the Conference of Parties (CoP) Plenary session which said it was an "urgent duty to respond" to global warming.

This can be termed as one of the main outcomes of the ongoing crucial summit on climate change.

"Our climate is warming at an alarming and unprecedented rate and we have an urgent duty to respond...we call for the highest political commitment to combat climate change, as a matter of urgent priority.

"We call for strong solidarity with those countries most vulnerable to the impact of climate change, and underscore the need to support efforts aimed to enhance their adaptive capacity, strengthen resilience and reduce vulnerability," the proclamation said.

"We, Heads of State, government, and delegations, gathered in Marrakech for the high-level segment of the 22nd Session of the Conference of the Parties to the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change... issue this proclamation to signal a shift towards a new era of implementation and action on climate and sustainable development," the proclamation said.

Nations while welcoming the Paris Agreement, its rapid entry into force, ambitious goals, inclusive nature and its reflection of equity and common but differentiated responsibilities and respective capabilities, also affirmed their commitment for its full implementation.

India had pushed for inclusion of sustainable lifestyle with minimum carbon footprint and a clear cut mention of flow of funds in the draft of the political proclamation which was earlier made.

"We, the Developed Country Parties, reaffirm our USD 100 billion mobilisation goal," the proclamation said.

It also called for an increase in the "volume, flow and access" to finance for climate projects, alongside improved capacity and technology, including from developed to developing countries.

Environment Minister Anil Madhav Dave had during his recent statement in the high-level segment of the summit noted that access to adequate finance remains an "overriding concern" for India.

He had said that it is "critical" that developed countries provide finance and technology transfer support to developing nations.

The countries in the proclamation said that their task now is to rapidly build on to that momentum, together to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and to foster adaptation efforts, thereby benefiting and supporting the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development and its Sustainable Development Goals.

"We call for urgently raising ambition and strengthening cooperation among ourselves to close the gap between current emissions trajectories and the pathway needed to meet the long-term temperature goals of the Paris Agreement," it said.

The proclamation also called on nations to strengthen and support efforts to eradicate poverty, ensure food security and to take stringent action to deal with climate change challenges in agriculture.

The parties also unanimously called for taking further climate action and support, well in advance of 2020, taking into account the specific needs and special circumstances of developing countries, the least developed countries and those particularly vulnerable to the adverse impacts of climate change.

"We, who are Parties to the Kyoto Protocol, encourage the ratification of the Doha Amendment," it said.

This point in the proclamation assumes significance especially as India had asked the developed countries to ratify the Doha Amendment to the Kyoto Protocol by April next year to raise the ambition of climate actions in the pre-2020 period.

The 1997 Kyoto Protocol demanded targeted emission cuts from rich and industrialised countries, mainly responsible for causing global warming. The protocol which came into effect in 2005 was to initially run until 2012, comes to an end in 2020.

Though many countries failed to achieve these targets, fresh targets in a second commitment period running till 2020 were decided at the 2012 climate change conference in Doha through what came to be called the Doha Amendment to Kyoto Protocol.

Paris Agreement was supposed to be a post-2020 climate agreement, replacing the Kyoto Protocol that will expire in 2020. However, earlier than expected entry into force of Paris Agreement means that the two agreements will run in parallel till the year 2020.

"We, collectively, call on all non-state actors to join us for immediate and ambitious action and mobilisation, building on their important achievements, noting the many initiatives and the Marrakech Partnership for Global Climate Action itself, launched in Marrakech," the proclamation said.

"The transition in our economies required to meet the objectives of the Paris Agreement provides a substantial positive opportunity for increased prosperity and sustainable development."

"The Marrakech Conference marks an important inflection point in our commitment to bring together the whole international community to tackle one of the greatest challenges of our time," the proclamation added.
Marrakesh: Amid apprehension that US President-elect Donald Trump might withdraw the US from the climate-rescue Paris Agreement, India on Thursday said that one should not react on assumptions and "wait" and keep a "close watch" on the situation.

Environment Minister Anil Madhav Dave, during a media interaction organised by BASIC countries, said Paris agreement is a "settled fact" and whatever is spoken during election campaigns is "different" which is why one should wait for another few months.

The BASIC ministers who met in Marrakesh on Thursday said there can be no "backtracking" on the commitments made by the developed nations and no attempts should be made to "renegotiate" the terms of the Paris Agreement.

"Coming from the largest democratic country which always goes for elections in five years, we know the test of results. Power comes and goes and whatever we speak in the election campaign is somewhat very different from when we come to power.

"Nothing official has been there (about US decision). On the assumptions, we should not react. We should wait watch and see the situation. Paris is a settled fact. World is going ahead with Paris Agreement," Dave told reporters.

He said that one should not go for words like "ifs and buts" and wait for a few more months and see the situation.

"We should wait for another few months and see the situation and then BASIC and Brics countries will decide. This is the time to keep a close watch," he said.

Before his election, Trump called climate change a "hoax" perpetrated by China and vowed to "cancel" the hard-fought Paris Agreement concluded last year to limit dangerous global warming.

China and the United States, the two largest emitters, gave a major boost to the accord when they signed on during a summit in September between Presidents Xi Jinping and Barack Obama.

US Secretary of State John Kerry who gave a speech at the ongoing climate change conference yesterday without naming Trump said that the "strongest skeptic" has to acknowledge that something disturbing is happening.

The BASIC countries will continue to advance their "legitimate" interests of all developing nations with "emphasis" on such nations which are particularly vulnarable to the adverse effects of climate change.

The Ministers also stressed the adequate means of implementation support, in the form of new and additional climate finance, technology transfer and capacity building for all developing nations that require it is "indispensable" if countries need to meet the temperature adaptation goal set by Paris agreement.

The Ministers also welcomed the early coming into force of Paris agreement, which represents the best contract possible in balancing the circumstances of all countries.
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When he retired from Hong Kongs Court of Final Appeal in 2012, Justice Kemal Bokhary predicted that a storm of unprecedented ferocity was gathering over the citys judicial system and rule of law. Though dismissed as alarmist at the time, hes turned out to be right. And all of Hong Kongs friends  both within and abroad  should be paying attention.

The latest blow fell last week, when the Standing Committee of Chinas parliament intervened in the controversy surrounding the swearing-in of two young and rebellious lawmakers in Hong Kong. The pair had deliberately sabotaged their first oath-taking by using insulting language and displaying banners that read Hong Kong is not China. While egregious, their behavior could have been dealt with under the Hong Kong legislatures own disciplinary procedures. Indeed, the case was under review in the Hong Kong courts. Yet the Standing Committee went ahead and barred the lawmakers from retaking their oaths, interfering directly in Hong Kongs judicial processes.

The irony is that the courts came to the same decision on their own, ruling against the pair this week; Chinas intervention was completely unnecessary. The move has done grave damage to the rule of law, a fundamental pillar of the citys system of governance. It threatens the autonomy guaranteed both by international treaty  between China and Britain  and our own Basic Law. In a striking march last week, thousands of legal professionals took part in a silent protest against the decision.

This would be bad enough in isolation. But Chinas intervention appears to be part of a larger plan. In recent years, the city has witnessed a progressive erosion of freedom of speech and of the press; threats to academic freedom and the autonomy of our universities; extra-judicial abduction and detention of Hong Kong citizens in China; and the arbitrary and unexplained removal from a top post of a respected anti-corruption investigator, who was looking into allegations involving Hong Kongs Chief Executive Leung Chun-ying.

The fear now is that the Standing Committees interpretation of the Basic Law might be extended to include other legislators who have been sworn in, but who campaigned on similar platforms to the ousted pair. The loss of just two more seats would deprive the pro-democracy camp in the legislature of its ability to veto controversial bills and prevent unwelcome changes to rules and procedures.

Even more worrying is the possibility, floated by Leung last week, that the government may now reintroduce controversial anti-subversion legislation aimed at treason, secession and sedition against China. While Hong Kong is bound to enact such legislation at some point, the government has held off ever since a first draft provoked massive street protests in 2003. Meanwhile, the central government in Beijing has made clear there will be zero tolerance for any form of social activism that promotes Hong Kongs separate identity from the rest of China.

Hong Kong citizens find themselves in a lonely place  desperately in need of a champion who will stand up for their interests, but with none in sight. The citys government has failed them, led by a Chief Executive who appears more concerned with pleasing Beijing and winning reelection next year than with maintaining Hong Kongs place as a vibrant financial hub. Britain, bound by treaty to defend Hong Kongs autonomy, is increasingly reluctant to ruffle the feathers of an important trading partner.

Perhaps the saddest part is how many Hong Kongers  not just the pro-Beijing camp within the legislature, but many members of the business community  are willing to acquiesce to this whittling away of the bulwarks of our free society. If Hong Kong bankers and business leaders think that interference in the judicial process will be strictly limited to political and social issues, theyre sadly mistaken. Now that a precedent has been set, what is to prevent Chinese leaders from intervening in commercial disputes involving mainland companies? Where will it end?

This has been the fear ever since Hong Kongs handover to China in 1997. Nearly two decades later, the city remains Asias preeminent financial center, a global fintech hub and a great source of wealth and expertise for the mainland. It should be in everyones interest to defend its autonomy and its reputation for transparency, efficiency and rule of law. Not just Hong Kongs friends, but Chinas should remind leaders in Beijing of what they risk losing if they persist in their self-destructive course. Anson Chan, Bloomberg
Eleven academis from the University of Macau (UM) organized a seminar on Wednesday in which they voiced their opinions on the governments Policy Address, which was delivered by Chui Sai On on Tuesday at the Legislative Assembly (AL). The UM speakers belong to the Faculty of Arts and Humanities and to the Faculty of Social Sciences.

Yao Jingming, head of the Department of Portuguese at UM, started by praising the policy address, and then indicating that he considered the section regarding peoples livelihood to have been the key point of the address. The professor says that the cash handout is very attractive for Macau residents, although he thinks that this policy needs to be reviewed.

He proposed that the cash handout is like chronic poisoning: once [people] get addicted to it, what can it [the government] do to solve the problem? The academic further indicated a belief that if the government in the future decided to decrease the amount of the cash handout, or discontinue it, it might create animosity toward the government. Money does not buy [lasting political stability] remarked Yao.

In the address, the government once again pledged to train human resource staff who are fluent in both Chinese and Portuguese. However, the Chinese academic questioned whether the Macau government means to train local Portuguese-Chinese speaking human resource staff or people from greater China. Yao also pointed out that this specific detail is unclear and general.

Yao recommended the local government assign four or five middle schools to conduct bilingual education in Chinese and Portuguese. These schools should each become an affiliated school of UM, according to Yao. By doing so, the education system can provide Portuguese training service to those who want to be Portuguese-Chinese translators.

Agnes Lam, assistant dean of the Faculty of Social Sciences, also praised the address in the chapter related to peoples livelihood. Lam expressed the opinion that the government is not supporting the cultural industry enough.

This time, the diversification of the industries took an obvious spotlight in the address, [] it needs to have more policies to promote diversified industries, said Lam.

In addition, Lam criticised the authority for not making it clear how will they will handle problems which have been a point of concern to the public in recent months, as well as for failing to provide any clear solution to problems such as the citys traffic.

Kwan Fung, assistant professor of the Department of Economics, believes that this is still not the time for the city to judge whether Macaus economy has already reached its weakest point. He suggests that two or three more months should be granted for the public to evaluate the citys economic situation.
Thai authorities cracking down on online insults to the royal family following the recent death of their king pressed Google and Facebook for help as they shut down 1,300-plus websites last month  more than they had in the previous five years combined, according to records released exclusively to The Associated Press.

While the nation has collectively grieved since the Oct. 13 passing of King Bhumibol Adulyadej, the government has also focused on eliminating online remarks it deems offensive to the late monarch, his queen or his heir-apparent, Crown Prince Maha Vajiralongkorn. Thailands lese majeste law, the worlds toughest, makes defaming any of the three a crime punishable by up to 15 years in prison.

Since the kings death, Thailand has charged more than 20 people with making anti-royalty statements, requested deportations of suspects from at least seven countries and attempted to wipe out content it finds offensive from websites and social media.

The amount of content restricted in Thailand under these laws is absolutely of concern, particularly as the lese majeste provisions are used to stifle legitimate dissent, both through blocking and content removal, said Madeline Earp, who researches Asian internet censorship for the nonprofit Freedom House.

The military says the lese majeste law is necessary to safeguard the monarchy and national security.

Data compiled by the Ministry of Defenses support group and released to the AP shows that the government shut down 1,370 websites in October, more than the 1,237 shut down in the previous five years. Just two had been shut down in September.

Thailand orders the countrys internet service providers to block offensive websites. Users who click on them see only a government seal and a statement in Thai: This website contains content and information that is deemed inappropriate. It has been censored by the Ministry of Digital Economy and Society.

Deputy Prime Minister Prachin Chantong said the government has set up a team to quickly control online content.

Thais have been attacked by websites that twist the truth, Prachin said.

The approach is different for Google, Facebook and other online and social media platforms based outside of Thailand. Prachin said he has contacted those companies and asked them to monitor and remove content that could insult the monarchy.

Prachin said Google and Facebook agreed. Both companies dispute that, and say they are only responding to complaints brought to them rather than actively seeking content offensive to the monarchy.

We have never provided account information or content of any Facebook user to the government of Thailand, nor do we proactively monitor peoples content or conversations for potential violations of local law, Facebook spokesman Tim Inthirakoth said after his company met with Prachin yesterday.

Google said that last year it removed 1,331 items at the request of Thai authorities, up from 74 items in 2014. Facebook said it had five requests related to criminal cases in 2015 and didnt produce data for any of them. Facebook and Google refused to release how many requests theyve had since the kings death, saying they will publish that in their regular biannual online reports.

Thailand has long censored online content deemed insulting to the monarchy, but has done so more frequently since a military coup ousted an elected government in late May of 2014. According to the Ministry of Defense data, the junta censored 974 websites in its first two years, more than three times as many as the prior government censored in its last two years.

Thai authorities are thought to be particularly concerned with websites with content about Vajiralongkorn, the 64-year-old designated heir to the throne who lacks the popularity of his father. The public at large has long traded rumors about Vajiralongkorns finances, hot temper and other matters. Three stormy marriages are a matter of public record. But critical news reports from abroad about Vajiralongkorn are commonly blocked in Thailand.

Thailand remains somber in many ways more than a month after the death of Bhumibol, who was 88 and the worlds longest-

reigning monarch. Millions continue to dress in black or white every day, boisterous events have been canceled and mourners are flocking by the tens of thousands to pay their respects at the Royal Palace.

Online, for the first 30 days many websites and Facebook pages were also without color. Even Googles trademark red, green, blue and yellow search box was, in Thailand, simply monochrome.

Daphne Keller at the Stanford Center for Internet and Society said internet companies doing business in countries with laws restricting speech know they will be expected to comply with the rules. One common means of doing so without deleting lawful speech elsewhere is to offer country-specific versions of services, like YouTube Thailand, said Keller.

Emma Llanso, who directs the Free Expression Project at the Washington, D.C., based Center for Democracy and Technology, said that this is a perfect example of the kinds of conflicts that make it difficult to protect freedom of speech in the digital age. AP
Two red pandas from the Chengdu Research Base of Giant Panda Breeding arrived earlier this week at Macaus Seac Pai Van Panda Pavilion. The three-year-old pandas, one female and one male, are currently under a 30-day quarantine period. The Civil and Municipal Affairs Bureau (IACM) said that the duo have been in good condition since arriving in their new environment. Public visiting schedules for the pandas have not yet been arranged. Red pandas are a Class II protected species in mainland China.

UM student wins national screenwriting award

Zhu Congqian, a PhD student from the University of Macaus (UM) Department of Chinese Language and Literature, recently won a national award for best young screenwriter, beating more than 400 other submissions from 500 mainland universities. His screenplay was an adaptation of his own science fiction novel, Kong Long Ren Yu Wo Zou Chu De Qiu Ji (The Autumn the Dinosaur-man and I Left Behind). The story emphasizes the importance of children learning how to face reality as they grow up. Zhus book has received recommendations from renowned authors such as Mo Yan, the 2012 recipient of the Nobel Prize in Literature.

Mainland economists suggest labor market opening

A seminar on the demand and supply of Macaus labor force was held yesterday at the University of Macau (UM) in the presence of 15 guests, including professors from UM, the Macau University of Science and Technology, and a number of top mainland universities. Zhai Zhen Wu, dean of the School of Sociology and Population Studies, said Macau has a small number of professionals holding tertiary-level qualifications, and recommended that the city increase its employment quota for expatriate workers to 30 percent of the workforce. Zhai said that Macau, as a small city, can learn from Luxembourg or Switzerland when developing its technology-related industries. He even went on to question whether it is appropriate to install robot dealers in casinos, since the dealers job consists primarily of repeated movements that a robot could easily replicate.

Art exhibition to kick off on Sunday

The Tanukis Nest exhibition will commence this Sunday at the Lakeside Gallery  S2 room in Anim Arte Nam Van until December 31. Co-organized by the Cultural Affairs Bureau and the Macau Artist Society, the exhibition features local artist Lio Hak Man in collaboration with 12 fellow artists, who will present their new artwork for the Paint Brush Tempering series. Since 2011, Lio has gathered his friends for joint annual exhibitions of Paint Brush Tempering to showcase their achievements and record their artistic process. The collaboration has allowed more people to evaluate their works and offer suggestions to stimulate improvement. The Walk and See Youth Artist Art Exhibition, which is currently on display at the Lakeside Gallery  S1 room, will be extended until December 31.

Chinese movie week closes in Lisbon

A Chinese movie week, organized by the Macau Economic and Commercial Delegation in Lisbon and the Confucius Institute, closes today in Portugals capital. Approximately ten movies were presented during the event. The organizers said that they hoped the event would help Portuguese residents discover Chinese movies and spark interest in visiting China to seek opportunities in its giant movie market. The Chinese Cultural Counselor to Portugal, Shu Jianping, called the film week an unprecedented event.
Chinas leaders and official media are pushing for greater control of the internet and technology products as tensions surrounding a far-reaching Chinese cybersecurity law loom over a gathering this week of the worlds leading tech firms and Chinese officials.

The Communist Partys mouthpiece Peoples Daily warned in an editorial yesterday that China must break monopolies over core technologies and standards and remain untethered to other countries technology supply chains.

The commentary, aimed apparently at Silicon Valley in unusually stark terms, comes one day after President Xi Jinping called for more fair and equitable governance of the internet at the opening of the state-run World Internet Conference. Since 2014, China has hosted executives from the likes of Microsoft, Apple, Facebook and Alibaba in eastern China to promote its vision of an internet that is more tightly controlled by national governments rather than running unchecked as a transnational network.

The conference this week has highlighted U.S. and Chinas competing and increasingly entrenched views about the internet, trade and cybersecurity, and the potential for these issues to become an enduring irritant in bilateral relations.

Xi reiterated this week the Chinese position of internet sovereignty over its 700 million Internet users, while other top leaders declared the countrys willingness to work with the global industry for mutual benefit  if security could be assured on Chinas terms.

Earlier this month, China passed a broad cybersecurity law that gives law enforcement greater powers to access private data and requires data to be stored locally on Chinese servers. Human rights groups have voiced concern about police overreach while U.S. firms have lobbied against the measure, saying it would wall off Chinas internet and unfairly hamper their access to the market.

Other Chinese proposals in recent years have effectively discouraged state-backed companies and agencies from buying foreign products out of cyber-spying concerns. China has also encouraged its state-backed sector to develop  or outright acquire  technologies in strategically critical industries like semiconductors, which it believes to be an Achilles heel of the Chinese economy. Recent efforts to acquire U.S. chip companies have been rebuffed by U.S. regulators on national security grounds.

Foreign technology trade groups say the regulations have used security as a pretext for enacting protectionist trade policies to benefit Chinas tech industry, and more than 40 groups signed a letter to Communist Party cyberspace officials last week urging China to respect its World Trade Organization commitments.

We are concerned that these commitments are undermined by public statements and other forms of high-level guidance that call for indigenous and controllable substitution plans for information technology products and services, the trade groups said, while acknowledging that China faced legitimate security concerns.

Beijing has said the internet has been overwhelmingly dominated by the United States and it has backed a proposal to transfer control over some of the internets core architecture to a U.N agency, the International Telecommunication Union.

Critics, however, objected to letting authoritarian regimes like Iran and China get equal votes on matters affecting speech. The U.S. government in September privatized control over the systems by transferring them to a nonprofit oversight organization.

The Peoples Daily made clear in its editorial yesterday that China needed to avoid dependence on foreign firms particularly by breaking monopolies over core technologies and standards and not allowing other countries to control vital supply chains. Gerry Shih, Beijing, AP
The Dalai Lama will visit Mongolia this week, Buddhist leaders said yesterday, potentially sparking an angry response from China.

Davaapurev, a monk at the Gandan monastery in the Mongolian capital, Ulaanbaatar, said the exiled Tibetan spiritual leaders four-day visit starting today was for purely religious purposes.

He is to receive an honorary degree, take part in religious observances and hold meetings with academics and representatives of the nations youth, said Davaapurev, who is organizing the visit. No word was given on any meetings with political figures.

The visit is separate from politics and for religious purposes only, Davaapurev said.

China, landlocked Mongolias giant southern neighbor, accuses the head of Tibetan Buddhism of seeking independence for Tibet and routinely objects to his overseas travels. Beijing has in past used the Mongolian economys heavy dependence on trade with China as leverage, cutting off rail links and disrupting air travel during a visit by the Dalai Lama in 2006.

Mongolian Buddhism is closely tied to Tibets strain and traditionally reveres the Dalai Lama as a leading spiritual figure.

However, the abbot of the rival Ikh Khuree monastery, Sanjdorj Zandan, criticized the visit as interference in Mongolias internal affairs and said it appeared the Dalai Lama planned to name the new head of Mongolian Buddhism. Davaapurev denied any such appointment would be made. AP
The proportion of international business in the local banking sector dropped slightly in the third quarter of 2016, according to statistics released yesterday by the Monetary Authority of Macao.

At end-September 2016, the share of international assets in total banking assets fell to 84.3 percent from 84.9 percent at end-June 2016. The share of international liabilities in total banking liabilities declined to 79.1 percent from 80.4 percent during the same period.

Non-local currencies remained the dominant denomination in international banking transactions. At the end of September 2016, shares of MOP in total international assets and total international liabilities were 0.8 percent and 1.7 percent, respectively. HKD, USD and RMB accounted for 43.2 percent, 41.6 percent and eight percent of total international assets as well as 50.2 percent, 38.2 percent, 6.6 percent of liabilities, respectively.

At the end of September, total international assets dropped by 1.4 percent from the previous quarter and by 4 percent year-on-year to about MOP1,151 billion.

Meanwhile, total international liabilities decreased by 2.3 percent from three months ago and 5.7 percent year-on-year to about MOP1,080 billion.

Foreign currency deposits held by residents and the MSAR government in local banks continued to form a major component of international liabilities during the month. This type of deposits grew by 6.2 percent to MOP463.6 billion at the end of September 2016, compared to MOP436.7 billion last year.

On external liabilities, Hong Kong and mainland China accounted for 51.5 percent and 21.4 percent of the total, respectively. Portugal and France took up 0.8 percent and 0.7 percent, respectively. Portuguese- speaking countries represented 1.1 percent of total liabilities.
Teresa Vong, education scholar from the University of Macau, has disagreed with the local government regarding the adoption of a standardized history textbook in local middle and high schools.

At Tuesdays presentation of the Policy Address for 2017, Chief Executive Chui Sai On noted that the Education and Youth Affairs Bureau (DSEJ) has already reached a consensus with mainland authorities to produce standardized materials for the study of history.

Chui said that the government has already amended and published the latest Moral and Civic Education textbook, as well as a history textbook regarding China and Macau. Moreover, Chui said that the DSEJ will work closely with the Peoples Education Press (PEP), which is under the direct leadership of the Ministry of Education (MOE) of China.

Together, the two education authorities will draft history textbooks for both middle and high schools. The new textbook is scheduled for implementation at the beginning of the academic year of 2019/2020.

Vong, who opposes this decision, told the Times that, Macau and mainland China are within the framework the One Country, Two Systems policy. How can such a history book implement this policy?

She added that PEP history textbook criticizes and even vilifies capitalism, even though Macau has adopted a liberalized economy.

Some colleges in Macau currently work with a version of a history book completely drafted by the PEP. Vong considers Macau to have done a lot in order to emphasize the relationship between Macau and China.

Vong told the Times about her concerns regarding the possible contents of the history book, saying she doubted whether historical events such as the Tiananmen Square protests of 1989 would be featured.

If these things are not talked about in the history book, then there will be a gap [in the students understanding of history], said Vong.

Chuis comments on Tuesday followed lawmaker Mak Soi Kuns question about when Macau will adopt a standardized history textbook in all its schools, and when the city will have qualified teachers for the subject.

Chui agreed with Mak on the importance of these matters and added that adopting a single history book will enhance students knowledge about Chinas and Macaus histories, as well as the traditions of the local youth. He added that it would also foster patriotic feelings in students.

Vong also remarked that Mak had shone a spotlight on the implementation for some time, which she considered to be a way of consistently leaking out a message to the public, so that people can be prepared to accept the reality. JZ
Chief Executive (CE) Chui Sai On has announced that the government would consider [] the feasibility of introducing a new type of public housing in order to provide the young generation with one more option [in terms of housing].

A public consultation will be organized to debate the details of the proposal.

The CE made the announcement in response to a question by lawmaker Zheng Anting during the Q&A Session that followed the Policy Address presentation.

Chui said that the proposal is justified given the pressure felt by the younger generations and middle class regarding access to their own housing.

The CE raised a similar idea at last years Policy Address, when he said that a new housing scheme might be established to cater for the needs of younger residents who are unable to buy residential properties at inflated prices. He hinted that the new policy would not be along the same lines of Macau Property

for Macau Residents, which had previously been studied and dropped.

During this weeks Q&A session, the CE had responded to another question by lawmaker Chan Meng Kam on the rich-

poor gap that has mostly affected what he called the working poor. Chui mentioned that the bigger issue behind the phenomenon was housing and related expenses.

In Macau, the income [necessary] to support a housing unit is, in fact, higher than what we have set [referring to the conditions in which residents can apply for social housing], the CE said, adding that housing is a heavy burden on family expenses. To pay for a house takes a long time. Forty to 60 percent of the income of a couple is canalized to housing.

The government will undertake all the efforts to reserve land plots for public and private housing, hoping that it will be a right balance that leads to a fall in prices since we consider that the prices are still very high, he said.

In this way, the CE pledged to find better solutions for the middle class or sandwich class, again stating that people with an income between MOP20,000 and MOP40,000 currently cannot apply for social benefits from the government but cannot afford to buy a house.

Although no details were forthcoming on the implementation of the idea, the CE explained that the government is preparing a public consultation document to collect societys opinions and suggestions on this new type of public housing, with the aim of giving another option to the population.
Hong Kong tycoon Joseph Lau has made new comments about his former girlfriend during a video interview in which he described her as being greedy forever.

The comments come only days after Lau issued a public disclosure of their relationship published in full-page adverts in several newspapers.

In an interview with Apple Daily, the billionaire and major shareholder of Hong Kong listed company, Chinese Estates revealed that he was recovering from a kidney transplant, and that his former girlfriend Yvonne Lui Lai-kwan had been absent for most of his hospital stays and did not know about the transplant.

The fugitive billionaire, who was found guilty in 2014 of bribery and money laundering in Macaus La Scala land deal, said his ex-lover had been making up different excuses to ask for money.

She never got enough. [] Even [if] you give her HKD10 billion, she will still betray me for HKD1  she is greedy forever, said Lau.

Lau added that his former girlfriend, who is the mother of his two infant children, would ask him to pay her back the HKD2,000 to HKD3,000 tips she gave to waiters at high-end restaurants.

In the announcement, issued in several Hong Kong newspapers, Lau stated, Prior to the breakup, I maintained and took care of Ms Lui and gave her lots of money, jewelry and other gifts, the total value of which exceeded HK$2 billion.

Yet despite the indictments, Lui still hailed Lau as the best father in the world.

I have heard your grievance. I am sorry. Please dont be angry anymore, she said. Lui also explained that it had been inconvenient to visit Lau during his hospital stays as he was already with someone else.

Lau and his business partner, Steven Lo Kit-shing, were found guilty of bribing the regions ex-public works chief, Ao Man-long, with HKD20 million to secure the site of the La Scala luxury development.

Lau was sentenced to jail in absentia for over five years, but avoided the detention by remaining in Hong Kong. The HKSAR has yet to sign an extradition treaty with Macau. LV
Pakistans order for 400 Turkish nationals, mostly schoolteachers and their families, to leave the country within 72 hours was being challenged in court yesterday as hundreds of students took to the streets to denounce the expulsions.

The developments come as Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan is making a high-profile visit to Pakistan.

The Turkish nationals include staff at the PakTurk International school chain and their family members. Ankara has accused the school of links with the movement of U.S.-based dissident cleric Fethullah Gulen, which Pak-Turk denies.

Erdogan has accused Gulen supporters of staging the failed July 15 coup in Turkey.

The school yesterday posted a new statement on its website saying the PakTurk International Schools and Colleges in Pakistan have no affiliation or connection with any political individual or any movement or organization.

The Islamabad High Court, which took up the petition by the 400 Turkish nationals, heard arguments from the schools lawyer yesterday before a break in the proceedings, according to court official Faheem Rizvi.

The petition said the expulsion would adversely affect 11,000 students in 28 branches of the school across the country. It requested that the orders be rescinded and that the schools expatriate staff be allowed to continue to work in Pakistan, he said.

Meanwhile, hundreds of PakTurk students blocked the main road in the eastern city of Lahore to protest the expulsion orders, said Pakistani police officer Adnan Naseer.

Dont play with our future, student Tariq Ahmad told Pakistani Capital News TV.

After talks in Islamabad, Erdogan and Pakistani Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif held a joint press conference, pledging to enhance bilateral cooperation, share their experience in fighting terrorism and complete a free trade agreement by the end of 2017.

On the expulsion issue, Erdogan thanked the Pakistani government for taking action against what he described as supporters of Gulens network, and assured the media that PakTurk students will not suffer.

Erdogan also said Turkey is seeking help from allies in dismantling Gulens evil network, which he claimed was also a threat to Pakistans security. AP
The second Sino-Asia Pacific Medical Forum will take place in Manila from November 21 until November 23, and in Macau on November 25, 2016.

This scientific symposium will host over 400 medical experts from 20 countries and regions which include Australia, India, the Philippines, Japan, China, Hong Kong and Macau.

The forum will be themed building a regional and international network in promoting healthcare and skills.

The president of the forum, Professor Manson Fok, who is also the Dean of the Faculty of Health and Sciences at the Macau University of Science and Technology (MUST), said that the purpose of the forum is to emphasize the importance of collaborations and to build long-term relationships with all our health stakeholders. He expressed the belief that the symposium will provide medical professionals with essential medical and surgical knowledge. I am sure we will pick up new ideas, innovative solutions and insights from other countries experiences, said Fok.

VIP guests the Health Minister of Romania Dr. Evelyn Gusi, the current Secretary of Health of the Philippines Hon. Nicolae Banicioiu, Dr Paulyn Jean Rosell-Ubial and the new Phillipine Medical Association president Dr Irineo Bernado III, will attend the event.

The first edition of the forum was held in Manila and Macau in November 2015. This year, it will be organized by the Sino-Asia Pacific Medical Forum Committee and the Macau Healthcare Management and Promotion Association (MHMPA).

In the past year, the forum launched a special initiative between doctors in Macau and Cambodia.

In May, the Union Youth Federations of Cambodia (UYFC) and the State Secretary for Industry, Sokkung Heng, signed an MOU (memorandum of understanding) with the Faculty of Health Sciences at MUST regarding medical cooperation.
Thousands of Taiwanese protested yesterday outside the islands legislature both for and against a bill that could make Taiwan the first place in Asia to legalize same-sex marriage.

Organizers estimated that more than 20,000 people protested, carried placards, flew flags and chanted slogans as lawmakers deliberated the bill inside.

Most were affiliated with conservative religious and social groups that chartered buses to bring protesters to the capital, Taipei.

Some demanded an island-wide plebiscite with slogans such as Marriage and family, let all the people decide, while speakers argued that same-sex marriage would psychologically harm future generations.

Backers of the bill, separated from the main group by a line of police, waved rainbow flags and chanted their support for gay rights.

Both the ruling and major opposition parties support legalization of same-sex marriage, as do a majority of the public along with President Tsai Ing-wen, Taiwans first female head of state.

The bill would change the legal definition of marriage from between male and female parties to between two parties. Supporters hope to pass it by the end of the current session in December.

Taiwan would join Canada, Colombia, Ireland, the United States and 16 other countries that have legalized same-sex marriage. But it would be a notable exception in Asia and the Middle East where many countries still ban gay sex.

Gays and lesbians in Taiwan have formed an effective lobby in recent years, with an annual Gay Pride march in Taipei last month drawing tens of thousands. AP
LEWISTON  Idaho Fish and Game commissioners jettisoned a proposed rule that would have increased the length of time hunters who draw tags for bulls and bucks must wait before they can re-enter the annual drawings.

Commissioners were also briefed on an effort by the Idaho Department of Fish and Game to update the states wolf management plan and began a process that could restrict the use of some trail cameras by hunters.

The commissioners, meeting Nov. 17 in Lewiston at Fish and Games Clearwater Regional Office, opted not to advance the rule they passed in July that would have increased the waiting period for people who draw antlered deer and antlered elk tags. Under current regulations, hunters who draw such tags must sit out of the drawing  for the same species only  for one year.

During the July meeting, they chose to increase the waiting period to two years. The move was made in response to people who would like to see better drawing odds. According to public comment given to the commission, the idea is popular.

Ive talked to a lot of sportsmen who agree with the idea of laying out two years. They believe they will have a better chance to draw, said Greg Cameron of Rupert.

But on Nov. 17, commissioners pulled the rule back from a package that will go to the Idaho Legislature this fall for approval over concerns of its effectiveness and possible unintended consequences. Blake Fischer of Meridian said the change to a two-year waiting period wouldnt significantly increase the drawing odds of unsuccessful hunters. But he said it might lead those in the waiting period to enter drawings for trophy species like moose, bighorn sheep and mountain goats.

Last year, about 4,300 people out of 42,500 who entered the drawing received tags for antlered deer and 3,386 people out of about 36,400 won bull elk tags. Deputy Director Ed Schriever said 456 of those who drew tags last year entered this years drawing for moose, sheep or goats.

Commissioners voted three to three to pull the proposal, with Commission Chairman Brad Corkill of Cataldo casting the tie-breaking vote that killed the measure. Corkill said he voted against the two-year waiting period because of the possibility those forced to wait would migrate to the trophy species and increase the already long odds for drawing moose, sheep and goats.

Wolf management

The department is in the early stages of re-writing the 2002 wolf management plan. Wolf biologist Jim Hayden said wolf populations have started to stabilize since hunting was instituted in 2011. Fewer wolves are being killed by hunters and trappers each year despite liberalizing of seasons, and the average wolf pack size has decreased from 8.1 to 6.1. Hayden told commissioners livestock depredations have declined 57 percent since hunting and trapping were allowed.

He also said there are some signs that elk populations are climbing in many but not all areas of the state. For example, over-winter survival of radio-collared cow elk in study areas across the state was 96 percent last year. That includes survival rates of 97 percent in the Lolo Zone and 100 percent in the Elk City and Dworshak zones.

Hayden said mild winters in recent years could have more do with the good elk survival rates than efforts to reduce and stabilize wolf numbers. The plan, a draft of which will be released for public review in June, is not likely to make any big changes from current approaches, Hayden said.

He noted the department wants to make sure wolves dont land back on the endangered species list and under federal instead of state control. But he said the department also wants to see elk populations rebound.

We have a (wolf) population that is in no danger of going back on endangered species list but has come down and alleviated a lot of problems. I think what that is telling us is dont look for a lot of changes.

Right now we seem to be on a pretty long path but its a very long path.

Trail cameras

Commissioners agreed to work on a future rule that could restrict the use of trail cameras that can transmit live footage to devices like cellphones or computers. Similar to rules restricting the use of aircraft to locate game, the intent of the rule would be to make sure people arent using remote cameras as same-day hunting aids.

Deputy Director Sharon Kiefer told commissioners that Colorado and Montana have adopted such rules. New commissioner Jerry Meyers of Salmon, a retired judge, warned enforcing such a rule will be difficult. He said conservation officers would need search warrants to seize cameras and the devises they send images to and predicted that prosecutors would be reluctant to take cases based on the rule.

If officers cant put a clear case together, the prosecutor is not going to want to take it, he said. I think we need to have something fairly tight.

Despite the difficulty, commissioners said they must do something to combat the increasing use of technology in hunting.

This has to be addressed, Corkill said. Im not sure how to do it.

They hope to work on the rule beginning next spring to have it ready for consideration by the 2018 Legislature.
LEWISTON  A group of former Idaho Fish and Game commissioners sent a letter to state Senate President Brent Hill on Nov. 17 asking him to replace Sen. Steve Bair as chairman of the Resources and Environment Committee.

The 15 commissioners charge that Bair, R-Blackfoot, has shown bias toward the Idaho Department of Fish and Game and its governing commission.

Because of Senator Bairs influence as chairman and his demonstrated bias, we do not feel he can maintain the objectivity to fairly provide oversight of the Fish and Game Department and manage the commissioner confirmation process, they wrote. We fear if the chemistry of the committee is not changed this issue will not heal or repair itself.

If the language change of chemistry and issue will not heal itself sound familiar, its because similar phrases were used in an email that Doug Sayer of Pocatello, one of Bairs constituents, used when he advocated earlier this year that Gov. C.L. Butch Otter not reappoint two sitting Idaho Fish and Game commissioners.

When their terms expired in July, Mark Doerr of Twin Falls and Will Naillon of Challis were not reappointed to the board. Both men were among the 15 who signed the letter. Other signers include Fred Trevey, Keith Carlson, Keith Stonebraker and Will Godfrey of Lewiston and Alex Irby of Orofino.

Emails acquired through a public records request by the Idaho Wildlife Foundation showed that Bair and other legislators have been angry at Fish and Game commissioners for more than a year for not approving auction tags  a proposal pushed by Sayer  as well as their coolness to allowing landowners to sell hunting tags they receive from the state and their opposition to a bonus point system that would allow hunters to purchase extra chances in the states big-game-hunting tag lottery.

During the 2014 legislative session, commissioners pulled a bill that would have raised hunting and fishing fees because lawmakers said they intended to tack on amendments forcing the commission to approve auction tags, bonus points and the sale of landowner tags.

Bair, in an email sent to Sayer in the fall of 2015, referenced the clash between the commission and some lawmakers over auction tags and the other issues.

So, currently, I have never seen relationships so tenuous and stressed between the Legislature and (Fish and Game). The department has decided to take a hard policy line this coming session, knowing well that they will never get the fee increases they desire by taking such hard line positions, he wrote. In fact, last week as they reviewed their goals with us, they did not even mention fee increases. I guess they have chosen power of policy over fee increases.

Hill did not immediately return a phone call seeking his reaction to the commissioners letter.

Bair said that was their opinion when asked about the commissioners letter on Friday, adding that he appreciated the commissioners past work and willingness to serve.

Bair has been chairman of the Senate Resources and Environment Committee since 2014. He was recently re-elected to serve a sixth term.

Legislative leaders are scheduled to select committee chairmen in December.

Doerr said Bairs willingness to block fee increase legislation unless commissioners approve the proposals warrants his replacement as chairman.

We think he crossed the line and his integrity and credibility in dealing with Fish and Game matters is now in question.

Trevey said the former commissioners felt compelled to defend the 1938 initiative that created the commission and was designed to insulate game management from politics. Instead of allowing commissioners to do their jobs, he said legislators like Bair have been trying to bully them into making decisions hunters and anglers oppose.

Once we started talking to each other, everybody said, We know about this, we are frustrated about it, we are concerned if we do not take action on it, then it is in all likelihood going to continue, he said.
TWIN FALLS  An April raid by Twin Falls police at a home near the Twin Falls airport didnt result in a large seizure of drugs but has now resulted in guilty pleas by four Magic Valley men accused of running a large-scale drug ring.

The four men who pleaded guilty to federal charges of conspiracy to distribute methamphetamine are Miguel Angel Otaegui, 37, of Filer, James David Jones, 62, and William Lavelle Walker, 53, both of Twin Falls, and Jose Luis Hernandez.

Each faces up to 20 years in prison, a period of supervised release and a fine up to $1 million.

All four were set for trial last week, but instead they waived their trial rights and pleaded guilty Wednesday in U.S. District Court. Theyre set to be sentenced next year.

The Drug Enforcement Administration and the Mini-Cassia Drug Task Force began investigating Otaegui in late February. During that investigation, officers attached a tracking device to Otaeguis car, which led them to the home near the airport where Otaeguis suppliers lived.

In early April, Twin Falls police officers on routine patrol arrested Otaegui after a search of his car revealed methamphetamine, cash and a digital scale. Then on April 20, Twin Falls police raided the home at 2943 E. 3400 N., where they arrested Jones and Walker.

The raid resulted in officers finding only a few small bags of methamphetamine and not the large stash of drugs they were expecting, court documents said. But Walker allegedly confessed to operating a large-scale ring, and officers found evidence of their operation that included seven firearms and $3,085 cash, including nearly $1,000 worth of bills an undercover officer used to buy drugs from Otaegui.

The raid was the first of two busts in April that broke up large-scale methamphetamine operations in the Magic Valley. Just days after the raid near the airport, authorities intercepted a Washington mother en route to Twin Falls with 10 pounds of methamphetamine in her car.

The mother, Brenda Trinidad Jaime-Sainz, 34, of Yakima, Wash., also helped police arrest a Buhl man, 32-year Mauro Morales-Jimenez, who was one her Magic Valley buyers. Jaime-Sainz was recently sentenced to 17  years in federal prison, while Morales-Jimenez was sentenced to 13 years.

The four men who pleaded guilty Wednesday likely face much less prison time based on the charge and the strength of evidence.

Otaegui, Hernandez and Jones are scheduled for sentencing Feb. 2, while Walker will be sentenced Feb. 3.
TWIN FALLS  A man accused of strangling and murdering a 20-year-old Twin Falls woman in August told a judge in a highly unusual letter that hes competent to stand trial, wont take medication and is ready to accept whatever consequences that are ahead of me in life.

The hand-written letter, dated Nov. 7, was written by Glenn Joseph Tures, 44, of Twin Falls and addressed to 5th District Magistrate Judge Calvin Campbell. It was added to Tures case file earlier this week.

Tures is charged with first-degree murder, accused of strangling Anessia Shaye Winterholer, whose body was discovered Aug. 21 in the basement of a Twin Falls home. Campbell is scheduled to preside over a preliminary hearing in the case Nov. 25.

The preliminary hearing has already been delayed several times, but Tures wrote in his letter that he doesnt plan to delay it again.

Im writing you this letter today because my defense is telling me I am not competent to stand trial due to the facts of my case and that I have had a lifelong relationship with my Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, Tures wrote.

Tures, who is represented by Twin Falls County Chief Public Defender Marilyn Paul, said Paul has asked him to voluntarily medicate.

And to that I say no! Tures wrote.

The letter was notarized in Jerome County, where it appears Tures is being held in custody at the Jerome County Jail. He is no longer on the roster of inmates in custody at the Twin Falls County Jail, where he was viciously beaten Sept. 5, leaving him with fractures in both cheek bones, his right eye socket, the nasal bone and his back.

Fellow inmates told jail deputies that just before the beating, Tures was starting to get weird and kept talking about the murder and telling other inmates he was God. Deputies also discovered there was a hit out on Tures because of his case.

One inmate has already pleaded guilty to aggravated battery for beating Tures, while his co-defendant is set for a preliminary hearing Friday.

After telling Campbell that he refused to take medication, Tures went on to write that hes never been in trouble in 44 years and pointed out that he turned himself in to police.

No one has or had reason to question my intelligence or my competence my whole life, Tures wrote. I am 100 percent competent to stand trial. I just want what every U.S. citizen is entitled to.

Tures then said he did not plan to extend his preliminary hearing date again.

I accept whatever consequences that are ahead of me in life, he wrote, before signing off, Thank you for your time and God bless

Tures is being held without bond on the first-degree murder charge and is set for a preliminary hearing Nov. 25.
TWIN FALLS  The owner of Radio Rondevoo Event Center said her parents, both in their 70s, were the victims of an attempted robbery and shooting by a masked gunman early Sunday outside the downtown event center.

The attempted robbery was reported about 1:20 a.m. outside the downtown business located at 247 Main Ave. W.

Lupe Castaneda, who operates Radio Rondevoo with her husband, told the Times-News on Thursday the masked gunman fired a shot as he approached Castanedas father while demanding money.

Castaneda said the bullet hit her fathers car in the back passenger door, just behind where her mother was standing by the front passenger door.

After firing the shot, which police described as a negligent discharge, the gunman grabbed Castanedas father by the collar, pointed the gun at his chest and patted him down looking for his wallet, Castaneda said.

Twin Falls Police Sgt. Brent Wright confirmed that version of events.

As far as the suspect grabbing the victim (after the shot), that is accurate, Wright said. The male approached the couple, who were standing next to their car, yelled at them, fired a round into the car, then walked up and grabbed the victim and demanded all of his money. At that point, an unknown vehicle drove toward them and the suspect fled.

The bullet and shell casing recovered at the scene came from a .25-auto, Wright said.

The would-be robber, wearing a ski mask and gray hooded sweatshirt, fled empty handed, Castaneda said, because her fathers wallet was in his car. The police report wasnt clear which direction the suspect ran, but Castaneda said he fled toward Fairfield Street West and Second Avenue West.

They were shaken up, Castaneda said. Theyre in their 70s, they were shaken up. Its shocking. You dont expect that.

The victim couple was cleaning up after a quinceanera that had ended around midnight, Castaneda said. Security at the party left when the final party attendee left, but Castaneda said from now on, security will stay until the last employees leave, too.

Asked during a phone conversation why the public was not informed of the violent robbery attempt until a reporter called to ask about it Wednesday, police spokesman Lt. Terry Thueson said the departments resources were tied up investigating the murder-suicide early Saturday on Juniper Street.
JEROME  No students were injured Thursday afternoon in Jerome after a Heritage Academy school bus was struck by a vehicle.

A school bus pulled through an uncontrolled intersection and was struck by a vehicle that failed to yield, school superintendent Christine Ivie wrote in an email to parents.

The crash happened around 3:50 p.m. at the intersection of First Avenue East and South Cleveland Street.

Driver Crockett Pancoast struck the rear end of the school bus, according to the Jerome Police Department. About 20 students were on board.

The collision affected the schools bus number 44. The students and driver werent injured, Ivie wrote in an email.

Because of the crash, the bus was late dropping students off at home after school.
On October 8, 1941, Nelda married William Miller in the Logan Temple in Logan, Utah. During the early years of their marriage they lived in different areas. They lived in Hyrum, Utah for about a year until William enlisted in the Army. His duty assignments took him to Texas and Kansas and they lived there until his discharge. They returned to Logan for a short time before they moved to Downey, California. Leaving Downey, they moved to Buhl, Idaho. They lived in Buhl for a short time before moving back to California. However, in 1950, they returned to Buhl, where they purchased a farm and lived there ever since.
BUHL  A century-old barn known as the Wright barn burned Friday morning southeast of town.

Buhl Fire Department was dispatched at 4 a.m. to 3943 N. 1700 E. where firefighters found the two-story barn fully engulfed, said Fire Chief Andrew Stevens. Fifteen pigs  mostly 40-pound weaners  died in the fire, including some that were enclosed in a corral next to the barn.

The barn was fully involved before anyone noticed, Stevens said.

The barn was built in 1914 by the Wright family, who operated a 300-cow feedlot on its ranch just north of the Low Line Canal. The barn was built for livestock shelter and feed storage.

Tim and Jasmine Hargrove have raised pigs in it for the past five years.

Three pumpers and a light brush truck responded. Firefighters kept the blaze contained to the barn structure.

The fire is under investigation, Stevens said.
MURTAUGH  A 30-year-old irrigation district is spending millions on aquifer recharge to raise groundwater levels in the Golden Valley area in western Cassia County.

The site of the new recharge project is one of four critical groundwater areas in the 110,000-acre irrigation district stretching from Declo to Rock Creek.

Thirteen members of the 200-member district are investing in two 30-inch pipelines that will deliver irrigation water to the Oakley fan during the growing season and recharge water during the winter.

The winterized trunk line, called the Buckhorn Pipeline, will deliver 120 acre-feet per day to be injected into active groundwater wells in the desert.

The project also includes replacing the districts West Cassia Pipeline pumping station at the Snake River with a winterized station about five miles west of Burley. The pumping station pumps and lifts water some 300 feet above the rivers edge.

The irrigation district was the first in Idaho to address the declining groundwater level, said Randy Brown, district manager and chairman of the board.

The districts High Plains Recharge Project in the 1990s was one of two pilot projects in the U.S. to study the effects of directly injecting surface water into groundwater wells.

The project took place long before the Idaho Water Resource Board recognized aquifer recharge as a beneficial use of a water right, Brown said.

The study concluded that direct recharge not only raised the level of the aquifer, it improved the quality of the groundwater because it increased water movement within the aquifer, aiding filtration.

The district began monitoring the groundwater levels in its wells and in 2010 discovered the water levels in some had dropped about 25 feet in six years, said Brian Higgs, water consultant for the district and water master for Basin 140.

To reverse the decline, the district started a recharge process called soft conversion by shutting down groundwater wells and leasing irrigation water from surface water districts. Southwest then installed the West Cassia Pipeline  three 24-inch pipelines  and its pumping station, to deliver 15,000 acre-feet of surface water per year to its members along the way to Golden Valley.

The district today is laying the Buckhorn Pipeline along the West Cassia Pipeline. The new pipeline will deliver an additional 20,000 acre-feet for soft conversion during the growing season and direct recharge during the off-season.

Southwests use of soft conversion recharge is the largest in the state, Brown said. The district has 52 pumping stations  valued at about $50 million  paid for by its members. The Buckhorn Pipeline has a $13 million price tag.

Its an unbelievable undertaking, Higgs said.

Whats in it for district members?

In 2015, surface water users and groundwater users negotiated a pivotal agreement to replenish the depleted Eastern Snake Plain Aquifer, which had reached its lowest level since 1912. The agreement, bartered by Idaho House Speaker Scott Bedke, R-Oakley, averted curtailment of junior groundwater rights by the Surface Water Coalition, which holds senior water rights.

Southwest Irrigation District, which has recharged for years, negotiated its own plan with the SWC to establish safe harbor from curtailment through its water management plan. The Buckhorn Pipeline soft conversion and recharge is part of that plan, Brown said.

In the settlement, the state of Idaho agreed to fund efforts to return 250,000 acre-feet per year into the ESPA. That includes the cost of winterizing Southwests Buckhorn Pipeline and its pumping station. The state also pays the district to transport the recharge water through its system.

The state is also funding recharge efforts at Murtaugh Lake on the Twin Falls Canal system, Wilson Lake on the North Side Canal system, and the recharge workhorse Mile Post 31 on the Gooding Milner Canal.

The Idaho Water Resource Boards current recharge water right is 1,200 cubic feet per second, said Wesley Hipke, recharge project manager with the Idaho Department of Water Resources, but currently we arent there yet. The boards whole intent is to develop that capacity to use the full amount.
Listen, what proof do you have that this dead lizard wrapped in the Confederate flag will not make an excellent chief strategist and senior counselor to the president of the United States?

I, for one, believe that everyone deserves a chance.

Youre not wrong that this appears to be a pigs head slowly rotting on a stake, grotesque insinuations pouring from its mouth as flies buzz around it in the island heat, but I would need to learn more about it, honestly. Im no expert.

You say that this man just painted a swastika on a church but  couldnt it be a plus sign? We dont know. Some people are better at drawing plus signs than others. I wouldnt read anything into it. Maybe he just loves churches.

Yes, okay, this rabid opossum bit me on the ankle, then handed me an Islamophobic pamphlet, but we have no proof it wrote the pamphlet. This is America, where we give the benefit of the doubt.

You say, potato enthusiastically supported by the Ku Klux Klans David Duke; I say, controversial potato.

Listen, when we need to denounce an actual racist, anti-Semite, white supremacist, Islamophobe, you name it, I will be there. I promise. I will not hesitate to do that, when the time comes, clearly and appropriately labeled. I have yet to see one, but when I do, boy, I will light into him! It will be something to see.

This is not that.

I have no doubt that a real racist sexist chauvinist white supremacist will be easy to spot. I am coming for minorities now, he will say. I am an actual racist. I am, literally, Hitler, or at the very least Goebbels.

In fact, I recently read an article that pointed out, quite astutely, that we are not talking about LITERAL JOSEPH GOEBBELS here, and it reassured me a great deal. (When I think of positive things to say about people, the first place I go to is negative comparisons to Hitlers inner circle. That was what I said at my best friends wedding during the maid-of-honor speech. We dont know for a fact, I said, that Emily is one of historys greatest monsters. If that is not a resounding endorsement of someones character, I cant think what is.)

So I say, as many courageous members of Congress have said with me, what evidence do we have that Breitbarts Steve Bannon will be anything but a fine chief strategist and counselor to President Donald Trump?

We have no proof that he is threatening, other than his words and actions, the voices that he has given a platform to, and the ugly philosophy he has allowed to spread. We cannot possibly know what is in his heart. So, you know. Who knows.

There is no need to denounce him. We should wait and see. Hear him out.

But when something really counts, you bet Ill stand up and say something.
Tourists are expected to outnumber the local population of 330,000 by seven to one next year, according to official data. By comparison, last year visitors to France outnumbered the French by two to one

The number of tourists has risen by as much as 30 percent every year for the last four years, according to Icelands Tourist Board. They brought in revenues of $3.2 billion in 2015, a third of the countrys export earnings. Tourism is the single biggest employer, and many Icelanders are pouring money into services and new construction.

Its like the city is not my city anymore, Birgitta Jonsdottir, the leader of the Pirate Party, complained last month. Its like Disneyland downtown.

A poll in October conducted by the national broadcaster RUV reported that 87 percent of Icelanders want the government to raise fees or taxes on tourists.
The Tal Afar was taken from the fighters of the Islamic State on late Wednesday and Prime Minister Haidar al-Abadi stated that the 72nd and 92nd brigades will enter the city while the Popular Mobilization Units (PMU), a pro-Baghdad Shia militia, stated that our forces managed to fully liberate Tel Afar airport following fierce battles with the extremist group. The Brigades mentioned by Abadi consist of Tal Afar-based Sunni and Shia soldiers and it could signal that the Kurdish forces are being prevented from entering Sunni and Shia dominant areas after reports of vengeful attacks its people and infrastructure after liberation from ISIS.

PMU spokesman Yusif al-Kallabi told reporters that the capturing of the airbase will be the starting point for the liberation of all of the areas [along] the Syrian border. Iraqi Army officer Hamid Saadi said the control of the airbase will help to cut off a main ISIS supply route between Syria and Mosul while the General Command of the Iraqi Army announced that more than 2800 extremist militants have been killed since the operation began exactly one month ago.

Tal Afar district has served as a strategic passage for ISIS fighters to commute between Syria and Iraq and loss of the airbase is expected to weaken the groups resistance as its two de facto capitals in Iraq and Syria, namely Mosul and Raqqa, are being targeted. The group is trying to slow the Iraqi forces by placing bomb-laden vehicles in populated areas around the city and snipers according to Prime Minister Abadi.

Spokesman Kallabi said they are carrying a cleaning operation inside the airport to trace the escaping members of Daesh members who are still hiding inside the facility and the rehabilitation of the infrastructure will contribute to securing the border.
Chicken will be the best-positioned protein due to its low price position in times of pressure on consumer spending power but rises in production costs and the long-term impact of COVID-19 threaten to disrupt the sector, according to Rabobank.
If current trends in alcohol consumption continue over the next 20 years, it is estimated it will cause 135,000 deaths in England. Credit: Cancer Research UK

Alcohol will cause around 135,000 cancer deaths over the next 20 years and will cost the NHS an estimated 2 billion in treatments, according to estimates from a new report by Sheffield University, commissioned by Cancer Research UK.

The new figures, published today (Friday), reveal that by 2035 the UK could see around 7,100 cancer deaths every year that are associated with alcohol. Of the cancer types included in the report, oesophageal cancer is set to see the largest increase, followed by bowel cancer, mouth and throat cancer, breast cancer and liver cancer.

The report also forecasts that there will be over 1.2 million hospital admissions for cancer over the 20 year period, which will cost the NHS 100 million, on average, every year.

The results were based on analyses that assume alcohol drinking trends will follow those seen over the last 40 years, and takes recent falls in alcohol consumption, including among young people, into account.

Evidence suggests that the more alcohol you drink, the higher the risk of cancer. UK government guidelines, published earlier this year, advise that both men and women drink no more than 14 units of alcohol a week.

The latest figures follow a Cancer Research UK study published earlier in the year that showed 9 in 10 people are unaware of the link between alcohol and cancer.

The impact of alcohol on cancer outcomes in England (2015 - 2035). Credit: Cancer Research UK

The report also examined the impact of introducing a minimum unit price for alcohol in England. It found that over 20 years a 50p minimum price per units of alcohol could reduce deaths linked to alcohol by around 7,200, including around 670 cancer deaths. It would also reduce healthcare costs by 1.3 billion. This follows a recent court decision in Scotland which found that a minimum unit price would not break European law.

Alison Cox, the Director of Prevention at Cancer Research UK, said: "These new figures reveal the devastating impact alcohol will have over the coming years. That's why it's hugely important the public are aware of the link between alcohol and cancer, and what they can do to improve their risk.

"If we are to change the nation's drinking habits and try to mitigate the impact alcohol will have then national health campaigns are needed to provide clear information about the health risks of drinking alcohol."

Professor Sir Ian Gilmore, chair of the Alcohol Health Alliance, said: "These latest figures show the serious consequences for individuals, the NHS and society if the UK government continues to ignore the consequences of the nation's drinking. In particular they reinforce the need for a minimum unit price (MUP) for alcohol. It is clear from the report that MUP will save lives, including those lost to cancer, and ease the burden on our health service. Importantly, MUP will do this while leaving moderate drinkers and prices in pubs and bars unaffected.

In addition, we need mandatory health information on the labels of all alcoholic products, informing the public of the link between alcohol and cancer, and the new low-risk drinking guidelines.

The public have the right to know about how their drinking impacts their health, so that they are empowered to make informed choices."

More information: Angus C, Holmes J, Pryce R, Meier P & Brennan A (2016) Alcohol and cancer trends: Intervention Studies University of Sheffield and Cancer Research UK. Angus C, Holmes J, Pryce R, Meier P & Brennan A (2016) Alcohol and cancer trends: Intervention Studies University of Sheffield and Cancer Research UK. www.cancerresearchuk.org/sites  ends_report_cruk.pdf
In this Sept. 27, 2016 file photo, Angelica Pereira, left, watches as her 1-year-old daughter Luiza, disabled by the Zika virus, goes through a physical therapy session at the UPAE hospital in Caruaru, Pernambuco state, Brazil. The Brazilian Health Ministry said in a Friday, Nov. 18, 2016 statement, that babies whose mothers were infected by the Zika virus during pregnancy will be monitored until they are three-years old to detect the presence of malformations other than microcephaly, a rare defect that causes babies to have smaller than normal heads and not properly developed brains. (AP Photo/Felipe Dana, File)

Brazil's Health Ministry said Friday that babies whose mothers were infected by the Zika virus during pregnancy will be monitored until they are 3 years old to detect the presence of possible problems other than microcephaly.

The statement said that besides microcephaly, babies whose mothers were infected by the mosquito-borne virus will also be watched for vision and hearing loss and malformed arms and legs.

Microcephaly is a rare defect that causes babies to have smaller than normal heads and not properly developed brains. Experts have linked an outbreak of the defect to the Zika epidemic.

The ministry said that more than 2,100 cases of microcephaly have been confirmed in Brazil since October 2015.

 2016 The Associated Press. All rights reserved.
The emergence and spread of antibiotic resistance has become a recognized global problem. Antibiotic resistance severely limits the number of antibiotics available for the treatment of diseases. Credit: ECDC

On the occasion of the 9th European Antibiotic Awareness Day, the European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control (ECDC) is releasing its latest EU-wide data on antibiotic resistance and antibiotic consumption. In 2015, antibiotic resistance continued to increase for most bacteria and antibiotics under surveillance. In particular, the EU average percentage of carbapenem resistance in Klebsiella pneumoniae increased from 6.2% in 2012 to 8.1% in 2015, and combined resistance to carbapenems and polymyxins (e.g. colistin) was sometimes reported. These two groups of antibiotics are considered last-line antibiotics as they usually are the last treatment options for patients infected with bacteria resistant to other available antibiotics. While antibiotic consumption in hospitals significantly increased in several EU Member States, antibiotic consumption in the community decreased in six EU Member States.

Vytenis Andriukaitis, European Commissioner for Health and Food Safety, said: "Antibiotic resistance is one of the most pressing public health issues of our time. If we don't tackle it, we can go back to a time when even the simplest medical operations were not possible, and organ transplants, cancer chemotherapy or intensive care even less so". He added: "The European Commission will launch a new Action Plan next year so that we can, together with our partners in the EU Member States and internationally, continue to ensure that the prevention and control of antibiotic resistance is strengthened within a one-health approach".

ECDC Acting Director, Dr Andrea Ammon, said: "Antibiotic resistance in Klebsiella pneumoniae is of increasing concern in Europe. More than one third of the isolates reported to ECDC for 2015 were resistant to at least one of the antibiotic groups under surveillance, and combined resistance to multiple antibiotic groups was common. Moreover, the emergence of K. pneumoniae infections with combined resistance to carbapenems and colistin is worrisome and an important warning that options for treatment are now even more limited than in the past". Dr Ammon added: "However, the decrease of antibiotic consumption in the community in six countries is a positive sign and shows that we are starting to use antibiotics more prudently. Prudent use of antibiotics is pivotal, both in the community and in hospitals, to ensure that these drugs remain effective".

ECDC's data also show that antibiotic resistance in Escherichia coli, one of the most frequent causes of bloodstream infections and community- and healthcare-associated urinary tract infections, requires close attention as the percentages of isolates resistant to commonly used antibiotics continues to increase throughout Europe. In contrast, the percentage of meticillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) showed a significantly decreasing trend at EU/EEA level between 2012 and 2015. Despite this positive development, MRSA remains a public health priority as eight out of thirty countries reported percentages above 25%.

Dr Zsuzsanna Jakab, WHO Regional Director for Europe said: "Surveillance of antibiotic resistance is the backbone of our work in defence of antibiotics' effectiveness. Until we know where resistance is, we cannot prioritize action. This is why we focus on expanding the map of antibiotic resistance beyond the European Union countries through the Central Asian and Eastern European Surveillance of Antimicrobial Resistance (CAESAR) network. What the report indicates is of concern: our patients are exposed to resistant bacteria in hospitals due to overuse and misuse of antibiotics and poor infection prevention and control. We urge our leaders to use this evidence and accelerate their response to a major global health threat of our time".

Activities promoting prudent use of antibiotics are organised in more than 40 countries across the European Region during the week of 18 November to mark European Antibiotic Awareness Day. ECDC works jointly with the World Health Organization (WHO) Regional Office for Europe, and partners World Antibiotic Awareness Week.

ECDC, in cooperation with the European Commission, will host an EU-level launch event entitled "European Antibiotic Awareness Day: the future is now". The planned interventions will not only present the current situation and future steps at EU level, but will also aim at highlighting how resistance to antibiotics is affecting our lives today and what can be done by different sectors to ensure that they remain effective. It will take place on 18 November 2016, from 9:30 to 13:00 CET, and will be web streamed here: http://bit.ly/2f7IgiQ. ECDC and partner organisations will be live tweeting from the event using #EAAD2016.

Following the success of last year's 24-hour Global Twitter conversation on antibiotic resistance and prudent use of antibiotics around the world, ECDC is again coordinating a Global Twitter conversation on 18 November, hosted jointly by participating organisations from Australia, Canada, New Zealand, the United States, and WHO Headquarters and the WHO Regional Offices. The hashtags that will be used are #AntibioticResistance and #EAAD2016.

Provided by European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control (ECDC)
Dr. Ethan Halm (left), Dr. Jorge Marrero (center), and Dr. Amit Singal (right) found that outreach to at-risk cirrhosis patients doubled their participation in liver cancer screening. Credit: UT Southwestern

Proactive outreach to cirrhosis patients in a safety net health system successfully doubled their screening rates for liver cancer, UT Southwestern Medical Center researchers found.

Cirrhosis (liver disease) patients are at high risk to develop liver cancer, which is increasing in frequency an average of 3 percent annually and has a five-year overall survival rate of just 17.5 percent.

"Finding ways to reach patients at high risk of liver cancer is critical. Liver cancer has the fastest increasing mortality rate among solid tumors in the U.S.," said first author Dr. Amit G. Singal, Associate Professor of Internal Medicine and Clinical Sciences, and a member of the Harold C. Simmons Comprehensive Cancer Center. "This high mortality is primarily due to low rates of liver cancer screening and high rates of late-stage diagnosis."

The study randomly divided 1,800 cirrhosis patients at Parkland Health & Hospital System in Dallas into three groups. The first group received mailed outreach invitations for screening ultrasound. The second group received similar outreach plus patient navigation, and the third received their usual care. Researchers learned that the group receiving mailed outreach invitations were most likely to schedule an ultrasound, which doubled the overall rate of screening.

The study appears in the journal Gastroenterology.

"Our study is one of the first interventions to improve liver cancer screening and early detection among at-risk patients. The vulnerable patient population we studied in our safety net health system are those who are at highest risk of dying from liver cancer, so this intervention helped those who might benefit the most," said Dr. Singal.

Only one-fourth of patients with cirrhosis in routine care are currently screened every six months for liver cancer with an ultrasound as recommended by national guidelines. Symptoms are not usually present when the cancer is in its early stages.

"Our research previously demonstrated that liver cancer screening is underused in clinical practice, with lower rates of screening among racial/ethnic minorities and socioeconomically disadvantaged patients," said senior author Dr. Ethan Halm, Director of the Center for Patient-Centered Outcomes Research, Chief of the William T. and Gay F. Solomon Division of General Internal Medicine, and Professor of Internal Medicine and Clinical Sciences. "Our new study presents a model of a proactive, population health outreach strategy that can improve liver cancer screening and early detection among those at highest risk of adverse outcomes." Dr. Halm holds the Walter Family Distinguished Chair in Internal Medicine in Honor of Albert D. Roberts, M.D.

According to the National Cancer Institute, liver cancer is diagnosed in an estimated 39,230 people annually. In 2013, there were an estimated 54,954 people living with this cancer in the U.S. Risk factors include a diagnosis of fatty liver disease, hepatitis B, hepatitis C, cirrhosis, or a combination of these diseases.

More information: Amit G. Singal et al. Mailed Outreach Program Increases Ultrasound Screening of Patients with Cirrhosis for Hepatocellular Carcinoma, Gastroenterology (2016). Journal information: Gastroenterology Amit G. Singal et al. Mailed Outreach Program Increases Ultrasound Screening of Patients with Cirrhosis for Hepatocellular Carcinoma,(2016). DOI: 10.1053/j.gastro.2016.10.042
Credit: University of Gothenburg

Polluted city air has now been identified as a possible means of transmission for resistant bacteria. Researchers in Gothenburg have shown that air samples from Beijing contain DNA from genes that make bacteria resistant to the most powerful antibiotics we have.

"This may be a more important means of transmission than previously thought," says Joakim Larsson, a professor at Sahlgrenska Academy and director of the Centre for Antibiotic Resistance Research at the University of Gothenburg.

Joakim Larsson and his colleagues have previously received attention for their research on waterborne release of antibiotics from pharmaceutical production in India, which was shown to trigger the development of resistant bacteria.

Over 800 samples

In this new study, the researchers looked for genes that make bacteria resistant to antibiotics in a total of 864 samples of DNA collected from humans, animals, and different environments worldwide.

"We studied only a small number of air samples, so to generalize, we need to examine the air from more places. But the air samples we did analyze showed a wide mix of different resistance genes. Of particular concern is that we found a series of genes that provide resistance to carbapenems, a group of last resort antibiotics taken for infections caused by bacteria that are often very difficult to treat," says Larsson.

The results do not show whether the sampled bacteria were actually alive in the air, which would make them a real threat.

"It is reasonable to believe that there is a mixture of live and dead bacteria, based on experience from other studies of air," says Larsson.

European treatment plants

The next step for the research is to find out if resistance spreads through air from European sewage treatment plants. This research will be carried out within the framework of a larger collaborative international project that has just been selected for funding by the Joint Programming Initiative on Antimicrobial Resistance (JPI-AMR), where the Swedish Research Council is providing the Gothenburg group's financing.

"We're going to let treatment plant employees carry air samplers. We will also study their bacterial flora and flora of people who live very close and farther away, and see if there seems to be a connection to the treatment plants," says Larsson.

More information: Chandan Pal et al. The structure and diversity of human, animal and environmental resistomes, Microbiome (2016). Chandan Pal et al. The structure and diversity of human, animal and environmental resistomes,(2016). DOI: 10.1186/s40168-016-0199-5
A tiny suspicious lesion in the liver, shown in the top right image, appeared quite visible 24 hours after the new contrast agent was injected. The top left image was taken before the injection. Credit: PLOS One

A common chemical element embedded in a tiny bubble of fat has the potential to advance cancer imaging. In a study of pet dogs that were biopsied for cancer, a new contrast agent used in CT imaging allowed veterinarians to more easily pinpoint suspicious masses and detect typically elusive tumors in the liver. The finding could lead to better cancer diagnosis in human patients.

The new materialan iodine-infused bubble that's at least 50 times smaller than a red blood cellwas tested in CT scans of 13 dogs suspected of having cancer to determine whether it would pick up naturally occurring tumors similar to those that physicians diagnose in human medicine.

In the dogs, the contrast agent made suspected lesions visible for much longer periods, which could improve the ability to catch metastasizing cancer early on, says Amy Sato, a veterinary radiologist at Cummings School who evaluated the new contrast agent with colleagues from Texas Children's Hospital and the University of Wisconsin-Madison School of Veterinary Medicine.

In both human and veterinary patients, conventional contrast agents, which typically contain the chemical elements iodine or barium, enhance pictures of organs, blood vessels and tissues by changing the way that CT scans and other imaging tools interact with the body. When injected or swallowed, these agents block or reduce the ability of X-rays to pass through the body and allow doctors to better distinguish abnormalities from normal surrounding tissue.

Cancer that has spread to the liver, where some types of human and animal tumors commonly metastasize, often can't be seen if the contrast agent isn't visible on the scan, says Sato. Existing agents provide fleeting opportunities for clinicians to identify potential problems.

"You start to lose the ability to see the contrast on CT within three minutes," she says. "So if you do see a lesion and want to check if it's cancer, you may have to give several doses of the contrast material" to get enough images to pinpoint where to place a biopsy needle.

Because the conventional iodine-based agent is encased in a fat globule known as a liposome, it is cleared from the body via the spleen and the liver. As a result, the agent highlights tumors in both organs for 24 hours and even longer.

"The liver and spleen actually became brighter over time because cells in these organs had internalized the agent," says Sato, who worked with Cummings Veterinary Medical Center surgeon John Berg to assess the effectiveness of the new agent. "It appears that you may actually be able to see liver lesions better after 24 hours," especially those smaller than 1 centimeter (about the width of a fingernail), than you would initially.

The new contrast agent also may be safer to use in human and animal patients with poor kidney function, says Sato. With existing contrast agents, the kidneys excrete the iodine solution, which is mildly toxic. "It's usually not a problem for most people or pets," she says, "but if an older person or cancer patient has known renal disease, you certainly don't want to insult their kidneys any further."

Dogs treated at Tufts and the University of Wisconsin-Madison underwent CT scans before they were injected with the iodine bubbles. The scans were repeated 15 minutes and 24 hours afterward; then the pets underwent needle or surgical biopsy to check any suspicious lesions.

The study was published in the nonprofit, open-access journal PLOS ONE in March 2016. Its lead author, Ketan Ghaghada, an assistant professor of pediatric radiology at Texas Children's Hospital and an expert on contrast agents, says the researchers want to conduct more studies to assess the agent's sensitivity and specificity in detecting different types of naturally occurring canine tumors.

"Companion dogs develop many types of spontaneous cancers that share strong similarities with human cancers," Ghaghada says, "including tumors' size and growth pattern, which can be seen with the same imaging hardware used in humans. As a result, preclinical imaging studies conducted in companion dogs can help build the case for bringing new technologies for diagnosing and treating those diseases to the market, where they could help both people and pets."
Gubaz Sanikidze quits his party

By Messenger Staff

One of the leaders and founders of the National Forum opposition political party, ex-Vice Parliament Speaker Gubaz Sanikidze, has announced he has quit the party he belonged to for 10 years.Sanikidze stressed he did not intend to leave politics, and vowed to support the creation of a big opposition unity after the National Forum failed to overcome the mandatory 5% threshold in last months parliamentary elections.I believe a big part of the opposition made a mistake in terms of the elections; we must study the reasons of the failure, Sanikidze said.I will be actively involved in the formation of a big opposition unity, Sanikidze added.He stressed he wouldnt cooperate with the ruling Georgian Dream-Democratic Georgia and the opposition United National Movement parties.However, he didnt exclude cooperation with former leader of the Republican Parry, ex-Parliament Speaker David Usupashvili, and the leader of the opposition Democratic Movement-United Georgia, also ex-Parliament Speaker Nino Burjanadze.A key founder and a leader of the National Forum, Kakha Shartava, said Sanikidzes decision was agreed within the party and served the aim voiced by the party shortly after the October parliamentary elections, referring to the creation of a new, pro-Western political unity.The National Forum was established in 2006 through the initiative of former diplomat Shartava.The party was a member of the Georgian Dream coalition established by ex-Prime Minister Bidzina Ivansihvili for the 2012 Parliamentary Elections to defeat the nine-year rule of the United National Movement, but participated alone in this years parliamentary race due to the split of the coalition.Usupashvili, who also quit the Republican Party after the elections and announced his wish to create a new, pro-Western political faction, has responded to Sanikidzes statement, saying it was more likely he and Sanikidze to continue serving the country from a different political flank.Analysts believe it is unlikely that Sanikidze will be able to coordinate the creation of any worthy political force.They believe the opposition lost a chance to unite for the October elections and take seats in the Parliament.As analyst Gia Khukhashvili said, It is unlikely that several dead political bodies will be able to create one live organism,.He stressed it would be regrettable if Usupashvili quit Georgian politics, but said he would need a charismatic individuals around him to attract electorate.It is true that the opposition had a chance to gain seats in the legislative body, but as it generally happens in Georgia, they failed to do this without a single distinguished charismatic leader, like Georgian Dream coalition founder Bidzina Ivanishvili in 2012.After the recent elections, many key figures of the opposition quit their parties, naming the need for renewal in their parties or the creation of a new political force as their reasons.There is a room in Georgia for a new political party, but it is unlikely those people who already lost their chances would be trusted again by the voters.
The News in Brief

Three NGOs address interagency commission



Transparency International Georgia, the Georgian Young Lawyers Association, and the Fair Elections NGO have addressed the interagency commission with joint recommendations.



As InterpressNews was told by Transparency International Georgia's Programme Manager Levan Natroshvili, the recommendations of the three non-governmental organizations concern several issues.



"First, it is the electoral system. We have long been saying that the electoral system needs to be changed. Our favorite electoral system is a proportional electoral system. There are some alternatives, but we give preference to this system.



Our recommendations also concern the composition of the election administration, as well as some changes in terms of administrative resources, participation of political figures in the campaign, and narrowing the circle of persons, who are free to participate in the campaign.



In addition, our recommendations concern the strengthening of the institutional independence of the state audit service, introduction of some additional criteria for the election of the auditor general. One of the recommendations concerned vote-buying, election disputes and media regulations, said Natroshvili.



According to him, the interagency commission will suspend working after the official tabulation of the election results, but they were promised that the commission will review the recommendations and submit them to Parliament.

(Civil.ge)







New Deputy Head of State Security Service Appointed



Alexander Tabatadze, who served as Deputy Justice Minister over the past three years, has been appointed as new deputy head of the State Security Service.



The position of the third deputy head had remained vacant since Levan Izorias appointment as Defence Minister.



Before moving to the Justice Ministry, Alexander Tabatadze served as deputy to then Interior Minister Irakli Garibashvili since late 2012. Earlier he already served in the law enforcement agencies from mid-1990s till 2008.

(Civil.ge)







Georgias ombudsman calls on government to end female circumcision



Georgias Public Defender confirms that female genital mutilation (FGM) is being practiced in the eastern Kakheti region, a practice locals call baptizing.



Georgians learned last week that FGM is being practiced in three villages in the Kvareli municipality without the authorities knowing about it.



But the ombudsman said on Saturday that his staff began investigating the situation in October. On November 9, they carried out field studies in Kvareli, talking to locals, teachers, local government representatives, police and staff at the maternity hospital.



Locals confirmed that there is such a practice, which is called baptizing. They said that during the practice, a small part of the clitoris is removed or pierced in home conditions, the statement says.



The procedure is widespread in one of the three villages, while there are only a few families practicing it in the other two villages.



The ombudsman said locals are not aware about the possible risks and complications the procedure involves. They do not know the goal of the practice and mainly relate it to religious customs.



The ombudsman called on the government to take all measures to eliminate the recently discovered practice and handed over information it had collected to the Health Ministry, the Ministry of Internal Affairs and the Prosecutor Generals Office.



The practice of female circumcision in Georgias Kakheti region was first revealed by Institute of War and Peace Reporting (IWPR) investigation and reported by DFWatch.

(DF watch)







Saakashvili sure Poroshenko will not extradite him to Georgia



The former President of Georgia, who recently resigned as the Governor of Odessa, MIkheil Saakashvili, believes that Ukraines President will not extradite him to Georgia. He made this statement in a televised interview with Channel 5 Ukraine.



I have a very good impression of Petro Poroshenko. In my opinion, he will not do such a thing. Only imagine hypothetically that he will extradite me to Georgia. Even if it happens, I have 600,000 supporters there and I will be free in a week, said Saakashvili.



According to him, he believes that he will return to Kiev after three days.

(ipn.ge)




The gathering at the posh The Hamilton hotel, which drew more than 300 people, marked the 10th year anniversary of the Center for Democracy in the Americas, an influential organization that has pushed hard to improve U.S. relations with Cuba.

On the eve of the Nov. 8 presidential election, CDA Executive Director Sarah Stephens said that after a period of adapting to a new U.S. president, her organization would continue to focus on passing legislation on a bipartisan basis. But on Sunday, with president-elect Trump heading for the White House and Republicans still in control of both chambers of Congress, her message was far more sober.

We needed a night like this to celebrate, to celebrate what we have accomplished and to recommit to the work ahead, knowing there will be, sometimes, overwhelming obstacles, detours  but we can get through it together, Stephens told the audience at the fundraiser.

In other remarks, Carol Browner, former head of the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, told attendees it will be a steeper climb but added: In these last eight years, and because of everything that you have done, working in a coalition, we have seen a tremendous progress leaving behind the Cold War.

Fixing the policy on Cuba is joyful, important work, she said. The climb has become a little steeper, but I believe were are going to win, for Sarah and the CDA.

More here.
via @adamsmithtimes

Trial lawyer John Morgan's flirtation with running for the 2018 Democratic nomination for governor could upend what already looked like a potentially strong field of Democratic contenders. The Tampa Bay Times asked their thoughts about Morgan, who is not only a potential rival but also a Democratic top money raiser with a short fuse - not someone an ambitious Democrat wants to antagonize:

Tampa Mayor Bob Buckhorn: "I don't know John. Obviously he's been a supporter Democratic causes. He's been a loyal Democrat and he puts his money where his mouth is...Whether or not at this point in his life taking on that task is something he's interested in, I don't know. Certainly it is a different skillset required to be governor. But then again after last Tuesday's results I think the conventional rules are out the window. So ultimately the voters have to decide whether competence matters and whether experience matters."
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Sue and Tim Furey looked back as they drove away from the refugee camp and saw a young boy standing in the road, crying.

The boy, Aman, was one of hundreds of people at the Diavata refugee camp outside Thessaloniki, Greece. He had taken to the Furey family, and especially their service dog, a yellow Lab named Rosie.

Sue Furey, a Sentinel High special education teacher, took a sabbatical last school year. From August 2015 to March 2016, she and her husband were in Belgrade, Serbia. She volunteered at an agency that works with adults with disabilities.

Afterward, they headed for Greece to help at the refugee camps.

It wasn't their original plan. They wanted to help at an orphanage in Romania  Furey had two students in Missoula who were adopted from Romanian orphanages  but found it was going to be too expensive. They would have paid about $2,000 to help for two weeks.

So they took off for Lesbos, the Greek island that's become the main entry point for refugees into Europe. Then in March, the borders closed and refugees were stranded in Greece. Many went to inland refugee camps.

"It was really an eye-opener," Furey said. "They're coming from their countries with nothing. They're escaping terror."

***

More than 1 million refugees have come through Greece since 2015, according to the International Rescue Committee.

The refugee population there currently tops 61,000, stranded in Greece due to border closures and the European Union-Turkey migrant agreement.

Diavata is one of 52 refugee camps in Greece, according to the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees, with a capacity of 2,500 people. Greek refugee camp capacity ranges from 120 to 4,200, according to UNHCR's October report.

Diavata is a converted Greek army base, now with tents and housing units. As of October, there were 672 refugees at Diavata.

The Fureys' service dog became "Rosie the ambassador." While she wasn't allowed in the camp, the Fureys brought her to the gate at noon every day and the kids swarmed. She brought a lot of comfort and helped bridge the language barrier between many refugees and the volunteers, Furey said.

"The kids were super happy," she said. "They just figured out how to play and be joyful. But the parents were terrified."

At the camp, the Fureys gave out food, diapers, toiletries, clothes and infant formula. According to the UNHCR, in October half of the refugees at Diavata were women and children. The majority were Syrian.

"We felt bad because we couldn't give them everything," she said. "There was a limit."

***

One family they met had fled Iraq, and spoke English.

The father had a Ph.D. in archaeology and knew all there was to know about the mosques in Mosul. The majority were destroyed by the Islamic State, and because this man had extensive knowledge of the mosques, his life was threatened.

The family fled.

They went to Turkey first and thought they would go to Austria so the man could become a visiting professor at a university. Then the borders closed and they, along with their four children, were stranded at Diavata.

The mother, who has an advanced degree in physics, was in tears, Furey said.

"I don't know what is going to happen to my family," she told Furey.

In April, a line of tents burned to the ground after a cooking fire.

"You're living in a tent with nothing, and then that tent burns down," Furey said Wednesday morning in her classroom. "But by the next morning, the Army had cleared it all away and the (UNHCR) had put up new tents."

Furey attended Soft Landing Missoula's presentation two weeks ago on refugee resettlement in Missoula. Since August, five Congolese families, four Iraqis and two Eritreans have come here. As many as 150 refugees could be resettled in Missoula in the next year.

"I think everyone should see that," she said of information on who refugees are, where they're coming from and why they're fleeing. "These people aren't criminals. The rhetoric that they're all going to come here and rape our women is so discouraging.

"There are people out there running for their lives."

Rather than letting her anger consume her, Furey took action. In all, Furey said volunteering at the refugee camp was a good experience, one she wishes she could do again.

"I don't get dysfunctional when I'm emotional," she said. "I mostly get pissed off and fired up. It makes you want to help, and tell people about it. This is 2016. This shouldn't be happening."

***

The best part, she said, was the children  including Aman.

"Those kids we met, their whole life has been war," she said.

Aman became somewhat of a "dog handler," Furey said. He would rally the other kids when he knew Rosie was coming and they would all go to the gate to play with her.

On their last day at the camp in June, they brought Rosie around one last time to play with the kids.

Then they loaded up the car and drove away.

They saw Aman standing in the road crying, and it brought Furey's husband, Tim, to tears.
High school students from Montana, Idaho and Washington looked back thousands of years and found people grappling with the same problems we have today.

The 110 students came from Helena, Spokane, and Post Falls, Idaho, for the inaugural University of Montana Classics Day. They spent Thursday hearing from professors and students in UM's Classics Program about Latin and Greek languages, culture and history.

In the end, it's a recruitment effort, said visiting associate professor Barbara Weinlich.

"What I found amazing is I sent out the invitation to schools within a three- or four-hour driving range, which is also the range of students who usually go to UM," Weinlich said. "People said they were in a vacuum and they were so glad we were doing this. There's such a demand and I'm so glad we're tapping into that."

From last year to this fall, enrollment in elementary Latin has nearly doubled to 55 students, and enrollment in elementary Greek has grown to 12. Last spring, Weinlich revived the Classics Club. She attributes the growth to more awareness of the program, as well as the relevance students have found in the classics classes.

"What we need more than ever are the humanities and the classics," she said. "It helps us understand why we are the way we are."

***

At one of the morning workshops, associate professor Matthew Semanoff led a group of Helena High and Capital High students through the basics of Greek and the first lines of "The Iliad."

"Everybody ready to read some Greek?" Semanoff told a hesitant group. "Let's give it a try."

They sounded out the Greek alphabet. (Did you know that word comes from the first two letters, alpha and beta?) They sounded out the first lines of "The Iliad" in dactylic hexameter  the rhythm used in classic epic poems. They tried to read the first lines in Greek.

Semanoff's first-year Greek students are only 10 weeks into the course, but they were already reading those first lines with ease.

"By the end of spring, they'll be reading 'The Odyssey'  in Greek. I'm not kidding," Semanoff said.

He pointed at a map of Greece and the Mediterranean, explaining the importance of different regions in Greek history, culture and literature.

"Five times in my life I can remember having the breath physically removed from my lungs," he said. "One was at the Acropolis."

He located stories within Homer's "The Odyssey" on the map, and related them to what's happening in the world today.

"That poem sets the tone of exploration," he said. "That's what we do in Classics. We explore the ancient world and connect it with the modern world. Many of the same things we're on a quest today to do ... they're the same themes in the Odyssey.

"These fears, dreams and aspirations that are so human to us today. Those have not changed since the development of western civilization."

***

The high-schoolers came from Helena High and Capital High, St. Michael's Academy in Spokane and St. Dominic's Convent in Post Falls.

"To get them to join the classics program would be absolutely fabulous for us," Weinlich said, with a goal of turning these into "feeder schools."

"We want to show them how practical Latin is, in the supermarket, in journalism, in law."

But the classics are often left behind or pushed to the side to make way for what's seen as more practical majors.

UM's classics program is as old as the university. It began with professor William Aber  one of UM's original five faculty and the namesake for Aber Hall.

Classics is now housed in the Department of Classical and Modern Languages and Literatures, and has five faculty members: Weinlich, Semanoff, professor Hayden Ausland, professor emerita Linda Gillison and professor emeritus James Scott.

Classics students don't simply learn the language  just like students in Spanish or French. It's also about history, culture, literature and relating all of that to what's happening in the world today.

"These days, this generation right now is looking for education that brings money," Weinlich said. "In a certain way that's the fault of my generation ... and the punishment has come 20 years late."

UM is relatively unique in its classics program, Semanoff said. The next closest are at the University of Colorado Boulder and University of Washington in Seattle.

"You can take many languages, but it's only Latin and Greek that can take you to the pinnacle of literature within a year," Semanoff said.

Helena Latin teacher Sheila Richmond said her hope is to get kids into the third year of the language.

"We have three third-years and one in the fourth year," she said. "Part of it deals with the fact that I'm between two schools."

Many high schoolers said they got into Latin or Greek to expand their vocabulary.

Richmond said it's also because of mythology.

"They love mythology, so this gives them a chance to read what they love in the original language," she said.

In one of her classes this fall, Weinlich compared the story of Cicero and the Catiline conspiracy to this year's battle for the presidency between Hillary Clinton and Donald Trump  a tale of establishment versus anti-establishment.

The similarities are striking, she said, although the end result was different. In the old tale's case, the establishment won.

"People are so focused on money, but if you're single-minded, you're just not going to make it as a young person today," Weinlich said. "Classics is so ... modern in many ways. It really gives you something that money can't give you."
The Missoula Redevelopment Agencys board of commissioners took action on a number of large projects on Thursday, including approving the conceptual plan for the first phase of a new connector street between Reserve and Brooks through Southgate Mall property.

Mary Avenue is currently a residential street that dead-ends at the Bitterroot Spur railroad tracks, but it will eventually cross the tracks and connect with a new roadway being built by the mall. The city is hoping to get the project bid in March and start construction next year, while the malls portion east of the tracks is already underway.

A consulting team, led by DJ&A Engineers, has completed a conceptual plan of how the new street will look. The consultants took extensive public input and feel that their plan has broad community support at this point.

Mary Avenue west of the tracks will most likely get a new roundabout at the intersection with Clark Street, but the right-of-way still has to be acquired from the four property owners at that intersection. The engineers have presented city officials with a design that calls for lots of trees and other measures to slow down traffic, including large bulb-outs at corners. The MRA believes the new route will improve connectivity in the area and give kids a safer walking route to school.

The board voted to direct MRA staff to enter into a contract with DJ&A to complete the design development, final design, construction documents and bidding services for the final two phases of the project at a cost not to exceed $199,565.

Ellen Buchanan, the executive director of the MRA, said that the city will save tens of thousands of dollars by getting the project out to bid in March of 2017 rather than April or May. Thats because construction costs have been increasing by 5 percent or more each year, and anything later than March would mean the project would be delayed and prices would rise.

Time is of the essence, she said. We are courting disaster if we dont bid in March.

She said it would be better for the city to start construction as the mall is doing its work so that there wouldnt be an extended period of construction going on in that location.

Its better to tear it up once as opposed to multiple years, she said.

***

The board also approved an amended proposed land use map along with the North Reserve Scott Street Urban Renewal District Master Plan, which may guide the citys decisions in the area over the next three decades. The board will recommend the plan to the city council, which will forward it to the planning board.

The proposed land use map shows things like a public greenway on the south side of Interstate 90 along with a bike and pedestrian path connecting Grant Creek to Scott Street. It also shows possible ways for Russell Street to connect with I-90, including a possible new interchange where the road to the landfill is now. All these things are hypothetical, and would require the consent of private property owners like Roseburg Forest Products, which has so far shown no willingness to give up land.

What were looking at here is a 20- to 30-year plan, and things change over that time, said MRA assistant director Chris Behan. How all of this gets fundedagain, were looking at a couple of decades.

***

The board also approved funding for expenses necessary for conducting due diligence on a proposed $2 million purchase of Montana Rail Link property for a new park and bike path segment. The city council and the parks board have both approved a recommendation from the MRA to authorize the Mayor to sign an agreement to buy the 12-acre parcel of land, which is between North and South Avenues along Johnson Street.

The property runs along the Bitterroot Spur railroad tracks, and MRL has agreed to sell the property. The city believes it can build a new park in an under served neighborhood and connect the final piece of the puzzle to give pedestrians and bikers unblocked access to more than 50 miles of paved path stretching from East Missoula to Hamilton.

The first two phases of environmental assessments will be paid for through an EPA grant to the city, but the city needs to survey all the buildings and utilities and identify any easements and encumbrances.
The Montana Board of Regents had praise all around for the historic, $24 million gift from the Franke family to the University of Montana  and for the transparency around it.

Regent Martha Sheehy, who raised questions about the lack of transparency around an earlier naming gift, thanked the Bill and Carolyn Franke family for their donation and thanked UM President Royce Engstrom for the open process.

"It's been very well handled and easy and transparent to review," Sheehy said.

The gift will go to the College of Forestry and Conservation and the Global Leadership Initiative after formal approval by the regents on Friday.

However, the regents offered positive remarks Thursday for the gift from airline company magnate Bill Franke and his family. Regent Bob Nystuen said he's wanted these major donations to be points of celebration, not controversy, and this time around, he said, "I think we got it."

"Their gift will live in perpetuity from a standpoint of what it will do for students and the faculty and the entire university," Nystuen said.

Engstrom said the gift is special because none of the family members are alums, but UM established a relationship with them nonetheless. He praised in particular Kate Jennings from the UM Foundation for her work with the family over the years.

UM and the Frankes began a relationship six or seven years ago, he said. The family has a summer home in Bigfork, and they have brought speakers from UM to talk with their guests.

"They've been tremendous business people, and they have been tremendously generous," Engstrom said.

***

At the meeting, the regents also heard a presentation about financial aid in Montana and how much of it is getting to the students who need it.

Tyler Trevor, deputy commissioner of planning and analysis for the Montana Office of the Commissioner of Higher Education, said the state gives out a lot of financial aid, but it does not do so strategically.

Montana had $132 million in financial aid, not counting loans, for the 2015 and 2016 school years, Trevor said. The federal Pell Grant accounts for 40 percent of that money.

However, the Montana University System has control over roughly 31 percent of it and can influence some of the remaining 29 percent. And the state trails in the amount of money it contributes to need-based aid at $90 per student; the national average is $539.

In the U.S., 70 percent of first-time, full-time resident students receive $5,589 in aid, Trevor said. In Montana, by comparison, 83 percent of those students get $4,300 in aid.

Tuition freezes have kept part of the cost of education low, but costs such as room and board and supplies are still going up, he said.

In fact, Montana State University President Waded Cruzado of Bozeman said some students have to choose between eating meals and buying textbooks. She said the cost of one textbook alone can hit $600.

"It's totally out of control," said Cruzado.

Regent Bill Johnstone said the presentation raises a question: "Do we have a problem that needs to be addressed? Do we have a need-based support problem or not?"

In response, Commissioner Clayton Christian said he doesn't want to understate the problem for students that are struggling, but the truth is the state has done much for higher education.

"As a system, I think we have addressed that problem in many ways of keeping tuition as affordable as we can," Christian said.

***

After lunch, Engstrom and other UM officials took an estimated 20 people on a tour of the campus, highlighting infrastructure needs and successes.

A few years ago, the Montana Legislature helped the Clapp Building fix its asbestos problem in part of the structure, said Kevin Krebsbach, facilities director. But the building, which serves 1,800 students a semester, still has three floors that need asbestos abatement.

"It's safe now the way it is, but it's a ticking time bomb for us," Krebsbach said.

The group also visited the Payne Family Native American Center, one of the newest buildings on campus. Chris Comer, dean of the College of Humanities and Sciences, said the building was constructed with the highest sustainability standards, and one of the larch trees that used to grow on the site remains part of the center.

"This floor is largely made out of wood that came from that tree," Comer said.

The center honors Native Americans and their traditions in Montana, and it also offers modern education with new tools, such as a tribal GIS mapping program.

At the Liberal Arts Building, the guests peeked into one of the newly remodeled classrooms. A donor helped renovate a technology corridor in the building, and an entrance onto the Oval is coming soon.

Comer said the donor is interested in making another major contribution to bring modern technology to more of the building if the Montana Legislature will fund some of the infrastructure needs.
I suspect that many of us are still reeling from the gut punch of this election cycle.

But, the question that kept gnawing at me as I watched the digital maps and talking heads dance across the flat screen, was how did we, as Americans, fall so low that we have now elected to this lands (and the worlds) highest, most powerful political office, a person who Atlantic Magazine described as the most ostentatiously unqualified major-party candidate in the 227-year history of the American presidency. How did our political system produce two candidates everybody loved to hate? How did we fail to see the parallel of pre-war Germany re-enacting itself in 2016 America?

I dont know the answer to these questions. Is it that campaigns for public office have become a theater of the absurd, funded by troughs of money from a select, powerful few who are accountable to no one? Probably. Is it that the political parties are so imbued with and committed to demanding conformity to their platforms that they have completely lost track of what is needed by our collective whole? That has to be a big part. Is it that willful ignorance has become an art form because we have marginalized and devalued education because we teach our children to regurgitate data, but not to think and retain knowledge? Yes, that too is likely. Is it because we have allowed the theocrats and oligarchs bombast and rhetoric to drown out reasoned civil discussion and debate? No doubt. Might it be because we get our news from media that sensationalizes, instead dispassionately reporting, informing and analyzing? Yes, that also. Or, is it that we just dont respect each otherit being easier to slice and dice and stereotype "we the people" into neat little throw-away doggy bags? That, too, is a part.

Likely, all of these are factors. But, I think these are merely symptoms of the greater evilthe moral and spiritual lethargy that comes from taking for granted what we have and enjoy as nation. To be sure, there are a great many of us who have nothing to take for granted. But, for the greater majority of the rest of usthe post-war beneficiaries of varying degrees of the good life, the American Dreamwe have lost sight of the privation, the struggle and the quest for excellence of our parents, our grandparents and theirs and theirs, that got us where we are today. We are secure; we have peace; we have resources; we have wealth; we have power; the lights go on every morning; we have water and food. And, these have always just been there. Gods largess to a deserving people, for those who believe in such nonsense.

It has become cliche that freedom isnt free. But, really, it isnt. I believe that if we are to keep our country from continuing to circle the drain of oblivion into which every world power has ultimately succumbed, then we must take back our national anima, our collective conscience. We need goals to use our wealth and power for national and global bettermentnot just for individual gain. We must reacquire our identity as Americans instead of being just different groups of warring individuals. We must elect statespersons to public office, instead of money-dependent, political hacks. We need leaders, not demigods. We must have vision, instead of myopia. Indeed, we the people must lead, instead of blindly following what the puppets of wealth and special interest dole out to us.

Have we ever been perfect? Certainly not. Have we ever been better? Most assuredly, we have. Can we survive another 227 years? That remains to be seen. It is really up to us.
Huckleberries to the cancellation of 15 energy exploration leases in the Badger-Two Medicine area, a place considered sacred by the Blackfeet and prized for its natural wonders by many Montanans. Oklahoma-based Devon Energy, which has held the leases for decades, this month cooperated with the Blackfeet and the U.S. Interior Department in finally cancelling them in shared recognition of the undeniable cultural and ecological value of the Badger-Two Medicine, which covers 130,000 acres of land enclosed by the borders of the Blackfeet Reservation, Bob Marshall Wilderness Complex and Glacier National Park.

Chokecherries to the two remaining oil and gas leases in the Badger-Two Medicine. The leases were sold in the 1980s without tribal consultation or approval, let alone any consideration for the considerable cultural and environmental impacts of energy development on these sacred lands, and for the insulting price of $1 per acre. It is long since time the last of these leases was canceled, and fortunately, efforts to do so continue.

Chokecherries to the violence, vandalism and hateful rhetoric seen across western Montana over the past week, from physical assaults to anti-Semitic flyers distributed by white nationalists. These offensive acts crossed political lines, reportedly targeting an anti-Donald Trump protester in Kalispell, a Hillary Clinton supporter in Missoula and the Lake County Republican headquarters in Polson, among others.

Huckleberries to the many acts of solidarity and kindness offered in response to the recent spate of racist, religious and politically charged incidents in Montana. From an apple pie delivered to the Har Shalom synagogue in Missoula to the full-page ad proclaiming no hate in our state published by Lee Newspapers in Montana, residents are taking every opportunity to demonstrate that our communities do not condone violence or intolerance.

Chokecherries to the mass layoffs and reductions announced last week by Selway Corporation, the largest employer in Stevensville with between 120 and 150 employees. Coal and other declining industries forced the steel fabrication company to look at diversifying its operations; unfortunately, those efforts were not enough to prevent the downturn and resulting workforce reductions, which the company hopes will be only temporary.
BILLINGS - A car crashed into a Billings business on Friday afternoon, going almost completely through a front window and into the building.

Emergency crews were called out at about 2 p.m. to Batteries + Bulbs, at 1145 Central Ave., after a blue sedan drove through a window just to the left of the building's front door.

Information on how the crash happened wasn't immediately available.

An American Medical Response crew could be seen speaking with a woman as she sat upright on a stretcher. The crew then loaded the empty stretcher into the ambulance and left while the woman spoke with the Billings Police Department.

All but the very rear end of the sedan was inside of the building, and the crash brought debris from the window and ceiling down around it. Members of the Billings Fire Department could be seen inside inspecting the building.
BILLINGS  A Fiberglass Solutions employee was sentenced Monday for starting a fire that caused around $6 million in damage to one of the companies' buildings.

Kristopher Michael Harasymczuk, 31, was given a six-year deferred sentence for a charge of negligent arson after causing a fire in the Laurel building. Harasymczuk must complete 30 days of work for the Yellowstone County Sheriff's labor detail. He must also pay $100 to Fiberglass Solutions during every month of his six year deferred sentence.

Company president Robert Harris attended Harazymczuk's sentencing hearing, but said only he would be watching the situation closely.

Harazymczuk had pleaded no contest to the charge after co-workers said he flicked a lighter at the factory while they cleaned themselves with an acetone solution.

The fire began at about noon on Feb. 5, 2015 when one of Harazymczuk's coworkers at the factory caught fire, causing a massive blaze. The estimated monetary damage of the fire was five to seven million dollars.

Harazymczuk restitution over the six years would total about $7,000.
Representatives of the owners of two houseboats that have taken up permanent, year-round residence in Somers Bay on Flathead Lake defended their right to be there Thursday.

And, Montana Fish, Wildlife and Parks commissioners indicated it will take action by the Montana Legislature before FWP or any other agency can regulate them.

My sense is the situation is not going to disappear, its just going to grow, commission chairman Dan Vermillion of Livingston said during the boards monthly meeting.

The first houseboat arrived in the bay three years ago, according to testimony at the meeting, and a second, considerably larger one  with 1,100 square feet of living space sitting atop its pontoons that is rented out to vacationers by its owner  showed up in the last year to year and a half.

There are other houseboats on Flathead, but they all tie up to private docks or at marinas when theyre not in use. These two use various methods to remain in place in Somers Bay, and sit on or near the lake bed when the water level is drawn down in the winter.

Somers resident James Thompson asked the FWP Commission to take up the issue.

He and others are worried that  with no regulations to prevent it and lakeshore prices that are out of reach of most people  Somers and other bays on Flathead will fill up with even more year-round houseboats that are used as stationary floating lake cabins more than summer watercraft.

They have other concerns too, including the potential of sewage breaches.

***

Tony Hill of Columbia Falls, speaking on behalf Tony Price, the owner of the smaller vessel, said the houseboat has been on Flathead Lake for 30 years. It and the larger houseboat were two of seven built by the same local man, and five are still in use on Flathead, he said.

To the best of his knowledge, Hill said, there have been no issues with any of them.

Mr. Price has been inspected by both the U.S. Coast Guard and the Montana Department of Environmental Quality, and passed just fine, Hill said.

We understand the complaints, Hill said, but ugly  I for one see nothing ugly. Its a well-kept, well-built houseboat.

Both the Somers Bay houseboats use their pontoons as sewage holding tanks. Price has his pumped out regularly, Hill said, and the chances of them leaking are small because of the thickness of the steel.

They have not leaked, they have not been a problem and it is not an eyesore, Hill said. The houseboat is lighted at night during boating season, and to not see it, youd have to be blind, or going way too fast.

Id ask the commission to consider that its never been a problem, Hill said. Now its only a problem with people wealthier than Mr. Price is.

***

Two Lakeside residents spoke against the houseboats via teleconference from FWP Region 1 headquarters in Kalispell.

My biggest concern is for how long they can stay in one place, said Bob Balding. Otherwise, were going to end up with a situation like Sausalito Bay (California), which is covered in houseboats because theres no regulation.

Rex Boller said a sailboat called Hocus Pocus anchors offshore near Lakeside from early May to late September, and while it is not necessarily used as a floating lake house, it anchors for free, pays no permits or real estate taxes, and violates the views of shoreline property owners.

The boat broke free of its anchor in a storm a few years ago, and damaged the public dock, according to Boller.

There are safety and sanitation issues, he went on, and without regulation, there will be more and more abuse, he predicted.

Its us property owners who are being abused, and its not fair, Boller said.

***

A third Lakeside resident, Darcy Lard  mother of Ben Lard, who owns the larger houseboat in Somers Bay  was also at Region 1 headquarters, and sought to correct information about her sons vessel.

It does have a small engine, contrary to reports that it has no propulsion, she said, and has a larger motor that is in repair.

DEQ did inspect the barge-like houseboat, which includes a living room, full kitchen, master bedroom, washer and dryer, two fireplaces, hot tub and sleeping accommodations for eight, Lard said.

But they did not demand (the sewage) be pumped out, Lard said. Ben volunteered to have it pumped  safely and correctly.

Six thousand gallons of sewage was removed from the pontoons, she said, not 8,100 as some people have said.

There are several barges on the lake, Lard added. The S.S. Hodge (a dock-building barge) operates for commercial purposes and its owner lives on it. Its going to be difficult to start regulating one type of barge over another.

***

Thompson, the Somers man who petitioned the FWP Commission to take up the issue, was out of state Thursday and could not attend the meeting in Helena, or the teleconference participation in Kalispell.

Commissioner Gary Wolfe of Missoula, who has spoken with Thompson, said it would be wrong to label him anti-houseboat.

The analogy he used with me is its like camping on public lands, Wolfe said. Theres a 14-day limit for camping on most Montana public lands, including state parks, and his concern is that these houseboats are permanently anchored on public water.

Thompson told the Missoulian earlier this week hed like to see a similar two-week limit for houseboats, with a requirement that they move at least two miles away for two weeks to prevent them from remaining in the same bay for extended periods.

Vermillion, the commission chairman, said he was especially interested with the larger boat that is offered for rent on VRBO.com for $300 a night with a three-night minimum.

When it becomes a commercial venture that is affecting public property, thats certainly a valid concern, Vermillion said.

He also referenced the Bakken boom, when oilfield workers facing a lack of housing in western North Dakota moved campers and trailers onto fishing access sites and public wildlife areas in eastern Montana and stayed for months at a time.

The commission put regulations in place to deal with that, Vermillion said, but we do need the authority to do anything about houseboats on public water. Cabin cruisers and larger sailboats could also be similarly used.

You have capable and powerful legislators in the Flathead area, he added. Have them give us the tools to help you.
POLSON  Anglers have caught 437,258 lake trout out of Flathead Lake in the 14 years of Mack Days fishing tournaments.

But probably only one of them has landed a bride.

When Missoula chiropractor Chris Moore decided to propose to his girlfriend, Amanda Ormsby, last weekend, he decided to make the request a memorable one.

Amanda loves fishing, which is part of why I chose to do it this way, Moore says.

Moore cooked up his surprise and, with the help of his buddy, Brandon Bretz, set about pulling it off last Sunday, during the final day of Fall Mack Days.

Moore and Bretz usually get in several days of fishing during Mack Days tournaments, but have been so busy this fall that they'd only been able to make it out for half a day, back on opening day on Sept. 23.

I called Bretz and said, Hey, we need to go fishing, and told him why, Moore says. He liked it, and I knew I was going to need some help to pull it off.

***

They climbed in Bretzs boat, headed out, and waited until there was a lull in the fishing, Moore says.

That provided the excuse for one of them to announce that Maybe we should switch it up, and put on a flat fish.

The two men had Ormsby take over driving the boat while they retreated to the stern to tie on a No. 7 flat fish lure to use trolling.

They also attached the small engagement ring box to the line while Ormsby was busy driving the boat, dropped the line in the water, let it out, and put the rod in a downrigger.

We set it on the clip as light as we could, Moore says, so the pressure of the water would kick it off and make it look like a fish was on.

Bretz took over driving duties. It took some doing to fake the bite, but when it happened, We yelled at Amanda to get the rod, Moore says.

It didnt take her long to realize something wasnt right as she reeled in the line  Its not fighting, Ormsby noted  and Moore edged closer to look.

What is on it? he asked as the lure neared the surface, grabbing the line and lifting the ring box out of the water. What is that?

A smile spread across his face, giving away what was about to happen.

As he got down on one knee, the box in hand, a surprised Ormsby said, Are you serious? Are you serious?

And then the marriage proposal hit a serious snag.

***

Moore opened the box.

It was empty.

Whatd you do?" Bretz asked Moore.

Its not in there, he replied, his eyes darting around the floor of the boat.

Oh, God, Ormsby said.

I was wondering if he was dumb enough to put a ring in a box and drop it into Flathead Lake, Ormsby said later. Im glad hes not.

Moore angrily flung the empty box on the floor and turned away, but couldnt hold the grin off his face very long.

In the space of about two seconds he had pulled another engagement ring box out of his back pocket, headed back down on one knee while saying, Just kidding  will you marry me?

This box had the ring in it.

***

Amandas face was so funny, Moore says. After I knew I had her fooled, I pulled the ring out of my back pocket.

I was shocked. Speechless, says Ormsby, who works for Home Instead Senior Care in Missoula.

The two have known each other for about 2  years, a relationship that initially began as a friendship according to Moore, the owner of Western Montana Spine and Injury Clinic.

They had discussed marriage, he says, but Ormsby had no idea a proposal was coming her way Sunday  much less one that emerged from the depths of Flathead Lake.

Oh, and her answer?

She said yes.

Even without the ring, I would have said yes, Ormsby says.
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Police arrested a woman for her ninth DUI at 2:45 a.m. Thursday after she crashed her car into the retaining wall of the Quality Inn, 2100 Cornell Ave.

When police arrived on the scene, they found a woman passed out in the passenger's seat. Police said the driver, Sheryl Brunson, 49, soon staggered up barefoot.

Police said Brunson told them she and a friend had been drinking and gambling at a nearby casino before returning to the Quality Inn. Police said Brunson refused field sobriety tests and failed sobriety tests at jail and could not blow correctly for a Breathalyzer. Police obtained a warrant for a blood sample at the hospital and said Brunson had eight previous DUIs from Wisconsin and Washington.

Brunson was arrested for driving with a suspended license, failure to show proof of insurance, careless driving, not notifying authorities of her accident, and felony DUI.

Police said Brunson's passenger was not charged with any crimes and returned to the hotel room.
Cloudiness in the Beaverhead River south of Dillon is causing consternation for fishermen as the state continues its investigation into the issue.

This summer, for the third consecutive year, turbidity showed up in the river. Personnel from the state Department of Environmental Quality first saw it in early July. The sage-colored murkiness continued through the beginning of September.

The cloudiness started below Clark Canyon Reservoir and subsided as it moved downstream, said Lisa Peterson, DEQ spokesperson, via email. It has not been evident near Dillon.

The cloudiness was first reported in August 2014 and reappeared in the summer of 2015.

Matt Jaeger, fisheries management biologist for Fish, Wildlife and Parks, has been investigating the problem along with the DEQ. Jaeger said the turbidity doesn't appear to be affecting fish numbers. But he is still trying to determine if the problem is impacting fish weight. The cloudiness could affect their ability to forage efficiently.

Darrin Kron, DEQ supervisor for water quality monitoring, said divers went down this fall to the bottom of the Clark Canyon Reservoir, which appears to be the source of the problem.

They couldnt see even with lights, it was so turbid, Kron said.

Kron said its too early to pinpoint the cause. The agency is still analyzing its data. But potential culprits include too much sediment at the bottom of the reservoir and the weather.

Kron said the agency has a number of theories and has been collecting data since 2015. The agency hopes to have definite results by January 2017.

Meanwhile, the water woes are hurting outfitters.

I cant put a dollar amount on what its costing us, but its been tough for us for sure, Brad Platt of Dillon said in a phone interview. We dont have any options but to wait it out.

Kron said the agency is sensitive to the urgency of the issue.

We understand its affecting the local tourism economy and affecting fishing guides in that region quite heavily, Kron said.

Peterson said that a large amount of resources are going toward trying to find the cause because the agency knows how much it is negatively impacting the local economy.

Platt said that once the murkiness began, it cleared up on some days but never completely went away.

Clients show up and see pea soup. Theyre envisioning a crystal clear Montana river. You can see the look on their faces, Platt said.

For the first two weeks of August, Platt had to cancel all outfitting trips due to the rivers murkiness. He said Julys low flows shut down the Big Hole River, and the Jefferson saw significantly low flows by mid-summer as well. Platt was forced to take clients to the Madison River to fish.

But that frustrates clients who want to fish outside of Dillon when they book a trip with an outfitter located in Dillon, Platt said.

Mike Geary, president of the Trout Unlimited Lewis and Clark Chapter, said his group wants to do what it can to help, but they are waiting until the DEQ has data results that can pinpoint the exact cause.

Were in a no-mans land till we get information, Geary said. Good scientific information  that would be what would drive us.
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County Attorney Eileen Joyce will make $113,328 this year  the most of any elected official in Butte-Silver Bow County  under new salaries approved by commissioners.

The salaries formally enacted Wednesday night reflect a 1.5-percent wage increase all county employees got this fiscal year under the budget approved in August. All the increases were retroactive to July 1, the start of a fiscal year that runs through June 30, 2017.

Joyce will make $7,714 more in county pay than the $105,614 salary for chief executive. Current Chief Executive Matt Vincent has not accepted a pay raise since he started the job on Jan. 1, 2013, so it has remained the same.

Commissioner Dave Palmer defeated Vincent in last weeks election and will be sworn in as the new chief executive on Dec. 29.

Besides the 1.5-percent pay raise, employees this year are getting $30 more applied to their county health insurance.

Under Butte-Silver Bows law, salaries for county elected officials are set by ordinance. Those for other county employees are set in the annual budget, and the one enacted this past August included the pay raises.

The amended ordinance approved Wednesday simply applies those same raises to elected officials.

Here are the old and new salaries for the rest of the countys elected officials:

Sheriff  from $82,719 to $83,960

Clerk and recorder  from $74,507 to $75,592 (includes $2,192 for also administering elections)

Treasurer, assessor, city judge, auditor, justice of the peace, superintendent of schools, clerk of district court  from $72,315 to $73,400

Coroner  from $36,157 to $36,700 (also gets $600 per year for travel expenses)

The countys 12 commissioners  $6,597 to $6,695 (Each also gets $1,200 annually in travel expenses. Chairwoman or chairman gets an additional $2,995 annually.)
Akua Oppong-Anane smiled broadly, watching her students at Montana Tech enjoy themselves at a laid-back, fun dinner for international students this week.

As finals creep ever closer, students seem to welcome the good company, great food, and chance to sport their nations' colors.

International Club adviser Oppong-Anane chatted easily with students who moseyed over to say hi between bites of scrumptious home-cooked food plus regular campus fare from Larry Surrisi, director of dining services.

Its wonderful, she said. Theyve done a great job. Almost all the food was prepared by students.

About 30 people celebrated in the Student Union Building Copper Room, dancing native dances, sharing native foods, displaying native clothing, and all-out relaxing at the recently resurrected International Club during International Education Week 2016.

Organizers Margie Pascoe and Sarah Raymond soaked in the joyous gathering, too, as students hugged them in thanks for their guidance.

Pascoe is the director of International Services. Raymond is director of career services. They restarted the club three years ago.

Together they help students feel less like strangers in a strange land.

Fantastic is all Joel Gadikor, 27, said when asked how he likes Tech and living in Butte. He is one of half a dozen Ghana graduate students on campus this year. All of them are mining engineering majors and expect to return home for work in the gold mines.

The chance to mingle with some of the 260 foreign students from 17 countries enrolled was not lost on classmates.

Its very interesting to know the different cultures from different countries, said Judith Buaba, 25, another Ghana grad student. She hails from the city of Tarkwa, where the countrys largest gold mine is located in the western region.

Cos Opokuware, 26, also of Ghana, joined his compatriots in showing off exquisitely colored intricate wool and silk clothing at one table.

The atmosphere was festive, hearts bright, even in light of the racial tensions across the nation in the last week since the election.

Everyone has been so kind and welcoming, said Oppong-Anane. Everyone feels so comfortable with Margie, and they know were here for them as well.

Here in Butte, we dont have a problem, said Pascoe. I havent had any students come in and report anything.

Pascoe has worked at Tech for 33 years, 30 of them in the counseling center with Dean of Students Paul Beatty. International students drop in regularly for help navigating campus or the town or simply to chat.

I love these kids, and they love me, Pascoe said. Its so rewarding. They know were going to take care of them.

Pascoe plans to conduct more education about diversity in general on campus  and throw another international dinner before years end.

Oppong-Anane has lived in Butte for several years but has taught freshmen engineering for two. She has 165 students who take fundamental engineering, math, and physics for a year before declaring a major. She earned her undergraduate degree at Tech then her master's and doctorate in environmental science at the University of Florida before returning to Butte. She loves the campus, she said.

While Judith Buaba awaits the really cold Montana winter, its evident she and her peers are happy with their studies and campus life.

All it takes is a smile or a hug  and a dinner where all are welcome.

You always want to get to know a familiar face, added Buaba.
Patricia Ann passed away Aug. 26, 2016, in West Jordan, Utah. She was the fifth child of 11 born to Adolph and Cecilia (Rix) Kopp on July 10, 1934, in Mandan, North Dakota.

Pat married LeRoy Ingram and they were blessed with two sons, Keith and Douglas. Divorced early, she moved to Butte in 1956 and started working as a waitress at the Moxom Cafe where she stayed for several years. Other restaurants she was proud to work for were Marthas Cafe, Norma's Dog House, Rocker Truck Stop, and the grand opening of Dean OLearys Restaurant in Wise River on Mothers Day.

She married Olaf Klevgard in 1965, and he died in 1971.

She and her boys could always be found rummaging through the mine purchased properties on the East Side for items to improve the familys home, including a 15-foot long kitchen cabinet that was hauled six blocks in the back of a 1951 Ford pickup with her son holding up the end to get it home.

In 1976, she married Ronald Fletcher and moved to West Jordan, Utah where they became independent truckers, and worked at this for 10 years. Then they opened their own restaurant on Main Street in Salt Lake City for the next five years before she retired.

She really enjoyed family and cooking, and going to yard and estate sales. Coming back to Butte around her birthday to go camping in the Wise River area for the last six or seven years, before her illness, was tops on her to-do list.

She was preceded in death by her parents and nine of her siblings; son, Doug Ingram; and grandson, Jason Holt.

She is survived by husband, Ron Fletcher; sons, Keith (Agnes) Ingram of Butte and Craig Fletcher of West Jordan; daughters, Cherie Fletcher and Peggy (Steve) Holt of West Jordan; grandsons, Keith T. Ingram of Butte and Brian Holt of West Jordan; and her dearest four-legged friend, Buddy.

She has left a huge hole in our world and was so loved. She will never be forgotten.

A celebration of her life for family and friends will be held from 5 to 8 p.m. Monday, Nov. 21, at the McQueen Club.

Donations in her honor may be made to the charity of your choice.

Axelson Alternative Cremation is privileged to serve Patricias family.

Express condolences at www.mtstandard.com.
A woman injured in a fire at the Silver Bow Homes housing complex on Sunday has died in the burn center at the University of Utah in Salt Lake City.

Butte-Silver Bow Coroner Lori Durkin on Thursday confirmed that Betty Jean Zitting, 69, was the victim in the fire. Zitting died Wednesday.

Her clothes had caught fire while she tried to put out the fire, and as a result, she was burned on a large portion of her body, authorities said.

City firefighters responded to a report of a woman injured by fire in the 600 row of Silver Bow Homes near Uptown Butte just before 5:30 p.m. Sunday.

Upon arrival, firefighters observed light smoke showing from the front door of the residence. Upon entering the apartment, crews encountered a fire that had been started by a candle and consumed a seat cushion. At that point, the fire was mostly extinguished by the lone resident, Zitting.

Crews focused their attention on Zitting, who had sustained severe burns in her efforts to douse the fire, according to the fire department's report.

Crews quickly helped the victim with assistance from A-1 ambulance, who transported her to St. James Healthcare. From there, she was taken to the burn unit in Salt Lake City.

The apartment sustained minimal smoke and zero fire damage, the release said. The Butte-Silver Bow Fire Investigation Team determined the cause to be accidental when a candle spilled. Fire crews cleared the scene just after 6 p.m.

Funeral services for Betty Zitting will be conducted at 11 a.m. Saturday in the Chapel of Duggan Dolan Mortuary.
As I consider Governor Steve Bullocks new energy plan, a Blueprint for Montanas Energy Future, Im brought back to another place and another time.

I grew up along the banks of the Monongahela River in Glassport, Pennsylvania, about 8 meandering miles before the Mon joins with the Allegheny River to create the Ohio River in downtown Pittsburgh. My parents were steelworkers and my earliest memories are of picking up tarry pebbles alongside an oily river. The river ran black, with no signs of life. Air quality was horrible.

It wasnt until the early 1970s when the City of Pittsburgh, in cooperation with the University of Pittsburgh School of Public Health and others, embarked on an ambitious 20-year plan to clean the air and water. The challenges were immense, requiring contributions from virtually everyone.

Today, the air is remarkably cleaner in Pittsburgh. The city experienced a true Renaissance - including a vibrant downtown, reclaimed waterfront, cleaner water, and far cleaner air - which stands in stark contrast to the days when streetlights turned on during the day from pollution-darkened skies and when executives brought extra shirts to work because theirs were blackened by lunchtime!

ACHIEVEMENTS AT RISK

But we also learned in Pittsburgh that its achievements are always at risk, and that is the essential point: Vigilance remains Pittsburghs persistent but noble challenge, as it is for any city similarly engaged. Ensuring clean air and healthy spaces for the next generation should be the inherent mandate of any informed generation; you can never let up.

Today I have the good fortune to live in Montana and I love my adopted home. Our environmental issues are certainly not Pittsburghs  and in some ways, it makes it even more challenging. The affront to Montanans health is far subtler, but the evidence is clear. Rising temperatures, changes in rain patterns, and increasing wildfires lead to more particulate air pollution and more plant allergens. Adverse health impacts include increases in asthma and risk of premature chronic heart and lung disease. Children and the elderly are most vulnerable, but were all at risk.

We should make no mistake - getting out in front of the effects of declining air quality by embracing a progressive, balanced approach to ensuring the health of our children and elders while ensuring economic stability is inevitable - now is the time.

TOOLS FOR CHALLENGE

The governors new plan offers tools to face this significant challenge. I appreciate that transitioning to clean renewable energy sources, such as solar and wind, is complicated by not just our reliance on traditional fuels but also the historical economic dependence on extraction in Montana. We know that reliance on traditional fuel sources, such as coal, to produce electricity in the United States contributes to both air pollution and climate change, but we legitimately fear widespread industrial shift. I lived through the economic collapse of steel and coal and the degree to which my family, friends and their parents were impacted, but in the longer term, we survived and prospered in the broader perspective. Public consensus may never match scientific consensus. That is why transition with sensitivity is critical, but our higher obligation is to provide for the health of our families and neighbors.

Only with visionary thinking, persistence, and bold action can we address climate change and maintain healthy air quality, and we all have a role to play. My career has been dedicated to improving population health through education and research so that we may effectively address the health impacts of climate change. Ive lived the problem and thus wanted to share this perspective so we may all engage in thoughtful reflection about how we work together to move forward with the shared commitment to our communitys health.

The Governors plan to guide Montanas energy future is exciting and innovative and full of potential. The plan deserves the support of those of us who value clean air and who wish to leave a better world for our young people.

-- Reed Humphrey, Ph.D., is dean and professor, College of Health Professions and Biomedical Sciences at the University of Montana, Missoula.
Labor council passes anti-hate resolution

The Southwestern Montana Labor Council passed the following resolution on Nov. 14, and submitted it for publication on the Standard's editorial page:

Statement on acceptance and nondiscrimination

Resolved:

That the Southwestern Montana Central Labor Council stands united for the ideals of diversity, acceptance, and inclusion in our unions and community. We reject the hate crimes that have swept the country since the election, and the racist and divisive tactics employed during the campaign that created these events. We believe labor and our community should be free from racism, sexism, bigotry, harassment, and oppression. We uphold these ideals ourselves, and strongly encourage our brothers and sisters in labor to uphold these ideals.

-- Chris Danielson, vice president, Southwestern Montana Central Labor Council, Butte

Initiate impeachment proceedings

Now that Republicans, and those who voted Republican, have put Donald Trump, a known misogynist, racist and low-life egomaniac into the highest office in the land, there is seemingly little that civilized, intelligent and conscientious voters can do.

There are, however, a few options available to those who wish to pursue them:

1. Leave the country. This option has a definite attraction to it because who knows where this country is headed after Trump takes office?

2. Remain in place but secede from the union.

3. Stop paying taxes. If Trump can do it, why cant everybody else?

4. At the very least, contact, needle and harass your congressman incessantly to initiate impeachment proceedings against Trump immediately after he is sworn in. The sooner the latter action is taken the better.

 Larry Robson, Huntley

Tired of liberals' self-serving bull

On Monday, Nov. 14, 2016, Leonard Pitts, a columnist for the Miami Harold, was published in this newspaper declaring his embarrassment and disappointment with this country in the way WE THE PEOPLE voted. He voiced his displeasure that we want to vet our country of illegal immigrants who are drug smugglers and rapists, that we want to vet Muslim Islamic extremist immigrants who want to kill us, that we dont see these bad asses as vulnerable people, and that we dont find bigotry and misogyny a reason to stop someone from holding public office.

He referred to those Americans who support these vetting measures and have a different viewpoint from his perspective as being school yard bullies, narcissists, ignorant, liars, primal screamers, under-educated underclass white Americans, pigs, and those who embrace bigotry and misogyny. Gosh, with the exception of signaling out whites, that sounds like the blue collar multi-ethnic melting pot neighborhood I loved and grew up in.

Well Leonard, I have a news flash for you. The fact that you, the media and other minorities run your mouths off because of your disdain for America and its elections that dont reward your political agenda is in itself bigotry. This and the fact that liberals choose to create havoc in our streets to protest their self-made situations are the reasons Trump and Pence won the 2016 election. WE THE PEOPLE are tired of your self-serving bull.

That said, God bless America where we still have a freedom of choice and an electoral college that votes the way the silent majority voted in each of our 50 states this year.

-- Larry Krizan, Wise River

Why God put wolves on this Earth

So the old rancher guy asked me if I was from California.

"No," I replied, "I moved here by way of Northern Illinois."

"Chicago has the strictest gun laws in the country and highest number of murders," came his response. "How's those gun laws working out for you?"

I kinda shook my head but said nothing. People carry guns here, lots of them. Rancher guy interrupted the tentative silence:

"How did you vote on the Montana Trap-Free Initiative 177?"

Uh oh, I smell wolf blood.

Me: "Are you a God-fearing Christian? That God critter of yours put wolves on this Earth for a reason. What a kidder. Created those pesky animal scientists, too, the same ones who tell us wolves have an important role in the wondrous pageant of life.

"Since this is the only Earth on Earth, these are the only wolves in the whole wide universe. Who am I to defy God's majestic and mostly opaque plan for wolves? You trap all the wolves, you think God and his little buddy Jesus going to be happy about that?"

Then I pivoted and beat feet. Why did rancher guy think I was from California?

-- Craig Schmidt, Anaconda

Save America from stupid old white guys

We survived the incompetence and corruption of a Ronald Reagan, I can only hope we can survive the new Mussolini.

With Reagan we had maybe the worse President in history. I think Trump will break his record. Let us check out a little history. There was the Iran-Contra Affair in which Ronald Reagan illegally sold weapons to the Islamic Republic of Iran. Fourteen of those very close to him were charged, but pardoned by Bush of criminal activity.

Then there was the Department of Housing and Urban Development grant fixing. Sixteen convictions came about. There were lobbying scandals, EPA corruption, Inslaw Affair involving Edwin Meese and kickbacks, savings and loan crisis, Operation Ill Wind with Wedtech Corporation convicted of bribery for Defense Department contracts. Then there was trickle down "Voodoo Economics" which failed from the get go.

He was the supreme union buster, crippling working peoples chances for collective bargaining. Then there was his condescending dismissal of the AIDs crisis. He destroyed the Palestinian hope for sovereignty. Reagan's Mental Health Reforms made homelessness an issue and his lack of compassion was an offense against our commonly-shared humanity.

But, Trump is too unintelligent to hide his ultra egoist self indulgence.

P.S. -- No working person could ever support a spoiled rich guy who never had a real job and runs his business interests from bankruptcy to bankruptcy. Fascism is here and on the rise, however, most young people in America are far too smart to fall for that.

It is up to the young to save America from stupid old white guys.

-- Michael Joseph Francisconi, Dillon

God have mercy on the United States

Thank you, President Obama, for eight years of intelligence, wisdom, patience and dignity. Thank you for pulling the nation back from the brink of financial ruin brought on by arrogance and greed. Thank you for providing access to health care for millions of Americans. Thank you for working with other world leaders to stop the destruction of our environment. Thank you, Secretary Clinton, for running a positive campaign filled with hope, inclusiveness and clarity.

I am ashamed of the man who was elected president, and his vulgarity and hostility are in stark contrast to your grace and decorum, President Obama and Secretary Clinton.

Though I am in deep despair over the next president, I am proud of the peaceful transfer of power that you both so thoughtfully provided. May God have mercy on the United States and on the world.

-- Elizabeth Kohlstaedt, Helena

What happens when mining companies leave

Butte, Basin, Libby, Upper Ten Mile. What do these places have in common?

They were at one time very productive mines. Many people earned a good wage working those jobs. The mining companies made millions. All was well.

But what do they have in common now? They are 4 of the 17 Superfund sites in Montana.

They are an example of what can happen when the mining industries leave.

Who pays for the cleanup of these sites? We as taxpayers do.

Mining often leaves a toxic mess when the mines close. I for one do not want to see the Smith River meet the same fate as the Berkeley Pit.

-- Janet Andrew, Helena
WAPELLO, Iowa - Wapello is dealing with its second Minion blaze in a little over two weeks. Wapello Police Chief Wayne Crump told the city council Thursday a second hay bale dressed as the animated character from the film Despicable Me had been destroyed late Tuesday night.

Crump said an investigation into the fire was continuing.

According to published reports, a Wapello man was arrested earlier on Tuesday and charged with second-degree arson, a class C felony, and third-degree criminal mischief, an aggravated misdemeanor, in connection with an Oct. 27 fire that destroyed a Minion and damaged a light pole in the downtown area.

Wapello Mayor Shawn Maine said Thursday that city officials and local citizens were upset over the fires and destruction of the Minions.

They were placed in the downtown area earlier this year as part of an effort to add some spark to the area, local beautification officials had reported. Planters and pole banners were also added to downtown around the same time as part of the Hometown Pride and Wapello Community Club programs.

A local businesswoman said Thursday the rest of the Minion hay bales had been removed following the second fire.

Maine said the felony arson charge was justified for the fires.

It may seem harmless, he told the council, but they did cause damage.

In other action, the city council approved a $16,852 payment to SulzCo, LLC, Muscatine, for continued work on the citys 2016 CSO (Combined Sewer Outflow) Separation Project. The payment represented the sixth the city has made for the $172,228 project.

Maine said the latest payment will likely be the last until next spring when the company is expected to finish asphalt work near the pool. That work is expected to be completed before Memorial Day, Maine said.

The council also approved the citys October 2016 Treasurers Report and approved a resolution to transfer $4,175 from several accounts to the citys Debt Service Fund to cover an upcoming bond payment.

The council also approved a tax increment financing (TIF) certification of $263,050 for the Wapello Farmers Elevator Urban Renewal area. The certification will be filed with the Louisa County Auditors office.

Maine also updated the council on a recent annexation meeting that he and other city officials attended. He said the information provided will be useful if the city moves forward with any annexation proposal once U.S. Highway 61 is realigned.

Maine also reported Louisa County Engineer Larry Roehl had advised him the Iowa Department of Transportation will likely hold a public forum on the realignment in January or February.

Planning is also still continuing on replacing the County Highway 99 bridge at Wapello, Maine said. He told the council several grants have been awarded for the project, but the type of bridge and construction methods were still under review.
MUSCATINE, Iowa  Iowas water quality issues have been in the news in recent months. Due to the high level of interest in this subject, the League of Women Voters of Muscatine County is having a community wide event addressing Iowas water quality at 7 p.m. on Tuesday, Nov. 29, in the Muscatine Community Colleges McAvoy Center.

Featured speaker will be David Osterberg, a professor in the Department of Occupational and Environmental Health at the University of Iowa, who has a long career in the field of environmental health and environmental quality. He will speak on Can Voluntary Action Bring Adequate Water Quality, which will address the 2013 Iowa Nutrient Reduction Strategy.

The strategy is a plan conceived to improve Iowas streams and lakes, and address the large dead zone in the Gulf of Mexico. The plan imposes mandatory action in urban areas (improved sewage treatment plants) but depends on the agricultural sector to voluntarily change practices.

What evidence exists that it can work?

In addition to his work at the University of Iowa, Osterberg is the founder and past executive director of the Iowa Policy Project, a non-profit policy research organization. Osterberg remains active at the non-profit in water quality and energy policy research and has published widely on Iowa environmental issues.

He received his bachelors degree in economics from Washington State University, and Masters in water resources management, economics and agricultural economics, all from the University of Wisconsin-Madison.

From 1983 to 1994, Osterberg served in the Iowa House of Representatives, serving as chairman of the Committee on Agriculture and the Committee on Energy and Environmental Protection.

For more information, contact Susan Johannsen, President, League of Women Voters, at 563-264-2365.
MUSCATINE, Iowa  The Salvation Army of Muscatine held its annual kettle kickoff fundraising event on Friday, Nov. 18, at the Salvation Army headquarters in Muscatine.

Every year we have a theme, said Lt. Brook Lopez of the Muscatine Salvation Army. This year its Be the Shield and we really want to encourage people to wear their favorite superhero cape while theyre out there ringing the bell.

At the kickoff event, Lopez announced this years fundraising goal: $180,000, which constitutes almost half of the Salvation Armys yearly budget. Last year, she said, the organization reached its $165,000 goal.

These donations, she said, goes straight back to the community.

Throughout the year, the Salvation Army offers different services including free lunches, groceries through the food pantry, youth programs, worship services and emergency vouchers to cover rent or utilities. Last year, the Salvation Army of Muscatine gave toys to nearly 2,500 children during the Holiday season, provided food boxes to nearly 350 families in need and helped more than 1,000 families pay their rent or utilities.

Lopez urged the people to make a donation in any amount, no matter how small.

Every little bit helps, she said. People often say, oh, all I have is just two pennies, well, those two pennies could really help somebody. We could make two pennies stretch a lot farther here than your two pennies could in your pocket.

Each year, the organization appoints a chair who will oversee the fundraising efforts, and this years chair, UnityPoint Health Trinity Muscatine Hospital CEO Jim Hayes. Although it is his first time participating in this effort, Hayes said he is confident the people of Muscatine will be generous.

This community has a great track record of supporting people in need and this is certainly a good way to do that, so Im confident that we can hit the goal, he said.
GRANDVIEW, Iowa  A worker became trapped in an industrial elevator basket, suspended more than 200 feet in the air on Tuesday afternoon inside a more than 600-foot chimney, what would be approximately 60 stories up in a tall building, amid the whirring of machinery and dim lighting.

At approximately 4:12 p.m. on Tuesday, Nov.15, the Muscatine Joint Communications Center received a request for a high-angle rescue at 8602 172nd St. in Grandview. A contracted employee of MidAmerican Energy was in need of rescue at the Louisa Generating Station.

Dan Keltner, the Fire Chief of the Grandview Fire Department, said although his team of volunteer firefighters had equipment necessary, they had not had the chance to train for a high-angle rescue operation.

Immediately all we could really do is send two guys up the ladder to assess the situation, he said.

He and other volunteer firefighters in Grandview know the basics, but lacked high-angle rescue training. Keltner said the Grandview firefighters felt almost helpless at first, because they knew they could not attempt the rescue without assistance.

I think it motivated these guys to want to learn it a lot more, he said.

When the Muscatine Fire Department received a call to assist the Grandview Fire Department in the rescue, the Hazardous Incident Response Team, a total of 11 firefighters from Muscatine, went to the scene.

Preparation

The first step upon arrival, said Lt. Joe Timmsen of the Muscatine Fire Department, is to determine the best course of action both for the worker in need of rescue and for the firefighters doing the rescuing.

If we become part of the problem we cant help anybody, he said.

The firefighters began to develop an incident action plan.

Vision from the bottom was impaired due to the low lighting, so the firefighters knew they would need to climb above the basket to examine the situation.

We had to physically get up there and see what was going on, said Mechanic Chris Brase of the Muscatine Fire Department.

The closest catwalk, or platform, above the stuck elevator was at about 420 feet up, where Brase and Timmsen, with help from firefighters Michael Hoppe, Spencer Ripperger, and others, would mount their rescue.

The ladders had safety cages, making it difficult to climb with the added bulk of gear In addition to the long climb, Timmsen said, the firefighters had to think about how much energy they were going to need after they reached the top.

They climbed for about an hour.

Its a marathon, its not a sprint, Brase said.

Planning

Because the chimney was dark and loud, Timmsen could not talk to the worker. They stopped about halfway up and tried to assess his health. After trying to talk, Timmsen eventually determined that the worker was conscious, probably tired but otherwise OK.

He could see the worker when he was right across from him in the chimney.

And finally he gave me a hand signal, he said.

The trapped worker had been in the chimney for a while before the firefighters arrived, Timmsen said, but was calm, which helped with the rescue efforts.

There was an inner circle inside the circular chimney, and the elevator cage hung in the air. The firefighters began to set up ropes to lower Timmsen down to the worker, and one to pull them over to the safety of a catwalk to the side and below the elevator.

Brase had to throw a rope to Hoppe, who was waiting on a platform on the side of the chimney, so they could eventually pull the rescuer and worker over to the platform and then climb safely down. Because of the low visibility, Brase had to guess how far away Hoppe was, and Hoppe said he could not see the rope as it swung until it was close.

It was challenging, he said.

The next step was to lower Timmsen to the worker in the elevator, still hanging more than 200 feet off the ground. They lowered him down, and he was only just able to reach the elevator cage.

Then you gotta think, right: youre in that cage. Timmsen said. Youve been working all day. Its hot, youre thirsty, no bathroom, its dark, its noisy, youve got a cell phone but its dead, cant talk to anybody, all this stuff is going on around you in the course of how much time?

But the worker, he said, was calm, and was able to walk down the ladders once the rescue was complete. That trust is helpful, Brase said, because the situation could have made someone feel panicky.

Were gonna put a harness on you, trust us, were going to swing you across to that wall 30 foot, and dont worry its only 200 feet to the ground, he said.

But the rope had only barely reached the cage, and would need to be lowered farther to reach the side of the wall with the catwalk.

Thats when we found out 200 foot wasnt enough, Brase said.

Timmsen said he could only imagine how the worker would feel when rescue arrived, but then they realized another 45 minutes to an hour would be needed to have more firefighters carry up more rope.

Teamwork

Now they all of a sudden theyve got to measure, they have to all of a sudden change everything weve got rigged up, Timmsen said.

Hoppe, with all the confusion, was on a catwalk, so communication was difficult because they could not hear each other except by radio, and even then the noise of the fan inside the chimney made it hard to hear.

Meanwhile, Timmsen was able to get into the elevator basket with the worker.

You see how now all of a sudden these three have to do everything, he said, gesturing to Brase, Hoppe, and Ripperger.

Plans often have to change, they said, because of obstacles that can be encountered at the scene of any emergency.

You evaluate and you change and you adapt, Brase said.

Battalion Chief Darrell Janssen was on the ground, talking to the main station, which had multiple calls come in, and relaying information to the men in the chimney when needed, like how much weight the elevator basket could hold or the distance between two points inside the chimney.

Its a huge team effort, Brase said.

Once they had the other ropes, they lowered Timmsen and the worker and pulled them safely to the platform on the side of the chimney. Then they all carefully climbed back to the ground.

Janssen was coordinating on the ground with the firefighters at the scene as well as the fire department, which had several calls come in during the rescue.

Keltner and the six firefighters from the Grandview Fire Department were also doing what they could to help, carrying water and equipment up and down the ladders along with other Muscatine firefighters.

Im proud of my guys; they were willing to go up as many times as they needed too, he said.

The rescue took about six hours, and Keltner said the Grandview firefighters had been on the scene for around seven hours. One firefighter was reported to have minor injuries.

It took a long time, which they always do, but in my mind the thing that measured this being a success is, I never felt like the patient was in any jeopardy, Timmsen said.
MUSCATINE, Iowa  A delegation of Ukrainians from the city of Drohobych is visiting Muscatine this week. They learned about the towns history, visited local plants, and sampled some of Muscatines food.

Walter Conlon, a retired lawyer and a member of Muscatines sister city board, said Muscatine and Drohobych became sister cities in the late 90s. And Conlon, who has family ties in Ukraine, helped facilitate the connection. Since then, three delegations from Drohobych visited Muscatine, and several exchange students came to study in Muscatine.

Conlon said the visit is as important to the people of Muscatine as it is to the delegates.

The rest of the world knows a lot more about America, some of it is true and some of it is fiction, than we know about them. Theres a community in Muscatine that want to have more international involvement, he said.

Drohobych, a city of more than 76,000 people in Western Ukraine, is also located near a river. And though Muscatine is quite a bit smaller, the delegates said Muscatine delivered a few big lessons. Speaking through a translator  Alexei Bibik, who was himself an exchange student and now lives in Davenport  they explained what they learned.

They said Ukraine still faces challenges in wake of the collapse of the Soviet Union. Drohobych used to have many factories, but they are now mostly gone and the local economy is suffering. Throughout their stay in Muscatine, they toured many local factories and learned about Muscatines economy. They said they hoped the visit would encourage economic ties with the town and with the country as a whole.

They thanked the city of Muscatine for its hospitality and kindness throughout the week.

And Conlon said he learned a thing or two about Muscatine during the visit.

One of the most beautiful about escorting foreign visitors is you learn things about your own community, he said.

The delegates will stay in the area until next Tuesday.
Les emplois a Rennes sont abondants et varies. Il y a quelque chose pour tout le monde. Que vous soyez a la recherche dun emploi []
Les blattes ou cafards (Blatta orientalis) sont des insectes qui appartiennent a la famille des Blattoptera. Ils se caracterisent par leur forme allongee, leurs ailes []
The piece below was written by Communications Minister Faith Muthambi and published on SANews.

The opposition and all the doomsayers who still do not understand the value of transparency leadership should now hold their peace with the latest findings.

The President of the Republic, President Jacob Zuma, announced the full details of the Seriti Commission of Inquiry into allegations of fraud, corruption, impropriety or irregularity in the Strategic Defence Procurement Package, commonly referred to as the ARMS DEAL.

In April 2011, President Zuma announced Judge Seriti of the Supreme Court of Appeal, as the Chairperson of the Commission of Enquiry into the Arms Deal. The Commission was composed of Senior Judges of high standing and integrity, who have impeccable track records in the legal and judicial systems.

These sons and daughters of the soil, with impeccable track records and independent minds and held in high esteem by their peers and have displayed unquestionable leadership attributes in their added responsibilities other than presiding in the Courts of Law, announced that there are no traces of corruption, irregularities or fraud in the Arms Deal investigations.

The case against the State by the opposition along with their cheer leader, Terry Crawford-Browne, have been thrown out of the Appeals Court.

The Arms Deal critic Terry Crawford- Browne, and the main Political Opposition Parties who called the results of the Commission a  White Wash  have lost the Constitutional Court bid to have the Arms Deal Commission results set aside.

The Seriti Commission of Inquiry probed the 1999 multi-billion rand deal case and found that there were no evidence that any of the contracts were tainted by evidence of wrongdoing. This Government had from the very beginning pronounced that it will lead a democratic Constitutional State that values and promotes transparency in the affairs of Governance.

It allowed the Seriti Commissions findings to be tested by the Constitutional court.

The people of South Africa can now come to terms with the truth with the Courts verdict and appreciate that their Government and its intentions of procuring Strategic Arms has always been transparently conducted and its commitment to promoting a peaceful united and stable continent and a better world is a reality.

South Africa is recognised and highly respected as a peace broker by the International Community.

In the year 2000, our countrys Defence Force contributed immensely to the African Union peacekeeping missions using the procured arms. The SANDF peacekeeping missions have been well appreciated by the United Nations in the Democratic Republic of Congo, Burundi, Darfur and the Nepals.

Our Government listens to the voice of its citizens. It welcomes and appreciates calls from whistle blowers. Respects the voice of the Opposition in Parliament. This became evident when it appointed the Seriti Commission of Enquiry into the Arms Deal procurement strategy to address the concerns of the citizens of South Africa.

Mr Terry Crawford-Browne, who has been following this case for years, led the Opposition and took the Commissions findings to the Constitutional Court where the Court finally pronounced the verdict on the matter in favour of the Seriti Commission of Enquiry. We can only hope that the Opposition will now finally respect the verdict as pronounced by the Constitutional Court.
Spectrum is the lifeblood of any wireless network. The spectrum an operator has access to determines the kind of coverage it can give, its maximum capacity, and speeds.

For Internet users, speed measurements are usually given in bits per second  but bits per second is also a measure of bandwidth.

Bandwidth essentially represents capacity  what the maximum amount of traffic you can load on a link is.

A wireless networks spectrum is usually measured in millions of Hertz (Hz), or Megahertz (MHz). Like bits per second, Hertz is a measure of bandwidth.

In general, the more Hertz of bandwidth a network has access to, the more bits per second of capacity it can offer.

This is why South Africas mobile networks have been begging the government to release unused spectrum that has been earmarked for International Mobile Telecommunications (IMT).

ICT Policy White Paper

However, South Africas Minister of Telecommunications and Postal Services Siyabonga Cwele recently issued a policy document that will likely delay the release of new IMT spectrum for years.

Called the National Integrated ICT Policy White Paper, it not only sets aside all unassigned spectrum for a single national wholesale network, it has wording that suggests the government wants to take back the spectrum networks are currently using.

Cwele spoke about this at a recent event, saying the government does not want to expropriate private property by default.

All we want to do is that: lets share our networks. Where we can share, lets share, said Cwele.

Because many people would like to utilise these networks but dont have access.

Who should get the spectrum?

Regardless of whether the government wants to take the spectrum back, it has indicated it wont assign more spectrum to private companies.

However, it is the likes of Vodacom, MTN, Cell C, Telkom, and Wireless Business Solutions (WBS) that are investing billions into their networks.

To get the maximum possible benefit out of the unused spectrum, a portion must be given to the companies that have demonstrated an effective use of their assignments.

To see who is doing the most with the spectrum they have, and making the most of their investment, we measured average speed and spectral efficiency.

We added up all the IMT spectrum assigned to operators, divided the number of subscribers by the bandwidth available, and multiplied that number by a tenth of the average speedtest results on those networks.

Dubbed the SEAS factor (Spectral Efficiency and Average Speed), this gives an indication of how effectively networks are using their spectrum.

Spectrum bandwidth figures were obtained from ICASA and subscriber numbers were obtained from the networks financial results.

Where subscriber numbers were not available, they were estimated.

Network operator Spectrum (8003,500MHz) Subscribers (mil) Subs/Hz  Speedtest (Download Mbps) MHz/Mbps (lower is better) SEAS factor Vodacom 81 35.7 440.7 32.54 2.49 1,434.17 MTN 86 29.7 345.2 27.25 3.16 941.05 Cell C 76 12.6 165.8 25.94 2.93 430.01 Telkom (mobile) 162 3.2 19.8 19.83 8.17 39.33 Neotel 89.8 0.1 1.1 4.44 20.23 0.49 iBurst/WBS 54 0.044 0.8 1.07 50.47 0.09 Cloudseed 20 0 0.0 N/A N/A 0

Now read: How Vodacom and MTN can lose their cellular spectrum
After a month-long detour and mechanical problems earlier this month, the dredging crew for a long-awaited project to excavate the Napa River now has less than two weeks to finish the job.

The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers is overseeing the first dredging project on the Napa River since 1998. Workers are facing a state-imposed Nov. 30 deadline to avoid disrupting fish migrations in the waterway.

Dredging in Napa began in late September but was soon halted as the Corps contractor, Ahtna Design-Build Inc. of Alaska, moved its equipment north to excavate the port of Fort Bragg ahead of the states Oct. 31 deadline there.

Upon returning to the Napa River this month, workers have had to cope with accumulated debris and silt from the past two decades. Workers began excavating near the Third Street bridge Tuesday but encountered mechanical problems that slowed progress into Thursday, according to city spokeswoman Jaina French.

Its construction and theres a lot of moving parts, said Pamela Patton, project manager in the Corps San Francisco district. The cutter head on the dredger has sucked up tires and debris, and weve had to deal with getting it out of the head and disposing it. Its because we havent dredged there for so long, theres a buildup of miscellaneous debris that gets caught up in the machinery.

The Corps is preparing, but has not yet locked in, arrangements for completing the work if parts of the river are not excavated by months end, she said.

Plans call for clearing 60,000 cubic yards of silt from various shallow spots on a 17-mile section of river, from the Third Street bridge down to Asylum Slough near Highway 37 in Vallejo. The project will ensure a minimum 9-foot depth on the river to downtown Napa, the limit of its navigable waterway.

The project will correct shoaling problems that have increased the hazards even for smaller vessels and caused the cancellation last December of the Napa Valley Yacht Clubs annual Lighted Boat Parade.

The work is being carried out with a barge-like vessel equipped with pumps, support poles to anchor the boat to the riverbed, and a cutter head attached to a pipeline, according to the Corps. After positioning the dredge over a shallow section of river, workers lower the cutter to the channel bottom, where the cutter head rotates and breaks up sediment.

A system of pipes and pumps conveys the sediment to one of two deposit sites, one near Imola Avenue and another near the future Napa Pipe development.

With the deadline fast approaching, the Corps has expanded its dredging schedule, which Patton said will run 24 hours a day for most of the river despite earlier plans to shut down work overnight within city limits. At the waterways northern tip in downtown, dredging will shut down between midnight and 6 a.m. to minimize the disturbance for guests at the Napa River Inn, she said.

The Corps has advised those living or working near a dredging zone to expect noise of about 90 decibels, with peaks of 100 dB, as crews shift from north to south down the river. A 90 dB sound level is equivalent to being 25 feet from a motorcycle, while 100 dB is about the noise level of lawn mower or garbage truck, according to Purdue Universitys Department of Chemistry.

Such noise may affect guests at the Napa River Inn, where some guest rooms will be as close as 40 yards to the dredge, for about five days, according to the hotels manager Sara Brooks. But the impact, she added, will be less than it could be because the delays have pushed work into a quiet window between the Napa Valley Film Festival and Thanksgiving weekend.

Because of the delay it actually benefited the hotel; occupancy (this week) just isnt as high as it normally is, she said Thursday.
Gustaf Andrew Anderson passed away from heart complications in his home surrounded by his family on October 31, 2016. Gus was born on April 29, 1930 to Gustaf Eric Anderson and Elsie Marie Anderson (nee Finstrom) in Escanaba Michigan. He attended Escanaba schools and graduated from Escanaba High School in 1948. He attended Augustana College in Rock Island, Illinois for 2.5 years where he met his wife of 63 years, Phyllis Jean Bood of Chicago, Illinois. He transferred to Michigan State for one quarter to get his science credit, then to Northwestern University to complete his undergraduate work. After graduating he went on to Northwesterns Dental School in Chicago, graduating in 1956. During his senior year at Northwestern he was one of a select few accepted by the Air Force and served 45 months.

Gus and Phyllis were married September 12, 1953 and began their life together. After graduation from dental school the Air Force moved them to March Air Force Base in Riverside, California. He went into private practice in 1959.

By 1960 Gus and Phyllis had 4 beautiful children; Kristine (James Manos) Todd, Lauren (Larry Spear), and Peter (Linda). They moved their young family to the Upper Peninsula of Michigan in 1963. Gus had a private practice limited to orthodontics in Gwinn, Michigan where there had been no dentist for several years. In 1969 the family moved to Marinette, Wisconsin as Gus expanded his orthodontic practice. In 1972 they moved to Northern California. He retired from dentistry in 1991 due to poor eyesight.

In 1982 Gus decided to follow his dream of winemaking and at the age of 52 he went back to school at UC Davis in the viticulture and enology program. In 1983 He and his son, Todd, started Andersons Conn Valley Vineyards in east St Helena. He retired from winemaking in 2001, but missed making wine in 2002 so he started Eagles Trace Winery in 2003. He finally retired in 2015.

Gus enjoyed flying and had his pilots license. He and Phyllis loved to travel and see the world. He especially loved the Caribbean, sailing, visiting the relatives in Sweden, the wine people of France and his siblings in Michigan.

Besides his wife and children he is survived by his grandchildren: Michael, Garrett, Nellie and Matthew (Marissa); his sister Elaine Faultersack (Ardie), brothers Robert Anderson (Mary) and Jon Anderson (Betsy), and numerous nieces and nephews. Grandson Andrew Spear predeceased Gus in 2010.

There will be a celebration of Gus life at Grace Episcopal Church in St Helena, CA on Thursday December 8, 2016 at 11:00 am. A luncheon will follow the service at Todd Andersons home.

He will be missed by so many!

In lieu of flowers please make a donation to your favorite charity.
Thirty years ago, mid-November was the beginning of the wine season, which culminated on Dec. 31 with bubbly, and it all started with a silly promotional campaign that was called the race to market.

Beaujolais Nouveau was the beverage, and the entire game, with every player winking just a bit, revolved around becoming the first producer to get this frivolous red wine to consumers.

French law prohibited the sale of this wine before Nov. 15 each year, but it was not a serious beverage at all. Sold primarily in French cafes by the glass to mark the end of the recently completed harvest, Beaujolais Nouveau never sold for very much money.

Made from the Gamay noir a jus blanc grape, or simply gamay, it is remarkably fruity, has very little depth, and often is served cold. Cynics would call it alcoholic soda pop.

And it doesnt keep. If you have a year-old bottle, most wine merchants would tell you to throw it away and buy a new one.

By the early 1980s, the race to market became an absurd carnival on wheels. One wine company delivered the first bottle into Paris with a tuxedoed waiter parachuting to the base of the Eiffel Tower, with another waiter standing by with a tray of glasses.

The time was usually 12:01 a.m.

One merchant delivered his cache to a New York locale using an elephant to haul boxes of the stuff. Bottles were flown on the Concorde; bottles were opened at midnight on board cruise ships.

The odd thing, of course, is that the quality of the wine has almost always been immaterial.

The Intercontinental Hotel in San Diego asked me to assess the quality of the 1985 Nouveau that had arrived moments earlier from the airport via a motorcycle brigade.

As if anyone really cared about the quality!

Regular Beaujolais can be a fine wine, but the nouveau stuff rarely is.

In fact, once the fanfare of the Nouveau race to market was forgotten, the real stuff would show up in the spring with a lot less buzz.

Real in this case means Cru Beaujolais, wines that come from one of the 10 prestige regions of the Beaujolais district, which commanded prices two and three times that of the November surprise.

Among the names that are prized are Morgon, Fleurie, Julienas, the so-called top-of-the-category Moulin-a-Vent, and the most romantic, St.-Amour.

Some years ago, the French changed the legal date on which it was illegal to release Le Beaujolais Nouveau to the third Thursday of November. That allowed the Beaujolais district to begin staging literally dozens of festivals dedicated to the young wine.

Nouveau had such a following back in the 1980s that many California wineries began to make a similar wine, some of them using gamay and others using other grape varieties. One winery gained more fame for its nouveau than any other: Charles Shaw (the original!) of the Napa Valley.

Even the Italians got into the act, some making a wine called nouvelle.

But since the wine almost never represented anything special, the Nouveau promotions eventually were seen as trivial and were abandoned.

You can still find Beaujolais Nouveau from France in United States stores in late November every year, even though the artificial race to market has long since ceased to be a big deal.

And due to the decline in interest in nouveau, so has all Beaujolais become far less important than it once was.

The Cru wines (which we will not see until March or April) represent gamay at its best. They still have a small following on the East Coast. California wine merchants still carry a small amount of a few Cru wines, and even that market is declining.

Because no bottles of French nouveau have yet been released, I can make no recommendations for the best of them. But the most recognizable Beaujolais house, Georges Duboeuf, is often the worldwide leader in quality, with the wines rarely selling for more than $10 a bottle.

A final thought: I doubt that the French created Nouveau Beaujolais to work wonderfully on Americans Thanksgiving day table, but that is certainly the wines greatest raison detre!

Wine of the Week: 2015 Alamos Torrontes, Salta, Argentina ($13): Even dedicated wine collectors should be given a mulligan if they identify this wine as Gewurztraminer, so spicy and alluring is its aroma. The grape variety, which originated in Argentina, typically makes a slightly richer, sweeter wine in the Salta District. This wine has all the flavor profiles associated with tropical fruit and the expected sweetness and aftertaste. Best with very spicy foods. Serve well chilled.
NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg spoke by phone today with U.S. President-elect Donald Trump. The Secretary General congratulated the President-elect on his election victory and said that he was looking forward to working with him and his national security team.

The President-elect and the Secretary General both underlined NATO's enduring importance, and discussed how NATO is adapting to the new security environment, including to counter the threat of terrorism.



Secretary General Stoltenberg also thanked the President-elect for raising the issue of defense spending during the campaign, which has been a top priority for the Secretary General since his appointment in 2014. The two leaders agreed that progress has been made on fairer burden-sharing, but that there is more to do.



The Secretary General said he looked forward to welcoming President-elect Trump to Brussels for the NATO Summit next year to discuss the way forward with Allied Heads of State and Government.
Damen is currently completing minor modifications before the outfitting process is concluded. Because both vessels were available on stock, delivery is expected before the end of the year. The new Stan Patrol 4207 vessels will be renamed HMJS Cornwall and HMJS Middlesex.



Winter delivery journey

We are very proud to announce that the Jamaica Defence Force has once again selected Damen for its fleet requirements, says Damen Sales Manager Americas Alan Borde. We are looking forward to seeing these vessels in operation for this much valued client.



On completion, two teams of JDF representatives will fly to the Netherlands in order to sail both vessels back to Jamaica with Damens own expedition team. Depending on weather conditions, the vessels are expected to arrive in Jamaica in January 2017.



Preparations for re-sale

As well as the specifications for the new vessels, the contract also details a trade-in agreement that involves JDFs existing Patrol Vessels. These three vessels were built by Damen and have been in active service with JDF since 2005 and 2006.



After an official decommissioning ceremony which took place on 8 November in Port Royal, Jamaica, these vessels were handed over to Damen. A heavy lift ship will collect all three vessels in the coming weeks and transport them to the Netherlands, continues Mr Borde. Following some updating and repair works at Damen Maaskant Shipyards Stellendam, we will offer them for sale via Damen Trading.


GoldSeek Radio Nugget: Bill Murphy and Chris Waltzek





By: Chris Waltzek, GoldSeek.com Radio

-- Published: Friday, 18 November 2016 | Print | Disqus Highlights Bill Murphy of GATA.org rejoins the show with comments on the global currency issues.

The Indian rupee is the next domino to drop as 86% of its paper money was withdrawn from circulation resulting in widespread economic chaos.

Minister Narendra Modi enforced an anti-graft measure to ban high-value currency in Asia's third-largest economy.

90% of daily transactions involve paper currency, compared to merely 30% in the US.

The once vibrant economy has ground to a halt, as truck drivers abandon vehicles en route, and ATMs are reportedly empty amid a currency shortage.

The long-term implications for the gold / silver market may be profound, vindicating the national passion for sound money.

Small denominated silver coins could fill the currency vacuum, as the typical citizen could be less inclined to trust paper currency for years to come.

China's retail investors will soon have unfettered access to North American gold / silver mining shares.

Our guest outlines how their knowledge about market manipulation and artificially sniffled price could put a price floor under the sector.

Bill Murphy insists that the PMs sector reaction following the election outcome was classic PSYOP disinformation and a market-manipulation scandal.

The PMs market could represent one of the best buying opportunities in years. Open interest in the PMs contracts has collapsed, presenting an intriguing contrarian opportunity. Bill Murphy of GATA.org rejoins the show with comments on the global currency issues. On the heels of the Venezuelan currency collapse, the Indian rupee is the next domino to drop as 86% of its paper money was withdrawn from circulation resulting in widespread economic chaos. Minister Narendra Modi enforced an anti-graft measure to ban high-value currency in Asia's third-largest economy, where 90% of daily transactions involve paper currency, compared to merely 30% in the US. The net impact: the vibrant economy has ground to a halt, as truck drivers abandon vehicles en route, and ATMs are reportedly empty amid a currency shortage. The long-term implications for the gold / silver market may be profound, vindicating the national passion for sound money. Small denominated silver coins could fill the currency vacuum, as the typical citizen could be less inclined to trust paper currency for years to come. In addition, China's retail investors will soon have unfettered access to North American gold / silver mining shares - our guest outlines how their knowledge about market manipulation and artificially sniffled price could lead to increased demand, putting a price floor under the sector. Bill Murphy insists that the PMs sector reaction following the election outcome was classic PSYOP disinformation and a market-manipulation scandal of the highest order. As a result, the PMs market could represent one of the best buying opportunities in years. Moreover, open interest in the PMs contracts has collapsed, presenting an intriguing contrarian opportunity.

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-- Published: Friday, 18 November 2016 | E-Mail | Print | Source: GoldSeek.com Please enable JavaScript to view the comments powered by Disqus. comments powered by Disqus








NWA Press Release





18.11.2016. Baltic countries still are strategic export markets for Georgian wine, National Wine Agency is planning active marketing arrangements for the next year. This information was announced by National Wine Agency's Marketing and PR Department Manager Irakli Cholobargia after Georgian wine presentation in Estonia and Latvia.Georgian wine presentation-degustation - Wines of Georgia, lead by Irakli Cholobargia, was held in Tallinn and Riga. The presentations were attended by native and foreign importers, sommeliers, owners of restaurants, Wine Club members, wine journalists and bloggers. One of the presentations in Tallinn was held in Sommelier School of Estonia.Baltic countries are traditional markets for Georgian wine, though we are working on a new segment  young generation, to let them know Georgian wine culture and traditions. It's important for Georgian wine popularization and publicity growth, that Georgian wines are in the Estonian Sommelier School program. Also, next year, National Wine Agency is planning active marketing arrangements in Baltic countries, as strategic export markets for Georgian wine - stated Irakli Cholobargia. The presentation held in Riga was attended by Ambassador of Georgia in Latvia, Teimuraz Janjalia. In his speech, Ambassador spoke about popularization of Georgia wine in Latvia and noted, that the Embassy supports Georgian wine-makers in developing Latvian market.As Teimuraz Janjalia said, according to the data of recent two years, demand on Georgian wine in Latvia has remarkably grown and as a result, holds the first place in Baltic countries with Georgian wine and alcohol beverage (, brandy) import amount.At the degustations in Tallinn and Riga, different wines of 8 Georgian wine companies were presented. These companies are: Besini, Corporation Georgian Wine, Shilda, Tela, Wine Man, Matrobela Wines, Kakhuri and BGW.Latvia and Estonia are in the top ten of Georgian wine export markets. According to data of 10 months, 2016, over 980 thousand bottles of wine have been exported Georgia to Latvia (VI place), that is 6% higher than the similar data of the last year. As for Estonia (VIII place)- 516 thousand bottles, that is 33% higher, than the data of 2015 similar export period.
21:14

After Manohar Parrikar stoked a controversy over India's 'no first use' nuclear policy, former National Security Advisor Shivshankar Menon on Saturday said the Defence Minister does not have the right to voice his personal opinion on nuclear policy in public, especially when it contradicts the official stand.





Menon also said Parrikar's suggestion that India should give up its 'no first use' policy would not be in the country's interest both in terms of the strategic deterrent role of nuclear weapons as well as their role as weapon of war.





The defence minister does not have a right to voice his personal opinion on nuclear policy in public particularly when that opinion contradicts the official policy of the country, he told India Today TV's 'To The Point' programme.





Parrikar last week had wondered why India cannot say "we are a responsible nuclear power and I will not use it irresponsibly" instead of affirming a "no first use policy", remarks he said were personal in nature.





"Why should I bind myself? I should say I am a responsible nuclear power and I will not use it irresponsibly. This is my (personal) thinking," Parrikar had said.





Following the nuclear weapons test in 1998, India had declared a 'no first use' nuclear policy.
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JUBA, Nov. 17 (Xinhua) -- Authorities in South Sudan's southwestern town of Yei have recovered 12 bodies of civilians who were abducted by unknown gunmen early this month, a local official said Thursday.

Athanasio Yongule, a minister in the Yei River State government, said bodies were found in two burnt huts in a neighborhood 3km from Yei town.

He said the deceased were first reported missing by their relatives on November 7.

"Twelve people were killed. Their hands were tied, shot and then taken to two separate houses and burnt. The police identified some bodies and handed them over to their relatives. We buried seven bodies who were burnt beyond recognition at the site of the incident on Tuesday," he said.

The motive of the killing is not yet clear.

The local official advised civilians not to travel to areas contested between government troops and opposition forces.

There has been an escalation in violence in the Equatoria region, where Yei and the capital Juba are located, since renewed fighting between the rival factions erupted in early July.

Last week 12 people were killed and two others injured in an attack by opposition forces in Kaya town, about 48km from Yei.

Unknown gunmen last month also attacked a convoy of vehicles carrying civilians in Yei, killing at least 21 people, including women and children.

South Sudan has been shattered by civil war which broke out in December 2013 after President Salva Kiir accused his sacked deputy Riek Machar of plotting a coup, an allegation denied by Machar.

Fighting between troops of Kiir and Machar has since left tens of thousands dead and more than two million displaced.

A peace deal signed in August 2015 between the rival leaders under UN pressure led to the establishment of a transitional unity government in April, but was devastated by the July fighting. Enditem
WASHINGTON, Nov. 17 (Xinhua) -- U.S. Director of National Intelligence James Clapper announced Thursday that he will be stepping down in January.

Clapper told a hearing in the House of Representatives that he had handed his resignation letter Wednesday evening, and "felt pretty good."

The 75-year-old veteran said he had been planning for some time to retire after the Obama administration ends.

Clapper has served as the U.S. spy chief since 2010 and oversaw the U.S. intelligence community, which includes 16 institutions such as the Central Intelligence Agency and the National Security Agency.
KIEV, Nov. 17 (Xinhua) -- The Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe (OSCE) said Thursday that ceasefire violations in eastern Ukraine last week have reached their highest level since the stsrt of 2016.

"The number of ceasefire violations recorded by the OSCE monitoring mission increased by approximately 150 percent compared to the week before. It was the highest number over the course of the year," Alexander Hug, the deputy chief monitor of the OSCE special monitoring mission to Ukraine, told reporters in Kiev.

Last week, the conflicting sides have fired more than 3,400 shots against each other from heavy weapons, which are banned under the Minsk ceasefire agreement, Hug said, noting that the figure marked the highest number of such explosions ever recorded.

The OSCE official expressed the concern over the growing fighting, especially in residential and populated areas, saying it endangers the lives of civilians.

The number of civilian casualties in the restive region has doubled in the past week compared with a previous one, Hug said, without giving exact figures.

More than 9,600 people were killed and some 22,400 were injured in the conflict between government troops and independence-seeking insurgents that started in eastern Ukraine in April 2014.
NICOSIA, Nov. 17 (Xinhua) -- The Cypriot Securities and Exchange Commission (CySEC) has refused to comment on information regarding the supervision of IronFX Global Limited, a Cyprus Investment Firm (CIF) that has come under investigation and been sued in Cypriot courts for refusing to release funds to clients.

"CySEC will not make any comment," an official told Xinhua on Wednesday when asked to provide further information regarding new correspondence between CySEC and Andros Kyprianou, the chief of AKEL, the largest opposition party with a commanding position in parliament.

Embattled investment company IronFX was fined 300,000 euros(319,655.89 U.S. dollars) in November 2015, after a settlement reached with CySEC for acts or omissions in violation of the legislation under it had been licensed to operate as an investment firm.

Kyprianou wrote to CySEC in May 2015 asking why it had not withdrawn IronFx's license for non-compliance with law requirements three months after it had been fined, as it had done in the case with other investment firms.

CyCEC replied to Kyprianou that the company was still under supervision.

An AKEL party source said that Kyprianou pursued his interest in the case with a letter on Oct. 4, 2016, to CySEC President Demetra Kalogirou, requesting further information about developments in the case of IronFX.

He requested information whether the administrative investigation regarding the CIF IronFX initiated after its fining had been completed and what the results were.

"We would also like to be informed whether potential risks exist because of the CIF's activities for the position of Cyprus as a center for the provision of investment services," Kyprianou added in his letter.

IronFX has been sued by about 160 Chinese clients and investment brokers in an action filed in a Limassol Court in January 2015, claiming the company failed to meet their withdrawal requests.

The issue of IronFX was raised before the European Parliament at the end of October by Hungarian member of European Parliament Tibor Szanyi.

IronFX claims that it has been acting according to the individual contracts of investors or because investors had been cooperating with rival investment companies in violation of their contracts.
TEHRAN, Nov. 17 (Xinhua) -- Iran's ambassador and permanent representative to the United Nations dismissed as "unfounded" the recent allegations by some Arab states that Iran is playing a non-constructive role in the region, Press TV reported on Thursday.

The accusations that Iran is meddling in their internal affairs and is also supporting terrorist groups in the region are "baseless," Gholam-Ali Khoshroo wrote in a letter to UN chief Ban Ki-moon.

"It is ridiculous that those regimes who themselves are the nurturers and exporters of extremism to Iraq, Syria and other countries are now accusing Iran of supporting terrorism," Khoshroo was quoted as saying.

In a letter to the UN General Assembly on Monday, 11 Middle East and North African countries condemned Iran for what they called Iran is continuing "to play a negative role in causing tension and instability in our region" through "expansionist regional policies, flagrant violations of the principle of sovereignty, and constant interference in the internal affairs of Arab States."
JERUSALEM, Nov. 17 (Xinhua) -- Israel's army said it arrested two armed Palestinian men who "infiltrated" Israel from the besieged Gaza Strip on Thursday evening.

"A short while ago, two suspects, armed with grenades, infiltrated Israel from the southern Gaza Strip," a military spokesperson said in a statement.

Soldiers caught and arrested them near the security fence, according to the statement.

It was not immediately clear if the two men were affiliated with any militant group.

"The incident is under investigation," the statement read.

Over the past decade, Israel has uncovered multiple cross-border tunnels allegedly built by Hamas, the Islamist organization that controls Gaza, to carry out attacks against Israel.

Israel occupied the Gaza Strip and the West Bank in the 1967 Mideast War and has ever since been cutting these territories off from the outer world.

Israel's last offensive on Gaza in the summer of 2014 claimed the lives of at least 2,200 Palestinians, mostly civilians.
MARRAKECH, Morocco, Nov. 17 (Xinhua) -- A new analysis published here Thursday showed that six G20 countries failed to take action in line with their Paris Agreement pledges.

Argentina, Australia, Canada, Saudi Arabia, Turkey and the United States have not been undertaking sufficient domestic efforts to match their pledged nationally determined contributions (NDCs) to the agreement, according to the study presented on the sidelines of the 22nd Conference of the Parties to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (COP22).

The study was co-conducted by the Grantham Research Institute on Climate Change and the Environment, and the Economic and Social Research Council Center for Climate Change Economics and Policy at the London School of Economics and Political Science.

The report concludes that the six countries "lack overall framework legislation or regulation on climate change, and need to move from sectoral to economy-wide targets and extend the time frame of their targets to 2030."

The six countries also are "either behind on meeting their 2020 targets or have not set any," it added.
MARRAKECH, Morocco, Nov. 17 (Xinhua) -- The United Nations Marrakech climate conference has met all its targets and "exceeded expectations," said Moroccan Foreign Minister Salaheddine Mezouar on Thursday.

"This COP (Conference of Parties) is different from all those that preceded it, and is a demonstration of commitment at all levels, as confirmed by the presence of more than 70 Heads of state and government" at the high-level segment of this global event, said Mezouar following a meeting with UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon.

Mezouar, president of the current UN conference, also welcomed the commitment of non-state actors and the "achievements" made since the entry into force of the landmark Paris Agreement.

The conference, due to conclude Friday, "marks a turning point in the implementation of the international community's commitments and in the mobilization of initiatives," he said.

The Moroccan presidency will continue, throughout the next year, its work in favor of mobilizing and facilitating access to finance to help implement projects, he said.

The conference, which opened in the southern Moroccan city of Marrakech 10 days ago, has brought together thousands of government officials as well as representatives from international organizations, civil society and businesses. It aims to work out rules for the implementation of the Paris Agreement.

Some delegates also spoke positively about the achievements of the Marrakech conference, the first of its kind after the Paris Agreement entered into force in early November.

Leon Charles, chief negotiator of the Alliance of Small Island States, told reporters that the most important achievement of this meeting is the operationalization of the Paris Agreement and the adoption of an agenda to this effect.

"We are very pleased that CAM1 (the first meeting of the parties to the Paris Agreement) has been convened and adopted its agenda. This is an extremely significant step because there were options on the table that could have sidetracked the convening of CAM1," he said.

The convening of CAM1 and the operationalization of the Paris Agreement are a major achievement for which this climate conference will be remembered, Charles said.

"We started to work on all major issues mandated by the Paris Agreement and got our work off with a steady start," he added.
RAMADI, Iraq, Nov. 17 (Xinhua) -- At least 15 people were killed and 30 others wounded on Thursday in a suicide bomb attack targeting a wedding party in a town near the city of Fallujah in Iraq's western province of Anbar, a provincial security source said.

The attack occurred in the evening when a suicide bomber detonated his explosive vest among a crowd of people during dinner time at the wedding in the town of Ameriyat al-Fallujah, just east of Fallujah, some 50 km west of the Iraqi capital of Baghdad, the source told Xinhua on condition of anonymity.

The toll could rise as ambulances, police and civilian vehicles were evacuating the victims to the town's hospital and medical centers, the source said.

No group has so far claimed responsibility for the attacks, but the Islamic State (IS) militant group, in most cases, is responsible for such suicide attacks targeting crowded areas, including markets, cafes and mosques across Iraq.

Terrorist acts, violence and armed conflicts killed 1,792 Iraqis and wounded 1,358 others in October 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.
PORT SUDAN, Sudan, Nov. 17 (Xinhua) -- A Sudanese entrepreneur said that Sudan hopes to establish a long-standing partnership with China in developing its Port Sudan harbor, as the country's economy is suffering from lack of major resources.

"We have important and strategic partnerships with the Chinese companies which have greatly helped us to modernize Port Sudan harbour and increase its efficiency," Jalal Eldin Shelia, General Manager of Sudan's state Sea Ports Corporation, told Xinhua.

He said that Chinese companies have contributed a lot such as deepening the cleats, increasing the number of docks, modernizing the delivery and shipment equipment and computerizing the procedures and customs clearances.

"For over a quarter of a century we, in the Sea Ports Corporation, have cooperation with the Chinese government. Presently we are working on establishment of free harbors on the Red Sea coast with Chinese support as well as a free zone north of Suakin town, an area upon which the Sudanese economy greatly depends," Shelia said.

"Thanks to the strategic partnership with the Chinese companies, we have managed to develop the work at the Sudanese ports where there is a wider openness on the Sudanese sea coast," he added.

The general manager, meanwhile, stressed the importance of the Sudanese sea Ports Corporation and its contribution to the Sudanese economy as Port Sudan harbour is the only gate for Sudan's exports and imports.

"The Sea Ports Corporation is a pillar of the national economy upon which the country relies to facilitate the trade movement between Sudan and some landlocked countries which depend on the Sudanese ports," he said.

According to statistics from Sudan's finance ministry, Port Sudan harbour contributes three percent of total revenues for the country's general budget.

Sudan is the sole maritime gate for a number of landlocked African countries including Ethiopia, Chad, Central Africa Republic and Congo, but Sudan has not yet made full use of the advantage.

Dr. Khider Mohamed Ahmed, a professor of economics at the Red Sea University, told Xinhua that Port Sudan harbor is far from its "maximum capacity which exceeds 11 million tons a year."

"The port has not yet managed to make Sudan the most important gate for the movement of goods and commodities for some landlocked African countries, and there are many reasons for that including the high fees set by the Sea Ports Corporation in exchange for the services it provides to the global shipping companies," he explained.

"There is also slowness in the shipment and delivery operations due to lack of modern cranes, despite the fact that this issue has presently lessened after the installation of modern rubber cranes thanks to the partnership with Chinese companies," said Ahmed.

As the main port for Sudan, Port Sudan harbor, some 890 km east of the capital Khartoum, was inaugurated as early as 1909.
MARRAKECH, Morocco, Nov. 17 (Xinhua) -- Restrictions on technology transfer in developing countries should be removed to achieve quicker pace in combating climate change, a senior European Union (EU) official said here Thursday.

"It is important that a platform be established, allowing more speedy and efficient cooperation and transfer of technology," said Jo Leinen, vice-chair of the European Parliament delegation to the Marrakech climate change conference.

He said technology transfer is still a difficult issue due to intellectual property protection mostly concerned by the private companies which own the technologies.

The official underscored the finalization of a bilateral investment agreement between China and the EU, hoping it would act as a "door opener" for climate friendly technology to be transferred between both sides.

The EU values China as its "perfect partner" in fulfillment of climate protection goals, he said, hailing China's leadership in climate protection, and said he believes that new technologies will help China to further step up efforts in climate governance.

Regarding the possible pull-out of the U.S. from the Paris Agreement on climate change, he confirms EU's commitment under the agreement, saying that China and EU could be leaders on a global level.

"China's 13th Five-Year Plan and EU's 2020 Strategy...can increase and should increase our cooperation in new technology," he said, highlighting the cooperation in sectors of power, transport and IT will "make all operations more efficient."

Meanwhile, he also stressed the importance of public-private partnership in terms of financing climate protection measures, while public money is to cover the risks, and private money is motivated to fill the financing gap, especially if the U.S. retrieves from the obligation.

The EU "won't act passive" if the U.S. steps out its responsibility, he added, confirming possible border tax on U.S. goods under condition of an "unfair play."
ADDIS ABABA, Nov. 17 (Xinhua) -- Ethiopian Prime Minister Hailemariam Desalegn and visiting Chinese Vice President Li Yuanchao pledged here on Thursday to further strengthen relations between the two countries.

In his talks with the Chinese vice president, Hailemariam said that China's long-term and selfless assistance has played an important part in Ethiopia's pursuit for development and prosperity, as evidenced by the many joint projects all around Ethiopia that are mutually beneficial to both sides.

Ethiopia is grateful that Chinese President Xi Jinping attaches great importance to Ethiopia-China relations, Hailemariam said, adding that his country is committed to working with China to elevate bilateral relations to a new height.

Hailemariam, who is also Chairman of the Ethiopian People's Revolutionary Democratic Front (EPRDF), said the EPRDF hopes to learn more from the experience of the Communist Party of China in state governance.

For his part, the Chinese vice president hailed the remarkable achievements made by Ethiopia under the leadership of the EPRDF over the past 25 years.

In recent years, both China and Ethiopia have continuously maintained healthy development and the two countries have firmly supported each other on issues concerning each other's core interests and major concerns, Li said.

He said that China will work with Ethiopia to implement the important consensus reached between the heads of state of the two countries, and the outcome of the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation (FOCAC) summit held last December in Johannesburg, South Africa.

China stands ready to work with Ethiopia to maintain the momentum in high-level exchanges, push forward industrial capacity cooperation and cultural and people to people exchanges, enhance coordination in international affairs, and further deepen the China-Ethiopia comprehensive cooperative partnership, Li said.

Li added that the Communist Party of China is willing to deepen inter-party cooperation with the Ethiopian People's Revolutionary Democratic Front, share experience in state governance and steer bilateral relations toward new achievements.
ANKARA, Nov. 17 (Xinhua) -- Over 20,000 people, including soldiers and military students, have been dismissed from the Turkish army in line with the ongoing investigation into the so-called Fetullah Terrorist Organization (FETO) since the July 15 coup attempt, Turkey's Defense Minister Fikri Isik said on Thursday.

Among the total of 20,088 people dismissed, 3,665 are army personnel and 16,423 are military students, Isik said during a parliamentary meeting in Ankara.

Another 2,855 army personnel are currently under investigation over similar allegations, local Hurriyet Daily News reported.

The minister vowed to fight against "FETO traitors" till the very end.

"We are determined to continue our struggle against terror," he said.

Fethullah Gulen, a U.S.-based preacher, is blamed by Turkish government for orchestrating a failed coup attempt on July 15.

At least 241 people were killed and over 2,000 people were injured in the coup attempt.
MAPUTO, Nov. 17 (Xinhua) -- At least 73 people were killed and dozens of people injured after a tanker truck exploded in northern Mozambique on Thursday, the government said.

The blast took place in Tete province when the tanker truck was en route transporting petrol to Malawi from Mozambican central port city of Beira, the government said in a statement.

The truck blew up when local residents were gathering around the vehicle to buy fuel, the government said.

The injured had been rushed to a hospital nearby.

The government said a national team was expected to arrive at the site on Friday to investigate into the cause of the blast.
CHICAGO, Nov. 17 (Xinhua) -- Gold futures on the COMEX division of the New York Mercantile Exchange fell on Thursday as U.S. Federal Reserve Chairwoman Janet Yellen made comments about a possible rate hike.

The most active gold contract for December delivery fell 7 U.S. dollars, or 0.57 percent, to settle at 1,216.90 dollars per ounce.

During testimony before the U.S. Joint Economic Committee of Congress, Yellen told government officials that the Fed could raise rates relatively soon. This put pressure on the precious metal as the Fed's rate hikes generally trigger a rush to more lucrative investments other than gold, as the precious metal is a non-interest-bearing asset.

Investors believe the Fed may raise rates from 0.50 to 0.75 during the December FOMC meeting. According to the CME Group's Fedwatch tool, the current implied probability of a hike from 0.50 to at least 0.75 is at 90 percent at the December meeting and 91 percent for the February meeting.

Gold was put under further pressure as a report on Thursday released by the U.S. Department of Labor showed the consumer price index increasing by 0.4 percent during the month of October, a figure which was on the high end of expectations. Analysts note extensive strength in the price of gasoline, which jumped 7 percent.

A report released on Thursday by the U.S. Census Department also showed housing starts much stronger-than-expected, with starts during the month of October at a 1.323 million level, and permits at a 1.229 million level. Analysts note that this put extensive pressure on the precious metal as this could mean increased expectations for the U.S. gross domestic product report due later this month.

The precious metal was also dampened by the U.S. Department of Labor's weekly jobless claims report released on Thursday showed initial claims falling by 19,000 to a 235,000 level, which analysts note was extremely strong.

All of these reports, combined with Yellen's testimony, make a rate hike during the December FOMC meeting very likely. Investors will still be watching Fed speeches later this week for additional hints, as in addition to Thursday's economic reports, several Federal Reserve officials are scheduled to speak on Friday.

Silver for December delivery dropped 15.5 cents, or 0.92 percent, to close at 16.772 dollars per ounce. Platinum for January delivery fell 1.4 dollars, or 0.15 percent, to close at 945.10 dollars per ounce.
PARIS, Nov. 17 (Xinhua) -- French hopeful president Alain Juppe pledged to "a merciless war" to uproot Islamic State (IS) insurgents in Iraq and Syria, adding the option to send French ground troops on the region is not on his agenda.

Speaking about France's participation in U.S.-led military operation in Iraq and Syria in a televised debate, the conservative politician said "the fight against the Islamic State for me is an absolute priority."

"I will be committed with our allies to eradicate those who threaten us," he told state-run France2 TV.

If elected, Juppe said to consolidate the coalition's offensive but refused to send French ground troops, arguing "it is up to the countries of the region to do this work."

Asked about the role of Syrian President Bashar al-Assad in an eventual peace deal, the moderate conservative saw "no return to peace in Syria while al-Assad is in power."

The country's pollsters showed Juppe, 71, winning the first round of centre-right primary by between 36 and 39 percent, outpacing his challenger ex-president Nicolas Sarkozy.

The former prime minister was set to win the run-off on Nov. 27.
WASHINGTON, Nov. 17 (Xinhua) -- A 12-member team of Chinese researchers on Thursday won the 2016 ACM Gordon Bell prize, the top award in the field of supercomputing.

This is the first time that Chinese researchers have been awarded the honor.

"It's a historic breakthrough," said Haohuan Fu, deputy director of the National Supercomputing Center in Wuxi and one of the team members.

Fu and his colleagues were honored for developing a method for calculating atmospheric dynamics that could be used to improve global climate models as well as weather predictions.

The award was presented at the 2016 Supercomputing Conference in Salt Lake City, Utah.

The Gordon Bell Prize, awarded each year at the annual supercomputing conference, was established in 1987 by Gordon Bell, a pioneer in high-performance and parallel computing.

It tracks the progress of parallel computing and rewards innovation in applying high performance computing to challenges in science, engineering, and large-scale data analytics.
UNITED NATIONS, Nov. 17 (Xinhua) -- A Chinese envoy on Thursday called for prioritizing cyber counter-terrorism to cut off channels for terrorists to spread their ideology and violent extremist ideas.

Liu Jieyi, China's permanent representative to the UN, made the appeal at a Security Council meeting on security cooperation between the UN and the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC).

Liu said the international community should adopt vigorous measures to strengthen Internet monitoring and crack down on the terrorist organizations that are using the Internet to spread terrorist ideologies, raise funds and plan acts of terrorism.

Liu noted that terrorism is posing a grave threat to the international community and counter-terrorism is an important area where the UN and OIC have conducted significant cooperation.

"China supports the strengthening of cooperation between OIC and the UN to consolidate collective security mechanism in a joint effort to maintain international peace and security," he said.

"China supports the UN and its Security Council in their cooperation with OIC in fighting terrorist ideology," he added.

Liu mentioned the international community should promote dialogue between different civilizations to achieve peaceful coexistence in harmony and to promote mutual respect, openness and inclusiveness across the world.

He also said the international community should stick to a unified criteria on counter-terrorism, forge a sophisticated counter-terrorism network and cut off the trans-border flow of terrorists to form a global high pressure upon terrorists.
China starts developing new-era exascale supercomputer (Xinhua)

WASHINGTON, Nov. 17 (Xinhua) -- A 12-member team of Chinese researchers on Thursday won the 2016 ACM Gordon Bell prize, the top award in the field of supercomputing.

This is the first time that Chinese researchers have been awarded the honor.

"It's a historic breakthrough," said Haohuan Fu, deputy director of the National Supercomputing Center in Wuxi and one of the team members.

Fu and his colleagues were honored for developing a method for calculating atmospheric dynamics that could be used to improve global climate models as well as weather predictions.

The award was presented at the 2016 Supercomputing Conference in Salt Lake City, Utah.

The Gordon Bell Prize, awarded each year at the annual supercomputing conference, was established in 1987 by Gordon Bell, a pioneer in high-performance and parallel computing.

It tracks the progress of parallel computing and rewards innovation in applying high performance computing to challenges in science, engineering, and large-scale data analytics.
QUITO, Nov. 17 (Xinhua) -- China and Ecuador agreed on Thursday to lift the bilateral ties to a comprehensive strategic partnership.

The decision was announced during Chinese President Xi Jinping's state visit to Ecuador, the first of its kind since the two countries established diplomatic relations 36 years ago.
WELLINGTON, Nov. 18 (Xinhua) -- New Zealand Prime Minister John Key will be sounding out fellow leaders on the future of the controversial Trans-Pacific Partnership (TPP) deal at the APEC Leaders' Meeting in Peru.

Key said on Friday that he would meet bilaterally with other leaders and attend both the APEC (Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation) Leaders' meeting and the TPP Leaders Meeting in Lima on Nov. 19-20.

"This year's APEC is focused on improving growth and living standards through initiatives such as more effective trade in services and trade liberalization," Key said.

"The Asia-Pacific region accounts for almost three-quarters of our total trade and is home to some of our most important international partners," he said.

"APEC provides a valuable opportunity to promote New Zealand as a good place to do business and invest in, and I look forward to my discussions there."

Last week Key conceded the TPP was dead "in the short term" with the election of Donald Trump as the next U.S. president.

Trump has pledged to scrap some multinational trade deals, and branded the TPP, which was signed in New Zealand this year, as a "rape" to the United States.

Trade Minister Todd McClay said on Wednesday that New Zealand would continue "to show leadership in defense of open markets and free trade access" at the APEC talks.

McClay is attending the annual APEC Ministerial Meeting in Lima, where he expected to hold talks on the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP), and APEC's proposed Free Trade Area of the Asia-Pacific (FTAAP) and the TPP.

APEC brings together all the major economies in the Asia-Pacific region.

The New Zealand government passed a bill on Tuesday to align the country's laws with the TPP.

Trade Minister McClay said the passage of the TPP Agreement Amendment Bill was signal of New Zealand's commitment to continued trade liberalization.
YANGON, Nov. 18 (Xinhua) -- Four detainees have claimed that they were forced to undergo terrorist training and then join the Oct. 9 attack on three border posts in Maungtaw, Myanmar's western Rakhine state, setting fire to their own villages, the newly-formed Information Committee of the State Counselor's Office said on Friday.

The detainees, suspected of being involved in the deadly border post attacks and arrested during a recent clearance operation by the government troops, made the claim when interrogated by the authorities.

The detainees revealed a systematic recruitment of members of the Muslim community in the state by foreign extremists that was carried out by the intimidation and the threat of execution.

They said people in the village were forced to attend the course conducted at the back of the Mayin Mountain and the Muslim cleric at local mosque acted as organizer, adding that each one from local households had to join the attack, otherwise all family members would be slashed to death

According to the Information Committee's Friday news release, 59 more armed attackers were arrested during the government troops' area clearance operation in three villages, Kyargaungtaung, Gwazone and Dargyizar.

They were being further questioned.

A series of fightings have been following after nine policemen and five soldiers were killed in violent attacks by armed men on Oct. 9 on three border posts in Kyikanpyin of Maungtaw, Kotankauk of Rathedaung and Ngakhuya Office in the state.

Islamic extremists were exposed as being involved in the attacks, which were supported financially by foreign terrorist organizations, the government said.
BUENOS AIRES, Nov. 17 (Xinhua) -- Argentine President Mauricio Macri said Thursday that his country would seek to boost trade with Canada.

"We have to strengthen trade exchange with Canada and the rest of the countries across the continent. It is the best way to generate jobs and solve our problems," Macri told a joint press conference with visiting Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau.

Trudeau offered to help Argentina in its efforts to accept several thousand Syrian refugees.

"We have a lot of experience in the matter of refugees and we are willing to collaborate with Argentina in that regard, so they can receive 3,000 citizens from that country who are fleeing the war," said Trudeau.
PHNOM PENH, Nov. 18 (Xinhua) -- The Chinese-operated Sihanoukville Special Economic Zone (SSEZ), the biggest SEZ in Cambodia, is planning to open 300 factories by 2020, providing up to 100,000 extra jobs, local media reported on Friday.

The zone in southwestern Preah Sihanouk province has built 148 factories, of which 88 are up and running, SSEZ's president Jack Chen said. These were providing 16,000 local jobs.

"Under our industrial development strategy, we plan to have 300 industrial factories by 2020 that can provide more jobs to local people and create tax revenue for the Cambodian government," Chen was quoted as saying by the Khmer Times.

Factories in the zone mainly produce textiles for the European Union and the United States. Two of the companies were Cambodian and the others were foreign.

The zone has been working to attract investors from China, especially in light manufacturing industries, he said, adding that the zone is currently an industrial factory hub and would develop into the country's high-end technology hub.

Preah Sihanouk provincial labor director Yov Khemera welcomed the plan to increase the number of factories.

"The strategy to attract investment to the zone will push demand for labor high, so the big investment will generate jobs for local workers more and more," the newspaper quoted him as saying.

Preah Sihanouk province, with its deep-water port, rail connection and airport, has recently seen investment by Chinese enterprise Hodo Group and Cambodia International Investment Development Group on 11 hectares of land.

In June, Cambodian Prime Minister Samdech Techo Hun Sen inaugurated the 100th factory in the zone and said he considered the zone as a significant achievement.
CANBERRA, Nov. 18 (Xinhua) -- A bright radio burst detected by Australia's Parkes telescope could help experts determine what lies between galaxies in the universe, scientists from the Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organization (CSIRO) said on Friday.

Scientist stationed at the Parkes Telescope in rural Australia witnessed the brief, ultra-bright cosmic flash of radio waves last year and released the details of the capture following a detailed analysis of the phenomenon.

Astrophysicist Ryan Shannon of the CSIRO said the flash likely came from a distant galaxy known as VHS7 - which is "at least a billion light-years away" from Earth.

"During the millisecond that we saw the burst, it would have been in the top 10 brightest sources in the entire sky," Shannon told the Australian Broadcasting Corporation (ABC).

"This flash lasted just a third of a millisecond, making it one of the briefest we've seen."

Their camera managed to capture the radio waves in two of its pixels, allowing the scientists to effectively triangulate the source of the flash.

Shannon said the data also suggests that the cosmic web has weaker magnetic fields than our Milky Way, while there is also less turbulent gas within the far-flung galaxy.

It's the first time that scientists have been able to support this hypothesis with evidence; previously researchers could only predict what occurs in deep space. Shannon said the findings could also help scientists in weighing the universe.

"This will help explain models of how galaxies grow and evolve, and also how the universe became magnetized," he said.
Peruvian President Pedro Pablo Kuczynski addresses the closing ceremony of the APEC Small and Medium Enterprises (SME) Summit in Lima, capital of Peru, on Nov. 17, 2016. (Xinhua/Li Ming)

LIMA, Nov. 18 (Xinhua) -- The upcoming Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) Economic Leaders' meeting is expected to focus on the establishment of a free-trade area in the region, as well as the role of the China-proposed Belt and Road Initiative.

The 24th APEC Economic Leaders' Meeting will kick off in the Peruvian capital of Lima on Saturday, with the theme of "Quality Growth and Human Development."

At the meeting, APEC member economies will seek to make decisions to facilitate trade and investment and consolidate liberalization policies.

FTAAP STRATEGIC STUDY TO BE APPROVED

The idea of a Free Trade Area of the Asia-Pacific (FTAAP) was first raised during the 2006 APEC Economic Leaders' Meeting in Hanoi, Vietnam.

During the 2014 APEC meeting in Beijing, APEC member economies pushed forward the process of FTAAP by sketching out a roadmap for it.

Now, the Beijing consensus is becoming a reality. A collective strategic study on issues related to the realization of FTAAP has been completed and the final version of the study along with recommendations will be presented to leaders at the Lima meeting.

Juan Carlos Capunay, Peru's ambassador to China, said the Asia-Pacific has become divided in current trade talks, leaving the goal of trade and investment liberalization in the region beyond hope.

APEC should build a free trade area that will cover all its members and coordinate economic development in the Asia-Pacific, he noted.

Julio Chan Sanchez, Peru's general coordinator of APEC affairs, said China will play a key role in facilitating FTAAP at the Lima meeting.

At the 2014 APEC meeting in Beijing, he said, China played an essential role in furthering the goal of creating a free trade zone in the Asia-Pacific.

"China's economy is progressively larger, more important and more relevant for the rest of the world, for international trade and for the global economic system," he said. "China is going to have an important role, and is going to continue to have an increasingly important role."

Echoing Chan Sanchez, Raul Salazar, APEC affairs director at the Peruvian Foreign Ministry, said the upcoming APEC meeting may well approve the strategic study for FTAAP.

"We have the obligation to continue our central topic, which is the approval of the collective strategic study, which was required by the roadmap established in Beijing in 2014. It is the hope that this year the leaders will approve the study as a step forward toward beginning negotiations for FTAAP," he said.

Salazar also praised China's contribution to pushing the idea of a free trade area in the Asia-Pacific.

"This step taken in Beijing ... has forced all the members to face the reality that this is necessary for a number of reasons. Peru holds the position that we need an Asia-Pacific free trade area. It would allow for APEC's work to be deepened and would see free trade agreements proliferate," he said.

QUALITY GROWTH, HUMAN DEVELOPMENT

In the context of sluggish growth in the Asia-Pacific and the world at large, the Lima meeting has set its theme for quality growth and human development.

Analysts see regional economic integration as the core agenda of the meeting, saying the theme shows an idea for inclusive development.

The meeting will be a good chance to discuss sustainable development, said Peruvian Second Vice President Mercedes Araoz.

"The agenda therefore covers all topics ranging from food security, human capital, and better integration," she added.

Ignacio Martinez Cortes, a professor of international relations at the National Autonomous University of Mexico, said that the meeting will be crucial for boosting the world economy through political agreements, and that China will play a prominent role.

Reducing non-tariff measures and rejecting protectionism will map the course on finance and trade for APEC member economies, he said.

Another important issue will be small and medium-sized enterprises.

"I believe they can strengthen their role as new engines of the economy, if favorable conditions are created for them," said Cortes.

The APEC region, home to around 2.8 billion people, represented 57 percent of the world's GDP and 49 percent of global trade in 2014. The quality growth of the regional economy will undoubtedly inject fresh momentum into the global economy.

PROMOTING CROSS-PACIFIC CONNECTIVITY

During an APEC finance ministers' meeting in Lima last month, China's Assistant Finance Minister Dai Bohua pointed out that despite its slow growth, the Asia-Pacific is still one of the most dynamic regions that have a great potential for development.

Next, he said, APEC member economies should spur potential growth through the implementation of structural reforms, so as to promote inclusive growth and sustainable development.

At the same time, they should boost connectivity and create a sound environment for investment, and overcome bottlenecks such as poor infrastructure and other problems thwarting economic development, he noted.

Capunay said that within the framework of APEC, China and Latin American countries can continue to discuss and cooperate in such areas as trade facilitation and the establishment of FTAAP.

He also voiced the hope that with the help of the Belt and Road Initiative, Peru will strengthen trade and economic cooperation with China and other Asian countries.

The initiative, which comprises the Silk Road Economic Belt and the 21st Century Maritime Silk Road, aspires to build a trade and infrastructure network connecting Asia with Europe and Africa along the ancient Silk Road routes.

The Belt and Road Initiative, which has charted a course for open and inclusive development, will not only promote connectivity, but also play an important role in boosting investment, trade and industrial cooperation among countries and regions.

Salazar said China has made great efforts to build a "much stronger, more consistent and better structured relationship" with Latin America.` "I think the stimulus the Chinese government is carrying out is helping, such as the Trans-Oceanic Railway," he said.

The coast-to-coast railway, one of the main cooperation projects between China and Latin America, is expected to create a corridor connecting the Pacific and the Atlantic.

"The planning is being done correctly," Salazar said, adding that this physical integration would catch up with other integration policies within the Asia-Pacific region.
Jack Sim, the founder and director of the World Toilet Organization (WTO)

BEIJING, Nov. 18 (Xinhua) -- "The toilet is the only thing that every time you see it, you pull down your pants. You don't do that with your wife."

Jack "Mr. Toilet" Sim, the founder and director of the WTO, is proud of his moniker and banter. Mr. Toilet's WTO, however, is not the World Trade Organization but the World Toilet Organization.

For 15 years, Singaporean Sim, 59, from the helm of the non-profit organization he established, has spearheaded a toilet revolution to improve toilets and sanitation conditions worldwide.

Sim chose to name Nov. 19 World Toilet Day, and in 2013 the day was sanctioned by the United Nations (UN).

The theme of this year's World Toilet Day -- Toilets and Jobs -- aims to promote better toilet facilities at offices, factories and construction sites.

British band Coldplay will play at the first-ever Global Citizen Festival in Mumbai, India, to celebrate the day, according to Sim.

Jack Sim receives an award in the NOVUS Summit 2016 at the UN General Assembly Hall in July, 2016.

CUT THE CRAP

"We use toilets every day, but we never talk about them," Sim said, warning that the consequence of such a silence can be fatal.

According to data from UN and World Health Organization, out of a global population of 7 billion, 2.4 billion people live without adequate sanitation. One in ten people has to defecate in the open.

Poor sanitation increases the risk of disease and malnutrition. Diarrhoea caused by poor sanitation and unsafe water kills 315,000 children every year. These deaths are preventable.

"One fly in the toilet is deadlier than 100 tigers. Toilets are the cheapest type of health care," Sim told Xinhua.

Every U.S. dollar spent on water and sanitation generates a return of 4.3 dollars in the form of reduced health care costs, according to WTO.

Sim features in a promotion poster

CALL OF NATURE

Sim was born and raised in a slum in Singapore. His family shared one toilet with nine other households. To call the facility a "toilet," however, would be a gross over exaggeration, as it was just a bucket with two boards, on top of which people squatted.

The toilet was always full of human waste, dirty toilet paper and sanitary pads, the smell hung heavy in the thick tropical air and there were always swarms of flies, Sim recalled.

From these humble beginnings, Sim rose high, and became a successful entrepreneur -- starting 16 companies by the age of 40.

Despite his success, he was not satisfied. He felt there was more that he could do -- to really make a difference. Sanitation, he found, was often neglected and the topic was a taboo shrouded in embarrassment. He decided to answer the call of nature.

Leaving his business, in 1998, Sim established the Restroom Association in Singapore. Three years later, he founded his WTO with 15 original member countries and held the first World Toilet Summit in Singapore.

WTO aims to break the taboo around toilets and the sanitation crisis. Since establishment, it has lobbied governments, public and private sector stakeholders and the international community to prioritize sanitation in the development agenda, according to Sim.

To break the taboo surrounding toilets, the former salesman realized humor is the best weapon.

Sim features in a promotion poster

Sim featured in a promotion poster and dressed up in a James Bond costume, and the title was an inverted 007 -- "LOO." In another poster, he was a genie in a chamber pot instead of a magical lamp.

"I'm going to turn 'poop culture' into pop culture," he said.

And he did it.

It is estimated that between 1990 and 2015, the use of improved sanitation facilities rose from 54 percent to 68 percent globally, according to data from the WHO and the UN Children's Fund (UNICEF).

UN has included the target to ensure everyone everywhere has access to toilets by 2030 in the Sustainable Development Goals launched in 2015.

In WTO's Rainbow Toilet Program in China, students in rural areas are taught how to wash their hands after using the toilet.

THE CHINA STORY

Sim's toilet revolution in China revolutionized the country's tourist industry. In 2004, Beijing held the fourth World Toilet Summit, the first time in China.

The 2008 Summer Olympic Games host was determined to improve the infamous image of its stinking public toilets to prepare for the sporting event. Over 4,000 public toilets near the Tian'anmen Square and in the Hutong area were reconstructed.

"Better toilets also helped secure the success of the Beijing Olympic Games," said Sim.

Moreover, Sim believes, toilets could be a remedy for China's slowing economy.

"When you have better toilets, you have more tourists," he said. "China's GDP growth is 6.7 percent now. But if you have a vibrate tourist market, maybe you can post 7 or 8 percent growth."

"So toilets actually generate money. It is not just an expenditure," he added.

Following Beijing, toilet summits have also been hosted by Shanghai, Hainan, Taipei and Macao. About 25,000 public toilets in scenic areas in the country will be transformed by the end of this year, according to tourism authorities.

Sim also launched the Rainbow Toilet Program in rural China. By improving sanitation conditions and promoting better hygiene in rural schools, the WTO aims to transform the lives of school children in the central province of Hubei.

Comparing his opinion of China now with that in 1986 when he came for the first time, Sim said he can see the tremendous changes since the reform and opening up. However, sanitation in some underdeveloped areas in western China is still very poor.

"I hope the next toilet summit in China will be hosted by a western city to improve sanitation there," he said. (Pictures provided to Xinhua)
Ji Bingxuan (L), vice chairman of the Standing Committee of the National People's Congress of China, meets with Egyptian President Abdel-Fattah al-Sisi in Cairo, Egypt, on Nov. 17, 2016. (Xinhua/Meng Tao)

CAIRO, Nov. 18 (Xinhua) -- Senior Chinese legislator Ji Bingxuan on Thursday met with Egyptian President Abdel-Fattah al-Sisi in Cairo on bilateral cooperation.

The vice chairman of the Standing Committee of the National People's Congress (NPC) said China supports Egypt's efforts to achieve stability and development and highly values Egypt's key role in the Belt and Road Initiative.

"Chinese President Xi Jinping and Egyptian president have reached important consensuses on deepening the comprehensive strategic partnership between the two countries," Ji said.

The Chinese senior official added that China's NPC is willing to join Egypt's House of Representatives to lift mutual political trust and enhance economic, cultural and people-to-people cooperation by providing legal support.

For his part, Sisi said "Egypt highly values the comprehensive strategic partnership with China and is keen on benefiting from China's experience in governing the country and achieving developments in various domains."

Moreover, Egypt is willing to conjoin its Suez Canal corridor development project with China-proposed Belt and Road Initiative, Sisi said.

He also expressed his wish that Egypt's House of Representatives and China's NPC will continue to contribute to deepening bilateral relations and boosting cooperation in various fields.

Ji arrived in Cairo on Wednesday at the invitation of the House of Representatives of Egypt. During his three-day visit, Ji also met parliament speaker Ali Abdel Aal and members of the China-Egypt Parliamentary Friendship Chamber.
BEIJING, Nov. 18 (Xinhua) -- The Ministry of Commerce (MOC) announced Friday that it will impose anti-dumping duties on imports of iron based amorphous alloy ribbon from the United States and Japan.

The duties will last for five years starting Friday, the ministry said.

According to the ministry's final ruling, companies from the United States and Japan have dumped the ribbon on the Chinese market and such imports have caused substantial damage to the domestic industry.

Anti-dumping duty rate for U.S. imports was set at 48.5 percent, and for Japanese imports it was set at 25.9 percent, said the ministry.

It launched an anti-dumping probe into imported iron based amorphous alloy ribbon in November last year.

Iron based amorphous alloy ribbon, a solid metallic material, is used in the production of transformers and inductors.
by Victoria Arguello

CARACAS, Nov. 17 (Xinhua) -- Chinese President Xi Jinping's three-country tour in Latin America on Nov. 17-23 underscores the importance China attaches to its cooperation with the region, Venezuelan political analyst Vladimir Adrianza said.

Xi's state visits to Ecuador, Peru and Chile show that China is keen to further strengthen ties with Latin America, said Adrianza, who teaches at the Bolivarian Military University of Venezuela in Caracas.

"China has a long-term vision of its relationship with other states," said Adrianza, noting that the Asian giant has substantially boosted bilateral trade for mutual benefit.

China is now Latin America's second largest trading partner and the third largest source of investment, and Latin America is China's seventh largest trading partner, and important overseas investment destination.

China has pledged to work with Latin America to bring bilateral trade to 500 billion U.S. dollars and increase its investment in the region to 250 billion dollars by 2025.

Xi is visiting Ecuador, the first leg of his trip, where China is helping the country bolster its energy infrastructure through a variety of projects, including a major hydroelectric plant.

China has also become Ecuador's leading source of financing, with Chinese investment in Ecuador exceeding 10 billion dollars.

He will then travel to Peru to take part in the 24th Asia Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) Economic Leaders' Meeting, which will gather the leaders of the bloc's 21 member economies in Lima.

According to Adrianza, China's cooperation with countries such as Peru clearly reflects Beijing's policy of respect for sovereignty and non-intervention in the internal affairs of other countries.

"China's (foreign) policy is marked by a high level of cooperation, not meddling in (others') domestic matters," said Adrianza.

China has been Peru's largest trading partner, export market and source of import for years, and Peru has become one of the top destinations for Chinese investment in Latin America.

As the world's fastest growing economy and home to more than 1.3 billion people, China represents both an "excellent" development model for regional countries, and an attractive incentive, Adrianza said.

"Latin America has major natural resources, and needs a model of industrialization like the one that China has been developing," the expert said.

Xi's visit to Chile will boost China's bid to internationalize its currency, renminbi or the yuan, as Chile is a key partner in the cause, Adrianza said.

Last year, the first clearing bank for transactions in renminbi in South America was opened in Chile's capital, Santiago.

A stronger yuan would help strengthen the movement to democratize global financial agencies, Adrianza said.

A growing China-Latin American relationship can help promote "multilateral" global development, he added.
SEOUL, Nov. 18 (Xinhua) -- Almost two-thirds of South Koreans opposed the signing of a bilateral military intelligence pact with Japan, on which the two countries resumed dialogue earlier this month, as Japan has yet to sincerely apologize for atrocities during World War TWO, a local pollster survey showed on Friday.

According to the Gallup Korea poll, 59 percent of respondents said they object to the military accord with Japan because Seoul must not strengthen military cooperation with Tokyo unrepentant of its brutalities during the devastating war.

Seoul and Tokyo resumed talks on the bilateral deal earlier this month to directly exchange military intelligence on the Democratic People's Republic of Korea (DPRK)'s nuclear and missile programs.

The two sides initialed the military pact in Tokyo on Monday, and it was passed in South Korea's vice ministers' meeting on Thursday.

The South Korean government is scheduled to approve it at a cabinet meeting next Tuesday, and the presidential ratification will be left for a final agreement.

Three main opposition parties opposed the rapid, unilateral push for the military accord, saying they will propose the impeachment of Defense Minister Han Min-koo.

Former President Lee Myung-bak pushed the deal in 2012, but it failed at the last minutes amid public outcry over the unilateral push without social and parliamentary consensus.

President Park Geun-hye is pushing the hush-hush deal again as public attention is being centered on a political scandal involving her longtime confidante and former aides.

The push for the deal divided public opinion as conservative voters favored the pact, which they believe is an urgent issue to defend their country from "growing nuclear and missiles threats" from the DPRK.

Pyongyang conducted its fifth nuclear test in September, just eight months after detonating its atomic device. The January nuclear test was followed by the launch in February of a long-range rocket.

The Gallup Korea poll showed 31 percent in favor of the accord with Japan as they believe South Korea would benefit from it in terms of collecting military intelligence on the DPRK.

More than half of supporters for the ruling Saenuri Party responded positively to the deal, but about 70 percent of supporters for the three main opposition parties went against it. More than two-thirds of those in their 20s to 40s also saw the pact negatively.
Chinese President Xi Jinping (L) and his wife Peng Liyuan wave as they arrive at the airport in Quito, Ecuador, Nov. 17, 2016. Xi arrived here Thursday for a state visit to Ecuador. (Xinhua/Wang Ye)

QUITO, Nov. 17 (Xinhua) -- Chinese President Xi Jinping arrived here Thursday afternoon, kicking off a state visit to Ecuador and his third visit to Latin America since he took office in 2013.

Besides Ecuador, the week-long tour will also take him to Peru and Chile. In Peru, Xi will attend the 24th Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) Economic Leaders' Meeting from Nov. 19 to 20 in the capital city of Lima.

Xi's Quito trip is the first state visit by a Chinese head of state to Ecuador in 36 years since the two countries forged diplomatic relations in 1980.

In a speech delivered at the airport after arrival, the top Chinese leader said Ecuador is an important country in Latin America, adding that the two nations have enjoyed long-running friendship while recent years have seen substantial development of their bilateral ties and ever enhancing political mutual trust.

He also said that the practical cooperation between the two sides have been fruitful and the two countries have supported each other on international and regional affairs.

Xi believes that this visit will achieve positive results and serve as a new and firm bridge to promote the friendly cooperation between the two countries and to open up brighter prospects for bilateral ties.

In his speech to welcome President Xi at the airport, Ecuadorian President Rafael Correa appreciates China's support for his country's economic and social development.

He also said the cooperation between the two countries in economy and trade, energy, agriculture, infrastructure construction and finance has been rather fruitful, adding that he believes that Xi's visit will lift bilateral ties to a new stage.

Ecuador hopes President Xi's "historic" visit leads to strengthening strategic ties, Ecuadorian Foreign Minister Guillaume Long told Xinhua ahead of the visit, adding that "the ties with China in recent years have been very fruitful, very significant."

Since President Correa came into power in 2007, Ecuador has focused on deepening ties with China. The Ecuadorian president's first official trip to Beijing took place in the same year of his inauguration, to bolster cooperation with China in different fields, from energy, science and technology, to economy, trade and education.

In 2015, during his second China visit, Correa and Xi agreed to elevate bilateral ties to the level of a strategic partnership.

"China views and grows its relations with Ecuador from a strategic and long-term perspective," President Xi said in a signed article on Ecuador's leading newspaper El Telegrafo on Wednesday, one day before his visit.

Despite the long distance, China has become Ecuador's third largest trading partner, with two-way trade reaching 4.1 billion U.S. dollars in 2015, quadrupling in just 10 years.

And Ecuador is now a major destination for Chinese investment and financing in Latin America. Chinese investment and financing in Ecuador has exceeded 10 billion dollars, supporting hundreds of projects including major infrastructure projects such as the Coca Codo Sinclair hydropower plant, seven other hydropower plants and a dozen of highways.

"I look forward to having in-depth exchanges with President Correa and friends from various sectors of Ecuador to take China-Ecuador relations to a new height," Xi said in the article.
BEIJING, Nov. 18 (Xinhua) -- China's property sector has shown signs of cooling after the authorities issued a spate of measures to contain sky-high prices, an official survey showed Friday, citing fresh data for the second half of October.

Of 70 large- and medium-sized cities surveyed in the second half of October, seven saw new home prices drop month on month, up from two in the first half of the month, according to the National Bureau of Statistics (NBS).

"Property prices stabilized in the second half of October," the NBS said in a statement.

In the second half of October, new residential property prices in Shenzhen and Chengdu continued to decline, while the prices in Beijing, Tianjin, Shanghai, Xiamen and Zhengzhou reversed the upward trend to start declining , according to the NBS.

Compared with September, the month-on-month price index for both new and second-hand residential property in those cities retreated in October, even though most of the cities still reported rises.

The NBS attributed the "significant changes" to policies rolled out by local governments to curb prices. In early October, dozens of Chinese cities announced measures, including purchase limits and tightened mortgage restrictions, to prevent prices from rising out of control.
BRUSSELS, Nov. 18 (Xinhua) -- China and Germany, host countries of G20 summits in 2016 and 2017 respectively, will have new cooperation opportunities in global economic governance, experts said Thursday.

Although China and Germany do not see eye to eye with each other on some issues such as innovation and the level of development of the two countries is different, differences between the two countries would not hinder their cooperation, said Dr. Enrico Fels from the Center for Global Studies, University of Bonn.

Fels made the remarks during a speech at a seminar held here themed "G20 in Hangzhou: China, Germany and Global Governance."

With the 2017 G20 summit to be held in the German city of Hamburg, Germany will offer its insights on issues such as new financial risks, digital challenges and trade barriers, Fels said, adding that Germany shares similar views with China on these subjects.

China and Germany have a long history of economic cooperation and both countries have benefited a lot from such cooperation, the expert said.

Huang Weiping, professor from China's Renmin University, said G20 has become an important mechanism for global economic governance.

Before the 2008 global economic crisis, G20 only organized meetings of finance ministers and central bank governors, and the crisis made G20 much more essential in global economic governance, Huang said.

At the 2009 Pittsburgh summit, G20 was recognized as the main forum for international economic cooperation, Huang said.

Today's global economic situation has highlighted the importance of this year's G20 summit in Hangzhou, China, as it marked the first time that the problem of development was placed at the forefront of the global policy framework and also the first time that plans were figured out to implement the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development.

This signifies that G20 has transformed to a long-term mechanism of governance, Huang added.

Professor David Fouquet, vice president of the European Post Graduate School of International Strategy and Development, said that China and Germany are proactively engaged in global governance.

The G20 Hangzhou Summit achieved a lot and this is not only a challenge but also an opportunity for the Hamburg summit, Fouquet said.

Issues such as climate change and economic crisis can not be addressed without the multilateral mechanism, Fouquet said, adding that he hoped the G20 will play a greater role in global governance in the future.

Experts from China and Europe, as well as media and student representatives attended the seminar, which was co-sponsored by Confucius Institute at Vrije Universiteit Brussel (Free University of Brussels), the European Post Graduate School of International Strategy and Development and the Brussels Academy for China and European Studies.
WELLINGTON, Nov. 18 (Xinhua) -- Chinese travelers have opened up their wallets and contributed to a record spending by overseas visitors in New Zealand, according to government figures out Friday.

The total international visitor spend was up 7 percent year on year to 10.06 billion NZ dollars (7.05 billion U.S. dollars) in the year to the end of September, according to the Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment (MBIE).

Spending by Chinese visitors was up 12 percent to 1.74 billion NZ dollars (1.22 billion U.S. dollars), making China the second biggest source of visitor spending.

While Australia remained the biggest source of spending, it was up just 1 percent to 2.44 billion NZ dollars (1.71 billion U.S. dollars).

Foreign holidaymakers spent the most in total, with a total spend of 6.3 billion NZ dollars (4.41 billion U.S. dollars), up 11 percent year on year.

"The latest International Visitor Survey results suggest that while international visitor spend remains positive, there are signs the spending has begun to stabilize after period of record growth, peaking in September 2015 at 38 percent," MBIE manager of sector trends Peter Ellis said.

"Over the September quarter, the New Zealand dollar appreciated against the currencies of most of our key source markets which likely contributed to growth stabilizing in international visitor spend," said Ellis.

Visitors to New Zealand numbered 3.39 million in the September year, up 11 percent year on year, the government's Statistics New Zealand agency said last month.

The biggest changes in visitor arrivals by country of residence between the September years were from Australia (up 80,000 to 1.38 million), China (up 77,600 to 405,500) and the United States (up 32,700 to 270,000).
JOHANNESBURG, Nov. 18 (Xinhua) -- Despite concerns over its fiscal targets, South Africa is hoping that it can avert a credit rating downgrade, Deputy Finance Minister Mcebisi Jonas said Thursday.

"A lot of work has been done and put into the ratings agencies story and I think that we have a firm proposition," Jonas told reporters.

The official said he is hopeful of a turnaround of the economy in the year and noted that there is a general consensus across the board to boost the economy.

The credit rating agencies have warned of a possible downgrade by the end of the year because of South Africa's underperforming economy with over-expenditure and a worrying political situation.

Standard & Poor's has already landed in South Africa for its review, which will be published before the end of the year.

The credit rating agencies were concerned about the government's ability to maintain fiscal targets, but the South African Treasury had convinced them that it could maintain caps on spending, said Jonas.

"We need to improve growth, we need to ensure that we stick to the fiscal path that we have taken as a country."

Jonas emphasized the importance of maintaining the current ratings, as a downgrade will have devastating implications.

The deputy minster also noted that nepotism and corruption are undermining efforts for a credible government.

"Leadership that looks beyond its own narrow confines is needed," said Jonas, who has been an outspoken critic of government graft. In October, he said: "Corruption is real, it's palpable, you can feel it."

South Africa's political elite have been involved in a slew of corruption scandals, which have eroded the trust of investors and weighed on Africa's most industrialized economy.

Last week, President Jacob Zuma survived a parliamentary no-confidence vote over allegations of influence peddling, one of several scandals involving him since taking office in 2009.
A Tibetan image of Turandot compared with a poster of western opera version

There have been many adaptions of Giacomo Puccini's opera Turandot. Now it is a Tibetan woman to give the Italian composer a new stun. Soinam Chodron has put the western classic onto the stage of Tibetan Opera, representing the ancient oriental story in an art form that is closer to the place where it is supposed to have happened.

The fictional legend is about how Tartary Prince Calaf, using his wisdom and passion, wins heart of Chinese Princess Turandot, who has turned against all men to avenge a female ancestor.

Soinam's adaption focuses on the love triangle between Turandot, Calaf and his servant Liu'er, who has a secret crush on the prince. Liu'er kills herself to protect the prince. Soinam's work is supported by the regional government's funding for young people's innovative projects.

At the beginning, Soinam planned to adapt the western classic into a mix of Tibetan Opera and Qinqiang, a folk opera in northwest China's Shaanxi Province, but she finally quit the experiment, worrying that it might end in neither fish nor fowl.

Soinam was admitted into the regional Tibetan Opera troupe in Lhasa at the age of 12. Then she spent three years learning dancing in Chengdu, a city in neighboring Sichuan Province, and another three years studying Tibetan Opera performance in Tibet University.

Now the 27-year-old performer is learning directing at the Central Academy of Drama in Beijing. She will become one of the first Tibetan Opera performers with a bachelor's degree when she graduates.

The adaption is an exploration of new ways for inheritance and development of Tibetan Opera, an art form that has had a history of more than 600 years, but is losing its audience in modern times, according to Palden Wangchug, head of the troupe.

During centuries of evolution, Tibetan Opera has been observing a set of strict rules, such as a mask dance at the opening and the indispensable role of fairies. Turandot also follows the rules.

The adaption has been staged in Lhasa, regional capital of Tibet, and it is also scheduled on the list of a Beijing theater. (Xinhua photos by Jigme Dorje)
BEIJING, Nov. 18 (Xinhua) -- China's steel exports will remain high in 2017 due to flat consumption domestically and slow capacity rationalization, a recent report pointed out, forecasting exports at 100 million tonnes next year.

International rating agency Fitch expects Chinese apparent steel consumption to remain between 700 and 705 million tonnes next year, reflecting decelerating property growth, stable infrastructure investment growth, and a favorable outlook for Chinese automobile and appliance consumption.

On the other hand, capacity rationalization will remain a key theme of the sector, with a target of 14 million to 27 million tonnes annually until 2020.

As a result, exports should remain high in 2017 as Chinese producers continue to benefit from the yuan's exchange rate and lower raw-material prices, the report concludes.

China's over-supplied steel sector experienced years of plunging prices and factory shutdowns due to the sluggish economy. However, with encouragement from the upward trend of prices from the beginning of this year, many steel mills are resuming production.

Official data showed China's crude steel production increased 0.4 percent year on year to 603.78 million tonnes in the January-September period.
UNITED NATIONS, Nov. 17 (Xinhua) -- A Chinese envoy on Thursday called on the United Nations (UN) Security Council to be prudent in taking actions to impose sanctions on South Sudan to avoid complicating the situation.

Wu Haitao, China's deputy representative to the UN, made the appeal at a Security Council meeting on South Sudan, noting that the overall situation in the country is still grim with many difficulties in humanitarian assistance.

Wu said that in the current complex situation, the Security Council should "send more positive signals to the outside" and encourage all parties of South Sudan to continue their implementation of the peace agreement.

A peace deal signed in August 2015 between the rival leaders in South Sudan under UN's pressure led to the establishment of a transitional unity government in April, but was devastated by renewed fighting that erupted in early July.

Wu said the Security Council and relevant parties should continue to encourage South Sudan's transitional government to enhance consultations with all parties involved and implement relevant council resolutions to promote peace and stability in the country.

"It is necessary to continue to push forward the political process on the issue of South Sudan," said Wu.

"The international community should accelerate its efforts to have all parties in South Sudan return to the track of political settlement and peace agreement implementation so as to resolve differences through dialogue and negotiation in a joint effort to achieve peace, stability and development of South Sudan," he added.

A UN report noted that the security situation continues to be volatile in South Sudan's capital of Juba and its nearby areas since the outbreak of violence in July.

It finds that the increasingly heinous acts of violence perpetrated against civilians in the Equatorias, southern part of South Sudan, have exacerbated existing tenuous relations between ethnic communities throughout the country.

South Sudan has been shattered by a civil war which broke out in December 2013 after President Salva Kiir accused his sacked deputy Riek Machar of plotting a coup. Machar denied the accusation but then mobilized a rebel force.

Tens of thousands have been killed, with more than 2 million displaced and another 4.6 million left severely food insecure since then.
MANILA, Nov. 18 (Xinhua) -- The body of former President Ferdinand Marcos is due to be buried at the Libingan ng mga Bayani(Heroes' Cemetery, LNMB) in Taguig on Friday.

"Remains of the late president will be brought to Manila today for internment at the LNMB," a military official said on condition of anonymity.

The late strongman, a former military officer and a recipient of the highest military decoration Medal for Valor, died in 1989 and his body was laid in state at a mausoleum in his hometown in Ilocos Norte.

"Upon the desire of the family, it will be a private burial and was requested held in confidentiality," the official said.

"Military honors appropriate for the deceased will be rendered per existing AFP regulations. Notice was given to all concern late yesterday. The Marcos family will have a statement after the internment at a place to be announced," he said.

National Capital Region Police director Chief Supt. Oscar Albayalde confirmed the Marcos burial at the heroes' cemetery.

Albayalde said the remains of Marcos was flown from Ilocos Norte to Metro Manila around 9 a.m. Friday. He said Marcos is due to be interred at the LNMB around 12 noon.
SHANGHAI, Nov. 18 (Xinhua) -- Shanghai municipal authority has organized a number of companies and institutions that will offer internships to thousands of foreign students.

The program, which is sponsored by the city's education commission, foreign affairs office and the public security bureau, named 11 companies and government entities that have intern opportunities for foreigners.

Among the employers are Shanghai Textile Group Co. Ltd., Shanghai Automobile International Trade Co. Ltd., Shanghai Ninth People's Hospital and Pujiang Hotel (also known as Richard's Hotel).

Starting from 2017, intern opportunities will be posted on www.study-shanghai.org, a website for foreign students.

There are more than 56,000 foreign students from 185 countries and regions studying in 39 universities and colleges in Shanghai, according to the municipal education commission.

A growing number of foreign students want to find jobs Shanghai after they graduate.

Michael Richard, who studied for his masters at Donghua University this year, told Xinhua that thanks to the city's favorable employment policies he obtained a full time job in July.

The American said his one-year internship with a logistic company was vital to securing a full time job, and helped him understand the Chinese economy and culture.

At Donghua University, there are 4,700 foreign students on campus. They are from 140 countries and regions.
by Edgardo Loguercio

BRASILIA, Nov. 18 (Xinhua) -- Latin American countries are forging closer ties with China in the hope that the Asian power can offer a chance for the modernization of their economies, Marcos Troyjo, a Brazilian political scientist, has said.

China has become an essential partner for Latin American countries, and ties with China have improved their outlook at a time of weak global growth, Troyjo, director of BRICLab, a center for studies on the BRICS bloc of emerging economies at Columbia University in New York, told Xinhua in a written interview.

"Beijing advocates comprehensive cooperation with regional countries, and Latin Americans are echoing that nature on China-Latin America ties."

The two regions' complementarity makes the relationship strategic, said the academic, as Latin America can supply China with agricultural and mining raw materials, and in exchange, China is willing to invest sizable sums to build up the region's weak infrastructure.

China has said it aims to increase trade with Latin America to 500 billion U.S. dollars and to boost investment in the region to 250 billion dollars by 2025.

In addition to complementarity in terms of trade, the two sides are in favor of multilateralism in international politics.

"The Asian giant is not only the main destination for Latin American goods, but also a potential pivot toward a new world order, where the United States would play a smaller leading role," Troyjo said.

At this week's Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation Economic Leaders' Meeting in Lima, Peru, the bloc's 21 member economies are expected to advance on a free trade zone in the Asia-Pacific region, an idea agreed at the APEC meeting in Beijing in 2014.

"In the Pacific, a White House proposal for an investment and trade partnership, which to date has excluded Beijing from the negotiations, will also lose steam," noted Troyjo, referring to the Trans-Pacific Partnership deal that U.S. President-elect Donald Trump has vowed to dump.

Today, the world sees a United States that appears more protectionist, and a China that appears more open to free trade, said Troyjo.
LIMA, Nov. 17 (Xinhua) -- Peruvian President Pedro Pablo Kuczynski on Thursday called on young people of APEC member economies to adapt to the changes new technologies are bringing to the world.

"The world is changing at a blistering pace," the president told the closing ceremony of an APEC summit for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) during the 2016 APEC Economic Leaders' Week in Lima.

"What we need to teach young people is how to adapt to the world, because many specific things will continue to change," said the president.

Education must become an effective tool for socio-economic development and to help developing countries adapt to global progress, Kuczynski said.

"It will be very important to know how to learn and adapt, for which education is crucial."

Kuczynski added that the government would help SMEs in a number of ways, including reforming Peru's tax authority. He also mentioned a government plan to simplify regulations and administrative processes to help SMEs do business in an easier way and integrate global value chains.
Chinese President Xi Jinping holds talks with Ecuadorian President Rafael Correa in Quito, Ecuador, Nov. 17, 2016. (Xinhua/Ju Peng)

QUITO, Nov. 17 (Xinhua) -- China and Ecuador agreed on Thursday to lift bilateral ties to a comprehensive strategic partnership.

The decision was announced during Chinese President Xi Jinping's state visit to Ecuador, the first of its kind since the two countries established diplomatic relations 36 years ago.

In his talks with Ecuadorian President Rafael Correa, Xi, who arrived in Ecuador Thursday afternoon, said Ecuador is an important country in Latin America.

Despite a long distance between them, bilateral ties between China and Ecuador have witnessed substantial development in recent years.

The two countries established a strategic partnership in Correa's second official visit to Beijing in 2015, and Ecuador is now a major destination for Chinese investment and financing in Latin America.

In April this year, Ecuador was hit by a 7.8-magnitude earthquake, and China was one of the first countries to supply humanitarian aid immediately after the quake.

Xi noted that since 2015, mutually beneficial cooperation between the two sides have seen rapid development in a wide range of areas, with the scale of collaboration continuing to increase.

Bilateral ties have since been greatly enriched and have been picking up momentum towards comprehensive development, he added.

The Chinese president said China-Ecuador relations have now entered a key phase where cooperation between the two countries is of greater importance to both sides.

China will continue to support Ecuador in exploring a development path that suits its own conditions, and will actively take part in Ecuador's post-earthquake reconstruction work, he said.

China is willing to reinforce practical cooperation with the Ecuadorian side in all areas, comprehensively step up the integration of interests of both sides, expand people-to-people exchanges, and open up brighter prospects for the development of bilateral ties, Xi said.

He went on to pledge support for Ecuador's presidency of the Group of 77 next year, saying that China is willing to maintain close cooperation with the G77 in multilateral affairs.

China is also willing to work with Ecuador to boost overall cooperation with Latin America and push for greater development in China-Latin America relations, he added.

Ecuador is the first leg of President Xi's three-nation Latin American tour which will also take him to Peru and Chile. This is his third visit to Latin America since he took the presidency in March 2013.

He will also attend the 24th Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) Economic Leaders' Meeting while in Lima, capital of Peru.

Related:

Backgrounder: Key facts about China-Ecuador ties

Full text of Chinese president's signed article in Ecuadorian newspaper
BEIJING, Nov. 18 (Xinhua) -- The French writer Victor Hugo observed in Les Miserables that "supreme resources spring from extreme resolutions." In much the same way, China is committed to innovation and development in a green way to fight climate change.

As the world's largest developing country, China is playing an active role in negotiation and global governance on climate change.

Self-motivated and willing to work with others to save the planet, China has taken steps, including billions of dollars of investment, to tackle climate change and provide advanced new-energy technology.

The 22nd Conference of Parties to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (COP22), from Nov. 7 to 18, was the first conference after the historic December 2015 Paris Agreement, which took effect on Nov. 4 this year and has been ratified by 96 countries and the EU.

Under the agreement, nations agreed to combat climate change and to roll out actions and investment to ensure a low-carbon, resilient and sustainable future.

Chinese culture values harmony between man and nature. With its commitment, China is practising what it preaches.

From 2010 to 2015, China had the largest net increase of forested area, with an annual increase of more than 1.5 million hectares.

China leads the world in terms of energy conservation and utilization of new and renewable energy.

In 2015, there were 340,000 new-energy vehicles on China's roads, and the country is the largest market for new energy automobiles.

At the Marrakech summit in Morocco, 50 buses made by China's Yangtze Automobile shuttle attendees to and from the conference.

China also reaffirmed that it would set up a 20 billion yuan (2.9 billion U.S. dollars) fund for South-South cooperation to help other developing countries cope with climate change, funding projects such as low-carbon model parks, implementing mitigation and training personnel.

In a document submitted ahead of the Paris talks in 2015, China pledged to cut its carbon emissions per unit of GDP by 60 to 65 percent from 2005 levels by 2030.

China vowed to peak its CO2 emissions by around 2030, raise the share of non-fossil fuels in primary energy consumption to about 20 percent and increase forest stock by around 4.5 billion cubic meters from 2005.

The country's 13th Five-Year Plan (2016-2020) also reflected these targets.

China has taken a leading role in global emissions reduction and its contribution was recognized by officials from other countries and organizations.

"China is the largest investor in renewable energy in the world," said Fatih Birol, executive director of the International Energy Agency. "This shows China's commitment."

Executive director of the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) Erik Solheim credited China's robust leadership for the adoption of the Paris climate deal in December last year, and spoke highly of China's contribution to the global green agenda.

The summit is not the finishing line but a new starting point.

Faced with growing pressure on resources and the environment, China called on countries to increase dialogues and exchanges of best practices with other developing countries, draw on each other's strengths to achieve common development through mutual learning, and deliver benefits to all people.
WASHINGTON, Nov. 17 (Xinhua) -- Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe said Thursday he had a "very candid discussion" with U.S. President-elect Donald Trump, as he was seeking clarity on Trump's campaign rhetoric seen as hostile towards Japan.

Saying his 90-minute meeting with Trump at Trump Tower in New York was held in a "warm atmosphere", Abe told reporters that both men agreed to meet again "at a convenient time to cover a wider area in greater depth." But he refused to provide any details of the discussion.

Trump campaign manager Kellyanne Conway told CBS News earlier Thursday that Trump's meeting with Abe was "much more informal" in nature, given the fact that U.S. President Barack Obama would not leave office till Jan. 20, 2017.

"Any deeper conversations about policy and the relationship between Japan and the United States will have to wait until after the inauguration," said Conway.

The meeting was Trump's first in-person meeting with a foreign leader since he defeated Democrat Hillary Clinton last week.

During his presidential campaign, Trump questioned several crucial components of U.S.-Japanese relations, opposing the Trans-Pacific Partnership (TPP) trade deal and once suggesting that Japan should acquire its own nuclear weapons, among others.

Trump also pledged to demand higher payments from allies, including Japan, for them to keep U.S. troops on their soil or face possible withdrawal of U.S. forces.
By Matt Burgess

SYDNEY, Nov. 18 (Xinhua) -- The global economy is crying out for leadership to stem the opposition to free-trade, yet the stagnant economic recovery post-Global Financial Crisis is having countries implementing inward looking policies.

The dynamics of European Union post the United Kingdom's referendum to leave the single market (Brexit) has created a global and regional integration challenge that's filtering throughout the developed world.

Increasing protectionist rhetoric by members of Australia's government -- both ruling and opposition power brokers -- as well as the looming Donald Trump presidency proves resistance to globalisation is gathering pace.

"That has got indirect impacts on the way APEC leaders are seeing the world," Director of the Institute of Global Finance at the University of New South Wales Professor Fariborz Moshirian, told Xinhua earlier this month.

And of course there are other regional forces at play dictating whether APEC on its own can become a force for economic and financial integration, Moshirian said, noting the friction between the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP) and the Trans Pacific Partnership (TPP).

"It's a bit complicated... everyone is trying to create their own sort of bloc," Moshirian said, adding it's essentially a battle for "supremacy and control of trade and investment within the Asia Pacific region."

Feasibility and cost-benefit studies of a free trade zone covering all APEC members, agreed as part of a proposed Free Trade Area of the Asia-Pacific (FTAAP) at the 2014 APEC summit in Beijing, are to be delivered at the Peru Summit.

The free trade zone encompassing the 21 APEC members, who currently account for over 50 percent of global GDP, should potentially be implemented no later than 2025 if agreements can be reached, just under 20 years after its original proposal by the United States.

With roughly 10-percent of national income traded, there is little risk for the United States if they pushed for FTAAP to be delayed, though they would risk isolating themselves in the Asia-Pacific.

Australia seeks to negate this, wanting to "capitalise on this moment in the global economy" though increased free-trade in the booming Asia-Pacific, but is consciences that the "impacts of change can be borne unevenly across the community".

"Countries that have embraced open trade and investment policies have experienced, as we know, significant gains in income, employment and living standards," Australian Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull told the Business Council of Australia annual dinner on Thursday night, adding it has lifted billions of people out of poverty in the region.

"But we are living in a time where the pace and scale of change is without precedent in human history.

"Change is unsettling, and as people see things change around them, they are concerned they could be left behind. Weaker growth in incomes is feeding uncertainty, helping anti-trade sentiment find a foothold."

Turnbull said the world has seen economies introduce the equivalent of five protectionist trade policies per week over the past year, the fastest pace since the Global Financial Crisis.

"Retreating from policies that have delivered us prosperity and opportunity is the wrong call," Turnbull said.

But protectionism isn't just about trade policies, it's also the issues that influence trade.

Since the Global Financial Crisis, the developed world economies have been running extraordinarily loose monetary policy, some experimental.

It's a bid to lower a country's currency to make their exports more competitive. In effect, increase exports, decrease imports and spur the domestic economy, Moshirian said.

"But if everyone does it, it's the same thing that happened in the great depression, and you suddenly slow down free trade," Moshirian said.

The ideal solution to boost global trade, thus global growth is the failed World Trade Organization (WTO) Doha trade negotiations that stumbled because complex issues couldn't be resolved. So, nations are now forming regional trade blocks, which are politically charged.

Pushing FTAAP is using APEC to its full capacity, minimising the smaller, politically charged trading blocs such as RCEP and TPP.

An agreement on the feasibly of FTAAP proves APEC is a rightful global leader in a region of dynamic change. It's now time for APEC to pull together to agree to press the next stage, the Doha round.

"Frankly, my hope (is) that they can just not play politics, but rather be united for multilateral free trade," Moshirian said.
KANDAHAR, Afghanistan, Nov. 18 (Xinhua) -- With an AK-47 assault rifle slung casually over his shoulder, Allah Mohammad, while slashing an opium bulb with a vicious looking knife and extracting its milky nectar that seeps from the cuts, said that he thanks the chaos and ongoing militancy in Afghanistan as it allows him to grow poppies on his farm in the Ghorak district of the southern Kandahar province.

"The police in government-controlled areas don't allow the farmers to grow poppies, but in some areas like the Ghorak district where the government only has a loose grip, the farmers can cultivate poppies and run the easy, profitable business," Mohammad said recently.

"Planting opium poppies and converting the plant's nectar to heroin is a profitable business for the villagers here in Ghorak where government forces barely exist," the farmer said, adding that the farmers have gained experience in growing poppies and that is why they can earn three to four times more over the past few years than in the last decade.

Kandahar and the neighboring Helmand, Zabul and Uruzgan provinces where anti-government militants including the Taliban are active, are areas responsible for producing a major part of all opium poppies harvested in Afghanistan annually.

According to Mohammad, parts of the Ghorak, Miwand and Khakriz districts where security forces' presence is slim are suitable places for the farmers to grow poppies. Meanwhile, officials in Kandahar's provincial capital of Kandahar city have claimed that poppy cultivation has been eradicated in government-controlled areas.

Nevertheless, the officials have admitted that in spite of the government's tireless war on drugs, people in unregulated areas take advantage of the situation to grow poppy fields to fuel the lucrative heroin trade.

The growing of poppies and their byproducts have been on a constant rise in Afghanistan since the collapse of the Taliban regime in late 2001, and a survey conducted by the Afghan Ministry for Counter-Narcotics and the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime, released in October, revealed a 43 percent increase in the amount of drugs being harvested, compared to a year earlier.

The estimated opium production in 2016, according to the survey, was 4,800 tons, compared to 3,300 tons in 2015 and, similarly, the land used to cultivate poppies in the current year had increased 10 percent to 201,000 hectares compared to last year.

The majority of the opium, the raw material used in the manufacturing of heroin, according to officials, has been produced in the troubled provinces where Taliban militants are active.

A Taliban fighter on one poppy field, who spoke on condition of anonymity, confessed his support for growing poppies and producing the drug, saying, "Although growing poppies and producing heroin is forbidden in Islam, poverty has forced us Taliban to support poppy growing."

"It is a source of income for the farmers as well as for the Taliban, as the Taliban collect one kilogram from every 10 kg of opium produced by the farmers as 'Ashar' (an Islamic principle to collect one-tenth from legal crop yields to help the Islamic government and poor families) to support Jihad (holy war) in Afghanistan," the Taliban fighter said.
Photo taken on Nov. 17, 2016 shows the injured after a tanker truck exploded in Tete province, Mozambique. At least 73 people were killed and dozens of people injured after a tanker truck exploded in northern Mozambique on Thursday, the government said. (Xinhua)

MAPUTO, Nov. 18 (Xinhua) -- Mozambique has created a commission to investigate a tanker truck explosion that killed 73 people and injured 110 others and provide necessary support.

The commission is headed by Minister of State Administration and Civil Servants Carmelita Namashulua, Minister of Transports and Communications Carlos Mesquita, deputy minister of health Mouzinho Saide and director of the Institute for Disaster Management Osvaldo Machatine.

The commission is expected to land in the Tete province, where the explosion happened, on Friday.

According to police authorities, the tragedy occurred on Thursday when the victims were trying to still oil from the truck soon after the driver of Malawian company parked the truck.

"All happened because the driver of the truck belonging to a Malawian company abandoned the road NR7 to the interior of the community, in the process of stilling fuel, the truck overheated and exploded," said Fabiao Nhancoloco, police provincial commandant.

About 43 people died at the scene and 40 others on their way to the provincial hospital. The injured had been rushed to a nearby hospital.

The tragedy occurred in a day when Tete province registered a maximum of 37 degrees Celsius.
ZAMBOANGA CITY, Philippines, Nov. 18 (Xinhua) -- A brief but heavy gunbattle erupted Friday that left at least 14 killed, including 10 Abu Sayyaf militants and 4 soldiers, in the mountain of Patikul town, Sulu Province, according to security official.

At least 9 soldiers were also wounded in the firefight, said Maj. Filemon Tan Jr., spokesman of Western Mindanao Command.

The military said the fierce fighting ensued when troops under the 35th Infantry Battalion attacked about 150 Abu Sayyaf militants at the village of Buhanginan, a known stronghold of the Abu Sayyaf group in the strife province of Sulu.

The encounter came when a freed Filipino captive confirmed to authorities he saw several hostages held by the Abu Sayyaf group.

The military confirmed earlier that the Abu Sayyaf group is holding at least 22 captives, including a Dutch, German, 2 Indonesians, 5 Malaysians, 6 Vietnamese and 6 locals.

The military could not immediately say if all of the hostages are being held altogether in Sulu as there are reports the separate bandit group are holding the 6 Vietnamese sailors in Basilan.

Tan said the gunbattle in Patikul erupted about 10:20a.m. with troops attacking the Abu Sayyaf group for about 45 minutes.

"The firefight was fierce and ground troops were supported by ground bombardment utilizing 105mm Howitzer," Tan said.

Tan said the Abu Sayyaf group retreated and splintered but were subjected by heavy cannon bombardments.

He said the attacked resulted to 10 Abu Sayyaf members killed.Tan said at least 4 soldiers were also killed and 9 others were wounded.

Troops in the nearby areas conducted blocking operations to receive the escaping militants with assault.

The 350-strong Abu Sayyaf Group (ASG), founded in the early 1990s by Islamic extremists, is a violent Muslim terrorist group operating in the southern Philippines. The ASG is notorious for a series of kidnappings, bombings and even beheadings in southern Philippines over the past decades.

The ASG operates mainly in Basilan, Sulu, and Tawi-Tawi Provinces in the Sulu Archipelago and has a presence on Mindanao. Members also occasionally travel to Manila.
HANOI, Nov. 18 (Xinhua) -- Vietnam recorded a trade surplus of over 3.3 billion U.S. dollars from January to October 2016 with foreign direct investment (FDI) companies continuing to outweigh domestic firms in export revenue, according to the General Department of Vietnam Customs on Friday.

Vietnam's total trade turnover exceeded 284.5 billion U.S. dollars during the period, including 143.9 billion U.S. dollars in exports, a year-on-year increase of about 7 percent.

In October alone, the country raked in more than 15.4 billion U.S. dollars from overseas shipments, down 0.1 percent from the previous month, nearly 11 billion U.S. dollars of which was earned from export activities of FDI enterprises, up 0.3 percent from September.

Phones and components topped the list of export commodities in October with revenue of over 2.83 billion U.S. dollars, down 2.6 percent over the previous month. They were followed by textile and garment products with more than 1.9 billion U.S. dollars in turnover, dropping by 10.7 percent.

Computers, electronic products and components ranked third with a monthly export revenue increase of 10 percent, according to Vietnam Customs.

The U.S. remained the biggest market Vietnamese goods in October with over 3.26 billion U.S. dollars, bringing 10-month exports to the country to 31.55 billon U.S. dollars.

The respective figures for China, the second biggest importer, were 2.2 billion U.S. dollars and 17.3 billion U.S. dollars.

Vietnam Customs said the country imported more than 140.65 billion U.S. dollars of commodities in the first 10 months of 2016, including 15.84 billion U.S. dollars in October.

Imports by FDI firms reached some 9.5 billion U.S. dollars in October, rising by 7.7 percent from the previous month.

Computers, electronic products and components were the goods with the biggest import turnover, 2.7 billion U.S. dollars. Machinery, equipment and spare parts were second with 2.38 billion U.S. dollars.

China continued to be the biggest exporter of goods to Vietnam, with revenue of 4.3 billion U.S. dollars in October, bringing 10-month imports to more than 40.2 billion U.S. dollars, said Vietnam Customs.
ISLAMABAD, Nov. 18 (Xinhua) -- Pakistani anti-terrorism personnel killed a commander of the militant group Islamic State (IS) near the country's capital of Islamabad on Friday, officials said.

Two members of the Counter Terrorism Department (CTD) were also injured when Ehsan Sattai, the IS commander, in exchange of firing, in the outskirts of Murree, a scenic town, some 50 kilometers from Islamabad.

Two IS activists escaped during the shootout, officials said.

The CTD members raided a house early morning on a tip off that the suspects were hiding there. The suspects were planning to attack media houses in Islamabad and the nearby Rawalpindi city, an official told the media.

The authorities recovered rifles, explosives, bomb-making equipment and suicide vest, he said.

The suspects refused to surrender and threw a hand grenade at the raiding party, the official said. Both sides exchanged fire.
ADDIS ABABA, Nov. 18 (Xinhua) -- China and Ethiopia are willing to enhance bilateral ties, leaders of the two sides said here on Thursday.

Ethiopia is ready to work with China and deepen the friendly bilateral relations at all levels, including people-to-people exchanges, President Mulatu Teshome told visiting Chinese Vice President Li Yuanchao.

Ethiopia attaches great importance to relations with China and has harvested tangible benefits, he added.

Mulatu further commended that the major China-Africa cooperation plans proposed by Chinese President Xi Jinping at the Johannesburg Summit of the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation will meet Africa's needs and strongly promote its industrialization.

Li expressed China's willingness to follow the important consensus among leaders of the two countries to deepen cooperation in various fields.

The two countries, which have similar concept of governance and development and have extensive common interests, have played a leading and exemplary role in many aspects in China-Africa cooperation, he added.

Li also indicated that experience sharing between the two ruling parties will promote the comprehensive cooperative partnership of China and Ethiopia.

Li recalled Mulatu's prior experience in China, saying the president has witnessed the growth of bilateral relations.
Chinese President Xi Jinping and Ecuadorian President Rafael Correa witness the signing of document on bilateral cooperation after their talks in Quito, Ecuador, Nov. 17, 2016. (Xinhua/Ju Peng)

QUITO, Nov. 17 (Xinhua) -- China and Ecuador agreed here Thursday to boost their cooperation in production capacity, as well as economic and trade areas, according to a joint statement issued during Chinese President Xi Jinping's visit to the Latin American nation.

During the talks between President Xi and his Ecuadorian counterpart Rafael Correa, the two heads of state exchanged views on China-Ecuador ties, China's relations with Latin America, and international and regional issues of common concern, said the statement.

Seeking to boost production capacity and investment cooperation, the two countries pledged to implement major projects in oil and gas, mining, infrastructure, water conservancy, communication and finance, and explore cooperation in agriculture, petrochemical industry, ship building, metallurgy and paper making industries.

China is willing to work with Ecuador in technology transfer so as to boost the country's industrialization and strengthen its capacity in independent development.

The two sides also pledged to encourage their companies and financial institutions to discuss possible cooperation on the Pacific Refinery, a large petrochemical complex in Ecuador's northern province of Manabi, which is going to be a pillar of petrochemical industry in Ecuador and the whole region as well.

On trade, Beijing and Quito seek a steady, sustainable and balanced trade growth, and vow to make it more convenient for their respective products to get access to the other's markets.

The two sides also want to enhance their exchanges in science and technology, according to the statement.

China is willing to play an active role in the Yachay City of Knowledge and Prometheus program, and facilitate the cooperation between scientific research academies, higher learning institutions and enterprises in joint research and development, innovation, as well as the commercialization and industrialization of scientific research achievements.

China and Ecuador also agreed to enhance their cooperation in education, culture, health, sports, tourism and judicial areas, bolster exchanges between media, artists and students of the two countries, increase the number of student exchanges, so as to boost understanding and friendship of the two peoples.

The two sides reaffirmed that they will continue to respect each other's sovereignty and territorial integrity and support their respective core interests and major concerns, said the document.

Ecuador reiterated its firm adherence to the one China policy and support to Beijing's efforts to achieve national unification, while the Chinese side backs Ecuador's efforts to seek a development path that fits its national conditions, and to maintain independence, sovereignty, territorial integrity and security.

The two sides also agreed to maintain close high-level exchanges, and promote communications between their legislative bodies, political parties, and at local level as well as cooperation between their foreign ministries so as to find more common ground and enhance political mutual trust.

Also in the statement, China and Ecuador believe that practical cooperation is an important part of their comprehensive strategic partnership.

Seeking to improve their all-round cooperation, the two sides are willing to further integrate their development strategies, and give full play to a series of cooperation mechanisms in such areas as production capacity, investment, trade, agriculture and technology.

Also according to the joint statement, the two countries agree that they share broad common interests in many of the key international and regional issues.

Both countries will, within the UN and the Group of 77 (G77) as well as many other multilateral cooperation frameworks, maintain close communications and cooperation on UN reform, global economic governance, climate change, and the 2030 agenda for sustainable development, so as to promote South-South cooperation and preserve the interests of the developing world.

China supports Ecuador's G77 presidency in 2017, and would like to work with the country to increase the influence and the voice of the developing countries in global affairs.

President Xi arrived in the Ecuadorian capital of Quito Thursday afternoon, kicking off a state visit to the country and his third visit to Latin America since he took office in 2013.

Besides Ecuador, the week-long tour will also take him to Peru and Chile. In Peru, Xi will attend the 24th Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) Economic Leaders' Meeting from Nov. 19 to 20 in the capital city of Lima.

Related:

Backgrounder: Key facts about China-Ecuador ties
By Abu Hanifah

JAKARTA, Nov. 18 (Xinhua) -- Indonesian President Joko Widodo confirmed that national security remained under full control after string of religious-related violence that took civilian lives this month.

The confirmation came out after the president's serial visits to leaders of prominent Muslim groups, police's special unit and elite units in the military in the last two weeks, aimed at assuring to get pledges of support and readiness of those key elements in guaranteeing the stability of the country.

Anxieties emerged among minorities in the country that mostly inhabited by Muslims after the massive demonstrations staged by Muslim hardliners and an explosion in a church perpetrated by a former terror convict in East Kalimantan province.

The two events have claimed two lives and injured dozens others. The explosion in the church on Sunday killed a 2-year-old toddler who had just prayed in the church along with her parents. Three other toddlers suffered from burn injuries from the explosion.

Speaking on the sidelines of his visit to the Army's Strategic Command headquarters in Cilodong, West Java on Wednesday, President Widodo said that his recent serial visits to leaders of religious organizations, police and the military was intended to comfort the public who were anxious after the occurrence of religious-related violence events.

"Their readiness was intended to comfort the public. Once the public knows that everything is ready and standby, they would be eased down," the president said.

The assurance from police, military and Muslim organizations to control their followers would significantly help government and the public in anticipating possible disturbances following the religious-related violence.

The moves conducted by the president were praised by analysts, saying that it was a correct to respond the developing situation in the country.

"The president's intensive communications with key organizations in the society and having the assurance that police and the military are in the same spirit and vision would ease down the developing tension in the country," an analyst from Islamic University of Syaruf Hidayatullah, Gun Gun Heryanto said on Wednesday.

Another analyst from psychology department at University of Indonesia (UI), Hamdi Muluk said that government has learned from impact of the massive demonstrations, taking more effective approach by involving public organizations as part of solution to settle problems faced by the nation.

Indonesian police have recently imposed suspect status against Jakarta governor Basuki Tjahaja Purnama, who made blasphemous comments against the Koran in September that eventually triggered massive demonstrations staged by hundreds of Muslim hardliners in the capital since last month.

The incumbent Jakarta governor Basuki, who is a Christian, is scheduled to run in gubernatorial election in February next year. Should the trial against him found he is guilty in the religious blasphemy case, he may face up to five years imprisonment.
ISTANBUL, Nov. 18 (Xinhua) -- Turkish authorities on Friday detained 73 academicians from the Yildiz Technical University in Istanbul as part of an ongoing crackdown launched in the wake of a failed coup in July, local media reported.

Istanbul prosecutors issued warrants for the detention of 103 academics from the university, the state-run Anadolu Agency reported.

Of them, 73 have been detained by police, it added.

Press reports said some suspects were accused of using the so-called Bylock messaging App adopted by an outlawed organization led by U.S.-based cleric Fethullah Gulen, who was accused of masterminding the coup attempt on July 15.

More than 40,000 people have been detained in the ongoing investigation, with some 80,000 others removed from public office in the purges.
Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan delivers a speech during a ceremony marking the beginning of the 2016-2017 academic year for higher education at the Bestepe National Congress And Culture Center in Ankara on October 18, 2016. (Xinhua/AFP Photo)

ISTANBUL, Nov. 18 (Xinhua) -- Turkish authorities on Friday detained 73 academicians from the Yildiz Technical University in Istanbul as part of an ongoing crackdown launched in the wake of a failed coup in July, local media reported.

Istanbul prosecutors issued warrants for the detention of 103 academics from the university, the state-run Anadolu Agency reported.

Of them, 73 have been detained by police, it added.

Press reports said some suspects were accused of using the so-called Bylock messaging App adopted by an outlawed organization led by U.S.-based cleric Fethullah Gulen, who was accused of masterminding the coup attempt on July 15.

More than 40,000 people have been detained in the ongoing investigation, with some 80,000 others removed from public office in the purges.
HOUSTON, Nov. 17 (Xinhua) -- Lone Star College's north Harris County campus in the U.S. state of Texas' greater Houston area was evacuated Thursday night after a 911 call claiming a gunman was on campus.

Houston police said they received a call from a woman at about 7:47 p.m. local time (0145 GMT Nov. 18) stating that "someone is shooting" on the public community college campus.

Police rushed to the college and worked together with college security to investigate the incident, but no gunshots were heard and no injuries were reported.

An alert about the incident was sent out to students and faculty at around 8 p.m. local time (0200 GMT Nov. 18) and the college was evacuated as a precaution.

After a thorough investigation, it was decided that the call was probably a hoax, but officials are continuing to monitor the situation.
SEOUL, Nov. 18 (Xinhua) -- South Korean prosecutors said Friday that they may insert President Park Geun-hye's criminal charges in indictment for her longtime confidante and two former aides expected on Sunday.

An official at the special investigative unit of the Seoul Central District Prosecutors' Office in charge of the case told a press briefing that Park's "criminal charges" could be in question in executions for Choi Soon-sil, the president decades-long friend suspected of intervening in state affairs behind the scenes, and two former presidential secretaries.

The official was quoted by local media outlets as saying that though the prosecution office didn't fix the president's status as the accused in this case, Park is an important reference witness and her criminal charges could be in question.

Prosecutors had informed Park of being investigated as a reference witness no later than Wednesday, but Park's attorney delayed it to next week. The prosecution office postponed its face-to-face questioning of the scandal-hit president to Friday, but it didn't happen.

President Park is grappling with the political scandal surrounding Choi, who has been arrested for alleged charges of meddling in government affairs though she has no public position and peddling undue influence for personal gains. Two former presidential aides have also been detained for helping Choi abuse power.

The three are forecast to be criminally indicted on Sunday. A special prosecutor would continue to investigate the case as rival political parties agreed to a bill on the independent counsel appointment earlier this week.

If Park's criminal charges are mentioned in the indictment, the president's status could be changed into a criminal suspect, according to local media reports.

The first South Korean female leader's biggest political crisis since her inauguration in February 2013 is snowballing as even a day doesn't pass without a new speculation by local news organizations.

Park's approval rating stayed at 5 percent for three weeks in a row, the lowest for any South Korean president, according to a weekly survey of Gallup Korea, local pollster.

Hundreds of thousands of protesters are expected to take to the streets in Seoul and major cities nationwide on Saturday, the fourth mass rally on the weekends since the scandal burst into a rage last month.

The embattled president is trying to normalize state affairs, appointing new vice ministers and foreign missions earlier this week. Park on Wednesday ordered a thorough investigation into a corruption scandal involving the tourism complex development in the southern port city of Busan.

The presidential office said Park will participate in the tripartite summit meeting with China and Japan, which is predicted to be held in Tokyo next month, if schedules are fixed.

The president is widely believed to chair a cabinet meeting next Tuesday, when major government policies would be approved such as the military intelligence pact with Japan and the special prosecutor bill on the Choi Soon-sil case. It would become Park's first presiding over the cabinet meeting in over a month.
MOSCOW, Nov. 18 (Xinhua) -- A tense relationship between Russia and the United States does not meet the interests of the American people or solve the problems in the world, Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov said here Friday.

Russian President Vladimir Putin and newly-elected U.S. President Donald Trump also discussed bilateral relations, he said during an interview with "Russia 24" TV channel.

On the issue of Syria, Lavrov said it will be one of the main issues for discussion at the Geneva meeting on Friday.

The meeting will be held in Geneva with the participation of representatives from Russia, the United States and Middle Eastern countries which are involved in the Syrian conflict.
SINGAPORE, Nov. 18 (Xinhua) -- More than 6,450 cartons of duty-unpaid cigarettes from a Malaysia-registered truck were seized at Singapore's Tuas checkpoint on Thursday, said the Immigration and Checkpoints Authority (ICA) in a press release on Friday.

ICA said that the truck, driven by a 46-year-old male Malaysian, arrived at the checkpoint at about 9:00 a.m. on Thursday. The truck was carrying a consignment declared to contain 20 pallets of paper boxes. During the course of checks, ICA officers found 6,454 cartons and 460 packets of duty-unpaid cigarettes hidden among the consignment.

The potential duty and Goods and Services Tax evaded amounted to about 504,400 Singapore dollars (354,038 U.S. dollars) and 50,780 Singapore dollars (35,627 U.S. dollars) respectively.

The authority added that the driver, duty-unpaid cigarettes and truck were handed over to Singapore Customs for investigations. The vehicle used in the commission of such offences is liable to be forfeited.
BEIJING, Nov. 18 (Xinhua) -- China on Friday responded to Vietnam construction on a South China Sea island, urging the country to stop its occupation and illegal activities on China's territory.

"China is firmly opposed to the relevant country's illegal occupation of South China Sea reefs, and construction on China's territory," said Foreign Ministry spokesperson Geng Shuang at a routine press briefing.

Geng was responding to a question regarding a U.S. think tank report, which said satellite images taken this month showed Vietnam had lengthened its runway on the Nansha Islands.

China has indisputable sovereignty over the Nansha Islands and their adjacent waters, Geng said.

"We strongly urge the relevant country to respect China's sovereignty and interest, and withdraw its personnel and facilities," Geng said.

He urged the relevant country to abide by bilateral and regional consensus, and not to take any action that may complicate the situation.
HARBIN, Nov. 18 (Xinhua) -- A floating bridge on the China-Russia border was opened Friday for winter transport between the two countries, a port in northeast China said.

The 600-meter bridge is built on six 1,000-tonne barges connected end-to-end between Heihe Port in Heilongjiang Province and Blagoveshchensk, capital of the Amur region in the Russian Far East, said an official with the port.

The bridge is designed with 10.5 meter-wide road with two-way lanes for personnel and cargo transport.

It is expected to remain open until April, when the river ice fully melts allowing for ferry operations, the official said.

A hovercraft ferry is also being used, until the river freezes.

Heihe is an important port in Heilongjiang, with Blagoveshchensk on the other side of the Heilong River. The distance between the ports' nearest points is only 100 meters.
JAKARTA, Nov. 18 (Xinhua) -- Anti-terror squad of Indonesian national police on Friday arrested five suspected militants on the outskirts of Jakarta, a police spokesman said here.

National Police Spokesman Boy Rafly Amar revealed that all the persons operated under one group, but did not give further details about the group.

Four of them were arrested in Bekasi town and another in Kalideres town, the spokesman said.

"They are coordinated under one group, but we still do not know the name of the group," he said at the national police headquarters.

"The roles of each of them are being investigated. Now they are undergoing police's investigation," Rafly added.

The spokesman noted that the arrest was carried out after the police developed several terrorist cases.

During the raids on their hideouts, Rafly said that police seized lots of evidence, but did not elaborate.

Indonesia has witnessed a series of small-scale terrorist strikes in recent months, including a blast outside a church in Samarinda city of East Kalimantan, an attack on police officers on the outskirts of Jakarta and an attempted suicide bombing in a church in North Sumatra.

Indonesia is monitoring over 50 militants who have returned home after joining IS in Iraq and Syria, according to police.
Chinese President Xi Jinping attends a welcome ceremony held by Ecuadorian President Rafael Correa at the airport in Quito, Ecuador, Nov. 17, 2016. Xi arrived here Thursday for a state visit to Ecuador. (Xinhua/Lan Hongguang)

QUITO, Nov. 17 (Xinhua) -- China and Ecuador agreed here Thursday to boost their cooperation in production capacity, as well as economic and trade areas, according to a joint statement issued during Chinese President Xi Jinping's visit to the Latin American nation.

During the talks between President Xi and his Ecuadorian counterpart Rafael Correa, the two heads of state exchanged views on China-Ecuador ties, China's relations with Latin America, and international and regional issues of common concern, said the statement.

Seeking to boost production capacity and investment cooperation, the two countries pledged to implement major projects in oil and gas, mining, infrastructure, water conservancy, communication and finance, and explore cooperation in agriculture, petrochemical industry, ship building, metallurgy and paper making industries.

China is willing to work with Ecuador in technology transfer so as to boost the country's industrialization and strengthen its capacity in independent development.

The two sides also pledged to encourage their companies and financial institutions to discuss possible cooperation on the Pacific Refinery, a large petrochemical complex in Ecuador's northern province of Manabi, which is going to be a pillar of petrochemical industry in Ecuador and the whole region as well.

On trade, Beijing and Quito seek a steady, sustainable and balanced trade growth, and vow to make it more convenient for their respective products to get access to the other's markets.

The two sides also want to enhance their exchanges in science and technology, according to the statement.

Chinese President Xi Jinping holds talks with Ecuadorian President Rafael Correa in Quito, Ecuador, Nov. 17, 2016. (Xinhua/Lan Hongguang)

China is willing to play an active role in the Yachay City of Knowledge and Prometheus program, and facilitate the cooperation between scientific research academies, higher learning institutions and enterprises in joint research and development, innovation, as well as the commercialization and industrialization of scientific research achievements.

China and Ecuador also agreed to enhance their cooperation in education, culture, health, sports, tourism and judicial areas, bolster exchanges between media, artists and students of the two countries, increase the number of student exchanges, so as to boost understanding and friendship of the two peoples.

The two sides reaffirmed that they will continue to respect each other's sovereignty and territorial integrity and support their respective core interests and major concerns, said the document.

Ecuador reiterated its firm adherence to the one China policy and support to Beijing's efforts to achieve national unification, while the Chinese side backs Ecuador's efforts to seek a development path that fits its national conditions, and to maintain independence, sovereignty, territorial integrity and security.

The two sides also agreed to maintain close high-level exchanges, and promote communications between their legislative bodies, political parties, and at local level as well as cooperation between their foreign ministries so as to find more common ground and enhance political mutual trust.

Chinese President Xi Jinping and Ecuadorian President Rafael Correa witness the signing of document on bilateral cooperation after their talks in Quito, Ecuador, Nov. 17, 2016. (Xinhua/Ju Peng)

Also in the statement, China and Ecuador believe that practical cooperation is an important part of their comprehensive strategic partnership.

Seeking to improve their all-round cooperation, the two sides are willing to further integrate their development strategies, and give full play to a series of cooperation mechanisms in such areas as production capacity, investment, trade, agriculture and technology.

Also according to the joint statement, the two countries agree that they share broad common interests in many of the key international and regional issues.

Both countries will, within the UN and the Group of 77 (G77) as well as many other multilateral cooperation frameworks, maintain close communications and cooperation on UN reform, global economic governance, climate change, and the 2030 agenda for sustainable development, so as to promote South-South cooperation and preserve the interests of the developing world.

China supports Ecuador's G77 presidency in 2017, and would like to work with the country to increase the influence and the voice of the developing countries in global affairs.

President Xi arrived in the Ecuadorian capital of Quito Thursday afternoon, kicking off a state visit to the country and his third visit to Latin America since he took office in 2013.

Besides Ecuador, the week-long tour will also take him to Peru and Chile. In Peru, Xi will attend the 24th Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) Economic Leaders' Meeting from Nov. 19 to 20 in the capital city of Lima.
NANJING, Nov. 18 (Xinhua) -- A Chinese team on Friday won the 2016 ACM Gordon Bell prize, a top honor in high-performance computing, for an application running on China's fastest supercomputer.

It is the first time a Chinese team has won the award.

The project, named "10M-Core Scalable Fully-Implicit Solver for Nonhydrostatic Atmospheric Dynamics," presents a method for calculating atmospheric dynamics, according to the Association for Computing Machinery, which presented the award at the International Supercomputing Conference in Salt Lake City in the United States.

"The application can help improve global climate simulation and weather prediction," said Yang Guangwen, director of the National Supercomputing Center in Wuxi.

The center, also one of the application developers, is home to Sunway Taihulight, the supercomputer that runs the application.

The award shows that Taihulight not only excels in terms of speed, but can also be a powerful platform for a wide range of applications, said Yang.

Since its launch on June 20, Sunway Taihulight has helped research teams in both China and abroad make over 100 achievements in 19 different fields, including meteorology, oceanography, aerospace and biology, Yang said.

According to the International Supercomputing Conference, China has 171 of the world's top 500 supercomputers, tied for first place with the United States.

Established in 1987, the Gordon Bell Prize is awarded each year at the annual supercomputing conference. It recognizes outstanding achievements in high-performance computing applications.
BEIJING, Nov. 18 (Xinhua) -- China hopes that bilateral arrangements between any countries do not harm the interests of other countries, a Foreign Ministry spokesman said Friday.

Geng Shuang made the remarks at a daily press briefing when asked to comment on the meeting between U.S. President-elect Donald Trump and Japan's Prime Minister Shinzo Abe Thursday.

Geng said China is pleased to see the development of normal bilateral relations between any countries, but noted that such relations should respect the security concerns of countries in the region and be conducive to regional peace and stability.

He also said the 27th session of the China-U.S. Joint Commission on Commerce and Trade (JCCT), slated for November 21- 23, is being organized.

Chinese Vice Premier Wang Yang will attend the JCCT, in the United States.
CHENGDU, Nov. 18 (Xinhua) -- Southwest China's Zigong City, in Sichuan Province, plans to build a "Jurassic Park."

The city government signed a deal with Shenzhen's Fantawild Group on Thursday, with the two sides to invest 3.1 billion yuan (450 million U.S. dollars) in the tourist attraction.

The theme park, covering 67 hectares, will be next to the existing Zigong Dinosaur Museum. The park will feature virtual reality and augmented reality to "liven up" the dinosaurs and is expected to draw more than three million visitors each year.

In 1902, China dug up its first dinosaur fossil in northeastern Heilongjiang Province. In 1979, a cluster of dinosaur fossils was found in Zigong City.

Fantawild Group has built more than 20 theme parks in China, which attracted about 23 million visitors last year.
Chinese President Xi Jinping and Ecuadorian President Rafael Correa meet journalists after their talks in Quito, Ecuador, Nov. 17, 2016. (Xinhua/Lan Hongguang)

QUITO, Nov. 18 (Xinhua) -- China and Ecuador agreed on Thursday to lift bilateral ties to a comprehensive strategic partnership, in a bid to further strategic mutual trust and win-win cooperation between the two countries.

Speaking to journalists together with Ecuadorian President Rafael Correa hours after he arrived in Quito, visiting Chinese President Xi Jinping said the two heads of state have agreed to elevate ties between their countries and make this a new starting point to seek more fruitful results in practical cooperation in various fields.

"We will treat the China-Ecuador relationship from a strategic and long-term perspective, and work together with the Ecuadorian side to further development from a new starting point," Xi said.

1ST HISTORIC VISIT BY A CHINESE HEAD OF STATE TO ECUADOR

Xi is on a three-nation Latin American tour, the third of its kind to the continent since he assumed the presidency in March 2013.

The first leg of the week-long tour to Ecuador is the first state visit by a Chinese president to the country since the two sides established diplomatic ties in 1980.

Already, the visit had been described as "historic" in Quito.

"The establishment of the comprehensive strategic partnership is of historic significance," Correa said when meeting the press. He said the bilateral relationship has reached an "unprecedented" level.

As the world's second-largest economy with a high speed of growth, China can play a very important role in bolstering Ecuador's development, especially against the backdrop of low oil prices, said the Ecuadorian president.

Noting China does not attach any political strings when assisting other countries, Correa told journalists that China is a reliable partner and that cooperation with the Asian country helps consolidate Ecuador's sovereignty, accelerate its industrialization and improve its capability of self-reliant development.

He said his country and China share a lot of common interests and that they can cooperate extensively. "The gate of Ecuador will always be open to you, to the Chinese people," Correa said.

STRATEGIC PARTNERSHIP OF MUTUALLY BENEFICIAL, SUCCESSFUL COOPERATION

Despite a long distance separating the two countries, cooperation between China and Ecuador in trade and finance has yielded great success in recent years.

The two countries established a strategic partnership in 2015 during Correa's second visit to China. China is currently the third largest trade partner of Ecuador, while the latter is now a major destination for Chinese investment and financing in Latin America, with two-way trade reaching 4.1 billion U.S. dollars in 2015, quadrupling in just 10 years.

In his talks with Correa earlier on Thursday, Xi said Ecuador is an important country in Latin America, adding that bilateral ties have witnessed substantial development in recent years.

Xi said that since 2015, mutually beneficial cooperation between the two sides has seen rapid development in a wide range of areas, with the scale of collaboration continuing to increase.

Bilateral ties have since been greatly enriched and picking up momentum toward comprehensive development, he said.

RELATIONS ENTER NEW PHASE, HERALDING BRIGHTER PROSPECTS

The Chinese president said China-Ecuador relations have now entered a key phase where cooperation between the two countries is of greater importance to both sides.

China will continue to support Ecuador in exploring a development path that suits its own conditions, and will actively take part in Ecuador' s post-earthquake reconstruction work, he said.h China is also willing to reinforce pragmatic cooperation with the Ecuadorian side in all areas, comprehensively step up the integration of interests of both sides, expand cultural and people-to-people exchanges, and open up brighter prospects for bilateral ties, Xi said.

He went on to pledge support for Ecuador's presidency of the Group of 77 (G77) next year, saying that China is willing to maintain close cooperation with G77 in multilateral affairs.

China will also work with Ecuador to boost overall cooperation with Latin America and push for greater development in China-Latin America relations, he added.

For his part, Correa likened Xi's visit to "a get-together between friends," and said he believes the Chinese president's Ecuador trip will serve to boost bilateral relations and cooperation as well as bring more benefits to people on both sides.

Ecuador has always pursued a one-China policy, and is committed to strengthening exchanges and cooperation between the two countries in political, economic as well as cultural and people-to-people fields, Correa said.

Also on Thursday, Xi and Correa witnessed the signing of a string of cooperation agreements in the areas of production capacity, investment, industrial parks, economic technologies, judiciary and media.

President Xi will leave for Peru and Chile after finishing his state visit to Ecuador. He will also attend the 24th Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) Economic Leaders' Meeting in Lima, capital of Peru.

NEW STARTING POINT TO DEEPEN TRUST, WIN-WIN COOPERATION

In their talks, the two presidents agreed to make the elevation of bilateral ties a new starting point to deepen strategic mutual trust, seek greater achievements in mutually beneficial cooperation and boost the healthier and faster development of bilateral ties.

Liu Yuqin, former Chinese ambassador to Ecuador, said the decision to elevate bilateral ties represents the positive response of the two countries' top leaders to the calls for more pragmatic and win-win cooperation in all fields.

"The official endorsement has always been an essential element in boosting bilateral exchanges," Liu said.

The former ambassador said one of the most notable highlights of bilateral exchanges was the construction of hydroelectric stations by Chinese companies in Ecuador, a country rich in hydropower but hungry for energy due to the lack of infrastructure and financial and technological support.

"Take Coca Codo Sinclair (CCS) hydroelectric station for instance, the project is the largest of its kind in South America. Together with other stations built by Chinese companies, the CCS will make the country self-sufficient in clean power and become an electricity exporter. That means a lot to Ecuador's economic development and people's wellbeing," Liu said.

Wu Baiyi, director of the Institute of Latin American Studies at the Chinese Academy of Social Sciences, pointed out that the tenacity of Chinese-made projects enhanced Ecuador's confidence in China and its technological edge.

EARTHQUAKE RELIEF, RECONSTRUCTION AID PROMOTES FRIENDSHIP

Bilateral amity was further enhanced after Ecuador was hit by a devastating earthquake in April this year, which killed close to 700 people, injured nearly 5,000 more and displaced 80,000. China was one of the first countries to supply humanitarian aid immediately after the quake.

China also provided cash support of two million dollars and humanitarian aid worth 9.2 million dollars to Ecuador after the fatal quake.

Chinese companies in Ecuador also dispatched staff and resources to the affected regions to participate in the disaster relief and humanitarian aid.

Correa said the Ecuadorian side appreciates China's firm support in its quake relief and post-quake construction work.

According to Ecuadorian Foreign Minister Guillaume Long, China has offered the most aid and support to his country in the immediate hours after the quake.

Daniel Santos with Ecuador's Disaster Relief and Reconstruction Commission said that China's helping hand will further promote friendship between the two countries.

The ambitious CCS project, constructed by the Chinese company Sinohydro, is expected to meet 44 percent of Ecuador's energy demand.

Power generated by the plant played a key role in Ecuador's quake relief in the wake of the April earthquake.

Related:

China, Ecuador pledge to boost production capacity, trade cooperation

QUITO, Nov. 17 (Xinhua) -- China and Ecuador agreed here Thursday to boost their cooperation in production capacity, as well as economic and trade areas, according to a joint statement issued during Chinese President Xi Jinping's visit to the Latin American nation. Full story

Full text of Chinese president's signed article in Ecuadorian newspaper

QUITO, Nov. 16 (Xinhua) -- Chinese President Xi Jinping published a signed article in the leading Ecuadorian newspaper El Telegrafo under the title "Build A New Bridge of China-Ecuador Friendship and Cooperation" on Wednesday, ahead of his state visit to the Latin American country. Full story
BEIJING, Nov. 18 (Xinhua) -- Chinese President Xi Jinping will start a state visit to Peru on Saturday at the invitation of Peruvian President Pedro Pablo Kuczynski.

During his stay in Peru, Xi will attend the 24th Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) Economic Leaders' Meeting and will deliver a speech to the APEC CEO Summit.

The following are some key facts about the bilateral relationship between China and Peru:

Peru established diplomatic relations with China in 1971. Since then, bilateral ties have developed smoothly with frequent exchanges of high-level visits, enhanced trade and economic cooperation and increased exchanges in the fields of culture, education, science and technology.

The two countries have established a comprehensive strategic partnership, the highest level of relations between China and Latin American countries.

The China-Peru Free Trade Agreement (FTA) was officially ratified by each country's government in December 2009 and went into effect on March 1, 2010.

In recent years, bilateral trade has remained on an upward trajectory, hitting a record level of nearly 15 billion U.S. dollars in 2015.

In the first eight months of this year, trade grew by 9 percent year-on-year, outpaced by a 21.8-percent uptick in Peruvian exports to China.

China has been Peru's largest trading partner, export market and source of imports for years, and Peru has become one of the top destinations in Latin America for Chinese investment.

Chinese investments in Peru have been wide-ranging, covering mining, hydrocarbons, infrastructure, financial services and more.

Over 170 Chinese businesses have invested more than 14 billion dollars in Peru, helping to create tens of thousands of jobs and new sources of tax revenue for local communities and benefiting the economic and social development in the country.

The robust people-to-people exchanges between Chinese and Peruvians have brought them even closer.

The four Confucius Institutes in Peru have attracted more than 4,000 registered students. Meanwhile, more and more Chinese admirers of the Inca civilization are hoping to visit Peru as tourists.
Yu Zhengsheng (L), chairman of the National Committee of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference, meets with media representatives who attended a media summit in Beijing, capital of China, Nov. 18, 2016. The summit was hosted by Beijing Daily Press Group and Taiwan's Want Want China Times Group. (Xinhua/Zhang Ling)

BEIJING, Nov. 18 (Xinhua) -- China's top political advisor on Friday urged media across the Taiwan Strait to hold more exchanges and boost cross-Strait ties.

Yu Zhengsheng, chairman of the National Committee of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference, made the remarks while meeting with media representatives who attended a media summit in Beijing.

The summit was hosted by Beijing Daily Press Group and Taiwan's Want Want China Times Group.

Yu said exchanges between the press on the two sides have played an important role in strengthening mutual understanding.

He said mainstream public opinion on both sides supports the political foundation of peaceful development, and the central authorities will continue to facilitate cross-Strait media exchanges.

Yu also expressed his hope that media on both sides will guide public opinion more positively and promote the bond between compatriots across the Strait.
LUSAKA, Nov. 18 (Xinhua) -- Zambian President Edgar Lungu has asked that his salary be cut by half as part of the government-led austerity measures aimed at reviving the country's economy, the vice-president said Friday.

Inonge Wina said in parliament when asked by opposition lawmakers that the government was serious about implementing austerity measures.

"This government is committed to enforcing austerity measures and the president is the first national of the country to declare that even his salary be cut in half so that the country can observe that we have to make sacrifices as leaders," she said.

She has since asked the lawmakers to lead by example and observe austerity measures as well.

The Zambian leader's current annual salary is 447,559 Zambian Kwacha (about 45,000 U.S. dollars).

The vice-president also dismissed reports that the government wanted to purchase 45 land cruisers for ministers.

The opposition lawmakers wanted to know if it was true that the government had ordered expensive vehicles for ministers at a difficult time for the country's economy.

She said the government was not in the process of buying the vehicles and that cabinet has not even discussed the matter.
File photo shows Somali refugees listen during a meeting between refugee representatives and members of UNHCR delegation at Dadaab refugee camp, Kenya, May 8, 2015. (Xinhua/Sun Ruibo)

NAIROBI, Nov. 18 (Xinhua) -- The UN refugee agency (UNHCR) has welcomed Kenya's decision to delay the closure of the Dadaab refugee camp and called for flexibility on the timeframe for repatriation of Somali refugees there.

Kenya said in May it would close Dadaab, which houses more than 260,000 Somalis, in November, citing security concerns. Repatriation has since been accelerated.

The UNHCR lauded Kenya's commitment to voluntary, humane, safe and dignified returns for the Somalis in accordance with international law.

Dadaab, the world's largest refugee camp in northeast Kenya, was set up over 20 years ago to house Somalis fleeing civil conflict.

"UNHCR now appeals to the government of Kenya to show flexibility on the timeframe for the different elements of the plan, including on returns to Somalia," the UNHCR said in a statement received on Thursday.

"Rigid timeframes will be difficult to meet. For solutions to be genuinely voluntary people must be properly informed, and able to make their individual decisions free from pressure and in full awareness of the facts."

The UNHCR said it would continue to work with the Kenyan government in pursuing the most appropriate options for the refugees.

Kenya said Wednesday it would delay the closure of the Dadaab refugee camp by six months, citing the volatile security situation in Somalia and a request from the UNHCR.

Interior minister Joseph Nkaissery said some 262,000 refugees were still in Dadaab while 16,000 had been repatriated in the last six months.

He denied reports by some human rights groups and aid agencies that Dadaab refugees were being forced back to Somalia.

The UNHCR has been involved in the repatriation of Dadaab refugees for years.

File photo shows refugees gather to watch UN High Commissioner for Refugee Antonio Guterres' visiting delegation at Dadaab refugee camp, Kenya, May 8, 2015.(Xinhua/Sun Ruibo)

According to the UN agency, a survey launched months ago found that 283,558 refugees were living in Dadaab, 58,000 fewer than in the past.

The UNHCR says it has also commenced the relocation of 14,000 non-Somali refugees in Dadaab to the Kakuma and Kalobeyei settlement in Kenya's Turkana county.

Some Dadaab refugees will be moved to third countries. "16,000 refugees awaiting resettlement clearances will have these procedures finalized to enable departure from Kenya to third countries," the UNHCR said.

The UNHCR also called for the international community to "make adequate investments in Somalia in support of its progress towards security and stability."

Somalia is struggling to recover from some two decades of civil conflict, but still faces a potent threat from militant group Al-Shabaab.

Kenya claims Al-Shabaab members hide in Dadaab. Al-Shabaab has carried out a series of attacks in Kenya since Kenyan peacekeeping troops entered Somalia to battle the group in 2011.
TOKYO, Nov. 18 (Xinhua) -- Two Japanese whaling ships set off Friday for an annual hunt in the Antarctic Ocean despite widespread international opposition, local media reported.

The ships, the 724-ton Yushin Maru and 747-ton Yushin Maru No. 2, set out from the port city of Shimonoseki in Yamaguchi prefecture, western Japan, and will join two other whaling vessels to form a fleet, with the plan to kill 333 minke whales by March, 2017.

Japan, a signatory to the commercial whaling moratorium adopted by the International Whaling Commission (IWC) in the 1980s, has been hunting whales for "scientific research purposes" in north Pacific and the Antarctic.

As meat of whales hunted by Japan was sold and ended up on dinner tables, the United Nations' International Court of Justice (ICJ) ruled in 2014 that Japan shall stop its Antarctic whaling as it is not for scientific purposes.

Japan canceled its 2014-2015 season Antarctic hunt but resumed whale hunting in the following season despite the ICJ ruling and opposition from anti-whaling countries, cutting its yearly target number by two-thirds to 333.
LONDON, Nov. 18 (Xinhua) -- British Supreme Court announced Friday that the Scottish and Welsh governments will be allowed to intervene in the forthcoming legal battle over how Britain's exit from the European Union (EU) should be triggered.

In what will be one of the most important court cases in British legal history, British Prime Minister Theresa May's government is to appeal against a High Court ruling that parliament must vote on triggering Brexit.

The landmark case will start before all 11 Supreme Court judges on Dec. 5 and is likely to last for four days. The decision will not be announced until early in 2017.

The Supreme Court said Friday that the Lord Advocate of the Scottish government and the Counsel General for the Welsh government had been granted permission to intervene in the case.

The court is also to allow other representation in the case by the "expat interveners," George Birnie and others, as well as the Independent Workers Union of Britain.

Additionally, the Attorney General for Northern Ireland will take part in the case regarding devolution issues relating to Northern Ireland.

The High Court in London ruled earlier this month that the British parliament should have a say before Article 50 of the Lisbon Treaty is triggered to start two years of formal withdrawal talks from the EU.

May said she still hopes to trigger Article 50 before the end of March 2017, paving the way for Britain to leave the EU before March 2019.

She has always insisted that the government can start the process without permission of the House of Commons and the House of Lords. The High Court disagreed, prompting the appeal to the highest court in Britain.

May's fear is that anti-leave politicians could use a parliamentary process to sabotage Brexit.
GENEVA, Nov. 18 (Xinhua) -- Of the 60,000 people who have fled the Iraqi city of Mosul since military operations to recapture one of the Islamic State (IS)'s last strongholds began on Oct. 17, around 40,000 have done so in November, the UN Refugee Agency (UNHCR) reported Friday.

"Close to half are children, according to UN data and UNHCR surveys. Women, girls and female headed households, some of whom are survivors of abuse, account for much of the rest," UNHCR spokesman Adrian Edwards said in a statement.

"There has been a marked increase over the past week in the number of people fleeing after fighting intensified in the more densely-populated urban areas of Mosul," he added.

The agency had warned before the military campaign kicked off that as many as 1.2 million civilians could be displaced by fighting.

Together with partner organizations as well as the Iraqi government, UNHCR has the capacity to host up to 700,000 people if need be.

Supported by Kurdish Peshmerga fighters, Iraqi troops kicked off operations last month to take back the city which fell into IS hands in June 2014 after government forces abandoned their weapons and fled, enabling IS militants to take control of parts of Iraq's northern and western regions.

International aircraft as well as Iraqi and U.S.-led coalition artillery units are supporting ground operations there.

According to reports, more than 5,000 IS militants were initially holed up in Mosul to defend the city, though they are losing ground amid ongoing military operations.
KIGALI, Nov, 18 (Xinhua) -- The Canadian government has deported to Rwanda Henri Jean-Claude Seyoboka, a suspect of the 1994 genocide that killed close to 1 million Rwandans.

Seyoboka, who has been living in Canada since 1996, arrived at Kigali International Airport on Friday morning from Canada. The deportation ends his 20-year run from justice.

The 50-year-old is the second genocide suspect deported by Canada, following Leon Mugesera in 2012.

Seyoboka is accused of genocide, crimes against humanity, murder and extermination that took place in Nyarugenge in the capital Kigali, where he participated in meetings that planned the 1994 genocide, according to Rwanda National Public Prosecution Authority (NPPA).

Speaking to reporters shortly after the arrival of the suspect, NPPA spokesperson Faustin Nkusi hailed the Canadian government's cooperation.

"We are grateful for the effort put in by several countries across the world towards fighting impunity and seeking justice to Rwanda genocide victims and survivors," he said.

NPPA says that in 2007, gacaca courts had tried Seyoboka case and handed him a 19-year jail sentence for genocide crimes.

Gacaca courts are homegrown courts that has tried over 2 million cases related to crimes committed during the 1994 genocide.

During the 1994 genocide, Seyoboka was a second lieutenant in the genocidal army (Ex-FAR). He fled the country in 1994.

In January 1995, Seyoboka travelled to Toronto and claimed refugee status but never disclosed his involvement in the Rwandan military in the refugee application process, which violated Canadian laws.

His legal trouble began in 1998 following his International Criminal Tribunal for Rwanda (ICTR) interview,when his military past was disclosed to Canadian Citizenship and Immigration officials.

In early 2010, a Canadian Court denied him asylum for the sixth time due to existing evidence implicating him for participating in the 1994 Genocide.

Seyoboka has fought extradition for many years on the grounds that he could face torture back in Rwanda, but the Canadian officials dismissed his claims.

Seyoboka is the son-in-law of Col. Elie Sagatwa, one of the leading masterminds of the genocide, and brother of the wife of ex-genocidal president Juvenal Habyarimana.

In 2012, Canada deported Leon Mugesera to Rwanda. He was found guilty of crimes related to the 1994 genocide and sentenced to life in prison.

Last weekend, the Dutch government deported two genocide suspects Jean-Claude Iyamuremye and Jean-Baptiste Mugimba to Rwanda.

Currently, 12 people accused of committing genocide have been extradited from Uganda, DR Congo, Canada, United States, Netherlands and ICTR to stand trial in Rwanda.
KIGALI, Nov. 18 (Xinhua) -- The European Union (EU) Friday announced 20 million euro in fund to support Rwanda's accountable economic governance.

The funding agreement was inked Friday in Kigali.

The grant will help improve governance of public funds and improve evidence-based policy-making and monitoring, among other things, according to Rwandan officials.

"EU regards Rwanda as the leader in sub-Saharan Africa in terms of proper use of donor money. We have high confidence in the country systems," Michael Ryan, the EU Ambassador to Rwanda, said at the signing ceremony.

Rwanda's Minister of Finance and Economic Planning Claver Gatete said accountable economic governance is one of the top priorities for his government.

This grant is part of the EU's 460-million-euro package of support to Rwanda signed in September, 2014 with European Commission in Brussels.
RAMALLAH, Nov. 18 (Xinhua) -- A senior Palestinian official said Friday the Palestinians are looking forward to positively working with the U.S. administration of President-elect Donald Trump to realize the two-state solution.

Saeb Erekat, secretary general of Palestine Liberation Organization (PLO), made the announcement in a meeting in the West Bank city of Ramallah with the U.S. Consul General Donald Bloom.

He also said in a statement that he conveyed to President Trump that "all types of Israeli settlement are illegal," adding that "the Israeli government's decision to annex occupied East Jerusalem is illegal, and we don't recognize it."

Erekat had earlier met in Ramallah with visiting New Zealand Minister of Foreign Affairs Murray McCully, and called on New Zeland, a member of the UN Security Council, to nack the choice of the two-state.

On Thursday, Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas met with McCully and stressed to New Zeland's top diplomat that the Palestinian leadership is exerting all efforts to keep the choice of the two-state solution.

"The efforts to keep the two-state solution between us and the Israelis are aimed at rescuing the peace process which has so far reached a deadlock due to the Israeli policies that reject the international resolutions," Abbas told reporters.

The last round of peace talks between Israel and the Palestinians, sponsored by the United States, collapsed in April 2014, after nine months of futile efforts.
SHANGHAI, Nov. 18 (Xinhua) -- Eighty-five artificially-bred Chinese sturgeon, a critically endangered species, were released on Friday into the Yangtze River.

The release was carried out at the mouth of the river in Shanghai. The freed sturgeons were all 1.6 meters long. Workers also freed nearly 60,000 other fish at the same time, including protected Chinese suckers.

The Chinese sturgeon has existed for more than 140 million years. The fish has top national protection, as economic development, pollution and illegal fishing have driven it to the verge of extinction.

Progress has been made in protection of aquatic animals in the Yangtze in recent years with fishing bans, creation of nature reserves and action against illegal fishing, said Minister of Agriculture Han Changfu.

The Chinese sturgeon nature reserve at the mouth of the Yangtze was established in 2002. Since 2004, authorities have freed artificially-bred fish 17 times, involving nearly 500 Chinese sturgeon.
South African President Jacob Zuma (L) addresses the National Council of Provinces in East London, Eastern Cape Province, South Africa, on Nov. 18, 2016. South African President Jacob Zuma on Friday joined the chorus of condemnation against the racial incident in which a black man was forced into a coffin by two white men. (Xinhua/DOC/Elmond Jiyane)

CAPE TOWN, Nov. 18 (Xinhua) -- South African President Jacob Zuma on Friday joined the chorus of condemnation against the racial incident in which a black man was forced into a coffin by two white men.

"This incident, which was posted on social media, is shocking, painful and despicable in the extreme," Zuma said in an address to the National Council of Provinces in East London, Eastern Cape Province.

In an incident that caused national uproar, two white men accused Victor Mlotshwa of trespassing on a ranch, forced him into a coffin and threatened to pour gasoline on him and light him on fire. One of the men captured part of the assault process on video.

The incident happened in Middleburg, Mpumalanga Province. The footage was shot on August 17, but has surfaced only recently.

The incident is a reminder of the deep-seated racist attitudes that still prevail among some in the country, who still regard black people as lesser human beings, Zuma said.

The perpetrators of this crime and all others who commit various acts of racism in the non-racial democracy must face the full might of the law, he said.

This incident is also a reminder of the need to continue fighting for a better life for farm workers, Zuma said, adding that given the secluded nature of farm work, many suffer in silence.

Zuma said he had urged the Department of Labor and other departments to ensure improved monitoring of the working and living conditions of farm workers.

This matter has also brought into sharper focus the question of access to land by black people, he said.

The two accused, Theo Martins Jackson and Willem Oosthuizen, have been charged with kidnapping and assault with intent to cause grievous bodily harm.
BANGKOK, Nov. 18 (Xinhua)-- Thailand's 84-year-old Queen Sirikit is being treated in hospital for lung infection and a high fever, the Royal Household Bureau said on Thursday as quoted by local media Friday.

The palace has issued a fourth statement on the queen's health, announcing that Her Majesty was admitted to hospital on Wednesday after she was discovered to have a high fever.

The statement reads that doctors are treating the Queen's condition with antibiotics and that she has remained conscious. They advised her to undergo further examination at King Chulalongkorn Memorial Hospital.

A blood test has revealed that the queen had a high number of white blood cells in her system. An x-ray confirmed that she was suffering from lung inflammation.

The statement ended by saying the queen's fever has dropped and she was able to eat and breathe well.

The queen was last seen on the funeral procession of her husband, the revered King Bhumibol Adulyadej who passed away on Oct. 13. The queen has been in poor health for years and has seldom been seen in public in recent years.

The country has plunged in a year-long mourning period since the late Thai King's death. The succession process of the Crown Prince Maha Vajiralongkorn has yet to take place.
WUZHEN, Zhejiang, Nov. 18 (Xinhua) -- Chinese government is actively promoting Internet infrastructure of Belt and Road countries, said officials and company representatives at the third World Internet Conference (WIC) in Wuzhen, east China's Zhejiang province.

China-Pakistan cross-border cable project, a project under the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC), has been under construction since May.

"The CPEC is the shortest route that links China to the Middle East, Africa, and Asia," said Amir Azeem Bajwa, Major General of the Special Communication Organization of Pakistan. "We call it the 'digital Silk Road'."

There are 135 million mobile phone users in Pakistan, huge potential for telecom cooperation with China. Yang Xiaowei, general manager of the China Telecommunications Corporation, said at WIC that the company would cooperate with operators in the Belt and Road countries on a Pan-Asia network.

Chen Zhaoxiong, vice minister of industry and information technology, pointed out that China is working on unifying standards for cross-border e-commerce in Belt and Road countries to tackle technological challenges and expand new industries.

According to the International Telecommunication Union (ITU), the information level of Asian Pacific and Africa are both below the global average.

In 2011, China's leading telecom company China Unicom initiated the Asia-Africa-Europe-1 (AAE-1), a 25,000 km submarine cable system which ventures to link 19 nations and regions across Asia, Africa and Europe.

In order to boost big data and cloud computing in the Middle East and North Africa, Aliyun, Alibaba's cloud computing subsidiary, set up a joint venture with Dubai's Meraas in May 2015. This joint venture will offer system integration services to help private companies and governments in the region to reduce IT spending.

"There are ample opportunities for Belt and Road countries to cooperate on information infrastructure, Internet applications, information content exchange, big data and intelligent manufacturing," said Yang Xiaoya, an official from ITU.
TIRANA, Nov. 18 (Xinhua) -- The Albanian Transmission System Operator (OST) and German KfW bank on Friday signed an agreement to finance a first-ever power link between Albania and Macedonia, the Albanian Ministry of Energy said.

The financing agreement for construction of the 400 kilovolts (kV) interconnection line amounts to 64 million euros (67.9 million U.S. dollars).

The link will enhance Albania's integration into the regional electricity grid and reinforce high voltage connections between the east and west of the country, closing an electricity ring with Greece, an official statement said.

On the other hand, Albanian authorities expect it to enable a direct swap of energy between two electricity systems.

A soft loan of 50 million euros is being provided by KfW in the framework of German-Albanian development cooperation, while a grant of 14 million euros is being allocated by the European Union in the framework of the Western Balkans Investments Instrument.

OST will finance 6 million euros from its budget, it was stated.

Work in the field is expected to start at the beginning of 2017 and finish in 2018. Enditem
Chinese President Xi Jinping and his wife Peng Liyuan are greeted by Ecuadorian President Rafael Correa and his wife Anne Malherbe at the airport in Quito, Ecuador, Nov. 17, 2016. (Xinhua/Ju Peng)

by Victoria Arguello

CARACAS, Nov. 17 (Xinhua) -- Chinese President Xi Jinping's three-country tour in Latin America on Nov. 17-23 underscores the importance China attaches to its cooperation with the region, Venezuelan political analyst Vladimir Adrianza said.

Xi's state visits to Ecuador, Peru and Chile show that China is keen to further strengthen ties with Latin America, said Adrianza, who teaches at the Bolivarian Military University of Venezuela in Caracas.

"China has a long-term vision of its relationship with other states," said Adrianza, noting that the Asian giant has substantially boosted bilateral trade for mutual benefit.

China is now Latin America's second largest trading partner and the third largest source of investment, and Latin America is China's seventh largest trading partner, and important overseas investment destination.

China has pledged to work with Latin America to bring bilateral trade to 500 billion U.S. dollars and increase its investment in the region to 250 billion dollars by 2025.

Xi is visiting Ecuador, the first leg of his trip, where China is helping the country bolster its energy infrastructure through a variety of projects, including a major hydroelectric plant.

China has also become Ecuador's leading source of financing, with Chinese investment in Ecuador exceeding 10 billion dollars.

He will then travel to Peru to take part in the 24th Asia Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) Economic Leaders' Meeting, which will gather the leaders of the bloc's 21 member economies in Lima.

Chinese President Xi Jinping attends a welcome ceremony held by Ecuadorian President Rafael Correa at the airport in Quito, Ecuador, Nov. 17, 2016. (Xinhua/Lan Hongguang)

According to Adrianza, China's cooperation with countries such as Peru clearly reflects Beijing's policy of respect for sovereignty and non-intervention in the internal affairs of other countries.

"China's (foreign) policy is marked by a high level of cooperation, not meddling in (others') domestic matters," said Adrianza.

China has been Peru's largest trading partner, export market and source of import for years, and Peru has become one of the top destinations for Chinese investment in Latin America.

As the world's fastest growing economy and home to more than 1.3 billion people, China represents both an "excellent" development model for regional countries, and an attractive incentive, Adrianza said.

"Latin America has major natural resources, and needs a model of industrialization like the one that China has been developing," the expert said.

Xi's visit to Chile will boost China's bid to internationalize its currency, renminbi or the yuan, as Chile is a key partner in the cause, Adrianza said.

Last year, the first clearing bank for transactions in renminbi in South America was opened in Chile's capital, Santiago.

A stronger yuan would help strengthen the movement to democratize global financial agencies, Adrianza said.

A growing China-Latin American relationship can help promote "multilateral" global development, he added.
MAPUTO, Nov. 18 (Xinhua) -- Mozambique's Council of Ministers on Friday declared a 3-day national mourning for the truck explosion in Tete province that killed 56 people and caused over 100 people injured.

Updated information from the Council of Ministers indicated that 56 people died and 108 others were receiving medical treatment, correcting the previous report of 73 deaths.

The 3-day national mourning will start at midnight of November 19.

"During these days national flags will be at hoisted at half-mast in the national territory and in all its embassies and councils around the world," said government spokesperson Mouzinho Saide.

The Council of Ministers added that an inquiry commission had been sent to investigate the cause of the tragedy and identify those responsible.

In Tete, funeral ceremonies started on Friday afternoon and 27 bodies have been identified by their families while 16 others that are unidentifiable will be buried in a mass grave.

The provincial government in Tete said it was providing support with coffins and food products to families of the victims. Enditem
KATHMANDU, Nov. 18 (Xinhua)-- The Nepalese government is keen to see a high level visit from China at the earliest to further strengthen the bilateral relations between the two countries, Minister for Foreign Affairs Dr. Prakash Sharan Mahat said here in Kathmandu, on Friday.

The foreign minister made such remarks during a meeting with newly appointed Chinese Ambassador to Nepal Yu Hong at his office, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs stated in a press statement.

"The minister conveyed the ambassador that the government is keen to welcome Chinese President Xi Jinping in Kathmandu at the earliest date," the ministry said.

The foreign minister reiterated Nepal's adherence to the long standing one-China policy, according to the ministry.

On the occasion, the two sides discussed about the implementation of various bilateral agreements reached between Nepal and China.

The two governments reached as many as 10 bilateral accords on connectivity, trade and commerce including the Transit Transport Agreement during Nepalese former prime minister K.P Sharma Oli's visit to Beijing in March this year.

Meanwhile, the ambassador also called on Deputy Prime Minister Krishna Bahadur Mahara at the latter's office.

The deputy prime minister, who is also in charge of finance, thanked the ambassador for China's incessant support to Nepal, according to a statement issued by the Ministry of Finance.

The Chinese ambassador told the minister that China is always ready to strengthen relationship with Nepal as a friendly neighbor and continue to support the country in the development process, the ministry said.

Mrs. Yu arrived in Kathmandu to take up her new diplomatic assignment as the Chinese ambassador to Nepal on Nov. 7, replacing Wu Chuntai.

The ambassador recently paid separate calls on Prime Minister Pushpa Kamal Dahal and senior leaders of ruling and opposition parties, during which she had reiterated China's incessant support to Nepal.
Workers are occupied on a production line at a workshop under the BAIC Motor in Huanghua city, north China's Hebei Province, Jan. 6, 2016. (Xinhua/Mou Yu)

LIMA, Nov. 17 (Xinhua) -- An APEC CEO survey has showed that China remains the powerhouse for APEC businesses and that a majority of respondents are confident in APEC economies.

The PricewaterhouseCoopers (PwC) survey shows that a majority of APEC CEOs plan to increase investment, find new partners, explore untapped markets and boost their brand image in China.

According to the survey, 59 percent of respondents said they were planning to increase investment in China though they had mixed views on the outlook of China's GDP growth. Almost half of APEC CEOs believed that China's GDP will grow on average around 6 percent a year in the next three years.

Under China's new normal, business leaders tried to adapt to the shift from the previous high-speed growth to a medium-to-high speed growth, where they want to build up partnerships with local partners, build their brand in China or develop new products and services in their existing market, and carry out geographic expansion.

PwC China Chairman Raymund Chao said: "It's significant that APEC business leaders look beyond a slowdown to the long term. China is a prime example. Its scale and skills mean concerns about its slower economic growth are not enough to put business leaders off investment and expansion. China remains a powerhouse of potential for APEC businesses for new products and partnerships."

Increased competition in China is a major feature of this year's survey, as domestic companies compete with international rivals and inland smaller cities become coveted markets. This recognition of internal competition reflects the rising importance of Chinese companies.

Technology is enabling new rivals to make inroads in established industries. Companies such as Haier and Huawei from China are competing to become global leaders in industries dominated by multinationals from advanced economies. Huawei is the third-largest smartphone manufacturer and leads the charge for a slew of competitors.

Their foothold abroad has grown in proportion to their dominance at home, leading to a necessary reassessment by foreign companies, reliant on China for their profit growth.

The report also highlighted the increased competition Chinese banks are bringing to the global financial sector.

Photo taken on Sept. 11, 2015 shows an aerial view of the highest building in Puxi, east China's Shanghai Municipality. (Xinhua/Shen Chunchen)

Samuel Tsien, Group CEO of Singapore's OCBC Bank reportedly said that Chinese banks have become major competitors amid the reduced growth for banking services in the Asia-Pacific. The pie has not grown that much, but the competitors going for this pie have increased significantly, he said.

CONFIDENCE IN APEC ECONOMIES

Confidence appeared to be particularly high in APEC economies, which account for 57 percent of the global GDP and 49 percent of global trade. More than two-thirds of investment by APEC members is set to stay within the APEC area, with China, the United States, Singapore and Indonesia setting to attract the most investment, according to the survey.

With over 1,100 business leaders surveyed across the 21 APEC members, 53 percent of respondents said they were planning to increase investment over the next 12 months.

Despite these bullish investment plans, only 28 percent of APEC business leaders said they were very confident about revenue growth over the next 12 months. Some 19 percent admitted that they were not very confident.

Presenting the survey results at the 2016 APEC CEO Summit in Lima, Peru, Orlando Marchesi, country senior partner at PwC Peru, said that a subdued level of confidence in the business outlook is hardly surprising given geopolitical events this year. What's critical for the region is that business leaders hold their nerve on investment and innovation, he said.

Furthermore, this year, while more CEOs saw significant progress toward a free trade area in the Asia-Pacific, the majority of 53 percent continue to see progress as slow.

"For the foreseeable future, APEC business leaders will have to balance the short-term economic outlook with investing for the long term. The wider regulatory and tax environment is critical factors in business confidence and investment. Standing still on regulatory conditions is not the way to be competitive in a paradoxically cash-rich but slow-growth world," Marchesi said.
BRUSSELS, Nov. 18 (Xinhua) -- The European Defence Agency (EDA) has provided cyber awareness training to personnel of European Union (EU) naval operation in Mediterranean, the agency said Friday.

Some 100 staff from EUNAVFOR MED-Operation Sophia, EU's operation against human smuggling in the Mediterranean, attended the seminars organized by EDA last week in Rome, Italy.

The seminars covered important aspects such as mission-specific cyber threats, the legal framework applicable to cyberspace, common vocabulary and best practices when using communications and information systems.

Participants were also informed about the development and establishment of EU cyber defence capabilities for EU-led military operations and missions.

EDA started organizing cyber awareness seminars in 2014 for all the personnel of activated headquarters of EU-led military operations.

EDA is an EU agency based in Brussels with a primary mission to support the member states and the Council of the EU in their effort to improve European defense capabilities.
ISLAMABAD, Nov. 18 (Xinhua) -- Pakistan said on Friday that Pakistan, Russia and China will hold consultations on Afghanistan in December to explore ways to reach reconciliation and restore peace in the war-torn country.

"We attach high importance to all initiatives aimed at bringing peace and stability in Afghanistan and the region at large," Foreign Ministry spokesman Nafees Zakaria said.

The trilateral talks have assumed importance at a time when there is no let-up in the violence in Afghanistan in spite of the advent of winter.

"Under the said trilateral meeting, a working level meeting has already taken place. The deteriorating security situation in Afghanistan has raised concerns about the spillover effect due to the presence of NSAs (non-state actors) and other elements there," the spokesman said at his weekly briefing.

He said Pakistan will also attend an upcoming meeting of the Heart of Asia in India and Foreign Affairs Adviser to Prime Minister Sartaj Aziz is likely to represent the country in the meeting.

To a question about the recent statement by Afghan Chief Executive Abdullah Abdullah that he is looking forward to visit Pakistan, the spokesman said Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif has extended invitation to Abdullah and mutually convenient dates for the visit are being worked out.
BEIJING, Nov. 18 (Xinhua) -- The China Iron and Steel Association (CISA) has protested at a markup by a leading iron ore producer that targets Chinese buyers.

"It is obviously unfair," a CISA official said on Friday, who did not name the company but hinted it is among the world's top-three iron ore miners.

When discussing new agreements with Chinese steel firms, the company decided to impose a premium in addition to prices published by Platts, a benchmark price assessment in physical energy markets, the official said.

The official said the practice damaged the current pricing mechanism and disturbed trade order, and called on the two sides to "sit down and talk" to solve the problem together.

China is the world's biggest consumer of iron ore, with the imports up 8.9 percent year on year in the first ten months.
BERLIN, Nov. 18 (Xinhua) -- The United States and five European Union (EU) countries expressed their support for continuing sanctions against Russia in connection with the Ukraine conflict, the Obama administration announced on Friday.

The statement came after U.S. President Barack Obama met with German Chancellor Angela Merkel, French President Francois Hollande and the heads of government of Italy, Spain and Britain.

All the heads of state agreed that the penalties should remain in force as long as Russia did not fulfill all the obligations arising from the Minsk armistice agreement, said the statement published by the White House.

The fact that no permanent ceasefire was adhered to is worrying, said the statement, adding that security must be guaranteed and free and fair elections must be held in the occupied areas of Donetsk and Luhansk.

According to the statement, the participants of the meeting also made a commitment to cooperate with NATO in the future.

Obama's last official meeting with his European partners also touched upon the fight against Islamic State in Syria, Iraq and Libya as well as the refugee crisis.

The meeting marked Obama's farewell visit to Europe before the U.S. president leaves office in January.
GAZA, Nov. 18 (Xinhua) -- A Palestinian young man was killed Friday afternoon during clashes with Israeli soldiers stationed along the border areas between eastern Gaza and Israel, a Palestinian official said.

Mohamed Abu Seda, 26, was killed and three others injured by Israeli gunfire in the east of al-Bureij refugee camp near the border with Israel, Ashraf al-Qedra, spokesman of Gaza-based health ministry, told reporters.

Eyewitnesses said dozens of Palestinian young men gathered close to the fence between eastern Gaza and Israel to protest the Israeli blockade imposed on the coastal enclave since 2007.

They said when protesters began to throw stones, Israeli soldiers fired tear gas and rubber bullets to disperse them.

Every Friday, Palestinian young men walk to the borders in protest against Israeli blockade on the Gaza Strip.

Since Oct. 2015, a new wave of violence between Israel and the Palestinians has left more than 230 Palestinians killed and a couple hundred others injured.
UN Deputy Secretary General Jan Eliasson addresses a press conference in Geneva, Switzerland, on Nov. 18, 2016. Eliasson warned Friday that the situation in eastern districts of Syria's northern city of Aleppo is of grave concern as ongoing fighting between warring factions continues to hamper efforts to relieve trapped civilians. (Xinhua/Xu Jinquan)

GENEVA, Nov. 18 (Xinhua) -- UN Deputy Secretary General Jan Eliasson warned Friday that the situation in eastern districts of Syria's northern city of Aleppo is of grave concern as ongoing fighting between warring factions continues to hamper efforts to relieve trapped civilians.

"The humanitarian needs are urgent. We haven't had access for a very long period to eastern Aleppo. We are definitely running out of food; it's a hugely critical situation," he said here in what was his last foreign visit before his mandate comes to a close at the end of the year.

"At the same time, fighting is going on. There is a lot of fighting in the city, and there have also been attacks from the air," he added.

The Swedish diplomat reiterated the UN's call for a nationwide reduction of violence and a cessation of hostilities which will enable much needed humanitarian work to be carried out while also paving the way to a resumption of intra-Syrian political talks seeking to broker an end to the five-year conflict.

"For the time being, we have no signs that these talks are imminent. My absolute conviction is that there is no military solution," he said.

Eliasson also said that investigations into an aerial attack on an Aleppo-bound aid convoy in September this year were ongoing, and that "an attack against a humanitarian convoy of this nature constitutes without any doubt is a war crime."

As well as Syria, the official touched upon concerning situations in the Central African Republic and Yemen, while also highlighting the importance of dealing with climate change and unprecedented migration challenges.

He further stressed the need to respect the democratic election of Donald Trump as president of the United States, adding that a dialogue with the new administration will open in due course.

Eliasson assumed office in July 2012 and has served directly under incumbent UN Secretary General Ban Ki-moon, who will be succeeded by Antonio Guterres on Jan. 1 next year.
BANDAR SERI BEGAWAN, Nov. 18 (Xinhua) -- The 22nd annual Cooperation Afloat Readiness and Training (CARAT) exercise between Brunei and the United States concluded here on Friday.

According to Brunei's Ministry of defense, CARAT Brunei 2016 "serves as a credible avenue in sharing best practices, strengthening cooperation in response to shared maritime security challenges and in enhancing interoperability among participating forces of both countries."

The five-day exercise consisted of coastal-based and at-sea training events that were designed to strengthen maritime partnerships and enhance military cooperation between the U.S and the Royal Brunei Armed Forces(RBAF). Around 700 marines and navy personnel from the U.S. joined this year's CARAT exercise with personnel and assets from the Royal Brunei Land Force, Royal Brunei Navy, Royal Brunei Air Force and other government agencies.

After more than two decades of CARAT engagements, the exercise continues to be a significant platform of military-to-military cooperation between Brunei and the US, Brunei's Ministry of defense stated on its website.

Don Gabrielson, the Commander of U.S. Task Force 73, said that the U.S. "deeply values its relationship with Brunei, centered on a defense partnership that underpins our shared commitment to the peace and security of the Indo-Asia-Pacific region."

CARAT is a bilateral exercise series between the U.S. Navy and the armed forces of nine partner nations in South and Southeast Asia, including Bangladesh, Brunei, Cambodia, Indonesia, Malaysia, the Philippines, Singapore, Thailand and Timor-Leste. Enditem
WASHINGTON, Nov. 18 (Xinhua) -- U.S. President-elect Donald Trump Friday appointed Senator Jeff Sessions for attorney general, Lt.General Michael Flynn as national security advisor and Congressman Mike Pompeo as chief of the Central Intelligence Agency.

"It is an honor to nominate U.S. Senator Jeff Sessions to serve as attorney general of the United States......Jeff is greatly admired by legal scholars and virtually everyone who knows him," Trump said in a statement released on his official website.

"I am pleased that Lieutenant General Michael Flynn will be by my side as we work to defeat radical Islamic terrorism, navigate geopolitical challenges and keep Americans safe at home and abroad," Trump said of his new security advisor, whom he called an "invaluable asset."

"I am proud to nominate Congressman Mike Pompeo as Director of the Central Intelligence Agency......He will be a brilliant and unrelenting leader for our intelligence community to ensure the safety of Americans and our allies," Trump said.

All three men have agreed accept the posts, according to the statement.

Sessions, 69, was a U.S. attorney in Alabama before entering the Senate in 1996. He is considered to be one of the most conservative senators.

Flynn, 57, was one of the most prominent military figures who supported Trump's presidential campaign. He was the director of the Defense Intelligence Agency from 2012 to 2014.

Pompeo, 52, served as a U.S. Representative for Kansas since 2011. He was an early supporter of Trump's presidential bid and a member of the Tea Party movement in Congress.

This is the second time Trump has made collective appointments for officials in his administration, having earlier named Reince Priebus as his chief of staff and Stephen Bannon as his top strategist.

Other important slots yet to be filled including defense secretary and secretary of state, for both of which a number of candidates are being considered by Trump's team.
U.S. President Barack Obama waves as he boards Air Force One for departure at Tegel Airport in Berlin, capital of Germany, on Nov. 18, 2016. U.S. President Barack Obama left Berlin on Friday, ending his last visit to Germany and Europe during his term of office. (Xinhua/Shan Yuqi)

BERLIN, Nov. 18 (Xinhua) -- U.S. President Barack Obama on Friday ended his final presidential visit to Europe with a six-party talk here with German Chancellor Angela Merkel and the heads of government from France, Italy, Spain and Britain over key issues of foreign policy such as combating "Islamic state" (IS) and sanctions against Russia.

ABIDING BY RUSSIA SANCTIONS

The United States and five leading EU countries expressed their support for a continuation of the sanctions against Russia for the Ukraine conflict, the Obama administration announced on Friday after the six-party talks.

All the heads of state agreed that the penalties should remain in force as long as Russia does not fulfill its obligations arising from the Minsk armistice agreement, said the statement published by the White House.

The fact that no permanent ceasefire was adhered to is worrying, said the statement, adding that security must be guaranteed and free and fair elections must be held in the occupied areas of Donetsk and Luhansk.

On Thursday, Obama advised his successor Donald Trump to stand up to Russia if it strayed from Western principles.

"I've sought a constructive relationship with Russia," said Obama, "My hope is that the president-elect coming in takes a similarly constructive approach, finding areas where we can cooperate with Russia where our values and interest align."

The U.S. president also said he hoped that Trump does not simply take a realpolitik approach in cutting deals and doing "whatever's convenient at the time."

COMMON VALUES

According to the statement of the White House, the participants of the meeting on Friday also made a commitment to cooperate with NATO in the future.

Meanwhile, according to Merkel, the leaders agreed that the humanitarian situation in the disputed eastern part of Aleppo should improve.

The situation in the IS-occupied cities of Rakka in Syria and Mosul in Iraq was also discussed during the six-party talk. Leaders said it was important to promote the stabilization of liberated areas at an early stage.

Obama noted it was important for the Transatlantic Trade and Investment Partnership (TTIP) negotiations to be maintained.

The German chancellor emphasized that she had always spoken out for a trade agreement between the EU and the United States, the two major trading areas of the world.

"I continue believing that the EU is one of the greatest achievements in the world," said the outgoing U.S. president on Thursday in Berlin. Britain's exit from the EU should be conducted as "smoothly and orderly and transparently" as possible, he added.

Relations with the United States are a basic pillar of German foreign policy, Merkel said in her joint press conference with Obama.

CLOSE COOPERATION

Merkel thanked Obama for the "excellent cooperation" and praised Obama as a reliable partner in difficult times. She also expressed her gratitude for a close, trusting and friendly cooperation for a period of eight years.

The chancellor said she looked forward to a close cooperation with Trump. "Of course, I will do everything possible to work well with the newly-elected president," Merkel said.

Obama also thanked Merkel for the German contribution in the fight against Islamic State and in the Syrian conflict.

Obama's last official meeting with his European partners also touched upon the refugee crisis.

The meeting marked Obama's farewell visit to Europe before the U.S. president leaves office in January 2017.
U.S. President Barack Obama waves as he boards Air Force One for departure at Tegel Airport in Berlin, capital of Germany, on Nov. 18, 2016. (Xinhua/Shan Yuqi)

BERLIN, Nov. 18 (Xinhua) -- U.S. President Barack Obama on Friday ended his final presidential visit to Europe with a six-party talk here with German Chancellor Angela Merkel and the heads of government from France, Italy, Spain and Britain over key issues of foreign policy such as combating "Islamic state" (IS) and sanctions against Russia.

ABIDING BY RUSSIA SANCTIONS

The United States and five leading EU countries expressed their support for a continuation of the sanctions against Russia for the Ukraine conflict, the Obama administration announced on Friday after the six-party talks.

All the heads of state agreed that the penalties should remain in force as long as Russia does not fulfill its obligations arising from the Minsk armistice agreement, said the statement published by the White House.

The fact that no permanent ceasefire was adhered to is worrying, said the statement, adding that security must be guaranteed and free and fair elections must be held in the occupied areas of Donetsk and Luhansk.

On Thursday, Obama advised his successor Donald Trump to stand up to Russia if it strayed from Western principles.

"I've sought a constructive relationship with Russia," said Obama, "My hope is that the president-elect coming in takes a similarly constructive approach, finding areas where we can cooperate with Russia where our values and interest align."

The U.S. president also said he hoped that Trump does not simply take a realpolitik approach in cutting deals and doing "whatever's convenient at the time."

COMMON VALUES

According to the statement of the White House, the participants of the meeting on Friday also made a commitment to cooperate with NATO in the future.

Meanwhile, according to Merkel, the leaders agreed that the humanitarian situation in the disputed eastern part of Aleppo should improve.

The situation in the IS-occupied cities of Rakka in Syria and Mosul in Iraq was also discussed during the six-party talk. Leaders said it was important to promote the stabilization of liberated areas at an early stage.

Obama noted it was important for the Transatlantic Trade and Investment Partnership (TTIP) negotiations to be maintained.

The German chancellor emphasized that she had always spoken out for a trade agreement between the EU and the United States, the two major trading areas of the world.

"I continue believing that the EU is one of the greatest achievements in the world," said the outgoing U.S. president on Thursday in Berlin. Britain's exit from the EU should be conducted as "smoothly and orderly and transparently" as possible, he added.

Relations with the United States are a basic pillar of German foreign policy, Merkel said in her joint press conference with Obama.

CLOSE COOPERATION

Merkel thanked Obama for the "excellent cooperation" and praised Obama as a reliable partner in difficult times. She also expressed her gratitude for a close, trusting and friendly cooperation for a period of eight years.

The chancellor said she looked forward to a close cooperation with Trump. "Of course, I will do everything possible to work well with the newly-elected president," Merkel said.

Obama also thanked Merkel for the German contribution in the fight against Islamic State and in the Syrian conflict.

Obama's last official meeting with his European partners also touched upon the refugee crisis.

The meeting marked Obama's farewell visit to Europe before the U.S. president leaves office in January 2017.
LIMA, Nov. 18 (Xinhua) -- Peruvian President, Pedro Pablo Kuczynski, opened the 2016 APEC CEO Summit on Friday by calling on entrepreneurs from across the bloc to work to improve economic growth.

"We know where we are headed," expressed Kuczynski to a crowd of businesspeople from the 21 APEC member economies, during the on-going APEC Economic Leaders' Week.

As the host, Kuczynski said that his government is working hard to improve economic growth but this must involve a joint effort between the public and private sectors.

He expressed to the audience the importance of working hard to improve commercial ties, which must accompany the movement of capital and the creation of investments in the Asia-Pacific region.

"Trade, trade, trade. (This is) very important. After that comes investment and growth, which are crucial," said Kuczynski.
By Ronald Ssekandi, Yuan Qing

ENTEBBE, Uganda, Nov. 18 (Xinhua) -- Wendy Maltinsky is a birder from the United Kingdom. Her passion for birds stems from her family back in Scotland. They have moved around the world in search for unique bird species.

Maltinsky is in Uganda to attend the first ever African Birding Expo that has attracted over 100 birders from Europe and the United States.

The event, which opened on Friday, is held here 40km south of the capital Kampala, on the shores of Lake Victoria.

Uganda is using the expo to showcase that it is a birding paradise.

The country is endowed with over 1,000 bird species that account for 10 percent of the globe's total bird species and 50 percent of Africa's bird species population.

All this is possible because of the richly diverse habitats from the scenic shores of Lake Victoria to the lush forests of the Albertine Rift and the banks of River Nile.

Uganda was declared Africa's Preferred Birding Destination in 2013 after Africa Bird Club voted two of its birding sites among the top 10 birders' destinations on the continent.

"The birds here are very brightly colored, we do have some of those in the United Kingdom but not as much as here," Maltinsky told Xinhua in an interview.

Laura Kammermeier, a travel writer from New York, described her birding experience in Uganda as magical.

"They (birds) are so many, they have beautiful shapes and colours. They are really exciting to see and easy to find," she said.

Nate Swick of the American Birding Association urged Uganda to fully exploit the country's potential.

Uganda Tourism Board, a government agency charged with promoting tourism, argues that birding is one of the most important tourist activities in the world, garnering chunks of money for countries that have given it priority.

The agency argued that the country now needs to market birding to reap from the tourist attraction.

Tourism now ranks as Uganda's top foreign exchange earner, contributing over 23 percent of the country's Gross Domestic Product. Enditem
A customer uses her cell-phone to access the Sidian Bank mobile-app inside the banking hall at the Sidian Bank headquarters on the outskirts of Kenya's capital Nairobi, June 29, 2016. Picture taken June 29, 2016. (REUTERS/Thomas Mukoya)

NAIROBI, Nov. 19 (Xinhua) -- A shift in droves to mobile banking by citizens in Kenya is sounding a death-knell to plastic money, whose uptake and usage has stalled despite service providers making the cards versatile.

The debit, credit and charge cards are slowly being edged out of the financial system after failing to gain traction among consumers in the face of stiff competition from mobile money.

Nearly all Kenya's 42 commercial banks have mobile banking services that allow customers to transact business on their cell phones.

Using the gadgets, they can deposit, withdraw, transfer and make payments from their bank accounts without visiting the financial institutions.

And this is causing trouble for plastic money such as debit cards because card holders must visit a bank to withdraw cash.

The inconvenience has made many citizens to fully embrace mobile money, withdrawing cash from their bank accounts into their mobile money accounts and transacting with it from the comfort of their homes.

And with about 90 percent of loans from commercial banks in the East African nation currently being disbursed through mobile phones, plastic money stands little chance to survive.

Latest figures from the Central Bank of Kenya (CBK) point to the fact that plastic money is in distress in the East African nation. Instead of usage and uptake going up, it has been on the decline.

As at June, there were about 11 million debit cards and 238,000 credit cards in the country, with the number of the former going down from over 11.1 million the previous month.

However, the real distress is in the usage of the cards, where transactions in June only stood at 1.1 billion U.S. dollars.

On the other hand, on average, Kenyans were moving 2.6 billion dollars on mobile money platforms every month as at June, according to the CBK, from to 1.9 billion dollars in a similar period last year.

"I no longer use my ATM card...most of my business I now transact on mobile phone," Cleophas Masiga, a vehicle salesman in Nairobi, said Wednesday.

Like many other citizens, Masiga has linked his bank account with his mobile money account using an app provided by his bank.

Thus, when his salary is credited on his bank account, he gets a notification message immediately from his bank.

And using his mobile phone, he withdraws the money into his mobile money account and pays bills, goes for shopping and sends money to his parents.

"With such convenience, who will go to the bank to withdraw money using the card?" he posed. Masiga has two debit cards from different commercial banks and he doesn't remember using any in nearly six months.

For Antony Kariuki, a businessman, he has not used his ATM card for the last three years due to security reasons. Kariuki stopped using the card when he was waylaid one day in Kitengela after withdrawing cash from an ATM and robbed.

Commercial banks have realized the changing trend and are divesting from teller machines and investing in mobile banking services.

CBK data indicates that there are currently about 2,600 ATMs across the East African nation, down from an estimated 2,800 seven months ago.

"The rate at which mobile money use is growing is a clear indication that plastic money stands no chance of growth in Kenya. With banks shifting to mobile banking, it is a matter of time before the cards die because people can withdraw money from mobile money agents conveniently found next to their homes and not necessarily from ATM machines in shopping centres," said Henry Wandera, an economics lecturer in Nairobi.
Photo taken on Nov. 12, 2016 shows a newly-built road which links Madagascar's capital Antananarivo and the road to the Ivato International Airport in Madagascar. The new road built by China was inaugurated in Antananarivo on Friday as part of the preparation work for the Summit of French speaking countries (La Francophonie) scheduled to be held in the country from Nov. 21 to 27. (Xinhua/Wen Hao)

ANTANANARIVO, Nov. 18 (Xinhua) -- A new road built by China was inaugurated in Madagascar's capital Antananarivo on Friday as part of the preparation work for the Summit of French speaking countries (La Francophonie) scheduled to be held in the country from Nov. 21 to 27.

The road, about 4,759 kilometers in total length, links the capital and the road to the Ivato International Airport, near the venue to host the summit of French speaking countries.

Madagascar's President Hery Rajaonarimampianina praised during the inauguration the quality of the road, built by China Road and Bridge Corporation (CRBC) in a span of only six months, which followed international standards using solar system for its electricity plants.

Grateful to the CRBC and especially the chinese government, Madagascar's president said that "this road will promote Madagascar's development because it will solve the problem of traffic jam in the capital."

The Chinese Ambassador to Madagascar Yang Xiaorong said during her speech that Chinese companies are faithful to their words and show it in deed.

"This road is a concrete fruit of the win-win cooperation between Madagascar and China," Ambassador Yang said, adding that "It represents the chinese speed and promise kept by chinese part".

With assistance from China, Madagascar has made notable progress in areas of road infrastructure, agriculture, health, education, culture since the establishment of diplomatic relations between the two countries on Nov. 6, 1972.
MOSCOW, Nov. 18 (Xinhua) -- The Russian Defense Ministry on Friday blasted the United States for accusations of alleged hospital bombing in Syria by Russian and Syrian government forces, saying that the airstrikes only exist in "imagination."

The U.S. State Department spokesman John Kirby told a briefing on Wednesday that Russia and the Syrian government had bombed "five hospitals and at least one mobile clinic in Syria," citing unsourced "reports of these things."

Denying the accusations, Russian Defense Ministry spokesman Maj. Gen. Igor Konashenkov responded Friday in a statement that Russia has repeatedly asked for detailed information about the alleged strikes, which Washington has so far failed to provide.

"It has become absolutely clear to everyone that the accusations exist only in John Kirby's imagination," said Konashenkov.

According to Russian Defense Ministry, the country's air force has not launched airstrikes against any targets in Aleppo in the last 30 days.
People attend a protest against Donald Trump's presidential election victory near the Trump Tower in Chicago, the United States, Nov. 9, 2016. A number of U.S. cities on Wednesday witnessed protest against Tuesday's presidential election result. (Xinhua/Wang Ping)

By Matthew Rusling

WASHINGTON, Nov. 18 (Xinhua) -- U.S. President-elect Donald Trump's choice of White House staff has sparked an early controversy, as he prepares to take the helm at the White House.

The choice of Steve Bannon as Trump's chief of staff is taking heat from U.S. media, members of Congress, and left-leaning groups over the decision.

Bannon, who publishes online news website Breitbart, is being lambasted by a number of liberal groups for what they call promoting racist ideology in his publication. Some groups are even calling for Bannon to get booted out.

On Wednesday, 169 members of the U.S. House of Representatives sent a letter to Trump, asking him to rescind the appointment of Bannon. Although House Republicans were invited to sign on, none did so, according to a press release sent out Wednesday to reporters, from Congressman Jerrold Nadler's office.

"Trump's choice of Bannon will hurt him because it reinforces the view that the president is contemplating extreme action," Brookings Institution Senior Fellow Darrell West told Xinhua.

"People fear that Bannon will promulgate anti-minority and anti-women viewpoints, since those were common on his website," West said.

"Many groups have expressed concern over this appointment and asked that it be withdrawn. This is very rare for that to happen in presidential politics," he added.

Dan Mahaffee, an analyst with the Center for the Study of the Presidency and Congress, told Xinhua that Trump's choice of Bannon avoids alienating a large amount of the Republican Party's grassroots that propelled Trump on the path to the White House.

"Yet it raises significant concerns among Washington establishment groups about the tone of the Trump administration and potential influence from nationalist and populist players," he said.

Trump's transition to power has so far been rocky, according to U.S. media reports, with some reports even suggesting the administration is in disarray as it tries to fill more than 1,000 positions in the next couple of months before Trump takes charge.

"I think the Trump administration is at a major turning point in the transition, with significant conflict between establishment figures and outsiders, and that appears to be a major issue with the national security side of the transition," Mahaffee said.

"Regardless of Bannon, if (Trump's) inner circle is fighting against itself with major players leaving the process, combined with a struggle between those favoring loyalty versus those favoring competence, the Trump administration could be wasting precious time in getting its transition moving," he said.

Indeed, reports in U.S. media contend that the transition is in disarray, with some figures, such as New Jersey Governor Chris Christie, who was fired as head of Trump's transition team.

For their part, some Democrats seem conciliatory and are seeking ways to join Trump rather than oppose him.

"I think Democrats are currently looking for areas where they might be able to cooperate with Trump, while also taking stock of the surprising loss they experienced up and down the ballot. Other than the filibuster, their only way to work towards their policy goals is via dealing with Trump," Mahaffee said.

West said that Democratic leaders acknowledge that Trump won the election and deserves a chance to show what he can do. However, as soon as he makes policy proposals, many Democrats are expected to oppose his ideas which they say are bad for America.

"Republicans will have the ability to move legislation since they control both chambers, but most Democrats will not support the more far-reaching ideas being contemplated," West added.
Donald Trump sits with U.S. Senator Jeff Sessions (LL) at Trump Tower in Manhattan, New York, U.S., October 7, 2016. (REUTERS/Mike Segar/File Photo)

WASHINGTON, Nov. 18 (Xinhua) -- U.S. President-elect Donald Trump Friday appointed Senator Jeff Sessions for attorney general, Lt.General Michael Flynn as national security advisor and Congressman Mike Pompeo as chief of the Central Intelligence Agency.

"It is an honor to nominate U.S. Senator Jeff Sessions to serve as attorney general of the United States......Jeff is greatly admired by legal scholars and virtually everyone who knows him," Trump said in a statement released on his official website.

"I am pleased that Lieutenant General Michael Flynn will be by my side as we work to defeat radical Islamic terrorism, navigate geopolitical challenges and keep Americans safe at home and abroad," Trump said of his new security advisor, whom he called an "invaluable asset."

"I am proud to nominate Congressman Mike Pompeo as Director of the Central Intelligence Agency......He will be a brilliant and unrelenting leader for our intelligence community to ensure the safety of Americans and our allies," Trump said.

All three men have agreed accept the posts, according to the statement.

Sessions, 69, was a U.S. attorney in Alabama before entering the Senate in 1996. He is considered to be one of the most conservative senators.

Flynn, 57, was one of the most prominent military figures who supported Trump's presidential campaign. He was the director of the Defense Intelligence Agency from 2012 to 2014.

Pompeo, 52, served as a U.S. Representative for Kansas since 2011. He was an early supporter of Trump's presidential bid and a member of the Tea Party movement in Congress.

This is the second time Trump has made collective appointments for officials in his administration, having earlier named Reince Priebus as his chief of staff and Stephen Bannon as his top strategist.

Other important slots yet to be filled including defense secretary and secretary of state, for both of which a number of candidates are being considered by Trump's team.
People protest the appointment of white nationalist alt-right media mogul, former Breitbart News head Steve Bannon, to be chief strategist of the White House by President-elect Donald Trump on November 16, near City Hall in Los Angeles, California.(AFP PHOTO/DAVID MCNEW)

By Matthew Rusling

WASHINGTON, Nov. 18 (Xinhua) -- U.S. President-elect Donald Trump's choice of White House staff has sparked an early controversy, as he prepares to take the helm at the White House.

The choice of Steve Bannon as Trump's chief of staff is taking heat from U.S. media, members of Congress, and left-leaning groups over the decision.

Bannon, who publishes online news website Breitbart, is being lambasted by a number of liberal groups for what they call promoting racist ideology in his publication. Some groups are even calling for Bannon to get booted out.

On Wednesday, 169 members of the U.S. House of Representatives sent a letter to Trump, asking him to rescind the appointment of Bannon. Although House Republicans were invited to sign on, none did so, according to a press release sent out Wednesday to reporters, from Congressman Jerrold Nadler's office.

"Trump's choice of Bannon will hurt him because it reinforces the view that the president is contemplating extreme action," Brookings Institution Senior Fellow Darrell West told Xinhua.

"People fear that Bannon will promulgate anti-minority and anti-women viewpoints, since those were common on his website," West said.

"Many groups have expressed concern over this appointment and asked that it be withdrawn. This is very rare for that to happen in presidential politics," he added.

Dan Mahaffee, an analyst with the Center for the Study of the Presidency and Congress, told Xinhua that Trump's choice of Bannon avoids alienating a large amount of the Republican Party's grassroots that propelled Trump on the path to the White House.

"Yet it raises significant concerns among Washington establishment groups about the tone of the Trump administration and potential influence from nationalist and populist players," he said.

Trump's transition to power has so far been rocky, according to U.S. media reports, with some reports even suggesting the administration is in disarray as it tries to fill more than 1,000 positions in the next couple of months before Trump takes charge.

"I think the Trump administration is at a major turning point in the transition, with significant conflict between establishment figures and outsiders, and that appears to be a major issue with the national security side of the transition," Mahaffee said.

"Regardless of Bannon, if (Trump's) inner circle is fighting against itself with major players leaving the process, combined with a struggle between those favoring loyalty versus those favoring competence, the Trump administration could be wasting precious time in getting its transition moving," he said.

Indeed, reports in U.S. media contend that the transition is in disarray, with some figures, such as New Jersey Governor Chris Christie, who was fired as head of Trump's transition team.

For their part, some Democrats seem conciliatory and are seeking ways to join Trump rather than oppose him.

"I think Democrats are currently looking for areas where they might be able to cooperate with Trump, while also taking stock of the surprising loss they experienced up and down the ballot. Other than the filibuster, their only way to work towards their policy goals is via dealing with Trump," Mahaffee said.

West said that Democratic leaders acknowledge that Trump won the election and deserves a chance to show what he can do. However, as soon as he makes policy proposals, many Democrats are expected to oppose his ideas which they say are bad for America.

"Republicans will have the ability to move legislation since they control both chambers, but most Democrats will not support the more far-reaching ideas being contemplated," West added.
QUITO, Nov. 18 (Xinhua) -- Visiting Chinese President Xi Jinping on Friday promised further support in disaster relief and reconstruction for the earthquake-hit Ecuador.

"China will take an active part in Ecuador's post-quake rebuilding, and continue to provide support in housing, medical treatment, human resources and disaster prevention and reduction," Xi said in an address when visiting the headquarters of Ecuador's national emergency response system ECU-911.

Ecuadorian President Rafael Correa accompanied Xi during the visit.

Ecuador was hit by a 7.8-magnitude earthquake in April this year. Close to 700 people were killed in the earthquake, which also injured nearly 5,000 more and displaced 80,000.

China was one of the first countries to supply humanitarian aid immediately after the quake.

"(China) believes that the Ecuadorian people will surely overcome the disaster and rebuild your homes," the Chinese president said, noting that post-quake reconstruction is a top priority for the Latin American country.

For his part, Correa thanked China for its support in Ecuador's post-quake relief and national development, adding that the Latin American country is willing to deepen win-win cooperation with the Chinese side.

Earlier in the morning, the two presidents also watched a photo exhibition on Chinese aid to Ecuador's quake relief work, and inaugurated a joint laboratory at ECU-911 headquarters.

Developed by Chinese companies, the ECU-911 played a vital role in relief work following the April quake, by effectively processing a massive amount of information and sending instructions without delay, thus saving numerous lives and preventing further damage.

Currently, there are 16 ECU-911 centers across Ecuador.

In a video call with staff of the ECU-911 center in Portoviejo in the quake-hit coastal province of Manabi, Xi conveyed greetings to Ecuadorian people affected by the earthquake on behalf of the Chinese government and its people.

The Chinese government will continue to fight side by side with Ecuadorians, and together they will triumph in quake relief and reconstruction, he said.

China provided Ecuador with cash support of two million U.S. dollars and humanitarian aid worth 9.2 million dollars after the strong quake. Chinese companies owning business in Ecuador also dispatched staff and resources to the affected regions to participate in the disaster relief and humanitarian aid.

"I want to express my heartfelt gratitude to Mr. President for your country's aid to Ecuador," said Pablo Cordova, a survivor from the April earthquake.

Cordova was trapped in the debris of a Portoviejo hotel where he worked as a cleaner when the earthquake struck for 48 hours before being pulled out by ECU-911 staff. He now works at the ECU-911 Portoviejo center.

"All this time, you have been with us," he told the Chinese president.

On Friday morning, Xi and Correa also watched via live broadcast the foundation stone laying ceremony of a new hospital built with Chinese assistance in the earthquake-stricken Ecuadorian city of Chone, to replace the one that was seriously damaged in the April earthquake.

They also inaugurated a hydroelectric plant built by China's Sinohydro Corporation.

The Coca Codo Sinclair hydroelectric plant is the largest of its kind in Ecuador's history and the "fruition of the great cooperation between Ecuador and China", according to President Correa.

"This is a historic day," the Ecuadorian president said.

With an installed capacity of 1,500 megawatts, the plant is expected to help Ecuador transform from a power-hungry country into a clean energy exporter and greatly contribute to the country's economic development.

The first four of the eight turbines in total at the plant were started on April 13, only three days before the quake. It remained intact during the quake and the power it generated helped with local disaster relief.

In his address, Xi noted that the upgrading of the ECU-911, and rebuilding of the Chone hospital and the completion of the Coca Codo Sinclair hydroelectric plant will effectively bolster Ecuador's disaster prevention and resistance capabilities, and improve its public infrastructure.

According to Xi, enhanced cooperation between China and Ecuador is attributed to both sides' firm belief in their development prospects and full understandings of the development opportunities they provided for each other.

On Thursday, China and Ecuador lifted their relations to a comprehensive strategic partnership, and pledged to implement major projects in oil and gas, mining, infrastructure, water conservancy, communication and finance, and explore cooperation in agriculture, petrochemical industry, ship building, metallurgy and paper making industries.

China is willing to deepen cooperation with Ecuador, seek common development and together draft a new chapter in their comprehensive strategic partnership, said the Chinese president.

Correa, meanwhile, agreed that cooperation between Ecuador and China has improved infrastructure in the Latin American country, boosted its clean energy development and bolstered the country's public security service.

All these have benefited the Ecuadorian people, he said.

Ecuador is the first leg of President Xi's three-nation Latin American tour which will also take him to Peru and Chile. This is his third visit to Latin America since he took the presidency in March 2013.

He will also attend the 24th Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) Economic Leaders' Meeting while in Lima, capital of Peru.

Also on Friday morning, Xi laid a wreath at the monument to independence heroes in Quito.

Xi arrived in Ecuador on Thursday for a state visit, the first trip to the country by a Chinese head of state in 36 years, and the first leg of his three-nation tour to the continent.

The week-long trip will also take the Chinese president to Peru and Chile. In Peru, Xi will attend the 24th Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) Economic Leaders' Meeting from Nov. 19 to 20 in the capital city of Lima.


     - 

      1  2022    2  290,9  ,   18%     2021    36,6%       .
QUITO, Nov. 18 (Xinhua) -- Chinese President Xi Jinping wrapped up on Friday his visit to Ecuador, and departs for the Peruvian capital of Lima for a state visit.

During his stay in Quito, the top Chinese leader held talks with his Ecuadorian counterpart Rafael Correa, during which the two heads of state exchanged views on bilateral ties, China's relations with Latin America, as well as international and regional issues of common concern.

Xi hailed Ecuador as an important country in Latin America, saying that bilateral ties have witnessed substantial development in recent years.

In a joint statement issued after the talks between the two presidents on Thursday, China and Ecuador agreed to lift their relationship to the comprehensive strategic partnership.

Also in the statement, the two countries agreed to boost their cooperation in production capacity, as well as economic and trade areas, and pledged to implement major projects in oil and gas, mining, infrastructure, water conservancy, communication and finance, and explore cooperation in agriculture, petrochemical industry, ship building, metallurgy and paper making industries.

China and Ecuador also agreed to enhance their cooperation in education, culture, health, sports, tourism and judiciary, bolster exchanges between media, artists and students of the two countries, increase the number of student exchanges, so as to boost understanding and friendship of the two peoples, according to the statement.

Both countries will, within the UN and the Group of 77 as well as many other multilateral cooperation frameworks, maintain close communications and cooperation on UN reform, global economic governance, climate change, and the 2030 agenda for sustainable development, so as to promote South-South cooperation and preserve the interests of the developing world, said the statement.

On Friday, the Chinese president met with Ecuadorian President of the National Assembly Gabriela Rivadeneira.

During their meeting, Xi said China and Ecuador need to keep stepping up dialogues and exchanges between their legislative bodies to promote a steady development of the two nations' comprehensive strategic partnership.

Later in the day, the Chinese leader paid a visit to the headquarters of ECU-911, Ecuador's national emergency response system, and promised further support for earthquake-hit Ecuador in disaster relief and reconstruction of the Latin American country.

Xi arrived in the Ecuadorian capital of Quito Thursday afternoon for a state visit to the country and his third visit to Latin America since he took office in 2013.

In Lima, Peru, Xi will also attend the 24th Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) Economic Leaders' Meeting from Nov. 19 to 20. After that, he will fly to Chile for a visit.
The pictures taken in front of the UN Headquarters in New York City on Nov. 18, 2016. (Xinhua Photo/Wu Xiaojun)

UNITED NATIONS, Nov. 18 (Xinhua) -- The United Nations on Friday highlighted the impact of sanitation on the lives of peoples across the world as the world body is observing World Toilet Day and seeks to raise awareness to address the global sanitation crisis, a topic often neglected and shrouded in taboos.

In his message, UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon noted that this year's World Toilet Day focuses on "toilets and jobs," spotlighting the impact of the lack of sanitation on livelihoods and work environments.

Activities promoting this goal are taking place around the world, including at the Global Citizen Festival on Saturday in Mumbai, India, Farhan Haq, the deputy UN spokesman, told reporters here Friday.

On Monday, UN Deputy Secretary-General Jan Eliasson will deliver a keynote address at the official World Toilet Day event at UNICEF House here in New York, the seat of the head office of the UN Children's Fund.

World Toilet Day, which falls on Nov. 19, is also designed to tackle the oft-neglected global sanitation crisis.

While the Day is an opportunity to raise awareness about the 2.4 billion people around the world who live without a toilet and the rates of diseases due to inadequate access to sanitation and unsafe water, this year's theme focuses on how lack of sanitation impacts peoples' livelihoods: the UN estimates that in many countries, it creates a five percent loss in gross domestic product (GDP).

"Toilets play a crucial role in creating a strong economy," Ban said in his message. "A lack of toilets at work and at home has severe consequences, including poor health leading to absenteeism, reduced concentration, exhaustion, and decreased productivity."

Meanwhile, 17 percent of workplace deaths are caused by disease transmission -- an incentive to invest in access to proper sanitation in order to avoid the approximately 260 billion U.S. dollars that is lost every year due to poor sanitation and unsafe water.

According to the secretary-general, "every dollar invested in water and sanitation leads to four dollars in economic returns."

"Investing in appropriate toilets is especially important for women and girls, so that they have private, clean and safe facilities, and are able to manage menstruation or pregnancy safely," Ban said.

Safe access to clean toilets is critical to implementing Goal 6 of the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), which calls for clean water and sanitation for all.

"Delivering on this basic human right is good for people, business, and the economy. Let us continue working towards a world where everyone, everywhere, has adequate and equitable sanitation," the secretary-general added.

In 2013, the UN General Assembly officially designated Nov. 19 as World Toilet Day.
by Zhang Maorong, researcher with the China Institute of Contemporary International Relations; cartoon drawing by Liao Tingting

On Nov. 17-23, Chinese President Xi Jinping is paying a state visit to Ecuador, Peru and Chile. During the tour, he is scheduled to attend the 24th APEC Economic Leaders Meeting in Lima. Its Xis first visit after the Sixth Plenary Session of the 18th Communist Party of China Central Committee and his third visit to Latin America (LatAm) since he took office in 2013. His ongoing tour is of great significance.Xis LatAm trip aims to enhance friendship and deepen cooperation. The three countries covered in this trip serve as important representatives in this region, have long-standing and deep friendship and a sound foundation of cooperation with Beijing.

The trip will consolidate traditional and friendly relations between China and the three countries, enhance the level of bilateral political mutual trust and pragmatic cooperation, along with pushing forward the China-LatAm all-round partnership to grow deeper and write a new chapter for China-LaAm times.

Xis attendance at the 24th APEC Economic Leaders Meeting will be the highlight of the trip. He will attend a series of activities and elaborate on Beijings Proposal to promote common prosperity and deepen regional cooperation, injecting Beijings power into Asia-Pacific and global economic development.

President Xis visit is expected to build a community of shared destiny between China and LatAm and expand Asia-Pacific pragmatic cooperation. The tour would open up new prospects for China, LatAm & Asia-Pacific cooperation.

(Source: CNTV.cn)
Meteorological staff members launch a weather balloon at the landing area for Shenzhou-11 spacecraft, north China's Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region, Nov. 16, 2016. The spacecraft Shenzhou-11, which is carrying taikonauts Jing Haipeng and Chen Dong, separated from the orbiting Tiangong-2 space lab. The separation marks the beginning of the journey home for the two men, who have lived and worked in Tiangong-2 for 30 days. (Xinhua/Ju Zhenhua)
Military personnel from China and the United States attend a joint humanitarian aid and disaster relief drill in Kunming, southwest China's Yunnan Province, Nov. 17, 2016. A three-day drill started on Nov. 16 involved 134 military personnel from China and 89 from the United States. (Xinhua/Yang Zongyou)
Born in Atlanta in the U.S., the giant panda twins Mei Lun and  Mei Huan returned to their hometown-southwest Chinas Sichuan province early in November. However, old habits die hard and it might take a while for them to adjust to the new environment. For instance, the naughty twins refused to eat traditional Chinese food like steamed bread of corn, and preferred American buiscuits instead. Foreign netizens are very reluctant to let them return to China, with some expressing their understanding:  This is surely a lost for us, but to be fair, China is the true and only home for pandas. (Xinhua file photo)
TT deep with tech innovation

He said there are a lot of challenges in building relationships between the difference parts of the industry and a lot more dialoguing and relationship building is needed within the industry to create an environment in which it can flourish. He said industry stakehlders encountered a lot of challenges when trying to develop products or get access to capital or even in recruiting suitable candidates for their firms.

No one has any pretentions of establishing a Silicon Valley in Trinidad and Tobago, but we are trying to develop and industry that is really sustainable and viable and that supports economic diversification. He added that while Trinidad and Tobago does not have the amount of factories in high tech information technology to take over the world, there were countries including Costa Rica and Ireland which are quite small and quiet but are important players in the industry and that is where we see ourselves.

Martinez went on to say that working in a culture of innovation means that those working in the industry have to think beyond the 9-5 and recognise that it is a field that requires commitment and our markets are not protected in the same way that it would be for manufactured goods which can be protected by tariffs and different trade barriers so what it means is that we are competing with people from all over the world and we really need the drive, the commitment, the entrepreneurial spirit and really, the passion for the industry, to really build and be part of competitive and innovative companies.

He said that many of the challenges that foreign companies looking to recruit IT experts in Trinidad and Tobago would have faced up to two years ago still remain, the aim of his study was to get an understanding of the industry as a whole which was why in the course of his survey he made contact with as many as forty information technology entities of various sizes and age in business and to identify the players in the industry.
Accused Mayor absent from court

On November 2, when Paul, 72, made his second court appearance on the charge, the magistrate set the trial date for yesterday. But when the matter was called, Pauls attorney James Philbert, a retired Acting Commissioner of Police, informed the court that his client was experiencing chest pains. Philbert produced a letter to Magistrate Chankar who noted that the document was dated November 7.

She stated, based on the document, the Mayor was complaining of chest pains. It further stated Mayor Paul had an appointment for a treadmill test at 9.45 am yesterday.

The magistrate adjourned the case, in Pauls absence, to next week Wednesday, the new date set for trial. A charge against the mayor, as read out in court, alleges that on October 18, at Grant Trace in Rousillac, Paul drove a motor vehicle after consuming so much alcohol that the proportion of it in his breath exceeded the legal prescribed limit of 35 microgrammes of alcohol per 100 millilitres of breath. The mayor was granted $5,000 station bail and on his first court appearance on October 20, he pleaded not guilty to the charge.

Court prosecutor Sgt Ancil Corrie noted that there are three prosecution witnesses to testify at the summary trial.
Teen Venezuelan thief nabbed

The exercise was supervised by Senior Superintendent Mc Donald Jacob and led by Inspector Vetus Hernandez. According to reports, Inspector Hernandez and PC Williams observed the Venezuelan suspect walking along a road near the southern gate of the University of the West Indies shortly after midnight. The man was stopped and searched and a Beretta pistol and a magazine containing a quantity of 9 mm ammunition were found and seized.

Police believe that the Venezuelan was involved in several robberies in the St Augustine area and was on his way to carry out another robbery when he was held. He is expected to be placed on identification parades today following which he would be charged for several crimes.
$250,000 bail for SRP

Joseph returned to court yesterday before Forde-John for her to determine bail based on whether he was a holder of a TT Passport, so it can be surrendered as a condition of bail being granted. Joseph, 36, who was last based at San Juan Police Sub-station, was arrested and charged with robbing Chinese national Wei Hui Zhu of $406,000, at his Soledad Road, Claxton Bay home. The SRP is also alleged to have robbed Zhu of an Apple Iphone 7 ($7,000) and an FX Revolution rifle ($20,000). Another charge of robbing Jinfu Zhu of an Apple Iphone 6 valued $6,000, was also read to Joseph.

He appeared on Wednesday on those charges before Forde-John but was remanded into custody to determine whether he had a passport which the police prosecutor had requested be seized as a condition to bail. Joseph, who had been a special reserve police officer for the past three years, yesterday appeared in the prisoners docks in handcuffs. He was brought down from Maximum Security Prison in a separate vehicle from the normal batch of prisoners.

Court prosecutor Cleyon Seedan, told Magistrate Forde-John yesterday that records from the Immigration Department showed that Joseph has a passport, but it expired on July 5, 1995. Forde- John granted Joseph bail to cover the charges, excluding the charge of possession of the ammunition.

That charge was read to him on Wednesday as well but was transferred to the Port-of-Spain Magistrates court. The charge alleged that on Friday last at the San Juan Police Sub-station, Eastern Main Road, he had the ammunition while being a person exempted under Section Seven of the Firearm Act, and not being the holder of a firearm user licence in respect of the said ammunition.

When Joseph appears on Monday to answer that charge, the magistrate would determine the issue of bail. Yesterday, Forde-John did not offer Josephs attorney Sade Lee-Duprey, a cash deposit as an alternative to the $250,000 bail.
Hunt on for ex cops, suspended cops

Camera footage at the home of the victim clearly identifies the SRP from Tobago who was fired, but attempts to find him is proving to be quite difficult. The second SRP who is on suspension is believed to have assisted in the robbery by using his vehicle. Attempts to contact him by officers of the Professional Standards Bureau also proved futile.

Newsday understands that camera footage at the home of the victim only identifies two persons while the remaining four persons cannot be identified properly. Initially, officers from the North Eastern and Port-of- Spain Divisions were interviewed in connection with the robbery but they were ordered released pending further investigation.

An SRP has already appeared in court in connection with the robbery. According to reports, last Friday three armed men arrived at the home of Wei Hui Zhu, 31, of Soledad Road, Claxton Bay in a marked police vehicle, wearing police tactical gear.

Three more officers arrived in a black Sport Utility Vehicle stating they had instructions to search his home. The men found and took $400,000 as well as two iPhones.
TTPS suppressing the true murder rate

The media conference was held together with Opposition Senator Gerald Ramdeen, and it was called to address the recent assertions of Prime Minister Keith Rowley, that former PM Kamla Persad-Bissessar was anxious to have 438 people killed. Rowley made the statement on Tuesday night at a campaign meeting in San Juan, and he made the statement in response to Persad-Bissessars claim that the reported murder figure of 400 in the local media as of Monday November 14, 2016 was incorrect, and it was in actuality, 438.

Sturge, in the press conference, backed the Opposition Leader, affirming that her figure of 438 was accurate and produced a document cataloguing the number of murders to date for 2016, confirming the number of 438.

He said, ...It seems as if the left hand doesnt seem what the left hand is doing in the Police Service.

And its even worse with the media. We rely heavily on the media to be a check and balance on the government and to be a check and balance on the Police Service, and to report accurately.

It seems since September 7, that certain investigative journalists who touted themselves as investigative journalists, they have since passed on, were asking on these persons to be Lazarus, and its time to wake up. I say so because the media seems to be lagging behind on what the actual murder toll is...Ill first deal with the TTPS website. According to the TTPS website, downloaded today, 17 November 2016, according to the...crime stats as it stands in T&T, its 405, and after the 405, theres a question mark. So it seems as though the TTPS is not even sure that its 405. But what is interesting, is according to the same website T&T kidnappings for the year, 0.

Now I would expect the investigative journalists to do like Lazarus and wake from the dead, and ask the TTPS about Rhea Sookdeo who was kidnapped, and thats just one person who was kidnapped...So clearly, one cannot trust the information coming out of the TTPS...I dont understand how the TTPS count is 405 and the medias 408.
Charles: Kamla right to hit Govt on crime

Charles alleged that Rowley does not care about the people and is out of touch. He said Rowley failed to outline his plan to deal with crime, allegedly being blissfully unaware of the real fear citizens feel on a daily basis as a result of rising criminal activity.

People are genuinely afraid, the murder toll is over 400 and that is a fact, and the Government has yet to even articulate a crime plan or national security policy, another startling and scary fact, Charles hit.

The Prime Minister would like for all of us to pretend that our national security systems are not failing. Even as he professed his confidence in the Minister of National Security (Edmund Dillon), Rowley was conveniently forgetting that he recently included himself on the ever growing list of National Security ministers which is not a sign of confidence. Charles accused the Rowley-led administration of arrogance in how they interact with the public.
Persad-Bissessar comes under fire from cane farmers

A press release issued yesterday by the Cane Producers Association of Trinidad and Tobago (CPATT) condemned Persad-Bissessars comments on the issue at a political rally on November 11, 2016 and also took her to task for attempting to blame the non-payment of the EU grant to cane farmers on the present Prime Minister, Dr Keith Rowley.

According to the release, The Association notes that Mrs Persad- Bissessar failed to adequately address the longstanding issue of utilisation of the EU Grant Funding for the benefit of cane farmers during her five years as Prime Minister of Trinidad and Tobago.

Mrs Persad-Bissessar is fully aware that the Government and the European Delegation have signed an agreement whereby the Cane Farmers were to be the major beneficiary of this grant funding and that the Governments responsibility is to facilitate implementation of the exit plan.

Her continued statements regarding this issue are clearly an attempt to divert attention away from the fact that under her administration, hundreds of millions of dollars were collected from the European Commission, and no mechanism was put in place for the Cane Farmers to benefit. It continued that Persad-Bissessars administration, through then Minister of Planning and the Economy, Bhoendradatt Tewarie and then Minister of Food Production, Devant Maharaj, failed to cooperate with the Association to have the Exit Strategy for Cane Farmers implemented.

Additionally, the release complained that the PP attempted to win the general election by paying $27 million as cash to farmers.

The Exit Strategy was approved by the European Union Delegation in 2013, and in 2014, the Delegation committed 16 million Euros to the grant funding.

On Friday November 11, at a political rally in Barrackpore, Persad- Bissessar urged cane farmers to not accept what the Peoples National Movement administration is offering them, saying that they would be accepting less than what they are actually entitled to.

She said at the rally, I tell you do not sign those letters, do not take the less money, go to your lawyer (Gerald) Ramdeen and let us fight them in the court to get the full amount of money that you are due.
Kamla takes on EBC for errors with candidates

Persad-Bissessar is demanding a full retraction and correction of the publication from the EBC, and expressed difficulty in believing that the mistakes were unintentional. She highlighted the inaccuracies while speaking to a modest crowd of fired up UNC activists at the partys cottage meeting on Wednesday night at the ASJA Girls College auditorium in San Fernando. The Form 46, which listed the names of all the candidates and their corresponding parties for the Local Government election, was published in a daily newspaper. However, several UNC candidates were listed as PNM candidates and, further, the UNC candidates for the Tunapuna district were completely left out.

Those incorrectly listed as UNC candidates were Zoraida Rodriguez-Martinez and Gioma Martinez-Norman contesting seats in the Port-of-Spain Corporation; Chulan Kheymweti contesting a seat in the Penal/Debe Corporation; Chris Hosein contesting a seat in the Princes Town Corporation; and Chanardaye Ramadharsingh contesting a seat in the Siparia Corporation.
Gaming Bill in House today

Among other things the bill seeks to provide for the establishment of the Gambling (Gaming and Betting) Control Commission for the purpose of regulating the Gaming and Betting Sectors which are, both on a global and national level, vulnerable to infiltration by money launderers and terrorist financing. The bill also seeks to provide safeguards to prevent minors and vulnerable persons from being harmed or exploited by gambling.

Persons commit an offence under this legislation if they knowingly employ a minor to perform any function relating to gambling.

Under Section 84 (1) of the Bill, a person who commits an offence is liable on summary conviction to a fine of $500,000 and six months imprisonment.

Persons making a false statement of intent, commits an offence and is liable on summary conviction to a fine of $5 million and to imprisonment for five years.

Before Imbert begins the debate on this Bill, Prime Minister Dr Keith Rowley will field questions from the Opposition during Prime Ministers Question Time, as todays sitting is the second one for the House this month. The Prime Minister may also make a statement in the House today regarding the Alutrint project which was scrapped under the PP.

At a post-Cabinet news conference at the Office of the Prime Minister (OPM) in St Clair on October 20, Rowley said TT owes China hundreds of millions of dollars due to the scrapping of that project.
Imbert: FATCA after elections

Imbert expressed his optimism as he announced that debate on the Tax Information Exchange Bill 2016 will resume in the House of Representatives in December, after the November 28 local government elections.

Addressing a news conference at the Eric Williams Financial Complex in Port-of- Spain on Wednesday, Imbert said, As soon as this local (government) election is over, we will be back in the Parliament and the first order of business will be FATCA. With Parliament expected to take its Christmas recess around mid-December, Imbert was optimistic that the Bill will be passed in the House before that and brought to the Senate in January.

Reminding reporters that the Treasury asked Government to submit a detailed action plan for implementation of FATCA requirements, Imbert said this involved passing the legislation and put the necessary systems in place to allow the Board of Inland Revene (BIR) to report to the Treasury on US citizens and corporations doing business in TT. He explained the BIR has a discretion right now and, the whole point about FATCA is that discretion is taken away. Imbert said Government told the Treasury the legislation should be passed by the end of February 2017.

We put a self imposed deadline on ourselves.

Then between then and September we will have to implement the legislation, Imbert added.

Indicating, we are on track with that at this point in time, Imbert said he had no idea how the Treasury will operate under the incoming Trump Administration.

I am assuming that the arrangements that we have with the Treasury will remain. I cant assume anything else, he said. Noting that US Ambassador to TT John Estrada tendered his resignation after the election, Imbert said this would have happened even if Democratic candidate Hilary Clinton won the election. The minister said it remained to be seen whether Estrada continues as ambassador under Trump or a new ambassador is chosen. Estrada offered assistance to Government in September in discussions with the US Treasury on FATCA.
Denver may soon allow marijuana at restaurants and bars

When it comes to marijuana, few states are nearly as progressive as Colorado. One of the earliest adapters of recreational marijuana legalization, Colorado has served as a beacon of light for cannabis advocates across the United States. If they continue to show just how successful a states economy can grow if cannabis is legalized for both medical and recreational use, every other state in the union is sure to follow.

Considering that marijuana never should have been outlawed in the first place, this is good news for freedom-lovers everywhere.

Now Colorado is set to pull off another first in regards to cannabis legislation. Soon, residents of the state may be able to smoke marijuana at restaurants, bars and other indoor business so long as the owners of the establishment explicitly allow them to do so. Of course, there are a number of regulations that stand in the way of that taking place.

Katherine Biek of Newsy reports, First, businesses will need to apply for permits that allow those who are at least 21 years old to consume marijuana in designated indoor or outdoor spaces, and those establishments can only do that if a local business group or neighborhood backs them. Its not just bars and restaurants that can apply. Any public establishment, like yoga studios and art galleries, are covered under the measure.

While you may not want to eat dinner at a restaurant while there is a cloud of marijuana smoke floating overhead, the fact that business will be legally allowed to have this happen is a win for liberty as a whole. Its not so much a matter of whether or not this is a smart business decision so much as it is a victory for business owners who are slowly taking back their rights. Less regulations means more success in the free market.

Thats whats so interesting about the cannabis industry. Even people who dont use cannabis  even those who are actively opposed to using cannabis  can acknowledge just how many good things it can provide for the country and the world at large. Now more than ever, the American people need to see just how much good freedom  actual freedom  can do for us all.

So many have lost faith in the system over the past few years that we need to remind everyone why America is the greatest country on earth. So much of that has to do with freedom, so we should become free once again. If Colorado is any indication, we are on our way.

Sources:

CNN.com

Newsy.com

NBCNews.com

Submit a correction >>
Paris climate pact irreversible, say 197 nations

Morocco,Environment/Wildlife, Fri, 18 Nov 2016 IANS

Marrakech, Nov 18 (IANS) Nearly 200 nations on Friday reaffirmed their political commitment to a global climate deal that is 'irreversible' at the ongoing UN climate talks that were mostly overshadowed by US President-elect Donald Trump's comments to cut off funding to climate change programmes.

"We call for the highest political commitment to combat climate change, as a matter of urgent priority," 197 parties to the UN's climate convention stated in the Marrakesh Action Proclamation issued on the penultimate day of the UN climate talks here.

"Our climate is warming at an alarming and unprecedented rate and w e have an urgent duty to respond," it said.

"Indeed, this year, we have seen extraordinary momentum on climate change worldwide, and in many multilateral fora.

"This momentum is irreversible - it's being driven not only by governments, but by science, business and global action of all types at all levels," they said.

"Our task now is to rapidly build on that momentum, together, moving forward purposefully to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and to foster adaptation efforts, thereby benefiting and supporting the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development and its Sustainable Development Goals," the nations said.

The parties -- 196 nations and the European Union bloc -- also called for an increase in the volume, flow and access to finance for climate projects, alongside improved capacity and technology, including from developed to developing countries.

The developed countries also reaffirmed their $100 billion mobilisation goal.

The countries, both developed and developing, unanimously called for further climate action and support, well in advance of 2020, taking into account the specific needs and special circumstances of developing countries, the least developed countries and those particularly vulnerable to the adverse impacts of climate change.

It also talked about an increase in the volume, flow and access to finance for climate projects, alongside improved capacity and technology, including from developed to developing countries.

The proclamation also showed solidarity with the countries most vulnerable to the impacts of climate change.

The Paris Agreement aims to limit average global warming to 2 degrees Celsius by cutting greenhouse gases from burning fossil fuels.

With announcement of Britain, it becomes the 111th country to ratify the Paris Agreement that came into force on November 4 when more than 55 countries as well as countries representing more than 55 per cent of global greenhouse gas emissions ratified the deal.

Trump has called climate change a "hoax" and vowed to cut o ff funding to United Nations climate change programmes.

He also said he would reduce the US involvement in the Paris climate accord .

(Vishal Gulati is in Marrakech at the invitation of the Global Editors Network to cover COP22. He can be contacted at vishal.g@ians.in)

--IANS

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Paris Hilton voted for Donald Trump

United States,Cinema/Showbiz,Hollywood,Politics, Fri, 18 Nov 2016 IANS

Los Angeles, Nov 18 (IANS) Socialite Paris Hilton says she contributed to business tycoon Donald Trump's victory in the US Presidential election.

On Thursday, Hilton appeared in an Australian TV interview to promote her latest fragrance "Gold Rush".

Asked if she voted for Trump, she laughed nervously before confirming the news. "I've known him since (I was) a little girl - so, yes," she said.

Last week, she was approached by a TMZ reporter and asked who she planned to vote for. She refused to reveal her mind.

"My mother told me to never talk about politics or money," Paris told tmz.com.

Earlier this year, a 2003 interview with Trump was uncovered in which he told Howard Stern that he first met Paris when she was 12 years old. He described her as "beautiful".

--IANS

dc/rb/mr
Climate action 'urgent, irreversible', reiterate 197 countries

Morocco,COP 22,Environment/Wildlife, Fri, 18 Nov 2016 IANS

Marrakech, Nov 18 (IANS) Nearly 200 nations have reaffirmed their political commitment to a global climate momentum that they say is "urgent" and "irreversible" at the UN climate talks that were mostly overshadowed by US President-elect Donald Trump's comments to cut off funding to climate change programmes.

"We call for the highest political commitment to combat climate change, as a matter of urgent priority," 197 parties to the UN's climate convention stated in the Marrakech Action Proclamation, issued on the penultimate day of the UN climate talks here on Thursday night.

"Our climate is warming at an alarming and unprecedented rate, and we have an urgent duty to respond," it said.

"Indeed, this year, we have seen extraordinary momentum on climate change worldwide, and in many multilateral fora. This momentum is irreversible -- it's being driven not only by governments, but by science, business and global action of all types at all levels," they said.

"Our task now is to rapidly build on that momentum, together, moving forward purposefully to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and to foster adaptation efforts, thereby benefiting and supporting the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development and its Sustainable Development Goals," the nations said.

The parties -- 196 nations and the European Union bloc -- also called for an increase in the volume, flow and access to finance for climate projects, alongside improved capacity and technology, including from developed to developing countries.

The developed countries also reaffirmed their $100 billion mobilisation goal.

The countries unanimously called for further climate action and support, well in advance of 2020, taking into account the specific needs and special circumstances of developing countries, the least developed countries and those particularly vulnerable to the adverse impacts of climate change.

It also talked about an increase in the volume, flow and access to finance for climate projects, alongside improved capacity and technology, including from developed to developing countries.

The proclamation also showed solidarity with the countries most vulnerable to the impacts of climate change.

The Paris Agreement of 2015 aims to limit average global warming to 2 degrees Celsius by cutting greenhouse gases from burning fossil fuels.

Hailing the agreement, the countries affirmed their commitment to its full implementation and its rapid entry into force in the light of different national circumstances.

Meanwhile, Britain became the 111th country to ratify the Paris Agreement that came into force on November 4 when more than 55 countries, as well as countries representing more than 55 per cent of global greenhouse gas emissions, ratified the deal.

Trump has called climate change a "hoax" and vowed to cut off funding to UN climate change programmes. He has also said he would reduce US involvement in the Paris climate accord.

Without the US, delegates and analysts at the climate summit here were sceptical about the success in tackling one of the greatest challenges of this century.

"Coming just a week after the US election results, the Marrakech Action Proclamation sends a strong signal that parties are committed than ever to advance solutions to the most pressing global challenge of our times, despite international headwinds," said an independent climate expert here.

Liz Gallagher, Senior Associate, E3G, said: "Today's proclamation in Marrakech was received with thunderous applause. It just goes to show how serious countries are about getting on with their climate action plans in order to protect their economies and their people. It was a touching moment of solidarity after a bruising week."

"It's rare that so many countries unite to make a public declaration on any policy subject. This demonstrates just what a global consensus there now is around climate change... they will not let the election of Donald Trump hijack the important work being done to secure the safe future of our planet," Mohamed Adow of Christian Aid, which monitors the climate negotiations on behalf of poor countries, said in a statement.

(Vishal Gulati is in Marrakech at the invitation of the Global Editors Network to cover COP22. He can be contacted at vishal.g@ians.in)

--IANS

vg/in/sac
DiCaprio stuns onlookers on Edinburgh street

United Kingdom,Cinema/Showbiz,Hollywood, Fri, 18 Nov 2016 IANS

Edinburgh, Nov 18 (IANS) Oscar-winning actor Leonardo DiCaprio recently visited a restaurant here, and onlookers were left stunned as they spotted him on their bus journey to work.

The actor, who is in the city to speak at the Scottish Business Awards on Thursday, recently paid a visit to Home, a restaurant which gives its profits to the homeless.

He was greeted by hundreds of fans waiting outside and spent time chatting and signing autographs after they waited hours in the pouring rain to meet the star, reports mirror.co.uk

He looked dapper with his dark hair slicked back while wearing a white open-collared shirt and black trousers with matching shoes. He teamed it up with a long coat.

Tom Hunter, chairman of the Scottish Business Awards, said on its website: "Leonardo is not only a famous actor, he is a pioneering environmentalist and committed philanthropist whose charitable work is making a global impact.

"To have him address our nation's premier businesses and entrepreneurs is incredibly exciting.

"That the Scottish Business Awards is the largest awards dinner of its kind in the whole of the UK says a lot about the strength and ambition of Scotland's entrepreneurial community."

--IANS

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Forest Whitaker to join Johnny Depp in crime drama

United States,Cinema/Showbiz,Hollywood, Fri, 18 Nov 2016 IANS

Los Angeles, Nov 18 (IANS) Actor Forest Whitaker is in talks to join actor Johnny Depp in "LAbyrinth", a real-life drama that will follow the criminal investigation behind the murders of rap legends Tupac Shakur and Notorious B.I.G.

Whitaker would play a journalist who teams with Depp's disgraced LAPD (Los Angeles Police Department) detective, who has been unable to solve the mysterious deaths of two of hip-hop's biggest stars, reports hollywoodreporter.com.

Helmer Brad Furman will direct from a Black List script by Christian Contreras, which he adapted from journalist Randall Sullivan's book "LAbyrinth: A Detective Investigates the Murders of Tupac Shakur and Notorious B.I.G", the "Implication of Death Row Records' Suge Knight", and the "Origins of the Los Angeles Police Scandal".

Whitaker will next be seen in the first "Star Wars" stand-alone pic, "Rogue One: A Star Wars Story". He also will star as Bishop Desmond Tutu in the biopic "The Forgiven" and is set for Marvel's "Black Panther" movie.

--IANS

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Mauritius threatens to take Chagos Islands row to UN court

Mauritius,Immigration/Law/Rights, Fri, 18 Nov 2016 IANS

Port Louis, Nov 18 (IANS) Mauritius is threatening to take Britain to the international court of justice in a dispute over sovereignty of the Chagos Islands.

In the wake of the Foreign Office's announcement this week that none of the Chagossians expelled in the 1960s to make way for military bases would be allowed to return to live on the Indian Ocean archipelago, Mauritius, which claims the territory, has accused Britain of "outrageously" undermining human rights, The Guardian reported on Thursday.

Mauritius Prime Minister Anerood Jugnauth criticised the British government's refusal to let the Chagossian community return to the island, which he said "always formed and continues to form an integral part of the territory of Mauritius".

He added: "In view of the purported unilateral actions of Britain, Mauritius would be fully justified in taking forward the completion of the process of decolonisation, which is now on the agenda of the current session of the UN general assembly, with a view to putting the matter before the international court of justice."

A United Nations vote in favour of referring the case to the court in The Hague would have to be obtained. The Mauritian government said Britain's "unilateral" decision to ban the right of return and to renew the lease for the US base on Diego Garcia, one of the Chagos Islands, for another 20 years breached international law.

Mauritius said Britain had "acted in blatant breach of the letter and spirit" of a judgment under the UN convention on the law of the sea last year.

"The denial of the right of Mauritians in general, and those of Chagossian origin in particular, to settle in the Chagos archipelago is a manifest breach of international law and outrageously flouts their human rights," the statement said.

--IANS

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Japanese PM, Trump meet in New York

United States,Politics,Diplomacy, Fri, 18 Nov 2016 IANS

New York, Nov 18 (IANS) US President-elect Donald Trump met Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe, the first foreign head of government he spoke face to face since he won the November 8 election.

A spokesperson said that the meeting began on Thursday evening at 4.55 p.m., at New York's Trump Tower, Efe news reported.

Although initial reports were that Vice President-elect Mike Pence would also be present at the meeting, that has not been confirmed and, in fact, the Indiana governor arrived at Trump Tower only a few minutes before it ended.

The meeting lasted for about 90 minutes and the details were not known yet.

Spokespeople with Trump's transition team announced early Thursday that possibly more information about the meeting would be released after it ended, but they insisted that the get-together would be "very informal" and they did not expect significant results to emerge from it.

"I think any deeper conversations about policy and the relationship between Japan and the United States will have to wait until after the inauguration," said transition team spokesperson Kellyanne Conway.

The Japanese premier made a stop in New York en route to Lima, where he will participate in the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) summit, which President Barack Obama and other world leaders will also attend.

During the election campaign, Trump was very critical of a series of US trade deals, including the one known as the Trans-Pacific Partnership linking nations around the Pacific.

He has also said that Japan is one of the countries that should pay more to the US for the military assistance Washington provides, something that has aroused concern in Tokyo and in other affected capitals.

--IANS

ksk
Obama urged to pardon 750,000 undocumented young people

United States,Immigration/Law/Rights,Politics, Fri, 18 Nov 2016 IANS

Washington, Nov 18 (IANS) A trio of Democratic lawmakers have asked President Barack Obama to use his executive authority before leaving office to pardon some 750,000 undocumented young people known as "dreamers" who were illegally brought to this country as minors by their parents.

The request was made by Congressmen Luis Gutierrez, Lucille Roybal-Allard and Zoe Lofgren in a letter sent to Obama on Thursday in which they asked him not to abandon the undocumented people and leave their fate in the hands of President-elect Donald Trump, who will take office on January 20, 2017, Efe news reported.

"We urge you to exercise your Constitutional authority to provide pardons to 'dreamers' both retroactively and prospectively," the legislators wrote, warning of the danger to the young people who were able to temporarily postpone being deported thanks to the Deferred Action programme (DACA) implemented by Obama in 2012.

Trump promised during his presidential campaign to eliminate that program, which allowed undocumented young people to get temporary work permits and drivers' licenses.

Obama's executive action measures allowed thousands of young foreigners to come out of the shadows and include themselves voluntarily on a government list, providing their fingerprints and addresses and, for that very reason they are now afraid that they will be among the first immigrants to be deported by Trump.

"'Dreamers' face uncertainty, fear and stress, leading to psychological issues including depression, anxiety and an increased risk of suicide," the lawmakers wrote.

"Indeed, we have received reports of Dreamers who have taken their own lives as they are now facing the threat posed by the incoming president," they said, adding that "Using your pardon authority, which is not subject to reversal, to protect these young people who relied on the program you implemented is quite literally a matter of life and death."

When asked about whether their petition has any chance of success, the lawmakers said that Obama has the power to pardon both criminal and civil offences, the latter being the type of offence committed by foreigners who illegally cross the border or remain in the country after their visas expire.

Presidents usually reserve granting the most controversial pardons until their last weeks in office, and these pardons are usually provided to individuals and not large groups of people.

Nevertheless, the legislators mentioned that former President Jimmy Carter (1977-1981) had pardoned thousands of men who fled to other countries like Canada to avoid having to fight in the Vietnam War.

In response to the request, a top White House official speaking on condition of anonymity emphasised that the presidential power to grant clemency cannot provide legal status to any undocumented persons and said that only Congress can regularise the status of undocumented foreigners.

--IANS

ksk
Indian Navy inducts four indigenous sonars

Delhi,National,Defence/Security, Fri, 18 Nov 2016 IANS

New Delhi, Nov 18 (IANS) The Indian Navy on Friday inducted four indigenous sonars to give a boost to its underwater surveillance capability.

The systems are Abhay -- a Compact Hull Mounted Sonar for Shallow Water Crafts; Humsa UG, an upgrade of the Humsa Sonar System; NACS or Near-field Acoustic Characterisation System; and AIDSS or Advanced Indigenous Distress Sonar System for submarines.

Defence Minister Manohar Parrikar and Navy chief Admiral Sunil Lanba were present on the occasion.

The sonars have been designed and developed by Naval Physical and Oceanographic Laboratory, a Kochi-based premier laboratory of Defence Research and Development Organisation.

Abhay is an advanced active-cum-passive integrated sonar system designed and developed for smaller platforms such as shallow watercrafts and coastal surveillance and patrol vessels.

The Indian Navy has proposed to deploy this sonar on three of its Abhay-class ships.

Using the latest technology in hardware architecture and advanced signal processing algorithms, the sonar is capable of detecting, localising, classifying and tracking sub-surface and surface targets in both active and passive modes of operation.

The prototype of this compact sonar installed onboard a nominated naval platform has successfully completed all user-evaluation trials to demonstrate the features as per the Naval Staff Qualification Requirements.

Humsa UG has hardware architecture based on the state-of-the-art open architecture processor technologies to enable smooth upgrade of the system capabilities.

This system is proposed to be installed on seven ships of three classes of ships.

NACS determines the in-situ performance of the sonar system used to find the frequency-dependent 3-D transmission and reception characteristics of the sonar.

It is also used to measure the magnitude and phase characteristics of the sonar transmission and reception electronics and transducers.

AIDSS is a distress Sonar or an emergency sound signalling device used to indicate a submarine in distress and enable quick rescue and salvage.

It is a life-saving alarm system designed to transmit sonar signals of a pre-designated frequency and pulse shape in an emergency situation from a submarine for long period.

A Memorandum of Understanding was signed between the ministries of defence and skill development in July 2015 to enhance the skill sets of retiring defence personnel.

In the pilot batch, 70 retiring naval personnel have been trained in collaboration with the National Skill Development Corporation, the Indian Navy said.

Parrikar along with Skill Development Minister Rajiv Pratap Rudy handed over skill certificates to retiring naval personnel on the occasion.

--IANS

ao/tsb/vt
Afghani traders face demonetisation blues at IITF

Delhi,National,Business/Economy,Human Interest/Society, Fri, 18 Nov 2016 IANS

New Delhi, Nov 18 (IANS) The shining jewels, elegant carpets, delectable dry fruits and other authentic Afghani attractions at the ongoing India International Trade Fair (IITF) fail to find their worth, thanks to the cash crunch that has set in after the demonetisation move.

Afghani traders are not accepting the scrapped Rs 500 and Rs 1,000 currency notes and also do not have the PoS machines. They are utterly disappointment with the 36th edition of the trade fair, as there has been very limited sale of all their products, including table covers, women's dresses and overcoats.

The carpet sellers are the worst sufferers of the lot. Their carpets range between Rs 3,000 and Rs 90,000. Without the card payment service, it has become almost impossible for them to do any business.

"I have been participating in the fair for the past six years. There hasn't been anything exciting about sales this year as compared to the last year or before that," carpet trader Humayun told IANS.

"Until last year, we had a sale of at least Rs 1 lakh every day. Without asking where the ATM machine is, the customers would pay in cash. But this time, we are barely doing business worth about Rs 20,000 a day," he added.

Humayun also said: "None of us has a bank account here in India. So, we cannot get the card machine."

One of the vendors complained that the India Trade Promotion Organisation (ITPO) did not cooperate in terms of arranging the card machine.

"The ITPO should have arranged the ATM service. Instead, they told us to find Indian friends to get an account. The government should provide us some help in this regard," Siddiq Ullah said.

For dry fruit trader Jawat Khan, there is no time to exchange the old currency as his whole day is spent at the fair.

"We can't accept old currency notes as there is no time to exchange it. We are here at the fair from 6 a.m. to 10 p.m.," he said.

"The quality of our dry fruits is great. We make our customers taste them before they buy, as people don't realise the richness of these nuts without tasting. A lot of it now going to just tasting, since people seldom buy due to the money shortage."

Malika Azad from the Afghani pavilion was equally distressed.

"Our dresses range between Rs 500 and Rs 5,000, but people are finding the prices too high because of this money problem in India. It is very difficult to sell anything at this point of time in this country," she said.

--IANS

mg/nir/vt
CBI to seek extradition of chopper deal middleman

Delhi,National,Business/Economy,Crime/Disaster/Accident, Fri, 18 Nov 2016 IANS

New Delhi, Nov 18 (IANS) The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) has decided to extradite alleged middleman Christian Michel James, an accused in the Rs 3,600 crore AgustaWestland helicopter deal, sources said on Friday.

"CBI has decided to send a request for extradition of James to central authorities in the UAE," an informed source told IANS.

James reportedly received around Rs 225 crore from AgustaWestland in kickbacks paid by the firm to execute the deal for 12 helicopters in its favour in the "guise of" transactions for performing multiple work contracts in the country.

An amount of Rs 6.33 crore was routed to India through James' shell company Media Exim from his Dubai-based company Global Services FZE.

James and two other middlemen, Guido Ralph Haschke and Carlo Gerosa, have been named as the accused in separate investigations conducted by the CBI and the Enforcement Directorate (ED).

Both the agencies have also issued an Interpol Red Corner Notice (RCN) against James, after a city court issued a non-bailable warrant against him.

An Italian court has revealed that James, a resident of London, was working as a consultant in India for AgustaWestland's AWA101 helicopter deal.

Investigators said James is currently staying in Dubai from where he has been running his companies.

--IANS

rak-akk/vgu/vt
Jindal University inks MoU with Israeli varsities

Delhi,National,Education, Fri, 18 Nov 2016 IANS

New Delhi, Nov 18 (IANS) Continuing its tradition of global collaborations across the world, the O.P. Jindal Global University (JGU) has signed a Memorandum of Understanding with the College of Law and Business (CLB) and The Hebrew University of Jerusalem (HUJ)to create a framework for global collaboration in areas of academics, research, faculty and student exchange programmes.

JGU Vice-Chancellor C. Raj Kumar signed the MoU with Professor Menahem Ben Sasson, President, The Hebrew University of Jerusalem and Professor Moshe Cohen-Eliya, President, College of Law and Business in the presence of visiting Israeli President Reuven Rivlin and Union HRD Minister Prakash Javadekar.

Speaking on the occasion, Rivlin observed that education and cultural exchanges will consolidate Israel- India relations. The two nations came into being as independent entities around the same time and leaders of both national movements had intellectual dialogues like Tagore and Einstein.

"The Einstein archives at Hebrew University of Jerusalem houses the extensive letters of Tagore written to Einstein, so it is the right time for Israel and India to take the intellectual partnership further form here. The academic collaborations signed today will ensure that has begun," a JGU statement said.

The MoU aims to promote academic, cultural and personnel exchanges that can enrich the experience of students, research scholars and faculty members from both institutions, the agreement will also facilitate student and faculty exchange programs and promote bilateral cooperation on research.

Speaking on the occasion, Raj Kumar said: "International education and collaborations of this type promote knowledge exchange between global communities and enhances our student's transformative educational experience. It is with this vision that we have partnered with over 160 institutions in 40 countries since our inception in 2009."

Extolling the achievements of the Israeli universities, Kumar observed: "The leading institutions in Israel have achieved extraordinary distinctions and have rapidly evolved into world class universities. We are proud to be associated with College of Law and Business (CLB), and The Hebrew University of Jerusalem (HUJ) of Israel, which are amongst the top universities of the world."

"In pursuit of its vision to promote a global perspective through a global faculty, global courses, curriculum and research, JGU has fostered collaborations with over 160 universities and institutions in 40 countries across the world," the statement said.

--IANS

vm
SC seeks government's action plan on recovery of bad loans

Delhi,National,Immigration/Law/Rights,Business/Economy, Fri, 18 Nov 2016 IANS

New Delhi, Nov 18 (IANS) The Supreme Court on Friday did not favour making public the names of individuals and companies with non-performing assets (NPAs) or bad loans of Rs 500 crore or more, and said what is important is how to recover the money and check its recurrence.

Saying that "disclosure of names would not lead us anywhere", the bench of Chief Justice T.S. Thakur, Justice A.M. Khanwilkar and Justice D.Y. Chandrachud said, "We want to know why are NPAs accumulating? What are reforms (needed) so that NPAs do not recur? What are the deficiencies in the recovery system? Disclosure of names is not going to serve any purpose."

The Reserve Bank of India has submitted a list of such defaulters to the apex court in a sealed cover.

Having said this, the court asked the government to submit a comprehensive note indicating the government's action plan to recover the NPAs. The court said this should be submitted in four weeks in a sealed cover.

The court sought the comprehensive note from the government after Solicitor General Ranjit Kumar told the court that besides a high level committee that is looking into the banking sector reforms, the government is also independently looking into the matter of NPAs.

The court said the committee set up by the government to suggest banking reforms should submit its report in four weeks, and added that the recommendations of the panel would be subject to its scrutiny.

It fixed December 12 as the next date of hearing in the matter.

Telling the court that the committee was in the last lap of its work and would finalise its report by this month-end, the Solicitor General opposed the suggestion by NGO Centre for Public Interest Litigation (CPIL) counsel Kamini Jaiswal for an independent economist on the Committee.

He told the court that the committee that was set up in May this year has held six meetings and is in the process of finalising the report.

The Solicitor General told the court that the committee is examining all the issues that were earlier raised by CPIL counsel Prashant Bhushan in the matter.

During the hearing on October 24, the Supreme Court had said that it would hold hearing on whether the names of individuals and companies with non-performing assets (NPAs) of Rs 500 crore or more could be made public.

The court is hearing a PIL by the NGO CPIL which pointed to loans given by the Housing and Urban Development Corporation Ltd in 2003 to some of the companies with questionable track records. It was in the course of hearing of this PIL that the court focused on the recovery of large NPAs.

--IANS

pk/nir/vt
First airborne early warning system likely in December

Delhi,National,Politics,Defence/Security, Fri, 18 Nov 2016 IANS

New Delhi, Nov 18 (IANS) Minister of State for Defence Subhash Bhamre informed the Lok Sabha on Friday that the first Airborne Early Warning and Control System ( AEW&C) is likely to be inducted in December.

"There has been no delay in AWACS(I) Project as the current mandate of the project was to finalise on the contract of the aircraft through a global tendering process, which has been completed," the minister said in a written reply.

The indigenous Airborne Warning and Control System (AWACS) System is likely to be available from 2024, the minister added.

The response cited finalisation of operational requirements, delay in delivery of certified aircraft and incompletion of flight evaluation of the integrated systems due to reasons of modification on aircraft by original equipment manufacturer, as the reasons for delay in the AEW&C also known as mini AWACS.

AWE&C are airborne radar system to detect aerial threats and command the fighter air crafts for strikes. DRDO is developing an indigenous AWE&C system mounted on Embraer air crafts.

India operates AWACS system imported from Israel which is mounted on Russian IL -76 air crafts.

--IANS

rs/vgu/
Nikki Haley has "good discussion" with Trump; speculation of cabinet job

United States,Diaspora, Fri, 18 Nov 2016 IANS

New York, Nov 18 (IANS) Setting aside their campaign feuds, South Carolina Governor Nikki Haley had a "good meeting" here on Thursday amid speculation that she is being considered for the job of secretary of state or other cabinet positions.

"They had a good discussion, and she is very encouraged about the coming administration and the new direction it will bring to Washington," her spokesperson Rob Godfrey said after the meeting.

Trump's former campaign manager Kellyanne Conway was noncommittal about a position for Haley in the Trump administration. "We're just happy to have her here for her advice and counsel and to hear about the great success story of South Carolina," she told reporters.

If Republican Haley gets a cabinet job, she would be the first Indian American to ascend to that level marking a historic milestone for the community in a year that saw a political breakthrough.

Democrat California Attorney General Kamala Harris became the first Indian American elected to the Senate. Three Indian Americans, Raja Krishnamoorthi from Illinois, Pramila Jayapal of Washington state, and Ro Khanna of California won seats on the House of Representatives, where they will join fellow-Democrat Ami Bera of California, who was re-elected.

However, a late development cast a shadow on Haley's hopes for America's top diplomatic job. The Republican presidential candidate in 2012, Mitt Romney, was scheduled to meet Trump over the weekend. He has said that the only job he would be interested in was secretary of state, leading to new intense media speculation that he may be up for the job.

Like Haley, Romney has been a vehement critic of Trump during the campaign - and in turn was hammered by Trump. While Haley said towards the end of the campaign that she would vote for Trump, although she had reservations, Romney did not take back his assertion that he would never vote for the Republican nominee.

Trump, who ran a scorch earth campaign, is now reaching out to his critics in an attempt douse the flames discord he had flamed.

Speculations about Trump's cabinet choices have been rapidly changing. First reports said that former New York Mayor Rudy Giuliani and former UN Permanent Representative John Bolton were the front runners for secretary of state. Both came under criticism for their advocacy of aggressive foreign intervensions in contrast to Trump's own cautious policy.

On Wednesday, when Haley's meeting with Trump was scheduled, CNN and MSNBC independently quoted unnamed sources in the Trump transition team as saying that she was being considered for the foreign policy job.

Now there is mention in the media that she may be also considered for commerce secretary given her strong track record in getting foreign investment into her state.

Haley is the daughter of Sikh immigrants from Amritsar district and her full name is Nimrata Nikki Randhwa Haley. She is married to Michael Haley.

--IANS

al/tb
CBI to seek extradition of chopper deal middleman

India,National,Crime/Disaster/Accident,Defence/Security, Fri, 18 Nov 2016 IANS

New Delhi, Nov 18 (IANS) The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) has decided to seek the extradition of alleged middleman Christian Michel James, an accused in the Rs 3,600 crore AgustaWestland helicopter deal, from the UAE, sources said on Friday.

"CBI has decided to send a request to designated central authorities of UAE (United Arab Emirates) seeking extradition of fugitive Christian Michel James through prescribed channel," an informed source told IANS.

The agency took the decision to seek the extradition of James after its investigating teams confirmed his role as a key middleman in the AgustaWestland deal, the source said.

It is also learnt that some bureaucrats and politicians are on the radar of CBI sleuths in the case but they want to question James before taking any action against them.

"Extradition is also important to take forward the investigation regarding bribes paid to bureaucrats and politicians," the source further added.

James reportedly received around Rs 225 crore from AgustaWestland in kickbacks paid by the firm to execute the deal for 12 helicopters in its favour in the "guise of" transactions for performing multiple work contracts in the country.

An amount of Rs 6.33 crore was routed to India through James' shell company Media Exim from his Dubai-based company Global Services FZE.

James and two other middlemen, Guido Ralph Haschke and Carlo Gerosa, have been named as the accused in separate investigations conducted by the CBI and the Enforcement Directorate (ED).

Both the agencies have issued an Interpol Red Corner Notice (RCN) against James, after a city court issued a non-bailable warrant against him.

An Italian court has revealed that James, a resident of London, was working as a consultant in India for AgustaWestland's AWA101 helicopter deal.

Investigators said James is currently staying in Dubai from where he has been running his companies.

--IANS

rak/rn
Youth Congress members protest demonetisation

Delhi,National,Politics,Business/Economy, Fri, 18 Nov 2016 IANS

New Delhi, Nov 18 (IANS) The Indian Youth Congress (IYC) on Friday marched towards Parliament House to protest "inconvenience caused to common man" due to demonetisation of currency, an IYC statement said.

While addressing the protesters, Congress leader and member of parliament Anand Sharma said that the central government has no plan for execution of demonetisation.

"One day the government says it has sufficient currency and the very next day it reduces the exchange amount from Rs 4,500 to Rs 2,000," he said.

All India Congress Committee (AICC) communications head Randeep Singh Surjewala said the currency printing machines have capacity to print 300 crore currency notes in a month and that it would take seven months to print 2,100 crore notes that need to be replaced.

"Fortyseven people have lost their lives due to harassment caused because of demonetisation," he said.

The police used water canons to disperse protesters and detained many of them.

--IANS

vv/vgu/vt
India, Britain sign 3 bilateral Advance Pricing Agreements

Delhi,National,Business/Economy,Diplomacy, Fri, 18 Nov 2016 IANS

New Delhi, Nov 18 (IANS) India and Britain on Friday signed three more bilateral Advance Pricing Agreements (APAs) taking the total number of these pacts to a total of 111 so far, an official statement said.

"The Central Board of Direct Taxes (CBDT) signed three three bilateral APAs here today taking the total number of APAs signed (both-bilateral and unilateral) so far to 111," the Finance Ministry said in a statement.

"These three agreements cover international transactions in the nature of payment of intra-group service charges and pertain to the telecom industry. They also have a roll-back provision," the statement said.

With this, India and Britain have concluded five bilateral APAs and some more would be concluded in the near future, it added.

Authorities from both countries had earlier exchanged mutual agreements amongst them under the Mutual Agreement Procedure (MAP) Article of the India-UK Double Taxation Avoidance Convention (DTAC).

The Advance Pricing Agreement programme was introduced by the Finance Act, 2012 with a view to provide a predictable and non-adversarial tax regime and to reduce the litigation in the Indian transfer pricing arena.

An APA can be entered into for a maximum of five years at a time. Since the notification of the APA scheme on August 30, 2012, a total of about 700 APA applications have been received during the first four years of the programme, which indicates the wide acceptance by the taxpayers, it said.

"The Indian APA programme has been appreciated nationally and internationally for being able to address complex transfer pricing issues in a fair and transparent manner," it added.

--IANS

mm/vd
EC told us not to share ink with banks: Goa poll officials

Goa,National, Fri, 18 Nov 2016 IANS

Panaji, Nov 18 (IANS) The Election Commission of India (EC) has written to poll authorities in Goa not to share its stock of indelible ink with banks and other agencies, a senior official said on Friday.

"Indelible ink is requisitioned during the time of elections. A communication has come from the Commission that even the previous stock should not be given to them... we should not part with our stock," Joint Chief Electoral Officer Narayan Navti told IANS when asked if there was a directive from the EC about sharing of indelible ink with banks.

Earlier this week, as part of the demonetisation campaign, the Finance Ministry asked banks to use indelible ink to prevent people from making repeated multiple transactions at banks.

The measure was initiated in order to reduce the rush at banks all over India, which are witnessing unprecedented queues, with anxious customers keen on replacing and depositing old currency notes and withdrawing the stipulated amounts of money from their accounts.

"We will be monitoring the situation if there is any over supply... If it (indelible ink) is applied, it will last for two weeks. Because of elections, we will also keep an eye to prevent any possible misuse of the ink," Chief Electoral Officer Kunal said.

--IANS

maya/nir/vt
Modi should apologise for demonetisation deaths: Congress

Delhi,National,Politics,Business/Economy, Fri, 18 Nov 2016 IANS

New Delhi, Nov 18 (IANS) The Congress on Friday demanded an unconditional apology from Prime Minister Narendra Modi for the over 50 deaths post the demonetistion move and said the series of guidelines issued in its wake showed that "confusion confounds the government completely".

The party also demanded that the government must pay adequate compensation to the families who have lost their near and dear ones. The Congress also said that printing currency notes worth Rs 15 lakh crore, to replace those that have been withdrawn, would take at least three to eight months.

The Congress further said the move was not planned and was only meant as an image-building exercise of the Prime Minister.

"We have a Prime Minister who takes a decision first, thinks later and never admits to his mistakes," said Congress spokesperson Randeep Singh Surjewala.

"The problem with this government is that whoever questions them are branded anti-nationals. We demand that Modi apologise to the families of the deceased. An inquiry should be held into these deaths," he added.

The Congress also hit out at the government for bringing in new guidelines almost everyday following the demonetisation of Rs 500 and Rs 1,000 currency notes.

"In the past nine days, they have come up with 18 guidelines. There was no planning at all before taking the decision," said Surjewala.

Congress said the government decided to put ink on everyone's finger coming to change currency but the Election Commission has opposed the decision.

"Election Commission negated the decision to put ink. Truth is that government's right hand does not know as to what is being done by the left hand. Confusion confounds Modi government completely," he said.

Surjewala said due to demonetisation, 1,658 crore notes of Rs 500 and 668 crore notes of Rs 1,000 i.e. a total of 2,327 crore notes valued at about Rs 15 lakh crore, have been withdrawn.

"The 1,000 rupee notes are printed by Bharatiya Reserve Bank Note Mudran Private Limited. It has a capacity to print 133 crore notes per month in two shifts. Even if three shifts were to work, this company can print 200 crore notes per month," said Surjewala.

"If this company was to print new Rs 2,000 notes as against the old Rs 1,000 notes, the entire operation will take three-and-a-half months. Rs 500 notes are printed by Security Printing and Minting Corporation of India Limited, which has a capacity to print 100 crore notes per month," he added.

He further said: "If this capacity is doubled overnight, it will still take nearly eight months or more to print 1,658 crore notes of Rs 500."

Hitting out at Finance Minister Arun Jaitley, Surjewala said: "There are only two lakh ATMs in the country. As per the Finance Minister, only 22,250 ATMs have been recalibrated and upgraded in last 10 days.

"If this figure is correct, it will take 110 days to recalibrate and upgrade all the two lakh ATMs. What will happen to people of the country in this period?" he asked.

The Congress also slammed the government for putting an embargo on all cooperative banks, rural development banks, primary land development banks and cooperative credit societies from either changing money or dispensing new notes.

--IANS

sid/rn
Gujarat HC allows Hardik to shift to Haridwar for fortnight

Gujarat,National,Immigration/Law/Rights,Politics, Fri, 18 Nov 2016 IANS

Ahmedabad, Nov 18 (IANS) The Gujarat High Court on Friday granted Patel agitation spearhead Hardik Patel leave to shift his temporary residence for a fortnight from Rajasthan to Uttarakhand.

Hardik had moved a petition in the High Court seeking permission to change his temporary residential address from Udaipur in Rajasthan to Haridwar in Uttarakhand.

"The hon'ble court had put in a condition that he cannot change his temporary residence during bail period without its permission. Hardik wanted to visit some religious places in Haridwar and so we moved a petition before seeking permission for four weeks," said Rafiq Lokhandwala, member of team representing Hardik in the high court.

Hardik, who is out on a six-month bail in a sedition case, had been barred from entering Gujarat by the court. In his petition, he had mentioned that he wished to stay at Swami Deeptanand Ashram, Bhupatwala, Haridwar, with its mahant, Swami Krishnanand Maharaj.

--IANS

desai/vd
Labour Minister seeks more mobile ATMs for workforce

Delhi,National,Politics,Business/Economy, Fri, 18 Nov 2016 IANS

New Delhi, Nov 18 (IANS) Union Minister of State for Labour and Employment Bandaru Dattatreya on Friday urged the Finance Ministry to deploy more mobile ATMs in labour areas to help the cash-strapped workforce.

"We have requested the Finance Ministry to deploy more mobile ATMs in areas like construction sites where the workforce is in large numbers," Dattatreya said at a trade organisation's event here.

With no let-up in the cash chaos due to currency shortage after the central government's demonetisation move on November 8, millions of working class people, especially labourers, have been facing untold hardship for want of Rs 100 and Rs 50 notes across the country.

"We have urged the Finance Minister (Arun Jaitley) to rush mobile ATMs to the areas where labourers are working in large numbers and directed the state governments to assist banks in easing the situation," Dattatreya said at a conference on "India's Social Security Agreements", organised by Assocham.

The ministry is also identifying the areas where large workforce is present, so that mobile ATMs can be deployed there.

The Labour Minister, who met Jaitley on Thursday, has sought priority treatment for the workforce, especially in the unorganised sector, in the Union Budget for the next fiscal (2017-18) to ensure social security for them.

"As the five crore construction workers do not have social security, we have made them a part of the organised workforce to avail benefits from the ESIC (Employee's State Insurance Corporation) and EPFO (Employees Provident Fund Organisation)," said Dattatreya.

India already has social security agreements with 19 countries the world over.

"As social security is essential for migrant workers, we are working for similar agreements with more countries, including those in BRICS and SAARC groups," said Dattatreya.

Central Provident Fund Commissioner V.P. Joy said on the occasion that the EPFO was negotiating with Sri Lanka for a social security agreement between the two countries.

Highlighting the vision of Prime Minister Narendra Modi of extending social security guarantee to the poor, the minister said auto-rickshaw and cycle-rickshaw pullers should also have the same benefits.

--IANS

fb/nir/vt
India, Cyprus ink new Double Tax Avoidance Agreement

Delhi,National,Business/Economy,Diplomacy, Fri, 18 Nov 2016 IANS

New Delhi, Nov 18 (IANS) India on Friday signed a revised double taxation avoidance agreement (DTAA) with Cyprus, an official statement said here.

"A revised agreement between India and Cyprus for the Avoidance of Double Taxation and the Prevention of Fiscal Evasion (DTAA) with respect to taxes on income, along with its protocol, was signed today (Friday) in Nicosia (Cyprus)," said the Finance Ministry statement.

The revised agreement will replace the existing agreement signed in June 1994 with Cyprus, which has a reputation as a tax haven.

It was signed by High Commissioner of India to Cyprus Ravi Bangar and Cyprus' Finance Minister Harris Georgiades.

"The new DTAA provides for source based taxation of capital gains arising from transfer of shares, instead of residence based taxation provided under the existing DTAA," the statement said.

"However, a grandfathering clause has been provided for investments made prior to 1st April, 2017, in respect of which capital gains would continue to be taxed in the country of which the taxpayer is a resident," it added.

Provisions of new DTAA will enter into force after the completion of necessary internal procedures in both countries and is expected to come into effect in India in respect of income derived in fiscal years beginning on or after April 1, 2017.

"The new Agreement also updates the provisions related to exchange of information to accepted international standards, which will enable exchange of banking information," the Indian finance ministry said.

Cyprus was the only country to have been blacklisted by India as a non-cooperative jurisdiction, due to lack of effective exchange of information.

India and Cyprus had entered into a tax treaty in 1994, and are obliged to exchange information.

On November 1, 2013, the Indian government had notified Cyprus as a non-cooperative jurisdiction following failed discussions to secure the desired level of cooperation.

--IANS

bc/vd
Demonetisation a game changer: Ravi Shankar Prasad

Delhi,National,Politics,Business/Economy, Fri, 18 Nov 2016 IANS

New Delhi, Nov 18 (IANS) Union Law and Information Technology Minister Ravi Shankar Prasad Ravi Shankar Prasad on Friday dubbed the government's demonetisation a "transformative game changer exercise" and said it would bear fruits in the future.

Prasad was speaking at the valedictory ceremony of the 22nd annual conference of CBI-State Anti-Corruption and Vigilance Bureaux here.

"The present decision of our government to put 500- and 1,000-rupee notes out of legal tender is being debated... this is a natural corollary of the initiatives taken by the Narendra Modi government," Prasad said.

Giving example of the Modi government's first initiative, the minister said it was the constitution of a Special Investigation Team on black money.

Explaining why Rs 500 and Rs 1,000 notes are no more legal tender, Prasad said: "Fifteen per cent of India's GDP (Gross Domestic Product)is cash, which is very high, unlike other countries (where it is) two per cent, three per cent and four per cent."

"... and out of that 15 per cent, 85 to 86 per cent is tender of Rs 500 and Rs 1,000. Such a huge tender of these high-value notes impact the probity, propriety and transparency of economy and therefore the decision has been taken."

"Obviously, there will be some inconvenience. But it is really a transformative game changer exercise and it will be fruitful in future," the minister said.

He said the exercise has been taken to discourage law offenders and encourage honest citizens.

Prasad also praised the CBI and said: "The biggest legacy of the CBI is trust and confidence it invokes in the people. In spite of a general mood of dismay and disbelieve, he CBI is an important tool."

He also conferred best branch, best investigating officer and best law officer awards on select CBI officers on the occasion.

--IANS

rak/tsb/vt
Israel expresses commitment towards 'Make in India' in defence sector

Delhi,National,Defence/Security,Diplomacy,Business/Economy, Fri, 18 Nov 2016 IANS

New Delhi, Nov 18 (IANS) Israel on Friday expressed its commitment for 'Make in India and Make with India' in the security domain, said a industry release.

Participating at a 'Round table on Indo-Israel Cooperation in Defence & Homeland Security', Israeli Defence Ministry's international defence cooperation directorate (SIBAT) chief Brig. Gen. Mishel Ben Baruch (retd.) said: "We are willing to cooperate with India and transfer technologies through partnership with Indian companies. SIBAT and Ministry of Defence of Israel are committed for a long term relationship with India."

He called the event, organised by Federation of Indian Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FICCI), "historic" and "an opportunity to find ways to enhance cooperation between India and Israel in these areas"."

Defence Ministry Joint Secretary (Planning & International Cooperation) Shambhu S. Kumaran said: "In India, defence production is set to shift from public sector to private companies and offset programme of the country is also taking shape with a target of $10 billion in next 5 years."

Emphasising on the high degree of trust shared between the two countries and the growing concern of cyber threat, Kumaran called it one of the areas where India and Israel could collaborate.

Israel is one of the leading exporters of weapon systems to India, providing missiles, unmanned aircrafts, electronic warfare and radars in last decade.

--IANS

rs/vgu/vd
'No move to seal bank lockers, confiscate jewellery'

Delhi,Business/Economy,Politics,Human Interest/Society, Fri, 18 Nov 2016 IANS

New Delhi, Nov 18 (IANS) Scoffing at rumours, the Finance Ministry on Friday said there was no move to seal bank lockers nor was it true that the ink of the new Rs 2,000 notes has been bleeding in some cases.

"Myth: Next move is to seal bank lockers and confiscate gold, diamonds and jewellery. Reality: This is baseless. There is no proposal to seal bank lockers and confiscate the jewellery," the ministry tweeted in its official Twitter account.

The ministry also said the Rs 2,000 notes have a safety feature, which is called "intaglio" (a design that is incised or engraved into a material).

"To identify a genuine note when you rub it against a cloth, a turbo-electric effect is generated and it is due to this that the note's ink gets transfrred on to the cloth," the ministry said.

--IANS

ap/sar
Ex-Philippines dictator buried in Heroes' cemetery

Philippines,Politics, Fri, 18 Nov 2016 IANS

Manila, Nov 18 (IANS) Ousted Philippine dictator Ferdinand Marcos was buried on Friday at the Heroes cemetery here in a controversial and unexpected ceremony which was not announced by the country's authorities until a few hours before the funeral.

The body of Marcos, accused of being responsible for the death, torture and illegal detention of hundreds of thousands and the appropriation of about $10 billion of public funds, was transported by helicopter to the Heroes Cemetery, Efe news reported.

The former President was buried in a private military ceremony that had to be guarded by hundreds of forces of the Philippine National Police in order to avoid clashes with victims of his regime. The ceremony was broadcast live in local media from outside the cemetery.

According to photos published on Facebook by Imee, one of his daughters, the former dictator's widow Imelda Marco attended the ceremony dressed in black.

Marcos' burial comes just 10 days after the country's Supreme Court gave the green light, which, according to opponents of the former dictator's family, is against the Philippine laws.

Philippine Vice President Leni Robredo said on Friday said she was also "disturbed" by the fact that the burial happened "in coordination with the Armed Forces and Philippine National Police demonstrating further that the judicial process has been thoroughly disregarded".

"(Marcos) is no hero. If he were, obviously his family would not have to hide his burial like a shameful criminal deed," Robredo added.

Several groups critical of Marcos announced they would hold a protest after the burial on Friday and over the weekend and that they will also file a judicial appeal to order the exhumation of the former dictator's remains.

Marcos' burial at the Heroes Cemetery was ordered in August by President Rodrigo Duterte, after the family of the former dictator submitted the request to previous presidents for years but had always been turned down.

After having ruled the Philippines with an iron fist for more than two decades, Marcos was removed from office in February 1986 following a peaceful protest and died in exile three years later.

--IANS

ksk/mr
Plan to launch Naga Chaitanya in Tamil: Gautham

Tamil Nadu,Cinema/Showbiz,Southern Cinema, Fri, 18 Nov 2016 IANS

Chennai, Nov 18 (IANS) Filmmaker Gautham Vasudev Menon, who is basking in the success of latest Tamil-Telugu bilingual "Achcham Yenbathu Madamaiyada", is keen to work with Naga Chaitanya in a straight Tamil film.

Chaitanya starred in Gautham's "Ye Maaya Chesave" and "Saahasam Sagipo Swasaga", the Telugu version of "Achcham Yenbathu Madamaiyada".

"He speaks good Tamil and I want to capitalize on it and work with him in a Tamil film. I want to introduce him to the Tamil film industry," Menon told IANS.

Happy with the response to his latest outing, which is doing extremely well in Tamil despite the demonetization effect, he said: "The announcement of demonetization feared us as it came just two nights before the release. Thankfully, it helped us in a way because other films couldn't release and we had an extended run."

With a project with Vikram and Suriya in the pipeline, Gautham also has plans for a multi-starrer which will bring together four stars from the four south Indian languages.

"Everything is still in discussion stage. I'm planning to work with leading heroes from Tamil, Telugu, Kannada and Malayalam," he said.

--IANS

hp/rb/vm
Murray beats Wawrinka to reach semifinals

United Kingdom,Sports, Sat, 19 Nov 2016 IANS

London, Nov 19 (IANS) Top seed Andy Murray defeated Stan Wawrinka in straight sets to reach the semifinals of the ATP World Tour Finals at London's O2 Arena on Friday.

Murray, fighting for the year-end first place in the world rankings, took 86 minutes to defeat the Swiss number one 6-4, 6-2, Xinhua news agency reported.

He also improved to 10 wins and seven defeats against Wawarinka, although winning one game was enough to send him to the last four.

The 29-year-old topped the group with a perfect record in the second group, beating Marin Cilic of Croatia in the first match and edged fifth seed Kei Nishikori of Japan in the second.

Nishikori also reached the semifinals as the second place finisher in the group, making his match against Cilic later meaningless.

Murray will fight for the final berth against fourth seed Milos Raonic of Canada and Nishikori meet Serbia's Novak Djokvic.

--IANS

sku/
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We spend so much time discussing todays mobile, always-connected world, that sometimes its easy to forget that not everyone has access to the Internet. Until recently, the Guantanamo Bay Naval Base was among one of the places that didnt have access to cellular data coverage. For years, the 5,500 military families and staff living on the naval base had no way to use their phone. However, thanks to T-Mobile, thats finally changed.





T-Mobile has expanded is 4G LTE (News - Alert) coverage to the naval base by installing 11 new cell sites with LTE coverage. The companys CEO, John Legere, said in a statement that he is honored to offer the service as part of the White Houses Joining Forces initiative.

According to Captain David Culpepper, there was no service beforehand because coverage was run by a small private company that couldnt provide very good service. Needless to say, the military families and staff are overjoyed the T-Mobile (News - Alert) has taken over the base from said company, with Captain David Culpepper stating, The new 4G LTE coverage is a huge boon to everyone at Naval Station Guantanamo Bay.

Reddit commenter nps-ca, stated that one of the reasons residents speculate the base was forgotten about is because people dont associate family life with Guantanamowhich you cant really blame anyone for. However, the user commented, Lots of families on NAS Guantanamo here [and] connectivity is a pain ... the facility is way more than just that [prison and camps], with lots of similar activities and things we get in the rest of the U.S. Hes rightthere are over 5,000 people living on that base, with normal lives, and they deserve the same kind of connectivity that the rest of the U.S. has.

Now that T-Mobile has stepped in and extended their coverage, residents on the base are receiving the same level of service as people on the mainland. As of August, people could buy postpaid and prepaid T-Mobile plans from a retail kiosk in the Navy Exchange store. The kiosk also sold smartphones and accessories, making it so that residents really do have the same phone shopping experience as people living on the continental U.S.

Edited by Stefania Viscusi
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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Steve Bannon, Jeff Sessions, Michael Flynn. Photo: Getty Images

Donald Trumps presidential campaign bludgeoned modern norms about the acceptability of racism. The candidate proposed a religious test for immigrants, and called a federal judge unfit on the grounds of his heritage. Trump could have decided to put the racial demagoguery of the campaign behind him, and it could have been remembered as a divisive ploy to win that did not define his administration, like George Bushs manipulation of white racial panic to defeat Michael Dukakis in 1988. But Trump, perhaps predictably, is making a different choice. His early staffing choices are redefining the boundaries of acceptable racial discourse in Republican politics.

Michael Flynn, Trumps new national security adviser, would be disqualified from a normal administration on multiple grounds. He is paid by authoritarian regimes in Turkey and Russia, as well as Russias propaganda apparatus. Multiple figures who worked with him in the military describe him as unhinged, a highly negative quality for a primary foreign-policy adviser.

The singular belief that lies at the core of Flynns worldview is indiscriminate hatred of Islam. George W. Bushs administration took pains to distinguish terrorists who use Islam to justify murder from the peaceful majority. Since then, most Republicans have adopted the irresponsible talking point that it is essential to use the words radical Islam rather than phrasing calculated to win over Muslim moderates. Flynn takes this reasoning several steps further. He openly endorses indiscriminate fear of the entire religion:

Fear of Muslims is RATIONAL: please forward this to others: the truth fears no questions... https://t.co/NLIfKFD9lU  General Flynn (@GenFlynn) February 27, 2016

Jeff Sessions, Trumps new attorney general, originally had the political profile of a white reactionary Alabama politician in the Old South mode. The Senate rejected his bid for a federal judgeship in 1986 over a series of racist remarks hed made, some of which he confirmed. Sessions called the NAACP un-American and accused it of forcing civil rights down the throats of people, and he allegedly called a black lawyer boy and warned him to be careful how he addressed white people.

Despite his rejection by the Senate, Sessions won election in the state, and his racial repertoire has since expanded beyond the traditional Deep South mode. He has enthusiastically embraced arch-restrictionist stances on immigration. He objected to the National Endowment for the Humanities distributing books about Islam to public libraries. He is obsessed with a shadowy globalist media-business conspiracy in general, and the role of George Soros in particular.

Steve Bannon, Trumps chief strategist, has attracted perhaps the most controversy. That Bannons ex-wife has testified to his hatred of Jews has attracted a great deal of attention, but this fact both over- and understates the racial nature of his beliefs. Bannons journalistic work is centrally dedicated to the task of refashioning conservatism along white-identity lines. His publication, Breitbart News, has promoted the alt-right. Breitbart itself defines the alt-right as a more intelligent version of skinheads:

There are many things that separate the alternative right from old-school racist skinheads (to whom they are often idiotically compared), but one thing stands out above all else: intelligence. Skinheads, by and large, are low-information, low-IQ thugs driven by the thrill of violence and tribal hatred. The alternative right are a much smarter group of people.

When asked by Trump about using immigration to keep talented minds, Bannon replied, When two-thirds or three-quarters of the CEOs in Silicon Valley are from South Asia or from Asia, I think  Bannon said. A country is more than an economy. Were a civic society. This was false as a matter of fact, but reflected Bannons obsession with maintaining Americas white identity.

The right-wing columnist Ben Shapiro, a former Breitbart staffer, has lambasted the publication for abandoning traditional movement conservatism for the alt-right version. Bannons project at Breitbart and his work with Trump is the culmination of his ideological ambitions. He has dreamed of rebuilding the Republican Party around a principle of white-identity politics. Bannon avoids explicit appeals to formal racism, though he also cultivates alliances with explicit racists.

The theme connecting Bannons ideology with Flynn and Sessions is an intensified and narrow nationalism. The Bannonites see a real America as under threat by demographic transformation, and the waves of immigrants eating away at its culture from below are in alliance with a global and disproportionately Jewish media and business elite from above. Their project is to preserve white Christian American identity, and wage a civilizational war against Islam in alliance with other white Christian powers, especially Russia.

This ideology is often portrayed as a frontal attack on traditional conservatism. It is not quite that. Its differences with the Paul Ryan version of conservatism lie mostly around the margins and in its areas of emphasis. Many Republicans agree with free trade and have even been willing to support immigration reform if necessary to defend their partys electoral viability. (In 2013, Republican barometers like Charles Krauthammer and Sean Hannity forcefully endorsed immigration reform.) But the main points of emphasis in traditional conservatism lie elsewhere. It is primarily concerned with opposing redistribution from rich to poor.

Bannon is less obsessed with cutting the top tax rate, deregulating Wall Street, and reducing social spending than the traditional GOP is, but he does not oppose these policies, either. That generalized agreement, or lack of disagreement, is the reason it is possible for white-identity conservatives and libertarian conservatives to work together under unified Republican government. Paul Ryan may not like racism  indeed, he conceded that Trump had made the textbook definition of a racist comment  but he is willing to work with racists to gut the welfare and regulatory states. If Trump had lost, the GOP would probably have reverted to its traditional anti-government identity very quickly. Now Trump is reshaping it before our eyes.
To hear some conservatives tell it, American Christians today are being fed to lions. Illustration: Ignatius of Antioch from the Menologion of Basil II (c. 1000 AD)

One of the most popular post-election interpretive themes among conservatives is that Christians were forced to vote for a presidential candidate they largely despised (or had reason to despise) because mean old secular liberals, especially gay people, were persecuting them. At National Review the Never-Trump conservative David French gave a full but not atypical treatment to the cries of the martyrs he seems to hear:

[O]rthodox Christians feel as if theyre under cultural and legal siege because they are.

[W]ith all the social pressures on the left driving Democratic politicians to ever-more-vicious acts of religious persecution, the election of 2016 presented conservative Christians with nothing but terrible options: Vote for an immoral man who might help, vote for an immoral woman who will try to hurt, or vote for someone decent who cant win.

Frenchs case for Christians being fed to the lions is not very precise, and mostly seems to involve the disdain of academics who are not, by and large, Democratic politicians. He does at least go to the trouble of talking about orthodox or conservative Christians (not acknowledging, of course, that these words do not mean the same thing), not conflating them with Christians generally. But it does raise the question of how many millions of Christians, including quite a few who voted for Donald Trump, have read the same Bibles and recited the same creeds as French and have somehow avoided the conclusion that having to sell pizza to gay people is like a second crucifixion of Christ.

Even observers who dont share Frenchs apparent belief that conservative Christians can no longer get a job or run a business (he has clearly never spent much time in my home state of Georgia) seem to think the only possible reason Trump got 81 percent of the white evangelical vote is that these people are, as Sean Trende put it, scared by a wide range of anecdotal incidents from the involuntary servitude of bakers and pizza-makers to the threat transgender people pose to Americas restrooms. Progressives were, he suggests, poor winners in the culture wars, and have vengefully rubbed it in to the traditionalist losers in ways that helped produce President-elect Trump.

It is not clear, however, what progressives are supposed to do to avoid scaring conservative Christians into voting for any old Republican. Surely we cannot accept the proposition that anyone in the country can self-select the discrimination and employee health-care laws and regulations they will and will not obey. There are in fact exemptions that even the godless Obama administration acknowledges for religious institutions; in the interstices between these institutions and individuals claiming religious inspiration, hard cases will arise. That they are sometimes decided in favor of the discriminated-against rather than the religiously guided discriminator should not be a source of cultural panic, should it? Barry Goldwater once said, Moderation in the pursuit of justice is no virtue. Should Americans who believe treating LGBT people like everyone else is a matter of simple justice hold back because some of our fellow citizens cherish injustice? And are conservative Christians rightly aggrieved if the state does not rush in and protect them from hurt feelings over the bigotry or disrespect sent their way by private individuals in academia or the media?

In some cases the pose of religious conservatives as people just minding their own business and trying to obey their consciences is even less convincing. We are often told one major reason white conservative evangelicals voted for Trump is that they very badly want pro-life justices on the Supreme Court to overturn the constitutional right to abortion. If one is convinced on religious or any other grounds that legalized abortion is legalized homicide, that stance makes sense. But it is not a defensive reaction to some secular-progressive effort to interfere with private religious belief. So far as I am aware, no law has ever forced a conservative Christian to have an abortion. The right-to-life cause is aimed at imposing a set of beliefs on the private behavior of people who do not share those beliefs. Being thwarted from achieving those aims is not persecution.

There is a very real argument to be made that what conservative Christians need most is better leadership: leadership that does not whip up paranoid fears in order to sanctify entirely secular political decisions. Some of the claims of persecution are almost entirely fabricated, like the bizarre idea the IRS is systematically discriminating against Christians. It is hard to imagine that the agencys alleged slow-walking of applications for tax-exempt status for political groups seeking that status to hide their donors could have become a religious cause celebres without some fairly hysterical fanning of rhetorical flames. In the end, though, the idea of Lois Lerner being the latter-day successor to the Romans in persecuting Christians is appropriately fatuous. Being denied 501(c)(4) status is not exactly the rack and the stake, the cross and the grave. Culturally panicked conservative Christians need to get a grip and realize all they have lost are political battles, not a holy war.
Photo: Carsten Koall/Getty Images

Republicans have repeatedly called on President Obama to calm protesters demonstrating against Donald Trump, and on Thursday he passed up that opportunity. Speaking in Germany, Obama instead said he would not advise people to be silent.

Ive been the subject of protests during the course of my eight years, he said during a joint press conference with German Chancellor Angela Merkel. And I suspect that theres not a president in our history that hasnt been subject to these protests. So I would not advise people who feel strongly or who are concerned about some of the issues that have been raised during the course of the campaign, I wouldnt advise them to be silent.

The president also offered some advice to Trump. He revealed that he told Trump in the White House last week that successful campaigning is much different from successful governing and then suggested that the president-elect needs to get serious about the job hes two months from taking.

I think the president-elect is going to see fairly quickly that the demands and responsibilities of a U.S. president are not ones that you can treat casually, Obama said. If youre not serious about the job, then you probably wont be there very long, because it will expose problems.
Trumps choice to become attorney general is very much a man of the 80s, when the war on drugs was new and cool. Photo: Chip Somodevilla/Getty Images

For manifold reasons of background and ideology (and maybe some score-settling for the scuttling of his nomination 30 years ago as a federal judge), Jeff Sessions as attorney general is a nightmare come to life for people who care about the enforcement of civil rights and voting rights. As my colleague Eric Levitz explains, Sessionss entrenched position in the very last ditch of support for the 1980s-style war on drugs will create some serious conflicts with states that are rapidly moving toward legalization of marijuana.

Theres one issue, however, where Sessionss evident lack of sympathy for minority Americans and his passion for the war on drugs comes together in an especially destructive way: criminal-justice reform. As a result, a painfully constructed bipartisan and cross-ideological movement to de-incarcerate many people (disproportionately African-American and Latinos, of course) tossed into prisons as a result of the mandatory minimum sentences, which spread like wildfire in the 1980s and 1990s, could soon completely fall apart.

The criminal-justice reform effort is a rare and perhaps (in this polarized age, at least) unique example of thinkers and policy makers from very different perspectives coming together over a long period of time and gradually coming near legislative success. Among conservatives, a combination of self-conscious Christian activists promoting the possibility of rehabilitation, fiscal hawks concerned by the vast cost of American prisons, and quasi-libertarians who dislike incarcerating people for their private drug use, made criminal-justice reform not only acceptable but respectable on the right. When arch-conservative Senator Mike Lee, a Utah Republican, and traditional liberal Senator Dick Durbin, a Democrat from Illinois, came together to sponsor legislation reforming federal sentencing policies in 2013, it looked like a breakthrough could be possible. After another couple of years absorbed with bringing old-line conservative Judiciary Committee chairmen Republicans Chuck Grassley of Iowa and Bob Goodlatte of Virginia, pay dirt looked near. Figures as wildly diverse as the President of the United States and the Koch Brothers were on record arguing that criminal-justice reform was an urgent national priority.

Then, with the 2016 elections pending, the junior U.S. senator from Alabama began raining on the criminal-justice-reform parade, attacking pending Senate legislation on both traditional war-on-drugs grounds, and the new claim that America was being subsumed in a new crime wave. Jeff Sessionss close friend Donald Trump was soon echoing the claim that violent crime was sweeping the nation (untrue, but also hard to refute in the wake of homicide spikes in many cities), while his Senate wing man Tom Cotton of Arkansas argued the real problem with the criminal-justice system was under-incarceration. Revisions to the main Senate bill on sentencing reform to ensure violent offenders did not benefit kept some jittery conservatives onboard  but not Sessions. Partly due to Sessionss and Cottons demagoguing on the issue, Mitch McConnell shelved action on the bill for the year.

And now Jeff Sessions is going to become attorney general, unless his colleagues prevent his confirmation (very unlikely, though the confirmation hearings could be interesting).

You cannot blame the apparent failure of federal-sentencing reform entirely on the reactionary stylings of Sessions and Cotton. There was a simmering dispute just under the surface all along  of particular concern to House Judiciary chair Goodlatte  as to whether sentencing reform should encompass not just nonviolent drug offenders but white-collar defendants convicted without proof of criminal intent (of great interest to business magnates at risk of criminal prosecution for violating federal regulations). Maybe the dream of bipartisan legislation unraveling the mistakes of the 1980s was a fantasy after all.

But with Jeff Sessions  a man who in almost every respect is still living in the 1980s, if not some earlier decades of U.S. and Alabama history  at the top of the law-enforcement machinery of the federal government, criminal-justice reform in Washington (though perhaps not in the states) is probably dead for the foreseeable future. It is unclear if Trump understands appointing Sessions is going to be a real obstacle to his proclaimed goal of winning 95 percent of the African-American vote in 2020. But we all need to understand that Trumps decision to make Sessions the beneficiary of one of his very first cabinet appointments should be the death knell for any naive hopes the new administration would create mind-bending bipartisan coalitions. Trump is turning back the clock in a big hurry.
Photo: Mark Makela/Getty Images

Donald Trump has offered the position of national security adviser to retired Lieutenant General Michael T. Flynn, according to multiple news outlets. Unlike some names being floated for positions in Trumps administration  such as potential secretary of State Rudy Giuliani  Flynn has extensive experience in his field. During his 33-year career, the former three-star general dismantled militant networks in Afghanistan and Iraq and became head of the Defense Intelligence Agency.

Flynn was forced out of that position in 2014 owing to concerns about his leadership style, and since then he has publicly railed against President Obama, calling him a liar and describing the U.S. justice system as corrupt. While many found it unseemly that the ex-military officer was publicly criticizing his old boss and hitting the campaign trail for Trump, thats not why Flynn is such a controversial pick for a position that would give him tremendous influence over defense and foreign policy. Since leaving the military, Flynn has repeatedly attacked Islam, cozied up to Russia, and lobbied for foreign interests even as he was sitting in on Trumps intelligence briefings.

Among his many issues with President Obama, Flynn has attacked him for being too politically correct, arguing in a recent book co-authored with conservative scholar Michael Leeden that the president failed to recognize the war being waged against us. According to the New York Times, it was Flynn who convinced the president-elect that the U.S. is in a world war with Islamic militants. Flynn has said Islam is a political ideology based on a religion, which he believes the American Founding Fathers wanted nothing to do with, and hes even called it a cancer.

Fear of Muslims is RATIONAL: please forward this to others: the truth fears no questions... https://t.co/NLIfKFD9lU  General Flynn (@GenFlynn) February 27, 2016

In next 24 hours, I dare Arab & Persian world "leaders" to step up to the plate and declare their Islamic ideology sick and must B healed.  General Flynn (@GenFlynn) July 15, 2016

Trump and Flynn both believe that the U.S. needs to work more closely with Russia to defeat the threat of radical Islam, despite Russian president Vladimir Putins human-rights abuses and aggressive action in Ukraine. Last year, Flynn was paid to give a speech in Moscow and appear at a gala for the TV network RT, where he was seated next to Putin. Flynn said he sees no difference between the Kremlin-funded outlet and U.S. media organizations like CNN.

Flynn has used social media to spread inflammatory messages from disreputable sources. He pushed conspiracy theories about Hillary Clinton using the hashtag #HillarysHealth, shared a fake news story, and retweeted a message that read, Not anymore, Jews. Not anymore (he later apologized). CNN reports that his son Michael G. Flynn, who serves as his chief of staff and top aide, regularly shares conspiracy theories, expletive-filled posts, and racially insensitive sentiments on Twitter and Facebook. These include claims that Clinton aide Huma Abedin has ties to the Muslim Brotherhood, and that Marco Rubio is a closeted homosexual who participates in cocaine-fueled sex parties. The Times reports Flynn made dubious claims in real life as well, prompting subordinates to coin the term Flynn facts.

In another similarity with Trump, Flynns business has raised concerns about conflicts of interest. The Flynn Intel Group, his consulting firm, has ties to businesses in the Middle East, and was hired by a Dutch company owned by a close ally of Turkish president Recep Tayyip Erdogan. Yahoo News revealed on Thursday that Flynn sat in on Trumps intelligence briefings in August, even as he was working with foreign clients. Flynn issued a statement saying, If I return to government service, my relationship with my company will be severed, in accordance with the policy announced by President-elect Trump.

Flynn has yet to officially accept the position in Trumps administration, but some have already dismissed him as a far too impulsive and conflicted choice for such a sensitive position  though thats a tough argument to make these days.

Ideally, the president-elect, who strikes me as someone with an impulsive personality, ought to have someone who is a stable hand smoothing out the rough, impetuous edges of the president, Adam Schiff, the top Democrat on the House Intelligence Committee, said on Thursday. The impression I have of General Flynn is that he has a like personality to the president-elect.
Photo: The Washington Post/Getty Images

Donald Trump, the first New York City kid to become president since FDR, will also be the first commander-in-chief to move to the White House from an apartment. True, his 30,000-square-foot, gilt-slathered Trump Tower penthouse is no ordinary pad, but the fact that he lives in the innermost heart of what you might call the inner city means that security arrangements dont just inconvenience a few neighbors; they screw up a sizable chunk of Manhattan. Fifth Avenue in the 50s is almost always clotted with pedestrians and cars, and this time of year it becomes even more congested as department stores turn their windows into Christmas Barneys-, Saks-, and Dior-amas. But Trumps election has turned his stretch of Fifth into the urban equivalent of the security line at JFK: Aluminum barriers squeeze traffic into a pair of lanes, sidewalks are blocked off, and pedestrians shuffle past a gauntlet of armed officers.

The city can cope with this disruption for a while. We grumble when world leaders converge on the United Nations twice a year, paralyzing the East Side, but we also recognize that statespeople need their New York fix, too. We know the excitement and irritation of moving aside for the 13-car motorcade ferrying President Obama to dinner at Cosme. But when the president-elect lets it be know that over the next four years hed like to slip back to his Tower on weekends (because, really, who wants to spend a Saturday afternoon in downtown D.C.?), that will be not a mere annoyance but a state-sponsored takeover of public space.

Weve seen it so often: Jersey barriers and modular fences, automatic weapons slung across Kevlar vests  the whole visible apparatus of control and intimidation in the name of safety. We become gradually accustomed to the notion that public space is dangerous space, and that all this surveillance and exclusion is for our own good. The World Trade Center is ringed with vehicle barriers and guard booths. The police presence at this years U.S. Open in Flushing MeadowsCorona Park was so oppressive that it forced the Queens Museum to close for ten days. Other cities, too, experience temporary lockdowns that segue into permanent conditions. The French embassy in Rome occupies the 16th-century Palazzo Farnese, which is lined with travertine benches where ordinary Romans have lingered to chat for 400 years. Now, guards and bars keep the public away.

Ever since 9/11, architects and planners have looked for more genial ways to minimize potential threats: cameras, of course, but also bollards that look like charming street furniture and public structures that are tougher than they appear. Even so, militarizing the streets has become the option of first resort, establishing a presence thats as frail as it is aggressive. Paris has been bristling with security forces since the Charlie Hebdo attacks  which didnt prevent the calamity of the Bataclan less than a year later. The 85,000 soldiers who kept Rio de Janeiro quiescent during the Olympics retreated after the crowds went home  and the military soon found itself in a shooting war with resurgent gangs. Blatant security works like a burglar alarm sticker on a front door: It announces to aspiring evildoers that theyll do better down the block. And shooters tend to take that advice, attacking cafes, movie theaters, offices, elementary schools, and relatively unguarded streets rather than the fortified targets identified by consultants like, say, Rudolph Giuliani.

If President Trump really uses Trump Tower as his regular getaway from the burdens of the Oval Office, he will turn Fifth Avenue into an armed encampment. Trump himself may hardly notice the change just outside his door; after all, when he emerges from his black-and-gold bubble, its usually to slip into an idling car. But if he does ever go for a neighborhood stroll, hell find drivers skirting the area and clogging streets all around; retail business shriveling; and residents moving out. The rest of us will stay away and leave that section of sidewalk to the gawkers and the cops. The man in the high castle will have turned a public thoroughfare into a glowering moat.
War is peace. Freedom is a jail sentence for smoking the demons weed. Photo: Molly Riley/AFP/Getty Images

One of blue Americas few consolations on the morning of November 9 was that liberals in California, Nevada, Massachusetts and (probably) Maine had gained the right to treat their Trump anxiety with self-prescribed marijuana.

Including those four referenda, the legalization of recreational marijuana has now been approved by eight states and the District of Columbia. Once legalization is implemented in all of them, 20 percent of Americans will live in a place where over-the-counter cannabis is legal on the local level.

But 100 percent of Americans still live in a place where marijuana is illegal on the federal level  a fact thats attained heightened relevance following Donald Trumps revelation of his pick for attorney general.

Alabama senator Jeff Sessions hates marijuana almost as much as he loves his Confederate heritage: The former prosecutor once joked to an African-American colleague that he was fine with the Ku Klux Klan until I found out they smoked pot.

Just as that dig at cannabis is, far and away, the least alarming thing about that quote, so Sessionss racism, more broadly, is far more concerning than his passion for the drug war. (These passions arent necessarily distinct  Sessions is the Senates leading opponent of ending mandatory minimum sentencing for drug crimes, a practice that disproportionately harms of African-Americans.)

Nonetheless, as leader of the Justice Department, Sessions would have the power to force 420-friendly states into compliance with federal law, thereby increasing the number of Americans who can be caged for indulging in a substance less dangerous than alcohol.

In fact, since marijuana is still classified as a Schedule 1 substance  a distinction that marks a drug as having no accepted medical use  Sessions could also crack down on the 28 states that have legalized cannabis for certain medical conditions.

During his campaign, Donald Trump repeatedly vowed to leave the question of marijuana prohibition to the states. And any federal crackdown would likely inspire heavy backlash, both from green state voters and from the burgeoning legal mairjuana industry.



While the choice certainly isnt good news for marijuana reform, Tom Angell, chairman of pro-legalization group Marijuana Majority, said in a statement, Im still hopeful the new administration will realize that any crackdown against broadly popular laws in a growing number of states would create huge political problems they dont need and will use lots of political capital theyd be better off spending on issues the new president cares a lot more about.

Still, if Sessions had his druthers, theres little doubt about the course of action hed pursue.

During Senate confirmation hearings for current attorney general Loretta Lynch, Sessions suggested that he viewed opposition to state-level legalization as a core responsibility of Americas top prosecutor.

I hope that you will cease to be silent, because if the law-enforcement officers dont do this, I dont know who will, Sessions said. And in the past, attorneys general and other government officials have spoken out and I think kept bad decisions from being made.

In a Senate hearing on the federal response to state-level cannabis laws, Sessions called on the government to foster the knowledge that this drug is dangerous, you cannot play with it, it is not funny, its not something to laugh about  good people dont smoke marijuana.

The senator also criticized FBI director James Comey in 2014 for suggesting that he was considering loosening the bureaus hiring restrictions on applicants who have used marijiuana.

Do you understand that that could be interpreted as one more example of leadership in America dismissing the seriousness of marijuana use and that could undermine our ability to convince young people not to go down that dangerous path? Sessions demanded.

Sessions has further suggested that Barack Obamas confession of past marijuana use contributed to the increase in rates of drug overdose in the United States, and pined for the days when [t]he federal government led the way with tough sentencing, eliminating parole, targeting dangerous drugs in effective ways, and states and local governments followed.

The likely next attorney generals passion for federal leadership on marijuana prohibition stands in marked contrast to his belief that the Voting Rights Act intrudes on states rights.

But perhaps Sessions simply believes that some policies are so central to who we are as a country, they supersede state sovereignty  and that jailing people for smoking weed is one of those policies, while guaranteeing African-Americans access to the ballot is not.
Cross-country has never struck me as much of a fun spectator sport. You watch a pack of people with extremely lean muscles, wearing very short shorts, run away from the starting line and then you wait until they come running back toward the finish line some 20 or 30 or 40 minutes later. But now that I know its a contact sport, my mind is completely changed.

Runner Justin DeLuzio was knocked to the ground during an NCAA 8K regional race this week at DeSales University in Center Valley, Pennsylvania, when a herd of deer sprinted through the course. Someone yelled, and I caught a glimpse of the deer, and I  I just didnt expect it, DeLuzio told Fox Sports. It just flipped me end over end.

Who says Cross Country isn't a contact sport? Posted by Eric Bologa on Tuesday, November 15, 2016

DeLuzio managed to finish the race and, save for a few bruises, is otherwise fine. Which means Im not a terrible person for watching this video on a loop at my desk and ugly laughing.
For Novembers edition of the Cut book club, were reading books to help us try and make sense of the election result, including searing dissections of race, class, and gender from acclaimed authors like Ta-Nehisi Coates, George Packer, and Jessica Valenti. Scroll down for the best books were reading this month, and if you have other recommendations, let us know in the comments.

1. One of Us: The Story of a Massacre in Norway  and Its Aftermath by Asne Seierstad

I read One of Us  Asne Seierstads extraordinary and thorough journalistic undertaking about the 2011 mass murder of 77 people, most of them teenagers, by far-right terrorist Anders Behring Breivik  over the summer. Back then, I was struck by how much Breiviks beliefs lined up with those of the alt-right (which was then gaining more and more prominence due to their support of Donald Trump): a strong emphasis on white nationalism, coupled with hatred of women and minorities. Its a harrowing and essential read for these times. Gabriella Paiella, staff writer

2. Sex Object: A Memoir by Jessica Valenti

Somehow I made it through college without taking a single womens studies class, so Guardian columnist Jessica Valentis Sex Object was my first experience with literature thats pro-woman to its core. Valenti uses her own experiences to evaluate and criticize rape culture, as well as to demonstrate what it does to women to live in a society that wasnt built for them. She gives voice to thoughts I didnt even know I had, and rereading her words after the election has helped me brace myself for whats to come.

Claire Landsbaum, staff writer



3. The Jungle by Upton Sinclair

Reading about places I live has always been a way I learn about my surroundings and relate to them. But over the past few months, Ive been attracted to accounts of different parts of America, and when people discuss dream trips all I can think of are cities within my country. My dad handed me Hillbilly Elegy a few weeks ago and I ate that up, and now realize I should read it again post-election. I also just reread The Jungle by Upton Sinclair. When I was in high school I was always frustrated that our textbooks excerpted this book but we werent required to read the whole thing, so I read it. It was grotesque, and threw me immediately into a two-month vegetarian stage, but it was aimed at the public for a social purpose, and therefore an intriguing and easy read. The parallels to modern-day America and industry workers arent all there, but it reminded me how important investigative journalism is. I look forward to living in a nation with free press, fearless journalism, and people who speak up when they see something morally wrong in our government. Emily Sundberg, Instagram editor

4. Hillbilly Elegy: A Memoir of a Family and Culture in Crisis by J.D. Vance

This memoir by an Appalachian native turned Silicon Valley investor weaves personal anecdotes with sociology to investigate the struggle of Americas white working class. While Vance provides an empathetic look at the poverty, trauma, and addiction that plague his community, he also holds his peers accountable for what he sees as a culture of blaming others. And though Vance was able to do what many around him could not  move away from home and up a couple of tax brackets  he is unafraid to confront the demons he continues to fight. Hillbilly Elegy is the closest Ive come to understanding why someone might vote for Donald Trump. Jessica Roy, news editor

5. Dont Let Me Be Lonely by Claudia Rankine

One thing that is particularly helpful to me in times of political uncertainty is to read works by writers from different places, or books that were released earlier than two years ago. This Claudia Rankine book of essays-slash-poems was published in 2004, which may not seem like that long ago, but is far enough away to help put things in perspective. Rankines book speaks about race in America, televisions effect on our ability to process trauma and tragedy, and what the world felt like before and after 9/11. It is immensely helpful in giving creative context to how we got where we are right now. Dayna Evans, staff writer

6. They Cant Kill Us All: Ferguson, Baltimore, and a New Era in Americas Racial Justice Movement by Wesley Lowery

If you dont read this book but for the sole purpose of brushing up on the recent killings of black men by the hands of police, it will have served its purpose. With Trump as president-elect, its important now more than ever that black people keep themselves educated on the injustices were facing in America. With so much political media coverage to distract us, Wesley Lowery sets out to remind us why revisiting our history is critical for racial improvement. Mars Johnson, freelance producer/fashion intern

7. Half the Sky: Turning Oppression Into Opportunity for Women Worldwide by Nicholas Kristof and Sheryl WuDunn

That this book needed to be written at all is evidence of how much more progress we need in womens rights. But beyond making moral appeals, this book lays out concrete proof that the oppression of women doesnt benefit anyone. Written by Pulitzer Prize-winning couple Nicholas Kristof and his wife, Sheryl WuDunn, the book tackles the problems of sex trafficking, forced prostitution, gender-based violence, and maternal mortality. Kristof and WuDunn offer concrete evidence, logical and economic proof that womens rights are human rights. Despite tackling dark topics, the book retains an optimistic tone (and doesnt come across as a slam book for men) by offering actionable ways to help and multiple inspiring stories of triumph and resilience. It even makes you laugh  but most importantly, it makes you want to do good in the world and give a copy to everyone you know. Kathleen Hou, senior beauty editor

8. Between the World and Me by Ta-Nehisi Coates

Coates never mentions Trumps name, but so much of this book now seems to explain his racist, terrifying platform: White America is a syndicate arrayed to protect its exclusive power to dominate and control our bodies, he writes to his son. This now feels like essential reading  to know what its like to be black and live in America, where weve come from, and what were facing. Catie LHeureux, associate managing editor

9. Whats the Matter With Kansas by Thomas Frank

I studied political science in college and Whats the Matter With Kansas was required reading. Back then the biggest political conundrum was How did George W. Bush win over middle-class voters when his policies benefited them the least? Whats the Matter With Kansas speaks to illuminate why some members of the electorate vote against their own best wishes. In a nutshell, Frank largely points to the dominance of social issues, like womens reproductive rights (or lack thereof) for example, in the political discourse that blindly sways conservative-leaning voters to support candidates with bad policies. Furthermore, triggering and deft political rhetoric lobbed from conservatives heightens hostility towards liberals, Frank theorizes. A lot has changed in the political landscape since Frank published the book over a decade ago, but the parallels to current issues are clear. Ill be giving this a reread this month. Ashley Weatherford, associate beauty editor

10. The Unwinding: An Inner History of the New America by George Packer

Now feels like the right time to give Packers book a second read, if it at least to try to better understand what has just happened in America but to really grasp how the social breakdown of the political system has been happening for some time. Packer weaves together narratives and social dynamics ranging from a depressed, abandoned factory town, (Youngstown, O.H.), pop-culture influences (Oprah and Jay Z), Silicon Valley billionaires (Peter Thiel), Wal-Mart shoppers, food activist Alice Waters, and the incredible Elizabeth Warren. Reading this book the first time was quite painful in its honesty, but I cant help but think of how insightful it will be to read a second. Rebecca Ramsey, style director

11. The Brief Wondrous Life of Oscar Wao by Junot Diaz

Its easy to forget systemic racism isnt an issue unique to the United States. This book follows the life of an immigrant boy who moves to New Jersey, through the eyes of a sci-fi nerd trying to understand his own masculinity. Diaz traces Oscars family history and the repercussions of the Dominican dictatorship with humor and just the right amount of academic footnotes. Leah Rodriguez, producer

12. And the Band Played On by Randy Shilts

Randy Shiltss classic follows the stories of activists, doctors, and patients through the first years of the AIDS crisis. Its a terrifying illustration of the human cost of politics  and a case study in how a vulnerable community gets organized to fight back. Molly Fischer, senior editor
Miss J (second left), model Tracey Norman, and genderqueer advocate Jacob Tobia at the the 2016 Out100 Gala at Metropolitan West. Photo: Monica Schipper/Getty Images for Here Media

For the past 22 years, Out magazine has celebrated 100 LGBTQ leaders at its annual Out100 Gala. This years event took place just two days after the election and felt more necessary than ever.

To a jovial crowd of LGBTQ leaders and advocates, Aaron Hicklin, editor-in-chief of Out, opened the event by acknowledging what was on everyones minds. Like many of you, I woke up on Wednesday morning and turned to my husband and we fell into each others arms sobbing, he said. I know that was happening all over the country. Later, he described the mood of the room and explained the importance of visibility. Ive been walking around here tonight talking to people, and the energy Im getting is game on, he said. We have to take that challenge as a community. We have to be visible. The Out100 has always been about telling stories, stories of people who live their lives out and proudly.

The Cut caught up with 25 of the nights honorees and guests, including Tracey Norman, survivors of the Pulse nightclub shooting, and contestants from RuPauls Drag Race, to ask how they felt about the election results and the future of our country. They spoke of devastation and optimism.

Chris Salgardo, president of Kiehls

Everything that we found out and all the shock, it existed. Its there. Id rather know if somebody has a problem with me being gay or my neighbor being African-American. Id rather know. Because until we have that dialogue, were not going to make any improvements. Were not going to change anything. Were just going to sugarcoat it. Id rather get to it, rip off the Band-Aid and tackle it. We can still be stronger together. Its not over.

Tracey Norman, model

When I turned the TV on that morning around 3:30 a.m. and realized that Trump had won, I literally started screaming in my apartment. I had fallen asleep early, and when I got the news I was really devastated by it. It was overwhelming. I dont know whats going to happen. Im going to be patient, and well see what happens in six months. Ill make a decision then.

Hannah Willard, policy and outreach coordinator for Equality Florida

If Im being totally honest, Wednesday morning felt a lot like Sunday, June 12. It felt like immediate horror and disbelief that the world could be so awful and dark. In the same way its going to take a minute to continue to recover from Pulse, its going to take a minute to recover from this. But what I know for sure is that LBGTQ people are no strangers to adversity. Weve gotten back up before.

Brandon Liberati and Craig Ramsay, stars of Bravos Newlyweds

BR: We are the first federally legal married couple on reality TV that showed people into the first year of marriage equality. So for us, its been very interesting to see that people werent very educated on not Trump himself or the president-elect, but his staff and what that stood for. Its been a very emotional week because theyre talking about taking away our marriage, our whole show. And America saw our marriage.

CR: The main thing I think I am devastated over is were still two white men that are married to each other, and this far exceeds our white privilege. This is about women who voted against womens rights. Its about people deliberately having an issue with eight years of a black man as president. And us, as two white privileged men still  yes, we have the LGBT rights to fight for, but also this is an eye-opener for us to fight for womens rights and minorities and immigrants.

Joanna Cassidy, actress

I think our country is going to wake up now. I just hope and pray that Mr. Trump does not undo what has been done and what history President Obama did for our country. In terms of the gays and the lesbians, I just dont want that undone. Weve really progressed and Id hate to see it go backwards. Im counting on millennials to pick up the slack here. You cant forget, and neither can anybody else. I dont call this 9/11  this is 11/9. We must remember. We must. We must stay on top of this.

Miss J (J. Alexander), TV personality

I was shocked. I was surprised. I was horrified by it. Im a little bit concerned because the future of our country is now leaning toward more transgender, so probably in five or ten years it will be normal for people to walk down the street without being beaten or dragged or put in jail. I mean women have always been strong. My mother was strong until the day she died, raising ten kids with my father. But at the same time, Im going to look at our future as a positive thing. Because if I keep thinking the negative, girl, Id be a mess.

Milk, RuPauls Drag Race contestant

I was extremely devastated by all of this. Hillary won that popular vote. I think the Electoral College is extremely archaic and outdated and I will not be sending my child to that college. I just think it doesnt make sense. Still.

Pearl, RuPauls Drag Race contestant

Im still waiting to wake up. Its almost like a weird, listless feeling. Its a weird haze, like when you wake up after doing two benzos and a Klonopin and youre, like, waiting for the buzz to wear off. I dont know. I guess this is the reality, and all we can do is hope that our daily lives dont change in a negative way.

Marti G. Cummings, drag performer

After the shock wore off, Im not really surprised. I think America has always had this underlying bigotry. Its kinda been pushed down, and Trump is allowing these people to have a voice. Now, its our job to keep pushing the agenda of equality, which is basic human rights for all people. Its our job now to be louder and prouder than weve ever been. Im happy to use my drag to do that.

Elliot Sailors, model

Im proud of everybody who is willing to be so visible. I think its really important that we dont let the fear get in the way, and also remember that here in New York were in a bit of a bubble where we are not surrounded by the people who are celebrating. We have to keep those in mind that are feeling more alone than we are and need our support more than ever.

Jacob Tobia, genderqueer advocate

I think what it means for us as a movement is that we have to double down on being intersectional and standing up for the communities that are going to be most marginalized under his presidency. We cant afford to prioritize issues that only impact wealthy, white, gay folks. We have to prioritize folks who are going to be facing deportation, who are going to be facing imminent cuts to benefits and health care, who are going to subject to those xenophobic policies that are going to be put in place. We have to build a stronger coalition movement that sees other movements, not sort of be siloed like I think weve been for the past decade or so.

Alex Newell, actor

Im still going to hold out hope until the Electoral College votes on the 19th of December. Heres hoping they come to their senses just like the rest of us have. He might shape up to be a great president. One never knows. It took Obama four years to get things in motion, so what can he do in four years? Nothing too damaging.

Drew Elliot, VH1s Americas Next Top Model judge

I think this is the most important, exciting time in America. It basically is the feeling I sense the people have around the Industrial Revolution and that type of thing. With media changing, the way we digest information, and just the way we are connected, utilizing social media, we can publish and advocate for ourselves.

R. Kurt Osenlund, managing editor of Out magazine

I know a lot of vulnerable people out there who are a lot less privileged than I am. People of color, trans people, people who might wake up and walk down the street and not know if the person next to them is their enemy. Its a really, really sad thing to feel. Ultimately, I kind of have this mantra that were going to be okay no matter what. With Out, I have the great privilege of playing a small part in showing people that we are very visible. Visibility is extremely important. Everything else is a secondary conversation. So no matter whos in the White House, were still here. Were still visible. Were still diverse and still ourselves  It galvanizes us even further. What role does the media play in something like this? What did we play? What could we do differently? What could we do better? I grieved a lot, I cried a lot, and now I think Im ready to act and to look forward.

Angel Colon, survivor of the Pulse shooting

I was devastated. Im with her. We cant break down now. We gotta keep going strong. Move forward. Keep showing the world love and positivity and hope. We just got to stick together. Doing that, well do our best.

Adrian Lopez, survivor of the Pulse shooting

This election has been the hardest for America and for all Americans in this country. For everybody following Hillary Clinton, it was very surprising that he was going to win, knowing that he was very straightforward and very racist. He doesnt actually admit it, but his actions speak louder than words. It took a lot of people by surprise. Thats a lot of angry people.

Michael Deeying, board member for MBA Orlando, Central Floridas LGBT Business Chamber of Commerce

Honestly, emotionally I was devastated. I felt like the entire day, Wednesday, I was numb. I almost had a whole day of anxiety where I felt I couldnt breathe. Well have to work through this as a country and get together. Work together. Its crazy whats happened. I hope that itll work out. I hope that it was just scare tactics and rhetoric to get his base motivated. I hope, especially for LGBT rights, that we dont go backward. That would be a tragedy to happen to us, to anybody. We shouldnt let anybody feel less than they are. Were all equal. Hopefully everything works out.

Joe Saunders, Southern regional field director for Human Rights Campaign

[In North Carolina] I had been helping run the Human Rights Campaign and Equality North Carolinas effort to win the state for Hillary Clinton, but also to unseat Governor Pat McCrory, whos one of the most anti-gay governors in the country. We were successful in defeating Pat McCrory. We were successful in electing a pro-equality state attorney general in North Carolina. We unseated Republicans who voted for the anti-gay HB2. We won up and down the ballot. Its a mixed election. There were some successes in this election cycle and there are stories that can be told about what progress really looks like for us.

Terry DeCarlo, Orlando LGBT Center director

Am I upset? Yeah. Am I mad? Yeah. But something about the LGBT community, they do their best work when a curve ball is thrown at them, and this is a big curve ball. I have a feeling that they are going to step up. Youre going to see a lot of LGBT people going, No no no, you aint going to make this happen.

Matthew Breen, editor-in-chief of The Advocate

It was a gut punch. Were in the loss of the potential not only for the first woman president that we could have had, but also the most progressive LGBT policy of any presidential candidate ever. A lot of us are really anxious that the progressive policies of the Obama administration will be rolled back, like right away. A lot of executive actions  the Supreme Court is of course a frightening prospect. This years just really underscored the idea that community is so important. And we find it where we can find it. We have to protect it when we find it.

Eve Lindley, actress

I love this country, but half of it seems to not want me to exist. I dont think the answer is to pick up and leave. Theres no clear answer right now. I hope that maybe this sort of thing will cause an even more dire push for other stories to be told for African-American, Mexican, immigrant, LGBT, all the people who are not white cis male stories. Even just women in general. What a terrible week for women in America. I hope this will cause a big push to really get those stories out there, because we have to teach. In this adversity, we really have to educate. I think were tough. We can do it. Were right for the job.

Gina Gibney, choreographer

I am a leader in a very young field. I tried just every way I could to keep it together for the dancers and choreographers and staff. Theyre all devastated, and I was devastated. I can only believe our country and the people that are good and the forces of good. And New York Citys an amazing city. I think well pull together and well protest and well create art and well keep going. But its going to take me a while too; its going to take us all a while. I hope that there are some massive protests. Hes not my president.

Bob the Drag Queen, RuPauls Drag Race contestant

Im just excited that people are finally so angry theyre doing something. Americas resilient. Queers are resilient. People of color are resilient. In history, when every card has been stacked against us, theyve never been able to kick us down. Ever, not once. Theres a saying: Everything works out in the end. If its not working out, its not the end. I believe in that.

Ellie Schafer, director of the White House Visitors Office

For us it wasnt the results that we wanted. I think thats obvious. Ive been involved in politics for 20-some years. You win some, and you lose some. And so you really have to wake up the next morning, dig down deep, figure out what you stand for, and start over. Thats one of the most important things. Dont let it get you down. The sun will rise, as the president says. The earth will still continue to spin.

*This post has been updated to reflect that Michael Deeying is a board member for MBA Orlando, Central Floridas LGBT Business Chamber of Commerce, not a survivor of the Pulse shooting.
Photo: studiocasper/Getty Images/iStockphoto

A new at-home device meant to slowly stretch the skin and muscle of a womans breast is now under review by the Federal Drug Administration. If approved, it could help make the process easier for women whove had a cancerous breast removed and have chosen to undergo breast reconstruction with an implant.

After a breast is removed, prepping the remaining tissue to receive the implant can require numerous, painful visits to the doctor for saline injections into a pouch that stretches the skin. Now, the F.D.A is reviewing a remote-controlled pouch that women can slowly inflate at their comfort level, stretching the skin at their own pace, according to the Associated Press. The product is currently sold in Australia and was recently approved in Europe.



The Palo Alto, Californiabased company AirXpanders developed the small, inflatable device, called AeroForm. Using the remote control, women decide how much gas to pump into the inflatable pouch, up to three times a day. The device also comes in three different sizes and expands up to a certain point. Once its fully expanded, its removed and an implant is inserted.



Aside from giving women the ability to control the pace of their breast tissues expansion, there might be another emotional element that comes into play. In using the device, breast-cancer patients might gain a sense of control after feeling robbed of it, Dr. Deanna Attai, a University of California, Los Angeles, surgeon who is a past president of the American Society of Breast Surgeons, told the Associated Press. To a patient thats going through cancer treatment that could be a big deal.


Jason Wu at Hugo Bosss most recent show. Photo: Peter White/Getty Images

Jason Wu was appointed to design Hugo Bosss womens line Boss in 2013, to much fanfare. And the brand has been showing at New York Fashion Week  usually with a passel of celebrities in the front row  ever since then. But Boss wont be on the calendar come this February. British Vogue reports that the brand will be skipping next seasons festivities and instead taking strategic steps to orient its creation, marketing and communication activities more pointedly towards menswear. The changes include dropping the lines Boss Orange and Boss Green, and raising prices in European countries.



However, despite some reports that Boss might part ways with Wu, Boss denied that any rupture is happening. Our womenswear is, and will remain, a key component of our medium-term growth strategy, and the creative input offered by Jason Wu remains extremely important to us, said Ingo Wilts, chief brand officer for Hugo Boss. We value his work very highly. However, it is essential that we achieve a better balance between our menswear, which has traditionally been so pivotal for us, and our womenswear.
Megyn Kelly. Photo: Gary Gershoff/Getty Images

In her new memoir, Settle for More, Megyn Kelly  Foxs steely-eyed prime-time warrior  reiterates that she is not a feminist.



My problem with the word feminist is that its exclusionary and alienating, writes Kelly, who argues that the term has become overly associated with liberal politics. Why do we have to make the most divisive issues a key part of the feminist platform?

Then again, Megyn Kelly has done a lot of things that smack of the dreaded F word. On her incredibly popular news show, The Kelly File, the host has become known for challenging Republican Party doctrine with what the Times Jim Rutenberg has dubbed Megyn Moments: defending maternity leave, advocating for working women, and eviscerating misogynists on air (although she upholds the GOP status quo far more than she challenges it, these moments of dissent have made her a viral star). Her status as feminist lightning rod grew when she was targeted by Trump after pressing him on his history of sexism, making her a potent, if reluctant, symbol of his war on women. At the same time, Kelly has often done things that contribute to womens oppression; she called the gender pay gap infantilizing and a meme, has derided the movement for affirmative consent on campus as being anti-men, and regularly proffers racist stereotypes (not to mention insisting that Santa is white) just as harmful as those espoused by her Fox peers.

Still, liberals, perhaps grateful to hear from someone who doesnt always toe the party line, have rushed to claim Kelly as a feminist hero, a breath of fresh air wafting through the dank chambers of Fox News. Kelly has emerged as an unlikely feminist warrior writes Emily Nussbaum in The New Yorker. Others are less enthused. Megyn Kelly Is Hardly A Feminist Icon, argues Media Matters. (Conservatives have similarly strong feelings.) Indeed, nobody seems to know what to make of Kelly, a confusion that feels tied up in feminists broader struggle to understand how so many women in this country could have cast their ballots for President-elect Trump.

Yesterday, I picked up Kellys memoir, Settle for More, in hopes of getting a better sense of who she really is. The book covers her middle-class upbringing in Syracuse, and her steady rise through the worlds of corporate law and TV broadcasting. She comes across as a hard worker and overachiever gifted with natural charisma and boundless confidence (at one point, Kelly is turned down for a job because she is too perfect). She has trouble making female friends because shes seen as intimidating and aloof, which she attributes to a protective guard she put up in the wake of a teenage bullying incident and the death of her father when she was a kid. Shes a guys girl who is used to hanging out with powerful men and has no problem with locker-room talk. She hates political correctness. Shes constantly underestimated and objectified because of her looks, which she has learned to use to her advantage. When she comes up against workplace sexism  which she has, plenty  she confidently shuts it down, but often defends its perpetrators as being from another generation.



Ideologically, Kelly is a tough nut to crack. Throughout the book, she never comes out as a Republican or Democrat and refuses to share her views on abortion (which she justifies by saying she wants to remain an impartial journalist). Her feminist credentials, too, are all over the map. In one breath, shell argue convincingly for the importance of paid maternity leave; in the next, shes chastising her younger self for playing into stereotypes about hysterical women and arguing that women with high voices should consider voice training.

Some of this fence-sitting is arguably a strategic move; Kelly has both a liberal and conservative audience to appease, and would risk alienating her base and being charged with bias if she appeared to lean too far to the left. Yet a lot of Kellys worldview comes with the undeniable stink of privilege: an easily digestible mantra of female empowerment that fails to acknowledge the full breadth of institutionalized sexism and how it intersects with other types of oppression.

Kelly is a friend of Sheryl Sandbergs, and one can see the Lean In stamp all over the book. I love how her brand of feminism highlights the things we can all agree on as women  empowerment, advancement, equality, sisterhood  and steers clear of the more divisive issues, Kelly writes. Who gives a damn what label we use, as long as we are living a life that supports other women? But which women does Kelly support? Its clear that her beliefs about which women can achieve are inextricably tied to her own trajectory, and her ability to rise to the top despite obstacles. (Oprah never made a thing of her gender or her race, Kelly says. She just wowed us all.). But lots of women  particularly women of color and low-income women  try very hard to settle for more (once theyre finished leaning in and trying to wow us all) and find that sheer force of will isnt enough to transcend a system that has always been rigged against them. Sure, Kelly recognizes that women have to work twice as hard and be twice as good, but she sees that less as an inherent problem with the system than a noble hurdle that can be overcome with simple hard work. I cracked the glass ceiling, Kelly implies. Why shouldnt you?



The end of the book deals with Trumps campaign of harassment against Kelly and the revelations that former Fox chairman Roger Ailes was a serial sexual harasser who targeted Kelly and many other women at the network. In both instances, Kelly vacillates between demonstrating a clear understanding of how women are systemically oppressed and reverting to the only-woman-in-the-room attitude that recurs throughout the book. At the first GOP debate, Kelly boldly called out Trump for his abuses against women, and continued to press him throughout the campaign, all while enduring constant harassment and threats. And yet, she uses the experience as an opportunity to call out political correctness. Adversity is an opportunity, and one that has allowed me to flourish, she writes. Imagine if Id had no conflict prior to this. If Id had no practice in how to shore myself up. If Id only existed in my safe space with my trigger warnings. Id have had no means of coping, she declares. Because she coped, Kelly seems to imply, other women can too  even though its clear she would never wish this sort of abuse upon anyone else.

When it comes to the Ailes case, Kelly advocates for reforms in how we deal with workplace sexual harassment and argues admirably against victim-shaming, describing how she encouraged other women to come forward. The entire structure was set up to isolate and silence [victims], she writes. The more we criticize harassment victims for their understandable reluctance to go on the record, the more women well shame into silence forever. But then, in the next breath, she returns to this sort of exceptionalist thinking: Anyone being harassed needs to remember that no is an available answer. Roger tried to have me and I didnt let him. (Although she generously admits that saying no isnt foolproof.)

Which leaves us with the question: What to make of Megyn Kelly? I suspect there are many women in this country who ascribe to her brand of sorta-feminism: who want to fight back against gender inequality and discrimination, but who feel excluded from mainstream feminist ideology because they disagree with some of its inviolable principles like access to abortion. Which is not to say we should cease our battle for a more inclusive, intersectional feminism that lifts up all women, but just that we should think about reasonable ways to find common ground with women we disagree with. Kelly may be an imperfect messenger, but by virtue of her bipartisan credibility, she also has the opportunity to introduce feminist ideals to an audience that might otherwise reject them: to open womens eyes to sexism and inspire them toward their own Megyn moments, even if they arent ready to reckon with the full extent of its impact.


Her character's end on The Killing was so sad, I'm still pissed about it.

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Her killing( or maybe the aftermath bc I still think about that whole scene where they open the trunk) was one of the most memorable moments in the lifetime of that show for me.

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Omg same :((

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I stopped watching it after that. There were already things that were bothering me about that season, and her death just pushed it over the edge for me.

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i cant even remember what happened. that season wasn't very interesting to me tbh

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when i was watching that season i ended up being in a really rough point in my life and what happened to bullet hit me hard . i physically felt it. it's never happened to me before with a fictional character.



i'll always love my bb bullet <3

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sammeeeee

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But that whole season was so good

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Does that show ever get less depressing? I wanted to like it because it's set in the pacific northwest but after the third time the characters got kicked when they were down in a hole I was like I am out.

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she's cute

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she's cute and i'm happy for her



all the 'wasn't she already out' and 'duh' comments i saw last night were annoying. like yeah, sure, it's not exactly shocking, but i hate when people do that when someone comes out. it seems so dismissive

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especially since, considering her previous comments on facebook, this was something she was struggling with. nothing like having your anxiety dismissed with "lol no shit."





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that's why i hate stories about parents who are like "yeah sweaty we've known for years ;)" when their kids come out to them. so patronizing like nobody cares how long you've "known"

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it seems so dismissive



especially when she's talking how terrifying it is :/

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scream is soooo silly but i adore her and carlson's characters

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I STILL BLAME BROOKE FOR RILEY'S DEATH.

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Your icon is legit EVERYTHING!! Stella Gibson is my QUEEN! :)

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cool



she looks obnoxious in that gif tho

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forgive me </3

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also, the scream cast all tweeting/replying to that tweet with support and love was really sweet

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is it weird that the thing i'm most familiar with her from is voltron: legendary defender



good for her though!!!!

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"no, i am not ashamed"



to lie?



Edited at 2016-11-17 11:46 pm (UTC)

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ya bc there's no way that in 3 years she could've realized that she was gay when she didn't know before



especially since she was 19 when she gave that quote

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comments like this are the reason a lot of lgbt people stay in the closet.

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I don't think coming out is necessarily about shame though. Especially in the industry she's in.

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this is gross

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always doing the most, i see.

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i will never forgive brooke or the flop main character whose name i can't even remember

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Emma, which I only remember because the same actress played a character named Emma on Royal Pains, and I thought it funny that she went from Emma to Emma.

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awww that makes me happy, it's nice to see a young actress coming out as gay/lesbian



I don't think I've ever seen her in anything

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Yay for more lesbian representation



This is nice: "Im not afraid, or even if I am afraid, Im strong"

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I had to read this 5 times because I was convinced this was somehow related to Taylor Swift and the OP was just making some play on words or something about Taylor.

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Cara's still working to convert Taylor to the dark side of the homosexual agenda, give it some time.

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Good for her. Its got it to be a mill times more difficult now considering the election.

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never heard of a name like bex before

i kinda like it

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it's a nickname for Rebecca.

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oh i have never heard that before

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I thought it was short for Bexthanny

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fuck yes!! KWQEEN!

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The norm until we're all nuked and dead in the next year or so

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Wintour is very tight with the Clinton's so I really hope she won't cave on this.



I know people think it doesn't matter, but I hope she bans all the Trump's from the pages of her magazine.

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she gave melania a vogue cover before. i hope you're right (especially in light of that rumour abt HRC spread being all ready to go, what a downgrade smh) but i'm not holding my breath or anything

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mte

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Anna Wintour has always been disappointing, so I wouldn't get my hopes up. Don't forget her shenanigans with Asma al-Assad.



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She should still give Hillary the cover, and just allow Hillary to drag everyone and their mother in the interview. I'd buy multiple copies.

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Fuckface keeps it up and he's gonna be impeached before he even starts.

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Uh-oh. Japanese are heavily anchored on rules and protocol. I hope they get flak on this.

Seriously, what was Ivanka doing there? Is he too dumb to understand what were they saying?

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i read once that even when his kids were younger they were allowed to interrupt/hang out during his business meetings, so i'm not at all surprised by this.

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We are so fucked

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idt abe's team even knew the time and location of the meeting until the day of, so i guess we're also going to be treating world leaders like their time isn't important

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HOW ARE THEY SO FUCKING STUPID

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we knew he was going to do this. we knew that he is going to do as little as he can and have everyone else run shit.

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already offending our allies and his term hasn't even started yet

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why is this not good? because ivonka has no experience?

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she's been straight-up Dem since 2000.

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A week and he's already offending allies. Him telling Theresa May "let me know if you're ever in town" was embarrassing enough (bitch, you were just elected President, you'll know if she's in town, like the fuck???)

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I thought the Japanese PM said he was pleased with the meeting.

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I think this is his way of getting around the nepotism law. Ivanka isn't allowed to be a member of his administration, but if she attends/participates in everything he does, has high-level security and is heavily relied upon for advice, she is essentially a member of his administration. I don't know that anyone can stop her from being an "unofficial" advisor, especially if she's not receiving a salary.

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I hope everyone refuses to dress her. But I'm sure SOMEONE will and she could just buy off the rack anyway.

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LMAOOOOO I'm screaming imagining her in some Yeezy Adidas monstrosity at the Inauguration.

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lol

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she'll create a limited edition collab with ivanka's fashion brand and model the pieces herself. white middle america women will applaud both for their entrepreneurial sense and "bringing glamour back to the white house".

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There will be some people bending over backwards to dress her.

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respect.



maybe she can send this to some republicans so they can learn a bit about integrity

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a white putting what's right over their paycheck???

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haha perfect



and i love her statement. it's nice to see the person behind michelle obama's amazing style too.

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I was looking for this gif to post!

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LOL it's just water weight!!!!!

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lmao

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LMAO PERFECT RESPONSE

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hello





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this is so fucking funny

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lmao what's the context of this?

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I legit can't tell if this has been edited or she really did that.

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ik it's hard to tell

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It's edited. The Hello is from a campaign speech earlier in the year. There's another edit of her saying "Hello" that is absolutely hilarious.

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lol it's edited. here's the original edited video





Edited at 2016-11-18 09:11 pm (UTC)

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lmfaoooo this can't be real

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stepford wife vibes

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lmaoooo

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i fucking love this meme

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What is even happening here?

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This is fucking amazing. 

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LMAO

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wait.





this isn't real is it?!



It isn't lol I'm too gullible sometimes.



Edited at 2016-11-19 05:45 am (UTC)

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Kinda O/T but maybe not... does the really obvious sexism against Melania bother anyone else? The memes and shit with her bug me a lot-- and it's been across the board this election, and it should go without saying that obviously the Michelle and Hillary ones are fucked up as well... but, Melania is the least scary part of Trump's administration for me, and I'm kinda digging her "cyberbullying" first lady cause soooo....



Ivanka will dress her, no worries.

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I think her cyberbullying platform is laughable but I don't like that she's being attacked and trolled. The constant retweeting of her nude pics is disgusting.

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Really? You don't like it? I think it's kinda visionary. The internet and technology has becoem a hueg part of our lives with little regulation, like we don't even have an "internet & technology" department or secretary to even begin regulations and we really need something done regarding revenge porn, being filmed without consent in private spaces (like that chick who filmed someone in a gym locker room, wtf?!) and so if she put a little energy into those types of things and getting it in the books, I think it'd be beneficial to us all.

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The sexism is awful.



I'm also annoyed with the we shouldn't judge her by her husbands actions. Girl bye. She is standing proud to be part of their racism and mess.

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Yep. I also don't like Chris Christie fat jokes either.

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I'm really bothered by the old nude pics of her are being spread around with "This is your first lady!!!!!!!" captions. Um.......who fucking cares? And it was years ago anyway.



And I agree. She's the least scary part of his administration, BUT she's still married to him and obviously complicit in all this.

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Personally, I try to leave Melania out of this situation when thinking about it because I don't think she signed up for this, she just wanted a sugar daddy. She is obviously a pawn and there is no reason whatsoever to celebrate her but I don't think she should be the target either.

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Yeah i'm fine with dragging the whole family but I am not cool with the misogynist rhetoric used when talking abt Melania. I'm in no ways interested in her or her life but she's probably the least harmful member of the family (save for that 10 year old boy) bc I'm sure she doesn't even want to be part of the politics.

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Ivanka will dress her, no worries.



Clearly, it's a win-win

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her cyberbullying campaign is bullshit when she's married to someone who is famous for bullying people on the internet. She has never come out against his behavior. So what kind of message does that send? clean up your own home first.

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Yes, it bothers me. Liberals spreading her nude pics and calling her a whore and whatnot shows how much misogyny there is ingrained in our own party.



As for me, I don't have any real ire towards Melania as of right now. I'm wary of her and I don't trust her at all, but I'm mostly pissed at the hypocrisy coming from Republicans who preach about ~female modesty~ but are saying shit like, "So glad we have such a classy White Lady now". Not that I want her to be slut-shamed obviously, but it's really telling.

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I got blocked from some popular fashion blogger's instagram because the day after the election she posted some meme about Melania being overly botoxed and trashy and slutty. I basically said, "I mean we're all angry, that's understandable, but do we have to attack Melania's looks and slut shame her? That's really sexist." People started accusing me of being a Trump supporter and then she blocked me.



There are plenty of valid reasons to criticize the Trumps and Melania, going after her looks or her modeling history is just juvenile.

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Yeah, there are genuine reasons to be against her and the whole famiy but her posing nude isn't one of them.

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Her cyberbullying "cause" is a backdoor to silencing the Trump administration's critics online. She's also said some anti-Semitic shit in the past. She shouldn't be slut shamed, but she's just as complicit in the Trump family's monstrosity.

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People talk about her in such a disgusting and hypocritical way. calling her "dumb" "slut" and not educated like Michelle..as if speaking 6 languages fluently is something anyone can do.

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It sort of bothers me. Like I didn't know that she could speak six languages, maybe not fluently, but that's impressive. I think she's intelligent, but I find it hard to respect her in the same way I respect Michelle, or any other the other first ladies. She's her husband's puppet, either willingly or unwillingly, and while I can't judge her on the choices she has to make for whatever reasons those might be, it makes it difficult to see her as an individual. That's my fault though, I have a hard time respecting women who base their identities solely on their relationships with men.



Edited at 2016-11-18 06:13 pm (UTC)

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I will never not laugh at the ones that reference her plaigiarism of Michelle Obama's speech, but I find the focus on her former career to be hypocritical and slut-shaming. There are a lot of reasons to judge Trump, but and there are probably many on which you can judge his wife (I will admit I have not really delved into her background because her husband is who I have the problem with), but it's sexist to focus solely on how she's used her body in her career, when ostensibly, "liberals" are all about women's freedom of choice, career, and expression.

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This is a woman who encouraged others to cyberbully a reporter who wrote a less than flattering article about her.

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I feel bad for her and their youngest son. You can tell both want nothing to do with any of this.

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tbh i have 0 room left to include the backlash she's facing into my stress and anxiety for this fucking country/world. i don't condone it but i'm not going to waste any energy trying to shield her from it. i just don't have it in me.

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It does bother me.

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Eh, I feel like there are other things we can insult her on, so i'm of two minds. don't call for her to be raped or call her a slut, but she's complicit with her racist husband, so whatever.

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I'm glad people are noticing how disgusting this is.

Melania being ridiculed and laughed at is not cute. She didn't ask for this and didn't do anything to deserve it.

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It bugs me that people call her trash and classless for posing nude. Let's not shame a woman for being openly sexual and free with her body.



But I still despise her bc there's so much to hate. Just. The laundry list is so long, why do people go for the nudes? (I mean, we all know why, but.) Just blast her for all the shit coming out of her vapid head.

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Not normalizing Trump includes not normalizing his family. This is exactly what they want you to do--"dig" his wife's movements and like his daughter and slowly become accustomed to the "good" in his presidency.

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all she wanted was donald to die so she can inherit a handsome sum of his fortune, instead her ass is gonna get scrutinized and buried the next 4 years. welp

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I kind of feel sorry for her, but I'm mostly just cackling thinking about what's going on in her head rn. She totally just wanted to be a kept woman for the rest of her days and now she has to do First Lady shit. LMAO that SUCKS.

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Yeah, and they don't even make any more money off this! (at least not legally)



Bad deal imo

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She constantly has an "I'm going to throw up" look on her face. You can tell she's absolutely miserable that this is going to be her life for the next 4 years.

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yesss GOOD. I really hope other designers do the same, but unfortunately someone will take the job eventually, but I can see the fashion industry blacklisting them for it.

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good! I didn't even know she designed for Michelle Obama. Just going from Michelle to Melania is such a downgrade and probably damaging for their business.



I hope more people join and I can't wait to see who boycotts.

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Microsoft Corporation has always been known for their image of environmental protection but this may be their biggest validation to date. The tech company announced on Monday they are in the process converting their datacenter in Cheyenne Wyoming to rely entirely on wind energy. Microsoft will be using three wind farms, two in Kansas owned by Allianz Risk Transfer AG, and the other by Black Hills Corp. in Wyoming. The farms will provide Microsoft with 178 megawatts and 59 megawatts of capacity in wind power respectively.

Microsoft uses datacenters to operate their cloud services. These facilities require an ample amount of electricity to function and the usage levels are only growing as the service becomes more conventional. Microsofts goal is to attain a level of 44 percent use of renewables by the end of the year. This is simply another dimension of competition for tech companies promoting cloud services. Amazon web services (AWS) hopes to achieve a level of 40 percent reliance on renewables by the end of the year. Google only taps into clean energy for 35 percent for their datacenters.

Black Hills Corp. is one of the two companies entering the contract with Microsoft. The publically traded company disclosed on October 25th they would be offering a dividend for any of their shareholders prior to November 15th. The stock has been showing a downward trend since the announcement but will likely rebound based on the future success with their new partner. The companys stock climbed 30 cents following Microsofts press release. Microsoft has always been considered a safe long-term investment. With an average earnings growth rate forecasted at 8.13 percent over the next five years, the company is generally a safe investment choice. Related: Trumps War On Climate Change

Under Microsofts agreement with Black Hills, any surplus power can be stored in backup generators and later distributed to the grid at a discounted rate. In terms of their public image, this will benefit both firms. Corporate promotion of renewable energy is becoming routine for industry leaders. Governments often provide tax cuts to these companies for taking the initiative and aligning their interests with global efforts. Bloomberg forecasts that the top 50 corporations that purchase solar and wind energy will have accounted for 63.4 gigawatts of total production added by 2025.

This can be chalked up as another victory for renewables as we slowly shift away from common power sources like coal and oil. Local Wyoming consumers will prefer this alternative, more eco-friendly source of power as opposed to power from the grid likely produced using power plants. On a larger scale, as we observe the nation moving away from fuel sources such as coal, crude oil, and natural gas, we can expect the price of these products to decline. Investors should write long-term futures in any of these sources as they are replaced. To hedge their bets, individuals should buy green ETFs, made up of environmentally friendly corporations.

By Michael McDonald of Oilprice.com

More Top Reads From Oilprice.com:
OPECs eagerly awaited production cut agreement may have just gotten even harder to reach as OPEC members meeting in Doha are now asking Iran to freeze its output at 3.92 million barrels per day, according to an anonymous source who spoke to Reuters. This is the average daily output of Iran for October.

The amount is also lower than the 4-million-bpd Iran itself had insisted on as the minimum at which it would consider joining the freeze. At the end of October, Iran estimated its output at 3.8 million bpd and the WSJ at the time quoted an Iranian official as saying the country wanted to return its daily average to pre-sanction levels of 4.2 million bpd before contemplating freezing production.

According to Reuters, this pushing of Iran to agree to a lower cap indicates that most OPEC members are in agreement on how much the Islamic republic should pump in order to contribute to the international market rebalancing efforts.

What remains uncertain, however, is how Iran will respond to this proposal. The fact that Bijan Zanganeh, Irans Oil Minister, is one of three top officials that decided to skip the Doha meeting, does not bode well for the agreement. Nigerias and Iraqs oil ministers are also not present at the talks.

The signals that Tehran has been sending seem to be clear: the countrys top priority is reviving its energy industry after years of sanctions and its willingness to contribute to a production curb is very conditional.

Last weekend, President Hassan Rouhani officially launched commercial production at three fields along Irans border with Iraq, effectively adding 220,000 bpd to its output. Plans are to ramp this additional output by1 million bpd.

Even if Iran agrees to this level of production, it means Saudi Arabia will be cutting most of the production if the deal goes throughsomething Saudi Arabia was previously adamant that it would not do. Related: Why The Permian Just Got Even Hotter

Meanwhile, Iran has an axe to grind with Saudi Arabia for more than one reason, and the Saudis apparently continued to pump at record-high levels last month, which is probably not inspiring the Iranians to agree to stop at 3.92 million bpd.

If the deal does fall through, Saudi Arabia can point the finger at Iran, and Iran can point the finger at Saudi Arabia, the cartels biggest producer by a mile.

The final chapter of OPECs first concerted market-rebalancing effort for the last eight years is scheduled for November 30.

By Irina Slav for Oilprice.com

More Top Reads From Oilprice.com:
Oil prices falter at the end of a week full of OPEC rhetoric as a result of a soaring dollar.

(Click to enlarge)

Friday, November 18, 2016

Oil prices spiked this week on the renewed push by OPEC to overcome differences on a production cut. WTI and Brent rose back above the mid-$40s per barrel, up from lows seen earlier in the week. The bullish move came from news that OPEC is trying hard to actually seal a deal. Saudi Arabias energy minister Khalid al-Falih said that OPEC was targeting the lower end of its proposed range of 32.5 to 33.0 million barrels per day. That sparked a rally in oil prices. "I'm still optimistic that the consensus reached in Algeria for capping production will translate, God willing, into caps on states' levels and fair and balanced cuts among countries," Al-Falih said. Oil prices moved down slightly during midday trading on Friday, hovering at $45 for WTI and $46 for Brent. The strength of the U.S. dollar continues to put downward pressure on crude prices.

Iran a problem, but might not sink deal. The two major hurdles to an OPEC deal are the cartels second and third largest producers, Iraq and Iran. However, Algerias energy minister Nouredine Bouterfa said that Iran would not scuttle a deal. "Iran is not a problem. Iran is a particular situation and needs particular treatment. They will not have the same rule for the reduction. We will study what the best solution is for Iran, he told Reuters. "There is strong consensus among OPEC producers for a freeze.

Iraq could undermine the deal. Iraq, on the other hand, is still an open question. A separate Reuters report finds that Iraq would be forced to compensate international oil companies who operate in country if Iraq signs onto an OPEC cut. Iraq pays private oil companies a fixed fee per barrel of oil produced, and contracts with these companies include stipulations requiring compensation if Iraq forces them to cutback. That could make it much more difficult for Iraq to agree to a cut in Vienna. A source at the Iraqi state-owned South Oil Company said this wont be a problem because Iraq has no intention of cutting its output. "On the contrary, we're encouraging the foreign companies to raise production as much as they can," the official told Reuters. But to confuse matters even further, Iraqs oil minister Jabbar al-Luaibi, told the Wall Street Journal on Friday that he is optimistic about a deal on Nov. 30. As always, we wont know the outcome of the OPEC meeting until it happens.

IEA does not see peak oil demand. Projections for a peak in oil demand have become much more commonplace over the past year. Even the CFO of Royal Dutch Shell (NYSE: RDS.A) predicted earlier this month that demand would peak within the next 5 to 15 years. But in its annual World Energy Outlook, the IEA sees demand growing through the end of 2040. The agency sees slow adoption of EVs, and growth in oil demand in a variety of sectors not related to passenger vehicles, including petrochemicals, aviation and long-haul trucking. At the same time, the IEA warned of a shortfall in supply towards the end of this decade as the industry scales back investment. The agency said that if investment remains low in 2017  the third consecutive year of declines  then a supply shortfall around 2020 would be hard to avoid. Related: Does A Link Remain Between Inflation And Oil Prices?

Obama might block Arctic, Atlantic drilling. President Obama only has two months left in office, but on his way out of the door he is hoping to make drilling in the Arctic and Atlantic Oceans more difficult going forward. Bloomberg reports that the Department of Interior is finalizing its five-year lease plan for 2017-2022, and it could leave out leases for tracts in the Arctic and Atlantic Oceans, two highly controversial regions for drilling. President Trump could reverse this order, but the five-year plan takes time to produce, so it could delay offerings to the industry. The plan is not yet finalized but the Obama administration is rushing to get it done before the end of the term. Separately, the Bureau of Land Management published its final rule for methane emissions from natural gas operations on public lands. The rule cracks down on venting and flaring. Industry groups immediately filed a lawsuit. Again, the Trump administration is expected to try its best to overturn the rule.

Tesla shareholders approve SolarCity takeover. Elon Musk won the approval of the takeover of SolarCity by Tesla (NYSE: TSLA). Critics viewed the purchase as a bailout of SolarCity, which as posted steep losses in recent quarter. But Musk argues that the acquisition would streamline the two businesses, creating an integrated clean energy company. Tesla is also planning to roll out a solar-powered roof next year that looks like an ordinary roof with shingles. Musk argues that the solar roof will be as cheap or cheaper than a traditional roof, hoping to pave the way for an expansion of its residential solar business.

UN warns Iran on nuclear deal. The IAEA, the UN nuclear watchdog, warned Iran last week on its stockpile of heavy water. Spent nuclear fuel can be extracted from heavy water, and Iran has more than its allowed limit as part of the 2015 nuclear deal. The stakes are high as incoming U.S. president-elect Donald Trump has vowed to rip up the nuclear agreement. The latest IAEA warning could add fuel to that fire.

Israel launches auction for gas. On Tuesday, Israel opened an auction for gas exploration in the Mediterranean. Israel believes that its waters could hold up to 75 trillion cubic feet of natural gas. The bidding process will end in April.

By Evan Kelly of Oilprice.com

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As the U.S. dollar climbs higher and higher (and higher), the crude complex is getting blown over by the gale-force headwinds it is providing. We edge closer and closer to the main event of the month (--->>> the OPEC meeting), but for now, hark, here are five things to consider in oil markets today:

1) Venezuela is apparently set to cut Petrocaribe oil and refined product supplies by 40 percent next year - in an effort to sell its exports elsewhere for more money. Petrocaribe is an alliance of 18 Caribbean and Central American countries who receive petroleum products from Venezuela at a preferential rate.

As Venezuelan production has been dropping in recent years, our ClipperData illustrate below that even flows into the key markets of China, India and the U.S. have also seen some drop-off.

Given the proximity and sophistication of U.S. Gulf refiners, it makes sense that the U.S. is the leading destination for Venezuela's heavy crude. This is further affirmed by joint ventures in the U.S. refining hub. Venezuelan grades into the U.S. are at 744,000 bpd through the first ten months of the year, down nearly 5 percent on year-ago levels.

Venezuelan grades into India have actually increased, up 50,000 bpd versus year-ago levels to 450,000 bpd so far this year. While rising Indian demand is increasing the pull for Venezuelan crude, bartering deals are also a driver of flows, with Venezuela using its crude as a way to pay off debts.

As for imports into China, they are averaging around 190,000 bpd, slightly down on last year. Venezuela already owes China $50 billion from financing agreements made over the last decade, and President Maduro announced yesterday that a further $2.2 billion will be tapped from a credit line provided by China to provide a shot in the arm to its ailing oil industry.

(Click to enlarge)



2) Following on from the above, we continue to monitor flows of naphtha and light crude from the U.S. to Curacao. PdVSA needs this to blend with its heavy crude; if flows of diluent dry up to the island, it could indicate Venezuela's pockets are empty.

Nigeria was sending light sweet Qua Iboe and Brass River to Curacao earlier in the year, but this stopped in March (credit issues? perhaps). A sole delivery of North Sea crude arrived in February, before Kazakhstani light grade Batumi arrived in March. Since then, we have had consistent WTI deliveries, despite ongoing payment disputes.

(Click to enlarge)



3) According to the National Petroleum Directorate, preliminary estimates for oil, natural gas liquids and condensate production in October was far higher than expected, coming in 30 percent above the previous month at 1.71mn bpd. This was 10 percent higher than the government expected (a nice surprise, I bet).

4) Yesterday we discussed how loadings of Bonny Light were continuing to hold up this month, despite a resurgence of militant attacks in Nigeria. According to reports today, another grade that has been plagued with force majeure this year - Forcados - has apparently had production shut in after a pipeline was attacked in recent weeks. We are avidly watching our ClipperData for signs of exports drying up; the last loading we saw of the grade was earlier in the week.

5) Finally, natural gas storage climbed to a further record high yesterday of 4,047 Bcf, as the weekly storage report showed a 30 Bcf injection. This compared to a 26 Bcf injection last year, and a 3 Bcf injection for the five-year average; heating degree days (a proxy for heating demand) came in 35 percent below normal. It is still in the balance as to whether we will see another injection next week; we may be at the peak now.

(Click to enlarge)



By Matt Smith

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Just as Nigeria was starting to gradually increase its oil production over the past two months, fresh attacks on the Forcados pipeline earlier this month have dragged output down again, lessening the countrys chances to see its crude production materially increase this year.

Militant violence had slowed down over the past months, but with Forcados out again  just two days after it had reopened following an attack in July, Nigerias output will be down again, according to market sources quoted by Platts on Friday.

S&P Global Platts has estimated that Nigerias oil production increased to some 1.84 million bpd, including the Akpo condensate grade, in October. However, with Forcados  with production of between 150,000-200,000 bpd  out, the countrys total output would plunge for the remainder of 2016.

Last week, Nigerias most notorious militants sabotaging oil infrastructure, the Niger Delta Avengers (NDA), said they bombed the Trans Forcados pipeline in the third attack in just a week on the pipeline that carries crude oil from the delta to the Shell-operated terminal of the same name.



Forcados production was impacted more than initially thought it would be, and it is very likely that exports of the Forcados grade will be offline until early into 2017, trading sources told Platts.

An oil spill caused by a militant attack has been affecting the transportation of the crude oil, and has been hampering repairs.

According to Platts, a spokeswoman for Shell has declined to comment on the oil spill, but confirmed that Forcados was still under force majeure.

OPECs secondary sources put Nigerias crude oil production in October at 1.628 million bpd, up by 170,200 bpd from September. Commenting on the October production of OPEC and its members, the cartel said in its Monthly Oil Market Report released last week:

Crude oil output increased the most in Nigeria, Libya and Iraq, while production in Angola showed the largest decline.

With Forcados out, output in Nigeria would surely drop in November and Decembera de facto production cut for OPEC, if you will, and perhaps a lucky break for the struggling cartel.

By Tsvetana Paraskova for Oilprice.com

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Royal Dutch Shell, Exxon Mobil and others will receive $5.1 billion from the Nigerian government for unpaid bills dating back to 2015, according to a new deal reported by Reuters.

The state-owned Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC) owed a total of $6.8 billion as of December 2015 in cash-calls, but struggled to pay back the operational loans due to low oil prices and a domestic militancy that caused half of the West African countrys oil to go offline for large chunks of 2016.

The new deal allows the government to pay the reduced amount over five years, without interest. Instead of cash, the Western oil companies will get their payments in the form of oil cargoes, but only when Nigerian oil production exceeds 2.2 million barrels per day.

"If for any reason we did not meet (the) threshold we will not pay the $5.1 (billion), so that is fantastic," Nigerian Oil Minister Emmanuel Ibe Kackikwu said of the deal. Next, the deal will head to the National Economic Council, a governmental advisory group, for approval.

In addition to Shell and Exxon, Italys Eni, U.S.-based Chevron and Frances Total are also involved the deal. All five refused to comment upon Reuters request.

Over the course of 2016, the Nigerian oil sector has accumulated more than $2.5 billion in debt to finance existing projects, according to the petroleum ministry.

Lagos oil-related lawsuits dont stop here.

In September, news broke that the Nigerian government is suing Chevron, Eni, Total, Shell, and Petrobras for illegally exporting crude oil worth $12.7 billion in the years between 2011 and 2014. Exxon may also join the list of defendants.

According to government officials quoted by the Associated Press, the five companies failed to declare 57 million barrels of crude exports for the period, bound for the U.S.which was discovered through discrepancies between departure and arrival declaration figures, with some loads not declared upon departure at all  suggesting that the problem is related to the countrys rampant corruption.

By Zainab Calcuttawala for Oilprice.com

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Saudi Arabia increased its crude oil exports to 7.812 million barrels per day in September from 7.305 million bpd in August, the kingdoms self-reported figures to the Joint Organizations Data Initiative (JODI) showed on Thursday.

According to energy consultant and former Saudi Aramco senior executive, Sadad al-Husseini, as quoted by Reuters:



The exports figures suggest that they will not give up a critical card that they are going to use in the OPEC negotiations to freeze or reduce OPEC production before they reach such an agreement at the November meeting.

Saudi Arabias exports in August, at 7.31 million bpd, were 310,000 bpd lower than in July, JODI data showed last month.

Since the countries themselves report figures to JODI, Saudi Arabias total crude oil production in September, at 10.650 million bpd, is the same as the direct communication figures released by OPEC, and just over the 10.630 million bpd produced in August.

Although the kingdom's production was steady, domestic use for power generation and desalination went down and exports went up, Husseini told Reuters, commenting further on the increased exports.

Saudi Arabia is one OPEC member (also the most influential) that insists that producers use the secondary sources figures reported by OPEC when determining who will cut/freeze production and who will cut how much.



Related: Saudi Arabia Issues Warning To Trump: Dont Stop Saudi Oil Imports

However, the two other biggest OPEC producers, Iran and Iraq, revolt at this idea and say the organization should use their own self-reported figures (which, of course, are higher by a couple of hundred thousand barrels per day). Iran has said it could freeze at 4 million bpd, while Saudi Arabia insists on an Iranian freeze at around 3.7 million bpd. Iraq, apart from balking at the secondary sources production figures, is pleading exemption from cuts because it is fighting ISIS.

Currently, the positions of OPECs three biggest producers look too far apart for a deal to go through. Still, the parties have more than a week to continue negotiations if they are eager enough to clinch some sort of feasible agreement.

By Tsvetana Paraskova for Oilprice.com

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The stark difference between Hillary Clinton and Donald Trump was crystal clear when it came to energy before and after the election. Clinton wanted to kill coal, and since Trump was elected three coal companies stocks in particular did remarkably well in the market: Arch Coal (ARCH), Peabody (BTUUQ and Alliance Resource Partners (ARLP). While clean coal is a myth, and natural gas has been taking over coal since the fracking revolution began in the mid 2000s  Trumps love for West Virginia coal miners has given those companies  and miners across America new life.

Under the Obama administrations strict EPA regulations on utility emissions, particularly on coal has decimated an industry already reeling from low prices. Trump most likely will attempt to roll back these regulations, but it is still a dirty energy rapidly losing luster in the United States (US). Europe has said it is done with coal, but surprisingly the British and Germans are still relying on its cheap source of energy with China and India leading the world in coal-fired power plants.

Trump could attempt to lead a resurgence of coal as a major energy source for U.S. states, and as an export product to other nations, although in the current environment for coal, it seems quite a challenge.

Trump will also have an affect on controversial, yet possibly needed pipelines.

Prime Minister Trudeau of Canada has done an about face against the Canadian environmental movement, and is close to approving the Kinder Morgan pipeline. President Obama and President-elect Trump have both signaled they want the Dakota access pipeline approved. The Keystone XL pipeline once again looks like it will now be approved as well.

While Trump wants to clear the approval for oil pipelines, yet what these approvals show for the US and Canada is leaders recognizing jobs as a viable factor, but politicians missed a key point. The world is already awash in oil, and OPEC continues missing opportunities to bump up the price of crude at/or above $60 a barrel or higher. With the Iran-Saudi Arabia geopolitical spat not dissipating anytime soon, especially over oil, the bigger question world leaders need to answer is whether or not these pipelines are needed? Outside of domestic politics and the ability to create jobs for their citizens, which financial entities are willing to invest in pipelines that will have a tough time breaking even in a world awash in crude and natural gas?

Under the Obama administration public lands have been off-limits for oil and gas exploration though President Obama and his former Interior Secretary Jewell (a former petroleum engineer) and current Energy Secretary Moniz have both been key endorsers of fracking for American energy independence, emission reduction, and as a jobs creator. While it may seem Trump is extreme in his environmental views, he isnt much farther off on environmental policy as President Obamas Cabinet is currently.



Related: Is The Trump Presidency A Boon For Nuclear Power?

What will be seen under Trump is that regulations are slashed so exploration can be undertaken on Federal lands and coastal areas under Federal moratoriums. The real issue will then be whether or not Federal regulatory agencies have the ability to overtake State law? California as an example, which has billions of barrels of oil and trillion of cubic feet of natural gas off its coastlines, will vehemently fight President Trump and his pro-American energy administration. This is just one of the many legal battles the Trump administration may face from pro-environment-movement US states.

Fracking and drilling for US oil and gas according to President Obama was a key factor, if not the biggest factor, for why the US left the recession quicker than other countries. This agenda could unleash growth that is desperately needed for the tens of millions of Americans contributing to an all-time low Labor Participation Rate (LRP).

Joel Kotkin surmised it best why Trump won:

Working and middle-class voters went for Donald Trump and helped him break through in states  Michigan, Wisconsin, Iowa  that have usually gone blue in recent Presidential elections.

Nothing makes value and supply chains thunder towards jobs prosperity the way oil, gas and mineral exploration does at this time.

By Todd Royal for Oilprice.com

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The safety pins are becoming symbols of solidarity for the young on the left who oppose Trump. And they're quite the fashion accessory ...



A safety pin on your clothing demonstrates solidarity with the anti-Trumpsters, and a shield from shaming. But there's a problem with the pins. The irony of it all.



I thought irony died decades ago, but it insists on reanimating itself.



They're safety pins! S-a-f-e-t-y Pins.



Safe space, safe pins, get it? Safety pins were once used to secure cloth diapers so baby bottoms wouldn't get pricked.



I had hoped they'd wear something a bit tougher, like a needle, or a bloody "Game of Thrones" spike. Can't they find some symbolism just a tad less baby-bottomish?



"These pins  not the wearing of them or the pictures posted of folks wearing them  are not about safe spaces," wrote Trump critic Demetria Lucas D'Oyley in an article headlined "Come On, White People: We Need More Than Safety Pins to Make Us Feel Safe" that appeared in The Root.



"They're about not wanting to be perceived as a racist. Like, 'I might be white, but I'm not like them, over there. I'm enlightened.' No, you're not. You're trendy."

The Left has entered the final throws of their denial-outrage-anger-protesting-moralizing-contempt-bitterness-snarkiness-fingerpointing-hysteria-fear precipitated by the recent election of Donald Trump. At the same time, an interesting symbol has been adopted by young, left-leaning peoplethe safety pin. I'm not sure young leftists understand the irony of the symbol. John Kass comments:The Left has achieved something quite remarkable. By overusing and misusing the epithet "racist", they have deadened it's meaning. And that's an insult to those who fought so hard against actual racists back in the day. But back to "safety."A hypothetical: Let's assume that a college age American woman wearing a small necklace with a Star of David is joined by her friends a young gay male wearing a rainbow coalition tee shirt, a young Mexican immigrant wearing a small gold cross celebrating his Catholic heritage, and a young African American female wearing tight-fitting but certainly not inappropriate workout clothes. They're interacting, laughing, and enjoying a walk together. All of them are anti-Trump, and all are wearing safety pins, of course.I wonder whether this group of friends would be safer on the mean streets of any city in Florida (one of many states that voted for Trump) OR on the streets of, say, Gaza City or Kabul, Afghanistan or Qom, Iran or Mecca, Saudi Arabia? Recall that in those places religious police sometimes brutally attack women for not wearing Sharia-proscribed clothing, gay people are murdered for being gay, and Christians and Jews are eradicated because they are non-believers.Of course, just asking that question makes me "Islamophobic," doesn't it? Or maybe "racist" or is it "xenophobic" or maybe I'm guilty of "white privilege"?You know what? The Left hurls those words around so they don't have to answer the questions associated with my hypothetical. The implication makes them uncomfortable and that takes them out of their narrative. Not to mention that it highlights their own hypocrisy in suggesting that citizens in Florida (and elsewhere) who voted for Trump are less evolved than they, but somehow, citizens in the other cities in my hypothetical are ... what? So they rely on name calling.There are many of us among the "deplorables" and the 'unenlightened" who are no longer intimidated by the Left's empty accusations of racism or Islamophobia or bigotry or white privilege. After all, consider the source.
Well like it or not, Donald John Trump is America's President #45.

A sleeping giant has awoken and hasn't spoken, but has screamed. And the new face of an evolved America is now screaming back with slogans like "Donald Trump Is A Pig," "Donald Trump Will Never Be My President," "DONALD TRUMP CLOWN UNIVERSITY," "in-SANITY," "The Donald is a Dolt," "FU Trump," "Human Dignity Now," and other off-the-cuff political credos. And these nasty phrases have even become some of the names of Facebook groups.

Some of these social media factions have only a few hundred members and some are "secret" groups. But others have tens of thousands of members, and are "public" with a few of the biggest having hundreds of thousands of members. Will social media become our fifth branch of government, after the Executive Presidency, the judiciary, Congress, and the mainstream media? I don't know, but it's certainly on its way.

It's not Trump's arrogance that bothers me. And the pigmentation of his skin and hair - that sickly orange - doesn't take me aback much, either. He could be purple, pink, or even polka dotted and I'd see a fit. Neither is it his proclivity to attack people, and sometimes these people belong to a large group - like Latinos, the physically disabled, women, liberals, the media, combat veterans, other top politicians, even other Republicans - alarming or upsetting; and let's not leave out the LGBT community. Nope. Trump could begin some sort of hobby of desecrating graves and I wouldn't be surprised. I've conditioned myself to his antics and his misbehavior.

No, what really worries me about Donald Trump is his unpredictability. He's crazy. A true nutcase.



Donald Trump - Caricature

(Image by DonkeyHotey) Details DMCA



And Trump's unpredictability and craziness have spawned an ocean of unpredictability and craziness throughout our country. Nothing this man can and will do will shock me anymore. Conversely, nothing the masses do in reaction to the Trumpster's actions will shock me, either. Just like we learned a long time ago in high school chemistry class: "Every action results in an equal and opposite reaction." Well, even though Trump says he doesn't believe much in science, if he's watching what's going on in his subjugated constituency coast to coast, he has to at least give a nod to this scientific fact. Protests and riots everywhere. Some radical lefties even calling for his impeachment as President Elect. My big question is, what's going to be happening when he and the rest of the Addams Family take up space and add weight to the White House? And oh, there's been talk that the new First Lady doesn't like the austerity of the Executive Mansion much, and that her husband plans to rule as "Commander In Tweets" from a posh penthouse or a sprawling mansion in a warm, sunny, heavenly place.

Elvis has left the building and all that . . . . And a street person has sauntered into the operating room and is now performing open heart surgery on what will soon be a corpse.

Trump could be a closet pyromaniac, among a litany of other things he's already displayed, and it wouldn't be much of a surprise. At least to me. I have buckled myself into my roller coaster seat and I am ready for a very rough and scary ride. No frills, no thrills, just a very sick feeling in my stomach and a longing to get the hell off this amusement park monster ASAP.

Yes, if the New York Times, CNN, or the Associated Press came out with reports that it has been Donald Trump who has set three dozen wildfires throughout the Southeast in the very recent past, I'd believe it. I mean, why wouldn't I?

Didn't that video of the bus scene with Billy Bush hit you like a jackpot of insanity lighting up a slot machine? Could you believe the words - the profane descriptive phrases Trump used with Billy Bush to describe how he really treats, objectifies, and feels about women? Wasn't it shocking hearing what he said about U.S. Sen. John McCain not being a war hero? Didn't you gasp when he shook all over, rolled his eyes around in his head like a dying animal, and drooled when he mocked a disabled news reporter?

Well, friends and neighbors, these are just signs of what is to come. It's good to have low expectations, or even no expectations, right now. And quit using Twitter, open an account here on Opednews, send Rob Kall a modest personal check to bolster your mojo - believe me, a "Supporter" membership package for a year will cost you less than it takes to feed you and the kiddoes at a fast food restaurant. And for gawd's sakes, quit tweeting. It's something birds, Trumpenfuhrers, and sadistic eighth graders do.

Even if you just contribute with comments below the writers' stories and pen an occasional diary and send it our way, it's a big step up between all those misspelled words with hashtags abounding. Get real. Get with the program. Join the liberal-progressive army. Let's start slaying some fire breathing dragons instead of having them chase us all over the place. Our time has come. I'd go on but I'm out of gas and it's time for my afternoon nap. . . .


By Robert Weiner and Thekla Truebenbach

If President-elect Donald Trump means what he says about no unneeded wars, he should change the President's first briefing each day -- "The Daily Briefing" each morning -- from just military issues.

At the first presidential debate on September 26, 2016, Trump claimed: "I did not support the war in Iraq." He has criticized his former competitor Hillary Clinton multiple times because she voted for this war.

His attitude towards going to war sometimes seems to be more hesitant compared to what other commander in chiefs would do. At the NBC commander-in-chief forum on September 7 Trump said, referring to Clinton's decision of voting for wars in the Middle East: "I would be very, very cautious. I think I'd be a lot slower."

But even though Trump seems to have a quite slow and tentative approach, he could be persuaded by the military to invade other countries much quicker, because he does not seem to have a lot of expertise in the military field. The President-elect never went to war himself, he avoided the Vietnam war with the help of several deferments. Statements like "I know more about ISIS than the generals do. Believe me. I would bomb the s--t out of them," he made at one of his rallies, engender doubt.

There is a long history of the "military-industrial complex" in the United States. In 1961, in his farewell address, President and Four-Star General Dwight Eisenhower warned the nation: "In the councils of government, we must guard against the acquisition of unwarranted influence, whether sought or unsought, by the military-industrial complex. The potential for the disastrous rise of misplaced power exists and will persist. We must never let the weight of this combination endanger our liberties or democratic processes."

The military-industrial complex describes the informal strong relationship between a country's military and the defense industry, having a big influence on public policy. Both sides participating in this bond profit by it: On the one side leaders planning wars get supplied with the necessary tools and on the other side defense companies earn billions of dollars by being involved in big governmental contracts. Much money is to be made on both ends, too much money to make independent public-policy decisions.

Trump could be subject to same conflict, despite his desires. Proof that the military complex has much power over public policy in the United States is the fact that the first briefing the president gets in the morning is a national-security briefing, mainly addressing military issues of the country and nations all over the world. The briefing paperwork is one of the most secret documents on earth, gathering very important information. It is single-subject oriented, showing the power of the military-industrial complex.

Some people said that President Obama was not as liberal as he could be. One of the reasons of that is this first briefing of the day pushing an agenda ostensibly not leaving the president a choice what he wants to put a focus on.

With President-elect Trump just learning the military business of the United States, giving the military-industrial complex even more power and the strong emphasis on military issues expressed through the President's first meeting of the day (and now Trump gets the briefing as well as President Obama), will color his administration. American politics and the economy are heavily influenced by this sector. It remains to be seen if Trump's unpredictable attitude towards the military and war will change anything about this strong bond. If he sticks to his statements claiming he wants to avoid wars, he must regulate the relationship between the military and politics.

The first briefing of the day should not mainly focus on military issues and be more balanced and less biased. This would be one way to assure that public policy in the United States of America is made for its people and not for the military.

Robert Weiner is a former spokesman for the Clinton White House and the U.S. House Government Operations Committee. Thekla Truebenbach is policy analyst at Robert Weiner Associates and Solutions for Change.
Michael Flynn, expected to advise Donald Trump on counterproductive killing operations misleading labeled "national security," is generally depicted as a lawless torturer and assassin. But, whether for partisan reasons or otherwise, he's a lawless torturer and assassin who has blurted out some truths he shouldn't be allowed to forget.

For example:

"Lt. Gen. Flynn, who since leaving the DIA has become an outspoken critic of the Obama administration, charges that the White House relies heavily on drone strikes for reasons of expediency, rather than effectiveness. 'We've tended to say, drop another bomb via a drone and put out a headline that "we killed Abu Bag of Doughnuts" and it makes us all feel good for 24 hours,' Flynn said. 'And you know what? It doesn't matter. It just made them a martyr, it just created a new reason to fight us even harder.'"

Or even more clearly:

"When you drop a bomb from a drone" you are going to cause more damage than you are going to cause good. The more weapons we give, the more bombs we drop, that just" fuels the conflict."

Will Flynn then advise Trump to cease dropping bombs from drones? Or will he go ahead and advise drone murders, knowing full well that this is counterproductive from the point of view of anyone other than war profiteers?

From the same report:

"Asked . . . if drone strikes tend to create more terrorists than they kill, Flynn . . . replied: 'I don't disagree with that,' adding: 'I think as an overarching strategy, it is a failed strategy.'"

So Trump's almost inevitable string of drone murders will be conducted under the guidance of a man who knows they produce terrorism rather than reducing it, that they endanger the United States rather than protecting it. In that assessment, he agrees with the vast majority of Americans who believe that the wars of the past 15 years have made the United States less safe, which is the view of numerous other experts as well.

Flynn, too, expanded his comments from drones to the wars as a whole:

"What we have is this continued investment in conflict. The more weapons we give, the more bombs we drop, that just" fuels the conflict. Some of that has to be done but I am looking for the other solutions."

Flynn also, like Trump, accurately cites the criminal 2003 U.S. invasion of Iraq as critical to the creation of ISIS:

"Commenting on the rise of ISIL in Iraq, Flynn acknowledged the role played by the US invasion and occupation of Iraq. 'We definitely put fuel on a fire,' he told Hasan. 'Absolutely" there is no doubt, history will not be kind to the decisions that were made certainly in 2003. Going into Iraq, definitely" it was a strategic mistake."

So there will be no advice to make similar strategic mistakes that are highly profitable to the weapons industry?

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From Alon Ben-Meir Website



US Leader of the world

(Image by missycaulk) Details DMCA



In a recent conversation I had with students, faculty, and alumni at New York University just before the start of my program "Global Leaders: Conversations with Alon Ben-Meir" on November 3, I had the opportunity to answer some questions concerning the turmoil in the Middle East and America's role in the world. The following is my take on some of these events and how they might further evolve over time; questions and answers have been edited and condensed for clarity.

Q: What's your take on the status at this point of the Iranian nuclear deal?

ABM: I remember when the deal was first sealed, I wrote a piece called "The Good, The Bad, and the Ugly About the Iran Deal." There were elements that are good in the deal, some were really bad, and some others I called ugly, in a sense that we didn't know how the deal would eventually unfold. Although the deal may delay Iran from acquiring a nuclear weapon, say for the next 10 years, I believe that Iran is still committed to acquiring such weapons, under almost any circumstances.

Iran is not seeking such weapons in order to use them -- not against Israel or against any other country. The Iranians feel they have legitimate national security concerns. With nuclear weapons Iran would inhibit any outside power from trying to effect regime change. It will be in a position to neutralize both Israel's and Pakistan's nuclear arsenals, and prevent any enemy from attacking it. I can cite several other reasons, including its concern over instability in Afghanistan and Pakistan, and its desire to consolidate its national identity as a superpower under the aegis of the Shiite Islamic regime. It has also ambitions to become the region's hegemon. With nuclear weapons, it would be in a position to intimidate its neighbors and enjoy greater leverage to advance its own regional political agenda.

The ugly part of the deal, so to speak, is the fact that Iran is now legally permitted to enrich uranium, albeit at a lower grade and quantity, and can keep much of its nuclear facilities almost intact, including more than 10,000 centrifuges that are merely idle. In addition, unlike other nuclear facilities that the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) can inspect at will, Iran is permitted to deny access to some of its military facilities without prior knowledge. This suggests that should Iran decide to move toward acquiring nuclear weapons, it still has its nuclear plants and technology, including all the centrifuges, to do just that. Even though this could invite severe punitive actions by Western powers, Iran may well be in a position to bear such measures, as it will economically be strong enough to withstand the resumption of sanctions.

On the whole, however, I think delaying Iran's nuclear weapon program potentially for 10 years was a good idea and still is. It is possible, as some in the West speculate, that the circumstances, globally speaking, could change and Iran may feel sufficiently secure and prosperous and decide not to seek nuclear weapons. That said, the West, Israel, and the Sunni Arab world ought to remain extremely vigilant and not trust Iran, who has the propensity to cheat. As I see it, Iran is committed to acquire nuclear weapons, and it is not likely to change given these reasons.

Q: Have you been in Israel lately? Are public attitudes any less anxious in Israel, now that there's been some time with the deal in place?

ABM: Those Israelis who know the dynamics of the conflict and carefully assess the Iranian threat also know that Israel possesses potentially up to 200 nuclear warheads. It is believed that Israel has submarines armed with nuclear weapons roaming constantly in the Red, Mediterranean, and Arabian Seas, and Tehran is not oblivious to that. Iran knows that should they acquire such weapons, and should they decide to go mad and use it against Israel, they could inflict unimaginable destruction in Israel. However, Israel will still have a second-strike nuclear capability that could wipe Iran from the face of the earth. Israel made its position abundantly clear: when it comes to existential threats, it will take any steps necessary to ensure the survival of the state.

Q: To somebody who is not knowledgeable, it seems like Putin is trying to reestablish the USSR. Erdogan is trying to reestablish the Ottoman Empire, Iran seems to be trying to establish the Persian Empire, and China seems to be trying to make up for three centuries of insults. Are we standing aside to let these people play out against each other, or do we just not know what's happening?

ABM: There's no surprise about Russia's ambition, or Turkey's for that matter, or what Iran or China would like to do. However, Putin knows that he cannot and will not be able to restore the so-called glory of the Soviet Union, because the Eastern European map has changed so dramatically that there will be no return to the old days. That said, he certainly wants to maintain Russia's role as a superpower that can influence events beyond its borders, and he is succeeding to some extent -- Syria provides a good example. Turkey's president Erdogan knows that he will not be able to restore the grandeur of the Ottoman Empire -- that's simply not going to happen. He is trying to become the leader of the Sunni Muslim world, but he has been rebuffed time and again.

And as I said, Khamenei wants Iran to become the region's hegemon and he will keep at it, but that too remains in question. China, for obvious reasons, want to be the dominant power in its area by virtue of its size and power. What they all are trying to do is to consolidate their power to the extent possible. And when they see a vacuum that the US has created, be that in Asia, the Middle East, or Europe, you can count on the Chinese, Russians, and Iranians to try to fill in that gap.

Q: Do you think the US could have pursued different policies to arrest some of these developments?

ABM: In this regard, unfortunately, over the last 16 years the United States has created more than one vacuum. The Iraq War has, for all intents and purposes, dismantled the Middle East previous order. However chaotic it might have been, it is considerably more chaotic today and will remain so for years, I dare say even decades to come.

And what happened here is that you have a president [Obama] who, with the best of intentions, was in many ways naive, in a sense that he thought that, given the Iraq War and Afghanistan, the US should not engage in another conflict and get more American soldiers to die in another Middle Eastern conflict, in another Arab country.

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http://tinyurl.com/h8osw2c .

Every new U.S. president brings some measure of uncertainty as to what he will say and do. However, most have arrived with a package of clues as to what that might be. We have some sort of track record of his or her style of governing, the associates likely to come with them, and their policy positions.

President-elect Donald Trump brings no such record. Moreover, his unprecedented refusal to reveal his tax returns, and the sketchy, largely unproven assertions about his business record -- whether praise or criticism -- means we have even less solid information about his behavior in the private sector.

This ever-expanding blog post attempts to identify the issues requiring attention, and begin the process of finding and revealing the clues that may emerge regarding how a Trump Administration might deal with them. Where available, there are links to media reports with more detail. The principal sources are The New York Times and The Washington Post.

The first two weeks' coverage is already posted at http://tinyurl.com/h8osw2c . All there's room for in this announcement is an introduction to a skeleton outline of issue categories.

____________________

An Introduction to Issues Being Tracked

Transition. Regardless of agendas and intentions, a functioning executive branch of our federal government requires some 4,000 presidential appointees, and supporting civil service staff, who are experienced and knowledgeable. Have their replacements been found? Are they being brought up to speed by their predecessors?

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Turkey bold stance on Kashmir has won millions of hearts in Pakistan: Ayaz Sadiq

ISLAMABAD: National Assembly Speaker Ayaz Sadiq on Thursday said Turkey's bold stance on Kashmir has won millions of hearts as it helped in shaking the international conscience about inhuman situation imposed by India in IHK.



During his welcome address to Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan, the speaker said since January 2016, more than 1000 innocent people have been wounded and blinded with pellet guns, more than 130 have lost their lives, and rest of the millions are languishing under un-ending brutalities and prolonged curfew.



He said India has violated ceasefire 230 times, killed 26 civilians on our side of the Line of Control and injured more than 108. Only few days ago, the unprovoked firing martyred seven brave Pakistani soldiers, he added.



He said he had briefly narrated these figures of misery and anguish to acknowledge your principled stand on Kashmir.



"We are optimistic that through unwavering support like yours, millions of Kashmiris will get their right to self-determination in near future," he said.



The speaker said, "As a matter of record, our people's relations are even older than the creation of our two modern states, which date back even much prior to the 'Khilaafat Movement' of early twentieth century, when our forefathers rose in support of their Turkish brethren."



"Both our societies have nurtured the values of tolerance and harmony, and followed the same path of peace, as taught by our great religion Islam and reflected in the poetry of Maulana Jalal-ud-Din Rumi and Allama Muhammad Iqbal," he said.



"Today, Mr President! We, the Representatives of the people of Pakistan celebrate your presence amongst us for yet another historic reason: Your convincing and over-arching victory, in the recent past, particularly, for the cause of democracy and rule of law in Turkey by mobilizing the will of people has been rightly recognized world-wide as a ray of hope," he said.



He said, "Credit goes to your (Recep Tayyip) inspiring leadership that the heroic people of Turkey --- especially the brave speaker and the courageous Members of the Grand National Assembly of Turkey --- rose in one voice to protect and preserve their constitution and democracy.



"While the people of Pakistan salute the courage and valour of the people of Turkey, Majlis-e-Shoora Parliament also joins me in paying our combined accolades to your exemplary devotion and dedication to your people and motherland. Great leaders, Mustafa Kamal Ata-turk and Quaid-e-Azam Muhammad Ali Jinnah built the states of Turkey and Pakistan on principles of democracy, equality and rule of law."



"Our people have courageously faced the common challenge of terrorism and rendered innumerable sacrifices for regional and global peace," he said.



He said the brave armed forces of Turkey and Pakistan have inflicted fatal blow to global terrorist networks like Daesh and launched historic Operations like Zarb-e-Azb.



He said both nations have always strongly advocated the cause of marginalised and oppressed people world-wide --- be it the Palestinians, the Turk Cypriots or the people of Indian-held Kashmir.



He said, "We appreciate your vision for "Alliance of Civilizations Initiative" aimed at universal cooperation of religions, nations and cultures to address challenges of extremism. What is more, the manner in which Turkey has risen from the economic crisis of the late nineties to the present-day excellence under your democratic leadership, presents a unique role-model for all developing countries."



He said, "Pakistan-Turkey Parliamentary Friendship Groups in our both Legislatures were the largest of all, reflects our mutual love for each other." He said parliament represents the will of the Pakistanis dedicated to the preservation of democracy achieved by the un-remitting struggle of the people against oppression and tyranny. "This House, therefore, eagerly awaits to benefit from the thoughts, ideas and experiences of a statesman of your caliber," he said.
Turkish President demanded Kashmir disput to resolve in accordance with will of Kashmiri ppl

ISLAMABAD: Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan on Thursday called Fethullah Gulen a serious threat to Pakistan's security, and demanded a resolution of the Kashmir dispute between India and Pakistan in accordance with the will of the Kashmiri people.



Erdogan addressed a joint session of the parliament today which was attended by the Chief of the Army Staff (COAS), General Raheel Sharif and Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif, Chief Ministers of Punjab, Sindh and Balochistan among others.



However, Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) remained absent as Chairman Imran Khan announced to continue boycotting sessions of the parliament as long as the allegedly corrupt Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif was leading the nation. The Turkish President said that brotherly terms between Pakistan and Turkey were not restricted to mere rhetoric but stood true to meaning. He recalled Pakistan's invaluable aid and help rendered over Turkish quake that had left the nation devastated. Erdogan mentioned that Turkey observed a day of mourning after the Army Public School (APS) was attacked in December 2014 claiming at least 140 lives, mostly children.



The president of Turkey addressed the dispute between India and Pakistan over the held valley of Kashmir. Erdogan said that the Kashmir dispute was deeply hurting the sentiments and conscience of the Turkish people. "Increasing violence in Kashmir is saddening. I urge Pakistan and India to sit and discuss the issue," he said.



He said Pakistan was still struggling against the menace of terrorism and praised the efforts of the Pakistan Army in battling militancy. He said Turkey would continue its fight against terrorism. Sharing his views on terrorism across the globe, the Turkish president said, "God has stated in the Holy Quran that He is closer to us than our jugular vein and there can be no higher power. Al Qaeda is serving as a puppet and as a tout to foment terrorism in Muslim countries, there is a war going on in Iraq and Syria. These terrorists are destroying Islam and are tarnishing its name, they do not belong to this religion," he said.



"Pakistan, Afghanistan, Libya, Iraq and Syria are all affected by these terrorists. I have complete faith that Muslims cannot be destroyed by these tactics, hence the terrorists must be thrown out of the respective countries."



Recep Tayyip Erdogan, who is in Pakistan on a two-day official visit on the invitation of President Mamnoon Hussain, addressed a joint session of the parliament for a third time. "Pak-Turk friendship is deepening with the passage of time," adding that Pakistan had always supported Turkey in times of crisis especially during the failed coup attempt.



"Relations between Pakistan and Turkey are far greater than just diplomatic relations. Pakistan's democracy is a model for the rest of the world," he said, adding that Pakistan and Turkey have made bilateral ties stronger in every field over the past few years.



During his address, Erdogan slammed Fethullah Gulen and said that he was trying to impose his rule over the world. "Fethullah Gulen from Pennsylvania was trying to impose his rule all over the world," he said. "Thank you for your strong support in combating the Fethullah network," he added.



President Erdogan urged Pakistan to dismantle evil network of the Fethullah Terror Organisation (FETO), if any, before it becomes a threat to the country's security. In today's session, provincial governors and chief minister, heads of the Pakistan armed and representations from varying political parties including Pakistan People's Party (PPP), Pakistan Muslim League (PML-N), Muttahida Qaumi Movement (MQM) and others, except Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) were also present.
The mathematical (and other) thoughts of a (now retired) math teacher,
A core sample from a carbon storage project in Washington state showed that carbon dioxide injected deep underground into basalt rock turned into the carbonate mineral ankerite in less than two years (inset). Credit: American Chemical Society

In November, the Paris Climate Agreement goes into effect to reduce global carbon emissions. To achieve the set targets, experts say capturing and storing carbon must be part of the solution. Several projects throughout the world are trying to make that happen. Now, a study on one of those endeavors, reported in the ACS journal Environmental Science & Technology Letters, has found that within two years, carbon dioxide (CO2) injected into basalt transformed into solid rock.

Lab studies on basalt have shown that the rock, which formed from lava millions of years ago and is found throughout the world, can rapidly convert CO2 into stable carbonate minerals. This evidence suggests that if CO2 could be locked into this solid form, it would be stowed away for good, unable to escape into the atmosphere. But what happens in the lab doesn't always reflect what happens in the field. One field project in Iceland injected CO2 pre-dissolved in water into a basalt formation, where it was successfully stored. And starting in 2009, researchers with Pacific Northwest National Laboratory and the Montana-based Big Sky Carbon Sequestration Partnership undertook a pilot project in eastern Washington to inject 1,000 tons of pressurized liquid CO2 into a basalt formation.

After drilling a well in the Columbia River Basalt formation and testing its properties, the team injected CO2 into it in 2013. Core samples were extracted from the well two years later, and Pete McGrail and colleagues confirmed that the CO2 had indeed converted into the carbonate mineral ankerite, as the lab experiments had predicted. And because basalts are widely found in North America and throughout the world, the researchers suggest that the formations could help permanently sequester carbon on a large scale.
Cornell experts issued a report this week outlining the opportunities and challenges facing New York state's farmers and food producers as emerging digital technologies shape the agriculture industry.

For the report, Harold van Es, professor in the School of Integrative Plant Science (SIPS), and Joshua Woodard of the Charles H. Dyson School of Applied Economics and Management investigated how farmers are incorporating digital technologies and advanced analytics into farming operations.

What they found was a gap in analytics and data management relative to the capabilities of modern-day equipment, sensors and data generation. They conclude that strategic investments in research and development, improved training in data analytics and system technologies, and reliance on the capabilities of public institutions and technology companies could impact the agriculture industry's national and global competitiveness in coming decades.

The Cornell researchers conducted a statewide survey of farmers, held workshops, reviewed prior research and performed a study on trends in "Digital Agriculture," a term for the use of computational and information technologies to improve the profitability and sustainability of agriculture and food systems.

"Agriculture, like other industry sectors, stands to see tangible benefits in the form of increased production efficiencies once digital agriculture technologies are effectively employed," said van Es. "New York has the chance to become an agricultural leader in the digital space and to fully capitalize on potential production gains, but doing so requires leveraging emerging technologies to improve the profitability and sustainability of agriculture."

The surge in digital agriculture technologies has led to the accumulation of large amounts of data. High-resolution soil data, site-specific weather maps, aerial imagery, nutrient applications, and milking and animal health records are being continuously generated by farms across the state. Much of that data can be sent via broadband or mobile connections to cloud-based services.

Most farmers recognize the benefits that improved technological capabilities might bring to the state's farms. Higher profits, time savings and opportunities to reduce environmental impacts of farming operations were cited as the largest motivators, and 74 percent said that digital agriculture technologies provide efficiencies and environmental benefits.

For all the enthusiasm surrounding the technologies, farmers expressed trepidation about how to make use of the data. About one-third of farmers surveyed by the researchers said they received insufficient technical support, and half reported uncertainty on how best to deploy technology in a way that will have an economic impact.

"Farmers today have access to advanced technologies like precision planters and combines that are generating all these data, but they are telling us they don't always know how to make use of the information in a profitable way," Woodard said.

Woodard, an expert in data analysis, said that nearly half of those surveyed reported analyzing the data generated on the farm themselves. He said asking farmers to make sense of huge data sets to improve decisions is a monumental task and, not surprisingly, can lead to frustration.

The report identified several barriers that have impeded digital agriculture in the state, including technologies that aren't specific to the type of farming favored in New York, such as forage crops, dairy and high-value specialty crops. The researchers also highlighted a need for improved research, digital communication infrastructure and educational programs to support farmers.

As the state's land-grant university and a top-tier research university, Cornell is in a position to provide analytics and research capabilities to the state's farms and food system. The researchers proposed an Institute for Digital Agriculture at Cornell that would focus on research, education, data management and business development. Among other benefits, according to the report, the institute would provide farmers a secure data center to store and analyze confidential information, and give researchers aggregate, anonymized data to develop next-generation technologies and recommendations to benefit farmers.

In the spring, Cornell plans to hold meetings to bring together leading researchers in computing, agriculture and economics to discuss ways to leverage the university's expertise.

The report, "Digital Agriculture in New York State," was commissioned by the New York State Commission on Rural Resources. Michael Glos and Aaron Ristow of SIPS and Leslie Veteramo Chiu and Tribid Dutta of Dyson contributed to the report.

More information: NYS Digital Agriculture Report and Recommendations: fieldcrops.cals.cornell.edu/ex  agriculture-workshop
The orange wheel shows the circular chromosome or genome of E. coli bacteria. The spikes indicate where a molecular intermediate in DNA repair -- four-way DNA junctions -- accumulate near a reparable double strand break in the genome. Credit: Jun Xia and Qian Mei

Scientists from Rice University, Baylor College of Medicine and other institutions are using synthetic biology to capture elusive, short-lived snippets of DNA that healthy cells produce on their way to becoming cancerous.

Researchers said the work could lead to the development of new drugs that could prevent cancer by neutralizing "DNA intermediates," key pieces of genetic code that are produced when healthy cells become cancerous. The research is described in a new paper in the open-access journal Science Advances.

"In my lab we study how the genomethe genes in an organismchanges, in particular, how the genome of normal cells changes to transform the cells into cancerous cells," said project lead scientist Susan Rosenberg, Baylor's Ben F. Love Chair in Cancer Research and the leader of the Cancer Evolvability Program at Baylor's Dan L Duncan Comprehensive Cancer Center.

When cells divide and make copies of the instructions encoded in their DNA, the DNA unwinds and becomes vulnerable to damage that must be repaired. Sometimes the process of repairing the DNA can also cause mutations and errors. When these errors accumulate, the cells may acquire characteristics of cancer.

"The process of editing the DNA is carried out by specific enzymesproteins that work on DNA to fix the mistakes," said Rosenberg, who is also an adjunct professor in Rice's Department of BioSciences.

(From left) Baylor College of Medicine's Susan Rosenberg discusses research aimed at capturing elusive, short-lived "DNA intermediates," key pieces of genetic code that are produced when healthy cells become cancerous, with Baylor graduate student Jun Xia and Rice University graduate student Qian Mei, who are co-first authors on a new paper about the work in Science Advances. Credit: Photo courtesy of Baylor College of Medicine

She said DNA repair usually takes several steps to complete. Between the original DNA and the final product, cells produce DNA reaction intermediates, which are crucial to the reaction but are difficult to study because they are present for just a fraction of a second as an enzyme catalyzes the changing of one molecule into another.

"The intermediate molecules are the most important parts of biochemical reactions," said Rosenberg, who holds appointments in Baylor's departments of Molecular and Human Genetics, Molecular Virology and Microbiology, and Biochemistry and Molecular Biology. "They define what the reaction is and how it will proceed. But because they are transient and elusive, it's really difficult to study them, especially in living cells. We wanted to do that. We decided to invent synthetic proteins that would trap DNA reaction intermediates in living cells."

Qian Mei, a graduate student in Rice's Systems, Synthetic and Physical Biology program and a research assistant in the Rosenberg lab, took on the task of applying the synthetic protein that could capture the short-lived intermediates. Using the tools of synthetic biology, Rosenberg and colleagues created and added packages of genes to Escherichia coli, an organism that Rosenberg's group and others have shown to be a reliable model of the genetic changes that occur in animal cells.

Rosenberg said other investigators also have attempted to trap intermediates, but they have only succeeded in a few biochemical reactions.

"We want to use synthetic proteins to study mechanisms that change DNA sequence," she said. "We do that now with genetics and genomics in my lab. But genomics, which allows us to compare the genes of normal cells with those of cancerous cells, is like reading the fossil record of these processes. We want to see how the real-time processes that change DNA happen, including all the intermediate steps, which our synthetic proteins allow us to freeze in time and isolate."

In their tests on , Mei, Rosenberg and colleagues from Baylor, the University of Texas at Austin and the University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center found they could discover molecular mechanisms underlying genome instability, a hallmark of cancer. In one instance, they discovered a new role for an protein that is related to five human cancer proteins. They then analyzed gene-expression data from human cancers and were able to implicate two of the five -related human cancer proteins in potentially promoting cancer by a similar mechanismone not previously implicated.

"The most exciting part in this paper for me is that we can learn something new about the mechanisms of cancer from the model," said Mei, co-first author of the new paper. "Even though bacteria and human cells are very different, many DNA repair proteins are highly conserved through evolution; this makes a good model to study how cells repair DNA or accumulate mutations."

Rosenberg and colleagues think that their approach offers significant advantages. For instance, with the synthetic proteins, they have been able to identify specific DNA-repair intermediate molecules, their numbers in cells, rates of formation and locations in the genome and the molecular reactions in which they participate.

"It is most exciting that we are now able to trap, map and quantify transient DNA reaction intermediates in single living cells," said co-first author Jun Xia, graduate student in the Rosenberg lab and in the Integrative Molecular and Biomedical Sciences program at Baylor. "This new technology helps us reveal the origins of genome instability."

"When you know these reactions and the role each intermediate plays in the mechanisms that change DNA, you can think about making drugs that will stop them," Rosenberg said. "In the future, we hope we will be able to design drugs that target specific types of cancersdrugs that block the cells' ability to evolve into cancer cells, instead of, or in addition to, traditional chemotherapies that kill or stop cancer cells from growing."

More information: "Holliday junction trap shows how cells use recombination and a junction-guardian role of RecQ helicase" Science Advances, DOI: 10.1126/sciadv.1601605 Journal information: Science Advances
The government must improve the support it offers to resettled refugees trying to find a job in Britain, according to a group of resettlement experts from the University of Sussex.

In the first longitudinal study of its kind, academics, who researched the experiences of 280 refugees who resettled in Britain as part of the Government's Gateway Protection Programme five years ago, claim the system needs to provide better fast-track learning opportunities and mentoring schemes to help resettled refugees to find work.

The three-year research programme, which was funded by the Economic and Social Research Council (ESRC), involved refugees from Ethiopia, Democratic Republic of Congo, Somalia and Iraq who were resettled in Brighton and Hove, Norwich, Manchester and Sheffield.

The University of Sussex experts found that the current system does not meet the diversity of refugees coming to resettle in Britainas a result they are calling for the following changes to be made to the system:

Refugees with higher levels of education need fast-track learning routes which support them in finding employment which reflects their previous work and qualifications.

Overseas qualifications are often not recognised in the UK - pathways through the education system such as vocational training and ways of 'topping up' qualifications need to be put in place to support people.

If you don't have UK qualifications or UK work experience it is very difficult to convince an employer to hire youresearch highlights the need for buddying schemes, work shadowing and mentoring to prove you can do a job.

The government's Gateway Protection Programme resettles up to 750 refugees a year in small groups (between 60  100 people) based on nationality. Last year the former Prime Minister David Cameron pledged to resettle 20,000 Syrian refugees by 2020  the academics are now calling on the current Prime Minister Theresa May to ensure the system reflects the diversity of refugees in order for them to have optimum chance to reach their full potential.

Dr Linda Morrice, who worked on the research project, said: "Refugees who are starting a new life in Britain want to work and see this as a key pathway to integrating. This government needs to improve the current resettlement system in order to ensure refugees resettling in Britain now, like those from Syria, have the best opportunity and support to gain employment which meet their skills.

"We must shift the focus from talking about 'meeting numbers and targets' to ensuring that we have fast-track learning routes in place, especially English language learning. For people with higher-level qualifications we need tailored support to help refugees to gain qualifications and find work."

Yared, a former high court judge in Ethiopia, who resettled in the UK 10 years ago as part of the government's scheme, struggled to get a job when he arrived and is a now a traffic warden in Brighton. He dreams of being a human rights lawyer but works as a traffic warden because, he says: "Without a job you are living as a beggar."

More information: "Optimising refugee resettlement in the UK: A comparative analysis." www.sussex.ac.uk/migration/res  /refugeeresettlement
Engineers at MIT can now predict a liquids droplet size distribution, including the likelihood of producing very big and very small droplets, based on one main property: the liquids viscoelasticity, or stickiness. Credit: Massachusetts Institute of Technology

If you've ever splattered paint on a canvas or sprayed a cookie sheet with oil, you likely createdaside from a minor messa shower of droplets, ranging from dime-sized splotches to pencil-point specks.

Such droplet sizes may seem random, but now engineers at MIT can predict a liquid's droplet size distribution, including the likelihood of producing very big and very small droplets, based on one main property: the liquid's viscoelasticity, or stickiness. What's more, the team has found that, past a certain stickiness, fluids will always exhibit the same relative range of droplet sizes.

Knowing how big or small a liquid spray's droplets may be can help researchers identify optimal fluids for a number of industrial applications, from preventing defects in automotive paint jobs, to fertilizing farm fields via aerial spraying.

The researchers' results were published in October in the journal Physical Review Letters. The paper's lead author is Bavand Keshavarz, a graduate student in the lab of Gareth McKinley, who is the School of Engineering Professor of Teaching Innovation at MIT and the paper's senior author. Their co-authors include Eric Houze, John Moore, and Michael Koerner of Axalta Coating Systems, a Philadelphia-based manufacturer of paints for commercial vehicles.

A thickening ingredient

The ways in which liquids fragment, or break up into droplets, has been a fascination for centuries and an active field of study for the past few decades. Scientists, attempting to characterize liquid fragmentation, have typically focused on what are known as Newtonian fluids, such as water and oilrelatively thin, homogenous liquids that don't include any fine particles or long molecules such as polymers that would affect the way such fluids flow.

In the early 2000s, scientists derived a simple equation to describe how any Newtonian fluid behaves when atomized, or sprayed into droplets. Embedded in this equation was a single parameter, "n," which determines how wide or narrow a liquid's droplet distribution can be. The higher the value of "n," the narrower the final size distribution is.

But when this value is relatively large, the equation fails to describe the broader distribution of droplet sizes observed for more viscoelastic, non-Newtonian fluids such as saliva, blood, paint, and resins. Keshavarz and McKinley suspected that a non-Newtonian fluid's stickiness, or viscoelasticity, might have something to do with the mismatch.

"What we wanted to add to the literature was how viscoelasticity can change this parameter n, which is the most important parameter because it dictates how many droplets of a specific size a liquid can produce, compared to the average droplet size," Keshavarz says. "Now for the first time for a variety of fluids, we were able to quantify that."

"Frozen in time"

To do so, Keshavarz and McKinley set up several experiments to observe liquid fragmentation in both Newtonian and non-Newtonian fluids. They used water and water-glycerol mixtures as the classic Newtonian fluids, and created non-Newtonian samples by mixing a solution of water-glycerol with varying amounts of polymers with different molecular weights. They also experimented with several industrial paints and resins.

Scientists have typically focused on what are known as Newtonian fluids, such as water and oil  relatively thin, homogenous liquids. But theyve had difficulty predicting the distribution of droplet sizes observed for non-Newtonian fluids such as saliva, blood, paint, and resins. Credit: Massachusetts Institute of Technology

The researchers subjected each liquid sample to three different atomization tests, first dropping liquids onto a flat surface, then spraying them through a nozzle, and finally, forming a spray of the liquid by colliding two jets. The team used a strobe light technique, originally developed by MIT's Harold "Doc" Edgerton, to create split-millisecond images of each experiment.

The team observed almost 5,000 droplets for each liquid they tested. Their images showed that, in general, thinner, Newtonian fluids produced a narrower range of droplet sizes, regardless of the type of experiment performed, whereas the viscoelastic fluids had broader distributions, generating larger numbers of both big and small drops.

As they were sprayed or dropped, the viscoelastic fluids created long ligaments, or string-like projections, that first stretched, then eventually broke apart into droplets.

"Each image makes the ligaments look frozen in time," Keshavarz says. "In a fraction of a millisecond, they break apart into a finite range of droplet sizes."

A universal profile

Referring back to the original equation describing the fragmentation of Newtonian fluids, Keshavarz noted that the parameter "n," which establishes the distribution of droplet sizes, is also determined by the smoothness of the ligaments that ultimately fragment into drops. In the images of their experiments, however, the researchers observed that the more viscoelastic fluids produced bumpier, more corrugated ligaments. Keshavarz hypothesized that the stickier a liquid is, the more it resists smoothing out as it forms a ligament.

To test this hypothesis, he developed a new experiment, called a "step-strain" test, in which he squeezed a liquid between two plates, then quickly pulled the plates apart, pulling the liquid up and stretching it into a ligament before it separated into drops. In high-speed imaging of these tests, the researchers observed that the viscoelastic fluids exhibited bumpier ligaments, resembling beads on a string. The stickier the liquid, the more corrugated the ligament became. The researchers measured the corrugations and found that, past a certain stickiness, the degree of a ligament's bumpiness remained the same.

From their images of viscoelastic jets, the researchers also measured the rate at which each ligament thinned, also known as the liquid's relaxation time. Similarly, they found that this rate becomes almost constant for viscoelastic liquids. The team performed some calculations to fit the relaxation time measurements into the original equation for liquid fragmentation, and found that, all other variables being known, the parameter "n" reached a minimum value no matter how sticky the fluid was, corresponding to a maximum breadth in the distribution of drop sizes.

In other words, the researchers identified the broadest distribution of droplet sizes that any viscoelastic, non-Newtonian fluid can possibly exhibit when sprayed.

"Regardless of the type of experiment, or the kind of polymer or concentration, we see this universal distribution, and it's broadly applicable to a wide range of fluids," McKinley says.

Ultimately, he says this new understanding of fluid fragmentation may be useful in a number of areas including combustion, pharmaceutical and agricultural sprays, inkjets, and the automotive coating industry, where manufacturers are looking for ways to prevent "over-spray" and increase the efficiency of spray-painting.

"When they spray a car, they have to tape the windows because no matter how careful you are, there's always some overspray, which is wasted paint," McKinley says. "Also, if you're spraying paint, the biggest drops tend to show up as defects. That's one reason you care about droplet size distribution: You want to know how big the biggest drops will be, because a good paint job at the end of the day should be a perfectly smooth finish."

More information: Bavand Keshavarz et al. Ligament Mediated Fragmentation of Viscoelastic Liquids, Physical Review Letters (2016). DOI: 10.1103/PhysRevLett.117.154502 Journal information: Physical Review Letters

This story is republished courtesy of MIT News (web.mit.edu/newsoffice/), a popular site that covers news about MIT research, innovation and teaching.
The studys nanoscale muscles are comprised of gold nanoparticles, which are connected by single-stranded DNA. Credit: University of Pennsylvania

The base pairs found in DNA are key to its ability to store protein-coding information, but they also give the molecule useful structural properties. Getting two complementary strands of DNA to zip up into a double helix can serve as the basis of intricate physical mechanisms that can push and pull molecular-scale devices.

Engineers at the University of Pennsylvania have developed nanoscale "muscles" that work on this principle. By carefully incorporating strands of custom DNA into different layers of flexible films, they can force those films to bend, curl and even flip over by introducing the right DNA cue. They could also reverse these changes by way of different DNA cues.

One day, the flexing of these muscles could be used in diagnostic devices, capable of signaling changes in gene expression from within cells.

The researchers demonstrated this system in a study published in Nature Nanotechnology.

The study was led John C. Crocker and Daeyeon Lee, professors of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering in Penn's School of Engineering and Applied Science, along with Tae Soup Shim, who was then a post-doctoral associate in both researchers' groups. David Chenoweth, an assistant professor of chemistry in Penn's School of Arts & Sciences, and So-Jung Park, a professor in the Department of Chemistry and Nano Science at Ewha Womans University, Seoul, also contributed to the study. Other Penn co-authors include Zaki G. Estephan, Zhaoxia Qian, Jacob H. Prosser and Su Yeon Lee, graduate students and postdoctoral researchers in the departments of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, Materials Science and Engineering and Chemistry.

Adding a complementary strand to one layer of DNA bridges causes them to expand and the film to curl. Credit: University of Pennsylvania

The nanoscale muscles in the study are comprised of gold nanoparticles, which are connected to one another by single-stranded DNA. The researchers built up the films layer-by-layer, introducing different sets of DNA-linked nanoparticles at different depths. Each set of nanoparticles contained links with different sequences.

"The way the actuation works," Crocker said, "is that we add single-stranded DNA that is complementary to a portion of the bridges between the particles. When that DNA diffuses in, it turns just those bridges into double-stranded DNA helices."

Because the specific sequence of the added DNA is tailored to match different sets of nanoparticle bridges, the researchers could target individual layers of the film, forming double-stranded bridges in just those layers.

This mechanism was critical to getting the films to flex, as single-stranded and double-stranded bridges are different lengths.

"It so happens that double-stranded DNAs are longer than single-stranded DNAs with the same number of bases," Crocker said, "so when the added strand binds, the bridge gets a little longer and the material expands. If only one layer of the film expands, the film curls."

The films can revert to their original shape by means of another DNA strand that strips apart the double helices. Credit: University of Pennsylvania

The researchers also designed a way of reverting the bridges to their original, single-stranded state, undoing this curl. The strands that give the curling cue also have a "handle" that does not bind to the bridges. Pulling on this handle splits apart the double helix the added DNA forms.

"We make the strand that we added to expand the bridges a little longer than it needs to be," Crocker said. "After it forms a double helix with the bridge, there are another 7 bases of leftover single-stranded DNA dangling off to the side of the bridge. To reverse the process, we add a 'stripper' strand that is complementary to the 'expander' strand and the extra dangling 'handle.' It actually hybridizes to the dangling handle, and then pulls the expander strand off the bridge, forming a double helix in solution that floats away, allowing the bridge to revert to its shorter, single-stranded form."

Getting the films to curl or to flip over entirely is just a proof-of-concept for now, but this muscle-like flexing behavior could have a host of applications at the nanoscale.

Being able to respond to one cue and totally ignore the otherimpossible for systems that flex based on temperature or acidity changesis critical for their ability to work as diagnostic devices.

"A 'far-out' application we have thought of is in intracellular situations where we can't exactly control things with wires or wireless equipment, Crocker said. "We could make a device that absorbs or reflects a certain wavelength of light based upon the spacing of its internal layers, and we could then alter that spacing using a chemical signal. This signal could be a messenger RNA, so the device provides a single-cell gene expression readout. These intracellular devices could be read out under a microscope, or inside the body using infrared imaging."

More information: Tae Soup Shim et al. Shape changing thin films powered by DNA hybridization, Nature Nanotechnology (2016). DOI: 10.1038/nnano.2016.192 Journal information: Nature Nanotechnology
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.
Gov. Andrew Cuomo on Friday asked the New York State Education Department to direct schools to hold trainings immediately for both staff and students addressing discriminatory behavior as well as behavior prohibited under the schools code of conduct.

This is in response to incidents of hate speech and discrimination in schools across New York. Earlier this week, Cuomo launched a hot line at 1-888-392-3644 that people could come to report instances of discrimination and bias. There have been reports of an uptick in reports of discrimination, bias-motivated threats, harassment and violence following last weeks election of Donald Trump.

A softball field dugout in Wellsville was vandalized with the words Make America White Again and a spray-painted swastika. At SUNY Geneseo, there was a report of a swastika and the word Trump at the Nassau Residence Hall.

Is this training really necessary? Schools review code of conduct in their procedures at the beginning of the year. I dont think anybody forgot in two months that it is wrong to vandalize things or bully or harass another student. Public schools are already required to fill out forms about instances of violence and bullying as part of the Violence And Disruptive Instances Report (VADIR).

This just seems like feel-good measures by the governor to be strong on the issue.

Time is a valuable commodity in schools and it seems like so much is taken up by trainings, assemblies and special presentations, which may be good in and out of themselves. Students are engaging in this behavior must be punished, but the need to rehash this training seems unnecessary.
This is the latest in a series of posts about Roll Call votes of U.S. Rep. Elise Stefanik, R-Willsboro.

Stefanik voted along party lines this week on two bills relating to Iran sanctions.

Stefanik on Tuesday voted in support of HR 6297  legislation that extends Iran sanctions for 10 years, until 2026.

Its imperative that Congress reauthorizes these sanctions so that the next administration can control this rogue regime and prevent a nuclear Iran, Stefanik said in a press release.

Her opposition to the nuclear agreement between United States and Iran was part of her re-election campaign platform.

The legislation passed by a vote of 419-1, with one Republican and no Democrats opposing it.

Stefanik on Thursday voted in support of HR 5711  legislation that prohibits the federal Department of Treasury from authorizing U.S. financial institution loans for the export or re-export of commercial passenger aircraft to Iran.

When our fellow Americans deposit their earnings in a U.S. bank, or entrust the government with their tax dollars, they do so assuming that their money will not be used in ways which undermine the security of our nation and frankly the world, said Rep. Bill Huizenga, R-Mich., the bills sponsor, in comments on the House floor.

Rep. Denny Heck, D-Wash., said the legislation undermines the nuclear agreement between the United States and Iran, and he predicted President Obama will veto the legislation.

Heck said the legislation would put U.S. aviation manufacturers at a disadvantage.

The legislation passed by a vote of 243-174, with no Republicans voting against it and eight Democrats voting in support.

Click here to read the most recent previous post in the series.
Despite being guaranteed by the First Amendment of the Constitution, free speech hasnt always been a popular concept in this country.

We often canonize the Founding Fathers as free speech zealots. But in his 2015 book Libertys First Crisis: Adams, Jefferson and the Misfits Who Saved Free Speech, author Charles Slack shows just how unpopular the idea was to some of our nations founders.

Slack spends an extensive amount of time tackling the incredibly troubling law known as the Sedition Act, passed by President John Adams to silence those who were skeptical of the government. Adams and his party  the Federalists  were in power when the law passed and were able to use it to silence dissenting views from the opposition party, the Democrat-Republicans.

While the book is nonfiction, it reads like an Orwellian dystopia at times. The Sedition Act is used to jail Americans for a variety of things. One man is jailed for erecting a Liberty Poll, which is essentially a large sign voicing displeasure with the powers that be; another town drunkard is arrested after he jokes that a stray cannon ball blast should hit President Adams in the posterior.

Slack really does a good job of developing the characters in this book and making readers feel a sense of connection to these historical figures.

He highlights the likes of Matthew Lyon, an anti-establishment congressman from Fair Haven, Vermont and outspoken critic of Adams. Slack also spends extensive time developing Benjamin Franklin Bache, the grandson of Ben Franklin, and the publisher of The Aurora, a prominent Democrat-Republican newspaper in Philadelphia at the time.

Lyon becomes the first person jailed under Adams Sedition Act. From jail in Vergennes, Vermont, Lyon goes on to win his reelection bid. Fans of free speech will find themselves rooting for Lyon as they read this book. One might even find themselves cheering for Lyon in an actual fist fight on the House floor at point.

The story ends well for freedom lovers with the Sedition Law expiring and Thomas Jefferson taking the reins from Adams. But the final chapter serves as a chilling reminder that this type of disregard for a vital right is still possible in our modern world  Slack points to various examples around the world to prove his point.

This book seemed incredibly relevant in the wake of a presidential election that saw both major party candidates take anti-free speech stances. Donald Trump threatened to open up libel laws, and both he and Hillary Clinton discussed closing up parts of the internet.

An important lesson can be drawn from Slacks analysis of a trying time for human liberty: Either we stand up for all free speech  especially that which we dont like  or we dont stand up for free speech at all.
GLENS FALLS  Police believe a nationwide group of thieves known to investigators as the Felony Lane Gang struck locally on Thursday when they broke into four vehicles and stole purses at the Glens Falls YMCA.

The group has been dubbed the Felony Lane Gang because they often try to cash stolen checks in the far lane of bank drive-thrus, which police know as the felony lane because bank personnel cant see them well and surveillance cameras there historically arent as effective as in the lanes closer to the building.

Glens Falls Police Capt. Michelle Arnold said two men were seen trying to open car doors in the parking lot between 10 and 10:30 a.m., and patrons of the YMCA discovered broken windows and stolen purses a short time later.

The thieves tried to use a stolen credit card online at Amazon.com within minutes, but it was denied. The purses contained money, identification, at least one checkbook and other valuables

The thefts were believed to be part of a Florida-based ring that travels around the country, targeting vehicles at YMCAs and other places where people work out, looking for purses and wallets left in cars.

The YMCA in Wilton was the site of similar thefts last weekend, and the YMCAs in Saratoga Springs, Clifton Park, Amsterdam and Bethlehem were also targeted in the past, Arnold said.

Post-Star newspartner NewsChannel 13 reported in September that similar thefts at the Dog Park in Saratoga Springs were also linked to the group.

Three young men from Florida were arrested in Amsterdam for thefts from parked cars there earlier this month. They were caught driving a stolen car that had stolen New York license plates on it.

A national police network based in Washington, D.C., known as the Felony Lane Gang Task Force, has organized to target the group.

Arnold said consequences of the thefts can linger for years for victims.

Members of the gang not only try to use stolen credit cards, but also commit identity theft to try to cash stolen checks and use identification to open new credit and checking accounts, police said.

This can be a nightmare for these victims for the rest of their lives, she said.

Arnold said a Glens Falls city worker who saw men acting suspiciously in the parking lot near cars jotted down the license plate number of the sport utility vehicle they were driving, but the plates had been stolen and apparently put on the vehicle by the thieves to throw off investigators.

Police also planned to review surveillance camera videos from the YMCA.

Brian Bearor, executive director of the Glens Falls YMCA, said the organization plans to alert members to what happened so they can take precautions.

Weve never had anything like this in my seven years here, he said. This is a very safe area.

Arnold said valuables should be removed from vehicles when they are left unattended, and anyone who has a purse or wallet stolen should contact credit bureaus to begin fraud monitoring as soon as possible to stop identity theft.

The thieves were described as two black males, driving a white SUV. Anyone with information in the case is asked to call 761-3840.
QUEENSBURY  The Code Blue shelter on Gurney Lane will be open for at least seven days beginning Monday, according to Kim Cook, director of the Open Door Mission, which runs the shelter.

This is the second year the shelter has been in a Warren County-owned building on Gurney Lane. The first two years it was on Warren Street in Glens Falls.

Were going to operate pretty much the same way we did last year, Cook said, noting that Dave Bouffard, Open Doors program director, will be coordinating the facility.

In years past, Gary Ferris of the American Red Cross made the decision on when the shelter would be open. That task has now gone to Bouffard.

The basic rules for opening the shelter are a forecast of the overnight low being 32 degrees or colder or a forecast of a foot or more of snow.

Overnight lows for next week are expected to be in the mid-20s.

As in past years, transportation will be available from the Ridge Street bus kiosk across from Glens Falls City Hall at 6:10 p.m. and 8:30 p.m.

The first trip will be by Greater Glens Falls Transit and the second will be by a shuttle provided by Northway Christian Family Church. Those staying overnight will be able to take a Glens Falls Transit bus back to the kiosk each morning.

Each shift at the shelter will be covered by a staff supervisor and a volunteer. The shelter will open at 6 p.m. and close at 8 a.m.

Trainings for volunteers are scheduled for 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. Tuesday, Nov. 29, at the Open Door at 47 Lawrence St. in Glens Falls.
QUEENSBURY  Northway Christian Family Church will host a free self-defense and safety seminar Sunday at its location on Homer Avenue in memory of fallen local state Trooper Timothy Pratt.

The non-denominational event will be offered to adults and children older than age 10, starting at 6 p.m. There will be tips and instruction for those who do not have the ability to learn physical methods.

Instructors will include local and Hall of Fame member Larry Waimon, a retired New Jersey police officer and senior police academy instructor who was inducted in the International Association of Martial Artists Hall of Fame in 2007, and some of his students.

Door prizes will be offered to some attendees as well.
LAKE GEORGE  A Niskayuna special education administrator will become the next superintendent of the Lake George Central School District.

The Lake George Board of Education announced Friday that it intends to appoint Lynne Rutnik, the director of special education, K-12 at Niskayuna, to the position at a special meeting at 7 p.m. Monday. Rutnik is being offered a 3 1/2-year contract at an initial salary of $142,500. She is expected to begin work on Jan. 1.

President Tim Collins said Rutnik emerged from a very qualified field.

Mrs. Rutnik was selected from a very strong candidate pool and possesses the skills and a depth of experience in high-quality school districts necessary to engage the school community in pursuit of excellence in student achievement and to foster opportunities for all students to maximize their full potential, Collins said in a news release.

Among the qualities that district officials sought for the selected candidate that Rutnik possessed are: leadership experience in a high-performing school district, skill in curriculum and instructional leadership, skill in short- and long-range planning and excellent communication skills to engage the school and community.

Rutnik said she is honored to have been selected.

I am excited to begin my work with an outstanding Board of Education, a deeply committed and talented staff, highly engaged students, dedicated and knowledgeable leaders who support innovation in our classrooms and a community that supports advancing teaching and learning, she said in a news release. This combination makes a very special community, which I believe will allow me to lead with a shared purpose; creating systems and processes that support long-range strategic planning needed to move our district forward in preparing our students to be career- and college-ready in a global society.

During her interview presentation to the community on Nov. 2, Rutnik said she would strive to sustain excellence by questioning and challenging the status quo. However, she values collaboration and would not make rapid changes nor implement change for the sake of change.

She said previously that she would listen to the staff, students and community to assess the districts strengths, traditions and needs. She would hold listening sessions to find out peoples thoughts and send out a survey to get input from people who may not be comfortable in person.

Rutnik has been in her current position for eight years. Before that, she was an academic administrator for special education at Shenendehowa from 2006 to 2008. She served as principal for special programs with Capital Region BOCES from 2000 to 2006. She began her career in 1997 as a special education teacher at Bethlehem Middle school and then at Cairo Elementary School.

Rutnik has a bachelors degree in psychology from SUNY Plattsburgh and a masters degree in special education from the College of Saint Rose. She has certifications in New York State school district administrator and special education teacher.

Rutnik will replace Interim Superintendent Dr. Jon Hunter. Rutnik and her husband, Colonel Brian Backus, USAF, and their children, Aiylin and Owen Rutnik, share time between their familys Glen Lake home and their Niskayuna residence.

The other finalist was Menands Union Free School District Superintendent Maureen Long.
FORT EDWARD  Washington County supervisors adopted a new budget with a 1.76 percent tax increase after one resident spoke in opposition and decried the lack of public involvement in the budget.

There should be 130 people here, said Tim Havens Sr. of Hudson Falls. People are apathetic.

But he did his best to persuade the Board of Supervisors to cut the budget further. The supervisors had trimmed the tax increase from 2 percent, but the 1.76 percent increase is still well over this years tax cap. The county could not raise taxes more than 1 percent to stay under the cap.

Havens told the board that, although the cap was low this year, the supervisors should have stuck with it.

Dams are built to hold back torrents of water. The tax cap is a dam of sorts. It holds back torrents of taxes, he said. I think by exceeding the tax cap this year, were making it easier to exceed it over and over. I implore you not to do it.

Four supervisors voted against the budget, but it passed with 11 supervisors voting in favor. In weighted votes, it passed with 2,378 votes in favor to 1,716 votes opposed.

Hartford Supervisor Dana Haff was recorded as absent because he had to be out of state to care for a family member, but he said he wanted his vote to also be considered a no.

The budget tax increase would raise tax bills by a range of 75 cents in Argyle to $10.50 in White Creek, for the average property owner with a house assessed at $100,000.

Of those who voted no, Salem Supervisor Seth Pitts said the issue was the tax increase.

Every year I sit here and we raise taxes and we raise taxes, he said. You dont realize how many working poor are struggling to pay their taxes.

He sees elderly residents also going to the local food pantries now because they cant make ends meet. He noted the tax increase is three times the increase they received in Social Security.

This budget, with these new positions, is wrong, Pitts said. Its wrong for the working poor of this county.

The budget added two part-time secretaries and many raises.

But Greenwich Supervisor Sara Idleman said those raises were necessary. She almost voted against the budget because she wanted everyone to get a 2 percent raise, rather than 1.5 percent, she said.

She noted, as she regularly does, that percentages cannot be compared. The Social Security increase of. 0.3 percent does not mean residents will not receive enough additional dollars to pay the 1.5 percent increase in county taxes.

If a retiree in the county received the average Social Security payment of $1,351 per month, the 0.3 percent increase in Social Security next year would amount to $4 per month. If the county budget had increased by 2 percent, the tax bill increase would have ranged from $1 in Argyle to $14 in White Creek  for the year. The range now is 75 cents to $10.50.

Given the reality of the tax impact, Idleman said the board should have given workers better raises. The board voted down a raise of $3,500 for each of the two deputy election commissioners during the meeting. Theyre paid about $17 an hour, and would have gone to $18 an hour, rather than a more incremental raise of about 25 cents.

Idleman said they, and others, should have gotten the better raise.

I have very strong feelings about how we treat the people who work here, she said. I think its important we pay them adequately.
Inventory needs to be managed and managed well, or you are going to get in recurring trouble, and lose your credibility and hard-earned conversions, whether 

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South Korea says North Korea has fired an additional six missiles off its eastern and western coasts, reports AP.
Addressing the audience in her opening remarks, the Chief Financial Officer of UT Bank, Ms. Gillian Slater noted that the quarterly series kicked off on the theme of Funding your business  Strategies, Options & Considerations.The second edition themed,Integrated Marketing Strategy: Acquiring and Retaining Customers was facilitated by Stanford SEED. The 3rd edition, encapsulated the need for SMEs to embrace digital media and related ecosystems as a complement to traditional media in an age where value for money is crucial to business success. Ms. Slater expressed her enthusiasm for such forums in which UT Bank can bring in experts to empower SMEs.

The main speakers at the event were, the Managing Director of PopOut, Mr. Maximus Ametorgoh and the Director of New Business at Ringier Digital Marketing (RDM) Africa, Mr. Agastee Khante. The industry experts spoke extensively about deploying digital media to grow and transform businesses.

Mr. Ametorgoh commenced by explaining the relevance of having an online presence as a business owner."If you are a company and people go online to search for your product or service and they cant find you, then you are wasting your time. It is like building your house in the middle of the forest and no one knows where you are located. Your website has to be mobile device compatible, allowing for visibility and ease of access on a wide range of platforms, he said.

Mr. Ametorgoh further explained that social media is the right place for the promotion of products and services, as these platforms are gradually taking over websites. He stated that social media is content driven, in other words it feeds consumers with information while websites are search driven requiring consumers to search for information, making it easier to access social media content.

According to research, there are 3.17 billion internet users globally of which 2.1 billion are on social media platforms. He added that Facebook alone has 1billion daily active users and serves as an easy channel through which millions of people can promote their products and services.

Mr. Ametorgoh urged businesses to define their market segment, select the right platform, develop quality content and allocate a budget. It is imperative to measure the results of the above to ascertain its effectiveness.

In his presentation, Mr. Khante explained the various business operations of RDM Africa. He mentioned that the current mobile phone penetration in Africa was at about 90%, emphasizing the importance of adopting digital media marketing. He listed a number of benefits that mobile penetration in Africa brings including improved business management, supply chain and other facets of businesses.

Mr. Khante stated that, through the use of mobile devices, companies can expand their reach in advertising. He also emphasized that this is a good opportunity for business development in Africa and that SMEs should take advantage of this, given the cost implications and positive image impact.

He stressed that, Companies can advertise and reach more customers through social media and other search engines such as Google. Many people visit social media platforms and search engines to make key consumer decisions.

The 3rd Edition of the UT Bank SME Clinic was clearly a beneficial event for the SMEs in attendance as it gave an insight into the need for businesses to embrace Digital Marketing.

About UT Bank

UT Bank Limited is a mid-tier Universal Bank that is focused on the SME segment. The Bank commenced business as finance house in 1997 and has evolved into a publicly listed company with shares listed and actively traded on the Ghana Stock Exchange. It was awarded Bank of the Year 2011, Most Respected Company in 2012 and The Most Active E-zwich Bank 2014 and 2nd Runner up Most Active E-zwich Bank 2015.

UT Bank has positioned itself as a leader in SME banking and seeks to change the face of banking in Ghana through fast, efficient and respectful delivery of service. The bank is well known for providing innovative customer-oriented products with a focus on SMEs and individual customers. The Bank has 28 branches in 8 of Ghanas 10 regions, a growing ATM network and mobile banking units.

For more information, please email marketing@utbankghana.com or call 020 211 4848.

About PopOut

PopOut is a marketing agency specializing in delivering digital marketing solutions to its clients. It has a professional team of experts and strategists who have worked in the advertising, marketing and technology industries over the years and offer value for money. PopOuts areas of specialty include Digital Marketing, Social Media, Advertising, Branding, Web Development, Mobile Marketing, App Development, Display Advertising and Email Marketing. It is also known for organising annual industry events such as Digital Marketing Summit and TopApps Awards.

About Ringier Digital Marketing (RDM)
Don't block us from exercising our franchise with examination: Our vice chancellorsI have keenly apprised myself with all the promises and manifestos of the various political parties contesting the up and coming general elections even though not all of them have good message for students but some do. Political parties try as much as possible to convince students by the inclusion of student-friendly policies in their manifestos. This is because they know the value of students votes. They know students have the numbers that can make or unmake their dream of winning power.It therefore appears strange to me and so many other students that a scheme is being mounted by tertiary institution heads to prevent us from voting. What is strikingly amazing is the deliberate silence by the ministry of education on this unholy development. If students are critical to decision making in this country, then why these schemes to deny us our inalienable right guaranteed us in the constitution? Could this be a perfunctory decision to prevent students from sailing along the obvious tides in our country?I have come to the firm conclusion above because the examination timetables of many tertiary institutions have been planned in manner that endangers the franchise of students. Even though no examination would be conducted on 7th December but still majority of students cannot vote.For instance how is a student expected to write a paper from 2:30pm - 5pm on 6th December and travel to far a distance to vote. What makes the situation puzzling is that, such a student is also expected to return on 8th Dec to write another exam. Incredible!Given the trajectory of events and coming from the history where most Technical Universities which hither to were known as polytechnics have always written exams after Christmas break, this swift change in the status quo particularly in an election year is suspicious and only lends credence to the perception of many that, some unseen hands are manipulating the system to disenfranchise students. Students are at a crossroad to choose between examination and exercising their franchise.All issues aside, I want to make a passionate appeal to the Heads to take a second look at this issue and not become agents of disenfranchisement for a 'certain effect'. Students should rather be encouraged to vote since they form the academic class who understand the real issues in our country and can as such make good decisions for the benefit of our country.I also want to join the many voices calling for elections day to be declared as statutory holiday in order to enhance our elections.Elvis Osei AmponsahFormer Public Relations OfficerGhana National Union of Polytechnic Students
The actor confirmed the news during an interview with the Breakfast Club on Thursday, November 17.

ALSO READ: Nick Cannon denies refusing to sign divorce papers

Us Weekly, in an exclusive report, revealed that the former beauty queen was pregnant, with speculations that Cannon could be the father.

The TV host revealed his excitement at becoming a father again. When asked if he was the father of the unborn child, he said,

Who said it wasnt mine? Ive got a baby on the way  absolutely  God said be fruitful and multiply."

He adds jokingly, Im doing the Lords work  everybody get a baby! Im passing them out.

This will be Cannon's third child as he is already father to 5-year-old twins, Monroe and Moroccan from his ex-wife, Mariah Carey.

The 28-year-old, a Guamanian-American actress and former Miss Arizona USA, is reportedly six months into her pregnancy.

ALSO READ: Nick Cannon sceptical about marriage after Mariah Carey split

The 'Americas Got Talent' host, 36, and Bell dated off and on since his split from Carey in December 2014.
The suspect identified as Unogwu Agbese, was arrested after attempting to sell off his friend's five-year-old son in Abuja, Daily Post reports.

ALSO READ: Popular society lady arrested for child trafficking in Delta

The Commands Public Relations Officer, Assistant Superintendent, Moses Yamu, said this while parading the suspect at the command on Wednesday, November 16, in Makurdi.

He said: The father of the abducted five-year-old, Emmanuel Edeh at Apa-Agila reported the case to the police.

He had reported that his son was, last week, abducted by his friend from the village and taken to Abuja without his parents consent.

However, he ran out of luck and was arrested and the child recovered from him unhurt.

ALSO READ: Police nab notorious human trafficker

Following interrogation into the case, Daily Post reports that the suspect confessed to abducting the child to sell but was forced to return him to his parents as he was unable to find a buyer.

The boy is my friends son. I actually took him to Abuja to sell him, but I couldnt find any buyer or anyone that could connect me to a buyer. So I brought him back to the village and his parents arrested me, he said.
The suspects were apprehended at about 6:30am on Wednesday, November 16, by the police commands Anti-Kidnapping Squad, Daily Post reports.

ALSO READ: Yahoo boys in Delta arrested on their way from rituals

The Police Public Relations Officer, PPRO, SP Adekunle Ajisebutu, while confirming the arrest in a statement, said, The arrest of the suspects (names withheld) was made possible following a tip off by members of the public.

The suspects, who had been elusive for some time now, were eventually arrested after several days of intelligence gathering and painstaking investigation carried out by the police.

During interrogation, the suspects confessed to being internet fraudsters and that they had defrauded many innocent victims they referred to as clients of their hard earned money in naira and foreign currencies.

They also disclosed that they often used charms to facilitate their illicit business.

This they did by hypnotising victims and commanding them to part with their dollars and valuable properties.

The suspects further disclosed that those who had fallen victims included foreign nationals and Nigerians alike.

Exhibits recovered from them included four assorted laptops and assorted criminal charms.

The PPRO also said, The Commissioner of Police, , has directed that discreet investigation be carried out about their other nefarious activities at the end of which they would be arraigned in court.
GE Healthcares is committed to personalised breast care solutions and offers a portfolio of technologies, insights and services to help meet the unique breast care needs of all women, especially those with elevated risks. In 2012, GE dedicated $1-billion of its healthcare research and development budget through to 2020 to extend its capabilities in oncology.

As a global supporter of breast cancer awareness month initiatives in October, GE Healthcare leaders from Francophone Sub-Saharan Africa (SSA) met the Minister of Health in Cameroon as well as potential customers in the healthcare sector to discuss GEs short- to medium-term projects in the country.

The GE team in Cameroon held a Breast Cancer Awareness Day at their office on October 28 where Dr Mananga from the General Hospital of Yaounde spoke about how to detect and prevent breast cancer. In addition, there were practical demonstrations encouraging women to do self-examinations, which included how to detect irregularities in breast tissue.

The GE teams in Ghana and Nigeria took a somewhat different approach and decided to have some fun during their combined Breast Cancer Awareness initiative. The teams had a cook-off breast cancer fundraiser where food prepared by the two teams would be judged and event sponsors could then bid for the food in an effort to raise funds for breast cancer awareness campaigns.

Both offices raised $3,518 for breast cancer awareness programmes.

The GE Nigeria Health Ahead Hub of the Womens Network with AAF Health Ahead also organised several events to raise employee awareness and to raise funds for breast cancer. In Port Harcourt, ladies participated in a Breast Cancer Awareness Walk organised by the African Health Development Initiative. In Lagos, the GE team sold pink, helium-filled balloons to their fellow colleagues and a radiologist turned a meeting room into a makeshift examination room, and using GE ultrasound machines, she examined 33 women, and answered their questions.

On the last Friday of what became known as Pinktober, all employees were dressed in pink and there was an educational talk about breast cancer by an oncologist from a cancer NGO known as Run for A Cure. The money raised through these initiatives was donated to for Run for A Cure.
The Assistant Superintendent of Police (ASP) Yaw Nketia Yeboah, the Eastern Regional Public Relations Officer who confirmed this to Pulse.com.gh said: All the officers who were injured have been discharged from the hospital. The suspects too are being questioned by the police; the 22 who were arrested are being questioned in Koforidua here.

READ ALSO: Galamsey

He, however, indicated that the place is calm. Though there was tension, everything is calm...everybody is worried about the situation but so far no more trouble has happened.

ASP Nketia-Yeboah added that eight illegal miners, as well as two police officers sustained varying degrees of injuries from the clash.

Background

Residents in the area had alerted the task force about the illegal mining activities of the miners.

According to the residents, huge trailers offloading machines and other illegal mining materials were seen in the town being used by the said illegal miners to destroy rivers and farms in search for mineral resources.

The task force, in their bid to arrest the illegal miners met huge resistance from them, as some of the illegal miners exchanged gunshots with the team.
The 2016 flagbearer of the PPP, Papa Kwesi Nduom and his running mate, as well as, other party dignitaries were at the venue to pay their last respect to the former PPP aspirant for the Klottey Korle constituency who passed away on Thursday, October 6, 2016 after a short illness.
According to him, the money [judgment debt] was paid to him legally by the state.

"The money was paid to me legally, the court didn't even say I should pay back because it is legal, the court said it is unconstitutional," he noted.

"I will continue to fight till the last drop of my blood. The list that is going around about sharing money, to who, how ??, those who claim they have the list should come out with it," he said.

The Supreme Court on Wednesday granted an application by former Attorney General to orally examine Alfred Woyome over his payment of the 51 million cedis judgement debt paid him by the state.

The judge Justice Enin Yeboah ordered the business man to appear before the court on the 24th of November for the examination.

Justice Enin Yeboah in his ruling said the application was granted because there was no formal evidence of execution of the courts order for the money to be retrieved hence the decision.

Mr Amidu's application follows a notice filed by the Attorney Generals Department at the Supreme Court to discontinue the case it had earlier filed.

Meanwhile, Martin Amidu has indicated that the GHc51 million judgment debt paid embattled businessman Alfred Agbesi Woyome, can only be retrieved if Ghanaians vote for a change in government.

In his latest epistle written to the media, he accused the governing National Democratic Congress (NDC) of showing a lack of will to retrieve the money from Woyome.
Mr. Yeboah believes allowing live cameras in the court room would ensure transparency in the process and ensure that Ghanaians are updated on how our Tax-cedi was expended in this Woyome debacle.

He further argues that the move would equally end the usual media spin that characterizes court room reporting and throw more light on the matter especially the incessant tantrums and accusations of Mr. Alfred Agbesi Woyome to the effect that the apex court of the land, the Supreme Court has sidestepped the constitution and has rather chosen to persecute him.

The only time Ghanas Chief Justice allowed cameras in the court room was during the Election Petition case in 2012.

The Supreme Court on Wednesday granted an application by former Attorney General to orally examine Alfred Woyome over his payment of the 51 million cedis judgement debt paid him by the state.

The judge Justice Enin Yeboah ordered the business man to appear before the court on the 24th of November for the examination.

Justice Enin Yeboah in his ruling said the application was granted because there was no formal evidence of execution of the courts order for the money to be retrieved hence the decision.

Mr Amidu's application follows a notice filed by the Attorney Generals Department at the Supreme Court to discontinue the case it had earlier filed.

Meanwhile, Martin Amidu has indicated that the GHc51 million judgment debt paid embattled businessman Alfred Agbesi Woyome, can only be retrieved if Ghanaians vote for a change in government.

In his latest epistle written to the media, he accused the governing National Democratic Congress (NDC) of showing a lack of will to retrieve the money from Woyome.
On October 31, 2016, however, Attorney General Marietta Brew Appiah-Opong went to court seeking to discontinue the case it filed about some weeks ago.

Convinced that government is not committed to retrieve the amount because of Mr. Woyomes ties with the NDC, Mr. Amidu applied to the court to allow him to orally examine Woyome.

Mr Amidu had earlier told the Court that an opportunity to question the businessman will unravel how Mr Woyome spent the money paid him by government in 2010 for no work done.

The Supreme Court granted Martin Amidu's request to orally examine the businessman.

Dr Nduom in a statement said, "The Citizen Vigilante has assumed what can be described as a de-facto Independent Prosecutor/Counsel in the State versus Woyome case."

He added that "the Attorney General who should be acting in that stead is refusing to retrieve that colossal amount from Mr Woyome."

Below is Dr Nduom's statement:

Today former Attorney General, Martin Alamisi Amidu is justifting Dr Nduoms position on how to deal with corruption in the country. The Citizen Vigilante has assumed what can be described as a de-facto Independent Prosecutor/Counsel in the State versus Woyome case. The celebrated lawyer is granted permission by the Supreme Court to cross-examine Mr Alfred Agbesi Woyome on why he (Woyome) should refund to the State GH52 million as ordered by the Supreme Court.

Could we have gotten to this level if we had an Independent Prosecutor as Dr Nduom has been advocating all these years?
According to him, he is "determined to pay the money back", adding that he is doing so "under duress."

"I am paying back the money under duress. I feel that my rights are been trampled upon and feel persecuted," he noted.

Addressing the press at International Conference Centre in Accra Friday, he said, "I have been going to court; there were times that there would be two cases at the same time. This is the Attorney General who was pursuing me and doing all these against me, today because of the convenience, some people are saying that I am conniving with her, how can i be in connivance with her."

The judge Justice Enin Yeboah ordered the Woyome to appear before the court on November 24, for the examination.

Justice Enin Yeboah in his ruling said the application was granted because there was no formal evidence of execution of the courts order for the money to be retrieved hence the decision.

But Woyome said, "I wrote the cheque without writing who it is for because I was confused who the recipient should be."
He said, the money [judgment debt] was paid to him legally by the state.

"The money was paid to me legally, the court didn't even say I should pay back because it is legal, the court said it is unconstitutional," he noted.

Read more: Woyome threatens to sue Nana Akomea

Speaking to the media at a press conference at the International Conference Centre in Accra Friday, he said, "I will continue to fight till the last drop of my blood. The list that is going around about sharing money, to who, how ??, those who claim they have the list should come out with it"

The Supreme Court granted an application by Mr Amidu to orally examine Woyome.

Justice Enin Yeboah in his ruling said the application was granted because there was no formal evidence of execution of the courts order for the money to be retrieved hence the decision.

He said, "Alfred Woyome is determined to pay. Alfred Woyome has arrived at a payment structure with the Republic of Ghana through its constitutionally mandated Attorney General and Alfred Woyome will pursue that by Gods grace to make sure the orders of the courts are respected."

He added that the Supreme Court erred in its ruling allowing former Attorney General Martin Amidu to cross examine him.

"I have been going to court; there were times that there would be two cases at the same time. This is the Attorney General who was pursuing me and doing all these against me, today because of the convenience, some people are saying that I am conniving with her, how can i be in connivance with her," Woyome said.

Mr Woyome will be examined by Martin Amidu on November 24, 2016 at the Supreme Court.

Background

Woyome was paid GH51.2 million after he claimed he had incurred losses for financially engineering 1.1 billion Euros for the CAN 2008 tournament and other government projects.

However, the Auditor-General's report released in 2010 said the amount was paid illegally to him.

The report resulted in nationwide controversy, with operatives of the New Patriotic Party (NPP) who were in government during the CAN 2008 tournament claiming Woyome did no work to be paid that whopping sum of money.

The then Attorney-General, Mr Joe Ghartey, said Woyome was contracted to help in raising money for the construction of the stadia but he failed to meet the deadline.

The then NPP government, he said, had no choice but to abrogate the contract with Woyome.

In 2009, when the NPP had left office, Woyome went to court and claimed that his contract had illegally been terminated and demanded a judgement debt from government.

The Attorney-General in Prof. Mills administration, Mrs Betty Mould-Iddrisu, who failed to defend the state, rather negotiated with Woyome for him to reduce his demand on the government.
All political parties have been asking Ghanaians to vote for them, but the voices of the National Democratic Congress (NDC) and the New Patriotic Party (NPP) that are the loudest.

The incumbent president, John Dramani Mahama is asking for a second term in office whereas the flag bearer of the largest opposition party, Nana Akufo Addo, is running for the third try at winning presidency.

But have you ever wondered what the average and ordinary Ghanaian men is looking out for?

Pulse Ghanas Alice Adu hit the streets to find out what some average Ghanaian men are looking out for in this election and this is what they have to say.

We spoke to a coconut seller who was of high spirit the election is getting closer and that meant he could vote to retain the ruling party. He revealed he has been in the business for 15 years and their major problem was the fuel availability and cost since that is what is used to transport the coconut. Comparing the previous government to the ruling NDC, he said these four years had been better and he looks forward to affordability of fuel.

We also spoke to 39 year old cement block maker who said he is happy we are voting soon so he gets the chance to vote for the opposition. According to him, the load shedding activity has affected his business, since he cannot work without it making it very difficult to even buy food not to talk of feeding his family.

Mr. Malik, a mechanic who has been in the business for 5 years, also had a pretty interesting moment to share. Out of excitement he told Pulse.com.gh that, through the hard work of this government he has been able to marry, whereas before he couldnt because things under the then NPP were difficult.

Another mechanic Dan Dollar, who has been in the business for 7years, made an appeal that the ruling government should also help create employment for the youth since they are the future leaders. He expressed disappointment in John Dramani Mahamas government, claiming things have become so difficult to the extent that as a driver he doesnt own a license because it is expensive to acquire one. He asserted that he would be voting for Nana Addo because he needs change and he believes his fellow mechanics do as well.

21-year-old Gabriel, who is a sales boy at a tile shop, told Pulse that all that he wants is for the country to maintain its peace before, during and after the elections. Simply because he wanted to have people continue buying at the shop.

Emmanuel Adeku, a lotto operator, who has been in the business for 10 years mentioned that he needs this government to retire so that they could experience the change Nana Akufo Addo will bring to Ghanaians. He complained the lotto staking has reduced because people do not have money to venture and even if they come, they will borrow and he understands them because there is no money. He believes the NPP will do better.

Martin Yeboah, a vulganizer who has practiced it for close to 10 years, is happy we are voting in less than a month soon. He says he is happy because he want to retain the ruling party because of how better the market has been since he came into power in terms of money. Things have changed a lot for him and he is happy.

Farouk, a janitor, who has been in this borla business for 15years didnt have much to say. All he said was business is good now thanks to Mahama, JM toaso.

We spoke to Nana Yaw, a 45-year-old cobbler who has been in the business for 16 years. He revealed he is praying hard so the opposition can take over because things have become extremely expensive, with the kind of job he does he could buy a material for GHC 5 in the market during the NPP regime but now it's shot up thrice and many others he buys as well. NDC has made things difficult he reiterated.

So there you have it, but what are you looking out for in this election.
Speaking on Accra-based Neat FM Chairman Wontumi as he is popularly called said Amidu is incorruptible.

Chairman Wontumi said he has a firm conviction that the current Attorney General may have benefited from Woyome. He said that may have been her reason for discontinuing the case.

The Supreme Court granted an application by former Attorney General to orally examine Alfred Woyome over his payment of the 51 million cedis.

READ ALSO: Woyome questions rationale behind SC ruling for Amidu to examine him

The judge Justice Enin Yeboah ordered the business man to appear before the court on the 24th of November for the examination.

Justice Enin Yeboah in his ruling said the application was granted because there was no formal evidence of execution of the courts order for the money to be retrieved hence the decision.
According to Nana Addo, he has and will never campaign along the lines of ethnicity and tribalism, but, will rather campaign on the basis of competence, coupled with programmes and policies that will return Ghana onto the path of progress and prosperity.

Read more: Nana Addo assures Afram Plains residents of jobs and prosperity

Nana Akufo-Addo made this known on Thursday, November 17, 2016, whilst campaigning in Osino, the Fanteakwa South constituency of the Eastern Region, on the 3rd day of his 4-day tour of the Eastern Region.

Read also:NHIA owes Donkorkrom Presby Hospital 8 months arrears

It will be recalled that on November 10, 2012, at a mini-rally in Zualerigu in the Upper East Region, President Mahama called on Northerners to vote for him because I am a northerner.

Four years on, Chief of Staff, Julius Debrah, has been reinforcing the Presidents unfortunate statements in his campaigns in the North, urging the people of the 3 Northern Regions to vote for President Mahama, because it will be extremely difficult for a Northerner to get to the Presidency again if President Mahama loses.

See more: IPP endorses Nana Addo

These statements, according to the NPP flagbearer, do not have any place in a democracy, and are messages that will only come from persons and political parties who have no campaign message for the electorate, and will prefer to set tribe against tribe in order to win an election.

I am not appealing for your votes not on the basis that I am from the Eastern Region or from Okyeman. No. I am appealing for your support so I can go into office and implement the programmes and policies I have outlined all throughout my campaign, and before you today, so we can bring progress and prosperity to all in the country, he said.
On Thursday, November 17, 2016, Bobbi Kristina's father testified in the Fulton County Superior Court in Atlanta, Georgia, where the presiding Judge T. Jackson Bedford determined Gordon must pay for loss of life, punitive damages ($250,000), conversion ($1.575 million), assault and battery ($1.37 million), and pain and suffering as a result of assault ($13.8 million).

The amount Gordon will be responsible for paying to Bobbi Kristina's estate is $36,251,918.50, including the judge's determined value of his former girlfriend's life, $15 million.

Bobbi Brown also took to Instagram today, November 18, 2015, sharing a document writing, "Thank you all for your support. NOW is the time for District Attorney Howard to act!! #JusticeforBobbiKristina."
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The suspect identified as Gideon Chubu reportedly impersonated a soldier and duped a mobile police officer of N40,000.

ALSO READ: Man bags 14 years in prison for impersonation

Punch reports that Chubu was arraigned on a two-count charge, bordering on cheating and impersonation which both contravene Section 326 of the Penal Code Laws of Benue, 2004.

The prosecutor, Insp. Gabriel Agbadu, told the court that one Cpl. Elija Ikwe, attached to 13 Police Mobile Force, Makurdi, reported the matter at C Division Police Station, Makurdi on November 6.

According to the reports, Ikwe met Chubu who introduced himself as a soldier serving with the Chief of Defence Staff in Abuja, at Wurukum roundabout, Makurdi, on October 26.

Ikwe reported that the convict deceptively collected N40,000 from him, promising to help enlist his younger brother into the Nigerian Army.

Punch reports that the convict was later discovered to have converted the money to his personal use, as he was not a soldier.

The prosecutor revealed that Chubu was arrested during the police investigation into the case and that the suspect confessed to the crime. Chubu who pleaded guilty to the crime, begged the court for leniency.

The presiding Magistrate, Mrs Lillian Tsumba, who noted that the convict was a first time offender, said the sentence was to serve as a deterrent to others.
The Sector Commander, FRSC Ogun, Mr Clement Oladele, made the disclosure at a news conference organised to commemorate the 2016 United Nations Road Traffic Crash Victims Remembrance Day, which took place on Thursday, November 17, in Abeokuta.

ALSO READ: Road safety agency reports accidents involving 786 persons in 5 months

Punch reports that theme for the 2016 celebration is Vital Post-Crash Actions: Medical Care, Investigation and Justice.

According to the sector commander, over 1,143 persons were injured during the period.

Oladele said that most of the accidents were as a result of excessive speed, which could have been avoided.

The corps, as part of its strategic goals, is poised to reduce road crashes by 15 per cent and fatalities by 25 per cent.

The command will continue in its effort to prevent road crashes and achieve a significant reduction by the end of the year.

We enjoin motorists to shun over speeding, be more careful, check their tyres and avoid violating traffic laws, he said.

Oladele went on to state that the FRSC has enhanced its rescue capabilities by providing additional ambulances to its fleet of vehicles.

He said that the rate of crashes witnessed in the country has brought about the need for speed limiters by the corps.

ALSO READ: Niger records 147 road traffic deaths in 9 months

The prominence of speed among the causes of crashes on Nigerian roads prompted the corps to introduce speed limiters to commercial vehicle operators.

As from February 1, 2017, the corps shall begin the full enforcement of speed limiting device on commercial vehicle operators, wherein violators shall be arrested and prosecuted.

From October 1 till date, a total of 4, 976 commercial vehicles have been stopped and checked in Ogun to see if they have speed limiter or not, he said.
The first story that quickly became viral was that of an alleged seven-year-old boy who was burnt to death in a bizarre jungle justice for stealing.

Though there have been different versions of the story with many doubting its authenticity and the age of the victim, it has been established that such a cruel murder should be condemned in its entirety.

Following on the heel of the jungle justice story was that of a woman who was crushed to death by a trailer in the Ikorodu area of Lagos State.

According to reports, the woman was on top of a commercial motorcycle popularly called Okada and while the cyclist tried to maneuver past the trailer, her cloth got stuck in the tyre of the truck and she was dragged under it and crushed to death.

The gruesome murder of the suspected thief was once again on the front burner as we also took another look at the barbarity of Nigerians in meting out jungle justice to suspects instead of reporting such cases to the law enforcement authorities.

A few of such cases were looked at and in the end, the verdict was out that Nigerians who indulge in such acts are nothing but barbarians.

Rethink It With Ben also made the list with its expository on why the much-maligned Donald Trump won the recently concluded Presidential elections in the United States of America.

From the in-depth analysis, it was clear that Trump won because he was the choice of Americans, regardless of the hatred he exuded during the campaigns.

It was another tale of sorrow following the stabbing to death of a young Nigerian in Canada.

The deceased, a student and son of a Redeemed Christian Church of God pastor, was stabbed during a brawl at a bar by another African man suspected to be a Burundian.

According to Information Nigeria, a seven-year-old boy has been burnt to death in the Badagry area of Lagos State for allegedly attempting to steal garri from a traders shop.

Though there have been conflicting reports especially concerning the age of the victim or what he actually stole, eyewitnesses say he was caught while trying to break into a shop where food stuff are sold in the early hours of Tuesday, November 15, 2015.

The suspect, it was gathered, was nabbed by some men in the area who descended on him and beat him to a pulp before hanging a tire on his neck and setting him on fire, despite pleas by many to hand him over to the police since he had not actually committed the crime.

This is not the first time suspects have been lynched to death in the most gruesome of manners with the crowd often not wanting to know what offense they committed before killing them.

Some of them have been found to be innocent only after they have been sent to their graves.

A middle-aged woman has been crushed to death in a tragic accident that occurred in the Ikorodu area of Lagos state.

Instablog9ja reports that eyewitness who claimed to have been at the scene of the accident at the time said her dress got stuck on the trailer and she was dragged underneath its tires.

The Okada she had been riding on was in the process of overtaking the trailer when the tragic accident occurred.

The Federal Road Safety Commission (FRSC) has continually warned about safety on the highway which would go a long way to reducing fatalities on a daily basis.

May her soul rest in peace.

Nigerians have a double standard in dealing with poor people who commit crimes and rich people who commit crimes.

The story of a 7-year-old boy beaten and burnt to death in Lagos points out the fact that we are animals in this country.

Jungle justice and the mob mentality is still prevalent in this country and it is a sad thing. Yes, there is another version that claims the boy wasn't 7 years old, and he was trying to steal a phone and not garri. It was also said that he tried to kill one of his victims.

The murdered boy's crimes might have been longer than a West African warlord but that doesn't mean he deserved to die in such a barbaric manner.

Our society is barbaric, it kills the poor and praises the corrupt. Tyres and a keg of petrol are quick to surface when someone yells 'thief, thief!' in a neighbourhood. Within a few minutes, a crowd gathers and descends on the 'suspected' thief. His skull is cracked and his are broken before his almost lifeless body is tossed into the flames.

This has happened so many times in Nigeria. It is very rare to find a Nigerian who has not seen the charred corpse of a suspected thief killed by a mob.

The famous example of this perverted form of justice is Aluu 4. Four young men, Ugonna Obuzor, Toku Lloyd, Chiadika Biringa, and Tekena Elkanah were falsely accused of theft in Aluu, a village in Port-Harcourt, Rivers State in 2012. They were subsequently lynched to death.

People around the world are still in shock over the win of Donald Trump, a serial woman abuser and racist, over Hillary Clinton in the just concluded US Presidential election.

How could this have happened? All the polls pointed to Hillary being victorious and pundits are still wondering how Trump snatched it?

But poll numbers show that Trump won 29% i.e. a third of Latino votes even after he repeatedly threatened to deport them and build a wall on the Mexican border.

You would also have expected American women, of all races, to unite behind Hillary against a man who has referred to them as dogs, pigs and even advised men to grab them by the pussy.

Yet only 34% of white women voted for Hillary while 62% voted for Trump. So clearly theres something bigger than hate, misogyny, and racism at play here.

Though lots of Trump supporters would love to hang a 'niggar', he won this election on the backs of neutrals who voted Republican. Why would they vote a man like Trump?

America might be the land of the free but it was founded on Christian values. In 2014, 280 million Americans or 70% Americans were Christians. These consists of African Americans, Latinos, and Whites.

According to the USA today 50% of Americas middle class who earn $100,000 and above voted for Trump.

Why? Frankly, because they were tired. "Mrs. Clinton comes from the establishment. It's the same old fashioned government. We don't need that anymore," Rolando Chumaceiro, a family doctor.

He admitted that Trump was vulgar towards women but still prefers him to Clinton.

The way I see it, Trump did not win, the Democrats lost. The people wanted a change and Hillary, a Democrat, simply does not reflect that change.

Solomon Odekunle, the son of a Redeemed Christian Church of God pastor, has been reported dead following stab wounds he sustained at a bar in Ottawa, Canada.

Odekunle, who gained admission to study Economics at the University of Ottawa in 2012 was stabbed during a brawl between Ndikuriyo and another person.

His sister, Deborah, gave a heartfelt eulogy for her brother whom she apparently had a high regard for.

She wrote, If I did know it would be your last, I would have given you more than a fist bump. I would have gotten down on my knees and give you the deepest bro-hug.

If I did know it would be your last, I would have pleaded with the drama leader to allow the rehearsal to linger a little so you and Peter could make us giggle a little more with some frog jump.

If I did know it would be your last, I would have treasured those great words you shared with me a couple of months ago in the technical department, have them handwritten with the best calligraphic pens, framed and given to you right after doing those frog jumps."
The state Commissioner of Police, Mr. Adeyemi Ogunjemilusi, made the disclosure while parading the suspects at the command in Yenagoa, Vanguard reports.

ALSO READ: Nigerian prophet arrested for raping minor in Zambia

According to the reports, the cleric identified as Ogbomo Jerry, reportedly lured the victim to his office at Aduleama in Amassoma community of Southern Ijaw Local Government Area of the state and raped her.

Ogunjemilusi said:

Also arrested on October 6 was one 21-year-old Emanso David, who is a carpenter, for luring an eight-year-old into his workshop at Igbogene Market and raping her. He further threatened to kill her if she tells her mother.

Also on October 14, another suspect, Atika Eguini, lured another eight-year-old old into his house in Okriama Compound in Amassoma and had canal knowledge of her. The victim confirmed that she had been lured thrice by the same man anytime her elder sister travelled.
The accused, Abayomi Shorungbe, who works at the Ikeja airport and resides at 8, Ejire Lane, Orile-Agege, a suburb of Lagos, was docked on Friday, November 18, for conspiracy and assault, Punch reports.

The court heard that the offences were committed on Oct. 24 at the accuseds residence.

According to the prosecutor, Insp. Clifford Ogu, the complainant, one Mr Adewale Adejoro, is one of the tenants of Shorungbes father.

Because he hasnt paid his house rent, the accused hired two soldiers who came to the house and dragged him to an unknown place.

The accused was beaten several times and was made to write a letter of undertaking that he will vacate his apartment by end of year, he said.

Ogu said that the two soldiers who took part in the assault are still at large and that the offences contravene Sections 166, 171 and 409 of the Criminal Law of Lagos State, 2011.

However, the accused pleaded not guilty to the charges levelled against him.
Alexandar Vera reportedly admitted to having sex with her 13-year-old student and getting pregnant with his child.

According to the reports, Vera met the eighth grader during summer school as he was in her English class.

ABC News reports that their relationship quickly spiralled into a sexual one.

Vera who was an English teacher at Aldine ISDs Stovall Middle School claims she and the teenager are in love, and has been introduced to the boy's parents as his girlfriend.

Court documents reveal that the parents of the boy have accepted the relationship, go further to include Vera in family gatherings.

The documents also revealed that Vera has been pregnant with the young boy's child since January and his family is super excited for them and have been supportive of the unborn child.

The reports revealed that Child Protective Services paid an unexpected visit to the school in February, asking questions about their relationship.

ALSO READ: Married female teacher made students line up for sex with her
The accused identified as, Ibukun Ajimuda, who is also accused of maliciously damaging a television set and a CD player valued at N79,000, is a resident of No. 30, Ifesuwapo St., Olodi Apapa, Lagos, Daily Post reports.

ALSO READ: Man docked for allegedly assaulting police officer

Ajimuda is faced with a two-count charge of grievous harm and willful damage in an Apapa Magistrates Court.

The court heard that the accused committed the offences on October 28 at his residential premises.

The Prosecutor, Sgt. Kokoye Olusegun, said the accused who had a misunderstanding with the victim, one Ayese Isiyeme, stormed into the apartment, and maliciously damaged Isiyeme's television set and CD player valued at N79,000.

According to the reports, the accused attacked the victim when he tried to protest over the damage in his home, inflicting injuries on his body.

Daily Post reports that following a filed report to the police by the complainant, the accused was arrested for questioning.

However, the septuagenarian pleaded not guilty to the charge.

The presiding magistrate, Magistrate M.A Etti, granted the accused bail in the sum of N100,000, with two sureties who are gainfully employed with evidence of two years tax payment to the Lagos State Government.

ALSO READ: Man arraigned in court for assaulting female police officer

According to the prosecutor, the offences contravened sections 243 and 348 of the Criminal Law of Lagos State 2011.
According to a Facebook user, Mohammed Grema Adamu, the driver, Saminu Barau, a father of three, was killed in cold-blood by a police officer around the Maraban Jos area of the state on Tuesday, November 15, 2016, during a raid in the area.

The late driver who was popularly known as Danlami was said to be nursing a fractured leg and could not run when the police stormed the area and following an altercation, the police officer identified simply as Kura (Hyena), shot him dead.

In demanding justice for the late man, Adamu has created a hashtag, #Justice4Danlami, to press for justice for the man.

Here is what he wrote on his Facebook wall:

"A father of 3, commercial bus driver; Saminu Bara'u popularly known as Danlami, was killed in cold-blood by a police officer in Maraban Jos, Kaduna State.

The incidence occurred around 8pm on Tuesday, 15th November 2016, while the victim was seated outside his residence in Maraban Jos, when a team of police stormed the area in the name of patrol.

Having a fractured leg and being innocent, Danlami remain seated as the police arrived. One Police officer nicknamed (literally mean Hyena), ordered Danlami to stand up and run or he would shoot him but he (Danlami) calmly replied that he could run because his leg is fractured, displaying his crutches.

Unfortunately for Danlami, the barbaric KURA shot him to dead. Immediately after he shot Danlami, angry youths descended on KURA and were about to take jungle justice on him.

It took the intervention of some respected elders and a human right activist (name withheld) to rescue him.

The case has since been filed at Unguwan Sanusi Police Station and we learned that KURA was transferred to State CID.

Our fear is the usual; we don't want the case dead at arrival just because a Police officer is involved.

Let us stand up for justice! Let us think of his wife and 3 kids! The state government should do something!! The IGP should ensure KURA is brought to book!!!

Keep sharing until justice is done. All we want is #Justice4Danlami."

Police brutality and trigger-happy police officers killing innocent Nigerians in cold blood have been prevalent in the country for many years with the perpetrators hardly convicted.
This is contained in a statement issued by the agencys country office in Abuja.

The agency stated that the laboratory was purchased with a grant from the United States Agency for International Aid (USAID) to support polio eradication activities in Nigeria.

It said that the new modular laboratory, a standard BSL2 laboratory, will support diagnosis of many viral infections like measles, rubella, rotavirus, yellow fever and dengue fever, among others.

"The Department of Virology, UI, is important in the fight against polio. It has single-handedly processed all Acute Flaccid Paralysis (AFP) samples from states in the country.

"This is before the Maiduguri laboratory was accredited to support polio activities by WHO in 2001," it said.

It said that the new laboratory will expectedly increase the workspace and pave way for expansion of environmental surveillance in Nigeria.

It stated that Prof. Isaac Adewole, the Minister of Health, who accented the donation of the modular laboratory as the Vice Chancellor of the university, is expected as special guest of honour.
Dr Clement Illo, the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Labour and Employment, told newsmen in Abuja that government was positive that ASUU would resolve the crises soon.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) recalls that a meeting with ASUU, convened by the Senate President, the Committee on Labour and the Committee on Education, among others, ended in deadlock on Wednesday.

Illo, who described the meeting as a very positive step, said the three-hour meeting recorded huge success toward resolving the issues.

He, however, said it is still work in progress and we are still meeting tomorrow (Friday) and on Monday.

But the indications are very positive that the issues will be resolved as quickly as possible. We are sure of success on Friday but if we did not, then we will definitely succeed by Monday.

So, the possibility like I said of suspending the strike is still very positive because there is high possibility that the strike would be suspended.

This is because the issues have been very well articulated and already, there is a focus on how it will be resolved, he said.

The permanent secretary said government would do everything possible to ensure that the process of implementing the agreement was resolved as quick as possible.

He added that like I said, it is very positive, why should government not implement something it signed in good faith?.
Udenta, who teaches Government and Public Administration at Enugu State University of Science and Technology (ESUT), made the call in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Enugu on Friday.

He said that Nigerians must stand and fight together with any administration that abhorred corruption in order to redeem the nation`s image and improve the economy.

The university teacher said that the countrys economy and image had been damaged by unpatriotic elements over the years.

The lack of leadership with character, honesty and focus over the years has brought us to the level of scorn by smaller African countries.

We need a corruption-free and focused leadership as well as people that would lead the country to perform and grow from its present level.

Look at the Chinese, the Japanese and the Indians; the Europe and U.S. today recognise and accord these three countries high respect unlike before.

This is because they have proven that they can perform and can even surpass development and technological advancement of Europe and the U.S.," he said.

Udenta said that the country could no longer live in corruption and ineptitude which took it backwards even when others were rising.
This was disclosed by Buharis Senior Special Assistant on Media and Publicity, Garba Shehu on Friday, November 18.

As we speak, President Buhari is concluding agreements with the U.S. to return our stolen money in their banks. A FGN account has already been given for the return of one million Dollars from Alamisiegha, Shehu said via Twitter.

Judgement on the USD 480 million Abacha loot has been won and our Attorney-General, Malami (SAN) will be in the US next week to speak to the Department of Justice, USDOJ on the next steps for the return of that as well. The U.S is paying to Nigeria, not the other way round, abi?" he added.

Shehu was responding to claims that Buhari donated $500 million to the Hillary Clinton presidential campaign.

ALSO READ:
Moments like when he cited his past affairs with beautiful Igbo women as testament that he harbours no hatred toward their ethnic group.

Moments like when the former Aviation Minister churns out one hare-brained conspiracy theory after another to explain world events.

And moments like this weekwhen Fani-Kayode inexplicably compared leader of the Independent People Of Biafra (IPOB), Nnamdi Kanu, to Nnamdi Azikiwe and Odimegwu Ojukwu.

Fani-Kayode, who is facing charges bordering on money laundering, shared prison walls with Kanu and Boko Haram terrorists, by his own account.

The garrulous smooth talker recalls his prison meeting with Kanu in the following excerpts:

When I went to visit the great and brilliant freedom fighter, Nnamdi Kanu, who is the leader of IPOB and easily the most courageous, powerful and credible Igbo leader in Nigeria today, in his cell we had a very instructive and long discussion.

I had never met Nnamdi before and I was amazed at his depth of knowledge, his immense courage and his deep convictions.

ALSO READ:

There is no doubt in my mind that that man is going places and in him the Igbo have an Ojukwu and Nnamdi Azikiwe all rolled into one. He is destined for greatness.

My Boko Haram friends accompanied me to that meeting, drew a ten man security cordon around me when we entered the general population of the prison and waited outside as Nnamdi and I spoke for almost three hours.

They even accompanied me to Church on Sunday and waited outside until we finished.

Kanu is Ojukwu and Azikiwe rolled into one? Seriously, Fani-Kayode?

Kanu who incites hate and violence, who preaches bigotry and preys on peoples resentment and fears, is destined for greatness?

Fani-Kayode pens a load of crap and tripe, week in, week out.

His latest detention for acts bordering on alleged corruption while he oversaw the media and publicity arm of the Goodluck Jonathan re-election campaign, will only make it worse for his reading public.

But we owe it a duty to the rest of the sane world to always call this dude out when he turns facts on their head like he does in all of his essays.

Ojukwu had his flaws, but he was an ideologue. Kanu blows a lot of hot air, but is mentally deranged. Ojukwu had a sound mind and articulated his views as succinctly as possible, even though he often came across as a misguided warlord.

Kanu jabbers and is largely irrational.

Azikiwe was a nationalist; a unifying voice for all of Nigerias geopolitical regions. Kanu preaches division and ethnic hatred. He is a gun-runner whose parents still cant explain what seized him.

Kanu cant walk in the shoes left by Azikiwe and Ojukwu, let alone fill them. He pursues an ideology that feeds off emptiness and utopia.

But we shouldnt be surprised by a Fani-Kayode who regards the likes of Donald Trump and Vladmir Putin as role models.
Fayose filed an application before a Federal High Court in Abuja challenging the seizure of his landed assets by the EFCC.

The presiding judge, Justice Nnamdi Dimgba expressed reservation over the absence of EFCC's counsels and the failure of the anti-graft agency to file a response to Fayoses application despite being aware that Thursday had been scheduled for the hearing.

On July 20, 2016, Justice Dimgba had granted an ex-parte order in favour of the EFCC for the interim forfeiture of some landed assets in Lagos and Abuja linked to Fayose.

The assets include four units of 4 bedroom at Charlets 3, 4, 6 and 9 Plot 100 Tiamiyi Salvage, Victoria Island, Lagos.

Other affected properties are located at 44, Osun Crescent, Maitama, Abuja and Plot 1504 Yedseram Street, Maitama, Abuja.
According to reports, over 10 Shiite members were allegedly killed on Monday, November 14, 2016, when they clashed with the police.

According to Punch, Fayose said the continued detention of the Shiite leader, Ibrahim El-Zakzaky, and other members of the sect, is a violation of their human rights.

He said All well-meaning Nigerians must prevail on the Federal Government to release Ibrahim El-Zakzaky without further delay.

The Governor also called on the human rights organisations to probe the killing of people in Southern Kaduna by suspected Fulani herdsmen.

Fayose also expressed worry at the way security agencies use fire arms to disperse crowds, adding that Under international human rights law governing the use of firearms during policing operations, the intentional use of lethal force is only permitted when strictly unavoidable, to protect life.

In a months time, it will be exactly one year since Ibrahim El-Zakzaky was arrested and detained without trial. This is unacceptable in a democratic society where there should be strict adherence to the rule of law.
The allegation was made by the Senior Special Assistant to President Muhammadu Buhari on Media and Publicity, Garba Shehu.

Shehu mentioned the Kano-Katsina dual road project as an example of one of Jonathans deceitful and ghost projects now being given life.

Kano-Katsina dual highway was awarded three years ago by the last administration. They didnt pay a kobo for its start-up. President Buhari just paid money for the first tranche of 75 kilometers and work has begun apace, the presidential aide said on Tuesday, November 15, during an interview on Express Radio in Kano state.

ALSO READ:
Dasuki, who is the father of the former National Security Adviser (NSA), Sambo Dasuki died on Monday, November 14, 2016, after a brief illness.

According to Vanguard, NASFAT described the Late Sultan as a patriot and a man of honour who stood for justice.

The Muslim group said the death of Dasuki is a loss to the Islamic community, Sokoto caliphate and to his family.

NASFAT also issued a statement saying We sincerely console and commiserate with the Sultan and the President General, Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs, Sheikh Mohammad Saad Abubakar III, the Sokoto State Governor, Alh. Aminu Tambuwal, the people Sokoto State and more importantly his immediate family over this irreparable loss.

We are however consoled by his immense contributions to Islam and mankind. The late Alhaji Ibrahim Dasuki will also be remembered for his steadfastness and absolute faith in Allah even in the face of severe adversity.

We pray almighty Allah to comfort the entire ummah, the Sultan, Dr. Mohammad Saad Abubakar III, the state governor Alh Aminu Tambuwwal, the sokoto caliphate and the deceased immediate family and grant them the fortitude to bear the loss while we pray Allah to forgive his sins and grant him Al-Jannah Firdaos. Amin.
The clash, which occurred during a march by the group, left many Shiites dead and several others missing.

The US made its comments via a statement. It reads:

This is the latest in a series of violent incidents between security forces and members of the Shia Islamic Movement of Nigeria (IMN), some of which have resulted in deaths, destruction of property, and the arbitrary detention of IMN members.

The United States calls for calm and restraint on all sides, a reduction of tensions, and greater communication between Shia citizens and government authorities.

We continue to urge the government to ensure accountability for the deaths of more than 300 IMN members during December 15, 2015 clashes between the IMN and security forces in Zaria, Kaduna State.

We also call on the Nigerian government to conduct a transparent investigation of the latest incidents and bring to account anyone responsible for violating the law.

Meanwhile, the Inspector General of Police, Idris Ibrahim explained, after the attack, that his men were forced to retaliate after the Shiites killed a police officer.

ALSO READ:Kaduna Governor declares Shiite sect illegal
The anti-graft agency on Friday, November 18, told the court that its request follows Ladojas refusal to appear in court, to defend a N4.7 billion money laundering charges brought against him by the Commission.

Counsel to the EFCC, Mr Olabisi Oluwafemi, from the law firm of Festus Keyamo, told the court that Ladoja, alongside his former aide, Chief Waheed Akanbi, were invited to the EFCCs office, but they shunned the invitation.

He said the accused deliberately stayed away from court and merely sent their lawyers to represent them.

He, therefore, urged the court to issue bench warrants against the accused, arguing that without their attendance in court the trial cannot proceed.

Reacting to the application for a warrant, counsel to Ladoja, Mr Bolaji Onilenla told the court that he was not aware that the business of the day was for the arraignment.

He argued that this was so because there was a pending appeal before the Supreme Court.

He informed the court that after the decision of the Court of Appeal, Ladoja changed his counsel, and then filed an appeal to the Supreme Court.

He stated that neither the accused nor their counsel were served with any court summons to appear in court.

ALSO READ: Accord Party confirms Ladoja received N100m from Anenih

Onilenla also challenged the prosecutorial powers of the prosecutor on the grounds that the fiat to prosecute was exclusively given to Fetus Keyamo.

He added that such fiat could not be transferred to any other person in his chambers.

He also disclosed that the Supreme Court had earlier dismissed Ladojas appeal pursuant to order 6 rule 3 of the procedure rules, but that an application has been filed to restore the appeal.

He added that to continue with the trial will amount to showing disrespect to the apex court and it will be an infringement on the rights of the accused.

After the submissions of the counsels the trial judge, Justice Mohammed Idris, fixed November 25 to rule on the application for a warrant of arrest.

The EFCC had in November 2008 arraigned Ladoja along with Akanbi, before Justice Ramat Mohammed, who was then serving at the Lagos Division of the Federal High Court.

The anti-graft agency alleged that the two men conspired to convert properties and resources derived from an alleged illegal act, with the intention of concealing their illicit origin.

It also alleged that Ladoja used N42 million out of the proceeds to purchase an Armoured Land Cruiser Jeep, and remitted about 600,000 pounds to one Bimpe Ladoja in London.

Ladoja and Akanbi had both pleaded not guilty to the charges and urged the court to quash the charges.
For today, November 18 2016:

THE GUARDIAN NEWSPAPER

Fresh fears of aviation fuel scarcity hit operators

Another bout of aviation fuel scarcity appears to have begun at the Murtala Muhammed Airport, Lagos, yesterday, with airline operators unable to get the volume required for optimal daily operations.

Government cant pay salaries of former presidents

Nigeria has not paid salaries and other allowances to four former ex-presidents due to lack of funds.

No deal on $30b loan, Senate tells Buhari

President Muhammadu Buharis bid to borrow $29.96 billion suffered a fresh setback yesterday as Senate President Abubakar Bukola Saraki declared that the position of the National Assembly on the matter remained unchanged.

THE VANGUARD NEWSPAPER

FG cancels joint venture cash calls with oil coys

THE Federal Government has finally announced the cancellation of joint cash call with oil companies operating in Nigeria.

Why FG is owing ex-Heads of State 10 months salaries, allowances

THE Presidency revealed yesterday that in the last 10 months, the federal government has not paid the salaries and allowances of all former Presidents in the country.

Our refineriesll become scraps by 2019, if- Kachikwu

The Minister of State for Petroleum Resources, Dr. Ibe Kachikwu, yesterday, warned that unless urgent steps were taken to immediately revamp the countrys refineries, they might become scraps in 2019, when the Dangote Refinery eventually comes on stream.

THE NATION NEWSPAPER

N2.2b fraud: Ex-ICC man to try Supreme Court chiefs

The Federal Government has hired a former International Criminal Court (ICC) prosecutor, Charles Adeogun-Philips, to lead its team of lawyers to prosecute the Supreme Court Registrar and others for alleged N2.2b fraud.

Fed Govt owes Jonathan, Obasanjo, IBB, Shagari, 10 months salary allowances

Former leaders  Goodluck Jonathan, Olusegun Obasanjo, Ibrahim Babangida and Shehu Shagari have not been paid their salaries and allowances since January.

Senate clears Durojaiye, Araraume, Sunday Dare, others for NCC

It was confirmation of appointments galore at the Senate yesterday as two Justices were endorsed for the Supreme Court, commissioners were okayed for the Independent National Electoral Commission and board members for the National Communications Commission (NCC) .

THE PUNCH NEWSPAPER

Panic in Rivers as police disperse APC, PDP protesters

THERE was panic in Port Harcourt on Thursday as the operatives of the Rivers State Police Command dispersed the protesting members of the All Progressives Congress and the Peoples Democratic Party.

Fraud: FG to arraign Justice Ngwuta Nov. 21

The Federal Government will on November 21 arraign a Justice of the Supreme Court, Justice Sylvester Ngwuta, before the Federal High Court in Abuja on charges of money laundering and others relating to violation of provisions of Immigration Act relating to obtaining of passports.

PDP differs as Buhari says corrupt Nigerians fighting govt
Saraki said further that the 8th Senate under his leadership is working to create the legislative framework for inclusive economic prosperity to all citizens.

The Senate President made the comments on Friday, November 18, while presenting the key note address at the inaugural National Chevening Alumni Leadership Summit organized by the British High Commission and the Nigeria Chevening Alumni Association in Lagos.

According to a statement released by Sarakis Chief Press Secretary, Sanni Onogu, the Senate President said that the most educated and skilled people should take over governance and help to convert the numerous God-given resources to genuine development for Nigeria and Nigerians.

...I wholeheartedly invite you to work with us in productive partnership so that we can journey together in this difficult but necessary task to build the Nigeria that we all wish for, for us and for our children. We are here today to explore 'The Economic prosperity of Nigeria and the role of alumni in contributing to economic growth', Saraki said.

As we continue to partner with the private sector, we in the 8th Senate believe that you have a significant role to play in contributing to economic growth largely by engaging with us in government; either at the Executive or Legislative level.

We have seen from our partnership with the National Economic Summit Group (NESG), the benefits and we believe that with the caliber of alumni here, more can be achieved. Let me reassure you that we remain focused on achieving economic prosperity for all Nigerians.

As we continue to grapple with the challenge of how best to manage our natural resources, here yet is another dimension. We must urgently begin to develop a system that puts our human assets to best use.

We must urgently begin to create a system that enables us to put our best brains and minds in positions that they can contribute effectively to the development of our country. As we continue to struggle to find new solutions to the old problems that we face, people like you must be at the forefront, you must bring your expertise and experience to bear.

Our approach therefore is to create the legislative framework for inclusive economic prosperity to all our citizens. We believe that the kind of economy we must build as we face the grim prospect of a post-oil world; is that which is able to tap on the best of our human capital, the creative energy of our youth and the diverse resources of our land.

Even as we try to embrace this new thinking and solutions, we recognize the institutional challenges. This is why one of the first legislative initiatives we undertook as early as six months from resumption of office was to review all the laws that have made it difficult for people to do business in our country and frustrated investors willing to come into our economy.

The 8th Senate is confident that these bills, once passed into law, would lay a solid legislative and policy foundation for the broad-based reforms that are so urgently needed to set our country on the path of inclusive economic growth, he added.

ALSO READ:Buhari holds secret meeting with Saraki
The court in Wisconsin granted a stay to a judge's order that Dassey should be released, citing the state's appeal of the order, according to court documents.

"Mr. Dassey will remain in prison pending the outcome of the appeal," Brad Schimel, Wisconsin's attorney general who filed the emergency motion, said in a statement.

Schimel has been countering moves by the US federal judge in Wisconsin, William Duffin, who in August overturned Dassey's murder conviction. Schimel appealed that decision.

On Monday, Duffin ordered the release of Dassey, 27, arguing he should be freed while the appeal of the overturned murder conviction is processed.

Schimel quickly acted to block the release, winning approval by the three-judge appeals court.

Dassey and his uncle Steven Avery were sentenced to life terms in 2007 for the murder of a female photographer, Teresa Halbach, in 2005.

Their story was featured in the Netflix documentary series "Making a Murderer," launched in December 2015. It raised questions about the US legal system and prompted many viewers to believe the pair were unfairly convicted.

Judge Duffin, in his order overturning Dassey's conviction, harshly rebuked the investigating police and Leonard Kachinsky, the public defender appointed in 2006 to represent Dassey -- a 16-year-old minor at the time.

Dassey has intellectual deficits and was unfairly pushed into a confession during a controversial interrogation, and his defense was inadequate, supporters of his release argue.

Following the Netflix series, fans called for the two men to be freed and almost 130,000 people signed a White House petition asking for a presidential pardon.

The White House explained that because the men were not convicted of federal crimes and "are both state prisoners," pardoning them was outside the scope of the president's power.

The documentary was prompted by the unusual story of Avery. He was exonerated of a rape case through DNA evidence and freed from prison in 2003 after serving 18 years behind bars.
The comment was made by a member of the PDP Board of Trustees, Chief Shuaib Oyedokun after Buhari said that corrupt Nigerians were using their ill-gotten wealth to fight him.

If the President, who is fighting corruption, suddenly discovers that people who have stolen are using the proceeds of corruption to fight him, I think it is an admission of failure. Corruption cannot be fought with corruption, Oyedokun told Punch on Thursday, November 17.

The President must be able to fish out those fighting him with corruption and ensure they are tried. There are allegations of corruption among those that surround the President and his party members.

He (Buhari) wont succeed because he is using corruption to fight corruption. When someone loses a horse and he unknowingly tells the person that stole the horse to help him find the horse, would the owner ever find the horse?" he added.

ALSO READ:
The allegation was made by US non-governmental group, the American Black Group for Democracy which claimed that the money was pledged to the US Secretary of State, John Kerry in Abuja.

However, the Senior Special Assistant to Buhari on Media and Publicity, Garba Shehu has described the accusations as crazy.

Shehu also said that Nigeria doesnt have that kind of money to throw around.

What is the craziest accusation made against President Buhari? That he donated $500m to Hillarys campaign and that Donald Trump is angry. This has gone viral, sadly Nigerians are believing it! Shehu tweeted on Friday, November 18.

President Buharis Nigeria doesnt have this kind of money to throw around. Even if the money is there, this President is the least likely person to give it as donation, and for what?" he added.

Shehu also said that Nigeria was planning to receive money from the US and not the other way around.

ALSO READ:Donald Trump wins 2016 US presidential poll
The party said Bellos administration has done nothing but to spread poverty, sickness and hardship.

The Kogi state PDP also alleged that a lot of kogi indigenes have died because of the Governors insensitivity and poor management of the states economy.

According to Punch, Chief Kola Ojo, the Kogi West zonal chairman, said This Yahaya Bello administration is heartless, inconsiderate, insensitive and irresponsive to the plight of Kogi civil servants, it has utterly failed the people as it is bereft of ideas on what to do to move the state forward.

Governor Bellos spokesman, Kingsley Fanwo, however dismissed the Partys allegations, describing it as paradoxical.

Fanwo also said Someone defecated on the floor and then turn around to blame the person parking it of being slow. The previous PDP administrations in the state were responsible for the rot we are trying to clean. The last government left the civil service morally broken. Months went without payment of salaries.

Adding that Governor Yahaya Bello is not expecting the PDP to be happy with his reforms and resolve to question previous administrations over how the commonwealth of the people was managed.
Ante Gotovina, 61, was acquitted of war crimes on appeal in 2012 before the Hague-based International Criminal Tribunal for the former Yugoslavia (ICTY) alongside another former general, Mladen Markac.

On Thursday, the Croatian government named Gotovina as a "special adviser to the ministry of defence" during a meeting in the town of Vukovar in the east of the country, HINA said.

The meeting was held on the eve of the 25th anniversary of when Vukovar fell to Serbian separatists during the 1991-95 Croatian War of Independence.

Prime Minister Andrej Plenkovic said Gotovina's "advice will be precious given the challenges facing the country and the region".

According to newspaper reports in France and Croatia, the former general, who has acquired French nationality, has had a chequered history.

French monthly Le Monde Diplomatique and Croatian newspaper Jutarnji List claimed he once served in the French Foreign Legion, worked for French far-right leader Jean-Marie Le Pen's security detail, spent time in a French jail, trained paramilitary groups in Latin America and was once involved in kidnapping and extortion.

Gotovina and Markac were initially sentenced to 24 and 18 years in jail respectively when they were found guilty of the murder of 324 ethnic Serbs and the forced displacement of some 90,000 others during an operation led by the former.

That Operation Storm practically ended the war sparked by Croatia's proclamation of independence from the Serb-dominated former Yugoslavia.

It is the first political posting assigned to Gotovina since his acquittal, although both he and Markac were given positions on an advisory security body 18 months ago.

Gotovina will link up again with a former brother in arms, Defence Minister Damir Kristicevic, another former general.
"Aren't you ashamed to repeat claims by a man who has spent time in jail?" Sarkozy retorted during the final television debate among seven right-wing presidential hopefuls ahead of the first round of their primary Sunday.

Sarkozy, who is bidding to recapture the presidency in next year's election, has for years been dogged by allegations that he accepted millions from Kadhafi during his successful 2007 run for the top office.

On Tuesday, Franco-Lebanese businessman Ziad Takieddine said he had delivered three cash-stuffed suitcases from the Libyan regime toward the Frenchman's first presidential bid.

Takieddine has been convicted "countless times for defamation," Sarkozy fumed, calling him a "liar".

Takieddine told the Mediapart investigative news site he made three trips from Tripoli to Paris in late 2006 and early 2007 with cash for Sarkozy's campaign.

Each time he carried a suitcase containing between 1.5 and two million euros ($1.6 million and $2.1 million) in 200-euro and 500-euro notes, Takieddine told Mediapart, saying he was given the money by Kadhafi's military intelligence chief.

Takieddine, a middle man in huge arms and petrol contracts between France and several Middle Eastern countries, was briefly placed in preventive custody in 2013 when he was considered a flight risk during an affair related to a submarine deal.

His claims caused fresh embarrassment for Sarkozy, who is trailing former premier Alain Juppe in the race for the right-wing presidential nomination.
Interior minister Joseph Nkaissery said the move follows a request from the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) to delay the dismantling of the camp, originally planned for this month. It has now been pushed back to May.

"I wish to announce that the government has accepted the request to extend the deadline for the completion of the repatriation of Somali refugees and the eventual closure of Dadaab refugee complex by six months," he told a news conference.

Nkaissery said a comprehensive repatriation programme would be rolled out next month at the camp, which is home to hundreds of thousands of mostly Somali refugees.

"The repatriation will continue to be carried out in a humane, safe and dignified manner," he said.

Since sending troops into neighbouring Somalia in 2011, Kenya has come under repeated attack from Shabaab, East Africa's long-time branch of Al-Qaeda.

'Forcible returns are illegal'

Nairobi has taken a hardline position, claiming Dadaab acts as a terrorist training ground for Shabaab Islamists, and has publicly and repeatedly said it would remove all Somali refugees from the country by the end of the year.

"Delaying the closure of the camp by six months is certainly better than deporting the refugees in two weeks. But with the new date... the refugees will continue to feel that they must leave," said Gerry Simpson, a researcher at rights group Human Rights Watch (HRW).

"Forcible returns are illegal. Kenya must end its threats to close Dadaab and the UNHCR and donors must press Kenya to publicly reassure the Somali refugees and tell them that they are welcome in Kenya until they are able to return home safely."

In September HRW warned in a report that the repatriation of Somalis from the sprawling Dadaab camp violated international standards and that refugees were returning home involuntarily only to face persecution and hunger.

The Kenyan government dismissed the report.

Refugees will be returning to a country that already has over one million people displaced from their homes, where five million lack enough food and where African and Somali forces are still fighting Al-Qaeda-aligned Shabaab militants.

An estimated 18,000 have returned this year -- 10,000 since the announcement of the camp's closure.
But these are no ordinary students: they are Congolese refugees for whom such a qualification could spell an escape from stateless limbo.

Over the past year, a Rwandan charity called Kepler has been offering refugees in Kiziba camp the chance to take online degree courses from the Southern New Hampshire University in the United States.

Since the mid-1990s, Kiziba has housed thousands of refugees who have fled the conflict in neighbouring Democratic Republic of Congo. It is currently home to 17,000 people, some of whom were born and raised in the camp.

Until recently a university degree was an impossible dream with local fees at a Rwandan university costing up to $1,200 (1,100 euros) a year, well beyond the reach of young refugees.

And even if they did get the money, the country's main universities are all in the capital Kigali, which is a three-hour drive from this isolated hilltop camp.

But this year, a group of 25 refugees all in their 20s began studying communications and management.

"Before finishing high school, I had no hope of going to university but now I see it's possible!" enthuses Eugenie Manirafasha, who was just six months old when her family fled to Rwanda in 1996.

Now she is one step closer to realising her ambition of becoming a hospital director.

Education for freedom

The refugees follow an online version of the US course but at a less demanding pace, allowing them up to five years to complete the degree, with much of the first year devoted to getting their spoken and written English up to scratch.

Access to higher education "is very important for refugees all over the world," says Nina Weaver, who runs Kepler's educational programmes.

Even more so in Rwanda where refugees "have the right to work and to move around freely which is not the case in many other countries," she says.

Having a degree gives them "an opportunity to integrate better" into Rwandan society, as well as a way to "give back" to the country that has taken them in, Weaver explains.

A university education also offers them an escape route from dependence on charity handouts, says Mark Roeder of the UN refugee agency, UNHCR.

"Tertiary education is one way to make refugees independent," he told AFP. "It gives a boost to (the) refugee mentality and gives them hope they are not being forgotten by the international community."

Unique challenges

There are currently 74,000 Congolese refugees living in five camps in Rwanda. Most are Tutsis who have suffered during successive rounds of conflict over ethnicity, land ownership and regional influence in eastern Congo.

With some of them in Rwanda for more than two decades, few are eager to return to neighbouring Congo. And their studies offer them the chance of a better life in Rwanda, or elsewhere, Roeder says.

But bringing the programme to life in a refugee camp is not without challenges.

The camp is not connected to the electricity grid meaning all the computers and the internet routers are powered by solar energy, which is not always reliable.

And students often have to balance their studies with the demands of supporting their families as well as dealing with other issues such as food insecurity.

For Manirafasha, this means holding down a job teaching the local Kinyarwanda language in the camp's high school, which brings in around $30 (27 euros) a month.

"Difficult life conditions sometimes affect my studies, like on days when I haven't had anything to eat or if I don't have clothes to wear," says this 20-year-old who lives with her parents and five brothers and sisters.
The Truth and Dignity Commission (IVD) has tracked human rights violations committed between July 1955, a year before Tunisia gained its independence from France, and December 2013 when the fact-finding body was established.

Several men and women who survived abuses under successive authoritarian regimes are appearing on national television on Thursday and Friday evenings to tell their stories before the commission.

The testimonies started with Ourida Kadoussi, the mother of a protester shot by security forces in January 2011 during the uprising that toppled longtime dictator Zine El Abidine Ben Ali.

"They killed our children. We have not been given our rights," she said at the Club Elyssa, one of several properties confiscated from Ben Ali's entourage after his removal.

"We want to live freely, with heads held high," Kadoussi, who spoke for twenty minutes, said.

IVD member Khaled Krichi told reporters ahead of the broadcasts: "We will participate in unveiling the truth about these violations... in order to turn a page and move directly on to national reconciliation."

He said the interviewees, who will take turns speaking for up to 45 minutes, "represent entire generations" of Tunisians who endured mistreatment and oppression.

The black years of rights violations in Tunisia cover the rule of Habib Bourguiba, between 1957 and 1987, and of his successor Ben Ali.

'A historic moment'

The slew of complaints which the commission received include torture, arbitrary detentions, physical abuse and violations of freedom of speech.

Women, who made up a quarter of victims who came forward, complained of sexual abuse, until now a taboo topic in the North African country.

Tunisia has largely avoided the chaos and bloodshed endured in other Arab states that witnessed regime change in the wake of region-wide popular protests in 2011.

The IVD, which seeks to rehabilitate and compensate victims, is a rare attempt at transitional justice in the face of complaints from many Tunisians -- beset by high unemployment and a stagnant economy -- that their lives have not improved since the revolution.

IVD president Sihem Bensedrine said victims of and witnesses to abuses had come forward from across the country and were ready to testify on crimes committed throughout the commission's 1955-2013 remit period.

She described the inquiry, which is examining 62,000 cases, as "a historic moment that our children and grandchildren will read about in books".

London-based Amnesty International welcomed the public hearings, saying "victims... who have waited decades for justice may finally have a chance to have their right to truth fulfilled".

Prosecutions 'real test'

The panel, which comprises rights activists and representatives of victims, heard 11,000 women victims tell their stories behind closed doors.

In principle, it had full access to state archives and its remit covers violations of human rights -- notably voluntary homicide, rape, extrajudicial executions and torture -- by "bodies of the state and groups or individuals acting in its name or under its protection".

But the work of the panel, one of the first bodies set up under a Transitional Justice Law passed in 2013, has been long, painful and rife with challenges.

"Detractors of transitional justice, those who did not want to break with the past in 2011, are still at work" to this day, said Antonio Manganella of the watchdog Lawyers Without Borders.

"There is still a lot of reluctance from some state institutions to cooperate with the IVD," said Manganella, who heads the group's office in Tunisia.

Amnesty added: "The real test facing Tunisia's transitional justice process, however, is whether it will ultimately lead to criminal prosecutions for the crimes of the past decades."

The dates of the televised hearings are highly symbolic.

The next hearing date is scheduled for December 17 -- six years to the day since street vendor Mohamed Bouazizi set himself on fire, prompting mass protests that exploded into the Arab Spring.
Hanoi has lengthened the runway on Spratly island from less than 2,500 feet (760 metres) to 3,300 feet, the US-based Asia Maritime Transparency Initiative said in a report, citing images from early November that appeared to be from a satellite.

Vietnam will likely extend the runway to 4,000 feet in total, added the monitor, a project of the Center for Strategic and International Studies in Washington.

Communist Vietnam is also building two large hangars capable of hosting its maritime surveillance aircraft and transport planes, AMTI reported.

Beijing claims most of the South China Sea. It has reclaimed reefs and built airstrips capable of hosting large military planes, sparking anger from competing claimants led by Vietnam and the Philippines.

Hanoi and Beijing have traded diplomatic barbs over disputed island chains and waters in the sea.

Tensions have eased slightly in recent months but the issue remains incendiary on both sides.

In 2014 China moved a controversial oil rig into contested territory, prompting riots in Vietnam though tensions have simmered in recent years.

"Even amid reduced diplomatic tensions, Vietnam continues to modernise its military and seek closer security ties with Japan, the United States and India in preparation for future Chinese assertiveness in disputed waters," AMTI said in its report published Tuesday.

Hanoi did not respond to a request for comment Friday, but Beijing issued a customary rebuke and asserted its claim over the disputed Spratly chain, which it calls the Nansha islands.

"We are firmly opposed to some relevant country's illegal occupation and construction work on some of the islands and reefs of China's Nansha islands," Chinese foreign ministry spokesman Geng Shuan said at a regular briefing.
US Ambassador Samantha Power said a draft resolution will be presented to the council in the coming days to ban weapons sales to the African country and impose sanctions, setting the stage for a clash with Russia, which opposes an arms embargo.

"South Sudan is a nation at the precipice," Power told the council.

"In the coming days, the United States will put forward a proposal to impose an arms embargo on South Sudan and targeted sanctions on the individuals who have been the biggest spoilers to achieve lasting peace," she said.

Of the council's permanent, veto-wielding members, Britain and France backed the proposed arms embargo, but Russia reaffirmed its opposition and China expressed reservations.

The move followed a recent report by UN Secretary General Ban Ki-moon, who warned that South Sudan faces a "very real risk of mass atrocities" and that 14,000 peacekeepers deployed in the country would not be able to stop such a bloodbath.

The US-drafted text seen by AFP calls for a one-year ban on all sales of arms, weapons, ammunition, military vehicles and equipment.

Power said months of talks with South Sudan's leaders had failed to persuade them to opt for peace as she made the case for a travel ban and an assets freeze on those behind the violence.

"There is no good reason why we would not deprive those who have shown a willingness to commit mass atrocities of the means of doing it more efficiently," she said.

Russian opposition

Russian Deputy Ambassador Petr Iliichev dismissed an arms embargo as "premature," saying it would "hardly be helpful in settling the conflict" and warning that sanctions against South Sudan's leaders would be "the height of irresponsibility."

In a barb directed at the United States, he suggested that President Salva Kiir was being targeted to share the same fate as Moamer Kadhafi, the Libyan leader toppled in 2011.

China's Deputy Ambassador Wu Haito said the council should refrain from sanctions "to avoid complicating the situation" and "send more positive signals" instead.

Returning from a visit to South Sudan, the UN's adviser on genocide prevention, Adama Dieng, said he "saw all the signs that ethnic hatred and targeting of civilians could evolve into genocide if something is not done now to stop it."

He cited perceptions that Kiir's army was "increasingly ethnically homogenous," composed mostly of ethnic Dinka, who are preparing to launch attacks against Nuer and other groups.

Dieng urged the council to end the "devastating" flow of weapons fueling the war.

South Sudan's Ambassador Joseph Moum Malok rejected the proposed embargo as a "totally unacceptable" violation of his country's sovereignty.

The authorities in Juba, confronting an "armed rebellion intent on overthrowing the government," he argued, should not be deprived of the means to defend themselves.

The world's youngest nation, South Sudan descended into war in December 2013, leaving tens of thousands dead and more than 2.5 million people displaced.

The country won independence from Sudan in 2011 with strong support from the United States.
Trump effect

Trump has cast uncertainty on the postwar world order with his vows to tear up or renegotiate international free trade agreements in order to protect US jobs.

This particularly concerns the 21 members of APEC, which account for nearly 60 percent of the global economy and 40 percent of the world's population.

The world will look to the summit for "a strong statement" to counter Trump's anti-trade arguments, said Eduardo Pedrosa, secretary general of the Pacific Economic Cooperation Council.

Economists expect Trump to make protectionist moves that they say may strengthen his country's economy in the near term but could threaten global growth.

"If such measures materialize, trade tensions would certainly increase, with trade war a possible worst case scenario," the Institute of International Finance said in a report.

Outgoing US President Barack Obama sought to "rebalance" trade towards deals with Asia and the Pacific.

But Trump has rejected Obama's signature trade initiative in the Asia-Pacific region, the Trans-Pacific Partnership (TPP), as a "terrible deal."

Asia-Pacific security

As well as taking aim at free trade, Trump has questioned the US role as the "policeman of the world."

Allies such as Japan and South Korea are worried Trump will cut back the US military, economic and diplomatic presence in the region.

They fear that could leave them exposed to a dominant China and belligerent North Korea.

Trump has caused concern in the region by suggesting Japan and South Korea get nuclear weapons to defend themselves.

He has embraced Russian President Vladimir Putin, widely mistrusted by Obama and his allies.

US Secretary of State John Kerry sought to send reassuring signals in a series of meetings with regional counterparts Thursday, including with Japanese Foreign Minister Fumio Kishida.

Kerry underlined "the continued strength of our partnership and alliance with Japan, the cornerstone of US engagement with the Asia-Pacific region," said Deputy Spokesperson Mark Toner.

The summit officially opens Thursday evening. Obama, Putin and China's President Xi Jinping are each scheduled to give addresses on Saturday. The leaders hold their key meeting on Sunday.

The Latin American leaders in the room, including Mexican President Enrique Pena Nieto, will also be looking nervously to the new US administration.

On the campaign trail, Trump insulted Mexican immigrants as "criminals" and "rapists." He vowed to build a border wall with Mexico to keep out illegal migrants and threatened mass deportations.

China

China will meanwhile be pushing its own proposed trade deals to gain an edge over the United States in the battle for regional influence.

"The economic landscape in the Asia Pacific is changing rapidly, with China increasingly taking a regional leadership role," wrote Rajiv Biswas, Asia-Pacific chief economist at research group IHS Global Insight.

China was pointedly excluded from the 12-member TPP. But due to Trump's refusal to endorse the deal, Biswas said, "the TPP agreement has shifted from being a lame duck to a dead duck."

Instead, China proposes an APEC-wide Free Trade Area of the Asia-Pacific (FTAAP) and a 16-member Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP), which includes India but not the United States.

In Asia, where an industrial boom fueled by globalization has lifted millions of people from poverty, strong appetite for such deals means they will likely move ahead with or without the US.

Australia's trade minister, Steven Ciobo, told the Financial Times on Wednesday his country is keen to get on board with the Chinese-backed proposals now that TPP looks doomed.
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For 12 years, Lew Steinbrecher was Moline's city administrator.

At the Nov. 8 City Council meeting, he announced he was retiring. The next day, he was gone.

Who does that?

Steinbrecher's ultra-sudden departure did not come as a surprise to many, including Mayor Scott Raes.

"I kind of had it in my gut he'd be gone," the mayor said Wednesday. "We had some conversations."

He said Steinbrecher offered to hang around for a couple of weeks, but the council decided to go ahead and cut him loose, mostly because he had the paid time off coming to him and his contract expires at the end of the month.

Besides, aldermen noted, the outgoing admin is a very private person. He would not want a retirement party, for instance, because, "That's not his style," Raes said.

Steinbrecher, who worked 42 years in local government, did not respond to a request for an interview seeking to explain the timing of his departure (See: private). So, we'll just have to take city officials at their word and accept there was no funny business, despite the obvious oddity.

Though it briefly was a scramble, the council has assigned an alderman, a city planner and the finance director to team up and cover Steinbrecher's duties. A search firm will be hired to find his replacement. As a Moliner, I have appreciated his fine leadership.

But Quad-Citians have good reason to be skeptical when high-ranking city officials suddenly split.

Scott County Administrator Dee Bruemmer showed how it should be done when she announced a full six months in advance that she was calling it quits. She knew transitions in leadership take time.

This was not the case when Rock Island City Administrator Thomas Thomas resigned in September  10 days after Walmart announced it had abandoned plans to build on city land that taxpayers spent $10 million preparing for the store.

Thomas' explanation was this: "I just decided it was time to resign."

So, the city rewarded his whim with a $77,000 severance package and six months' worth of insurance coverage.

At a council meeting shortly after Thomas' announcement, resident Svend Jakobsen remarked, "In the real world, you don't get a severance package if you resign. It's just, tough cookie."

The cookie was a little tougher in Davenport when public works director Mike Clarke "retired" earlier this year. Though billed as his opportunity to retire to the East Coast, Clarke got a job as public works director in St. Petersburg, Florida, six weeks after leaving Davenport.

And when he no longer was at risk of losing any of his Iowa benefits, he came clean about the reason he left: "It was a total force out," he said earlier this year, adding that he and then-interim City Administrator Corri Spiegel had distinct differences of opinion.

A "succession agreement" followed, though its existence was not made public. An open records request forced the disclosure of the document, which showed that Clarke was to be kept on as a consultant, at a pay rate of $50 an hour, for a limited number of hours. That part of the agreement became moot when he went to work in Florida.

Of course, Spiegel declined to say anything. It's none of the public's business when public people reach public agreements that affect the public and public money.

You know what they say: Here today, gone tomorrow.
Davenport police are seeking help in identifying a man who robbed a credit union on Brady Street late Friday morning.

The robbery occurred about 11:30 a.m. at Vibrant Credit Union, 3801 Brady St. Police said a man entered the bank, implied he had a weapon and fled with an undisclosed amount of cash.

The Davenport Police Criminal Investigations Division is investigating the robbery, and police released photographs taken from surveillance cameras in an effort to identify the man.

Anyone with information is asked to call the Davenport Police Department at 563-326-6125 or submit an anonymous tip via the department's mobile app, titled CityConnect Davenport, IA."
CEDAR RAPIDS  Two former eastern Iowa congressmen are concerned with the hardening of partisan lines in the wake of what one called the starkest election in more than 150 years.

Republican Donald Trumps defeat of Democrat Hillary Clinton represents the greatest polarization in American society, in part because of the use of techniques that were designed to magnify a candidate and minimize an opponent in ways that have never been used before, according to Jim Leach, an Iowa City Republican who represented much of eastern Iowa for 30 years in the U.S. House.

A result, former three-term U.S. Rep. Dave Nagle of Cedar Falls added during taping of Iowa Public Televisions "Iowa Press" on Friday, is that depending on Trump, the polarization could become deeper.

I think that is a dangerous trend, but I think it's one we're going to have to live through for a while, Nagle said. Thats because of the harshness of the choices and partys rigidity of ideological thought that demands immediate adherence.

"Iowa Press" can be seen at 7:30 tonight on IPTV, at 8:30 a.m. Saturday and on IPTV.org.

Leach, who as chairman of the National Endowment for the Humanities spoke in all 50 states on the need for civility, said the nation faces a challenge as a body politic and how we want to hold civil discourse.

He also is concerned that the Supreme Court decision in Citizens United, which allowed corporations and unions to make unlimited campaign expenditures, is moving the country toward a corporate democracy.

Leach, who now teaches at the University of Iowa and recently was named interim director of the University of Iowa Museum of Art, did not support Trump despite believing a businessmans perspective is needed. Instead, Leach said, he wrote in Mary Sue Coleman, former University of Iowa president.

Both Leach and Nagle called for new political leaders who are willing to bridge partisan divides.

You cannot continue to demagogue all of your opponents, Nagle said. It starts with trying to find political leaders that will look for the bridge between the ideological differences to find an acceptable solution to both sides. And then the public has to have the maturity to recognize that accomplishment and give it praise and reward those who accomplish it.

That will require people from all walks of life getting involved to get the political system turned around to reflect the society that we are.
SPRINGFIELD  Changes are on their way for a program that provides in-home care for more than 80,000 elderly residents after the Illinois House failed to override Gov. Bruce Rauners veto of a bill that would have preserved the existing program.

Despite warnings from advocates that the changes could result in the loss of services such as assistance with household chores for thousands of elderly residents, House Democrats on Wednesday came up four votes short of the 71 they needed to override the Republican governors veto.

The Department on Aging will now move forward with implementing changes to the community care program, which is designed to help keep older residents in their own homes and out of nursing homes. Facing a growing elderly population and rising costs, the Rauner administration is planning an overhaul of services for more than 40,000 people in the program who dont qualify for Medicaid, the joint state and federal insurance program for the poor.

Those people will be shifted into the departments new community reinvestment program, which officials estimate will save the state $200 million annually by providing services more efficiently. One example the administration has offered is having a service pick up and drop off laundry rather than paying an in-home worker to do it.

The Illinois Department on Aging worked diligently to develop a thoughtful, person-centered program that will allow our state to continue serving increasing numbers of older adults across the state in a fiscally sustainable manner, spokeswoman Veronica Vera said in an emailed statement. It is encouraging that members of the General Assembly recognize the value of this program and its primary objective  to allow seniors to live independently in their homes and communities longer.

But many members of the General Assembly dont see it that way.

State Rep. Greg Harris, D-Chicago, the bills sponsor, said rolling out the changes statewide is a risky proposition.

Harris called the departments proposal a pilot program that has not been tested.

It is something that could very well put  our home-bound seniors at risk, he said.

If the program doesnt work, it could result in more elderly residents moving into nursing homes, which would cost the state more, Harris said.

Vera said the department is working with local agencies that will implement the program to develop the rules that will govern it.

AARP Illinois, which opposed the new program and supported Harris bill, will now work to shape the rules to make sure that those currently in the program continue to receive services, said Lori Hendren, associate state director.

Were going to continue to have conversations with the governors office and with the Department on Aging as they move forward with their initiative of the community reinvestment program and to discuss improvements and reforms to (the community care program) now which can better sustain in-home and community care services for all those in the program, Hendren said.

One of AARPs concerns is that the state might create a waiting list for the new program if there arent enough resources to go around, but the department has said it doesnt anticipate the need for one.
CEDAR RAPIDS  Iowa Democrats plan to elect a new state party chair in January despite arguments there is a need to act sooner.

We have a very urgent crisis on our hands, Mike Carberry of Iowa City said Thursday night during a nearly two-hour conference call with other members of the Iowa Democratic Party State Central Committee. He called for electing a new chair in December so new leadership in place before the Iowa Legislature convenes Jan. 9.

As a result of the Nov. 8 election, Republicans will be in control of both the Iowa House and Senate and they have an agenda to destroy what we have gained during the time Democrats controlled the Senate, Carberry said.

Iowa State Education Association President Tammy Wawro of Cedar Rapids agreed, warning there likely will be votes in the first week of the session that will impact my members greatly.

Most countries have elections in six weeks, Carberry said, arguing that a month is plenty of time before Dec. 17 for candidates to meet with committee members and present white papers on their plans for the party.

His argument did not prevail. The committee will meet to hear from candidates for party chair Dec. 17 and again in January at a date to be determined to make a decision. Its possible that meeting could be before the Legislature gavels in.

At least three people have announced they will seek to succeed chairwoman Andy McGuire, who doesnt plan to seek another term. They are Kim Weaver of Sheldon, who unsuccessfully challenged U.S Rep. Steve King; Central Committee member Sandy Dockendorff of Danville, and Blair Lawton of West Des Moines. Theres speculation there will be others.

Much of the Thursday night discussion dealt with whether committee members would be allowed to participate and vote via phone. Some members were concerned that bad weather could prevent them from attending meetings in December and January.

Others argued they were elected to show up for meetings and participating by phone was the textbook example of phoning it in.

Marcia Fulton of Creston downplayed the threat of bad weather keeping committee members from meetings.

Come on, Iowans. We get places, she said.

Marcos Rubenstein of Dubuque, who proposed participation by phone to accommodate people with disabilities as well as those who may have weather concerns, said phone presence is presence in this day and age.

The committee voted to allow members to participate in the January meeting via phone.
Nearly two weeks into enrollment for Affordable Care Act insurance plans, officials who are helping Quad-Citians get coverage say people are still signing up, even as the law appears doomed.

Meanwhile, an official with one of the major enrollment organizations says she is seeing people hurry to get on board before any changes are made.

President-elect Donald Trump has repeatedly pledged to repeal and replace the Affordable Care Act, and Republicans who control Congress have wanted to kill the law for years.

There are lots of questions about how fast that would happen, however, and what might be put in its place.

All this uncertainty is swirling as enrollment for 2017 coverage is newly under way. The signup period began Nov. 1 and runs through the end of January. To get coverage beginning Jan. 1, people need to sign up by Dec. 15.

So far, one enrollment specialist says, the uncertainty over the law's future is prompting people to sign up.

"There's a lot of people who think they have to get on it before it's repealed," said UnityPoint Health's Linaka Kain, who oversees the hospital's enrollment activities regionally.

Kain said about 175 people have signed up so far with help from UnityPoint. Usually, the bulk of signups are to Medicaid, which the law expanded. But this year, she said, 123 had signed up for plans in the marketplace and 52 for Medicaid.

"It's a flip," she said.

Kain said customers are telling her that they're signing up because of doubts about the law's future.

"The perception is if they're in the system, it's going to help them," she said.

Last week, the Obama administration said 100,000 people had signed up for marketplace plans the day after the election. Health and Human Services Secretary Sylvia Burwell tweeted last week it was open enrollment's "best day yet."

Other Quad-City organizations helping people to enroll say they aren't having the same experience.

Mateo Tiry-Ortiz, outreach and enrollment coordinator at Community Health Care, said he is seeing about the same number and mix of enrollments as last year. About a dozen people have enrolled in marketplace plans and 10 in Medicaid, he said Friday.

A representative of Genesis Health System said she had not seen a significant impact she could tie to the election, either. But she did add that this week is busier than it was last week.

"This particular week has been crazy," said Jennifer Busch, an insurance specialist with Genesis.

Busch did say she is getting lots of questions from people who are curious about the law's future.

"They say, 'Do you think it will be here?' I say, 'It's a law, you just can't undo it with a snap of the fingers,'" she said.

A measure Congress passed at the end of last year, which was vetoed, wouldn't have repealed the subsidies and Medicaid funding for two years. But what happens after Trump takes the oath of office is not at all clear.

Trump's opinions on what should come next is not entirely clear, either. The president-elect, while saying he would repeal the law, has praised the part of it that prohibits insurance companies from denying coverage to people with pre-existing conditions, an opinion he repeated just days after the election. He also has praised the part of the law that allows young people to stay on their parents' plans until age 26.

Advocates of the law say requiring the sale of insurance to people with pre-existing health conditions is what helps to drive up costs and any replacement plan would have to deal with that. Already, premiums in the marketplace skyrocketed this year an average of 25 percent.

Earlier this week, Iowa Insurance Commissioner Nick Gerhart wrote an online post predicting that changes won't be made quickly.

"This means that, since the law is still in effect today, people should take steps to obtain or maintain health coverage ...," he wrote.

About 55,000 Iowans are enrolled in marketplace plans, with approximately another 150,000 in Iowa's expanded Medicaid program.

Gerhart also suggested Trump could offer "immediate predictability" by extending for two years health care plans that were in place before the marketplaces opened. Those plans don't meet the law's coverage standards. In Iowa, there are 117,000 people with those plans, Gerhart said.

President Barack Obama allowed a two-year extension in 2014 for plans that didn't meet coverage standards following an outcry from people who faced the prospect of having to buy new plans after they were told they could keep their current coverage.
Chad Pregracke makes it clear he respects the Davenport riverfront request for proposals process, but he's excited about a plan he has come up with in the event the city wants to go in another direction.

Davenport received two proposals for the barge and porte cochere at the former Rhythm City Casino, one from Muscatine's U.S. Inland Marine and the other from Restoration St. Louis, but the response has been lukewarm at best.

A review committee found one of the proposals did not meet its criteria, and only half of the committee thought the other proposal shared in the city's long-term vision for the riverfront.

Enter Pregracke, who envisions a floating park with concepts similar to Philadelphia's Spruce Street Harbor Park on the Delaware River waterfront.

"People are looking at (the former Rhythm City Casino site) and saying, 'That's ugly. I don't want that,'" Pregracke said. "All I'm looking at is the barges and what that could be."

Pregracke worked in Philadephia and saw firsthand the amount of traffic that was attracted to Penn's Landing.

As Pregracke looked out from Davenport's skybridge on the cold and windy Friday morning, he spotted a man slumped over the rails trying to fish.

"It'd be like a fishing pier like in Santa Monica where it's cool to see what people are catching," Pregracke said. "Go to San Francisco and ride your bike out on those piers. It's people of all economic backgrounds, all races, diversity, and that is what's cool about those places."

Pregracke points out the lack of signs, which he views as a missed opportunity, but is open to suggestions and uses because as he sees it, this is chance to benefit the downtown area.

As someone who has lived and worked on more waterfronts than he can count, Pregracke also has a perspective on what works and what doesn't.

He rattles off restaurant after restaurant located on barges from St. Paul to New Orleans that have failed.

"If I wasn't sure it wouldn't work or people wouldn't come here, I wouldn't waste my time," Pregracke said. "Davenport would be setting a trend, and they would be trying to duplicate this elsewhere because there's nothing else like it. If worst comes to worst and nobody came on it or the fishing sucked, there would be 10 other cities that would want this because every city is missing this."

After speaking to Muscatine-based Stanley Consultants, Pregracke received a set of renderings within a week, and he has been showing them around and getting positive feedback about.

"I've sent some feelers out there and talked to some people about," Pregracke said. "I've gotten nothing but good feedback. Based on that, I think if the city was to say, 'Hey, we want to go down that road or check into that,' I would be able to build a great team of people to make this happen."

Rene Gellerman, senior vice president of the Quad-Cities Chamber of Commerce, said the chamber was supportive of the plan because it leverages the Mississippi River as an asset and fits in with the chamber's Q2030 regional action plan.

With his renderings in hand, Pregracke is a bundle of energy and stops Rock Island's Amy Brown and her husband, who are walking on the skybridge to ask them what they think.

Brown, who recognized Pregracke from photos she has seen, thinks the vision is a great idea.

"I've got one condition," she said. "If Davenport turns this down, can you bring it over to Rock Island or try there?"

Ten minutes later, Pregracke sees two younger men are making their way to the elevator.

He quickly whips out his plans out of their cylindrical container and asks if they would visit the riverfront if a floating park was there.

The response again is overwhelmingly positive, only this time delivered with more expletives and vigor.

The Davenport City Council will meet on Nov. 29 to look at the one proposal that has not been removed from consideration, but Pregracke is hoping to get his opportunity to present his vision in December.

Pregracke, who was named 2013 CNN Hero of the Year and a recipient of the Jefferson Award for Public Service, said he is not a developer and sees the riverfront vision as a community project.

He wants to hear what people want and who wants to contribute or partner in his plan.

He's even willing to put in the resources to help tear down some of the existing structures, which will cost between $70,000 and $100,000, according to estimates he has received.

"This isn't going to make me any money," Pregracke said. "It's only going to take a lot of time and energy, but I'm willing to put my resources to help facilitate it if this is something the city wants to do."
The Rev. Mariah Marlin-Warfield of Rock Island's Church of Peace blessed a special Thanksgiving service and made a clear point.

"You may not always feel welcome, but you are always welcome here," she said to some 150 refugees gathered Thursday night in the community room of her church.

Fifty adults and about 100 children took part in the Family Literacy Program special event, having spent weeks in classes, learning to speak English and gaining skills to succeed in the United States.

Thursday night, in addition to the traditional Thanksgiving dinner, was Family Reading Night. There was a program, and each of the families received a package of self-care supplies. Each child took home at least one book.

To begin the event, the families gathered in a circle as a tearful Lisa Viaene, site coordinator, said her good-byes. Viaene, of Davenport, has worked with the Family Literacy Program for six years but is retiring.

Integral to the program were occupational therapy students from St. Ambrose University, Davenport. The students served food, read books out loud to the gathering, and played music.

Jonathan Manix, a St. Ambrose student from Davenport, taught the classes for about a month. He focused on life skills like writing a check, and how to count money.

Manix is the child of refugees from Laos, and the work in Rock Island was close to his heart. It was as if he were completing a circle from his parents' experiences, he said.

Viaene, the site coordinator, said the refugees all legally arrived in the United States, and 95 percent of the households have at least one person employed.

Each of them has come from a horrific situation, she said. The majority are from Myanmar (formerly Burma), Iraq and African countries of Burundi and the Democratic Republic of Congo.

Mulei Shee, Rock Island, left Burma before the Asian country's name was changed to Myanmar. She and her husband and three children, were all at the dinner.

The family recently bought a home in Rock Island and Shee loves living in the city. "I am free here!" she said.

This is the first year that the Family Literacy Program is sponsored by the Spring Forward Learning Center, which is a partner to the Rock Island-Milan School District.

Dan McNeil, Spring Forward director, said the organization's mission is to provide free educational opportunities to all Rock Island residents.

When McNeil first visited the Family Literacy Program at the Church of Peace, he knew immediately he wanted to sponsor it. "The program has helped so many families adjust to their new life in our community and we are so proud to be a part of it."

Mike Oberhaus, superintendent of the school district, said it's a clear part of the services in the school district, and the refugees can provide residents with examples of other cultures and rituals in the United States.

"I hope we, too, can learn from the refugees," he said.
CHICAGO -- My recent, unscientific survey of Latino journalists across the country found a near-unanimous belief that the media failed Hispanics in the run-up to the presidential election.

Their reasons for criticizing the mainstream media (as opposed to Latino-focused English-language media or Spanish-language media) were varied -- from cable news networks elevating a Hispanic Donald Trump apologist who warned against taco trucks on every corner if Hillary Clinton was elected, to largely ignoring anti-Latino slams like Trump's "bad hombres" comment and Mike Pence's "that Mexican thing."

For any number of reasons, frustrations with how Hispanic stories were framed or simply overlooked made Latinos upset before the polls closed. And it infuriated them after President-elect Trump was named the victor.

"Our media failed us, our leaders failed us, and Hillary Clinton failed us. But mostly, we failed ourselves," wrote Alfredo Estrada, publisher of Latino magazine, on Facebook the day after the election. "We failed to unify against a candidate who attacked and vilified us from the first day of his campaign. There was no Latino surge, and the sleeping giant overslept. In the days to come, we'll need to redefine our relationship to our political parties and community organizations, who failed us as well. Things won't be the same again."

Sadly, even as the mainstream media are bending over backward with mea culpas about not predicting a Trump win, they're still flirting with getting the Latino vote narrative wrong again.

After the election, CNN, ABC, The Associated Press and other media outlets cited Edison Research exit polls that said 29 percent of Latinos voted for Donald Trump -- more than voted for Mitt Romney in 2012.

There's no disputing that there were indeed a significant number of Hispanics who voted for Trump for a variety of reasons, such as his stance on abortion and his promise to end Obamacare. The Pew Research Center's Hispanic Trends Project had estimated that Trump's share of the Latino vote would be 19 percent and Latino Decisions' exit polling estimated it at 18 percent.

These numbers illustrate that, contrary to the monolithically Democrat-leaning "Latino vote" that news outlets refer to, the Hispanic electorate is diverse in its political preferences.

During a post-election telephone briefing, Matt Barreto of Latino Decisions said that Edison Research's own 2005 self-critique noted that its polling was not designed to yield reliable estimates of the characteristics of geographically clustered demographic groups, like Hispanics, and that such exit polls included larger sampling errors.

"Because of this, we suspect the overall national exit polls to not be correct," Barreto said. "We believe Latino turnout was up and the GOP got the lowest number of Latino votes ever for a presidential candidate."

Not everyone is convinced that the Latino Decisions polls were more accurate than exit polling (and some believe the firm has a political agenda because some of its staff had ties to the Clinton campaign), so we'll have to wait for national final tallies to learn how Latinos actually voted.

In the meantime, initial results should be a lesson to mainstream media outlets to put an end to simplistic reporting that popularizes terms like "the Sleeping Giant" and alternately frames Hispanic voters as almighty determiners of elections or non-entities in the electoral process. The fact is, Hispanic voters made their voices heard loud and clear on Election Day.

"We need to actually focus on the historic turnout," said Arturo Vargas, the executive director of the California-based NALEO Educational Fund. "If you look at the impact Latinos have had on local elections, we've had five Latinos added to the U.S. House of Representatives in a year not following reapportionment or redistricting, the first Latina elected to the U.S. Senate and we helped turn out [the much-reviled Maricopa County, Arizona, Sheriff Joe] Arpaio."

Vargas told me that though the Latino surge was not big enough to outdo the surge of angry white voters in Wisconsin, Michigan and Ohio, "we still have to recognize that traditional voter engagement absolutely worked even though Latino-led organizations were not well-funded because the voter outreach money went to non-Latino organizations that, frankly, didn't know what they were doing."

If this election has taught us anything, it's that Hispanic voters need consistent, ongoing engagement, cultivation and investment to continue to be able to make their mark on the electoral process. And that goes for both get-out-the-vote efforts and fair portrayals and coverage in the media.
Dear Facebook friends,

If you don't see me gushing over the pix of your Thanksgiving pies, take no offense. It's not that your pie is a bore (though, frankly, it is). And it's not because I unfriended you. It's because Facebook has become a platform for the sort of fake news stories that helped elect Donald Trump. In doing so, Facebook undermines our civic culture -- its creepy smile floating overhead.

I'm so out of there. I've wanted to quit for a long time, having wearied of friends' pictorials of their idyllic family and personal lives. I know for a fact that some of the most glowing portrayals come from (mostly) women who couldn't make it to noon without a fistful of meds. I still love them, and if they wish to connect, they have my number.

Though hyper-partisan fake news stories have come from both the left and the right, Facebook entrepreneurs know that the money is in plowing the Trumpian fields. And for all the patriotic memes, foreigners are behind much of the manipulation of the American public.

Kids in a town in Macedonia (that's near Greece) created over 100 pro-Trump websites, spreading phony reports such as FBI plans to indict Hillary Clinton. The Make America Great page outsources the writing of fraudulent news to a couple in the Philippines.

Compounding the evil, Facebook's design makes fake stories from fake sites such as the nonexistent Denver Guardian look like stories from the very real Denver Post. And no, blocking fake news sites from ad revenues is not going to stop politically motivated lying.

Facebook further degrades the national conversation by creating echo chambers. Its algorithm directs the "news" people like to their like-minded friends.

No chains shackle us to Facebook.

Aleks Krotoski, a technology journalist for BBC, saw a wave of Britons leaving Facebook after the Brexit vote -- mostly people opposed to leaving the European Union. "They were shocked by the fact that they had found themselves in an echo chamber, in a bubble," she told me.

Adding to my disgust with Facebook's amoral business model is founder Mark Zuckerberg's excuse for it. Facebook is not a media company; it's a technology company, he explained.

So why has Facebook been so joyfully ravaging the advertising base of real news media companies, which put sweat, pride and dollars into reporting? As just one example, Facebook last year siphoned about $27 million in digital ads from The Guardian, according to a former editor.

Zuckerberg says he doesn't want Facebook making judgments on what "news" is acceptable for its site. Funny, Facebook bans pictures of female breasts in the name of decency but sees nothing indecent about putting lies into the mouth of Pope Francis. We refer to the total falsehood, seen almost a million times, that the pope had endorsed Trump.

Public-spirited Trump voters should object to such corporate dereliction. But Clinton supporters have more reason for rage at Facebook for letting con men poison Clinton's candidacy -- at a profit to both Facebook and the cons.

I know quitting Facebook would be hard for many. It has something of a lock on group communications. But there's something of a monkey-see, monkey-do element of Facebook that when someone announces she's leaving, others do likewise.

"If you have a critical mass of people who get fed up and leave, Facebook would be in trouble," Krotoski said.

An alternative would push that day closer. We need something to challenge the nature of the commitment and the connections that people have to one another on Facebook. Surely, there are innovators working feverishly on a replacement. If they succeed, they'll make a fortune. I will help them in my microscopic way.

In the meantime, I'm leaving Facebook. Follow me.
PIERRE | Gov. Dennis Daugaard plans to appoint a new commissioner of finance and management at some point after his budget speech to the Legislature next month, his chief of staff said Thursday.

Tony Venhuizen said the former commissioner, Jason Dilges, has been placed on indefinite administrative leave pending a final decision on his status.

The change took place last week after an internal review. Staff members in the Bureau of Finance and Management were told that Dilges wouldnt be returning.

This is a personnel matter. It does not involve criminal allegations or the handling of state funds, Venhuizen said.

Daugaard delivers his fiscal 2018 budget recommendations to the Legislature on Dec. 6.

Dilges, 44, ran the budget office throughout the eight years of previous Gov. Mike Rounds administration and the six years so far of Daugaards administration.

He also worked in the budget office during the final terms of Gov. Bill Janklows administration before temporarily moving to the private sector.

Until a replacement is named, state economist Jim Terwilliger is leading the budget work and Lt. Gov. Matt Michels is overseeing Terwilliger and the rest of the bureaus staff, according to Venhuizen.

The governor does plan to appoint a permanent replacement at some point following the budget address, he said.

The departure of Dilges leaves other vacancies that need to be filled.

He was a governors appointee to the board of trustees for the South Dakota Retirement System and served on governors council of economic advisers.

He also chaired the new Board of Internal Control that is working to increase financial accountability and safeguards in state government.

Venhuizen said he expected the governor would make appointments to those positions in the coming month.

State tax revenue is running behind the estimates adopted by the Legislature for the current fiscal 2017 budget.
BISMARCK, N.D. | In a case that could foreshadow how other mass arrests will be adjudicated, a North Dakota judge has thrown out felony charges against several Dakota Access pipeline protesters arrested during a raid of the northern camp on Oct. 27.

After the raid, 139 people were charged with one felony count of conspiracy to endanger by fire or explosion and two misdemeanor counts. The prosecutors filed a single complaint and supporting affidavit against all of them on Nov. 10.

The affidavit alleges protesters at least implicitly agreed to set multiple fires throughout the day, thereby endangering law enforcement, firefighters and nearby pastureland.

But South Central District Judge Cynthia Feland was not convinced the prosecutors had made a case against each person. She notes that the prosecutor failed to specifically name who committed the crime, how and when they committed it or how they agreed to commit the crime together.

"As far as the court can tell from the facts alleged in the affidavit, these fires were set sporadically, at different locations, by different individuals, seemingly at random. The state has not alleged facts sufficient to show an explicit or implicit agreement between the 139 defendants to commit the offense charged," Feland wrote in an order to dismiss the felony charge against Yenglin Jeysien Verdugo.

Court records show identical orders also are filed with five other protesters. Nine additional protesters, whose cases were assigned to Feland, will also have their felony charge dropped, according to the Morton County Clerk's office.

It is not clear yet whether the felony charge against the other 124 people assigned to different judges will stand.

The felony charge was dismissed without prejudice, meaning a prosecutor can re-charge the case if the prosecution can provide probable cause. The protesters are still charged with misdemeanor counts of maintaining a public nuisance and engaging in a riot.

"In making this order, the court recognizes the extreme stress under which law enforcement officers and the prosecutors bringing these charges have been operating. This order should not be considered a criticism of their efforts or a suggestion the arrest in this matter was not appropriate," Feland wrote.

It is possible that the prosecutor will try to appeal Feland's order dismissing the charges.

During a court appearance for Mega Mae Plenty Chief, against whom the felony charge was dropped, Morton County State's Attorney Allen Koppy set the stage for an appeal to the state supreme court. He said the state took exception to the court's order and suggested he might make an interlocutory appeal, which is an appeal that would be heard before Plenty Chief's case is closed.

The affidavit from the Morton County State's Attorney alleges several fires were set throughout the day. Protesters lit hay bales on fire, attempted to ignite a gas tank, burned a pipeline company bulldozer and set armored vehicles ablaze, causing damage to the Backwater Bridge, according to the affidavit.

The arrests were made as law enforcement evicted protesters from a northern camp established atop the pipeline route on Dakota Access property, which they claimed as treaty land. During the hours-long confrontation, protesters set fires and threw objects at police. Officers responded with pepper spray and less lethal bullets. In total, 147 people were arrested.
BISMARCK, N.D. | The streets of downtown Bismarck were closed briefly Thursday for Dakota Access pipeline demonstrators who held signs and chanted for clean water outside the Wells Fargo branch offices and the William L. Guy Federal Building.

A group of about 150 protesters arrived at the intersection of North Fourth Street and Main Avenue around 11:30 a.m. to find a large number of law enforcement officers guarding the Wells Fargo building on East Broadway Avenue.

Employees at Wells Fargo and other downtown businesses watched as protesters walked up to the police line. One protester plopped down on the sidewalk in front of the officers with a book. She was joined by several others, who formed a circle and sang.

Protesters said they came to Wells Fargo because it was one of the banks funding the $3.7 billion pipeline.

A total of eight people were arrested Thursday in connection to the protests, according to the Bismarck Police Department.
Two men were formally charged with rape in a Pennington County courtroom Thursday while the woman who prosecutors say is the victim of the attack sat listening in the audience.

Toby M. Rolfe, 43, pleaded not guilty to third-degree rape, which prosecutors say was committed against an unconscious woman in Box Elder on Sept. 28.

Marvin S. Payne, 48, who was charged with sexually assaulting the same woman, pleaded not guilty to aiding and abetting third-degree rape.

Rolfe, of Box Elder, and Payne, of Florissant, Colo., asked the court to lower their bonds of $500,000 each.

In an unusual moment during a routine hearing, the woman who was introduced to the court as the victim came forward and spoke against the bond reduction.

I fear for my children and myself, the 28-year-old woman told 7th Circuit Judge Robert Mandel. I trusted and I was let down, and Im asking not to be let down again.

She spoke for less than a minute, all the time standing behind the defendants.

Mandel decreased the bonds to $25,000 but required cash only after considering the mens danger to the community and their flight risk. He also ordered them to do twice-daily sobriety tests and appear when required.

The bond had initially been $500,000 cash or surety, meaning the men could have been released by paying a non-refundable 10 percent premium, or $50,000, to a bonding agency.

Deputy States Attorney Wayne Venhuizen had earlier told the court the prosecution held overwhelming evidence against the defendants. Four people saw the woman being sexually assaulted and saw Payne taking photos that showed Rolfe assaulting her, Venhuizen said.

In a previous hearing, the prosecutor said alcohol was involved in the incident. The woman, he said, remembers having one drink before passing out. By the time first responders arrived, she was barely breathing and her pulse couldnt be felt.

Paynes lawyer, George Grassby, had described the allegation as aberrant behavior for his client. He introduced two people who showed up in court to support his client: Paynes employer as an electrician, who flew up from Colorado, and Paynes older brother, a decades-long law enforcement officer.

Rolfes attorney, Jeffrey Connolly, described a bond of $500,000 as higher than necessary to ensure the communitys safety and to prevent Rolfe from fleeing. He said Rolfe is a local homeowner with steady employment, a single father to a teenage boy, and has cooperated with authorities in the past as a court witness.

Rolfe denied the allegation that he is a repeat offender with a couple of South Dakota convictions for driving while intoxicated.

Third-degree rape is a felony that carries a punishment of up to 25 years in prison and/or a $50,000 fine.
WASHINGTON | The people chose Hillary Clinton. But it's the electoral vote that counts, not the popular vote, so Donald Trump will be president. And no, I'm not over it.

No one should be over it. No one should pretend that Trump will be a normal president. No one should forget the bigotry and racism of his campaign, the naked appeals to white grievance, the stigmatizing of Mexicans and Muslims. No one should forget the jaw-dropping ignorance he showed about government policy both foreign and domestic. No one should forget the vile misogyny. None of this must ever be normalized in our politics.

The big protests that have followed Trump's election should be no surprise. You can't spend all those months trashing our nation's values and then expect everyone to join you in a group hug.

How did the unthinkable happen? Is Trump, like Brexit, part of some world-sweeping populist wave? Are the Rust Belt hinterlands in open rebellion? Was Clinton just a spectacularly flawed candidate? Did FBI Director James Comey boost Trump over the top? Did too many anti-Trump voters stay home out of complacency?

There is evidence to support all of those theories. But the urgent question isn't why, it's what now.

If a normal Republican had been elected, I could say the polite and socially acceptable thing, something like, "I didn't support So-and-So but he will be my president, too, and I wish him success." But I cannot wish Trump success in rounding up and deporting millions of people or banning Muslims from entering the country or reinstituting torture as an instrument of U.S. policy. In these and other divisive or cruel or unwise initiatives, I wish him failure.

Let me be clear that I am not questioning his legitimacy as president. When the results are certified and the Electoral College casts its votes, Trump will be the nation's duly chosen leader.

But he has not earned our trust or hope. Rather, he has earned the demonstrations that erupted in cities across the country. He has earned relentless scrutiny by journalists, whom he shamelessly made into scapegoats during the campaign, and he has earned the constant vigilance of the public he now must serve.

There have been more than 200 reports since the election of harassment and hate crimes, mostly directed at minorities, according to the Southern Poverty Law Center. During an interview broadcast Sunday on "60 Minutes," Trump addressed his supporters: "I will say this, and I will say right to the cameras: Stop it."

That would have been a better start had he not also sought to minimize the incidents, saying there had been a "very small amount" of them; and had he not also claimed the media were somehow applying a double standard in reporting on the protests.

The most troubling post-election development thus far was Trump's appointment of campaign chief executive Steve Bannon  a prominent figure in the racist, xenophobic "alt-right" movement  as chief strategist and senior adviser.

On "60 Minutes," Trump hinted that he might moonwalk away from some of his most radical promises on immigration, the issue that made him stand out from the crowd of Republican contenders. He still says he will build a wall on the Mexican border, but there "could be some fencing" instead of an actual wall in places. And he said that "we're going to make a determination" about the fate of millions of undocumented immigrants who have not committed crimes.

He also backed away from the idea of having a special prosecutor reinvestigate Clinton over her emails. "They're good people, I don't want to hurt them," he said of Bill and Hillary Clinton.

If Trump is beginning to confront reality on some fronts, that's a first step in a thousand-mile journey toward credibility and respect. But appointing Bannon is a big step backward. We must watch Trump, and judge him, every single inch of the way.
Its appropriate that Gov. Pete Ricketts and Nebraska ag leaders celebrate the successes in their trade mission to China.

Among the positive developments was the announcement that Preferred Popcorn LLC of Chapman signed a contract with its long-time Chinese partner. Nebraska officials said Tuesday that they also signed nine separate letters of intent with companies and organizations that have agreed to purchase Nebraska-made products.

However, the long-term prospects for expanded international markets for Nebraska agricultural products are more problematic.

The victory by Donald Trump has all but guaranteed that the proposed Trans-Pacific Partnership is dead in Congress.

Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell said the agreement will not be considered in the lame duck session of Congress. Sen. Chuck Schumer, the pending new leader of Senate Democrats, also told labor leaders the agreement will not be approved.

The TPP had huge support in Nebraska, with at least 20 different ag groups backing the agreement. The Nebraska Farm Bureau went to the unusual length of producing a county-by-county analysis of the TPPs benefits. The report showed Lancaster County would benefit to the tune of $1.9 million. Totals for other nearby counties included: Gage, $3.1 million; Seward, $4.3 million; Saunders, $4.8 million; Butler, $3.2 million and Otoe, $2.4 million.

The complicated agreement would have reduced or eliminated about 18,000 tariffs that the other 11 countries have on imports with the United States.

China was not included in the proposed agreement. During the campaign, however, Trump said he wanted to set a tariff as high as 45 percent on imports from China.

During his trade mission to China and in other post-election remarks Ricketts and other Nebraska leaders have tried to stay positive about prospects for agricultural trade under Trump.

Farm country went more than 2 to 1 for Trump. The most likely payoff for that support is a decreased regulatory burden. Trump has promised, for example, to kill the controversial new Waters of the United States rules from the Environmental Protection Agency.

But prospects for more agricultural trade under Trump are dismal. Trump has also promised to tear up the North American Free Trade Agreement that has benefited Nebraska agriculture.

During a conference call from Shanghai, Ricketts told Nebraska news media he still hopes to get the message to the Trump administration about why trade is important.

The editorial board wishes him success, but from our perspective the hope seems a forlorn one.
RAPID CITY | Howard Shaff, a resident of Marco Island, FL, and Rapid City, SD, author of more than a dozen books, Korean War veteran, leading figure in the South Dakota tourism business and one-time New York City cab driver, died peacefully Tuesday, Nov. 15, 2016, at Avow Hospice in Naples, FL. He was 87.

Born in Brooklyn two weeks before the stock market crash of 1929, Shaff lived a life that transcended cultural, professional and geographical boundaries. His father, Samuel J. Shaff, ran a drugstore in Harlem and died when Howard was nine years old. For the next 78 years, Howard kept a framed photograph of his father with him wherever he lived. The photograph was still on his desk when he died Tuesday. His mom, Sadie Honig Shaff, ran Sadies Knitting Shop in Brooklyn, NY.

As a teenager, Shaff hitchhiked across the United States and then enlisted in the U.S. Air Force, serving as an intelligence analyst during the Korean War. After the war, he got a job as a taxi driver in New York City and later established a woodworking factory in Paterson, NJ. After a fire destroyed his company in 1966, he moved his family to California and went to work for International Fabric Molders (IFM), eventually running their factory in Stamford, CT.

But through it all, Shaff only had one true occupation. He was a writer. At 14, he received his first rejection letter. He found a silver lining in that first rejection. There it was, he later recalled, a rejection letter, proof that I was a writer.

Shaff would go on to write several novels, biographies and plays. His most well known and influential work was Six Wars at a Time: The Life and Times of Gutzon Borglum, sculptor of Mount Rushmore, a biography published in 1985, that he co-wrote with his wife Audrey Karl Shaff. His most recent work, published in 2009, is titled King Abraham, a work of historical fiction centered on the plot to kill Abraham Lincoln.

Shaff lived in the Black Hills of South Dakota for more than three decades. He did an oral history of the workers who helped carve Mount Rushmore for the University of South Dakota. He worked as the curator and manager of the Rushmore Historical Center in Keystone, establishing the museum as the definitive collection of the artwork of Gutzon Borglum. In 1992, he established America Tours West, a leading tour company in the Black Hills based at his K Bar S Ranch outside of Keystone.

In 2010, the state of South Dakota honored Shaff with the Ben Black Elk Award which recognizes an individual who has made tireless and outstanding contributions to our states visitor industry. He was also the recipient of the National Tour Associations Supplier of the Year Award.

Howard is survived by his wife, Audrey; his daughters, Amy, Fran and Sue; and his stepsons, Jonathan, Allan, James and Robert Karl Jr. He has 10 grandchildren and five great-grandchildren (with two more on the way).

Memorial services will be at 3 p.m. Sunday, Nov. 20, at the Jewish Congregation of Marco Island in Florida. In lieu of flowers, Mrs. Karl-Shaff suggests a donation to the Michael J. Fox Foundation for Parkinsons Research.
Two Russian managers to pay $1.2 mln disgorgement in SEC case

MOSCOW, November 18 (RAPSI)  Russian traders Alexander Fedoseyev and Roman Lavlinsky are to pay disgorgement of about $1.2 million in a civil lawsuit filed by the Securities and Exchange Commission, according to court records.

The U.S. District Court for the District of New Jersey has approved a settlement that the SEC reached with Fedoseyev and Lavlinsky.

The SEC filed a lawsuit in August 2015 against 34 suspects, including individuals and entities residing and registered in Russia, the US, France, Ukraine, Cyprus, and Malta.

The U.S. regulator claims that the suspects perpetrated an international fraudulent scheme by hacking the computer servers of at least two newswire services and stealing confidential earnings information for numerous publicly-traded companies from press releases that had not yet been released to the public. That stolen nonpublic information was then used to trade securities and reap over $100 million in unlawful profits.

The U.S. regulator alleges that the information was acquired in 2012 through 2014 from Ukrainian hackers Ivan Turchinov and Alexander Yeremenko.

By early November, SEC reached settlements with 13 suspects who agreed to pay disgorgement totaling $53 million. The list includes David Amaryan who resides in Moscow and controls a number of funds registered in the British Virgin Islands and Cayman Islands. They were ordered to pay $10 million. Ukraine-based Capital Partners and its principal, Andriy Supranonok, were ordered to pay $30 million.

SEC filed in February a suit against nine other suspects, including four residents of St. Petersburg and Russian national Anton Maslov, the owner of Tarek Investors.

Meantime, the US Attorney's Offices for the District of New Jersey and the Eastern District of New York initiated a criminal case against five suspects in the case. Three of them (Arkady Dubovy and his son Igor, as well as Alexander Garkusha), pleaded guilty.
Lets take a trip to a famous college. However, this is a very unique college. Even though it is over 225 years old, it has no classrooms, no labs, no student union, in fact, no students or instructors, not even a campus. Nor does it confer degrees of any kind. However, it fulfills a very important role, for this college is the Electoral College. The members of the Electoral College are the ones that cast the only votes that really count.

On the first Monday after the second Wednesday in December (Dec. 19, 2016), the electors meet in their respective states to cast their votes for President and Vice President of the United States.

Generally, political parties either nominate slates of potential Electors at their state party conventions, or choose them by a vote of the partys central committee. This results in each Presidential candidate having his or her own unique slate of potential Electors. Anyone except a current office holder or anyone that has engaged in insurrection or rebellion against the United States can be an elector.

The candidate who carries a particular state will then have his or her electors selected (the only exceptions are Nebraska and Maine, which have proportional distribution of Electors).

The Twelfth Amendment requires each elector to cast one vote for president and another vote for vice president.

Interestingly, there is no Constitutional provision or Federal law requiring Electors to vote according to the results of the popular vote in his or her respective states. In 29 states, an Elector who fails to vote based on the popular vote winner may be subject to fines, have his or her vote nullified, and replaced by a substitute elector. In New Mexico, an improper voting Elector is charged with a fourth degree felony. Since the establishment of the Electoral College, there have only been 157 so-called faithless electors.

If there is a tie in the Electoral College vote, the House of Representative decides who will be president, with the Senate deciding on the vice president. In both instance, each state has but one vote. The House has decided the president two times in our history, in 1800 (voting for Jefferson) and again in 1824 (voting for J Q Adams).

Under the Electoral College structure, smaller states have a lot of political muscle. For instance, based on population and electoral votes, each vote in Montana counts 2 times more than a similar vote in California. Consequently, smaller states have very little incentive to dispose of the Electoral College.

Congress is scheduled to meet in a joint session in January 2017 to conduct the official tally of electoral votes. Vice President Biden, as President of the Senate, will be the presiding officer.

So, why did the Founding Fathers set up the Electoral College in the first place? Two reasons stand out. One was the fear that the smaller states would not approve of the newly drafted Constitution unless they were protected from dominance by the larger states. Secondly, early American leaders did not really trust democracy. So they created the Electoral College as a kind of buffer in case the people voted for a truly unqualified person to be president.

By the way, in case you are wondering, whether a candidate concedes or not has no bearing on the voting of the Electoral College nor on his or her ability to later challenge the results of the election (as Gore did in 2000).
Free new or gently used clothing and household items are available at The Giveaway, an event by The Place Church that takes place from 9 a.m. to noon on Saturday, Dec. 3, at Hamilton City Hall.

This is the fourth year for The Giveaway and event organizer Denise Echterling said it is a blessing.

We are so grateful to everyone that has given generously to make this blessing happen, Echterling said. Everyone is welcome. There are no limitations whatsoever on location or size of family or anything like that.

Echterling said the first year happened because some churches in Canada donated items to our community.

We were shocked at the amount of stuff it was, she said. We had just moved to the area from Alabama and we went through our stuff. We started matching items one to one, everything that they gave we gave.

Echterling said the event has grown thanks to generous community members.

It started by people seeing others needing help and it became a part of peoples heart in this area, she said. The next year we filled up the Bedford Building. One person donated 22 tubs of baby clothes and that was exactly what was needed that time. What people donate is the very thing people need.

The Giveaway asks for donations. It can provide receipts for tax purposes.

We take donations if they want to deliver them to city hall, noon to 6 p.m. on Dec. 2, Echterling said. If people want to donate a monetary gift, we can buy scarves and gloves. We are thankful for all donations but cannot take mattresses, televisions, baby car seats or computers.

This year The Giveaway will give prizes of a Bowflex, exercise bike and furniture in addition to the donated items.

Its a wonderful opportunity for people to share, Echterling said. We all have storage units and we decide hey we dont need this, lets bless someone else. Since the Roaring Lion Fire, there are so many people that need things.

Echterling said the Bitterroot Valley community is gracious.

Coming from Alabama, there was a lot of need there, but here people will pick one or two items and well offer more but theyll say no, Im good, I want someone else to have that, she said. There is a graciousness of spirit here in this valley.

The event has 20 to 30 volunteers and more are always welcome, especially strong young volunteers to help carry items to cars.

We call our volunteers VIPs - Volunteers Impacting People, Echterling said. Its amazing to see how they make an impact and are impacted.

Echterling said they do The Giveaway just ahead of the Christmas season each year.

We had several children come in and they would hide things in their pocket and we would explain everything is free and even a child gets two bags of free items, she said. The child said you dont understand, my mommy has never had a Christmas present and this year she will but I dont want her to see this. That was so moving. We are blessing kids and moms.

The Giveaway displays items by department and everything is neat and organized.

Echterling said during the event she stands at the front door welcoming everyone and explaining that each person gets two bags to fill. Everyone also gets two household items, toys, coats, and as many shoes as they want, if they fit.

We want them to walk out feeling that they won the lottery, Echterling said. We want them to be blessed and have a wonderful time. I love this giveaway. It is the most simple thing but exhausting. Its getting bigger and bigger and were honored to be a part of it.

The Giveaway is from 9 a.m. to noon on Saturday, Dec. 3, at City Hall, 223 South Second Street in Hamilton. For more information, call 406-350-2360.
Darby Community Public Library director Wendy Campbell was selected for the Robert B. Downs intellectual freedom award from the University of Illinois, School of Information Sciences.

The Libraries Unlimited will give the award and $1,000 to Campbell at the American Library Association meeting in Atlanta, GA, on Jan. 21.

According to the award letter, Campbell was chosen for her determination in providing the cultural program, Perspectives on Islam, against community objections.

Sandy Burner, president of the Friends of the Darby Library, praised Campbells tenacity in presenting informative programs to the community.

The library brought in special speakers and there was quite a bit of backlash from the community, Burner said. Wendy was so steady in seeing to it that we could present any information that was pertinent whether or not people agreed with it.

James LaRue, Executive Director, Freedom to Read Foundation, American Library Association, nominated Campbell.

Campbells library hosted a series of Lifelong Learning cultural programs for her community of 4,000 people, he said. One of these programs, Perspectives on Islam, sparked strong protest by several community members. Campbell spoke with the patrons, met with them and various community leaders, and eventually decided to proceed with the program.

LaRue detailed the steps Campbell took to continue with the event. She contacted a neighboring library director, the county sheriff, the state librarian, the school superintendent, school board and the Office for Intellectual Freedom.

LaRue said the event was peaceful and successful.

At a time when libraries are seeking greater civic engagement, at a time when many of us are looking for more meaningful and dignified discourse, Campbells approach proved to be definitive: the speaker was welcomed warmly, listened to attentively, and questioned respectfully, LaRue said. By the conclusion of the event, the patrons gratefully applauded speaker and librarian alike. The library, meanwhile, secured its position in the community as a force for education that neither promoted nor condemned various ideas, but provided a safe and courteous forum for their consideration.

Larue said the community was inspired by the example of an extremely thoughtful and dedicated librarian.

We are so proud of Wendy, our librarian, so thrilled for the community and so delighted our Darby library has received this award, said Darby Library Board member Marie Myers.
CAMILLUS, N.Y.-- It took three years for Jeannette Artini and Jim Corbo to find their perfect place to live.

Artini, a Westvale native who got her MBA from University at Albany, and Corbo, an Albany native who got his degree from Syracuse University, met in Syracuse and later married.

They searched for a home together in Central New York that fit their criteriaa spacious home with enough room to accommodate 40 people for Thanksgiving on an ample-sized lot that offered both privacy and proximity to stores and highways.

After years of searching, they found the location: A 3.3-acre plot on the end of a quiet cul-de-sac that backs up to hundreds of acres of forest, all while being less than a five-minute drive from the Route 5 commercial strip in Fairmount.

"We found, in our opinion, the perfect location," she said.

They found the property, but couldn't find the house. So they built their own.

Artini said she designed the 3,840-square-foot home herself, including the large great room, Artini's favorite room in the house. The open downstairs floor plan includes the great room, dining room and kitchen, creating a free-flowing layout that Artini said is ideal for both intimate dinners and large gatherings.

"I think it's one of the best design concepts a house can have," she said.

The finished lower level is an in-law apartment with its own entrance leading to the attached three-car garage, as well as an entrance leading outside.

Artini and Corbo are looking to downsize and travel more, but they'll be staying in Central New York.

"There isn't a prettier place topographically than Upstate New York," she said. "Why would we want to leave this?"

THE DETAILS

Address: 143 Quartz Way, Camillus, N.Y., 13219

Price: $419,900

Size: 3,840 square feet

Acreage: 3.3 acres

Monthly Mortgage: $1,516 (based on this week's national average rate of 3.52 percent, according to Freddie Mac, for a 30-year fixed-rate mortgage with a 20 percent down payment. Fees and points not included.)

Taxes: $8,632 (Based on assessed value of $239,600)

Built: 1995

School District: West Genesee

Kitchen: The eat-in kitchen features a full suite of stainless steel appliances, granite counters, center island and easy access to the large back deck.

Dining room: Part of the open downstairs floor plan, the dining room is surrounded by glass doors leading to the deck, filling the room with natural light.

Great room: A granite-topped wet bar with wine racks and under-cabinet glass storage flanks a fireplace, the centerpiece of the room.

Master bedroom: One of five bedrooms in the home, the second-floor master bedroom has a large walk-in closet.

Master bathroom: The master bathroom, one of four full bathrooms, features a shower and double vanity.

Outside: The yard has a 14-zone sprinkler system and a 16-by-20-foot screen house that Artini called her "summer home away from home.

Artini and Corbo are selling their home by-owner. MLS #S1006029



An open house is scheduled for Nov. 20, from noon to 4 p.m., or call (315) 373-3298 for private showing.

To nominate a listing for House of the Week, send an email to home@syracuse.com. Contact Jacob Pucci at jpucci@syracuse.com or on Twitter at @jacobpucci.
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Dirgha Raj Prasai

After the movement (I) of 1990, Nepal became dirty playground of foreigners. The movement (II) of 2006 was not for democracy but for making Nepal confused and failed state. The so-called leaders of Congress, UML, and Maoists were never clear whether the movement was for improvement of parliamentary democracy or for communism. The leaders are so confused. They sometimes unite and sometimes quarrel for nothing. Unhealthy alliances run in similar way. Due to their notorious activities, the corrupted leaders of so-called big party leaders are being trapped in their own grand designs. In Nepalese politics, what is the aim or objective of Congress, UML, Maoists, and Madhesis ? The answer is not clear that the traitors do not have any capacity direct the country in right pathway. Now there is no doubt that the leaders of above stated parties are guided by foreigners. Therefore they do not deserve any right to claim as leaders of the country.

Since 1990, the culprit leaders of Congress & UML believed that the constitution of Kingdom of Nepal, 1990 was the best constitution of world because they used to say they were committed to constitutional monarchy and parliamentary democracy. In present, it seems they forgot it just as a dream. What were pitfalls of the Constitution of 1990? Why was it suspended without reason? What kind of new constitution they require? Even they are reluctant to justify it in front of Nepalese people. Maoists used to claim them nationalist. But they are completely exposed as they signed 12 point agreement on Indian direction In Delhi. Now there is painful confusion about the forward direction to be taken by Nepal. 'Crows are never the white for washing.' They are satanic but not political man. Whoever will the PM in the new Govt, but, it seems the country may face disastrous civil war.

Although there is difference in Congress, UML, Madhesis and Maoist as party, they all are directed from same point/place. The uprising of 2063 BS proved this fact. Due to traitors and corrupted leaders the country encountered heavy problems. India always exhibits its interest whenever any internal problem is seen in Nepal. Slogans like 'Republic, Secularism, Racial-federalism, complete Madhesi single or two states, are not due to Nepali people or leaders, but are part of grand design to destroy Nepal. The policy that is 'a honey tongue, a heart of Gail' by above stated party leaders has leading to serious danger in the existence of Nepal. Why such anarchy, if movement was against dictatorship. Why the agreement, made at 2006 April 24 with the King, was violated? Because it was the same agreement by which the movement was suspended. This would lead failure of these leaders in future. The main confusion and betray is interim constitution, 2006 as the agreement was already made in accordance to the constitution of 1990.

Caste, language, religion, land and mines of Nepal are considered to be highly sensitive issues. If you raise these issues without your understanding and enough homework, you will be trapped in net. Since past few years, some leaders raised these issues so lightly that their Pandora's Box has been broken and totally exposed.

In fact, there are three types residents in the country viz Anadibasi (those who are living from immortal time), Aadibasi (indigenous caste), Aaprabasi (migrants). Brahmins, Chhetri and few Newars are Anadibasi. Magar, Gurung, Tamang, Rai, Limbu, Sherpa, Rajbansi, Tharu and Dhimal etc are indigenous castes. Unlike, migrants are Muslims, Marwadis, Madhesis and Bengalis, who came to Nepal some 300 years ago extending their business and trade. But, the Muslims, Bengalese and Marwari are not dangerous than Madhesis. The Muslim was the supporters of Nepal's unification since 1750. But, some political anti-nationalist elements who are guided from South Block, EU and CIA are creating a dangerous condition of conflicts among these three groups of residents. Federalism and racism are neither issues nor solutions of Nepal. Our realistic issue is to assure their equal and active participation in every sector of nation building.

If India claims to contribute for democracy in Nepal, then what thinks about Bhutanese democracy? Even though the democracy was introduced in 1950, India influenced Nepal making it paralyzed. The anti-Indian forces are increasing day by day in Nepal. This is failure of Indian diplomacy to treat South Asian countries including Nepal. Nepal has its own internal problems and Nepalese are able to solve them by themselves. But Indian leaders, taking few poppet leaders of Nepal, always interferes even the domestic issues. Nepali Congress, UML and Maoists are attempting to take court and Nepalese Army in their control. But they should understand that the court and Nepalese army are not private property of any political party. Besides the past history of Nepalese army is the proof that it won't compromise with any anti-nationalist power. Even Nepalese democratic and nationalist people cannot support such notorious activities. Now it is too much. 'Too much of one thing is good for nothing'.

Those who make mistake should commit it in national politics. But, in this country there are so many leaders who never commit mistakes made by them. 'To make no mistakes is not in the power of man, but from their errors and mistakes the wise and good learn wisdom for the future.' After sudden resignation of Maoist-led government as it made many blunders. Now, Nepalese people are reluctant to see the faces of these traitors. In clear direction of India, late Girija Prasad Koirala and his followers had kept an incompetent and pro-Indian and culprit Madhav Nepal in the chair of Premier. But, he could not do anything for Nepalese people goodness. Let the politicians know, the Nepalese people wont tolerate the country. In order to protect Nepal from the hands of traitors, all Nepalese (from in and outside of parties) people, Nepalese Army, Police, peasants, labourers, youth, women, court including the King Etc should come out and protest. Nepalese monarchy is the most convincing identity of Nepal's sovereignty & democracy.

Due to the removal of the monarchy, Nepal is facing anarchism- the lawlessness, theft; robbery, killing, corruption and scarcity of goods, political and social malpractices are increasing day by day. Nepalese people have been seen so many criminals and anarchists enjoying impunity. No leaders are responsible about the deteriorated situation. In 1999, there was a plebiscite in Australia whether to accept the British monarchy as its head of state and majority of the Australians voted for the existing arrangement. Even in Canada, the British monarchy has been accepted as its head of state. If they can accept the Queen of Britain as their head of state, why can't we in Nepal keep monarchy, which had the principle role in unifying this country, and modernize it. So, to save Nepal, there must be reinstated the permanent institution'Monarchy'. Without monarchy Nepal can't adjust. This is the right time when unified nationalist forces of Nepal should be empowered restoring the identified symbols of Nepal's sovereignty and unity- the Hindu kingdom and constitutional monarchy This can only protect the nationalism, monarchism, democracy and its norms in Nepal. Therefore, let us sacrifice for the country.

Email: dirgharajprasai@gmail.com
In this image taken off the screen at the Beijing Aerospace Control Center on Wednesday, Oct. 19, 2016 and released by Xinhua News Agency, two Chinese astronauts Jing Haipeng, left and Chen Dong salute in the space lab Tiangong 2. (AP)

BEIJING, Nov 18: A pair of Chinese astronauts have returned from a month-long stay in the country's space station, China's sixth and longest crewed mission to date.

Veteran mission commander Jing Haipeng and first-time space traveler Chen Dong landed in their Shenzhou 11 return vehicle on the frozen steppes of Inner Mongolia on Friday afternoon.

They had spent 30 days aboard the Tiangong 2 station conducting experiments and testing equipment in preparation for the launching of the station's core module in 2018. A fully functioning, permanently crewed space station is on course to begin operation six years from now and slated to run for a decade.

The Tiangong 2 that launched on Sept. 15 is orbiting 393 kilometers (244 miles) above the earth.
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Donald Trump was elected president as a populist among Americans. So Asia might wait awhile before the New York real estate billionaire with ideas from deporting immigrants to eroding the sanctity of national parks gets around to figuring out policies for the worlds biggest continent. But Asia isnt a place Trump can ignore. Here are five reasons Trump must cooperate with Asia after taking office Jan. 20 and give the place a lot of what it wants:

1. Trump has valuable sweet spots in Asia

If personal concerns such as money play into Trumps Asia policies, we might expect him to ensure booming economies in South Korea, India and the Philippines. His company the Trump Organization developed three condominium towers in Seoul and three in other Korean cities, all open since 2007. A 75-level Trump Tower is due to stand out in Mumbai and was designed by Hirsch Bedner Associates of another Asian country, Singapore, the Trump Organizations website says. In Makati, the ritzy part of Metro Manila, the company is building a glassy high-rise with 220 large homes inspired by New York Citys most fashionable districts, the website says.

2. The president-elect needs to watch a few Hong Kong tycoons

Chinese investors in Hong Kong, per this piece from Forbes last year, once got entangled with one of Trumps properties. When his Riverside South project in New York hit financial trouble in the 1990s, Trump found Henry Cheng of the New World group. Cheng was a big-time developer and head of one of Hong Kongs richest families. FORBES has placed the Cheng familys net worth at $11.5 billion. The investors bought a mortgage and sold the project some 10 years later, earning $1.8 billion. Trump sued the Chinese partners, alleging they ignored higher bids and evaded taxes. In 2009, the Manhattan district attorney indicted some of those involved on suspicion of tax evasion.

3. Playing too hard with China would backfire at home

Trump rode China hard during the 595-day presidential campaign, calling it a cheater at trade, a currency manipulator and threatening military movement to stop Beijings expansion in nearby oceans despite protests from neighboring governments. But his tone has softened he won the Nov. 8 election.

American companies need China. Their exports to the worlds biggest market by population size totaled $113 billion in 2015, making China the third biggest destination after Canada and Mexico, the U.S.-China Business Council advocacy group says. A whos-who of American multinationals still run factories in China despite rising costs.

4. Risk of conceding Southeast Asias fastest-growing middle class

American companies would give up increasingly well-off Vietnam to someone else if Trump turns campaign talk into reality. He has criticized the Trans Pacific Partnership (TPP) as bad for the United States, which led formation of the 12-nation trade zone under President Barack Obama. The U.S. Congress has until February 2018 to ratify the TPP. Vietnam was to be a member of it but the country has put off its ratification.

The United States has announced it suspends the submission of TPP to the parliament so there are not sufficient conditions for Vietnam to submit its proposal for ratification, Prime Minister Nguyen Xuan Phuc said to the National Assembly.

Countries with Vietnam trade deals  and places such as the European Union already have them  get low-tariff access to the Southeast Asian countrys increasingly attractive consumer market. The middle and affluent class in Vietnam will double from 2014 to 2020 to 33 million people, more than one third of the population, the Boston Consulting Group estimates.

If Trump does in fact dump the TPP, we will unfortunately see FDI from the U.S. slow down and the chances of U.S. companies tapping into Southeast Asias fastest-growing middle class diminished, says Oscar Mussons, international business advisory associate with the Dezan Shira & Associates consultancy.

5. The Philippines is getting stronger at the expense of U.S. influence
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Nov-17-2016 16:10 TweetFollow @OregonNews Water Positioned as a Top Challenge in Fight Against Climate Change at COP22 World Water Council emphasizes the need to create synergies as pillars for water security and to do justice to the African continent

The joint High-Level Segment of COP 22/CMP 12/CMA1 was opened on Tuesday, 15 November 2016, presided over by His Excellency Mr. Salaheddine Mezouar, in the presence of His Majesty King Mohammed VI of Morocco. The Secretary-General of the United Nations, His Excellency Mr. Ban Ki-Moon, the President of the General Assembly of the United Nations, His Excellency Mr. Peter Thomson, and the Executive Secretary of the UNFCCC, Ms. Patricia Espinosa, also attended the opening.

(MARRAKESH, Kingdom of Morocco) - Following the inauguration of the first Global Climate Action Day for Water in the history of the UNFCCC*, the World Water Council, through the voice of Honorary President Loic Fauchon, presents today the outcomes of those discussions held during 9 Novembers Water Day. Climate Action Champion, Minister Hakima El Haite and Ambassador Laurence Tubiana, receives the key recommendations with great interest in the presence of other ministers and high-level participants during the High Level Panel on Accelerating Climate Action. They will subsequently present their summary to governments at the closing plenary of COP22 on 18 November 2018. The World Water Council salutes the Global Climate Champions of Morocco and France for their outstanding engagement in making COP22 a landmark in the history of the UN Climate Conference, by increasing the visibility for water challenges which are exacerbated by climate change. "In Marrakech, for the first time in COP** history, the issue of water is at the forefront of the agenda," says Loic Fauchon, enabling the world water community to propose concrete solutions and actions today. The three recommendations for water action brought to the attention of the United Nations and government representatives today at COP22 include: Harmonizing water and climate policies, launching a Water Action Plan for Climate Resilience and implementing the five fingers alliance concept, an interdisciplinary approach that encompasses collaborative solutions in the domains of water, food, energy, health and education Extending water access and sanitation services in Africa; Reinforcing resilient water governance and promoting participatory, inclusive, integrated, and ecological water resources management. Water is one of the most impacted resources, but water also provides solutions to these challenges. It is key in mitigating and adapting to uncertainty, both now and in the future. "Political action is now needed to recognize the role water plays in climate mitigation and adaptation, and to translate this in concrete investments, recalls Benedito Braga, President of the World Water Council and Secretary of State for Sanitation and Water Resources for the State of Sao Paulo, Brazil. Collected within the COP22 Outcome Document of the Water Action Day, the recommendations from the world water community to the UNFCCC Conference of Parties and international climate community are: Recognize that climate change impacts water resources first and foremost; Increase visibility for water within climate discussions at an international level, in particular as it pertains to the implementation of Nationally Determined Contributions and National Adaptation Plans; Launch a water action plan for climate resilience with a specific focus on Africa; Consider the relevance of an IPCC report focusing on water to bring the scientific evidence to decision-makers and send a wake-up call; Improve access to financing of resilient water management projects for energy, water supply and sanitation, agriculture, cities, and ecosystems, in particular for developing countries, by providing support for the development of credible and bankable projects, robust climate risk assessment processes, and involving the private sector and private finance where appropriate, while taking into consideration social, poverty alleviation, and ecological components; Support established principles on resilient water governance and water allocation. These include enhancing effectiveness, efficiency, trust and engagement; encouraging integrated and participatory water management; engaging with under-served groups and ecosystems; and implementing flexible governance mechanisms that can cope with the high levels of uncertainty in future water conditions; Improve and share water and climate change knowledge at all levels, in particular through research development and capacity building, with specific attention to gender-disaggregated data and the situation of women and girls; Increase resilience to risks posed by water-related disasters, such as floods and droughts, which are exacerbated by climate change; Recognize the need to harmonize efforts with the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals. Webcast available live or on-demand:

http://unfccc.cloud.streamworld.de/webcast/high-level-event-on-accelerating-climate-action The World Water Council is an international multi-stakeholder platform organization, the founder and co-organizer of the World Water Forum. The World Water Councils mission is to mobilise action on critical water issues at all levels, including the highest decision-making level, by engaging people in debate and challenging conventional thinking. The Council focuses on the political dimensions of water security, adaptation, and sustainability, and works to position water at the top of the global political agenda. Headquartered in Marseille, France, since its founding in 1996, the World Water Council brings together over 300 member organizations from more than 50 different countries. Source: World Water Council; worldwatercouncil.org; @wwatercouncil #wwatercouncil *UNFCCC = United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change **COP = Conference of Parties _________________________________________

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When firefighters arrived at 910 West Alvin, they found a camping trailer and a nearby detached garage fully engulfed in flames. The blaze spread along the ground and, destroying a fence and burning neighboring yards and trees.

As featured on Fire destroys travel trailer, damages garage on West Alvin When firefighters arrived at 910 W. Alvin Ave., they found a camping trailer and a nearby de
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You might be able to argue that J.A. Bayona is not the most original filmmaker current working today, but there is no denying that he has a masterful understanding of how to direct a film that will grab (almost) all of his audience by the heart and squeeze until it bursts. His first feature film, The Orphanage, was a contemporary take on the gothic tale of ghosts and motherhood that left nary a dry or unfrightened eye in the house. His second, The Impossible, adapted the true story of a family caught in the 2004 tsunami. And with his latest, A Monster Calls, he heads back to genre to tell the story of a boy coming to terms with his mother's imminent death. On the one hand, the story of this boy is neither original not particularly compelling; on the other, there are some outstanding scenes and a genuinely heart-wrenching climax that might melt even the coldest of hearts.

Conor (Lewis MacDougall) looks after himself as his mother Lizzy (Felicity Jones) undergoes chemotherapy. Bullies at school and a difficult relationship with his grandmother (Sigourney Weaver) mean that Conor spends a lot of time drawing and living in his imagination. Thus comes a anthropomorphic Yew-tree monster (voiced by Liam Neeson) to talk Conor through his pain and anger in the form of old fairy tale stories.

Given its source material (a YA book by Patrick Ness), the film aims itself at a younger audience; that is to say, there is no covert subtext, the dialogue is neither particularly clever nor difficult to interpret, and the conclusion (it's okay to grieve and want the pain to end) inevitable. This does not necessarily always mean something negative; but in the case of A Monster Calls, the concentration on the exterior appearances means neglecting (or at least taking a long time to find) the heart. It feels like we are being presented a story, rather than asking us to be in the story. Obligatory scenes of Conor being bullied, of his mother ill with her treatment, of the difficult grandmother/grandson relationship; these presentations lack the necessary emotional impact.

When the Monster appears, it is refreshing; like an Ent on steroids, the Monster is a response to Conor's anger and sadness, and comes equipped to tell seemingly irrelevant stories to help Conor cope with his emotional upheaval. Neeson certainly has a voice to tell such stories, and indeed, the incredible animation of these tales is the best part of the film. Adrian Garcia and his team creating some spell-binding work, using watercolour style to tell these marvellous tales that really a lot more interesting than the main story. These tales, perhaps a bit too sophisticated for the intended child audience, are nonetheless captivating both in artistry and execution, and could stand on their own as short films.

Now, there really are no original stories anymore; in film, or any art form, all themes have been explored; what matters is either telling stories in a new way, or in an old way that still has meaning and can speak to its audience. This film has all the necessary ingredients for a successful family drama: It has the lost child, scared and alone, bullied and afraid of what is to come; a kind and caring mother; a distant but still human grandmother; the fantastical tree and its strange tales to help Conor come to terms with what he is feeling; a great score by Fernando Velazquez. The story itself is an important one for children and young people, who don't often have the emotional maturity or experience to process heavy emotions and situations.

So why does A Monster Calls lack impact? Perhaps it was only with me; I know of spectators who saw the film at previous festivals and loved it. And in the fantastical scenes, the film shines. This might be where Bayona shines: his understanding of how to use fantastic tropes to tell a story are undeniable, and like other directors such as Guillermo del Toro and Steven Spielberg, Bayona can tap directly into how children can often understand far better through stories than direct address. This could explain why Bayona's first film was a success and his second was not; high emotions work in the fantastic in a way that they don't in straight drama.

Currently a hit in in cinemas in Spain, A Monster Calls will no doubt find an audience when released in North America during the holiday season, and likely will find a healthy audience there as well. But it feels far more as if it is going through the motions than seeking to genuinely connect.
2016 has seen Korean cinema make a big push to focus its narratives on characters from all walks of life, and particularly of different sexual orientations, with several major queer films bowing at festivals from Berlin to Busan. In between those events, one unassuming independent feature from a film school may have stolen the spotlight from the rest.

Lesbian drama Our Love Story, a graduate project from the Korean Academy of Film Arts (KAFA), is a understated and compelling tale which is more concerned with the complications of burgeoning love than the societal pressures both its protagonists must contend with. Its subtle depiction of familiar situations within a relationship which may be unfamiliar to many viewers may well have been what earned it its Grand Prize in the Korean competition at the Jeonju International Film Festival this year.

A modest art student quietly prepares for an art project at school and one day, while searching for materials for her installation, she crosses paths with a carefree bartender. Intrigued by her effortless cool she is drawn to the young woman and, despite resisting some the urges bubbling up within her, cautiously enters into a relationship with her.

Debut director Lee Hyun-ju opts for an observational approach, which proves intimate without ever feeling intrusive, instead of politicizing her narrative or highlighting the rampant intolerance towards homosexuality that still dominates Korean society. The main concerns of the narrative are the hesitancy and innocence that accompany first love, while at the same time Lee is careful to avoid the melodramatic sentimentality that typically mark this kind of narrative in other Korean films.

Chief to the film's success are the terrific performances of its leads Lee Sang-hee, playing the student, and Ryu Sun-young, as the bartender. Unlike many actresses in similarly timid roles, Lee is able project both strength and vulnerability in her character, while also layering her with a soft but nonetheless charismatic edge. On the other end of the spectrum, Ryu manages to play a larger-than-life character without ever letting her performance overwhelm the balance between her and her co-star.

The dynamic between the two stars is what drives the film and lifts above the many cautious romantic tales that litter Far East Asian cinema. Never exploitative and always authentic, Our Love Story is the most compelling example of queer cinema in Korea to arrive since the films of Leasing Hee-il (No Regret, White Night, Night Flight).
Made in Prague is one of the oldest national film showcases in the UK displaying Czech cinema. This year, the event celebrates the 20th anniversary and offers a rundown of the recent domestic cinema produced in the last two years in Londons venues such as Barbican, Deptford Cinema, The Horse Hospital or the Frontline Club. The ebb of new talent revitalized the domestic film environment, a fact demonstrated by the recent surge of Czech titles on the international circuit.

Recent Czech cinema has stepped out of the shadow of its provincialism, production and aesthetic, and delivered titles comparable to the European arthouse production. One of this years surprises is Petr Kazda and Tomas Weinrebs joint feature debut I, Olga (read the review) premiered at the festival preceding the films wide release in the UK ready to unspool on November 18. Kazda and Weinreb delivered exceptionally matured first feature outing, an existential drama in their words, revolving around the last woman to be hanged in the Czechoslovakia. The filmmaking duo opted to digress from historical reenactment in favor of uncanny portrait while touching several other topics. One of the leading ones is a contemplation over unmotivated violence exercised over innocent civilians like the one in the French coastal town of Nice. The protagonist Olga Hepnarova remains a cipher throughout the film characterized by paranoid and delusional ramblings, asocial behavior and resignation to try to fit into the society, manifesting her vulnerability only during intimate encounters. Kazda and Weinreb addressed also the taboo issue of homosexuality under the Communist rule.

Among the selected films is also Slovak-Czech project Eva Nova, recently acquired by HBO Europe to be released in the Central and Eastern European territories that the premium channel caters to. The film marks Slovak documentarist Marko Skops turn to fiction filmmaking in his first fiction feature outing. Skop utilizes documentary processes to conjure up touching a story about aging actress deciding to amend shattered bond with her estranged, now adult, son. The film reaped many accolades on the festival circuit and became Slovakias candidate into the 2017 Oscar race. Home Care, the feature debut by Slavek Horak, is the Czech Republics last year Oscar nomination telling a story about a way too self-sacrificing home care nurse helping others and unable to help herself. Horak mixes a bit of melodrama, a bit of sentimentality into the dramedy that eventually results into crowd-pleasing pop-arthouse fare.

Another debut by the newcomer Stepan Altrichter, Czech and German film Schmitke, a mystery comedy transposing Twin-Peaksy atmosphere into the woods of the Ore Mountain on the Czech and German woods where a middle-aged engineer tries to repair a wind turbine screeching in ear-piercing agony while experiencing surreal reveries. Andy Fehus debut The Greedy Tiffany (read the review), a DIY and no-budget venture into the genre of moral horror brings a breath of fresh air into the domestic production, once ripe wit genre fare.

Emerging young talent Olmo Omerzus sophomore feature Family Film was picked for the Made in Prague line-up, an unconventionally structured family film, a psychological probe and observation of an upper-middle-class Prague-based family and their survivalist dog. A social-realism comedy drama The Snake Brothers about a duo of siblings in a provincial Czech town is a timely and succinct story. Viper and Cobra are brothers trapped in a maze of aimless life. Where Viper drifts from low-paid factory job to a local pub on a daily basis, Cobras routine consists of getting money (i.e. stealing and pawning) in order to get coked up out of his head. The love/hate fraternal relationship serves as a foundation for a story about a struggle to find a way out of the labyrinth of hopelessness. Petr Vaclavs latest oeuvre, We Are Never Alone (read the review), a kaleidoscope of intertwining episodes creates a contemporary harrowing parable in an experimental form.

The 20th Made in Prague Film Festival runs until December 2 in London
Heads up, fans of Asian action films because upcoming Malaysian effort looks to be one you'll want to keep an eye out for.

Zul Azhar directs Zul Ariffin, Izara Aishah, Fazura, Farid Kamil, Azad Jazmin, Iedil Putra, Peter Davis and Omar Abdullah in this police thriller that seems to jam a bit of everything into the just released teaser. Tactical assault, hand to hand combat, a high speed gun battle on motorcycles ... there's a whole lot in here and it certainly appears as though they've done it all rather well.

This is just a first teaser leading up to a 2017 release but Malaysia has proven to have a strong audience for action films in recent years, leading to a rapid rise in production value and budgets on films looking to play to that audience and it looks here like they've got a good one. Take a look at the trailer below!
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Biddeford-Saco-OOB Courier

Those who habitually put items in their recycling bins that don't belong there are the target of the ordinance amendment, not those who make an occasional, accidental mistake, said Public Works Director Jeff Demers.
In a symbolic but powerful resolution that might even make our neighbors in far-left Berkeley a bit envious, the Board of Supervisors took time on Tuesday to pass a resolution thoroughly affirming the rights of its citizens. Introduced by Board of Supervisors President London Breed, it was swiftly adopted by the Board in response to the bigotry espoused by President-Elect Donald Trump and the ratification of hatred his election signifies.

Resolution responding to the election of Donald Trump and reaffirming San

Franciscos commitment to the values his election threatens.

WHEREAS, On November 8, 2016, American voters elected an erratic, ill-informed

racist and misogynist as President; now, therefore, be it

RESOLVED, That no matter the threats, San Francisco will remain a Sanctuary City.

We will not turn our back on the men and women from other countries who help make this city

great, and who represent over one third of our population. This is the Golden Gatewe build

bridges, not walls; and, be it

FURTHER RESOLVED, That we will never back down on womens rights, whether in

healthcare, the workplace, or any other area threatened by a man who treats women as

obstacles to be demeaned or objects to be assaulted. And just as important, we will ensure

our young girls grow up with role models who show them they can be or do anything; and, be

it

FURTHER RESOLVED, That there will be no conversion therapy, no withdrawal of

rights in San Francisco. We began hosting gay weddings twelve years ago, and we are not

stopping now. And to all the LGBTQ people all over the country who feel scared, bullied, or

alone: You matter. You are seen; you are loved; and San Francisco will never stop fighting

for you; and, be it

FURTHER RESOLVED, That we still believe in this nations founding principle of

religious freedom. We do not ban people for their faith. And the only lists we keep are on

invitations to come pray together; and, be it

Supervisor Breed

FURTHER RESOLVED, That Black Lives Matter in San Francisco, even if they may

not in the White House. And guided by President Obamas Task Force on 21st Century

Policing, we will continue reforming our police department, and rebuilding trust between police

and communities of color so all citizens feel safe in their neighborhoods; and, be it

FURTHER RESOLVED, That climate change is not a hoax, or a plot by the Chinese.

In this city, surrounded by water on three sides, science matters. And we will continue our

work on CleanPower, Zero Waste, and everything else we are doing to protect future

generations; and, be it

FURTHER RESOLVED, That we have been providing universal health care in this city

for nearly a decade, and if the new administration follows through on its callous promise to

revoke health insurance from 20 million people, San Franciscans will be protected; and, be it

FURTHER RESOLVED, That we are the birthplace of the United Nations, a city made

stronger by the thousands of international visitors we welcome every day. We will remain

committed to internationalism and to our friends and allies around the worldwhether the

administration in Washington is or not; and, be it

FURTHER RESOLVED, That San Francisco will remain a Transit First city and will

continue building Muni and BART systems we can all rely upon, whether this administration

follows through on its platform to eliminate federal transit funding or not; and, be it

FURTHER RESOLVED, That California is the sixth largest economy in the world. The

Bay Area is the innovation capital of the country. We will not be bullied by threats to revoke

our federal funding, nor will we sacrifice our values or members of our community for your

dollar; and, be it

FURTHER RESOLVED, That bigotry may have won an election, but it cannot change

who we are, and it will never change our values. We argue, we campaign, we debate

vigorously within San Francisco, but on these points we are 100% united. We will fight

Supervisor Breed

discrimination and recklessness in all its forms. We are one City. And we will move forward

together.


Though the location still hasn't been confirmed, Eater LA has news that SF's beloved Tartine Bakery, which has been planning an LA expansion for the past two years, will be opening a huge second location of its new Manufactory concept in Downtown LA approximately a year from now. They're partnering with prolific LA restaurateur Bill Chait (Republique, Bestia, Otium) on the project, and the deal for the space sounds close to being inked.

Things are moving fast for the Tartine empire, which just launched dinner service at the Manufactory in the last two weeks after opening the bakery-restaurant at the edge of SF's Mission District in August  it shares a building with the Heath Ceramics flagship store. They've also launched their own coffee line, with roasting expertise coming from a Verve alum, and added ice cream to the menu, competing with one of their longtime Mission neighbors, Bi-Rite Creamery.

The new DTLA Tartine Manufactory would be 150 to 200 seats, about three times the size of the SF location, with a 15,000-square-foot kitchen and both daytime and dinner service. Chait estimates that the bread baking operation at the new location could open for retail sales by October or November of next year, with the restaurant to follow about a month later.

Late last year, Chait and his Sprout Restaurant Group announced that he was stepping down as managing partner in order to pursue his own projects, and this is clearly the first big one. Notably, news about Chait breaking off on his own came via LA Magazine just two weeks after the bombshell last December that Tartine founders Chad Robertson and Elisabeth Prueitt were breaking off a deal to partner with Blue Bottle Coffee on a major expansion. Coincidence?

At the time, Prueitt told the SF Chronicle, "Our individual plans would be better served pursuing them independently. Coffee infrastructure doesnt really support food and food infrastructure doesnt really support coffee."

As of 2014, Robertson was talking about an imminent expansion to London which has yet to come to fruition, as well as a potential expansion to New York.

Also, as we learned last month, an earlier plan to sell off the Bar Tartine restaurant on Valencia Street to its longtime chef has fallen through, and a new rejiggering of that restaurant is set to happen soon as well.
With District 8 Supervisor Scott Wiener headed off to Sacramento, the Board of Supervisors is soon to be Wiener-less. Who will fill the gaping void on that governing body for the City and County of San Francisco?

That's up to Mayor Lee, and it's the hottest new parlor games for local politicos. As San Franciscans ensured by voting down Proposition D, which would have forbidden mayoral appointees to the Board from running for election after serving their interim term, whoever next occupies Wiener's sizable shoes is going to attempt to hold on to them for some time, and incumbents tend to have an advantage. That raises the stakes a bit, so presumably, Lee is going to go for someone who is relatively electable (more on that in a moment). One further note: Wiener hasn't officially defeated Jane Kim, his more progressive colleague on the board and rival for the District 11 State Senate seat. Votes are still being counted, but his victory is being treated as a foregone conclusion.

Randy Shaw at Beyond Chron is reading the tea leaves, and he's thinking that one Alex Randolph, currently in the wings as a City College Board Trustee, could be ripe for the position. "First and most importantly, Randolph has a track record of electoral success," Shaw writes,"He just won his own four-year term on the College Board after Mayor Lee appointed him to the position in April 2015." Further, Randolph "will never cast a vote or say something publicly that will embarrass the mayor... and given Lees past experience, this factor alone will weigh heavily on his decision." Perhaps out of political correctness, or perhaps because he assumes we all know this and follow local politics as closely as he does, Shaw buries until later in his writing that Randolph would represent another black voice on the board, joining Supervisors Breed and Cohen. While we're playing identity politics, Randolph, like Wiener, is gay, and would of course also represent the historically LGBT Castro District once represented by Harvey Milk.





Shaw points out that Christina Olague in D5 and Julie Christensen in D3, two of the Mayor's past appointees to the board, have failed to win reelection, so surely he's hoping to change his luck. Correction: This post originally neglected to mention Katy Tang, the mayor's appointee to District 4. Tang has won reelection twice.

While Shaw doesn't think that Randolph, or really anyone, has or requires name recognizability to get the job, he can't come up with too many other names himself. One other is Connor Johnson, top aide to London Breed, but Shaw likes Randolph's chances better.

To Hoodline, Wiener wrote before the election that, if he were chosen by voters, he'd like the Mayor "to make a strong appointment to succeed mesomeone who will work night and day, as I have, to support our community and advance good policy at City Hall.

The District 8 supervisor would serve until the next District 8 election in 2018, and, thanks again to the failure of Prop D., there is no timeline by which the Mayor must make his appointment. Many Supervisorial decisions are made by an incomplete Board.

Previously: Scott Wiener Narrowly Defeats Jane Kim In Costly State Senate Race
It's been almost 20 years since the first novel was released, and fifteen since the first film in the series hit theaters. Those kids who first read those books and saw the movies are adults now, many with kids of their own, and while I'm sure they're sharing their Harry Potter love with those youngsters, I bet there's a part of them that wishes there were some new stories to dive into.

Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them fits into that niche quite well, giving adult Harry Potter fans something aimed a little more at them, while still being perfectly acceptable for those younger Potterphiles.

Until recently (this week, as a matter of fact), my only exposure to the Harry Potter world was via the movies, not the books. I saw them all, and enjoyed them, but never felt particularly drawn into the world. In general, the genre isn't my favorite. But Fantastic Beasts sucked me in right away for two reasons. One, because it's centered on adults, and not kids. And the other because I am a sucker for period pieces, especially when that period is New York City in the 1920's.

Directed by David Yates, who directed the final four Harry Potter films, from a screenplay by J.K. Rowling (her first), the film is based on the title of a textbook assigned to first year Hogwarts students, which was released as an actual companion book to the original series in 2001. It centers on the book's supposed author, Newt Scamander (Eddie Redmayne), a magizoologist who arrives in New York with a suitcase full of critters and plans to release one into its native habitat in Arizona. These beasts aren't pretty unicorns, and most are kind of, well, beastly. (My favorite has to be the platypus-like Niffler, who seems to like shiny jewelry almost as much as I do.)

But before he can even hail a cab, he comes face-to-face with the New Salem Philanthropic Society, an anti-witchcraft cult headed by the stern Mary Lou Barebone (Samantha Morton), and her creepy adopted kids, including Ezra Miller as Credence, who looks like Buster Keaton  if Buster Keaton had been beaten by his mother on a daily basis.

If that weren't enough, one of Newt's creatures escapes; he accidentally reveals his magical skills to a No-maj named Jacob Kowalski (No-maj is the American version of Muggle); and he is arrested by Tina Goldstein (Katherine Waterson, always charming), an investigator with the Magical Congress of the United States of America.

When his beasts are wrongfully accused of the destruction that has befallen certain areas of the city, Newt, Tina, her clairvoyant sister Queenie (Alison Sudol), and Jacob (Dan Fogler) team up to rescue the escaped beasts, and figure out just what is behind the seemingly dark magic rampages. And that's just one plotline in a film that has many.

But that can be forgiven since the movie is supposed to be the first in a series of five films. They need to set up a lot of things, like how magic in America is kept hidden, how those who practice it are segregated from the No-majs (segregation, because, America), and how a dark wizard has broken free in Europe, bent on exposing the magical world to the Muggles and taking over both. (The casting of that character is supposed to be a secret, though by now it's pretty much an open one. But, just in case, I'll just say I wonder if they're beginning to regret their casting choice in light of this past year's events, because I know the reveal didn't exactly fill me with excitement.)

This is the third Eddie Redmayne film I've seen in which he plays a character that never seems to look anyone in the eye. Newt is supposed to be shy and a bit awkward, hence the shifty looks, but it's an affectation that grows a bit tiresome. He also mumbles a lot, which meant I spent half the film wondering if I'd missed a key piece of dialogue.

Much more delightful is the performance of Dan Fogler as Kowalski, the cannery worker who dreams of opening a bakery. He's basically a stand-in for the audience, as he's exposed to more and more magic with wide-eyed wonder, and a what-the-hell-why-not attitude. Fogler's perfect comic timing also gives the movie the majority of its laughs.

Towards the end, the film gets a little too action-packed, with the city of New York (once again) on the verge of destruction. But there are enough moments of magic in the rest of the movie to make up for it, and it had me looking forward to the stories to come. Especially if Newt drops the mumbling, and pairs up with Kowalski.

Better yet, give Kowalski his own spin-off! Fantastic Feasts and Where to Eat Them. I'll be first in line.
If you were wondering what the men accused of beating disabled homeless man ai Lam look like, wonder no more: Friday morning, the San Francisco Police Department released the booking photos (aka mug shots) of the three men arrested for the two-year-old crime.

It was the night of November 23, 2014, and the 67-year-old man was asleep in a Financial District alley near Montgomery and Sutter, where he retired most nights. According to reports at the time, family members had openedup their houses to him, but Lam had declined, preferring to sleep in the rough. But that night was different,

as three men who police say "attended an event in the neighborhood" had a brief chat with a Crocker Galleria security guard, stopped for a smoke, then set upon Lam.

The men walked away following the initial attack, then returned a second time, kicking and beating Lam again, then-Lieutenant Toney Chaplin said at the time.

Lam "was unable to defend himself. He died alone after suffering these horrendous attacks."

After years of investigation, police caught a break: DNA evidence from a car theft in Washington matched evidence from the crime scene, leading investigators to 21-year-old Joseph Stull of Idaho. During questioning, Stull reportedly implicated himself in or confessed to the crime, providing explicit details of the beating and pointing the finger at 21-year-old David Peters of Stockton as one of his conspirators.

Both were booked into San Francisco County Jail, and pled not guilty on November 2 to charges of murder, second-degree robbery, inflicting injury on an elderly or dependent adult likely to cause great bodily injury, and assault with force likely to cause great bodily injury.

According to a press release the San Francisco Police Department sent with the booking photos this morning, "On November 16, 2016, SFPD Special Investigation Division along with the assistance of Stockton PD located and arrested 22-year old, Anthony Gibson-Brum in Stockton, California," allegedly the third suspect in the case. As previously reported, he was scheduled for arrangement Thursday, and like his alleged companions, remains in San Francisco County Jail, with bail set at $5 million for each.

Police say that though the trio have been arrested, investigators are still seeking additional evidence in the case. They ask that anyone who recognizes the suspects or has information on this case to contact the San Francisco Police Tip Line at (415) 575-4444 or Text-a-Tip to TIP411 and begin the text message with SFPD.

Previously: Third Suspect Arrested In Horrific Beating Death Of Man Sleeping On SF Street
The office of San Francisco's District Attorney gained two new employees  but unlike (one assumes) the rest of the staff there, these recent hires walk around without pants, eat off the floor, and relieve themselves outdoors.

That's because, says spokesperson Max Szabo, they are dogs. Pink, an 18-month-old female Labrador Retriever and Red, a 14-month-old male Golden Retriever/Labrador mix were sworn in to the office of George Gascon Thursday "to assist the Victim Services Division as part of ongoing effort to support vulnerable victims of crime."

Both pups are products of Assistance Dogs of the West, a Santa Fe, New Mexico non-profit that according to their website trains "facility dogs for work in professional group settings from private therapeutic practices, to drug treatment centers, to college campuses, to judicial districts."

KRON 4 reports that each dog cost $35,000 to "breed, raise, and train," fees covered by a state grant.

In this case, Szabo says, Pink and Red will "work with children, adults with disabilities, and people in crisis in busy legal environments" as part of "a pioneering effort to mitigate the stress and trauma that can accompany victimization using science-supported canine therapy."

Both dogs have also met with San Francisco Superior Court judges, in hopes that they may eventually be allowed into the courtroom to soothe witnesses and victims during trials.

In a press event Thursday at the Hall of Justice, Gascon placed an official medallion on both dogs, declaring them official victim specialists. "We often interview victims and witnesses that are under a lot of stress," Gascon said at the ceremony.

"There has been plenty of proof that well trained facility dogs can help witnesses and victims relax and be able to deal with what is often very stressful situations, especially when they have been traumatized."

Related: Pets Of Homeless People Provide Huge Benefits, But Often Keep Them On The Streets


Following the Democalypse of last week, some parts of the country  i.e. every city  are going through major anxiety crises and deep depressions while other parts of the country  basically everywhere that isn't a city  are doing just fine, and/or celebrating. Naturally San Francisco is up there among places where a vast majority of the population has been pretty apoplectic over this for the last ten days and we're all still trying to talk ourselves down off the proverbial ledge. For those with mental health issues or just more volatile psyches, the situation has been even worse, and the ledges less proverbial  and in the case of one mentally ill woman on BART last week, it led to a racist outburst that, unfortunately for her and her family, went viral. Now Hoodline has spoken to people who work at a couple of mental health hotlines in the Bay Area to put some hard numbers to what they've seen over the last week and a half. And, indeed, people are going through it.

SFist also spoke to a couple of mental health professionals about what they were seeing in the days following the election. One, Erick Hung, Director of the Psychiatry Residency Training Program at UCSF, says that in any nationally charged moment like this there will be an uptick in patients acting out in anger, or exhibiting avoidance behaviors.

Dr. Michael Enenbach, an Associate Professor in UCLA's Department of Psychiatry specializing in children and teens, tells us, "I've generally seen people without psychiatric diagnoses with greater anxiety over the past year, mostly because of the uncertainty about the election. Those with previously diagnosed disorders, particularly anxiety and depression, have had a heightening of these symptoms. This includes both adults and children." He adds, "Kids not only pick up on the anxieties of adults around them but are also much more aware of world events thanks to social medial and the internet. In California in particular, kids are worried that their friends or family may be deported and have been greatly affected by the harsh rhetoric of the election."

Libby Craig, the Bay Area director for Crisis Text Line, a text-based crisis hotline service, tells Hoodline that messages to the hotline doubled on election night and quadrupled the next day, and their text volume has been about 150 percent of normal since the election. Also, she noted that the word "scared" was one of the most used in the texts they've received, and "The most common association of the word 'scared' was with texters dealing with LGBTQ issues."

The same has been true at traditional crisis hotlines all over the country. Courtney Brown, hotline director at San Francisco Suicide Prevention, tells Hoodline their call volume went up 30 percent immediately after the election, a spike far higher than after the previous general election in 2012  and calls there actually decreased immediately after Obama's first election in 2008.

If you are in crisis, text "BAY" to 741741 for free, 24/7, confidential crisis support from Crisis Text Line. And if you or someone you know is having suicidal thoughts, you or they should call the San Francisco Suicide Prevention crisis line at (415) 781-0500.

If someone you know exhibits warning signs of suicide: do not leave the person alone; remove any firearms, alcohol, drugs or sharp objects that could be used in a suicide attempt; and call the U.S. National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 800-273-TALK (8255) or take the person to an emergency room or seek help from a medical or mental health professional.
DES MOINES | Roughly $1 million in state financial assistance was awarded Friday to a pair of area economic development projects in the Sioux City area.

The state economic development board awarded the tax breaks to Gelita USA Inc. in rural Woodbury County and Rocklin Manufacturing in downtown Sioux City.

Gelita USA received $885,000 in financial assistance toward its expansion project. The planned $22 million expansion would create 21 new jobs at an average hourly rate of $20.17 and expand the companys capacity to produce collagen peptide, which is used in a variety of food, health and nutrition applications.

The state incentive package includes a $630,000 tax credit, a $150,000 sales tax refund and a $105,000 forgivable loan.

At a separate meeting in Sioux City Friday, the Woodbury County Board of Supervisors awarded nearly $500,000 in tax increment financing rebate over five years toward the project.

We are grateful for their consideration of such a significant investment in our county," Jeremy Taylor, chair of the county board, said of Gelita. "and we laud the helpful cooperation of The Siouxland Initiative, the cities of Salix and Sioux City, along with the Woodbury County Rural Economic Development Department in helping secure the project."

The expansion project, which is slated to begin in May 2017 and be completed a year later, now awaits final approval from Gelita's board of directors.

This decision will provide Gelita  the pioneer in collagen peptide research and production  the opportunity to meet growing customer demand for the highest quality collagen peptides supported by scientific research in the health and nutrition sector," Rob Mayberry, senior vice president of finance and administration for Gelita, said in a statement. The additional processing capacity also provides opportunity for greater flexibility and future growth

Gelita makes a variety of commercial gelatine products from pork skins and cattle bones at its plants at 2445 Port Neal Industrial Road. A unique process is used to make collagen peptides, which are produced from the same raw materials as gelatine.

At Friday's Iowa Economic Development Authority Board meeting, Rocklin Manufacturing received nearly $267,000 in state financial assistance for its planned $1.4 million renovation project at its downtown site at 110 S Jennings St.

Rocklin, which manufactures industrial electronic equipment, plans to remove two unusable buildings and renovate a third. The project will not create any new jobs, but will allow the company to retain its eight employees, according to state board documents.

The state assistance package includes almost $218,000 in tax credits and a $49,000 tax refund.
SERGEANT BLUFF | Gelita USA Inc. is seeking nearly $1.3 million in state and local tax incentives to help fund a $22 million expansion of its Port Neal manufacturing complex that would create at least 21 new jobs.

The Iowa Economic Development Authority Board on Friday morning will consider a $780,000 financial package that would include $630,000 in investment tax credits, refund of $150,000 in sales, service and use taxes on construction materials, and a $105,000 forgivable loan, according to state documents released Thursday.

Later in the day, the Woodbury County Board of Supervisors will hold a special meeting to consider $499,612 in property tax breaks for the project. The complex, which currently employs about 250 people, is in an unincorporated portion of the county along Port Neal Road, just south of Sioux City and Sergeant Bluff.

The new addition will expand the capacity to produce collagen peptide, allowing the company to meet a growing demand in the U.S. and other countries for the product used in a variety of food, health and nutrition applications, according to the state documents.

Gelita makes a variety of commercial gelatine products from pork skins and cattle bones at its plants at 2445 Port Neal Industrial Road. Collagen peptides are produced from the same raw materials as gelatine, but a unique manufacturing process is used, according to documents filed with the state.

Construction on the new addition is expected to begin in May, with an opening anticipated a year afterward. The company's expenditures include $5 million to construct the building and $16.8 million for machinery and equipment, according to the state documents.

Gelita USA is a division of Gelita AG, a Eberbach, Germany-based company with facilities on six continents.

The Port Neal complex is billed as the world's largest gelatine factory. Multiple beef and pork plants in the tri-state region supply raw products for Gelita, which began operations at the Port Neal site in 1968.
For the directors of Moana, backstage at Hamilton was the room where it happened.

Many nights, dressed in his Alexander Hamilton costume, composer Lin-Manuel Miranda Skyped them from his dressing room, just before going on stage.

It just worked out for his schedule and our schedule, director Ron Clements says.

For the songs demos, Miranda enlisted his Hamilton costars. By the time the Pulitzer Prize-winning musical became the hottest ticket in New York, Clements and his fellow director John Musker were more than familiar with the cast. Theres a whole additional album of songs that werent used in the movie, he says.

When Clements and Musker first met Miranda, he was just coming off the success of In the Heights, his first musical.

The two knew what they wanted.

Moana is set in the South Pacific and they were interested in marrying music of the islands to Broadway show tunes, much like The Lion King" embraced African music. To find the right person, they went to New York to meet potential composers.

We loved In the Heights and the way he was able to go from Spanish to English, Clements says. We wanted something like that in this. We also liked him  he was very passionate, enthusiastic and smart.

Along the way, Miranda happened to mention he was working on a hip-hop musical based on the life of Alexander Hamilton. We thought, That sounds interesting. Good luck with that, Clements says. We had no idea it was going to be this huge phenomenon.

Still, when Clements and Musker saw the show in its earliest incarnation, they were convinced they had made the right choice for composer.

He was teamed with Opetaia Foai, the founder of the Oceanic music group Te Vaka. Mark Mancina, the arranger for The Lion King, was brought in to mesh the two worlds. The first time we all got together was at a music festival in New Zealand, Clements says. The three musicians put their heads together and wrote We Know the Way, a song about ancient voyagers.

At the same time, Clements says, there was a dance contest. Organizers grabbed people out of the audience. Miranda was chosen  and won.

Now, the Moana team is pulling for him to get an Oscar. He already has an Emmy, a Grammy, a Tony and the Pulitzer Prize, Clements says. He just needs the Oscar. Itd be really cool for him.

No strangers to the Oscar game, Clements and Musker were among the Best Animated Film nominees for Treasure Planet and The Princess and the Frog. Theyre not handicapping their chances for this one (its a very competitive holiday season and there 27 animated films this year, Clements say), but it would be a fitting cap to a career that has included some of the biggest films in animation history.

A storied career

While The Little Mermaid is often credited with beginning a second golden age of animation, its not the only stellar credit on the Clements/Musker resume. They also directed Hercules, Aladdin and The Great Mouse Detective.

Clements, a Sioux City native, and Musker, a Chicago native, arrived at Disney when members of Walts original team were beginning to retire. Trained by those nine old men, they were charged with carrying on the tradition and bringing it into a new generation.

Mermaid exploded and led to a flurry of animation activity around the world.

Now regarded as Disneys old guard, the two are among the last who worked on hand-drawn animation.

Moana, Clements says, is their first CG (or computer-animated) movie. It was like learning a whole new process.

During the hand-drawn days, animators would rough out a films look, then clean it up before handling the animation. With CG animation, you have to build the characters and rig the characters. A leaf has to be made  every aspect  in three dimensions. Once everything is built, youre in production and it can move very fast, much faster than hand-drawn.

Still learning

While looking at scenes in early stages, Clements and Musker peppered their staff with questions: Is that the real sky? Are those real trees? And theyd reply: Thats not the real sky. Forget the trees. But the rocks, you can look at the rocks.

The detail was something both wanted, particularly since they were going to bring the ocean to life as a character.

The only tip to the past is in the tattoos on Maui, a demigod voiced by Dwayne Johnson. Those are hand-drawn and it made sense. Theyre pretty graphic.

Switching directions

Initially, Maui was going to be the lead of the film. When they took their first trip to the islands of Tahiti five years ago, Clements and Musker got a sense of the history and the transformational nature of the islands. They realized there was more to the story than they initially thought.

John Lasseter, the head of Disney animation, encouraged them to dig much deeper and learn more about the culture.

We met chiefs and elders and, in some aspects, it was like going back in time, Clements says. One told them, Weve been swallowed by your culture. One time, can you be swallowed by ours?

That prompted the addition of Moana, a teenager, drawn to the ocean. It became a true grit story, Clements says. The story of a teenage girl who teams up with a flawed demigod in a quest to save her island and her people.

A romance between Moana (whose name means ocean in many of the island languages) and Maui was never considered. They become very close but not in a romantic way. That sets her apart from Ariel and Jasmine and Tiana, three of their other heroines.

A five-year journey

Because animation is such a labor-intensive business, folks like Clements are constantly up against deadlines. This was a five-year journey but the last few months, weve been working 12 hour days, every day and Saturdays, Clements says.

That can wear on you, especially someone my age (hes 63), but were very proud of the movie.

After a whirlwind publicity tour (that will take them around the world in the next months), the two will regroup and see if theyre up for another project.

Once the traveling is over and we have a break, Clements says, well talk about it.

Thats the way all of their films have been  someone gets an idea (in Moanas case, it was Musker), and the journey begins.
ABOUT THE DONOR: Wells Enterprises, Inc. is the largest privately held, family-owned ice cream and frozen treat manufacturer in the United States. Headquartered in the Ice Cream Capital of the World, Le Mars, Iowa, the company produces more than 150 million gallons of ice cream each year, including its signature brand Blue Bunny, the iconic Bomb Pop and Blue Ribbon Classics.
Screenings

Free blood pressure screenings, 9:30 to 11 a.m. Wednesdays at Countryside Senior Living, front lobby. No appointment necessary.

Programs/Self-Help Groups

Al-Anon Information Center, call 712-255-6724.

Al-Anon and Alateen, meetings locally. For times, dates and locations of area meetings, call 712-255-6724.

Alcoholics Anonymous, beginners information, call 712-252-1333.

Arc of Woodbury County, serving the mentally challenged, 5:15 p.m. meeting, second Monday of the month at Mid-Step Services, 4303 Stone Ave. For families and interested persons.

Child Care Resource and Referral, provides resources, education and advocacy for children, parents, and child care providers. Assists in child care needs. For more information, call 712-277-1180.

Co-Dependence Anonymous, 7 p.m. Mondays and Thursdays at First Lutheran Church, Fireside Room.

Co-Dependents Anonymous (CODA), 10 a.m. Saturdays at Hawkeye Club, 420 Jones St.

Compassionate Friends, 7 p.m. fourth Wednesday of each month (third Thursday in November and second Sunday December) in Mercy Medical Center's Leiter Room. For families who have lost children. Contact Nancy Webb 712-212-4032 or Don Mulder 712-541-5512.

Eating disorder coalition awareness event, 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Oct. 29 at Boy's and Girl's home and family services, 2101 Court St. Contact Lisa 712-251-0570 or Michele 712-898-2351.

Clinics

Siouxland District Health immunization clinics, call for appointment, 712-279-6119 or 1-800-587-3005.

Information

Family and Addictive Illness series, for more information, call 234-2300.

Iowa Fathers, 6 to 8 p.m. fourth Tuesday of each month at Hope Lutheran Church, Education Building, 218 W. 18th St., South Sioux City, Neb. Support group to help single, divorcing and divorced parents residing in the state of Iowa.

Mercy Pathways Outpatient Program, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays, on the third floor, Mercy's Central Medical Building, 801 Fifth St., Suite 360. Provides hope, help, opportunity to connect through group therapy for individuals experiencing personal, relationship, psychiatric issues. For more information, call 712-279-5991.

Narcotics Anonymous, meetings daily, various times, dates and locations. For more information, call 712-279-0733.

Overeaters Anonymous, 1 p.m. Tuesdays at Wesley United Methodist Church, 3700 Indian Hills Drive; 6 p.m. Tuesdays at St. John's Lutheran Church, 402 Lane Ave., Storm Lake; 7 p.m. Tuesdays at Church of the Nazarene, 226 N. Main St., Viborg, S.D.; 5:30 p.m. Thursdays and 9 a.m. Saturdays at Newman Center, 320 E. Cherry St., Vermillion, S.D.; 10:30 a.m. Saturdays at Hawkeye Club, 420 Jones St. A 12-step recovery program for people who have problems with food and weight. No fees.

St. Lukes Outpatient Behavioral Health Program, 9 a.m. to noon Monday, Tuesday and Thursday on fifth floor of St. Luke's, located at 2720 Stone Park Blvd. Offers several levels of outpatient care including partial hospitalization, intensive outpatient, and group therapy. This program provides support and integrated treatment to individuals experiencing personal or relationship issues as a result of their mental illness. For more information and admission criteria, call 712-279-3906.

Sobriety By Faith, 8:30 a.m. Saturdays at Mt. Zion Missionary Baptist Church, 1421 Geneva St. For more information, call James Mothershead at 712-577-9715.

The Link-Recovery and Freedom, 1603 Glen Ellen Road; 9:30 to 10:30 a.m. Saturday workshop, and Christian 12-step meeting 7 to 8 p.m. Tuesday. For all ages. Call Dee at 389-7432.

Women in Recovery, meets monthly at Mt. Zion Missionary Baptist Church, 1421 Geneva St. For details, call 712-255-4623.

Tarahouse Meditation Center, 8 a.m. Mondays through Thursdays; 6:30 p.m. Fridays; 10 a.m. Saturdays and Sundays, all at 3112 Rebecca St. Three easy 10-minute sessions in small group; beginners welcome. For more information, call 490-6410.

Blood pressure and blood sugar screening, 9 to 11 a.m. Wednesdays in the lobby at Westwood Nursing and Rehabilitation Center. Free to public.

Support Groups

Food Addicts in Recovery Anonymous, 7-8:30 p.m. Wednesdays at Hawkeye Club basement, 420 Jones St. For more information, call 277-5935.

Celebrate Recovery, Bible-based 12-step recovery group. Thursdays at 6 p.m. at Sunnybrook Community Church, 5601 Sunnybrook Drive. Childcare provided. 712-490-3343. All welcome.

PFLAG of Siouxland, (Parents & Friends of Lesbians and Gays), 7 p.m., fourth Monday of January, March, May, July, September and November. St. Mark ELCA Church, 5200 Glenn Ave., in the upstairs meeting area. 712-258-3116.

Singles widowed and divorced, all ages, 4 p.m., Sundays. McDonald's at Sixth Street and Lewis Boulevard. 712-252-2675.

GriefShare, 6:30 -8:30 p.m. every Tuesday until Dec. 6 at Sunnybrook Community Church, 5601 Sunnybrook Drive, Sioux City. 712-276-5814.

HIV/AIDS Support Group, meets weekly. For more information, call Darla or Teri at Siouxland Community Health Center, 712-252-2477 or 888-371-1965.

Hospice of Siouxland, seeking volunteers. For more information, call 712-233-4144 and ask for a volunteer coordinator.

La Leche League of Siouxland, breastfeeding support group meets every third Thursday at 11 a.m. at Morningside Lutheran Church. Children are welcome. For more information, call Mary at 712-546-7280 or Jacquie at 712-255-2998.

Living Each Day Cancer Support Group, 7-8 p.m. second Thursday of the month, Floyd Valley Hospital, Conference Center Room 2, Le Mars, Iowa. Open to all cancer patients, cancer survivors and family members. No charge. Pre-register by calling 712-546-3441 or 800-642-6074, ext. 441.

Mom and Baby Support Group, 10-11 a.m. last Monday of the month at the Orange City (Iowa) Hospital, lower level. For new moms and babies. 712-737-5260.

Tri-State Sober Project, 12-step meeting, 7:30-8:30 p.m., Tuesdays, Friendship Community Church, 305 Sergeant Square Drive, Sergeant Bluff. 6-7 p.m., Thursdays, Transitional Services of Iowa, 1221 Pierce St., Sioux City.

Doug's Donors Support Group, information for organ donors and recipients, 12:30-1:30 p.m. Fridays, 5:15-6:30 p.m. second Thursdays of the month at Mercy Cafeteria Woodbury Room. 712-277-1050.

Divorce Care, 6:30 -8:30 p.m. every Tuesday until Dec. 6 at Sunnybrook Community Church, 5601 Sunnybrook Drive, Sioux City. 712-276-5814.

NAMI Siouxland, (National Alliance on Mental Illness) Support Group meets 6:30 p.m., second Tuesday of the month at Friendship House, 1101 Court St. For individuals and family members dealing with mental illness. 712-255-4209.

New Life Life Support Group, 3:30 p.m. every Saturday at 2929 W. Fourth St. Spiritual 12-step program. For more information, call Donald at 712-574-1744 or James at 712-255-7624.

Orphan Sunday, 3:30-5 p.m. Sunday at Sunnybrook Community Church loft, 5601 Sunnybrook Drive.

Post Polio Support Group, 11 a.m. first Thursday of the month at Perkins Restaurant by Menards. 712-490-8213.

Relationship Support Group, 7 p.m. Fridays at Marketplace Mall. For more information, call 239-3129.

Sexual Assault and Domestic Violence, Individual and Support Groups. For more information, call CSADV in Sioux City at 712-258-7233; Plymouth County at 712-546-6764; Monona County at 712-423-3443. Advocacy and support available 24 hours a day at 1-800-982-7233. All services free of charge and confidential.

Sickle Cell Disease Support Group, 11 a.m. third Saturday of each month at St. Luke's Hospital, meeting room 1. For patients, their family and any concerned member. Call La'Keshia Rainey at 712-203-2019 for more information.

Single and Parenting, 6:30 -8:30 p.m. every Tuesday until Dec. 6 at Sunnybrook Community Church, 5601 Sunnybrook Drive, Sioux City. 712-276-5814.

Sioux City Association of the Deaf, 7 p.m. third Saturday of the month at Morningside Church of Christ, 5015 Garretson Ave. Regular meeting, September-May; no meeting, June, July, August and December.

Siouxland Autism Support Group, second Thursday of the month at Northwest Area Education Agency, 1520 Morningside Ave. For more information, call Julie Case at 712-490-8939.

Siouxland Epilepsy Support Group, 5 p.m. third Tuesday of the month at Prestwick Apartment Clubhouse, 4230 Hickory Lane. For anyone diagnosed with seizures or epilepsy and family or friends. For more information, call Steve at 274-6927.

Siouxland IC support group, meets quarterly in Sioux City. For patients struggling with interstital cystitis. For more information, call Jacque Dundas 316-641-9766.

Siouxland Informational Group for the Blind, 2-5 p.m. second Tuesday of the month at Northern Hills Retirement Community, 4002 Teton Trace. For more information, call 712-266-8926 or 258-8151.

Grief support group, 5:30-7:30 p.m., beginning Oct. 5 for 13 weeks (may join at any time), Crescent Park United Methodist Church, 2826 Myrtle St., Sioux City. Scott, 712-899-6315.

Siouxland Ostomy Association, 2 p.m. first Sunday of each month (except September, which will be second Sunday; and no meetings June, July, August), in Room 300 at Mercy Medical Center, 801 Fifth St. For more information, call Dick Lindblom at 251-2453.

Siouxland Parkinson Disease Support Group, 1 p.m. fourth Monday of the month at Siouxland Center for Active Generations, 313 Cook St. For more information, call Sally Reinert at 402-987-3516.

Sojourners, support group for families of persons with life-threatening illness, 7:30 p.m. Tuesdays at St. Luke's Regional Medical Center, Room 416. For more information, call Marjorie Jarvill at 402-241-8637.

South Sioux City Weight Support Group, 8:30 a.m. Wednesdays at St. Paul United Methodist Church, South Sioux City. For more information, call 494-1401 or 494-2133.

Disabilities Resource Center of Siouxland, 520 Nebraska St., Suite 101: Women's Support Group, 1:30 p.m. first Wednesday of the month; LGBT Support Group, 1:30 p.m. first Friday of the month; Adult ADHD, 6 p.m. second Tuesday of the month; Advocacy Group, 1:30 p.m. third Tuesday of the month. For more information, call 712-255-1065.

Take Off Pounds Sensibly, group meetings various times, days and locations in Siouxland. For information on the chapter in your area, call 1-800-932-TOPS.

Voice Disorder Support Group, meets as needed at Mercy Medical Center, Buena Vista Room. 712-279-2686.

Women's Peer Support Group, in Wayne and South Sioux City, Neb., for those who have experienced domestic abuse. For more information, call the Wayne office at 402-375-4633 or 1-800-440-4633; in South Sioux City, call 402-494-7592. Help and support available 24 hours a day, seven days a week. Services free and confidential.

Woodbury County D.M.D.A., noon-2 p.m. first Saturday of the month at Country Friendship Acres, 4501 West St.; 7-8 p.m. first Tuesday of the month at 515 Court St. in the Community Room; 7-8 p.m. second Tuesday of the month at 441 W. Third St. in the Community Room; 7-8 p.m. third Tuesday of the month at 409 W. Third St. in the Community Room. Support group for people with disabilities and mental disorders.

Natural Mamas in Siouxland, 1 p.m., third Tuesday of each month in the Garretson room of the Morningside Public Library. All ages of children are welcome to come with moms. For sharing natural living tips, recipes, natural remedies and health, homemaking, mothering, etc. For more information, call 402-913-0038 or visit their Facebook page.

A Step Beyond support group, 3:30 p.m. second Tuesday of the month, except for August, November and December when it meets at 5:30 p.m. (no meeting in January) at the Christy-Smith Resource Center, 1819 Morningside Ave. For more information, call 712-276-7319.

Divorce care, 5 p.m., Sundays. Fireside room, Morningside Lutheran Church, 700 South Martha St.

Gamblers Anonymous meetings, 4 p.m. Thursdays at Immanuel Lutheran Church, 315 Hamilton Blvd.; 7 p.m. Wednesdays, Morningside Presbyterian Church, 4327 Morningside Ave.; 7 p.m. Tuesdays, St. John Lutheran Church; 7 p.m. Sundays, Hawkeye Club, 420 Jones St.. 712-277-2901.

Art therapy support group, 5:30 p.m. second Thursday of the month at the June E. Nylen Cancer Center. Registration required, call 252-9387.

After Breast Cancer Support Group, 5:30 p.m. third Tuesday of the month at the June E. Nylen Cancer Center. For more information, call Brenda, 252-9370.

After Prostate Cancer Support Group, 5:15 p.m. first Tuesday of the month at the June E. Nylen Cancer Center. For more information, call 252-9426.

Alzheimer's Association, Big Sioux Chapter Support Group, 2 p.m. second Tuesday of the month; 4 p.m. third Tuesday of the month (under age 65) at 201 Pierce St., Suite 110 (Famous Dave's building); and 6 p.m. first Tuesday of the month at the Barnes and Noble Cafe. For more information, call Emily Lord at 712-279-5802.

Christy-Smith Funeral Homes of Sioux City, extensive grief library at the Morningside location. Open to the public during weekday hours. For more information, call 276-7319.

Chronic Pain/Chronic Illness Support Group, 7:30 p.m. fourth Wednesday of the month in the lower level of the Orange City Hospital. For more information, call 712-737-5260.

Connections Area Agency on Aging, and Mercy Medical Centers Older Adult Services Welcome to Medicare, 1:30-4 p.m., the first Friday of every month at Connections Area Agency on Aging, 2301 Pierce St. To pre-register, or for more information, contact Connections Area Agency on Aging at 712-279-6900.
People are hungry. And Im not talking about anticipating a big Thanksgiving Day dinner with turkey and all the trimmings, finished off with pumpkin pie with whipped cream dancing on top.

No, people are hungry and they dont know how to get fed. So they do all kinds of things trying to satisfy their hunger that has nothing to do with consuming large amounts of turkey, dressing, or mashed potatoes and gravy.

They drink alcohol. They take drugs. They eat too much. They fight with the ones who love them the most. They argue about little things and make them into ridiculously big things. They fight the ones who want to help them. They fight themselves. They work too much. They gamble away their hard-earned money. They become bitter and the bitterness eats them up from the inside out. They become judgmental of others as they sit on top of their self-constructed pedestals.

They have no joy. They have no hope. They dont know Jesus. They become hungrier and hungrier and they dont know how to quiet the hunger that gnaws at them day and night and night and day. Its exhausting. Theyre exhausted. The people around them are exhausted, too.

In Mark 6:31-32, Jesus is exhausted. He and the disciples have been doing ministry. Theyve also just heard the news that John the Baptist has been beheaded. Theyre tired and theyre sad. They go to find a place of rest.

It shows us that we, too can get tired even when were doing what were called to do. We need times of rest. But sometimes we have to delay our rest to help others. In Galatians 6:9 it reads, So let's not get tired of doing what is good. At just the right time we will reap a harvest of blessing if we don't give up. Wow. When we help others we are blessed as well.

You know the story. Jesus sees the multitude following him. They are like a sheep without a shepherd. He has compassion for them. So he doesnt rest, but teaches them many things.

Its getting late in the day. The disciples, the practical ones, tell Jesus to send the crowd away so that they can go into the surrounding country and villages and buy something to eat.

Isnt that like us? We recognize that someone needs help and we tell them all the great places that they can go to get it. And yet, sometimes we are the ones who are called to help them. That doesnt mean we take a homeless person home to live with us. But it could mean that we buy them a meal.

Or a co-worker is unusually quiet. We could ask them whats wrong. Then take the time to really listen to what they have to say. Sometimes something as simple as a listening ear can be a big help.

Its easy to be cynical. To say, This world has changed so much. Things were simpler, better, happier (fill in the blank) when I was growing up. A little whining is okay, but dont make it a habit. Once a long time ago my friend, Sue, and I worked together under less than ideal conditions. We found ourselves whining together one day.

I feel like alI I do is whine, I said.

This place makes you into a whiner, she replied.

At that moment something happened. We decided together that we were going to stop whining. And we did. Our circumstances didnt change, but the people around us did. Our co-workers became our close friends. We even joked about the absurdity of life at our place of work. But we didnt give up and we all did good work. Much better than if we had continued to spend our time whining.

You see, we couldnt change things, but we could change how we reacted to them. Sue and I didnt have much to offer, but what we had we gave. Our kindness, our compassion and our sense of humor helped those around us.

Jesus says to the disciples who want to send the 5,000 men and the women and children away to buy food, You feed them.

Say what?

You feed them.

Thats hard to misinterpret. The disciples ask a boy and he gives up his lunch. The five loaves of bread and the two small fish. As a result, everyone is part of a miracle that day. Their physical hunger is not only assuaged, so is their spiritual hunger.

The little boy didnt have to do anything special, but to simply give what he already had. Through his generosity, everyone was fed that day.

What the Lord has already given to each one of us we can share to help others. Maybe you have a smile that lights up a room. You can use that smile to light up someones life. Many people are simply looking for a little acceptance.

What is your five loaves and two bread? What can you give that you already have? Give as an offering? Because if you follow Jesus, there will be things you have to give up. Things that were called to place at the cross. Cynicism. Hopelessness. Bitterness. Addictions. Anything that hinders us in our walk of faith.

During Thanksgiving, remember that the you in You feed them is us.

Kathy Yoder is a devotional writer. She may be reached at kathyyoder4@gmail.com.
SIOUX CITY | When patients check in at various areas of Mercy Medical Center, including the hospital's emergency department, central registration, and the Heart Center, they'll be asked to place their right palm on a small black scanning device.

The hospital went live with the PatientSecure identification system on Oct. 25 to protect patient identities and privacy. Previously, Kaitlyn Mohrhauser, manager of patient access services, said patients registering at Mercy were asked to provide a photo I.D., Social Security number and date of birth.

"Really all we had was the I.D. and the patient's word. This is a lot more effective," she said. "It's a benefit on a lot of different levels."

An estimated 2.32 million Americans have fallen victim to medical identity theft, which increased by 22 percent between 2014 and 2015, according to the Medical Identity Theft Alliance.

Misidentifying patients during record searches is another issue hospitals across the country are grappling with. According to the RAND Corporation, a nonprofit research organization, patients are misidentified during record searches at a rate between 7 and 10 percent.

According to Imprivata, the maker of PatientSecure, Carolinas HealthCare System reduced its duplicate medical record error rate to 0.11 percent with Imprivata with PatientSecure, which is 80 times better than the national average of 10 percent.

Besides protecting against identify theft and identification errors, Mohrhauser said PatientSecure is also useful when an unresponsive, unidentified patient arrives in the emergency department.

If the patient is registered in the hospital's database, all staff have to do is scan the patient's palm to learn who they are, access their medical records and contact their family members or friends.

Using near-infrared light, PatientSecure twice scans the vein pattern in a patient's palm -- which is unique to each individual much like a fingerprint -- when they enroll for the first time.

Mohrhauser said registration software tells staff whether a patient is enrolled. At subsequent visits to the hospital, the device authenticates the patient's identity by scanning their palm once.

"It will basically take a picture of that vein pattern, so when you come in the next time they'll scan that and locate you in the database that way," Mohrhauser said. "It will automatically take that patient's information from our registration software and assign it to that palm vein pattern."

She said identify theft wasn't a problem at the hospital, but she said Mercy, like many other hospitals, has patients with identical or very similar identifying information. She said a hospital in Detroit has 800 patients with the same names and birth dates.

"We do see instances where a well-meaning registrar will take the patient information and it may say, John Smith 1-21-47, and there's a John Smith 1-23-47 and they grab the wrong one and we don't notice it until later in the visit," she said.

"(PatientSecure) prevents that from happening. We have the right patient at the beginning of the visit every time if we've previously enrolled them in our database."

So far, Mohrhauser said patient reaction to the device has been very positive. She said PatientSecure only adds about a minute to the check-in process, which she said takes about 10 minutes total.

"We weren't sure how it was going to be received in the Siouxland area. Pretty much every patient that has come through has really enjoyed it and thought that it's been a great idea," she said.

"They're more comfortable with the fact that proper patient identification is at the forefront of our mind."
DAKOTA CITY | The driver of a car involved in a fatal crash in Dakota County pleaded no contest Thursday to vehicular homicide.

Christopher Cox, 45, of Council Bluffs, Iowa, entered his plea in Dakota County Court to three counts of vehicular homicide, all Class I misdemeanors punishable by a maximum of one year in jail. Sentencing was set for Jan. 4.

A misdemeanor charge of no operator's license was dismissed as part of a plea agreement.

Cox told authorities he swerved to miss a deer and ran off the road at about 3:40 a.m. June 9 on U.S. Highway 20 west of Jackson, Nebraska.

The car crossed the center line, went airborne into the north ditch and struck a concrete creek barrier. Passengers Connie Fauzae, 57, and Espinoza Lara, 9, both of Council Bluffs, died at the scene. A third passenger, Jose Lara, 10, also of Council Bluffs, died at a Sioux City hospital. Cox had minor injuries.

According to Nebraska's vehicular homicide statute, Cox unintentionally caused the death of another person while he was driving in violation of a state law. According to court documents, Cox did not have a valid operator's license at the time of the crash, and a review found that his driver's license issued in New Mexico had been suspended.
HOLSTEIN, Iowa | Two special turkeys took a tour of the gymnasium at the Galva-Holstein Elementary School in Holstein Thursday.

The lucky birds were selected as this years National Thanksgiving Turkey, to be pardoned next week by President Barack Obama.

The unnamed turkeys  thats the job of the president next week  were on display for about 100 wide-eyed kids at the kindergarten through second grade school.

Chris Domino, who produced the presidential poultry at his familys Sac County farm near Early, spoke about the pampered lives the birds lead after their selection while the kids watched them coo, strut and ruffle their feathers.

Domino explained that the turkeys in the presidential flock live the good life.

We spend time with them, feed them by hand, give them treats, talk to them, practice putting them on a podium and let them listen to the radio to get accustomed to noises and voices, he said, adding that they even get their own barn  separate from the nine buildings containing 10,000 turkeys each.

That training and pampering has paid off. The turkeys stayed within their mat of bedding and rarely raised a ruckus. But whats the fun of turkeys visiting school without hearing a few gobbles?

Led by Iowa Turkey Federation executive director Grett Irwin, the kids shouted Hello! in unison to stir a response but to no avail. Fortunately, principal Mike Richard had an idea; hed yelp them.

Pulling a turkey call out of his pocket, Richard imitated the sound a turkey makes to communicate. And the real birds responded with a resounding gobble, much to the amusement of the students.

But the turkeys werent just there for a fun show. Irwin said the turkey tour let students see and learn about a lesser known commodity of Iowa agriculture. Corn and soybeans get a lot of the agricultural press, she said, but turkeys and livestock tie it all together.

This is a celebration of Iowas agriculture and bountiful harvest, she said.

The turkeys also made stops at schools in Galva, Schaller and Early Thursday. Following a sendoff ceremony Friday at the Domino farm, theyll be loaded into a vehicle and shipped to Washington, D.C., Sunday. Chris and his wife, Nicole, will fly out Monday and help present the turkeys to the president.

The turkeys will then be formally pardoned and spared from the dinner table by Obama at the White House Wednesday morning. Domino said the turkeys, to his knowledge, will then live out the rest of their lives as mascots of sorts for Virginia Tech University. The school's nickname is the Hokies, with a mascot that resembles a turkey.

This is the first time in Chris Dominos nine years as a turkey grower that one of his turkeys has been selected as the presidential bird. These were the first birds from Iowa selected since 2008, with the last one coming from the Ellsworth area.

But regardless of what region in Iowa the bird comes from, it gives the state a chance to flex its agricultural muscles on a national scale.

Iowa is part of the mainland of the country and there are a lot of turkeys here, said National Turkey Federation Chairman John Reicks. It means a lot to the people here. The Domino family does a great job and represents Iowa very well.
This week on the podcast, reporters discuss whether Gov. Terry Branstad could become the new U.S. ambassador to China, plus other election odds and ends -- and a look ahead to 2020.

On Iowa Politics is a weekly news and analysis podcast which re-creates the conversations that happen when Iowa's political reporters get together after deadlines have been met. This week's show features James Q. Lynch, Todd Dorman and Ed Tibbetts.

This week's show was produced by Richard Pratt and the music heard in the podcast is courtesy of The Stockyard Kings. Chat with us on Facebook, follow us on Twitter @OnIowaPolitics, and subscribe on iTunes or Stitcher. Know an Iowa musician who should be on our show? Send their band sound files to oniowapolitics@gmail.com
LE MARS, Iowa | The trial for a Le Mars man charged with the stabbing death of his sister was continued Friday while attorneys wait for the completion of a psychiatric evaluation of the suspect.

Thomas Bibler, 34, is now scheduled to stand trial Feb. 14 in Plymouth County District Court on charges of first-degree murder, willful injury and going armed with intent in connection with the June 11 death of Shannon Bogh, 27, of Le Mars. His trial had been set for Dec. 13.

Bibler is accused of assaulting Bogh in her home at 591 15th St. SW with an edged weapon. She died a short time later at the Le Mars hospital.

Bibler was arrested without incident about 30 minutes after the assault at his apartment.
SIOUX CITY | Sioux City police on Friday announced the arrest of city man who allegedly sought men to commit sex abuse on his wife while she was passed out.

A Sioux City Police Department release announced the arrest of Andrew Lofgren, 32, from his home in the 3100 block of Floyd Boulevard. Police said an investigation showed Lofgren had placed an advertisement with the purpose of obtaining a controlled substance to give to his wife, in order to cause her to pass out.

The release said Lofgren also in the ad "requested that two males commit sex abuse on his wife while she was passed out."

Lofgren was arrested Thursday evening on the felony charge of solicitation to commit sex abuse. Detective Bruce Hokel confirmed Lofgren didn't complete his plan through the advertisement.

Lofgren was held in Woodbury County Jail on Friday.
SIOUX CITY | A Sioux City man who set a fire in his house and trashed the kitchen has been sentenced to 90 days in jail

Trevor Worrell, 23, pleaded guilty Monday in Woodbury County District Court to third-degree arson and second-degree criminal mischief.

District Judge Duane Hoffmeyer gave Worrell a 365-day jail sentence for the arson charge and suspended 275 days of the sentence. Worrell received a five-year suspended prison sentence on the criminal mischief charge and was placed on probation for four years.

According to court documents, Worrell was intoxicated when he arrived at his house in the 1400 block of Ruby Street on Sept. 13 and became upset. He lit a pillow on fire in his bedroom before threatening to kill his sister and being told to leave the house. The fire was put out before it spread throughout the room and the house, court documents said.

Worrell later returned, court documents said, and began destroying the kitchen, throwing a microwave, coffee pot and vacuum before trying to pull down the ceiling fan.

Worrell told police he accidentally started the fire while lighting a cigarette, court documents said.
SIOUX CITY | A Sioux City man was sentenced to 30 years in prison Friday for having sexual contact with three teenage girls in 2012.

Lawrence Hoffman, 25, pleaded guilty in Woodbury County District Court to three counts of third-degree sexual abuse.

District Judge Jeffrey Poulson also ordered Hoffman to serve a special sex offender sentence, in which he will be on lifetime parole after completing his prison sentence. If he were to violate terms of the special sentence, he could be sent to prison. He also must register with the Iowa Sex Offender Registry for the rest of his life.

According to court documents, Hoffman, who was 20 or 21 at the time, had sexual encounters with the girls, ages 13, 14 and 15, from Jan. 1, 2012, through April 11, 2012, at his home in the 700 block of Burton Street and at other locations.

Hoffman would frequently hang out with the underage girls, giving them car rides, providing them with cell phones and cigarettes and taking them out to eat, court documents said.
SIOUX CITY | A South Sioux City man was sentenced Friday to more than 16 years in prison on federal drug and firearm charges.

Justin Miller, 28, had pleaded guilty in August in U.S. District Court in Sioux City to conspiracy to distribute a controlled substance and possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime. He was sentenced to 193 months in prison.

Miller was arrested March 16 in Sioux City after police busted a drug deal. He was found in the back seat of a car with a loaded .22-caliber revolver.

According to court documents, Miller and Andrew Tucker-Moreno conspired with each other and other people from 2015 through March to sell 500 grams or more of meth.

Tucker-Moreno, 30, of Moville, Iowa, has pleaded guilty to conspiracy to distribute a controlled substance and is scheduled to be sentenced in December.
Todays top picks from our online calendar. Find more events at siouxcityjournal.com/calendar.

Commerce Connection Artists event

The Commerce Connection Artists Holiday Open House is open tonight from 4 to 9 p.m. at the Commerce Building, 520 Nebraska St. Live music Friday by Rich Brown. Enjoy refreshments and explore loads of art. Parking available in the lot behind the Commerce Building. Admission is free.

Tour of Homes

Big Brothers Big Sisters of Siouxland is hosting their annual Holiday Tour of Homes Nov. 17-19. This year will explore five beautiful homes in the Whispering Creek area. Tickets start at $30 and can be purchased by calling 712-239-9890. Visit bigbrothersbigsisters.com for tour schedule.

Ode's storytelling night

Hear the stories of Siouxland immigrants from around the world, listen to live music and get a taste of authentic African cuisine. Storytelling begins at 7 p.m. at the Sioux City Art Center, 225 Nebraska St. Admission is $10. Visit the Ode Facebook page for additional information.
WASHINGTON -- Seventeen days before President Donald Trump, his spoken oath of office still lingering in the wintry air, lifts his left hand from Scripture (a leather-bound edition of "The Art of the Deal"), the Republican-controlled Congress will begin working. Fittingly, on Jan. 3 the First Branch of government will go first, flexing its somewhat atrophied Article I muscles.

When Trump reaches his desk on the morning of Jan. 21, he should find there two congressional measures emblematic of how quickly elections can have consequences. One should be the Regulations from the Executive in Need of Scrutiny Act (REINS). The other should be legislation mandating construction of the Keystone XL pipeline. As president, Trump will have the authority and intent to proceed with construction, but Congress should make the point that this concerns national policy, which Congress should set.

The REINS Act would begin Congress's retrieval from the executive branch of responsibilities the Founders vested in the legislative branch. The act would sharply slow the growth of regulations that are suffocating economic growth. REINS would require Congress to vote on -- to have its fingerprints on -- all "major" regulations, understood as those with an annual economic impact of at least $100 million. Congress would thus take responsibility for, and be held accountable for, the substance that executive agencies' rule making pours into the almost-empty vessels that Congress imprecisely calls "laws."

After the preamble, the Constitution's first substantive word is "all": "All legislative powers herein granted shall be vested in a Congress." But the more than 170,000 pages of the Code of Federal Regulations contain tens of thousands of rules promulgated by largely unaccountable agencies. The agencies fill voids in congressional "laws" such as the Dodd-Frank financial reform, which mandates, but does not define -- that is left to executive rule makers -- "fair, transparent and competitive" financial products and services. As of five years ago -- it is substantially worse now -- the government itself estimated that regulations cost the economy more than $1.75 trillion, almost twice the sum of income tax receipts then.

Opposition to the Keystone XL pipeline has illustrated environmentalism's, and the Democratic Party's, descent into the theater of pointless gestures. The nation is crisscrossed with more than 2 million miles of natural gas pipelines and 175,000 miles of pipelines carrying hazardous liquids. Yet our theatrically thoughtful current president wasted seven years pretending to ponder the weighty question of whether Keystone's 1,179 miles -- bringing oil from Alberta, Canada, to Nebraska -- might somehow menace the nation and planet.

Some of the oil would be from Canada's tar sands. Keystone opponents say such oil is especially "dirty," so the pipeline, by enabling the oil to get to market, would injure the climate. But even if the opponents' allegations about the tar sands oil can be trusted, the allegations are irrelevant: The opponents evidently believe that if the pipeline is not built, Canada will simply say "Oh, dang!" and leave the world's third-largest proven crude oil reserve -- larger than Iran's -- locked up in the tar sands. The opponents evidently think that if they block the pipeline, this vast wealth will not find another way into the international oil market.

Furthermore, without Keystone XL, more oil will be transported by trains, which have notable carbon footprints and sometimes spectacular spills. Hence legislation mandating the pipeline's construction will not only create jobs, which once upon a time was a Democratic priority, it should soothe climate anxieties.

So, Congress should call this Keystone XL legislation the "Zach, We Feel Your Pain Act." After the election, someone reportedly named Zach, a Democratic National Committee staffer, suffered a hilarious eruption of hysteria. In the process of blaming DNC interim Chair Donna Brazile for the lost election (wrong woman, Zach), he said, according to The Huffington Post:

"You and your friends will die of old age and I'm going to die from climate change. You and your friends let this happen, which is going to cut 40 years off my life expectancy."

Well. Suppose Zach is 30 and expects that, although he appears to be unhealthily excitable, his life expectancy is 90. If climate change subtracts 40 of Zach's years, it is going to kill him within 20 years. Perhaps Zach can take grim pleasure from the fact that Brazile, a vigorous and cheerful 56, probably will still be spry when the Grim Climate Reaper swings his deadly scythe. Be that as it may, consider that Zach's scary arithmetic probably represents commonplace thinking within the Democratic Party, aka "the party of science."
SIOUX CITY | Business owners and residents met with city staff and consultants Thursday evening to weigh in on the latest designs for a comprehensive renovation along the West Seventh Street corridor.

Scheduled to begin in the spring of 2017, the $8.5 million project will redevelop the seven blocks stretching from Hamilton Boulevard to Wesley Parkway, as well as three to four blocks of side streets and connections. The renovation aims to modernize the street's pavement and aging utilities while increasing its aesthetic appeal.

Thursday evening's open house event, held in the City Council chambers, was an opportunity for business owners and residents to take a look at one of the final stages of concept designs and provide feedback.

"Overall, it's been very good," Jill Wanderscheid, Sioux City's neighborhood services manager, said Thursday evening of the input. "We're going to go back and look at a few things and make sure that we're being responsive to all that feedback and then we'll be looking at finalizing plans in December."

The project will include a complete replacement of the street and convert the existing four-lane setup to three-lanes -- two driving lanes and a middle turning lane -- with on-street parking and widened sidewalks. Amenities will include contoured trash receptacles and planters, bike racks, benches, new street lighting and branded "West 7th" gateway signs at the Hamilton and Wesley entrances.

The project will also leave room for a future north-south biking and walking trail along Main Street.

One of Thursday's attendees, Bryan Steussy, said he came to see what kind of amenities for bicycles would be in the area. He said he remembers one of his first visits to West Seventh Street about a year and a half ago, when he and his wife went to eat at Diamond Thai Cuisine.

"We couldn't really find a (bike rack), so we just kind of chained it outside," he said. "It was either to a stop sign or a utility pole."

Steussy said the new designs looked like a large improvement.

Dean Chapman, a Sioux City realtor, said during Thursday's open house that he also liked what he saw.

"I know there are people who are concerned about why they are spending that money 'down there.' But there's a lot of activity down there," he said. "I think we're seeing good things going on down there, good businesses."

West Seventh Street was originally platted in the 1860s and, in its early years, became known as the city's manufacturing center. In the 1920s, the area transitioned into an "auto row." It now carries a long history of restaurants, shops, and service establishments owned and operated by a diverse group of people.

"This is one of the oldest parts of Sioux City," Wanderscheid said. "With that comes very old utilities. One water main dates back to the late 1800s. We know that it's time to make those repairs and improvements."

Public meetings for the project began in early 2013, with an initial study completed in 2014. Since July, stakeholders have been working on the engineering design for the project.

Thursday, members of JEO Consulting Group Inc. and Confluence, a landscape architecture and design company, both of which have worked with the city on the project, were in attendance.

Under the project's current timeline, plans will go before the City Council for approval in mid-January. Construction is anticipated to begin in March and to finish by August 2018.

City engineer Glenn Ellis said the project will be completed in phases, starting with sections along Bluff Street and move west. He said each city block will take an estimated six weeks.

The project has an approximately $8.5 million price tag -- about $7 million for the base project, $500,000 for integrated art, $174,000 for aesthetic work along the Perry Creek Bridge, and $763,000 to cover engineering costs.

Wanderscheid said staff will upload the concept art and diagrams to the city's website Friday.
CEDAR RAPIDS | Water quality advocates who see little progress toward reducing nitrate and phosphorous pollution in the Mississippi River and Iowa waterways called for bolder action by state and federal agencies, including the possibility of farmland regulations.

When we look at the status of water quality in the Mississippi and also within the state, we just cant find much improvement there, David Osterberg of the Iowa Policy Project said Thursday during a conference call with Iowa reporters. Claims that Iowas 2012 voluntary Nutrient Reduction Strategy is producing results just seems too much rah, rah and not enough careful analysis.

Also Thursday, the Iowa Environmental Council and Mississippi River Collaborative echoed that concern that current programs are not working. It called for the Environmental Protection Agency to take specific action to regulate excess nitrogen and phosphorus pollution in state waters along the Mississippi River because Iowa and the nine other border states havent achieved any significant pollution reductions on their own.

For 20 years, we have been told the EPA and the states would address the nitrogen and phosphorus pollution that causes the Gulf Dead Zone, Matt Rota of the Gulf Restoration Network, an MRC member, said on a conference call with reporters.

Despite decades of voluntary efforts in Iowa, nitrate pollution from farm runoff continues to threaten the safety of drinking water, added Susan Heathcote of the Iowa Environmental Council.

They called for the EPA to set numeric limits of allowable nitrogen and phosphorus in state waters, assessing water quality for nitrogen and phosphorus pollution that creates impaired waterways and ensuring states develop nutrient reduction strategies with specific implementation plans and adequate funding.

Nitrogen and phosphorus pollutants fuel toxic blue-green algae blooms in Iowa lakes and rivers, resulting in a record number of beach advisories over last two years, along with growing concern about the health impact of these toxins in drinking water supplies.

Thats not only a problem for the Des Moines Water Works, which provides water for 500,000 Iowa, but for the 260 public water supplies that provide drinking water to small towns and rural areas, Heathcote said.

However, Iowa Secretary of Agriculture Bill Northey defended the voluntary approach. More than 5,000 farmers have signed up to try water quality practices on their farms and others are implementing conservation practices without state assistance, he said. Forty-five demonstration projects are underway and more than 100 organizations are participating in these projects.

These reports by activist environmental organizations try to create division where in fact there is broad consensus on the need for action and the path forward, Northey said. It is unfortunate these groups try to scare the public to advance their agenda rather than work with the thousands Iowans who are committed to making changes to help improve water quality. When we work together, we can make big stride.

Despite his confidence in voluntary efforts, spokespersons for both groups said more regulation may be necessary. The Clean Water Act gives the EPA clear authority to impose monitoring, increase oversight and prioritize clean-up efforts and to ensure accountability, Rota said.

Regulation may be necessary, Osterberg said because as many as 40 percent of landowners doubt their farming practices have any impact on the dead zone in the Gulf of Mexico or on local waterways. Reports show about 40 percent of landowners and producers are spending less than $1 per acre per year.

Thats not enough to move us any place, Osterberg said.

He called for a tax on fertilizer that would raise about $130 million a year in Iowa, money that could be used to fund programs that share the cost of conservation practices with landowners.

However, the water quality advocate acknowledged the political challenge they face, especially in light of the presidential election in which voters elected a candidate who called for less federal regulation.

The Clean Water Act is very clear about what the country expects as far as waters that are fishable, swimmable and drinkable, Rota said. That does not change with the new administration. So while politically it might be a little more difficult, legally and morally a lot of these recommendations will stand.

In Iowa, Heathcote would like to see lawmakers approve a three-eighths cent sale tax increase for natural resources.

Were hopeful this is a bipartisan issue (because) clean water touches all of us, she said.

The reports released Thursday can be found at http://www.iaenvironment.org/ and http://www.iowapolicyproject.org/.
Social Movements  November 18, 2016  Richard Fidler

David Bushs article Syria and the Antiwar Tradition, in the November 3 issue of The Bullet , is a commendable attempt to debate what antiwar activists in Canada and other Western countries should be saying and doing about the current war in Syria.

In that country, the rebel cities that rose up four years ago in revolt against the brutal Bashar al-Assad dictatorship are now under a genocidal siege, bombed and assaulted from the air by Assads military, aided and abetted by Russian fighter jets and bombers. Their desperate

fight for survival, if unsuccessful, will put paid to the Arab Spring and with it the potential for building a democratic, anti-imperialist

governmental alternative in the Middle East for an extended period to come. Socialists everywhere have every interest in supporting the

Syrian people and opposing that war.

David Bush correctly calls for building a broad antiwar movement in this country and he cites as precedents the powerful movements against the Vietnam war in the 1960s and 70s and the Iraq war in 2003. Oddly, however, in discussing how the antiwar movement should address the

war in Syria, he wants to impose limits on the political message and alignments of the movement that in my view would contradict the goal

of building a united front of opposition to the war. In doing so, he  unwittingly  reveals one of the major reasons why such a movement is lacking.

David takes issue in particular with sections of the international left that seek to build a movement of support to the anti-Assad opposition and opposition to the brutal military assault on it by the regime and its allies, chiefly Putins Russia. They are framing the complex situation in Syria in ways that are completely off the mark in terms of guiding an appropriate response at home, he charges.

Modern Imperialism

For socialists in the imperialist countries, he says, the main enemy is at home. In Canada, this means focusing the antiwar movement on

Canadas drive to war while presumably putting solidarity with the Syrian people and their democratic popular uprising on the back burner. He criticizes some left opponents of the war for confusing the act of building a solidarity movement with the act of building an antiwar movement. Solidarity, he says, involves bringing awareness and material support to a group of people, while an antiwar movement is directed to stopping your own governments drive to war.

Speaking out on crimes perpetrated elsewhere is important but prioritizing the fight at home is key.

I fail to see this distinction between building solidarity and building an antiwar movement. The revolutionary socialist movement has

historically not made such a distinction: building mass antiwar movements is precisely the clearest and most direct way to express solidarity with the victims of imperialist war and the democratic and revolutionary forces on a global scale.

[P]rioritizing the fight at home, David explains, means that In Canada, the focus should be on ensuring the Liberals do not re[-]engage with airstrikes in Syria. It also means demanding the [Canadian] troops be withdrawn from the Middle East and from the Ukraine and Eastern Europe, while also advocating for more refugees to be taken in and stopping Canadas escalating arms trade.

In themselves, these are good demands. But isnt there something missing? What about the bombing, and the actually existing war that

is taking place today in Syria? Surely we cant remain silent on that.

For example, in France an antiwar committee called a demonstration for October 29 in Paris around a number of demands that speak to the self-determination of the Syrian people. Among them: Immediate end to the bombing of Aleppo and in the rest of Syria; departure from Syria of all foreign militias and occupation armies; international prosecution of war criminals; French government assurance of protection, in accordance with international law, of the Syrian people, prevented up to now from having the necessary means to defend themselves against the air bombing of schools, hospitals, markets and homes; immediate and unconditional access to the besieged and starving populations, in coordination with the democratically elected local councils; and immediate freeing of all political prisoners in Syria.

These demands, or some variation of them, should resonate with many people, not least the Syrian exile community whose ranks are now swelled by millions as a result of Assads brutal repression. In Ottawa recently, I chanced upon a group of about 100 demonstrators on Parliament Hill waving Canadian and Syrian flags. Almost all of the demonstrators were Syrian Canadians. The demonstration, I was told by the chief marshal, had been hastily organized within their community to call on the Canadian government to protest the bombing of Aleppo and other cities. The demonstrators slogans were clear and straightforward: Stop the bombing! End foreign intervention! Trudeau, speak out against Assads murderous assault!

But where was the traditional antiwar movement? And what if anything is it doing about Syria? The most recent statement

on the Canadian Peace Alliance web site is headlined Stop Bombing Syria. But it is focused on NATO. Not wrong in principle, but the statement, addressed to Canadas previous bombing of ISIS positions in Syria, is many months out of date. There is nothing on the CPA

site about the current murderous air and bombing assault on Syrias cities. And it would appear that across the country the movement is doing nothing to protest the war.

Why the silence? Is it only because Trudeau has pulled Canadas fighter jets out of Syria; after all, Canadian planes and troops are active in other parts of the Middle East. The CPA denounces the bombing of Syria by Harper and Trudeau but says nothing about the bombing now by Putin.

Shift in Global Geopolitics

In my view, the failure of the antiwar movement in Canada  and elsewhere  to address the situation in Syria is a reaction in part

not only to the admittedly complex nature of the military and political alignments involved but in particular to a shift in global

geopolitics that the anti-imperialist and antiwar activists are having difficulty assimilating and incorporating in their strategy. (For explanations of those alignments see the suggested readings listed at the end of this article.)

To put it bluntly, I sense a reluctance on the part of many activists to condemn the Russian bombing and its alliance with Assad when Russia itself is the target of NATO encirclement and threats of aggression, especially in Eastern Europe. This is understandable. As David Bush

notes, political and economic elites in the West are waging a campaign to demonize Russia, reflected in hypocritical attacks on some antiwar organizations for not signing on to that campaign. As David says, we must reject the view that Russia is the main enemy on a global scale. Thus it is logical and correct for him to include the demand for Canadian and NATO troop withdrawals from Ukraine and Eastern Europe among the appropriate demands for the antiwar movement of today.

But does that preclude criticism and denunciation of Russias bombing and overall counter-revolutionary strategy in Syria? That was

the view of one comrade in discussions I participated in recently. He expressed his discomfiture at criticism of Russias conduct in Syria. Where Russia is concerned, he said, we should instead aim our fire at the U.S. and NATO.

This seems an evasion to me. It is not the U.S. or NATO which are bombing the hell out of Aleppo and other dissident cities, it is Assad and his Russian ally. To be sure, Putins commitment to maintaining the Assad regime is in part motivated as a response to threatening moves

by the U.S. and NATO in other regions, especially eastern Europe. But do such maneuvers oblige us to maintain silence on Russias atrocities in Syria? (As it happens, in Syria the U.S. has been attempting to collaborate with Russia and the Assad regime in efforts to rout its Islamist fundamentalist opponents.)

It is no accident that David turns to the pre-World War I debates among socialists for historical precedents for todays antiwar movement.

Our world today is much more like the world in the early 20th century, one of contending imperialist powers of uneven strength and influence, than to the Cold War confrontation of East and West blocs that shaped global politics in the latter half of the century.

David draws attention to the linkage between war and imperialism that the early socialists made. As he notes, however, their fine resolutions

were ignored when the war broke out: most sections of the [Socialist] International sided with their own ruling class. The

correct orientation of each national group, he says, was to oppose its own ruling classs drive to war. The main enemy is at home.

I agree, but would add that this stance did not mean that socialists in one imperialist country would turn a blind eye to the crimes of other

imperialist powers in their mutual rivalry for plunder of resources, new markets and colonies. Socialist internationalism was the corollary of consistent solidarity with all the peoples and nations subject to imperialist exploitation and aggression. That is the essence of the resolutions of the Second International and the Zimmerwald Left cited by David.

United Front of Antiwar Opposition

This points us to the need for political clarity in the united front of antiwar opposition David proposes we build. He cites the precedents

of the mass movements that were built in opposition to the Vietnam war in the 1960s and 70s and the global mobilizations against the

impending Iraq invasion in 2003. In both cases, as he notes, the terms of the movement were simple: do you oppose the war? If yes, then lets join forces on that question and debate other political perspectives along the way.

What has been lost in the debate around the war in Syria is precisely this perspective, he says.

Actually, in the case of the Vietnam war, it was not quite that simple. A fierce debate was waged in the movement, especially in the United States, over the slogans that would build the broadest front of opposition to the war and solidarity with the revolution. In the

beginning many antiwar activists wanted to focus the movement on the demand for negotiations to end the war in the hope of finding common ground with bourgeois politicians by conceding some legitimate interest to Washington, some interest it could defend in negotiations

with the Vietnamese revolutionaries. Those in the militant wing of the movement, on the other hand, argued for the simple demand Out Now!, which was consistent with the democratic right of the Vietnamese people to self-determination and thus an expression of the fullest solidarity.

Over time, with mounting antiwar sentiment among the public and the U.S. troops, spurred by the military victories of the Vietnamese fighters

themselves, Out Now became the dominant slogan, and around that demand a mighty movement was built that eventually did force Nixon to

the bargaining table, where Washington was obliged to make concessions that contributed to the ultimate victory of the Vietnamese revolution. (In Canada, we also raised the demand for an end to Canadas complicity with Washingtons war.)

The point is that opposition to a war may not by itself be sufficient as the basis for building an effective antiwar united front. The central

demands must be principled and point to the clearest and most effective way to end the imperialist intervention and advance the interests of those fighting it on the ground. Thus I would question Davids assertion that in the case of Syria a united front of antiwar opposition should include all those who advocate for ending the involvement of your own ruling classes. Would that include supporters of Assad? Of the Russians, or of the other forces allied with them? David rightly rejects such alliances elsewhere in his article. I would think the central political message should include the demand for an immediate end to the bombing and the assault on the civilian population, coupled with other demands that express material solidarity with the Syrians, not their government  along the lines of the slogans raised in the Paris and Ottawa demonstrations I noted above.

In the case of both Vietnam and Iraq, the war was the project of the hegemonic imperialist power, the United States, albeit in alliances

with lesser imperialist powers. And in Vietnam, the other protagonists were North Vietnam and the National Liberation Front: strong forces united around a common project of national liberation, re-unification of their country, and a break from imperialist domination.

In the Middle East today this scenario does not apply in the same way. In fact, the lack of a united anti-imperialist, anti-Hussein movement in Iraq was the primary explanation for the failure of the resistance. And disappointment over the failure of the global antiwar protests in early 2003, immense as they were, to impede the Pentagon assault on Iraq is a major factor in the passivity of the international antiwar movement today. The more recent Arab Spring, inspiring as it was, could not compensate, as it took the form of largely spontaneous uprisings that, even where victorious, did not produce major democratic or popular conquests and in Egypt were soon succeeded by a regime even more repressive than Mubaraks.

Unipolar World?

But there is a further factor as well. Todays world differs substantially from that of the Vietnam war. In the 1960s, a military, political and economic bloc led by a dominant imperialist power, the United States, confronted a bloc of states that in one way or another

had been torn from the circuits of capital accumulation under Wall Streets aegis and constituted a vital source of support and even survival for Third World liberation movements, as in the case of the Cuban revolution. Today, in the wake of the collapse of the

ostensibly socialist bloc, we need to pay more attention to the shape of the world that is emerging on a global scale. In a context of declining U.S. hegemony and the emergence of new and nuclear-armed capitalist powers like China and Russia, we must assess what that means for the anti-imperialist fighters of today.

I think it is wrong to approach Syria as just another front in some new Cold War between Russia and the U.S. and NATO. Each situation must be assessed in terms of the class forces involved, not some abstract geopolitics that overlooks the interplay of contending

imperial interests. In the post-Cold War world, a new era of national and inter-imperialist competition and rivalry, socialists undermine

their own credibility if they limit their anti-imperialism to denouncing only their own imperialism. As Gilbert Achcar argues in a valuable article, our starting point in this case must be the interests of the Arab revolution, the Arab Spring, and the popular uprising that in Syria erupted almost half a decade ago.

The challenge posed to the antiwar movement by the global configuration of forces is huge, there is no denying it. But where peoples are fighting their oppression and imperialist intervention, there is no dichotomy between antiwar resistance and solidarity with the forces

on the ground. Nor should our solidarity be determined by whether or to what degree the Canadian state is directly involved.

Yes, in Canada we must direct our fire against the Trudeau governments aggressive moves against Russia and its present and projected military engagements elsewhere, as in Africa.

But a consistent antiwar movement should also have no hesitation in attempting to mobilize solidarity with the Syrian democratic and

popular opposition  for an end to the war: for an end to the bombing, withdrawal of all foreign troops (in this case mainly Russian), and emergency provision of massive food, medical and other necessary supplies to the population in the besieged cities. 
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.
The Charles County Department of Community Services, Aging and Senior Programs Division is looking for compassionate and friendly individuals to volunteer for the American Association of Retired Persons (AARP) Tax-Aide program. The AARP Tax-Aide program provides free tax preparation for senior citizens, low-income individuals, and families. Free training for volunteers is provided on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays, beginning in January 2017. Upon completion of the AARP Tax-Aide Program training, volunteers will be tested to receive certification.Individuals wishing to enroll in the AARP Income Tax Training Program or have questions may contact Joan Woodland at 301-609-5712 or WoodlanJ@CharlesCountyMD.gov. Citizens with special needs may contact the Maryland Relay Service at 711, or Relay Service TDD: 800-735-2258.The Charles County Department of Public Works announces that homes located in Newtown Village will be affected by construction starting on or about Wednesday, Nov. 16. The Department of Public Works-Utilities Division will be replacing the existing water system located on Wicker Lane and portions of Village Drive and White Stag Road.All homes located in Newtown Village will be affected by the construction, which will result in a series of short scheduled and announced outages. Every effort will be made to minimize the number of outages and to keep them to a maximum of four to eight hours, with most lasting for only a few hours. Construction may take up to 45 days based on weather conditions.The work on Wicker Lane will require brief interruptions to driveway access for homes on the east side of the street. Every effort will be made to minimize these interruptions and to provide access as needed. As construction progresses, sections of the community may be closed to "through traffic." Access will be made available only for residents, postal deliveries, school busses, emergency services, etc.Residents will receive additional notifications as the construction progresses. We apologize for any inconvenience and thank you in advance for your patience and cooperation.If you have questions, you may contact the Project Manager, Jim Sizemore at 301-609-5603 or SizemorJ@CharlesCountyMD.gov. Citizens with special needs may contact the Maryland Relay Service at 711, or Relay Service TDD: 800-735-2258.Charles County Government, in partnership with the Charles County Public Schools and the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, hosted the Mallows Bay Art Project on Thursday, Nov. 10 at 9 a.m. at Mallows Bay Park (1440 Wilson Landing Road, Nanjemoy). An art teacher from each of the county's seven high schools and Robert D. Stetham Educational Center brought students to capture Mallows Bay on various mediums, including sketching, painting, video, and photography.The art work will be displayed at the Charles County Government Building (200 Baltimore Street, La Plata). Art work will be showcased in a gallery during the World War I Mallows Bay Commemorative event on Friday, April 21 at the College of Southern Maryland La Plata Campus (8730 Mitchell Road, La Plata)."It is so important to promote and celebrate the arts in our schools and this partnership does that in an exciting way. To combine our cultural heritage with the talents of our teachers and students will, like Mallows Bay, last for generations to enjoy," said Commissioner Ken Robinson (District 1). "I can't wait to see what they create.""This is an exciting opportunity for students to preserve history through the arts. Students can capture the uniqueness of Mallows Bay and share it with Charles County residents through the arts," Superintendent of Schools Kimberly Hill said.Mallows Bay, located near the Potomac River, is home to the largest ship graveyard in the Western Hemisphere. In a first for the state of Maryland and the Chesapeake Bay watershed, the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration nominated Mallows Bay as a designated National Marine Sanctuary. The area offers unique archaeological, recreational, historical, cultural, educational, and environmental opportunities for residents and tourists. The site includes historic vessels dating back to the Revolutionary War, remains of the largest 'Ghost Fleet' of the World War I steamships, wildlife viewing areas, fishing, boating access, and a hiking trail.For more information about the Mallows Bay National Marine Sanctuary nomination and public hearings, visit sanctuaries.noaa.gov/mallows-bay/ For more information about the event, contact the Charles County Government Public Information Office at 301-885-1342 or PressRoom@CharlesCountyMD.gov. Citizens with special needs may contact the Maryland Relay Service at 711, or Relay Service TDD: 800-735-2258.Are your drug costs rising, or do you feel that your Medicare drug plan or Advantage plan is no longer working for you? Open enrollment is the time for Medicare beneficiaries to review their prescription drug plan and make necessary changes. To assist with Medicare open enrollment, the State Health Insurance Program is offering one-on-one appointments for Medicare beneficiaries.Medicare open enrollment has begun and will continue until December 7, 2016. New beneficiaries can select a plan and learn how the plan works, and existing enrollees can change and update their plans.For more information or to set up your appointment, call 301-609-5712. Citizens with special needs may contact the Maryland Relay Service at 711, or Relay Service TDD: 800-735-2258.The Department of Economic Development hosted its annual Fall Meeting on Tuesday, Nov. 1 from 8 a.m. to noon at the Greater Waldorf Jaycees Community Center (3090 Crain Highway, Waldorf). With over 200 people in attendance, participants gained an inside look behind the curtain of economic development from expert panelists of the public and private sectors.Department of Economic Development Director Darrell Brown discussed key elements of the five-year strategic plan. His presentation provided an opportunity for business leaders to learn about the implementation of the strategic plan and its objectives to build on the momentum of the county's evolution.The program touched on the area's targeted industries, various recommendations for the county, and introduced members of the newly appointed advisory board. "The business community is an invaluable county asset," said Brown. "Together, we can proactively shape the economic future of Charles County."The panel conversations focused on the future of entrepreneurship in Charles County, infrastructure and redevelopment, as well as an update about investment. Public and private sector leaders discussed their unique visions for the county."Our ultimate goal was to give attendees a rich understanding of Charles County's economic potential and the initiatives we are taking to reach this potential," said Marcia Keeth, deputy director of Charles County Department of Economic Development. "We truly enjoyed coming together to tell Charles County's story."To learn more about the sponsors of the Charles County Economic Development Fall Meeting, visit www.meetcharlescounty.com/fall-meeting . To learn more about Charles County Department of Economic Development, visit www.meetcharlescounty.com The Charles County Commissioners are seeking county residents to fill vacancies on several boards, committees, and commissions.The Nuisance Abatement Hearing Board hears residents' complaints regarding unsightly accumulation of paper, junk, vehicle parts, garbage, or leaves, and more than one foot high grass, weeds, uncultivated vegetable growth, briars, bushes, or plants on private property.The Ethics Commission ensures Charles County officials and employees are knowledgeable about and comply with Code of Ethics. The commission provides Code of Ethics education to county officials and employees; provides advisory opinions regarding the applicability of the code; and investigate alleged violations of the Code of Ethics.The Library Board of Trustees is tasked with all aspects of the library, including services, staff, rules, regulations, and other functions for the proper delivery of library services.The Board of Licensed Commissioners (Liquor Board) reviews and approves the issuance and renewal of liquor licenses in Charles County, and establishes penalties for violations.Additional vacancies include: Adult Public Guardianship Review Board Alarm Review Board Animal Matters Hearing Board Area Council on Aging Business Development Loan Fund for Women, Minorities, and Veterans Commission on Individuals with Disabilities Ethics Commission Heritage CommissionPositions will remain open until filled. A separate application must be submitted for each vacancy. Applications and a detailed list of all current vacancies are available on the Charles County Government website at www.CharlesCountyMD.gov or by contacting Carol DeSoto, Senior Commissioner Specialist, at 301-645-0691 or DesotoC@CharlesCountyMD.govOn Tuesday, Nov. 15, the Board of Commissioners proclaimed Saturday, Nov. 26 as Shop La Plata Day in celebration of Small Business Saturday. Small businesses are significant contributors to our economy and community. The La Plata Business Association presents the third annual Shop La Plata celebration, which features special offers at participating La Plata businesses, a parade, and other activities in the town. The Commissioners urge residents to support small businesses and merchants on Small Business Saturday and throughout the year.On Tuesday, Nov. 15, the Charles County Board of Commissioners proclaimed November as National Hospice and Palliative Care Month. Hospice and palliative care empowers people to live as fully as possible, surrounded and supported by family and loved ones, despite serious and life-limiting illness. Patients and family caregivers receive the highest quality care delivered by an interdisciplinary team of skilled professionals including physicians, nurses, social workers, therapists, counselors, health aides, spiritual care providers, and others who make the wishes of each patient and family a priority.Hospice professionals are an integral part of providing solutions to patients and loved ones, as nearly 1.6 million patients seek their services each year. Hospice of Charles County has supported Charles County residents with needed hospice and palliative care for more than 30 years. For more information, visit www.hospiceofcharlescounty.org.
LA PLATA, Md.

(Nov. 18, 2016)The Charles County Department of Health expanded its initial investigation of a tuberculosis (TB) case involving an individual at La Plata High School after learning the person also frequents the Robert D. Stethem Educational Center after school hours. The school system has identified a small group of people at Stethem who may have had exposure to the individual.The school system will begin emailing and mailing exposure letters on Nov. 18 to staff, parents of students and any others who are thought to have had extended contact with the diagnosed individual. If parents or staff members do not receive an exposure letter, they do not need to be screened at this time.So far, the school system has identified nearly 300 individuals for screening. Health care providers will conduct the screening at La Plata on Dec. 5 and at Stethem on Dec. 6. Nurses will read the tests two to three days later. Even if the first test is negative, a second test is needed to ensure a person is not infected with TB. The health department expects to conduct the second round of screenings about 12 weeks later, or after the school system's winter break. The health department provides free TB tests to those people identified.The school system is working with the health department to ensure there is no further risk at the school or center.Tuberculosis is a bacterial illness that responds well to proper medical treatment. It is spread through the air, usually by coughing or sneezing. Generally, a person must have prolonged exposure to the person with TB in order to breathe in a sufficient number of TB germs to cause a TB infection. The disease cannot be transmitted by touching someone or by sharing eating utensils.Questions about TB or health concerns should be directed to your family physician or the Charles County Department of Health's Communicable Disease Control Program at 301-609-6900, ext. 6025, from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., Monday through Friday. Additional information about tuberculosis is available on the Department of Health website www.charlescountyhealth.org . A fact sheet is also available on the school system website at www.ccboe.com.
Sunday, Nov. 20 2016 marks the 18th annual Transgender Day of Remembrance, a part of transgender awareness week. The day marks a period of reflection on trans lives lost to violence over the past year. The day serves not just for mourning, but to examine the attitudes and policies that most affect and in some cases marginalize trans lives, and the lives of people of color every day.

The 2014 Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Queer, and HIV-affected Hate Violence Report from the National Coalition of Anti-Violence Projects showed that, of murder victims

80% were people of color

55% were transgender women

50% were transgender women of color

The report found that trans women who experienced hate violence were also more likely to experience police violence, physical violence, discrimination, harassment, sexual violence, threats, and intimidation compared to those who were not transgender women.

'Injustice at Every Turn,' a report conducted by the National Center for Transgender Equality (NCTE) and the National LGBTQ Task Force showed more than 6,000 transgender participants experienced violence or harassment across a range of settings including educational settings, at work, in interactions with police and with family members, at homeless shelters, accessing public accommodations, and in jails and prisons.

The following memorial features those who were lost due to incidents of violence in the U.S. as was reported to local police and media outlets, and from online resources such as the Advocate. Some details may be subject to change as investigations and trials continue.

Monica Loera, 43, Austin, TX

Monica Loera, a Latina transgender woman from North Austin, Texas, was fatally shot January 22. A suspect has been arrested and charged with first degree murder.

Monica like many, was initially misgendered in police and local news reports and identified by her assigned name, a practice called out by activists as deadnaming. Many within Monicas own community were not at first aware of her death, reported the Austin Chronicle.

I heard from people in the neighborhood, once they saw real pictures of Monica, that they knew who she was," said Greg Casar, an Austin City Council member. "But before thought that the person who was killed was someone they didn't know. And I think that's important. All of a sudden, people who live nearby, said, 'Gosh, that was Monica.' Even if they didn't know her as a close friend, a lot of people in the community had at least shopped in the same stores, walked down the same streets, and lived by the same park."

A friend of Monicas, Brenda Rodriguez, told the Chronicle Monica was someone who looked out for other women and that she loved to dress up. She was funny, [and] beautiful, Rodriguez said. "... She loved Madonna, and she loved to cook."

Related Stories:

Remembering Monica Loera, Austin Chronicle

Justice Down to the Pronoun, Austin Chronicle

Jasmine Sierra, 52, Bakersfield, CA

Jasmine Sierra, a Latina transgender woman from Bakersfield, California, was found dead on January 22. a cause of death has yet to be determined and no suspects have been identified. Although Jasmines body was discovered in January, she was not identified as Jasmine Sierra by police and local media until March.

Her name is Jasmine Sierra her friend Shantell Waldo told Planet Transgender. And she was a wonderful woman who I have known for about eight years. When I first met her she had lost a shared home, and had a very hard time getting back on her feet and into housing. She had never legally changed her name, and was afraid to because she had been arrested before and was petrified of the legal system. She found a complex that would rent to her and she stayed for a while, but left because she was being harassed, and her apartment was broken into.

She never had any support from her family, Waldo said. Another friend of hers told me a story about Jasmine going to her mothers home to bring her flowers. They had both been at the house for about 15 minutes before the mother called her by her dead name and said that she had already been there too long. Like so many she had survived, on her own, and with few trusted friends in her lifeJasmine was a beautiful human being that did not deserve to have her life end like this.

Related Stories:

Bakersfield Transwoman Murder Unknown due to Deadname, Planet Transgender

Vigil Held for Jasmine Sierra Who Died in January but was Misgendered when Identified, ABC 23

Kayden Clarke, 24, Mesa, AZ

On February 4, Mesa police responded to calls from friends of Kayden Clarkes saying that he was suicidal, the Arizona Republic reported. Police reports state that after entering his home, Kayden lunged towards them with a knife, which led the police to fire. The two officers, unidentified, were placed on administrative leave while Mesa detectives investigated. Officers were not wearing body cameras, and police did not disclose how many shots were fired.

Kayden Clarke, an autistic transman living in Arizona, was known for a series of YouTube videos detailing both his struggle with Aspergers and with transitioning. One of Kaydens videos went viral in 2015. The video is of Kaydens dog comforting him during what Kaden described to the Huffington Post as a meltdown, times during which he was prone to self-harm.

Kayden described having ADHD, and PTSD and depression related to his gender identity and complications in transitioning.

"He was frustrated that no matter what therapist he saw, no one understood and neglected his desire for health and happiness," Kae Glenn, a friend of Clarke's, wrote to the Republic.

"He was stressed about life. His future. His gender. Discrimination at work and online. There was a lot of hate aimed towards him. He suffered drastically ... not because of just his body, but because of social media and his social situation," Glenn said.

Clarkes death also marks a period of exceptional tension regarding police tactics, use of force, and treatment of people with disabilities or mental illness.

Before the police arrived [he] wasnt posing a threat to the community at all, Clarkes mother told the New York Daily News. And the police came into [his] own place. They shot and killed a 24-year-old autistic, mentally ill individual whom they had been familiar with and aware of [his] special needs.

Related stories:

Dog Helps Owner who has Asperger's Attack with Amazing Results, YouTube

Mesa Transgender Man from Viral Asperger's Meltdown Video Killed by Police, Arizona Republic

Police Kill Kayden Clarke, a Transgender man with Aspergers who was Suicidal, Slate.com

Veronica Banks Cano, 30s, San Antonio, TX

Veronica Banks Cano, Latina transgender woman was found dead at a motel on the South Side of San Antonio the morning of February 19, according to KABB-TV News. Veronica was found fully clothed, in a bathtub with water. There were no signs of trauma. No arrests have been made.

Cano was from Pleasanton Texas. Joe Mendez, told Out in San Antonio that the two had attended high school and nursing school together and had been roommates before Cano moved to San Antonio in 2012. Mendez said that Cano was loved and accepted by many in our small community. She had worked as a certified nurses assistant at a nursing home in Pleasanton.

In his Facebook tribute Mendez wrote, What can I say . . . you were true to yourself, never a dull moment . . . Putting on your makeup and modeling your outfits. Thats how Ill remember you.

An anonymous friend posted Found out my friend passed away yesterday. I hope this injustice weighs heavy on the conscience of whoever caused you harm. Veronica, you were a good friend to me when I was the new girl in town and I will miss you forever amiga.

Related Stories:

Local Woman found Dead in Bathtub at South Side Motel, Fox San Antonio

Transgender Woman Found Dead in Motel, Out In USA

Maya Young, 25, Frankford, PA

Maya Young, a Black transgender woman from Frankford, Pennsylvania, was fatally stabbed on February 21. Two suspects have been arrested. Maya was the third known transgender woman of color killed in Philadelphia over the course of a year, after Kiesha Jenkins 22, in October 2015, and London Kiki Chanel in May 2015.

"She looked like chocolate and caramel," Anthony Harper, a longtime friend and former roommate of Mayas told the Philadelphia Inquirer.  One side of Mayas face was lighter than the other. -- Harper called her "Twix. "She was sweet, like candy," he said. The two had met five years earlier when Maya stopped to ask him the time. "I noticed the birthmark on her face and I told her it was beautiful." Later they became roommates in West Philadelphia, Harper said.

Harper told the Inquirer Maya loved music, video games, and playing Magic: The Gathering.

Naiymah Sanchez, a coordinator with the TransHealth Information Project in Philadelphia, wrote on Facebook that some friends were posting about Young "saying 'Finally Free.' It's so sad that we feel death is freedom," she wrote. "It's sad to say it's becoming the norm and even harder as a transgender woman to wake up every day with fearing someone may ultimately feel they want to take our life."

Related Stories:

Transgender Woman Stabbed to Death in Frankford, NBC Philadelphia

Transgender Community Mourns another Philly Slaying, the Philadelphia Inquirer

Demarkis Stansberry, 30, Baton Rouge, LA

Demarkis, a Black transgender man from Baton Rouge, La., was fatally shot on February 28. An acquaintance confessed to shooting Stansberry, and was arrested and charged with negligent homicide, according to the Advocate, a Baton Rouge-based newspaper.

The day after the accident which cost Demarkis Stansberry his life, Mitch Kellaway, a former contributor to gay news site, Advocate, tweeted about Demarkis death:

#DemarkisStansberry So easy to just remember his murder. He was more. He was a man who worked 2 jobs, loved his fiancee, his dog, & rapping.

Demarkis fiancee and girlfriend of four years Myesha Brown, identified Demarkis to police and reporters, but Demarkis was identified by his assigned gender and name in initial reports.

Related Stories:

Baton Rouge Man Accidentally Shoots, Kills Friend the Advocate, Baton Rouge

Black Trans Man Demarkis Stansberry Killed in Louisiana, Advocate.com

Kedarie/Kandicee Johnson, 16, Des Moines, IA

The Des Moines Register reported that police found Kedaries body on March 2. They had been shot several times and left in an alley. The case is under investigation and no suspects have been arrested, but police told the Register that they believe Kedarie knew their attackers.

Kedarie/Kandicee Johnson was a junior at Burlington High School in Iowa. They identified as gender-fluid, and transgender using both names intermittently.

Police told the Register that there was no evidence to suggest a hate crime, but Johnsons mother Katrina, does believe that Kedaries gender identity played a role.

Laci Johnson, a Burlington High School teacher was one of many locals who attended Kedaries memorial service.

You would never know what he would do or say. Sometimes it would be shockingly inappropriate, and sometimes, it would be something that would just melt your heart, Johnson said.

Kedarie was known for their over the top fashion, joyful dancing, and generous heart.

When God made Kedarie, he knew this boy would need a little extra sass to get by in this world, said Kedaries friend Mona Ash. He was one of the most resilient kids I ever met.

He was a bright spot of sunshine, and the world is a little darker now. I absolutely loved that kid, Ash said.

Related Stories:

Slain Burlington Teen Remembered for Style and Dance, Des Moines Register

Kedarie Johnson Murder Not Random, Des Moines Register

Quartney Davia Dawsonn-Yochum (Kourtney Yochum), 32, Los Angeles, CA

Quartney, a transgender woman of color, was fatally shot March 23 outside her Los Angeles apartment complex in what appeared to be a dispute with her former boyfriend. Police have arrested one suspect, with investigations into additional suspects.

At a vigil for Kourtney, neighbor Mariana Vazquez told the LA Times, Her boyfriend would follow her around, even come in the building sometime," said Vasquez, who lived in the apartment complex. "I didn't know her real well because she was a 'hi and bye' kind of girl. But people had seen him before and you could just tell it wasn't healthy. I wish someone would have said something."

Yochums neighbor, Amoretta Buchanan told the Times, "She was just so cute. She would always strike a pose when she said hello," said Buchanan, imitating Yochum. "She really went out of her way to keep to herself. Not everybody understood her, and she knew that could be trouble. But those who got to know her, she was such a good person."

Related Stories:

Los Angeles Trans Woman of Color Killed on Skid Row, Advocate.com

Transgender Woman is Fatally Shot on Skid Row, LA Times

Shante Isaac/Thompson* 34, Houston, TX

Shante Thompson, a Black transgender woman from Houston, Texas, was beaten and shot to death by a group of assailants on April 11. The group also killed a man walking with Thompson. Police have arrested one suspect, a second suspect has been charged, with investigations into additional suspects.

Leola Thompson, Shantes mother, was on the phone with her when Shante said she was being chased.

All I heard [her] say was, 'There they go, there they go,' and I was trying to get [her] back on the phone to ask him what was going on and he was just saying, 'Bye mama, bye mama -- I got to go,' Thompson told Fox 26, Houston. "[Her] friend came knocking on the door and told me I need to come downtown because she was dead.

Thompson, who refers to Shante by male and female pronouns in interviews, said that Shante was being harassed before her murder.

"They were bothering him. They kept on picking on him," said Thompson, "He was telling me that for a long time, they have been bothering him and bothering him. I've been trying to keep him down from this way," Thompson told CBS, KHOU.

"The rhetoric is fueling an atmosphere of hate in Houston and Texas and across the country that is causing innocent Texans to be beaten and killed," said Chuck Smith, CEO of Equality Texas, an Austin-based advocacy group. "This rhetoric is unacceptable and has real consequences for real Texans who are victims of hate crimes." Said Chuck Smith, CEO of Equality Texas.

In particular, the 2015 repeal of Houstons Equal Rights Ordinance, or HERO, passed in 2014 which banned discrimination based on sexual orientation, gender identity and other traits in regard to employment, housing, and public accommodation, has contributed to tensions in the area.

Related Stories:

Police Investigate Midtown Houston Homicides of Two People, Fox 26

Arrest in Double Murder of Texas Man, Transgender Woman, CBS News

Keyonna Blakeney, 22, Montgomery County, MD

Keyonna, a Black transgender woman from Montgomery County, Maryland, was killed April 16. Two men were arrested for Keyonnas murder in what was described as a planned robbery.

Keyonna Blakeney split her time between her fathers house in DC and her mothers house in prince Georges county, Keyonnas sister Jasmine told the Washington Post. Twenty-two-year-old Keyonna had just rented an apartment and planned to move in at months end, Jasmine said.

Someone out there is evil who did this, Keyonnas father, Kenny Linton, said in an interview, describing her as special, kindhearted, down to earth and generous to a fault.

Related Stories:

Weekend Homicide Victim in Montgomery was Transgender Female

Court Date Set for Men Arrested in Keyonna Blakeney Murder, Metro Weekly

2nd Suspect in Transgender Killing says He was at Scene but did not Stab Anyone, Washington Post

Reecey Walker, 32, Wichita, KS

Reecey Walker, a Black transgender woman from Wichita, Kansas, was fatally stabbed May 1. A 16-year-old boy was arrested and charged with second-degree murder.

[She] wanted to get a degree in psychology or social work to try to become a counselor to help other people try to get through some of the same struggles [she] had been through," Reeceys friend, identified only as Victoria, told ABC affiliate KAKE, Wichita.

"She said a lot of people at the apartment complex or even around Wichita were constantly harassing her and just messing with her including leaving stuff by her front door," Victoria told KAKE. When I left on Wednesday, she was super excited happy and hopping around and very, very positive. To wake up this morning and know that that was taken from her is the worst news I could have possibly got."

Related Stories:

Transgender Woman Killed in Wichita, Advocate.com

Mercedes Successful, 32, Haines City, FL

Mercedes, a Black transgender woman from Haines City, Fla., was fatally shot May 15. Police have not identified a suspect or a motive.

Originally from Kingston Jamaica. Mercedes Successful represented her home country in the 2014 Gay Caribbean USA Pageant.

"It is extremely sad that other humans can be so dreadful and take another human's life so easily. R.I.P Mercedes Successful," wrote the Gay Caribbean organization.

Mercedes was also an active member of the drag and pageant communities around her home of Haines City Florida, the Ledger reported.

"My sis just started transitioning a month and a half ago," Damii DeSouza worte in a Facebook tribute. "She was really ready and looking forward to living her life full time as Mercedes Successful."

Related Stories:

Mercedes Successful Becomes 12th Transperson Killed in 2016, Advocate.com

Haines City Police Department Releases new Details about Homicide, the Ledger

Amos Beede, 38, Burlington, VT

Amos Beede, a transgender man from Milton, Vermont, died from his injuries after he was attacked at a homeless encampment in Burlington. Five people have been arrested in connection with Beedes death. The investigation is ongoing.

"You know when a person comes into a space and people are happy to see him? That was Amos in our space," Kim Fountain, executive director of the Vermont Pride Center told the Burlington Free Press. Amos had started visiting the Pride Center to see friends over the last year.

Matt Young, coordinator of the Howard Center Street Outreach Team told the Press that Amos, was a talented artist, and created drawings, posters, T-shirts and more for the outreach team. Amos was well connected with and active in the different homeless communities and outreach centers in the area.

Amoss wife, mother, and sister all appeared in court during the arraignment of his attackers.

"It hurts that these five people could do this," Beede's sister Ina McKinney said. "A big part of our heart just got ripped away, and that's something we'll have to live with for the rest of our lives."

Related Stories:

Burlington Community Mourns Amos Beed's Death, Burlington Free Press

Woman Denies Murder Charge in Amos Beede Slaying

Goddess Diamond, 20, New Orleans, LA

Diamond, of New Orleans, was found dead of blunt force trauma in a burned car on June 5. No suspects have been identified.

Reports of Diamonds death identified her by her assigned name and gender for four days before writer and black trans woman, Venus Selente, called attention to Diamonds transgender status on twitter. Venus gave Diamond the name "Goddess" so she wouldnt have to be remembered with her birth name.

Diamond's mother, Antoinette, told the New Orleans Advocate that no one had heard from Diamond since she borrowed a car from a friend that evening to go to a party. Antoinette described Diamond as kind, loving, and having a big heart.

Related Stories:

Trans Woman killed in New Orleans, Police Considering Hate Crime, Advocate.com

Victim Found in Burned Car in New Orleans Died of Blunt Force Trauma, the Advocate, New Orleans

Deeniquia Dodds, 22, Washington DC

Deeniquia Dodds, a transgender woman of color, was shot on July 4 in Northeast Washington, D.C. She passed away on July 13 after 10 days on life support. No witnesses have come forward, and no arrests have been made. Anyone with information is asked to call police at 202-727-9099. Information can also be submitted anonymously by sending a text message to 50411. A reward of as much as $25,000 is offered.

Deeniquias friends called her Dee Dee. Joanne Lewis raised Dee Dee and described her as a beautiful person NBC Washington reported. "Loved to make you laugh. Loved to make you smile," she said. "Whoever did it, I hope that justice be done to them."

Dee Dee was involved with Casa Ruby, a D.C. LGBT organization. Founder Ruby Coronado told Mic, "Deeniquia was part of the Casa Ruby family, and she is gone, but not forgotten. Her death will not be in vainPeople in leadership need to address the employment barriers that keeps trans women of color from accessing the resources they need to grow healthy and thrive."

Related Stories:

Deeniquia Dodds, Transgender Woman, Dead after being Shot in Washington DC, Mic.com

Transgender Woman, Deeniquia Dodds, Dies after being Shot in DC, NBC Washington

Dee Whigham, 23, St. Martin, MS

Dee Whigham, a trans woman of color, was killed on July 23 in a St. Martin, Mississippi hotel. A suspect was identified through security camera footage and arrested.

Dee had come to St. Martin with friends and coworkers to see the Gulf Coast Black Rodeo at the Mississippi Coast Coliseum in Biloxi, the Sun Herald reported.

Dee was a registered nurse at a hospital in Hattiesburg, Mississippi. The hospital's CEO spoke fondly of the young woman in a statement to the Sun Herald.

"She will be remembered at Forrest Health as an excellent nurse who was well-loved by her patients," said Forrest Health CEO Evan Dillary. "I know Dee will be missed by her co-workers, supervisors, and the Forrest Health family."

Related Stories:

St. Martin Homicide Victim was Transgender Woman, Sun Herald

Mississippi Nurse Dee Whigham Becomes 16th Trans Person Murdered in 2016, Advocate.com

Skye Mockabee, 26, Cleveland, OH

Skye Mockabee, a transgender woman of color, was found dead in Cleveland, Ohio, Aug. 1. First responders described Mockabees injuries as suspicious, later county medical examiners ruled the death an accident. A spokeswoman told the Cleveland Plains Dealer the investigation is ongoing.

Skyes boyfriend told the Cleveland Plains Dealer that Skye had gone out with a man she had met online July 31, and stopped responding to text messages about 1:30 a.m. the next morning. Skye's mother, Phyllis Carlock said Skye texted her around 3:30 a.m. and said that she loved her and the two would always be together.

Skye, a Lincoln-West High School graduate, was the fourth transgender woman of color to die under suspicious circumstance in Cuyahoga County over the last four years. The other three were Brittany Stergis, Betty Skinner, and Cemia, CeCe Dove. Arrests were made in two of the other three cases.

Related Stories:

Transgender Woman Found Dead in Cleveland Parking Lot, Cleveland Plains Dealer

Cleveland Transgender Woman Found Dead in Parking Lot Died of Drug overdose, Authorities Say

Erykah Tijerina, 36, El Paso, TX

Erykah Tijerina, a Latina transgender woman, was found dead in her El Paso, Texas, apartment on August 8, KFOX reported. Police ruled Erykahs death as a homicide but not a hate crime. An arrest was made.

Erykahs two sisters told KFOX they believed Eryka may have been targeted because of her gender identity. The sisters say Erykah was funny, giving and unapologetic about the person she was.

Shes the one that told me to stay strong and not care, Pearl Tijerina said.

Nell Gaither, president of the Trans Pride Initiative in Dallas, said in a statement

"Trans Pride Initiative would like to encourage all community and accomplices to raise our collective voices against not just the media and police misidentification, but also the broad state-sponsored stigma that is growing in Texas and elsewhere, which fuels bias that exacerbates bullying in our schools, refusal of social services, denial of employment and other life opportunities, and increases the many faces of violence with which our community is so familiar."

Related Stories:

Sisters say Murder Victim was Transgender, Fear Incident was a Hate Crime, KFOX14

Texas Army Soldier Arrested on Murder Charges for Stabbing Transgender Woman to Death, NY Daily News

RaeLynn Thomas, 28, Columbus, OH

RaeLynn Thomas, a Black transgender woman from Columbus, Ohio, was murdered the week of August 8. RaeLynns family reported witnessing her death at the hands of an ex-boyfriend of Raelynns mother who lived in the family home, WBNS reported.

Shannon Thomas told WBNS she will remember her niece as a performer, a fashionista, and the life of the party. "He took a light away from all of us," Thomas said of Raelynns killer.

While her family was accepting of her identity, her killer was open with his disapproval. Raelynns aunt and mother are calling her death a hate crime.

"In my heart of hearts, I feel like thats what it is," Shannon said. She also shared her desire to see Raelynns killer pay for his crime, saying "I want to see him go to jail forever."

Renee Thomas said the same. "Life in prison. Spend your life in prison. Thats what you do. I cant spend my life with my [daughter] because you took [her] from me. I dont want you to spend your life with your family."

The city of Columbus hate-crime laws does include crimes based on gender identity or sexual orientation, but Ohio does not. Police are not investigating the homicide as a hate crime.

Related Stories:

Family of Columbus Woman killed Call it a Hate Crime, WBNS-10TV Columbus

T.T. Saffore, 20s, Chicago, IL

T.T. Saffore, A Black transgender woman, was found murdered in Chicagos West Garfield Park neighborhood the evening of Sept. 11, the Windy City Times reported.

Jaliyah Armstrong, a friend of T.T.s for the past seven years organized a vigil for T.T. on Sept. 12.

"T.T. was a lovely person," Jaliyah told the Windy City Times. "She was laughing all the time. You could be going through a bad day but once you saw [T.T.], she was such a happy cheerful person all that changed."

"Three days before [her death] she got into an altercation with a [trans] woman on Madison," Jaliyah said. "The girl pulled a knife on her and said 'I'm going to get you killed.'"

Jaliyah said T.T. did not report the incident to the Chicago Police Department, due to a prevalent fear of abuse toward transwomen from CPD officers.

"People don't know what we go through out here," Armstrong said. "They don't see the struggle being transgender on the West Side. It's crazy. I just want justice for my friend. Trans lives matter. She is the third person killed around here and there is nothing done about it."

Related Stories:

Trans Woman Murdered in Chicago, but Police Refuse to acknowledge Gender, Advocate.com

Transgender Woman Found Slain on Chicagos West Side, Windy City Media Group

Crystal Edmonds, 32, Baltimore, MD

Crystal Edmonds. a Black trans woman, was found in Forest Park Sept. 16, Baltimore police said. She was taken to a hospital, listed in grave condition, and died later in the morning, City Paper reported.

Police are investigating Crystals death as a homicide. They are offering a cash reward of up to $2,000 for tips regarding the case. Anyone with information can call Metro Crime Stoppers, (866) 756-2587, or submit tips online at MetroCrimeStoppers.org.

Related Stories:

Transgender Woman Shot to Death, Police look for Clues, City Paper

Jazz Alford, 30, Birmingham, AL

Jazz Alford, a Black transgender woman was found shot to death at the Kings Inn in Birmingham, September 23. A suspect has been charged, AL.com reported but the investigation is ongoing.

Jazz was a native of High Point, North Carolina, and had transitioned five years ago. She helped her sister, Toya Milan, to transition as well.

"She was very educated and very beautiful,'' Toya said. "She was such a loving person and we didn't know anybody that would want to hurt her...it's been a hard pill to swallow.

Jazz graduated from college in Florida and worked as a call center representative for an airline company.

"I'm still mourning of course, but I am so filled with joy right now because this monster is off of the streets and he can't harm anybody else." Toya told reporters.

"It's somebody's child he took the life from,'' Toya said. "They've got a special place for somebody like him."

Related Stories:

Man Charged in Murder of Transgender Woman at Burlington Hotel, AL.com

Brandi Bledsoe, 32, Cleveland, OH

Brandi, a 32-year-old transgender woman, was found behind a home on Clevelands East Side, Oct. 8. Medical examiners report she died from a gunshot wound to her chest. No arrests have been made. After Skye Mockabee, Brandis death marks the fifth transgender woman killed in the Cleveland area since 2012.

After initial reports misgendered Brandi, her family came forward to say that shed come out to them two years ago, a choice which took a weight off of her shoulders.

"She wasn't very outgoing before she told us," Brandis cousin John Craggett told The Plain Dealer. "She just wasn't happy with who she was. When she told us, she was honestly a lot better as Brandi. She was happy."

Brandi was an animation artist, and worked at Home Depot.

"She was really independent," John said. "A lot of opportunities opened up for her. She was looking for freedom."

Brandi had posted some pictures to Facebook, getting ready for a night on the town the evening of her murder.

I had been teasing her about her red wig," said Brandis aunt, Angie Redding-Craggett, "and she went out and got another one. It was My Lil Pony bright lavender. (When I saw the photos) my plan was to send her a message and give her the hardest time, she said.

But I never got to do that.

Related Stories:

Transgender Woman Found Dead in Cleveland with Plastic Bag around Head, Cleveland Plains Dealer

The Life and Death of Brandi Bledsoe, the 23rd Trans Woman Killed in 2016, TeleSurTV.net

Noony Norwood, 30, Richmond, VA

Noony Norwood, a trans woman of color in Richmond, Virginia, was shot on November 5 and taken to the hospital where she died of her injuries the next day. Police are investigating the case, and have released a photo of a person of interest.

Ms. Noony Norwood was accepted," said Janet Wright, Noony's aunt, NBC 12 reported.

"She was a wonderful person, and they took somebody great from us, seriously," she said.

"I just want people to know that, that was a beautiful person truly, would give you anything," explained Wright."Would help anybody without even a second thought."

Zakia McKensey, founder of Nationz Foundation, an LGBT organization in Richmond, also considered Noony family.

Zakia, last saw Noony about two weeks before her death, when she invited her to a meeting of a transgender support group at the foundation. She told GayRVA.com. She used to call me Mompie, and so she said, Mompie, I promise Im coming. I told her to be safe and be careful, McKensey said.

It needs to be talked about, said Zakia when asked about the deaths she and the trans community have experienced. People ask me about the Black Lives Matter movement and why I understand why the movement was started and Im concerned because I dont feel like its inclusive of them all. I think about all the African American transgender women who have been victims of homicide and theres no mention of them you dont hear anything about it.

Related Stories:

Family seeks Justice for Transgender Woman Killed in Southside Shooting, NBC12

Friends Speak Out, Offer Support after Southside Trans Womans Murder, GayRVA.com

Transgender Day of Remembrance (TDOR) is observed in late November in recognition of the 1998 murder of Rita Hester, an educator on transgender issues in Boston, Massachusetts. In 1999, Gwendolyn Ann Smith coordinated a vigil in Ritas honor and for all those lost to anti-transgender violence.

For a listing of TDOR2016 events and other resources visit: TDOR.info

For resources on city, county, and state LGBT policies and plans of action, visit the National Center for Transgender Equality website at TransEquality.org

Trans Respect Versus Transphobia Worldwide (TvT) has also established The Trans Murder Monitoring (TMM) project, which monitors, collects, and analyzes reports of homicides of transgender and gender non-conforming people worldwide. Their reports and other resources can be found at TransRespect.org
Mike Pompeo, who doggedly pursued prosecution of former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton over the 2012 attack on the American consulate in Benghazi, Libya, has been tapped to become the new director of the Central Intelligence Agency.

President-elect Donald J. Trump, on Friday, announced plans to appoint Pompeo, a Republican Congressman from Kansas, to lead the CIA. Pompeo, Trump said, has served our country with honor and spent his life fighting for the security of our citizens.

The 52-year-old Pompeo was first elected to Congress in 2010. A former captain in the U.S. Army, Pompeo is perhaps best known to the general public for his role in the Benghazi hearings.

In the congressional hearings, staged last October, Pompeo questioned Clintons handling of the attack on the U.S. consulate which claimed the life of Ambassador Chris Stevens and three others. At issue was the close access Clinton confidant Sidney Blumenthal had to the Secretary of State  personal email and cell phone number  that Ambassador Stevens did not.

Hillary Clinton failed to lead, Pompeo told reporters after the hearing.

Pompeo earned his law degree from Harvard University. He served in the Army from 1986 to 1991 and went on to start his own aerospace company with aid from Koch Industries.

At CIA, Pompeo replaces John O. Brennan, who has served in such capacity since March of 2013.

The Tea Party now controls the drones, an unnamed CIA employee told the Daily Beast.

Pompeos ascension could be dicey for the U.S.-Russian restart. He is on record as saying Edward Snowden, a former U.S. defense contractor, should be brought back from Russia and given a death sentence.

(Snowden) put friends of mine, friends of yours who serve in the military today at enormous risk because of the information he stole and then released to foreign powers, Pompeo said on CSPANs Washington Journal in February.

The U.S. Senate must first confirm Pompeo and with Republicans in the majority that should be no problem. Pompeo, who is married with one son, graduated first in his class at West Point. His first order of business appears to be a shredding of the Obama administrations Iran Deal.

I look forward to rolling back this disastrous deal with the worlds largest state sponsor of terrorism, Pompeo tweeted on Thursday.

A civilian foreign intelligence service of the U.S. government, CIA is headquartered in Langley, Virginia and has an estimated 21,575 employees. CIAs annual budget is estimated at $15 billion.

"I am honored to have been given this opportunity to serve and to work alongside President-elect Donald J. Trump to keep America safe. I also look forward to working with America's intelligence warriors, who do so much to protect Americans each and every day," Pompeo said.
Matthew Eaton is tired of seeing his favorite businesses close in the Shoppes of Wilton Manors. First it was Out Of The Oven Baking Company and Salt This Way. And now that Humpys Pizza has closed, he wants to try and do something.

Eaton, a resident of Hollywood, has started a petition the day after Humpys closed.

Formerly located in the Shoppes of Wilton Manors, Humpys was closed after the owner and the owner of the shopping plaza failed to come to an agreement on the rent. Owner Steve DeJong, who opened Humpys in 2007, said the increase in rent was just too high. The threat of a lawsuit, regarding Americans With Disabilities violations, also contributed to DeJongs decision to close. DeJong said he was sued even after correcting the minor deficiencies.

Basically, theyre raising the rent to the point where its unmanageable and not feasible to stay in business. And theyre going to raise it every year for the next 10 years. Theyre playing hardball. It just baffles me theyre not willing to negotiate. We have a third of the shopping center empty, said DeJong on Nov. 2. Earlier this month, Jonathan Gaines, principal with Rivercrest Realty, which owns the Shoppes of Wilton Manors, said he was disappointed he and DeJong couldnt come to terms on the lease.

Eaton hopes his petition, which has 765 signers as of Nov. 14, will start a conversation and help keep more businesses in Wilton Manors. He also hopes to get the city involved in

The petition is to support the business currently there. The goal really is to show we have a voice in Wilton Manors . . . to really have the city and the landlords pay attention and work something out.

We need people to invest in the community. There are already too many empty stores and lack of creativity. This city will die if we can't compete with many of the other, vibrant, communities rising around us, wrote Kevin Mahon from Lazy Lake, one of the petition supporters.

But not everyone agrees with Eatons petition.

The owners are free to do what they want with their property, wrote Fort Lauderdale resident Ken Hatton on Facebook. We are free not to patronize their businesses. Without the LBGT community, no business will survive there. We have more power in boycotting businesses that don't support our community.

Rivercrest Realty did not comment in time for publication.

To view or sign the petition, visit change.org/p/save-the-businesses-shoppes-of-wilton-manors.
Wilton Drive isnt the only street where city officials want a lane reduction to go into effect. Powerline Road, through a project lead by the Florida Department of Transportation [FDOT], will be reduced from six lanes to four.

It isnt suited to be a six-lane highway. Its primarily residential. There are single-family homes abutting a six-lane highway, said City Manager Leigh Ann Henderson.

A public meeting to discuss the plans will be held on Wednesday, Dec. 7 from 4 to 7 p.m. at Mickel Park. FDOT officials will be in attendance to answer questions and take input.

In addition to the lane reduction, a planting strip will be added through the middle of the street and the two outside lanes will be used to create a bike lane and a buffer between the road and the sidewalks/bike lanes. There will also be resurfacing and restriping work done. All of it funded by FDOT.

The improvements will be made along Powerline Road from Sunrise Boulevard in Fort Lauderdale north to Northwest 29 Street in Wilton Manors.

Henderson said the city would also like the speed limit reduced but it would be up to FDOT to make the decision. Powerline Road is a state road. The city has no control over it. We want to reduce the speed of traffic and make it easier for pedestrians to walk and feel safe in the area, said Henderson.

And safety concerns have been one of the primary issues residents have talked about with Powerline recently.

One group of speeding ATV riders became such a regular nuisance that the police department began an operation to crack down on them.

Its incredibly disturbing to the neighborhood, said Mayor Gary Resnick last year. He lives

west of Powerline Road and said the group, which travels south towards Fort Lauderdale, comes through the city every Sunday evening.

Unfortunately, said Police Chief Paul OConnell, theres not much the police can do.

According to state law, police can only pursue the driver of a vehicle if they commit a forcible felony which is defined as any felony which involves the use or threat of physical force or violence against any individual. OConnell said his department is in the same position as it was last year. Even though they pose a safety hazard, were not going to increase the safety hazard by giving chase.
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.




Chinese Astronauts Land Safely After 30 Day Mission CCTV News

Two Chinese astronauts, Chen Dong and Jing Haipeng, landed safely in north Chinas Inner Mongolia region on Friday after spending 30 days in the Tiangong-2 space laboratory.

Shenzhou-11 astronauts land safely in Inner Mongolia

Looking back at the return to Earth for Shenzhou-11

Chinas manned spacecraft Shenzhou-11 successfully touched down on Earth

Footage: Astronauts exit Shenzhou-11spacecraft after landing on Earth

Review: Nine biggest events of Chinas space missions in 2016
Ontario Racing (OR) will host its sixth scheduled in-person consultation on Saturday, Nov. 19 regarding a proposed long-term funding framework for horse racing in the province.

This framework, subject to government approval, will be presented to the industry for feedback. If approved, this framework will provide the industry as a whole  from owners, trainers and breeders to racetrack operators  with the certainty they need to make investments in their businesses.

ORs primary objective, to this point, has been to engage directly with the Ontario Lottery and Gaming Corp. and the government to provide input to the development of a road map to sustainable funding for the industry. Now, ORs focus will shift towards engagement with the industry as a whole to garner feedback on this proposed framework.

This proposed framework is based on key principles including:

A new racetrack alliance: all Ontario racetracks that conduct live racing will be invited to create a new alliance. It is proposed that Woodbine Entertainment Group (WEG) will serve as the administrator of this new alliance.

Longer-term, predictable funding: Ontarios horseracing industry can invest in their businesses beyond 2021.

Ongoing accountability and transparency: decision-making based on evidence and agreed upon success indicators.

Industry leadership: racetrack business plans, race dates, purse levels will be aligned across racetracks for a coordinated approach. Ontario Racing will play a key industry leadership role in the future.

Next steps include widespread in person conversations with the industry about these principles, across Ontario. Sessions will take place in every region of the province that has horse racing. The following consultation schedule has been updated. (dates subject to change)

Saturday, November 19 - 1:00 p.m. - 3:00 p.m. - Port Perry (Golfer's Dream Golf Club, Scugog)

Tuesday, November 22 - 2:00 p.m. - 4:00 p.m. - Milton (Gambrel Barn, Country Heritage Park)

The five previous sessions transpired in Toronto, Dundas, Sarnia, London and Ottawa.

Ontario Racing encourages all interested parties to submit their feedback about the future of the industry by accessing its online consultation portal here. The portal includes a series of questions and the option to attach a word document, for those who would like to share additional thoughts. The proposed long-term funding framework was outlined in a webinar, hosted on October 19, and can be viewed here.

Ontario Racing will collate feedback from the industry, and this perspective will inform recommendations to government.

(With files from Ontario Racing)
Repair or Restore Your Christian Marriage

Contact: David Forman,973-477-7489,SCOTTSDALE, Az., Nov. 18, 2016 / Standard Newswire / -- "Women are beyond understanding," is the predominant excuse for a man's inability to fix failing or broken marriages. This fraudulent thinking is so accepted by the world that it's become a common joke. What a sad, but eye-opening image of Satan using a notorious worldly deception to separate what God has joined together.Photo: Author Ken NairIn the book " Discovering the Mind of Woman ," author Ken Nair illustrates how from Genesis through Revelation biblical principles prove that men not only can, but are commanded to "live with their wives in an understanding way."Radically different, but scripturally sound, "Discovering the Mind of a Woman," reveals relationship-altering concepts that renew and restore marriages. Nair says when a man follows these principles they work every time, and claims he has seen hundreds of restored marriages, many even after divorce."That's not Ken Nair boasting, but pointing to God's living word that can breathe new life into even the most broken relationships. We just need to better understand what God says about marriage that's often misunderstood in the text or not taught at all," he said.For example he quotes John 4:23: 'God is spirit; and they who worship him must worship him in spirit and truth.'"So we go to church and raise our hands to praise music and shout amen to the sermon; but it falls far short of relationship God wants us to have with Him," said Nair."Our spirit has a language of its own: that language is our emotions, which as men, we don't fully acknowledge, and they're fleeting; yet we hope to understand our wives who are 100% attuned to their emotions, and where they live all day." Says Nair. "If a man can't identify his own spirit's language he can't recognize a woman's, and he's completely hindered in becoming the spiritual leader his wife craves."In "Discovering the Mind of a Woman," Nair explores how a man's inability to minister to his wife's spirit is the cause of a husband's failure to fulfill Ephesians 5:25 'Husbands are to love their wives unconditionally and sacrificially, just as Christ loves the Church.'"A wife's emotions, actions and even her attraction to her husband are directly related to his spiritual condition," says Nair. "She is like a mirror provided by God to reflect how Christlike, or more accurately how un-Christlike he's being," says Nair.He concedes this concept meets with strong resistance, even within the church. However, Nair says he's found incontrovertible evidence confirmed by Hebrew language scholar Frank Seekins in the original Hebrew text of Genesis where our bibles translate Eve as Adam's "helper."Nair explains, "The Hebrew word is Ezer, three letters originally pictograms represented by an axe, a man and an eye." Nair and Seekins agree this translates as "Revealer of the Enemy." "Therefore God didn't say he'd make a helper in the way we think," says Nair. "More accurately, our wife is the person made by God to 'help' us clearly reveal our sin nature, or how Christ-like we are being," says Nair. "And that understanding is the key to every man's ability to transform his life and marriage."If a man is truly willing to be discipled toward becoming more and more like Christ, his marriage will inevitably be made stronger or restored," says Nair.Another concept presented in his book that is very hard for most men to accept is the biblical difference between fault and responsibility. "Men refuse to grasp that even their wife's own sins are their responsibility," he says, again pointing to evidence in the text of Genesis."Although Eve is blamed for the fall of mankind the Bible places the blame squarely upon the man," says Nair. "God told Adam, not Eve, not to eat of the tree; it was Adam who did not keep his promise to God. As a part of Eve's curse, she must look to Adam for her value and acceptance. He charges Adam with the care of her spirit along with complete responsibility for her spiritual fitness."Nair quotes Roman's 5:12 as verification, Therefore, just as sin entered the world through one man, and death through sin, in this way death came to all. Through one man all have sinned." "One man, not woman," says Nair.In "Discovering the Mind of a Woman," men learn to accept their responsibility; and use all of life events, regardless of who's at "fault," to discern what God is teaching Him about how he is or is not being Christ-like."I disciple men how to be more Christ-like and that requires a deep commitment to change, but men who truly seek this are rewarded with a richer relationship with God and restored relationships when necessary," Nair promises.For more than thirty years author and speaker Ken Nair, founder of Christ Quest Ministries, has helped renew and restore marriages almost exclusively by teaching men how to become more like Christ, through books, videos, live seminars, and a three-year college level course all available at christquestministries.com Ken Nair can be reached for personal discipleship and speaking engagements at ken@christquestministries.com
Judicial Watch: New Documents Show Clinton Conflicts of Interest

Unsigned Memo Contains 'Private Sector Opportunities' for Bill Clinton in Haiti



Memo from Clinton Foundation to State Department Lists nearly 200 Then-Current and Former Heads of State to be Invited to 2009 Clinton Global Initiative Annual Meeting



Contact: Jill Farrell, Judicial Watch, 202-646-5172



WASHINGTON, Nov. 17, 2016 /Standard Newswire/ -- Judicial Watch announced that it has received 508 pages of documents in response to a Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) lawsuit seeking information about to possible conflicts of interest between the actions taken by Hillary Clinton as Secretary of State and Bill Clinton's activities. More than 440 pages of the documents were redacted either in full, or with only minor notations remaining. The documents were released as a result of a federal court order in a Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) lawsuit filed against the State Department on May 28, 2013, (Judicial Watch v. U.S. Department of State (No. 1:13-cv-00772)).



The documents included an undated, unsigned memo entitled "Private Sector Opportunities for WJC" [William Jefferson Clinton]. The memo provided capabilities analysis of three companies with major investment interests in Haiti: Tetra Pak, Seaboard, and Cemex.



The documents also include a lengthy March 2009 email from Clinton Foundation Director of Foreign Policy Amitabh Desai to former Assistant Secretary of State Andrew Shapiro and subsequently forwarded to top Clinton aid Jake Sullivan containing the names of nearly 200 then-current and former heads of state to be invited to the 2009 Clinton Global Initiative annual meeting. The list includes dignitaries from Saudi Arabia, which gave $14.5 million to the Clinton Foundation; Kuwait, which gave between $5 and $10 million; Oman, the United Arab Emirates, and Qatar  all of which donated between $1 and $5 million over the years. In February 2015, the Washington Post reported, "A third of foundation donors who have given more than $1 million are foreign governments or other entities  and foreign donors make up more than half of those who have given more than $5 million."



In July 2014, Judicial Watch released more than 200 conflict-of-interest reviews by State Department ethics advisers of proposed Bill Clinton speaking and consulting engagements during Hillary Clinton's tenure as secretary of state. The documents show that Mr. Clinton's office proposed 215 speeches around the globe. And 215 times, the State Department stated that it had "no objection." The Washington Examiner published a report by Judicial Watch Chief Investigative Reporter Micah Morrison and Examiner Senior Watchdog Reporter Luke Rosiak which notes that Mr. Clinton "earned $48 million while his wife presided over U.S. foreign policy, raising questions about whether the Clintons fulfilled ethics agreements related to the Clinton Foundation during Mrs. Clinton's tenure as Secretary of State."



MORE: www.judicialwatch.org/press-room/press-releases/judicial-watch-new-documents-show-clinton-conflicts-interest
The essential component of totalitarian propaganda is artifice (het toepassen van kunstgrepen. svh) . The ruling elites, like celebritie...
Mr Trump has repeatedly expressed admiration for Russian President Vladimir Putin; the two men spoke by phone on Monday. I dont expect that the President-elect will follow exactly our approach, Mr Obama said.

But my hope is he does not simply take a realpolitik approach and suggest that ... if we just cut some deals with Russia, even if it hurts people or even if it violates international norms or even if it leaves smaller countries vulnerable, or creates long-term problems in regions like Syria, that we just do whatevers convenient at the time.

Mr Obama also said he had spoken to Mr Putin about cyber attacks, amid claims that Russia was responsible for hacks of emails from the Democratic National Committee and from Hillary Clintons campaign that caused significant damage to the former US Secretary of States presidential bid. Cyber warfare is something we have to work on, Mr Obama said. We need to develop frameworks and international norms so that we dont see a cyber arms race.

With the forces of populism and nationalism on the rise on both sides of the Atlantic, Mr Obama and Ms Merkel mounted a firm defence of liberalism and globalisation as they met for the last time before the US President leaves office. Globalism needs to have a human face, Ms Merkel told reporters.

With Britain in the throes of Brexit negotiations, French President Francois Hollande facing a tough electoral battle against Marine Le Pens populist Front National and the Obama era coming to a close, Merksl is now the most prominent face of globalism.

The German Chancellor admitted that with Donald Trump in the White House, the TTIP trade deal between the EU and the US would no longer be completed, but said she was absolutely certain one day we will come back to what we have achieved and build on it.
Play at the new site will be free and first come, first served through the year's end.
VANCOUVER  Waterfowl enthusiasts told state officials this week they fear a proposed $13 million salmon restoration project at Shillapoo Wildlife Area will trade big losses of ducks and geese for marginal gains of fish.

The Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife wants to reconnect the Columbia River with its floodplain on the south portion of the state wildlife area in the Vancouver Lake lowlands.

Two leeves to the Columbia River would be breached and channels created between wetlands to restore fish access. Water control structures and pumps would be removed.

Nicole Czarnomski, project coordinator for the Department of Fish and Wildlife, told a meeting in Vancouver Monday that the effort is part of a bistate, multi-agency effort to create more rearing habitat for juvenile salmon, particularly chinook.

Bonneville Power Administration would finance the project.

The project would improve Shillapoo Wildlife Area for fish, while still providing habitat for waterfowl plus public hunting and other recreation, Czarnomski said.

This project is a choice by the agency, she said. Wed like to support multiple species.

But the proposal was not well received by a room full of mostly duck and goose hunters. State officials were peppered with questions from a skeptical audience.

Czarnomski said duck harvest would probably be about the same after the project, although might shift more from divers to dabblers.

I oppose this and I oppose it wholeheartedly, said Kurt Snyder of the Washington Waterfowl Association. Every area that youve turned tidal has gone to hell for waterfowl.  Every single one them without exception. What makes you think this is different?

A pump near Langsdorf Landing boat ramp lifts water into the Shillapoo area from December to June when Columbia River levels are high enough. The increase in water benefits waterfowl and makes for stable hunting conditions.

The pump would be removed. Water levels in Shillapoo would vary, depending on the Columbia River. But the direct connection with the river would allow for juvenile salmon to move in and out.

Variability is what were introducing here, Czarnomski said.

Some at Monday nights meeting worried how that variability would affect nesting waterfowl plus whitetail deer in the area.

You call it restoration, but it isnt truly a restoration, said Jon McAninch of Grays Harbor. Im all for salmon enhancement, but Im against it when its to the detriment of other species weve built upYou displace ducks in enough places and you have loss of population.

Czarnomski said the project is still in the concept stage.

Alex Uber, a Department of Fish and Wildlife engineer, said there will be an official National Environmental Policy Act comment period this winter on the proposal.

The earliest much work would be done on the project is 2018, Czarnomski said.

She said the department will keep Shillapoo a high-priority spot for fish and wildlife.

Were building a long-term commitment with BPA, she said. Were not going to walk away.

Every area that youve turned tidal has gone to hell for waterfowl.  Every single one them without exception. What makes you think this is different?  Kurt Snyder,

Washington Waterfowl Association
A Cowlitz Superior Court judge Wednesday found that Tomi Dupper, the former bookkeeper who embezzled half a million dollars from the Longview YMCA, fraudulently gave her daughter land worth more than $100,000 to avoid having it seized for restitution.

Stephen Warnings ruling gives the YMCA the opportunity to seize the property from Dupper and sell it to recover some of its losses.

Dupper was sentenced in April 2014 to two years in prison. She was ordered to pay the YMCA nearly $293,000 at no less than $25 monthly. The restitution amount was based on what Dupper still owed the YMCA after she forfeited her retirement and the agency recovered some money from insurance. Of the $293,000 still owed, Dupper has paid only $350.

This June, the YMCA filed a civil suit alleging that Dupper gave 10 acres land in rural Longview to her daughter Kari Kosa in July 2013. The suit claimed the gift was an attempt to prevent it from being seized and sold to compensate the YMCA. Dupper disputed that and argued she gave the land to Kosa so she could build her own home on it.

Warning, however, agreed with the Y and ruled that the transfer was fraudulent.

The YMCA, through its lawyer, will ask the Cowlitz County Sheriffs Office to seize and sell the property and give the proceeds to the YMCA as a payment towards the money Dupper stole.

Dupper wasnt at the hearing, but her daughter was.

The county assessors office values the land at $102,580.
Anthony Adam Anderson, 32, of Kalama for suspicion of possession of methamphetamine; Russell Leroy Butler, 58, of Kelso for suspicion of two counts of unlawful possession of a firearm, possession of methamphetamine and unlawful use of a building for drug purposes; Nathan Paul Davis, 44, for multiple arrest warrants and third-degree driving with a suspended license; Edwin Michael Cecil Hill, 33, for suspicion of possession of methamphetamine, obstructing law enforcement and possession of a dangerous weapon; Tommy Bryce Tift Hill, 52, of Kelso for suspicion of possession of methamphetamine; Tia Louise Moyer, 24, for suspicion of possession of heroin and a felony warrant; Vicky R. Moyer, 45 for a misdemeanor arrest warrant; Paul Allen Pennington, 27 for two felony arrest warrants; Alisha Marie Reed, 24 for felony arrest warrant and obstructing law enforcement; Cristina Lynn Sanchez, 42, of Kelso for suspicion of possession of methamphetamine with intent to deliver; Benjamin James Vivian, 37, of Longview for suspicion of possession of methamphetamine with intent to deliver, possession of heroin with intent to deliver and a federal felony warrant; Ariel Elizabeth Ann Yeager, 23, of Toutle for suspicion of possession of methamphetamine, possession of heroin and a felony warrant.
The move of demonetisation has raised a tempest in entire India and black marketers, and back money lawbreakers have already started hunting the alternatives to set free from Income tax and penalty implemented by the Prime Minister of India, Mr. Narendra Modi. While the rules of demonetisation have turned more intense and tough for many, mysterious benefactors in Mumbai are found to donate Rs 500 and 1,000 notes in charity boxes established at government hospitals.

According to reports from Mumbai Mirror, the demonetisation move taken by the Indian government has had an unexpected blow on Mumbaikars as the high amount of cash are being deposited in the donation boxes of public hospitals. The public of Mumbai is presently opting medical donation boxes to add gifts over the temples. After news that donations to sanctuaries will go under government scanner, black money holders have made a direct route to adding to public hospitals rather than temples.

On the ninth day of pandemonium, since the central government of India scrapped Rs 500 and Rs 1000 notes, the donations to hospitals in Mumbai have expanded by 30-40%, and now the charity boxes are found to be over-flooded with 500 and 1000 currency notes. On the other hand, the rate of donations in temples has surprisingly gone 10% down after the declaration of scanning cash recovered from temples.

According to the public relation officer of Tata Memorial Hospital (TMH), Humayun Jafris statements to Mumbai Mirror, 14 donation boxes were unlocked on Saturday and surprisingly a whopping amount of Rs 1.5 lakh cash was collected from the boxes, and most of them were Rs 500 and Rs 1,000 notes.

The report also stated that, after demonetisation, the hospitals are getting around Rs. 40, 000 to Rs. 50, 000 as the weekly collection from donation boxes. As per the reports of Humayun, getting Rs. 500 and Rs. 1000 notes from gift boxes are not new, but after demonetisation, the number of notes really hiked.

Well, an almost same case was also observed in Mumbais KEM hospital, where from 40 donation boxes, three boxes were unlocked on Tuesday and surprisingly they also have the demonetised currency notes. As said by Dr. Avinash Supe, dean of KEM Hospital, currently we have opened only three boxes, and the number of demonetised notes is three and hence we are sure the rest 37 boxes will have much more.
Mumbai: No-frills carriers increased their marker share in May, while the struggling Air India (AI) and Kingfisher Airlines continued to lose in the marketplace sweepstakes.

While Air India saw the largest fall in market share in the reporting month to 16.2 percent from 17.6 percent in April, the second largest no-frills carrier SpiceJet saw its market share rising to 18.5 percent from 17.7 percent in April, according to the latest data released by civil aviation regulator DGCA.

The largest low-cost airline IndiGo saw its market share rising to 24.9 percent in May from 23.8 percent in April, while the Jet Group saw its share more or less stagnating at 27.9 percent.

While Jet share remained where it was in April, JetLite saw its dipping a tad by to 6.5 percent from 6.8, despite a major improvement in its passenger load factor which rose from 76.8 in April to 80.5 in May. GoAir also saw its share dipping a bit to 7.2 from 7.3 percent.

Accordingly, Spice and IndiGo also had their load factor rising considerably, to 82 from 80 and to 86.3 from 82, respectively, while that of Air India remained stagnant at 70.6 in May from 70.5 in April.

Kingfisher had the deepest fall in the load factor in May to 73.3 from 77 in April.

PTI

PTI
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By Muqbil Ahmar

The election of Donald Trump as the next president of the United States of America will have several ramifications. The effects would range from the local to the global. One of the sectors on which he could have a significant impact is the development of space technology. Since Trump and Tesla CEO Elon Musk dont share a very cordial relationship, the development could have an impact on SpaceX, the most pioneering privately-operated space technology company run by the latter.

There are several reasons for such a prognosis:

1) We hardly know how President Trump feels about space programs as he has spoken very little about it throughout his campaign. But the very fact that he has spoken little during the long course of a campaign means that it doesnt figure very high on his list of priorities, although it cannot be said with certainty how exactly a new president would influence the future of space programs, in general, and NASA, in particular. If Trumps aides are to be believed the focus of NASA would be recalibrated. The Commander-in-Chief of United States Army would have a lot of role to play on how the space exploration programs pan out. He would also be setting the goals and the agenda of premier space agency NASA, said Shashank Dixit, CEO, Deskera, a leader in cloud technology and a space technology enthusiast.

2) On the other hand, President Barack Obama showed keen interest in the area and shared close ties with Elon Musk, who is also the CEO of SpaceX. After Musks active interventions, a number of private programs and spaceflight initiatives have picked up steam. The maverick billionaire was at the forefront. SpaceX has consistently been breaking new ground and extending the frontiers as far as space technology is concerned. President Obama supported his projects through subsidies. In fact, SpaceXs private-public business model banks on the financial and institutional support (NASA) of the US government.

Additionally, Musk and Obama shared a personal relationship as well: Musk gave Obama tours of SpaceX at Cape Canaveral, Florida; President Obama dined with Musk on several occasions; Elon Musk personally visited the White House more than a dozen times; and the Tesla Motors entrepreneur donated generously to both Obama and Clinton's election campaigns. Musk has supported the Democrat camp whereas Trump is from the Republican camp.

3) Moreover, there is no love between Trump and Musk. Billionaire entrepreneur Musk recently remarked: I feel a bit stronger that [Trump] is not the right guy He doesn't seem to have the sort of character that reflects well on the United States," SpaceX Communications Director Dex Torricke-Barton also said that the company will be fighting the Trump administration tooth and nail. Donald Trump, we will tear down your wall. I promise," he remarked.

4) SpaceX heavily depends on governments financial support: the company reportedly gets $5 billion in government contracts. That money could dry up after Trumps ascendancy. The reported figure comprises government incentives, including tax breaks, grants, discounted loans, factory construction, and environmental credits.

5) Last but not the least Trump reportedly plans to cut the US budget by over $5 trillion. Once the cut goes into effect, big ticket projects including the ambitious space programs could find themselves in limbo.

Whatever be the eventual outcome, one can only hope that President Trump and Tesla CEO Elon Musk would not let individual differences play a role in mankinds knowledge and exploration of the Universe.

With over 10 years of experience in the field of journalism, the author is a technology evangelist and avid blogger.
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U.S. President-elect Donald Trump said on Thursday Ford Motor Co Executive Chairman Bill Ford Jr told him the automaker would not move production at a Kentucky plant to Mexico. "I worked hard with Bill Ford to keep the Lincoln plant in Kentucky. I owed it to the great State of Kentucky for their confidence in me!" Trump posted on Twitter. "He will be keeping the Lincoln plant in Kentucky - no Mexico."

Ford has repeatedly said it has no plans to close any U.S. plants and likely could not do so under the terms of the current United Auto Workers contract that expires in 2019. Ford spokeswoman Christin Baker said late on Thursday the automaker "confirmed with the President-elect that our small Lincoln utility vehicle made at the Louisville Assembly plant will stay in Kentucky."

"We are encouraged that President-elect Trump and the new Congress will pursue policies that will improve U.S. competitiveness and make it possible to keep production of this vehicle here in the United States," she added, in a statement. The U.S. No. 2 automaker is planning to move some small-car production south of the border.

The company builds the Ford Escape and Lincoln MKC SUV at its Louisville assembly plant in Kentucky, where it employs about 4,700 people. It also has a separate truck plant in Louisville, where it builds pickups and larger SUVs. Ford has endured scathing criticism from Trump over its Mexican investments for nearly 18 months.

The Republican candidate repeatedly said during his long presidential campaign that if elected he would not allow Ford to open a new plant in Mexico and would slap hefty tariffs on any Ford vehicles made in Mexico. Ford said in April 2015 it planned to invest $2.5 billion to build two new plants in Mexico, adding 3,800 jobs in all. Earlier this year, Ford said it will invest a further $1.6 billion in Mexico for small-car production to start in 2018.

In September, Ford confirmed that all of the company's small-car production will leave U.S. plants and head to lower-cost Mexico by 2019, but no plants would be closed as a result. Ford has repeatedly said no U.S. jobs will be lost because of the move - and it will produce two new vehicles at a Detroit area plant that built the small cars.

In October, Bill Ford said he had met with Trump to talk about his extensive attacks on the automaker's investments in Mexico. Ford said Trump's criticism was "infuriating" and "frustrating" because of the company's extensive investments and employment in the United States.

Reuters
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China's Alibaba Group Holding Ltd and Tencent Holdings Ltd rallied behind Beijing's recently-imposed cyber security law on Thursday, following criticism of it from overseas technology rivals. The country's two tech giants also urged closer cooperation between the public and private sectors at China's third World Internet Conference, which has focused on heightened threats to cyber security over the past year, including disruptions to financial systems and online terrorist radicalisation.

China says the new law, which formalises broad restrictions on technology companies working in China, was designed to remove cyber security threats in "critical" industries not to target foreign businesses and will help counter terrorism. However, overseas business groups and technology organisations say it unfairly targets them with overzealous surveillance measures and local data storage requirements.

Analysts say Alibaba and Tencent operate websites and apps that have a largely local user base, and so face fewer changes in the way they store data as a result of the law. "This marks a step forward for China. We are asking [Tencent] professionals to learn from these regulations," Yang Peng, director of Tencent's Executive Committee for Information Security, said at the conference, which is organised by China's internet regulator and has also focused on building more robust global governance and the responsibility of the media.

Cyber Cleansing

Critics of the cyber security law say while China's influence in global technology has grown, its ruling Communist Party led by Xi has presided over broader and more vigorous efforts to control, and often censor, information online. Alibaba's Vice President Yu Weimin said the group has 3,000 people dedicated to security, and the e-commerce giant is "working with law enforcement" to crack down on some content.

"With all this technology together we can win the war on terrorism," Yu said. Tencent's Yang said the company is working within state regulations to clean up content, and has removed 80,000 video clips from their site this year.

Cyber security took on a greater focus among regulators worldwide in February when it emerged that hackers stole $81 million from the Central Bank of Bangladesh via SWIFT, the global financial messaging system. The funds were transferred to accounts in the Philippines and Sri Lanka.

Both Tencent and Alibaba operate online payment platforms that offer services ranging from bill payments to money transfers. Alibaba's Alipay dominates the online payments industry in China, while Tencent's WeChat payment system is increasingly popular. "Big internet companies are the ones with the means to fight cyber terrorism, which is why we need more cooperation between the private and public sector," Alibaba's Yu said.

Reuters
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By Asheeta Regidi

The recent demonetisation of Indian currency notes is a welcome move for dealing with black money. However, the replacement of the demonetised notes has become long-drawn, given the chaos at ATMs and banks. The elusive Rs.500/- note has only added to the woes of the common man. The result of this move, whether intended or unintended, is a shift to cashless transactions. The suddenness of the demonetization move has led to a spurt of digital payments, including among people with little or no knowledge of the risks involved. The rush towards digital payments is unfortunately a huge opportunity, which cybercriminals will certainly cash in on.

The move to digital payments

The recent ATM hacking in India, which compromised over 30 lakh debit cards, resulted in a loss of confidence in digital payments by Indians everywhere. Barely 3 weeks since then, before any steps were taken to restore their confidence, people have been forced to go completely cashless. This includes people, such as the poor and those in rural areas, who have little or no understanding of the online world, or the risks involved with digital payments.

From grocery shopping to taxi rides, Indians all over were forced to turn to digital payments to get on with their day-to-day lives. The demonetisation move has seen a huge spurt in the use and purchase of e-wallets, use of wallets in-built in apps, and in mobile payments. There has also been a huge increase in the purchase of Point-of-Sale devices. Many sellers who previously conducted cash-based transactions, have turned to digital payments to keep their businesses going. E-commerce companies have introduced card-on-delivery as an alternative to cash-on-delivery.

Precautions

With the rush to keep life going normally, cybersecurity is likely to take a backseat. As an immediate precaution, the following needs to be kept in mind:

- Unsecured portals and apps: The use of unsecured portals, unverified apps and wallets all become a point of access to sensitive financial data by the criminal. Ensure the presence of the s in the https URL before making an online payment. With the turn to digital payments, any unverified apps or apps for unauthorized stores downloaded onto mobile phones should be deleted, as these can become a point of hacking. Before downloading or using e-wallets and other digital payment apps, ensure that they are an authentic app, from an authentic store. Read the title of the app very carefully, and go through the terms and conditions of the app before using them.

- E-mail Spam and Spearphishing: E-mail spam is obvious tactic, such as fraudulent e-mails promising an exchange of unauthorized black money for the new currency.Another common tactic used by criminals is phishing, or the imitation of a specific organization, such as a bank, to attempt to extract financial data. One form is spearphishing, where e-mails are designed to replicate (for example) the banks e-mail. For example, a seemingly legitimate e-mail from your bank can ask you to submit your debit card details as preliminary information for exchange of the demonetized notes.

- IVR Phishing: SMSs are used in a similar manner, for example, you may receive an SMS informing you that you will be given an appointment with your bank for exchanging demonetized notes on contacting the number given in the SMS.This introduces another form of phishing, IVR phishing, or phone phishing. People dialing the phone number are connected to what sounds like a valid call center of the bank. As people are used to giving details like their ATM pins or Mobile PINs to their banks call centers, they are likely to believe they are talking to a valid center and disclose this information. Remember to double-check any such e-mails/ SMSs with your bank. Ideally visit your bank branchphysically and disclose any such information there, rather than over the phone.

- Use of PoS devices: The huge spurt in the demand for PoS devices may have led to unsecure PoS devices being sold to unsuspecting sellers. Without any mandate under law, sellers are unlikely to be very cautious about the PoS devices they purchase. Detecting a PoS device that has been tampered with is,unfortunately, difficult. It is best to exercise some caution, such as through the use of a separate account with a smaller amount of money in it for such payments.

Lastly, any unauthorized activity must be reported immediately, to your bank, and to the nearest police station. The sooner such activity is reported, the sooner measures can be taken to prevent further damage.

Need for cybersecurity laws before going cashless.

Mr. Arun Jaitley, in an interview to Economic Times, stated that the demonetization wasa logical step in the move towards a cashless society in India. While a cashless society is, perhaps, the future, rushing into it without adequate preparation is too big a risk.

To smoothen the process and ensure the financial security of the individual, the introduction of laws mandating cybersecurity measures across corporations is required. Last months debit card fraud exposed this huge lacuna in Indian law, despite the financial sector being among the few sectors with cybersecurity regulations. Existing regulations like the RBIs Cyber-Security Framework for Banks and the Guidelines on Information Security, Electronic Banking, Technology Risk Management and Cyber Fraud, have proven to be inadequate. For example, ATMs in India use the outdated Windows XP operating system, a system that can now be easily hacked for the installation of malware. In fact, the introduction of malware in several ATMs in considered to be the cause of the debit card fraud. Even e-wallets are only required under the RBIs e-wallet regulations to have adequate information and data security systems in place.

Minimum standards for cybersecurity need to be prescribed and mandated through law. Corporations with higher cybersecurity standards should be awarded some kind of incentive, such as tax incentives, to encourage the adoption of such cybersecurity measures. Reporting of data breaches should also be made mandatory. This will encourage sharing of information between banks, corporates and other institutions, which can greatly help cyberfraud prevention and control. These steps can go a long way in giving the people the protection they need while turning to the convenience of a cashless society.

The author is a lawyer with a specialisation in cyber laws and has co-authored books on the subject.
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Facebook will now allow its 1.2 billion users to automatically launch its crisis response tool, "Safety Check". According to a report by cnet.com on Thursday, this change will allow the community to decide the urgency of the nearby danger, something Facebook has struggled to grasp. In the areas of immediate danger, Safety Check allows people to notify their family and friends that they are safe. This feature of Facebook has been used during natural calamities and terrorists attacks across world.

"When Facebook had control of Safety Check, it had a high standard of what counted as a disaster. A typhoon in the Philippines might have six inches of water in your house, and in California, that'd be a big deal. But in the Philippines, we did research there, and people said this wasn't a big deal," cnet.com quoted Peter Cottle, Facebook's lead engineer on crisis response.

"In the past two years, Facebook turned on Safety Check 39 times. Compare that to 335 dangerous events flagged by its community-based Safety Check tool since the company began testing it in June. One of the first instances of a community-generated Safety Check was the Orlando nightclub shooting in June," the report said. Facebook considers an event as not being an emergency if the users ignore the Safety Check, which then fades itself.

"We can tell how many people are spreading this and marking themselves safe, and how quickly it's growing. There's a real strong measure of urgency based on the rapidness of the people who are using the tool," Cotte said. However, Facebook has been criticised for being selective when it comes to launching Safety Check tool during a crisis.

In November 2015, Facebook CEO Mark Zuckerberg had responded with a facebook post saying, ""We care about all people equally, and we will work hard to help people suffering in as many of these situations as we can."

Reports said that Facebook was also testing out a Community Help page that "users can access after checking in as safe. There, users can post if they need shelter, food or supplies, or if they can provide any of those resources". The Community Help feature is expected to be available by January 2017.

IANS
tech2 News Staff

Google translations, though helpful, are known to put users in an awkward situation several times. Google now tries to rectify it by bringing one of the biggest update to Translate with natural language translation. Using neural networks, it will be working at improving speech recognition and computer vision.

With the new update, Google Translate will utilise Google's neural machine translation system for translating phrases and will roll out to eight language pairs. English and Chinese were the first, followed by French, German, Japanese, Korean, Portuguese, Spanish and Turkish. It is believed that these language pairs will cover 35 percent of Google Translates. However, Google is said to eventually roll it out to all 103 languages.

In September, Google had deployed the Google Neural Machine Translation (GNMT) system in Google Translate for Chinese to English translation. The system handles 18 million requests every day. Chinese to English is a particularly hard language pair for machines to handle, and the system is expected to be rolled out to more language pairs.

The previous system used Phrase-Based Machine Translation (PBMT) that broke down the sentences to be translated into phrases and words for translation. On the other hand, Neural Machine Translation (NMT) considers the entire sentence as an input. When it was first tested, NMT results were as good as PBMT results. Then, Google engineers improved the accuracy of the NMT system by making it identify and treat rare and obscure words separately. These included bilingual humans to continuously rate the results of the NMT.

Eventually, Google engineers zeroed on a solution that was good enough to be deployed on Google Translate, to quickly and accurately handle the large volume of requests. The production deployment was possible because of the TensorFlow, an open source frame work for machine learning.

Besides, the company had lately announced a new Cloud Machine Learning API to help people find careers. Google Jobs API provides businesses with Google-strength capabilities to find, match and recommend relevant jobs to candidates. Cloud Jobs API uses machine learning to understand how job titles and skills relate to one another and what job content, location, and seniority are the closest match to a jobseekers preferences.Know more here.

Google blogpost states about making Cloud Vision API affordable to all. By offering the API at a more cost effective price, more number of organisations can take advantage of it. Click here to find out more.

Starting next, Google Cloud will also offer more hardware choices for businesses looking to use Google Cloud Platform (GCP). "For Google Compute Engine and Google Cloud Machine Learning, businesses will be able to use GPUs (Graphics Processing Units) that are highly-specialized processors capable of handling the complexities of machine learning applications. Making GPUs available in Google Cloud means that you can focus on solving challenging computational problems while accessing GPU machines from anywhere and only paying for what you need," the blogpost said.
tech2 News Staff

Microsoft has released its latest report on global workforce, offering a snapshot of the company's gender and racial composition as of 30 September, 2016.

According to the new numbers, women made up 25.8 percent of the workforce, which is a decline of one percent from the previous year. It should be noted that in 2014, 29 percent Microsoft employees were women. Just like other tech giant, Microsoft is struggling with gender diversity, and these numbers put it behind arch-rivals Apple and Google and even Facebook. All three now have reported women employees accounting to 30 percent or more.

Microsoft blames it on the layoffs that began as a part of restructuring at Nokia factories, which according to Microsoft had a higher number of representation from women. "This decline was largely due to the business decision we shared last year to restructure our phone hardware business (Sharpening Our Focus), which resulted in the closure of some factories (which we refer to as direct production) outside the US. The workforce at these factories had a higher representation of women, so their closure impacted our total representation of women," Microsoft writes in a blogpost.

While overall the numbers have declined, there seems to be some hop for future. "While we are disappointed in the overall decline in the representation of women at the company, we know why it happened. We are encouraged by the modest gains were seeing in female representation in technical and leadership roles, and even more significantly, by the hiring trends of the past year that resulted from our efforts to recruit top-notch female talent," Microsoft writes.

However, the company says that outside of the direct production work, the percentage of women at Microsoft has actually increased by 0.4 percentage points. The blogpost further goes on to explain that the representation of women in technical roles and women leadership roles also increased by 0.6 percentage points, each. Microsoft also talks about hiring trends. the company said that this past year, women represented 27.7 percent of all new employees and 21.7 percent of all new employees in technical jobs.

The company also revealed modest gains in the representation of African Americans/Black and Hispanic/Latino employees at Microsoft. Know more here. The company has said that it will work at creating and delivering compelling career development offerings for women and racial/ethnic minorities.
tech2 News Staff

OnePlus announced a special sale of the OnePlus Gear, the companys special branded merchandise, a couple of weeks back. While the sale was limited to a few countries, India was not one of them.

Now the company has announced that a similar sale will be happening for fans in India on 23 November.

The OnePlus Gear consists of the OnePlus Travel Backpack for Rs 2,999, the OnePlus Messenger Bag for for Rs 2,999, the OnePlus Never Settle T-shirt for Rs 999 and the OnePlus Dash Charge T-shirt for for Rs 999.

Before the sale begins, the company has announced a giveaway where a selected people will get a chance to win OnePlus Travel Backpacks, OnePlus Travel Messenger Bags in black and grey and OnePlus coupons worth Rs. 400 that can be redeemed to purchase gear on the OnePlus Store.

The lucky draw is open to new users who register on the OnePlus India store between 12:00 PM on 16 November, 2016 and 11:59 PM on 22 November, 2016. Users need to visit account.oneplus.net/login and register with their email address and password. Once registered they need to head over to the customer info page and verify their phone number to be eligible for participation. The winners of the draw will be informed via email.

The company recently announced a refreshed version of their flagship smartphone, the OnePlus 3T which is expected to launch in India next month.
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China's Shenzhou 11 space capsule landed safely in the northern region of Inner Mongolia on Friday with two astronauts aboard, state media said, completing the country's longest manned space mission to date.

China Central Television (CCTV) showed images of the craft - whose name translates as "Divine Vessel" - on the ground flanked by Chinese flags and support teams. State news agency Xinhua said the capsule had touched down "successfully" just after 2 p.m.

The two astronauts, Jing Haipeng and Chen Dong, spent 30 days aboard the Tiangong 2 space laboratory, or "Heavenly Palace 2", which China is using to carry out experiments ahead of a longer-range plan to have a permanent manned space station around 2022.They did not immediately emerge from the capsule as CCTV said they were undergoing

They did not immediately emerge from the capsule as CCTV said they were undergoing medical examination, but space mission chief commander Zhang Youxia said in a televised speech that they were in good condition. Tiangong 2 will remain in its orbit and next docks with Tianzhou 1, China's first cargo spacecraft, which is set to be launched in April next year, according to state media.

In a manned space mission in 2013, three Chinese astronauts spent 15 days in orbit and docked with a space laboratory, the Tiangong 1. Advancing China's space program is a priority for Beijing, with President Xi Jinping calling for the country to establish itself as a space power. China insists its space program is for peaceful purposes.

The U.S. Defense Department has highlighted China's increasing space capabilities, saying it was pursuing activities aimed at preventing other nations using space-based assets in a crisis. China has been working to develop its space program for military, commercial and scientific purposes, but is still playing catch-up to established space powers the United States and Russia.

Reuters
Aditya Madanapalle

Elon Musk owned SpaceX has approached the US Federal Communications Commission (FCC) to get government approval for launching a constellation of satellites that will give broadband access to the United States and the World.

The plan is a part of natural progression of communications technology. International telephony was supported by communications satellites. Delivering television to the home was the next problem that was solved through the use of satellites. Recently, broadband access to aircraft and ships have been provided through satellite links. The next step is to provide broadband access using satellites, and SpaceX plans to do just that. The SpaceX constellation is expected to provide low latency connections at gigabit speeds.

The satellites are meant to be adaptable to the current terrestrial laws and requirements. Beamforming allows the satellites to deliver broadband access in targeted areas. Optical inter satellite links will make sure the constellation is coordinated in broadband delivery. The target latency is 25-35 ms. The system consists of a low profile terminal for access, that can be mounted on walls or roofs. It is expected to be a low cost service. At the end of five to seven years, the satellites are expected to de-orbit safely, without leaving behind any space debris. The de-orbit rate planned is faster than required international standards.

OneWeb also has similar plans of launching a constellation of 648 for providing broadband connectivity. Microsatellites will be used with a capacity of manufacturing upto 15 satellites a week. The satellites are being produced in partnership with Airbus. Last mile connectivity will be through low cost user terminals. The neutral network is open to integration with third-party Internet service providers.

Both OneWeb and SpaceX aim to provide critical broadband connectivity to the underserved and unserved areas. Remote rural areas around the world stand to benefit the most from these constellations. Providing healthcare, banking and education services to remote areas is one of the objectives of the constellations. In disaster situations, if the existing infrastructure is knocked out, the satellite constellations can be used to quickly deploy internet in the affected region.

A constellation of satellites providing broadband access to the underserved and unserved is not a new idea. There have been three previous high profile failures of such attempts. The Bill Gates backed Teledesic attempted to put up 840 satellites, a number that was reduced to 288 in 1997. The company folded because of escalating financial and technical risks. Tren Griffin, who worked at the Teledesic startup before joining Microsoft, details the failure in this blogpost.

A Motorola pet project, Iridium had a plan to launch a constellation of 66 satellites to provide data services. The high cost of the service, coupled with the manufacturing of the satellites, lead to one of the biggest bankruptcies in US history. Iridium filed for bankruptcy in 2009, more details are in this Indpendent article on the failure of Iridium.

Technology has progressed enough to make cheaper and smaller satellites. The Teledesic constellation of 840 satellites was expected to cost $9 Billion in 1994. In 2016, a constellation of 4,425 SpaceX satellites is expected to cost about $10 billion. Griffin claims that the communication capabilities of these satellite constellations are suitable for boosting backhaul capacity, providing services to areas affected by emergencies, for military uses, and for ships and aircraft in remote locations. The practical usage for the end-user is going to be less. Still, the constellations can contribute, either as backhaul or last mile connectivity. Over two billion gigabytes of internet traffic is expected to be exchanged worldwide in the year 2020, and every bit can only help.
Zoho today launched Zoho Desk, Zoho Desk uses customer data from past interactions and from other Zoho products, like Zoho CRM and Zoho Projects, to organise tickets and intelligently present information to agents so that they can better understand a customers problem and resolve it efficiently.

Sridhar Vembu, CEO Zoho Corp., said, Zoho has challenged conventional wisdom so many times in its history. We built the first software products from India when IT services were the rage and established them in the global market. We are now showcasing something that has never been done before: the first software product created in rural India, world-class in its refinement, competing with the best.

What started out five years ago as a small team of three engineers has blossomed into a team of over 150 people, located in beautiful rural surroundings near Tenkasi. In an industry where companies have come to believe that the only location that matters in the cloud is few square miles of downtown San Francisco, we are proving that a determined and sincere group of people can build path-breaking products anywhere, Vembu said.

We believe rural talent should not have to leave home to find opportunity. Our broken urbanisation model creates severely overcrowded and polluted megacities and denudes rural areas of talent. That is why what Zoho Tenkasi is doing matters.

Zoho Desk is the sixth product that the company has launched in 2016. Zoho Desk helps companies deliver the right solution at the right time. Its clean user interface packs innovations like Work Modes that help agents send context-aware responses, the Headquarters dashboard that provides the visibility managers need to make better decisions, and the Team Feed to help the entire company participate in customer service.

Highlights of Zoho Desk include:

Context-aware Responses

Work Modes Work Modes prioritize customer interactions in real-time on the basis of response due-time, priority, and customer type. This helps agents identify the tickets that need their attention right away.

Unified Response Editor Inside a ticket, Zoho Desk provides contextual intelligence like customer information from Zoho CRM, past conversations with the customer, and suggestions on possible solutions for the issue at hand, helping agents respond to customers effectively.

Context-Aware Decisions

Headquarters With this feature, customer service managers can monitor broad trends like volumes of interactions and customer happiness ratings, as well as finer details such as long interaction threads and recent negative feedback, all from a single screen.

Agent Scorecard Agent Scorecard is a dashboard that shows each agent their own average response and resolution time, number of open and closed tickets, and happiness ratings earned. It helps create a culture of self-management in customer service teams by allowing agents to monitor their own performance.

Context-Aware Collaboration

Team Feed Users can mention their colleagues from other departments in a social-network-style feed within tickets to provide them the complete context of the issue raised and collaborate with them to resolve it quickly. They can also follow specific tickets or customers to get real-time updates on both the web and their mobile phones.

When companies started providing online customer support, they did so through email. As a result, even today, most help desk products look like personal email inboxes. Customers have evolved from just needing their problems resolved to expecting more transparency and quicker responses, but software hasnt kept up, said Vembu. Every interaction with a customer is an opportunity for the company to grow. With Zoho Desk, we aim to provide companies with the context, understanding and tools to focus on customer happiness in every opportunity.

@Technuter.com News Service
Hannover Milano Fairs India Pvt. Ltd. (HMFI), the Indian subsidiary of the Global JV Company HMG (Hannover Milano Global), is all geared to bring the new improved +91 Start-up Challenge for the young entrepreneurs of India. This year CeBIT India aims at increasing the level a notch higher to make it more robust and engaging with start-ups, SMBs and the new minds. It will include a prominent set of jury members judging the competion for the next big idea!

This year, CeBIT India will see an increased focus on Indian start-ups that will come on the same platform to share ideas, collaborate, exchange and disrupt to create something extraordinary out of the ordinary. +91 Start Up Challange is a platfrom built along the lines of Code N  an international competition for start-ups and budding enterprises, held annually in CeBIT Hannover.

Talking about the start-up ecosystem in India, Mr. Mehul Lanvers Shah, Managing Director, Hannover Milano Fairs Indiasaid The incredibly enthusiastic Indian ecosystem supports the growth of entrepreneurships where the startups are the backbone. The +91 Start Up Challenge provides an impetus to these exuberated minds to grow and progress under the large companies. Unlike the previous years, this year the limelight is on exploring the challenges faced by the start-up community and ways to fight for their survival. Starts Ups will be pitching live to the jury, thus providing opportunities to interact and connect with more established enterprises.

Furthermore, CeBIT INDIA this year has collaborated with 3 Start Up associations, who will host a StartUp Incubation Summit on December 10, 2016 in the Innovation Stage at CeBIT India. These three partners are 100 Open Startups (Global Strategic Partner), StartUp Square (Global Ecosystem Partner), and StartUp Going Global (Global Expansion Partner). This incubation summit will bring together startups, academia, accelerators, incubators and industry to create a perfect ecosystem. Special keynotes will be delivered by Mr. Diksha Nigam, StartUp Invest India from National Investment Promotion Agency. Dr. Bruno Rondani, Founder, 100 Open Startups, Prashant Ajmera, Founder & Director, StartUp Going Global.

The challenge was introduced in CeBIT Indias inaugural edition in 2014. It garnered extensive popularity by capturing the attention of Infosys and IBM Ventures amongst others, looking to identify and fund start-ups with high potential for commercial success. Last year +91 Start Up Challange performed as a bridge to connect the entrepreneurs across the globe where both Indian as well as International start-ups participated in exciting challenges. The selected winners from the +91 Start-Up challenge will be taken to Germany for showcasing their idea at CeBIT Hannover 2017.

According to latest government data, India is expected to surpass UK in terms of number of start-ups launched and would be second only to the USA. By 2020, India will be home to 11,500 start-ups; employing over 250,000 people.

This year, 3rd edition of CeBIT India will be held at the Bangalore International Exhibition Centre (BIEC) from 8-10 December 2016, with the theme of Discover the Business of Technology Innovation! How collaborative disruption is changing tomorrows innovation. CeBIT India 2016 is powered by technology, bringing together thought leaders, visionaries; innovators, SMEs and startups; CXOs, VCs, mentors & dignitaries and technology buyers and users across various industry segments.
Western Digital released the results of a consumer survey on the Storage needs of smartphone users in India and challenges faced by them with regard to storage and transfer of data from smartphones,conducted by Access Media International for SanDisk brand. The objective of the storage survey by Western Digital Corporation in India is to ascertain the evolving storage needs of smartphone users in India and decode the various storage challenges they face today. The survey was conducted with 1458 smartphone users across 14 cities between April to May, 2016.

Today, the digital consumer is generating more content than ever before in the form of images and videos, and with the mammoth increase in the rate of content creation, data consumption and sharing, insufficient memory is one of the key concerns of the smartphone users today. As per the survey, at least 60 percent of smartphone users run out of memory every week and they end up deleting apps and content to free up phone memory.

Addressing the current needs, AMI conducted a study sponsored by Western Digital, to deep dive into the challenges faced by a consumer while storing, transferring and sharing content across platforms, performance issues with smartphones, growing storage needs of digital consumers today and awareness around storage solutions available.

Commenting on the survey findings, Rajesh Gupta, Country Manager of SanDisk India and SAARC Retail Sales and Marketing, Western Digital Corporation,said, With the growing amount of data that is being generated today, lack of adequate storage is a key challenge for the digital consumers. And the rising inclination of consumers towards technology is bound to increase demand for storage devices that will append the phone storage and content transfer seamlessly from one device to another. We are committed to delivering innovative storage solutions and we believe that our line of mobile storage offerings can help consumers free up storage space, allowing them to take control of their content anytime, anywhere.

Additionally, Western Digital has recently launched an upgraded line-up of SanDisk Mobile Memory Solutions (MMS) suite which gives consumers the luxury of capturing, sharing and saving loads of data speedily across multiple devices and operating systems, without worrying about storage limitations. This includes the new 256GB SanDisk Ultra microSDXC UHS-I card and the SanDisk Ultra Dual Drive m3.0. The unique storage devices, backed by SanDisks ground-breaking flash technology have been engineered to offer a seamless user experience while storing or transferring content, in an intuitive and secure way.

Key findings of the survey:

Smartphone consumption habits:

Today smartphones seem to have replaced computers and have emerged as the primary device for content consumption, creation and sharing. Around 84 percent of users spend more than four hours on smartphone applications every day.

Apps account for a large footprint of internal storage and is on a steady rise. Around 88 percent of the respondents have more than 10 apps on their smartphones.

Downloading content and storing it on smartphones is a common habit in India. Widely used applications listed in order of priority:

Social media (including Facebook and WhatsApp)

Downloading videos/music

Utility apps

Phone camera

Video and music streaming

These days consumers are creating and sharing data like never before. Around 60 percent of users share more than 10MB of data on a daily basis, out of which videos account for maximum file size transfer followed by photos and music. Around 30 percent share maximum number of photos on a daily basis, closely followed by audio files at approximately 29 percent. Video based consumption is growing at an alarming stage and is driving high storage needs at approximately 24 percent and messages at around 17 percent.



Majority of smartphone users constantly face challenge with regards to low storage space which clearly shows that majority of people are using smartphones with low internal storage. Around 65 percent of users are using smartphones with less than 16GB of internal capacity.

The Internet is a popular mode of sharing content due to its ease of accessibility and convenience on smartphones. Around 90 percent of users use the Internet as the primary mode of sharing content. The other regular options used by consumers for transferring content include  Bluetooth (60 percent) and data cable (52 percent).

There is a massive increase in the rate of data consumption, creation and sharing by the digital consumers and this is only going to grow further. Over 90percent of users expect time spent on smart phones usage to increase by 20-60 percent within 6 months to a year. Over 67 percent expect an increase between 60  80 percent in content quality (Full HD, 4K. etc.) on mobile phones within 6 months to a year. This indicates there is a need for high capacity mobile storage solutions. The requirement for expandable internal capacity will be very high in the coming years. Approximately. 80 percent expect increase in data usage, out of which 77 percent expect an increase between 40  60 percent in data usage within 6 months to a year.



Challenges faced by smartphone users:

Consumers are not only capturing content, but also storing and sharing content at a rapid speed, which eventually results in low storage issues. Out of the total respondents, approximately. 52 percent of the users run out of storage every week 1 out of 3 users run out of memory every day



Consumers are facing multiple challenges with regards to smartphones performance, which eventually leads to storage issues. As a solution consumers end up deleting content/ uninstall apps. Consumers rank lack of adequate internal as one of the top two issues related to smartphone performance. Top three issues: Bandwidth Lack of adequate internal memory Battery drainage



Consumers are not comfortable transferring apps, personal audio and video files, and contacts from one phone to another when they replace their old smartphones. They dont seem to be aware of simple solutions available for them.

First action done by consumers is to delete unwanted data/ content from their phone memory. The study reveals that deleting apps and content is the most popular way to free up memory followed by data backup on external devices.

Methodology:

The study was conducted on behalf of Western Digital Corporation for SanDisk brand by Access Media International, a globally integrated strategic insights consulting firm. This survey was conducted with 1458 smart phone users across 14 top cities including 5 metros and 9 Tier I cities. Majority of the respondents who took the survey fall under the 26-35 age bracket, including young working professionals and entrepreneurs having smartphone ownership. It predominantly covered Android smartphone users (52 percent), followed by iOS (19 percent), Windows (17 percent) and small percentage of Blackberry (12 percent) users too.

@Technuter.com News Service
Khaleda offers 13-point suggestion for EC reconstitution

She says EC must be formed based on political parties` consensus

Unveiling a 13-point proposal for the formation of a new stronger and neutral Election Commission (EC) to hold credible elections, BNP Chairperson Khaleda Zia on Friday said the next Commission must be constituted based on the consensus of all political parties.



The BNP chief spelled out the proposals at city's Westin Hotel in the afternoon.



In her proposals, Khaleda focused on determining the qualifications of election commissioners and formation of a search committee for appointing election commissioners on the basis of a consensus among political parties, empowering and strengthening the EC, keeping the partisan election officials out of election duty, and deployment of defence forces with magisterial power during the polls.



She also highlighted amending the RPO, vesting magisterial power with EC officials, appointing election observers, delimitating constituencies, and updating the voter list.



Mentioning that the facilitative role of an election-time neutral administration is a must to enable the EC offer a fair and credible election, the BNP chief said she will also spell out the framework of a neutral election-time government before the nation at an appropriate time.



Khaleda came up with her party's proposal to reconstitute the EC as the incumbent Commission headed by Kazi Rakibuddin Ahmad is set to complete its five-year tenure on February 8, 2017.



The BNP chief said, "The Election Commission is to be reconstituted upon a consensus of all registered political parties of Bangladesh, and or of all political parties which had representation in the national parliament over different periods since Bangladesh's liberation."



She said the President will initially hold separate meetings with the secretary general or general secretary or representative of all registered political parties, and or with the representatives of all political parties that had representation in the national parliament over different periods since the liberation of Bangladesh.



She, however, said, "Since there are at present two major political alliances -- BNP-led 20-party alliance and Awami League-led grand alliance --in the country, there can be one representative, each from the party leading the alliances and two others assisting each of them. "The President may involve honest, qualified and impartial representatives of the civil society in the process.



The BNP chief said the President will continue talks on the qualification, disqualification and nomination of the Chief Election Commissioner and the Election Commissioners until any consensus is reached among the political parties.



After the meetings with the political parties, Khaleda said the President's office will publish agreed meeting minutes and unanimous decisions taken at the meetings, containing the signatures of the respective representatives of the political parties.



About the constitution of a search committee, Khaleda said the President will constitute a five-member search committee on the basis of a consensus of the political parties.



She said an active and physically capable retired Chief Justice of Bangladesh (according to order of seniority) can be made convener of the search committee.



One retired Judge of the Appellate Division of the Supreme Court, an honest and non-partisan retired Secretary to the government, a renowned educationist (retired university professor) or a widely respected eminent citizen and a widely respected honest, non-partisan, efficient, and capable senior woman can be four other members of the search committee.



But all the five members of the search committee must be above any controversy who did not ever hold or presently holding any office of profit of the government.



The BNP chairperson said all the political parties will hold separate meetings with the President and each party will make specific written proposal for the appointment of the members of the search committee, and recommend two specific names and their details for each post.



Talking about the qualifications of Chief Election Commissioner (CEC), she said a former head of any constitutional body, or an honest and non-partisan retired secretary to the government, who is not holding any office of profit of the government, or an eminent citizen shall be eligible for appointment as the CEC.



But a retired Cabinet Secretary and an officer who had at any time worked in the office of the Prime Minister shall not be eligible for appointment as CEC.



Khaleda said four persons, including a woman, can be appointed as Election Commissioners.



A retired judicial officer not below the rank of a district judge or equivalent, a retired defence personnel not below the rank of a Brigadier General or equivalent, a retired government official not below the rank of joint secretary or equivalent, a senior advocate of the Supreme Court, an educationist with minimum five years of administrative experience (Dean/Provost/Principal), a widely respected eminent citizen can be appointed as election commissioners, she said. --Dhaka, Nov 18 (UNB)






87 killed in Aleppo since Assad regime resumed airstrikes

Since the Syrian government resumed airstrikes on Tuesday, at least 87 people have been killed in under 48 hours, local activists and medical staff said on Wednesday.

AP, Aleppo :

At least 87 people, including several children, have died since Syrian President Bashar al-Assad's regime resumed airstrikes in Aleppo, one of which struck a children's hospital, activists and medical staff said.

After a three-week pause, airstrikes targeting besieged, rebel-held eastern Aleppo resumed Tuesday and at least 87 people have since been killed. The Syrian American Medical Association told CNN that the Al-Shaar neighborhood's Children's Hospital, Al-Bayan Hospital and the Central Blood Bank were targeted with barrel bombs.

"A horrible day for the Children's Hospital. Me and my staff and all the patients are sitting in one room in the basement right now, trying to protect our patients," Children's Hospital Director Dr. Hatem previously said in a statement "Pray for us please."

Hatem is one of three pediatricians who are still working at the hospital.

The U.K.-based Syrian Observatory for Human Rights said at least 24 people, including six children, were killed on Wednesday. The Syrian Civil Defense, also known as the White Helmets, said 27 people were killed Wednesday, while an additional three bodies were recovered from bombings on Tuesday.

Russia and Assad's regime have been accused of committing war crimes due to their at-times indiscriminate bombing in civilian populations, particularly over their alleged bombing of hospitals and schools.

Russia, Assad's key ally, paused airstrikes in mid-October to allow civilians and rebels to leave. The resumption of airstrikes in eastern Aleppo indicates Assad will move ahead with a final offensive to defeat rebels in Aleppo to seize full control of the city.

Prior to the resumption of airstrikes, Aleppo residents received a text message, most likely sent by the Syrian government, telling them to flee the city or die.

Iraqi troops advanced cautiously into eastern districts of Mosul on Friday, facing stiff resistance from Islamic State militants a day after they paused their assault due to poor visibility, officers said. Airstrikes, automatic fire and artillery were heard from dawn and one soldier was reported killed in clashes. Civilians, some of them wounded, could be seen fleeing the fighting.

According to the officers, the Iraqi forces aim to take complete control of the city's Tahrir area and from there move into the adjacent Muharabeen district. The officers spoke on condition of anonymity because they were not authorized to talk to the media.

Iraqi forces launched the long-awaited operation to retake Mosul a month ago but have only advanced into a few eastern districts. The troops have faced fierce resistance, with snipers, mortar fire and Islamic State suicide bombers driving armor-plated vehicles packed with explosives.
Social awareness to check child marriage underscored

City Desk :

Building social awareness among the community people, especially new generation, teachers, parents and leaders of influence, has become an urgent need for prevention of child marriage and dowry for substantial and sustainable reduction of violence against women. Speakers said this at a community-level view-sharing meeting in Rajshahi also unequivocally called for concerted efforts to free the society from dowry, child marriage and violence against women.

The government alone or any single organisation isn't capable to free the womenfolk from violence and repression, so community participation is very important in this regard.

Protiva Bikash Kendra, a non-government organization, organized the meeting titled "Prevention and Discourage of Child Marriage" At Kholabona village under Paba Upazila of the district. "Eradicating child marriage and violence against women is imperative in creating a glorious Bangladesh" was main theme of the meeting.

Begum Akhter Jahan, MP, addressed the meeting as chief guest with Shariful Islam, Officer-in-Charge of Paba Police Station, in the chair. Deputy Director of Department of Family Planning Dr Nasim Akter, District Women Affairs Officer Shahnaz Begum and Upazila Social Service Officer Abu Taher also spoke.

Lawmaker Akhter Jahan mentioned practice of child marriage is very damaging, especially for girls. It seems that girls are treated as burden to society, mostly in rural areas. Terming child marriage as gross violation of human rights, she said children are being married off frequently, despite multifarious interventions by the government and non-government organisations concerned.

It is vital to increase awareness regarding the negative impacts of early marriage with the help of the mass media.

She said responsive support from the community, especially local administration, public representatives, teachers, parents and influential leaders, has become must to ensure adolescent-friendly reproductive health services for reducing child marriage and child pregnancy substantially and sustainable.

Ensuring equal rights on education, training, science and technology is also important to women empowerment. Overall national development could not be possible until the children coming from the poor and underprivileged families are educated and ensured all other fundamental rights they deserve, she added.

Physical and mental development of children couldn't be possible until they were protected from violence and deprivation.




HC protection for Santals

THE High Court order on Thursday to local administration to ensure security and free movement of the members of ethnic Santals community in some villages of Gaibandha's Gobindaganj Upazila and allow them to harvest their crops in the field has come surely at the right moment. The intervention has come when over 1200 Santal families are on the run and their villages abandoned following their eviction drives by a group of local influential persons with the help of police and Rangpur Sugar Mill workers. The mayhem continued through 12 days yesterday as the helpless Santals were left unprotected.

The High Court bench of Justice Obaidul Hassan and Justice Krishna Debnath took it for hearing on a writ by some Human Rights Organizations seeking the higher judiciary's intervention to give constitutional protection to the indigenous minorities. In our view the quick action of the court must be appreciated as it has issued detailed instruction how to give protection to them and also report to the court in 10 days what legal steps it has taken over attacks on Santals and why their inaction should not be declared illegal. We believe it will surely bring sense to the local administration. The court has fixed November 30 as next date for hearing.

The Court order to local administration to allow Santals to harvest their crops without any obstacle also makes sense. It seems highly sensible when the Judges asked local administration to return their crops if anybody other than Santals has harvested it. If necessary the local administration should arrange the harvesting. We believe timely action by local administration could definitely avoid the mayhem. But its silence rather amply suggests to many as its complicity with the local groups politically linked to the ruling party.

We don't understand why the sugar mills leased over 1800 acres of land to local influential groups bypassing the Santal families. The government had acquired this land earlier in 1956 for sugarcane farming and the lease agreement said if the sugar mill does not use all land, Santals' families would get it back. Santals took the leasing of the lands as a move to grab their land and started agitation. The leaseholders now started to evict them from their villages to protect their ill-gotten land. Santals' homes were already torched, cattle herd looted and they were barred from harvesting crop. They are fleeing to escape attacks and police arrest when two were already killed in police firing and three others missing. Many are in jail and injured are treated at hospitals.

It is reassuring the Court Order asking for explanation about the role of the local administration.

The role of the Supreme Court, High Court Division included, is to protect the fundamental rights of the citizens. The Constitution gives this heavy responsibility to no one else but the Judges of the Supreme Court. If the Supreme Court remains strong and brave our rights are bound to be safe and protected.




Dhaka City Ambulance Ownersa Association brought out a rally in the city centering their upcoming election and participation in a veiw-exchange meeting with Traffic Zone in Uttara on Friday.
Farmers happy with bumper yield

Special Correspondent :

Farmers across the country are reaping bumper yield of winter vegetables taking advantage of favourable weather conditions.

The Department of Agriculture Extension (DAE) has set a target to bring a total of 5.28 lakh hectares of land under the vegetables cultivation this year compared with 5.10 lakh hectares in the last year.

"Farmers are getting good harvest of winter vegetables with bumper production which is expected to hit a record high this time," Md Mosarraf Hossain, Additional Secretary (extension) for the Ministry of Agriculture, told The New Nation on Friday.

He said: "A favourable climate, better access of seeds, irrigation and adaptation of modern farming know-how helped the farmers to get a bumper production".

Mosarraf claimed the harvesting of the vegetables in the major vegetable growing districts is now going on in full-swing and farmers are getting fair prices of their produces.

"Both cultivation area and production of vegetables rose consistently over

the past few years as vegetable farming has become largely profitable than other crops for the farmers," he noted.

When asked, he said, prices of vegetables are still remain high in the city markets despite their bumper harvest due to lack of efficient supply mechanism.

"Bumper harvest is not reaching the end consumers due to inefficiency in supply chain and wastage and it later push up prices of the vegetables in the markets," he added.

According to him, about 40 per cent vegetables are going waste from production to the end consumers.

Vegetable production hit 13.80 million tonnes in the fiscal year 2013-14. Production is increasing by 6.0 per cent on an average per annum, according to the Ministry of Agriculture.

The winter season vegetables are cauliflower, cabbage, brinjal, bean, french, radish, spinach (green and red), ladies finger, basil, bottle gourd, white gourd, sweet gourd, cucumber, snake gourd, bitter gourd, gourd, parbol tomato etc.

Farmers of Bogra, a major vegetable growing district in the country, while talking to the local correspondent of The New Nation said yesterday that they are getting fair prices of their produces this time after harvesting a bumper production.

"I have cultivated cauliflower in five bighas (1.65 hectares) of land. The cultivation cost of per bigha cauliflower was Tk 15,000. But I sold my produces at Tk 60,000 that gave me a hefty profit," Shiblu Mia, a farmer of Sherpur upazila under Borga district, told The New Nation on Friday.

"I have cultivated 6,000 pieces of cabbage with an average cost of Tk 5 and sold at Tk 20 per piece after harvesting. I got fair prices of the prices and it makes me happy," Sujaul Islam, another farmer of Gabtoli upazila under the district, told The New Nation yesterday.

The Department of Agriculture Extension (DAE) in Bogra has brought a total of 12,000 hectares of land under the cultivation with the production target of 2,64,000 tonnes of different types of winter vegetable.

"A favourable climatic condition has led to achieve a plentiful production of vegetables in Bogra district and such a production has brought smile on the faces of farmers of all the upazilas in the district as they got fair price of their produces during the current season," Protul Chandra Sarkar, Deputy Director of Bogra DAE told The New Nation.
Sorry, Electoral College petition won't stop Trump presidency

REFINERY29 :

The presidential election of 2016 will go down in the history books as the political equivalent of a tsunami instead of the expected drizzle. As we read news of Donald Trump's plans for the first 100 days of his administration and some of his top picks for advisors, many among us are still in a state of mourning.

The first stage of grief is denial. That's likely why so many people are now asking members of the Electoral College to vote against the outcome in their states. This would mean electors representing states won by Donald Trump would instead cast their ballots for Hillary Clinton when they meet to finalize the election results on December 19. I have sad news for supporters of this plan: It's a pipe dream.

This is the fifth time in the history of our nation that the winner of the national popular vote (the person who got the most votes overall) is not the winner of the Electoral College. Most recently, this happened in 2000, when former

President George W. Bush famously won the election despite getting fewer votes than former Vice President Al Gore. Let's back up for a minute for those looking for some background. So what is the Electoral College? It's a group of 538 people who are chosen by the political parties to vote for the president and vice president. Members of the Electoral College pledge to vote according to the vote of the people in their state. There is nothing in the federal constitution that requires electors to honor that pledge, but many states have enacted laws that would punish so-called "faithless electors" who go against the outcome of the vote.

Yes, you read that right. We the people do not elect the president and vice president. The people elect the electors, who elect the president and vice president.

And what is the purpose of the Electoral College? Frankly, its purpose is to protect us from ourselves. The Electoral College acts as a filter between the voters, a potentially passionate and unruly mob, and their elected leaders. The founding fathers were worried about direct elections of the first and second most powerful person in our federal government. For instance, in the Federalist Papers, Alexander Hamilton advocated against the direct election of the president and vice president and for the Electoral College, saying that "immediate election [of the President] should be made by men most capable of analyzing the qualities adapted to the station." Put another way, voters were not viewed as being able to appropriately assess the president and vice president's qualifications without a little safety net called the Electoral College. "We the people do not elect the president and vice president. The people elect the electors, who elect the president and vice president.

"The Electoral College affects modern presidential campaigns in some important ways. First, it gives small states outsized influence over our elections. Each state is allotted electors loosely based on the population of the state, unlike, say, members of the House of Representatives. That's why California, with a population of almost 39 million, has only 55 electors, while Arizona's population of almost 7 million has disproportionate sway with 11 electors. Each elector in California represents slightly more than 705,000 people, while each elector in Arizona represents slightly more than 611,000 people.

The difference is even more stark if you look at Rhode Island, which has a population of just over 1 million people yet wields 3 electoral votes. This means each elector in Rhode Island represents approximately 352,000 people. Hence the people of Rhode Island have twice the representation in the Electoral College, or voter power, as the people in California. Second, the Electoral College also gives enormous power to so-called swing states. These states, which are seen as winnable by either a Republican or Democrat, receive an inordinate amount of attention by presidential candidates. While they come to California, a safely blue state, only to raise money, they go to states such as Ohio, Florida, Pennsylvania, Virginia, and North Carolina far more often and spend much, much more money, because they are actively courting those voters. This means that the concerns of swing-state voters receive more attention than the voters in solidly blue or red states.

Many people feel, and understandably so, that whoever received the most votes in the presidential election should be the president. But more often than not, dislike of the Electoral College system spikes among voters when their preferred candidate does not win the presidency - when the same voters may have felt just fine if the results of the election were reversed and Hillary Clinton won the presidency despite losing the popular vote.

Now back to the growing chatter about the possibility that the Electoral College could reverse course and give us a President Clinton come January. Regardless of whether the Electoral College serves a good public-policy purpose, it is unlikely that we will eliminate or even reform it anytime soon.

"More than 4 million people have signed a change.org petition urging electors in states won by Donald Trump to instead vote for Hillary Clinton.

This effort may be providing Clinton supporters with false hope. First, electors, who are chosen by the political parties and are typically party loyalists who very rarely vote against their state's vote. Second, it is worth noting that 38 electors, more than have ever changed their votes in one election in the history of this country, would have to do so in order for Clinton to win the election.

In addition to the Change.org petition, many Americans are proposing that we simply abolish the Electoral College. Barbara Boxer, the outgoing U.S. Senator from California, even introduced a bill to that effect. This would revolutionize the way we hold presidential elections. People in small states and swing states would see their voting power vastly reduced. By contrast, people in populous states and cities would have a much greater say in choosing the leader of the free world.


Petitions call for Steve Bannon`s ouster from Trump`s White House

Yahoo News :

Several organizations have launched petitions calling for President-elect Donald Trump to rescind his appointment of Breitbart News chairman Steve Bannon.

These pleas for Trump to reconsider his Sunday decision to select Bannon as his chief strategist and senior counselor focus largely on Bannon's prominent role in the so-called alt-right movement, which critics call a mere rebranding of white nationalism. Bannon's defenders say the left is trying to smear both him and Trump after losing the election. But his detractors accuse him of transforming Breitbart News into an online news destination for racism, sexism, xenophobia, conspiracy theories and hate. They consider it unacceptable that a man responsible for fanning the flames of racial division is on track to be one of the country's most powerful and influential men. MoveOn.org, a liberal political action committee, launched a petition urging members of Congress to vehemently oppose Trump's appointment of Bannon and use any tools at their disposal to keep this from happening. It had more than 187,000

signatures as of Wednesday morning. But it's not clear how much Congress could intervene. Unlike Cabinet secretaries and those in other high-profile positions, advisers like Bannon are not subject to Senate approval.

Jo Comerford, a campaign director for MoveOn.org, told Yahoo News that Bannon's "unabashed white supremacist, misogynist, anti-Semitic leanings" and the "bigoted vein" of Trump's campaign have no place in the White House. "There are countless examples [of Bannon's racism] offered to us by many media reports. The news service that he oversees is known for its white supremacist undergirding. There's not really anywhere you can go that you don't see Steve Bannon as the poster child for white supremacism or white nationalists," she said in a phone interview. "And the thought that he would be a senior counsel in the White House, just down the hall, if you will, from our next president, is extraordinarily alarming."

Comerford mentioned a MoveOn.org campaign called United Against Hate that has been encouraging people to take a stand against Trump's rhetoric and policy proposals for months. Early on, she said, the campaign argued that Trump's statements about marginalized communities had poisoned the election and were no laughing matter. "I'm proud that we rang that alarm bell," she said. "I wish we had been successful in keeping him out of the White House, but I'm proud we sounded the alarm, and I do think history will tell us that it would have been best if more and more Americans had been awake to the kind of nightmarish reality our nation now faces."

The MoveOn.org petition notes that former Ku Klux Klan imperial wizard David Duke and American Nazi Party chairman Rocky Suhayda have praised the Bannon appointment.

The civil rights-focused Southern Poverty Law Center (SPLC) - whose similar petition had gathered more than 345,000 signatures as of Wednesday morning - has called Bannon the "main driver" for Breitbart News transforming into a "white ethno-nationalist propaganda mill." The SPLC petition cites several Breitbart News reports that illustrate why the group considers Bannon a propagandist for racist and xenophobic ideologies. One Breitbart article called for readers to hoist the Confederate flag up "high and [to] fly it with pride," just two weeks after a white supremacist murdered nine people at a prayer service at a historically African-American church in downtown Charleston, S.C. The right-wing news site also published an article arguing that "rape culture" is "integral" to Islam. "Mr. Trump, during your victory speech, you pledged to be a president for 'all Americans' and to 'bind the wounds of division' in our country," the SPLC petition reads. "If you mean what you say, you must rescind your appointment of Bannon."

Shaindel Beers, a professor of English at Blue Mountain Community College in Pendleton, Ore., also launched a Change.org petition, which has more than 80,000 supporters as of Wednesday morning, titled "Steve Bannon's racist, anti-semitic, misogynistic views don't belong in the White House."

Some Democrats on Capitol Hill, such as Senate Minority Leader Harry Reid, have already spoken out forcefully against Bannon. Meanwhile, President Obama refused to criticize the hire, maintaining his postelection olive branch with his successor.

Amid the firestorm over Bannon, Breitbart senior editor-at-large Josh Pollack is pushing back against the accusation that Bannon is prejudiced or that their website promotes a racist agenda.

"He's also very open to debate and challenge as long as you bring facts and data to the table," Pollack told NPR Wednesday. "And he has no prejudices, he treats people equally, and, in fact, during my time working closely with him at Breitbart for five years, he sought out people from diverse backgrounds and gave them a voice at Breitbart."
Long march towards Nasirnagar foiled by police

Staff Reporter :

The Shahbagh Police clogged the Minority Rights Movement, Shwacheton Shikkharthibrinda and Shadharan Shikkharthibrinda's program to start long march from the Central Shaheed Minar for reaching the trouble affected Nasirnagar Upazila in Brahmanbaria district on Friday.

The Ashuganj Police did the same thing when a group of students from Jahangirnagar University reached there en route to Nasirnagar on the day.

The three organisations announced the programme as a mark of protest against the attacks on the members of a minority community at Nasirnagar Upazila in Brahmanbaria district on Tuesday.

The students of Dhaka University under the banner of 'Minority Rights Movement' started the long march from the TSC at about 10 am.

They also brought out a procession on the university

campus demanding the punishment to the culprits and giving of adequate compensations to the victims.

When the students reached the Central Shaheed Minar, the Shahbagh Police told them not to move to Nasirnagar and requested them to return to the campus.

"For security reason, Police told us to cancel the programme" said Manik Rakkhit, Coordinator of Minority Rights Movement.

"We said, we will be responsible for our own security. But police still didn't let us go. Now, with a heavy heart, I must call off our programme," he said.

"We drafted a six-point charter of demands for the victims of Nasirnagar and collected Tk 200,000 for them," Manik Rakkhit said.

Officer-in-Charge of Shahbagh Police Station Abu Bakar Siddik told The New Nation that the students wanted to go to Nasirnagar for distributing relief among the victims. But the police apprised them of security problem at Nasirnagar and arranged afterward three microbuses for going there, the OC said.

"They can distribute relief materials at Nasirnagar, but they can't hold a rally for security reason," he said.

Meanwhile, a bus carrying the students of Jahangirnagar University (JU) was stopped at Ashuganj by the police.

Robin Karmakar, Coordinator of the JU students told The New Nation that a convoy of 47 students was going to Nasirnagar by a bus. But the police foiled the voyage.

It may be mentioned that on October 30, at least 15 Hindu temples and more than a hundred houses were damaged at Nasirnagar by angry mob over a Facebook post 'insulting' the Holy Ka'aba.
3 killed in gunfights

UNB, Dhaka :

Three people, including two suspected robbers, were killed in separate incidents of 'gunfight' in Feni and Jessore early Friday.

In Feni, two suspected robbers were killed in a gunfight between their cohorts and members of Rapid Action Battalion at Lalpol on Dhaka-Chittagong highway in sadar upazila of Feni district early Friday.

The deceased could not yet be identified. Tipped off that a gang of robbers were preparing to commit robbery on the highway, a Rab patrol team went to the spot around 2:45 am, said sources at RAB Headquarters.

Sensing the presence of the elite force, the robbers opened fire on the RAB men, prompting them to retaliate, triggering a gunfight. At one stage, two robbers caught in the line of fire and died on the spot.

The Rab members also recovered five firearms and some explosives from the spot.

The bodies were taken to local hospital morgue. In Jessore, A listed criminal was shot to death in a reported gunfight between two groups of criminals at Kholadanga in Jessore district town early Friday.

The deceased was identified as Hafizur Rahman, 35, a listed criminal of Sasthitala area of the district town.

Tipped off that two groups of criminals engaged in a gunfight in the area, a police team went to the spot around 1:30 am and recovered the bullet-hit body of Hafizur, said officer-in-charge of Kotwali Police Station Ilias Hossain. Police could not arrest anyone as the criminal gangs managed to flee, sensing the presence of the law enforcers. Two firearms, two bullets and two shells of bullets were recovered from the spot.

The deceased, Hafizur, was wanted in a number of cases, including that of murder, drugs and explosives act, the OC said.
Form next EC based on parties unity: Khaleda

She offers 13-point suggestions

Staff Reporter :

BNP Chairperson Khaleda Zia on Friday proposed the government to form next Election Commission (EC) based on unity of all parties, ahead of the next general election.

She unveiled 13-point suggestions for the formation of a new stronger and neutral EC while spelling out the proposals in city's Westin Hotel in the afternoon.

"The Chief Election Commissioner will be honest, brave, widely respected neutral, experienced and skilled person," Khaleda Zia said.

She added: "People who served in the Prime Minister's Office or a former parliament representative will not be eligible for EC. Neutral, not controversial persons, respected to all, who will not below to retired district judge and equivalent officials, retired brigadier generals, senior lawyers and scholars will be eligible for EC."

The BNP chief called for formation of a search committee with clean slated former chief justices,

eminent citizens and common people whom the president will select after sitting with all political parties who represented in Parliament since the independence.

"Before forming the Election Commission a search committee should be formed comprising former judges, secretaries and scholars," she said.

"We ask the President to format a search body to form a neutral and stronger EC after talking with the political parties for a fair election," she said.

The BNP chief came up with the proposals as the previous EC, headed by Kazi Rakibuddin Ahmad, is due for expiration in February next year.

She laid out a set of recommendations on formation of the new commission, and empowering it, including a set of changes to the Representation of the People's Order (RPO).

Khaleda Zia suggested formation of a five-member election commission headed by a Chief Election Commissioner and inclusion of a female Election Commissioner in the panel.

"Former chief justices who are above of all controversies, eminent citizens and people who are respectful in all walks of life will be eligible to be members of the search committee," she suggested.

Khaleda Zia said the fresh Election Commission should have its own independent secretariat, which would be neutral and have its financial liberty.

The former Prime Minister suggested that after announcement of the election schedule, the powers of administration to be reshuffled and to be given to the EC.

She asked the district commissioners and police superintendents will have to be changed and new administrators will have to be replaced to ensure transparency in the election.

Khaleda Zia advised that the magistracy power would have to be given to the election officials to take legal action against polls time troublemakers.

She also wants the Election Commission officials to be trained to improve service quality.

BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir, Standing Committee Members Dr. Khandakar Mosharraf Hossain, Barrister Moudud Ahmed, Tarikul Islam, Barrister Jamir Uddin Sircar, Barrister Rafiqul Islam Mian, Mirza Abbas, Gayeshwar Chandra Roy, Dr. Moin Uddin Khan, Nazrul Islam Khan, Amir Khasru Mahmud Chowdhury, Vice Chairman Major (rtd) Hafiz Uddin Ahmed, Abdullah Al Noman, Mir Mohammad Nasir Uddin and Shamsuzzaman Dudu, among others, were present.

Alliance leaders, LDP President Colonel (Rtd) Oli Ahmed, BJP President Barrister Andaliv Rahman, Kalyan Party Chairman Syed Muhammad Ibrahim, JAGPA President Shafiul Alam Prodhan and NAP Chairman Jebel Rahman Gani were also present.

Among the eminent citizens, Barrister Rafiq-ul-Haque, former Governor of Bangladesh Bank Saleh Uddin Ahmed and former VC of Jahangirnagar University Dr. Mustahidur Rahman were also present.


Cop held for snatching

Another one absconding

Staff Reporter :

A policeman was arrested while snatching money worth Tk 44.000 from an egg-trader in city's Karwan Bazar area on Friday morning.

The detained person Md Latifuzzaman, who hails from Sherpur, is a constable of Traffic Department, Gulshan North Zone under Dhaka Metropolitan Police.

A case was filed with Shahbagh Police Station in this connection.

Sources said, the egg-trader Abdul Basir was returning to his shop -- Shah Ali Traders -- at Tejgaon araat riding a rickshaw van after delivering eggs to some of his regular customers.

Two snatchers riding a motorcycle with 'police' sticker [Dhaka Metro-L 27-4743] intercepted his van when it reached near Sonargaon Hotel crossing at about 5:00am. Both of the riders were wearing police uniform. At first the motorbike crossed the van, but it again came nearer.

One of the policemen asked Abdul Basir to come down from the van, and asked why his pocket was seen swelled, whether he had been carrying any marijuana. Getting negative reply, the policemen wanted to know what he was carrying in the van.

In reply, Basir said there were 240 empty egg-cases in the van, and Tk 44,000 and a cell phone in the pocket. Hearing that, the motorcycle riders tried to snatch away the cash.

However, at one stage of scuffling, Basir caught one of the snatchers along with the motorcycle. Another policeman managed to escape the scene. The detained policeman was at first handed over to on-duty police personnel at Karwan Bazar. Later, he was shifted to Shahbagh Police Station.

Officer-in-Charge of Shahbagh Police Station Abu Bakkar Siddique said: "The man, who tried to stanch money from an egg-trader, is a constable of DMP Traffic North. They used a motorcycle for snatching."

Meanwhile, egg-traders have alleged that such type of incident is frequently happening in different parts of the capital almost everyday.

"Earlier, the snatchers had to use truck for snatching eggs. For the last one year, the snatchers wearing police uniform have been seen engaged in snatching. But this is the first time where a policeman was caught during snatching," Masum Khan, Advisor of Egg Traders Multipurpose Co-operative Society, said.

Assistant Commissioner of Ramna Zone Ihsanul Ferdous said: "We've got allegation that two policemen were on the spot. A case will be filed against them under criminal procedure act. The identity of second man, who was along with Latifuzzaman, could not be ascertained immediately."


Dhaka urged to keep its border open

UNHCR urges Myanmar to protect civilians in northern Rakhine state

Staff Reporter :

The UNHCR has expressed deep concern over the safety and well-being of civilians in the northern part of the Rakhine state, Myanmar, urging the country's government to ensure the protection and dignity of all civilians on its territory in accordance with the rule of law.

It also urged Bangladesh to keep its border open to allow safe passage to civilians fleeing in wake of the violence in the Rakhine state.

UNHCR spokesperson Adrian Edwards made the appeal at a briefing in Geneva yesterday.

"UNHCR is deeply concerned about the safety and well-being of civilians in the northern part of Rakhine state, Myanmar. We are urging the government of Myanmar to ensure the protection and dignity of all civilians on its territory in accordance with the rule of law and its international obligations," Adrian Edwards said.

"We appeal for calm and for humanitarian access to assess and meet the needs of thousands of people who have reportedly been displaced

from their homes by the ongoing security operation. The affected population is believed to be in urgent need of food, shelter and medical care," he added.

UNHCR also urged the government of Myanmar to immediately allow humanitarian actors to resume the life-saving activities they had been carrying out for some 160,000 civilians in northern Rakhine State until such activities were suspended on 9 October.

Myanmar's security forces have killed almost 70 people since taking control of northern Rakhine state last month, the army said, adding that media reports of widespread destruction in the area were "false news".

Troops have poured into a strip of land along the border with Bangladesh, an area largely home to the Muslim Rohingya minority, since deadly raids on police border posts on October 9.

Clashes escalated over the weekend when troops killed more than 30 people in two days of fighting that saw the military use helicopter gunships for the first time.
Public Service Commissioner Scott Angelle sits on the board of Sunoco Logistics, which is threatening eminent domain action against property owners during a time when Angelle is desperately trying to save his political career.

Graphic courtesy Bold Louisiana

Not all of the oil in the U.S. is in Louisiana, but a lot of the refining capacity is. Oil from North Dakotas Bakken Formation has been making its way down to Louisiana refineries for years. Until now, most of that oil has moved by rail and barge, first to Port Manchac in Tangipahoa Parish then across Lake Pontchartrain to a Phillips 66 facility in Plaquemines Parish.

A partnership led by Energy Transfer Partners has been aggressively building capacity to move Bakken oil to Louisiana refineries via pipeline  the Dakota Access Pipeline that has been grabbing headlines for months.

Now, the pipeline (and maybe the fight) has moved to Louisiana where Energy Transfer and its partners, Sunoco Logistics Partners and Phillips 66, want to connect refineries in Lake Charles to an oil terminal in St. James on the Mississippi River. The project is named the Bayou Bridge Pipeline; it would be a 160-mile line.

That environmentalists are fighting the proposed pipeline is no surprise. But some property owners are resisting giving up more control of their land to pipelines in general and the Bayou Bridge team in particular.

Sunoco Logistics Partners adds politics to the mix. Since December 2012, Louisiana Public Service Commissioner Scott Angelle has sat on the companys board, earning more than $380,000 a year (see Page 137). The company is threatening eminent domain action against property owners along the route during a time when Angelle is locked in a desperate attempt to save his political career in his 3rd Congressional District runoff against Capt. Clay Higgins, a fellow Republican. The seat was vacated by Charles Boustany, who made an unsuccessful bid for the U.S. Senate.

I had some of the opponents of the pipeline on "Where The Alligators Roam" on KPEL last Sunday, including one property owner who says a landman representing the pipeline group threatened her with legal action if she did not sign the right-of-way agreement.

Listen to the podcast here.

A freelance journalist living in Lafayette, Mike Stagg hosts Where The Alligators Roam, a talk show airing on Sundays at 5 p.m. on KPEL 96.5 FM. Hes also a documentarian and researcher and is currently working on a book about the oil and gas industrys relationship with Louisiana government.
In its Friday editorial, the states largest daily newspaper states clearly what anyone paying any attention to Attorney General Jeff Landry can clearly see: His election to statewide office last year has already gone to his head.

Long before what we all know will be a gubernatorial bid in 2019, Landry is already acting like hes the governor, The Advocate opines.

In legal matters, hes asserting his authority to make state policy, but alas  as courts have held in different ways since 1882  he is confusing his role with that of Gov. John Bel Edwards. The two, potential rivals in the 2019 governors election, are back in court. The attorney general used his authority to review lawyers contracts with the state to attempt to block an Edwards order banning anti-gay discrimination by the state and its contractors. We believe Edwards is right on the merits of that issue, but its also important that the process be understood, not least by Landry. There is little that is entirely new under the sun. There has always been the potential for tension between an elected attorney general, who is the states chief legal officer, and a governor. The latters power and role is expansive, compared to most states in the Union. The disputes between governors and AGs go back as far as the 19th century. One of Louisianas most prominent lawyers, Frank Simoneaux, of Baton Rouge, wrote about a similar 1990 dispute  and he noted an 1882 precedent. Generally, Simoneaux said, the attorney general should be independent in investigative matters or prosecuting crime, but that in civil and policy matters the AG should recognize that his role is as a lawyer. Not, in other words, the decision-maker about the merits of a case.

So back off, Jeff, before you make more of an ass out of yourself than you already have (ok, those are our words, not The Advocates.) Not to mention that he doesnt seem to be taking care of his own business while instead choosing to meddle in the affairs of the governor, as The Advocate also reported today that the state could be forced to pony up more than $25,000 because of a legal maneuver Landry attempted to stave off a deposition in a public records lawsuit filed against his office.

Read the full editorial here.
Home >Police Enforcement > Checkpoints and Stops > Idaho Supreme Court Says Even A Two Minute Traffic Stop Delay Is Too Much
President Joe Biden has decided to ban Russian oil imports, toughening the toll on Russia's economy in retaliation for its invasion of Ukraine. The United States generally imports about 100,000 barrels a day from Russia, only about 5% of Russia's crude oil exports, according to Rystad Energy. Last year, roughly 8% of U.S. imports of oil and petroleum products came from Russia. Gas prices have been rising for weeks due to the conflict and in anticipation of potential sanctions on the Russian energy sector. The U.S. national average for a gallon of gasoline soared 45 cents a gallon in the past week and topped $4.06 on Monday, according to auto club AAA. Should the US ban Russian oil imports over Ukraine war?

You voted:
A place to exercise ideas before writing about them with greater discipline.
After our time travelling through the Balkans and the rest of Eastern Europe it was time to finally head into the Baltic States for the first time. What we found here was a completely different vibes with much more western and Scandinavian influences. With Lithuanian being our first stop and probably the most overlooked it was a great opportunity to see this unique region. Vilnius is a small city with a fairytale like old town that is easy to explore on foot and with a diverse and unique range of things to see, do and experience!

Castle Hill and Gediminas Tower

The last remaining part of the upper castle of Vilnius the tower that stands here today was built in 1930 on the hill where the large fortification once stood. Few original remnants of the old castle still exist and have been restored to create a site of special archaeological interest within the city.

The first wooden fortifications were built by the Gediminas, Grand Duke of Lithuania and the first brick castle here completed in 1409, so this site is of high historical importance to both Vilnius and Lithuania and is a symbol of both city and country. But take a hike up the side of the hill, or the funicular if you are feeling lazy and take in the stunning views over the entire city too!

Uzupis

An artistic and bohemian neighbourhood in Vilnius, Uzupis, which translates as the other side of the river, is comparable to Montmartre in Paris. However what makes it unique is that it declared itself an independent republic on the first of April 1997. However unlike Transnistria which is a serious political situation, here in Uzupis the idea of being an independent country is more of a fun and playful idea intended to make people think!

Cathedral (Arkikatedra Bazilika)

The huge main catholic cathedral of Vilnius set in the large cathedral square of the city is a major landmark and meeting place. The church is the heart of Catholic spiritual life in Lithuania as well as the coronation locations of the Grand Dukes of Lithuania and burial place of many important Lithuanians and Poles. The original church was built in this spot in 1251 but burnt down in 1419 and again 1530 and 1610. The current incarnation is a construction that brings together part of the remaining church from 1623  1636. The the square itself central to the citys public life being a place for public gatherings, markets, parades, fairs, concerts and events.

St. Annes Church

A roman catholic church on the banks of the Vilnia River it is a prominent landmark in the UNESCO listed old town of Vilnius and one of the most interesting examples of Flamboyant Gothic architecture in the country. Consecrated in 1500 it replaced an earlier wooden version and is part of a larger complex of important historic and religious buildings in the city including the larger Gothic Church of St. Francis and Bernadine alongside a monastery. Napoleon was said to be an admirer of the church wanting to take it home to Paris with him and it was also the site of an important rally by the Lithuanian Freedom League in 1987 to protest the Soviet occupation.

Explore the amazing Vilnius old town

The fairytale UNESCO listed old town of Vilnius is a pastel coloured delight to explore. The perfectly formed cobbled streets are awash with detailed churches, traditional pubs and quaint buildings mostly of the medieval area. Despite Vilnius itself not being a massive city it is pretty much entirely made up of this wonderful old town which makes it one of the largest surviving of its kind in Northern Europe. Wandering these streets is walk in the history books of Lithuania, the citys old town shows the various changes and era of the city and country and is exampled by the fact that gothic, renaissance, baroque and neoclassical architecture stands side by side.

Cross over and see the old wooden houses of Vilnius

One of the most interesting areas of Vilnius is across the river and into the traditional area of Snipiskes. Often referred to as a village within a city it provides examples of some of the last remaining 19th century wooden houses that used to dominate the areas outside of the old town. Many of these dwelling are still heated by wood burning stoves and lack plumbed water, sewerage and even some roads are still unpaved. The WW1 era buildings are often inhabited by older residents whose family have lived in them since they were built. Areas of the neighbourhood have undergone 21st century redevelopment and they provide a stark contrast between the old and the new, a truly fascinating area to explore.

Gate of Dawn

One of the most important religious, historical and cultural monuments in Vilnius it both serves as a gate to enter into the old town of the city as well as the chapel of Our Lady of the Gate of Dawn which sits above the entrance. Built as part of the historic defensive fortifications of the city between 1503 and 1522 it is the only one of the original nine gates into the city that has survived into the modern period.

Have a day out at the Hill of Crosses

Having been told many times that it wasnt possible to visit the Hill Of Crosses from Vilnius in one day I can happily confirm that it totally is! This eerie and mysterious place is even more impressive in person and offers an opportunity to experience something totally unique. Wandering in and out of the maze of over 100,000 crosses is like nothing else we have ever done before. A surreal, spiritual and strange place to visit you just have to make the effort to head out of the city to this wonderful place!

Check out our full write up of our day and also instructions how to get there: A day at The Hill of Crosses from Vilnius

Where to stay

When we heading into Vilnius we were shattered after a crazy couple of night buses and wandering around Warsaw with our bags. So we needed somewhere quiet, central and comfortable to stay. Well where better than Pogo hostel, right across from the Cathedral Square. They offer a large and homely social area with kitchen facilities and most importantly to us after such an exhausting few day, a private room!

They offer various sizes of rooms from large to small dorms as well as privates. The staff do a great job of hosting a reasonably priced hostel with a hotel quality finish and professional staff who also often organise trips, tours and pub crawls.

Check them out here:

Tripadvisor, Hostel World, Facebook

Have you ever visited this lovely little city?

See more from this country

See more from our backpacking adventure:
You are probably not aware of it, but a quiet revolution took place while you were paying attention to other things. Coffee has moved into its third wave.

If you are like most Americans, somewhere between crawling out of bed in the morning and checking your email at the office, you have a cup of coffee, most likely from an automatic coffee maker, and most likely the coffee you drink is from a major brand. This is first wave coffee.

First wave coffee is from the 20th century, when folks in the coffee business began providing coffee that was affordable and ready for the pot. Coffee brands like Folgers and Maxwell House became household names in the United States. This wave kept Americans happy and caffeinated for a long time.

But somewhere in the late 1990s, people began to notice there was difference between how the equipment for making coffee, the beans and the roasts all affected the taste of the beverage. Out of this, the second wave, or specialty coffee movement was born. Companies like Starbucks, Seattles Best, or Caribou Coffee emerged to provide individually tailored experiences to their customers.

Today, the third wave of coffee is here to slow us down. Characterized by a coffee lovers interest in the character of their coffee, the third wave puts the product itself at center stage. This has given rise to small, local roasters like The Paducah Coffee Company in Paducah or Jens Joe in Southern Illinois.

Jessica Strenge of the Paducah Coffee Company uses a Diedrich Roaster -- which is made right here in the USA -- to baby her beans.

Stephen Diedrich not only taught me all about my roaster but, I've seen them actually being made in their facility in Idaho, she stated.

Jessica relates her decision to go into the coffee roasting business was inspired by her aunt and uncle who left their day jobs to roast coffee in Cancun, Mexico in the 80s. I've always felt as if I had gold when I had a bag of their coffee.

Like many small roasters, Strenges coffee comes from all over the world, including the United States.

Our green coffee importer has several ports in the United States, all of which have different coffees, so I have quite a selection when it's time to order, said Strenge.

Strenge reflected that getting specialty, high grade coffee to roast is a privilege. I strive to bring out the best flavor of each bean because I have learned of all of the care and hard work that is put into these beans before I get them. The whole process from farmer, to hand picking of the cherries, to the drying method and distribution all over the world puts the pressure on me to honor their work by delivering the best final product I know how.

This sentiment is echoed by Jen LeDuc, owner and operator of Jens Joe, whose products can be found in a range of places in Southern Illinois, as well as in her newly opened retail store in Carbondale. On her website LeDuc expresses that Coffee is more than drink, beverage, morning jolt, etc. It has a complexity beyond the meeting of water and coffee grounds. It includes the great number of people involved in the craft and science of growing, harvesting, processing, roasting and brewing coffee. In the end, it produces a range of tastes and smells which is vast and fascinating. LeDuc uses an Ambex ym-2, -- a roaster designed for small cafes -- to yield her best results.

So when the roasting is over and its time to brew  what is the best way to do it? Jessica Strenge summed it up In my opinion, if the coffee you are drinking is premium, it does not need any added ingredients. It does need a burr grinder, the best water available, and a simple brewing method. I use the pour over method everyday -- that way I can choose the temperature of the water as well as smell and watch the whole process!

Pour over coffee is just what it sounds like: A handheld cone, usually with a filter, is held over a cup, and hot water is slowly poured over coffee grounds. It is helpful to remember that coffee begins its life as a fruit. Like any fruit it is sensitive, so things like contaminates in the water can affect the taste of your coffee.

The rest of the secret seems to be in the accessories. Whether you like your coffee made with the pour over method, or cold brew, or love espresso; the third wave of the coffee movement is there for you. And hand roasted coffee makes a great holiday gift, as do grinders and other coffee brewing accessories.

So stop in to visit Jessica Strenge of Paducah Coffee Company or Jen LeDuc of Jens Joe and sit and have a cup, or bring home a bag of beans and enjoy your brew at home.
CARBONDALE  Residents of Carbondale and Dongola were charged with methamphetamine violations, according to United States Attorney for the Southern District of Illinois, Donald S. Boyce.

Indicted on Nov. 8 were Kiristien M. Joyner, 27, of Carbondale, and Marshall W. Duty, 58, of Dongola, each charged with conspiracy to distribute methamphetamine and each charged with one count of unlawful distribution of methamphetamine.

Joyner was ordered held without bond pending her Jan. 9, 2017, jury trial.

The offenses are alleged to have occurred between 2013 and October 3, 2016, in Union, Jackson and Williamson Counties.

The methamphetamine offenses carry a maximum penalty of up to 20 years imprisonment, to be followed by three years supervised release and a $1,000,000 fine.

The ongoing investigation is being conducted by the Southern Illinois Enforcement Group and Drug Enforcement Administration. The Williamson County States Attorneys Office and Illinois National Guard also assisted in the investigation.

Boyce also announced that in another case, 48-year-old Otis R. Elion, of Marion, was also indicted on November 8, in a three-count indictment charging distribution of methamphetamine.

That offense allegedly occurred October 17 and 18 in Williamson County. He was ordered held without bond, pending a Jan. 23, 2017, jury trial.

The methamphetamine offenses carry a penalty of up to 20 years imprisonment, to be followed by 3 years supervised release, and a $1 million fine. The ongoing investigation is being conducted by the Southern Illinois Enforcement Group and Drug Enforcement Administration. The Marion Police Department Emergency Response Team, Illinois State Police, and Williamson County States Attorneys Office assisted in this investigation.

Authorities also indicted a 40-year-old Herrin man with intent to distribute more than 500 grams of cocaine. Leon S. Johnson was charged with an offense alleged to have occurred Nov. 4 in Williamson County.

The cocaine offense carries a maximum penalty of 5 to 40 years imprisonment, to be followed by four years supervised release and a $5,000,000 fine.

Johnson was ordered to be held without bond, pending a Jan. 17, 2017, jury trial.

This ongoing investigation is being conducted by the Southern Illinois Enforcement Group, Herrin Police Department, Williamson County Sheriffs Office, and Drug Enforcement Administration. The Williamson County States Attorneys Office and Illinois National Guard also assisted in the investigation.
While reading scripture shortly before Easter 2014, retired educator Drew Rowe of St. Matthews began reflecting on the New Testaments differing accounts of the events that followed the crucifixion of Jesus Christ.

His contemplation soon turned to action and -- after nearly two years of research, writing and working his way through the publishing process -- Rosen recently introduced the world to his new book, "Forty Days that Changed the World."

The gospels all describe the women going and finding the empty tomb on Sunday morning, Rowe said. After that their accounts were almost completely different. Each one tells different stories of what happened after that.

So I got interested because Im a historian. I began wondering if anybody had ever taken those accounts and put them together in one story, if anyone had tried to figure out how many different times Jesus appeared that could be documented, and if anyone had spelled out the chronology of those appearances.

Rowe devotes the first part of his book to chronicling each occasion when Jesus appeared to his followers after that first Easter morning. In addition to accounts from Matthew, Mark, Luke and John, he included information from other New Testament books, non-canonical gospels and reliable historical sources.

Paul, in his letter to the Corinthians, gives us an account of the Resurrection, in which he talks about an appearance to 500 witnesses and an appearance to James the Just that we dont find in the four gospels, Rowe said.

He documented 10 separate occasions on which Jesus appeared to eyewitnesses in the 40 days before He ascended into heaven. The author also provides a chronology of the sequence in which those appearances took place. Each paragraph, and sometimes each sentence, has footnotes to indicate the source of the information.

In the course of it, I got interested in what the eyewitnesses had done, Rowe said. They saw Jesus raised from the dead. What did they do as a result of that?

So the second half of the book traces the eyewitnesses and the apostle Paul and some of the early converts from the time of the Resurrection until their deaths, he said. I document the deaths of all 11 of the disciples, as well as Paul and a number of the other early Christians. I was able to find out where they went, what they did and how they died. All of them were persecuted and almost all of them were put to death by Jewish authorities, the Romans or some other government.

Rowe hopes his work will provide readers with answers to questions they might have about the appearances Jesus made in the 40 days after crucifixion.

Its written for the general reader, he said. Its based on scholarly research, but its written as a story that would be of interest to general readers. Among general readers, I think that certainly people who are Christians would be interested in finding out more about the Resurrection and the early church.

But I am also very hopeful that people who have doubts about the Resurrection would read the book with an open mind.

He added that his experience as a teacher and historian proved extremely valuable in the process of researching and writing "Forty Days that Changed the World."

Rowe retired as vice president of academic affairs at Forsyth College in Winston-Salem, North Carolina, in 2001.

I taught ancient history for 30 years, he said. When dealing with ancient history, theres just so much information that got lost in time. But we know what happened in similar circumstances. So, we can make some judgments about what wouldve happened in one circumstance if it also happened in another circumstance.

Rowe and his wife, Linda, moved to St. Matthews in 2002.

My wife and I had always been interested in buying an old house when we retired, and we looked all over North Carolina and South Carolina until we found a house in St. Matthews that we decided to buy," he said. "We bought the Zimmerman House, which is one of the oldest houses in St. Matthews. We spent a year fixing up the house and doing repairs to the house before we moved down here in 2002.

Rowe insists that the fact his wifes family lived in St. Matthews when she was young had no influence on their selection. Since that time, he has settled into the local lifestyle and now serves as a ruling elder and clerk of the Session at St. Matthews Presbyterian Church. In fact, he recently wrote "The History of the St. Matthews Presbyterian Church" as part of the congregations 100th anniversary celebration.

Rowe will spend the next few months publicizing "Forty Days that Changed the World." He already has a presentation scheduled at the Calhoun County Library at 6:30 p.m. on Dec. 1 and says he will gladly do the presentation for other groups as well.

Any organization wishing to schedule an appearance can call Rowe at 803-456-0723 or email rowedrew@yahoo.com.

Rowe spent 30 years teaching ancient, medieval and modern history at the college level. In addition to his position at Forsyth Technical Community College, he served as dean of arts and sciences at Guilford Technical Community College in High Point, North Carolina. He earned his bachelors degree in history from Wake Forest University in 1968 and his masters degree from Wake Forest in 1969. He also took advanced graduate studies in history at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill from 1971-1973, and earned his doctorate in education in 1990 at N.C. State University.

Rowe has served as president of the Association of Historians in Eastern North Carolina, chairman of the Community College Humanities Association, Southern Division and as a consultant for the National Endowment for the Humanities and the American Association of Higher Education. In addition, he served as project director for several grants funded by the National Endowment for the Humanities, the U.S. Department of Education and the North Carolina Humanities Council. He has made numerous presentations at a range of national and regional conferences.
FC3 Evan Travor Williams, 22, of Orangeburg, died Monday Nov. 7, 2016, in King George, Virginia. He was stationed at Dahlgren Naval Station, Dahlgren, Virginia.

Evan attended school locally at Calhoun Academy through the eighth grade and made many lasting friendships. After high school, he moved to Pensacola, Florida, where he worked diligently to acquire admission into the Navy, as he had several hurdles to overcome based on prior injuries he had sustained playing sports. His hard work to gain admission spoke well for him. In December of 2015, he graduated from Naval Basic Training at Great Lakes Training, North Chicago, Illinois.

In the Navy, Evan met and immediately fell in love with Emily Hahn. They married in the early summer of 2016. As newlyweds, they traveled to Las Vegas and then cross-country to visit his family in St. Matthews before moving to Virginia.

Evan was always known as a polite and kind young man. He loved the outdoors, especially hunting and fishing on his grandfathers farm. He enjoyed a variety of music and movies, gaming, and good food. He had a fondness for animals and was devoted to his friends. He was a young man easy to love. He feared little and embraced adventure. These things all tell of a young man with yet much to give and live. Even though he departed an earthly life much too soon, he left many memories and lessons that will forever be cherished by those who loved him.

Among those are his survivors, who include his parents, Joseph B. Williams and Adadra B. Neville; his wife, Emily Williams; siblings Kaitlyn Williams, Amber Horton, Tara Owens, Chase Morris and Jessa Williams; paternal grandparents Pat and Kay Williams; maternal grandmother Linda Morris; maternal great-grandmother Jo Frazier; and his uncle and godfather, Chris Williams. (He was predeceased by his caring godmother, Tristan Morris). Evan is additionally much missed and loved by his aunts, uncles and cousins, with whom he was very close, and scores of friends.

Graveside funeral services will be held at 2:30 p.m. Friday, Nov. 18, in the Williams Family Cemetery, Springfield, with full military honors accorded. Dear family friend Father Dave Whitman will preside.

Following the funeral, there will be a gathering of friends at Dome Farms.

Flowers may be sent to the care of Folk Funeral Home in Williston.

Inquire of the funeral home in regard to charitable donations in Evans memory.

Friends may call at the residence of Pat Williams in St. Matthews.

Folk Funeral Home Inc. and Crematory, Williston, is assisting the family with arrangements.

Visit our online registry at www.folkfuneralhome.com.
Two leaders with T&D Region roots are on the short list to become President-elect Donald Trumps secretary of state. Either would be a good choice. Neither seems likely to get the job.

S.C. Gov. Nikki Haley, a native of Bamberg, is considered among five people most likely to get the nations chief foreign policy position. Her connections to Bamberg and Orangeburg are frequently reported, with the towns welcome signs proudly proclaiming the city is home to Haley.

Less well known is Tennessee Sen. Bob Corkers connection. The chairman of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee was born in Orangeburg in 1952 and raised in Aiken. His family moved to Tennessee when Corker was 11, though he returned to Orangeburg County often to visit family.

The two are being mentioned along with higher-profile Trump supporters such as former New York Mayor Rudy Giuliani, former House Speaker Newt Gingrich and former U.S. Ambassador to the United Nations John Bolton. The three have been among Trumps strongest supporters.

Not so for Haley, who backed Florida Sen. Marco Rubio in the GOP presidential primary in South Carolina early in 2016, shifted later to Texas Sen. Ted Cruz and was outspoken in her criticism of Trump regarding his controversies during the campaign. Haley, however, did announce in the days before the Nov. 8 election that she would be supporting Trump.

Corker has been a Trump supporter, though not listed among the candidates staunchest backers in Congress. He was, however, mentioned for a time as a strong contender for the vice presidential spot on the ticket.

Haley's name was added to the list of contenders for secretary of state on Wednesday, according to MSNBC host Joe Scarborough. Later, S.C. Lt. Gov. Henry McMaster stated he had been contacted about the attorney generals position. According to The Associated Press, he also said he was told Haley is being considered for secretary of state.

On Thursday, Haley was in New York for a meeting with Trump.

While Haley is frequently praised as a rising star in the Republican Party, the governor whose parents came to the United States from India and settled in Bamberg has no direct foreign policy experience other than in negotiating with business and industry about locating in South Carolina.

Corker confirmed to CNBC and others that he is being considered for the job and has had conversations with the Trump transition team. But he told The Tennessean that he doesn't expect to get the job.

Corker has been a senator since 2007. Reports have him differing with Trump on Russia and its president, Vladimir Putin. Corker told CBS News this week that, while its good for two world leaders to begin their relationship on a "positive note," Putin has also "shown himself to be a brutal dictator-like leader" who has "worked against our national interests."

With the world deeply uncertain about Trumps foreign policy, Haley or Corker, in particular, would be stabilizing choices. Perhaps that is as much about why their names are being tossed about as any real consideration of either becoming secretary of state.

Nonetheless, it is worthy of note when two people with local roots are being considered for such an important position in the national leadership.
The election-night coverage of the 2016 vote began with images of the Clinton campaign team gathering in the Javits Center  under the symbolic glass ceiling. Hillary Clinton supporters were enthusiastic, upbeat and expectant. The polls gave them every reason to expect that America was electing her as the countrys first female president. Theres just this one little detail, however: The polls were wrong and the party never happened.

Not since 1948, with the non-election of Thomas Dewey, have the polls been so wrong. Just as in 1948, however, the problem does not rest in the field of statistics, but rather in the field of research methodology.

RealClear Politics identified 16 battleground states and provided data for the latest polls in each of those states. They had combined those polls and posted an overall average for each state. We all understand that these polls include a margin of error that is mathematically linked to the sample size. All else being equal, larger samples have less error; smaller samples have more error. Although RealClear does not provide an overall margin of error for their average of polls, that margin can be easily calculated by taking into account the size of the various samples (and making one or two reasonable assumptions).

Based on these numbers, the RealClear difference between Trump and Clinton was indeed within the margin of error for seven of the 16 battleground states, including Arizona, Colorado, Florida, Georgia, Maine, New Hampshire, and Virginia. In one state, the polls underestimated Clintons performance. The RealClear summary hinted at a small Trump lead in Nevada, a state that Clinton would win. The other eight errors, however, were all cases in which Trumps performance was underestimated, including Iowa, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Ohio, Pennsylvania, North Carolina, and Wisconsin.

Some of these states had been correctly predicted to go to Trump (like Missouri and Ohio), but the differences were larger than anticipated. Some of these states eventually went to Clinton (like Minnesota), but the margins were much smaller than expected. Ultimately, however, the unexpected differences in states like Pennsylvania and Michigan moved the celebration from the Javits Center to Trump Tower.

Republican political consultant Mike Murphy suggested, Tonight, data died. He pointed to a very real failure of election forecasting, but his quote suggests a problem with statistics. In fact, however, the problem was in the failure to obtain representative random samples.

The error in 1948 was because many voters did not have telephones. A random sample restricted to homes with telephones might totally misrepresent the political tendencies of homes without telephones. The homes without phones generally had fewer economic resources and different voting priorities. The failure to use random representative polls of all potential voters resulted in the faulty prediction.

Although some will suggest that the polls were intentionally rigged, the fact that the error in Nevada was in the opposite direction suggests otherwise. Pollsters were trying to get an accurate read. In fact, the polling has been extremely accurate in recent elections. Based on the polling data in 2004, for example, I successfully predicted the winner in every single state.

What has changed? In 2016 we use our telephones differently than we did historically. In the past, when my phone rang, I answered it. I answered when my hands were wet, as I washed the dishes, or were dirty with grease, as I attempted to change my oil. After years of robo-calls, however, I no longer answer my phone until and unless I decide whether or not I want to talk to the caller. I check the caller ID, and I practice personal control over how I use my phone.

As a consequence, it is progressively more difficult for pollsters to complete a representative random sample of voter behavior. Our polls are more likely to predict how people who do not use caller ID will behave. It is possible that people who seek more control over their telephones might tend to be the same sort of people who seek more control over their government and other areas of their private lives.

The 2016 poll numbers might have been rigged, but not through any intentional work by the media. Rather, they were unintentionally rigged by the realistic hurdles faced by behavioral scientists, as they seek to explain and understand human behavior.

Even if we are able to fix the research methodology, it is important to remember that statistics always include a margin of error. The data only provide insights into the world. Like the weather forecast, they are not intended to provide any guarantees. Stephen Kings comment about statistical analysis is right on target: in his novel, 11/22/63, King writes: Theres always a window of uncertainty.
Too many Americans feel left behind by the weak economic growth and diminished job opportunities under the Obama administration. Too many people have seen their income stagnate and opportunity disappear since the financial crisis of 2007-2008.

As the 2016 election upset has proved, people want a president who does things differently, a president who wants to make America great again.

President-elect Donald J. Trump now has a huge opportunity to make some big changes that improve peoples lives and livelihoods. Over the last eight years, the Obama administration heaped piles of regulation on top of businesses and their financiers. Trump can help get the economy moving again by implementing some meaningful regulatory relief, by himself and with Congress. Here are five simple ways he can do that:

(1) Fire Richard Cordray, director of the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau. Hes issued regulation after regulation that made it harder for people to get access to funds. Banks have in many ways stopped lending to people who lack perfect credit or to small businesses because of the new bureaucracy involved. President Trump should exercise his appointments power, fire Cordray, and install a director who will get consumer and small business credit moving again.

(2) Rescind the Department of Labors overtime rule that looms over Americas employers and threatens job opportunities. This rule, which will come into effect in December, will force businesses to pay time-and-a-half to salaried employees who earn up to $47,476 a year. Instead of getting a raise, many employees will see their work terms changed or switched to hourly status as businesses scramble to avoid the sudden, budget-busting mandate. The new rule will affect around 5 million employees, many of whom work at universities, nonprofits or startups that rely on dedicated people working longer hours out of love for their job and mission. If left in place, the effect on startups alone  one of the bright spots of economic growth  could be devastating.

(3) Encourage the sharing economy. Platform apps like Uber, Airbnb and Handy have allowed people to make up income shortfalls or earn extra cash by making better use of their cars, homes or skills. Unfortunately, regulators at the Department of Labor and elsewhere have been moving to restrict these opportunities, for example, by having Uber drivers declared employees of the app firm. That increases labor law liability and significantly reduces the number of those jobs available. The new president should call off the labor regulators and allow sharing economy firms to expand. He should appoint an official in charge of looking out for people in the sharing economy throughout the regulatory process.

(4) Work with Congress to repeal Dodd-Franks notorious Durbin Amendment. It restricts the fees banks can charge merchants for use of their debit card networks  which just meant banks passed on these extra costs in the form of higher annual fees, offered fewer free checking accounts, and ended debit card reward programs. By one count, these extra costs may have forced a million poor Americans to stop using bank accounts at all. Its time to recognize the Durbin Amendment is a failure and get it repealed.

(5) Negotiate a free trade deal with Brexit Britain. The president-elect may look askance at trade with China and Mexico, but he has no such worries about Britain, one of Americas biggest mutual trading partners. And as luck would have it, Britain is now looking to conduct its own trade deals following its exit from the European Union. Mutually beneficial exchange of goods and services could easily generate billions of dollars of wealth on both sides of the Atlantic, instill market confidence, and help quell worries about a global trade war. President Trumps new U.S. trade representative should invite U.K. Secretary for International Trade Liam Fox to Washington for talks, ASAP.

Trump could set these measures in motion very quickly, and hard-strapped Americans would start to see real change. We must begin to lift at least some of the $1.9 trillion burden regulation imposes on the economy every year. All Americans, whether they voted for Donald Trump or not, could get behind that.
A Pineville woman will spend the next 10 years in prison after she pleaded guilty in the death of a man in 2015.

Michelle Rene Bruce, 45, of 400 Macs Landing Road, pleaded guilty on Wednesday in Orangeburg to felony driving under the influence resulting in death and reckless homicide.

First Circuit Judge Ed Dickson sentenced Bruce to two concurrent terms of 10 years in prison.

On Tuesday, Oct. 27, 2015, Bruce was driving a 2015 Jeep Wrangler on Old Number Six Highway in Eutawville when she ran off the roadway.

David Bennet, 55, of Paisley, Scotland, was a passenger.

Bennet died of blunt-force injuries he sustained in the accident and Orangeburg County EMS transported Bruce to the Regional Medical Center, where she was treated for serious injuries.

Neither Bennet nor Bruce was was wearing a seat belt, according to S.C. Highway Patrol Lance Cpl. Judd Jones.

Bennet was partially ejected from the vehicle.
A new BBC series is actively encouraging women from across Saint Vincent and the Grenadines to apply for a brand new travel adventure series which will be broadcast on the BBC next year.





If you are at a crossroads in your life and believe that walking in a British womans shoes for a week might help you make some big decisions, then please do get in touch!





We will send the successful applicant to a mystery destination somewhere in the UK, and whilst you are there, your British counterpart will come to Saint Vincent and the Grenadines and live YOUR life!

For approximately one week, you will live in each others world: spend time with each others friends and family, experience each others work routine, try each others hobbies and interests and get to know each others countries through the lens of a local rather than a tourist.





Hopefully both you and your swap will gain the perspective you need to move forward in your life with a new confidence and certainty!




Left:Shelly Ann Parris points to the spot where her boyfriend, Nicholas Layne, was killed. Right:Nicholas Layne was one of four homicide victims purported to have been committed in a space of less than 24 hours.

Shelly Ann Parris, the girlfriend of homicide victim Nicholas Layne, says she wants his family to leave her alone and to desist from accusing her of causing his death.





Parris told THE VINCENTIAN that the image she has of the perpetrator fits that of the person the police said is a person of interest to them in Laynes death, and that of three others. She insisted that she had never seen him before the night of the incident, yet, she claimed, a close relative of the deceased has confronted her, accusing her of being in a relationship with the perpetrator.





"Me never see the boy. Me feel sad Nic (Nicholas) dead, me cry because me a study him still, but me want them come off me name, stop calling my name, because I dont know about the boy, Paris appealed through this reporter.





Layne, employed as a labourer with Dipcon Engineering Services Ltd, the firm undertaking the rehabilitation of the Central Leeward highway, met his death sometime around 11pm last Sunday in Cocoa, Campden Park.

Reports are that he was awaiting transportation for the journey to his home in Edinboro when the incident that led to his death initially developed.





Parris recounts the ordeal





Recounting what she said was the worst time in her life, Parris said that she had accompanied Layne to the main road, where he awaited transportation.





She had encouraged him to leave early that evening because, she said, she had had a disturbing dream about him, to wit, that she had seen him in a pool of blood. Layne, disregarding her pleas, stayed longer that she expected.

While awaiting transportation, they noticed a "bareback male figure smoking something, she recalled.





After he was finished smoking, he attempted to catch a van, but the van did not stop. He had run towards the van and in the process, dropped what appeared to be a jersey, the young lady said.





He picked up the jersey and headed in their direction. As he got closer, he stared them down.

"I said to Nic, Nic, leh we go home, because the man ah move strange, but he refused, Parris continued.

It was when the stranger brandished a knife and pointed it in the direction of Layne that both she and her boyfriend ran. Parris said she ran through a short cut but Layne, being unfamiliar with the area, took longer to get to her yard and it was there that the perpetrator corned him.





Parris said she could see what was transpiring from her window. The man, she said, began to inflict stabs to Laynes body, then took a rock and smashed it into her boyfriends head. Layne, still conscious, attempted to get up, and the attacker shouted,  Yo na dead yet, before smashing two more rocks into Laynes head, then calmly walked towards the main road.





"Me was so frighten dat ah couldnt move.. ah didnt know wha to do bu look on in horror, she said with a sigh in her voice.





A neighbour eventually called the police.





Through her grief, Parris described Layne as a quiet and helpful person, who helped to care for her two children, making certain that they had something to eat. He was even planning to assist her by building a little house in her mothers yard, Shedisclosed.





Given what has developed between she and her boyfriends family, Parris said she had no intentions of attending her boyfriends funeral.





"Me na want go to the funeral and people do me thing, so me think me going stop home, said a visibly heart-broken Parris.





Eighteen-year-old Sandy Bay resident Jorani Baptiste is currently a patient at the Milton Cato Memorial Hospital under police guard. He remains a person of interest to the police in relation to the murders of Nicholas Layne, Avis Israel, Ronald Israel and Pamela Williams. (KH)
Over 50 students of the Georgetown Government School and 15 of the Pamelus Burke Government School are better equipped for school, thanks to Mr. Neil Corke .





Neil was born in Georgetown and migrated to the United States of America at a young age. He worked with the State Department and took his retirement last year.





Using his hard-earned cash, he purchased books, pens, pencils, crayons and other school materials which were distributed to the needy students at the Georgetown Government and the Pamelus Burke Government schools.

This is not the first gesture of kind-heartedness by Mr. Corke. Last year, he hosted a Christmas luncheon for over 100 persons from the Georgetown area, as a mark of appreciation for those who would have assisted in nurturing him during his formative years, and as a genuine show of love for the Georgetown community.





He also held a Christmas party for all of the children at the St. Benedict Hospital and, in addition to a feast of snacks, drinks and live music, he presented a gift to each child.





Given his spirit of giving, persons who know him expect that Neil Corke will continue to do what he can for the needy in his native Georgetown and surrounding communities.
The Taiwan Changhua Christian Hospital (CCH) medical team who are expected here this month  November.

The Taiwan Changhua Christian Hospital (CCH) medical team will mount its ninth visit to St. Vincent and the Grenadines, from November 20th to December 10th, 2016 .





The team, headed by Dr. Nina Kao, is comprised of a Family Medicine doctor, an Otorhinolaryngology doctor, a Chinese medicine doctor, two nurses, and one Project Manager on Hospital Safety and Healthcare Quality.

During its stay, the Taiwan medical team will work closely with colleagues of MCMH, and the CCH is particularly pleased to avail the services of Mr. Hsu-Tung CHANG, an expert in the area of hospital safety and healthcare quality. Mr. Chang, the deputy director of the department of Hospital Safety and Healthcare Quality of the CCH, will share his expertise and experience with MCMH, by doing three presentations on Quality and Patient Safety, Proactive risk management and Healthcare Safety Culture.





The visiting team is also expected to provide medical services at some local clinics.

In a statement released by the Taiwanese Embassy here, the CCH affirms that it valued the cordial and mutually beneficial relationship with the MCMH, and looks forward to further strengthening cooperation with each other.

The last visit to SVG by a team from the CCH was made in May 2016.




The final World Pediatric Project mission for 2016 wound up here last weekend .





The concluding mission focused on scoliosis.





The visiting team out of Richmond, Virginia consisted of Lead Pediatric Orthopedic Surgeon, Dr. Victoria Kirsten; Pediatric Orthopedic Surgeon, Dr. Gregory Hale; Pediatric Anesthesiologist, Dr. Mike Estes; Mary Debbie Walton and Kelly Hasse, OR Nurses; Carter Hunter, RN; Erin Rose, Neurophysiologist; and Christopher Pinney, In-country support.





Along with these were, local adult Orthopedic Surgeon, Dr. Charles Woods; and visiting Adult General Surgeon with training in Spine Surgery and Orthopedic Surgery, Vincentian, Dr. Kimani White.

SVG is the designated WPP hub for the Eastern Caribbean.





Of the sixty-four patients seen on Consultation Day, a total of thirty-one patients were from St. Lucia, St. Kitts, Dominica, Barbados and Antigua, with thirty-three coming from St. Vincent and the Grenadines.

Throughout the ensuing week, ten surgeries were done on children between the ages of twelve and nineteen years, whose conditions were not so severe as to warrant more serious surgeries in Virginia. These operations included one spinal hardware adjustment, two removals of hardware and debridement, and seven spinal surgeries. With Dr. Victoria Kirsten leading her team, by Friday, 11th November, all cases had been successfully completed and all children were ambulating and recovering well.





The Scoliosis Mission has been lauded as an overwhelming success. According to Dr. Mike Estes, "In 2008, wed been doing general orthopedic clinics trips. The surgeon would evaluate all the children and would see lots of them with scoliosis, but we were unable to treat them here because the hospital didnt have the facility to do it. We were only able to refer one child every year to the United States to get treated, so we brought one set of instruments to operate on one child. It was a success, so we made the decision to create a purely scoliosis team from Virginia, while the team coming out of the mid-west would concentrate on general orthopedics.

Lead surgeon Dr. Victoria Kirsten, with five years experience on the missions, added, "We still see a lot of significant curves coming. It would be nicer to see smaller curves at earlier ages so that we can get people in braces and avoid later surgery. Primary care doctors will need to screen patients for scoliosis in girls between ten to twelve years, and in boys from twelve to fourteen years old, so the condition could be caught earlier.

She, however, called the programme a success in that it has helped a lot of children get surgery. "That will change them for a lifetime, she said.





The success of the programme is indicated, not only in the success on cases treated, but also in the increase in cases coming from outside of SVG. Mrs. Jacqueline Browne-King, Eastern Caribbean Representative of WPP, is currently visiting the islands with the mandate of opening up the awareness of the possibilities for treatment through the Project.





She explained, "The awareness of the work of WPP in the region has caught on and, therefore, we are having more referrals of cases that would have been left by the wayside. In all of the islands, we have seen an increase in numbers.





The project has since seen remarkable success. Since 2009 it has been able to treat about eight children a year overseas, binging the number to about forty-one since it started. Many continue to receive treatment right here at home, with only the very serious cases going overseas.





Given the identified need, WPP will from 2017, mount two scoliosis missions per year.

It is hoped that if things continue in this way, then probably scoliosis could be stamped out of the region.
A blog for students in my introductory classes in government, and any interested passersby. You'll find news items and random stories that illustrate any of the topics we cover in class. Special attention will be paid to the constitutional issues associated with contemporary issues and disputes. Feel free to send me stories you find important. Please note that due to spam, I'm limiting the ability of people to comment on these pages. My apologies.
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President Ilham Aliyev attended ceremony to launch new ships [PHOTO]

18 November 2016 [11:15] -

By Azertac

President of the Republic of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev has attended a ceremony to launch "Rashid Behbudov" fast passenger ship, "Ganja" tanker and "Gafur Mammadov" dry cargo ship built by Azerbaijan Caspian Shipping Company.





























































Views: 1847
By Azernews





By Laman Ismayilova

The Baku International Center of Multiculturalism has hosted a meeting with Bulgarian Ambassador to Azerbaijan Maya Hristova and Chairman of the Association of Professional Mediators of Bulgaria, famous lawyer Elisa Nikolova, Azertac reported.

In his speech, Azerbaijan's State Counselor on Multiculturalism, Interethnic and Religious Affairs, academician Kamal Abdullayev highlighted the activities of the Center, its international and regional projects.

"Learning and promoting the Azerbaijani multiculturalism, which is based on love and compassion, we are also trying to spread the principles of humanity, human values. The Center regularly organizes international summer and winter schools for students studying the Azerbaijani multiculturalism in foreign countries, the academician said.

He pointed out that currently branches of the Baku International Center of Multiculturalism are functioning in Germany, Israel, Moldova, Italy, Portugal and the Russian cities of Moscow and Yekaterinburg.

Today we are signing a cooperation agreement to open the eighth branch of the Baku International Center of Multiculturalism  the Bulgarian branch. I wish success to the head of the Bulgarian branch Elisa Nikolova, who is familiar with multicultural values of Azerbaijan and our projects," he added.

The academician highlighted activities of the Bulgarian envoy, who has played a major role in enhancing the relations between Azerbaijan and Bulgaria.

Hristova, in turn, expressed gratitude to President of Heydar Aliyev Foundation Mehriban Aliyeva for contribution to the reconstruction of Trapezitsa Architectural and Museum Reserve, located in the Bulgarian city of Veliko Tarnovo.

"This is a great gesture, it is very important for us. It is hard to express our feelings by words. I am conveying a great love of the Bulgarian people to the people of Azerbaijan and personally Mehriban Aliyeva, she said.

Further, Executive Director of the Baku International Center of Multiculturalism Azad Mammadov and Eliza Nikolova signed a Memorandum of Understanding on cooperation in the implementation of mutual activities for the promotion of multiculturalism and tolerance of Azerbaijan, implementation of joint projects and activities of the Bulgarian branch of the Center.

Azerbaijan, located on the junction of two continents- Europe and Asia, created all necessary conditions for representatives of different nationalities, religions and cultures to exist freely.

The International Centre for Multiculturalism was established in Baku in 2014, as a concrete effort to promote the values of multiculturalism.

This year, Azerbaijan hosted the 7th Global Forum of the United Nations Alliance of Civilizations.

By using the UN tribune, Azerbaijan once again showed its multiculturalism traditions, and urged the world countries to respect tolerance, intercultural and inter-civilization dialogue. Furthermore, Azerbaijan named 2016 the Year of Multiculturalism.

Azerbaijan and Bulgaria have developed friendly relations after Bulgaria recognized the independence of Azerbaijan in January 1992. The embassy of Bulgaria in Azerbaijan was opened in December 1999.
By Trend





Azerbaijan is considered the most geopolitically important and promising country of the South Caucasus according to the parameters that determine the modern geopolitical characteristics, development trends and prospects of the regions countries, said Ali Hasanov, Azerbaijani presidents aide for public and political affairs.

Hasanov was addressing a meeting of the Presidium of Azerbaijans National Academy of Sciences in Baku Nov. 18 with a speech on The Current Geopolitical Development Realities and Prospects of Azerbaijan.

Azerbaijan is considered the leading country in the South Caucasus for its geographical, natural and human resources, he noted, adding that the qualitative and quantitative indicators of human resources in Azerbaijan are higher and more promising than in any other South Caucasus country.

Population growth in Azerbaijan was 111,000 in 2015, while it was 10,000 in Georgia and 12,000 in Armenia, he explained.

Hasanov noted that in terms of geopolitical and geoeconomic situation, Azerbaijan is the undisputed leader of the region for its most important location in the Caspian basin and South Caucasus, which enjoys rich geoeconomic potential.

Among the other factors of Azerbaijans regional leadership, Hasanov named the countrys economic and labor resources, human potential, the populations support for state policy, internal stability, national and civic unity, rich energy sources, land and sea borders with such regional leaders as Russia, Turkey and Iran, its active geopolicies with the US and big Western European countries, Russia, China, Turkey, Iran and Israel and international geopolitical actors.

He went on to say that 70 percent of the total GDP of South Caucasus in 2015, which exceeded $75 billion, accounted for Azerbaijan.

Total industrial production value in South Caucasus is $20 billion and 80 percent of this accounts for Azerbaijan, said Hasanov.

In total, $26 billion were invested from all the sources to South Caucasus in 2015, and $19.5 billion, or 72 percent of this accounted for Azerbaijan, he noted, adding that $10.7 billion of these investments was foreign.

The country completely or partially ensured its safety in many areas in terms of the self-sufficiency, Hasanov said.

Thus, Azerbaijans geopolitical and geoeconomic development and prospects are incomparable with that of other countries of South Caucasus, said Hasanov.

He added that according to the aforementioned parameters, Armenia has been in isolation from all regional and transnational projects and has suffered a severe social and economic crisis.

Armenia is a completely and utterly dependent country, noted the top official, adding that the country doesnt have any geopolitical and geoeconomic role.

Azerbaijan, for all the geopolitical and geoeconomic parameters, can be compared with such leading post-Soviet countries as Russia, Belarus and Kazakhstan, he said.

Hasanov said Azerbaijan enjoys a favorable position in the transnational energy export corridors and in the transportation and communication system.

Azerbaijans situation in terms of energy resources is incomparable with that of any other neighbor country in the South Caucasus, he said. Azerbaijans energy resources are comprised of 4.6 billion tons of conventional fuel  two billion tons of oil and 2.6 trillion cubic meters of gas.

Hasanov went on to add that diversification of export routes has given Azerbaijan a possibility to safely deliver its hydrocarbon resources to the global market.

Geopolitically and geoeconomically Azerbaijan is also considered a gateway to Eurasia, a central state in transportation, communication and energy corridors, said Hasanov.

He added that Azerbaijans turning into a key participant of transportation and communication relations has in the past few years had a significant impact on the reconstruction, in line with modern requirements, of domestic, regional and international road and transportation infrastructure, including the many transit systems within the East-West and North-South transportation corridors.

Speaking about the current military and geostrategic situation in the South Caucasus, Hasanov said Azerbaijani armys personnel strength, the armys military and technical state, combat readiness and the quality of its weaponry are much higher than that of Georgia and Armenia.

Aside from that, Azerbaijan is considered a leader in the South Caucasus in terms of the total budget allotted to army building. In 2003, Azerbaijans military budget was $135 million, whereas in 2015 this figure stood at $4.2 billion, increasing sharply each year since then, added Hasanov.

Further speaking about the situation on borders, the presidential aide reminded that the common borderlines with Caspian and South Caucasian countries havent been fully demarcated and delimited.

Twenty percent of Azerbaijans territory, including a 132-km section of the Azerbaijan-Iran border and a 733-km section of the Azerbaijan-Armenia border has been occupied by the Armenian armed forces, he said.

However, added Hasanov, the coefficient of the border security is rising thanks to strengthening cooperation on border security with neighbor states, excluding Armenia, joint fight against transnational crime and deepening partnership on security and protection of borders on land and on Caspian Sea.
Japan-based Yokogawa Electric Corporation has completed the acquisition of Soteica Visual Mesa (SVM), a leading energy management technology provider, further delivering on a number of key objectives of its Transformation 2017 mid-term business plan.



Yokogawas Transformation 2017 mid-term business plan mainly includes expansion of its advanced solution business, focusing on customers and creating new value, said a statement from the company.



This announcement marks completion of the SVM acquisition as a wholly-owned subsidiary and initiation of the integration of SVM and the cloud-based Data-as-a-Service (DaaS) provider Industrial Knowledge (IK) into KBC Advanced Technologies (KBC), which was acquired by Yokogawa in April 2016, it said.



The IK business unit was established to enhance the cloud-based advanced solution business based on the technology of Industrial Evolution (IE), which was acquired by Yokogawa in December 2015. A pioneer in the use of cloud-based solutions in the process industries, IE developed a market-leading real-time DaaS solution that is deployed at many of the worlds major energy and chemical companies, it added.



Yokogawas acquisition of SVM follows an earlier minority equity investment in SVM made in December 2012. SVM has a solid track record in the energy management solutions (EMS) field, and provides production accounting and scheduling solutions to the refining industry.



After acquiring KBC, Yokogawa formed a post-merger integration team that has been charged with the task of identifying various measures and setups that will create synergy and derive maximum benefit from the integration of the companies operations, and thereby enhance our ability to offer new value to our customers.



As a result of their deliberations, Yokogawa has decided to integrate the operations of Soteica, a leading company in the EMS field, and Industrial Knowledge, a business unit with expertise in advanced cloud solutions, with those of KBC, it added.



By leveraging KBCs premier energy consulting and Visual Mesa, SVMs best-in-class real-time energy optimisation technology, it is anticipated that the combined entity will be able to expand its position in the rapidly growing EMS market in the process industries.



In the immediate term, SVMs advanced Visual Mesa utility optimisation software combined with KBCs premium energy consultancy will provide comprehensive and best-in-class energy management solutions, underpinned by leading technologies and human performance improvement. Over the longer term, this acquisition supports KBCs vision of seamlessly integrating utility system and supply chain optimisation into KBCs industry-leading process simulation platform for hydrocarbon processing facilities, Petro-SIMTM, it stated.



KBC, SVM, and IK will be led by KBC chief executive officer, Andy Howell, and will be integrated under the KBC brand. This will significantly enhance KBCs solutions portfolio and the energy management solutions business, enhance KBCs ability to develop new cloud-based services, and accelerate the companys efforts to create and sustain new value for customers.



Satoru Kurosu, executive vice president and head of Yokogawas solutions service business headquarters, said: Key strategic objectives of our plan are to expand the solution service business, focus on customers, and co-create new value with customers through innovative technologies and services.



By integrating SVM and IK with KBC, we will bring together deep and rich business, process, and operational domain knowledge across the energy and chemicals sectors, and will connect this with the cloud-based, real-time representation of plant, business, and supply chain operations to identify and implement solutions that will sustain and continuously improve performance. The benefit to our customers is unprecedented, Kurosu added.



Oscar Santollani, founder of SVM, said: We are delighted to have been acquired by Yokogawa and in doing so, unite our Visual Mesa real-time energy optimisation and production accounting and scheduling technologies with KBCs industry-leading energy and supply chain consulting practices.



Furthermore, the progressive DaaS capabilities of IK enhance our offerings and enable us to be more innovative, disruptive, and agile by leveraging the cloud in delivery of solutions and sustainability services. This is the future, he concluded.  TradeArabia News Service
Dubai Maritime City Authority (DMCA) has signed an agreement with Norway-based DNV GL at the DNV GL National Committee, to collaborate on several maritime innovation initiatives.



The agreement was signed in Dubai between Amer Ali, executive director of DMCA, and Knut rbeck-Nilssen, CEO DNV GL Maritime.



The new partnership aims to facilitate DMCAs aspirations to make Dubai a first-class international maritime gateway by investing in research and innovation and mutually sharing knowledge and experiences on the latest shipping technology, as well as developments in environmental, safety and quality concerns. The agreement will set the framework for both organizations to determine key areas of collaboration.



DMCAs collaboration with DNV GL is part of our long-term vision for Dubai to become a world-class maritime gateway. Innovation, research and technology are certainly essential factors for DMCA to provide an internationally-recognized maritime cluster and enhance the sectors efficiency and global competitiveness. In navigating through this path, it is important that DMCA establishes the right tools and methods in order to manage the impact as well as the opportunities that new technologies present to us, said Ali.



We are very positive that DMCAs collaboration with DNV GL is the right next step to push Dubais drive in promoting the Emirates position in the global maritime map and soon play a leading role in providing a sustainable platform for the global maritime sector. With DNV GLs competence and extensive experience, we believe Dubai is on track in establishing a sustainable maritime environment following highly-regarded international standards, Ali concluded.



DMCA and DNV GL will explore initiatives that will further advance the Dubai maritime sectors technological capacity in areas such as smart shipping, digitalization, big data and real time information management. The agreement also looks to promote maritime innovation programs in Dubai, the UAE and in other parts of the Middle East. DMCA and DNV GL will also involve local universities, higher education institutes, research organizations and other government bodies in Dubai and the UAE.



rbeck-Nilssen said: Dubai Maritime City Authority is taking a major step forward in terms of creating a highly competitive maritime environment with the ability to keep pace with regional and global changes. We are confident that our cooperation will yield positive results and further enhance growth and innovation in the local and regional maritime clusters, ensuring the highest standards of safety and quality.



DNV GL, an international classification society headquartered in Norway, is globally recognized for its expertise in helping companies manage risk in the maritime industry, especially in safeguarding life, property and the environment and ensuring safety and sustainability within the sector.  TradeArabia News Service
The UAE has announced a three-day weekend for the public sector to mark UAE National Day and Commemoration Day.



The National Day and Commemoration Day holidays for employees of ministries and federal government departments will begin on Thursday (December 1), with work resuming on Sunday, (December 4), according to a circular issued by the Federal Authority for Government Human Resources.



The authority extended its greetings to President His Highness Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan, His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President, Prime Minister and Ruler of Dubai, His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and Deputy Supreme Commander of the UAE Armed Forces, Their Highnesses the Supreme Council Members and Rulers of the Emirates, and the people of the UAE.


The TransGriot is available for speaking engagements, college lectures, panel discussions, media interviews, conferences or Trans 101 education efforts for your school, business or professional organizations.



For local Houston area, Texas or national events, you can e-mail me at transgriot@yahoo.com



For events outside the Houston metro area, I ask that my travel and lodging expenses be covered.



This is separate from my speaking fee.



If you are interested in having me appear as a speaker or panelist, you can e-mail me with the date and details of your proposed event.

Please book as early as possible because my speaking and event calendar slots during the year rapidly fill up.
A Casper man suspected of kidnapping a woman, threatening her with a knife and sexually assaulting her in October pleaded not guilty to related charges Thursday.

During his arraignment in Natrona County District Court, Robert Lee Johnson pleaded not guilty to strangulation, kidnapping, first-degree sexual assault and aggravated assault for threatening the woman with a deadly weapon.

The woman, whom Johnson knew before the incident, told authorities that he forced her into his car on Oct. 1 and started driving toward Wheatland from Casper, according to court documents. During the drive, Johnson yelled at the woman and threatened to hit her with a large flashlight and threatened to kill her with a pocket knife that he had.

The woman told law enforcement she feared for her life during the drive and considered jumping out of the car, though it was traveling about 80 miles an hour.

Johnson later turned around the car and drove back to Casper, where he forced her into his apartment. He told her he would kill her if she screamed, according to the documents.

Inside the apartment, Johnson grabbed a steak knife and held it to the womans throat before choking her with both hands, documents state. He then grabbed the womans genitals through her leggings and spat on her face.

Johnson then dropped off the woman at a relatives house. The woman then went to the hospital to get a partial sexual assault examination, which found injuries consistent with the assault the woman described, the documents state.

Casper police officers later located and arrested Johnson, who said he did hold a knife and the flashlight while driving the car to Wheatland but denied threatening the woman with them. He also denied threatening her with a knife inside the apartment and sexually assaulting her.

Johnson remained in the Natrona County Detention Center on Thursday on $50,000 bond.
The number of needy families who signed up to receive holiday food help on Monday has doubled from last year, one of the surest signs of the struggling economy in Casper.

Last year, 850 families received boxes of dry goods and a turkey to prepare a holiday meal for Thanksgiving in an effort organized by Wyoming Food Bank of the Rockies and its Casper pantries.

This year, 1,700 families had signed up by the Nov. 9 deadline, according to both the WFBRs agency relations manager Tonja Funch and local poverty activist Mary Ann Budenske.

Our numbers have doubled and our financing hasnt, so we are scrambling, Funch said Thursday morning. Based on original estimates, we were ready for 1,200. When we found out the (1,700 families) number on Monday, I couldnt decide if I needed to cry or start begging people immediately for money, so I started begging.

By Thursday, a contingency decision had been made that all 1,700 families who signed up by the deadline will receive a dry goods box and turkeys will be first-come, first-served. Depending on turkey donations that may arrive by Monday, those who signed up and do not receive a turkey will get a gift card that will pay for a portion of a turkey, Funch said.

Cash and frozen turkeys may be taken to the WFBR office at 4976 Paige in the Mountain View addition on Friday, or to the Monday distribution site, which is Casper Faith Assembly of God, 4301 Casper Mountain Road.

Those who missed the sign-up deadline of Nov. 9 and are in need are welcome to go to the church on Monday at 6 p.m., and a box will be put together with whatever is available, according to Budenske.

We do have plenty of dry goods from people who have donated and will hopefully have some fruits and vegetables left from the Wal-mart donation, so if they didnt sign up, they are welcome to come at 6, Funch explained.

Families who signed up at one of the pantries in Casper for the special holiday meal distribution need to take a photo ID and the registration card they received with them to the church on Monday. The distribution begins at 11 a.m. and will remain open until 7 p.m.

To arrange to make a large donation, please call Funch at 232-4011 or Ashley Nickolai at 232-4016 before Monday. Donations are tax-deductible.
A group of lawmakers will sponsor a bill at the Wyoming Legislature next year that proposes sweeping changes to the way nonviolent, first-time offenders are sentenced for their crimes.

The goal is to prevent unnecessary incarceration  the states prison population increases each year  and to truly reform and rehabilitate criminals, using research, data and best practices in the corrections world.

The bill, which at 24 pages is unusually long for the Wyoming Legislature, is the result of three years of work for the Joint Judiciary Committee. Last year, when Judiciary Committee members asked the Legislature to consider the measure, members of another committee thats in charge of crafting the states budget killed it. They didnt believe Wyoming had the money to spend on the up-front costs required by the bill.

For first-time, nonviolent offenders, the bill would allow the judges to halt court proceedings and place the accused on probation  if the defendant agrees to it  for three years for a misdemeanor crime and five years for a felony.

Judges would have latitude to tailor the probation as they see fit, including requiring the accused to wear an electronic monitoring device, work, abide a curfew and complete treatment for drug, alcohol or behavioral problems.

Its pretty wide-open  the best tools for that individuals issues, said Sen. Leland Christensen, R-Alta, a chairman of the committee.

The bill also changes parole revocation.

If the violation is not a felony, the Wyoming Board of Parole may send the offender back to prison for 120 days for the first violation and 180 days for the second. Currently, people who violate parole are sent back to prison for an average of two and a half years, Christensen said.

Research shows that when people commit a crime, they dont believe they will get caught, said Anthony Vibbard of the Wyoming Liberty Group, which supports the sentencing reform bill.

The threat of prison doesnt necessarily deter criminals, he said.

The bill changes how people can accumulate whats known as good time, or early release based on good behavior. The bill would now allow people to be awarded good time if they comply with their individual case plans for education attainment, drug and alcohol treatment, work and other goals. If theyre on parole, their supervisor can write a recommendation for good time, according to the bill.

More effective

The bill would change how people are punished for minor infractions of their parole or probation. A judge can send them to the county jail for two to three days instead of the current punishment, which can last years, in part due to legal proceedings.

But research shows that the swift and certain approach is more effective in rehabilitating a criminal.

This is a way to get an immediate consequence, a reminder to get bumped into the right direction, versus slammed for years, Christensen said.

The bill will cost almost $3 million, but the Wyoming Department of Corrections estimates the state can potentially save $7.6 million a year, he said.

Although long-term cost savings would be helpful to the state in the current economic downturn, the Wyoming Department of Corrections believes community safety and rehabilitation of prisoners is more important, Christensen said.

Money is not the primary motivation on this bill, he said.

Christensen and Judiciary Committee co-chairman Rep. Dave Miller visited Gov. Matt Mead last week and asked him to consider the bill as he puts together budget recommendations. If Mead recommends the Legislature budget for the sentencing changes, the bills chances of success will increase, Christensen said.

Vikki Renner of Casper supported the bill. Renner has a son serving time at the prison in Torrington. Shes involved in a recently assembled group of family members of prisoners who want to provide lawmakers input to help get the bill passed. They started in June. They live in areas ranging from Cody to Gillette and even in Utah, she said.

Renner said she likes the emphasis on drug and alcohol treatment over warehousing people. She was teary as she described scenes from Torrington of small children hugging their parents. Children are hurt by being separated from their parents, she said.

Reform is such a vital part of the corrections process, she said. Its something these guys have to work for. A lot of these guys, they want to be better citizens. A lot of their crimes were committed under the influence of drugs of alcohol. Thats not an excuse. But they were not in the right state of mind.

Renners son committed a violent crime  she declined to provide details  and will not benefit from the sentencing reform bill. But she still supports it because she wants the public to start thinking about rehabilitation and reform in new ways, she said.

People can and do change, she said.
Grant Elementary could close next year in the face of declining education funding and falling enrollment.

A report recently completed by the Natrona County School District recommends closing Grant at the end of the school year. The school is now at 80 percent capacity and has experienced declines in enrollment for the past three years. It also needs a new roof and foundation work.

The report also recommends vacating Mills Elementary and either selling or, as a last resort, demolishing several vacant buildings, including North Casper Elementary, Fairgrounds Center and the old Roosevelt High School.

Steering committees will consider the recommendation before the school board makes the final decision.

The 174 students at Grant will get first priority during the next enrollment process, and personnel will go to Grant to help with that process, officials said. The district will do what it can to honor students and families preferences, officials said.

We are very concerned, and the highest priority is getting our people taken care of; our staff, our students, the families, executive director for school improvement Rick Skatula said.

District officials are working very closely with (Grant Principal Shawna) Smith and they will work with the families and staff members to come together and ease this transition process in all forms of what next steps are for these families, district spokeswoman Tanya Southerland said.

Most parents picking up their kids from Grant Elementary had no idea the school might close next year. Stomping the snow off their feet on the cold sidewalk outside, few heard the 3:30 p.m. announcement made by members of the Natrona County School Board and district officials, including superintendent Steve Hopkins.

The parents said they chose the school for convenience, tradition or because they liked the teachers.

Stephanie Ryles daughter is a first-grader at Grant. She said she doesnt know where they will go.

Its an open district, but I live right around the corner and I dont like driving in the snow. Im bummed out, she said. We really love it here. Im so sad.

Heather Wells said she is disappointed the district is considering closing Grant. Her niece, Daisy Williams, attends kindergarten there.

This is a really good school, she said.

Officials said the district has the capacity to take Grant students elsewhere. Indeed, even if all Grant students are reassigned, the district will have a remaining open capacity of 300.

District officials said they dont plan to lay off any of the 33 staff members at Grant. Instead, they will be reassigned to other jobs.

We have a very well-established reassignment process, executive director of human resources Michael Jennings said. Our goal is to work with every single one of our staff members at Grant and work through the reassignment process. ... Take care of them, take care of the students, and work with them through their reassignment to other positions.

Assessing schools

Two years ago, an economic downturn lit a fire under the Board Budget Committee, Jennings said.

The Facility Condition and Capacity Study was one facet of the budget committees ongoing district-wide assessment, Jennings said. The facility review committee was Jennings, Skatula and executive director business services Dennis Bay.

The committee looked at a range of criteria as they evaluated the districts facilities, including their financial stability, how efficiently they were run, the staff per site, the enrollment figures for the past three years, and the accessibility and location of the school.

As Skatula ticked off criteria, he stressed that they never looked at nor did we ever intend to look at any schools academic performance nor did we ever look at or intend to look at any schools socioeconomic status.

Grant checked a number of those boxes: Enrollment has been declining, it needs structural repairs, and its lack of off-street bus parking forced the district to close the street near it twice a day for dropping off and picking up students.

The school has one of if not the lowest enrollment in the district, Jennings said.

After seven years of steady growth, elementary enrollment has been declining since the economic downturn began two years ago, Jennings said. The district is down more than 200 elementary students during that time, though overall enrollment is nearly flat.

Educators had already planned to move students from Mills Elementary to a new building on the old CY Junior High site near Smiths grocery store. They will begin in their new school during the 2017-2018 calendar year.

Mills population made the decision several months ago to move en masse to the new Journey Elementary School, Skatula said.

New life for old schools

Once Grant is empty, it, like the other vacant schools, will be up for sale. Bay, the business services executive director, said theres already been interest in Mills school by the town of Mills. The district is preparing to enter into negotiations, and Bay said the town could use the building for something to serve the community, like a Boys and Girls Club.

It was a very good proposal, Bay said. And its all community-based.

The Salvation Army, a church group and a developer have all eyed some of the other vacant properties, Bay said.

We dont know yet. The trustees make the ultimate decision, he said. We will advertise for proposals for these groups to submit, and then the trustees, along with staff, will review those proposals.
LARAMIE  Even as the University of Wyoming grapples with more than $40 million in budget cuts, President Laurie Nichols said she still holds out hope of offering pay raises to faculty and staff next year.

I cannot tell you that I have successfully achieved this yet until we get deeper into this budget, Nichols told the UW board of trustees on Thursday. But certainly Im working toward that. I havent given up trying to get that accomplished as well.

Nichols said there will be no pay raise this year.

The states only public, four-year university faces steep budget cuts mainly because of a drop in state funding brought on by a downturn in Wyomings energy economy. To account for the cuts, the university is looking at eliminating degree programs, cutting faculty and staff positions and increasing student fees.

The university has already identified $19 million in cuts in the current 2017 fiscal year, mostly by eliminating about 100 vacant positions and offering early-retirement incentives.

The university needs to make an additional $10 million in permanent reductions in fiscal year 2018.

Nichols said the university cannot meet its budget reduction goals without cutting personnel.

Since most of the employees who accepted an early retirement incentive this year were staff members, only faculty members will be eligible for the new early retirement program, she said.

Nichols said she hopes the reduction in faculty numbers will save $4 million, of which $2 million will be reinvested into recruiting new faculty in areas that need them.

Besides the budget cuts, the university also is looking to increase revenue through higher student academic fees, increased enrollment and already scheduled tuition increases.
CHEYENNE  The Wyoming Highway Patrol records office is estimating that a public records request from the Wyoming Tribune Eagle concerning troopers deployed to the Dakota Access Pipeline protest area could cost $1,800 in labor and fees to complete.

The WTE submitted a written records request under the Wyoming Public Records Act on Oct. 31, asking for any and all documents, including email communication between the Highway Patrol and Gov. Matt Meads office regarding the deployment of state troopers to North Dakota.

Specifically, the request asked for documents authorizing the deployment, compensation for the troopers and the types of equipment they were sent with.

On Nov. 14, Highway Patrol records and data management specialist Kim McLees sent an email response with two of the requested documents. Additionally, she said that the request for copies of the emails would be very timely and costly due to a specific keyword search.

Citing a recent similar request, she said that the department was estimating 40 to 60 hours of labor time at $30 per hour (minus the first hour), equaling approximately $1,800 of labor costs and fees. She also estimated that it would take several weeks to complete the request after specific keywords were given to her department.

In a follow-up email, McLees said that redaction of the documents for personnel issues and security concerns would likely take up most of the labor time. She stressed that the 40 to 60 hours was simply an estimate and that this was one of the first such requests the Highway Patrol has dealt with.

An identical information request was made through Meads office on Oct. 31 as well. The requested document was mailed to the WTE on Nov. 4 at no charge.

By email, Richard Barrett, special counsel to the governor, said that request was expedited and taken out of order based on the limited extent and scope of the request and our ability to respond on an expedited basis.

Wyoming Press Associations Executive Director Jim Angell said it is his understanding of the state law surrounding public documents that the Highway Patrol cant charge for access. That said, new rules from the Wyoming Department of Administration and Information do allow for this practice in state services.

He said the estimated cost presented here was a huge barrier to the average person looking to see documents like this.

I will cut them some slack because they have apparently never had to comply with a request like this before, he said about the cost. But its an obstacle. Whether intentional or not, its an obstacle.

Angell went on to say that the Highway Patrol is essentially asking the newspaper to put the money upfront to see what the documents say and how long it will actually take. He said this issue, and others like it under the rules from the Department of Administration and Information, likely wouldnt be resolved until the Wyoming Supreme Courts decision is received in the case between the WTE and Laramie County School District 1 relating to emails sent between board members.

As we see these rules picked up by more agencies, expect to see more bills from $500 and up to look at documents the people already own, he said. How many people will pursue their right to watch government work when faced with a $1,800 bill?
LARAMIE  A Laramie man accused of providing hydrocodone to his wife before she died has pleaded guilty.

Paul Harper, 36, pleaded guilty on Thursday to a single count of felony delivery of a controlled substance, which carries a maximum punishment of 20 years in prison.

According to court documents, Harper's wife Kaylee Harper died on July 8 due to respiratory depression created by a combination of ethanol and hydrocodone. The death was ruled accidental.

Police say Paul Harper gave his wife some of his prescribed hydrocodone tablets for back pain.

In court Thursday, Paul Harper said he no longer used hydrocodone for pain and instead takes Tylenol.
Q: I bought a 1950s-era house a couple years ago. My problem is that the previous owner added a room onto the existing carport. Now whenever theres a heavy rain in monsoon season, the room floods. Ive tried to fix it by tearing out some landscaping and adding drainage, but that didnt work. I thought about installing a French drain that would take the water down to the street. But the grade of the house is only about a foot above the street. How can I fix this?

A: You might be able to fix this problem by shoring up the structure of the roof and then cutting off the studs at the bottom of the wall where youre having a problem. You could then put concrete blocks on the slab to create a stem wall. Then you can waterproof the wall on the outside. You could probably try to do all this yourself, but it might be better to seek the help of a licensed contractor because additional steps might need to be taken.

Basically, changing a carport into a garage  and then building an addition on the finished structure  always requires building a masonry stem wall of about 6 to 8 inches high along the perimeter of the concrete slab of the carport. To build wood-framed walls on top of the stem wall, a series of 2x4 plates, studs and a bearing post must be tightly installed. Thats all part of the procedure that needs to be followed in order to get a building permit from the city for the change.

For more do-it-yourself tips, go to rosieonthehouse.com. An Arizona home building and remodeling industry expert for 25 years, Rosie Romero is the host of the syndicated Saturday morning Rosie on the House radio program, heard from 8-11 a.m. on KNST-AM (790) in Tucson and from 9-11 a.m. on KGVY-AM (1080) and -FM (100.7) in Green Valley. Call 888-767-4348.
Arizonans continue to lose ground against the rest of the nation when it comes to income.

New figures Thursday from the U.S. Bureau of Economic Analysis show the states per capita personal income for 2015 at $39,156. Thats an increase of just slightly more than 3 percent from 2014.

By contrast, the same numbers for the country as a whole last year were $48,112, a boost of nearly 3.7 percent.

More to the point, it means that per capita income in Arizona is 81.4 percent of the national figure.

Its true that per capita income in Arizona has always been below the national figure. But the BEA finds a steady decline since 2006 when the state hit 91 percent.

Arizona now ranks No. 42 nationwide. And the trendline is not good.

In 1995, Arizona was 35th in the nation. It slid to 37th by 2000 and 38th five years after that and hit No. 40 in 2007.

And economist George Hammond, director of economic business research at the Eller College of Management at the University of Arizona, figures Arizonas ranking against the national figure is likely to drop even more.

The figure is a simple math equation: Divide the number of Arizonans into the total income and you come up with a per capita figure.

Economist Elliott Pollack said that can color the figures.

Maybe there are more young people or maybe there are more older people who have simply dropped out of the labor force here than in other places, he said. Pollack cited data showing the labor participation rate in Arizona at the beginning of the year at about 57 percent, versus 63 percent nationally.

Hammond, however, said that doesnt explain everything. He teased out the earnings-per-worker figure for Arizona versus the rest of the country, a move designed to filter out those not in the workforce.

Whats going on is that Arizonas wages per worker have been gradually falling further and further behind the national average, Hammond said.

And he said you cant blame that on the fact that the state has a lot of service jobs and a decreasing number of manufacturing jobs.

Its not that were more concentrated in low-wage jobs than the national economy, Hammond explained. Its that our wages are lower than the national economy.

Pollack, however, said its not that simple.

Manufacturing jobs are disappearing in Arizona. The Office of Economic Opportunity reports there are currently about 158,000 people working in that sector; in 1998 there were more than 212,000.

Thats not unique to Arizona. But Pollack said its whats replacing those jobs that makes a difference.

What we have gotten is a lot of leisure and hospitality jobs, a lot of business and professional services, a lot of education and health services, he said, jobs that pay less. So it could be a (jobs) mix situation.

Daniel Scarpinato, press aide to Gov. Doug Ducey, said his boss is aware the problem.

He recognizes that we need to diversify our economy, that we need to focus on things like biotech and the sciences and technology and attracting companies from Silicon Valley, Scarpinato said, the ones with the high-wage jobs.

Hammond said wages are tied to the states relatively low level of educational attainment.

He said back in the 1940s the average Arizonan had more education than the national average. By 1980 it had pretty much evened off.

And now Hammond said its significantly below the national figure. That, he said, makes Arizona less attractive as a place for firms that need skilled workers for high-paying jobs.

It exactly is a chicken-and-the-egg problem, he said.

Firms are going to be reluctant to move to metro areas where they dont think they have an available labor supply, Hammond said. And he said while Arizona has historically been a magnet for people from other states workers arent going to move to an area where they dont think there are going to be jobs.

Scarpinato said Ducey supports a public-private partnership to get 60 percent of Arizonans to have some degree or certificate beyond high school; the current figure is 42 percent.

And there may be something else. Put simply, while the summers can be blistering  literally  the weather is nicer here in the winter than lots of other places

Climate matters, Hammond said.

He said per capita personal income is a key measure of the standard of living.

But its also important to keep in mind that its not everything, he said, which is why some people dont like using that metric to measure economic viability.

They know that they feel happier here, Hammond. They dont feel like theyre 42nd in the nation as part of their happiness.

And that, in turn, figures into what Hammond calls the elasticity of labor supply.

When wages start to rise in Arizona, people are so willing to move here that theyll move in and push the wages down, he said.

But dont look to cost of living to explain the lower wages.

Certainly there are more expensive places. But the website Bestplaces.net finds that, on average, it costs about 3 percent more to live in Arizona than the national figure, with more expensive housing and groceries but cheaper utilities and miscellaneous services.
There is only one thing on the agenda for an emergency Tucson City Council meeting set for Friday morning  Raytheon Missile Systems.

The council is expected to head into a closed-door meeting with its lawyers, apparently to discuss economic development incentives for a major expansion expected by the regions largest private employer.

Details of the incentives have not been disclosed. Closed-door meetings are legally allowed for negotiating economic incentives. The state is also reportedly offering financial incentives to encourage Raytheons expansion in Tucson.

Two county officials recently confirmed Raytheon is considering a major expansion of its Tucson manufacturing operations that could create nearly 2,000 new jobs with high-paying salaries.

The company has major manufacturing operations at its headquarters site next to Tucson International Airport and at the University of Arizona Tech Park on South Rita Road.

Officially, the executive session is about an amendment to a pre-annexation and incentives agreement the city has with Raytheon.

The agreement, last updated in 2009, covers a number of areas, including fire and emergency medical response inside the Raytheon annexation district as well as a special taxing district designed to offset some of the costs of expansion.

However, the maps included in the 51-page document dont reflect property purchased by the county near Raytheon in 2012 to provide a buffer for the company.

The buffer area was identified in 2010 as essential to facilitate Raytheons expansion as it was one of the reasons Tucson lost out to Huntsville, Alabama, for Raytheons new missile facility in 2009.

Officials said at the time that Raytheon didnt have enough room at its south-side Tucson site to handle the new contract.

The scheduling of the Tucson City Council emergency session suggests an imminent announcement from the company, as the council was already scheduled to meet next week.

John Patterson, a spokesman for Raytheon Missile Systems, would not comment.

City Manager Mike Ortega wouldnt discuss specifics.

I asked the mayor and council to meet because we want to discuss this important issue as soon as possible and a meeting (Friday) morning allows us to accommodate everyones busy schedule, he said.

City Councilman Steve Kozachik said he supports efforts to help Raytheon grow in Tucson.

Its all about putting the tools in place to allow them to grow and bring high-paying jobs into the community, he said Thursday night.

Mike Varney, president and CEO of the Tucson Metro Chamber of Commerce, was guardedly optimistic. He said while he didnt know anything specific, he hopes the amendment is a necessary step before a major expansion announcement from Raytheon.

The pre-annexation agreement between the city and Raytheon itself dates to 1995, with documents referring to the company as Hughes Missile Systems. Raytheon acquired Hughes in 1997.
Cheesecake Factory thinks Sam Fox may be onto something with his North Italia and Flower Child restaurants.

The California-based chain, with 193 Cheesecake Factory restaurants scattered throughout the United States and Puerto Rico, has become a minority equity partner in the two concepts with Fox and will provide ongoing capital for Fox Restaurant Concepts to grow the concepts, according to a report this week in Nation's Restaurant News.

According to the agreement, Fox will continue with daily operations of the restaurants and Cheesecake Factory has the option to acquire majority or full ownership in either or both.

North Italia and Flower Child are such exciting brands within our family," Fox, the Tucson native and founder of Fox Restaurants Concepts, told Nation's Restaurant News. After spending a good amount of time with (Cheesecake Factory chairman and CEO David Overton) and his team, it became very clear to me that we share the same values in terms of our commitment to delivering amazing food and hospitality to our guests, while also recognizing that our team members are our greatest asset.

The Cheesecake Factory deal is similar to the one P.F. Chang's owner Centerbridge Partners had with Fox for True Food Kitchen, the Andrew Weill-inspired healthful food restaurant Fox launched in Phoenix in 2008. Centerbridge took over the concept in 2012; it now has 15 locations mostly in California and five set to open in the next 18 months.

In early 2015, Fox sold his fast-casual Sauce Pizza and Wine Bar concept to Scott Kilpatrick and Todd Belfer, founders of the Ra Sushi chain. There are four Sauce locations in Tucson including at 7117 N. Oracle Road in the Casas Adobes Plaza, next to Fox's flagship restaurant Wildflower.
Tucson Festival of Books

What: Two days of exhibits, presentations, panel discussions and hands-on activities with about 400 authors that attract more than 130,000 book-lovers.

When: 9:30 a.m.-5:30 p.m. Saturday and Sunday, March 11 and March 12.

Where: University of Arizona campus.

Cost: Admission is free.

Sponsors: The UA and the Arizona Daily Star. Net proceeds will promote literacy in Southern Arizona through the Tucson Festival of Books, a nonprofit organization.

More information: tucsonfestivalofbooks.org
Up with People  an international musical organization  announced the launch of the Bill Holmes Legacy Fund, a $250,000 campaign to support scholarships for the graduates of two Catholic high schools in Tucson.

The funds will assist graduates of San Miguel and St. Augustine high schools who wish to travel with Up with People, campaign organizers announced during a news conference Thursday at the Jewish Community Center .

The Bill Holmes Legacy Fund is really an investment in the future of Tucson, said Dale Penny, chief executive officer of Up with People.

Our vision is that students from these two schools will return to Tucson after their time in Up with People and leverage their experience to impact the community, just as Bill Holmes did as a result of his time in Up with People, said Penny in a news release.

In July, Holmes suffered a brain aneurysm and died. He was described by campaign organizers as a key leader in Tucsons business and philanthropic communities.

He grew up in very humble circumstances in Yuma and spent three years on the staff of Up with People, said Dana Cooper, a campaign committee member.

Cooper said Holmes had said that the experience altered his life and sent him into a career of community leadership. He served on more than a dozen local nonprofit boards of directors, and San Miguel and St. Augustine high schools held a special place in Holmes heart, said Cooper.

Up with People will return to Tucson in March for a week of community service and will perform two shows at the Fox Tucson Theatre with proceeds benefiting the legacy fund, said Cooper. The shows are March 17 and 18.

The musical groups appearance is being presented by Doug and Claudia Zanes, of Zanes Law. We were blessed to be among the many, many people in Tucson who were friends of Bill Holmes, said Doug Zanes in the release.

We are proud and honored to help launch this effort to continue Bills incredible legacy by enriching the lives of Tucson youth, said Zanes.
About five masked gunmen brazenly entered a south-side church Wednesday night and robbed dozens of women and children, physically forcing some to the ground and taking their purses.

The robbers pointed their guns at the women who were gathered for a meeting at Ministerios Dios Es Mi Fuerza (God is My Strength Ministries) at 3918 S. Sixth Ave., said Sgt. Pete Dugan, a Tucson Police Department spokesman. The church is on storefront property south of Ajo Way.

Some of the women suffered minor injuries.

No one was taken to a hospital, but some went on their own to seek medical attention, Dugan said.

Shortly after 7 p.m., officers were sent to the church to a report of robbers and learned that the men had fled in two vehicles.

There were between 35 and 50 women attending a faith-based, interdenominational group meeting when the masked men entered the building.

The gun-wielding men began shouting at the victims, telling them to get on the floor, Dugan said.

They demanded that the women give up their purses and were running around gathering the purses before they left the church, he said.

The robbers, who spoke in Spanish and English, were believed to be in their late teens to early 20s, Dugan said. Investigators did not release descriptions of the robbers or of their vehicles.

After the robbers left the church, many of the terrified victims left in their cars without remaining to be questioned by police, said Dugan.

Detectives are asking victims to call 520-589-8846, a special message line to leave information about the robbery. Information can be left in English or Spanish, Dugan said.

We are reaching out to the public to call 88-CRIME with any information they may have, said Dugan, adding that witnesses also may leave information on the special message line set up by detectives.
A project to rebuild a sustainable herd of bighorn sheep in the Catalina Mountains is now considered a success  and no more mountain lions will be killed for preying on bighorns, state wildlife officials said Thursday.

The specialist that was responsible for lethally removing mountain lions for preying on bighorns worked under a contract, said Mark Hart, spokesman for the Arizona Game and Fish Department. That contract lapsed yesterday and we are not renewing it.

Eight lions have been killed for preying on sheep since the reintroduction effort in the Catalinas north of Tucson began in 2013. The killings have brought an outcry from many citizens who maintain that its wrong to kill mountain lions for doing what predators must do to survive and feed their young.

Hart said the current bighorn population is estimated at 65 animals. Plans call for bringing an additional 20 sheep to the Catalinas from the Yuma area next week to further bolster the herd, he said.

The number of animals living in the range following that translocation of bighorns from the Yuma area will amount to a sustainable population, said members of a citizens advisory committee working with Game and Fish on the bighorn reintroduction.

The project has reached a point of equilibrium  success, said Brian Dolan, a past president of the Arizona Desert Bighorn Sheep Society and a member of the advisory committee. Its our belief that with that additional number of animals were going to be able to end the active pursuit of mountain lions.

Its a fulfillment of a couple decades of my life.

Mike Quigley, another committee member and the Arizona state director of the Wilderness Society, said, The initial goal of this project was to have a viable herd of desert bighorn sheep living in the Catalinas in equilibrium with a healthy native predator population.

From the beginning of this project, our intervention in that process was supposed to be limited and of short-term duration, Quigley said. I think its a real step forward today that were ending the active pursuit of mountain lions that kill bighorn sheep.
Tucson-based Raytheon Missile Systems plans to expand its Southern Arizona operations and add nearly 2,000 jobs over five years, potentially adding billions of dollars to the local economy.

Raytheon announced the expansion Friday, after reaching tentative agreements with officials of the city, county and state on potentially tens of millions of dollars in tax breaks and related incentives.

The Tucson City Council on Friday morning signed off on an agreement with Raytheon  already the areas largest private employer with more than 10,000 local workers  that will allow the company to build on city-owned land near its airport operations.

A city council vote is expected Tuesday on an amended annexation agreement and potential tax incentives.

Also on Tuesday, the county board of supervisors will consider a number of its own incentives, including support for the company's application for a free-trade zone designation, which would reduce Raytheon's property tax burden by about $16 million over the next 10 years.

The county incentive package also includes support for additional road infrastructure projects and restrictions on county-owned land adjacent to Raytheon. Supervisor Sharon Bronson told the Star Friday that the measure has her vote and expects it "to be approved."

The state has offered Raytheon $5 million through the Arizona Commerce Authority's deal-closing fund, known as Arizona Competes, authority spokeswoman Susan Marie said.

Details of that deal are still under negotiation, Marie said, but she noted that funds are conditioned on applicants hitting certain hiring and wage goals and are paid out incrementally as they hit certain milestones.

Raytheon said it plans to hire workers at all skill levels, with an emphasis on engineering and other higher-wage, technical positions.

Job creation, facilities expansion and production is expected to result in billions of dollars of economic impact for Arizona over 10 years, the city said. The additional property taxes that activity generates will be dramatically more than the taxes the county forgoes as a part of its proposed incentive deal, County Administrator Chuck Huckelberry wrote in a memo to the board Friday.

The company has seen renewed growth in its missile programs due to U.S. and allied demand for its products, which include the Tomahawk cruise missile, the AMRAAM and Sidewinder air-to-air missiles and the Standard Missile series of ship-defense and ballistic-missile interceptors, Missile Systems President Taylor Lawrence said in a conference call today.

He credited local and state officials with helping Raytheon to grow by establishing a buffer area around the company's plant on the south side of Tucson International Airport and working to create a competitive incentive package.

The strong support we receive from state and local organizations is essential to our expansion plans, and will help provide Raytheon with the workforce and infrastructure to meet the growing demand we are seeing from our customers, Lawrence said.

Besides the city, Raytheon said its partners in the expansion initiative include Gov. Ducey, the Arizona Commerce Authority, Pima County, Sun Corridor Inc., Tucson Electric Power and the Tucson Airport Authority.

On a conference call with Gov. Doug Ducey, Lawrence said details on the pace of hiring and the programs the company plans to grow or add will come later.

But he said the company has seen growth across its 20 "franchise" weapons programs and is in contention for some major new programs, such as development of hypersonic missiles.

"We're expecting a number of competitions to be decided this year," Lawrence said. "We're kind of growing across the board."

Lawrence praised local and state officials for responding to Raytheon's concerns after the company passed over Tucson in 2010 and chose Huntsville, Alabama, as the site of a new missile plant.

That decision was made because of the lack of adequate buffer space around Raytheon's airport plant and because Alabama offered a generous incentive package, Lawrence said.

After the city, county and airport worked to relocate a road south of Raytheon and swapped land to create an aerospace business park nearby, the buffer issue has been "completely resolved," Lawrence said.

Ducey called the Raytheon expansion a big win for the state and the latest example of a rebounding Southern Arizona economy, citing hundreds of new Tucson-area jobs announced by Comcast, Caterpillar, HomeGoods and human-resources systems provider ADP.

"This is great news and just more proof that Southern Arizona's economy is on fire," Ducey said.

Tucson Mayor Jonathan Rothschild said some aspects of the city's deal are still being negotiated with defense contractor. However, a final council vote is scheduled Tuesday night.

"What we are hoping to do on Tuesday is bring to Council an agreement with Raytheon that would enable Raytheon to bring an additional 1,900 jobs, at least, to Tucson," Rothschild said.

As a result of the deal, the company could spend upwards of $400 million in new construction on city-owned land near Tucson International Airport, Rothschild said.

"It is a complicated deal so we will be working over the weekend to finalize the tight language," he said.

The mayor says he hopes Raytheon will build as soon as possible and expects Raytheon to break ground next year.

The amended agreement will extend the time frame of the current annexation agreement and tie tax incentives to Raytheons completion of the expansion project and creation of the new jobs, said Mike Rankin, the city attorney.

Besides the funding offered through the state's deal-closing fund, Raytheon also apparently qualifies for a refundable state income tax credit available to companies making capital investments to build or expand certain facilities, Marie said, but the company has not yet applied for that program.

The company has major manufacturing operations at its headquarters site next to Tucson International Airport and at the University of Arizona Tech Park on South Rita Road.
Tucson-based Raytheon Missile Systems plans to expand its Southern Arizona operations by adding nearly 2,000 jobs over a five year period, the company announced Friday morning.

Raytheon, already the region's biggest private employer, said it plans to hire workers at all skill levels with an emphasis on engineering and other higher-wage, technical positions.

Job creation, facilities expansion and operational output is expected to result in billions of dollars of economic impact for Arizona over 10 years.

City officials are working on a tax-incentive deal to help Raytheon expand.

In the deal, the company could spend $400 million in new construction on city-owned land near Tucson International Airport, Mayor Jonathan Rothschild said.

These rewarding, high technology jobs will support Raytheons growth and bring even more top talent to this region, said Dr. Taylor W. Lawrence, Raytheon Missile Systems president. The strong support we receive from state and local organizations is essential to our expansion plans, and will help provide Raytheon with the workforce and infrastructure to meet the growing demand we are seeing from our customers.

Partners in the expansion initiative include the state of Arizona, Arizona Commerce Authority, Pima County, City of Tucson, Sun Corridor Inc., Tucson Electric Power and the Tucson Airport Authority.
Tucsons police chief said Thursday that he wont change police policies on immigration enforcement, despite President-elect Donald Trumps pledge to round up and deport up to 3 million immigrants with criminal records.

Chief Chris Magnus said the Tucson Police Department has worked hard over the past several years to develop a relationship of trust and partnership with the immigrant community and that saddling local police with more immigration enforcement responsibilities would seriously compromise that trust.

It is important our residents understand that the policies and practices put in place over the past decade to direct and clarify how our officers interact with undocumented persons and handle immigration enforcement issues are not changing, the chief said in a written statement in response to media questions.

The Tucson Police Departments general orders on immigration policy, which were updated on Oct. 12, say that officers cant stop a person unless they believe he or she is involved in criminal activity. If the encounter is during a lawful stop and the officer develops suspicion that the person might be undocumented, the officer must make a reasonable attempt to determine the persons immigration status, unless its not practicable.

In determining whether it is practicable, officers should consider things such as workload, criticality of incident and of other present duties, available personnel on scene, location, available backup, ability to contact ICE/CBP and availability of ICE/CBP, the policy states, referring to U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement and Customs and Border Protection.

Officers also need to consider if pursuing the persons immigration status could hinder or obstruct a criminal investigation, the policy says.

Under Arizonas immigration law, known as SB 1070, police are required to try to check the status of anyone they stop if they believe the suspect is in the country illegally. The so-called show us your papers provision took effect in 2012 and has been upheld by the U.S. Supreme Court.

Magnus said TPD will continue to work with federal law enforcement partners and abide by all federal and state laws that regulate immigration and protect civil rights.

This means we make notifications associated with certain contacts and arrests when the individuals involved are a direct threat to public safety, are wanted for serious crimes, or have federal arrest warrants, he said.

If residents think that reporting a crime, seeking help from police or working with the department to improve safety in their neighborhoods could cause them to be detained or deported, the community becomes less secure, Magnus said in his statement.

We will not compromise our commitment to community policing and public safety by taking on immigration enforcement responsibilities that appropriately rest with federal authorities, he added. Magnus said through a spokesman that he would not answer follow-up questions from reporters.

Shortly after his Nov. 8 election, Trump promised to deport 2 million to 3 million immigrants who have been convicted of crimes.

Its unclear what role local law enforcement agencies would play and if, or how, they would be asked to assist under Trumps plans.

Los Angeles Police Chief Charlie Beck said Monday that he also wont change his departments stance on immigration enforcement despite Trumps pledge to toughen federal immigration laws and deport millions of people upon taking office.

Sheriff-elect Napier will wait and see

Pima County Sheriff-elect Mark Napier, a Republican who begins his term Jan. 1, said Thursday that he hadnt yet made a decision about immigration enforcement policies, as there are still too many unknowns.

He hasnt had access or time to review all of the Sheriffs Departments policies and procedures, and isnt yet familiar with the current direction when it comes to immigration enforcement, he said.

It is also not completely clear what all the nuances of President-elect Trumps approach will be or how it might change our current practices, Napier said. I will be reviewing the issue when I assume office in January and when more is known about how Trumps plan might impact law enforcement at a local level.

In February, current Sheriff Chris Nanos, a Democrat defeated by Napier in the Nov. 8 election, said the Pima County jail notifies immigration authorities when a person theyre looking for is about to be released. If those authorities dont pick up the person, he or she is released from jail.

As of now, Napier doesnt intend to change that policy when he takes office, saying that he trusts that if immigration officials have placed a hold on an individual, its for a bona fide criminal justice purpose and that person is believed to be a significant risk to public safety.
AMMAN, Jordan  The U.S. Embassy in Jordan on Thursday disputed Amman's claim that U.S. trainers sparked a deadly shooting incident at a Jordanian military base this month by disobeying orders from Jordanian soldiers. The shooting killed three Americans.

The three slain Americans were assigned to the 5th Special Forces Group (Airborne) from Fort Campbell, Kentucky. They were identified as 27-year-old Staff Sgt. Matthew C. Lewellen, of Lawrence, Kansas; 30-year-old Staff Sgt. Kevin J. McEnroe of Tucson, Arizona; and 27-year-old Staff Sgt. James F. Moriarty of Kerrville, Texas.

They died after the convoy they were in came under fire as it entered the al-Jafr air base in southern Jordan on Nov. 4. The Americans were in Jordan on a training mission.

Embassy spokesman Eric Barbee told The Associated Press on Thursday that U.S. investigators are considering all possible motives and "have not yet ruled out terrorism."

After the shooting, Jordan's state news agency Petra reported that the slain American military trainers had disobeyed direct orders from Jordanian troops, which led to a deadly exchange of small-arms fire.

Barbee said there's "absolutely no credible evidence" for the claim. Jordan later issued a different statement removing the claim.

A fourth American soldier was wounded in the incident, as well as the Jordanian soldier who opened fire and has not yet been identified.

Brett McGurk, the White House envoy to the U.S.-led coalition against the Islamic State group, said Jordan's King Abdullah II expressed condolences over the deaths of the Americans.

McGurk also said an investigation is ongoing and praised Jordan's role in the fight against IS, which holds territory in neighboring Syria and Iraq.
After 17 years working as a registered nurse in the Tucson VA system, Diane Suter says she was taken aback when a manager first pressured her to falsely record patient wait times in 2014.

Suter, 62, had just started a new job scheduling patients at a Southern Arizona VA Health Care System primary care clinic on South Sixth Avenue. Wait times were often one to three months long, but revealing the true wait times in the computer system meant the doctor missed out on bonus pay, Suters nurse manager told her.

She said, Your appointments are over two weeks out and youre costing your doctor money, Suter said. The manager showed her how to zero out wait times on their computerized scheduling system: Suter was told to input a patients desired appointment date as the same day as the scheduled appointment date, so it would appear there was no wait time, she said.

Suter complied after her manager strongly implied shed be fired if she refused. But her dogged whistleblower complaints to VA regulators and legislators contributed to the Department of Veterans Affairs Office of Inspector Generals decision to investigate the Tucson VA starting in April.

The resulting Office of Inspector General report substantiated much of what Suter alleged about wait-time manipulation and misconduct at the Southern Arizona VA Health Care System.

The report, released Nov. 9, recommended disciplinary action for staff who encouraged the falsifications. The report found:

Between December 2013 and August 2014, 76 percent of appointments in the Ocotillo Primary Care Clinic  where Suter worked  had a zero-day wait time.

In fiscal year 2013, Ocotillo clinic physicians got bonuses based in part on the percentage of patients with appointments scheduled within 14 days of their requested date. Doctor pay did not appear to be based on wait times in the following three fiscal years.

Training materials from 2014 advised staff workers to mark the patients desired appointment date as the same as the actual appointment date in some scenarios, in violation of VA policy. Some time after the fallout from the Phoenix VA wait-time scandal in mid-2014, the training materials were updated to align with VA scheduling policy.

Tucson VA spokesman Luke Johnson said in an email the practices described in the report are inappropriate and are not consistent with our ... core values of integrity, commitment, advocacy, respect and excellence.

The OIG also issued a separate report on Nov. 8 summarizing allegations about the Tucson VA dating to 2012, and subsequent investigations. Among the reports conclusions: Tucsons VA staff kept 400 orthopedic and 600 urologic appointment requests on pieces of paper, instead of in the electronic scheduling system.

A staff member who told senior leaders about these practices said that her concerns were dismissed, the report said.

Johnson said the VA apologizes to veterans for these practices, which are no longer occurring.

These reports are related to practices dating as far back as 2008, and we have made significant changes since then, he said.

Two years ago the Phoenix VA Health Care System was at the center of the scandal over dishonest scheduling practices and dangerously long wait times for veterans seeking care.

An OIG report found 1,700 patients at the Phoenix VA hospital were put on unofficial waiting lists. Veterans there waited an average of 115 days for their first appointment, but the facility reported an average wait time of 24 days, which could have led to bonuses for Phoenix VA leadership, the report said.

At the time, an OIG review did not identify problems at the Southern Arizona VA Health Care System.

Doctors and nurses performance pay is no longer tied to wait times, Johnson said.

Even before the recent OIG report was released, the Southern Arizona VA Health Care System reviewed scheduling practices and has trained staff to be in compliance with federal VA procedures. Johnson encourages VA staff to speak up if unethical practices are still happening.

If there are any scheduling issues or concerns, leadership wants to know about them so they can be addressed, he said.

An underlying systemic problem is physician staffing issues at VA hospitals, including difficulty recruiting specialists, Johnson said. In the past couple of years, the Southern Arizona VA Health Care System has hired 100 new staff members and is reviewing physician compensation to improve recruitment and retention, he said.

These initiatives have helped enhance access to care for our veterans, he said.

Johnson said that in September, wait times for primary care appointments at the Tucson VA averaged less than four days; specialty care wait times were about six days; and mental health appointments were less than three days.

Vietnam War veteran Ray Murphy, 67, said Friday he was a little shocked by the news of the wait-time fraud at Tucsons VA. Hes had only positive experiences there getting treatment for hearing problems, and his wait times are usually less than 30 days, he said. But Murphy said he has a couple of friends who have experienced very long wait times to see specialists.

I think personally that the Tucson VA is really good, said Murphy, who served three tours in Vietnam as a member of the U.S. Navy and still deals with the effects of exposure to Agent Orange. But for veterans in need of timely urgent care, he said, if theyre not getting it, thats not good.

Rep. Ann Kirkpatrick, D-Ariz., said in a Friday email that she asked the OIG to investigate the Tucson VA after hearing from Suter. In a statement, she called the results of the OIG report infuriating and unacceptable.

I dont see how the VA can earn back the trust of our veterans until these systemic problems are fixed once and for all, she said.

After Suter objected to unethical scheduling practices, she suffered retaliation and a hostile work environment, leading her to leave the VA in August 2014 and seek treatment for post-traumatic stress disorder, she said.

The nurse manager who compelled her to falsify wait times still works at the Tucson VA, Suter said.

Johnson said the Southern Arizona VA Health Care System has appointed an administrative investigative board to review the practices identified in the OIG report.

The scope and level of necessary personnel actions will be determined based upon the findings of this board, he said.
PHOENIX  The State Bar of Arizona and a former defense lawyer for Jodi Arias are asking a state judge to suspend him from the practice of law for four years over the book he wrote about the murder case.

The recommendation is based on a consent decree in which Kirk Nurmi admits breaching attorney-client confidentiality.

Nurmi was accused of violating attorney ethics rules by revealing in his book the content of confidential conversations he had with Arias and her family and revealing evidence ruled inadmissible.

If the presiding disciplinary judge approves the agreement, Nurmi avoids a disciplinary hearing and possible disbarment.

The judge has the option of accepting, rejecting or modifying the consent agreement and Arias also has the ability to object.
Help India!

By A Mirsab and Imran Inamdar, TwoCircles.net

Generally, people confine their religious activities to worship of the almighty. Some spend most of their time at Masjids offering prayers, teaching religious texts to students at Madrassa and giving charities.

Support TwoCircles



Fifty-nine year old retired teacher Usman Jamadar is not a person who is content with this fashion of activities: he does something significant that he views as religious as well as a social activity. He offers training to aspiring Hajis free of cost before they board their flights. He also plays mediator in resolving domestic disputes.





Usman Jamadar



In the 80s, I used to work in Saudi and saw Indians struggling when they come to perform Hajj. I had a feeling to train these Hajis before they come to Saudi so that they can perform Hajj with ease, Jamadar says why he thought of taking this work of training aspiring Hajis every year.

He is into this work ever since he returned to India in 1989. He was working with a Mecca-based hospital before he came back to India. After his return, he joined one high school at Solapur district in Maharashtra and would spend most of his time increasing awareness about mandatory Hajj rituals that the Hajis would have to perform and how they can cope up with the weather in Saudi Arabia, which would be very different from the local weather.

Explaining about the hardship that Hajis usually face, Jamadar says, People read in books about the mandatory arkaans (rituals) and places to be visited while performing Hajj. But when they finally come to Saudi, they face difficulties and cannot properly perform all arkaans. Therefore it was very important that these aspiring Hajis are given training with visual demonstrations before they land in Saudi.

In the past 27 years, he has trained thousands of Hajis from Solpaur District and neighboring cities without charging any money from them. He considers this work as duty to mankind as well as to almighty.

I get inner satisfaction after giving trainings to these Hajis. It gives me pleasure that my experience helps people in decreasing their hardships during Hajj. In return I only expect reward from almighty; if my training helped His servants in properly performing obligatory rituals in Mecca and Madina, says Jamadar.

According to Altaf Siddiqui, a close aid of Jamadar, training is a must for every Haji before landing in Saudi and therefore one must have some idea about what and where to perform rituals.

I am assisting Usman sir for the past 10 years. His way of training Hajis is really impressive. He always uses simple language and demonstrates everything nicely, which helps in understanding Hajj duties very easily. This training helps Hajis to perform Hajj hassle free, says Siddique.

He further says that after coming back from Hajj they always receive very positive feedback from all the Hajis.

As Jamadar is attached with Tablighi Jamaat, he holds good respect amongst the community and is a known personality, especially in Solapur district. Due to his high stature and acceptability in the society, people often bring their domestic disputes to him and ask him to mediate in resolving those issues.

Yes, this is also one of the works that I do to please almighty. I arrange meetings of elders from both the parties (groom and bride) at my home and try my best in resolving their dispute so that the marriage can be maintained and either party should not go to court, Jamadar explains how he carries mediation between disputing parties.

Irfan SM, a retired government employee from the city, has nothing but praise for Jamadar for his devotion towards social causes. He says, I have known him for many years. He is a devoted person who has changed hundreds of lives. Apart from conducting Hajj guidance programs, he is also a good domestic counselor; he has resolved hundreds of domestic disputes.

In addition to this, Jamadar leads Muslim prisoners in prayers during Eid at Central prison in Solapur and gives them sermons.

I dont remember if I had offered Eid prayer at mosque or Eidgah (place where special Eid prayers is offered) in last two decades anywhere but at jail. It gives me pleasure that I could spend some time with prisoners on Eid when they cannot meet their family, Jamadar expresses his happiness for offering yearly Eid prayer at jail.

He also adds, I not only lead them in prayers but counsel them too. I make them feel that they have wronged themselves and they should mend their ways. After their release many came to meet me and asked for guidance in learning Islam. Many came along with me in three or ten days jamaat and became devoted.

One of his students Asif Iqbal, a headmaster, accompanies Jamadar during jail visit. Expressing his thought over this distinguished service of his teacher, he says, He speaks eloquently with the prisoners. Prisoners listen to sir very carefully and feel much attached to him. I saw many prisoners of promising him that they would become responsible Muslim after coming out of jail.

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The government of malaysia through its Ministry of Education (MoE) and Microsoft has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) today to encourage the use of ICT in teaching and learning  underscoring the importance of 21st century learning for classrooms, teachers, and students alike.

In line with Shift 7 in the Malaysia Education Blueprint 2013-2025  to leverage ICT to scale up quality learning across the nation  both MoE and Microsoft would work towards equipping the schools in Malaysia with the resources, training, expertise and technologies to help them better prepare students for life and work in the 21st century.

It would also provide teachers with tools, forums and resources to build communities where they can collaborate, share ideas and best practices, while accessing quality content. The ultimate objective of the MoU is to empower students to incorporate ICT in their schoolwork and learning.

Celebrating the partnership, YB Dato Seri Mahdzir bin Khalid, Minister of Education, said: The Ministry aspires to create an education system that prepares Malaysias children for the rapidly globalizing world. We are actively pursuing innovations to integrate ICT into teaching and learning in a meaningful way that would address needs of students and educators. Our partnership with Microsoft will play a pivotal role in realizing the potential of ICT to scale up quality learning across Malaysia.

We will continue to partner with them to construct an education system that is geared to meet the challenges of the 21st-century economy.

Partnership with schools

As part of this MoU, MOE will identify a range of schools  from high performance to rural schools  which will be a part of the Microsoft Showcase Schools Program.

These are defined as schools that are engaged in digital transformation to improve learning outcomes.

Together, Microsoft and MOE will then engage these schools, in which Microsoft with the advisory and guidance of the Educational Technology Division (ETD) will develop ICT-related resources like content and tools to enhance digital literacy.

Engaging teachers

As part of this partnership, Microsoft and MOE will also provide content and trainers to sharpen the digital skills of teachers. The training would be based on Microsofts 21st Century Learning Design, which looks at aspects like collaboration, self-regulation, using ICT, knowledge construction, skilled communication and creativity and problem-solving.

To encourage uptake of digital learning, the partnership encourages and showcases best practices. Every year, 100 educators will be selected and recognized as Microsoft Innovative Educators  educator visionaries who are using technology to pave the way for their peers for better learning and student outcomes.

Benefits for students

Students ultimately benefit from this MoU, as they build on their 21st-century skills to ultimately improve employability, and lead more productive lives in the future.

Commenting on the MoU, K Raman, Managing Director, Microsoft Malaysia said, We applaud the efforts of the Ministry of Education and are thrilled to build together an effective platform for communication and collaboration amongst Malaysian school stakeholders. Our mission is to empower every person and every organization on the planet to achieve more, and we remain committed to promoting 21st-century learning in Malaysia. We have some the worlds finest ICT solutions that will help the government, schools and educators to leverage the power of information technology and harness their potential in the digital ecosystem.
About Me

I am an urban/commercial district revitalization and transportation/mobility advocate and consultant and a principal in BicyclePASS, a bicycle facilities systems integration firm, based in Washington, DC. Urban economic competitiveness is dependent on efficient transit and mixed use, compact places. Therefore, I end up writing mostly about mobility and urban design. While I am based in and write about Washington, DC issues, I try to write so that "universal lessons" are evident in the entries.

View my complete profile
As reports of hate crimes and the harassment of Muslims across the country continue to rise, the nations largest Muslim civil rights and advocacy group is calling for a criminal investigation of an apparent hate crime targeting a San Francisco Bay Area woman who is not Muslim.

The Council on American-Islamic Relations, or CAIR, is seeking the investigation after the woman -- Nicki Pancholy -- returned from a hike in Fremonts Mission Peak Regional Preserve on Monday and found someone had smashed a window of her car, stolen her purse and left a note with the scribbling, "Hijab wearing b---- this is our nation now get the f--- out."

Victim was wearing scarf for protection from the sun

The 41-year-old Pancholy believes that someone targeted her car in the mistaken belief that the bandana she was wearing was an Islamic head scarf, or hijab. As it turns out Pancholy is not Muslim, but wears a bandana to protect her head from the sun because she suffers from Lupus, a disease, that among other issues, can make a person more sensitive to the sun.

Californians of all faiths and backgrounds should be free of harassment and intimidation as they go about their daily lives, Zahra Billoo, the executive director of the San Francisco Bay Area chapter of CAIR, said in a statement condemning the incident. Local police should investigate this incident as a possible violation of our states criminal statutes.

CAIR, other groups reporting spike in hate incidents

The incident comes as CAIR and other groups are reporting a dramatic increase in incidents targeting Muslims and other minority groups across the country since Donald Trump won the presidential election. The Southern Poverty Law Group says from the day after the election through Monday it had collected 437 reports of hateful intimidation and harassment.

In many of those incidents, according to the group, there were direct references to the Trump campaign and its slogans. Also this week, the FBI released a report that showed that hate crimes against Muslims across the country surged 67 percent from 2014 to 2015.

In the Fremont incident, Pancholy tells local television station NBC Bay Area that she was in shock when she saw her smashed window and the note.

That someone would feel so much hate to do this, she told the station. I realize this is the climate after the election But I didnt realize someone would be so ignorant and in so much pain to cause so much harm.
Truth-out.org published an interview with professor Noam Chomsky earlier this week, an interview that covered an array of topics that had to do with Donald Trump and American politics. One question that C.J. Polychroniou asked the professor was "Do you see any resemblance between Brexit and Donald Trump's victory?", one that Chomsky answered by drawing "definite similarities to Brexit, and also to the rise of the ultranationalist far-right parties in Europe." As Chomsky sees it Nigel Farage, Marine Le Pen, and Viktor Orban are political individuals in Europe that regard Trump "as one of their own."

Who are Farage, Le Pen, and Orban?

Nigel Farage is a figure active in the British political scene.

Farage, who is an interim head of the UK's Independent Party, is known for being pro-Brexit and he met with Trump recently in New York. By virtue of his own tweets, Farage has marketed himself as a man that can improve American/British relations going forward. On November 14th he tweeted from his verified account: "The British government needs to mend fences to improve US-UK relations - I can help." With 533K followers, he has about 3.5% of the followers that Trump has, however he's a figure that could gain more popularity as a British reflection of Trump. That said, the next British election isn't until May of 2020.

The British government needs to mend fences to improve US-UK relations  I can help. https://t.co/1k78tf7oFK  Nigel Farage (@Nigel_Farage) November 14, 2016

Marine Le Pen is a French politician known for relaxing racist, nazi-like, and antisemitic attitudes in her political party, one known as the National Front party.

She was spotlighted in a recent CNN article by Melissa Bell, Saskya Vandoorne, and Bryony Jones (November 15th). She is quoted in that article as stating "Donald Trump has made possible what was presented as completely impossible. So it's a sign of hope for those who cannot bear wild globalization."

Unlike Britain, France's next election is coming up soon (April/May 2017).

I think we all have a bad taste in our mouths when it comes to political polling in North America after the Trump/Clinton pollsters missed everything. But, take it or leave it, Le Pen is the betting favorite to win the French presidency with betway sportsbook while most other ones make Alain Juppe (centre right) the favorite.

Viktor Orban is a lesser figure in European politics, because he's a part of a less-powerful country. He is the currently the Prime Minister of Hungary (right wing) with elections in that country about a year and half away (spring 2018). Orban celebrated Trump's victory according to an article with The Independent: "Hungarian PM Viktor Orban celebrates Donald Trump victory as end of liberal non-democracy" (November 12th headline/Lucy Pasha-Robinson).

Chomsky sees Europe's fascist WWII days

As Chomsky sees it, the rise of "ultranationalist far-right parties in Europe" and the rise of Trump are "quite frightening" developments. "A look at the polls," Chomsky said, "...cannot fail to evoke unpleasant memories for those familiar with the 1930s, even more so for those who watched directly, as I did as a child. I can still recall listening to Hitler's speeches, not understanding the words, though the tone and audience reaction were chilling enough."
The third and last of the 2016 Presidential Debates will kick off tonight giving Donald Trump and Hillary Clinton their final face-off before the voters put one of the two in the White House. While Trump and Clinton will have plenty to say, don't forget to keep an eye out for some of the visuals that will grace the debate stage tonight, some may actually tell a story!

Watch for that tie!

Donald Trump wore a blue tie for the first of the 2016 Presidential Debates and while he held his own, the first debate was unremarkable for him and Hillary was seen as the winner, according to Hollywood Life.

Ironically, blue being the color most associated with the Democrats, was the color Trump donned in a tie. Red, which is considered the color most associated with the Republican Party was sported by Hillary. She wore a red pants suit for the first debate.

Then at the second 2016 Presidential Debate, they switched and donned their own party's colors, with Hillary adorned in a navy blue pants suit. When Trump walked on the stage for the second presidential debate he was sporting a bright red tie and coming right out of the gate he kicked butt! Chances are if he has the least bit of superstition in his bones, he will sport a red tie again.

According to "Fox and Friends" live, Trump will come to the podium tonight trailing Hillary Clinton by six points.

Points don't mean a thing to a professor who has 100% accuracy in predicting the next president since 1984. He does this using a rather scientific method and he is well respected in his field. Using his full-proof method, he has put Trump as the next U.S. President.

Lurking from behind again?

While most would agree that Trump will need more than a red tie to turn Hillary's six-point lead around, at least a tie in that color will give him an extra boost in confidence, considering he did so well last time when he wore that splashy red!

Will we see Donald Trump's looming tactic again tonight? If you remember during the last debate he appeared to lurk over the shoulder of his opponent as she took to the microphone. Since it didn't go unnoticed by the folks at home, it surly didn't go unnoticed by Hillary. She had to have felt a bit uncomfortable sharing the stage so closely with Trump when it was her turn to speak.

Anxious or plastered smile?

As a weathered politician Hillary Clinton kept her facial expressions in check during the last two presidential debates. Donald Trump, who is far from a veteran political figure, gave his thoughts away with his facial grimaces and body language as he strutted around the stage. He needs to reel this in tonight, but he shouldn't go as far as plastering that type of fake smile often seen on Hillary's face.

Control

It will be interesting to see just how Trump positions himself on the stage during tonight's presidential debate, especially while Hillary is talking. Will he walk around the stage like he is anxious for his turn, much like what he did at the last debate? Or will he show some control as his opponent speaks this time around?

Hand shake?

That hand shake is getting a lot of attention through all three 2016 Presidential debates. The candidates didshake hands at the end of the last presidential debate,so there's a good chance they will shake hands upon entering the stage tonight. This is something they didn't do at the last debate. They both entered the stage and went to their designated seating without extending a hand forward for shaking!
Screening as the Centerpiece Gala in conjunction with AFI FEST 2016s Tribute to acclaimed international actress, Isabelle Huppert, Elle launches to wider audiences on Wednesday in Los Angeles and New York. But will general audiences be ready for Paul Verhoevens latest erotic thriller that has already heralded controversial discussions post-Cannes and Toronto film festivals? Can viewers look beyond the films opening assault to witness Hupperts tour de force performance? One can only hope.

Elle as an arthouse erotic thriller

The film follows Michele (Huppert), the head of a popular video game company after a brutal attack.

Although Michele continues to successfully manage her personal and professional life as if nothing happened, certain events trigger the complexities in her psyche. Navigating a horrific past with a man-starved mother and a naive son on the verge of fatherhood, Micheles life is further complicated by sexist and resentful employees, exes, and neighbors. And then theres the rape, Michele so carefully compartmentalized. Or did she? Let the sex games begin.

Director Verhoevens return to sexually provocative filmmaking

Paul Verhoeven has long embraced themes of eroticism and violence and his latest film continues the trend. Known for provocative and controversial storytelling  Robocop, Total Recall, Basic Instinct, Showgirls, and Starship Troopers, Verhoeven at times is brilliant and at times ridiculously over the top.

But with Elle Verhoeven has created edgy fare laced with humor, violence, and sexual ambiguity. He knows how to keep his audience enticed. Even at moments when scenes veer to the absurd, the director reigns in expectations only to spin them out in a different direction. In the film's production notes Verhoeven gleefully states that Hupperts reaction upon seeing the film was that The most interesting aspect [of the movie] is the perpetual ambiguity.

Verhoevens decision to return the story to France

Although based on the French novel Oh by Philippe Dijian, director Verhoeven and producer Said Ben Said initially wanted the film to be set in America.

But when they continuously met with resistance from American actresses over the controversial rape scene, producer and director decided to return the setting to France. They even returned to Huppert who had long been interested in the part.

Will Isabelle Huppert finally receive an Oscar nomination?

Isabelle Huppert has been nominated fifteen times for the Cesar Award (the French equivalent of the Academy Awards), but has yet to receive an Academy Award nomination.

That could all change in 2017 as Academy voters reflect on this years Best Actress race. Although controversial in the Verhoevenian terms of sex and violence, Elle is nothing without the strong, skillfully alluring screen presence of Huppert.

Acting in nearly every scene, Hupperts Michel is a complex modern woman. Even when cold and calculating, she is authentic. In the films production notes, Huppert discusses her character Michele: She is many and varied: cynical, generous, endearing, cold, commendable, independent, dependent, perspicacious. She is anything but sentimental; she is pummeled by events but she doesnt crack. Hupperts Michele is a character who will long be remembered, as Huppert deserves to be come Oscar time.

Elle is 131 minutes, Rated R and in French with English subtitles.
Two men have been accused of killing a Syracuse University student from China during a drug deal robbery in upstate New York, authorities said on Friday.

Onondaga County Sheriff Gene Conway said Cameron Isaac, 23, and Ninimbe Mitchell, 20, were charged with second-degree murder, robbery and criminal possession of a weapon in connection with the shooting of Yuan Xiaopeng.

Authorities said Isaac and Mitchell were arrested Thursday by investigators who raided and searched their homes in Syracuse and North Syracuse. Both men are being held without bail. The names of their lawyers weren't immediately available from authorities.

During a news conference, Conway said the three men agreed to meet on Sept 30 for a drug deal behind an apartment complex in suburban DeWitt, New York, about five miles from Syracuse. He would not say who initiated the meeting, what drugs were involved or whether the robbery was planned. DeWitt police had responded to 911 calls from residents in the apartment complex who reported hearing gunshots.

A black Chevrolet Camaro believed to be Yuan's car with custom license plates that read "SWAG PIP" was found in a parking lot near where his body was found. Yuan's Facebook page had a picture of him sitting on a car fitting that description.

District Attorney William Fitzpatrick said the main charge could be upgraded to first-degree murder if it's that determined Isaac and Mitchell intended to kill Yuan as part of the robbery. He said the murder weapon hasn't been recovered.

Yuan, 23, was a junior studying mathematics. He was from Qingdao in East China's Shandong province and had been in Syracuse since 2011.

Fitzpatrick said Yuan's family, some of whom came to Syracuse to meet with authorities earlier in the fall, have been told about the arrests.

Yuan posted on Chinese social media website Weibo an August 2015 letter from Syracuse University that indicated he had been expelled from the university but allowed to return on disciplinary probation. The letter did not say why Yuan was on probation, and university officials did not immediately respond to a request for comment Tuesday.

In October, the Chinese Consulate General in New York called for the case to be solved expeditiously and that the legitimate rights and interests of local Chinese students are not infringed.
The launch of China Life's first ever US representative office on Wednesday confirms the company's intent to up its investment in the United States.

China Life Insurance Company - ranked No 54 in the 2016 Fortune Global 500 with 2015 revenues of $101 billion - has been a major investor in US real estate.

The company recently led an investment in a stake in Starwood Capital Group valued at about $2 billion, taking a big share of the 280 hotels spread across 40 states.

In May, China Life took a sizable (but undisclosed) piece of 285 Sixth Avenue, a landmark Manhattan office building, in a deal worth $1.65 billion.

Last year, China Life spent more than $1 billion buying US warehouses, and together with Ping An Insurance Company of China, it co-invested in a Tishman Speyer mixed-used development in Boston.

"There is still a long way to go," said Liu Huimin, vice-president of China Life, during a reception on Wednesday in the Rainbow Room at Rockefeller Plaza.

Liu also gave the latest numbers on the company's overseas investments: $4.4 billion, less than 1 percent of its total $466 billion in assets. With the ceiling set by industry regulators at 15 percent, meaning China Life still had much leeway.

Liu called its US representative office, located in midtown Manhattan, "China Life's front desk in the US".

"It's our commitment to wider and deeper involvement in the international market, to strengthen our cooperation with our partners in the US," he told the audience.

Other Chinese insurance companies are investing in the US and Europe, including Ping An and Anbang, which bought the Waldorf Astoria hotel for $1.95 billion in 2014.

"It is an obvious choice for them, given the sharp volatility of the domestic A-share market and the depreciation pressure on the yuan," said Grant Ji, executive director of capital markets for northern China at CBRE Group.

hezijiang@chinadailyusa.com
Chinese Ambassador to the United States Cui Tiankai was a graduate student in Shanghai when China and the US formally established diplomatic ties on Jan 1, 1979.

Just a few weeks after the establishment of full diplomatic relations, then Chinese leader Deng Xiaoping made a nine-day visit to the US, the first by a leader of the People's Republic of China.

The trip left many vivid images, such as Deng donning a 10-gallon cowboy hat at a rodeo in Texas.

The historic visit was chronicled in a 90-minute documentary Mr. Deng Goes to Washington, which was shown on Wednesday evening at the Meridian International Center in Washington.

Cui said before the screening that he did not realize at the time that visit would not only change China but also his personal life. To Cui, it was a great time to review that part of history, given the US political election was just over.

President Xi Jinping is expected to meet US President Barack Obama in Lima, Peru, this week on the sidelines of the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) leaders summit. Xi and US President-elect Donald Trump talked on the phone last Sunday, a chat that Cui described as "very good and friendly". He said both hope to build a stronger and more stable relationship.

The career diplomat described the policy of stable and strong China-US ties as a bipartisan consensus in the United States over the past four decades. He said the two countries should build consensus and identify common ground.

He also hopes for continuity, such as continuing the military-to-military exchange, people-to-people ties and the more than 100 mechanisms for dialogues and coordination on bilateral and international issues.

He also called for creativity in the relationship, saying that many global challenges call for joint efforts by China and the US. He believes the two countries should show the world that they will be able to overcome the trap of great power rivalry.

"We should turn all these challenges into opportunities," Cui said.

Former US National Security Advisor Zbigniew Brzezinski fondly recalled the dinner he and his wife hosted for Deng during the visit, praising Deng as a man of great wisdom.

Brzezinski said China and the US have major responsibilities to consult on major global challenges.

chenweihua@chinadailyusa.com
Prince William poses with an activist dressed as a white rhino. [Photo/Agencies]

The United Kingdom and China will work together to train African border forces to spot and tackle smugglers involved in the trade of illicit animal products on the black market, British Environment Secretary Andrea Leadsom said on Thursday.

She was speaking at an international wildlife conference in Hanoi, Vietnam, which was called to tackle the threat posed to endangered species in Africa and elsewhere that face extinction as a consequence of the illegal activity.

"During a visit to China last week, I confirmed that the UK and China will work together with border forces in southern Africa to build skills in identifying wildlife smugglers, detecting hidden wildlife products and preventing illegal goods from leaving the region," she said.

In a related initiative, Britain's Ministry of Defence announced on the same day that a British armed forces team will train park rangers in Malawi to combat poaching.

Leadsom announced the UK was doubling its financial contribution to the fight against the illegal trade in animal products, to 13 million pounds ($16.2 million).

"This global issue will only be solved through international cooperation, and the decisive action agreed in Hanoi will help to protect our wild animals for future generations," she said. At the Hanoi conference, Britain's Prince William noted that China was taking steps toward a total ban on the manufacture and sale of ivory products as part of its efforts to save Africa's elephants.

He said: "China has already signaled a total ban, the USA has instituted one, and other nations, including the United Kingdom, are considering it." But he also issued a warning. "Here is the problem," he said. "We know that we aren't moving fast enough to keep up with the crisis. Rhinos, elephants, pangolin, lionsthey are all still being killed in horrifying numbers."

The illegal wildlife trade has reached unprecedented levels, largely driven by demand from Asia. In June, authorities pledged to release the timetable for the domestic ivory ban before the end of the year.

Chinese celebrities, including Maggie Q and Li Bingbing, played their part by supporting a campaign to influence Chinese public opinion on animal welfare and global wildlife conservation.
The Memory of the Two Cities, a photography exhibition about Chinese revolutionist Sun Yat-sen, is held in Honolulu on Nov 12 in memory of his 150th birthday. Yan Dongjie / China Daily

Sun Yat-sen is one of China's greatest historical figures, and the time he spent overseas played a major role in his patriotic pursuits.

Sun came to Hawaii for college when he was 14, and Hawaii was considered the place where he developed his revolutionary ideals, said Wang Wei, a researcher from the Nanjing Municipal Government of China.

Overseas Chinese celebrated the 150th birthday of the revolutionary leader in Honolulu on Saturday.

Sun was a patriot and national hero, considered the pioneer of the Chinese democratic revolution. He led the revolt of 1911, which overthrew the Qing Dynasty and put an end to China's feudal monarchy after more than 2,000 years.

The China Overseas Exchange Association and Sun Yat-sen 150th Anniversary Hawaii Commemoration Organizing Committee co-organized the commemoration, which includes a history photography exhibition Memory of the Two Cities and the US premiere of the documentary Sun Yat-sen and Overseas Chinese, produced by China Central Television for this anniversary.

"The exhibition is a review of the history of Nanjing and Guangzhou, the two important bases in China of Sun's, in memory of the great revolutionist," said Wang.

"Overseas Chinese are the mother of the revolution," Sun Yat-sen once said, as he received widespread support from them during his pursuit of national revitalization.

Sun established Xingzhonghui, the Revive China Society, in Honolulu in 1894, a revolutionary organization aiming to "save people from mire and fire and raise the country that was about to fail apart".

The first 20-plus members of the Revive China Society were overseas Chinese, as were the majority of the members of Tongmenghui, the Chinese United League, according to the exhibition.

"When we talk about Sun Yat-sen, we all know that he was a revolutionist, but people usually forget his identity as an overseas Chinese," said Zhu Bo, director of the documentary, adding that overseas Chinese contributed a lot to the revolutionary history in China.

The production of the six-episode documentary took nearly one year; 150 people were interviewed, including Sun experts and overseas Chinese, which involved more than 170 working staff.

Zhu said that the documentary has been shown in China, Europe, Africa, Australia, Singapore, and now the US.

Sun died of liver cancer at age 58 on March 12, 1925.

"Reading all the history and cultures that I didn't know before, I feel that Sun brought up China like a father brings up his son," said Ou Zhaohua, a student at Minlun School in Honolulu, who was born in the same village as Sun in Guangdong.

yandongjie@chinadaily.com.cn
Huang Kunming (second from right), executive deputy head of China's Publicity Department, attends the unveiling ceremony for the Beautiful China Photo Exhibit at the Universidad San Francisco de Quito in Cumbaya, Ecuador. He is pictured with the university's president Santiago Gangotena Gonzalez (right), Andrea Nina (second from left), secretary of the Ministry of Culture and Heritage, and Jose Salazar Carbonell, director of the Confucius Institute at the university. AMY HE / CHINA DAILY

A new China-themed photo exhibition was unveiled at the Confucius Institute at the Universidad San Francisco de Quito on Thursday, focusing on China's natural landscapes, cultural history and developmental growth.

"This exhibition focuses on the oneness of man with nature, showcasing China's landscapes through these beautiful photos," said Huang Kunming, executive deputy head of China's Publicity Department. The photos will give viewers a sense of China's rivers and mountains, its long histories and traditions, and the current growth the country is experiencing, he said.

The nature focus shows that "the Chinese people respect nature, let nature take its course, and wants to protect nature", he added.

He said he wants the exhibit to serve as a window to better understanding the beauty and variety of China and its flourishing development in the modern age.

"There's a saying in Chinese that goes, Seeing once is better than hearing a hundred times,' so we hope that through this exhibit we can honor the two countries' interactions, let more Ecuadorians  particularly the youth  understand China's situation, especially the uniqueness of China's culture and Chinese people's sincere friendliness," he said.

Huang spoke in the morning before President Xi Jinping arrived in Ecuador, his first stop in Latin America before he travels to the APEC Economic Leaders' Meeting in Lima, Peru this weekend.

Making Ecuador his first stop in the region shows that China values its traditions with Ecuador and the growing bilateral ties, Huang said.

The founder and president of the university said during the ceremony that its Confucius Institute  established by Professor Jose Salazar Carbonell  has seen more than 1,500 students from across Ecuador pass through in the six years since its creation.

The university has sent more than 230 students to study at Peking University through scholarships, where they majored in finance, Chinese-language teaching and Chinese philosophy, said Santiago Gangotena Gonzalez.

"Establishing the Confucius Institute with the help of the Chinese government helped contribute to Ecuadorians' understanding of China and helped promote the learning of Mandarin," he said.
A Chinese association and Chinese companies were among the first foreigners to aid in the humanitarian efforts in Ecuador after a 7.8-magnitude earthquake hit the country in April, killing more than 600 people and injuring close to 30,000.

China CAMC Engineering Co Ltd (CAMCE), an engineering and construction company, sent volunteer workers and machinery promptly after the earthquake, helping rescue three people from the ruins, Luo Yan, chairman of CAMCE, told China Daily in a written interview.

Company workers gave blood, donated money, relief goods and gifted 20 sets of housing for persons with disabilities, "expressing the company's concern for disadvantaged groups," Luo said, "and after the disaster relief, we forged a bond with the local people that is thicker than blood and deeper than water."

CAMCE entered the Ecuadorian market in late 2011, and since then has undertaken 10 contracting projects, which include seven 911 emergency command centers, four hospitals, and a financial center. The contracts have totaled $1 billion, according to Luo. The company has 50 branch offices in Ecuador, about 300 local staff, and its projects under construction employ more than 3,500 workers.

The company's hospital projects in the coastal areas were unaffected by the quake, despite other major hospitals in the region suffering serious damage.

"The quality of our construction projects has been affirmed by the local government and the public. This fully reflects Chinese technological achievement and the important role of Chinese management in construction quality control," said Luo.

Xu Tao, president of the Overseas Chinese Confederation of Ecuador, worked immediately to help with disaster relief, sending rice, bottled water, oil, napkins, and other supplies totaling more than $100,000 to the stricken region, said Xu.

"In addition, we also sent goods via a cargo plane. Immediately after the quake we decided that it would take too long to drive from Quito to the stricken area," Xu said. "CAMCE supported us by paying for a cargo plane for us to transport donated goods."

The Integrated Security Service ECU 911  Ecuador's emergency response department  coordinated with the emergency volunteers that were sent, he added.

Xu mentioned that several Chinese companies were involved in humanitarian efforts after the earthquake, including China National Electronics Import and Export Corporation and Huawei.

Haier, which produces home goods and consumer electronics, does not have formal operations in Ecuador, but is working with ICESA (Innovation and Control of Energy) to offer assistance in areas damaged by the quake, said Michael Nalwalker of the Haier Cultural Center in Qingdao. It worked with local companies to donate $60,000, which Nalwalker said will go towards repairing homes and structures in stricken areas.

"Ecuador's local home appliances technology development has a foundation in [home goods] companies like Indurama and Ecasa  local factories that also produce large appliances," said Nalwalker in an e-mail to China Daily.

"Haier's energy-saving and smart home appliances can effectively reduce local energy consumption and improve resource management. This means Haier can help local governments with electrical kitchen appliance upgrades, and replacing gas-powered stoves or appliances with more efficient electric models," he said.

amyhe@chinadailyusa.com
Jack Minor is a journalist and researcher who served in the United States Marine Corps under President Reagan. He is a book editor and ghostwriter for JMPublications.com, of which he is also the founder. Also, he has written hundreds of articles and been interviewed about his work on many TV and radio outlets.
In an address from the Rose Garden, President Barack Obama pleaded with Americans to call in to sign up for Obamacare, insisting that the product was a good deal and promising he would fix the website issues.

In an appeal to Americans today in the Rose Garden of the White House, the president said that nobody was more frustrated than he was at the problems plaguing the HealthCare.gov website saying that his frustration meant that it will get fixed.

It hasnt worked as smoothly as it was supposed to work, Obama said.

However, attempting to put a positive spin on what has turned out to be a debacle and embarrassment for the administration, the president said Americans should not judge his signature legislation based solely on the website, but should look at it in its totality.

Obama said it is not just a website and that there are other ways to obtain health insurance by using the old-fashioned way of offline. He then gave out the Obamacare phone number, saying the agents could help with the enrollment process.

However, talk-show host Sean Hannity called the number on his show and talked to an agent named Erlyne. Hannity said he was not able to successfully enroll on the website and wanted to know if she could help him.

While the president said agents such as Erlyne would be able to help him, she said she had a script to read from and that they could not help people like Hannity. She explained that the website was down for 42 hours and that the only people they could help were those who completed the enrollment process.

However, if a person could enroll online there would be no need to call the customer care number. She said the best thing to do is to wait for over 42 hours, then enroll and call them back.

The president said during his speech that so far Obamacare has exceeded his expectations and that just like he promised prices have come down.

The prices are good, Obama said. People dont just want it; theyre showing up to buy it.

However, a recent report by the Heritage Foundation revealed that in 46 states insurance rates went up for most Americans.

Obama says he wants the website to work in order to get peoples money. One of the key foundations that is needed for Obamacare to work is for young people to sign up in droves in order to pay higher rates than many currently are paying in order to subsidize older individuals.

I want the cash registers to work. I want the checkout lines to be smooth, so I want people to get this great product, the president said.
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President Tran Dai Quang and Esteban Lazo, President of the Cuban National Assembly of People's Power__Photo: VNA

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Parliamentary cooperation has contributed significantly to the Vietnam-Cuba relationship over the years, stated President Tran Dai Quang at his meeting with Esteban Lazo, President of the Cuban National Assembly of People's Power in Havana on November 16 (Cuba time).He requested the two legislatures to continue supporting and monitoring the implementation of agreements made by the two governments, thus improving outcomes of joint projects, particularly in trade-commerce, investment, security-defense and diplomatic activities.Hailing recent socio-economic achievements of Cuba, President Quang reiterated that Vietnam persistently supports the revolutionary cause of the Cuban people.For his part, Esteban Lazo affirmed that Cuba always attaches importance to valuable experiences Vietnam gained during its 30 years of renewal and is looking forward to reinforcing ties between the two parties, states, national assemblies and peoples.He expressed his wish to visit Vietnam in 2017 to tighten solidarity and cooperation between the two national assemblies and peoples.The same day, President Quang met with Ricardo Cabrisas, Vice Chairman of the Council of Ministers and Minister of Economy and Planning.Ricardo Cabrisas briefed the President on Cubas socio-economic strategy to 2030 approved at the 7th Congress of the Communist Party of Cuba in April this year, stressing the countrys persistence in following the model of planned economy.Cuba appreciates Vietnams effective assistance in boosting food production capacity and developing the local fishery and coffee sectors, he said.The Cuban official noted his country wants to engage in more trade and investment projects with Vietnam and welcomed Vietnamese investors to operate in Cuba.The Vietnamese President said the two governments should closely work to implement their joint activities and cooperative mechanism.Quang said he is looking forward to the upcoming 34th meeting of the Vietnam-Cuba Inter-governmental Committee, which will review collaboration outcomes and set out new tasks in realization of the bilateral trade cooperation program for the medium term signed in 2014.He expected the Cuban Government to facilitate Vietnamese enterprises in the country, particularly in the sectors of telecommunications, oil and gas, tourism infrastructure, as well as construction material and consumer goods production.Both sides agreed to support each other at international organizations and multilateral forums.Also on November 16, President Quang had a meeting with leaders of the Cuban Institute for Friendship with the Peoples and Cuba-Vietnam Friendship Association.Quang praised the two agencies contribution to the growth of bilateral ties, saying he is confident in their joint work to educate the younger generations about the two countries friendship.-
Indonesian airline giant PT Lion Mentari Airlines (Lion Air) is currently negotiating a joint operation with a Vietnamese partner, and signed a memorandum of understanding on November 15 in Jakarta, said Edward Sirait, President Director at Lion Air.

According to the memorandum, the joint venture will be called Batik Air in Viet Nam.

Additionally, Lion Air will hold 49 per cent of the shares, while their Vietnamese partner will retain the remaining 51 per cent. Plans for the joint operation are expected to be completed in the second quarter of 2017.

In 2014, Lion Air initially sought to establish a new airline in Australia, in which the company would hold 100 per cent of the shares. However, Lion Airs co-founder, Rusdi Kirana, stated that this plan was delayed because the airline decided to expand their operation in the ASEAN market.Lion Air is based in Jakarta, Indonesia and is the countrys largest private airline, operating as a low-cost carrier and the second largest low-cost airline in Southeast Asia, after AirAsia.  VNS
HCM CITY  Crocodile farmers and enterprises have suggested establishing a crocodile breeding and production association to strengthen links between them, so they can protect the market against being manipulated by foreign traders.

The crocodile breeding industry is now relying heavily on Chinese consumption, which leads to price instability when the relationship between individual breeders and between breeders and enterprises is lacking.

These were the most concerning issues discussed by participants at a conference on improving the competitiveness of crocodile products, held by the municipal Department of Agriculture and Rural Development early this week.

Ton That Hung, Deputy Director of Hoa Ca Crocodile Ltd Co, said the market had developed spontaneously, without planning or guidance. The lack of investment in processing technology means most products sold are raw materials.

He attributed the crocodile breeders inability to decide on prices to the lack of co-operation in production among them.

Recently, foreign traders, mainly Chinese people, visited small crocodile farms directly to buy crocodiles and crocodile leather. They no longer need Vietnamese intermediaries, so they were able to manipulate the prices, Hung said.

In 2014, crocodile prices rose to a record high of VN230,000 (US$10.3) per kilogramme, leading farms to rush to increase the number of crocodiles they produced. But now, prices have dropped to VN60,000-70,000 per kilogramme, causing losses for many households.

The affected companies have asked authorities to adopt measures to prevent price manipulation by Chinese traders, which would affect economic security.

As reported by the departments of Agriculture and Rural Development of 22 southern provinces, there are some 2,700 crocodile farms in the region, including up to 2,500 small-scale farms, which are home to some 50-100 crocodiles.

According to Hung, if the region receives proper investment in production technology and breeding stock research, it will become the crocodile "basket" of the world, bringing great benefits to the farmers and the country.

Ngo Ngoc Anh, Director of the Ngo Vo Ltd Co, a business that has experience in exporting crocodiles to European markets, said the Russian market has enormous export potential, but there are quite strict regulations on veterinary procedures, packing and packaging.

If businesses do not familiarise themselves with the requirements, it will be difficult for them to access the market, Anh said.

He said, currently, many Vietnamese enterprises producing and processing clothing, shoes and purses have to import crocodile skin. Meanwhile, domestic resources are sizeable but have not been fully employed.

Therefore, Anh suggested the HCM City Peoples Committee and the municipal Department of Agriculture and Rural Development work with the garment processing enterprises to promote the consumption of local raw materials.

In the context of deeper integration, Tran Van Nga, Deputy Director of the Ton Phat Crocodile Breeding and Business Ltd Co, said it is necessary to create a plan and develop a strategy to shape the Vietnamese crocodile brand.

"Without strategic branding and intellectual property registration for the freshwater crocodile business in the country, domestic products will be affected and subjected to fierce competition when the time to realise commitments under free trade agreements draws nearer," said Nga.

Due to commitments to tax reduction in the agreements, particularly the Agreement on ASEAN-China Goods Trade, which is already in force, crocodile products from Thailand, Cambodia and China will flow into Viet Nam.

Nga said local crocodile businesses must have divisions responsible for marketing their products to the world. In addition, they are advised to diversify their product lines and markets to avoid continuing their complete dependence on the Chinese market.

A representative of HCM Citys agriculture department pledged to coordinate with the citys Trade and Investment Promotion Centre to seek new export markets for crocodile products and to propose measures to control trafficking by Chinese traders.  VNS
HCM CITY  Viet Nams food processing industry offers huge investment potential for investors both in terms of the domestic market and exports, according to the Ministry of Industry and Trade.

Speaking at an investment promotion conference held on the sidelines of the Vietnam Foodexpo in HCM City on Wednesday, Deputy Minister of Industry and Trade Ho Thi Kim Thoa said the countrys food processing industry has failed to meet market demand.

She was implying it meant a huge opportunity for investors entering the sector now.

In the next 20 years, with 5-6 per cent economic growth feasible and the imminent increase in urbanisation and development of the retail market, demand for food would continue to increase, especially for high-quality processed products, she said.

Besides the promise of the domestic market, there is also huge potential for exports, she said, pointing out that for many years Viet Nam has been one of the worlds largest exporters of many farm items like rice, coffee and cashew.

Last year Viet Nam earned US$30.14 billion from agricultural, forestry and seafood exports. The figure is expected to cross $31 billion next year.

With such a wide range of investment and co-operation opportunities [available], I believe foreign investors should not miss the opportunity to exploit Viet Nams food industry. At the same time, Viet Nams businesses, organisations and localities in need of foreign investment should actively solicit foreign investment, Thoa said.

Bui Huy Son, director general of the Viet Nam Trade Promotion Agency, said with a market of over 90 million and food consumption projected to grow at 18.6 per cent annually until 2019, abundant raw materials, the Governments investment incentives and export advantages arising from free trade agreements, Viet Nam is definitely one of the most attractive investment destinations for the food industry.

The Government has sped up equitisation of State-owned enterprises, offering good opportunities for investors, he said.

The State Capital Investment Corporation is selling stocks of more than 200 companies, of which 50 are in the food industry. This will be a good opportunity for investors to do M&A deals.

ang Xuan Quang, deputy director of the Foreign Investment Agency, said the country has attracted total investment of $290.6 billion, but only $7.6 billion in the food processing industry.

The investment in the food sector has been mainly in areas that offer quick returns such as agro-processing, alcoholic beverages and seafood processing, he said.

The foreign investors have mostly been from Asian countries such as Thailand, Taiwan, Malaysia, Korea, and China, while investment from countries with a developed food processing industry such as Japan, the US, Australia and European nations has been low, he said.

While Viet Nam does not offer specific incentives for the sector, what it generally offers foreign investors in terms of income tax, land rental, support for developing raw material zones and others are competitive compared with the rest of the region, he said.

Claudio Dordi, the technical assistance team leader of the European Trade Policy and Investment Support Project (EU-Mutrap), said the increasing demand for hygiene and food safety makes it a good opportunity for firms with an technological edge to invest in the Vietnamese food sector.

With the countrys advantages with respect to trade policy, human resources and others, investing in Viet Nam is a win-win opportunity for foreign investors, he said.

Nam Sang Kun, a foreign expert in investment promotion at Vietrade, said Viet Nam is regarded as a new manufacturing base in the Asia-Pacific after China and many Korean firms plan to enter the country.  VNS
Saigon Hi-tech Park (SHTP) on Thursday (November 17) opened the 4th annual international conference 2016 with the theme Applied Nanotechnology & Nanomaterials in District 9.  Photo thoibao.today

HCM CITY  Saigon Hi-tech Park (SHTP) on Thursday opened the 4th annual international conference 2016 with the theme Applied Nanotechnology & Nanomaterials in District 9.

The two-day conference includes three sessions themed Nanoelectronics and Devices; Nanosynthetics and Applications; and Nonomedicine and Nonobiotechnology.

The conference features 28 speakers from 12 countries including the US, Japan, South Korea, Singapore and the host country.

Among the delegates at the conference is Professor Munir Nahfey from University of Illinois in the US, one of the pioneers in this field. He spoke about the role of nanotechnology in development of hi-tech economies.

Professor Nguyen uc Chien from the Ha Noi University of Science and Technology gave a presentation on the research of nanophysics and nanotechnology in Viet Nam.

Universities and enterprises will also give presentations on the application of nanotechnology in production. Among the presenters are Kova (Viet Nam), ZEON, Dynamic Co-Creation (Japan); Nanoglobe Pte (Singapore); Daegu University (South Korea), Viet Nam National University and Viet Nam Academy of Science and Technology.

This annual conference will bring a comprehensive look on research and development trends in the world, and offer an opportunity for development of nanotechnology in Viet Nam, said Le Hoai Quoc, president of SHTP.  VNS
HCM City  Viettel Groups is likely to achieve its ex-Viet Nam revenue target of US$1.5 billion this year, thanks to a sudden spurt in sales in some of its new markets.

Laos and Cambodia are considered the two best and steadiest international markets for Viettel.

Unitel, Viettels Lao company, has achieved cumulative revenues of $1 billion in seven years since it entered the market and profits of $300 million. It has 2.5 million subscribers, and a 47 per cent market share in mobile subscriptions and 35 per cent in broadband.

With 4,000 base transceiver stations and 23,000km of fibre-optic cable, Unitel has covered every district in Laos and 95 per cent of the population.

Since June 2015 Unitel has been providing 4G services.

According to the London-based Brand Finance, an independent intangible asset valuation consultancy, in 2016 Unitel is the most effective telecommunications brand name in ASEAN.

Its brand value grew by 106 per cent from 2015 to $132 million, and is the top telecom brand in Laos and among the top 30 in the region.

Brand Finance also announced that the value of Viettels brand in Cambodia, Metfone, increased from $85 million in 2015 to $94 million this year.

After starting operations in 2006 and officially launching in 2009, Metfone has now become the leading operator in Cambodia with infrastructure that includes 7,000 base transceiver stations and 20,000km of fibre-optic cable. It has achieved 97 per cent coverage of the population with 5.5 million subscribers, representing a 37 per cent market share.

By 2013 Metfone had already depreciated its investment of VN45 trillion ($2 billion).

Last year its turnover was $256 million. Viettel is planning to sell stakes in Metfone.

Growth in new young market

Last year Viettel Group began operations in three African major markets -- Cameroon, Burundi and Tanzania  and expects to break even in three to five years.

This year these markets have grown despite many challenges like natural disasters and foreign exchange volatility.

Yet they have achieved strong growth in terms of both revenues and subscriber numbers, with the latter rising by 21 per cent.

The two newest markets, Burundi and Tanzania, have contributed significantly with their turnover in the second quarter increasing by 19 per cent (to nearly 31 billion Burundi franc) and 40 per cent (over 26 million Tanzanian shillings) quarter-on-quarter.

With a population of 50 million, Tanzania, the most populous overseas market Viettel has invested in, has seen strong growth in terms of mobile subscriber numbers.

Halotel, Viettels local company, covers 95 per cent of the country. Subscriber numbers reached 1 million within three months of launch and 2 million within nine months.

Cameroon was Viettels second African market. Nexttel, Viettels brand in Cameroon, began operations in September 2014 and now has over 2.5 million subscribers and revenues that grew by 54 per cent last year to $35.24 million. It received the countrys award for Best Internet Service Provider.

The three African markets are expected to grow rapidly in the near future and Viettel plans to improve the quality of 3G services and expand 4G services in its international markets to meet the increasing needs of customers.

Viettels business in another African market, Mozambique, is steady, with 5.6 million subscribers and revenues of $33 million in the first half representing an 8 per cent increase year-on-year.

In Peru, whose GDP is much higher than Viet Nams and mobile density is above the saturation level of 110 per cent, Bitel has achieved a breakthrough. Its first-half turnover this year was $60 million, an increase of 105 per cent compared to the same period year.

The number of subscribers increased by 41 per cent six months after it began operations, and average growth has been around 18 per cent every quarter. Its subscriber numbers grew by five times the industry average.

Its turnover from 3G services in the first six months was 4.5 times the figure in the same period of 2015.

Bitel plans to provide 4G services from the end of this year when it will have three million subscribers.

In March this year Viettel began operations in Myanmar, the most populous foreign market Viettel has ever invested in.

Market growth has been high and demand for using data is increasing, with 60 per cent of people owning smartphones.

Last year Viettel Globals turnover was $1.4 billion and pre-tax profit, $58 million. It had 16.5 million subscribers at the end of the year.

This year first-half revenues were $493.8 million, a year-on-year increase of 13 per cent. The period marked a return to growth for the African market and growth in the Americas.

As of September 2016 Viettel had 90 million subscribers in Viet Nam and 26 million others in its nine international markets of Laos, Cambodia, Timor Leste, Cameroon, Haiti, Mozambique, Burundi, Peru, and Tanzania.

GSMA Intelligence recently ranked Viettel Group 29th out of a total of 461 telecom companies around the world in terms of number of mobile subscriptions.VNS
The problems of developing, registering and marketing trademarks for agricultural produce were discussed at seminar in southern Ben Tre Province on Wednesday.  Photo lehoiduabentre.vn

BEN TRE  The problems of developing, registering and marketing trademarks for agricultural produce were discussed at seminar in southern Ben Tre Province on Wednesday.

These included delays in processing applications, the misuse of trademarks by non-registered products and challenges posed by free trade agreements.

o Thi Minh Tram, deputy head of the provincial Department of Industry and Trade, reiterated the advantages of having a strong trademark for the nations agricultural products.

She said local firms should build strong trademarks to promote consumption of agricultural products and improve their competitiveness in local and global markets.

Over the last two years, the southern region has had trademarks issued for 30 agricultural products. This effort was supported with VN1 billion (US$45,250) from national and local funds for industrial promotion.

The 30 products include six registered by Long An Province, four by Ba Ria-Vung Tau and several others, including dried shrimp and honey by Ca Mau.

Some enterprises had not registered their trademarks because it was a time-consuming and costly process at VN35 million for each re-certification, according to the National Office of Intellectual Property (NOIP) under the Ministry of Science and Technology.

Tran Giang Khue, an NOIP representative, said that the number of applications for trademark had increased, but the local department did not have sufficient personnel to process them in time, despite the application of information technology.

Pham Chau Hoanh of the Ninh Thuan Grape Association said maintaining and developing a product trademark after registration was also difficult because registered trademarks were being used by other products.

For instance, the Ninh Thuan Grape has been a registered trademark for long time, but grapes from elsewhere were being sold at supermarkets as Ninh Thuan grapes

Khue of NOIP said it was important to develop the quality of the product that has a trademark, failing which it would be difficult to popularise it.

In the long term, to make local trademarks strong and popular, local firms should also establish links with others in the region, Khue said.

Tram of the Ben Tre Department of Industry of Trade said that many Vietnamese goods have entered global market via intermediaries, either by supplying raw material or processing products for famous foreign brands. So customers around the world do not know what the products come from Viet Nam, he said.

With Viet Nam joining many free trade agreements, it will be very challenging for local firms to compete with goods from other countries, and this will apply to trademarks too, she said.

Therefore, domestic firms should develop strategies to build, develop, advertise and protect their trademark, she added.

They must build strong trademarks to create a reputation for their products and promote their consumption. Registering the trademark is needed to protect firms during trade disputes, Tram said.

She said trademarks are not just assets for businesses, they are also national assets because they become associated with the country. Enterprises and business leaders should keep this in mind when building and developing their trademarks, she added.  VNS
Viet Nam National Petroleum Group will complete procedures to list on the stock market by the end of this year.  Photo baotainguyenmoitruong.vn

HA NOI  Viet Nam National Petroleum Group will complete procedures to list on the stock market by the end of this year, the company said in a public statement.

In the remaining months of this year, the company, known as Petrolimex, will finish selling its ownership in the Petroleum Logistics Service and Investment JSC on the request of the Government Inspectorate.

Petrolimex also plans to complete developing the restructuring plan for its gas station network and submit the plan to the Ministry of Industry and Trade (MoIT). Petrolimex had more than 2,350 gas stations at the end of November 2015.

Suffering from lower global crude prices, Petrolimex earned a revenue of VN88.06 trillion (US$3.98 billion) in the first nine months of the year, a decrease of 22 per cent from last years number.

The average nine-month price of US crude WTI fell nearly 20 per cent to $41.31 a barrel from last years price of $51 a barrel.

However, the company enjoyed higher pre-tax profit during the first three quarters of 2016, which was at VN4.06 trillion  an increase of 160 per cent from the same period of last year. That result also helped Petrolimex reach this years pre-tax profit target.

Higher nine-month pre-tax profit came after Petrolimex did not suffer heavy forex rate loss since the State Bank of Viet Nam on January 4 started using the daily reference mid-point rate for local currency trading between the Vietnamese ong and the US dollar.

A daily exchange rate helps local companies avoid accumulated forex-rate loss, because they are able to monitor the changes of exchange rate in their balance sheets on a daily frequency and calculate their business plans more specifically for each period, Petrolimex said in its statement.

The company also plans to import more gasoline to meet the domestic demand for fuel during the period of 2017 Tet (Lunar New Year) holiday at the end of January.

The company said in a document sent to the MoIT that it will import 750,000m3 of gasoline in December (the month before Tet), an increase of 12 per cent from last periods number, 750,000m3 in January (the month of Tet holiday), an increase of 10 per cent, and 700,000m3 in February (the month after Tet), an increase of 8 per cent.

Based on the analysis and forecast of local demand, Petrolimex has completed negotiations with overseas suppliers and Dung Quat Oil Refinery to make sure the supply is stable.

Imported gasoline will be stored at seven sites, which are the provinces of Quang Ninh, Nghe An, Binh inh, Nha Trang, the cities of a Nang and Can Tho, and HCM City.

The company has asked its subsidiaries to co-operate with each other to assure the logistics and supply will meet the demand of local businesses and people during the Tet holiday, especially those located in the remote disadvantaged areas, schedule their selling activities and publicise their timetables.  VNS
HCM CITY  The US State of Oregon wants to boost trade and investment relations with Viet Nam and HCM City in particular.

Mayor of the States Beaverton city Denny Doyle, who is leading a delegation from the Portland Business Alliance, expressed the wish at a meeting with Chairman of the HCM City Peoples Committee Nguyen Thanh Phong in the city on November 17.

He said US investors such as Nike and Columbia Sportswear recognised the citys attention and efforts to improve the investment climate, thus reinforcing trust of the two sides businesses in the bilateral co-operation opportunities.

The mayor confirmed that his city and the Oregon State in general were willing to support and share experience with HCM City to address problems in urban development and environmental pollution as well as improve the quality of education and life for local residents.

Chairman Nguyen Thanh Phong said HCM City was pioneering in enhancing the comprehensive partnership between Viet Nam and the US.

The southern metropolis has become a popular destination for US businesses and investors, he said, pledging to create the optimal conditions for US companies, including those from the Oregon State, to make investment, particularly in the fields of their strengths such as finance, start-up, logistics and seaport.

He proposed Beaverton support HCM City to build and manage the smart city for sustainable development.

Local authorities are also ready to connect domestic and US enterprises to carry out collaborative activities, specifically in education, trade and investment, he confirmed.  VNS
HA NOI  The fight against the illegal wildlife trade is a global issue, requiring a comprehensive collaborative mechanism and strong commitments to concrete action.

No single country could effectively combat it without liaison, Vice President ang Thi Ngoc Thinh said at the Ha Noi Conference on Illegal Wildlife Trade held yesterday.

Thinh said illegal wildlife trade is no longer restricted within a countrys borderline. It has become global in scale, especially the illegal trade of elephant ivory, rhino horns, big cats and primates.

The illegal trade involves transnational and organised criminal syndicates, threatening the survival of many endangered species, causing social insecurity and undermining sustainable development for countries, she said.

Thinh invited high-ranking participants from more than 40 countries to the two-day conference to discuss solutions to effectively protect wild animals and plants from illegal trade.

Speaking at the conference, Prince William of the United Kingdom, Duke of Cambridge, also urged countries to act more quickly, more concretely to save endangered species from extinction.

He said "We know that we arent moving fast enough to keep up with the crisis and rhinos, elephants, pangolins and lions are all still being killed in horrifying numbers.

"The shocking 30 per cent decline of elephant populations in Africa in the past seven years confirmed our worst fears", he said. "While weve made progress, the truth is we are still falling behind. A betting man would still bet on extinction."

Recommended solutions

Thinh said the international community needs to implement multiple activities, including the harmonising of legal systems, eradicating markets for illegal wildlife trafficking and developing sustainable livelihoods for communities in nature reserves, she said.

Prince William presented participants with three questions and said the answers would help build a campaign of action to cope with the crisis: Why does the ivory trade continue? Are we doing enough to confront the organised criminal groups behind illegal wildlife trade and bringing them to justice? Are we doing enough to work with businesses and civil societies to bring about change?

Yury Fedotov, Executive Director of the UN Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) suggested that an important step would be for all countries to criminalise the possession of illegal wildlife. Penalties should serve as a deterrent, he said.

Other possible measures include establishing national inter-agency wildlife crime task forces; harmonising national legal frameworks to facilitate the exchange of evidence among government agencies in wildlife crime cases; increasing the use of forensic wildlife science; and strengthening the capacities of customs and border control officials to deal with seizures, he said.

Finally, the international community must come together to promote sustainable livelihoods for affected communities, in line with the Sustainable Development Goals, he said.

Vietnamese efforts

Last Saturday, the Vietnamese Government conducted the first ever destruction of over 2.2 tonnes of elephant ivory and over 70 kilos of rhino horns seized from wildlife traffickers.

The move was praised by the international community. Prince William said yesterday the destruction was a welcome sign of Viet Nams commitment.

Van Ngoc Thinh, World Wildlife Fund Viet Nam Country Director, said the destruction was a step in the right direction.

Viet Nam should use the conference to launch a concerted campaign against wildlife crime and other countries in the Greater Mekong region should follow suit  starting with a clear commitment to close their notorious illegal wildlife markets, Thinh said.

A spokesperson of 13 organisations working in Viet Nam to protect wildlife and combat wildlife crime said the country has made many important commitments and agreements to end illegal wildlife trade. Now its time to turn these commitments into action and close down illegal wildlife markets and reduce consumer demand for these products, he said.

The worlds attention is on Viet Nam, and this is a golden opportunity for Viet Nam to show that its serious about combating wildlife crime.

Viet Nam is identified as a transshipment point for international wildlife trafficking rings from Africa, especially of ivory and rhino horns.

The two-day conference, hosted by the Government of Viet Nam, is scheduled to adopt a declaration that will include a roadmap to tangible and unified actions against illegal wildlife trade.  VNS
HA NOI  Local authorities should get more involved and significantly improve their management of environmental issues, Chu Pham Ngoc Hien, Deputy Minister of Environment and Natural Resources, said yesterday.

Addressing a conference on environmental inspections held in Ha Noi, he said his ministry cannot be the first responder to major crises because it is not equipped to do so.

Le Quoc Trung, the ministrys chief inspector, said that in the last two years, they had conducted 157 inspections on around 2,200 organisations.

Fines of VN72 billion (US$3,2 million) had been imposed on more than 600 organisations and agencies for wrongdoing in environmental management, and for violations of environmental regulations, he said.

A key issue discussed at the conference involved the division of responsibilities between management agencies, especially in response to environmental crises.

Hien used the environmental catastrophe caused by Taiwanese conglomerate Formosa in April as an example to stress the importance local authorities being actively involved in resolving environmental issues.

A chemical spill from a steel factory owned by Formosa had killed thousands of tonnes of fish and destroyed the livelihoods of fishing communities in central Viet Nam.

Hien admitted that the ministry had not collaborated well with the authorities of Ha Tinh Province to respond in timely fashion to the Formosa incident.

However, the Peoples Committee and local environmental department should have been the agencies that provided the closest and most direct inspection of the corporations industrial activities, he said.

He said the ministry by itself did not have enough human and financial resources to cover environmental crises nationwide.

The ministrys current inspectorate consists of just 63 inspectors, one for each province.

There are currently 800 specialist inspectors in the whole environmental sector from the local to central levels, which is nothing compared to 4,000 officials in the public security sector, Hien said.

The Governments annual financial support for environmental inspectors was just VN19 million ($850) per inspector, which barely covered the costs of travelling to provinces, let alone taking and analysing samples, he added.

Since inspection trips can only be arranged occasionally, it was hard for the central inspectors to follow closely all environmental issues in local areas, he said.

The ministry is collaborating with the Ha Tinh environmental department to conduct online environmental observations as part of efforts to improve central-local communication, he added.

Hien stressed that with regard to the Formosa disaster, no ministry official was denying their responsibility. They are all willing to accept disciplinary measures decided by the Central Inspection Committee, he said.

Law revision

Asked why the ministrys environmental bureau failed to respond to seven reports submitted by Formosas steel corporation on testing a number of assembly lines and industrial machinery before the disaster happened, Hoang Van Thuc, deputy director general of the bureau, said that it was partly due to a loophole in the 2015 Law on Environment.

The law requires enterprises to operate industrial machines for six months before sending reports on their operation to the environmental ministry. It is only after this that the ministry would examine and evaluate the machines to decide whether their operations are safe for the environment.

The steel corporation sent the reports between January and April this year, which means that by the time the mass fish deaths happened in April, the 6-month testing period was not over, Thuc said.

By law, it was not compulsory for the ministry to examine the machinery as soon as it received the reports.

Thuc said that the administration has admitted the shortcoming and the law should be revised to allow inspections as soon as companies report on their operation.  VNS
HA NOI  For the first time, movie buffs in Ha Noi and HCM City will have a chance to sample Danish cinema at a film event, starting this weekend.

Danish Film Week will screen eight films - including motion pictures, animated and documentary works - that have won international awards and nominations. The festival will take place during these two weekends November 19 & 20 and November 26 & 27 at National Cinema Centre, 87 Lang Ha Street in Ha Noi and Cinebox 212 Ly Chinh Thang District 3, HCM City.

"With Danish film week, we want to introduce the Danish contemporary film industry, which has produced a vast amount of talented actors and filmmakers with worldwide reputation," said Charlotte Laursen, Danish ambassador to Viet Nam.

"Through the films, we hope to give you a glimpse of the Danish modern society and contemporary life. But more than that, we hope you enjoy the films as much as we do".

Two motion pictures A Royal Affair and The Hunt, both starring Mads Mikkelse, perhaps the most famous Danish leading man, will be highlights of the film festival. The films were nominated for Best Foreign Language picture at the 2013 and 2014 US Academy Awards.

A Royal Affair is a gripping tale of brave idealists who risk everything in their pursuit of freedom for the people, but above all it is the story of a passionate and forbidden romance that changed an entire nation. The drama has 21 international awards.

The Hunt is about 40-year-old man who is reestablishing his life after a tough divorce. Things go awry after a passing remark that leaves a small community in a state of collective hysteria, while Lucas fights for his life and dignity. The thriller won 35 international awards.

A Royal Affair will be shown at 3pm on Saturday, and The Hunt will take place at 7.30pm on November 26 in Ha Noi and HCM City.

Mikkelses Lucas in The Hunt earned him the best actor award at Cannes International Film Festival. He also has won many awards at Danish Academy Film Award and international film festivals such as Palm Springs International Film Festival in California; Bucheon International Fantastic Film Festival in South Korea and Rouen Nordic Film Festival in France.

He received the special prize for European Achievement in World Cinema at the European Film Awards in 2011. He was knighted in 2010 by Queen of Denmark.

The film week will also screen motion picutures thriller The Candidate; drama A Hijacking and drama Silence Heart; documentary The Circus Dynasty and animations Freddy Frogface and Mini and Mozzies. All the films will be shown with Danish language with Vietnamese and English subtitles.

Danish Film Week is held to celebrate the 45th year of diplomatic relations between Viet Nam and Denmark.  VNS
Burke/Triolo Productions/Thinkstock Jon Pardi will ring in the new year at Cowboys Dancehall in San Antonio, Texas. It's part of the ACM Lifting Lives Clubs Shows series, to raise money for the charitable arm of the Academy of Country Music.

Zac Brown Band's sixth annual Southern Ground Music and Food Festival will return to Charleston, South Carolina May 20 and 21 of next year.

Crystal Gayle will set the Christmas festivities in motion at the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum with a performance and tree lighting November 25 at 4 p.m. CT. Wynonna & the Big Noisewill also do a holiday show December 14 in the Hall's CMA Theater.

Copyright  2016, ABC Radio. All rights reserved.
QUANG NAM  The central district of ien Ban has reserved 2.6ha to build the Viet Nam-Korea Cultural Exchange Centre, Vice Chairman of ien Ban Peoples Commitee Nguyen Xuan Ha told Viet Nam News.

Ha said the US$5 million centre - funded by the Viet Nam Veterans Association of Korea (VVAK) - will include an exhibition centre, vocational and Korean language training, a Taekwondo gym and major space for hosting annual cultural activities of South Korea and Viet Nam.

The centre, located near the historic town of Hoi An and the newly-unveiled 8km Ha My Beach, aims to draw South Korean tourists and other foreign visitors.

In October, the Korean-Vietnamese Peace Foundation donated 52 items  including documents, photos, books, visual dics, postcards and the "Viet Nam Pieta" statue  to a Nangs museum to commemorate 41 years since the end of the Viet Nam war.  VNS
HAVANA  Oscar-winning Hollywood filmmakers Oliver Stone and Brian de Palma will join a film festival in Cuba next month, organisers said Thursday, the latest US celebrities to visit the island.

Stone will present his new film about the renegade US security analyst Edward Snowden at the International Festival of New Latin American Film, the events director Ivan Giroud told a news conference.

Stone, director of classic blockbusters such as Wall Street, has also made two documentaries about Cubas retired revolutionary leader Fidel Castro.

De Palma will give a film workshop during the festival, which runs from December 8-18, Giroud added.

De Palmas films include the 1983 gangster classic Scarface, in which Al Pacino played a Cuban immigrant who builds a drug empire in Miami. Stone wrote the screenplay for that 1983 picture.

The United States and Cuba re-established diplomatic relations last year after decades of hostility.

The festival will also feature a film about Jackie Kennedy, wife of the assassinated US president John F Kennedy, by Chilean filmmaker Pablo Larrain. AFP
HA NOI  German director Philipp Widmanns A House in Ninh Hoa will highlight the Documentary Film Festival in Ha Noi.

The documentary is about a family history between Viet Nam and Germany. One part of the Le family has been living close to the former West German capital of Bonn for more than 40 years while the other part still resides in Ninh Hoa District in Nha Trang province.

The Le community includes relatives that are present and absent and extends into the spiritual world.

The documentary script was written by Widmann and Nguyen Phuong an. It has been been shown at many film festivals including Filmfest Hamburg and Filmmaker Festival Milano.

A House in Ninh Hoa with English subtitles will be screened on Sunday at 7pm, at the Goethe Institute Hanoi, 56-58 Nguyen Thai Hoc Street. A question and answer session will be held after the screening with director Widmann.

The screening is a part of the festival which has been being held annually by DocLab and Goethe Institute since 2009. The festival this year, themed Realities Transformed, will showcase documentaries from Viet Nam, Thailand, Indonesia, Macao, Germany, France and Portugal.

The festival will also play The City of Mirrors: A Fictional Biography by Truong Minh Quy at 10am tomorrow. Born in 1990 in Buon Ma Thuot, the Central Highland Province of ac Lac, Quy dropped out of HCM City Theatre and Cinema School and became a successful independent filmmaker.

His experimental and personal films have been screened at exhibitions such as the Taiwan International Video Art Exhibition as well as film festivals in South Korea, Germany and Singapore.

Quys first feature-length film enters his inner world; his childhood memories and his familys life in their hometown. The 87-minute film will be followed by a discussion with the director.

A two-day workshop with Widmann on film making and a discussion on the representation of landscape in films with Vietnamese Tran Ngoc Hieu and Nguyen Trinh Thi is also part of the festival.

Panel talks with Indonesian curator Hafiz Rancajale and emerging Vietnamese filmmakers such as Nguyen Thi Tham, Tran Phuong Thao and Pham Ngoc Lan will also be held.  VNS

oth relatives that are present and absent, and extends into the realm of the spirit world.One part of the family has been living close to the former West German capital of Bonn for more than 40 years while the other part still resides in Ninh Hoa. The community of the Les includes both relatives that are present and absent, and extends
Prime Minister Nguyen Xuan Phuc at the NA's Q&A session yesterday.  VNA/VNS Photo Phuong Hoa

HA NOI  More than 30 National Assembly deputies raised questions to the Prime Minister Nguyen Xuan Phuc, who was the last to appear at the NAs Question and Answer session yesterday, focusing on economic development, anti-corruption and climate change.

The PM said that the Government is determined to ensure proactive governance marked by integrity as it deals with a host of problems and is making strong efforts to overcome shortcomings and difficulties faced by the economy.

Closing loopholes

Deputy Nguyen Tien Sinh of Hoa Binh Province raised questions about the management of investments in State-owned businesses, with a loophole causing "losses of hundreds of trillions of ong".

But we cant find out who is responsible for the losses? What is the solution to this issue? And what are the measures being taken to fight corruption, which is getting more and more complicated?

PM Phuc replied that there was a mechanism to manage the State-owned businesses for specific periods. Now, capital management agencies have been set up within State-owned enterprises to promote effective use of capital.

However, transparency and supervision of State-owned businesses would be enhanced, the PM said.

He also said he has suggested tougher provisions to plug loopholes in the anti-corruption law.

The ask and offer mechanism should be eliminated, the PM asserted.

Asset declarations of high-ranking officials and curbs on their power were other measures to prevent corruption, he said.

Deputy Le Quan of Ha Noi wanted to know what measures were being taken to restructure weak banks and deal with bad debts.

PM Phuc said bad debts have caused great difficulties, but the Government has a comprehensive plan to resolve this and ensure a safe economy.

To deal with this tough issue, it is a must to build a better legal framework, especially for the operation of the Viet Nam Asset Management Company (VAMA), while tightening control to keep the debts within the limit.

At the same time, weak credit organisations that were purchased by the State Bank of Viet Nam at 0 ong should be put under special inspection, he said.

The Government is working on comprehensive solutions to reduce bad debts and will report them to the parliament, the leader said.

Asked about the Governments view on the settlement of loss-making projects over the past time, PM Phuc affirmed that the Government will not use taxes collected from the public to cover losses of the enterprises.

The Government will try to cut losses through selling those enterprises or allowing them to go bankrupt, he said, pledging to ensure the States interests during the settlement process and clarify the responsibility of related organisations and individuals.

PM Phuc also said the equitisation of State-owned enterprises will be accelerated on the condition of ensuring State asset and transparency in the process.

Besides, the equitisation process is taking place under the supervision of shareholders. However, we will not carry out equitisation at any price. Some corporations and groups must be owned by the State, he stressed.

Agriculture restructuring

a Nang Deputy Vo Thi Nhu Hoa wanted to know what measures were being taken to minimise climate change impacts on socio-economic development in the coming years, as also the solutions being considered in restructuring agricultural production.

The Prime Minister responded that the Government had a national action plan to limit the climate change impacts. It has also set aside funds for the plan, but all localities should actively participate in this effort, he said.

Agricultural restructuring was being dealt with as an urgent task because it involves the lives of millions of people, the PM said.

He said the restructuring would include expansion of co-operatives with the aim of increasing agricultural production and promoting the development of new rural areas.

This would involve trade promotions, product marketing and provision of preferential credit, the PM added.

During yesterdays session, the PM also fielded questions about forestry policies, promotion of staff in Government agencies, use of public assets, tourism development, and education reform.

Law on Property Auction

The 14th National Assembly (NA) approved the Law on Property Auction yesterday.

The law, approved by 84.41 per cent of the NA deputies, stipulates the principles, process and procedures for property auctions, auction remuneration and expenses, violation settlement, auction result cancellation and damage compensation, and State management of property auctions.

The law goes into effect on July 1, 2017. However, a clause allowing auction organisers to collect service fees in accordance with existing legal regulations will take effect on January 1, 2017.  VNS
President Tran ai Quang (R) meets Esteban Lazo, President of the Cuban National Assembly of Peoples Power.  VNA/VNS Photo Nhan Sang

HA NOI  Parliamentary co-operation has contributed significantly to strengthening the relationship between Viet Nam and Cuba, President Tran ai Quang said in Havana on Wednesday.

In talks with Esteban Lazo, President of the Cuban National Assembly of Peoples Power, he asked both legislatures to continue supporting and monitoring implementation of agreements signed by the two governments.

This would improve the outcomes of joint projects, particularly in trade and commerce, investment, security and defence, and diplomatic activities, he said.

President Quang praised the socio-economic achievements of Cuba, and reiterated Viet Nams consistent support for the revolutionary cause of the Cuban people.

He conveyed to Lazo an invitation to visit Viet Nam from National Assembly Chairwoman Nguyen Thi Kim Ngan.

Lazo said Cuba always attaches importance to the experience Viet Nam has gained during its 30 years of renewal, and looks forward to reinforcing ties between the two Parties, States, parliaments and people.

He expressed his wish to visit Viet Nam in 2017 to strengthen solidarity and co-operation between the two national assemblies and peoples.

Planned economy

President Quang also met yesterday with Ricardo Cabrisas, Vice Chairman of the Council of Ministers and Minister of Economy and Planning.

Cabrisas briefed the President on Cubas socio-economic development strategy approved at the 7th Congress of the Communist Party of Cuba in April this year, emphasising that the country would persist with the model of a planned economy.

Cuba appreciates Viet Nams effective assistance in boosting its food production capacity and developing the local fisheries and coffee sectors, he said.

He invited Vietnamese investors to Cuba, saying the country wants to start more trade and investment projects with Viet Nam.

The Vietnamese President said he was looking forward to the upcoming 34th meeting of the Viet Nam-Cuba inter-governmental committee, which will review collaboration outcomes and plan new actions to achieve medium-term targets set by the bilateral trade co-operation programme signed in 2014.

He requested the Cuban Government to facilitate Vietnamese enterprises operations in the country, particularly in telecommunications, oil and gas, tourism infrastructure, construction materials and consumer goods production.

Both sides agreed to support each other at international organisations and multilateral forums.

President Quang later met with leaders of the Cuban Institute for Friendship with the Peoples and the Cuba-Viet Nam Friendship Association.

He praised their contributions to bilateral ties, and said he was confident that they would work together effectively to educate younger generations about the friendship between Viet Nam and Cuba.  VNS
Prime Minister Nguyen Xuan Phuc receives Lao Deputy Prime Minister Sonsay Siphandone yesterday in Ha Noi.  VNA/VNS Photo Thong Nhat

HA NOI  Laos and Viet Nam should consider speeding up joint investment projects like the Ha Noi-Vientiane expressway and the Hon La  Khammouan oil pipeline, Lao Deputy Prime Minister Sonsay Siphandone said yesterday.

Siphandone made this proposal during his meeting with Prime Minister Nguyen Xuan Phuc in Ha Noi, as part of his ongoing working visit to Viet Nam.

The Lao leader also suggested the two countries increase co-operation between localities and step up efforts to make it easier for enterprises to do business in either market.

PM Phuc affirmed that Viet Nam will do its utmost to enhance time-tested friendship and co-operation with Laos, especially in supporting local businesses boost their investment in the neighbouring nation.

He asked Laos to suggest specific measures on building the oil pipeline from Hon La Port in the central province of Quang Binh to the central Lao province of Khammouan.

Laos should also propose ways to use Vung Ang Port in the central province of Ha Tinh as a transit place for Lao cargo, he said.

The PM said both countries should share their experiences in managing socio-economic development. He said great potential existed for further bilateral co-operation in the agriculture, fisheries and forestry sectors.  VNS
HA NOI  Tourism enterprises, experts and managers yesterday discussed ways to promote tourism in the northcentral region after the massive fish death crisis that hit the coastal areas in April.

The conference attracted representatives from Thanh Hoa, Ha Tinh, Nghe An, Quang Binh, Quang Tri and Thua Thien-Hue provinces.

Nguyen Van Tuan, head of the National Administration of Tourism (VNAT), officially launched a campaign to revive the tourism industry, which suffered serious loss recently.

The environmental trouble caused major losses for the local economy, including tourism, he said.

People are still afraid of travelling to the central region, as they doubt the safety of seafood and water. Many popular tours have been cancelled.

By the end of this month, the VNAT will organise two familiarisation trips for the media and travel agents from Ha Noi and HCM City to the northcentral region to promote tourism products.

Next month, the VNAT will hold a road-show in Bangkok and Udonthani (Thailand) to introduce the region to the Thai market, which is close and accessible for overland travel.

Le Tran Sang, vice director of the Ha Tinh Department of Culture, Sports and Tourism, suggested that apart from beach tourism, the northcentral region can lure tourists with cultural and spiritual products.

Ha Tinh will promote tours to historical relics, pagodas and ecological sites in the near future, he said.

While we overcome the environmental disaster, we can also still promote local tourism with the rich and diverse traditional culture and cuisine.

Also yesterday, the Institute for Tourism Development Research met with media and tourism agency representatives in the northcentral region.

The tourism potential of the region is very big and we should find a strategy to promote and invest effectively, said Nguyen Anh Tuan, director of the institute.

Solutions include creating specific products that cant be found in other regions, opening new tours, and upgrading the regional ong Hoi Airport. VNS
More than 200 guests from 80 countries representing more than 130 leading news agencies discuss burning issues at the 5th News Agencies World Congress held Baku.  Photo report.az

BAKU, AZERTAC - Traditional and new media are essential to the rule of law, good governance and democracy," UN Secretary General Ban Ki-Moon told participants of the 5th News Agencies World Congress held in Baku.

Vietnam News Agency General Director, Nguyen uc Loi, joined almost 200 guests from 80 countries representing more than 130 leading news agencies to discuss burning issues concerning media, in general, and news agencies, in particular.

President of the News Agencies World Council, CEO of Press Association Clive Marshal, presented the UN leaders message at the conferences closing ceremony. Deputy Director General of UNESCO Getachew Engida read out the UN Secretary-General`s message.

"Freedom of expression and the media are essential to this new global roadmap for people and the planet. News agencies have an extremely important role in disseminating timely, quality information.

Shifts in technology and business models have opened new avenues for freedom of expression around the world. Ever more people are able to access, produce and share information. This exchange of news and ideas, within and across national borders, has tremendous potential for good. On the other hand, the spread of misinformation, especially hate speech, presents grave risks to peace and progress. The news media have a particular responsibility to counter this by promoting tolerance and understanding and presenting the truth fearlessly.

The international community also has a responsibility to support free media and stand firm against forces that threaten inclusive and open societies.

In the past decade, at least 827 journalists have been killed in the line of duty  many, but by no means all, working in conflict zones. It is essential that their safety is preserved and respect for their profession observed. Many more reporters for traditional and new media around the world have been threatened, detained and imprisoned for doing their essential work. Too often, such obstruction occurs with Government acceptance or collusion, and the perpetrators are able to act with impunity."  OANA/VNS
HA NOI  Some 4,200 prisoners are expected to be granted amnesty later this year, a senior police officer said yesterday.

Lieutenant General Nguyen Ngoc Bang, Director General of the Department of Criminal Verdict Implementation and Legal Aid, said the department, which is in charge of the issue, had sent a list of qualified prisoners to cities and provinces police departments for verification.

The department, which operates under the Ministry of Public Security, also asked these police departments to introduce a supporting plan and give advice to local authorities in managing, monitoring and helping pardoned prisoners return to normal life to prevent them from committing crimes again.

The Amnesty Consultative Council will review the list of prisoners for the last time on November 22 and then propose it to the president, who will make the final decision, Lieutenant General Bang said.

Earlier in September, on the occasion of Viet Nam National Day (September 2), nearly 2,100 prisoners were granted amnesty while more than 22,000 others enjoyed reduced sentences.

In 2015, a total of over 18,000 prisoners were granted pardons.

This huge number of pardoned prisoners last year is one of the reasons why the number this year is lower, according to Lieutenant General Bang. In addition, the conditions for receiving a pardon have also been tightened to prevent future crimes, in line with regulations on conditional prisoner pardons in the Penal Code 2015.

Under a decision by President Tran ai Quang in October, prisoners hoping to be pardoned this year include those who have served half of their terms (for those with determinate sentences) or who have served at least 15 years (for those with a life sentence reduced to a determinate sentence). In addition, they must abide by prison regulations and show strong signs of rehabilitation.

For those who have served at least one-third of their sentence, receiving a pardon requires achieving a remarkable feat while serving their sentence in prison, being a war invalid, being a juvenile when the crime was committed or being over 70 years old.  VNS
HA NOI  The United Nations Fund for Children (UNICEF) and Viet Nam Red Cross signed a co-operation agreement to improve drinking water and hygiene for areas suffering severe drought and saltwater intrusion.

The agreement, signed this morning, is worth VN3 billion (US$125,000).

Some 30,000 people including 10,000 students and 15,000 women are expected to benefit from the assistance, which is applicable from now until next February in six provinces of Ben Tre, Binh Thuan, Ninh Thuan and Soc Trang, as well as Kon Tum and Gia Lai.

The assistance programme will focus on strengthening the management of rehabilitation initiatives and building resilience against droughts and saline intrusion in the project areas. It will also help strengthen human resources for community-based disaster risk management and promote communication on clean water and environmental hygiene in schools, families and communities in the area.

Children are among the most vulnerable to the effects of climate change, which carries a potential risk to their health, so UNICEF has provided emergency support in co-operation with the government in response to the drought and salt water intrusion in Viet Nam since August 2016, said Jesper Moller, UNICEF Deputy Representative in Viet Nam.

President of Viet Nam Red Cross Nguyen Thi Xuan Thu said this was the first time UNICEF and the organisation had directly signed an emergency response agreement, even though UNICEF has co-operated with Viet Nams government since 1975.

She said she welcomed this development.

The signing of the co-operation agreement marks an important milestone in providing support to the children affected by the drought and salt water intrusion crisis, maximising the role of both organisations in facilitating an emergency response. UNICEF and the Viet Nam Red Cross will partner to deliver emergency responses across a total of 24 schools and 12 communes over the next four months, in close collaboration with their national partners and local governments.

This partnership has been made possible thanks to the generous support of the government of Japan, which made a $2.5 million contribution to UNICEF for the emergency response to improve the well-being of women and children in the affected areas.  VNS
HA NOI  Environment Ministry inspectors fined Ho Ho Hydropower plant in central provinces of Ha Tinh and Quang Binh for violations in water resource management, a ministry official confirmed yesterday at a press conference.

Head of the ministrys Water Resource Management Department Hoang Van Bay said that the plant was fined over VN115 million (US$5,100) for five violations.

The plant had no annual plan to adjust water from its reservoir, was not reporting on the reservoirs operation and not following regulations on water resource observation.

In October, the plant released water, causing caused intensive flooding in central Ha Tinh and Quang Binh provinces.

According to a Ministry of Industry and Trade report, water was released by the Ho Ho power plant from 5.30pm on October 14 to 2am the next day, with a capacity of 192cu.m. per second, increasing the water level in lowland areas.

Torrential rainfall in these provinces at the same time as the release caused floods and submerged thousands of houses.

The plant, located between Ha Tinh and Quang Binh, was put into operation in 2010. It has power of 14 megawatt and reservoir capacity of 38 million cu.m.  VNS
HA NOI  A wildlife crime reduction project was announced by the US Ambassador to Viet Nam Ted Osius in Ha Noi yesterday.

The US$10 million project was funded by the US Agency for International Development aiming to reduce the impact of wildlife crime on endangered and threatened species.

Implemented from 2016 to 2021, the project is expected to reduce demand for and consumption of wildlife products, improve wildlife law enforcement and harmonise the legal framework for combating wildlife crime in Viet Nam.

The project is part of broader US Government efforts to combat wildlife trafficking which President Obama announced at the ASEAN Summit held in Laos in September.

Viet Nam is a priority country for the US under the Presidential Executive Order and US National Strategy to Combat Wildlife Trafficking.

We are pleased to work alongside the Government of Viet Nam, national conservation groups and local communities to make a real difference in saving endangered and endemic species in the country, Ambassador Osius said, announcing the project during a panel discussion on combating wildlife trafficking held in Ha Noi yesterday.

One of the highlights of the project is the integration of technology in tackling wildlife issues.

It is part of efforts to get the message of combating wildlife trafficking out in a new and different way, a representative from the US Department of State said.

Some of the initial tactics of the project include video collaboration with Vietnamese subtitles and interactive video games and mobile applications on preserving endangered animals.

Global wildlife crime continues to rise rapidly and has reached crisis levels. According to a 2012 report by the World Wild Fund, the illegal wildlife trade is estimated to be worth at least $19 billion a year.

At current rates, experts predict that the worlds most iconic endangered species, including rhinos, elephants, and tigers, will disappear from the planet within the next decade.  VNS
MOSCOW  Russia said on Thursday it had bombed jihadist groups in Syria using cruise missiles launched by strategic bombers deployed from Russian territory.

The defence ministry said its bombers on Thursday "launched cruise missiles against targets of the Islamic State terrorist group and Jabhat al-Nusra", referring to Al-Qaedas former Syrian affiliate, now known as Fateh al-Sham Front.

The cruise missiles were launched from above the Mediterranean Sea, the statement said.

The planes left Russia and covered 11,000km, travelling "over the waters of the northern seas and the eastern Atlantic," the ministry said, without explaining why the planes had taken this flight path.

The ministry added that Sukhoi Su-33 fighter jets -- which took off from Russias Admiral Kuznetsov aircraft carrier deployed in the eastern Mediterranean -- had supported the strikes.

The strikes targeted "terrorist command centres, warehouses with ammunition and weapons", as well as a weapon-making workshop, the ministry said.

The statement did specify where the strikes had been carried out.

Earlier on Thursday, the defence ministry said that at least 30 jihadists in rebel-held Idlib province had been killed in strikes that began on Tuesday from planes dispatched from the Admiral Kuznetsov.

Tuesdays strikes marked the first time the Admiral Kuznetsov -- Russias sole aircraft carrier -- had taken in part in combat.

The Admiral Kuznetsov arrived in the eastern Mediterranean off the Syrian coast as part of a flotilla of ships sent to reinforce Russias military in the area.

The biggest naval deployment of recent years saw the flotilla sail from Russias Arctic waters down through the North Sea and along the Channel.

Russia has been flying a bombing campaign in Syria for the past year in support of its ally President Bashar al-Assad.

Russia says it has halted air strikes on rebel-held eastern Aleppo since October 18 following international condemnation over its ferocious bombardment of the city.  AFP
BAIKONUR, Kazakhstan - A trio of astronauts soared into orbit today bound for the International Space Station, with their Soyuz spacecraft delivering some fancy French food, a saxophone and the future female commander.

NASA veteran Peggy Whitson, French rookie astronaut Thomas Pesquet and Russias Oleg Novitsky blasted off at 2:20am local time today Friday (2020 GMT Thursday) from the Baikonur cosmodrome in Kazakhstan and are expected to dock at the orbital laboratory at the weekend.

Russian space news agency Roscosmos said in a statement that the launch had been "successful" and that the spacecraft would arrive at the ISS on Saturday at 2201 GMT.

The three will carry out ISS Expeditions 50 and 51 and return home after six month, in May 2017.

This mission is Pesquets first space flight, but he is accompanied by veteran astronauts.

The 38-year-old former Air France pilot, who spent seven years training for a trip to space, posted a "LastSelfieOnEarth" photo on the European Space Agencys Facebook page in the hours ahead of launch.

Novitsky, a 45-year-old making his second ISS trip, was born in Belarus and will carry a Belarus flag with him on his second ISS trip, official media there said.

Record-breaking Whitson

Social media was abuzz about the records that the trailblazing Whitson is due to break on her third ISS mission.

The 56-year-old already holds the record for the longest time in space for a woman.

She will take command of the ISS in March 2017, a role she already held back in 2007, becoming the only woman to lead it twice. And she will be the oldest woman ever in space -- turning 57 while still aboard the ISS.

Foie gras in space

In addition to his saxophone, Pesquet is carrying coveted cargo from his home country: a selection of gourmet dishes by world-famous chefs Alain Ducasse and Thierry Marx.

"We will have food prepared by a Michelin-starred chef at the station. We have food for the big feasts: for Christmas, New Years and birthdays. Well have two birthdays, mine and Peggys," the Frenchman said at the astronauts last press conference before the launch.

Highlights include beef tongue with truffled foie gras and duck breast confit.

Whitson said the fancy French food would be a welcome change on the ISS.

"I think the thing that I find the most challenging about space flights is the lack of variety of the food," he said.

But above all she stressed the international cooperation embodied by the space missions. "I think quite the most important thing about it, its the demonstration of what people can do together."

Novitsky agreed.

"The ISS is both a home and a place of work. Its also a place for friendship, for showing to the world that we can work together and have good relationships," he said.

Space travel has been one of the few areas of international cooperation between Russia and the West that has not been crippled by the Ukraine crisis.

Only one way to the ISS

Russia is currently the only country carrying out launches to the International Space Station via its workhorse Soyuz rocket that uses the Baikonur cosmodrome, located on the arid steppes of western Kazakhstan.

The astronauts final preparations late Thursday included the painstaking task of putting on their spacesuits, a two-hour ordeal, before heading to the launchpad.

The launch of the international trio had been postponed by two days and follows in close footsteps a previous launch in October of Russians Andrei Borisenko and Sergei Ryzhikov and American Shane Kimbrough.

That blast-off was pushed back by nearly a month due to technical issues. Technical mishaps have complicated plans to extend the periods during which the ISS is fully staffed with six astronauts.

The space laboratory, where a range of research is carried out, has been orbiting Earth at about 28,000km per hour since 1998.

Pesquet, who is the first French national to be sent by the ESA since 2008, said he still "cant believe" hes headed to the ISS.

"I need to be seated in the cockpit and feel the vibrations of the launch," he said.  AFP
Gamble responsibly tagline set to be scrapped Punters will no longer see the long-standing "gamble responsibly" when placing a bet online, as the Albanese government launches a new campaign to help problem gambling.

Get out of your tents, run! Terrified family detail moment five lions escaped enclosure A young family-of-four staying at Taronga Zoo have revealed they were briefly woken up during their overnight stay at the park before animal keepers rushed in a couple of hours later telling them to ditch their belongings and to run.

Andrews hits back at absolute nonsense reports Premier Daniel Andrews has rejected "absolute nonsense" claims about the repatriation of the wives and children of former Islamic State fighters to Victoria amid the state election campaign.

Melbourne Cup jockey cops massive fine and ban over careless race act Melbourne Cup runner-up jockey Patrick Moloney was fined nearly 40 per cent of his $55,000 earnings from the race after he was scrutinised for "careless riding".
Airstrikes in Aleppo kill more than 20

BEIRUT (AP)  Airstrikes pounded rebel-held eastern Aleppo on Thursday, killing more than 20 people and hitting a water pumping station on the third day of a renewed air campaign on the besieged territory, Syrian activists and rescue workers said.

The Russian military meanwhile said airstrikes in the rebel-held province of Idlib earlier this week killed at least 30 members of an al-Qaida-linked group, including three commanders. The strikes are part of a major Syrian and Russian offensive launched earlier this week on opposition-held areas that has killed dozens of people.

In one area, recuers dug through the rubble for four hours before pulling out a six-year-old child alive. The childs mother was killed in the strikes.

Trump skit brings teacher trouble

SAN ANTONIO (AP)  Two 10th-grade students at a San Antonio high school and their teacher have been reprimanded for the performance of a skit portraying the assassination of President-elect Donald Trump.

The skit, titled The Assassination of Donald Trump, was performed last week at Marshall High School. One of the boys used a gunfire sound effect from a cellphone; the other boy, playing Trump, fell to the ground.

A spokesman for the Northside Independent School District said appropriate action had been taken against the three, and the teacher had apologized.

Feds: Zoo's gorilla barrier was faulty

CINCINNATI (AP)  A barrier separating Cincinnati Zoo visitors from a gorilla exhibit wasnt in compliance with standards when a 3-year-old boy slipped inside, resulting in the shooting death of an endangered gorilla named Harambe, federal inspectors concluded.

A U.S. Department of Agriculture inspection report, obtained Thursday by The Associated Press, also stated the zoos dangerous-animal response team properly followed procedures after visitors called 911 on May 28 to report a child in the gorilla enclosure. A team member concluded the child was in life-threatening danger.

The death of the 17-year-old male western lowland gorilla led to a storm of criticism.

Attack on Iraqi wedding kills 30

FALLUJAH, Iraq (TNS) At least 30 people were killed in a suicide attack in the Iraqi city of Fallujah on Thursday, witnesses and security sources said.

A suicide bomber driving a car laden with explosives blew himself up at a wedding in Amiriyat Al-Fallujah district in Anbar province, the sources said.

Some 45 people were said to have been injured. The death toll could rise due to the number of people seriously hurt in the explosion, the sources said.

The militant group Islamic State issuspected in the attack.

October was warm, but not a record

WASHINGTON (AP)  Federal meteorologists say while last month merely tied for the worlds third-warmest October in history, 2016 is still on track to be the hottest year on record.

The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration has announced the globe averaged 58.4 degrees, which is 1.3 degrees warmer than the 20th-century average but not as warm as Octobers in 2015 and 2014.

From May 2015 to August 2016, Earth set monthly heat records for 16 straight months.

The first 10 months of 2016 have been the hottest year to date. NOAA climate scientist Jessica Blunden said it is likely this year will eclipse 2015 as the hottest year on record.
If the presidential election is the years top news story, a close second may be the various protests that captured our attention.

Why is protest so often considered a way to get attention for a cause? Because it works, say authors Mark Engler and Paul Engler. Earlier this year, they released This is an Uprising: How Nonviolent Revolt is Shaping the 21st Century. 

The book explores the resources and methodologies that make nonviolent protest an effective tool. It is a well-researched and engrossing text that breaks down exactly why public mobilization, demonstrations and civil disobedience can take down corrupt government leaders and bring an end to discrimination.

Many of the critical advances of the last century and a half  the end of slavery, womens suffrage, the restriction of child labor and implementation of workplace safety standards and the outlawing of many forms of discrimination  owe less to the legislative end game that formalized acceptance of these causes and much more to the social movements that put them on the map, write the authors. Likewise, on the international scene, an increasing number of unelected leaders have ceded power not as a result of traditional diplomacy or military maneuvering. Instead, they were ousted through the demands of unarmed mass mobilizations.

A check of the headlines shows multiple active causes demonstrators flock to. Theres climate change, officer-involved shootings of unarmed individuals and displeasure over election results. Demonstrators continue to protest the Dakota Access oil pipeline. More than 10,000 British prison officers participated in a 24-protest earlier this week to push for an end to rising violence in jails. (The government squelched a strike.) In Brazil, demonstrators camped outside parliament this week to demand public workers receive the pay they were promised for their work during the Rio Olympics.

As important as it has proven itself, the strategic application of nonviolent force is poorly understood, the Englers note in their book. Nonviolence is usually regarded as a philosophy or moral code. Much less frequently is it studied as a method of political conflict, disruption and escalation. This is a missed opportunity. If we are perpetually surprised by unarmed uprising, if we decline to incorporate it into our view of how societies progress, then we pass up the chance to understand a critical phenomenon  and to harness its power.

The authors are highly regarded for their work related to social justice. Both graduated from high school in Des Moines and have ties to Waterloo.

Mark Engler, a Philadelphia-based journalist, also authored How to Rule the World: The Coming Battle Over the Global Economy. He is a senior analyst with Foreign Policy in Focus think-tank, a member of the editorial board at Dissent magazine and a contributing editor for Yes! Magazine.

Paul Engler lives in Los Angeles. He is the founding director of the Center for the Working Poor. He also co-founded Momentum Training, which instructs activists in the principles of effective protest. He spent more than a decade working as an organizer in the immigrant rights, global justice and labor movements.

This is an Uprising is available from most major booksellers. For more information on the book, go to DemocracyUprising.org
CHARLES CITY  New vehicles didnt make it to their destination Wednesday.

Charles City police said a crash at South Grand Avenue and Highway 218 happened when a semi tractor trailer carrying new vehicles struck the underside of the bridge over South Grand.

The 2016 Western Star semi was driven by Tyler Lau, 30, of Colton, S.D. There was more than $70,000 damage done to two new vehicles on the trailer along with slight damage done to the trailer.

Police said Lau had off-loaded vehicles in Charles City and never lowered the trailer wing back down. The Iowa Department of Transportation was notified and checked the bridge. Officers were on scene for more than two hours assisting with traffic control while it was cleaned up.

Man enters plea

for sludge dump

NEW HAMPTON  A Sumner man has pleaded guilty to charges he dumped sludge from the citys treatment plant.

Details werent available, but Donald James Warnke, age unavailable, pleaded guilty to a single count of unlawful disposal of sewage sludge from a publicly owned treatment works Wednesday in U.S. District Court in Cedar Rapids.

He remains free pending sentencing, which will be at a later date. Under the conditions of his release, he is prohibited from hauling sludge.

An information filed by the U.S. Attorneys Office for the Northern District of Iowa alleges Warnke disposed of sewage sludge from the City of New Hamptons Wastewater Treatment Plant in a manner that wasnt consistent with regulations June 19, 2015.

Man is indicted

on meth charge

WATERLOO  A federal grand jury has indicted a Waterloo man on a methamphetamine charge.

The indictment was filed Tuesday, charging Aldreias Jerome Campbell, 41, with one count of conspiracy to distribute meth.

He appeared in U.S. District Court in Cedar Rapids on Wednesday and pleaded not guilty.

Court records allege Campbell and others agreed to distribute more than 50 grams of meth between October 2015 and the spring of 2016.

Officers with the Tri-County Drug Enforcement Task Force received a tip about meth sales and searched a home at 936 Kern St. on April 21. They found more than 40 grams of meth on top of an air duct, a digital scale and other items in a basement where Campbell was staying. Officers also found a 1,000 mg bottle of MSM, which is an over-the-counter substance used to cut meth, according to court records.

Campbell was arrested on state meth charges Nov. 8 in connection with the April search, court records state.

Waterloo homes

hit by gunfire

WATERLOO  Two Waterloo homes were hit by bullets Wednesday in separate reports of gunfire.

No injuries were reported in either case.

According to police, neighbors called 911 around 8:45 p.m. Wednesday after hearing gunfire. Officers found one bullet entered a window of 435 Dawson St. while people, including children, were inside. Another bullet struck the porch.

Officers recovered one bullet at the scene.

Earlier in the day, around 1:13 p.m., residents called police after seeing a person on foot firing a number of shots into an alley in the 1100 block of Columbia Street. One bullet struck the south side of a home at 1122 Columbia St., according to police.

Officer found several spent shell casings in the area.

Man with bombs

to face charge

GLADBROOK  A federal grand jury has handed up an indictment against a Gladbrook man who was allegedly found with pipe bombs in June.

The grand jury returned an indictment charging Carl Arthur Linden Jr., 55, with one count of possession of an unregistered destructive device Tuesday in U.S. District Court in Cedar Rapids. Arraignment is set for next week.

The case stems from a June 21 incident where Tama County sheriffs deputies were investigating allegations that Linden had shot two parked vehicles in Gladbrook with a pellet gun. Court records indicate he shot about nine times at one vehicle and a dozen at the other.

When deputies searched his home, they found pipe bombs in the basement along with containers for black powder and camp fuel, court records state. A pipe also was found in a glove box of a vehicle parked on the property.

The bombs had fuses attached, according to court records.

Court records describe the devices as four improvised explosive bombs and one improvised incendiary bomb. None of the bombs were registered in the National Firearms Registration and Transfer Record.

The house was evacuated, and bomb technicians with the Iowa State Fire Marshals Office were called to the scene.

Linden was arrested on state charges of possession of explosive materials, possession of marijuana and two counts of second-degree criminal mischief shortly after the search.

Bar burglary

is reported

WATERLOO  Police are investigating a break-in at a Waterloo bar.

Employees at Fusion Bar, 1915 Bourland Ave., called police Wednesday morning after discovering the burglary.

According to police, the burglar entered the business after breaking a window and then damaged four amusement machines and removed cash.

No arrests have been made.
WATERLOO  The South Waterloo Church of the Brethren and the Hammond Avenue Brethren will celebrate their 160th anniversary Sunday with a joint worship service at the South Waterloo Church. The celebration will begin with a worship service at 10 a.m. The Rev. David Whitten from South Waterloo will deliver the morning message, and the Rev. Larry McKinney from the Hammond Avenue Brethren will be the worship leader.

Merlin Harbaugh from South Waterloo and Jack Meyers from Hammond Avenue will share their reflections of their congregation.

To celebrate their 160 years of witnessing to the community and world, the congregations will assemble baskets to be shared with the local police, firefighters, hospice house and Orange School.

The worship service will be followed by a potluck in the Family Life Center. All former members and friends of the congregations are welcome to attend.

For more information, call 232-3125.
WATERLOO  Judge Kellyann Lekar handed out a cold ruling to the parents of 14-year-old C.J. Rich in District Court pn midday Friday.

"I have a rule in my courtroom, and that's anyone who gets adopted has to have ice cream by the end of the day," Judge Lekar said.

Darrel Rich, who was in the courtroom with wife Julie Rich to officially adopt C.J., said he intended to follow the order.

"We're going to Culver's after this, so yeah," Rich, said, but then reconsidered his confidence.

"It's custard  I hope we don't get arrested," he joked.

C.J., who has been living in the Rich home in Manchester for about four years, joins a large family. He's now the oldest sibling by about a week and-a-half.

"I don't really mind," said Isaiah Rich, 14, of losing his oldest status.

C.J. was one of 24 children adopted into 15 families at the Black Hawk County Courthouse on Friday. Lekar was joined by two other judges donating their time to make the adoptions final with courtroom proceedings.

This is the fifth year Iowa KidsNet through Four Oaks has organized the event. The organization recruits, trains and licenses foster and adoptive families in Iowa. Families from Buchanan, Bremer and Fayette counties attended the event.

The Rich family has adopted before  bringing siblings, Jenna, 11, and James, 6, into their family five years ago.

Jenna agreed with Rich and Julie there was room for one more.

"I think we get along pretty well," she said.

Faith Rich, 11, agreed.

The process took a bit longer in part because the family has so many members, Darrel Rich said.

"Whenever you add more to a family of this size, there's a lot to consider," he said.

That didn't deter them from adding C.J. to their fold.

"Once we decided, we knew it was the right thing to do," he said.

Families willing to adopt more than one child or adopt siblings are helping children who need it most, said Iowa KidsNet officials.

"The best ending for a child is to stay with their siblings if they can't stay with their parents," said Christa Hefel.

Hefel said Iowa needs more families willing to foster and adopt.

"All it takes is love, consistency and support," she said.
ROCK ISLAND, Ill.  A former Deere & Co. employee admitted Thursday he defrauded the company out of at least $250,000 over nine years.

Harvey Ulfers, 63, of Cedar Falls, pleaded guilty in U.S. District Court in Rock Island, Ill., to three counts of wire fraud and several counts of money laundering.

He faces up to 150 years in prison when he is sentenced March 23, U.S. District Court Judge Sara Darrow said.

However, he more likely will receive a sentence of between 21 to 27 months in prison based on federal sentencing guidelines, according to defense attorneys.

Ulfers will remain free on bond pending sentencing.

A federal grand jury indicted him in March.

Co-defendant Patrick W. Williams, 46, also of Cedar Falls, pleaded guilty to a single charge of money laundering conspiracy in April. He will be sentenced Dec. 1.

According to court documents in Ulfers case:

Around 2004, Williams and a second person who has not been identified were partners in FS Industrial Services in Janesville, which brokered scrap sales for individuals.

Williams also was an employee of Alter Metal Recycling in Waterloo and oversaw purchases of nonferrous scrap metals.

Ulfers used his position as a purchasing supervisor at Deeres Waterloo Foundry to create and approve fraudulent internal documents that allowed significantly undervalued scrap metal to leave the facility.

Ulfers, Williams and the third person conspired to launder the proceeds of the fraud through FS Industrial. The false documents created by Ulfers made it appear the recipient of the scrap material was FS Industrial and scrap metal shipments directed to the company were generally routed to Alter.

Alter sorted, weighed and issued a check to FS Industrial for the value of the scrap metal. The actual value of the scrap metal and the payment checks issued to the company far exceeded the values contained in the documents Ulfers created.

Williams obtained payments to FS Industrial from Alter, who was not aware of his involvement with the company related to the Deere scrap metal.

He then gave the check to the third person who deposited it into FS Industrials credit union account. He also directed the person to obtain specific amounts of cash from each deposit to provide to Ulfers.

The third person also issued checks drawn on the companys credit union account to Deere corresponding to the false documents, according to court documents and prosecutors.

Prosecutors say Williams and Ulfers defrauded Deere, headquartered in Moline, Ill. of at least $250,000 between 2007 and January 2013.
GLADBROOK  A federal grand jury has handed up an indictment against a Gladbrook man who was allegedly found with pipe bombs in June.

The grand jury returned an indictment charging Carl Arthur Linden Jr., 55, with one count of possession of an unregistered destructive device on Tuesday in U.S. District Court in Cedar Rapids. Arraignment is set for next week.

The case stems from a June 21 incident where Tama County sheriffs deputies were investigating allegations that Linden had shot two parked vehicles in Gladbrook with a pellet gun. Court records indicate he shot about nine times at one vehicle and a dozen at the other.

When deputies searched his home, they found pipe bombs in the basement along with containers for black powder and camp fuel, court record state. A pipe was also found in a glove box of a vehicle parked on the property.

The bombs had fuses attached, according to court records.

Court records describe the devices as four improvised explosive bombs and one improvised incendiary bomb. None of the bombs were registered in the National Firearms Registration and Transfer Record.

The house was evacuated, and bomb technicians with the Iowa State Fire Marshals Office were called to the scene.

Linden was arrested on state charges of possession of explosive materials, possession of marijuana and two counts of second-degree criminal mischief shortly after the search.
WATERLOO  Two Waterloo teens face federal weapons charges in connection with shootings earlier this year.

Waterloo police arrested Jamonse Jaquan Moore, 19, Thursday on a warrant. He appeared in U.S. District Court in Cedar Rapids on Friday, and federal marshals arrested Zavyon Brian Nix, 19, when he showed up to attend Moores proceeding, authorities said.

Both are charged with possession of firearms as a drug user, and they were detained pending further hearings.

Court records allege Moores thumbprint was tied to a pistol found in 2015, and Moore is also accused of waving another gun during an October assault.

Waterloo police recovered the first handgun, a .40-caliber Glock Model 22, following a Sept. 15, 2015, shooting in the 1000 block of Ackermant Street. Several neighbors and a school bus driver called 911 after hearing shots at about 3:55 p.m., and officers found one home, several garages and a shed had been hit by bullets. No injuries were reported.

Investigators also found numerous spent shell casings, bullet fragments and the Glock with an empty 22-round magazine.

Criminalists with the Iowa Division of Criminal Investigation found Moores thumbprint on the magazine, and ballistics tests linked the gun to the spent casings at the Ackermant scene as well as two Chicago-area gunfire cases, court records state.

The Glocks serial number had also been removed, court records state.

No arrests were made in the shooting.

Then on Oct. 8, Waterloo police were called to a fight at 3320 W. Fourth St. around 10:20 a.m. and found a man bleeding from the head. Moore and others were found nearby in a Chevrolet Trailblazer with two semi-automatic handguns, a bag of marijuana and a bag of crack cocaine. One of the weapons had been reported stolen from 319 Newell St. in September, police said.

Moore was arrested for assault while displaying a weapon for allegedly throwing an xBox at the victims head and displaying a firearm while others had chased the victim, court records state. A test of Moores urine was positive for marijuana, records state.

Nix was arrested on misdemeanor disorderly conduct charges in connection with the West Fourth Street incident, according to court records.

Nixs federal charge stems from a .22-caliber Sentinel Deluxe revolver police seized this summer.

Officers were called to gunshots in the 400 block of Reed Street at about 10 p.m. July 24 and found Nix and others in the front yard of 427 Cutler St. They also found the loaded revolver next to stairs to the house.

Nix denied ownership of the weapon, but investigators searched his phone and found numerous photos of Nix holding and pointing a weapon that appeared consistent with the revolver, court records state. His urine later tested positive for marijuana, records state.
WATERLOO  A spur of the moment thing led James Whitmer to run as the 1st District presidential elector.

He says he won out against his competition because hes a ham.

But that doesnt mean he doesnt take the job seriously. Hes one of 538 people across the country who will officially cast Electoral College ballots to choose the president Dec. 19.

Its been incredibly cool. Im incredibly honored by this. Theres 300 million people in the United States; 538 people elect the president. It is an awesome responsibility, and I never dreamed that Id be able to do this, said Whitmer, 51, a lifelong Waterloo resident.

He didnt anticipate when he signed up for the gig in April what a divisive election the 2016 presidential contest would be and therefore didnt anticipate a barrage of contacts in the past week encouraging him to vote against Republican President-elect Donald Trump.

Whitmer also is not alone in receiving such requests. Iowas 2nd District presidential elector, Dylan Keller, a graduate student at University of Northern Iowa who hails from Donnellson, also has been contacted.

In a single day, Keller received more than 1,000 emails requesting he change his vote.

Definitely did not expect this kind of movement when I first offered my name for elector, he said.

But Keller has tried to find some humor in the copy and paste requests.

It is funny when it is supposed to be personalized but they use the wrong name, he said. Some of the other electors across the country have replied all to these messages. Their comments are funny, and its creating a unified group fighting against these suggestions.

While the messages have not been threatening  or swayed either Keller or Whitmer  the comments have been constant in the past three or four days as groups have organized to pressure presidential electors. One petition amassed 4.3 million signatures to request the Electoral College change its vote to Democrat Hillary Clinton  who is expected to win the popular vote.

Keller has gotten mostly form emails, but most of Whitmers contacts have come through his public Facebook account for his private investigation company, James F. Whitmer Private Investigations.

Most of them are women that are just for some reason terrified of what Donald Trump is going to do to them, and again, a lot of them are people of color and LGBT people, and they are just concerned that he is going to  I dont know what theyre concerned hes going to do. I dont know what he could do as president, Whitmer said.

Groups like the Southern Poverty Law Center that track hateful harassment and intimidation have said there has been an increase in such incidents since the Nov. 8 election  as many as 300 across the country. There also have been a handful of reports of attacks against Trump supporters.

Fears about President-elect Trump are evident in some of the messages to Whitmer and Keller.

As I write this, there are millions of people, not only in our country but around the world who are terrified. I am terrified, reads an email to Keller. It references concerns about a deportation police and whether marriage equality will remain the law.

Whitmers Facebook page has received similar messages, but they tend to be more personal.

Even if there is a fine (for voting against Trump), I will pay it for you, I promise! begins one note to Whitmer. Clinton won the popular vote by more than a million votes.  If you do not vote for her you are subjecting us to a person who is irrational, hot-headed, inexperienced, has criminal investigations pending, has run many, many, many small businesses out of the ground [sic], and has failed to even pay his most recent policy makers.

Whitmer initially responded to many of the messages with a polite but firm rebuttal. Then he wrote a short explainer about why he will not switch his vote.

People are ordering me not to vote for Trump, many with threatening undertones. I am tired of responding to each one individually, so hopefully they will read this. I WILL vote for Trump. He is not my first choice, but I will not be a Faithless Elector. If you think I will be intimidated by your messages ... you dont understand who I am, Whitmer wrote.

Whitmer and Keller, both long-time Republicans, neither of them had Trump as their first choice. In fact, Whitmer acknowledges Trump would have been his last choice among Republicans, though still superior to Clinton.

When electors were picked Trump had yet to secure the partys nomination. But neither man will change his vote.

My electoral vote is in no way for Trump  the man  but for the Republican Partys nominee that so happens to be Donald Trump, Keller said.
EVANSDALE  Mayor Doug Faas is hearing state and federal wastewater regulators footsteps.

City Council member and former mayor Ron Nichols isnt, and says the city shouldnt make citizens pay now for a rainy day that may not come.

The Evansdale City Council this week approved the third reading of an ordinance raising sanitary sewer fees by $5 a month, from $15.50 to $20.50. The citys 2,100 sewer customers, in a community of 5,000 people, are billed quarterly.

Council members approved the increase, supported by the mayor, on a 3-2 vote, with Nichols voting no.

Faas said the increase is necessary in anticipation of state and federal regulatory wastewater treatment system mandates coming down the line that Evansdale either build new or possibly hook into Waterloo system. Were having initial conversations with them right now.

The city should build a reserve in anticipation of that work, Faas said. Weve got $300,000. Really we should have closer to $3 million, which would allow the city to finance work without tapping into its limited general obligation bonding capacity.

Building a new wastewater treatment facility is roughly estimated to cost $8 million to $12 million, Faas said, while connecting with Waterloo may cost $3 million to $5 million, including improvements to Evansdales system of lift stations. Evansdale lies just across the Cedar River from Waterloos wastewater treatment plant on Easton Avenue.

The improvements are anticipated due to similar treatment improvement mandates, in place or pending, on Waterloo and other communities.

Nichols wasnt buying that argument.

All this is, is building a fund for what might be a cost later, Nichols said. Im not one to save for something that might happen. It might never happen. If it does, he suggested, the reserve wont be enough and the city will have to bond for it anyway.

Meanwhile he said, that reserve is being built at the expense of citizens, including many elderly who may not be around long enough to see the benefits of any improvements, if mandated.

They need their money now, Nichols said.

He also noted the upcoming change in administration in Washington under President-elect Donald Trump could affect any pending or future mandates.

Asked whether future increases will be needed, Faas said the council decided to determine that a year at a time.

Cedar Falls council members this past spring approved an ordinance increasing sanitary sewer rates by 9 percent a year over the next three years to pay for several capital projects.

Waterloo officials had anticipated sewer rates might need to increase more than 5 percent a year to make sewer system improvements required under a consent decree the Waterloo council signed Oct. 26, 2015, with the EPA, Iowa Department of Natural Resources and U.S. Department of Justice to settle alleged violations of the federal Clean Water Act. However, city officials said earlier this year a 15 percent increase adopted in 2015 was adequate to meet current debt payments and sewer operations.
WATERLOO  The Rev. Dr. Tom Tewell will preach at First Presbyterian Church during the 10 a.m. worship service on Sunday.

Tewell has been an ordained pastor for 40 years and has served numerous congregations, including the 3,500-member Fifth Avenue Presbyterian Church in New York City. He has been invited to speak at conferences and in congregations all over America and has taught seminars on preaching and leadership at numerous locations.

The recipient of several awards for his preaching and social ministry, his sermons have been published in Christian Century, Christianity Today and many clergy journals.

WATERLOO  The Eastside Ministerial Alliance is announcing a Thanksgiving eve service.

The Rev. Helen Seenster and the congregation of Koinonia Ministries Full Gospel Church will host the annual Thanksgiving Eve worship at 7 p.m. Nov. 23. The Rev. Tom Flint, pastor of Payne Memorial African Methodist Episcopal Church, will be the guest speaker.

Koinonia is located at 2222 Falls Ave. All are welcome.

NEW HARTFORD  Cathy Hoffert and Becky Gage of Cresco and Dave Merry of Waterloo will perform at the monthly gospel concert at New Hartfords community center Nov. 29.

The concert begins at 7 p.m. and is free and open to the public. Refreshments will be served afterward.

WATERLOO  The 21st annual Interfaith Thanksgiving Service will be held at 7 p.m. Tuesday, hosted by Westminster Presbyterian Church.

The event is sponsored by eight area faith communities and has been a tradition of Thanksgiving week for more than 20 years. This years recipient of the offering will be the House of Hope.

A reception will follow the service. Everyone is invited.

Congregations participating include Central Christian Church, Kimball Avenue United Methodist Church, Sons of Jacob Synagogue, St. Edward Catholic Church, Trinity Episcopal Church, Westminster Presbyterian Church and Zion Evangelical Lutheran Church.

CLERMONT  The annual Montauk Christmas Open House will be from 1 to 4 p.m. Dec. 4.

People can catch a ride in a horse-drawn wagon to Montauks front door. The home will be decorated by organizations and community members.

There will be a vocal performance by Olivia White and Kathy Havenstrite, piano students will entertain guests as they play the 1915 Mason and Hamlin piano and refreshments will be served throughout the afternoon.

There will be a traditional Vespers Service at the Union Sunday School beginning at 4:30 p.m. The congregation will help decorate the community Christmas tree and join in singing traditional hymns accompanied by the historic Kimball pipe organ.

There is no admission charge, and everyone is welcome.
When Donald Trump said last week he will double the American growth rate, his skeptics scoffed. The left doesnt think 4 percent growth is possible because they never came close to that target under Barack Obama.

But theres no law of nature or economics that says America is doomed to anemic growth rates. We believe with the right policy fixes, fast growth is not just possible, its probable.

In the 1980s, the Reagan agenda had quarterly growth rates of 6, 7 and even 8 percent. Over the course of his administration, the nation created about 2 million jobs per year. Now, thats a recovery. And Trump is right, if India and China can grow at 8 to 10 percent, surely we can aspire to half that growth rate.

Faster growth of the economy is imperative if America is to retain our world super-power status  especially given the new rivalry of fast-growing China. This requires the new Trump plan, which will take American competitiveness seriously.

Heres how Trump will ramp up growth.

First, Trump will enact the biggest pro-growth tax cut since Ronald Reagans 1981 reform. Trump will simplify the tax code and significantly reduce marginal rates, encouraging investment and economic expansion. His proposed corporate tax rate of 15 percent would make it easier for American firms to repatriate earnings, bringing capital back to these shores.

The House tax bill is similar to Trumps. We can get this through Congress in the first 150 days.

The Tax Foundation says this will add about $150 billion in higher output.

Next, a pro-growth energy policy would develop all of Americas abundant resources  oil, natural gas and coal. Trumps plan could make America the worlds No. 1 energy producer within five years, producing millions of new jobs and trillions of dollars of extra output  along with new royalty payments to the government. And we will not waste hundreds of billions of dollars subsidizing solar panels. Sorry, Elon Musk.

Even former Bill Clinton campaign manager Jim Carville admitted Tuesday night Obamacare is Obama-gone. Its the fastest-growing entitlement program of all, and it will be replaced with a consumer-choice health plan. This will cut costs for families and businesses by as much as 30 percent.

On the regulatory front, Trump wants to immediately repeal dozens of President Obamas anti-business executive orders. At the top of the stack headed for the dustbin is the Clean Power Plan law that has put tens of thousands of our coal miners out of work.

I am for free trade and dont always agree with Trump on this issue. But he understands the U.S. needs trade, and he himself said: I am not an isolationist.

Trump wants to negotiate from a position of strength with countries that steal Americans intellectual property or compel companies to disclose trade secrets as a condition of entering their markets. Negotiating better trade deals and enforcing the current ones would increase jobs in export industries such as agriculture and technology.

Trump also will bring an America-first, pro-business approach to economic policy. Having someone in the White House who knows how to run a business and meet a payroll has to be a psychological lift for this battered and bruised economy.

The Democrats and their gang of pundits assure us 4 percent growth cannot and will not happen under President-elect Trump. But lets not forget: These are the same geniuses who have assured us for the last year there never would be a President Trump. Wrong again.
Ballot proposal asks Kentucky voters whether there's a right to an abortion
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For the third consecutive year, Bloomberg Businessweek named Willamette MBA a Best Business School. Willamettes is the top-listed program in Oregon, one of only three in the Northwest and ranked 76 overall. Other schools include the University of Washington, Stanford, Harvard, UCLA and UC Berkeley.

The Businessweek rankings are based on a number of elements, including student satisfaction, alumni success, employer feedback and faculty expertise. More than 13,000 current students, 18,000 alumni and 1,460 recruiters completed the survey nationwide.

Were delighted to be listed among an impressive group of peer institutions, said Debra Ringold, dean and JELD-WEN Professor of Free Enterprise. Its validation for the great work of our faculty and staff in preparing our students and alumni for satisfying careers and successful futures.

The Willamette MBA program is one of only two MBA programs in the world to hold dual accreditation for business and public administration. The program was also ranked as a top tier MBA program by Forbes, Poets & Quants and CEO magazine.
Before we get started Id like to congratulate the Whiskey Jack on becoming the National Bird of Canada! The Gray Jay (once also, and perhaps again, known as the Canada Jay) inspired this feature, so I owe it a deep debt of gratitude. Now on with the show

I always sort of assumed that the Crissal Thrasher was named for a Mr. Crissal, a long-dead ornithologist, perhaps a buddy or a rival of Mr. Bendire or Mr. LeConte. After all, when bird names seem random, the blame is often to be placed on the nepotism or self-aggrandizement of the ornithologists of yore.

But not always!

Sometimes the blame is on ornithologists having no imagination at all. According to Bent, the Crissal Thrasher was once known as the red-vented thrasher, a name from the Yellow-rumped Warbler school of nomenclature and perhaps even more embarrassing. Crissal, derived from the Latin crissum for the feathers of the area around the cloacal opening, is simply a veil of classical learning thrown over the fact that this is a bird named after the patch of bright(ish) color on its lower behind. A hypothetical Mr. Crissal would never have become an ornithologist in the 1800s, as he would have been teased mercilessly from his first day in Bird School.

What about the thrasher part though? Surely this returns some dignity to the poor bird, suggesting a pugnacious spirit honed by life in its desert habitat? Alas, no. The all-knowing Wikipedia suggests that the name comes from the sound the eastern Brown Thrasher makes while flailing through the underbrush for food, but of course every non-obvious bird name has at some point been linked to the sound the bird makes. Ray Reedman attributes it instead to the long-way-round evolution of the Latin turdus into the English thrush by way of pre-Germanic languages and the British folk-name throstle for the Mistle Thrush. Given the Brown Thrashers spotted belly and ground-dwelling habits its not hard to see how early European colonizers may have lumped it in with the thrushes, its true taxonomy aside.

So, for the unfortunate Red-butted Thrush, Crissal Thrasher is a step up in the naming world after all.

Feature image by John J. Mosesso, NBII.
The $10 million acquisition is expected to close early next year and will substantially expand the port.



The Port of Wilmington, Del. is spending $10 million to acquire a 114-acre site from Chemours Company in Edgemoor, Del., about three miles north of its existing terminals.

The acquisition is expected to close early next year and will substantially expand the port, which today, has a 308-acre site at the confluence of the Delaware and Christina rivers.

The new Chemours tract is on Hay Road. Located on the Delaware River and served by rail, the tract could potentially be used as a container terminal.

The Army Corps of Engineers is about 80 percent through the process of deepening the ship channel from the mouth of the Delaware River all the way to the Benjamin Franklin Bridge in Philadelphia from 40 to 45 feet. Ed Voigt, a spokesman in the Army Corps office in Philadelphia, said the dredging project is expected to be completed by the end of next year.

Im excited by the potential for the port to use this site to better connect Delaware with the rest of the nation and the global economy said Gov. Jack Markell.

The current port is near capacity, and with larger ships coming up the East Coast, we need this space to compete for their business, said U.S. Rep. John Carney, who was elected earlier this month to succeed Markell as governor. He said the agreement is a step toward strengthening the Port of Wilmington and creating more jobs.

The port is owned and operated by the Diamond State Port Corporation (DSPC), a corporation of the State of Delaware.

Todays announcement is great news for Delawares economy, Carney said. The Port of Wilmington has been a source of good-paying, middle class jobs for thousands of Delawareans and their families.

Chemours, which was spunoff from Dupont last July, announced closure of the 114-acre Edgemoor manufacturing operation a month later. It had 200 employees and about 130 contract employees, according to a report in the Wilmington News Journal. The plant made a titanium dioxide slurry used in the manufacture of coated paper. The plant was disassembled and decommissioning was completed in March of this year. A few buildings that might be useful to a new tenant, such as offices, remain. In recent years, Chemours had received ore through the Port of Wilmington, which was then trucked to its plant in Edgemoor.

This spring, the DSPC released a strategic plan that concluded that expansion is vital to the ports long-term survival. It also detailed the taxpayer cost of maintaining the current facility at $300 million over the next 20 years, just to maintain existing businesses and their anticipated growth. The plan provided several scenarios for long term growth, which the port board endorsed, including the development of the Chemours site at Edgemoor.

While this purchase does not guarantee that a new port facility will be built at Edgemoor, it does give us a valuable option to market to potential investors, said Secretary of State Jeffrey Bullock, the chairman of the DSPC. The Edgemoor site will be marketed with Riveredge, located south of the Delaware Memorial Bridge, as DSPCs two primary options for expansion. We are hopeful, of course, that in time, both will be developed.

William Ashe Jr., vice president of the International Longshoremens Association, said, The purchase of this property will provide the additional space required to support our existing customers and allow for increased work for our membership.
Nov 18, 2016 | By Tess

Zhuhai CTC Electronic, Chinas leading 3D printer manufacturer, recently announced that it plans to produce an annual output of 500 industrial 3D printers. The announcement was made at Chinas intelligent equipment exhibition, recently held in the southeastern city of Wuhu, where CTC was exhibiting its industrial Riverbase 500 3D printer.

According to the company, its new light-curing 3D printer, which comes with a price tag of 500,000 RMB ($72,622 USD), gained much attention at the additive manufacturing event. The Riverbase 500 3D printer, released in September 2016, marks CTCs turn away from the desktop 3D printer market towards the increasingly dominant industrial 3D printer marketa move which has been made by other top 3D printing companies like Stratasys and 3D Systems.

As part of the companys expansion, CTC has moved part of its operations to a base in Wuhu, which will allow it to increase its overall 3D printer production. According to He Siyi, CTCs Electronic PR Manager, the expansion will allow the company to reach a capacity of 40 units per month, which will in turn allow it to fill backlog orders within a two-month period.

Overall, the company plans to reach sales of 500 units per year of its industrial SLA 3D printer. Most of the orders are expected from within Chinas domestic prototyping market. As He Siyi explained, Factories in the Pearl River Delta area basically all use SLA 3D printers to replace traditional CNC processes. In this vertical segment of the industrial revolution, 3D printings rapid growth of demand is beyond our expectations.

The Riverbase 500, a highly accurate SLA 3D printer, is Zhuhai CTC Electronics flagship product. The industrial additive manufacturing system features a build area of up to 500 mm x 4000 mm x 300 mm, and is compatible with photosensitive resin from a number of vendors. The 3D printer is also equipped with the RiverOS 1.0 operating system, which features point scanning and a number of other useful tools.

As Chinas leading 3D printer manufacturer, Zhuhai CTC Electronic currently holds about 10% of the desktop 3D printer market share. With its new Riverbase 500, the company is hoping to make as much of an impact within the industrial 3D printer market. According to CTC, it has even received a significant order of 30 units from a British company, bringing it onto the international scene.

Posted in 3D Printer Company

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Nov 18, 2016

French oil major Total SA and Amsterdam-listed Corbion NV, the Dutch company that provides bio-based lactic acid, lactic acid derivatives and lactides, are joining forces to produce and market polylactic acid (PLA)  a bioplastic polymers. The two partners plan to build a PLA factory with an annual capacity of 75,000 tons at Corbions existing site in Thailand, where Corbion already has a production site which will become part of the joint venture.

Total and Corbion will each own 50% of the new company that will be based in the Netherlands. The new firm will start operations in the first quarter of 2017.

PLA is a renewable polymer which is used in the food packaging industry, but also in oil and gas, electronics, 3D printing and automotive industries. Im very pleased with this joint venture, which aims to become a major player in the growing bioplastics market," said Bernard Pinatel, President of Total Refining & Chemicals. "This investment is consistent with our One Total ambition of expanding in biofuels and bioplastics, in addition to our more traditional oil- and gas-based products. Corbions unique position in the lactic acid and biopolymers value chain makes it a natural choice for Total. The joint venture will allow us to supply an innovative material that is 100% renewable and biodegradable and that responds to sustainability concerns.



Tjerk de Ruiter, CEO of Corbion, stated: PLA is one of the first renewable, biodegradable polymers able to compete with existing polymers. The joint venture, which will combine Totals technical and marketing knowledge and leading position in polymers with Corbions expertise in lactic acid and biopolymers, will enable us to supply innovative products and will accelerate market acceptance.



PLA is a fast-growing polymer market segment, with an estimated average annual growth rate of 10 to 15 percent to 2025.

Posted in 3D Printing Materials

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Davidema03 wrote at 12/7/2016 10:32:53 AM:can i have you name for a MLA7 citation please?




Mark and Christie met as undergraduates at UC Berkeley, live in Cow Hollow, and showcased their love for the Bay Area with a SF-centric wedding.



Their nuptials featured soft purple and pink colors and lots of colorful lighting including a large Christmas tree in the James Leary Flood Mansion. The bride looked beautiful in a lace gown by Jin Wang with sparkling bow-shaped earrings. The groom and his party looked dapper in their suits - with engraved flasks secretly stashed in every man's pocket. The couple made sure to snap shots at all of the city's most iconic locales.





A Google bus whisked the bridal party to the reception, which featured a white-themed candy bar as well as a classic wedding cake. As the night went on, Larry Lynch and the Mob brought the house down and the newlyweds danced the night away before heading off on their island honeymoon to Bora Bora.













Photographer:Clane Gessel Photography

Ceremony Venue: St. Vincent de Paul Church

Reception Venue: The James Leary Flood Mansion

Wedding Consultant: Fiori di Miele

Bride's Dress: Jin Wang

Bride's Jewelry: Penny Preville

Bride's Shoes: Kate Spade

Hair & Makeup:Skyla Arts

Florist, Linens, Rentals: McCalls

Invitations & Stationary: Letter Perfect

Caterer: McCalls Catering

Cake: Cake Expressions

Candy Bar: Fiori di Miele

Entertainment: Larry Lynch and the Mob

Lighting:Everything Audio Visual

Transportation: Google Bus
Registered voters ages 25 and older in Connecticut are grounded in their communities. In fact, for most (78%), young and old alike, remaining in their community for as long as possible is important with nearly half (46%) saying it is very important to them. Connecticut communities have a lot to offer residents but some lack important features.

Key findings include the following:

At least half of millennial voters say they are not at all likely to leave their community (60%) or the state (56%).





More Boomers and Millennials than GenXers have lived in their community over 20 years.





Good job opportunities are very important to most voters (78%), but over half (55%) indicate good job opportunities are needed in their community.





Dependable public transportation/well-designed and maintained streets are very important to half or more of all respondents but in need by over a quarter of all respondents.





Affordable housing and housing options for the disabled are very important to over three in five respondents yet over one-quarter indicate a community need for affordable housing and housing options for the disabled.

The AARP 2016 Connecticut Survey: Opinions on Livable Communities and Caregiving was conducted as a telephone survey among Connecticut registered voters age 25+ on issues relating to their Community, Transportation, Employment and Work, and Family Caregiving. The interviews were conducted in English by Precision Opinion from March 23rd to April 6th, 2016. For more information contact Jennifer Sauer at JSauer@aarp.org.
JamesYetMingAu-Photography/iStock/Thinkstock(NEW YORK) -- Mayors and police chiefs in some major cities across the United States are speaking out publicly against President-elect Donald Trumps proposed immigration policies.



On the campaign trail, Trump said he was going to create a "deportation force" and build a "beautiful" wall along the U.S.-Mexico border -- and get Mexico to pay for it.



In his first television interview as president-elect with CBS "60 Minutes," Trump said that once he takes office, he plans to immediately deport approximately 2 to 3 million undocumented immigrants.



Twenty-one petitions have been posted on Change.org since Election Day demanding that cities, universities or states provide sanctuary to undocumented people.



Many of the cities that are pushing back have Democratic leadership and are already so-called "sanctuary cities," which generally means that they have in place some type of policy that discourages full cooperation with federal immigration authorities, according to The Associated Press.



More people were deported under President Barack Obama than any previous administration, and for years, many local governments balked at the administration's deportation efforts.



In summer of 2015, Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) implemented a new program to try to establish a better working relationship with local law enforcement. In cities that participate in the program, ICE will request to transfer certain convicted undocumented immigrants to federal custody, as well as ask for notification of release dates from local law enforcement custody.



Refusal to cooperate with federal law enforcement could jeopardize federal funding to state and local governments, something that Trump has threatened and will have the power to influence.



These are some of the major cities that are reasserting their immigration policies as the new administration is transitioning to power:



Los Angeles



LAPD Chief Charlie Beck told the Los Angeles Times on Monday that regardless of Trumps immigration push, the city will maintain its pro-immigrant policies.



"I dont intend on doing anything different, he told the newspaper. "We are not going to engage in law enforcement activities solely based on somebodys immigration status. We are not going to work in conjunction with Homeland Security on deportation efforts. That is not our job, nor will I make it our job."



The city has pushed back against federal immigration authorities since 1979, when the LAPD began prohibiting officers from initiating police action with the objective of discovering the immigration status of a person.



New York City



Mayor Bill De Blasio met with Trump on Wednesday to share a number of concerns, including regarding Trump's proposed immigration policies.



The mayor said during a press briefing after he met with the president-elect that Trumps proposed initiatives would create a rift between police and the communities they serve around the country.



He said that the proposals would show distrust between law enforcement and neighborhoods would be counterproductive."



"I reiterated to him that this city and so many cities around the country will do all we can to protect our residents and to make sure families are not torn apart," said de Blasio.



He said in a tweet that he told Trump that New York City is the ultimate city of immigrants and that attempts to mass deport people flies in the face of what makes NYC great.



De Blasio also said that he would safeguard and maybe even destroy New York City identification card records, which contain information on undocumented immigrants, if necessary.



Philadelphia



The City of Brotherly Love has been front-and-center in the battle between local government and federal immigration authorities.



As one of his first acts as mayor, Jim Kenney signed an executive order in January restoring the city's status as a sanctuary and barring most cooperation between police and ICE. The order states that city authorities will not cooperate with ICE detainer requests "for undocumented citizens who are arrested and would have otherwise been released from custody, unless the individual has committed a first- or second-degree felony involving violence."



On Monday, Mayor Kenney reaffirmed the city's stance on immigration in the wake of Trump's election, according to ABC affliate WPVI. "I vow to uphold the Fourth Amendment of the United States Constitution, yes, by not holding people in jail without a warrant, which I think is in violation of the U.S. Constitution," Kenney said.



The mayors office today issued guidance on "supporting diversity and inclusion," which included a list of resources for immigrants that are afraid of deportation.



Nashville



Yesterday, Nashville Mayor Megan Barry issued a statement saying she does not believe that local resources should be used to enforce federal immigration policy.



"Our police officers are not immigration police, they do not ask about immigration status during stops or conversations with the public, nor do they intend to start now," she said.



She said she would do whatever she can to ensure that Nashville remains a "warm and welcoming city" for all.



Chicago



On Monday, Mayor Rahm Emanuel, Obamas former White House chief of staff, said that Chicago always will be a sanctuary city.



"You are safe in Chicago. You are secure in Chicago and you are supported in Chicago," Emanuel said, according to ABC-owned station WLS.



Seattle



Mayor Ed Murray told a crowd Wednesday night that the city will remain a sanctuary for undocumented immigrants, reported The Seattle Times.



"These are our neighbors, and we will continue to support our neighbors, Murray said. "We cant allow ourselves to be divided and sorted out. Thats not America."



And on Tuesday, Police Chief Kathleen OToole confirmed that the policies of the Seattle Police Department regarding immigration status will not change.



"It is the intent of the Seattle Police Department to foster trust and cooperation with all people served by the Department," she wrote in a statement.



Washington, D.C.



In a tweet, D.C. Mayor Muriel Bowser said the city will "remain a sanctuary city."



We've reaffirmed DC's status as a sanctuary city and will continue to send this message because residents should feel safe. https://t.co/HCP3jS9DYV  Mayor Muriel Bowser (@MayorBowser) November 17, 2016

Copyright  2016, ABC Radio. All rights reserved.
Gabina VOA is designed to be an infotainment youth radio show broadcasting to Ethiopia and Eritrea in the Amharic language. The show brings varied perspectives on issues concerning young people in the Horn of Africa region. Gabina in the Amharic language is a front row taxi ridesymbolic of the shows content as a fun ride that takes audiences from point A to point B. Gabina VOAs main goal is Enlightening young people, introducing them to cutting-edge technological innovations, exposing them to new processes and ideas so they can be productive, informed and self-governing citizens.
Upper Mesopotamia is not an alluvium land and the environment is very different from Lower Mesopotamia, the historical Land of Sumer. There artificial irrigation is a basic need for agriculture, which is developed on very large, flat surfaces, lacking of any geographical and topographical marks.

The site of Tell Beydar is located in Upper Mesopotamia and more precisely in the Upper Syrian Jezirah, a region called Khabur Triangle, a sort of delta without sea, formed by the tributaries of the Euphrates main affluents.

In Upper Mesopotamia the rate of the annual rainfall is high enough to allow for a rain-fed agriculture, which is practiced on a large scale in the plains extending from the Euphrates to the Tigris.

We are in the period when the Sumerian city-states flourish in the South, about one hundred years before being conquered by king Sargon of Akkad and being finally included in his empire (c. 2330 BC). From the chronological point of view, we are therefore slightly later than the construction of the pyramids of Gizeh, in Egypt. However, in spite of the well established contacts between Egypt and the Levant, cultural and political links between Egypt and Mesopotamia are still very few at that time.

This period also corresponds to the first golden age of Ebla, a period documented by the archives of kings Igrish-halab, Irkab-damu and Ishar-damu. It is also the time of king Iblul-il of Mari and his direct successors.
IndexBox has just published a new report World: Mercury  Market Report. Analysis And Forecast To 2020.

This report has been designed to provide a detailed analysis of the global mercury market. It covers the most recent data sets of quantitative medium-term projections, as well as developments in production, trade, consumption and prices.

Global mercury trade displayed two very distinct trends over the period under review. From 2007 to 2012, global mercury exports showed robust growth, until the trend suddenly switched in 2013. In 2014, exports fell to below half of the previous years value, and continued to fall through the end of the period under review, amounting to 34 million USD in 2015. Overall, there was an annual increase of 0.9% throughout the analyzed period.

According to IndexBox estimates, Mexico emerged as the major global supplier of mercury. 2015, Mexicos mercury exports totaled 14 million USD, which accounted for a 41% share in terms of global exports. Singapore, Japan, Indonesia, and Switzerland were the other key global suppliers of mercury in 2015, with a 42% combined share of global exports.

Indonesia (+113.8% per year) and Mexico (+55.3% per year) were the fastest growing exporters from 2007 to 2015. Mexico significantly strengthened its position in the global mercury export structure, growing its share from 1% in 2007 to 41% in 2015.

On the other hand, Bolivia (16%, based on value terms), India (16%), Colombia (14%), Singapore (9%), and South Africa (7%) were the leading destinations of mercury imports in 2015. Imports to every major importer grew at extraordinary rates, with Bolivia leading the way with a 115.8 CAGR from 2007 to 2015. Bolivia increased its share of imports by +16 percentage points over the period under review.

TABLE OF CONTENTS

1. INTRODUCTION

1.1 REPORT DESCRIPTION

1.2 RESEARCH METHODOLOGY

2. EXECUTIVE SUMMARY

2.1 KEY FINDINGS

2.2 MARKET TRENDS

3. MARKET OVERVIEW

3.1 MARKET VOLUME AND VALUE

3.2 CONSUMPTION BY COUNTRY

3.3 MARKET OPPORTUNITIES BY COUNTRY

3.4 MARKET FORECAST TO 2020

4. PRODUCTION

4.1 PRODUCTION IN 2007-2015

4.2 PRODUCTION BY COUNTRY

5. IMPORTS

5.1 IMPORTS IN 2007-2015

5.2 IMPORTS BY COUNTRY

5.3 IMPORT PRICES BY COUNTRY

6. EXPORTS

6.1 EXPORTS IN 2007-2015

6.2 EXPORTS BY COUNTRY

6.3 EXPORT PRICES BY COUNTRY

7. PROFILES OF MAJOR PRODUCERS

3 easy ways to order

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IndexBox has just published a new report World: Pyrites  Market Report. Analysis And Forecast To 2020.

This report has been designed to provide a detailed analysis of the global pyrites market. It covers the most recent data sets of quantitative medium-term projections, as well as developments in production, trade, consumption and prices.

The global trade in pyrites amounted to 21 million USD in 2015, fluctuating strongly over the period under review. A 35% drop in 2009 was followed by recovery over the next four years, until exports decreased again. Overall, there was an annual decrease of -3.1% from 2007 to 2015.

According to IndexBox estimates, Italy continued to lead the way in global supplies of pyrites. In 2015, Italys exports of pyrites totaled 6 million USD, which accounted for a 26% share in terms of global exports. China, the Netherlands, Peru, and Russia were the other key global suppliers of pyrites in 2015, with a 52% combined share of global exports.

The Netherlands (+96.1% per year) and Russia (+19.0% per year) were the fastest growing exporters from 2007 to 2015. The Netherlands significantly strengthened its position in terms of global exports of pyrites, growing its share from 0% in 2007 to 14% in 2015.

China (67%, based on value terms), Israel (7%), Germany (5%), Egypt (4%), and Japan (4%) were the leading destinations of pyrites imports in 2015. Imports to China grew at an outstanding pace of +86.7% per year from 2007 to 2015. None of the major importers contracted their imports of pyrites over the period under review. Chinas share in terms of global imports increased by +66 percentage points, while the share of Germany illustrated negative dynamics (-13 percentage points).

TABLE OF CONTENTS

1. INTRODUCTION

1.1 REPORT DESCRIPTION

1.2 RESEARCH METHODOLOGY

2. EXECUTIVE SUMMARY

2.1 KEY FINDINGS

2.2 MARKET TRENDS

3. MARKET OVERVIEW

3.1 MARKET VOLUME AND VALUE

3.2 CONSUMPTION BY COUNTRY

3.3 MARKET OPPORTUNITIES BY COUNTRY

3.4 MARKET FORECAST TO 2020

4. PRODUCTION

4.1 PRODUCTION IN 2007-2015

4.2 PRODUCTION BY COUNTRY

5. IMPORTS

5.1 IMPORTS IN 2007-2015

5.2 IMPORTS BY COUNTRY

5.3 IMPORT PRICES BY COUNTRY

6. EXPORTS

6.1 EXPORTS IN 2007-2015

6.2 EXPORTS BY COUNTRY

6.3 EXPORT PRICES BY COUNTRY

7. PROFILES OF MAJOR PRODUCERS

3 easy ways to order

Follow the link below to review a free sample or to buy the report: http://www.indexbox.co.uk/store/world-pyrites-market-report-analysis-and-forecast-to-2020/

Call us +44 20 3239 3063 to discuss your information needs and for special discounts on multi-report orders

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Radiant Insights,Inc

Integrity Applications Ltd.  Product Pipeline Market report reviews detailed company profile with information on business description, key company facts, major products and services, key competitors, key employees, locations and subsidiaries and recent developments.

Integrity Applications Ltd. (Integrity Applications) is a medical device company that designs, develops and commercializes non-invasive glucose monitoring devices. The company provides glucose monitoring devices and is used in ultrasonic, electromagnetic and thermal technologies to (non-invasive) measure glucose levels in the blood. Integrity Applications product glucotrack features three different technologies; complete set of data for each reading; and history data in tabular and graphic formats; and others. The company sells its products through a network of distributors in Israel, Estonia, Turkey, Australia, Thailand, China, Hong Kong, and others. Integrity Applications is headquartered in Ashdod, Israel.

Access Full Report With TOC @ http://www.radiantinsights.com/research/integrity-applications-ltd-product-pipeline-analysis-2016-update

This report is a source for data, analysis, and actionable intelligence on the companys portfolio of pipeline products. The report provides key information about the company, its major products and brands.

The report enhances decision making capabilities and help to create effective counter strategies to gain competitive advantage.

See More Reports of This Category by Radiant Insights: www.radiantinsights.com/catalog/medical-devices

Scope:

The report analyzes all pipeline products in development for the company Integrity Applications Ltd.

The report provides pipeline analysis on all pipeline products of the company (by equipment type, by indication, by development stage, and by trial status)

The report covers detailed information on each pipeline product with information on pipeline territory, stage of development, device class, regulatory path, indication(s), application(s) and estimated launch date

The report provides detailed description of products in development, technical specification and functions

The report also covers ongoing clinical trials (wherever applicable) with information on trial name, trial objective, sponsor, trial design , trial status and phase, estimated start and end date.

Request A Sample Copy Of This Report at: http://www.radiantinsights.com/research/integrity-applications-ltd-product-pipeline-analysis-2016-update/request-sample

Reasons to Buy:

Develop business strategies by understanding the trends and developments driving the medical devices pipeline and technology landscape

Design and develop your product development, marketing and sales strategies by understanding the competitor portfolio

To formulate effective Research & Development strategies

Develop market-entry and market expansion strategies

Exploit in-licensing and out-licensing opportunities by identifying products, most likely to ensure a robust return

Plan mergers and acquisitions effectively by identifying key players of the most promising pipeline

Identify emerging players with potentially strong product portfolio and create effective counter-strategies to gain competitive advantage

Develop competition strategies by identifying the status and likely launch of the competitors pipeline products through review of the clinical trials, stage and of development, etc

Identify, understand and capitalize the next high-value products that your competitor would add in its portfolio

Explore Similar Reports By Radiant Insights,Inc at

SomaLogic, Inc.  Product Pipeline Analysis 

http://www.radiantinsights.com/research/somalogic-inc-product-pipeline-analysis-2016-update

IntegraGen SA (ALINT)  Product Pipeline Analysis, 2016 

http://www.radiantinsights.com/research/integragen-sa-alint-product-pipeline-analysis-2016-update

About Radiant Insight

Radiant Insights is a market research and consulting company offering syndicated research studies, customized reports, and consulting services. Our market research studies are designed to facilitate strategic dxecision making, on the basis of extensive and in-depth quantitative information, supported by extensive analysis and industry insights. Using a patented and robust research methodology, we publish exhaustive research reports covering a host of industries such as Technology, Chemicals, Materials, and Energy.Radiant Insights has a strong base of analysts, consultants and domain experts, with global experience helping us deliver excellence in all research projects we undertake.

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The global variable frequency drives market is projected to witness high growth on account of growing urbanization & industrialization and rising government mandates for energy efficiency.

The report Variable Frequency Drives Market by Power Range (Micro, Low, Medium, High), Voltage (Low & Medium), Application (Pump, Fan, Compressor, Conveyor, Elevator, Extruder & Others) and Region  Global Trends & Forecasts to 2021, The global variable frequency drives market is projected to reach USD 27.11 Billion by 2021, from an estimated USD 19.38 Billion in 2016, at a CAGR of 6.9% from 2016 to 2021.

Browse 76 market and 54 figures spread through 138 pages and in-depth TOC on Variable Frequency Drives Market

Download Free PDF Brochure: http://www.marketsandmarkets.com/pdfdownload.asp?id=878

Top market players from the industry have been studied in order to track developments, technologies, and other key business strategies that define the market environment. The global variable frequency drives market has been analyzed based on type, voltage range, application, power range, and region. The report covers key regions including North America, Asia-Pacific, Europe, the Middle East, South America, and Africa.

Rising electricity prices, along with increased demand for electricity and energy, is currently driving the variable frequency drives market. In addition, high potential of variable frequency drives to reduce energy consumption and enhance efficiency of the system provide a huge opportunity for retrofit applications. Government regulations to limit consumption through the use of more efficient equipment are also adding to the growing demand for the device.

Low voltage variable frequency drives are expected to lead the market

The low voltage variable frequency drives segment is expected to hold the largest share compared to medium voltage. The former has become popular mainly because of its ease of operation and size; its size is 25%40% less than medium voltage drives. Moreover, medium voltage drives are complex and difficult to handle or replace in case of a failure during an operation.

Pumps held the largest application segment of variable frequency drives market

Pumps are expected to have the maximum deployment of variable frequency drives during the forecast period. This growth is attributed to rapidly increasing industrial activities, growth of the construction sector, especially in Asia-Pacific & other developing countries, and growing oil & gas production in the U.S. & the Middle East. Asia-Pacific held the maximum demand for these drives for pumps in 2015, and is expected to lead the market during the forecast period.

Asia-Pacific: The largest market for variable frequency drives

The Asia-Pacific region holds the largest market for variable frequency drives, driven by growing urbanization and industrialization in the region. Huge investments in infrastructure development are also driving the variable frequency drives market in Asia-Pacific. The other major drivers include increasing power demand and strict government regulations on energy efficiency.

To provide an in-depth understanding of the competitive landscape, the report includes profiles of some of the leading players in the variable frequency drives market, namely, ABB Ltd. (Switzerland), Crompton Greaves (India), Emerson Corporation (U.S.), General Electric (U.S.), Siemens AG (Germany), Schneider Electric SA (France), Mitsubishi Electric Corporation (Japan), and Honeywell International, Inc. (U.S.), among others.

Speak to Analyst: http://www.marketsandmarkets.com/speaktoanalyst.asp?id=878

The report segments the market on the basis of Voltage Range  low voltage (690 V and below) and medium voltage (above 690 V); Application  pumps, fans, compressors, conveyor, elevators, and extruder; Power micro, low, medium, and high power drives, and Region  Asia-Pacific, Europe, North America, South America, the Middle East, and Africa.

The market ecosystem of variable frequency drives includes raw material suppliers, comprising electronic/electrical components, metals, and sensors among others. In the later stage, manufacturing of variable frequency drives takes place where all raw materials are assembled. These devices are then distributed to distribution utilities, industries, and T&D companies.

Stakeholders:

The report caters to following stakeholders:

Variable frequency drive manufacturers, dealers, and suppliers

Manufacturing, oil & gas, mining, and process industries

Consulting companies in the energy and power sector

State and national regulatory authorities

Study answers several questions for the stakeholders, primarily which market segments to focus in the next 2-5 years for prioritizing efforts and investments.

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About MarketsandMarkets

MarketsandMarkets is the largest market research firm worldwide in terms of annually published premium market research reports. Serving 1700 global fortune enterprises with more than 1200 premium studies in a year, M&M is catering to a multitude of clients across 8 different industrial verticals. We specialize in consulting assignments and business research across high growth markets, cutting edge technologies and newer applications. Our 850 fulltime analyst and SMEs at MarketsandMarkets are tracking global high growth markets following the Growth Engagement Model  GEM. The GEM aims at proactive collaboration with the clients to identify new opportunities, identify most important customers, write Attack, avoid and defend strategies, identify sources of incremental revenues for both the company and its competitors.

M&Ms flagship competitive intelligence and market research platform, RT connects over 200,000 markets and entire value chains for deeper understanding of the unmet insights along with market sizing and forecasts of niche markets. The new included chapters on Methodology and Benchmarking presented with high quality analytical infographics in our reports gives complete visibility of how the numbers have been arrived and defend the accuracy of the numbers.

We at MarketsandMarkets are inspired to help our clients grow by providing apt business insight with our huge market intelligence repository.

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Partners with Singapore's Top Travel Portal

Perth, Nov 18, 2016 AEST (ABN Newswire) - Flexiroam Limited ( ASX:FRX ) is pleased to announce that its wholly owned subsidiary Flexiroam Asia Limited ("Flexiroam") has signed a sponsorship agreement with Tripzilla Singapore ("Tripzilla").



Launched in 2010, Tripzilla is the number one travel portal in Singapore for comparing real prices and itineraries from Singapore's top travel agencies. Tripzilla collates the latest tour packages from hundreds of travel agencies from all over Singapore and aggregates them on their website for price comparison and bookings.



Flexiroam and Tripzilla together with Hotel Boss Singapore are partnering for a giveaway contest. Participants stand a chance to win a free stay in Hotel Boss Singapore and enjoy free data from Flexiroam X when they travel.



Flexiroam will be featured on Tripzilla's website with a unique landing page throughout the period of the contest. In addition, Tripzilla will be embarking on an aggressive Facebook campaign to promote the contest. TripZilla has an average monthly media reach of 15 million with majority of visitors from Singapore.



Flexiroam expects the campaign will lead to greater brand visibility and an increase in its user base in Singapore.



Miranda Zhang, Managing Editor for Tripzilla, added: "This campaign is a sponsored collaboration between Tripzilla, Flexiroam and Hotel Boss to educate and excite travellers in the region on the tangible benefits of having a fuss-free connection on-the-go, and to see roaming as an essential service for their travels."





About Flexiroam Ltd





FLEXIROAM Limited (ASX:FRX) is a leading telecommunications company offering universal voice and data services for mobile users globally. Its flagship data roaming product, FLEXIROAM X has coverage in over 100 countries with 4G speed in over 56 countries. FLEXIROAM is an asset light telecommunications company that does not own physical infrastructure yet is able to connect to around 580 network operators globally. FLEXIROAM aspires to be a household name in borderless mobile broadband service in Asia and beyond. Please visit https://www.flexiroam.com


Completes Porting to Chipset Manufacturers

Melbourne, Nov 18, 2016 AEST (ABN Newswire) - Xped Limited ( ASX:XPE ) ("Xped" or "the Company") wishes to announce it has successfully ported ADRC technologies to chipsets from both US Listed chipset manufacturers previously announced in separate Memorandums of Understanding ("MOU") signed this year and is close to finishing a port to the Telink 8269 SOC which is expected to be completed by the end of 2016.



Highlights



- Xped progresses key MOU's signed in 2016



- ADRC porting completed under the terms of the MOU's with two major chipset manufacturers



- Porting of ADRC nearing completion on Telink 8269 SOC



- Introductions to large OEM and specialised gateway manufacturers have now progressed to licensing negotiations



Following on from progressing the MOU's, the Company is now formally seeking approval to release the suppressed identity of each chipset manufacturer.



All chipset manufacturers have been very supportive of the Company in its quest to port ADRC firmware onto their respective chipsets and products, with each providing access to latest silicon and engineering resources. The next step in our engagement is to co-market the ADRC integrated solution to their respective customer base.



Xped is also excited to confirm it is nearing completion of the porting of ADRC to Telink's 8269 SOC. In a further development the Company is now working with Telink to incorporate their patented BLE mesh capabilities within ADRC with this work expected to be completed in the Q1 2017 time frame.



One of the benefits of working with these leading chipset manufacturers, is the ability to offer ADRC on a range of chipsets for a number of customer and partner applications which are well suited to many vertical market segments. While we still have several months of activity engaging with our partners end-customers, this approach will allow us to scale our ADRC technology with more efficiency.



Following the successful porting of ADRC, the Company is now in discussions with clients of the chipset manufacturers, with the aim of reaching licensing agreements.



Xped has seen a high level of interest from all direct introductions made from the chipset manufacturers to date.



Commenting on these latest developments Martin Despain said: "Xped's ADRC technology was introduced to me as revolutionary, and this is why I decided to join the Company to lead them on their global quest . The market opportunity for an end to end platform utilising Xped's ADRC and RML language is unique, and offers significant value added opportunities for OEM companies and brands seeking to add a platform and software solution to hardware devices. Following expansion of engineering resources and focus on business development we are already in licensing negotiations, which we hope to formalise before the end of this calendar year. It is important to note that booking of revenue from licensing would typically take 6-9 months due to manufacturing changes and implementations by those licensing our technology."



Further updates on licensing negotiations will occur as they progress to formal signing.



The Company will also be planning a joint media release with each undisclosed MOU party once formal permission is granted to Xped.



About XPED Ltd





XPED Ltd (ASX:XPE) is an Australian Internet of Things (IoT) technology business. Xped has developed revolutionary and patent-protected technology that allows any consumer, regardless of their technical capability, to connect, monitor and control devices and appliances found in our everyday environment. Xped provides technology solutions for Smart Home, Smart Building, and Healthcare.

At Xped, were Making Technology Easy Again(TM)
Eide Bailly is adding the accounting firm Daines Goodwin & Co., effective Dec. 5, 2016, expanding Eide Baillys presence in Utah.

The partners and staff of Daines Goodwin will be moving into Eide Baillys offices in Salt Lake City as part of the deal.

Eide Bailly is the third biggest CPA firm in the state in terms of the number of staff members. Along with Salt Lake City, Eide Bailly also has offices in Ogden and Lehi, Utah. The Fargo, N.D.-based firm ranked 20th on Accounting Todays 2016 list of the Top 100 Firms, with $224.6 million in annual revenue.

Adding Daines Goodwin continues our goal of growing strategically to better serve our clients, said Eide Bailly managing partner and CEO Dave Stende in a statement. Their team will help us grow our practice in Utah and give us valuable insights from a firm with strong ties and knowledge to the community.

Being part of Eide Bailly will give the Daines Goodwin staff more career opportunities and benefits, according to tax partner Brent Daines. Joining Eide Bailly is going to give them more control over how they want to develop their careers, which is exciting, he added.

The firm has been serving clients in the Salt Lake City area for over four decades. Our clients will have access to more resources and solutions, and we will have more time to devote to serving them and being their trusted business advisors, said Daines Goodwin tax partner Chet Goodwin in a statement.

Gary Adamson, president of the CPA practice management consulting firm Adamson Advisory, helped arrange the deal.

The culture fit was what got the deal done, Adamson said in a statement. Eide Bailly has a very entrepreneurial approach to running their offices and the firm, which was important to Daines Goodwin. We talked with several firms and felt that Eide Bailly was the perfect fit for the Daines Goodwin clients and team.
The American Institute of CPAs has written a letter to Congress suggesting legislative changes in the new partnership audit regime ushered in by last years bipartisan budget deal.

The modifications aim to clarify the operation of provisions in the Bipartisan Budget Act of 2015 related to the push-out election, the filing of amended returns by partners under some circumstances and the interaction of audit changes with certain other code sections.

The Act contains a number of provisions that are unclear, confusing or difficult to administer in a fair and efficient manner, wrote AICPA Tax Executive Committee chair Annette Nellen in the letter Thursday.

However, she noted that the AICPA appreciates Congresss efforts to streamline the ability of the Internal Revenue Service to audit, assess and collect underpayments of tax from partnerships and their partners.

The AICPA said the suggested changes would clarify the operation of certain provisions of the legislation, correct some inconsistencies, and improve the fairness and administration of the new partnership audit regime.

The new audit regime is supposed to make it easier for the IRS to audit large, complex partnerships such as private equity firms, hedge funds and CPA firms. However, the way the law was drafted also introduces some new complexities, and IRS Commissioner John Koskinen expressed some skepticism at an AICPA tax conference this week about its usefulness.

The law allows some partnerships to opt-out of the new audit regime or push out responsibility for payment of any assessment imposed by the IRS to partners.

The AICPA has already submitted a set of recommendations to the Treasury Department and the IRS for developing regulations to implement the new regime. However, the AICPA believes some issues require congressional action to ensure the development of a fair, equitable and workable Regime.

The AICPAs eight legislative recommendations include the following areas:

 Expanding the push-out election to allow affected taxpayers to also push out;

 Revising the push-out election to allow decreases in tax;

 Allowing modifications of imputed underpayments for affected taxpayers;

 Clarifying the impact on intervening years for amended tax returns;

 Permitting affected taxpayers to amend returns;

 Providing a convenient option for tax-exempt partners to verify their tax status upon reallocation of distributive share; and

 Clarifying limitations on net operating losses.
Some Internal Revenue Service employees didnt do enough to protect sensitive taxpayer information when they were sending emails, according to a new report.

The report, from the Treasury Inspector General for Tax Administration, found that nearly half the employees whose emails were examined sent unencrypted emails. TIGTA auditors reviewed a random sample of 80 employees from the IRSs Small Business/Self-Employed Division during four weeks in May and June 2015 for the report. They found that 39 of the employees (that is, 49 percent of the 80) sent a total of 326 unencrypted emails containing 8,031 different taxpayers personal information or tax return information internally to other IRS employees or externally to non-IRS email accounts.

Among the 326 unencrypted emails identified by TIGTA, 275 that contained personally identifiable information or tax return information were sent internally to other IRS employees. These emails were sent inside the IRS internal information system firewall, so they posed less risk of improper disclosure or improper access.

However, 51 of the unencrypted emails were sent externally to non-IRS email accounts. The employees who sent the messages failed to follow the requirements of the Internal Revenue Manual and risked exposing the information to unauthorized people.

On top of that, 20 of the emails that six employees sent to personal email accounts involved official IRS business. The report acknowledged that employees might not be aware of restrictions on using their personal email, because the Standards for Using Email in the Internal Revenue Manual dont include this restriction.

Part of the problem lies in the way the IRSs email system was set up. The IRS implemented its Enterprise e-Fax capability in early 2013 without encryption features. TIGTA found 193 unencrypted emails that contained either taxpayers personal information or tax return information were routed to the Enterprise e-Fax servers through the email system. Because the system lacks encryption, its use could result in the interception and disclosure of taxpayers personally identifiable information or tax return information.

It is critical that the Internal Revenue Service properly protect taxpayers personally identifiable and tax return information at all times, said TIGTA Inspector General J. Russell George in a statement. Not only is this protection required by law, it is essential if taxpayers are to maintain a high level of confidence in the IRSs mission.

TIGTA made five recommendations in the report. The IRS agreed with all of them and plans to correct the problems. TIGTA recommended the IRS consider the feasibility of a systemic solution to ensure personally identifiable information and tax return information is encrypted, and until that time the agency should consider requiring the default Outlook setting for certain employees to encrypt the email messages they send. The IRS should also ensure that managers are aware of any email violations and take the appropriate disciplinary action, TIGTA suggested. The IRS also should update the Internal Revenue Manual to specify that no IRS employee can use a personal email account to conduct official government business, and the IRS should request an information technology update to allow encrypted messages to be sent to the EEFax server, the report recommended.

Karen Schiller, commissioner in charge of the IRSs Small Business/Self-Employed Division, pointed out in response to the report that TIGTAs review did not identify any instances in which personally identifiable information was sent unencrypted to an unintended recipient. While the review found a small number of emails containing personal information were not properly encrypted, the majority of the emails were sent within the IRS firewall to other IRS employees who needed to know the information.

We are continuously looking for ways to appropriately balance the need to enable our workforce to communicate with each other and with taxpayers electronically, our taxpayers expectations for more robust electronic communications, and the overriding need to ensure that those communications are secure and guarded from external threats, she wrote. To that end, we have implemented some significant enterprise data protection initiatives.
The Internal Revenue Service needs to provide better security when transmitting taxpayers personal information to outside government agencies, banks and contractors, according to a new report.

The report, from the Treasury Inspector General for Tax Administration, noted that the IRS shares information with various government entities, including federal, state, and local agencies, in addition to financial institutions and contractors for tax administration purposes. The data can include some sensitive information, such as personally identifiable information along with taxpayer information.

IRS and federal guidelines require the sensitive data to be properly protected while its being transmitted to safeguard against unauthorized access or disclosure. The IRS has three ways to transfer data to outside partner organizations. They include commercial off-the-shelf products for Internet transfers, commercial software for direct mainframe-to-mainframe data transfers, and drop boxes that enable the IRS and its outside partners to send and receive data transfers.

TIGTA found, however, that the IRS did not make sure it was enforcing the encryption requirements for the three transfer methods, nor did it prevent insecure communication protocols from being used during the data transmissions. These protocols include File Transfer Protocol and Telnet, which have been found to be insecure.

The IRS also didnt fix high-risk vulnerabilities or install security patches on its file transfer servers in a timely way. For instance, TIGTA found 61 servers that had high-risk vulnerabilities, 10 servers with outdated versions of Windows and UNIX operating systems still in operation, and 32 servers that were missing 18 different security patches, four of which were deemed to be critical.

On top of that, the IRS didnt make sure the plans it drew up for correcting the various security control weaknesses actually met the agencys own standards, reducing the likelihood they would be fixed in a timely way.

TIGTA recommended the IRSs chief information officer enforce the agencys policy of encrypting all data transmissions from end-to-end using federally compliant encryption. If the IRSs outside partners cant use such encryption, the agency should ensure that risk-based decisions have been properly approved and data transmissions have been properly authorized, the report suggested. The IRS should also ensure the file transfer components are properly configured, the security patches are timely, and outdated operating systems are replaced, according to TIGTA. The report also recommended the IRS centralize and consolidate its external transfer environment as much as possible, using a managed file transfer solution that supports federally compliant encryption end-to-end for better security and efficiency. In addition, the IRS should make sure its remediation plans are effective for correcting weaknesses in a timely way, according to the report.

The IRS agreed with TIGTAs recommendation that it ensure its data transmissions are properly authorized and the agencys remediation plans for correcting weaknesses are effective. The agency partially agreed with the suggestion for end-to-end encryption enforcement, proper configurations, patching, and operating systems, pointing out that it already has those kinds of processes in place.

The IRS is fully committed to ensuring that sensitive data is protected during transmission and to preventing unauthorized access or disclosure, said IRS chief information officer S. Gina Garza in response to the report.

The IRS disagreed, however, with TIGTAs recommendation that it could further consolidate its external file transfer environment but said it would reconsider the recommendation as its partner agreements are revalidated. For its part, TIGTA maintained it believes the IRS should proactively work with its outside partners to upgrade to end-to-end encryption systems rather than waiting for the agreements because the data transmitted is highly sensitive.
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Who Is Shannon Bream Of Fox News? Her Husband, Children & Net Worth Shannon Bream who hosts the iconic primetime program started her journalism career in the late 1990s debuting as the evening and late-night news reporter for the CBS affiliate, WBTV. The beauty from America currently works for the Fox News Channel and she is best known for anchoring the primetime program. She also hosts Americas News ...

Is Troye Sivan Gay, Who Is His Boyfriend and What Is His Net Worth? Troye Sivan is an Australian singer and songwriter best known for songs like Happy Little Pill, Youth, Heaven (with Betty Who) and The Boyfriend Tag (with Tyler Oakley) which have all garnered him different awards and ranked on the Billboard Charts. Sivan, who was born in South Africa but now resides in the United States, is ...

Did iDubbbz Have Cancer, Is He Gay and Who Is His Girlfriend Now? iDubbbz is one YouTuber who has made a career out of courting controversy. Renowned for his absurdist channels and comedy video series, the Los Angeles based personality is the owner of two channels, iDubbzTV, and iDubbzTV2, as well as the brains behind comedy video series such as Content Cop, Kickstarter Crap, Gaming News Crap, and ...

Inside Greg Gutfelds Love Story With Wife Elena Moussa and Why Fans Thought He Was Gay Greg Gutfeld is a seasoned American television producer whose career in the media industry has spanned over a decade. He is a man of many talents who makes extra income through comedy, journalism, and editorial works. Gutfeld regularly appears on Fox News Channel as a panellist and co-host of the political talk show The Five ...

Works That Made Bo Burnham A Household Name and How Much He Is Worth Now One of YouTubes first viral stars and the worlds most exciting young comedian, Bo Burnham, has always amazed critics and comedy aficionados alike. Often regarded as the Justin Bieber of comedy, thanks to his fresh looks, floppy blond hair and hoodies, he has a multi-faceted career bigger than many comedians twice his age. It wouldnt ...

Is Louie Anderson Gay And What Is His Net Worth? Louie Anderson has one of the most abstract faces in the industry and equally knows how to use it to his advantage. He is not only a stand-up comedian but also an actor and television host who is known for his distinctive comic wits. Some of his notable projects include Family Feud, where he was ...

Is Don Lemon of CNN Gay, Who is His Partner and What Is His Salary? Don Lemon has risen to become one of the most recognizable faces on CNN over the past few years. The fiery journalist, who anchors CNN Tonight with Don Lemon, is liked and somewhat disliked for his strong and candid opinions on a variety of matters that do not just include politics but also race, significantly, matters that ...

Is Rachel Maddow Gay, Who is the Wife and How Much Does She Earn in Salary? Rachel Maddow is an award-winning American journalist, political commentator, and television news anchor. She is best known for hosting the popular nightly TV show The Rachel Maddow Show on MSNBC. Prior to this, she hosted a talk radio program on Air America Radio from 2005 to 2010. As of now, the TV sensation co-anchors MSNBCs ...

Demystifying Pokimane  Her Real Name, Ethnicity & Boyfriend Like most social media celebrities in this digital era, Pokimane Thicc is one of those stars who took advantage of the internet to make a name for herself. Given the unlimited potentials which the social media space offers, many people have been instantly propelled to fame just by posting creative online contents. Not only has ...

A Breakdown of Kris Jenners Net Worth, Sources Of Income and Relationships Over The Years Standing outside and looking in, Kris Jenner looks like the oil that greases the wheels of the entire Kardashian/Jenner machine. She has been dubbed a momager and rightfully so because she seems to have had a part to play in the trajectory of each and every one of her daughters individually and the Kardashian brand ...

Pursuits That Brought Liza Koshys Fame To its Zenith and Her Love Life Since David Dobrik Liza Koshy is an American actress who has leveraged YouTube as a platform to promote her comedy while also serving as a television host on occasions. She is talented and funny and has gathered a lot of fans from around the world. Koshy started on Vine in high school and was able to get millions of ...

Alex Aiono Biography  Inside The Life Of The American Singer Not everyone who started from the streets has attained the heights where Alex Aiono is currently. His story could be referred to as the perfect definition of rising from Grass to Grace. He came into the limelight after he started out as a YouTuber, singer, and producer. One fascinating thing about the young YouTuber is ...

Virginia Vallejo Biography And Her Love Story With Pablo Escobar Virginia Vallejo can be referred to as one of the oldest whistleblowers in history after her involvement with Pablo Escobar which made her famous. Over the years, many questions have been raised about her relationship with the drug lord and why she endangered her life to be with him despite his notorious acts. The death ...

Princess Love Bio  Ethnicity, Real Name & Parents For many people, Princess Love is simply Ray Js wife but there is so much more to this feisty lady than meets the eye. She is a star in her own right and has many feathers on her cap. Princess Love is a reality TV star, a model, video vixen, and fashion designer. She and her ...

Who is Papa Franku Also Known As Filthy Frank or Joji, Where is He Now? The social media as we all know today has given people the opportunity to be creative and innovative and at the same time, make something of themselves. YouTube is one of the known social platforms we have today that makes it possible for people to express their God-given talents and post videos they created to ...

Who Is Molly Qerim, How Did She Become a Famous Sports Anchor and Who Is Her Husband? Molly Qerim is an American sports anchor popularly known for moderating First Take, a highly rated sports talk show, on ESPN. Prior to joining ESPN, Qerim hosted Fantasy Live and NFL AM on NFL Network. It is quite obvious that the widely acclaimed television personality is in a class of her own when it comes ...

Safiya Nygaard  Height, Parents & Net Worth Safiya Nygaard is an American YouTuber, writer, content producer, and director who is popular for posting makeup, beauty and fashion videos on YouTube. Her videos regularly top at least one million views, thanks to her lively character as well as her willingness to experiment with outrageous outfits and different beauty products. Here are the things to ...

The Rigors of Sunlen Serfatys Career Journey Until CNN and Fun Facts About Her Personal Life CNN correspondent, Sunlen Serfaty is an Emmy Award-winning journalist known for covering a broad range of breaking news stories, national news, and Washington politics. She has been able to garner widespread recognition for herself which even goes beyond the sphere of her work. Her profile also increased with the extensive work she did in covering ...

Demystifying Jazz Jennings Real Name, Boyfriend & Family Of One The Youngest Transgenders Jazz Jennings is an unusual personality who became famous as a transgender activist and was recorded as the youngest documented public figure to be seen as transgender. She is also a YouTube personality and spokesmodel for brands, her fans, and other transgenders. She fought for acceptance in her high school with her super supportive family for over ...

Inside Fred Armisens Life  Ethnicity, Romantic Relationships and Gay Rumors Fred Armisen is an award-winning American comedian, he is also a writer, an actor as well as a musician. He was a cast member of the legendary comedy show, Saturday Night Live for 13 years and also one of the brains behind the successful satirical show Portlandia. Find out more about this incredibly talented guy ...

Ed and Lorraine Warren Biography: Cases, Kids, and Family Life Have you ever woken up with fear you could not explain, or felt a strange presence that made the hair at your nape rise or even experienced strange occurrences around you? Well, these were some of the promptings that made the well-known paranormal investigators Ed and Lorraine Warren delve into trying to explain the ideas ...

Truth About Tony Romos Wife, Kids and Life Since His NFL Retirement Tony Romo grew from the field as a quarterback to the screens as an American Football Analyst. He was a quarterback for the Dallas Cowboys in the richest football league in the world (NFL) before retiring. As a junior, he was honored as an All-Ohio Conference Member, an Ohio Valley Conference Player of the Year and ...

Who is Brittany Venti, The Controversial Game Streamer and YouTuber? In recent times, many people live stream themselves playing video games. This has become a popular pastime on the internet and many highly skilled gamers have become internet celebrities through this means. However, some of them rather than becoming renowned for their gaming skills and great commentary, have become controversial and infamous. A good example ...

Rob Dyrdeks Family: His Kids And Relationship With Wife Bryiana Noelle Flores A multi-talented star and an elite pro skateboarder, Rob Dyrdeks success story began at a remarkably young age. Yet another proof that schooling doesnt always correlate with success, Rob has established himself not just as a phenomenal sportsman but also as a successful entrepreneur. Besides perfecting his skill as a natural talent on the board, ...

xChocobars  Biography and Everything You Should Know About Her Having distinguished herself and recorded massive successes in an industry notably dominated by men, it is very safe to say that Xchocobars deserves all the attention and cash she makes from her career. A household name on Twitch (a smart live streaming video platform), the online-gamer is popularly known for streaming classic games such as Stardew ...

Everything To Know About Mary Padian, Her Boyfriend and Net Worth Mary Padian is a famous American television reality personality best known for her involvements on the Reality show Storage Wars. She also has her own shop called Mary finds where she displays her antique collections. Since her childhood, Padian has been a creative learner. At the time, she used to create new items out of reusable ones and ...

Betsy Woodruffs Family Life: Is She Married or Related To Bob Woodruff? An old name in the world of journalism, Betsy Woodruff has warmed her way into the hearts of many with her impressive talents. Through hard work, Woodruff has carved a niche for herself in a very competitive field. Betsy has strong family and work values and is also an advocate for equal opportunities for everyone ...

Matpat (Matthew Patrick)  Wife, Height & Net Worth As far as internet business is concerned, Matpat remains one of the most dynamic and seasoned figures. He boasts a wealth of experience that has helped him in growing his business from one level of greatness to another. Like most successful people, MatPat started out small but today, he makes millions of dollars from his ...

Facts About Ricegum  His Girlfriend, Real Name & Net Worth Ricegum is an online gamer and YouTube sensation who ditched college; took advantage of the digital era, and made a name for himself on the internet. Though he began as a gaming YouTuber, Ricegum soon gained recognition as a controversial internet star following his many diss tracks. Here is everything you need to know about the youngster ...

Joy Taylor Once Married MLBs Richard Giannotti  Inside Look At Her Love Life and Family The erosion of the sexist idea that women have no business in sports broadcasting created a host of women celebrities who attained fame outside of modeling and acting. One of them, Joy Taylor, a radio personality and TV host for Fox Sports 1, has been in the industry since 2009, becoming one of the most ...

What To Know About Conan OBriens Wife, Kids & Family Today The name Conan OBrien is one that jumps right at you almost immediately you start talking about the most popular television hosts in the USA and this is no surprise because the man behind that name has risen to become one of the most admired men in the business. Known for hosting the late-night talk ...

David Letterman  Net Worth, Wife & Son In all of American, one man whose face has been seen frequently by late night TV talk show lovers is none but David Letterman. The comedian and TV show veteran has been hosting late night talk shows for more than three decades. His Late Night with David Letterman show began on February 1st, 1982 aired ...

Demystifying Sssniperwolfs Family Background And The Boyfriends Shes Had Since she launched her eponymously named channel in 2013, Sssniperwolf has been on the rise when it comes to video game influencers. She is one of the biggest names in the online gaming subgenre of YouTube videos. Real name Lia Shelesh, she started with Call of Duty: Black Ops II but has diversified with other ...

Lester Holt  Wife, Family & Net Worth Lester Holt is a multiple award-winning journalist, newscaster, reporter, and actor who has worked for notable media houses like WCBS TV, CBS, MSNBC and among others. His remarkable feat in journalism has endeared him to the hearts of many and earned him some awards and recognitions. Read on to get acquainted with his biography, ethnicity, ...

What Is Louis C.K. Doing Now, Where Are His Family And How Much Is His Net Worth? It is not easy to make it in comedy. It takes more than a funny bone and the ability to elicit a few giggles from a listening audience. For all the complexities that go into making a successful career in comedy, Louis C.K, the Washington D.C-born comedian, did it. For years, he was at the ...

The Progression of Hoda Kotbs Career, Her Ancestry and Family Life Hoda Kotb gained fame as a television host and news anchor for NBC. She anchors the shows signature show Today, and it has been an excellent vehicle for her skills in front of a camera. Kotb has won several awards, including Daytime Emmys and Peabody Awards. Simply put, she is one of the most successful ...

Jerry Seinfelds Family: All About The Amazing Comedians Wife and Kids Apparently one of the highly important entertainers in America, Jerry Seinfeld is a man of many talents. A very funny man, he is considered to be one of the most successful comedians in the USA who has been in the business as a professional rib-cracker for more than 40 years. As an actor, he has ...

The Rigors Of Sarah Silvermans Rise To Prominence And Rundown Of The Men She Has Dated A comedian, writer, and actress, Sarah Silvermans art and craft is as unique as you would ever find. Her poignant use of comedy to discuss social issues such as race, sexism, politics, and religion has gained her an impressive following. As unorthodox as her style is, so is her life experiences. She previously suffered from epiglottitis ...

Who Is Hannibal Buress, Does He Have A Wife or Girlfriend & Why Was He Arrested? Making people laugh when they are tense or not in the mood is a tough order and to ply the trade, it must indeed take some guts and expertise, this is what the humor maker, Hannibal Buress has been able to achieve and sustain after his inital teething process. The African-American is a screen writer, stand-up ...

The Success of John Mulaneys Career Efforts Since His Work On Saturday Night Live and Facts About His Wife John Mulaney had been working as a professional comedian for years before Saturday Night Live changed his status for life and like many who are now his fans, you probably did not know of him then. However, that changed when he joined the sketch comedy show in 2008. Since then, he has been one of ...

Jeff Dunham  Wife, Children and Net Worth Ventriloquism is a very subtle method of making an inanimate object (like a puppet, doll or dummy) appear to be saying words which are actually coming from the person (holding the inanimate object). In effect, the individual throws his/her voice to the puppet and can even appear to be having a conversation with it. Not ...

Ellen DeGeneres  Net Worth, Wife  Portia de Rossi & Parents Ellen DeGeneres is an American female standup comedian who has proven that whatever a man can do, a woman can also do. Since her journey as a standup comedian started in 1981, she has held swirl as one of the finest comedians America and the world at large has seen. She is often referred to ...

Revisiting Joan Rivers Death  The Daughter, Husband & Net Worth She Left Behind Joan Rivers was a renowned American comedian, TV host, writer, and actress. Her brand of comedy consisted of scathing one-liners and no individual or topic is spared. She hosted her own talk shows in the 80s and 90s and was a pioneer for women in stand up comedy. She was the first woman to host a late night ...

The Struggles of Margaret Chos Childhood, How It Influenced Her Career Growth and Love Life Margaret Cho is best described as a comic star who knows how to maneuver everything related to life into a rib-cracking joke. She is also known to criticize every social and political problem, especially those involving race and sexuality. Apart from her talents as a comic actress, she does amazingly well as a singer and ...

Where Is Eric Bolling Today? Who Is His Son & What Is His Net Worth? Eric Bolling who was once a notable figure on Fox News, is an American TV personality, an author, and versatile Journalist. As a political and financial analyst/commentator, he anchored discussions bothering on finance for Fox Business Channel. Here is everything there is to know about his career, family, and allegations that led to his exit ...

Who Is Chelsea Handler and Does She Have A Husband or Boyfriend? Chelsea Handler is one of Americas top female comedians. She is also an actress, writer, television host, producer, and activist. She is known to be very outspoken even with things that are very personal. In separate interviews with The New York Times, Handler revealed that she had an abortion twice when she was 16. She has authored five books ...

How Did Laura Lee Achieve Fame, How Much is She Worth and Who is Her Husband? Laura Lee is a popular American YouTuber, make-up artist and beauty blogger. From posting videos of her makeup routines on Instagram, Lee has transformed into a beauty influencer and a YouTube sensation. Today, her YouTube Channel has over 630 million views and 4.5 million subscribers. Asides having millions of followers across all social media platforms, ...

Madison Gesiotto Bio  Ethnicity, Parents & Measurements Madison Gesiotto is no ordinary woman; although she excelled in quite a number of pageants and competitions while she was in school, it is her views on politics and issues in America that has made her name known to most people. She possesses beauty and intelligence in a seemingly equal measure and has been able ...

Who Is Lil Tay? Parents, Brother, Sister, Age, Net Worth, Ethnicity Child stardom is nothing new in the entertainment world. With the advent of social media, we have seen more stars made from the internet than ever before, and Lil Tay is one of them. Her uploaded rap videos trademark is cursing, swearing, cash-throwing, and use of obscene languages. Her fame went wild after she dropped ...

What To Know About Tig Notaros Wife, Kids and Family Today Tig Notaro is an American stand-up comic star, writer, actress, and radio analyst. Since she started her career in 2001, she has become one of Americas best comedians, particularly when it comes to observational comedy. One prominent aspect of her routine involves her family, which includes a wife and two children. Interestingly, Tig Notaro is part ...

Who Is Chantel Jeffries? What To Know About Her Age, Ethnicity & Net Worth Chantel Jeffries is a lady of many talents. Beyond being celebrated as a DJ, she has fared well as a model, an actress, musician, and as an artist. She first rose to fame on Instagram where she has a large following. However, in recent times, she has hit the spotlight for her rumored relationships with some ...

Is Ellen DeGeneres Married, Who Is The Brother  Vance DeGeneres and Family Members? Ellen DeGeneres is one of a kind celebrity in todays world as she has used her wealth for the greater good for many people. She has served a host of famous awards shows like the Grammy, Primetime Emmy and Academy Awards. Moreso, she is probably one of the most decorated entertainment personalities around the world and ...

Carli Bybel Bio  Height, Boyfriend & Net Worth Video blogging is now on the rise and YouTube is the place where most of it happens. If you are a lady who cares about her looks or a guy who likes to help his woman out with her looks, then one person whose name rings a bell when it comes to giving beauty tips ...

Who Is Lexy Panterra? What To Know About Her Ethnicity, Boyfriend & Net Worth Lexy Panterra is one of the YouTube personalities whose breakout came through the Twerk dance videos she posted on her social media handles and YouTube which has so far generated over 13 million views for her. From there on, she created her LexTwerkOut workout program in 2014. She is sure very talented as she as moved ...

Who Is AnneMunition? What Is Her Ethnicity & Does She Have A Girlfriend or Boyfriend? AnneMunition is a professional gamer and content creator of American origin. She is one of the most sought-after streamers on Twitch  a popular online platform for watching and streaming videos, especially video games. AnneMunition has almost half a million followers on Twitch and her channel has accumulated at least 13 million views. Her favorite games ...

Norm MacDonald  Former Wife, Son & Net Worth Recently, 59-year-old former Saturday Night Live stand-up comic Norm MacDonald caused a not-so-funny stir when he expressed his personal opinion about the #MeToo movement speaking in defense of Louis CK and Roseanne Barr. Following the backlash of his actions, he is diligently doing damage control for his questionable opinion by posting a public apology on ...

Inside Iliza Shlesingers Life With Husband and How Much She is Worth Now Witty, spontaneous, and truly humorous, Iliza Shlesinger is an American comedian who is clearly proving that the stereotypical claim that women are not really funny is not only incredibly wrong but completely outrageous. Having been in the game for more than 10 years, Shlesinger has grown bigger with each step, stunning fans with her incredible ...

Who Is Nessa Diab? Details of her Parents, Ethnicity & Relationship With Colin Kaepernick Nessa Diab has gained more fame as the girlfriend of different footballers than in her career. She is currently with the popular National Football League (NFL) player, Colin Kaepernick, and has stood by his side during his most trying times. Also known for her mononym, Nessa, she recently engaged in a tweet battle with the ...

Samantha Bee  Inside the Life of Full Frontal Comedian and Presenter We have over the decades seen various brands of humor and personalities who have walked the ropes. One of the formidable forces in the world of comedy is no other than the iconic Samantha Bee of the Daily Show who now runs her own television show on TBS channel. She is a Canadian-American political commentator, ...

What Happened To Jessica Williamss Boyfriend And Which Are Her Best Works? Jessica Williams is a woman who has a lot of feathers in her cap  and keeps acquiring more. The former senior political correspondent of the comic Daily Show, who is also a comedian and actress whose recent movie appearance include starring as a playwright just recovering from a recent split with her boyfriend, Damon, and ...

Who is Nicole Byer? Here are 5 Facts You Need To Know About The Comedian Nicole Byer, an American comedian, actress, and writer, made a name for herself after she played supporting roles on MTVs prank show Ladylike and the reality show Girl Code. The latter was a series that featured comedians who analyzed in minute details, all the issues that young women deal with daily, from period to dating, to weird friendship dynamics and questions about sex. Currently, ...

A Closer Look At Bart Kwans Ethnicity, Height & Personal Life Bart Kwan is one of few Asians who is known for being successful in the comic industry at an international level. His fame broke out after the YouTube channel which he created with his close pal Joe Jo garnered up massive followings. The talented duo has been running the channel since 2007 and their success ...

Heres How VanossGaming Achieved Fame Online, His Worth and Other Facts About The Gamer For many years, the decision to drop out of college to pursue an online career was considered to be foolish and self-destructive by conventional wisdom. It was no different when Evan Fong, popularly known as VanossGaming, dropped out of college to pursue a YouTube career. However, that radical move paid off, and he stands shoulder to ...

Desi Perkins  Ethnicity, Net Worth & Husband YouTube is littered with videos of makeup tutorials by different people but if you are interested in learning how to do your makeup like a pro, there is just one person on that platform who you must follow. She is none other than Desi Perkins! She is a popular make-up artist, Instagram star, and vlogger. Desi, ...

The Phases of Casey Neistats Pursuits and His Love Story With Candice Pool YouTuber, vlogger, filmmaker, and creator extraordinaire; these are just a few hats that Casey Neistat wears and the story of how he got here is incredible. A native of Connecticut, Neistat started out by making refreshingly-authentic short films and videos that featured content that was based on everyday life and called attention to serious issues. He ...

Connor Franta  Inside The Life of American YouTuber YouTube has produced a lot of young celebrities in modern times and Connor Franta happens to be one of them. Apart from being a YouTuber, the young American is also an entrepreneur, entertainer, and writer. His journey to fame began almost a decade ago when he started a self-named YouTube channel where he uploads content ranging ...

Rhett and Link  Bio, Who are Their Wives, Net Worth and Family Facts Rhett and Link refer to an American comedy duo who are very popular on YouTube. They are known for their comic songs, viral commercials, skits and the daily show, Good Mythical Morning. Good Mythical Morning is the most watched daily show online, averaging 100 million views in a month. The show has featured guests such ...

A Walk Through The Maze of Ryan Higas Career Pursuits And Relationship With Arden Cho Ryan Higa is not only celebrated as a YouTube star, but he is also famed for appearing on television screens as an actor and comedian. Nigahiga, his Youtube channel, has gathered over 20 million subscribers and billions of views with his different comic acts, short films, and music videos uploads. With the rise in his career, ...

What to Know About The Shows That Made Craig Ferguson a Star and His Family Ties Rising to the top of your profession can sometimes be a hard and difficult process. It requires days and nights of working consistently hard to be better than what you were yesterday. It requires not giving up when all of your experiences seem to be pushing you to quit. It is because of these challenges ...

David Dobrik Married Liza Koshy for One Month  Inside His Family and Relationships David Dobrik is a YouTube sensation who has garnered fame not just for his vlogs but his love life too. Given his career as a YouTuber, his channel is one place where he shares his romantic escapades. With a cute boyish look like his, this Slovakian young man is definitely a good catch, and not ...

Merrell Twins Bio  Ethnicity, Parents & Boyfriend One of the beautiful things about modern life is social media. As rudimentary as it might seem, it could turn out to be the greatest thing that would be invented in the next 50 years because of its impact on human life. Very few tools have revolutionized human behavior and culture as much as social ...

Who Is Bunny Meyer, Is She Married & What Is Her Net Worth? Bunny Meyer is a YouTube celebrity who has amassed over 8.8 million subscribers with 1.5 million viewers on her channel. She is popularly known as Grav3yardgirl and is one of the highest-paid YouTubers in the world. She initially started out as a fashion designer and later chose the path of a YouTuber. Grav3yardgirl has used her knowledge on fashion, makeup, ...

Ninja  Inside The Life of The American YouTuber and Internet Personality Ninja is a talented video game player known for his mastery of Fortnite and other seemingly difficult games he plays with ease. The video gamer made a career out of what is ordinarily the hobby of many people and has since then amassed a huge online following. Find out about him here, including the controversies that ...

What Is Eva Gutowskis True Sexuality and How Did She Rise So Fast As an Influencer? Ever since Eva Gutowski joined YouTube in 2011, it has been an interesting journey for her, moving from one milestone to the other. Backed by an army of young women and teenage girl fans known as Evanators, she has risen to become one of the most-talked-about personalities in the digital stratosphere. She has also leveraged ...

Emma Chamberlain Biography  Age, Height & Net Worth Before now, people in the entertainment industry could only achieve popularity after many years of dedication and hard work but since social media came into the scene, massive success and overnight popularity became possible. That is the story of Emma Chamberlain who encountered fame as a fifteen-year-old. Emma is one of the many young people who became ...

Anna Akana  Ethnicity, Boyfriend & Net Worth There is a new crop of YouTubers known by their different contents with a very strong uniqueness that stands every one of them out, some upload video games, some fashion while some others have comedy video contents to showcase on their channels. Anna Akana has used her platform to showcase her comedy contents to the ...

Revealing Truths About Lilly Singhs Ethnic Background, Family and Her Relationship With Yousef Erakat Lilly Singh is an Indian-Canadian YouTube personality, actress, and comedian also known as Superwoman. She kicked off her YouTube career in 2010 with the launch of her channel IISuperwomanII and followed it up with a vlog channel in 2011. This paved the way for her fame and success which led to a world tour. The ...

Who Is Andrea Constand, Is She Married and What Is Her Connection With Bill Cosby? Many people got sexually molested but could not voice out due to the stigma victims suffer and what will become of them thereafter. Very few of the victims danm every consequence to seek justice and bring the perpetrator to the book, like Andrea Constand. She never got any media buzz, not until her friend cum molester; ...

Who Is Lazarbeam (Lannan Eacott)? Here Are Facts You Need To Know Lannan Eacott became a person of interest after his YouTube channel, LazarBeam pulled him to the limelight. Initially, he started with uploads of Madden Challenge videos before deciding to build his own channel in January 2015. Within the space of three years, his YouTube channel had gathered over 7 million loyal subscribers. Today, he has not ...

Puzzling Facts About Wengies YouTube Success and More About Her Fiance Among the many YouTubers who have succeeded in winning the hearts of millions of people is Wengie. She is a Chinese-Australian YouTube personality, vlogger, singer, and voice actress. Wengie is famous for a lot of things, from her simple life hacks, DIYs, craft ideas to fun experiments, tricks and pranks. Her content portfolio also includes hair tutorials, diet & fitness tips, lookbooks, ...

Is Jeffree Star A Billionaire and How Much Does He Make On YouTube? If looks can be deceptive then theres no other person who proves this maxim better than Jeffree Star. A quick look at Stars pictures would likely leave you wondering whether or not to tag him a male or female. But who says being controversial has to be a curse? For Star, his looks have caught ...

The Place of Rosanna Pansinos Career Hats In Her Rise To Fame and Facts About Her Personal Life There are a few phrases that could summarize Rosanna Pansinos rise to fame. None of them can do it better than the famous axiom, no knowledge is lost. Her popularity YouTube comes out of her foray into other professions, specifically acting. Although acting now occupies one of the major professional hats in Rosannas resume, it was ...

Muselk (Elliott Watkins) Biography  Age, Girlfriend and Net Worth The new and best in-thing in terms of career is video gaming and we have over time seen young men and women make massive income from an activity that was purportedly designed to serve as a hobby or a relaxation activity. One of such individuals is the Australian-born YouTube Celebrity and Twitch streamer, Muselk, whose ...

PopularMMOs Biography: 5 Interesting Facts You Need To Know We have over the years seen social media millionaires, especially on the YouTube social platform. These celebrities cum millionaires have made names for themselves after carving out niches on the internet, and a typical example of one of such exciting media personality on the YouTube is American Minecraft gamer and YouTube star, PopularMMOs whose channel ...

Jason Nash Once Married Marney Hochman  What To Know About His Ex-Wife and Kids The now-defunct video-sharing app Vine was the path that led Jason Nash to fame. With it, he built an audience of over two million followers, which he parlayed into a significant YouTube career. That move has seen him become one of the most popular personalities on the internet, with the cash income to go with ...

Where Does Dantdm Live? What Do We Know About His Net Worth, Wife and Brother? Most parents buy video games for their kids to occupy their time leisure, while other parents frown at their kids when they play video games. Despite the disparity, every parent would be proud of their child if he/she eventually turns a celebrity or millionaire through playing video games like Dantdm. Biography of Dantdm Dantdm was born Daniel ...

LaurDIY  Biography: 5 Facts You Need To Know About The YouTuber LaurDIY is the YouTube channel of Lauren Riihimaki which she created on December 1, 2011, when she was still a college undergrad with the sole aim of giving Do It Yourself (DIY) as well as practical fashion and beauty tips to her followers. She has used the channel to establish herself as a YouTube personality ...

Lachlan Ross Power  Bio And Family Life Of Australian The YouTube Star It is amazing the varied sources of income that the internet has made possible in this day and age. Internet fame can get its holder a whole lot of monetary and social benefits, but it must be noted that it does not come easy or cheap. For those who desire fame, content is the sacrifice ...

Alfie Deyes  Bio and Net Worth: Everything You Need To Know Alfie Deyes is one internet personality you definitely would like to know about. He boasts of over 10 million subscribers on three of his YouTube channels and has three bestseller books to his name. He is probably the most renowned young personality on YouTube today and his vlogging empire continues to grow by the day. ...

Colleen Ballingers Love Story With Husband Erik Stocklin and How Much She Is Worth Now Colleen Ballinger is an American comedian and YouTuber who is a very funny, adventurous, and highly talented woman. She is also an actress, singer, and writer. Collen is widely known for her work on YouTube where she posts content on her channel, Miranda Sings. The comedian has gained many subscribers over the years and has ...

Who Are The Dude Perfect Members and How Much Are They Worth? Entertainment in the 21st century can be digested in many forms and with platforms like YouTube, the creators and purveyors of entertainment have been democratized. Today, one of the most popular platforms to exhibit ones creative talents is YouTube, even though there are other platforms like Twitter, Facebook, who suffer in comparison to YouTube because ...

Who Is Rudy Mancuso, What Is His Earning Power and What Do We Know About His Girlfriend? Rudy Mancuso started his internet journey on Vine. He would later transition to YouTube where he solidified his place among the internets most beloved comedic creators. He is now regarded as one of the renowned internet personalities in the world, with a presence in mainstream TV and film projects like Comedy Centrals Drunk History and ...

Vsauce (Michael Stevens) Biography and Net Worth: All You Need To Know The advent of YouTube and the internet as a whole revolutionized how human beings consume information. With each passing year, the percentage of learning that is done in a traditional classroom decrease as a seismic shift to internet-based learning happens in our education industry. From open courses online to YouTube classes and videos, there are ...

How did Jake Paul Make His YouTube Big Break and Who is His Wife? One of the most interesting Social Media personalities of the 21st century is the young and popular Jake Paul whose elder brother is the famed Vine star, Logan Paul. Jake has utilized the power of the internet to bring himself to the limelight with a channel named JakePaulProductions that has amassed up to six billion ...

5 Facts You Need To Know About Reaction Time (Tal Fishman)  The American YouTuber Before 2015, the leading meaning of reaction time was the amount of time it takes to respond to a stimulus, until Tal Fishman started his channel, Reaction Time on YouTube and the dominant meaning changed. Today, a google search of Reaction Time would deliver Tal Fishmans videos and YouTube channel link with a few physics ...

Grace Helbig  Net Worth, Boyfriend and Family Life of The YouTuber Grace Helbig is an American internet personality, comedian, actress, and writer. She became popular due to her daily vlog series, DailyGrace, which ran on My Damn Channel from 2008 to 2013. Helbig is also popular for her own indie series on YouTube, ItsGrace, which she launched in 2014. Her vlogs which feature random stuff such as ...

Mark Wiens Bio  Ethnicity, Wife and Parents Food is a great way to connect with people. We all love to eat, if not for the pleasure of food, the satisfaction of quenching hunger, and the very process of providing and sharing that food is part of the strongest bonds that bind humanity together. Maybe it is our historical connection to food, where ...

Is Filthy Frank Dead, What Happened To Him and How Much Is He Worth? As George Kusunoki Miller, he was a nobody. However, as Filthy Frank, George was one of the most famous internet personalities on the planet. The Filthy Frank Show, a sketch series on his YouTube channel, TVFilthyFrank, was one of the platforms most influential creations. He is the reason a crazy dance song, Harlem Shake, made it ...

CaptainSparklez Bio  Net Worth, House and Cars of The Famous YouTuber Sometimes, what society wants from its citizens is quite different from what the citizens want for themselves. This is evident in the life and career of video blogger and American YouTube personality, Jordan Maron famous for his YouTube channel CaptainSparklez. He dropped out of school after discovering his talent in playing an online game called Minecraft. ...

Who is Simply Nailogical (Cristine Rotenberg)? Here are Facts You Must Know Canadian Youtube personality, Simply Nailogical (Cristine Rotenberg) originally started out polishing and designing nails even before it became a trendy culture in the social media. Simply Nailogica started out her showbiz career in her early days as a child actress, acting in commercials for game and toy companies. Aside from acting, she is blogger, vlogger, specializing ...

5 Interesting Facts You Need To Know About Huda Beauty In the world of entrepreneurship, it is interesting when an individual has a mentor who he/she looks up to, this yield more productivity on the part of the individual. The iconic and rich American beautician and makeup artist Huda Kattan nicknamed Heida is the founder of the Huda Beauty blog which is number one Instagram beauty blog ...

Is Dino MasterChef Gay? Details About His Ethnicity, Girlfriend, Where He Is Now Food, for the better part of the early years of human life, was nothing more than what we needed for survival. There was no artistry or curation to the method of cooking. The scarcity of food left no room for artistic expression until we figured out agriculture and we could make as much as we ...

Who Is Gabbie Hanna And How Did She Become Famous? As the world shifts to digital media and depends more and more on streaming services for its news and entertainment content, YouTubers have become one of the leading creators in the new media world. Their understanding of the online audience: how to create, maintain, and increase followers, are all handy skills that have primed them ...

Jacksepticeye  Height, Girlfriend & Net Worth Jacksepticeye is a YouTuber and actor who gained popularity with a series of gaming videos he uploads on his channel to the delight of millions of his subscribers. He is Known primarily for his comic video game series titled Lets Play and his vlogs. His channel was formerly ranked 46th in the list of most subscribed ...

Chris Heria Personal Details: About His Wife, Height & Ethnicity Background In this generation, keeping fit has become one of the major criteria for being hale and hearty. In fact, most occupations these days are majorly concerned with ones body mass, weight and looks. Unlike the past where most people have to register in a gym to keep fit, social media has made it quite easy ...

Everything You Need To Know About Game Grumps Gaming is becoming incredibly popular on YouTube these days with game vloggers make millions of dollars out of them yearly. One of the most popular up-coming gaming YouTube channels is Game Grumps. The Lets Play series was created in 2012 and celebrated its fifth anniversary on July 18th, 2017. In six years of its existence, the ...

Daithi De Nogla Biography, Girlfriend and Net Worth YouTube has created an avenue for many to make wealth and become famous from the comfort of their homes while having fun. Many have built a career out of the platform, uploading numerous videos that have earned them the admiration of viewers across the globe. For Daithi De Nogla, he is loved for his humorous commentary on ...

Does Phoebe Robinson Have A Boyfriend or Husband and What Do We Know About Her Family? Phoebe Robinson is a New York-based comedian, writer, and actress. She is best known as the co-creator and co-host of the WNYC Studios podcast 2 Dope Queens. Just like some other female comedians, she never had any original plans of becoming a stand-up comedian even though, according to her, she took a class on a whim at Carolines on Broadway. After ...

Who Are Lex and Alana from Listed Sisters? What Is Their Ethnicity & Is the Show Cancelled? America is a country built on diversity. Everywhere you look all over the country, a countless number of immigrants or children of immigrants have become an integral part of the fabric of the country. From entertainment to business, immigrants are creating a niche for themselves and climbing to the summit of their respective professions. One ...

Riveting Facts About Danielle Lombard And What She Is Best Known For The American entertainment industry is one that provides many avenues for aspiring hopefuls to express their talents and become famous. From films to television shows and game shows, there is no shortage of ways for men and women who desire fame to pursue and earn it in the United States of America. Another tested medium ...

Unearthing New Details About The YouTube Success And Personal Life of Alex Burriss of Wassabi Productions Wildly hilarious and truly audacious, Alex Wassabi is an American YouTuber who has become a very popular face on the video-sharing platform after having garnered millions of subscribers over the years by keeping people glued to his channel with his witty parody video releases. If you have always loved parody videos, there is every chance ...

Everything You Need To Know About H2O Delirious H2O Delirious whose full birth name is reported to be Jonathan Gormon Dennis has successfully kept himself mystified by hiding his face behind the masks leaving his loyal fans speculating who he really is for many years. The American YouTube star is easily identified by the Jason Mask Style with make-up which he wears on his ...

Who Is HolaSoyGerman and What Happened To Him? German Garmendia has certainly seen it all when it comes to internet success. His channels, HolaSoyGerman and JuegaGerman are in the top twenty most subscribed channel on YouTube. The Chilean YouTuber found a way to tap into one of the worlds greatest inventions and make a living from it. He has been able to build ...

Who Are Glenn Becks Family, What Is His Net Worth And What Happened To Him? The American political commentary space is filled with different personalities. A few of them, through their rhetoric, charisma, and resources have been able to build a large following of men and women who listen to them for insight and direction for various political and social issues in the United States. For Conservatives, the story is ...

Following Charissa Thompsons Rise Through The Ranks Of Sports Casting and All About Her Boyfriend Superstar TV host and sportscaster, Charissa Thompson, has been hailed as one of the highest-profile women journalists in America, and the reason is there for all to see. She has worked for popular establishments such as Versus, Yahoo! Sports, ESPN, GSN, and Big Ten Network. She currently hosts the popular pre-game show, Fox NFL Kickoff, ...

Is Chris Kattan Gay or Does He Have A Wife? What Is His Net Worth? Chris Kattan is a popular American comedian and actor. He has appeared in several comic movies and TV series such as The Middle, A Night at the Roxbury and Bunnicula. Kattan is, however, most popular for his six-year stint as a cast member of Saturday Night Live. During his time on the legendary show, he ...

Everything You Should Know About the Rise of Insta Star Claire Abbott and Why She Gave It All Up A lot of young Americans have shot into the limelight for uploading different kinds of videos on YouTube. Some of these young stars include Connor Franta, Desi Perkins, Emma Chamberlain, the Dolan Twins (Ethan and Grayson), and Claire Abbott. The latter became a social media celebrity for uploading sexy bikini pictures of herself on social media. Apart from ...

5 Facts You Need To Know About The YouTube Channel  h3h3Productions H3h3Productions is a YouTube channel that specializes on Comic responses or reactions of other contents or trendy stories. The celebrity couple that created the channel has over time racked up sizable views for their commentaries and contents. Even though they had their own fair share of copyright cases, thankfully they scored an unprecedented victory in all ...

Lilypichu Bio  Height, Brother and Love Story With Albert SleightlyMusical Chang Like most popular internet celebrities, Lilypichu is one of those Twitch streamers who spend their lives on camera. From daydreaming about the possibility of becoming a full-time professional streamer, she grew to live out her dreams on the popular live streaming platform where people play games, make crafts, and showcase their day-to-day activities. Given the rise of ...

KSI  What To Know About His Girlfriend, Brother  Deji Olatunji & Net Worth Assuredly, when Internet inventors Vint Cerf and Bob Khan created the technological masterpiece, they probably did not know how massive the creation will be harnessed by many for different purposes including as a platform for earning money through content creation. One of such person who smiles to the bank regularly today for spending time creating ...

The Interesting Progression and Highlights of Carrie Keagans Career as a Host and Actress Carrie Keagan has garnered huge fame through her various stints on television. She is not just your regular TV host but one with a difference. Keagan has hosted several high profile events and TV shows, including VH1s Big Morning Buzz Live and Fox News Channels Red Eye with Greg Gutfeld. However, not many know she ...

The Gist On Elise Jordans Marriages And Her Rise To Prominence Political commentaries tend to be boring when it is handled by someone who does not have a knack for it. However, when you see the likes of Elise Jordan run the same commentary, you will have a lot of reasons to look forward to watching her again as the journalist is well-versed in the field ...

What Is Timmy Thick Best Known For and How Successful Is The Star? Thanks to the internet, many people whose talents would have ordinarily gone unnoticed have become famous. A very good example of this modern-day internet celebrity is Timmy Thick, an American social media star. He became popular on Instagram due to his penchant for posting raunchy pictures of himself. He also often posted videos of himself ...

What Does Heather Storm Do For a Living and Who Is She Dating? Reality Television is a great way to make a name for oneself as well as amass a fortune. Heather Storm can attest to this as she is one of those who have made a name and earned a lot from reality TV. She made her name appearing on shows like Car Fanatics, Awesome Autos, and, ...

Matt Carriker Biography  Net Worth, Wife & Height Unlike your regular veterinary doctor next door, Matt Carriker chose to spice up his noble profession with the unusual. Though he is known to many as a medical practitioner, Carriker is better renowned as a YouTube star and an animal lover. Having recorded huge successes on his various YouTube channels, the vet doctors name and ...

Jillian Mele of Fox News Career Achievements, Husband & Measurements There are quite a good number of presenters on radio and television who listeners and viewers may never wish to miss any of their shows because of their sensational golden voice, beauty or the special way or artistry they anchor their shows. Jillian Mele is one of such. She has been at the top of ...

Who is Gillian Turner of Fox News? Her Fiance or Husband and Net Worth Gillian Turner is well-known as a news correspondent for Fox News Channel but before she became a TV personality, she built an intimidating resume working for different institutions, including the American government. She served in different capacities at the White House National Security Council during the administration of former US Presidents  George W. Bush and Barack Obama. ...

Gloria Govan Bio  Age, Ethnicity & Height Even as Gloria Govan is famous as an American actress, author, a TV host, and reality television star, shes more popular as the wife of the former NBA player, Matt Barnes. She became known after appearing on the Florida version of the reality television series, Basketball Wives and later, Basketball Wives: LA  after Matt was traded to the Los Angeles Lakers. Sadly, ...

Michael Fishmans Interesting Start as an Actor and Why He Divorced His Wife of Many Years When one door closes, another one opens. As silly as that axiom may seem, it is the story of the resurgence of Michael Fishman, who plays D.J Conner on the popular show, Roseanne. Having played the character for several years as a child actor into his teenage years; when the show originally ended, Michael did ...

Who Is October Gonzalez  Tony Gonzalezs Wife? All You Need To Know October Gonzalez is a popular American TV host and media personality. Additionally, she is also a model. Gonzalez has hosted several TV shows such as Beat Shazam, Entertainment Tonight, and Rachel Ray. She has also featured in several reality TV shows. Gonzalezs fame is not just due to her profession but also because of her ...

Who Is Tony Berlin  Harris Faulkners Husband: His Children and Family Facts Tony Berlin is a popular American media guru. He has variously worked as a reporter, anchor, and producer for some of the biggest TV networks in America. They include CNN, CBS, NBC, and ABC (where he hosted the popular Good Morning America). Berlin has now diversified into public relations and owns his own PR firm. ...

The Progression of Gianna Tobonis Journalism Career and Details About Her Marriage to Kyle Buckley Gianna Toboni may not be your ideal newscaster but her unusual reporting is what made her a household name. The American journalist is renowned for her hard-hitting and authentic reportage. A motivator and activist for total press freedom, Gianna loves to explore pervasive cultural issues. Not only does this unique and ambitious journalist call for all ...

Dog The Bounty Hunters Family Including Details of His Late Wife and Kids Popularly known as Dog, a name which he got from the television series, Dog The Bounty Hunter, Duane Chapman, an American bounty hunter, and one-time bail bondsman, went from being convicted for a felony to being a reality TV star. He was brought to the limelight following the capture of the convicted criminal, Andrew Luster in 2003 and this eventually made ...

Vicky Karayiannis, Chris Cornells Wifes Bio, Children and Family The world of showbiz is made up of different people who serve different roles, and function in a variety of capacities, and one of the most important people are those in the background. Publicists are undoubtedly one of these background people yet they are vital to the life and fame of most of our favorite ...

Joe Rogan Has A Step-Daughter and 2 Other Kids With Wife Jessica Ditzel  Meet His Family Joe Rogan is a popular American stand-up comedian and TV host. His journey to stardom began in the late 80s and has seen him host several shows, the most popular is the game show titled Fear Factor. The exciting show dares contestants to face some of their greatest fears and embark on challenging stunts. The ...

Josh Gates and Wife Hallie Gnatovich Have 2 Kids But Who Has the Higher Net Worth? Best known for his explorations and adventures, Josh Gates, is a television presenter with a voracious appetite for seeing the world and the beauties in it. Some of that beauty, however, is in his home, in the form of two children he shares with his wife, Hallie Gnatovich. Not excluded is their marriage which has lasted ...

Holly Sonders Wiki, Plastic Surgery & Why She Divorced Her Husband  Erik Kuselias After trying everything within her capacity to have a low key wedding, Holly Sonders was drawn to the public because of her husbands controversy at his workplace. Well, the two are rumored to be divorced but the article below will give more light on how true these rumors are. Meanwhile, Holly Sonders is yet to ...

Nadeska Alexis Bio  Age, Boyfriend & Net Worth Journalism is one diverse profession that allows the practitioners to choose their area of specialty, build a career on it by reporting the truth and facts which in the long run will distinguish them as deserving commendation and recognition among their peers. Some choose to specialize in political journalism, while to others it is sports ...

Media Platforms Charlamagne Tha God Has Explored and All The Controversies He Has Courted Charlamagne Tha God is an American on-air personality, radio presenter, and more recently, author. He is popularly known as a co-host on New York radios nationally syndicated show, The Breakfast Club, a program he has been hosting alongside DJ Envy and Angela Yee since 2010. However, his early years had no connection to his current career ...

A Look At Jimmy Fallons Net Worth and Family Including His Wife & Kids Sometimes, a childs passion for something is a pointer to what he/she would become in the future. As a child, Jimmy Fallon was literally obsessed with watching the late-night comedy program, Saturday Night Live (SNL). Then, his parents would tape the clean parts for him to watch and later, he and his sister would re-enact sketches from the ...

Kay Adams Biography  Does The Sportscaster Have A Husband or Boyfriend? When you hear the phrase sports enthusiast, women are hardly the first group that comes to mind. Well, thats changing pretty fast. Especially with the rise of female sports analysts and broadcasters like Kay Adams who is famed for knowing more about sports than most men do. And why not, shes paid handsomely for it ...

Ben Shapiros Family  Meet His Wife, Kids and Sister Who is Popular for the Wrong Reasons A multi-talented man, Ben Shapiro is a man of controversial nature, an attribute that has made him an unusual public figure. An intellectual whose career path was clearly defined even before he became a man, the Jewish conservative commentator has always had his way with words. He became popular by sharing his critical and often ...

QVC Shawn Killinger Bio  Husband, Net Worth & Facts To Know Shawn Killinger is a prominent TV personality who has worked her way to the top. Though not initially a journalist by training, she defied the odds and today has established herself as a household name, as well as, worked alongside some industry legends. More than just being a reporter, newscaster, and anchor, heres all you ...

Liv Lo  Dissecting the Ethnicity, Parents and Personal Life of Henry Goldings Wife While many are aware that Liv Lo is the better half to Crazy Rich Asians star Henry Golding, only a few understand why his beautiful wife appears increasingly endearing to fans. A former model turned TV personality, and fitness star, Liv has an impressive resume which when combined with that of her statuesque spouse is considered a perfect ...

Stpeach Age, Husband and Other Facts About The Twitch Streamer Lisa Vannatta, famously known by her online alias, STPeach is a Canadian video game streamer cum vlogger who has garnered fame through her appearances on different video-sharing/social networking platforms such as Youtube, Instagram, Twitch, Reddit, and Twitter. The beautiful lady got her career to a start in August 2015 when she joined the live streaming video platform, Twitch. She rose to ...

Insights into Seth Meyers Wife, Family and What His Net Worth Is Celebrities are mostly remembered and known for the work they do. For Seth Meyers, his career as a comedian, writer, actor, TV host, and producer is his biggest identifier. He was on Saturday Night Live SNL show as a head writer and cast member for more than ten years during which he built a reputation ...

Who Is Jessica Gadsden  Age, Net Worth & All About Charlamagne tha Gods Wife Jessica Gadsden is an American fitness coach as well as a personal trainer. She is better known as the spouse of popular American media personality, Charlamagne Tha God. Charlamange Tha God is a well-known TV and radio personality in the U.S. He has featured in several shows (both on the radio and TV) and is ...

Who Is Collins Tuohy  Michael Ohers sister ? Her Wedding, Husband & Net Worth Collins Tuohy is an American entrepreneur, philanthropist, blogger, and social media personality. She is also better known as the adoptive sister of NFL player, Michael Oher, whose life story inspired the Hollywood blockbuster The Blind Side. The Blind Side tells the true life story of Oher who grew up in an impoverished background consisting of a ...

Eye-Popping Facts About The Personal Life And Career Success Of Sportscaster Heidi Watney Heidi Watney is a media personality who has created a niche for herself as a sportscaster. Starting out as a radio presenter, the brilliant young lady has gone on to work for several prominent sports networks, and currently, she is with the MLB. The sportscaster is also known to have been an avid sports lady right ...

Marty Lagina Bio  Siblings (Martina and Rick Lagina), Net Worth and Wife Marty Lagina is an American engineer and businessman who has risen to fame as a reality TV star. This is thanks to his involvement in the adventure TV series, The Curse of Oak Island. The Curse of Oak Island is a long-running TV series which airs on the history channel. The show aims to solve ...

Is Jordan Schlansky Just A Character or a Real Life Person and What Does He Do? The world of late-night television is an interesting one. Shows during that time are geared towards giving viewers comedic relief from a long day at work through interviews and comedy sketches. The often charismatic host of this show requires the balancing talent of a producer whose primary job is to deliver great episodes. It is ...

Heres How Wealthy Jimmy Kimmel Is From All The Phases of His Career, Marriages and Sons Health Jimmy Kimmel is a renowned late-night talk show host known for his charm, wit, and the A-list guests he features on his show. As the host of Jimmy Kimmel Live! On ABC, Jimmy has been serving comedy to television viewers for years which played a pivotal role in launching him into mainstream fame and enabled ...

Natasha Bertrand Biography  Is She Married? Who Is the Husband & What Is Her Age? Natasha Bertrand is not just a young prominent journalist but a first-rate investigative reporter. With her natural beauty and smile, Natashas sharp, insightful political commentary also makes her a thorough reporter. Her sound political perspective and coverage in the country have made her a force to be reckoned with in the profession. Renowned for her ...

What Happened to Shane Kilcher? His Injury Update, Net Worth and More Shane Kilcher is well-known thanks to the Discovery Channel series Alaska: The Last Frontier. It is a show that documents the daily lives of the extended Kilcher family, people who live without plumbing or modern heating. The episodes follow their routines as they rely on hunting and farming for their nutritional needs as well as ...

Is Stephanie Gosk Gay or Lesbian, Who is the Wife or Partner  Jenna Wolfe? In August 2013, NBCs Today viewers were greeted with two shocking news. Today weekend anchor, Jenna Wolfe, announced that she was as a lesbian, introducing her partner as NBC News correspondent Stephanie Gosk, and said the two are expecting their first child. A long time has passed since then and certainly, a lot of things ...

Nikki Mudarris  Bio and Net Worth: 5 Interesting Facts You Need to Know Nikki Mudarris, also known as Miss Nikki Baby, is a reality television star, model and fashionista. Shes best known for VH1s reality TV series Love & Hip-Hop: Hollywood. Her entrepreneurial skills enable her to create and run a successful lingerie line Nude by Nikki. Not only that, but Nikki has also successfully run the Las ...

5 Interesting Things You Need To Know About Kelly Nash Ever heard of the lady who gained national prominence for taking a selfie with a dangerous ball just a few inches away from hitting her? Its no other person than Kelly Nash, an American sports broadcaster currently working as host of The Rundown show which airs on MLB Network every weekday at 2 pm ET. ...

Understanding The Height of Fame John Oliver Achieved With The Daily Show and How He Met His Wife Without knowledge of who he is and his exemplary career, John Oliver cuts an unassuming figure of a regular man but he is one of the most influential personalities in America, especially on television. Since he began his career in 1998, he has been a loud and unapologetic agent of change, using his wit and ...

Why Did Big Chief Leave Street Outlaws, Where Is He Now And Why Did He Divorce His Wife? Justin Shearer, otherwise known by his professional name Big Chief is a famous street racer and television personality. He is famously known for being one of the main characters on the racing reality television series, Street Outlaws. Justin, who had been a significant part of the show since its premiere in 2013, appeared in a ...

Who is Josina Anderson of ESPN? Her Husband and Family Facts There has been a gradual paradigm shift in the world of sports which has today produced the likes of Serena Williams, Naomi Osaka, and other female athletes that are pulling great feats in different sporting fields. Their achievements have also been followed by the emergence of female sports journalists such as Jillian Mele, Eboni Williams, ...

Is Brittany Wagner Married, Who Is The Husband, How Old Is She? Brittany Wagner has been an inspiration to a lot of sports youngster. She has won the hearts of many athletic students with her role as a life coach and an academic counselor. She is well groomed in her career and has worked over a decade for The National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) and The National ...

Tati Westbrook Bio  Age, Husband & Net Worth With five videos dished out every week, alongside running her own brand, beauty guru, and YouTube superstar Tati Westbrook has proved to the world that theres utterly no impossibility or limit to whatever one is passionate about. Tati is best known for being the owner and manager of the worlds most-viewed beauty and lifestyle YouTube channel, ...

Cathy Areus Long Road to Becoming a Freelance Journalist and What to Know About Her Kids An American freelance journalist, news analyst, and author, Cathy Areu has built a lasting reputation for herself on cable television. Popular for her skillful and sassy presentation of professional views on varying topics including cultural and feminist issues, Cathy is an inspiration to many women across the globe. In addition to being a journalist, she ...

Tucker Carlsons Love Story With Wife Susan Andrews, their Children and Net Worth Today On the TV screens, Tucker Carlson is that fiery fellow who passionately dishes out his conservative and often controversial views on issues of national importance. Such brazenness has fetched him many enemies, especially on the left-wing, but it has also helped him cement a reputation as one of the foremost broadcast journalists in America. His ...

Paige Wyatts Net Worth, Boyfriend and Where She Is Now Paige Wyatt became popular after the Wyatt family began running the reality television show, American Guns. The Wyatt family comprises Rich Wyatt (father), Renee Wyatt (mother), Paige and Kurt Wyatt (children). Rich Wyatt originally ran a gun shop, the Gunsmoke Guns in Wheat Ridge, Colorado which is outside of Denver. The business which he ran together ...

The Progression of Howard Sterns Career As A Media Personality And Why He Divorced His First Wife Howard Stern is a legendary American radio host, who has also done some notable work as an actor, producer, author, as well as photographer. The radio personality achieved worldwide fame as a result of his self-titled radio program, The Howard Stern Show. As a professional radio personality, he has worked in different radio stations. Since 2006, ...

Lisa Joyners Biography  Ethnicity, Net Worth and Other Key Facts Lisa Joyner is an American Journalist, TV talk show host, and actress. Some of her well-known works are her correspondences for the Los Angeles based TV KCBS, inFANity show, Find My Family Show including her film and television appearances in Brimstone, American Sweetheart, The Bold and The Beautiful among others. Lisas passion for reconnecting people with their biological families ...

Amanda Balionis Rise Through the Ranks of Sportscasting and the Identity of Her Boyfriend Amanda Balionis is an American sportscaster currently working as a golf broadcaster for CBS Sports. Among so many of her works in the field of sports reporting, Amandas PGA Tour coverage seems to be the most popular so far. She covered the Super Bowl working with CBS Sports social media team in Atlanta, where she ...

Dissecting Charles Paynes Sexual Allegations, Its After Effects and More About His Wife Charles Payne had a respectable career as an analyst on Wall Street before he made the transition to television and became a contributor and later a host on Fox. In that time, his expertise has come under scrutiny, and he has been at the center of at least one major controversy. The major controversy in question ...

Erik Asla And Tryra Banks Split: Everything You Need To Know Tyra Banks and Erik Asla have called it quits! The couple, who began dating in 2013 and have a son named York Banks Asla, has decided to end what everybody taught was the perfect relationship. Neither person has come out to give a reason for the breakup, but what is obvious right now is that ...

What to Note About Dr Terry Dubrows Qualifications, TV Works and Marriage to Heather Kent In the realm of people that we expect to see regularly on our screens, medical doctors are closer to the bottom of the list. Aside from the fact that their work has little correlation with TV, they are presumably too busy to pursue life as TV personalities. Yet, a few of them have usurped this ...

Jessica Goch  Bio: 5 Things You Didnt Know About Ninjas Wife Jessica Goch is the Schofield-born American Social Media Influencer who has worked as a model but is now better known as a host and interviewer of prominent Electronic sports celebrities at popular gaming events/tournaments. The screen queen also serves as the manager of her famous husband Ninja aka Tyler Blevins whose exploits on Twitch and Fortnite has ...

CNNs Chris Cuomo Biography  Wife, Family & Net worth Chris Cuomo needs no elaborate introduction as he has starred graced many prominent Television cable networks and his voice has been heard through acknowledged radio shows. He is a television journalist and Lawyer who has previously worked for ABC News as Chief law and justice correspondent as well as a co-anchor on 20/20. If you still ...

Neil deGrasse Tyson  Family, Religion & Net Worth Neil deGrasse Tyson is a distinguished American astrophysicist and author who has been able to achieve so much after falling in love with astronomy at the age of 9. He has since attended and become an alumnus of prestigious universities such as Harvard, Princeton, and Columbia, and also recorded numerous achievements in his field of ...

Is Simon Cowell Gay? Does He Have A Wife or Girlfriend and Why is He Famous? Simon Cowell is a well-known talent show judge, TV producer, entrepreneur and one of the most popular TV personalities that Britain has ever produced. In conjunction with his company, Syco, Cowell is the brain behind hugely successful talent hunt shows such as The X-Factor UK, The X-Factor US, Britains Got Talent, Americas Got Talent and ...

Everything To Know About Joanna Gaines Life With Chip Gaines, Their Business Pursuits and Kids Joanna Gaines and her husband Chip Gaines became celebrities after their television show Fixer Upper began airing back in 2013. The show which was about home renovation and decoration ran for about 6 seasons with a total of 79 episodes before the couple bade farewell to it in April 2018. Apart from their appearances on ...

Who Is Larry The Cable Guy? What To Know About His Wife And Net Worth Larry the Cable Guy is a self-professed country kid renowned for his trademark Southern accent and sensational catchphrase Git-R-Done! The famous comedian who talks about anything under the sun has gone on to become one of the most memorable characters in comedy history. Join us in unearthing lesser-known facts about the former on-air-personality, standup comedy superstar, movie ...

Who Is Patrick Starr, What Is His Net Worth and Gender? The make-up industry over the years has grown to become a billion dollar industry not just because there are probably more women wearing make-up but because a whole lot of men, especially the young ones, have become bold enough to wear it unlike before. A few of these men, like Patrick Starr, have even gone ...

How Did Chris Jansing Become a Senior Correspondent at MSNBC and Who Is Her Husband? An award-winning American television news reporter and journalist, Chris Jansing has succeeded in carving a spectacular niche for herself in the field of TV journalism. Outstanding for not just her excellence in journalism, Chris is also cherished for her incredibly gorgeous looks post 60! For close to four decades, Jansing has continued to soar in her ...

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By Daisy Luther

Do you want to know who George Soros really is? He told us decades ago and nobody listened.

Check out this chilling 60 Minutes interview from Dec. 20, 1998.

Soros destabilizes economies to add to his billions and he doesnt care about how this affects the people who suffer. During the interview, he said, with regard to speculative market attacks:

I dont feel guilty. Im engaged in an amoral activity which is not meant to have anything to do with guilt.

Soros complete lack of guilt about anything seems to be an ongoing theme in his life. One segment of the interview is of particular note  the part that talks about his formative years.

To understand the complexities of his personality, you have to go back to the very beginning, to Budapest, where George Soros was born 68 years ago to parents who were wealthy, well-educated, and Jewish. When the Nazis occupied Budapest in 1944, George Soros father was a successful lawyer. He lived on an island in the Danube and liked to commute to work in a rowboat. But knowing there were problems ahead for the Jews, he decided to split his family up. He bought them forged papers and he bribed a government official to take 14-year-old George Soros in and swear that he was his Christian godson. But survival carried a heavy price tag. While hundreds of thousands of Hungarian Jews were being shipped off to the death camps, George Soros accompanied his phony godfather on his appointed rounds, confiscating property from the Jews. (Vintage footage of Jews walking in line; man dragging little boy in line) KROFT: (Voiceover) These are pictures from 1944 of what happened to George Soros friends and neighbors. (Vintage footage of women and men with bags over their shoulders walking; crowd by a train) KROFT: (Voiceover) Youre a Hungarian Jew KROFT: (Voiceover) who escaped the Holocaust (Vintage footage of women walking by train) Mr. SOROS: (Voiceover) Mm-hmm. (Vintage footage of people getting on train) KROFT: (Voiceover) byby posing as a Christian. Mr. SOROS: (Voiceover) Right. (Vintage footage of women helping each other get on train; train door closing with people in boxcar) KROFT: (Voiceover) And you watched lots of people get shipped off to the death camps. Mr. SOROS: Right. I was 14 years old. And I would say that thats when my character was made. KROFT: In what way? Mr. SOROS: That one should think ahead. One should understand andand anticipate events and whenwhen one is threatened. It was a tremendous threat of evil. I mean, it was aa very personal experience of evil. KROFT: My understanding is that you went out with this protector of yours who swore that you were his adopted godson. Mr. SOROS: Yes. Yes. KROFT: Went out, in fact, and helped in the confiscation of property from the Jews. Mr. SOROS: Yes. Thats right. Yes. KROFT: I mean, thatsthat sounds like an experience that would send lots of people to the psychiatric couch for many, many years. Was it difficult? Mr. SOROS: Notnot at all. Not at all. Maybe as a child you dontyou dont see the connection. But it wasit created nono problem at all. KROFT: No feeling of guilt? Mr. SOROS: No.



KROFT: For example that, Im Jewish and here I am, watching these people go. I could just as easily be there. I should be there. None of that? Mr. SOROS: Well, of course I cI could be on the other side or I could be the one from whom the thing is being taken away. But there was no sense that I shouldnt be there, because that waswell, actually, in a funny way, its just like in marketsthat if I werent thereof course, I wasnt doing it, but somebody else wouldwouldwould be taking it away anyhow. And it was thewhether I was there or not, I was only a spectator, the property was being taken away. So theI had no role in taking away that property. So I had no sense of guilt.

And now, George Soros lives in America, according to some reports, in Bedford Hills, a suburb of New York City. He donated millions to help Hillary Clintons failed presidential bid, and he funds organizations that organize protests which often become violent. We saw it in Ferguson and were seeing it right now in the anti-Trump protests going on across the US. Last week, I wrote:

This is the background of the billionaire philanthropist who is opposing the Trump presidency. Hes betting against America right now, hoping to cash in and make billions when our economy crashes due to the instability he is causing.

Without one drop of remorse. Because

I cannot and do not look at the social consequences of what I do.

Daisy Luther is a freelance writer and editor. Her website, where this article first appeared, offers information on healthy prepping, including premium nutritional choices, general wellness and non-tech solutions. You can follow Daisy on Facebook and Twitter, and you can email her at daisy@theorganicprepper.ca
Removes Rs. 2000 cap imposed post monetization

Snapdeal, Indias largest online marketplace, today announced that it is removing the Rs. 2000 limit applied to Cash on Delivery orders, in the wake of the demonetization announcement last week. Consumers can now resume paying by cash for all orders, as per business as usual.

Following the government announcement, Snapdeal had announced several quick measures to alleviate consumers concerns. Users were not only given the option of switching to card payments from cash, but also allowed to defer their deliveries by a few days, to get time to procure the desired currency. Additionally, Snapdeal and Freecharge had launched "Wallet on Delivery" within 24 hours of the demonetization. The crucial impact of this was that customers who did not have ready access to usable currency notes, could simply pay using their FreeCharge wallet at the point of delivery.

A Snapdeal spokesperson said, We support the demonetization effort by the government, and are committed to making this transition as frictionless and convenient as possible for our consumers. We worked closely with our users throughout the last week to ensure there was no lapse in their experience, and they have responded by swiftly adopting alternative payment modes, especially the Wallet on Delivery option. We will continue to monitor the situation closely, and do as required to ensure it is business as usual on our platform.
Covering 1800 KMs from Mumbai to Kanyakumari in an autorickshaw, the monk to explore thoughts & perceptions on girls education

Spearheading the cause of women empowerment via education, the latest challenge at Indi.com endeavors to initiate a conversation and spread awareness on the subject matter. Filmmaker and former monk, Ravinol Chambers, aims to explore what people from different strata of society think about girls education.

Indian film actor and philanthropist, Vivek Oberoi has voiced support to initiative. He further joined Chambers in the introductory video released at Indi.com, extending the challenge to general public. Sharing his views on the challenge, Vivek Oberoi added, I support Ravinol Chambers Street Philosophy since their present initiative is meant to aid empowerment and education of girl child. I further urge everyone to spread the word about the challenge and contribute towards creating awareness on girl education. Im very happy this challenge is supporting my charity, Food For Life Vrindavan.

Covering the distance of 1800 KMs in a Tu-Tuk (autorickshaw) Chambers is initiating conversation on girls education, which would be featured in his documentary. As part of the challenge on Indi.com, Chambers asked views on the following two questions:

'What is the value of educating girls in India today?'

'Do you think girls are equal to boys?'

Commenting on hosting the challenge, Shikha Uberoi, Co-founder, Indi.com India said, Bringing this challenge live on Indi.com has been a proud endeavor for us at Indi.com since we firmly believe in the power of education in empowering girls. This challenge showcases how Indi serves as an impact platform and can create major Buzz and virality around social change. We believe in total equality and especially amongst genders. We are so happy to enable Ravinol Chambers as he embarks upon a journey of lifetime from Mumbai to Kanyakumari in a Rikshaw. We urge our users to support the cause, spread awareness by uploading their response videos and also sharing the word on their social media platforms.

Sharing his enthusiasm, Ravinol Chambers said, I am so happy that such a platform like Indi.com exists and is supporting the cause of girl education and helping me reach out to a majority of people I could have never reached before. I am enthusiastic to meet people all the way from Mumbai to Kanyakumari and learn more about their thoughts and perceptions around the matter of girl education. I hope users will connect and support me in the initiative, reverting with their answers to my questions and sharing the same on their social networks.

In order to participate, users can upload their answers to the aforementioned questions in a video format on Indi.com. The platform would then measure the social media buzz created by each of these videos, provide cash prices and goodies in return. First three winners will take home cash prizes worth INR 6000, 3000 and 1500, along with a free Be Inspired shirt.

To know more about the challenge, please visit: https://indi.com/beinspiredfilms/educategirls
MUMBAI, India, Nov. 18, 2016 /PRNewswire/ -- Today, international advocacy organization Global Citizen released its most recent accountability report, tracking progress for global health commitments made via the Global Citizen platform over the last five years. This is the second accountability report Global Citizen has released. It coincides with Global Citizen's first Global Festival in India.

Since 2011, Global Citizens have taken 1.42 million actions on global health  resulting in 43 commitments and announcements from governments and private companies, which when they were made were set to affect more than 600 million lives with investments of $7 billion to fund and support global health initiatives.

The annual Global Citizen Festival is both a moment of celebration, but also of accountability, and the report identifies countries and organizations that have honored their commitments and are well on their way to meeting their global health goals. It also calls out those yet to deliver on their promises.

"It's vital that we hold people to account for the promises they have made to the world's poorest," said Simon Moss, a co-founder of Global Citizen. "We are hugely encouraged by the progress we've seen so far - the vast majority of leaders are delivering. But our work is far from over. Global Citizens must continue to hold our world leaders accountable in the fight to end extreme poverty."

To date, the fulfilled commitments have impacted more than 359 million lives, almost two-thirds of the way towards affecting 601.5 million lives by 2030.

34 commitments are on-track or complete. Norway, for example, has delivered on its 2014 promise to commit NOK 6.25 billion to Gavi, The Vaccine Alliance, helping to immunize millions of children each year against deadly diseases. Canada is also on track to deliver its C$250 million commitment to end polio eradication, helping to bring cases to their lowest ever levels.

Two commitments, however, are significantly at risk. Australia lowered its AU$130 million contribution to polio eradication to AU$86 million, putting eradication at risk. And Malawi pledged to add 17,000 new community health workers (CHWs), but there has been little evidence of increase.

Global Citizen regularly checks on the progress of these initiatives, and today's public report is call to action for Global Citizens to hold these countries to account.

Contact:

Sunshine Sachs, GC@sunshinesachs.com, 212-691-2800

To view the original version on PR Newswire, visit:http://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/global-citizen-releases-health-accountability-report-on-eve-of-inaugural-india-festival-300365743.html

SOURCE Global Citizen
Research and Markets has announced the addition of the "United States Blood Pressure Monitors Market Outlook to 2022" report to their offering.

The report provides key market data on the United States Blood Pressure Monitors market. The report provides value, in millions of US dollars, volume (in units) and average price data (in US dollars), within market segments - Aneroid Sphygmomanometers, Automatic Sphygmomanometers, Mercury Sphygmomanometers and Blood Pressure Transducers.

The report also provides company shares and distribution shares data for the market category, and global corporate-level profiles of the key market participants. Based on the availability of data for the particular category and country, information related to pipeline products, news and deals is available in the report.

Reasons to Buy:

Develop business strategies by identifying the key market segments poised for strong growth in the future.

Develop market-entry and market expansion strategies.

Design competition strategies by identifying who-stands-where in the market.

Develop investment strategies by identifying the key market segments expected to register strong growth in the near future.

What are the key distribution channels and what's the most preferred mode of product distribution - Identify, understand and capitalize.



Companies Mentioned:

Omron Healthcare Co., Ltd.

Microlife Corporation

Welch Allyn Inc.

A&D Medical / LifeSource

GE Healthcare Limited

Paul Hartmann AG

Philips Healthcare

Terumo Corporation

American Diagnostic Corporation

Rudolf Riester GmbH & Co. KG

Rossmax International Ltd.

W.A. Baum Co. Inc.

Key Topics Covered:

1 List of Tables & Figures

2 Introduction

3 Blood Pressure Monitors Market, United States

4 Overview of Key Companies in United States, Blood Pressure Monitors Market

5 Blood Pressure Monitors Market Pipeline Products

6 Financial Deals Landscape

7 Recent Developments

8 Appendix

For more information about this report visit http://www.researchandmarkets.com/research/67fktk/united_states

View source version on businesswire.com: http://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20161118005314/en/

Research and Markets

Laura Wood, Senior Manager

press@researchandmarkets.com

For E.S.T Office Hours Call 1-917-300-0470

For U.S./CAN Toll Free Call 1-800-526-8630

For GMT Office Hours Call +353-1-416-8900

U.S. Fax: 646-607-1907

Fax (outside U.S.): +353-1-481-1716

Related Topics: Medical Devices, Cardiovascular Devices, Patient Monitoring Equipment
Secretary of Defense Ash Carter traveled to Joint Base San Antonio, Texas, Nov. 16, during a trip focused on ensuring the readiness of the U.S. military and the effectiveness of the training and equipment provided to todays warfighters.



While at JBSA, Carter spoke with Airmen who had just completed basic training at JBSA-Lackland, visited Brooke Army Medical Center at JBSA-Fort Sam Houston and took part in a T-1 Jayhawk orientation flight at JBSA-Randolph.



Today we looked at a number of ways we are building the force of the future, to make sure that it is as fine as the force we have today, Carter said. That means recruiting, it means training, it means retaining and it means taking care of service members. We saw that entire arc today.



Carter explained to the recent BMT graduates that countries all around the world like working with American military members; not only because they are competent, well trained, disciplined and powerful on the battlefield, but also because of the things that America stands for.



I am so pleased to lead the finest fighting force the world has ever known. Carter said. The key reason for that is the people like yourselves. You have some very tough task masters here, but thats because you are learning from the best the world has to offer, so you can become the best the world has to offer.



During his visit to BAMC, the Armys largest and busiest medical center, Carter personally thanked wounded and ill service members and their families along with BAMC staff for their service and sacrifice.



Taking care of our service members is important, especially our wounded, ill and injured, Carter said.



The secretary ended his visit at JBSA-Randolph at the training ground for future Air Force instructor pilots and future enlisted remotely piloted aircraft pilots.



There is so much going on here in San Antonio which is relevant to our force of today and the force of the future, Carter said. I am committed to that and I am confident that our armed forces will remain what it is today, which is the best in the world.
When it comes to having the leading edge in air, space and cyberspace, non-commissioned officers from the 70th Operations Support Squadron have taken it to a new level, training Airmen on the importance of Air Force National Tactical Integration (AF NTI).



Being the lead wing for AF NTI, the 70th Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance Wing made upgrades to its mission success with help from the 70th OSS. Their main goal is to train analyst waiting to begin their assignment as AF NTI analysts with minimal mission and manning impact, and in an efficient and timely manner. NTIs mission is to leverage critical national intelligence community information and capabilities, working as an enterprise that collaborates to enhance air component operations around the world.



As the previous AF NTI Program Manager for the wing, I was responsible for resource management, which includes systems, manning, funding and baseline training AF NTI Enterprise, said Staff Sgt. Bazil Rivera, the 70th OSS AF NTI non-commissioned officer in charge. In April 2015, I was moved into the wing mission training office for the purpose of standing up a new training course for all AF NTI analysts.



Rivera and co-workers saw a need to redefine the training Airmen received prior to moving into their new work centers. The previous training was outdated and did not meet the needs of the AF NTI enterprise, Rivera said. In order to form holistic learning environments, the team needed to understand what was missing from their training.



The main hurdle was resources, both manning and fiscal, said Master Sgt. Daniel Caulder, the 70th OSS wing mission training superintendent. Staff Sgt. Rivera has almost single handedly developed this course and has done so in a fiscally demanding environment. I'm proud of how far we've come along with minimal resources. It was a big endeavor, and one I wasn't sure we'd be able to deliver on. I expect we'll have a completely funded and vetted training for the enterprise for the foreseeable future.



The AF NTI program was able to receive an avenue for funding through Air Combat Command which allowed Rivera to begin building the foundation for the new curriculum.



Analysts Initial Certification Training and Mission Certification Training both came in the form of online handbooks that are given to Airmen as a do-it-yourself, with little oversite, Rivera said. They were not learning efficiently, so we decided to start over and started building this course. From there, we sent request to the 28 (enterprise) sites around the world for feedback on what they saw needed improvement.



The key focus for AF NTI training will be to remove the obsolete information and re-program how Airmen think and respond, Rivera said. Airmen begin with three validation classes to build and vet material before making it an enterprise requirement.



Our first validation class was held the end of April through May (2016), which introduced the shell of what we imagined the class to be, Rivera said. We had 10 subject matter experts from across the enterprise come in and help us build the course from scratch.



Once the foundation was settled and fine-tuned, teams began to build scenarios and testing exam questions to ensure Airmen were cleared to be analysts. In the next few months, a second class was conducted with a mix of experienced and new analysts. This gave instructors a better view of what was useful to the career fields progress, Rivera said. The feedback was broken down into palpable information for Airmen to better support the big picture NTI missions and its customers.



Rivera said in classes are expected to mix mostly new analysts and experienced Airmen so they can learn from each other, as well as pass along lessons learned.



Something that weve identified across the board, from all the students, was that they were able to meet analysts from all of our sites, and they found (the networking) the most valuable piece, Rivera said. What weve also identified, and are lacking in the enterprise, is that some people do not network outside of their elements, which is a problem because there are so many other elements that can help and reach out to each other. They can make new contacts, work together and build better products for their customers.



Currently, there are only a hand-full of cadre assisting with training, including active-duty and contracted civilians. Within the next few years, the goal is to have a fully supported cadre of instructors with AF NTI experience.



This training is going to benefit the entire AF NTI enterprise, Caulder said. Time wise, we will cut down their training from 30 to seven days. We're also ensuring a baseline across all AF NTI elements to better support our tactical and national customers.



Recently, another class completed their training, which put integrated and knowledge-charged Airmen back into the fight. With the 70th OSS working meticulously to upgrade their Airmen across the globe, the 70th ISRW can continue being unrivaled in air, space and cyberspace superiority.
U.S. and JASDF rescue squadrons participate Keen Sword 17

Air Force pararescuemen from the 31st Rescue Squadron and HH-60 Pave Hawks from the 33rd Rescue Squadron rescue simulated survivors during exercise Keen Sword 17 on Nov. 9, 2016, near Okinawa, Japan. KS17 involved U.S. forces and the Japan Self-Defense Forces from all components of both militaries, training to conduct bilateral operations in support of the defense of Japan. (U.S. Air Force photo/Airman 1st Class Corey M. Pettis)
An assistant police inspector was suspended for his alleged involvement in a case of duping a real estate developer on the pretext of exchanging his old notes, a senior police official said.

Sanjay Mali, attached to Santacruz Police Station, has been suspended and his involvement in the alleged duping of Sanjay Naik, on the pretext of exchanging three crore rupees from a bank in Santacruz, is being probed, the official said.

An inquiry is going on against Mali in this connection, a senior police officer said.

Police had on Thursday arrested three persons for cheating Naik on the pretext of exchanging his money from a bank in Santacruz on Tuesday.

The accused had asked Mr Naik to come to a place near the bank two days ago, where they took his money and fled.

The accused, whose names have not been disclosed, were arrested and a case under section 420 (cheating) of IPC was slapped on them, police had earlier said, adding more arrests were likely in connection with the incident.
With Madhya Pradesh, West Bengal and Arunachal Pradesh slated to go for assembly polls on November 19; the Election Commission (EC) on Friday expressed its concerns about use of indelible ink by banks in exchange for currency notes under the demonetisation rule.

In a letter to the Finance Ministry, the EC said: It is informed that bye-elections from some parliamentary and Assembly constituencies are currently in progress, a poll for which is scheduled to be taken on 19.11.2016. As per the provisions of Rule 49K of the Conduct of Elections Rules, 1961, the left forefinger of electors is required to be marked with indelible ink at the polling stations before the elector is allowed to vote.

While Uttar Pradesh and Punjab are headed for assembly polls early next year, the Election Commission stated, Sub-rule (4) of the said Rule 49K provides that in cases, where the elector does not have forefinger on the left hand, the ink is to be marked on any finger on his left hand, and if does not have any finger on his left hand, the ink is to be marked on his right forefinger. Extracts from the Handbook for Returning officers issued by the commission containing instructions in terms of the aforesaid Rule 49K are also enclosed for reference.

ln view of the current by-elections and upcoming elections to Legislative Assemblies of some of the states, it is requested that the above mentioned provisions of rules regarding application of indelible ink at elections and the commissions instructions in this regard should be duly taken into consideration in the context of the reported move to apply indelible ink in connection with demonetisation process so that the same does not affect the election process in any manner, it added.

Many people, including West Bengal chief minister Mamata Banerjee, have flayed the move, saying marking people with indelible ink may bar many people from voting in upcoming bypolls and elections. Five states are slated to go the polls next year.

On Wednesday, when the use of indelible ink began, most banks didnt have stocks of the ink with them  except for the State Bank of India  and were forced to use permanent marker instead.
The school walls have a fresh coat of paint and classrooms are crammed, but it will take longer to undo the damage done to thousands of Iraqi children who lived under ISIS for more than two years.

Although the school term began officially in September, only this week have pupils in the northern town of Qayyara been re-issued with standard Iraqi textbooks, which the militants replaced with their own in an attempt to brainwash a generation.

ISIS was driven from the town three months ago in the early stages of a campaign to recapture the city of Mosul, which lies about 60 km to north and is now under assault by Iraqi security forces backed by a US-led coalition.

As ISISs self-proclaimed caliphate is eroded, a clearer picture is emerging of the groups project and the enduring mark left on those who lived through it.

We are happy to be back at school, said eight-year-old Iman, who like most of her classmates stopped attending classes after ISIS took control. They wanted us to come but we didnt want to because we dont know how to study in their language, the language of violence.

When the militants overran the area in the summer of 2014, they allowed schools to run as normal, local people said. But later they banned subjects they considered un-Islamic such as geography, history and civic education, and used boys schools as a recruiting ground.

The following school year, beginning in 2015, ISIS imposed an entirely new curriculum to inculcate children with their ideology.

Maths exercises were expressed in terms of weapons and ammunition: one bullet plus two bullets equals how many bullets?.

At that point, most parents stopped sending their children to school, and many pupils who were old enough to make up their minds left voluntarily.

As a result, most children have been set back by two grades, and since some teachers have been displaced by the violence, there is only one teacher for roughly every 80 pupils at the girls school in Qayyara.

They have forgotten their lessons Now we are reminding them, said their teacher Maha Nadhem Kadhem, pacing around the classroom, in which four girls are squeezed onto each bench made for two. We dont want them to be illiterate and ignorant.
At least 73 people were killed and more than 100 others were injured in Mozambique on Thursday as they tried to siphon fuel from an overturned truck which exploded, the government said.

The truck was transporting fuel to Malawi from the port city of Beira and was near the border when the accident occurred, the government said in a statement.

Injured Rushed to Hospital

The injured had been rushed to the hospital and a government team was due to travel to the area in Tete province, some 2,000 km (1,242 miles) from the capital Maputo on Friday.

Mozambique is one of the worlds poorest countries and struggles constantly with food shortages caused by drought.
The Pakistani navy detected an Indian submarine off the Pakistani coast and prevented it from entering its waters, it said in a statement on Friday, as tension between the nuclear-armed rivals simmers.

The submarine was detected south of the Pakistani coast on Monday, the navy said in a press release.

Thereafter, despite the submarines desperate efforts to escape detection, it was continuously tracked by Pakistan Navy Fleet units and pushed well clear of our waters, the press release said.

The navy also released footage and photographs of what it was said was the submarine trying to enter Pakistani waters.

In New Delhi, Indian Navy officials described the Pakistan Navys claim as blatant lies and said none of its vessels were in that area.

Relations between Pakistan and India have been strained for several months, while cross-frontier shelling has intensified leading to deaths of civilians and soldiers stationed along the disputed frontier.

Kashmir lies at the heart of the tension between India and Pakistan and the countries have fought two of their three wars over the region since partition and independence from Britain in 1947.
YEREVAN, NOVEMBER 17, ARMENPRESS. Defense Minister Vigen Sargsyan on November 16 held a meeting with the members of the Public Council of Armenia within the framework of discussions initiated by the Ministry, press service of the Ministry told Armenpress.

At the meeting the Defense Minister presented the bill on compensation for the damages caused to the life or health of servicemen while defending Armenia, the provisions of implementing Nation-Army idea.

They exchanged views and opinions on the appropriateness of the proposed project implementation, the effective use and management, the necessity of forming transparent control mechanisms, the publics readiness to support the families of servicemen and other issues.
The Maharashtra government is in talks with the Asian Development Bank (ADB) to raise funds for the Rs. 46,000 crore Nagpur-Mumbai Samruddhi Corridor road project.

We will need to raise funds to the extent of Rs. 27,000 crore which is the actual project cost. We plan to raise it from the market in the form of loan and the government has already approached ADB for raising the funds, Maharashtra State Road Development Corporation (MSRDC) Vice Chairman and Managing Director Radheshyam Mopalwar said.

MSRDC is the implementing agency for the 706-km road project that will require 10,000 hectares. It has appointed SBI Capital to assist in fund-raising.

Of the total project cost of Rs. 46,000 crore, Rs. 27,000 crore, which includes Rs. 24,000 crore for civil work, Rs. 2,500 crore for node development and Rs. 500 crore for utility shifting, will be raised from market, Mopalwar said.

Asked when the actual work is expected to begin, he said, We are currently in the process of final alignment and acquiring of land. We expect that to be complete in two months. By February 2017, we feel we will be able to invite tenders and by May, we believe the actual civil work may begin. Our target is to complete the project by 2019.

He said the joint measurement process, which includes notifying land and acquiring it, will start from November 21.

The government has adopted land pooling pattern where the farmers, whose land is acquired, would be given in return fully developed land in the vicinity along with provisions for sustained livelihood.
Pediatricians around the country, faced with persistent opposition to childhood vaccinations, are increasingly grappling with the difficult decision of whether to dismiss those families from their practices to protect their other patients.

Doctors say they are more willing to take this last-resort step because the anti-vaccine movement in recent years has contributed to a resurgence of preventable childhood diseases such as measles, mumps and whooping cough. Their practices also have been emboldened by families who say they will only choose physicians who require other families to vaccinate.

...Last year, Childhood Health Associates of Salem became the first practice in Oregon to require all of its families to vaccinate their children fully and on schedule for the diseases most easily spread from person-to-person contact.

Our policy happened because it simply did not seem just to permit the kids who could not be vaccinated to face dire risks because another childs parent disbelieved vaccination, Helm explained. We did not want anyone to get measles because they passed through our waiting room....

For years, the official position of the AAP was not to dismiss vaccine-resistant families. But recently, the AAP recognized what many individual pediatricians have been wrestling with on an ad hoc basis. This summer, it announced for the first time that dismissal is now an acceptable option if doctors have exhausted counseling efforts....

The AAP found that pediatricians are increasingly likely to dismiss families who refuse vaccinations.

Well, I guess there soon won't be a need for exemptions. It seems doctor are laying down the law to parents: Either comply with vaccines OR you're out!

Of course Lena Sun at the Washington Post doesn't bother to tell us that all these vaccine zealots have no liability for injury from their vaccines--and YES, vaccines carry risk, and no one can predict which kids will have a reaction. Unlike any other medical procedure or product, we're supposed to assume that ALL kids can be lined up for the ever-increasing vaccination schedule.

This no-tolerance for vaccine exempting parents comes from the same doctors who stand around scratching their collective heads when a child has seizures, develops bowel disease, or stops speaking after being vaccinated.
WASHINGTON, Nov. 18, 2016 - Hawaiian counties that sought to ban genetically engineered crops or impose conditions on the use of pesticides have lost in the Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals, which ruled that state and federal laws pre-empt local ordinances.

Hawaii and Maui counties passed laws prohibiting open-air testing and cultivation of GE organisms in order to protect organic and non-GE farmers from cross-pollination and pesticide drift. Kauais ordinance largely targeted pesticide use but also required registration of GE crops and disclosure of their locations.

Seed and pesticide companies fought back against the ordinances, passed in 2013 and 2014, and won favorable decisions from judges in federal district court last year. Among the companies and groups that sued to block implementation are Monsanto, Syngenta, Dow AgroSciences, Agrigenetics and the Hawaii Farm Bureau Federation.

Hawaii is extremely important for seed companies, which take advantage of the multiple growing seasons to test their biotech products and produce seed for farmers.

A Monsanto spokesperson used the release of the opinions to affirm the companys commitment to ongoing dialogue with our neighbors.

Weve heard the concerns some people have about (genetically modified organisms) and todays farming practices, the spokesperson said. We understand the responsibility we have to farm sustainably and to work collaboratively, and we welcome the opportunity to continue having conversations with members of the community. Monsanto has about 1,000 employees in Maui, Molokai and Oahu.

The court issued three separate opinions, but the legal analysis in the Maui decision also applies to the Hawaii County ordinance. Both laws targeted GE crops using similar language.

As the court explained in Atay v. County of Maui, The stated purposes of Mauis ordinance are to protect organic and non-GE farmers and the countys environment from transgenic contamination and pesticides, preserve the right of Maui County residents to reject GE agriculture, and protect the countys vulnerable ecosystems and indigenous cultural heritage.

But under the preemption clause of the federal Plant Protection Act (PPA), the court said that state and local governments may not supplement the strict controls that apply to federally regulated plant pests without the approval of the Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service.

The court said the PPA expressly preempts the Maui and Hawaii county ordinances to the extent that they seek to ban GE plants that APHIS regulates as plant pests. The court added, however, that federal law does not preempt state regulation of federally deregulated, commercialized GE crops.

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But restrictions on those crops are preempted by Hawaiis own comprehensive set of laws regulating potentially harmful plants, the court said.

The state laws give the states Department of Agriculture broad rulemaking authority  to enact restrictions specific to GE crops, if the department were to conclude that those crops are potentially harmful to agriculture or the environment, the court said.

That means that opponents of GE agriculture in Hawaii will have to shift their focus to the state legislature if they want to continue the battle against GE crops in Hawaii.

Kauai County approved an ordinance in 2014 requiring farm operators or applicators who use restricted-use pesticides (RUPs) to notify neighbors before they apply. The ordinance also included buffer zones and Good Neighbor provisions requiring ag operations to send weekly notices to beekeepers and property owners whose land is within 1,500 feet of the property where the pesticide is applied.

The Hawaii Pesticides Law preempts the countys attempt at regulation, the court said, noting that it establishes notification and warning requirements in connection with the application of pesticides.

Hawaii law addresses the same subject matter as Ordinance 960s pesticide notification provisions: warnings regarding the application of RUPs, the court said.

Responding to arguments from defenders of the ordinance that the states pesticide law is not comprehensive, the court said, The Hawaii Pesticides Law and its implementing rules address the entire life cycle of pesticides, including research/experimentation, transportation, storage, sale, use, and disposal.

Left unanswered by the decisions is the question of their impact on the more than 100 similar statutes, regulations and ordinances passed around the country.

#30

For more news, go to www.Agri-Pulse.com.
YEREVAN, NOVEMBER 17, ARMENPRESS. The tenth anniversary of Air Frances Paris-Yerevan-Paris flight operations was celebrated on November 17 in the Embassy of France in Yerevan, with the celebration of the French Beaujolais Nouveau wine. (Every year on the third Thursday of November, the young red vin de primeur Beaujolais nouveau is released on to the market in a frenzy of promotion, buying and drinking. Just 6-8 weeks old, the wine is intended for immediate consumption.)

Ambassador of France H.E. Jean-Francois Charpentier told reporters 10 years ago a flight was operated between Yerevan and Paris, which was a very important event for everyone.

I personally use the services of Air France, but not only based on patriotic tendencies, but I think that the air company is serving its clients very well, he said.

Air France KLM regional manager Frank van't Hof joyously recalled the first flight operated by an Airbus A320, with the presence of legendary crooner Charles Aznavour himself.

During these 10 years Air France has transported more than 500,000 passengers between the capitals. We are upgrading our aircrafts, improving the on board food service, and we always seek for ways to expand our network, Hof said.

President of the Executive Travel agency Levon Baghdasaryan added that currently the airlines operate 4 flights weekly in summers and 2 flights weekly in winters.

Its already a month since Air France offers 20-25 percent cheaper tickets for the Yerevan-Paris flight for the winter season, he said.

The first Paris-Yerevan flight of Air France was operated on April 8, 2006. The flight brought a new wave for expanding and strengthening business, tourist, as well as cultural ties.

Due to the wide network of one of the largest airlines of Europe, new opportunities were creates for Armenians of the Diaspora as well.

Air France was established in 1933. The Air France KLM group was founded in 2004, which currently operates 2200 flights a day throughout the world, with its fleet of 352. Air France KLM offers 320 destinations to 114 countries.
YEREVAN, NOVEMBER 18, ARMENPRESS. US President Barack Obama called Russia as an influential military superpower, reports TASS.

My stance towards Russian hasnt changed from the very start of my presidency. Russia is an important country, its a military superpower, it has an influence in the region and the world, Obama said in a joint press conference with German Chancellor Angela Merkel in Berlin on November 17.

He said the constructive cooperation with Moscow is in the interests of Washington, however, currently there are objective differences in the mutual relations of the two countries.

During the meeting Obama and Merkel discussed the maintenance of anti-Russian sanctions. We have discussed the importance of maintaining the sanctions unless Russia will fulfill the obligations set by the Minsk agreements, Obama said.

The sides also discussed the Syrian issue. Barack Obama said the talks are the only way for being out of the Syrian crisis.
Aiken, SC (29801)

Today

Partly cloudy skies this morning will become overcast during the afternoon. A few sprinkles possible. High 76F. Winds NE at 5 to 10 mph..

Tonight

Some clouds this evening will give way to mainly clear skies overnight. Low 53F. Winds light and variable.
YEREVAN, NOVEMBER 18, ARMENPRESS. Hovhannes Grigoryan, CEO of the Institute for Political and Sociological Consulting (IPSC), presented results of a new opinion poll on socio-economic developments, public perceptions of foreign affairs, international recognition, and Nagorno Karabakh conflict resolution, the European Friends of Armenia (EuFoA) told Armenpress.

The poll was conducted in July 2016 (shortly after the Four-Day War) on a sample of 1,081 people in Stepanakert and the 7 regions of Nagorno Karabakh, and cross-referenced with a similar survey conducted in March 2015.

The figures show an increase in the number of people who believe Nagorno Karabakh should be independent, compared to those who prefer it become a part of Armenia. An even more significant trend was observed among younger and educated, who support the independence in a much higher proportion (61.2% of population between 18 and 30 years support independence; 53.6% of university educated support independence).

Furthermore, public's approval of Government's performance in the sectors of Defense and Foreign Affairs has decreased, while the perception that Nagorno Karabakh is on the right track is still considerably high at 78.9% percent.

The question of peace and security remains the predominant concern for half of the people of Nagorno Karabakh, followed by unemployment and international recognition of the NKR. Despite these concerns, declared intentions for migration remain at a very low level.

Commenting on this last aspect, Hovhannes Grigoryan said that: "The poll has showed that the Four-Day war of April 2016 has not affected the migration tendencies of the Nagorno Karabakh population, which remain the lowest in the South Caucasus region, when compared to figures from similar polls conducted in Armenia, Azerbaijan and Georgia. In other words, people of Karabakh, regardless of the hardships of the unexpected war outbreak in April, are determined to stay in their country".

Member of the European Parliament Frank Engel underlined the political maturity of people in Nagorno Karabakh: "The Four-Day War changed the situation, but it hasn't changed it fundamentally. People of Nagorno Karabakh are very mature about their positions, especially on the independence of the Artsakh, and it is obvious that despite them becoming more critical of their state and authorities, they express strong loyalty to their country. Further tensions are likely to strengthen these sentiments, rather than to invalidate them.

Following the presentation of the research, Diogo Pinto, EuFoA Director said: "The results of this latest opinion poll, conducted after April's Four-Day war, very clearly show the determination and the resilience of the citizens of Nagorno Karabakh, in spite of the continued Azerbaijani aggression and attempts for destabilization. Although an overwhelming majority believes that further aggressions are likely to happen in the near future, they crave for peace and trust the OSCE Minsk Process and the international community. As European Friends of Armenia, we urge the international community and the EU in particular, not to let the people of Nagorno Karabakh down. Pressure must be kept on Azerbaijan so that it understands that only a peaceful solution is acceptable and that no further violations of the ceasefire will be tolerated".

You can download results of the poll HERE.
YEREVAN, NOVEMBER 18, ARMENPRESS. Minister of Economic Development and Investments of Armenia Suren Karayan on November 17 held a meeting with Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of Iran to Armenia Seyed Kazem Sadjadi to discuss the Armenian-Iranian economic cooperation prospects, press service of the Ministry told Armenpress.

Minister Karayan said the Islamic Republic of Iran is an important partner for Armenia, and it is necessary to take concrete steps to further intensify the economic cooperation of the two states.

In this context, the Minister attached importance to the exhibition of Armenian goods and services that was held in Iran this year. Suren Karayan suggested to make this exhibition continuous through a joint group. The Minister also suggested to take steps to boost inter-regional (Armenia, Iran, Georgia) tourism.

Ambassador Seyed Kazem Sadjadi presented the Minister all sectors and opportunities which will boost the economic cooperation of the two states.

The Ambassador said Armenia is an important trade hub that can connect Iran with other EAEU member states.

From the perspective of boosting the cooperation, the Ambassador attached importance to the elimination of visa regime between Iran and Armenia, the intensification of air communication, as well as the factor of the Armenian great community in Iran. In his turn, the Ambassador suggested to boost the inter-regional cooperation between Armenia and Iran.

Minister Suren Karayan thanked the Iranian Ambassador for the productive discussion and expressed hope that such discussions will be continuous.
November 16, 2016

An emerging shopping portal in Egypt is riding a growing e-commerce wave by attracting more than a million users every month.

The startup Yaoota, which was launched in June 2014 by friends Sherif El-Rakabawy and Mohamed Ewis, allows shoppers to compare prices online for products ranging from electronics to kids items.

In October 2015, the startup managed to raise $2.7 million from an Abu Dhabi family investment firm called KBBO Group.

The shopping portals co-founder, Rakabawy, said that his website was attracting about 70,000 users per month when it first got the UAE investment. Now Yaoota has 1.1 million monthly users, he told Al-Monitor.

Yaoota means hey tomatoes in Egyptian colloquial Arabic. In Egypt, street vendors selling tomatoes usually yell Hey crazy tomatoes! because of their wild price fluctuations.

A search by shoppers via Yaoota for a Casio keyboard, for instance, gets 15 results from two merchants with prices ranging from 803 to 8,454 Egyptian pounds ($50 to $528). A search for iPhone 7 Plus, meanwhile, generates 43 results from seven merchants with prices ranging from 15,799 to 21,699 Egyptian pounds.

We have so far hosted around 200 retailers in Egypt, Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates, and we operate on a cost-per-click model with a rate of 35 cents per click," the entrepreneur said.

According to the Global Entrepreneurship Library, a nonprofit organization backed by the World Economic Forum, Egypt is currently ranked 12th in the world in terms of best places to invest in internet-based commerce.

Data released by the Egyptian Ministry of Communications and Information Technology also showed that Egypt has the highest number of internet users in the Arab world, with more than half of the population  or 48 million people  having access to the internet.

There is a lot of potential in the e-commerce market in Egypt, Alia el-Mahdy, a professor of economics at Cairo University, told Al-Monitor. It is a large country with a huge population and a lot of untapped resources, she said.

According to the payments agency Payforts 2015 State of Payments in the Arab World report, Egypts e-commerce market will reach $2.7 billion by 2020, almost doubling compared to its $1.4 billion size in 2014. People aged 26-35 are the largest age group to buy products online.

Mahdy expects that online purchases will continue to grow in Egypt for several reasons. A large percentage of Egyptians are under 30 years old. There is huge government support for technology. There is an unprecedented growth on smartphones, and there is also a greater demand for branded products, she said.

However, Rakabawy sees a lot of challenges for the e-commerce market growth in Egypt. Only 8% of the countrys internet users are online consumers. Also, 72% of consumers use cash for their e-commerce activity.

Egypt remains a cash-based economy, Rakabawy said. According to Payfort, only 10% of Egyptian people have bank accounts, and fewer have credit cards.

If we move beyond the domination of cash society, the growth of e-commerce in Egypt would accelerate even more, he added, hoping that his startup would help such a drive. Rakabawy and his friend Ewis knew that entrepreneurship would be a tough ride.

In 1998, Rakabawy graduated from the German International School in Cairo. With a German education, Rakabawy headed to the University of Bonn, where he obtained both bachelors and masters degrees in computer science, graduating in 2003. The young entrepreneur also studied for a Ph.D. in computer science at Leipzig University in Germany and spent a semester in 2009 at the University of California at Berkeley.

In Berkeley, I began thinking about Yaoota. But I preferred not to launch the project because the e-commerce market in Egypt and the Middle East was still small at the time, Rakabawy said.

Rakabawy then decided to complete a masters degree in public management and governance at the London School of Economics, graduating in 2010.

Just three months ahead of the January 25 Revolution in 2011 and upon his graduation, Rakabawy headed back to Cairo where he worked for Booz & Company, advising technology clients in the Middle East. There, he met his partner and high school friend Ewis, who had already been working at the Cairo-based company for three years. Ewis also earned a Master of Business Administration from the graduate business school INSEAD in 2009.

At Booz & Company, Rakabawy sought to build connections, gain experience and save money for his project. In my last few months there, I created a prototype about Yaoota to test the possibility of launching the project. And it worked, Rakabawy said.

He then suggested the idea to Ewis, who was immediately interested in joining the project. The two Yaoota co-founders quit their job at Booz & Company at the same time and launched their startup shortly after. Rakabawy was also working as an assistant professor at the American University in Cairo before launching Yaoota in 2014.

The two men rented a small office at the Greek Campus, an entrepreneurial hub in downtown Cairo, and hired two developers in the beginning. Rakabawy was involved in the business and information technology department, while Ewis ran the marketing section.

We gained traction immediately, Rakabawy said, adding, A lot of users accessed our website." By 2014, Yaoota attracted 100,000 active monthly users and two of the biggest online retailers in Egypt: Jumia and Souq.com.

The two entrepreneurs then began their search for an investor  and they found one from the United Arab Emirates. The investor injected $2.7 million in our company, and this is considered the largest investment so far in a startup in Egypt, Rakabawy said.

Like any entrepreneur, Rakabawy has walked the hard line of government bureaucracy, political instability, taking risks and enduring capital pressures. Yet, he believes that the startup culture in Egypt is rapidly developing despite all of these challenges. Egyptians are now accepting the idea of establishing a startup, and they are gradually becoming courageous to take risks, he said.

According to Silatech, which is a dynamic social initiative that creates jobs for young people in the Arab world, 26% of young people in the Arab world in 2010  even before the uprisings  were planning to open their own businesses in the next 12 months, versus 4% in the United States.

Ahmed Alfi, the CEO of Sawari Ventures who invested over $5 million in developing Egypts startup scene through Flat6Labs, said there is optimism among young people in the Arab world about startups. He said that optimism has accelerated youths' willingness to take on the risk of starting a business despite political instability, according to the Middle East Institute.
November 17, 2016

GAZA CITY, Gaza Strip  In mid-October, a number of Palestinian inmates in the main correctional and rehabilitation center in western Gaza City embarked on a project to handwrite the holy Quran using Uthmanic calligraphy. The project came in an effort by the inmates to expiate their guilt in the hopes of obtaining privileges inside prison and having their sentences reduced.

Nine inmates, who took Uthmanic calligraphy courses, joined the project, which is sponsored by Dar Al-Quran and Sunnah in Gaza City. Those in charge of the project expect the project to be finished by the end of the year.

Handwriting the Quran is one of the projects carried out by the correctional and rehabilitation centers in the Gaza Strip, to alter inmate behavior and prompt them to benefit from their time in prison. As a result, the correctional and rehabilitation centers free many inmates for good conduct after they have served two-thirds of their prison sentences.

Massoud Abu Ras, the director of the division of religious preaching and guidance at the correctional and rehabilitation centers in the Gaza Strip and supervisor of the project, told Al-Monitor, "The idea came after a series of programs were carried out [and] after they were highly welcomed by the inmates in recent months. Some inmates joined the literacy programs, others pursued their university studies or joined courses to recite the Quran that were behind the launch of this program."

Abu Ras added that the nine inmates who joined the project received several Uthmanic calligraphy training courses, and while only three have mastered it, the others are in charge of adding the diacritical marks and preparing the paper and tools for the daily work.

He said many inmates at the correctional and rehabilitation main center in Gaza City and other branches in the Gaza Strip demanded that they be allowed to join the project, but because the project was relatively small, given the lack of funds, there could only be a limited number of participants. Abu Ras expected the project to conclude by the end of the year.

The project is the first of its kind at the correctional and rehabilitation centers in the Gaza Strip. The size of the page where the Quran is copied is 50 by 70 centimeters (19 by 27 inches), and the 611 pages are supposed to be bound in a single book after being carefully examined by specialists, to be placed in the library of the correctional and rehabilitation main center.

The director of media and public relations in the correctional and rehabilitation center in western Gaza City, Mohammed Hassanein, told Al-Monitor, "The inmates took part in the project of their own free will," and noted that the overwhelming majority of the inmates welcomed the idea and that participants were selected according to specific criteria.

Hassanein added that the inmates who joined other suggested projects and demonstrated good conduct while serving their sentences obtained privileges similar to the participants in the project to handwrite the Quran. The privileges include making or receiving additional phone calls, and having family visits in private rooms, instead of being separated from their visitors by a glass partition.

He explained that the cases of participants will be examined by the correctional and rehabilitation center once the project is over so that they will be released once they serve two-thirds of their sentence, or even be granted a temporary release ranging between one to three days on holidays to go home and then return to prison.

Diab K., an inmate sentenced to four years in prison and a participant in the project who asked that his full surname not be revealed, told Al-Monitor that he took part in the project after the director of the religious preaching and guidance division at the prison told him about it. He liked the idea and asked to join it, particularly since he is good at Uthmanic calligraphy.

He stressed that once the project was launched, the administration at the center granted them many privileges, such as unlimited phone calls and many family visits during which they sit with their families without a glass partition.

Samir H., an inmate sentenced to 12 years in prison, who also asked that his full surname not be disclosed, told Al-Monitor, "When the project to handwrite the Quran first started, we worked between four to five hours per day. A few days later, we requested that the administration increase our working hours so that we can benefit from our free time. The administration agreed to increase working hours between eight to 10 hours a day."

He explained that he had participated in many programs and projects that were launched by the center to occupy inmates with purposeful programs aimed at improving their behavior while in prison and when freed. He hoped that his sentence, of which he has served four years so far, would be reduced once the project ends.

Iyad Salman, the director of Aftercare Center for Released Prisoners in Gaza City, told Al-Monitor that the project to handwrite the Quran and other projects are designed to alter the inmates behavior, which is a part of the rehabilitation of the inmates in order for them to become good members of their communities once they serve their sentences.

Salman noted that as an institution providing inmates with health and social care services, they found that the conduct of the inmates improved after they took part in such projects, which prompted the center to cooperate with correctional and rehabilitation centers in order to intensify and diversify their programs and projects.

He stressed that there are psychological, religious and occupational projects, the most recent of which is one involving the Fateh Bakery in Gaza City and the city of Deir el-Balah, and one involving a clothing sewing factory in the southern Gaza Strip, where inmates are employed in return for financial compensation.

The projects and programs, which increased in recent years due to some Arab donors providing financial support, have remained limited, given the insufficient financial support provided by the Palestinian government.
November 17, 2016

GAZA CITY, Gaza Strip  The Palestinian street is currently preoccupied with the issue of reforming the Palestine Liberation Organization, one of the main points stipulated in all the Palestinian reconciliation agreements that both Fatah and Hamas accepted. The PLO, which was founded in 1964, is considered the sole legitimate representative of the Palestinian people domestically and abroad.

The latest reconciliation agreement, which was sealed in April 2014 and is known as the Beach Refugee Camp Agreement, calls for establishing a Temporary Leadership Framework for the PLO within five weeks of the signing of the agreement. The framework would facilitate discussion of ways to reform the PLO and its mechanisms and prepare for the elections of the Palestinian National Council (PNC), the legislative body of the PLO. However, the framework has yet to be enacted.

This issue remains a source of dispute among the various Palestinian factions, as no steps have been taken in this regard to this day. The stalemate has raised many important questions: Why does Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas refuse to activate the PLOs Temporary Leadership Framework? And what is Hamas seeking to achieve through the PLO reform?

In a speech at the fourth Palestinian National Security Conference in Gaza on Nov. 2, Khaled Meshaal, head of Hamas political bureau, urged the parties to work on reforming the PLO and restore its role as representative of the Palestinian people.

Meshaal denied talks that his movement is seeking to take control of the PLO, saying, No one has the right to dominate the PLO. We are partners in sharing responsibility and in [preserving] the nation. He stressed the need to form a common and unified authority for all Palestinians at home and abroad.

The PLO is made up of 10 Palestinian factions, most prominently Fatah, but others refuse to join: Hamas, which scored a major victory in the 2006 legislative elections, and the Islamic Jihad movement. They resist joining because the organization had recognized the State of Israel in September 1993 and its right to live in peace and security, a position both movements reject.

Hamas leader Yahya Moussa told Al-Monitor, The PLO was created to realize the hopes of the Palestinian people to achieve independence and freedom. But it has reached an impasse today and turned into a body devoid of any content as it lacks a unified political program. Its current political program is based on negotiations with Israel on a two-state solution. Hamas, which won the last legislative elections, is not part of the PLO, and thus the latter is not a representative of the Palestinian people.

Moussa added, This is why the organization needs to be rehabilitated, which is what we mean by reforming the PLO. This should be done according to a comprehensive process that tackles the structure of the PLO, its institutions, its political programs and its strategies, and that adopts all forms of resistance against the occupation, especially the armed resistance.

He explained that Hamas has yet to join the PLO as the key to the organization is in the hands of Abbas, who does not want to include us in it because we are a major force. He wants to maintain his monopoly over the small powers inside the organization so he can have the last say. This explains why Abbas refuses to call for the establishment of the PLOs Temporary Leadership Framework.

Wasel Abu Youssef, a member of the PLOs Executive Committee, said the organization welcomes all Palestinian factions without exception, as the sole legitimate representative of the Palestinian people.

Abu Youssef told Al-Monitor, The call to reform the PLO is a good and positive one as we need to include [all Palestinian] factions and agree on a unified national strategy to resist the occupation. But there are many obstacles hindering the PLOs reform process as per the Fatah-Hamas reconciliation agreements, mainly Hamas refusal to allow the national consensus government to operate in the Gaza Strip and to hand over management of the Gaza crossings to the Palestinian Authority.

Walid al-Mudallal, a political science professor at the Islamic University in Gaza, believes Hamas is trying to change some of the PLOs policies, about which Abbas is making unilateral decisions.

Mudallal told Al-Monitor, The PLO lost its influence on the Palestinian political scene, while Abbas controls it and does not implement the organizations decisions that contradict his policies. This is why Hamas is seeking to turn the PLO into a home for all Palestinians, and into an organization whose decisions are binding to all. Thus, the inclusion of Hamas and the rest of the Palestinian factions in this organization is considered a Palestinian reformist action.

Among the PLOs decisions that have yet to be implemented is the 2015 Central Committee decision to end the security coordination with Israel, which it accused of ignoring agreements signed with the PA such as the 1994 Paris Protocol. However, this decision was never put into effect.

For his part, political analyst Hassan Abdo confirmed that the reform of the PLO is not a demand by Hamas alone, but shared by most Palestinian political forces such as the Islamic Jihad and the Palestinian Front for the Liberation of Palestine. This, he said, is because the PLO does not reflect the real policies and ambitions of the political forces.

Abdo told Al-Monitor, The reform of the PLO means turning it from an institution of individual decisions into an institution that is based on political partnership. This explains why Abbas refuses to activate the PLOs Temporary Leadership Framework that paves the way for a reform process.

Mudallal agrees with Abdo on this point, saying, Abbas fears that Hamas will pull the rug from under his feet within the organization and thus threaten his monopoly over Palestinian political decisions.

He added, Abbas is also concerned about Hamas presence inside the PLO, which would allow it to participate in the elections of the PNC  which is in charge of drafting the policies and programs of the PLO  and to reverse some of the PLOs policies, mainly ending its recognition of the State of Israel.

However, Abu Youssef ruled out the possibility that Hamas will reverse the PLOs policies even if it obtains seats within the PNC. He explained, No faction alone can rule the PLO since it is an organization that includes representatives of all factions that are part of it. The decisions of the PLO are subject to the vote of the representatives of these factions, and are not made by one faction alone.
November 17, 2016

The Tehran Museum of Contemporary Art (TMoCA) is showcasing a collection of works by Iranian and Arab modern artists in an exhibition titled The Sea Suspended. The exhibition, curated by the United Arab Emirates-based Barjeel Art Foundation, opened Nov. 8 and will continue through Dec. 23. The show spans 50 years of works from the 1940s to the 1990s and features artists from around the Arab world, including Egypt, Iraq, North Africa, the Levant and the Arabian Peninsula. The exhibit's title  The Sea Suspended  is from a poem by Palestinian poet Mahmoud Darwish. This is the first time that an exhibition of Arab art from the modern period has been showcased in Iran.

The TMoCA says the aim of the exhibition is to provide an opportunity for scholars and students for comparative study of Iranian and Arab modern art. In an interview with Al-Monitor, TMoCA head Majid Mola Norouzi described the initiative as a dialogue between Iranian and Arab art, a point he thinks can also be important in terms of cultural diplomacy. Norouzi told Al-Monitor, In the present atmosphere, the Islamic worlds cultural image has been tarnished due to movements such as [the Islamic State]. At the same time, there are also nationalistic tensions in the Middle East that have darkened the human and cultural atmosphere between countries. He added, I think art and artists can be a pioneer in improving human relations  especially paintings, which use a global language to create this understanding.

While Arab poetry may be a little known in Iran, there is practically no exposure to nor understanding of Arab visual arts. The Sea Suspended is thus considered a first attempt to introduce visual Arab artists to Iranians.

Norouzi told Al-Monitor that introducing the various art movements in the Middle East is among the museums goals in line with its policy of showcasing global art movements. So far, we have held many exhibitions by Western artists. However, we have unfortunately not had exhibitions about the art movements in the Middle East. Some of these movements may have common roots, but they have never been viewed together at the same time. Many Iranian artists and art history experts are not even familiar with Arab visual arts. One of our goals is to provide the atmosphere needed in order to acquaint Iranian artists and art critics with modern Arab art.

Amir Rad, who directs the museums new media center, told Al-Monitor he also believes that holding art exhibitions in the region is an important way to introduce pioneering Arab modern artists to Iran. Prior to this, some exhibitions were held on certain occasions, such as the Resistance Exhibition, which showed Arab artworks within the context of resistance. However, we in Iran are not familiar with the pioneering Arab modernist artists and have not seen their works.  We are not familiar with an important part of the Arab art movement.

Nonetheless, Rad sees modern art as a vast field and feels one cannot put the entire Arab world into a single category. Lining up Arab countries in a way that represents them as having a shared view of modernism is not correct," he said. "This exhibition is not only about how Iranian and Arab artists look at the issue of modernism. It also looks at the different views that Arab artists from various Arab countries have about this matter.

Rad believes that The Sea Suspended explores an important period in the history of Iranian and Arab art, when the modernist movement emerged. Of course, it would have been nice if a collection of modern Western art were also displayed at the exhibition to provide a review of the original modernist works and evaluate the achievements it has brought for us without [consideration] of the pieces' origin, he said.

The exhibition's Arab pieces have been sourced from the Barjeel Art Foundation, which, according to curator Karim Sultan, was established in 2010 in an effort to introduce the depths of Arab art to the UAE and the rest of the world while highlighting common experiences and promoting cultural and artistic dialogue.

Sultan described the event as an opportunity for dialogue through which participants will learn the story of the entire Arab world. In this vein, he also relayed that the main challenge in holding such an exhibition was selecting artwork representative of the whole region.

The works by Iranian artists came from the treasure trove of TMoCA, which is also said to have the largest collection of Western modern art outside Europe and North America. An estimated 2,000 pieces of art are believed to be stored at the building. Permanent displays are not possible due to what has been described as a lack of space, as well as cultural issues. However, this past summer, a list of the artwork housed in TMoCAs vault, along with detailed information about each work, was uploaded to the museums website, making it all accessible to the public for the first time in almost 40 years.

Editor's Note: This article has been updated since its initial publication.
November 17, 2016

Prague is a favorite honeymoon destination for Turkish newlyweds, and the Czech Republic is generally idealized in Turkey as a mecca of beautiful women and febrile intellectuals, all sipping the countrys famous brews. It must have therefore come as something of a shock for many Turks to read the headline news today that two Czech terrorists had been arrested in the predominantly Kurdish town of Sirnak, in southeastern Turkey.

The pair, identified as Miroslav Farkas and Marketa Vselichova, are allegedly members of the Syrian Kurdish Peoples Protection Units (YPG), the United States top ally in the fight against the Islamic State (IS) in Syria. The YPG is also closely linked to the Kurdistan Workers Party (PKK), which is fighting for Kurdish autonomy in Turkey. Turkey considers both groups terrorist organizations and is infuriated by the YPG's cooperation with Washington.

The Daily Sabah reported that Farkas was alleged to be a sniper, described Vselichova as a female and said they were responsible for coordinating the arrival of new volunteer terrorists from Europe to Syria. Meanwhile, Takvim ran a photograph of the buxom Vselichova being whisked away by masked Turkish special forces. The Czechs were supposedly detained as they tried to illegally cross into Turkey from Syria. They allegedly confessed under interrogation that they had been trained by German special forces and in the French Foreign Legion.

The Czech Foreign Ministry presented a somewhat different version of events. Spokeswoman Michaela Lagronova confirmed that Turkish authorities had found material linking Farka and Vselichova to the YPG, but she said they had been arrested Oct. 13 in Sirnak while trying to cross the border into Iraq. This makes more sense, as Sirnak borders Iraq, not Syria.

The amicable relationship between Czechs and the YPG is no secret. Prague was one of the first European capitals in which the YPG opened a representation office, earlier this year.

Czech Defense Ministry and other officials are said to regularly hobnob with YPG cadres. Alongside Albania, the Czech Republic is one of the main sources of weapons flowing to the YPG via the US-led coalition against IS.

Czech volunteers are known to have taken up arms with the YPG. Their exact numbers are unknown, but Phillip Lohaus, a former Pentagon analyst, reckons there may be around a hundred foreign volunteers fighting with the YPG. They include Americans, Britons and Germans. Turkey says that regardless of their nationality, they are all considered terrorists.

Turkeys Western allies and Russia may have been more impressed by the formal arrests of seven people accused of membership in Jabhat al-Nusra, the Syrian jihadis tied to al-Qaeda. The suspects, only identified by their initials, were picked up Nov. 1 in separate sweeps in Agri, Van, Hatay and Istanbul.

Meanwhile, Turkeys all-out campaign to crush the PKK and its affiliates continues at full blast, as the mayor of Van, the second-largest, predominantly Kurdish city in the southeast, was detained Nov. 17. Protests erupted in the city, as Bekir Kaya, who was elected on the pro-Kurdish Democratic Regions Party (DBP) ticket, was hauled off to jail and a government administrator appointed in his stead.

Over the past 48 hours, the mayors of Tunceli and Siirt, both of the DBP, suffered a similar fate. Ahmet Turk, the DBP co-mayor of Mardin and one of Turkeys best-known Kurdish politicians, was merely fired. All are accused of being tied to the PKK.

According to the latest tally, some 34 DBP-administered municipalities have been taken over by the government and a total 38 mayors arrested. Seven mayors also wanted on terror charges are on the run. Selahattin Demirtas and Figen Yuksekdag, the co-chairs of the DBPs sister party, the Peoples Democratic Party (HDP), were locked up earlier this month, along with eight other fellow HDP lawmakers.

Turk, speaking to the pro-PKK Firat news agency after a government administrator assumed his duties, said, The [ruling Justice and Development Party] wants  through such shock tactics  to subdue everyone. They can never subdue us. They will not succeed.

The pattern of Turkeys often-brutal efforts to quash the Kurds long-running struggle for greater freedom suggests that Turk may be right.
November 15, 2016

Muhammad: The Messenger of God, a film by the Iranian director Majid Majidi, opened in Turkish theaters Oct. 28, selling a remarkable 261,376 tickets in its first week. Reviews for the film, which focuses on the childhood of the Islamic prophet, have varied, particularly those by Islamists, for whom portrayals of the prophet in popular media come with high stakes.

Islamists have assessed Muhammad in terms of the role of religious sensibilities in its content, including scenes of miraculous events, as well as concerns of off-screen sectarianism and politics. Some critics have dismissed the film entirely on the ground that it is cinematic art with Western roots. On the other hand, Hayrettin Karaman, a respected religious authority in conservative Islamist circles, approved of the film when he viewed it last year.

As some Islamist critics seethed with rage, Majidis film titillated the fancy of many other conservatives, who praised his efforts. Nihal Bengisu of HaberTurk wrote, I didnt love it, but I liked it, and Ozlem Albayrak from Yeni Safak advised, Lets not be too cruel.

Much of the criticism involved accusations of Shiite propaganda. Yeni Safak pundit Yusuf Kaplan invited readers to stand up against Majidis film, which he called the last hoop in a corrupting plot. For him, the aim of the film is to present Shiism as a catalyst of interfaith dialogue and love, while portraying Sunnism as uncompromising and creating terror.

Kaplan also slammed Majidis Hollywood-like style that exhibits more Western than Islamic sensibilities and condemned the portrayal of Prophet Muhammad by an actor. Most dangerously, wrote Kaplan, the aim of the film is to create and legitimize Muslim iconography similar to Christian practices, which would lead to theological-ontological catastrophes like protestantization and paganization of religion.

Adopting a similar tone, the writer and historian Iskender Pala told the press that the state of Iran had provided funding for the film and positioned the production as part of the current sectarian struggle in Syria and the broader Middle East. Even if the Shiites lose the wars in Iraq and Syria, Pala asserted, they will unfortunately win the war with cultural wars.

Other conservative writers had more positive takes on the film. One of them, Alaatin Karaca, with Karar, did not view the production as propagandist. Religious and sectarian sensitivities are impossible to separate from aesthetic preferences, wrote Karaca. Hence, he wrote, It is impossible for Majidi to completely discard his Shiite sensibilities! He added that the same applies for Sunni directors.

Sabah's Hilal Kaplan voiced a negative opinion toward some scenes, including the represention of Muhammad as a healer and narratives of miracles that do not exist in the Islamic sources and are more akin to Christianity. Yet, she saw no elements of Shiite or Iranian propaganda in the film. Rather, she expressed hope that films like Muhammad will motivate Sunni Muslims to undertake visual projects  the most influential communication tool of our time  about the prophets life. In this sense, I find the film both informative and inspiring of competition, Kaplan wrote.

Much discussed in the debate over Majidis work is its physical portrayal of Muhammad. It's handled subtly: His face is never shown, but at times parts of his body are. Even this was too much for hard-core traditionalists, who condemned Shiite laxness in their religious sensibilities. In fact, to comport with Sunni Turkish sensibilities, the voice of Muhammad was muted in the Turkish version of the film and replaced with subtitles, but even this went too far for some.

An article in the Milli Gazete, a mouthpiece of the Islamist Felicity Party, included comments by theologian Cevat Aksit, who slammed the film, saying that no Sunni scholar could justify any kind of imagery of the Prophet Muhammad. You know, Christians put Jesus Christs photo in front of them and worship it. If with this kind of film you work to depict and represent the Prophet Muhammad, it becomes Christian tradition. Aksit reminded that the faces of Muhammads companions, among them Abu Bakr and Umar, are not supposed to be shown either.

Religion is not a toy, argued Aksit. Our savior prophet cannot be made into a part of popular culture. He can never be made a commodity.

The Directorate of Religious Affairs faced strong criticism from angry Islamists for not condemning the film. In response, the directorate released a statement Nov. 3 denying rumors that it played a prominent role in the film's making and financing. The statement also read that as much as the film allegedly reflects historical facts about Muhammads early life, some parts and scenes in it stray far from the truth, and certain fictive elements stand out.

The directorate confirmed that there had been communication and contact with the films writer and director during the screenwriting and claimed that its thoughts and comments about problematic parts were partially taken into account. The statement also strongly advised that people avoid sectarian rhetoric while the Muslim world is going through one of its most difficult periods.

Only a few columnists reminded readers of a fundamental point: There are no good films about the founder of Islam, except perhaps The Message, made in 1976 by Moustapha Akkad. Moreover, whoever tries to make a film about the prophet's life invariably gets slammed by fellow Muslims.

In this light, Nihat Hatipoglu, a scholar and TV commentator on religious matters, addressed a few comments about the film in an article for Sabah and noted some of the films positives. In regard to talk about the directors Shiite roots, he asked, What did Sunni countries or directors do other than censure the film? Considering that more films will come, Hatipoglu suggested that it is best to seek ways to cooperate by getting in touch with filmmakers and making collaborative films true to Islamic sources that will not illustrate the prophet or disrespect his companions.

Hilal Kaplan mentioned rumors of Qatars readiness to invest $1 billion in a seven-part movie series on the life of Muhammad and the other Abrahamic prophets and asked sarcastically, What are we doing? Heated discussions about the film's technicalities.  Bravo for us.

Pala said, If only we could have made 50 films on the topic by now!" He revealed his plans to write a 30-episode series about Muhammad as seen through the eyes of 30 companions. Rather than wasting time discussing Majidis film, he wrote, it would be better to discuss how we can make better, truer and more beautiful ones.

The debate over Majidis film  which has also inspired criticism from the grand mufti of Saudi Arabia and Al-Azhar University as well as a fatwa against Majidi from Indian clerics  has brought to light some of the major issues in the Islamic world today. Respecting the imperatives of the religion is unquestionably important to Muslims, but sectarian biases, suffocating taboos and obsession with conspiracies against Islam sometimes cripple them from producing art, even in the service of their faith. Alas, it even stops them from sitting back and enjoying a film that does nothing but venerate their beloved prophet.
November 17, 2016

Prominent Palestinian politicians and economists in the Palestinian territories appear to be totally unfazed by threats that the Republicans in both houses of Congress and in the Donald Trump administration might cut off aid to the Palestinian government.

Mustafa Barghouti, an elected Palestinian legislator, told Al-Monitor that the United States has already reduced aid to the Palestinian government. In the past two years, we have seen a steady decline in financial support coming from Washington to the Palestinian government. Some of the remaining aid coming from the United States is going directly to local governments, and the rest is distributed to civil society organizations by USAID [US Agency for International Development].

A US official confirmed Barghoutis statement, telling the Wall Street Journal Nov. 16 that US funding, which goes straight to the Palestinian governments creditors, has dropped from about $100 million in 2014 to roughly $75 million in 2015.

Barghouti, the secretary-general of the Palestinian National Initiative, has a number of questions about the aims of USAID. With USAID, a large chunk of the money is spent as overhead on US-based organizations, and it is not clear what their [the organizations] goals are in Palestine.

An editorial in the Wall Street Journal published Nov. 13 called on both the Barack Obama and Trump administrations to stop aid to terrorists. The conservative newspaper supported legislation in the US Congress that would stop the flow of US tax dollars to terrorists.

According to the British daily The Sun, the United Kingdom temporarily suspended in October some of the aid to Palestinians based on claims that UK aid supposedly paying for civil servants in Gaza was being transferred to the Palestinian Liberation Organisation, and is making its way to what the paper called terrorists.

However, a British official told The Sun in the same article, We are not stopping the Palestinian Authority [PA] overall, just delaying it to a date when we know our money wont be going to people who do nothing in return for it. The reference here is the unproven claim that UK charity aid money makes its way to Palestinian fighters.

But Barghouti insisted that the United Kingdom has not stopped aid to Palestine and that the issue has been resolved with London.

Another Palestinian businessman interviewed by Al-Monitor also appeared not to be rattled by the US threats. Samir Hazboun, the head of the Bethlehem Chamber of Commerce, echoed Barghoutis statement that in 2016, most US aid to the Palestinian government had stopped. USAID is still giving a small grant, but they are going mostly to local municipalities, he said.

According to Hazboun, the Palestinian government has been able to weather this reduction in US support by vastly improving its tax collection. Ramallah has been able to cover much of the cost of running the government by improving its tax collection. This was reflected in the recent report by the International Monetary Fund [IMF], Hazboun said.

In this context, Palestinian Minister of Finance Shukri Bishara said Sept. 1 that the number of taxpayers has increased from 150,000 to 200,000.

Palestinian Prime Minister Rami Hamdallah talked about the fiscal disciplinary issue back in April when he proudly showed Al-Monitor a Feb. 11 IMF statement acknowledging the reduction of the Palestinian deficit to nearly 1% of gross domestic product.

The US move to reduce funding might have had some effects on Palestinian institutions, but these effects were addressed by the continuation of support from other countries. Education is one area that has suffered as a result of the aid cuts. The European Union, Canada, Japan and others have continued, and in certain cases increased, their support to Palestinians, Hazboun told Al-Monitor. Canada announced Nov. 16 an increase in its support to Palestinian refugees.

While Hazboun acknowledged that the Palestinian government is no longer in need of US funding, he questioned the wisdom of the move in Washington. If they are interested in stability and in developing strong economic Palestinian institutions, such a move is not very wise.

Hazboun argued that with the reduction in financial aid, the United States loses its ability to have any political influence over Palestinians. They are losing their ability to advise and persuade the Palestinian government in whatever direction they want.

Ironically, with the reduction in US funding, some press reports indicate that Israel is playing a positive role in supporting the Palestinian government to ensure that it stays afloat. The Wall Street Journal quoted on Nov. 16 a World Bank official saying that Israel has returned tax money due to the Palestinian government in a one-off payment of $262 million and has also agreed to restructure a $500 million debt owed to the Israel Electric Corporation.

As the United States prepares for a transition to a Donald Trump presidency, it is highly important to pay attention to how to structure US foreign policy in the Middle East. While the military war on the Islamic State and its affiliates will certainly continue during the Trump era, there is ample evidence to show that to defeat extremism and radicalism in the Middle East and the world, guns and drones are not effective.

The Palestinian issue might not be front and center in Trumps daily security briefings, but the new US president will soon realize  what even Israel has acted on  the importance of supporting the stability of the Palestinian government.
Here are the top stories in Alabama business for Thursday, Nov. 17, 2016:

The new cafe at the Innovation Depot should open in January in downtown Birmingham. It's also changed its name from Spireworks to Serendipity.

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The U.S. Dept. of Labor has awarded nearly $6 million to UAB to train students for in-demand jobs, the federal government announced Thursday. UAB was one of 23 groups to receive America's Promise grants.

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Tropicaleo, a Puerto Rican restaurant that will open in Avondale, won $15,000 in REV Birmingham's BIG PITCH competition, a Shark Tank-style contest where aspiring entrepreneurs pitch their concepts to a judge.

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Here's some more Black Friday deals, including iPhones, Apple TVs, Rokus, and flying drone toys.

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Parents of current eighth and ninth grade students in Birmingham city schools are now eligible to go to an Alabama community college for free through GEAR UP Birmingham's partnership with the Alabama Community College Association.

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The Birmingham City Council is considering establishing a food tax rebate program that will allow certain residents, like low-income, elderly and disabled residents, to receive a refund on the taxes they pay on food.

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Follow all of Alabama's business news here anytime.
Alan Gardner, a professional actor, theater teacher and director who performed in dozens of Birmingham plays including a one-man show about Theodore Roosevelt called "Bully," inspired many drama students and people who loved theater, friends say.

Gardner died Oct. 27. He was 48.

Gardner co-founded City Equity Theatre, a professional theater company in Birmingham, in 2006 with Jonathan Fuller as co-artistic director.

They produced 20 plays from 2006-2015, Fuller said.

"He was incredibly loyal and supportive," Fuller said. "He was quite a storyteller. He was very gregarious, very inspirational to his students. His passion for theater and carrying it forward in Birmingham kept him going."

Gardner graduated from Berry High School in 1986 and earned a theater degree from UAB, where he met his wife, Francie Holder. They moved to Atlanta, Denver and New York to pursue acting. He earned a master of fine arts degree in acting from the University of Pittsburgh in 1994.

In 1995, they moved to Los Angeles to pursue acting careers but returned to Alabama to raise their four sons.

"I enjoyed a lot of things about LA, but one of the things I learned about LA is that I didn't really want to live in LA," he said in an interview several years ago. "I missed a lot of things about home. I also bugged Francie all the time -- every time we'd see a coffee shop, or an empty store, or an empty space -- anything that would make a cool theater."

Gardner's drama teacher at Berry High School was Sandra Taylor, who helped get him a full scholarship at UAB and guest directed his first play at UAB. "He was a wonderful actor," Taylor said.

She encouraged him to go to Hollywood, and he did.

Gardner landed several movie roles, including a part in the 2005 film "Walk the Line," the Johnny Cash biopic starring Joaquin Phoenix as Cash and Reese Witherspoon as June Carter. Gardner played the Texarkana stage manager.

"He had some great stories about being on the set with Joaquin Phoenix and Reese Witherspoon," Taylor said.

A decade earlier, in 1995, he had a role as a driver in "Sudden Death," though his part got cut back, Taylor said.

"He was cast in a good role in 'Sudden Death,' with Jean Claude Van Damme," Taylor said. "He was in the dressing room and they knocked on his door and said, 'We'd like to speak to you.' They cut his part. He said, 'Have I done anything wrong?' They said, 'No, we're going to edit the script.' That happens all the time."

He also had roles in the independent films "Rustin" in 2001 and "Company M: A Mob of Soldiers" in 2012.

Gardner and his wife co-founded South City Theater, which continues to produce plays in Shelby County.

Alan Gardner, dressed in costume as Teddy Roosevelt, performed the play 'Bully' in Birmingham and also at Huntingdon College in Montgomery in 2010.

Gardner taught theater for 17 years, at Thompson High School in Alabaster, Vestavia Hills High School and the Alabama School of Fine Arts. "What Alan really wanted to do was act, but he ended up falling in love with teaching," said Taylor, who helped get him early teaching jobs at Homewood and Hoover High Schools.

In 2006, Gardner and Fuller did a two-man drama by David Mamet, "American Buffalo," in a storefront across from the Alabama Theatre.

"The play takes place in a junk shop," Fuller said. "We made it an environmental thing. It went so well, we decided to form a company."

They were both Equity actors, members of the professional actors' union, and wanted Birmingham to have an Equity theater. "We started doing shows in the summertime, about three productions a year," Fuller said. "We got a board, formed a non-profit, right before the economy crashed. It was a struggle all the way through, but we always remained in the black."

Gardner had been diagnosed with a cancerous tumor in 2010 after his performance as Teddy Roosevelt, underwent surgery, and endured continuous health struggles while still acting and directing, Fuller said.

"He was deeply committed; he had theater in his blood," said Tom Wofford, who worked with him as a director. "He liked meaty, gritty theater; he understood characters."

Taylor, who directed Gardner in high school and college, also directed him last year in his final performance, in "Bill W. and Dr. Bob," about the founding of Alcoholics Anonymous.

"He was brilliant as Dr. Bob," Taylor said. "He was a wonderful actor."
A 6-year-old girl was shot in the back while she asleep in her home early this morning, one of two victims wounded by gunfire in Bessemer overnight.

Bessemer police responded about 1:30 a.m. to a report of a person shot in the 400 block of 30th Street South, said Sgt. Cortice Miles. When officers arrived at the home, they found the little girl suffering from what appeared to be a single gunshot wound to the back.

The girl's mother told officers the girl was asleep when someone fired into the house. The girl was conscious, but was taken to Children's Hospital by ambulance in serious condition.

Earlier, about 11:10 p.m., officers were dispatched on a shooting at the Dartmouth Avenue Convenience Store, located at 2931 Dartmouth Avenue. Miles said officers found a black male lying outside the store on his back with a single gunshot wound to the arm.

The victim told officers he was shot while inside of the store by a person that he knows. That victim was taken to UAB Hospital.

Miles said detectives are looking into possible suspects in this case. Also, he said, they are trying to determine if the shootings are related. The home where the little girl was shot is across the street from the store.

Officers, he said, were not aware of any other person shot when they responded to the convenience store.

"We pray that this innocent young child recovers physically from this assault. It is also our prayer that she is able to overcome the indelible emotional scar that she will have to carry through life," said Bessemer police Chief Nathaniel Rutledge. "It is concerning that people are so reckless as to discharge weapons with no regard to where the bullet strikes."

He said they are still investigating to find out who is responsible and will hold them accountable. Anyone with any information on these cases is asked to call the Bessemer Police Department at (205) 425-2411 or the TipLine at (205)428-3541.
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YEREVAN, NOVEMBER 18, ARMENPRESS. The meetings of the Armenian and Azerbaijani Presidents are the elements of hope that a progress can be achieved over the conflict, since the absence of the meeting or long-term pause have a negative impact on the peaceful settlement of the Nagorno Karabakh conflict, Chairman of the Parliamentary Standing Committee on Foreign Affairs Artak Zarkaryan told Armenpress.

The Azerbaijani Presidents unconstructive approach, his statements which are different from each other in his country and the negotiation table are the major reasons that today we have a prolonged conflict without any prospects of solution at this moment. Armenia remains the guarantor of the security of the NKR people and the advocate of achieving the conflict settlement through peaceful negotiations. Armenia has always been ready to meetings at any level, Artak Zakaryan said.

The MP said the Armenian side has always stated that there must be expectations from those meetings, they must be continued. He said the meetings have a meaning only in case when the agreements reached during those meetings are maintained. When Azerbaijan agrees to installation of investigative mechanisms, and which becomes an issue decided by consensus, and then, it refuses from the installation of those mechanisms, it cannot create a healthy negotiation atmosphere.

Artak Zakaryan said the Azerbaijani President is trying in such way to solve one issue, to extend his and his familys power. He said Aliyev keeps his society in an atmosphere of fear and hostility, tries to create an image of common enemy, and this in its turn facilitates the management of Aliyevs authoritarian regime in Baku.

Artak Zakaryan said after the April war Aliyev understood that he cannot solve the issue through military means. Aliyev is ready to go to great sacrifices in his army for the sake of his power, the MP said.
The Alabama Supreme Court today rejected the appeals of four men who want to bar Jefferson County prosecutors from seeking the death penalty in their capital murder cases. The men claim the state's death penalty law is unconstitutional.

In brief orders, without opinions, the Alabama Supreme Court today denied certiorari - or review - of the cases of Kenneth Eugene Billups, Stanley Brent Chatman, Terrell Corey McMullin, and Benjamin Todd Acton.

Chatman left, Billups center, and McMullin right (photo of Acton, who is in prison, not available)

In June the Alabama Court of Criminal Appeals had ruled the state's capital sentencing scheme is constitutional and told Jefferson County Circuit Court Judge Tracie Todd to vacate her March 3 order that had ruled it unconstitutional and had blocked the use of it in the cases of Billups, Chatman, McMullin and Acton.

The men each filed a motion to bar imposition of the death penalty in their cases and to hold Alabama's capital-sentencing scheme unconstitutional based on the United States Supreme Court's decision in January declaring Florida's death sentencing system unconstitutional. Their trials have not yet been held.

Todd agreed and declared the capital murder sentencing law unconstitutional in a 28-page order.

"The Alabama capital sentencing scheme fails to provide special procedural safeguards to minimize the obvious influence of partisan politics or the potential for unlawful bias in the judiciary," Todd stated in her ruling. "As a result, the death penalty in Alabama is being imposed in a "wholly arbitrary and capricious" manner."

The Court of Criminal Appeals, however, said that the state's capital sentencing law is constitutional.

In another case the Alabama Supreme Court also ruled in September that the state's capital sentencing scheme is constitutional.

In its ruling striking down Todd's order, the Alabama Court of Criminal Appeals addressed the Florida ruling by the U.S. Supreme Court and compared that state's death penalty law to Alabama's.

Both states allowed judges to override jury recommendations for life without parole or death.

But Florida's law that was struck down as unconstitutional was conditioned on a first-degree-murder defendant's eligibility for the death penalty based on a finding by the trial judge, rather than the jury, that an aggravating circumstance existed, the appeals court stated.

Under Alabama's capital-sentencing scheme a capital murder defendant "is not eligible for the death penalty unless the jury unanimously finds beyond a reasonable doubt, either during the guilt phase or during the penalty phase of the trial, that at least one of the aggravating circumstances ... exists," the Alabama appeals court ruled.
The Alabama Supreme Court today for a second time has upheld the conviction and sentence of a death row inmate who says prosecutors struck 10 of 11 blacks from the jury pool at his trial.

The decision came despite the U.S. Supreme Court's order telling the Alabama court this summer to take another look at the case of death row inmate Christopher Anthony Floyd in light of a similar case in Georgia - Foster v. Chatman. In that case SCOTUS reversed a conviction for discriminatory jury selection.

"Having considered both the briefs and Foster, this court concludes that Foster does not require a change in the outcome of this case, and we reinstate our judgment in Ex parte Floyd II," the Alabama Supreme Court stated in today's order.

On July 22 the U.S. Supreme Court vacated the Alabama Supreme Court's judgment in the Floyd case and remanded it back for further consideration in light of SCOTUS's decision in May that reversed the Georgia courts' rulings in Foster v. Chatman that upheld prosecutors' striking blacks from the jury pool.

In 2005 Floyd was convicted in Houston County for the murder and robbery of Waylon Crawford. Floyd was sentenced to death.

In selecting the jury for Floyd's case, the prosecutor and Floyd's lawyers exercised a total of 36 peremptory challenges, according to the Alabama supreme Court order. Prosecutors used its 18 challenges to remove 10 of 11 African-American venire members and 12 of 18 female venire members. Floyd's counsel removed one African-American and seven female venire members. The jury consisted of six white male jurors, six white female jurors, two alternate white male jurors and one alternate African-American female juror.

Floyd, who is white, did not object to the jury based on Batson v. Kentucky, a previous U.S. Supreme Court ruling prohibiting racial discrimination in jury selection, the Alabama Supreme Court noted in its order.

The case has bounced back and forth between the state appellate courts before making it to the U.S. Supreme Court.

On appeal the Alabama Criminal Court of Appeals at first ordered the trial judge to conduct a hearing to determine whether the jury strikes were discriminatory. The Houston County prosecutor gave an explanation for each of the jury strikes and the trial judge upheld Floyd's sentence. The Alabama Criminal Court of Appeals then affirmed the judge's ruling.

"Floyd maintains that the reasons offered by the prosecutor for his strikes of African-Americans and females do not adequately rebut the inference of actual, purposeful discrimination because, he says, those reasons are pretextual or sham," according to today's Alabama Supreme Court order.

The Alabama Supreme Court then sent the case back with orders that the trial judge "make necessary findings of fact and conclusions of law on the following issues: whether the state's (prosecutor's) offered reasons for striking the African-American jurors it struck were race neutral; whether the state's offered reasons for striking the female jurors it struck were gender neutral; and whether the defendant has carried his burden of proving purposeful discrimination."

Again the trial judge upheld the sentence and said the prosecutor had demonstrated he had not engaged in "actual, purposeful discrimination on the basis of race or gender during the jury-selection."

The Alabama Criminal Court of Appeals again affirmed the sentence and conviction and then the Alabama Supreme Court upheld that opinion.

Floyd appealed to the U.S. Supreme Court, which in July vacated the Alabama Supreme Court decision and ordered the Alabama Supreme Court to re-consider its ruling in light of the Georgia case.

In its order, the Alabama Supreme Court admitted that in both the Georgia and Alabama cases prosecutors had lists indicating the race of each potential juror.

"This Court considered the marked list in our previous review and has reconsidered the entire jury-selection process, including this fact, and we simply cannot conclude, even though the record does contain a list used by the prosecutor indicating the race of each potential juror, that the record in this case evidences a "concerted effort to keep black prospective jurors off the jury."
A Pinson woman was taken into custody this morning after leading lawmen on a chase through two counties.

The pursuit began about 2:30 a.m. when a Jefferson County sheriff's deputies tried to stop the driver of a 2012 Chevrolet truck for running a stop sign at Clay-Palmerdale Road and Alabama Highway 75, said Chief Deputy Randy Christian.

The driver - later identified as 31-year-old Mandy Elizabeth Vineyard - refused to stop. The chase traveled north on the highway in to Blount County and then into residential neighborhoods. It continued back to south Highway 75 and then to Miles Spring Road in Palmerdale, where the truck struck a parked sheriff's patrol cruiser, damaging the bumper. The chase continued south on Highway 75 to Tapawingo Road where authorities say Vineyard lost control and crashed.

Vineyard was taken into custody. Christian said deputies learned she had three outstanding felony warrants for probation violations on burglary charges. She was taken to the Jefferson County Jail, where she being held on charges of probation violation for third-degree burglary, resisting arrest, attempting to elude and reckless endangerment. She is being held without bond.

An adult male passenger in Vineyard's truck suffered minor injuries and also was hospitalized.
YEREVAN, NOVEMBER 18, ARMENPRESS. Newly appointed Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of Estonia to Armenia Kai Kaarelson (residence in Tbilisi) on November 18 presented her credentials to President Serzh Sargsyan, press service of the Presidential administration told Armenpress.

The President congratulated the Ambassador on assuming her post, wished her success and said Armenia is interested in giving new impetus to the Armenian-Estonian cooperation both in bilateral and multilateral platforms.

President Sargsyan attached importance to intensifying the cooperation in all sectors by utilizing the high-level political dialogue, the inter-parliamentary ties and the civil society opportunities.

Ambassador Kai Kaarelson said her previous diplomatic experience in the international organizations such as UN and EU, that are both very important organizations for Armenia and Estonia, will contribute to carrying out her diplomatic mission in Armenia more effectively.

The sides discussed the opportunities to develop the cooperation in mutually beneficial fields, including the high technology field where Estonia achieved a great progress, and Armenia reached significant success during the recent years.






YEREVAN, NOVEMBER 18, ARMENPRESS. Prime Minister of Armenia Karen Karapetyan on November 18 received the delegation led by Vice-President of the European Investment Bank (EIB) Jan Vapaavuori, press service of the Government told Armenpress.

The PM highly appreciated the cooperation with the EIB and attached importance to a number of ongoing and the EIB-co-financed projects such as the North-South Highway, construction of the Caucasian electricity transmission network, Yerevan Metropoliten, restoration of Yerevan water supply network, solid waste management.

PM Karapetyan thanked for the technical support of the EIB within the frames of loan programs and said it significantly raises the appropriateness and effectiveness of the provided loans. The PM said the Government is going to be more meticulous in terms of spending the loan funds taking into account their purpose and multiplier effect. In this context, he attached importance to the upcoming second phase of the agreement of the SMEs financing project between the Central Bank of Armenia and the EIB that is worth 50 million Euros.

The PM said the Government is interested in further developing the mutual cooperation, and proposed to consider the agricultural, tourism sector as possible ways for cooperation, adding that the Government is planning to present new strategies over the development of these sectors.

Karen Karapetyan informed the guests that new sectoral foundations will be established aimed at boosting the business, and it is possible to expand the partnership between the Government and the EIB on this path.

The EIB Vice-President expressed gratitude for the warm reception and wished the new Government success on implementing the reforms agenda. He said he is aware of the Governments steps aimed at improving the business environment and stated that the EIB is ready to assist the Armenian partners on that path.

At the same time Jan Vapaavuori expressed satisfaction over the cooperation level with the Armenian Government and said the EIB provided large-scale funds to the implementation of projects that have a strategic importance to Armenia.

He expressed confidence that all joint projects will continue contributing to the development and diversification of Armenias economy.

A number of other issues of bilateral interests were covered during the meeting.
YEREVAN, NOVEMBER 18, ARMENPRESS. Armenia will become a transit country by carrying out shipments from Europe to Iran and vice versa.

In a test option  this week two maritime containers left Germany, arriving in Romanias port, transported to Poti by sea, then to Yeraskh station by trail, from where they were shipped to Iran by trucks, first deputy minister of transportation, communication and information technologies Arthur Arakelyan told ARMENPRESS.

This multimodal transit transportation way was under discussion for the past two years. However, during the Armenia EXPO 2016 in Tehran, the practical stage of negotiations was launched by the meeting of the leadership of South-Caucasian Railway and Irans transportation companies federation.

Regarding the shipment of the first containers, Arakelyan said it was a test shipment.

It allowed us and our partners to document and analyze the problems which occur on the way and jointly try to overcome the obstacles which impact the timing and price of the shipment, he said.

According to him, the containers reached Yeraskh from Poti in 38 hours, which is a quite good indicator, however it is necessary to decrease the time period.

In addition to increasing economic activeness, the creation of this corridor has also a strategic significance. Taking into consideration the closed borders with the two neighboring countries, it is extremely important for us to have a stable operating transportation corridor, he said.

In his words, the project will also contribute to the development of commercial ties with Iran.

Arakelyan highlighted the role of the Armenian Ambassador to Iran and the Iranian Ambassador to Armenia in the effective discussions between the sides.
Aly Abou-Sabaa is the Director General at the International Center for Agricultural Research for Dry Areas (ICARDA).

From making jam with cactus fruit, to reviving traditional underground canals to defend against drought, Morocco has a leading role in the fight against climate change in Africa (PDF). One of its long-standing goals has been transforming agriculture to become more sustainable.

This vital sector, which contributes almost a fifth of the countrys gross domestic product, was the inspiration for the Green Morocco Plan, launched in 2008, to modernise agriculture and make it more productive and efficient. And that need remains as urgent as ever with the rising impact of global warming.

Climate-related challenges in agriculture are also common to many of Moroccos African neighbours. Yet the biggest factor that continues to link experiences across the continent is a lack of investment to adapt and meet the growing demand for food in the face of rising temperatures.

Lack of investment

This is why the Moroccan presidency of this years COP climate summit has made African agriculture one of its priorities when addressing climate change. For the first time, pan-African experts and officials meet to discuss their best solutions while making a united plea for $30bn to put them into action.

Such regional action has become critical, as talks to include agriculture in the climate negotiations have once again failed, and will now be postponed until May 2017.

In contrast to this lack of action on a global scale, we have seen at COP22 that there is no shortage of willingness to confront climate change in Africa. Every single African country has included adapting agriculture as part of their climate change strategies submitted to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC). What is missing is sufficient investment.

We have the plans, the strategies, the shared knowledge and the examples of best practice. What we really need now is funding to bring solutions such as these to scale. by

Out of the 10 countries most affected by greenhouse gas emissions, six of them are in Africa, yet the continent only receives 5 percent of dedicated climate funding.

And without investment, we cannot move forward. In Morocco, only 18 percent of farmers have access to bank loans, hampering their ability to invest in better, more sustainable methods.

The cost of adapting agriculture to cope with the effects of climate change will cost between $20bn and $30bn a year until 2030, according to the African Development Bank.

Where the money should go

At COP, the International Center for Agricultural Research in the Dry Areas (ICARDA) is joining forces with the Moroccan government and partners, to suggest that there are three key areas for investment that will help safeguard African agriculture in the face of climate change.

The first is better soil management. Up to 65 percent of soils in Africa are estimated to be degraded. Planting legumes such as faba bean, chickpeas and lentils that naturally fix nitrogen to the soil reducing the need for fertiliser, is an important approach to reversing this trend.

OPINION: The Muslim world has to take climate action

The production of legumes has been hit hard in Morocco in recent years, due to labour shortages and plant diseases. Improved varieties of chickpeas and lentils have been tested that will not only improve soil health but are resistant to diseases and suitable for harvest with a machine.

These lines have been well received by farmers and could now go into national breeding programmes in Morocco and beyond.

The second area is water control. A third of areas growing olives in Morocco are still using traditional flood irrigation methods, consuming water levels that are far beyond what the trees actually require.

ICARDA has been working with the Moroccan government to encourage the uptake of drip irrigation, which applies less water at the base of the tree only. Farmers can receive between 80-100 percent of the funds to install drip irrigation equipment, which can reduce water consumption by up to 70 percent.

Conservation agriculture is another important option to conserve soil-water content, particularly for rain-fed farming which is predominant in Morocco.

OPINION: Beans  A mighty tool in the fight for food security

Locally manufactured seeders have made it possible for smallholder farmers to use zero-tillage technology at an affordable price. This technological package has great potential to expand if investments are made available.

The third aspect is climate-risk management. In Morocco, we have happily re-housed part of the ICARDA gene bank since we evacuated Aleppo in Syria in July 2012.

This important resource stores genetic material to help breeders develop drought and climate-tolerant and disease-resilient crops, limiting future risk to food supplies.





Bringing the collection of wheat, barley, chickpea, lentil and faba bean samples to Morocco puts them within easy reach of seed scientists, breeders and farmers, where they can be most effective.

Implementing solutions

So we have the plans, the strategies, the shared knowledge and the examples of best practice. What we really need now is funding to bring solutions such as these to scale.

Adaptation projects currently account for just 20 percent of climate public funds but need at least 50 percent in order to strike a balance with efforts that seek to mitigate the effects of climate change (PDF).

To benefit from the best methods, we need funding to expand capacity building and means of sharing our knowledge so that African countries can learn how to adapt to climate change.

There are many opportunities and solutions for how to feed the world while better coping with the climate change that we collectively work on to tackle at events like COP. But without investment, these plans will just languish on paper.

Aly Abou-Sabaa is the Director General at the International Center for Agricultural Research for Dry Areas (ICARDA) and former Vice President of the African Development Bank.

The views expressed in this article are the authors own and do not necessarily reflect Al Jazeeras editorial policy.
On the day the United States President Barack Obama thanked the Greek people for their extraordinary compassion in their response to the refugee crisis, I spoke to Haji Mohamad Lound, a Syrian refugee whose experience at the hands of the Greek and European authorities was less than compassionate.

Haji, together with his wife and four young children, was illegally returned from Greece to Turkey last month. Our situation is desperate, the graphic designer from Aleppo told me on the phone. My son has respiratory problems. I cannot find work in Turkey and we do not feel safe. I do not know where to turn. He kept asking me what the chances were that they could come back to Europe but I was not sure what to answer.





While the welcome given to refugees by so many ordinary Greek people has been extraordinary, paradoxically the further one gets from the beaches of Lesbos and Chios, the more attitudes towards refugees calcify.

Indeed, among those furthest removed from the crisis  in the parliaments of Europe  compassionate words are seldom matched by action.

This is starkly illustrated by the treatment meted out to Haji and his family. They arrived in Greece last month having fled the advance of the Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant (ISIL) in Syria. After a car bomb explosion shattered the windows of our home I decided it was time to pack our bags, he told me.

They risked their lives trying to cross to Europe by sea and were rescued and taken first to the island of Milos and then Leros, where they were registered and expressed their intention to apply for international protection.

Five days later, police told them they would be transferred to Athens and they were escorted to the airport by a group of officers from the EU border agency, Frontex. They boarded a plane but instead of flying to Athens, two hours later they touched down in Adana, southern Turkey. When I saw the Turkish flag at the airport my dreams were shattered, Haji told me.

Having spent more than a week in detention in Turkey, the family were given temporary protection registration documents and were left to their own devices.

READ MORE: More than 240 refugees die in Mediterranean this week

While the Greek authorities and the European Union have repeatedly insisted that all Syrian refugees arriving in Greece were having their asylum claims properly assessed, the evidence in this case strongly suggests otherwise.

Not only were Haji and his family denied the right to apply for asylum, but no risk assessment was undertaken on the danger they would face if returned to Turkey. They were also denied access to legal advice during the critical hours of their deportation.

As Haji and his family are stranded in Turkey, a further 62,000 refugees and migrants are stranded in Greece, living in a state of constant fear and uncertainty. This is the result of the EU-Turkey migration deal and the failure of European leaders to relocate the promised numbers of refugees from Greece. by

Despite Greek authorities claims of no foul play, there is a raft of evidence, including the signed copies of documents that prove that the family had formally expressed their intention to seek international protection in Greece.

As Haji and his family are stranded in Turkey, a further 62,000 refugees and migrants are stranded in Greece, living in a state of constant fear and uncertainty. This is the result of the EU-Turkey migration deal and the failure of European leaders to relocate the promised numbers of refugees from Greece.

While in Europe, Obama should shine the spotlight not only on often abysmal conditions for the tens of thousands of refugees stranded in Greece, but also on the failure of world leaders to adequately address the wider global refugee crisis.

OPINION: The dark side of the EU-Turkey refugee deal

As winter closes in and the global political climate grows harsher, President Obama should demand that wealthy countries meet their obligations and take in a significantly greater and fairer share of the worlds refugees.

In the meantime, Haji remains hopeful that the family may yet find a hospitable welcome in Europe and provide their children with an education. We just want to be in a place in Europe that accepts us, where we feel safe, and where our kids can go to school.

Giorgos Kosmopoulos is Amnesty Internationals Greece researcher.

The views expressed in this article are the authors own and do not necessarily reflect Al Jazeeras editorial policy.
London  The book Palestine on a Plate: Memories from my Mothers Kitchen by chef Joudie Kalla was initially launched in 2014 as a cooking app to showcase a small selection of Palestinian recipes.

As the app gained popularity, Kallas Instagram page caught the eye of the Jacqui Small publishing house, and the idea for the book was born. The newly published book takes a historical look at the recipes of Kallas family through the generations.

Born to Palestinian parents in Syria, Kalla grew up in London and studied architecture, design and French culture, after which she opted to follow her dream to become a chef. After attending the prestigious Leiths School of Food and Wine, she went on to work in several top restaurants, including Daphnes, Papillon and Pengelleys, a Gordon Ramsay restaurant.

In 2010, Kalla opened her own deli in London, called Baity Kitchen, and began recording details of the dishes that she made, all passed down from her mother.

Kalla spoke to Al Jazeera about her newly released book and the importance of maintaining the identity of Palestinian cuisine.

READ MORE: Museum aims to preserve Palestinian history

Al Jazeera: Why did you decide to write this book, and what does it mean to you?

Joudie Kalla: I put a lot of thought and effort into keeping its focus on Palestine, but not something political  to show the positive side of it, to keep my family history alive and to bring me closer to my home.

This book came about because I noticed that many of our cultural foods were being labelled incorrectly and being used as national dishes of other countries, and I think there has to be a line drawn.

Of course we cant take away the fact that Palestinians live in the same country as Israelis and influences are passed on, but there has to be a moment when someone says, Actually, this is food from a time before 1948, and it has meaning to millions of people.

We are grabbing hold of the past to really identify with a place called home, where our ancestors are from and where our family still lives, and where amazing, healthy, wonderful dishes have been created. by

It means a lot to me to write this book, as I am Palestinian, and if I can help give a voice to a beautiful country and its food and people, then that is what I would like to do. The fact that it has Palestine on the front cover is so important for me and many people, because we are embracing where we come from and what our land has to offer. It is an ode to our history.

Al Jazeera: In your view, what distinguishes Palestinian cuisine from other Middle Eastern food?

Kalla: There are a few differences, but mainly I am focusing it on the way my mother, aunts, grandmothers and their mothers before them cooked, and that is what makes it Palestinian. They only knew this land, so what they taught us is what makes it Palestinian.

Al Jazeera: How has your book been received?

Kalla: The reactions to the book have been extremely positive  more than I imagined.

In the Middle East, even though people know how to cook most of the dishes, they are buying the book out of support, to help raise awareness and make this book really visible; to not allow our history to fade into the darkness. It has also been well received around the globe; I have received emails from people in Hong Kong, South Africa, Australia and Europe, who love this wonderful style of amazingly varied food.

For me, this is so very special. I cannot be more happy with the way things are going. I hope it continues to gain as much traction as possible. Also, we are donating 50 percent from all US sales to the Palestinian House of Friendship childrens charity, so there is also a good cause behind it.

Al Jazeera: What is your favourite dish and why?

Kalla: My favourite dish today is musakhan, although this changes daily. I just love the simplicity of it and the flavour. It just blows my mind every time I eat it.

The onions, draped in sumac and olive oil, with the delicious chicken and taboon bread are just exquisite. It is a simple, poor mans food taken to another level. It really represents Palestine for me and home.

Al Jazeera: Different regions in Palestine have different ways of cooking certain dishes. How did you choose which method to follow?

Kalla: I chose the methods my family used. I didnt want to be inauthentic and try to figure out things that I had no idea about, so I kept it as real as possible.

My family were from all over the place  from Nazareth, Ramallah, Yaffa, Safed, al-Lydd  and I am sure they learned many different styles of cooking things, and it shows in the recipes.

Every home has a version of their own; even if you live on the same street in Palestine, I guarantee you that no one will cook the same. I am not claiming that this book is the only way, but it is the way of my family in Palestine.

Al Jazeera: What is the historical significance of including these dishes in your book?

Kalla: The significance is to keep them alive and give them an identity. I think its fair to say that if Japan claimed pizza as their national dish, it would seem slightly out there, and I think many people will agree that while our land can be appropriated, our history cannot be forgotten.

Through our food and people like me, and others who are really trying to make a voice for us, traditions live on, and we are the generation that is doing that. We are grabbing hold of the past to really identify with a place called home, where our ancestors are from and where our family still lives, and where amazing, healthy, wonderful dishes have been created. There are so many stories behind each dish, and it would take another book to really delve into that.

I hope to write some more books and keep the narrative going in a positive light, to foster positive views about my home country through this universal medium of food.

This interview has been edited for length.
Al Jazeera crew captures dramatic footage of attack as babies are rescued from incubators by panicked staff.

Warning: The above video contains scenes some may find distressing.

An air raid has hit a childrens hospital in Syrias rebel-held east Aleppo, forcing medical staff to evacuate patients, including several newborn babies still in incubators.

The moment of the attack on Friday was captured by an Al Jazeera crew, including journalist Amro Halabi, who was reporting on survivors of previous Syrian and Russian bombing raids on rebel-held parts of the city.

Halabi was filming a man and his two children, who were suffered breathing problems from an earlier attack, when the room suddenly went dark immediately after a loud explosion.

Nurses and other medical staff were seen scrambling through the blackness, trying to rush the patients out of the badly damaged hospital as children cried out for help.

In another room, nurses grabbed babies from damaged incubators, with one staff member using a cloth to protect a visibly undernourished child before trying to console a weeping colleague, who was also carrying a newborn.

The nurses later moved the babies to another room, putting them on the floor next to each other and covering them with blankets. At least one of the infants still had medical tubes attached.

Staff told Al Jazeera that all of the babies survived the attack.

READ MORE: In east Aleppo, there is no way out

The city of Aleppo, once Syrias commercial centre, has been divided since 2012, with the eastern half largely in rebel hands and the western half largely controlled by government forces.

More than 250,000 civilians are still trapped in the east, which is under near constant aerial bombardment, with dwindling food supplies and extremely limited medical care.

Hospitals hide underground

Earlier, it was reported that at least 49 people were killed in east Aleppo in a bombardment that started late on Thursday, according to witnesses and activists. Friday was the fourth day of renewed bombing raids by Syrian government jets.

The onslaught began as Syrias ally Russia announced its own offensive on the rebel-controlled Idlib province in the countrys north and Homs province in the centre.





Since then, more than 100 people have been killed across the north of the country.

A hospital in another Aleppo neighbourhood was also bombed on Thursday night, media reports said.

Only four of seven hospitals are still operating in the district, according to Adham Sahloul, of the Syrian American Medical Society, which supports health facilities in Aleppo.

READ MORE: What will Trump do about Syria?

The Britain-based Syrian Observatory for Human Rights, which relies on a network of activists in the country to monitor the war, said dozens of air raids, artillery attacks and barrel bombs hit 18 different neighbourhoods of eastern Aleppo.

Government bombs targeted neighbourhoods with medical facilities, including the childrens hospital and a nearby clinic that has one of the few remaining intensive care units in the east of the city, the Observatory said.

Many hospitals and clinics in the besieged area have moved their operations underground after months of relentless bombardment.

The World Health Organization said it recorded 126 attacks on health facilities in 2016, a common tactic over the five years of a war that is estimated to have killed more than 400,000 people.

The Russian and Syrian governments deny deliberately targeting hospitals.
Russia denies involvement as toll since start of Assads offensive on citys besieged east climbs to 150.

At least 49 people have been killed in heavy government air strikes in the eastern part of Syrias largest city, Aleppo, witnesses and activists say.

The overnight bombardment, which began late on Thursday, was part of a wider military escalation by the Syrian government and its allies against opposition groups holed up in Aleppo.

With the latest victims, the total number of people killed in the besieged city since Bashar al-Assads government launched its military offensive on Tuesday has climbed to 150.

Activist released dramatic video footage of a rescue operation involving a six-year-old child who was trapped under the rubble of a collapsed building.

READ MORE: In east Aleppo there is no way out

The child survived after his residential neighbourhood was targeted with missiles and unguided explosive devices called barrel bombs.

Al Jazeeras Osama Bin Javaid, reporting from Gaziantep on the Turkey-Syria border, said the bombardment was the fiercest of the past three days.

The bombs struck areas on Aleppos outskirts as well as in the city itself. The toll keeps mounting by the hour, he said.

Rescuers are trying to help as many people as possible but because this is such a widespread area, they cannot get to every location.

On Sunday, the Syrian army sent a text message to residents of east Aleppo, demanding they leave areas held by opposition armed groups within 24 hours or risk their lives during a major offensive.

Our dear people living in east Aleppo, the militants kill your children and take your women, read the text message, which declared the governments intent to retake opposition-controlled districts of the city.

About 250,000 people are believed to be living in besieged east Aleppo, and Syrian government forces have reversed recent gains made by the fighters last month in their effort to break the siege.

Humam al-Malah, a member of the Syrian Network for Human Rights in the Aleppo governorate, told Al Jazeera that humanitarian conditions are getting worse in east Aleppo.

Electricity is always cut off; [theres a] high increase in prices; an acute lack of vegetable availability; fuel is almost non-existent in markets; and the quality and quantity of supply of bread is dwindling, said Malah.

Against this backdrop, Russias foreign minister has flatly denied that his countrys forces participated in the attacks on Aleppo this week.

Sergey Lavrov issued the denial while discussing the bombing of the city on the sidelines of the Asia-Pacific trade summit in Lima, Peru.

Russia is a crucial ally of the Syrian government and its military has been targeting Syrian opposition fighters with air strikes and cruise missiles.

Lavrov portrayed the recent strikes in Syria as limited.

Our air force and the Syrian air force only work in the provinces of Idlib and Homs, to prevent ISIL who might be leaving Mosul from getting to Syria, he said, referring to the Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant (ISIL) group, also known as ISIS.

Artillery shelling

Elsewhere in Syria, in Ghouta in the Damascus countryside, at least 10 people were killed and dozens injured in air strikes and artillery shelling by government forces.

Residents reported substantial damage to residential areas in the town.

Also in the Damascus countryside, the Syrian government targeted an international relief agency and Palestinian refugee camp in Khan Sheha, which has been under siege for two months now.

Syrian forces and opposition fighters fought around the camp on Thursday night.
Last years UN climate change conference, COP21, was an important and historical event because so many countries agreed to the proposals made under the Paris agreement.

By the start of COP22 in Marrakech, no fewer than 96 countries of the 55 minimum required had signed up to the pact to limit global warming to less than 2C above pre-industrial levels by the end of the century. That number of countries has now risen to 111.





While Paris was all about the deal, Marrakech was about the detail in getting countries to sign legislation that would make the Paris objectives possible. So far, 47 of the worlds most-affected countries have pledged to use only renewable fuels by 2050.

So why all the fuss now? Evidence of climate change has been in place since as early as 1950, with extremely hot days and heavy precipitation becoming increasingly common.

The contribution of heat-trapping gases, and carbon dioxide in particular, is clear. In fact it was well documented in a paper by Wally Broecker, the Newberry Professor in the Department of Earth and Environmental Sciences at Columbia University, as early as 1975.

The key message is that there is evidence of human influence. We now know that continued greenhouse gas emissions increase the likelihood of severe, irreversible impacts on people and ecosystems.

READ MORE: COP22  Turn the promise of Paris into action

Assessment of climate over the moving 30-year average points towards global warming. Increased water vapour means greater scope for heavier rainfall events because warmer air can hold more moisture and produce bigger storms.

Melting glaciers have contributed towards rising sea levels. Those levels rose by more than 20cm during the last century.

When we refer to greenhouse gases, we should bear in mind that the greenhouse effect makes Earths average temperature around 33 degrees Celsius warmer than otherwise.

READ MORE: Morocco sees no turning back for climate pact

Without it, the planet would have an average temperature of around minus 18C. The greenhouse effect, or more correctly, the enhanced greenhouse effect lifts that average to plus 15C and rising. And the rise is because of the burning of fossil fuels and their effect on the carbon cycle.

After decades of trying to get this message across we now have governments from across the world sitting down together to thrash out the right measures.





Surprisingly, the oil and gas-producing nations may have the most vital role to play as the world moves towards the use of renewable fuels. Countries across the Middle East tend to have the largest carbon footprints per head. Qatar has the highest in the world, followed by Kuwait and the United Arab Emirates.

American scientist and researcher, Christopher Field, of Stanford University, has contributed to the field of climate change and is the author of more than 200 publications on the subject.

Field says it should be remembered that oil and gas are not as dirty as burning coal. Used in conjunction with wind and solar power, of which there is plenty in the Middle East, they have the potential to lead us all towards a cleaner, greener world.
President deposed in 1986 by People Power revolution entombed among soldiers and artists in Manila with 21-gun salute.

Despite public opposition, Ferdinand Marcos, the late president of the Philippines, has been buried in a heroes cemetery in the capital in a ceremony shrouded in secrecy .

The ceremony began at noon on Friday with a 21-gun salute as soldiers in parade dress and ceremonial rifles stood to attention at the Cemetery of Heroes in Manila, after Marcos body was secretly flown to the venue in an apparent effort to avoid protests.

There is a sense of doom here, coming from protesters who oppose the burial. They say Marcos was a thief until the very end, Al Jazeeras Jamela Alindogan, reporting from the military-run cemetery , said.

He cheated his way to power and killed many people.

The Supreme Court ruled last week that Marcos could be entombed in the cemetery, where former presidents, soldiers and national artists have been interred.

President Rodrigo Duterte had promised a heros burial for Marcos during his election campaign.

Still, the funeral shocked many pro-democracy advocates and human-rights victims who planned several protests nationwide on Friday to oppose the burial.

In a statement sent to Al Jazeera, opposition senator Paolo Benigno Aquino IV called the burial a sinister move.

They remain deaf to the calls of the many Filipinos demanding justice for the abuses during the Marcos regime and remain numb to the pain of too many innocent victims of Martial Law.

Police said that the remains of Marcos were flown by helicopter from his hometown in Ilocos Norte for the burial in the Cemetery of Heroes in metropolitan Manila.

They also said that the ceremony was not an official state funeral.

READ MORE: Veronica Pederosa  Imelda and me

Marcos was president of the Philippines from 1965 to 1986, when he was overthrown by a revolt  dubbed the People Power revolution  and forced to flee into exile to Hawaii, where he died in 1989.

His body was returned to the Philippines in 1993 and has since been kept in a refrigerated crypt in a mausoleum in his hometown of Batac, Ilocos Norte, 470km north of Manila.

More than a thousand protesters march along Katipunan Ave in indignation of the #MarcosBurial. pic.twitter.com/SCgakUFrDO via @phkule  MovePH (@MovePH) November 18, 2016

In 2004, Transparency International, the anti-corruption watchdog, named Marcos the second most corrupt leader of all time, behind Indonesian authoritarian ruler Suharto.

The Philippines foreign debt went from $2.67bn in 1972, when Marcos declared martial law, to $28.2bn in 1986, according to the World Bank.
Japans prime minister has voiced confidence in Donald Trumps leadership after becoming the first foreign leader to meet the US president-elect.

Thursdays meeting at the Trump Tower in New York City came amid nervousness among Japans leaders about the future strength of an alliance that is core to the countrys diplomacy and security.

After the 90-minute conversation, Shinzo Abe said: The talks made me feel sure that we can build a relationship of trust.

But he would not disclose specifics of the conversation because the talks were unofficial.

READ MORE: The view from Japan  I think Trump would be dangerous

Abe and other Asian leaders were alarmed at Trumps pledge during his campaign to make allies pay more for help from US forces, his suggestion that Japan should acquire its own nuclear weapons and his staunch opposition to the Trans-Pacific Partnership trade deal.

Describing his conversation as candid and held in a warm atmosphere, Abe said: Alliances cannot function without trust. I am now confident that President-elect Trump is a trustworthy leader.

Deeper conversations

Kellyanne Conway, a Trump confidante, said earlier on Thursday in an interview with CBS that any deeper conversations about policy and the relationship between Japan and the US will have to wait until after the inauguration.

Trump, the Republican Partys victorious presidential candidate, will succeed President Barack Obama on January 20.

Al Jazeeras Gabriel Elizondo, reporting from New York City, said that although no details were given of the discussion between the two leaders, the possibilities were that the meeting was about trade, diplomacy and security.









Donald Trump has run a very unconventional campaign and is running his transition in a very unconventional way as well. Normally such meetings are held after the president-elect assumes the presidency, he said.

Trump was critical about Japan during his campaign about trade issues, saying that the country was a trade rival and suggesting that US could potentially pull out troops from Japan. So there could have been a lot of discussions in the meeting.

Japans media had dubbed Trump the King of verbal abuse during his election campaign, which was dogged by accusations of racism, misogyny and sexual assault.

READ MORE: How did the world react to Donald Trumps triumph?

Trump prompted anxiety in Tokyo when he repeatedly said that Japan, which hosts several US military bases, should pay more for its protection, especially amid rising nuclear threats from North Korea and growing Chinese military might.

He also suggested that Japan may want to pursue the acquisition of nuclear weapons, a deeply sensitive issue in Japan, which is the only country to have suffered a nuclear attack.

In addition, Japanese business leaders are wary of Trumps protectionist stance after he promised to reduce imports into the US and support more manufacturing at home.
YEREVAN, NOVEMBER 18, ARMENPRESS. The extraordinary session ended in the Parliament of Armenia, reports "Armenpress".

The discussion of the 2017 state budget draft was on the session agenda.

Deputy Speaker of the Parliament Eduard Sharmazanov said the Parliament will stop the budget draft discussions for at least 4 days.

The MPs, factions and committees can submit their proposals within 24 hours, he said.

3.2% real economic growth and 1.7% deflator level are predicted for 2017. The revenue of the state budget will comprise 1 trillion 210 billion AMD, the expenditure 1 trillion 360 billion AMD, and the deficit 150 billion AMD. Export accelerated rate against the import growth is predicted in 2017. The budget revenues and official transfers will be 22.4% in GDP in 2017, the budget deficit will amount for 150 billion AMD. In 2017 as well the tax revenues will comprise the major part of revenues.
Head of Anti-Defamation League pledges to register as Muslim, if Donald Trump creates a database of Muslim Americans.

A Jewish head of an organisation dedicated to combating hate crimes in the US has said that if the new administration of President-elect Donald Trump creates a national database for the religions followers, he will register as a Muslim.

If one day Muslim-Americans will be forced to register their identities, then that is the day that this proud Jew will register as a Muslim. by Jonathan Greenblatt , Anti-Defamation League

As Jews, we know what it means to be registered and tagged, held out as different from our fellow citizens, Jonathan Greenblatt, Anti-Defamation League (ADL) CEO, said on Thursday at the groups Never Is Now conference on anti-Semitism in New York.

As Jews, we know the righteous and just response. All of us have heard the story of the Danish king who said if his countrys Jews had to wear a gold starall of Denmark would too.

So I pledge to you, right here and now, because I care about the fight against anti-Semitism, that if one day in these United States, if one day Muslim-Americans will be forced to register their identities, then that is the day that this proud Jew will register as a Muslim.

Greenblatt added that Americans must stand against all forms of discrimination regardless of which group it targets.

Following Greenblatts speech, ADL started a pledge on Twitter, urging their followers to state that  If Muslim-Americans will be forced to register their identities, then I will register as a Muslim in solidarity.

If Muslim-Americans will be forced to register their identities, then I will register as a Muslim in solidarity. https://t.co/YP2RBY4HhM  ADL (@ADL) November 17, 2016

READ MORE: FBI  Hate crimes against Muslims in US surge 67 percent

During his divisive election campaign, Donald Trump has taken a particularly hard line against Muslims , suggesting to ban all Muslims from entering the US, advocating enhanced surveillance of mosques due to fears over radicalisation and saying that he would support requiring all Muslims in the United States to be registered in a special database.

Trumps critics have long likened this proposed policy to the mandatory registration of Jews in Nazi Germany.

I will register

Thousands of Americans also voiced their criticism about Trump administrations plans for some sort of a database and pledged that they will also register as a Muslim if such a policy is implemented in the US.

The day Muslims have to register will be the day I register as a Muslim #IWillRegister #WeveSeenThisBefore pic.twitter.com/Af3xW3QDGh  Alysen Miller (@AlysenMiller) November 18, 2016

If @realDonaldTrump makes Muslims register #IWillRegister my whole family even tho we aren't. I encourage all people of faith 2 do the same.  Kate (@complykated) November 17, 2016



https://twitter.com/EcoAndrewTRC/status/799297435214323712

The idea of Muslim registration arose in November 2015, when Trump told a reporter that he would absolutely implement that policy.

I would certainly implement that, absolutely, Trump said, during a campaign event in Iowa. There should be a lot of systems beyond databases, he added, We should have a lot of systems.





Trump vaguely backtracked on those comments later, but the issue made headlines once again on Wednesday when Kansas Secretary of State Kris Kobach, a member of Trumps transition team, told Reuters that they are considering a milder, but still equally questionable, policy of creating a registry for immigrants from majority-Muslim countries.

On Thursday, a high-profile Trump supporter, Carl Higbie, talked about the policy on Fox News and said that a Muslim registry proposal being discussed by Trumps immigration advisers would be legal and would hold constitutional muster.

Weve done it with Iran back awhile ago, he said. We did it during World War II with the Japanese.

There have been several reports of racist, Islamophobic and anti-semitic incidents since the election that have sparked outrage, including a mosque at New York Universitys Brooklyn campus being vandalised, and several Muslim women reporting Trump supporters attempting to rip off their headscarves.

READ MORE: American Muslims ongoing civil rights fight

Black students at the University of Pennsylvania (UPenn) said they were afraid to attend classes after they were subjected to racial slurs and threats of lynching following the election.

A videotaped assault in Chicago showed black men beating a white man as onlookers screamed, You voted Trump!

Hundreds of Americans also detailed on social media racist attacks that have taken place since the election.
Talks in Germany on security and economic issues possibly US presidents last in such a setting before Trump takes over.

President Barack Obama has joined the leaders of major European countries in Germany to discuss an array of security and economic challenges facing the transatlantic partners as the US prepares for Donald Trump to take office in January.

Obamas meeting on Friday with the leaders of Germany, Britain, France, Italy and Spain was possibly his last in such a setting before he leaves office.

The session expanded on lengthy talks he held the day before with German Chancellor Angela Merkel.

Since Obamas arrival on Wednesday on his sixth and last trip to Germany as president, he and Merkel have focused several meetings on issues of globalisation and transatlantic cooperation.

READ MORE: The view from Japan  I think Trump will be dangerous

The talks come largely in the context of what the election of the Republican presidential candidate will mean to efforts to seek peace in Ukraine and Syria, the strength of the NATO alliance, trade agreements, efforts to fight climate change and other pressing matters.

Obama said on Thursday that his hope was the Brexit negotiations would be conducted in a smooth and orderly and transparent fashion and preserve as closely as possible the economic and political and security relationships between the UK and EU.

Brexit praised

Trump had applauded the British decision to exit the EU, or Brexit, and has had meetings with Nigel Farage, leader of the UK Independence Party and a key player in the British decision to leave.

On other issues, Obama said he hoped for continuity of US-European relations under Trump, saying how important it is that we work together.





Obama said that continued global leadership on climate in addition to increasing private investment and clean energy is going to be critical.

He said that the US would continue to stand united with Germany and our NATO allies in Afghanistan, and that on the refugee crisis he had put in place more robust support from Washington and that he was hoping that continues beyond my administration.

Following his meetings in Berlin, Obama heads to Peru, the final leg of his last foreign tour, for the Asia-Pacific trade summit.
Diplomat says UN special advisers warning about ethnic hatreds potential for genocide should serve as wake-up call.

The United States has circulated to the UN Security Council a draft resolution to impose an arms embargo on South Sudan and further targeted sanctions amid warnings by a senior UN official of possible genocide.

Political rivalry between South Sudans President Salva Kiir, an ethnic Dinka, and his former deputy Riek Machar, a Nuer, led to civil war in 2013 that has often followed ethnic lines.

The pair signed a peace deal last year, but fighting has continued and Machar fled the country in July.

Adama Dieng, UN special adviser on the prevention of genocide, last week visited South Sudan, which gained independence from Sudan in 2011.





I saw all the signs that ethnic hatred and targeting of civilians could evolve into genocide if something is not done now to stop it. I urge the Security Council and member states of the region to be united and to take action, Dieng told the council.

There is a strong risk of violence escalating along ethnic lines with a potential for genocide. I do not say that lightly, he said, urging the council to impose an arms embargo.

Samantha Power, US ambassador to the UN, told the Security Council that Diengs warning should serve as a wake-up call.

None of us can say we did not see it coming, she said.

The Security Council has long threatened to impose an arms embargo on South Sudan, but Russia and China, which have veto powers, are sceptical whether such a move would make a difference as the country is already awash with weapons.

We think that implementing such a recommendation would hardly be helpful in settling the conflict, Petr Iliichev, Russian deputy ambassador to the UN, said.

Introducing targeted sanctions against South Sudanese leaders would be the height of irresponsibility now.

Generals blacklisted

The Security Council set up a targeted sanctions regime for South Sudan in March 2015 and has blacklisted six generals  three from each side of the conflict  by subjecting them to an asset freeze and travel ban.

Al Jazeeras Kristen Saloomey, reporting from the UN headquarters in New York City, said violence is spreading in South Sudan, hate speech is on the rise, and the humanitarian situation is going from bad to worse.

Against this backdrop, the Security Council is starting to discuss this latest proposal for sanctions on South Sudan, she said.

And the people of South Sudan are looking for some signs of hope from the international community.
Sources say more than 14,000 Iraqis have crossed Syrian border since October, including 8,000 who have reached Hasakah.

More than 14,000 Iraqis fleeing the offensive against ISIL in Mosul have crossed the border into Syria since the start of the operation a month ago, sources from a UN affiliated agency told Al Jazeera.

According to the sources, as many as 8,000 of the Iraqis crossed into Syrias Hasakah province, and some are now in the al-Hol refugee camp.

Close to 5,000 have also reached Raqqa, ISILs stronghold in Syria, while hundreds of others are spread out in Deir Az Zor, Aleppo and Idlib, but are not staying in refugee camps.

Red Cross: One million could flee Mosul battle in Iraq

Medical sources also confirmed to Al Jazeera that they have treated or met Iraqi civilians in Syrias Idlib province who were coming from Mosul.

Al Jazeera has also learned that at least one family tried to cross the border from Bab Al Hawwa into Turkey, but were not allowed in.

Sources also said that the Iraqi men were afraid of going into the Iraqi Kurdish territory, for fear of being taken into custody and accused of links to ISIL, also known as Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant, or ISIS.

Most of the Iraqi families and individuals have come from Mosul and surrounding areas, while a small number have fled from Anbar.

Stranded at the border

Earlier reports had said that the UN was unable to deliver aid parcels to the al-Hol camp camp in Hasakah, because of security concerns.

But Matthew Saltmarsh, spokesman at UNs refugee agency, told Al Jazeera that UN workers have now been able to deliver daily aid, including food and water, to the camp.

Saltmarsh also confirmed that in the last five days, almost 2,000 people  mostly Iraqis  have been moved to al-Hol camp. A smaller number of refugees at the camp are Syrians.

He clarified that the majority of the Iraqi refugees at the al-Hol camp predates the anti-ISIL operation in Mosul.

Currently, the al-Hol camp can accommodate up to 15,000 people, but it is being expanded to hold as many as 50,000, Saltmarsh said.





It is correct that the conditions at the border are difficult, and for us to get access to the refugees and IDPs [internally displaced people] took some time, because of the security situation and inhospitable terrain, he said.

He said hundreds of Iraqi refugees remain stranded in the border with Syria, and that the UN is trying to move them to al-Hol.

Leading up to the Mosul operation, the UN had warned that up to one million people are likely to try and escape to other parts of Iraq and Syria.

Overall, some 2.6 million Iraqis have fled the country since the beginning of the crisis in January 2014 when ISIL overran large swaths of the country, according to UN figures.

Additionally, more than one million Iraqis fled the country between 2006 and 2008 owing to growing violence following the US-led invasion and occupation in 2003.
Michael Flynn, who once used the phrase Islamic ideology sick on social media, named US national security adviser.

US President-elect Donald Trump has named Michael Flynn, a controversial ex-army general, who once said that fear of Muslims is rational and used the phrase Islamic ideology sick, as his national security adviser.

In an interview with Al Jazeera first published in July, Flynn, 57, defended his remarks on social media, saying leaders in the Muslim-majority countries need to do more and stand up.

Islam is a political ideology based on religion, Flynn told Mehdi Hasan , host of Al Jazeeras Upfront, in an interview during the Republican National Convention in Cleveland, Ohio.

After an attack in Nice, France , Flynn wrote on Twitter: I dare Arab & Persian world leaders to step up to the plate and declare their Islamic ideology sick and must [be] healed.

READ MORE: Trump ally defends Islamic ideology sick remarks

In a separate interview with Al Jazeera in May, Flynn also refused to condemn Trumps proposal to ban Muslims from entering the United States.

What I support  is that we must understand where these individuals are coming from, Flynn said, adding that he supported the vetting of individuals and the proper screening of individuals who are coming from certain parts of the world, like Syria.

In February, the next US presidents presumptive head national security adviser also tweeted a video link with the message that Fear of Muslims is RATIONAL.

With three decades of military experience, Flynn served as director of Defense Intelligence Agency from 2012 until he was ousted in 2014.

He served in Iraq and Afghanistan and is a Bronze Star recipient.

Right-wing nutty

A native of Rhode Island, Flynn was one of nine children. His brother Charlie is also a high-ranking army official.

Like Trump, Flynn supports a de-escalation of tensions with Russia.





He has appeared numerous times on Russian state broadcaster Russia Today (RT) and sat next to Russian President Vladimir Putin at an RT event in Moscow last year.

According to The New York Times, his consulting firm, Flynn Intel Group, has ties to nations in the Middle East and lobbies for the Turkish government.

Flynns appointment is not subject to Senate approval.

Flynn advised Trump during his presidential campaign. In hacked emails, former Secretary of State Colin Powell called Flynn, a registered Democrat, right-wing nutty.

Flynn led chants of lock her up, in regard to Democratic candidate Hillary Clinton, from the podium at Julys Republican convention.

Ranking Democratic member of the House Intelligence Committee, Adam Schiff, tweeted Friday: Have deep concerns about Gen Flynn as a possible National Security Advisor. Worried about an impulsive president with a volatile advisor.

On social media, the reported appointment was also greeted with pessimism.

ISIS must be thrilled at prospect of Michael Flynn as Nat Sec Adv,Muslim registration in US. Dream of a war between West and Islam so close!  Norman Ornstein (@NormOrnstein) November 17, 2016

https://twitter.com/ezraklein/status/799611368651378688
Critics accuse proposal of encouraging child rape but officials say it will protect those too young to marry legally.

A government proposal to quash the convictions of men convicted of child sex assaults if they marry their victim has sparked furious debate in Turkey, with critics accusing it of encouraging child rape and the ruling party insisting it will protect those who were too young to marry legally.

Thursdays motion stated that in the case of sexual abuse of a minor committed before November 11, if the act was committed without force, threat, or any other restriction on consent and if the aggressor marries the victim the sentence will be postponed.

The motion was issued as part of a 49-article bill draft in a night-time parliamentary session. The motion passed, but the bill did not receive a majority vote.

The parliament will vote again on the entire bill on November 22, and if it passes, then the motion will also be validated. If this happens, it will then go to President Recep Tayyip Erdogan, and following his approval, it will be published in the official gazette and come in to force.

Omer Suha Aldan, a member of parliament with the opposition CHP, criticised the motion, saying it will encourage forced marriages and legalise marriage to rapists, according to the Turkish daily Hurriyet.

READ MORE: Turkeys Erdogan says childless women are incomplete

If a 50 or 60-year-old is told to marry an 11-year-old after raping her, and then marries her years later, she will suffer the consequences, he was quoted as saying on Friday.

If you give him a pass by marriage, the young girl will live in a prison for her whole life, Aldan said.

Distorting the issue

The government angrily hit back at the criticism, calling the opposition claims a crude distortion of an attempt to grapple with the legal consequences of child marriage in the country.

The issue is simple, Turkish Prime Minister Binali Yildirim told reporters after attending Friday prayers in the Turkish capital Ankara.

There are people who marry early. They do not know the law, so they have children. The father goes to jail and the children is left alone with their mother.

OPINION: On Erdogan and Muslim mothers

We determined that there are 3,000 families living like this.

Under current law, the age of consent in Turkey is 18 years old, meaning individuals aged 17 or younger are not legally able to consent to sexual activity, and such activity may result in prosecution for statutory rape .

Turkeys statutory rape law is violated when an individual has consensual sexual contact with a person under the age of 18, but sexual contact with minors between the ages of 15-17 can only be prosecuted upon complaint.

Yildirim said the motion will be a one-off pardon for people who violated the law unknowingly.

Everyone made promises to solve this problem during their election campaigns. Everything is out in the open. This is not a pardon for rape.

Yildirim emphasised that November 11 will be the endpoint of the motions coverage, adding that If these types of marriages take place after this date, we will not tolerate it.

Justice Minister Bekir Bozdag also rejected the criticism.

It is a temporary regulation and it will be put into force only one time retrospectively, he told reporters on Friday.

IN PICTURES: Abortion ban latest issue to polarise Turkey

Bozdag denied that the motion would cover rape cases and said there is a current reality encouraging marriage between girls and boys under the age of 18 that the motion aimed to address, according to Hurriyet.

This step is actually being taken to protect young people who are victims of underage marriage, he said.

Those who say rapists will benefit from this are distorting the situation. People who are convicted have definitive files that indicate clearly whether there is a rape or if it is a mistake of the parents, he added.

But Yildirim and Bozdags comments were not enough to calm the social media outrage, as the hashtag #Tecavuzmesrulastirilamaz (#Rape cannot be legitimised) was still the first trending topic on Twitter in Turkey late on Friday.

The latest controversy comes after Turkeys constitutional court in July annulled a criminal code provision punishing as sexual abuse all sexual acts involving children under the age of 15.

Defenders of that law argued it made a distinction between cases of sexual acts involving a young teenager or a toddler.

In Turkey, child marriage occurs widely in all regions of the country, according to the UNs Population Fund. Although marriage can be contracted by two persons of 17 years, according to the Turkey Civil Code, it is widely known that many marriages occur before that age.

While holding a religious marriage before the conclusion of the civil marriage is not legal, the practice is widespread in Turkey and most child marriages are unofficial religious marriages.

Since these marriages are not registered, there are no accurate statistical data on child marriages.
A look at the powerful pesticide industry, its effect on the developing world and how small farmers are fighting back.

Filmmakers: Evan Mascagni and Shannon Post

In recent decades, harmful pesticides spread around the worlds less developed nations have caused immeasurable damage to populations and ecosystems.

What I have found in my 25 years of working with biodiversity, working to build ecological agriculture systems, is that chemical-free, poison-free agriculture systems, which intensify ecological processes, which intensify biodiversity, produce more food per acre and more nutrition per acre: that's the way we must go. by Vandana Shiva, activist and author of Poison in our Food

In 2013, data from the US Environmental Protection Agency showed that pesticides, which are banned, restricted or unregistered in the United States, were manufactured in 23 states for export to other countries.

Used for growing coffee, fruit, tea and other products, these pesticides are likely to make their way back to the US as residue on imported food.

Only about 2 percent of imported produce is inspected by the Food and Drug Administration. It is a circle of poison.

The environment doesnt know any boundaries. You know, dust and pollution from China settles in the US  nuclear radiation from Chernobyl went over Iceland. What goes up into the environment goes around the world, says David Weir, a journalist and co-author of Circle of Poison: Pesticides and People in a Hungry World .

The documentary Circle of Poison examines how pesticides proliferated after World War II, the legal loopholes which allow the manufacture of insecticides  deemed unsafe for the American people  for export to developing countries, and the devastation caused by these toxic substances.

Anything that was banned or heavily regulated or restricted or unregistered in the US was being allowed by the US government and in fact encouraged to be sent overseas, almost as compensation for the companies for losing the US market, says Weir, describing how the US started exporting dangerous pesticides.

The documentary takes us to Kasaragod, a town in the southern Indian state of Kerala, where decades of spraying the pesticide endosulfan on cashew farms have caused deformities in hundreds of children. Many countries have banned this dangerous insecticide. In 2010, the US took action to ban the 60-year-old substance. It is still legal to manufacture it in the US, but only for export.

We meet children with pesticide-related illnesses and speak to activists with the environmental activism group Thanal, which raises awareness about these health problems and fights for access to safe food.

 Pesticides are pushed on the grounds that its a very modern way to do farming. I remember years ago reading a book that India is underdeveloped because it doesnt use pesticides, says the pioneering Indian environmentalist Vandana Shiva.

Weve made poisons the measure of progress.

In Yaqui River Valley in Mexico, we see how pesticides have caused illnesses in the children born to women working in the fields. In the Argentinian city of Ituzaingo, where the use of agrochemicals on soy crops has increased exponentially over the years, cancer rates are reportedly 41 times the national average. But local activists are fighting back. The group Mothers of Ituzaingo succeeded in getting a local ban on aerial pesticide being sprayed within 2,500 metres of homes.

The US hasnt been immune to pesticide exposure. In the state of Louisiana, residents living along a corridor of industrial facilities where pesticides for export are manufactured have suffered from chronic exposure to chemicals, which has led to a high incidence of cancer.

The Circle of Poison delves into the political history of pesticides in the US and the machinations of big industry.

Today, at least 75 percent of the global pesticide trade is controlled by six large agrochemical companies  Monsanto, Dow, Bayer, Syngenta, Du Pont and BASF. These corporations form powerful lobby groups which drive and shape legislation that regulates farming and food production. This influence has protected the industry, particularly in the US.

In September 2016, US seed giant Monsanto agreed to a takeover by German crop chemical maker and pharmaceutical conglomerate Bayer in a $66bn deal  the biggest corporate deal of this year. If approved by regulators, this will spawn the largest seeds and pesticides company in the world.

But people are fighting back by creating alternatives to the agrochemical industrial complex.

Small farmers around the world are turning to sustainable methods of agriculture after witnessing the devastation caused by pesticide use. These range from organic farm co-ops in Mexico and Argentina to a growing farmers market movement in India, but one of the most striking battles against pesticides is being fought by the Himalayan nation of Bhutan. It has set itself the challenge of becoming the first country in the world with a wholly organic agricultural system.

In the US, a business structure for the organic farming industry is emerging with profitable results.

What I thought might happen, hoped might happen and, it turned out, did happen, was the organic farm bill. People started paying a lot more attention. And that hobby type thing that the detractors called it has now turned into a $30bn-a-year business in the United States, about the only agriculture business thats growing. But also, more importantly, people started asking questions, says Vermont Senator Patrick Leahy.

Circle of Poison spans the US, India, Argentina, Mexico and Bhutan, with a wide range of interviews with activists in these countries, the people affected by crop-spraying, and experts and key figures who have led the fight against pesticides, including former US President Jimmy Carter, Patrick Leahy, Noam Chomsky and Vandana Shiva. The documentary is an important look at how dangerous pesticides have been imposed on developing countries and how people are now fighting back.
We discuss Frances use of emergency powers, and debate if the country has a secular double standard on Islam.

In this weeks UpFront we speak to the French Ambassador to the United States, Gerard Araud, who defends Frances security crackdown and the countrys foreign policy.

And in the Arena, we debate whether Frances secular laws have a double standard when it comes to one religion in particular.

Headliner  Does Frances foreign policy make it a target?

France has been in a state of emergency since the bloody Paris attacks that left 130 dead last November.

Critics say the emergency powers are being abused, but the French government claims they are necessary to help protect the country from attacks.

Mehdi Hasan questions Gerard Araud on the effectiveness of the emergency laws, pointing out that the Nice attack happened with the state of emergency in place.

Araud is also asked whether Frances foreign policy of intervention in the Middle East and North Africa made the country more vulnerable to attacks.

Most of the French Muslims are from Arab origin, which means that they are very sensitive to what is happening in the Middle East, says Araud.

When asked about President Hollandes comment that there is a problem with Islam, Araud clarifies that it was a question of integration.

We are facing a challenge how to accommodate our Muslim citizens in a society which was basically built on Christian or Judeo-Christian roots.

In this weeks Headliner, Araud defends Frances foreign policy and the continued state of emergency.

Arena  France, secularism and double standards on Islam

Is there a conflict between Islam and the way French secularism is applied, or are the laws being used unfairly to single out French Muslims?

In this weeks Arena, French Senator Nathalie Goulet, Benjamin Haddad, a research fellow at the Hudson Institute in Washington DC, and Yasser Louati, a civil rights activist, debate whether Frances strict secularism laws are being used to target French Muslims.

How come every single time we speak about Muslims it is either under the lens of terrorism, security measures, threat to identity, threat to French culture? asks Louati, a former spokesman for the Collective Against Islamophobia in France.

When we have attacks and we have to face terrorism, you have to react. And the way to react was maybe not the right one, says Goulet. But at the same time, you cannot show France as an Islamophobic country. I mean, that is not fair.

France is one of the countries in Europe where you have the lowest level of rejection of Muslims, Haddad says. The question of identity and integration are very central to our societies  were trying to adapt principles to the emergence of Islam in French society.

For more from this interview, please visit here.

Follow UpFront on Twitter @AJUpFront and Facebook.
Julia Branton wrote the word balance on a paper lantern on the Plaza of the Americas on Thursday night to symbolize her recovery from an eating disorder.

Branton, a 20-year-old UF applied physiology and kinesiology junior, helped organize the Student Government Health Affairs Cabinets Light the Night event, a ceremony that educated students about eating disorders. About 40 students drank coffee as they visited on-campus organizations booths and listened to mental health care professionals.

Kelly Ulmer, a registered mental health counseling intern with the UF Health Eating Disorder Clinic, told students eating disorders affect people of different gender expressions, sexual orientations, races and ethnicities.

Tonight I want to highlight the fact that eating disorders are neither clean nor clear cut, she said.

Ulmer said 20 million women and 10 million men in the U.S. suffer from eating disorders. Rates have increased since the 1950s.

Recovery is possible, though, she said. Its hard, its long and its daunting. But its possible. Im among the living proof.

Branton told the audience about how a bad break-up drove her into an obsession with healthy eating during her senior year of high school, which worsened when she came to UF.

When she began canceling plans with friends to work out and stopped eating her favorite foods, she convinced herself she was fine. She lost 20 pounds in two months.

When she returned home to Pennsylvania on break, she didnt believe her friends and family when they said she had an eating disorder. Branton thought because she wasnt throwing up or binge eating, she couldnt be suffering from an eating disorder, she said

I thought I looked great because I had this very skewed image of what I looked like, Branton said. I would see the number on the scale drop, and I would be like, Awesome Julia, this is great, lets keep going.

For Branton, the word balance represents how she now lives her life.

Everyone knows part of college is figuring out a balance, she said, but a lot of an eating disorder is finding the balance between eating healthy and eating a cookie or allowing yourself to eat what you actually like.

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About 20 people attend the beginning of the candle lighting held by the Student Government Health Affairs Cabinet to raise awareness for eating disorders on Thursday evening on the Plaza of the Americas.
For the second year in a row, UF was recognized for helping its military students transition into civilian life.

On Wednesday, Victory Media, a media company responsible for the G.I. Jobs, STEM Jobs and Military Spouse publications, recognized the university as a Military Friendly School, joining about 50 other Florida institutions.

UF spokesman Steve Orlando said there are about 1,000 veteran and active duty students enrolled at UF.

We consider it an honor to support veterans and help them into the next chapter of their lives, he said.

Brett Surles, 26, said he cant think of anything else the university can do to make campus more military friendly.

I dont know how were not the number one veteran-friendly campus in the nation, the Marine Corps veteran said.

The UF chemical engineering senior said he got involved with other military students on campus as soon as he became a student. He said he has made friends through the UF Collegiate Veterans Society, an organization that helps veterans adjust to being college students.

Matt Golden, an active member of the Army National Guard, said becoming involved in the veterans society has been a good way to meet other students who he can relate to.

Its not traditional college students that are here, the 24-year old UF applied physiology and kinesiology junior said.

He spent part of his Thursday afternoon at the center playing The Settlers of Catan, a trading and settlement board game, with Surles and his friend Bud Ware. Golden said he goes to the center to study, relax and play games with others.

They really do welcome you in with open arms, he said.

Ware, a Marine Corps veteran, said he didnt know how military-friendly UF was until he began taking classes.

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When I was getting ready to come to school, I didnt know any of this existed, the 27-year-old UF Japanese junior said.

He said the veteran services on campus feel comfortable as a nontraditional student.

The faculty is always asking us for feedback, Ware said. I cant think of anything that needs to change, but if there were problems it would be fixed immediately.
YEREVAN, NOVEMBER 18, ARMENPRESS. The regular ceasefire regulations on Karabakh-Azerbaijan contact line speak about that Azerbaijan is not ready for a peaceful settlement, but at the moment there is no threat for a large-scale war, Head of the Standing Committee on Foreign Relations of the National Assembly of Armenia Artak Zakaryan told Armenpress. We should always expect a threat from Azerbaijan. Time will show how intensive that threat will be, he said.

According to the lawmaker, there is no threat for a war as there is a clear balance of power I the region. There is no such a threat also because the Defense Army of Nagorno Karabakh Republic is well able to take deterrence measures, Artak Zakaryan said, adding that Azerbaijan has appeared in a deadlock situation where neither war nor peace talks are beneficial for the Aliyev regime.
A new honor society on campus is looking to increase diversity in UFs graduate programs.

UF became the 13th school to join the Edward A. Bouchet Graduate Honor Society, which encourages diversity in graduate student education. The first members will be inducted in April, said Tyisha Hathorn, the director of UFs graduate minority programs.

The honor society was founded by Howard University and Yale University in 2005, she said. Juan E. Gilbert, UFs Banks Preeminence chair in engineering, wanted to bring the program to UF after hearing about it from the dean of Howard University.

The program seeks to connect minority graduate students with others across the country, she said. Because different students are a minority in different fields, this could include women in engineering, men in nursing, African Americans, Hispanics and Asian Americans.

UF has 16 colleges, with 290 graduate programs and about 16,000 graduate students, Hathorn said. Because of this, diversity is important among faculty and students.

In the classrooms, if we have all male professors, females wont see themselves in that role, Hathorn said.

Caitlin Banks, a 24-year-old UF rehabilitation science graduate student, said she is considering applying for the diversity honor society.

Because many of her classes are small, Banks, who is half-black, said its difficult to see many minority students in them.

In UFs graduate programs, new students are paired with mentors, who are matched with each other based on their area of research and background, Hathorn said. For Banks, her mentor is also female and a physical therapist in Gainesville.

But Banks said while she believes that while diversity is important, UF shouldnt admit graduate students only to encourage it and should promote it through honor societies, such as the Edward A. Bouchet Graduate Honor Society .

I think any university can do more to encourage diversity in graduate programs, but its much more complicated than doing so in an undergraduate program, Banks said.

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Jeremiah Tattersall pointed to Gainesvilles anti-discrimination plaque inside City Hall on Thursday.

Its beautiful, he said.

The Gainesville resident had just described instances of hate crimes and hate speech happening in the city to Mayor Lauren Poe and the City Commission during the public comment portion of its meeting.

As dozens of others gathered on street corners across the city to protest President-elect Donald Trump, Tattersall spoke calmly into a microphone and described a second- grader in the city who refused to let a Hispanic classmate into his group, claiming Trump is going to deport him.

He also told them about his friend who received so many death threats she had to give her phone over to Gainesville Police.

Thats whats going on in this community right now, he said.

Blocks from City Hall, at the intersection of West University Avenue and South Main Street, cars honked in approval at a group of about 20 protesters waving anti-Trump signs and gay-pride flags.

The protest was one of six organized Thursday by the Gainesville City of Resistance, a Facebook group created after the election to resist the real estate moguls past remarks and proposed policies. On Saturday, the group plans to march against fear from the Stephen C. OConnell Center to Bo Diddley Community Plaza.

Bruce Frendahl, a Gainesville resident participating in the protest, said if Trump follows through with his plan to deport millions of undocumented immigrants, hes going to protest on the steps of the White House.

Im a little upset with the election, the 63-year-old said.

Emily Ott, a 31-year-old Gainesville resident, joined him, condemning Trumps proposal to create a registry system for Muslims in the country.

My heritage is Jewish, she said, and I havent forgotten the Holocaust.

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While protesters waved signs, one reading Trump is not my president, a man in a truck drove by with a large confederate flag waving behind.

Go Trump!, he shouted before driving past.

At the intersection of West University Avenue and Southwest 13th Street, about a dozen protesters were met with a similar reaction.

Less than an hour after the protest began, Tommy Grooms stood across the street from the protesters, wearing a blue shirt that read Trump  and holding a sign that said You Lost / Go Home. As he drove by earlier, he noticed the protesters, so he decided to buy a sign at Office Depot.

He said he campaigned and voted for Trump because of his stance on immigration and foreign policy, and that Trumps rhetoric did not phase him.

I just saw them protesting a totally fair election, he said.

On the corner of 34th Street and Archer Road, Gainesville resident Jessica Adams dressed as Rosie the Riveter and protested with her son.

I think the electoral system was supposed to prevent people like Donald Trump from gaining the presidency, the 34-year-old said. This is a clear sign that the system is not functioning.

Eight-year-old Jackson Adams jumped up and down as he held a sign reading Save my Planet, which he helped his mom decorate. He seemed relieved that he and his mom didnt get any backlash.

I was afraid someone would try to say nasty stuff or try to attack us, he said

Gabriel Pelegrina arrived on Turlington Plaza at 4 p.m., expecting to meet other anti-Trump protesters.

After waiting around for about half an hour, the 19-year-old noticed no one was coming, so he went to Marston Science Library to print out some signs and hold a one-man protest.

The UF exploratory engineering freshman stood on a table holding a sign that read Climate Change is Real. He didnt let the lack of support stop him from protesting.

It kinda hurts, he said, but its OK. Everyone needs to do something to stand up for what they believe in.

A painting of Donald Trump crossed out sits on the corner of University Avenue and Main Street during a protest of the results of the presidential election. The protest was one of six happening simultaneously on Thursday in Gainesville.
I feel like, on a national level, a lot of us have been moving through the stages of grief during this past week and a half. It started with us being in absolute denial that a candidate who many of us saw to be unfit had been elected. Once the initial shock subsided we were angry, outraged at the hateful reactions of extreme supporters. Some of us tried bargaining with the Electoral College as a last resort, with the hopes that maybe, just this one time, history could be rewritten and things would work out in our favor. When we realized that wasnt possible, you could say a depression hit. It has taken a while to start moving on, but a lot of us are starting to accept the things we cannot change.

For those of us who will not accept what we cannot change, myself included, please know there are still ways to have your voice heard. There are thousands of people who have the same beliefs and convictions as you. Were banding together to make sure everyone knows we are still here, and were not going anywhere. People have been marching for immigrants, womens, human and civil rights. We march and peacefully protest in opposition to environmentally damaging projects; against policies that are inhumane. We do this in solidarity, so we can help amplify the voices of those who may not be able to speak for themselves.

Maybe Ive just been listening to the Hamilton soundtrack too much, but I can feel the revolution gaining momentum. Ive seen people who have generally stayed quiet about their beliefs start to speak out against injustice. Ive seen bonds form between complete strangers after they stand together for what they see is right. If youre interested but dont know how to get involved, scrolling through social media sites might be your best bet. Hardly a day has passed where I havent seen someone post a petition to sign or talk about events or meetings theyre going to attend. Go to a petition page and see how many people are fighting for the same thing youre passionate about. Talk to your friends about the things theyre passionate about and see where you match up. If youre here in Gainesville and are looking for a place to start, youre in luck. There will be a peaceful march Saturday, and we will meet on campus at 4 p.m. at the Stephen C. OConnell Center. We will then march together to Bo Diddley Community Plaza. For more information, you can search for Freedom from Fear March on Facebook.

My mom has told me a million times, The squeaky wheel gets the grease, meaning the louder and more vocal you are, the more likely youll get the attention you need. In this sense, it would probably benefit us all to be squeaky wheels, especially since the First Amendment of the U.S. Constitution gives us as American citizens the right to free speech and the right to peaceful protest. The best, most beneficial thing all of us can do for our nation as ordinary citizens is know our rights and exercise them accordingly, so all sides will be heard.

At the end of the day, were in this for the future. Our progress will far outlive us, and I think that is the best we could hope for in terms of being able to make a change for the better. I think Lin Manuel Miranda got it right with these lyrics, We may not live to see our glory, but I will gladly join the fight. Lets get out there.

Alexa DeLoera is a UF political science senior. Her columns appear on Fridays.
Ever since the advent of national news outlets in America, the countrys mass media has almost universally been more liberal. Those who are more Republican have accepted this as fact, using this as a go-to line whenever debating someone of the opposite party. This election season, however, has revealed the true severity of the medias political leaning, and Republicans have finally, after decades of tolerating this as an unwavering feature of the culture, begun to say no more.

All it took for Republicans to build up the courage to fight the media monsters was the most absurd, outlandish, outspoken, yet fascinating candidate in U.S. history: Donald Trump.

Never before had a candidate verbally attacked the media as steadfastly as Trump. Every rally and interview seemed to include a swift jab at The New York Times or Washington Post, and even the presidential debates included Trump calling out moderators for being biased toward Democrats.

People called Trump and those who believed him crazy, and they had every reason to. The idea that a system as immense as the national media was actively trying to sway the countrys opinions and votes was absurd. But then again, so was the idea of Trump running for president of the U.S.

Once WikiLeaks started releasing batches of tens of thousands of emails, it was soon revealed that Trump was not, in fact, a crazy conspirator, but instead very right about the media teaming up with the Democratic Party. The evidence, much to the dismay of Democrats and pure joy of Republicans, was well documented and now public for the entire world to see.

The evidence included correspondence between CNN anchor Wolf Blitzer and the Democratic National Committee, with Blitzer asking the DNC for juicy questions to shoot at Trump during an upcoming interview. Other emails showed neutral moderators tipping off Clintons campaign to upcoming debate questions. Many have been aware of the love affair between the mainstream media and Democratic Party for years, but nobody, not even The Donald himself, could have anticipated such blatant bias.

Its one thing for Rolling Stone to publish articles titled Donald Trump Cannot Be President of the United States or for Buzzfeed to only post negative articles pertaining to Trump and not Clinton, but for massive news outlets, such as CNN and NBC, who have the gall to claim impartiality to engage in such partisan behavior , it is simply wrong. There is no way around it.

The major takeaway from this election is that the country portrayed by the mainstream media (and even some vocal celebrities) is not, in fact, reality. The media is capable of deplorable bias but not capable of manipulating politics in its favor. In the end, it is the American people who get the final say, and, well, it appears the media isnt fooling anyone.

Whether your candidate won or lost, I do think some good came from this election. Finally, the idea of full transparency is at the forefront of Americas attention. Transparency of both the government and national media is no longer only a concern for Americans but now an expectation. Now that this corruption has been exposed, it is our duty as Americans to keep those who claim to be working for us in check, to make sure the system never sinks back into such fraudulence.

The election may finally be over, but it cannot be said that no good came of it. The U.S. is still suffering from severe growing pains, stuck somewhere in the awkward adolescent years of this countrys development. That being said, the recent revelations concerning media and government transparency cannot be overstated, as they are paving the way for a more honest and candid country, which ultimately benefits us all.

Andrew Hall is a UF management junior. His column appears on Fridays.

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Its a quiet November afternoon. The air is crisp, the sun is going down, and youre sitting on your porch drinking some iced tea while reading The Independent Florida Alligator. Youre about to flip the page and make it to the Opinions Section when Lassie, the neighbors sons dog, comes running up and starts barking at you. Whats that, Lassie? you ask while standing up, clutching the paper. Lassie continues to bark. Timmy fell down the well?! you exclaim, thats the third time this month, right? Lassie barks quickly, confirming your suspicion of Timmys predictable recklessness. Hurriedly, you run over to the well, paper in hand. Help, Mister! I cant swim! you hear him gurgle while he splashes about within a manageable arms reach. Yeah, sucks to suck, Lassie. Im about to hit page six of The Alligator, and not even your bloodcurdling cries for help can stop me from reading my favorite Alligator feature

Darts an Laurels.

Another week comes to a close here in Gainesville, dear reader. A lot has gone on in this week too. Remember Dr. Ben Carson? Apparently Dr. Carson turned down a job offer as secretary of Health and Human Serivces in Trumps administration. Why? According to Dr. Carsons business manager and close friend Armstrong Williams, Dr. Carson feels he has no government experience. We cant help but remember that time several months ago where Carson actually ran for President against Trump. Seriously, Dr. Carson, what happened in the last few months that you finally realized being a neurosurgeon in no way qualifies you to hold public office? We give a laurel to you, Dr. Carson, for finally coming to your senses.

Staying in the realm of politics, were sure youve all heard by now how Trumps administration is planning on creating a Muslim registry. In terms of legally instituting this, Carl Higbie went on Fox News and said that the Japanese internment camps set a precedent for such a policy. We give a dart to Carl Higbie for his bad logic (internment camps are not registries, try again) and desire to oppress Americans and their family members.

Closer to home, our Alligator cartoonist Michael Smith illustrated a cartoon with a catch earlier this week. In the comic, one of the characters mentions that if a special symbol appears in a panel, the owner of that paper (in Willy Wonka fashion) will win a prize. The joke was that every single copy of the paper had this special symbol in it. We give a dart to Michael for deceiving our readership, a laurel to those of you not gullible enough to fall for it, and a hug to the interns that were forced to take the calls of readers thinking theyve won something.

Recently, the Alligator newsroom got in a pretty dicey debate over our lovable furry friends. A schism has been formed amongst our staff, separating the dog people from the cat people. After much deliberation, this Editorial Board has decided to give a laurel to dogs for providing unconditional love. In terms of cats, we really dont believe theyre actually domesticated animals. Humankind let them hang around as we evolved because they kill smaller and more annoying animals. So, we lob a dart at cats, because we know that they would actually kill us if they were capable of it.

Given this is our last Darts and Laurels before Thanksgiving, we feel it necessary to acknowledge the sometimes stressful family gatherings many of us are soon going to have to participate in. We give a dart to all those family members who ask us what were planning to do after college, and a laurel to that cool Uncle for taking us away from the family for a few minutes to go smoke a joint in the garage.










English News Civil society responds to Marrakech climate talks as countries reaffirm their commitment to Paris deal

- 19 Novembre 2016



Vulnerable countries come forward with plans to adopt 100% renewable energy but Africa COP sees no clear commitments from developed countries to increase long-term funding for adaptation

18 November, Marrakech: At the climate talks in Morocco, Climate Action Network welcomed that governments strongly reaffirmed their resolve to work together on implementing the Paris Agreement, even amidst uncertain political moments. As of today, 111 countries have ratified the Agreement, with several such as UK, Australia, Guatemala, Malaysia Pakistan and Tanzania, doing so in the last few days. Together they represent the greatest international cooperation to act on climate change.



That these climate talks took place in Africa, a continent particularly vulnerable and ill-equipped to tackle climate change, would give reason to believe that developed countries would commit with certainty increased support for adaptation beyond their current, inadequate plans. This has unfortunately not been the case. In these two weeks, some countries promised funds but this is woefully short of what is needed now as well as in the long-term to protect poor communities who are already bearing the brunt of the worst impacts of climate change.



Committing to embrace a 100% renewable energy future, some of the world's most vulnerable countries, the 48 countries part of the Climate Vulnerable Forum, today stated they will update their Nationally Determined Contributions before 2020.



Taking advantage of the Paris Agreements rapid entry into force and work on the rulebook being set to completed by 2018, countries really have to do more and faster.

Governments must keep their pre-2020 commitments to limit warming below 1.5 degrees C and prevent irreversible damage from the impacts of climate change. While some countries will achieve their 2020 targets and progress is promising on initiatives, such as the Africa Renewable Energy Initiative, civil society organisations call for much stronger political will to ensure that all countries meet their pre-2020 targets. Developing countries must be assured financial, technical and capacity-building support to do this.



The extraordinary political solidarity that brought the Agreement into force less than a year since it was negotiated, thereby allowing the first meeting of the Parties of the Paris Agreement to take place much earlier than anticipated, must now translate into substantive action.

If governments are serious about achieving the goals from Paris, they must come fully prepared in 2017 and 2018 to review progress, scale up ambition and enhance funding for adaptation in particular.

This includes agreeing to a robust methodology for what is counted as climate finance against the US$100 billion commitment.

Marrakech marks an important moment when countries initiated the process to take the Paris Agreement forward to 2018 which will be a critical milestone to assess real progress.



Members of Climate Action Network in Marrakech reacted to the closing of talks:



Pacific Islands Climate Action Network (PICAN) welcomes the progress made at COP22 in Marrakech. This COP was meant to take a step forward towards the implementation of the Paris Agreement by setting some guidelines of moving forward and this was achieved for some of the issues. There is a lot of work still to be done in the realization of goals set out in the Paris Agreement but the partnerships and overall political willingness of the countries to move forward together is commendable. In particular, the collective commitment shown towards the Paris Agreement despite the concerns arising on the climate change positions of the incoming United States President-elect Donald Trump sends a signal that the debate on the realities of climate change is over and that the world is committed to solving the climate change problem. PICAN also supports the confirmation of Fiji as the next COP23 Presidency and commends Fiji on the leadership shown on behalf of all vulnerable islands states. This is a highly significant moment as it is the very first time a small island developing state will hold presidency of the UNFCCC COP. Its going to be a Pacific COP next year. PICAN looks forward to working closing with the Fiji Presidency and showcasing the leadership of the Pacific in the year ahead. Krishneil Narayan, the Coordinator of the Pacific Islands Climate Action Network (PICAN)



Despite fears, the spirit of Paris and the climate movement are alive and well as we saw in Marrakesh at COP22. Technical negotiations showed progress but the plight of the poorest and especially women and girls still demand a clearer roadmap and money to match. We are also calling on governments and business to make emission cuts now that respect the 1.5 degrees limit so that a desperate situation does not completely spiral out of our control. Thus, the ambitious leadership shown by 47 developing countries in the Climate Vulnerable Forum pushes the most powerful countries to be much bolder and take quicker action. Wolfgang Jamann, Secretary General and CEO of CARE International



Climate Action Network South Asia (CANSA) members welcome the progress made on technical front at the COP 22 but expressed their disappointment on lack of urgency shown by developed countries on delivering their promise of providing necessary funding to developing countries to cope with the incessant impacts of climate change. The agreement on process for preparing a rule book for implementation of Paris agreement, the infusion of some more money in adaptation fund and the fact that CMA the implementing body of Paris Agreement has begun functioning is all good news but the money on the table is way less than required to help the developing countries to implement their conditional NDC and close the emissions gap required to arrest runaway climate change and assist the most vulnerable and the poorest of poor in South Asia. Sanjay Vashist, Director of Climate Action Network South Asia



This years UN climate talks in Marrakech made clear that the Paris Agreement remains robust, but strong leadership will continue to be important if we are to safeguard our societies from dangerous climate change. Here in Marrakech the EU repeatedly reiterated its leadership on climate action, but these statements were followed by a visible degree of inaction. The EU turned a blind eye to the need to boost climate action in the next four years. Cancelling the surplus allowances under the Emissions Trading Scheme would have been a school book example of showing leadership, but the EU failed the test. It is high time for the EU to start walking the talk. The EU must come well prepared in 2017 and to the next big political moment in 2018, with clear plans to both scale up the ambition of its inadequate 2030 targets and present a strategy for how to bring emissions down to zero in the long term. Wendel Trio, Director of Climate Action Network (CAN) Europe



We came to Marrakech on a high note with the Paris Agreement entering into force in record time. The U.S. has been a leader on tackling climate change under the Obama administration, helping to build the global consensus around shared action that resulted in last years historic Paris Agreement. But the outcome of last weeks elections has raised serious doubts about the continued commitment of the U.S. to the international climate framework after President Obama leaves office.

Despite of US election results, ambition and efforts for making the Paris Agreement work must continue within next year and the years to come. Some Latin American countries has highlighted the importance of prompt definition of the Agreement implementations guidelines and rules. Transparency and finance are key issues that need to be finished as soon as possible, but not later than COP23. Latin American countries need to start the revision of their NDCs to increases their current goals and to find clear pathways to achieve them. Gianfranco Ciccia, node coordinator Climate Action Network Latin America (CAN-LA)



The good news is that country after country here in Marrakech made it crystal clear over the last week that they intend to implement and strengthen the Paris Agreement, regardless of whether the incoming Trump administration stays in Paris or decides to leave. Not one country has said that if President Trump pulls the U.S. out of Paris, they will follow. Numerous U.S. states, cities, and hundreds of companies have made clear their determination to stay the course on climate action. And yesterday, under the leadership of the King of Morocco, heads of state and ministers adopted the Marrakech Action Proclamation, calling for much greater ambition to meet the temperature limitation goals agreed in Paris." Alden Meyer, Director of Strategy and Policy, Union of Concerned Scientists



The UN climate talks continue to be filled with twists and turns, but they have delivered what they needed to this week  putting substance behind the promise of the Paris Agreement so it can be fully implemented. The Marrakech work has not been the most glamorous, but its a key step in the chain reaction needed to roll out the agreement. Countries commitment to the Paris Agreement also passed its first stress test this week with the US election results. Unequivocally, they restated that they are in this for the long haul.

But theres a lot of work ahead of us. The emissions gap continues to grow between what science tells us is needed to protect the planet from the worst impacts of climate change and the goals and actions governments set in Paris. Urgently reducing emissions and preparing for the climate change impacts that are already affecting us are essential for the worlds future prosperity, safety and security. Manuel Pulgar-Vidal, leader of WWF Internationals Climate & Energy Practice



The world came together in Paris to take unprecedented action to tackle the climate crisis, and in Marrakech, we came together to affirm that no individual country or leader has the power to derail that momentum. The Sierra Club is heartened by the committed resolve and continued dedication leaders around the world have shown to meaningful and lasting climate action. Climate leaders, activists, businesses, labor leaders, faith groups, environmental justice advocates, and youth leaders from across the globe convened in Marrakech with the goal of working to avert the worst effects of the climate crisis. In fact, nations are reaffirming their commitments, nearly 50 nations committed to going to 100 percent clean energy, and new research shows the U.S. is already on the path to meet key carbon reduction goals before they are even implemented. It is clear that this progress will not be stopped, even in the face of threats by President-elect Trump. Michael Brune, Executive Director, Sierra Club



The job here in Marrakech was to start writing the rulebook for the Paris Agreement and to take urgent action. But the issue of finance has thrown a spanner in the works. Although several countries have made welcome contributions to immediate finance needs, rich countries have been trying to wriggle out of their pledges to help poorer countries meet the costs of coping with impacts and greening their economies. Climate action will cost money that poorer countries simply don't have. The general message to developing countries is youre on your own.

In the planets hottest year ever, when parts of Africa are dealing with their worst drought in decades, rich countries willingness to leave developing countries in the lurch holds back climate action at a time when we need it most. Without real finance, and drastic cuts in emissions from rich countries the planet doesnt have a chance of staying under 1.5C warming. Harjeet Singh, global lead on climate change for ActionAid



The COP outcome once again failed to meet the urgency of the climate crisis, but people-powered movements around the world arent going to let our leaders get away with a COP-out. In the last two weeks, hundreds of organizations banded together to stand up to all new fossil fuel development, and dozens of climate vulnerable countries committed to 100% renewable energy futures. Climate science, the Paris Agreement, and millions of people around the world demand an end to new fossil fuel development and a just transition to renewables. Stephen Kretzmann, Executive Director, Oil Change International



While the U.S. election could have derailed the negotiations, whats happened in Marrakech has given hope that global action on climate change will not be deterred by isolated politicians. These negotiations outcome once again failed to meet the urgency of the climate crisis, but countries and social movements came together to keep pushing forward at a time when resolve is essential. The lessons of Marrakech are clear: Dont look to bureaucrats or climate-denying Presidents to take the lead on global climate action. Look to the people in the streets and in communities around the world. These are the people-powered movements resisting fossil fuels and building a renewable energy future, and this is the path to victory. David Turnbull, Campaigns Director, Oil Change International



The shock of the U.S. elections has ignited a fiery determination to fight Trumps regressive rhetoric on climate. A broad coalition of people and organizations is rising up and working together to keep dirty fossil fuels in the ground and stop dangerous and unjust projects like the Dakota Access Pipeline. We celebrate todays announcement from the countries most affected by climate change to move rapidly toward 100% renewable energy. But we have yet to see this ambition matched by some other leaders in Marrakech. While the continued commitment to the Paris Agreement is heartening, this was not the COP of Action that we were promised. We urgently need more ambitious action from the USA and other developed countries to protect our environment and people around the globe from the grave dangers of climate change. Clare Lakewood, Staff Attorney, Climate Law Institute, Center for Biological Diversity



This was billed as a conference for action and implementation of the Paris Agreement. Instead, we saw a stubborn refusal from developed country ministers and negotiators to fill the adaptation finance gap and face the fact that the Agreement doesnt fully protect lives that will suffer the most from climate change. Adaptation finance is not just an abstract numbers game. Its about providing women farmers in Africa with seeds to plant drought-resistant crops and feed their families.

These countries are doing their fair share. The Climate Vulnerable Forum, a group of forty-seven countries most at risk, announced their commitment to 100 percent renewable energy. We need developed countries to live up to their end of the bargain.

The Paris Agreement was undoubtedly historic, but millions of people facing extreme and erratic weather cant afford to keep waiting. Oxfam hopes the 'Pacific COP' in 2017 focuses the world's attention on the risk that small islands in the Pacific and elsewhere face. Isabel Kreisler, Oxfam International climate change policy lead.



The last two weeks has shown that Arab countries are taking Paris agreement seriously by Saudi Arabia ratifying the agreement before the COP and countries who already ratified or in their way of ratification.

Some Arab Countries showed leadership in climate vulnerable forum like Tunisia, Sudan , Yemen and Morocco and more countries who joined this COP which are Palestine and Lebanon this shows the readiness for our region to take initiative on climate solutions. Safa Al Jayoussi, CAN Arab World Co-Coordinator



The Paris Agreement provides a good framework for climate action, but the Nationally Determined Commitments ambition is still insufficient and needs to be fixed urgently. We leave Marrakech with unfinished business. Finance is still a major issue to be figured out as well as analyzing what the impacts of the United States election are. However, it is important to note that there has been a focus on creating new action here as well. It is clear that if the world is going to act on climate change now that countries need to step and do more. Tina Johnson, Policy Director, US Climate Action Network



The Marrakech summit showed that there is unstoppable momentum to put the Paris Agreement into practice, despite the outcome of the US elections. China especially seems ready to step into the looming vacuum. The EU also has to decide whether it wants to play a global leadership role in the coming years. There are major opportunities next year where we expect the EU and Germany to show leadership, like the G20 summit in Hamburg and COP23 in Bonn. Christoph Bals, Policy Director, Germanwatch



The most striking theme in Marrakesh was the continued commitment by countries and businesses around the world to moving forward on climate change despite the uncertainty that resulted from the election of Donald Trump. That continued commitment was clear in public statements and private assurances, in the constructive spirit of the negotiations, and in the actions of the several countries who formally joined the Paris Agreement in the last two weeks. The momentum that generated the Paris Agreement  and ensured that it entered into force in record time  cant be derailed even by an earthquake as large as last weeks election. The direction the rest of the world is taking is clearer than ever. People around the globe are already seeing the impacts of climate change every day  from record-breaking heat to floods to costly storm damage  and theyre demanding a safer, cleaner, low-carbon future and the jobs and economic growth that future will entail. Nathaniel Keohane, Vice President for Global Climate, Environmental Defense Fund



It was fitting that on African soil it was the most vulnerable countries who showed the most leadership with their bold pledges to switch to 100% renewable energy as soon as possible. This is despite the fact that as poor and vulnerable nations with little historical responsibility for causing climate change, they were not required to act so quickly.

The rest of the world now needs to harness this sentiment and follow suit by doing more to accelerate the low carbon transition we need to keep temperature rise to 1.5 degrees.

Although momentum has continued it was good to be reminded that our current trajectory sends us into dangerous territory and the Paris Agreement will only be effective if nations continue to ratchet up their commitments. The key date is 2018 when countries should start doing that in earnest. Mohamed Adow, Christian Aids International Climate Lead



The spirit of togetherness that made the Paris Agreement possible was alive this week in Marrakech, and it will become more important than ever in the coming months. What wasnt as evident at COP22 was a common understanding of the urgent need to support developing countries at the necessary levels. Realizing the Paris Agreements goals and protecting the worlds most vulnerable communities requires an end to the petty disagreements on finance that so often stall progress. Canada has an opportunity to play a constructive role on this and many other issues. Indeed, it is clear that the world is now looking to Canada with renewed focus. Its Canadas time to show exceptional leadership on climate change and the drive to decarbonize the global economy. Catherine Abreu, Executive Director, Climate Action Network Canada



The world is finally seeing the urgency for collective climate action. The meeting in Marrakesh concluded as scientists confirmed 2016 will be the third consecutive hottest year ever while a climate denier has been elected to the White House. But we are seeing leadership take center stage from many directions. The Climate Vulnerable Forum countries have demonstrated what government leadership needs to look like by committing to meet 100% domestic renewable energy production as rapidly as possible. Yet climate leadership has consistently relied on people's power. Moving forward, the climate and social justice movements stand united and more committed than ever. The only way for real climate action is to stop all new coal, oil and gas developments, financing instead a just transition towards a 100% renewable energy future for all. Payal Parekh, 350.org Global Pogram Director



The last two weeks have seen a renewed determination to move ahead with the Paris Agreement. Here at the UN, countries have taken a small step together and some are already taking the giant leaps we need. 47 countries on the frontline of climate change are setting the pace, and their commitment to 100% renewable energy shows leadership and vision, just what we need from everyone.

If governments are serious about the Paris Agreement, not a single new fossil fuel project can be licensed anymore. To avoid climate catastrophe we need to keep fossil fuels in the ground, protect our forests and oceans and shift to ecological agriculture and 100% renewable energy. We will be the generation that ends fossil fuels. Jennifer Morgan, Executive Director, Greenpeace International



Hivos welcomes the reaffirmation of countries to move ahead forcefully to implement the Paris Agreement in spite of leadership changes in some countries. The most vulnerable countries in the Climate Vulnerable Forum have shown the true leadership by committing to strive to be carbon neutral by 2050, meet a 100% domestic renewable energy production as rapidly as possible while working to end energy poverty and involve all stakeholders including civil society in the process. Hivos and its partners are calling on all countries to follow this leadership. These commitments have to be supported now by new, additional and adequate climate finance directed specifically for energy access through decentralized renewable energy." Eco Matser, Director Green & Inclusive Energy Programme Hivos



Dans la meme rubrique : < > More robots entering people's daily life China sees accelerated development of express delivery sector in rural areas China's FAST discovers largest atomic cloud in universe Pour toute information, contactez-nous au : +(235) 99267667 ; 62883277 ; 66267667 (Bureau N'Djamena)










English News International cooperation leaves no place for corrupt fugitive officials to hide

Alwihda Info | Par peoplesdaily - 18 Novembre 2016



So far, 37 fugitives have been repatriated since the Chinese government released a red notice for the countrys 100 most-wanted fugitives who used to be public servants or were involved in major corruption cases. Four of the five most-wanted fugitives have already been brought to justice.

Peoples Daily One of China's most wanted graft fugitives Yang Xiuzhu, who had been on the run for 13 years, finally returned to China on Wednesday and turned herself in to authorities.



This was hailed as the latest example of the resolute determination and great effort of the Chinese government in its anti-corruption campaign in pursuing fugitives and recovering illicit assets, read a Peoples Daily editorial.



So far, 37 fugitives have been repatriated since the Chinese government released a red notice for the countrys 100 most-wanted fugitives who used to be public servants or were involved in major corruption cases. Four of the five most-wanted fugitives have already been brought to justice.



Whats more, Operation Skynet, an anti-graft campaign launched by Chinese authorities in a bid to capture corrupt officials who have fled abroad, has captured 2,210 fugitives as of September, 363 of which used to be public servants.



Both the 5th and the 6th plenary sessions of the 18th CPC Central Commission for Discipline Inspection (CCDI) listed the international manhunt as a top priority of their annual agenda, the editorial said, introducing Chinas efforts to bring fugitives to justice.



All corruption cases and corrupt officials should be investigated and punished with great perseverance and zero tolerance. There should be no shelter for corrupt officials in the party! Chinese President Xi Jinping said at the meeting commemorating the 95th anniversary of the founding of the CPC, declaring Chinas determination to crack down on corruption.



In order to bring these fugitives back and recover their illegal assets, Chinese authorities have carried out both international cooperation and domestic campaigns, the editorial said.



The editorial also pointed out that authorities have increased efforts in collecting information and evidence on fugitives. Diplomatic, police, judiciary and financial departments have worked well together and a coordination mechanism at the provincial level has also been established as well.



Bringing Yang to justice, according to the paper, can be attributed to effective cooperation among the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Ministry of Public Security, the Supreme Peoples Court, the Supreme Peoples Procuratorate, the Ministry of Justice, People's Bank of China and Zhejiang Provinces fugitive repatriation and asset recovery office.



The editorial suggested that international fugitive repatriation and asset recovery should not only be a domestic affair, but also part of the diplomatic agenda in todays connected world.



President Xi and other Chinese leaders have made clear Chinas attitude towards corruption at multilateral or bilateral occasions by bringing up the importance of international cooperation when it comes to the anti-corruption campaign, and discussing fugitive repatriation and asset recovery, the article elaborated.



Propelled by Chinas initiative, the APEC Economic Leaders' Meeting held in 2014 in Beijing endorsed the Beijing Declaration on Fighting Corruption, the first anti-corruption declaration named after a capital city in APEC history.



The G20 High-Level Principles on Cooperation on Persons Sought for Corruption and Asset Recovery adopted at the G20 Hangzhou Summit held this September is also proof of Chinas anti-corruption commitment. The document put forward for the first time the principle of zero tolerance, zero loopholes and zero barriers when it comes to corruption.



Extensive international cooperation will leave fleeing corrupt officials no place to hide, the article said, citing as an example how cooperation between Chinese and US law enforcement teams contributed to Yangs extradition.



With help from Singapore, the Chinese authorities managed to bring Li Huabo, the second most-wanted suspect from China's "100 most-wanted economic fugitives" list, back for trial, the article added.



These fugitives should never bet on having a safe heaven to hide themselves as the anti-corruption campaign will be a long-term fight. In addition to domestic anti-corruption efforts, international cooperation will enable it to reach every corner of the world, the paper stressed in conclusion.

(Peoples Daily)



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English News Join Hands to Fulfill Centenary Dreams and Strive for New Progress in Cooperation

Alwihda Info | Par peoplesdaily - 18 Novembre 2016



China and Peru enjoy a long and deep friendship. Back more than 400 years ago, braving storms and waves, the Chinese people opened a maritime Silk Road across the Pacific. The Chinese and the Peruvians have been visiting each other ever since. In the past 100 years, a large number of Chinese traveled to Peru to seek a life of happiness on this promising land.

By H.E. Xi Jinping, President of the Peoples Republic of China, For El Comercio



I am looking forward to coming to Peru for the 24th APEC Economic Leaders Meeting and my state visit to this country at the invitation of President Pedro Pablo Kuczynski. President Kuczynski visited China in September. By the time of my visit, the presidents of China and Peru will have exchanged visits in less than two months. This will send a strong signal of China and Peru working together for common development.



This would be the second time for Peru to play host to the leaders of APEC economies in eight years. It marks another new and important contribution Peru makes to Asia-Pacific cooperation. Peru will have Chinas full support and cooperation in facilitating positive outcomes of the meeting.



I still recall my visit to Peru in the 1990s, which left me deeply impressed by the majestic landscape and rich natural endowments of this country. The Andes Mountains, the backbone of South America, extends from North to South, and the mighty Amazon has nourished a treasure house of minerals, fossil fuel, forests and biological resources. Peru is also known for its hard-working and courageous people, who created a time-honored history and rich culture. Its dazzling cultural heritage such as the Inca civilization, Machu Picchu and Nazca Lines are favored destinations for international visitors. El Condor Pasa and other Andean folk melodies are popular all over the world.



China and Peru enjoy a long and deep friendship. Back more than 400 years ago, braving storms and waves, the Chinese people opened a maritime Silk Road across the Pacific. The Chinese and the Peruvians have been visiting each other ever since. In the past 100 years, a large number of Chinese traveled to Peru to seek a life of happiness on this promising land. They worked diligently with the local people and actively contributed to Perus development. They were the first generation of friendship envoys who brought Chinese culture to Peru. Today, nearly one tenth of the Peruvian population descended from Chinese ancestry. The Chinese are even called by an affectionate nickname in Peru the paisano (old pal), showing the deep roots of friendship between our peoples. This is a valuable asset shared by our two countries.



Peru was one of the first Latin American countries to establish diplomatic ties with the Peoples Republic of China. Over the past 45 years of our diplomatic relations, we have treated each other with respect and equality, firmly supported each other on issues concerning our respective core interests and major concerns and developed strong political trust, which formed the cornerstone of China-Peru relations. Our two countries have established a comprehensive strategic partnership, the highest level of relations between China and Latin American countries, which embodies the high degree of our political mutual trust.



Despite the wintry state of the global economy in recent years, China and Peru are enjoying spring in their practical cooperation. Bilateral trade has remained on an upward trajectory, hitting a record level of nearly US$15 billion in 2015. In the first eight months of this year, trade grew by 9% year-on-year, outpaced by a 21.8% uptick in Peruvian exports to China. China has been Perus largest trading partner, export market and source of import for years, and Peru has become one of the top destinations in Latin America for Chinese investment. Over 170 Chinese businesses have invested more than US$14 billion in Peru, helping to create tens of thousands of jobs and new sources of tax revenue for local communities and benefiting economic and social development in this country.



The robust people-to-people exchanges between Chinese and Peruvian peoples have brought them even closer to each other. Exchanges and cooperation in culture, education, science and technology, health and the judicial sector as well as between media, think tanks and youths are growing. More and more Peruvians, especially students, want to study Chinese and learn more about Chinese culture. The four Confucius Institutes in Peru have attracted more than 4,000 registered students. We welcome more Peruvians to visit China. More and more Chinese admirers of the Inca civilization are hoping to visit Peru as tourists.



China and Peru have maintained close communication and coordination on international and regional affairs to jointly uphold the common interests of developing countries. We hold the same or similar views and have consistently echoed and supported each others positions, be it on key international issues such as UN reform, climate change, sustainable development or regional ones like Asia-Pacific cooperation, Latin American integration and cooperation between China and Latin America.



I believe that the tremendous progress and strong momentum in China-Peru ties is attributable to the extensive public support for our friendship, to our enormous economic complementarity and enthusiasm toward cooperation and to the right decision of successive governments of both countries to place high importance on this relationship. The Chinese people are working vigorously to attain the two centenary goals, namely, completing the building of a moderately prosperous society in all respects by the Communist Partys centenary in 2021 and building a prosperous, strong, democratic, culturally advanced and harmonious country by the centenary of the Peoples Republic in 2049, and the Chinese dream of great national renewal. The Peruvian people are making relentless efforts toward a just, fair and united Peru by the bicentennial of Perus independence in 2021. Cherishing the same dream and vision, it is only natural that we should push forward all-round cooperation.



 We need to deepen political mutual trust and remain partners for each other on the way ahead. We should continue to view our relations from a strategic and long-term perspective, understand and support each other on issues concerning core interests and major concerns and ensure the sustained and steady growth of bilateral ties. I have said on many occasions, Only the wearer knows if the shoes fit or not. China supports Peru in exploring a development path suited to its national conditions and stands ready to enhance the sharing of experience on governance to make greater achievements in our respective development endeavors.



 We need to expand practical cooperation and promote common development and prosperity. China and Peru are natural partners on the strength of our wide-ranging, large-scale and fruitful cooperation. We have set up mechanisms such as the strategic dialogue on economic cooperation and the joint committee on economic cooperation and trade. We need to formulate and implement a well-structured action plan to guide our practical cooperation in the years to come. China suggests that we intensify production capacity and investment cooperation. We are ready to provide Peru with all the equipment and technology it needs for industrialization, supported by personnel training and matching funds. This will be conducive to Perus efforts towards diversified economic development, and raise the quality and efficiency of bilateral cooperation.



 We need to promote cultural exchange and cement public support for our relations. Amity between the people holds the key to sound state-to-state relations. We need to expand exchanges and cooperation in culture, education, science and technology and tourism and facilitate the interflow of people between our two countries. China welcomes more Peruvian students to study in China and supports more youth exchanges to pass on our traditional friendship from one generation to the next.



 We need to strengthen cooperation in international and regional affairs to uphold common interests. Lasting peace and sustained progress is the shared aspiration of all humanity. China hopes to work with Peru to maintain close communication and cooperation on major international issues, build a new type of international relations featuring win-win cooperation and contribute to a community of shared interests and shared future for all mankind.



The baton of China-Peru friendship is now passed to us. Let us join hands and work closely together to pursue the dream of our people for a happy life and promote peace, stability and prosperity of the world.





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A tremendous amount of money moves around the world every year that is not part of the official flow of money. Law and regulations requiring anti-money-laundering efforts, as well as Office of Foreign Assets Control sanctions, seek to mitigate laundering. But despite all the systems of control meant to prevent these transactions, they still take place  because someone is highly invested in making sure they still take place.

An important principle in addressing the money-laundering threat is recognizing that an illegal method for moving today is just as likely to be low-tech and old school as it is to be sophisticated. Modern surveillance methods and processes need to be able to counter both.

Lets start with the low-tech methods. If a criminal can leverage corrupt bankers, that opens the door to a relatively simple means of laundering. Banking secrecy is a longstanding tenet of private banking and asset management in certain countries. This tradition of secrecy means that client names will be protected from the prying eyes of employees, which, by extension, helps circumvent many of the usual legal safeguards in other parts of the world.

With the help of someone inside the bank, a dictator or oligarch can run money through several intermediaries, possibly including a private bank in Switzerland, which then ends up in an anonymous offshore account for a New York hedge fund. A hedge fund manager may have no idea who is behind a majority of the funds investors, with all the account holders just being the name of a Swiss bank.

In truly traditional private banks, customers remain anonymous: no address is held on file, and statements are kept at the bank for the customer should he or she ever bother to see them. Cash for deposit really is brought in unmarked envelopes and concealed from view. In certain countries and cities, bankers might meet their clients in anonymous cafes where the transaction is conducted, possibly via an envelope that is passed under a newspaper.

Under more sophisticated methods, Swiss banks have devised complex ways to segregate and wall off the relationships between clients and bankers. Accounts are of course numbered and assigned to specific bankers who manage the relationship. Only the banker knows the identity of the account holder. However, clients are not necessarily satisfied with such levels of care and use intermediaries to further conceal the origin of their cash. The name Herve Falciani still sends a chill down the spine of Swiss bankers because he successfully managed to download sensitive client data and take it with him outside the country.

Given the added scrutiny of regulators over the sources of funds in private bank accounts, new methods have been devised to avoid detection. One such class of transactions is known as mirror trades. Mirror trades are back-to-back trades executed purely for the purposes of sending money abroad. A trader executes a customer order to buy a certain stock, lets say for a value of 10 million dollars using Russian rubles. The trader then executes a sale of the same stock on behalf of another company in exchange for dollars, euros or pounds. Both companies have the same owner. Through the two transactions the owner has exchanged rubles for a foreign currency in a process that leaves no obvious trace to regulators.

So how would an internal compliance department identify schemes of varying sophistication?

In the case of mirror trades, a compliance team would look to identify trades made repeatedly for no apparent purpose, in which the purchase and sale of the security resulted in either no profit or just a small loss. Secondly, if the AML specialists had been doing their job properly, the very close relationship between the entities buying and selling funds or intermediaries would have turned up in the checks and controls review. Thirdly, at a macro level, if the volume of transactions was high enough, careful research might reveal schemes to squirrel away funds unofficially.

Sometimes seeing the big picture can help to uncover the small sins of everyday life in banking. Looking at publicly available research to identify the amount of unofficial flows of money between countries can help to show that there is a problem  that there are schemes in play to move money. While researching capital flows between Russia and the U.K. in 2015, Deutsche Bank economists found that about $1.5 billion was flying under the radar every month. This provided a strong sense to regulators and AML departments of how significant the problem of mirror trades was.

It is understandable of course why the modern methods of money laundering still include movements of cash in unmarked envelopes. They are a lot simpler and less costly to execute than more sophisticated means and are still hard to detect. Changes in bank secrecy are afoot in some countries. The Swiss are repealing their secrecy laws, for example, and this will help to combat these simple methods. However, while financial institutions should continue to improve safeguards against newer means launderers are using to avoid detection, they must still remain keenly aware of the possibilities that low-tech solutions are still being used. It just takes one corrupt banker to enable the illegal transfer of cash. Money launderers, in low-tech ways, will still find ways of moving money that cannot be tied to its original source.

Only a strong risk management culture can prevent such events from occurring. A compliance department that enforces know-your-customer regulations and provides balance in its favor against the demands of profits and revenue targets from the front office will always be the best bulwark against the dirty flows of money.

Andrew Waxman is an associate partner in IBM Global Business Services' financial markets risk and compliance practice and can be reached atabwaxman@us.ibm.comor on Twitter @abwaxman. The views expressed here are his own.
Donald Trump can stop Barack Obama from continuing to free terrorists, and the sooner he acts, the better.

Barack Obama is a lame-duck president and, empowered by his pen and a phone (the only weapons he has ever held, no doubt) is determined to continue to carve out a dubious legacy for himself. He had promised to close Guantanamo prison during his first presidential campaign and on the second day in office he issued one of his numerous executive orders to come, this one directing that the prison be closed within one year.

Terrorists were big supporters of Barack Obama. At Gitmo they were chanting Obama! Obama! Obama! during election night and when he won started chanting to their guards and prosecutors the refrain Hey, heygoodbye

President Obama was stymied in his efforts to transfer many of them to American prisons when Republicans led an effort (joined by many Democrats) to pass a law that forbade prisoners from being moved into American prisons. But Barack Obama has found another way to release these terrorists (or detainees as liberals call them) by working to depict them as less of a threat than they are and then releasing them into the custody of foreign governments.

As Stephen Hayes has written in a Weekly Standard column, Lying About Gitmo, Obama and his team have been lying about the backgrounds and records of these terrorists to downgrade their threats to Americans and others around the world:

Let's begin with the conclusion: Barack Obama is releasing dangerous terrorists against the recommendations of military and intelligence professionals, he's doing so at a time when the threat level from radical Islamists is elevated, and he is lying about it. He is lying about how many jihadists he has released and lying about their backgrounds, all part of his effort to empty the detention facility at Guantanamo Bay.

Hayes assembles quite the collection of examples of anti-American jihadists that Obama has given a get out of jail card. Included among them are the so-called Taliban Five, terror masterminds released in return for Sgt. Bowe Bergdahl. All five had worked for Al Qaeda before 9/11.

Hayes writes:

Obama has also downplayed the threats from released Guantanamo prisoners in other ways. He describes the detainees as "embittered," as if the hatred that inspires them grows from their time in Guantanamo rather than their devotion to a murderous cause. Instead of rejoining the war, the recidivists are merely "trying to link up with their old organizations." Perhaps most bizarre is his description of the process he's using to determine which detainees can be transferred or set free. "The judgment that we're continually making is: Are there individuals who are significantly more dangerous than the people who are already out there who are fighting? What do they add? Do they have special skills? Do they have special knowledge that ends up making a significant threat to the United States?" Those are the criteria? Detainees can be released if the White House determines that they are no more dangerous than, say, the leaders of ISIS, AQAP, Boko Haram, Jabhat al Nusra, the Haqqani network, the Khorasan group? If this is actually the way the administration evaluates potential releases, it would explain why so many veteran jihadists have been freed. It's a process that prioritizes emptying the facility over the security of the country.

Obama has been dishonest about his policy and has downplayed threats from Islamic terrorism from the first day of his presidency to the (thankfully) last days to come. Pentagon and other national security experts have decried this minimizing of threats to America. His actions have been condemned by Congressman such as Edward Royce, the Republican head of the House Foreign Affairs Committee, who accused the White House of doubling down on policies that put American lives at risk and recklessness.

Climate change is a greater threat in Obamas mind.

Barack Obama seems laser-focused on closing Gitmo as part of his legacy. This would cause irreparable harm to the security of America: released terrorists have a very high recidivism rate (killing is what they live for, and released detainees have been implicated in subsequent attacks on Americans) and Gitmo has a very unique legal status that makes it absolutely crucial in our battle against terrorism. If Obama succeeds in closing Gitmo and, perhaps, turning it over to the Castro brothers (who no doubt will be glad to have more prison space for their political prisoners), it will never again be an American asset in our fight against Islamic terrorism.

Obama has justified his actions by being able to claim formally that these terrorists are not being freed; instead he has been transferring them to other nations who supposedly will monitor them to prevent their return to terrorism. In practice, this monitoring has been a farce as the various nations, some but not all of them of them Muslim nations, have looked the other way as the terrorists go back to work. Detainees have vanished; they have gone off the radar screen and found their ways back to join their fellow terrorists.

What can be done in the next two months to stop Obama?

Donald Trump has vowed to keep the prison open, and to load it up with some bad dudes. But he cant keep his promise if Obama empties the prison and fulfills his promise to close Gitmo.

President-elect Donald Trump and a Republican Congress can put foreign nations on notice that change is coming to Washington and America in January and that nations that cooperate with Barack Obama in his terrorist release program will be scrutinized in the years to come when it comes to foreign aid, trade pacts, security cooperation and a range of other measures. Some of the nations that have taken the terrorists are oil-rich Middle Eastern nations, but others are less wealthy South American nations. Would Uruguay be willing to take any more terrorists if faced with warnings from the incoming administration that moves to take them will be looked at with disfavor (to be diplomatic) in the years to come? Even Arab nations, who certainly have no reason to seek to please Barack Obama, might be reluctant to displease a President Trump who they will have to engage with the next four years.

President-elect Donald Trump has a chance to do a great deal to help defend America even before he becomes Commander-in-Chief.
YEREVAN, NOVEMBER 18, ARMENPRESS. Foreign Minister of Armenia Edward Nalbandian received on November 18 the delegation led by Chairperson of the Council of the Federation Committee on Foreign Affairs Konstantin Kosachev.

Armenia-Russian allied and strategic relations based on centuries-old friendship between the two peoples, as well as the implementation process of the agreements reached between the top leaderships of Armenia and Russia were referred to at the meeting.

As Armenpress was informed from the press service of MFA Armenia, the Foreign Minister of Armenia and the Russian delegation discussed in detail a broad scope of issues of parliamentary cooperation and exchanged ideas over cooperation between the two parliaments in international parliamentary platforms.

A reference was made to the situation in the Middle East, particularly in Syria, and ways to overcome the crisis. A special importance was attached to the Armenian community in Syria and Armenias efforts to assist them.

Minister Nalbandian introduced the situation in Artsakh (Nagorno Karabakh) after the large-scale aggression unleashed by Azerbaijan and emphasized the necessity of implementing thagreements reached in Vienna and St. Petersburg.

At the request of the guests Minister Nalbandian detailed on Armenia-Diaspora cooperation.

Edward Nalbandian touched upon Armenias foreign policy priorities and answered the numerous questions of the guests.
It is no secret that religious liberty is under attack. The wedding photographer, florist, and cake baker are no longer able to practice their faith at work without fear of retribution for refusing to fall in line with the new government orthodoxy.

The Free Exercise Clause of the First Amendment is designed to ensure that all Americans may freely live out their faith. This is not limited to freedom of worship, but includes the heart, mind, and soul of religious people, thereby guiding how people act in the public square. When a law restricts that first freedom, the American conscience is put on trial.

One way to preserve the American conscience is for individuals to pre-emptively put unjust laws on trial by way of pre-enforcement challenges. This ensures that the owner is not at risk of criminal or civil penalties for violating an ironically titled anti-discrimination law when faced with the challenge of being asked to participate in any practice that violates his conscience. Rather, a judge will be deciding only the validity of a law before its application blindsides an unwitting target.

Further, a pre-enforcement challenge provides individuals with clear guidance from the courts on what the legal ramifications might be for certain conduct before a law is adversely used against them. For example, if a law threatens a business owner for declining to help celebrate a same-sex ceremony, a pre-enforcement challenge will give the courts the opportunity to recognize First Amendment and statutory defenses to the law before any penalties are assessed.

Pre-enforcement challenges have a long pedigree in free speech cases, which carries over into the religious liberty context. For instance, the ACLU successfully brought a pre-enforcement challenge in 1999 to overturn a law that criminalized the dissemination of indecent material to minors over the internet on freedom of speech grounds. Moreover, pre-enforcement challenges have been brought successfully in a variety of other cases to protect free speech activities, including videotaping police officers, union advertising, and speech critical of the Vietnam War, to name just a few.

As the Alliance Defending Freedom (ADF) explains, "[i]n a free society, no one should have to be punished before they can challenge an unconstitutional law." With the principle in mind, ADF recently launched a pre-enforcement challenge in support of religious liberty on behalf of clients in Arizona.

In Arizona, Breanna Koski and Joanna Duka, the founders of Brush & Nib Studio, brought a pre-enforcement challenge against a law that would force the artists to use their calligraphy talents to literally hand-write words that violate their sincere beliefs. Phoenix Municipal Code Section 18-4(B) was amended in 2013 such that it is now a crime for any person to withhold goods or services offered at any place of public accommodation, which includes retail stores, on the basis of sexual orientation. If Koski and Duka were asked to help celebrate a same-sex ceremony by creating custom wedding invitations, they would decline as a matter of conscience, and the artists would risk being in violation of the law.

Section 18-4(B) goes on to provide a constitutionally mandated exemption that "prohibitions concerning marital status, sexual orientation, or gender identity or expression shall not apply to bona fide religious organizations" (emphasis added), but the exemption does nothing to account for the conscientious objections of religious participants in the marketplace. The Phoenix Code provides that any violators of the law are subject to imprisonment for up to six months and a fine up to $2,500 as a Class 1 misdemeanor.

Koski and Duka did not wait for the authorities to come knocking on their door. Rather, the women took the fight to the courts in an attempt to invalidate the law before it is ever enforced against them or other like-minded artists. While the case is still in the early stages of litigation, if successful, it will likely serve as a model for future challenges in the name of religious liberty nationwide.

Given the success of pre-enforcement challenges elsewhere in the First Amendment realm, this strategy represents a viable opportunity for individuals to seek protection from the courts when legislatures adopt laws that threaten a person's first freedom. The culture war will rage on, but pre-enforcement challenges have the potential to provide refuge for conscientious objectors who want to live out their faith in the marketplace without fear of prosecution for doing so. It is time to put bad laws on trial before bad laws are able to do worse to conscientious objectors.

David Rosenthal is a visiting legal fellow in the Edwin Meese III Center for Legal and Judicial Studies at The Heritage Foundation.
The mainstream media, having failed to derail or even anticipate Donald Trumps victory, have now seized on discrediting one of the architects of his victory, calling Navy veteran, entrepreneur, and Breitbart publisher Steve Bannon a white nationalist. They cite as evidence some Breitbart headlines designed to provoke and attract readers as being beyond the pale. Compared to what? The New York Times, perhaps?

Publishers dont necessarily control every jot and tittle of content in their publications, but if one concedes the point of Bannons critics, those who have problems with Bannon advising Trump had no problem with race-baiter Al Sharpton serving as adviser to President Obama on, of all things, race relations: As Politico magazine reported:

A few days after 18-year-old Mike Brown was gunned down in Ferguson, Missouri, White House officials enlisted an unusual source for on-the-ground intelligence amid the chaos and tear gas: the Rev. Al Sharpton, a fiery activist who became a household name by provoking rather than pacifying. In Ferguson, Sharpton established himself as a de facto contact and conduit for a jittery White House seeking to negotiate a middle ground between meddling and disengagement. Theres a trust factor with The Rev from the Oval Office on down, a White House official familiar with their dealings told me. He gets it, and hes got credibility in the community that nobody else has got. Theres really no one else out there who does what he does.

Let us be grateful for that. If one wanted to send a sane message about justice and peace, Al Sharpton is arguably the worst person to call. He is an instigator, not a peacemaker, someone who rose out of obscurity by propagating the false Tawana Brawley rape case in which New York city cops were accused of raping a black teenager. As Investors Business Daily noted, Tawana Brawley paid for her part in that big lie. Al Sharpton never has.

Sharpton embraced the hands up, dont shoot mantra meant to indict racist cops and police departments after the shooting death of Michael Brown in Ferguson, Missouri after he committed a strongarm robbery on his way to assaulting Officer Darren Wilson. Blessed are the peacemakers, but Al Sharpton is not one of them.

The Sharptons of the world dont want to solve the real problems of the black community, preferring to exploit back unrest with clueless race-baiting such as when Sharpton and his National Action Network organized the Justice for All March in Washington, D.C. last December:

You thought youd sweep it under the rug. You thought thered be no limelight, he said. We are going to keep the light on Michael Brown, on Eric Garner, on Tamir Rice, on all of these victims because the only way -- Im sorry, I come out of the 'hood -- the only way you make roaches run, you got to cut the light on."

As IBD notes, Al Sharpton has made career of anti-Semitic and racial agitation:

Sharpton has made a career of racial incitement. He once called Jews "diamond merchants" and described whites moving businesses into Harlem as "interlopers." He helped incite three days of anti-Semitic rioting in 1991 in the Crown Heights neighborhood of Brooklyn, turning a tragic traffic accident into a riot where two people died and more than 100 were wounded. Then there was Freddy's Fashion Mart in Harlem in 1995, subject to the Sharpton campaign to drive out "interlopers." To scare the Jewish owner away, Sharpton turned a tenant-landlord dispute into a racial conflict, resulting in arson of the store and seven deaths.

So the liberal left was okay with Sharpton, but thinks Steve Bannon is a white nationalist who threatens all human decency? This comes as the Democratic National Committee considers Minnesota Congressman Keith Ellison, the only Muslim in Congress who has deep ties with the Muslim Brotherhood, for the position of SNC Chairman. As the watchdog group Jihad Watch reports:

Ellison has spoken at a convention of the Islamic Society of North America (ISNA). Yet ISNA has actually admitted its ties to Hamas, which styles itself the Palestinian arm of the Muslim Brotherhood. The Justice Department actually classified ISNA among entities who are and/or were members of the US Muslim Brotherhood. It gets worse. In 2008, Ellison accepted $13,350 from the Muslim American Society (MAS) to go on a pilgrimage to Mecca. The Muslim American Society is a Muslim Brotherhood organization: In recent years, the U.S. Brotherhood operated under the name Muslim American Society, according to documents and interviews. One of the nations major Islamic groups, it was incorporated in Illinois in 1993 after a contentious debate among Brotherhood members. Thats from the Chicago Tribune in 2004, in an article that is now carried on the Muslim Brotherhoods English-language website, Ikhwanweb. Also, the Hamas-linked Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR) raised large amounts of for Ellisons first campaign, and he has spoken at numerous CAIR events. Yet CAIR is an unindicted co-conspirator in a Hamas terror funding case -- so named by the Justice Department. CAIR officials have repeatedly refused to denounce Hamas and Hizballah as terrorist groups.

Nor did the liberal left and the mainstream media, forgive the redundancy, have problems with the curious pasts and associations of Hillary Clinton adviser Huma Abedin: As Investors Business Daily has editorialized:

Abedin also has some interesting family connections. Her father is said to be close with the Saudi government's Muslim World League, and her mother is said to be a member of the Muslim Sisterhood. World Trade Center bombing prosecutor Andrew McCarthy wrote in National Review: "The ties of Ms. Abedin's father, mother and brother to the Muslim Brotherhood are both specific and substantiated." The Muslim Brotherhood took power in Egypt with the Obama administration's approval after it had all but abandoned the government of Hosni Mubarak, a long-time ally and friend. It was while Abedin was advising Hillary that State dropped its long-standing policy of having no dealings with the Muslim Brotherhood.

As Andrew McCarthy wrote in National Review, Huma Abedins family and work history suggested a devotion to Islamic supremacist ideology that may go a long way to explaining our imploding Middle East policy from Baghdad to Egypt:

Ms. Abedin worked for many years at a journal that promotes Islamic-supremacist ideology that was founded by a top al-Qaeda financier, Abdullah Omar Naseef. Naseef ran the Rabita Trust, a formally designated foreign terrorist organization under American law. Ms. Abedin and Naseef overlapped at the Journal of Muslim Minority Affairs (JMMA) for at least seven years. Throughout that time (19962003), Ms. Abdein worked for Hillary Clinton in various capacities.

The Democratic Party also had no problem with venerating former KKK member Robert Byrd or with Hillary Clintons admiration for Planned Parenthood founder Margaret Sanger, whose objective was the extermination of the black race. They are quite about the racism of the Orwellian-named Black Lives Matter movement or that Jim Crow laws were written by Democrats.

Steve Bannon is not a white nationalist. He is a patriotic American. Steve Bannons only real crime is helping to get Donald Trump elected President of the United States.

Daniel John Sobieski is a freelance writer whose pieces have appeared in Investors Business Daily, Human Events, Reason Magazine and the Chicago Sun-Times among other publications.
Todays Democrat Party spends an exorbitant amount of time preaching against hate and the politics and policies of hate. It has seemingly become the central theme of all the party touches. What the Democrats dont realize is that they have so perfected the repeating of hate, hate, hate that their own message is what has done them in.

Since Barack Obamas election in 2008 the Democrat Party has steadily drifted into this label them all haters territory and since that time the party has been absolutely obliterated at the polls. Democrats have lost the White House, Senate, and House. They now control just 13 state legislatures and Republicans now sleep in 33 governors mansions.

Yet even after the election of Donald Trump last week, Democrats continue to dutifully stick to the playbook of calling everyone (but themselves) filled with hate. They are name-calling the very people they want to vote for them! Hows that a good strategy?

Hillary Clinton spent the majority of the past year speaking about, running ads about, giving campaign speeches about, and focusing during debates on Donald Trump and the Republicans hateful rhetoric. What Hillary and the Democrats cannot seem to figure out is that they are insulting massive portions of the American electorate by confusing common sense with hate and a rejection of their own dogma.

The vast majority of us Americans can differentiate between the two (common sense and hate). Todays Democrats seemingly cannot.

Whom did Hillary Clinton choose to share the stage with at the 2016 Democrat National Convention? The mothers of people (most of whom were criminals) killed by cops, thus continuing the guilty until proven innocent narrative many Dems have branded cops with.

This was not a populist move. This was Hillary and the Democrats pandering to a tiny, tiny fraction of the electorate, the cop-hate crowd, of whom theres nowhere near enough to win an election. The rest of us? The common sense of the overwhelming majority of Americans causes us to believe that, with the exception of a few bad apples, our law enforcement officers are decent, hard-working men and women doing a difficult job with honor, integrity, and a sense of duty to public service.

Americans have seen the effects of massive refugee flows into the nations of Europe from the Middle East and the problems its causing there. Common sense tells us that bringing tens if not hundreds of thousands of these refugees into our nation without knowing exactly who they are carries with it some risks to national security.

To Hillary and the Democrats this level of common sense makes you an Islamophobia and means you are filled with hate toward Muslims!

Having a secure southern border is in our better national interests. We all know there are people entering our country -- by just walking in -- who are involved in various criminal activities, drug-trafficking, gang-bangers, rapists, etc. Its just common sense for a nation to have control over its own borders.

To Hillary and the Democrats this level of common sense means you hate brown people!

Democrats believe most Americans are in favor of gay marriage but fail they recognize that its now the law of the land thanks to five people (Justices Kennedy, Ginsberg, Breyer, Sotomayor, and Kagan) not hundreds of millions of people. To this day the majority of Americans believe marriage ought to be between one man and one woman. No poll has ever shown anything else. But if you are such a person, in the eyes of Democrats, it means you hate gay people!

Other examples abound.

The majority of Americans are white. Also, the vast and overwhelming majority of Americans are not haters, bigots, racists, Islamaphobes, xenophobes, homophobes, or cop-haters. Telling them that they are does not endear you to them.

Democrats dont seem to understand that calling someone a racist or a xenophobe, who is not a racist or a xenophobe doesnt drive them toward you -- it drives them away. Through their constant name-calling of the American people, Democrats have driven all but their hyper-loyal, hyper-left base, the Black Lives Matter members of the world, farther away.

Prior to the election, Hillary made headlines by insulting tens of millions of Americans by saying, you could put half of Trump's supporters into what I call the 'basket of deplorables'. Right? The racist, sexist, homophobic, xenophobic, Islamaphobic -- you name it." She then managed to pour lemon juice in that cut by adding that not only are those voters deplorable theyre irredeemable, and not a part of America. This is no way to win votes.

Following the comment a Washington Post-ABC News poll asked registered voters Do you think its fair or unfair to describe a large portion of Trumps supporters as prejudiced against women and minorities? 47 percent of Democrats and even 45 percent of Clinton backers said the description was unfair. 84 percent of Republicans and 90 percent of Trump backers said the same.

Since Trumps election last week the theme has rolled on.

House Minority Leader Nancy Pelosi has said Donald Trump has appointed a white nationalist to his staff. Senate Minority Leader Harry Reid chimed in with, White nationalists, Vladimir Putin and ISIS are celebrating Donald Trumps victory, while innocent, law-abiding Americans are wracked with fear especially African-Americans, Hispanic-Americans, Muslim-Americans, LGBT-Americans and Asian-Americans.

Wow, Senator, generalize much? Divide America much? Heres a flash for you: I am an African-American and Im not fearful of anything other than your supporters, who are out tearing our cities apart.

For all their talk about ending hate, an undivided America, peace, love and granola -- its the Democrat base who are the ones out looting, fighting, burning, shooting, and being out-of-control hooligans. And the majority of Americans, regardless of party affiliation, dont want to have anything to do with it, them and increasingly -- you, Democrats.

Youd better sort this out. Labeling voters, calling them names and placing your blatant disdain for them right out front for all to see is not the way to win elections. Democrats, you have done this to yourselves. You are both the purveyors and the victims of your own politics of hate.
The ongoing protests, now in their eighth day, against the election of Donald Trump as President of the U.S. can be seen in benign fashion as democracy in action, illustrations of the exercise of the right of free speech. Some of the protestors may be sincere, open-minded critics of what they perceive are Trump's policies and intentions. They do not deny the validity of his election, nor seek to disqualify it.

But the protests must also be seen less kindly as undemocratic and indeed reactionary in their refusal to accept the validity of the democratic election result.

The United States today has nothing in common with the Communist regime in East Germany in the 1950s. Nevertheless, it is well to remember the bitter remark of the German poet and playwright Bertolt Brecht after the failure of the uprising of June 17, 1953 in East Germany against poor economic wage and working conditions, an uprising that was put down brutually by Soviet Union troops.

In his poem "The Solution" critical of the brutality, Brecht ironically wrote it was easier for the Communist goverment to maintain control by dissolving the people and electing another. The present day U.S protestors, whether choreographed or not or organized by groups said to be sponsored by billionaire George Soros, in their refusal to accept the will of the people want to dissolve the American people and demand both the reversal of the election result and changes in the Constitution.

Ostensibly, based on the fact that Hillary Clinton, defeated in the vote for the Electoral College but obtained a slim majority in the overall popular vote, the protestors call for the Electoral College to be abolished. They appear ignorant that 2016 is not unique. Five times before in American history, a presidential candidate has been elected by winning a majority in the Electoral College but not the popular vote in the country. Nevertheless, the protestors argue for the Electors on December 19, 2016 to ignore the votes of their states and vote for Hillary Clinton.

Protests by American citizens have been part of political theatre in American politics for some time but it is surprising that some of the present actors seem unknowingly to be playing the end of Shakespeare's King Lear. The present-day protestors overplay their role in viewing the election of Donald Trump as U.S. president as "the weight of this sad time." No supporter of Trump has ever claimed that he is, like Abraham Lincoln or Oliver Cromwell, the instrument of divine purpose.

Some protestors, whether from the Democratic Party, believers in identity politics, African-Americans, Latinos, environmentalists, and LGBT, genuinely differ from President-elect Trump on many policy issues. It is true that this point Trump has disclosed a few general views on economic policy, on a global poitical system, the renegotiate trade agreeements, and taxation policy.

But even more true is that the details of his intended policies remain unknown. The wisest words on this so far come both from Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov and President Barack Obama. Lavrov asserted it is sensible to wait for Trump's actions and not focus on his rhetoric. Obama correctly referred to Trump as pragmatic, not ideological.

In contrast, the ideology of the protestors unwilling to accept the democratically expressed will of the people has affected well known celebrity figures as well as the irresponsible New York Times, acting as a short sighted detective in pursuing its quarry. That irreponsibility and lack of objectivity in reporting is evident in reading some stories in just one day's issue, that of November 15, 2016. Trump's victory rattles Greece as it seeks stability. Trump's victory leaves Mexico mired in a state of fear and paraysis. Trump turns on the Hate. The omniscience of the NYT and the protestors it influences is staggering in its divination of a world that is hostile to Trump.

The usual celebrities take front stage. The always dramatic Yoko Ono uttered a well publicised public high pitched scream on announcement of Trump's victory. Lady Gaga displayed her charms outside Trump Tower in New York City by brandishing a placard that told us that "Love trumps hate." Robert de Niro, who felt as bad after the election result as he had done after 9/11, wanted to punch Trump in the face. Not to be left out of the theater, Barbra Streisand, Lena Durham, Cher, Amy Schumer. Chelsea Handler, among others have given way to tears.

Some of these celebrities are said to be seeking safety from the anticipated tyranny of Donald Trump. For them a few words of advice. They should take advantage of one newly published analysis of the world. They should avoid exile in the world's most dangerous countries, Syria, Afghanistan, Libya, Darfur, Somalia, apparently more dangerous than Beverly Hills or East Hampton. They should be warned they will find violent crime, communal, sectarian, and racial violence. an absence of government, law and order in large areas of the country, or government services barely functioning. They might experience considerable difficulties, inadequate health care, gastric problems, the possibility of Zika virus, and high level of road accidents.



Edmund Burke once wrote that democratic government is founded on compromise and we need to balance inconveniences. Trump's victory obviously means changes in internal affairs and in US foreign and military policy. Differences are inevitable on multiple issues: ObamaCare; North American Free Trade agreement (NAFTA); immigration; Syria; Iran; NATO; cooperation with Russia. Fair and desirable comment on these and other issues should await publication and implentation of policies. So far, on one issue, it appears agreeable that Trump and Russian President Putin have agreed on a major priority, fighting Islamist and international terrorism, in what seems an atmpsphere of mutually beneficial cooperation.

Protestors should be aware that Trump, warts and all, is not Daniel Ortega, prepared to rule for life in Nicaragua with a family holding key positions. They should not let genuine political differences lead to violence, communal, sectrian, racial, or to civil unrest or the absence of government law and order in areas of the country. They might not view Trump as a lovable admirable personality and have little personal chemistry wth him, but his election is to be respected as it should be in democratic systems.



Genuine criticism of the Trump presidency is wholly desirable and necessary but absurdity and lack of proportion is not. Perhaps many of the protestors would disagree that the election of Trump is, as Hollywood actor Patrick Stewart said, one of the worst things in the last 100 years. Present day protestors should refrain from dogmatic statements and displying supercilious disdain on the basis of imperfect information. They should respect the democratic system in which they live.
On Wednesday, Donald Trump's communications adviser, Jason Miller, cited former D.C. school chancellor Michelle Rhee as someone who has been "mentioned" as a possible candidate to head up the president-elect's Department of Education.

In 2008, Rhee won over Tea Party conservatives and Republicans with her tough stance on vouchers, charters, school choice, the unearned trophy meme, and a willingness to fight teacher unions.

The epic public relations blitz that preceded and followed her arrival in D.C. in 2007 included an interview with Oprah, a Time magazine cover, and a feature documentary touting her as the new education messiah. Obama praised Rhee months before his win in 2008.

Too bad the hype didn't match the reality.

In case President-Elect Trump is truly mulling over Rhee for DoE secretary, here are some reasons to pass this one up:

1) Rhee hired Maoist and former Obama communications director Anita Dunn to handle the various controversies she faced at the end of her tenure in D.C. and beyond. What true conservative would hire Dunn?

2) She is married to Sacramento's Mayor Kevin Johnson. Johnson is a close friend of the Obamas and was investigated by AmeriCorps inspector general Gerald Walpin in 2008 for misuse of millions of dollars in AmeriCorps funds for his charter school.

During the investigation, school personnel and alleged teenage female victims of Johnson's sexual abuse came forward with detailed accounts of encounters with the founder of the St. HOPE Academy. Chancellor Rhee, soon to be engaged to Johnson at the time, flew from D.C. to Sacramento to head off a scandal that could have tarnished her image as well. Walpin ended up getting fired by the Obama White House.

3) With the help of Obama's secretary of education, Arne Duncan, Rhee was never held accountable for the D.C. cheating scandal, unlike Atlanta's disgraced former school superintendent, Beverly Hall, who faced 45 years in prison. Hall died of cancer before sentencing.

Hall's high-stakes testing strategy led to a massive cheating scandal that took over ten years to uncover. D.C.'s former chancellor, Michelle Rhee, employed the same testing tactics during her tenure from 2007 to 2010 and had her own widespread cheating scandal exposed by USA Today in 2011, with 103 schools flagged. Never prosecuted.

4) She lied on her resume. An education blogger tried to track down evidence that she dramatically improved her grade school students' test scores during her three-year stint as a Baltimore Teach for America elementary employee. Here's what he concluded:

Rhee's resume asserts that the students made a dramatic gain: 'Over a two-year period, moved students scoring on average at the 13th percentile on national standardized tests to 90 percent of students scoring at the 90th percentile or higher.' ... There is no real evidence  none at all  that Rhee's miracle ever occurred.

4) Not only did the StudentsFirst CEO support Common Core, but two of its lead writers were on the board of Rhee's billion-dollar organization. On IRS 501(c)(3) and 501(c)(4) applications for StudentsFirst Institute and StudentsFirst, respectively, David Coleman, regarded as the architect of Common Core, is listed as treasurer and Jason Zimba as director. Zimba, a math professor from Bennington College, authored the wacky and Kafkaesque CCSS Math standards.

5) The New Teacher Project, founded by Rhee in 1997, received funding from George Soros's Open Society Institute; the far-left Joyce Foundation; and the Chicago Public Education Fund, an offshoot of Barack Obama's and Bill Ayers's Annenberg Challenge. The non-profit's goal? To replace the old-guard "bad teachers" (which was the rallying cry to dupe the right, like "bad cops") with liberal social justice warriors in elementary and high schools.

6) In March 2013, Michelle Rhee, living in Sacramento, hired Fabian Nunez, a protege of Marxist California labor union activists Miguel Contreras and his wife Maria Durazo, as an adviser for her Sacramento-based StudentsFirst.

In the 1990s, Nunez was political director of a labor federation under the support of Contreras. Contreras once stated, "Amnesty is a means to an end  the elimination of poverty and a better redistribution of wealth."

In 1995, Nunez was a labor activist stirring up the masses at rallies with Marxist speeches. "We don't have economic power because we don't own the means of production." Nunez went on to lobby for the Los Angeles Unified School District in 2000 and eventually served for six years in the California State Assembly.

Shortly after he began working at StudentsFirst, Nunez said, "[H]igh profile Democrats including President Obama and former Los Angeles Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa are pushing the Party to adopt much of Rhee's agenda," according to the L.A. Times.

Why would a so-called conservative in school matters employ a Marxist, and why were Obama and Duncan and Villaraigosa interested in promoting Rhee?

7) Rhee's name appeared on a program for a panel discussion in 2004 in Chicago. Who else was on the panel? The president of the far-left Joyce Foundation and John Ayers, brother of domestic terrorist Bill Ayers.

8) Jenny Abramson, a 30-year-old advertising executive at the Washington Post and friend of fellow Stanford grad Chelsea Clinton, led Rhee's tight-knit group of "education specialists" while Rhee worked as chancellor. A spokesperson for Rhee's office noted that they were in daily contact with the Washington Post during Rhee's tenure.

9) At the Democratic National Convention in 2012, Rhee revealed her position on centralized control of education policy. When asked about the Republican Party's education platform "pushing control back down to the local level," Rhee replied:

We had 14,000 school boards in this country making the decisions for a long time and that is why we ended up where we ended up[.] I don't think local folks know everything.

Also, during the convention, reporters asked Rhee whether the federal government should play a role in education. She said it must have a role, and its job is to set the standards and hold the states accountable to those standards. This amounts to a central authority calling the shots.

10) Rhee has the backing of globalist billionaires Bill Gates and Eli Broad. Andy Stern, former head of the SEIU and one of Obama's frequent visitors to the White House in his first term, along with Michelle Rhee, is a member of Broad's Board of Directors.

Finally, here's what ACORN whistleblower and friend of the late Andrew Breitbart Anita Moncrief said about operatives like Rhee.

They (those with socialist intentions) decided the best way to win was to assimilate into American society[.] ... [T]hey went into the non-profits, they went into academia and in some cases they even went into the Republican Party so they could claim bipartisanship which is how a lot of these groups get funded when Republicans have power.

No way Rhee should be anywhere near the top post at the Department of Education.
If you're a feminist upset with the election of Donald Trump as president, what can you do about it? You can't take it out on him, so chances are, you do the next best thing and be offensive to the men around you.

The Times had an article about this, presenting this behavior as virtuous political protest:

This year, Svea Vikander has decided that she and Evla, her 3-year-old daughter will be the focal point of her family's holiday card. She decided to relegate her husband and son to a smaller picture below. Ms. Vikander said the card, illustrating her hope for the future, was one small thing she could do to reaffirm her place in the world, on behalf of herself and her daughter.

What kind of man puts up with that?

One woman said she'll try something small: She will return mail that is addressed to her husband but doesn't mention her, too.

This is mental illness.

Another woman broke things off with her boyfriend after he said he wouldn't be able to support her efforts to be a better advocate for minorities  she is one herself. Several women shared stories of the small ways they're navigating the workplace after the election, from refusing to skirt around men clustered in hallways at a work conference to speaking up more often in meetings. "I am more vocal and less apologetic," Tara D'Haenens, who works at a medical center in South Bend, Ind., said in a Facebook message. "I no longer think of being nice as quite the compliment that I used to believe it was."

Look at how these feminists lash out at men  even being called nice is now a microaggression!

My only question is this: what kind of man could be married to or even be a boyfriend to one of these women?

A) A man who enjoys being subordinate. Are there really men like this?

B) A man who feels guilty for being a man. I believe there are some men like this.

C) Men who don't like being subordinated, but put up with it for sex and companionship.

What kind of man do you think can put up with this aggressive misandrist behavior?

Ed Straker is the senior writer at NewsMachete.com.
About a week after the 2008 presidential election, I was having dinner with a Republican friend, and we were talking about how to explain to our far-left friends (we lived in New York City, after all) the fact that we had not jumped on board the historic-vote trend that had swept the nation. I told her that if anyone asked whom I voted for, I'd just tell him, "I voted for the candidate that Martin Luther King would have voted for."

My friend looked at me and said, "You think King would have voted for John McCain?" And I said, "Well, give me one reason  just one  why King would have voted for Barack Obama."

My friend, of course, responded as most people would: "Obama's black." But once she said that, she immediately realized how wrong her answer was.

Do we need to remind people that Reverend King marched and died for equality among all people? He championed "content of character" over "color of skin." (Obama's rabid pro-abortion record, for instance, would have been a deal-breaker for Reverend King.)

A couple of days after her recent defeat to Donald Trump, when Hillary complained that Obama was one of the reasons she lost, could she have been thinking not only of Obama 2016, but also of Obama 2008?

The always politically astute Bill Clinton recognized instantly back in early 2008 that Obama was defeating Hillary in the primaries because of his race. Bill complained about "playing the race card" because he knew back then that Hillary had indeed been (excuse the word) trumped.

Common sense tells us that if Hillary had been running against a half dozen white men in 2008, she would have easily won the nomination.

Consider Obama as a white Democratic candidate. The press would have been forced to examine his qualifications and background on an equal basis with all the other candidates. Would his connections with Bill Ayers and Jeremiah Wright withstood even tepid scrutiny? How about his abysmal record of absenteeism in the Illinois state senate? What about his drug use in college? And how would Christians have reacted to his provocative, proactive support of partial-birth abortion?

All these associations and questions evaporated because he was, as only Uncle Joe Biden in that avuncular way of his could have put it, a "clean, articulate black man."

Equally true would have been if Barack Obama, as a black candidate, had been running on the Republican side of the aisle. The press would have dug into his background (didn't we hear how the media happily went after Herman Cain in 2012?) and accused the Republicans of offering a token black man with nefarious associations. His candidacy would have been quickly nipped in the bud.

The funny thing is, had Hillary Clinton been president for the past eight years instead of Barack Obama, Obama would most likely have been the Democrats 2016 candidate and, perhaps, easily won the election. Could America have then survived a Clinton  followed by an Obama  presidency?

The Reverend Martin Luther King loved this country and worked tirelessly to serve it and to save it. You have to wonder if, somewhere in the Sweet By-and-By, MLK is looking at America and smiling once again.
On Thursday, Obama at a press conference in Germany with German chancellor Angela Merkel again offered useless unsolicited advice to Trump.

Obama spent the last few months ignoring his job as president while campaigning every day for Hillary to win his third term. Now that the voters elected Trump and rejected him, Obama is touring Greece, Germany, Italy, and Peru. While in Greece, he attacked Americans who voted for Trump by labeling them as voting for the "dark side" of populism.

Thursday, Obama said:

He ran an extraordinarily unconventional campaign and it resulted in the biggest political upset in perhaps modern political history[.] ... What I said to him was that what may work in generating enthusiasm or passion during elections may be different than what will work in terms of unifying the country and gaining the trust even of those who didn't support him.

Obama, with his outsized ego, is lecturing Trump on how to act as president. He is lecturing that Trump must unify the country and gain the trust of those who did not support Trump. Obama ignored the separation of powers to bypass Congress by issuing executive orders and agency regulations. He bragged that he had a pen and a phone to issue executive orders. Think of the DREAM Act to defer deportation of illegal aliens brought here as children, passing Obamacare with only Democratic votes on a parliamentary trick by Harry Reid to avoid the filibuster, calling the Iran deal an agreement instead of a treaty to avoid the two-thirds vote in the Senate, and amending Obamacare with waivers and executive orders and agency regulations.

Obama did his best to divide Americans by race and income. He did not attempt to gain the trust of Republicans; he attacked, mocked and ignored them.

He told Republicans that he won, so Republicans need to get in the back of the bus.

He told Senator McCain during the Obamacare debate that he won, the election was over, and that was that.

Obama attacked Trump as a racist endorsed by the KKK and unfit for the presidency. Now Obama is desperate to salvage his legacy, so he attempts to act as a wise and experienced statesman.

Trump is showing class by ignoring Obama. Let him talk  nobody now cares what he says.

Trump ran an "unconventional" campaign because he fought back against the lies of the Hillary campaign and its cheerleaders in the MSM and challenged the debate moderators. He worked much harder than Hillary in the battleground states by making more appearances and rallies than Hillary. He took his message directly to the voters with "yuuuge" rallies and social media.

Trump is in New York at Trump Tower, taking calls from Putin and Netanyahu and meeting with the Japanese prime minister. Trump is meeting with his rivals, such as Cruz and Romney, acting presidential. Meanwhile, Obama is doing a useless overseas trip, craving attention to remain relevant, and alternating between criticizing Trump voters and offering advice to Trump.

Instead of lecturing Trump, Obama should lecture the anti-Trump rioters to obey the law and knock off the rioting. Then he should tell the snowflakes and delicate flowers who are seeking therapy, missing school, and crying because Trump won to grow up and support Trump to unify our country.

Obama is irrelevant. Trump is president. Putin and Bibi know it.
People are protesting with signs that read "Stop Deportations Now!" Those signs never popped up before Election Day 2016.

Cornell West, a black professor at Princeton, who is so hard-left that he is disappointed in Obama, in an interview on BBC's Newsnight (1:15), reminded the interviewer that Obama has deported millions of illegals. Then Lesley Stahl of 60 Minutes repeated the little known but significant factoid on the Charlie Rose Show.

The L.A. Times also acknowledges this fact but can somehow feel that Obama and Trump are different:

The Obama administration set a priority in his second term of deporting migrants with criminal convictions, and it has expelled 530,000 convicted criminals since 2013. Since taking office in 2009, Obama has expelled 2.5 million people, more than any other president. According to two senior officials in the transition team, Trumps advisors will seek to widen that net to include migrants who have been charged but not convicted, suspected gang members and drug dealers, and people charged with such immigration violations as illegal reentry and overstaying visas, as well as lower-level misdemeanors.

The L.A. Times journalist, though referencing two senior officials, has an ideological motive to make Obama seem just and reasonable, while Trump is mean and harsh and unreasonable. But the truth is that the journalist doesn't know how Trump's policies will evolve over the several months after his inauguration, and certainly not over the next year or two.

Further, the protesters are simply ideologically hell-bent on discrediting Trump's immigration policies, much as protesters of the Iraq War harassed President Bush but dissolved when Obama took over.

To review just a little, what's so mysterious about this huge number of deportations is why Team Hillary during the campaign never used this startling number to reassure the Blue Wall Dems, the working class, that she cares for their jobs, and to reassure voters that Obama has deported millions of illegals with a criminal history (beyond entering the country illegally). Maybe the Dems preach a strange brand of "social and economic justice" (which they alone get to define): they don't publicly boast that they're deporting people, and illegals can even remain and get driver's licenses, but the Dems in fact deport them behind the scenes. How is that "economic and social justice"?

In any case, the current protesters need to settle down and stop distorting and overlooking the facts.

James Arlandsons website is Live as Free People, where he has posted How to Become a Citizen in Earliest Virginia, Trumps Victory Is a Black Swan in a Perfect Storm, and Why the Dems Lost.
Donald Trump has asked Republicans who control Congress to delay action on a 2017 budget until he gets into office. House Speaker Paul Ryan has apparently agreed, but Senate Republicans have other ideas.

Speaker Paul D. Ryan said on Thursday that the House would go along with the incoming administration's request and pass a stopgap spending bill that would keep the government running at current spending levels until March.

But Republican leaders in the Senate did not immediately sign on to the plan, reflecting their desire to get contentious spending battles out of the way this year.

Senator Mitch McConnell of Kentucky, the Republican leader, left open the possibility of an agreement with the House [but won't commit to it now].

But signaling that the longstanding tensions between the House and Senate may not abate under a more unified Republican government, some Senate Republicans expressed concern that waiting until early next year could distract them from other legislative priorities.

"My opinion is that it would be better to get this year done now," said Senator Roy Blunt, Republican of Missouri and a member of the Appropriations Committee. "My preference is to do it now and not get bogged down early next year."

Senator Lamar Alexander of Tennessee, another Republican on the Appropriations Committee, [said,] "I would think the last thing the Trump administration would want to do is spend time cleaning up an appropriations bill that was supposed to have been passed in the previous year under Obama," he said.
711 | October 29, 2022 11:04 The statement of the President of the Russian Federation inspires certain hopes. We anticipate that the vital interests of the Artsakh Republic will be fully protected. President Harutyunyan

678 | October 28, 2022 16:52 Zatulin: West seeks to push Russia out of negotiation process at any cost

673 | October 28, 2022 17:40 Putin to have private talks with Pashinyan and Aliyev

646 | October 26, 2022 17:43 10 residential buildings built in Ivanyan with the funds of Hayastan All-Armenian Fund will soon be put into operation

635 | October 26, 2022 16:27 Pediatric neurologists from Yerevan conduct free exainations in Stepanakert

622 | October 28, 2022 17:54 Power supply may be restored, if Kiev recognizes Russias new regions  Medvedev

609 | October 28, 2022 15:51 Garo Paylan arrives in Armenia

590 | October 28, 2022 16:05 Next meeting of Council of CIS heads of government to be held in Bishkek
A source close to the Trump transition team told CNN that Donald Trump has asked Senator Jeff Sessions to serve as attorney general in his administration.

The four-term Alabama senator was the first senator to back the president-elect and served as one of Trump's most effective surrogates during the campaign.

CNN:

The official said the offer had been made officially but it was unclear as of Friday morning whether Sessions had accepted. Sessions, 69, is currently serving his fourth Senate term and was the first sitting senator to endorse Trump. During Trump's campaign, he served as a key validator from within the Republican establishment at critical times and urged Republicans to coalesce around Trump. When asked whether Sessions had been offered the attorney general position, Republican National Committee spokesman Sean Spicer told CNN Friday, "until Donald Trump says it, it's not official." Sessions had been in consideration for several Cabinet positions, and as one of Trump's earliest and most loyal supporters. Trump's transition team put out a read out of his meeting with Sessions earlier this week -- unusual for a meeting with a member of Trump's transition team, highlighting Sessions' record as an attorney. "While nothing has been finalized and he is still talking with others as he forms his cabinet, the President-elect has been unbelievably impressed with Senator Sessions and his phenomenal record as Alabama's Attorney General and US Attorney," the statement said. United by their hardline stance against illegal immigration, Sessions helped Trump craft his campaign's national security policy. His top policy adviser, Stephen Miller, also joined Trump's campaign. Sessions was one of President Barack Obama's fiercest opponents, voting against his nominees to the Supreme Court from his post on the Judiciary Committee and opposing Obama's other major domestic initiatives. He's broken ranks with Republicans, as well, voting against the bank bailout amid the 2008 economic collapse. The former US attorney for the Southern District of Alabama and Alabama attorney general isn't without controversy. His appointment to a federal district court by then-President Ronald Reagan sank when a former Justice Department employee testified that Sessions had made racially tinged remarks.

The choice of Sessions for A.G. will no doubt cheer the president-elect's base. The senator has been one of the most passionate and effective pro-border security politicians in Washington, and his appointment sends a strong message that Trump's immigration policies will be vigorously implemented.

Sessions has the experience for the job but will have his hands full with the career prosecutors in the civil rights division who have proven themselves to be partisan Democrats during the Obama years. Major issues like privacy and official corruption will also be on the front burner, as Trump must decide whether to continue investigating Hillary Clinton and the extent to which the government will be able to pry into the communications of ordinary Americans to fight terrorism and serious crimes.

Another good choice by the president-elect was naming Rep. Mike Pompeo as CIA director. The four-term Congressman is a West Point grad and a member of the House Intelligence Committee. He is well respected by his colleagues on security and foreign policy matters and is considered very smart and tough  two attributes he will need to be effective at the CIA.
As many of you know by now, Samsung had launched the Galaxy Beta Program last week, and the company is essentially allowing Samsung Galaxy S7 and Galaxy S7 Edge consumers in specific markets to try out Android 7.0 Nougat beta firmware. Needless to say, Android 7.0 Nougat is the last big iteration of Android, even though the company had released Android 7.1 Nougat as well. In any case, Samsung has just started rolling out the Galaxy Beta Program in yet another region, read on.

The Galaxy Beta Program is already live in South Korea, United Kingdom and the United States, well, China is joining those countries as we speak. The company did mention a while back that the program will be rolled out to China at some point, but we did not expect it to arrive so soon. In any case, if you own the Galaxy S7 or the Galaxy S7 Edge handset in China, you can now try out the beta build of Android 7.0 Nougat with Samsungs custom UI on top of it, of course. Considering this is a beta build of Android 7.0 Nougat for the Galaxy S7 and Galaxy S7 Edge, do expect some bugs in it, and you can also send feedback back to Samsung if you find something wrong with the software, that is the whole point of this. Now, in order to get this build on your device, youll need to have an active Samsung Account, and download the Galaxy Beta Program app. The procedure is straightforward from then, simply download and install the app, and follow the instructions. It is also worth mentioning that this beta build weighs around 1.4GB, so keep that in mind once you get around to updating.

The Galaxy S7 and Galaxy S7 Edge are Samsungs most powerful devices, the Galaxy Note 7 was supposed to stand right by their side at this moment, but we all know what happened there. In any case, these two phones ship with Super AMOLED displays, Samsungs Exynos 8890 SoC (Chinese variant) and 4GB of RAM, while theyre made out of metal and glass. A stable build of Android 7.0 Nougat for these two phones is expected to land before the end of the year, probably next month, but well see.
Selfies are nothing new in the world of mobile imaging, but that isnt stopping companies from thinking up new and inventive ways to utilize the trendy photo type. Microsoft, for example, launched a selfie app back on November 8th. Now, Coca-Cola, one half of the duo of mega soda companies, and arguably the better of the two for many customers, has created a new way to appeal to the younger crowd  the selfie bottle. While this isnt necessarily an idea thats going to take off and make the rounds across the globe like Cokes bottles which feature names, its a fresh idea that could help to boost its popularity with consumers as selfies are heavily marketed.

The Coke Selfie Bottle was created by the Gefen Team (an ad agency) for Coca-Cola Israel to use in a special outdoor event that Coke holds in the country called the Summer Love campaign, and it takes the effort out of snapping a picture, as it will do so automatically for you whenever it senses that the bottle has been tipped at a 70-degree angle, or, essentially whenever you take a drink from the bottle. This is possible thanks to the bottles base, which has a camera built into it and basically stares down at you directly, providing a unique selfie image of you enjoying a nice refreshing beverage.

Naturally the idea was to get the bottle to take a selfie with the goal of sharing them to social media, and the bottle will do just that, sharing the photos to both Coca-Cola Israels Facebook page as well as their Instagram account. Additionally, the bottle will share the selfie picture to the Snapchat account of the user, allowing for more exposure for the soda brand via multiple social media outlets. Since the bottle was created specifically for the Summer Love campaign in Israel, it may very well stay confined to that event, as Coca-Cola has made no announcements on plans to introduce the selfie bottle to other regions around the world, let alone as an actual product they plan to sell within retail locations in Israel. Considering how popular selfies are, though, its entirely possible that Coke could decide to look into distributing these to customers for purchase.
Over the past few years, Deutsche Telekom has made a number of attempts to sell T-Mobile US, but ever since John Legere took over, it seems the German carrier giant has changed its mind, with their CEO Tim Hoettges today claiming that hes not in the mood to sell the US carrier.

Back in September 2012, T-Mobile US appointed John Legere as their CEO and, ever since, the carrier has seen constant growth and even overtook Sprint to become the third largest carrier in the US largely thanks to Legeres Uncarrier initiative, with the company now having nearly 10 million more customers than Sprint. The carrier has grown so much, in fact, that it is close to matching the revenue generated from Deutsche Telekoms German business, with T-Mobile generating 2.156 billion euros, only slightly less than the 2.25 billion euros the DT generated from its German business in the third quarter, meaning that theyre no longer in any rush to sell the US third largest wireless provider. That said, Hoettges did say that once Trump becomes president they expect there will be more of a possibility for a sale.

T-Mobile has become such an important part of Deutsche Telekom that many analysts have suggested that the US carrier is their only chance of growth, due to the saturation of the German market, as well as their exit last year from the UK with the sale of EE which they jointly owned with France-based Orange. With T-Mobile adding 969,000 postpaid customers and a further 890,000 customers in the third and second quarters of this year respectively, the carriers lead over Sprint is only increasing and, within a couple of years, the company is sure to start closing in on AT&T. Its currently unknown if the Germany-based company will eventually look into selling the US business again once Trump becomes president, but, with the constant growth of their US subsidiary, it appears that keeping the company right now can only lead to an increase in revenue and profit. In addition to this, with John Legeres Uncarrier initiative providing constant growth, if Deutsche Telekom decided to take a long term bet on T-Mobile, they could eventually have their hands on the second or even the biggest carrier in the US market, something that is likely to be helped by Verizons and AT&Ts new focus on digital media and not on their core carrier business.
The HTC Bolt is the latest smartphone to be announced by HTC in the US. In fact, the US is currently the only place you can pick the HTC Bolt up and Sprint is the only carrier currently able to sell the device. Likewise, there has been no direct or official confirmation that the HTC Bolt will be available elsewhere in the world. However, one device that is expected to be unveiled soon enough is the rumored HTC 10 Evo. Now, the current rumors and expectations do highly suggest that the HTC 10 Evo is actually the HTC Bolt. Just the international version. Therefore, if the rumors are correct, then it looks like the international version of the HTC Bolt is about to be formally announced on November 22.

A report out of the Taiwanese website, Sogi, is today reporting that invites have been sent out to the Taiwanese media for an event on November 22. Although, it is worth pointing out that in spite of what will be a Taiwan-based event, it is largely understood that this model will become widely available outside of the US, including in Europe. While the invite does not specifically state that the HTC 10 Evo will be announced at the event, this is largely the assumption being made. Especially as the invite seems to be hinting at water and more specifically, water-resistance. Which is a trait of the HTC Bolt as it comes with an IP57 waterproof certification.

Needless to say, at this is largely expected to be an international variant of the HTC Bolt, most, if not all, of the specs are also expected to be the same. Therefore, barring any unexpected changes, the HTC 10 Evo is likely to come packing a 5.5-inch display with a QHD resolution. Inside, you can expect to find 3GB RAM, 32GB internal storage and a Qualcomm Snapdragon 810 processor. Cameras will likely be a 16-megapixel rear camera, along with an 8-megapixel front-facing camera, while additional features will likely include a fingerprint sensor, USB Type-C and Android 7.0 (Nougat) out of the box. Lastly, if this is the HTC Bolt, then it should also be expected to come without a 3.5 mm headphone jack. Either way, all is likely to become clear on November 22.
If you own the Google Pixel or the Pixel XL, then there is a fairly good chance that you will want to pick up a case for it. That is, if you have not already. Not only will a case add an additional level of protection to your new Pixel phone, but a case can also help a device to appear more unique-looking. None more so, than Googles own Live Cases.

These are cases you can pick up from the Google Store and their big selling point is that they are highly customizable. While Live Cases have been available for the Pixel and Pixel XL since launch, two new ones (which at the time were unannounced) showed up online via the Verizon store. These were the Google Earth and Google Trends Live Cases. Following which, the cases then popped up on the Google Store although only as coming soon products. Today, Google took to their blog to more formerly introduce the two cases as well as confirm that they are now available to buy from the Google Store, from Verizon and from Best Buy.

The difference between the two new Live Cases is best summed up by their names. The Google Trends case come with a matching wallpaper which lets you see what is trending on Google on your home screen. If any of the trending topics spark your interest, clicking on the rear-side button of the case launches the trending term in Google search. The Google Earth case works much the same way although instead of trending topics, the Earth cases highlights Google Earth imagery. Which can then also be further accessed by hitting the rear-side button. As mentioned, both cases are available now to buy, although they do come with a slight premium compared to the rest of the Live Case options, as the Google Earth and Google Trends Live Cases are currently priced at $50. It is also worth noting that both cases are available in more than one color. Although, if you happen to prefer the Trends case, one of the color options is still listed as coming soon. Either way, you can check out both cases in greater detail by heading over to the Google Store through the link below.
Google announced Google Play Store support for select Chromebooks back at Google I/O earlier this year to open up millions of Android apps to Chrome OS users and weve already seen a handful of Chromebooks getting this neat functionality of being able to run native Android apps on Chrome OS. Now, it looks like one more Chromebook is ready to join the list of the Play Store compatible Chromebooks as the HP Chromebook 11 G5 is reportedly getting the Google Play Store support in the developer channel of the Chrome OS. As already mentioned, the feature is still in the Dev channel and so those running on the Beta or Stable channel of Chrome OS will likely not see any changes.

If youre rocking an HP Chromebook 11 G5 and want the Google Play Store on your device, you will need to be on the Dev channel as currently the feature only lives there. To hop into the Dev channel on Chrome OS, you will need to change your channel from the Stable to Dev channel; To change the settings, follow these steps: first head over to your settings, scroll to About Chrome OS, then go to More Info, click on the Change Channel and select the Dev channel from the list. Thats it; you should soon get the Play Store rolled out to your device with a new software update. Keep in mind that since the feature is in the Dev channel and not on the Stable channel, things might not be as smooth as you might have hoped; also, Dev channel builds often contains plenty of bugs and that could break your app functionalities or create problems during your normal course of operation.

Speaking of the other devices, ASUS C301SA, Samsung Chromebook 3, Dell Chromebook 13, and HP Chromebook 13 G1 are already enjoying the Android apps via the Google Play Store in Dev channel, and adding the HP Chromebook 11 GP to the list will take it to the five devices which are currently having the Play Store feature. There is no saying about when the feature will leave the Dev Channel and make its way to the Stable Channel but now that feature is already live in the Dev Channel, you could expect it to roll out in the Stable Channel by early 2017, but again, thats just a speculation.
STEPANAKERT, NOVEMBER 18, ARTSAKHPRESS: In the course of the two-day fundraising event, volunteers will make calls to close to 1,600 Armenian households in Athens and other Greek cities, to request donations toward the construction of the kindergarten of Karin Tak, a village in NKRs Shushi Region. The kindergarten-construction project, now underway, is a joint initiative with Hayastan All-Armenian Fund benefactors in Argentina and Cyprus as well as the government of Nagorno Karabakh. The project is slated to be completed in summer 2017, the Fund informed.

Although for a small Armenian community such as ours, its hard to sponsor major projects on our own, we continue to help implement them by teaming up with other affiliates of the Hayastan All-Armenian Fund, said Vatche Der-Garabedian, chairman of the funds Greek affiliate. I think such collaborative efforts are marvelous symbols of pan-national unity. Its thanks to this type of collaboration that projects such as the construction of the community center of Khachmach, a village in Artsakhs Askeran Region, were made possible.

Der-Garabedian added that if, as he hopes, proceeds from the phoneathon in Greece surpass expectations, the Greek-Armenian community will go on to sponsor an additional development project in the homeland.

The total raised through the phoneathon in Greece, as well as the totals of proceeds from all 2016 Hayastan Fund fundraising campaigns worldwide, will be announced at the conclusion of the organizations flagship annual event, the Thanksgiving Day Telethon, on November 24.

Emulating the successful model of the funds Pan-European Phoneathon, which is headed by the French affiliate, the Greek affiliate has held local phoneathons since 2010, to date raising a total of 140,000 euros for various projects in Armenia.
Googles Spotlight Stories have been around for the last couple of years and with each new entry they seem to continue delighting viewers. The latest short film to make its debut is called Rain or Shine and its now available to view on YouTube, and the best part is that its a 360-degree video so you can view it in a more immersive environment with viewers like Cardboard, or, through VR headsets like Googles new Daydream View headset, now that the YouTube VR app has been officially released to the public as of earlier this month. The new short is about five and a half minutes long, but Google didnt just release the new spotlight story by itself, as theyve also uploaded a behind the scenes video so those who are interested could see how the film was made.

Rain or Shine has a nice kid-friendly feeling to it, not too unlike Pearl, another recent Spotlight Story short that Google released earlier this year. The film focuses on a little girl named Ella who seems to love the Summer sunshine and cant wait to receive a new pair of sunglasses that came in the mail, and once they arrive shes all too happy to put them on and test them out. Sadly, the first moment she puts them on it begins to rain right on top of her, which dampens the moment, and her excitement. Not to be deterred, though, Ella is determined to wear her new sunglasses in the sun.

While Rain or Shine can be viewed in VR and will likely provide the most enjoyable experience, it doesnt have to be viewed in a VR headset to see the effects of the 360-degree filmography. Simply open up the YouTube app on your phone and you can spin around while holding the device to see the different angles of the video. Alternatively, you can also spin the camera around for the short through YouTube on the desktop by clicking and dragging on the screen. If you have around 10 minutes, definitely check the film out and if youre able, toss it up on Chromecast or pop it in a VR headset for your kids to view too.
The last time we had the unannounced Samsung Galaxy J3 (2017) in the headlines was last month in October, when the smartphone in question was certified by Bluetooth Special Interest Group (Bluetooth SIG) after it made a guest appearance in the Geekbench database a week prior. Today the Samsung Galaxy J3 (2017) makes another comeback, as mobile reported @evleaks recently shared a render (above) on Twitter depicting the devices frontal design.

Mr. Evan Blass, also known by the Twitter handle @evleaks, notes that the shared render depicts the Samsung Galaxy J3 (2017) carrying model number SM-J327P, which shouldnt be confused with model number SM-J3119 belonging to the Samsung Galaxy J3 Pro that has already been introduced earlier this year. This means that the handset seen in the render at hand is virtually the same as the one spotted on Zauba, Geekbench, and Bluetooth SIG throughout the past couple of months. As far as the smartphones design is concerned, theres really not much to be said or write home about. Judging by the front panel alone, the Samsung Galaxy J3 (2017) follows the companys usual design formula for mid-range smartphones, including the staple physical home button flanked by two capacitive keys. The source hasnt revealed any other details regarding the smartphones hardware specs or its whereabouts, but seeing how the Samsung Galaxy J3 (2017) keeps popping up on radars, it should be getting closer to market debut, at least in theory. In any case, looking back at recent history, its possible that the Samsung Galaxy J3 (2017) will be officially unveiled by the end of November, ahead of a market launch in January 2017. That is, assuming that the Samsung Galaxy J3 (2017) will follow the same launch schedule as its predecessor, which was released earlier this year in January.

As far as hardware specifications are concerned, previous leaks have hinted at a 5-inch AMOLED display, a Qualcomm MSM8937 Snapdragon 430 System-on-Chip (SoC) featuring 8 Cortex-A53 cores operating at frequencies of up to 1.4 GHz per core, along with an Adreno 505 graphics chip, and 1.5 GB or 2 GB of RAM. In regards to software, the terminal will likely rely on Android 6.0.1 Marshmallow supplemented by Samsungs proprietary user interface.
Samsung announced the beta release of Android 7.0 Nougat for its 2016 Samsung Galaxy S7 and Galaxy S7 Edge devices a week ago in three important smartphone markets: the United Kingdom, United States of America and South Korea. Beta programs are designed to allow customers or users to experience an unfinished product so as to provide feedback to the company. For a major software version such as Android Nougat, a developer  or in this case the smartphone manufacturer  will conduct a large number of internal tests, but because smartphones are both extremely complicated and customers can download and install large numbers of third party applications, it is useful to allow the pre-release version of the operating system to be tested in the wild. This way, Samsung can hope to capture many different device configurations and uncover bugs and glitches that might otherwise not be found until the software is officially released.

For the Samsung Galaxy S7 and Galaxy S7 Edge smartphones, Samsung is using its toned-down user interface, called Grace UX, which has left a number of features as stock. Samsung has made a number of subtle tweaks to the interface such as the color scheme, but large parts remain as one might find on the Google Nexus devices. Googles terms and conditions of using Android means that device manufacturers must leave some features alone, such as Androids Doze power management code, but other parts of the platform may be adjusted as much as the manufacturer sees fit. Critically, Samsung have not adjusted the notification shade for the Galaxy S7 family, which means features such as in-line responses still work as stock and improves how third party applications can run.

One week after the initial launch, Samsung have released an over-the-air update for the devices, which comes in at a little shy of 100 MB as a download. The Galaxy S7 devices will automatically receive a notification of the update and give customers a choice of when to install, as showing below. Samsungs changelog reports that the changes might includes the as-expected selection of performance and stability improvements and bug fixes, but does not appear to introduce any new features to the devices. it is encouraging that Samsung appear to be taking onboard reports from existing beta customers to improve the software but at this time we do not have any confirmation of when the official release might be available.
Google had released Android 7.0 Nougat a couple of months ago. Since then, the company had launched Android 7.1 Nougat along with their Pixel devices, a variant of the OS which comes with some additional features which are exclusive to Pixel devices, even though the update itself will roll out to other devices as well, but without some features. In any case, many smartphone manufacturers are working on updating their devices to Android 7.0 Nougat, and Samsung is one of them. The company had announced their Galaxy Beta Program last week, which is essentially a program which allows owners of particular Galaxy-branded devices to install beta versions of upcoming firmware for Samsungs devices.

The company had already launched Android 7.0 Nougat beta to the Galaxy S7 and Galaxy S7 Edge, but only in certain regions. You do need to download the Galaxy Beta Program app and have an active Samsung Account to install the firmware, and it is available only in South Korea, United Kingdom, China and the US at the moment. That being said, it seems like Samsung is working on Android 7.0 Nougat update for a couple of more devices. The company had announced recently that Android 7.0 Nougat development for Galaxy S6 and Galaxy S6 Edge is on the way, and now SamMobile confirms that Samsung is also working on such an update for the Galaxy Note 5 and Galaxy Tab S2. Do keep in mind that the update wont land for another couple of months, though, at least not the stable version, but it is possible (and probable) that the company will release the beta version via the Galaxy Beta Program app in the near future.

We still dont have any specific info regarding the update, but we will let you know as soon as Samsung releases some official information. As far as features go, youll probably get all the features that are included in the build that the company had released for the Galaxy S7 and Galaxy S7 Edge, plus some additional ones due to the fact this is the Galaxy Note 5 were talking about, so the company will probably include some features that were available on the Galaxy Note 7. The build for the Galaxy Tab S2 will also be a bit different, mainly because this is a tablet, though no matter whether were talking about the Galaxy Note 5 or the Galaxy Tab S2 you can expect some main Nougat features Google introduced to be included in both devices, like the all-new notification shade options, always on Doze, etc.
By most accounts, Snap Inc  the parent company of the ephemeral messaging app Snapchat  is preparing for an initial public offering (IPO) slated for early 2017. Snap going public will signify the largest tech IPO in nearly half a decade as the Venice-based social media giant is planning to raise as much as $4 billion in investments by offering shares on the US stock market. Interestingly enough, the decision to push for an IPO only two years after the company started generating revenue is radically different to the usual strategy employed by rapidly growing Internet giants.

Facebook, for example, was postponing its IPO for nearly a decade and was already an established tech giant prior to offering its shares on the open market. Generally speaking, relying on private investments and ignoring the possibility of going public has been the preferred method of financing business in Silicon Valley for years. However, this isnt the only way in which Snap is defying industry conventions. The Californian firm also attracted a lot of attention after reports emerged that its aiming for a rather high initial valuation of its assets, ranging from $20 billion to $40 billion. As Max Wolff, 55 Capitals Market Strategist told Reuters, this enormous valuation and a very aggressive multiple dont combine well with the fact that Snap is categorically refusing to appoint more experienced management.

More specifically, the 26-year-old Evan Spiegel and the 28-year-old Bobby Murphy continue to helm the firm they founded back in 2011 as Chief Executive Officer and Chief Technology Officer, respectively. Industry experts speculate that the lack of experienced leadership combined with a massive IPO could discourage some potential investors from putting their money in Snap, especially since the company inexplicably refused to raise additional private investments despite being more than able to do so. Of course, there are many advantages to going public as opposed to relying on private funding, but as Snap is now reportedly going to ask 30 times their annual earnings from the US stock market, the margin for error will be rather slim. Namely, Spiegel and Murphy are bound to be under the highest level of scrutiny from shareholders, and there are still many skeptics who arent convinced the young duo will be able to grow the company on their own.

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Time will tell whether that strategy pays off for Snap in the end, but we should know more soon as the latest reports suggest that the companys IPO is slated for March, which means that the official roadshow is bound to begin by February.
Earlier this year, Google requested access to mapping data of South Korea in order to improve its Google Maps service. The company argued that for Google Maps to properly work in the Far Eastern country, the mapping data of South Korea must be hosted on servers all around the world, and not just those located in the island nation. Seoul was initially wary of that request, citing significant security issues which are a rather sensitive subject given the countrys troubles with its northern neighbor. Back in August, the Korean officials postponed the decision to next Wednesday, November 23rd. However, the judgment has apparently already been made earlier today, as Reuters reports that Seoul decided to reject Googles request, reiterating security concerns regarding North Korea.

Taj Meadows, Head of Policy Communications at the Asia-Pacific division of the Mountain View-based tech giant stated that Google is extremely disappointed by this turn of events though the company remains hopeful for the future. Meadows revealed that Google is still adamant to provide the full experience of using Google Maps to South Korean nationals in the future. At the moment, Maps services in the Far Eastern country are heavily restricted and can hardly be used for accurate navigation. Google argued that this decision by Seoul rendered its mapping service non-competitive, but the South Korean government apparently isnt too concerned by such claims.

Interestingly enough, Seoul has already proposed a compromise to Google. More specifically, the South Korean government agreed to give the tech giant access to its mapping data under the condition that Google removes satellite imagery of military facilities and other strategic sites from its service. However, Google has so far refused to do that because it claims that all of its featured images are freely available for purchase and dont break any laws. Regardless of that, Seoul argues that North Korean intelligence services could take advantage of satellite imagery of South Korean sensitive infrastructure hosted outside of the Far Eastern country. For those unfamiliar, the Korean War started in 1950 and ended three years later in an armistice, with no peace treaty ever being signed. This tricky geopolitical situation means that even more than half a century later, both sides are still acting like theyre at war because, although technically, they are. Said armistice only implies a cessation of hostilities between two militaries, and not an end of disagreements between two governments. So, until that situation is resolved, it isnt likely that Google will manage to get Maps fully running in South Korea.
Trump and his transition team is in the process of filling around 4,000 positions in the new administration that will take place beginning January 20th, when Donald Trump officially becomes President. The current President-elect has been in contact with many foreign leaders, and has already placed a number of people at different posts in his administration. But one area that he and his team have not worked on yet is the FCC (Federal Communications Commission). The current chairman of the Commission, Tom Wheeler is expected to be leaving shortly after Trump takes office. But Trumps transition team has not communicated with Wheeler or the FCC just yet.

A transition from the current FCC to the FCC that Trump wants in his administration is important. Especially with the 600MHz spectrum auction going on right now. Changing up the Commission during the auction could have negative side effects, never mind everything else that the FCC is currently working on. State Representatives from Michigan and Oregon have already urged the Commission (via a letter) to focus on the Incentive Auction for their final 10 weeks in office, and that should be their number one priority right now.

The FCC is the part of the government that governs the wireless carriers and networks in the US. Gaining a new Commission is something that Sprint and SoftBank have been looking forward too, as the current Commission has continued to block their attempt to merge with T-Mobile USA. SoftBank ultimately pulled out of attempting to buy the carrier, and opted to wait for the new President and Commission to take office in 2017. Its unclear currently who will be heading up the FCC under Trump, next year, and it looks like that may be low on his agenda for the amount of people he needs to hire and appoint in his administration. But its definitely something that the carriers are closely looking at, not just for SoftBank to but T-Mobile USA, but also for the Incentive Auction thats currently ongoing. As the current Commission imposed unprecedented rules for this auction, to help out the smaller carriers, like T-Mobile, and Sprint.
Earlier this year, the Chinese tech giant ZTE faced trouble in the United States after being hit with trade restrictions due to allegedly violating Washingtons export regulations and delivering products to Iran. More specifically, the Shenzhen-based company faced sanctions on importing US-made products to its home country. In other words, any business in the world looking to export products manufactured in the US to ZTE first had to deal with the US Commerce Department in order to get an export license. As that license wasnt exactly obtainable in practice, these sanctions would be a significant hit to the company whose global operations heavily relied on US-made products manufactured by the likes of Microsoft, Dell, and Oracle. Would be, but still arent, that is.

Namely, due to the sensitive and highly impactful nature of this decision, ZTEs representatives quickly managed to negotiate a temporary solution with the US authorities. More specifically, Washington agreed to grant the Chinese tech giant a temporary reprieve from the said trade restrictions as long as the Shenzhen-based firm fully cooperated with the ongoing investigation into the matter. While the initial relief was only valid until June 30th, it was subsequently extended to August 30th, after which the US authorities agreed to yet another reprieve lasting until November 28th. Today, ZTE announced that it has managed to negotiate another extension of the trade sanctions suspension. More specifically, the US Commerce Department has now agreed to a reprieve of restrictions until February 27th.

Cindy Lam, market analyst at the Hong Kong-based research firm UOB Kay Hian, told Reuters that theres a good chance this will be the final suspension extension issued by Washington, adding that its likely the trade restrictions will be permanently removed by early 2017. If that prediction turns out to be correct, that would mean ZTE managed to navigate through this crisis without facing any real sanctions.

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However, its still questionable whether that actually ends up happening as latest developments suggest the US may be coming down on Iran harder than ever once President-elect Trump takes office. Namely, the Iranian plutonium enrichment program that led to economic sanctions of the Middle Eastern country that ZTE allegedly violated is once again a topical subject these days after Trump suggested hell negotiate stricter concessions from Teheran. In that scenario, it seems unlikely that the upcoming US administration will be willing to cut any slack to companies that were alleged to interfere with its foreign policy.
STEPANAKERT, NOVEMBER 18, ARTSAKHPRESS: The poll was conducted in July 2016 (shortly after the Four-Day War) on a sample of 1,081 people in Stepanakert and the 7 regions of Nagorno Karabakh, and cross-referenced with a similar survey conducted in March 2015.

The figures show an increase in the number of people who believe Nagorno Karabakh should be independent, compared to those who prefer it become a part of Armenia. An even more significant trend was observed among younger and educated, who support the independence in a much higher proportion (61.2% of population between 18 and 30 years support independence; 53.6% of university educated support independence).

Furthermore, public's approval of Government's performance in the sectors of Defense and Foreign Affairs has decreased, while the perception that Nagorno Karabakh is on the right track is still considerably high at 78.9% percent.

The question of peace and security remains the predominant concern for half of the people of Nagorno Karabakh, followed by unemployment and international recognition of the NKR. Despite these concerns, declared intentions for migration remain at a very low level.

Commenting on this last aspect, Hovhannes Grigoryan said that: "The poll has showed that the Four-Day war of April 2016 has not affected the migration tendencies of the Nagorno Karabakh population, which remain the lowest in the South Caucasus region, when compared to figures from similar polls conducted in Armenia, Azerbaijan and Georgia. In other words, people of Karabakh, regardless of the hardships of the unexpected war outbreak in April, are determined to stay in their country".

Member of the European Parliament Frank Engel underlined the political maturity of people in Nagorno Karabakh: "The Four-Day War changed the situation, but it hasn't changed it fundamentally. People of Nagorno Karabakh are very mature about their positions, especially on the independence of the Artsakh, and it is obvious that despite them becoming more critical of their state and authorities, they express strong loyalty to their country. Further tensions are likely to strengthen these sentiments, rather than to invalidate them.

Following the presentation of the research, Diogo Pinto, EuFoA Director said: "The results of this latest opinion poll, conducted after April's Four-Day war, very clearly show the determination and the resilience of the citizens of Nagorno Karabakh, in spite of the continued Azerbaijani aggression and attempts for destabilization. Although an overwhelming majority believes that further aggressions are likely to happen in the near future, they crave for peace and trust the OSCE Minsk Process and the international community. As European Friends of Armenia, we urge the international community and the EU in particular, not to let the people of Nagorno Karabakh down. Pressure must be kept on Azerbaijan so that it understands that only a peaceful solution is acceptable and that no further violations of the ceasefire will be tolerated".

You can download results of the poll HERE.
Public consultations on draft Constitution continued in Berdzor (Artsakh; NKR), on Nov. 17.

November 18, 2016, 12:24 Public consultations on draft Constitution continued in Berdzor

STEPANAKERT, NOVEMBER 18, ARTSAKHPRESS: As  Artsakhpress reports, the member of Special Commission on constitutional reforms under the NKR President Arayik Lazaran presented constitutional amendments draft. Speaking about the draft Constitutions  Foundations of Constitutional Order chapter, he noted that Article 19 confirms the ties of the Republic of Artsakh with the Republic of Armenia and the Armenian Diaspora.

"The Republic of Artsakh carries out political, economic and military deep cooperation with the Republic of Armenia, as well as implements policy aimed at ensuring security and the development of comprehensive ties. With the Armenian Diaspora Artsakh implements policy aimed at the development of comprehensive ties and preserving the Armenian identity, which contributes to repatriation, said Lazaryan.

He also referred to the current Constitution and to the amendments of the draft Constitution. He emphasized that the all 12 chapters are preserved in two variants, but in the new one instead of Article 142, 173 one is suggested, and most of the added articles devoted to the sector of human rights.

"In case of adoption of new Constitution, it can be changed at the initiative of President and at least one third of the total number of deputies, with the exception of a number of articles," explained Lazaryan.

The audience did not like the possibility of changing the Constitution without people's participation.

"For making any amendments to the law, it should be put to a referendum again. Even if we want to change a word, you have to consider people's opinion. Therefore, this article should be removed, otherwise it can be underwent to undesired changes," said Azat Eghoyan, the head of the Tsakhkaberd community of Kashatagh region.

During the meeting, the members of Special Commission on constitutional reforms answered the questions of the attendees of the meeting.
Today, the newly appointed Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the Republic of Estonia to the Republic of Armenia Kai Kaarelson (residence in Tbilisi) presented her credentials to President Serzh Sargsyan, press service of the Presidential administration stated.

STEPANAKERT, NOVEMBER 18, ARTSAKHPRESS: The President of Armenia congratulated the Ambassador on her nomination, wished her success and underscored that Armenia is interested in giving a new quality to the Armenian-Estonian relations in the bilateral as well as multilateral formats. Serzh Sargsyan stressed the importance of invigorating the cooperation in all areas, using the high-level political dialogue, interparliamentary relations, and opportunities of the civil society.

Noting that her previous diplomatic experiences were related to international organizations such as the UN and EU  the organizations which are equally important to Armenia and Estonia Ambassador, Kai Kaarelson noted that it will help her to be more efficient in the implementation of her diplomatic mission in Armenia.

The parties discussed opportunities of developing cooperation in the areas of mutual interest, including areas of high technologies, in which Estonia has registered impressive progress, while Armenia in recent years has achieved considerable success.
(ANSA) - Rome, November 18 - The Bank of Italy (BoI) said Friday it expects strong market volatility in the run-up to a December 4 referendum on the government's constitutional reform law.

"Volatility will increase significantly ahead of the first week of December," the Italian central bank said in a report on financial stability.

The Italian stock market is suffering from ongoing weakness in the banking sector as investors continue pessimistic on lenders' profitability, the BoI said.

Italian banks remain "exposed to internal and international shocks that could impact capital markets and economic growth," according to the report.

However, the central bank pointed out that Italy's lenders are growing their assets and have increased their average Core Tier 1 (CET1) ratio to 12.4% - meaning that they should theoretically be able to withstand another crisis.

The CET1 ratio represents a bank's retained earnings and common equity divided by risk-weighted assets, on the premise that it should survive an economic downturn as long as it has a large enough capital cushion. "The differential between Italian market and eurozone implied volatility is high," the BoI report said. "Indicators point to a strong increase in volatility expected... ahead of the first week of December, corresponding to the constitutional reform referendum".

Center-left Premier Matteo Renzi said Thursday he would not take part in a temporary or technocratic government if a majority of the people vote against his reform on December 4.


(ANSA) - Milan, November 18 - A man suspected by Milan prosecutors of having ties with the so-called Islamic State (ISIS) organization has been identified in Iraq but not yet detained, State attorneys in Italy's financial capital said Friday.

Moroccan national Ahmed Taskour, 47, a fugitive from Italian justice, was identified following investigations coordinated by the anti-terrorism department of the Milan State Attorney's office, which was led until a few weeks ago by Maurizio Romanelli and is now coordinated by Alberto Nobili, and by prosecutor Enrico Pavone.

Milan magistrates told a press conference Friday that the suspect is a "high-ranking" militant and "an important element of propaganda" for the terror organization.

Milan judge Manuela Scudieri has issued a detention order and a European arrest warrant on international terrorism charges.

Taskour allegedly set out from Lombardy at the end of 2014 with his wife and two children, now aged 11 and 15, to fight with ISIS in Iraq, said prosecutors Pietro Forno and Enrico Pavone and Milan DIGOS anti-terror police chief Claudio Ciccimarra.

In a video filmed right after the November 13 terror attacks in Paris last year, which has also been posted to YouTube, Taskour appears with his then-10-year-old son as they both threaten the West.

The boy "hails jihad" and wishes "death to the West and Westerners" in the video, which features the logo and flag of ISIS and was filmed in Iraq, investigators said.

The duo reportedly spoke in Arabic, with French subtitles, using a number of expressions often heard in such videos to threaten Western targets, like "we will kill you in your homes".

"I congratulate our Muslim brothers and soldiers of the caliphate in France for this blessed operation, which for you, crusaders, is only the beginning - may our soldiers prevail!", the boy also said in the video allegedly filmed right after the multiple attacks in Paris on November 13 in which 130 people were killed.

Before disappearing, the family led an "apparently normal life" in Bresso, near Milan, where the boy was born in 2005.


(ANSA) - Brussels, November 17 - Italy in January-September 2016 had the highest number of incidents of threats against journalists and media outfits in the EU, a study by the European Union Agency for Fundamental Rights showed Thursday. Based on numbers from the Mapping Media Freedom project, the EU agency said there were 92 cases of threats or undue pressure on journalists in Italy this year through September, up from 82 in 2015 and 58 in 2014.

This was compared to 55 cases in France, 29 in Poland, and 28 in Hungary. The Czech Republic, Denmark, and Slovakia had zero cases.

The study included a Reporters Without Borders index of press freedom around the world released in April, in which Italy was second to last in Europe, after Greece.

According to a Eurobarometer survey out today, 57% of Europeans believe their national media labors under undue political or business pressures, and just 53% thinks their national media are trustworthy.


(ANSA) - Pisa, November 18 - A Pisa judge on Friday upheld a request from the defence lawyers of Antonio Logli, the husband of Roberta Ragusa, a woman who went missing in January 2012, to have a fast-track trial. The first hearing will take place on December 2. In March Italy's supreme Cassation Court ordered a new trial for Logli, who was cleared last year of killing Ragusa.

Ragusa went missing on the night of January 12, 2012, in the small town of Gello near Pisa, after she found out her husband was having an affair with Sara Calzolaio, the former babysitter of their two children.

Logli said he only realized his wife was not around on the morning of January 13, 2012, when he reported her missing.

He told police he went to sleep the night before and woke up to realize his wife had not slept in their bed while Calzolaio later testified that he had told her to destroy the cell phones they used to communicate as lovers.

The woman's body was never found.


(by Cristiana Missori)

CAIRO - ''I have perhaps given little to this country, but Egypt has given me a lot. I feel 100% Egyptian and 100% Armenian,'' said Eva Dadrian, a journalist and writer who worked with Waheed Sobhi and Hanan Ezzat on 'We are Egyptian Armenians'.



The documentary film tells the story of the last 200 years of Armenians in the country. The film was presented on Thursday evening at the Cairo International Film Festival, which runs through November 24, in a hall filled with Egyptians of Armenian origins.



Many third generation Armenians were there that had been born or arrived in Egypt after 1915, fleeing Turkey during the genocide that began on April 25 by Ottomans that in three years killed some 1.5 million people. ''Our presence,'' the director said, ''goes back a bit farther, all the way to the Mamluk era.'' The community was thought highly of and grew especially during the 19th century under Mohamed Ali, contributing to the development of the modern state through its civil servants, translators (thanks to the ease with which they spoke Arabic, Armenian, French and English), craftsmen and ministers. A khedive even chose an Armenian, Boghos Youssoufian, as his foreign minister (from 1808 to 1844). ''Some 4,050 arrived in Port Said on September 15, 1915, brought to safety by the French navy,'' Dadrian said. In 1925, ten years later, the Armenian community in Egypt had increased substantially. ''There were about 12,000 of us,'' she said. They lived in working class areas of Cairo and Alexandria and developed trade and professions, became publishers, shop owners, craftsmen, cigarette producers and especially jewelers. They erected churches, schools and cultural centers to prevent their traditions from being lost.



The footage and the words bring the viewer back to the early twentieth century, when Egypt was cosmopolitan, open, tolerant and in which - as the protagonists repeat many times throughout - several foreign minority groups co-existed peacefully: Jews, Italians, Greeks and Maltese. There were difficult moments, however, during the early independence movement and Nasser's nationalizations, which affected the Armenians as well.



Today there are few Egyptians of Armenian origins, but their presence continues to bear witness to an Egypt struggling to maintain its tradition of tolerance.
BRUSSELS - EU interior ministers who met on Thursday to discuss an alternative to the European Commission's mandatory relocation scheme for refugees put forward by Slovakia did not give their support to it.



Italian sources say that dangers remain, however. Slovakia, which currently holds the EU's rotating six-month presidency, may propose another plan to EU interior ministers in December, possibly in finalize at the leaders summit at the end of the year. Upcoming elections may play a role in the issue.

On Thursday evening, Italian interior minister Angelino Alfano asked the EU Commission to verify the calendar for relocation obligations of countries to get the process going again. The relocation process is supposed to be completed by September 2017.

Italian sources say that an ad hoc group will be set up in the next few months - in which Italy will take part - to lay the foundations for a new plan to reach an agreement on a revision of the EU's Dublin regulation.

The Slovak plan would have removed the obligatory nature of solidarity called for by the European Commission's proposal and made it voluntary. Various methods are proposed to share the burden of migration crises: from relocation to financial support, support for the protection of external borders sharing of reception capacity and playing a greater role in repatriation operations.
TEL AVIV - The former Sephardi chief rabbi of Israel and current chief rabbi of Jerusalem Shlomo Amar is at the center of a controversy after declaring in an interview with daily Israel Hayom that homosexuals are a ''disgusting sect''. Homosexuality, he added, ''is among the gravest sins'' and should be punished with death, according to the Bible.



Radio Jerusalem reported that many have called for his sacking and an organization has also pressed charges fearing his words could spark fresh anti-gay violence after a teen was stabbed to death by a Jewish zealot during a gay parade in Jerusalem in 2015. The rabbi said he can't ''cancel'' something that has been explicitly written in the Bible but recalled that he has already condemned the girl's murder.



The zealot who murdered her is ''wicked, a damned and despicable murderer'', he said.
ISTANBUL - A draft law presented by the ruling AKP party under President Recep Tayyip Erdogan would release those convicted of child sexual abuse if they agree to marry the victim and the action is consensual. Presented on Thursday night in Parliament, the draft law will be discussed again on Tuesday despite firm opposition from CHP social democrats and MHP nationalists.



The pro-Kurdish party HDP is not taking part in the chamber activities to protest the arrest of some of their MPs for alleged links with the outlawed PKK.



Many NGOs say that the regulation would worsen the already existing problem of ''baby brides'' in Turkey. The proposal, which aims to suspend trials and sentences for child abuse, sparked strong protest from the public. Thousands of Twitter users have shared their indignation by posting with a hashtag that means ''rape cannot be legitimized''.
LAURA TINGLE | Australian Financial Review | Extract

IT IS regarded as a bit impolite to say so, but Papua New Guinea is an almost, if not entirely, broken state.

Almost broken in the sense that, partly thanks to us, it has never really made it successfully to statehood. Corruption remains a big problem and a direct problem for us in terms of our aid budget.

PNG is by far our biggest aid recipient and the handouts increased significantly as a result of the deal struck in 2013 - but regularly updated  to have PNG host an offshore detention centre for asylum seekers on our behalf on Manus Island.

Everything is always connected to everything in this world so just think about how Manus Island has distorted our relationship with PNG in the past three years, and curbed our capacity to influence events there, or demand answers about how our aid dollars were being spent.
Cairo Film Festival showcases story of Egyptian Armenians Documentary recounts 200 years of community

(by Cristiana Missori) (ANSAmed) - CAIRO, NOVEMBER 18 - ''I have perhaps given little to this country, but Egypt has given me a lot. I feel 100% Egyptian and 100% Armenian,'' said Eva Dadrian, a journalist and writer who worked with Waheed Sobhi and Hanan Ezzat on 'We are Egyptian Armenians'.



The documentary film tells the story of the last 200 years of Armenians in the country. The film was presented on Thursday evening at the Cairo International Film Festival, which runs through November 24, in a hall filled with Egyptians of Armenian origins.



Many third generation Armenians were there that had been born or arrived in Egypt after 1915, fleeing Turkey during the genocide that began on April 25 by Ottomans that in three years killed some 1.5 million people. ''Our presence,'' the director said, ''goes back a bit farther, all the way to the Mamluk era.'' The community was thought highly of and grew especially during the 19th century under Mohamed Ali, contributing to the development of the modern state through its civil servants, translators (thanks to the ease with which they spoke Arabic, Armenian, French and English), craftsmen and ministers. A khedive even chose an Armenian, Boghos Youssoufian, as his foreign minister (from 1808 to 1844). ''Some 4,050 arrived in Port Said on September 15, 1915, brought to safety by the French navy,'' Dadrian said. In 1925, ten years later, the Armenian community in Egypt had increased substantially. ''There were about 12,000 of us,'' she said. They lived in working class areas of Cairo and Alexandria and developed trade and professions, became publishers, shop owners, craftsmen, cigarette producers and especially jewelers. They erected churches, schools and cultural centers to prevent their traditions from being lost.



The footage and the words bring the viewer back to the early twentieth century, when Egypt was cosmopolitan, open, tolerant and in which - as the protagonists repeat many times throughout - several foreign minority groups co-existed peacefully: Jews, Italians, Greeks and Maltese. There were difficult moments, however, during the early independence movement and Nasser's nationalizations, which affected the Armenians as well.



Today there are few Egyptians of Armenian origins, but their presence continues to bear witness to an Egypt struggling to maintain its tradition of tolerance. (ANSAmed).




(by Cristiana Missori)

CAIRO - Eight square meters for 25 prisoners - American journalists, Muslim Brothers, common citizens - who were arrested by Egyptian police during violent demonstrations following the ouster of Brotherhood President Mohamed Morsi in the summer of 2013 star in the opening film of the International film festival in Cairo.



These characters, detained together for a whole day, are featured in Eshtebak (Clash) by Egyptian director Mohamed Diab, that opened the section 'Un certain regard' at the latest Cannes Film Festival.



The movie will be presented on Friday night at the Cairo event, which runs until November 24.



It was greenlighted by censors in July and hit movie theaters. However, the film was pulled out a few days later, as denounced by the filmmaker.



And the festival's artistic director, Youssef Rizkallah, has decided to screen other controversial movies.



Several films focusing on key issues of the 2011 revolution and 2013 protests will be screened in the section dedicated to new Egyptian cinema (eight films have been produced between 2015 and 2016).



They focus on the violence of those terrible days of Raba'a Al Adaweya - when over 600 civilians were killed and thousands wounded - as well as human and sentimental relations during those events with the uprising on the background.



One of them is Sins of the Flesh by Haram El Gasad, which is set in a remote farm in the Egyptian countryside where echoes of the uprising impact the lives of protagonists, and Out of Order by Mahmoud KAmel and Bitter Moon by Hany Khalifa. A box-office hit to be screened is also Hepta: the Last Lecture by Hadi El-Bagoury, a movie based on the best seller by the same name.



There are lighter stories that talk about sex (never explicitly), food and betrayal, like the latest work by Yousry Nasrallah, Books, Meadows and Lovely Faces, presented a few days ago at the Medfilm festival in Rome. Another is the latest movie by Mohamed Khan, Before the Summer Crowds, and Nawara by Hala Khalil focusing on social inequality in the country.
Serbia: 10 million euro for small enterprise from Eu fund

(ANSAmed) - BELGRADE, 18 NOVEMBER - The European Fund for Southeast Europe (EFSEE) signed a contract amounting to 10 million euro with the company Intesa Leasing for loans to micro and small enterprises (Mse) in Serbia.



The loans are intended for purchase of equipment and commercial vehicles, the company Intesa Leasing said. (ANSAmed)
(ANSAmed) - ISTANBUL - One after the other, Kurdish-governed cities in south-east Turkey have ended up under the control of President Recep Tayyip Erdogan. Over the past 48 hours, a new wave of arrests of local administrators has taken place. They are accused of ties with the ''terrorists'' of the PKK. After the detentions, four major centers have ended up under the control of officials appointed by the Turkish government to replace the elected mayors. Van, Siirt, Tunceli and Mardin, where Kurds from the DBP - the local political arm of the HDP - had won elections by a sweeping majority, are now in Erdogan's hands.



The clampdown is continuing and risks sowing new tensions a week after an attack attributed to the PKK killed a government envoy who had replaced the elected mayor of Derik, in Mardin province. There are now 30 Kurdish municipalities under the control of the central government following a crackdown in the aftermath of a failed coup on July 15.



The co-mayors of the Kurdish 'capital' Diyarbakir were also detained.



Two weeks after a police operation led to the arrest of 10 MPs from the HDP party, including co-leaders Selahattin Demirtas and Figen Yuksekdag, tension in Turkey remains extremely high.



Their attorneys have appealed to the Constitutional Court to demand their release. But expectations are low. After the attempted coup, the Supreme Court in Ankara has said it will reject pleas against measures approved with decrees on the state of emergency. In this climate, some observers say, judges are not likely to go against Erdogan's will.



Meanwhile, the first trial against Demirtas has started. He risks five years on charges of ''terrorist propaganda'' in favor of the PKK for a speech he gave in 2011. From the high-security jail in Erdine, at the border with Greece, where he is currently detained, the leader of the Kurdish opposition allegedly refused to take part in the hearing via video conference because he did not receive information on the charges against him.



The dossiers against the HDP lawmakers remain secret. The detention conditions of Demirtas are also controversial as he is allegedly jailed together with al Qaeda terror suspects.



Lawmaker Dilek Ocalan, granddaughter of the imprisoned leader of the PKK, Abdullah 'Apo' Ocalan, also risks arrest after she was ordered to appear in court.



In this climate, the remaining HDP lawmakers denounce that Parliament is not legitimate anymore, although Erdogan continues to pursue his presidential project. The draft reform that will soon be discussed in Parliament, sources in Ankara say, sets aside the figure of the prime minister and creates a system modeled after the US with no cohabitation risks.



According to government plans, with the support promised by nationalists, the reform will be approved with a constitutional referendum by spring, scrapping the current parliamentary system. In addition, under the draft reform, the two-mandate limit for the president would be scrapped, enabling Recep Tayyip Erdogan to remain in his position until the natural end of his mandate in 2019, and then run again for two additional mandates, paving the way for him to remain at the helm of Turkey until 2029. (ANSAmed)
BRUSSELS - Maltese Interior Minister Carmelo Abela said Malta "appreciates" Slovakia's initiative of opening a debate with its migrant proposal, but there must be "real solidarity" in handling the migrant crisis, on Friday at his arrival to the EU Justice and Home Affairs Council meeting.



The Slovakian document, aimed at opening the way to "flexible solidarity", didn't find support on Thursday night during an informal dinner between interior ministers from the 28 EU member states.



Abela said the migrant crisis requires a "permanent mechanism" that can be put into place each time it's needed.



"We can't have a discussion every time there's a crisis".



Italian sources said in coming months an ad-hoc group, to include Italy, will be formed to set the foundations for a new document aimed at revising the Dublin Regulation.



EU Commissioner for Migration Dimitris Avramopoulos also weighed in on the discussion.



"There's still work to do, but the time has come to do what we say we will when we talk of solidarity. Personally, I believe that solidarity can have only one meaning," he said.
Renzi stressed EU migrants impasse at Berlin summit Sources say asylum seekers part of discussion

(ANSAmed) - BERLIN, NOVEMBER 18 - Migration was one of the issued discussed at Friday's summit of the heads of state and government of the United States, Italy, Germany, France, Spain and Britain today in Berlin, sources said.



During the discussion Italian Premier Matteo Renzi stressed the difficulties raised by the asylum-seeker crisis and the EU impasse on this issue.



The summit is the last such event at which outgoing United States President Barack Obama will participate. (ANSAmed).




AUBURN  After spending 40 years as a full-time professor at Cayuga Community College, Jeff Delbel has been more of a student in retired life.

He still teaches part-time through online courses, but much of Delbel's energy has been occupied by a separate interest: writing. The 64-year-old Auburn man has been working for around six years on a series of novels  the first of which, "The Flight of Jimmy Eagleson," was released Sunday.

Getting to that point, Delbel said, certainly invoked the adage, "The only writing is rewriting." He said more than 30 friends and acquaintances, including authors, have helped him through the revision process.

Learning to open up to criticism was new for Delbel, who retired as a philosophy professor in 2008. But writing the books, he said, was something he had always wanted to do with the story bouncing around in his head for several years, starting with "The Flight."

"The resolution and the friendships are, I think, the attraction of the book," he said.

Delbel will host a book signing at Downtown Books & Coffee in Auburn next month to celebrate the recent release.

The plot centers on Eagleson, a lawyer who struggles to find happiness despite his own personal wealth. Set mostly near Lake Champlain in the North Country region, Eagleson's tale sees him reconnect with longtime friends as he maneuvers his job, his love life after a divorce and a complex relationship with his father.

"The Flight" is dedicated to Delbel's uncle, James Lyman Eagleson, who served in the Royal Canadian Air Force. The real Eagleson only lived to be around 21 years old: Delbel said he died in 1944, shot down in a battle at Normandy during World War II.

Delbel keeps his uncle's wings pin and picture on a wall in his home. Though he never knew Eagleson, Delbel said he always found him a fascinating figure.

"In my mind, he's a hero. He gave his life, as did tens of thousands," he said. "I'm very pleased I had the opportunity to dedicate something to him that I think would relate."

Though the fictional Eagleson is not a veteran, his father  otherwise known as "The Old Man"  served in WWII.

Jimmy's worldview of his father  that "The Old Man" had always been closer to Jimmy's friends than his own son  is shaken when he stumbles on a box of letters written by his father during wartime.

Along with the importance of strong friendships, Delbel said "The Flight" explores the theme of personal discovery.

"We all do this type of thing," he said. "When we don't know the whole story on things, we tend to fill in the blanks, do it negatively and cause ourselves a lot of anguish over things because we just can't accept that we don't know that maybe things are just fine."

In writing "The Flight," Delbel said he draws partly on his own personal experiences, such as his upbringing with his father and his own friendships.

Delbel, a Plattsburgh native, eventually moved to Auburn in 1975 after getting a degree from the University of Miami. He later earned a master's degree from the S.I. Newhouse School of Public Communications at Syracuse University.

Some distance existed between Delbel and his father, he said. It was nothing like Eagleson's estranged relationship, but Delbel said he never knew things about his father until the two shared deep talks later in life. To that point, Delbel had made assumptions about his father's worldview that were "completely nonsense."

"I think it's important for men to explore that with their fathers," he said.

Beyond those parallels, Delbel said he lets the characters write themselves, so to speak, by imagining how they would interact in a particular situation. He surprised himself at how different they ended up from their draft forms.

He finished a draft of "The Flight" about two years before its eventual release, going through revisions and taking the advice of an author friend to "be ahead of the curve" to write the second book.

That novel, "Salvatore," is in the final editing stages and will likely be released at some point next year, Delbel said. A third is almost done, as well.

"Whether it succeeds or not is a different story, but it does tell a unique story," Delbel said.
If youre considering a subscription to the Disney Plus streaming service, you may be wondering how much it costs. The service is available on both
Not at all. It just seems like a lot of back-and-forth talk.

Yes. I'm growing very worried over what might happen.

If it keeps up, I might be a little more concerned.

I think there are much larger things to concern us as a country.

It's hard to tell; I can't take the leader of either country seriously.

Vote

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Every Friday, The Citizen features a pet available for adoption from the Finger Lakes SPCA of Central New York.

This week, we spotlight Pepper.

Q: Who is your best friend?

A: Before I got "transferred" to the boys condo area, I lived with all the girls! That was an eye-opener but that's another whole interview. While there, I made the acquaintance of this girl cat named Gracie, and she gave me a lot of tips on how to survive until there was room with the boys. She was very kind to me and she will always be my BFF. By the way, Gracie really needs a home too  she has been here too long!

Q: What has been your worst experience?

A: Frankly, it doesn't get any worse than being abandoned by the river! I was one of the lucky ones  someone found me and brought me here. That's really all I have to say on that topic.

Q: If you could have a job, what would that be?

A: As you can tell, I am very handsome! My shelter people tell me that a lot! I'm pretty young, though, and don't have any experience, but when I'm old enough I might try my hand at modeling. I think I might be very successful at that. Otherwise, I'm really not too interested in working. I mean, really! You shouldn't be asking cats this question  we are best at being lazy and hanging out on a sun spot!

Q: If you could visit any place in the world, where would that be?

A: We recently learned of this very interesting place that might be fun to visit. It is in Amsterdam in the Netherlands. Amsterdam is home to The Poezenboot (The Cat Boat), which is a floating shelter for hundreds of stray and abandoned cats. The Poezenboot is docked along the Singel canal, and it welcomes visitors, volunteers and those looking to adopt their own sailor cat. This sounds like an interesting place to visit  but not to stay. I think I might get seasick.

Q: If you could meet someone famous, who would that be?

A: That would be Mr. Mark Twain. I am sure you have heard of him. Following is a quote from the good Mr. Twain: "A cat ain't ever anybody's slave or serf or servant, and can't be  it ain't in him to be. And so, he don't have to obey anybody. He is the only creature in heaven or earth or anywhere that don't have to obey somebody or other, including the angels. ... There's always somebody a king has to obey ... but it ain't so with a cat." I must agree with Mr. Twain, and I would have loved to have met him. I would also have given him a few grammar tips! LOL!

Q: Do you have an interesting fact to share?

A: I do! Did you know that our whiskers grow to be as long as our bodies are wide? Well, they do. Whiskers dont just make cats adorable, they also serve a very important purpose. We use our long whiskers to make sure our bodies will be able to fit through tight openings. If our whiskers bend or move, then we know we wont be able to fit. This is a fact  take my word for it!

Q: Do you have any advice for our good Citizen readers?

A: I do! One of the most exciting  and tasty  events of the holiday season is happening tomorrow! It is the dessert festival and Sweets Market being eld at the beautiful Dickman Farms from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Dickman's Holiday Open House is also happening that day, and there are so many things happening that I can't list them all now. All I can tell you is that if you are lucky enough, you might find a few extra tickets that will be available at the door  for $8! My people will be there to say hello, and some of my canine friends will be coming and going throughout the day! I'm not sure if I can go, but I'll ask nicely. If you can't get there, be sure to stop at my shelter home to look me up. Thank you and love, Pepper and friends!
Who knew that 60-70 years ago, when commercial fertilizers were distributed worldwide and became commonly used, that those fertilizers would accumulate by the thousands of tons in the lakes. Who could have known that the great benefits of increased crop yield and food production would eventually threaten our drinking water?

When Article 15 of New York State Environmental Conservation Law was passed, agricultural land became exempt from all water quality regulations, giving veto power to agricultural uses. Though most agriculturalists manage land resources to enrich soil and preserve resources, a few turn a blind eye to water quality measures and spread manure on frozen fields, knowing the manure and fertilizer has nowhere to go but into the tributaries and lakes.

Now that the gradual decline of water quality has finally produced toxins, Article 15 must be changed. Drinking water and milk production are both equally reliant upon healthy water. E. coli and cyanobacteria are predictably present, and cows and people are not able to drink water containing algae because the toxin is usually found where algae blooms. Lets not allow this problem to progress until our drinking water is completely contaminated. We know what to do. Lets do it. Farmers, watershed residents and city dwellers are joining together for mutual benefit.

Owasco Lake's blue-green algae visible from space; satellite helps with monitoring efforts Cold weather has brought some relief as water tests for the city of Auburn and town of Owasc

We are all proud of our local dairy farms abundant supply of milk, yogurt and cheeses. However, such abundance comes with its challenges. One cow produces manure equal to at least 10 men, therefore 2,000 cows produce manure equal to 20,000 people. To maintain the health of the herd, farms maintain solid waste practices. Some farms have installed digesters costing millions and hope to produce electricity from the manures methane gas. Some farms are employing methods to curtail runoff entirely. Now, all farms and all watershed residents need to join together. The shared costs of changing laws, changing farming practices and increasing water testing and treatment are already required and must be shared by all.

We do not have 10 years to accomplish this work. The tipping point, given the increased frequency and size of the harmful algae blooms, is upon us. We must, within this year, inform and establish the critical mass of participants and funding.

Lets all prepare ourselves to do the right thing. Farmers have to maintain or reinstall buffers and control runoff. City residents water bills have to increase. Lakeshore residents have to pull weeds and grass clippings out of the water, control septic systems, abstain from the use of lawn fertilizers and inform neighbors why they also need to do the same. The Owasco Lake Watershed Association is organized to help. Go to the website and attend the OWLA meetings.

The mayor and the chair of the Cayuga County Legislature are enlisting state and federal help. Our tax dollars are needed to put shovels in the ground. Lets put our money where our mouth is to save our drinking water by empowering our legislators through universal citizen action and support.
The Russian United Engine Corporation (UEC), the integrated structure uniting all major Russian gas turbine engine developers and manufacturers) is presenting the newest Russian civil aero engines, including the new generation PD-14 engine developed for the MC-21 airliner at the Iran Air Show 2016. The Iran Air Show 2016 will take place from 16th until 19th November on the Kish island (Islamic Republic of Iran).

The UEC has planned the talks with the civil operators of the aero technics powered by the UEC engines. Apart from the PD-14 the UEC's show exposition includes the TV7-117V helicopter engine.

We expect that Iran's aviation market (which is very promising for us) rapidly grows amid the process of lifting of sanctions, said the director general of the UEC Alexander Artykhov. We are confident, that the increase of the park of the commercial aircraft and the rise in intensity of its exploitation will create a firm ground for the mutually beneficial cooperation with our Iranian counterparts.

An important area of cooperation with Iran is providing for exploitation of the current and future park of engines, including the repairs, the components' supply and teaching the exploitants' or the specialised enterprises' personnel.

PD-14 is a base turbofan engine, which is being created by the UEC for the purpose of powering the Russian MC-21 airliner. The most up-to-date technologies and materials, including the composites, are in use. This is the first completely Russian engine for the civil airliners, created in Russia during the last decades. The flight tests have started in 2015.

The TV7-117V engine, developed for the newest Russian Mo-38 helicopter, secures the flight by turning on the emergency thrust rating with power output up to 3 750 shp. The new full authority digital engine control (FADEC) system is installed.

PD-14 engine developed for MC-21 airliner
Speaking at the Abu Dhabi-based Masdar Institute on November 1, SSL President John Celli presented an inspiring view of current space technology and how SSL is influenced by its innovative Silicon Valley environment. He also offered resources to the Masdar Institute leadership, so that the Institutes research-driven, graduate-level studies can benefit from SSLs technical expertise and long experience with satellites and spacecraft systems.



Masdar Institute launched its space concentration in the fall of 2015. The concentration is offered in seven of the institutes nine current Masters programs. It was developed to foster the advanced research areas in space science and technology needed to support the UAE national space program and space-related industries with human resources, technical advancements and infrastructure. The UAE has set itself a goal of becoming the first Arab country to launch a mission to another planet by sending a probe to Mars by 2021, and space is one of the seven sectors targeted in the UAE National Innovation Strategy, which aims to make the UAE one of the worlds most innovative countries by 2021



In partnership with Yahsat, SSL will provide programme management guidance and technical expertise to support Masdar Institutes CubeSat programme.

Masdar Institute, which was established by the UAE government in collaboration with the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT), aims to support Abu Dhabis economic diversification by nurturing highly-skilled human and intellectual capital in areas of strategic and economic relevance to the country and region. The Institutes advanced space concentration provides students with the opportunity to earn their chosen Masters degree while contributing to high-tech research in space technology.

As part of Masdar Institutes space concentration, students in various engineering disciplines have the opportunity to work in groups to design, integrate, construct, test and subsequently operate a miniature satellite, called a CubeSat, which will be launched and monitored via a ground station.

We are excited to have the opportunity to help provide space science education to the promising students at Masdar Institute and around the globe, who are ultimately responsible for leading us into the future of space technology, Celli added. Thank you to Masdar and Yahsat for inviting us to participate in this unique and important programme.
In the blockbuster, Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice, the airlines Boeing 777 aircraft made a cameo  claiming Turkish Airlines was flying to the movies imaginary cities; Gotham City and Metropolis.

The purpose of the campaign was to show Turkish Airlines commitment to unveiling an innovative movie-themed experience that gave fans around the world the chance to explore the iconic world of two of our favourite superheroes. This included the possibility for travellers to book flights to the airlines two new locations.

Turkish Airlines was awarded in the Product & Brand Integration category, which recognised operations promoting branded products or services via appearances in pre-existing films, television shows or other media, enabling brands to gain or reinforce status from the context in which they are placed.

The campaign achieved 125 million earned media impressions, while the adverts on YouTube reached a view count of over 30 million.

We are proud of this award as it shows Turkish Airlines commitment in offering new, innovative and unexpected experiences for its passengers and followers worldwide. said Ahmet Olmustur, Turkish Airlines' chief marketing officer.
AUBURN  The Cayuga County Legislature's public forum on the county's budget started with an empty public section, but after a short period ended with three requests  one for the county's Cornell Cooperative Extension, one for Owasco Lake and one for the Cayuga County Public Utility Service Agency.

Doug Ververs, executive director of the cooperative extension, asked legislators for $10,653 to use toward cost of living increases for staff. He said there has not been a salary adjustment in three years, and not including an increase in this year's budget would make it four. He was concerned, he said, that he would "begin to lose a talented staff."

"I fully understand that we're not a mandated service," Ververs said. "I appreciate your consideration for that salary adjustment."

Chairman Keith Batman asked Ververs if he would consider making that $10,653 a one-time bonus to staff members instead. Ververs said he would consider it.

"Because of the agricultural nature of our county, I think it's a great investment," said Legislator Tim Lattimore. "I think we need to keep it well and healthy."

Following Ververs was Charlie Greene, former town of Niles supervisor. Greene requested legislators invest $150,000 each year toward Owasco Lake, and requested various municipalities, the county and others to come together and create a $10 million trust fund for the lake. He also suggested the county buy two more weed harvesters to mow the lake.

Legislator Aileen McNabb-Coleman said while she's concerned about the health of the lake, she's concerned about getting clean drinking water to residents next year. Thursday morning she had discussed emergency management plans should high levels of toxins be detected in the drinking water with various municipalities served by the city of Auburn and town of Owasco. The cost of the plans worried her.

"It's hard for me to sit here and listen because you have an idea here, and this morning I got rained on thinking about the future," she said. "I think the water is going to be our primary problem and our primary worry."

Finishing out the meeting, Lattimore requested that $25,000 placed in contingency for the Cayuga County Public Utility Service Agency be put back in the 2017 budget. Batman said Lattimore could request that at the full Legislature meeting on Nov. 22.

"I'm not opposed to spending the money for a productive thing, but we do not put money in anyone's budget based upon the fact that you might have an idea, you might have a need, you might come up with something," Batman said to Lattimore. "My advice to you is, say, 'OK,' and get busy and come up with a plan."

While walking out of the meeting, Lattimore told Batman he was upset that the funding had been moved to contingency in the first place.

In other news

 Despite being pulled from the agenda, the Cayuga County Legislature will still hold a public hearing on a local law that would have charged interest on those paying their taxes in two installments. Batman said because the body had set the public hearing already, it would remain on the calendar even though no legislators have expressed support for it.

The law will not be voted on at the full Legislature meeting unless someone brings it back to the floor. The hearing followed by the full Legislature meeting will be held 5:30 p.m., Nov. 22 in the Sixth Floor Chambers of the Cayuga County Office Building, 160 Genesee St., Auburn.
YEREVAN, NOVEMBER 18, ARMENPRESS. The Picture of Dorian Gray by Oscar Wilde leads the list of YEREVAN BESTSELLER project of ARMENPRESS.

Dorian Gray is the subject of a full-length portrait in oil by Basil Hallward, an artist who is impressed and infatuated by Dorian's beauty; he believes that Dorians beauty is responsible for the new mode in his art as a painter. Through Basil, Dorian meets Lord Henry Wotton, and he soon is enthralled by the aristocrat's hedonistic worldview: that beauty and sensual fulfillment are the only things worth pursuing in life.

The Little Prince first published in 1943, is a novella, the most famous work of French aristocrat, writer, poet, and pioneering aviator Antoine de Saint-Exupery. The Little Prince is 2nd in this weeks list.

Book of Lamentations or Book of Prayers by Gregory of Narek is ranked 3rd in this weeks list.

Written shortly before the first millennium of Christianity, the prayers of St. Gregory of Narek have long been recognized as gems of Christian literature. St. Gregory called his book an "encyclopedia of prayer for all nations". It was his hope that it would serve as a guide to prayer by people of all stations around the world.

A leader of the well-developed school of Armenian mysticism at Narek Monastery, at the request of his brethren he set out to find an answer to an imponderable question: what can one offer to God, our creator, who already has everything and knows everything better than we could ever express it? To this question, posed by the prophets, psalmist, apostles and saints, he gives a humble answer  the sighs of the heart  expressed in his Book of Prayer, also called the Book of Lamentations.

The fourth position in this weeks ranking is Who Moved My Cheese? An Amazing Way to Deal with Change in Your Work and in Your Life. Published on September 8, 1998, it is a motivational business fable. The text describes change in one's work and life, and four typical reactions to those changes by two mice and two "little people," during their hunt for cheese. A New York Times business bestseller upon release, Who Moved My Cheese? remained on the list for almost five years and spent over 200 weeks on Publishers Weekly's hardcover nonfiction list. It has sold more than 26 million copies worldwide in 37 languages and remains one of the best-selling business books.

Mark Arens Where wild roses bloom in ranked 5th. This is the second novel of the author which describes the inner world of an Armenophobic Turkish former serviceman, when he, already an old man, suddenly hears a lullaby song that reminds him of his mother and later finds out that the song is in Armenian: realizing his parents were Armenians. The same former serviceman spends his remaining life searching the graves of his parents, without knowing that it was a misunderstanding.

Fyodor Dostoevskys Stories collection, comprising several of the Russian writers works, is ranked 6th this week.

"Fahrenheit 451" by Ray Bradbury comes next. Fahrenheit 451 is a dystopian novel published in 1953. It is regarded as one of his best works. The novel presents a future American society where books are outlawed and "firemen" burn any that are found. The title refers to the temperature that Bradbury understood to be the autoignition point of paper.

Charents-name by Gurgen Mahari enters the list and is ranked 8th.

Veronika Decides to Die is a novel by Paulo Coelho. It tells the story of 24-year-old Slovenian Veronika, who appears to have everything in life going for her, but who decides to kill herself. This book is partly based on Coelho's experience in various mental institutions, and deals with the subject of madness. The gist of the message is that "collective madness is called sanity".

Veronika Decides to Die has been adapted for theatre a number of times, and was also used in other artistic references. The novel is ranked 9th in this weeks list.

Paulo Coelhos The Spy concludes this weeks list. The Spy brings to life the true story of Mata Hari, the famous courtesan and accused spy who was executed for treason one hundred years ago. Mata Hari was a dancer who shocked and delighted audiences during the First World War, and she became a confidant to some of the eras richest and most powerful men. She dared to liberate herself from the moralism and provincial customs of the early twentieth century, but she ultimately paid for it with her life. As she waited for her execution in a Paris prison, one of her last requests was for a pen and some paper to write letters.

To complete the bestseller list, the following bookshops have participated in the survey: Narek (51-91-36), Bookinist (53-74-13), Antares (091-90-01-23) and Zangak (23-26-49).
YEREVAN, NOVEMBER 18, ARMENPRESS. Newly appointed Ambassador of Estonia to Armenia Kai Kaarelson (residence in Tbilisi) on November 18 presented copy of her credentials to Foreign Minister Edward Nalbandian, press service of the Armenian MFA told Armenpress.

The Armenian FM congratulated the Ambassador on her appointment and wished her success in her important mission to further intensify the relations between the two countries.

The Ambassador thanked for the reception and wisheds, ensured that she will take the maximum efforts to develop the mutual cooperation in various sectors.

A number of issues of bilateral agenda, including the cooperation in economic, trade, IT, cultural sectors, the intensification of inter-parliamentary ties, the expansion of legal framework were discussed at the meeting.

The sides also exchanged views on Armenia-EU mutual cooperation.
YEREVAN, NOVEMBER 18, ARMENPRESS. Prime Minister of Armenia Karen Karapetyan on November 18 received the Iranian delegation led by Deputy Minister of Economy and Finance, Head of Irans Customs Administration Masoud Karbasian, press service of the Government told Armenpress.

The Islamic Republic of Iran is not only Armenias friendly country, but also it is one of the key partners, and our political dialogue is at the highest level. However, we have a potential to further expand and develop our economic relations. The harmonious works of the customs offices of the two states will also contribute to the development of trade-economic ties, the PM said.

He informed that today at the Governments session he instructed the respective Ministries to form a working group and work with the Iranian side towards boosting the export of Armenian products, in particular, the food and agricultural products, from Armenia to Iran, as well as to discuss with the businessmen the prospects of establishing a free economic zone in the territory bordering Iran. The PM said this is a mutually beneficial chance for the businessmen of the two states, and works must be carried out on that path.

The Iranian official congratulated the Armenian PM on his appointment and wished him success.

Presenting the results of working talks with the Chairman of the State Revenue Committee under the Armenian Government Vardan Harutyunyan, Masoud Karbasian said a number of agreements were reached at the meeting. In particular, a Memorandum of understanding was signed on cooperation in customs administration, the both sides attached importance to the online exchange of information, as well as informing the Armenian and Iranian societies about the customs procedures.

We can establish cooperation towards the Eurasian Economic Union market through the free economic zone. Armenia, as a linking bridge, can play a decisive role in this sector, which in its turn will contribute to implementing joint investment projects, Masoud Karbasian said.

In response, the Armenian PM said Armenia is ready to form a respective platform towards the EAEU market.

The sides also discussed a number of issues of bilateral interest, related to the cooperation development in transportation and transit infrastructures sectors.
YEREVAN, NOVEMBER 18, ARMENPRESS. The Armenian leadership will discuss the proposal to make the compulsory payments to the fund, which will be established for the compensation of fallen or wounded servicemen, on voluntary basis, Head of the RPA faction Vahram Baghdasaryan told reporters in the Parliament, reports Armenpress.

We have a proposal to make that compulsory provision as voluntary, and I think this is a normal approach not to force someone to pay if he/she doesnt want to. I think, that proposal will be discussed since all proposals are subject to discussions, he said.

To the question whether changes are possible in the second reading of the bill, and the compulsory component will be removed, the MP said: There is such proposal which will be discussed.

The Parliament of Armenia adopted at first reading the bill on compensations for fallen or disabled servicemen during military operations. 102 lawmakers voted in favor, 3 against. Under the bill, a special fund will be created with the purpose of making compensations to the families of fallen/disabled servicemen. A 1000 AMD tax is set for every employed citizen, which will be collected in the fund. Employers will cover the tax for citizens working minimum wages.
YEREVAN, NOVEMBER 18, ARMENPRESS. President of Armenia Serzh Sargsyan and First Lady Mrs. Rita Sargsyan attended on November 18 the solemn event dedicated to the 75th anniversary of Hakob Paronyan State Musical Comedy Theatre.

As Armenpress was informed from the press service of the Armenian Presidents Office, President Sargsyan delivered a congratulatory speech and bestowed a number of theatre figures with state awards.

In his speech, President Sargsyan stated that this is not a festive day only for the staff of the Theatre, but the entire Armenian people, since it has for decades brought together the most talented artists of Armenia. Satire genre has always been the unique feature of this theatre. It is said that people correct their mistake and say good bye to the past when they laugh. We have a lot of mistakes to correct, both of our own and others, and need to say good bye to many things. Of course, in our reality we have numerous achievements, we have splendid culture, nation-centered, always developing, but we really have some negative phenomena which we should have abandoned long ago, the President said in his speech.
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With two months left in President Barack Obamas term, his administration issued a rule Tuesday intended to clamp down on oil companies that burn off natural gas on public lands.

The new rule seeks to reduce waste and harmful methane emissions as part of a strategy to address climate change. But a new Republican administration under President-elect Donald Trump could reconsider the rule or even scrap it, although any effort to do so would likely take months.

Trump has said he will seek to sharply increase oil and gas drilling on federal lands and said on the campaign trail that restrictions supported by Obama and Democratic presidential candidate Hillary Clinton would hurt energy-producing states such as Colorado.

Energy companies frequently flare or burn off vast supplies of natural gas at drilling sites because it makes less money than oil. A government report said an estimated 40 percent of the gas being flared or vented could be captured economically and sold.

Interior Secretary Sally Jewell said the new rule updates 30-year-old drilling regulations to meet modern standards and ensure that natural gas is used to power the economy  not wasted by being burned into the atmosphere. The rule is set to take effect in mid-January  days before Obama leaves office.

This rule to prevent waste of our nations natural gas supplies is good government, plain and simple, Jewell said in a statement. We are proving that we can cut harmful methane emissions that contribute to climate change, while putting in place standards that make good economic sense for the nation.

Congressional Republicans vowed to overturn the rule, calling it a midnight regulation that will drive away jobs from federal land in the West. House Majority Leader Kevin McCarthy said in a letter to Obama that lawmakers will review all regulations issued in the next two months and overturn them if appropriate.

State Rep. Steve Pearce, R-N. M., called the rule a direct attack on the state of New Mexico.

The administrations claim that this rule is a fair return to taxpayers is completely false, Pearce wrote in a statement. In fact, this rule will make thousands of wells uneconomical: crushing businesses, killing jobs, and decreasing production. This action will result in reduced royalties for the State of New Mexico, which will harm funding for all aspects of New Mexicans services from schools to hospitals, and law enforcement. At the same time, this rule will create higher electricity bills for New Mexican families  making families choose between making ends meet and keeping the heat on.

If the administration really wanted to accomplish these goals it would expedite the permitting process to create natural gas pipelines and processing facilities, which would capture and transport this resource. Instead, the Obama Administration decided to bow to radical special interest groups who care more about killing the oil and gas industry than protecting hardworking Americans livelihoods. I will continue to fight this regulation this year and with the Trump Administration.

The states Democratic delegation, however, including Sens. Tom Udall and Martin Heinrich, and Reps. Ben Ray Lujan and Michelle Lujan Grisham, praised the rules as enabling producers to cut flaring in half and use that saved natural gas to power the states economy.

New Mexicos natural resources provide jobs and royalty payments and are an important part of our states economy  we cant afford to waste any of it, the lawmakers wrote in a joint statement. But natural gas waste due to outdated requirements has cost New Mexicos taxpayers $43 million in lost revenues since 2009, and it has cost the states overall economy more than $100 million. Not only that, the waste has created an alarming concentration of methane over the Four Corners region.

This dangerous greenhouse gas is at least 25 times more potent than carbon dioxide and a major public health hazard. These new rules will allow us to cut waste in half so we can use that saved natural gas to power our economy, and the additional revenue to invest in schools, roads, bridges and other infrastructure. And less waste means less smog and healthier people for generations to come.

Under the new rule, energy companies that drill on 245 million acres of public land, mostly in the West, will be required to capture natural gas that can be used to generate power for millions of homes and businesses.

Between 2009 and 2014, enough natural gas was lost through venting, flaring and leaks to power more than 5 million homes for a year, Jewell said. The new rule also should generate tens of millions of dollars a year that can be returned to taxpayers, tribes and states while reducing pollution, Jewell said.

The rule, developed by Interiors Bureau of Land Management, will require oil and gas producers to limit the rate of flaring at oil wells on public and tribal lands, periodically inspect their operations for leaks and replace outdated equipment that vents large quantities of gas into the air.

Most of the gas being burned at drilling sites is methane, a powerful greenhouse gas that is about 25 times more potent at trapping heat than carbon dioxide, although it does not stay in the air as long. Methane emissions make up about 9 percent of U.S. greenhouse gas emissions, according to government estimates.

The oil industry has argued that new regulations are not needed for methane because the industry already has a financial incentive to capture and sell natural gas. Methane emissions have been reduced by 21 percent since 1990 even as production has boomed, according to the Western Energy Alliance, an industry group.

The energy alliance, along with a group representing independent petroleum producers, challenged the rule in federal court in Wyoming Tuesday, saying the rule goes beyond authority granted by Congress.
They are dark and bleak and often end in death. Some double as articulations of the political exceptionalism of ordinariness itself. Most, though, do something more basic, and more pessimistic: They assume the fundamental dirtiness of politics, and the related idea that any hope well have of purifying the system must come from outside of it. They leave very little room for optimism about the hulking beast that is the establishment, very little room for hope that the system in placeone populated by career politicianscan take compassion and make it scale.
Washington, DCs Theater J has gone through more than a little turmoil over what it has presented in recent years; even so, its not where youd expect to see Lucas Hnaths play about a conflicted megachurch. Adam Immerwahr, the companys (new-ish) artistic director, explains why hes producing The Christians and how hes made over DCs Jewish Community Center into a megachurch.
The New York State Department of Environmental Conservation has issued a consent order and a fine of $1,500 to the parent company of Kwik Fill after an employee at the gas station/convenience store in Moravia dumped fryer grease into a stormwater drain.

Derrick Durbin of Moravia reported the incident in September to the DEC after he smelled a heavy grease odor coming from a catch basin near the gas station. According to a DEC spokesperson, DEC law enforcement conducted an investigation and with the help of Kwik Fill determined that an employee had been dumping fryer oil into the catch basin for three months.

It was not clear whether the employee was directed to deposit the grease in the drain, or if he or she acted alone. A spokesperson for Kwik Fill's parent company, the United Refining Company of PA, was not available for comment on Thursday.

DEC staff said the oil did not spread beyond the second catch basin down flow from the discharge point. DEC Spills responded to the scene and provided Kwik Fill with a list of contractors to conduct the clean up. A DEC spokesperson said Kwik Fill hired EMS Environmental Inc., which used a drum vacuum to remove about 30 gallons of material from the sewer system.

The United Refining Company of PA, paid for the cleanup under a consent order and paid the DEC a $1,500 penalty.
The Spanish choreographer, who earned worldwide renown at the helm of the Compania Nacional de Danza in Madrid, has not had an easy time of it at the Staatsballett Berlin  which announced in September, three years ahead of time, that his contract would not be renewed. Back in Madrid for a gala, Duato explains what hell do instead. (in Spanish; Google Translate version here)
The computer screen has become a substitute for reality, dominating us not just by way of social media but  old news  by making artifacts like books on paper seem obsolete. I plead seriously guilty, witness this blogpost with its images and descriptions. A package that came in the mail with several new items from Cold Turkey Press got me to thinking more than usually about this. Issued in minuscule editions, Cold Turkey chapbooks, folios, and cards compose a rare yet necessary archive that subverts the ordinary in literary content and artistic quality. Their scarcity notwithstanding, they are essential cultural documents  scholarly without being academic, exotic but not obscure, their intelligence distinctive. To be truly appreciated, however, these hand-made manifestations of the publishers mind must be experienced in the material world and not as digital simulacrums in cyberspace.

I once asked Cold Turkeys creator, Gerard Bellaart , the Dutch-born painter who conceives, edits, prints, binds, and distributes his handiwork from a farmhouse in France, Why publish editions limited to 36 copies? What if anything does that number mean? Well, originally it was 28, he said. Both are numerical misnomers, nothing cabalistic. He maintained that publishing 250 or even 500 copies tends to have less influence than 28 or 36. Besides, to get rid of 500 copies usually means no space for years in ones bedroom. He told me that in the nearly half century since Cold Turkey was launched with the publication of Dronken Mirakels en Andere Offers, his Dutch translation of poems by Charles Bukowski, only one book  Certain Radio Speeches of Ezra Pound  sold 500 copies, two editions of 250 each.

Many of the now-deceased writers Bellaart chose to publish were expatriates like himself. All were cultural dissidents: Sinclair Beiles, William S. Burroughs, Harold Norse, d.a. levy, Allen Ginsberg, Carl Weissner, to name a few, as well as earlier dissenters like Artaud, Lorca, Cocteau, Blaise Cendrars, the pre-Dadaist Arthur Cravan, and Julien Torma. But from the very beginning two writers in particular were personal favorites: Beiles, a longtime friend of his from South Africa who died in 2000  represented by posthumous chapbooks as recently as 2012 (The Idiots Voice) and 2013 (Bone Hebrew)  and the British poet-playwright Heathcote Williams, who remains very much alive.

Bellaart published Williams for the first time in 1975 (Manifestoes/Manifesten, an anarchists pamphlet). That year an essay by Williams also appeared in Beiless Sacred Fix. Ever since, Williamss poems have continued to pour forth in a torrent of separately published cards, many collected in portfolios such as American Porn (2009) and Was Moby Dick Behind 9/11? (2012). At the same time Williamss chapbooks have been singularly brilliant achievements: Harold Pinter: A Portrait (2014); My Dad and My Uncle (2014); Burroughs in London (2014); and Of Dylan and His Deaths (2015).

Two of the items that came in the package, again by Williams, were Anarchys First Mention (the folio shown above) and The Copulation of Angels, a larger-than-usual card, shown here:

When Milton spoke of the copulation of angels

And Lear said, Let copulation thrive!

They were praising the way that the life-force

Overcomes death with loves sexual desire. Theres little else that life can supply,

Said John Wilkes, the peoples tribune,

But a few good fucks and then we die.

Whereupon our dusts in continuous motion . . . And who can prove that we dont live beyond the grave

With spiritualized selves enjoying vibrant spasms 

Whilst other-worldly beings cluster round us to arouse usIn a transcendent land of perpetual orgasms? The Genitals are Beauty, proclaimed William Blake

And, when they merge in loves fiery fever,

Its hard not to think that alls right with the world;

that these sensations will go on forever. Heathcote Williams March 2016

The packages most remarkable item, though, also by Williams, and certainly the most ambitious, was DIOGENES OF SINOPE: Proto-Anarchist and First Citizen of the World, a narrative poem produced as a large (12.75x16.5) eight-page folio with illustrations and footnotes. Printed on Canson Dore paper for the cover and Saunders Demy Laid paper for the interior, the poem begins . . .

I dreamed I saw Diogenes

In a world reduced to rubble,

And the founder of the Cynics grinned

Through his stench and unkempt stubble. The end of the world resembled the dump

Where hed lived in a barrel amongst dogs 

Scavenging scraps on the outskirts of Athens

And making fun of both men and the Gods. Plato described the wild philosopher

As a maddened version of Socrates.

Its not that Im mad, Diogenes replied,

My heads just different from yours.

The Saunders I have lugged around with me for the last 40 years or so, Bellaart tells me. The English painter Peter Blake gave me two reams in the early 70s. Precious stuff! And thats Heathcote in the barrel. Put there like Diogenes, it should be noted, by the illustrator Elena Calderas digital magic.

(Click the images below to enlarge them for a closer look.)



Full disclosure: Ive been a beneficiary of Bellaarts publishing program. We collaborated on two projects together: Carl Weissners Le Regard dAutrui, brought out as a posthumous chapbook in 2012, the year he died; and Norman O. Mustills Cuisine Rapide, a portfolio of collages, in 2013, not long before he died. Bellaart also put two chapbooks of my own on his roster: Ticket to New Jersey: A Portrait of Nelson Algren (2014) and Portraits: Williams S. Burroughs, Godfrey Reggio, Norman Mailer (2015), along with a portfolio of poems, Errato (2015).

Finally, it should also be noted that Bellaart is an enemy of perfection. His Cold Turkey productions are idiosyncratic artifacts. In look and feel they may tempt perfection, but imperfection is a value he cherishes with the same intensity that he cherishes taking risks.
AUBURN  Auburn officials plan to move ahead with state representatives to transform a city parking lot into a regional tourist hub.

The Auburn City Council voted Thursday to authorize the municipal parking lot across from Memorial City Hall and the Auburn YMCA to be used as the site of a New York state regional welcoming center.

Welcome centers will be built in each of the state's 10 regions, Gov. Andrew Cuomo announced last month. Auburn was chosen as the site for central New York's representative facility, which will feature kiosks and a Taste NY market showcasing local food products and regional attractions.

Last week, Auburn Mayor Michael Quill recommended to site the welcome center in the parking lot property, 25 South St., next to the Seward House. With city officials committed to a downtown location for the facility, Quill said the .97-acre lot is an ideal space due to its central location along Route 34 and its proximity to the city's parking garage on William Street.

His fellow councilors agreed. The plan was authorized with a unanimous vote.

"I think it's going to tie all of our sites together as a starting point, while highlighting the rest of the Finger Lakes," said Councilor Jimmy Giannettino. "I think it's a win-win for everybody."

Details about the project  including site details and if there's any cost to the city  are unclear at this time. City Manager Jeff Dygert said city officials will speak with state representatives Friday about a timeline as well as guidelines that will go out to firms interested in project design.

Will recommended regional welcome center site affect downtown Auburn parking? AUBURN  The news that the parking lot along Lincoln Street in Auburn could become the city'

The proposal was met with support from several who attended Thursday night's city council meeting. Stephanie DeVito, executive director of the Auburn Downtown Business Improvement District, said a welcome center in the "heart of downtown" will be great for foot traffic to navigate the city.

Chris Nucerino, chief executive officer of the Auburn YMCA, supports the project, though did say he is concerned with the impact on the fitness center's clients. Nucerino said he spoke with both Quill and Dygert earlier in the week about the project to address some of the concerns.

"We just want to ensure that it really is a safe point if we are going to encourage folks to access the garage, that they can get to the YMCA safely," he said.

In other news

 Councilors have signed off on a proposed series of repairs to the Auburn Police Department's headquarters.

The project calls for department-wide renovations to the North Street station, with a particular focus on the command center, public lobby and processing rooms.

City councilors voted unanimously to create a capital account to track the project's budget. The renovations will not be funded through the city general fund; rather, Auburn Police Chief Shawn Butler plans to utilize the APD's cache of funds from drug seizure operations to make the repairs.

City exploring renovations to Auburn Police Department Though Auburn officials still hope to eventually relocate the city's fire and police departm

Comptroller Laura Wills said the renovations will require both local and federal seizure funds accrued by the APD. With the council vote, APD's allotment of $96,058.52 in local seizure funds was transferred into the project's capital account.
In recent years, European small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) have started to look to the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) as a key player in the investment and development of several different types of technologies across a multitude of industries. Relatively low labor costs, high skill levels, and applicability of a range of technologies owing to the diversity in the level of development makes the region an attractive destination for European SMEs.

While accessing the lucrative Southeast Asian markets, European SMEs are often willing to transfer some of their technologies and designs to local subsidiaries of European firms, joint venture partners, or local manufacturing and service companies. One of the challenges facing European companies entering Southeast Asia is devising creative solutions to minimize the risk to their intellectual property (IP) associated with technology transfers. A technology transfer can happen in a number of different ways. European companies most commonly transfer their technology by licensing their patents, designs, software, trade secrets, and know-how. A common misconception is that a technology transfer is limited to transfers of high technology. However, many European companies using contract manufacturing to manufacture low technology, consumer, or industrial products, such as those based on product designs, must deal with the same risks to their IP as their high technology counterparts.

It is not uncommon for some unscrupulous companies in Southeast Asian countries seeking to acquire foreign technology to obtain it either through inadvertent leakage of IP, or in breach of agreements or law. Therefore, European SMEs planning to transfer technology to Southeast Asia should have robust IP strategies in place to protect their business.

First step  Secure your IP through registration

Aside from copyright, IP is administered territorially and therefore must be registered. There is no centralized system, like in Europe, through which SMEs can protect their IP regionally across ASEAN. Therefore, it is necessary to file for patents, designs, and trademarks in each individual country where the SME plans to conduct business. SMEs should also keep in mind that goods move relatively freely across borders in Southeast Asia. This could mean that a European SME might potentially discover infringements of its IP to have occurred in Laos, for instance, when in fact it only sells its products in Thailand, or has a manufacturing base in Malaysia. Given this, if budget allows, it may be sensible for the SMEs to file patents, trademarks, and designs in as many countries in the region as possible. It is also possible to register copyright in most Southeast Asian countries for additional protection, except in Singapore, Myanmar, and Brunei.

Most Southeast Asian countries operate under the first-to-file system, meaning that the first person to file for a patent, trademark, or design will become the owner of the IP of that patent, design or trademark, irrespective of the first use. Therefore, European SMEs should register their IP as soon as possible. Having the filing (even the mere application) in place before initiating talks with a partner strengthens the SMEs position and reduces the risk that a failed discussion with a potential partner could end up with the theft of IP.

Finding your Partner  the importance of non-disclosure agreements and contracts

SMEs may not be familiar with using formal Non-Disclosure Agreements (NDA), but it is worthwhile to consider using such documents prior to entering into talks with a partner, particularly where an SME can identify specific IP or confidential information that will be disclosed during the course of discussions. Such agreements are concise, clear, and generally of standard form and easy to draft. Furthermore, business partners in Southeast Asia are becoming more familiar with agreeing to such terms. In Southeast Asia, with each country having different laws and legal systems, SMEs should seek to obtain a different NDA for each relevant country. Obtaining an NDA by no means provides a watertight case, but it certainly assists in protecting intangible assets, in particular those that cannot be registered or easily protected under local IP legislation (e.g. trade secrets such as certain technologies, formulas, production methods, etc.).

A written contract is strongly preferable to a casual arrangement or an oral agreement. Local legal advice is recommended to ensure that a strong network of agreements is put into place. It is also highly important to ensure that the translation of the contract into the local language of the jurisdiction is accurate, as many courts will use this rather than an English or other European language contract when considering evidence.

After a suitable partner has been found, the second important step is to ensure that the agreement will be enforceable in the country where the contract will be executed. Having the ability to obtain direct relief (including preliminary injunctive relief) in a local court should be a clause that is built into all licenses. This can sit alongside an arbitration clause, but in instances of trade secret theft by an employee or third party, one will want to have direct recourse to the local courts to obtain an emergency injunction, or to carry out search and seize or asset freezing orders.

Internal IP strategy and practical considerations

SMEs, as owners of IP, will no doubt be concerned about how their partners in Southeast Asia use their IP. Therefore, it is important to have ones own internal IP management strategy in place. The following are examples of best practices to consider:

SMEs need to ensure their partner undertakes to use confidentiality agreements/clauses in its contracts with third parties and their employees. Non-solicit and non-compete clauses in employment contracts should also be considered. Regarding employees, it is important to ensure that copyright created by the employee is assigned to the employer, since most Southeast Asian countries have laws providing for employees to own the copyright of their work.

To spread the risk, an SME may wish to consider having certain components of their product manufactured/assembled in different countries or by different parties to help reduce the risk of IP being misappropriated.

SMEs should have formal training documentation protected through NDA/confidentiality agreements and where necessary ensure that their partner uses NDA/confidentiality agreements.

Valuing IP can be difficult in licensing situations. SMEs should consider minimum royalty payment clauses to protect their IP from undervaluing.

IP owners should also ensure that they are entitled to physically visit the partners premises, witness their activities, and perform quality control. This will assist the SMEs in their review of the IP and improvements.

SMEs are advised to take legal action against infringements and breaches of contract. This will ensure that the SME maximizes the monopoly rights of its IP and increases its license value.

Checklist for a Successful Business Endeavor in Southeast Asia

Register your IP first.

Conduct due diligence on your business partner.

Ensure manufacturing/licensing/distribution/franchising agreement complies with the laws of the country in which you are operating; includes the terms to ensure proper use of IP, monitoring process, and quality control; includes the terms to ensure IP is registered and owned by rights holder and not by a third party (or their employees); includes terms to get out safely and ensure that the IP is not used beyond the contract term (this happens frequently with Original Equipment Manufacturer (OEM); and includes terms to ensure continuation of business after ending of the agreement. Note that in some countries licensing agreements must be recorded with the local IP office to be valid.

Auditing of partner (by you or your authorized representative) to ensure no unauthorized use is being made.

Watch for infringements of third parties and have a framework in agreement for the licensees cooperation and assistance.

Ensure that the contract allows for local enforcement to stop the source of the IP violation, rather than first reverting to EU laws or arbitration. Also, note that Singapore is a major transshipment (unloading/reloading) point for the whole of Asia, and containers can be stopped.

Consider arbitration (e.g. in Singapore) as a secondary means of resolving issues. Singapore has a World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO) dispute resolution office that is ready to deal with such issues.

Key takeaways

Given Southeast Asias rapidly evolving economic environment that features varying levels and rates of development, it is important to have tailored strategies when it comes to technology transfer. While the region is increasingly being viewed as a single area in which to trade, it should be borne in mind that each country has its own peculiarities in terms of procedures and laws, and that each country presents its own set of risks and challenges. To ensure that SMEs are as prepared as possible, they should first conduct a review of their own IP. Subsequently, obtaining local legal advice is recommended, such as full due diligence and Southeast Asia-wide negotiations of a contract, or simply reviewing existing agreements to ensure local compliance. Finally, if there is one thing that must not be overlooked, it is the registration of IP. If an SME does not have a written contract or if it uses several partners in one jurisdiction, the fall back and underlying principles on which to enforce the IP will be the SMEs collective IP registrations. Without such precautions, the value of European SMEs IP may be substantially reduced.
The IGR office contributed Rs 21,767 crore to the state coffers in 2015-16 financial year.

The state government's average daily earning through property registration charges and stamp duty has come down to Rs 42 crore from Rs 65 crore earlier.

Mumbai: Stamp duty collection in Maharashtra has dropped by 37 per cent after the Centre demonetised high-value notes, a senior official said on November 18.

The Union government's decision to demonetise Rs 500 and Rs 1,000 notes was announced 10 days back and stamp duty collection is already down by 37 per cent across the state, Inspector General of Registration (IGR) and Controller of Stamps N Ramaswamy told PTI.

The state government's average daily earning through property registration charges and stamp duty has come down to Rs 42 crore from Rs 65 crore earlier, he said.

"Though most of the transactions such as calculation of ready reckoner, its stamp duty and payment are done digitally as well as through demand drafts, still the collection has gone down. "The IGR offices across the state generally handle 7,300 documents daily, which has now plunged to 4,000 documents," he said.

The IGR office registers all types of property deals, including sale and purchase of land, properties, rent and lease agreements. It is the second largest revenue generating department of the state government, after excise. The IGR office contributed Rs 21,767 crore to the state coffers in 2015-16 financial year.

"There is one fee called document handling fee, where Rs 20 per page is charged from the people who are buying it. People generally pay the amount in cash at the IGR office. In post demonetisation period, I have issued a circular that the amount can be paid through demand draft. Still, the response is low," said the IAS officer.

Industry sources said a sizeable section of the total cost of a property is paid in cash and it never reflects on papers. Such deals are badly hit after the government's demonetisation move.
TUCC also welcomes the move of Prime Minister Narendra Modi to discontinue the old currency of Rs 500 and 1000.

New Delhi: Central trade unions (CTUS) are scheduled to meet Finance Minister Arun Jaitley on November 19 for pre-budget consultations where they will raise issues of minimum wage and pension.

RSS-affiliated Bhartiya Mazdoor Sangh (BMS), which will also participate in the deliberations, said that it will urge the government to implement its notification to raise minimum wage from Rs 102 to Rs 350 per day for the entire country.

"In August, government had notified that it will provide social security benefits to Aanganwadi, Asha and Mid-day meal workers. It had set up a committee to look into the matter. We will demand that it should make adequate arrangements from this in the coming budget," BMS said in a statement.

BMS General Secretary Virjesh Upadhyay said that the unions welcome the government's decision to ban Rs 500 and Rs 1,000 currency notes in a bid to check black money.

He said that the government should make adequate monetary arrangement in the coming budget for the implementation of various schemes such as Deen Dayal Upadhyaya Grameen Kaushal Yojna, Pradhan Mantri Gareeb Kalyan Yojna, Shyama Prasad Mukherjee Urban Mission and Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojna.

Earlier, the Trade Union Co-ordination Centre (TUCC) had said that it will raise the issue of fixation of minimum wages for all the workers across India at Rs 21,000 per month and fixation of monthly pension to the EPFO subscribers at Rs 3,000 per month at the consultations.

Besides, other issues to be taken up include budgetary allocation for social security fund for 45.7 crore informal sector workers and withdrawal of foreign direct investment (FDI) from core areas like defence, railways, banking and space.

"TUCC also welcomes the move of Prime Minister Narendra Modi to discontinue the old currency of Rs 500 and 1000, which will stop the black money circulation in the economy and stop terror financing too," it had said.
Sikka conceded that hiring people in the United States would likely be more expensive Indian software service group Infosys is bracing for pressure on its US business from anti-immigrant policies by US President-elect Donald Trump, who has identified clamping down on immigration as one of his three top priorities.

"Margins might be impacted in the near-term," Chief Executive Vishal Sikka said, adding the company had not yet done any simulations on how large the impact may turn out to be.

Infosys' contingency plan for the case that the group would not be able to send low-cost developers to work with temporary work visas on big tech projects in the United States would be to hire staff locally, he said.

Sikka conceded that hiring people in the United States would likely be more expensive, adding that he saw no shortage in potential applicants.

"There are enough universities, enough ability to hire, enough ability to teach," Sikka said, adding he did not expect to lose market share to U.S. peers such as Cognizant.

Infosys last month cut its annual revenue growth target for the second time in three months as India's software service exporters feel the pinch of major Western clients holding back on spending.
Mumbai: Several media reports claimed on November 17 that the legal war between Hrithik Roshan and Kangana Ranaut was finally over. It was reported that the Cyber Crime Cell of Mumbai Police decided to close the investigation due to lack of evidence.

However, just few hours later, Hrithik Roshans legal team responded by slamming the reports and saying that the investigation into Hrithik and Kanganas emails has not been shut. The team has also said that case is not only in motion but a section of the media was in partnership with Kanganas lawyer to mislead people with false information regarding the case.

Media reports which suggest that the investigation into the Hrithik - Kangana emails is closed, are totally false. A section of the media in connivance with Ms. Ranaut's lawyer have sought to disseminate this false information. The investigation in fact continues and Mr. Saxena (Joint Commissioner of Police, Crime) has informed Mr. Mahesh Jethmalani, Senior Counsel advising Mr. Roshan that "the case is not yet closed. Investigation is still going on," Hrithik's spokesperson said in a statement.

Previously reports suggested that the Mumbai police tracked down the email id hroshan@email.com, the alleged email account of Hrithik Roshan, to someone in the US. Since the IP address is not operational in India, the police failed to unmask the face behind those emails and decided to submit an NIL report indicating that the case is highly likely to hit dead end, a daily had reported.

Kanganas lawyer Rizwan Siddiquee called the Mumbai Polices decision to shut the case as a sign of victory saying that he is not surprised by the Cyber Cell submitting a NIL report in the case post their investigation.

This means that they could not trace any imposter as was claimed by Hrithik Roshan. Kangana has always been maintaining that there was no imposter ever, Rizwan was quoted by a daily.

However, Hrithiks team hit back instantly saying that they are still holding their side of the story, and also claimed that it was Kangana who persistently hounded Roshan on emails. It is categorically asserted that there is unimpeachable evidence to suggest that there was no relationship of any kind between Mr. Roshan and Ms. Ranaut and that Ms. Ranaut persistently hounded Mr. Roshan on emails with the intention to entice him into a relationship, the statement further stated.

The controversial tiff between the two began when Kangana called the 'Bang Bang' actor her silly ex. Following her statement, Hrithik slapped a legal notice on her and demanded an apology.

Ever since then, their on-going legal battle topped up with heated and counter-arguments has been making headlines.
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AUBURN  Two Auburn men were sentenced in separate drug-related cases Thursday, but not before both raised questions about Cayuga County District Attorney Jon Budelmann.

Tyrone Matthews, of 44 Orchard St., and Adam Smith, of 10 Wheeler St., appeared in Cayuga County criminal court before Judge Thomas Leone. But all parties had a lot to say regarding recent allegations against the district attorney.

On Sept. 13, former Assistant District Attorney Jeffrey Domachowski filed a notice of claim accusing Budelmann of wrongful termination and withholding "exculpatory 'Brady' material" in 15 drug cases. That has lead several defendants and their attorneys to believe they have not received all evidence from the district attorney.

Budelmann has called Domachowski's claims "imaginary," stating that the former assistant prosecutor was terminated this summer for unethical conduct with defense attorneys on cases, including defense attorney Simon Moody and his client, 40-year-old Matthews.

In September, a jury acquitted Matthews of five felony drug charges, instead finding him guilty of three misdemeanors for possessing small amounts of cocaine and heroin.

At Matthews' sentencing Thursday, Budelmann brought up "cryptic emails" between Moody and Domachowski, in which the former ADA addressed "our project" and "mutual goal" in Matthews' case.

"Their project was to tarnish the integrity of this office," Budelmann told Leone. "These allegations that I withheld Brady material ... are the result of a Syracuse reporter and a former employee with an ax to grind. ... We turned (evidence) over in discovery and we turned it over in secret emails."

As Budelmann continued to discuss Domachowski's claims, Moody objected several times, saying the district attorney's comments had gone beyond the scope of sentencing.

"We are here for sentencing, not for the DA to establish a defense in a lawsuit against him," Moody said. "This is completely inappropriate."

In the end, Leone went ahead with sentencing, giving Matthews -- a four-time convicted drug dealer -- the maximum of two years in Cayuga County Jail. Matthews has already served 14 months.

After Matthews' sentencing, 30-year-old Smith appeared before Leone and his attorney, Thomas Murphy, asked to withdraw Smith's guilty plea due to the "alleged discovery issues" at the district attorney's office.

Smith  who pleaded guilty to third-degree criminal possession of a controlled substance, a class B felony  said he was worried that Budelmann did not disclose all of the information and evidence they had with his attorney.

"We did disclose that there was an issue with the confidential informant," Budelmann said, noting that they discussed the issue before Smith's plea. "There is no more information to turn over here."

Leone agreed.

"It appears to me the district attorney has provided all the information they had in this case," Leone said, denying Smith's request to withdraw his plea.

A second felony offender, Smith was sentenced to 5 1/2 years in prison followed by 3 years post-release supervision.
Hollywood Australian actor Chris Hemsworth has been awarded 'Man Of The Year' by GQ magazine, Australia.

Mumbai: The proud Aussie, talented surfer, doting dad and charitable, grounded, funny and successful actor has been announced as GQ 'Man Of The Year' at the Australian award ceremony in Sydney, reports gq.com.au.

His colleagues also find it hard to say a bad word about the 'Ghosbusters' star, who was once named People magazine's 'Sexiest Man Alive'.

In the issue, Hemsworth's 'Thor' co-star Tom Hiddleston sums up the actor appeal.

"One morning on the set of Thor: Ragnarok, I watch Chris zero in on an important scene between Thor and Loki with razor-sharp focus and commitment. The scene required a lot of nuance, but he wanted to shoot it quickly, because he had to be off-set by lunchtime in order to make it to father-daughter day at school in the afternoon," Hiddleston shared.

"That's a Man Of The Year if ever I saw one," the British heartthrob told the magazine.

While receiving the award, Hemsworth thanked his wife, Elsa Pataky and all the great women of the world, saying, "You can't have a great man without a great woman."

Other honorees include Dylan Alcott for 'Sportsman of the Year', Atlassian as 'Entrepreneurs of the Year', Iggy Azalea as 'Woman of the Year', Shannon Bennett as 'Chef of the Year', Kyle Chalmers for 'Breakthrough Sportsman of the Year' and many more.
The bench said the questions framed by this Court have been of significance and are required to be debated.

New Delhi: The Supreme Court directed Uttar Pradesh minister Azam Khan on Thursday to file an affidavit in two weeks tendering an unconditional apology for his reported remarks against the victims of the Bhulandshahar gangrape case.

A bench of justices Dipak Misra and Amitav Roy accepted the submissions of senior counsel Kapil Sibal  appearing for Azam Khan  that if any statement made by Mr Khan insulted or humiliated the victim, he would file an unconditional apology, supported with by affidavit.

The counsel for Uttar Pradesh informed the court that the two victims were each given Rs 10 lakh and two residential houses. Arrangements will also be made for the education of the minor girl. He submitted that steps will be taken to get the victim admitted to a Kendriya Vidyalaya within a month.

The bench said Needless to say, the expenses shall be borne by the state of UP. The petitioner, who is the father of the victim, shall indicate the choice of the school within a week.

The school administration where the girl shall be admitted shall see to it that she is treated with respect, for the dignity of a woman is absolutely uncompromisable with any kind of thought or concept or idea, which some time notioned in fancy.

Mr. Fali S. Nariman, Amicus Curiae submitted that for the purpose of this case, unconditional apology may be accepted, but the questions framed by this Court on August 29 should be debated and a decision be rendered so that before anyone, who holds a public office or authority, makes a statement, would be careful in respect of a victim, especially a victim of rape or molestation.

The bench said the questions framed by this Court have been of significance and are required to be debated. It sought the assistance of the Attorney General in this regard and posted the case for further hearing on December 7 to consider the affidavit of Azam Khan.
Government transitions are never managed perfectly and never easy, Bill Gates said.

New Delhi: A day after meeting Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Bill Gates, founder of Microsoft and co-Chairperson of the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation, on Thursday backed the government's decision to demonetise Rs 500, 1000 notes.

According to reports, Gates said that transition is never easy when a government takes bold steps for the greater good but that the temporary pain caused it worth it.

"Government transitions are never managed perfectly and never easy," he said referring to the woes faced by millions across the country due to scrapping of big note.

With the Modi-government trying to move towards a cashless future in its bid to wipe out black money and corruption, Gates lauded steps taken by the country towards digitisation.

"India is pushing towards digitisation in a big way. The scale of the country means that once India gets there, the amount of digital innovation here will be greater than anywhere else in the world," Gates added.

Bill Gates also met Rajnath Singh, who asked him to support Central government's efforts for skill upgradation of workers in agriculture sector.

Commending the welfare schemes being run by the Gates Foundation in India, Singh said after the success of its 'Ananya' child care and maternal health programme in Uttar Pradesh and Bihar, the scheme should also be implemented in Chhattisgah, Jharkhand and Odisha where there is a large tribal population.

The Home Minister invited Gates to support the Central government's initiative to give a major push to skill upgradation of workers in India's agriculture sector, an official statement said.

Singh lauded the Gates Foundation's 'Awahan' initiative which has helped reduce the spread of HIV infection across India.

The Home Minister said the Central government has laid stress on the JAM (Jan Dhan Accounts, Aadhar Number and Mobile Governance) platform and hoped Gates' Potential Digital Financial Inclusion Models can be adopted to improve the Service Delivery System in the country, the statement said.
'The decision to put indelible ink on fingers of account holders is a senseless, Fascist and Nazist act of branding people.'

New Delhi: Congress on Thursday accused the government of "branding" people through its "fascist act" of inking those exchanging demonetised currency notes even as it charged Prime Minister Narendra Modi with "disrespecting" Parliament by not hearing out concerns raised by members on demonetisation.



Party spokesperson Anand Sharma said the Modi government was "insulting and harassing" crores of Indians by subjecting them to stand in long queues to withdraw money and demanded apology from the Prime Minister and Finance Minister Arun Jaitley.



"The decision to put indelible ink on fingers of account holders is a senseless, Fascist and Nazist act of branding people. It is shameful that they have done so with foreign tourists. Instead of sermonising, Prime Minister Narendra Modi and his Finance minister should hang their heads in shame and apologise to the people," he told PTI.



He said the Prime Minister saying that he will not answer the concerns raised by opposition members in Parliament shows how he is "disrespecting" Parliament.



"The PM's stand in not being present in Parliament smacks of arrogance and disrespect for the institution of Parliament.



Narendra Modi does not have the courage to face the truth and lacks the grace to apologise to the people for the suffering inflicted on crores of Indians," he said.



The Congress leader said India's image globally has been besmirched with foreign missions issuing advisories to their citizens against travelling to India.



Sharma also accused the Prime Minister of indulging in "selective leaks" from September onwards and said "it is government's failure to maintain secrecy and selectively leak the proposed step to individuals and vested interests and groups identified with BJP."



"It is a big scam which demands an investigation. The opposition demand of JPC is fully justified and we are determined to press for it," he said.



Sharma took strong objection to Union Minister Venkaiah Naidu's remarks targeting Leader of Opposition in the Rajya Sabha Ghulam Nabi Azad. Azad had equated the Uri terror attack and deaths in queues at banks in terms of deaths. Sharma said Naidu's statement "mischievously distorts the comments made by the Leader of Opposition".



He said, "In their desperation, Naidu and the government are seeking to communalise the comments also by raising the bogie of nationalism, which definitely is not their exclusive domain."



The former Union Minister said, "Instead of urgently addressing the situation caused by demonetisation move, the government is engaging in false propaganda and escape accountability.
'You have scrapped (Rs) 500 and 1,000, but what happened to the 100 rupee note?,' the apex court asked the government.

People queue up outside a bank to exchange their old Rs 1000 and 500 notes in Lucknow. (Photo: PTI)

New Delhi: The Supreme Court on Friday took on the Centre over demonetisation of Rs 500 and Rs 1000 notes, saying, "There are difficulties. You can't dispute that."

"We will have riots on the streets," the apex court observed.

The Supreme Court dubbed as a "serious issue" the long queues outside banks and post offices and expressed its reservation on the Centre's plea seeking a direction that no other court in the country should entertain petitions challenging the November 8 notification demonetising Rs 1,000 and Rs 500 currency notes.

"It is a serious issue which requires consideration," a bench comprising Chief Justice T S Thakur and Justice A R Dave said, while asking the parties to be ready with data and other issues in writing.

Chief Justice TS Thakur said because of these difficulties, people are approaching the courts.

In response, Attorney General Mukul Rohatgi said the queues are getting shorter and even suggested that the CJI can go out during lunch and himself look at the queue.

"Kindly go in the lunch time," the AG told the bench and took objection to senior advocate Kapil Sibal, appearing for a private party, for allegedly exaggerating the situation.

"It's a political attempt in the court. I have seen your (Sibal's) press conference also. You are not appearing for a political party, but for an advocate. You are turning the apex court into a political platform," Rohatgi said.

"You have scrapped 500 and 1,000, but what happened to the 100 rupee note?" the Chief Justice asked the government, which replied that ATMs needed to be recalibrated because they have a single drawer for Rs. 100 notes.

"The last time you said you are working out relief but you have reduced the withdrawal amount to 2,000. What's the problem? Is it printing problem?" Justice Thakur asked the government.

Replying to the Courts question, Rohatgi said that even after printing, the new notes have to be transported to different parts of the country to lakhs of bank branches and ATMs have to be recalibrated.

We have given relief to farmers, wedding and small traders, the lawyer said.

The government earlier this week reduced the Rs 4,500 limit for the exchange of notes at banks to Rs 2,000 per day, saying it would enable more people to get cash.

To questions from the bench, the AG said Rs 100 notes are in circulation and the ATMs needed to be re-calibrated to issue new currency notes of Rs 500 and Rs 2,000.

He also elaborated on the steps taken by the government to meet the situation by stating that besides reducing the exchange limit, farmers have been allowed to withdraw Rs 50,000 and people having weddings at home can withdraw Rs 2.5 lakh.

"At a petrol pump, which has card swipe machine of SBI, people can go and withdraw money upto Rs 2,000. We have been monitoring the situation day-by-day," Rohatgi said and added that the idea was to push the new notes of Rs 2,000 as one note of Rs 2,000 is equal to 20 notes of Rs 100.

At this point, Sibal interrupted and said the problem is of printing as they need to print Rs 23 lakh crore, but they do not have the capacity to do that.

"Already they have frozen Rs 14,000 crore and it is not clear under which law they have done so," he said, contending that it is a serious situation where people cannot withdraw their own taxed money.

"They are trustee, how can they not let us withdraw our legitimate money," he said, adding that "the situation has turned from bad to worse".

Sibal said that the government was not concerned about the people living in remote areas of the north-east, Himachal Pradesh and Naxal-hit district of Bastar where people have to walk for 20 kms to reach an ATM.

While the Congress leader was making the submission pointing out the deficiencies and the steps taken by the Centre, the AG said, "We need not give any explanation as right now it is the interim application that has to be heard."

Realising that the bench has reservation in entertaining the Centre's application, Rohatgi said, "We will file a transfer petition".

The matter will be heard again on November 25.

The Centre has moved the apex court seeking a stay on the proceedings before various high courts and other courts except the apex court against demonetisation issue, saying otherwise it will create a lot of confusion.

The apex court had on November 15 refused to stay the government's demonetisation notification, but asked it to spell out the steps taken to minimise public inconvenience.

Out of the four PILs in the apex court on the demonetisation issue, two were filed by Delhi-based lawyers Vivek Narayan Sharma and Sangam Lal Pandey, while two others were filed by individuals, S Muthukumar and Adil Alvi.

The petitioners have alleged that the sudden decision has created chaos and harassment to the public at large and the notification of the Department of Economic Affairs, Ministry of Finance be either quashed or deferred for some time.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi, in a televised address to the nation on November 8, had announced that Rs 500 and Rs 1000 notes will no longer be legal tender from November 9.

He had said the government has declared a "decisive war" against black money and corruption.

But in response to a lawyer who complained that the newly issued Rs 2000 notes bleed colour when they are wet, Chief Justice Thakur observed, then dont put them in water.

Lawyer ML Sharma, who made the complaint, is among a group of petitioners who have asked the top court to cancel the ban on Rs. 500 and Rs. 1,000 notes announced a little over a week ago by Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
A host of dignitaries wished Ms Swaraj a speedy recovery and expressed the hope that would return back to her official work.

Bhopal/Chennai/New Delhi: A day after external affairs minister Sushma Swaraj tweeted about her kidney failure, a traffic constable of Madhya Pradesh Police on Thursday offered to donate one of his kidneys to her.

I want to donate my kidney to you and my blood group is O positive, traffic constable Gaurav Singh Dangi, 26, tweeted. One can live with one kidney. There can be no better things to do than donate the other kidney to a needy person, he said.

He is not alone. There are hundreds of others who have spontaneously responded in a similar vein after Ms Swaraj, admitted to AIIMS in New Delhi on November 15, tweeted that she was on dialysis and needed to undergo a kidney transplant.

@sushmaSwaraj Although with responsibility of a 5 year-old-son, I can offer my kidney to u for nations good. I m O+. May Allah s.w.t help u!, Ali Imran Naqvi tweeted.

@SushmaSwaraj Mam If you wish. I am ready to donate my kidney for you. Nation needs your services, tweeted her follower Nikhil Dadhich.

A host of dignitaries wished Ms Swaraj a speedy recovery and expressed the hope that would return back to her official work.

The responses left the minister overwhelmed. My heartfelt thanks for your kind words and good wishes. Some friends have also offered their kidneys for my transplant. I have no words to express my deep sense of gratitude towards them, Ms Swaraj tweeted.

With your good wishes and Lord Krishnas blessings, I will be able to come out of this situation, she said.
Jamia Millia Islamia, where Najeeb was reportedly last seen, is allegedly not cooperating in the probe.

New Delhi: Delhi Police's investigation into the mysterious disappearance of JNU student Najeeb Ahmed has hit a roadblock as the administration of Jamia Millia Islamia, where he was reportedly last seen, is allegedly not cooperating in the probe.



On Wednesday, the Crime Branch team had revealed that it has traced an auto driver who said he had dropped Najeeb at Jamia Millia Islamia.



However, sources privy to the probe said the Jamia administration hasn't shared the CCTV footage.



"They aren't cooperating with us. They haven't yet shared the CCTV footage with us," a source said.



Jamia authorities claimed that they have been cooperative in the probe.



"They have approached us and we are cooperating with police in every possible way," Jamia spokesperson said.



Police had also said that Najeeb had hailed the auto himself and he wasn't accompanied by anyone when he left the JNU campus thereby ruling out the theory that he was kidnapped.

Earlier, Delhi Police Commissioner Alok Kumar Verma also approved the increase in the reward amount from Rs 2 lakh to Rs 5 lakh owing to the "sensitivity" of the matter.



Najeeb had gone missing on October 15 following an on-campus scuffle allegedly with ABVP members the night before.



Meanwhile, JNU Students Union President Mohit Pandey took to Twitter requesting an appointment with Vice Chancellor Jagadesh Kumar to seek a status report on Najeeb's case.



"Since our VC is only active on Twitter, we are tweeting to seek an appointment with him," he said.



JNUSU General Secretary Satarupa Chakraborty tweeted, "Dear VC @mamidala90, we are waiting for your reply as JNUSU seeks urgent appointment."



JNU students and teachers have been leading a movement alleging inaction on administration and Delhi Police's part in tracing the missing student.
Congress leader Tharoor said that hostility between India and Pakistan 'can be a mood but not a policy'.

Mumbai: Expressing displeasure with the way the "ADHM" controversy was handled by the Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis, Congress MP Shashi Tharoor today said he favoured inviting Pakistani artists, creative people and businessmen to boost bilateral ties.



"We should welcome creative people, artistes and genuine businessmen (from Pakistan) to India," Tharoor said, during a debate in the Tata Literature Live Festival here tonight.



"We have to create a 'home away from home' situation for them," he said, adding that hostility between the two countries "can be a mood but not a policy".



In a scathing comment about the way Fadnavis handled the controversy surrounding Karan Johar-directed 'Ae Dil Hai Mushkil' when MNS opposed the film because it had Pakistani actor Fawad Khan, Tharoor said, "Certainly no Congress Chief Minister would have ever negotiated (with outfits like MNS)."



The Raj Thackeray-led party later relented on the condition that the producers would give a donation to Army welfare fund. Fadnavis later denied that he brokered the 'deal' between MNS and the ADHM producers.



Taking part in a debate on 'India and Pakistan can never be friends', Tharoor contended that people-to-people cooperation would improve bilateral ties.



"Create an umbrella where artists, the fashion designers and genuine businesspersons would interact more frequently, form associations which would create a constituency of goodwill," Tharoor said.
The collegiums insistence on appointing the 43 names returned is bound to result in confrontation.

New Delhi: In a move which will escalate into a confrontation between the judiciary and the executive, the Chief Justice of India T.S. Thakur, heading the Supreme Court collegium informed the Attorney General Mukul Rohatgi on Friday that the collegium has reiterated the names of all 43 judges for the high courts which were returned by the law ministry for fresh reconsideration.

The CJI sitting with Justice Anil R. Dave told the AG We (collegium) met last recently and we are reiterating all the names. The appointment may be made. We will give you three weeks. The recommendations were made by the high courts of Madras, Allahabad, Karnataka, Hyderabad for AP and Telangana and Kerala as early as in January and February this year. The Bench has posted the matter for further hearing in January and by then the Chief Justice T.S. Thakur may have retired. His retirement date is January 3, 2017.

Under the Memorandum of Procedure relating to appointment of Judges, if the collegium reiterates the names for the second time, the Centre is bound to accept them and forward to the President for appointment.

The new MoP is pending consideration with the apex court as it has refused to accept the governments condition to have veto power on appointments if the person recommended for judge is a threat to national security.

The collegiums insistence on appointing the 43 names returned is bound to result in confrontation and there is a possibility of the government sitting over the names and putting them in cold storage as there is no limit for forwarding the names.

The Bench was hearing a PIL filed by Lt. Colonel (retd) Anil Kabotra and lawyer Ashwini Upadhyaya highlighting the problems of pendency of cases in various High Courts and the inordinate delay in appointing judges to fill the vacancies.

In the last hearing Centre had informed the CJI that not a single file is pending with the government; of the 77 names recommended we have appointed 34 persons and we have returned 43 names for your consideration. He also said that the draft MOP is pending with the collegium since August 3. Pending finalisation of MoP, the centre has cleared 311 names for appointment as judges.
BJP spokesperson Hitesh Bajpayee dismissed the talks of demonetisation move having any impact on the two byelections.

Bhopal: All eyes are now focused on the two byelections in Madhya Pradesh, scheduled to be held on November 19, billed as a referendum on the BJP-led Central governments demonetisation move.

The Opposition Congress has made the demonetisation issue its key poll plank in the twin byelections to Shahdol (ST) Lok Sabha and Nepanagar (ST) Assembly constituencies, highlighting the miseries of people in the wake of Rs 500 and Rs 1,000 notes being banned.

People are facing serious problems following the measure. Common people are forced to stand in long queues to exchange their high value currency notes. Farmers have no money to purchase fertiliser and seeds. Simmering anger among the people over the scarcity of cash will reflect in the two byelections, and the ruling BJP will suffer defeats in both the polls, Madhya Pradesh Congress committee president Arun Yadav said.

However, BJP spokesperson Hitesh Bajpayee dismissed the talks of demonetisation move having any impact on the two byelections.

Demonetisation is no issue in these tribal dominated areas. The tribals of these two constituencies are more concerned about getting land lease rights. They are happy with their staple food  rice and jowar, he added.

The BJP appeared hell bent on retaining both the seats, with chief minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan himself taking charge of electioneering for the party.

He has deployed over a dozen of his ministers in different areas in these two constituencies to woo voters.

The campaigns of both the ruling BJP and Opposition Congress in the two byelections have gained unusual momentum after the demonetisation announcement by the Centre. The Congress wanted to project the byelections as referendum on demonetisation measure to cash in on the apparent anger of the people in the area, a state government employee posted in Shahdol told this newspaper.

Both the by-elections are witnessing two-corner contests between BJP and Congress, although, there were candidates of other parties in fray.
For the past 10 years, Mothers Against Drunk Driving has rated every state based on its drunk driving laws and reform efforts, and this year New York State has once again ranked high on the list.

According to MADD's 2016 Report to the Nation, with four out of five stars, New York was one of 10 states that has adopted stricter drunk driving laws and implemented countermeasures over the years. Colorado, Delaware, Illinois and Missouri also scored four stars while Arizona, Maryland, Mississippi, Nebraska and West Virginia scored 4 1/2.

Every year, each star represents one of five criteria that MADD uses to measure the state's success in curbing drunk driving. Those include sobriety checkpoints, ignition interlock devices for all drunk driving offenders, enhanced penalties for those who drive drunk with children in the vehicle, "no-refusal" activities for those suspected of drunk driving and license revocation for convicted drunk drivers.

And while New York has met most of MADD's criteria, it has not participated in "no-refusal" activities, lacking expedited warrants and punishment for people who refuse to take breath or blood tests.

Still, Cayuga County Assistant District Attorney Diane Adsit said New York has come a long way in prosecuting drunk drivers.

"The state has improved significantly in the time that I've been a prosecutor," she said Friday. "There are more serious levels of offenses now than when I started 27 years ago."

For example, Adsit said, New York State has implemented vehicular homicide statutes, something that didn't exist 20 years ago.

"When I first started, if you killed someone with your car, the worst you could get was seven years in prison," she said. "Now, you can get up to 25 (years)."

But, despite the additional statutes and charges, both Adsit and MADD acknowledge that more can be done.

"There's always room for improvement," Adsit said, noting that the District Attorneys Association of New York State continues to advocate for tougher laws.

"We've made great progress," MADD National President Colleen Sheehey-church said in a press release. "But with more than 10,000 lives lost to drunk driving in 2015, and concerns that the numbers are even high in 2016, we still have a lot of work to do."

To read MADD's 2016 Report to the Nation, visit madd.org/2016campaignreport.
However, the Sena stuck to its criticism, saying it could have been implemented in a better way.

New Delhi: Barely a day after the Shiv Sena, a key ally of the NDA government at the Centre, joined a protest march to the Rashtrapati Bhavan with Opposition parties against the Centres demonetisation drive, Union home minister Rajnath Singh spoke to Sena chief Uddhav Thackeray and apparently conveyed unhappiness over the development.

However, the Sena stuck to its criticism, saying it could have been implemented in a better way.

We are with the government in their fight against black money, but common man has been immensely troubled by the way the decision was implemented. The common man is not a thief. I have conveyed to Rajnath Singh that though their intentions were right, the decision could have been implemented in a much better way, the Sena chief said in Mumbai.

The issue had triggered a political controversy as the Shiv Sena has been one of the oldest allies of the BJP. Despite this, it joined the protest march, which was led by West Bengal chief minister and Trinamool Congress head Mamata Banerjee.

During his 10-minute telephonic conversation, the home minister is believed to have told the Sena chief that the move was avoidable, and joining hands with the Opposition against an ambitious scheme of the Centre would send wrong and confusing signals, specially when Parliament was in session.

The parties had complained to President Pranab Mukherjee that demonetisation was causing considerable hardship to the people.

Even as most parties who had joined the march sought the immediate withdrawal of the demonetisation exercise, the Shiv Sena demanded that the deadline for accepting old currency notes must be extended.

Shiv Sena leader Gajanan Kirtikar had said following the march on Thursday that while the party welcomed the demonetisation move, they were against the inconvenience being caused to people due to it.

We have not signed the memorandum given to the President. We will submit a separate memorandum seeking redressal of the inconvenience caused to people. We also want the period to be extended, Mr Kirtikar said.
Shatrughan Sinha also questioned the restrictions imposed on withdrawal of money.

New Delhi: Hailing Prime Minister Narendra Modi for his bold, wise and timely move to curb black money, BJP MP Shatrughan Sinha was, however, also critical of the situation following demonetisation, which he described as chaotic.

Mr Sinha demanded that accountability should be fixed as the Prime Minister has been let down by his team members. Calling the PM a dashing, dynamic action-hero, the Patna Sahib MP also blamed the government for its faulty execution while speaking to reporters outside Parliament on Friday.

Accountability should be fixed for the chaotic situation. The Prime Minister has been let down by his team and those in the government responsible for it should be identified, he said.

He also questioned the restrictions imposed on withdrawal of money, saying people are being prevented from claiming their own money. What kind of drama is this? he said.

Taking a dig over the claims that demonetisation is a surgical strike against black money, he said, The governments team should have done their homework. Dont you think it was their responsibility to take care of post surgical strike situation as well.

Mr Sinha, who has often criticised the government and his party, also said that the Centre should use the services of Arun Shourie, Yashwant Sinha and Subramanian Swamy to disseminate the official message, because they enjoy a clean image.

Mr Shourie and Mr Yashwant Sinha, who were ministers in the Vajpayee government, have been critical of the current dispensation while Dr Swamy has often attacked Finance minister Arun Jaitley.

Apparently referring to Mr Shouries comments in which he hasd taken a swipe at the measure, the cine star and former union minister said he had made good points.

He said the poor and the lower and middle classes have been waiting in queue to get money to buy food and medicine and the government must heed to good points being made by the opposition as it is a matter of national interest.
The clamour for Priyanka Gandhi to campaign across the state was doing rounds for the past couple of months.

New Delhi: It is almost official now. The Congress is going to launch its trump card, Priyanka Gandhi, in the upcoming Assembly polls in Uttar Pradesh. As of now, her role is confined to Amethi and Rae Bareilly constituencies. For the past four months, there was speculation that she could campaign across the state but now decks are cleared for her to play a major role. She has been actively involved in all background meetings of the UP Congress.

UP campaign committee chief Sanjay Singh said, Let things settle down first and once we finalise the name, she will definitely play a major role. While UP Congress chief Raj Babbar said, It has been decided that she will campaign for the party in UP, and she has agreed. So whenever we will get her schedule, we will use her time accordingly.

The Congress had earlier allowed the party leaders to put up the pictures of Priyanka Gandhi in the party posters. On November 21, Congress president Sonia Gandhi, Congress vice-president Rahul Gandhi and Priyanka Gandhi are expected will visit Allahabad to inaugurate an exhibition of the centenary celebrations of former Prime Minister Indira Gandhi. The programme is scheduled in their ancestral house, Pandit Jawahar Lal Nehru Anand Bhawan. Leaders and delegations of Congress from several states will also be present.

The clamour for Priyanka Gandhi to campaign across the state was doing rounds for the past couple of months. One section of the party wanted her to actively campaign in the state, while the other section was against it, stating the party should wait for the 2019 Lok Sabha elections.
China's Yao Tingting won best woman director award for Yesterday Once More.

A still from Another Time; Nahid Hassanzadehs debut feature was adjudged best film by a woman director.

Kolkata: Irans cinema had a memorable moment on Friday when Another Time, directed by Nahid Hasanzadeh won the best film award in the women directors category on the concluding day of the 22nd Kolkata International Film Festival (KIFF).

At a gala event at Nazrul Mancha, Ms Hasanzadeh and the producer of her film, Fery-Malekmadani, were handed over Golden Royal Bengal Tiger Award, 2016 by Bollywood actor Raveena Tandon.

I want to thank the KIFF jury for the selection of my movie as the best film in the category. There is an emotion attached to it because I had suffered problems while making this movie. It is a beautiful feeling to be awarded for your effort, Ms Hasanzadeh said in her speech.

The 82-minute long film is based on Ghadir, a worker at a chemical plant who is arrested for protesting after not being paid for over a year. He is imprisoned without trial and then released a year later without explanation.

On arriving home, he finds his daughter Somayeh has given birth out of wedlock, according to the script.

At the festival, Chinas Yao Tingting took home the best woman director award for her film, Yesterday Once More.

Besides awards were given to filim directors and producers in four more categories: Best Short Film, Best Documentary Film, Netpac Awards for Asian Flims and Innovation in Moving Images.

In her address Raveena praised chief minister Mamata Banerjee for her initiative behind KIFF. State finance minister Amit Mitra who presided over the event said that film is an integral part of articulation of life.

Five other ministers: Subrata Mukherjee, Shobhandeb Chattopadhyay, Shovan Chatterjee, Firhad Hakim and Aroop Biswas also attended the event and congratulated the winners.
Maharashtras forest department is assisting Uttarakhand forest officials in dealing with human animal conflict.

Mumbai: The Uttarakhand forest department has sought the help of Maharashtra forest department to deal with the human-animal conflict in its state that sees around 25 such deaths every year.

Currently, senior officers in the state forest department, researchers in the Sanjay Gandhi National Park and Aarey Milk Colony are engaged with a team of 14 officials from Uttarakhand, including its forest officials and representatives from the severely affected areas, to give them ideas and knowledge on managing human-animal conflict. The Uttarakhand team is on a two-day visit to the city.

The state chief conservator of forest Ahmed Anwar, his predecessor Vikas Gupta and chief conservator of forests for the Pune wildlife wing Sunil Limaye, spoke about the initiatives taken by not only the park officials but also wildlife lovers who had started a group  Mumbaikars for SGNP. This group has been conducting sessions with the locals residing in and around the park to educate them about the precautions to be taken.

Maharashtras forest department is assisting Uttarakhand forest officials in dealing with human animal conflict. Biologist Dr Vidya Athreya organised a presentation with a case study to help the officials understand that co-existence of human with leopard is possible if preventive measures are taken.

Dr Dhananjay Mohan, chief conservator of forests, wildlife administration, conservation and information, Uttarakhand, said, Our main aim is to get locals from the affected areas to understand that co-existing with the big cat is possible.
Mumbai Police says will look into listings on eBay, OLX to check who uploaded them, will take action.

The sites were selling old and new notes for a higher price than their worth.

Mumbai: A day after The Asian Age reported on how people were trying to sell Rs 500 and Rs 1,000 currency notes after they were denotified on e-commerce websites such as eBay and OLX, the Mumbai police's cyber Cell is looking into the listings. The Cyber crime cell is verifying what kind of currency notes are up for sale and who are the people who have uploaded the same.

The Asian Age had on November 17 reported that online reselling sites especially eBay and OLX were selling old currency notes for exorbitant prices such as Rs 15,000 and Rs 7,999.

Both the sites also had listings for the new Rs 2,000 currency note with one of the listings on eBay selling the same for Rs 2 lakh. eBay had 430 listings for the search term Rs 500 and the same had gone up to 513 listings on Friday. Both the listings on OLX for the new Rs 2,000 note had been removed.

Joint Commissioner of Police, Deven Bharti, had said that trading in currency notes especially the old ones since they were now denotified was illegal.

With the old notes being banned and not in use anymore, no one can use it or sell it unless prescribed by the government. And trading in any currency notes  old and new is illegal. We will take action after going through the listing, he said.

When contacted the Mumbai Police Commissioner D.D. Padsalgikar said that he would ask the Cyber police to look into the same.

The Cyber polices temporary charge is with DCP (Detection 1) Shashikant Satav who said the police had started verifying the listings. We will go through all the listings on the said site and after verifying who these were uploaded by, we will take appropriate action, said Mr Satav.
IRF in its statement said that it would take steps to get the ban revoked.

Mumbai: The Islamic Research Foundation (IRF) owned and run by controversial televangelist Zakir Naik was on Friday shut down by the Mumbai police after it received an order regarding the same from the government.

The order served to the IRF declares that the foundation propagates disharmony and feelings of hatred among different religious communities and has been declared unlawful under the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA).

IRF in its statement said that it would take steps to get the ban revoked.

The notice issued by the Ministry of Home Affairs on November 17, lists the five cases registered against Naik and other members of the IRF with two in Mumbai, one in Sawant-wadi, one in Vengurla and one in Kerala.

The four Mumbai cases are of those registered at the Nagpada police station on August 6, 2016 against Arshi Qureshi, an employee of the IRF alleging that he goaded a youngster Ashfaq Majeed to leave the country and join the Islamic State. The three other cases from Maharashtra are ones registered in 2012 and 2013 against Naik himself for making derogatory statements against Hindu gods.

DCP Ashok Dudhe, Mumbai police spokesperson, said, Central Government of India have declared Islamic Research Foundation (IRF) as an Unlawful Association with immediate effect. The Mumbai police has served a copy of the notification to the office bearers of IRF.

The order further goes on to add that the speeches and statements made by Naik extol known terrorists such as Osama Bin Laden. The speeches proclaim that every Muslim should be a terrorist and claim that if Islam had indeed wanted 80 per cent of the Indian population would not have remained Hindus as they could have been converted by sword, stated the order. It added that his speeches also justified suicide bombings and were derogatory against other religions.

The order also draws attention to the incident wherein Bangladesh government alleged that Naik inspired the terrorists that bombed a cafe in Dhaka.

A statement issued by the IRF stated, The governments notification under section 3 of UAPA was served on IRF late last evening. Were studying the contents of the notification and the reasons cited for the ban and we will take recourse to all remedies available in law to get the ban revoked.
He says he enjoys the "cosmopolitan feel of Mumbai, the beauty of New Delhi, the energy of Kolkata, and the friendliness of Hyderabad".

Archer has a great fan following in India and has been a frequent visitor (Photo: AFP)

New Delhi: Popular British author Jeffrey Archer will be on a four-city tour of India from Monday to promote the final installment of his seven-book "The Clifton Chronicles" with Gurgaon being his first stop.

The 76-year-old writer, whose "This Was a Man" had a global release on November 3, will also travel to Bengaluru, Pune and Mumbai.

Archer has a great fan following in India and has been a frequent visitor. He says he enjoys the "cosmopolitan feel of Mumbai, the beauty of New Delhi, the energy of Kolkata, and the friendliness of Hyderabad".

He had visited India last year, in 2014 and in 2013 to promote the earlier volumes of "The Clifton Chronicles", a saga that crosses continents, and one which in which the lives and loves of Harry, Emma and Giles are tested through friendship, betrayal, and intrigue.

The author of bestsellers like "Not a Penny More", "Not a Penny Less", "Kane and Abel", "As the Crow Flies" and "First Among Equals", terms India as an amazing market.

"Indians love storytellers. You are a very large leadership. There are 200-250 million middle class readers in India. This is bigger readership than America. So India is an amazing market," he had told PTI in an earlier interview.

According to publishers Pan Macmillan India, "This Was a Man" has enhanced Archer's reputation as a master storyteller.

Spanning the 20th century, "The Clifton Chronicles" is a gripping family saga of the trials and tribulations of the Clifton and Barringtons, two families at opposite ends of the social spectrum.
Trump has spoken favourably of Putin but has outlined few specifics as to how he would go about recalibrating ties with the country.

President Barack Obama listens to President-elect Donald Trump speak during their meeting in the Oval Office of the White House in Washington. (Photo: AP)

Washington: Offering pointed foreign policy advice to his successor, US President Barack Obama on expressed hope that President-elect Donald Trump will stand up to Russia when it deviates from US "values and international norms" and not simply "cut some deals" with Vladimir Putin when convenient.

Obama, in a joint news conference with German Chancellor Angela Merkel during his final presidential visit to Germany, said that while he does not expect Trump to "follow exactly our blueprint or our approach" he is hopeful that Trump will pursue constructive policies that defend democratic values and the rule of law.

He said Trump shouldn't "simply take a realpolitik approach and suggest that if we just cut some deals with Russia, even if it hurts people or even if it violates international norms or even if it leaves smaller countries vulnerable or creates long-term problems in regions like Syria, that we just do whatever's convenient at the time."

Obama began his presidency with a goal to "reset" ties with Russia, but they eventually plunged to the lowest point since the Cold War over conflicts in Ukraine and Syria.

Trump has spoken favourably of Putin but has outlined few specifics as to how he would go about recalibrating ties with the country.

Merkel, for her part, said she was approaching the incoming Trump administration with "an open mind" and was encouraged that the presidential process in the US was "working smoothly" so far.

It was the final meeting of Obama and Merkel as peers on the world stage, and both leaders spoke glowingly of each other's leadership. Merkel was matter of fact about the coming transition in power in the US, saying, "We all know that democracy lives off change." As for the limit on US presidents serving two terms, Merkel said simply, "It's a tough rule: Eight years and that's it."

Obama, speaking broadly about the incoming president, said he was "cautiously optimistic" because "there is something about the solemn responsibilities of that office, the extraordinary demands that are placed on the United States," that demand seriousness from a president.

"If you're not serious about the job, then you probably won't be there very long because it will expose problems," Obama said.

Obama said he had cautioned Trump that the skills that got him elected may be different from those needed to unify the country and to gain the trust of those who didn't support him. People will be watching "what he says" and "how he fills out his administration," Obama added.
Washington: An Indian-American couple have been indicted on human trafficking charges related to forced labour of foreign nationals primarily from India, authorities have said.

A federal grand jury charged Satish Kartan, 43, and his wife Sharmistha Barai, 38, with conspiracy to commit forced labour and the commission of forced labour.

Kartan has also been charged with fraud in contacting foreign labour and Barai with benefiting from forced labour, the Department of Justice said on Thursday.

If convicted, each defendant faces a maximum sentence of 20 years in prison and a USD 250,000 fine.

The couple from California were arrested on October 21, on a criminal complaint and were released on bond with special conditions that prohibit them from hiring any non-relatives to perform domestic services or child care work for them. The arraignment is scheduled for November 21.

According to court documents, between February 21, 2014, and October 3, 2016, Kartan and Barai hired workers from overseas to perform domestic labour in their homes in Albuquerque, New Mexico; Stockton and elsewhere in the US.

In advertisements seeking workers on the internet and India-based newspapers, the couple made false claims regarding wages and duties of employment, federal prosecutors alleged.

"Once the workers arrived at the defendants' residences, Kartan and Barai forced them to work 18 hours a day with limited rest and nourishment. The defendants did not pay wages and used force, physical restraint and coercive conduct to get the workers to perform the labour and services," it said.

The indictment alleges that Kartan and Barai struck one worker on multiple occasions, including in one incident where Kartan grabbed her hands and caused them to be burned over the flames of a gas stove.

Moreover, the indictment alleges that the defendants failed to pay another worker and told her that they would call the police if she tried to leave.

When she was ultimately able to arrange to be picked up from the defendants' house, Kartan refused to provide her with the access code to the gated community so that her ride could not enter, the court papers alleged.
New York State Police and local law enforcement agencies will step up patrols next week in an effort to deter unsafe driving behaviors around the Thanksgiving holiday.

In a press release Friday, Gov. Andrew Cuomo announced the traffic safety initiative and said state investigators from the Department of Motor Vehicles will also crack down on underage drinking, conducting fake ID enforcement sweeps during what is traditionally one of the most popular weeks for young people to go out drinking.

"The Thanksgiving holiday is one of the busiest travel times of the year, and with the addition of underage drinking sweeps, State Police and investigators will be out in force to ensure New York's roadways are safe," Cuomo said. "To help prevent tragedy and heartbreak, I urge New York to be safe, act responsibly and pay extra attention to the road and other drivers this holiday weekend."

State and local police will conduct the Thanksgiving traffic enforcement Wednesday, Nov. 23, through Sunday, Nov. 27. That includes fixed sobriety checkpoints and searching for distracted drivers. DMV investigators will also be checking IDs at bars and taverns across the state throughout the week.

"Remember, if your holiday weekend includes alcohol, don't get behind the wheel," New York State Police Superintendent George Beach II said. "Our troopers will be highly visible to ensure everybody has a safe Thanksgiving weekend."
Colin Nathaniel Scott dissolved inside a hot spring at Yellowstone National Park in Wyoming after he accidentally fell into it.

Scott had reached down to check the temperature of a spring when he slipped and fell into it. (Photo: Representational Image)

New York: In a bizarre incident, a 23-year-old man accidentally fell into a hot spring at Yellowstone National Park in Wyoming and died, US media on Friday reported.

Colin Nathaniel Scott from Oregon essentially dissolved inside a hot spring at Yellowstone National Park in Wyoming after he accidentally fell into it, CNN reported.

The incident happened back in June, when Scott went to the park with his sister to find a place to "hot pot."

According to a recently released report from park officials, Scott and his sister went to an unauthorised area near the Norris Geyser.

"They were specifically moving in that area for a place that they could potentially get into and soak," Deputy Chief Ranger Lorant Veress told CNN affiliate KULR. "I think they call it hot potting."

Scott had reached down to check the temperature of a spring when he slipped and fell into it. Rescuers later found Scott's body inside the pool, but could not retrieve it because of a lightning storm in the area.

When they came back the next day, no remains were found beneath the spring's churning, acidic waters.

"In a very short order, there was a significant amount of dissolving," Veress said.

The parks' geyers and springs are acidic because they are fed by thermal water deep underground that picks up sulphuric acid as it rises to the surface. The sulfuric acid is produced by microorganisms that break down hydrogen sulfide in rocks and soil.

Scott's sister was recording on her cell phone when he fell in, but the park service will not release the video. Veress stressed the importance for park visitors to obey all warning signs.

"Because (Yellowstone) is wild and it hasn't been overly altered by people to make things a whole lot safer, it's got dangers," he said.

"And a place like Yellowstone, which is set aside because of the incredible geothermal resources that are here, all the more so," Veress added.
The Georgia Supreme Court has ruled the 1951 law applies only to masks worn for the purpose of intimidating others.

Muslims are condemning the as a veiled attempt to ban women from wearing scarves and other religious headgear to cover their faces in public. (Photo: AP/Representational Image)

Savannah: Advocates say a Georgia lawmaker appears to target Muslim women with proposed changes to a 1951 state law passed to stop the Ku Klux Klan from wearing masks at public rallies.

Muslim-American groups and the American Civil Liberties Union are condemning the proposal by Republican state Rep. Jason Spencer as a veiled attempt to ban Muslim women from wearing scarves and other religious headgear to cover their faces in public.

Spencer says he's not targeting any specific group. His bill doesn't mention Islam or religious garments, though it does explicitly note the anti-Klan law would apply to women.

Even if it passed, Spencer's bill likely wouldn't affect Muslim women. The Georgia Supreme Court has ruled the 1951 law applies only to masks worn for the purpose of intimidating others.
Charity group founder Radha Stirling called the mentality racist and said she would not report it even if she were raped in the UAE.

The advice came following the case of a British tourist who was gangraped by two men last month, who has been arrested and charged with 'extra-martial sex' in Dubai. (Photo: File)

London: A UK-based charity has warned British tourists and expatriates in Dubai and across the UAE not to report rape, after a woman who was allegedly gang raped was arrested and charged with extramarital sex.

According to a report in The Independent, Detained in Dubai, an organisation that assists people who have become victims of injustice in the UAE, has warned against reporting rape or other crimes in the country because of the manipulation when it comes to criminal accusations and the racist preconceptions held against Western tourists.

Radha Stirling, founder of the charity, said that following the shocking arrest and a spate of recent incidents where rape victims have been detained in the UAE, she encourages woman not to report sexual assault.

Stirling says that it is often assumed in the UAE, which has a strong clubbing scene, that the raped woman was just looking for it. Because the police get a lot of complaints from disgruntled prostitutes who file false rape cases, they tend to believe that maybe the girl was just drunk and then she regretted it the next day.

Stirling called the mentality racist and said she would not report it even if she were personally raped in the UAE.

Her advice came following the case of a British tourist who was gangraped by two men last month, who has been arrested and charged with 'extra-martial sex' in Dubai after she filed a police complaint regarding sexual assault.

The 25-year-old victim said that she was on a holiday to UAE when she was attacked by two men. Following the incident, the victim lodged a police complaint.

Instead of helping her out, police officials arrested her for breaking Emirati laws against extra-marital sex.

The woman was later released on bail. However her passport was confiscated which meant that she could not travel back to her home country and could face trial for the offence and be awarded punishments such as flogging, jail, deportation or even stoning to death.

"They have taken her passport as lawyers thrash it out. She is staying with an English family but she is absolutely terrified. She went to the police as the victim as one of the worst ordeals imaginable but she is being treated as the criminal, a family member of the victim was quoted as saying.

Rape cases in UAE often require proofs such as a confession from the rapist or witness statements from adults -- due to which most cases are are often dismissed or turned around to prosecute the victim.
Zakir Naik is a radical Salafist. His Islamic Research Foundation promotes sermons via a private TV network. Bangladeshi and Pakistani authorities have already banned the latter. The preacher has praised Osama bin Laden and terrorism. Indias Muslim react with feelings.

New Delhi (AsiaNews)  The Indian government on Tuesday banned the Islamic Research Foundation (IRF), the NGO of controversial Islamic preacher Zakir Naik, who is considered the spiritual father of the bombers who attacked a cafe in the capital of Bangladesh on 1st July 1, killing 20 people.

The five-year ban has immediate effect, and stems from the preacher promoting jihad and urging all Muslims to become terrorists.

His Mumbai-based NGO, which has branches in Maharashtra and Kerala, was declared "illegal" under the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA) because the government deems Naik's speeches as "unsightly and subversives" and received dozens of complaints in recent months.

In a statement released yesterday, Indias Home Ministry said that Zakir Naik praised known terrorists like Osama bin Laden. He has proclaimed that every Muslim should be a terrorist and claimed that if Islam had indeed wanted, 80 percent of Indian population would not have remained Hindus as they could have been converted `if we wanted` by sword.

The preacher, the ministry noted, has justified suicide bombings, posting objectionable comments against Hindu Gods, [. . .] and making other statements which are derogatory to other religions.

[S]uch divisive ideology is against India's pluralistic and secular social fabric. At the same time, without action, there is a real possibility that it might inspire Muslim youths and terrorists in India and abroad to commit terrorist acts.

Investigations about the preacher, one of the most famous exponents of Salafi radical Islam, established a direct link between his speeches and Rohan Imtiaz, one of Dhaka terrorists.

After the attack against the cafe frequented by foreigners, the governments of Bangladesh and Pakistan banned Peace TV, which is owned by Naik, and which broadcasts his speeches.

The Islamic orator is banned in the UK, Canada, and Malaysia, and his current whereabouts are unknown.

In India, the Muslim community is divided on the ban.

Mir Hadi Ali, who is president of the All India Shia Organisation, welcomed it. "Zakir Naik has said some hurtful and objectionable things about the Shiite community, he said.

He has misrepresented the incidents of Karbala and has elevated Yazid, who killed several members of Prophet Muhammad's family. He has created tension between sects and schools of thought within the Muslim community".

Others, like Syed Ahmedul Hussaini Sayeed Quadri, from the Sufi group Quadria International, have adopted a cautious approach.

Whilst maintaining that "he can never agree with" Naik's method of preaching or the Salafi strain of Islam, Quadri said, "The ban has to pass legal scrutiny. We think that the method of banning is not right."
Indias opposition parties have given the government three days to resolve the situation. About 50 people have died in connection with demonetisation across the country. For most, there is no money for weddings, while a BJP tycoon spent US$ 74 million to marry off his daughter. Meanwhile, Indias central bank wrote off the debts of 63 big businesses, owned by friends of the prime minister, for US$ 740 billion.

New Delhi (AsiaNews)  India "is on its knees and there is a real risk of unrest, the Supreme Court and the opposition parties warn. The latter gave the government three days before facing possible grassroots unrest, an anonymous source told AsiaNews.

Prime Minister Narendra Modis decision to withdraw from circulation Rs 500 and Rs 1,000 notes has "undermined the lives of ordinary people. Meanwhile and more seriously, banks cancelled the debts of 63 big Indian businessmen, all friends and supporters of the prime minister, whilst poor farmers are starving. So far, there have been 50 deaths, including some who died queuing and other in riots."

More than a week after deciding to withdraw the most counterfeited denominations in favour of a new RS 2,000 banknote, "the situation has not improved. Some incidents are really unpleasant, like that of a man who was brutally beaten by police just for asking why the officers were railing against the people in line for several hours."

For days, "the prime minister has not appeared in public, whilst his MPs are trying to curb opposition criticism at the start of parliaments winter session.

The Supreme Court questioned the governments move to reduce the exchange limit of old notes from Rs 4,500 to Rs 2,000, saying the situation was serious and there could be riots.

As conditions for the poor get worse, outrage is sweeping across the country over the "wedding of the daughter of a millionaire and a member of the ruling party BJP (Bharatiya Janata Party), which cost Rs 5 billion (about US$ 74 million). Ordinary folks have no money to eat and weddings have been put off, whilst this politician spent a fortune."

Opposition parties have joined forces against Modi "complaining that not enough lower denominations banknotes have been printed to meet demand."

But the greatest outrage, besides the fact that BJP members knew in advance of the reform and had time to change their own money "is the fact that the Reserve Bank of India decided to write off bad loans for 63 big businesses worth more than Rs 50 trillion (more than US$ 740 billion)."

"How is this possible? Poor farmers can lose everything if they do not pay debts of 2,500 rupees? This makes no sense. Unlike ordinary people, large defaulters continue to live in luxury and travel abroad."

"Farmers are the most disadvantaged because the cooperative banks  highly present in rural areas  have not been allowed to change banknotes. The government fears that most of the money will be laundered in these banks as the rich use the poor to exchange large sums for them."

Modi once "was a tea seller. Now everyone says that he is making everyone drink 'tea without sugar', that is a bitter tea. He forgot ordinary Indians."
by Christopher Sharma

Prince William also present in the Vietnamese capital to raise public consciousness about the fate of the species at risk of extinction. Kathmandu optimism: "We will reach the targets set four years ahead of time".

Hanoi (AsiaNews) - Experts from around the world gathered yesterday in Hanoi to discuss the protection of wildlife, particularly tigers. Even the British Prince William was present in the Vietnamese capital to raise public consciousness about the fate of the species at risk of extinction.

Among concerns and alarmism, representatives of Nepal revealed that the population of tigers in the country has already increased by 70% and that Kathmandu will reach the targets set four years in advance.

Minister of the Environment, Shankar Bhandari, said that "if all goes well, Nepal is ready to double the tiger population by 2018, four years before the deadline set for 2022. And if we can safeguard tigers, we can also easily protect other species of animals. "

The tiger is one of the animals most at risk of extinction, with fewer than 4 thousand specimens (of which more than half in India). A century ago, the population amounted to 100 thousand individuals. In 2010 in St. Petersburg, 13 countries that are home to big cats in their territory - including Vietnam, Russia, Thailand and Indonesia - have united in a worldwide task force (the "TX2") aiming to double the number of tigers by 2022. Kathmandus aim is to rise from 121 specimens to more than 250.

Despite the good results obtained from Nepal, the experts point out that problems remain. Maheshwor Dhakal, deputy director of the Department of National Parks, said: "The lack of a census carried out with scientific methods and coordination between the various neighboring countries, makes doubling the tiger population more difficult."

Kanchan Thapa, a biologist with WWF Tigers, confirms the optimism of the Nepalese government: "If we maintain this spirit of conservatism in all areas where the tigers are at risk, we will reach the goal by 2018. Other countries are worried by the decline of tigers, but in Nepal there's already been a 70% increase ". This result was achieved mainly thanks to the control of poaching.
by Nina Achmatova

Moscow (AsiaNews)  In voting Donald Trump as their next president, the American people have made a choice "for change, according to the head of the External Relations Department of the Moscow Patriarchate, Metropolitan Hilarion. Speaking in an interview with Interfax he reflected on the result of the elections in the United States, where the campaign was characterized by a strong Russian presence, accused of interfering in a different way, in the appointment at the polls.



Hilarion stressed that "the presidential elections are a domestic affair of the USA ", but revealed he had followed the Election Day in the US media such as CNN, "with great interest", where "the commentators were shocked and tried to find an explanation "to the fact that the victory of the Republican candidate over Hillary Clinton was materializing.



"Someone blamed the FBI director, others said that the culprit was Russia," said the Metropolitan, referring to allegations by several parties that Moscow hired hackers to discredit Clinton and her party.



But according to the head of the Russian Patriarchate diplomacy, the most important aspect of this election is "the Middle East question." " American policy in the Middle East, starting from the overthrow of Saddam Hussein and to the recent events in Syria, was, in my view, shortsighted and wrong. Overthrowing the regimes that existed in the Middle Eastern countries one after another, allegedly in the name of democracy, America did not lead the region to democracy or prosperity. On the contrary, it provoked chaos, mass exodus of civilians, genocide of ethnic and religious minorities. Terrorists from the so-called "Islamic State" would not be so successful in Syria and Iraq if they did not get international support".



According to the Metropolitan, "Trump spoke about all these things directly and clearly. He criticized the American government for his Middle Eastern policy, for giving up alliance relations with Russia. And the people of America heard him".



Despite overtures to Moscow expressed - so far in words - by the president elect, Hilarion called for "not to fall into euphoria". " Time will show what kind of president he will be, whether he will fulfill the promises that he gave during the election campaign. But his election gives hope for improvement of the entire system of international relations, for the creation of a unified global coalition against terrorism".



Immediately after the victory of Trump, Patriarch of Moscow Kirill, sent his congratulations to the newly elected Head of State. "The world - Kirill writes in his message - is facing serious challenges today, and the United States of America have an important role to play in responding to them. It is only through the concerted efforts that people can oppose extremism and terrorism and defend the fundamental values of the lofty moral ideals, upon which the human rights and dignity are based".



Donald Trump is a Christian Presbyterian. In his staff that took him to victory, included several Protestant and Orthodox Christians (see photo)
It is the seed of the antichrist, the seed of the enemy". "May the Lord of us all give us the grace of Christian poverty". "May the Lord give us the grace to have this poverty of the workers, those who work and earn a just wage and do not look for more."

Vatican City (AsiaNews) - The people, the people of God forgives priests many things, but not love of money, and abuse of the faithful, Pope Francis said at Mass celebrated this morning in Santa Marta - which was attended by the secretaries of the papal nuncios, at the Vatican for the Jubilee of the Collaborators of the Pontifical Representations - taking a cue from the Gospel passage in which Jesus casts merchants out from the Temple because they had turned the house of God, a place of prayer, in a "den of thieves".

Our Lord God, the house of our Lord God is a house of prayer. Our encounter with the Lord (is) with the God of love. And the money-lord that enters into the house of God, is constantly seeking to enter inside. And those people who were changing money or selling things, they were renting their places, right?  from the priests the priests were renting out those places and then received money. This is the lord that can ruin our life and can lead us to end our life in a bad way, without happiness, without the joy of serving the true Lord who is the only one capable of giving us that true joy.

Noting its a personal choice, Pope Francis then asked his listeners: How is your attachment to money? Are you attached to money?

The people of God have a great flair for accepting, for canonizing as well as condemning  because the people of God are capable of condemning  for forgiving so many weaknesses, so many sins by priests but they cannot forgive two of them: attachment to money, because when they see a priest attached to money, they do not forgive him, and mistreating people, because when a priest mistreats the faithful: the people of God cant accept this and they do not forgive him. The other things, the other weaknesses, the other sins .. yes ok, its not right but the poor man is alone, its this. And they seek to justify (his sins). But their condemnation is not as strong or as definitive: the people of God could understand this. Following the lord of money leads a priest to be the head of a firm or be a prince or we can go even higher

The Pope went on to recall the teraphims, the idols that Jacobs wife Rachel kept hidden, as an example of this attachment to material goods.

Its sad to see a priest whos at the end of his life, hes in agony, hes in a coma and his relatives are there like vultures, looking to see what they can take away. Let us grant this pleasure to the Lord, a true examination of our conscience. Lord, are you my Lord or is it  like Rachel  these teraphims hidden in my heart, this idol of money? And be courageous: be courageous. Make a choice. Sufficient money like that of an honest worker, sufficient savings like those of an honest worker. But all these financial interests are not permissible, this is idolatry. May the Lord grant us all the grace of Christian poverty.

May the Lord, concluded the Pope, give us the grace of the poverty of working people, those who work and earn a fair wage and who do not seek any more.
Some residents of Gush Etzion write to Defence Minister Avigdor Lieberman calling for the return of Khaled Bahars body. The 15-year-old was shot dead during clashes between Israeli forces and Palestinians. The investigation found that he was not involved in the violence. For Palestinian activist, Israel has invented the post-mortem detention, which can be found nowhere else in the world.

Jerusalem (AsiaNews)  Israeli settlers in the occupied West Bank have appealed to Israels defence ministry to hand over the body of a Palestinian youth, shot dead by the army, to his family for burial.

This initiative of the Jewish settlers, supported by some rabbis, is a "positive step" because it goes in the direction of respect for the sacredness of the person "after death" and goes against a decision that "deeply humiliates" families, said Adel Misk, a Palestinian doctor and peace activist

Speaking to AsiaNews, the spokesman of The Parents Circle  an association that brings together some 250 Israelis and 250 Palestinians, all families of victims of the conflict  hopes that the spirit of the settlers letter will reach the higher echelons of the government and that steps will be taken."

The authors of the appeal, a group of Jewish settlers, including seven rabbis, recently appealed to the Israeli Ministry of Defence to return the body of the young Palestinian man.

Residents of the settlement of Gush Etzion addressed their letter to Defence Minister Avigdor Lieberman, demanding that the remains of 15-year-old Khaled Bahar (pictured) be handed over to the family for burial.

Bahar was killed on 20 October when Israeli soldiers opened fire on Palestinian stone throwers, and a stray bullet hit the boy. The signatories of the letter say that the army investigation found that Bahar apparently had nothing to do with the stone-throwers.

Among the signatories were the poet Eliaz Cohen and Michal Froman, a young woman who was stabbed by a Palestinian assailant in January at a time when she was pregnant.

We, inhabitants of Gush Etzion, with links to residents of Beit Ummar and neighbouring villages, ask that the family be allowed to bury the young man, the letter reads.

The policy to withhold bodies is a form of collective punishment put in place by Defence Minister Avigdor Lieberman in the aftermath of last Junes Tel Aviv attack that left four people dead, and 12 wounded.

The ministers decision has increased tensions in the area. For Adel Misk, Israels policy of detaining the bodies of Palestinians, whether terrorists or innocent victims, is "inhuman" and "unparalleled in the world".

"This is certainly not a barrier to or a deterrent to those who want to blow themselves up or attack Israeli civilians or soldiers. This kind of punishment is, in his view, "absurd.

There are already thousands of (live) Palestinian prisoners in Israeli jails, but detaining dead ones is something that has no equal in the world."

He points out that "death should entail respect for anyone regardless of religion or nationality. "Bodies must be returned to the families."

The letter by some settlers and rabbis, Adel Misk notes, is a sign of respect for the sacredness of the body, the more so since the 15-year-old Palestinian was an innocent victim.

The problem is the attitude of the Israeli government and authorities who through laws and measures the latest being the bill to legalise land grabs  "want to trigger open confrontation between Israelis and Palestinians, turning this (political and territorial) conflict into a religious war."

Starting in October 2015, a series of provocations by ultra-Orthodox Jews who went to pray on the Temple Mount after Yom Kippur and Sukkot sparked violence in Israel and the Palestinian territories.

A year into the knife intifada has resulted in the death of 238 Palestinians, 36 Israelis, two Americans, a Jordanian, a Sudanese, and an Eritrean.
by Loula Lahham

The Egyptian Church leader was welcomed by the apostolic vicar and numerous faithful. Today he baptized and confirmed children in the cathedral of Kuwait-City. Spokesman for the Coptic Church: "The Egyptian Catholics abroad know little about their mother church, this is why the patriarch wants to be close to them." The Catholic Church in Kuwait has about 200 thousand faithful, mostly migrants from Asian and Arab countries.

Kuwait City (AsiaNews) - The Patriarch Ibrahim Isaac, the spiritual leader of the Catholic Copts, the largest Egyptian Catholic community, began his first pastoral visit to Kuwait, which will end on November 20.

Upon arriving at the airport, the patriarch said he was very happy to visit the country for the first time: "Thousands of different nationalities and faiths live in this state, known for its religious tolerance. The Egyptian community is very well received in Kuwait. For many of them, it is a second home country. "



The patriarch was welcomed by Msgr. Camillo Balin, apostolic vicar of Northern Arabia, Fr. Angelus Massoud, curate of the Coptic Catholic Church in Kuwait, the priest of the Maronite Church, the Protestant Church and some Coptic Catholic parishioners.

In his welcome speech, Fr. Massoud, who joined the vicariate in 2006, said that "this visit is of particular importance because Kuwait is the gulf country that welcomes most Egyptians, including the Coptic Catholics who take full advantage of the atmosphere of religious and cultural tolerance ".



In addition to his meetings with the authorities and with religious leaders - to deepen dialogue between faiths - yesterday patriarch Isaac chaired a High Mass in the Cathedral of the Holy Family, where he gathered a large number of faithful. Today he baptized and confirmed many children belonging to the Kuwaiti parish.



Fr. Rafic Greiche, spokesman for the Catholic Church in Egypt, spoke to AsiaNews about the importance of the visit: "The new generations of Egyptians abroad know little about their mother Church. For this reason, His Beatitude considered it a must to help the parishioners of the diaspora. It was in this context that the patriarch made two tours in the USA, one in Australia, and several in Europe. Now he heads to the east, towards the Gulf countries that welcome millions of Egyptians of all religions".

Patriarch Ibrahim Isaac asked for a special audience with the Emir of Kuwait to thank him for his reception, and congratulate him for the tributemade him by UN Secretary General Ban Ki-mon, who called the emir a "leader of humanitarian action".



The Catholic Church in Kuwait has about 200 thousand faithful mostly migrants, the majority from Asia, but also from Arab countries such as Lebanon, Egypt, Jordan and Palestine. This community is part of the Episcopal Vicariate of Northern Arabia, which also includes the Church of Qatar, Bahrain and Saudi. The current cathedral of Kuwait-City was built on land provided by the Kuwaiti government in 1957.
More than 100 university and college presidents signed an open letter to President-Elect Donald Trump asking him to condemn hateful acts across the nation. Wells College President Jonathan Gibralter was one of those signatures.

"In light of your pledge to be 'President for all Americans,' we urge you to condemn and work to prevent the harassment, hate, and acts of violence that are being perpetrated across our nation, sometimes in your name which is now synonymous with our nation's highest office," the letter reads. "In our schools, on job sites and college campuses, on public streets and in our coffee shops, members of our communities, our children, our families, our neighbors, our students, and our employees are facing very real threats, and are frightened."

The signers state they look for "common ground, not hostility; partnership, not conflict," and request Trump to "protect and empower the most vulnerable."

"As President-elect, this responsibility rests heavily on you," the letter adds. "Let this be a mark of your leadership."

Some of the other colleges and universities, who signed the letter include Hobart and William Smith Colleges, Wesleyan University, Vassar College, University of Dallas and Colgate University.

According to a Wells College spokesperson, Gibralter's commitment to community-building through respectful and meaningful communications have brought him to the national level as a leader in higher education. With degrees from the State University of New York Binghamton and Syracuse University, he has long-time connections with central New York.
The Istanbul judiciary has issued an arrest warrant for a hundred teachers from the Technical University of Yildiz. They are accused of sympathizing with the Islamic preacher Gulen. In Mardin, in the southeast of the country, two mayors removed on charges of corruption. One of them is an Aramean Christian woman. Both have been replaced by an official close to Ankara.

Istanbul (AsiaNews) - This morning the Turkish judiciary issued an arrest warrant against 103 university professors from a university in Istanbul. The measure is part of the context of the investigation launched by the authorities against (alleged) members and sympathizers of the movement headed by the Islamic preacher Fethullah Gulen.

According to the President Recep Tayyip Erdogan and the government he is the mastermind of the coup which killed 270 people, with thousands injured.



According to reports from the television channel NTV, the ongoing inquiry concerns the Technical University of Yildiz.



A report published in Hurriyet newspaper says at least 70 teachers have already been arrested. The operation involves several teams of police and security agents, located in different points of the metropolis. More arrests are expected later in the day.



In the aftermath of the failed coup dEtat in Turkey last July, President Erdogan and the Turkish government have launched a campaign of repression against its alleged perpetrators. These include supporters of Islamic preacher Fethullah Gulen, believed to have masterminded the coup that left 270 people dead, and thousands wounded.

Thus far, Turkish authorities have arrested tens of thousands of people, including teachers, soldiers, intellectuals, opposition politicians, businessmen, journalists, activists and ordinary citizens.

Government repression has been particularly ferocious against the most important pro-Kurdish opposition party, the People Democratic Party (HDP), whose leaders were recently arrested.

Yesterday, on the orders of the Turkish Ministry for the Interior, police deposed and removed Ahmet Turk and Februniye Akyol, the two co-mayors of Mardin, a city in the southeast of the country in an area inhabited by Turks, Arabs and Kurds.

Local sources said that police notified them of the termination of their mandate, forcibly removing them from their office. The city has been entrusted pro tempore to the governor of Mardin, Mustafa Yaman.



Februniye Akyol is of Aramean origin and was the first female Christian Aramean in Turkish history to be elected and hold a high administrative office, in spite of her religion and ethnicity. Today she was set to attend a public meeting in Italy, to speak about the condition of Aramaic communities, women and Christians in the Middle East in the context of the review "Many faiths under the same sky."



According to the indictment - although there is no evidence - the two senior municipal officials are under investigation for corruption and embezzlement. Local sources said that the charges are just an excuse to remove them and replace them with an official welcome to the central government.
The US Presidential Elections of 2016 was touted to be one of watched and discussed event in the world. It was the battle of Gladiators in which a reality businessman like Donald J Trump was pitted against the Hillary R Clinton who is deeply entrenched in the establishment and having links to Wall Street. The US Presidential Election process is a long drawn one where two parties democrats and the republicans field contenders for the post who jostle for the popular vote among the electorate and whoever takes it then faces the nominated candidate of the other party or the incumbent president. In the election of 2016, Hillary Clinton representing the Democratic Party trounced the democratic socialist Bernie Sanders to win the party nomination and be in an election face-off with Donald Trump who as an outsider fighting on Republican tickets outed nearly 13 candidates to reach coveted nomination at Republican National Convention in Cleveland, Ohio. In this sense, this election was just not another election but the battle of Gladiators between establishment favourite Hillary Clinton and the outsider Donald Trump.

In run up to the election day November 8, 2016, both the candidates were dogged in controversy Hillary Clinton in the never-ending email server saga and the groping allegations that surfaced against Donald Trump on making lewd sexual advances on various women that caused such an outcry that it nearly made Trumps rating plummet to all time low in polls. On the contrary, Hillary Clinton was dogged by the email server scandal which haunted her throughout her campaign and even led to her deposition before the US Congress in Benghazi Committee hearing. The email scandal was constantly in the headlines due to WikiLeaks dumping the emails of John Podesta (campaign chief of Hilary Clinton) and DNC which gave revealing accounts as to the internal workings of the Democratic Party and the media nexuses. The DNC leak by WikiLeaks blew up in face of the Clinton campaign which showed how the DNC Chief Debbie Wassermann Shultz conspired to make sure Bernie Sanders is denied Democratic Party nomination with unfavourable press discrediting his ideas which ultimately lead to her resignation at DNC Chief. Later the Podesta Leaks bombshell revealed how Clinton campaign managed an agreement with Bernie sanders to call quits and back way her for a presidential run and eventual endorsement by Senator Sanders. Podesta leaks also showed how media houses like CNN and its prominent anchors fixed the line of questioning or interviewing with Clinton Campaign for Donald Trump.

Hillary Clinton lead the popular vote getting 48% i.e. 62,115,634 votes while Donald Trump got 47.1% vote with 61,003,417 votes which are nearly 11 Lac votes more than him but yet Donald Trump went on to win the Electoral College comprehensively with 290 to 232 EVs.

The Email leaks by WikiLeaks on DNC & later Podestas emails did substantial damage to Hillary Clinton who was already facing credibility deficit with voters. The FBI Investigations into email scandal though closed in July 2016 did not let the issue die down. The ghost of email servers once again came to haunt Hillary Clinton when FBI Director James Comey wrote a letter to the US Congress on 29th October 2016 stating that the latest batch of emails discovered from the laptop of Clintons aid Huma Abedin and his estranged husband Anthony Weiner warrants re-opening or examination of Clinton email saga. The bombshell of reopening email investigations by FBI Director James Comey wiped out the lead which Hillary Clinton had in polls closing the race between the two candidates. Though FBI finally 48 hours before the election day gave Hillary Clinton clean chit in the latest batch of emails yet it sank the message and the narrative of the Clinton campaign what they had tried to build over last few months on the groping allegations on Donald Trump. The election campaign which had crossed all barriers of sanity was further mired by allegations of Russian involvement in propping up Donald Trump by hacking DNC emails and getting it dumped via WikiLeaks. Ironically the US Intelligence and administration categorically blamed Russia for the hacking, while Donald Trump soft-footed on Russia by praising Putins leadership and raising questions on NATO alliance being outdated.

The election process in the US began weeks ahead with many states like Florida, Ohio, Nevada, North Carolina etc opening up for early voting based on their federal laws. Finally, the US went to polls on 08th November 2016 by the end of which most polls were showing Clinton ahead 3-5% of Donald Trump with once exception of LA Times tracker which consistently showed Donald Trump ahead. As the results started trickling it what seemed impossible few months back was now a reality than an outsider like Donald Trump from Republican party triumphed defeating Hillary Clinton convincingly so much so that the Blue Wall of Democrats in the North East US of Michigan, Wisconsin and Pennsylvania breached as these turned red after decades fading away any remote chance Clinton had to be the first Woman President of the United States. The election results in the US Presidential Polls 2016 has severely damaged the credibility of mainstream media like CNN, NY Times etc who not only openly endorsed Hillary Clinton but failed to gauge the popular mood or the undercurrent of Change that propelled Donald Trump to victory.

The election result of Donald Trump trouncing Hillary Clinton is worth analysis as to voting pattern which reveals a lot about US Politics, Demographics and what critical role it might play out in the decades ahead. It was generally estimated that Hillary Clinton would carry Obama Coalition of 2012 (Hispanics, Blacks, Asian Americans & Working White class) and add White woman voters from Republican Party basing on the groping allegation on Donald Trump. With widespread anger in the rust belt in North East US, the Obama coalition of 2012 totally unravelled with working white class who were ignored and left out of American development story chose to vote for the outsider Donald Trump. Hence, states like Ohio, Iowa, and Pennsylvania some traditionally democratic leaning states switched to Republicans with big margins. With White working class flipping over in the Rust Belt it was even more imperative for the Clinton to shore up the base and hope to add a surge of Hispanics, Blacks and White woman in states like Nevada, Florida and North Carolina to see her through. The final numbers as we would see going ahead reveal that Clinton strategy to expand the voting base failed to yield desired results for her.

However, the major blow to Hillary Clintons campaign was the white working Class vote in states like Ohio, Michigan, Iowa, Wisconsin and Pennsylvania some of which were democrat leaning state. The over pandering of minorities and lack of jobs in the rust belt made critical states in the North East US flip to republican side making possible for Donald Trump to win this election by a slender margin. The said fact is further corroborated as the Democrats polled nearly 62 million votes down 7 million from 69 Million in 2008 & 66 million in 2012, while the Republicans more or less polled their vote base from 60 million in 2008 to 61 Million in 2012 and 61 million in 2016. This exhibits that it is democrats who polled less for multiple reasons like trustworthiness of Hillary Clinton, email scandals, Obama care premiums, FBI Investigations & more importantly anti-establishment catalyst like Donald Trump against a perceivably biased Media. Hence the US Election 2016 was won by Donald Trump by one of the slenderest margins in history. This can be explained if we look into numbers of some key states like Wisconsin (10 Evs), Michigan (16 Evs), Pennsylvania (20 EVs) & New Hampshire (4 Evs) were Hillary Clinton had a difference collectively of mere 1,07,000 votes and only managed to win New Hampshire by a margin of 0.3%. In the end, Clinton lost swing states like Pennsylvania by 1.2%, Ohio (18 Evs) by a Landslide of 9% and states in Blue Wall like Michigan by 0.3% and Wisconsin by 1.2% which sealed her fate. The extrapolation of various numbers from gender to race to demographics only state end result with Hillary Clinton underperforming in critical battleground states and Donald Trump hitting the right formula to secure a majority of 270 in the electoral college.

To understand the dynamics of the US Poll Results 2016 it is imperative to delve into numbers and see what end result accounts for. After the majority of counting, Hillary Clinton lead the popular vote getting 48% i.e. 62,115,634 votes while Donald Trump got 47.1% vote with 61,003,417 votes which are nearly 11 Lac votes more than him but yet Donald Trump went on to win the Electoral College comprehensively with 290 to 232 EVs. This can be further explained as we dig deeper into nos from various Exit Polls and Results which reveal that Donald Trump leads the White vote by 63% to 31% among white man and 53% to 43% among White woman. On the other hand, Hillary Clinton secured 80% vote among Black men and 94% among Black Woman, 62% among Latino Man and 68% among Latino women, 65% of Asian Americans. Hillary Clinton game of demographics failed to clinch the electoral college primarily because the Obama coalition of 2012 failed to deliver on a voting day. The numbers of African Americans for Hillary Clinton actually came down from 92% under Obama in 2008 to 88% in 2016 taking away a huge chunk of vote bank in diverse states which made the race even tighter. This issue was further compounded by White uneducated voter swing of -20% for Democrats since 2008 and the fact that even White woman voters whom Hillary Clinton hoped to turn up for her voted for Donald Trump being traditionally a Republican vote bank. Hillary Clinton and the democrats hoped that Hispanics would turn out in large numbers in states like Florida, Nevada and North Carolina to give her the presidency but to their dismay Hispanic surge had limited effect in states like Nevada and the Hispanic vote in Florida was split as White Hispanics and the Cubans in Florida are traditionally Republican voters and voted for Donald Trump.

It is essential to study the numbers because they tell the real story and the patterns as Clinton lead in Urban Areas while Trump leads in Rural areas. Trump lead by big margins in White dominated areas and White voters which show a distinct pattern of majority consolidation in countenance to the fear mongering by Democrats pandering to minorities like Hispanics, African Americans. This election in an unstated way is an assertion of majority identity against politically correct and corrupt establishment that has failed to deliver to its voters election after election. The silent assertion of White identity is not only reflective of victory of Donald Trump but also the politicking by Democrats and left liberals who are equally to equally blame for fear mongering and political correctness which made Trumps frank speak on Islamic terrorism and political corruption more convincing in wake of erupting scandals of Hillary Clinton and the Clinton Foundation. The racial fault lines which had healed in 2008 with a large victory for first Black President of the United States have once again erupted with protest erupting across cities in the United States like New York, Miami, California etc where thousands have marched saying Donald Trump, not my President. It has been alleged that these protests have been orchestrated by George Soros who backed Hillary Clinton and contributed to Clinton campaign. It has been revealed by Politico that Billionaire George Soros organisation Democracy Alliance held a close door session to chalk out a plan with Donors, liberals and Union leaders to oppose the Trump Presidency on likely reforms it could make on legacy issues of President Obama. These protests have been followed by clashes and sporadic racial violence in the US further deepening the fault lines since this election campaign began. The demonization of Donald Trump by Liberals and the support of evangelicals to him (nearly 81%) have returned the spectre of White Supremacy which we had predicted in our book The New Global Order as the likely consequence of the 2016 US Presidential Election.

The demonization of Donald Trump by Liberals and the support of evangelicals to him (nearly 81%) have returned the spectre of White Supremacy which we had predicted in our book The New Global Order as the likely consequence of the 2016 US Presidential Election.

The Religious right in America of Evangelicals and Catholics overwhelmingly voted for Donald Trump over Hillary Clinton. The evangelicals who are 26% of the American electorate and nearly 81% of them voted for Donald Trump as per the data available, despite reservations about Donald Trump of Misogyny, racism etc. while only 16% voted for Hillary Clinton. Catholics, who are 23% of the electorate, supported Donald Trump over Hillary Clinton by 52 percent to 45 percent. White Catholics voted for him in far greater proportions than Hispanic Catholics, who favoured Hillary Clinton over Donald Trump by, 67 to 26%. The evangelicals and Catholics who form part of the religious right in America overwhelmingly chose Donald Trump hoping he will appoint a conservative Supreme Court Justice, Defund Plan Parenthood, remove affordable care act to remove birth control and his stand against abortions some of which Hillary Clinton has actively campaigned for through her NGOs and otherwise. The trends and the voting pattern in the American Election 2016 further corroborate the resurgence of the Religious Right which could ultimately lead to deepening of racial fault lines in the US and the rise of White Supremacy in decades ahead. Robert P Jones of Public Religious Research Institute has commented on the rise of the Religious Right in US Poll Results, The wall of white Christian voters held.

A Trump presidency would invariably lead to aggressive Christian and Evangelist growth and activity across the regions of the world looking for new greener pastures.

The rise of the religious right in form of White Supremacy is further underscored with Vice President-elect Mike Pence the running mate of President-elect Donald J Trump. In a recent post at Intercept, a leading website has stated that Mike Pence is a Devout Evangelical, who has steadfastly supported the movement to Defund Planned Parenthood, Abolish ALCA, and Blocking LGTB Rights. It also discloses the links between Mike Pence and Erik Prince the former CEO of Blackwater Inc who has trained a mercenary private army to fight in conflict zones across the world from the Middle East to Africa. It details in depth as to how Mike Pence and Erik Prince have contributed to the causes of religious right centred around the interpretation of Christianity. The same ideology has also been espoused by Roman Catholic Church and this only shows how deep the links are between the American administration and the Deep State which we have vividly covered in our book The New Global Order. It is also worth pointing out here that one of Donald Trumps foreign policy advisor is Walid Phares (earlier adviser to Mitt Romney in 2012) whose past has been mired with ideologically backing and abetting the rise of Christian Militias in Lebanon in the 1980s targeting the Druze and Muslim population in Lebanon sectarian strife. A Trump presidency would invariably lead to aggressive Christian and Evangelist growth and activity across the regions of the world looking for new greener pastures. This is just a glimpse and we shall cover the rising trend of Christian militias in our further posts.

The election of Donald Trump as the 45th President of the United States is bound to have ramification around the world and more so its foreign policy. The unexpected win of Donald Trump has unnerved many of the American NATO allies and the allies in Pacific & Gulf region given the tough positions Donald Trump took in his campaign on the US Funding of NATO, Soft Stance towards Putins Russia and his commitment to Climate Deal and last but not the least Muslim ban which caused flutters with American allies in the Gulf like Saudi Arabia. However, the most critical issue before a Trump presidency would be how he deals with Russia & Assad with respect to Syrian Civil War that has killed millions and displaced equal no of people as refugees in far off lands. While Trump ostensibly has a good opinion of Vladimir Putin given his constant praise for the Russian leader and his links to Russia through advisors like Paul Manafort in respect of Ukrainian Conflict, his room for manoeuvrability remains to be tested amid pressure from Middle Eastern allies and the deep state that operates independently of the administration. Under a Trump Presidency, the US is more than likely to work with Russia in sorting out the mess in Syria with the political transition which is acceptable to all. This reset between the US & Russia however limited could provide future avenues for co-operation in shaping the geopolitics in Asia Pacific especially the Far East in respect to China. We have elucidated upon this in our book The New Global Order.

A Trump Administration will also have to come to face the prospect of rising tide of Right-Wing Nationalism in NATO Allies like France, Germany & Italy where anti-immigration wave is powering right wing parties like of Maria Le Pen in France that rails against the very idea of leftists liberals on the lines of what happened in the US Elections of 2016 or Brexit earlier on. The spectre of an aggressive Russia, coupled with rising right-wing nationalism in France, Germany and Italy will present a whole new challenge to American establishment as to how it sustains its sphere of influence which is gradually being challenged across the EU & the world. The United States under Trump Presidency will also have to deal with Hybrid warfare that has been unleashed by Russia in Europe and to a good extent in the US as was visible in the US Elections 2016. The Deep State in the US which works independently is more than likely to work in tandem with Religious right in the US to spread Christianity and Evangelist movement across the green pastures available in countries like China, India and Africa who are ripe for pickings.

While there are challenges that Trump Presidency will face on the Trans-Atlantic in Europe the bigger challenge which he will face is how to contain the Chinese Dragon and its quiet but creeping takeover of the Asia Pacific region. The flip-flop of Philippines and the issue of South China Sea will continue to test the US Foreign Policy and commitments to its allies in respect of freedom of navigation of seas. Though after being elected as President, Donald Trump has signalled his intent to back Japan against China and back South Koreas defence commitments yet countries like Japan could soon under Shinzo Abe revise its pacifist constitution and rearm itself in wake of rising regional threats and receding American might. Donald Trump detente with Vladimir Putins Russia could signal a reversal of roles of the 1970s with China at receiving end this time. The Chinese who have constantly disregarded Russian Elites being deeply Eurocentric and have charted out their own way to stake a claim for leading the Global Order eventually in times ahead. Donald Trump decision to withdraw out of TPP (Trans-Pacific Partnership) could further help bolster Chinas standing and reliability in the Asia Pacific region. With the rise of Chinese Dragon in the Far East, the detente between the US & Russia will become even more critical to maintain the balance.

Similarly, Donald Trump has viewed India very favourably with sections of NRI and Hindu Community openly backing him during the campaign for a strong stance against Pakistan and Islamic extremism that emanates in the region and the world. Since the US & India have already signed a strategic partnership and military and defence agreements like DTTI & LEMOA. We could expect further strengthening of ties between India & the US in respect of Indian Ocean Region when it comes to Navy, aircraft carriers and freedom of navigation of seas. While coming of Donald Trump as next President of US means a good news India yet it remains to be seen how he conducts his foreign policy viz-a-viz the deep state which has huge interests in the Af-Pak region. Donald Trumps policy in West Asia specifically viz Saudi Arabia and Israel-Palestine dispute will be keenly watched given that Israels Right Wing party Likud under Benjamin Netanyahu would seek better ties with America under Trump than what Obama could deliver in last 8 years. In this sense Asia Pacific will be the key test to the US Foreign Policy and Donald Trump would have to calibrate accordingly as cancellation of TPP or Withdrawal from Climate treaty is likely to give a head start to China leaving a question on American leadership in the region and its reliability as a security provider.

The Ascent of Donald Trump is indeed a seminal moment not only in the US domestic politics but also geopolitics. The rise of Donald Trump could fuel the racial divide leading to contrarian rise of White Supremacy which could spark civil strife in the United States. A Trump presidency could make America turn more protectionist abrogating TPP, Climate treaty and cracking down on outsourcing to boost local manufacturing and jobs. Prospect of renegotiating NAFTA or building a wall on Mexico border could further test the US Foreign Policy, including the deportation of illegal immigrants and bigger checks on the entry of Syrian Refugees. Donald Trump will also be faced with the prospect of rising gun violence and NRA lobby which backed him in the campaign. While the US could face a host of internal turbulence, the foreign policy of Trump Presidency would be equally tested in conflicts like Syria, Lawless Libya, and Tragic Yemen or a Nuclear North Korea and other hot zones in Africa and Af-Pak. A Trump presidency is also likely to be tested on the delicate on the dance of power between Wall Street, Establishment and the presidency. But how a Trump Presidency stands for American values of freedom, liberty and democracy could very well define the way forward for the US & the World. With the election of President Donald J Trump in November 2016, the ship has truly sailed on what promises to be an enthralling journey amid the storms and turbulence before the calm returns.
Kanye West Says He'd Have Voted For Trump, If He Voted At All

Trending News: Kanye Shared Some... Interesting Thoughts On Trump And Racism

Long Story Short

In a long, rambling, bizarre pause in his first show of the second leg of his Saint Pablo tour, Kanye West told his audience that he didnt vote, but would have voted for Donald Trump if hed bothered.

Long Story

Kanye West, never noted for his retiring personality, gave a very puzzling endorsement of the USAs President-elect Donald Trump. Speaking during one of many pauses during his performance in San Jose, West also admitted he didnt cast a vote.

I said something that was kind of politically correctI told yall I didnt vote, right? But I didnt tell youI guess I told youbut if I would have voted, I would have voted for Trump, he says. The crowd, probably more than a little surprised, begins to boo.

Kanye then just goes on and on and on. By some accounts, he talked politics for over an hour. (Pitchfork transcribed much of what he said. Its long and much of it is absurd, but if you like that stuff, go for it.)

Kanye now playing Blood on the Leaves. There have been 13 stops, about 1 hour of ranting so far.  Raptor (@RaptorJesuss) November 18, 2016

The same man who in 2005 said George W. Bush doesnt care about black people said that black people today should stop focusing on racism.

Specifically to black people, stop focusing on racism, he said. This world is racist, OK? Lets stop being distracted to focus on that as much. Its just a fucking fact. We are in a racist country, period. Do not allow people to make us talk about that so fucking long. Lets talk about whatever the fuck you wanna talk about. Lets stop talking about that, bro. Its racist, OK?

West appeared not so much to endorse Trumps ideas, such as forcing Muslims to register themselves and banning their entry into the country, building a wall to keep illegal immigrants out, threatening to upend longstanding alliances in Europe and Asia, rejuvenating the coal industry, denying climate change, restricting access to abortion, tearing up trade deals and imposing heavy and likely economically damaging tariffs on Chinese imports, so much as he seems to have been bedazzled by his unorthodox campaign style.

Theres non-political methods to speaking that I like, that I feel were very futuristic, he said. And that style, and that method of communication, has proven that it can beat a politically correct way of communication. And I fuck with that.

Kanye also repeated his promise to run for president in 2020.

The Internet, btw, wasnt that thrilled with Ye.

i hate the new kanye, the always rude kanye, spaz the news kanye.. i miss the sweet kanye, the i don't support trump kanye   (@kayyebby) November 18, 2016

Kanye 2005: George Bush doesn't care about black people Kanye 2016: President Trump has good ideas on how to exterminate Muslim Americans  Hussain (@Chemzes) November 18, 2016

Kanye the musician is great

Kanye the person is trash It's really like two different people  Isaac Night (@IsaacNight13) November 18, 2016

I miss the old Kanye. pic.twitter.com/8bQNScmnm0  Ronald Rios (@ronaldrios) November 18, 2016

Kanye has been ranting about politics for like the last 30 minutes and people are booing and throwing stuff ????  Adithya Prabhakaran (@adithyaiscool) November 18, 2016

Own The Conversation

Ask The Big Question

When will we as a society reach peak Kanye?

Drop This Fact

Reddit user Dorian_Yes remix of Kanyes The Life of Pablo, called The Life of Paul, is also driving hip hop world crazy.
Toxic blue-green algae this year overpowered 70 New York lakes and 52 ponds, striking Owasco Lake so bad health officials detected toxins in drinking water headed to Auburn.

Save Our Streams, a project of the Izaak Walton League of America, reports that more than half of the streams tested in the United States are polluted with bacteria and carcinogenic chemicals, making them too dirty to support healthy populations of fish or too hazardous for people to swim in or not safe enough as a source of drinking water.

Under the Clean Water Act, every state is supposed to monitor all its waterways, to present their findings to the public and to restore polluted water. This is how Save Our Streams found New York measures up to these responsibilities: Transparency, F; site-specific information, F; age of data, F; frequency of sampling, C+; water quality standards, D+; volunteer engagement, D+; final grade, D. (www.iwla.org/SaveOur Streams)

If things continue as they are now, the question is not if but when will America's water become undrinkable. In the meantime, people and animals continue to suffer from polluted water, and environmental quality will continue to deteriorate. Is this the legacy we will leave to future generations?

Joel Freedman

Canandaigua
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Global firm Clyde & Co has signed as an anchor tenant at 333 George Street in Sydneys central business hub.The London-headquartered firm has signed the agreement with Charter Hall's Prime Office Fund for the long-term lease of over 4,185 square metres, according to a report from The Sydney Morning Herald.The firms space will be across levels nine to 12 in the premium development which is nearing practical completion, the report added. Clyde & Co will also house its client reception on level 15 which features an outdoor terrace.Clyde & Co opened its first Australian offices in Sydney and Perth in October 2012 after recruiting a specialist insurance team from Allens In September 2013, the firms Melbourne office was opened after the lateral hire of a infrastructure, transportation and international trade expertise specialist team comprise of lawyers from King & Wood Mallesons, Norton Rose and HWL Ebsworth In October 2014, the firm opened its Brisbane office with the lateral hire of three insurance and commercial litigation specialist partners from Sparke Helmore . This February, five partners and 25 lawyers from Australian insurance boutique law firm Lee & Lyons joined Clyde & Cos Sydney office.The firms Australian operation includes 23 partners and more than 120 legal staff in the four cities they operate out of. According to the firm in September, the Sydney office has more than doubled in head count since January 2016This move will allow our Sydney team to improve the flow of information and collaboration across our growing practices, Australia managing partner John Edmond said of the transfer to 333 George Street.The move will also further cement our brand in the Sydney legal marketplace and is evidence of our ambitions in Australia more generally following our recent move into new premises in Melbourne, at 140 William Street, which were officially launched on 1 June, he added.Clyde & Co expects to operate from its new office in Sydney by January 2017.
Public prosecutors in South Australia spent nearly $1 million briefing out matters to private counsel last year because of a persistent shortage in in-house counsel, Parliament has been told.The States Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) noted in its 2015-16 annual report that it spent $953,890 briefing out matters to the private bar, a 30.5% increase in costs compared to last year.For 2015-16, the office briefed private lawyers on 140 matters, down from the 185 the office briefed out in 2014-15 when it spend $730,850 on outside counsel. In 2013-14 the DPP spent $375,731 to brief out 76 matters while in 2012-13, it spend $492,876 to brief out 118 matters.However, the report is quick to note that the cost includes briefing external counsel for a significant ongoing matter and a High Court matter. These two matters, it said, represented almost 20% of the total 2015-16 briefing out costs.The office briefs external counsel when there is no in-house trial counsel available. However, increasingly it is becoming more difficult to cover trials in the Supreme and District Courts with in-house counsel. This trend has continued since the latter half of 2013-14, the report said.The resultant significant costs associated with that level of briefing out adversely affects the budget of the office. In 2015-16, additional funding was provided to assist in the briefing out associated with the significant ongoing matter, it added.The DPP said, however, that it is examining the financial modelling that optimises briefing out and internal sourcing using one recommendation from a review and the expertise of the Attorney-Generals office.The outcome of that financial analysis and the recommended model will be implemented to ensure that the office is efficiently utilising internal and external resources for trial work, it said.
A 56-year-old solicitor from New Yorkshire, England has been meted an eight-year prison sentence for charges of fraud and money laundering.Stephen Pickard, from Harrogate, along with three other men have been sentenced a combined total of 34 years in jail after convictions stemming from investment scams that stole more than 5 million (about $8.25 million).The other men convicted includes Keith Wharton who was sentenced to 12 years imprisonment at Leeds Crown Court. The man who previously lived in Tadcaster and Spain was convicted of five counts of fraud and a count of obtaining money by false representation.Also sentenced was Keith Whartons son, 34-year-old Lee Wharton. The man who more recently has been living in Leeds was convicted of money laundering and received seven years imprisonment.Fifty-two-year-old Simon Kippax, also from Harrogate, got seven years for Fraud and a Regulatory Offence.Stephen, a solicitor who worked from a large Leeds solicitor firm Lupton Fawcett, acted as gatekeeper for the older Wharton in one of three fraud schemes, the North Yorkshire Police said in a statement. The solicitor was used to give credibility to the scheme and made false claims about Whartons track record and wealth.Wharton began offering investment in land, mainly in Panama through an investment club, in 2006. He promised the lands value would double in a years time. In three years, thirty investors were fleeced out of 2.4 million (about $3.96 million), the North Yorkshire Police said.The money was used by the Whartons to fund a lavish lifestyle, the authorities said, and no land was ever bought. Some victims were left impoverished because of the fraud.In 2009, the older Wharton conned a retired businessman out of 1 million (about $1.65 million). After this scheme, the Whartons recruited professionals including Pickard and conned about a dozen investors out of 1.7 million (about $2.8 million) between early 2010 and August 2010. A further 500,000 was stolen by the group in 2011 from investors.In a statement, Richard Marshall, Lupton Fawcetts managing director, renounced Pickards offending.We are dismayed that Pickard misused and abused the good name of our firm; he did so without our knowledge or authority. Once we became aware of the seriousness of the misuse we made our regulators aware of Pickards unauthorised actions and he departed the firm shortly thereafter, Marshall said.At no point was our firm in any way involved in Pickards offence. I and my fellow directors are appalled at Pickards conduct and very much regret his former association with our firm and the damage done to those affected by his criminal activities, he added.
Top Australian firms this week have confirmed deals which saw them work alongside global peers. Ashurst and Allens worked alongside American BigLaw Latham & Watkins in a milestone bonds issuance for a major Chinese state-owned enterprise. Hunan Valin Iron and Steel Group Co. Ltd., through a wholly-owned Singapore-incorporated subsidiary, issued US$355 million (about $472 million) in zero coupon bonds in a transaction that closed 15 November.The bonds are exchangeable for about 65 million shares in Fortescue Metals Group Ltd., an iron ore producer listed on the Australian Securities Exchange . This deal is the first ever cross-border exchangeable bond issuance in Australia and the first equity-linked transaction to come out from Australia since 2013.Meanwhile, Herbert Smith Freehills advised Beijing Gas Group on its first major investment in the Russian energy market through agreements with Russian state-owned company Rosneft. Highlighting the importance of the deal to both China and Russia, the transactions were signed on 7 November during a meeting between the prime ministers of Russia and China in St. Petersburg.Also this week, Clifford Chance continued its strong track record in Additional Tier 1 issuances, acting for the underwriters of China Cinda Asset Management's issuance of US$3.2 billion in aggregate principal amount (about $4.25 billion) of 4.45% noncumulative perpetual offshore preference shares.Other deals confirmed this week involves King & Wood Mallesons and Allens acting on the first acquisitions of a $3-billion Australian renewables fund, Thomson Geer helping an Australian biotechnology firm developing a possible anti-cancer drug raise capital, Ashurst advising in a major exploration and production firm acquisition and KWM acting for a private equity firm expanding its travel portfolio.
Hi,

Need help. I submitted partner visa application 17 months ago. Just received email from immigration advising that 'information has been received that you entered into a contrived relationship with your sponsor for the sole purpose of gaining permanent residence in Australia'. I have not had an interview, nor have they given any information to support the allegation. The allegation is quite unfounded. They asked that I not respond to email but post on my immi account if I want to reply. They have given me 28 days to reply. I do not know what to do. Spoke with immigration lawyer but they want significant fee to help. Anyone got any advice. Tks in advance.

Jum
LittleOne said: Congrats to you!! You are the second person I have read that has had their october 2015 820 approved.... I am low risk...and still waiting from September 2015 - the suspense is killing me haha. I hope to be celebrating soon too! All the best to you Click to expand...

Hi Little One!Fingers crossed it's any day now! We got a notification in July that it's moved in the queue and to make sure everything's uploaded, that's our only correspondence from them. We then added Form 80 and most recently Marriage Certificate, so not sure if that helped it along!Good luck!!
It was via Mark Northam I got 2 quotes - one around $1,800 the other around the $1K mark but it was lots of documents for fiance and 2 kids.



P.S. some we never submitted, but we needed translated to see if they were relevant.
Dear all,



I need an expert advice please. I applied for australian visa 4 months back and the assessment is still pending.

During the last 4 months i searched internet and found more better option in Newzealand. As that is more relevant to my field and giving me more practical opportunity as well.

Now i want to apply there, Please tell me do i have right to apply for student visa in Newzealand with a pending case in Australia. However i will withdraw my case from Australia as soon as i get visa from Newzealand.



Most of the consultants are saying 'No'. They are saying withdraw the case first and then apply in Newzealand. I am willing to do so as well.

But it's better to have a safe side



Thanks
Jeeps EcoSport rival to come with 4WD hardware; spawn a Fiat derivative as well.

Iconic off-road maker Jeep is working on getting a compact SUV to India. An SUV that will be a direct rival to the EcoSport, this new compact vehicle, however, will not just be a poser. "It will be a real Jeep," according to company boss Mike Manley, "and not something with a Jeep badge on the back. It will have real capability and be a true trail-rated vehicle, meaning it will have real off-road skills." The company acknowledges that the real challenge here will be packaging. Jamming in all the off-road hardware, making the car spacious on the inside and still keeping the car under four metres is not a challenge to be trifled with. It could mean the off-roader in question has quite an upright stance and making it ride and drive well in addition will be extremely challenging.

The small Jeep in question will slot in below the Renegade into the A or super-compact segment in Europe, and Jeep is keen to take the car to Brazil. The compact off-roader being worked on (codenamed Jeep 526) will share its underpinnings with a similar-size Fiat compact SUV, also very likely to make it to our market, and will come with Fiat engines and transmissions. Styling could follow the rectangular proportions of the Renegade and have clear echoes of the earliest Jeeps, especially the round headlamps and the seven-slot grille. Like the Compass, India is likely to be one of the first markets for this compact SUV and India could even be the mother plant for the same. To help drive down the price, Jeep could even leverage Tata and share the platform, engines and transmissions with them.

The compact SUV isn't expected anytime before 2018 and Jeep will need a stronger network to help serve such a car better.

Also read:



Jeep Compass India bound mid- 2017

Jeep Grand Cherokee, Wrangler petrol coming next month
General Motors Co.'s turnaround effort will come under fresh scrutiny Monday as the company reports financial results, but one part of the strategy appears to be working: China.

GM's sales are expected to have doubled in China during the third quarter compared with a year earlier, and are now running neck and neck with the Detroit auto maker's sales in the U.S. The company's 478,000 vehicle sales in China helped GM remain a relevant player on the global auto stage, andmore importantlyprovided much-needed profit for GM's international operation, according to a person familiar with the results.

Although not expected to be exhaustive, the auto maker's third-quarter results will provide the most comprehensive look at the company's financial health since it filed for bankruptcy-court protection in June. The company is to update its cash position, indicate how close it is to earning money in North America, and update its progress on restructuring Adam Opel GmbH in Europe.

But for GM Chief Executive Frederick "Fritz" Henderson, the most positive story lies in China, where government-sponsored sales incentives and the popularity of the Wuling microvan venture GM partially owns lifted the company's auto sales 34% in the first nine months of 2009 compared with a year earlier. GM's share of that market has increased as well, climbing to 13.4% in the third quarter from 12% a year earlier and cushioning the company's lead over its rivals.

GM's China business, which wasn't included in bankruptcy-court proceedings in the U.S., is actually composed of a web of joint ventures with Chinese auto makers. Profits are spread across those partnerships, and to other parts of GM's organization, such as GM-Daewoo in South Korea. The auto maker doesn't include Chinese vehicle sales in its revenue line, and the business isn't a source of cash needed to rebuild operations in other parts of the world.

But Shanghai has become a spiritual and physical second home for GM. The company in July decided to headquarter its international unit there, and an increasing number of GM's global purchasing and development duties are being sent to Shanghai.

The China joint ventures are a critical platform for GM's growth in several emerging markets. For instance, the company will team with a partner, SAIC Motor Corp., to expand in India. It also plans to ship Wuling vehicles, including a coming sedan, to a variety of developing nations.

The auto maker doesn't break out specific results for the China unit, and it plans to consolidate all operations outside the U.S. into the international operations.

To be sure, GM needs to turn around its ailing North American business if it hopes to be truly viable. The U.S. serves as the hub of GM production, and is still seen as offering the most profit potential of any market in the world.

The third quarter will give a fuzzy picture of GM's progress at home. While costs have plunged thanks to layoffs, debt reduction and plant closings, the company's North American operation is a shell of its former self.

The auto maker lost considerable U.S. market share during the third quarter compared with the same period in 2008, falling to about 19.5% from about 24.5%. The company also nearly halved production and increased per-vehicle spending on sales incentives, according to Autodata Corp. Even with the benefit of the U.S. government's Cash for Clunkers sales-incentive program, GM's sales volume fell.

For Mr. Henderson, momentum in China isn't necessarily lining GM's pockets, at least not yet. The bulk of the sales taking place in China are credited to Wuling, of which GM owns about a third. Wuling vans and small pickups are generally strong among light commercial buyers and farmers, and can be bought at a fraction of what U.S. vehicles cost.

GM is on track to sell nearly two million vehicles this year in China, or likely about as many as it will sell in the U.S. Two-thirds of those sales are likely to be Wulings, with the balance of the sales going mostly to the Buick and Chevrolet brands.

Buick is GM's mainline brand in China.

Profits aside, China's momentum has been critical to GM's ability to keep pace with other global industry heavyweights, notably Volkswagen AG and Toyota Motor Co. Both are expected to surpass GM in global sales this year, but those leads are likely to be muted by GM's strength in China.

Sales in China have helped GM fill the hole left by the weakness in the U.S. and softer sales in Europe.

China is also a rare pocket of growth amid a collection of GM operations that have been sinking for years. In the three years spanning 2006 to 2008, GM lost market share in 12 of the top 16 markets where it sells vehicles. It currently is gaining share in China.

China now accounts for at least 25% of the company's global sales, compared with 10% a year ago. Whereas three GM vehicles were sold in the U.S. for every GM vehicle sold in China a year ago, that ratio has fallen to 1.25 vehicles sold in the U.S. for every sale in China.

As GM's operations struggle to gain steam in most of the world, analysts and GM executives cite the China unit as an example of the auto maker at its best. The unit is now allowing the company to lap its chief rival, Toyota, in China.
Model de-listed on company website; available for export to Europe.

Launched in 2013, the e2o was Mahindras replacement for the old Reva electric city car. The e2o was designed as a more practical replacement to the Reva, and aimed to develop the electric car market into a more mainstream rather than its then niche standing.

Now Mahindra has taken it up a step further with a larger and more practical iteration of the e2o, called the e2o Plus. The most notable change to the model is the increase in length and wheelbase, along with the inclusion of rear doors, a more practical boot and an improved range, courtesy a larger battery pack. The e2o Plus is essentially Mahindra coming to bat for another innings in the electric car market, but now with a car that is nearing regular hatchbacks in terms of practicality.

However, while the e2o Plus is still new in the market, Mahindra has seemingly pulled out its smaller sibling, the two-door e2o, from India with the company's website no longer listing the model as on sale. In recent months Mahindra has started exporting the two-door car to Europe. Now with the advent of the larger four-door e2o Plus, the automaker could have pulled the plug on the two-door car here and is offering only for export.

It is yet not known if the two-door e2o has reached the end of the line for India or if Mahindra has plans to update its smallest electric offering.
AMG

We'll start with the most recent aspect of the 577 hp track-friendly supercar's attention-grabbing aura. Despite the fact that deliveries haven't kicked off yet, an example of the speed animal has recently been spotted on the streets of Berlin - lens tip to Autogespot for these images.Sporting itsGreen Hell Magno launch color, the thing stands out in traffic like Miss Bodybuilder 2016 wearing a dress made of LEDs.The timing has been carefully calculated, as the car goes on sale next week (November 21), with the first European owners are set to receive their cars on March next year. This isn't the first GT R roaming the streets after the vehicle's launch, though.And the influence of the GT R spreads far beyond public roads. Keep in mind that this is a supercar wearing the Beast of the Green Hell nickname. And while some of the most YouTube-friendly corners on the infamous German track, such as the Carousel, show GT R or AMG billboards, Afflaterbach has yet to reveal the Ring time of the contraption.Multiple prototypes have been spotted flying from one Nordschleife corner to another after the animal's launch , which took place back in June. And while the automaker has discussed its GT R Nurburgring effort, we only know the machine aims to beat the Porsche 911 GT3 RS PDK, a 7:20 car.Until we get to find out more about the stopwatch performance of the 2017 Mercedes-AMG GT R, we'll try to keep ourselves busy with immersive images like the ones we have here.
AWD

Having made its debut at the 2016 Los Angeles Auto Show, the Viziv-7 is described as the embodiment of enjoyment and peace of mind. Takeshi Tachimori, the corporate executive vice president of Subarus mother company, clears that mumbo-jumbo up with a better explanation about what the Viziv-7 is all about, i.e. the next three-row from Subaru.Tachimori let it slip that customers in this segment want a full-sized vehicle, which is a tell-tale sign that the 2019 Subaru Tribeca will probably blur the line between the mid- and full-size segment. Spy photos of a pre-production prototype picture the next-gen Tribeca benchmarking against a Mazda CX-9 and a Ford Explorer . For what its worth, the prototype appears to be that more voluminous and square-shaped than the first-generation model.At 204.7 inches long (5.2 meters), 79.9 inches (2.03 meters) wide, and 72 inches (1.86 meters) high sans the roof rails, the Viziv-7 Concept can only be described as huge. The wheelbase is greater still at 117.7 inches (2.99 meters). To put that wheelbase into perspective, the Ford Explorer makes do with 112.6 inches (2.86 meters). Given the circumstances, its pretty much a given that the 2019 Subaru Tribeca will be smaller than the Viziv-7 Concept.To be introduced in North America in early 2018, the second generation of the Tribeca will be gifted with Subarus Dynamic x Solid design philosophy . As for the underpinnings, Symmetricaland Subarus Global Platform are in the offing. The means of propulsion, however, is still a mystery.Will Subaru go with the tried-and-tested 3.6-liter boxer engine from the Outback ? Well find whats what for sure at the 2018 Detroit Auto Show.
bought

The fuel cell-powered sedan can be yours for $369 a month for three years, provided that you pony up a $2,499 down payment and the $369 for the first month. As expected, the small print reads not including tax, registration or official fees. On a more optimistic note, the 2016 Hyundai Tucson Fuel Cell cost $499 per month plus $2,999 due at lease signing. Whats more, there is no competition whatsoever between it and the Clarity Fuel Cell.Not only does it pride itself on a 366-mile range, which is more than the Toyota Mirai and Tesla Model S P100D , but the Honda Clarity FCV also comes with $15,000 worth of hydrogen fuel for the duration of the lease. Then theres the 20,000-mile annual mileage allowance, the 24/7 roadside assistance, and 21 days of an Avis Luxury Rental in California. Speaking of which, the Clarity Fuel Cell can only beleased in The Golden State."Launching the Honda Clarity Fuel Cell at an affordable lease price will enable more consumers to enjoy the benefits of this spacious and well-equipped fuel cell vehicle," explained Steve Center, vice president of the Environmental Business Development Office at American Honda Motor. What Steve actually wants to tell you, however, is that the 2017 Honda Clarity Fuel Cell currently holds the title for the best range rating of any zero-emission vehicle The biggest downside to the Clarity FCV, however, is that it can be leased on a seriously stupid condition: the customer needs to live or to work within a 10-mile radius of a Honda-approved hydrogen fueling station. Whys that? Beats me. To be frank, I cant get it either why Honda is shooting itself in the leg like that, especially now that pluggable EVs are gaining ground.
EV

But wait, doesnt Toyota already have the iQ EV and that three-wheeler thingy called i-Road ? Right you are, but the two EVs are limited by range and by availability. As soon as 2020, however, Toyota intends to give the world a proper electric vehicle, one that people would actually buy. Its not known if Toyota intends to go up against the Hyundai Ioniq Electric or the Tesla Model X, but one thing is certain: a Toyota-branded electric vehicle in on the way.According to the Japanese companys president and chief executive officer, the pluggable EV development program will kick off in December 2016. At first, the in-houseprogram will be managed by four people. Aisin Seiki, a company specialized in transmissions and owned by the Toyota Group, as well as Denso, which is specialized in automotive electronics and its also owned by the Toyota Group, will help Toyotas EV development venture. Toyota suggests that the push for pluggable electric vehicles comes as a result of two things. First and foremost, the manufacturer shifted its focus from hybrids and FCVs to electric vehicles because the latter are a helluva lot more viable as mainstream cars. Secondly, R&D time and costs are lower than in the case of a fuel cell-powered vehicle. Another factor thats worthy of mention is the worlds burgeoning charging station infrastructure. Mazda also confirmed that its working on an electric vehicle of its own, slated to roll into dealer lots as soon as 2019. Mazda and Toyota, for all intents and purposes, are bound by a technical technological partnership since 2015. Hence, the two Japanese outfits could join forces in order to develop EVs.On an ending note, the head of research & development at Toyota Europe suggested that the next-generation Aygo city car could go all-electric
Screen shot of Ditlow via YouTube.

Clarence Ditlow, a longtime advocate for tougher safety and emission standards for vehicles, died on Nov. 10 at the age of 72.

Ditlow, both an attorney and an engineer, had served as executive director of the Center for Auto Safety since 1976. Ralph Nader and Consumers Union established the auto industry watchdog group in 1970.

Under Ditlow, the center played a major role in pushing for some of the largest safety recalls in U.S. history, including the Takata air bag recall. Ditlow also played a pivotal role in achieving one of the centers earliest goals: making air bags standard in all vehicles.

Ditlow and other representatives of the Center for Auto Safety have testified more than 50 times before congressional committees regarding auto safety, warranties and service bulletins, air pollution, consumer protection, and fuel economy.

Spanning four decades, his work forced the auto industry to make vast improvements in the safety, reliability and fuel efficiency of the vehicles on which Americans depend daily, the Center for Auto Safety said in a released statement about Ditlows death.
EAA Vintage Aircraft Association board of directors member Ron Alexander was killed Thursday in the crash of his recently restored Curtiss Jenny at Peach Tree Airport in Williamson, Georgia. An unidentified passenger was also killed. A local newspaper is reporting that the passenger was an FAA official but that has not been confirmed. Initial reports suggest the aircraft encountered some kind of difficulty on takeoff. It crashed in a wooded area and caught fire. First responders rushed to the scene but were unable to save the occupants.

Alexander founded Alexander Aeroplane Company, which was later sold to Aircraft Spruce. He had restored a Stearman in addition to the Jenny. He also established the Candler Field Museum at Peach Tree Airport. Alexander was an ex-military pilot who retired a captain with Delta after 33 years in 2002.
House Republicans have approved a bill that would cancel proposed deals for Boeing and Airbus to sell up to 200 aircraft to Iran. Doubts have been raised about whether Iran Air could actually afford the $40 billion in orders but the House vote is a clear challenge to the Obama administrations nuclear deal with Iran. The bill must now pass the Senate, where it will get a rough ride and if it passes there it would almost certainly be vetoed by the president. Given that the current power structure has only 60 days left in its mandate, the fate of the deal, which was a linchpin of the nuclear agreement, is in doubt.

The House bill, which passed by a 243-174 vote, specifically blocks the Treasury Department from issuing licenses U.S. banks would need to complete the transactions. The current administration already approved the deals in September. The deal with Iran specifically allowed the sale of aircraft to the state-owned airline but included strict conditions against their militarization or transfer to other entities. Boeing would get up to 109 of the orders and Airbus 112. Although Airbus is based in France, 10 percent of the parts for its aircraft are made in the U.S. After decades of trade embargoes, Iran Airs fleet is in desperate need of renewal and now consists mainly of older Airbus single-aisle airliners and ATR 72-600 regional turboprops.
18 November 2016 17:39 (UTC+04:00)

By Gunay Hasanova

The specter of corruption is a bugaboo that Armenia is not able to shake.

Recently an Armenian opposition journalist informed in his article referring to a secret organization called Mqeri dur that illicit money in the amount of $17 billion had been out flawed from the country since 1994.

Predominant oligarchy in Armenia, which is represented mainly by the state officials, may well affect the growth in the amount of illegal money takeout. For instance, according to declarations by the parliamentarians, there are 19 millionaire legislators in the Armenian parliament. Since the constitution bans the public servants from engaging in any business activity, tycoons of the poor country (32.3 percent poverty rate in 2015) turn to illegal ways of saving their fortune from the rule of law.

The Global Competitiveness Report 2015 unveiled the oligarchy-controlled monopoly in Armenia, ranking the former Soviet nation 105th among 144 countries in terms of the effectiveness of antitrust policy.

The enormous numbers of stolen money indicate on the high rank of its owners as ordinary businessmen or officials simply could not do it, bypassing the government.

For small and economically disadvantaged Armenia $17 billion is a huge amount of money that could help to save the economy. In fact, stealing such assets of money from the country can be classified as crimes against the nation.

These funds, if they stay in the country, could provide economic development and effective social protection systems as well as health services, job places, and much more. However, the country's rulers prefer looting of resources, the accumulation of personal wealth at the expense of ordinary citizens, forcing them to leave the country in a hope to better life.

Against the backdrop of the crisis in every sphere, the country continues to get multi-million-dollar loans while having no ability to shut them. Part of the funds is spent on the repayment and servicing of previous debts, part of it is allocated to unnecessary projects.

Polls conducted among country residents have repeatedly showed that people do not see any future in Armenia either for themselves or for their children.

The public realizes that almost half of the current Armenian government officials are oligarchs who utilize their power to expand their own businesses.

The latest report from Transparency International on People and Corruption: Europe and Central Asia published on November 17 indicates that more than 35 percent of Armenian citizens questioned, responded that corruption and bribery was one of the three biggest problems that its government should address.

While successive Armenian governments have promised to deal with the problem and despite an Anti-Corruption Council being set up by former Prime Minister Hovik Abrahamyan, almost two in three citizens (60 percent) believe that the government is not doing enough to tackle corruption.

Armenia ranked 95th out of 168 countries that were evaluated in Transparency Internationals 2015 Corruption Perceptions Index (CPI). Its ranking has barely changed over the past decade.

Although the Armenian authorities deny it, the reports and surveys of International Organizations are a clear proof of how the country is corrupt.

Despite Sargsyans recent public speeches about his desire to get rid of corruption in Armenia, the actions of the president and members of his inner circle have frequently contradicted his anti-corruption rhetoric.

The Armenian state budget, not surprisingly, also faced decrease this year. In the first seven months of the current year, revenues of the Armenian state budget made up approximately 633.4 billion drams ($1.33 billion), while the expenses were 717.2 billion drams ($1.51 billion), according to the official statistical data.

The revenues of Armenian state budget decreased by 2.2 billion drams ($4.64 million) or 0.3 percent compared to the same period of last year.

Thus, it is obvious that the public money in Armenia are misused by the government  while the money leaves the country, the majority of Armenians, thanks to the countrys authorities, have no choice but to live under sorrowful conditions.

Hence, the dominance of corrupted government, implementing aggressive policy, monopolies and oligarchic structures remain a major obstacle on the way of economic survival of the country.

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Gunay Hasanova is AzerNews staff journalist, follow her on Twitter: @gunhasanova

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18 November 2016 10:00 (UTC+04:00)

By Martha Rojas-Urrego and Patricia Espinosa

Wetlands, forests, and oceans absorb and store carbon, which makes them a vital asset for countries pursuing the Paris climate agreements targets for reducing CO2 emissions. So how can we use them most effectively?

The Paris accord was concluded by 196 governments last December, and came into force earlier this month. Now, its signatories are meeting in Marrakesh, Morocco, for the annual United Nations climate change conference. Several conference events specifically focus on how countries can use natural systems to meet their CO2-reduction targets.

While the climate-change challenge is immense, so, too, is the opportunity to accelerate sustainable development and ensure a better future for everyone on the planet. Under the Paris agreement, governments have committed to reducing their carbon emissions drastically, in order to keep global warming below 2C. The vast majority of signatory countries have already presented national action plans for achieving this goal, and these plans will become more ambitious over time.

These Nationally Determined Contributions include renewable-energy targets and proposals for sustainable transportation, energy efficiency, and education. In addition, countries should consider adopting policies to manage natural capital better. The Paris agreement itself recognizes the important role that natural ecosystems play in limiting the amount of carbon in the atmosphere, and governments should not neglect such powerful tools.

Governments will need to take action to conserve existing ecosystems  and restore and expand degraded ecosystems  in people-friendly ways. This is particularly true of wetlands, which include all land areas  such as lakes, floodplains, peatlands, mangroves, and coral reefs  that are covered with water, either seasonally or permanently.

Peatlands are particularly important. Though they cover only 3% of the worlds total surface area, they store twice as muchcarbon as all forests combined. Peatland soils are composed of carbon  in the form of decomposed plant material  that has accumulated for thousands of years; and when peatlands are drained or burned, that carbon is released into the atmosphere. In fact, draining peatlands releases two times more carbon into the atmosphere than the aviation industry does.

In 2015, fires raged across Indonesias forested peatlands, raising concerns worldwide about how much carbon was being released into the atmosphere, to say nothing of the far-reaching health effects. Indonesias government estimates that peatland fires and deforestation alone account for more than 60% of the countrys total greenhouse-gas emissions.

Conserving and restoring peatlands could significantly reduce global CO2 emissions, which is why, in 2015, the Nordic Council of Ministers announced a commitment to preserve the regions peatlands. Almost half of Nordic countries peatlands have been lost, and this ecosystem degradation contributes 25% of their total carbon emissions.

The Paris agreement entered fully into force in less than a year. This indicates that there is global momentum for concrete action to address the causes of climate change, as well as its effects, such as the disastrous floods, water shortages, and droughts already afflicting many countries.

That sense of urgency is not surprising. According to UN-Water, 90% of all natural hazards are water-related, and they will increase in frequency and intensity as climate change worsens. But natural systems can mitigate them: wetlands act as sponges that reduce flooding and delay the onset of droughts; and mangroves, salt marshes, and coral reefs all act as buffers that protect against storm surges. And wetlands, oceans, and forests do far more than just absorb and store carbon; they also provide fresh water, and are a food source for nearly three billion people.

Countries have a readymade platform that they can use for their future wetland-conservation efforts. The Ramsar Convention on Wetlands, an intergovernmental treaty under which 169 countries have committed to conserve and sustainably manage their wetlands, is an ideal vehicle for help them reach their CO2-reduction targets, as well as meet the UN Sustainable Development Goals for 2030.

The Paris agreements long-term objective is to achieve climate neutrality  no net greenhouse-gas emissions  in the second half of this century. Climate neutrality is necessary to keep global warming below 2C; to reach it, we must reduce emissions to the point that they can be fully and easily absorbed by nature. This was the natural cycle for millions of years before anthropogenic climate change began.

Climate neutrality can be achieved through political willpower, imaginative policies, new green technologies and clean-energy sources, and a multi-trillion-dollar shift in investment toward sustainable economic sectors and infrastructure. In addition, these measures success requires cost-effective investment in conservation efforts and expansion of natural capital. Only nature-based systems such as wetlands and forests can truly guarantee success  and a clean, prosperous future.

Copyright: Project Syndicate: Mother Nature vs. Climate Change

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18 November 2016 13:28 (UTC+04:00)

By Adebimpe Adebiyi

If you happen to be sitting with two other people right now, chances are one of you is malnourished. And you might not even know it. Yes, thats right: one in three people worldwide suffer from malnutrition, and it does not always look the way one might expect.

From the two billion adults who carry too much weight to the 159 million children with stunted growth, malnutrition takes many forms. As a doctor, I see women who appear healthy, but who suffer from anemia, owing partly to low iron intake. And I see relatively able-bodied men with big bellies, which elevate their risk for heart disease.

West Africa is home to some of the worlds highest rates of malnutrition. That includes the most obvious face of the condition: roughly 9% of West African children under five are wasted, or too thin for their height. At its most severe, wasting is fatal.

But West Africa also suffers from many other forms of malnutrition. One-third of children under five in the region are stunted (too short for their age), a condition with irreversible effects on cognitive development. According to the Cost of Hunger in Africa studies, stunted children across the continent receive up to 3.6 fewer years of schooling than well-nourished children.

The problem does not affect only children. Half of all women of reproductive age in West Africa are anemic. Not only does anemia contribute to almost one-fifth of global maternal deaths; babies born to anemic women are also more likely to be underweight. The result is a vicious cycle of poor health.

Perhaps the least obvious face of malnutrition is not undernutrition, but excessive weight and obesity. Today, 31% of adults in West Africa are overweight or obese. In Nigeria, my home country, the share is 33%. Beyond heart disease, that extra weight raises the risk of diabetes, high blood pressure, stroke, and more.

Malnutrition also has serious economic consequences. The 2016 Global Nutrition Report estimates that, across Africa, malnutrition results in a loss of 11% of GDP  more than the annual losses brought about by the 2008-2010 global financial crisis.

On an individual level, adults who were stunted in their childhood  a condition that has affected nearly 70% of the working population in some areas  often face a diminished capacity to work and earn a living, owing to the developmental challenges they faced. The effects of wasting on human development and economic progress are almost as profound.

The imperative to tackle malnutrition could not be clearer. Yet progress has been mixed, particularly in West Africa.

To be sure, some countries have had impressive success, thanks to decisive government action. In just a decade, Ghana cut stunting by nearly half, partly through investment in areas that affect nutrition, such as agriculture and social protection. Nigers government halved the number of deaths of children under the age of five over a similar period, by making specific budget and operational decisions to tackle severe wasting.

But other countries have hardly made a dent in the malnutrition problem. In Togo, stunting rates have barely moved in the last decade. In Mali and Guinea, wasting is on the rise. And these countries are not alone.

Many other African countries may be poised to start writing their own success stories. Cote DIvoire has positioned itself to reduce stunting, while Senegal is close to being on track to address wasting. In both countries, extra investment  both political and financial  could have an outsize impact.

Yet donors and governments remain reluctant to provide the needed funding. According to the 2016 Global Nutrition Report, donor funds for nutrition-focused interventions are stagnating at $1 billion. Nine West African governments spend, on average, just over 1% of their budgets on nutrition.

And yet nutrition is one of the best investments we can make, with every $1 invested in nutrition yielding $16 in returns. In many countries, such as India, obesity-related illnesses like heart disease are consuming up to 30% of families annual incomes. Unless African governments start making smart choices and smart investments, the continent may face a similar fate.

Many African governments have set out ambitious goals relating to security, stability, and long-term economic prosperity. Nutrition is critical to achieving any of them. It is central to our continents development, and should thus be a high priority for our policymakers. Millions of lives depend on it.

Copyright: Project Syndicate:The Many Faces of Malnutrition

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18 November 2016 13:06 (UTC+04:00)

By Amina Nazarli

The government of Azerbaijan believes that small and medium businesses can contribute significantly to diversifying the countrys economy to cease dependence on the petrodollars.

The development of local entrepreneurship will lead to more growth and high quality jobs in the country, while the state stimulates and supports entrepreneurs in every possible way.

The government has revealed another key reform that will stimulate and encourage SMEs and entrepreneurs. There was offered to simplify the process of licensing for travel agencies. Travel agencies will not be required to pass accreditation for getting e-visas for tourists, thus the list of the required documents maybe cut.

This proposal is reflected in the draft law on changes to Law "On Licenses and Permits", which was discussed at the meeting of the Parliamentary Committee for Economic Policy, Enterprise and Industry on November 17.

Following the debate, the Committee recommended the draft amendments for discussion in the Parliament's plenary session.

The country takes systematic measures to bolster entrepreneurship in the country, regardless difficult economic situation in the world.

The country has suspended inspection of entrepreneurs' activities (for the period of two years), which was earlier considered to be one of the key hindrances to the development of entrepreneurship.



Moreover, tax reforms approved by the president are expected to make radical changes in the tax system, by introducing more favorable VAT rates for the socially vulnerable layers of the population, reducing tax burden on small and medium-sized business, resolving problems during taxation of trade operations.

The government sees new investment incentives scheme as one of effective tools to stipulate business doing in the country and give a push for the development of small and medium entrepreneurship.

Now entrepreneurs receive the document of investment incentives, allowing creation new work places. Under the document of investment incentives, which cover seven economic areas of Azerbaijan, half of the revenue of an individual entrepreneur, profits of legal entity are exempted from income tax for seven years.

Priority areas for the country, which possesses a wide range of investment opportunities, are agriculture, heavy and light industry, alternative energy, tourism, information technologies and construction.

Recently, Doing Business 2017 placed Azerbaijan 65th among 190 countries in the global rankings on the Ease of Doing Business, ranking the country among 29 countries that implemented three or more reforms.

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Amina Nazarli is AzerNews staff journalist, follow her on Twitter: @amina_nazarli



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18 November 2016 13:42 (UTC+04:00)

By Amina Nazarli

Azerbaijan, with the great wine-growing traditions, will supply 500,000 bottles of wine to China, the world's second-largest economy.

The agreement on the wine supply was reached during the visit of the countrys export mission to Hong Kong and Guangzhou on November 9-15, according to the Azerbaijani Economy Ministry.

The Azerbaijani entrepreneurs discussed with their Chinese colleagues the opportunities of cooperation and got acquainted with new technologies for the production of wine, as well as met with local distributors and potential customers with the support of the Azerbaijan Export and Investment Promotion Fund (AZPROMO).

During the visit, the Azerbaijani entrepreneurs took part in two international exhibitions of wine and alcohol producers, where the countrys products enjoyed huge interest. The national brand Savalan won a gold award at Guangzhou Interwine Fair 2016, one of the largest international wine exhibitions in the world.

Although the French wine is considered one of the best in the world, many wine lovers will agree that Azerbaijani wine is no way inferior to French one -- if not even superior in taste.

Currently, there are nearly 10 wineries and vineyards that produce wine in the country and more and more countries such as China are showing interest in the national brandy.

Today, Azerbaijani wines are exported to Russia, Ukraine, Baltic States, Poland, Belarus and the UAE .

The government has devoted considerable effort to creating the Caspian Coast wine trademark and has invested heavily in advertising the brand outside Azerbaijan. The ministries of agriculture and economy are working to develop a wine culture program.

Foreign wine has been pleasing in China market, as almost one out of five bottles opened in China is now imported from elsewhere around the world. Chinas bottled wine imports in 2015 jumped by a third in both volume and value compared to 2014, show customs figures.

The figure reached a total of 395m litres by the end of the year, a 37% increase versus 2014. The total import value was up by 37% year-on-year to reach $1.9bn.

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Amina Nazarli is AzerNews staff journalist, follow her on Twitter: @amina_nazarli



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18 November 2016 15:42 (UTC+04:00)

By Nigar Abbasova

Ganja Automobile Plant, one of the leading players in Azerbaijans automotive industry, will start the assembly of Eurabus electric buses in the near future.

Head of the Plants Supervisory Committee Khanlar Fatiyev said that the enterprise plans to start the assemblage of buses in January 2017.

Mentioning that German specialists have already visited the plant and assessed its production capacity, Fatiyev said that the planned initial capacity of the plant will stand at 350-400 busses per year.

Representatives of the plant and German Eurabus GmbH have already discussed the issue of export to the third countries and reached preliminary agreements in this regard.

Fatiyev underlined that the cooperation is a part of the export-oriented economy pursued in Azerbaijan.

Director General of Eurobus Christian Seitz, in turn, told Trend that the Ganja Plant and Eurabus GmbH are expected to sign an agreement within 2 months, mentioning that the company has certain plans in the market.

He further mentioned that the first model of Eurabus, which was earlier delivered to Azerbaijan, have already been subjected to the approbation process. He noted that buses will be used both within the country and exported to the third countries.

We have chosen Azerbaijan, as the country is an economic leader in the region and has all necessary conditions and infrastructure for the manufacture and operation of the buses, he said.

Meanwhile, Deputy Director of Marketing and Service department at Ganja Plant Konstantin Barabanov said that the countrys Ecology Ministry has already showed interest in the purchase of electric buses.

The second generation electric bus, Eurabus 2.0 was presented in Belgium, 2013. The vehicle is considered to be more economic than a classic diesel bus and drives with zero emission. The buses with the length of 12 meters are being set in motion with the help of in-wheel electric motors ZA-wheel with the capacity of 130 kilowatt.

The bus is environmentally-friendly. The majority of filling stations in Azerbaijan possess relevant charging devices. Basic structure of the bus is made of aluminum which allows to economize and provides for lightweight of the bus.

Being located in Azerbaijan's second largest city Ganja Automobile Plant is capable of assembling up to 1,000 trucks and 2,000 tractors each year. The plant also produces tractor trailers, communal machinery, and snow removal equipment. Currently, the plant is engaged in the assembly of Belarus tractors and MAZ, KAMAZ and Ural vehicles.

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Nigar Abbasova is AzerNews staff journalist, follow her on Twitter: @nigyar_abbasova

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18 November 2016 18:24 (UTC+04:00)

By Laman Ismayilova

Nasiba Zeynalova was truly a brilliant actress, a unique phenomenon in the history of Azerbaijani theater and film industry.

Zeynalova, who started to star at the very young age, conquered hearts of millions bringing the wonderful women to the peak of art.

She is probably the only mother in law loved by almost all the nation, since many remembered Nasiba as great Azerbaijani mother in law for her remarkable role at the same name musical comedy.

Her father was a wealthy man from a noble family and always supported the actors, paid them salaries, and tried not to break up the troupe. In his estate, Zeynalov created a large hall for rehearsals and even built there a scene.

Jahangir Zeynalov, one of the founders of the Azerbaijani theatre, was asked, before he had children: Who will be your heir? He replied: For the time being, I do have an heir; our stage is the most likely child to be my heir. A theatre figure, he believed in a great future for the theatre. He had a daughter and he named her Nasiba. Further, his daughter grew up and continued her fathers path with distinction.

However, her happiness was short-lived, as after Zeynalova lost her father at early age. The family lost everything and lived in poverty. Therefore, Nasiba had very difficult childhood and had to work since she was just 14 years old. She had to leave school to get a job.

Everything changed after the girl met famous Azerbaijani theater director Shamsi Badalbeyli, who at that time was director of the Philharmonic troupe. He could see the potential of the young girl and offered her a job.

When she was just 21, Nasiba Zeynalova already toured around Azerbaijan as part of a traveling theater group.

The legendary actress starred in 40 films and performed in dozens of plays, creating unforgettable images.

On the theatre stage, actress played the part of Jahan khala in the operetta Arsin mal alan, Sanam in O olmasin bu olsun, Kalak khanim and Malak khanim in Young at 50, Sharaf in Durna, Nargila in Gozun aydin, Zuleykha in Ulduz, Sola khanim in We know best, Asmat in Our home, our secret, Jannat in Mother-in-law, and others.

She also played a mother who dreams of getting her mentally challenged son Mardan married in the television series Dont be Scared, I am with You by director Yuliy Gusman; the shop assistant Khanbaji in director Alakbar Muradovs psychological drama Execution by Bullet is Postponed; and grandmother Masma in the comedy film Dream by director Fikrat Aliyev.

The military movie-essay Our Jabis Muellim, by director Hassan Seyidbayli, is about the difficult lives of people on the home front during the war of 1941-45; showing their everyday existence and problems. The actresss role in this film was one of her best cinema roles of that time.

Nasiba khanim was loved by all for her beautiful acting. She was a great artist with an innate talent. Talent, enthusiasm and work  these three factors were a constant unity throughout her life and work.

Azerbaijan State Musical Theatre will mark the memory of the great actress on November 24. Many prominent cultural and art figures will pay tribute to the memory of the brilliant actress.

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Laman Ismayilova is AzerNews staff journalist, follow her on Twitter: @Lam_Ismayilova

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18 November 2016 10:24 (UTC+04:00)

A new print edition of the AZERNEWS online newspaper was released on November, 18

The new edition includes articles about: Influential news agencies assemble in Baku; Azerbaijan may increase gas export by 2035; Baku, Lisbon highlight importance of mutual political support; Baku, Kuwait ink air traffic deal etc.

AZERNEWS is an associate member of the World Association of Newspapers and News Publishers (WAN-IFRA).
18 November 2016 10:21 (UTC+04:00)

By Laman Ismayilova

Israels Ambassador Dan Stav paid a two-day visit to Azerbaijans Mingachevir and Yevlakh cities, the Israeli embassy in Baku told Trend on November 17.

The diplomat had meetings with the heads of executive power of the two cities.

The meetings discussed strengthening the bilateral cooperation in architecture and industry.

The ambassador also informed about the opportunities given by Israel's Agency for International Development Cooperation for training of Azerbaijani specialists in Israel.

During the visit, the Israeli delegation visited the youth house, the museum of history and reviewed the hydropower plant in Mingachevir, the embassy said.

They also visited the Azertoxum company in Yevlakh city.

Trade turnover between Azerbaijan and Israel neared $409.9 million in January-September 2016, according to Azerbaijans State Customs Committee.

Israel recognized the independence of Azerbaijan very shortly after the official dissolution of the Soviet Union. Diplomatic relations between Azerbaijan and Israel were established in April 1992. Since gaining independence in 1991, Azerbaijan has established a position of one of Israels closest friends in the Muslim world.

Over the last twenty years, the ties between Israel and Azerbaijan have improved drastically. The development of economic ties is particularly noticeable, as Israel rose from being Azerbaijans tenth largest trading partner to its third in February 2016.

Several synagogues are operating in the capital of Azerbaijan, as well as in Guba and Oguz regions. Synagogue, opened in Baku in 2003 is one of the largest in Europe. In September 2003, the first Jewish school was opened in Baku.

---

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18 November 2016 10:20 (UTC+04:00)

Over the last years Azerbaijan has successfully hosted important international events. Baku International Humanitarian Forum, World Forum on Intercultural Dialogue, various sporting and other globally significant events have made Baku one of the hubs of international cooperation, first Deputy Director General of the Russian TASS news agency Mikhail Gusman told journalists as he attended the 5th News Agencies World Congress in Baku.

He stressed the importance of the discussions featured and decisions taken at the Baku Congress to the world media.

---

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18 November 2016 11:24 (UTC+04:00)

By Laman Ismayilova

The Baku International Center of Multiculturalism has hosted a meeting with Bulgarian Ambassador to Azerbaijan Maya Hristova and Chairman of the Association of Professional Mediators of Bulgaria, famous lawyer Elisa Nikolova, Azertac reported.

In his speech, Azerbaijan's State Counselor on Multiculturalism, Interethnic and Religious Affairs, academician Kamal Abdullayev highlighted the activities of the Center, its international and regional projects.

"Learning and promoting the Azerbaijani multiculturalism, which is based on love and compassion, we are also trying to spread the principles of humanity, human values. The Center regularly organizes international summer and winter schools for students studying the Azerbaijani multiculturalism in foreign countries, the academician said.

He pointed out that currently branches of the Baku International Center of Multiculturalism are functioning in Germany, Israel, Moldova, Italy, Portugal and the Russian cities of Moscow and Yekaterinburg.

Today we are signing a cooperation agreement to open the eighth branch of the Baku International Center of Multiculturalism  the Bulgarian branch. I wish success to the head of the Bulgarian branch Elisa Nikolova, who is familiar with multicultural values of Azerbaijan and our projects," he added.

The academician highlighted activities of the Bulgarian envoy, who has played a major role in enhancing the relations between Azerbaijan and Bulgaria.

Hristova, in turn, expressed gratitude to President of Heydar Aliyev Foundation Mehriban Aliyeva for contribution to the reconstruction of Trapezitsa Architectural and Museum Reserve, located in the Bulgarian city of Veliko Tarnovo.

"This is a great gesture, it is very important for us. It is hard to express our feelings by words. I am conveying a great love of the Bulgarian people to the people of Azerbaijan and personally Mehriban Aliyeva, she said.

Further, Executive Director of the Baku International Center of Multiculturalism Azad Mammadov and Eliza Nikolova signed a Memorandum of Understanding on cooperation in the implementation of mutual activities for the promotion of multiculturalism and tolerance of Azerbaijan, implementation of joint projects and activities of the Bulgarian branch of the Center.

Azerbaijan, located on the junction of two continents- Europe and Asia, created all necessary conditions for representatives of different nationalities, religions and cultures to exist freely.

The International Centre for Multiculturalism was established in Baku in 2014, as a concrete effort to promote the values of multiculturalism.

This year, Azerbaijan hosted the 7th Global Forum of the United Nations Alliance of Civilizations.

By using the UN tribune, Azerbaijan once again showed its multiculturalism traditions, and urged the world countries to respect tolerance, intercultural and inter-civilization dialogue. Furthermore, Azerbaijan named 2016 the Year of Multiculturalism.

Azerbaijan and Bulgaria have developed friendly relations after Bulgaria recognized the independence of Azerbaijan in January 1992. The embassy of Bulgaria in Azerbaijan was opened in December 1999.

---

Laman Ismayilova is AzerNews staff journalist, follow her on Twitter: @Lam_Ismayilova

Follow us on Twitter @AzerNewsAz
18 November 2016 14:22 (UTC+04:00)

By Amina Nazarli

The rising number of Arabian tourists visiting Azerbaijan affected the real estate market of the country, along with its tourism sector. More and more Arabs wish to buy an apartment in Baku.

Bakus Ambassador to Kuwait Elkhan Gahraman, talking to Trend, confirmed this saying that Kuwaiti investors show interest in the real estate market of Azerbaijan.



"Kuwaitis like to make tourist trips and according to the statistics of recent years, they spend an average of about $10 billion during the year on such trips," the ambassador noted. "In many cases, during such trips, Kuwaitis explore new business opportunities, buy luxury apartments, houses and land lots abroad."

The ambassador went on to say that in addition, they show great interest in creation of farms, renting of large areas for breeding cattle in Azerbaijan.

The Azerbaijani legislation puts no restrictions on the purchase of house for foreigners. But, according to the Land Code, restrictions are imposed for private ownership of land plot, that is, foreigners cannot buy plot of land in Azerbaijan.

He further reminded that the investors of Kuwait already invested in Azerbaijans economy and chose agriculture and favorable recreational tourist areas as priority directions.

The diplomat added that businessmen of Kuwait launched their first investment projects in Azerbaijans Gabala, Ismayilli, Guba and Gusar regions.

The ambassador said that the tourism potential of Azerbaijan plays an important role for the development of economic relations between the two countries.

Recently, Azerbaijan and Kuwait signed an intergovernmental agreement on air communication, aiming to remove obstacles for opening of air links between the two countries, which will contribute to further development of bilateral economic and cultural relations between the two sides.

The diplomat expressed hope that the opening of direct flights between Azerbaijan and Kuwait will lead to a significant increase in trade relations between the two states.

The ambassador also added that Kuwait already imports agricultural products from Azerbaijan.

In particular, on the basis of a contract with the Azerbaijani juice plant in Gabala region, the Kuwait Azeri Trading Establishment Company buys products of this enterprise for delivery to the Kuwaiti market, he said.

Currently, the work is underway to expand the list of names of the goods imported from Azerbaijan to Kuwait, Gahraman said.

The trade turnover between Azerbaijan and Kuwait in January-September 2016 amounted to $2.96 million, according to the State Statistics Committee of Azerbaijan.

--



Amina Nazarli is AzerNews staff journalist, follow her on Twitter: @amina_nazarli

Follow us on Twitter @AzerNewsAz
18 November 2016 12:58 (UTC+04:00)

The first plenary session of the Organization of Asia-Pacific News Agencies (OANA) was held in Baku on November 18, Azertac reported.

The event moderator, OANA Secretary General, First Deputy Director General of Russia's Tass news agency Mikhail Gusman noted that more than 80 heads and representatives of 40 news agencies attended the meeting of the supreme body of the organization.

The OANA 16th Assembly's agenda then was put to a vote and approved.

Addressing the event, OANA president, Director General of TASS news agency Sergey Mikhaylov hailed the development of information technologies in recent years. He also pointed to the establishment of the committee of ethics of OANA, saying this was important amid growing cases of journalists facing violence in some countries.

Hailing OANA's active cooperation with a number of regional and international organizations, Sergey Mikhaylov noted that a special award was instituted to recognize the efforts of those who contribute to the development of journalism.

The event then featured a ceremony to award winners of "OANA Excellence Award".

Chairman of OANA, Director General of TASS news agency Sergei Mikhailov presented awards to Yonhap's chief of the media technology department Jung Tae-sung, and TASS Executive Editor, Information Quality Control Andrey Lebedev.

Also Azertac has taken over the presidency of the OANA from Russian TASS agency.

Aslan Aslanov, Azertac Director General assumed the three year presidency of OANA.

Azertac became a member of OANA in September, 2004. The agency was elected as a member of the OANA Executive Board at the organizations 13th General Assembly in the Indonesian capital of Jakarta on December 12, 2007.

At the 15th General Assembly held in Moscow in 2013, Azertac Director General Aslan Aslanov was elected as one of OANA`s vice presidents. In Moscow, Azertac was also elected  by secret ballot  as president of the organization for 2016-2019.

An initiative of UNESCO, the Organization of Asia-Pacific News Agencies was founded in 1961 with the aim of expanding news exchange among regional news agencies. OANA`s members include 43 news agencies from 35 countries.

---

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18 November 2016 15:23 (UTC+04:00)

By Amina Nazarli

Early marriage, evasion of children from school, child labor and violence - all these are grave violation of children's rights, said Hijran Huseynova.

The Chairperson of the State Committee for Family, Women, and Children's Affairs made the remark during the "Children's rights: equal rights and opportunities" event in Baku on November 18.

Huseynova, mentioning that today the number of children in the country hits 2.6 million, stressed that the country has implemented important social projects to ensure proper education of children and prevention of evasion of children from the school.

"Everything is done to ensure that children live in a healthy family atmosphere," she said, adding that for the implementation of child policy, first of all its necessary to create a reliable legal framework.

Huseynov said that solution of children's problems should be brought to the attention of society, NGOs, private sector and international organizations.



"A healthy and happy life of children is an issue concerning not only a state, but all mankind," she said.

Huseynova emphasized that Azerbaijan submitted to the relevant committee of the UN reports of three periods.



"It is encouraging that year by year the work done by the Azerbaijani government is evaluated positively," she said, noting that preparation of the next report is under way.

Police Colonel of the Interior Minister, Adigozal Adigozalov, in turn, said that since it's easy to attract children to bad habits, enlightening is very important.

The official said that the Ministry carried out relevant work to fight again this.

Protecting children's rights is a top priority of Azerbaijan, with a population of over 9.6 million. The country ratified over 30 international conventions, adopted several relevant laws, and cooperates closely with international organizations to tackle problems in this sphere.

UNICEF, promoting the rights and wellbeing of every child around the world, which came to Azerbaijan in 1993, also backing the country in this issue.

The UNICEF Country Programme for 2016-2020 will support Azerbaijan in its efforts to accelerate the realization of childrens rights enshrined in the Convention on the Rights of the Child, and to contribute to the results related to child and adolescent rights stipulated in the Azerbaijan 2020: Look in the Future Concept of Development, as well as other sectoral policies and strategies.

--

Amina Nazarli is AzerNews staff journalist, follow her on Twitter: @amina_nazarli



Follow us on Twitter @AzerNewsAz
18 November 2016 16:07 (UTC+04:00)

Azerbaijan wishes success to the newly elected U.S. President, Donald Trump, said Azerbaijans President Ilham Aliyev.

The president made the remark at a meeting with a group of participants of the 5th News Agencies World Congress in Baku on November 17, Trend reported.

I think people of Azerbaijan appreciate what happened during the election, said President Aliyev. My personal opinion is very positive. People of America showed him great support despite all the polls and expectations of the leading American media and despite aggressive campaign against him. He owns this election only to himself. He deserves great respect.

President Aliyev further voiced hope that the relations between the U.S. and Azerbaijan will continue successfully during Trumps presidency as they developed in the previous years.

The president said there are a lot of areas of cooperation, including political, economic and other areas. President Aliyev said there are great expectations in the world with respect to Trumps policy.

Republican candidate Donald Trump won the 2016 U.S. presidential elections, securing more than 270 electoral votes needed for his Democratic rival Hillary Clintons defeat.

Trump will take his oath of office on January 20, becoming the nations 45th president.

President Aliyev made a phone call to Donald Trump on November 17 to congratulate him on his victory in the presidential election, and wish him success in his high state activity.

---

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18 November 2016 11:49 (UTC+04:00)

By Nigar Abbasova

SOCAR Trading, the biggest supplier of Azeri Light crude oil in the world, has reached an agreement on supplies of oil products to Burkina Fasos SONABHY Company.

Azerbaijani delegation led by Energy Minister Natig Aliyev earlier paid a visit to Burkina Faso and Benin to mull the issues of the energy cooperation.

The delegation held a number of meetings with high-ranking officials and representatives of oil industry of Burkina Faso. Main objectives of the visit were to discuss the perspectives of energy cooperation between Azerbaijan and West African states, as well as strengthen the prestige of Azerbaijan and activate commercial operation of SOCAR in the region.

Aliyev said that the Azerbaijani side presented different energy projects to heads of Burkina Faso and Benin, mentioning that the projects will open new opportunities for the countries to get additional volumes of energy supplies.

Being a major importer of energy, Burkina Faso is highly dependent on energy imports, notable of oil, as the country has no known crude oil reserves or refining capacity.

Diplomatic relations between the two countries were established in 2004, while the sides also cooperate within such organizations as UNO, OIC and African Union, where Azerbaijan has an observer status.

Being headquartered in Geneva, SOCAR Trading was incorporated in December 2007 as the marketing arm of the State Oil Company of Azerbaijan (SOCAR).

--

Nigar Abbasova is AzerNews staff journalist, follow her on Twitter: @nigyar_abbasova

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18 November 2016 16:57 (UTC+04:00)

By Amina Nazarli

Norwegian energy companies are interested in entering the Azerbaijani market, said Bord Ivar Svendsen, Oslos Ambassador to Baku.

"Norwegian energy companies have a great interest in Azerbaijan. Almost every three months we get appeals from the Norwegian companies that have not yet started to work here, but are considering it," he said.

Svendsen further added that his country has extensive experience in oil production, noting that Norwegian companies have modern technologies in this field and ready to offer them to Azerbaijan.

The ambassador also mentioned a possibility of a visit by one of Norwegian ministers or deputy ministers to Baku to attend one of their energy exhibitions and conferences next year.

However, this question is under consideration, he said.

Svendsen has reminded that the Norwegian oil and oil service companies are already represented in Azerbaijan.



Thus, the largest Norwegian oil company Statoil operates Azeri-Chirag-Guneshli field in the Caspian Sea. In addition, there are six-seven Norwegian companies that supply niche products and provide services for the examination to the major oil companies, and especially BP.

Since the beginning of the 1990s Azerbaijan and Norway have developed an increasingly strong relationship. Diplomatic relations between the two countries were established in 1992. The Norwegian embassy in Baku was opened in 1998.

The co-operation has been growing especially in the field of energy, and several Norwegian companies have established themselves in Baku.

--

Amina Nazarli is AzerNews staff journalist, follow her on Twitter: @amina_nazarli



Follow us on Twitter @AzerNewsAz
18 November 2016 12:31 (UTC+04:00)

By Trend

Uzbekistan has signed 355 contracts worth $1.009 billion following the first international fruit and vegetable fair, held in Tashkent in early November, Uzagroexport Joint Stock Company said.

According to the company, Uzbekistan will export 1.421 million tons of fruits and vegetables in accordance with the agreements.

Some 32 percent of the total export products account for

vegetables, 17 percent - grapes, 25 percent - fruits, 13 percent - dried fruits, 12 percent - legumes and one percent  melons and gourds.

The contracts for the supply of fruits and vegetables have been signed with the companies of Germany, Scotland, Switzerland, UK, Ukraine, Belarus, Lithuania, Azerbaijan, Russia, China, Korea, Japan, the United Arab Emirates, Turkey, Iraq.

Some 16 million tons of fruits and vegetables are annually produced in Uzbekistan.

According to the countrys official statistics, some 2.3 million tons of potatoes, 8.2 million tons of vegetables, 1.5 million tons of melons and gourds, more than 1.2 million tons of grapes and 2 million tons of fruits and berries were grown in Uzbekistan in January - September 2016.

---

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18 November 2016 14:04 (UTC+04:00)

By Gunay Hasanova

The European Union will have to deal with the Syrian refugee flow in case of failure to apply a visa-free regime with Turkey, Deputy Prime Minister of Turkey Numan Kurtulmus said during a visit to province Konya.

He emphasized that Turkey is not obliged to host Syrian refugees.

The European Union should make its position clear and precise on the accession of Turkey to the Union, he added.

The Heads of State and the EU Member States' governments agreed with Turkey upon a joint plan to combat the migration crisis in mid-March. The program is focusing on the return of illegal immigrants arriving from Greece to the territory of Turkey and accepting legal Syrian refugees in Turkey by the EU based principle of "one for one".

Today, there are roughly three million Syrian refugees in the territory of Turkey. Approximately 300,000 of them live in the camps and the rest are scattered over the Turkish provinces. Only Istanbul is host to 40,000 refugees from Syria.

What's more, only 200 Syrians have so far been resettled from Turkish refugee camps to Europe, far fewer than envisioned by Turkey, which is currently home to more than three million displaced people.

Turkey has a long waited for its EU membership, while each application to accede to the European Union was frustrating for the government. Turkey, holding a status of an associate member at the Economic Community -- the predecessor of the EU since 1963 -- made an official application for entry on April 14, 1987.

The European Commission has proposed in May that the European Parliament and EU Council will lift visa restrictions for citizens of Turkey if Ankara fulfills the remaining conditions for abolishing visa entries until the end of June.

The list of pre-conditions included measures to prevent corruption, negotiations on an operational agreement with Europol (the EU police office), providing judicial cooperation with all EU member states, as well as the revision of the legislation on the fight against terrorism.

However, since the July 15 coup attempt, relations between Ankara and Brussels have fallen to a low as Turkish politicians lament the EUs muted response to the attempted takeover and EU leaders criticize Turkey over widespread arrests and job suspensions in its wake.

---

Gunay Hasanova is AzerNews staff journalist, follow her on Twitter: @gunhasanova

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18 November 2016 15:52 (UTC+04:00)

By Gunay Hasanova

Ashgabat hosts a meeting of the authorized representatives of Azerbaijan, Iran, Kazakhstan, Russia and Turkmenistan to discuss the draft protocol on the maritime safety in the Caspian Sea, the Turkmen government reported on November 18.

The agreement, as a framework document, creates a legal basis for cooperation among the competent authorities of the states in such areas as the fight against terrorism, organized crime, illegal trafficking of arms and drugs, smuggling, human trafficking and illegal migration, ensuring the safety of maritime navigation.

In addition, the document creates a ground for exchange of the relevant information.

"Protocol on cooperation in the field of maritime security in the Caspian Sea is associated with the important task to prevent ship accidents , protection of life and health of crew members and passengers, ensuring the safety of the vehicles themselves and the goods transported by them", the Turkmen Dovlet Habarlary reported.

The Caspian region is one of the major geopolitical, economic, energy, transport and communication centers on the Eurasian space today.

The Caspian Sea is the biggest enclosed body of water on Earth, with enormous deposits of oil and gas as well as rich fisheries. It plays an important role in the transport corridors, along with being an important part of the international and regional projects.

The five coastal states -- Azerbaijan, Kazakhstan, Russia, Turkmenistan, and Iran -- signed a framework convention on the protection of the marine environment of the Caspian Sea in November 2003.

A key problem to further development in the region is the unresolved status of the Caspian Sea and the water boundaries among the five littoral states.

The legal status has remained unsolved during the past two decades, preventing development and exploitation of its disputable oil and gas fields and creating obstacles to the realization of major energy projects.

Azerbaijan proposes that the Caspian Sea must be divided into national sectors based on the median line principles since it is an international boundary lake.

In turn, Iran and Turkmenistan oppose Azerbaijans position considering that the Caspian Sea must be divided into equal parts between the pre-Caspian countries so that each country must have 20 percent of the sea.

---

Gunay Hasanova is AzerNews staff journalist, follow her on Twitter: @gunhasanova

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Bakersfield, CA (93308)

Today

Cloudy early with partial sunshine expected late. A stray shower or thunderstorm is possible. High around 60F. Winds NW at 10 to 15 mph..

Tonight

Cloudy with periods of light rain. Low 46F. Winds NW at 5 to 10 mph. Chance of rain 70%.
President Xi Jinping said on Thursday that his visit to Ecuador, the first state visit by a Chinese head of state in 36 years, will make positive progress.

Xi made the remarks while delivering a speech at the Quito airport, where Ecuadorian President Rafael Correa hosted a grand ceremony to welcome Xi and the Chinese delegation.

"I come here with the deep friendship of Chinese people and the wish to develop bilateral ties," Xi said, adding that he was looking forward to the upcoming meetings with Ecuadorian leaders.

Referring to the major earthquake that struck Ecuador in April, Xi said that Chinese people empathized with the Ecuadorian people.

China has provided help to the Ecuadorian people in the rescue and reconstruction work, he added.

The 7.8-magnitude quake, which struck the northern Pacific coast of Ecuador, caused heavy loss of human lives and property damage. China had immediately announced that it would provide $2 million of cash and $60 million of materials for rescue and reconstruction.

The visit will build a solid bridge for the China-Ecuador cooperation, and bright bright future for the bilateral ties, he added.

The Chinese president is paying visits to Ecuador, Peru and Chile starting from Thursday. He will also attend the APEC leaders meeting in Lima, capital of Peru, over the weekend.
Face to face with the horrors of the migrant crisis

The BMS World Mission Italy Action Team sees the reality of life for refugees fleeing war and persecution up close



The BMS Italy Action Team, based in the port of Reggio Calabria, has been there for barely a month and Sarah, Finlay, Jess and Laura have already seen around 2,000 refugees arrive, having been rescued from the Mediterranean. Some did not survive the journey with 12 people dead on board the first boat they saw.



The reality of the images we see in the news came crashing down as we watched the bodies in their bags being carried off the boat, Team Italy writes. Silence followed whilst the continuous click from the reporting photographer captured the final stage of the dead migrants long journey to escape injustice here on this earth.



The stories of some of the refugees Team Italy meet are desperately sad  a father with his baby whose mother had drowned, and a girl who was brutally raped during her journey. Many have passed through Libya  they talk of people being shot for the colour of their skin or for asking for wages, and about mass shootings as people get into the boats,  the blog says. Ann [MacFarlane, BMS World Mission worker] has even seen a refugee come in with holes in his hands and legs from being crucified.



Team Italy, working with local volunteers, do all they can to help the refugees in difficult circumstances that they see can easily go awry. Everyone was hungry, some having not been fed since the night before, they write. Distributing the food quickly turned to chaos, as the beds were too tightly packed to reach everybody easily.



What Team Italy has learned is that you must resist the temptation to view refugees as a single group of people. It is so important to see them as individual people who have their own stories, their own reasons and their own pain, a viewpoint that is never portrayed in the media, they say.



Pray for Team Italy, Ann McFarlane and other volunteers as they help these desperate people seeking a safer and more secure future.



Please share this story with any young person you know considering a Christian gap year.



Click here for more information about joining a BMS Action Team.





This article first appeared on the website of BMS World Mission and is used with permission.

BMS World Mission, 18/11/2016
As President-elect Donald Trump prepares to tackle an agenda that includes reforming the Affordable Care Act, Gov. Rick Scott is eyeing a long-sought prize.

Scott seeking federal grant to allow restructuring of Medicaid

Florida has twice rejected federal aid in expanding Medicaid in the state

Block grant would allow state to restructure as it sees fit

Scott is pushing for a federal block grant that would allow Florida to restructure its Medicaid program as it sees fit. The increased flexibility, some Republicans say, could even allow the state to expand the Medicaid coverage pool.



It's an ironic prospect, given that Florida House Republicans have for three years running rejected the Obama administration's offer of $51 billion to expand Florida's Medicaid program. The funds would provide health coverage to roughly 850,000 Floridians who don't currently qualify for Medicaid yet can't afford private coverage.



But Scott, a former health care executive, has twice reversed course on expansion. Most recently, he opposed it after his razor-thin reelection victory in 2014.



The sticking point, he said then, was the federal government's top-down control of Medicaid.



A block grant, on the other hand, would let the state determine payments to doctors and hospitals, as well as introduce potential cost-saving options like online tele-medicine appointments. The savings, Scott suggested last week, could be used to sustain and expand other parts of the Medicaid program.



"We pay these federal taxes that they want to give back to us in different programs," Scott told reporters. "Let us run the programs the way we believe for our state."



Medicaid expansion advocates, however, are cool to the block grant approach.



"It really comes fraught with risks and potential peril," said Damien Filer of Progress Florida. "It would be the people who would need this health care the most, people who are in dire economic situations, children, people with mental illness, would be the ones who would be on the front lines facing real challenges if this doesn't go the way that (Scott) is forecasting that it will."



Regardless of how the money is used, it would amount to a significant cash infusion, reforming and potentially enlarging a program conservatives have bemoaned as a definition of government excess.



The difference is that the approach is the brainchild of conservatives and, with a Republican about to assume the presidency, its enactment could be at hand.


Every dog owner knows that their pet can be taught to understand rudimentary English, like "sit," "fetch" or "stop." But despite being called man's best friend, it's not often humans try to meet their pups half-way when crossing the inter-species language barrier - after all, dogs have their own language too.

According to The Whole Dog Journal, Norwegian dog trainer Turid Rugaas identified more than 30 body gestures that dogs use to communicate with each other. Learning just a few might help dog owners have a better relationship with their pet, as well as help them understand when to pull their dogs out of risky situations with other canines.
VINCENZO PINTO/AFP/Getty Images

Bishop Curtis Guillory will close the Holy Door at St. Anthony's Cathedral Basilica on Sunday marking the end of the Jubilee Year of Mercy, according to a press release from the Catholic Diocese of Beaumont.

Toward the end of Sunday's noon mass, the ceremony will include singing of the Holy Year hymn and placing the Holy Year brick. which was a gift from the Vatican, in the Hold Door lintel. A papal medal and the decree of authenticity for the brick will also be placed in the lintel.
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The Ninth Court of Appeals has ordered a visiting judge to hold an evidentiary hearing to settle issues related to tampering cases made against two high-ranking Jefferson County sheriff's deputies.

The hearing is scheduled Tuesday at 10 a.m.

Chief Deputy Timothy Smith and Sgt. Chad Kolander want the higher court to review an Aug. 19 letter from District Attorney Bob Wortham that they claim states their cases were mishandled, as well as orders from Criminal District Judge John Stevens to a grand jury considering their charges. The men say the documents will show their prosecutions are unwarranted.

In an order filed on Nov. 15, the appeals court said the correspondence Smith and Kolander want the justices to review is "not in the record."

"On October 11, 2016, this Court granted Kolander's motion and ordered a supplemental clerk's record," according to the order. "On October 25, 2016, the District Clerk's office sent a letter which certified to this Court that the despite a diligent effort to comply with the request ... the record does not contain requested documents."

The hearing will determine whether the documents will be added to the official record for the appeals court to review.

Smith and Kolander were indicted in May on charges of tampering with physical evidence and a government document involving a process server who tried to serve former District Judge Layne Walker with a lawsuit in open court three years ago. They were accused of lying about how they obtained evidence against the process server and of rewriting a search warrant after another deputy took the evidence home.

After a visiting district judge in August quashed the indictments because the charges were "too vague," Jefferson County Sheriff Mitch Woods reinstated Smith and Kolander, who were on paid leave for nearly four months.

Josh Schaffer, the appointed prosecutor in the case, did not amend the indictment and instead appealed District Judge Stephen Ables' ruling to the Ninth Court of Appeals.

Smith is the second-highest ranking deputy at the sheriff's office. He was the district attorney's office lead investigator in 2013. Kolander is a detective with more than 20 years at the sheriff's office.

Retired sheriff's deputy Steven Broussard also faces tampering charges. Broussard is accused of taking the evidence home before a search warrant was signed.

Walker is charged with abuse of official capacity. He was investigated for obstruction related to the process server incident.

The grand jury instead charged Walker with abusing the office after documents also contained in the case file resulted in allegations he directed county employees to work on his personal business dealings, including campaign finance reports and real estate sales.

Walker's attorney argued the grand jury proceedings were improper because of Stevens' interest in the case.

Stevens presided over the grand jury and brought the allegations to investigators' attention shortly after Walker resigned from the bench in 2014.

Ables ruled the potential conflict did not violate Walker's rights.

BScott@BeaumontEnterprise.comTwitter.com/BrandonKScott
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Eight months after Deweyville Elementary School was destroyed by floodwaters, district administrators have hired an Austin-based architecture firm experienced in working with federal grant money to repair or rebuild the school.

Architects Rabe & Partners will give the district a side-by-side cost analysis that the board will use to determine whether the district will renovate or start a new campus from scratch, said Deweyville ISD Superintendent Kevin Clark.

During a presentation to the school board on Wednesday night, Dale Rabe, owner of Architects Rabe & Partners, said he estimates it would take the firm about a year and a half to design and build a new elementary school.

The location of the new school would be a community decision, Clark said. Options include the school's current location on Texas 272 or land the district owns near the high school on Texas 12, he said.

Since the March flood, the district has been working with Federal Emergency Management Agency to secure federal funding to cover some of its costs from the disaster.

The federal agency announced in October that it would give the district $2.1 million for some of the expense of renting temporary trailers, which the district is using to house elementary students at the high school.

The district has yet to receive any of that money, Clark said.

FEMA has released the money to the state, he said, and the district is sending claims to the state for payment.

To date, the district has spent about $6 million on clean-up and on the temporary trailers, Clark said. Deweyville ISD has taken out a $3 million loan to cover costs, he said.

The district will continue to apply to FEMA for funding, he said.

In the meantime, officials are looking for extra money anywhere they can.

The board on Wednesday voted unanimously to file an application with the Texas Education Agency requesting an exemption from its annual "recapture" payment. The Texas school funding program, dubbed the Robin Hood plan, requires wealthier districts to give some of their tax revenue to the state to share with lower-income districts, but offers an exemption for districts that were declared disaster areas by the governor of Texas.

Texas Gov. Greg Abbott on March 17 requested a presidential disaster declaration for Deweyville and other parts of Newton and Orange counties swallowed by the Sabine River.

Clark said Deweyville ISD is the first district to ask for a recapture exemption under the disaster rule.

"No one has done this before. We're the first ones," he said.

TEA spokeswoman DeEtta Culbertson said on Thursday she couldn't confirm Clark's claim but was researching it.

If the district didn't have to pay its annual recapture money, Clark estimated it would save between $514,000 and $680,000 - money, he said, would be used to rebuild or renovate the school.

After starting the school year with the district's entire student and faculty population housed in the high school, Deweyville ISD moved its elementary school and administrative offices into temporary rented trailers behind the high school in September.

Deweyville Junior and Senior High School Principal Brad Haeggquist said the community, which numbers around 1,200, is still healing months after the Sabine River inundated their homes, businesses and elementary school.

"The community is still broken," Haeggquist said at Wednesday's board meeting. "People are still living out of trailers."

Other firms that made bids to renovate or rebuild the school were Houston-based Claycomb Associates, Architects and Bridge City-based Architects, Inc. - the firm that helped design the district's temporary elementary campus.

Clark said Architects Rabe & Partners was selected because the district was looking for a firm that has experience working with FEMA to secure approval for plans and funding.

"A lot of it came down to who had the most FEMA experience," he said.

nkrebs@beaumontenterprise.com twitter.com/natalie_krebs
Here are five gastroenterologists in the news this past week.

Austin, Texas-based XBiotech has entered a research collaboration with Fabio Cominelli, MD, PhD.

Charles Casale, MD, is joining the Albany (N.Y.) Medical Center's Community Division of Gastroenterology.

Felice Schnoll-Sussman, MD, spoke with Refinery29 about acid reflux and heartburn.

Beaufort Memorial Hospital in South Carolina added Marc D. New, MD, to its medical team, according to The Island Packet.

New York-based NYU Langone Medical Center developed a patient-centered care curriculum and annual award for the center's gastroenterologists. This year four medical professionals and physicians received the honor, including Renee L. Williams, MD.
The U.S. corporate tax rate is poised for change under President-elect Donald Trump.

Mr. Trump has said he plans to lower the U.S. corporate tax rate and also allow a lower tax rate on cash large corporations hold overseas, according to a 24/7 Wall St. report.

In the report, 24/7 Wall St. outlines a new research report from JPMorgan, which suggests that lowering the U.S. corporate tax rate could prove beneficial for the stocks of the following four medical technology companies.

Baxter International. Deerfield, Ill.-based Baxter International makes hospital and renal products. The company's shareholders are paid a dividend of 1.16 percent, according to the report. The Wall Street consensus price objective for the stock is $53.25. Baxter shares ended trading Tuesday at $46.07 a share.

Edwards Lifesciences. Irvine, Calif.-based Edwards Lifesciences is a medical equipment company that offers artificial heart valves, among other products. According to the report, Wall Street analysts feel the company's 2016 acquisition of privately held CardiAQ, which has human implants of transcatheter mitrial valves, was a good move, as Edwards is focused on the mitrial valve opportunity after achieving success in aortic valves. The company also achieved success with transcatheter valve replacement. "The stock [of Edwards] was hit hard recently and may be offering investors an attractive entry point," the report states.

Intuitive Surgical. Sunnyvale, Calif.-based Intuitive Surgical manufactures the da Vinci Surgical System, a platform for robotically assisted minimally invasive surgery. According to the report, Intuitive Surgical stock has jumped nearly 90 percent since its 2014 lows, partly because of its success in hernia operations. "While robotic assistance for that operation still seems to have a lot of room to grow, it's important to remember that the market is a forward-looking machine. In addition, there are other procedures where the da Vinci robotic surgical system could add value, and the company has delighted investors with huge profit growth," the report states.

Zimmer Biomet. Warsaw, Ind.-based Zimmer Biomet, formed out of the 2015 merger of medical device manufacturers Zimmer and Biomet, is a medical device company that offers orthopedic medical devices and joint replacement. According to the report, the company reported weak third-quarter results, which analysts attributed to what they termed as "unforeseen supply issues." "Management lowered guidance, and at this point it remains unclear exactly how far into 2017 these supply issues will linger, which brings us to question if double-digit earnings-per-share growth is a reasonable goal," the report states.

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The number of physicians who each prescribed more than $5 million worth of prescriptions increased more than tenfold, from 41 in 2011 to 514 in 2015, according to federal data obtained by ProPublica.

The number of prescribers exceeding $10 million in drug costs soared from two to 70 over the same time period, the data show. Prescribers are mostly physicians but also include some nurse practitioners.

The increased spending was largely driven by prescriptions for Harvoni or Sovaldi, new, expensive drugs that treat hepatitis C. Other expensive drugs accounting for the rise in spending on prescriptions include those that treat cancer, multiple sclerosis and rheumatoid arthritis.

Medicare Part D, the federal drug program that covers more than 41 million seniors and disabled people, in 2015 accounted for $137.4 billion in drug spending before rebates from drug companies were factored in. In 2014, Medicare Part D spent $121.5 billion.

"The trends in this space are troubling and don't show any signs of abating," said Tim Gronniger, deputy chief of staff at CMS, according to the report. "It's going to be a pressure point for patients and the program for the foreseeable future."
Vancouver, Wash.-based PeaceHealth announced the departure of three executives from its Oregon network, according to a report by The Register-Guard. All three will step down on Dec. 16.

Wendy Apland, vice president of finance/CFO for PeaceHealth's Oregon network, is leaving to pursue other opportunities. She has been with the PeaceHealth since July 1998.

Louella Freeman, RN, MSN, CNO of PeaceHealth Sacred Heart Medical Center at RiverBend in Springfield, Ore., is also leaving to pursue other opportunities. She joined PeaceHealth in 2014.

"They left voluntarily," said Marcy Marshall, a PeaceHealth spokeswoman, according to the report. "It just happened at the same time. It has nothing to do with the [PeaceHealth] system at all."

Additionally, Kris Kitz, Oregon network vice president of strategy, innovation and development, is stepping down. Due to restructuring at the PeaceHealth system level, Mr. Kitz's "local strategy leadership position has been eliminated," according to the report.

Rand O'Leary, chief executive of the PeaceHealth's Oregon network, said he will work with system CNO Victoria King and system CFO Kim Hodgkinson to find interim replacements for the open roles, the report notes.
Roosevelt General Hospital in Portales, N.M., tapped Bo Beames to serve as interim CEO, according to a Portales News-Tribune report.

Here are five things to know:

1. Mr. Beames, the vice president of regional administration for Albuquerque, N.M.-based Presbyterian Health Services, will step in to lead the hospital as it searches for a permanent CEO.

2. He has previously served as administrator for both Dr. Dan C. Trigg Memorial Hospital in Tucumcari, N.M., and Socorro (N.M.) General Hospital.

3. He replaces Larry Leaming, who announced his decision to leave his post in October.

4. Mr. Leaming is leaving to take on the CEO role of Estes Park (Colo.) Medical Center.

5. Mr. Beames will assume the interim CEO role in January.
Florida Gov. Rick Scott, R, does not want a post in President-elect Donald Trump's Cabinet, but he is interested in advising Mr. Trump on healthcare policy, according to an interview on Fox News.

Gov. Scott visited Mr. Trump Thursday at Trump Tower in Manhattan to congratulate him on his win. Of their meeting Gov. Scott said, "It was fun to meet with my friend Donald Trump today."

When Fox News' Neil Cavuto pressed Gov. Scott on his interest in a Cabinet position, particularly one in HHS, he maintained that he likes his job as governor of Florida.

However, Gov. Scott added, "I'm interested in doing whatever I can to help him rewrite Obamacare, redesign the government and help him work with the 33 Republican governors that have great ideas to help him be successful."

Mr. Trump's transition team issued an announcement Friday that Sen. Jeff Sessions, R-Ala., is the president-elect's pick for attorney general, Rep. Mike Pompeo, R-Kan., is his nominee for director of the CIA, and Lt. Gen. Michael Flynn is his choice for assistant to the president for national security affairs.

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Children's Hospital of Pittsburgh adds actor Joe Manganiello to board

US Surgeon General issues call to action in fight against opioid, alcohol abuse

Dr. Tom Price rumored to be Trump's pick to lead HHS
The Association of American Medical Colleges projects the U.S. could face a deficiency of 46,000 to 90,000 physicians in just 10 years. This issue is particularly acute in Arizona, as the state is ranked 34th in total active physicians per 100,000 residents, according to an op-ed penned by four healthcare executives in AZ Central.

The authors of the piece are the leaders of four healthcare organizations that are partnering to address the demand for more physicians in the state. Two Phoenix-based health systems and a family physician practice  Maricopa Integrated Health System, Dignity Health St. Joseph's Hospital and Medical Center and District Medical Group  are partnering with Omaha, Neb.-based Creighton University School of Medicine to increase the number of practicing physicians in Arizona.

"The best way to address the physician shortage is to increase medical school enrollments and to add graduate medical education slots to our teaching hospitals," the authors wrote.

The four-way partnership aims to develop new academic and clinical education programs in medicine, nursing, pharmacy and allied health through the creation of a collaboration, tentatively called the Creighton University Arizona Health Education Alliance, according to the article.

Although formal agreements have not yet been executed, plans are in progress for the early partnership of residency and fellowship programs to begin July 1, 2017, following approval from the national accrediting organization. Along with the alliance partners, Creighton University would launch an accelerated nursing program by January 2018, which would require state approval.

Creighton University has served as an academic hub for Phoenix for more than a decade, sending medical students to St. Joseph's for clinical rotations, according to the article. While the Creighton relationship with the Arizona healthcare organizations will be expanded under the partnership, it will continue to offer educational training to students for several other universities and programs.
The following is a roundup of recent events pertaining to hospital-union relationships, including strikes, legal battles, rallies and new contract agreements. All events were reported after Oct. 21.

1. Sharp HealthCare nurses plan 3-day strike after Thanksgiving

Nurses at San Diego-based Sharp HealthCare have notified the hospital of their plans to strike Nov. 28, according to a CW6 report. The announcement comes one week after nurses voted to reject the health system's latest contract offer and authorize a potential strike.

2. 175 layoffs fuel second union rally at UCI Medical Center

Union members rallied to protest job cuts at UC Irvine Medical Center in Orange, Calif., reports Orange County Register. The rally marked the second organized by the American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees, Local 3299, since October, according to the article. Last month, UCI announced the layoff of 175 employees to reduce costs.

3. Suburban Community Hospital nurses rally against Prime's business practices

Dozens of nurses at Suburban Community Hospital in East Norriton, Pa., rallied to protest alleged unfair business practices and breaches of contract by the hospital's owner, Ontario, Calif.-based Prime Healthcare, reports The Times Herald. The nurses are represented by the Pennsylvania Association of Staff Nurses and Allied Professionals.

4. Laid-off UCSF workers rally against outsourcing

Laid-off IT workers at the University of California's San Francisco campus rallied against offshore labor, according to a Computerworld report. UCSF plans to replace a number of IT department workers, including permanent staff and contract employees, with outsourced workers.

5. Thousands of nurses to protest in Philadelphia today

Thousands of nurses in the midst of contract negotiations with multiple hospitals in the Philadelphia area were slated to demonstrate Nov. 15, according to a report on philly.com. The nurses are represented by the Pennsylvania Association of Staff Nurses and Allied Professionals.

6. 2 Catholic Health System hospitals reach labor agreements with nurses

Registered nurses at St. Catherine of Siena Medical Center in Smithtown, N.Y., and St. Charles Hospital in Port Jefferson, N.Y., both part of the Catholic Health System on Long Island, approved new labor contracts, according to the New York State Nurses Association. Issues addressed in the contracts include staffing levels, health benefits and wages.

7. Union nurses ratify 4-year labor contract with Mercy Fitzgerald Hospital

Contract talks between Mercy Fitzgerald Hospital in Darby, Pa., and its registered nurses came to an amicable end after six weeks of negotiations with nurses ratifying a new four-year contract, according to a Philadelphia Business Journal report. The contract covers 300 RNs represented by the Pennsylvania Association of Staff Nurses & Allied Professionals.

8. Tacoma General nurses say no to extra shifts in weeklong boycott

Nurses at MultiCare Health System's Tacoma (Wash.) General Hospital were slated to take a stand against hospital work practices by boycotting voluntary overtime and extra shifts from Nov. 10 to Nov. 17, reports The News Tribune. The nurses are represented by the Washington State Nurses Association.

9. Latest contract offer from Canton-Potsdam Hospital prompts worker protest

Canton-Potsdam (N.Y.) Hospital employees protested a decrease in benefits proposed by hospital managers in their latest contract, according to a Watertown Daily Times report. The employees, which include nurses and technical workers, are represented by 1199SEIU United Healthcare Workers East.

10. Federal judge sides with nurses in Cayuga Medical Center labor dispute: 7 takeaways

A federal court ruled that managers and administrators of Cayuga Medical Center in Ithaca, N.Y., committed unfair labor practices during a union organizing campaign by nursing staff. The ruling stems from allegations by CMC nurses that the hospital had placed unlawful pressure on the nurses during their unionization efforts, Ithaca Times reports.

11. Temple workers ratify 3-year labor agreement

About 2,000 nurses and healthcare professionals represented by the Pennsylvania Association of Staff Nurses and Allied Professionals reached a tentative agreement with Temple University Health System in Philadelphia, according to a Philadelphia Business Journal report. The new three-year contract, reached Oct. 19, includes wage increases and improvements on staffing and job security, union officials said. PASNAP members overwhelmingly voted to ratify the new agreement Oct. 25.

12. University Hospital workers approve new contract, nurses no longer required to treat Ebola

Nurses and other healthcare workers at University Hospital in Newark, N.J., ratified a three-year contract that includes pay increases and new safeguards related to Ebola treatment, according to a report on NJ.com. The contract covers approximately 1,300 nurses and other healthcare workers represented by the Health Professionals and Allied Employees union.

13. San Leandro Hospital nurses OK labor deal

Registered nurses at San Leandro (Calif.) Hospital ratified a new contract with the hospital, according to the California Nurses Association. The new contract covers 200 RNs at San Leandro, which is part of Oakland, Calif.-based Alameda Health System.

14. St. Mary's Hospital for Children reaches labor deal with workers

The union representing registered nurses, clerical workers and therapists at Bayside, N.Y.-based St. Mary's Hospital for Children reached a contract agreement with the hospital, according to a report on QNS.com. The agreement between the hospital and 1199SEIU United Healthcare Workers East will affect 378 workers.
Nurses at San Diego-based Sharp HealthCare have notified the hospital of their plans to strike Nov. 28, according to a CW6 report.

The announcement comes one week after nurses voted to reject the health system's latest contract offer and authorize a potential strike.

The nurses are represented by the Sharp Professional Nurses Network, an affiliate of the United Nurses Associations of California/Union of Health Care Professionals. According to the union, 98 percent of 2,203 nurses who cast ballots voted to authorize a strike.

The nurses said they intend to return to work Dec. 1, according to the report.

The walkout would affect seven hospitals in San Diego County, but Sharp is prepared to use qualified, replacement nurses if their employees strike, reports CW6.

A key sticking point in negotiations between Sharp and the nurses is pay.

The Sharp nurses contend large wage increases are needed to prevent their colleagues from moving to other hospitals for better pay, according to a Times of San Diego report. Sharp, for its part, has maintained that the health system's 2015 nurse turnover rates are lower than San Diego, Southern California and state turnover averages.

Nurses have asked for a 31 percent pay raise over the term of the next contract, while Sharp is offering a 16 to 26 percent pay raise over the contract term. The systems proposed raise would be based on a nurses' experience, advancement and academic degree earned, Sharp officials have said.

Sharp managers said they still hope to avoid a nurse strike before Nov. 28, according to CW6.

"We are disappointed that the union has chosen to put our patients in the center of our contract disagreement by choosing to walk out of our hospitals," Dan Gross, executive vice president of Sharp Healthcare, said in the CW6 report. "At this time, caring for our patients is our top priority and we have taken the necessary steps to ensure we will have adequate staffing levels with excellent nurses at all times during their walkout."

Sharp has contracted with an agency that provides specially trained replacement nurses, reports CW6. The agency's nurses, per their contract with Sharp, would have to work at Sharp for at least five days, meaning nurses who plan to participate in the strike will be replaced for that length of time.
New research shows that rich Americans outlive poor Americans by nearly a decade, reports the Los Angeles Times.

The newspaper cites a study published Thursday in the American Journal of Public Health.

For the study, researchers said they used five-year averages for median household income to form the 3,141 U.S. counties into 50 new "states"  each representing 2 percent of the U.S. counties (62 or 63 counties each)  by using the 2015 County Health Rankings National Data. They ultimately compared the poorest and wealthiest "states."

The analysis revealed statistically significant differences in life expectancy, smoking rates, obesity rates, and almost every other measure of health and well-being between the wealthiest and poorest U.S. "states."

According to the Los Angeles Times, the poorest "state" created by researchers included counties from Alabama, Arkansas, Georgia, Illinois, Kentucky, Louisiana, Mississippi, Oklahoma, South Carolina, South Dakota, Tennessee, Texas and West Virginia. The richest "state" was comprised of counties from Alaska, California, Colorado, Connecticut, Georgia, Illinois, Indiana, Kentucky, Maryland, Massachusetts, Minnesota, Ohio, New Jersey, New Mexico, New York, Pennsylvania, Utah, Tennessee, Texas and Virginia.

Here are five specific differences researchers found between the poorest "state" and the richest "state," as reported by the Los Angeles Times.

1. The median household income in the poorest "state" was $24,960 compared to $89,723 in the richest "state."

2. The ratio of people to primary care physicians in the poorest "state" was twice that of the richest "state."

3. Women in the poorest "state" had a life expectancy of 75.9 years, compared with 83 years in the richest "state." For men, life expectancy in the poorest "state" was 69.8 years and 79.3 in the richest "state."

4. After looking harder into the life expectancy data, the researchers wrote, "the poorest 'state' is between 40 and 50 years behind the life expectancy achieved by the wealthiest 'state,'" according to the Los Angeles Times.

5. After comparing the richest and poorest "states" to 222 actual countries, researchers found that if the richest "state" were an independent country, it would rank eighth in the world in life expectancy for men and 25th for women, according to the newspaper. The poorest "state" would rank 123rd for men and 116th for women.

"This analysis graphically demonstrates the true impact of the extreme socioeconomic disparities that exist in the United States," the researchers concluded. "These differences can be obscured when one looks only at state data, and suggest that practitioners and policymakers should increasingly focus interventions to address the needs of the poorest citizens in the United States."
Healthcare is shifting toward a pay-for-performance future, and hospitals looking to succeed as healthcare trends toward value will have to place a large emphasis on population health.

At the Becker's Hospital Review 5th Annual CEO + CFO Roundtable Nov. 8, Accenture, a global professional services company, delved into how hospitals can propel their organizations forward into healthcare's value-based future and successfully utilize data analytics to drive meaningful change in their organization during an executive roundtable titled "An Uncharted Path to the Future of Healthcare."

To better gauge what healthcare organizations envision for the industry's future and steps they are taking in lieu of this transformation, Accenture previously conducted a research study and spoke to 50 leading health system CEOs who discussed their perspectives on the healthcare landscape and how their organizations are evolving to keep pace with these changes.

"Several CEOs said that 100 percent of what they do right now will be 100 percent different in the future," said Michael Main, managing director of Accenture Strategy. "Many said that to survive the next 10 years, they are going to need to be number one or number two in their market."

While organizations increasingly understand the need to allocate resources toward population health initiatives, many organizations and even leaders within an organization have contrasting definitions of population health. During the roundtable discussion, many hospital and health system executives reported their organizations are pursuing a population health strategy. However, the vice president of medical affairs of a 365-bed hospital on the East Coast said his facility has found it challenging to tell their independent physicians they need to spend money now on a population health initiative so they can reap financial success later down the line by improving the health of their population.

Many organizations spanning the United States, including the roundtable attendees' centers, are acute care facilities that operate under a fee-for-service payment model. Despite many organizations not yet fully shifting to pay-for-performance, healthcare's future will largely depend on outcomes and population health will be of exceeding importance.

"Most of you are dominantly operating under a FFS model. When CEOs say healthcare will be 180 degrees different in the future, they are saying they will focus on the whole care continuum and treat the entire population," Mr. Main said. "When we tie the fee to value, we have to extract the cost out of the system and shift it to the lowest cost, highest quality avenue possible."

Hospitals can work to improve patients' quality of care by employing technology. Mr. Main noted that if healthcare continues to exponentially improve providers' computing ability, healthcare will demand transparency and center around the consumer. Hospitals and other healthcare organizations that fail to shift to a patient-centered mentality will likely not be prepared for what is coming down the pipeline. Becoming patient-centric also entails understanding the most pressing challenges facing your organization.

"In the 1800s, if you told hospitals that we want you to improve the population's health and decrease the number of diarrhoeal diseases and deaths you are experiencing, they would say that is not their jobs," said the CEO of a Southern-based 250-bed hospital that provides services to Tricare beneficiaries. "Today, our biggest issues are lack of exercise, obesity and tobacco [use]. We often talk about managing the disease once we know about it, but we need to get in front of that."

When implementing population health initiatives and staying on the forefront of preventative medicine, the healthcare industry has a valuable, and often underutilized tool at its fingertips  data analytics. The issues related to data analytics are embedded in using these tools to effectively drive change in organizations.

"If our metrics are poorly defined and our definitions are askew, how do we bring clarity [to the healthcare system]?" Mr. Main said. "The problem is what you have been doing successfully now is not what will make you successful in the future. Your competencies have to be more related to data and science."

John Carew, senior manager of Accenture Analytics, said successful organizations follow a series of steps to obtain value from their data analytic systems. While the majority of organizations can implement data analytic systems and have endless amounts of data to dissect, the biggest failures organizations have is turning those data-driven insights into meaningful action.

"When I think of organizations that are getting their data analytics right, they look at data analytics as part of their overall organizational strategy, rather than thinking of data analytics separately," Mr. Carew said.

Healthcare is moving swiftly, but many organizations, despite their best efforts, are failing to drive insight from their data analytics. This failure is largely due to the fact that they don't make data analytics a top priority. Mr. Main cited an example of a surgeon who said the hospital should allocate its resources toward its cardiology service line as there was an influx of patients coming into the facility for these services. Another staff member probed the surgeon as to how he reached that conclusion, which created tension amongst the two staff members.

"It really came down to experience versus the science and data," Mr. Main said. "We told the hospital why don't we alleviate the tension by doing clinical segmentation so we can know where the revenue is really coming from?"

By using data, the hospital got a full picture of its services lines, allowing it to better understand how large those service lines should be. Without effectively using data analytics, hospitals run the risk of wasting valuable time and resources.

"Data analytics allows you to begin making decisions and if you decide to do population health, you can understand which mechanisms to put into place," Mr. Main added. "If big data is how we become better providers, we need to think of data analytics as part of our jobs."
Once again the DREAMS organization is grateful for the recent grants and or donations that were given to our organization, they are: Arizona Community Foundation; Forest Highlands Foundation; Full Circle Trade and Thrift Store; Mary and Joseph Herman Foundation; Phil and Carol Lyons Foundation.
Fifteen spine surgeons discuss the most important technological and technique-based innovations in spine care over the last 10 years.

Question: What technique, developed in the last decade, changed the way spine care was delivered?

Edward H Scheid Jr., MD. President, Founder of Capital Region Neurosurgery & President, Capital Region Special Surgery (Slingerlands, N.Y.): The development of minimally invasive lateral interbody fusion techniques.

The procedure, originally developed as XLIF, has led to a paradigm shift in how patients with degenerative deformities in the lumbar spine are treated. By allowing a surgeon to correct coronal imbalance with lateral grafts placed via a minimal approach, XLIF and other lateral fusion techniques have opened up an opportunity to treat patients more effectively, and allow fusions to be performed without long incisions and large posterior constructs.

Charla Fischer, MD. Assistant Professor of Orthopedic Surgery at Columbia University Medical Center (New York): The development of minimally invasive spine surgery has revolutionized spine care for many reasons. As a surgeon, I am now able to treat conditions of the spine with the same principles that have been developed over many years, while preserving the healthy soft tissue of the back. This allows for shorter hospital stays, faster return to work and activities and less postoperative pain. Additionally, this technique maintains the maximum amount of normal healthy tissue, and this will help the patient avoid additional spine surgeries in the future.

The development of a multidisciplinary approach to spine patients has truly revolutionized the way spine care is delivered. This allows for collaboration of spine specialists in physical therapy, pain management, nonoperative interventionalists, medicine, anesthesia, spine surgery and psychiatry/psychology. Now patients are able to maximize the nonoperative options before meeting with a surgeon. Patients who may benefit from surgery are carefully screened from the risk/benefit perspective and medically optimized for surgery. Current spine care allows for thorough understanding of patient expectations and risk of complications from a multidisciplinary team perspective.

Michael Perry, MD. Co-founder and Chief Medical Director of Laser Spine Institute (Tampa, Fla.): As I consider the techniques and advancements that have led to a change in spine care delivery, I'm immediately drawn to those that help to improve the patient experience. In tandem with the advent of new devices and procedures that no longer require invasive, lengthy incisions, minimally invasive spine surgery has changed the way both surgeons and patients perceive spine surgery. This model's shift from the hospital to an outpatient facility has not only helped to comfort patients, but it's kept them safer, with complication and infection rates shrinking drastically when comparing an ambulatory surgery center with a hospital. It's also getting patients back to work and the things they love most, faster and with a gentler recovery.





Biologics is another area primed for growth within the spine space. While research is still in its infancy, particularly related to stem cells, many feel that biologics will ultimately be viewed as an early treatment modality. The clinical application will be varied, including usage for preventive therapy, but there's no doubt that healing and regeneration from biologics will play an increasingly important role in spine care and the patient experience.

Frank La Marca, MD. Chief, Spine Section of the Department of Neurosurgery at the University of Michigan Health System (Ann Arbor): I feel that the development of minimally invasive lateral approach techniques to the spine has contributed greatly, over the last 10 years, to the advancement of spinal surgery and has revolutionized how we treat patients, not only with common degenerative spinal pathology but also with more complex spinal deformity problems. These surgical techniques, such as lateral interbody arthrodesis with or without anterior longitudinal ligament release, are not new per se but thanks to the introduction of minimally invasive approaches have become more accessible to a broader number of surgeons and often eliminated the need for an assistant surgeon to help in the surgical exposure.

These techniques along with novel device implants have also been shown to yield significant clinical benefits as compared to open surgical techniques resulting in an increased overall value for the healthcare system.

Richard Nachwalter, MD, and Carl Giordano, MD. Spine Surgeons at Atlantic Spine Specialists (Morristown, N.J.): There are few things that develop that are truly revolutionary. Most techniques are more evolutionary, that is, small advances. We are always striving to make incisions smaller and surgery safer. The development of image guidance, the ability to view in real time spinal implants as they are being inserted, has achieved both of those goals. We can now make surgery smaller and safer.

Jae Lim, MD. Principal Surgeon at Atlantic Brain & Spine (Fairfax, Va.): I believe minimally invasive surgery for the spine has undoubtedly changed the way spine care has been delivered in the past decade. This includes robotics, but also intraoperative image systems, endoscopes, tubular retractors, novel spinal access approaches and interbody implants that accelerate fusion/healing to name a few. I think future direction will be in restorative spinal surgery, which is a focus on procedures to replace or strengthen the different parts of the spinal column. With the upcoming advances in nanotechnology and 3-D printing, surgeons will be able to increasingly rebuild the spine rather than simply resecting and fusing.

James J. Lynch, MD. Founder of SpineNevada (Reno, Nev.): The single most influential technique developed in spine during the last decade in my opinion is the lateral approach to the lumbar spine. This procedure technique was developed and promoted initially by NuVasive 10 years ago and is commonly known as XLIF or extreme lateral interbody fusion. Due to its phenomenal game-changing effect and the disruptive technology on how we view, interpret and treat lumbar spine conditions in degeneration, deformity and trauma, the procedure has been more recently adopted by other spine companies and use the acronyms ELIF and DLIF.

No other procedure has contributed to improved patient wellbeing by minimizing the approach to fusion techniques and certainly changing the way surgeons address global alignment strategies and overall sagittal balance issues by avoiding more outdated, scoliosis, open, destructive surgical procedures. This procedure has resulted in marked improved patient outcomes in the last decade.

Mark Nolden, MD. Spine Surgeon at NorthShore Orthopaedic Institute (Chicago): Minimally invasive procedures for spinal decompression surgery have enabled specialists to deliver more outpatient care. This has led to a quicker recovery for patients and less of a need for postoperative rehabilitation.

Todd Lanman, MD, Lanman Spinal Neurosurgery, Beverly Hills, Calif.: Over the past decade, artificial disc replacement has become an attractive option for patients with degenerative disc disease who would benefit from surgical treatment. Artificial disc replacement is now a compelling rival to the current standard of care for this patient population, vertebral disc fusion. In fact, I anticipate artificial disc replacement may eclipse vertebral fusion in the very near future since replacement provides similar symptom relief to fusion with one important advantage: preserved range of motion in the spine.

We now have data from clinical trials showing cervical artificial disc replacements  devices that are placed in the neck  provide superior outcomes to vertebral fusion surgery. This is true whether a patient needs treatment at one or even two vertebral levels. People with lumber disc disease, that is, disease in the spinal bones of the lower back, also benefit from artificial disc replacement. Studies have now shown that lumbar disc replacement provides at least equivalent symptom relief to fusion, again with the added benefit of preserved spinal motion.

Given the documented successes of artificial disc replacement over the past decade and the superior functional outcomes it provides, I expect that within the next 10 years artificial disc replacement will become the new standard of surgical care for most patients with symptomatic degenerative disc disease.

Barry Ceverha, MD. Medical Director, Operative Program at Center for Spine Health at Orange Coast Memorial Medical Center (Fountain Valley, Calif.): There have been many new applications in spinal technology  spinal instrumentation, biological products, the progression of MIS surgery and so on. I feel that surgical navigation remains at the forefront of new technology. This technology enhances patient safety, demonstrates better outcomes and reduces cost by reducing OR time and allowing more accurate placement of hardware. Intraoperative CT guidance with enhanced imaging will allow even more accuracy and will open new windows of application.

Brian R. Gantwerker, MD. Spine Surgeon at The Craniospinal Center of Los Angeles: By far, the lateral interbody technique has totally changed the way most of us practice. It has allowed us to look at the spine as a true three-dimensional construct and to start really thinking about how to change coronal and some sagittal issues. With practice, really challenging cases can suddenly look accessible and doable from a surgical perspective. It has granted access to regions of the spine that were once a struggle to get to from the posterior approach. That being said, nothing beats a great vascular access surgeon for the anterior lumbar approach. I am fortunate enough to practice with some tremendously talented vascular surgeons who have made anterior access into an art form.

J. Brian Gill, MD, MBA. Spine Surgeon at Nebraska Spine Hospital (Omaha): There have been several innovations that have forwarded the field of spine surgery including image guidance, which has helped to facilitate MIS surgeries, bone graft substitutes, such as BMP and stem cells, and disc arthroplasty procedures as this has afforded an alternative to fusion procedures generating a discussion on motion preservation technologies and how they fit into the spine surgeon's armamentarium.

Vladimir Sinkov, MD. Spine Surgeon at New Hampshire Orthopaedic Center (Nashua): Minimally invasive techniques in general have changed spine care tremendously in the past 10 to 15 years. Most of those techniques have actually been developed earlier than that, but the recent advances in instrumentation, implants, imaging and neuromonitoring have made it possible for most spine surgeons to adapt and embrace them. The technique that has changed my practice the most is the lateral lumbar interbody fusion with direct visualization of the psoas. It allows for the least invasive way to fuse the thoracolumbar spine while performing the surgery safely. My outcomes have improved [and] length of hospital stay has decreased. I can offer this surgery to patients who would not be able to tolerate the traditional open lumbar fusion due to their health, anatomy or history of previous spine procedures.

Azadeh Farin, MD. Neurosurgeon at Long Beach (Calif.) Memorial Medical Center: Spine care has changed dramatically in the last decade, prompted by several factors, including needs of an aging, more sophisticated, active, demanding and medically complex population which is living longer. Together these factors encourage the development of a myriad of new surgical techniques, medical devices and biomaterials including expandable cages, motion-preservation devices, alternative approaches to the spine and techniques for correction of spinal deformity, minimally invasive approaches, stem cell biologics, 3-D printing, rapid prototyping, transition to single use sterile packaging and nanotechnology for surface preparation.

Many of these developments successfully address unmet clinical needs and offer options to patients who before had very few to improve their quality of life. These advantages further include advances in patient safety, cost controls and information technology, outcomes collection and surgical animations  although not every new phenomenon has demonstrated clear advantages over older products and techniques. Measures meant to increase patient satisfaction, include the common use of intraoperative neuromonitoring and increased use of the intraoperative microscope to help ensure safer surgeries. Additionally, the evolution of a growing number of spine surgeries from the hospital operating room to an increasing number of ambulatory surgery centers is resulting in decreased lengths of stay and cost.

Bryce A Johnson, MD. Orthopedic Spine Surgeon, Saddleback Memorial Medical Center (Laguna Hills, Calif.). Over the last decade, both the refinement of tubular or minimally invasive surgery based retractor systems and instruments as well as the advancement of multimodal pain management have really propelled the movement for faster recovery and shortened stay postoperatively. Although their development began prior, minimally invasive techniques have experienced increased interest over the last decade.

The goals of surgery remain the same as open surgery with thorough neurological decompression and stabilization, if necessary, of paramount importance. However, with lessened collateral damage, we have seen decreased postoperative pain and narcotic utilization, and, therefore, a faster recovery. This effect has been helped with advancements in multimodal pain management in the perioperative period. The more widespread use of IV acetaminophen and the judicious use of short-or long-acting local anesthetics have furthered the decrease in narcotic use postoperatively. As a result, patients are mobilizing faster and being discharged earlier.
A victims' campaigner's claim that the United Kingdom cannot quit the European Union without the consent of the people of Northern Ireland is to go before the Supreme Court.

Senior judges in Belfast on Friday agreed to refer the contention at the centre of Raymond McCord's failed legal challenge to the Brexit process for further judicial consideration in London.

Mr McCord, whose son was murdered by loyalist paramilitaries, was jubilant at the outcome.

He said: "This has vindicated everything I have been trying to do.

"The people of Northern Ireland should be deciding whether we stay in the EU or leave - 56% of the people here voted to remain."

His case will now advance to the Supreme Court alongside another unsuccessful legal bid to halt Brexit mounted by a cross-party group of MLAs.

Five issues of devolution are expected to come under scrutiny when those proceedings get underway next month.

Earlier this week Northern Ireland's Attorney General, John Larkin QC, referred the judicial review brought by Stormont politicians including Alliance MLA David Ford, SDLP leader Colum Eastwood, Sinn Fein Assemblyman John O'Dowd and Steven Agnew of the Green Party.

Mr McCord's lawyers sought permission to leapfrog the Court of Appeal and join them in putting their case before justices sitting in London.

The Belfast-based campaigner claims the Good Friday Agreement has given the Northern Irish public sole sovereignty to decide on their future.

His legal team predict that Brexit will cause constitutional upheaval and have a "catastrophic effect" on the peace process.

Nationalist aspirations to become part of the United Ireland and unionist desires to remain in the UK are both catered for in the Northern Ireland Act 1998.

The Supreme Court will now consider whether withdrawal from the EU without the consent of the Northern Ireland population impacts on those provisions.

"This is a major step forward for our people and for victims," Mr McCord said outside court.

"The three judges believe I have a right to an opinion, unlike political people who have criticised me."

Prime Minister Theresa May is set to trigger Article 50 of the Lisbon Treaty, the formal process for confirming the UK is to leave, by the end of March 2017.

Even though the June 23 referendum backed Brexit, a 56% majority of voters in Northern Ireland wanted to remain.

Last month a High Court judge in Belfast dismissed separate proceedings issued by Mr McCord and the Stormont politicians.

Mr Justice Maguire rejected claims that the British Government cannot use royal prerogative powers to begin EU withdrawal without an Act of Parliament.

But earlier this month the High Court in London held that only Parliament can trigger Brexit.

With the Government set to challenge that ruling at the Supreme Court, lawyers in the Northern Ireland cases now have their own appeal routes mapped out.

During a court hearing last week counsel for the Government claimed any move to split the two cases could ultimately prove to be a "treacherous shortcut".

Following the Attorney General's direction an order was drawn up on Monday setting out four devolution issues for consideration by the Supreme Court in the MLAs' case:

Do any provisions of the Northern Ireland Act 1998, read together with the Belfast Agreement and the British-Irish Agreement mean an Act of Parliament is required before Brexit can be triggered?

If they do, is the consent of the Northern Ireland Assembly required before the relevant Act of Parliament is passed?

If they don't, do any of the same provisions restrict royal prerogative powers to trigger Brexit?

Does section 75 of the Northern Ireland Act 1998 prevent the prerogative power being exercised in the absence of compliance by the Northern Ireland Office with its equality obligations under that section?

Mr McCord's lawyers posed the same four questions, along with a fifth dealing with the requirement for the consent of the Northern Ireland public.

With a reference now made on that issue too, Supreme Court justices will consider the points along with the Government's challenge to the verdict reached by the High Court in London.

Speaking outside court, Mr McCord's solicitor, Ciaran O'Hare, explained their argument.

"Essentially the question posed is whether or not there can be any Brexit for Northern Ireland, based on the fact we have our own constitution consisting of the Northern Ireland Act and the Good Friday Agreement.

"Section one of the Act secures the unionist ambition to remain part of the UK, but also gives the possibility of a united Ireland if the people were to vote for it.

"That's why we have such an important legislative provision shouldn't be undermined by Brexit.

"We say the people of Northern Ireland are sovereign on constitutional change."
Spending by tourists in Northern Ireland increased by 5% to reach nearly 790m in the year to June, latest figures show.

And according to the report from the Northern Ireland Statistics and Research Agency, the biggest growth in spending was by visitors from outside the UK and Republic of Ireland.

Their spending had grown by 15% to reach 514m. However, spending by visitors from the Republic over the year was down 5%, reaching 56.9m.

Between July 2015 and June 2016, there were 374,919 overnight trips made by visitors from the Republic - which was down 1% on the year before.

Economy Minister Simon Hamilton said the performance of tourism in Northern Ireland had been "positive".

And when compared with the first half of 2015, Tourism NI said there was growth in visits from the Republic in the first of this year, with 27% increase to 179,000.

There was also growth of 38% in nights spent - though business trips were down 30%.

Tourism NI chief executive John McGrillen said there had been 1.1 million visitors from outside Northern Ireland during January to June 2016, an increase of 12% on the same period a year before. He said it was also "encouraged by the upturn in Republic of Ireland trips and nights".

"This bodes well for the rest of the year and feedback over the summer months has been very positive regarding this market."

Tourism NI launched a campaign to attract more visitors from the Republic to Northern Ireland after a fall of 18% in overnight trips to 320,000 during 2015.
David Mills is made an MBE by the Prince of Wales during an Investiture ceremony at Buckingham Palace

Dame Judi Dench has returned to Buckingham Palace for an honours ceremony - this time to see her partner pick up an award for his conservation work.

David Mills, who founded the British Wildlife Centre in Surrey almost 20 years ago, said he was "elated" to be given an MBE.

The 73-year-old told of his work to help rebuild the red squirrel population, something which brought the couple together following their first meeting six years ago.

Mr Mills, who breeds the endangered animals and is trying to help put them on islands across the UK, said the film star did not know who he was when she called in at the centre in Newchapel.

He said: "She has always been interested in wildlife, and she turned up as a visitor one day.

"We met and we talked, and she said if ever she could do anything for us she would be very happy to and so I asked her to open a walk-through red squirrel enclosure, which she very kindly said yes, she would do. After that, as they say, the rest is history."

Dame Judi has previously spoken about Mr Mills' influence on her interest in wildlife, and he said the pair are happy to support each other in their respective careers.

He said: "We share each other's worlds, which is lovely."

Also honoured by the Prince of Wales was Downton Abbey's executive producer Gareth Neame, who said the day made him feel as though he was in a scene from the hit television show.

He said: "It's funny for me because of course in Downton Abbey we have recreated these kinds of scenes so it's quite funny to be in the real thing."

Mr Neame, 49, who was given an OBE for services to drama, said he is "optimistic" about a Downton Abbey film, but said it would depend on whether actors' schedules allowed.

He said: "When you end the television show everyone goes their separate ways and to get everyone back again at the same time, it is challenging."

He added: "I hope it will happen."

Dr Anita Lasker Wallfisch, who received an MBE for her services to Holocaust education, spoke of her fears for the future following the election of Donald Trump in America, and the vote for Britain to leave the European Union.

The 91-year-old, a surviving member of the women's orchestra in Auschwitz, said: "You wonder where all this is going to lead. We had 70 years of peace, and of course young people don't appreciate what that means."

She said she has tried not to lose hope but added: "I think that's terrible (Brexit). It doesn't look good. And if you can elect somebody like Mr Trump, it's quite disgraceful."

Also honoured was playwright Rikki Beadle-Blair, who received an MBE for services to drama. He said he is "very excited" to be working on a play called Summer, featuring exclusively transgender actors.

He said: "The play, even though the characters are all trans characters, it never gets mentioned, that is just who they are, and so that is a huge step, I think."

It will be performed next year at the Theatre Royal Stratford East.
An auction of collectables, including David Bowie's artwork and a signed Damien Hirst guitar, has raised more than 307,000 for charity.

The specially customised Damien Hirst Butterfly Guitar - a Gibson Les Paul Goddess - signed by the artist, was the highest selling item at the Sound & Vision event at Abbey Road studios, fetching 25,000.

Guests were also treated to a special performance by acts such as former Strictly Come Dancing contestant Anastacia, as well as The Real Thing and Odyssey.

The Thursday night event was in aid of Stand Up To Cancer, a charity launched by Cancer Research UK and Channel 4 aiming, to speed up the process of bringing new treatments to patients.

Describing the night as an "amazing experience", Anastacia said: "It was an honour to be in a room full of people who share my ambition to raise money for research into cancer - a cause very close to my heart.

"After beating cancer twice I'm determined to do as much as I can to Stand Up To Cancer and make sure more people survive this awful disease."

The proceeds will add to the 38 million already generated by the charity since its launch in 2012, currently supporting more than 30 clinical trials and projects.
The election of Donald Trump as US president might convince people that inaction can be the "cause of true evil", R.E.M's Mike Mills has said.

Mills, who founded the American rock group in Athens, Georgia, in 1980 with Michael Stipe, Peter Berry and Bill Buck, said he hoped the vote would galvanise society.

Speaking at an event in London marking the 25th anniversary of hit album Out Of Time alongside frontman Stipe, Mills said: " We'll see if we can get a transformative event to come out of what happened."

Stipe, who had campaigned for Democratic hopeful Bernie Sanders before Hillary Clinton beat the Vermont senator to the nomination, said Mr Trump's election was a "protest vote against the establishment".

"Rather than voting for a racist, xenophobic agenda, an intolerant agenda, I think they were just trying to smash the machine."

Stipe called on Americans to "remain vigilant and get over the grief and get on with it".

Mills said the only hope he took from the vote was that it would force politicians into listening to marginalised parts of society.

"Maybe it will be a galvanising event that makes people realise that inaction can be the cause of great evil.

"One thing Trump was right about was that Washington is a completely corrupt place as are most centres of power.

"If anything good comes out of this perhaps there will be some lessening of the completely insular behaviour that occurs in Washington.

"They really don't think about anything outside their little bubble a nd maybe this will cause people to listen to a formerly ignored group of people."

The pair were speaking at The Borderline in central London where in 1991 they played under the pseudonym Bingo Hand Job after Out Of Time had been released.

Stipe contrasted the political environment of the early 1990s to Mr Trump's shock election.

"The time that this record was made was a time of great change.

"We were at war and no one knew where it was going to go but clearly what had happened politically in the US was about to change. You could feel the change in the air and I think as artists we were simply responding to that with this record.

"Sadly we have just been through that again with the American election and changes I don't think any of us are that thrilled with. I think anyone looking back over the past eight or nine months can recognise that feeling of change. Something is happening."

The album - which featured hits such as Losing My Religion and Half A World Away - has sold more than 18 million copies worldwide and is being reissued alongside a recording of demos.

The pair said it was a "transformative" record for the group which thrust them into the mainstream, with Mills recalling being in a hotel bar in Israel when Losing My Religion came on.

"Everybody rushed to the dance floor, I was like you can't even dance to that. But it was the one they all responded to and that is when you know you have crossed a line."

The bassist also revealed that the group cut three or four "really good songs" from the Out Of Time because they sounded too similar to the band's previous material.

"One of the rules we had when we started writing the songs for this record was that there will be no more R.E.M songs and by that we meant if it sounds like an R.E.M song that could have been on any of the last three or four records we tossed it.

"We said you know what that just sounds like something that could have been on Document, it's gotta go away."
Two Phoenix-based civil rights activists came to Flagstaff Friday to call for the immediate firing of a Flagstaff police officer who punched a local woman in the face this week.

At a press conference in front of Flagstaff City Hall Friday, civil rights lawyer Benjamin Taylor called on Flagstaff Police Department to terminate the employment of Officer Jeff Bonar.

"Nobody is above the law," Taylor said. "We're asking for this officer to be fired."

Bonar was caught on a cell phone video striking 30-year-old Marissa Morris outside a Christmas Tree Estates home at approximately 11 a.m. Wednesday. Within hours, the video had gone viral on Facebook.

After the punch, Bonar can be seen on the video handcuffing Morris with the help of the sheriff's deputy. He booked her into the Coconino County Detention Facility on charges of aggravated assault of a law enforcement officer and resisting arrest.

Bonar wrote in his police report that Morris appeared to be intoxicated on a stimulant drug and had kicked him and kneed him in the groin prior to the punch. That is not visible in the video.

Morris has denied assaulting the officer. In addition to the punch on the video, Morris claimed Bonar punched her one additional time, twisted her arm and choked her with his hand around her neck. Those things are not visible on the video.

There were no obvious visible injuries on Morris Friday. Taylor said she was injured but details about her injuries would be released in the future.

"As you've seen on the video, Ms. Morris was restrained," Taylor said. "She was restrained and she was punched in the face by an officer. If this was any one of us as a citizen, we would be in jail right now for an assault charge. Just because you're an officer doesn't mean you can break the law and assault somebody."

Taylor was joined at the press conference by Morris, her boyfriend and Phoenix civil rights activist Rev. Jarrett Maupin, who announced that they planned to file a complaint asking for a federal investigation by the U.S. Department of Justice.

"This is an assault," Taylor said. "He should be punished and he should be thrown in jail just like any other citizen who punches somebody with their fist would be thrown in jail."

FPD announced Thursday that it will conduct an internal affairs investigation while Northern Arizona University Police Department conducts the criminal investigation into Bonar's actions

FPD and Coconino County Sheriff's officers were at Morris and her boyfriend's home on East Blizzard Way Wednesday morning to make sure they complied with an eviction notice.

According to the police report he filed Wednesday evening, Bonar recognized Morris because he had attempted to find her Oct. 18 in another case. At that time, she had warrants for failing to appear in Flagstaff Justice Court and Flagstaff Municipal Court in unrelated cases involving non-violent offenses.

Bonar attempted to arrest Morris for the warrants Wednesday even though they had already been served and were no longer valid. FPD Chief Kevin Treadway said in a Thursday press conference that Bonar believed the warrants were still active. In his police report, Bonar said Morris started running, so he grabbed her to prevent her from escaping.

Morris is no longer in custody, having been released to the supervision of Coconino County Pretrial Services following her initial appearance in Flagstaff Justice Court Thursday. The County Attorney's Office has until Tuesday to file formal charges against her.

FPD spokesperson Sgt. Cory Runge provided additional information Friday about Bonar's history with the department.

"Officer Bonar has previously had a complaint filed on him for his use of force, which was unfounded, and four other officers and witnesses were present at the time of the incident," Runge said. "I am not aware of any complaints filed against Officer Bonar for inappropriate touching."

Morris said she wanted Bonar to be fired. She also said she is now afraid of the police.

"My grandpa was a sheriff and he would never do anything like that," Morris said. "But now, I'm not so sure I ever want to encounter one again."

Taylor said they are "looking into" filing a civil rights lawsuit against Bonar and the city.

Bonar is on paid leave from the police force and FPD has said no disciplinary action will be taken against him until its investigation is complete. As of Friday, no criminal charges had been filed against him.

Taylor suggested termination or suspension without pay would be more appropriate.

"There's many good officers out there," Taylor said. "But an officer who assaults somebody in the face who is restrained (and) who is not even doing anything wrong should be fired, should have some sort of punishment, not a paid vacation."
A Stormont department is working to smooth the path of redevelopment for one of Northern Ireland's most recognisable buildings.

Crumlin Road Courthouse is one of the most iconic landmarks of the Troubles, but since it was closed in 1998 after 150 years of use the building has suffered major damage, including arson attacks.

Planning permission was previously granted in 2004 to convert it into offices, and then in 2007 to a 161-bedroom hotel.

But neither of these proposals came to fruition, and in March 2009, a malicious fire caused extensive internal damage before two more fires later that year caused more damage to the roof. Three years ago consultants Turley Associates carried out a building condition study and put forward a range of options for the building.

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Their preferred option, costing an estimated 12m, envisaged a re-roofing and basic refurbishment of the ground and first floors for a combination of uses such as office space, performance space or cafe.

There would also be reconstruction of Courtroom 1, which has the potential to link up to the Crumlin Road Gaol tour. It currently stops at the tunnel under the Crumlin Road, leading to the courthouse.

The courthouse is believed to remain in the ownership of a private developer.

But Turley Associates recommended it be transferred into public ownership.

The firm added in its study that the owner had fully co-operated with the Stormont-led initiative. Now Communities Minister Paul Givan has expressed his public backing to bring the building back into use.

He has instructed officials to examine any barriers in place blocking the redevelopment of the building, and how these can be removed.

"I am supportive of any credible proposal to rescue and bring back into use this important listed building at risk," he said in response to an Assembly Question (AQ). "I have therefore asked my officials to ascertain the barriers that arise to doing so, and how to remove them."

DUP MLA William Humphrey, who asked the AQ, said he is concerned about the effect of another winter on the building.

"I am concerned about the building deteriorating any further and would be keen to see something done with it," he said.

"Given the state of the courthouse compared to how the prison has been updated, it looks very unsightly. It's a landmark building for north Belfast and I want to see it preserved, restored and put to good use."

A DfC spokesman said: "The Department and its predecessors have for some years been exploring the options for Crumlin Road Courthouse, an important building at significant risk.

"The building is in private ownership but has been allowed to fall into a very poor state.

"The bringing together of heritage and regeneration functions in the Department for Communities has added fresh impetus to the work to find a viable, sustainable use for the site. The Department believes that there are prospects of doing so, and that this could bring significant economic and community benefits to the area and to the city.

"The Department therefore is exploring matters such as the legal options to require the building to be repaired; and the current value of the site."
The vandalised memorial to Royal Highland Fusiliers killed by the IRA in March 1971

The cousin of one of three Scottish soldiers murdered by the IRA at the start of the Troubles has said his family was left devastated after a memorial dedicated to his memory was vandalised.

David McCaughey's cousin, Dougald (23), was killed by terrorists, along with brothers John (17) and Joseph (18) McCaig on March 10, 1971, at White Brae, close to Ligoniel, north Belfast.

Members of the IRA lured the off-duty soldiers to the remote spot after talking to them in city centre.

A memorial to the three members of the 1st Battalion, Royal Highland Fusiliers was erected in 2010 at the spot where they died, but since then it has become one of the most attacked monuments dedicated to Troubles victims.

It has been targeted more than 20 times, costing thousands of pounds to repair. Last year, a man was convicted damaging the memorial.

Now, within days of Remembrance Sunday, a second memorial to the soldiers on Ballysillan Avenue has been daubed with black paint.

The vandalism, which also included graffiti on the back of the 15-foot tribute, was discovered earlier this week.

John MacVicar, secretary of the Old Park and Cavehill branch of the Royal British Legion, which built and maintains the memorials, hit out at those behind the latest attack.

Mr McCaughey, meanwhile, told the Belfast Telegraph the news had left his family devastated.

He travels to the city frequently to pay his respects to his cousin and also regularly represents his family during services at the monument.

"I was sent a photo of the memorial and initially was confused, thinking it must have been an old photo," Mr McCaughey said.

"I was gutted to realise this was a new attack. We just wish people would let the boys rest in peace."

This latest attack was also condemned by politicians from across the community.

MLA Nelson McCausland criticised the culprits and called the incident "a vile act of vandalism".

"This was a shameful attack, and it was clearly intended to cause the maximum possible damage to the memorial," the DUP man said.

"Two of the soldiers were just teenagers when they were killed, and the families are still scarred by the callous manner in which the young men were murdered by republican gunmen."

SDLP MLA Nichola Mallon, meanwhile, described the attack as a cruel crime.

"Attacks of this nature are designed to cause hurt and pain to those who have suffered loss," she said.

"They are incredibly cruel and have no place in a society attempting to heal the scars of conflict."

UUP MLA and former soldier Andy Allen voiced his disgust at what he termed an "abhorrent" incident.

"This needs to stop," he said. "My thoughts are with the families, friends and colleagues of the three Scottish soldiers as they learn of this despicable and totally unacceptable attack."

Alliance MLA Trevor Lunn described the incident as "a cowardly act".

"Those responsible should be ashamed of themselves as they have no respect for the dead and are clearly intend on damaging community relations," he said.

A PSNI spokesman added: "Police in north Belfast received a report of criminal damage to a memorial at Ballysillan Avenue on the morning of Thursday November 16. It was reported that paint had been daubed on the monument sometime overnight. Police enquiries are under way".
The families of two men 'disappeared' by the IRA and found in the same shallow grave have used inquests into their deaths to ask for assistance in finding the bodies of the remaining missing victims.

Teenage student Kevin McKee and married labourer Seamus Wright were abducted in Belfast on the same day in 1972. Their loved ones never saw them alive again.

More than four decades later, in June last year, their remains were found lying together in reclaimed bogland in the Republic.

After hearing the cases separately, a jury at Dublin Coroner's Court yesterday found that the pair were unlawfully killed.

Both allegedly members of the IRA, they were murdered because the organisation suspected them of being informers. They each died from a single gunshot wound to the left side of the head.

Afterwards, the families urged anyone with information about the whereabouts of the remaining four Disappeared to give it to the organisation established to find them.

While 12 bodies have been discovered, Joseph Lynskey, Robert Nairac, Seamus Ruddy and Columba McVeigh remain missing.

Outside court, Philomena McKee, Kevin's sister, said: "Please, please come forward. We have come this far with information that has been given, so I would plead with anybody to come forward."

The Wright family added: "Today brings final closure on a long, painful process. We would appeal that all is done to allow the remaining four families to bury their loved ones."

Earlier, coroner Myra Cullinane heard that Mr McKee's mother was left mentally tortured after her son vanished, and convinced herself he ran away to get married.

The 17-year-old from west Belfast was arrested by police in early 1972. He then went missing for several months, apparently travelling to England amid rumours the IRA was looking for him. He returned to Belfast in the late summer of 1972, but vanished again a short time later.

Ms McKee told the court her mother, Mary, died in 2011 having never found her beloved son. "As a child, I used to go out with my mother to look for him - she used to sit waiting for him to come home," she added.

"She suffered from mental health issues after Kevin went missing. Her health deteriorated from then until her death. She used to say, 'Maybe he went off and married someone and didn't want us to know'.

"She was mentally tortured. The day they (the IRA) took my brother, they took my mother too."

In 1999, the IRA issued a statement admitting involvement in the disappearance of nine people, among them Mr McKee and Mr Wright.

The Independent Commission for the Location of Victims' Remains (ICLVR), which was set up by the British and Irish Governments in the wake of the Good Friday Agreement, was tasked with finding the bodies.

The IRA later provided further information that Mr McKee and Mr Wright were buried in bogland in Co Meath. However, a number of searches in the area proved fruitless.

Their remains were ultimately found inadvertently last year on reclaimed bogland near Coghalstown, Co Meath, during the search for Disappeared victim Mr Lynskey.

Mr Wright (25), also from west Belfast, was taken on the same day as Kevin - October 2, 1972.

Geoff Knupfer, a forensic scientist with the ICLVR , told the coroner the commission had been informed that the asphalt labourer was murdered at the site of his burial.

The court heard that earlier in 1972, Mr Wright, like Mr McKee, went missing for a period.

In evidence, his sister, Briege Wright, said the family was told he had been arrested. He was then apparently released, but did not come home. Ms Wright said her brother's wife, Kathleen, and his father, William, went to England to meet him.

"He was with someone else who they believed was a member of the British Army," she explained.

Mr Wright returned to Belfast on Good Friday in 1972. His sister said that on the day he vanished, he came home from work at around 6pm and then left again.

"He was never seen again," she added. "The British Army went to his house looking for him, but I don't know why."

After the jury returned the verdicts, the coroner passed sympathies to the families and expressed hope that the inquests would bring some measure of closure.
Joanna Harkin from Sensation entertains the crowd during the switch-on of the lights at Guildhall Square in Derry

Hundreds of snowmen come together for the world record attempt at the Buttercrane Shopping Centre in Newry yesterday

Snowmen, snowwomen, snowchildren and even snowbabies gathered in their hundreds at Newry's Buttercrane Shopping Centre last night as the city mounted a bid for a Guinness World record for the largest gathering of people dressed as snowmen.

And they smashed the record in style. Almost 400 people braved the winter weather - with the final snowfolk total of 398 easily beating the previous world record of 333. Organiser Catherine McGinn said: "It went brilliantly."

The organisers now have to complete the paperwork and send in their verification materials to Guinness World Records for official confirmation that Newry is now the snowman capital of the world.

Speaking as hundred of excited snowpeople thronged the Buttercrane for the Santa Parade that followed the world record bid, shopping centre manager Peter Murray told the Belfast Telegraph: "We're absolutely delighted to break the World Record for world's largest gathering of people dressed as snowmen with a figure of 398.

"The atmosphere was electric and it was wonderful that so many people came out and supported the event.

"It is fantastic to have a world record for Newry.

"It was a true spectacle and a great way to start Christmas celebrations in the city - and for us here at Buttercrane Shopping Centre."
Northern Ireland house prices have risen by more than 6% over the past year, bringing the cost of an average property to just under 160,000

Northern Ireland house prices have risen by more than 6% over the past year, bringing the cost of an average property to just under 160,000.

But new figures from the Ulster University House Price Index also show an increase of just over 0.1% over the last quarter, as the market feels the affects of post-Brexit vote volatility.

Property is worth most in south Belfast, where an average house costs almost 225,000, while the cheapest location is Londonderry/Strabane, where the average property price is just under 99,400.

Joe Frey, head of research at the Northern Ireland Housing Executive, said there had been stability in the market for more than two years.

"Quarterly and annual rates of house price change may vary substantially when viewed in isolation, but overall the period since early 2014 has been characterised by relative stability in Northern Ireland's housing market," he said.

"The uncertainty that will arise over the next few years as a result of Brexit will undoubtedly impact on the market, but it is much too early to estimate the size of this impact."

Despite new legislation introduced in April 2016, which increased stamp duty by 3% for those buying a second property, the research records a rise in residential property sales over the quarter to 2,013. The report also highlights a major shift in the market share taken by newly built property at 20%, suggesting further strengthening of private sector housing development.

The figures show the average price for a property in Belfast is just shy of 172,000.

That rises to just over 189,000 in North Down, where property is more expensive than everywhere except south and east Belfast (189,700). An average house costs around 109,800 in north Belfast and 121,600 in west Belfast, while you can expect to pay 164,200 in Lisburn and 126,600 in east Antrim.

Ulster University's Quarterly House Price Index Report is produced in partnership with the Northern Ireland Housing Executive and Progressive Building Society.
Caring and committed staff at the hospital struggled to cope in some areas, said the report

Staff shortages have left some nurses at Craigavon Area Hospital feeling burnt out and stressed, according to a new inspection report.

The Regulation and Quality Improvement Authority (RQIA) examined conditions in the emergency department and medical and surgical wards over four days in April as part of an unannounced visit.

And while the overall findings were positive, the inspectors observed caring and committed staff struggling to cope in some areas.

Olive Macleod, RQIA's chief executive, said: "RQIA's overall findings at Craigavon Area Hospital were good.

"In each area inspected we identified strong leadership, good governance, and processes in place to provide good quality care to patients.

"While we noted a shortage in nursing staff numbers in the medical and surgical wards inspected, the Southern Health and Social Care Trust was working actively to address this deficit."

The inspection team included doctors, nurses, pharmacists and allied health professional peer reviewers and members of the public led by RQIA's healthcare inspectors.

They spoke to patients, relatives and staff, observed delivery, and examined records to determine whether care was safe, effective and compassionate.

They also looked at how each ward was being led and managed.

At Four North, a 28-bed surgical ward, which can accommodate 34 patients during times of pressure, inspectors found staffing levels were poor with a heavy reliance on bank and agency staff.

Although additional nursing appointments had been agreed, the delay in recruitment was impacting on staff, leading to complaints of tiredness, burnout and stress.

Inspectors also noted difficulties in maintaining visual contact with higher risk patients and responding promptly to call bells, and delays in the preparation of and assistance with meals when staffing levels were low.

"We observed prompt staff responses to call bells and requests for assistance from patients when the ward had the agreed staffing levels.

"However, when the ward was short-staffed, we observed caring and committed staff struggling to meet patients' basic care needs," the report stated.

Other observations included the poor state of repair of the toilets.

At One South, a general medical ward, with gastro intestinal and rheumatology speciality nursing staffing levels were also below the recommended levels, but inspectors were told trust had been actively working to address deficits.

Issues were highlighted around patient discharge and it was noted the availability of medical staff to complete discharge letters could cause a delay.

Meanwhile, it was found the trust had been proactive in the recruitment for the emergency department with 25 new nurses having taken up post within the past year.

Although a positive step, inspectors said it had presented challenges because 70% of registered nurses within the ED had less than two years' experience.

It was also reported that the recruitment of paediatric nurses for the ED was proving difficult.

Attempts to minimise the symptoms of crowding through initiatives such as a revised triage process, escalation protocol and pathways for children were highlighted, and although some patients remained within the ED for longer than targeted time frames, inspectors said the quality of care they received was maintained to a high standard.

Mrs Macleod said: "In each area inspected we observed caring, sensitive and insightful staff working to maintain the dignity and privacy of those in their care.

"Patients also told us they were very satisfied with the standard of care and treatment they received.

"In the emergency department we observed senior nursing and medical staff directing and supporting departmental activities - and we commend this good practice.

"We also noted that the Southern Trust has been proactive in recruitment of nursing staff, and has a range of initiatives in place to minimise the symptoms of crowding in the ED.

"In the surgical ward we were told of an open and transparent culture, and staff were positive about the support they received from management.

"However, we noted the impact of staffing shortages, with a heavy reliance on bank and agency staff. While we observed good practice in relation to recording food and fluids, when short-staffed there were delays in preparation of meals and assistance provided to patients.

"The medical ward was bright and well presented, and staff told us that morale was good and they were happy working there.

"While we noted medical records were well organised, in a number of instances nursing care records did not fully demonstrate assessment, planning monitoring and evaluation of patient's needs.

"We also considered that supervision and coordination of meals required improvement."
An inquest into the death of a man found in his nursing home bed with mysterious marks on his neck has been hit by a last-minute adjournment.

Seamus McCollum, 56, who had cerebral palsy, died after he was discovered unresponsive at Maine Nursing Home in Randalstown on September 12 2011.

Previous preliminary court proceedings heard that the marks were consistent with compression of the neck, but that experts differ on what could have caused them.

Coroner Joe McCrisken had been due to examine the circumstances of the death during a three-day inquest starting on Friday.

Relatives of Mr McCollum and witnesses arrived at Belfast Coroner's Court for the scheduled hearing but, after discussions with legal parties in chambers, the coroner emerged to say he had been forced to adjourn.

He said the postponement was down to a personal issue with one of the lawyers involved in the case.

"I do not adjourn inquests unless there is an exceptional reason for doing so," he said.

"I am satisfied this is one of those times that the reason given is exceptional."

The coroner said he would relist the inquest for January.
The Children's Commissioner has said there is little evidence that children in Northern Ireland are better protected from sexual exploitation two years after an expert inquiry made recommendations.

The Marshall Inquiry, which reported in 2014, had warned that up to 145 children were at risk of child exploitation here.

But in a withering assessment of the progress made since then, Children's Commissioner Kioulla Yiasouma said there was "no concrete evidence" that professionals were working better together to address the problem.

And in a hard-hitting statement issued to coincide with European Day on the Protection of Children against Sexual Exploitation, Ms Yiasouma said: "I see little evidence from Government reports that our children are more protected against sexual exploitation today than they were two years ago when the Independent Inquiry into Child Sexual Exploitation produced its findings."

She added: "We need to see clear evidence that Government action is leading to real change in how well we are protecting young people, supporting those who work with them, and disrupting and pursuing those who seek to abuse and exploit them."

Ms Yiasouma said that the progress to date on combating child sexual exploitation was "far from good enough".

"There are too many examples of actions being marked as complete, and Government saying it has addressed CSE (child sexual exploitation) by writing guidance, agreeing principles, planning reviews and having meetings.

"There is not enough evidence to show if this is making a difference, with better trained and supported staff on the ground and young people who feel cared for and safe.

"Worryingly, the Department of Health's latest progress report has no detail about a CSE strategy which was due out for consultation in June 2016. We have no information on whether a strategy is even being developed, according to this report."

Witnesses told the Marshall Inquiry that sexual exploitation had been occurring in bars and clubs "dominated by members of paramilitary groups" where there were lock-ins after hours.

The probe also found cases where young girls had been sexually exploited by soldiers at two Northern Ireland Army barracks.
The process to distribute funds from the 80million Social Investment Fund - which awarded 1.7m to an east Belfast charity headed by UDA boss Dee Stit - has been described as "flawed" and in need of root and branch reform.

Sir Alastair Graham, the former chair of the Committee into Standards in Public Life, said there was need for reform following an investigation by the BBC's Stephen Nolan Radio Ulster Show.

The show outlined a number of issues around the system developed by the Executive which is used to award money from the fund.

It described how members of steering committees decide among themselves who gets cash and can award it to their own organisations.

The programme also outlined how there was no competitive tendering process in that only those within the steering group were eligible for the money.

It was also revealed that there was no record of a voting process of the decisions taken in awarding the money to those in the steering group.

And there were no checks by the Executive on the people who are chosen as lead partner of the steering groups.

Former head of Committee on Standards in Public Life Sir Alistair Graham said the system appeared "flawed" and that to him there were conflicts of interest built into the system and that it needed root and branch reform.

He described parts of the process as "absurd and unheard of".

DUP MLA Emma Little Pengelly - who was involved in the process to draw up the system - responded: "I have never heard so much nonsense in all my life in terms of the issues that have been raised.

"What is absurd is Mr Graham coming on and discussing matters which he has no knowledge of," she said.

On the matter of there being no vote, she said decisions were taken on the basis of consensus and if that was not achieved, there would be a vote.

She said steering groups were made up of representatives from the political, community, business and statutory sectors.

The South Belfast MLA said steering groups - which included UUP, SDLP and Alliance members, were the decision making body and not the First and deputy First Ministers.

"There is a process of decision making and consensus is the best way," she continued, "a formal vote is not normally required if there is a consensus."

She said there was nothing to hide in the process and a focus should be on delivery as it "impacted and improved people's lives".

"There was a consultation process which went out to all the people of Northern Ireland.

"There was a project board set up and chaired by a senior civil servant it made recommendations.

"The system in place is robust.

"There is good governance on this project - and that is a fact."

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Sinn Fein Belfast city councillor Jim McVeigh - who sits on the west Belfast Social investment Fund steering group said he did not recognise the process described by the BBC programme.

He said: "We were appointed to the steering group on a cross community basis.

"People from community and voluntary organisations are involved.

"We have spent millions which has put hundreds back into work. We have numeracy and literacy projects which has improved the lives and prospects of children from the Shankill and Falls. Early intervention schemes helped prevent people from getting involved in criminal activity.

"Because of the importance of the projects we wanted to work on a cross community basis, there was consensus so we had no need to vote."

Alliance MLA Chris Lyttle, who sits on the east Belfast steering group, said he continually raised concerns while a part of the process and opposed the approach that decisions were taken by consensus and that only steering group members could become lead partners.

"It was flawed from day one," he said.

"This is not a criticism of those groups involved, this is a concern for a process devised by OFMDFM.

"It's a flawed process and needs full independent review."

Ulster Unionist Party leader Mike Nesbitt described it as a scandal while the SDLP's Claire Hanna said the scheme was a "slush fund".

While TUV leader Jim Allister said the Northern Ireland Audit Office should investigate the process.

On Thursday night and ahead of the Stephen Nolan show, the Executive Office put out a 14-point briefing note on the Social Investment Fund

The note described the fund as "innovative" and improving the lives of people and community facilities.

It also said reports that Charter NI has been given or is controlling 1.7 million of Social Investment Fund money create a "false impression".

It said 1.5m is going directly to fund training, secure job placements and business start ups for hundreds of unemployed and underemployed people and will be delivered by GEMS NI.

The Executive Office also said governance and financial management arrangements of Charter NI.
The overwhelming majority of Americans (80%) believe the media were biased towards one of the candidates in the coverage of the presidential election, according to a Sputnik.Polls survey. At the same time, more than half of respondents (59%) said neither local nor national media were objective. The survey was conducted in the United States by TNS UK for Sputnik news agency and radio.

According to the poll, 16% of Americans believe the national media favored one of the candidates, while local outlets remained objective. On the contrary, 5% said only local media were biased, while the national media were not. Only 20% respondents believed that the US media provided balanced coverage of the candidates.

The survey was conducted from November 3 to November 7 by the TNS UK research company in the US for Sputnik news agency and radio. As many as 1012 respondents aged 18 to 64 were asked the following question, "Regarding the presidential campaign in the United States, do you think that the media were biased towards one of the candidates?". The margin of error for the nationwide data is +/- 3.1% with a confidence level of 95%.
The body of a man shot dead by a controversial Army unit more than 40 years ago is to be exhumed by police.

Daniel Rooney, 18, was killed by soldiers from the secretive Military Reaction Force (MRF) in the St James Crescent area of West Belfast on September 26 1972.

The exhumation is part of an investigation by detectives into allegations the MRF carried out random and unjustified shootings during the Troubles.

The wide-ranging probe by the Police Service of Northern Ireland's Legacy Investigations Branch (LIB) was triggered after a referral by Northern Ireland's Director of Public Prosecutions Barra McGrory.

The exhumation will take place at Milltown cemetery in west Belfast on Monday.

Senior Investigating Officer, Detective Chief Inspector Neil McGuinness, said: "This part of the investigation relates to the fatal shooting of 18-year-old Daniel Rooney in the St James Crescent area of west Belfast on 26 September, 1972.

"We have been liaising with the family in relation to this and will continue to work closely with them as we move to the next stage of this sensitive operation."

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Limavady has a new and unwanted claim to fame - as the location of one of the worst moments in Sir Richard Branson's life.

The townsfolk have never been slow to point out that billionaire Branson "landed" there in 1987 to complete the world's first transatlantic crossing in a hot air balloon.

But it has emerged that the mogul's memories of that foggy July day are far from pleasant.

In a new documentary the Virgin empire founder reveals that he was so sure he was going to die as the badly damaged balloon hurtled out of control that he scribbled out a goodbye note to his children.

"There was an enormous feeling of loneliness," the 66-year-old recalled.

"I'd had an extraordinary life and it looked like this was the last minutes of it. I wrote a note to the kids (daughter Holly, then six, and son Sam, two years old at the time), telling them how much I loved them."

Rather than "landing in Limavady, Northern Ireland", as the crash is euphemistically described on the Virgin website, the stricken Virgin Atlantic Flyer descended from 27,000 feet, gouged the ground, jettisoned two fuel tanks and narrowly missed a house and power lines before swooping back into the air and towards Rathlin Island.

It then started bouncing on the Atlantic, losing its flotation bags after an unsuccessful attempt to land on a beach on the island.

Co-pilot Per Lindstrad baled out, but the balloon started a steep ascent before Branson could follow.

After putting on an oxygen mask and writing the short note, the London-born entrepreneur prepared to parachute out, but instead piloted the craft back towards the water before throwing himself out from 60ft up.

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Both men were later rescued by the Royal Navy.

These harrowing moments in the skies above Co Londonderry were captured in Don't Look Down, which uses never-before-seen footage Branson shot on his camcorder.

And although the intrepid duo were far too busy attempting to survive at the time, they later realised that their brief contact with Limavady meant that they had in fact made it into the record books.

A journey that had begun at Sugarloaf Mountain in Maine, USA, on July 2 had ended 31 hours and 41 minutes later, with the Virgin Atlantic Flyer having travelled over 3,000 miles.
Deputy First Minister Martin McGuinness, Taoiseach Enda Kenny, First Minister Arlene Foster and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade Charlie Flanagan at the NSMC meeting (Press Eye/PA)

Ministers from both sides of the Irish border have hailed the latest round of Brexit discussions as their best yet.

The UK's forthcoming EU departure topped the agenda at a meeting of the North South Ministerial Committee (NSMC) where Irish Foreign Minister Charlie Flanagan joined Stormont's First Minister Arlene Foster and Deputy First Minister Martin McGuinness in Armagh on Friday afternoon.

Afterwards Enda Kenny described the talks as "constructive", adding there had been a "great deal of common ground".

He said: "We have had a very constructive and a very good meeting - actually one of the best meetings that I have attended.

"One point that we all stressed at this meeting was that it is really important, from an island of Ireland perspective, that there be that strength of solidarity in respect of those common interests.

"So, when discussions do start, and I as Taoiseach will be sitting on the European side of these arguments, will be able to work to get the best deal possible for the island of Ireland north and south.

"That was a common consensus of the outcome of the meeting today which I very much value."

As well as highlighting the unique circumstances in Ireland including the land border, peace process and peace funds, the Taoiseach cautioned that Europe would not allow the UK to "cherry pick" specific deals.

"If the UK want access to the single market, they must come with that freedom of movement of people and that is a challenge and an issue that the British Government has got to focus on," he said.

The North South Ministerial Council was set up under the Good Friday Agreement peace deal and generally meets in plenary session just twice year.

Ms Foster, who earlier this week dismissed suggestions of a frosty relationship with Dublin, described the meeting as useful.

She said: "The Taoiseach has been very good to share some of the discussions that are going on at a European level in terms of the Republic of Ireland's government and we are very grateful to hear that.

"We shared our position in terms of Northern Ireland and indeed in terms of the discussions that are going on a UK basis as well.

"So, it was a very useful meeting.

"We await to see what happens in terms of the Supreme Court and we'll take it from there."

The Democratic Unionist Party leader said she was not surprised that attitudes from some European leaders had hardened in the wake of the referendum result, adding : "You can all take up positions before negotiations start but then you have to start the negotiation.

"And that's where we will be after Article 50 has been triggered."

Meanwhile, Mr McGuinness revealed the NSMC has agreed to set up a high level working group of civil servants to prepare for Brexit.

He said the apparent confusion emanating from Westminster on the issue meant "everything is on the table".

"Today's meeting was of critical importance and I think huge progress was made," the Sinn Fein MLA said.

Mr Flanagan hailed the meeting as the most engaging, important and significant of his two-year tenure as Irish Foreign Minister.
Billy Dickson with his tea container, which took five months to arrive

Billy Dickson with his tea container, which took five months to arrive

There has been an angry reaction after a major marketing campaign by a national newspaper confused Ireland and Northern Ireland.

Readers contacted the Belfast Telegraph to complain about the Brexitfast Tea Caddy promotion in the Daily Express, while Northern Ireland's longest-serving MP Sir Jeffrey Donaldson has called the error "appalling".

The front of the promotional Brexitfast tea tin, which is emblazoned on both sides with small Union flags, carries the slogan: 'Vote With The Leaves, It's In The Bag.'

On the reverse side, however, there are four signposts pointing to England, Scotland, Wales and Ireland - rather than Northern Ireland.

Alongside the illustration the text reads: "The British Empire was built on tea.

"Throughout history whenever difficult choices have had to be made, the British gather around the kitchen table for discussion and planning over a cup of tea.

"So put the kettle on, it's time to take the bull by the horns, this is a once in a lifetime opportunity to save Great Britain."

However, that represents a second error, Northern Ireland is part of the UK - not Great Britain.

A Daily Express spokesman said: "This was an external promotion and we do apologise". Speaking to the Belfast Telegraph, Stewart Tipping, the man who ran the campaign in the paper, said: "I certainly meant no offence."

Belfast tour guide Billy Dickson (69), who received his caddy after a five-month wait, said the "horrendous mistake" had taken away from his enjoyment of having it.

"There was huge demand so I was pleased when mine finally arrived, but when I looked at the back of the caddy I was horrified to find that Northern Ireland was listed as Ireland," he said.

"I'm looking into ways of having it modified myself but it's really disappointing that people in England don't know the difference between Northern Ireland and Ireland."

He added: "It only cost me 5.99 in postage, otherwise I would be demanding that they reproduce it and provide me with a proper souvenir."

Sir Jeffrey said such a mistake beggared belief, adding that it was difficult to comprehend such a flagrant disregard for accuracy in a national marketing campaign. "It really appals me that some of our friends in England who trumpet their Britishness have a real lack of geographical understanding of what comprises the United Kingdom," the DUP MP said.

"A cursory glance at their passport would reveal that our country is called the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland, and that the Republic of Ireland left the UK almost 100 years ago.

"Perhaps we should encourage history lessons for those interested in the future of our country because unless we understand where we've come from and where we are today, how can people work out where we're going in future?"
Anonymous teenager has been preserved to fulfil her dying wish (Picture posed/File photo)

A High Court judge allowed a 14-year-old girl who died from cancer to be cryogenically frozen so she could potentially be revived in the future.

The anonymous teenager has been preserved to fulfil her dying wish, a ruling by the judge revealed.

Her father initially objected to the idea, saying in 200 years she may have no relative or remember things.

Her mother supported the girl's request but a letter the girl wrote to the judge is thought to have played a key role in the High Court's decision.

Here is what she wrote to Mr Justice Jackson:

I have been asked to explain why I want this unusual thing done. Im only 14 years old and I don't want to die, but I know I am going to.

I think being cryopreserved gives me a chance to be cured and woken up, even in hundreds of years time. I dont want to be buried underground.

I want to live and live longer and I think that in the future they might find a cure for my cancer and wake me up. I want to have this chance. This is my wish.

Read full judgement here

There is on-going debate surrounding the far-fetched belief that a human being can be cryogenically frozen and reanimated by future medical advances.

Scientists froze and then thawed out a rabbit brain in perfect condition earlier this year.

There is ongoing research into these scientific challenges, said Barry Fuller, professor in surgical science and low temperature medicine at University College London, as quoted by The Guardian.

A potential future demonstration of the ability to cryopreserve human organs for transplantation would be a major first step into proving the concept, but at the moment we cannot achieve that.
The Scottish Government is considering enshrining a right to food in Scots law.

It is one of a number of recommendations being looked at following the publication of a report by the Independent Working Group on Food Poverty earlier this year.

The group said that while enshrining the right would not in itself end food insecurity, it would mean the Government and other public bodies would have a duty to ensure everyone has secure access to adequate and affordable food.

The Scottish Government would be prepared to be challenged legally on how well it is implementing policies and deploying resources towards this end, within the limits of its existing powers, its report said.

Other measures recommended by the group and accepted by the Government include introducing a system to measure food security in Scotland, and calling on the UK Government to help reduce the risk of sanctions and benefit delays in the welfare system.

The charity Trussell Trust has reported a rise in the use of food banks in recent years, with problems with benefits identified as the most significant reason for the increase.

The working group was set up by Scottish ministers in October 2015 to examine food insecurity and poverty.

Equalities Secretary Angela Constance said: We have been very clear  no-one should have to rely on emergency food provision in a country as prosperous as Scotland.

As the report from the working group highlighted, food poverty is a symptom of wider poverty and the UK Governments harmful welfare cuts and benefit sanctions regime has clearly pushed more and more people into an income crisis, increasing the demand for emergency food.

We want to create a sustainable solution to tackling food poverty across Scotland, and therefore I am committed to exploring a range of options, including looking into potentially enshrining the right to food into Scots law.

We will continue to work closely with individual projects to help them develop sustainable solutions to tackle food poverty. This means not only giving people opportunities to access fresh and healthy food, but to share a meal in the community and develop new skills, helping achieve a longer-term solution to food poverty.
Helen Marten has been awarded the inaugural Hepworth Prize for Sculpture and immediately said she would share the 30,000 prize with the other three nominees.

Marten, who is also nominated for December's Turner Prize, picked up the new biennial prize at a ceremony at The Hepworth Wakefield where she told guests about her plan to split it with Phyllida Barlow, Steven Claydon and David Medalla.

She then told BBC Radio Four's Front Row: "To a certain extent I believe, as I said on stage, in the light of the world's ever lengthening political shadow, that the art world has a responsibility, if not to suggest a provisional means forward, then at least show an egalitarian platform of democracy and I believe the hierarchical position of art prizes today is, to a certain extent, flawed.

"I'm flattered to be there anyway and I would be very happy if they accept to share the prize amongst the four of us."

Marten said: "I'm lucky enough to be here and to be given a visible and audible platform to be doing what I'm doing and the fact that I'm supported by an enormously generous infrastructure of other artists, critics, curators, galleries is enough for me

Simon Wallis, director of The Hepworth Wakefield and chair of the judging panel, said: "Helen Marten is one of the strongest and most singular voices working in British art today.

"Her refined craft and intellectual precision address our relationship to objects and materials in a digital age. We believe that Marten is a fitting winner of the inaugural Hepworth Prize for Sculpture, which celebrates the legacy of one of Britain's finest sculptors."

The Hepworth Prize was set-up to recognise a UK-based artist of any age and at any stage in their career who has made a significant contribution to the development of contemporary sculpture.

It was presented by Christopher Bailey, c hief creative and chief executive officer of Burberry, who said: " I am so proud to have been a part of such a special evening and I am so excited for not only Helen Marten on winning the first ever Hepworth Prize for Sculpture, but also for the rest of the incredibly talented nominees.

"Their work on display at The Hepworth Wakefield is a shining example of their creativity and outstanding contribution to the development of contemporary sculpture in the UK."

Marten, 30, who is originally from Macclesfield, Cheshire, studied at the Ruskin School of Fine Art, University of London and at Central Saint Martins in London.

Her recent solo exhibitions include Parrot Problems, in Fridericianum, Kassel, Germany, in 2014, and Plank Salad at the Chisenhale Gallery, in London, in 2012.

The Hepworth Prize was created to celebrate the gallery's fifth anniversary and is named after Barbara Hepworth, who was born and brought up in Wakefield. The Hepworth Wakefield has the largest number of works by the artist on permanent display anywhere in the UK.

Sophie Bowness, art historian and granddaughter of Barbara Hepworth, said: "The Hepworth Prize for Sculpture is a fitting legacy for Barbara Hepworth, one of Britain's greatest sculptors, whose career was enhanced through a variety of awards from early in her professional life."

The exhibition of all the nominees for the award runs until February 19 2017.
Nicola Sturgeon has been told to stop interfering in politics in Northern Ireland after she suggested women from here could access NHS abortions in Scotland.

The Scottish First Minister has said she will look into women from Northern Ireland accessing NHS abortions in Scotland without facing prohibitive costs.

Abortions are illegal in Northern Ireland except for cases where the woman's health is at risk.

Last year more than 830 women travelled to England and Wales for a termination.

Northern Ireland women are not legally entitled to free NHS abortions in England following a High Court ruling in 2014, which is being challenged at the UK Supreme Court.

During First Minister's Questions at Holyrood, Ms Sturgeon was asked by Green MSP Patrick Harvie: "Does the First Minister agree that the NHS in Scotland should be exploring what can be done to ensure that these women are able to access abortion in Scotland, if that's where they chose to travel to, without facing these kind of unacceptable financial barriers?"

Ms Sturgeon replied: "I am happy to explore that with the NHS. To explore both what the situation would be right now in terms of accessing safe and legal abortion for women from Northern Ireland within NHS Scotland and whether there's any improvements that are able to be made.

"I believe, like Patrick Harvie, that women should have the right to choose within the limits that we currently set down in law and I believe that right should be defended."

However, her statement has caused anger among some in Northern Ireland.

DUP MP Sir Jeffrey Donaldson said he was disappointed in Mrs Sturgeon for seeking to "interfere in what is a very sensitive issue here in Northern Ireland".

"The Northern Ireland Executive would never consider interfering in Scottish internal affairs," the Lagan Valley MP told the Belfast Telegraph.

"And I really do think the Scottish First Minister should concentrate on sorting out the economic problems in Scotland and leave Northern Ireland to sort out its own issues."

Bernie Smyth, director of pro-life group Precious Life, described Mrs Sturgeon comments as outrageous.

"She needs to butt her nose out of Northern Irish politics," she said.

"At this point in time we are discussing this here at Stormont through our own politicians who we have elected. We have not elected a Scottish politician to represent the views of the women and specifically our unborn children. So I would say to Nicola - mind your own business and set something up that is genuinely caring for the mother and the child."

Christian lobby group the Evangelical Alliance noted that the Scottish First Minister had not guaranteed anything in her statement.

Spokeswoman Dawn McAvoy said: "Whilst Nicola Sturgeon is entitled to her view, we don't want to see abortion on demand - which is effectively the situation in Scotland - brought to Northern Ireland.

"Scotland's First Minister was notably cautious in her comments offering no firm commitments.

"The law in Northern Ireland strikes a fine balance and we are campaigning to ensure that both the woman and the unborn baby are given the best possible care here in Northern Ireland," she added.

However, Amnesty International's Patrick Corrigan described Mrs Sturgeon's offer as an "indictment of the failure" at Stormont.

"Given the utter human rights failure of Northern Ireland's ministers to provide free, safe and legal abortion healthcare for women and girls here, we welcome the commitment of Scotland's First Minister to explore what can be done via NHS Scotland," he said.

"The UN Human Rights Committee recently ruled that Northern Ireland's laws prohibiting and criminalising abortion constitute a human rights violation. The Scottish Government could help lessen the harsh financial impact of that violation by allowing women from Northern Ireland to access abortions free of charge on the NHS."

SDLP MP Margaret Ritchie said she would adopt a "wait and see" attitude towards the announcement, although the party remained opposed to relaxing the law in Northern Ireland.

"We are also awaiting the outcome of a review into the guidelines governing abortion in Northern Ireland," the South Down MP added.

"We have to await the outcome of what the First Minister of Scotland said, what the extent of her explorations is, and the outcome of the current review of guidelines."
Staff at a paediatric hospital in eastern Aleppo have scrambled to evacuate babies in incubators from underground shelters after it was bombed for the second time this week.

Medics and aid workers also reported a suspected attack involving toxic gas in a district on the western edge of the rebel-held area in the Syrian city.

At least 12 people, including children, were treated for breathing difficulties, said Adham Sahloul of the Syrian American Medical Society, which supports health facilities in Aleppo.

Claims of toxic gas attacks are common in Syria, and reports by international inspectors have held the government responsible for using chemicals in attacks on civilians, which Damascus denies.

Airstrikes also hit a village in a rural area of Aleppo province, killing seven members of a family, including four children, opposition activists said.

It was the fourth day of renewed assaults by Syrian planes on eastern Aleppo districts, a rebel-held enclave of 275,000 people.

The onslaught began on Tuesday, when Syria's ally Russia announced its own offensive on the northern rebel-controlled Idlib and Homs provinces in central Syria.

Since then, more than 100 people have been killed across northern Syria.

The airstrikes in Aleppo hit a complex of four hospitals that had been attacked two days earlier. The latest strikes forced the paediatric hospital and a neighbouring facility to stop operating.

"Now it is being bombed. ... I am sorry. ... I have to go to transfer the children," the head of the paediatric hospital wrote in a text message.

The doctor identified himself only by his first name of Hatem because he fears for reprisals against his family.

The incubators had already been moved underground for safety, but with bombs falling all around the facility hospital workers had to rush them to a safer place despite the danger.

Hatem rushed 14 babies in incubators to another facility a 10-minute drive away while airstrikes continued, he said in a later message.

"As we drove out with the ambulance, warplanes were firing and artillery were shelling," he wrote. "But thank God we were not hurt."

Some of the survivors of the suspected gas attack were taken to the children's hospital.

The cameras of Al-Jazeera, which was broadcasting from the facility as the airstrikes occurred, went dark for a moment. When video resumed, dust was swirling and debris was strewn in the corridors.

Nurses scurried to get babies to safety, and one was seen carrying a blanket-wrapped infant. She then hugged and comforted another nurse who was sobbing as she picked up a baby.

Another hospital in a different Aleppo area was bombed Thursday night, the doctor said. The entrance was set on fire but no one was hurt.

Only four of seven hospitals are still operating in the district, Mr Sahloul said.

The Britain-based Syrian Observatory for Human Rights said dozens of airstrikes, artillery and barrel bombs hit 18 different neighborhoods of eastern Aleppo.

Government bombings have targeted neighborhoods with medical facilities, including the children's hospital and a nearby clinic that has one of the few remaining intensive care units in eastern Aleppo, the Observatory said.

Many hospitals and clinics in the besieged area have moved their operations underground after months of bombardment.

The World Health Organisation said that in 2016, it recorded 126 attacks on health facilities, a common tactic over the five years of Syria's civil war. Russia and the Syrian government deny targeting hospitals.

The city of Aleppo, once Syria's commercial hub, has been divided since 2012, with the eastern half in rebel hands and the western half controlled by government forces.

Ibrahim al-Haj, a member of the Syria Civil Defence rescue unit in Aleppo, said the city "is a mess". The group of rescuers and first responders said they are struggling to put out fires set off by the bombings in at least 10 areas.

The Observatory said at least four people were killed in the city's districts.

It also said the strike that killed the seven family members took place in south-western Aleppo province. Syrian Civil Defence posted photos showing the bodies of children covered with dust and blood.

AP
WASHINGTON  House Democrats urged President Barack Obama on Thursday to pardon DREAMers, in an effort to quash the young immigrants fears of deportation when incoming President Donald Trump takes office in January.

Democratic Reps. Zoe Lofgren, Luis Gutierrez, Lucille Roybal-Allard and Judy Chu said Obama has a responsibility to those young immigrants who have been protected in recent years from deportation under an executive order issued by the president.

Trump has vowed to reverse that order on his first day in office, leaving the DREAMers with targets on their backs since they had to register with the government and provide personal information, the Democrats said.

Immigrants form the fabric of society, said Lofgren of California. They live in greater fear with Trump vowing to reverse the administrative action by President Obama.

But not all lawmakers welcomed the idea of a pardon.

Rep. Paul Gosar, R-Prescott, said in a statement Thursday that condoning bad behavior and violating the Constitution and our laws should not be rewarded.

Pardoning criminals, felons and miscreants is not what the American people want and it is not in their best interests, Gosar said in a statement released by his office. Illegal immigration is immoral, wrong and needs to stop now. These pardons are unnecessary and condone illegal behavior and a violation of our national sovereignty.

At issue is the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals, a 2012 Obama policy that lets undocumented immigrants who were brought to the U.S. as children work and go to school without fear of deportation. Nearly 1.3 million people have received DACA protection since the program started, according to the latest government data.

But because DACA was created by executive order and not by legislative action, it can be overturned with a stroke of the pen by Trump.

At a news conference Monday, Obama said Trump should think long and hard before  endangering that status of what for all practical purposes are American kids.

Petra Falcon of Promise Arizona said even if Obama is able to pardon all those with DACA protection, questions linger about their status once Trump takes office.

It would be wonderful if Obama is able to pardon these people, Falcon said. He has the authority to do so, but there is a lot that is still unknown.

More than 2 million people are still eligible to apply for deferred deportation before Obama leaves office Jan. 20 and Falcon said they should apply as quickly as possible, even if that means their application is pending in January.

Gutierrez said a pardon would not give immigrants a permanent safe place, but it would end the widespread and dangerous fear sparked by the anti-immigrant rhetoric that Trump and his supporters touted throughout the campaign.

This action is a matter of life or death, Gutierrez of Illinois said at Thursdays news conference. Were asking for the president to continue his commitment to put immigrants in a safe place.

Lofgren agreed that pardoning DREAMers  named for the failed Development, Relief and Education for Alien Minors Act  would wash the sin away from their illegal entry into the U.S. as children.

The call for pardons comes the same week that a host of minority leaders sat down with members of Trumps transition team to clear the air over the campaigns rhetoric. Falcon called such discussions a good start, but said Trump needs to demonstrate his commitment to minority groups by walking back his campaign comments.

If he intends to repair the relationship, he has to start somewhere, she said. That includes leaving DACA alone, not building a (border) wall, not asking Muslims to register. He is frightening a lot of people.

Roybal-Allard of California said that even though Obama has just weeks left in office, he can free immigrants of their prisoner status by pardoning them.

By no fault of their own, these Americans are prisoners in their own country, living their daily lives, not knowing if they will be deported to a foreign country, she said. And make no mistake about it, if they are forced to leave the United States, it is our country that loses.
Vermont senator Bernie Sanders has called on Donald Trump to apologise for his inflammatory rhetoric during the presidential campaign.

He has also asked him cut ties with campaign chief executive Steve Bannon, named as a top White House adviser on Monday by the president-elect.

That sparked an outcry from Democrats, who blasted the conservative media chief executive as peddling conspiracy theories and white supremacy.

Mr Sanders, who lost the Democratic presidential nomination to Hillary Clinton, says his office received "many, many" calls asking Mr Trump to withdraw the appointment.

"What we are seeing all over this country is extraordinary fear," Mr Sanders said at a breakfast sponsored by the Christian Science Monitor.

He said Mr Trump should try to "make the American people feel comfortable" by rescinding Mr Bannon's nomination.

The self-identified independent also said there may be opportunities for Democrats to work with Trump on some of his campaign promises including curbing high pharmaceutical drug pieces, renegotiating trade deals, cutting the influence of Wall Street and other ideas that will "improve life for working people".

"He said a whole lot of things. Was he serious or were these just campaign slogans?" he said. "We will hold him accountable."

Mr Sanders told reporters that he has not spoken personally to Mrs Clinton but believes she has an important role to play in the party's future.

She made her first public remarks since her concession speech in Washington on Wednesday evening, urging her supporters to "stay engaged" in political activism.

Democrats, he said, must do some "soul searching" in the coming months.

Mr Sanders is backing Minnesota representative Keith Ellison to head up the Democratic National Committee, arguing the first Muslim-American member of Congress could bring some fresh ideas to the party.

"It is time for the Democratic party to reassess what it stands for and where it wants to go," he said.

AP
A lifetime supporter of Sinn Fein could be in line for a key position in Donald Trump's administration, according to Washington insiders.

Unlike many other mainstream Republican politicians, US Congressman Peter King backed the billionaire businessman during the White House race.

His loyalty to Mr Trump has led to speculation that he could be appointed homeland security advisor - the chief counter-terrorism aide to the President.

The New York Congressman, who has voiced support for the Provisional IRA and is seen as a close friend of Gerry Adams, is considered one of the most respected experts on terrorism and security on Capitol Hill.

Yesterday's New York Times reported that Mr King was also in the running to be US ambassador to the UN.

However, most speculation is centring on a possible appointment as homeland security and counter-terrorism advisor.

While Mr King has not been lobbying for the position, sources said he was in the running because of his "incredible credentials", his ability to work with Democrats, and because "Donald likes the guy".

Asked if he would accept the senior position if it was offered to him by the President-elect, Mr King told Newsmax: "I certainly will look at it."

Peter Hoekestra, a former chairman of the House Intelligence Committee, said: "Peter would be awesome in that job." He described the 72-year-old Congressman as "one of most knowledgeable people in Congress on what threatens Americans".

If appointed assistant to the President for homeland security and counter-terrorism, Mr King would help Trump coordinate policies with the Department of Homeland Security and the Department of Defense, as well as the CIA and other agencies.

Washington sources said that even if Mr King did not secure the job, he would still play a key role in Congress for Mr Trump.

"Mark my words, Peter King will be a very influential figure for the new administration," one source insisted.

Mr King was at Mr Trump's campaign headquarters in Manhattan on election night. He has vigorously defended the President-elect, hailing his victory as "a great day for the American people" and denouncing those demonstrating against him.

The New York Congressman branded the college student protesters "childish, immature and stupid" and told a local radio station: "I don't know what would happen if a real war ever came. You think back to the greatest generation, and now you have these people.

"They're having crying sessions (and) giving them comfort dogs. They're giving them group therapy because they're so upset that Hillary Clinton lost the election.

"Come on, have some guts, have some nerve, get out there. We're supposed to be a great country. Are these the morons we're counting on to be leaders in the future?"

Mr King did not support Mr Trump at the outset of the Republican primary race, but became a vocal backer after the billionaire secured his party's nomination.

Now entering his 13th term in the House of Representatives, he is a member of the House's Homeland Security Committee and is the chair of the Sub-committee on Counter-terrorism and Intelligence. Once shunned by the political establishment, he has become a highly respected figure in Washington and is one of the most prominent cheerleaders for the country's war on terror.

The congressman, whose paternal grandparents were from Co Galway, became interested in Irish politics in the late 1970s. He began visiting Ireland and befriended many republican figures, once comparing Gerry Adams to George Washington.

In 1982, Mr King told a rally in Long Island: "We must pledge ourselves to support those brave men and women who this very moment are carrying forth the struggle against British imperialism in the streets of Belfast and Derry."

Three years later, he declared: "If civilians are killed in an attack on a military installation, it is certainly regrettable, but I will not morally blame the IRA for it."

Mr King was once a close ally of former Noraid publicity director Martin Galvin. When he was elected grand marshal of the 1985 St Patrick's Day parade in New York, the Irish government boycotted the event in protest.

Congressman King found himself more in the political mainstream after the IRA's 1994 ceasefire, and both Tony Blair and Bill Clinton praised his role in the peace process. After 9/11, he began distancing himself from the Provisionals, arguing that they should disband.

He became known as a strong opponent of Islamic terrorism, even suggesting that President Obama "use the word 'terrorism' more often" in public.

Although he is not as vocal on Irish issues as he once was, Mr King remains on good terms with Sinn Fein and branded it "totally inexcusable" when Mr Adams was denied entry into the White House earlier this year for a St Patrick's Day reception.
A Moroccan official hosting United Nations climate talks has appealed to US President-elect Donald Trump to be pragmatic and to engage with the rest of the world in halting the global temperature rise.

Moroccan foreign minister Salaheddine Mezouar, the president of the two-week talks in Marrakesh, said the conference's "message to the new American president is simply to say, 'We count on your pragmatism and your spirit of commitment'."

Mr Trump said during his campaign that he would "cancel" an international agreement aimed at fighting climate change and withdraw American tax dollars from UN global warming programmes.

His election victory spoiled the air of jubilation that has enveloped the ongoing climate talks since the landmark agreement was adopted in Paris last year.

More than 190 countries, including the United States, pledged to reduce global greenhouse gas emissions blamed for rising temperatures and sea levels, worsening droughts and heat waves.

Delegates from China to Brazil have expressed hope that Mr Trump would keep the US in the Paris Agreement despite his campaign promises and insisted the rest of the world would go ahead regardless.

The Marrakesh conference "has demonstrated that the spirit of Paris is alive and stronger than ever", German environment minister Barbara Hendricks said.

With mostly procedural issues under negotiation, countries announced various partnerships and initiatives to show their commitment to a clean-energy transition.

In a symbolic move, more than 40 developing nations on the front lines of climate change, including small island nations threatened by rising seas and drought-hit African countries, declared they would pursue 100% renewable energy "as rapidly as possible".

Many of them would require support from richer countries to switch to renewable energy sources such as wind and solar power. Some, including the Philippines and Bangladesh, plan to expand coal power, a key source of global warming emissions, to meet their growing energy needs.

Still, the declaration signalled support from even poor countries that previously had said it was up to the West, which historically has polluted the most, to reduce emissions.

"This is a group of countries that are the most vulnerable to climate change, but they are not sitting back and complaining about being vulnerable," Jennifer Morgan of Greenpeace said. "They are acting and they are setting the pace for the type of change that we need to see in our world."

AP
Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe (right) gestures as he answers questions from the media after meeting with Donald Trump (AP)

President-elect Donald Trump signalled a sharp rightward shift in US national security policy on Friday with his announcement that he will nominate senator Jeff Sessions as attorney general and representative Mike Pompeo to head the CIA, turning to a pair of staunch conservatives as he begins to fill out his Cabinet.

Mr Trump also named retired Lieutenant General Michael Flynn as his national security adviser. A former military intelligence chief, Lt Gen Flynn has accused the Obama administration of being too soft on terrorism and has cast Islam as a "political ideology" and driver of extremism.

Mr Sessions and Lt Gen Flynn were ardent Trump supporters during the campaign, and their promotions were seen in part as a reward for their loyalty.

The selections form the first outlines of Mr Trump's cabinet and national security teams. Given his lack of governing experience and vague policy proposals during the campaign, his selection of advisers is being scrutinized both in the US and abroad.

Mr Trump's initial decisions suggest a more aggressive military involvement in counter-terror strategy and a greater emphasis on Islam's role in stoking extremism.

Mr Sessions, who is best known for his hard-line immigration views, has questioned whether terror suspects should benefit from the rights available in US courts. Mr Pompeo has said Muslim leaders are "potentially complicit" in attacks if they do not denounce violence carried out in the name of Islam.

Mr Pompeo's nomination to lead the CIA also opens the prospect of the US resuming torture of detainees.

Mr Trump has backed harsh interrogation techniques that President Barack Obama and Congress have banned, saying the US "should go tougher than waterboarding", which simulates drowning. In 2014, Mr Pompeo criticised Mr Obama for "ending our interrogation programme" and said intelligence officials "are not torturers, they are patriots".

Transition officials said the president-elect's senior team would be carrying out Mr Trump's policies, not their own ideas.

"Anyone's personal view isn't what matters," said Sean Spicer, a transition communications aide.

Mr Trump did not appear, instead releasing a statement announcing his decisions. He has made no public appearances this week, holing up in his New York skyscraper for meetings. He is spending the weekend at his New Jersey golf club.

Mr Sessions and Mr Pompeo would both require Senate confirmation before assuming their designated roles; Lt Gen Flynn would not.

Most of Trump's nominees are expected to be confirmed relatively easily given the Republican majority in the Senate. However, potential roadblocks exist, particularly for Mr Sessions, the first senator to endorse Mr Trump and one of the chamber's most conservative members.

His last Senate confirmation hearing, in 1986 for a federal judgeship, was derailed over allegations that he made racist comments, including calling a black assistant US attorney "boy" in conversation. Mr Sessions denied the accusation, but withdrew from consideration.

Some Democrats slammed Mr Sessions' nomination on Friday, including Representative Luis Gutierrez of Illinois, who said the senator was the right pick "if you have nostalgia for the days when blacks kept quiet, gays were in the closet, immigrants were invisible and women stayed in the kitchen".

Still, Republicans were supportive. Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell called his Senate colleague "principled, forthright, and hardworking" and said he looked forward to the chamber's "fair and expeditious" handing of the nomination.

Mr Sessions would bring to the Justice Department a consistently conservative voice. He has objected to the planned closure of the Guantanamo Bay detention facility and has given prominence to the spectre of voting fraud, a problem that current Justice Department leaders believe is negligible.

Mr Pompeo, who graduated first in his class at the US Military Academy at West Point, is a conservative Republican and a strong critic of Mr Obama's nuclear deal with Iran.

He has said former National Security Agency contractor Edward Snowden should enjoy due process and then be sentenced to death for taking and releasing secret documents about surveillance programmes in which the US government collected the phone records of millions of Americans.

Anthony Romero, the director of the American Civil Liberties Union, said Mr Pompeo's views raise concerns about "privacy and due process".

Of Mr Trump's new personnel picks, Lt Gen Flynn will have the most direct access to the president. The national security adviser works from the West Wing and is often one of the last people to meet with the president before major foreign policy decisions are made.

Lt Gen Flynn built a reputation in the military intelligence community as an astute professional and unconventional thinker. He asserted that he was forced out of the Defence Intelligence Agency in 2014 because he disagreed with Mr Obama's approach to combating extremism, though his critics claimed he mismanaged the agency.

In advising Mr Trump's campaign, Lt Gen Flynn has emphasized that he believes the Islamic State poses an existential threat on a global scale. He shares Mr Trump's belief that Washington should work more closely with Moscow, and his warmth toward Russia worries some national security experts.

Lt Gen Flynn travelled last year to Moscow, where he joined Russian president Vladimir Putin and other Russian officials in a celebration of the RT network, a Russian government-controlled television channel. Lt Gen Flynn said he was paid for taking part in the event, but brushed aside concerns that he was aiding a Russian propaganda effort.

The president-elect is still weighing a range of candidates for other leading national security posts. Possibilities for secretary of state are said to include former New York City mayor Rudy Giuliani, former US ambassador to the United Nations John Bolton, senator Bob Corker and South Carolina governor Nikki Haley, who met with Mr Trump on Thursday.

On Saturday, Mr Trump is to meet with retired General James Mattis, a contender to lead the Pentagon. He was also meeting with 2012 Republican presidential nominee Mitt Romney, who lambasted Mr Trump as a "con man" and a "fraud" in a stinging speech in March. Mr Trump responded by repeatedly referring to Mr Romney as a "loser".

AP
The decision has been welcomed by environmentalists (AP)

The Obama administration has blocked new oil and gas drilling in the Arctic Ocean.

The move handed a victory to environmentalists who say industrial activity in the icy waters will harm whales, walruses and other wildlife and exacerbate global warming.

A five-year offshore drilling plan announced on Friday blocks the planned sale of new oil and gas drilling rights in the Chukchi and Beaufort seas north of Alaska. The plan allows drilling to go forward in Alaska's Cook Inlet south-west of Anchorage.

The blueprint for drilling from 2017 to 2022 can be rewritten by President-elect Donald Trump, in a process that could take months or years.

Besides Cook Inlet, the plan also allows drilling in the Gulf of Mexico. Ten of the 11 lease sales proposed in the five-year plan are in the Gulf, mostly off the coasts of Mississippi, Louisiana, Texas and Alabama.

Confirming a decision announced this spring, the five-year plan also bars drilling in the Atlantic Ocean.

"The plan focuses lease sales in the best places - those with the highest resource potential, lowest conflict and established infrastructure - and removes regions that are simply not right to lease," said Interior Secretary Sally Jewell.

"Given the unique and challenging Arctic environment and industry's declining interest in the area, forgoing lease sales in the Arctic is the right path forward," Ms Jewell said.

Industry representatives reacted bitterly, calling the decision political and not supported by the facts.

"The arrogance of the decision is unfathomable, but unfortunately not surprising," said Randall Luthi, president of the National Ocean Industries Association, an industry group.

"Once again, we see the attitude that Washington knows best - an attitude that contributed to last week's election results," Mr Luthi said, referring to Mr Trump's surprise victory over Democrat Hillary Clinton.

More than 70% of Alaskans, including a majority of Alaska Natives, support offshore drilling, Mr Luthi said, as do the state's three Republican members of Congress.

Jacqueline Savitz, senior vice president of Oceana, an environmental group, hailed the announcement and praised Mr Obama and Ms Jewell for "protecting our coasts from dirty and dangerous offshore drilling".

The announcement "demonstrates a commitment to prioritising common sense, economics and science ahead of industry favouritism and politics as usual," Ms Savitz said.

Nearly 400 scientists signed a letter this summer urging Mr Obama to eliminate the possibility of Arctic offshore drilling.

AP
Mozambican leader Filipe Nyusi says he will help people after a tanker disaster (AP)

The Mozambican president has pledged support for the families of 73 people, including children, who were killed when a fuel tanker exploded.

President Filipe Nyusi said "tragedy has knocked on our door once again" in Tete province, in northern Mozambique, where the accident happened on Thursday.

Mr Nyusi was recalling a 2015 incident in Tete in which about 70 people died after drinking contaminated beer.

He said aid efforts must be "flexible" following the tanker fire in the town of Caphiridzange, according to the Portuguese news agency Lusa.

More than 100 people were injured.

The explosion happened after a truck driver stopped to sell fuel to residents who gathered around the vehicle, according to Radio Mozambique.

A government task force headed to the scene and an investigation is under way.
Who's worse, Donald Trump or SDLP leader Colum Eastwood? I know, it seems farcical to compare the two. Trump is set to be the most powerful man in the world, swept to triumph on a tsunami of anti-establishment rage. Eastwood, meanwhile, is the leader of a declining nationalist party in small, obscure Northern Ireland.

Trump is a narcissistic demagogue; he's venal, vulgar, aggressive and given to hateful outbursts against women and immigrants. Eastwood is a young bearded chap who advocates a kinder, gentler form of politics - youthful, progressive and inclusive.

Truth be told, Eastwood is a bit of a pipsqueak when it comes to the world stage, which is why he was pilloried for his response to the Trump victory, in which he vowed to snub any White House event during Trump's presidency because of all the misogyny and racism. No doubt this rejection left the President-elect devastated, snivelling into one of his gilt-trimmed handkerchiefs.

Eastwood also said that we mustn't be angry about Trump's win. Instead he encouraged us to display "the softer sentiment of sadness".

"Trump's was not so much a victory of right over left, it was a victory of fanatical and fantasy absolutism over a more considered, coherent and kinder politics," he explained.

"It is for this reason I have said that I will not attend a Trump White House. I choose to stand by a very different set of values than those displayed by this man."

But do you really, Mr Eastwood? Because I think that you and Mr Trump share more values than you're prepared to admit.

When it comes to the crucial issue of abortion, both Trump and Eastwood are 'pro-life'. Trump wants the US Supreme Court ruling which legalised abortion to be overturned, and he says he will appoint an anti-abortion judge to the nation's highest court.

Eastwood's party, the SDLP, joined forces with the DUP to torpedo an attempt to amend Northern Irish law to allow for terminations in the case of fatal foetal abnormalities.

Permitting women who find themselves in this most distressing of circumstances - where the child has no chance of survival - to get a termination, is the least, the absolute least, that a society which considers itself remotely humane should do. What is kind or gentle or progressive about denying a woman that choice?

Trump's running mate, Mike Pence, now the new Vice-president elect, is a hardline opponent of abortion too. In his home state of Indiana, Pence signed a law this year that, among other restrictions, would have banned abortions due to genetic abnormality. A federal judge subsequently blocked the law. But even if the legislation had stood, Mike Pence's Indiana would still be more liberal in the way it treats women than Northern Ireland. Thank you very much, Mr Eastwood.

Perhaps I am being unfair to the SDLP leader. Perhaps he has a more nuanced approach to a woman's right to choose than Trump or Pence. But if he has, I have yet to hear it. To date, I have found Mr Eastwood's responses to questions about abortion incoherent and evasive. He has said that he opposes the extension of the 1967 Abortion Act to Northern Ireland and he's said: "We have to protect life". Beyond that, it's a bit woolly.

Is Mr Eastwood's opposition to abortion absolute, or can he countenance termination in the case of rape or incest? I would really like to know.

If you are the leader of a political party, it's vital that you make your views explicitly clear on this most pressing issue of social justice.

Possibly, he's worried about the effect that any kind of softening of the SDLP's traditional anti-abortion line might have on voters.

But if you're an avowed man of principle, standing up for compassionate, progressive values in the face of Trump's ugly agenda, then canny vote-winning pragmatism shouldn't be a factor, should it?

Besides, according to a recent Amnesty International opinion poll, 69% of SDLP supporters agree with access to abortion in cases of rape or incest, with only 17% opposed. And 62% support abortion when there is a fatal foetal abnormality, as against 26%. Attitudes are changing, even in the crusty SDLP. It would be ironic if the party's youthful, future-facing leader failed to acknowledge that shift.

Colum Eastwood took a passionate stand against Donald Trump's misogyny. But to me there is something deeply misogynistic about refusing to support women's access to basic reproductive rights. Mr Eastwood should examine his own conscience, and indeed his own policies, before scaling the high moral ground.
A female prison officer was bound to a chair in Maghaberry jail

A female prison officer was tied to a chair with sticking tape by laughing prisoners during a frightening assault at the crisis-hit Maghaberry jail, in Northern Ireland.

A number of prisoners were moved to different parts of the high-security complex following the violent prank at Shimna House earlier this month.

A Department of Justice spokesman said: Following an incident in Maghaberry a review was carried out which resulted in a number of prisoners being relocated to other areas of the general population.

Details about the assault emerged just days after a second inmate at Maghaberry took his own life in as many weeks.

The body of convicted murderer Barry Cavan, who was serving a minimum 13 year sentence for stabbing to death Belfast man Dee Corr, was found on Tuesday.

His suicide occurred two weeks after that of Lisburn based killer Gerard Mulligan, 44, who was on remand for beating his father Gerard Snr to death with a breeze block.

Maghaberry insiders have told Sunday Life that relations between wardens, bosses and inmates at the jail are at breaking point.

The staff feel as if they are being made scapegoats for these recent suicides, said a source.

The fact of the matter is that the jail is seriously under-resourced and prison officers are having to do twice the work for half the pay.

Thats why weve had these suicides. They are sadly an inevitable result of years of operating on shoestring budget.

Our source pointed to the sellotaping of a female prison officer to a chair as proof of just how vulnerable officers are feeling.

The insider added: The gang involved in the sellotape assault should be brought before a court, not simply transferred to other wings at Maghaberry.

The female officer was terrified, she feared for her life.

Adding to Justice Minister Claire Sugdens problems is claims from within Maghaberry that a number of new prison officer recruits have been let go after it emerged they had links to dissident republicans.

The vetting process is ridiculous, these associations should have been picked up long before the recruits were offered jobs, added our source.

There are approximately 20 dissidents caged on the Roe House republican wing of Maghaberry.

Some of the prisoners belong to terror gang the New IRA which murdered prison officer Adrian Ismay last March in a booby-trap car bomb attack.

In 2012 the same group shot dead veteran warden David Black as he drove along the M1 motorway to work at Maghaberry.
The unexpected election of Donald Trump as president has left some members of minority groups terrified, while others believe it is a time to mobilize and educate others about issues faced in their communities.

Robert Neustadt, a Spanish professor and the director of Latin American Studies at Northern Arizona University, said people he works with, including undocumented immigrants and recipients of President Barack Obamas Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) program, are afraid for their safety now that Trump has been elected.

Nationally we know that the Trump campaign whipped up a lot of racist elements during the campaign, Neustadt said.

Neustadt said he knows of people who have already qualified for DACA who are now afraid because the government has records of their names and addresses -- if the program is taken away, they are vulnerable to deportation to countries they left when they were children.

Throughout the campaign, Trump said he would like to revoke DACA, as well as put together a deportation force.

I think this is a very uncomfortable time in our history, Neustadt said.

Neustadt said he, like many people, was caught off guard byTrumps defeat of Hillary Clinton in the presidential election, and said allies of the undocumented community are not sure what exactly to do, or what policy changes will happen.

There are movements afoot in universities and in cities to declare themselves sanctuaries, Neustadt said. He said he knew of a petition circulating around Arizonas universities to demand sanctuary status.

Neustadt said in recent years, activists announced their undocumented and proud stance. Although he doubted those people would want to walk back on that statement, he said fear could push people out of the public eye again.

Neustadt said rhetoric against Hispanic and undocumented people throughout Trumps campaign was horrific, but its nothing new. He said anti-immigrant language was common from outspoken Maricopa County Sheriff Joe Arpaio, who lost his reelection bid this year after serving as sheriff since 1993. Neustadt pointed out it has been speculated that Trump could name Arpaio to a Cabinet position, specifically Secretary of Homeland Security.

One rejoices that Arpaio is out of the sheriff position, and my belief is that he should be convicted of criminal contempt of court, Neustadt said. But the election of Trump tempered our celebration of the defeat of Arpaio.

However, other minority groups characterized Trumps win as an opportunity to organize as a community.

About 24 men gathered at the meeting of the Gold N Brown Jacks, an NAU organization for black men, the Tuesday after the election, sharing mixed emotions about Trumps win.

Austin Blackmon said some in the black community felt like we had someone on the inside under President Barack Obama, and said Trumps rhetoric during the election opened the gateway for hate and discrimination.

I think Donald Trump should have watched his words better so he didnt incite violence, he said.

Tylor Brown said the election and Trumps campaign sent a message to people of color about how many Americans felt about them.

Donald Trump exposed folks who were hiding, he said.

However, Brown said he slept like a baby the night after the election.

I woke up with joy, he said. I thoroughly believe its time- if nothing else it woke my people up. Now you understand the extent of what we need to be doing.

Rahmaan Muhammad said he was glad to see Trump elected, because he said it might be a rallying point for people who have been historically oppressed.

Now people are coming together, now people are waking up, he said.

They and other members of the group said the choice between parties was like a choice between a fox and a wolf, noting incidents of police violence against black people under Obamas presidency, as well as the implementation of the Violent Crime Control and Law Enforcement Act under President Bill Clinton, which many criticize as inflicting unduly severe punishments with an overrepresentation of black offenders.

We already know what Republicans do, said Jason Ferguson. We know what were up against.

Many members said the Democratic Party often appeals to black people to get votes, but often does not make much progress for the black community.

On the other hand, Gold N Brown members said Trumps campaign did the opposite, and garnered endorsements from organizations such as the Ku Klux Klan.

Trump was appealing to the racist vote, said Deon Young. He was looking to see what politics he could use to get elected.

The men were also critical of people who are protesting now that Trump has been elected, and said people have ignored decades of suffering from the black community.

If you ask me how last week impacted me, it didnt, Cameron Gaskin said. If it took Trump to wake you up, where have you been? Now all of a sudden were supposed to feel under duress? Weve been under duress for 400 years.

Gaskin said slaves tried to run to Canada to escape slavery, and said it is a joke for people to flee the country after an election.

Frederick Gooding Jr., a professor of Ethnic Studies and the faculty adviser for Gold N Brown Jacks, said the election and moments like it serve as flash points that remind us of where we are as a society.

Gooding said both presidential candidates represented a system that has historically oppressed the black community, and said both demonstrated they were out of touch with people of lower socioeconomic status.

Gooding said racist rhetoric that came about as a result of Trumps campaign and candidacy was at least partially the reason why so many pundits failed at predicting the result of the election.

A lot of people were not being forthcoming about where they stood, Gooding said.
A massive protest highlighting Malaysian Prime Minister Najib Razaks alleged involvement in a corruption scandal was to go ahead Saturday in Kuala Lumpur despite the arrest of the leader of the movement and a dozen politicians and activists, organizers said.

The leader of a pro-government group that was planning a simultaneous counter-protest in the Malaysian capital was also arrested early Saturday (local time).

Jamal Md Yunos, leader of the so-called Red Shirts, was picked up at 1:30 a.m. in Shah Alam, Selangor state, and taken to a local police station, according to his group, which is aligned with Najibs United Malays National Organization (UMNO). The reason for Jamals arrest was not immediately known.

Bersih Chairwoman Maria Chin Abdullah was being investigated for alleged activities detrimental to parliamentary democracy, following her Friday afternoon arrest at the Bersih offices in Petaling Jaya, near Kuala Lumpur, representatives of her group said in a statement.

Mandeep Singh, the manager of Bersihs secretariat, was also arrested, and was being investigated under Section 147 of the countrys criminal code that touches on rioting, after police raided the coalitions offices, Bersih officials said.

BERSIH 5 will go on as planned and we hope that this heavy-handed action on the part of the authorities will spur Malaysians into coming down to the streets tomorrow not just to demand for institutional reforms but to protest injustices happening in the country, their statement said.

Bersih officials condemned the raid and the arrests as a blatant abuse of power and pure harassment, adding that no warrant or legitimate reason for the raid and arrests could be provided.

Chin and Singh were held at jails in the Kuala Lumpur area overnight and were to be produced in a court on Saturday, where police will seek to remand them, Melissa Sasidran, a lawyer for the two, told BenarNews.

We are waiting for the update from the police on the matter, she said.

Late Friday, Kuala Lumpur Police Chief Amar Singh Ishar Singh and Police Inspector-General Khalid Abu Bakar did not respond to requests from BenarNews seeking information about the arrests.

Human Rights Watch (HRW) criticized Fridays arrests of Chin, Singh and others associated with the Bersih rally.

These arrests on trumped up charges are all about trying to decapitate the Bersih 5 movement on the eve of the rally by making sure that key leaders will be in jail rather than on the street tomorrow, Phil Robertson, HRWs deputy Asia director, told BenarNews via email.

If anything is undermining parliamentary democracy, its been the Malaysian governments rights abusing actions to block people from exercising their rights to free expression and public assembly, and criminalizing those who continue to demand reform and accountability from government leaders.

Malaysiakini editor charged

According to a list published by online news portal Malaysiakini, the arrestees included Anthony Loke, an MP with the opposition Democratic Action Party (DAP), Ronny Liu, a DAP activist and former Selangor Exco member, and S. Arutchelvan, a committee member of Malaysias Socialist Party (PSM).

Malaysiakini identified one of the other arrestees as Razali Zakaria, a member of the Red Shirts. According to the New Straits Times Online, another Red-Shirt activist, Ariffin Abu Bakar (alias Ayah Ipin Keramat) was among those into custody on Friday.

Earlier Friday, the editor-in-chief of Malaysiakini was charged with four counts of violating the Communications and Multimedia Act 1998 for airing videos about a corruption scandal surrounding Najib linked to state investment fund 1Malaysia Development Berhad (1MDB).

Editor Steven Gan pleaded not guilty to the charges at the Kuala Lumpur Sessions Court on Friday.

Their struggle is false

The 1MDB scandal is at the heart of the rally by Bersih, a grassroots coalition of NGOs that advocate transparency in government and free and fair elections.

Najib has denied allegations that he personally benefitted from nearly U.S. $700 million in 1MDB-linked money that was deposited into his private bank accounts.

On Thursday, Khalid had declared both the Bersih and Red-Shirt rallies illegal, and Deputy Prime Minister Ahmad Zahid Hamidi warned the groups to cancel their planned demonstrations.

According to state news agency Bernama, Khalid said that both of the planned rallies did not meet legal provisions, especially the Peaceful Assembly Act 2012.

The authorities were planning to deploy 7,000 police around Saturdays rallies and were preparing to crack down on any outbreaks of violence between the Red Shirts and the yellow-shirted Bersih activists, according to the New Straits Times.

On his personal website, the prime minister lashed out Friday at Bersih, which has organized four other massive rallies in Kuala Lumpur, with the first taking place in November 2007.

The opposition parties use an NGO, which purportedly does not favor any political party and fights corruption, to pressure the government through rallies, he said in a blog post.

Is it not very clear that their struggle is false and the rally is just a movement of opposition parties hiding behind a so-called non-partisan NGO to fight a government elected by the people? Najib added.
Sakariya Waegaji, a former leader of an insurgent squad, turns himself in at a police station in Thailands Yala province, Nov. 15, 2016.

A man accused of leading an insurgent squad in Thailands Deep South for 12 years said he was tired of hiding out from the authorities, after he gave up and turned himself in this week.

Following his surrender at a police station in his home province of Yala, Sakariya Waegaji, 33, said he was prepared to fight charges of arson and possession of weapons, for which he was wanted in two arrest warrants.

Sakariya led a squad belonging to Runda Kumpulan Kecil (RKK), a combat unit of Barisan Revolusi Nasional (BRN), the largest and most heavily armed of separatist groups that are fighting Thai security forces in the predominantly Muslim and Malay-speaking Deep South.

I have to hide all the time since the authorities issued an arrest warrant on me.  Officials were always looking for me, so I fled from my neighborhood and stayed with my friends, Sakariya told reporters at Yala police station after he surrendered on Tuesday.

It had been a hardship, I was starving, so my family members consulted with each other and they agreed to contact the headman of Tambon Laba to inform the police, he said, referring to the name of a village cluster.

On Thursday, the police officer who handled Sakariyas surrender said the suspect had been bailed out, but that he would stand trial in the criminal cases.

We proceed with him according to two arrest warrants. He broke criminal codes but we are open for him to find evidence to refute the accusation, acting Yala provincial police bureau commander Col. Krisda Kaewchandee told BenarNews by phone.

We will seek an opinion from the attorney general to determine when the cases should proceed. He was cooperative with officials so we gave him some time to prepare for next bail request, he said.

According to police in Sakariyas hometown in the mountains of Yalas Kabang district, he was staying with relatives there.

Decades of insurgency

Beginning in the 1960s, insurgent groups in the Thai Deep South  which encompasses Pattani, Narathiwat and Yala provinces, as well as parts of Songkhla province  have fought for the region to break away from Bangkok rule. The insurgency died down but then picked up again in 2004, when the BRN regained strength.

Since the conflict re-ignited 12 years ago, more than 6,700 people have been killed in violence associated with it, according to Deep South Watch, a think-thank that monitors the region.

According to a retired Thai military general who spent seven years in Deep South, the upper echelon of the BRNs leadership installed and commanded RKK cells in every village in the region.

Each cell is assigned as a sleeper cell that operates upon the call from above in the secretive chain of command. RKK team members normally do not know the middle-level BRN members and above, retired Gen. Samrej Srirai, former deputy commander of the 4th Army Region that oversees the Deep South, told BenarNews last year, noting that the cells operated across the Thai-Malaysia border.

Beginning in 2007, the regional branch of Thailands Internal Security Operations Command (ISOC) began a counter-insurgency campaign aimed at encouraging southern rebels to lay down their arms  whose latest program is known as the Bring People Home Project.

Col. Pramote Prom-in, the regional spokesman for ISOC, said the project aimed to rehabilitate and return to normal life those facing criminal charges and others who fear arbitrary prosecution, even if they did not commit a crime.

About 4,000 people have joined the project, Pramote said. There are about 9,000 BRN militants whom authorities plan to re-integrate into society.

In the case of Sakariya, he likely does not qualify for the program yet because he faces trial on the criminal charges, according to Krisda.
SAN NARCISO, Calif. -- Chuck E. Cheeses is a chain of pizza restaurants and arcades that have become popular locations for childrens birt...
Fulton Limited has marked 50 years of manufacturing heat transfer solutions in the UK by hosting a ceremony at the M-Shed museum in Bristol.

The celebrations had started with a tour of the manufacturing facility that housed Fultons largest ever plant room building featuring two of the companys fuel-fired horizontal boilers.

Distributors and current and former employees attended the event, including Ronald and Bramley Palm (son and grandson of Fultons founder Lewis Palm), managing director Carl Knight and former sales and marketing director Gordon Bareham.

Speaking at the event, Knight said the companys Bristol-based manufacturing and design facility makes it possible to design, engineer and manufacture products more efficiently and assemble completed units for whenever and wherever they are needed for domestic and export customers.

Fultons UK facility has been responsible for designing and manufacturing some of the corporations highest-quality steam boilers and heat transfer systems.

The company has a solid reputation with great products and many more on the way, says Bramley and were looking forward to our future with the UK facility.

Fulton Limited is in the corporations global network that also includes production facilities in the USA, Canada and China.
A bid from Pulte Homes to rezone and add 465 residences and possibly a school near Sandy Run Creek on Jedburg Road wasn't met with open arms at a Oct. 26 community meeting on the part of local homeowners seeking to preserve the area's rural characteristics. Read moreJedburg Road residents tell Pulte Homes: 'Keep it rural'
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For Immediate Release, November 18, 2016 Contact: Randi Spivak, (310) 779-4894, rspivak@biologicaldiversity.org Bishop Pushing to Stymie Protections for Iconic Bird of the West Congressman Wrongly Claims Greater Sage Grouse Protections Pose National Security Threat WASHINGTON Rep. Rob Bishop (R-Utah) is trying to undo protections for the iconic greater sage grouse by including language in the 2017 National Defense Authorization Act that would allow states with greater sage grouse management plans to block the recently completed federal land management plans and thwart the ability of the sage grouse to gain protection under the Endangered Species Act until Sept. 30, 2026. The National Defense Authorization Act, the bill that funds military spending bill, is in the final states of negotiation with members of the lame-duck Congress Conference Committee. Bishops disdain for Americas public lands and wildlife blinds him to facts and expert opinion, said Randi Spivak with the Center for Biological Diversity. What part of the Defense Departments statement that sage grouse plans would not significantly impact military readiness does he not understand? Sage grouse habitat overlaps with some military bases, yet Defense Department officials have written letters to House Democrats affirming that the greater sage grouse management plans will not affect military training, operations, or readiness to any significant degree. Bishops dogmatic view that protecting the iconic sage grouse, and the hundreds of wonderful species that rely on the Sagebrush Sea ecosystem is arrogant and dangerous, said Spivak. Extinction means nothing to Bishop and he looks for every opportunity to give away our public lands to polluting corporate interests. Sen. John McCain (R-Ariz.) has been pushing back on Bishops greater sage grouse language as he did last year when the annual defense spending bill was up for reauthorization. The 2016 NDAA did not include the Bishop poison pill language. Bishop said Thursday that McCain didnt understand the issue, indicating that the Arizona senator was naive and misinformed. Bishop has made clear he is looking to overturn the greater sage grouse plans and block environmental groups from using bedrock species protection laws to protect greater sage grouse. The Center for Biological Diversity is a national, nonprofit conservation organization with more than 1.1 million members and online activists dedicated to the protection of endangered species and wild places.


For Immediate Release, November 17, 2016 Contacts: Nina Erlich-Williams, Public Good PR, (415) 577-1153

Rod Webster, Sierra Club, (209) 723-4747

Rachel Hooper, Shute, Mihaly & Weinberger, Sierra Club, (415) 552-7272

Kevin Bundy, Center for Biological Diversity, (510) 844-7100 x313, kbundy@biologicaldiversity.org California's Merced County to Trim Sprawl, Cut Carbon Pollution Under

Transportation Plan Legal Settlement Agreement Addresses Climate, Public Health, Loss of Agricultural Land MERCED, Calif. The Sierra Club and the Center for Biological Diversity today announced the settlement of a lawsuit challenging the Merced County Association of Governments (MCAG) October 2014 approval of a regional transportation plan and sustainable communities strategy (RTP). Under the settlement agreement, Merced officials will take measurable steps to reduce regional greenhouse gas pollution from transportation and land use. The RTP that the MCAG Board adopted fell far short of the greenhouse gas reduction levels required by the Valley Air Board, said Rod Webster, chair of the Merced Group of the Sierra Club. In a county with 56,000 asthma sufferers, in a region where sprawl is eating up our irreplaceable farmland and natural spaces, and in a world where the dire impacts of climate change are beginning to become frighteningly real, we need Merced County to do its part. To tackle such formidable challenges we will need the input and cooperation of all residents in addition to committed, informed leadership." Regional governments like MCAG are required to update their regional transportation plans every four years. Starting in 2011, SB 375 required these plans to take the risks of climate change into account by encouraging transit-friendly development and reducing sprawl-style development. The Sierra Club and the Center sued over the environmental impact report that underpinned MCAGs 2014 plan because it prioritized investments in highways over transit and failed to address concerns about public health and state climate mandates. Merced County wisely agreed to cut climate pollution by moving toward more thoughtful land use and better transportation planning, said Kevin Bundy, a senior attorney with the Center. Sprawl development and poor public transportation are major threats to California's efforts to fight climate change and protect the air we breathe. MCAGs board of directors recently adopted an amendment to its 2014 RTP that helped address some the concerns outlined in the lawsuit. Specifically, the amendment: Increases investments in public transit, ride-sharing programs, bicycle and pedestrian-friendly enhancements and incentives for alternative fuel and electric vehicle use;

Encourages land-use planning that promotes higher density and protects agricultural land;

Re-evaluates the selection criteria for RTP projects with attention to the reduction of pollution and greenhouse gas emissions; and

Commits to updating procedures to ensure that a broad cross-section of Merced County residents, including disadvantaged communities, will be engaged in community planning efforts. Under the settlement, MCAG also has agreed to meet specific deadlines in the transportation plan amendment, explore opportunities to reduce the number of miles people have to travel by car, evaluate the significance of greenhouse gas emissions in light of the states long-term emission reduction goals in the next RTP update, mitigate loss of farmland, and further improve transparency and community involvement. MCAG has shown a genuine commitment to getting its transportation planning process right and moving Merced County toward a more sustainable future, said Rachel Hooper, attorney with Shute, Mihaly & Weinberger, LLP, who represents the Sierra Club. The settlement agreement has been officially accepted by MCAGs board of directors, the Center and the Sierra Club and will now be submitted to the Merced County Superior Court for final approval. To set up interviews or to receive a copy of the settlement agreement, contact Nina Erlich-Williams at nina@publicgoodpr.com. The Center for Biological Diversity (www.biologicaldiversity.org) 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. The Sierra Club is the nations oldest grassroots environmental organization. It has more than 700,000 members nationwide, including more than 150,000 members in California and more than 240 members in Merced County (www.tehipitesierraclub.org). Shute, Mihaly and Weinberger LLP (www.smwlaw.com), whose attorneys are lead petitioners counsel in the case, specializes in government, land use, natural resource and environmental law. Since 1980, the firm has provided representation to public agencies and community groups throughout California.


For Immediate Release, November 17, 2016 Contact: Randi Spivak, (310) 779-4894, rspivak@biologicaldiversity.org Bishop Wrongly Claims Trump Can Rescind National Monuments WASHINGTON Utah Rep. Rob Bishop falsely claimed today that the Trump administration can legally rescind the designation of a national monument. He said hed like to see President-elect Donald Trump dissolve Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument in Utah, which was designed by President Clinton in 1996. In Rob Bishops world, land owned by all Americans should be taken over by those who see them as nothing but a source of profit for drilling, mining and logging, said Randi Spivak, public lands director with the Center for Biological Diversity. Fortunately there are laws that protect places like national monuments  Rep. Bishop apparently doesnt understand them or doesnt think they should apply to his ideology. Congress gave the president the authority to designate national monuments on federally owned land under the Antiquities Act of 1906 for the express purpose of protecting important objects of historic and scientific importance. National Monuments are beloved by Americans and have protected some of our most iconic places. Many national monuments have become national parks over the years including Grand Teton, Grand Canyon, Bryce, Zion, Acadia and Olympic. Bishops wishful thinking, however, is directly contradicted by Congress's own Congressional Research Service, whose lawyers long ago concluded: There is no language in the 1906 Act that expressly authorizes revocation; there is no instance of past practice in that regard, and there is an attorney generals opinion concluding that the President lacks that authority. If Rob Bishop has his way, where would it stop? Taking Yellowstone and Yosemite off the list of national parks? Spivak said. Sadly the Trump administration has shown a disturbing interest in taking advice from right-wing extremists. Hopefully Rob Bishop isnt one of them. The Center for Biological Diversity is a national, nonprofit conservation organization with more than 1.1 million members and online activists dedicated to the protection of endangered species and wild places.


For Immediate Release, November 18, 2016 Contacts: Kristen Monsell, Center for Biological Diversity, (510) 844-7137 kmonsell@biologicaldiversity.org

Marissa Knodel, Friends of the Earth, (202) 222-0729, mknodel@foe.org

Anne Rolfes, Louisiana Bucket Brigade, (504) 452-4909, anne@labucketbrigade.org Feds Block Offshore Arctic Drilling, Allow New Oil and Gas Leases in Gulf Step Forward, But Five-Year Plan Fails to Safeguard Against Trump-fueled Climate Change WASHINGTON A new offshore oil and gas plan from the U.S. Department of the Interior blocks two drilling leases in the Arctic, but allows a new lease in Alaskas Cook Inlet and 10 new leases in the Gulf of Mexico over the next five years  a step that will worsen climate change by ensuring significant greenhouse gas pollution for the next 70 years. The plan is bittersweet. Were so happy to see the Obama administration protecting the Arctic but discouraged to see the door open for more drilling in the Gulf of Mexico, said Miyoko Sakashita, oceans program director at the Center for Biological Diversity. We cant keep treating the Gulf like a sacrifice zone. With expanded oil drilling looming on the horizon, we need bold action on climate change now. With President-elect Donald Trump pledging to expand offshore drilling, a coalition of environmental groups called on President Obama to permanently protect federal waters from expanded oil leasing. Using his executive power under Section 12(a) of the Outer Continental Shelf Lands Act to withdraw areas from leasing, the president could permanently protect our climate, coastal communities, and endangered wildlife. Todays decision is a victory for the Arctic and demonstrates the growing strength of the movement to keep fossil fuels in the ground. But we also need to protect communities along the Gulf of Mexico, said Marissa Knodel with Friends of the Earth. Unfortunately, Donald Trump has made it clear that he wants to return to the days of drill baby drill. Thats why President Obama must use his remaining days in office to permanently keep as much of our lands and waters from Trump and his oil cronies as possible. Leading climate scientists say atmospheric carbon dioxide concentrations should be reduced to 350 parts per million to avoid catastrophic, irreversible impacts. To reach this goal, the vast majority of fossil fuels must stay in the ground. Unleased federal waters contain an estimated 75 billion barrels of crude oil, more than twice that of unleased federal lands. Stopping new leases in federal waters would keep 61.5 gigatons of carbon dioxide out of our atmosphere and oceans. Break out the champagne for the Arctic victory. Those of us in the Gulf of Mexico are proud and inspired by our friends and colleagues who have worked so hard, said Anne Rolfes with the Louisiana Bucket Brigade. But the victory isn't quite complete. We need to stop drilling in our Gulf of Mexico, too. We simply cannot burn this oil and stay alive on this planet. The proposed plan released earlier this year included two Arctic leases, one each in the Chukchi and Beaufort seas, both of which were removed from the final plan. Cook Inlet remains in the final plan, with a lease sale scheduled in 2021, even though Alaska is on the front lines of climate change and warming at twice the global average rate. Under the final plan, there will be roughly two lease sales per year in the Gulf from 2017 to 2022, each of which will offer all available unleased waters in the Gulf. The Center for Biological Diversity is a national, nonprofit conservation organization with more than 1.1 million members and online activists dedicated to the protection of endangered species and wild places.


For Immediate Release, November 18, 2016 Contact: Leigh Moyer, (520) 623-5252 x 313, lmoyer@biologicaldiversity.org Men Called to Action on World Vasectomy Day Day Highlights Men's Role in Family Planning Under President-elect Trump TUCSON, Ariz. The Center for Biological Diversity is calling on men today, on World Vasectomy Day, to take action for wildlife and women by getting a vasectomy. Under President-elect Trump and his administration, the threats to womens rights and reproductive healthcare could make access even more difficult. The Centers Get Whacked for Wildlife campaign urges men to consider getting a vasectomy  an easy and effective way to take an active role on the issue  by connecting reproductive rights not only to human rights but also to the protection of wildlife and wild places. Many women are already worrying about what life under President Trump is going to mean for access to affordable birth control. Its a very real possibility that the Affordable Care Act will get gutted and contraception costs will skyrocket, said Leigh Moyer, the Centers population organizer. When men take the burden of reproductive responsibility off their partners and support the reproductive rights movement, they can help the women  and the wildlife  in their lives. More than 227,000 people are added to the global population every day, and scientists agree that the planet is experiencing its sixth mass wildlife extinction. While previous extinction periods were driven by geological or cosmic factors, consensus is that the current crisis is caused by human activities. Getting a vasectomy is about the easiest thing Ive ever done. Ive been telling all sorts of folks about my experience and the procedure, said Hitesh Soneji, who got his vasectomy last year as part of the Centers campaign. I share with them my concern for our environmental problems and the direct role population plays. I share how its so much easier for me to do this than ask my wife to ingest hormones for the next 20 years. Getting whacked is great, and one of the most responsible things men can do. World Vasectomy Day was founded in 2013 by Jonathan Stack, an Emmy Award-winning and Academy Award-nominated filmmaker, and urologist Dr. Doug Stein in the hopes of heightening awareness of, and dispelling myths about, vasectomies. The day seeks to help increase access to the procedure and inspire more men to become engaged as equal partners with women in the family planning conversation. Since the inaugural World Vasectomy Day in 2014, more than 1,000 doctors in 40 countries have performed more than 4,000 vasectomies. This year World Vasectomy Day organizers will a host a health fair in Nairobi, Kenya and live-stream vasectomies from providers around the world. The Centers population and sustainability program promotes a range of solutions to runaway population growth, including universal access to birth control and family planning, as well as education and empowerment of women and girls. The Center has also given away more than 650,000 Endangered Species Condoms since 2009. 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.
A training event for local cardiac specialists from both the state and public sectors in advanced minimally invasive catheter-based percutaneous coronary interventional (PCI) procedures was held in Pietermaritzburg recently.

Gauteng-based cardiologist, Dr Chris Zambakides, acted as a proctor to oversee and assist local cardiovascular specialists to successfully perform two of these new highly intricate procedures at the catheterisation laboratory at the cardiovascular centre at Netcare St Annes Hospital.

According to Dr Kyle Shein, a cardiologist at hospital, the two procedures included a rotational endarterectomy (rotablation), in which a tiny drill powered by compressed air and special fluid to clear the calcified deposits were used, and a percutaneous coronary intervention to chronic total occlusion (CTO) to re-canalise a chronically blocked portion of an artery.

This training session, which proved most valuable to our local specialists, was made possible through a sponsorship by Boston Scientific. We are also most grateful to Dr Zambakides for making his time available to impart his knowledge and rare set of skills to local doctors.

Dr Zambakides, who was trained extensively in complex catheterisation procedures abroad, explains that rotablation involves advancing an extremely small drill head to the site of the blockage in the blood vessel, using catheter wires through a puncture in the skin.

The calcified blockage in the blood vessel is drilled away and thereafter a balloon or stent is forwarded to the diseased site and inflated to ensure that the vessel remains open.

In the case involving the chronic totally occluded vessel, special micro-catheters, which have been developed in Japan, were used to successfully treat and re-canalise a lesion through tiny micro-channels. One micro-catheter was advanced forward into the artery while another was advanced through the opposite artery of the chronically occluded artery.

There are still only a few cardiovascular specialists in South Africa and overseas who are familiar with treating chronic total occlusion. These are highly intricate procedures to perform and do take some training, says Dr Zambakides.

Programmes such as this are to be commended as they are seeking to impart the necessary skills to more specialists throughout our country. As proctors we are able to demonstrate the procedures and carefully guide interventional cardiovascular specialists through the operations so that they are able to get practical hands-on experience.

Ever more sophisticated technology is constantly being introduced and there is an ongoing improvement in techniques. It is important that we in South Africa are able to stay abreast of these developments.
National Geographic's climate change documentary Before the Flood has reached more than 60 million people worldwide and surpassed a record-setting one billion minutes viewed across linear, digital, streaming and social platforms, making it one of the most watched documentaries in history and the most watched National Geographic film.

The film is produced by stars Academy Award winner Leonardo DiCaprio, with Academy Award-winning director Fisher Stevens; producers Trevor Davidoski, Jennifer Davisson, Brett Ratner and James Packer; and executive producer Martin Scorsese.

It presents a riveting account of the dramatic changes now occurring around the world due to climate change, as well as the actions we as individuals and as a society need to take to prevent catastrophic disruption of life on our planet.

The news comes a year after the Paris Climate Accord was reached at COP 21, and one day after the film was screened at COP 22 in Marrakech, Morocco.

In written remarks to introduce the film at the screening in Marrakech, director Fisher Stevens said, Those of you in this room already know the urgency of this issue. You are here because you understand the problems and challenges we face as the human race moves into the future. By 2050, there may be almost 10 billion of us living on this planet. How can we sustain it at the rate we are going? How can we feed, clothe and have fresh water for that many people. We know something has got to give and we need a shift in the way we power the world.

Need to screen for Trump

Last weeks election in the US underscores the urgency of the issue and this film. Our new administration could dismantle all the good and forward momentum that has occurred over the past few years if campaign promises are actually kept. However, let us do everything in our power to make president-elect Trump understand that man-made climate change is not only real, but is happening at an alarming rate. We are currently trying to get him to watch the film and to get Leo and other leaders in the climate movement an audience with the president-elect, continues Stevens.

Critics called the film a rousing call to action and the climate change documentary Americans need to see. National Geographic took this call to heart, and the film received a rollout never before seen for a documentary film, first with a limited theatrical release in New York, Los Angeles and London, then making its global television debut on Sunday 30 October, on National Geographic Channel in 171 countries and 45 languages.

Record-breaking views

It was also available free for 10 days through 8 November on a record number of digital and streaming platforms across the globe, including NatGeoTV.com and Nat Geo Apps, VOD, iTunes, Hulu, YouTube, Facebook, Twitter, Amazon and more. The film marks National Geographics continued push into premium programming, cementing the networks position as a leader in science, adventure and exploration.

For 128 years, National Geographic has been committed to preserving our planet, said Courteney Monroe, CEO, National Geographic Global Networks. We are thrilled that we were able to reach so many people with the film and will continue to use every resource in our arsenal to educate the world on the global climate threats we face, and arm people with the resources and knowledge to take action.

The record-setting numbers included more than 60 million unique viewers globally across linear, digital and social platforms, including 30 million viewers on National Geographic Channel in the US, Europe, Africa, Asia, Australia and Latin America (US: 8.5 M; Asia and Australia: 6.9 M; Europe and Africa: 10.6 M; Latin America: 3.0 M) as well as 13.4 million views on YouTube. On average, across linear TV viewing and YouTube, viewers watched at least 22 minutes of the film. In total, across all platforms, more than one billion minutes of the documentary have been viewed.

In addition, the film was also made available free to more than 50,000 college students with campus screenings across the US, and more than 1,500 requests have been fulfilled from universities, religious institutions and other organisations for private screening events around the world. The film trended on YouTube, Twitter and Facebook during its entire release.

In Before the Flood, DiCaprio interviews individuals from every facet of society in both developing and developed nations who provide unique, impassioned and pragmatic views on what must be done today and in the future to transition our economic and political systems into environmentally friendly institutions.

The feature documentary was an official selection at the Toronto Film Festival, London Film Festival and Hamptons International Film Festival. Recently, it was screened at the White House as part of the South By South Lawn event and at the United Nations, hosted by UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-Moon with US Secretary of State John Kerry participating in a Q&A session.
Successfully redeveloping a shopping centre involves myriad considerations, not least of which is how to look after existing customers during the chaos of construction. Olive Ndebele, GM of Menlyn Park Shopping Centre in Pretoria, tells us how they did it.

Olive Ndebele

When the project the size of the one that has been steadily transforming Menlyn Park Shopping Centre over the past two years is undertaken, there is going to be bleed because once-loyal customers are going to choose other retail outlets over the noise, dust and inconvenience of shopping on a construction site.

In the case of Menlyn Park Shopping Centre, however, the opposite happened. During some phases of the R2bn redevelopment, foot count numbers actually increased.

Three keys to success

There were three keys to this success. First, our brand message, be the change, allowed customers to engage and feel a part of what was happening. Second, we used hoarding not only to hide the construction but as an end in itself, as a drawcard and talking point. And third, we phased the expansion in order to minimise inconvenience to both our tenants and our customers.

The media and social media in particular, played a large role in keeping customers abreast of developments at the shopping centre and communicating a sense of excitement about the changes.

We held many activations. In April 2015, when we launched the second phase, which was the new triple-level fashion wing and included the world-famous Paris Hilton store, we ran a We brought Paris to Pretoria  come raid her closet mini-campaign. This resulted in a foot count increase in the new fashion area of 3%, a total feet into the area increase of 14% from the month before and 46,457 more customers visited the new fashion wing.

Another very important part of making customers part of the project was the concierge service introduced during the final phase of redevelopment. To ensure ongoing top-notch customer service, we stationed teams of fully trained, friendly, helpful concierge ambassadors at the busiest nodes of the mall to advise and guide shoppers during trading hours, seven days a week.

Hoarding into art

The use of temporary hoarding as a unique art installation turned the perceived ugliness of hidden construction on its head. The third-phase redevelopment work, which involved the demolition of a portion of the existing Checkers Hyper and the construction of the new grocery wing, took place behind a fantastical three-metre-high origami wall that paid homage to Pretorias world-renowned jacaranda trees. The huge wall of individually cut and intricately folded jacaranda flowers, detailed jacaranda leaves and hand-sculpted proteas became a drawcard in itself.

The extensive redevelopment was broken down into several phases in order to minimise disruption. This had the threefold benefit of giving centre management a high level of control over shoppers experiences during the two-year redevelopment, minimising negative effects on tenants turnover, and allowing construction to continue unabated. It also enabled us to communicate with tenants about plans for business as usual during the redevelopment, and with a bit of extra thought and work, we were able to turn the negatives of the situation into positives.

One example of this was the temporary trading space for some of the centres best-loved stores, called The Village, which was opened on a parking level of the shopping centre during the reconfiguration of the old event arena into the new food court, fashion wing and grocery outlet.

We took a cue from the popular Neighbourgoods Market and Maboneng Precinct in downtown Johannesburg and The Village, a 8,533sqm space with a metro-grunge feel, became an interim home to 29 shops including Poetry, Old Khaki, Fossil, Sunglass Hut, Home etc., Mr Price Home and Boardmans.

For any centre planning major renovations, Ndebele offers the additional following advice. Understand the vision for the centre, the size and necessity of the renovations, how long it will all take and the probable impact on all relevant stakeholders. And bear in mind that you cannot over-communicate during a time of major upheaval at a shopping centre: use every possible outlet, from social media, PR and advertising, to hoarding and posters, to keep everyone informed, using simple, upbeat messages.
Following a statement released by McDonals SA and Humane Society International (HSI) Africa stating that the fast food chain committed to adopting a cage-free policy by 2015, animal protection groups together with Yolanda Guse , commends the franchise for adopting the same policy in their egg supply as their international counterparts.

Guse, together with the four animal protection organisations, Beauty without Cruelty SA, United Front 4 Animals (UFA), OWL South African Faith Communities Environment Institute (SAFCEI) and Animal Voice, the official South African representative of Compassion in World Farming, have been petitioning against McDonalds SA since March 2016. To date, more than 18,000 people have supported the petition.

The ripple effect

The groups have stated that thanks to the example that McDonalds SAs has set, the ripple effect in the industry will force others to adapt to humane conditions in their supply chains as more and more consumers are becoming aware of what their purchasing power entails.

Prior to the South African announcement, 20 countries in Latin America and the Caribbean confirmed that they would be sourcing cage-free eggs by 2025 (for their McDonalds franchises). This is over and above a similar commitment made by McDonalds in the US and Canada, as well as all of the EU, Australia, and New Zealand.

Adds Guse: We never purposefully only targeted McDonalds SA. We just believed that if their international counterparts could make this commitment, they should do the same. And now they have. We realise it took tremendous effort and investigation and were proud that as an international franchise like them, they are taking a stand and setting an example by being humane to animals.

Says Frank Molteno, Coordinator of SAFCEI's One Web of Life (OWL) programme: We congratulate McDonald's on committing to a more caring, more responsible policy for the procurement of their eggs. McDonald's decision reflects that, along with so many people of faith and growing numbers of South African consumers, they care about the welfare and wellbeing of animals, our fellow creatures. We hope and pray that this more caring spirit will soon be evident in all of McDonald's supply chain policies. We look forward to others in the fast food industry being challenged by the example that has now been set and following McDonald's lead.

An opportunity for emerging farmers

McDonald's announcement is good news not only for laying hens of the future but also for South Africas emerging farmers and for South Africas jobless. The adoption of cage-free policies by McDonald's and others will rapidly increase the demand for cage-free eggs and lead to new opportunities for smaller-scale, less capital-intensive chicken farms. This at the same time promises the creation of much-needed jobs where factory farms using battery cages employ minimal labour.

Change withing the poultry industry

Adds Toni Brockhoven, spokesperson and National Chairperson for Beauty Without Cruelty: While Beauty Without Cruelty does not encourage animal consumption, we do acknowledge the pledge made by a fast food giant, and we hope this will be the start of a serious and far-reaching change within the poultry industry, and pave the way for other fast food outlets to follow suit. We do look forward to McDonalds SAs actions in 2017 and the coming years, regarding their promise to ensure cage free products within a decade. Consumers can help to encourage the cage-free policy throughout the fast foods industries they support, by letting them know what they want. McDonalds SA is the first outlet to take a step in the right direction, and this is something of which they can be proud.

The reality of battery cage living

Concludes Guse: If people understood the reality of what battery cage living for hens really mean, they would be disgusted and outraged. That is why we were so passionate about this cause and refused to back down.

Facts about hens and battery cages in South Africa:

 In South Africa, Woolworths has adopted a 100% cage-free egg policy. Cage-free and free-range eggs can also be found at Pick n Pay, Checkers, and Spar nationwide.

 46 million hens are raised in South Africa for eggs in 2015

 95 percent of South Africa's eggs come from hens in battery cages

 7 billion eggs are consumed in South Africa annually

 A battery cage is smaller than an A4 piece of paper

 Battery-caged hens can't do any natural behaviours such as flap their wings, perch or nest

 They get no sunlight or fresh air

 They suffer psychological stress

 Suffer from bone weakness, breakage, feather loss, disease, etc.
Since taking the helm at Pioneer Foods in 2013, Phil Roux has made great strides at the company. Under his watch the former food sector also-ran's operating profit margin has risen from a sorry 4% to over 11%, its headline EPS have gone up 125% and its dividend has jumped over 150%.

Roux is far from satisfied, however.

"We have just completed our corporate strategy review," says Roux. "We asked the question: is our business portfolio fully optimised? The answer is a definite no."

Roux is setting demanding goals for the R20bn annual revenue company, which includes what he terms its "power brands" Weet-Bix, Bokomo, Liqui-Fruit , Sasko, Spekko, Ceres, White Star and Safari.

"I want the group operating margin to be at least 13.5% by the end of 2018," Roux says. "There is still a lot more to do to drive cost efficiencies."

Also a priority is reducing the relative importance of maize and wheat-based essential foods such as maize meal and bread, which account for about 60% of group revenue and operating profit. It could spell a big acquisition ahead.

"Margins and cash flow on essential foods are high but the market perceives them to be commodities," says Roux. "We invest heavily in our essential foods brands but the moment you have any exposure to raw material price volatility the market can hammer you."

Despite facing inevitably tougher competition from Tiger Brands, now led by the highly experienced Lawrence MacDougall, Roux believes Pioneer can grab market share.

"We must build our brands," says Roux. "We have an overall 32% share of the 18 categories we are in. Every percentage point rise equals an extra R1bn of sales at the retail level."

Roux is confident Pioneer has the right people in place to meet the challenge. "I have a highly capable leadership team," says Roux, who shrugs off doubts that may be aroused by the recent resignation of Cindy Hess, CFO since March 2015.

Indeed, it seems Hess will not be missed. "A CEO and CFO must be a perfect fit," says Roux. He does not spell it out, but that perfect fit between Hess and him does not appear to have been there.

Whatever the case, it is not affecting strategy. "We are busy on the corporate activity front," says Roux. He is armed with up to R4bn in debt capacity on Pioneers almost ungeared balance sheet.

Acquisitions may not all be in SA. "We are looking closely at East Africa," says Roux. "I also like Eastern Europe."

Pioneer is making solid headway in the UK as well, where it has two Bokomo factories producing private-label wheat breakfast biscuits, muesli and granolas for a number of leading grocery chains. Already a sizeable operation, it is generating about R1bn in annual revenue.

However, Rouxs goal is to reduce the importance of private-label manufacture. "I want our own branded products to represent 50% of revenue," he says.

The first step came in August, with the 7.5m acquisition of Stream Foods, producer of a range of fruit snacks under the Fruit Bowl brand. "It will add sales of R250m," says Roux.

"We will be doing more bolt-on acquisitions."

Pioneer has a sound growth strategy, which holds great promise. But for now investors in the food group will need to be patient.

"It has been a year out of hell," says Roux, referring to the slump in domestic maize production caused by the crippling drought. To hedge against an expected 1.2Mt maize production fall, Pioneer had no option but to buy maize forward.

Though maize prices are now going down in the hope of early rain, Pioneer will have to wait for the futures contracts bought at higher prices to unwind. "It will make the next six months a little rough for us," says Roux.

It could spell a period of weakness ahead for Pioneers share price. If this comes, it will be weakness that can be used as a buying opportunity.
The draft Reviewed Mining Charter contains ill-considered and unachievable targets, and that its implementation in its current form will have dire consequences.

This is the view of the Chamber of Mines, which said the department of mineral resources (DMR) has not taken on board its recommendations, objections and a host of issues it has raised in the departments recent submission of the revised version of the document to parliament.

Another form of tax

The DMR has pursued the proposal that mining companies must contribute a proportion of revenues to a mining transformation and development agency.

Simply stated, this proposal is yet another royalty tax-equivalent that the DMR intends to impose on an already struggling industry, which made a loss of R37bn in 2015.

This is the most regressive form of taxation. For this reason, Treasury elected an EBIT-based royalty rather than a revenue-based one. The chamber proposed a 2% of net profit after tax contribution to community expenditure and the need for government to use the existing royalties paid by mining companies to government to supplement community development initiatives, the industry body said.

Skills funding

Further, the draft Reviewed Mining Charter requires that a portion of the industrys skills development commitments should be paid to the MTDA. This will take away much-needed funding for skills programmes and tertiary education currently undertaken by the companies and will place these funds directly with another government agency which mandate is unknown.

The DMR continues to insist that multinational companies supplying goods and services to the mining industry should pay 1% of turnover generated from local mining companies to the new MTDA. This doubles the target set in the 2010 Charter, the chamber stated.

It said this is simply an additional tax which the multinational companies will pass on to local mining companies in the form of higher prices, rendering the South African mining industry less competitive than it already is.

Historically disadvantaged South Africans

In addition, the DMR has substantially increased the targets relating to the appointment of historically disadvantaged South Africans (HDSAs) in companies, and has at the same time changed the definition. The chamber said that the new targets may be desirable, but some aspects are currently unachievable.

Roger Baxter, Chamber of Mines CEO, noted: The cumulative effect of all DMRs proposals, combined with existing corporate taxes and royalties, skills development levies and more, would materially affect the viability of an industry already in crisis.

Flawed process

The Chamber of Mines added that despite the serious viability crisis currently being faced by the South African mining sector, the DMR has not offered or displayed any interest in assisting the industry through this crisis.

Given that the mining companies are mandated with the implementation of the Mining Charter, the chamber cannot willingly accede to an outcome based on a flawed process, which does not take into account the substantive issues raised by the industry, said Baxter.

The chamber and its members urged the minister and the DMR to seriously engage with the industry on these matters prior to the publication of the reviewed Mining Charter in the form that has been described.
Undulating hills, jagged cliffs, wild beaches, indigenous cultures and a diverse array of fauna and flora make the Wild Coast a place renowned for its rich heritage and natural beauty.

Dr. Mongezi Noah

Yet, behind popular romantic visions of a rural traditional paradise, numerous communities of the Wild Coast are faced with an ongoing and dehumanising poverty crisis. Indeed, a lack of economic opportunities, together with limited access to electricity, clean drinking water, sanitation, medical amenities and education has led to a poor quality of life for many people in the region.

The potential of community-based tourism

Since the UN World Tourism Organization (UNWTO) has endorsed tourism as an economic development and poverty reduction tool in developing countries, an increase in tourism related activities may arguably provide an inclusive, sustainable answer to economic growth and improved quality of life in this part of the country. In particular, community-based tourism (CBT), stands out as an important, yet underutilised, area of potential.

CBT refers to tourism activities which directly involve local communities and their natural and cultural assets. Largely focused on the heritage of an area or region, this form of tourism, when managed effectively, promotes local and rural economic and community development. Indeed, various studies have found that since CBT is aimed at empowering people living within disadvantaged contexts, it has the potential to create significant socio-economic development opportunities for many marginalised groups.

As such, as a growing tourism niche for both international and domestic markets, CBT may offer important opportunities for unlocking the tourism potential of the Wild Coasts natural and cultural heritage.

A vehicle of cultural exchange

In addition to its socio-economic benefits, the ICOMOS International Cultural Tourism Charters Principles and Guidelines for Managing Tourism at Places of Cultural and Heritage Significance has highlighted tourism as an essential vehicle for cultural exchange and understanding. This means that instead of simply providing tourists with a form of staged authenticity, which perpetuates colonial ideas of African traditions, CBT encourages tourists to immerse themselves in the lived experiences and cultures of the communities that they visit.

As a result, not only will CBT allow tourists to gain a greater understanding of both the heritage and contemporary cultural practices of Wild Coast communities, people of the Wild Coast will also be given the opportunity to interact with, and learn about, people from other cultures.

In short, by focusing attention on the sustainable development of heritage resources in the area, this form of tourism can open up greater opportunities for socio-economic development in the area, while at the same time contributing towards the conservation and enhancement of its natural and cultural assets.

The importance of roads and infrastructure for tourism development

In a study published this year in African Journal for Physical and Health Sciences, researchers discussed the challenges and opportunities for CBT in the Wild Coast. Researchers highlighted the Department of Tourisms suggestion that the Wild Coast is made up of numerous zones in which community-based tourism could thrive. Despite these opportunities, however, they noted that development continues to be restricted as a result of a lack of transport infrastructure. In particular, they found that much of the road infrastructure in the province is underdeveloped, and as such, hampers possibilities for tourism development in the largely unexplored area. In relation to these findings, they argued that good infrastructure, including roads, is key for CBT to develop in the region.

GPSJane at wts wikivoyage/Elizabeth Webber via Wikimedia Commons

While the above study focuses on a South African example, the importance of roads and infrastructure for tourism development has similarly been recognised internationally  especially in developing countries where tourism is seen as a crucial sector for economic growth. Indeed, various empirical studies from Southeast Europe, China, and Africa have highlighted transport infrastructure, and particularly, good roads, as playing an essential role in the development of local tourism.

As such, notwithstanding the prospects for CBT along the Wild Coast, and the sustainable opportunities to advance social and economic paradigms that come along with it, a lack of infrastructure in the region has led to limited access to, and development of, this cultural landscape. The upcoming N2 Wild Coast Toll Road (N2WCTR), and the related upgrade of connected secondary and local road infrastructure, will offer an answer to these infrastructure challenges.

Indeed, by significantly improving access to this area the N2WCTR will unlock the Wild Coasts CBT potential. That is, as part of the larger Integrated Wild Coast Development Programme, the road  which has been proposed as the backbone of the governments development plans for the area  will play an important role in opening up the regions untapped tourism potential.

To be sure, while ecotourism is present on a small-scale, an inadequate road network along with various additional infrastructure and service related issues have left this industrys potential stunted at best. However, as roads improve and access to the communities and natural and cultural heritage of the region begins to grow, opportunities for long-term tourism developments are set to increase  opportunities that will play a significant role in the reduction of poverty and economic marginalisation in the area.

The views expressed herein are solely those of the author.
African leaders met in Morocco on Wednesday, 16 November, on the sidelines of UN climate talks to agree on a joint stance to fight global warming on the continent.

"Africa is paying a heavy price over the climate issue and is without doubt the continent worst affected," Morocco's King Mohammed VI told the summit attended by 20 African leaders.

"These disruptions... greatly hamper Africa's development and gravely threaten the basic rights of tens of millions of Africans," he said.

He said the continent needed to "speak in a single voice, demand climate justice".

France's President Francois Hollande and UN chief Ban Ki-moon also attended the summit which took place alongside the COP22 climate change conference in Marrakesh.

Ban said Africa was at the forefront of the fight against climate change, and that 36 of the 50 countries most affected by global warming were African.

Senegal's President Macky Sall said African countries would wait until 2020 for promised aid from developed countries to fight global warming.

An agreement after last year's climate talks in Paris provides for a green fund of $100bn (90bn) per year from 2020 to help poorer nations make the shift to clean energy.

Hollande said Wednesday's summit would "lay the foundations" for the plan to help Africa from 2020.

"France has made its commitments and will keep them, I will see to it," he said.

African leaders have called for more funding from developed nations to cut fossil fuel emissions and take contingency measures.

"Developed countries must shoulder their historical responsibility for emissions," Djibouti's President Ismail Omar Guelleh said on Tuesday.

The UN, too, has called for more money, especially for "adaptation" - shoring up defences against the effects of global warming.

This could mean building dykes or elevating homes as protection against rising seas, improving weather warning systems and growing climate change-resistant crops.

President Omar al-Bashir, who is wanted by the International Criminal Court on charges of war crimes and genocide during the 13-year-old conflict in Darfur, also attended.

He has always denied the charges.

The summit comes amid growing opposition to the ICC among African leaders, who accuse the court of prosecuting alleged crimes in Africa while ignoring those elsewhere in the world.

Burundi, South Africa and the Gambia have all pulled out of the court's founding treaty, the Rome statute, in recent weeks.

Kenya, Namibia and Uganda have indicated they may follow suit.

On Wednesday, Russia dealt the ICC a new blow by saying it would formally withdraw its signature from the Rome statute.

Hosting the summit is a diplomatic coup for Morocco as it seeks to reassert its influence in Africa.

In July, the kingdom announced it wanted to rejoin the African Union after a three-decade hiatus, and in September it lodged a formal application.

The king has since toured east Africa in a bid to woo support. After the Marrakesh talks he is due to visit Addis Ababa, where the AU is based.

Morocco pulled out of what was then called the Organisation of African Unity in 1984 in protest at the admission of the Sahrawi Arab Democratic Republic declared by the pro-independence Polisario Front in the Western Sahara.

The move came at the height of the armed conflict between the Polisario and Morocco over the former Spanish colony.

A UN-supervised ceasefire has been in effect since 1991 but a quarter of a century of efforts for a lasting peace have yielded few results.

Morocco controls all the territory's main towns, with the Polisario confined to a narrow strip in the desert interior.

Tens of thousands of Sahrawi refugees still live in camps in neighbouring Algeria.

Algeria has long backed the Polisario and Morocco's bid for AU membership has set off what is likely to be dogged diplomatic battle for influence between the North African rivals.

Source: AFP
Cape Town-based Cactus Capital, the investment arm of Cactus Advisors, has invested in African fintech startups Flutterwave and e-Factor, following its investment into Ugandan-based mobile payment aggregator Intel World International earlier this year.

Alexander Dubovitskiy via 123RF

Speaking at the Allan Gray Orbis E2 Accelerator programme at Standard Bank Future Labs in Cape Town, Cactus Advisors founder and CEO, Zach George said the company was excited to be investing in pioneering fintech companies that had graduated from leading accelerator programmes worldwide.

About the startups

Flutterwave is a San Francisco-based team of African entrepreneurs, financial services technologists & mobile payment experts that provides end-to-end payments technology and infrastructure which enables payment service providers, global merchants, licensed money transfer operators and pan-African banks to process payments to and from Africa with one API integration. They are a graduate of the Y-Combinator Accelerator in Silicon Valley, whose graduates have included companies such as Airbnb, Dropbox, Stripe, Eventbrite, and Instacart, amongst several others.

E-Factor is a South African-based fintech company that has created a digital factoring platform where companies can sell their receivable invoices through an auction to investors with the highest bid. By investing in these invoices, investors obtain new short-term investment instruments with low-risk returns. E-Factor (formerly called InvoiceXchange) is a graduate of the Barclays Tech Lab Africa Accelerator.

IWI Africa, also a graduate of the Tech Lab Africa Accelerator Programme, is a Uganda-based Fintech company that aggregates payments and commerce into a single platform that enables businesses to transact with their customers on any mobile device. IWI Africa gives businesses platform solutions enabling them to automate their payments and commerce and ultimately increase revenue and/or reduce their costs and general business efficiencies.

Creating an enabling environment

As Cactus Advisors, simply investing into high growth, high impact tech-enabled ventures on the continent is not good enough, unless we critically have the right enabling environment on the continent for tech startups to access markets, channel partners and customers," said George.

"Corporate Africa with its powerful consortium of financial services firms, retailers, telecommunication firms, insurance companies and media houses  all of whom are yet to seriously tap into the innovation pipeline that tech startups offer  provides the ideal platform for commercialising proof-of-concept agreements with startups that serves as a perfect risk mitigation shield to investors looking for returns in the African venture capital sector.

George spent three years running the Africa operations of U-Start, a global investment advisory firm for venture capital and private family offices, before he founded Cactus Advisors to pioneer corporate venture capital driven accelerator programmes on the African continent in partnership with Philip Kiracofe, an American venture capitalist and partner at Horizen Ventures Africa.

Following on the successes of the Barclays Tech Lab Africa Accelerator where 10 fintech and health-tech ventures raised a collective total of $10million along with seven engagements and Proof of Concept projects with Barclays - the pair were offered to jointly run Startupbootcamp in Africa. Startupbootcamp is a global network of industry focused startup accelerators that scales and grows startups globally by giving them direct access to an international network of the most relevant partners, content, investors and mentors in their sector.
Since the first version of the Draft Taxation Laws Amendment Bill, 2016 (First Draft TLAB) and the Explanatory Memorandum thereto (Memorandum) were released on 8 July 2016, the proposed amendments applicable to trusts and employee share schemes received most of the attention.

However, another proposed amendment with potentially far-reaching consequences that has received little attention since the release of the First Draft TLAB is one which could lead to a taxpayer paying tax at one rate today and another rate tomorrow, as and when the Minister of Finance (Minister) says so.

The proposed amendment

In terms of the First Draft TLAB, it was proposed that the Minister would have the power to amend the tax rates applicable in terms of various pieces of legislation, simply by announcing the amendment in the annual national budget speech. Furthermore, this amended rate would come into effect from the date announced by the Minister in the budget speech and will continue to apply for a period of 12 months from that date, unless Parliament passes legislation giving effect to that announcement within that 12-month period.

A similar amendment was already made to the Transfer Duty Act, No 40 of 1949, but was now proposed with respect to the following pieces of legislation:

Income Tax Act, No 58 of 1962;



Estate Duty Act, No 45 of 1955;



Value-Added Tax Act, No 89 of 1991 (VAT Act);



Skills Development Levies Act, No 9 of 1999 (SDL Act);



Securities Transfer Tax Act, No 25 of 2007;



Unemployment Insurance Contributions Act, No 4 of 2002 (UIC Act); and



Mineral and Petroleum Resources Royalty Act, No 28 of 2008.

Issues raised and National Treasurys response

An obvious shortcoming of the proposal in the First Draft TLAB which was raised during public hearings, as highlighted in the Draft Response Document from National Treasury and SARS (Response Document), was that the provision constituted a delegation by Parliament of its legislative power to the Minister. In terms of s77 of the Constitution of the Republic of South Africa, 1996 (Constitution), a money bill is required to be passed by Parliament.

In the Response Document, the problem was acknowledged and it was indicated that the proposed provisions would be amended to bring them in line with the Constitution. The wording of the charging provisions was amended and the provisions in the second version of the Draft Taxation Laws Amendment Bill, 2016 state that the rate changes announced by the Minister may be applied from the date announced subject to Parliament passing the relevant legislation giving effect to that rate change within 12 months of the announced effective date.

Comment

The implementation of the proposed amendments to the abovementioned legislation in its current form, could lead to a number of practical problems for taxpayers. An amendment in the rate of VAT in terms of s7 of the VAT Act, is one example that illustrates the problems that could arise.

In terms of s27 of the VAT Act, VAT vendors must submit VAT returns every month, every second month, every six months or every twelve months depending on the category in which they fall. In terms of s28, a VAT vendor must submit its VAT return within 25 days after the end of the relevant period.

Currently, s7 of the VAT Act expressly states that VAT vendors must account for VAT at the rate of 14% on the value of the supply. If the Minister were to announce in the 2017 budget speech on 28 February 2017 (a hypothetical date) that the VAT rate will increase to 15% from 1 April 2017, Parliament will have to pass legislation to this effect within 12 months of 28 February 2017.

If the legislation is not passed in time in accordance with s77 of the Constitution, VAT vendors will in theory be entitled to refunds on the basis that they should have levied VAT at the rate of 14% during this period instead of at the rate of 15%. The challenges that taxpayers have faced in obtaining their refunds from SARS, has been widely reported on recently. Similar problems could arise if the rates in terms of the SDL Act and UIC Act were amended and the necessary legislation is not passed in time, considering that payments in terms of this legislation must be paid by employers on a monthly basis.

Furthermore, the retrospective application of the legislation may also be open to constitutional challenge. In terms of s77(3) of the Constitution, all money bills must be considered in accordance with the procedure established by s75 of the Constitution and an act of Parliament must provide for a procedure to amend money bills before Parliament. The Money Bill Amendment Procedure and Related Matters Act, No 9 of 2009 (Money Bill Act) was passed by Parliament in this regard.

Section 11 of the Money Bill Act states that a revenue bill, being one which amends tax rates, among other things, must be referred to the National Council of Provinces, as stipulated in s75 of the Constitution. Neither s75 and s77 of the Constitution, nor the provisions of the Money Bill Act allow for implementation of legislation prior to the process in terms of these sections being followed.

The consequences of not complying with the constitutional provisions regarding the enactment of legislation could be far-reaching and could even lead to the entire legislation being declared invalid as was the case in Tongoane and Others v Minister for Agriculture and Land Affairs and Others 2010, where the Communal Land Rights Act, No 11 of 2004 was declared invalid by the Constitutional Court as the incorrect procedure had been followed in enacting the legislation.
From 21-23 November 2016, international and South African thought leaders will gather at the East London International Convention Centre for the 12th Annual ICT Summit to discuss topical issues, trends and innovative ideas impacting the ICT industry.

Motse Mfuleni, CEO, ICT Summit.

Under the theme 'A connected digital Africa', the three-day event will be held at the East London International Convention Centre and feature topic-driven panel discussions and addresses by industry pioneers. It will feature over 60 speakers and aims to provide an opportunity for CEOs, senior managers, SMMEs, etc., from private and public sectors to network and identify avenues of collaboration.

Discussion topics will include 'Convergence Partners Connecting Africa through Optic Fibre', 'National Integrated ICT Policy White Paper', 'Smart Cities', 'Infrastructure Sharing and/or Open Access Models', and more.

Kicking off the summit with a keynote address will be Shola Taylor, Secretary General of the Commonwealth Telecommunications Organisation, an international treaty organisation headquartered in London.

Others speakers on the line-up include Stella Ndabeni-Abrahams, Deputy Minister of Telecommunication and Postal Services; Vuyani Jarana, chief officer: Vodacom Business; Hon Mamaloko Kubayi, chairperson of the Portfoliio Committee - Telecommunication and Postal Services, Lumko Mtimde, CEO of Universal Service and Access Agency of South Africa (USASSA); Mlamli Booi, CEO: Sentech; and Phelisa Nkomo, chairperson: Media Development and Diversity Agency (MDDA).

View the website for more details.
Since the National Business Awards was launched by Topco Media in 2002, it has brought together hundreds of innovative private- and public-sector organisations and individuals every year - the National Business Awards finalists.

Also present have been top government decision-makers, iconic CEOs and business experts. The awards draw together hundreds of thought-leaders in the same venue to celebrate South Africas most inspiring top performers. The positive energy of such a unique gathering is infectious.

This year sees the first ancillary National Business Conference taking place, in advance of the evening awards. Topco Director, Karla Fletcher, explains the thinking behind it, As a positivity-driven organisation, we realise that our responsibility is more than one of showcasing and awarding business excellence. We have a responsibility - and the networking capacity - to foster the sharing of business insight and wisdom; to provide a platform for economic leaders to share their secrets to success and their game-changing ideas.

Rising through the obstacles

The Conference, held on 17 November, saw renowned businessman and politician, Dr Mathews Phosa, give a keynote address on Rising through the obstacles. He was joined by a distinguished line-up of top speakers including Greg Solomon, Jannie Venter, Asher Bohbot, Shirley Zinn and Lance Fanaroff. It also incorporated a Fast Track Networking (FTN) session, where delegates met to engage new partnerships and growth opportunities. This session was sponsored by one of the fastest-growing and most innovative organisations in SA, the Development Bank of Southern Africa. DBSA is instrumental in helping the Southern African region to become more integrated, energy-efficient and prosperous, and Topco was honoured to have their participation in the Conference.

To find out more about the National Business Conference, email az.oc.ocpot@sdrawde.euqilegna. You can also follow @SABizAwards for the latest updates.




The South Africa Bike Festival, launched by international media and exhibition company Clarion Events UK, will return to Gauteng's Kyalami Grand Prix Circuit in 2017 following a hugely successful inaugural event earlier this year. With dates confirmed for 26-28 May, the festival promises three days of "thundering two-wheeled, rip-roaring live action for a fun-fuelled day out for the whole family".

Festival organisers announced an impressive 24,522 visitors this year, with 88 industry-related exhibitors, 16 motorcycle manufacturers, 13 popular SA bands/musicians and 21 hospitality brands and food trucks.

Together with headline media partner, Discovery Channel, and festival sponsors Tiger Wheel & Tyre, ABI, SAB, Cartrack, Sun International, The Star Motoring, Michelin, Dunlop, Tissot and Monster Energy, the event welcomed visitors with the intention to ensure the festival becomes a must-attend annual motorcycle showcase in Southern Africa for decades to come. Organisers say this objective has been met with over 50% of the existing manufacturers and exhibitors already securing their participation for 2017.

Extensive research was conducted to profile the festival visitors using online surveys and at-event questionnaires. An independent research team from Tourism Research in Economic Environs & Society (TREES) concluded that the majority of respondents were in their late thirties, 67% of which were male, 22% were from outside Gauteng and over 68% attended with children under the age of twelve. It was particularly noted that visitor numbers were above average in the growing segments of the market including women, families, the emerging market and young professionals.

The number one reason for attending the festival was to enjoy a fun day out with the family, and for 15%, their main priority was about capitalising on festival discounts, special offers and browsing for a new motorbike or scooter to purchase. 39% of respondents bought merchandise at the festival and 12% of survey participants bought a new or pre-owned motorcycle at the festival or in the months following. Finally, the majority (97%) of respondents said they intend to visit the festival again in 2017.

Nicole Muller, festival director states: Our long term aim is to create a sustainable, annual and internationally recognised brand that will bring together the veteran riders to casual fans alike in order to encourage and grow the next generation of motorcyclists in Southern Africa. We are delighted that Kyalami Grand Prix Circuit share our vision and will be the venue partner for the next three years on this exciting journey. By building on the partnerships created in 2016, as well as introducing more lifestyle elements, we intend to become South Africas annual and premier motorcycle, music and lifestyle festival.

Check out the official website for details.
Food Network commissions Paul Hollywood City Bakes to film in Cape Town for series two on Food Network DStv Channel 175

Food Network announced that it will feature Cape Town in the second series of award-winning Paul Hollywood City Bakes. Produced by Reef Television, filming in Cape Town is scheduled for February 2017, with the show set to premiere on Food Network, DStv Channel 175 in May 2017.

In the second series of Paul Hollywood City Bakes the renowned British baker explores the baking heritage of cities around the world, uncovering family recipes, hotel delicacies and local favourites, before creating his own city bake inspired by the place. As well as Cape Town, Paul will also visit Oslo, Antwerp, Reykjavik, Palermo, Nicosia, Amman, Dublin, Los Angeles and San Francisco.

The first series premiered on Food Network in September 2016, and to accommodate the audience demand for all things Paul Hollywood, the new series has been extended from 30 to 60 minutes.

South Africa has stunning landscapes, lovely local produce, and a dynamic baking scene. It was an obvious choice to take Paul to Cape Town for series two, said Kevin Dickie, Senior Vice President, Channels Group, Scripps Networks Interactive, UK & EMEA. We are delighted to welcome Paul back to Food Network and even more so to take him to South Africa.

Im looking forward to returning to Food Network for what promises to be another great series of Paul Hollywood City Bakes, said Paul Hollywood. When asked if I wanted to visit South Africa it was a very easy yes! There are many bakes on my list to try, but I am particularly looking forward to sampling mosbolletjies, soetkoekies and traditional koeksister.

Paul Hollywood City Bakes is the latest Food Network show to showcase Cape Town. Cape Town is also the location for the third series of Sibas Table which is filming in November this year.




The Big Top Arena at Carnival City will host The Heavyweights International Comedy Show on 11 December 2016. A mix of both local and international comedians will take to the stage.

One of the international headliners includes the multi award winning African comedic Ayo Makun who goes by the stage name AY from Nigeria. He is also an actor, writer, director, radio and TV presenter. AY has also held the ranks of being named a UN peace ambassador in 2009 for his efforts for social and economic issues affecting ordinary citizens in his country.

Gina Yashere will also lead the pack gracing South Africa for the first time. Born in London and now residing in New York, Yashere broke onto the American comedy scene with her appearances on Last Comic Standing (NBC), where she made it to the final 10. She then went on to be named one of the top 10 rising talents in The Hollywood Reporter. She is also known in the US for being the only British comedian ever to appear on the Def Comedy Jam, an HBO television series produced by Russell Simmons.

Local comedians

The local line-up includes retired lawyer and Laugh Technician Thenjiwe, who has apparently lodged a complaint with the Knowles family claiming Beyonce is her daughter.

The multitalented Trevor Gumbi, Tumi Stopnonsons and Nina Hastie will also make an appearance. The witty and energetic Tallassmo features front and centre of the show as the MC.

Tickets for the show start at R200.
On 18 November 2016, the new $150 million Victoria Falls International Airport officially opens its new and upgraded facilities to the world. The new airport has the capacity to handle 1.5 million passengers per annum - triple its previous volume - and is capable of landing some of the world's largest aircraft.

The new Victoria Falls International Airport from the runway. Photo - Tami Walker

Zimbabwean hospitality group Africa Albida Tourism (AAT) welcomes the major development, which is set to usher in a new era of tourism to the region.

The positive impact of the new Victoria Falls International Airport will be very significant and should take the destination and region to a new level in terms of arrivals, says AATs chief executive, Ross Kennedy. The socio-economic benefits will be widespread as increased and new access drives the tourism sectors growth with arrivals from additional source markets.

Kennedy added that increased interest was shown in the new Victoria Falls International Airport at the World Travel Market  a major global travel trade show  held in London last week. I met with many tour operators, media, and airlines at the show, and I can confirm that interest is very high and the travel industry is excited by the opening.

Zimbabwe remains a hot destination on the schedules of many tour operators across the globe, Kennedy said.

The airport

Annajulia Hungwe, PR and communications manager of the Civil Aviation Authority of Zimbabwe, said the new airport could accommodate more than three times as many passengers as before, and had been built to accommodate further expansion should rising tourist numbers in the future deem it necessary.

The new airport in Zimbabwes leading resort town has been fully operational since September. The development included the construction of a new international terminal building and the rehabilitation of the existing one into a domestic terminal.

The airport features a four-kilometre runway, a state-of-the-art control tower  which is one of the most advanced in Africa  and a fire station, equipped to respond to fire and medical emergencies.

Inside the international terminal at Victoria Falls International Airport. Photo  Tami Walker

Facilities at the international terminal include 14 check-in counters, nine boarding gates, three baggage carousels, a dozen shops, two restaurants, 28 aircraft parking bays and parking facilities for 400 vehicles.

Check-in at Victoria Falls International Airport's rehabilitated domestic terminal. Photo - Tami Walker.

The domestic terminal features six check-in counters, two passenger security-screening facilities, one restaurant and three coffee shops, eight other retail outlets and a business-class lounge.

The airport, funded by a China Exim Bank loan to the Zimbabwean Government, was constructed by the China Jiangsu International Group.
Just when you thought the Loeries buzz was over, the Loeries' rankings are in! I chatted to some of this year's top ranked creatives post-celebrations. Here Alistair King, co-founder and chief creative officer of King James Group, shares his views.

Last year they took the title of top South African agency, with King announced as the top chief creative officer of 2015 and client Sanlam the top brand for 2015.

Royal rankings for KJ Group

King

This year, Yegs Ramiah, chief executive of brand at Sanlam and Santam, took home the Loeries 2016 Marketing Leadership and Innovation Award, paying tribute to King James and King in particular as having been key to the brands success. The King James Groups 2016 Loerie Awards haul featured the following wins  a branded content video: single execution silver for New Balances Baby vs Dale Steyn; branded content video: campaign silver for Sanlams One Rand Family; digital integrated campaign bronze and a live events: sponsorship bronze for New Balances I Comrades; as well as live events: sponsorship bronze for Sanlam Financial Services Every Word is a Masterpiece; a digital and interactive social media bronze for City of Cape Towns Metro Police Ride-Along; and a live crafts craft certificate for Sanlam Financial Services Sanlam J&B Met VIP Marquee.

The King James Groups recently revealed Loeries 2016 rankings show them ranking 15th overall in the South African agency table and joint-20th for the overall ranking by agency 2016 table.

Some of team King James at the Loeries 2015. Some of team King James at the Loeries 2015. Some of team King James at the Loeries 2015. Some of team King James at the Loeries 2015. Some of team King James at the Loeries 2015.

Here, King, also part of the 2016 Loeries print and outdoor judging panel, and jury president of the Association of Practitioners in Advertising (APA) awards, which have relaunched after 12 years to reward creativity in Kenya using the Loeries Management System, shares how the group feels about all their wins, their plans to extend their winning streak next year and who they admire most in the industry

1. Share your top three emotions linked to your Loeries wins and 2016 rankings.

King: Satisfied (with what we won). Confused (by some of the winners). Determined (to keep fighting the good fight).

2. How do you plan on keeping  if not bettering  your rankings next year?

King: We dont have an award strategy. Well simply keep in our lane and try to get our clients to make powerful ads. Sometimes we win, sometimes we lose. Hopefully well have some good ones under the belt before the next award show.

3. Where are you displaying your Loeries?

King: We tend to display all our prizes on the front desk, which has on the odd occasion pissed off the receptionist who claims she cant see the front door in a good year!

4. Tell us who you personally admire in the industry  both an established mentor figure as well as a newcomer making waves.

King: Im afraid to start listing, but I think Molefi Thulo [ranked as top creative director for 2016], is doing a spectacular job.

Seems were all looking forward to seeing what 2017 holds! Click through to our Loeries special section for more, here for more on KIng and be sure to follow King James Group on Twitter.
MOSCOW: Russian internet providers on Thursday started blocking the LinkedIn professional networking site after a state watchdog found it broke a law on personal data storage.

"The social networking site LinkedIn has been added to a register of violators... and submitted for blocking by internet operators," Roskomnadzor communications watchdog said in a statement on its website.

Roskomnadzor's spokesman Vadim Ampelonsky said in televised comments that "in the course of today a large number of internet providers should block" the site.

LinkedIn, in a statement sent to AFP, said it was "starting to hear from members in Russia that they can no longer access LinkedIn".

The hashtag LinkedIn was topping the trends on Twitter in Russia as the news emerged.

Russia has recently cracked down on the internet -- one of the few forums left for political debate -- including prosecutions over messages or images people posted or reposted on social networking sites.

"Roskomnadzor's action to block LinkedIn denies access to the millions of members we have in Russia," the US-based company said.

"We remain interested in a meeting with Roskomnadzor to discuss their data localisation request."

Representatives of LinkedIn have asked to meet with Roskomnadzor and senior staff were settling a date, Ampelonsky confirmed to Interfax news agency.

President Vladimir Putin's spokesman Dmitry Peskov told journalists Thursday that the blockage is "in strict accordance with the law" and the Kremlin will not interfere.

LinkedIn, a US-based company, was acquired by Microsoft for $26 billion in June in the biggest ever deal for a social media company.

It has over 467 million registered members, according to its website, including over six million in Russia.

Leonid Volkov, opposition activist and founder of an NGO called Society for the Defence of the Internet, called the current standoff "a new page" in Russia's treatment of the web.

"Roskomnadzor has never before had a mandate to directly confront IT giants," he wrote on Facebook.

On November 10, a Moscow court rejected an appeal and upheld an August decision that LinkedIn broke a controversial new law that requires personal data of Russian users to be stored in the country.

The ruling also told LinkedIn to stop giving users' data to third parties without informing them.

A law passed in 2014 requires foreign messaging services, search engines and social networking sites to store the personal data of Russian users inside Russia.

Sites that breach the law are added to a blacklist and internet providers are obliged to block access.

The law prompted a storm of criticism from internet companies but entered into force in September 2015. LinkedIn is the first such service to be taken to court under the law.

Putin's advisor on the internet German Klimenko told Rossiya-24 television he expected that "LinkedIn will meet the conditions and will be unblocked."

He suggested that the law on personal data may also be "clarified" or "amendments will be submitted."

Source: AFP
Being Boss hosts Speed Networking in Cape Town

Being Boss will host a Speed Networking event in Cape Town on 24 November 2016 at 6.30pm at Workshop 17, V&A Waterfront. The event is a business empowerment gathering, aimed at networking and empowering women in business, aspiring entrepreneurs as well as established entrepreneurs. It will allow guests the opportunity to meet with potential investors as well as source funding for their businesses.
Digital transformation is the engine for Africa Telecom industry growth, and it will also empower the innovation of other industries, it was revealed at AfricaCom, in Cape Town this week.

Image by 123RF

The AfricaCom conference and expo offers a platform for the architects of Africas digital future to showcase technologies for Africas development. Huawei, a diamond sponsor of the three-day event under the theme, Building a Better Connected Africa, revealed its key focus areas that will accelerate the proliferation of digital services in the African continent.

Huawei focused on its core businesses and is committed to empowering carriers digital transformation with continuous strategic investment aiming at opening up platform capabilities to help carriers to build an open, collaborative, and win-win industry ecosystem to accelerate digital transformation.

On its demo and experience pavilion, it exhibited a wide range of solutions, such as Narrow Band Internet of Things (NB-IOT), Smart Home, Cloud ,Video, SDN/NFV, Safe City, and s on. These are designed to help African telecom carriers and enterprises transform their network into an agile and flexible one and to realise Operational Efficiency, Smart CAPEX and Business Transformation in the digital era.

Connectivity prevailes as the panacea for the deployment of digital services and applications for enterprises, government and carriers. From now until 2021, the Mobile Broadband (MBB) data traffic in Africa is expected to increase by at least 26-fold, mainly driven by applications such as video, IoT and by connecting the unconnected population.

Through its cloud platform and opening basic video capabilities, Huawei Video Solutions enables customers to develop video services in the quickest manner, deliver supreme user experiences at a cost that were never possible before. The Video Cloud will help customers to quickly bring video services online, reduces the time to market, and ensures the best user experience and data security.

The technology supports multiple service scenarios, assisting customers in quick commercial use of video services, promoting industry cooperation and building a win-win video ecosystem based on increasingly open video capabilities.

Africas digital economy

Huawei's IoT solutions which are currently being launched by many carriers in Africa will drive the digital transformation of carriers broadband services by making the world of connected things a reality. Huawei's LTE-based Narrow Broadband IoT (NB-IoT) technology will enable telecom operators in the region to deliver ubiquitous, cellular IoT. This technology will spark new business opportunities in smart metering, smart parking, logistics tracking, and smart cities in Africa.

Huaweis Smart Home solution features a flexible architecture and access independence. It incorporates a smart home gateway to connect various smart home appliances, and an IoT connection management platform is required to enable various applications.

Connecting people in Africa remains a top priority. Huawei Marine is in partnership with 20 carriers to build eight new submarine cables systems and upgrade two existing systems in Africa to provide better international data access for 15 countries. To date, Huawei Marine is currently deploying the 6000 km repeatered South Atlantic Inter Link (SAIL) system between Cameroon and Brazil enabling connectivity for a population of 198 million.

In Addition, this year AfricaCom was an excellent platform for African thought leaders and industry experts, to explore the role of the ICT in driving Africas Digital Economy.

A growing number of countries are now focusing on capitalising on ICT technologies that better serve people, allow for more accurate and efficient decisions, and building a Digital Economy. Many countries have formulated their national ICT strategies and Huawei's focus is centered on building an open digital ecosystem with all industry partners in a wide range of activities such as ICT investment Planning, top-level Consulting, and ICT infrastructure prioritization in order to accelerate digital transformation within different African countries and industries, and promote thriving digital economies.

Huaweis Southern Africa Region President Li Peng said, This year Huawei has demonstrated that it is best positioned to play a pivotal role in supporting digital transformation and development of ICT in Africa. Today, we see that behind a globally competitive connectivity is a strong, collaborative industry chain with high levels of technological convergence and industry integration Huawei looks forward to working closely with industries and academia in the continent to create a better connected Africa.
Mrs. Ks Army invaded her yard Wednesday afternoon.

When news spread that Paddock Lane Elementary fourth-grade teacher Judy Knispel found a stem cell donor to help treat her acute myeloid leukemia, her friends and coworkers drummed up ways to celebrate and support.

Staff and dozens of students  third, fourth and fifth graders  walked from the school to Knispels house to plant signs in her yard and decorate her porch and trees with ribbon, balloons and a big banner: Paddock Lane Supports Mrs. Ks Army.

The student body made signs earlier in the week, each with loving and encouraging messages.

We love you!"

"Were in this together!"

"Keep fighting Mrs. K!"

"Mrs. Ks Army is fighting for you!

After a doctors appointment in Omaha, Knispel, 61, came home Wednesday night to the signs and close friends and family waiting to greet her -- a surprise coordinated that day through text messages between her husband Scott and Paddock Lane principal Betty Replogle.

This is so overwhelming, Knispel said to the group. This is so cool, you guys. Its so uplifting to come home to this.

Paddock Lane is a big part of Mrs. Ks Army. Staff and students wear bracelets and T-shirts bearing the support groups name, as do family, friends and strangers in eastern Nebraska and other parts of the country.

The school is also supplying the Knispel family with food and kitchen supplies for the Omaha apartment they will rent for 100 days following the transplant.

She is a very, very nice teacher, said Paddock Lane fifth-grader Gavin Wolf. She believes that everyone can learn. I really loved her.

I was very, very sad because this has never happened before I feel bad knowing how hard this is for her. Im sad to know she has to go through this. But its good to know were supporting her through this.

Knispels colleagues and friends describe Paddock Lane as a great, close-knit community and a big family. They said Knispel has been a mentor for many, including new teachers, willing to give help and advice. They called her very determined and hopeful through her battle with cancer.

I feel very lucky to have the support system that I have, Knispel said. With my family and friends, Ill be able to conquer this and get through this. I just feel so honored that the kids and teachers would do all of this for me.

Knispel will begin her four-week hospital stay at Nebraska Medicine on Thanksgiving. Her donor, who she knows only as a male in a foreign country, will undergo anesthesia and a bone marrow transplant on Nov. 29. Medical staff have 48 hours to get the transplant to Omaha.

Meanwhile, Knispel will receive chemotherapy to destroy her existing bone marrow. After that, Knispel will receive the transplant through her pick line, a procedure that will take about an hour and a half. Then, she will have the DNA and blood type of the man unknown to her.

I would like to meet this person or call and say thank you, Knispel said. Theyre giving me a chance to have life back At this point in my life, its either this or nothing and nothing is not a smart choice.

It will be at least two years before Knispel can meet the man, if he agrees to the meeting.

As part of a medical study, Knispel is required after the hospital stay to live for 100 days in a rental within 20 minutes from Nebraska Medicine with caregivers (her family members) due to possible complications after the transplant, especially graft-versus-host-disease, which also has its own set of possible side effects ranging from minimal to serious.

Everything has risks, Knispel said. You can get hit by a car walking down the street. And the disease (leukemia) could still come back after this. But Im doing this for quality of life and longevity of life. There arent a lot of other options with acute myeloid leukemia.

Knispel was surprised in July to be diagnosed with the rare form of leukemia. She previously said that the hardest part of fighting the cancer is the complete lifestyle change from decades of happily and busily teaching elementary students to mostly resting.

I have a lot of faith in my doctors, Knispel said, adding that she is encouraged by documented success in the treatment she will receive. Ive had to opportunity to talk to people who have been through the same transplant and have the same diagnosis as I do and theyre getting along wonderfully.

Doctors request stem cell transplant donors between the ages of 18 and 44, usually male. Learn more at BeTheMatch.org.
According to the Myanmar Government's official sources, the encounter that took place on 12 &13 November at the Bangladesh bordering Mayin-Taung area, snatched away the life of a soldier.

The security forces found the bodies of six attackers along with one BA-94 weapon & ammunition, which were similar to the arms taken away by the militants on 9 October from the Kyi Kanpyin border police headquarter.

The Government Army arrested 36 persons who were believed to be aligned with the attackers from Pwinphyuchaung village who arrived in the location with knives & guns.

When the troops arrived at Gwason Muslim village to conduct the clearance operation, over 500 men, mostly Muslim villagers attacked the troops with small guns, knives and spears on their hands.

During the fierce attack, Major Kyaw Ze Ya, a commander of Light Infantry Battalion 345 was killed where many other officials and soldiers received injuries. Two helicopters from the Government Air Force also helped the troops in the encounter.

According to the authority, six attackers were killed at Gwason Muslim village, when they attacked the security forces with various locally made weapons.

In another accident that took place at Dargyizar Taung Muslim village, 19 attackers were killed as around 20 errant villagers targeted the troops during the clearance operation.

Later the troops found the bodies of three more attackers in the operation nearby Gwason and Dargyizar Taung villages. Over 50 houses in Gwason and 60 in Dargyizar Taung village were damaged as the attackers set the houses on fire, claimed the authority.

The Myanmar Government on Sunday officially informed that fierce gun battles continued in Rakhine, where the security forces were conducting counter-insurgency operations since nine police officers were killed in an attack on Bangladesh bordering locality last month.
The more than 700 Karen protesters said that the lifting of sanctions on Burma by the US government was too soon considering the worsening political situation in ethnic areas and the ongoing human rights violations taking place in conflict affected areas.

Karen people from as many as 18 States including Washington, California, Pennsylvania, Georgia, Texas, North Carolina, Minnesota, Indiana, Wisconsin, Illinois, New York and Ohio joined together to protest.

Saw Day Lay Htoo, one of the leaders of the demonstration told Karen News that it is too early to trust the Burma government.

Although there have not been any improvement in Burma, the US government has withdrawn sanctions imposed on Burma  it is beneficial only to the authorities, Saw Day Lay Htoo said.

We have been worried that the Burmese government would take advantage of it. The peace process implemented by the new government has yet to produce any significant developments and yet there are still human rights violations in the regions of ethnic people, the international community, including US government should not totally put their trust in the Burmese government.

The Karen protesters shouted slogans such as stop human rights violation, withdraw government troops from ethnic areas, stop the dam projects and reconsider the withdrawal of sanctions imposed on Burmese government. The protesters urged the international community to realize the real situation in Burma and to ban the sale of arms and ammunition to its government.

Saw Te Nee from North Carolina said, The aims of the demonstration was very good. However, some people were not able to participate due to their busy schedule at work. They need to have a better communication for future demonstrations.

The demonstration was held by US based Karen ethnic people worried about the lifting of sanctions imposed on Burma by the US president Barack Obama when Daw Aung San Suu Kyi visited the US in September.

60 days after the withdrawal of the sanctions, the US government has offered a special trade privilege status to Burma and has started buying fishery products, finished wood, jewelry  a total of 500 different goods.

Because of the civil war in Burma, over 70,000 Karen people resettled in the US through refugee camps along Thai-Burma borders.
Myanmar Journalist Association (MJA), Myanmar Journalist Network (MJN), Myanmar Journal Union (MJU), Myanmar Media Lawyers Network (MNLN) and Burma News International (BNI) released the statement on Sunday [November 13], calling on the Yangon Regions Chief Minister U Phyo Min Thein, who filed a complaint against the Eleven Media Group CEO Dr.Than Htut Aung and Chief Editor Ko Wai Phyo under Article 66 (d) of Burmas Telecommunications Law, to solve the case in accordance with the media law.

On November 9, U Phyo Min Thein said at a press conference, I have sued Dr. Than Htut Aung and Eleven Media Group under Article 66 (d) for their Facebook post. I am also preparing to take legal proceedings against them for their newspaper publication, referring to an editorial written by Dr. Than Htut Aung.

The editorial was featured in the November 6 issue of Eleven Medias daily newspaper, with the headline reading A Year After the November 8 Poll and stated many citizens, whose minimum daily wage is USD 2.50 are not satisfied with the news that a chief minister, whose monthly salary is only around USD 2,500, wears a Patek Philiphee watch worth about USD 100,000.

The five Burmese media organizations statement reported that charging the Eleven Media Group with the Telecommunication Law article 66 (d) was the Yangon Region Chief Minister turning a blind eye on the countrys media law and the press council as well as stopping the freedom of expression.

The statement went on to claim that charging them will damage the dignity of the government led by the National League for Democracy (NLD), the party whom the people elected. Especially, since the Yangon Region Government of the NLD is using an article employed by the previous government.

Legal Aid Network also released a statement on November 11, stating that it was a mistake to charge the Eleven Media Group under the telecommunication law. The Eleven Media Groups role is to communicate to the public. Thus, the Yangon Region government should not charge them with telecommunication law, but it could press charges under media law if necessary.

Likewise, PEN Myanmar, Asian News Network and Committee to Protect Journalists, respectively, released statements calling for the removal of charges against the Eleven Media Group CEO Dr. Than Htut Aung and Chief Editor Ko Wai Phyo.

Eleven Media Group have agreed to cooperate with the investigation, under the proviso that it is a transparent and fair process.

In order for media organizations to report ethically and to solve the media conflict, media law and the media conduct of ethics were passed  and the press council was also founded.

Article 66 (d) of Telecommunications Law was passed in 2013, and since passing the law, 7 people were charged with the article. And, during the current governments last 7 months in office, 29 cases were charged with article 66 (d).
MIND Diet: Benefits, Foods To Eat And Meal Plan Diet Fitness oi-Amritha K

The Mediterranean-DASH Intervention for Neurodegenerative Delay diet, or more commonly, the MIND diet, is the combination of the DASH diet and the Mediterranean diet. The fairly new diet focuses on the top brain-healthy foods emphasized by both the Mediterranean and DASH diets - leafy greens and other vegetables, berries, nuts and beans, whole grains, fish, poultry, olive oil, and wine [1] .

Developed by Martha Clare Morris, a nutritional epidemiologist and her team at Rush University Medical Center in Chicago, the MIND diet is gaining popularity due to the positive impact it has on improving one's cognitive function and reducing the risks of Alzheimer's disease [2] .

The MIND diet was developed with the aim of reducing dementia and the decline in brain health that often occurs as people get older. By combining the aspects of both the diet types, the MIND diet is asserted to be beneficial in lowering blood pressure and the risk of heart disease, diabetes and several other diseases [3] . Although both the diets separately have various health benefits for the human body, it did not have any significant impact on the cognitive functioning of individuals.

Therefore, researchers came together with the intention of creating a diet specifically to help improve brain function and prevent dementia. With both of the diet plans being based on whole foods, the MIND diet has low sodium, added sugar, and refined grains content. It is also low in highly processed foods, including sugary beverages, fast foods, and fried foods [4] .

The MIND diet does not possess any daily calorie limit or goal and does not require consuming meals on specific timings. The diet possesses a sense of freedom, which the individual can enjoy while improving their physical and mental health [5] , [6] . One of the best parts about the MIND diet is that it does not require you to completely give up your snacking habits or your favourite type of foods as the diet is encompassed of almost all varieties of foods. The diet focuses on increasing one's consumption of food that can improve the cognitive function and reduce the intake of food that can hamper your brain's performance and health.

The healthy diet plan encourages people to consume more of natural foods and limiting their intake of red meat and unhealthy fats [3] . Religiously following the diet is one of the easiest ways to keep your brain young and healthy and not be affected by the signs and symptoms of ageing and other factors.

Foods To Eat

The types of food encouraged by the MIND diet are as follows [7] :

Green, leafy vegetables: Such as kale, broccoli, spinach, or collards. Try to incorporate six or more servings per week.

Other vegetables: Chose non-starchy vegetables, due to the high nutritional value and low calories. At least one serving per day.

Berries: Include berries like strawberries, blueberries, raspberries and blackberries (antioxidants). Eat berries at least twice a week.

Nuts: The diet does not specify the type of nuts to be consumed; so feel free to include the different varieties of nuts into your diet. Try to have five servings of nuts or more each week.

Whole grains: Incorporate whole grains like oatmeal, quinoa, brown rice, whole-wheat pasta and 100% whole-wheat bread. Have at least three servings daily.

Beans: Include all the varieties of beans such as lentils, soybeans, mung beans etc. Have beans at least four times every week.

Poultry: Eat chicken at least twice a week. You can have turkey also. But, fried chicken is not encouraged on the MIND diet.

Fish: Choose fatty fish like salmon, sardines, trout, tuna and mackerel; due to the presence of high amounts of omega-3 fatty acids. Eat fish at least once a week.

Wine: Drink red wine as its red wine compound resveratrol help protect your brain against Alzheimer's disease. Have no more than one glass daily.

Olive oil: Use olive oil as your main cooking oil.

Foods To Avoid

The MIND diet requires reducing and limiting the consumption of the following foods [7] :

Cheese: Limit your cheese consumption to three-four times a month.

Butter and margarine: Use olive oil instead of butter while cooking. Try to eat less than 1 tablespoon daily.

Fried foods: Limit your consumption to three-four times a month.

Pastries and sweets: Limit the consumption to no more than four times a week. Avoid processed foods and desserts like ice creams, brownies, cookies, doughnuts, candy etc.

Red meat: Reduce your consumption of beef, pork, lamb and products made from these meats. And limit your consumption to no more than three servings each week.

Benefits Of The MIND Diet

Since its debut in 2015, the diet plan has been very successful in slowing down cognitive decline in healthy older adults. A recent study conducted on the impact of the MIND diet pointed out that individuals who strictly follow the diet functioned as if they were 7.5 years younger than those who did not follow it [8] .

Let's take a look into the amazing health benefits possessed by the MIND diet apart from its ability to reduce cognitive function decline [9] , [10] , [11] , [12] .

1. Prevents cognitive decline

While discussing the benefits possessed by the MIND diet, it is necessary to point out the impact it has in preventing cognitive decline and reducing your risk of dementia and Alzheimer's. Various studies have been conducted on exploring the impact of the MIND diet and one's cognition and have pointed out that it can improve brain function and performance.

2. Enhances cognitive function

As aforementioned, the MIND diet focuses on one's cognitive skills and not only does it prevent the decline but also help enhance one's cognitive function. Studies revealed that individuals who follow the MIND diet have better memory and perceptual speed in comparison to others.

With an abundance of green leafy vegetables incorporated in the diet, the ample amount of vitamin E, folate, carotenoids and flavonoids help improve the functioning of your brain. Likewise, the berries in the diet aid in improving memory and learning abilities due to their antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties.

3. Aids weight loss

One of the other major benefits of the MIND diet is that it supports healthy weight loss and management. As the diet encourages the consumption of more whole, fresh and unprocessed foods such as whole grains, beans, fish, greens, and olive oil; it eliminates the build-up of unwanted fat. Following a healthy diet also contribute towards healthy weight loss as the calorie intake is limited.

The MIND diet is asserted to contribute towards fat burning and increased metabolism; another factor pointing towards healthy weight loss.

4. Balances cholesterol levels

By limiting your consumption of unhealthy fats, MIND diet can limit the build-up of low-density lipoprotein (LDL). The build-up can cause damage to your arteries and increase the bad cholesterol levels. By replacing unhealthy options with healthier ones (olive oil instead of butter), the diet help keep your cholesterol levels under control [13] .

5. Fights cancer

Packed with plenty of vegetables and legumes, berries, unsaturated fats like olive oil, fatty fish, and limited amounts of meat, the MIND diet is asserted to be beneficial in fighting certain types of cancer. Studies point out that the diet prescribed by oncologists to individuals fighting cancer has very close similarities to that of the MIND diet.

6. Prevents diabetes

An amalgam of the Mediterranean diet and the DASH diet, the MIND diet is a definite preventive act against diabetes. It helps prevent high blood sugar or insulin resistance, thereby limiting the risks of developing diabetes.

7. Improves mental health

Nutrition is essential for maintaining a balanced mood and ensuring a lasting feeling of wellness. The MIND diet can help develop, manage and prevent the onset of various mental health problems, including depression, attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, schizophrenia, and anxiety [14] .

8. Protects heart

Rich in nutrition and low in fat and calories, the MIND diet is a key towards improving your heart health and reducing the risks of heart disease. As the diet does not allow the accumulation of fat and unhealthy cholesterol, your heart can function well without any issues.

9. Reduces inflammation

The varieties of food incorporated in the MIND diet help control and reduce inflammation. By burning up the excess fat and removing the unwanted toxins from your body, the diet aids in reducing the inflammation caused by environmental toxins, stress and poor gut function [15] .

10. Promotes pain management

The MIND diet is beneficial for your body in so many different ways and one of it is the diet's ability to encourage healthy pain management. The diet functions by reducing the inflammation levels, which will directly cause the pain to reduce. Apart from this, the MIND diet is a good source of serotonin which helps increase your pain threshold [16] .

Sample 7-Day MIND Diet Meal Plan

In comparison to the different types of diet plans in existence, creating a MIND diet plan is not arduous. Take a look into the sample meal plan provided below [17] .

1st day - Monday

Breakfast: Greek yoghurt with strawberries, topped with sliced almonds.

Lunch: Mediterranean salad with olive-oil-based dressing, grilled chicken, whole-wheat bread.

Dinner: Brown rice with black beans, boiled vegetables and grilled chicken.

2nd day- Tuesday

Breakfast: Wheat toast with scrambled eggs.

Lunch: Grilled chicken sandwich with boiled carrots.

Dinner: Grilled salmon, side salad with olive-oil-based dressing, brown rice.

3rd day - Wednesday

Breakfast: Oatmeal with strawberries and hard-boiled eggs.

Lunch: Vegetable salad with black beans, red onion, corn and grilled chicken.

Dinner: Chicken and vegetable stir-fry and brown rice.

4th day - Thursday

Breakfast: Peanut butter and banana, with wheat toast.

Lunch: Baked fish (of your choice) and boiled vegetables.

Dinner: Whole-wheat pasta with meatballs and salad.

5th day - Friday

Breakfast: Wheat toast with scrambled eggs.

Lunch: Baked chicken and vegetable salad or stir-fry.

Dinner: Baked or oven roasted potato with fish.

6th day - Saturday

Breakfast: Oats with berries.

Lunch: Brown rice with baked fish and beans.

Dinner: Vegetable salsa with chicken and whole-wheat pita.

7th day - Sunday

Breakfast: Sliced apple with peanut butter and whole-wheat bread.

Lunch: Tuna salad sandwich on wheat bread, with carrots.

Dinner: Curry chicken, brown rice and lentils.

Healthy MIND Diet Recipes

1. Chocolate blueberry smoothie

Ingredients [18]

1 cup frozen blueberries

2 teaspoons cocoa powder

1 cup milk (of your choice)

 teaspoon vanilla extract

1 dash ground cinnamon

1 dash ground nutmeg

2 teaspoons maple syrup

Directions

Blend all ingredients together until smooth.

Strain through a fine-mesh strainer into a glass for a smoother texture.

Garnish with a few whole blueberries, and serve immediately.

2. No-sugar sesame cookies

Ingredients

1  cups whole wheat flour

 tsp baking soda

 tsp salt

 cup tahini

 cup olive oil

2/3 cup date paste

1/3 cup sesame seeds

Directions

Preheat oven to 350 C.

Combine the flour, baking soda, and salt in a large mixing bowl.

In a separate bowl, whisk together the date paste, tahini, and olive oil.

Mix the wet ingredients with the dry ones.

Put the dough in the fridge for 30 to 60 minutes.

Roll the dough into small balls.

Roll each ball into a bowl of sesame seeds.

Press the ball onto a parchment-lined baking sheet.

Bake cookies for 10 minutes.

Tips For Following The MIND Diet

Now that we have perused the different aspects of the diet, such as the types of food to eat and avoid and its benefits, let's take a look into some suggestions that will help you follow the MIND diet [19] , [20] .

Choose bread, cereals, and pasta that are made with whole grains.

Include a few meatless entrees each week such as lentil soup.

Choose fish, skinless poultry, or beans as the primary source of protein.

Keep frozen berries on hand.

Keep unsalted nuts with you, so that you may snack on it.

Eat a green salad most days of the week.

Side Effects Of MIND Diet

Consuming too much of brown rice or nuts can prevent successful weight loss.

Eating too much fish poses the risk of pollutants and toxin such as mercury and plastic residues entering your body [21] .

MIND Diet Vs Other Diets

MIND diet vs Mediterranean diet: The MIND diet is borrowed from the Mediterranean diet. The 'M' in MIND Diet stands for the Mediterranean. The MIND diet is more detail-oriented that the Mediterranean diet and favours specific types of fruits and vegetables over others.

The Mediterranean diet can be described as being less restrictive and focuses on holistic food patterns and lifestyle [22] . It does not just focus on the types of food consumed but also other factors such as the way of eating, physical activities, bodily response to food etc.

MIND diet vs DASH diet: Similar to that of the Mediterranean diet's involvement in the MIND diet, the DASH diet is a contributor to the MIND diet. The MIND diet follows the same principles of the DASH diet but with a few simple additions [23] . In comparison to the DASH diet, the MIND diet is freer and the people who follow it has a wider range of options to chose from.

DASH diet focuses on the portion size, eating a variety of foods and getting the right amount of nutrients and is centralised on lowering your blood pressure. Whereas MIND diet focuses on cognitive decline and repair [24] .

MIND diet vs Paleo diet: In comparison to the MIND diet, Paleo diet is less healthy. The MIND diet aims at lifelong health with its rich nutritional content [25] . The protein-related modification in the Paleo diet, that is, the reduction of protein intake poses as a bit of a drawback.

MIND diet vs Keto diet: The ketogenic diet is extremely low in carbohydrates, which is one of the major drawbacks of it. Keto diet encourages only 20 per carbohydrate consumption per day, which is less than an apple. Although it has several benefits accorded to it, the MIND diet is increasingly better when compared to that of the Keto diet [26] .

View Article References [1] Morris, M. C., Tangney, C. C., Wang, Y., Sacks, F. M., Bennett, D. A., & Aggarwal, N. T. (2015). MIND diet associated with reduced incidence of Alzheimer's disease.Alzheimer's & Dementia,11(9), 1007-1014. [2] Morris, M. C., Tangney, C. C., Wang, Y., Sacks, F. M., Barnes, L. L., Bennett, D. A., & Aggarwal, N. T. (2015). MIND diet slows cognitive decline with aging.Alzheimer's & dementia,11(9), 1015-1022. [3] Morris, M. C., Tangney, C. C., Wang, Y., Barnes, L. L., Bennett, D., & Aggarwal, N. (2014). MIND diet score more predictive than DASH or Mediterranean diet scores.Alzheimer's & Dementia: The Journal of the Alzheimer's Association,10(4), P166. [4] Rogers, P. J. (2001). A healthy body, a healthy mind: long-term impact of diet on mood and cognitive function.Proceedings of the Nutrition Society,60(1), 135-143. [5] Berendsen, A. M., Kang, J. H., Feskens, E. J. M., de Groot, C. P. G. M., Grodstein, F., & Van de Rest, O. (2018). Association of long-term adherence to the mind diet with cognitive function and cognitive decline in American women.The journal of nutrition, health & aging,22(2), 222-229. [6] Darabi, A., Pourafshar, S., Suryavanshi, R., & Arrington, T. L. (2016). Comparison of three instructional strategies in food and nutrition education: developing a diet plan for a diabetic case.International Journal of Science Education,38(7), 1197-1211. [7] Aleksandrova, K., Pounis, G., & di Giuseppe, R. (2019). Diet, Healthy Aging, and Cognitive Function. InAnalysis in Nutrition Research(pp. 321-336). Academic Press. [8] Crum, A. J., & Langer, E. J. (2007). Mind-set matters: Exercise and the placebo effect.Psychological Science,18(2), 165-171. [9] Kris-Etherton, P., Eckel, R. H., Howard, B. V., St. Jeor, S., & Bazzarre, T. L. (2001). Lyon diet heart study: benefits of a Mediterranean-Style, National Cholesterol Education Program/American Heart Association Step I dietary pattern on cardiovascular disease.Circulation,103(13), 1823-1825. [10] O'Dea, J. A. (2003). Why do kids eat healthful food? Perceived benefits of and barriers to healthful eating and physical activity among children and adolescents.Journal of the American Dietetic Association,103(4), 497-501. [11] Hoover, H. C., Ryan, J. A., Anderson, E. J., & Fischer, J. E. (1980). Nutritional benefits of immediate postoperative jejunal feeding of an elemental diet.The American Journal of Surgery,139(1), 153-159. [12] Ulbricht, T. L. V., & Southgate, D. A. T. (1991). Coronary heart disease: seven dietary factors.The lancet,338(8773), 985-992. [13] Schelke, M. W., Hackett, K., Chen, J. L., Shih, C., Shum, J., Montgomery, M. E., ... & Isaacson, R. S. (2016). Nutritional interventions for Alzheimer's prevention: a clinical precision medicine approach.Annals of the New York Academy of Sciences,1367(1), 50-56. [14] Fresan, U., Bes-Rastrollo, M., Segovia-Siapco, G., Sanchez-Villegas, A., Lahortiga, F., de la Rosa, P. A., & Martinez-Gonzalez, M. A. (2018). Does the MIND diet decrease depression risk? A comparison with Mediterranean diet in the SUN cohort.European journal of nutrition, 1-12. [15] Abbatecola, A. M., Russo, M., & Barbieri, M. (2018). Dietary patterns and cognition in older persons.Current Opinion in Clinical Nutrition & Metabolic Care,21(1), 10-13. [16] Solfrizzi, V., Custodero, C., Lozupone, M., Imbimbo, B. P., Valiani, V., Agosti, P., ... & Guerra, V. (2017). Relationships of dietary patterns, foods, and micro-and macronutrients with Alzheimers disease and late-life cognitive disorders: A systematic review.Journal of Alzheimer's Disease,59(3), 815-849. [17] Aridi, Y., Walker, J., & Wright, O. (2017). The association between the Mediterranean dietary pattern and cognitive health: a systematic review.Nutrients,9(7), 674. [18] Alban, D. (2019, 21 March). The MIND Diet: How to Eat for a Healthy Mind (+ 42 Recipes). Be Brain Fit. Retrieved from, https://bebrainfit.com/mind-diet-recipes/ [19] Kivipelto, M., Mangialasche, F., & Ngandu, T. (2018). Lifestyle interventions to prevent cognitive impairment, dementia and Alzheimer disease.Nature Reviews Neurology, 1. [20] Walters, M., Hackett, K., Caesar, E., Isaacson, R., & Mosconi, L. (2017). Role of Nutrition to Promote Healthy Brain Aging and Reduce Risk of Alzheimers Disease.Current Nutrition Reports,6(2), 63-71. [21] Willett, W. (2017).Eat, drink, and be healthy: the Harvard Medical School guide to healthy eating. Simon and Schuster. [22] Catalano, D., Trovato, G. M., Pace, P., Martines, G. F., & Trovato, F. M. (2013). Mediterranean diet and physical activity: an intervention study. Does olive oil exercise the body through the mind?.International journal of cardiology,168(4), 4408-4409. [23] McEvoy, C. T., Guyer, H., Langa, K. M., & Yaffe, K. (2017). Neuroprotective diets are associated with better cognitive function: the health and retirement study.Journal of the American Geriatrics Society,65(8), 1857-1862. [24] Cordain, L. (2010).The Paleo Diet revised: lose weight and get healthy by eating the foods you were designed to eat. Houghton Mifflin Harcourt. [25] STACK, C. A. (2017). The Keto Diet: What Is It and Is It Right For You? Leave a Reply.Nutrition,1, 27. [26] Mitch, W. E., Walser, M., Steinman, T. I., Hill, S., Zeger, S., & Tungsanga, K. (1984). The effect of a keto acidamino acid supplement to a restricted diet on the progression of chronic renal failure. New England Journal of Medicine, 311(10), 623-629.
Several Nebraskans recently returned from a trade mission to China, including Gage Countys economic development leader.

Walker Zulkoski, executive director of the NGage economic development group, went on the trade mission with Gov. Pete Ricketts and other Nebraskans.

The group visited several businesses, but Zulkoski said a highlight was seeing where one of Beatrices businesses hails from.

Worldlawn Power Equipment bought Encore Manufacturing five years ago, and Zulkoski visited the Beatrice manufacturers parent company on the trip.

The main reason we wanted to make sure we got to Worldlawn headquarters was to say thank you, Zulkoski said. (Business retention and expansions) are really important to maintaining your employers It looked well for our community and looked well for the state. It was awesome to get over there and say thank you and make sure they know we got their back here.

Zulkoski visited the companys headquarters in Danyang, Jiangsu during the trip.

Worldlawn moved its operation from California to Beatrice, a move that ultimately brought jobs to Gage County. The company kept the Encore name but incorporated Worldlawns brand into it.

JiangSu World Group, Worldlawns parent company, purchased the local business Encore Manufacturing in March 2011 and moved Worldlawn to Beatrice. At the time of purchase Encore employed two full-time workers and five part time employees and its manufacturing had stalled.

Today, Worldlawn has grown in the area and recently purchased a 274,000-square-foot facility in north Beatrice, formerly used by Husqvarna, to house an expansion.

As they were kind of putting together the schedule, Worldlawn, with the building acquisition, we wanted to make sure we were on their radar and we said thank you for purchasing the building, Zulkoski said. Hopefully it continues to spur their investment in Beatrice.

Ultimately, he said the trip was about building relationships, which he felt was accomplished.

My main thing is thats its an awesome company, he said. Maybe Beatrice people were leery to say Who is this Chinese company that bought encore? I dont know if people knew the capacity that these folks have. Being over there, I think everyones minds were blown how big and well run of a company it is.

Its important for us to be at the table and important to put Beatrice on the map when you can go on trade mission like that and play a significant role in it.
Governor McCrory provides an update from Bat Cave Volunteer Fire Department in Henderson County

Contact: Crystal Feldman

Crystal Feldman govpress@nc.gov

Bat Cave, N.C. Governor Pat McCrory announced today that the state is offering a reward of up to $10,000 to be issued to anyone who provides information leading to the arrest and conviction of the person or persons who are responsible for setting wildfires in western North Carolina. More than 46,000 acres have been burned by wildfires throughout the region, many of which are believed to have been man-made.said Governor McCrory.Anyone having information concerning these wildfires should contact Macon County Crimestoppers at 828-349-2600 or Jackson County Crimestoppers at 828-631-1125.Speaking from the Bat Cave Volunteer Fire Department in Henderson County, Governor McCrory stressed that while wildfires may have been started by people, dry conditions are causing fires to spread so people throughout western North Carolina need to continue taking steps to prevent wildfires. He also expressed concern about air quality throughout western and central North Carolina.Areas across the mountains could see sustained winds of 20-35 MPH with gusts of 30-50 MPH Saturday morning through Sunday evening. Gusty winds and lack of moisture will increase the threat of wildfires spreading across western North Carolina, as dry weather looks to continue across the state through the middle of next week. Drought conditions continue to spread eastward, and almost half of the state is classified under drought conditions or considered abnormally dry.The governor announced that the State Emergency Operations Center has been activated with the primary mission of providing and managing resources for the NC Forest Service. In addition, the western NC Emergency Management Regional Coordinating Center in Conover has also been activated. Emergency management and fire personnel are working to address Governor McCrory's top priorities of safety, protecting structures, containment and controlling costs.More than 2,100 active personnel are now involved fighting fires which have burned more than 46,700 acres and threatened 1,800 structures. The Party Rock Fire in Rutherford County remains the No. 2 priority fire in the nation, forcing evacuations in Rutherford and Henderson Counties. One shelter is open in Henderson County.A stretch of Highway 74-A leading into Chimney Rock Village from the north and south remains closed. Highway 9 was closed yesterday from the intersection at Highway 74-A in Bat Cave north to Shumont Road.In support of the U.S. Forest Service, N.C. Emergency Management's Helo-Aquatic Rescue Team has deployed a N.C. National Guard Blackhawk helicopter to be on standby, along with local rescue technicians to perform any rescues necessary from wildfire fighting operations.The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) has approved Governor McCrory's request for financial assistance through Fire Management Assistance Grants which allow FEMA to pay for 75 percent of the emergency protective measures taken in fighting the fires including expenses for field camps; equipment use, repair and replacement; tools, materials and supplies; and mobilization and demobilization activities.
The camera loved Ben Steele, but then who didnt?

Illinois filmmaker Jan Thompson first met Steele  survivor of the Bataan Death March, artist and educator  in the 1990s, when she was working on films about prisoners of war. There were other former POW's she was using as subjects for her films, but Steele always stole the limelight with his humor and authenticity, Thompson said.

Ben was that remarkable individual whos an ordinary guy, but hes the epitome of what an American is, Thompson said. Im hoping that I am successful with this film to portray him like he was, a genuine man.

Steele died in September before Thompsons latest documentary film, Survival Through Art, was finished. It will premiere on Saturday, Nov. 19, in celebration of Steeles 99th birthday, which was Nov. 17.

Steeles daughter Julie Jorgenson was already working with Thompson to have the film completed in time to show to Steele and his family on his birthday. As Steeles health began to decline in late summer, Jorgenson asked Thompson to allow Steele to see the finished segments of the film.

I showed him the first two parts. He loved it. Its very exciting to see it on his birthday, Jorgenson said.

Survival Through Art, a 64-minute film, will be shown at 6:30 p.m. in the Montana State University Billings Library, room 148, just down the hall from where Steele taught art for more than two decades.

As a special fundraiser for the Shirley and Ben Steele Scholarship Endowment, 99 people will be able to see the documentary for the admission price of $99. The money will make $1,000 scholarships available, which is double previous amount awarded to students. For tickets, call 657-2244.

The other seats in the lecture hall will be taken up by Steeles extended family, friends and filmmakers, Jorgenson said.

Its actually hard to explain, but his story keeps going on and on, she said.

There are so many layers to Steeles life, Thompson and Jorgenson both said. He grew up on his familys ranch in Musselshell County, not far from where Jorgenson now lives. Steele was inspired to become an artist when he watched cowboy artist Will James draw sketches in downtown Billings at a glass shop where Steele worked. After the war, Steele returned to Montana to teach art.

Thompson said Steele asked her in 2014 to help put a book together featuring his artwork. Thompson, who teaches filmmaking at Southern Illinois University, thought a film would do a better job at conveying the various layers to his life. Thompson went $30,000 in debt to get the film made, but considered it a privilege to tell Steeles story.

We are put on this earth and we have to choose our paths. We are all going to get knocked down, but its all in how you get back up. Ben knew how to do that. His sense of humor was equal to none.

Thompson received two grants from Humanities Montana to help fund the film. She is also putting together crowdfunding pitches in coming months to allow her to do more fine tuning on the documentary before she starts to promotes it to television. Thompson also plans to make it available to purchase.

At least one Steele fan didnt ask for compensation to help with Survival Through Art.

Alec Baldwin read Tears in the Darkness and he emailed Ben. He said, You probably dont know who I am, but Ill never complain again, Thompson said.

That was a few years ago and ever since Baldwin has stepped up to help Thompson on her film projects depicting POW's.

Our connection was through Ben, she said. Alec was devastated to hear Ben had passed.

Thompson wants to express a message of hope through her film because Steele exuded such a positive attitude.

Hes the perfect role model for reconciliation, Thompson said.
She was born Neltje Doubleday, heiress to Doubleday Publishing, but for most of her life she preferred to go by just Neltje as she established her career in abstract painting in Wyoming.

At age 82, Neltje is still painting and has just published a memoir depicting her unconventional and colorful life. She will be in Billings at the Yellowstone Art Museum to read from her book, North of Crazy, a Memoir, on Nov. 18 from 5:30 to 7 p.m.

The 274-page book tells the story of Neltjes opulent childhood growing up in a mansion on Long Island with holiday trips to the family plantation in South Carolina.

Neltje writes of a sexual predator taking advantage of her when she was 9 years old and the scars left by her own broken marriage. She is brutally honest throughout the book.

In her prologue, Neltje writes of a hike up Crazy Woman Creek near her Piney Creek, Wyo., home outside Sheridan. After shedding her clothes, she dove into the water.

I let out a howl. I am damned glad to be alive. I am seventy-eight years old and not proud of every moment.

The book conveys the power of living in the moment. In a recent telephone interview with The Billings Gazette, Neltje spoke of following her heart, not always her head.

It never occurred to me to plan ahead and know what I was going to do. My mind doesnt work that way. I decide I want to do something and I just do it, Neltje said.

Having family money helped her re-invent her life in Wyoming in the 1960s. Neltje is a revered artist and arts supporter in Wyoming, where she received the Wyoming Governors Art Award in 2005.

Since the memoir was published earlier this year by St. Martins Press, Neltje has been traveling the country doing book signings and celebrating its release, including a recent celebration with her children in New York.

She opens the book with a fishing trip in 1940 at the familys plantation, Bonny Hall, in Yemassee, S.C. The family also had an estate on Long Island called Barberries. Even thought her lifestyle has been described as "Gatsby-like," Neltje writes about being raised by nannies and longing for love from her parents, Nelson and Ellen Doubleday, who Neltje said were alcoholics.

Neltje married at 18 and for many years lived the life of a socialite wife, entertaining at martini-fueled parties. One night, Theodore Roethke slept in their bathtub and during a manic bender held a knife to Neltjes throat. W. Somerset Maugham offered her advice on sex in marriage and other writers, artists and friends, including Oskar Kokoschka, a contemporary of Picasso, and Raoul Fleishman, co-founder of the New Yorker, were regulars at the family estate.

When her two children were 5 and 7 years old, Neltje left her husband, John Sargent, and fled to Wyoming, where her kids attended a two-room schoolhouse.

She said she wanted to write her story because when she has led an interesting life that has included both pain and liberation.

The book enabled me and forced me to go into the past, not in a cursive way but in depth. What was important to me was to meander through my life in writing this book, touch on events that mattered a great deal to me and events that tickled my soul.

Neltje has shown her large abstract expressionist paintings throughout the country, and the YAM has hosted several solo exhibitions featuring her work. Two of Neltjes paintings are in the YAMs permanent collection. She continues to paint on even larger canvases, 10 feet by 30 feet long, evoking her emotional response to the natural world.

Neltje said she is enjoying the book tour because it gives her a chance to engage with people.

The people that responded to me I have laughed with and gone out to dinner with them. One of them was a massage therapist, a remarkable woman. There was a guy who interviewed me at a book festival in Austin who was a gentle, funny soul.

Neltje said the time felt right to tell her story. She struggled for decades to put behind her the sexual assault committed by a pilot who later died in World War II. She has reached out to help other women who were sexually abused by volunteering at a womens center in Sheridan, Wyo. Neltje feels that telling her story may help give relief to women who have been victimized.

There are women all over the world who cant say a word who are abused, sexually and physically. And they are learning that they can get out, that they are not bad people, and what happened to them was not their fault, Neltje said.

The memoir is a powerful reminder that we have choices in life.
Understanding the causes of deadly outbreaks of pneumonia in Montana bighorn sheep herds seems to be getting more complicated the more that scientists delve into the subject.

The bottom line is there is still a lot we dont know, but we know more than we used to, Jennifer Ramsey, a Montana Fish, Wildlife and Parks veterinarian, told the Fish and Wildlife Commission during its monthly meeting on Thursday.

Complications in testing live bighorns and identifying the bacteria present make collecting even baseline data difficult, she said.

Despite the discouraging tone of her report to the commission  and her acknowledgement that in the past FWP has likely moved infected bighorns across the state and to other states  the group authorized the transfer of 30 to 45 bighorn sheep from the southern portion of the Missouri River Breaks to the Sheep Creek area and Beartooth Wildlife Management Area between Helena and Great Falls.

Another risk is high population density, which can trigger disease outbreaks, said John Vore, Game Management Bureau chief, in explaining the reasoning behind de-populating the Hunting District 482 herd.

The population of the herd in HD 482 is over the departments objective of 292 to 358 animals. At last count the herd numbered 482. Population objectives are not necessarily based on what the habitat can support, but can also focus on surrounding landowners tolerance. Attempts to lower the herd numbers by hunting have not been effective.

There is a risk of introducing some new pathogen, Vore said, but 21 sheep from HD 482 were moved to the wildlife management area two years ago without any apparent problem.

Bighorn sheep populations, valued by hunters as a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity and by wildlife watchers because of their approachability and the rams impressive horns, seem in a constant struggle to avoid deadly disease outbreaks. A pneumonia thats been traced to domestic sheep is the most common cause of sheep die-offs. As a result, FWP has worked to keep the animals separated, even killing bighorns that get to close to domestic sheep and avoiding reintroducing sheep to areas where domestic sheep are close by.

Ramsey said the disease outbreaks are a serious challenge to restoration efforts. In 2015 the Fish and Wildlife Commission authorized a hunt to remove all of the bighorn sheep from the Tendoy Mountains in southwestern Montana because the animals were failing to thrive despite augmentation from other herds. Before that, FWP has authorized wardens to kill infected bighorn sheep in an attempt to halt the spread of disease.

Pasteurella bacteria are commonly found in bighorn sheep that have died, but several species and strains of the bacteria are found during outbreaks, and some healthy bighorns carry Pasteurella. So a newer theory is that the presence of Mycoplasma ovipneumoniae may damage the bighorns lungs, making them more susceptible to pneumonia.

So it gets really complicated really quick, Ramsey said.

In collecting baseline data from Montana herds of bighorn sheep and mountain goats, Ramsey said nasal and tonsil swabs are taken along with blood drawn for testing. One theory is that selenium, a trace mineral, may impart some immunity. The animals are also examined for other diseases and parasites.

But Ramsey said the current methods used to test for certain bacteria, by growing cultures in a lab, arent very good, meaning theres a low probability for detection for bacteria  a 10 percent chance  further hampering researchers.

Were trying to do a better job of banking samples, so if another test is developed we can take advantage of that, she said.

Until then, she cant be certain that when bighorn sheep are transplanted they arent carrying bacteria that could prove deadly to the home herd.

We are moving infected sheep most likely, but at the time we didnt know, she said.

The questions surrounding bighorn sheep have sportsmen questioning the integrity of our herds, said commission chairman Dan Vermillion. How much more damage can be done? It seems like we have some serious limitations on what we can do.


An internet imagery.

BEIJING (PTI): China's spacecraft Shenzhou-11, carrying two taikonauts separated from orbiting experimental space lab Tiangong-2 on Thursday as they prepared for their journey to return to earth after a month's stay in space, the longest by Chinese astronauts.



The separation marks the beginning of the journey home for the two men, Jing Haipeng and Chen Dong, having lived and worked in Tiangong-2 for 30 days, the longest stay in space by Chinese astronauts.



Before the separation, the astronauts thanked their ground team and to everyone who had supported China's space programme, state-run Xinhua news agency reported.



After the separation, Shenzhou-11 will remain at a point near the space lab before they are given signal by the ground team to embark on their return journey.



Around one day later, the re-entry module will descend from an orbit about 393 kilometers above Earth, a true test to its re-entry system as it has to withstand heavy friction on its outer surface.



However Tiangong-2, which is the second experimental space lab will remain in its orbit and remote experiments will continue until it docks with Tianzhou-1, China's first cargo spacecraft, which is set to be launched in April 2017.



The Chinese astronauts entered the space lab on October 19 after their spacecraft which was launched a day before successfully docked with the orbiting experimental space station.



The rendezvous between the spacecraft and lab took place over 393 kilometres above Earth. The space lab was launched as part of efforts to set up its own manned space station by 2022, which will make it the only the country to have such a facility in service as the current in-service International Space Station (ISS) retires by 2024.



During their stay they carried out medical experiments, space science experiments and in-orbit maintenance with human participation.



They were also tasked to undertake ultrasound tests during space travel for the first time, cultivate plants in space, and test the three winners of an experiment design competition run in Hong Kong for secondary school students.



Before they winded up their mission, the astronauts spoke about their life in the space station.



Jing who is the senior of the two said: "During these 30 days, after work we look out through the porthole to see the landscape and view the world. When the spaceship is over China, we two feel especially excited."



Chen Dong said: "I feel a bit reluctant to depart but I also feel happy and thrilled. I feel reluctant because soon we will be leaving Tiangong-2, where we have lived and worked for 30 days. It is like our home in space so I still have a sense of reluctance and attachment. I feel happy and thrilled because we are getting back to our "big family" soon."



Jing said before leaving the space lab some preparatory work like recovering experimental data, cleaning up the compartment and setting up the conditions needed to be done.



He said most of the experiments have been completed and some data transmitted back to Earth.



"The rest is saved on memory cards to be taken back to earth due to the large size of the data set. Vegetables grown in space and the silkworm cocoons will also be brought back.



Urine and saliva samples, as well as microorganisms sampled before leaving orbit will also be brought back onto the ground for analysis," he said.



Chen said one of the tasks for moving out of the lab is compartment clean-up and packing.



"When we entered Tiangong-2, we moved many things in including our necessities and experimental items, in all sizes. The bicycle which we use to exercise was unfolded in orbit," he said.



"That was equal to decorating a home in space. Now we are moving back to Earth and need to put some items back where they should be. Some items need binding while aboard Tiangong and the work is time-consuming," he said.



Chen said packing in space is strenuous.



"Both people and ropes are floating. When one end is tied, the other end of the rope flies. But carelessness is not allowed in packing. There are clear requirements on how an item should be packed, including what a packed item should look like, where it should be placed, and even whether an item should be wrapped horizontally or slantwise," he said.



Meanwhile, Jing said, "We need to sweep Tiangong clean before leaving and take away items that should be taken away; this is very important. Some trash, if left aboard Tiangong, will be dangerous. To make Tiangong's follow-up tasks possible, they must be taken away."



"Residual food waste, sanitary product waste, and some trash created during in-orbit experiments, including batteries and electrodes, will be packed and placed in the orbital compartment. The trash will then crash into the atmosphere and be destroyed together with the compartment," he said.



Different from throwing trashes into waste containers on Earth, we need to put them into compressed bags, similar to vacuum bags that are used to pack quilts at home. There is a valve in the centre and after the zipping we use a pump to remove the air," he added.



Chen said setting up the conditions before departure is similar to turning off the water and electricity before leaving a house for a long time.




An internet imagery.

NEW DELHI (PTI): India and the US on Thursday reviewed the entire gamut of projects under the Foreign Military Sales (FMS) route as both sides look at closing key projects including the purchase of M777 howitzers, the first deal for artillery guns since the Bofors scandal in 1980s.



Defence sources said that the deal for 145 American Ultra-Light Howitzers, costing about Rs 5,000, has recently been cleared by the Cabinet Committee on Security (CCS).



Vice Admiral Joseph Rixey, Director of Defense Security Cooperation Agency, met with his counterpart here at the Defence Ministry.



Sources said a number of key projects, including the one for 22 Predator Guardian drones, which is at an advanced stage of negotiations, were discussed besides other projects that have already been signed.



The visit comes ahead of a scheduled trip by US Defence Secretary of State Ashton Carter next month. However, sources indicated that the visit might be a tough one to make given the results of the US elections.



Rixey's visit was for the annual meeting to review defence acquisition and defence trade matters.



On the issue of M777, sources said India had sent a Letter of Request to the US government showing interest in buying the guns which will be deployed in high altitude areas in Arunachal Pradesh and Ladakh, bordering China.



The US had responded with a Letter of Acceptance (LOA) and the Defence Ministry had in June looked into the terms and conditions and approved it.



The offsets, under which BAE Systems, manufacturer of the gun, will invest about USD 200 million, will be pursued independently.



While 25 guns will come to India in a fly away condition, the rest will be assembled at the proposed Assembly Integration and Test facility for the weapon system in India in partnership with Mahindra.



The first two howitzers will be delivered within six months of the contract being inked, while rest will be delivered at the rate of two per month.



The howitzers that can be heli-lifted were first proposed to be bought from BAE about 10 years back.


Hey there, time traveller!

This article was published 18/11/2016 (2175 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current.

On the outside looking in, the New West Partnership Trade Agreement has been a thorn in Michael Leechs side for the past few years.

Reflecting on one missed opportunity in particular, the Brandon-based Leech Printing Ltd. owner laments the preferential treatment the agreement has provided its member provinces of British Columbia, Alberta and Saskatchewan.

The government of Saskatchewan wouldnt allow our work to be produced back in Manitoba through our (Brandon-based) plant, so that was an inhibitor, and in my opinion that was the primary problem.

File Owner Chris Warwaruk doles out some of the lager produced by Neepawas Farmery Estate Brewery during the second annual Brandon Beer Festival at the Victoria Inn in this April 2013 photo. Warwaruk says the New West Partnership Trade Agreement, which Manitoba joined on Thursday, has become a moot point for his company.

These concerns became a thing of the past on Thursday, when Progressive Conservative Premier Brian Pallister made good on an election promise and added Manitoba as a member of the New West Partnership Trade Agreement.

Its a positive move that will put Manitoban companies on an even footing with their competitors in provinces to the west, Leech said shortly after Pallister made the announcement.

I like open market competitiveness, he added. Id rather have an expanded market than one thats protected.

Earlier this year, Brandon Chamber of Commerce president Terry Burgess joined his colleagues in applauding the Tory pledge to sign onto the trade agreement.

They havent changed their tune, and on Thursday Burgess reflected on the days big announcement as a positive for not only Westman, but also the entire province.

Its something the chamber  was advocating for; us signing onto that particular agreement to ensure that any of our businesses who wanted to compete for business in other provinces, that we had a fair shot, he said, clarifying that it will have a particularly strong impact on those in the construction sector.

Most affected locally will be the larger companies that compete in broader markets for business, Burgess said  the Crane Steel Structures and Behlen Industries of the area.

While the New West trade deal might have sounded more attractive several months ago before oil took a nosedive and forced companies in Alberta to look elsewhere for work, Burgess maintains confidence that it will serve the area well into the long term.

It opens up our local markets to competitors from the other provinces, but I know our local businesses here feel very comfortable that they can compete with anyone coming into our marketplace, he explained.

Reflecting on Manitobas last few years outside of the New West trade deal as a time of lost opportunity, Brandon West Progressive Conservative MLA Reg Helwer said on Thursday that hes relieved to see those days of disadvantage come to a close.

We need to be part of this trade agreement, and we should be talking with and trading with our neighbours, he said, a sentiment his colleague in Brandon East shares.

It certainly allows, now, for a lot more trade back and forth, Brandon East PC MLA Len Isleifson said. Its just a great opportunity, and were just starting.

This idea of just starting is a point that would likely enthuse Farmery Estate Brewery owner Chris Warwaruk.

Based in Neepawa, Manitobas exclusion from New West trade deal initially made it fiscally impossible for the brewery to sell their product in Alberta.

It would have helped us last year, but in the end Alberta changed their promotion of it, Warwaruk explained, adding that, for his company anyway, New West has become a moot point.

Now, Farmery Estate Brewery wants to see Manitobas provincial government introduce a grant program similar to the ones in Alberta and other provinces, which bolster their local craft brewers in the marketplace.

I know the government is being selective of what theyre trying to promote locally, but I really think local craft beer could benefit Manitobans if we were supported, he said. Theres lots of room to grow the industry, here, and support it.

New West trade deal or otherwise, for Brandon-based Powell Construction Ltd., working in other provinces provides a lot of headaches, according to project manager Jessie Greenwood.

Between taxation and regulation differences between provinces, its simply easier to remain in Manitoba, Greenwood said, noting that about 90 per cent of their business remains within their home province.

As such, hes interested in seeing whether Manitoba joining the partnership will help clear up these sometimes muddy waters.

Consider Thursdays announcement as only the governments next step in hashing out these nuances, Helwer offered.

Its a big step to having that consistency, he said. We do try to work with other provinces and the States as well, but if youre not talking with them its hard to co-ordinate that legislation.

 tclarke@brandonsun.com

 Twitter: @TylerClarkePA
Hey there, time traveller!

This article was published 18/11/2016 (2175 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current.

The first town hall meeting seeking public input on Brandon Universitys Sexualized Violence Policy made clear the challenging task ahead of the committee that drafted it.

Carla Navid, BUs sexual violence education and prevention co-ordinator, and three members of the universitys sexual assault advisory group (SAAG) fielded questions from an audience of students and faculty Thursday afternoon inquiring about the effectiveness of the draft policy.

In response to many questions, SAAG members admitted they wrestled with the same concerns and are holding public consultations to ensure all voices are heard.

Tim Smith/The Brandon Sun Carla Navid, sexual violence education and prevention co-ordinator with Brandon University, leads the first of three town hall meetings on the universitys new sexualized violence policy on Thursday.

Navid also acknowledged during the town hall a revised protocol, soon to be released, will describe how the university will respond to victim reports.

Joe Kruger, an anthropology student, said the policy document includes plenty of definitions but doesnt state how the university will address sexualized violence.

He referenced the known ramifications when a student cheats on an exam and suggested penalties should be specified in accusations of sexual violence.

I see a lot of language about balancing the rights of the accused, which, of course, is great, but it also seems more about protecting the university from litigation, he said.

In response, Navid said the policy document, released in November after months of deliberation, would inform the exact protocol. Currently, the universitys protocol on sexual assault considers students exclusively and does not reference other forms of sexual violence. The revised protocol, which Navid explained in an interview she completed last week, will address those shortcomings.

Ive just drafted it and Ive put it up to the committee, so thats hot off the presses, she said. They havent even had a chance to review it.

A new draft policy was recommended when it was discovered this spring that sexual assault victims were asked by BU to sign a contract promising they would not talk about what happened to anyone, except to counsellors.

The university, which faced a national backlash, apologized for mandating the behavioural contract.

Navid did not know when the updated protocol would be published, but she anticipates a similar process to this months reveal of the sexualized violence policy, where community input will be sought.

During the town hall, political science professor Kelly Saunders called describing the new policy survivor-centred is problematic.

It sort of presumes guilt right from the start rather than a focus on due process, Saunders said.

A committee member replied they wrestled with the right terminology. The policy document uses neutral terms like complainant instead of survivor or victim.

Highlighting a trauma-informed and survivor-centred approach may appear one-sided but Navid feels it acknowledges that institutions, like Canadas criminal justice system, have previously failed victims.

She said places like BU do not need to prove sexual violence happened beyond a reasonable doubt, like in the court system.

If we have evidence that this occurred then I think we have a responsibility to ensure that our members are safe.

The town hall also included questions of consent in romantic relationships between professors and students, and concerns on why it took months for a policy to be drafted after this springs scandal.

It scared students, Racheal Wu said, to realize how far behind the university was in addressing sexual assault.

Sharon Hopper, BUs chief human resources officer, stressed discussions were being held behind the scenes.

I think what happened with the incident is it really brought to our attention that my God, we need to put something better in place.

In addition to this months three town halls, focus groups have been sought and input can be submitted on the policy on the universitys website. Thoughts on the policy from members of the public is wanted, Navid said.

The board of governors is expected to receive an updated policy to review in January.

Paul ODriscoll, one of the estimated 30 people on the sexual assault advisory group, said that in 1981, his first year as director of residence hall programs, he successfully petitioned BUs board to place condom dispensers in mens washrooms.

I think the perception is were going slow (in this process) and it really wasnt very long ago that we were addressing the question of should we be providing condoms for our young men to purchase, ODriscoll said in an interview, so in a way maybe things havent moved as slowly as it seems.

He added he appreciates that students continually push for improvements in many facets, including in combatting sexual violence.

Universities are a great place to work because students keep things moving. And it can be difficult at times, but I think changes have occurred that are beneficial to our students.

The next town halls will be held on Monday at 2:40 p.m. at John E. Robbins Library and the next morning at 10:30 a.m. in the Education Building.

 ifroese@brandonsun.com

 Twitter: @ianfroese
Cloudiness in the Beaverhead River south of Dillon is causing consternation for anglers as the state investigates the issue.

This summer, for the third consecutive year, turbidity showed up in the river. Personnel from the state Department of Environmental Quality first saw it in early July. The sage-colored murkiness continued through the beginning of September.

The cloudiness started below Clark Canyon Reservoir and subsided as it moved downstream, said Lisa Peterson, DEQ spokesperson, via email. The turbid water has not been evident near Dillon.

The cloudiness was first reported in August 2014, and reappeared in the summer of 2015.

Matt Jaeger, fisheries management biologist for Fish, Wildlife and Parks' Region 3, has been investigating the problem along with DEQ. Jaeger said the turbidity doesn't appear to be affecting fish numbers. But he is trying to determine if the problem is affecting fish weight. The cloudiness could harm their ability to forage efficiently.

Darrin Kron, DEQ supervisor for water quality monitoring, said this fall divers went to the bottom of the Clark Canyon Reservoir, which appears to be the source of the problem.

They couldnt see even with lights it was so turbid, Kron said.

Kron said its too early to pinpoint the cause. The agency is still analyzing its data. But potential culprits include too much sediment at the bottom of the reservoir and the weather.

Kron said the agency has a number of theories and has been collecting data since 2015. The agency hopes to have definitive results by January 2017.

Meanwhile, the water woes are hurting fishing outfitters.

I cant put a dollar amount on what its costing us but its been tough for us for sure, Brad Platt of Dillon said in a phone interview. We dont have any options but to wait it out.

Kron said the agency is sensitive to the urgency of the issue.

We understand its affecting the local tourism economy and affecting fishing guides in that region quite heavily, he said.

Peterson said that a large amount of resources are going toward trying to find the cause because the agency knows how much it is negatively impacting the local economy.

Platt said that once the murkiness began, it cleared up on some days but never completely went away.

Clients show up and see pea soup. Theyre envisioning a crystal clear Montana river. You can see the look on their faces, Platt said.

For the first two weeks of August Platt had to cancel all outfitting trips because of the rivers murkiness. He said Julys low flows shut down the Big Hole River and the Jefferson saw significantly low flows by midsummer, as well. Platt was forced to take clients to the Madison River to fish.

But that frustrates clients who want to fish outside of Dillon when they book a trip with an outfitter located in Dillon, Platt said.

Mike Geary, president of the Lewis and Clark Chapter of Trout Unlimited, said his group wants to do what it can to help but they are waiting until DEQ has data that can pinpoint the exact cause.

Were in a no-mans land till we get information, Geary said. Good scientific information  that would be what would drive us.
Hey there, time traveller!

This article was published 18/11/2016 (2175 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current.

A documentary film featuring Brandon University Prof. Doug Ramsay is set to premiere on Monday.

Closing Time: The Vanishing Prairie Beverage Room will be screened at The Forks Market in Winnipeg at 7:30 p.m.

The documentary, which was produced by Lucky 9 Productions, focuses on the struggles many rural hotel/beverage rooms face today while looking back at the history of these establishments over the last 100 years.

From depopulation, to changing social norms around smoking and drinking, to the restrictions laid out by the Government of Manitoba, running a rural pub isnt as straightforward as it used to be and many are finding it difficult to stay in business.

Along with the owners of seven beverage rooms across Manitoba, the documentary includes interviews with government departments, former bar proprietors, customers and historians. The result is a story that explores the relevance of these establishments in rural communities and the sacrifices being made to help keep them alive.

The film is available through MTS Stories From Home.

 The Brandon Sun
Former Briggs Distributing office manager Kimberlee Dunn tearfully apologized for stealing almost $250,000 from the Billings company and evading taxes as she was sentenced Thursday to about a year in federal prison.

Im so sorry for what Ive done. Its ruined my life, Dunn said.

U.S. District Judge Susan Watters sentenced Dunn, 66, to a year and one day in prison and ordered $243,691 restitution. The sentence will allow Dunn to qualify for a shorter term with good behavior.

The judge said Dunn deserved some consideration because of her age and because she had no criminal record or substance abuse problem.

Dunn pleaded guilty in May to wire fraud and to tax evasion. The judge dismissed seven other counts under the terms of a plea deal. Dunn faced a sentencing guideline range of 21 months to 27 months.

John Decker, president of Briggs, attended the hearing and addressed his comments directly to Dunn.

Shame on you, Kim. I cant even believe this happened, Decker said.

Noting he had worked with Dunn for 28 years, Decker said the headaches and heartaches she had caused him and the companys 65 employees were tremendous.

The company has had to plow through thousands and thousands of accounting entries to unravel Dunns scheme and is paying back suppliers who were victims of false entries Dunn created, he said.

Integrity is everything to us, Decker said.

Dunn also continues to show up at company events, he said. To me, thats just in your face, Decker said.

Assistant U.S. Attorney Colin Rubich recommended a 21-month sentence saying Dunn earned and deserved it.

Dunn made a decision every day to steal from the company, Rubich said. The only thing that stopped her is she finally got caught, he said.

Briggs is a Billings company with local employees, Rubich said. It doesnt have a huge bottom line, he said. Relationships are everything to such firms, he said. That is all out the window, he said.

Briggs distributes craft and imported beers, flavored malt beverages, fine wines and non-alcoholic beverages to several Montana counties.

Assistant Federal Defender Dave Merchant argued for a probationary sentence or house arrest. Dunn, he said, had no criminal record, no substance abuse problems and didnt live a high lifestyle.

Probation would enable Dunn to begin paying restitution, he said. But Merchant acknowledged Dunn got fired the day after she pleaded guilty and that nobody will hire her.

Dunn, Merchant said, was remorseful and ashamed. He also said Dunn couldnt explain to him what drove her to steal the money. Dunn spent the money traveling to Wyoming and Colorado to see her daughter and parents and on medical expenses, he said.

Watters asked Dunn why she did it.

Dunn replied that her daughter tried to commit suicide in 2012 and had drug and substance abuse problems. She said she used most of the money to help her daughter.

Dunn also said she never had an expense account at Briggs but represented the company when she was out and about. Dunn said she bought rounds of drinks at bars as a representative of Briggs.

I dont think youre helping yourself, Watters told her.

Prosecutors said Dunns scheme ran for about four years, from 2010 until April 2014. To hide the thefts, Dunn fraudulently applied checks and credits she received from other customer accounts to customer accounts from which she had stolen cash.

Dunn created false entries and reports in the companys accounting software system. The system showed that every fake account entry was made by Dunns user account, which was password protected. Dunn also was the sole authorized user.

Another employee uncovered Dunns scheme after seeing her apply a check to the wrong account. The employee reported Dunns actions to Briggs managers, who fired Dunn and contacted law enforcement.

Dunn also failed to report the stolen income as earned income on tax returns.

Watters allowed Dunn to report to a federal prison when she is assigned to a facility.
Opinion

Hey there, time traveller!

This article was published 18/11/2016 (2175 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current.

I can already hear some of your voices in my head as youre reading this: Oh Cody, yet another IPA? Are you serious? I hate IPAs. Why arent you reviewing Stella Artois instead? All you ever do is review IPAs!

Well, India pale ales are a broad style of beers  to the point that it can taste like a lager (Alexander Keiths) or like a wheat beer (Belgian IPAs). A common theme from a few of my friends who became IPA lovers in Manitoba was that they checked out the Driftwood Brewery in Victoria, and fell in love with its Fat Tug IPA. Fat Tug is easily one of my top five IPAs, and that includes Heady Topper from Vermont.

Driftwood Brewing makes more beers than just Fat Tug, in fact, they make a lot of amazing beers and its beer labels are some of the best in the entire industry thanks to the folks over at Hired Guns Creative out of Nanaimo, B.C.

Submitted Driftwood Brewings Raised By Wolves IPA has earned a five out of five pints rating from First Draught columnist Cody Lobreau.

This week, Im checking out Driftwoods Raised By Wolves IPA. Raised by Wolves is described as being born of equinox hops and raised under the influence of saccharomyces trois yeast. This beast developed a taste for mango, citrus and melon with a nose to match.

Im not familiar with equinox hops and havent had any beers with saccharomyces trois yeast in the past so the raised-by-wolves theme actually plays well into the theme of the beer. The beer pours a pale, cloudy, golden-straw ale with a great deal of micro-carbonation, a hint of fizz and a good deal of off-white foaminess that is reminiscent to your typical Canadian IPAs (creamy, mild thickness and leaves lots of foam bits on the side of the glassware).

The aroma is simply tasty. If you are familiar with beers that use Galaxy hops, then you are in for a treat as this beer is very reminiscent to a Galaxy-hopped IPA as its a liberally citrus-forward IPA with notes of grapefruit, melon, orange peel, peach and mango. Theres a hint of pine bitterness as well, but, in this case, theres more fruit in the hops than bitterness, almost like a fruit cocktail. My initial impression on the taste is that the hop bitterness is very much present, with a bitter pine flavour to it. The tropical citrus flavours are very much dominant in this Vancouver Island IPA. The flavours I get are pineapple, mango, bitterness of grapefruit and a hint of apricot.

I would have appreciated this IPA back in July when the heat was unbearable, but, even so, this is an extraordinary IPA thats mostly fruit forward with a hint of pine to back it up. The batch is certainly fresh and its expected to be savoured ASAP.

Driftwood cant seem to make a bad beer and this is no exception. This is an IPA I recommend to not only to the hop heads that read this column, but to those who like a sweeter, citrusy ale because this beer is just wowing me at every stage. Im going to save a bottle of this beer for Christmas when my family is away in the Bahamas and Ill be sulking. At least Ill have this beer to make it feel like a tropical paradise.

You can find Driftwoods Raised By Wolves (7 per cent ABV) at Liquor Marts in Brandon and Dauphin for $6.75 per 650 ml bottle. This will be one of the only times youll ever see me rate a five out of five pints, but its an IPA thats worth it!
Opinion

Hey there, time traveller!

This article was published 18/11/2016 (2175 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current.

Free? Thirty dollars? Or even more?

Those are the pricing options for wine tastings around Californias Sonoma County and Napa Valley. As in most situations, you get what you pay for. But sometimes, happily, there are surprises, too.

I was fortunate enough to take an extended trip to Sonoma in June. I sampled some of the best wines Ive ever had, toured some amazing wineries, and brought home a couple of treasures, one of which still remains on my wine rack. But the occasion to open the amazing Archimedes  my most prized possession of the trip  from Francis Ford Coppolas fabulous winery has yet to happen. But Ill know it when it presents itself.

In many of the smaller wineries, tastings are $10 per person for five wines. And in many cases, if you buy a bottle of that winerys product, the tasting fee is waived.

So its pretty easy to wind (wined?) up with a lot of bottles, mostly because its just so cool to be at the places where these delectable beverages are grown, created and bottled.

Some folks have expressed astonishment that Id enjoy tasting wines I couldnt get at home  thinking, and to a degree rightly so, that it would be frustrating to try something you love, only to not be able to have it again (because a Canadian can only bring two bottles home). But thats part of the allure  having something thats special, which in turn makes the moment special, because its a one-of-a-kind experience. Unless, that is, one makes the trip again. And I certainly want to! Anyway, Id had bubbly from the historic Korbel Champagne Cellars before. And a visit to Korbel in Guerneville is definitely recommended, because all its wine is sparkling, the tasting and tour is free, and the setting is gorgeous.

At Wine Guerilla in Forestville, which specializes in Zinfandel blends, a five-or-six-wine tasting is free if you buy a bottle, which we did. Same at Trione in Geyserville  a five-wine sampling is comped when a bottle of $50 or more is purchased  we brought home a bottle of the deep and meaty Henrys Blend as a thank-you to the friend whod lent us his Sonoma condo for our trip to wine-country central.

At Russian River Vineyards in Forestville, tastings are $15 per person for five wines (a Gewurztraminer, two Pinot Noirs, a Zinfandel, and a Barbera), again complimentary with a $50 purchase, but well worth the fee for the fine selection of wines and the beautiful outdoor setting. After we were done sampling, I ordered a glass of the Barbera, which I really thought was lovely. Our tasting leader, Julie, told me the vineyards that had grown the grapes from which the Barbera in my glass was made, were just down a precipice from the patio on which we sat.

While I think my hubby thought I was nuts, I took my glass of fabulous Russian River Vineyards Barbera over to the cliffs edge and toasted the vines below, thanking them for the gift that was currently in my glass. I cant explain it, but it was a slice of time that was unique to me, and Ill never forget it.

Later in the week, we ventured out of Sonoma and headed for Napa Valley, with the ultimate goal of taking the Napa Wine Train. On the way, we stopped, thanks to a dear friends recommendation, at Gloria Ferrer Caves and Vineyards. Like Korbel, the specialty of this particular winery is sparkling wine, and these premium wine flights were delicious. My husband and I each had a three-wine tasting  one was $28 and the other $33  I dont remember who had which because we shared back and forth so we could try more wines. My favourite was the Extra Brut Reserve Cuvee, but I also really liked the Brut Rose and the Carneros Cuvee. Again, like most places we visited, the setting was lovely, and I hated to leave. But we had an appointment at Ravenswood, which specializes in Zinfandel, so we moved on.

However, our GPS system really let us down here, and we ended up about 30 miles from where we were supposed to be. I called the called the winery to let them know we, regretfully, were not going to make our 2:30 appointment. Hospitality specialist Nick Estefan, with whom our tasting was to have taken place, asked, Where are you staying in Napa? We told him the name of the hotel, and he said, I have to drive right past there in about an hour, so Ill drop a bottle off for you to try.

Who does that? Just another example of unbelievable California hospitality. We werent in our room five minutes and there was a knock at the door  a hotel employee handed over the typical brown paper bag, this one containing a bottle of 2013 Ravenswood Single Vineyard Teldeschi Dry Creek Valley Zinfandel. We were bowled over by the gesture and so grateful to try this resonant wine. We cant get it here, but there are other Ravenswood Zins the Liquor Mart stocks, which Ill detail in an upcoming column.

Then it was off to take the Napa Valley Wine Train  a dining trip that harks back to the glory days of elegant train travel that was all old-world charm with great wine and fabulous food. It was as billed, and then some  a not-to-be-missed wine adventure in Napa.
Opinion

Hey there, time traveller!

This article was published 18/11/2016 (2175 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current.

TORONTO  Former British prime minister Winston Churchill supposedly said, about his postwar rival and the leader of the Labour Party, that an empty taxi arrived at the House of Commons and Clement Atlee got out.

It may be apocryphal, but good lord, it applies to the risible Kellie Leitch in nasty, right-wing spades. Sorry, Kellie  you may be making lots of noise with your vague, hysterical demand that we screen immigrants and refugees for Canadian values and your support for Donald Trump, but scratch away at the surface and there is simply nothing there.

The most fundamental point is that the entire premise for her Tory leadership campaign is fraudulent. Like some sort of political cotton candy, it might appear nice and tasty to people who like their ideology instantly gratifying, saccharine sweet and loudly colourful, but as soon as they take a bite, it disappears.

There are, of course, some genuine challenges facing France, the Netherlands, Scandinavia, Britain and other parts of Europe, but not Canada. Our terrorist attacks have, thank God, been very few and carried out not by those new to the country but by old and settled Canadians. As repugnant as is any act of terror, what characterizes this country is not its threats but its stability.

Our Muslim community is arguably the most moderate in the Islamic diaspora and while there are certainly extremists around, the notion that our way of life is under siege is grotesquely misplaced. Yet Leitch and her people are trying to pump dark toxins into the bloodstream of a society that is healthy and, by and large, elegantly successful in its multiculturalism.

If this werent all so unpleasant, it would be positively funny. The sight of this diminutive politician trying to summon a rough, tough, nationalistic grimace as she posed for a magazine photograph holding the Canadian flag on what appeared to be a broomstick was the closest to unintentional satire I have ever seen in Canada. Her raw, irrational statements made in  forgive me, but we have to speak truth  a high-pitched and almost cartoonish voice could make this is the stuff of helium hilarity.

Yet what makes this womans behaviour even more reprehensible is that Im convinced she doesnt actually believe it. While serving as a government minister she introduced a tip line where people could report barbaric cultural practices. Essentially an Islamophobic chat room, she later appeared on national television in tears to apologize for what she had done. Now she has reversed that position once again to come out as a miniature Trump.

Or, perhaps, more Rob Ford than The Donald. Her campaign team is composed of people who worked for Ford and sometimes decided and directed his campaign. Leitch often quotes, virtually verbatim, from the former Toronto mayors playbook, emphasizing the threat of the elites and the chimerical attack on Canadian values. Ford, however, did not play the race card in the same way, and in spite of what her defenders may argue, when Kellie Leitch speaks of Canadian values she is not speaking of good old white people. She and her people know exactly what their message is and whom its supposed to reach.

Trump is the proverbial icing on the rancid cake. If he can do it, if Brexit can triumph in Britain, then why not the pocket rocket Kellie Leitch? In fact, it is entirely possible that she may win the Conservative leadership, thus dividing the party and throwing it into the wilderness until it finally comes to its senses. The Liberals will win the next election whomever the Tories elect as leader, but a Leitch victory would do far more damage than one electoral defeat. It would create artificial divisions in the country, energize an atavistic insularity, encourage the sewers to breathe and roar and diminish the democratic conversation.

If there were still a phone number where we could call to report barbaric practices, it would surely be jammed with people telephoning to report a silly woman out of her political depth who is promoting deeply anti-Canadian values purely for her own ends and acting contrary to great Canadian virtues. It might be time to publicly weep again, Kellie, with or without that flag.

 Michael Corens latest book is Epiphany: A Christians Change of Heart and Mind over Same-Sex Marriage. His column was recently published by the Winnipeg Free Press.
Opinion

Hey there, time traveller!

This article was published 18/11/2016 (2175 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current.

Good to his election promise, Manitoba Progressive Conservative Premier Brian Pallister announced yesterday that Manitoba has finally joined the New West Partnership trade agreement with Alberta, British Columbia and Saskatchewan.

As reported by the Winnipeg Free Press, with the inclusion of Manitoba, the partnership creates a common market of more than 11 million people, with a combined GDP of more than $750 billion.

This is the right step for Manitoba business, and were please to see that the Tories have righted a long-standing wrong in this province.

Ever since the New West Partnership was enacted by our Western neighbours in 2010, the former NDP government had flatly refused to join the group, even though Manitoba was invited to do so.

The reasoning for this obstinate behaviour was flawed. Former Manitoba NDP premier Greg Selinger kept repeating that his government was holding out for a larger national trade deal that would include all provinces  a replacement for 1994s Agreement on Internal Trade.

In fact, the push to further remove provincial trade barriers across the country came that much closer to reality this year after provincial and federal economic ministers managed to agree on proposals for a new interprovincial trade agreement last July. But as the Financial Post reported just last month, the new Canadian Free Trade Agreement is still very much in the early stages of development.

Nevertheless, Selingers argument doesnt really explain the NDPs lack of action on the NWP file. Why not take the business agreements with other willing provinces that you know you can have, while still pushing for the removal of national barriers?

Selinger had also argued in 2015 that his government had opted not to join the New West trading bloc because the trade agreement appeared to promote litigation as a means of settling disputes.

Our concern within the New West Partnership has been the person-to-government dispute resolution mechanism, Selinger said one year ago. Yet Saskatchewan Premier Brad Wall had told The Canadian Press that Selingers concerns would be addressed if Manitoba agreed to open up its boundaries. So that too seemed more a red herring than a solid argument in favour of staying on the outside of that trading block.

In reality, the refusal to pursue inclusion in the NWP stemmed from the NDPs aversion to a level playing field. The Selinger government loved handing out subsidies  a fact that would have put it directly into conflict with the NWP regulations that ban member province from providing such subsidies  whether direct or indirect.

At the same time, the NDP would have been unable to continue its practice of favouring sole-sourced contracts. And its favouritism for union labour would have been a thing of the past, because procurement rules under the partnership allow companies to compete for any government work over a certain price threshold, as public policy consultant Brian Kelcey noted in his column last December.

With yesterdays announcement, Manitoba businesses like Farmery Estate Brewery in Neepawa will soon have the ability to compete fairly in provinces like Alberta. Last year, the Alberta government changed its liquor pricing rules, giving craft beer brewed by member partners in New West a pricing advantage over beer from outside the trading bloc.

Farmery co-owner Chris Warwaruk told the CBC in November 2015 that the change meant an eight-pack of Farmery cans in Alberta would cost about $4.50 more than similar beer from the other western provinces.

We either have to eat some of the cost and make less (profit) per case  or, if we stay at that price level, were going to definitely see a decrease in sales, he said at the time.

We have no doubt this will be a very good development for Westman businesses. At the same time, we encourage Premier Pallister to continue working on removing trade barriers across the country.

Canada was always meant to be a collection of provinces that traded freely and fairly with each other. As the Financial Post reported, the Constitution Act of 1867 declared that all articles of the growth, produce or manufacture of any one of the provinces shall, from and after the union, be admitted free into each of the other provinces.

Manitobas inclusion in the New West Partnership should merely be the stepping stone to a much larger trading bloc with all members of the Canadian federation. Given some worrisome protectionist policies coming out the fledgling Trump administration in the U.S. these trade deals are more important than ever.
KALISPELL  Two Kalispell women who pleaded guilty to locking children in a dark basement without food and only a bucket for a toilet were sentenced Friday to serve time in prison despite a plea agreement that recommended deferred sentences.

"I think these children were both abused and neglected by the defendants," District Judge Robert Allison said as he issued the sentences. "I find it somewhat ironic that the parties are asking for probation for having imprisoned the children."

Alison sentenced Amy Lynn Newman, who lost custody of her five adopted children, to eight years in the Montana Women's Prison with three years suspended. He sentenced Crystal Mears, who was living with Newman, to six years in prison with three years suspended.

Both women pleaded guilty to two counts of felony criminal endangerment for locking two boys in the basement, at times without mattresses. They said they did it for the safety of the rest of the family because one boy tried to set fire to the house and another tried to choke his sister by shoving cat litter down her throat.

During the sentencing hearing, which began on Nov. 10, the children testified they were beaten and ate only peanut butter sandwiches or pasta with butter while other family members, including Mears' two children, ate regular meals. A 16-year-old girl testified she taught her four younger siblings how to pick locks on cupboards so they could steal food.

After hearing from the children, Allison said he wanted to look at the results of a family neglect investigation that led to Newman, 46, losing custody of the children.

Defense attorney Shawn Hinchey said Friday that Newman's actions were done as "tough love and a form of discipline." He said they were not the right choices, but they were not made with "an evil purpose."

Newman broke down in tears while asking the judge to consider her lack of a criminal history.

"I don't want to go to jail," she said. "I didn't mean to hurt my children. I only wanted to protect them. I feel that I am punished every day because I don't have them anymore."

Mears, 37, testified that she never locked the children in the basement and that she had memories of happy times with them.

Prosecutor Allison Howard said it was "very suspicious" to her "that all of these problems they talked about the children having don't exist anymore in the children's lives."

Howard and the defense attorneys all recommended a three-year deferred sentence for each count, as stated in the plea agreement. Hinchey along with Mears' attorney, Tim Wenz, urged the judge to sentence the women only for the crimes to which they pleaded guilty.

Allison said he spent hours reviewing the evidence and the law before deciding to sentence the women to prison. He said the children reported their lives got worse after Mears moved in. He noted the court file indicated that after the children were removed from Newman's custody, two of them ate so voraciously that they sometimes vomited.

"The physical conditions that these children were subjected to is comparable to a prison cell, but even a prison cell is better than what these kids had," he said. "At least a cell has a light and a toilet."
South Korea has rejected a request by Google to use local mapping data in the company's global maps service in a long-awaited ruling which had divided the country for months.

The technology giant said it was disappointed by the decision, which the land ministry said was based on concerns over national security.

"We're disappointed by this decision. We've always taken security concerns very seriously and will continue to provide useful map services in compliance with Korea's current map data export regulation," said Google spokesman Taj Meadows.

The South Korean government said the risks outweighed the benefits of exporting the country's mapping data to Google.

South Korea, facing the overt threat of rival North Korea, bars exporting local mapping data to foreign companies that do not operate domestic data servers.

Google, a unit of Alphabet Inc, handles its maps service at data centres outside South Korea. The restrictions have limited the usefulness of Google Maps within South Korea, since the app cannot offer driving or walking directions.

The government had proposed granting permission to Google to use local mapping data for Google Maps if the company would blur sensitive information on South Korean military facilities on its satellite map.

"Our position from the start was that if it deletes security facilities, we would allow exporting (the local mapping data)," said Kim Tong-il, an official at the land ministry.

"Google's position is that it won't delete those. The question was whether we would allow that regardless."

South Korea has been divided over the issue since Google filed its request in June. The government extended an August deadline to this month, highlighting disagreements between government ministries.

The lengthy deliberation reflects growing support for Google within some government ministries which are trying to promote tourism and local firms' overseas businesses. One of the biggest inconveniences that foreign tourists run into in South Korea, which has some of the fastest and cheapest internet access in the world, is the lack of an online mapping service with navigation and directions in foreign languages.

Some local businesses and consumers opposed giving Google full access to the local mapping data, saying it would be unfair to local companies which operate local data servers to support their map services. They said Google should build data centres in South Korea instead of seeking an exemption from the rules.

Google said earlier that restricting Google Maps in South Korea would be an inconvenience for foreigners visiting the host country of the PyeongChang Winter Olympics in 2018.

It also argued that restrictions on exporting the local mapping data could hinder efforts of companies to roll out global services using locations data and will deprive local consumers of cutting-edge services.
The travel industry is facing challenges as more customers make their own plans.

The issue is one of many being discussed at Travel Meets Big Data, Ireland's first industry-focused hackathon and conference.
Searches for Americans wanting to move to Ireland have doubled since Donald Trump was elected President.

Indeed.com website said Ireland is the third most popular country for Americans to move to.
An Irish bride-to-be who died on her way home from South Africa has been remembered as "bright and bubbly".

Thirty-year-old Majella Donoghue and her partner Barry Doherty had just become engaged while on holiday in Cape Town.

She fell ill while travelling with her boyfriend on a flight from Cape Town to London last Sunday. She was rushed straight to hospital in London but died there from breathing difficulties.

Majella was from Belmullet in Mayo, where local priest Father John Loftus has fond memories of her.

"Every time she was at home I'd have had a chat to her. (She was) a lovely person who'd make you feel really good just talking to her," he said, remembering her as "lovely, bright, bubbly and always in good form".

She spent some time looking after children for a charity in Vietnam.

"She was very concerned about helping people in need," said Fr Loftus.

Majella is survived by her mother Mary, twin brother Stephen, other brothers Tommy, David and Brendan and her sister Angela. Her father Willie died some years ago.

She worked at the Galway offices of Boston Scientific.
The old Labor Temple Hall on Billings South Side isnt going to remain a shell of its former self for much longer.

Community Leadership and Development Inc., a faith-based nonprofit development agency with a track record of constructing housing and providing services to people in need, has purchased the building and is preparing to abate the lead and asbestos inside the century-old hall and begin demolishing portions of it.

What will emerge  about $2.8 million and maybe nine months later  will be a dozen new efficiency apartments, priced below market rates; space for the ministrys offices, which are now in two buildings; increased capacity for Hannah House Ministries, which serves low-income women and their children; and, perhaps, a business incubator or an old-fashioned community meeting spot in keeping with the history of the Labor Temple Hall, at 24 S. 29th St.

CLDI purchased the dilapidated building in September, said Eric Basye, the agencys executive director, and already has the money on hand for abatement, demolition and design work, which is being done by Collaborative Design Architects.

The agency is raising money to renovate the hall and construct the new apartments, which will be built on two new floors planned to rise above the hall.

Stockman Bank will match up to $25,000 in donations to help with the work. Visit www.cldibillings.org or call CLDI at 406-256-3002 before Dec. 31 to have your donation matched by the bank.

This is something weve been dreaming about for two years, Basye said Thursday during a tour of the 14,000-square-foot hall, which has been, in turn, rooms to rent (1889-1912), a Chinese laundry and grocery store (beginning in 1912), a wholesale candy building (through 1944) and, since that time, the Labor Temple Hall. A grocery store also operated on the property after World War II through 1958.

According to a history compiled by CLDIs Lisa Reinschmidt, 25 labor unions were represented and housed in the cavernous hall, which was also used for community gatherings such as quinceaneras (the celebration of a girls 15th birthday), funerals, wakes and baby showers.

Reclaiming and restoring the hall, reconstructing the sidewalks and constructing off-street parking not only mirrors its historical past, Reinschmidt wrote, but also seeks to recreate what was once a place of pride, fellowship and community in the South Side.

Reinschmidt, who runs Hannah House and handles development for CLDI, said that opening up more space for Hannah House, at 109 S. 32nd St., will enable the ministry to serve 15 women at a time, up from eight.

We now have one room open, and we got nine applications for it in five days, she said.

The benefits of the planned new facility are too numerous to nail down, she said, but they include proximity to needed services, including RiverStone Health, case management through Family Promise and downtown employment opportunities, including cleaning positions at downtown hotels.

A lot of women we work with dont drive, she said. They have to get to work on foot and come home in the dark of night.

Our goal, she said of the expanded facilities, is to get women off of receiving services and restore their dignity.

As he showed off CLDIs future home, Basye paused inside a large, empty room that practically calls out to be transformed into a community center.

Were doing a community survey about how this space can best be used, he said, and the results of the survey will influence how the space gets transformed.

One option, he said, is a community work space to house small businesses. Tenants could pay rent on a sliding scale.

An extended area in the hall's basement once was the longest bar in Montana, Basye said. It features an old concrete safe, proof that plenty of money changed hands there.

Back in the day, Basye said, parents would bring their children to the bar to enjoy a few drinks and maybe a meal while children played in a separate area.

While CLDI doesnt plan to open any bars soon, Basye said its that kind of community togetherness that the agency will be trying to recreate at the new site.

The project is called Katapheugo, an ancient Greek term that refers to people fleeing for refuge. Thats a fitting definition, according to Reinschmidt, as the agency seeks to offer refuge and hope in a marginalized community.
Taoiseach Enda Kenny has spoken to US Vice President-Elect Pence on the phone tonight, Daniel McConnell, Political Editor Irish Examiner.

During a 15-minute phone conversation, Mr Kenny congratulated the Vice President-Elect on his recent electoral success alongside Donald Trump.

According to a Government statement, Mr Kenny also expressed his intention to engage positively with the new administration on a number of issues to the mutual benefit of Ireland and the U.S.

It was said Mr Kenny raised the issue of the undocumented Irish in the U.S and expressed his determination to work with the President and Vice President-Elect in seeking a solution to the issue.

But chances of a resolution appear less likely under a Trump administration.

There is considerable disappointment in the Irish American community that little or no progress was made during President Barack Obama's two terms.

The Taoiseach is said to have referred to the economic ties between the two countries, including the long standing and productive relationship Ireland has with many US companies, as well as the fact that there are 100,000 Americans employed in Irish companies across America.

"Both men spoke of Vice President-Elect Pence's strong Irish heritage and the Taoiseach expressed the wish that the Vice President-Elect might visit here again sometime in the future," the statement added.

Mr Kenny was one of the first leaders to speak to Mr Trump following his election victory earlier this month.

This is despite describing the President-elect as a racist earlier this year.
The British and Irish Governments must work together to resolve a long-running dispute over Lough Foyle, Ireland's Foreign Affairs Minister has said.

Claims over the vast estuary between Co Derry in Northern Ireland and Co Donegal in the Republic have been made since the island was partitioned almost a century ago.

After the Good Friday Agreement peace deal, a cross-border body called the Loughs Agency was handed responsibility for the waters, a key strategic naval base during the Second World War.

However, in the wake of the UK's vote to leave the European Union, Northern Ireland Secretary of State James Brokenshire has reasserted London's claim over the entire lough.

However, addressing the contentious issue after a meeting of the North South Ministerial Committee in Armagh, Charlie Flanagan said he did not accept the British claim.

He said: "This is an issue upon which there has been some disagreement for many years.

"I don't accept the claims that the whole of Lough Foyle is under the jurisdiction of the UK government. However, rather than dwell on the negatives, I think it is important that we look forward and see how best this issue might be resolved."

The Minister said officials from his department had been in contact with civil servants from the Secretary of State's Office in a bid to thrash out a resolution.

Min @CharlieFlanagan at the NSMC plenary in Armagh, where he briefed on his work in advancing Ireland's interests in Brexit discussions pic.twitter.com/NED3LLj520  Irish Foreign Ministry (@dfatirl) November 18, 2016

"I believe it is important that we work towards solutions and both myself and my department are committed to reaching a successful conclusion on this outstanding issue which has been the subject of disagreement for many decades.

"I do believe that we should work together on reaching agreement," he said.

Meanwhile, Northern Ireland's First Minister Arlene Foster said a barrier on the seas would contradict the efforts to avoid a hard border on land.

Mrs Foster said: "Obviously if there's no hard border going to be on land we don't really want to see a hard border on Lough Foyle either.

"There has been a dispute over Lough Foyle and it is important that we find a solution that everyone can agree on."

Deputy First Minister Martin McGuinness, a keen fisherman who lives close to the lough, added: "Here, here Arlene. No hard border on the land; no border on the sea.

"This has been a debating point which hopefully can be resolved by some form of negotiation between the Irish government and the British government.

"My interest is to see the salmon and the sea trout flow without interruption up Lough Foyle into all of the tributaries."
Staff at a paediatric hospital in eastern Aleppo have scrambled to evacuate babies in incubators from underground shelters after it was bombed for the second time this week.

Medics and aid workers also reported a suspected attack involving toxic gas in a district on the western edge of the rebel-held area in the Syrian city.

At least 12 people, including children, were treated for breathing difficulties, said Adham Sahloul of the Syrian American Medical Society, which supports health facilities in Aleppo.

Claims of toxic gas attacks are common in Syria, and reports by international inspectors have held the government responsible for using chemicals in attacks on civilians, which Damascus denies.

Airstrikes also hit a village in a rural area of Aleppo province, killing seven members of a family, including four children, opposition activists said.

It was the fourth day of renewed assaults by Syrian planes on eastern Aleppo districts, a rebel-held enclave of 275,000 people.

The onslaught began on Tuesday, when Syria's ally Russia announced its own offensive on the northern rebel-controlled Idlib and Homs provinces in central Syria.

Since then, more than 100 people have been killed across northern Syria.

The airstrikes in Aleppo hit a complex of four hospitals that had been attacked two days earlier. The latest strikes forced the paediatric hospital and a neighbouring facility to stop operating.

"Now it is being bombed. ... I am sorry. ... I have to go to transfer the children," the head of the paediatric hospital wrote in a text message.

The doctor identified himself only by his first name of Hatem because he fears for reprisals against his family.

The incubators had already been moved underground for safety, but with bombs falling all around the facility hospital workers had to rush them to a safer place despite the danger.

Hatem rushed 14 babies in incubators to another facility a 10-minute drive away while airstrikes continued, he said in a later message.

"As we drove out with the ambulance, warplanes were firing and artillery were shelling," he wrote. "But thank God we were not hurt."

Some of the survivors of the suspected gas attack were taken to the children's hospital.

The cameras of Al-Jazeera, which was broadcasting from the facility as the airstrikes occurred, went dark for a moment. When video resumed, dust was swirling and debris was strewn in the corridors.

Nurses scurried to get babies to safety, and one was seen carrying a blanket-wrapped infant. She then hugged and comforted another nurse who was sobbing as she picked up a baby.

Another hospital in a different Aleppo area was bombed Thursday night, the doctor said. The entrance was set on fire but no one was hurt.

Only four of seven hospitals are still operating in the district, Mr Sahloul said.

The Britain-based Syrian Observatory for Human Rights said dozens of airstrikes, artillery and barrel bombs hit 18 different neighborhoods of eastern Aleppo.

Government bombings have targeted neighborhoods with medical facilities, including the children's hospital and a nearby clinic that has one of the few remaining intensive care units in eastern Aleppo, the Observatory said.

Many hospitals and clinics in the besieged area have moved their operations underground after months of bombardment.

The World Health Organisation said that in 2016, it recorded 126 attacks on health facilities, a common tactic over the five years of Syria's civil war. Russia and the Syrian government deny targeting hospitals.

The city of Aleppo, once Syria's commercial hub, has been divided since 2012, with the eastern half in rebel hands and the western half controlled by government forces.

Ibrahim al-Haj, a member of the Syria Civil Defence rescue unit in Aleppo, said the city "is a mess". The group of rescuers and first responders said they are struggling to put out fires set off by the bombings in at least 10 areas.

The Observatory said at least four people were killed in the city's districts.

It also said the strike that killed the seven family members took place in south-western Aleppo province. Syrian Civil Defence posted photos showing the bodies of children covered with dust and blood.
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Sixth-grader Abel Paulsen was thinking hed like to be a Lego Master Builder when he grows up. But he cooled on the idea after doing some research.

They dont pay well, he said.

How to give students like Paulsen, who goes to Central Heights Elementary, a robust future in the Billings job market was the focus of the Education Foundation for Billings Public Schools Educator for a Day breakfast. Participants from a variety of local businesses and groups also visited local schools as part of the annual event.

A panel of educators and business representatives said that businesses and schools have roles to play in meeting Billings workforce needs.

Part of it is exposure in schools, said Alex Tyson, the executive director of Visit Billings. We need to be advocates for our industries.

School District 2 recently finished a report on Career and Technical Education that recommended more partnerships between schools and businesses, in fields that students can enter without attending college and those that require a four-year degree.

But thats a ways off for students like Paulsen. His dad is a doctor, he said, but hes more into building and architecture for now  and that could change.

While education policy often gets made on a large scale, the school visits emphasized how day-to-day education is dominated by small moments. A handful of participants in Educator for a Day toured each school. Central Heights Principal Kyra Gaskill showed four people around.

Third-graders ticked off natural features of Montanas landscape as they painted models showing mini-mountains and tiny peninsulas.

Mountains, lakes, rivers, des- said Tyler Goettel, stopping short of saying "desert" and pursing his lips in thought. His half-desert answer was actually pretty accurate, as Montana has small patches of desert scrub.

Students of varying sizes heaved larger and larger snowballs across the playground, swishing their snow pants through hallways when they came in.

In fifth-grade teacher Zoe Twichels classroom, students talked through math problems; one student solved 6 times 119 by breaking the equation down into three different problems, multiplying 6 by 100, 6 by 10 and 6 by 9, then adding the answers together. Another student multiplied 6 by 120, then subtracted six to account for one fewer multiple.

The explanations are a textbook example of how Common Core, the oft-misunderstood standards that are used as education guidelines in Montana, emphasize how students think instead of just reaching the right answer.

Gaskill said that the standards took some getting used to, even for her husband when he works on homework with their daughter.

Hell be like, 'for goodness sake, why dont they teach her multiplication like I learned multiplication,' she said. Were trying to work on process instead of always product.

Changes are coming to Central Heights next year as redistricting changes take full effect; the schools enrollment will drop, and with a greater emphasis on kids attending a school in their neighborhood, Central Heights will have a larger proportion of students from low-income families.

Sixth-graders will also move the middle schools.

Paulsen and classmate Jaxon Straus chatted with visitors Thursday about topics ranging from trading lunch foods to tutoring younger students. Like Paulsen, Straus isnt sure what hed like to do for a career someday.

Im enjoying not thinking about what Im going to be, he said, Im enjoying what Im doing right now.
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HELENA  The Montana commissioner of political practices plans to dismiss an ethics complaint filed by a Republican lawmaker against Democratic Gov. Steve Bullock over the governor's use of the state plane, an attorney for the commissioner said Friday.

Assistant Attorney General Stuart Segrest disclosed the pending decision in the confidential case during a hearing in federal court.

Commissioner of Political Practices Jonathan Motl confirmed that he plans to issue a decision Monday in the complaint filed by Rep. Brad Tschida, R-Missoula, but declined to say what the decision will be.

"I don't say what I'm going to do until I do it," Motl said.

Tschida's complaint alleges Bullock and Commerce Director Meg O'Leary misused the state plane by flying to a Paul McCartney concert in 2014. It also alleges that Bullock and O'Leary accepted an illegal gift by accepting an invitation to sit in University of Montana President Royce Engstrom's box at the stadium where the concert was held.

Bullock has denied any wrongdoing and said he was on state business. He has partially reimbursed the state for past uses of the state plane when he scheduled campaign events alongside official business.

Tschida sent a letter to other lawmakers about the ethics complaint a week before voters decided the governor's race between Bullock and Republican challenger Greg Gianforte. Tschida then sued Motl for saying that the lawmaker violated the confidentiality requirements regulating ethics complaints, which amounts to a criminal charge of official misconduct.

Tschida alleges in his lawsuit the confidentiality requirements regulating ethics complaints is a violation of his free-speech rights, and that Motl's threat of prosecution has silenced him and prevented him from speaking about legislative business with other lawmakers.

He is asking U.S. District Judge Brian Morris to block Motl from carrying out his threat of prosecution and to strike down the confidentiality provision.

"The First Amendment doesn't require permission of the government for citizens to speak," said Matthew Monforton, an attorney for Tschida.

Motl's imminent rejection of Tschida's allegations against Bullock was central to Segrest's argument in court Friday. Segrest told Morris that a temporary restraining order is unnecessary because once Motl dismisses the complaint next week, Tschida can talk about it to whomever he wants.

"It's going to be dismissed and therefore public under this statute," Segrest said.

Monforton urged the judge to issue an order blocking Motl from prosecuting the lawmaker, anyway. Tschida is concerned that Motl would still go after him for the alleged disclosure violations that already occurred, Monforton said.

Morris did not make an immediate decision. Instead, he ordered another hearing on Dec. 9 to hear testimony from Motl and Tschida.
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The Disturbances is a new feature-length documentary film telling the story of how Christian missionaries and Nigerian pastors helped intervene in violence in northern Nigeria in 1966, during a time of tribal genocide that preceded the Biafra War. Among missionaries from several denominations, Church of the Brethren mission workers are featured including Roger Ingold, who was Nigeria field secretary at the time. Children of Brethren mission families also were interviewed for the film.

EthicsDaily.com, a division of the Baptist Center for Ethics, produced the film. Robert Parham and Cliff Vaughn were the documentary producers.

It is an untold story that is finally getting its due on its 50th anniversary, said a release. Thousands of people, mostly Igbos and Easterners, were brutally killed in a few days in the fall of 1966 in northern Nigeria. The death toll would have been higher if Christian missionaries and Nigerian pastors had not taken action to save lives. Their heroic work has been unknown, primarily because those involved never spoke about what happenedusing veiled language and euphemisms, such as the disturbances, in public reports and statements.

Those interviewed for the project included missionaries and missionary children from the Assemblies of God, Christian Reformed Church, Lutheran Church-Missouri Synod, Southern Baptist Convention, Sudan Interior Mission, and Sudan United Mission, as well as the Church of the Brethren.

The release noted that the producers conducted more than two dozen on-camera interviews, acquired nearly 2,500 documents, slides, and photographs, obtained several hours of missionary home movies, worked with roughly a dozen different denominational, educational, and filmic archives, and talked to scores of other witnesses.

For more information visit www.TheDisturbances.com or visit the films Facebook page and Twitter page.
Don't say Canberra MP Gai Brodtmann doesn't like a challenge.

She was in the kitchen on Friday baking a replica of the iconic Shine Dome as part of the PANDSI Mini-Bake Off fundraisers for Perinatal Depression and Anxiety Awareness Week, which ends on Saturday.

Canberra MP Gai Brodtmann in the kitchen on Friday baking her Shine Dome cake to help new mums coping with anxiety and depression.

PANDSI - Post and Ante Natal Depression Support and Information Inc - has been encouraging workplaces and groups to host their own mini cake-offs for the week. Perinatal refers to pregnancy and the year following birth.

PANDSI held a wildly successful fundraising day earlier this year with participants baking cakes from the Australian Women's Weekly birthday cake recipe book. The Canberra-based group now plans to publish its own cookbook later in the year.
The call centre of MonDial Fundraising Communications is used by charities including Oxfam, UNICEF and the RSPCA, Credit:Jonathan Carroll Interestingly, not all charities are using third party fundraisers. One, the Children's Cancer Foundation, (CCF) has remained steadfast in its rejection. In a letter to its donors last month, the charity's chairman Jeremy Smith said the CCF had never contracted with third party fund raisers and it won't partner with charities or foundations that raise funds using these types of methods. Fair Work Ombudsman Natalie James. Credit:Jesse Marlow Smith said every week the CCF is approached by a commercial operator seeking to "attach the name of the Foundation to what is essentially a commercial scheme where the vast bulk of revenue would end up in the pocket of that operator. All such approaches are rejected".

Not so for most charities. This is despite the bad publicity that has befallen some of these third party fundraisers in recent months, including Appco, MonDial and Australian Sales and Promotion. In the case of MonDial, a few, including Wilderness, Oxfam and Greenpeace agreed to support MonDial entering enterprise agreement discussions with the NUW. Emails written by Greenpeace to the boss of MonDial in April say "In answer to your question, we would of course support a collective agreement and MonDial entering into EBA discussions with the NUW. We have an EA here at Greenpeace which works very well for us. My response will be the same to our other call centre partners if this is raised." After months of delays, MonDial finally pulled the plug on September 26, telling the union: "At this time, the company is awaiting final execution of the Undertaking by the FWO In the circumstances, the Company is not in a position to commence a bargaining process regarding an enterprise bargaining agreement (EBA). We have of course carefully considered this decision, but under the circumstances our fullest attention must be dedicated to our staff wellbeing, ensuring our full workplace compliance and meeting our obligations within the Undertaking. We are not adverse to reviewing this decision at the completion of the Undertaking period." Over a week, the NUW visited MonDial three times and asked workers if they would like to bargain. Most said a resounding "yes" and signed a majority support petition.

According to the union, some workers said they had been warned that to sign the petition would be against the company. Then on November 16, the NUW racheted it up by lodging a majority support determination at Fair Work Australia. It did this on the basis that if an employer refuses to bargain after a majority of employees have indicated they would like to do so, then a union can make application to Fair Work for a determination that the company must bargain. A Commissioner must be satisfied a majority wants to bargain and may order a ballot of employees, in which case the company and the union fight an election campaign in effect. A series of questions were sent to MonDial asking why it had stopped bargaining with the union, how much money had so far been repaid to workers and whether any charities had stopped using its services. Its response was: "I can confirm that at this point in time we are still in communication with the NUW and we are awaiting further instruction from Fair Work in relation to this process." It said it wasn't being "obstructive" in the process and was complying with its obligations under the Fair Work Act. As for The Wilderness Society and Greenpeace, they still use MonDial. In a statement Greenpeace says: "We understand that Mondial is still in communication with the NUW, and hope to see a swift resolution to their internal negotiations with employees." Loading
Former chief executive of Boost Juice and childhood friend of Simon Crowe, Simon McNamara. Credit:Paul Jones "I have, yes," replied Bainbridge. Relationship strained The feeling, the court soon learned, was reciprocated. Speaking about the man who was emcee at his wedding, Crowe pulled no punches. More than 80 outlets are directly owned by Grill'd. Credit:Edwina Pickles

"Your honour, I have gone through this journey now since, effectively, January 2015 and Geoff has consistently misrepresented his position," Crowe told the court. "He has lied through the court process. He is somebody I cannot trust and who I detest." Grill'd co-founder Geoff Bainbridge. Credit:www.scottehler.com He has lied through the court process. He is somebody I cannot trust and who I detest. Simon Crowe speaking of Geoff Bainbridge To cap it off, he added: "I struggle to be in the same room with him. There's other people in my business who are senior who know how I feel about him and many of them share the same feelings."

It was spectacular evidence, from two men who had turned a single burger joint in suburban Hawthorn into a $300 million empire, and were now at war. In many ways, Grill'd is one of the great success stories of Australia's retail sector. Childhood friends Back in 2004, Crowe wanted to start a "healthy burger restaurant" in Hawthorn. He offered 20 per cent each to friends Simon McNamara, the former chief executive of Boost Juice, and Bainbridge, an ex-Fosters executive.

The three were more than business partners. McNamara and Crowe were childhood friends, while Crowe and Bainbridge had met at Fosters in 1999. In his affidavit, Crowe described Bainbridge as "both a friend and mentor to me" during their years working at the brewing giant. As Grill'd grew, the men prospered. From a combined investment of $500,000 in 2004, the Grill'd chain had expanded to 140 stores by the middle of last year. More than 80 are directly owned by Grill'd, with the remainder owned by franchisees. But, it seems, with the money came tension. By 2011, the decades-long friendship between McNamara and Crowe was on the rocks. Crowe resented McNamara's involvement in Spud Bar, another fast-food chain. To ease the tension, Crowe and Bainbridge bought out McNamara's share in Grill'd in mid-2011, but by now cracks in the relationship between the remaining owners were starting to emerge. In 2013, Crowe discovered that McNamara and Bainbridge were partners in the Bounce trampoline business. "Bainbridge's investment in Bounce made me question his loyalties," Crowe said in his affidavit.

Road trip Against that tense backdrop, the pair travelled to Cambodia together, in June 2013, to take part in a charity bicycle ride. "At the time we travelled to Cambodia, our relationship was strained," Crowe admits. Adding to the tensions were rumours that Bainbridge was looking to invest in a number of restaurant chains, including Fonda, Roll'd, and Baker D Chirico. These rumours irked Crowe, but the final straw came when he learned that Bainbridge was investing in a restaurant chain called Pizza Religion. "I formed the view that Pizza Religion was a competitor to Grill'd and operating in the same market," Crowe states in his affidavit. From that point on, the relationship between the friends and business partners turned toxic. Crowe saw Bainbridge's investment in Pizza Religion as disloyalty.

This is despite the fact that, in Sydney's Darlinghurst, Crowe had leased a retail site he owned to a rival pizza restaurant. That site was just 20 metres from an existing Grill'd store. By his own admission, Crowe has "restricted" and "narrowed" Bainbridge's access to the financial records of Grill'd. He has even admitted under oath he had "no understanding of director's duties", and lied to his business partner to try to get him to sign-off on company accounts. Secret valuation The court also heard that Crowe engaged Moore Stephens to conduct a secret valuation of the burger chain. It came back with a figure of $314 million, which would have made Bainbridge's stake worth almost $80 million. When Crowe was unhappy with that figure, the court was told, he changed the "inputs" that Moore Stephens used for their calculation, to get a new lower figure of $237 million. That valued Bainbridge's stake at just under $60 million. Mr Crowe offered him just $30 million, later lifting it to $47 million. Bainbridge refused both offers.

And so the one-time friends have ended up in court. Bainbridge is seeking to have chief financial officer Matt Caulfield and director Matt Reid, a partner at PwC and one of Mr Crowe's closest friends, removed from the company. He also accuses Crowe of breaching his duties as a company director, and using company staff and resources to fund his purchase of embattled chocolate company Koko Black. In a counter-claim, Crowe is seeking an order forcing Bainbridge to sell his stake, claiming it is impossible for the pair to ever work together again. After turning such a small investment into such a successful empire it's hard to believe the burger kings have ended up airing their dirty laundry in court. "I find it hard to believe that commercial people can't find a way through, Justice Middleton said on the opening day of the case. Loading
That whining noise in the background this week was mostly from politicians and businessmen trying to pretend that they have "got" the message from the election of Donald Trump as US President, and about what it means for Australians whom they have pissed-off.

"Getting it" seems to involve recognition that a good many Australians feel they have missed out on years of steady growth in Australia. They have heard words about how exciting it has been to be an Australian, and about change, adaption and resilience. But they are "disenchanted" and not galvanised. They do not trust politicians. Their jobs are less secure and, often, less well paid. They believe themselves less well-off and are less confident than they used to be about the future. Many are underemployed, many more worry about whether they will have the agility or the skills or the opportunities to refashion their careers as a result of technological change or abrupt changes in the international or national economy.

Malcolm Turnbull is on your side, and feels your pain. He understands how you feel  heavens he was poor and insecure once himself. Credit:Andrew Meares

Malcolm Turnbull is on your side and feels your pain. He understands how you feel  heavens, he was poor and insecure once himself. And he knows what to do. Or he doesn't but Bill Shorten does. The mere fact that each is a FAQ sample of why voters have stopped listening and have turned off is not reason not to give them another chance, now that they have heard. Turnbull helped generate despair, after all. Just like Bill Shorten did. Both sat in cabinets who made cool calculations about how much people, including the very poor, could or should take before public anger boiled over. Neither has shown any compunction about cruelty, particularly to people on welfare. And both, with equal hypocrisy, have shed crocodile tears when out of power about fairness and unfairness, about brutal and unnecessary burdens being placed on particular vulnerable groups in the economy, and about the crushing costs of living and burdens imposed by government. Neither has ever wanted for a feed or a roof over his head.

Right now, each pretends to see the problem, and its solution, somewhat differently. But one is in government, the other in opposition. And one is a party of the slightly left, while the other is the party of the fairly right. From such perspectives and such experience their scripts are fairly predictable, if hardly inspiring in confidence. And as with Pauline Hanson, a good deal of the art lies in describing the problem rather than the solution. And if the dogs are running free who can be surprised about the need for dog whistles?
There are fears the number of birds nesting in the Macquarie Marshes will fall even further. Credit:Nick Moir The Weekly Times claims that Mr Hunter swore at Ministers, including Victoria's Water Minister Lisa Neville. Ms Neville said in a statement that it was a robust discussion, and she didn't "shy away from standing up for Victorians and what's best for our state." Ibis have nested in dense colonies in the wetlands. Credit:Nick Moir "My South Australian counterpart and I shared different views," she said.

Under the current plan, 2750 gigalitres a year is being recovered from irrigators. But the government had agreed to give the states an additional 450 gigalitres  of which 36 gigalitres would be recovered from South Australia  if they identified ways to reduce water going to farming. Ibis numbers are down in the wetlands. Credit:Nick Moir Mr Joyce wrote he could not foresee the other states agreeing to deliver the water without significant social and economic detriment. The opposition seized on the leaked letter as proof the federal government wasn't going to honour the plan. Environmentalists fear for the future if the Murray-Darling Basin Authority proceeds with a plan to reduce the amount of water flowing into the wetlands. Credit:Nick Moir

After the meeting, Mr Joyce said he wasn't reneging on the plan, but simply acting in accordance with the legislation which bans the recovery of additional water if it causes significant social and economic detriment. In NSW, environmentalists and graziers near the Macquarie Marshes also fear that a planned reduction of environmental flows could see the number of birds nesting fall even further. Sources say the Murray-Darling Basin Authority will on Tuesday recommend a reduction of between 70 gigalitres and 130 gigalitres (equivalent to about a quarter of the water in Sydney Harbour) a year in the northern basin's environmental flows. This was supposed to have returned about 390 gigalitres of water a year from irrigators to the Northern Basin including the Macquarie Marshes - with about 143 gigalitres trickling downstream. In the middle of what should be a bumper bird breeding season after the flooding in NSW and southern Queensland, waterbird numbers are down across many areas, according to this year's 34th annual Eastern Australian Waterbird Survey by University of NSW's Centre for Ecosystem Science. In the marshes, only six of the 20 traditional breeding sites are active.

"There were more than 100,000 pairs before irrigation; now it might be only 30,000 nesting pairs, and this is supposed to be a big flood," said the centre's Richard Kingsford this week. Like the thousands of waterbirds he tracks every year, Professor Kingsford migrates annually to NSW's Macquarie Marshes to witness a "great sight of nature: tens of thousands of waterbirds breeding in wetlands". For 31 years, the scientist has flown over the wetlands, where thousands of egrets, ibis and spoonbills nest in dense colonies, as part of an annual aerial survey to estimate the abundance of waterbirds in eastern Australia. He's passionate and poetic. The marshes were a "mosaic of thousands of little mini habitats", filled with insects, frogs and reptiles, he said. Surrounded by reed beds, river red gums and coolibah trees, the birds create a cacophony of sound. Professor Kingsford has watched straw-necked ibis mow down a swarm of locusts in minutes.

Local farmers, environmentalists and scientists say this great sight  only witnessed after flooding streams water across the plains  is fading fast. They fear for the future if the Murray-Darling Basin Authority proceeds with a plan to reduce the amount of water flowing into the wetlands. Professor Kingsford likens the marshes to a very ill patient who has been given just enough care to get out of the ICU. "When I see the dead trees, hundreds of years old; when I see the bird breeding event not as high; when I see our predictions of the long-term impacts of river regulation ... It's obviously still an incredible place but not the same as it used to be," he said. "The extra flows got it out of ICU, but it will remain compromised without its lifeblood  water. It will never be the same, but we still want something of its former majesty. "

Since irrigation began, and the Burrendong Dam was completed in 1967, it is estimated that the amount of water flowing into the marshes has almost halved. Even less may come to the wetlands in future. One hundred-year-old river red gums are dying, too, and strawnecked ibis numbers are down. "Floods create a food bonanza for frogs, insects and reptiles that form a food web for these birds and allow them to breed in large numbers," Professor Kingsford said. When the floods stop, or occur less often, the birds breed less often. Research by Professor Kingsford and others estimates the number of nests have dropped by 100,000 every 11 years. This year, the night herons have abandoned one of their favourite nesting strongholds because of a lack of water. Glossy ibis are hard to find.

Ecosystem threatened Nearly 90 per cent of the marsh is privately owned by graziers, such as fourth-generation farmers Garry and Leanne Hall. The Halls, who own a 5500 hectare mix of marshland and grazing land, have witnessed a massive reduction in egrets, ibis and spoonbills. "Total volume has been reducing and it is the future that worries us. Our expectations are becoming smaller," said Mr Hall, whose family grazes black Angus cattle. "Water is the key driver of eco system function in a wetland, and the less water, the less birds, the less bugs, the less bacteria in our soil. It distorts the whole ecosystem, which includes cattle production, and when the dry is longer, we sell less beef."

Local Indigenous groups representing the northern basin are also alarmed by the threat of less water flowing into the region, and have called for an increase. Jonathan La Nauze, of the Australian Conservation Foundation, said water had been overallocated to industrial and human use in every river system in the Murray-Darling Basin, something that had been recognised by former prime minister John Howard when he announced the creation of the authority nearly 10 years ago. "If the rumours are true, people charged with that responsibility to address water allocation are going to head in the opposite direction, the first people since John Howard to increase water allocated to irrigation." The Murray-Darling Basin Authority would only say the proposed amendments would be made available on Tuesday, followed by an 11-week consultation period. It has foreshadowed changes to the northern basin water recovery target and some groundwater water recovery targets. Sources said representatives of the Murray-Darling Basin Authority have argued they overestimated how much water the marshes needed, and it is expected that they will propose that some of this water should be sold to irrigators upstream.
Daily mean temperatures for the Arctic area north of the 80th northern parallel. Credit:Danish Meteorological Institute Then Daniel Swain, a climate scientist at UCLA, weighed in: This is the second year in a row that temperatures near the North Pole have risen to freakishly warm levels. During 2015's final days, the temperature near the Pole spiked to the melting point thanks to a massive storm that pumped warm air into the region. So what's going on here?

"It's about 20C (36 degrees Fahrenheit) warmer than normal over most of the Arctic Ocean, along with cold anomalies of about the same magnitude over north-central Asia," Jennifer Francis, an Arctic specialist at Rutgers University, said by email Wednesday. "The Arctic warmth is the result of a combination of record-low sea-ice extent for this time of year, probably very thin ice, and plenty of warm/moist air from lower latitudes being driven northward by a very wavy jet stream." Francis has published research suggesting that the jet stream, which travels from west to east across the Northern Hemisphere in the mid-latitudes, is becoming more wavy and elongated as the Arctic warms faster than the equator does. "It will be fascinating to see if the stratospheric polar vortex continues to be as weak as it is now, which favours a negative Arctic Oscillation and probably a cold mid/late winter to continue over central and eastern Asia and eastern North America. The extreme behaviour of the Arctic in 2016 seems to be in no hurry to quit," Francis continued. Francis cited the work of Judah Cohen, a forecaster with Atmospheric and Environmental Research, who has linked odd jet stream behaviour with cold air over Siberia.

Indeed, another Arctic expert, James Overland with the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, said that the jet stream at the moment is well configured to transport warmth northward into the Arctic. "There is strong warm advection into the Arctic, especially northern-central Canada, in through the Atlantic, and east Siberian/Chukchi Sea," Overland said. The whole situation is pretty extreme, several experts agreed. "Both the persistence and magnitude of these temperature anomalies are quite unusual," Labe added by email. "Large variability in temperatures are common in the Arctic (especially during the cold-season), but the duration of this warm Arctic - cold Siberia pattern is unusual and quite an impressive crysophere/sea ice feedback." (The "cryosphere" refers to that part of the Earth's system that is made up of ice.) Abnormally warm air has flooded the Arctic since October. Richard James, a meteorologist who pens a blog on Alaska weather, analysed 19 weather stations surrounding the Arctic Ocean and found that the average temperature was about 2C (4F) above the record set in 1998. Since November, temperatures have risen even higher. "It is amazing to see that the warmth has become even more pronounced since the end of October," James wrote on his blog.

Mark Serreze, who heads the National Snow and Ice Data Centre in Boulder, Colorado, agrees that something odd is going on. Not only are air temperatures unusually warm, but water temperatures are as well. "There's some areas in the Arctic ocean that are as much as 25 degrees Fahrenheit above average now," Serreze said. "It's pretty crazy." What's happening, he explains, is sort of a "double whammy." On the one hand, there is a "very warm underlying ocean" due to the lack of sea ice forming above it. But, at the same time, kinks in the jet stream have allowed warm air to flow northward and frigid Arctic air to descend over Siberia. "The sea ice is at a record low right now, for this time of year, that's one thing," Serreze said. "And why it's so low - again, there's so much heat in the upper ocean in these ice free areas, the ice just can't form right now. The ocean's just got to get rid of this heat somehow, and it's having a hard time doing so." Northern Hemisphere Sea Ice Extent Credit:NSIDC The situation this winter could set the Arctic's ice up for very thin conditions and a possible record low next year, Serreze said, although it's too soon to say.
Former Liberal leader John Hewson has accused the Coalition of "cheap political arse-covering" over attempts to link Malcolm Fraser's 1970s immigration policies to criminal gang activity and Islamic radicalisation in Australia today.

Immigration Minister Peter Dutton attacked the Fraser government's policies on Thursday, saying they were partly to blame for Australia's struggle with foreign fighters travelling to international conflict zones and suburban violence linked to newly arrived communities.

Mr Dutton said many Australians fighting in the Middle East were the children or grandchildren of migrants who settled during the 1970s and 1980s - an apparent reference to the more than 16,000 people who came from Lebanon in the wake of the 1976 civil war.

"The reality is Malcolm Fraser did make mistakes in bringing some people in the 1970s and we're seeing that today," he told Sky News.
Complementing the revival of fringe and denim, suede and bell bottoms this summer, hair trends are also paying homage to the rebellious '70s. Cue the trend of cheek bangs, with celebrities including Amanda Seyfried, Chrissy Teigen, Taylor Swift and even Australia's own fashion stylist Margaret Zhang rocking the trend this year.

And Tasmanian-born, France-based celebrity hair stylist Wendy Iles, who has serious hair cred, said if you are looking to make a statement with your hair this summer, the cheek bangs on long hair are the way to go.

Chrissy Teigen is renowned for experimenting with a fringe. Credit:Jason LaVeris

"I'm on a thing right now where I'm cutting cheek bangs on long hair. It's a remnant of the '70s (think Cher) that I'm reviving. It just takes long hair to a whole other level," said Iles, who was this year awarded the Hollywood Beauty Award for being a deeply fabulous stylist. Her editorial work has been documented in Archive: A Book About Hair.

Iles, who has worked on editorial shoots with all the biggies like Vogue, Elle, Vanity Fair, Harper's Bazaar and on those luxe advertising campaigns where the hair is impossibly fabulous for Christian Dior, Chanel, Hermes, Louis Vuitton, Goldwell, Kerastase, Clairol, Schwarzkopf, Wella, L'Oreal and Pantene  has created a go-to product to keep your hair luscious all summer.
A Qantas spokeswoman was apologetic. "We're really sorry to hear of Ms Holden's experience with us. She's flown with us a number of times with Molly, without any issues, but unfortunately this time around there was a glitch in the system which didn't book Molly onto her ticket. "We're looking into the issue to make sure this doesn't happen again. We fly hundreds of Guide and Assistance dogs each year with no issues, so this is just an unfortunate one-off." Holden's Sydney trip didn't get better. On Sunday, a security guard outside the Cafe del Mar in Sydney's Cockle Bay refused to let Holden and her dog in. She had to call for senior management to persuade him that assistance animals were permitted. She was made to wait, while people stopped and stared. A spokesperson for the restaurant, Anthony Leenders, has now been in touch with the security company, contracted to the restaurant; and sent further procedures to ensure this never happens again.

"We are deeply apologetic for the situation and we can ensure it won't happen again." When Holden arrived at the Sheraton Four Points, she explained Molly needed to empty her bowels urgently. (Guide dogs are trained to relieve themselves on command.) She was told the dog could wait, then directed to a small plot of grass across a busy road, unaccompanied. "At morning tea on Sunday we were escorted to the goods lift, through the loading dock - where there were vehicles moving around, and pointed to the dirt in the middle of four lanes of traffic  complete with tree roots and broken glass. It was noisy with no privacy. Dogs, like most humans, need to feel safe to expose themselves. The only bins were across the lanes of traffic and industrial sized waste dumpsters," Holden says. "This was so patently unsafe and inappropriate at so many levels. By any account, sending a vision impaired person and dog into the middle of a road, onto a dirt median strip amongst tree roots and broken glass is a gross neglect of duty of care." Sheraton Four Points management was also apologetic.

"We want to apologise for any challenges that Ms Holden did encounter at the hotel and we are speaking with the guest directly to address these." Sunday was a particularly bad day for Holden but this kind of discrimination is not unusual, she says. "I expect  and want - to be treated like anyone else. That means being offered dignity, respect and independence," she says. "That was taken away in every one of these circumstances, we weren't afforded the opportunity to take part as everyone else was. "It's usually just a bus or a taxi, not major events like this."

Australia's Disability Discrimination Commissioner Alastair McEwin says he is not at all surprised. "Assistance animals are a growing issue yet service providers such as Qantas still overreact," he says. McEwin has been the Disability Discrimination Commissioner for just three months but in that time, he has seen a number of complaints from those who've experienced discrimination because of their assistance animals. "What they face has been significant . . . the law is quite clear. If someone needs an assistance animal to access a service or venue and they are being denied, that is discrimination against a person with a disability." McEwin understands that there is a lot of anxiety about how assistance animals will behave. "But these animals have been trained to behave appropriately, in planes, cafes or hotels."
After months of turmoil at the CSIRO, Science Minister Greg Hunt has stepped in with a new statement of expectations for the organisation. Mr Hunt hopes it will set the the body on the path to being the world's premier public research institution.

The statement sets a clear focus on pure science and climate research alongside the "innovation catalyst" role championed by chief executive Larry Marshall.

One leading CSIRO environmental scientist Fairfax Media spoke to described it as a "clear repudiation" of the direction Dr Marshall had been taking the organisation.

There is no new funding associated with the statement, prompting the scientist to ask: "Who is going to fund our long-term research? That's the sticker."
The jailed founder of the Brothers for Life gang, Bassam Hamzy, was passing messages to gang members on the outside through coded love letters to his girlfriend at the time, a murder trial has heard.

A female witness, who cannot be identified, told the NSW Supreme Court on Friday that her then-boyfriend would send her letters and she would pass on messages to other gang members, including Hamzy's hand-picked successor, Farhad Qaumi.

Mr Qaumi is on trial with his brother Mumtaz Qaumi, accused of organising the shooting execution of construction industry figure and standover man Joe Antoun in Strathfield on December 16, 2013.

On Friday, the female witness, called Witness M, told the court she later became romantically involved with underworld executioner Hamad Assaad, who was killed last month.
Industrial Relations Minister Grace Grace says she'll be happy to take her family to Dreamworld for a ride once the park has reopened.

It comes as the state government's safety audits of Queensland theme parks are on track to be completed by the end of November.

Four people died on the Thunder River Rapids ride at Dreamworld last month, with the theme park remaining closed since the tragedy.

Ms Grace said she would "absolutely" go to Dreamworld with her family.
Police are investigating after a man with gunshot wounds presented himself to hospital in the Darling Downs region on Thursday evening.

A man, 21, entered Chinchilla hospital about 7pm with gunshot wounds to his chest and arm.

Police have set up two crime scenes at Chinchilla. Credit:Glenn Hunt

Police spoke to the man and searched nearby bushland area before he was airlifted to Princess Alexandra Hospital overnight in a critical but stable condition.

Police have set up two crime scenes, one at Slessar Street, outside the hospital and another at Auburn Road, about two kilometres west of the hospital.
Senior leaders or commissioned officers in the Queensland Police Service represent 2.7 per cent of our sworn members. As a female commissioned officer I represent just 0.3 per cent of my organisation, so there is a fair chance I've encountered a few barriers along the way.

The first barrier came during the recruiting process at my medical. A height restriction of 164cm existed at the time. The doctor pulled out his measuring tape and took and minute and said, "Virginia, we have a small problem  you are only 163.5cm tall. You're not tall enough."

I was somewhat dismayed as I'd passed all the other tests so how could half a centimetre hold me back? So I said, "Well, that can't be right, the Department of Main Roads says I'm 165cm," and showed him my licence. He just looked at me. So I took a chance and asked him outright "Can you just say I'm 164cm?"

That done, my second barrier came. I had to tell mum and dad I was not going back to uni. I was heading to the police academy. They were none too pleased; I suspect for two reasons.
A woman's acts of bestiality with her dog were repulsive and "completely against the order of nature", a Brisbane judge says.

Jenna Louise Driscoll, 27, will be sentenced on Monday after pleading guilty to the acts, drug trafficking, stabbing another woman with a fork and, on two separate occasions, biting a child.

Jenna Louise Driscoll lashing out at Fairfax Media's photographer outside the Brisbane Watch House in April last year. Credit:Robert Shakespeare

Judge Terry Martin made the remarks during sentencing submissions on Friday in the Brisbane District Court.

Defence barrister James Godbolt said his client had been affected by the public shaming of the bestiality charge and had stopped physically attending the University of Southern Queensland.
The recent commemoration of Veterans Day gave us pause to honor and thank those who have served in the U.S. armed forces. While the military finds places for both men and women to work, in history and fiction we usually find men featured in the midst of the battles, something that started me wondering about womens participation when the bullets fly. A list of Medal of Honor winners might be a place to start to see if any women have been recipients of that highest award for bravery.

According to the Congressional Medal of Honor Society, the award has been presented 3,498 times with all but one of them going to men. The woman, a civilian doctor named Mary Edwards Walker, at the recommendation of Gen. William T. Sherman, received it for her battlefield and hospital work caring for the wounded. Early in her career, female physicians were not accepted, which caused her problems in getting a practice established. When the Civil War started, she volunteered her services to the Union Army but was permitted to serve only as a nurse, not as a doctor, because of her gender. Later, the army did accept her full-fledged services, whereby she treated both Union and Confederate wounded.

While crossing the line to treat a Confederate, she was arrested, charged as being a spy for the Union, and spent time in a prisoner of war camp. She had adopted mens clothing for her wardrobe while opposing women's long skirts with petticoats, thinking them uncomfortable, inhibiting and a collector of dust and dirt. While she was imprisoned, she refused to wear clothing provided to her by the Confederates, who wanted her to dress more "becoming of her sex. The Southerners traded her off to the Union side after four months for one of their own surgeons. Dr. Walker wore her Medal of Honor with pride, but unfortunately, in 1917, her medal along with five others, including Buffalo Bill Codys, was revoked because of their civilian status.

Long before the United States emerged as a nation, a fascinating young woman named Joan of Arc became legendary as a leader on the battlefield. Even though it seems far afield to talk of her in this context, we will. Joan felt chosen by God to lead her fellow Frenchmen against the English in their long-running war. Somehow she persuaded her countrys leader to give her command of the army and do battle with the English at Orleans. She led her army to victory, but her future was not secure as a hero because eventually they burned her at the stake. Among many charges against her were witchcraft, heresy and dressing like a man.

Two young female warriors from more recent times received attention when they were captured in Iraq, Jessica Lynch and Shoshana Johnson, the first African-American female prisoner of war. At the time, the Army would have had us believe these women went down in glory with guns blazing. But neither one had a working weapon. Lynch spent nine days in captivity until the time of her rescue by a special operations team. After separating from the Army she received a book deal worth over a million dollars and gave birth to Dakota Ann, named in honor of Jessicas friend, Spc. Lori Piestewa, a Native American killed in the same attack.

Johnson spent 22 days in captivity before her release. She didnt dare give her captors her real name of Shoshana because it is a Hebrew name and was afraid they might think her a Jew, which at that time and place might not have bode well for her. She, too, wrote a book describing her ordeal.

In December 2015, Defense Secretary Ashton Carter announced that all combat positions would be open to women. The announcement met arguments both pro and con, with some saying women are capable of performing the difficult and brutal tasks of combat, while others do not think many women can meet the physical rigors of combat.

To prove they could, several women recently passed the Armys elite Ranger School at Fort Benning, Ga., the first to do so. While some women failed to pass, it must be mentioned that some men did not pass either. If winning the Medal of Honor is any yardstick, may we presume women will now be in positions to start earning the highest award?

Mary Edwards Walker wore her medal with pride every day of her life until she died in 1919, even though the official revocation stood until 1977 when President Jimmy Carter signed a proclamation restoring it to her. The army never had any success getting the Medal of Honor returned from Walker. She told them, You can have it, over my dead body.
"I thought it was a car accident." He and a co-worker helped put out the fire with a shopkeeper at a neighbouring Optus store. Do you know more? Email scoop@theage.com.au Worker Ashley Atkin-Fone was among the first on the scene, and he searched through the smoke to try to find victims inside the bank. "I got the fire out, took four steps inside and I was shouting and shouting but couldn't hear anyone," he said

He said one of the victims was staggering down Springvale Road with blood dripping from his hands. "His face was terrible," he said. "He was screaming at the top of his voice. I've never heard anything like it." "All I could see was this black smoke, it was just an absolute mess at the front of the shop," he said. Ernie Gonzalez heard a witness say a man set himself on fire at the entrance of the bank before running inside and squirting gasoline on the carpet. "He's setting the carpet on fire as he's running towards the back of the bank," he said.

Mr Gonzalez said the bank tellers had to run through the flames to get out of the building. "I could see flames in the entrance and I could see people running out covered in charcoal - they were black," he said. Anthony Banh, who is the manager of Love Central Jewellery across the road from the bank, said he went outside immediately after people came running and screaming past the shop. "I heard a loud bang - it sounded like firecrackers - there was smoke everywhere," he said. "A guy had severe burns on his face and arms and everything. There was another man crouched on the ground with severe burns."

Mr Bahn said he was scared there would be another explosion and kept his distance, but other people came running to help the injured and use fire hydrants to put out the flames. "People were quite brave," he said. "I was shocked it took so long for the ambulance and firefighters to come." Nearby shop owners said the situation was still tense. "I saw a lot of people running in the opposite direction," Helen Yeung, a cashier at Breadtop next door to the bank said.

"I didn't know what was happening." Eric Fleuriot was at Springvale train station when several police cars sped past. "It's bloody awful," he said of the fire. "I just can't believe it." Loading
The Catholic Church has pledged to double potential compensation payments for child sex abuse survivors to $150,000 but has back-tracked on a promise to publicly release an independent review into its controversial Melbourne response victim compensation scheme.

Archbishop Denis Hart has defended the decision to withhold the report, saying it was being done in the interest of victims.

Archbishop of Melbourne, Denis Hart, who is also chair of the Australian Catholic Bishops Conference. Credit:Joe Armao

"We're doing it because we want to cause the least disturbance to the people who have suffered," he said.

The report would instead be handed over to the royal commission, Archbishop Hart said.
It's not long until the lunchtime rush and Thai Le is preparing dish number four on his menu, Hokkien Mee, when he sees the smoke.

His restaurant is full of customers, like most of the noodle bars, pho joints and Vietnamese bakeries on Springvale Road typically are not long before noon on a Friday.

Then it happens.

"I ran straight across the road, telling all the cars to stop," he said.
Warning: This article contains images that may be confronting to some readers.

A Perth woman who had her toe sliced during a pedicure and the wound wrongly treated with cleaning chemicals has warned others of the hidden dangers of nail salons.

Jenny*, who wants to remain anonymous, suffered chemical burns to her toes after visiting a nail salon near Perth's CBD on November 1 to treat herself after finishing her working day.

She said the woman who gave her the pedicure sliced her toe with a small blade and then mistook sterilising solution for antiseptic.
Yangon: Myanmar's government on Friday rejected accusations by minority Rohingya Muslims that the military has killed residents fleeing the conflict in the north-west of the country in which at least 86 people have been killed and up to 30,000 displaced.

Hundreds of Rohingya are trying to escape the military crackdown after a recent escalation in violence in Rakhine State, say residents, adding that some of them have been gunned down while attempting to cross the river the marks the frontier with Bangladesh.

The Information Taskforce on Rakhine, formed this week by the office of de facto Myanmar leader and Nobel Peace Prize winner, Aung San Suu Kyi, has rejected the allegations against the military, known as the 'Tatmadaw' in the Burmese language.

"Regarding those incidents, after asking the Tatmadaw and border guard troops in those regions, it is known that the information is absolutely not true," said the State Counsellor Office Information Committee in a Facebook post.
Bangkok: An Australian man wanted in Queensland on kidnapping and torture charges, and who has been frequenting bars in the Thai capital for more than two weeks, has been arrested.

Thai police grabbed 70-year-old Guido James Eglitis in the foyer of the Hotel Marvel in the Sukhumvit Road entertainment area, saying they were tipped off by an intelligence source.

Fugitive Guido James Eglitis photographed in N'Joy bar and restaurant in Bangkok's Sukhumvit Road entertainment area last month.

Police Lieutenant-Colonel Anak Prasongsuk said Thai authorities were working with agencies in Australia to speed up proceedings to extradite him to Queensland.

Mr Eglitis, who arrived in Bangkok after jail time in Cambodia, would be banned permanently from Thailand because of his "extensive" criminal history, Colonel Anak said.
Bialowieza (Belavezha) rings a bell for Russia experts as it was in these woods, on the Belarusian side of the border, that Boris Yeltsin, along with the leaders of Ukraine and Belarus, declared independence, thus signing the death warrant for the Soviet Union in 1991.

The woods - the remains of a vast primeval forest that once covered Europe - have been in the news lately because the government has started cutting down trees in unprotected areas. While the authorities say they just want to rid the forest of spruce bark beetle and outraged ecologists call the logging the thin end of the wedge, UN bodies are keeping an eye on the situation in what is a World Heritage site.

It is so untouched and precious that you can only enter the protected parts with an official tracker and you won't want to stray far from him.

The Russian Tsar's junting lodge in the ancient Bialowieza forest, Poland. Credit:Helen Womack

In fact, there is a distinctly Russian flavour here because eastern Poland used to be part of the Russian empire and the Tsar, who had his hunting lodge in the forest, went after the wild boar and cut down a modest number of trees to fire his stoves.

The local churches are Orthodox, though Polish-speaking. In the local eateries, what the Poles call dumplings and the Russians call pies, and what the Poles call pies and the Russians call dumplings, are all filled, regardless of Slav language nuance, with wild boar and berries. And all are washed down with "zubrovka" (vodka flavoured with the aromatic grass that the bison like to eat).

On our trek into the forest, we are hoping to see bison, but it is already afternoon and the autumn light is fading fast. The tracker, Miroslaw Kolodzinski, promises that among the 500-year-old oaks, we will definitely hear one of the nine species of woodpeckers, and he gives a detailed talk on how to distinguish between pine cones that have been nibbled by mice, gorged on by squirrels or pecked out by birds.

Foresters like Mr Kolodzinski have divided the woods up into squares and regularly inspect their own patches to see if there have been any changes to the trees or the subtle tapestry of the forest floor.
State Superintendent Kirsten Baesler convened a meeting of her new group of Student Cabinet members on Nov. 10.

Twenty students from schools throughout the state, ranging from fourth grade to freshmen in college, spent the day at the Capitol discussing educational policy and school experience.

And the students didn't hold back when it came to talking about what they liked and didn't like at their schools, such as a lack of Advanced Placement courses and having "flex times" in their school schedules.

This isnt a fluff type of group, neither was the first Student Cabinet. This is a group that was brought together to intently discuss policy, budget and goals for K-12 education in North Dakota," Baesler said.

In April 2015, Baesler formed the first Student Cabinet as a way for the Department of Public Instruction to hear directly from students, just as it does teachers, school administrators and parents. Cabinet members serve for 18 months.

Im extremely pleased, because the conversation we had this morning has been very meaningful. Its been very substantive," Baesler said.

Dawson Schefter, a senior at Langdon Area High School in Cavalier County, who served on the inaugural Student Cabinet, said he'd like to talk about opportunities for students to take AP classes or enroll in dual-credit courses. At his school, there aren't any AP classes and only one dual-credit course is offered, he said.

Cabinet member Peyton Cole, a freshman at the University of North Dakota, who served with the first group of students, said she appreciated the opportunity for younger and older students to share their experiences and hopes to continue that this year.

"It was really cool. I learned a lot, and it was really eye-opening to hear everyone's perspective," Cole said.

Cole Garman, of Mandan, is a freshman at the University of Jamestown and also is serving on the cabinet for a second term.

At the current cabinet's first meeting, Baesler and members discussed changes in education at the state and federal level, including rewriting math and English standards to replace Common Core and the new Every Student Succeeds Act.

Students set the agenda for their next meetings and will meet four times per year.

Student Cabinet applicants had to submit letters of recommendation and answer a series of questions, including a question on what they believed to be top issues students face. Those students were evaluated and selected by a group of people outside the state superintendent's office.

Baesler said she told those evaluating the applications that she wanted a diverse group.

I dont want all just National Honors Society kids," she said. "And I want to make sure that Im hearing what isnt going so well, and I appreciate their ability to share with me the positive things that are going on in their schools, and then also the items that they have concerns about."

There are 11 female and nine male cabinet members, from Abercrombie, Bismarck, Dickinson, Ellendale, Fargo, Hazen, Langdon, Mandan, Minot, Mohall, Oakes, Park River, Parshall, Watford City, West Fargo and Williston.
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Saturday Nov. 19 Theyve got wood!

See the forest and the trees tonight at Memory Rings, a delicate eco-fable that uses puppets, dancers in animal masks, and fairy tales to tell the story of the worldss oldest tree. This is the final night of the run, so catch it while you can!

7:30 pm at BAM Harvey Theater [651 Fulton St. between Ashland and Rockland places in Fort Greene, (718) 6364100, www.bam.org]. $30.

Sunday Nov. 20 Ha-ha Haiti

The situation in Haiti, post-Hurricane Matthew, is pretty grim, but Haitian-born comedian Tanael Joachims Jokes for Haiti will use laughter to fight the tears  and also raise cash for health care group Nova Hope For Haiti. The show features some top-notch comedians, including Saturday Night Lives Sasheer Zamata (pictured), Michelle Wolf, and Kareem Green, among others.

8 pm at Littlefield (622 Degraw St. between Third and Fourth avenues in Gowanus, www.littl efiel dnyc.com ). $10.

Monday

Nov. 21

Oh, rats!

Dont let the propaganda of Ratatouille fool you  rats are a filthy menace! Tonights final installment in the Our Pesky Neighbors panel discussion series will focus on the citys notorious rodent residents, with expert commentary from New York Citys rat czar Robert Corrigan, rat historian Robert Sullivan, and Department of Sanitation anthropologist Robin Nagle.

Sheer talent: Comedian Sasheer Zamata will take the stage at Jokes for Haiti on Nov.. 20.

7 pm at the Brooklyn Historical Society [128 Pierrepont St. at Clinton Street in Brooklyn Heights, (718) 2224111, www.brook lynhi story.org ]. $10.

Wednesday

Nov. 23

Talking turkey

Bone up on some turkey trivia at The Real History of Thanksgiving, a lecture from food historian Sarah Lohman that will reveal the secret origin of the turkey-centric celebration, look at menus from the past, and discuss dishes recently added to the holiday tradition. And it will give you some safely non-political talking points for dinner with the family the next day.

6 pm at Threes Brewing (333 Douglass St. between Third and Fourth avenues in Gowanus, www.brook lynbr ainer y.org ). $12.

Thursday

Nov. 24

Clued in

The traditional post-Thanksgiving activity is breaking out the board games  but you should skip the eight-hour Monopoly session and head to Videology, where there will be a Clue game on every table, and the delightful 1985 film based on it will be screening on a loop. So if you miss Mrs. Whites classic Flames! Flames on the side of my face! routine, just wait 90 minutes and it will come around again.

6 pm2 am at Videology [308 Bedford Ave. at S. First Street in Williamsburg, (718) 7823468, www.video logyb arand cinem a.com ].
Now we dont normally just reprint press releases all willy-nilly (what self-respecting newspaper would?), but this one from Councilman David Greenfield (DMidwood) calling out restaurant guide Zagat for not including any Brooklyn kosher joints was too delicious to pass up! (And dont worry, its parve). Here it is in all its glory:

Councilman David G. Greenfield is calling on the well-known Zagat Guide to make greater efforts to incorporate a wide range of New York cuisines into its famous guidebook in light of the fact that the latest edition features none of the many delicious kosher dining options in Brooklyn.

Zagats updated 2017 edition was released recently, and while some readers say they already have Yelp for this, others claim that Zagat offers a more consistent and reliable guide to New York dining. For that reason, Greenfield said, its really a shame that the new Zagat guide offers zero kosher options in Brooklyn, which is historically home to much of New Yorks vibrant Jewish community, including several of the best kosher restaurants in the world.

In fact, the new guide lists just three restaurants in Bensonhurst, only two in Midwood, and when it comes to Boro Park, Zagat lays a big goose egg. The guide includes only eight kosher restaurants, only one of which  Mexikosher, on Manhattans happening Upper West Side  is new this year. It includes no kosher restaurants in Brooklyn.

I urge the editors of Zagat to seek out a more diverse array of dining options in New York, and particularly in Brooklyn, Greenfield said. We have some of the finest restaurants in the world in Brooklyn, and many happen to be kosher. But you wouldnt know that from reading the Zagat Guide. Update your Guide! Your customers  and your stomachs  will be glad that you did. 

30
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Heres the second half our song-and-dance show, this one featuring international recording sensation Patrizio Buanne  a good friend of the paper who spoke to the boys about his felling on Donald Trump  whom he met at a Friars Club Roast of Larry King  as well as how god and orgasms are connected. That and more if you take a listen now!

The interviews with Danza and Buanne are the latest great gets for Brooklyn Paper Radio, which has already interviewed filmmaker Michael Moore, Rock Hall of Fame guitarist Carlos Santana, Counting Crows front man Adam Duritz, comic Andrew Dice Clay, NY1s Pat Kiernan, and (in less of a get), disgraced politician Anthony Weiner.

Brooklyn Paper radio is recorded and podcast live every Thursday at 4:45 pm  for your convenience  from our studio in Americas Downtown and can be found, as always, right here on BrooklynPaper.com, on iTunes, on Mixlr, and of course, on Stitcher.
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Abbon-DANZA!

Get ready for legendary television actor Tony Danza to serve up a heaping helping of all-American (make that all Italian-American) charm to listeners of Brooklyn Paper Radio this week  giving a delectable preview of his upcoming Standards and Stories show at Brooklyn College on Sunday.

In a wide-ranging, pre-recorded interview that will be podcast during todays show at 4:45 pm right here on Brook lynPa per.com , the star of Taxi and Whos the Boss? weighed in on great American musical classics, his own upbringing in East New York of the 1960s, his extremely hot life as a hunky 65-year-old man in the city, his hero Frank Sinatra and, given last weeks election, his nemesis Donald J. Trump.

I feel like I am hallucinating when I hear people twist themselves into a pretzel to normalize this guy, Danza told hosts Gersh Kuntzman of the New York Daily News and Vince DiMiceli, editor of The Brooklyn Paper. Listen, hes the president. We hope for the best. But I heard a guy on TV the other day saying, Hes not a racist, hes not a misogynist, he walked all that stuff back. Well, when you play scorched earth, you scorch the earth. Now there has to be some kind of healing. And the healing has to come from him.

Danzas fears about the Trump administration peppered his conversation with the boys, who had invited the Brooklyn native on the air to discuss the coming concert.

Its a grown-up show, said Danza, who was born Antonio Salvatore Iadanza, by the way. Im a big fan of the American songbook because those songs have such great lyrics. And then I tell some stories to hook them into the songs to create a connection to the audience. There are show business stories, like the time I introduced my mother to Sinatra.

Introducing a mom to Old Blue Eyes will certainly get her attention, Kuntzman pointed out.

Thats when she knew I was finally a big shot! Danza laughed. And thats part of the show. I get some laughs and I have a great band. I sing, I tap dance, and then I bring out my secret weapon: my ukulele. I bring it out and its like a ray gun.

Danza said he owed a debt to Sinatra beyond helping him impress his mother. On Sunday, hell also recount how the Hoboken crooner assisted Danza from the grave.

I was doing Honeymoon in Vegas [on Broadway] and I was playing the cool bad guy, Danza said. I was having trouble with the part because I couldnt figure out if I was supposed to be funny or not. Three weeks into rehearsal and the director is thinking, Come on, Tony, get this already. I didnt want to be the weak link in the show because everyone else was so good.

So, I was at home working on it, and all of a sudden, I toss my phone down and the music went on by itself. It was Sinatra singing Im a Fool to Want You. And I thought, Wait a second! If Sinatra was alive, this is the part hed be playing. So I played it as Sinatra. The next day, I didnt say anything, but the director said, Ooh, yeah, more of that!

He wouldnt be the only one asking for more of Tony Danza. Hes a television celebrity. Hes single. He lives on the Upper West Side of Manhattan. And hes not financially stressed like Kuntzman and DiMiceli.

Im having some fun! he said. The city is great. Its a great time to be me! I talk about that in the show. Being in New York and single, as you might imagine, its nice.

Kuntzman reminded Danza, a former boxer, that he doesnt judge a man by how many times he gets knocked down, but by how many times he gets up and goes on dates.

Well, Danza said, youd be judging me pretty highly. Im having a good time. And theres a lot of good will out there. I cant imagine living anywhere else.

The interview with Danza is the latest great gets for Brooklyn Paper Radio, which has already interviewed filmmaker Michael Moore, Rock Hall of Fame guitarist Carlos Santana, Counting Crows front man Adam Duritz, comic Andrew Dice Clay, NY1s Pat Kiernan, and (in less of a get), disgraced politician Anthony Weiner.

Brooklyn Paper radio is recorded and podcast live every Thursday at 4:45 pm  for your convenience  from our studio in Americas Downtown and can be found, as always, right here on BrooklynPaper.com, on iTunes, on Mixlr, and of course, on Stitcher.
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A Vinegar Hill elementary school went into lockdown after a gunman shot two people nearby on Thursday afternoon.

The shooter opened fire at Navy and Gold streets around 1 pm, and the city promptly sealed up nearby PS 287, according to police.

The pupils inside were all fine, but family members of students say they panicked when they arrived to find police tape up around the school.

I walked up and saw police and was here thinking something had happened, said a woman whose 6-year-old granddaughter goes to PS 287 on Nassau and Gold streets. Its scary.

The gunman blasted an 18-year-old man in the leg and one of his bullets also grazed a 28-year-old female bystander, according to police.

The teen hobbled to Navy and Nassau streets, where emergency responders found him and took him to Methodist Hospital. He is expected to survive, but the shooting appears to be gang-related and he is not cooperating with investigators, a police spokesman said.

Paramedics also took the wounded bystander to the hospital, and she is also expected to live, police said.
Nearly 350,000 North Dakotans cast ballots in this months general election, setting a new record.

Members of the State Canvassing Board met in North Dakota Secretary of State Al Jaegers office Friday morning, with official results putting the vote tally for the Nov. 8 election at 349,945.

This came to a 61.29 percent turnout of the estimated 570,955 eligible voters in the state.

It was also 61 percent four years ago, Jaeger said. We still had 61 percent of the turnout, but the number of eligible voters was lower four years ago.

In the 2012 general election, a total of 325,862 votes cast ballots in North Dakota. There were an estimated 532,776 eligible voters that year and turnout was at 61.16 percent.

Since 1980, the lowest voter turnout was 57 percent in 1996, when total ballots cast numbered 271,861.

Thirty-eight percent of ballots were cast before Election Day, Jaeger said.

A total of 134,483 ballots were cast prior to Nov. 8. This is less than the total of 136,685 total ballots cast prior to Election Day in 2012.

A combined total of 83,534 absentee and vote-by-mail ballots were cast out of 88,195 sent out prior to the election. Early voting totaled 50,949 ballots cast before Election Day.

No election results were changed as a result of Fridays certifying of results, though Fargos District 46 state Senate race is eligible for a demand recount.

In District 46, Republican Jim Roers defeated Democratic-NPL Sen. George Sinner by 37 votes. Sinner this week said he wont pursue a recount.

Under state law, a candidate in a general election can demand a recount if the vote total is more than 0.5 percent but less than 2 percent below the highest vote-getter. An automatic recount in a general election is triggered by a margin of less than 0.5 percent.

A demand recount for a legislative candidate must be submitted in writing within three days of the state canvassing board meeting. Candidates must also provide a bond in the amount previously determined by the county auditor.

Election results and voting information can be found at www.sos.nd.gov.
Heather Wheeler, MP for South Derbyshire, has praised the entrepreneurial spirit of staircase manufacturer TwoTwenty during a visit to the companys headquarters this week.

Mrs Wheeler MP toured TwoTwentys Derbyshire-based factory and congratulated members of staff on the firms recent award wins and continued business growth.

During her visit, Mrs Wheeler MP praised TwoTwenty for its ambitious growth and development plans despite the uncertain economic climate.

Ali Wright, TwoTwentys founder and director, said: Despite the uncertainty surrounding Brexit, weve seen a significant increase in demand for our staircases in recent months. As a result, were investing in every part of the business to make sure we can meet that demand.

Echoing comments made by Prime Minister Theresa May earlier this year, Mrs Wheeler reaffirmed the governments commitment to helping small and medium-sized businesses (SMEs) prosper in a post-Brexit Britain.

Mrs Wheeler said: At her roundtable meeting in August this year, the Prime Minister made it clear that the growth of the UK economy is very much in the hands of our SMEs.

Im proud to represent a constituency where local small businesses are leading the way to a stronger, healthier economy. TwoTwenty is a shining example of a firm that has rolled up its sleeves and worked hard to deliver substantial growth.

TwoTwentys success was recognised at national and local level this year. The company won the Process Efficiency award at the British Woodworking Federation while, at the Burton Mail Business Awards, TwoTwenty scooped the Overall Business of the Year award.
Delaware River water treatment plant upgrades to remove contaminant

New Jersey American Water is spending $2.5 million to remove a potentially harmful chemical from Delaware River water processed by its Delran plant
Browse high quality, handcrafted clothing, gifts and accessories and enjoy a presentation of history, culture, arts and food from the small central Asian country, Tajikistan.

Come Take a Journey on the Spice & Silk Route

Thursday Nov. 17th 6PM $15 per person

Rikki Quintana, Albuquerque founder of HoonArts Fair Trade, will present an overview of the history, culture and arts of the small Central Asian country of Tajikistan. Rikki will share some of her experiences from her 2015 trip to this former Soviet republic that lies at the heart of the Great Silk Road, just north of Afghanistan. You will also learn about the master artisans she works with, many of whom are rural women who have no other source of income, and their efforts to preserve the traditional arts of The Roof of the World from extinction. If you are looking for truly unique gifts this holiday season, plan on doing your shopping here. HoonArts is the only company in the US working with the artisans of Tajikistan to open the US market, so you will not find these high quality handcrafted clothing, gifts and accessories anywhere else in the US.

Trunk Show with high quality handcrafted clothing, gifts and accessories perfect for the holidays

Menu

Vegetable Polav

Smoked Lamb

Pomagranate Puff Pasty

Black, Green and Mint Teas
SPIRITWOOD -- Planning is continuing for construction of a soybean crushing plant at Spiritwood, according to information in a grant application made by North Dakota Soybean Processors to the Agricultural Products Utilization Commission.

A copy of the application, which was submitted to APUC in June, was received after an open records request was submitted.

According to the application, North Dakota Soybean Processors is a subsidiary of Minnesota Soybean Processors. Minnesota Soybean Processors operates a soybean crushing plant at Brewster, Minn.

Calls to Minnesota Soybean Processors were not returned.

The description of the project said, Minnesota Soybean Processors is looking to build a 125K Bu/day facility in North Dakota.

The 125,000-bushel-per-day capacity translates to 42.5 million bushels per year.

The application indicates the business would be located at Spiritwood -- about 12 miles east of Jamestown near Interstate 94.

The project received a $103,000 grant from APUC in July for preliminary engineering services.

John Schneider, APUC director, said he believes the project is moving forward. APUC has distributed about half of the grant funds to the fiscal agent administering the grant.

We havent requested or received a status report on the project, he said.

According to the application, the project would be an integrated soybean crush facility and refinery that would produce soybean meal, refined bleached and deodorized oil and biodiesel.

North Dakota Agriculture Commissioner Doug Goehring said such a facility added to the existing plants at Spiritwood would be good for the farm economy in North Dakota.

I love all the projects around Spiritwood, he said. They have so much to offer for value-added agriculture.

The project, if constructed, would be the third value-added agriculture plant at Spiritwood. Cargill Malt processes barley into malt for beer, and Dakota Spirit AgEnergy processes corn into fuel ethanol. Spiritwood Station, a coal-fired electric generation facility, provides steam energy to both operations.

Goehring said a lack of soybean processing plants in North Dakota has cost farmers money by increasing the basis in the price. The basis is the difference between the local cash price for a commodity and the national future price for the same commodity. Commodities that can be processed closer to the farm have an increased local price, which reduces the basis.

This could put 30 cents (per bushel) more in the local producers pocket, he said.

The plant also could make biodiesel more economical in North Dakota, Goehring said. Currently, most biodiesel used in the state has to be transported from Minnesota or Iowa.

It would be great to put biodiesel in our pumps that is grown in our own backyard, he said.

A letter of support from Connie Ova, CEO of the Jamestown/Stutsman Development Corp., was included in the North Dakota Soybean Processors application to APUC.

She also said the possibility of such a plant at Spiritwood would boost the local business and farm economy.

We are very excited about the possibility of such an excellent opportunity for good jobs and value-added ag processing for local farmers, she said.

Ova said a second tenant in or near the Spiritwood Energy Park Association property may require some improvements or extensions to the rail loop at SEPA industrial park. Any necessary enhancements to the rail or other facilities at SEPA are under review, she said.

The APUC application estimated it would cost about $160 million to bring the plant into operation. Details on the number of jobs the plant would create were redacted from the application. It does not specify any timeframe for an announcement on the project or construction.

They want to be very cautious, Goehring said. This is a big deal for them.
The Narendra Modi-led central government has on several occasions chest-thumped about having changed the fortunes of and Express. Only recently it announced that had made a profit after long. However, it turns out, some part of this profit would have been made by charging senior citizens booking tickets online as much as three times the normal adult airfare across sectors in India.
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First Choice services, the used car services arm of & Mahindra, is planning to sell a portion of its stake to raise up to $50 million. The company is also eyeing around Rs 250 crore from the new business, which is branded spares or private label which was launched recently.

Speaking at the sidelines of Auto Serve 2016, organised by CII, Y V S Vijayakumar, chief executive officer, First Choice Services Ltd said that the company is planning to raise around $40-50 million, which is to support company's expansion and strengthening technology for the future.

The money will also help to expand its recently launched portal carworkz, which is being tested at Mumbai currently. The portal allows customers to book, review and rate the independent garages. Currently it is operating only in Mumbai and company plans to take this to around 15 cities. Through this digital platform the company will work with around 15,000-20,000 garages in these cities.

Speaking about expansion, he said, currently the used car services arm has 215 network now and plans to increase this to 500 in one year and to 1000 in the next two years.

The company is also planning to launch MFC Car Care by next quarter which will be a value added services and would take care of car protection and car detailing.

Mahindra First Choice services is eyeing around Rs 1,000 crore over the next three years from the current Rs 150 crore, which is brand revenue.

Vijayakumar said that the private label or the branded spares business, which was started recently would contribute around Rs 250 crore of this revenue.

The company's vision is to be one stop shop solution for car owners, when it comes to sales, services, spare parts, accessories, annual maintenance, independent garages and to know price, he added.
Leading pellet maker and a PSU under Union ministry of steel is all set to acquire 51% equity in ailing Odisha PSU-Industrial Development Corporation of Odisha (Idcol) Ltd. has been one of the front-runners in picking up controlling stake in the two Idcol units- Idcol Kalinga Iron Works Ltd and Barbil and Idcol Ferrochrome & Alloys Ltd after rounds of failed bidding by other PSUs like Steel Authority of India Ltd (SAIL) and National Aluminium Company (Nalco).
Software service group is bracing for pressure on its US business from anti-immigrant policies by US President-elect Donald Trump, who has identified clamping down on immigration as one of his three top priorities.

"Margins might be impacted in the near-term," Chief Executive Vishal Sikka said, adding the company had not yet done any simulations on how large the impact may turn out to be.

Infosys' contingency plan for the case that the group would not be able to send low-cost developers to work with temporary work visas on big tech projects in the United States would be to hire staff locally, he said.

Sikka conceded that hiring people in the United States would likely be more expensive, adding that he saw no shortage in potential applicants.

"There are enough universities, enough ability to hire, enough ability to teach," Sikka said, adding he did not expect to lose market share to US peers such as Cognizant .

last month cut its annual revenue growth target for the second time in three months as India's software service exporters feel the pinch of major Western clients holding back on spending.
Infosys co-founder urged youngsters to take up more research works in mathematics. One area where India can do slightly better than the countries is mathematics. It is a field where you dont need heavy investments, labs, etc. Its time India wakes up and encourages youngsters to do more real research in this subject, Murthy said at the Infosys Prize 2016 announcement.
The Modi government's move has caused heartburn at home with the ever changing rules regarding withdrawal and exchange of currency notes, and the long serpentine lines outside banks and ATMs. However, the foreign media's coverage of what the government touts to be a landmark anti-black money policy has not been very positive.
Controversial Islamic preacher, has been extolling Osama Bin Laden, proclaiming that every Muslim should be a terrorist and claiming that if Islam had indeed wanted 80% of Indians would not have remained Hindus, the government said justifying the ban imposed on his NGO Islamic Research Foundation (IRF).
A young farmer from Jodhpur offered his kidney for External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj, who is undergoing treatment at All India Institute of Medical Sciences in Delhi for a kidney failure.
Its more than a week now and the banking sector is yet to recover from the move of the government. In fact, the ATM recalibration exercise has started only in the past four days and a little over 30,000 ATMs are ready for the new notes, according to people engaged in the operation.
On the evening of November 8, 2016, Prime Minister Narendra Modi proclaimed that Rs 500 and Rs 1,000 currency notes would no longer be regarded as legal tender. The move came in the wake of the promise he made to curb black money. Ever since the announcement was made, there have been mixed reactions to it.



However, is not a new phenomenon. Countries in the past have tried to regulate their currencies and mostly failed. Business Standard brings you five instances when governments across the world failed to implement currency reforms.



Ghana
In the past couple of days, with the I-T department issuing 600 notices to jewellers, and also asking banks to report deposits, the thrifty business of transferring old currency into gold has been hit Photo: Reuters
Indian Banks Association (IBA) on Friday said banks on Saturday will not exchange old Rs 500 and Rs 1,000 notes with the new ones to perform other banking related duties, which have been on hold since November 8.
Unabated queues outside automated teller machines (ATMs), feedback that its note ban has negatively impacted small traders, farmers and those planning weddings, a rattled Narendra Modi government on Thursday announced several exceptions to provide relief to sections of the public.
Demonetisation issue rocked Parliament on Thursday as the united opposition created uproar in both houses and forced a wash-out of the second day of winter session.

The Lok Sabha managed to transact Question Hour and laying of the papers amid ruckus while the Rajya Sabha witnessed five adjournments before both the houses were adjourned for the day.

Before the Rajya Sabha was adourned for the day, the house witnessed a heated argument between Leader of Opposition Ghulam Nabi Azad and Parliamentary Affairs Minister M. Venkaiah Naidu as the Congress leader likened those died during the withdrawal of money from banks and ATMs across the country to the Uri terror attack martyrs.

The government sought an unconditional apology from Azad but he refused to budge. Government strategists held a meeting in Parliament House after both houses were adjourned.

Sources said that both the houses are unlikely to transact any business on Friday as the government is adamant on unconditional apology from Azad and also unlikely to accept the opposition's demand in the Lok Sabha for a debate under rules that provide for voting on the issue.

Soon after the Lok Sabha met, Congress leader Mallikarjun Kharge urged Speaker Sumitra Mahajan to accept the party's notice for an adjournment motion, under which all other business is set aside for the debate which is followed by voting.

But Parliamentary Affairs Minister Ananth Kumar said the debate should be a short duration discussion under Rule 193 as a divided message should not go from the house.

Mahajan then proceeded with the Question Hour even as opposition members raised slogans and created a ruckus in the house.

After the Question Hour ended, she disallowed notices of adjournment motion received from various political parties over the issue. Then papers were laid on the table of the house as scheduled.

"We want discussion under Rule 56 which allows voting. It will not be proper to discuss under Rule 193. Our adjournment motion should be accepted and debate should take place under Rule 56," Kharge said.

Mahajan, however, adjourned the house till 12.30 p.m., saying the debate cannot take place amid disturbances.

She also held a meeting in her chamber with the leaders of parties and government but no consensus was arrived at.

When the house met again, the scene was no different and a united opposition including the Congress, the Trinamool Congress, the Rashtriya Janata Dal and the Samajwadi Party continued with their demand of discussion with voting.

Trinamool leader Sudip Bandopadhyay said the opposition was united and wanted to "censure" the government by voting.

"Today the situation is very different as the opposition is united," he said, urging the Speaker to accept their adjournment notice.

However, Ananth Kumar said: "The public is with Prime Minister Narendra Modi's decision. We want the opposition to discuss the issue. I am sure there is no difference in opinion on curbing black money, corruption and counterfeit currency."

Not satisfied with the government's suggestion of discussing the issue under Rule 193, the opposition members started shouting slogans.

As no agreement was reached, the Speaker adjourned the house for the day.

The Rajya Sabha could not conduct any meaningful business as the opposition remained adamant on its demand that Modi be present during the debate on demonetisation and the house was finally adjourned for the day at 3 p.m. after five adjournments.

Members of the Congress, the Trinamool, AIADMK, Samajwadi Party and the Bahujan Samaj Party demanded that the Prime Minister be present as the house discusses the demonetisation kissue.

Appeals by members of the treasury benches, including Information and Broadcasting Minister M. Venkaiah Naidu and Minister of State for Parliamentary Affairs Mukhtar Abbas Naqvi, that he would come as and when he wants and the debate must go on went unheard.

"Why don't you debate the issue," said Naqvi, adding that "he (Modi) will come when he has to."

The opposition members did not pay any heed to their request and gathering in front of the presiding officer's podium, shouted slogans against the Prime Minister and accused the government of being "insensitive".

Deputy Chairman P.J. Kurien also requested the agitating members to return to their seats but his pleas went unheeded and he finally adjourned the house for the day.
The Congress and Communist Party of India (Marxist) questioned the Narendra Modi governments claims on a crackdown on black money and also highlighted its poor record on recovering bad loans, or non-performing assets (NPAs), of the banking sector.
Lula's return: Brazil's left turn may be more muted this time Lula's earlier popularity lay in his redistributive policies, but this time around, he will have to demonstrate an ability to negotiate the ...

Enhancing mustard yields Genetically tweaked variety can increase production. It would be unwise for India to deny its commercialisation
Senior Congress leader Ghulam Nabi Azad triggered a furore among the treasury bench in the Rajya Sabha on Thursday when he compared the deaths of soldiers in the Uri terror attack with that of people standing in queues outside banks and ATMs post . The remark was later expunged by the House.

The government has sought an unconditional apology, but the Congress has backed the Leader of Opposition in the Upper House.

The government has also sought a clarification from the Congress party and its leadership on whether it stands with Azad or condemns his "anti-national" remarks.

The Congress said that Azad is correct in what he said and he will not apologise.

"I was really shocked and surprised by the remarks of Azad. This is not only unfortunate but an insult to the nation and also our martyrs," Information and Broadcasting Minister M Venkaiah Naidu told reporters here.

He said that what is most unfortunate is that Azad has refused to budge from his stand.

"We want to know the stand of the Congress as Azad has refused to budge even an inch from his remarks, which is hurting the sentiments of the people," Naidu said.

"He is a responsible leader, he has done a blunder and should now apologise," he added.

He said the government is also concerned about the problems being faced by the common man post and the government is taking all measures to lessen it.

Naidu appealed to the Chair to expunge the remarks of Azad. Deputy Speaker of the upper house PJ Kurien gave the order to delete the remarks from the house records.

The Congress backed its senior party leader.

"Why should he apologise? He is correct. Our own people have died more due to the government's policy. The damage inflicted by the Pakistanis on our own people in Uri is less then the damage inflicted by Modi through his policy," said Congress spokesperson Ajay Kumar.

"People are dying of hunger and heart attacks (in queues); Isn't this the most insensitive move by the government? They only speak for the suited-booted and a few industrialists," the Congress leader said.

Parliamentary Affairs Minister Ananth Kumar sought an unconditional apology from Azad, saying he has gone "beyond the Laxman Rekha".

Talking to reporters, Kumar said that he never expected such a remark from a seasoned politician like Azad.

"He should unconditionally apologise to the nation and also to the Parliament," Kumar said.

Finance Minister Arun Jaitley dubbed Azad's remarks as irresponsible and said that Congress as a national party must support instead of obstructing Parliament.
In a recent article for The Telegraph, Sir Roger Scruton discusses the importance of national borders in Europe and the threat that the EU poses to them. He explains how religion once united Europe but since religion began to fade in the 17th century, territory took over as the principle that Europeans turn to in order to find unity. Scruton says this:

European civilisation has been steadily replacing religion with territory as the source of political unity. The process began in the 17th century, as the call for popular sovereignty and national unity began to be heard above the noise of religious conflict. Following the French Revolution and Napoleons failed attempt at a pan-European Empire, Europe emerged as a collection of nation states.

Scruton goes on to talk about how national identity contributed to the outcome of the Second World War:

Victory in the Second World War depended upon the national loyalty and patriotic feeling of the British and American people. In the world that emerged it is national identity that has offered the best guarantee of peace, as well as the only possible foundation for democratic politics. For it is only when people define their loyalty in territorial and national terms that differences of religion, class and ideology can be put aside and an elected government accepted by everyone, included the many who did not vote for it.

Talk about national loyalty, borders, jurisdiction, and democracy are extremely relevant at the current moment given the recent events that have taken place in the UK, namely Brexit. Scruton continues in his article to discuss the EU and its threat to all of these principles.

The European Union has refused to recognize the importance of borders and the territory defined by them. It has established a trans-national, bureaucratic form of legal order in which laws are not changed or adopted by popular sovereignty but imposed by official decree. It has done this out of the misguided view that borders and nations are a threat to peace. And from the same misguided conception it has insisted on the free movement of peoples around the continent  leading to two enormous demographic crises, namely the loss of young people from Eastern Europe, and the over-crowding of Britain, which is the country where the international language is spoken. The first crisis makes Eastern Europe and the Baltic states indefensible, while the second makes Britain increasingly unliveable, as housing, planning, infrastructure and social identity are all put under unmanageable strain.

Sir Roger Scruton is a writer and philosopher. He has decades of experience teaching and engaging in political culture on both sides of the Atlantic. He will be a keynote speaker at Actons London conference on Reclaiming the West: Freedom and Responsibility on December 1st. This event will include six other well-known speakers, including Ryan T. Anderson and Veronique de Rugy. To register and learn more about this event, visit Actons website here and in case you wont be able to attend, a live stream will be available.
Kerala chief minister Pinarayi Vijayan and other ministers of the state held a dharna in front of the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) regional office, Thiruvananthapuram today, in protest against the central bank's decision not to allow primary co-operative banks to deal with the demonetised 500- and 1,000-rupee notes and exchange.

Launching the protest, Vijayan said that the co-operative sector in the state holds deposits worth Rs 1.27 lakh crore and that primary co-operative societies are stronger than urban ones. The RBI's move restricting co-operative banks from dealing with demonetised notes will impact the co-operative movement, which forms part of the day-to-day life of the people in the state, he added.
Uttar Pradesh government on Friday hiked the state price by Rs 25 per quintal or a little over 9% to Rs 305 per quintal for the ongoing 2016-17 crushing season.
The Uttar Pradesh government on Friday hiked the state price by Rs 25 per quintal or a little over 9 per cent to Rs 305 per quintal for the ongoing 2016-17 crushing season.
India's declined by $1.19 billion to $367.041 billion in the week to November 11 on account of fall in foreign currency assets, Reserve Bank said on Friday.
Assistance to Farmers for Crop Loss

Government of India is implementing yield based Pradhan Mantri Fasal Bima Yojana (PMFBY) which has replaced the National Agricultural Insurance Scheme (NAIS) & Modified National Agricultural Insurance Scheme (MNAIS), from Kharif 2016 season. Comprehensive risk insurance is provided under PMFBY to cover yield loss due to non-preventable risks viz. natural fire and lightening; Storm, Hailstorm, Cyclone, Typhoon, Tempest, Hurricane, Tornado etc.; Flood, Inundation and Landslide; Drought, Dry Spells; Pests/ Diseases etc. On the other hand, Weather Based Crop Insurance Scheme (WBCIS) provides insurance protection to the farmers against adverse weather incidence, such as deficit and excess rainfall, high or low temperature, humidity etc. which are deemed to impact adversely the crop production.

Crop insurance is a financial tool to insure the crop losses on payment of admissible premium to the insurance company. Further, under the crop insurance schemes, claims are paid to those farmers who insure their crops and pay premium under any of the notified crop/area, notified by the concerned State Govt. Admissible claims are worked out and paid as per the provisions of the respective schemes and not on any other basis like by the representation from the State Govt., team sent by the Government of India, declaration of drought/flood etc. by the State/Central Govt.

Financial assistance is also provided to farmers as per guidelines on the items and norms of assistance from State Disaster Response Fund (SDRF)/ National Disaster Response Fund (NDRF) dated 8th April, 2015 of Ministry of Home Affairs, where assistance is admissible for crop loss of 33% and above due to notified natural calamities viz.

Avalanches, Cyclone, Cloud burst, Drought, Earthquake/Tsunami, Fire, Flood, Hailstorm, Landslides, Pest attack, Frost and Cold wave. The norms of relief under SDRF/NDRF are Rs. 6800/- per ha for rainfed areas, Rs.13500/-per ha for assured irrigated areas and Rs.18000/-per ha for all types of perennial crops. Assistance under SDRF/NDRF provided is for immediate relief and not by way of compensation for the loss suffered.

This information was given by the Minister of State for Agriculture & Farmers Welfare, Shri S. S. Ahluwalia, in reply to a question in Rajya Sabha today.
Defence Minister Inducts Four Indigenous Naval Systems Skilled Manpower Vital for Make In India Initiative Parrikar

The Defence Minister Shri Manohar Parrikar handed over four Naval Systems developed by DRDO to the Indian Navy at a special ceremony here today. The four indigenously developed naval systems viz. ABHAY, HUMSA UG, NACS and AIDSS which will boost underwater surveillance capability of the Indian Navy, were formally handed over to the Chief of Naval Staff Admiral Sunil Lanba by the Minister.

Speaking on the occasion, Shri Parrikar complimented the DRDO and the Navy for their successful joint venture in developing several naval systems, which will provide a fillip to the quest for self-reliance in this critical area of technology. I expect much more synergy between the Armed Forces and DRDO in the days to come", he said. He expressed his appreciation to DRDO for its achievements in the last two years particularly in the induction of LCA Tejas, Varunastra Torpedo, Pinaka multi-barrel rocket launcher, Rustom II UAV and several missile programmes.

The Defence Minister said, Skill development is one of the most important aspects of nation building because unless we have certified skilled manpower, projects like Make in India would not succeed." He expressed happiness that the Indian Navy has taken the lead by imparting training to a large contingent of retiring naval personnel and giving them certificates. He said that the only way to make the nations large pool of youth and manpower suitable for the emerging industry and business opportunities is by skilling them to take up specialized jobs.

Addressing the gathering, the Minister of State for Skill Development and Entrepreneurship Shri Rajiv Pratap Rudy said skill initiative programme is the brainchild of the Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi. He said the credit of pulling along the skill ecosystem in the Indian Armed Forces should go to the Defence Minister. Shri Rudy said the Defence Minister is not only involved in the skilling process technically but also socially as he has created a new pathway about the programme in the Armed Forces.

The four naval systems, ABHAY Compact Hull Mounted SONAR for Shallow Water Crafts, HUMSA UG Upgrade for the HUMSA SONAR System, NACS Near-field Acoustic Characterisation System, and AIDSS Advanced Indigenous Distress SONAR System for submarines have been designed and developed by National Physical and Oceanographic Laboratory (NPOL), a Kochi based laboratory of DRDO.

ABHAY is an advanced Active-cum-Passive integrated SONAR system designed and developed for the smaller platforms such as shallow water crafts and coastal surveillance/patrol vessels. HUMSA-UG has been designed for upgrading the existing HUMSA SONAR system of the Indian Naval platforms. NACS determines the in-situ performance of the SONAR systems which are used to find the frequency-dependent 3-D transmission and reception characteristics of the SONAR. It is also used to measure the magnitude and phase characteristics of the SONAR transmission and reception electronics and the transducers. AIDSS, a distress SONAR is an Emergency Sound Signalling Device which is used to indicate that a submarine is in distress and enable quick rescue and salvage.

Chief of the Naval Staff Admiral Sunil Lanba and Secretary Department of Defence (R&D) & Chairman, DRDO Dr. S Christopher also addressed the function. Earlier, Defence Minister Shri Manohar Parrikar and Minister of State for Skill Development and Entrepreneurship Shri Rajiv Pratap Rudy jointly distributed Skill Certificates and Placement Letters to retiring Navy personnel. Amongst others, the function was attended by Scientific Advisor to RM Dr. G Satheesh Reddy, Joint Secretary, Ministry of Skill Development and Entrepreneurship Shri Rajesh Aggarwal and Director, NPOL Shri S Kedarnath Shenoy.

NW/NAo/DM/RAJ
Export of LCA Tejas

The government proposes to export the Light Combat Aircraft (LCA) Tejas to other countries. In this connection preliminary discussions have been held with a few friendly countries.

Presently, HAL has established facilities for manufacturing and delivery of 8 LCA per annum. There is a plan to ramp up the production rate from 8 to 16 Aircraft per annum progressively by 2019-20. This information was given by Defence Minister Shri Manohar Parrikar in a written reply to Shri MI Shanavas in Lok Sabha today. DM/NAMPI/RAJ ?

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
Government is taking all measures to improve quality of education in AYUSH System of medicine: Shri Shripad Naik

A total of 297 Ayurveda, 19 Naturopathy & Yoga, 46 Unani, 09 Siddha and 197 Homoeopathy colleges are imparting medical education at Under-graduate and/or Post-graduate levels in AYUSH. 123 Ayurveda, 12 Unani, 03 Siddha and 43 Homoeopathy colleges are imparting medical education at Post-graduate levels. Research in the form of Post-graduate thesis work is also undertaken by PG scholars. The courses offered by these institutes cover aspects across various disciplines.

Ayurveda, Siddha and Unani institutions are regulated by a Central Council of Indian Medicine (CCIM) constituted under the Indian Medicine Central Council (IMCC) Act, 1970. Similarly, Homoeopathy institutes are regulated by a Central Council of Homoeopathy (CCH) constituted under the Homoeopathy Central Council (HCC) Act, 1973. There is no Central body to regulate Naturopathy & Yoga institutes. The number of students taking up education in AYUSH institutes at Under-graduate level is 34541 (17202 Ayurveda, 940 Naturopathy & Yoga, 2321 Unani, 420 Siddha and 13658 Homoeopathy) and Post-graduate level is 4923 (3646 Ayurveda, 45 Naturopathy & Yoga, 174 Unani, 140 Siddha and 918 Homoeopathy). Provisions for increase the intake of students are already defined in the regulations namely The Establishment of New Medical College, Opening of New or Higher Course of Study or Training and Increase of Admission Capacity by a Medical College Regulations, 2003 read with amendment Regulations of 2013 (for ASU)" & The Establishment of New Medical College (Opening of New or Higher Course of Study or Training and Increase of Admission Capacity by a Medical College) Regulations, 2011 (for Homoeopathy)" under which institutes are applying every year and after examining the recommendation/report of the CCIM/CCH, the Central Government granting Letter of Intent and Letter of Permission to the institutes. The Central Government is also making awareness among students and encouraging them through general IEC activities like Arogya Mela, exhibitions, campaign etc. The Central Government has taken steps to promote education on AYUSH system in the country by approving the regulations for the colleges and notified by the Central Council of Indian Medicine and Central Council of Homoeopathy. The Ministry of AYUSH has established two new institutes viz. All India Institute of Ayurveda, New Delhi for Post-graduate education and North Eastern Institute of Ayurveda & Homoeopathy, Shillong for Under-graduate education in Ayurveda & Homoeopathy. Furthermore, the Ministry has granted permission to start Post-graduate course in two research institutes of Unani namely Regional Research Institute of Unani Medicine (RRIUM), Srinagar, Jammu & Kashmir" and Central Research Institute of Unani Medicine (CRIUM), Hyderabad, Telangana". The assistance given by the Government of India under the component of Development of AYUSH Institutions of National AYUSH Mission (NAM) is facilitating improvement in infrastructure in AYUSH Colleges and attached Hospitals and thereby improving quality of existing educational Institutions. To promote higher education in the AYUSH systems, the Central Sector Scheme of International Cooperation has a component under which International Scholarship/fellowships in the field of AYUSH courses are offered in premier Institutes/colleges in India. This information was given by the Minister of State (Independent Charge) for AYUSH, Shri Shripad Yesso Naik in reply to a question in Lok Sabha today.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
Government organizes a seminar to familiarize senior officers of different Departments of Government of India with important features of the GST.

Cabinet Secretary Shri Pradeep K. Sinha will be chairing a half-day interactive seminar on Goods and Services Tax (GST) tomorrow. The seminar is being organized for senior officers of Government of India to familiarize them on the important features of GST.

Introduction of Goods and Services Tax (GST) is the most important reform of indirect tax system in the country, made possible by Constitution (One Hundred and First Amendment) Act, 2016. Indirect tax structure in India is highly complex with hidden costs for trade and industry. Non uniformity across the States, cascading of taxes due to tax on tax and multiplicity of taxes in the current tax laws are huge deterrents for the businesses. Introduction of GST will simplify the system, broaden the tax base and improve tax compliance. Impact of GSTs introduction will be felt by all the sectors of Indian economy. Although its benefits will start flowing right from the beginning, various stakeholders need to be familiarized with the new taxation system to ensure smooth transition. Senior government officials can contribute to this in a major way by educating the different stakeholders.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
Rather than speaking about the risk of not doing, avoiding or failing at something in order to succeed, the pope coaxed the business executives to consider risking doing something positive for the common good  as if to encourage them to live out their faith proactively, through bold intentional free choices, despite the strong countercurrents of a materialistic, godless and self-serving secular society.

Yesterday, Pope Francis hosted a private audience in his Apostolic Palace for a few hundred international entrepreneurs and business leaders. The members of the International Christian Union of Business Executives (UNIAPAC) had gathered inside the Vaticans walls for two days of meetings for the noble purpose of reflecting on the role of business persons as agents of economic and social inclusion.

Pope Francis, not always an affirming supporter of free market capitalism, focused on some of his usual challenging caveats to business persons. While business is certainly noble and its success is a vital part of the promoting economic growth for the common good, fallen man should nevertheless be constantly wary of his weaknesses for material idolatry (especially money), selfishness (not showing solidarity), and unguarded concern for acts of corruption (intentional deceit), the latter of which Francis said was the worst of social plagues.

This holds true for all human activity, the pope reassured those present, and not just business activity. It is an anthropological-spiritual discipline that we must keep on the forefront of our daily decision making. In this way, we sharpen our prudence and hone our focus when treading uphill individual paths to holiness and salvation. By way of constant prayer and deep spiritual discernment, man can more likely make the best moral choices, even in the most cut-throat and difficult business situations.

But sometimes this is risky for the seeker and promoter of virtue.

Using a little reverse psychology on entrepreneurs who are not averse to taking big chances or being vocal leaders in their business communities, Francis focused a large portion of his discourse on risk and moral courage.

Rather than speaking about the risk of not doing, avoiding or failing to do something in order to succeed, the pope coaxed the business executives to consider risking doing something positive and real for the common good, an encouragement to live out their faith proactively  not just avoiding error or sin as happens with negative risk taking.

The opposite, positive risk taking, does not focus on avoidance or preserving but on actually doing and producing. It leads to bold intentional, magnanimous, and carefully considered free choices that have real material fruits. For Francis it requires turning a deaf ear to what is trendy, enticing but wrong in itself.

In sum, it is a powerful and willful agency  moral courage  against very strong countercurrents of a godless and self-serving secular society.

Such risk would involve not being popular in most firms, of being disowned by ones business peers or even family, and taking risks that complicate life while having to sacrifice certain earnings, said Francis.

By taking chances toward doing something true and good for man, Francis told the entrepreneurs to assume specifically three risks: the risk of using money well, the risk of honesty, and the risk of fraternity.

In a certain sense, the pope was proposing a remedy for that which is called moral hazard in economics, by exhorting entrepreneurs to be always fair and other-directed. Above all, it is a matter of accepting full personal responsibility for the risks one undertakes, and the real negative or positive consequences ones actions may have on customers, employees, family and society in general.

Below is the translation of Pope Franciss address to the UNIAPAC business executives. The translation is my own, as there is no official English translation available on the Vatican web site. The original Spanish is found here.

Your Eminence, Mr. President of UNIAPAC, and Dear Friends,

You have come to Rome  to the Vatican  in response to an invitation from Cardinal Peter Turkson and the authorities of the International Christian Union of Business Executives [UNIAPAC] for the noble purpose of reflecting on the role of business persons as agents of economic and social inclusion. I want to assure you, now, of my support and prayers for your work. Gods Providence has willed that this UNIAPAC meeting coincide with the end of the Extraordinary Jubilee Year of Mercy. All human activity  including entrepreneurial activity  can be an exercise of mercy, while participating in Gods love for man.

Business activity constantly assumes a multitude of risks. In the parables of the hidden treasure buried in a field (Matthew 13,44) and the precious pearl (Matthew 13,45), Jesus compares obtaining the Kingdom of Heaven with undertaking entrepreneurial risk. Today I want to reflect with you on three kinds of risk: the risk of using money well, the risk of honesty, and the risk of fraternity.

Firstly, there is the risk that comes with using money. Speaking about business immediately leads us to encounter one of the most difficult subjects of our moral experience: money. I have often said money is the devils manure, repeating what the Holy Fathers have said. Furthermore, Leo XIII, who began the Churchs Social Doctrine, stated that the history of the 19th century had divided cities into two classes separated by a wide chasm (Rerum Novarum, 47). Forty years later, Pius XI foresaw the growth of international economic imperialism (Quadragesimo Anno, 109). After another 40 years, Paul VI, while referencing Rerum Novarum, denounced the excessive concentration of means and power that can lead to a new and abusive form of economic domination on the social, cultural and even political level. (Octogesima Adveniens, 44)

Jesus, in his parable on the unjust manager, tells us to make friends for ourselves with unrighteous wealth so that [when it is gone] we will be welcomed into eternal dwellings. (Luke 16, 9-15). All the Church Fathers interpreted these words as meaning wealth is good when placed at the service of others; if not, wealth is used unjustly (Catena Aurea: The Gospel According to St. Luke 16, 8-13). Therefore, money must serve and not rule. It is a key principle: money must serve instead of ruling. Money is only a technical instrument used for inter-mediation, for assessing values and rights, for fulfilling obligations and [procuring] savings. Like all tools, money does not have neutral value, but acquires value according to its purpose and the circumstances in which it is used. When we affirm the neutrality of money, we fall under its power. Businesses mustnt exist to make money, even though money is a measure of their [proper] functioning. Businesses exist to serve.

Thus, it is urgent we return to the social meaning of financial and banking activity, using the best intelligence and creativity of businessmen. This supposes taking risks that complicate life while having to sacrifice certain earnings. Credit must be accessible for [purchasing] family homes, for small and medium-sized enterprises, for farmers, for educational activities  especially at the primary level  for general healthcare, for the improvement and integration of the poorest city centers. One chrematistic rationality of the market is to make credit more accessible and cheaper for those with greater resources, while more expensive and more difficult for those with less, to the point that the poorest fringes of the population are left in the hands on unscrupulous usurers. In the same way and at an international level, the financing of the worlds poorest countries easily turns into usury. This is one of the greatest challenges for the business sector and for economists in general. Business is called to achieve a stable and sufficient flow of credit which excludes no one and which may be amortized under fair and affordable conditions.

Even if one accepts the possibility of creating business mechanisms that are accessible to all and work for everyones benefit, we must recognize that generous and abundant gratuity will always be necessary. It will also require the State to intervene to protect certain collective goods and to ensure that basic human needs are met. My predecessor, St. John Paul II, stated that ignoring this leads to an idolatry of the market (Centesimus Annus, 40).

There is a second risk that entrepreneurs must face: the risk of honesty. Corruption is the worst of social plagues. It is the lie of a person or a group to seek their own advantage while appearing to serve society. It is the destruction of the social fabric while appearing to comply with the law. It is the law of the jungle disguised as apparent social rationality. It is the deception and exploitation of the weakest or least informed. It is the crassest form of selfishness, a facade of apparent generosity. Corruption is generated through worshiping money and falls back on the corrupt person, who becomes a prisoner of that same worship. Corruption is a fraud to democracy, and opens doors to other terrible evils such as drugs, prostitution and human trafficking, slavery, trade of vital organs, arms trafficking, and so on. Becoming corrupt means becoming a follower of the devil, the father of lies.

However, [as I have said] corruption is not an exclusive vice of politics. There is corruption in politics. There is corruption in business. There is corruption in the media. There is corruption in the Churches. And there is corruption in social organizations and popular movements. (Cf. Papal Address to the Participants at the World Meeting of Popular Movements, November 5, 2016).

One of the necessary conditions for social progress is the absence of corruption. Business owners might be tempted to give in to acts of blackmail or extortion, while justifying themselves with the idea of saving their companies and community of workers, or thinking that this is the way they will grow the company and that one day they will be able to rid themselves of this disease. In addition, they may be tempted to think that this is something that everyone does, and that small acts of corruption aimed at obtaining small advantages are trivial. Any act of corruption, active or passive, is already the starting point for worshiping money as a god.

The third risk involves fraternity. We remembered how Saint John Paul II taught us that prior to the logic of a fair exchange of goods there is something which is due to man because he is man, by reason of his lofty dignity. (Centesimus Annus, 34). Benedict XVI also insisted on the importance of gratuitousness as an essential element of social and economic life, saying: Charity in truth places man before the astonishing experience of gift which expresses and makes present his transcendent dimension Economic, social and political development  needs to make room for the principle of gratuitousness as an expression of fraternity. (Caritas in Veritate, 34)

Entrepreneurship must always include the element of gratuitousness. Relations of justice between senior management and workers must be respected and be demanded by both parties. By the same token, a company is a working community in which everyone deserves respect and fraternal appreciation from superiors, colleagues and subordinates. Respect for the other as a brother must also extend to the local community in which the company is physically located. And, in a way, all legal and economic relations of the company should be moderate while enshrined in an atmosphere of respect and fraternity. There is no shortage of examples of solidarity toward those most in need by the staff of companies, clinics, universities or other communities of work and research. This should be a habitual way of acting, the result of everyones deep convictions, preventing it from becoming an occasional activity to appease ones own conscience or, worse still, as a means to gain publicity.

Regarding fraternity, I mustnt fail to share my thoughts on the subject of migration and refugees, a theme which weighs heavily on our hearts. Today, the migration and displacement of a multitude of people seeking protection has become a dramatic human problem. The Holy See and the local Churches are making extraordinary efforts to deal effectively with the causes of this situation, seeking the pacification of regions and countries at war and promoting a spirit of welcome. But one does not always achieve everything one desires. I ask for your help as well. On the one hand, try to convince governments to renounce all acts of war. As they say in business environments: a bad agreement is always better than a good fight. [On the other,] collaborate in creating decent, stable and abundant sources of work, both in places of origin and arrival, and in these, for the local population and for immigrants. Immigration must continue to be an important factor for development.

Most of us here are from immigrant families. Our grandparents or parents arrived from Italy, Spain, Portugal, Lebanon or from other countries to South and North America, and almost always in conditions of extreme poverty. They were able to raise families, progress, and to become entrepreneurs because they found welcoming societies, which were sometimes as poor as they were, but nevertheless willing to share what little they had. Keep and promote this spirit rooted in Christianity, while also demonstrating your entrepreneurial genius.

UNIAPAC and ACDE evoke in me the memory of the Argentine businessman Enrique Shaw, one of their founders, whose cause for beatification I was able to promote as Archbishop of Buenos Aires. I recommend you follow his example and, for Catholics, to seek his help in being good entrepreneurs.

In the Gospel from two Sundays ago we read about the calling of Zacchaeus (Luke 19: 1-10). Zacchaeus was that rich man, the chief of tax collectors from Jericho, who climbed a tree to see Jesus. The Lords gaze led him to a deep conversion. May this meeting be like the sycamore tree in Jericho, a tree up which all can climb, so that, through learned discussion of the aspects of entrepreneurship, one may find the gaze of Jesus, and hence find efficacious guidelines for doing business that promotes the common good effectively.

I thank you for this visit to the Successor of St. Peter. I ask you to bring my blessing to all your employees, workers and collaborators and their families. And, please, do not forget to pray for me. Thank you very much.
Incredible India Second Most Talked About Destination During World Travel Market (WTM) 2016 in London

WTM London, the leading global event for the travel industry, is one of the must-attended three-day business-to-business exhibition for the worldwide travel and tourism industry. Almost 50,000 senior travel industry professionals, government ministers and international press, embark on ExCeL London every November to network, negotiate and discover the latest industry opinion and trends at WTM London.

Ministry of Tourism, Government of India participated as Official Premier Partner at WTM London 2016. At this years World Travel Market, Dr. Mahesh Sharma, Minister of State for Tourism and for Culture (Independent charge), inaugurated the World Travel Market along with Mr. Simon Press, Executive Director, WTM London and Mr. Vinod Zutshi, Secretary, Ministry of Tourism, Government of India. India participated in full strength with 42 co-exhibitors in the India Pavilion comprising State Governments/Union Territory Administrations, tourism stakeholders etc.

Online analysis on Twitter, Facebook, Tumblr, forums, sites, blogs, YouTube and Instagram during the course of the three-day show has revealed, the most talked-about destinations and topics, following research by PR specialist Bell Pottinger.

India gained online traction after being named one of the hot spots for 2017 and second most talked about destinations in the world.

India Tourism is already showing signs of an upswing by way of growth of Foreign Tourist Arrivals (FTAs) in the current year. When the annual international growth rate is around 4 to 4.5%, India is witnessing double digit growth of 10.5% in the current year.

Foreign Tourist arrivals in India during the period January- October, 2016 were 69,61,660 with a growth of 10.5% as compared to the Foreign Tourist Arrival of 62,98,463 during January-October 2015. Foreign Exchange Earnings during the same period has witnessed growth of 14.7%. This positive development is expected to continue during remaining period of this year.

Domestic tourism also continues to be an important contributor to the tourism sector providing much needed resilience. There has been a continuous increase in domestic tourist visits, with the Compound Annual Growth Rate (CAGR) of domestic tourist visits to all States / UTs from 1991 to 2015 being 13.63 per cent. In 2015, Domestic Tourism recorded tourist visits of 1431.97 million visits. During the current calendar year, the number of Domestic Tourist visits is likely to reach a record 1700 million.
JNPT Handles Highest Crude Oil at Its Liquid Cargo Terminal

Jawaharlal Nehru Port Trust (JNPT), Indias number one container port, created a major record on November 16, 2016, by loading 80,640 MT of ONGC crude oil on a large vessel MT Desh Bhakta, which was berthed at LB-01 of BPCL-run Liquid Cargo Terminal. This is the highest quantity of crude oil loaded on a vessel at JNPT which has surpassed the previous highest of 80,489 MT loaded on Tanker vessel MT Ratna Urvi in June 2012.

ONGCs crude oil tanker MT Desh Bhakta, which measures LoA of 244.2 meters, arrived at JN Port on November 14, 2016 for loading of crude oil from Mumbai High region to sail ahead for MRPL refinery at New Mangalore through coastal movement with a sailing draught of 12.6 meters. JNPT started operations at 13:54 hrs on 14th November2016 for loading of the crude oil and completed it by 09:12hrs on 16th November 2016. JNPT gave topmost priority to MT Desh Bhakta operations in order to give ease to ONGCs concern of having high stock situation, and carried out quick operations to tide over the issue.

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Joint Military Drills by Russian and Pakistani Forces

Russia and Pakistan held their first ever joint military tactical exercise called Friendship / Druzbah, 2016 from 24th September to 10th October, 2016. Around 200 military personnel from both the countries participated in the drills which were held at the special forces training centre in Cherat in Nowshera district of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP) Province. The Russian and Pakistani military servicemen shared experience and enhanced coordination while performing assigned combat training tasks. The objective of the exercise was to strengthen counter terrorism cooperation between Russia and Pakistan.

Government monitors all developments which have a bearing on national security and takes all necessary measures to safeguard the nations security. Indian Army has also been conducting similar exercises with Russia. These are conducted as confidence building measures as a part of military diplomacy. This information was given by Minister of State for Defence Dr. Subhash Bhamre in a written reply to Shri M Raja Mohan Reddy and Shri Ashwini Kumar in Lok Sabha today. DM/NAMPI/RAJ

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Ministry of Tribal Affairs Invites Suggestion from States on the Issue of Granting St Status to Eleven Gorkha Communities

Union Ministry of Tribal Affairs has invited views of various states on granting of ST status to eleven Gorkha communities viz. Bhujel, Gurung, Mangar, Newar, Jogi, Khas, Rai, Sunwar, Thami, Yakha, (Dewan) and Dhimal living in Sikkim and other Gorkha dominated States and areas. The States have also been requested to provide historical and ethnographic details as well as demographic profile including education, occupational status etc. in respect of these communities. The States may also forward the representations, if any, received from the above communities.

It may be recalled that Ministry of Tribal Affairs vide its order dated September 14, 2016 has constituted a Committee to examine and recommend granting ST status to these communities.

Smt. Vishnu Mani, Deputy Director General of Ministry of Tribal Affair is the Chairperson of this Committee. The Committee has been asked to consult Government of Sikkim and all respective States where a significant Gorkha population resides and suggest as to grant of ST Status with a mechanism to ensure fairness of reservations for these communities. The Committee has been asked to submit its report within three months.

Samir/jk
Procurement of Fighter Aircraft

An Inter-Governmental Agreement (IGA) along with Aircraft & Weapons Package Supply Protocols and Technical Arrangement were signed with the French Government on 23rd September, 2016 for procurement of 36 Rafale aircraft in fly-away condition. The deliveries will commence from September, 2019.

An IGA for procurement of five Firing Units of S-400 Long Range Surface to Air Missile (LRSAM) system along with associated equipment from Russia has been signed on 15th October, 2016. An IGA for the procurement of Kamov helicopters for Indian Air Force and Indian Army from Russia under Buy and Make (Indian) category was signed on 24th December, 2015. The terms and conditions for supply of these equipment are to be negotiated with the Russian side. This information was given by Minister of State for Defence Dr. Subhash Bhamre in a written reply to Shri Sushil Kumar Singh and Smt Kothapalli Geetha in Lok Sabha today. DM/NAMPI/RAJ

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Sovereign Gold Bond Scheme and Gold Monetisation Scheme

To reduce the countrys reliance on the imports of gold to meet the domestic demand and to reduce the demand for physical gold; Government had launched Sovereign Gold Bond Scheme and Gold Monetisation Scheme in November, 2015 and the details of the schemes are available on the websites i.e. http://finmin.nic.in/swarnabharat/index.html & https://rbi.org.in.

Further till 14.11.2016, under the Gold Monetisation Scheme a total of 5730 Kilograms of gold has been mobilized and from the six tranches of Sovereign Gold Bonds issued, a total of 14071 kgs of gold units amounting to Rs. 4127 Crore have been subscribed. There are no firm statistics with the Government regarding the quantum and value of gold in possession of public and with private gold loan lending companies. However, as per estimate over 20,000 tonnes of gold is held by households, trusts and various institutions in India. To create the awareness amongst the public, Government launched media campaign on FM radio, Print Media, Mobile SMS and Social Media. Further, based on the feedback received from the stakeholders of the schemes and the reviews held, at the regular intervals necessary changes have been implemented in the schemes. This was stated by Shri Arjun Ram Meghwal, Minister of State in the Ministry of Finance in written reply to a question in Lok Sabha today.

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Surgical Strikes

Continuing and increasing infiltration by terrorists across Line of Control in Jammu and Kashmir has been a matter of serious concern to Government. This is reflected in the terrorist attacks at Poonch and Uri on 11th and 18th September, 2016 respectively. During these terrorist attacks and infiltration attempts, Army has recovered items including Global Positioning Systems and stores which have had Pakistani markings. Further, captured terrorists hailing from Pakistan or Pakistani occupied Kashmir have confessed to their training and arming in Pakistan or territory under the control of Pakistan. Despite the matter having been taken up at highest diplomatic levels and through military channels to urge Pakistan to respect its January 2004 commitment for not allowing its soil or territory under its control to be used for terrorism against India, there has been no let up in infiltration or terrorist action inside Indian territory.

Based on receiving specific and credible inputs about some terrorist teams having positioned themselves at launch pads along Line of Control to carry out infiltration and conduct terrorist strikes in Jammu and Kashmir and in various metros in other States, the Indian Army conducted surgical strikes on 29th September, 2016 at several of these launch pads to pre-empt infiltration by terrorists. The operations were focussed on ensuring that these terrorists do not succeed in their design to cause destruction and endanger the lives of our citizens. During these counter terrorist operations significant casualties were caused to terrorists and those providing support to them. In Jammu & Kashmir along the Line of Control (LC), Army has adopted robust counter infiltration strategy which has an appropriate mix of technology and human resources to check infiltration effectively. Innovative troop deployment, proactive use of surveillance, monitoring devices and the Anti Infiltration Obstacle System have enhanced the ability to detect and intercept terrorists attempting to infiltrate / exfiltrate. This information was given by Minister of State for Defence Dr. Subhash Bhamre in a written reply to Dr. Bhola Singh and others in Lok Sabha today. DM/NAMPI/RAJ

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Terrorist Attacks on Army Bases

On 18th September 2016, a group of four terrorists attacked Rear Administrative Base of an Infantry Battalion in Uri garrison. The Quick Reaction Team of the Battalion killed all the four terrorists. A total of 19 Army personnel were martyred in the incident.

The information on total loss incurred by Army along with the compensation paid to the deceased / injured personnel is being collected and will be laid on the Table of the House. National Investigation Agency is conducting an investigation into the incident. The investigation is not complete. On 21st September 2016, Pakistan High Commissioner in New Delhi was summoned for demarche by Foreign Secretary and was told about Government of Indias willingness to provide proof including finger prints and DNA samples of terrorists killed in Uri, should the Government of Pakistan intend to investigate the attack. The Government of Pakistan was also reminded of its solemn commitment made in January, 2004 not to allow territory under its control to be used for terrorism against India. Army has taken necessary steps including inter alia sensitizing all troops on the security situation and the necessity to maintain a high level of vigil and security measures; review, coordination and streamlining of the response mechanism and short and long term measures to strengthen the security infrastructure. This information was given by Minister of State for Defence Dr. Subhash Bhamre in a written reply to Shri T Radhakrishnan and others in Lok Sabha today. DM/NAMPI/RAJ

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A trio of Democratic lawmakers have asked President to use his executive authority before leaving office to pardon some 750,000 undocumented young people known as "dreamers" who were illegally brought to this country as minors by their parents.

The request was made by Congressmen Luis Gutierrez, Lucille Roybal-Allard and Zoe Lofgren in a letter sent to Obama on Thursday in which they asked him not to abandon the undocumented people and leave their fate in the hands of President-elect Donald Trump, who will take office on January 20, 2017, Efe news reported.

"We urge you to exercise your Constitutional authority to provide pardons to 'dreamers' both retroactively and prospectively," the legislators wrote, warning of the danger to the young people who were able to temporarily postpone being deported thanks to the Deferred Action programme (DACA) implemented by Obama in 2012.

Trump promised during his presidential campaign to eliminate that program, which allowed undocumented young people to get temporary work permits and drivers' licenses.

Obama's executive action measures allowed thousands of young foreigners to come out of the shadows and include themselves voluntarily on a government list, providing their fingerprints and addresses and, for that very reason they are now afraid that they will be among the first immigrants to be deported by Trump.

"'Dreamers' face uncertainty, fear and stress, leading to psychological issues including depression, anxiety and an increased risk of suicide," the lawmakers wrote.

"Indeed, we have received reports of Dreamers who have taken their own lives as they are now facing the threat posed by the incoming president," they said, adding that "Using your pardon authority, which is not subject to reversal, to protect these young people who relied on the program you implemented is quite literally a matter of life and death."

When asked about whether their petition has any chance of success, the lawmakers said that Obama has the power to pardon both criminal and civil offences, the latter being the type of offence committed by foreigners who illegally cross the border or remain in the country after their visas expire.

Presidents usually reserve granting the most controversial pardons until their last weeks in office, and these pardons are usually provided to individuals and not large groups of people.

Nevertheless, the legislators mentioned that former President Jimmy Carter (1977-1981) had pardoned thousands of men who fled to other countries like Canada to avoid having to fight in the Vietnam War.

In response to the request, a top White House official speaking on condition of anonymity emphasised that the presidential power to grant clemency cannot provide legal status to any undocumented persons and said that only Congress can regularise the status of undocumented foreigners.
Germany could deport as many as 26,500 migrants in 2016, more than in any year since 2003, a newspaper said on Thursday, citing federal police documents.
President Barack Obama and German Chancellor Angela Merkel held their last joint press conference as heads of state on Thursday, pressing national leaders  in President Obamas words  not to take for granted the importance of the transatlantic alliance. And they grounded that longstanding partnership on their conception of the bedrock principles that they believe unite North America and the EU.

The commitment of the United States to Europe is enduring and its rooted in the values we share, Obama said, our commitment to democracy, our commitment to the rule or law, our commitment to the dignity of all people, in our own countries and around the world. Merkel agreed that the transatlantic alliance is based on our shared values. The tone and content of their press conference echoed Merkels statement following Donald Trumps election as president, as well as their joint New York Times op-ed, also published Thursday, in which Obama and Merkel call on transatlantic nations to seize the opportunity to shape globalization based on our values and our ideas.

The notion of shared U.S.-European values has undergone a resurgence since Americas presidential election. French socialist president Francois Hollande urged President-elect Trump to respect such principles as democracy, freedoms, and the respect of every individual. Other EU leaders have made similar statements.

Applying these values to concrete situations, Chancellor Merkel called for additional measures aimed at climate protection, as well as expanded international development cooperation.

Its important that these disparities in living conditions cannot be allowed, in this digital period, to be too marked, she said. For his part, President Obama proposed additional investment in alternative energy and vigilance that Iran abides by the nuclear agreement he brokered.

Yet both the press conference and the missives from international leaders like Hollande are notable for the values they do not enumerate:

 Religious liberty, including the freedom to live according to ones conscience within transatlantic states;

 Economic dynamism that allows people to rise to the full extent of their God-given abilities;

 Upholding the Judeo-Christian values that sustained and shaped transatlantic cultures for millennia; and

 Encouraging strong churches, social organizations, and civil society institutions to meet national needs organically, from the bottom-up.

Nor did they mention the shared challenges facing the United States, Canada, and the EU:

 Lumbering welfare state economies that sap the vitality of their most creative elements;

 Demographic implosion that threatens future productivity and state pensions solvency;

 Secularization, which undermines both our historically shared values and the concept of morality itself;

 Mounting indebtedness and rising debt-to-GDP ratios that slow current economic growth and imperil future generations opportunities;

 Large and growing segments of society that share none of the historic values treasured by the West, religious or secular; and

 The strife between local self-determination and overreaching national or supranational governments.

Yet omitting these concerns undeniably impoverishes the intellectual and political discussion.

Beginning in 2017, the Acton Institutes Religion & Liberty will address these issues as they relate to the transatlantic arena. This new addition to the familiar R&L publication will feature news, commentary, and analysis from the United States, Canada, and the EU. We will seek to enunciate the values that politicians leave out of public discourse, to highlight the gaps between politically toxic rhetoric and historically verified principles of freedom and virtue, and  where possible  to be repairers of the breach between our current socio-political morass and the heights to which we could ascend by standing upon the firm foundation of Western values.

Watch for additional details in the days and weeks ahead.
Setting aside their campaign feuds, South Carolina Governor Nikki Haley had a "good meeting" here on Thursday amid speculation that she is being considered for the job of secretary of state or other cabinet positions.

"They had a good discussion, and she is very encouraged about the coming administration and the new direction it will bring to Washington," her spokesperson Rob Godfrey said after the meeting.

Trump's former campaign manager Kellyanne Conway was noncommittal about a position for Haley in the Trump administration. "We're just happy to have her here for her advice and counsel and to hear about the great success story of South Carolina," she told reporters.

If Republican Haley gets a cabinet job, she would be the first Indian American to ascend to that level marking a historic milestone for the community in a year that saw a political breakthrough.

Democrat California Attorney General Kamala Harris became the first Indian American elected to the Senate. Three Indian Americans, Raja Krishnamoorthi from Illinois, Pramila Jayapal of Washington state, and Ro Khanna of California won seats on the House of Representatives, where they will join fellow-Democrat Ami Bera of California, who was re-elected.

However, a late development cast a shadow on Haley's hopes for America's top diplomatic job. The Republican presidential candidate in 2012, Mitt Romney, was scheduled to meet Trump over the weekend. He has said that the only job he would be interested in was secretary of state, leading to new intense media speculation that he may be up for the job.

Like Haley, Romney has been a vehement critic of Trump during the campaign  and in turn was hammered by Trump. While Haley said towards the end of the campaign that she would vote for Trump, although she had reservations, Romney did not take back his assertion that he would never vote for the Republican nominee.

Trump, who ran a scorch earth campaign, is now reaching out to his critics in an attempt douse the flames discord he had flamed.

Speculations about Trump's cabinet choices have been rapidly changing. First reports said that former New York Mayor Rudy Giuliani and former UN Permanent Representative John Bolton were the front runners for secretary of state. Both came under criticism for their advocacy of aggressive foreign interventions in contrast to Trump's own cautious policy.

On Wednesday, when Haley's meeting with Trump was scheduled, CNN and MSNBC independently quoted unnamed sources in the Trump transition team as saying that she was being considered for the foreign policy job.

Now there is mention in the media that she may be also considered for commerce secretary given her strong track record in getting foreign investment into her state.

Haley is the daughter of Sikh immigrants from Amritsar district and her full name is Nimrata Nikki Randhwa Haley. She is married to Michael Haley.
President-elect and his deputy Mike Pence are true friends of Israel in the US, the top Israeli diplomat in America has said.

"Israel has no doubt that President-elect Trump is a true friend of Israel. We have no doubt that vice-president-elect Mike Pence is a true friend of Israel, he was one of Israel's greatest friends in the Congress, one of the most pro-Israel governors in the country," Israeli ambassador to the US Ron Dermer told reporters yesterday at the Trump Towers here.

"We look forward to working with the Trump administration, with all of the members of the Trump administration, including Steve Bannon, and making the US-Israel alliance stronger than ever," Dermer said in response to a question with the Trump Campaign manager Kellyanne Conway standing on his side.

It was not clear if Dermer met the president-elect.

Meanwhile, Trump in a series of tweets said Ford Motor company has informed him that it would not be moving its plant to Mexico.

"Just got a call from my friend Bill Ford, Chairman of Ford, who advised me that he will be keeping the Lincoln plant in Kentucky - no Mexico," Trump said in his first tweet.

"I worked hard with Bill Ford to keep the Lincoln plant in Kentucky. I owed it to the great State of Kentucky for their confidence in me!" he said in his second tweet.

It was one of the major election issues for Trump.
Microsoft will tie executive bonuses to workforce diversity goals after the company saw a second consecutive year of declines in the percentage of women employees, owing to its exit from the phone handset market. The percentage of women working at Microsoft fell to 25.8 per cent from 26.8 per cent of the company's workforce as of September 30, largely because the Nokia handset factories that Microsoft divested employed a larger number of women, said Gwen Houston, the company's chief diversity and inclusion officer. Houston said she's encouraged by an increase in women in ...
In his strongest public comments since the election, President Obama on Thursday sharply criticised the spread of fake news online and said that President-elect Donald J Trump would not remain in office for long if he failed to take the job seriously.
Philippines President said on Thursday he might follow Russia and withdraw from the Criminal Court (ICC) in response to Western criticism of a rash of killings unleashed by his war on drugs.
President-elect Donald J. Trump has offered the post of national security adviser to Lt. Gen. Michael T. Flynn, potentially elevating a retired intelligence officer who believes Islamist militancy poses an existential threat on a global scale to one of the most powerful roles in shaping military and foreign policy, according to a top official on Mr. Trumps transition team.
While the small-time players in diamond continue to languish as a result of cash crunch induced by the Centre's demonetisation scheme, the exporters are confident that polished diamond exports from India are only slated to rise in the coming quarter, in the range of 8-10 per cent.

Explaining the situation P S Pandya, chairman of the Gems and Jewellery Export Promotion Council (GJEPC) said, "Polished diamond exports have been rising this year, and as such we are expecting the exports to register a double digit growth rate on a year on year (yoy) basis in the coming quarter. The growth is likely to be in the range of 8-10 per cent banking on Christmas season demand."
At least 13 Afghan police force members were killed after several Taliban militants launched a coordinated attack on police headquarters in Bakwa district in Farah last night.

Security chief at Farah Police Headquarters, Mohammad Ghaws Malyar, confirmed the incident and said a group of Taliban fighters entered the headquarters on Thursday night, killed 13 policemen and took away their weapons, reports the Tolo News.

Meanwhile, a number of Bakwa residents said that Taliban members had breached a number of government offices in the district, took away their facilities and destroyed some of the state buildings.

Unconfirmed reports indicate that three police force members joined the insurgent group following the attack.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
Seeking their response on a petition filed by the Maharashtra Government, the Bombay High Court has issued notices to eight persons, who were discharged in the 2006 Malegaon bomb blasts case by a special court on April 26.

A division bench of justices R.V. More and Shalini Phansalkar Joshi issued notices to the eight persons - Noorul Huda, Raees Ahmed, Salman Farsi, Farogh Magdumi, Shaikh Mohammed Ali, Asif Khan, Mohammed Zahid and Abrar Ahmed - on Thursday, seeking their replies in four weeks.

The special court's decision to absolve the accused of all terror charges was based on the Investigation Agency's (NIA) findings that showed the 2006 blasts were the handiwork of a Hindu extremist group.

After the special court's verdict, the state government filed an appeal before the high court, challenging the order to discharge the eight accused. The state government urged the high court to set aside the order.

The state government contended that the sessions' court's order was "illegal and unjust", and was contrary to the evidence on record.

In its appeal, the Maharashtra Government argued that the trial court's conclusion that Muslims would not plant bombs inside a mosque was "wrong" and had "no legal basis".

The serial bomb blasts outside a cemetery near Hamidia mosque at Malegaon, near Nashik, on September 8, 2006, claimed 37 lives and injured over 100 people.

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Because America is not big enough to contain the current state of hate, it seems that the Trump Effect has hopped its way over the border... into Canada. This week in Richmond, which has a large Asian population, racist pamphlets taking aim at Chinese people were distributed to several homes.The flyers, which declare "Step aside whitey, the Chinese are taking over," appear to be an attempt to draw white recipients to an "alt-right" website. The author's grievances include "being marginalized in the community your forefathers built" and living amongst "neighbors who refuse to speak your language." That would probably be Chinese people they're alluding to.It's not like Canada is immune to racist bullshit. But somebody up there is apparently eager to get in on this Trump vibe we're dealing with in the States -- and they're recruiting. The pamphlets were reportedly dropped through the mail slots of homes in the "Springs" neighborhood of Steveston on Thursday morning.Local police say they are investigating the incident."The Richmond RCMP take all matters that may be hate or bias motivated very seriously," Richmond RCMP spokesman Cpl. Dennis Hwang said. "We are currently investigating this incident. We realize that incidents like this have a direct impact on citizens and our community. We encourage people to report all incidents such as this to their local police."For what it's worth, it seems that the pamphlet was not received well."I'm pissed that someone thought this was acceptable," area resident Mike Karamanian told Richmond News."Save Richmond from what?" asked Lorne McMillan, one of the flyer's recipients. "The only thing that I think Richmond needs saving from is attitudes like the person who created these," he told the"There is no place for that divisive and racist fear-mongering in Canada, and certainly not in Richmond," said resident Kelly Greene, who was pretty quick to classify this as an American brand of hate. "We are each other's neighbors, coworkers and friends. The hate spewed in the United States is not welcome here."We Americans didn't invent that shit, but we have seen an abundance of it around here lately. Sorry, Canada.More here: Alt-right pamphlets come to Richmond targeting Chinese people
Australia's Technical and Further Education (TAFE) institutes are conducting the third tranche of a program aimed at helping India upskill its vocational training leaders and support its target to train 400 million people by 2022.

Australia - India Vocational Education Leadership Training 2016 is designed to build the leadership and organisational capacity of Indian vocational training institutions.

Over 120 Indian leaders from community colleges, Pradhan Mantri Kaushal Kendras, industrial training institutes and polytechnics are taking part in the program.

Participants will undertake intensive leadership training, which will equip them with extra capabilities to lead the India skills mission.

Training will be conducted by experts from Australian TAFE institutes through their peak body - TAFE Directors Australia.

This program is a collaborative effort between the Australian Government's Department of Education and Training and Indian Government's agencies - the University Grants Commission, the Ministry of Skills and Entrepreneurship Development and the All India Council for Technical Education.

Dr Amanda Day, Counsellor (Education and Research), Department of Education and Training, said the program was an important part of the Australia India skills relationship.

"Australia and India have collaborated successfully for many years on skills," she said. "This workshop will leverage Australian expertise to support India's skilling requirement."

The project also includes a one-week professional development for up to 20 Indian leaders in Australian TAFE institutes in February 2017.

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While the Union Ministers and Bharatiya Janata Party MPs are demanding his apology for comparing the impact of the ban of notes with terrorist attacks, Leader of Opposition in the Rajya Sabha Ghulam Nabi Azad on Friday said there is no question of apologising for his remark.

Talking to the media, Azad said, "BJP should ask apology for pushing the country to edge. The kind of situation that is presently created it is all because of the BJP government."

Prime Minister Narendra Modi and senior ministers of his government meanwhile met in the former's chamber in Parliament this morning.

Union Minister of State for Minority Affairs Mukhtar Abbas Naqvi today raised Azad's controversial remark in the Upper House and said, "Congress is trying to destroy the fight against corruption."

"The Leader of Opposition in the House should apologise to the nation for his comments against the prime minister, who is fighting for the poor and the weak," he added.

On day 2 of the winter session, both Houses were adjourned yesterday as a united opposition demanded a debate on demonetisation, including voting, which was rejected by the government.

Opposition parties attacked the Centre saying the demonetisation move has hit the poor and the marginalised.

The main opposition Congress Party on Thursday demanded that Prime Minister Narendra Modi had made demonetisation announcement on November 8, and thus, until the former comes to the Rajya Sabha, there will be no discussion on the issue.

"We raised this issue in the Rajya Sabha yesterday that the demonetisation announcement was made by the Prime Minister, therefore, he should have been present in the House, and should have listened to the opposition, and answered too. We wanted his presence in the House yesterday, but he did not turn up. We have been demanding since morning, and had also made it clear to the leader of the House yesterday, that until the Prime Minister comes to the Upper House, there will be no discussion on the issue," the leader of opposition Ghulam Nabi Azad told ANI.

Bahujan Samaj Party (BSP) president Mayawati also sought a reply from the Prime Minister on the ongoing discussion on demonetisation in the Rajya Sabha.

Talking to reporters outside Parliament, Mayawati said the issue is sensitive and a Joint Parliamentary Committee (JPC) should be set up to probe the alleged leakage of the decision on demonetisation.

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Hollywood Australian actor Chris Hemsworth has been bestowed GQ magazine's highest honor in its December issue.

The "proud Aussie, talented surfer, doting dad" and "charitable, grounded, funny and successful" actor has been announced as GQ 'Man Of The Year' at the Australian award ceremony in Sydney, reports gq.com.au.

His colleagues also find it hard to say a bad word about the 'Ghosbusters' star, who was once named People magazine's 'Sexiest Man Alive'.

In the issue, Hemsworth's 'Thor' co-star Tom Hiddleston sums up the actor appeal.

"One morning on the set of Thor: Ragnarok, I watch Chris zero in on an important scene between Thor and Loki with razor-sharp focus and commitment. The scene required a lot of nuance, but he wanted to shoot it quickly, because he had to be off-set by lunchtime in order to make it to father-daughter day at school in the afternoon," Hiddleston shared.

"That's a Man Of The Year if ever I saw one," the British heartthrob told the magazine.

While receiving the award, Hemsworth thanked his wife, Elsa Pataky and all the "great women" of the world, saying, "You can't have a great man without a great woman."

Other honorees include Dylan Alcott for 'Sportsman of the Year', Atlassian as 'Entrepreneurs of the Year', Iggy Azalea as 'Woman of the Year', Shannon Bennett as 'Chef of the Year', Kyle Chalmers for 'Breakthrough Sportsman of the Year' and many more.

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Leader in delivering Internet access to emerging markets DataWind Inc. on Friday formally inaugurated its facility at Hyderabad in the presence of KT Rama Rao, Minister of IT and Industry, Telangan aand Nadir Patel, High Commissioner of Canada.

Earlier, DataWind had signed an MoU with the Telangana government when Premier of Ontario, Kathleen Wynne visited Hyderabad to setup its second facility in India. Keeping its promise the company today launched its second State of the art manufacturing facility at GMR Complex of Rajiv Gandhi International Airport in Hyderabad.

"I congratulate Suneet Singh Tuli for setting up this state of the art technology facility in Hyderabad and welcome him and team DataWind to the state of Telangana. They are the leaders in delivering Internet access to emerging markets. The Govt of Telangana will provide full support to them to ensure that their operations are streamlined and successful. The Investment made by DataWind will not only contribute to the revenue of the state but will also be instrumental in generating jobs," said Minister of IT and Industry Telangana, KT Rama Rao.

DataWind took a major step in the direction of realizing Prime Minister Narendra Modi's vision of 'Make in India' by setting up its Hyderabad facility with a phased investment of Rs. 100 crore.

The Hyderabad facility will manufacture two million units in the first year, whereas at full capacity it can reach up to five million units. The company will generate employment of around 1000 employees of which the company has already hired 500 employees.

"Canada strongly values its relationship with India, including our growing trade and investment relationship in the information and communication technology space. DataWind's launch of another state of the art facility is a prime example of the collaborative spirit between Canada and India for the benefit of our societies and of economies. DataWind's is a prime example of Canadian companies investing in India for its betterment, and reflects the best of Canadian values. We look forward to continue strengthening our partnership going forward as India strives to achieve its Make in India objectives," said High Commissioner of Canada, Nadir Patel.

Suneet Singh Tuli while thanking the Minister of IT, Telangana and High Commissioner of Canada said, "I and the entire team of DataWind are honoured by the presence of Rama Rao and his Excellency Nadir Patel who have taken out their time to inaugurate our Hyderabad facility. By producing state-of-the-art and most affordable devices in India, we not only wish to supply products that would make Indians proud, but boost 'Skills India' by generating highly skilled employment locally."

"We are humbled by the huge market support which has positioned as India's largest tablet manufacturer for the last many quarters. We expect to continue expanding our dominant position in the tablet market by increasing the range of products which will be manufactured at our newly inaugurated facility in Hyderabad and other facility in Amritsar," added Suneet Singh.

"We welcome DataWind to Hyderabad and congratulate them on the opening of their state-of-the-art manufacturing facility in our airport city. We are confident that DataWind will further expand its facility adding to Brand Hyderabad by contributing effectively to the economy of Telangana and the region, in line with vision of the government for "Make in Telangana" and "Make in India"," said CEO GMR Hyderabad International Airport Ltd, SGK Kishore.

The company has an assembly unit in Amritsar and had in 2013 set-up India's first and only manufacturing facility for touch panels. DataWind's first unit in Amritsar manufactures more than one lakh units per month, and almost 20 lakh to date.

DataWind's products break the affordability barrier and deliver Internet access across traditional mobile networks as DataWind executes its vision to empower the next three billion Internet users.

The company's success to date reinforces the fact that DataWind is the only tablet provider in India focused on providing affordable devices with Internet access. All DataWind devices come bundled with one year of free unlimited web access, and feature the most affordable plans available due to the company's unique, patented technology that reduces up to 97 percent the amount of data needed for web browsing.

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Both houses of the Parliament failed to conduct business for the third consecutive day of the Winter Session as the opposition refused to halt its protests against the demonitisation of Rs. 500 and Rs. 1000 currency notes on Friday.

The opposition in the Lok Sabha resumed their protest as soon as the house assembled for the day's proceedings at 11 a.m. this morning, demanding a discussion on the subject of demonetisation through voting.

The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) too resorted to protesting in the Rajya Sabha against Congress leader Ghulam Nabi Azad, demanding his apology for his remark where he compared the demonetisation of higher currency with the Uri terror attack of September 18.

After the chaos created in both the houses of the Parliament, Lok Sabha was adjourned till Monday, while Rajya Sabha was adjourned till 2.30 for the fourth time after they re-assembled initially following the protest.

Both the houses of the Parliament was adjourned yesterday too after witnessing protest on government's move of scrapping higher denominators of currency notes.

Besides this, the All India Anna Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (AIADMK) MPs too resorted to protest in the Rajya Sabha over dispute of Cauvery water between Tamil Nadu and Karnataka.

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The Union Labour Ministry has requested the Finance Ministry for deploying more mobile automated teller machines (ATMs) in areas like construction sites and others where there is workforce in large numbers, Minister of State (I/C) for Labour and Employment, Mr Bandaru Dattatreya said at an ASSOCHAM event held in New Delhi today.

"Speedy implementation is necessary, for that even our ministry has reviewed, we have given instructions to all state governments and we are requesting the Finance Minister, to see that wherever there is large number of workforce, number of mobile-ATMs should be increased," said Mr

Dattatreya at an "ASSOCHAM Conference on India's Social Security Agreements."

"Regarding the workers' areas, we are identifying areas where there is large workforce like construction sites and others," he said.

"Yesterday I had met the Finance Minister and I have given some suggestions, in which one is this," he added.

He also said that he had requested Union Finance Minister to give more priority to the workforce engaged in the unorganised sector in the upcoming Union Budget.

The Minister informed that the Labour Ministry which already has social security agreements with about 19 countries, is working out such agreements with other countries. "Our focus is now going to be on BRICS and SAARC countries also as social security agreements are very-very important for migrant workers."

He said that his Ministry would also be giving more priority to the unorganised sector in terms of social security. "There are about five crore construction workers, for them there is no social security but we have converted all of them in to organised workforce and now they will get ESIC (Employee's State Insurance Corporation) and EPFO, we are conducting speedy mechanism."

Mr Dattatreya also informed that the Labour Ministry is going to extend social security net for scheme workers including - anganwadi workers, ASHA (Accredited Social Health Activist) workers, mid-day meal workers and others.

"They have been working for about 28-30 years, they do not have any help or pension, so there are two things - health coverage and pensions, these two things will be covered under social security," said the Union Minister.

Highlighting the Prime Minister, Mr Narendra Modi's vision that even poorest of the poor get social security guarantee and benefits, he said, "For coming days, we think both auto-rickshaw and rickshaw pullers also should have social security as that is the need of the hour."

He also said that the ambitious Digital India program of the Union Government will play a critical role in spreading the social security net across the country.

"India is a nation of 125 crore people, it cannot be run by old and traditional ways, unless we use technology and unless we go for reforms, then only India will be competitive with other countries," said Mr Dattatreya.

Terming the Employees' Provident Fund Organisation (EPFO) as one of the largest social security organisation in the world, he said, "There are about four crore contributing members with a total corpus nearing Rs 10 lakh crores, such a big organisation, that is why we need reforms."

"We are going with speedy reforms in the EPFO, with Shram Suvidha portal, the technology mode and innovations in its process, the claims settlement has come 100 per cent and smooth operations of accounts is done in a single day, earlier the workers with a cumbersome process were facing many problems," further said the Minister.

In his address at the ASSOCHAM conference, Dr V.P. Joy, Central Provident Fund Commissioner, EPFO informed that his organisation is currently negotiating with Sri Lanka for social security agreement.

"As of now we have agreements with 19 countries and we would like to

increase the number of countries and also make very effective and workable agreements so that all industry and workers are benefitted including both Indians working abroad and foreign nationals who come to work in India," said Dr Joy.

Highlighting how EPFO is currently on a technological transformation as a generation of technological reforms are taking shape, he said, "On December 1, we are launching three softwares - ECR (Electronic Challan-cum-Return), new version of UAN (Universal Account Number) and a software for direct benefit of PMRPY program, so we are making a complete electronic system for this purpose which will be launched on December 1."

Informing that EPFO had centralised its computer system, Dr Joy said, "All over the country out of our 123 offices, as of today 30 offices are working on a central computer in Delhi and all data is being shifted to this."

He said that in the next one month, before December 31 the EPFO will shift work from all its offices on the central computer. "Once the centralisation of data takes place, we will be able to do large number of benefits and reforms to our system, to benefit the employees and workers, so it will become very easy for the workers."

He said that government is issuing a notification for making Aadhar also kind of compulsory for workers so that their benefits can be instantly transferred as and when it is due.

"As part of this kind of software development, in the next three months, we would like to introduce certain improvements to this international workers' software which is being at present implemented," said Dr Joy.

Dr Joy also informed that EPFO had started a scheme whereby in the industry when the workers retire their benefits should be given on the date of retirement. "As of now it is not happening but we have given instructions, our offices are on the work, from this week on it is happening that all workers on the day of retirement, their benefits will be sanctioned and given."

He also said that EPFO would like to extend it to the international workers working in India, but for only those who are eligible upon termination of their employment without delay in an online system.

"We will put this mechanism in place in a very short time definitely within three months time and this will promote ease of doing business," added Dr Joy.

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Members of an extremist group banned in Germany for inspiring more than 140 ISIS fighters with its ideology are active in the United Kingdom and seeking to recruit followers in Britain's largest cities.

The German Police launched almost 200 raids across the country at mosques, offices and homes linked to Die Wahre Religion (DWR) movement, meaning "The True Religion", this week but British security forces remain powerless to do the same, reports the Independent.

Announcing the prohibition earlier on Tuesday, German Interior Minister Thomas de Maiziere said that these members were spreading "hate and anti-constitutional messages, stirring up "militant and aggressive attitudes" among its predominantly young audience, including calls to wage jihad and reject democracy in favour of the DWR's Salafist interpretation of Islam under the cover of a Quran distribution campaign.

"After taking part in DWR activities, more than 140 young individuals so far have travelled to Syria or Iraq to join in the fighting by terrorist groups," he said.

But the prohibition extends only to Germany, and thus, the DWR's British affiliate can continue its campaigns untroubled unless the UK adds it to its list of proscribed terrorist organisations.

Ibrahim Abou-Nagie, the Cologne-based cleric founded who founded DWR with Islamist Pierre Vogel, has been labelled a hate preacher in Germany, being previously investigated on allegations of disturbing peace, encouraging criminal acts and incitement to murder.

Nagie, 52, who has also been convicted of welfare fraud and misusing charitable donations in Germany, is currently believed to be in Malaysia.

Germany has banned the DWR and all its activities, including the prominent "Lies!" or "Read!" Quran distribution campaign, which has spread to countries including the UK, France, Spain and Brazil where members at branded stalls hand out hardline translations of the text in busy shopping areas.

The Read! campaign regularly broadcasts its activities, showing members handing out Quran translations, "converting" passers-by to Islam and debating the religion in busy shopping areas across the UK.

The British authorities have declined to comment on whether they were considering proscribing the group under the Terrorism Act 2000, which is used to ban groups that commit, prepare for, promote, encourage or glorify acts of terrorism.

A spokesperson for the Metropolitan Police said that the police was powerless to arrest DWR supporters or stop their events in London unless the legal step was taken.

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Comparing US-based religious cleric Fethullah Gulen's organisation to terror outfits al-Qaeda and ISIS, Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan told a joint sitting of Parliament that the organization could harm Pakistan if allowed to carry out its activities.

"I whole-heartedly believe that [Gulen's] organisation will be eliminated as soon as possible without harming brotherly Pakistan," said Erdogan.

"I would like to state once again that Fethullah Gulen's Terrorist Organisation (FETO) is a bloody terrorist organisation posing a threat not only to Turkey, but to all countries in which it operates," he said.

The Turkish President, who is on an official visit to the country, also appreciated Pakistan's recent decision to expel the staff of Pak-Turk schools, which are run by elements allegedly linked to Gulen, whom Ankara has blamed for the recent military coup in the country.

"I appreciate the recent decisions taken by the Pakistani government in this direction and I thank you for your strong support in our fight against Feto," said Erdogan.

Erdogan said that Turkey too was taking steps to curb the Gulen Network. The Turkish government has, since July, suspended, dismissed or detained at least 110,000 people, including soldiers, judges and teachers believed to be supporting the botched coup. The country has also further closed more than 130 media outlets and detained journalists and opposition lawmakers.

Western countries have accused Erdogan of using the coup as a pretext to stifle dissent at home.

Meanwhile, Pakistan Tehreek-i-Insaaf (PTI) lawmakers boycotted the session to protest against Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif for his alleged corruption in the Panamagate.

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Pointing out that the battlefield is changing today and cyber warfare is no longer science fiction but a strategic challenge, Israeli President Reuven Rivlin has offered his country's expertise to India in all these areas to make a safer world.

President Rivlin was delivering a special address at the dinner organised, in honour of the visiting president, by Observer Research Foundation in association with the Embassy of Israel and the Confederation of Indian Industries on Thursday night.

"There is positive and growing cooperation between our countries in many areas of defence and security. We also face a common challenge in fighting terrorism and radicalism. I am here today to affirm our commitment to the fight against global terrorism. We are here today, to carry the great potential of this partnership into reality," the president told a packed hall with diplomats, former diplomats, policy-makers and academia.

The president said " Israel wants to play a part in the Four-Colours Revolution that Prime Minister Modi has set as India's goal, that brings together the colours of the Indian flag: Saffron for solar power, Green for agriculture, White for dairy produce, and Blue for water".

The president said his country has advanced solar power systems, irrigation systems, water treatment projects, and the average milk production per cow, are just a few examples.

"Today's innovations are almost unimaginable ? and we now have companies working to make water out of air. We want to gather all these technologies, all the power of our Israeli innovations as our motivation today: To make in India!! To make with India!! To be your partners!!," President Rivlin told to thunderous applause.

"This event is not just 'another dinner.' It is a ground-breaking gathering. I would like to thank the Confederation of Indian Industry, for hosting us tonight together with Observer Research Foundation at this special gala event," he said.

Quoting Mahatma Gandhi who had said that God comes to the hungry, in the form of food, President Rivlin said he introduced his experts on agriculture, water treatment, food and environment experts who are "literally planting the seeds of tomorrow".

"We already have Israeli and Indian experts, working together with local farmers, to improve Indian produce, and the lives of local families", he said. He said that Indians and Israelis are developing new kinds of cherry tomatoes (which is an Israeli invention) in Karnal. "They are already 'making in India' a future together," he remarked.

President Rivlin said next year Israel and India will be marking the 25th anniversary of diplomatic relations between India and Israel. "I have come here together with some of our best minds of Israeli academia, business leaders, Israeli industries, and defence industries. We are here to reaffirm our deep commitment to our shared future," he said.

Welcoming President Rivlin, ORF Director Sunjoy Joshi said through the past 25 years, through the thick and thin of it all, Israel and India have enjoyed a unique relationship born at the very basics out of admiration and respect for each other.

"The Israel-India partnership, has always so far been a source of reassurance for us. Common security concerns have made defence technology ties between our two nations a critical component of our bilateral relation. Needless to say these elements continue to be vital today and will remain one of the cornerstones of our future as well," he noted.

"Now the new emerging realities of the world enable us to rise beyond the constraints of the last century to forge a new open, broad and robust alliance that moves beyond. Having brought this relationship out of the closet now is the opportunity to unlock it's full potential," Joshi said.

Joshi said in the coming years, as the Digital Economy gathers steam and the Internet of Things take over, India and Israel are poised to be one of the early movers and shakers, the influential stakeholders.

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The last rites of Lieutenant General S.K. Sinha, a World War II veteran who was considered one of the most outstanding generals of the Indian Army, was held in the capital today.

Army General Dalbir Singh, Congress leader Ghulam Nabi Azad and senior Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) leader L.K. Advani were among the dignitaries who paid homage to the war veteran.

The wreath laying ceremony of Lieutenant General Sinha took place at the Brar Square.

The body of Lieutenant General Sinha's coffin wrapped in the Indian flag was accorded with 12 gun salutes.

Born in 1926, Lt Gen SK Sinha graduated with Honours from Patna University in 1942 at the young age of seventeen. He joined the Army soon thereafter passing out as the Best Cadet from the Officers Training School, Belgaum. He saw combat during the Second World War in Burma and Indonesia and after Independence in Kashmir.

The General commanded battalion of 5 GORKHA RIFILES in Ladakh, a brigade in Manipur, a Mountain Division in Assam, Infantry Division in Jammu, a Corps and a field Army in the Western Theatre. He also had the distinction of serving as Adjutant General and Vice Chief of Army Staff.

During his varied career, Lt Gen Sinha, in 1949 was appointed Secretary of the Indian delegation for delineation of the Cease Fire Line in Kashmir.

In 1972 he led the Indian delegation to Italy for a conference on application of human rights to warfare. In recognition of his service he was awarded Param Vishist Sewa Medal in 1973.

As a Statesman, Lt. Gen Sinha was appointed India's Ambassador to Nepal in 1990.

A prolific writer, he authored five books including one on Jammu and Kashmir Operation of 1947-48 and his autobiography, "A Soldier Recalls".

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News and more about African American entrepreneurs and Black-owned businesses. Also features a directory of events, publications, organizations, and more.
Unimpressed with the arguments of Pakistan Tehreek-i-Insaf (PTI) counsel Hamid Khan in the Panamagate scandal accusing Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif and his children of laundering money to purchase their London properties, the Supreme Court has asked the former to build his case and not politick.

It was not as expected by the PTI when their senior counsel opened his arguments yesterday before the five-judge apex court bench hearing the Panamagate case. The counsel quoted at length from three speeches made by Sharif - on April 5, April 22 and May 16 - to proclaim his innocence before the nation, reports the Dawn.

To this, Justice Sheikh Azmat Saeed observed that "instead of going into mind-numbing rhetoric, the counsel should have relied on the documents submitted by the Prime Minister and his family members", adding that Khan's case should be that the documents the respondents are relying on were wrong.

"Please focus on the [case] at hand," Justice Saeed advised the petitioner's counsel, adding that the court could not draw any conclusion on the basis of the Prime Minister's speeches.

Justice Saeed also expressed his apprehension at the way the proceedings were going in this case and said that this hearing would likely continue until 2099.

When the counsel pointed out that Sharif had promised the nation he would quit if found guilty, Justice .Khosa reminded Khan that the Prime Minister had made that promise with himself, not with the counsel.

The PTI's lawyer also lamented that the speeches failed to offer any explanation of how the Sharifs generated the capital to install factories in Dubai when they had gone broke after the nationalisation of their industries nor did they explain where the family found the money to revive sick industrial units that were handed over to them in 1983.

The court, more interested in the matter at hand, nudged the counsel in the direction of a financial investigation report carried out by an agency in the British Virgin Islands in 1999 for the Al-Taufiq case, where a suspicious activity report had also been generated.

At one point, when the counsel contested the Prime Minister's claims regarding the payment of Rs. 360 million in tax, Justice Khosa observed that it was not the court's job to scrutinise the entire life of a person. The judge said that the matter of paying taxes was irrelevant to the case at hand and asked the counsel to focus his arguments on the London properties.

The Chief Justice also emphasized that in criminal trials, the benefit of the doubt always went in the favour of the suspect, adding that the counsel's arguments were not a substitute for tangible proof.

"We are giving you the chance to address the court for the sake of our satisfaction, but after hearing you for over an hour, we are still at the same position," the bench observed.

"On the basis of your arguments and replies filed, it seems [the case] is not so simple that we may straightaway come to a definite conclusion and pass an order unless there is a detailed inquiry within a solid time frame, conducted by an inquiry commission headed by a Supreme Court judge," the bench said.

At one point, Justice Khosa even quipped it appeared that the judges were more prepared than the lawyers in the case, especially since an elected Prime Minister was in the dock.

The apex court will resume hearing in the Panamagate matter on November 30.

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Paris Hilton, who regards President-elect Donald Trump as a family friend, recently revealed that she voted for him in the US presidential elections.

According to the Daily Mail, the 35-year-old socialite was asked, during an Australian TV interview, if she voted for Trump, to which she replied, "I've known him since I was a little girl, so yes" confirming her support for the Republican.

"I've known him my entire life and he's always been incredibly supportive of me," she said of her relationship with Trump.

This decision of Hilton, who earlier remained tight-lipped about her decision in the polling booth, puts her at odds with Hollywood's liberal elite, which overwhelmingly rallied for Democratic candidate Hillary Clinton.

Reportedly, Trump and Hilton first met when she was 12 years old and a friend of his daughter Ivanka Trump's.

The 'The Simple Life' star is currently in Australia for a DJ tour and to promote her new fragrance 'Gold Rush' and will be making appearances in Melbourne and Sydney as she releases her latest perfume.

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The pandemonium in the house between the treasury bench members and the Congress members over the issue of demonetization led to the speaker adjourn the Rajya Sabha till Monday.

The Rajya Sabha was adjourned thrice this morning following the continuous uproar in the house.

As soon as the Upper House met for the day, the All India Anna Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (AIADMK) members trooped into the well of the House in support of their demand for the setting up of the Cauvery Management Board.

Soon after, the Treasury Bench members were on their feet and protesting against Azad's remark in the House yesterday.

Following this, Congress members rushed into the well shouting slogans against Treasury Bench members.

Amid noisy scenes, Minister of State for Parliamentary Affairs Mukhtar Abbas Naqvi said that people are unhappy with Azad's comment comparing deaths of the people in Uri sector of Jammu and Kashmir by the Pakistani forces with the alleged deaths of people following the demonetisation move.

He also demanded that the Congress and Azad tender apologies to the nation.

The Lok Sabha has also been adjourned till Monday following the uproar between a massively united opposition and the treasury over the issue of demonetisation.

The government is insisting that the Congress Party apologise for the controversial remarks made by its leader Ghulam Nabi Azad in Rajya Sabha on Thursday during a demonetisation debate on the government's move to withdraw Rs 500 and Rs 1,000 notes.

There was also a heated argument in Lok Sabha between Ananth Kumar and Congress leader Mallikarjun Kharge over the black money issue in the House.

BJP leader and MP Meenakshi Lekhi attacked the opposition on comments made by some MPs about deaths while in queue at banks, ATMs.

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The Department for International Trade (DIT) is leading a delegation of 6 British Agri-Tech companies at Agro-Tech trade show in Chandigarh from 19-22 November.

Agro-Tech, India's Premier Agro Technology and Fair, is organised by Confederation of Indian Industries (CII) in partnership with the Ministry of Agriculture & Farmers Welfare, Along with a couple of other Ministries from the Government of India.

The UK is the 'Guest Country' in the 12th edition of Agro-Tech. The British delegation will join the British Pavilion at Agro-Tech show in International Pavilion. The British pavilion will showcase the UK's capabilities in Agri-Tech. The UK has one of the most reputed agricultural technology sectors in the world, having contributed to the Agricultural Revolution across the world.

David Lelliott, Deputy High Commissioner to Chandigarh said:

"I am delighted to see this strong UK delegation participating in Agro-tech. This year has seen a step change in our engagement with Punjab on Agri-tech, with the visit to UK of a Punjab Government delegation, followed by a series of visits and events here, including most recently the visit to Chandigarh earlier this month of the Tech Summit Agri-tech delegation as part of the programme of events surrounding the Prime Minister's visit. The UK has high quality institutions and companies ready to provide the expertise and technology that Punjab needs, and the Deputy High Commission Chandigarh and Department of International Trade will continue to help them develop their relationships here."

The DIT led delegation is being accompanied by Luis Mulet, Trade Specialist, UK Government's Agri-Tech Organisation and includes senior representatives from -

1. Genus ABS - Genus ABS India is part of ABS Global, a division of Genus plc. They are world's leading provider of bovine genetics and reproduction services. Genus ABS India adopts its international standard for selection of bulls for semen production with regards to genetics and health standards. Genus ABS India has started producing and marketing semen produced out of the bulls born through embryos imported from North America and gnomically testing them.

2. Aviagen - The Aviagen Group is the world's leading poultry breeding company, developing pedigree lines for the production of broiler chickens and turkeys. Aviagen's successful and well-established genetic selection program consistently promotes continuous improvements in robustness and overall health while providing the birds with the highest quality care and welfare standards.

3. Platts - Platts Animal Bedding is a market-leading UK manufacturer and supplier of quality animal bedding, based in North Wales.

4. British Pig Association - Founded in 1884, The Association is the official breed society and maintains the Herd Books for top British breeds.

5. Aardra Systems- Aardra manufactures cost effective water management systems that safeguards water and power resources from being wasted. The systems create a unique environment whereby plants and crops are adequately kept moist and watered to enable them to thrive and flourish.

6. Trantor International - Trantor International Ltd. (TIL) is a British-owned, private company that has created and developed new kinds of more energy-efficient and more productive farm tractors. The Trantor Tractors enable users to reduce fuel consumption by as much as 40%, and increase labour productivity by more than 300%, whilst also being significant for the no-till farming system.

Fifty other top British companies ranging from Animal Science, Aquaculture, Plant Sciences and Precision Agriculture will be displaying their catalogues at the trade show.

The UK has three of the top five global universities, 20 percent of the workforce in science, over 100 science parks, well established Research and Development sites for multinational companies such as Syngenta, Zoetis and Bayer, and the world's best and most complete data-sets relevant to agriculture.

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Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Akhilesh Yadav on Friday ridiculed Prime Minister Narendra Modi's demonetisation drive and dubbed the policy as a disaster.

Addressing a press conference here, Akhilesh said that the Centre was unprepared, adding the implementation was so weak that the ATM machines could not accept the new currency.

Highlighting the plight of farming community, the Chief Minister urged the Centre to eliminate farmers from the purview of the demonetisation drive.

"Farmers are in crisis. This is not a natural disaster but one created by the Central Government. The ATM machines were not prepared to accept the new notes. How will the people of the nation accept them?" he said in a sarcastic tone.

"Somehow the UP Government facilitated farmers last year without the help of Centre and now when we were expecting that something good will happen, the Centre came out with this policy. Our party has urged that the farmers at least should not be brought under the umbrella of this new policy," he added.

Akhilesh also took the opportunity to highlight the fact that 50 days are not enough for complete currency exchange, adding the delay will immensely affect the Indian economy.

"The government might say that the currency exchange issue will be solved in 50 days but I sincerely believe that it will take six months to one year. And this will adversely affect the economy. Employment will be affected immensely. The whole nation is questioning the non preparedness of the Centre," he said.

The demonetisation drive has also garnered criticism from the other opposition parties including the Congress and Bahujan Samaj Party (BSP).

BSP supremo Mayawati earlier in the day urged Prime Minister Modi to shed his stubbornness and dictatorial attitude and think about the suffering of the common man which is living in deep pain due to demonetisation drive.

Leader of Opposition in Rajya Sabha Ghulam Nabi Azad yesterday drew parallel between the demonetisation drive and the Uri terror attack.

Speaking in the Rajya Sabha, Azad said that the Pakistani terrorists did not kill half the people in Uri than the number of people who have been dead due to the government's wrong policy.

Meanwhile, the demonetisation war continued in the Parliament today with the Opposition seeking an explanation from Prime Minister Narendra Modi while questioning his absence.

Amid chaotic scenes, the Lok Sabha was adjourned till Monday while the Rajya Sabha has been adjourned till 2: 30 p.m.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
Deepak Fertilisers & Petrochemicals Corporation lost 7.11% to Rs 184.90 at 10:27 IST on BSE after net profit declined 4.77% to Rs 26.96 crore on 14.23% fall in net sales to Rs 932.71 crore in Q2 September 2016 over Q2 September 2015.

The announcement was made after market hours yesterday, 17 November 2016.

Meanwhile, the BSE Sensex was down 48 points, or 0.18%, to 26,179.62

On BSE, so far 43,000 shares were traded in the counter, compared with an average volume of 53,145 shares in the past one quarter. The stock hit a high of Rs 195.60 and a low of Rs 177.50 so far during the day. The stock hit a record high of Rs 253.45 on 16 September 2016. The stock hit a 52-week low of Rs 128.15 on 17 February 2016. The stock had underperformed the market over the past 30 days till 17 November 2016, falling 10.05% compared with 6.28% decline in the Sensex. The scrip, however, also outperformed the market in past one quarter, rising 10.12% as against Sensex's 6.59% fall.

The small-cap company has an equity capital of Rs 88.20 crore. Face value per share is Rs 10.

Deepak Fertilisers & Petrochemicals Corporation said that the company witnessed marginal growth in chemical business, however, recorded subdued performance in fertilisers because of higher carryover stocks in the country and comparatively lower volumes in ammonium nitrate due to seasonal slowdown with delayed and extended monsoons. The combined negative impact in the fertiliser sector emerging out of the delayed monsoons, inventory build- up from earlier quarter and sudden price cuts impacted the performance in Q2 September 2016, Deepak Fertilisers & Petrochemicals Corporation said. Good rainfalls followed with brisk sales and lowering of raw material costs should help improve the workings of the subsequent quarters, the company said. The softening of raw material prices, specially ammonia, would help the company combat global competition, it added.

Sailesh C. Mehta, Chairman & Managing Director, Deepak Fertilisers & Petrochemicals Corporation said that after two consecutive droughts, the country witnessed good monsoons in the current year. The company is poised for achieving smooth production with restoration of full scale water supply and is optimistic with respect to outlook for demand growth across all businesses, Sailesh C. Mehta said.

Deepak Fertilisers & Petrochemicals Corporation is among India's leading producers of industrial chemicals and fertilisers.

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Sales decline 4.92% to Rs 62.02 crore

Net profit of Diamond Infosystems declined 75.00% to Rs 0.03 crore in the quarter ended September 2016 as against Rs 0.12 crore during the previous quarter ended September 2015. Sales declined 4.92% to Rs 62.02 crore in the quarter ended September 2016 as against Rs 65.23 crore during the previous quarter ended September 2015.62.0265.230.150.320.030.120.030.120.030.12

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In Pahara, Uttar Pradesh

GPT Infraprojects announced the commencement of trail production at the Company's concrete sleeper plant in Pahara village located at Mirzapur district, Uttar Pradesh.

GPT Infraprojects has set up the sleeper facility in Pahara in connection with the World Bank funded Eastern Dedicated Freight Corridor project for supplying concrete sleepers. This production facility, with a capacity of 400,000 sleepers per annum, is one of the 2 facilities being set up for this Rs 246 crore contract of DFC by the Company. The first facility of similar capacity in Ikari, Uttar Pradesh began trail production this September.

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India Ratings and Research (Ind-Ra) believes that the four-rate tax slabs of 5%, 12%, 18% and 28% in GST would have a bearing on the profitability of most industries. Further, additional cess on some of the products, if absorbed by the respective businesses, would impact their margins.

GST would benefit industry as it would eliminate the cascading impact of taxes and allow unrestricted flow of input tax credit, and lower the compliance cost through simple tax regime as against the current multiple tax slabs and laws. In general, industries currently subject to taxes at a rate higher than the rates proposed in the GST Act would benefit and see margin expansions and improvements in their working capital, while those subject to a tax rate lower than the GST rates may face challenges on the margin front and increased working capital requirements.

Ind-Ra also believes that the service industries would see an increase in tax rates for most services under the new GST regime, which might have a bearing on the margins and the working capital cycle. Further, factors such as abatements, concessional duty structure, and area-wise exemptions, if not continued under GST, would have a significant bearing on the profitability of many industries.

Industries that would benefit from lower GST tax rates include cement and auto manufacturers, while those that could be impacted negatively due to GST include the cotton and downstream value chain and apparel segment of the textile industry and print media, which are currently either tax exempted or subject to concessional rates of taxes.

Abatement of tax, if not continued under the GST regime, would have a bearing on the profitability of logistics and real estate industries, while the impact on the infrastructure industry with high value contracts spanning across years would have to be assed contract-wise.

Within the infrastructure industry, contracts in project phase can face viability issues if they are unable to pass on the increase in cost due to higher taxes or if the government incentives are discontinued under GST.

The central government would compensate for any revenue loss to the state governments during the first five years of the GST regime. The GST council has agreed to factor in the tax exemptions given to the industries in the eight north eastern states and the three hilly states while calculating revenue loss for determining compensation. The governments' (both states and central) decision to continue with the area-based exemptions from central and state taxes can also impact the profitability of factories set up in the specified areas based on these exemptions.

The compelling rationale to switch from the current regime to the GST regime is to eliminate the cascading impact of taxes or simply put tax on tax which leads to increase in the price of the end product. Other equally important areas which the GST would address are the multiplicity of taxes at central and state levels, leading to cumbersome and cost bearing compliance exercise for businesses, by bringing about uniformity in tax rates and structure.

Since, the input credit would be available only on taxes paid to the central or state government and after an automated reconciliation through an IT infrastructure, users of input supply would insist on tax invoices to claim the input credit, there by plugging the leakage due to non-payment of taxes or Kaccha Bills as it is popularly known in India.

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IIFL Holdings rose 0.7% to Rs 253.30 at 13:45 IST on BSE after the company said that its subsidiary proposes to acquire the management and control of Bangalore-based Samasta Microfinance.

The announcement was made after market hours yesterday, 17 November 2016.

Meanwhile, the BSE Sensex was up 33.79 points, or 0.13%, to 26,261.41.

On BSE, so far 5,462 shares were traded in the counter, compared with average daily volume of 35,847 shares in the past one quarter. The stock hit a high of Rs 256 and a low of Rs 247.95 so far during the day. The stock hit a 52-week high of Rs 339.50 on 28 October 2016. The stock hit a 52-week low of Rs 163.50 on 29 February 2016. The stock underperformed the market over the past one month till 17 November 2016, sliding 6.54% compared with 4.73% decline in the Sensex. The scrip also underperformed the market in past one quarter, falling 13.5% as against Sensex's 6.35% decline.

The mid-cap company has equity capital of Rs 63.42 crore. Face value per share is Rs 2.

IIFL Holdings said that its non-banking financial company (NBFC) subsidiary, India Infoline Finance (IIFL), proposes to acquire the management and control of Bangalore-based Samasta Microfinance (Samasta), through acquisition of upto 100% equity shares, subject to completion of necessary due diligence, regulatory and other internal approvals. Samasta is an NBFC-micro finance institution (NBFC-MFI) registered with the Reserve Bank of India (RBI). Pursuant to this, IIFL, Samasta and the promoters of Samasta will enter into necessary agreements and documents to effect sale and purchase shares of Samasta in due course upon completion of due diligence, internal approvals and regulatory process.

Samasta promoted by Narayanswamy Venkatesh and Deviah Shivaprasad, first generation entrepreneurs, began operations as an MFI in March 2008 and operates in Tamil Nadu, Karnataka, Maharashtra and Goa through 64 branches. It currently has an asset under management (AUM) of about Rs 100 crore as on 30 September 2016. The income of Samasta as on 31 March 2016 was Rs 20.14 crore. The proposed acquisition of Samasta will help IIFL to enter into micro finance segment and extend its wide ranging financial services to their large customer base. IIFL has received an in principle approval from the RBI for acquiring the stake. The indicative time for completion of the acquistion is about 6 months.

IIFL Holdings' consolidated net profit rose 30.4% to Rs 183.12 crore on 25.4% increase in net sales to Rs 1216.12 crore in Q2 September 2016 over Q2 September 2015.

IIFL Holdings is the apex holding company of the entire IIFL Group. It offers a gamut of services including financing, wealth and asset management, broking, financial product distribution, investment banking, institutional equities, realty and property advisory services through its various subsidiaries.

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IL&FS Engineering and Construction Company rose 1.86% to Rs 43.75 at 11:52 IST on BSE after the joint venture has emerged as the lowest bidder for two road projects.

The announcement was made after market hours yesterday, 17 November 2016.

Meanwhile, the S&P BSE Sensex was up 16.74 points or 0.06% at 26,244.36

On BSE, so far 9,835 shares were traded in the counter as against average daily volume of 54,003 shares in the past one quarter. The stock hit a high of Rs 45 and a low of Rs 43.50 so far during the day. The stock had hit a 52-week high of Rs 74.50 on 3 December 2015. The stock had hit a 52-week low of Rs 38 on 9 November 2016. The stock had underperformed the market over the past 30 days till 17 November 2016, falling 19.49% compared with 6.28% decline in the Sensex. The scrip also underperformed the market in past one quarter, declining 6.83% as against Sensex's 6.59% fall.

The small-cap company has equity capital of Rs 121.16 crore. Face value per share is Rs 10.

The Joint Venture comprising IL&FS Engineering and Construction Company and IL&FS Transportation Networks in the ratio of 49:51 (Joint Venture) has emerged as the lowest bidder for the development of Madhya Pradesh Road Development Corporation (MPRDC) for the two road projects funded by Asian Development Bank under Madhya Pradesh District Roads II Sector Project on item rate basis. The first project involves widening and reconstruction of Bariya Choki-Lugasi-Garhi Malhara Road, Bamitha-Dumra Road, RajnagarBachhon Road, Khaparia Banspahari Road, Chhatarpur-Vikrampur-Rajnagar Road. The second project involves widening and reconstruction of Barghat-Kanhiwada Road, Dharna-Asta-Dondiwada- Dharmakua Road, Waraseoni-Katangi Road. The Joint Venture had quoted an amount of Rs 213.52 crore for first project and Rs 161.71 crore for second project. The construction period for the first project is 730 days and second project is 548 days.

IL&FS Engineering and Construction Company reported net loss of Rs 80.67 crore in Q2 September 2016 compared with net loss of Rs 81.87 crore in Q2 September 2015. The company's net sales rose 1.4% to Rs 356.87 crore in Q2 September 2016 over Q2 September 2015.

IL&FS Engineering and Construction Company is into infrastructure development, construction and project management.

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Punj Lloyd gained 2.35% to Rs 19.60 at 10:35 IST on BSE after the company said that its wholly-owned subsidiary executed definitive agreements with India Power Green Utility to co-develop 30 megawatts of solar assets.

The announcement was made after market hours yesterday, 17 November 2016.

Meanwhile, the BSE Sensex was down 42.47 points, or 0.16%, to 26,185.15.

On BSE, so far 1.2 lakh shares were traded in the counter, compared with average daily volume of 8.5 lakh shares in the past one quarter. The stock hit a high of Rs 19.75 and a low of Rs 19.35 so far during the day. The stock hit a 52-week high of Rs 31.65 on 5 January 2016. The stock hit a record low of Rs 16.90 on 9 November 2016. The stock underperformed the market over the past one month till 17 November 2016, sliding 14.89% compared with 4.73% decline in the Sensex. The scrip, however, outperformed the market in past one quarter, remaining unchanged as against Sensex's 6.35% decline.

The small-cap company has equity capital of Rs 66.42 crore. Face value per share is Rs 2.

Punj Lloyd said that its wholly-owned subsidiary, Punj Lloyd Infrastructure (PLIL), has executed definitive agreements with India Power Green Utility (IPGUPL) to co-develop 30 megawatts (MW) of solar assets in Uttarakhand. The agreements are in respect of three solar power projects, each of 10 MW capacity won by PLIL under the tariff based competitive bidding process in October 2015 to be executed by its wholly owned subsidiaries (WOS) namely, PL Surya Vidyut, PL Sunrays Power, and PL Solar Renewable.

As per the transaction, PLIL will divest 49% of its shareholding in its three subsidiaries viz. PL Surya Vidyut, PL Sunrays Power and PL Solar Renewable. The special purpose vehicles (SPVs) have signed 25 years power purchase agreements with Uttarakhand Power Corporation. The company shall be responsible for the entire engineering, procurement and commissioning of the above projects. The transaction is expected to be completed once customary closing conditions and approvals are obtained.

Punj Lloyd reported net loss of Rs 211.39 crore in Q1 June 2016, lower than net loss of Rs 581.84 crore in Q1 June 2015. Net sales rose 36% to Rs 887.57 crore in Q1 June 2016 over Q1 June 2015.

Punj Lloyd is a diversified international conglomerate offering engineering procurement construction (EPC) services in energy and infrastructure along with engineering and manufacturing capabilities in the defence sector.

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Sales decline 1.15% to Rs 19.76 crore

Net profit of Swiss Glascoat Equipments declined 9.82% to Rs 1.01 crore in the quarter ended September 2016 as against Rs 1.12 crore during the previous quarter ended September 2015. Sales declined 1.15% to Rs 19.76 crore in the quarter ended September 2016 as against Rs 19.99 crore during the previous quarter ended September 2015.19.7619.9913.5116.462.112.241.521.681.011.12

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On 22 November 2016

Vedanta announced that the Company proposes to offer Rated Secured Redeemable Non-Convertible Debentures aggregating to Rs. 300 crores and in this regard is holding a meeting of its duly constituted Committee of the Board on 22 November 2016. The above issuance is pursuant to the approval of the Shareholders passed vide Special Resolution at the 50th and 51st Annual General Meeting of the Company held on 11 July 2015 and 29 June 2016, respectively and the Board of Directors' resolution passed at its meeting held on 29 July 2015.

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Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal said on Friday that it is "anti-national" to support the demonetisation move "in the present form" as it is in reality a scam.

"It is the biggest scam of independent India. It would be anti-national to support demonetisation in its present form," Kejriwal told TV channel NDTV.

He said the scandal was intended to gather enough cash from the public so that loans worth Rs eight lakh crore given to "big businessmen" by banks could be written off.

Kejriwal said the demonetisation doesn't seem to be aimed at curbing corruption or black money or to turn a cash economy that is India into a cashless economy.

"It is not possible to convert cash economy to cashless economy overnight. It needs to be done slowly and with proper preparation.

"Hong Kong ended corruption in the 70s. Singapore did it. Even we did it in our 49-day government (in Delhi). But no one changed their currency to achieve that," the Aam Aadmi Party leader said.

He added it was achieved by taking action against the corrupt and sending them to jail.

Kejriwal said the first step towards ending corruption would be to have all the political parties declare their black money transactions.

"But by demonetising Rs 500 and Rs 1,000 notes, not even a single penny of black money will come into the banking system," he added.

Asked what he would do if the government doesn't reverse the decision, he said he would first discuss the issue with his West Bengal counterpart Mamata Banerjee before taking a decision.

--IANS

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Rejecting the demand for a CBI probe, the Tripura High Court has directed the government to conduct an audit in all 58 blocks of the state vis-a-vis MGNREGA scheme to ensure transparency, an official said on Friday.

The court direction came on a petition filed by former Congress spokesman and eminent physician Ashok Sinha, renowned lawyer Ashish Nandi and Trinamool Congress leader Arun Chandra Bhowmik, who sought a CBI probe into alleged irrigularities in the Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act (MGNREGA) in Tripura.

Rejecting the demand for a Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) probe, a division bench of Chief Justice T. Vaiphei and Justice Subhashish Talapatra on Thursday asked the government to get conducted the audit by renowned chartered accountants in 58 blocks, a Rural Development Department official said.

The High Court directed the Tripura government to engage the chartered accountants within two months to audit all accounts pertaining to MGNREGA scheme as well as the State Employment Guarantee Fund.

The court said the audit reports should be submitted to the Comptroller and Auditor General of India and the Centre by the state government.

The court also asked the Tripura government to place in the assembly the audited accounts and statements of expenditure prepared by the chartered accountants.

"Once the audited accounts are laid in the state assemble the same should also be made available as a public document on the MGNREGA website."

Tripura retained the top position in the courtry for the seventh consecutive year till the fiscal that ended in April 2016 in providing jobs under the MGNREGA. A record 94.46 person days per household of work was provided in 2015-16, against the national average of 48.51 days.

--IANS

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Slamming the opposition for continued disruptions in Parliament over demonetisation, the government on Friday said the Congress was avoiding a debate in the house to save itself from getting exposed over its opposition to cleansing of the system.

"We cannot fathom why the opposition, especially the Congress and its friends, are creating an uproar in Parliament," Union Minister M. Venkaiah Naidu told the media outside Parliament here.

"While they are posturing in public, they don't want to debate in the house. They just want to prevent themselves from being exposed over their objection to the cleaning of the system," he said after the Rajya Sabha witnessed several adjournments during the day.

Naidu, a senior Bharatiya Janata Party leader, said the opposition was trying to divert public attention from the issue.

"They don't have truth on their side; they do not enjoy public support. The popular opinion is going against them -- that is why they are creating this uproar to avoid the debate," the minister said.

Asking the Congress to come clean on the demonetisation issue, Naidu said that Prime Minister Narendra Modi will intervene in parliamentary debate whenever needed.

"Are you against the cleansing of the system? Are you against the cleansing of the economy? Are you against the government action against the corrupt? Or, are you concerned about the temporary problems faced by the people? Make your stand clear."

"You can't face the government. That is why you are trying to find excuses," he added.

--IANS

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Datawind Inc., a leader in delivering low-cost Internet connectivity to emerging markets, on Friday formally launched its state-of-the-art manufacturing facility here.

Coming up at GMR Complex of Rajiv Gandhi International Airport at an investment of Rs 100 crore, the 40,000 sq. ft facility will manufacture 20 lakh tablets and phones in the first year. Its full capacity can reach up to five million units.

Inaugurated by Telangana's Information Technology Minister K.T. Rama Rao and Canada's High Commissioner Nadir Patel, the plant employs 600 people and will increase the headcount to 1,000 by March next year.

This is the Canadian company's second facility in India after Amritsar, which is the country's first and only manufacturing facility for touch panels. It manufactures more than one lakh units per month.

Suneet Singh Tuli, CEO of Datawind, said the company had positioned as India's largest tablet manufacturer for the last many quarters.

"We are coming out with full range of products including tabs, mini laptops, smart phones. The unit has been functional for the last few months and shipped 2.5 lakh units," he said.

Suneet pointed out that Datawind lead the tab market with a 37 per cent share.

Smart phones is the new segment for the company and it recently launched Rs 1,500 smart phone with touch screen and free unlimited Internet for one year.

"We have capacity for producing 50 lakh phones. We are focussing on low cost devices in the Rs 1,500 to 5,000 range and help bring down the cost of phones in the market."

He said the company was looking to set up a production unit in eastern India.

"We have applied for licence for Telecom operations and VNO. VNO will be a big focus of ours, will probably invest Rs 70-80 crores. As part of this we will have our own sims and offer Rs 20 unlimited browsing plan by next year. Under VNO we don't buy spectrum, don't have towers, but will be partnering with an operator and offer our own sims," he added.

Rama Rao said the government created a mobile manufacturing ecosystem in the state and in six to seven months three major manufacturers Micromax, Celcon and Datawind have set up their units here.

He revealed that European TV manufacturer Thompson is venturing into Telangana in tandem with a local company.

According to the minister, Telangana is offering and an attractive investment opportunity for Canadian companies.

More than 40 Canadian entities have their presence in Telangana. He also sought help of the high commissioner to start Air Canada flights to Hyderabad.

Datawind's is a prime example of Canadian companies investing in India for its betterment, and reflects the best of Canadian values.

We look forward to continue strengthening our partnership going forward as India strives to achieve its Make in India objectives," said the Canadian high commissioner.

--IANS

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Oscar-winning actor Leonardo DiCaprio recently visited a restaurant here, and onlookers were left stunned as they spotted him on their bus journey to work.

The actor, who is in the city to speak at the Scottish Business Awards on Thursday, recently paid a visit to Home, a restaurant which gives its profits to the homeless.

He was greeted by hundreds of fans waiting outside and spent time chatting and signing autographs after they waited hours in the pouring rain to meet the star, reports mirror.co.uk

He looked dapper with his dark hair slicked back while wearing a white open-collared shirt and black trousers with matching shoes. He teamed it up with a long coat.

Tom Hunter, chairman of the Scottish Business Awards, said on its website: "Leonardo is not only a famous actor, he is a pioneering environmentalist and committed philanthropist whose charitable work is making a global impact.

"To have him address our nation's premier businesses and entrepreneurs is incredibly exciting.

"That the Scottish Business Awards is the largest awards dinner of its kind in the whole of the UK says a lot about the strength and ambition of Scotland's entrepreneurial community."

--IANS

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Sri Lanka's former ambassador to the US, Jaliya Wickramasuriya, was arrested on Friday for suspected misuse of state funds under the previous government.

Wickramasuriya, a relative of former President Mahinda Rajapakse, was arrested by the Financial Crimes Investigations Division for allegedly accepting a $245,000 commission while serving as the envoy in Washington, Xinhua news agency reported.

He is also suspected to have defrauded more than $33,000 in purchasing a building for the Sri Lankan embassy in the US. The former diplomat is expected appear in a court later on Friday.

--IANS

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Failure to impose sanctions on leaders of terrorist organisations is eroding the UN's authority, India has warned.

If the Security Council and its agencies did not come up with a "cohesive response to global terrorism they run the risk of becoming marginalised from the most fundamental security priorities of member states whose fabric is being torn asunder by terrorists," India's Permanent Representative Syed Akbaruddin said on Thursday during a General Assembly debate on Afghanistan.

He reiterated a demand India made in June for designating Taliban chief Mawlawi Haibatullah Akhundzada as a terrorist and making him face the penalties of UN sanctions.

"The international community is impatient for action," Akbaruddin said.

"Earlier this week, President Ashraf Ghani of Afghanistan himself asked a delegation of the UNSC (Security Council) Sanctions Committee to include this person, and such others, in the list of terrorists," he said.

The working of the Sanctions committee has been a sore point for India. China has used its veto to provide cover for Jaish-e-Mohammad's Pakistan-based head, Masood Azhar, from sanctions.

India says he is the mastermind of the January terrorist attack on the Air Force base in Pathankot.

Afghanistan's Permanent Representative Mahmoud Saikal also raised the problem of the Taliban and other terrorist organisations based in Pakistan.

Without directly naming it, he accused Pakistan of waging a "thinly disguised declared war" against his country by using the Taliban and other terrorist orgnisations, including the Haqqani network and the Islamic State.

He warned Islamabad, "Those who seek solace from the intention of keeping Afghanistan bleeding must remember that such actions would bleed them, too, and warrant international isolation."

(Arul Louis can be reached at arul.l@ians.in)

--IANS

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Minister of State for Defence Subhash Bhamre informed the Lok Sabha on Friday that the first Airborne Early Warning and Control System ( AEW&C) is likely to be inducted in December.

"There has been no delay in AWACS(I) Project as the current mandate of the project was to finalise on the contract of the aircraft through a global tendering process, which has been completed," the minister said in a written reply.

The indigenous Airborne Warning and Control System (AWACS) System is likely to be available from 2024, the minister added.

The response cited finalisation of operational requirements, delay in delivery of certified aircraft and incompletion of flight evaluation of the integrated systems due to reasons of modification on aircraft by original equipment manufacturer, as the reasons for delay in the AEW&C also known as mini AWACS.

AWE&C are airborne radar system to detect aerial threats and command the fighter air crafts for strikes. DRDO is developing an indigenous AWE&C system mounted on Embraer air crafts.

India operates AWACS system imported from Israel which is mounted on Russian IL -76 air crafts.

--IANS

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Former French Prime Minister Francois Fillon has gained some ground at the final debate ahead of Sunday's first round of the conservative party's primary elections.

According to a poll, 33 per cent of the 1,012 voters interviewed saw Fillon as the most convincing against 32 per cent for Alain Juppe, the polls' favourite to win presidential election next year, and 18 per cent for ex-president Nicolas Sarkozy, Xinhua news agency reported.

Despite sliding support in a tight primary race, Juppe maintained the lead, according to the poll.

Among the three candidates of France's Conservative Party and its allies, whoever wins the party's two-round primaries slated for November 20 and 27, will have a strong chance of becoming the country's next president, due to deep divisions in the Left and the public's opposition to a far-right President.

Shortly before the poll, Fillon urged voters to make up their own minds.

"We French people are a proud people, and we do not like to be dictated our choices, so do not be afraid next Sunday to contradict polls and media that had already arranged everything for you. Choose to vote for your convictions," he said.

"I have always told the truth to the French people. I have a programme that is not easy, but it is the only one that gives the French their freedom to work, to succeed, to raise their children in accordance with French values," he said.

The presidential election will take place on April 23 and May 7.

According to the country's pollsters, the presidential favourite would be a conservative and easily unseat the incumbent Socialist President Francois Hollande and beat far-rightist leader Marine Le Pen.

--IANS

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The Gujarat High Court on Friday granted Patel agitation spearhead Hardik Patel leave to shift his temporary residence for a fortnight from Rajasthan to Uttarakhand.

Hardik had moved a petition in the High Court seeking permission to change his temporary residential address from Udaipur in Rajasthan to Haridwar in Uttarakhand.

"The hon'ble court had put in a condition that he cannot change his temporary residence during bail period without its permission. Hardik wanted to visit some religious places in Haridwar and so we moved a petition before seeking permission for four weeks," said Rafiq Lokhandwala, member of team representing Hardik in the high court.

Hardik, who is out on a six-month bail in a sedition case, had been barred from entering Gujarat by the court. In his petition, he had mentioned that he wished to stay at Swami Deeptanand Ashram, Bhupatwala, Haridwar, with its mahant, Swami Krishnanand Maharaj.

--IANS

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President Pranab Mukherjee on Friday said higher education institutions are the torch-bearers of progress in the country, and stressed the need for quality research.

"Building institutions is not merely a brick-and-mortar activity. It represents a vision of the future, which we all want for our nation and the generations to come," he was quoted as saying by an official release.

He said shortage of teaching faculty had plagued our institutions for a long time.

"There is a need for innovative mechanisms to address the problem of vacancies on a long-term basis," Mukherjee said, adding that 70 per cent vacancies in central universities have been filled.

He made the comments during the concluding day of the Visitor's Conference at Rashtrapati Bhavan here.

Figures provided at the conference indicated the vacancies had reduced only marginally, from 39 per cent in 2014 to 36 per cent in 2016.

He said the Visitor's Conference provided a platform for central institutions in diverse fields like agriculture, pharmaceuticals and humanities to join institutions of technology, engineering, science and IT in deliberations.

"Participation by all institutions in the National Institutional Rankings Framework (NIRF) will help create a spirit of healthy competition, eventually reflecting in our approach to international rankings. A successful implementation of 'Project Vishwajeet' could see seven to 10 Indian institutions in the top 100 in the near future."

He said that while the government will have to find a major part of funds required, we should also look at other funding mechanisms like alumni and corporate sector support.

"It can come in the form of endowments, sponsored research and creation of joint and shared research facilities," said the President.

Among the dignitaries present at the concluding session of the Visitor's Conference were Human Resource Development Minister Prakash Javadekar, HRD Minister of State Mahendra Nath Pandey and senior officers of Rashtrapati Bhavan and the government of India.

--IANS

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Over 500 unaccompanied migrant children have gone missing after arriving in Sweden this year and the number of homeless people is growing, Swedish media reported on Thursday.

The number of asylum seeker children who go underground has gone up from 288 in 2015 to 560 this year, Xinhua news agency citing the Swedish Migration Agency.

Currently, at least 1,650 migrants who applied for asylum in Sweden as children are missing. Some have been missing for years and are now adults, while over 600 are still under 18, said Swedish Television.

A total of 327 of the unaccompanied minors who have disappeared since 2010 were between 13 and 15 years old when they went missing, 167 were between seven and 12, and 190 were under seven years old.

Swedish Television spoke to several volunteer organisations as well as to the border police in western Sweden and they confirmed that there are more and more failed asylum seekers living on the streets and that the wanted list was growing.

--IANS

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The Indian Navy on Friday denied Pakistan's claim of detecting and chasing away an Indian submarine in its waters.

The Pakistan Navy on Friday said it detected an Indian submarine near its waters and "chased it out" in time, according to Geo News.

"Indian Navy categorically denies the report as blatant lies," Indian Navy Spokesperson Captain D.K. Sharma said.

According to a Pakistan Navy spokesperson, their fleet units "chased" the Indian submarine until it left Pakistani territory, Geo TV reported.

The spokesperson further said that the Pakistani Navy's ability to "push back" the submarine was a testament to the country's anti-submarine warfare capabilities.

Pakistan was "capable of giving a fitting response to any sort of aggression (by India)", the spokesperson added. He alleged that India is "trying to station its submarines in Pakistani waters".

--IANS

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Israel on Friday expressed its commitment for 'Make in India and Make with India' in the security domain, said a industry release.

Participating at a 'Round table on Indo-Israel Cooperation in Defence & Homeland Security', Israeli Defence Ministry's international defence cooperation directorate (SIBAT) chief Brig. Gen. Mishel Ben Baruch (retd.) said: "We are willing to cooperate with India and transfer technologies through partnership with Indian companies. SIBAT and Ministry of Defence of Israel are committed for a long term relationship with India."

He called the event, organised by Federation of Indian Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FICCI), "historic" and "an opportunity to find ways to enhance cooperation between India and Israel in these areas"."

Defence Ministry Joint Secretary (Planning & International Cooperation) Shambhu S. Kumaran said: "In India, defence production is set to shift from public sector to private companies and offset programme of the country is also taking shape with a target of $10 billion in next 5 years."

Emphasising on the high degree of trust shared between the two countries and the growing concern of cyber threat, Kumaran called it one of the areas where India and Israel could collaborate.

Israel is one of the leading exporters of weapon systems to India, providing missiles, unmanned aircrafts, electronic warfare and radars in last decade.

--IANS

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In a first of its kind in Kerala, Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan led a protest outside the RBI office here along with 17 cabinet ministers and party leader Sitaram Yechury.

Vijayan and senior leaders from the Left Democratic Front walked from the Martyr's Column and reached the RBI to denounce the Centre's decision to sideline cooperative banks following the demonetisation.

The state government views the Centre's move as an "injustice" that would wreck the very existence of the cooperative banks in Kerala.

Starting the day-long protest, Vijayan said the cooperative banking sector was the "live wire" of the rural economy in Kerala as it functions well within the rules but does not have the frills of commercial banks.

The CPI-M leader said the cooperative bank was a friend of the common man as it extends credit to him without any fuss.

"The deposit base in these cooperative banks is in excess of Rs 1 lakh crore and this banking system rises to the occasion to address the need of our ordinary people," the Chief Minister said.

Referring to the BJP, he said that some people alleged that these banks were flush with black money.

"The people standing in front of me... Does anyone of you have black money deposited in these banks?" Vijayan asked the crowd.

The Reserve Bank of India has withdrawn the facility given to the cooperative banks the right to accept or exchange the spiked 500 and 1,000 rupee notes.

The cooperative banking sector in Kerala is a three-tier-system, with about 1,600 primary cooperative banks attached to the 14 district banks that are linked to the apex Kerala State Cooperative Bank (KSCB).

Vijayan said he and his Finance Minister Thomas Issac explained the situation to Finance Minister Arun Jaitley who "we felt that understood what we said.

"But as soon as this happened, the state BJP spread canards that these banks were flush with black money and after that came the decision of the RBI withdrawing the facility that was given to these banks," he said.

"This is nothing but a big rooted political conspiracy," said Vijayan.

Former Chief Minister Oommen Chandy welcomed the protest of the Kerala government.

"We will support any move that comes to protect the cooperative banks and we are with them on this issue," said Chandy.

The BJP says that these primary societies do not follow RBI guidelines while accepting deposits.

Yechury, General Secretary of the Communist Party of India-Marxist, applauded the people of Kerala and their government for organising such a protest.

"We will have to take this protest forward to the rest of the country to end the anarchic policies of Prime Minister Narendra Modi," Yechury said.

He said his party was discussing the matter with all political parties and that the withdrawal of Rs 500 and 1,000 currencies was done in haste.

He also said that the Centre did not make alternate arrangements prior to the demonetisation announcement on November 8.

"This is no way to tackle black money or to fight terrorism," Yechury said. "Forty people have committed suicide since the announcement all over the country."

--IANS

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Union Minister of State for Labour and Employment Bandaru Dattatreya on Friday urged the Finance Ministry to deploy more mobile ATMs in labour areas to help the cash-strapped workforce.

"We have requested the Finance Ministry to deploy more mobile ATMs in areas like construction sites where the workforce is in large numbers," Dattatreya said at a trade organisation's event here.

With no let-up in the cash chaos due to currency shortage after the central government's demonetisation move on November 8, millions of working class people, especially labourers, have been facing untold hardship for want of Rs 100 and Rs 50 notes across the country.

"We have urged the Finance Minister (Arun Jaitley) to rush mobile ATMs to the areas where labourers are working in large numbers and directed the state governments to assist banks in easing the situation," Dattatreya said at a conference on "India's Social Security Agreements", organised by Assocham.

The ministry is also identifying the areas where large workforce is present, so that mobile ATMs can be deployed there.

The Labour Minister, who met Jaitley on Thursday, has sought priority treatment for the workforce, especially in the unorganised sector, in the Union Budget for the next fiscal (2017-18) to ensure social security for them.

"As the five crore construction workers do not have social security, we have made them a part of the organised workforce to avail benefits from the ESIC (Employee's State Insurance Corporation) and EPFO (Employees Provident Fund Organisation)," said Dattatreya.

India already has social security agreements with 19 countries the world over.

"As social security is essential for migrant workers, we are working for similar agreements with more countries, including those in BRICS and SAARC groups," said Dattatreya.

Central Provident Fund Commissioner V.P. Joy said on the occasion that the EPFO was negotiating with Sri Lanka for a social security agreement between the two countries.

Highlighting the vision of Prime Minister Narendra Modi of extending social security guarantee to the poor, the minister said auto-rickshaw and cycle-rickshaw pullers should also have the same benefits.

--IANS

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The man who vandalised US President-elect Donald Trump's star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame has been charged with felony, officials said.

James Lambert Otis, 52, made headlines on October 26 after video of him taking a pick-axe to the star went viral, the Los Angeles Daily News reported.

The District Attorney's Office on Thursday announced that Otis "did unlawfully and maliciously damage and destroy" property belonging to the city of Los Angeles and the Hollywood Chamber of Commerce in an amount exceeding $400.

If convicted as charged, he will face up to three years in jail.

The day after the star was defaced, Otis was taken into custody by Los Angeles police on suspicion of felony vandalism. He was released shortly after posting a $20,000 bail.

Asked last month what prompted him to vandalise the star and remove Trump's name, Otis told Los Angeles Daily News, "The reason why I took the star was to auction it on Election Day, and raise as much money as I can for the women who have been exploited by Trump."

He is due in court on Friday.

--IANS

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(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
While Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi is facing flak from some quarters for scrapping Rs 1,000 and Rs 500 notes, an Australian analyst has called for similar bans on bigger denomination currency notes Down Under too.

The call for the ban on $100 and even $50 currency notes has been accompanied by laudatory comments for Modi's bold move.

Citing Modi's crackdown, a UBS analyst Jonathan Mott has taken lead in pressing for similar demonetisation measures in Australia.

"Removing large denomination notes in Australia would be good for the economy and good for the banks," Jonathan Mott said in a communication to UBS clients earlier this week. Benefits would include reduced crime and welfare fraud, increased tax revenue and a "spike" in bank deposits, he said.

While the percentage of the banned notes in India is around 80 percent, 92 per cent of all currency in Australia is the value of $50 and $100 (US$76).

"Only Switzerland, Israel, Norway and Russia use big notes more than we do," The Age economics editor Peter Martin had despaired while urging a ban on big notes in an article published a few months back.

"Who's got them? They are mainly in the hands of drug lords, human traffickers, and tax evaders," Martin had said, answering his own question while quoting from influential US economist Kenneth Rogoff's recently released book "The Curse of Cash".

Like The Age scribe, Mott believes that the scrapping of the biggest denomination currency notes would yield a plethora of economic benefits, including a reduction in crime, higher tax revenue from fewer cash transactions and lower rates of welfare fraud.

According to the UBS analyst, if all of $100 notes are deposited in banks, the household deposit would go up by 4 percent, reducing reliance on foreign funding.

Australia is not alone where Modi's demonetisation announcement is being seen with interest. According to media reports, a number of central banks and governments around the world are looking at withdrawing high denomination bank notes.

The reasons for their interest could be slightly different from India and the UBS analyst. The digitalisation of the economy is cited as the major reason for which many countries may either completely ban the bigger denomination notes or significantly reduce their number.

Like many of its fellow OECD members, Australia is also experiencing the increasing penetration of electronic payment methods.

The ATM transactions in Australia have fallen 3.4 percent a year since 2009 while credit card transactions have increased 7.3 percent a year, a UBS research note reads.

Australian banks have already commenced dropping cash transactions from service offered to the customers. 'No cash on Saturday' signs can be seen in a number of bank branches open for business on the weekends.

In a separate but related development, Citibank Australia has decided to remove cash from its branches. The US bank may have just six branches in Australia but its move has attracted the attention of financial analysts the world over. Removing cash from bank branches is seen as a move towards digital banking.

The demand for cash handling services (including ATM withdrawals) is on a decline in Australia. In Citibank's case, the decline was even more pronounced as only one in 20 customers entered one of its six branches for cash management.

The European Central Bank is also reportedly considering withdrawing 500 euro notes because of an "increased conviction in world public opinion" such high-value notes are used for criminal purposes.

(Paritosh Parasher is a senior journalist of Indian origin. He can be contacted at paritoshparasher@yahoo.com)

--IANS

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The Congress on Friday demanded an unconditional apology from Prime Minister Narendra Modi for the over 50 deaths post the demonetistion move and said the series of guidelines issued in its wake showed that "confusion confounds the government completely".

The party also demanded that the government must pay adequate compensation to the families who have lost their near and dear ones. The Congress also said that printing currency notes worth Rs 15 lakh crore, to replace those that have been withdrawn, would take at least three to eight months.

The Congress further said the move was not planned and was only meant as an image-building exercise of the Prime Minister.

"We have a Prime Minister who takes a decision first, thinks later and never admits to his mistakes," said Congress spokesperson Randeep Singh Surjewala.

"The problem with this government is that whoever questions them are branded anti-nationals. We demand that Modi apologise to the families of the deceased. An inquiry should be held into these deaths," he added.

The Congress also hit out at the government for bringing in new guidelines almost everyday following the demonetisation of Rs 500 and Rs 1,000 currency notes.

"In the past nine days, they have come up with 18 guidelines. There was no planning at all before taking the decision," said Surjewala.

Congress said the government decided to put ink on everyone's finger coming to change currency but the Election Commission has opposed the decision.

"Election Commission negated the decision to put ink. Truth is that government's right hand does not know as to what is being done by the left hand. Confusion confounds Modi government completely," he said.

Surjewala said due to demonetisation, 1,658 crore notes of Rs 500 and 668 crore notes of Rs 1,000 i.e. a total of 2,327 crore notes valued at about Rs 15 lakh crore, have been withdrawn.

"The 1,000 rupee notes are printed by Bharatiya Reserve Bank Note Mudran Private Limited. It has a capacity to print 133 crore notes per month in two shifts. Even if three shifts were to work, this company can print 200 crore notes per month," said Surjewala.

"If this company was to print new Rs 2,000 notes as against the old Rs 1,000 notes, the entire operation will take three-and-a-half months. Rs 500 notes are printed by Security Printing and Minting Corporation of India Limited, which has a capacity to print 100 crore notes per month," he added.

He further said: "If this capacity is doubled overnight, it will still take nearly eight months or more to print 1,658 crore notes of Rs 500."

Hitting out at Finance Minister Arun Jaitley, Surjewala said: "There are only two lakh ATMs in the country. As per the Finance Minister, only 22,250 ATMs have been recalibrated and upgraded in last 10 days.

"If this figure is correct, it will take 110 days to recalibrate and upgrade all the two lakh ATMs. What will happen to people of the country in this period?" he asked.

The Congress also slammed the government for putting an embargo on all cooperative banks, rural development banks, primary land development banks and cooperative credit societies from either changing money or dispensing new notes.

--IANS

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Filmmaker Gautham Vasudev Menon, who is basking in the success of latest Tamil-Telugu bilingual "Achcham Yenbathu Madamaiyada", is keen to work with Naga Chaitanya in a straight Tamil film.

Chaitanya starred in Gautham's "Ye Maaya Chesave" and "Saahasam Sagipo Swasaga", the Telugu version of "Achcham Yenbathu Madamaiyada".

"He speaks good Tamil and I want to capitalize on it and work with him in a Tamil film. I want to introduce him to the Tamil film industry," Menon told IANS.

Happy with the response to his latest outing, which is doing extremely well in Tamil despite the demonetization effect, he said: "The announcement of demonetization feared us as it came just two nights before the release. Thankfully, it helped us in a way because other films couldn't release and we had an extended run."

With a project with Vikram and Suriya in the pipeline, Gautham also has plans for a multi-starrer which will bring together four stars from the four south Indian languages.

"Everything is still in discussion stage. I'm planning to work with leading heroes from Tamil, Telugu, Kannada and Malayalam," 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.)
Independent Rajya Sabha member Rajeev Chandrasekhar on Friday introduced a private member's bill to declare Pakistan a terrorist state.

"I had promised that I will do this after the September 18 Uri attack. The reason behind the bill is to put the spotlight on the need for India to take a strong view on Pakistan as a terror state. The main objective is to urge the government to take appropriate action to brand Pakistan a terrorist nation," Chandrasekhar told IANS.

'The Declaration Of Countries as Sponsor of Terrorism Bill' states that "Pakistan propagates and harbours agents of international terror who have repeatedly attacked the territory and people of our country... (It) poses a continual risk to the peace and security of the region".

The bill also provides for imposing legal, economic and travel sanctions on citizens of the neighbouring country.

The bill seeks to prohibit citizens of such country, which is declared a terror state, including its Head of the State, from travelling in India. It also asks for prohibition on trade, receiving or making grants, financial remittances, investments and assets along with maritime activities and overflight over India.

The bill states that immunity of officials of such countries shall be revoked and they shall not be offered immunity from any legal case in India.

--IANS

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British Supreme Court announced on Friday that the Scottish and Welsh governments will be allowed to intervene in the forthcoming legal battle over how Britain's exit from the European Union (EU) should be triggered.

In what will be one of the most important court cases in British legal history, British Prime Minister Theresa May's government is to appeal against a High Court ruling that parliament must vote on triggering Brexit, Xinhua news agency reported.

The landmark case will start before all 11 Supreme Court judges on December 5 and is likely to last for four days. The decision will not be announced until early 2017.

The Supreme Court said on Friday that the Lord Advocate of the Scottish government and the Counsel General for the Welsh government had been granted permission to intervene in the case.

The court is also to allow other representation in the case by the "expat interveners," George Birnie and others, as well as the Independent Workers Union of Britain.

Additionally, the Attorney General for Northern Ireland will take part in the case regarding devolution issues relating to Northern Ireland.

The High Court in London ruled earlier this month that the British parliament should have a say in Article 50 of the Lisbon Treaty is triggered to start two years of formal withdrawal talks from the EU.

(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.)
Senior Uttar Pradesh IAS officer Navneet Sehgal was seriously injured when the car he was in collided head-on with another vehicle on the Agra-Lucknow Expressway in Uttar Pradesh's Unnao district on Friday, a police officer said.

"Principal secretary Information Sri @navneetsehgal3 IAS met with an accident near Unnao. Prayers for his wellbeing & speedy recovery," Uttar Pradesh Police Additional Superintendent of Police Rahul Srivastava, who is posted as PRO in the DGP's office, said in a tweet.

IANS' UP correspondent Mohit Dubey, who was also in the car, was injured in the accident too.

Sehgal is currently the Principal Secretary, Information.

--IANS

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Prime Minister Narendra Modi asked NDA parliamentarians to reach out to people over the government's demonitisation move and explain to them decisions taken by the Reserve Bank of India and Finance Ministry to negate charges being levelled by the opposition, said informed sources.

Sources said a communication has been sent by the BJP parliamentary party, which Modi heads, to the MPs belonging to the ruling National Democratic Alliance (NDA), urging them to address gatherings, distribute pamplets and issue press releases on the demonitisation decision and make use of the information of the guidelines of the Finance Ministry.

BJP MPs have also been told informally to reach out to people in their constituencies during the coming weekend - November 19 and 20 - and address any concerns over demonetisation, convey to people that the decision was for their larger benefit and they were facing temporary difficulties in getting cash.

The government is facing repeated attacks from the opposition over its November 8 decision to demonitise Rs 500 and Rs 1,000 notes aimed at tackling black money and corruption.

The opposition parties have said that the move has caused immense hardships to people as they have to stand in long queues outside banks and ATMs.

--IANS

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Mosul (Iraq), Nov 17 (IANS/AKI) Around 600,000 children are trapped inside the beleaguered Iraqi city of Mosul where they are being maimed in the fighting and used as human shields, Save the Children said on Thursday.

"It's horrific that the only option these families and children have right now is to wave a white rag and pray they won't get caught in the crossfire," said Save the Children in Iraq's deputy director Aram Shakaram.

Children are paying a heavy price one month into the offensive launched by Iraqi and Kurdish forces to dislodge the Islamic State from its stronghold in Iraq, the charity said.

Up to a dozen children a day are being maimed as the offensive pushes further into the city, front-line medics and hospital doctors have told the charity. They are also being used as human shields, families have said.

More must be done to ensure the safety of civilians, Shakaram said.

"As this conflict pushes deeper into the city and becomes increasingly brutal, all parties must ensure civilians can flee safely and access humanitarian aid," he said.

"Safe escape routes must be the priority, not an afterthought."

One family in an area of Mosul still under IS control told Save the Children it had recently been forced into a local school with 600 other people to be used as human shields, the charity said.

The family was released after six hours when IS fighters decided to use relatives of police officers and Iraqi army soldiers instead, they said.

Even if they make it to safety, many children have been seriously injured in the fighting or are showing signs of intense psychological distress, Save the Children warned.

So far nearly 60,000 people have fled Mosul and its surrounds, including tens of thousands of children. Many more families are expected to try to escape and make their way to refugee camps as the offensive continues, the charity warned.

Up to 500,000 people could flee Mosul, Iraq's second largest city, as the liberation battle continues, according to the Iraqi government.

Save the Children has deployed a child protection team to provide emergency psychological first aid to children escaping the violence, and has set up safe spaces for children to learn and play, as well as literacy and numeracy classes.

"Many children have been through two years of IS and were then forced to flee through a war zone, and some told us they have seen people shot and hanged. Imagine what effect that would have on a child," said Shakaram.

IS overran Mosul in June 2014 and declared it the capital of its Islamic 'caliphate' stretching across swathes of territory it seized in Iraq and Syria during a lightening offensive.

--IANS/AKI

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South Korea on Friday refused to grant permission to US tech giant Google to use the official maps of the country, citing security concerns with neighbouring North Korea.

This means the company's Google Maps service in South Korea will continue operating with strict restrictions, Efe news reported.

South Korea based its decision on the National Security Law, established in 1947, which lays down strict restrictions to protect the country from North Korea.

The country's Ministry of Land, Infrastructure and Transport said in a statement that Google will continue offering its services without being able to use government mapping data due to security reasons over the ongoing conflict between South and North Korea.

According to the ministry, Google did not accept Seoul's suggestion to remove or blur important defence or government facilities on its maps, including military bases and the presidential Blue House, located north of the country's capital.

Google has been offering its Maps service in South Korea since 2008 although it does not include walking or driving directions or 3D maps.

Local companies, including Naver and Daum and GPR operators have benefited the most from the restrictions on Google as their websites and applications offer complete map services.

The US company has been requesting for permission to use government mapping data since 2010.

--IANS

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A 14-year-old student in Pakistan's Sindh province lost his senses due to alleged torture by his teacher, the media reported on Friday.

After being strangled, Mohammed Ahmed lost his speech and suffered a paralytic attack which left his limbs motionless, Geo News reported.

Ahmed's father Ghullam Ahmed, also a teacher by profession, said the incident occurred four months ago and a few teachers were responsible for bringing his son to this state.

He said his son's school told him on August 6 that he had suffered fits.

When he reached the school, his son was covered with injuries on his face, chest, head, back and lower limbs.

Doctors in Karachi said the condition had been caused due to assault. The parents have been told his treatment is possible in the US but they do not have the money to take him abroad.

"I have six daughters and I've spent all my savings on Ahmed," Ghullam Ahmed was quoted as saying.

--IANS

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Two persons have been arrested from the Kotla Mubarakpur area here on charges of stealing motorcycles, Delhi Police said on Friday.

Sirdak alias Alex of Bhagwan Gali and his accomplice Sajid Khan of Rashi Nagar in Kotla Mubarakpur, who were in love with Enfield motorcycles, were arrested during a routine checking on Thursday night.

Police recovered three Enfield motorcycles and a Scooty stolen from different areas of Delhi.

"When police hailed them to stop during routine checking, they tried to escape by leaving their vehicle behind. Both were arrested," Additional Commissioner of Police Nupur Prasad said.

Police said the accused were fond of riding Enfield motorcycles and thus targeted only new motorbikes of the particular make.

--IANS

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Security measures have been tightened for by-elections to two Tripura assembly seats scheduled for Saturday, officials said on Friday.

Both opposition and ruling parties are considering these by-polls as "prestigious electoral battles".

The Election Commission will conduct the by-elections in the Scheduled Caste (Reserved) Barjala and Khowai assembly constituencies.

"Heavy security arrangements were made to hold the by-elections in both the assembly segments peacefully and smoothly. Over nine companies of central para-military force -- BSF (Border Security Force) and CRPF (Central Reserve Police Force) have been deployed in the poll-bound assembly segments and their adjoining areas," Director General of Tripura Police K. Nagaraj told IANS.

He said: "Besides the central para-military forces, adequate numbers of state forces, including elite and counter-insurgency trained TSR (Tripura State Rifles), would be deployed in the vicinity of the Barjala and Khowai assembly constituencies."

The Election Commission has appointed three central observes to oversee the polling in the two assembly seats.

The Barjala seat fell vacant after Congress legislator Jitendra Sarkar resigned on June 6 following an internal feud within the party while the Khowai seat has been vacant since the death of veteran CPI-M legislator Samir Deb Sarkar.

Both by-polls would be four-cornered contests, among Communist Party of India-Marxist (CPI-M)-led ruling Left Front, Trinamool Congress (TMC), Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and the Congress.

Five candidates each are contesting from the two constituencies. In all 39,007 voters, including 18,935 females, will be eligible to cast ballot in the Barjala constituency. In Khowai, 39,400 voters are eligible, among them 19,436 are women.

--IANS

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Venezuelan opposition leader Rosmit Mantilla, who has been in prison since May 2014 charged with plotting subversive actions during the anti-government protests at the time, has been freed.

"Deputy Rosmit Mantilla is released. We are moving forward," the Mayor of Caracas Carlos Ocariz, who is also representative of the opposition alliance Democratic Unity Roundtable (MUD), in dialogue with the Venezuelan government, said on Twitter on Thursday.

"I wish to inform the country I signed my release papers a few minutes ago. Thank you Venezuela for the support," wrote Mantilla, in another tweet.

Later, a video containing Mantilla's first statements, following his release, from a Caracas hospital where he was admitted days ago for several health issues, Efe news reported.

The deputy expressed his commitment to fellow Venezuelans going through uncertainty, to political prisoners, and to change.

He added that following two years in confinement he felt "stronger," and declared he will be at the National Assembly - Venezuela's unicameral Parliament - on Tuesday to take oath as lawmaker.

A member of the Voluntad Popular (Popular Will, or VP) party headed by imprisoned leader Leopoldo Lopez, Mantilla underwent an emergency surgery Monday and is now recuperating.

The first openly gay Congressman in Venezuela, Mantilla was termed a symbolic political prisoner by the MUD and declared a prisoner of conscience in 2015 by rights organisation Amnesty International.

--IANS

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The Indian Youth Congress (IYC) on Friday marched towards Parliament House to protest "inconvenience caused to common man" due to demonetisation of currency, an IYC statement said.

While addressing the protesters, Congress leader and member of parliament Anand Sharma said that the central government has no plan for execution of demonetisation.

"One day the government says it has sufficient currency and the very next day it reduces the exchange amount from Rs 4,500 to Rs 2,000," he said.

All India Congress Committee (AICC) communications head Randeep Singh Surjewala said the currency printing machines have capacity to print 300 crore currency notes in a month and that it would take seven months to print 2,100 crore notes that need to be replaced.

"Fortyseven people have lost their lives due to harassment caused because of demonetisation," he said.

The police used water canons to disperse protesters and detained many of them.

--IANS

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If its Saturday, it must be  Pune suggested my wife as I struggled groggily to remember in which city her call had woken me up. Thats next week, unless this week is already next week, I informed her. Im in  peering at the hotel stationery that mentioned the name of the hotel but not its city  Hyderabad, though it might be Chennai. It turned out to be neither, which I discovered not during the course of the day but the following morning, at the airport, when I showed my ticket to the person manning the security, who prompted booted me back to the tail-end of the queue with a chastising lecture that if I intended to board a flight from Bengaluru, I needed to show him a ticket from Bengaluru, and not Mumbai, or Chennai, as I was apparently doing.
The stand-off on the way demonetisation had been handled persisted on Friday.



The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) demanded that Opposition leader Ghulam Nabi Azad apologise to the nation for equating people dying in Uri as a result of Pakistans attacks with those who had died as a result of the stress brought on by the need to exchange currency notes. The Congress refused to apologise and rallied behind Azad. It also joined the rest of the Opposition in demanding that Prime Minister Narendra Modi come to the House to reply.



The government and the Opposition will likely revisit parliamentary strategies over the weekend to fine-tune them. On Monday, when Parliament meets again, similar scenes are likely. The chances of Modi either intervening or replying to the debate are remote.



Of Friday, neither House of Parliament transacted any business. The entire Congress will congregate on Saturday evening for the Indira Gandhi centennial lecture, to be delivered by President Pranab Mukherjee, to kick-start the 100th anniversary celebrations of Indira Gandhi. That will be a political show of strength.



Modi met senior ministers, including Finance Minister Arun Jaitley in his chamber, to discuss further strategy. He has directed BJP MPs to go to their constituencies to explain how demonetisation will benefit ordinary people. How many MPs will hold such meetings and what they will say will also be a test of the PMs leadership.



The BJP came under further pressure because of developments in Maharashtra where the Opposition Congress and the NCP MLAs asked Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis to sack Cooperatives Minister Subhash Deshmukh amid reports of seizure of Rs 91 lakh from a vehicle belonging to the minister.



(Recovery of cash) proves that BJP leaders are in the possession of black money. Since the government has launched a campaign against black money and corruption, properties of the BJP leaders should be searched to unearth black money. He (the minister) should be sacked from the ministry and arrested, NCP spokesperson Nawab Malik said.



According to reports, cash worth Rs 91 lakh belonging to the Lokmangal Group of the minister was seized by a Osmanabad municipality squad on Thursday. The cash was in Rs 1,000 notes. According to a PTI report, Deshmukh said: I have been in this business (banking) for two decades. While doing business, nothing wrong has been done. However, irregularities may happen. If irregularities have happened, there is punishment for it. I am ready to face punishment.
Has the Congress top leadership yet again lost the perception battle to the Narendra Modi government on the issue of nationalism?
With 2017 Uttar Pradesh (UP) elections hardly 3-4 months away, the state is getting ready to host big political rallies and public meetings across the different regions in the coming weeks.
As soon as met for the day on Friday, leaders on both the sides created uproar leading to brief adjournments of both the Houses. The proceedings of the day were hit by demonetisation issue for the third straight day in the Winter Session that commenced on November 16.
A total of 12 security personnel have been killed this year because of ceasefire violations by Pakistan along the LoC and the IB as compared to 10 last year, the government said today.

However, the number of injured has drastically shot up to 66 this year as compared to 26 last year.

In a written reply to Lok Sabha, Minister of State for Defence Subhash Bhamre said there has been 167 ceasefire violations along the LoC and the IB, under the Army control, till November 14 this year as compared to 152 last year.

In areas of IB under the control of the BSF, there has been 210 violations till November 1, as compared to 253 last year, he said.

In total the Army lost 8 personnel till November 14 and the BSF four till November 1.

However, 59 Army personnel were injured as compared to 17 last year.

While 71 BSF personnel were injured last year, the number has risen to 76 as of November 10 this year.

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The Ministry of Corporate Affairs initiated action against 120 companies in the first seven months of the current fiscal for non-redressal of investors grievances.

In a written reply, Minister of State for Corporate Affairs Arjun Ram Meghwal today told the Lok Sabha that action was initiated against 420 companies in 2013-14, 2,414 in 2014-15 and 89 in 2015-16 for non-redressal of investor grievances.

The figures are based on the investor grievances data maintained by the ministry.

"The Department of Economic Affairs has stated that trading of scrips is not immediately suspended on receipt of an investor complaint for non-payment of dues to investors by listed companies," Meghwal said.

He was responding to a query on whether a number of companies in default of payment of dues to small investors are still actively trading in the stock exchanges and if so, any action is taken by the government.

Till October 31 in the current financial year, as many as 1,907 complaints were received and 1,522 were resolved, the minister noted.

In a separate written reply, Meghwal said an amount of Rs 181.90 crore, including unclaimed dividends, was credited to the Investor Education and Protection Fund (IEPF) till October 31 in the ongoing financial year.

In 2013-14, Rs 189.96 crore were credited, Rs 261 crore in 2014-15 and Rs 223.42 crore in 2015-16, he added.

"The amount credited in IEPF forms a part of the Consolidated Fund of India, from which the ministry receives a separate budgetary allocation specifically for making refunds to eligible investors whose amounts have been credited to IEPF as well as creating investor awareness as per the mandate of the Companies Act," the minister said.

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The 150th birth anniversary of Cornelia Sorabji, the first Indian woman student in Britain and India's first woman lawyer, has been celebrated at the India House here.

Speaking on the occasion, leading NRI entrepreneur Lord Karan Bilimoria described Cornelia as the "first woman to study in Bombay University, the first woman of any nationality to do law in Oxford and the first woman to practise law in India."



Noting that Britain has changed in the last three decades, Bilimoria wanted the UK government to exclude international students, including those coming from India, for higher studies here from the list of immigrants.

"They should be allowed to come, study and work here," he said.

The Acting High Commissioner Dinesh Patnaik described Cornelia as a "legend."



Cornelia, the first female law student at Oxford in 1889 continues to provide a pioneering link between India and the prestigious varsity.

Cornelia was not only Somerville College's first indian student, but was also the first Indian woman to study at any British University.

On her return, she became the first woman to practise law in India and worked on behalf of women living in purdah.

Her lifetime's work as a social reformer centred on support for the poor and for women at every level of society.

Cornelia had come to Oxford with the help of a subscription raised by progressive British men and women including Madeleine Shaw Lefevre, the first Principal of Somerville.

"The Faculty of Law and Soverville College are proud to celebrate CorneliaSorabji and her achievements through the creation of scholarships for outstanding Indian graduate students in Law," a spokespersonof the Soverville College said.

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In a drive against



contraband substances in Bihar, the Customs sleuths today seized 17 kg charas from Bhelahi police station area in West Champaran district, an official said.

Acting on a tip off, a Customs team led by Inspector R K Verma recovered a bag containing 17 kg charas in 34 packets of 500 gms each, which some unidentified smugglers had hidden in a thick bush near Bhutaha Math under Bhelahi police station area, Customs Motihari Division Deputy Commissioner Pawan Kumar said.

The seized contraband consignment has been valued at Rs 1.70 crore in the international market, he said.

The smugglers had brought it from Nepal and had it hidden in a bush to escape attention of the authorities, Kumar said.

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The Supreme Court today said that the special 2G court was "correct" in dismissing a petition by Loop Telecom Ltd (LTL), facing trial in a case arising out of the 2G scam probe, for a direction to refer the matter to the Lok Adalat for settlement.

"The trial court was correct in ruling that it cannot be sent to the Lok Adalat," a bench of Justices J S Khehar and R Banumathi said.

The Lok Adalat is an alternative dispute resolution mechanism by which the parties involved in civil and compoundable criminal cases try to arrive at a compromise to settle their matter. If the parties concerned do not arrive at a compromise, the matter is remanded back to the court for disposal.

The apex court was hearing the petitions filed by LTL and Essar Group Director (Strategy and Planning) Vikash Saraf, who is also an accused in the case.

Sensing the mood of the bench, senior advocate Kapil Sibal who was representing LTL, sought to withdraw the petition and said they would file an application before the special court for compounding of offence alleged against them.

Additional Solicitor General Tushar Mehta, appearing for Department of Telecommunications (DoT), said, "We (DoT) are not agreeable to compounding of offence."



However, the bench pulled up DoT, saying, "Why do not you take a stand? Why do you always say what CBI says? You should take a stand. Do not always say what CBI is saying."



The apex court had earlier agreed to examine the pleas of LTL and Saraf seeking a direction to refer the matter to the Lok Adalat.

LTL had argued that it was facing trial for the alleged offence under section 420 (cheating) read with 120-B (criminal conspiracy) of the IPC and these offences are compoundable.

As per the provisions of the Code of Criminal Procedure (CrPC), an offence under section 420 of IPC is compoundable if both the complainant and the accused arrive at a mutual consent.

CBI's special public prosecutor Anand Grover had opposed the plea, saying the case before the special court was in its final stage.

Essar Group promoters Ravi Ruia and Anshuman Ruia, Loop Telecom promoters Kiran Khaitan, her husband I P Khaitan and Saraf are facing trial in the case along with three firms -- LTL, Loop Mobile India Ltd and Essar Tele Holding Ltd.

All of them have denied the charges levelled by CBI.

CBI had filed the charge sheet against them alleging they had cheated DoT by using Loop Telecom as a "front" to secure 2G licences in 2008.

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Three members of a gang were today arrested for allegedly robbing a man of Rs three lakh cash on pretext of getting his scrapped higher denomination notes exchanged, police said.

The accused Venkata Srinivas Pilla, P Ashwin and B Shivudu committed the crime in the night of November 13 after they lured the victim of getting his old currency notes exchanged with the new ones in Seethpalmandi area, Osmania University police station Inspector, V Ashok said.

Two more members of the gang, Pavan and Krishna, are still at large, he said.

Venkata contacted the victim through an acquaintance and went to his place along with Ashwin. He then introduced him as cashier of a state-run bank and assured of getting the old notes exchanged, the inspector said.

"Later, Ashwin asked the victim to accompany him to the bank, while the four members followed them," he said.

While on the way, Shivudu along with Pavan and Krishna, impersonating as policemen, intercepted their bike and started quizzing the victim, who was carrying a bag loaded with cash.

They beatup the victim and threatened him of dire consequences and then forcibly took away the cash, other valuables from him and fled, the officer said.

Venkata and Ashwin, who kept quiet during the entire incident, then made the victim board an auto-rickshaw and asked him to go home.

Later, the victim lodged a complaint and a case of dacoity was registered.

During the course of investigation, police today arrested Venkata, Ashwin and Shivudu and recovered stolen booty of Rs 2.5 lakh from them.

A hunt has been launched to nab the remaining two members, the officer added.

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Three Indian students have recieved research scholarship this year in agriculture from Monsanto Beachell-Borlaug International Scholars Programme (MBBISP).

The three students include Gurcharn Singh Brar who is working in the area of improving genetic resistance to Fusarium Head Blight in durum and brea wheat.

Sreya Ghosh, whose PhD project focuses on developing and fine tuning methods for unbiased gene cloning in wheat and Karminderbir Kaur, who is working in the area of development of an in vivo haploid induction system in rice through distant hybridization & manipulation of CenH3 gene, Monsanto said in a statement.

MBBISP is a global programme that receives applications from young researchers in the field of agriculture. The programme encourages young scientists and university students to develop new plant breeding research for rice and wheat production.

The programme aims to enable and equip the scholars to apply modern breeding technologies to improve rice and wheat in India and globally.

"Since its inception in 2009, India, has achieved a milestone of producing the highest number of winners in the prestigious Monsanto Beachell- Borlaug International Scholarship Program (MBBISP). The country till date has 24 MBBISP scholars from of a total of 89 awardees worldwide that includes 30 nations," Monsanto said in a statement.

"India this year has seen three more students being added to this prestigious list who will receive the MBBISP research scholarships," it added.

The MBBISP Programme has provided financial support of over USD 3 million since 2009 to the 24 Indian students that has helped them in pursuing their PHD in plant breeding of wheat or rice at top agricultural universities in India and globally.

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Rescue personnel today recovered the bodies of three remaining persons, including two Nepalese, who went missing after their vehicle plunged into a lake near here, following which the search operation was called off.

With the recovery of the bodies, a total of five persons -- four Nepalese citizens and a Malayali -- have drowned in the Wednesday accident in which their pick upjeep carrying nine people broke through a bridge railing and fell into the lake at Aroor along the border of Ernakulam and Alappuzha districts.

Four others, all migrant workers from Nepal, who were travelling in the vehicle, were rescued by fishermen soon after the incident and admitted to hospitals.

Bodies of two Nepalese, identified as Madhu Khatri and Himanlal Khatri, were recovered during yesterday's search operation conducted by Navy, Coast Guard police and fire department.

A government spokesman identified the bodies recovered today as that of Shyam Khatri, Jaman Bahadur Khatri and vehicle driver Nijas Ali - a Keralite.

The search operations concluded with the recovery of the three bodies, the spokesman added.

Ernakulam district authorities have contacted the Embassy of Nepal and informed them about the accident, officials said.

Ali's funeral was held today after post-mortem, they said.

The vehicle was traced and pulled out of the water late Wednesday night, police said.

Eyewitnesses had said the accident occurred as the driver lost control of the vehicle and rammed it into the Aroor bridge's railing before crashing into the lake.

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Thirty two Sri Lankans have joined the Islamic State terror group in Iraq, a senior minister informed parliament today and vowed to implement the proposed tough counter terrorism Act to protect national security.

"We are aware that 32 of them have left the country to join Islamic State (ISIS)," Justice Minister Wijeyadasa Rajapaksha said during the 2017 budget debate.

Rajapaksha said Sri Lanka would go ahead as planned on the proposed Counter Terrorism Act despite criticism.

"We know that there is criticism on the proposed act but we have to consider our security interests. You may call it draconian but we will implement it," Rajapaksha said.

He said some vested interests were trying to create instability in the country by igniting communal clashes.

We have to deal with this situation, Rajapaksha said.

Some groups were trying to brand the northern criminal group Ava as the LTTE. We have to be alert on these actions to create problems in the north, he said.

The police have arrested over a dozen of alleged Ava group members accused of perpetrating violence in the north. All of them have been placed under remand custody.

The locals and Tamil groups have levelled criticism on the proposed anti-terrorism bill.

The main Tamil party, Tamil National Alliance (TNA) described it as more draconian than the existing Prevention of Terrorism Act (PTA).

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Four persons were killed when the car they were travelling in collided with a government bus at Kundadam near Tirupur district early today, police said.

The incident occurred when they were returning to their native place in Vadugapatti in Sivaganga district after visiting their relative here, they said.

When the car reached Kundadam near Dharapuram, it collided head-on with a bus coming from the opposite direction, killing all the occupants of the car, a police official said.

An FIR has been registered in the case and investigation is on, police said.

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Four students of the Tamil Nadu Agriulture University (TNAU) here have received the prestigious Monsanto Beachell-Borlaug International Scholars Programme (MBBISP), research scholarships.

The students, Bharathi Ramadoss, Pilomin Juliana, Ashish Rajurkar and Sumeet Prabhakar Mankar are amongst the 24 from the country to have recently won the scholarships, a Monsanto release said here today.

The awarding-winning work of the Indian students includes promising breeding research in enhancement of rice and wheat production.

The programme has provided financial support of approximately USD 3,42,287 to the winners from TNAU that has helped them in pursuing their Ph.D in plant breeding of wheat or rice at top agricultural universities in India and abroad, it said.

MBBISP is a global programme that receives applications from young researchers in the field of agriculture.

Since its launch in India in 2009, the country has achieved a milestone of highest number of winners with 24 MBBISP scholars, out of a total of 89 awardees worldwide.

It aims to ignite the minds of bright young Indian researchers to innovate and share their vision of Indian agriculture and help farmers produce more from the same amount of land.

MBBISP is administered by Texas AgriLife Research, an agency of the US-based Texas A&M University System.

The establishment of MBBISP is part of Monsanto's three-point commitment to help increase global food production in the face of growing demand, limited natural resources and a changing climate, the release added.

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With the aim of spreading awareness about organ donation, 40 transplants will be carried out across the country on November 23, Director General of Health Services Jagdish Prasad said today.

This will be part of a week-long celebration to mark Indian



Organ Donation week, which will also include a panel discussion with five to six leaders from different religions, he said.

"Religious leaders must come forward. Their role is very vital because people still believe in re-birth which deters them from donating their organs," Prasad said.

There is a huge gap between the demand and supply of organs for transplant. As per government data, every year two lakh patients are added to the waiting list for kidney donation while only 60,000-70,000 are able to receive a kidney.

Similarly, annual requirement for liver transplants is at 25,000-30,000 livers but only about 2,000 livers are transplanted every year.

The gap gets wider for heart transplants where 50,000 transplants are required every year but only 100 transplants are achieved.

The National Organ and Tissue Transplant Organisation (NOTTO) was set up in 2013 to create a national network of hospitals carrying out transplants and prepare a registry of organ donors and recipients.

An important agenda before NOTTO is also to promote deceased organ donation, where most often the donor is a victim of a road accident.

India's deceased donor rate is at 0.3 per million population, whereas for a country like Spain the deceased donor rate is at 35 per million population.

With the aim to improve this rate NOTTO conducted a workshop last month called National Deceased Donor Stimulation Training Programme for ICU experts so that they talk to the relatives of a patient brought to ICU and make them aware about deceased organ transplant.

"We have now made it mandatory that ICU doctors must talk to the relatives of ICU patients for organ donation," Prasad said.

NOTTO is also imparting training to "Transplant Co-ordinators" and a total of 281 of them have been registered who will sensitise patients and their relatives about the importance of organ donation.

It is also providing free "Retrieval Training" first to medical colleges and later to district hospitals and private hospitals as well.

There is also a 24*7 toll free helpline 1800114770 to address queries about organ donation.

Indian Organ Donation Day will be celebrated this year on November 30. Several awards for best state, best hospital, best transplant co-ordinator will be given away on this day. Several organ donors as well as their families will also be felicitated.

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To strengthen UDAY scheme, ABB India and IIT Madras will collaborate to develop a power management system to optimise the operation of multiple microgrids, with and without grid connection, while managing electricity supply to villages.

This system will also enable the integration of individual solar photovoltaic (PV) rooftops to a village microgrid, ABB India said in a filing to BSE.

The government is looking at a generation capacity of 40 GW in the next five years through grid connected rooftop solar PV and small scale solar PV plants.

Such clusters have the capability of generating and using renewable energy locally from one kilowatt to a few hundred kilowatts. It is imperative to network such locally distributed nano or microgrids for optimal usage of renewable power across users, keeping in mind the dynamic demand/supply situation.

Such interconnection and interleaving of microgrids with the existing distribution system and infrastructure



Will



provide economic benefits for the people, in terms of reduced outages and lower cost of power.

"The UDAY (Ujwal discom assurance yojana) scheme is the need of the hour and will foster greater corporate-academia partnerships which can contribute to solving the country's issues and I am pleased that IIT Madras and ABB have embarked on this journey," ABB India CEO and Managing Director Sanjeev Sharma said in a statement.

"We are looking forward to adding another facet to our enriching association with IIT Madras. In a country as huge and diverse as India, it is important to design models of integration with power management and load balancing for proven microgrids technology with the existing grid infrastructure," he added.

This, along with the modular nature of this technology, will enable access to reliable, sustainable and cost efficient power to even the most disadvantaged, remote areas of the country, he said.

"While India has set an ambitious target for solar energy generation, IIT Madras has been at the forefront in developing decentralised energy-efficient solar PV microgrid solutions tailored to meet India's urban, rural and off-grid power requirements," Bhaskar Ramamurthi, Director, IIT Madras said.

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AIADMK members today protested against the recent firing on Tamil Nadu fishermen allegedly by the Sri Lankan navy in the Lok Sabha.

While several opposition members were in the Well of the House demanding an adjournment motion on the demonetisation issue, the AIADMK members were also there to protest the latest incident of alleged firing on Tamil fishermen by Sri Lankan Navy.

The party raised the issue during Zero Hour amid din over the demonetisation move of the government.

Parliamentary Affairs Minister Ananth Kumar said he would convey the concerns of the AIADMK members to the Defence Minister and the External Affairs Minister.

Two Indian fishermen were seriously injured a couple of days ago when Sri Lankan naval personnel allegedly opened fire at their fishing boat off Kodiakarai coast.

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Air India is all set to take delivery of its first more fuel-efficient A320 neo aircraft in January next year.

As it works on ways to turn around its fortunes, the airline is looking to ramp up the fleet with more fuel-efficient A320 neo (new engine option) planes.

The national airline will only be the third local carrier after IndiGo and GoAir to operate A320 neos.

Air India CMD Ashwani Lohani today said two neos will be coming in January 2017.

In March this year, Air India signed a pact with the Kuwait-based ALAFCO for leasing 14 A320 neos and the delivery of these planes is to start from early next year.

Further, in June, the carrier had sought bids for dry leasing of seven new A320 neos for up to 12 years.

Currently, the Air India group has a fleet of around 135 planes, including nearly 70 from Airbus.

Four classic A320s of the total 15 aged aircraft are expected to be moved out of the fleet in 2016-17. The remaining ones will be phased out in a time-bound manner over the next 2-3 years.

IndiGo and GoAir fly A320 neos on domestic routes.

After turning operationally profitable in the last fiscal, Air India posted an operational loss of Rs 246.14 crore in the latest April-June quarter.

The operating loss in the first quarter of this financial year has come down from Rs 315.37 crore in the year-ago period.

Various steps such as rationalisation of certain loss making routes, closure of overseas offline offices at certain locations, phasing out of old fleet and consequential reduction in maintenance costs have been initiated to reduce the airline's losses.

For the first time in nearly a decade, Air India reported an operating profit of Rs 105 crore in the last fiscal.

On Thursday, Minister of State for Civil Aviation Jayant Sinha told the Lok Sabha that the airline has been facing losses in the past few years on account of a multitude of factors.

These include high interest burden and airport user charges, adverse impact of exchange rate due to weakening of the rupee, increase in competition, especially from low cost carriers and liberalised bilaterals to foreign airlines.

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West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee today accused the Narendra Modi government of making "actionless announcements" and said it should allow the old Rs 500 notes to remain in circulation along with new notes to help the common people.

"We are looking for a solution. I have some concrete suggestions which will help restore normalcy and help all people who are suffering," she said in a statement.

The government should allow old Rs 500 notes to remain in circulation along with new notes. Also Rs 100, Rs 50, Rs 10 notes must be made easily available.

"The Rs 1,000 notes may be withdrawn when circulation improves by December 30, or at your discretion," she said, adding there was no need for anymore "faltu, action-less announcements. Sometimes blunders lead to more blunders".

Banerjee along with her Delhi counterpart Arvind Kejriwal yesterday set a deadline of three days to the Modi government to roll back the demonetisation decision, warning of "widespread unrest" if the current "chaos" continues.

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Ami Bera, the only Indian- American in the current Congress, has increased his lead over his Republican rival by nearly 5,000 votes, increasing the prospect of him being elected for the third time.

Bera now leads Scott Jones by over 2 per cent, 119,448 votes to 114,646, according to Sacramento County Registrar of Voters.

The third-ever Indian-American to be elected to the House of Representatives, Bera if re-elected would be joined by three other Indian-Americans - Ro Khanna from California, Raja Krishnamoorthi from Illinois and Pramila Jayapal from Washington State - in the lower chambers of the US Congress.

Excluding over-votes and undervotes, 53.82 per cent of the ballots in this latest update went for Bera compared to just 46.18 per cent for Jones.

"As our lead continues to grow, we're in the strongest position we've ever been in," Bera said.

"The reason these late ballots are coming in our favour is because of the incredible grassroots effort by our volunteers to get out the vote. The most important thing is for the Registrar of Voters and her hard-working team to continue to do their jobs and count every vote,"he said.

In 2012, Bera led Republican Dan Lungren by 184 votes the morning after election day, and his lead eventually grew to 9,191 votes.

In 2014, Bera was down by more than 3,000 votes on election night, and he came back to win by 1,455 votes.

Dalip Singh Saund was the first Indian-American elected to the US Congress. He represented the 29th Congressional District of California for three terms from January 3, 1957 to January 3, 1963.

If re-elected, Bera would equal Saund's record for being elected to the House of Representatives for three terms.

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The Indian Army's Corps of Engineers, also called the Sappers, today celebrated their 236th Corps Day here.

On this occasion, a wreath laying ceremony to pay tribute to martyrs was organised at the Veer Smriti at Chandimandir cantonment, a defence spokesman said.

Maj Gen A V Krishna, the Chief Engineer of Western Command, and retired army engineers paid tributes to the martyrs, he said.

"Sappers of the Western Command have been on the forefront for the development of border areas with better road connectivity and improved infrastructure for the populace," the spokesman said.

Engineers are one of the oldest supporting arms of the Army and consists of four wings -- Combat Engineers, Military Engineering Services, Border Roads Organisation and Military Survey, he informed.

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Arunachal Chief Minister Pema Khandu today flagged-off the 'Digital India Outreach Campaign Van' in presence of Deputy Chief Minister Chowna Mein, cabinet ministers, parliamentary secretaries and top government officials.

The chief minister appealed to his legislator colleagues to extend full cooperation and support to the 'Outreach Campaign Van'.

Various Digital India program and products have been launched to provide several government services to the people using IT and to integrate the government departments and the people of India.

The objective is to create awareness and sensitize people and citizens on the various products that were launched under 'Digital India' programmes by the Centre in July 2015.

The campaign will reach out to people in rural and semi-urban areas and explain the target group by explaining the benefits and details of the services offered under e-Governance, Healthcare and e-Commerce.

"For the success of the Digital India in its true sense it is important that population in rural areas who have been deprived of the IT revolution become aware of the benefits and avail the services without any hassles and concern," Khandu said.

Outreach Campaign is a van based mobile display/exhibition unit with audio visual, IEC material.

The van will travel for around 10-15 days in a particular district depending on the population coverage.

It would carry out rural outreach campaign in Gram Panchayats, Post offices, Schools, Business Correspondents, SHGs, Haats across districts, sub-districts and villages.

"All district administrators has been informed with district-wise timeline route plan to coordinate accordingly and extend all necessary administrative support," the chief minister added.

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Bangladesh is targeting for 20,000 MW power generation over the next two years with Indian assistance, an official said here today.

"Bangladesh targets 20,000 MW power in next two years with the India help. With the assistance from IEEMA, we will look for new opportunities in the power sector. This will be initiated during Bangladesh PM's next visit to India," Federation of Bangladesh Chamber of Commerce and Industry president Abdul Matlub Ahmad said at an energy convention E3 in city.

NTPC was planning 1,320 MW power plant in 50:50 JV with Bangladesh Power development Board.

"Six years back, West Bengal was facing severe load shedding, but now the situation has changed drastically. Now we are providing 24x7 powers to all," West Bengal power minister Sobhandeb Chattopadhyay said.

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The Bhubaneswar Smart City Limited today signed an MoU with the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) to take forward in Odisha the 'New Urban Agenda' adopted a month ago by the UN member states at Quito, Ecuador.

The Quito Declaration stresses upon re-addressing the way cities and human settlements are planned, designed, financed, developed, governed and managed, in order to reduce inequalities; promote sustained, inclusive and sustainable economic growth; and achieve gender equality and the empowerment of all women and girls, said a press release.

The Bhubaneswar Municipal Corporation-UNFPA collaboration envisions a smart city with special focus on the needs of young people, girls and women, it said.

To promote safety and security of girls and women, specially in urban slums, safety audits and community engagement programmes are on the anvil, the release said.

UNFPA's expertise in analysing population data will help plan and deliver services that are equitable and sustainable.

A range of innovative interventions will help look beyond a brick and mortar blueprint to factor in people-centric interventions and to name a few, are The Citizen Connect programme, Support My City volunteer programme and Neighbourhood Watch programme, it said.

To tap the demographic dividend, a youth-centric and youth -led integrated social intervention will be implemented in educational institutions of Bhubaneswar, with several earmarked for the slums of Bhubaneswar Town Centre District Area.

The MoU also looks at addressing issues and needs of women



and adolescent girls, including safety, gender-based violence and barriers to access health services, the release said.

At a special function organised for signing the MoU, Odisha's Tourism and Culture minister Ashok Chandra Panda said having won the coveted Smart City Challenge, Bhubaneswar now needs to live up to the expectations of the people.

When Bhubaneswar was formed in 1948, it covered a mere 26 sq km with a population of 40,000. Today, the city spans over 135 sq km and has more than a million people.

More than two-third of this population rise has been due to migration from the hinterlands, which has also given rise to slums. As per the estimates of Bhubaneswar Municipal Corporation, 35 per cent of the city's population lives in over 300 slums.

Speaking on the concept of a 'socially smart city', Diego Palacios, UNFPA Country Representative-India and Bhutan, said: "In order to be future-compliant, every city needs to place its people at the centre of development."



The BMC-UNFPA collaboration will help pool expertise to assess and address the present and future requirements of vulnerable groups, such as the urban poor, women, specially adolescent girls, youth, migrants and older people, Palacios said.

"Young people have enormous potential to shape social development processes and contribute to change in norms and values. The Smart City initiative in Bhubaneswar is a unique opportunity to empower and engage young people as active partners in achieving the Smart City goals," Palacios said.
Auto components major Bharat Forge will buy US-based Walker Forge Tennessee LLC (WFT) for USD 14 million (around Rs 95 crore), a move aimed at expanding its product range in automotive and other industrial segments.

The company's finance and risk management committee has approved the proposed acquisition of 100 per cent shareholding of WFT through its US subsidiary, Bharat Forge America, the company said in a statement.

"The acquisition of Walker Forge Tennessee creates a strategic manufacturing footprint in North America to leverage our existing customer relationships while simultaneously enabling the company to address new end-market segments and broaden the product portfolio," Bharat Forge Chairman and Managing Director Baba N Kalyani said.

The proposed acquisition is focused on increasing the company's product offering in the passenger car and commercial vehicle segments as well into industrial sectors such as construction and mining, the company said.

"The transaction value is USD 14 million which will be funded through internal accruals and debt," it added.

WFT is a leading supplier of complex, steel and high-alloy steel, engine and chassis components to a diverse group of customers across automotive and industrial sectors.

The US firm is expected to record revenues of USD 28 million this year with a balanced revenue mix across the automotive and industrial sectors.

The proposed transaction will be consummated upon completion of certain conditions and regulatory approvals.

Bharat Forge shares today ended at Rs 907.40 apiece on the BSE, up 0.91 per cent from previous close.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
BJP MP Rupa Ganguly today said there should not be different laws for different communities residing in the country and strongly advocated introduction of a uniform civil code.

She wondered if Trinamool Congress MPs, who are supporting triple talaq, had any idea about the kind of harassment the Muslim women endured on account of the antiquated practice.

Ganguly lashed out at the TMC for supporting triple talaq and opposing uniform civil code.

"How can you have separate laws for separate communities? Those who are supporting triple talaq, do they have any idea about the kind of harassment the Muslim women suffer after being summarily divorced?" she asked a rally.

The famous actress, who had mesmerised India with her powerful portrayal of Draupadi in the mega-serial Mahabharat, pointed out that in several Muslim countries triple talaq had been banned.

State BJP president Dilip Ghosh said the TMC was supporting the triple talaq and uniform civil code in order to appease the Muslim Community of the state for the sake of vote bank politics.

"The TMC is supporting the issue because they are not interested in the upliftment of women in the country but want to pursue vote bank politics. They are not interested in education, health of Muslim community but in the sermons of the fundamentalists," Ghosh said.

The BJP's public rally opposing the triple talaq and supporting the UCC was staged when a three-day convention of All India Muslim Personal Law Board started from today.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
Brazil said today that it will continue to treat the Zika outbreak as an emergency, even as the World Health Organization considers whether to downgrade it from crisis status.

Brazil has been the epicenter of a Zika epidemic since the mosquito-carried virus, which is blamed for causing severe birth defects, caused a global alarm last year.

The WHO was meeting later today in Geneva to discuss whether it would still classify the Zika outbreak as a "public health emergency of international concern."



However in the Brazilian capital Brasilia, officials said they are not yet ready to lower their guard.

"We will maintain the emergency (status) in Brazil until we are completely tranquil about the situation," Health Minister Ricardo Barros told journalists.

Officials say that Zika appears to be on the wane in Brazil, but that data is not sure enough to be certain.

"Last year we didn't have enough tests (to detect Zika), so we can't specify how the virus circulated last year," said Wanderson Oliveira, in charge of emergencies response at the health ministry.

"We don't have a reference to establish whether it is increasing or decreasing," he said.

Since the Zika epidemic was detected in 2015, Brazil has confirmed 2,143 cases of microcephaly, where babies are born with abnormally small skulls and other congenital disorders such as brain development problems.

However, in nearly all cases, Zika causes only temporary effects which include a rash and flu-like symptoms.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
CBI is probing cases of ponzi schemes in which over Rs 85,000 crore of over six crore investors are involved and it is assisting the Centre in framing a legislation to put a ban on such deposit-taking activities, agency Chief Anil Sinha said here today.

"CBI alone is investigating cases in which more than six crore investors/victims spread across 26 states involving Rs 85,000 crores of public money. There are hundreds of criminal cases with state police and EOWs," he said at the valedictory session of 22nd Conference of CBI and Anti-Corruption Bureaux of states.

He also said the scope and reach of these fraudulent entities coming out with nefarious schemes to induce gullible public to invest in their dubious schemes is bewildering.

Earlier, during a conference in Mumbai in March, Sinha had said that the agency was investigating Ponzi schemes involving funds of over Rs 1.20 lakh crore.

Officials in CBI claimed that figures often change because of allegations and later its cross verifications during the investigations.

Sinha said CBI was part of the sub-group of an Inter- Ministerial Group for identifying gaps in the existing legal and regulatory framework for "deposit-taking" activities and to suggest administrative/legislative measures including formulation of a new law, to cover all relevant aspects of deposit-taking.

"As we are all aware, a comprehensive central law titled the 'Banning of Unregulated Deposit Schemes and Protection of Depositors' Interests Bill, 2016' is on the anvil," he said.

The CBI chief said the government has announced in the 2016-17 budget that it proposes to bring in a comprehensive central legislation to deal with the menace of unauthorised deposit-taking scheme.

Sinha said the conference resolved that early enactment of the proposed central law which bans and criminalises all unregulated deposits with provisions for attachment and confiscation of proceeds of crime to refund the depositors will go a long way in curbing the menace.

(Reopens DEL71)



"The conference also resolved that the early establishment of a 'National Intelligence Mechanism', as recommended by the Inter-Ministerial Group, would ensure timely collection and dissemination of the intelligence to prevent exploitation through such dubious ponzi schemes. The Summary of the deliberations would be forwarded to Department of Financial Services," Sinha said.

In another important step, CBI will soon write to the Centre for setting up an all stop call-centre for reporting corruption by citizens, Sinha said.

The CBI, which proposed the issue in the conference, got a green signal with the congregation resolving that the agency can proceed with the complaint centre for central government ministries, public sector undertakings and Union Territories.

"I am happy to share that the conference resolved that the CBI with the assistance of government may set up a 'National Anti-Corruption Citizen Support Centre' for lodging Corruption related complaints pertaining to Ministries/ Departments and PSUs of the government of India and the Union Territories.

"Very soon we will be writing to the state governments to join the initiative. States with similar systems in existence can be integrated with this new initiative and made interoperable, if the state so desires," Sinha said.

He added technology-enabled, secure platform effectively will engage citizen and empower them with a tool to report fearlessly against corruption.
Two returned to Earth safely on Friday after completing China's longest-ever manned space mission as the country firmed up its plans to establish its permanent space station by 2022.

Zhang Youxia, commander-in-chief of China's manned space programme, announced that the Shenzhou-11 mission, which lasted over a month, was a "complete success".

The re-entry module of Shenzhou-11 landed safely at the expected site in central Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region at about 1:59 pm Beijing Time, Beijing Aerospace Control Centre (BACC) said.

The ground search team reached the landing site immediately, and astronauts Jing Haipeng and Chen Dong opened the capsule's hatch by themselves.

The two astronauts were reported by the ground team to be in good condition.

They and the re-entry module will later be transferred to Beijing, state-run Xinhua news agency reported.

Shenzhou-11 was China's sixth manned spacecraft, and also the country's longest mission to date. After its launch on October 17, the spacecraft docked two days later with China's first space lab, Tiangong-2, where the two astronauts lived for 30 days.

The mission transported personnel and materials between Earth and Tiangong-2, and tested meeting, docking and return processes.

It conducted aerospace medical experiments, space science experiments and in-orbit maintenance.

The rigorous testing helps China to firm up its plans to establish its permanent space station by 2022. By the time it will be the only country to have such a facility in service as the current in-service Space Station (ISS) retires by 2024.

The two astronauts also conducted three experiments designed by middle school students from the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region, including raising silkworms in space.

It was the third space mission for 50-year-old veteran Jing Haipeng, the commander of the crew, who also participated in the Shenzhou-7 and Shenzhou-9 missions.

It was the first space mission for Chen Dong, 38.

The mission is a key step toward China's aim of building a permanent manned space station.

The core module of China's space station is expected to be launched around 2018, and the space station will enter into full service around 2022, with an initial designed life of at least 10 years.

It will accommodate three to six astronauts, who will stay in space up to one year.

Tiangong-2 will remain operative in orbit following Shenzhou-11's return to Earth and will wait to dock with Tianzhou-1, China's first cargo spacecraft.

Tianzhou-1 will be launched in April 2017 to verify refuelling technology, a key for any space station.
Over 1 lakh tourists arrived in India on e-tourist visa in October, registering a whopping growth of 86.4 per cent over the corresponding month last year.

The UK continues to occupy the top slot among the countries availing the e-tourist visa facility, followed by the US and France.

"A total of 1,05,268 foreign tourists arrived in October 2016 on e-tourist visa as compared to 56,477 during the month of October 2015, registering a growth of 86.4 per cent," an official release said.

Launched on November 27, 2014, the facility was available for citizens of 113 countries arriving at 16 airports in India till February 25. It was extended for citizens of 37 more countries from February 26.

Among the top 10 source countries availing the facility in October, the UK share was maximum at 22.9 per cent, followed by the US (12.1 per cent), France (6.6 per cent), China (5.8 per cent) and Russia (5.6 per cent).

The share of Germany was 5.5 per cent, while that of Australia (4.5 per cent), Canada (3.6 per cent), Spain (2.3 per cent) and the Netherlands (2.1 per cent).

"This high growth may be attributed to introduction of e-tourist visa for 150 countries as against the earlier coverage of 113 countries," the release said.

During January-October 2016, a total of 7,80,570 tourist arrived on e-tourist visa as compared to 2,58,182 during the corresponding period last year, recording a growth of 202.3 per cent.

Among the top 10 airports, where tourists availing online facility arrived, during the last month, the New Delhi Airport share was highest with 51.67 per cent, followed by Mumbai Airport (18.65 per cent), Dabolim (Goa) Airport (6.20 per cent), Bengaluru Airport (5.18 per cent) and Chennai Airport (4.97 per cent).

The share of Kochi Airport was 3.15 per cent, while that of Amritsar Airport 2.42 per cent, Hyderabad Airport 2.18 per cent, Kolkata Airport 2.08 per cent and Trivandrum Airport 1.28 per cent.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
Stepping up its attack on Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Congress today held his "draconian decision" on demonetisation responsible for the death of 55 people and asked him to apologise to their families and the country.

Congress chief spokesperson Randeep Surjewala released a list of 55 persons who lost their lives while standing in queues at banks and ATMs in the wake of demonetisation and demanded compensation to their families besides probe into their death.

"The draconian decision of a dictatorial Prime Minister has led to 55 deaths. Who is responsible for this? The PM should apologize to the familes of those who lost their lives and also to the country. His whimsical decision has led to this," he told reporters.

He also said, "Government must pay adequate compensation to these 55 families who lost their near and dear ones. Their deaths must be investigated and consequent action taken."



He also accused the Prime Minister of "acting first and thinking later", alleging that no proper planning was made by his government before implementing the decision which has thrown the country into "financial anarchy and chaos".

Surjewala said while the people of the country are facing hardship and harassment because of the "whims and fancies" of the Prime Minister bent upon "image building". He alleged the Prime Minister was now dubbing all those questioning his demonetisation exercise as "anti-nationals".

The Congress leader also demanded that the cooperative sector, which includes banks and societies, be allowed to use old currency notes as the rural economy has been "shut" ahead of the Rabi sowing season.

He said following the "Tuglaqi farman" (diktat) issued 10 days ago on demonetisation, the entire country has been plunged into "financial emergency and anarchy", and the "hapless and helpless" people of India are languishing in long queues amid utter chaos and confusion.

"All this has been done on account of obduracy of one individual and for his image building. India has a Prime Minister who decides first, thinks later and listens to no one. When glaring mistakes and bungling are caught, anyone asking questions is branded as 'anti-National'," Surjewala said.

Surjewala alleged the Modi government has imposed "tax



terrorism" across the country. The Income Tax department has "shut" the markets and it is creating "fear psychosis" among the traders and businessmen, with the small and medium sector industry being "shattered".

"Modiji has become the new architect and symbol of tax terrorism in the country," he said.

Surjewala said the government has changed its directions on demonetisation 18 times ever since the announcement was made by Modi 10 days ago which showed its "ill-preparedness" and "ill-planning".

"Despite this mess, anyone asking questions is branded as anti-national. Time has come for people of India to ask as to who has acted against the national interest?" he said.

He said the country's image globally has been dented due to the government's action and foreign investors have taken out Rs 6,500 crore from the market.

"Foreign Institutional Investors and Foreign Portfolio Investors have lost confidence in the government. In first five days, FIIs and FTIs have withdrawn one billion USD from the economy or nearly Rs 6500 crore," he said.

Criticising government's decision to ink the fingers of those coming to change currency to which the Election Commission of India has raised objections, he said, "The truth is that the government's right hand does not know as to what is being done by the left hand. Confusion confounds Modi government completely."



Quoting experts, he said demonetisation had led to withdrawal of 86 per cent of currency in circulation and, as a result, 1,658 crore notes of Rs 500 and 668 crore bills of Rs 1000, totalling 2,327 crore notes valued at about Rs 15 lakh crore have been withdrawn.

He said the Rs 1000 rupee notes were printed by 'Bhartiya Reserve Bank Note Mudran Private Limited' which has the capacity to print 133 crore notes per month working in two shifts and even if it were to work for three shifts it can print 200 crore notes per month and the entire operation would take 3.5 months to complete if it prints the new Rs 2000 notes.

Similarly, Rs 500 notes are printed by 'Security Printing and Minting Corporation of India Limited' which has a capacity to print 100 crore notes per month and even if its capacity is doubled overnight, it will still take nearly eight months or more to print 1658 crore notes of Rs 500.

"It is thus clear that the claims of government to print new notes are hollow, deceptive and a bundle of lies,"he said.

The Congress leader said the farm sector has been worst hit by demonetisation after the government decided to unilaterally put an embargo on all Cooperative Banks, Rural Development Banks, Primary Land Development Banks and Cooperative Credit Societies from either changing old currencies or dispensing new notes.

"In one stroke, Modiji has broken the back of the entire agricultural sector. Shockingly, Modi government summarily rejected the recommendations of its own Agriculture Ministry, which wanted that farmers should be permitted to purchase seeds and fertilizers with old notes. Prime Minister Modi has paralyzed the entire agricultural economy," he said.
and BJP members on Friday clashed in Rajya Sabha over Leader of Opposition Ghulam Nabi Azad's remarks during demonetisation debate yesterday, forcing adjournment of the House thrice in quick succession.

Slogans and counter slogans forced the adjournment of the House first till 1130 hours, then till noon and again till 1233 hours as similar scenes continued.

Soon after listed papers were laid on the table of the House, BJP members moved into aisles shouting slogans and demanding an apology from Azad for his remarks comparing the deaths after demonetisation with those killed in terrorist attacks. The remarks were expunged by the Chair yesterday itself.

members too rushed into the Well raising slogans demanding an apology from the Prime Minister and government for the hardship caused to the common man due to withdrawal of 86 per cent of the currency in circulation in the form of old 500 and 1000 rupee notes.

AIADMK members were also in the Well raising slogans over the Cauvery water issue.

Deputy Chairman P J Kurien asked all members to leave the Well and return to their seats, assuring them that he would hear their submissions.

Amid the din, Minister of State for Parliamentary Affairs Mukhtar Abbas Naqvi alleged that Azad's statement had given a message to the country that was sympathetic to terrorism and asked why was it so agitated when the demonetisation drive was only to hurt blackmoney hoarders.

The Chair persuaded AIADMK and Congress members to withdraw from the Well, telling them that he would give opportunity to their leaders to raise their respective issues.

But with BJP members continuing to stand in the aisles and raise slogans, Congress members too were back in the well shouting slogans.

Kurien said treasury benches should not create problems for the Chair. "If you do this, what do I do? You should cooperate with me in running the House. Treasury benches should not disrupt," he said.

But the din continued, forcing him to adjourn the proceedings till 1130 hours.

There was no change in the scenario when the House reassembled as both BJP and Congress members again started raising slogans.

While Congress members trooped into the Well, several AIADMK members were seen standing along their seats.

As the slogans and counter slogans continued, the Chair adjourned the House till noon.

When the House reassembled at noon, members from the



Opposition again trooped into the Well demanding an "apology from the Prime Minister" for causing harrassment to the people. The BJP members were also on their feet countering the Opposition.

All pleas by Chairman Hamid Ansari to run the Question Hour proceedings failed to make any impact on the Congress and other members who were raising slogans.

As the heated exchanges between the Opposition and Treasury bench members continued, Ansari said "allow the Question Hour to run. What are you doing? Please go back to your seats."



As the uproar continued, the Chairman adjourned the House for 30 minutes till 1233 hours.

When the House reassembled at 1233 hours, it again



witnessed uproarious scenes with opposition members trooping into the Well and those from the Treasury standing in the aisles demanding apology from Azad.

While members from Congress and others raised slogans like "Narendra Modi maafi maango (Narendra Modi apologise)," the Chairman tried to restore peace by repeatedly telling them, "go to your seats, you cannot do this."



However, as the uproar continued, Ansari adjourned the House within minutes for the fourth time till 1430 hours.

Earlier, the Chairman was heard saying "a minister can't do" as some ministers too were seen raising slogans.

No business counld be transacted as the din continued unabated.

The list of business today included further discussion on demonetisation of currency. Two bills were listed for consideration and passing - the Human Immunodeficiency Virus and Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome (Prevention and Control) Bill, 2014 and the Employee's Compensation (Amendment) Bill 2016, which is to be followed by Private Members' Business.
Opposition Congress today attacked the ruling BJP in Chhattisgarh Assembly over the "rise" in cases of crime against women in the state.

Initiating a discussion on the situation arising out of alleged increase in incidents of atrocities against women in the state, Congress chief and MLA Bhupesh Baghel said that despite so many agencies functioning in the state, atrocities against women have increased and the state government has failed not only to control them but also to send the accused behind bars.

He also alleged that crime against women, particularly in the tribal-dominated Bastar region, has gone up.

Citing cases of murder of tribal girls Meena Khalkho (2011) and Madkam Hidme (June this year) in alleged fake Maoist encounters and cases rape of women in Bastar, the Congress leader said no action has been taken against the culprits involved in these incidents.

"Moreover, even women public representatives were being targeted in the state," he said.

Congress MLA Devti Karma from Dantewada is being threatened as she has taken up the case of murder of two "innocent" tribal youths by police after branding them as Naxals, he said.

Questioning why no action was being taken against incumbent the Bastar Range Inspector General of Police, Baghel said, "In spite of an inquiry going on against him (Bastar IG) in Tadmetla house burning case (2011), he has been posted as a senior officer in Bastar."



Baghel also asked whether there is any rule of law in Chhattisgarh. "Despite complaints, no action is being taken against errant police personnel."



Refuting the charges, Home Minister Ramsewak Paikara said the state police force has acted swiftly in cases of women exploitation and has been continuously trying to curb the crimes.

Stating that development was the key to fight left wing extremism in Bastar, the home minister said his government had created new districts under Bastar division to ensure smooth functioning of the administration and enhance the pace of development works.

"Bastar was fast moving towards peace, the way Sarguja was made peaceful. Several steps have been taken towards upliftment and empowerment of women in rural areas," he added.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
The Congress today justified its senior leader Ghulam Nabi Azad's remarks drawing a comparison between the Uri terror attack casualties and the deaths after demonetisation which has triggered a row, and said Prime Minister Narendra Modi was communalising the issue.

"There is no question of defending something that was absolutely correct. What Azad said that 20 of our soldiers laid down their lives in the Uri attack, they laid down their lives defending the country and we are proud of them.

"But one autocratic decision of a dictatorial Prime Minister has killed 55 innocent people. Who is responsible for it?" Congress chief spokesperson Randeep Surjewala asked.

"Azad rightly said yesterday that if the one questioning him (the PM) is a Hindu, he is an anti-national, and if a Muslim, then a Pakistani and this country will never accept these things," he told reporters.

Surjewala said the country is proud of its soldiers who defend and laid down their lives for the country.

"But what about that Indian who is secure because of sacrifice of those soldiers but who is insecure and unsafe and has to die on account of economic anarchy heaped upon by the Prime Minister. And that is the comparison that Ghulam Nabiji brought about. So if anybody is guilty, anybody is acting in an autocratic manner it is the BJP and the Modi government," he said.

"I have the right to question the Prime Minister and the Modi government cannot take away this right granted to the 125 crore Indians through the Constitution by its makers," he said, adding Modi has first put the country's 125 crore people to harassment and 55 people died due to his "Tughlaqi order".

Another Congress leader, Anand Sharma, also defended Azad alleging that BJP was giving communal twist to his remarks.

"Ghulam Nabi Azad is not just the Leader of Opposition in Rajya Sabha but has been the chief minister of Jammu and Kashmir on whose life there have been 26 bids by terrorists. He is a man who has always stood for the nation, do we have such a situation now that BJP will decide who is a nationalist and who is not," Sharma said.

"In the Uri attack, 19 of our soldiers were martyred, but may more people have died after demonetisation. It is shameful that BJP is trying to give this a communal twist," he said.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
Opposition members, mainly from Congress, today staged a walkout from Chhattisgarh Assembly, accusing the ruling BJP of constructing an expressway after uprooting a narrow-gauge railway track in state capital Raipur to "favour land mafias".

Raising the issue in Question Hour, senior Congress MLA Dhanendra Sahu sought to know whether the government has sanctioned the project to construct the expressway after dismantling the track between Raipur railway station and Kendri.

"If yes, then what is the cost of the project and by when it will be completed?" Sahu questioned.

He said Chief Minister Raman Singh during his supplementary budget speech yesterday had said that a provision of Rs 355 crore was made forthe four-lane expressway connectingRaipurrailway station with Kendri, a patch of 13 km, in Naya Raipur but in the written reply of the question today the government denied sanctioning such project.

Sahu said both statements appear to be contradictory.

Replying to it, Parliamentary Affairs Minister Ajay Chandrakar said no provision was made for the expressway project under the second supplementary budget when the question over it was submitted by the Congress legislator.

"Therefore, nothing was mentioned in the reply," the minister told the House. He was answering in the absence of PWD Minister Rajesh Munat.

Chandrakar said an empowered committee under the chairmanship of Chief Secretary has been constituted to look into the project.

However, Sahu cited media reports which claimed that the Raman Singh government had decided to pay Rs 139 crore against land transfer to Railways for building the expressway. "But the minister is claiming that the PWD Department does not have any details in this regard," he said.

Instead of uprooting this railway track, laid way back in 1832, which connects Raipur to Dhamtari, it will be further extended to Jagdalpur to ensure travelling facility to people, he added.

Sahu said the state government had claimed that the expressway will cut short the distance between Raipur and Naya Raipur and it will be easy to reach airport.

"...Seven roads are already there to reach airport, but surprisingly why another road is being constructed? This is being done to favour land mafias," he alleged.

Thereafter, Chandrakar said the DPR (detailed project report) was yet to be drafted and its details could only be known after it.

Dissatisfied with the reply, the Congress legislators accused BJP of constructing the expressway to favour land mafias.

The Congress members and MLA Amit Jogi then staged a walkout from the House raising anti-government slogans.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
An assistant police inspector was today suspended for his alleged involvement in a case of duping a real estate developer on the pretext of exchanging his old notes, a senior police official said.

Sanjay Mali, attached to Santacruz police station, has been suspended and his involvement in the alleged duping of Sanjay Naik, on the pretext of exchanging Rs three crore from a bank in Santacruz, is being probed, the official said.

"An inquiry is going on against Mali in this connection," a senior police officer told PTI.

Police had yesterday arrested three persons for cheating Naik on the pretext of exchanging his money from a bank in Santacruz on Tuesday.

The accused had asked Naik to come to a place near the bank two days ago, where they took his money and fled.

The accused, whose names have not been disclosed, were arrested and a case under section 420 (cheating) of IPC was slapped on them, police had earlier said, adding more arrests were likely in connection with the incident.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
The Indian Society of Otology should work for creating an awareness about the need for a universal new-born hearing screening programme in India, state Governor, Justice (Retd) P Sathasivam said here today.

"According to statistics of World Health Organisation, more than 360 million people worldwide have hearing loss. The number is almost five per centof the world population and consists of 328 million adults and32 million children. Hence otologists have a great role to play in today's society by providing cure to people with hearing problems," he said.

Speaking after inaugurating the 25th annual national conferenceof the Society (ISOCON-2016), Sathasivam said an otologist's timely intervention not only improves a person's health, but instills confidence to face the world.

He complimented the Indian Society of Otology (ISO) for their efforts in perfecting the latest trends in surgery and said it was through such efforts that the standard of ear surgery in India had been rated as world class.

ISO national president Dr A P Sambandan,presided the conference.

Nearly 1,200 ENT surgeons, including 50 from abroad, are attending the conference.

Live surgical demonstration of Otology, Neuro Otology and ImplantationOtology will be the highlights of the conference.

(REOPEN MES10)



Later, speaking after inaugurating the centenary



celebrationsof the Kozhikode branch of Kottakkal Arya Vaidya Sala, the Governor said the institution had a phenomenal growth under Dr P K Varier.

More than 55,000 patients receive free medical consultation every year from the branch, which is the first branch outside Kottakkal, he added.

On the issue of quacks, Governor Sathasivam said it is a serious issue in all systems of medicine. "We need to ensure quality and authenticity in the field of medicine. Institutions should come forward to expose these quacks in the eyes of the society".

Traditional ways of treatment like the heriditary Ayurveda treatment have been neglected by the modern society,which should be checked, he said. Stressing the importance of tree planting, he said people should try to plant atleast three medicinal plants wherever they find space in their home.
It will be a crucial test for Congress nominee and Chief Minister V Narayanasamy, a non- member of the house, at tomorrow's bypoll in Nellithope assembly constituency tomorrow when he crosses swords with AIADMK candidate Om Sakthi Segar.

Narayanasamy has the support of DMK and VCK while AINRC, whose founder N Narayanasamy is the leader of the opposition, is backing Segar.

The bypoll is being held to fill vacancy caused by the resignation of Congress legislator A John Kumar on September 15 to facilitate Narayanasamy, a non-member of the house, to contest the poll and get elected to the assembly to fulfill the constitutional obligation.

Narayanasamy became Chief Minister on June 6 and formed a six member ministry under his leadership with the support of DMK (having two members) from outside.

The strength of Congress in the 30 member assembly was 15 before John Kumar quit the post of MLA.

Campaigning had gathered steam over the last one month, with Narayanasamy stressing that Puducherry had scope for big development and that this potential was 'wasted' during the previous AINRC rule.

He had also said that the Congress government had come out with a new industrial policy which would add to the fast industrialisation and assured voters that no stone would be left unturned to measure upto their expectations.

AINRC founder and leader of the opposition N Rangasamy had urged voters to ensure Segar's win and 'teach a lesson to Narayanasamy".

He had opined that the bypoll was forced on people by Narayanasamy as he has been hankering after power and office'.

A team of AIADMK ministers from Tamil Naduhave also camped in the constituency to meet voters in a bid to register their backing to the party nominee.

AICC General Secretary Mukul Wasnik was among those who campaigned for Narayanasamy,bringing to focus his 'capability' to ensure full fledged development of the union territory.

DMK treasurer and Leader of the opposition in Tamil Nadu Assembly M K Stalin who had also campaigned for Narayanasamy, said Puducherry would witness faster development particularly in maintenance of law and order through his stewardship.

He had also said a Global Investors Meet would take place as promised by the CM and jobs would be generated for youth.

The constituency has a total strength of 31,366 voters.

There are a total of eight contestants in the fray.

All 26 polling stations have been declared vulnerable and are being monitored by Central Armed police personnel, the Chief Electoral Officer V Candavelou had said.

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After entertaining audiences for a week, the 22nd edition of the Kolkata International Film Festival drew to a close today.

Iranian film 'Another Time' made by Nahid Hasanzadeh won the international competition in women director's film category in which 15 films were competing.

Organised by West Bengal government, KIFF began on November 11 after a gala inauguration ceremony attended by stars like Amitabh Bachchan, Jaya Bachchan, Shahrukh Khan, Kajol, Sanjay Dutt and Parineeti Chopra.

Altogether 156 films from 65 countries were screened across 13 venues in the city. Besides, the government also took an initiative of reaching out to the masses by having small screenings in neighbourhoods as well.

China was the focus country in this festival from where eight films were screened, while the regional focus was on Marathi cinema which was represented five films.

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Home Minister Rajnath Singh today described cyber terrorism as one of the biggest threats to the society along with cyber crime.

Addressing the Indian Police Service (IPS) Officer Trainees of 2015 batch, who came to meet him, Singh said cyber crime has become a challenge and it is being faced by the police these days.

"There is a steep rise in the cyber crime these days. Cyber terrorism as a big danger along with cyber crime. The crimes of cyber world can be multi-layered, multi-location, multi-lingual, multi-cultural and multi-legal, so it is difficult to investigate and reach to the criminal," he said.

The Home Minister told the Officer Trainees that they should try to establish credibility with generosity, honesty and compassion from the beginning itself.

He said the officers should work with zeal towards solving the problems of people.

Singh encouraged them to use new technologies and medium like social media and mobile technology.

This can help in curbing the distance between them and the people, he said.

The Home Minister appealed to the officers to attain higher standards of excellence along with professional standards by integrating technology in the aspects of intelligence, surveillance, communication and modern policing.

Aruna M. Bahuguna, Director, Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel National Police Academy, Hyderabad and other senior officers of the Ministry of Home Affairs were present on the occasion.

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China today warned Mongolia of "serious repurcussions" to bilateral ties if it allowed the Dalai Lama to visit the country and allow the monk to engage in "separatist activities".

The 81-year-old monk is due to start a four-day visit to predominantly Buddhist Mongolia this evening as the resource rich Mongolia invited him defying China's strong objections to any country holding the Tibetan Buddhist monk.

The Dalai Lama is in a "political exile who has long been engaging in splitting China activities in the name of religion with the aim of alienating Tibet from China," ministry spokesman Geng Shuang told media briefing here.

"We strongly urge Mongolia to act by keeping in mind the big picture of maintaining the stable development of bilateral relations and to keep their promises made on this issue," Geng said.

"Do not allow the Dalai Lama to visit. Do not support or facilitate the separatist activities of the Dalai clique," Geng said adding that Mongolia should stick to commitment given on Tibet related issues.

China regards Dalai Lama as separatist and routinely objects his visit to any country. Recently Beijing objected to India's permission to him to visit Arunachal Pradesh, which regards as southern Tibet.

However, the invitation to the Dalai Lamaby Mongolia whose source-centred economy is heavily dependent on China came a surprise as it is currently in negotiations for a USD 4.2 billion loan from Beijing to help pull it out of a deep recession.

Mongolian Buddhism is closely tied to Tibet's version of Mahayana Buddhism.

The Tibetan monk made the first of his eight visits to Mongolia in 1979.

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DataWind today announced formal launch of its manufacturing facility at GMR Complex of Rajiv Gandhi International Airport here, its second facility in the country.

Telangana IT and Industry Minister KT Rama Rao and Nadir Patel, High Commissioner of Canada, inaugurated the facility.

DataWind had earlier this year, signed an MoU with the Telangana government in this regard.

Rama Rao congratulated DataWind President and CEO Suneet Singh Tuli and his team for setting up the facility in Telangana and employing 600 people.

"Telangana government will provide full support to them to ensure their operations are streamlined and successful. The investment made by DataWind will not only contribute to the revenue of the state but will also be instrumental in generating jobs," Rama Rao said, adding DataWind will be doubling its head-count to 1,000 by March next year.

"We created a mobile manufacturing ecosystem in the state. Telangana State Electronic Manufacturing Policy has been a success and in 6 to 7 months, we have three major manufacturers -- Micromax, Celkon and DataWind -- setting up their units here," he further said.

Telangana, which was ranked 13th last year, has risen to number one position in ease of doing business ranking, he said.

European TV manufacturer Thompson is coming to Telangana in tandem with a local company, he said and urged the High Commissioner to ensure that the Prime Minister of Canada, who is expected to visit India, also visits Telangana.

He also sought help of the High Commissioner to put in a word with Air Canada to connect its services to Hyderabad.

DataWind has set up its Hyderabad facility with a phased investment of Rs 100 crore and the facility will manufacture 2 million units (tablets and smart phones) in the first year, whereas at full capacity it can reach up to 5 million units.

Suneet Singh Tuli said, "By producing state-of-the-art



and most affordable devices in India, we not only wish to supply products that would make Indians proud, but boost 'Skills India' by generating highly skilled employment.

"We expect to continue expanding our dominant position in the tablet market by increasing the range of products which will be manufactured at our newly inaugurated facility in Hyderabad and the other facility in Amritsar," he said.

He also said that the company will be coming out with the full range of products including tablets, mini laptops and smartphones from the unit, which has been functional for the last three months and shipped 2.5 lakh devices.

Tuli claimed that Datawind leads the tab market with a 37 per cent marketshare.
Delhi BJP activists today staged a demonstration near All India Congress Committee office on Akbar Road to protest against objectionable remarks made on Prime Minister Narendra Modi and for linking Uri terror attack casualties to the deaths during demonetisation.

Hundreds of protesters raised slogans and took out a protest march under the leadership of Delhi BJP president Satish Upadhyay.

They were stopped and detained by the police while marching towards the Congress office.

The demonstrators raised slogans against Congress leader Gulam Nabi Azad for comparing the deaths during demonetisation drive with the martyrs of Uri terror attack and Congress leader Pramod Tiwari for calling Prime Minister Modi as "Hitler" in the Parliament.

Addressing the demonstrators, Upadhyay said "It is regrettable that the Congressmen who imposed emergency in the country and amassed black wealth from the coal block auctions are today denouncing Modi government which is fighting against the black money."



He charged that the parties opposing Modi and his demonetisation are those whose "black money" is "destroyed" by the move.

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Leaders of opposition parties and civil society members today attacked the Centre over the demonetisation move, terming it as an "astounding" abandonment of reason that will hurt the economy.

Addressing a public meeting 'Does Demonetisation Tackle Black Money?' here, former Union Minister Mani Shankar Aiyar also dubbed the measure a "political suicide" by Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

The speakers claimed that the stated objective of combating black money will not be achieved by the "inexplicable" decision of demonetising Rs 500 and Rs 1000 currency notes as they form 86 per cent value of the currency in circulation and over 90 per cent transactions by volume are done in cash.

They also demanded that the government come out with a list of those who have defaulted on banks loans, have money stashed in banks abroad and are named in Panama Papers.

"No (RBI) Governor would have gone ahead with such a decision or would have refused to be part of the decision-making...I have not met Patel yet.

"But from whatever little I know (about Patel), he is an honest and intelligent person. I have differences with (Finance Minister Arun) Jaitley on several issues. But he is an intelligent person...It seems Modiji did not consult either of them," Aiyar said.

The Congress leader said only a small volume of black money exists in the form of cash and suggested that it is converted into other types of assets or flows in from abroad.

He asked the government to hit at the root of the problem by tracking the route from where the money flows in, taking action against those holding black money and ensuring speedy legal recourse against them.

Hitting out at the government, economist Prabhat Patnaik said the decision defies reason at numerous level.

"It is an astounding abandonment of reason," he said even as he picked holes in the concept of cashless economy in the light of the "fact that only 30 per cent of country's population has access to banking system".

CPI National Secretary D Raja, AAP's Ashish Khetan and Swaraj Abhiyan's Anupam were among the speakers who also included representatives of bank officials' association, fishermen, trade union workers and domestic helps.

Raja asked why Modi was not responding to questions posed by the opposition MPs in Parliament on the issue.

"There are reports that 55 persons have died after the demonetisation move was announced. The government claims it was prepared before making the move. These many people would not have died was the government prepared," Raja alleged.

Khetan reiterated his party's allegation that demonetisation was the "biggest scam" in independent India.

"We need to raise voice against this scam. We will have to pay a price for this because we will be labeled as anti-national when we raise a voice. But we will fight against this undeclared emergency," he added.

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To showcase the hardships faced by common citizens due to demonetisation of Rs 1,000 and Rs 500 notes, senior RJD leader Raghubansh Prasad Singh today took up a 'kudal' (digging equipment) in his hand to toil in his field in the absence of farm labourers.

Holding the kudal in his hand, Singh toiled in his field in his Shahpur village under Mahmar block of Vaishali district and made a scathing attack at Prime Minister Narendra Modi for causing hardships to the citizens.

"Labourers have vanished after demonetisation decision and that is why I am forced to take up the kudal myself to toil in the field," Singh, the RJD national vice president, told reporters.

"Farming cannot wait for the PM to improve situation and that is why I am working in my field," the former Union Minister said.

The BJP, however, dismissed his argument and termed his act as "nautanki" (drama).

In Patna, Bihar BJP president Mangal Pandey dismissed Singh's argument and said only those having black money have been affected by the Modi government's decision to demonetise Rs 1,000 and Rs 500 currency notes and not the labourers.

On a lighter note he added that Singh's action would help him in maintaining good health.

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Terming the demonetisation move as a "war" on corruption and black money, Union Minister M Venkaiah Naidu today said some people are opposing it because of their inability to digest Prime Minister Narendra Modi's popularity.

He hit out at the opposition for not allowing Parliament to function and ruled out any possibility of a rollback of demonetisation.

"Different parties are taking different stands. I'mhappy that Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar, Odisha ChiefMinister Naveen Patnaik and Andhra Pradesh Chief MinisterChandrababu Naidu and others have come out in support of this decision, but some people are not able to digest it," Naidu said.

Speaking at an event organised by BJP, he said, "They have this indigestion problem from beginning itself. From day one you (people) gave mandate to Modi...They are not able to digest it."



Naidu said some people are not able to accept Modi as PrimeMinister and his growing popularity and started the "drama" of award wapsi.

"Intolerant are those people who are intolerant toward the victory of Modi. They are not able to digest it. That is why yesterday they compared Modi to Hitler, Mussolini and Gaddafi. Look at their anger because he defeated them, brought out what is beneath their bed," he said.

West Bengal Chief Minister Mamta Benerjee and her Delhi counterpart Arvind Kejriwal were opposing demonetisation just for the sake of politics, the Union minister said.

He listed prominent economists, personalities and international organisations who have spoken in favour of the move and said those trying to create confusion among people "will be disappointed after aweek or so".

"They will be disappointed because there are queues and queues are shown by TVs, the moment these queuesdisappear, these people will also disappear," he added.

On disruption of Parliament over demonetisation, Naidu said the opposition, which started thediscussion on the issue in Rajya Sabha, is now trying to shyaway after coming to know that they are in a fix as theirarguments are proving to be hollow.

"It is like after marriage one is complaining about problems with stars or zodiac sign," he said.

Modi has come before thecountry with a massive social mobilisation which impacts everycountryman's life for a better tomorrow. At thisjuncture, every political party has to choose whether they are with the people's and government decision against black marketers, hoarders, arms smugglers and those running counterfeit, he said.

"There is no question of a roll back at any cost. Narendra



Modi is the last man...He will never go back on his decision," Naidu said.

"He (PM) is ready to take suggestion. We expected Parliament to function smoothly and (opposition to) give ideas, suggestionsfor improvement with regard to problems faced by people, butthey have disappointed us," he said.

Naidu said the government has taken the decision of demonetisation, keeping the national interest in mind and it is a"war" on corruption and black money.

"It is a war on corruption and black money. I know that I'm using the word, I know the meaning also," he said.

The Union minister said that in India, black money has become the biggest menace because there is almost a parallel economy in the country.

"This is a war because our neighbour Pakistan is aiding, abetting, funding, training terrorists. They want to cripple the economy of India. They want to subvert the system. T/hat is why they are printing counterfeit notes and circulating them in the country, causing a huge loss to the country," he said.

The Centre did not want to harass any party or section. It was also not done keeping the Uttar Pradesh Assembly polls in mind, Naidu said.

He said the biggest beneficiary of this programme willbe the poor, middle class and honest taxpayers of India.
Rajasthan Chief Minister Vasundhara Raje today hailed the decision of Prime Minister Narendra Modi to demonetise Rs 500 and Rs 1000 notes, saying it will have positive impact.

"The Prime Minister has taken the decision in the interest of the nation. Execution of such historic decisions faces difficulties, but this is in the interest of the country and will have positive results in the future," she said after visiting Shankaracharya Nischalananda Saraswati Maharaj here.

The Shankaracharya, on the occasion, appreciated the Chief Minister for her Mukhyamantri Jal Swavalamban initiative and said this will make the state self-reliant in water.

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India is "immensely underestimating" the threat of a water crunch despite being a downstream state with China, Chief Economic Advisor Arvind Subramanian said here today as he made a strong case for the "right pricing" of natural resources.

"For India, especially being a downstream state with China, we do underestimate the water resource crunch immensely," Subramanian said at the Mumbai LitFest here, when asked about the impact of finite natural resources like water on economic growth.

The northern plains support over 40 per cent of the country's 1.25 billion people which are supported by perennial rivers originating in upper Himalayas, including Chinese territory.

People have "massively" under-priced the usage of natural resources, Subramnaian said and made a case for right pricing, saying this will help solve any potential problems in that regard.

"There are things which we as government, communities or individuals can do to try and adjust the problem... And one of them is we try and price them better," he said.

Referring to the high degree of pollution around Diwali time in Delhi which also saw the visit of British Prime Minister Theresa May, he said it was largely due to burning of paddy which gets government incentives.

Underlining the need to look at "social externalities" while setting the prices of foodgrains, he said crops like pulses need to be incentivised because they fix nitrogen and consume less fertilisers.

Commenting on recent events like Brexit and election of the far-right Donald Trump as US President, Subramanian said he hoped such developments do not take the world to "crude nativism".

However, the senior Finance Ministry official, otherwise known to be very vocal with his views, chose not to comment when asked about demonetisation.

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Dutch police have arrested a "confused" homeless man suspected of triggering a security sweep at Rotterdam's airport after an anonymous tip- off about a possible terror threat.

"Rotterdam police have detained an illegal immigrant with an outstanding sentence in connection with their investigation into a possible terror threat," the Royal Dutch Military Police announced on their Facebook page.

"The suspect is a 45-year-old man without a fixed address and in a confused state, who has previously made similar false statements to the police," the military police said yesterday.

"The man is believed to be involved in the tip-off and is being questioned as police think he may have some valuable information."



The military police added that they had reviewed security measures in and around the airport, but gave no further details.

Armed military police beefed up security at the small international airport yesterday after they received the anonymous phonecall, according to Dutch media, about an unspecified terror threat.

Officers carrying machine guns and wearing bulletproof vests checked and searched some cars and buses arriving at the airport.

More armed military police officers were stationed outside the entrance to the airport, which caters mainly for flights to Britain, Spain, Germany and other European destinations.

An investigation was "immediately launched" after "an anonymous message indicating a possible threat at Rotterdam The Hague Airport" was received, the police said in an earlier statement.

"Certain extra security measures, both visible and invisible, are being put into place," the statement said, adding that Rotterdam mayor Ahmed Aboutaleb was being kept informed about developments.

In a short conference, spokesmen for the military police said that air traffic was not being stopped to the airport.

Flights were not affected in and out of the airport, which lies about six kilometres north of Rotterdam, the busiest port in Europe.

The Netherlands has been on high alert since the Paris attacks a year ago, and on Monday the Dutch counterterrorism agency warned that jihadist fighters returning from Iraq and Syria amid an offensive against the Islamic State group could increase the risk of a terror attack.

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Media firm Eros International today said it has partnered with leading Russian company Central Partnership to promote and distribute Indian and Russian content across multiple platforms in both countries.

The two companies will jointly explore distribution of content across platforms in India and Russia, Eros International said in a statement.

Central Partnership (CP), an affiliate of Gazprom Media Holding, will dub films from Eros' extensive film library in Russian language, which will enable the company to cater to a much larger audience in Russia and CIS.

Eros can further utilise the dubbed content on its digital platform, Eros Now, to reach out to a wider audience in Russia.

"With the rapid growth of satellite pay TV in Russia, there is an increased demand for premium digital and television content. This alliance will pave the way for CP to showcase extensive repository of Bollywood films from the Eros library on pay TV," it said.

"Furthermore, CP will also approach free TV channels to explore showcasing of Indian titles," it added.

Eros too, will endeavour to distribute CP's media assets on Indian television, the statement said.

"With our entry into the Russian market, we continue to build strong global position. The market potential is promising, and with the rise in digital consumption by local audiences, we see huge opportunity in exploiting high-quality content together to reach audiences across the two diasporas," said Eros International group CEO & MD Jyoti Deshpande.

"Our strategic partnership with Eros is a big step for both companies in their international expansion, since content from India is now under-represented in Russia and vice-versa. Our plan is to benefit from both companies' leading positions in domestic markets to change this layout," CP CEO Pavel Stepanov said.

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US President Barack Obama and European leaders pledged today to maintain NATO cooperation, and vowed to keep up sanctions against Russia, in their first meeting since the shock election of Donald Trump sparked fears of drastic policy shifts.

During a fractious presidential campaign, Trump had appeared to call into question a near 70-year-old security shield for US allies under NATO, and vowed to withdraw from hard-fought deals on the climate and Iran's nuclear programme.

The US president-elect's friendly disposition towards Russian President Vladimir Putin has also raised questions over his attitude toward Moscow's backing for President Bashar al-Assad in the Syrian war as well as Russia's role in the conflict in eastern Ukraine.

In the talks in Berlin during which jittery European partners sought reassurances from Obama, the six parties "agreed on the necessity of working collectively to move the transatlantic agenda forward", according to a statement from the White House.

That meant "securing diplomatic resolution to the conflicts in Syria and eastern Ukraine", including putting the heat on Russia through sanctions until it met its commitments under a peace deal for Ukraine.

The leaders also affirmed the "importance of continued cooperation through multilateral institutions, including NATO".

Ahead of today's huddle in Berlin, Obama sounded a note of cautious optimism that Trump could change his position once he takes on the role as president.

"There's something about the solemn responsibilities of that office ... That forces you to focus, that demands seriousness," Obama said at a press conference after talks with his host German Chancellor Angela Merkel.

"And if you're not serious about the job, then you probably won't be there very long. Because it will expose problems."



But Obama also stressed the importance of a united Europe, and urged the bloc not to take for granted the transatlantic relationship that has been built up over decades.

"The EU remains one of the world's great political and economic achievements, and those achievements should not be taken for granted," he said.

Today's meeting between Obama and the leaders of Britain, France, Germany, Italy and Spain is the first of its format since Trump's election.

It opened with the burning question of the US-led coalition's battle against Islamic State jihadists in Syria and Iraq as well as Europe's migrant crisis, before delving into the Ukraine crisis, said an aide of Hollande about the talks that lasted just over two hours.

Citing both conflicts, Obama stressed on the eve of the meeting that he hoped Trump would be "willing to stand up to Russia where they are deviating from our values and international norms".

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Japan today donated five high-tech microscopes to a city-based charitable society working in the area of eye ailments, with its envoy saying that such facilities should be used especially for ameliorating the condition of the underprivileged people.

The Japanese Embassy donated the medical equipment to Venu Eye Institute and Research Centre under the Grant Assistance Grassroots Project of that country.

"We are glad to know that the equipments we had donated earlier are being properly used and maintained. And, so we decided to give another grant. And, these equipments should be used especially for the underprivileged patients.

"Medical fees are very high and so the institute should reach out to the underprivileged society for getting them better treatment and care and for preventing them from getting blindness," Ambassador of Japan to India, Kenji Hiramatsu said.

Joint Director and Medical Superintendent of the institute, Dr Abhishek Dagar, said, this was the third grant given by the Japanese government.

"We have given grants earlier under the scheme for schools, check dams, medical facilities in Delhi and outside. And, so this new grant today is also a symbol of the friendship between India and Japan," Kenji said.

The Ambassador was later given a tour of the facilities there and he also witnessed a cataract surgery, performed by a team of doctors, using the new equipments.

The 100-bedded facility, set up over 30 years ago, has besides a base hospital in Delhi, five satellite hospitals.

"There are 37 million people blind in the world. One-third of these blind people live in India. 80 per cent of blindness is avoidable (cataract and refractive errors). Majority of the blind live in rural areas, while most of the eye care services and facilities are available in urban areas," according to the institute.

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Underlining the need for rules and regulations while issuing licence to permanent fireworks shops, the Madras High Court today directed the Centre to form a panel comprising top central and state government officials for evolving the norms in consultation with experts.

The direction was given by a bench here comprising Justices S Nagamuthu and M V Muralidharan on a PIL suo motu initiated by them following the death of nine persons in a fire crackers shop accident at fireworks hub of Sivakasi in neighbouring Virudhunagar district in October.

The judges said that as of now, there were no regulations or guidelines for issuing license to permanent shops regarding the distance between the shops and other protected work spots like schools or hospitals.

The Union Industry Secretary in-charge of Industrial Policy and Promotion should head a panel with Tamil Nadu Revenue Secretary, Additional Home Secretary, Chief Controller of Explosives and convene a meeting in the second week of December for framing the guidelines, the judges said.

The panel could take suggestions from experts in the field besides fire service and police officials, and submit a report in eight weeks to the court.

The Deputy Chief Controller of Explosives, who was present in the court, said there were no rules or guidelines regarding distance between permanent shops and other protected work places.

The matter will come up for further hearing after the report is received.

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The first 'Vishwa Punjabi Sahitya Sammelan' (Global Punjabi Literature Meet) began here today with participation of over 4,000 delegates from Punjab and countries such as Canada, USA and UK.

The inaugural session of the meet, organised by city- based organisation 'Sarhad', also saw participation of Union Minister for Transport Nitin Gadkari, Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadanvis and NCP chief Sharad Pawar.

'Vishwa Punjabi Gaurav Awards' were given to prominent Punjabi personalities including the actors Dharmendra, Ujjal Dosanjh, Indian-origin Canadian MP Dr S P Oberoi, chairman of Apex Group of companies S Tarlochan Singh, former Chairman of National Minorities Commission and retired IPS officer P S Pasricha for their contribution to Punjab, Punjabi language and culture.

President of the literary fest Dr Surjit Singh Patar, a prominent poet and writer, said, "The relationship between Maharashtra and Punjab dates back to at least seven centuries. The history of this relationship began in the 14th century with the footsteps of Maharashtrian saint, Sant Namdev.

"For nearly two decades, the words of Sant Namdev echoed in the air of Punjab and dwelt in the hearts of Punjabi people," he said.

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India's foreign exchange reserves declined by $1.190 billion to $367.041 billion in the week to November 11 on account of fall in foreign currency assets, Reserve Bank said on Friday.

In the previous week, the reserves had increased by $1.074 billion to $368.231 billion. They had touched a life- time high of $371.99 billion in the week to September 30, this year.

Foreign currency assets (FCAs), a major component of the overall reserves, dipped by $1.155 billion to $342.772 billion.

FCAs, expressed in US dollar terms, include the effect of appreciation/depreciation of non-US currencies such as the euro, pound and the yen held in the reserves.

Gold reserves remained steady at $20.460 billion, the apex bank said.

The special drawing rights with the International Monetary Fund declined by $13.4 million to $1.462 billion, while India's reserve position with the Fund dipped by $21.5 million to $2.346 billion, the apex bank said.
A former Sri Lankan ambassador to the US, who is a close relative of ex-president Mahinda Rajapaksa, has been arrested and today sent to police custody for allegedly misusing state funds during the previous regime.

Jaliya Wickramasuriya was arrested yesterday by Financial Crimes Investigations Division (FCID) on charges of financial fraud. He has been accused of accepting USD 245,000 as commission while serving as the ambassador in Washington.

Colombo Fort Magistrate Lanka Jayaratne remanded him to police custody till December 2, ColomboPage reported.

The former diplomat allegedly accepted the commission in connection with a contract to refurbish the Sri Lankan embassy in the US and had reportedly remitted the money to Sri Lanka.

Wickramasuriya is a close relative of Rajapaksa. He was arrested by the FCID at Bandaranaike International Airport near Colombo when he was attempting to leave the country.

President Maithriapal Sirisena, Rajapaksa's successor, came to power on a promise to fight corruption. Soon after taking over in January last year, Sirisena ordered criminal investigations into corruption under the Rajapaksa regime.

Rajapaksa's closest family members face allegations of bribery, extortion and even murder.

Rajapaksa's two sons - legislator Namal and ex-navy officer Yoshitha - and two of his siblings are currently on bail after being charged with corruption.

Sri Lankan government has sought help from the US Federal Bureau of Investigations and other international organisations to track down billions of dollars said to have been siphoned out of the country during Rajapaksa's decade in power.

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There's no doubt which side the fashion world supported during the US presidential campaign.

For years, First Lady Michelle Obama and Democrats' vanquished presidential candidate Hillary Clinton have been favorites with fashion designers who dressed them in clothes aimed at evoking their values.

But New York-based French designer Sophie Theallet has gone a step further, throwing down the gauntlet by refusing to dress future first lady Melania Trump because of the political views of her husband, President-elect Donald Trump.

Theallet is urging other designers to follow her lead.

"As one who celebrates and strives for diversity, individual freedom and respect for all lifestyles, I will not participate in dressing or associating in any way with the next first lady," she wrote in an open letter published yesterday.

"The rhetoric of racism, sexism and xenophobia unleashed by her husband's presidential campaign are incompatible with the shared values we live by."



"I am well aware it is not wise to get involved in politics," Theallet added.

"That said, as a family-owned company, our bottom line is not just about money."



The letter has prompted a flood of reaction on social media, much of it negative.

Theallet, 52, who has worked in the United States for more than fifteen years, is a regular fixture at New York's fashion week.

Her feminine designs have appealed to Michelle Obama, who provided welcome publicity by donning several of her dresses since 2009.

"She has contributed to having our name recognized and respected worldwide," Theallet wrote of the current first lady, indicating purpose behind Obama's fashion choices.

"Her values, actions and grace have always resonated deeply within me.

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A judge has ordered Nick Gordon to pay more than USD 36 million to the family of Bobbi Kristina Brown in wrongful death case.

Two months ago, Gordon, 21, was found legally responsible for Bobbi Kristina's death, reported E! online.

The daughter of Bobbi Brown and the Whitney Houston died in July 2015 at age 22 after being in a coma for months. She was found face down and unconscious in a bathtub in a Georgia home she shared with Gordon, who she often called her "husband".

Fulton County Superior Court Judge T Jackson Bedford had said in September that because Gordon failed to appear in court on two scheduled court dates, anything alleged by the plaintiff was admitted through omission.

"I am pleased with the outcome of today's court proceedings. I do know that Mr Gordon will be unable to slander my daughter's name in the future or obtain any benefits from the use of Krissy's name.

"Finally, I do need for the District Attorney's Office to step up and begin the criminal prosecution of Mr. Gordon. The delay in that matter is of great concern to me and my family. We need for District Attorney Howard to act now," Bobby said in a statement.

The USD 36 million includes USD 15 million for present value of life, USD 13.8 million for pain and suffering and USD 1.37 million for assault and battery.

The lawsuit had alleged Bobbi Kristina "died due to a violent altercation" with Gordon, "after which he placed her in a bathtub, unconscious, after he injected her with a toxic mixture.

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The Federation of Indian Granite and Stone Industry today contested in the Madras High Court the methodology adopted by mining and geology officials in arriving at a loss of Rs 1.10 lakh crore to the exchequer due to alleged illicit quarrying in Madurai district.

The granite body, in its counter affidavit before first bench comprising Chief Justice Sanjay Kishan Kaul and Justice R Mahadevan, claimed that the figure was based on officials' 'assumptions and presumptions' and not on well settled trade practices.

The matter relates to a PIL petition by social activist Traffic Ramaswamy on which the court had appointed IAS officer U Sagayam as the Legal Commissioner to probe the allegations of illegal mining.

Appearing on behalf of the granite industry, senior counsel P Wilson said it has come to the federation's notice that the court was apprised that a loss of Rs 1.10 lakh crore was caused to the exchequer.

The Geology and Mining officials did not take into account the trade practices, it was submitted. Buyers were allowed allowances (to put out of sale purview) ranging from 5 cm to 20 cm depending upon the quality, colour, crakes and other natural defects. Such factors were not taken into account, it was pointed out.

However, all of a sudden, especially after August 2012, the officials started measuring "length x breadth x height" of the excavated granite pit. They measured it on volumetric basis and calculated it arithmetically without geological mapping and inputs, the federation contended.

Maintaining that this was an important aspect without which the actual percentage was determined by officials, the counter said any decision based on assumption and presumption will be flawed.

"The officials had adopted fanciful, imaginary export price while calculating the recovery and price of minerals," it charged.

The bench posted the matter for further hearing to January 11 next.

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In a restricted activity, groundnut oil prices drifted by Rs 200 per quintal at the wholesale oils and oilseeds market today owing to slackened demand from retailers.

However, other edible and non-edible oils moved in a narrow range in scattered deals and settled at previous levels.

Traders said tepid demand from retailers against sufficient stocks position kept pressure on groundnut oil prices.

They said, however, volume of business remained thin due to prevailing cash crunch in the market after government banned Rs 500 and Rs 1,000 currency notes to flush out black money.

In the national capital, groundnut mill delivery (Gujarat) oil dropped by Rs 200 to Rs 10,000 per quintal.

Following are today's quotations (in Rs per quintal):



Oilseeds: Mustard seed Rs 2,950-3,050 and Groundnut seed Rs 2,150-2,900. Vanaspati Ghee (15-litre tin) Rs 800-1,000.

Edible oils: Groundnut Mill Delivery (Gujarat) Rs 10,000,Groundnut Solvent Refined (per tin) Rs 1,700-1,800, Mustard expeller (Dadri) Rs 8,700, Mustard Pakki Ghani (per tin) Rs 1,350-1,395, Mustard Kachi Ghani (per tin) Rs 1,400-1,500, Sesame Mill delivery Rs 8,100, Soybean Refined Mill Delivery (Indore) Rs 6,700, Soybean Degum (Kandla) Rs 6,400, Crude Palm Oil (Ex-Kandla) Rs 4,600, Cottonseed Mill Delivery (Haryana) Rs 6,650, Palmolein (RBD) Rs 5,700, Palmolein (Kandla) Rs 5,750 and Coconut (per tin) Rs 1,750-1,800.

Non-edible oils: Linseed Rs 9,900, Castor Rs 9,700-9,800, Neem Rs 5,350-5,450.

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The Madras High court today pulled up the state education department for not coming up with a strategy to provide toilet facilities in all government schools inspite of its earlier order as well as that of the Supreme Court.

The court's Madurai bench, which was hearing a PIL seeking a direction to provide toilet facilities in schools, asked what the officials were doing to implement the court order and why they could not even plan for it.

It noted that the director of school education had earlier misled the court that enough toilet facilities were provided in all the schools, forcing the court to appoint an advocate commission to inspect the schools for the real situation.

The court said that another report of the school department was not satisfactory and "makes us shed tears about the status of basic amenities in schools in the state".

Even Andhra Pradesh and Telangana were doing better in providing facilities in schools, it said.

There were schools where girls use bushes as cover for attending to nature's call, the court said, adding, such a situation should not prevail in this country 70 years after independence.

The court also wondered why power tariff in schools was more than the commercial tariff at 5.75 ps per unit, and why electricity expenses were met by parent-teacher associations in many schools.

Additional Advocate General submitted that it would not be possible to build 75,000 toilet units in schools, which do not have the facility, this financial year itself and funds could be allocated only for 22,000 units this year. The remaining schools could be covered next year.

The court said the government had already committed contempt of court by not providing toilets in all schools as ordered by it in 2014, and it was now seeking more time to complete the project.

About 1,41,000 toilets were required at the rate of one toilet per 20 students. There were about 66,610 units in schools and the remaining should have been constructed by this time, the court said.

"This only shows that officials did not have any vision and strategy to do things," it said and posted the case for further hearing on November 22 when the government is expected to give some concrete reply on the issue.

The Supreme Court had issued orders for providing toilet facilities in schools in the country in 2012 itself.

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Actor Eddie Redmayne says he will not like to see himself playing James Bond.

The 34-year-old star said he loves to see other people playing the character but will not say no if the role is ever offered to him, reported Variety.

"I definitely will not be playing James Bond. I would hate to see myself play James Bond. I love going to see 'James Bond' and seeing really freaking cool actors that I admire doing great things. Never say never, but...No. Who would I like to see as James Bond? That's a different question," Redmayne said.

The Oscar-winner finds Tom Hardy best suited for the role.

"Tom Hardy. Seeing him in 'Inception,' I thought he was so debonair. But are they even looking? See, you don't know. Nobody knows. I love Daniel Craig.

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The government today said the Institute of Chartered Accountants of India (ICAI) has not supported the opening up of audit service sector to foreign firms.

ICAI is the apex body of chartered accountants in the country.

In a written reply to the Lok Sabha, Minister of State Arjun Ram Meghwal said ICAI has not supported the opening of audit service sector to foreign firms.

He said the Department of Commerce regularly consults stakeholders and experts, domestic as well as foreign, for reciprocal market access in the area of services, including professional services as part of bilateral and multilateral negotiations.

"As regards audit services, while government has not received requests for market access for foreign audit firms, India has, however, not taken any commitments for audit services at the World Trade Organisation, nor in any bilateral Free Trade Agreements," Meghwal said.

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An Indian Mujahideen member, accused of helping the terror outfit in 2008 Delhi and Ahmedabad bombings, tried to escape from the JJ Hospital premises here where he was taken for check up, police said today.

Anwar Abdul Ali Gani Bagwan's luck ran out soon as he was overpowered by police constables who were earlier escorting him and common people after a chase.

The incident occurred on November 15, when Bagwan (33) was taken to the state-run hospital in Central Mumbai after he complained of some issues with his eyes.

When they reached the premises of the hospital, he pushed police constables and started running, a police official said today.

By the time Bagwan crossed the road, the constables were joined by bystanders in the chase. He was overpowered and taken into custody.

An offence has been registered against him by J J Marg Police in this regard, Senior Inspector Dileep Shinde said.

Bagwan, an undertrial, is lodged in Arthur Road prison here. He was arrested by Crime Branch in 2009.

The MBBS doctor was accused of using the IM funds for hiring flats at posh Koregaon Park area in Pune as the bases for IM members.

He allegedly procured sedatives and anaesthetics from a hospital in Pune and used them to train IM cadres in kidnapping for seeking ransom to fund terror activities. He had allegedly received terror training in Bhatkal.

According to police, Bagwan allegedly let IM use his apartments in Pune to the terror outfit's media wing which had sent emails to channels just minutes before the bomb blasts struck Delhi and Ahmadabad.

In an 1,800-page chargesheet filed before the MCOCA Court in 2009, the Mumbai Police had charged 21 alleged terrorists of the Indian Mujahideen group, including Bagwan, for being involved in the planning and execution of bomb blasts across the country, of forming an organised crime syndicate for terror-related activities, and of hacking into WiFi accounts to send emails claiming responsibility for the Ahmedabad and Delhi blasts.

On July 26, 2008, a series of multiple bomb blasts hit Ahmedabad, within a span of 70 minutes.

Similarly, Delhi was struck with a series of five synchronised bomb blasts at various locations on September 13, 2008. Scores of people were killed in these bombings.

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Israeli President Reuven Rivlin today said the future of relationship between India and Israel not only goes between the government and administration but between "the people of both the nations".

Rivlin, who visited the Centre of Excellence for Vegetables (CEV) here, said India could learn from Israeli experience and know how in the fields of agriculture, water saving and water cleaning techniques.

Amid tight security, the Israeli President came here along with a delegation and had a first-hand experience of the protected cultivation of vegetables at the centre which was set up in collaboration with Israel in 2011.

Rivlin visited the nursery in the high-tech green house located at the centre to get an overview of Indo-Israeli agricultural projects.

Asked about the Indo-Israel cooperation, the President said that the cooperation between both the nations is now being expanded in the field of agriculture, water and security while asserting, "We have to take care of each other".

"They (India) are asking our experience to be taught here. I believe the connection between people of India and people of Israel and the understanding .... We have to take care of each other that will bring us to lot of cooperation because the cooperation started 25 years ago and it is now being expanded to a level (where) no one can even foresee in all fields of agriculture, water.

"We have any kind of necessity to carry on, we have any kind of security and we are doing all together. We are cooperating and we are not hiding from each other any kind of business we are very open," he asserted.

He further said, "I see the future of relationship between India and Israel that something not only goes between the government and administration but between the people."



President Rivlin is on a state visit to India on the invitation of President Pranab Mukherjee.

India and Israel signed agreements for agriculture partnership in 2006 under which Israel has been sharing its best practices and knowledge through professional training programmes.

When asked about the technologies India need the most, the President said that Israel can share its experience and know how in the field of agriculture and lesser use of water in farming.

"We know how to do and how to arrange clean drinking water. We have every type of agriculture experience. Shortage of water in Israel has taught us to how to carry water from one part of the country to another part, how to clean water and how to bring the ability to make sea water into drinking water," he said.

"We have lot of experiences and people of India can have our experience by 'b-to b' relationship, 'g to g'...."



While taking a look at seedling of various vegetables at the centre, President said the small tomatoes which were grown here are "money maker".

Rivlin, who was accompanied by his wife Nechama Rivlin, saw the demonstration of different varieties of vegetables including tomatoes, capsicum, cucumber, chillies etc, which are grown by using poly house technique, besides having a look at the muskmelon being cultivated at walk-in tunnel.

Addressing media, while taking a look at the vegetables, he lauded the people of India for making progress in the field of horticulture by using Israeli techniques and technology at the Centre of Excellence.

"Here we are trying to give everything and our experience to help Indian people, how to do and give an opportunity to all the people for producing more," he said.

"You are doing miracle. We appreciate (you) for using Israeli knowledge and experience to become much better... We salute to the Indian people about the ability and efficiency and using our know how to be better," he said.

On this occasion, the President inaugurated the 'Friendship stone', set up as sincere thanks to the President and Israel for cooperation in establishment of centre under the Indo-Israel Agricultural Work Plan.

As many as six centres of excellence have been set up in Haryana which are for vegetables in Gharaunda in Karnal, for fruits-citrus, pomegranate at Mangiana in Sirsa, bee keeping at Ram Nagar in Kurukshetra, mango at Ladwa in Kurukshetra, floriculture in Sondhi in Jhajjar and model dairy farm in Hisar.

The visit, first by an Israeli President in nearly 20 years, symbolises the growing partnership between India and Israel. President Rivlin is accompanied by heads of business and academic delegation including 15 heads of Israeli universities.

The Israeli President arrived on November 14 on an eight-day visit to India.

"Cooperation is something that not only goes between the government but also between people. We have learnt all over the world the words of Gandhi saying those who are hungry should be given food," said an official release of Israel embassy quoting the President during his visit to Karnal.
Pakistan today described as "ambiguous" India's 'No First Use' policy on nuclear weapons and said it cannot be a substitute for verifiable arms control and restraint measures, days Defence Minister Manohar Parrikar questioned the doctrine.

"Pakistan believes the ambiguous 'No First Use' Declaration is not verifiable and amounts to nothing. It can't be a substitute for verifiable arms control and restraint measures proposed by Pakistan's standing offer of Strategic Restraint Regime," Foreign Office (FO) spokesperson Nafees Zakaria said in his weekly briefing.

He was responding to the recent remarks by Parrikar in which he asked why India cannot say "we are a responsible nuclear power and I will not use it irresponsibly" instead of affirming a "no first use policy". Later he had said the remarks were personal in nature.

Zakaria said statement by the defence minister of a country that repeatedly and constantly heightens tension and maintains an aggressive posture should be a matter of concern for all.

He said signing of nuclear deals by some countries is a matter of concern as it is only reinforcing arrogance and belligerence with which India conducts itself in the region and beyond, in an indirect reference to Indo-Japan nuclear deal.

Zakaria also said Pakistan established itself as a serious candidate for membership of the Nuclear Suppliers' Group (NSG), increasing number of countries were supporting the non-discriminatory approach.

"There is also growing recognition of the fact that 2008 exemption to India neither benefited non-proliferation regime nor objective of strategic stability in South Asia," he said.

The spokesman expressed the confidence that members of the NSG would bear in mind the need to prevent further erosion of non-proliferation regime and preserving credibility of the NSG as a rule-based organisation.

He said Pakistan has expressed its openness to measures for strengthening non-proliferation objectives to the NSG, which included proposal for binding bilateral agreement with India on non-testing.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
India and Cyprus today signed the revised bilateral tax treaty under which capital gains tax will be levied on sale of shares on investments made after April 1, 2017, bringing the island nation at par with Mauritius in terms of tax treatment.

The new agreement also provides for exchange of banking information and allows the use of such information for purposes other than taxation with prior approval of competent authorities of the country.

Both had earlier in June agreed to revise the over two decade old tax treaty and decided to grandfather investments made prior to April 1, 2017.

"The new DTAA provides for source-based taxation of capital gains arising from alienation of shares, instead of residence-based taxation provided under the existing DTAA. However, a grandfathering clause has been provided for investments made prior to April 1, 2017, in respect of which capital gains would continue to be taxed in the country of which taxpayer is a resident," a finance ministry statement said.

The new agreement provides for assistance between the two countries for collection of taxes.

It also updates the provisions related to exchange of information to accepted international standards, which will allow exchange of banking details and its use for purposes other than taxation with prior approval of competent authorities of the country providing the information.

The new agreement expands the scope of 'permanent establishment' and reduces the tax rate on royalty in the country from which payments are made to 10 per cent from the existing 15 per cent, in line with the tax rate under Indian tax laws.

It also updates the text of other provisions in accordance with the international standards and consistent policy of India in respect of tax treaties, the ministry added.

The completion of the negotiation on avoidance of double taxation and the prevention of fiscal evasion will also pave the way for the removal of Cyprus from the list of 'Notified Jurisdictional Areas' retrospectively from November 2013.

(REOPENS DEL 29)



The notification imposed tougher conditions and



withholding tax on investments coming from Cyprus.

The revised agreement is expected to contribute to further develop the trade and economic links between Cyprus and India and also with other countries. India and Cyprus have a DTAA since 1994.

Cyprus is a major source of foreign fund flows into the country. From April 2000 till September 2016, India received FDI worth Rs 45,227 crore (USD 8.9 billion) from Cyprus.

India in May signed a revised tax treaty with Mauritius under which capital gains will be levied on investments made after April 1, 2017.

Following amendment of the 33-year old tax treaty, companies routing funds into India through Mauritius after March 31, 2017 will have to pay short-term capital gains tax at half the rate prevailing during the two-year transition period. The levy is currently at 15 per cent. The full rate will kick in from April 1, 2019.
India and the UK today signed three Bilateral Advance Pricing Agreements (APAs) that are aimed at reducing litigation in the Indian transfer pricing arena.

The Central Board of Direct Taxes (CBDT) signed the three pacts taking the total APAs signed (both- bilateral and unilateral) so far to 111.

"These agreements are a result of the understanding reached with the Competent Authority of the UK some time ago," the finance ministry said in a statement.

The competent authorities of India and the UK had earlier exchanged mutual agreements among them under the Mutual Agreement Procedure (MAP) Article of the India-UK Double Taxation Avoidance Convention (DTAC).

The three agreements cover international transactions in the nature of payment of intra-group service charges and pertain to the telecom industry.

They also have a rollback provision. With this, India and the UK have concluded five five bilateral APAs and some more will be concluded in the near future.

The APA programme was introduced by the Finance Act, 2012 with a view to providing a predictable and non-adversarial tax regime and reducing litigation in Indian transfer pricing.

An APA can be entered into for a maximum of 5 years at a time.

Since the notification of the APA scheme came in August 2012, a total of about 700 APA applications have been received during the first four years of the programme, which points to its wide acceptance by the taxpayers.

Rollback of APAs was announced in the Budget in July 2014 to provide certainty on the pricing of international transactions for four prior years (rollback years) preceding the first year from which APA is to be applicable.

The ministry said the Indian APA programme has been appreciated nationally and internationally for being able to address complex transfer pricing issues in a fair and transparent manner.

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Pakistan has drawn the attention of the United Nations to what it said was India's "intention" to escalate tension on the Line of Control by launching artillery barrages, which were threatening regional peace and security.

Pakistan's Ambassador to the UN Maleeha Lodhi wrote to UNSC President and and UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon saying Indian troops in Kashmir launched artillery barrages last week in a major escalation of attacks along the LoC threatening regional peace and security, Geo reported.

"This was the first use of such weapons in 13 years and was a clear indication of the Indian intention to further escalate tensions and undermine regional peace and security," she wrote.

Lodhi said it was an effort by India to divert the international attention from its "continued violations of human rights" in Kashmir, the report said.

She called on the UN chief and the Security Council as the custodians of international peace and security to take note of the continued ceasefire violations by India that pose a real danger to regional peace and security.

She told the UN authorities that the frequency of these violations has increased over the last two months.

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China today refuted allegations of denial of visa to the manager of the Indian badminton team on the ground that he is a resident of Arunachal Pradesh, which Beijing claims as Southern Tibet, saying he himself cancelled his visa application.

Bamang Tago, who is also the Secretary of Arunachal Pradesh Badminton Association, had applied for a Chinese visa at its embassy in New Delhi to travel to Fuzhou for the ongoing China Super Series Premier badminton tournament.

"What you said does not comply with the facts," Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesman Geng Shuang told reporters here while commenting on the Tago's visa issue.

"According to what we learnt that the person you have mentioned had previously gone to the Chinese embassy in India for visa application but later he himself cancelled the visa application," Geng claimed.

Asked whether Togo was denied visa because he hails from Arunachal Pradesh, Geng said, "the way China issues visa to relevant people is a flexible approach adopted by China to facilitate exchanges between two sides pending the final settlement of the boundary question".

"It fully reflects China's sincerity and flexibility. We hope that India will work together with China to maintain sound momentum of personnel exchanges and cooperation in different fields between the two sides," he said.

China in the past has declined visas to residents of Arunachal Pradesh as it considers the area to be part of the Southern Tibet.

Reports from New Delhi said Tago has approached Ministry of External Affairs after he was denied visa by the Chinese Embassy in New Delhi "on ground of Arunachal domiciles", a day after applying for the travel document on November 10.

Following this External Affairs Ministry Spokesperson Vikas Swarup said, "this matter has been brought to our notice now. Government's position on differential treatment of Indian passport holders is clear and well known. We have conveyed it to the Chinese side".

"We expect them to address this issue in the spirit of reciprocity and smooth development of bilateral relations," Swarup had said.

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Iran denied today that it had in any way breached its nuclear deal with world powers, insisting it was meeting its commitment to cap its stocks of controlled materials.

A report by the International Atomic Energy Agency last week showed that Iran's stocks of so-called heavy water had inched above the 130-tonne level set out in the agreement.

Heavy water is not itself radioactive but is used in certain types of nuclear reactor, which can in turn produce plutonium that can be used in an atomic bomb.

The July 2015 deal with world powers sets Iran's heavy water "needs" at 130 tonnes and states that any excess must be "made available for export".

Atomic Energy Organisation of Iran spokesman Behrouz Kamalvandi said arrangements were in hand to export the excess.

"Iran has fulfilled its obligations on heavy water stockpiles," state broadcaster IRIB quoted him as saying.

"We were required to put on the international market any excess over 130 tonnes and so far we have sold 70 tonnes," he said.

"Negotiations are under way with interested countries, in particular European," to sell the rest.

IAEA chief Yukiya Amano had chided Iran yesterday for exceeding the agreed limit on its stockpiles for a second time.

"It is important that such situations should be avoided in future in order to maintain international confidence in the implementation," he said.

Washington has played down concerns about Iran's exceeding of the stockpile limit.

State Department spokesman Mark Toner said last week that it was "important to note that Iran made no effort to hide this" and that he was "not sure whether that constitutes a formal violation".

In all other respects, the IAEA found that Iran was continuing to abide by the agreement's terms.

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The Income Tax Department has served a notice to authorities of Kerala's famous Chottanikkara Bhagavathy temple near here, seeking details of gold stock kept in the shrine.

The development came following reports that gold lockets were sold in bulk at the temple soon after Prime Minister Narendra Modi announced demonetisation of Rs 500 and Rs 1,000 currency notes last week.

IT sources said temple authorities have been asked to provide details of one month sale of gold lockets.

Details of those who purchased gold lockets have also been sought, they said.

Authorities of the temple, however, sought to downplay the incident.

A temple official said the IT Department had only asked them to provide details of gold stocks at the shrine.

The temple, visited by thousands of devotees from all across the country, is under the administration of Cochin Devaswom Board.

Meanwhile, sources said Cochin Devaswom Board has instituted an internal probe following reports that the temple witnessed a 'gold rush' on November 9 and 10.

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CCTV footage sought by Delhi Police from the Jamia authorities in connection with the disappearance of JNU student Najeeb Ahmed has been erased as the authorities store a day's clips for one month, prompting the probe team to seek help from Forensic Science Laboratory (FSL) to retrieve the images.

The Jamia Millia Islamia administration, after initial reluctance, has shared CCTV footage with the Delhi Police's Crime Branch which is probing the disappearance of Najeeb Ahmed, but has informed it that the footage of the period before October 18 was not available.

The probe team has traced an auto-rickshaw driver who told them that he had dropped Najeeb at Jamia Millia Islamia on October 15.

"We contacted the Jamia authorities and they told us that the footage of the period till October 18 has been erased since the clips are stored only for a period of one month. We are trying to retrieve the footage of October 15 in order to trace Najeeb's movement inside the Jamia campus. We have sent the cameras to FSL so that we can get some clues in Najeeb's case," a police source said.

Meanwhile, a guard at JNU's Mahi Mandavi Hostel where Najeeb was staying had received a letter a few days ago which stated that the student was being held captive in Aligarh. However, on verification, the letter was found to be bogus.

"We checked it. The information was bogus. The letter said he's in captivity but it was found to be fake. There was no ransom demand," Joint Commissioner of Police (Crime) Ravindra Yadav said, adding that a team was sent to the address in Aligarh and it was found that the sender had used fake identity.

The reward amount for providing information on Najeeb's whereabouts has been increased from Rs 2 lakh to Rs 5 lakh owing to the "sensitivity" of the matter.

Najeeb went missing on October 15 following an on-campus scuffle allegedly with ABVP members the night before.

The case was last week transferred from South District Police to Crime Branch in order to have a "fresh look" at the case.

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OS Road meeting 001.jpg

Ocean Springs Road resident Dr. Michael Shields looks over one of the displays available at Thursday night's public meeting regarding potential improvements for the heavily-traveled road.

(Warren Kulo/The Mississippi Press)

Residents who came to Thursday night's meeting to discuss possible improvements to Ocean Springs Road were asked to use decals to indicate sections of the road they considered problem areas.

OCEAN SPRINGS, Mississippi -- About 20 people who live on or near Ocean Springs Road came to the Ocean Springs Civic Center Thursday night to view potential plans and offer input for improving the heavily-traveled road which connects U.S. 90 and Highway 57.

Ocean Springs and Jackson County officials were on hand, along with representatives of the engineering firm of Burk-Kleinpeter, Inc., to answer residents' questions and listen to their suggestions.

"This is the first step in evaluating what safety and capacity improvements could be made," said Paul Waidhas of Burk-Kleinpeter.

Waidhas explained that engineers will take their original concepts, couple them with input from residents, then come back with improvement plans for additional public meetings.

For longtime Ocean Springs Road resident Dr. Michael Shields, any improvements which will reduce speeding along the road will be welcome.

"There is speeding -- a lot of it," Sheilds said. "It's always been that way and it's always been a problem. Some of these ideas I'm seeing look good; others, not so much."

This map showed residents locations on Ocean Springs Road where accidents have occurred since 2011 -- although officials acknowledged it may not be all-inclusive.

Once a concept for improving the road is created, city and county officials can then begin the process for seeking funding for the project. Ocean Springs Grants Administrator Carolyn Martin explained most funding sources, such as the Mississippi Department of Transportation, require plans to be in place before they will consider supporting a project.

"The normal process is you get all the engineering and public comments together and once it's shovel-ready, you start soliciting the transportation departments -- the state transportation department, the federal transportation departments -- the folks that can help with the money," said Jackson County supervisor Randy Bosarge.

"You go after all the money you can get for the project, then whatever's left, the city and the county will work to come up with the matching funds."

Ocean Springs Road is inside the city limits until it reaches Riley Road. From there, it's county property -- hence the need for the two entities to address the issue jointly.

Bosarge and Ocean Springs alderman Chic Cody both pointed out that Ocean Springs Road's usage as a connector road to Interstate 10 makes it one of the primary outlets for residents during times of emergency, such as a hurricane. As such, state and federal funds are likely to be more readily available.

"It's one of the escape routes for Ocean Springs," Cody said, "plus, you've got the (Ocean Springs) hospital on that road. It's used to evacuate that part of town, along with (Highway) 57."

Bosarge also noted the continued growth in that area of town -- growth that could make delaying improvements to Ocean Springs Road more problematic in the future.

"It's growing out there and we have to grow that road with it," he said, "so in the future it'll be able to handle an even heavier traffic load. Better to address this now before it grows much more out there."
Japan's Prime Minister Shinzo Abe will make an official visit to Argentina on Monday hoping to boost investment in the Latin American nation, officials said.

It is the first visit to Argentina by a Japanese prime minister in 57 years - the last was by Abe's grandfather Nobusuke Kishi in 1959.

Abe's one-day visit provides the latest big international encounter for Argentina's conservative president Mauricio Macri.

He has been working to boost Argentina's trade ties since he took office a year ago after 12 years of protectionist policies under his leftist predecessors.

Heading to Argentina after the APEC trade summit in Peru, Abe will meet businesspeople and members of Argentina's 65,000-strong Japanese community.

The Japanese embassy in Buenos Aires said in a statement it is "a historic visit that will seek to further strengthen bilateral relations."



The Argentine foreign ministry said the visit aims to reinforce ties "in the political and economic spheres and in trade, investment and cooperation in science, technology, culture and sport."



Japan's ambassador in Buenos Aires, Noriteru Fukushima, said in July that he wanted to multiply Japanese investment in Argentina over the next three years.

He said Japan aimed to increase investment to as much as USD 3.0 billion a year from its current level of USD 100 million.

Japanese carmakers already have major factories in Argentina and Toyota, for example, is looking to expand, said Belisario de Azevedo, an economist at Argentine consultancy Abeceb.

"Currently bilateral relations between Argentina and Japan are very much focused on investment, above all on the auto sector, with the Honda, Toyota and Nissan factories," he said.

Japan has trading agreements with Brazil, Mexico and Chile, but not with Argentina.

Japanese exports to Argentina were worth about USD 1.2 billion in 2015, according to the Argentine state statistics institute.

That was twice the amount that Argentina exported to Japan.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
Popular British author Jeffrey Archer will be on a four-city tour of India from Monday to promote the final installment of his seven-book "The Clifton Chronicles" with Gurgaon being his first stop.

The 76-year-old writer, whose "This Was a Man" had a global release on November 3, will also travel to Bengaluru, Pune and Mumbai.

Archer has a great fan following in India and has been a frequent visitor. He says he enjoys the "cosmopolitan feel of Mumbai, the beauty of New Delhi, the energy of Kolkata, and the friendliness of Hyderabad".

He had visited India last year, in 2014 and in 2013 to promote the earlier volumes of "The Clifton Chronicles", a saga that crosses continents, and one which in which the lives and loves of Harry, Emma and Giles are tested through friendship, betrayal, and intrigue.

The author of bestsellers like "Not a Penny More", "Not a Penny Less", "Kane and Abel", "As the Crow Flies" and "First Among Equals", terms India as an amazing market.

"Indians love storytellers. You are a very large leadership. There are 200-250 million middle class readers in India. This is bigger readership than America. So India is an amazing market," he had told PTI in an earlier interview.

According to publishers Pan Macmillan India, "This Was a Man" has enhanced Archer's reputation as a master storyteller.

Spanning the 20th century, "The Clifton Chronicles" is a gripping family saga of the trials and tribulations of the Clifton and Barringtons, two families at opposite ends of the social spectrum.

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Jharkhand People's Party (JPP) have decided to boycott the state assembly foundation day on November 22 in protest against Raghubar Das-headed state government's proposal to amend decades-old Chhotanagpur and Santal Paragana Tenancy Act (CNT and SPT).

"We will stage a dharna during the winter session of assembly on 21st November, which will be followed by boycott of Assembly Foundation Day function on November 22 in protest against the government's move to amend the tenancy act despite the fact that the President of India had already returned the Ordinance placed before him by the government, said JPP President Surya Singh Besra told a press meet here.

Besra said as CNT and SPT were enlisted in the 9th Schedule of the Constitution, the state assembly as well as Parliament could only recommend for any amendment in the Act to the President of India but did not have any right to do it under Articles 31B and 13.

Referring to a judgement by the constitutional bench of Supreme Court in 2007, Besra stated that as per the verdict of the apex court, the tenancy act enlisted under 9th schedule of the constitution can not be amended in normal condition but with the consent of President of India.

President of India had already returned an Ordinance brought by the state government in this regard recently, he said claiming that the government's move to amend the tenancy act, which was framed to protect the interest of tribal community, for the second time was not only "unconstitutional but also a contempt of court".

JPP would soon file a Public Interest Litigation in the Supreme Court against Jharkhand Government in this regard, he said.

About Opposition parties coming under a platform in protest against the government's move, Besra hailed the opposition unity on CNT and SPT issue but it should not be politicized and misguide the masses..

In fact, former Chief Ministers Babulal Marandi and Hemant Soren had themselves proposed to bring about an amendment in the CNT and SPT during their respective tenure.

Besra said the 7th General Convention of the party will be on 30th December in Jamshedpur when the party would take up the CNT and SPT issue for discussion and next court of action.

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Karnataka government today announced a slew of allowances to police personnel covering 90 per cent of the force and scrapping of the orderly system, but said their long-standing wage anomaly issue can be addressed only next year.

"At this point of time, it is difficult to decide on wage anomaly, because next year we are constituting a state wage revision commission, which has to discuss about the revision and send a recommendation to the government," Chief Minister Siddaramaiah told reporters here.

The government had constituted a committee headed by Additional Director General of Police (ADGP) Raghavendra Auradkar to look into wage anomaly faced by Karnataka police in comparison to other government employees and police from other states. The committee submitted its report in September according to which the anomaly exists.

In June, the constabulary had threatened to go on leave protesting alleged "harassment" by senior officials, lesser pay and no proper leave, but government had thwarted it by warning strict action and by bringing police and related services under Essential Services Maintenance Act (ESMA).

The state government has, meanwhile, decided to give some new allowances to police personnel, effective from December 1, which increases their salary by Rs 2,000 per month.

Siddaramaiah said Uniform allowance had been increased from Rs 100 per month to Rs 500 per month. Earlier there was no conveyance allowance and now government had decided to give Rs 600 per month for it.

"Likewise there was no hardship allowance, now we will give Rs 1,000 per month towards this," he added.

He said this would be applicable to those from constable to Sub Inspector rank and cover about 90 per cent of the police force, approximately 80,000 people.

The Chief Minister also said government has decided to make changes to promotion rules to facilitate promotions of constables after 10 years of service, instead of 20 odd years earlier.

"If someone joins as a constable, they don't get promotion till about 20-23 years. At the most, he/she may retire as head constable or ASI. So we have decided to make changes to the rules to see to (it) that they get promotion in 10 years," he said.

Claiming that this measure would motivate the constabulary, Siddaramaiah said "now at least they may wish to wear two stars at the time of their retirement".

He also announced that the government had decided to end the orderly system in police and find an alternative to it.

According to reports, there are about 3,000 people trained to be constables, but are doing menial jobs at homes of senior police officers as orderlies.

(Reopens MDS10)



Siddaramaih also announced that permission has been granted to appoint 7,815 police personnel this year, including 711 Sub-Inspectors.

"(In) the recruitment procedure of 6,610 police constables; 215 PSIs (Police Sub-Inspectors) has been completed so far. About 5,000constables are under training," he said.

The Chief Minister added that steps have been taken to fillup posts that will fall vacant in the next two years.
Admitting perhaps for the first time that dispute "does hinder" the $46 billion China-Pakistan Economic Corridor project, a state media report here on Friday said that this does not mean China should "appease" India to prevent it from playing "little tricks".

"The dispute over between India and Pakistan does hinder China's efforts in pushing the (China-Pakistan Economic Corridor) forward, but this does not mean China should 'appease India' to prevent the country from playing little tricks," said the article in the Global Times - part of the People's Daily group of the ruling Communist Party of China.

It said "India should be aware that its ambition of becoming a great power won't be realised if it contributes little to promoting regional integration and regional economic development."



The article was in response to a piece by US-based analyst Panos Mourdoukoutas in Forbes magazine yesterday criticising Beijing over the ambitious project. The Forbes piece has said that China has done "very little to appease India."



The daily has regularly carried articles critical to India for the past few months. Today's was, however, a rare admission that the dispute hinders the CPEC project, which runs through the Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK).

India has expressed reservations over the project that links western China to Gwadar Port in the restive Balochistan province in southern Pakistan. The project gives China easy access for trade to Central Asian states and European markets.

China has defended the project, saying it is a commercial project aimed at improving people's lives.

In the Forbes piece, Mourdoukoutas said that "China should make peace with India for forget about the project".

He said China desperately needs CPEC. It's part of China's vision "to write the rules of the next stage of globalisation" and help its export and investment engines grow for years.

"So far, China has done very little to appease India. In fact, it has done quite the opposite: repeatedly blocking India's efforts to join the Nuclear Suppliers Group," he said.

"And things could turn worse, if pro-Indian forces in Pakistan sabotage China's CPEC route. That raises the possibility of an open confrontation between China and Pakistan on the one side, and India and its allies on the other," he said.

Countering Mourdoukoutas, the Chinese media article said, "India's strategic suspicions toward China's rising presence in South Asia may hobble its ambition to be a great power, even though some observers think otherwise."



The CPEC "does not target India, and we believe that China's efforts to improve infrastructure in Pakistan have no intention of supporting the country's dispute with India," it said.

It said China has made efforts to boost regional economic integration with Bangladesh, Sri Lanka, Nepal and Myanmar.

"However, as a strategic location connecting East Asia, Southeast Asia and Central Asia, India's poor infrastructure is a challenge for Asian nations to become interconnected. Although China has offered an olive branch to India to help upgrade its infrastructure facilities, it seems that India is reluctant to participate in the initiative. Additionally, New Delhi's suspicions toward China have left the country vigilant as Beijing strengthens ties with India's neighbours," it said.

"Some neighbouring countries have not benefited significantly from India's rapid economic growth. This will hamper New Delhi in improving its regional influence," it said.

"However, India cannot hinder China's efforts in promoting regional integration. Additionally, Asian countries like Pakistan keep a positive attitude toward Chinese efforts to improve infrastructure in the region."



"If India still holds suspicions toward China and excludes itself from the moves of promoting regional integration, the country will perhaps end up simply watching China's influence among its neighbouring countries rise," it claimed.
With rallies in Meerut, Lucknow and Prime Minister Narendra Modi's home turf Varanasi, Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal is set to intensify his fight against demonetisation, supporting which, he today said was "anti-national".

The Delhi Chief Minister and AAP National Convener also plans to hold similar public meetings in poll bound Punjab and many other parts of the country.

In Uttar Pradesh, the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) chief will address the rallies in Meerut, Varanasi and Lucknow on December 1, 8 and 18 respectively, party spokesperson Deepak Bajpai said.

Kejriwal, who had given a three-day ultimatum to the Centre to roll back demonetisation yesterday, told NDTV that he will decide his next course of action after consulting West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee.

"It is anti-national to support demonetisation in the present form, which is the biggest scam, worth Rs 8 lakh crore, in independent India's history," Kejriwal said.

He will also be live on social media site Facebook at 7 PM tomorrow, to "apprise" the people on the "currency crisis" and will also "produce documents against the Prime Minister".

Between November 20 and November 30, he will address 21 rallies in Punjab, starting from Sukhbir Singh Badal's constituency Jalalabad.

AAP is locked in a triangular contest with the Congress and incumbent BJP-SAD alliance in the state which goes to polls early next year.

"Although the exact number of public meetings are yet to be ascertained, about 90 such meetings are being planned across the country where he will garner support against demonetisation of high value currency," party sources said.

Kejriwal had pitted himself against Prime Minister Narendra Modi during the 2014 Lok Sabha elections from Varanasi, which he had lost by over 3 lakh votes.

Asked about BJP's criticism that he was siding with "scam-tainted" Trinamool Congress, Kejriwal said he would like the Centre to probe everyone including "myself and Mamata Banerjee", but "who is stopping it from doing so despite having all the agencies at its disposal."



Earlier, Kejriwal tweeted that the decision taken by a government that has "lost connect" with people smacked of "insensitivity".

"I am very sad that FM has plainly refused to even review and consider rollback. Modi govt has lost connect wid people n has become very insensitive," Kejriwal tweeted.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan, along with his ministers, sat on a dharna in front of the RBI office here protesting against the Centre's move to "destroy" the cooperative sector in the state under the cover of demonetisation process and also took pot shots at Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

Vijayan and his Cabinet colleagues marched from the Martyrs Column at Palayam to the RBI regional office here, before commencing the dharna.

The CM termed the Centre's move a "political conspiracy", backed by BJP, and rejected the saffron party's charge that cooperative societies are "hub for black money".

Attacking the Prime Minister, he said the demonetisation of Rs 1,000 and Rs 500 notes "without taking proper precautionary measures" had led to the present "crisis" and hardships to people.

Arguing that about 84-86 per cent of currency in circulation was that in the demonetised notes, he said the sudden withdrawal had led to the "present crisis".

"It was not an appropriate decision of a seasoned administrator," he said.

Vijayan said the cooperative sector was not being allowed to accept deposits and exchange demonetised Rs 1,000 and Rs 500 notes which had led to "deep crisis" and attributed this to the outcome of BJP's "propaganda".

"All financial transactions in these societies have accurate inspection system and these are deposits of ordinary persons," he said, adding, the sector stands with the people of the state.

Vijayan said he and state Finance Minister Thomas Issac had met Union Finance Minister Arun Jaitley on November 14 to apprise the Centre of the difficulties of the cooperative sector.

"We pointed out that primary agricultural cooperative societies should also be allowed to exchange notes and accept deposits. We thought there would be a favourable decision. But by afternoon, the Centre decided to take back the permission given to district banks also," he said, adding, "this was not a normal action".

Pointing that some people may be shocked that cooperative sector in the state had such deposits of about Rs 1.27 lakh crore, he said, "The sector has grown step by step and people working in this field are socially committed".

Highlighting the importance of cooperative societies in Kerala, he said 70 per cent of agriculture loans for farmers were given by the sector. Besides, it also meets the day-to-day needs of the people, he said.

Vijayan said, "Cooperative sector in Kerala has a bond



with the people right from their birth to their death. People depend for all their small needs on the sector".

To save the cooperative sector, Kerala will fight unitedly, he said.

"We need to stand together on the issue. We need to fight out forces who are trying to destroy the sector," he said.

A special Cabinet has been called later in the day to discuss the issues of the sector and an all-party meeting would be held on November 21 on the issue, he said.

CPI(M) General Secretary Sitaram Yechury saidall India programmes and actions on the issue will be launched along with other opposition parties and his party would take the initiative.
Sri Lanka's Supreme Court today rejected a petition challenging the singing of the country's national anthem in Tamil which was allowed by the Sirisena government earlier this year in an effort to achieve reconciliation with the ethnic minority community.

Three people had filed a petition in the apex court, saying that singing the national anthem in Tamil was a gross violation of Article 7 of the Constitution and it was arbitrary and crass violation of the principle of equality and of the rights of all citizens.

The Supreme Court Bench comprising Justices Priyasath Dep, K T Chitrasiri and Prasanna S Jayawardene refused to grant leave to proceed with the petition.

For the first time since the 1970s, the Tamil national anthem was sung at the Independence Day celebrations in February this year.

Tamil political leaders had welcomed the move while the Sinhala majority nationalists had opposed it.

The move, despite opposition from some quarters, was seen as an effort by the government to reach out to the Tamil minority after the nearly 26-year war with the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE) ended in 2009.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
The Maharashtra government is in talks with the Asian Development Bank (ADB) to raise funds for the Rs 46,000 crore Nagpur-Mumbai 'Samruddhi Corridor' road project.

"We will need to raise funds to the extent of Rs 27,000 crore which is the actual project cost. We plan to raise it from the market in the form of loan and the government has already approached ADB for raising the funds," Maharashtra State Road Development Corporation (MSRDC) Vice Chairman and Managing Director Radheshyam Mopalwar said here today.

MSRDC is the implementing agency for the 706-km road project that will require 10,000 hectares. It has appointed SBI Capital to assist in fund-raising.

Of the total project cost of Rs 46,000 crore, Rs 27,000 crore, which includes Rs 24,000 crore for civil work, Rs 2,500 crore for node development and Rs 500 crore for utility shifting, will be raised from market, Mopalwar said.

Asked when the actual work is expected to begin, he said, "We are currently in the process of final alignment and acquiring of land. We expect that to be complete in two months. By February 2017, we feel we will be able to invite tenders and by May, we believe the actual civil work may begin. Our target is to complete the project by 2019."



He said the joint measurement process, which includes notifying land and acquiring it, will start from November 21.

The government has adopted land pooling pattern where the farmers, whose land is acquired, would be given in return fully developed land in the vicinity along with provisions for sustained livelihood.

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A man was arrested today by the Air Intelligence Unit (AIU) of Mumbai Customs from the airport here for trying to allegedly smuggle gold he had bought from the grey market using invalidated currency at a premium.

"We have arrested Pranav Chauhan, who was to depart to Canada via Dubai and seized 2.5 kgs gold worth Rs 65 lakhs," a customs official said.

Chauhan would have traded the yellow metal for foreign currency and had planned to bring that currency in India.

The official said this may be a unique case wherein attempt was made to smuggle gold out of India.

"Aftereffects of demonetisation is setting new trends in money laundering and smuggling activities," the official said.

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It's also timely as the country turns toward the holiday season, when the number of alcohol-related fatalities normally rise. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, citing 2001-2005 data, has said that the daily death toll during the Christmas and New Year's holidays rose from an average of 36 to 45 fatalities per day during the Christmas holiday period and to 54 around New Year's.

AAA Mid-Atlantic this week issued an advisory noting that the Wednesday before Thanksgiving has also become known as "Blackout Wednesday," or "Drinksgiving," because of all the barhopping, particularly among college students returning home for the holidays. Combine holiday overindulgence and heavy traffic, and the result can be deadly, John B. Townsend II, AAA Mid-Atlantic's manager of public and government affairs, said in a statement.

"It is not the food, it's the booze," he said.

MADD ranked the states and the District of Columbia with a five-star system based on whether the jurisdictions require all offenders, including those convicted of a first-time offense, to install an interlock ignition device on their vehicles. The devices prevent the vehicle from starting until the driver has submitted to a breath test

MADD, by using half stars, also attempted to gauge the degree of aggressiveness a jurisdiction's use of a policy is -- for example, whether a state not only conducts sobriety checkpoints but does so at least once a month.

In the Washington metropolitan region, Maryland came out on top with a score of 4.5 stars, falling short of a perfect 5 only because the state, like most, classifies drunken driving with a child passenger as a misdemeanor instead of a felony. The District received a 3-star rating, Virginia 3.5 stars.

Frank Harris, MADD's director of state government affairs, said the variation among the states' approach to drunken driving generally aligns with cultural norms and their view of government's role. States that tend to be more libertarian or embrace the philosophy that the government that governs least also governs best are also less likely to embrace the use of sobriety checkpoints, for example, as those are seen by some as intrusive.

"Some of that is just mind-set," Harris said in an interview. But he said checkpoints are also effective and have been shown to reduce drunken driving by 20 percent.
Mauritius will waive 40 per cent shooting tax for Indian film-makers for shooting on the island nation.

The decision was taken by Mauritius Prime Minister Anerood Jugnauth, who is on a three-day visit to the city, during a meeting with Maharashtra Finance Minister Sudhir Mungantiwar today.

"A number of issues were discussed in the meeting, including tourism, logistics, education, sugarcane industry and construction," Mungantiwar told PTI.

"One of the sectors that was discussed was films. The Mauritius Prime Minister has agreed to waive 40 per cent of the tax paid by film-makers who shoot there," he said.

An official who was present at the meeting said 60 industrialists and 20 Bollywood personalities were among those who were present in the meeting.

He said both sides discussed ways to make exporters and manufacturers work together in both the countries and the Maharashtra government highlighted its 'ease of doing business' initiative.

The state government also discussed how it could adopt the Mauritius model of tourism to beautify the beaches in Maharashtra.

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MDMK leader Vaiko has appealed to the government to effectively intervene to help farmers, who are reportedly now not able to withdraw their money from co-operative banks, following restrictions on financial transactions imposed on the sector by the RBI.

In a statement, he said such restrictions had crippled public distribution shops run by them, besides affecting farmers who were unable to pay interest on their debts.

Those who had taken farm loan and other loans have been hit by the restrictions imposed on financial transactions by the RBI on the cooperative sector banks, he said.

Cooperative bank employees have staged protests and farmers were also picketing the cooperative banks, he said. "Government should intervene immediately,in view of the urgency,and lift the restrictions on transactions by the cooperative banks," he added.

Meanwhile, farmers staged a road roko in front of the Nagapattinam Collector's office seeking relief to the families of the farmers who had reportedly died or committed suicide due to loss of crop.

They staged the protest as officials allegedly refused to accept their memorandum seeking relief.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
Imphal-based print media today halted publication of daily papers from Imphal following acute shortage of currency for exchanges with the hawkers, as the burden of the demonetisation of Rs 500 and Rs 1000 currency notes continued to have its impact on various sectors including the fourth estate.

Seeking an alternative arrangement, from the side of the government, a sit-in-protest was also jointly organised by the All Manipur Newspaper Sales and Distributors Association and All Manipur Newspaper Publishers Association at Keisampat area at the heart of Imphal town today.

General Secretary Ajit Wangkhemcha of All Manipur Newspaper Sales and Distributors Association told PTI the resolution to stop publication of daily papers was taken during a meeting at the office of the daily newspaper Huyen Lanpao last night.

The meeting was held after certain banks in Imphal refused to accept Rs 500 and Rs 1000 denomination notes beginning yesterday although the media houses had to pay the notes despite the "November 8 declaration" regarding demonetisation of Rs 500 and Rs 1000 notes, Wangkhemcha said.

He said not just the hawkers, morning subscribers are facing much hardship in terms of returning change as well as depositing it to the bank.

Unless the government suggested "means" to handle the hardship faced by the hawkers and the media houses and others involved, no dailies will be published, he added.

Nevertheless, there is no concrete decision on whether "publishing of daily papers will remain indefinite or not".

However, English and vernacular dailies based in the hill districts are yet to take such measures.

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More than 20 people have been killed in intense fighting between rebels and loyalists on the outskirts of Yemen's third city Taez, military and medical sources said today.

The clashes have eliminated hope of the warring parties abiding by a truce announced by US Secretary of State John Kerry that was to have taken effect yesterday.

Loyalist military sources told AFP that 13 rebels and eight pro-government forces were killed over the past 24 hours, while the rebels reported dozens of casualties in shelling of a local market.

Two civilians were also killed and 16 wounded as rebels fired Katyusha rockets on a residential area of Taez, they said.

For its part, rebel-controlled sabanews.Net website reported that pro-government forces fired artillery rounds into areas east of the city.

A rocket crashed into a market selling the mild narcotic leaf qat, popular among Yemenis, leaving 40 casualties, said sabanews.Net, without giving a breakdown of dead and wounded.

The medical charity Doctors Without Borders (MSF) said emergency rooms it supports or manages in Taez province had received a total of 21 dead and 76 wounded.

Among those killed was a watchman who works at the MSF trauma centre in Taez.

He was killed while "off duty when a blast hit a local market in the neighbourhood", said Djoen Besselink, who heads the MSF mission in Yemen.

"Fighting has been intensive in Taez during recent days, and hospitals on both sides of the frontline have received a continuous influx of war-wounded civilians and fighters," MSF said.

Pro-government forces are pressing on with a four-day-old offensive to recapture the presidential residence and police headquarters in the southwestern city, while the Shiite Huthi rebels have brought in reinforcements.

The fighting continued despite Kerry's announcement of a new ceasefire.

The US chief diplomat said on Tuesday that rebels were ready to observe a ceasefire plan taking effect from November 17, but President Abedrabbo Mansour Hadi's government said it was not aware of any new peace initiative.

The Huthis and the party of their ally, former president Ali Abdullah Saleh, confirmed their commitment to the truce, in a statement on the rebel television channel Almasirah's website.

A Saudi-led coalition which is backing Hadi's internationally recognised government told AFP Thursday that "until now there is no demand from the legitimate government (of Yemen) to observe a ceasefire," adding that operations will continue.

The UN says more than 7,000 people have been killed and nearly 37,000 wounded in Yemen since the Arab coalition launched a military campaign in March 2015.

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Authorities in Mozambique started investigations today into whether locals were illegally taking petrol from a tanker that exploded killing at least 60 people and injuring more than 100.

Officials had originally put the death toll at 73 following the massive blast on Thursday in Tete province in the country's remote western region near Malawi.

By today, officials had counted 60 bodies in mortuaries as recovery efforts continued.

"In the accident, 108 people were injured, 96 of whom are still being kept in for treatment at Tete Provincial Hospital," government spokesman Mouzinho Saide said at a press conference in Maputo.

"The cabinet has created a commission of inquiry to investigate the circumstances, causes and responsibilities for this accident."



According to authorities' initial accounts, the truck was carrying petrol from Mozambique's port city of Beira to neighbouring landlocked Malawi.

The driver took a detour and stopped close to the Malawi border in the village of Caphiridzange to sell petrol to local people, a common practice in Mozambique.

"The truck drivers were transferring petrol into a smaller truck and they fled when they noticed there was an (electrical) short circuit," Emilia Moiane, an information ministry director, told AFP.

"Seeing the truck had been abandoned, locals came to syphon petrol off, not knowing that the truck was already burning inside."



One of the truck drivers was from Mozambique and the other from Malawi, officials said.

President Filipe Nyusi told reporters that "tragedy has knocked on our door" with the high loss of life.

"What is important now is to take action and help the affected," he said.

Photographs and video footage from the hospital in Tete showed badly burned children arriving for emergency care and adults lying on hospital beds.

"We still have a lot of cases in a critical condition, including children and two pregnant women, out of 38 cases in total," Tete hospital director Veronica de Deus said.

"The vast majority of patients have severe burns. Some have 80 to 90 per cent of their bodies burnt," she said on public broadcaster TVM.

Authorities said many of the dead would be buried in a mass grave, and announced that three days of national mourning would start tomorrow.

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By-elections to Shahdol Lok Sabha constituency and Nepanagar assembly seats in Madhya Pradesh, which have assumed significance as the first major ground test for the ruling BJP after demonetisation of Rs 500 and Rs 1,000 notes, will take place tomorrow.

According to officials, elaborate arrangements have been made for the smooth conduct of the by-polls.

"Total 17 candidates are in the fray for the Shahdol LS seat, while four are trying their luck for Nepanagar," an election official said today. Both the seats are reserved for Scheduled Tribes (ST) category.

Thirty companies (15 each) of armed police forces have been deployed in the two constituencies to provide security during the polling.

"Over 4,000 EVMs will be used to seal the fate of the candidates. The EVMs also carry the photographs of the candidates to facilitate the voters," the official said.

In Shahdol, total 16,00,787 voters, whereas in Nepanagar, 2,30,420 people can exercise their franchise.

While Congress has fielded Himadri Singh, daughter of former union minister Dalbir Singh and ex-MP Rajesh Nandini Singh, from Shahdol Lok Sabha seat, the BJP has given ticket to tribal leader Gyan Singh, a senior minister in Chief minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan's cabinet from the reserved seat.

The Shahdol bypoll was necessitated due to death of BJP MP Dalpat Singh Paraste. In 2014, Paraste had wrested the seat from Congress's Rajesh Nandini Singh by a margin of over 2.14 lakh votes. The present BJP candidate Gyan Singh had earlier won the Shahdol seat twice in 1996 and 1998.

In Nepanagar, Congress has reposed faith in tribal leader Antar Singh Barde, while BJP has fielded Manju Dadu, daughter of late MLA Rajendra Shyamlal Dadu, whose death caused by an accident, necessitated the by-poll to cash in on the sympathy vote.

Besides these prominent names, several other candidates have also filed their nominations for the by-polls.

Communist Party of India's Parmeshwar Singh Porte, Lok Janshakti Party's Krishna Pal Singh Pavel, Gondwana Gantantra Party's Hirasingh Markm and Apna Dal's Sajjan Singh Paraste, among others are in the fray for the Shahdol LS seat. Besides them, total nine persons are contesting as independent candidates in Shahdol.

In Nepanagar, Republican Party of India (A) nominee Revanta and Lok Janshakti Party' Ber Singh are also trying their luck. However, there is no independent candidate in the fray, the official said.

The counting of votes will take place on November 22 and the entire poll process will be completed by November 24.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
Mumbai lad Aryan Goveas could not sustain the winning run in the USD 10,000 ITF Kuwait Futures tournament and lost in straight sets in the semi-finals today.

The 18-year-old, who shocked No. 2 seed Evgeny Karlovskiy of Russia in the quarter-finals of the singles event yesterday, did not serve well and went down 4-6 2-6 to German No. 3 seed Daniel Altmaier.

Thanks to his good show in the outdoor hard court tournament held in Meshref, Kuwait, Goveas earned six points and his ranking, currently 1,076, would get a significant boost and is set to dip well under 1,000 to around 925.

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Expressing opposition to a common civil code and raising a host of demands including rescue of the missing JNU student Najeeb Ahmed, the All India Tanzeem Ulama-e-Islam, the apex body of Sufi Sunni Ulema, staged a protest at Jantar Mantar here today.

The demonstrators also tried to march towards Parliament but were stopped by police.

Later, a memorandum addressed to President Pranab Mukherjee, Prime Minister Narendra Modi and other authorities was handed over by its president Maulana Mufti Ashfaq Hussain Qadri to a police officer.

The memorandum stated that "the Law Commission's questionnaire to gauge public opinion on triple talaq and other anti-women practices across religions is a fraud and Islamic society boycott it."



The memorandum also demanded that Home Minister Rajnath Singh directly deal with the case of disappearance of JNU student Najeeb Jung. It demanded that the government ensure his safe return.

The protesters also opposed Israeli President Reuven Rivlin's visit to the country.

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The famous tourist town of Nainital turned 175 years old today with its residents celebrating the occasion by conducting an all-faith prayer and cutting dozens of cakes, collected from various schools, organisations and individuals.

Zila Panchayat President Sumitra Prasad and District Magistrate Deepak Rawat took part in the celebrations held at GGIC campus along with principals of reputed schools, dignitaries and thousands of people including school children.

The programme was organised by Nagar congress president Maruti Nandan Sah, enthusiast Deepak Bisht with cooperation fromVyapar Mandal.

Nainital is said to have been discovered by a British merchant Peter Baren on November 18, 1839. People began to settle in the town only after Baren's discovery.

Having gone through several ups and downs since then, the town now boasts of being one of the country's finest tourist destinations and also is home to many reputed schools.

Maruti Sah and Deepak Bisht initiated the practice of celebrating the town's birthday a few years back and now it has become a much awaited annual event.

Historian and environment activist Ajay Rawat appealed to people to come forward to protect the ecology and natural green cover of the town on the occasion.

Principals of various schools were honoured by the organisers on the occasion. DM Rawat and Sumitra Prasad hailed the event as an opportunity for future generations to learn the historical importance of the town so that they are able to frame policies for future.

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Nearly 200 countries, including India, have called for the "highest political commitment" to combat the "irreversible" impact of climate change at a key UN summit here overshadowed by Donald Trump's threats to withdraw the US from the historic Paris agreement.

The Marrakesh Action Proclamation agreed by all the parties - 196 nations and the EU bloc - taking part in the summit, was read out at the Conference of Parties plenary session.

The declaration - one of the main outcomes of the summit - said the world has an "urgent duty to respond" to global warming. "Our climate is warming at an alarming and unprecedented rate and we have an urgent duty to respond."



"We call for the highest political commitment to combat climate change, as a matter of urgent priority. We call for strong solidarity with those countries most vulnerable to the impact of climate change, and underscore the need to support efforts aimed to enhance their adaptive capacity, strengthen resilience and reduce vulnerability," it said.

The call came on the penultimate day of the summit tasked with drafting a blueprint for enacting the Paris Agreement adopted last December, and since ratified by 111 countries.

According to the Paris pact, the goal of limiting average global warming is set at 2 degrees Celsius over pre-Industrial Revolution levels, by cutting greenhouse gases.

The US, India, China and other countries - collectively the three biggest emitters - have pledged to curb emissions under the deal by moving to renewable energy sources.

But US president-elect Trump has vowed to boost oil, gas and coal and "cancel" the Paris Agreement. Trump has termed climate change a "hoax" propagated by China, the second biggest emitter after the US.

The proclamation today noted "extraordinary momentum" underway on climate change, which it said was "irreversible".

The 197 nations said they issue this declaration to "signal a shift towards a new era of implementation and action on climate and sustainable development."



The developed countries reaffirmed their goal to mobilise USD 100 billion, according to the proclamation, which also called for an increase in the "volume, flow and access" to finance for climate projects, alongside improved capacity and technology, including from developed to developing countries.

India had pushed for inclusion of sustainable lifestyle with minimum carbon footprint and a clear-cut mention of flow of funds in the draft of the proclamation drafted earlier.

Environment Minister Anil Madhav Dave in a statement in the high-level segment of the summit recently said access to adequate finance remains an "overriding concern" for India.

He said it was "critical" that developed nations provide finance and technology transfer support to developing nations.

The countries in the proclamation said their task now is to rapidly build on the momentum achieved, reduce greenhouse gas emissions and foster adaptation efforts to support the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development and its goals.

"We call for urgently raising ambition and strengthening cooperation among ourselves to close the gap between current emissions trajectories and the pathway needed to meet the long-term temperature goals of the Paris Agreement," it said.

The proclamation called on nations to strengthen and aid efforts to eradicate poverty, ensure food security and take action to deal with climate change challenges in agriculture.

The parties unanimously called for taking further climate actions, well in advance of 2020, taking into account the specific needs and special circumstances of developing nations, the least-developed countries and those particularly vulnerable to the adverse impacts of climate change.

"We, who are Parties to the Kyoto Protocol, encourage the ratification of the Doha Amendment," it said.

The 1997 Kyoto Protocol demanded targeted emission cuts from rich and industrialised countries, mainly responsible for causing global warming. The protocol which came into effect in 2005 was to initially run until 2012, comes to an end in 2020.

Though many countries failed to achieve the targets, fresh targets in a second commitment period running till 2020 were decided at the 2012 climate change conference in Doha through what came to be called the Doha Amendment to Kyoto Protocol.

This point in the proclamation assumes significance as India has asked the developed countries to ratify the Doha Amendment to the Kyoto Protocol by April next year to raise the ambition of climate actions in the pre-2020 period.

Paris Agreement was supposed to be a post-2020 climate agreement, replacing the Kyoto Protocol that will expire in 2020. However, earlier than expected entry into force of Paris Agreement means that the two agreements will run parallel till the year 2020.

So the proclamation said that the Marrakesh conference "marks an important inflection point in our commitment to bring together the whole international community to tackle one of the greatest challenges of our time."



"We, collectively, call on all non-state actors to join us for immediate and ambitious action and mobilisation, building on their important achievements, noting the many initiatives and the Marrakesh Partnership for Global Climate Action itself, launched in Marrakesh," it added.
Pascagoula seawall.jpg

The original seawall and boulevard on Pascagoula's beach that originated with surveys of 1926.

(Cooper Postcard Collection)

What and when we name our streets, highways and roads over a period of time become a part of our history.

I am dating myself when I say I remember when Ingalls Avenue in Pascagoula was Lincoln Avenue. Streets near Lincoln were also named after presidents and remain so today...Taft, Roosevelt, Wilson, and so on.

On Oct. 10, 1958, a photo and caption in the "Pascagoula Chronicle Star/Moss Point Advertiser" noted new street markers were going up renaming Lincoln to Ingalls. The mayor was Frank Canty at the time. Ingalls stretches from Bayou Casotte to the main gate of the east bank of the Ingalls Shipbuilding complex.

In the photo were R.I. Ingalls Jr., Ingalls Industries board chairman, and W.R. Guest, Ingalls Shipbuilding president.

Former U.S. Postmaster Arthur Smith of Pascagoula wrote a weekly column for the "Chronicle-Star" and on Oct. 23, 1975, gave background on many Pascagoula streets named for war heroes.

He clarified that downtown Watts Avenue was named in memory of Alton Watts, a 26-year-old member of the crew of the U.S.S. destroyer Foote, that was hit by a torpedo launched by a Japanese submarine in the South Pacific on Nov. 3, 1943. Many residents assumed the city's widest thoroughfare of that time was named for former Mayor John R. Watts or other members of the large family of that name.

Smith pointed out that Hague Street that extended from Beach Boulevard to Washington Avenue was named for Lt. (j.g.) Douglas K. Hague, a Navy pilot, who was lost at sea off North Africa on March 1, 1943. He was the 23-year-old son of Mr. and Mrs. George B. Hague of Old Mobile Highway.

Firth, a street connecting Beach Boulevard and Washington Avenue was named for Ensign Stova Wilbur Firth, 22, an early casualty of World War II.

Farnsworth Avenue that runs for several blocks behind beach front homes, was originally Commerce Street. It is named in memory of Lt. Col. (USAF) Robert Atwell Farnsworth Jr. He was 42 when he died in World War II and had once lived on the beachfront in a dwelling extending back to Commerce Street.

Shepard Avenue, connecting Lakeview Drive with Williams Street, was named for Ensign Joseph W. Shepard, a Navy pilot, who was shot down in October, 1944, in the Battle of Leyte Gulf in the Philippines. Shepard was 23 when he died and the son of Mr. and Mrs. Martin Shepard, long-time residents on Beach Boulevard.

A newspaper article, source unknown, dated Aug. 27, 1926, gives early history of Pascagoula's Beach Boulevard. It reported that county engineer F. H. McGowen had completed a survey of the shoreline of Jackson County from the mouth of the Pascagoula River to Bayou Chicot to locate a right of way for a seawall and boulevard.

Columnist Joanne Anderson may be reached at joandy42@yahoo.com.
The NCP state unit has expressed regret over the Chinese Embassy at New Delhi denying visa to Arunachal State Badminton Association (ASBA) Secretary Bamang Tago.

Tago was nominated as the Manager of the Indian Badminton team for the Thaihot China Open 2016 in Fuzhou for ongoing China Super Series Premier badminton tournament.

The party in a statement here today expressed disappointment on the denial of visa to Tago.

"This is not for the first time that an Arunachalee sportsperson has been denied visa by China. Earlier on several occasions Chinese issued stapled visa to Arunachalee citizen who wished to visit the country," the statement said.

"India does not recognize stapled visa and therefore do not allow them to travel. In the past too, the embassy had issued stapled visas to many dignitaries, officers and sportspersons, including former Arunachal assembly speaker T L Rajkumar in 1983, senior IAS officers Ganesh Koyu, Tape Bagra and Tajom Taloh," the statement added.

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There is need for innovation and research & development in state-owned enterprises in order to push reforms and improve governance, Union Minister of Heavy Industries and Public Enterprises Anand Geete said today.

"I sincerely feel I must emphasise and underline the need for innovation and R&D in SOE when we talk of reforms and governance," he said at a meeting of BRICS Forum on State Owned Enterprises (SOE) Reforms and Governance.

There was a need for SOEs to integrate modern-day innovation and research while accepting reforms, he said.

Quoting from Microsoft founder Bill Gates, Geete said that China had surged ahead in the manufacturing sector for a number of reasons, but the country's focus on research was key to its success, he said.

Further, robotics technology was also developing fast, he said and recalled coming across robots operating machinery at an engine manufacturing plant here during an earlier visit.

Later, speaking to reporters, Geete underlined the NDA government's commitment to increasing employment generation and pointed out that Prime Minister Narendra Modi's ambitious Make in India scheme was an effort in this regard.

Memoranda of Understanding to the tune of Rs 3 lakh crore have been signed under the Make in India scheme for heavy industries, he said.

To a question, Geete said that Niti Ayog was conducting a study on sick PSUs in every department and that a decision on such units would be taken after it submitted its report.

On the demonetisation issue, Geete said that the party was with the people and wanted to draw the government's attention towards the hardships faced by them.

"The government is also with the people and is making its efforts, but the party is drawing government's attention towards people's difficulties," he said even as queues continue in banks and ATMs nationwide for exchange of the now defunct Rs 500 and Rs 1,000 notes as well as cash withdrawal.

"The party (BJP) is not in favour of black money... So is no other party. No party can be in support of black money."



Asked if the demonetisation issue will have an impact in the coming state elections, including in Uttar Pradesh, Geete said "only time will tell that."



To a question, he said the government was not into privatisation, but was only disinvesting stakes in some of its undertakings.

"There is no privatisation. It is disinvestment. The government is disinvesting its stakes in certain percentage. It is not more than five per cent," he said.

To another question, Geete said Tamil Nadu has a conducive atmosphere for investment. "If someone wants to invest in India, it is safe to do so in Tamil Nadu.

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French investigators announced today the discovery of a weapons cache in a Paris suburb, including grenade launchers, a rocket launcher, bulletproof vests, guns and ammunition.

The arsenal was discovered early today in Evry, in an unlocked private parking garage inside a shopping centre near a commuter rail station, a source at the public prosecutor's office said.

"Nothing in this discovery leads us to believe there is a link to terrorism," the source added.

Last year's terrorist attacks in Paris, in which 130 people were killed, were carried out with weapons manufactured in Serbia.

France and Serbia last month launched a joint effort to crack down on arms smuggling from the Balkans region, which is still awash in weapons from its wars in the 1990s.

The prosecutors' office described the seized items as: one rocket launcher, bulletproof vests, Mauser (pistols), Kalashnikov cartridges and two grenade launchers".

An inquiry has been opened involving the judicial police as well as a special interregional unit focussed on organised crime.

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One more death due to apparent stress arising out of long wait for cash was reported today as there was no respite from queues for people to get valid currency 10 days after the demonetisation that also saw Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan sitting on a dharna.

With tightening of the exchange norms and use of indelible ink, the serpentine queues before bank branches have, however, shortened at some places though ATM transactions continues to be a nightmare in several cities and towns.

Chaotic scenes could still be seen at banks and ATMs as people queued up for hours to get cash to meet their daily expenses even as bank branches and cash vending machines struggled to manage the rush.

Siyaram, a resident of Balapatti in Hathras district in Uttar Pradesh who had been standing in the queue for the past three days and failed to get his old notes exchanged, was taken seriously ill yesterday and was rushed to hospital where he died, Superintendent of Police Dilip Kumar Srivastava said.

The victim had been standing in the queue before the Canara Bank branch near Burz wala Kuan, the SP said, adding that police has been deployed in view of huge crowds collecting in front of banks.

The locals have repoRtedly sent a fax message to the Prime Minister's Office demanding a compensation of Rs 20 lakh to the family of the deceased.

The queues outside banks and ATMs in Mumbai and suburbs continued even as people struggling to get cash expressed unhappiness over the reduced limit of exchange.

However, despite facing problems, many people say they are with the government on the demonetisation move but also suggested the process needed better preparedness.

Standing in a queue outside a bank in Vile Parle, Pradeep Karmakar said, "First the maximum exchange limit was Rs 4,000 and it was raised up to Rs 4,500 following the protests, but now this limit has been reduced to Rs 2,000. What we will do with a meagre Rs 2,000?"



Public and private sector banks across Tamil Nadu continued to witness large number of people thronging the branches while cash vending machines were either non- functional or ran dry within hours.

Some banks faced shortage of currency leading to frayed tempers as people were told to wait for 'sometime.'



Some customers turned back disappointed as banks did not dispense cash following shortage.

Vijayan, along with his ministers, sat on a dharna in front of the RBI office in Thiruvananthapuram protesting against the Centre's move to "destroy" the cooperative sector in the state under the cover of demonetisation process.

Vijayan and his Cabinet colleagues marched from the Martyrs Column at Palayam to the RBI regional office before commencing the dharna.

In the national capital, labourers and traders at Delhi's fruits and vegetable mandis were among the worst affected with sales in wholesale markets plunging and daily wage workers struggling to make a living.

At Azadpur Mandi, Asia's largest wholesale market for fruits and vegetable, migrant workers can be seen sitting idle in a huddle, waiting for work or payment to arrive.

"We used to make a decent income earlier but now getting even Rs 200 or Rs 300 is getting difficult as no work is available.

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Criticising the Centre for "foisting crisis" on farmers, who have been at the receiving end of nature's wrath for consecutive years, Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Akhilesh Yadav today said the "ill-planned" demonetisation could have an adverse impact on the economy.

He said the state's farmers, who hoped that this time round they will make up for the losses of past years, have been forced to face not a natural calamity but a "government- made crisis".

"This has been forced by the government knowingly," he said, adding, "They (BJP) have the most knowledgeable persons and if such intelligent people force hardships on people what more can be said," he wondered.

Talking to reporters after presiding over a Cabinet meeting, the Chief Minister said, "The meeting was of the opinion that farmers should get relaxation in use of Rs 500 and Rs 1,000 notes...Cooperative banks to which farmers are directly linked should get relaxation as money is not promptly reaching bank branches."



On the Centre's stand that demonetisation will check corruption, Akhilesh said cases of graft involving new currency notes are already making in some parts of the country.

"We have also come to know that corruption through new notes has already started. Such reports are surfacing in newspapers and especially on the social media," he said, claiming the goal of unearthing black money and weeding out fake currency notes will not be achieved.

Attacking the Central government over "lack" of preparations before demonetising high value notes, he said, "Even ATM machines were not equipped for the new notes...The currency exchange can take as long as six months or a year."



"People will get relief only when markets start functioning properly but till then if farmers and labourers suffer huge losses all the economic statistics will lag behind and so will the country," Akhilesh said, adding it will impact employment, factory workers and daily wagers the most.

"The entire country is today saying that preparations were not made and everything was changed suddenly. If we believe in them (the Centre) and something emerges from a neighbouring country then they will put the country into problems...If there are no proper preparations, it can spell danger to the country," he said.

Mandis have come to a "standstill" and soon reports will come how the daily wagers are facing problems, Akhilesh said.

Relaxation is being sought in hospitals and also for farmers because the government will be at a loss if any business comes to a halt, he said.

To a question on BSP chief Mayawati, he said, "Her only



problem is that the Samajwadi Party will form the government again."



"You should sometimes ask the 'pathar wali sarkar' what all she has done for the state...You meet her every day," he said referring to stone statues of Mayawati and elephants, which is her party's election symbol.

On BJP's rallies in the poll-bound state, he said, "Their top leaders are crisscrossing the districts but they have not been able to say anything on what they have done for the state which has sent the largest number of their MPs."



"They are visiting so many districts using the roads and helipads made by the Samajwadi Party government. They should tell the people what they have done and what their schemes are for the state," he said.

Referring to BJP president Amit Shah's rally in Azamgarh yesterday, Akhilesh said, "The party should have told people as to what they have done for it."



Parrying questions on infighting in the ruling party, he said, "Samajwadi Party has only one team and that is the 'cycle-wali' team and in the months to come Samajwadis are going to form the government."



On whether those sacked from the Party will come back gradually like the return of Ramgopal Yadav, Akhilesh said, "I can discuss it only within family and within the party."



Speaking briefly over the decisions taken in the Cabinet, the Chief Minister said, "Minimum support price for sugarcane has been raised by Rs 25 per quintal and nod was given to one-time payment to farmers by the sugar mills instead of two instalments."



The Cabinet also gave its assent to laptop distribution to lekhpals and expansion of PGI in Lucknow, he added.
Actor Kunal Kapoor says the affection between him and his wife Naina Bachchan has grown after their marriage.

Kunal married Naina, the niece of megastar Amitabh Bachchan, in February last year.

"Definition of love has changed after marriage, rather it has grown. I am more in love with my wife than when I was dating her," Kunal told reporters at a promotional event of his upcoming film "Dear Zindagi" here last night.

"Love is something that keeps changing. Love has vast meaning, it is different on different days for different people and different things," he said.

According to the 39-year-old actor, there is no rule book for romance.

"There is no rule of dating and romance. I have dated different kind of people, I have dated people with whom I had common interests and different interests as well. There is no process to dating or romance and in love either you connect or you don't connect with the opposite person," he said.

Meanwhile, Kunal is busy giving finishing touches to his film "Veeram", a historical drama directed by Jayaraj. It is an adaptation of William Shakespeare's play "Macbeth" and tells the story of Chandu Chekavar (Kunal), an infamous warrior in the 13th century North Malabar.

"Veeram" is simultaneously shot in Malayalam, Hindi and in English with the same title.

"The Malayalam film is also shot in Hindi and English, so it was challenging to do the film in three languages. The lovely part of being an actor is you get to play different parts," Kunal said.

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More than 1500 doctors and delegates from 20 countries will attend the annual conference of Indian Rheumatology Association to be held here next week, organisers said today.

Kerala Governor P Sathasivam will formally inaugurate the conference at Bolgatty Palace on November 25.

Union Minister of Health and Family Welfare J P Nadda will be the chief guest of the conference, 'IRACON 2016'-- "Indian Rheumatology-Complex needs, Integrated Solutions".

"The theme acknowledges the tremendous growth of rheumatology in India in the last decade and underscores the need to find practical solutions to the unique challenges faced by it," organisers said.

Doctor Padmanabha Shenoy, organising secretary of the conference, said eminent speakers from around the world will attend the conference.

As part of the event, a one-day seminar is being organised on November 24 for the Rheumatology medical practitioners in the state.

Rheumatology is the study of rheumatism, arthritis, and other disorders of the joints, muscles, and ligaments.

Kerala is hosting the event after a duration of 20 years.

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To tackle the menace of stray animals in Haryana, anti-rabies vaccination has been administered to 1,71,764 dogs in Hisar, Bhiwani, Fatehabad, Jind and Sirsa districts of the state till October this year.

Besides, 39,033 dogs were sterlised in Hisar division during the same period.

This was disclosed in a meeting of State Level Monitoring -cum-Coordination Committee held under the chairmanship of Chief Secretary D S Dhesi here today to review progress under the Animal Component of National Rabies Control Programme.

The programme is being implemented in the state by the Union Health and Family Welfare Ministry through the Animal Welfare Board of India.

It was informed in the meeting that in the initial stage, the sterilisation and vaccination programme had been launched in Hisar division.

An agreement was signed with non-governmental organisation Humane Society International (India) for this purpose. The agreement is valid till March 31, 2017.

It was informed that the budget provision of Rs 30 crore has been allocated for the implementation of the National Rabies Control Programme in the state.

Discussion was also held on various aspects related to implementation of the programme in the state.

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Asia-Pacific leaders were urged today to defend free trade from rising protectionism after the election victory of Donald Trump stoked fears that years of tearing down barriers to global commerce could be reversed.

Trump, who triumphed in last week's US presidential vote, successfully tapped the anger of working-class voters who feel left behind by globalization, vowing to protect American jobs against cheap labor in countries like China and Mexico.

The brash billionaire notably vowed to scuttle US President Barack Obama's key trade initiative in the Asia-Pacific, the Trans-Pacific Partnership (TPP), leaving a vacuum that China -- which was excluded from the deal -- is keen to fill.

As a summit of the 21-member Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) group got under way, host President Pedro Pablo Kuczynski of Peru urged the region's leaders to robustly defend free trade, while the US sought to reassure worried allies.

"In the US and Britain, protectionist tendencies are taking over," Kuczynski told APEC leaders.

"It is fundamental that world trade grow again and that protectionism be defeated."



Trump's victory came after Britain's surprise "Brexit" vote in June to leave the European Union, adding to deep uncertainty about the post-war world order and the future of free trade.

A delegate at ministerial meetings held on yesterday and today said APEC ministers had expressed concern over growing protectionism in the United States, and that the mood had been somber.

The official, who asked not to be named, said US Trade Representative Michael Froman had sought to assure ministers that American core interests don't change from administration to administration.

The US president-elect is not at the summit but he looms large over the meeting of APEC, a free-trade club founded in 1989 that represents nearly 40 percent of the world's population and nearly 60 percent of the global economy.

In a clear jab at the mogul's anti-trade stance, Kuczynski said that "anyone who wants to promote protectionism (should) read an economic history of the 1930s."



He conceded that the summit's planned agenda -- a focus on "growth with fair employment" -- had been hijacked by the recent votes and urged the leaders in Lima to react forcefully.

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Pakistan's National Assembly today unanimously passed a resolution, strongly condemning the alleged Indian attack on Line of Control that resulted in the death of seven Pakistani soldiers.

The resolution "expressed deep concern over the tragic incident of Indian unprovoked firing in which seven soldiers of Pakistan Army" were killed at the LoC in Bhimber sector recently.

"The House took serious cognizance of the unprovoked and barbarian attack on the Pakistani border forces by the Indian army resulting in aggression and clashes," it said.

Through resolution, the House recognised the "sacrifices of Pakistan army and paid glowing tribute" to them.

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SINGING_RIVER_HEALTH_SYSTEM_19042685.JPG

Singing River Hospital (file photo/Gulflive.com)

PASCAGOULA, Miss. -- While circumstances remain unclear about a sudden parting of ways between Singing River Hospital and a neurologist whose office as abruptly closed, the hospital said it relates to treatment of patients with Multiple Sclerosis.

The situation was first reported by the Sun-Herald, which on Thursday released a story detailing the sudden separation between Singing River Hospital and Dr. Terry Millette, a neurologist.

While few details are known at this time, SRHS released this statement to the media:

"Singing River Health System's highest priority is the health and safety of the patients we are privileged to serve. Consistent with best medical practices, we have internal processes in place to review the quality of care our patients receive. Recently, some questions were raised about how Dr. Millette diagnoses and treats patients with multiple sclerosis. As a result, we immediately began a review of Dr. Millette's medical activity. During the course of this ongoing review, the decision was made that Dr. Millette would no longer base his practice at Singing River."



"We clearly recognize the concern this situation may cause for Dr. Millette's patients and their families, and we are working to ensure the best possible transition of their medical care. We are working closely with regional and national experts in neurology and our clinic staff, who are in the process of contacting Dr. Millette's patients directly to assist them with their care. We have established a patient care line at (228) 809-2000, staffed by a dedicated team of Singing River employees seven days a week from 6:00 AM to 10:00 PM. In addition, patients may contact the Neurology Associates Clinic."



"We understand this is a difficult situation, and we are fully committed to the processes we have in place to ensure the provision of safe, high quality care for all of the patients in our community."

The Mississippi Press contacted Jackson County Board of Supervisors President Melton Harris, who said an investigation is ongoing.

"As of right now, I have spoken with SRHS Board of Trustees President Jeffrey Belk and he informed me of the hospital's decision," Harris said. "What we as a board are looking to find out is the type of impact this will have on the hospital and their patients and that is our concern."

Harris said as of Friday, the issue had yet to appear on the agenda for Monday's supervisors' meeting, but Harris said he expects it to find its way onto the agenda and this issue will be discussed in a limited capacity on Monday.

Dr. Millette could not be reached for comment.
Pakistan Navy today claimed that it prevented Indian submarines from entering its territorial waters.

A Pakistan Navy spokesman said the Indian submarines after being detected near Pakistan's territorial waters had been pushed back.

"The Indian Navy, in order to fulfil its nefarious designs, was deploying submarines. The Pakistan Navy, alert and using its extreme skill, prevented Indian submarines from entering Pakistani waters," the Pakistan Navy spokesman said in a statement.

"Pakistan Navy fleet units detected the presence of Indian submarines in the southern parts of Pakistani waters...And restricted their activity," the statement said.

The spokesman claimed that Pakistan Navy had been successful in thwarting the efforts of the Indian submarines to keep their presence camouflaged.

"The Navy had constantly pursued the submarines and pushed them back," he said.

"The Pakistan Navy is fully prepared to defend its borders and capable of responding to any aggression befittingly," he added.

Commodore (retd) Tasneem Ahmed, a Pakistani defence analyst, said Indian submarines would have been detected by air reconnaissance.

The Indian submarines might have been on an "intelligence gathering" mission when detected by Pakistan Navy, Pakistani naval experts were quoted as saying by media reports.

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Pakistan has spent a hefty USD 118 billion since 2002 to combat terrorism which has significantly hampered growth and it is facing "serious challenges" to its economy, according to a new central bank report.

'The State of Economy 2015-16' report, released by the State Bank of Pakistan (SBP) here, said the country is facing "serious challenges" in the form of low savings and investment levels, falling exports and poor spending in the social sector.

However, the report said despite the crunch, Pakistan had spent USD 118.3 billion on the 'war on terror'.

"The problem is compounded by the stop gap measures adopted to spread the tax net," the report said.

The USD 118.3 billion payment is equivalent to well over one third of its gross domestic product.

The central bank said the amount included direct and indirect losses incurred due to the terrorism and extremism in the country between 2002 and 2016.

The central bank report noted that both economic growth and social sector development have been severely hampered by terrorism-related incidents.

The report said Pakistan had received an annual grant of around USD 1 billion from the Coalition Support Fund (CSF) which was approved by the US to support Pakistan in the 'war on terror' since 2002.

It said Pakistan had had received a total of USD 14 billion under the CSF.

The report said Pakistan had borne heavy losses and human suffering, including displacement of families and loss of lives due to the war on terror.

"It has also hurt Pakistan's growth as a country because the war on terror has discouraged foreign investment, hurt domestic investment and reduced exports," it said.

Since the 9/11 terror attacks in the US, Pakistan has been a major ally of the US and UN in the 'war against terror' with the military carrying out offensive against al-Qaeda and the Taliban in its border tribal regions, the report said.

However, it has seen a drop in terror-related incidents in the last one year, it said.

The central bank praised the government for macro-economic achievements and expressed hope for a better future with a higher economic growth rate.

However, it identified a number of challenges that the economy has been facing.

There are certain challenges that deserve the undivided attention of all stakeholders, the report said.

"Pakistan needs to increase its savings and investment levels. Although public investment is increasing despite resource constraints, investment by the private sector has not increased sufficiently," it said, adding that this has inhibited the country's potential growth.

The report said the country has not been able to spend as much on social sector development as it needs to.

"Be it health or education, Pakistan spends much less as a percentage of GDP than many developing countries," it noted.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
Parliament was stalled for the second consecutive day today due to ruckus by Congress-led opposition parties which were demanding in Lok Sabha a debate on monetisation under a rule that entails voting and presence of Prime Minister Narendra Modi in Rajya Sabha for resumption of discussion on the issue.

No business could be transacted in either the Upper House or the Lower House due to the pandemonium.

In the Lok Sabha, Congress and some other opposition parties pressed for a discussion on demonetisation under a rule which entails voting, that too through an Adjournment Motion which means suspension of all business.

Several notices were given by various opposition leaders for discussion under the Adjournment Motion but Speaker Sumitra Mahajan rejected these, saying a debate could take place otherwise.

Ruckus started soon after the House met for the day, with Leader of Congress Mallikarjun Kharge demanding that the issue of scrapping of Rs 1000 and Rs 500 denomination notes be discussed through an adjournment motion and not the rule being proposed by the government.

Parliamentary Affairs Minister Ananth Kumar said the government was willing to discuss the issue and there was no need to press for an adjournment motion.

As the din continued, the House was adjourned for nearly one hour till noon, minutes after it assembled.

When the House assembled again for Zero Hour, the opposition again pressed for moving an adjournment motion. But the Speaker rejected all the notices. Both Kharge and TMC leader Sudip Bandopadhyay insisted that the debate be taken up through an adjournment motion.

The Parliamentary Affairs Minister once again urged the opposition to take up the debate under Rule 193 which does not entail voting and a formal motion.

Kumar said the opposition should not "run away" from a debate and maintained that it was up to the Chair to decide under which rule the discussion will take place.

As part of their Zero Hour references, Meenakshi Lekhi and Gajendra Singh Chauhan (both BJP) raised the issue of remarks made by Leader of Opposition in Rajya Sabha Ghulam Nabi Azad yesterday linking deaths due to demonetisation crisis to the killings in the Uri terror attack. The remarks were expunged last night itself.

The two BJP members slammed Azad for the statement and demanded that a resolution be passed against him and he should be asked to apologise in writing.

As differences persisted and opposition continued to raise slogans like "Pradhan Mantri sadan mein aao" and "Vijay Mallya kahan gaya", the House was adjourned for the day.

In the Rajya Sabha where debate took place on demonetisation for six-hours on Wednesday, the discussion could not be resumed even today as Congress and some other opposition parties insisted on presence of the Prime Minister.

The House also saw a clash between Congress and BJP members as the ruling side raked up Azad's controversial comments and demanded apology from Congress.

Slogans and counter slogans in the Upper House forced its



adjournment, first till 1130 hours, then till noon, then till 1233 hours, after that till 1430 hours and finally for the day.

Soon after listed papers were laid on the table of the House, BJP members moved into aisles shouting slogans and demanding an apology from Azad for his remarks.

Congress members too rushed into the Well raising slogans demanding presence of the Prime Minister and an apology from him as well as the government for the hardship caused to the common man due to withdrawal of 86 per cent of the currency in circulation in the form of old 500 and 1000 rupee notes.

AIADMK members were also in the Well raising slogans over the Cauvery water issue.

Deputy Chairman P J Kurien asked all members to leave the Well and return to their seats, assuring them that he would hear their submissions.

Amid the din, Minister of State for Parliamentary Affairs Mukhtar Abbas Naqvi alleged that Azad's statement had given a message to the country that Congress was sympathetic to terrorism and asked why it was so agitated when the demonetisation drive was only to hurt black money hoarders.

Kurien persuaded AIADMK and Congress members to withdraw from the Well, telling them that he would give opportunity to their leaders to raise their respective issues.

But with BJP members continuing to stand in the aisles and raising slogans, Congress members too were back in the Well, shouting slogans.

Kurien said treasury benches should not create problems for the Chair. "If you do this, what do I do? You should cooperate with me in running the House. Treasury benches should not disrupt," he said.

But the din continued, forcing him to adjourn the proceedings till 1130 hours.

There was no change in the scenario when the House reassembled as both BJP and Congress members again started raising slogans.

While Congress members trooped into the Well, several AIADMK members were seen standing along their seats.

As the slogans and counter slogans continued, the Chair adjourned the House till noon.

After repeated adjournments, when the House met again at 1430 hours, opposition members continued to create ruckus.

Congress leader Anand Sharma accused the government of not wanting the House to run and for "destroying the poor" with his policies.

In the melee, the Deputy Chairman asked the MPs to introduce the Private Member's Bill amid continuous sloganeering by the opposition and treasury benches.

Prior to this, he read out a decision by Lok Sabha Speaker Sumitra Mahajan on a private member's bill for special package to Andhra Pradesh after its reorganisation, moved in the last session Congress member KVP Ramachandra Rao.

The Bill was referred to the Speaker to ascertain whether it was a money bill and whether it can be introduced in the Upper House. However, Kurien's statement could not be heard in the din.

Independent MP Rajeev Chandrasekhar moved his Bill to declare any country as state sponsor of terrorism and withdraw economic and trade relations with such country and to create legal, economic and travel sanctions for citizens of that country.

Following continuous uproarious scenes, Kurien adjourned the House till Monday.
The Philippine military says fierce clashes between government troops and Muslim extremists in the country's south have left at least 14 combatans dead.

Military spokesman Maj Filemon Tan said, 10 Abu Sayyaf rebels were killed today in Sulu province, but troops retrieved only three bodies.

Four were killed and nine wounded on the government side.

Tan said army units encountered some 150 militants in Patikul township and exchanged fire for 45 minutes until the extremists withdrew.

Soldiers then pounded the rebels' position with artillery fire and put up checkpoints as they pursued the militants.

The Abu Sayyaf, which is blacklisted by the US and the Philippines as a terrorist organisation, holds more than a dozen foreign and local hostages.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
Ex-Philippine dictator Ferdinand Marcos was given a hero's burial with military honours today, a deeply controversial move three decades after he was ousted in a "People Power" revolution.

The ceremony began with a 21-gun salute as soldiers in parade dress and ceremonial rifles stood to attention at the "Cemetery of Heroes" in Manila, after his body was secretly flown to the venue in an apparent effort to avoid protests.

The Supreme Court said last week that Marcos, who ruled the nation for two decades until millions of people took to the streets in the 1986 military-backed uprising, could be buried at the heroes' cemetery.

The decision, endorsing a recommendation from controversial President Rodrigo Duterte, outraged many opponents of the Marcos regime who said it would whitewash the dictator's many crimes.

The surprise move by the Marcos family and the government to bury him so quickly after the Supreme Court verdict, with appeals still to be heard, caused further outrage.

Barry Gutierrez, counsel for the anti-Marcos court petitioners, said the burial was illegal because of the outstanding appeals.

"It's not really surprising that this is happening. Marcos flouted the law when he was still alive, and even at his burial, he is still breaking the law," Gutierrez told AFP.

Police only announced that Marcos's body had been flown to the cemetery shortly before the ceremony began, leaving opponents who had been planning rallies flat-footed.

"We are shocked and angered," Gutierrez said.

Thousands of riot police and soldiers guarded the perimeter of the cemetery, but there were no protesters.

Journalists who rushed to the cemetery were barred from entering. However reporters were able to view the ceremony with long camera lenses from outside.

Marcos ruled the Philippines for two decades until forced into US exile by the "People Power" revolution, a largely peaceful event that inspired democracy movements throughout Asia and around the world.

Marcos, his infamously flamboyant wife Imelda, and their cronies plundered up to USD 10 billion from state coffers during his rule, according to government investigators and historians.

The dictator also oversaw widespread human rights abuses to maintain his control of the country and enable his plundering, with thousands of people killed and tortured, previous Philippine governments said.

Anti-corruption watchdog Transparency International in 2004 named Marcos the second most corrupt leader of all time, behind Indonesian dictator Suharto.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
Congress today dared Prime Minister Narendra Modi to have a debate with the Opposition on demonetisation while accusing him of shying away from Parliament to avoid "facing the truth" when it was deliberating on the issue.

On a day the demonetisation issue rocked Parliament, scores of Youth Congress workers held a march, alleging withdrawal of high-value notes is part of a "big scam" and aimed at loot of public money.

Speaking to the protesters, senior party leader Anand Sharma charged Modi of committing "injustice" to the country and "spoiling" India's image globally by taking such a huge decision without any preparation to implement it.

He said a Joint Parliamentary Committee must be appointed to probe the entire issue.

"A debate is on in Parliament and there is a deadlock. Opposition has demanded that Prime Minister listen to us and explain his move. They (ruling party) say Narendra Modi is in Parliament premises but will not come to the House. What is this? He is avoiding Parliament to avoid facing the truth," Sharma said.

He also challenged the Prime Minister for a debate with the Opposition on demonetisation.

"We will not allow him to pile up miseries on the common citizens. It is such a big scam and loot of public money. We have demanded a Joint Parliamentary Committee to probe it. Our fight will continue till the government relents and demand of probe is met.

"People including farmers, small traders and workers are worst hit by the undeclared financial emergency by the Modi government as 86 per cent of currencies has been withdrawn in a blow to the economy."



He also slammed government's use of indelible ink by banks to mark people who withdraw money and charged Modi government with "insulting" not only people of the country.

"No government can stoop to such level where people withdrawing their own money are being marked with ink. They are withdrawing their own money and not black money. Foreign tourists are also being similarly insulted if they go to banks," he said.

He called upon Youth Congress activists to create awareness among the masses against demonetisation by Modi government and struggle against it.

Hundreds of activists marched towards Parliament from All India Youth Congress office on Raisina Road. However, they were stopped and around 450 protesters were detained and taken to Parliament Street police station. They were later released.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
Police have handed over a copy of the Central notification banning Islamic Research Foundation (IRF) for five years to office-bearers of the city-based NGO, promoted by controversial preacher Zakir Naik.

"After receiving the copy of notification from Ministry of Home Affairs yesterday, the Mumbai Police served it to IRF office-bearers (in their office at Dongri here)," Deputy Commissioner of Police, Ashok Dudhe told PTI today.

The Union cabinet had approved a proposal to outlaw the IRF on Tuesday for its alleged terror activities.

In a gazette notification, the Home Ministry had said the IRF and its members, particularly, the founder and its president Zakir Naik, has been encouraging and aiding its followers to promote or attempt to promote, on grounds of religion, disharmony or feelings of enmity, hatred or ill-will between different religious communities.

IRF came on radar of investigative agencies after one of the terrorists in Dhaka attack had allegedly posted on social media that they had been inspired by Naik's speeches.

Youths from Malavani in western suburbs who had left their home to join Islamic State earlier this year were also allegedly inspired by the preaching of the televangelist.

Police had arrested some members of IRF for allegedly motivating and radicalising group youths from Kasargod in Kerala to join ISIS. The case is under investigation of the National Investigation Agency (NIA).

Naik is currently out of country apparently to evade arrest, sources said.

(Reopens BES 11)



Meanwhile, IRF has issued a statement saying they are studying the notification.

"The government's notification under section 3 of UAPA was served on IRF late last evening. We're studying the contents of the notification and the reasons cited for the ban and we will take recourse to all remedies available in law to get the ban revoked," it said.
Suicide bombers attacked a checkpoint in Nigeria's northeastern city of Maiduguri, killing two of themselves before dawn today. Two other explosions occurred hours later.

It was the fifth attack in three weeks on the city that is the birthplace of Nigeria's homegrown Islamic extremist group, Boko Haram.

Before 4 am today, police challenged two women and a man running toward the checkpoint opposite the Federal High Court, deputy police superintendent Victor Isuku said. One woman detonated, killing herself and the male accomplice. The other woman has been arrested and is being interrogated, he said.

No details were immediately available about two blasts that rang out around 8 am (0700 GMT).

Boko Haram has recently stepped up attacks after a months-long lull in their Islamic uprising that has killed more than 20,000 people over seven years.

Security forces have managed to foil most of the attacks. On Oct 29, two women suicide bombers blew up outside a refugee camp, killing five people. The next day, troops shot and killed a man with explosives strapped to his torso as he ran toward the same camp.

On Nov 1, a car bomb targeting a military checkpoint leading to Maiduguri exploded, killing all nine people in the vehicle. Last week, soldiers shot at three female suicide bombers, detonating some of their explosives and killing all three.

Nigerian troops this year have driven the insurgents out of most towns in the northeast. But now the insurgents are fleeing south into the central-eastern state of Taraba, the state director for Nigeria's secret intelligence agency, Shehu Saulawa, told senators there yesterday.

The insurgency has spread across Nigeria's borders, forced some 2.6 million people, mainly farmers, from their homes and created a massive humanitarian crisis in which the United Nations says 14 million people face starvation.

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Pope Francis has said he is not losing any sleep over a challenge from a group of conservative cardinals who have accused the Argentine of contradicting Church teaching.

The comments published today in the Avvenire, the newspaper of the Italian conference of bishops, follow a direct challenge to the pope's authority from American Cardinal Raymond Burke, who has threatened to undermine Francis' authority in a row over the rights of remarried divorced couples.

Burke said in an interview earlier this week that it may be necessary to make a highly rare "formal act of correction" if Francis does not answer a letter he wrote with three other cardinals calling for clarification on a document penned by the pope on the theme of the family.

The challenge is "not making me lose any sleep", the 79-year-old Argentine told Avvenire.

"Sometimes criticisms are merely aimed at vindicating already fixed opinions (rather than fuelling debate). They are not honest, they are driven by a mean spirit to incite divisions," he said.

Despite shrugging off the issue, the pope's decision not to convene a traditional meeting of cardinals ahead of a ceremony Saturday to appoint 17 new "princes" of the Church is being read by some as a move to avoid a show-down with the conservatives.

Vatican expert Marco Tosatti said it was likely plans had been afoot to "resubmit" the letter, "not only among the signatories of the request for clarification, but also perhaps other cardinals, eager for a decisive word from the pope".

That would be a situation Francis would have "preferred to avoid", he said on his blog.

Cardinals Raymond Burke, Carlo Caffarra, Walter Brandmueller and Joachim Meisner had warned in their letter of a "grave disorientation and great confusion of many faithful".

Francis told the Avvenire: "Some persist in not understanding."



"It's either black or white (for them), though it's in the flow of life that decisions must be made" on what is right or wrong, he said, referring to his belief that the Church must be more flexible when examining individual cases of sinners or the outcast.

Francis said his attitude was in line with the reforms brought about under the Second Vatican Council in the 1960s.

"Historians however say 100 years are needed for a council to be absorbed well by the body of the Church. We're half way there."



The conservative arm of the Church has been thrown into disarray by a debate over whether those who have divorced and remarried can receive Communion. Critics say such a move would be contrary to teachings on the sanctity of marriage.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
Puducherry Chief Minister V Narayanasamy today called on the two Indian fishermen, who were injured in alleged firing by the Sri Lankan Navy, at the Indira Gandhi Government General Hospital and Research Institute here.

He enquired about their health condition and wished them a speedy recovery. The chief minister was accompanied by Agriculture and Education Minister R Kamalakannan.

R Balamurugan from Karaikal (Puducherry) and A Aravind from Tamil Nadu's Nagapattinam sustained injuries when the Sri Lankan naval personnel allegedly opened fire at their fishing boat yesterday off the Kodiakarai coast, some 200 km from here.

The fishermen were admitted to the government hospital here.

Various political parties, including MDMK and PMK, in Tamil Nadu condemned the firing yesterday claiming that it happened in Indian waters and urged the Centre to take action to prevent recurrence of such incidents.

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Some special interest groups are clamoring to remove grizzlies from the list of federally protected species so that legal safeguards against the exploitation of these bears and their habitats will be stripped as well. Photo by iStockphoto

581 shares







The Obama Administration has done a lot of things right, but its not been good to grizzly bears. Its worked to delist these big bruins from the Endangered Species Act, even though the time is not ripe to do so.

Special interest groups  including the ranching, hard-rock mining, oil and gas, timber, and ski industries, trophy hunters, and off-road vehicle enthusiasts  are clamoring to remove grizzlies from the list of federally protected species. Thats because, once stripped of those federal protections, legal safeguards against the exploitation of grizzly bears and their habitat will be stripped as well.

On Wednesday the Yellowstone Ecosystem Subcommittee, a committee of bear scientists and state and federal officials, voted (with the notable exception of one member, Dan Wenk, the Superintendent of Yellowstone National Park) to approve a strategy that would hand grizzly bear management to the states of Wyoming, Montana, and Idaho. These states are not known for their abiding love of protecting native carnivores, as we witnessed with their woeful mismanagement of wolves who, after being delisted, were immediately trophy-hunted in the cruelest ways imaginable.

Ironically, this coveting of a grizzly bears hide or habitat could become the undoing of these states that are trying hurt them. For example, right now, Wyomings economy, so dependent on oil and gas extraction, is struggling. The state has drastically cut education funding and is laying off state workers. It is, however, home to two National ParksYellowstone and Grand Tetonthat are recession proof and that are also prime grizzly habitats. Perhaps, more than any state, Wyoming should appreciate that grizzly bears are worth far more alive than they are dead. Protected grizzly bears and their habitat greatly diversifies the states economic portfolio, and never more so than now. The National Park Service noted that in 2015, park visitors spent hundreds of millions of dollars while visiting Grand Teton and Yellowstone National Parks. Most visitors go to glimpse bears and wolves. And this ecotourism nets thousands of sustainable local jobs and creates huge economic opportunities for communities that surround the parks.

By opening up a trophy-hunting season, Wyoming would open itself up to severe criticism, and that, more than anything, might keep people away. Polls show that the vast majority of American citizens want to keep grizzly bears safe and alive and not open them up for a kill by trophy hunters.

Economics aside, the urgency of the need to keep grizzly bears protected cannot be overstated. This year, 54 grizzly bears are known to have died in the Yellowstone area, and scientists estimate their actual total mortality may be closer to 76. This means that more than 10 percent of the entire Yellowstone-area population (estimated at about 700 grizzly bears), died this year. That is twice the sustainable level of mortality, according to world renowned grizzly bear expert Dr. David Mattson. And this years high death toll follows on the heels of last years record loss. It appears that the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Services own criterion for allowable mortality will be exceeded two years running, giving the lie to assertions that the population has recovered.

The mortality is likely driven by threats to the bears food security as a result of the loss of white bark pine to blister rust, and pine beetles and cutthroat trout to an invasive species. The Great Bear is a conservation-reliant species and must be cared for into perpetuity or face extinction.

Superintendent Wenk of Yellowstone National Park is not the only one to oppose delisting. More than 70 Tribal Nations in both the United States and Canadato whom the Great Bear, the grizzly bear, is a sacred entitysigned a historic treaty in opposition to the delisting. The HSUS has added its own voice as well, working at the grassroots level, filing two substantive comments highlighting scientific and legal flaws with the delisting proposal, and suing the states of Wyoming and Montana over the inadequacy of their plans for post-delisting grizzly management.

State and federal officials charged with their stewardship have entirely underestimated how well Americans love these iconic grizzly bears. Mother bears devote up to four years teaching their few dependent young how to survive. Far from being recovered, the Great Bears tiny remaining populations in the lower 48 states face a multitude of threats that warrant added protections, not the reduction of safeguards as proposed by the Obama Administration. The Yellowstone-area grizzly bear population is in dire trouble. We urge the Obama Administration to redouble grizzly bear protections, not lessen them.
Eminent lyricist-filmmaker Gulzar feels it is unfair to sideline several languages in the country as "regional" as all of them are national and deserve equal respect.

Gulzar says currently the best work on poetry is coming from North East, a region often ignored by people.

"If any dynamic work is happening in poetry it is in North East. We haven't paid attention there. 'Badi zinda shayari hai jo waha se aa rahi hai' (vibrant poetry is coming out from there).

"Nothing much is happening in the big languages. But a lot is happening in the languages we call 'regional'," Gulzar said.

"There is nothing like regional language, all are our national language. Oriya, Malayalam, Tamil, Telugu, and other such languages are there with us which you can't term 'regional' and sideline. These are all national language."



The "Mirzya" writer was in conversation with diplomat- turned-author Pavan Varma at the seventh edition of 'Tata Literature Live' festival, here.

The 82-year-old writer was honoured with the Lifetime Achievement and Poet Laureate at the festival. Gulzar revealed he is working on a new project called 'A poem A day' where he has translated poems in different Indian languages.

The writer said a lot has changed the way we use several languages today, including English which we have Indianised.

"The way in which English is used here, it doesn't feel like a foreign language anymore. It has become Indianised. We don't write like Pandit Nehru anymore. Today it feels like our language.

"You can't understand the face of Indian poetry by looking or reading a poem in just one language. So through this (his project) it was a learning experience for me too."



Varma said many languages are "academically dying" today. He said people can easily read Urdu poetry, which are being written in Roman scripts.

Gulzar, to this said, Urdu was born here and is still spoken and heard but not read that much.

"Urdu is heard, spoken but not seen much. The problem is, the Urdu script. Urdu, which didn't have a nation earlier, is today the language of a nation called Pakistan. It wasn't the case earlier.

"If we keep our prejudices aside, you'll know Urdu yaha ki paidaish hai. It was born here. The sounds 'th' 'tha' 'da' 'ga' 'da' are neither in Persian nor Arabic. It was taken from the languages here. These sounds in Urdu have come from the dialects here. It began from here," he said.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
The Supreme Court today stayed all the upcoming meetings of homebuyers of Unitech Ltd for giving their approval or disapproval to a proposed compromise scheme forwarded by the company to enable it to complete pending projects.

Observing that it seems that an attempt has been made to "frustrate" the apex court's orders, a bench of Justices Dipak Misra and Amitava Roy said that "proposed meetings shall stand stayed till further orders".

The bench also issued notice to the company saying that "there is suspicion that it is trying to subvert the order of this court".

It said that people who were successful at the level of the national consumer commission and are before the apex court, should get their money back from the developer.

The Delhi High Court had on September 2 granted an opportunity to beleaguered real estate firm to complete its delayed housing projects and hand over possession of flats to the buyers by opening escrow accounts and using the money deposited in it solely for these projects.

It had directed the home buyers across the country to hold meetings for approval or disapproval of proposed scheme of compromise to enable the company to complete the pending projects and hand over the flats.

Justice Sudershan Kumar Misra, who retired on September 6, in his order said that four meetings of home buyers should be held on November 20 at Mohali, Punjab, on November 27 at Chennai, on December 4 at Gurgaon and on December 11 at Noida.

The company had told the high court that it would open escrow accounts in which the amounts received from the buyers and sale of lands would be deposited, and the money would be used solely for completing the delayed housing projects.

The court had put in "abeyance" all the proceedings pending before different forums against Unitech Ltd to enable it to fulfil its commitment towards homebuyers by handing over possession of flats, had appointed a court commissioner to monitor the functioning of the escrow account.

It had clarified that cases in which directions had been issued or might be issued in future by the apex court to the company in this regard should stand exempted from the scope of the order.

The apex court had on October 19 directed the company to



refund Rs 15 crore to 39 home buyers in its Gurgaon project, saying a property developer must respect the contractual commitment and live up to the terms of the contract.

It had on August 17 directed the embattled real estate firm to deposit Rs 15 crore principal amount by September-end to pay back investors and home buyers who were not given possession of the flats on time.

Investors have told the court that they had paid money to the firm on time and the company was scheduled to hand over the possession of flats in 2012, but has not done so.

Over two dozen home buyers of Unitech's housing projects in Noida and Gurgaon had approached the National Consumer Disputes Redressal Commission (NCDRC) after the builder had failed to give them possession of the flats as per schedule.

The consumer forum had asked Unitech to refund the money to the home buyers with interest.

The apex court had earlier asked the company to deposit an interim penalty of Rs 5 crore with the court registry after the firm challenged the order of the consumer forum which had asked the developer to pay Rs 5 crore penalty to three flat buyers in its Burgundy project.

The court had said the penalty deposited with the court will be awarded to the buyers or returned to Unitech, depending on the outcome of the case.
Former Delhi Chief Minister Sheila Dikshit's son-in-law was today denied bail by a court here in a case of theft and misappropriation of his wife's property.

Metropolitan Magistrate Pankaj Sharma denied the relief to Syed Mohammad Imran, who was arrested from Bangalore and brought here on transit remand, and sent him to judicial custody till December 2.

The court had yesterday denied the police plea for extension of Imran's two days remand for custodial interrogation which expired yesterday, saying enough time was given to the police.

During the arguments on Imran's bail plea, the probe agency opposed the application moved by the accused, saying that if granted bail, he was likely to tamper with the evidence and intimidate the witnesses. It also said that the probe was still on.

The counsel appearing for complainant also opposed the bail plea, saying that the offences were very serious and there were charges against the accused that he attempted to murder his wife.

Dikshit's daughter Latika and Imran had got married in 1996, but were living separately for the last 10 months.

In her complaint filed in June, Latika had alleged that Imran's attitude had changed towards her and had become aggressive and rude after her mother lost in the Delhi Assembly polls.

Latika had alleged that Imran took away papers of a piece of land owned by her in Nainital, despite having been told not to do so in May.

According to the police, she also alleged that some of the belongings, kept at her Hailey Road house in central Delhi, had gone missing and whenever she asked for these, Imran was evasive.

She also alleged that he took away jewellery and other expensive items from there.

Latika also alleged that one of her female relatives was "in connivance" with Imran, they said.

A case was registered against Imran under Sections 403 (dishonest misappropriation of property), 120 B (Criminal conspiracy), 201 (destruction of evidence)and 420 (cheating) of IPC and under 66 of the IT Act.

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Congress president Sonia Gandhi, accompanied by daughter Priyanka Vadra and a number of top party leaders, will visit the city on Monday to inaugurate a photo exhibition commemorating the birth centenary of former Prime Minister Indira Gandhi.

"Sonia and Priyanka will be in the ancestral town of Nehru-Gandhi family on November 21 to attend the inauguration of 'Indira: A Life of Courage', a photo exhibition providing a glimpse into the life of the late Prime Minister and her contribution towards building a modern India," Uttar Pradesh Congress spokesman Kishore Varshney said here.

Varshney also said "there are reports that party vice-president Rahul Gandhi may also be present to attend the function held in the memory of his grandmother. However, we are yet to receive an official confirmation."



He said the photo exhibition will be held at the historic Swaraj Bhavan -- the house where Indira Gandhi was born on November 19, 1936 -- and will remain open to the public till January 5 next year.

"Besides Sonia and Priyanka, senior party leaders Sheila Dikshit, Raj Babbar and Rajiv Shukla will be present on the occasion", Varshney said.

"To spread awareness about Indira Gandhi's contribution to the nation, the exhibition will be held at various places across the country after Allahabad.

"In February, the exhibition will be held at Mumbai, followed by Kolkata in April and Bengaluru in August," Varshney added.

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Pramila Jayapal, the first ever Indian-American woman elected to US House of Representatives, has said it is becoming clear that there needs to be "a strong line of defence" against the Trump presidency that aims to curtail the rights of immigrants, people of colour, and women.

"Let us be clear: This is absolutely no time to hide in the shadows. We cannot let fear or the comfort of complacency prevent us from moving forward," Jayapal, 51, asserted.

"We must stand together-not just to stop the disastrous rollback of decades of progress in this country but to protect the vision of a united country that celebrates its rich diversity and honours its immigrants, women, and people of colour as a singular indication that we are, in fact, a truly civilised society," she said.

Jayapal was elected to the House of Representatives from the Seventh Congressional District of Washington State. She is the first Indian-American woman ever elected to the House.

Born in Chennai, she left India at the age of five for Indonesia, Singapore and then came to the US at the age of 16.

After her election, Jayapal, who ran her elections on a progressive agenda, has described Trump's victory as shocking.

"It is becoming more and more clear that we will need a strong line of defence against a Trump presidency that chooses to curtail our rights as immigrants, people of colour, and women," she wrote in a blog on Broadly published yesterday.

"We need to fight to protect the most fundamental right of a woman to make choices about her own body, but we need to do more as well. Muslim women simply should not have to worry about getting attacked on the way to the bus stop because Trump has unleashed a wave of anti-Muslim hate that has no place in this country," she said.

Undocumented mothers, who have given everything for their children (and who are often US citizens), continue to be shaken to their core by the idea that they will be targets in a political war on immigrants - a notion that makes absolutely no practical sense in a country that is fuelled by the labour of immigrants, Jayapal said.

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French authorities say a teenager was arrested this week for allegedly being linked to a French jihadi who claimed responsibility for the Bastille Day truck attack in Nice on behalf of the Islamic State group.

The Paris prosecutor's office said on yesterday that the 17-year-old boy was detained in the western town of Rennes and being questioned by a judge in Paris under a "criminal terrorist association" investigation.

The office says the teen used social networks to communicate with Rachid Kassim, who is thought to be operating from Syria or Iraq.

Kassim, whose name has appeared in connection with at least four recent terror plots targeting France, was the public face of an IS video claiming responsibility for the July 14 truck rampage that left 86 people dead in Nice.

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Three children were run over by a goods train when they were crossing a railway track here, police said today.

The children were playing at a pond near their village Ramaupur and were returning back to their homes when they met with the accident under Sayyedraja Police Station area last night.

One injured was rushed to the district government hospital, police said.

The deceased were identified as Anil (15), Sonu (10) and Chotu (12) and the bodies have been sent for postmortem, they added.

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Central trade unions (CTUS) are scheduled to meet Finance Minister Arun Jaitley tomorrow for pre-budget consultations where they will raise issues of minimum wage and pension.

RSS-affiliated Bhartiya Mazdoor Sangh (BMS), which will also participate in the deliberations, said that it will urge the government to implement its notification to raise minimum wage from Rs 102 to Rs 350 per day for the entire country.

"In August, government had notified that it will provide social security benefits to Aanganwadi, Asha and Mid-day meal workers. It had set up a committee to look into the matter. We will demand that it should make adequate arrangements from this in the coming budget," BMS said in a statement.

BMS General Secretary Virjesh Upadhyay said that the unions welcome the government's decision to ban Rs 500 and Rs 1,000 currency notes in a bid to check black money.

He said that the government should make adequate monetary arrangement in the coming budget for the implementation of various schemes such as Deen Dayal Upadhyaya Grameen Kaushal Yojna, Pradhan Mantri Gareeb Kalyan Yojna, Shyama Prasad Mukherjee Urban Mission and Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojna.

Earlier, the Trade Union Co-ordination Centre (TUCC) had said that it will will raise the issue of fixation of minimum wages for all the workers across India at Rs 21,000 per month and fixation of monthly pension to the EPFO subscribers at Rs 3,000 per month at the consultations.

Besides, other issues to be taken up include budgetary allocation for social security fund for 45.7 crore informal sector workers and withdrawal of foreign direct investment (FDI) from core areas like defence, railways, banking and space.

"TUCC also welcomes the move of Prime Minister Narendra Modi to discontinue the old currency of Rs 500 and 1000, which will stop the black money circulation in the economy and stop terror financing too," it had said.

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Donald Trump has met Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe, the US President-elect's first meeting with a foreign leader after winning the presidential elections last week.

"I am convinced Trump is a leader in whom I can have great confidence," Abe said after the meeting yesterday that lasted for about 90 minutes at the Trump Towers in New York.

Abe, whose country is one of Washington's closest allies, said the two leaders can have "a relationship of trust".

"I am very honoured to see the President-elect ahead of other world leaders. The Japan-US alliance is the axis of Japan's diplomacy and security. The alliance becomes alive only when there is trust between us," Abe told reporters after the meeting, which was closed for the press.

Presidential transition team has described the meeting as private.

This was Trump's first meeting with a foreign leader after he was voted to power in one of the most surprising results of a US presidential election held on November 8.

He has spoken with as many as 32 world leaders including Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

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US President-elect Donald Trump has offered the influential post of National Security Adviser to his trusted military adviser Lt Gen (rtd) Michael Flynn, who advocates cutting off aid to Pakistan if it continued to help the jihadist groups, media reports said.

A shrewd intelligence professional and a straight talker, 56-year-old Flynn was one of the top military leaders to have endorsed Trump and has been his closest military adviser for more than a year now.

"The most influential national security job in the still-forming Trump administration will likely go to a retired three-star general who helped dismantle insurgent networks in Afghanistan and Iraq but then surprised - and sometimes dismayed - colleagues by joining the political insurgency led by Donald Trump," The Washington Post reported.

If selected, he would succeed Susan Rice as the NSA.

In his latest book in August, Flynn had advocated cutting off aid to Pakistan, if it continued to help the jihadis.

"We need to have some tough love conversations with the leaders of countries who pretend to be our friends, but who also collaborate with our enemies," Flynn had said in his latest book 'How We Can Win the Global War Against Radical Islam and Its Allies' that hit the book stands in August.

"Countries like Pakistan need to be told that we will not tolerate the existence of training camps and safe havens for Taliban, Haqqani, and Al-Qaeda forces on their territory, nor will we permit their banks and other financial institutions to move illicit funds for the terror network," said Flynn.

As an adviser, Flynn has already proved to be a powerful influence on Trump, convincing the president-elect that the US is in a "world war" with Islamist militants and must work with any willing allies in the fight, including President Vladimir Putin of Russia, The New York Times reported.

They both believe that the US needs to start working with Putin to defeat Islamist militants and stop worrying about his suppression of critics at home, it said.

He served as the director of the Defence Intelligence Agency, the Pentagon's top spy agency, commander of the Joint Functional Component Command for Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance, and chair of the Military Intelligence Board.

Flynn was forced out of his job as director of the agency in 2014 over concerns about his leadership style.

After the ouster, he frequently lashed out in public against President Barack Obama and blamed his removal on the administration's discomfort with his hard-line views on radical Islam, the Post reported.

Fox said Flynn was in line for the NSA position, which does not require confirmation by the Senate.

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US President-elect Donald Trump has picked Senator Jeff Sessions, an opponent of the H-1B visas, as his Attorney General and Congressman Mike Pompeo as head of the CIA, media reports said today.

Alabama Senator Sessions, who was among the first Senator to support Trump in the early part of his campaign and had served was the head of his national security team has been offered the position of US Attorney General, Fox said.

Sessions, 69, also advised Trump on immigration has been an opponent of the H-1B visas.

In one of the rallies in Alabama after he endorsed Trump one of the invited speakers was an American employ of Disney Land who alleges that he was fired from the company because of H-1B visa hires.

The H1B visa is designed to allow US employers to recruit and employ foreign professionals in speciality occupations within the US. This visa programme in popular among Indian IT professionals.

The Trump Campaign has not made a formal announcement yet.

His nomination is subject to confirmation by the United States Senate.

Fox said, Trump has picked Kansas congressman and Tea Party favourite Pompeo to head the CIA under his administration.

This position is also subject to Senate Confirmation.

The Hill said the Republican Congressman has accepted the offer.

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More than 4,400 Turkish citizens have applied for asylum in Germany this year, the government said today, with numbers soaring since a failed coup attempt against Turkey President Recep Tayyip Erdogan.

Among them are several Turkish military officers stationed at Germany's Ramstein NATO air base, national agency DPA has reported.

Berlin-Ankara relations have been badly strained by concerns over the Erdogan government's stance on civil rights, especially its sweeping crackdown against opposition lawmakers, journalists and other critical voices in the wake of the July coup attempt.

Today, Germany's Office for Migration and Refugees said that this year it had received 4,437 political asylum requests to the end of October from Turks, compared to 1,767 during all of last year.

Numbers had steadily climbed from 275 in July to 485 in October, it said, cautioning however that the rise could not be tied directly to the coup attempt, given the long time lags for asylum applications.

German conservative lawmaker Stephan Mayer, who sits on parliament's interior affairs committee, said: "We must presume that the number of Turks who will request political asylum in Germany will rise further."



Foreign Minister Frank-Walter Steinmeier had said last week Berlin wants to "help persecuted scientists, cultural workers, journalists, who can no longer work in Turkey, come to Germany to work".

Erdogan, for his part, has accused Germany of harbouring thousands of Kurdish militants and failing to respond to its requests to extradite terror suspects of the outlawed Kurdistan Workers Party or PKK.

"We gave them 4,500 files. Six of them were looked at," Erdogan said before leaving on a foreign trip today. "Germany is not keeping an eye on this well.

"Terror will return like a boomerang tomorrow and hit Germany. Germany is playing this wrong. The West has become a sanctuary for terror. You say the PKK is a terror group and then support them. What kind of friendship and honesty is this?"



' Mayer, of the conservative Bavarian CSU party, was critical of the foreign ministry for stating that Germany was open to granting refuge to Turkish citizens who need it.

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Seeking to ensure timely implementation of basic urban infrastructure projects and achieve mission target of AMRUT scheme by 2019-20, the Urban Development Ministry has begun approving investments for various projects for the next three financial years.

Earlier, the Ministry approved action plans every year under Atal Mission for Rejuvenation and Urban Transformation (AMRUT).

Urban Development Ministry also approved investments of Rs 5,815 crore for 2017-20 in the states of Gujarat, Rajasthan, Punjab, Bihar and Tripura under the scheme.

"An Inter-Ministerial Apex Committee of AMRUT, chaired by Rajiv Gauba, Secretary (Urban Development) today approved investments of Rs 5,815 crore during 2017-20 in the states of Gujarat, Rajasthan, Punjab, Bihar and Tripura," an official release said.

Gauba said in the meeting that "against the business as usual approach" of approving action plans every year and that too towards the end of a financial year, the Ministry has decided to accord approvals under Atal Mission for the next three financial years so as to enable advance planning and timely execution, necessary to meet the mission targets by 2019-20.

Release of central assistance will be linked to launch of all projects as approved for 2015-17, he added.

The Committee approved investment of Rs 2,279 crore for Gujarat, Rs 1,232 crore for Rajasthan, Rs 1,200 crore for Punjab, Rs 1,042 crore for Bihar and Rs 62 crore for Tripura for the next three financial years.

Total central assistance approved for these five states was Rs 2,461 crore, as per Mission Guidelines.

Under AMRUT, providing water taps to all urban households is given top priority followed by improving sewerage networks and septage management, storm water drains, public transport while developing at least one park/green open space in each city every year is mandatory.

The committee also approved State Annual Action Plan of Arunachal Pradesh with an outlay of Rs 46.67 crore and of Sikkim with an outlay of Rs 13.33 crore for 2016-17.

With this, annual action plans for the current financial year have been approved for all states and UTs except for Delhi whose proposals in prescribed form are still to be received, the release said.

With today's approvals, total investment approved in water supply, sewerage and other components under AMRUT has gone up to Rs 51,505 crore, it added.

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Nearly 200 countries today called for "highest political commitment" to combat climate change on "urgent priority" at a UN gathering here, noting that global climate is warming at an "alarming and unprecedented" rate.

The "Marrakesh Action Proclamation", which was agreed upon by all the parties -- 196 nations and the EU bloc -- taking part in the summit, was read out at the Conference of Parties (CoP) Plenary session which said it was an "urgent duty to respond" to global warming.

This can be termed as one of the main outcomes of the ongoing crucial summit on climate change.

"Our climate is warming at an alarming and unprecedented rate and we have an urgent duty to respond... We call for the highest political commitment to combat climate change, as a matter of urgent priority.

"We call for strong solidarity with those countries most vulnerable to the impact of climate change, and underscore the need to support efforts aimed to enhance their adaptive capacity, strengthen resilience and reduce vulnerability," the proclamation said.

"We, Heads of State, government, and delegations, gathered in Marrakech for the high-level segment of the 22nd Session of the Conference of the Parties to the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change... Issue this proclamation to signal a shift towards a new era of implementation and action on climate and sustainable development," the proclamation said.

Nations while welcoming the Paris Agreement, its rapid entry into force, ambitious goals, inclusive nature and its reflection of equity and common but differentiated responsibilities and respective capabilities, also affirmed their commitment for its full implementation.

India had pushed for inclusion of sustainable lifestyle with minimum carbon footprint and a clear cut mention of flow of funds in the draft of the political proclamation which was earlier made.

"We, the Developed Country Parties, reaffirm our USD 100 billion mobilisation goal," the proclamation said.

It also called for an increase in the "volume, flow and access" to finance for climate projects, alongside improved capacity and technology, including from developed to developing countries.

Environment Minister Anil Madhav Dave had during his recent statement in the high-level segment of the summit noted that access to adequate finance remains an "overriding concern" for India.

He had said that it is "critical" that developed countries provide finance and technology transfer support to developing nations.

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The UN Security Council will vote today on extending for another year the mandate of a panel tasked with investigating chemical attacks in Syria and identifying those responsible, diplomats said.

Following negotiations with Russia, the United States presented a draft resolution that renews the mandate of the joint United Nations-Organization for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons (OPCW) probe until November 2017.

During its year-long investigation, the panel established that Syrian government forces carried out three chlorine gas attacks on villages in 2014 and 2015.

It was the first time that an international probe pointed the finger of blame at President Bashar al-Assad's forces, after years of denial from Damascus.

Despite the findings, Russia has dismissed the conclusions as unconvincing and said no sanctions should be imposed on Syria.

The panel, known as the Joint Investigative Mechanism (JIM), also found that the Islamic State group in Syria used mustard gas as a weapon in August 2015.

The draft resolution obtained by AFP tasks the JIM with identifying the "perpetrators, organizers, sponsors" of attacks including among groups associated with IS or with Al-Qaeda.

It states that all "individuals, entities, groups or governments responsible for any use of chemical weapons must be held accountable."



Despite calls by Russia to extend the probe to Iraq, the draft resolution would limit the work of the JIM investigators to Syria.

Diplomats said the vote would take place at around 0000 GMT.

Calls from France and Britain for UN sanctions against Syria for its use of chemical weapons have yet to translate into action.

Paris and London have described the use of toxic gas in attacks against civilians as a war crime and pushed for sanctions to be imposed on those who carried out the attacks.

The panel's latest report said government helicopters flying from two regime-controlled air bases dropped chlorine barrel bombs on the villages of Qmenas, Talmenes and Sarmin, in rebel-held Idlib province.

The panel identified the 253rd and 255th squadrons of the 63rd helicopter brigade, which flew from the Hama and Humaymim air bases, and the 628 squadron based in Humaymim as the perpetrators.

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The United States today proposed that South Sudan's rebel leader Riek Machar as well as the army chief and information minister face UN sanctions for their role in fueling violence in the war-torn country.

The names of Machar, President Salva Kiir's army chief Paul Malong and his information minister Michael Makuei were on a sanctions blacklist circulated to the Security Council, diplomats said.

Under the proposed measure, Machar, who is receiving medical treatment in South Africa, and the two other officials would face a global travel ban and an assets freeze.

The sanctions list was presented after the United States late Thursday put forward a draft resolution on imposing an arms embargo on South Sudan, where a civil war has raged since December 2013.

Russia however made clear it opposed the measure, arguing that it would further sour relations between South Sudan's leadership and the international community.

Deputy Ambassador Petr Iliichev declined to specify today whether Russia would veto the draft resolution, but added that Moscow feels "very strongly" that the measure was ill-advised.

"It's going to affect very negatively the small progress that we have achieved, especially on trying to re-start the inclusive process if we are going to sideline the leaders," Iliichev told reporters.

Russia last year blocked a previous bid by the United States to blacklist Malong along with top rebel commander, Major General Johnson Olony. Angola, China and Venezuela also opposed the move.

The council has imposed sanctions on six commanders -- three from the government side and three among the rebels.

US Ambassador Samantha Power said yesterday that months of talks with South Sudan's leaders had failed to persuade them to opt for peace as she made the case for sanctions.

"There is no good reason why we would not deprive those who have shown a willingness to commit mass atrocities of the means of doing it more efficiently," she said.

The world's youngest nation, South Sudan descended into war in December 2013, leaving tens of thousands dead and more than 2.5 million people displaced.

The country won independence from Sudan in 2011 with strong support from the United States.

A peace deal between Kiir and Machar in August last year had raised hopes of peace, until clashes erupted in Juba four months ago.

Malong was singled out in a report by a UN panel of experts as having ordered large-scale attacks during the violence that engulfed the capital in July, forcing Machar to flee the country.

Machar later called on his followers to take up arms against Kiir's government after a replacement was named in his post as vice-president and he was sidelined from the power-sharing deal intended to end the war.

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Uttarakhand Assembly today unanimously passed a resolution seeking Rs 1,000 crore from the Centre for infrastructural construction in Gairsain, as Chief Minister Harish Rawat underlined his government's commitment in granting the remote hill town the status of a permanent capital.

"Gairsain is not just a political slogan for us. We are trying to develop suitable infrastructure in Gairsain in keeping with the sentiments associated with the place and trying to build a consensus over the vexed issue of granting it the status of a permanent capital," Rawat said, addressing the state assembly on the second day of its ongoing session in Gairsain.

Gairsain is an emotive issue in the state,with Uttarakhand Kranti Dal which spearheaded the statehood agitation in the 1990s being in favour of the hill town in Chamoli district being declared permanent capital.

With opposition BJP staging a walkout in the House to mount pressure on the ruling dispensation to shed its ambivalence over permanent capital status to Gairsain, Rawat said the state government wanted overall development of the town with maximum connectivity besides availability of power and water.

He also said if steps were taken immmediately after the formation of the state towards making a permanent capital in accordance with the aspirations of statehood agitators, things would have been easier.

"At the time when the state was created, locating the capital anywhere with far shabbier infrastructure would not have raised eyebrows but so much has changed since then. Now we need suitable infrastructure. We are working on a plan to develop a better township in Gairsain," the Chief Minister said.

He added that road connectivity is being improvedandthe airstrip in Gauchar is also being upgraded to make it suitable for large-bodied aeroplanes.

There is also a proposal for a new airport at Ramdeval in Chaukhutia, he said.

The state assembly also unanimously passed a resolution on holding the budget session of the House in 2017-18 in Gairsain.

The current session of the state assembly is being held in the under-construction Vidhan Bhawan at Gairsain.

As many as 21 legislations, including those related to creation of five universities, an amendment bill pertaining to Uttarakhand Madrasa Education Council and creation of a special river valley authority were also passed amid a walkout by BJP members.

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The global watchdog tasked with destroying chemical weapons is probing more than 20 reports of the alleged use of toxic arms in Syria since August, its chief told media today.

Experts with the Organisation for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons also believe the so-called Islamic State group may have itself manufactured mustard gas used in attacks in Syria and Iraq, the body's director general Ahmet Uzumcu said.

It was an "extremely worrying" development for the OPCW, he said, as the organisation marks its 20th anniversary in 2017 having overseen the destruction of 94 per cent of the world's declared chemical weapons.

With the United States and Russia now on target to destroy their last remaining stockpiles within the next seven years, Uzumcu said stopping jihadists and individual groups getting hold of chemical weapons was "a challenge" which was "at the top of the agenda" for the organisation based in The Hague.

He was speaking exclusively to AFP only hours after the UN Security Council extended the mandate for another year of a special joint UN and OPCW panel to allow it to investigate chemical attacks which have been reported in Syria this year.

Since August 1 there had been a number of allegations, by both the Syrian regime and the opposition rebels, of the "use of chlorine and unidentified agents in Aleppo and in northern parts of Syria" such as Idlib, he said.

The OPCW is already "collecting information and analysing" it, the OPCW director general said, to see if the allegations "are credible or not in order to deepen our investigation".

"The number (of allegations) is quite high. I counted more than 20," said Uzumcu, revealing that even yesterday the Syrian authorities had sent to the OPCW fresh reports of chemical weapons use against them.

The panel set up by the UN, known as the Joint Investigative Mechanism, has already determined during a year-long probe that Syrian government forces carried out three chlorine gas attacks on villages in 2014 and 2015.

It was the first time that an international inquiry pointed the finger of blame at President Bashar al-Assad and his forces, after years of denial from Damascus since the start of the civil war in 2011.

The joint panel also found that Islamic State, which captured a large swathe of Iraq and Syria in 2014, was behind a mustard gas attack in Syria in August 2015.

Samples of mustard gas taken from attacks in Syria and Iraq have been analysed by the OPCW's laboratories in The Netherlands and "the findings do suggest that this substance may have been produced by ISIS itself," said Uzumcu.

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With cooperative banks not authorised to exchange defunct currency notes, it is people living in rural and remote areas of Himachal Pradesh, mostly farmers, who have found themselves bearing the brunt of the Centre's demonetisation move.

Most of these farmers have accounts in cooperative and Gramin banks as they have taken loans from these financial institutions.

With their hardship in mind, Chief Minister Virbhadra Singh has urged the Centre to allow cooperative banks to exchange the scrapped currency notes.

The state government has provided a helicopter for rushing Rs 2,000, Rs 100, Rs 50 and other small denomination notes to far-flung, remote and tribal areas of the state to ensure adequate of valid currency.

As per official sources, currency notes worth Rs 29 crore have already been airlifted and sent to tribal areas.

With the advent of winter, snowfall is also likely in the coming days in these high altitude areas.

The state government is ensuring that all essential commodities including foodgrains, fuel, fodder and other items are stored in advance to tide over the winter months when such areas remain cut-off due to closure of high mountain passes after snowfall.

After the demonetisation move, Rs 650 crore had been deposited in the 15 main banks in Kangra district alone, while currency worth Rs 50 crore had been exchanged, official sources said.

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With tightening of the exchange norms and use of indelible ink, the serpentine queues before bank branches have shortened, though the ATM transaction continues to be a nightmare in the metropolis.

The continuing cash crunch since the November 8 announcement of demonetisation of higher value currency notes has seen people throng the banks in huge numbers.

However, today several banks witnessed no queues as exchanges norms were tightened in addition to the use of indelible ink, which kept many people away.

A manager with private sector Lakshmi Vilas Bank in the central business district of Dalhousie said, "We are not allowing exchange till 2.30 PM. But customers can come and withdraw money from their accounts within the limit".

This is why there are no queues outside and exchange would happen only for a short period- from 2.30 PM till the close of banking hours, he said.

Nationalised banks like the Bank of Maharashtra, State Bank of India and others saw no betterment in the situation as people continued to throng for exchange of old currency notes.

ATMs, however, like the past few days ran out of cash in most of the places in the city. With almost every ATM downing shutters during daytime, people crowd in front of them in the evening when word of cash vans refilling money quickly got around.

(Reopens CAl1)



CGM of SBI's Bengal circle Partho Pratim Sengupta said the bank has tied up with public sector petrol pumps IOC and BPCL for withdrawal of money through Point of Sales (POS) machines.

He said 182 petrol pumps in the state would provide the facility to start with and would continue till the situation normalises.

Besides this, SBI has pressed into service three mobile ATM vans from which customers would be able to withdraw money.
Extending their support to Triple Talaq, the women members of the All India Muslim Personal Law board today accused the Centre of interfering in the rights of minorities and urged the government to come out with plans for empowerment of women in the country.

According to AIMPLB, an estimated 10 crore Muslim women from all across the country have signed a campaign supporting the practice of triple talaq.

"India is a secular and a democratic country. Everybody has the right to pursue their own religious rights. We fully stand in support of the triple talaq among Muslims and oppose the Uniform Civil Code. A misinformation is being spread about triple talaq by the government," Asma Zehra, executive committee member of AIMPLB, told reporters.

"Divorce rate is the least in the Muslim community. The number of abandoned, deserted, and divorced women in other communities are many times larger," Zehra said.

A debate has emerged over the government's stand opposing the practice of triple talaq with some leading women politicians seeking its abolition, even as some Muslim bodies accused the ruling dispensation of waging a "war" on their personal law.

(Reopens CAL4)



"The government doesn't have problem with issues of women in other community such as dowry deaths, rapes, female foeticide. The sole intention of the government is to interfere in the rights of minorities. Muslim women abide by the laws made by the All India Muslim Personal Law Board. The laws made by them are balanced....Condition of women in Muslim community is far better than those of women in any other community," Zehra added.

A three-day convention of AIMPLB starts in Kolkata today and will end with a rally at Park Circus maidan.

"We condemn the stand of the present government for interfering in the Muslim Personal Law in the name of providing justice to Muslim women. Muslim women oppose all moves of interference in Muslim personal law and reject the attempts to impose Uniform civil Code. Lakhs of women are participating in signature campaign to show their solidarity with AIMPLB," Zehra said.

AIMPLB usually sticks to only Muslim personal laws, which broadly cover marriage, divorce (talaq), inheritance, succession and adoption-related issues.

It is an umbrella organisation which has representatives from all Muslim sects, theological schools and religious orders and is the highest decision-making body on Muslim personal laws.
Women who choose to become first-time mothers at 25 years of age or later may increase their chances of living into their 90s, a new study has claimed.

The study by researchers at University of California San Diego in the US is the first to look at age at first child-birth in relation to longevity.

The researchers found an association between a woman's age at child-birth and parity (the number of times a woman has been pregnant) with survival to age 90.

"We found that women who had their first child at age 25 or older were more likely to live to age 90," said lead author Aladdin Shadya from UC San Diego School of Medicine.

"The findings indicate that women with two to four term pregnancies compared with a single term pregnancy were also more likely to live at least nine decades," he said.

Out of about 20,000 participants in the study, 54 per cent of women survived to 90 years old.

The participants were part of the Women's Health Initiative (WHI), a national longitudinal investigation of women that began in 1991 in the US. The women were followed for up to 21 years.

The study also found that women who lived to age 90 were more likely to be college graduates, married, have a higher income and less likely to be obese or have a history of chronic disease.

"Our findings do not suggest that women should delay having a child, as the risk of obstetric complications, including gestational diabetes and hypertension, is higher with older maternal ages," Shadya said.

"It is possible that surviving a pregnancy at an older age may be an indicator of good overall health, and as a result, a higher likelihood of longevity," he said.

"It is also possible that women who were older when they had their first child were of a higher social and economic status, and therefore, were more likely to live longer," he added.

The study was published in the American Journal of Public Health.

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A city court has awarded six-year jail term to a youth for sexually assaulting a seven-year-old girl while relying on scientific evidence, even though the girl and her parents turned hostile during the trial.

Additional Sessions Judge Rakesh Pandit awarded the jail term to the youth, a resident of south-west Delhi, for the offence committed in August 2014 and also imposed a fine Rs 50,000 on him.

The court also asked the Delhi Legal Services Authority to give a compensation of the similar amount to the girl.

"In this case, the convict was related to the teacher of the victim. Considering the fact that the convict had taken advantage of the tender age of the child who could not protect herself and to the fact that the convict exploited the piousness of the relationship, the facts do not demand lenient view," the court said while awarding the jail term.

The accused was convicted for the offence committed under Section 10 (punishment for aggravated sexual assault) of the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act.

Based on the DNA report and other scientific evidence, the court held that "the prosecution is able to prove that an aggravated sexual assault took place on the victim. Prosecution was also able to prove that it was the accused who committed the offence".

While denying leniency to the convict, the court said that "the sexual assault is against a child and thus does not deserve that convict be released on probation".

According to police, on August 19, 2014, the case was filed by the girl's mother who alleged that her daughter was raped and sodomised by the accused when she had gone for tuition.

The police had filed the charge sheet under sections 342 (punishment for wrongful confinement), 376 (rape), 377 (unnatural offence) and 506 (criminal intimidation) of the Indian Penal Code and under provisions of the POCSO Act.

During examination before the court, the girl failed to recognise the youth and did not support the allegations made in the charge sheet. Later, her parents also denied the allegations made in the charge sheet.

The accused, however, had pleaded not guilty and claimed trial.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
By Josephine Mason

BEIJING (Reuters) - Billions of dollars in funds exited China's commodities futures in less than a week, the most since February, as regulators curbed speculative trading in a display of Beijing's power to swiftly cool markets.

But the large-scale retreat may prove to be temporary as cash-rich Chinese retail investors could soon return to jolt commodities futures, and given China's size, again cause ripples in global markets. Many of these speculators have little investment experience but have loads of cash to gamble with, a combination that often leads to wild price swings.

The collapse in prices from multi-year highs came after major commodity exchanges in Shanghai, Dalian and Zhengzhou introduced a series of fee hikes and deposit requirements over the past two weeks to tame a months-long surge in prices. [nL4N1DG17B]

The market is "in short-term shock", Donghai Xie, chairman and chief investment officer at Entropy Capital, told on the sidelines of an industry conference in Shanghai on Thursday.

"It may be one or two months before the market becomes calm," he said.

In just four of China's most-active commodities markets - iron ore, rebar, coking coal and glass - a combined 17.5 billion yuan ($2.54 billion) in positions were sold between Nov. 11 and Nov. 17, according to a calculation of exchange data.

The sharp decline in those positions, or open interest, suggested investors took profits as the exchanges slapped on higher transaction fees and margins.

More than 300,000 contracts of rebar , iron ore , coking coal and glass have been shed since Nov. 11, the day many Chinese markets rallied and the exchanges raised transaction fees to tame them, the data showed.

It was the biggest selloff since early February when a combined 19.3 billion yuan exited these markets, based on the data.

The selloff followed weeks of broad-based rallies fueled by retail investors, who were drawn by the upbeat outlook for infrastructure projects that require vast amounts of construction materials such as steel, glass and copper.

The upsurge and the ensuing decline in Chinese futures moved global prices. Iron ore has skidded 8 percent from last week's two-year high near $80 a tonne as Chinese futures slumped. [IRONORE/]

The selldown has spurred speculation among market participants that the major commodity exchanges were preparing to take even more stringent measures to cool prices, possibly limiting the size of positions investors could take.

($1 = 6.8906 Chinese yuan)

(Additional reporting by Gavin Maguire in Singapore; Editing by Manolo Serapio Jr.)

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
By Rosalba O'Brien and Teresa Cespedes

LIMA (Reuters) - Leaders of Pacific rim nations gathered in Peru on Friday seeking to salvage hopes for regional trade as prospects of a Donald Trump presidency in the United States sounded a possible death knell for the Trans-Pacific Partnership (TPP) free trade pact.

Discussions between the 21 members of the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) summit are expected to be dominated by fears of rising anti-globalization sentiment in the West, where many worry about losing jobs to low-wage economies, and China's burgeoning role in global trade.

"We have noticed that protectionist tendencies have begun to emerge," Peru's President Pedro Pablo Kuczynski said in an opening speech. "To anyone who wants to propose protectionism I suggest that you read the history books about the 1930s."

U.S. President Barack Obama, Chinese President Xi Jinping, and Russian President Vladimir Putin are due to attend the summit that brings together leaders whose economies represent 57 percent of global gross domestic product.

While campaigning for the presidential election which he won, Trump labeled the TPP "a disaster" and called for curbs on immigration. His isolationist stance echoed sentiments in Britain, which voted in June to quit the European Union.

Though Obama championed the TPP, his administration has now stopped trying to win congressional approval for the deal that was signed by 12 economies in the Americas and Asia-Pacific, but excluded China. Without U.S. approval the agreement as currently negotiated cannot come to fruition.

But Alan Bollard, the APEC secretariat's executive director, said it was premature to write the TPP off, though he expected it to be "put on the shelf" temporarily.

"I think at the minute they will sit on it and wait and see what the new U.S. administration looks like after a year or a couple of years," Bollard said.

China's Xi is expected to sell an alternate vision for regional trade by promoting the Beijing-backed Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP), which as it stands excludes the Americas.

The Kremlin said Obama and Putin would likely speak at the Lima summit, while a source said the leaders of Canada and Mexico would discuss the potential impact a Trump presidency could have on the NAFTA trade pact.

OPEN TO OPTIONS

In contrast with creeping protectionism in the U.S. and Europe, summit host Peru is one of the world's most open economies. It has already said it would like to join the Beijing-backed trade pact.

Others like Japan have expressed interest in moving forward with some sort of regional trade pact without the United States, Vice President Mercedes Araoz said.

"We probably will have several paths we could take, always with the commitment of having a free trade agreement in the Asia-Pacific region," Araoz told journalists.

Australia's Trade Minister Steve Ciobo said he hoped negotiations on TPP would continue, but in the meantime believed the Chinese-led agreement presented a big opportunity.

"If we are able to successfully land it over the coming months or the year ahead it would create again a terrific opportunity for Australian businesses to export through a common set of rules across the region," he told Australian Broadcasting Corp radio.

Business leaders, also gathered in Lima, cautioned that the world would need to wait and see what happened with a Trump presidency and Brexit but that customers accustomed to enjoying the fruits of free trade were unlikely to support the effects of increased barriers.

"The fact is that moms in Minnesota are still going to want blueberries in January, that your average consumer in England is still going to want the full assortment of products that they've been used to, and I have confidence that it will work out in a way that is practical and pragmatic," said Scott Price, Chief Administrative Officer of Wal-Mart International.

(Reporting by Rosalba O'Brien, Teresa Cespedes, Caroline Stauffer, Ursula Scollo and Mitra Taj in Lima, Additional reporting by Jamie Freed in Sydney; Writing by Caroline Stauffer and Rosalba O'Brien; Editing by Meredith Mazzilli and Alistair Bell)

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
In a stifling office on the second floor of an anonymous building along a dusty lane in Lado Sarai  the new hub for young artists in a corner of the southwestern part of Delhi  a 38-year-old mens wear designer Vogue.com has called a global fashion superstar in the making sat in semidarkness. The power had gone out.
Kiran Bir Sethi was at her wits end with schooling in Ahmedabad. She struggled with how to get the best out of her young son without him losing interest in the schooling system. He often returned from school dejected and bored.
Chinese app maker just made an unusual announcement: India is its fastest growing market with 16 per cent users. Only five per cent of its users are in China. So the company is planning to invest upwards of $44 million into India, and will go on a hiring spree to get a 200-people team going in its new office in the country.
Commercial Feature is a Business Standard Digital Marketing Initiative.

The Editorial/Content team at Business Standard has not contributed to writing or editing these articles.

For further information, please write to assist@bsmail.in




North Carolina has a low unemployment rate and competitive labor market.

The cost of living and doing business is low in North Carolina compared to the wider region.

To be successful, tap into the right resources to get the help you need and make sure to comply with state laws.

This article is for entrepreneurs currently running or considering opening a business in North Carolina.

In 2021, North Carolina had more than 964,000 small businesses, accounting for over 99% of businesses, with more than 1.7 million small business employees in the state. As of March 2022, the states economists showed that North Carolina had fully recovered from the economic jolt of the pandemic.

North Carolinas unemployment rate stands at 3.4%, slightly lower than the national rate of 3.6%, which means that the labor market is competitive. In addition to the generally tight labor market, it remains particularly difficult to find and retain top talent in certain industries, so employers have to get creative when it comes to compensation and opportunities for career development.

Entrepreneurs in the state are optimistic. Many cite business-friendly regulations, a manageable tax code and low costs as their reasons for operating within the state. Heres a closer look at the challenges and opportunities in the Tar Heel State, as well as resources that can help you start and grow your small business and answers to frequently asked questions among entrepreneurs in the state.

Competitive labor market

Across the country, states are contending with a competitive labor market, and the situation is no different in North Carolina. As unemployment rates return to, and even fall below, pre-pandemic levels, businesses are clamoring for skilled workers and providing better compensation, benefits and workplace perks. Attracting and retaining top talent in a competitive labor market can be difficult, especially for small businesses with limited resources that need to compete with larger companies.

The labor market in the Charlotte area can be a challenge because there are so many businesses competing for the same labor pool, said Charlie Zylstra, owner of Window Genie of Lake Norman. When looking for potential talent, my business puts a big focus on someone who understands what customer service means. We look for those who take pride in their work and want to exceed.

Some small businesses, like Charlotte-based ComplianceLine, focus on career development and skill training in addition to compensation as a way to provide value to employees and boost retention. Co-CEO Giovanni Gallo said that employee recruitment and retention have become just as important as client development (indeed, the former improves the latter).

Not surprisingly, the labor market is noticeably tight in NC, he said. Business growth and demand seems to move faster than relocation or skills growth, so good talent is dear. Every growing company would be well advised to pay attention to not just the obvious things like pay and benefits, but also build intentional investment and processes around coaching, career development, cultural engagement and, critically, a culture focused on preventing the harassment, unfairness and discrimination that wrecks culture and sends your best people to your competitors.

A quick economic recovery

North Carolinas economic recovery from the pandemic has been swift and robust. Throughout 2021, the state saw a 6.7% economic growth rate, creating new opportunities for entrepreneurs. This strong recovery, paired with manageable costs and other benefits of its location, makes North Carolina an entrepreneurial hotspot.

North Carolina is  at an advantage geographically, as it is centrally located on the East Coast with interstate access to other major U.S. markets and population hubs, said Morgan Crapps, a consultant with Columbia-based Parker Poe Consulting. This is frequently an important factor in a companys investment decision.

Awamary Khan, founder and CEO of The Woman Boss, told us that rural areas and certain urban regions continue to miss out on the states economic gains.

The overall indicators  mask considerable disparity between regions and communities, she said. There are geographic disparities as well; a majority of counties have not recovered from the recession and continue to struggle.

Key takeaway: Though the state overall has recovered quickly from pandemic-related economic turmoil, some regions of North Carolina have been left out.

Low cost of living and doing business

While the labor market can be a challenge in North Carolina, the relatively low cost of living and doing business is a plus. The tight labor pool means costs have risen somewhat, but they remain manageable compared to some other states in the region.

There is a lot that North Carolina offers from a quality-of-life standpoint, including a relatively low cost of living, which makes it an attractive place for people to move with their families, Crapps said. The cost of labor  and living  has increased in recent years as a result of the successes the state has had, but it still tends to be comparatively lower than many of the markets that it competes against.

According to Sperlings Best Places research on the cost of living, North Carolina is more affordable than the average state in all of the major categories except healthcare. With 100 representing the average cost of living, North Carolina came in at 90.6 overall. The cost of groceries, housing and transportation are all below average. However, its healthcare costs come in at 107.5 on Sperlings scale, which means they are higher than the national average. Employers should keep healthcare costs in mind when crafting benefits packages for employees, especially in a state where a competitive labor market makes such packages essential to attract and retain top talent.

Manageable taxes

Tax rates in North Carolina are relatively low, earning the state the No. 11 spot in the nation from the Tax Foundation for business taxes. The top corporate income tax rate is 2.5%, which is significantly lower than in many other states, especially North Carolinas northern neighbors on the East Coast. It is a full 2.5% lower than South Carolinas top corporate income tax rate and 3.5% lower than neighboring Virginias.

The states low business tax rates are offset somewhat by a 6.98% sales tax, which is ranked 26th in the nation but remains lower than North Carolinas northeastern neighbors. The states top individual income tax rate, which applies to pass-through entities like LLCs, is 4.99%, while its neighboring states have higher rates: South Carolinas is 7% and Virginias is 5.75%.

I would say the taxation in North Carolina is favorable compared to most other states, Zylstra said. From where I moved from in Connecticut, I see the North Carolina tax policy as a huge boost to the states economy.

To me, [taxation and regulations] seem fairly relaxed, and the state overall seems to have an attitude of wanting to promote business and to make things as noncomplex as possible, added Stan Kimer, founder and president of Total Engagement Consulting and vice president of training at the National Diversity Council.

Again, though, North Carolina is a fairly large state with notable disparities, depending on your location. The precise tax burden is dependent on local and county taxes. Certain tax incentives might be available to businesses in certain locations or industries.

Incentives and taxes differ based on location within the state, Crapps said. North Carolina as a whole tends to stack up well. They also have some specific incentive programs, including one for recycling companies that can exempt eligible property from property tax, [which] makes them extremely competitive for certain types of projects.

Key takeaway: North Carolina businesses face a relatively friendly environment with regard to small business taxes.

Industries to watch and to avoid

North Carolinas Research Triangle continues to drive much of the states economic growth. Anchored by North Carolina State University, Duke University and the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, opportunities abound in the Research Triangle for tech startups as well as businesses that are related to the regions highly educated, high-earning population.

Though the economy overall has recovered, hospitality and leisure continue to struggle. Entrepreneurs should be cautious about starting new ventures in these sectors.

Frequently asked questions about doing business in North Carolina

Starting a business in North Carolina requires you to select a business structure and file the appropriate tax and employer identification documents.

Do you need to register your business in North Carolina?

Yes, you must register your business when operating in North Carolina. The first step in the registration process is to choose an available business name; you can see if your desired name is available by searching the state database. You must also select a business structure, such as an LLC or limited partnership, and incorporate accordingly. Once these steps are complete, you can register your business with the North Carolina Secretary of State or county, depending on the business structure youve selected. Once you have registered your business with the appropriate agency, you will receive an email regarding the status of your newly formed entity.

How much does it cost to register a business in North Carolina?

The fee to secure articles of incorporation through the business registration process in North Carolina is $125. Depending on the type of entity you incorporate as, there could be additional fees, such as for an application to reserve a corporate name or for articles of amendment. You can review a full list of the business registration fees on the North Carolina Secretary of States website.

Do you need to register your business in North Carolina if you are a sole proprietor?

Yes. Sole proprietors still need to register their business, although they must go through the county or counties in which they operate rather than the North Carolina Secretary of States office. Each county has its own fees and processes, so review the rules of your locales before beginning the process.

What kind of licensing do you need to do business in North Carolina?

North Carolina does not require a single type of general business license, but many businesses are required to apply for a certain type of license to operate within the state. These licenses depend on your business operations, including which goods and services you offer. For more information on North Carolinas business licenses, permits and certifications, see the state website.

Does your business have to have a physical location in North Carolina?

Yes. A business must maintain a registered agent with a physical address in North Carolina. The registered agent is responsible for receiving all official communications from the state. If your company is headquartered in a state other than North Carolina, you must first register as a foreign entity. That requires a Certificate of Authority from the North Carolina Secretary of State. To obtain a Certificate of Authority, you must provide the name of your company as it appears in its home states records, the name you will use in North Carolina, the address of your principal office, the name of a North Carolina-based registered agent, the names of your current business officials and the equivalent document of authority from your home state.

How long does it take to form a new business in North Carolina?

Typically, the business registration process in North Carolina takes five to seven business days. This can vary if you register with a county (as LLCs and sole proprietorships are required to do). Generally, though, you can expect a response within one business week. The state recommends waiting to receive confirmation that your registration was accepted before purchasing any branded stationery or business cards.

How do you get a business tax ID in North Carolina?

To register your business, you will need a tax identification code (known as an EIN) from both the U.S. Internal Revenue Service and the state of North Carolina. Your EIN will be used to cover sales taxes, use taxes, payroll taxes, and any machinery or equipment taxes that might apply to your business.

Does North Carolina require a DBA?

North Carolina requires a doing business as (DBA) name only if you plan to operate your business under a different brand name from the one that appears on your business registration filings. To register a DBA with the state, you must first make sure the preferred name is available with the state and no other business is already using it. You can designate your DBA for multiple counties through one filing. To search available DBAs and begin the process of registering a DBA for your business, visit the North Carolina Secretary of States website.

Resources for small businesses in North Carolina

If youre a small business owner in North Carolina who is looking for resources to help you move forward, here are a few organizations you might want to learn more about.

North Carolina SCORE

SCOREs volunteer business professionals and expert mentors give counsel and guidance to entrepreneurs looking to start or expand their businesses. The services are entirely free and volunteer-driven. Discover SCORE locations in North Carolina.

U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) District Office

The SBA offers financing and grants as well as consultations and counseling services, and has a North Carolina SBA District Office. There are also opportunities to apply for federal government contracts through the SBA and avenues for assistance in the wake of natural disasters.

North Carolina Small Business and Technology Development Centers

North Carolina has several development centers for small businesses. Each center is dedicated to supporting the development and retention of small businesses, helping entrepreneurs do everything from crafting business plans to navigating the states tax code.

North Carolina is open for business

If you manage these challenges and take advantage of North Carolinas opportunities, such as its low cost of doing business, the state can be a great place to start and run a business. Though the economic growth rate has been modest in recent years, many entrepreneurs have created flourishing businesses here.

Ross Mudrick contributed to the writing and reporting in this article. Source interviews were conducted for a previous version of this article.
The recent demonetisation of Rs 500 and Rs 1000 notes that brought the nation to a standstill also clashed with the country's wedding season which has left many families in a cash crunch situation.

Yoga Guru, Baba Ramdev didn't miss an opportunity to express his take on the nation's current situation.



"Many in the BJP are bachelors...they didn't realise it was wedding season...that was the mistake," joked the Patanjali founder in an NDTV interview.

"If they had done this around 15 days or one month later then there weddings wouldn't have been so badly affected," he added.

Ramdev also spoke about how the demonetisation has become a problem for people demanding dowry.

"One good thing that has come out of all this...people cannot demand dowry," said the Guru.

The government on Thursday announced families who were preparing for weddings can make a one-time withdrawal of Rs 2.5 lakh after many requests.
The government on Friday cautioned Jan Dhan account holders, housewives and artisans that they will be prosecuted under the I-T Act for allowing misuse of their bank accounts through the deposit of black money in Rs 500/1,000 notes during the 50-day window till December 30.

The directive comes against the backdrop of reports that some are using other persons' bank accounts to convert their black money into new denomination notes. In some cases, even rewards are being given to account holders for allowing such misuse.

The government had earlier said deposits up to Rs 2.50 lakh in bank accounts would not come under tax scrutiny as it is within the tax exemption limit. In the case of Jan Dhan account, the holder can deposit up to Rs 50,000.

However, the income tax department has noted that people are under impression that no action will be taken for deposits up to Rs 2.50 lakh during November 9 and December 30.

The ministry said "such tax evasion activities can be made subject to income tax and penalty if it is established that the amount deposited in the account was not of the account holder but of somebody else. Also, the person who allows his or her account to be misused for this purpose can be prosecuted for abetment under the Income Tax Act".

The government has earlier said black money deposited in bank accounts during the 50-day period will be subject to tax, interest and 200% penalty.

It asked people not to be lured into the conversion of black money and become a partner in the crime of converting black money into white through this method.

"Unless all citizens of the country help the government in curbing black money, this mission of black money will not succeed," the official statement said.

It also asked people to provide information about such illegal activities to the I-T department so that immediate action can be taken and such illegal transfer of cash can be stopped and seized.

"Black money is a crime against humanity. We urge every conscientious citizen to help join the government in eradicating it," it added.

Following the demonetisation announcement of November 8, people have been queueing up in front of banks to convert and deposit the now-defunct 500 and 1,000 rupee notes.

The tax department has already made quoting of PAN mandatory if cash deposits during the 50-day period aggregate Rs 2.5 lakh or more in bank accounts.
A passenger travelling to Chicago on an Air India flight found a dead cockroach in the meal that was served onboard.

Rahul Raghuvanshi who was travelling from Hyderabad via Delhi took to Twitter to express his shock and posted a picture of the meal too.



In response, Air India tendered apologies for any inconvenience caused. "We have a zero tolerance policy in this respect. Obligatory action is taking place," the airline said in a tweet.

This incident prompted the airline carrier to order a probe into the matter and also send a notice to the caterer concerned.

"Air India took serious note of the incident and issued notice to the caterer concerned immediately. Further investigation is going on," said Dhananjay Kumar, Senior Manager, Corporate Communications, Air India.


Alison Cowzer of East Coast Bakehouse and Dragons Den, launched the Boyne Valley/M1 Illuminate Female Entrepreneurship Programme at The Mill Enterprise Hub in Drogheda yesterday.

The programme is delivered by the DCU Ryan Academy and is a Fetac-accredited course aimed at entrepreneurs seeking to develop their business. Guest speakers on the day also included Bronagh Conlon of Network Louth and Jill Stout of CooKit Kids who participated in the first Illuminate programme.



The Illuminate programme was created by The Mill Enterprise Hub with assistance from DKIT and DCU Ryan Academy to empower early stage female entrepreneurs to develop and expand their business.

The programme is supported by Coca-Cola International Services, AIB and the Louth & Meath Local Enterprise Offices. Applications are now open with the closing date of 16th December.



The first Illuminate course commenced in October 2015 and enabled early-stage female entrepreneurs from Louth and Meath an opportunity to participate in the specially created course, which is accredited by QQI (Quality & Qualifications Ireland) at Level 6, Minor Award.

The programme fast-tracked entrepreneurs businesses to develop their business and leadership skills, achieve scale, and create employment.

Participants were given the knowledge, skills and understanding to commercialise sustainable and profitable products by completing 12 study modules including Sales Strategy, Project Management, Business Risk Management, Sustaining & Growing Your Business, Marketing and Leadership.



Business Development Manager at The Mill Enterprise Hub, Breanndan Casey said, "Its great to see Coca-Cola International Services and AIB come on board again to support local business. This keeps the price extremely competitive and the course is an opportunity to step back from day-to-day activities, and to carefully consider the long-term strategy and goals of their business, as part of the Business Model Canvas exercise."

Source: www.businessworld.ie

About us
Anti-Trump protests: "I thought of setting myself on fire"

Published on November 18, 2016

Story by Joao Fernandes Silva

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Since Donald Trump's election protests have sprung up across America, including New York City, where protesters are rallying and chanting against the new President on his own doorstep.

Jack, a teenager from the Bronx, carries a sign that says "Not my president! Go to hell fast." Four days after Donald J. Trump was elected the new President of the United States of America, the young man was one of the many who marched through down Manhattan's Fifth Avenue alongside dozens of New Yorkers who refuse to accept their new president. As they headed towards Trump Tower some chanted No Trump, no KKK, no racist USA!

More than a week later, social media groups and events are being created and used as the engine that ignites the rallies. The anti-Trump protests attract hundreds of angry, afraid and upset participants who don't plan on stopping and promise to wage war on the new president on his own doorstep.

"People need to understand how serious and horrible this was for so many Americans," says Jack. Even though he is a teenager, he has a long career of activism on his curriculum, protesting queer issues and Black Lives Matter. He sees Trump as unfit for the role and has now turned his focus towards the new President.

Willa Cowan-Essig was the planner and coordinator for one of the protests scheduled for today (18 November). Like many others, she didn't take the election results well. So she turned to Facebook to help gather as many people as possible.

"I even thought about setting myself on fire," she said. In the end, she decided she would "be shot by police" before she could spread any message so, instead, Willa and other activists plan to go nude to draw attention to themselves.

"My mom said she would bail me out if I got arrested, but she said I should make sure I had others with me so that I wouldn't get thrown in a mental institution," she added.

Willa, a freelance photographer and children's play-center worker, is one of many New Yorkers who struggle to make ends meet. "Too many people are suffering from the way things are now. No one should feel afraid for their lives or livelihood, and most people do," she argues. With Trump's election, she believes, things turn even worse for everyone. She says that "even white men will suffer with lack of health care and education and even wealthy white men will suffer when the economy does."

The native New Yorker fears that people have grown "complacent and lazy," quickly losing their focus. "I think both people and media have already normalized Trump. We've all become desensitized," she laments. However, she promises to continue protesting, in "different forms" in the future.

During his campaign, Trump promised to create a register of Muslims in the US, repeal Obamacare and build a wall on the US border with Mexico. He has also been accused of sexual assault by 13 women.

Anti-Trump protests have emerged in major cities across America, such as the nation's capital of Washington DC, as well as Miami, Atlanta, Las Vegas, Philadelphia, Portland, Chicago, Los Angeles, Cleveland, Phoenix and Dallas. Rallies and vigils have also taken place in college campuses and high school students have staged walk-outs as a means of protest.

Story by Joao Fernandes Silva
STATEN ISLAND, N.Y. -- It's good news: Robert Funaro, the New Dorp resident known for his roles as Eugene Pontecorvo, a crime family soldier in "The Sopranos," and Tony Del Greco, a chief enforcer for a New York mob boss in Martin Scorsese's HBO drama series "Vinyl" -- now stars in "The Milkman's Sister," a production to run through Dec. 5 at the 13th Street Repertory Theatre in Manhattan.

Funaro has undertaken the role of Sal Furfante in the new family drama with a cast of five actors -- one of which you don't see -- in a production that takes a fifth floor Bronx tenement apartment as its backdrop.

The time frame? October of 1962 during the time of the Cuban Missile Crisis and all the tension and panic that unfolds between a devastated unemployed milkman, an angry supervisor of hospital linen, and their neighbors.

Written by Mark Blickley, directed by Joe Battista and produced by Roslyn McKay, "The Milkman's Sister," features, in addition to Funaro, Concetta Rose Rella, Dan Yaiullo, Jenne Vath and Chris Fougere.



Funaro, who maintains residences in New Dorp and in Manhattan explains:

"The play focuses on a nuclear threat by Khrushchev's Russia during the Kennedy administration during the early 1960's and how is affects the people in the apartment."

Performances are set for Saturday evenings at 7:30 p.m., Nov., 19, 26 and Dec. 3 and Sunday matinees at 3 p.m. on Nov. 20, 27 and Dec. 4.

Each performance is approximately 2 hours with one intermission. More info: Email 13thsttheatre@gmail.com or visit BrownPaperTickets.com/event/2657026

Other upcoming projects for Funaro? A role in "The Sinner," starring Jessica Biel and Bill Pullman, a crime thriller that's been picked up by the USA Network.

"The Sinner" is an hour long drama of a young mother who's overcome by an inexplicable fit of rage and commits a startling and very public act of violence -- and to her horror has no idea why.

Funaro's name has been no stranger to this column.

In December we boasted of his role of Sal Idello in the Vincent Amelio, Al Dente production of "How Alfo Learned to Love," a down-home fun "ethnic comedy" at Manhattan's 59th Street Theater.

FYI: Funaro got his big break when working with James Gandolfini in a production of "A Streetcar Named Desire" that toured Scandinavia -- Funaro played Stanley Kowalski and Gandolfini played Mitch. Several years later when Funaro was working as a manager of Caroline's Comedy Club, Manhattan, Gandolfini suddenly walked in looking for him.

"He said there was a role available and that he could get me in the door for the auditions -- the rest, he said, was up to me," said Funaro "He's was a great guy -- a terrific man. For him to come back and look for me -- I'm really blessed by that."



Funaro, who's been acting on and off for a number of years, also appeared in episodes of "Law and Order" and was featured in "Law & Order: Criminal Intent." He also appeared in the 2007 film"American Gangster" as Detective McCann and in 2012 in "Whistle Blower," in an episode in the second season of the CBS show "Blue Bloods" as NYPD Capt. Browne.

CELEBRATIONS: NOV. 20 AND 21

Happy birthday Sunday to Mary Lee, Gail Fernandez, Michael J. Perkert who turns 9, Joan Galant, William J. Slaven Jr.,Ann Marie Henderson, Casey Romano, twins Laura Gwen and Douglas Gil Cala, celebrity/executive chef, Rob Burmeister, Roy E. Smith, and Diane Nicole Arrigo.

Monday is birthday time for Barbara Danischewski, Ronald Kilichowski, twins Adam and Brandon Kruse and Ryan Brucato, who turns 13 so says grandparents, Betty and Carl Carrara.
| BY Ricki Green |

TBWA Melbourne, Eleven and Limbs 4 Life have launched Toe Jam  a fruit preserve for feet preservation ahead of World Diabetes Day.

While it might not be Australians usual breakfast order, an estimated 12 Aussies lose a limb every day, mostly feet and toes as a result of diabetes  up to 85% of which are avoidable with the right care.

Toe Jam is bringing this message to the breakfast table to highlight the importance of dedicating time to your tootsies and to help reduce the risk of amputation.

Masterchef winner and host of My Market Kitchen, Emma Dean, devised the Toe Jam recipe and lovingly crushed more than her fair share of the berries to boot.

Being one of the quirkier dishes she has created, Dean hopes the jam will give Aussies some food for thought.

Says Dean: My grandmother lost sight due to diabetes, and my grandfather, a limb, so this is a cause close to my heart. Ive loved working with Limbs 4 Life to turn one of my biggest passions  food, into something that will drive change. Aussies are known for their adventurous eating habits so Im hoping they are up for a taste of Toe Jam to help raise awareness of this preventable issue.

Says Melissa Noonan, CEO, Limbs 4 Life on the launch: To grab Australians attention on the overlooked issue, we knew we had to create something different. And it doesnt get more different than Toe Jam. I mean, who wouldnt sit up and pay attention when someone said they had Toe Jam for brekkie? We hope Australia gets behind us spreading the message in such a toe-curling way with Toe Jam to help us raise awareness.

Client: Care4Feet (Limbs4Life)

Creative Agency: TBWA Melbourne

Executive Creative Director: Paul Reardon

Creative Directors: Matt Stoddart. Ashwin Gopal

Creatives: Tim Woolford. Scott Canning

Senior Digital Planner: Harrison Steinhart

Account Director: Amelia van Veenendaal

Account Executive: Emily Watt

Director: Harrison Webster

Editor: Brian Patto

Producer: Stephanie Leddin

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| BY Ricki Green |

Behind every great Italian meal, and chef, is a great food- loving Nonna. To give these matriarchs the recognition they deserve, Sandhurst Fine Foods has teamed up with Sydney celebrity chefs and their Nonnas to host the two-week Festival of Nonna.

The project, developed by Special Group with support from Alfred on event production and Poem handling PR and influencer engagement, will see the rooftop restaurant pop-up at Redferns 107 Projects.

A foodies dream, the Festival of Nonna offers dinners celebrating Italian heritage and flavours and workshops teaching all the best customs from the boot-shaped country. More than 90 per cent of tickets had sold out within a week of going on sale.

Says Cade Heyde, managing partner at Special Group: We hope that this initiative will help to establish Sandhurst Fine Foods as a business that is about more than just bottles of pesto and olives  this is a business that is immensely passionate about food, love and family.

Says Mimmo Lubrano, CEO, Sandhurst Fine Foods: Were a company built on family and tradition so we understand how both of these things shape who we are and how we enjoy food. The Festival of Nonna gives us all a chance to appreciate the people who first inspired many of us and get closer to the tastes that make Sandhurst products so popular.

Celebrity chef Andrew Cibej, renowned for his work at Sydneys favourite restaurants Vini, Berta and 121BC, will cook side-by-side with Nonna Valerie Cibej creating a five-course meal with Italian prosecco for $50 per ticket.

Workshops will be held with chefs Luca Ciano (of 2 Michelin-starred Il Luogo di Aimo e Nadia in Milan), Massimo Mele (previously of La Scala on Jersey) and Sara Oteri (Series 7, MasterChef Australia), plus their Nonnas, sharing authentic, time- tested Italian techniques passed down to them, with interactive, hands-on demonstrations.

Saucy gnocchi, tender veal, delicious antipasti and other delectables from their ancestral homeland will be served up on a traditional table for guests to enjoy. Coupled with heady, aromatic wines the five-course meal is sure to hit the spot with those who enjoy food just like Nonna used to make.

Tickets to the Festival of Nonna dinners are priced at $50 and guests will enjoy a five course meal, wine, prosecco and a bag of Italian goodies to take home. Tickets for workshops are $30.
| BY Ricki Green |

Following on from the success of the last two years, the MADC After Party returns in a new venue and with new MADC star sponsor, Finch. This year the Duchess in Flinders Street will host the Melbourne industrys night of nights on December 1 and again tickets are limited, to just 230.

The last two years were sold out in the week prior to the event, this year is unlikely to be any different. The MADC Star award makes a welcome reappearance, last year it was won by DDB with Cussons Radiant Return and the creative team enjoyed a generous $10,000 trip to SXSW as the prize.

This year Finch have stepped it up even further and details of the prize are to be released next week.

Says Grant Rutherford, president, MADC: Apart from having a good old fashioned shin-dig, once again we will be awarding the MADC Star, a year-defining piece of work, campaign, or just plain outstanding thinking that defines the best of the year. Melbourne has always punched above its industry size for weight and I honestly look forward to seeing what our esteemed International judges consider to be world class.
STATEN ISLAND, N.Y. -- It's not every day that Al Roker of NBC's "TODAY Show" knocks on your door, asks if he's in the right place, then leads you through a crowd where Tony Danza is waiting patiently to meet you.

No. It's not a dream, but rather a dream turned reality Friday morning for Chris Mitrovich, the Huguenot resident who's in finance management -- but who doubles as an amateur chef -- in what he describes as an amazing story.

"Is Chris Mitrovich, here?" said Roker from the NBC show. "Please come out! I hear you make a good meatball."

Then he beckoned for Chris to go outside. "Do you know what 'The Turkey Trot' is?" he asked, to which Chris answered "No."

The "TODAY Show Turkey Trot," brings the NBC crew to various states throughout the country surprising foodies with their favorite celebrity chef.

Roker explained he already knew how much Chris loves to make meatballs and also knew he adopted his recipe from Tony Danza.

So, as the twosome fought their way through family members and friends, suddenly Danza burst through the crowd.

"Did you ever meet him?" questioned Roker.

Chris, who's been preparing meatballs for six years now, admits to getting the recipe from Danza one day when he was thumbing through the Internet.

Chris' wife, Kim told us: "They were so delicious, that he stuck with it."

Kim recounted: "I submitted an online note about a month and a half ago and answered 'Do you know someone who's a foodie and would be surprised as a celebrity chef?"

"In fact," said she, "They traveled all over the country and Florida and Virginia, but for the finale they wanted it to be huge because they were back in New York."

So Kim, a stay at home mom and former teacher, emailed "The Today Show" and sent a video because her hubby "simply loves to cook and always uses Tony Danza's recipes. Isn't it all about family members, good friends and good food?"

Big wigs, including a producer by the name of Jennifer Long, responded about two weeks later in what Kim reveals was such a positive experience. And from that time on it was hard for Kim to keep it a secret from her husband.

But, we should tell you, all of this didn't unfold without phone calls, emails and plenty of interaction between the TV crew and Kim, with one encounter even taking place aboard the Staten Island Ferry.

Back to the surprise: In order to have the surprise be all the more real, Kim concocted a story that Chris had to stay home Friday morning for an Our Lady Star of the Sea school parent/teacher's conference.

And to distract Chris from suspecting anything just in case he observed video equipment and trucks and buses in the area, she validated the story even further by noting they were filming a commercial on her block, inasmuch as camera crews showed up at 5 a.m.

FYI: Al Roker even did a weather segment right down the block right in front Kim's sister and brother-in-law, Jen and Greg Vernaci's, home.

The Mitrovich's are the parents of Danielle, 6, Christopher, 2 and Nicholas Jett, nine months.

Kim and Chris are still reveling in all the excitement, but said they are especially thrilled to be putting such a positive spotlight on the borough of Staten Island that they simple adore.

BTW: Tony Danza is coming to Staten Island's Center for the Arts Friday, March 10, 8 p.m. at Springer Concert Hall. Tickets: $60, $55.

Accompanied by his talented four-piece band, Danza performs a selection of his favorite standards from the Great American Songbook, as well as selections from the hit Broadway musical Honeymoon in Vegas while interweaving stories about his life and personal connection to the music. Perhaps best known for his starring roles on two of television's most cherished series, Taxi and Who's the Boss, Danza has also established himself as a Broadway star in such hits as Honeymoon in Vegas, The Producers, A View from the Bridge,and The Iceman Cometh opposite Kevin Spacey. The New York Times has called Tony Danza in Standards & Stories "a live wire who tap-dances, plays the ukulele, tells stories and radiates irresistible charm." Buy tickets at CFAShows.com.
| BY Lynchy |

As a culmination of a three-month management renewal exercise, DDB has added three top-class talent to its leadership team. The appointments include ex Leo Burnett and J Walter Thompson ECD Chris Chiu.

After a very short spell at J Walter Thompson Chris Chiu joins in the Chief Creative Officer role replacing the outgoing Joji Jacob who has today launched his own agency, Blk J with 3 other senior DDB Singapore staffers.

In other senior appointments Melvin Kuek joins as Managing Director and Guillaume Pagnoux joins as Chief Planner to become part of the leadership team helmed by David Tang, Neil Johnson and Jeff Cheong.

In an announcement, David Tang, CEO of DDB Group Singapore and Asia said, Having helped set up Blk J, were bringing on the Champions Team at DDB for the next lap. Chris, Melvin and Guillaume are the best there are in our business and totally nice guys. They fit the talented and nice DDB style and add to the pretty long list of top-class performers already under the DDB Group roof. It feels like we have a dream team of creative superheroes!

The move comes closely on the heels of the hiring of eight key creative hires at DDB, including Benjamin Lee of Mr. Miyagi fame as Social Media Creative Director; and four new creative leaders in Luis Fabra, Malhaar Rao, Josh Armstrong and Adithya Deepan.

They add breadth, depth and weight to what is arguably the most formidable agency team in Singapore, with an unbroken track record over the past 10 years at the Effie, Cannes, Hall of Fame and Marketing Awards, said Tang (pictured left).

More importantly, it injects fresh and exciting leaders into the steady-and-ready DDB management team to do the most cutting-edge work for its clients such as StarHub, McDonalds, DBS Bank, Republic of Singapore Air Force, SilkAir, Johnson & Johnson, Unilever and Whole of Government business.

The agency group has in recent years offered highly specialised marketing solutions with its series of T-divisions in Tribal (digital innovation), TracyLocke (shopper marketing), Tasseologic (data-mining), Track (portal and e-commerce), TecEstate (3D AR for property clients) and Tango5 (social good).

Recently, it also launched a global tech hub, Equator, with the support of the Economic Development Board and opened its first satellite office in Temasek Polytechnic. Equator will serve 200 DDB offices worldwide and groom the next-generation creative tech talents in Singapore.

We have been working very hard to offer innovative, specialised solutions  and deliver it with the rich diversity and the right chemistry of talents. Now, we have a dynamic team of the top-class practitioners to help our clients do the most effective, cutting-edge work, adds Jeff Cheong, Head of Tribal Worldwide Singapore and Asia.

It is evident that DDB has invested in the best practitioners and especially creatives. This echoes a saying that David Tang once made, We need more cows, not milkmen.

David stole that line from me, but now weve made it happen. Weve turned DDB from the best Singapore agency to become a creative powerhouse and a global hub agency. Chris Chiu is huge for us as a creative leader and Im really thrilled with the new talent  and especially the current, proven greats  we have with us, adds Neil Johnson, Creative Chairman of DDB Group Singapore.

DDB Group will also house and support Blk J, the four-person agency team comprising of Rowena Bhagchandani, Joji Jacob, Khalid Osman and Lester Lee, in an exclusive business arrangement between DDB and Blk J. It signposts a collaborative business model in the industry of big network agencies supporting indie shops.
| BY Lynchy |

J. Walter Thompson Singapore continues to add more digital firepower, appointing Ramzi Chaabane as Digital Strategy Director.

Chaabane (pictured left) has over 10 years digital advertising experience in Europe and Asia across a range of high profile brands, including Converse, LOreal, HSBC, Clubmed, Skoda, Under Armour, Danone & Unilever. He joins J. Walter Thompson from MullenLowe Profero Singapore, where he served as Digital Director. Prior to that he held the Digital Director role for Leo Burnett Shanghai. He has also worked as a digital strategist at Fullsix, where he served as lead manager on multiphased e-commerce projects for brands like ClubMed, Inside Biotherm and Etam China.

Chaabane holds an MSc in Management from Kedge Marseille Business School, and studied digital marketing at Columbia Business School. He has taught courses on digital marketing at IFAs MBA program in Shanghai.

Peter Womersley CEO at J. Walter Thompson Singapore said, Ramzi is a very dynamic, engaging person. Hes a strategic thinker with a strong track record leveraging data insight, digital innovation and planning to drive effective digital solutions for brands. This appointment follows a number of recent significant digital hires who will help us deliver effective pioneering solutions for our clients.

At J. Walter Thompson, Chaabane will work closely with Huw Davis, J. Walter Thompson Asia Pacifics regional Data & Analytics Lead and Marco Versotalo, who is both J. Walter Thompsons Global ECD on Lux and J. Walter Thompson Singapores Chief Creative Officer.
Friday, November 18, 2016 at 10:55AM

Text and photos by Gadjo Cardenas Sevilla

Mississauga, ON -Since Google is now a bona fide consumer electronics and hardware maker, it stands to reason that it needs to show off its wares in physical retails stores. Following the opening of their New York pop-up store, Google has decided to team-up with Best Buy Canada and create flagship Google Shop 'store within a store' locations in three Canadian cities.

Opening today at the flagship Best Buy Experience Store in the Heartland Town Centre on Mavis Road, the Google Shop is the first thing one sees upon entering the refreshed store space. Best Buy has changed the layout to cater more to brands rather than specific sections and Google's booth certainly has the prime space here.

Best Buy Experience Stores, "are designed to be flexible and adaptable; to allow us to alter our design and products more quickly in response to customer feedback, new technology and products. For our customers, we have added another dimension to take the in-store experience to the next level to provide expert, individualized guidance and customization to ensure our customers make the best choice for them and their lifestyle," Best Buy explains.

The Google Shop offers a gamut of Made By Google products, most important of which are the new Pixel phones. These are sold unlocked but are tethered to two-year contracts through various carriers, which means you can't just buy one full price and pop in your existing SIM card.

The Google Shop also features the Daydream VR headset and remote controller, various Chromecast devices as well as accessories such as cables, smartphone cases and of course, the latest Google Chromebooks. Other Made By Google products, including the Google Home smart speaker and Google WiFi aren't yet available in Canada but will likely be sold at these stores once they are cleared for Canadian consumption.

Google Canadas shop within a shop spaces were officially opened today at the Best Buy location in Mississaugas Heartland Centre, along with three others in Calgary, Edmonton and Vancouver. The exciting collaboration is part of Best Buys redesigned Experience Stores, and todays opening marks the official culmination of the large coast-to-coast renovation plan that saw upgrades made to more than a dozen locations. We are thrilled about the launch of our newly renovated stores and to showcase the new Google shops, says Ron Wilson, President and COO of Best Buy Canada. We are committed to providing our customers with the best service and the most exciting tech. We cant wait for the public to enjoy the special in-store experiences.

Other locations in Canada include Dearfoot Meadows and Edmonton South in Alberta and Cambie in Vancouver, British Columbia.

I asked a Google representative if these will be coming soon and the answer was, 'stay tuned.' The look and feel of the Google Shop is very much in tune with Google's aesthetic, something that was very deliberate and which Google had been working one way before the Google Pixel came into being.

"Comprised of nearly 700 square feet, our new shops are a reflection of the Google hardware brand in a retail space. Even the smallest detail, from the use of curved edges to the hand-picked colour palette, evoke a warm, inviting and playful feel. The shop is fully programmable, meaning its layout can evolve and change as Googles products do. Each shop features a structural element inspired by the simplicity and beauty of one of Googles most iconic tools: the search bar. When you view the designed structure straight on, you can see how it lightly mimics a search bar."

Aside from serving as a point of sale for Google products, the Google Shop will also run various programs for customers. This holiday season, kids can have a Google Hangout with Santa. There will also be a Santa Tracker on the large Google Maps display in the shop. Other activities include The Art of DIY, and a Makey Makey Lab which helps consumers through various creative and technical projects.

Google Guides are the in-store assistants that help customers through the selection of products and can walk users through products and features.
Mr Cook said he came very close to imposing a prison sentence, going so far as to write down that no other sentence would be appropriate.
High Commissioner for Papua New Guinea, Charles Lepani, who is the dean of the diplomatic corps, said many missions believed any traffic case involving a diplomat was exaggerated by the media and did not reflect the fact that most "most diplomats and their staff adhere to the rules of their host country".
President-elect Donald Trumps biggest education pitch during the presidential campaign was for a $20 billion voucher program that students could use at both public and private schools. So, now that hes been elected, how feasible is that? And would states even be interested in it?

The money would have to come from somewhere. Trump said during the campaign that hed like to use existing federal funds to support his big school choice program, even though he didnt say, specifically what pot of money he was referring to. The departments current budget is about $70 billion, with roughly $15.5 billion going to Title I grants for districts, and $12 billion going to state grants for special education.

Both programs have been absorbed into the blood stream of school district budgets, so re-directing the money would be a big deal.

Twenty billion dollars is a lot of money, said Vic Klatt, a principal at Penn Hill Group in post-election event sponsored by the Education Writers Association. Finding that will be an interesting challenge for them. Im not quite sure how they do it.

And groups representing school districts, teachers, state officials and others would fight it hard. If enacted, the proposal would undo decades of growth in student achievement, closing of achievement gaps, and growth in graduation rates, said Noelle Ellerson Ng, the associate executive director of AASA, the School Superintendents Association.

Congress would have to amend the Every Student Succeeds Act or the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act. Trump couldnt just snap his fingers and make the proposal a reality. He would have to go through Congress, which would have to pass the change by amending either ESSA or IDEA. That may not be easy. The Senate rejected a (somewhat similar) proposal from Sen. Lamar Alexander, R-Tenn., last year when Republicans controlled more seats than they will in the new Congress. Trump and his allies would have to put it way up at the top of their priority listor significantly expand the GOP ranks in Congressfor it to have a chance of passing.

Allocating the money could be difficult. Title I dollars dont work like Pell Grants for low-income college students. They are distributed by a complicated formula and the amount per child varies from state to state and district to district. So the mechanics of a so-called Title I portability proposalif thats what Trump is afterarent simple. Whats more, states and school districts would almost certainly have to kick in their own funding to make it workable.

Last year, when a similar idea was under consideration in Congress, Mike Griffith, a school finance expert who works with the Education Commission of the States, noted that Title I dollars are geared toward concentrations of poverty . So a student taking Title I money from a school with a lot of poor children to a school with fewer students in poverty might be given a smaller allotment.

In a more recent interview, Griffith said it was tough to tell at this point how feasible Trumps proposal would be at the state level since no hard-and-fast details are available yet. It would depend on how the feds set it up, he said.

Not every state would jump at the opportunity. Trumps campaign website says that the school choice money would be given to states as a block grant. Its unclear if states would then have to use it for a voucher program that could be used at private schools, and whether that could be tricky, given that some states have so-called Blaine amendments  in their constitutions which prohibit local funds from going to religiously affiliated educational institutions, which includes a lot of private schools.

Back in 2015, Griffith predicted that only a couple of hard-core school choice states, like Arizona, would decide to take advantage of Title I portability. But a lot has changed politically since then, and Griffith says he could imagine a couple dozen states taking a serious look at the proposal, including Florida. Roughly twenty or so other states would almost definitely reject vouchers, including California and Massachusetts. And the first takers would probably be the five states that have education savings accounts for students in special education, he said, particularly if IDEA money could be used for choice.

There are politically less-difficult ways to advance choice, and some of them might come to fruition. Trump or his education allies in Congress could propose a smaller school choice program thats a lot less ambitious than $20 billion but something more in line with President George W. Bushs Pell Grants for Kids proposal, which never became a reality. They could also decide to expand the D.C. Opportunity Scholarship Program, which offers vouchers to poor kids in the nations capital, and has a mixed track record of success. In fact, 94 percent Education Insiders surveyed by Whiteboard Advisors think the D.C. voucher program has a good shot of becoming a high priority this Congress.

Or Trump and the GOP could go great guns on charter schools, which also receive some federal seed money.

Follow us on Twitter at @PoliticsK12 .
"We do review the program each year, and if we feel there are problems with particular cohorts, particular nationalities, particular people who might not be integrating well and not contributing well, then there are many other worthy recipients who seek to come to a country like ours and make an opportunity their own."
The deal, to merge Robi Axiata and Airtel Bangladesh, has gone ahead after approval by the Bangladesh high court, creating a company with 32 million subscribers, second only in the market to Telenors Grameenphone.

Axiata will own 68.7% of the merged operation. Indian group Bharti Airtel will have 25% and Japans NTT DoCoMo will have 6.3%. No price has ever been given for the deal.

Jamaludin Ibrahim, president and group CEO of Axiata, said: Axiatas proven track record of successful strategic mergers and integrations in our other markets such as Indonesia, Sri Lanka and Cambodia has qualified the group to lead the first telecoms merger and initiate market consolidation in Bangladesh.

Mahtab Uddin Ahmed, CEO of Robi, said: The merger strengthens the long-term sustainability of the Bangladesh telecoms landscape and business environment, and will secure faster nationwide rollout of mobile broadband as well as contribute significantly to the overall economy of the country.

Grameenphone, in which Telenor has a 56% stake, has 54 million customers. The other operators in Bangladesh include VimpelComs Banglalink, with 29 million, and a state-owned company, Teletalk, with under three million.

Ibrahim said: In-country consolidation has been one of the groups key focus in solidifying our position, unlocking profitability and opportunities of the market as well as ensuring better services to customers and the public.

Airtel entered the Bangladesh market in January 2010, when it bought a 70% stake in what was then Warid Telecom for $300 million. The Indian group bought the other 30% in 2013.

Axiatas takeover has taken longer than expected. It was announced in January 2016, and then expected to be complete by June. The companies agreed in June to defer completion until September, before finally taking an extra two months.

Ibrahim said: We are confident this consolidation will secure the countrys further development not only within the telecommunications industry but also act as further impetus to fuel a more mature business and investment environment in Bangladesh.
The Texas State Board of Education voted unanimously this week against recommending a Mexican-American studies textbook that was widely criticized for factual inaccuracies and stereotypical representations of Mexicans.

The board had asked publishers to submit textbooks that the states high schools could use to develop Mexican-American studies courses two years ago, after Republican lawmakers nixed a plan to create a statewide Mexican-American studies course, the Associated Press reports. But the only book that the board received, Mexican American Heritage, drew intense criticism for its portrayal of Mexicans as lazy and for its overall lack of accuracy and quality.

The Texas Tribune reports that Cynthia Dunbar, the CEO of Momentum Instruction, the textbooks publisher and a conservative former member of the state board, may challenge the boards plan to reject the book. The Tribune reports that while the book was revised to address criticisms, scholars found inaccuracies and areas for concern even in the revised draft.

The board announced that publishers can submit other ethnic studies texts for review. Those books would be considered in 2018.

Ethnic studies courses are growing in popularity in high schools across the country, especially in Western states, but most are currently developed at the school or district level. California is on pace to be the first state to create a statewide model for ethnic studies courses.

Related :


Red Compartida  shared network  will cover 92.2% of the population of Mexico using 4G LTE technology on the 700MHz bank. It is believed to be the worlds largest open access wholesale network yet created.

Eugenio Galdon, who has headed the Altan Consortium as chairman of strategic partner Multitel, said: Everyone in the Consortium is rightfully proud at being entrusted this project, and are fully committed to fulfil Red Compartidas mission to close the digital gap and to provide efficient network access to all Mexicans.

Mexico decided to create Red Compartida in order to offer competition to the dominant America Movil, controlled by businessman Carlos Slim.

But Declan Ganley, the Irish businessman whose Rivada Networks project was excluded from the Red Compartida bidding only days before the decision, complained that people of Mexico are being given a raw deal, because Rivadas coverage plan is significantly higher than only opened bid.

He added: The cost of awarding Red Compartida without competition can be measured in millions of Mexicans left uncovered by the one bid just opened.

Rivada was excluded last week when the Secretariat of Communications and Transport said its bid was invalid because it did not include a bond for one billion pesos ($49 million). Rivada said the money had been provided, but under separate cover, and is threatening to contest the decision in the courts.

The Altan Consortium said it will be responsible for the design, installation, operation and upkeep of the wholesale mobile broadband network. The Red Compartida will be built through a public-private partnership that is expected to generate investment in excess of $7 billion over the life of the concession.

This has been a very demanding and transparent tender process, in which Altan proved that it had the most solid and trustworthy bid, surpassing all the minimum requirements by a wide margin, said Galdon.

Now it is time to draw upon our technical and management expertise to give life to the project. We have the required industry experience, as well as the necessary financial and operational muscle.  Red Compartida will soon be a reality that will positively impact the daily lives of millions of Mexicans.

Red Compartida is expected to start operations on 31 March 2018.

The projects largest investor is Marapendi Holding, ultimately backed by Morgan Stanley Infrastructure, with a stake of 33.38%.

The next largest shareholder is the China Mexico Fund (CMF), with a participation of 23.36%. This is a fund specifically created to invest in and finance infrastructure projects in Mexico. Its role clearly hints that much of the business associated with Red Compartida may go to Chinese equipment companies, specifically Huawei and ZTE.

But Altan has a range of other backers, including the International Finance Corporation (IFC), a member of the World Bank group that finances private sector ventures. Its participation is 3.34%, but IFC also manages the CMF.

Telecom companies Axtel and Megacable also hold a stake in Altan through a series of non-voting shares and without involvement in management. Each has a participation of 4.01%.

Chris Koski, global head of investment strategy for Morgan Stanley Infrastructure, said: We are excited to be building the worlds largest open access, wholesale telecom network alongside our Mexican and international partners. We are committed to ensuring that Red Compartida provides bestinclass service and coverage.
UPDATED

Longtime Cincinnati Superintendent Mary Ronan will retire at the end of the 2016-17 school year, after nearly a decade leading the school system, the district announced Thursday.

Ronans last day will be Aug. 1, 2017. In the interim, the district will undertake an internal and national search for a replacement.

It has been an honor to serve Cincinnati Public Schools throughout my 40-year career as an educator, and I am grateful to our voters and partners for supporting the students and families of our community, Ronan said in a statement.

Ronan started as a math and science teacher in the Cincinnati district in 1976.

Her nine years as superintendent far exceeded the tenure of other urban district leaders, who stay on the job an average of 3.2 years, according to a 2014 survey by the Council of the Great City Schools, the Washington-based organization that represents urban school systems.

As superintendent, Ronan launched the Elementary Initiative, which focused on improving the districts 16 lowest-performing elementary schools. In the 2014-15 school year, she also launched My Tomorrow, a college, career, and workforce readiness initiative, starting with 7th and 8th graders. Another program, Vision 2020, which started this year, seeks to improve schools with a focus on academics and neighborhood support programs.

The district also gained national attention for its community schools approachwhere health, vision, and dental centers were established on some campuseswhich expanded to 42 schools during Ronans tenure.

After many years of losing students, enrollment increased in the last five years under Ronan, according to the district.

Ronans focus on school improvement in Cincinnati earned her a place as one of Education Weeks 2013 Leaders to Learn From, an annual feature that spotlights the work of stellar district leaders across the country.

Cincinnati Board of Education President Ericka Copeland-Dansby praised Ronans leadership.

During Marys tenure, CPS has made tremendous progress, becoming the highest-performing urban district in the state and extending the districts national reputation for innovative strategies to advance student success, Copeland-Dansby said.

Photo: Mary Ronan, Superintendent of Cincinnati Public Schools

--Rick Lohore for Education Week
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Amid anxiety from the school community about the election of Donald Trump as president, the Denver school board passed a resolution on Thursday affirming that its schools were equitable and safe spaces for all students.

Thursdays resolution followed a Q &A fact sheet the district published in multiple languages earlier this week to help answer questions from anxious parents and students that had flooded the district since the election.

Trump campaigned on a promise of building a wall along the U.S.-Mexican border and banning Muslims from entering the country. Last Sunday, he said on the 60 Minutes news program that he planned to deport 2 million to 3 million undocumented immigrants with criminal records, even though experts have said that there are not 3 million undocumented immigrants with criminal records.

Those statements, and others, have left educators in communities with large immigrant populations working hard to respond to students and families fears of deportation.

The Denver fact sheet assured parents that students undocumented status will not affect their education, and that the school district does not ask for such information. It also directed parents to places they could get legal assistance.

Thursdays resolution affirmed that the districts core mission was to educate all children.

Here is an excerpt:

... We recognize that national events and the current political climate have caused uncertainty and anxiety for many in our communities; and

WHEREAS, in these times, we recognize that our mission is more critical than ever because we believe that education can help us bridge our differences and can help bring us together around respect and understanding rather than fear; and

WHEREAS, we recognize that national events and the current political climate have caused uncertainty and anxiety for many in our communities; and

WHEREAS, in these times, we recognize that our mission is more critical than ever because we believe that education can help us bridge our differences and can help bring us together around respect and understanding rather than fear; and

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT PROCLAIMED that the Denver Public Schools Board of Education publicly affirms its dedication and commitment to all of the students and families that we serve, the employees in our District, and the members of our community. We will continue to take any and all actions authorized by law and our policies to provide equal opportunities and safe learning spaces for all of our students.

The Denver resolution echoes one passed by the Los Angeles School District earlier this week in which the school board reaffirmed that its schools were safe zones for undocumented students .

But the LAUSD already had a strong resolution in support of undocumented students, which it passed in February. While committing to ensuring equity for all students, LAUSD essentially directed its staff not to inquire about students immigration status and forward any request by the federal immigration officials to the district office or district lawyers.

Similarly, New York state Attorney General Eric Schneiderman and Education Commissioner MaryEllen Elia have also sent a letter to school districts about how to respond to incidents of bullying and harassment that have been reported since Trumps election, and how to ensure that their schools are safe learning spaces for all students.
Our Promise: Welcome to Care2, the world's largest community for good. Here, you'll find over 45 million like-minded people working towards progress, kindness, and lasting impact.

Care2 Stands Against: bigots, racists, bullies, science deniers, misogynists, gun lobbyists, xenophobes, the willfully ignorant, animal abusers, frackers, and other mean people. If you find yourself aligning with any of those folks, you can move along, nothing to see here.

Care2 Stands With: humanitarians, animal lovers, feminists, rabble-rousers, nature-buffs, creatives, the naturally curious, and people who really love to do the right thing.

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The Government of Telangana has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with Microsoft Corporation India Private Limited. Under the MOU, Microsoft will help the Government explore cloud, machine learning and mobile based solutions to improve citizen services, education, healthcare and agriculture in the state.

The Government of Telangana has been an ardent promoter of ICT solutions, particularly in the fields of agriculture, citizen service delivery, education and healthcare. Having crossed a figure of 7 crore online transactions through MeeSeva, the Government of Telangana is miles ahead of other states with its robust citizen service delivery platform.

Govt of Telangana Launched Its Digital Classroom Programme in 3,352 Schools

According to news18, The State has also launched an innovative ICT-enabled solution for government schools called TS-CLASS (Telangana State Computer Literacy and Skills in Schools) to revolutionise the way students are taught. Additionally, the Government, in collaboration with various partners, has deployed IoT enabled solutions such as healthcare teleconsulting for remote geographies and online marketplace cum support platform for farmers.

Telangana Govt Signs MoU With ISRO To Improve Education

Jayesh Ranjan IAS, Secretary, ITE&C, Government of Telangana, said, "The Government believes that ICT is the key to building not only a stronger economy but also an efficient and effective governance system. Through this partnership of ours with Microsoft, we are confident about bringing in advanced solutions pertaining to our initiatives under Digital Telangana program."

Speaking on the occasion, Anil Bhansali, Managing Director, Microsoft India (R&D) Pvt. Ltd., said, "Over the past year we have experimented with cloud, mobile and machine learning based solutions for better citizen connect as well as to help students, farmers and patients in India. We are delighted to bring many of those learnings to Telangana and explore new use for these world-class technologies."

Internet, no more a distraction but a study tool
Indian Institute of Management Bangalore (IIM-B) and Coller School of Management at Tel Aviv University are jointly offering a course to IIM-B students to develop technology partnership between firms in India and Israel. While 28 students had enrolled for the course last year, this year 46 have enrolled.

This year, Consul General of Israel, Yael Hashavit, will address the students briefing about the course on November 22. The emphasis will be on the need for India and Israel to increase engagement at the government-government level, firm-firm level and people-people level for mutual benefit, and also stress on the scope for Israel to help Indian firms with technology, and the scope for Indian firms to help Israeli firms to achieve scale.

The course will cover the needs and opportunities in India that are not addressed because of a lack of certain technologies, and how the technologies in Israel might fill the gap if they find Indian partners who can help scale the business for India and India-like markets.

It will also help students to learn to identify technology opportunities in the global environment, particularly between India and Israel.

Technology Partnership Course Agenda

In groups, they would identify the technology needs of a company in India by interacting with key decision-makers over the term.

After discussion, the groups contact companies in Israel to identify a potential collaboration partner.

To make the partnership happen, a team of professionals with experience in the domain would assist in the last stage of the search.

Finally, the students would visit Israel to interact with key decision-makers from the Israeli companies to work towards a partnership.

Coller School offers a similar program that brings their students to interact with Indian industry. These two groups of students also get to interact with each other during the visits to deepen professional relationships.

Venue for Technology Partnership Course

IIM, Bangalore

Coller School, Israel

Faculties for Technology Partnership Course

At IIM-B

Abhoy K Ojha

Anshuman Tripathy

Suresh Bhagavatula

At Coller School

Gad Ariav

Become a Successful Project Manager
Kaya Henderson, the former District of Columbia Schools Chancellor, was censured by the local ethics board for asking for donations for the citys schools from a vendor that had a contract with the city, the Associated Press reported.

The solicitation violated city ethics rules, which bar city employees from asking for money, including charitable contributions, from vendors doing business with the city, according to the AP.

The alleged violation occurred when Henderson asked a food services company, Chartwells, to donate $100,000 to a gala honoring teachers, the AP reported. The company made two $25,000 contributions to the event, the news agency reported. At the time the company was embroiled in a whistleblowers lawsuit that accused it of bilking the city out of $19 million and providing spoiled food to students.

Other vendors holding contracts with the city also donated to the gala, according to the AP.

Henderson told the ethics board that she did not realize that asking for the donation was not allowed, and the board chose not to issue a fine, the AP said. A fine could have been as high as $5,000.

Henderson left her post as chancellor in September after nearly five and a half years. During that period the citys schools saw gains in student test scores and graduation rates.
New Delhi: McGraw Hill Education India, a global provider of teaching and learning solutions for professionals and students of all ages, launched the revised and updated version of General Studies Paper 1 Manual with the latest developments and events in every field. The book was unveiled by Chief Guest, Dr. Arvind Panagariya, Vice-Chairman NITI Aayog (National Institution for transforming India) & Kaushik Bellani, MD, McGraw Hill Education India & SAARC at Press Club of India.

McGraw Hill Education India's General Studies Paper 1 manual which has served as a complete self-study guide for thousands of UPSC aspirants for the past 33 years has been co-authored by 11 leading subject specialists.

The GS manual is systematically structured by treating each subject as a whole, and then organizing relevant information in such a way so as to cater to the specific needs of the readers. Each subject has been developed by a specialist trained in teaching that subject. The section on Current Events of national and international importance has been updated till August 2016, which gives a complete panorama of national and international affairs.

For UPSC 2017 Syllabus, click here.

Chief Guest, Dr. Arvind Panagariya, Vice-Chairman NITI Aayog (National Institution for transforming India) said at the occasion, "The book is of great benefit to the new generation and I wish we had such self help books while we were preparing for the services. All the authors of the book have done great work and have contributed immensely to revise the book. I congratulate them on the launch and wish them all the success".

Speaking at the launch, Kaushik Bellani, Managing Director, McGraw Hill Education India & SAARC, said, "General Studies Paper 1 Manual has been the key for civil service aspirants since last 33 years. The new and improvised version is compiled by a galaxy of well-known subject experts and aims to prepare students as per the changed syllabus".

He added, "It is our committed endeavor to provide a strategic direction to the civil services aspirants' and we hope the book proves to be a crucial tool in every student's journey of preparing for the exams".

Commenting on the launch, Mr. Rajiv Mehrishi, co-author and Home Secretary, Government of India, said, "It was an honor to co-author the book with other veterans and I am thrilled to be a part of the journey. It was an enriching and fulfilling experience to work on the book and I am happy to have made a small contribution in the process. I wish all the success to the civil service aspirants and a great future ahead".

Excited on the launch, Dr Surender Singh, coordinator and co-author, Associate Professor, Department of Geography, Shivaji College, University of Delhi, said, "I congratulate all the co-authors on the launch of the book. The book is a collaborative effort of all the other authors who have put in great deal of hard work into improvising the content. I am optimistic that the upgraded version of the McGraw Hill Education India's General Studies Paper 1 Manual will prove to be of immense help to the students".

The updated version of the book is a Bi-colour, with more boxes and illustrations for greater recall value. Larger chapters divided into smaller modules ending with practice questions for easier understanding. The book is available on all leading book stores other than the national and the regional online platforms pan India.

About McGraw Hill Education:

McGraw Hill Education India (MHE) is a leading innovator in the development of learning solutions for the 21st century. Through a comprehensive range of traditional and digital educational content and tools, McGraw Hill Education India empowers and prepares professionals and students of all ages to connect, learn and succeed in the global economy. For further information, visit www.mheducation.co.in
Human Resource Development (HRD) Ministry demands University Grants Commission (UGC) to strictly execute varsity laws. In a recent order released in the first week of November, HRD Ministry has urged UGC to file FIRs against the management of universities that have been offering correspondence courses to students outside their territorial jurisdiction.

Distance Learning Rule

By law, all state universities - private and government-funded - can offer distance learning programmes only within the state they are located in. In case, the rule is not implemented, the certificates, diplomas and degrees awarded to students outside the state are deemed invalid.

HRD has in this regard been continuously asking UGC to do the needful, it is learnt.

The order has been sent after five earlier letters, urging the UGC to initiate stern action against erring institutions, went unheeded.

UGC's Circular to Remove Junk Food in Colleges Stirs Debate

Hence HRD resort to exercise its extraordinary powers under Section 20 of the UGC Act to order the higher education regulator to file FIRs against vice-chancellors, deans and registrars in order to "safeguard the interests of the thousands of gullible students who have been cheated by such universities and institutions". The UGC was asked to submit an action plan by November 15, sources said.

Some universities such as Sikkim Manipal University, Karnataka State Open University, Periyar University, Salem (Tamil Nadu), and Global Open University, Nagaland, which, according to HRD Ministry officials, have been violating UGC rules on territorial jurisdiction.

A letter written by Higher Education Secretary V S Oberoi to UGC chairman Prakash earlier this year had specified the above institutions as regular violators and urged the UGC to act against them.

Oberoi's allegation referred to advertisements released by Sikkim Manipal University in particular and stated that the advertisements were deliberately ambiguous and did not mention the institution's jurisdiction, which results in a lot of outstation students being misled into enrolling for the correspondence courses. According to inside sources, the Ministry did not receive any concrete reply to this and four other letters.

HRD Ministry's Online IIT-Pal to help IIT Aspirants Crack IIT-JEE
Many K-12 teachers nationwide want parents to be more involved in their childrens classrooms. But its a two-way street, and as one recent study suggests, the frequency of how often teachers reach out to parents may depend on their race, ethnicity, or immigrant status.

The study, highlighted by my colleague Brenda Iasevoli on the Teacher Beat blog, shows that teachers are less likely to contact immigrant Asian parents and parents of color about accomplishments and less likely to contact immigrant Asian parents about poor behavior or academic struggles, even when students need help. On the flipside, math teachers are more likely to contact parents of black and Latino students about disruptive behaviortwice as likely for black studentsthan parents of white students.

While it is well known in the education realm that parent involvement in the classroom is a key part of students academic success, there has often been an emphasis on parent behavior alone when discussing the need for improvement.

More than 65 percent of teachers want parents to communicate regularly with them , according to a recent nationwide survey of 1,000 K-12 teachers by the University of Phoenix College of Education. And more than one in three teachers think parental involvement could help to improve teacher recruitment and retention. Yet 62 percent of teachers said only about a quarter of parents get involved in the classroom.

Studies have also shown that many parents of immigrant students dont talk to their childrens teachers as frequently as U.S.-born white parents do . This is often because of language barriers or differences in cultural understandings, according to this latest study on teacher communication.

And there is now evidence that teachers own communication with nonwhite parents is affected by racial stereotypes , said the new studys author, Hua-Yu Sebastian Cherng, a sociologist and an assistant professor of international education at New York Universitys Steinhardt School of Culture, Education, and Human Development.

In an interview with Education Week Teacher, Cherng said his goal in flipping the lens to figure out when teachers reach out to parents was not to cast blame, but to figure out the best way to make improvements. As a former middle school teacher, he said, he knows how important parental buy-in is. But he also found the studys results rang true in his personal experience as an Asian American studenthis own teachers never once called home about his grades or behavior when he needed it.

So how can both teachers and parents begin to bridge the lack of communication to benefit all students in the classroom?

Pamela Roggeman, academic dean for the University of Phoenix College of Education and a former K-12 teacher, offered several recommendations for parents in light of the colleges parent-involvement survey. Often parents think that to be involved in their childs learning they need to spend time in their childs classroom, but when you ask teachers, its often much more simple and boils down to one thing: communication, she said in a statement.

Its helpful for parents to identify the method of communication that teachers prefersocial media, emails, or written notesin order to stay engaged and receive fast responses from educators. They should also stay up-to-date on classroom activities and ask for feedback about their childrens work and behavior to help with areas where students are struggling.

On the other hand, the answer to improvement for teachers lies in training, said Cherng. In teacher-preparation programs, race and ethnicity are often discussed as cultural competency or multiculturalism, but Cherng thinks the conversation should be in more explicit terms. Race not only influences how teachers interact with minority students, but also with their parents, he said.

While extra training can seem like a burden, you want to know more about your students lives, he said. My mission is to train teachers so they are doing better in the classroom not only for their students, but for themselves. Particularly around issues of race where people can shut down immediately, its such an important conversation and should happen in a way that gives teachers skills.

The increasing use of technology as a platform for parent-teacher communication is another effective tool some districts use. Apps like SchoolMessenger and Ready4K! target the parents of learners in pre-K through 12 with text messages and emails for news, curriculum, and keeping in touch.

Anabel Gonzalez, an ESL teacher in North Carolina, shared in a CTQ Collaboratory post that connecting with parents who do not speak English is vital despite the challenges it may pose for some teachers. Teachers should work to avoid assumptions, take time to learn about parents heritage and language, use standard English, and communicate with care and compassion.

Reaching out to parents is not a once-a-year thing, Gonzalez wrote. Connecting with parents helps develop a valuable partnership that will undoubtedly benefit the student in the classroom.

Photo credit: Getty
Baltimore Crime Scene Tech Busted on Gun, Drug Charges

It hasn't been a great couple years for crime labs and their technicians. Last year, Harris County Texas overturned 42 drug possession convictions after initial lab tests were revealed to be false positives. At the same time, lab techs in the Massachusetts state drug analysis unit were convicted of falsifying results and stealing from the lab, affecting some 40,000 criminal cases. Even the FBI was forced to admit that forensic testimony in at least 250 cases was faulty.

And just yesterday, a Baltimore crime scene technician and her boyfriend were arrested in a raid that netted guns, drugs, and more than $100,000 in cash. Now the department is reviewing all of the criminal cases on which she was the technician.

Labs, Guns, and Money

According to Baltimore Police spokesperson T.J. Smith, officers received a tip regarding drug activity at a house several weeks ago. When officers served a search warrant on the home, they found Timika Jones, her boyfriend, Clarence Jones Jr., two handguns, a "capsule machine" for packaging drugs, and $100,000 in cash. Outside, in a car rented to Timika Jones, officers discovered another $5,000 in cash and 125 gel capsules containing "suspected heroin."

Both Jones and her boyfriend were charged with felony drug possession, intent to distribute drugs, and handgun violations, and were being held at on $250,000 and $300,000 bail, respectively.

Crime Tech

According to Smith, Jones was hired in the summer of 2015 to process crime scenes, including taking photos and gathering cataloging other forensic evidence. As a crime scene technician, Jones did not have access to the department's drug lab or evidence storage, but officials are still reviewing the cases on which Jones worked "out of an abundance of caution."

In the meantime, the department has suspended Jones without pay and is looking "to separate employment as soon as possible." Smith told the Baltimore Sun the investigation into Jones is ongoing, and this is department policy for police officers charged with a felony.

Related Resources:
While Jeep was busy dropping the curtain for the new Compass in Los Angeles, its Chinese arm did the same on the other side of the globe.



Manufactured locally by GAC FCA, the compact SUV made its Asian premiere at the 2016 Guangzhou Auto Show and, from the two official images released, it looks identical to the North American version.

On the Chinese market, Jeep offers the Compass in four grades, kicking off from less than RMB 170,000 ($24,800) for the entry-level Longitude and reaching around RMB 240,000 ($35,000) for the Trailhawk 4WD. Specific trim details have yet to be released, but depending on the selected variant, it can be had with features such as the 8.4-inch LCD screen, Uconnect Live and leather seats, among other things.

The 2017 Jeep Compass is offered with a choice of two engines in the Peoples Republic; a 1.4-liter MultiAir2 turbo, with 115 HP and 184 lb-ft (250 Nm) of torque and the naturally aspirated 2.4-liter TigerShark MultiAir2. Jeep hasnt announced the latters output, but in the US version it delivers 180 HP and 175 lb-ft (237 Nm) of torque and can be had with a 6-speed manual, 6-speed auto, and 9-speed auto gearbox, so we could be looking at similar, if not identical, numbers.

Four-wheel drive is also part of the package, and so is the Selec-Terrain with its five different settings that include Auto, Snow, Mud, Sand, and Rock. Additionally, the compact Jeep can also be had with start/stop, adaptive-cruise control, advanced brake assist and lane departure warning.

CHINESE JEEP COMPASS

NORTH AMERICAN JEEP COMPASS
A man who legally changed his name to Evo Deadpool Gambino last summer went on a solo mission to recover his stolen motorcycle before calling the police to make the necessary arrests.



It all started when Mr Gambino, an Army veteran, noticed one of his motorcycles was missing from his home.

I was walking out to work and noticed my bike was gone. I was upset. It was nice weather to go riding, said the man. Then, by using the GPS tracker on his bike, he was able to see that it was about 45 minutes away in Northwest Houston.

When he arrived at the scene, he found a home with bike parts scattered throughout the property  it was then when he finally called the police.

According to ABC13 News, since Gambino was on his way to his day job, he wasnt wearing his Deadpool costume to greet the officers  which would have been pretty hilarious.

We foiled their plan, he added. They were about to put a bunch of bikes together for Lone Star Rally. I was out riding around while they were behind bars, so the jokes on them.

While an investigation is still ongoing, Houston police have so far arrested three men for the theft.

Photo: Evo Deadpool Gambino/Facebook

VIDEO
The new owners of Formula One, Liberty Media, are looking for a way to boost the sports revenue and popularity and according to its chief executive, that could involve a night race in Las Vegas.



During a conference in Barcelona last week, Motorsport reports that Liberty Media CEO Greg Maffei expressed serious interest in adding a Las Vegas round to the ever-expanding F1 calendar.

I particularly like the idea of a night race in Las Vegas, he confirmed.

It is further reported that Bernie Ecclestone held talks with potentially interested parties about a race in Las Vegas earlier this year but it seems such discussions have stalled.

If a second U.S. round was added to the calendar, it might not be the only new race. According to Maffei, the existing 21-race schedule could be expanded further.

Obviously there is a limit on how much you can do. Just getting the cars around the world, but I think we can expect to grow the amount of races to a mild degree. There is a general line of interest if you increase the number of races to a point. The FIA makes more money, the teams make more money, we make more money. But new entrants tend to pay more, he said.

Whatever happens, F1 seems on the verge of getting the shakeup it desperately needs, particularly with the introduction of new cars next year.

PHOTO GALLERY
Alongside the current Ford GT GTE race car, a particularly special Ford GT40 is on display at the Los Angeles Auto Show.



This GT40 is owned by RK Motors Charlotte and was recently restored by Rare Driver, making its public debut at Augusts Pebble Beach Concours dElegance.

The car is a true icon for the American automaker as it claimed an historic victory at the 1966 Le Mans 24 Hours. Given how priceless it is, it is fitting that the restoration took 20 months and almost 4,000 hours to complete.

Rather than making the vehicle absolutely pristine and faultless, the restoration has actually perfectly mimicked how the car was first produced, complete with all its little faults. That includes the unequal length exhaust pipes and the dripping paint the car had in the mid-1960s.

In a flood of impressive new concepts and production vehicles, it is refreshing to see such a motoring icon in LA.

PHOTO GALLERY
JLRs top man, Ralf Speth confirmed that Magna Steyr will build Jaguars first all-electric model, the I-Pace in their factory in Austria.



The British electric crossover debuted in concept form at the LA Auto Show, with Jaguar planning to throw it into production as early as 2018.

Back in 2015, JLR had signed a contract with Magna Steyr to build two of its models at the latters Graz plant in Austria, without revealing which ones were going to be produced there. Jaguar Land Rovers boss spoke to AutoNews confirming that Magna Steyr will be commissioned with the production of the electric Jaguar I-Pace.

He also declined to confirm whether the second model would also be an EV or whether it would be a Land Rover. Magna has already started preparing its Graz production facilities for the two JLR models, with marketing group IHS Automotive foreseeing a production of about 13,000 I-Paces in 2019, which is going to be the first full year of the model in the market.

Magna is currently building the Mercedes G-Class and the Mini Countryman in Austria, with the latters production to end this year and be replaced by the production of the BMW 5-Series.

PHOTO GALLERY
Crossing State Lines With Marijuana

On Election Day, residents of four more states elected to legalize recreational marijuana. Three other states approved medical marijuana. That leaves the country with a hodgepodge of pot laws, and leaves many wondering how travel between weed-friendly states and not-so-weed-friendly states will be regulated. (Keep in mind that marijuana remains an illegal drug under federal law.)

So what do you need to know about driving with marijuana across state lines? Here's a primer:

Intrastate Marijuana Transportation

First and foremost, state law -- even in states that legalize recreational marijuana use and possession -- will govern transportation of weed within the state. So if marijuana is illegal in a certain state, obviously transportation of marijuana within that state will also be illegal. And in states that have legalized marijuana, statutes will govern how much marijuana, and in what form, a person can possess or transport, and that may vary depending on whether the person is a business or an individual. So your first stop when checking on the transportation of marijuana should be your state's marijuana laws.

Enforcement of those laws could also depend on whether the state has legalized marijuana or just decriminalized it. In states where marijuana is legal, a person can legally possess pot as long as they are complying with the rules regarding possession like minimum age requirements and maximum amount limits. In states where marijuana is decriminalized, a person might be cited for pot possession and still be subject to a small fine, but not further prosecution.

Interstate Marijuana Transportation

As we noted above, marijuana remains illegal under federal law. And the Supremacy Clause of the Constitution states that if there is ever a conflict, federal laws trump state laws. So driving across state lines with marijuana could lead to a federal drug trafficking charge, depending on how much you have in your possession. Thus far, the federal government has left the bulk of marijuana prosecutions to the states, but that isn't always guaranteed.

And even if you purchased your marijuana in a legal recreational state, like Colorado for example, and drove to a no-legalized neighboring state, say, Kansas, you could also be charged under that state's drug trafficking or drug possession laws. If you have questions about the specifics of your state's marijuana statutes, consult an experienced drug crimes attorney near you.

Related Resources:
Despite being a longtime electric-car skeptic, Toyota is finally leaving the door open for full-electric vehicles to join its lineup in the near future.



According to a company executive, the Japanese automaker has to consider introducing electric vehicles to markets where regulations mandate them or where the infrastructure is best suited for them.

EVs do have many challenges, said Executive VP Takahiko Ijichi. But different countries and regions have different energy policies, and depending on infrastructure availability, we would like to have a structure that allows us to consider the introduction of EVs.

Previously, Toyota were against the idea of pure electric vehicles due to their high costs, limited driving range and lengthy recharging times  things which have started to change recently in the industry.

Still, the automaker is far from ready to give up their position on hydrogen fuel cells, as reported by Autonews.

If you ask the question  What is the ultimate environmentally friendly vehicle?  well say it will be fuel cell vehicles. And our idea has not changed, added Ijichi, before admitting that as one of the biggest automakers in the world, Toyota must cover all alternative drivetrains, which include battery-powered electric vehicles.

These comments came shortly after a Japanese newspaper reported that Toyota was planning to jump into mass producing long-range EVs by the year 2020, cars that will be able to cruise more than 300 km (186 miles) on a single charge.

PHOTO GALLERY
The small crossover that would be a Scion, if the sub-brand were still alive, made its Stateside debut at the LA Auto Show eight months after its launch at Geneva.



Slotting below the RAV-4 and set to take on the likes of Hondas HR-V, the C-HR is essentially the same car as the one sold in the rest of the world. Well, make that almost the same, as in the US it will be solely available with a naturally aspirated 2.0-liter four with 144 HP mated to a CVT transmission driving the front wheels.

So, no 1.2 turbo or hybrid for this side of the pond, at least for now. That compact label is a bit of a misnomer, too, as actually the C-HR sits between sub-compact and compact crossovers.

The CH-R will be available next spring in two grade levels. The base XLE comes with features like a dual-climate control, a seven-inch touchscreen display and 18-inch alloys as standard, while the XLE Premium adds a blind spot monitor and heated front seats, among others.

Toyota stresses that both trims sport its Safety Sense P driver assist and safety suite that consists of a Pre-Collision System with Pedestrian Detection, Lane Departure Alert with Steering Assist, Dynamic Radar Cruise Control and Automatic High Beam.

Photo Gallery

Video
I looked at Drew almost in despair. I had flown all the way from the U.K. to meet with a rally team owner who had just offered me an unbelievable gift, a factory drive with his rally team, Bowler Offroad.

But he didnt want to hear about my charity.

My goal was to be the first Canuck to drive the Dakar rally, and so far everything was going well.

My co-driver at the time, Mick Extance, had called me in Canada to explain that Drew Bowler wanted to offer us a factory team position.

I knew that it could not possibly be for free. BMW charged about $1.6 million at the time to rent an X3 for the Dakar. All I needed to know was how much was it going to cost so I could crunch numbers.

As much as I struggled to believe Mick, who kept insisting it was free, I couldn't help but get a little emotional in the car. An amateur rally driver from Canada had just been offered a team drive with one of the most prestigious rally vehicle manufacturers in the world.

Then reality hit again. It was surely not the case. I would buy my ticket to the U.K. and meet Drew face to face.

When I landed, I drove to see Mick, who, like Drew, I had not met in person before.

We went for a run in the Derbyshire countryside and talked about the attitude it takes to compete and succeed in the Dakar, which Mick knew all to well.

He had finished the rally seven times previously and finished as high as 27th on a motorbike as a private entrant could this be our big break?

We showed up at Drew Bowlers farm the next morning to look at the birthing room of one of the most amazing sounding machines the Bowler Nemesis. It would be our steed in the Dakar.

We quickly set off looking like a proper rally team, two Bowler Nemesis vehicles, a big service truck and a crew of mechanics to keep everything working.

As we arrived at Tixover quarry, the realization that I was in a difficult predicament struck me. On one hand, I have just been given $500,000 worth of beautiful race equipment to test and bring back in almost pristine condition  right in front of the team principal. On the other hand, in the seat beside me would be Mick, a tougher than nails, never say die competitor who wanted to know he was with a driver who could drive.

Rising to the challenge, I ended up having a fantastic day and met both objectives square on.

Later that day, I spoke to Drew about the position. He had the same answer when I kept asking how much money it would cost to enter the Dakar  no money. Right, but how many sponsors do I have to get? None.

I wanted to share the vision I had about how the event could help my charity. No thanks he quickly said: I'm a race team owner  I dont do charity.

Drew had no idea how much planning had gone into creating a charitable attempt with TV coverage to support children in Africa and Guatemala. I decided to tell him anyway.

At the end of my monologue, he politely shook my hand, said welcome to the team and good luck with the charity, but it was nothing he would be interested in.

The next day, I flew home. I landed to find an email from Drew  he gave the idea some more thought and was all in. To say I was elated would be an underestimate.

The next few years, I spent a lot of time with Drew talking to team sponsors, in meetings with Land Rover, participating in events in the U.K. and liaising with paying drivers who wanted to rent a Bowler Nemesis for the Dakar.

I came to admire Drews calm and thoughtful approach to business.

Sadly, the Dakar never happened. Drews team had to rearrange its structure and focus after the financial collapse eight years ago. His company was almost bankrupted, but the team survived.

Even more sadly, Drew was taken away from us suddenly this past Monday. As his family and friends mourn, the racing world is coming to grips with the loss of an innovator; a true gentleman who worked as hard as anyone else around him and always found an advantage others could not.

He ran a clean team and followed the rules, which is near impossible in international competition. Bowler Offroad, is definitely the little team that did, thanks to Drews leadership.

I will always be grateful for Drew and his team offering Mick and I that opportunity.

This article is written by or on behalf of an outsourced columnist and does not necessarily reflect the views of Castanet.
Photo: Contributed

Nearly half of all the drivers in B.C. changed over to winter tires in the fall, compared to just 38 per cent in 2014.

That's the same year the Ministry of Transportation and Infrastructure announced new winter tire rules for British Columbia.

Since that time, drivers travelling on B.C. highways from Oct. 1 to March 31 must have winter tires that are marked with either the mountain and snowflake symbol or M+S for light vehicles. Heavier commercial vehicles must carry tire chains.

However, according to a new survey by Leger for the Tire and Rubber Association of Canada (TRAC), residents of B.C. arent the only ones changing their tires for a proper tread come winter.

Except for Quebec and where winter tires are the law, 61 per cent of Canadian drivers now use winter tires.

In Alberta, 55 per cent of drivers use winter tires compared to just 45 per cent in 2014  and in Manitoba and Saskatchewan, usage has climbed 11 per cent in that same time period.

In Ontario, 65 per cent of drivers use winter tires compared with 56 per cent two years ago.

Glenn Maidment, the president of TRAC, says the increase in winter tire use by drivers is due to improvements in tire technology, particularly in tread design and rubber compounds.

Drivers adopting winter tires in record numbers is good news because it means Canadas roadways in winter are becoming significantly safer, said Maidment.

However, the fact that three in 10 motorists still do not own winter tires poses a threat to all motorists. This is why outreach to educate drivers continues to be needed. Every motorist needs to know that todays high-tech winter tires radically outperform all-seasons in all cold-weather driving conditions and offer potentially life-saving benefits.

The survey conducted by TRAC was compiled online by polling 1,518 Canadian motorists between Oct. 17-20, 2014.
Photo: RCMP

A rash of vehicle break-ins has prompted frustrated police in North Vancouver to equate property left inside of a vehicle to the supply of illicit drugs.

Did you know that the property stolen from your vehicle is often used to supply the drugs of the person stealing from you? police ask in a press release.

The citizens of North Vancouver need to be mindful of the fact that, in an indirect way, they are unknowingly supplying the means for which drugs are obtained, said Supt. Chris Kennedy, head of the North Vancouver RCMP. Property thefts are a side effect to a larger drug problem.

We can all play a part in reducing crime  lock your vehicles and remove all valuables from it.

Despite warnings to drivers, North Vancouver RCMP report a recent increase in thefts from vehicles in their area.

Police say they have repeatedly seen individuals who have been caught stealing from vehicles doing so to feed a drug addiction.

People become addicted to drugs  this doesnt make them evil and heartless  the addiction overpowers their life, said Kennedy.

The RCMP say just a few dollars can buy some drugs and all it takes is breaking into an unlocked or locked vehicle to steal valuables often left in plain view.

For more information on how to protect your property and vehicle go online.
Photo: Contributed

Vancouver police have cracked down on a crime ring accused of stealing so much baby formula that retailers noticed a spike in the product disappearing from their shelves.

Det. Const. Doug Fell said officers have arrested a 46-year-old man who allegedly recruited as many as 20 drug-addicted people in the city's impoverished Downtown Eastside to shoplift.

Fell called it a "predatory" operation at a news conference Thursday, adding that police seized an estimated $100,000 in stolen baby formula earlier this month. Police believe the crime ring shipped an additional $200,000 of the baby food to Asia, he said.

He said the operation was a mobile fencing ring, where someone known as a fence buys stolen goods from multiple thieves.

"They feel very insulated from the criminal justice system for some reason because they're not committing the theft," Fell said, standing before a multi-coloured display of hundreds of containers seized as part of Project Lactose Intolerant.

"It's just a really good way to make money for these individuals and stay under the radar. But as you see now, they're not under the radar anymore."

Police believe the ring accounts for about 70 per cent of the baby formula stolen in Metro Vancouver. Retailers reported the jump in thefts to police.

The suspect's name has not been released as charges are pending. Fell said the man will be charged with counselling to commit a criminal act, trafficking stolen property and possession of stolen goods worth more than $5,000.

A box of formula at a store costs about $33, while the street value in Vancouver is around $12, said Fell. Sellers can pocket many times what they originally paid by moving the product to China, where consumers pay up to $90 per container, he added.

China was rocked in 2008 by a scandal over tainted baby formula, which killed half a dozen children and sickened tens of thousands more. The formula was found to contain the industrial chemical melamine, which is known to cause kidney stones and kidney failure in infants.
Photo: CTV Vancouver

Vancouver Aquarium staff say the mother of Qila, a beluga whale who died at the facility this week, is showing symptoms similar to what her daughter exhibited in the days before her death.

Aurora is now being kept in a hospital-like pool and monitored around the clock.

"The gang's working really hard. Aurora's our priority right now, and we've got a lot of folks that have put aside a lot of personal time to prioritize her, and Qila before her," the aquarium's veterinarian, Dr. Martin Haulena, told CTV Vancouver.

Qila was the first beluga born in a Canadian aquarium. Haulena said the 21-year-old whale started acting strange last week, which led to a decreased appetite.

"We did lose Qila quite suddenly," he said. "The night before she'd actually been looking a bit better, more interactive with folks, starting to get interested in fish. So it was a very sudden and unexpected and unpleasant thing to have her pass away."

Now Aurora appears to be taking the same path and isnt interacting normally with staff. She has also lost her appetite. Both whales also showed mild inflammation and abdominal discomfort.

A necropsy was conducted the day of Qilas death, but the aquarium said it was inconclusive. More tests are being done.

With more questions than answers, caring for Aurora has become a bit of a guessing game.

"She is undergoing quite a lot of intensive treatment. We're covering as many bases as we can with her given that we don't have a smoking gun," Haulena said. "We have to assume that whatever Qila succumbed to is also what is affecting Aurora, but that might not be the case."

The aquarium is also investigating whether bacteria or biotoxins were present in the belugas water or food.

 with files from CTV Vancouver
Photo: Contributed

Large, visible flames above Peachland are causing concern  but according to fire officials, there's nothing to be worried about.

An official at the fire dispatch centre said the BC Forestry Service has been conducting controlled burns in the area of Munro Lake since this afternoon.

As night has fallen, local fire departments have been inundated with calls now that the fire is visible.

However, it's a controlled burn and the BC Forestry Service has personnel and machinery on site to keep it that way.
Photo: The Canadian Press

Alberta Progressive Conservative member Sandra Jansen crossed the floor to the governing NDP Thursday, saying the moderate party she called home for 30 years is moving to embrace a far-right ideology.

"I need to be true to the values of my constituents and my own values," Jansen told reporters at the legislature, standing beside Premier Rachel Notley at a news conference.

"So I'm supporting a party now that believes in those values, too."

Jansen, a two-term MLA for Calgary North West, has been a longtime champion of equality issues, such as allowing gay-straight alliances in schools.

She quit the PC leadership race earlier this month, saying online and in-person abuse from supporters of another leadership candidate became intolerable.

"The dog-whistle politics that I heard at the PC policy conference (earlier this month) were chilling to me: eroding public education, taking away women's reproductive rights and trying to out gay kids in schools," said Jansen. "That is not my Alberta."

She said under former PC premier Peter Lougheed, the party championed progressivism.

"To see that legacy being kicked to the curb by extremists who are taking over the PC party has been heartbreaking," she said.

Notley said Jansen is a good fit.

"We share some very important values and priorities that serve Alberta well in government," said Notley.

It's the first time in Alberta history an MLA has crossed the floor to join the NDP.
Photo: The Canadian Press

Canada's opioid epidemic will be front and centre today in Ottawa, where politicians will meet with members of the medical community with the common goal of curbing drug addiction and saving lives.

The two-day summit meeting is being co-chaired by federal Health Minister Jane Philpott and Ontario Health Minister Eric Hoskins, both of whom are doctors themselves.

Hoskins says the summit will reinforce the need for leadership right across the country to confront Canada's opioid epidemic.

He says the problem is affecting different parts of Canada in different ways, but it demands a national solution.

Philpott says the federal Liberal government has been very active on the file, adding that Canadians are dying everyday due to opioid use and abuse.

She says she has made it "very clear" she is unhappy with a lack of data and surveillance programs that could shed light on how many opioids are prescribed, where they are coming from and how many people are overdosing and dying.

The Trudeau Liberals are also facing pressure from B.C. Premier Christy Clark to take additional measures to stop the flow of fentanyl from China  a drug that prompted that province to declare a public health emergency last spring.

Public Safety Minister Ralph Goodale says the issue demands international co-operation, as well as additional personnel and technology on the domestic front.
Police Officer Who Killed Philando Castile Charged With Manslaughter

In July of this year, a Minnesota police officer shot and killed Philando Castile, despite Mr. Castile presenting no threat to the safety of the officer. Although Mr. Castile did have a gun, the weapon was permitted, and Mr. Castile advised the officer of the weapon. Tragically, his last words were about how he was not reaching for his gun, but rather for the documents the officer was requesting.

The Ramsey County Attorney's Office announced this week that the officer would indeed be facing a second degree manslaughter charge, as well as two additional felony charges for dangerous discharge of a firearm. The prosecutor is quoted, saying that "In order to achieve justice, we must be willing to do the right thing, no matter how hard it will seem." At the time of the shooting, Mr. Castile had his girlfriend and her young daughter in the car with him. Thankfully, neither child nor mother were physically injured.

Aftermath Broadcast on Facebook Live

A Facebook Live video, shot and broadcast by Mr. Castile's girlfriend immediately after the shooting, depicts the officer frantically yelling about how he told Mr. Castile not to reach for it, while his girlfriend calmly states that he was reaching for his ID after advising the officer about the gun. The video shows that she did not realize Mr. Castile had been fatally shot at first, but then, about halfway into the short video, she sees that Mr. Castile passed. (Beware that the video of the incident contains graphic content).

Reports state that the officer shot Mr. Castile 7 times. The video shows that while Mr. Castile is dying, the officer is still pointing his weapon, and no attempt to administer aid was provided.

No Grand Jury Necessary

The Ramsey County attorney charging the officer in this case explained that he felt that a grand jury indictment was not necessary. Generally, prosecutors seek a grand jury indictment in order to ensure that they have enough, and good, evidence to bring the matter to trial. In Mr. Castile's case, the prosecutor clearly believes that the evidence is sufficient to show a trial judge that there is sufficient evidence to try the case to a jury.

In addition to the witness testimony, Facebook Live video, and the physical evidence, there is dash cam audio and video footage from the police car. At this point, the officer's dash cam footage has not been released.

Although the officer is still currently on administrative leave, he faces up to 10 years in prison for a manslaughter charge, as well as potentially a few more years on the other felony weapons charges.

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Photo: Peterson Gustave

Canada will give $54 million to Haiti over the next five years, including more than $2 million in immediate aid, International Development Minister Marie-Claude Bibeau said Friday.

The funding announcement came on the final day of Bibeau's three-day trip to the country, where she is seeing first-hand how Canadian aid money is being used in areas decimated last month by hurricane Matthew.

Most of the money will go towards long-term agricultural initiatives, but Bibeau says $2.65 million will be invested immediately to help those impacted by the disaster.

Part of that will go to the United Nations World Food Program, which is currently providing food to those left homeless.

And $1.4 million has also been earmarked for Haitian elections, which begin on Sunday after numerous disputes and delays.

Canada will help with voting logistics and provide independent observers.

Most of the money  about $50 million  has been set aside for developing long-term projects in the agriculture sector.

"It's resilient agriculture: the idea is to get the best projects to face climate change, natural disasters, draught and floods," Bibeau said in an interview.

Bibeau told humanitarian organizations at a roundtable meeting on Thursday that the government will show preference to projects that put an emphasis on women and girls.

One representative at the table suggested adding disabled people to that list, but Bibeau said she's starting from the premise that empowering women  including financially  will help to better serve other groups as a result.

The federal government is in the process of completing the review of its international aid policy, which will be presented early next year.

"I can already tell you that women and girls will be at the heart of all our priorities," Bibeau said.
Photo: Randy Millis

Emergency crews In Kelowna responded to a pair of collisions on Thursday evening.

A taxi went off the road, coming to rest in some bushes against a fence near the intersection of Summit Drive and Valley Road.

There was also a multi-vehicle crash in the Highway 33 and Gerstmar intersection. Its unknown if there were any injuries in the crash.
Photo: Okanagan College

FortisBC has made a $75,000 donation to fuel trades training at Okanagan College.

The utility donated $50,000 toward a new natural gas lab in the plumbing shop, and an additional $25,000 will go toward the carpentry and sustainable construction management technology program.

This partnership is a great fit for FortisBC, as Okanagan College trains students that could one day become our employees," said Fortis director of operations Barry Smithson.

The new lab will be utilized by students across the piping trades, and will allow the college to deliver all four levels of its new steamfitter/pipefitter apprenticeship program.

More than 1,100 openings are projected in the trade over the next eight years across B.C.

This donation is already having a direct impact on students," said Steve Moores, the colleges dean of trades and apprenticeship. "The new lab provides us with a state-of-the-art space to deliver the latest training.

Fortis contributed equipment for the lab and assisted with installation while providing a chance for hands-on learning for students.

Over the past five years, the college has trained more than 1,200 students in the plumbing/pipefitting and refrigeration and air conditioning mechanic programs.

The second donation will allow the college to purchase two calibrated blower doors to be used for training and testing. The doors demonstrate to students how different wall assemblies and construction techniques can reduce energy consumption by preventing air leakage.
Photo: Randy Millis

UPDATE: 1:25 p.m.

The Kelowna Fire Department says a mobile home fire this morning in East Kelowna was caused by misplaced fireplace ashes.

Crews were called to the scene at 11:10 a.m. and arrived to a fire that had been partially extinguished by the homes occupants. Fire crews finished off the fire and secured the scene.

The blaze was contained to the exterior of both buildings with minor smoke in the mobile home.

One occupant was treated at the scene for minor burns and smoke inhalation.

The fire was sparked when fireplace ashes were disposed of in a combustible container, which caught fire and ignited the surrounding materials.

Kelowna Fire Department would like to remind the public to always dispose of fireplace ashes in noncombustible containers and to make sure the ashes are cold before disposing of them.

ORIGINAL: 12:10 p.m.

The Kelowna Fire Department was called to the Lake City Mobile Home Park late Friday morning in East Kelowna for a small trailer fire.

Multiple trucks arrived on McCulloch Road and found light smoke coming from the doors and windows of the home. However, the occupant had already done most of the work extinguishing the fire.

Crews remain on the scene.

Castanet News has reached out to the fire department for more info.
FTC Forces Homeopathic Drug Makers to Tell the Truth

While there are countless individuals who swear by homeopathic medicines, and there are even doctors who will endorse them, the FTC has recently called into question the legitimacy of the entire homeopathic medicine industry. This week, the FTC released an enforcement policy statement clarifying their position that homeopathic drugs will face the same standards as other any other product that makes a claim about its safety or efficacy.

This means that for a homeopathic drug, medicine, remedy, or any other product, that claims to have an affect, and/or be safe, a company is required to substantiate those claims with credible and reliable scientific evidence. If a homeopathic drug maker does not have the required substantiating proof for their claims, the FTC provided two specific disclaimers that both should be included on the label:

There is no scientific evidence that this product works. The product's claims are based only on the theories of homeopathy from the 1700s that are not accepted by most modern medical experts.

Homeopathic Teething Gel Killed 10 and Injured 400 Babies

There is a rich and celebrated history, predating the founding of the country even, of snake-oil dealers selling every type of elixir you can imagine (even though none of them actually elixed anything at all). Some people might be wondering what took the FTC so long to come down on the makers of these homeopathic drugs. This move by the FTC appears to be spurred by a recent wave of poisonings related to a homeopathic ointment intended for teething babies that contained high levels of a substance known as deadly nightshade, which in case you're wondering, is in fact deadly.

Homeopathic drugs are generally made by taking substances that produce illnesses or symptoms, then diluting those substances until the harmfulness is diluted to the point of being harmless, then the diluted mixture is ingested. In the baby teething gel drug, however, the mixture was not properly diluted, such that the deadly nightshade was still deadly.

Homeopathic drug makers are obviously up in arms about the FTC's claims and new policy statement. However, consumers should be pleased as it should make the industry more transparent and accountable.

Related Resources:
Amazon Cracks Down on Counterfeit Sellers, Files Lawsuits

Any retailer is only as good as the products it sells, and online retailers are no different. No marketplace wants to be known for allowing counterfeit goods, especially one as big as Amazon. So it's somewhat surprising that the two lawsuits filed by Amazon this week are its first against merchants for allegedly selling counterfeit items in the company's 20-year history.

Here's a look at the lawsuits and what they could mean for e-commerce and counterfeiters in the future.

Strap In

One of the counterfeit lawsuits involves forged Forearm Forklifts (a fabric strap work to more easily lift heavy objects) and was filed against ToysNet and Disk Vision. Amazon claims it flagged ToysNet in June for selling fake items, but that Disk Vision forged invoices to prove the products were legit in order to get them reinstated.

The other lawsuit was also over fabric straps, this one filed against Joana Ferreira for allegedly selling copies of TRX's popular Suspension Trainers exercise strap. Amazon partnered with TRX developer Fitness Anywhere to block sales of the rip-offs.

Taken for a Ride

The new flurry of litigation follows months of increased scrutiny on Amazon's online marketplace. Around the same time Amazon was flagging ToysNet as a fraud, CNBC was reporting on the increased presence of counterfeit products from Chinese sellers. And Apple sued counterfeiters after finding as many as 90% of "Apple"-branded power chargers and adapters for sale on Amazon were fakes.

"When customers purchase counterfeit goods, it undermines the trust that customers, sellers, and manufacturers place in Amazon," the company's lawsuit says, "thereby tarnishing Amazon's brand and causing irreparable reputational harm."

Amazon is hoping to minimize that reputational harm as much as possible before the holiday buying season begins. "Amazon's customers trust that when they make a purchase through Amazon's website -- either directly from Amazon or from one of its millions of third-party sellers -- they will receive authentic products manufactured by the true manufacturer of those products."

Related Resources:
Workers' Compensation Fraud Is a Serious Offense

Maybe you're sick of your job, or your boss, and you're looking for a little revenge. Or you've been injured on the job, recovered, and like the idea of getting paid to not work. And there's all this money in state workers' compensation insurance funds, just sitting there.

Any of these scenarios might sound tempting, but how do felony charges sound? As it turns out, the Inspector General of New York takes workers' comp fraud seriously; and you should, too.

Workers' Con

Ronald Durand may have had a legitimate workers' compensation claim back in March of 2013, when he allegedly hurt his back delivering jugs of water. But months after a back injury serious enough to keep him out of work (and while still collecting benefits), Durand was spotted in the Watertown YMCA, "bench pressing as much as 335 pounds and performing other lifts with significant amounts of weight."

Even less sympathetic are the tales of Marleen Ayen and her fiance Anthony Hull. Ayen has been collecting workers' comp benefits ever since an alleged injury in 2004. Yet she was found working at a hardware store owned by Hull, who had refused many of his own employees workers' comp benefits and also told authorities he didn't even have employees.

Workers' Comp Crimes

Durand, Ayen, and Hull were charged with a bevy of criminal offenses, including third-degree grand larceny (a felony), third-degree criminal possession of stolen property (a misdemeanor), third-degree insurance fraud (a felony), first-degree offering a false instrument for filing (a felony), and first-degree falsifying business records (a felony).

Ayen and Hull are also facing crimes tied to the workers' compensation program: failure to secure the payment of compensation and fraudulent practices. All told, the trio are facing decades behind bars, and all for some free money. And not that much money, either -- the Citizen in New York reported that Ayen had collected just $3,200 over the last 12 years of fraud. Hopefully she saved enough for an attorney.

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Nepal: new government certification for cement

ICR Newsroom By 18 November 2016

The Nepali government will start the certification of domestic cement brands according to quality in three months time, enabling them to compete in the market with foreign cement brands.



Certification will be carried out with cement falling under one of three categories: 33, 43 and 53.



At present the government does not have any legal provision to certify cement that is graded higher than 33 and therefore, all cement brands in Nepal are certified as 33-grade although producers have been claiming that some brands are of higher quality.



"We are in the last stage of finalising the draft of quality certification for domestic cement brands," Bishwo Babu Pudasaini, director general of Nepal Bureau of Standards and Metrology (NBSM) told The Himalayan Times, adding that NBSM will begin certifying cement within three months.

Once NBSM finalises quality certification draft, it will be sent to Nepal Standard Council (NSC) for final approval. NSC is headed by the industry minister.

As of now, NBSM is developing quality parameters for cement under all three grades.

"We will send the draft to NSC within a month and NSC, after studying the draft in detail, will approve it paving the way for us to certify domestic cement brands based on their quality, he added.

Published under
Kenya: Savannah Cement to raise capacity to 2.4Mta

ICR Newsroom By 18 November 2016

Savannah Cement has unveiled plans to increase its Athi River plant to 2.4Mta, almost doubling its current 1.5Mta capacity, Business Daily Africa reports.

The firm says it expects the new capacity to come online by mid-2018, with the tendering process to begin in early 2017 as soon as regulatory clearance is received. The project will see the creation of a new grinding and packaging plant.

Kenyan cement consumption has risen rapidly in recent years and the countrys producers have responded by investing in new capacity. Bamburi Cement  the largest  is planning to upgrade its own Athi River facility to 2.3Mta.

In total, Kenya has around 8.9Mta of installed capacity and produced 6.5Mt of cement in 2015. Analysts AIB Capital have said that housing has been the main driver of demand, although rising infrastructure investment has also begun to make itself felt.

Published under
What Is 'Non-Binary' Gender? Is It Recognized Legally?

Despite the fact that the choice of gender on official or legal documents is almost always limited to two choices, male or female, many people feel they don't fully belong on either end of the spectrum, but somewhere in the middle. One of those is Jaime Shupe, who was born with male genitalia but identifies as female, and feels more like "a third sex."

Fortunately for Jaime and others, courts and state and federal administrative offices are catching up with the evolving definitions of gender identity. In June, an Oregon judge granted a petition to change Jaime's gender from female to "non-binary."

Gender Positive

"I was assigned male at birth due to biology," Shupe told the Oregonian. "I'm stuck with that for life. My gender identity is definitely feminine. My gender identity has never been male, but I feel like I have to own up to my male biology. Being non-binary allows me to do that. I'm a mixture of both. I consider myself as a third sex."

While some cities and states permit residents to abstain from declaring a gender for IDs, transgender rights advocates believe this is the first case in the U.S. where a person was able to declare their gender as non-binary. The Oregonian reports that a court in France allowed a resident to register as gender neutral in a ruling last year. Despite Multnomah County Circuit Court Judge Amy Holmes Hehn's ruling in Shupe's case, however, Oregonians are still unable to elect "non-binary" on their driver's licenses or state-issued ID cards.

Level of Proof

In some states, courts will require a sworn affidavit or evidence that a petitioner has "undergone clinically appropriate treatment for change of gender" before granting a change of gender on a driver's license, social security card, or passport, or to issue a new birth certificate. And in a few states, petitioners must submit proof that their sex has been changed by surgical procedure.

Those requirements aren't as stringent in Oregon, where residents don't even need a note from a doctor to prove they've undergone surgical, hormonal, or other treatment related to a gender transition. Judge Hehn ruled "[t]he sexual reassignment has been completed," she wrote. "No person has shown cause why the requested General Judgment should not be granted." Whether Shupe's case remains an outlier or signals a change in the legal requirements for official gender identity designations remains to be seen.

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Although the currency notes of these two denominations have become invalid, they can exchange at in any bank or post office by showing ID proof. Besides depositing money in bank accounts, the Rs 500 and Rs 1000 notes can also be exchanged with lower denomination currency notes at designated banks and post offices on production of valid government identity cards like PAN, Aadhaar and Election Card.

However, most of the Burmese migrant workers and traders have no Identity cards for exchanging the currencies or withdrawing new currency of 2000 notes.

As we are not the citizens, we have no right to have bank account/ATM card and ID card or PAN card. That is the main problem. Thats why we asked some friends and work owners, said a Burmese trader in Aizawl, Mizoram state.

A Burmese waiver also expressed that We were very worried when we heard the news. We have no identity cards; even some of us cannot speak in Mizo language.

Similarly, many refugees in New Delhi are being faced the problem of banning Rs. 500 and Rs. 1000 currency notes earlier. But now they can use their UNHCR cards for exchanging with lower denomination currency notes at some banks.

After Rs. 2000 notes launched, the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has issued the new high-security Rs 500 notes on Sunday evening, bringing respite to people struggling for smaller change.

The demonetization was done in an effort to stop the counterfeiting of the current banknotes alleged to be used for funding terrorism and for cracking down on black money in the country.


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Luxury hotels in the historic center for a Catholic family. Only luxury hotels can provide a paradisiacal vacation for a big Catholic family. A high-level vacation for families, children and not only. The gorgeous views, divine service, and the best location are all luxury hotels. Catholics, Orthodox, Protestants, and more. Everyone will find their place in this corner of paradise.

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Savannah, Georgia is a beautiful city with lots of places to visit, including Forsyth Park, River Street, and the Juliette Gordon Low Birthplace. Another place to visit is the Savannah History Museum, which is jam-packed with interesting exhibits on the history of the city.

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Louisville is in the heart of Kentucky and is known for being the home of the Kentucky Derby. There are a lot of great places to visit in Louisville, including the Louisville Zoo, the Muhammad Ali Center, and the Frazier History Museum. There are also a lot of great restaurants and bars in Louisville, and it's a great place to visit for a weekend getaway.

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The birthplace of Warren Buffett, Omaha, Nebraska, is a great place to visit. There are plenty of things to see and do in Omaha, from touring the Henry Doorly Zoo and Aquarium to visiting the Durham Western Heritage Museum. Other popular tourist destinations in Omaha include the Joslyn Art Museum, the Ak-Sar-Ben Aquarium, and TD Ameritrade Park.

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Columbus, GA, United States

Columbus is a charming small town in Georgia that is worth a visit. There are several places to visit in Columbus, including the Riverwalk, the Chattahoochee River, the National Infantry Museum, and the Coca-Cola Space Science Center. The Riverwalk is a beautiful walkway along the Chattahoochee River that is perfect for a relaxing stroll or a bike ride. The Chattahoochee River is a great place to go fishing, swimming, or kayaking. The National Infantry Museum is a museum dedicated to the infantry of the United States Army. It is a must-see for history buffs. The Coca-Cola Space Science Center is a museum dedicated to space science. It is perfect for kids and adults alike.

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Anchorage, AK, United States

Anchorage is a great place to visit if you're looking for an adrenaline rush. From skiing and snowboarding in the winter to rafting and fishing in the summer, Anchorage has something to offer everyone. In addition to its outdoor activities, Anchorage also has a variety of cultural and historical attractions, including the Anchorage Museum and the Tony Knowles Coastal Trail.

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Portland, OR, United States

Portland is a city that is located in the US state of Oregon and it is known for its art scene, food, and coffee. There are a lot of interesting places to visit in Portland, such as the Portland Art Museum, where you can see a variety of art from all over the world. Another place to visit is the Powell's City of Books, the largest independent bookstore in the world. If you're looking for a place to eat, Portland has no shortage of amazing restaurants, such as Pok Pok, which serves Thai cuisine, and Le Pigeon, which serves French cuisine. And, of course, no trip to Portland would be complete without trying some of the city's famous coffee, such as Stumptown Coffee Roasters.

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Florence, Italy

No trip to Italy is complete without a visit to Florence. This historic city is home to some of the country's most famous attractions, including the Duomo, Ponte Vecchio, and Michelangelo's David. There's also plenty to see and do outside of the city center, including the picturesque Tuscan countryside and the vibrant university town of Arezzo.

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Asheville, NC, United States

Asheville is a city in western North Carolina. It is the largest city in the U.S. state of North Carolina. It is the county seat of Buncombe County. Asheville is home to the Biltmore Estate, the largest private home in the United States. The city of Asheville proper had a population of 84,236 in 2010. The city is known for its art deco architecture, mountain scenery and outdoor activities, and as the birthplace of American novelist Thomas Wolfe. It is also home to the Sierra Nevada Brewing Company, the second largest craft brewery in the United States.

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Long Beach, CA, United States

There's plenty to do in Long Beach, California without ever having to leave the city limits. If you're looking for a little adventure, head to the Aquarium of the Pacific for a glimpse of the ocean's creatures or take a walk on the boardwalk at Rainbow Harbor. If you're more of a history buff, the Queen Mary is a must-see. This retired ocean liner is now a hotel and museum with plenty of stories to tell. And no trip to Long Beach is complete without a visit to the iconic Vincent Thomas Bridge.

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Cincinnati, OH, United States

Cincinnati is a city located on the Ohio River in the southwestern corner of the U.S. state of Ohio. The city was founded in 1788 and named after the Society of the Cincinnati, an organization of Revolutionary War officers. Cincinnati is a major U.S. city and the metropolitan area has a population of over 2 million people. The city is well-known for its German heritage, Oktoberfest celebration, and its variety of chili dishes. Cincinnati is home to three major sports teams: the NFL's Cincinnati Bengals, MLB's Cincinnati Reds, and the NBA's Cincinnati Cavaliers. The city is also home to the University of Cincinnati and Xavier University. The city's historic neighborhoods include Over-the-Rhine, Mount Auburn, and Hyde Park. Cincinnati is a popular tourist destination and offers a variety of attractions and places to visit, including the Cincinnati Zoo and Botanical Garden, the Newport Aquarium, the National Underground Railroad Freedom Center, and the Museum of Contemporary Art.

Cincinnati Luxury Hotels

Laughlin, NV, United States

Laughlin, Nevada is a great place to visit if you're looking for a fun and affordable vacation. There are plenty of casinos and resorts to choose from, as well as plenty of outdoor activities and attractions. Be sure to check out the local nightlife, and don't forget to take a trip down the mighty Colorado River.

Laughlin Luxury Hotels

Laughlin Luxury Resorts

Anaheim, CA, United States

Anaheim, California is home to both Disneyland and California Adventure Park. The parks are just a short walk away from each other, and make for a great day of exploration. Anaheim is also home to the Anaheim Angels and the Anaheim Ducks, so there's always a game to catch. If you're looking for something a little more low-key, Anaheim has a great shopping district and a variety of restaurants to choose from.

Anaheim Luxury Hotels

Santa Cruz, CA, United States

Santa Cruz is a great place to visit! There are so many places to see and things to do. Some of my favorite places to visit are the Boardwalk, the wharf, and the University of California, Santa Cruz. The Boardwalk is a great place to go for a walk, ride on the amusement park rides, and eat some of the delicious food. The wharf is a great place to go for a walk, eat some seafood, and listen to the street performers. The University of California, Santa Cruz is a great place to visit to learn about the history of the area and to see some of the beautiful architecture. I highly recommend visiting Santa Cruz if you are looking for a fun and interesting place to visit!.

Santa Cruz Luxury Hotels

Eugene, OR, United States

Eugene, Oregon is a great city to visit with a lot of places to see and things to do. One of the most popular attractions is the University of Oregon campus, which is home to a number of museums and a large football stadium. The city also has a vibrant arts scene, with a number of theaters and art galleries. Outdoor enthusiasts will enjoy the dozens of parks and hiking trails in the area, and there are also a number of wineries and breweries in the area.

Eugene Luxury Hotels

Branson, MO, United States

There's plenty to see and do in Branson, Missouri, from state parks and amusement parks to theaters and shopping. Here are some of the most popular places to visit: Silver Dollar City is a theme park with rides, shows, and craftsmen demonstrations. is a theme park with rides, shows, and craftsmen demonstrations. The Shepherd of the Hills Outdoor Theatre puts on a variety of shows, including "The Legend of the Shepherd of the Hills" and "The Catfish Fry." puts on a variety of shows, including "The Legend of the Shepherd of the Hills" and "The Catfish Fry." Table Rock State Park has fishing, swimming, and hiking trails, as well as a nature center. has fishing, swimming, and hiking trails, as well as a nature center. The Titanic Museum features a half-sized replica of the ship, along with exhibits about the history of the Titanic. features a half-sized replica of the ship, along with exhibits about the history of the Titanic. Branson Landing is a shopping and entertainment complex on the waterfront. There's something for everyone in Branson, Missouri  come visit and see for yourself!.

Branson Luxury Hotels

Panama City Beach, FL, United States

The white sand beaches and emerald waters of Panama City Beach, Florida, are a popular tourist destination. The city is home to numerous hotels, resorts, and restaurants, as well as amusement and water parks. Visitors can also enjoy fishing, kayaking, and surfing.

Panama City Beach Luxury Hotels

Panama City Beach Luxury Resorts

Monterey, CA, United States

Monterey is a coastal city in Monterey County, California, United States. It stands at the southern end of Monterey Bay, on the Pacific coast. The city is also the home of the Naval Postgraduate School. Monterey is the largest city in the Central Coast region of California. The main attractions in Monterey are the Monterey Bay Aquarium, Fisherman's Wharf, Cannery Row, and the downtown area.

Monterey Luxury Hotels

Norfolk, VA, United States

Norfolk, Virginia is a great place to visit for its historical places and military bases. Some places to visit in Norfolk are the Chrysler Museum of Art, Norfolk Botanical Garden, and the Norfolk Naval Station.

Norfolk Luxury Hotels

Palm Springs, CA, United States

Palm Springs is a vibrant city located in the Coachella Valley and is known for its year-round sunshine, resort atmosphere and Mid-Century Modern architecture. Top places to visit include the Palm Springs Aerial Tramway, Palm Springs Art Museum, Indian Canyons and Moorten Botanical Garden. For a truly unique experience, be sure to check out the Palm Springs Modernism Show & Sale  the worlds largest vintage furniture and design event.

Palm Springs Luxury Hotels

Palm Springs Luxury Resorts

Palm Springs Luxury Villas

Rochester, NY, United States

Rochester is a city in western New York State and is the county seat of Monroe County. Rochester is known for its annual festivals, including the Rochester International Jazz Festival, the Rochester Fringe Festival, and the Holiday Folk Fair International. Places to visit in Rochester include the George Eastman Museum, the Strong National Museum of Play, the Rochester Museum and Science Center, and the Seneca Park Zoo.

Rochester Luxury Hotels

Pigeon Forge, TN, United States

Visit the Titanic Museum in Pigeon Forge for a unique experience. This museum is dedicated to the Titanic, one of the most infamous ships in history. Tour the ship and learn about the passengers and crew who were on board. You can even see the actual artifacts recovered from the shipwreck. If you're looking for a little more excitement, head to Dollywood. This amusement park is home to roller coasters, a water park, and plenty of other rides and attractions. Plus, the park is themed around the life and music of Dolly Parton. No trip to Pigeon Forge is complete without a visit to the Great Smoky Mountains. These mountains offer a variety of activities, including hiking, fishing, and horseback riding. Plus, the natural beauty of the area is simply breathtaking.

Pigeon Forge Luxury Hotels

Jacksonville, FL, United States

Jacksonville is less than an hour's drive from the beaches of Amelia Island and St. Augustine, and a little more than two hours from Orlando. The city has a lot to offer visitors, including a riverwalk, museums, and a vibrant arts scene. Jacksonville is also home to the Jacksonville Jaguars NFL team.

Jacksonville Luxury Hotels

Minsk, Belarus

Minsk, the capital of Belarus, is a city that has something for everyone. If you're looking for a little history, Minsk has plenty of it, with churches and monuments dating back to the 12th century. If you're looking for a lively nightlife, Minsk has that, too, with plenty of bars, clubs, and restaurants. And if you're looking for a little nature, Minsk has parks and gardens to enjoy. Here are just a few of the places you can visit in Minsk: The Holy Spirit Cathedral, one of the oldest churches in Minsk, is a must-visit for history buffs. The National Library of Belarus is a huge library with more than 18 million items in its collection. The Opera and Ballet Theatre is a beautiful building that hosts performances of both opera and ballet. The Victory Park is a large park with a war memorial, a children's playground, and a lake. And for a little bit of nature in the heart of the city, the Botanical Garden is a great place to relax and take a break from the hustle and bustle of Minsk.

Minsk Luxury Hotels

Jaipur, India

Jaipur is one of the most popular tourist destinations in India. It is the capital of the state of Rajasthan and is known for its palaces, forts and temples. Some of the places to visit in Jaipur include the Amber Fort, the City Palace, the Jantar Mantar Observatory and the Hawa Mahal. Jaipur is also a great place to shop for traditional Indian handicrafts.

Jaipur Luxury Hotels

Chicago, IL, United States

Chicago is a city full of culture and history. There are plenty of places to visit, such as the Willis Tower, Buckingham Fountain, and the Lincoln Park Zoo. Chicago is also home to many restaurants and bars, so there is something for everyone.

Chicago Luxury Hotels

Auckland, New Zealand

Auckland is a beautiful city located on the north island of New Zealand. There are many places to visit in Auckland, including the Sky Tower, the Auckland War Memorial Museum, and the Auckland Domain. The beaches in Auckland are also worth visiting, especially Karekare and Piha. Auckland is a great place to visit, and I highly recommend it!.

Auckland Luxury Hotels

Auckland Luxury Villas

Amsterdam, Netherlands

If you're looking for a city that's got it all, Amsterdam should be your go-to destination. From the city's lively and vibrant nightlife to its charming and quiet neighborhoods, Amsterdam has something for everyone. Be sure to check out the Anne Frank Huis, the Rijksmuseum, and the Van Gogh Museum, as these are some of the most popular attractions in the city. And if you're looking for a little bit of nature, be sure to take a walk or bike ride through Amsterdam's many parks.

Amsterdam Luxury Hotels

Berlin, Germany

There are so many great places to visit in Berlin that it can be hard to know where to start. From the iconic Brandenburg Gate to the fascinating Reichstag Building, there's something for everyone in this vibrant city. If you're looking for a bit of history, make sure to check out the Berlin Wall Memorial or the DDR Museum. And for those looking for a bit more fun, there's always the Alexanderplatz Christmas Market or the Zoologischer Garten. No matter what your interests, Berlin is a city you won't want to miss.

Berlin Luxury Hotels

Bangkok, Thailand

Bangkok is a city of contrasts with its gleaming temples and skyscrapers, chaotic markets and tranquil canals. While it's a popular tourist destination, Bangkok is a city that can be enjoyed by visitors of all ages. Some of the top places to visit in Bangkok include the Grand Palace, Wat Arun, the floating markets and the Chatuchak Weekend Market.

Bangkok Luxury Hotels

Bangkok Luxury Resorts

Bangkok Luxury Villas

Bruges, Belgium

Bruges is a city in Belgium that is worth visiting. It is full of medieval charm and there are a lot of things to see and do. Some of the places to visit include the Markt, the Belfry, and the Begijnhof.

Bruges Luxury Hotels

Brussels, Belgium

Brussels is a city in Belgium that is best known for its chocolate, waffles, and beer. But there is much more to see and do in Brussels than just indulge in the local cuisine. There are a number of interesting historical landmarks to visit, such as the Grand Place and the Atomium, as well as a variety of parks and gardens. And, of course, Brussels is also a great city to explore on foot.

Brussels Luxury Hotels

Budapest, Hungary

Budapest, Hungary's capital, is a city of thermal baths and medival, baroque and art nouveau architecture. Crowded with tourists, the city is bisected by the Danube River into the hilly Buda and the more developed and flat Pest. Among the main places of interest are the neo-Gothic Parliament, the Chain Bridge linking Buda and Pest, the Matthias Church and Fisherman's Bastion on the Buda bank, and the State Opera House and Heroes' Square on the Pest side.

Budapest Luxury Hotels

Playa del Carmen, Mexico

Home to some of the best beaches in Mexico, Playa del Carmen is a favorite tourist destination for visitors from all over the world. With its lively nightlife, gorgeous coastline and ample shopping opportunities, there's something for everyone in this tropical paradise. Don't miss the opportunity to visit some of the area's most popular attractions, such as the ancient Mayan ruins of Tulum and Coba, or the eco-friendly Turtle Beach. With its friendly people, delicious food and stunning scenery, Playa del Carmen is a place you'll never want to leave.

Playa del Carmen Luxury Hotels

Playa del Carmen Luxury Resorts

Playa del Carmen Luxury Villas

Denver, CO, United States

Denver is a great city for visitors. There are so many places to see and things to do. Some of the top places to visit include the 16th Street Mall, the Denver Botanic Gardens, the Denver Art Museum, and the Colorado State Capitol. There are also plenty of great restaurants and shops to explore. Denver is definitely a city worth visiting!.

Denver Luxury Hotels

Dublin, Ireland

Dublin is a city located in Ireland. It's a city full of culture, with plenty of places to visit. Some popular tourist spots are the Guinness Storehouse, Trinity College, and the Dublin Castle. There are also plenty of pubs and restaurants to discover.

Dublin Luxury Hotels

Dusseldorf, Germany

Dusseldorf, Germany is a city with many different places to visit. The city has a mix of old and new buildings, and a variety of activities to do. The best places to visit in Dusseldorf are the Konigsallee, the Rhine Tower, and the Oktoberfest. The Konigsallee is an open-air shopping mall that has many high-end stores. The Rhine Tower is the tallest building in the city and offers great views of Dusseldorf. The Oktoberfest is a week-long festival that celebrates German culture and food.

Dusseldorf Luxury Hotels

Edinburgh, United Kingdom

Edinburgh, Scotland is a beautiful city to visit. The architecture is very old and unique, and there are plenty of historical places to visit, like Edinburgh Castle. There are also plenty of parks and gardens, and lots of shops and restaurants.

Edinburgh Luxury Hotels

Rome, Italy

Rome is a city rich in history and filled with beautiful places to visit. Make sure to stop by the Colosseum, the Roman Forum, and the Pantheon. Also be sure to visit St. Peters Basilica and the Sistine Chapel while in Rome. If youre looking for a little more nature in your trip, head to the Villa Borghese gardens or the Janiculum Hill for some wonderful views of the city. And of course, no trip to Rome is complete without a gelato!.

Rome Luxury Hotels

Rome Luxury Villas

New York, NY, United States

There are many amazing places to visit in New York State. Some of my favorites are the Niagara Falls, the Adirondack Mountains, and the Finger Lakes. If you're looking for a city break, New York City is definitely worth a visit. There's endless things to see and do, from touring the Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island to visiting world-famous museums like the Metropolitan Museum of Art and the American Museum of Natural History. No matter what your interests are, you'll be able to find something to enjoy in New York State.

New York Luxury Hotels

New York Luxury Villas

London, United Kingdom

London is a city rich in history and full of amazing places to visit. Some of my favorite places are Westminster Abbey, Buckingham Palace, and the Tower of London. There is so much to see and do in London, you could spend weeks here and never run out of things to do. If you're looking for a city full of culture and history, London is the place for you.

London Luxury Hotels

London Luxury Cottages

Madrid, Spain

Madrid is one of the most beautiful and culturally rich cities in the world. From the Royal Palace to the Prado Museum, theres plenty to see and do in Madrid. If youre looking for a little bit of nature, Madrid has plenty of parks, like the Buen Retiro Park, to relax in. And dont forget to try some of the delicious tapas and wine while youre in town.

Madrid Luxury Hotels

Memphis, TN, United States

The birthplace of rock 'n' roll, Memphis is a city rich in history and culture. From Graceland to Beale Street, there are plenty of places to visit in Memphis. Be sure to check out Sun Studio, where rock 'n' roll was born, and the National Civil Rights Museum, which tells the story of the African-American civil rights movement. Memphis is also home to some amazing food, so be sure to try some of the city's famous barbecue and soul food.

Memphis Luxury Hotels

Miami Beach, FL, United States

There is much to explore in Miami Beach, from the famous Art Deco district to the vast beaches and crystal-clear waters. Outdoor enthusiasts will love the opportunities for fishing, kayaking, and paddleboarding, while history buffs can explore the ancient burial mounds at Miami Beach. Shoppers and foodies will find plenty to keep them busy, with vibrant neighborhoods like Lincoln Road and Ocean Drive offering unique boutiques and award-winning restaurants. And of course, no trip to Miami Beach is complete without a visit to world-famous South Beach.

Miami Beach Luxury Hotels

Miami Beach Luxury Resorts

New Orleans, LA, United States

You can't visit New Orleans without trying some of the local food. Beignets, Po' Boys, and gumbo are just a few of the must-try dishes. While you're in town, be sure to check out the French Quarter, Jackson Square, and St. Louis Cathedral. If you're looking for some nightlife, Bourbon Street is the place to be. And, of course, no trip to New Orleans is complete without a visit to Mardi Gras!.

New Orleans Luxury Hotels

Milan, Italy

Milan is a city located in the Lombardy region of Italy. It is a popular tourist destination because of its historical and artistic heritage. Some of the places you should visit while in Milan are the Duomo, La Scala, and Castello Sforzesco.

Milan Luxury Hotels

Naples, Italy

Naples is one of the most beautiful and historic cities in Italy. There are countless places to visit, such as the Royal Palace, the Museum of San Martino, and the Church of Gesu Nuovo. Naples is also home to excellent shopping and dining options. Be sure to enjoy a cup of coffee at one of the city's many cafes and take a stroll through the picturesque streets.

Naples Luxury Hotels

Paris, France

Paris is one of the most popular tourist destinations in the world. It's home to iconic landmarks like the Eiffel Tower and the Louvre Museum, as well as a thriving nightlife and restaurant scene. If you're looking to explore all that Paris has to offer, here are some of the top places to visit: The Eiffel Tower: This iconic landmark is a must-see in Paris. Climb to the top for stunning views of the city, or take a ride on the elevator to the bottom for a closer look at the structure. The Louvre Museum: This world-famous museum is home to some of the most famous works of art in the world, including the Mona Lisa. The Notre Dame Cathedral: This beautiful cathedral is one of the most famous landmarks in Paris. Make sure to climb to the top for some amazing views of the city. The Champs-Elysees: This famous avenue is a popular destination for shopping and dining. Be sure to wander down the street and take in all the sights and sounds. The Arc de Triomphe: This towering arch is another iconic landmark in Paris. Climb to the top for some amazing views of the city.

Paris Luxury Hotels

Paris Luxury Villas

Prague, Czech Republic

Prague is a city rich in history and culture. There are plenty of places to visit, including the Prague Castle, the Charles Bridge, and the Old Town Square. There are also plenty of restaurants and bars to enjoy, and the nightlife is vibrant. Prague is a truly unique city and a must-visit for anyone traveling to the Czech Republic.

Prague Luxury Hotels

Punta Cana, Dominican Republic

Located on the easternmost tip of the Dominican Republic, Punta Cana is known for its beautiful beaches and turquoise waters. This paradise is a favorite destination for travelers looking for a Caribbean getaway. Punta Cana is home to a wide variety of resorts and activities, from enjoying the sand and surf to golfing, spas, and shopping. Nature lovers can also explore the areas jungles, caves, and waterfalls.

Punta Cana Luxury Hotels

Punta Cana Luxury Resorts

Punta Cana Luxury Villas

Marbella, Spain

If you're looking for an idyllic and luxurious Spanish escape, look no further than Marbella. Located on the country's Costa del Sol, Marbella is home to stunning beaches, top-notch resorts, world-class golfing, and much more. A visit to Marbella is the perfect way to experience all that Spain has to offer.

Marbella Luxury Hotels

Marbella Luxury Villas

Marrakesh, Morocco

Marrakesh is a city in Morocco that is full of culture and history. There are several places to visit in Marrakesh, including the Palace of the Bahia, the Ben Youssef Madrasa, and the Saadian Tombs. The souks (markets) are also a must-see, where you can find everything from souvenirs to spices to traditional clothing. Be sure to enjoy a meal in one of the many restaurants or cafes in Marrakesh; the food is delicious and the atmosphere is always lively. Marrakesh is a wonderful city to explore and definitely worth a visit!.

Marrakesh Luxury Hotels

San Francisco, CA, United States

San Francisco is a popular tourist destination, and for good reason. There are plenty of things to see and do in this vibrant city. Here are some of the top places to visit: 1. Fisherman's Wharf: This neighborhood is home to a variety of shops and restaurants, as well as a popular pier where you can enjoy views of the bay. 2. The Golden Gate Bridge: This iconic bridge is a must-see for any visitor to San Francisco. 3. Alcatraz Island: This former federal prison is now a popular tourist attraction. It's a must-see for fans of history and crime dramas. 4. Chinatown: This colorful neighborhood is home to some of the best food in San Francisco. Be sure to check out the Dragon Gate entrance. 5. The Mission District: This trendy neighborhood is home to hip restaurants, bars, and art galleries.

San Francisco Luxury Hotels

Moscow, Russia

Moscow, Russia is a beautiful city with plenty of places to visit. Some of the most popular tourist attractions are the Kremlin, Red Square, and Saint Basil's Cathedral. Other great places to see include the Bolshoi Theatre, Gorky Park, and the Tretyakov Gallery. There are also many churches and other historical buildings to explore. Moscow is a lively city with a lot of culture and nightlife. There is something for everyone to enjoy in Moscow.

Moscow Luxury Hotels

Venice, Italy

Venice is one of the most beautiful places on earth. The city is built on a lagoon in northeast Italy and is known for its canals and gondolas. There are many places to visit in Venice, including the Grand Canal, St. Marks Square, and the Rialto Bridge. Venice is also home to many museums, including the Peggy Guggenheim Collection.

Venice Luxury Hotels

Vienna, Austria

Vienna, Austria is a city with a long and rich history. There are many places to visit in Vienna, including the Hofburg Palace, the Ringstrasse, and St. Stephen's Cathedral. Vienna is also home to some of the world's best shopping, including the Karntner Strasse and the Graben. Finally, no visit to Vienna is complete without experiencing the city's world-famous nightlife.

Vienna Luxury Hotels

Zurich, Switzerland

Zurich is a marvelous city located in the heart of Switzerland. It is a city that has something to offer for everyone. From amazing restaurants and beautiful architecture to exciting nightlife and gorgeous parks, Zurich has something for everyone. Some of the most popular places to visit in Zurich include the Bahnhofstrasse, which is the city's most famous shopping street, the Lindenhof, which is a beautiful park with amazing views of the city, and Grossmunster, which is a stunning Romanesque church. Zurich is also home to some of the best museums in the world, including the famed Museum of Art and the Swiss National Museum. With its mix of old-world charm and modern amenities, Zurich is a city that is definitely worth exploring.

Zurich Luxury Hotels

Acapulco, Mexico

If you're looking for a Mexican vacation spot with plenty of history and culture to explore, Acapulco is a great option. From the archeological wonders of the ancient city to the stunning coastal views, there's something for everyone in Acapulco. Plus, with its temperate climate, it's a great escape from colder winter weather.

Acapulco Luxury Hotels

Acapulco Luxury Resorts

Acapulco Luxury Villas

Nashville, TN, United States

One of the United States' most interesting places to visit is Nashville, Tennessee. There's plenty to see and do there, from the Grand Ole Opry to the Country Music Hall of Fame. Music is a big part of the city's history and culture, so be sure to catch a show while you're in town. Other popular attractions include the Ryman Auditorium, the Parthenon, and the Jack Daniel's Distillery. Nashville is also a great place to eat, with a wide variety of restaurants serving up everything from barbecue to Mexican food. So if you're looking for an exciting and diverse city to visit, be sure to add Nashville to your list.

Nashville Luxury Hotels

Nashville Luxury Villas

Atlanta, GA, United States

What's not to love about Atlanta? From the iconic Georgia Aquarium to the World of Coke, from the Fox Theatre to Centennial Olympic Park, Atlanta offers a wealth of destinations for tourists. Sports fans will want to check out the new Mercedes-Benz Stadium, and history buffs will enjoy the Jimmy Carter Presidential Library and Museum. Braves fans can take a tour of SunTrust Park, and shoppers will enjoy the many boutiques and malls in the city. There's also a great restaurant scene in Atlanta, and music lovers will want to check out the many venues offering live music. Whether you're looking for a fun family vacation spot or a place to explore on your own, Atlanta is a great choice!.

Atlanta Luxury Hotels

Miami, FL, United States

The Magic City is a top tourist destination for a reasonthere are endless things to do in Miami! From exploring the trendy neighborhoods and dazzling beaches to soaking up the Latin culture and nightlife, Miami is jam-packed with amazing places to visit. Here are a few of our favorites: 1. Wynwood Walls: This outdoor art exhibit is a must-see for any art lover. The colorful murals are awe-inspiring and definitely Instagram-worthy. 2. Vizcaya Museum and Gardens: This estate is dripping with luxury and opulence, from the grandiose architecture to the expansive gardens. It's the perfect place for a day of relaxation. 3. South Beach: This world-famous beach is a must-visit for any sun-seeker. The crystal-clear water and soft sand make for the perfect day-long beach getaway. 4. Little Havana: Experience Cuban culture at its best in Little Havana. From delicious food to lively music and dance, there's something for everyone in this vibrant district. 5. Art Deco District: This district is home to Miami's most iconic architecture. Take a stroll down the charming streets and admire the colorful buildings that make Miami so unique.

Miami Luxury Hotels

Miami Luxury Villas

Tokyo, Japan

Tokyo is a must-see destination in Japan. There are endless places to explore in this city - temples, shrines, gardens, and more. The Shinjuku district is a great place to start, with its neon-lit streets and myriad shops and restaurants. For a taste of traditional Japan, visit the Sensoji Temple in Asakusa or the Imperial Palace. Nature lovers will enjoy the Hamarikyu Gardens or the Hama-rikyu Teien Garden. And for a unique experience, take a trip to Mount Fuji.

Tokyo Luxury Hotels

Tokyo Luxury Villas

Buenos Aires, Argentina

There are plenty of places to visit in Buenos Aires, Argentina. Some popular tourist destinations include the obelisk, the Casa Rosada, and the Puerto Madero district. Every barrio (neighborhood) has its own unique culture and flavor. San Telmo, La Boca, and Palermo are some of the most popular barrios. There are also many parks and plazas, such as Plaza de Mayo and Plaza de la Republica, that are worth checking out.

Buenos Aires Luxury Hotels

Hamburg, Germany

One of the most popular tourist destinations in Germany is Hamburg. From the lively and colorful harbor district to the grandiose City Hall, there is plenty to see and do in Hamburg. Some of the other popular places to visit include the Reeperbahn district with its pubs and nightlife, the Planten un Blomen botanical gardens, and the architecturally stunning Rathausmarkt square.

Hamburg Luxury Hotels

Lisbon, Portugal

The capital of Portugal, Lisbon is a city of fascinating contrasts. From its coastal location, visitors can enjoy stunning ocean views, while its hilly, narrow streets are home to a maze of charming traditional homes and lively nightlife. A city of 7 hills, Lisbon is a bustling metropolis with something for everyone. Here are some of the top places to visit: The Belem Tower, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is one of Lisbons most iconic landmarks. This 16th-century fortress and lighthouse is a must-see for visitors. The Alfama district, with its winding streets and tile-roofed homes, is the oldest district in Lisbon. This is the perfect place to get lost and explore the citys history. The Lisbon Zoo is a great place to enjoy a day out with the family, with over 2,000 animals from around the world. The Christ the King statue, located atop a hill in the suburb of Almada, offers impressive views of Lisbon and the river Tagus. The Lisbon Oceanarium, located in the Parque das Nacoes district, is home to more than 12,000 marine creatures and is one of the largest aquariums in Europe.

Lisbon Luxury Hotels

Lisbon Luxury Villas

Malaga, Spain

Malaga is an attractive seaside city in southern Spain with a long history. There are many places to visit in Malaga, including the Gibralfaro Castle, the Alcazaba fortress, and the Malaga Cathedral. Malaga is also home to a variety of museums, including the Picasso Museum. The city is well known for its beaches, and there are many delightful places to relax and enjoy the sun and the sea.

Malaga Luxury Hotels

Malaga Luxury Villas

Munich, Germany

When planning a vacation to Munich, Germany, be sure to include these top places to visit: The Marienplatz is a must-see square in the city center, featuring a beautiful Glockenspiel show and the Old and New Town Halls. The Englisher Garten, Europes largest city park, is a great place for a relaxing stroll or a picnic. OlympiaPark is home to the famous 1972 Olympic Stadium as well as a huge amusement park. The Frauenkirche is a stunning church in the old town with a Glockenspiel of its own. Beer lovers will want to visit the Hofbrauhaus, the worlds most famous beer hall. For a bit of history and culture, check out the LudwigMaximilians-University and the Deutsches Museum. There is so much to see and do in Munich  these are just a few highlights!.

Munich Luxury Hotels

Granada, Spain

Granada is a city in southern Spain that is known for its Moorish architecture and history. The city is home to the Alhambra, a palace and fortress that was constructed in the late 1300s. Visitors can also enjoy the citys many churches, including the Cathedral of Granada. Granada is also a convenient base for exploring the other cities and towns in Andalusia.

Granada Luxury Hotels

Bucharest, Romania

Bucharest is a city full of history and culture. There are many places to visit, such as the Palace of Parliament, which is the world's largest civilian building. Other places to visit include the old city center, which is full of charming streets and buildings, and the Botanical Garden, which is the largest botanical garden in Romania.

Bucharest Luxury Hotels

Bologna, Italy

Bologna, Italy is a beautiful city with plenty of places to visit. Some popular tourist destinations include the Piazza Maggiore, the Tower of Asinelli, and the Sanctuary of the Madonna di San Luca. There are also plenty of museums and churches to explore, and the city is full of charming restaurants and cafes. Bologna is an excellent destination for a vacation, and there is something for everyone to enjoy in this amazing city.

Bologna Luxury Hotels

Porto, Portugal

Porto is a port city in Portugal that is well known for its wine. It's also a city with a long and rich history. There are many places to visit in Porto, including the old city center, the Dom Luis I Bridge, and the Clerigos Tower. Porto is also home to the famous Port wine caves, which are a must-visit for wine lovers.

Porto Luxury Hotels

Cologne, Germany

Cologne, located on the Rhine River in western Germany, is a city well worth visiting. The city has a long and rich history, dating back to the time of the Roman Empire. Some of the city's most popular tourist attractions include the Cologne Cathedral, Hohenzollern Bridge, and the RheinEnergieStadion. Additionally, Cologne is home to a wide variety of museums, shops, and restaurants. In fact, the city has been ranked as one of the best places to live in Germany. So, if you're looking for a great European city to visit, be sure to add Cologne to your list.

Cologne Luxury Hotels

Istanbul, Turkey

If you're looking for an exotic and affordable vacation destination, look no further than Istanbul, Turkey. Filled with historical places to visit and bargains to be found, Istanbul offers something for everyone. Be sure to visit the Hagia Sophia, Topkapi Palace, and the Blue Mosque while you're there. Don't forget to bargain for the best prices when shopping in the bazaars, and enjoy some delicious Turkish cuisine while you're at it. Istanbul is sure to leave you with a lasting impression.

Istanbul Luxury Hotels

Istanbul Luxury Villas

Dubai, United Arab Emirates

Dubai is a fascinating and exotic city that offers visitors a mix of traditional Middle Eastern culture and modern, cosmopolitan life. There are plenty of places to visit in Dubai, from the towering skyscrapers of Downtown Dubai to the luxury shopping malls and luxurious hotels of the Palm Jumeirah. Don't miss a chance to experience an Arabian night out on an epic dhow cruise, or take a trip out into the Arabian Desert to see the stunning sand dunes.

Dubai Luxury Hotels

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Dubai Luxury Villas

Antwerp, Belgium

Antwerp is a city located in the Flemish region of Belgium. It is the capital of the province of Antwerp and has a population of over half a million people. Antwerp is a popular tourist destination due to its many historical buildings, museums, and art galleries. Some of the most popular places to visit in Antwerp are the Cathedral of Our Lady, the City Hall, the Rubenshuis, and the Antwerp Zoo.

Antwerp Luxury Hotels

Lyon, France

Lyon is a beautiful city in the south of France that is full of culture and places to visit. Some of the most popular places to visit in Lyon are the Basilica of Notre Dame de Fourviere, the Place Bellecour, and the Vieux Lyon. The Basilica of Notre Dame de Fourviere is a beautiful cathedral that is a must-see when visiting Lyon. The Place Bellecour is a large square in the heart of Lyon that is full of restaurants and cafes. The Vieux Lyon is a district in Lyon that is full of old buildings and is a great place to wander around and take in the sights.

Lyon Luxury Hotels

Athens, Greece

If you find yourself in Athens, there are definitely some spots you won't want to miss. The Acropolis, Parthenon, and Olympic Stadium are all essential stops, but there are plenty of others, too. If you're looking for a bit of history, the National Archaeological Museum is a must-see, while nature lovers will enjoy a visit to the botanical gardens. If you're looking to relax, take a walk along the beach in Glyfada or head to the Plaka district for a charming and picturesque setting. No matter what you're interested in, Athens has something for you.

Athens Luxury Hotels

Athens Luxury Villas

Helsinki, Finland

While in Helsinki, make sure to visit these popular tourist destinations: The Senate Square and Lutheran Cathedral The Sibelius Monument Ateneum Art Museum Market Square Helsinki Zoo.

Helsinki Luxury Hotels

Vilnius, Lithuania

The capital of Lithuania, Vilnius, is a picturesque city with a rich history. The old town is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and is full of charming churches, narrow streets, and pretty squares. There are also lots of museums and other places of interest to visit, including the Hill of Crosses, Gediminas Tower, and the Presidential Palace. Vilnius is a great city to explore on foot, and there are plenty of cafes, restaurants, and bars to enjoy in the evening.

Vilnius Luxury Hotels

Reykjavik, Iceland

A city of remote beauty, Reykjavik is teeming with interesting places to visit. One of the worlds most northern capitals, Reykjavik offers stunning landscapes and a wealth of cultural experiences. From the iconic Hallgrimskirkja church to the popular Golden Circle tour, theres plenty to see and do in Reykjavik. Be sure to check out the citys lively nightlife scene, too  you wont be disappointed!.

Reykjavik Luxury Hotels

Glasgow, United Kingdom

Some of the most popular places to visit in Glasgow include the Gallery of Modern Art, the Kelvingrove Art Gallery and Museum, the Riverside Museum, and the Scottish Exhibition and Conference Centre. There are also many wonderful parks and gardens to explore, including the Botanic Gardens and Glasgow Green. For those interested in history and architecture, there are many fascinating old buildings to see, such as the Glasgow Cathedral and the University of Glasgow. And for those looking for a lively nightlife, Glasgow has no shortage of pubs, clubs, and restaurants.

Glasgow Luxury Hotels

Los Angeles, CA, United States

As the birthplace of Hollywood and home to some of the world's most recognisable landmarks, there's no shortage of places to visit in Los Angeles. Start by exploring the city's iconic neighbourhoods like Beverly Hills and Hollywood, then venture out to attractions like the Griffith Observatory, Venice Beach and Disneyland. And don't forget to savour the city's world-famous cultural scene, with its abundance of museums, theatres and restaurants.

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Los Angeles Luxury Villas

San Diego, CA, United States

San Diego is a city located in California and is a major tourist destination. One of the main reasons people visit the city is for its many beaches. Coronado Beach, Mission Beach, and Pacific Beach are some of the most popular and are all within close proximity to the city center. Other attractions in San Diego include the San Diego Zoo, SeaWorld San Diego, and the USS Midway Museum. Restaurants, bars, and shopping can be found throughout the city, and world-renowned museums, like the Museum of Contemporary Art San Diego, are also located in San Diego.

San Diego Luxury Hotels

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San Diego Luxury Villas

Washington, DC, United States

Washington, D.C. is a city full of history and places to visit. Some popular places to visit are the Lincoln Memorial, the White House, and the Smithsonian. D.C. is also home to a number of monuments and memorials, like the Vietnam Veterans Memorial and the Korean War Veterans Memorial. There are also a number of museums in D.C., like the American History Museum and the National Air and Space Museum.

Washington Luxury Hotels

Cancun, Mexico

Cancun is one of the most popular tourist destinations in Mexico. Aside from its beautiful beaches, there are plenty of places to visit and things to do in Cancun. Some of the most popular attractions include the ancient ruins of Chichen Itza, the eco-park Xcaret, and the nightclubs and bars in the resort district.

Cancun Luxury Hotels

Cancun Luxury Resorts

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Virginia Beach, VA, United States

Virginia Beach is one of the top tourist destinations on the East Coast. From the Virginia Beach Boardwalk to the miles of sandy beaches, there's something for everyone to enjoy. There are also plenty of restaurants, shops, and other attractions to keep visitors busy. Some of the most popular places to visit in Virginia Beach include: The Virginia Aquarium & Marine Science Center : This aquarium is home to more than 20,000 animals, including sharks, dolphins, and rays. : This aquarium is home to more than 20,000 animals, including sharks, dolphins, and rays. The Virginia Beach Boardwalk: This 3.5-mile boardwalk is one of the most popular attractions in Virginia Beach. It features a wide variety of shops, restaurants, and amusements. This 3.5-mile boardwalk is one of the most popular attractions in Virginia Beach. It features a wide variety of shops, restaurants, and amusements. First Landing State Park: This park offers miles of hiking and biking trails, as well as a beachfront area for swimming and sunbathing. This park offers miles of hiking and biking trails, as well as a beachfront area for swimming and sunbathing. Cape Henry Lighthouse: This lighthouse is one of the oldest in the country and offers stunning views of the Chesapeake Bay. There are plenty of other things to do in Virginia Beach, including dolphin and whale watching tours, kayaking, and golfing. Whether you're looking for a fun family vacation or a romantic getaway, Virginia Beach is sure to please.

Virginia Beach Luxury Hotels

Virginia Beach Luxury Resorts

Beijing, China

If you're looking for an amazing cultural experience, be sure to add Beijing, China to your travel bucket list! With beautiful temples, charming hutongs (traditional alleyways), and a lively food scene, there's something for everyone in this bustling city. Plus, Beijing is home to some of the most iconic attractions in China, like the Great Wall of China and the Forbidden City. So if you're looking for an unforgettable East Asian adventure, be sure to add Beijing to your list!.

Beijing Luxury Hotels

Seoul, South Korea

Seoul is a metropolitan city that is home to over 10 million people. It is a city full of culture, history, and a vibrant nightlife. There are plenty of places to visit in Seoul, including the Gyeongbokgung Palace, Changdeokgung Palace, and N Seoul Tower. The Jeongdongne district is a must-see for anyone interested in art and culture, and the Itaewon district is a great place to go for a night on the town.

Seoul Luxury Hotels

South Lake Tahoe, CA, United States

Known for its dramatic lake and mountain scenery, South Lake Tahoe offers visitors plenty of places to visit and things to do. Some of the most popular attractions include floating down the river on a tube, hiking the trails in the summer and skiing or snowboarding the slopes in the winter. The city also has a variety of restaurants and nightlife options, as well as casinos for those looking to try their luck.

South Lake Tahoe Luxury Hotels

South Lake Tahoe Luxury Resorts

Daytona Beach, FL, United States

Daytona Beach is a city in Volusia County, Florida, United States. It is approximately 40 miles northeast of Orlando, and 85 miles southeast of Jacksonville. The city is known as "The World's Most Famous Beach." Daytona Beach is a principal city of the Fun Coast region of Florida. The Daytona Beach area is a popular tourist destination. It is well known for its beaches, sports events, and motorsports. Daytona Beach was the birthplace of NASCAR and home to its first track, Daytona International Speedway. Dayton Beach also features a large number of tourist-oriented businesses, such as motels, restaurants, and bars.

Daytona Beach Luxury Hotels

Rio de Janeiro, Brazil

The coastline of Rio de Janeiro is breathtaking, and the views from Christ the Redeemer and Sugar Loaf Mountain are unforgettable. Rio's world-famous beaches are the perfect place to relax and enjoy the sun and the surf. The city's rich culture and history can be experienced in its many museums and in the lively nightlife. Rio is also a great place to shop for souvenirs.

Rio de Janeiro Luxury Hotels

Rio de Janeiro Luxury Villas

Jaco, Costa Rica

Jaco is a town on the Central Pacific Coast of Costa Rica. It's about an hour drive from San Jose and is a popular spot for surfers, sunbathers, and tourists. There are a number of beaches in the area, as well as restaurants, bars, and hotels. If you're looking for a place to relax and enjoy the Costa Rican sun and beaches, Jaco is a great option.

Jaco Luxury Hotels

Oslo, Norway

Oslo, Norway is a city with plenty of places to visit. You can find the peace and tranquility of nature parks and green spaces, experience the city's vibrant nightlife, or take in the historical and cultural sights. Here are a few of the top places to visit in Oslo: The Royal Palace: Oslo's Royal Palace is the official residence of Norway's king and queen. The palace is open to the public year-round, and offers a glimpse into the lives of the royal family. Oslo's Royal Palace is the official residence of Norway's king and queen. The palace is open to the public year-round, and offers a glimpse into the lives of the royal family. Vigeland Park: Considered one of Oslo's most popular tourist destinations, Vigeland Park is home to over 200 sculptures by Gustav Vigeland. The park is a great place to spend a sunny day outdoors. Considered one of Oslo's most popular tourist destinations, Vigeland Park is home to over 200 sculptures by Gustav Vigeland. The park is a great place to spend a sunny day outdoors. The Maritime Museum: This museum is home to a variety of exhibits on Norway's maritime history. Visitors can explore everything from Viking ships to modern submarines. This museum is home to a variety of exhibits on Norway's maritime history. Visitors can explore everything from Viking ships to modern submarines. The National Gallery: The National Gallery is Norway's largest art museum, and home to a vast collection of paintings and sculptures from the country's most famous artists. The National Gallery is Norway's largest art museum, and home to a vast collection of paintings and sculptures from the country's most famous artists. Aker Brygge: Aker Brygge is a popular waterfront district in Oslo, home to a variety of bars, restaurants, and shops. The area is a great place to people watch and enjoy the view of the Oslo Fjord.

Oslo Luxury Hotels

Lima, Peru

If you're looking for a city that's bursting with culture and flavor, Lima, Peru is the place for you! This vibrant destination is home to some of the most amazing places to visit in all of South America. From ancient ruins to lush rainforests, there's something for everyone in Lima. Here are just a few of the must-see attractions in this amazing city: The Larco Museum is one of Lima's top tourist destinations. This incredible museum is home to one of the largest collections of pre-Columbian art in the world. The Historic Center of Lima is a must-see for any history lover. This vibrant area is home to some of the oldest architecture in Lima, including the iconic San Francisco Monastery. If you're looking for a little bit of jungle in the city, head to the Parque de la Reserva. This lush park is home to beautiful gardens, a zoo, and even a butterfly farm! No trip to Lima would be complete without a visit to Machu Picchu. This ancient Inca citadel is one of the most iconic sites in all of South America.

Lima Luxury Hotels

Ankara, Turkey

Ankara is the cultural and political center of Turkey. The city is home to many museums, including the Museum of Anatolian Civilizations, and is a popular destination for tourists. The Citadel, the Ataturk Mausoleum, and the War of Independence Museum are all popular tourist destinations in Ankara. The city is also home to a vibrant nightlife and is a popular destination for students.

Ankara Luxury Hotels

Birmingham, United Kingdom

There are plenty of great places to visit in Birmingham, United Kingdom. Some of the most popular places to go include the Birmingham Botanical Gardens, the Birmingham Museum and Art Gallery, and the Black Country Living Museum. These places are all great for tourists, as they offer a variety of attractions, including beautiful gardens, interesting art, and a recreation of an old-fashioned town. Additionally, there are plenty of other great places to visit in Birmingham, such as the Jewellery Quarter and the German Christmas Market.

Birmingham Luxury Hotels

York, United Kingdom

With a rich history that spans back over 1,000 years, York is a must-visit destination in the United Kingdom. Explore the city's medieval architecture and narrow cobblestone streets, or enjoy a leisurely walk along the River Ouse. Visitors can also enjoy a variety of cultural experiences, such as the York Minster cathedral, the Jorvik Viking Centre, and the National Railway Museum. There are also plenty of shops and restaurants to enjoy in York.

York Luxury Hotels

Inverness, United Kingdom

Inverness, Scotland is a must-see destination on any traveler's list. Filled with rolling green hills, historical sites, and plenty of outdoor activities, there's something for everyone in this charming town. Start by exploring the city center, which is home to a variety of shops and restaurants. Make sure to check out the Inverness Castle, which offers commanding views of the area, and the Inverness Cathedral, a beautiful example of medieval architecture. Outside of the city center, there are plenty of other attractions to explore. The Loch Ness Monster is said to make its home in the loch here, and visitors can take boat tours to hunt for the mythical creature. If you're looking for a more active adventure, take a hike in the hills or go fishing on the loch. No matter what you choose to do, Inverness is a beautiful and welcoming town that is sure to charm you.

Inverness Luxury Hotels

Marseille, France

The Vieux Port (Old Harbor) is the oldest port in France. It is a beautiful place to visit with its sailboats, restaurants, and cafes. The Notre Dame de la Garde Basilica is also worth a visit. It offers stunning views of the city. If you're looking for a more lively atmosphere, head to the La Canebiere. It's a wide avenue with plenty of shops and restaurants.

Marseille Luxury Hotels

Marseille Luxury Villas

Honolulu, HI, United States

Honolulu is a city located on the island of Oahu in Hawaii, United States. It is the most populous city in the state of Hawaii and the county seat of the City and County of Honolulu. Honolulu is the cultural, commercial, and financial center of Hawaii. Waikiki Beach is one of the most famous beaches in the world and is located in Honolulu. Other places to visit in Honolulu include Diamond Head, the USS Arizona Memorial, and Hanauma Bay.

Honolulu Luxury Hotels

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Honolulu Luxury Villas

Bar Harbor, ME, United States

Famous for lobster and stunning ocean views, Bar Harbor is a popular destination in Maine. There are plenty of things to do in the town and its surroundings, including hiking, biking, whale watching, and exploring Acadia National Park.

Bar Harbor Luxury Hotels

Colorado Springs, CO, United States

There are many places to visit in Colorado Springs. Garden of the Gods is a popular park with beautiful rock formations. Pike's Peak is a 14,115 foot mountain that offers great views and outdoor activities. The Broadmoor is a world-renowned resort with lovely gardens and a championship golf course. Royal Gorge Bridge is the world's highest suspension bridge and a popular tourist spot.

Colorado Springs Luxury Hotels

Fort Myers Beach, FL, United States

Just an hours drive from the Southwest Florida International Airport in Fort Myers, Fort Myers Beach is a popular tourist spot, especially in the winter when the snowbirds migrate down. The seven-mile-long beach is known for its white sand and clear water and is a popular spot for swimming, sunbathing, fishing, and kayaking. There are also a number of restaurants and bars in the area, as well as a few stores.

Fort Myers Beach Luxury Hotels

Biloxi, MS, United States

There are plenty of places to explore in Biloxi, Mississippi  from the citys iconic Beaches to the picturesque Bay Saint Louis. Venture into the citys downtown area to check out the many shops and restaurants, or take a walk along the shoreline. No matter what you choose to do, youre sure to have a great time in Biloxi.

Biloxi Luxury Hotels

Palermo, Italy

If you're looking for a city with a rich and diverse history, Palermo is the place for you. This coastal city in Italy is teeming with medieval architecture, churches, and cathedrals. Be sure to check out the Teatro Massimo, the largest opera house in Europe, and the Palazzo dei Normanni, the seat of the Sicilian government. Don't miss out on the city's vibrant nightlife and vast array of restaurants that serve up some of the best food in the country.

Palermo Luxury Hotels

Palermo Luxury Villas

Manila, Philippines

The capital of the Philippines, Manila is a fascinating city with a rich history and a vibrant culture. There are plenty of places to visit in Manila, including the walled city of Intramuros, the Rizal Park, and the Manila Bay. The city is also home to a large number of churches, including the Manila Cathedral and the San Agustin Church. Manila is a great city to explore on foot, and there are plenty of restaurants and shops to enjoy.

Manila Luxury Hotels

Zermatt, Switzerland

Zermatt is an alpine village in the canton of Valais in Switzerland. It is famous for its ski resort, mountaineering and hiking trails. The views of the Matterhorn from Zermatt are iconic. The village is car-free, making it a cyclists' and pedestrians' paradise. There are many places to visit in Zermatt, including the village's beautiful churches, impressive museums, and great restaurants.

Zermatt Luxury Hotels

Basel, Switzerland

Basel is a city located in northwestern Switzerland on the river Rhine. Basel has a population of about 176,000 and is the third most populous city in Switzerland. Basel has many interesting places to visit, including the Basel Munster, the Basel Rathaus (town hall), the Basel Zoo, and the Munsterhof, the old town square. Basel also has a number of art museums, including the Kunstmuseum Basel, the Fondation Beyeler, and the Schaulager. Basel is a great city to visit, and I highly recommend it!.

Basel Luxury Hotels

Copenhagen, Denmark

There are a number of places to visit in Copenhagen, Denmark. Some of the most popular tourist destinations include Tivoli Gardens, Nyhavn, and the Rosenborg Castle Gardens. Tivoli Gardens is a beautiful amusement park that has something for everyone. It is perfect for a day of fun with family or friends. Nyhavn is a charming canal district that is popular for its brightly colored houses and lively atmosphere. Visitors can enjoy a relaxing cruise down the canal or take a seat in one of the many cafes and restaurants. The Rosenborg Castle Gardens are home to a majestic castle as well as beautifully landscaped gardens. There is plenty to see and do in Copenhagen, Denmark.

Copenhagen Luxury Hotels

Steamboat Springs, CO, United States

Steamboat Springs is located in northwestern Colorado. The town is named for the steamboats that traveled up the Yampa River in the 1800s. Today, the town is a popular tourist destination, known for its skiing, snowboarding, hiking, and rafting.

Steamboat Springs Luxury Hotels

Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates

Abu Dhabi is the capital of the United Arab Emirates and is home to many tourist attractions. Some popular places to visit in Abu Dhabi include the Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque, the Ferrari World Theme Park, and the Yas Island Waterpark. There are also a number of museums and shopping malls in Abu Dhabi, making it a great destination for those looking for a mix of culture and leisure.

Abu Dhabi Luxury Hotels

Abu Dhabi Luxury Resorts

Abu Dhabi Luxury Villas

Bogota, Colombia

There's a lot to see and do in Bogota. Some of the top places to visit include the historical La Candelaria district, the cobblestone streets of Plaza de Bolivar, the Monserrate mountain, the Bogota Botanical Garden, and the Gold Museum. La Candelaria is home to many brightly-colored colonial buildings, churches, and plazas. Plaza de Bolivar is the center of Bogota and is surrounded by important landmarks like the Presidential Palace and the National Capitol. The Monserrate mountain is a popular tourist destination due to its stunning views of Bogota. The Bogota Botanical Garden is the largest in Colombia and features a wide variety of plants and trees. The Gold Museum is home to the largest collection of Pre-Columbian gold artifacts in the world.

Bogota Luxury Hotels

Cebu, Philippines

Due to its location and its rich history, there are plenty of places to visit in Cebu. Some of the most popular tourist destinations include the Cebu Taoist Temple, the Fort San Pedro, the Yap-San Diego Ancestral House, and the Magellan's Cross.

Cebu Luxury Hotels

Cebu Luxury Resorts

Lagos, Portugal

Lagos is a small town in Portugal with a population of around 22,000. It's located in the Algarve region and is a popular tourist destination. Some of the places to visit in Lagos are the beaches, the old town, and the Marina. The beaches are beautiful and there are a lot of them to choose from. The old town is a maze of narrow streets and alleyways with lots of shops and restaurants. The Marina is a great place to walk around and watch the boats.

Lagos Luxury Hotels

Medellin, Colombia

Some places to visit in Medellin, Colombia are: the Botanical Garden, the Ethnographic Museum, the Jardin Botanico, the Metropolitan Cathedral, the Park of Lights, and the San Pedro Claver Church.

Medellin Luxury Hotels

Genoa, Italy

While there are many places to visit in Genoa, one of the must-sees is the city's cathedral. Dedicated to San Lorenzo, the church features an intricate Gothic facade and a Renaissance interior. If you're looking for a place to take in some stunning views, head to the Genoa Aquarium, which is located on the promenade stretching along the city's harbor.

Genoa Luxury Hotels

Hoi An, Vietnam

Hoi An is a UNESCO World Heritage Site in Vietnam. Its a bridge town thats best explored on foot. The narrow streets are a mix of Chinese, Japanese, and Vietnamese architecture. There are tailors, artisans, and lantern shops galore. The food is also some of the best in Vietnam. Be sure to try the local specialties, like Cao Lau and White Rose dumplings.

Hoi An Luxury Hotels

Hoi An Luxury Resorts

Baku, Azerbaijan

Baku, Azerbaijan is a city with a lot of culture and history. There are a lot of places to visit, like the Palace of the Shirvanshahs and the Maiden Tower. There are also a lot of great restaurants, like the Flame Club, which has a great atmosphere and delicious food.

Baku Luxury Hotels

San Luis Obispo, CA, United States

San Luis Obispo is a city located in the central coast of California. It's known for its natural beauty, relaxed vibe, and abundance of things to do. Some of the top places to visit in San Luis Obispo include the Madonna Inn, Hearst Castle, and the Paso Robles wine country. The city is also home to a variety of beaches, parks, and other attractions. In addition, San Luis Obispo is a great place to live, with plenty of restaurants, shops, and other amenities.

San Luis Obispo Luxury Hotels

Colombo, Sri Lanka

Colombo is the largest city and commercial capital of Sri Lanka. The city is located on the west coast of the island and is the administrative, commercial, and industrial center of Sri Lanka. Colombo is also the center of Buddhism in Sri Lanka, with numerous Buddhist temples. There are a number of places to visit in Colombo, including the Galle Face Green, the Dutch fort, the Pettah Bazaar, and the Sri Lankan National Museum.

Colombo Luxury Hotels

Yogyakarta, Indonesia

The city of Yogyakarta in Indonesia is home to some of the most stunning temples and historical landmarks in the country. The city is also a great place to enjoy traditional Javanese culture and cuisine. Some of the must-see places in Yogyakarta include the Borobudur Temple, the Prambanan Temple, and the Sultan's Palace.

Yogyakarta Luxury Hotels

Cefalu, Italy

Looking for a beautiful and historic place to visit in Italy? Look no further than Cefalu. This town is teeming with history and stunning architecture, and its location on the coast makes it the perfect place to relax and take in the stunning scenery. Don't miss the Duomo di Cefalu, a 12th century Norman church that is definitely worth a visit, or the Palazzo dei Normanni, a former royal palace.

Cefalu Luxury Hotels

San Jose, CA, United States

San Jose, California, is home to a variety of tourist destinations. Some popular places to visit include the Winchester Mystery House, the Tech Museum of Innovation, and the Rosicrucian Egyptian Museum. There are also a number of lovely parks, such as Kelley Park and Plaza de Cesar Chavez, that are well worth a visit. San Jose is also home to a number of great restaurants, so be sure to check out the local cuisine. Whatever your interests, San Jose has something to offer visitors.

San Jose Luxury Hotels

Hong Kong, China

Hong Kong is one of the most popular destinations for tourists in China. There are many places to visit in Hong Kong, including the Hong Kong Disneyland Resort, Victoria Peak, and the Temple Street Night Market. Hong Kong is also a great place to shop, with many high-end malls and markets.

Hong Kong Luxury Hotels

Hong Kong Luxury Resorts

Orlando, FL, United States

Orlando is a city in the central region of Florida, in the United States. The city is the county seat of Orange County, and the center of the metropolitan area also known as Greater Orlando. Orlando is well known for its theme parks, including Walt Disney World, Universal Orlando Resort, and SeaWorld Orlando. Other tourist destinations in Orlando include the Holy Land Experience, the Orlando Science Center, and the Charles Hosmer Morse Museum of American Art. Orlando is also home to the University of Central Florida, one of the largest universities in the United States.

Orlando Luxury Hotels

Orlando Luxury Resorts

Orlando Luxury Villas

Philadelphia, PA, United States

If youre looking for a place thats rich in history and culture, Philadelphia is the place for you. The city is home to numerous iconic landmarks, including the Liberty Bell and Independence Hall. Theres also a great variety of museums and other attractions to explore, such as the Philadelphia Zoo and the Please Touch Museum. And, of course, Philly is the birthplace of Americas favorite sandwich, the cheesesteak. So why not visit Americas most historic city and see for yourself what all the fuss is about?.

Philadelphia Luxury Hotels

Nice, France

France is known for its many beautiful places to visit, and Nice is no exception. With its stunning coastline and mild climate, Nice is a popular tourist destination. Some of the most popular places to visit in Nice include the Promenade des Anglais, the Castle Hill, and the Old Town. There is also a wide variety of shops and restaurants to enjoy in Nice. If you're looking for a beautiful and relaxing place to visit in France, Nice is definitely worth considering.

Nice Luxury Hotels

Nice Luxury Villas

Singapore, Singapore

Singapore is a popular tourist destination, brimming with cultural and natural attractions. From award-winning restaurants to serene gardens and pristine beaches, there is much to explore in this diverse city-state. Here are some of the top places to visit in Singapore: 1. Marina Bay: This iconic waterfront district is home to stunning architecture, world-class landmarks, and a vibrant nightlife. 2. Gardens by the Bay: These stunning gardens feature a mix of plants from around the world, as well as towering sculptures and a biodome. 3. Chinatown: This lively district is home to traditional Chinese shops and restaurants, as well as vibrant street markets. 4. Little India: This neighborhood is known for its vibrant culture and colorful temples. 5. Sentosa Island: This resort island is home to sandy beaches, lush rainforests, and a variety of entertainment options.

Singapore Luxury Hotels

Singapore Luxury Resorts

Nottingham, United Kingdom

Nottingham is a city in the East Midlands of England. It is one of the United Kingdom's major cities, with a population of over 321,000. The city is home to two universities, Queen's Medical Centre, and seven football grounds. Nottingham is known for its lace-making and bicycle manufacturing. The city has a rich history, dating back to the Bronze Age. There are plenty of places to visit in Nottingham, including the Nottingham Castle, the Sherwood Forest, and the National Ice Centre. The city also has a lively nightlife, with a variety of pubs and bars.

Nottingham Luxury Hotels

Cannes, France

Cannes is a city located in the south of France. Some of the places to visit in Cannes are the Palais des Festivals et des Congres, the Boulevard de la Croisette, and Le Suquet.

Cannes Luxury Hotels

Cannes Luxury Villas

Park City, UT, United States

Park City, Utah, offers visitors a wealth of places to visit and things to do. Main Street, with its charming shops and restaurants, is a must-see. The Park City Museum tells the town's fascinating history, and the Park City Utah Temple is a beautiful sight. For outdoor enthusiasts, there's plenty of skiing and snowboarding in the winter and hiking and mountain biking in the summer. And don't forget to visit the Olympic Park, where the 2002 Winter Olympics were held.

Park City Luxury Hotels

Park City Luxury Resorts

Port Angeles, WA, United States

If you're looking for a quaint, small town to visit in the US, Port Angeles is worth a stop. Located in the state of Washington, it's right on the Pacific coast with stunning views of the Olympic Mountains. There's plenty of things to do in the area, from hiking and fishing to whale watching and enjoying the local restaurants and breweries.

Port Angeles Luxury Hotels

Fort Lauderdale, FL, United States

If you're looking for a fun-filled Florida getaway, look no further than Fort Lauderdale! With its miles of pristine beaches, world-famous shopping and vibrant nightlife, there's something for everyone in this seaside city. Here are some of the top places to visit in Fort Lauderdale:  Las Olas Boulevard: This popular shopping and dining district is home to some of Fort Lauderdale's most upscale boutiques and restaurants.  The Beach: With its wide, sandy beaches and crystal-clear waters, Fort Lauderdale's beach is a major draw for visitors.  The Everglades: Just a short drive from Fort Lauderdale, the Everglades are home to an abundance of wildlife, including alligators, bald eagles and manatees.  The Broward Center for the Performing Arts: This world-class performing arts center is home to a variety of theater, dance and music performances. So what are you waiting for? Book your trip to Fort Lauderdale today!.

Fort Lauderdale Luxury Hotels

Fort Lauderdale Luxury Resorts

Myrtle Beach, SC, United States

Myrtle Beach, South Carolina is a popular tourist destination. There are plenty of places to visit in the area, including amusement parks, beaches, and golf courses. Myrtle Beach also has a lively nightlife, with plenty of bars and restaurants.

Myrtle Beach Luxury Hotels

Myrtle Beach Luxury Resorts

Salzburg, Austria

Salzburg is one of the most visited places in Austria. It is a city rich in history and culture. There are many places to visit, such as the Hohensalzburg Fortress, the Mirabell Palace, and the Salzburg Cathedral. There are also many hiking trails and parks to enjoy.

Salzburg Luxury Hotels

Pattaya, Thailand

Pattaya is an amazing city with plenty of places to visit and things to do. One of the most popular tourist destinations in Thailand, Pattaya offers something for everyone. There are lovely beaches, interesting temples, great shopping, and exciting nightlife. With its moderate climate and affordable prices, it's no wonder Pattaya is a favorite destination for tourists from all over the world.

Pattaya Luxury Hotels

Pattaya Luxury Resorts

Pattaya Luxury Villas

Dallas, TX, United States

Dallas is a city located in the U.S. state of Texas. It is the ninth most populous city in the United States and the third most populous city in the state of Texas. Dallas is also the main city of the fourth most populous metropolitan area in the United States. The city's prominence arose from its historical importance as a center for the oil and cotton industries, and its position as a major transportation hub for the South. Dallas is home to the Dallas Cowboys of the National Football League and the Dallas Mavericks of the National Basketball Association. The city's economy is primarily based on banking, commerce, telecommunications, technology, energy, healthcare and medical research, and transportation. The city is home to the world's largest airline hub and the third largest cargo airport in the United States.

Dallas Luxury Hotels

Kolkata, India

Kolkata, also known as Calcutta, is the capital of the Indian state of West Bengal. The city is located on the east bank of the Hooghly River. It is the second most populous city in India, after Mumbai, and the third most populous metropolitan area in India, after Mumbai and Delhi. The city is notable for its colonial architecture, art and culture, and for its overwhelming poverty. Kolkata is home to the Indian Museum, the Calcutta Stock Exchange, the National Library of India, and the Indian Statistical Institute.

Kolkata Luxury Hotels

San Antonio, TX, United States

San Antonio is one of the most popular tourist destinations in Texas. There are plenty of places to visit in this city, from the well-known River Walk to the exquisite Spanish missions. If you're looking for a fun place to spend the day, you can't go wrong with San Antonio.

San Antonio Luxury Hotels

Seattle, WA, United States

There are many wonderful places to visit in Seattle, Washington. Some of the most popular attractions include Pike Place Market, the Seattle Space Needle, and the Museum of Pop Culture. There are also many parks and gardens, such as Volunteer Park and Seattle Chinese Garden, as well as plenty of restaurants and shops. Located on the other side of the world, Western Australia is a great place to visit for those looking for something different. Some of the most popular attractions include Rottnest Island, the Margaret River region, and Monkey Mia. There are also plenty of beautiful parks and gardens, such as Kings Park and Botanic Garden, as well as restaurants and shops.

Seattle Luxury Hotels

Liverpool, United Kingdom

Liverpool is a city located in North West England and is one of the largest metropolitan areas in the United Kingdom. The city is known for its football teams Liverpool and Everton, The Beatles, and its maritime history. Liverpool is a popular tourist destination and is home to various tourist attractions including Mersey Ferry, Liverpool Cathedral, and Albert Dock.

Liverpool Luxury Hotels

Malmo, Sweden

Malmo is Sweden's third largest city with a population of over 310,000. It is located in the province of Scania on the country's southern tip. Malmo is a vibrant city with a strong arts and cultural scene. There are plenty of places to visit in Malmo, including the Malmo Castle, the Botanical Gardens, and the Turning Torso skyscraper. Malmo is also home to a large shopping district and a lively nightlife.

Malmo Luxury Hotels

Gothenburg, Sweden

Goteborg, Sweden's second largest city, is a major port on the country's west coast. It's a popular tourist destination, known for its lively nightlife, beautiful architecture and delicious seafood. Some of the city's highlights include the Liseberg amusement park, the Botanical Garden, and the charming old town district. Goteborg is also home to a large number of museums, including the Volvo Museum, the Maritime Museum and the Universeum science center.

Gothenburg Luxury Hotels

Ljubljana, Slovenia

Ljubljana is the capital city of Slovenia and is a city full of culture and history. There are many places to visit in Ljubljana, such as the castle, the old town, and the cathedral. The city is also home to many museums, art galleries, and parks. Ljubljana is a great city to explore on foot, and there are many restaurants and cafes to enjoy.

Ljubljana Luxury Hotels

Sydney, NSW, Australia

Australia is a vast country with plenty of stunning places to visit, but Sydney is undoubtedly one of the most popular tourist destinations on the continent. From the iconic Sydney Opera House and Harbour Bridge to the beautiful beaches and lush national parks, there's something for everyone in this lively city. There's also a thriving food and nightlife scene, so you'll never run out of things to do in Sydney.

Sydney Luxury Hotels

Sydney Luxury Villas

Melbourne, VIC, Australia

There's a lot to love about Melbourne  its lively arts and culture scene, its parks and gardens, its diverse range of restaurants and cafes, and its stunning architecture. Here are some of the best places to visit in Melbourne: - Federation Square: This iconic square is a great place to people-watch and take in the city's impressive architecture. It's also home to a number of museums and galleries, including the Australian Centre for the Moving Image and the National Gallery of Victoria. - Queen Victoria Market: This vibrant market is a must-visit for foodies and shoppers alike. It's the largest open-air market in the Southern Hemisphere, and offers a vast array of fresh produce, meat, seafood, and souvenirs. - Melbourne Cricket Ground: If you're a sports fan, be sure to check out the Melbourne Cricket Ground, which is the largest cricket stadium in the world. It's also home to the Australian Football League, and has hosted a number of major sporting events, including the Commonwealth Games and the Rugby Union World Cup. - Royal Botanic Gardens: These beautiful gardens are a great place to relax and take in some of Melbourne's natural beauty. They're home to a number of different gardens, including the Australian Garden, the Sculpture Garden, and the Japanese Garden.

Melbourne Luxury Hotels

Melbourne Luxury Villas

Vancouver, BC, Canada

The top places to visit in Vancouver are Stanley Park, Granville Island, Gastown, and Chinatown. These are all must-see attractions that offer an array of activities, scenery, and history. Stanley Park is a world-famous urban park that features greenery, beaches, gardens, and a stunning view of the North Shore Mountains. Granville Island is a vibrant neighbourhood with unique shops, restaurants, and art galleries. Gastown is the city's oldest neighbourhood and is home to charming cobblestone streets and funky boutiques. Chinatown is one of the largest and most vibrant Chinatowns in North America and offers delicious food, interesting history, and vibrant culture.

Vancouver Luxury Hotels

Toronto, ON, Canada

From the CN Tower and Hockey Hall of Fame to the Art Gallery of Ontario and the Distillery District, there are plenty of amazing places to visit in Toronto, Canada. With something for everyone, Toronto is a great city to explore. So what are you waiting for? Start planning your trip today!.

Toronto Luxury Hotels

Montreal, QC, Canada

Montreal is a vibrant city with something for everyone. There are plenty of places to visit, including the Notre Dame Basilica, the Olympic Stadium, and Mount Royal. The city is also home to a lively arts and culture scene, with theatres, art galleries, and music venues. Montreal is a great place to visit year-round, with festivals and events happening throughout the year.

Montreal Luxury Hotels

Seville, Spain

Seville is one of the most visited places in Spain for a plethora of reasons: its stunning architecture, tapas bars, flamenco and great weather. The Giralda Tower is a must-see when in Seville as is the Plaza de Espana. Andalusian culture is heavily present in the city and is best experienced by wandering the narrow streets and alleyways, popping into a lively tapas bar for a drink and some snacks or enjoying a flamenco show.

Seville Luxury Hotels

Seville Luxury Villas

Ocean City, MD, United States

Ocean City is a seaside resort town in Worcester County, Maryland, on the Atlantic coast. It is well known for its long promenade, its fishing, and its crab cuisine. There are plenty of places to visit in Ocean City, including the boardwalk, amusement rides, shopping, and restaurants. You can also visit the Assateague Island National Seashore, which is home to wild horses, or head to the nearby town of Berlin for more shopping and dining options.

Ocean City Luxury Hotels

Cambridge, MA, United States

If you're looking for a quintessential New England town to visit, Cambridge, Massachusetts is the place for you. With its elaborate architecture and Colonial history, Cambridge is a lively town with plenty of things to see and do - perfect for a weekend getaway. Some of the places you won't want to miss include the Harvard University campus, the charming and lively shops and restaurants in Harvard Square, and the leafy paths of the Cambridge Common.

Cambridge Luxury Hotels

Laguna Beach, CA, United States

Laguna Beach, California is a place known for its stunningly beautiful coastline, excellent restaurants, and art galleries. But there's more to Laguna Beach than meets the eye. Here are some of the best places to visit in Laguna Beach: Crystal Cove State Park: This state park is known for its coves, tidepools, and bluffs. It's a great place to go hiking, swimming, and snorkeling. Heisler Park: This park is a great place for a walk or a picnic. It's also home to some of the best views of the Pacific Coast. Downtown Laguna Beach: This charming downtown area is home to art galleries, boutique shops, and excellent restaurants. Aliso Beach: This beach is known for its excellent surfing and swimming conditions. It's also a great place to take a walk or enjoy a picnic.

Laguna Beach Luxury Hotels

Hot Springs, AR, United States

In downtown Hot Springs, Arkansas, you'll find historic buildings, antique shops, and art galleries. For nature lovers, there are also plenty of places to visit, including the Garland County Arboretum, Ouachita National Forest, and Hot Springs National Park. Spa enthusiasts can enjoy a relaxing day in one of the area's hot springs. And no trip to Hot Springs is complete without a visit to the world-famous Bathhouse Row.

Hot Springs Luxury Hotels

Sedona, AZ, United States

There are many places to visit in Sedona, Arizona. Among the most popular are the Chapel of the Holy Cross, Bell Rock, Cathedral Rock, and Boynton Canyon. The town's unique red-rock formations and ancient ruins offer plenty of photo opportunities. Visitors can also enjoy hiking, biking, and horseback riding. Sedona is a great place to relax and take in the natural beauty of the Southwest.

Sedona Luxury Hotels

Sedona Luxury Resorts

Boulder, CO, United States

Boulder, Colorado is a breathtaking city nestled in the foothills of the Rocky Mountains. The city is home to stunning views, ample outdoor recreation, and a lively arts scene. Outdoor enthusiasts will love exploring the city's many trails, parks, and open spaces. History buffs will enjoy checking out the city's museums and historic sites. Culture seekers will appreciate the city's many theaters, art galleries, and restaurants. No matter what your interests, you'll find something to love in Boulder.

Boulder Luxury Hotels

Key West, FL, United States

Key West is a small island off the coast of Florida that is filled with history, charm, and fun places to visit. Its lush tropical setting and the laid-back vibe of the island make it a popular destination for those looking for a relaxing getaway. There are plenty of places to explore in Key West, from the charming historic district to the crystal-clear waters of the Florida Keys. Here are some of the top places to visit in Key West: -The Ernest Hemingway Home and Museum: This iconic museum is dedicated to the life and work of Nobel Prize-winning author Ernest Hemingway, who lived in Key West for over 20 years. -Duval Street: This lively street is the heart of Key West's nightlife and is home to many bars and restaurants. -The Southernmost Point: This landmark is located at the end of Duval Street and is the southernmost point in the continental United States. -The Key West Lighthouse: This picturesque lighthouse is a popular spot for tourists and offers stunning views of the island. -The African American Heritage House: This museum is dedicated to the history and culture of African Americans in Key West. -The Key West Butterfly and Nature Conservatory: This attraction is home to over 2,000 butterflies and a variety of other tropical plants and animals.

Key West Luxury Hotels

Key West Luxury Resorts

Key West Luxury Cottages

Key West Luxury Villas

Stockholm, Sweden

Stockholm, Sweden is a city with many places to visit. One place is the Vasa Museum, which is home to a ship that sunk in 1628 and was raised from the ocean floor 333 years later. The ship is preserved and on display in the museum. Another place to visit is the Royal Palace, the official residence of the Swedish monarch. The palace is open for tours, and visitors can see the royal apartments, the throne room, and the Hall of State.

Stockholm Luxury Hotels

Destin, FL, United States

Looking for a place to visit in Florida? Look no further than Destin! This city is home to beautiful beaches, wonderful restaurants, and plenty of places to shop. No matter what you're looking for, you can find it in Destin. Be sure to check out the Destin Harbor and the fishing pier for amazing views and plenty of things to do. If you're looking for a place to relax, head to the beach and enjoy the sun and sand. There's something for everyone in Destin, so be sure to visit this amazing city!.

Destin Luxury Hotels

Destin Luxury Resorts

Ashland, OR, United States

There are many places to visit in Ashland, Oregon. Some of the most popular places are the Shakespeare Festival, Lithia Park, and Mt. Ashland. The Shakespeare Festival is a great place to see some of the best plays in the world. Lithia Park is a beautiful park with a river running through it. Mt. Ashland is a great place to go skiing in the winter.

Ashland Luxury Hotels

Seaside, OR, United States

One of the most beautiful places on the Oregon Coast is Seaside. With its wide, sandy beach and majestic promenade, Seaside is a popular tourist destination. There are plenty of places to eat and shop, and the Seaside Aquarium is a must-see. Visitors can also enjoy fishing, whale watching, or just taking a leisurely stroll along the beach.

Seaside Luxury Hotels

Newport, RI, United States

Newport is a picturesque town located in southern Rhode Island that is home to some of the most visited tourist destinations in the United States. The city is known for its miles of beaches and historic mansions that line the coast. Some popular places to visit in Newport include the Cliff Walk, the Breakers Mansion, the Museum of Yachting, and the International Tennis Hall of Fame.

Newport Luxury Hotels

Siena, Italy

Siena, Italy is a popular tourist destination, thanks to its well-preserved medieval city center. The city is famous for its art, food, and wine. Siena is located in the heart of Tuscany, making it the perfect base for exploring this beautiful region of Italy. Don't miss the Duomo (cathedral), the Piazza del Campo, and the Torre del Mangia.

Siena Luxury Hotels

Reno, NV, United States

Home to the University of Nevada, Reno and a wide variety of cultural and natural attractions, Reno is a great place to visit. Some of the top places to see in Reno include the Nevada Museum of Art, the Fleischmann Planetarium and Science Center, and the Reno Events Center. Outdoor enthusiasts will enjoy hiking and skiing at Lake Tahoe and biking and kayaking on the Truckee River. In addition, Reno is home to a diverse array of restaurants and nightlife venues.

Reno Luxury Hotels

Atlantic City, NJ, United States

Atlantic City is a popular East Coast tourist destination, known for its boardwalks, beaches and casinos. There are plenty of places to visit in Atlantic City, from the Boardwalk Hall and the Absecon Lighthouse to the Atlantic City Aquarium and Lucy the Elephant. For a more thrilling experience, head to one of the city's casinos, where you can try your hand at blackjack, slots, roulette and more. Atlantic City also offers a wide variety of restaurants, from seafood spots to pizza places, so you're sure to find something to your taste. And if you're looking for some nightlife action, the city has you covered there too. Atlantic City is definitely a place worth visiting!.

Atlantic City Luxury Hotels

Atlantic City Luxury Resorts

Lake George, NY, United States

Looking for a place to visit in upstate New York? Look no further than the stunning Lake George. This picturesque locale is located in the heart of the Adirondacks and is known for its pristine beauty and terrific recreational opportunities. Visitors can enjoy hiking, biking, boating, fishing, and skiing, among other activities. Don't miss the chance to take in the spectacular views from the summit of Prospect Mountain or from the water's edge.

Lake George Luxury Hotels

Buffalo, NY, United States

If you're looking for a city that has it all, Buffalo is the place to be. From its vibrant downtown district to its abundance of parks and nature preserves, there's something for everyone in Buffalo. Here are some of the top places to visit in Buffalo: 1. The Buffalo Zoo - One of the top zoos in the country, the Buffalo Zoo is a must-visit for animal lovers of all ages. 2. The Albright-Knox Art Gallery - Buffalo's answer to the Louvre, the Albright-Knox is home to some of the world's most famous paintings and sculptures. 3. The Buffalo-Niagara Heritage Village - This living history museum offers a glimpse into what life was like in Buffalo in the 1800s. 4. The Buffalo River - Take a walk or bike ride along the Buffalo River, one of the city's most picturesque areas. 5. Delaware Park - This large park is home to a variety of attractions, including a zoo, a golf course, and a nature preserve.

Buffalo Luxury Hotels

Rochester, MN, United States

Rochester, Minnesota is a city with plenty of places to visit. There's the Mayo Clinic, the Apache Mall, and several other shopping areas, as well as a variety of restaurants. There are also a few parks and golf courses. For those who love the outdoors, Rochester is also close to several state parks and the Mississippi River.

Rochester Luxury Hotels

Duluth, MN, United States

If you're looking for an amazing place to visit, Duluth, Minnesota should definitely be at the top of your list. This city is home to some of the most beautiful scenery in the United States, and there are plenty of things to do here that will keep you entertained for days on end. Some of the most popular places to visit in Duluth include the Aerial Lift Bridge, the Glensheen Mansion, and Chester Creek Park. Additionally, there are a number of excellent restaurants and shopping areas in the city, so be sure to explore everything that Duluth has to offer.

Duluth Luxury Hotels

Maputo, Mozambique

Maputo is the capital of Mozambique and a city full of culture and history. There are many places to visit in Maputo, such as the Jose Eduardo dos Santos Museum, the Maputo Cathedral, and the Rua da Independencia. Maputo is also home to the Maputo Bay, which offers beautiful beaches and great seafood.

Maputo Luxury Hotels

Barcelona, Spain

Barcelona, located on the northeast coast of Spain, is a renowned tourist destination and one of the most popular cities in the world. There are plenty of places to visit in Barcelona, such as the Gothic Quarter, the Temple of Olympian Zeus, the Parc Guell, La Sagrada Familia, and more. The city is also home to a lively nightlife and some of the best restaurants in the country.

Barcelona Luxury Hotels

Barcelona Luxury Villas

Split, Croatia

Split is a city on the eastern shore of the Adriatic Sea. It is the second-largest city in Croatia and the largest city in Dalmatia. It has a population of over 200,000 inhabitants. The metropolitan area, which includes the City of Split and the surrounding towns, has a population of over 330,000. Split is a popular tourist destination and is the home of the Diocletian's Palace, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Other popular tourist destinations include the Riva, the Peristyle, the Cathedral of Saint Domnius, and Sustipan.

Split Luxury Hotels

Split Luxury Villas

Dubrovnik, Croatia

Dubrovnik is a city on the Adriatic Sea in Croatia. It is one of the most prominent tourist destinations in the Mediterranean Sea, a seaport and the administrative center of Dubrovnik-Neretva County. Dubrovnik is nicknamed "The Pearl of the Adriatic".

Dubrovnik Luxury Hotels

Dubrovnik Luxury Villas

Byron Bay, NSW, Australia

Byron Bay is a magical place. It's no wonder that it's one of the most popular destinations in Australia. The town is set in a beautiful location, surrounded by rolling green hills and the bright blue ocean. There's plenty to do in Byron Bay, whether you're looking for a relaxing beach holiday or an adventure-filled trip. Some of the top places to visit in Byron Bay include the iconic lighthouse, the stunning beaches, and the lush rainforest. There's also a great nightlife and plenty of restaurants and cafes to enjoy. If you're looking for an amazing Australian getaway, be sure to add Byron Bay to your list!.

Byron Bay Luxury Hotels

Wellington, New Zealand

If you're looking for a little slice of heaven on earth, look no further than Wellington, New Zealand. With its gorgeous landscape and plethora of activities, there's something for everyone here. Whether you're a nature lover or a city slicker, Wellington has something special to offer. Top Wellington attractions include the Zealandia eco-sanctuary, the cable car up to the Botanic Gardens, and the sprawling Te Papa museum. For those who love getting out into the great outdoors, there are plenty of hiking and biking trails, as well as lovely seaside towns and villages to explore. And of course, no trip to Wellington would be complete without trying some of the delicious local cuisine  be sure to sample a traditional Maori hangi feast! So what are you waiting for? Book your flight to Wellington today and start planning your perfect holiday!.

Wellington Luxury Hotels

Saint Louis, MO, United States

If you're looking for a fun place to visit with a rich history and plenty of things to see and do, look no further than Saint Louis, Missouri. This vibrant city is home to a variety of interesting attractions, including the Gateway Arch, the Missouri Botanical Garden, and the Anheuser-Busch Brewery. There's also no shortage of restaurants and shopping options in Saint Louis. So, whether you're looking for a place to explore new cultures and cuisines or you're just looking for a place to have some fun, Saint Louis is a great option.

Saint Louis Luxury Hotels

Bloomington, IN, United States

The city of Bloomington, Indiana is home to a variety of attractions and places to visit. The Indiana University campus is a popular destination, as is the city's historic downtown district. Monroe County Courthouse
Having meetings with the public once per month will offer transparency regarding the Hluttaws work, since recent criticism has surfaced about the Hluttaw and what was actually being done, according to Hluttaw representatives.

We, the Hluttaw, will meet with the civil organizations once per month. Additionally, in between, we also welcome any questions from the public at any time said Daw Tin Ei, Speaker of Mon State Hluttaw.

The respective Hluttaw representatives will meet the public to explain their particular activities for a better understanding regarding their elected representatives work. The media groups can also question and advise the Hluttaw as regularly as necessary, according to Dr. Aung Naing Oo, deputy speaker of the Mon State Hluttaw.

Last month, the Mon State government group met with CSOs. We, the Hluttaw group, must also meet with media groups, CSOs and locals. Then, the public will know clearly about the Hluttaws programs, said Dr. Aung Naing Oo.

Starting in March, 2016, the current Mon State Hluttaw has been active 8 months and the Hluttaw has had 3 regular conference sessions and one special conference. So far, they have submitted 17 proposals and discussed 62 questions.

Currently, the Mon State Hluttaw has 31 representatives, comprised of 20 representatives from Mon States 10 townships, 3 ethnic representatives, and 8 representatives of Tatmadaw [army].
Obamacare has some significant structural problems, all stemming from the way it gives the whip-hand to insurance companies, who get to demand ever-larger sums from both the government and Obamacare users; nevertheless, the ability to get insurance makes an enormous difference for people contemplating starting innovative businesses and stepping away from big, lumbering corporations that are big enough to extend coverage to their employees.

My own family's move to the USA from the UK was only possible thanks to Obamacare; I have pre-existing medical conditions that made me uninsurable as a freelance writer, small business owner and novelist, and any move to the USA without some way to get healthcare would have put my whole family's finances  from our home to our retirement to our daughter's college savings  at risk (I'm pinning my hopes on California making good on its promise to lead the resistance to Trumpism, including the extension of a state healthcare plan that could even include single-payer healthcare or a public option).

In a compelling piece, CNN Money speaks to a diverse collection of small business owners who were able to start new firms only because of Obamacare, because of pre-existing conditions (like surviving cancer), or the need to keep their children insured, or because their loved ones have chronic health problems like profound autism.



Donald Trump's election may mean the end of the computer repair shop Jefferson Roberts opened eight years ago in Smyrna, Tennessee.



Roberts is diabetic and can't risk being uninsured. A month of insulin costs $1,100.



Knowing Obama planned to reform health care, he left his job. Rejected by insurers on the individual market, he was "lucky" to get into his state's high-risk pool for those with pre-existing conditions. When the exchange opened in 2014, he signed up for "even better insurance at a much more reasonable price, with subsidies. Finally, I was able to rest easy, knowing that I had good coverage."



Now, he depends on his Obamacare insurance to keep him alive.



Trump's vow to repeal the health reform law has left Roberts caught between a rock and a hard place. He doesn't want to close the shop  to which he devotes 72 hours a week  and look for a job with benefits. But he says he can't take the chance that Trump's plans could leave him without coverage.



"When President Obama was elected, I finally saw that I might have the chance to run my own business," said Roberts, 50, who worked in corporate IT for years. "I'd have to run away to save myself. I'm healthy and I'd like to stay healthy."

Entrepreneurs to Trump: Don't take away our Obamacare

[Tami Luhby/CNN Money]
FamilyBreakFinder created this map, featuring the slogans of every country's official tourism board. The key division, I think, is between ones that could apply to any country and ones that identify something specific to the country. [h/t Leigh]

Generic:

USA: All within your reach



Chile: All are welcome



India: Incredible India

Specific

Peru: land of the Incas



Mongolia: Go nomadic



Britain: What a knife island.
Looking at the world through the eyes of the Web
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*M*ake what you will of this. In the modern era of partisan polarization, which can be dated back to the election of Ronald Reagan in 1980, only the presid...
News / National

by Staff reporter

THE Minister of Home Affairs Dr Ignatius Chombo is proposing to amend citizenship clauses in the Constitution as part of legislation reforms.If the constitutional amendment is adopted, this would be the first time the country would have revised parts of its constitution that came into force in 2013.Dr Chombo, in a prepared response submitted to Parliament on his behalf by the Minister of Lands and Rural Resettlement, Dr Douglas Mombeshora during Wednesday's Question and Answer session, said the proposed constitutional amendments had already been forwarded to Government."The Ministry has made submissions to Government for amendments of certain provisions of the Constitution of Zimbabwe regarding the Citizenship Law. As such, we therefore await the said amendments to the Constitution," said Dr Chombo.The Minister did not give more details on the proposals.Dr Chombo was responding to a written question by Zanu-PF MP for Kadoma Central, Fani Phiri, who wanted to know procedures being taken by Government on the status of people considered to be "aliens".According to chapter three of the Constitution, a person can be a citizen of Zimbabwe by birth, descent, or registration. It says citizens by birth are persons who were born in Zimbabwe provided that when they were born either their mother or their father was a Zimbabwean citizen or any of their grandparents was a Zimbabwean citizen by birth or descent.On citizenship by descent, the Constitution says: "Persons born outside Zimbabwe are Zimbabweans by descent if, when they were born either of their parents or any of their grandparents was a Zimbabwean citizen by birth or descent. Or either of their parents was a Zimbabwean citizen by registration and the birth is registered in Zimbabwe in accordance with law relating to the registration of births."One can be a citizen by registration if he or she has been married to a Zimbabwean citizen for at least five years and satisfies conditions prescribed by an Act of Parliament.Citizenship by registration can also be acquired by any person who has been continuously and lawfully resident in Zimbabwe for at least 10 years and also satisfies conditions prescribed by an Act of Parliament.It can also be granted to a child that has been adopted by a Zimbabwean citizen.
News / National

by Staff reporter

THE dualisation of the Beitbridge-Bulawayo-Victoria Falls highway is expected to commence soon as feasibility studies for the stretch from the border town to Bulawayo are now complete, a Cabinet Minister has said.Government intends to dualise the Beitbridge-Harare-Chirundu road as well.Beitbridge is the busiest inland port in the region as it is the gateway to South Africa for most countries in Sadc.In an interview on the sidelines of the commissioning of a bridge in Umzingwane on Wednesday, the Minister of Transport and Infrastructure Development Dr Joram Gumbo said everything was going according to plan for the dualisation of the Beitbridge-Bulawayo-Victoria Falls road."We did it with assistance from Comesa. The feasibilities studies are over and have been handed over. We will soon flight tenders in the newspapers seeking contractors to help us with the feasibility studies for the Bulawayo-Victoria Falls stretch. As soon as that is done documents will be tabled for consideration for the release of money and construction of the road. It's important for our economy as heavy volumes of traffic use this road," said Dr Gumbo.Turning to Beitbridge-Harare-Chirundu road, the Minister said the project will be ratified by Cabinet to pave way for contractors to bring equipment into the country for the commencement of the project. "As soon as we sign the concession agreement money will then be realised for the project. We have two contractors, Geiger International, an Austrian company and China Harbour from China. By the end of the month they will be bringing equipment into the country. We are anticipating that the construction of the road commences beginning of January," said the Minister.He said it will take two-and-a-half years to complete the 400 kilometre stretch from the Beitbridge to Harare."The project has been divided into segments of 100km each which will be done simultaneously. However, the stretch from Harare to Chirundu will take a bit longer as it is expected to be completed after four years. I'm however happy that we are getting 40 percent of the resources from local people. The supply of cement, quarry, and some equipment has been ring- fenced for locals and that will create employment," he said.Dr Gumbo said there was a need to expedite the completion of these roads especially the Beitbridge-Harare-Chirundu one, before the country loses transit business to neighbouring countries."This road is important for us and the Southern African region as it is a transit road into the region."As Zimbabwe if we don't construct the road we will lose business to Kazungula Border Post as our colleagues are mooting a road that passes through Botswana and into Zambia," Dr Gumbo.
BASF has started engineering for a stepwise capacity increase of its methylene diphenyl diisocyanate (MDI) production facilities at the companys Verbund site in Geismar, Louisiana. Capacity will be increased incrementally from 300,000 metric tons per year to around 600,000 metric tons per year.

The engineering for the capacity increase of the MDI synthesis has already started. In subsequent steps, which will be implemented in alignment with business development, the MDI precursor units in Geismar will be expanded accordingly, said Stefano Pigozzi, President of BASFs Monomers division. The usage of latest proprietary technologies will ensure best-in-class productivity and energy efficiency.

Stefan Doerr, head of the regional business unit Monomers North America, added: With this investment, BASF will support the growth of its North American customers. Our existing infrastructure at the Geismar site combined with the competitive raw materials based on shale gas make the Geismar site ideally suited for this investment. The experienced BASF team at the site will ensure smooth implementation of the project.
News / National

by Staff reporter

VICE-PRESIDENT Emmerson Mnangagwa and the G40 faction have been dragged into a case in which Zanu-PF Bulawayo youth chairperson Magura Charumbira is charged with impersonation.Charumbira is alleged to have visited Save The Nation Building and masqueraded as a police officer to a private tutor, Maxwell Kandiero, before ordering him and all the occupants to vacate the premises.He pleaded not guilty to the charge when he appeared before Bulawayo magistrate, Batanai Tuwe on Wednesday.Charumbira claimed the complainants were sent by the G40 faction to tarnish his image.He said G40 members in Bulawayo always accuse him of belonging to the Mnangagwa faction."The truth is I never misrepresented as a police officer. They were sent by Antipas Banda and his team, who call themselves G40," Charumbira told the court."They want to undermine my image because I want to be over all as chairman (sic)."He alleged his rivals in the ruling party wanted him to relinquish his chairmanship, but he had refused to do so, resulting in them cooking up allegations against him.Charumbira said G40 members hated him because of his popularity in Bulawayo and the help he offers to many people in the city."They say I am affiliated to Mnangagwa and that is not possible. They wish to have me fail, as I want to run as a member of the National Assembly," he said.But Kandiero insisted Charumbira visited his workplace and claimed to be a police officer before ordering him and his students to vacate the building.The matter was remanded to November 18 for continuation and Charumbira is out of custody.The court heard that Kandiero of Pumula North, a private tutor, was teaching his students at Save The Nation Building on September 16 this year when Charumbira and Andrew Munyoro visited.They allegedly identified themselves as police officers from Bulawayo Central, saying they had come to evict the occupants from the property.Kandiero asked them to produce their identity particulars, but they refused before he allegedly turned violent.Charumbira allegedly ordered all the students out of the building and demanded the keys from the complainant.The students complied with the order and Kandiero called Efeso Mumera, who rushed to the property and discovered that the alleged police officers were known Zanu-PF members.Mumera enquired, since when had they became police officers, but they allegedly became violent. Kandiero reported the matter to the police, leading to their arrest.
WUZHEN, China  Outraged Americans are calling on tech companies to crackdown on "fake news"  a call that is echoing a world away at a Chinese Communist Party-backed conference on the future of the internet.

In the week since Donald Trump triumphed in the U.S. presidential race, internet companies including Facebook, Google and Twitter have been accused by some of bolstering his rise by giving people a platform to spread fabrications packaged as valid news reporting. Facebook chief Mark Zuckerberg initially brushed off the criticism, saying that "99 percent of what people see is authentic." He soon changed course, deciding, alongside Google, to stop some of the worst offenders from making money off ads.

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The debate about social media's role in Trump's rise and the question of policing online content resonated at this week's World Internet Summit, a bizarre event where Chinese censors mixed with Cambodia's prime minister and a smattering of American tech executives at a resort outside Shanghai.

The summit, now in its third year, is an expensive effort to spread an alternate vision for the internet. California-types talk about "connectivity" and imagine a borderless world. President Xi Jinping prefers to talk about "cyber sovereignty," an internet where each country controls a slice of the web.

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As the architects of the Great Firewall, the system of censorship that controls what the country's 700 million internet users read and see, China's leaders are longtime advocates of a web where the state provides "security," vetting what content is and is not safe.

It is not "safe" for people in China to use Google's search engine, or instance, nor can they download the Facebook App. Searching for information about the wealth of certain Chinese political figures  and hundreds of other things  is also out of bounds.

And it's not just blocking sites and search terms. The Chinese Communist Party sees social media as a threat to social stability and worries that citizens connecting online could lead to "color revolutions" or mass unrest.

Chinese internet companies are asked to hire in-house censors to vet posts on mirco-blogging platforms such as Weibo and chat services such as Weixin. On these and other platforms, there are periodic crackdowns on "fake news" and "rumor-mongering"  all in the name of protecting the public good.

"It is forbidden to use hearsay to create news or use conjecture and imagination to distort the facts," read a July 2016 missive from the Cyberspace Administration of China.

American officials and companies have been vocal critics of China's paternalistic web policing, calling the Great Firewall a barrier to trade and a violation of human rights. On the eve of the conference in Wuzhen, Amnesty International urged U.S. companies like Facebook to "resist China's Orwellian vision of the internet."

To be clear, the United States is far from adopting China's vision of the internet  or anything close. Blocking purveyors of "fake news" is different than blocking entire websites and search terms, or criminalizing dissent.

But it was striking to see how what's happening in America became a focus at the Wuzhen conference. Over two days of speeches, several people referenced Trump's rise as evidence of why the internet must be more tightly controlled.

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On day one, Robin Li, founder of Baidu, shared his thoughts on Trump. He was not, like many Americans, surprised by Trump's victory, Li said. The nature of the internet, particularly social media, made his rise "inevitable."

Li said Trump, unlike Clinton, understood that "conspiracy" and "extreme emotional expression" thrive online. Now U.S. tech and media have learned they need to step in, he said.

Fear of an unbridled internet ran deep in Wuzhen. While Facebook VP Vaughan Smith delivered a peppy talk on artificial intelligence in one room, another group gathered to discuss "cyber terrorism," blaming social media for the 2014 pro-democracy protests in Hong Kong.

Kam Chow Wong, a former Hong Kong police officer who now teaches criminal justice at Cincinnati's Xavier University, used words like "extremism" to describe student activism in the Chinese Special Administrative Region.

He said authorities need to do more to control social media. "If you regulate in an appropriate manner, it will make it more useful, then it will be more free."

"I don't think anybody knows why Trump won, but it's a good move that the U.S., is trying to regulate social media; it's overdue."

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The Washington Post's Congcong Zhang contributed to this report.
The Empire Man, modeled on the late Elmer Lynn Hauldren, makes the "i" in "Empire" on a sign in a new Empire Today retail store in Commack, N.Y., photographed Jan. 22, 2015. (Brian Harkin / Chicago Tribune)

Empire Today, the Northlake-based flooring company best known for its incessantly aired TV jingle, has been sold to private equity firm H.I.G. Capital for an undisclosed amount.

The only number known to be associated with the deal is 800-588-2300, the familiar singing coda to Empire's commercials, which likely will be branded onto new audiences across the U.S.

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While terms of the acquisition, announced Thursday, were not disclosed, H.I.G. plans to drive growth for the Empire brand, spreading its in-home flooring services, and presumably its jingle, beyond the 68 markets it currently reaches.

"H.I.G. has spent a great deal of time with our team and the business, is entirely supportive of our vision to become America's first and best choice for installed flooring, and has made this investment to help us achieve that goal," Keith Weinberger, CEO of Empire Today, said in a news release.

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Founded in Chicago in 1959 as a small, family-owned business by Seymour Cohen, Empire was sold to a private investment firm in the late 1990s and expanded nationwide. It now bills itself as the largest in-home sales flooring company in America.

In May, Empire announced a bricks-and-mortar initiative, partnering with J.C. Penney to launch an Empire-branded store-within-a-store at seven locations in Florida and suburban Washington, D.C.

"Empire is a market leader with a compelling customer value proposition, a unique business model, an incredible brand and significant growth prospects," Brian Schwartz, an executive managing director with H.I.G. Capital, said in a news release.

Empire and H.I.G. did not respond to requests for comments Friday.

The acquisition also includes Chicago rival Luna Carpet, which was purchased by Empire for an undisclosed sum in January 2012. Both brands have continued as separate operations, replete with their own distinctive jingles, under one corporate roof.

The Empire jingle first hit the airwaves in 1977 when new spokesman Elmer Lynn Hauldren wrote and recorded the ditty with his a cappella group, the Fabulous 40s. Hauldren, who also created the folksy Empire Man character, died in 2011 at age 89.

Luna was founded in 1958 as an in-home shopping plastic slipcover company by Turkish immigrant Salamon DeZara. The company added carpet sales a few years later, and launched its own TV jingle in 1997 in a bid to expand beyond its Hispanic customer base and go head-to-head with Empire.

Luna moved into retail in 2007, and operates showrooms in Addison, Deerfield, Lake Zurich, Naperville, Oakbrook Terrace and Schaumburg.

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Founded in 1993, Miami-based H.I.G. has more than $20 billion in assets under management.

rchannick@chicagotribune.com

Twitter @RobertChannick
A leading candidate to be President-elect Donald Trump's treasury secretary was deeply involved in running a bank that has received $900 million in federal bailout money and that has been accused of discrimination - examples of the potentially thorny conflicts of interest that could plague Trump's nascent administration.

Steven Mnuchin was the finance chairman for Trump's campaign, and three people close to the presidential transition team said that at the moment he is among the most likely candidates to helm Treasury. Mnuchin, a Goldman Sachs veteran, made his name as a private investor when he led the 2009 purchase of failed subprime mortgage lender IndyMac, the California bank whose long lines of customers waiting to withdraw their money became an enduring image of the financial crisis.

Central to the deal was a promise by federal regulators to cover a significant share of the bank's losses - a guarantee that lasts through 2019. In addition, the bank - later renamed OneWest - has repeatedly faced criticism over its attempts to foreclose on homeowners who were in the process of modifying their loans, among other practices.

On Thursday, an advocacy group filed a complaint with the Department of Housing and Urban Development accusing the bank of locating branches in predominantly white neighborhoods while avoiding minority communities, including two years in which only two black borrowers received home loans across six counties.

"If you look at the story of IndyMac and OneWest, it's a story of hardship, foreclosure and pain for working communities, and a story of profit for investors," said Kevin Stein, deputy director of the California Reinvestment Coalition, the umbrella organization representing more than 300 community groups that filed the complaint.

Mnuchin's long involvement with the bank could raise questions about his ability to lead an agency at the forefront of the government's oversight of the financial industry. OneWest was purchased last year by the financial firm CIT, which is partially overseen by Treasury. It has been named a "systemically important" financial institution - often informally called "too big to fail" - worthy of additional scrutiny because of the risk it poses to the economy in a crisis. Mnuchin is on CIT's board of directors and owns $100 million in company stock, according to compensation research firm Equilar.

"Whenever you have someone coming from the financial sector, you're going to see issues, especially post-bailout," said Jordan Libowitz, communications director at Citizens for Responsibility and Ethics in Washington.

Mnuchin is one of several Cabinet candidates and members of Trump's transition team whose close ties to the industries is drawing criticism from some lawmakers. Oil industry magnate Harold Hamm is under consideration for energy secretary. The list of financiers advising Trump includes Anthony Scaramucci, Steve Feinberg and John Paulson, who was one of Mnuchin's partners in the deal to buy IndyMac. Former New York mayor Rudolph Giuliani, whose consulting company has had extensive contracts with foreign governments, could be the next secretary of state.

Other widely discussed candidates for treasury secretary, including JPMorgan Chase chief executive Jamie Dimon and private equity financier Wilbur Ross, might face conflicts of their own.

A spokesman for Mnuchin declined to comment. But a person close to him, speaking on the condition of anonymity because his employer does not allow him to talk on the record, said that while at the bank, Mnuchin's "entire mission was to save people's homes."

CIT said in a statement that it "is committed to fair-lending and works hard to meet the credit needs of all communities and neighborhoods we serve."

The purchase of IndyMac is just one of the many complex deals that Mnuchin has struck over his decades in the upper echelons of finance. He spent 17 years at Goldman Sachs before leaving to join an investment fund set up by hedge fund investor - and prominent Democrat - George Soros. Mnuchin helped back the construction of Trump International Hotel and Tower in Chicago - and was later sued by Trump in an effort to secure more favorable terms. And after moving to California to take control of IndyMac, Mnuchin reinvented himself as a film producer and financier, putting out blockbusters such as "Avatar" and "Suicide Squad."

Mnuchin would not be the first Wall Street veteran to be recruited for treasury secretary, of course. Robert Rubin spent more than two decades at Goldman Sachs before joining President Bill Clinton's administration. Henry Paulson Jr. was chief executive of the storied investment bank when he was nominated to the post by President George W. Bush and moved to sell about $500 million in Goldman stock upon his confirmation.

Government ethics experts said Mnuchin could avoid conflicts of interest by severing his ties to the industry. If Mnuchin were nominated, the Office of Government Ethics and the Senate committee overseeing his confirmation would recommend how to proceed. It would almost certainly entail Mnuchin's stepping down from executive positions, the experts said, and it could include creating a blind trust for his assets or divesting his holdings in financial firms.

"The only way for him to be treasury secretary is to sell all of his holdings in financial services companies," said Richard Painter, a law professor at the University of Minnesota who served as chief ethics lawyer under President George W. Bush.

Libowitz, of Citizens for Responsibility and Ethics in Washington, agreed. "That way the public can rest assured that whatever decisions they make are not for their personal profit but for the good of the American citizen."

Still, Mnuchin's connection to a bank under criticism over its handling of consumer mortgages and still receiving government aid could complicate his appointment, particularly amid the rising populist sentiment against Wall Street that helped propel Trump to his presidential victory.

"Steve Mnuchin is the ultimate Wall Street insider, a wheeler-dealer," said Marcus Stanley, policy director at the nonprofit coalition Americans for Financial Reform. "That gives us a lot of concern. We are opposed to having people who are Wall Street insiders being the people who regulate Wall Street."

The Trump transition team did not respond to a question about the steps his Cabinet would take to diminish conflicts of interest.

Mnuchin decided to invest in the banking industry after watching news coverage of the run on IndyMac in 2008, according to an interview he gave four years later to Bloomberg News. It was a major gamble during the collapse of the housing market. IndyMac was ground zero for some of the worst lending abuses, including shoddy documentation and high loan-to-value ratios.

He offered to pay $1.55 billion for the remains of IndyMac: about $13.9 billion in assets covering 57,000 homeowners. The Federal Deposit Insurance Corp., a government agency, had taken over the bank and was desperately seeking buyers at a time when financial markets were cratering and even the nation's biggest banks were trembling.

To lure buyers, the agency promised to share in any future losses on the bank's outstanding loans. Mnuchin and his partners were responsible for the first $2.5 billion, then the FDIC would cover 80 percent of the losses until they totaled $3.8 billion.

After that, the government would reimburse the bank for 95 percent of its losses. The bank is expected to reach that level - and continue receiving government payments - by 2019, when the agreement ends, according to documents on the FDIC's website.

"Steven was the guy who rode in on a horse when nobody else would," the person close to Mnuchin said. "He was the guy who showed up to save it."

As an owner and chairman of the bank, Mnuchin was actively involved in steering its direction, according to the Bloomberg News interview. Under his leadership, the bank not only survived but also expanded as he bought other failed lenders across California.

The result was a windfall for Mnuchin and his private equity firm, Dune Capital. CIT acquired the bank last year for $3.4 billion, roughly double the original sale price.

"Right from Day One, when you have a venture deal like that, you are thinking of how do I exit? How do we liquefy our profits so we can go on to the next thing?" said Bert Ely, a banking consultant in Alexandria, Virginia. "It was a very profitable deal for Mnuchin and company, and I don't fault them for that."

But the bank remained a target for consumer advocates and watchdog groups under Mnuchin. In the complaint filed Thursday with the Department of Housing and Urban Development, advocates alleged that only 11 of the bank's 74 branches are in Hispanic neighborhoods. One was in a majority Asian neighborhood, and there were none in predominantly black communities.

The complaint covers the final year of Mnuchin's tenure at OneWest; the sale to CIT was completed in August 2015. The California Reinvestment Coalition's analysis of loans made that year alleged that only 8.4 percent of mortgages went to Hispanics, though they accounted for 43 percent of the region's population. It also alleges that the bank did not properly maintain foreclosed homes in minority areas.

"The evidence included in this complaint suggests that OneWest Bank has steered clear of people of color in its assessment areas for a number of years," said Sharon Kinlaw, executive director of the Fair Housing Council of San Fernando Valley. "We want to know how many people were harmed and we look forward to learning what HUD finds out."

But the person close to Mnuchin said the bank had sharply curtailed its mortgage lending to focus on working through IndyMac's massive portfolio of distressed loans. Though the bank was part of the federal government's earliest attempts to modify mortgages, the majority of its business was servicing loans owned by others.

OneWest successfully modified many of the hundreds of thousands of loans it managed after purchasing IndyMac and other failed banks. But as the housing crisis deepened, Mnuchin's bank came under criticism for the pace of its foreclosures and what customers complained was a hard-line stance.

Their frustration hit a peak in 2011 as homeowner Rose Gudiel led a protest in front of Mnuchin's home in the tony Bel Air neighborhood of Los Angeles. Gudiel said she missed her mortgage payments after her younger brother was fatally shot and she was furloughed from her state government job. Gudiel said she was applying for a loan modification when OneWest issued a notice that it would foreclose.

About 100 demonstrators gathered outside his home. They brought a mattress, a nightstand and a lamp to illustrate her fear of sleeping on the streets if she lost her house.

After the protest, Gudiel said she qualified for a loan modification and hasn't missed a payment since receiving it. She is still living in her three-bedroom home outside of Los Angeles. In an interview, she reflected on what she would tell the man who could be Treasury secretary now.

"If you're going to hold that type of position, I hope you know how to truly help this country," Gudiel said. "The only way this country is going to come ahead is if you help the people that live in it versus taking them out of their homes. They end up being a charge to society versus a contribution."

Philip Rucker and Elise Viebeck contributed to this report.
Julie Horowitz Jackson, center, owner of Virtu in Chicago's Bucktown neighborhood, helps Maura Daly find a gift Nov. 17, 2016. The morning after the presidential election, shell-shocked customers gathered on the shops couch, sharing hugs and shedding a few tears. (Abel Uribe / Chicago Tribune)

After Thanksgiving  assuming families survive the political standoffs expected to plague dinner tables across the country  America will officially launch its annual shopping spree, saddled not only with turkey hangover this year but also election malaise.

As the nation tries to transition from rancor to merriment, retailers are watching to see if the feelings of doom or elation that have divided the populace will affect how people spend during the industry's most critical quarter.

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Historically, elections haven't had much impact on consumer spending, but experts say this election, extraordinary for the shock of Donald Trump's long-shot win as well as the viciousness of the rhetoric, could be different.

Will optimistic Trump supporters race to the mall? Will grieving Hillary Clinton supporters opt to stay curled in balls of despair? Will the uncertainty of what may come in the Trump era cause everyone to cut back their shopping lists? Will eggnog have a good year?

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Zandra Cross, co-owner of Love Christian Center in Kankakee, Il., works in her store Nov. 15, 2016. Cross says her customers were happy Trump won but is not sure whether a recent sales boost has anything to do with the election. (Lauren Zumbach / Chicago Tribune)

No one knows, of course. And whether heightened post-election emotions make a dent in spending depends on how long they persist into the holiday season.

But Eileen Knauff, for one, expects to fill her shopping basket a bit differently.

Knauff, 22, who lives in Libertyville, did not sink into the mass depression that consumed many of her friends after Trump's surprise win. But as she hits the stores for holiday shopping, she plans to keep those friends, many of them in the lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender community and concerned their rights are at risk, in mind.

"I'm trying to get more meaningful gifts, something I know they'll appreciate," said Knauff, who is working as a restaurant hostess while she applies to graduate school.

"Make the holidays as good as can be before everything goes south."

The vast majority of Americans  81 percent  said in a survey a day after the election that the result won't change their planned holiday spending, as most believed the economic impact of Trump's policies won't be felt until next year, according to Conlumino, a research agency and consulting firm focused on retail and consumer behavior.

The nation is split on whether the Trump administration will make households worse or better off in the long run, with slightly more thinking household finances will become more favorable, the survey found. But that doesn't mean they'll spend more today, said John Yozzo, managing director at FTI Consulting.

After a long and divisive election, are consumers in the mood for holiday spending? (Chicago Tribune)

"It's all very murky at this point," Yozzo said.

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Holiday shopping forecasts had been positive pre-election, thanks to strong economic indicators including low unemployment rates, positive wage growth and an overall stability of commodity prices, like gas and food, that offset increases in health care costs, said Steve Barr, U.S. retail leader at PricewaterhouseCoopers.

PwC, which in a survey found that Americans expected to spend 10 percent more this year than last, was anticipating the best holiday season since the start of the Great Recession.

Whether the uncertainty or intensity of emotion triggered by this election changes the outlook remains to be seen.

"I think we all need to watch and see what happens with consumer sentiment over the coming weeks," Barr said.

A PwC analysis of election cycles over the past 20 years found no meaningful trends in holiday shopping after elections, Barr said.

Other research has shown election outcomes can affect people's perceptions of the economy, but not how much they actually spend.

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Even if there is a consistent negative trend in consumer sentiment going into the holidays, Barr said, shoppers could shift their dollars from gifts to more experiential items, like concerts or dinner out, that allow people to feel connected during challenging times.

"If we see continued unease across our communities, I'm optimistic that we may see people pull closer together and spend that time with family and friends," he said.

In deep blue Chicago, some retailers said obsessive focus on the election and the grim mood in its aftermath kept shops quiet in the days surrounding Nov. 8.

Albert Karoll, owner of Richard Bennett Custom Tailors & Shirtmakers, was optimistic that funk would lift, despite a "palpable sense, even among clients that are Republican voters, that damage has been done to the national psyche that may not heal so quickly."

The wound might even spur more buying, he said.

"I think there's a lot of escapism going on, no matter what side of the fence you were on," he said.

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Sixty miles south in Kankakee County, where a majority of voters backed Trump, some consumers said they are cautiously optimistic but expect business as usual when it comes to shopping.

Gene and Sue Lincoln, 71, of Momence, said they were "feeling pretty good" about the election outcome while walking around Northfield Square Mall in Bourbonnais on Tuesday.

"I think he's got the business sense," Sue Lincoln said of the president-elect.

Still, "I'm not going out and making any big purchases," said Gene Lincoln, who with his wife ran the Momence Progress Reporter newspaper before their daughter took the helm. "We're just trying to get a head start on Christmas for the grandkids."

Though uncertainty about the future can dampen discretionary spending, research on emotions suggests the grief felt by a swath of the electorate could actually cause people to shop more.

"I think people are going to want to come together and connect with the people they care about," said Julie Horowitz Jackson, owner of gift boutique Virtu, in Chicago's Bucktown neighborhood. A Clinton supporter, Horowitz Jackson promised discounts to anyone wearing a pantsuit or "Nasty Woman" shirt on Election Day, and the morning after, shell-shocked customers gathered on her shop's couch, sharing hugs and shedding a few tears.

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Feeling sad tends to make people more short-sighted, focusing on immediate needs and desires at the expense of long-term interests, or can make people more generous because they wish to feel better about themselves, said Oleg Urminsky, professor of marketing at the University of Chicago's Booth School of Business.

Sadness also influences the kinds of gifts people give.

"We've done some research which finds that gift givers are highly motivated by their own experience of the recipient's reaction  how the recipient's smile makes the giver feel  more than by how helpful or useful the gift will be for the recipient longer-term," Urminsky wrote in an email. "So, if the election has an effect on giving, I'd expect it to make Clinton supporters likely to spend more than they usually would, and in particular to spend on the fun gifts that are most likely to get them a big smile or a hug."

Whether shopping to fight grief actually works is another question.

A 2014 study found that it can  to a point.

In the research, published in the Journal of Consumer Psychology, people were run through several experiments in which they were shown film clips to make them sad and then put in situations where they could shop or not. Those who did shop reported feeling less sad afterward, though the study didn't examine long-term effects. The thinking is that people feel sad because they feel out of control, and making choices  which are in abundance at the mall  restores that control.

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But sadness is not the only feeling gripping Trump's opponents, said study co-author Scott Rick, associate professor of marketing at the University of Michigan's Ross School of Business.

"There's anger, fear, anxiety, disgust, dread," said Rick, who is not a Trump fan. "It's a whole rich rainbow of bad feelings, and they're not fleeting."

Rick's experiments found shopping did not ameliorate feelings of anger, which the researchers induced in subjects by showing film clips depicting bullying. The difference between sadness and anger, he said, is that sadness is generally a reaction to uncontrollable forces in the environment, like disease, while anger is often in response to an interpersonal assault.

More than shopping, grieving Clinton supporters may find relief in donating to charities whose causes they worry are at risk, Rick said.

"That sounds like a very productive version of retail therapy for people feeling the Trump blues," he said.

As for Trump supporters, chances are that they will be more confident in the future than they were before, but that doesn't necessarily translate into greater spending today.

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Rose Aldridge, 52, of Kankakee, had "mixed emotions" about Trump's victory even though she voted for him. She's feeling more cautious about spending and warier of taking on another mortgage.

"I'm just really unsure what he's going to do," said Aldridge, a stay-at-home mom with a 14-year-old son. "He's got good plans, it sounds good, but actions speak louder than words."

But Zandra Cross, 75, co-owner of Love Christian Center in Kankakee, said business has been unusually brisk for this early in the holiday season. While she isn't sure the sales boost has anything to do with the election, she and her customers, who oppose abortion, were happy to see Trump win.

"It's the first thing they say when they come in: 'Thank you, Lord,'" she said.

Some shoppers opposed to some of Trump's views say the main difference in their consumption habits this year is that they are avoiding brands they associate with him.

Pooja Kansal, 27, said she owns Ivanka Trump boots but never plans on buying that brand again. Kansal, who splits her time between her fiance's home in Chicago's Streeterville neighborhood and her hometown of Munster, Ind., is of Indian descent, and said reports of hate crimes have made her anxious.

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"I have always cared about politics but always had the sense that things would be OK," said Kansal, who recently graduated from law school and is studying for the bar. "Now I feel concerned for my safety and my family's safety."

As she rested on a bench at Chicago's Water Tower Place with a shopping bag, Samina Khan, 62, said she doesn't expect the election to change her shopping habits this year, but it could change whether she spends her money in the U.S. at all.

She and her husband, Sameeh Khan, lived in Elgin for 15 years and had four kids there before moving back to their native Pakistan in 1988, and she said they return to the area often to visit family and friends.

But the couple, who said they never before felt like foreigners, feel people are colder to them now, and suspect it is driven by Trump's proposed temporary ban on Muslims and rising expression of anti-immigrant sentiment. The couple described how Sameeh Khan, a 71-year-old physician, was pulled from the security line at the airport for a 30-minute screening.

"If they keep doing this, who will want to come?" Samina Khan said.

Moneca Soto, 31, of Bellwood, said she isn't letting the election outcome drain her holiday cheer.

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A hairstylist and mom to an 8-month-old son and 3-year-old daughter, Soto is an ear for customers despairing about Trump's win. While Soto believes Trump should "bring some positivity" to the nation in the face of reports of harassment and hate speech following his election, she wants to give him a chance. Her goal is to remind people to keep living their lives.

"It's up to you how you handle it," Soto said. "I'm still going to bring Christmas in."

aelejalderuiz@chicagotribune.com

lzumbach@chicagotribune.com

Twitter @alexiaer

Twitter @laurenzumbach
The new house built at the southwest corner of Brown Street and University Drive replaced a early 20th century neighborhood home that Valparaiso University tore down, and the University on Monday stopped a rezoning petition it filed. (James D. Wolf Jr. / Post-Tribune)

Residents of the neighborhoods north and east of Valparaiso University received good news as a planned rezoning was pulled by the university.

The university had petitioned the city to rezone the house at the southwest corner of Brown Street and University Drive from neighborhood conservation to campus.

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However, after getting a favorable recommendation Oct. 11 from the Plan Commission and having a public hearing on the rezoning at the Oct. 24 City Council meeting, the university stopped its request.

City Planner Tyler Kent told the council on Monday that the university asked that the rezoning request be pulled from the agenda.

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The university had torn down an early 20th century house on the property that VU's General Counsel Darron Farha said was not salvageable and built a new 3,500-square-foot home there for a home for the residential housing coordinator who'll oversee the new sororities on Union Street to the south.

No university representatives were there to comment, but Kent said, "it's a permitted use, so it's not necessary."

Farha was not available for comment on Tuesday or Wednesday, according to a person in his office.

At the Sept. 19 Plan Commission meeting and at the Oct. 24 City Council meeting, residents and members of the Upper Brown and Monroe Neighborhood Association protested the rezoning as another infringement by the university on the neighborhood.

In September, Brown Street resident Richard Stith said rezoning it to campus designation would give the university "a blank check," for land use in the future, despite it being on the end of a residential street.

City Council Member Diana Reed, D-1st, who is also secretary for the Neighborhood Association, had called the measure "spot zoning" at a Plan Commission meeting.

Other residents noted the house now faces University Street instead of Brown.

Also at the meeting, the council approved renewal of the three-way liquor license for Good Husband Inc. for Fork & Cork restaurant at 66 E. Lincolnway and formerly known as Bonne Femme.

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However, the council tabled approval of the license for Furinkazan Sushi & Bar at 21 E. Lincolnway at the owners' request as negotiations are continuing with Margarita's Bar & Grill for the purchase of the site and license transfer.

In Indiana, three-way liquor licenses that allow sales of beer, wine and hard liquor are allotted by population, but Valparaiso has gotten state permission to have 10 three-way licenses for its historic downtown.

James D. Wolf Jr. is a freelance reporter for the Post-Tribune.
Dreading flying over the holidays, or really anytime? Airlines know it, and are trying to make the journey more bearable, with everything from quicker security screening at the airport to flights that more reliably show up on time  and when they don't, snacks to soothe "hangry" fliers.

But it may take a while for the efforts to convince travelers like Linda Landrum. The 63-year-old Chicago resident isn't looking forward to braving the airport crowds on Tuesday with two frozen pies in her carry-on for a Thanksgiving visit to relatives in New York. But Landrum, whose family usually hosts the holiday feast in Chicago, decided it was better than making her 90-year-old mother-in-law arrive at the airport hours early and lug her bags through long security lines.

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"It has to be done," said Landrum.

Summertime, not the winter holidays, is the busiest time to fly. Industry trade group Airlines for America's summer travel forecast projected 2.51 million people would travel worldwide on U.S. airlines on average each day between June and August, compared with 2.27 million daily over the 12-day Thanksgiving period.

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Travel website Orbitz.com predicts O'Hare International Airport will be the busiest U.S. airport at Thanksgiving and second-busiest at Christmas.

With an influx of less-experienced travelers who might be taking a once-a-year-flight home for the holidays, extra baggage from passengers carrying gifts and greater risk of snowstorms that can scupper finely tuned flight schedules, happy can turn to hapless pretty quickly.

Airlines that transport travelers from point A to point B relatively hassle-free win bragging rights and top spots on reliability reports, not to mention loyalty from happy customers. Those that drop the ball risk the very public wrath of stressed-out, short-tempered fliers who take to social media to vent their gripes. The price of delays and cancellations  even when weather-related and not the airline's fault  adds up fast, from revenue lost when planes sit idle to the cost of rebooking stranded passengers on new flights.

That's a big incentive for airlines to roll out services to smooth the process.

United Airlines and American Airlines introduced a handful of automated security lanes at O'Hare earlier this month. The airlines are hoping to avoid a repeat of May's lengthy lines that made hundreds of passengers miss flights.

The new lanes are designed to keep holdups from halting the rest of the line. Each lane has five stations where passengers can deposit their luggage without waiting for slower passengers ahead, with bins that are 25 percent larger. A conveyor belt automatically pulls flagged bags into a separate area for inspection while problem-free bags continue rolling down the line. A parallel conveyor belt automatically returns empty luggage bins so agents can focus on the actual screening.

Delta Air Lines, meanwhile, wants to make it easier for customers to keep track of their bags. Delta, which already includes radio frequency identification tags in its bag tags, now will send notifications to passengers who use its app, telling them when their bags have been loaded onto the aircraft and where to find them at the baggage claim. The tags also make it easier for Delta to track down lost bags.

Passengers like flashy perks but care more about whether they arrive at their destination on time, said Bob Mann, president of airline consultant R.W. Mann & Co.

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"All you have to do is be late and all that stuff goes down the tubes," he said.

Across the board, U.S. airlines have been doing slightly better on reliability, according to Airlines for America. About 81.5 percent of major U.S. airlines' flights arrived within 15 minutes of the scheduled time in the 12 months ending in September, up from 78.8 percent a year earlier, according to the U.S. Department of Transportation.

During the week surrounding Thanksgiving last year, nearly 17 percent of flights departing from O'Hare took off at least 15 minutes late and about 1.3 percent were canceled, according to Transportation Department statistics. The delayed flights took off about 65 minutes behind schedule, on average.

And while the average flight arriving at O'Hare during Thanksgiving week last year showed up just under a minute early, the 13 percent arriving late were about 78 minutes behind.

Full holiday flights and schedules can make it tougher for airlines to recover from delays, particularly when bad weather knocks out several flights, but 2015 Thanksgiving week departure delays and cancellations were below average for the year at O'Hare.

Industry analysts say airlines often try to boost those on-time numbers with a mix of measures that give some cushion when flights fall behind, such as scheduling longer than necessary flight times, using extra planes and employees, and making real improvements in efficiency.

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United has said it thinks becoming a more reliable airline can generate $300 million by 2018 by trimming costs associated with idle aircraft and delays, and by winning back passengers wary of United's reputation for having more late and canceled flights than some major rivals. In the first 10 months of this year, 14 percent more United flights, including regional carriers, arrived on time compared with the same period in 2014, the airline told investors Tuesday.

United is working on being more proactive about maintenance and cutting the time it takes to get an arriving airplane ready for the next departure, said Chief Operations Officer Greg Hart. The airline has a new playbook for turning around flights landing behind schedule so United can recover, not continue falling behind.

"It's time we're going to give back to the schedule. We're going to fly our airplanes harder," he said.

When all else fails, airlines attempt to mollify stranded passengers, and food helps.

If an American flight at O'Hare is delayed by two hours or more, for any reason, the airline will bring an assortment of free drinks and snacks to the gate. After three hours, passengers will get a selection of sandwiches, such as breakfast sandwiches in the morning or a turkey croissant roll later in the day, said Dee Hogan, American's managing director of customer care.

Other major U.S. carriers make fewer outright guarantees, especially when not taking the blame. Delta's airport customer service employees will sometimes bring out snacks, drinks and games for passengers delayed at the gate, but, like United and Southwest, the airline doesn't have hard and fast rules spelling out when customers are entitled to extra goodies, said spokesman Brian Kruse.

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But as the holiday crowds descend, there's only so much airlines can do to keep fliers feeling festive.

"They're all trying to be more reliable," said travel industry analyst Henry Harteveldt, founder of Atmosphere Research Group. "While it helps manage congestion that they haven't added too many flights, there's no question the system is still overburdened at peak times. And there's nothing you can do about the weather."

lzumbach@chicagotribune.com

Twitter @laurenzumbach
Grapes ripen in the hills of Virginia, home to more than 250 wineries. (Karly Pope / Moment Open)

If asked about American wine today, Virginia would not be the first, second or even third place that most of us think of.

But the roots of America's wine industry are in Virginia  and today, roughly 410 years after the first settlers arrived in Jamestown, the state has a thriving commercial wine industry. The fact is, only four states are home to more wineries than Virginia: California, Washington, Oregon and New York. So maybe Virginia should be the fifth place we think of when we think about American wine. Five out of 50. Not bad.

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A dozen years after Jamestown was founded, Britain made grape-growing mandatory  by law  for every male settler, and the quest to develop an eventual American wine industry was underway. Wine lover George Washington and America's wine-nerdiest president of all, Thomas Jefferson, tried their hands at grape growing in Virginia (allegedly with little success, despite several years of effort from each of them). Jefferson, you may recall, was the American ambassador to France before he was president, and it was during his time in Paris that he was bitten by the wine bug. Two of our first three presidents had Virginia wine ties, and so will our 45th. Yes, the president-elect owns a winery in Virginia. It bears his surname, naturally, and is run by one of his sons.

Although Virginia's grape-growing interest dates to 1607 (at least Jamestown's interest dates that far back), the state's wine industry did not begin to show signs of what it would become until relatively recently. In the early 1980s, Virginia was home to a half-dozen wineries. Fifteen years later, there were close to 50, and in 2005, there were more than 100. Today, the number of wineries in Virginia tops 250.

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The state is home to seven official wine regions (Middleburg, Monticello, North Fork of Roanoke, Northern Neck George Washington Birthplace, Rocky Knob, Shenandoah Valley and Virginia's Eastern Shore) that produce a handful of good-quality grapes. Red Bordeaux varieties  particularly cabernet franc and petit verdot, but also cabernet sauvignon and merlot  are popular and successful in Virginia, as are chardonnay, viognier and another French white variety called petit manseng. The grapes often endure tough weather conditions, including excessive heat, humidity and rain at various points during the growing season. But the commitment to winemaking in Virginia has deepened steadily in recent decades, and talented new professionals from the United States and Europe have consistently joined the community.

The wines of Virginia are not especially cheap and not as widely available as wines from some other states. But there are good wines being produced in Virginia, and if you're looking to mix up the variety of bottles in your stash, this is a good place for that.

Below is a selection of Virginia wines from a recent tasting. They are listed by color (white first, followed by red) and in ascending order, according to price.

WHITES

2014 Barboursville Vineyards Vermentino Reserve With notes of citrus, pear and minerality, this wine, fermented and aged in stainless steel, has a soft, medium-body mouthfeel followed by zingy acidity on the finish. $22

2014 Bluestone Vineyard Estate Grown Chardonnay This is a rich and buttery New World chardonnay with a whiff of smoke, and classic vanilla notes that are not cloying or over-the-top. $23.50

2014 Horton Vineyards Petit Manseng Made completely from the French grape variety petit manseng, this wine is viscous with notes of honey, but also bright and full of tropical fruits and citrus. $25

2014 Michael Shaps Honah Lee Vineyard Petit Manseng Butterscotch, orange peel, tropical fruit and spice emerge from this full-bodied white, composed mostly of petit manseng, blended with 5 percent roussanne. $30

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REDS

2013 North Gate Vineyard Meritage This Bordeaux blend offers blackberry and other ripe dark fruits, along with many layers featuring fig, coffee, leather and cedar, all pointing to a long finish. $26

2014 Cardinal Point Vineyard Clay Hill Cabernet Franc With cranberry, eucalyptus, leather, spice and smoke, this wine was aged for more than a year in French and American oak barrels. $30

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2012 Fabbioli Cellars Reserve Cabernet Franc Blackberry, plum and spice sum up this wine, which has a lusciously soft mouthfeel, and clocks in at a reasonable 12.5 percent alcohol. $35

2012 Naked Mountain Winery & Vineyards Petit Verdot From the Blue Ridge Mountains, this wine offers jammy dark fruits with a touch of vanilla, a balancing savory quality and a silky texture. $36

2010 Granite Heights Evening Serenade Plum, pomegranate, vanilla, spice and stinging acidity lead to a clear and convincing cherry finish in this blend of 80 percent merlot and 20 percent cabernet franc. $41

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2013 Glen Manor Vineyards Hodder Hill Dark fruits and leather characterize this age-able powerhouse blend of 67 percent cabernet sauvignon, 28 percent merlot and 5 percent petit verdot. $50

2014 Keswick Vineyards Cabernet Franc Estate Reserve Full of cranberry, herbs, coffee, cocoa and spice, this 100 percent cabernet franc, aged 10 months in oak barrels, is full-bodied, deeply layered and complex. $50

2013 Stone Tower Winery Hogback Mountain This blend of 69 percent cabernet sauvignon and 31 percent merlot has notes of plum, dark fruit, wet earth, tobacco and cedar. $69

food@chicagotribune.com

Twitter @pour_man






News / National

by Staff reporter

Civic groups and social movements, among them Tajamuka/Sesijikile and #ThisFlag , vowed to "shut down" major cities such as Harare and Bulawayo today in protest against corruption, alleged human rights violations and the impending introduction of bond notes.They vowed to go ahead with the mass protests despite a police ban on their demonstration.Police in Harare and Bulawayo banned today's protests, citing the organisers' failure to file their application within the stipulated time.One of the co-ordinators and Occupy Africa Unity Square spokesperson, Patson Dzamara, said they wrote to the police in Harare advising them of the demonstration, but were warned against going ahead with the protest.But Dzamara vowed they would defy the police ban."We are heading towards a total precipice and we cannot continue like this. The time for us to draw a solid line in the sand has come," he said."Cognisant of the fact that (President Robert) Mugabe and his minions won't listen to our outcry, we must speak to them in their own language."We must get into the streets and tell them we are tired and unhappy at their misrule, leadership failure, corruption and Zanu-PF-made poverty. We can't just whisper about it in our little corners or rant on social media and end there. We must take a stand, action is critical."Dzamara said they had notified the police of their intentions and would defy any ban. #ThisFlower leader, Stan Zvorwadza said there was no going back tomorrow, arguing police had no mandate to tell them how to proceed with their demo."We follow the Constitution and as social movements, there is nowhere written that police must regulate us. It's game on and we will not bow down. We are not afraid of them and come Friday we will be there," he said.Police spokesperson, Chief Superintendent Paul Nyathi professed ignorance of the planned demonstrations."I am not aware of that demonstration. I cannot comment on something I am not aware of," he said.
The Theo Ubique Theatre, since 2003 a mainstay of the Rogers Park cultural district and well known for its skilled, hyper-intimate productions of Broadway musicals, is likely moving to Evanston.

Despite the new suburban address, Theo Ubique's custom-designed new home in a gutted former retail building actually is across the street from the City of Chicago. The new address, which comes with a shared parking lot, is 721-23 Howard Street.

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Theo Ubique is to be the beneficiary of an effort by the Evanston city leaders to attract more arts groups to Howard Street (Evanston had previously negotiated with the Strawdog Theatre Company, which recently lost its longtime Chicago home, but those negotiations fell apart).

Theo Ubique plans to take up residence in a city-owned building, renovated for them at a cost of $1.4 million, according to materials prepared for Evanston's Economic Development Committee and made publically available on the city's website. Theo Ubique has agreed to raise a little more than $200,000 on its own. It then will pay rent on the space.

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"We'll get there," said artistic director Fred Anzevino, expressing excitement at the move. According to Anzevino, the new space will be twice as large as the company's current home at the No Exit Cafe, and will allow for a full bar and food-service operation. Instead of 52 seats, the new theater would have 86 seats, many of which would be at tables.

The other big change for Theo Ubique, which has an annual budget of $285,000, would be the chance to run its own catering option. At present, the food and drink profits go to the operators of the No Exit Cafe.

"We will have to expand our staff," Anzevino said. "We have to up our game, but I think we are ready for this artistically."

Anzevino said he would continute to produce four shows a year, perhaps with expanded off-night programing and longer runs.

The deal has yet to be signed, remains subject to further negotiation, and has yet to be approved by the full Evanston City Council. Anzevino says he hopes to moves his company in July 2018.

cjones5@chicagotribune.com

@chrisjonestrib

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Expand Autoplay Image 1 of 122 Sophie Turner as Jean Grey, anger management student, in "Dark Phoenix." The film, the latest in the "X-Men" franchise, costars James McAvoy, Michael Fassbender and Jessica Chastain. Read the review. (Twentieth Century Fox)
A new  and pricey  drug was shown to slow disease progression in advanced breast cancer patients. (Glow Wellness / Getty Images/Glow RM)

A recently approved drug can help slow the progression of advanced breast cancer, a new clinical trial confirms.

The drug, called palbociclib (Ibrance), was approved in the United States last year for treating advanced cases of ER-positive breast cancer. That means the cancer uses the hormone estrogen to help fuel its growth.

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The approval was based on an earlier-stage study in which the drug, used along with a standard drug called letrozole (Femara), helped keep women's cancer at bay. Palbociclib doubled the time patients remained progression-free compared with letrozole alone.

The new findings, published in November in the New England Journal of Medicine, confirm earlier results in a larger group of women.

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"We found that the degree of clinical benefit was, again, remarkable," said lead researcher Dr. Richard Finn, an assistant professor of medicine at the University of California at Los Angeles.

Among postmenopausal patients in the trial, those given the drug combination typically remained progression-free for just over two years. That compared with just over 14 months for women treated with letrozole alone.

"This is an incredibly important step" in improving the outlook for women with advanced breast cancer, said Dr. Antonio Wolff, a professor of oncology at Johns Hopkins University in Baltimore.

"We know this isn't the final answer," added Wolff, who wrote an editorial published with the study. Other drugs aimed at stalling advanced breast tumors are in development, he noted.

But palbociclib should be considered "a new standard" for treating advanced ER-positive breast cancer, Wolff said.

Palbociclib is the first in a new class of drugs designed to inhibit two enzymes called CDK4 and CDK6, which help ER-positive breast tumors spread. Palbociclib is a capsule taken once a day for three weeks, followed by one week off.

Letrozole, meanwhile, works by lowering estrogen levels in the body.

About two-thirds of breast cancers have receptors for estrogen and/or the hormone progesterone, according to the American Cancer Society.

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In this latest trial, Finn's team tested palbociclib/letrozole as a first-line treatment for advanced cancer that had spread beyond the breast. They randomly assigned 666 women to receive the drug duo or letrozole alone, and followed them for up to three years.

At that point, 44 percent of women in the palbociclib group had either died or seen their cancer progress. That compared with 62 percent of women on letrozole alone, according to the study.

Women on the drug combo typically remained progression-free for nearly 25 months, versus roughly 14 months for women on letrozole, the researchers found.

Once patients like these have a progression, they can try other types of hormonal therapy or, eventually, chemotherapy, Finn said. Since chemo has harsh side effects, delaying it could improve a woman's quality of life, he noted.

Palbociclib has side effects too. One of the most common  seen in two-thirds of women in this study  is neutropenia. That's a drop in a type of white blood cell, and it could leave women vulnerable to serious infections.

However, Finn said, the neutropenia caused by palbociclib appears to be different from chemo-induced neutropenia  in that it's "temporary."

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Wolff agreed. The drug seems to put certain white blood cell precursors "to sleep," he explained, and the effect can be reversed by lowering the dose.

Side effects that could affect quality of life, Wolff said, include fatigue, nausea and pain. Each of those problems affected a little more than one-third of patients on palbociclib.

Most often, Finn said, those side effects were on the milder side and happened in both treatment groups.

He and Wolff said the drug combination should be considered a standard treatment for advanced ER-positive cancer.

One big question, though, is whether palbociclib ultimately extends women's lives. The trial has not gone on long enough to determine that, Finn said.

"But the hope is, this will also improve overall survival," he said.

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Another question, added Wolff, is whether some women with advanced cancer can do just as well with hormonal therapy alone, at least to start.

That's important, he said, because of palbociclib's side effects and price tag.

Pfizer Inc., which funded the current trial, set the cost of palbociclib at close to $10,000 a month.

Ongoing studies are looking at whether the drug can also help prevent recurrences of earlier-stage breast cancer. In that scenario, the issues of side effects and cost will be even more important, Wolff said.

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In this photo provided by Audrey Peterman, she and her husband, Frank Peterman, pose in 2012 in front of Camp Denali in Alaska's Denali National Park and Preserve. They are co-founders of the Breaking the Color Barrier in the Great Outdoors conference. (Bill Walter)

A few years ago, a dear friend and I traveled to the Grand Canyon  a trip we'd talked about taking for a decade before we actually made it happen.

It was my third visit to the copper-colored wonder of the world, but my friend had never been. I grew up with parents who drove us all over the United States looking at national parks. My friend, who is African-American, grew up with a family who told her to avoid them.

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White folks didn't want her there, my friend's grandmother warned her. She wouldn't be safe.

Audrey Peterman can relate.

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Peterman is a lovely soul whose life mission is to make our public lands more accessible to  and more accessed by  people of all races, ethnicities and cultures. I tracked her down a few days ago because I needed some inspiration, and nobody does inspiration better.

In 1995, Peterman and her husband, Frank, set off on a three-month road trip from their Fort Lauderdale apartment to see, for the first time, the nation's parks  from Acadia in Maine to Yosemite in California, with stops at the Badlands, Yellowstone, the Grand Canyon and whatever else intrigued them along the way.

"My mother was in her 60s, and Frank's mother was in her late 70s," Peterman said. "These women panicked. 'We're going to be on our knees praying until you come back!' 'How could you be so foolish?'"

Their friends warned them to bring guns.

"We said, 'No. We are citizens of the world,'" Peterman said. "The Earth belongs equally to all."

The couple wrote a delightful book about their road trip, "Legacy on the Land: A Black Couple Discovers Our National Inheritance and Tells Why Every American Should Care" (Earthwise Productions). And while they recount zero negative encounters during their adventures, Peterman is acutely aware that her family's fears  my friend's family's fears  were not unfounded.

"Many of the travesties that happened to black people happened off the beaten path," she said. "Once you have seen people hanging off trees, you have almost a visceral fear associated with the woods."

And it sticks. Close to 300 million people visit national parks each year, and a full 78 percent of those visitors are white, according to a recent National Parks Service survey.

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But to deprive yourself of our natural gems is to exacerbate those historic stains on humanity, Peterman said. She wants to acknowledge and alleviate them.

"It's time to explore and take ownership of the stunning natural, cultural and historic treasures that make up the totality of the American experience, in its continually evolving state," she writes in "Legacy on the Land." "Knowing who we are, and where we have come from, is the simplest and most effective way to unite us as Americans. Our national parks were set aside for this very purpose."

The Petermans co-founded a national conference, Breaking the Color Barrier in the Great Outdoors, in 2009. In 2014, the couple founded the Diverse Environmental Leaders National Speakers Bureau.

They are also part of the Next 100 Coalition, which calls for a more inclusive public lands system  from the people who manage and oversee the spaces to the stories that are told about the sites' histories to the people who are targeted and engaged to visit them.

"Over and over it struck us that nature is the great equalizer," they write in their book. "In the supernatural beauty, among the multitude of natural processes all going on simultaneously, people seem to identify with each other as human beings, stripped of the masks of race, color or social status. This is how people really should be living."

Doesn't that sound lovely?

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"When I saw my first national park  Acadia  it was transformative," Peterman told me. "When I looked out at the great beauty untouched by human hand, I thought, 'The same entity that made that also made me. And if that's beautiful and perfect, so must I be too.' I've seen myself as nothing but beautiful and perfect since then, and I see everyone else as beautiful and perfect too."

Her greatest goal, she says, is to draw us back to our common humanity and remind us we're part of something greater than ourselves.

"We don't run the world," she said. "We can't save the world. The world saves us."

But we can protect it from further degradation. And we can connect ourselves to it in ways that teach us important lessons about what brought us to this moment.

Peterman gives a presentation called, "The National Parks Are the Glue That Holds Our Country Together." In it, she talks about the legacy of this nation's black, brown, Asian and Native American ancestors.

"When we understand those things, no person can come back to us and say, 'We are taking back our country,'" she said.

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"The first time I went to Valley Forge," she said, "when I learned that, in that dire winter  when Gen. Washington's army did not have clothing, did not have shoes, had to forage for wood and food and left their bloody footprints in the snow  when I learned there were black men and Native American men there, nobody can tell me I don't have a place here.

"When I go to the Everglades, and I know it's part of the Underground Railroad, where my ancestors traveled south and ended up in Haiti and Cuba and the Bahamas," she continued, "I know the battles that got us where we are today."

All over the country, all through time, she said, she has learned about the strength of the human spirit.

"I cannot be made afraid," she said. "Love is the greatest force on Earth.

"We are called upon to love each other. And when you're in nature, you can really see how much you are loved and how much has been given to you."

hstevens@chicagotribune.com

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A supporter of then-presidential candidate Donald Trump gets emotional as the election results begin to break for Trump during a party at a hotel in downtown Phoenix on Nov. 8, 2016. (Laura Segall / AFP/Getty Images)

I don't understand white women.

Fifty-three percent of you chose an indisputably unqualified man for a job over a woman who could run circles around him.

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Isn't that the very thing you're always complaining about in the workplace?

Here, you had an opportunity to place a woman in the most coveted position in our land. And you blew it.

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For the life of me, I can't figure out what to make of that.

It wasn't like the qualifications of the two candidates were even close. His resume made him look like an apprentice compared with her stellar achievements. Yet, you decided that he deserved the job.

Perhaps you thought he was a better fit. How many times have women heard that excuse when being turned down for a position? After all, the predominantly male power structure  the Congress in this case  would feel more comfortable with someone at the helm who looks and thinks like them.

We know how quickly they dismissed everything that African-American man had to say over the last eight years. Certainly, a woman couldn't fare any better than President Barack Obama. What America needs at this point in time is a white man who knows how to get things done.

And white women, exit polls show that you apparently bought into that ridiculous, stereotypical notion.

It wasn't just the uneducated ones who voted for Trump, either. Forty-five percent of you hold college degrees.

Black women thought you were serious about breaking that glass ceiling. But when you were close enough to touch it, you turned around and walked away. Maybe it wasn't all that important to you after all.

If white women struggle to achieve equal status with white men, know that it is twice as difficult for black women. Still, 94 percent of black women voted for Clinton. And unlike white men, of which 63 percent voted for Trump, 80 percent of black men voted for Clinton.

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So while everyone's pointing a finger at someone else for messing up this election, when it comes to black voters, you need to keep your hands in your pocket. Don't dare accuse black voters of staying home in urban cities like Detroit, Milwaukee, Philadelphia, Cincinnati and Cleveland and allowing rural white voters to outnumber them at the polls. Latino women turned out in stronger numbers than you too. Sixty-eight percent of them voted for Clinton.

Everyone else did their part. You didn't do yours.

Of course, I'm not blaming every white woman. The 43 percent of you who voted for Hillary Clinton are as dumbfounded as black women are. Clearly, there's a problem within your ranks, and you didn't even realize it.

According to a study by the Center for Talent Innovation, a New York-based think tank that studies labor trends involving gender and other areas, black women and white women view power in completely different ways.

As it turns out, black women are nearly three times more likely to aspire to a powerful position with a prestigious title than white women. The reason is simple. Black women are used to being in control.

We come from a long line of matriarchs  black women who prevailed as breadwinners despite a relentless undertow of discrimination and economic hardship, according to the 2014 study, "Ambition in Black and White: The Feminist Narrative Revised."

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But here's the problem. Despite our hunger for leadership roles, black women for the most part are invisible to corporate management. African-American women hold only about 5 percent of managerial and professional positions.

We don't have anyone in our corner, either. Only 11 percent of black women have sponsors or senior advocates, according to the study.

Though white women are ambitious, the study showed, they tend to have misconceptions about power, which keep them from pursuing leadership positions. According to the study, 56 percent of white women believe the burdens of leadership outweigh the rewards.

The study surmises that their ambivalence is likewise shaped by history. For centuries, the study said, white women have been confined to homemaker and helpmate roles  norms that have proven difficult to escape.

In other words, some white women carry a lot of guilt about being in charge. They'd rather sit back and let their men take over.

I know lots of white women who defy these characteristics. They're smart, ambitious, fearless and driven. Indeed, Hillary Clinton, is one of them.

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But, political leanings aside, I can't help but wonder if this is why some white women voted against their own self-interest.

A friend who teaches at a major university in Texas told me that her white female students offered various reasons for voting for Trump, ranging from anti-abortion to taxes. She's convinced that some women blindly followed their men who convinced them that they should support Trump for political reasons, while overlooking his blatant misogyny.

Who knows if that's what really happened. What we do know is that white women have to accept a large part of the blame for why Hillary Clinton isn't going to be the first female POTUS.

And as far as black women are concerned, you can be sure of this: We're going to think long and hard the next time white women ask us to follow them up a ladder so they can leave us out on a ledge.

dglanton@chicagotribune.com

Twitter @dahleeng
I receive many fine letters from readers, but only one came stuffed into the mouth of a fish.

A dead, dry, stuffed fish it was, a dark green smallmouth bass.

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"This fish is a little dry," said the cryptic note. "Let's meet for some fresher fish at Shaw's."

It was on a square of canvas, a detail from the famous "The Rahmfather" portrait of Mayor Rahm Emanuel as Michael Corleone in "The Godfather" that still hangs on my office wall.

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"The Rahmfather" arrived mysteriously on the loading dock the year before. Who sent it? No one knew. Mayor Emanuel, aka Mayor Rahmfather, wanted it. Each time he'd visit the Tribune he'd ask me if he could have it.

And I kept saying, "No" because it was just too cool to give up.

After the fish arrived, I went to the shadowy lunch with Tribune cartoonist Scott Stantis as one of my bodyguards. I wondered if we'd end up on the floor, with two in the back of the head, Outfit style.

We were ushered into a private room. A man sat at a table.

"Please don't kill me," said Stantis, bravely.

And there was Eric Brightfield, father of "The Rahmfather," with a grin.

He promised he wouldn't have us killed, but would we care for oysters to start?

"That was so Eric, wasn't it?" said his wife, Dawn, who was at FitzGerald's in Berwyn the other night with her and her husband's sons Evan, 24, and Luke, 21.

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"He loved that Rahmfather epic," Dawn said. "That was so Eric."

It was a memorial service for Brightfield, 56, the creative genius and owner of ImageFiction, which creates amazing virtual buildings and video of everything from skyscrapers to the refurbished Wrigley Field from architectural drawings.

Brightfield died, friends said, along Chicago's Riverwalk last Thursday around sunset, as he was warming up for a workout with a trainer, surrounded by the beautiful buildings he loved.

Brightfield was a friend to many and perhaps Oak Park's most notorious prankster. There were so many people at FitzGerald's expressing their love for him and his family that there was no place to sit, hardly a place to stand, and the crowd spilled outside, listening to the stories.

Stories of his best pranks and memories of his legendary Halloween parties at FitzGerald's, transforming the club into Studio 54 one year, a tribute to Dead Rock Stars the next.

Artist Eric Brightfield, left, Chicago Mayor Rahm Emanuel, Chicago Tribune columnist John Kass, and Brightfield's son, Evan Brightfield, pose beside a "Rahmfather" print created by Eric Brightfield. The print was presented to mayor Emanuel at his downtown office on Dec. 20, 2012. (Chris Sweda / Chicago Tribune)

One year he put up Christmas lights at his home and had a realistic mannequin hanging from the gutter, with a ladder off to the side.

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"Police, firefighters, neighbors, people would just stop and think a man was falling off the roof," said his friend and neighbor of 27 years, Steve Parker. "And it didn't look like a mannequin. He set the bend of the knee just right, the ladder off to the side, a string of lights falling. It looked like a man fighting for his life, and it scared people. He was that good and he loved it."

Outside FitzGerald's was "Brightfield's Bleachers," a replica of the bleachers at Wrigley Field that he'd helped club owner Bill FitzGerald put together so neighborhood Cubs fans could sit outside and watch the World Series. FitzGerald had set a giant TV screen in one end of the lot. And Brightfield made sure the bleachers were just so.

"He had this amazing creative ability," FitzGerald said. "We had the bleachers set up before the series. He printed out the grandstands, the ivy on this gigantic printer he had. He loved people and fantastic things, and his mind never stopped creating. And he woke up every day, thinking, 'What's going to be fantastic about this day?' That was Eric."

And this was Eric too: When he heard that Mayor Emanuel wanted a copy of "The Rahmfather," he made sure to make one.

We brought it over to City Hall before Christmas a few years ago, Brightfield and his son Evan  who inspired his father to make the original "Rahmfather"  along with reporter Will Lee, who wrapped the gift in Snoopy Christmas paper, and me.

The mayor loved it, and some fools stupidly suggested Rahm and I would soon have something of a bromance.

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No bromance, but Emanuel loves the portrait still, keeping it on display in his office to this day in a frame we gave him with a brass plaque inscribed in an ancient language: Beware of Greeks bearing gifts.

"Remember," Brightfield whispered to me, "off the record, yours is bigger."

He was a phenomenon, a "supernova, no filters, no boundaries," said his friend Parker.

"When he'd just moved onto the block, one of the neighbors had a great Christmas display of lights," Parker said. "And this neighbor came over, worried, having received an official letter from the village, warning him about the lights.

"It said: 'We have received several complaints related to your extensive Christmas display. Although the village encourages ethnic diversity, and we understand that this display is only an extension of your strong religious beliefs, we have received numerous complaints. Air traffic controllers have complained, and several residents have also complained about power outages. Perhaps you can turn off your lights after 7 p.m. so that the children could get some sleep'," Parker read.

"And the neighbor was upset, but then we looked at the signature.

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"It was officially signed 'Ima Grinchski."

Ima Grinch-ski?

"Yeah," Parker said. "That was so Eric."

Listen to "The Chicago Way"  radio free Chicago in podcast form  at http://wgnplus.com/category/thechicagoway/.

jskass@chicagotribune.com

Twitter@John_Kass
The post-election meltdown has set some on edge as to what may come up in conversation at the family Thanksgiving get-together. (Bryan R. Smith / AFP/Getty Images)

Many Americans, afraid of almost everything these days  so afraid of being afraid that they're easily herded like political livestock  will look to Thanksgiving with just one thing on their minds:

Fear.

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It's true and you know it. You're afraid somebody will say something. And you're afraid that you'll respond, and you will.

That's when the jellied cranberry hits the floor.

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And Mom starts saying, "No! No! No!" and a Mr. Kass archetype shouts at you to move to Canada and don't come back, and soon, old and young are wrestling on the floor saying hurtful things like "I hate you!" that can't be unsaid.

That's when your loving Thanksgiving family becomes just like the Twittersphere, but with real people you know and once loved, instead of hatefully anonymous cartoon heads.

But don't worry.

I've come up with a few hints so that you may have a nice Thanksgiving without having to call 911 and wait in the driveway for the cops like a jabbering sweaty mob.

I know what you're afraid of. It's the political talk. It just might be safer in our postmodern America to argue about religion.

Because if you talk politics, and you know that you will, some jolly conservative uncle might trigger you with comments about the Electoral College and minority rights and the future of the republic.

Or the brilliant liberal niece covered in safety pins might do the triggering, condemning half of the dining room table as racists, Cheetos lovers and illiterates.

And that nice Rockwell moment, with Dad in his cardigan carving the brined turkey, will turn to hell as everybody shouts curses and Grandmother begins to weep.

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What's worse is that after the fight, the hostess will have to be brave and say, her eyes terribly bright: "Anyone for dessert?"

And everyone will feel guilty, until somebody says something and it starts all over again.

So to not let that happen, here's what you might consider:

Drinking.

I don't mean a timid sip of sherry either, but pounding down a series of scotch and sodas or Manhattans or martinis even before you reach for the lightly salted mixed nuts.

(And just as an aside, why is it that somebody always rudely picks out all the Brazil nuts and the cashews and leaves the peanuts? Don't you hate that?)

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So drink instead, preferably on an empty stomach, and drink hearty.

Alcohol, which is often given a bad name at family gatherings, might make you happy and funny and content and tolerant of opposing views. It might cause you to compose limericks that make everyone laugh in thanks.

Or, when your conservative uncle says that democracy is really "two wolves and a lamb voting on dinner," you might just stab his hand with a fork, pinning it to your aunt's dinner table, as you smile and watch his eyes.

On second thought, don't use alcohol. But we have to do something.

What about segregation, not racial, which everyone knows is wrong, but gender-based?

Just send all those evil white males in the family down into the basement and lock the door. If you don't have white males at Thanksgiving, you're cool.

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You don't have to be cruel. Toss a turkey leg down the steps; maybe send a child with a tray of queso dip and chips.

"How long?" some might whine.

You: "For eternity!"

"I watch CNN, so why do I have to stay here with the uneducated?" another might bleat.

You: "Shut up and check your privilege!"

Don't give in no matter how they beg. Keep them in the basement until they're about 80 years old and relatively harmless.

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Unless of course, there is a war or space alien attack; then you may let the young ones out to join the Army to defend us.

But for God's sake, keep those who are over 35 down there for a good 40 years until they're no longer dangerous.

After a few days, they'll begin to devour each other.

Now, you might get lucky and have a Thanksgiving gathering of people who don't give two figs for politics. But that means you have a house full of 7-year-olds and all they'll want is mac and cheese, so good luck with that.

But what if your liberal relations and friends start acting up on Thanksgiving?

They're agitated still. And they might be surly. You'll know they're spoiling for trouble if they say something like, "A book? You've actually read a book? Without pictures?" and titter into the backs of their hand.

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Or, what if a few accuse the host and hostess of promoting a deplorable feast as gluttonous thanks to a Supreme Being that they insist does not exist?

"You're in charge of the means of production and you offer this groaning table while others are in need? What would Elizabeth Warren say?"

You can't very well lock them downstairs with the white males. So the best thing would be to just shut up and smile and apologize for everything. Don't provoke them.

Just stare at the festive holiday Jell-O on your plate, examining the floating fruit chunks in that horrid gelatinous mass, and give silent thanks that you're all together again in one house.

On Thanksgiving.

Listen to a new episode of "The Chicago Way" podcast here: wgnplus.com/category/thechicagoway.

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jskass@chicagotribune.com

Twitter @John_kass
Susan Bragg, an avid Hillary Clinton supporter, will be spending Thanksgiving with members of her family who voted for Donald Trump. (Annie Grossinger / Chicago Tribune)

His emotions still raw over the presidential election, Mike Risley is nervous about politics getting in the way of peace this Thanksgiving.

The 59-year-old Naperville man said he, his wife and their three 20-something sons are used to being the blue sheep in a mostly red flock at gatherings of their extended kin. But, this year's get-together seems especially fraught with stress.

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"I won't even talk to my family," Risley said. "We're still going (to Thanksgiving dinner), but it's going to be tense. We just disagree."

Psychology experts say the particularly contentious election could exacerbate typical family squabbling this holiday season, especially among relatives on separate sides of the political fence who may be seeing each other for the first time since Donald Trump's stunning victory.

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Holiday gatherings can already be rife with tension when some family members don't particularly get along. Add to that differing political opinions and the flow of wine, and it can be a recipe for conflict, said Mark Reinecke, chief psychologist at Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine.

"There's a level of tension and pressure that's just naturally there," he said. "Beyond that, you're bringing together family members ... who don't get together very often. It's been a divisive couple of months. They're going to share their thoughts and opinions.

"There's always an uncle who's a bit ... unfiltered," Reinecke said.

And while a civil discussion among those who differ politically isn't impossible, "if it's a family where this could become ... divisive, then it's probably best to not talk about politics," he said. "It's a tug of war. Just don't engage in it."

In the best scenario, the holidays could actually provide an opportunity for families to understand another political perspective from those they know best.

For those who do wade into political talk this holiday season, Reinecke and other experts say avoid personal attacks, be respectful and remember the value of family and the common ground you share.

But Risley said his strategy this year will be avoidance of the election when he sees his Trump-supporting relatives. He's advised his children to do the same.

"We're telling (the kids) not to bring it up unless somebody else brings it up," Risley said. And, "be civil."

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Looking ahead to Christmas, though, Risley said for now he's planning to skip the gathering they usually attend at another family member's home because, "I'm still so mad."

While avoiding controversial conversation is one thing, psychologists say completely shunning family gatherings could be extreme and unnecessary, though it appears to be happening as a result of the election.

Reinecke said he's heard of someone dis-inviting a daughter to Thanksgiving dinner after learning how she voted on Election Day.

"That is a concern," he said. "She's going to remember that for the rest of her life."

It's one thing to "de-friend" people on Facebook, which appears to be a common as of late. It's another to cut family ties, added Claudia Pitts, clinical psychologist and professor at National Louis University.

Instead, experts suggest tips to get through the day, which is supposed to be a celebration of family, not a political debate.

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"These are relationships that I hope outlast a presidency," Pitts said. "Remind yourself that even though you disagree with these people, these are your people."

Pitts has developed a slogan for politically divided families this season: "Diffuse, distract and decline."

Diffuse by "softening" any polarizing comments and try to find common ground, distract by changing the subject away from politics and decline by directly saying, "Can we not talk about this? I don't want to mess up this holiday," Pitts said.

She also advises minimizing alcohol consumption, using humor to lighten a conversation if it risks turning angry and even developing a "safe word" with someone who could use it as a signal to get you out of a conversation when needed.

It's also best to prepare for the holiday by getting a good night's sleep, she added: "Don't get yourself in such a state that you're exhausted and upset before you show up."

Reinecke also suggests that hosts be proactive in developing positive dinner conversation, recalling his own Thanksgiving dinner last year when his wife provided colored pencils and paper turkeys for guests to color. Hosts could also purchase conversation cards, which suggest topics for the dinner table, he said.

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"There are all kinds of things that gently direct people away from politics," he said. "The larger goal is, this is meant to be Thanksgiving. Nobody is going to change somebody else's political beliefs, so don't try."

But, Matt Motyl, professor of psychology and political science at University of Illinois-Chicago, said it's important to confront the tough topic.

"If we don't have these conversations, there's no way to understand the other side," he said. "We just have these negative caricatures."

Motyl acknowledges that "doesn't make these conversations any easier ... but I would argue if we try to go into these conversations and push aside the stereotypes ... then we might be more open-minded."

The advantage of hearing the opposing political view from family, he said, "is that family is probably not going to disown us. ... Families presumably love each other. It's hard to love somebody and just assume they're evil or ignorant. You give them more latitude when they do something you disagree with."

Members of the Bragg family said they're able to discuss their political differences and still remain a close unit.

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For Susan Bragg, 64, of Chicago's Norwood Park neighborhood, completely avoiding politics over the holidays may not be possible.

Her siblings and their families got together the weekend after Election Day, when she soon discovered she was in the minority of her siblings when it came to her political leanings and her fierce support of Hillary Clinton.

While there were some uncomfortable moments, Bragg said the family still had a great time, and will remain tight despite their differences. And, while she'll try to avoid conflict at Thanksgiving, Bragg said she can't completely avoid the topic forever.

"I can't keep silent. I will keep needling them because I'm right," she joked.

But she said she'll choose her moments wisely. "You love them because they're family and you'll find other things to talk about and be happy about."

She will spend Thanksgiving with her brother Bruce Bragg, 62, who said he has no problem avoiding arguments during political conversations, even if close family members disagree with him.

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"I'm not going to argue. If someone feels that way, that's fine. That's how they voted," said Bruce Bragg, who voted for Trump.

He said he's already had several conversations with his daughter Sheryl Colaur and her wife, who supported Clinton and want him to understand their views. At Christmastime, Bruce Bragg and his wife will travel out of state to spend time with both of his daughters.

Colaur, 31, said her sister suggested to the family that there be no political talk during holiday gatherings because of differences of opinion.

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Colaur said she's also worried about being around other family members who voted for Trump. She said she's already had to diffuse conversations during family gathering throughout the campaign season.

She's even blocked certain family members on Facebook, who have also blocked her.

"I can have respectful disagreements," Colaur said, but added she thinks this election has brought out too many negative exchanges. "So I never bring it up, but I can't stay quiet."

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Because of that potential for negativity, Northwestern's Reinecke said that while learning about each other's political differences has value, there's a time and a place, calling to mind Aristotle's philosophy that "man is a political animal."

"Yeah," he said, "but not over the Thanksgiving table."

kthayer@chicagotribune.com

Twitter @knthayer
Todd Ricketts, right, hugs sister Laura as brother Tom address the crowd at the Cubs' World Series rally at Grant Park on Nov. 2, 2016. (Charles Rex Arbogast / AP)

Chicago Cubs co-owner Todd Ricketts is scheduled to meet with Donald Trump on Saturday, a day the president-elect also is to talk to Mitt Romney and retired Marine Corps Gen. Jim Mattis about potential posts in a new White House cabinet.

An aide to Ricketts deferred comment on the meeting to Trump's transition team, which announced the president-elect's Saturday schedule to reporters in New York.

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"These meetings that the president-elect is holding are showing that he is meeting some of the best, brightest and most qualified people, not only to fill specific roles within the administration, but also to give advice and counsel," Trump spokesman Jason Miller said. The meetings will be held in Bedminster, N.J.

Ricketts was an influential factor in late campaign season fundraising for two allied groups that backed Trump: the Future45 super political action committee and the related independent expenditure 45 Committee, which does not have to disclose its donors.

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The groups got a late fall infusion of cash via commitments from casino magnate Sheldon Adelson and his wife, Miriam, as well as from Joe Ricketts, the patriarch of the family who founded TD Ameritrade.

The Adelsons gave $5 million to the super PAC and pledged $25 million more to the effort to back Trump, and Joe Ricketts donated $1 million to the super PAC. Todd Ricketts told supporters in late September that the pro-Trump effort was on its way toward raising $70 million, CNN reported at the time.

Todd Ricketts also was an at-large delegate for Trump in the Illinois delegation to the Republican National Convention in July and took part in Chicago and suburban fundraisers for his presidential candidacy. He is a board member of TD Ameritrade and a business investor and consultant.

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The Ricketts family's involvement in the Trump effort was a sharp turnaround from the primary campaign, when they funded the anti-Trump Our Principles PAC. That prompted Trump to warn on Twitter in February: "They better be careful, they have a lot to hide."

At that time, the Rickettses were heavily invested with Wisconsin Gov. Scott Walker's White House bid. Todd Ricketts was a donor to a Walker-aligned super PAC and the family's matriarch, Marlene Ricketts of Nebraska, donated $5 million to it.

Also scheduled to visit Trump on Saturday is Romney, the GOP's unsuccessful 2012 presidential candidate and a sharp critic of the president-elect during the campaign. There has been speculation that Romney could be offered the post of secretary of state.

Mattis, a retired Marine general who served as head of U.S. Central Command, also will meet with Trump. He is being touted as a possible secretary of defense.

Others on the Trump list for Saturday include a pair of potential candidates for education secretary: Betsy DeVos, who's from an influential Republican family from Michigan, and Michelle Rhee, a former District of Columbia schools chancellor.

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Twitter @rap30
News / National

by Staff reporter

Samantha & I are pleased to welcome our new born daughter. She is a blessing to us. Whatever you do in life always fight for your family pic.twitter.com/Fy6nFTrvWz  #ThisFlag E Mawarire (@PastorEvanLive) November 17, 2016

Zimbabwe's #ThisFlag protest pastor Evan Mawarire has a new daughter, he said on Twitter Thursday in an announcement that may make his decision to take his family into exile four months ago more understandable."Samantha & I are pleased to welcome our new born daughter. She is a blessing to us. Whatever you do in life always fight for your family," Mawarire tweeted.See his tweet below:Launched online in April, Mawarire's #ThisFlag movement against state corruption and poverty rattled longtime president Robert Mugabe and his government to an extent not seen for years.In a short time, the 39-year-old pastor managed to inspire Zimbabweans to speak up and take action, notably in supporting a mass stayaway in July. But Mawarire was arrested soon afterwards and faced serious charges. He spent a night in custody, was released after a day in court to huge celebrations - and then left almost immediately for South Africa and the US, taking his family with him.It is likely that the baby was born in the US, though that has not been confirmed.Mawarire posted a photo of himself holding a newborn on his verified Twitter account. His shirt was emblazoned with the word Zimbabwe.He already had two young children when he launched #ThisFlag : in fact, he has previously said that he made his first protest video out of frustration when he could not find the money for school fees. It was not widely known that his wife was expecting another child.The pastor has come in for some criticism for "abandoning" the movement when he did, however necessary it was for his and his family's safety.Some Zimbabweans immediately took to Twitter to offer their congratulations.
Jason Van Dyke approaches the bench as his case is called for a status hearing Nov. 2, 2016, at the Leighton Criminal Court Building in Chicago. (Nancy Stone / Chicago Tribune)

The special prosecutor assigned to investigate a possible cover-up by Chicago police in the fatal shooting of Laquan McDonald said in court Wednesday that a special grand jury has been impaneled to hear evidence in the case.

Patricia Brown Holmes, the special prosecutor, said the special grand jury will begin issuing subpoenas over the next 30 to 45 days. She did not disclose if the grand jury has heard any evidence yet, but she said she will file documents under seal on Thursday with Leroy Martin Jr., the presiding judge at the Leighton Criminal Court Building.

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During the brief hearing before Martin, Holmes said the special grand jury is made up of 26 people  16 grand jurors and 10 alternates.

Martin named Holmes to look into whether officers lied to justify the October 2014 shooting of 17-year-old McDonald. Holmes' investigation also could extend to police supervisors, according to lawyers who sought the appointment of a special prosecutor.

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A dashboard camera video of the shooting showed Officer Jason Van Dyke opening fire within seconds of exiting his police SUV as McDonald walked away with a knife in his hand, contradicting many of the officers' written accounts that the teen had lunged at police with the knife.

Van Dyke is awaiting trial on first-degree murder charges.

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Police Superintendent Eddie Johnson recently moved to fire Van Dyke, three other patrol officers and a sergeant he accused of lying about the shooting.

Grand jury proceedings are kept secret by law. Grand jurors can ask questions and help steer the investigation, but the prosecutor typically still plays a key role in who, if anyone, would be indicted.

Holmes has said the investigation could last anywhere from weeks to months before the grand jury decides whether to indict any officers or not.

In February, a coalition of about 25 community groups, prominent attorneys and a member of McDonald's family filed a petition asking that a special prosecutor be appointed to investigate not only McDonald's shooting but also the officers at the scene. State's Attorney Anita Alvarez opposed a special prosecutor during her hard-fought re-election effort earlier this year, but after her primary loss, she withdrew her opposition.

Judge Vincent Gaughan, who is overseeing the criminal case against Van Dyke, appointed Kane County State's Attorney Joseph McMahon as a separate special prosecutor to handle the prosecution of Van Dyke.

sschmadeke@chicagotribune.com

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Twitter @SteveSchmadeke
Three people were indicted on charges of aiding a fugitive and obstruction of justice stemming from the Oct. 28 fatal shooting of a 39-year-old Park Forest resident.

Earlier this week, Josiah A. Clark, 34, was indicted on a charge of first-degree murder in the Oct. 28 homicide of Jason McCullough.

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Police found McCullough dead from at least one gunshot wound about 5:45 p.m. Oct. 28 after being called to his home in the 200 block of Arcadia Street, police previously said. An autopsy later determined McCullough died of multiple gunshot wounds.

Detectives believed the shooting stemmed from a dispute between two people who knew each other, according to the release.

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On Friday, police announced that three other people had been indicted on charges related to the homicide.

Imanee Davis, 18, of Park Forest, and Jabari Davis, 38, of Chicago Heights, each face a charge of aiding a fugitive, according to a news release from the Park Forest Police Department. Joshanda Clark, 35, of Glenwood, faces a count of obstructing justice.

A warrant was first issued for Clark's arrest Oct. 31, and he was arrested Nov. 2 in Minneapolis, according to records. He remained Friday in the Hennepin County Jail on $2 million bail, according to the jail's website. His next court hearing there is scheduled for Dec. 7.
The man accused of shooting a Bensenville store clerk during a holdup testified Thursday that he was not involved in the crime.

Stephan A. Russell, 23, of Chicago, was the final person to take the witness stand in his trial, where he is charged with the first-degree murder of Hussein Saghir.

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Saghir was shot outside Sam's Tobacco and Food Mart on the night of Jan. 29, 2014. Two friends of Russell accused their fellow street gang member of shooting Saghir, but Russell denied it.

"I wouldn't shoot him at all. I didn't shoot him," he told jurors at his DuPage County trial.

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Attorneys are expected to present their closing arguments Friday afternoon before giving the case to the jury.

Earlier Thursday, Russell's sister and mother testified that he was home at the time Saghir, 36, confronted two men in hooded sweatshirts outside his store. One of the men was armed and he shot Saghir once as the storekeeper tried to keep the robbers at bay.

Saghir's brother and 3-year-old nephew were inside the store, and police say Saghir was trying to keep the robbers out.

Several weeks after the shooting, authorities arrested three men. Two of them, Kenneth Bardlett and Tremayne Davis, identified Russell as the shooter. Russell's attorney, Roger Malavia, contends that Davis actually shot Saghir.

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A video camera captured images of the shooting, including the gunman's distinctive maroon hooded sweatshirt. Davis admitted that the sweatshirt belonged to him, but testified that Russell put it on before he and Bardlett committed the attempted holdup.

In his testimony, though, Russell said that at the time of the shooting, he was at his mother's apartment in the 3500 block of West Armitage.

"I had a responsibility," he said. "I was watching my siblings."

Police arrested him in March 2014, about two months after the slaying, and an officer reported that Russell said that he wouldn't shoot anyone unless it was in self-defense. He admitted in court that he made the statement, but said it wasn't made in relationship the shooting of Saghir. Under cross examination, Russell said he was unable to provide context for the statement.

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Authorities say Russell, Bardlett and Davis drove to the Irving Park Road store in Bardlett's van, followed by two men, also gang members, in a second vehicle. Following the slaying, police released video of the holdup to the media, which led to the arrest of the trio. The other two men were not charged.

Both Davis and Bardlett made plea agreements for lesser sentences in exchange for testimony. Bardlett, however, refused to answer almost any questions about the shooting when he testified this week.

Clifford Ward is a freelance reporter.
Years before he became the unofficial "Mayor of Chinatown," celebrated chef Tony Hu says he left his family's Sichuan Province farm in shame after bombing a college entrance exam.

Over the next three decades, Hu used that humiliating experience to fuel his ambition, training as a chef and building a thriving restaurant business in Chicago that prosecutors said did nearly $40 million in annual sales.

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But on Friday, Hu, twice turned and gave a full bow in a federal courtroom packed with supporters before he apologized to his family for entangling them in a scheme to hide nearly $10 million in cash receipts over a five-year period, skirting about $1 million in sales taxes to Illinois.

"I feel such a shame for what I have done," he said in a quiet, raspy voice. "I was very proud of my accomplishments. But now I am lost. I cannot sleep, I cannot eat, sometimes I feel like I don't want to live."

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U.S. District Judge Amy St. Eve sentenced the restaurateur to a year and a day in prison and fined him $100,000. The extra day qualifies Hu for good time credit.

Hu had already paid $1.087 million in court-ordered restitution, selling several restaurants to generate the cash, his lawyer said.

"This court cannot send the message" that if you're wealthy enough to pay restitution "you can walk," St. Eve said. "You've lived the American Dream, but that does not give you the license to ... defraud the state."

Lawyers for Hu, 49, sought probation, but prosecutors asked for about 4 1/2 years in prison.

Just three days after he was charged in May, Hu pleaded guilty to wire fraud and money laundering charges. As part of the deal, prosecutors agreed not to charge the family members he'd brought into the scheme.

When the FBI raided Hu's Chinatown home two years ago, agents discovered a veritable "assembly line" for doctoring sales records for the two sets of books he kept for his businesses, federal prosecutors said.

Three piles of receipts were found in Hu's living room: records on his couch still to be doctored, those already altered with handwritten figures that grossly underreported what his restaurants actually took in, and cash receipts and income reports from restaurant managers that he planned to destroy, prosecutors alleged.

St. Eve said agents seized more than 100 large garbage bags stuffed with receipts. Hu was training his nephew in the scheme, chastising him at one point for showing him the actual sales records instead of the cooked books, prosecutors said.

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Hu's attorneys said Hu had been trained to report only part of the receipts when he took an ownership interest in his first Chinatown restaurant and simply continued the practice as his business expanded.

"Tony foolishly believed this was the practice of doing business in Chinatown," said Sheldon Zenner, his lead lawyer.

But Assistant U.S. Attorney William Ridgway scoffed at that explanation.

"Greed is the only explanation," Ridgway said. "Why else would you perpetuate a fraud of this magnitude?"

A 2012 Tribune feature on Hu indicated he had ambitious plans for the next five years, including opening restaurants in New York, San Francisco and Los Angeles and even having his company, Tony Gourmet Group, traded publicly on the stock market.

The probe became public in October 2014 when FBI and IRS agents raided eight of Hu's restaurants in Chicago and a ninth in suburban Downers Grove. The restaurants had to be shuttered for several hours as agents carted out boxes of records.

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As part of the probe, agents dined while undercover at two of Hu's restaurants to try to learn more about how a record of transactions was maintained, even questioning waiters on the subject, the court records show.

It's unclear how many restaurants Hu now runs, but at one time his business numbered as many as a dozen restaurants, the bulk of them concentrated within a half-square-mile area near the heart of Chinatown.

He was best known for the Lao Sze Chuan franchise, but he also owned restaurants in the north and west suburbs and even Connecticut and Las Vegas at one time.

Hu, whose given name is Hu Xiaojun, is a naturalized U.S. citizen and will not face deportation because of his felony conviction. Zenner told the judge Friday he would seek permission for Hu to visit his elderly mother in China before reporting to prison in February.

The acclaimed chef hasn't yet explained to her why he's going to prison, Zenner said.

sschmadeke@chicagotribune.com

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El Rukn operated out of this heavily fortified former movie theater called the fort in the 3900 block of South Drexel Boulevard in the Oakland neighborhood in the 1980s. (Chicago Tribune)

Derrick Kees is a convicted killer, a onetime member of the El Rukn gang's notorious "hit team" responsible for dozens of murders and attempted murders ordered by gang leader Jeff Fort.

Having already served decades in state prison for murder, Kees, 59, has for the past three years been serving out a 25-year sentence on federal racketeering conspiracy charges, a term that should keep him locked up well into his 70s.

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But now, a federal judge is being asked to spring Kees from prison early. And it's not Kees' lawyers who made the request.

In an unusual motion filed Thursday, the U.S. attorney's office sought to reduce Kees' sentence to 12 years in exchange for his anticipated testimony in an ongoing trial involving another alleged former El Rukn general, Nathson Fields, who claims he was framed in an infamous 1984 double murder that sent him to death row.

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If U.S. District Judge Rebecca Pallmeyer approves, Kees could be freed as soon as November 2021  as much as 13 years early.

It's the second time in less than two years that prosecutors have gone to bat for an imprisoned El Rukn hit man in exchange for testimony in Fields' civil proceedings.

In December 2014, the Tribune first reported that Earl Hawkins, a former El Rukn general once described by prosecutors as a "trained killer," was quietly released from prison at least 10 years early after he testified against Fields at a hearing over his petition for innocence as well as at the first trial over Fields' lawsuit.

Ironically, federal prosecutors cite Hawkins' release after 30 years in custody in their argument that Kees' time should be reduced, saying his sentence "will still exceed that of all the other cooperating El Rukn witnesses."

But the filing does not mention prosecutors' role in obtaining Hawkins' early release. The jury that had awarded Fields only $80,000 in damages had not been told of the release, a key reason why U.S. District Judge Matthew Kennelly overturned that verdict and granted Fields the new trial now underway.

Kees' motion has lawyers for Fields once again demanding answers. After Fields' trial wrapped for the day on Thursday, attorney Jon Loevy likened the move to paying off a witness.

"We want to see every communication between the federal government and the people at this table," said Loevy, pointing at lawyers representing the city and two Chicago police detectives accused in the alleged frame-up.

Kennelly ordered the defense to turn over any emails or other messages exchanged with the U.S. attorney's office about the request to reduce Kees' sentence.

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Attorney Leonard Goodman, who represents Fields in separate litigation seeking a certificate of innocence, told the Tribune on Friday that while commonplace in criminal cases, it's highly unusual for federal prosecutors to cut deals with prisoners in exchange for testimony in a civil trial. He alleged that unless there's a bona fide public safety reason to negotiate for a prisoner's release, it's tantamount to bribery.

"I've never seen it," Goodman said. "What possible public safety reason could there be in a civil trial to be letting serial killers out of prison?"

Joseph Fitzpatrick, a spokesman for U.S. Attorney Zachary Fardon, had no comment Friday.

For three decades, Kees has figured prominently in the historic but also controversial El Rukn prosecutions that decimated the gang's leadership.

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In 1988, Kees was convicted in state court in the 1981 machine-gun slaying of El Rukn rival Willie "Dollar Bill" Bibbs outside a bar and sentenced to 55 years in prison. Facing even more time in a federal racketeering case, Kees cooperated with authorities and wound up testifying against many of his cohorts, including implicating Fields in the 1984 double murder of Jerome "Fuddy" Smith and Talman Hickman.

Kees testified at numerous proceedings that he had helped plan the Smith and Hickman murders and that after they were carried out, Fields reported to him that it was "a good exercise."

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Both Fields and Hawkins were convicted. But Circuit Judge Thomas Maloney, who presided over the bench trial, himself was later convicted of pocketing $10,000 to fix the case, only to return the money in the midst of the trial when he suspected the FBI was onto the bribe. Maloney instead convicted Hawkins and Fields and sentenced both to death. The judge was later sentenced to almost 16 years in prison for fixing that trial as well as another murder trial.

The El Rukn cases were also fraught with allegations of misconduct by the U.S. attorney's office. Several convictions were reversed after it was alleged that former gang leaders cooperating with the government received clothing, money and other gifts, obtained drugs and even had conjugal visits with their wives in federal offices.

In 1993, an inmate at the Metropolitan Correctional Center, where numerous cooperating El Rukns were being held, told authorities looking into the misconduct that he saw Kees smoking marijuana inside the jail, according to Tribune reports.

jmeisner@chicagotribune.com

Twitter @jmetr22b
A person was fatally stabbed at the Hawthorne Race Course Nov. 16, 2016, police said.

A man who authorities said was stabbed to death in the horse stable area at Hawthorne Race Course in Stickney has been identified, officials said Friday.

Three men had been in custody Thursday in connection with the stabbing, but Stickney police provided no new details about the incident.

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The dead man was identified as Rodrigo Flores-Garcia, 30, by the Cook County medical examiner's office. He was listed as living in Cicero, which borders the racetrack.

The police received a call about 6 p.m. Wednesday about an unresponsive person in the stable area, which is not accessible to the public, authorities said. The racetrack is located at 3501 S. Laramie Ave. in Stickney.

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The man was transferred to MacNeal Hospital in Berwyn, but succumbed to his injuries.

Police initiated a homicide investigation and detained who they said were three persons of interests. The Cook County state's attorney's office Thursday had no information on the victim or the three people in custody.

Stickney police said they will release more information to the public when it becomes available.

Hawthorne is currently hosting it thoroughbred racing season.

Anyone with information is asked to call Stickney police at (708) 788-2131.

Joseph Ruzich is a freelance reporter.
Mohammed Hamzah Khan, of Bolingbrook, was arrested Oct. 4, 2014, at O'Hare International Airport as he tried to board a flight to go abroad and join Islamic State, authorities said. (Mohammed Hamzah Khan Facebook)

Mohammed Hamzah Khan had just been sentenced to a little more than three years in prison Friday for trying to fly overseas to join the Islamic State terrorism group when the judge told him to pay close attention to the way he'd just been treated under U.S. law.

Though Khan had faced up to 15 years behind bars, he'd instead been given a remarkable second chance, U.S. District Judge John Tharp said. He was afforded his right to counsel, his family and friends were allowed to support him in court and federal authorities had agreed to provide resources for years to come to get his life back on track.

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It was the opposite of what he would have faced under Islamic State's brand of justice, Tharp said.

"Instead of a public beheading, you've been given a public trial proceeding," Tharp said at the conclusion of a two-hour hearing. "The enemy government has not tried to kill you. It has tried to help you."

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Khan, 21, dressed in an orange jail jumpsuit and black skull cap and sporting a thick, dark beard, showed no reaction as the judge handed down the sentence of 40 months in prison. Khan has already been in custody for two years, and with good behavior he'd be eligible for release in August when he plans to enroll in college.

Left to right, Zarine Khan and her husband, Shafi Khan, listen as their lawyer Tom Durkin speaks to reporters about the Khans' son Mohammed Hamzah Khan (not shown) at the Dirksen U.S. Courthouse in Chicago on Friday, Nov. 18, 2016. (Terrence Antonio James / Chicago Tribune)

By all accounts, it was an extremely lenient sentence for a conviction of attempting to provide material support to a terrorist organization. But it came with a creative twist: In addition to the prison time, the judge ordered Khan to remain under court supervision for at least 20 years after his release, one of the longest periods of government monitoring ever ordered in Chicago's federal court.

Under the deal, which was crafted after months of negotiation between prosecutors and Khan's attorneys, Khan must seek "psychological and violent extremism counseling," perform at least 120 hours of community service each year he's under supervision and allow court personnel to search his cellphone, email and computer without a warrant.

After court, Khan's father thanked the judge, the FBI and prosecutors "for what they have decided for our son."

"We are very excited for his future," Shafi Khan said in the lobby of the Dirksen U.S. Courthouse.

The sentencing brought an end to a case that garnered national headlines in October 2014, when Khan, then 19, was arrested at O'Hare International Airport as he tried to board a jet to Vienna with a connection to Istanbul. Traveling with Khan were his sister, then 17, and 16-year-old brother, who were both questioned at the airport by the FBI but were not charged.

Khan's arrest came as U.S. national security and counterterrorism officials were voicing growing concern over radicalized Americans traveling overseas to join Islamic State, which at the time was seizing large swaths of territory in Iraq and Syria and committing high-profile beheadings of journalists, aid workers and other captives.

Of particular worry were the group's burgeoning recruitment tactics that used glitzy videos and other online propaganda to radicalize young, disaffected Americans.

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After Khan's arraignment in early 2015, his mother, Zarine Khan, delivered a tearful but stern message accusing Islamic State recruiters of "the brainwashing and recruiting of children through the use of social media."

"Leave our children alone!" she cried.

According to his plea agreement, Khan and his sister had been talking online with Islamic State members in Syria who offered to help them get to the Middle East to join the terrorist organization. Khan admitted plotting to travel to Turkey so the contact could guide him and his siblings across the border, according to the reports.

To fund the trip, Khan got a job as a stock clerk at a Menards store in July 2014. By September, he had saved enough to buy three round-trip tickets for himself and his siblings at a cost of $2,679, according to his plea agreement.

Khan told agents he expected his position with Islamic State to be "some type of public service, a police force, humanitarian work or a combat role," according to the charges. Notes left by the siblings for their parents  who were not aware of the plot  begged them not to tell law enforcement.

As he had argued previously, Khan's lawyer, Thomas Anthony Durkin, told the judge Friday that Kahn was a "naive and foolish" teenager who fell victim to the Islamic State's slick offers to become a part of something bigger than himself. Durkin said Khan's main goal was to join an Islamic caliphate and live according to Muslim doctrine, not fight a holy war against the U.S.

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But the judge said he didn't think "for a second" that Khan believed he was going to work as a chef or some other civilian job once he arrived in Syria or that Islamic State "was an organization that would respect that kind of wish from an able-bodied 20-year-old."

"Mr. Khan set off to join and aid a terrorist organization that believes it is appropriate, indeed believes it is holy, to kill anyone who disagrees with its religious dogma," Tharp said.

Khan's family emigrated from India but has lived in the Chicago suburbs for many years, according to Durkin. Khan was born in the United States, graduated from high school and attended one year at Benedictine University in Lisle. He has no prior criminal history.

Since his arrest, Khan has provided ongoing cooperation in other terrorism cases, sitting with prosecutors for four extensive debriefings totaling more than 20 hours on the recruitment tactics used by Islamic State, according to Assistant U.S. Attorney Matthew Hiller.

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The information he provided helped build cases against an Islamic State fighter and recruiters  one who died before he could be charged and another who remains under investigation. He also offered to testify in the recent prosecution in Great Britain of Islamic State recruiter Mizanur Rahman, but ultimately it was decided his testimony was unnecessary, prosecutors said in a recent filing.

Khan faced up to 15 years in prison under federal sentencing guidelines, but prosecutors agreed to ask for a five-year prison term given his cooperation with law enforcement.

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When offered the chance to speak in court Friday, Khan declined, saying, "Yeah, I don't wish to make any statements right now."

In his closing remarks, the judge urged Khan to take advantage of the break that had been given to him by a court system that treated him with compassion and respect.

"Nothing can better expose the moral depravity that is ISIS than to contrast its barbarity with the very high standard of civilized behavior," Tharp said.

jmeisner@chicagotribune.com

Twitter @jmetr22b
Many of Chicagos immigrants who are in the U.S. without legal permission express concern for the future following president-elect Donald Trump's pledge this week to immediately deport as many as 3 million people. (Chicago Tribune) (Chicago Tribune)

Lily Martinez had never been involved in activism.

But after Donald Trump was elected president, the 20-year-old Little Village resident felt an immediate call to action, determined that his stance on unauthorized immigrants  saying he intends to immediately deport millions  would not define her community's future.

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So the day after the election, she took a train to Trump Tower, joining thousands in protest.

Trump's win has prompted alarm in the immigrant community, but it's also sparked a sense of duty among many to actively fight his proposed policies, including those who have never been involved in immigration advocacy.

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"I've never been a part of anything like this. It feels like I'm living in a different time period," said Martinez, who is a U.S. citizen. "The fact that I have to stand out on the streets and cry and scream and lock hands with people beside me, it feels like I'm living through the civil rights movement."

Martinez's own predominantly Latino neighborhood, typically vibrant, is now "gloomy," she said. Elders no longer sit outside on the streets. People fear deportation and don't think they have the resources to obtain the documents they need, so they "just don't want to show their faces."

Although Mayor Rahm Emanuel promised Chicago would continue to be a sanctuary city, where local law enforcement cannot ask about residents' immigration status, families and activists are uncertain whether that protection is enough. Trump vowed during his campaign to block federal funding to sanctuary cities, ramp up deportations, increase prison sentences for those who re-enter the country and build a wall along the Mexican border.

The immigrant community as a result feels powerless, unable to predict either the swiftness or severity of the enactment of Trump's plans.

For example, those who've found relief through President Barack Obama's Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals program, which offers some legal protection to about 742,000 people who were brought to the U.S. as children and stayed here illegally, now fear Trump will rescind the executive order that created DACA.

Various pro-immigrant groups are urging unauthorized immigrants to avoid applying for government programs such as DACA, concerned their information could be used to tip off enforcement agencies.

About 450,000 unauthorized immigrants lived in Illinois in 2014, compared with about 500,000 in 2009, according to a study released in September by the Pew Research Center. Unauthorized immigrants make up 3.5 percent of Illinois' population and 24 percent of all foreign-born residents. About 71 percent of the state's unauthorized immigrants are Mexican.

"We don't know how to even get ready because we don't know how (Trump's) politics are going to look," said Laura Mendoza, a 27-year-old who came to the U.S. from Mexico at age 6 and is a DACA recipient. "But we're not gonna go ahead and leave, and do what they want us to do  'go home'  because this is home for us."

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It's not clear what Trump's policies, once in office, will be. But before the election, most Trump supporters viewed immigration as a "very big problem" in the U.S. and overwhelmingly support his proposed border wall, according to an August survey by the Pew Research Center. Local Trump supporters, such as 32-year-old Adam Keene, of Palatine, still stick with those beliefs but say the issue is complex.

It's important to note, he said, that Trump said he plans to immediately deport unauthorized immigrants with criminal histories, something Keene supports. But when it comes to dealing with unauthorized immigrants without criminal backgrounds, there should be an easy path to citizenship  which could help unite the country, he said.

Laura Mendoza, 27 is a volunteer with The Resurrection Project and a DACA recipient. The Resurrection Project in Chicago's Pilsen neighborhood is giving workshops for people worried about the the Trump presidency. (Nancy Stone / Chicago Tribune)

"These aren't easy conversations we're having right now  there's a lot of opposing viewpoints on this," Keene said. "But I think everyone would agree that if people don't love America, if they don't respect American values and American laws, then they don't have a place in America."

Futures in flux

A 26-year-old Chicago attorney, who asked not to be identified by name for fear of legal repercussions, has kept her legal status a lifelong secret, anxious about the stigma that came with the truth. She was born in Saudi Arabia, where her Indian father had been working, and she and her family moved to the U.S. three months later on a visitor's visa. They overstayed, and her younger brother was born in the U.S.

The attorney didn't learn she was an unauthorized immigrant until she was a teenager. But her status posed one obstacle after another: Her options for college were limited, even though she graduated at the top of her class, and she had to build her resume off unpaid internships and minimum-wage jobs.

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If she were deported, she said, she would be sent to India, a country she has never stepped foot in. Trump's election has her thinking about other options, such as moving to Canada and practicing law there. Or, she said jokingly, she could "aggressively date" and marry a U.S. citizen.

She finally revealed her status to a friend after the friend mentioned how all unauthorized immigrants "clean bathrooms and work the fields."

Mayor Rahm Emanuel speaks at Lurie Children's Hospital about protecting immigrants' rights in wake of Donald Trump's presidential election win. Nov. 14, 2016. (John Byrne / Chicago Tribune) (John Byrne / Chicago Tribune/Chicago Tribune)

"Some of my friends who don't know my story fall into that category," she said. "(Trump supporters) think they're yelling 'Go home' to people who wash their bathrooms ... but they're also yelling 'Go home' to lawyers and doctors and highly accomplished people."

DACA recipient Erendira Rendon, 31, came to the U.S. from Oaxaca, Mexico, when she was 4.

"I'm worried," said Rendon, a graduate of the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign. "My parents are 60 years old. My dad has had more than half his life in the U.S. They are still undocumented, and they are getting older. And they can't work forever. And they are not getting some sort of help when they retire."

Now, she's assisting families through the Pilsen-based nonprofit The Resurrection Project, which aids Chicago's Latino community through organizing, education and community development.

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"President-elect Trump ran on the deportation of us, and people elected him," Rendon said. "I just don't understand how you ... vote to tear families apart and deport people that are in your communities. That's what a vote for Trump was. That's what a vote for Trump meant to me."

Those anxieties were shared by many of the two dozen people who attended an informational workshop Thursday at The Resurrection Project's resource center in Pilsen, where the organization's leaders answered immigrants' legal questions and a licensed clinical counselor walked the group through a breathing exercise to ease their stress.

The organization's managing attorney, Julie Reiter Pellerite, fielded a salvo of questions in Spanish: What do I do if I'm detained? If I applied to DACA, will an immigration official come to my home? Should I apply for a renewal?

Since the election, she's been screening unauthorized immigrants to see whether they might be eligible for a certain visa or immigrant visa petition for battered spouses.

"There's a renewed fear among the community, the fear of deportation," Pellerite said. "So our responsibility is to counter that fear with facts and to inform people they have rights."

The Chicago-based National Immigrant Justice Center has been flooded with calls from people concerned about their immigration status and DACA paperwork, said Tara Tidwell Cullen, the center's director of communications. The center is a legal-aid organization that provides resources to unauthorized immigrants in Chicago and the U.S.

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And a family support hotline at the Illinois Coalition for Immigrant and Refugee Rights has received more than 300 calls this past week from those desperate for information. Volunteers are overwhelmed, said Fred Tsao, senior policy counsel at the coalition.

"As anxious as people are, they're also staying strong and they're standing in solidarity with each other. They know what's coming and they have a sense of what's going to be necessary," Tsao said. Unauthorized immigrants, like citizens, have the right to remain silent and the right not to answer their doors, he said.

"We're still gonna be in the fight. We're still going to make sure our families and communities are protected."

A call for action

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Attorney Jennifer Gong-Gershowitz had planned to slowly return from a leave of absence after years caring for her children. But this year, she decided to "fast-track" her return in light of the election.

"The rhetoric in this election reinvigorated my passion and reminded me to stand up for core values: fairness, equality and justice. I'm diving in because I feel so strongly about these issues," she said. "They're the reason I became involved in law. I learned lawyers are on the front lines defending those founding principles: liberty, justice, equality. These issues are front and center in immigration."

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Gong-Gershowitz had primarily handled commercial litigation in addition to pro bono immigration cases. But her motivation to attend law school was sparked by a civil rights attorney who represented her grandparents against deportation.

"The irony of that is my family came for many of the same reasons that a lot of others are now," she said. "For me, when I learned about my family history, it seemed to me like one of the finest ways to honor (the attorney's) gift to my family was to pay it forward."

meltagouri@chicagotribune.com

tbriscoe@chicagotribune.com

nmoreno@chicagotribune.com
Welcome to Clout Street: Morning Spin, our weekday feature to catch you up with what's going on in government and politics from Chicago to Springfield.

Topspin

Chicago's 80-strong, Mayor Rahm Emanuel-fronted delegation to see Archbishop Blase Cupich's elevation to cardinal in Rome counts the city's top cop Eddie Johnson among its number.

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Including Johnson with the political donors and dignitaries taking the charter flight for the ceremony underlines the importance of the moment -- and reflects the personal relationship he shares with Cupich, according to a Johnson spokesman. But it also could end up being bad political optics for the mayor and the superintendent if violence grabs headlines in Chicago while they're touring St. Peter's Basilica.

Emanuel has the fight against crime at the forefront of his agenda, trying to overcome the city's notorious national reputation and repair relations with residents who live in neighborhoods where they don't feel safe or trust police. Time and again, he has pointed to Johnson's tireless work as key to that turnaround.

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Being out of town at crucial moments has been an issue for Emanuel before. When his school board closed dozens of public schools in 2013, he was vacationing with his family at a ski area in Utah, a fact not lost on his critics.

And when a Chicago police officer shot and killed teenager Quintonio LeGrier and mother of five Bettie Jones on the West Side last December, Emanuel was in Cuba on a family trip. Emails released months later showed the mayor contacting staff from there to keep close tabs on the public fallout from the shootings.

In this case, Johnson's inclusion in the Rome trip will not compromise the decision-making at CPD, according to department spokesman Anthony Guglielmi. The superintendent is checking in via phone regularly with First Deputy Superintendent Kevin Navarro and other department officials, Guglielmi said.

"There won't be any breakdown," Guglielmi said. "The department is bigger than any one individual." (John Byrne)

What's on tap

*Mayor Rahm Emanuel and Gov. Bruce Rauner are in Rome to watch Archbishop Blase Cupich get elevated to cardinal.

*City Treasurer Kurt Summers will be out with 47th Ward Ald. Ameya Pawar to promote holiday shopping at local merchants.

What we're writing

*Suffering in secret: Illinois hides abuse and neglect of adults with disabilities.

*Chicago aldermen call for city's animal shelters to become no-kill.

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*Chicago cop in LeGrier shooting death case mistakenly returned to street duty for four months.

*CPS worker gave private student data to charter school network.

*SEIU workers threaten to strike during busy holiday travel weekend.

What we're reading

*Prosecutor admitted in FBI report that Englewood Four teens coerced into false confessions.

*Just hasn't been the same since the "snap into it" ad campaign.

*Table service coming to McDonald's, my good chap.

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From the notebook

*Kirk gets call from Bibi: Outgoing Republican U.S. Sen. Mark Kirk, defeated in his bid for re-election, said he received a call from Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.

"Got a nice call today from Israeli PM @Netanyahu. Told him I'll keep finding ways to strengthen US-Israel alliance after I leave the Senate," Kirk said on his official Twitter account.

In his losing campaign to Democratic U.S. Rep. Tammy Duckworth, Kirk was a prime opponent of the U.S.-led multinational deal to curb Iran's ability to develop nuclear weapons. Kirk opposed the deal and warned Iran will still present a danger to Israel. (Rick Pearson)

*Roskam gets win against Boeing: West suburban Republican U.S. Rep. Peter Roskam scored a win Thursday when the House voted 243-174 to approve legislation blocking the Treasury Department from issuing licenses to finance aircraft sales to Iran.

Roskam, of Wheaton, has been a vocal opponent of allowing commercial aircraft sales to Iran, contending the country has a history of using such planes to transport weaponry and troops to assist the Syrian government.

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Iran recently agreed to purchase 200 new planes from Boeing and Airbus, prompting Roskam to push for the ban. It also prevents the Export-Import Bank from financing such sale agreements. (Rick Pearson)

*The Sunday Spin: On this week's show, Chicago Tribune political writer Rick Pearson's guests are Rebecca Shi, executive director of the Illinois Business Immigration Coalition; Democratic political consultant Tom Bowen; and former Republican state Sen. Matt Murphy of Palatine. The "Sunday Spin" airs from 7 to 9 a.m. on WGN 720-AM.

Follow the money

*Track Illinois campaign contributions in real time here and here.

Beyond Chicago

*Trump Cabinet candidate list grows with Romney, Petraeus.

*Trump son-in-law looking at White House role.

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*Trump plans Jersey getaway weekend.

*Ohio Democrat comes out of nowhere to challenge Pelosi for House minority leader.
A man who was adopted from South Korea by Americans when he was 3 years old landed on Thursday in his native country  one that is completely unknown to him  after he was deported from the United States, an official and his lawyer said.

U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement had ordered Adam Crapser deported because of criminal convictions, including assault and being a felon in possession of a weapon.

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His life story highlights the failings of an adoption system that put him in the homes of one set of parents who abandoned him and another that physically abused him and other adopted children, his Seattle attorney, Lori Walls, told The Associated Press in a telephone interview.

ICE spokeswoman Rose Richeson told AP in an email that the 41-year-old Crapser arrived in Seoul, South Korea, on Thursday morning aboard a commercial airline flight escorted by ICE deportation officers.

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Richeson said Crapser was arrested by ICE on Feb. 8 after serving a 60-day sentence for menacing constituting domestic violence and attempted coercion. He had been held in an immigration detention center in Tacoma, Washington since then. A judge could have allowed Crapser to stay in America but decided on deportation. Crapser's supporters said he waived an appeal because he couldn't stand to stay in the detention center any longer.

Walls said she is astonished that the fact that Crapser "was adopted, abandoned and abused ... carried relatively little weight in the decision that the immigration court made."

"The U.S. government facilitated the adoption out of Korea," she said. "No one followed up to make sure he was safe. When that first family abandoned him to foster care he was not visible  there was no follow-up."

No one ever sought U.S. citizenship for him. He and his older sister were adopted by a family who lived in Michigan and who later abandoned them after they moved to Oregon, Walls said.

Brother and sister were split up. Crapser was eventually adopted by parents in Oregon who assaulted him and other children in their care. His adoptive parents were convicted of multiple crimes. Crapser eventually left the home and was arrested after he broke in to retrieve some of his belongings from his orphanage in South Korea, Walls said.

Crapser later got into further trouble with the law. He came under the scrutiny of federal immigration authorities after he applied for a Green Card and they saw his criminal record.

"I'm hopeful Adam figures out how to make a life in that country, where he doesn't speak the language read the language or know anything about the culture," Walls said.

His birth mother in South Korea, who had put her son and daughter up for adoption because she couldn't afford to keep him, is learning English so she can communicate with him when they're reunited, The New York Times reported recently.

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"His birth mother, because of publicity in South Korea, came forward," Walls said, adding that a DNA test proved the relationship. Walls noted that the mother is disabled, has a low income "and can't be much help for him."

"I spoke with Adam a couple of days ago," Walls said. "He was trying to stay positive, but I mean it was clear talking to him that he was scared. He's going to a country where he can't even read the street signs."

Walls said there might be legal remedies for Crapser to return to the U.S. but that it would be "an uphill battle."

Associated Press
News / National

by Mary Charamba

Prominent lawyer Fadzayi Mahere has been arrested together with a dozen other anti-bond-notes activists in Harare's Africa Unity Square.By lunchtime about 40 people had been nabbed, Bulawayo24.com heard.Police reportedly rounded up everyone on site at Africa Unity Square.On her Facebook page, Mahere had vowed to take part in the protests.
President Barack Obama waves before boarding Air Force One as he departs following talks with European leaders on Nov. 18, 2016 in Berlin, Germany. (Carsten Koall / Getty Images)

BERLIN  President Barack Obama departed Europe on Friday after a final round of crisis talks with U.S. allies about hotspots including Ukraine and Libya, even as he sought to ease concerns about possible policy shifts under the new White House.

The victory of President-elect Donald Trump has startled European allies after campaign pledges that seemed to pull back from the traditional U.S. commitment to transatlantic security.

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Obama urged the leaders of Germany, France, Britain, Italy and Spain to continue seeking solutions with the incoming administration "on the basis of the core values that define the United States and Europe as open democracies," according to a White House statement.

Obama joined with his European counterparts in strongly backing the North Atlantic Treaty Organization as the cornerstone of Western security, while backing their calls to uphold sanctions against Vladimir Putin's Russia, which is seen as backing pro-Moscow separatists in Ukraine.

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Also on the agenda was the Iraqi-led battles to recapture the northern city of Mosul from the Islamic State and the resumption of attacks in Aleppo and other parts of Syria by government forces and ally Russia.

"The president emphasized that de-escalation and a diplomatic solution to the ongoing conflict are the only viable ways to end the suffering, prevent another migration crisis," according to the White House statement.

Although Obama's visit here had the usual trappings, including a group photo with the five European leaders who had converged in Berlin to meet with him, it had a more subdued tone than in the past. By midday, he had left the German Chancellery under a light drizzle for Air Force One to head to his trip's final stop, Peru.

The summit took shape as Europe is awash in its own tensions, over Britain's exit from the European Union, differences on defense strategy and a rise of populist nationalism that is challenging the fortunes of several leaders across the continent.

Maintaining European and U.S. sanctions on Russia in particular remains a top concern, given signs of a possible thaw between Washington and Moscow under Trump.

This week, Trump and Putin agreed in a telephone conversation that U.S.-Russian relations were "unsatisfactory" and vowed to work together to improve them, according to the Kremlin.

But Obama has said the president-elect, in their one-on-one meeting after the election, "expressed a great interest in maintaining our core strategic relationships," including with NATO.

During Friday's talks, Obama and European leaders "unanimously agreed" on the need to press Russia to stand by promises to help calm the conflict in Ukraine, and they said that "Ukraine-related sanctions against Russia" must remain in place until it does.

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In a joint news conference with Spain's prime minister, Mariano Rajoy, after the summit, German Chancellor Angela Merkel expressed impatience that peace in Ukraine was still far from reach.

"Not enough progress can be seen," she said.

Rajoy described thriving populism as one of the most important issues confronting the European Union, acknowledging that 2017 would be a difficult election year, with nationalist forces vying for power in France, Germany and the Netherlands.

Merkel, commenting on her growing influence in the European Union and globally, said: "One person alone can never solve everything, we're only strong together. . . . I will do what is my duty as the German chancellor, namely on the one hand to serve the people in Germany, but that includes for me to work for European unity and European success."

Even among European powers, there are varying positions on Russia. Some urge warmer ties, while others are warning against cozying up to Putin in light of the annexation of the Crimean Peninsula and the rebel clashes in Ukraine.

Speaking on Thursday to the media beside Merkel, Obama urged Trump to "stand up to Russia" at the right times.

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"My hope is he does not simply take a realpolitik approach and suggest if we just cut some deals with Russia - even if it hurts people or violates international norms or leaves smaller countries vulnerable or creates long-term problems in countries like Syria - that we just do what is convenient at the time," he said.

Obama, in talks with Merkel, conceded Thursday that it would be "naive" of him to expect a breakthrough in the Syria conflict before he leaves office. Syrian President Bashar Assad, speaking to Portuguese TV, earlier this week opened the door to a change under Trump, whom he described as a "natural ally." Merkel cautioned on any bargains with Assad.

"He has brought untold suffering on his people, if you look at Aleppo and other places," she said. "When you talk to the many Syrian refugees who have fled here to Germany, they will be able to tell you their own personal story, and the majority of them - the great majority of them - fled from Assad, and most of them not even fled the Islamic State. So I don't see him as an ally."

The wild-card nature of Trump's presidency is amplified in Europe by its own internal pressures.

Nowhere are those tensions more on display than in the talks over Britain's departure from the European Union. Prime Minister Theresa May will hold a one-on-one meeting with Merkel as the Germans are calling for stiff penalties as the price of Britain's exit.

Wolfgang Schauble, Germany's finance minister, laid out a tough bargaining position with Britain in an interview with the Financial Times. He insisted that any deal would mean London must still pay billions into the E.U. budget beyond its exit date from the bloc, perhaps stretching to 2030. He also said Britain should be prepared to see financial service industries flee London in favor of cities such as Germany's Frankfurt so that they can provide better service to the European Union.

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Particularly in the wake of Trump's election, European leaders are calling for the region to take more responsibility for its own security. This week, German Defense Minister Ursula von der Leyen singled out Britain for being obstructionist as other member states moved to forge a deeper defense alliance, including a possible European army.

"The biggest resistance is coming from the British," von der Leyen told the German weekly Die Zeit. "The USA will always be our most important and closest partner, but we Europeans cannot derive our strength from America's. . . . Europe must decide whether it wants to shape events or be a pawn."

Underscoring the heightened concern, European officials are speaking in increasingly stark terms. Manuel Valls, France's prime minister, issued a dire warning during a conference in Berlin on Thursday, calling for Berlin and Paris to quickly forge deals to improve economic growth and generate jobs amid strong challenges from anti-establishment nationalists.

"Europe is in danger of falling apart," Valls said in the German capital. "So Germany and France have a huge responsibility."
BATON ROUGE, La.  Police say one person has been critically wounded in a shooting on Southern University's campus in Louisiana.

The university said in a statement that its Baton Rouge campus was on "lockdown" late Thursday and students and staff members have been warned to "shelter in place" until further notice,

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The school's statement said the male victim of the shooting was taken to a local hospital. His condition wasn't immediately released.

Southern said its campus police department was working with other law-enforcement agencies to search for suspects involved in the shooting.

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Associated Press
LUDOWICI, Ga.  A fugitive accused of attempting to murder police officers fatally shot a deputy U.S. marshal trying to arrest him Friday in southeast Georgia, where other law officers returned fire and killed the suspect, federal authorities said.

The U.S. Marshals Service said 53-year-old Patrick Carothers, deputy commander of the agency's Southeast Regional Fugitive Task Force, died after being shot twice as a team of officers tried to serve a warrant at a mobile home in rural Long County.

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The slain suspect was identified as Dontrell Montese Carter. He was wanted in Sumter County, South Carolina, on charges of attempted murder of police officers, domestic violence and illegally discharging a weapon during an incident in September, the Marshals Service said in a news release.

The agency said Carothers and his team had tracked Carter to a mobile home just outside Ludowici, about 55 miles southeast of Savannah. Carothers was shot as they were entering the home.

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Law officers returned fire and shot Carter multiple times, the Marshals Service said. Both men were taken to area hospitals, where they were pronounced dead.

"The fugitive who killed Deputy Commander Carothers was extremely dangerous, wanted for trying to kill law enforcement officers and deliberately evading authorities," David Harlow, deputy director of the Marshals Service, said in a statement. "Pat is a hero and our thoughts and prayers are with his wife and five children."

Carothers served 26 years with the Marshals Service and had been deputy commander of the fugitive task force for more than a year.

Associated Press
Reporting from Washington  With the Democratic Party lost in the post-election wilderness, Vermont Sen. Bernie Sanders is aggressively reasserting himself, offering his vision for the path out as he takes on a leadership role in his caucus as the chair of outreach.

In a wide-ranging conversation Thursday with reporters, Sanders  who plans to continue to serve as an independent, not a Democrat  offered a preview for where his progressive wing wants to take the Democratic Party. He also had some choice words about President-elect Donald Trump, particularly when the conversation turned to his threat to prosecute Hillary Clinton.

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"It would be almost beyond comprehension," Sanders said at an event hosted by the Christian Science Monitor. "This is the United States of America. We do not prosecute our political opponents and try to throw them in jail. It would completely divide this country. It would be an outrage."

The Sanders plan for a Democratic comeback, though, doesn't involve battling every Trump initiative. His colleagues, he said, would be better served by picking their fights selectively. Trump co-opted the Democratic agenda with a populist pitch. Here's where Sanders wants Democrats to go now:

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Work with Trump on trade

Although Sanders finds many of Trump's campaign promises deeply disturbing, he warned that Democrats would be foolish to resist an argument at the core of Trump's economic agenda: that international trade deals should be renegotiated.

As other lawmakers bristle at Trump's vows to tear apart the North American Free Trade Agreement and smack tariffs on American companies that move their factories abroad, Sanders wants to hold Trump to those promises. Doing so, he said, will send a clear signal to the displaced Rust Belt workers who voted for Trump that the Democratic Party can deliver for them.

"It is high time corporate America understands they cannot get the benefits of being American corporations while at the same time turning their backs on the American working class," Sanders said.

Though he doubts that Trump will crack down on companies as promised, Sanders argued that Democrats should work with him "to tell corporate America you cannot keep running all over the world  searching for cheap labor while you destroy the working class of this country."

Dont sugarcoat the Obama years

Democrats talk often about how much the economy has improved under President Obama, and Sanders said it's a fair point considering what a mess the president inherited. But the Vermonter said that the pressing that case overlooks the reality that the middle class is shrinking rapidly. Displaced workers who once earned good livings in now-shuttered factories and mines are only going to be repelled by the argument that everything was bad before and it is good now.

"Democrats too often have ignored that over a 40-year period  the middle class of this country has been shrinking," Sanders said. "Real wages for American workers have gone down. Inequality has gone up. Those are real issues, and the Democratic Party has got to address them."

Keep racial justice front and center

Hundreds of callers have flooded Sanders' office phone lines, urging him to keep pressuring for the dismissal of Stephen Bannon, the right-wing media executive and white-nationalist favorite recently named Trump's chief White House strategist. It's a reflection, Sanders said, of how far outside the mainstream of American opinion Trump is when he delivers his rants on Mexican immigrants, Muslims and the state of African American communities.

"I will not compromise with racism. And I will not compromise with sexism. And I will not compromise with homophobia. And I will not compromise with Islamophobia," Sanders said. "There are areas I would have hoped that in 2016 we would have put behind us."

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To that effect, Sanders, the newly minted chairman of outreach for the Senate Democratic leadership said Democrats need to redouble their efforts to forge ties with the minority groups that have traditionally supported them but just are not coming out to vote in the numbers Democrats need to win. "We've got to build on the current base," he said.

Hit climate change hard

Democrats regularly call climate change an existential crisis, yet they hardly discussed it in the general election. Sanders suggested that is a mistake. Now the White House will be inhabited by a president who has labeled climate change a hoax and who wants to dismantle the Environmental Protection Agency.

"We have got to focus much more attention on this," Sanders said. "The future of this planet is at stake. We have got to bring together people to demand Mr. Trump listen to the scientists."

It is not just the planet at stake, but also politics. Other Republicans who have interpreted their election wins as a mandate from voters to roll back environmental protections have hit serious turbulence. And the posture toward climate change in the states, as well as around the world, has changed substantially since Republicans last held the White House. Entire economies have been reoriented around renewable energy, and countries like China and India are embracing calls for emissions reductions they once spurned.

Trump will be walking into a political hornet's nest if he pursues his plans to scrap every federal climate change program, and Sanders said Democrats should start putting more focus there now.

Ornery is good

One thing that is not part of the Sanders plan is a charm offensive. Grumpiness remains the Sanders charm, and the Vermonter was as ornery as ever while sparring with the media Thursday.

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More than once he answered a question by referring reporters to the final chapter in his book, titled "Corporate Media and the Threat to Our Democracy." A reporter's question about who the Democrats should nominate in 2020 drove Sanders nuts. "We haven't inaugurated this president and we are taking about 2020," he scolded. "Because it is easy to write about. What about talking about climate change and if the planet survives? ... Those are the issues the American people need to be talking about. I don't mean to be rude, but the American people are tired of that. They really are. People are turning off their TVs. They are tired of all that stuff."

Twitter: @evanhalper
President-elect Donald Trump claimed credit on Thursday for keeping a Ford plant in Kentucky from moving to Mexico. But the company never planned to move the entire plant, only one of its production lines.

On Thursday night, Trump tweeted: "Just got a call from my friend Bill Ford, Chairman of Ford, who advised me that he will be keeping the Lincoln plant in Kentucky - no Mexico"

Then followed it up with this tweet: "I worked hard with Bill Ford to keep the Lincoln plant in Kentucky. I owed it to the great State of Kentucky for their confidence in me!"

Ford has never announced any plans to move either its Kentucky Truck Plant in Louisville, which produces the Lincoln Navigator, or the Louisville Assembly Plant, which produces the Lincoln MKC, to Mexico.

In a statement on Thursday night, following Trump's tweet, the company said it had told Trump it would cancel a plan to shift production of a single model  the MKC  from Kentucky to Mexico. The company last year indicated it would be moving MKC production out of Louisville, though it did not announce where it was going. At the time, union leaders said the shift would not cost any jobs in Kentucky.

"Today, we confirmed with the president-elect that our small Lincoln utility vehicle made at the Louisville Assembly Plant will stay in Kentucky," the company said in a statement. "We are encouraged that President-elect Trump and the new Congress will pursue policies that will improve U.S. competitiveness and make it possible to keep production of this vehicle here in the United States."

In a follow-up email exchange, a Ford spokeswoman confirmed that the MKC production had been slated to move to Mexico.

This week, Ford chief executive Mark Fields reiterated that it was moving forward with plans to shift production of the Ford Focus to Mexico from Michigan.

Trump has criticized those plans, which the company says will not cost any American jobs, because other models will be produced in the Michigan plant instead.

In an interview with Reuters, Fields highlighted the investments the company was making in domestic plants  most notably, in Kentucky.

Ford announced a $1.3 billion investment in the Kentucky Truck Plant late last year. It said the move would create 2,000 new jobs.

Bill Ford Jr., the company's executive chairman, said in October that he had met with Trump over the then-candidate's frequent campaign attacks on Ford's decision to move small-car production to Mexico.

"I've had a very good meeting with him," Ford Jr. told the Economic Club of Washington. "He's a very good listener and he knows the facts."
Richard Spencer is the chairman of the National Policy Institute, which has set itself up as a center for the so-called "alt-right." (Joshua Roberts / For The Times)

As he watched the news of the presidential election in the last week, Kory Duquette became increasingly agitated. Pundits were blaming a "whitelash" for Donald Trump's win and called it a massive exercise of angry white ballot power.

Civil rights groups said the president-elect's victory has inspired dozens of attacks on blacks, Latinos and Muslims by people who shared Trump's suspicions about immigrants. Commentators said that in his quest for a win, Trump pandered to America's darkest racist impulses.

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Duquette, a 37-year-old Trump supporter from Alabama, was ready to fight back.

"#Whiteshaming doesn't work anymore! you label me? you wonder why Trump won?" Duquette, who is white, posted this week on Twitter. "Tired of being classified with untruths."

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Duquette voted for President Obama eight years ago and would never call himself a racist. Like many Americans, he was sold on Trump's promises to create jobs and fight terrorism. But there was also something else that attracted him.

Trump has eliminated "that uncomfortable feeling of being afraid to speak your mind as a white man," said the 37-year-old prison guard. "There is nothing wrong with being white."

Much has been said about the rise of white nationalists who have felt emboldened by Trump and his association with people and groups known to espouse anti-Muslim and anti-Semitic views.

One of the more widespread effects of the Nov. 8 election may be the emergence of a broad array of everyday Americans who insist they're not white nationalists but say the president-elect has made them more comfortable in their white skin.

In an era of dueling "black lives matter" and "all lives matter" campaigns and regular debates over free speech and political correctness, Duquette, who says he has heard the phrase "white privilege" one too many times, said he now feels vindicated.

Kory Duquette (handout photo)

"We were, I felt, backed into a corner and  told, 'You white people had your day, it's our turn now,'" he said this week from his home in Arab, Ala. "I feel Trump broke that P.C. barrier,  made me feel comfortable again to speak out."

Trump's election has thrust race even more squarely into the simmering national debate over justice and American identity.

Protesters have blocked streets in dozens of cities over a vote they see as affirming racism and xenophobia.

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There has been widespread alarm over a wave of hate incidents directed at minorities across the country, the largest number seen since the period after Obama's election, according to the Southern Poverty Law Center. Some Trump supporters have been beaten in public as well.

This week, the mayor of Clay, W.Va., resigned after praising a friend's Facebook comment that called First Lady Michelle Obama an "ape in heels" and celebrated her imminent departure from the White House.

In Wells, N.Y., graffiti was painted on a dugout wall featuring a swastika and the words, "Make America White Again."

At a Starbucks in Miami, a white customer began yelling, "Trump! Trump" at a black barista, declaring he was the victim of "white discrimination."

At New York University, students found Trump's name written on the door to a Muslim prayer room on campus.

The Ku Klux Klan announced it would hold a Trump victory parade in North Carolina next month.

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One of the catalysts for controversy has been Trump's naming of Breitbart News executive chairman, Stephen K. Bannon, as a senior advisor. Bannon once called his website the "platform of the alt-right," a movement broadly associated with white nationalism.

He has been accused of making anti-Asian and anti-Semitic remarks, and both critics and supporters say his influence will allow his self-described "virulently anti-establishment" ideas about women, gays and others to permeate the next U.S. administration.

Since the election, Bannon has said he doesn't agree with "ethno-nationalist" parts of the alt-right, though critics say that such views are a central part of the movement.

Already, there are signs that many of those on the fringes of U.S. conservatism are angling to position themselves closer to the centers of power.

Richard Spencer, the chairman of a small alt-right policy institute in Montana who has spoken about "peaceful ethnic cleansing" and a "proxy war" on immigration, is now scouting for office space in Washington.

Trump's win "was white Americans of all classes revolting against political correctness," said Spencer, whose National Policy Institute has been described by the Anti-Defamation League and Southern Poverty Law Center as a white nationalist hate group.

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Whites are "expressing a desire for identity politics, or at least the beginning of it," he said.

Spencer has long argued that politicians and the media have falsely convinced whites they should feel "guilty" while encouraging racial pride among blacks, Asians and Latinos.

Few listened. Then Donald Trump began to rise.

"There is no way he doesn't know of us," said Spencer, whose group, now housed in home offices, plans to host a conference Saturday at the Ronald Reagan Building in Washington.

Already, there is push-back. On Wednesday, Twitter suspended five accounts that Spencer used  with about 100,000 followers in total  as well as those of dozens of other alt-right handles.

Still, variations on alt-right ideas are capturing attention.

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"We're coming to the realization that white self-hatred is a sickness," said Timothy Murdock, a 46-year-old alt-white podcaster from Dearborn, Mich. He said he considers himself "pro-white," but feels the alt-right movement could get better traction by going to battle against "diversity."

"There is great attention to the term 'diversity,' that it means 'too white,' coupled with open borders," said Murdock, whose podcasts frequently talk about "white genocide."

Sociologists and hate speech experts say white nationalism and white identity politics are vastly different and don't necessarily bleed into each other; instead, they fall on a spectrum.

Some of today's debates hark back to lawsuits and protests in previous years over such issues as university affirmative action admissions policies. Even then, many Americans were arguing that whites had suffered under policies meant to correct long-standing racial disparities.

No one in those cases was advocating a return to segregation, said Thomas Maine, a professor at the City University of New York who is writing a book on the alt-right movement.

"The alt-right has a hardcore, and then it has a population manifestation," said Maine. "People have embraced the idea that Americans need to take hold of their racial identity. If we do that, if we are more radical about it than we have been before, this will bring us out of our funk."

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Duquette, the Alabama corrections officer, said he could support that idea.

"I should be out and be able to say I'm a proud white man," he said. "But those lowlifes that have taken ahold of that phrase like the Klan have it so we have to walk on eggshells."

Christine Bolan, a 35-year-old construction project manager in St. Paul, Minn., said there is "a lot of misunderstanding about what Trump's message actually is."

Christine Bolan (handout photo)

He is "brash but gives everyone a chance," she said. He "doesn't put labels on people" and "is a businessman."

On the one hand, Bolan, who is white, thought it was "really cool" to have a black president. But in the end, she thought "Obama cared more about black people." Democratic politicians have too often tried to make her "ashamed to be white," she said.

Mark Potok, a civil rights activist who tracks hate groups for the Southern Poverty Law Center, said the election has "emboldened" the radical right.

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"Virtually every major white supremacist leader in the U.S. thinks Trump is the best thing they have seen in more than half a century. They're calling him 'our glorious leader,'" said Potok. "They feel Trump and the Trump campaign have legitimized their concerns and brought them into the mainstream. And they are not entirely wrong."

jaweed.kaleem@latimes.com

Jaweed Kaleem is The Times' national race and justice correspondent. Follow him on Twitter, Facebook and Instagram.
If the world didn't know that Sen. Tim Kaine had just lost the vice presidency, a crushing defeat for the man, the Democratic party and millions of American voters, nothing about his demeanor would give it away.

Smiling broadly, Kaine sat in his Senate office Thursday with the air of a man who had just won the lottery.

"I'm disappointed because I think I would have done a good job and I think Hillary would have been a great president, but I have a job to do here that in some ways may have gotten more important," he said, bluegrass music playing in the background.

He ruled out a run for the White House in 2020 but will seek reelection in 2018, and Republicans are gunning for him. They are bolstered by a sense of dominance over American politics not felt since 1928 and believe they have a deep bench in Virginia.

"I'm assuming it's going to be the hardest race I've ever run," he said. "Presidential elections we do well. Off-year elections are tough."

Pressed repeatedly, Kaine did not want to talk about what went wrong for Democrats this election.

"While I have some thoughts, I'm not objective about it," he said.

Joining the ticket just three months before Election Day, Kaine couldn't have had much say in strategy or the contours of the race.

He said Hillary Clinton ran into historic head winds trying to be the first female president and noted that only two Democratic presidents were elected following a two-term Democratic presidency - Martin Van Buren and Harry Truman.

Kaine, chosen in part because of his ability to communicate with Latino voters in fluent Spanish, offered no explanation for why the campaign didn't win more Hispanic votes, except to say that no minority group is monolithic.

He said he understood why daily protests continue around the country more than a week after an election in which Clinton won the popular vote but Donald Trump won the office.

"I view it as people are afraid, and I think they have reason to be afraid," he said, adding that he will go to battle over what he called the "normalization" of bigotry that he sees in President-elect Donald Trump's appointment of Stephen Bannon as his chief strategist.

Kaine said he had no advice for protesters other than to encourage them to get involved in politics at the state and local level. "Look, civil disobedience has an important role in the history of this country," he said. "I'm not encouraging folks, and I'm not discouraging them."

Kaine said he always thought there was a chance he and Clinton could lose, but on election night, the results from the conservative Richmond suburb of Chesterfield, where Trump had a relatively weak showing, convinced him that they would win.

It hadn't occurred to him, he said, that Democrats could win Virginia by a bigger margin than President Barack Obama did in 2012, and win the popular vote by more than 1 million votes, and still lose.

Kaine moved to Virginia's capital city and served as Richmond's mayor, as well as lieutenant governor and governor, in hopes of making the state more progressive, he said. He had never lost an election.

Kaine said had felt an "interesting set of emotions" once it became clear that Trump was surging ahead in the electoral college count. Like much of the country, Kaine stayed awake past midnight to await the final results. Then he took a nap.

Late the next morning, he introduced Clinton with hastily prepared notes scrawled on a piece of hotel stationery. After the speech, his wife, Virginia Secretary of Education Anne Holton, kept the paper for their children to cherish.

The William Faulkner quote he recited - "They kilt us, but they ain't whupped us yit," - was one he clung to when he lost difficult cases during his 17 years as a civil rights lawyer.

He and Holton spent the weekend in the Outer Banks of North Carolina, where they "kvetched" a bit but mostly reflected on the good things in their lives, he said. They will celebrate their 32nd anniversary on Thanksgiving Day.

On Tuesday, Kaine drove himself to Washington, returning to the predictable rhythms of the Senate and his Russell Building office.

On Friday, he plans to travel with Sen. John McCain, R-Ariz., and other lawmakers to a national security forum in Halifax, Nova Scotia, a trip he has made every year as senator.

Kaine sits on the Foreign Relations and Armed Services committees, and although he's not officially part of the leadership, he said he plans to vigorously defend principles such as the constitutional powers of Congress, which could be crucial under Trump.

Calling the Democratic Senate minority the "only emergency brake" on matters of fundamental values, Kaine said he is proud of his colleagues for focusing on Bannon and "not allowing the appointment of someone who has connections to anti-Semitism and white nationalism to be just normalized."

But common ground could be found with the Trump administration over a sweeping infrastructure bill that was also a Clinton priority, he said.

He has said he would like to fashion his Senate service after retired senator John Warner, R-Va., who spent 30 years in office.

Virginia Republicans had praised Kaine's bipartisanship in the past but criticized his presence on the national ticket and his comment Thursday that he will seek reelection.

Virginia GOP Chairman John Whitbeck said the announcement suggests he's inappropriately mixing government service and politics.

After nonstop travel to 40 states, Kaine relishes his return to home life in Northside Richmond, "where nobody calls me Senator."

The day after the election, he and Holton flew back to Richmond from New York on the campaign plane.

After they said an emotional goodbye to the Secret Service officers with whom they had grown close, Kaine said, he climbed the back steps to his kitchen and puttered around for a few minutes before going into his home office.

Peering out the window, he watched the government vehicles pull away one by one.

A wave of emotion came over him, he said.

It was relief.
WASHINGTON  As one of President-elect Donald Trump's closest and most consistent allies, Sen. Jeff Sessions is a likely pick for a top post in his administration. But when Sessions faced Senate confirmation for a job 30 years ago, it didn't go well.

Nominated for a federal judgeship in 1986, Sessions, R-Ala., was dogged by racist comments he was accused of making while serving as U.S. attorney in Alabama. He was said to have called a black assistant U.S. attorney "boy" and the NAACP "un-American" and "communist-inspired."

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Sessions was the first senator to back Trump during the campaign and is an architect of Trump's immigration, counterterrorism and trade policies. His name has been floated for attorney general and secretary of defense. The Trump transition team released a statement Thursday saying the president-elect is "unbelievably impressed" with Sessions, citing his work as a U.S. attorney and state attorney general in Alabama.

But confirmation for the four-term lawmaker, even in a Republican-controlled chamber, is not guaranteed.

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Sessions had been confirmed by a Republican-controlled Senate in 1981 to be the U.S. attorney for the Southern District of Alabama.

In 1986, however, his racially charged comments and record on civil rights as a U.S. attorney, which Sessions denied and defended, prevented his nomination as judge from going forward, even in a GOP-majority Senate. Sessions later withdrew from consideration, though he went on to become state attorney general and won election to the U.S. Senate in 1996.

"Mr. Sessions is a throwback to a shameful era, which I know both black and white Americans thought was in our past," the late Massachusetts Democrat, Sen. Edward Kennedy, said during the 1986 confirmation hearing. "It is inconceivable to me that a person of this attitude is qualified to be a U.S. attorney, let alone a U.S. federal judge."

During the hearing, a former assistant U.S. attorney, Thomas Figures, who is black, said Sessions referred to him as "boy," and told him to be careful what he said to "white folks." Sessions said he never called Figures "boy," but Kennedy produced a letter from an organization of black lawyers that said Figures made the allegation about Sessions to the organization's investigators at least twice.

Sessions told the committee that he told Figures to be careful what he said to "folks."

"I believe that the statements and actions of Mr. Sessions regarding race, and regarding civil rights, impact tremendously on whether he is decent," Figures told the committee. Figures died in 2015.

Sessions was also criticized for joking in the presence of an attorney with the Justice Department's Civil Rights Division that the Ku Klux Klan was "OK" until he learned they smoked marijuana. During his confirmation hearing, he said his comment about the Klan "was a silly comment, I guess you might say, that I made."

Sessions told the committee he made the joke while his office was investigating the 1981 murder of Michael Donald, a black man who was kidnapped, beaten and killed by two Klansmen who slit his throat and then hanged his body in a tree in Mobile, Alabama. The two men were later arrested and convicted.

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Sessions said he never meant the joke to suggest he supported the Klan. He said the joke was intended to convey that he thought it was "bizarre" that Klansmen had smoked marijuana after one of their meetings.

"All of us understood that the Klan is a force for hatred and bigotry and it just could not have meant anything else than that under those circumstances," Sessions said, noting that he had been involved in the decision to try one of the killers in state court so he could face the death penalty.

Sessions' spokesman said the senator was unavailable to be interviewed for this story.

Barry Kowalski, a former Justice Department attorney who was in Mobile, working with Sessions on the Donald case, said he was there for the so-called joke about the Klan, and he did not interpret it as a racist comment. He said it was a joke. "That was totally hospital room humor," Kowalski told the AP Thursday.

"I can only speak from what I saw," Kowalski said. "He couldn't have been more supportive of making sure we got convicted the murderers of the last black man who was lynched by the Klan."

Gerry Hebert, another former Justice Department attorney who had worked with Sessions in the early 1980s, told the Judiciary committee about racist comments Sessions made regarding the NAACP being un-American and said Sessions agreed with another person's comment that a prominent white civil rights lawyer was a disgrace to his race for trying voting rights cases.

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"I filed all these things away thinking, 'God, what a racist this guy is,'" Hebert told The Associated Press.

During Sessions' confirmation hearing, then-Sen. Joe Biden asked Hebert if he would be comfortable trying a voting rights case before Sessions as a judge or whether he would ask that Sessions be recused because of racist comments he had made. "I would certainly raise the issue, absolutely," Hebert responded.

Most of the senators who voted against Sessions in 1986 are no longer alive or in office. Vermont Democrat Patrick Leahy is the only one who voted against him still in the Senate.

Today, Sessions would face confirmation as a member of the chamber. Senators often are deferential to current and former members who are nominated for Cabinet posts. The last time the Senate rejected one of its own was in 1989 when then-Sen. John G. Tower, a Texas Republican, could not get confirmed as President George H. W. Bush's defense secretary amid reports of heavy drinking and womanizing.

If Sessions is nominated for a position in the Trump Cabinet, his confirmation hearing could occur as early as January. The Republicans will have only a 52-48 advantage, assuming Republicans win an upcoming Senate election. That means Sessions couldn't afford to lose many votes from members of his own party. If there are Republicans upset by his comments  not just years ago about race but also what he has said in recent years about immigration  his confirmation could be a challenge.

Sessions is an immigration hard-liner, not in step with mainstream Republicans. In the past year, he has supported mass deportations for immigrants in the country illegally, suggested that the administration quickly deport unaccompanied children and families who have been caught crossing the border illegally, linked terror attacks against the U.S. to Muslim immigrant families and complained that the Obama administration has increased the number of green cards issued to immigrants from "Muslim-majority countries."

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South Carolina Republican Sen. Lindsey Graham said he would support a Sessions nomination.

"I'd vote for him. I like Jeff. He was the early, only supporter for Donald Trump in the Senate," Graham said. "And I believe Jeff Sessions has earned the right to serve President Trump in the highest levels, and I think he's a good, competent, capable man."

Sen. Mike Lee, R-Utah, would also support Sessions, spokesman Conn Carroll said. "Sen. Lee has worked closely with Sessions in the Senate and has the utmost respect for his abilities," Carroll said.

Sessions was asked by reporters at Trump Tower Thursday whether he thought he would be confirmed by the Senate.

"People have to make that decision. The actual senators will cast those votes on any confirmation," Sessions said.

Associated Press
Ann Gerber, seen here on May 10, 1992, at Arlington Park, also was editor of Lerner's Skyline newspaper. (Jose Osorio / Chicago Tribune)

Ann Gerber wrote for local Chicago newspapers for more than 70 years, authoring a sometimes-catty gossip column that was a must-read for the city's socialites and political class.

Always beautifully attired, Gerber was at home at social events at elite venues like the Casino Club, where she built relationships that invariably led to scoops and eyebrow-raising blind items.

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"She was the most sparkling and the most charming and the most informed person, and somehow or other she was able to take notes under the table or something," said socialite, author and public relations guru Sugar Rautbord. "I think she had sources all over the world  she was so au courant with her info."

Gerber, 90, died of heart-related problems on Nov. 15 at her home in East Lakeview, said author Sherrill Bodine, a longtime friend. Gerber previously had been a longtime resident of Skokie.

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Raised on the North Side, Gerber attended Senn High School and then Wright Junior College and Northwestern University. At 16, Gerber began writing for the Lerner Newspapers chain. By 1950, she began working as the chain's gossip columnist. She also eventually became the editor of Lerner's Skyline newspaper, which was launched in the 1960s and covered the city's Near North Side.

"On my first day at Lerner (in the late 1960s), the first person to introduce herself was Ann Gerber," said Patrick Butler, now a reporter for Inside Publications. "I found her always consistently friendly, helpful and caring. She was the kind of person who helped make the workplace. She was one of a rare kind."

Butler remembered Gerber's laserlike focus on celebrities and frequent coverage of socialite Bonnie Swearingen, the wife of Standard Oil of Indiana Chairman John Swearingen.

"We used to joke how Skyline never went to bed without at least one story about Bonnie Swearingen," Butler said. "She had her fans and knew her audience, and she taught us a lot of things that we didn't even know we were learning."

Crain's Chicago Business columnist Greg Hinz, who worked with Gerber at Lerner Newspapers, said she was "her own little private force of nature."

"She loved gossip, and she was upfront about it," Hinz said. "She would write about anybody. Her heart was in the right place, and she loved what she did and was good at it."

Marc Schulman, the president of Eli's Cheesecake Co., recalled Gerber's willingness to tout social causes in an age before social media.

"It was Ann who captured thousands of events and highlighted so many worthy events," he said. "She and her husband were just really elegant people who enjoyed Chicago and made it really special. Ann was always there and was willing to help and willing to help good causes. We forget what it was like when the community paper was the way to help Chicago."

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Philanthropist Abra Prentice Wilkin, herself a former gossip columnist for the old Chicago Daily News, labeled Gerber a "tigress" who was "always looking amazing."

"Her costumes got more and more outrageous as the years went on. She was absolutely a character, and there's never been anyone like her before or since," Wilkin said.

Wilkin remembered Gerber's love of blind items in her columns.

"She would always start with an outrageous blind item, and no one could believe it," Wilkin said. "She covered a scene and covered it well. And she was a good broad. She had a sharp eye and could see detail, but she wasn't bitchy."

Former Lerner Newspapers reporter Felicia Dechter, who along with Butler had recently been working with Gerber on Gerber's memoirs, called her "a dear friend and a longtime mentor, and underneath that tough exterior was one of the most generous and caring people I know."

"She was sharp as a tack and loved nothing more than a juicy story," Dechter said. "She was the ultimate gossip queen."

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Gerber, who proudly drove a car with the vanity license plate "CATTY," left Lerner in 1987 to join the Chicago Sun-Times as a gossip columnist. Things unraveled in 1989 when she wrote a thinly veiled blind item about Oprah Winfrey's longtime beau, Stedman Graham, which prompted outrage from the talk-show host and led the Sun-Times to fire her.

After that, Gerber returned to Skyline and resumed writing her column. She stayed with the paper after it was sold to Inside Publications in 2012.

Battling health problems, Gerber retired from writing her column in late 2015.

A first marriage ended in divorce. Gerber is survived by her husband of more than 50 years, Bernard Kaplan; and a stepson, Jeffrey Kaplan.

Services are private.

Bob Goldsborough is a freelancer.
Forgive me for what is going to sound like an odd analogy, but the street demonstrations across the United States have given me an uncanny sense of deja vu.

I live part of the time in Warsaw, and I was there last year during an ugly election. Hateful screeds about Muslim immigrants (though there are hardly any Muslim immigrants in Poland) and angry "anti-elitist" rhetoric overwhelmed a stiff and unpopular female leader; the center-right and center-left politicians split into quarreling factions, allowing a radical populist party to win with a minority of voters. Upon taking power, it set out to destroy the country's democratic and state institutions: the constitutional court, the independent prosecutor, the independent civil service, the public media.

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Poles took to the streets. There were huge demonstrations, the largest since the collapse of communism in 1989. Nobody had expected them, and  like the recent demonstrations in U.S. cities following the presidential election  nobody had planned these marches in advance. A year later, here are some reflections on their value:

 Protest makes people feel better.

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Because the government's language was vicious and angry, the demonstrators tried hard to be nice and polite. During protest marches, they didn't walk on the grass. They chanted for "freedom, equality, democracy," which has a nice lilt to it in Polish. The middle-aged ex-radicals who had demonstrated against communism in the 1980s felt energized and young again. The boost to morale was real. I am sure that's true for many marching in New York or San Francisco this week, too.

 Protest, if not carefully targeted, achieves little.

The Polish protests were meant to "defend the constitution," a very theoretical goal. Because they were about a principle, not a policy, the government found them easy to ignore, and the slogans never inspired younger or rural voters. Sound familiar?

The calculus did shift, it is true, when hundreds of thousands of Polish women dressed in black joined a national protest against a very harsh proposed abortion law. The protest was aimed at a specific measure. It took place not just in Warsaw and Krakow, but also in every city in the country, as well as many smaller towns. Perhaps the sight of so many angry women spooked the party leader, Jaroslaw Kaczynski, who is an elderly bachelor; perhaps the thousands of photographs that appeared all over the world frightened the prime minister, who is female. In any case, this targeted, well-organized, broadly based single-issue protest had far more impact than the general marches, and the government withdrew the law.

 Protests inspire conspiracy theorists.

Authoritarian personalities don't believe in spontaneity. They think that everything is part of a plot to deceive them. Donald Trump's first tweet, as president-elect, referred to protesters as "paid." Similarly, Kaczynski has implied variously that protesters are former members of the communist party or secret police, that they are agents of foreign powers or that they are, in the words of another radical politician, in the pay of an unnamed "Jewish banker." This line of thinking allows the rulers to discount the protesters. If they are "paid" or "foreign" or "manipulated," after all, then they can be ignored. Also, the hard-core voting base  in Poland, about 20 percent of the country  can be inspired to focus its hatred and anger on the "traitors" instead of listening to what they are trying to say.

 Politics matter more than protests.

A year after the street movement began, its leaders, the "Committee to Defend Democracy," have become an important part of national political culture. Their marches and meetings inspire people. Their television appearances are carefully watched. But because they kept their distance from political parties, they haven't much altered opinion polls. The government is still supported by a committed minority. The center-right and the center-left remain splintered into smaller groups. If anything, the protest movement seems to have solidified a general disdain for politics and a dislike of politicians in general.

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 In a democracy, real change comes through politics, political parties and elections.

Poland, although damaged, is still a democracy. If the people who are willing to put time into demonstrations also prove willing to work on behalf of candidates in local elections  or to become candidates themselves  they will achieve far more. A mayor is in a far better position to resist attacks on the civil service than a man carrying a sign. A different parliamentary majority could block the would-be authoritarian government altogether.

The same thing is true in the United States. Five Democratic senators could do more to block extremist judges or damaging policies than 5 million  or even 50 million  people chanting slogans. Protesting might make you feel better, it might win a few battles and it might attract attention. I'm sorry if you are angry at "the establishment," but you need to work for it and within it if you want it to change.

Washington Post

Anne Applebaum writes about foreign affairs.
News / National

by Simbarashe Sithole

Bogus lawyer Sofat Chumbu (54) was finally convicted at the Bindura provincial magistrate's court after defrauding a number of people in areas around Mvurwi.Chumbu was sentenced to pay US$200 fine in addition 7 months were suspended on condition that the accused pays back the complainant Eleven Gaura a sum of US$700 on or before the 30th of December 2016.The bogus lawyer is said to have been a liaising officer for a Harare lawyer who never showed up in Mvurwi prompting Chumbu to impersonate him and representing people at the Guruve magistrate court as a registered and practising legal practitioner. In violation of the Legal Practitioners Act [Chapter 27:07] section 9 (1).His luck ran out when he defrauded Gaura of an amount estimated at US$1000 and Gaura filed a police report at Mvurwi police station promoting the police to investigate his authenticity.The police went to the Law Society of Zimbabwe and discovered that he did not exist in the register of practising legal practitioners and did not have a practising certificate and was arrested.Meanwhile, bogus lawyers seem to be mushrooming in Mvurwi and touting for work in the name of legal aid.
Donald Trump will start his first job as a government employee on Jan. 20. For human resources professionals working with the White House, this must be an "on-boarding" experience like no other. In case none of their existing boilerplate welcome letters fits for this president-elect, I offer an updated version:

Mr. Trump:

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Welcome to the company! We in the Human Resources Department of the United States of America congratulate you on your new job! Your start date is Jan. 20, 2017, and your starting salary will be $400,000 per year as a full-time employee (though we understand that you have opted for the $1/year salary plan; please be sure to complete the appropriate tax forms).

Our role as human resources professionals is to help you succeed. You have a big job ahead as president, and we know it might feel overwhelming. We're here to help you get acclimated and address any concerns you may have regarding your job description: running the free world.

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We understand you've already had a few meetings with your new staff as well as the outgoing executive team. Great. They're a terrific bunch, with years  in many cases decades  of experience in running the federal government. We reviewed your file and noticed some gaps in work experience. It appears that, aside from a brief internship of sorts with your father, this is your first job as an employee. We can imagine the anxiety you must feel, and so we are making available our full catalog of 6,452 training videos, which you can access from your desktop computer. We highly recommend you watch them all.

But because you have never been an actual employee, we thought it important to introduce you to your 314 million or so new supervisors  your bosses. This will be awkward, and we can explain the math further in our first in-person orientation session, but it's important you know that fewer than half of your new bosses wanted to hire you. More of your new bosses actually wanted to hire another job candidate, but we have a hiring process at this company that dates to its founding more than two centuries ago  and you know how some companies are resistant to change. But we digress 

To get you up to speed for your Jan. 20 start date (that's just about two months, so make time to study!), here is an overview of the people you will be working for. For brevity, we will call them "Americans."

We recognize that you've already connected with many Americans who are much like you  the older-than-65, non-Hispanic white males who did not serve in the military and earn far more than the median household income, $53,482. You no doubt will find comfort surrounding yourself with those like-minded Americans, but we encourage you  for the good of the company and for your own professional success!  to get to know your other bosses, as well, including:

159 million women and girls (yes, they outnumber the men and boys)

117 million non-white Americans

18.8 million foreign-born American citizens

3.3 million Muslims

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5.7 million Jews

2.1 million Hindus

37.8 million Americans living with a disability

(according to 2014 Census Bureau data; religion data from a 2015 Pew Research Center study.)

You work for all of these people now, Mr. Trump, and you will have to answer to them. Some are micromanagers, some will ignore you completely. They may make you feel uncomfortable and they can be harsh. But again, we want your first-ever experience as an employee to be a positive one, so we encourage you to work hard for all of them. Your new bosses, the Americans, will provide regular performance evaluations  in the form of local elections and regular communication with you and your colleagues in Washington and in the 50 statehouses.

We've noted your penchant for communicating via Twitter. Social media served you well during the long interview process and helped you get the job. We've seen previous high-level employees stumble with technology, so use it with caution, Mr. Trump. We recommend adopting other regular forms of communication that allow for more than 140 characters at a time, and our internal communications team will be happy to teach you how to use our email server and write professional memos.

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We've also noticed some red flags in your record, Mr. Trump, that compel us to recommend extra sexual harassment training. We will review existing federal laws with you regarding workplace conduct and provide links to more training videos for you to watch before your start date. We can't emphasize enough how important this is to your professional development and your own success!

We also will schedule extra training sessions with you to review topics such as: Conflicts of Interest, Foreign Influence, Nepotism and Professional Conduct. Please clear your calendar, as these sessions are lengthy.

Finally, we see that you are not alone in your unfamiliarity with this organization and so your new colleagues will be expected to attend all training sessions as well. We are delivering copies of our employee handbook, referred to as "The Constitution," to all new staff members. We understand you don't read much, Mr. Trump, but we encourage you to at least skim the document and give extra attention to 10 amendments collectively called the "Bill of Rights." We'll have wallet cards made up for the full staff as a reference tool.

Welcome to the team, Mr. Trump. We will organize a coffee and cake social for your staff as soon as our on-boarding process is complete.

With wishes for great professional success,

Human Resources

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United States of America

Lara Weber is a member of the Tribune Editorial Board.

lweber@chicagotribune.com
It was lonely being a Donald Trump supporter in the legal academy. Of my thousands of colleagues teaching law in this country, I don't think more than a few dozen believed that he would have made a better president than Hillary Clinton, and not more than a handful of us were willing to go public with our support.

It has always been a risk to be a Republican teaching in a law school, where many teachers see a thin line between support for the GOP and bigotry or insanity. And yet, enough Americans liked what they saw in Trump to give him a smashing Electoral College victory.

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How did it come about that law professors grew so out of touch with much of America?

To a hammer everything looks like a nail, and to a law professor everything is a problem in jurisprudence. Accordingly, it's my guess that the legal academy, over the past 80 years or so, began to wander too far from common sense, or, to be more precise, to depart from the essentials of the rule of law. Law professors forgot the most important notion that undergirds our legal system  the basic principle endorsed by the framers, that ours is a government of laws, not men (or women).

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What this is supposed to mean is that we adhere to the original understanding of our Constitution and laws, and that if legal change is to be accomplished it is done not by judges or presidents, but by legislators or the American people, through constitutional amendments.

Since Franklin Roosevelt lambasted the U.S. Supreme Court for its "horse and buggy" definition of interstate commerce, however, the court, in recoil, has felt an obligation to rewrite the Constitution to meet the needs of the times, as the Supreme Court under Justice Earl Warren did with abandon, and as subsequent courts have done, most notably with Roe v. Wade and Obergefell v. Hodges.

The court has advanced the cause of human rights, undeniably, but at a cost of self-government by the American people.

This has been justified in the legal field through theories arguing that the Warren Court was engaged in teasing out "principles" of justice inherent in the Constitution, and, more boldly, by theorists who maintained that, at bottom, all law is politics.

A rear-guard action in the academy was maintained by those who lamented the Warren Court's failure to adhere to our tradition that the Constitution should be neutrally applied, without a thumb on the scale to implement policies favored by the justices. That view was best expressed by the late justice and former Chicago law professor Antonin Scalia, who ridiculed the idea of a "living Constitution" and maintained that the only valid jurisprudence was one that assigned law-making not to the judges but to legislatures. It is no coincidence that President-elect Trump singled out Scalia as his favorite justice. And it is probably no coincidence that President Barack Obama's executive orders stretched the law and Constitution to new lengths, often beyond the breaking points. He went to Harvard Law School in an era when critical legal studies, which challenge and overturn accepted legal norms and standards and practices, were at their zenith.

It seems to be well understood that some conservatives (I'm one) adhered to Trump early on because of the view that he would appoint a conservative like Scalia to the Supreme Court. But I can't help but wonder whether the many millions who voted for President-elect Trump also understood what the legal academy had all but forgotten, that what was at stake in the past election was nothing less than the rule of law and self-government itself.

Stephen B. Presser is the Raoul Berger Professor of Legal History emeritus at Northwestern University's Pritzker School of Law and author of the forthcoming "Law Professors: Three Centuries of Shaping American Law."
Dozens of Chicago radio stations suspended their programming on Nov. 14 to broadcast what sounded like a half-hour "infomercial" for Mayor Rahm Emanuel. The free air time, spearheaded by the Radio Broadcasters of Chicagoland, was framed as a substantive interview exploring critical issues facing our city. Instead, we were treated to a smorgasbord of Emanuel's campaign talking points.

Citizens of Chicago deserve real conversations, not the sort of political posturing we heard from Emanuel during his interview with veteran news anchor Bill Kurtis.

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Let's look at the issues addressed during the broadcast, and what was ignored.

Education: Threatened with another teacher strike, the mayor decided it was in his best political interest to negotiate in good faith and do what others long suggested  and the mayor had insisted was untenable: Use surplus TIF funds to plug financial holes. This didn't come up.

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Emanuel wasn't asked, and didn't address, any questions about the school closings over the past few years or a report on how kids at "welcoming" schools fared after the closings. There was no mention of Barbara Byrd-Bennett and the SUPES scandal, or of the ouster of one of Chicago's most effective school principals, Troy LaRaviere. No, everything is hunky-dory.

He also was not asked about the inflated graduation rates that Chicago Public Schools regularly released under his watch, and that he touted repeatedly during his reelection campaign. It was only after an investigation by WBEZ and the Better Government Association that the public learned thousands of dropouts had been classified as transfers, artificially inflating CPS graduation rates. This sounds like politics as usual in the Emanuel administration.

Violence: Nearly 700 Chicagoans have been murdered so far this year  more than New York and Los Angeles combined. In October alone there were 78 murders, more than double the number in October 2010, shortly before Emanuel took office. And this is in a city with a declining population.

But we commend the mayor for finally committing to hiring hundreds of additional police officers  especially since he called the idea "fairy dust" when proposed by Chuy Garcia during the 2015 mayoral race. Hopefully, he will follow Garcia's advice and ensure that new hires and current officers receive proper training and reflect the communities that they protect.

Emanuel touted mentorship as a way to reduce violence. Mentoring has some value, but tackling violence requires real economic development in the neighborhoods, more jobs, community policing and well-funded local schools where children learn skills that they need to succeed in our economy.

Community investment: The mayor promoted his $100 million Chicago Community Catalyst Fund, which was approved by the City Council this week. As Ald. Carlos Ramirez Rosa, 35th, detailed in a recent In These Times web post, the fund does not target economically struggling neighborhoods and will operate with little or no public accountability. It also is not subject to oversight by the inspector general. Currently structured, it sure looks like a Rahm Emanuel slush fund to support his reelection. Turning it into a real community investment program would require significant changes. Economic investment is desperately needed in many communities, especially in the South and West sides. This is not a responsible way of achieving that goal.

Over the next few years, Chicagoans deserve real conversations about the issues, not infomercials.

Clem Balanoff, a former Illinois state representative, was the Illinois state director for the Bernie Sanders presidential campaign. Abdelnasser Rashid was its Illinois deputy state director. Both worked on Chuy Garcia's mayoral campaign.
Congress is not, to put it mildly, the most popular institution in the United States. Its approval ratings are low. It has developed a reputation for mindless obstructionism. And when Donald Trump promises to "drain the swamp" in Washington, D.C., he seems to be talking in large part about the legislature.

Congress may also be the last, best hope of those who fear substantial parts of Trump's announced agenda.

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Our national legislature has a reputation for fecklessness in disputes with the White House. After all, legislation nearly always requires the president's signature, so how can lawmakers hope to rein him in? But this standard view is too myopic  Congress does a lot of things other than pass legislation, and most of them do not require presidential assent. Moreover, many of them can form effective tools with which to push back against the president's agenda.

Yes, Republicans will control both the House and the Senate in January, just as they do now. But if Democrats vote as a bloc, it wouldn't take that many GOP defections to check Trump. And there are already early indications that at least some Republican lawmakers might want to do just that.

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Consider what I call the congressional "personnel power," one key part of which is the requirement of Senate advice and consent for judicial appointments and numerous executive appointments, ranging from Cabinet posts on down. Assuming that Republican John N. Kennedy wins the Louisiana Senate runoff next month (as seems likely), Republicans will have only a 52-48 edge in the upper chamber, which means that just three Republican defections, alongside a unified Democratic caucus, could defeat a nomination.

Obviously, most Republicans will not oppose Trump at every turn. But there are plenty who might be inclined to oppose him at least occasionally. Sens. Ben Sasse (Nebraska), Jeff Flake and John McCain (Arizona), Susan Collins (Maine), Lisa Murkowski (Alaska), Rob Portman (Ohio) and Lindsey Graham (South Carolina) either opposed or withdrew support from Trump in the general election. Kentucky Sen. Rand Paul is a libertarian who recently told The Washington Post that he was disinclined to support Trump's reported favorites Rudolph W. Giuliani or John Bolton for secretary of state; Paul might be inclined to oppose other hawkish national security nominees, as well. It should be possible to assemble at least three from that group of eight (and perhaps other Trump-skeptical Republicans) to defeat extreme nominees.

Across the Capitol, party discipline is generally stronger in the House, and partisan gerrymandering means that many members will worry more about drawing primary challengers for opposing Trump than about alienating moderates by supporting him. But if relations sour between the White House and Congress, even the GOP-controlled House might consider using its powers of investigation and contempt to keep close tabs on the administration. These powers have been used to significant effect in recent years, first by Democrats overseeing the George W. Bush administration and then by Republicans overseeing the Obama administration. House Speaker Paul Ryan has a notoriously on-again-off-again marriage of convenience with Trump, and Utah Rep. Jason Chaffetz, who chairs the Committee on Oversight and Government Reform, has expressed some Trump-skeptical views. They might be inclined to hold hearings about controversial policies and ask tough questions of members of the administration, especially if Trump's popularity sinks lower once he's in office.

Both chambers might also use their power of the purse, simply refusing to fund agencies or activities that they find odious. (Surely, at any rate, if Trump's campaign promises are to be believed, no money need be appropriated to finance the construction of a wall on our southern border.)

For example

In pushing back against a president of their own party, Republicans would hardly be doing something unprecedented, even in the current age of heightened partisan polarization. George W. Bush's attempt to nominate Harriet Miers to the U.S. Supreme Court fell to bipartisan opposition, as did President Barack Obama's nominations of Goodwin Liu to the Ninth U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals, Dawn Johnsen to the Justice Department's Office of Legal Counsel and Debo Adegbile as head of the Civil Rights Division of the Justice Department. And actual failed nominations undoubtedly underestimate the influence of intraparty pushback: Obama nominated Janet Yellen to chair the Federal Reserve after a number of Democrats, including Massachusetts Sen. Elizabeth Warren, made clear that they would oppose Lawrence Summers for the post.

Unsurprisingly, presidents tend to face the most intraparty pushback when their standing with the public is lowest. Trump will enter office having lost the popular vote, with very low favorability ratings and in the face of massive protests. This will free some Republicans with strong ideological commitments to oppose him (Paul on the national security state comes to mind). Other Republicans will see an opportunity to begin staking their claim to the future of the party by putting some distance between themselves and Trump (Sasse and Ryan may well fall into this camp). Still others represent districts or states that may be close enough to make a "centrist maverick" reputation valuable (Flake and Portman, maybe).

Double cross

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None of these motivations is likely to lead to opposition on all, or even most, matters. Party loyalty, even if not absolute, is still strong. But for any given issue or appointment, a relatively small number of House members or (especially) senators  whether motivated by ideology, status-seeking within the party, constituency placation, some combination of the above or something else entirely  could join with Democrats to block some of the Trump administration's most extreme actions.

Democrats in both houses would therefore be wise to consider ways of reaching across the aisle to never-Trump and Trump-skeptical Republicans, in an effort to make shared use of these congressional tools of opposition. This will stick in many Democrats' craw, and with good reason: Republicans did not do much reaching across the aisle over the last eight years. But Republicans will soon control all three branches of the federal government. Republicans will set policy for (at a very minimum) the next two years. Democrats would be wise to work with them where they can find common ground against Trump's worst policies. If the bipartisan will to use them can be found, Congress has the tools with which to push back.

Washington Post

Josh Chafetz is a professor of law at Cornell Law School. His second book, "Congress's Constitution," will be published in the spring.
President-elect Donald Trump talks to the media while joined by his wife Melania Trump, and Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell after a meeting at the U.S. Capitol on Nov. 10, 2016, in Washington, D.C. (Mark Wilson, Getty Images)

Would you work for Donald Trump? Would you promote his policies, such as they are, to a foreign government and its citizens?

Or would you, on principle, refuse to do it and abandon a profession you cherish?

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This is the dilemma that confronts our diplomats. A change in administrations, especially if it also entails an alternation of parties in power, is a fraught time for the foreign service. The loyalists of the victorious party, who will make policy and occupy many senior positions in the State Department, are committed political operatives.

Whether Democrat or Republican, they are fiercely partisan. Having spent months, even years, ardently dedicated to their party and its candidate, they find it inconceivable that career diplomats don't bring the same passion to politics.

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They appreciate intellectually the nation's need for a professional foreign service, but viscerally can't accept that it can function effectively. You are, must be, either a Republican or a Democrat, they think. You can't possibly serve both parties with the same energy and commitment.

In the first months of the Clinton administration I was approached by a new appointee at the State Department. More curious than accusatory, he asked how I and my colleagues, after 12 years of supporting Republican presidents, could now pivot and embrace the policies of Bill Clinton.

Will President Clinton, I asked, seek ways to make the country more secure and more prosperous? Will he want to maintain our alliances, increase exports and foster international understanding? Will he encourage his diplomats to advocate for democracy, human rights, the rule of law and free markets? If so, these are the very principles that have animated American foreign policy since the end of World War II.

To be sure, I added, each administration seems to have a pet policy or two. There have been various interpretations of national security and what most threatens it, differing views on international commerce, but every government since Truman's has sought to strengthen alliances and expand trade. The difference has been in emphasis, not goals.

Until now. If Donald Trump's campaign rhetoric is to be believed, his administration will not honor Article 5 of the NATO charter, which notes simply that an attack on one is an attack on all. He will jettison trade agreements. He will condone territorial aggressions and countenance murderous regimes.

He claims, with ample justification, that the United States has failed in its efforts to build nations and establish democracy, especially in the Middle East, and that these failures have exacted an alarming price in the nation's blood and treasure. But we have suffered other, more costly defeats  think Vietnam  and not abandoned an activist foreign policy. We have remained engaged with the world.

It has taken decades of constant attention and unwavering determination, of creative statecraft and countless sacrifices, to build the postwar architecture of defense pacts and trade deals that has made us secure and rich. In the process, we have also made the world a safer, more prosperous place.

Is a Trump presidency prepared to toss it all away? And will he expect our diplomats to be the handmaidens to his odious policies?

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This, I'm sure, is on the minds of my former colleagues at the State Department. Imagine you are working at the embassy in Beijing, and the new American president keeps his word and imposes a 35 percent duty on Chinese imports, and the Chinese respond in kind. How do you prevent the relationship from collapsing?

If you are based in Latin America and our government begins to deport millions of Hispanics, how do you repair the image of the United States, a country built by immigrants and proud of its ethnic, religious and racial diversity?

If you are in any of NATO's European capitals, sharing a war-scarred continent with a Russian strongman bent on territorial aggrandizement, how do you reassure our allies that your president really won't renege on our treaty commitments?

One understandable reaction would be to pack up and call it a career, invoking principle and conscience. That happened, I have been told, quite often during the later years of the conflict in Vietnam. It also occurred, but rarely, during the Balkan crisis of the 1990s and as a result of the Second Gulf War.

But career diplomats know that they will be called on to promote policies they personally find mistaken, misguided and myopic. They realize, that for America's security and prosperity, a professional foreign service is essential. If hundreds of officers were to quit on principle it would undermine the nation's ability to conduct effective diplomacy. It would weaken America.

Then there are personal, pragmatic reasons to stay. Officers have families and bills and dreams of a rewarding career. A decision to resign would be agonizing.

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If I were still active, I would hold on to my letter of resignation for the time being. The Trump administration deserves a decent interval to develop and deploy its policies.

Meanwhile, I would like to think, maybe the responsibilities of the office will sober the man, make him re-examine his ideas, adjust his approach and moderate his speech.

Maybe he will listen to the counsel of wise and experienced professionals, become aware of the judgment of history and know that, in a real sense, his actions will have consequences. Maybe.

Robert J. Callahan, a retired diplomat and former Chicagoan, served as U.S. ambassador to Nicaragua.
Long lines snaked through the United Airlines terminal at O'Hare Airport Monday May 16, 2016 where one line reached almost to the glass window at the far north end of the terminal. (Nancy Stone / Chicago Tribune)

Donald Trump's upcoming move to the White House has left many Americans considering a move of another sort: out of their homeland. According to a Morning Consult/Vox poll, more than 25 percent of the populace thought of retreating to more attractive ground in the event of a Trump win. Fortunately for them, there are some options.

For a long-term exit plan, ancestry is the easiest and cheapest route. Direct descendants of an Italian male citizen (or female if born after 1948) can apply for Italian citizenship  no language or cultural tests required. It's even possible to register and collect the documents at an embassy or consulate abroad before traveling there. Irish grandparents or Polish great-grandparents may supply another route available to many Americans, if you have the right paperwork. And if Nazis stripped your Jewish ancestors of German citizenship, Germany and the rest of the European Union may be open to you as well. Indeed, with an EU passport in hand, you are free to live in any of the member states, including the United Kingdom (at least for the moment).

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For the elderly, Trump's promise to end Obamacare is of particular concern. Where can one go that's far enough away, yet close enough to home? Canada, unfortunately, protects its publicly funded medical system with strict laws that limit an influx of the aging.

Mexico, however, is more generous. Retirees with an average bank balance of $25,000 and at least $1,500 in post-tax income every month can easily apply for a residence permit. In Costa Rica, Guatemala, Venezuela and Chile, the hurdle is even lower  $1,000 to $1,200 in monthly income. Island lovers might cast their gaze toward the Caribbean, where a number of countries boast citizenship-by-investment programs. Dominica is the cheapest option for a single applicant; anyone can become a citizen by donating $100,000 to the government, and the new passport brings with it the right to live in any of the 20 countries comprising the Caribbean Community.

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Those thinking of leaving Trump's America might also wonder about housing. Indeed, this can be the ticket to securing residence rights. Buy a home in Greece worth at least $275,000, and you qualify for a residence permit. The same holds true in Spain and Portugal for slightly more.

Purchase a sizable holiday villa in Antigua, Saint Kitts, Saint Lucia or Grenada, and a passport is yours. Those willing to up the ante might consider Malta or Cyprus, which offer citizenship in exchange for a real estate investment and economic contributions. But the price tag for these EU countries is much higher: $1.3 million and $2.2 million, respectively. You might do better finding a male Italian ancestor.

A world of possibilities lies open to those looking further afield. There is residence in Tonga for a verified annual income of about $4,600, retirement in Thailand if you can prove a monthly revenue stream of $1,800, or in South Africa for $2,600. Those hoping for a return on their money can secure papers by investing $75,000 in the Philippines  or just $30,000 in Peru and $12,000 in Gambia.

Identity politics can structure options as well. Some environmentalists might worry about Trump's promise to end U.S. support to United Nations programs to combat global warming. For them, there is Panama, which grants a residence permit in exchange for the purchase of five hectares (roughly 12 acres) of land in a government reforestation project. Muslim Americans, concerned about personal safety, might consider Indonesia, where residence is available to applicants with a minimal monthly income and an Indonesian housekeeper in their employ.

Leaving the United States, however, doesn't mean giving up U.S. citizenship, which is a lengthy and costly process. The basic fee runs more than $2,000, and the wealthiest of those who choose this route face an even heftier bill, one equivalent to the taxes they would pay if their global assets were sold on the spot. And even if Trump prefers to avoid the IRS, Americans abroad still must file and pay tax on earnings over $100,000.

But maybe it will be worth it  at least for those who have the possibility of leaving. Not everyone has the ancestry or the funds to seal an escape. The unequal access to exit options is perhaps a fitting reflection of the United States today. The schisms that underwrote the vehemence of the election  inequalities in birthright and bank accounts  aren't really all that different.

Washington Post

Kristin Surak is an American professor who teaches politics at the University of London and is writing a book about investor citizenship.
Sally Kohn and Ben Shapiro seen at Politicon 2016 at The Pasadena Convention Center on Sunday, June 26, 2016, in Pasadena, Calif. Shapiro was blocked from speaking at DePaul University. (Colin Young-Wolff / AP)

Tough talk, ugly speech  you've heard it all year from Donald Trump. His politically incorrect style of communication is everywhere, but it's harder to find on the campus of DePaul University, where the administration blocked another appearance by a controversial conservative speaker.

Here's what happened, according to the DePaulia student newspaper: Ben Shapiro of the Daily Wire visited DePaul on Nov. 15 to appear at an event with conservative author Christina Hoff Sommers. He didn't get far. Campus security prevented Shapiro's attendance, saying he wasn't part of the officially approved program and not on the list of pre-registered guests.

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Shapiro knew how to respond outside the event hall as a video camera rolled: "If I attempt to enter that hall, right there, just to hear somebody speak, or if I attempt to ask a question or engage in free speech, you will have me arrested?" he asked a security official. "I'm glad in a city that has some 4,000 shootings to this date, you have 30 members of security just for a 5-9,165 (pound) Jewish guy."

Bystanders laughed at his self-deprecating remark. Shapiro certainly can play to a crowd and make a point. It's a shame he wasn't permitted to perform for a full audience. Why couldn't he? Because DePaul remained tied up in knots over the question of how to manage speaker events that may offend some members of the school community.

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There's at least six months of history behind this kerfuffle, dating to spring when Milo Yiannopoulos of right-wing Breitbart News brought his political circus to DePaul. His event, sponsored by the school's College Republicans, ended in a melee because Yiannopoulos said some ugly things. Being offensive is what he does. In the aftermath, DePaul's president, the Rev. Dennis Holtschneider, acknowledged that allowing protesters to shut down a speaker was wrong. The right approach, he suggested, was to "welcome speakers, give their ideas a respectful hearing, and then respond with additional speech countering the ideas."

Fast forward to August: The College Republicans and DePaul Young Americans for Freedom test the school's resolve by reinviting Yiannopoulos and adding Shapiro, a former Breitbart editor, to the billing. DePaul says no, citing security issues. Meanwhile, the school is creating a task force to revise DePaul's Guiding Principles of Speech and Expression.

Tick-tock, more time passes, and Trump wins the presidency based in part on his incendiary language. Then he names Stephen Bannon, executive chairman of Breitbart News, to be White House counselor. Hmm, maybe there is something serious to explore in the political clash between right and left. Shapiro, no fan of Bannon, would have been a very interesting lecturer for engaged students to hear a week after the election. But nope, too risky for DePaul.

DePaul said Shapiro was blocked not because of his ideas but because he hadn't been pre-approved as a speaker or guest under revised speaker program guidelines. Shapiro devised a clever workaround, calling in to the event from a nearby theater to invite the audience to meet him there for a discussion. That evidently went off just fine. The DePaulia said he attracted an overflow audience.

Back on campus, the hand-wringing persists. DePaul, as a private university, controls campus access and can approve or refuse guests as it sees fit. This isn't a First Amendment right to assembly issue; it's an issue of academic exploration. Universities can give in to the demands of students and others who won't tolerate disagreeable ideas, or they can uphold the standards of academic freedom and free expression Holtschneider espoused.

In this case, DePaul had a few days' notice and could have allowed Shapiro to appear with adequate security on hand. That would have served the interests of students and made a powerful statement about a university as a marketplace of ideas. Students would have heard Shapiro, engaged him and reached their own conclusions about the values and merits of the conservatism in the era of Trump.

True, there is a lot of confusion today about the country's political direction. There is polarization, there are hard feelings. That's part of life in a democracy. Learning how to confront political differences in a civilized manner is a tough lesson to embrace. Unfortunately, DePaul missed another chance to play the role of enlightened teacher.

Join the discussion on Twitter @Trib_Ed_Board and on Facebook.
Donald Trump, at the Republican National Convention in July, has a plan that could potentially boost the economic growth of the country. (Alex Wong / Getty Images)

If you're able to think past President-elect Donald Trump's nasty campaign bluster (we hear yoga and kitten videos help), you'll discover something soothing, even exciting in his electioneering promises to create jobs: Elements of his economic plan could boost growth and standards of living here and nationwide.

This is potentially good news for millions of jobs-starved Americans.

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There are yuuuuge caveats. Trump has not been good on details, he's a serial exaggerator, and he's completely out to sea in his insistence that America has the option to unplug from global trade. He also pays little heed to the nation's $20 trillion debt, the looming threat of Social Security insolvency and Medicare's unsustainable cost trajectory. If Trump ignores America's glaring balance sheet woes during his presidency, things will go badly for the country. But Trump, unlike President Barack Obama, is a business guy and dealmaker at heart, and the country could benefit from having that perspective in the White House.

Trump's a real estate developer who views the American economy as a fixer-upper: It requires work but has great bones. His overall approach is free market-focused and pro-growth. Parts dovetail nicely with traditional Republican principles. So his job-creation philosophy is both sound and potentially doable since the GOP will control both houses of Congress. Expect negotiations on the details, though.

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One prong of the strategy has the direct potential to encourage business investment, and thus hiring: Trump would cut business taxes, with the corporate rate dropping from 35 percent to 15 percent. Many Democrats acknowledge that the current high rate puts U.S. businesses at a disadvantage. Fixing that could lead some big corporations to stay on-shore or move here, rather than base themselves in countries with lower taxes.

He also proposes offering a one-time deal to American multinationals to entice them to bring home some of the estimated $2.6 trillion in profits they have parked overseas. That money sits (and works) abroad because if it were returned now it would be hit with the 35 percent rate. Trump would allow repatriation at a 10 percent rate. Companies could use the money in various ways, including investing in their businesses here, while the Trump administration could put the revenue windfall to work on bridge repairs, airport projects and other public works that create construction jobs.

Another Trump priority: reducing onerous federal regulations that hold back business activity. We see in Illinois how public officials impose rules and ask questions later  maybe. Think of all the ways Chicago makes it hard for food trucks and other small businesses to get up and running. In Washington there are buildings full of agencies churning out reams of rules and requirements that needlessly constrain job creation.

"In the regulatory agencies, getting rid of the Obama people and putting in people who are not anti-business will have a huge impact," Stephen Moore, an economic adviser to Trump, tells us. Yes, that's a partisan talking. And no, we're not naive. We don't advocate shutting down environmental, financial and other valuable layers of oversight. But we've also seen enough dumb rules enacted  and good business proposals nixed  to know that the path to greater U.S. job growth is more likely to wind through a boss' office than a regulator's.

In the energy industry, for example, we argued that it was a mistake for the Obama administration to kill the 1,200-mile Keystone XL oil pipeline. Approval has been hung up for years over environmental concerns that don't withstand scrutiny. One overriding truth: It's more dangerous to transport oil by rail or truck than by pipeline. Trump seems inclined to approve the deal, an $8 billion investment by a Canadian company in the Great Plains, and in true dealmaker fashion suggests he'd like "a piece of the profits" for U.S. taxpayers.

We part paths with the president-elect on some issues. The country needs to clean the skies to fight climate change, so we can't see reinvigorating the coal industry, as Trump does. Also, as noted above, global trade deals are good for U.S. businesses, consumers and millions of workers. As is true across the agricultural and industrial Midwest, Illinois' farms and factories are major exporters.

Plenty of congressional Republicans agree with us on these issues, and U.S. Rep. Mike Quigley, a Chicago Democrat, is a big trade booster. We hope other Illinois Democrats, such as U.S. Sen.-elect Tammy Duckworth and incoming U.S. Rep. Raja Krishnamoorthi, push early and often for smart policies  even if they come from a rival party's administration.

Yes, Republicans and Democrats will have to hash out their practical and philosophical differences. But when the starting point of a conversation in Washington is debating whose ideas for job creation are better, it will be a good day for everyone.
"If you're in this country and you're a criminal  if you're a drug dealer, if you're a murderer  then you should be deported from the United States of America."

No, that's not President-elect Donald Trump talking. It's U.S. Rep. Luis Gutierrez, D-Chicago, who has advocated longer and louder than anyone on behalf of immigrant communities. His point? Chicago and other so-called "sanctuary cities" are not in the business of sheltering the people Trump calls "bad hombres." The goal is to protect everyone else.

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Trump says as many as 3 million criminal immigrants are in the U.S. without permission. He has promised to deport them, and he's prepared to play hardball to secure the cooperation of local police departments. He's threatened to block federal funding to governments with sanctuary policies, which shield immigrants who are in the country without permission but are otherwise law-abiding from being deported. That includes Chicago, Cook County and dozens of other jurisdictions around the country.

Since Trump's election, Mayor Rahm Emanuel has joined the mayors of New York, Los Angeles, Philadelphia, San Francisco, Seattle and others in reaffirming that their police officers won't become de facto immigration officers.

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It could be a costly impasse. Chicago got more than $1 billion in federal funding this year for all sorts of programs  transportation, health care, education, law enforcement and others. Next year, it's counting on $1.3 billion.

Trump couldn't shut off the funding without backing from Congress, and Emanuel brushed off the threat, saying he doubts Trump is serious about targeting "every major city in the United States." U.S. Rep. Mike Quigley, D-Chicago, said he hopes Trump won't risk alienating lawmakers who represent those cities.

We wouldn't place any bets on what Trump will or won't do, but lawmakers are likely to think twice. Last year, House grandstanders passed a bill to cut off federal law enforcement grants to sanctuary cities, but the Senate wisely let it die.

Police in sanctuary cities typically won't detain people based on immigration status if they would otherwise qualify for release. A driver who's here illegally doesn't risk being deported over a speeding ticket. An immigrant arrested on suspicion of shoplifting can be released on bail pending a court date. The reasoning: Public safety suffers when local police are viewed as immigration agents. Crime victims or witnesses are less likely to cooperate if they fear they'll be deported. Sanctuary policies also spare local taxpayers the cost of holding people until the feds get around to deporting them.

In Chicago, an executive order signed by Mayor Harold Washington in 1985 prohibited city employees, including police, from asking about immigration status when providing services. A 2012 ordinance sponsored by Emanuel allows police to cooperate with federal immigration agents only if the person in custody has been convicted of a serious crime or is the subject of a criminal warrant.

Many of Chicagos immigrants who are in the U.S. without legal permission express concern for the future following president-elect Donald Trump's pledge this week to immediately deport as many as 3 million people. (Chicago Tribune) (Chicago Tribune)

Emanuel has sought to reassure immigrants that "you are safe in Chicago, you are secure in Chicago and you are supported in Chicago." On Wednesday, dozens of aldermen signed on to a resolution that reaffirms the city's ordinance. It rejects the idea of a religious litmus test for immigrants or the creation of a government national registry based on religion or ethnicity. And it says Chicago will resist "any attempt by the president-elect to hold federal funding to the nation's economic centers ransom to an inhumane immigration agenda."

We hope Trump's threat is an empty one. There are 11 million immigrants living in the U.S. without permission. Most of them are leading peaceful, productive lives. Study after study shows they are less likely to commit crimes than the population at large. Our communities are safer when they are able to interact freely with police.

Join the discussion on Twitter @Trib_Ed_Board and on Facebook.
"Why," a reader recently asked after Donald Trump's stunning presidential victory, "don't you liberal mainstream media columnists get over it and write something positive to unify the country?"

Why, I wondered, must it be left up to liberals to repair the divisions ripped open by conservatives like Trump?

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Maybe Trump supporters have a right to gloat after putting their guy over the top after almost every major poll indicated that he probably was going to lose.

But two questions still keep tongues wagging: Why are they so angry, and what can be done about it?

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A newly released study of 2,411 voters by the University of Maryland's Program for Public Consultation confirms one thing that others have found: Trump benefited heavily from a widespread belief that the federal government ignores ordinary people.

Although this perception crosses party lines, pollsters heard it from Republicans more than Democrats  and from Trump's voters most of all.

Democrats who supported Sen. Bernie Sanders' insurgent campaign expressed more anger than early supporters of Hillary Clinton did, but both groups were outdone in anger by the Grand Old Party's voters.

For example, 9 of 10 voters overall in the survey agreed that "Elected officials think more about the interests of their campaign donors than the common good of the people." Among those who agreed "strongly" were 63 percent of all voters and 72 percent of Trump voters.

And who can blame them? The hotbeds of Trump and Sanders support have been mostly small-town and rural communities that feel economically depleted and woefully untouched by anything out of Washington except empty promises.

It's not policy or ideology that drives the voter discontent, the survey found. It was the sense that they are being ignored, shoved aside by politicians who are eager to focus on campaign donors, party organizations and shadowy "special interests."

By the way, because all interests are "special" to somebody, I translate "special interests" to mean "interests other than my interests." The term is far from new. William Safire's "Political Dictionary" traces "special interests" and its sister "narrow interests" back to President Theodore Roosevelt.

Yet, dissatisfaction with government has reached new heights, according to Steven Kull, PPC director, in a news release. In the 1960s fewer than half of voters complained that government was run by "big interests," according to Kull's office. In recent years this number has risen to about 92 percent.

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Which leads to the always-important question of what can be done about this discontent? One answer comes from Voice of the People, the nonpartisan nonprofit organization founded by Kull that released the survey.

VOP aims to bridge the gap between politicians and the people they are supposed to serve by forming a "scientifically-selected, representative sample" of constituents in each congressional district. These "Citizen Cabinets" would be consulted on current issues and provide a voice that reflects the values and priorities of their district or state.

My initial reaction: Don't we elect congressmen and senators to do that?

After all, it is in the interest of politicians to serve their constituents and stay in touch if they want to keep their jobs. Layering in another group of community spokespeople sounds like a classic Washington prescription for every crisis: Form a committee.

Sometimes such committees solve problems. But usually they simply meet until the problem goes away or everybody stops talking about it.

Yet the Citizen Cabinet idea tested well in polls. So did reducing the amount of money flowing into politics. Yet Barack Obama, no less, showed how record amounts can be raised through internet appeals, and Donald Trump has shown how a shameless publicity hound can generate more free publicity than most candidates ever could afford to buy.

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I prefer another idea favored by PPC: Abolish political gerrymandering. Let a panel of citizens or judges draw congressional maps instead of leaving it to state legislators. A few states have done it in recent years, but it's catching on elsewhere about as slowly as any other idea that asks the powerful to give up power.

Almost any idea that makes sitting politicians feel less comfortable about their political futures is OK with me. The less secure they feel, the more quickly they respond to angry voters.

Clarence Page, a member of the Tribune Editorial Board, blogs at www.chicagotribune.com/pagespage.

cpage@chicagotribune.com

Twitter @cptime
In some ways, Gov. Bruce Rauner had a pretty good week.

Illinois' senior U.S. Sen. Dick Durbin, widely seen as the most formidable opponent for Rauner if, as expected, he runs for re-election in 2018, hung on to his leadership position in Washington and formally ruled out a gubernatorial bid Wednesday.

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When Democrats failed to win control of the Senate in the Nov. 8 election, speculation had increased that Durbin would challenge Rauner rather than slog along whipping votes for a minority caucus that can do little now but obstruct legislation. But that prospect evidently looks a lot more pleasant than entering a very expensive and inevitably very nasty race for the right to preside over a state in deep crisis. Go figure.

Durbin's withdrawal leaves no obvious Democratic front-runner and foretells a fractious and costly primary fight.

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Meanwhile, the Illinois Labor Relations Board handed Rauner a victory in his nearly 17-month standoff with the American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees, the state's largest public employee union. The ruling, released Tuesday, declared that contract negotiations had reached a formal impasse, which gave Rauner the option of unilaterally imposing terms on the union.

While such a move would risk a highly disruptive strike of nearly 40,000 state workers, having the power to make it arguably strengthens Rauner's hand in his budget negotiations with the union-friendly Democrats who control the General Assembly.

But about those negotiations 

In other ways, Rauner had a terrible, horrible, no good, very bad week.

In high-level meetings Tuesday and Wednesday in Springfield, Democratic leaders showed no signs of knuckling under to Rauner's demand that they agree to elements of his long-stymied, 44-point "turnaround agenda" before he agrees to sit down with them to hammer out a full-year budget.

The budget standoff, which formally began July 1, 2015, has put a strain on the state. Fixed expenses have been outpacing revenue by an estimated $30 million a day, even as vital programs have suffered for lack of funds.

A special-briefing report issued Wednesday by the legislature's Commission on Government Forecasting and Accountability estimated the state's worst-in-the-nation unfunded public pension liability at $129.8 billion, more than three times what it was a decade ago.

The same day, the Governor's Office of Management and the Budget released projections that, at the current rate, the state's backlog of unpaid bills  $10.7 billion  will hit $13.5 billion by next summer and will top $20 billion by the summer of 2018.

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Is it too soon to declare an emergency? Too soon to demand that leaders of both parties set aside their wish lists, agenda items and putative reforms and as quickly as possible agree on a plan to cut spending and raise taxes in a way that stanches this geyser of red ink?

Rauner and his Republican allies say it is too soon.

They evidently consider this crisis to be leverage, though they congratulate themselves on having taken off the table, for now, in the name of compromise, all but a handful of Rauner's 44 agenda items. The governor and his allies are still holding out for business-friendly adjustments to workers' compensation laws, the imposition of legislative term limits, a freeze in local property taxes and changes to pension laws.

Rauner says such changes will have long-term positive effects on the state's economy and therefore on the lives of ordinary workin' families.

Even if that claim weren't debatable, it would be one for another day. Each idea deserves a separate and full hearing in the General Assembly and ought not be a chit in negotiations that involve the fate of the vulnerable residents who rely on imperiled human-service programs.

The Democratic leaders say it's not too soon to get down to straight budget talks.

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They're continuing to block Rauner's peripheral demands and insist he fulfill his constitutionally mandated obligation to propose a budget in which anticipated expenses match anticipated revenue, something he has yet to do.

Yes, sure, legislative horse-trading and policy give-and-take has long been part of the budgetary process. But by explicitly and publicly setting out his pre-conditions early on, the rookie governor backed Democrats into a corner where they had to say no.

If Democrats were to capitulate to Rauner's "or else " threats this time, they'd establish a precedent that would encourage him to hold out for a new set of "turnaround agenda" items next time and the time after that. And they'd abandon the principle that budget negotiations should focus on budget items and avoid sweeping unrelated ideological propositions, such as the idea that term limits make governments work better.

Rauner's nemesis, longtime Democratic House Speaker Michael Madigan, may be steely and charmless. And he's certainly complicit in the practices that have put Illinois into such a sorry place economically. But he and Democratic Senate President John Cullerton are right to refuse to negotiate with a hostage-taker.

Rauner can defer without surrendering. He can lead rather than attempting to bully.

And if he does, he and the state of Illinois may have better weeks ahead.

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Re: Tweets

I thought the best entry of 11 in the Tweet of the Week contest was, "When a movie says 'Based on a true story,' it means this is sort of what happened but with way uglier people," by @HollyMemphis. But by a wide margin, online voters favored this riff on current events by @JermHimselfish: "'Just accept it, you lost, now get over it' said the person waving a Confederate flag."

What weird reason do you have, if any, for not subscribing to "The Mincing Rascals," Chicago's best bipartisan news-related podcast in which the regular panel features Kristen McQueary, Steve Bertrand, John Williams and me? Asking for a friend.

Twitter @EricZorn
How To Not Get Hacked On Dating Sites

Love Dating Apps? Here's The Trick To Not Getting Hacked

This article was originally published by AskMen UK.

If the announcement this week of the AdultFriendFinder hack has frozen you in your love-tapped tracks, you may be wondering if any of your online and app-based dating exploits are safe.

After all, its one of the largest data breaches ever recorded, with some 412 million accounts across the globe compromised. It comes after last years Ashley Madison hack, which revealed the details of 37 million users of the extra-marital affair dating site.

Lets face it: in 2016, we are all at risk of a data hack, whether our devices are storing state security secrets, or the phone numbers of three girls wed love to more than virtually click with. And what, with the NSA ever working its global surveillance project, plus the evidence that even the encryption credentials of https, VPN and 4G are fallible, its enough for any man of dignity and a few dodgy internet searches in his browser to retreat into Luddite tactics of only hitting the local pub in want of a date.

Thankfully, there are some workarounds.

RELATED: Avoid Malware And Hacking With These Tips On How To Watch Porn Safely

1. Use A Unique Email Address

Out of the AdultFriendFinder hack came the revelation of multiple UK government email addresses used to register accounts. Basics: dont use your work or personal email address when you register with the site; it takes two minutes to set up a brand new account on Gmail and you know youre only going to be receiving junk notifications anyway, which you really dont want sending to your daytime desktop.

2. Hack-Proof Your Password

Its amazing how many people dont use top-notch passwords  a Facebook hack this week revealed that a whopping 120,000 people actually used 123456 as theirs. The best passwords contain a combination of letters, numbers and other characters if possible, and are not repeated on other sites. If an app requires a phrase, try to scramble grammatical convention and avoid anything that makes an easily memorable sentence  eschew cat in the hat for stable stone going monkey, for example. Youve heard it a hundred times, but avoid obviously memorable dates  your birthday, or that of a close friend or relative. You should update your password every 6 months but no more often. Researchers at the University of Carolina found that users who did change their passwords more frequently tended to use variations on a theme of previous passwords, thereby making them easier to hack. Instead, its better to create a more complex password which you change less often.

3. Choose An App That Fits Your Privacy Needs Best

Dating apps are divided into two categories  those that use Facebook or LinkedIn to verify your identity, and those that dont. There are benefits to both.

Its well established that Tinder meshes so well with Facebook that users can track you down to your Facebook profile in a matter of minutes. For a multitude of reasons (usually associated with your Facebook privacy settings), thats not desirable for multitudes of people  who wants a potential date checking out when you last updated your relationship status? And what if you dont want your friends on Facebook to know youre propositioning a mutual connection, especially when it hasnt even come off yet?

Thats why an app like BeLinked that verifies you through LinkedIn might be preferable. After all, the only information youre directly privy to is who your potential paramour has collaborated with during office hours. As CEO Max Fischer explains, Theres a greater element of accountability with linking through your LinkedIn profile. It can ensure users with plenty of mutual connections are on their most courteous behaviour. But on the other hand, if you mess up, your story might just become the subject of water cooler conversation."

The other option is to use an app that doesnt require a Facebook account  such as OkCupid or Plenty of Fish. The benefits of this are obvious  greater anonymity, no risk of cross-contamination nor that dodgy photoset from Ibiza 2012 sullying your chances with your shortlist.

Given that these kinds of apps arent just drawing info from established profiles, the downside is that they prompt users to input extensive data about their preferences and predilections. Think about it  dont put anything in a dating app that isnt already public knowledge, unless you really dont mind it becoming public knowledge (such as a preference for fly-fishing). You might find yourself pouring your heart out onto the profile page in a way you wouldnt even do after five shots of mezcal. Plus, with OkCupid, theres an extensive sexual preferences survey, which most people seem to find entertaining on a lonely Friday night. These kinds of apps give you more control over your privacy, just as long as you exercise some self-control.

4. Avoid Geo-Locating Apps

Finding out that the hottie youve been watching for a week walks down your road every evening can add an extra frisson to the possibility of crossing paths. Thats why apps such as Tinder or Happn, which highlight the proximity of your matches, can make the dating game feel that little bit less like roulette. On the other hand, go on a bad date with someone in your locale and its a ball-ache to manage the anxiety that comes with worrying if youll bump into them ever after.

And then theres the worst-case scenario  what if you attract a bona-fide Gone Girl who can figure out exactly where you live? Back in 2014, Tinder found itself in hot water when it was revealed that its geo-location method could enable users to be found right down to their latitude and longitude. So if you dont want to be tracked down to your exact coordinates, choose an app that allows you to stipulate your general location without tracking your movements, such as Bumble, unless you approve otherwise.

5. Beware Of Dating Service Ads

Its a sad fact that dating sites are awash with fake profiles  many of which have been created by the organisation itself. A 2013 investigation by Panorama found that some dating professionals were actually selling information culled from other online services to purposefully create profiles, which led to an investigation by the Information Commissioners Office.

But in a sneakier, more complicit move, dating sites can actually create a profile with your data if you click on an ad for their services on a site like Facebook  the click equals consent.

The solution is simple, then  dont click through to a dating service on a whim. Do your research via Google, and never download an app via anything but the original, registered organization.

6. Choose A Service That Doesnt Sell Your Data

The major players in the dating industry have extensive and established databases of millions of genuine members. But new services are springing up every day, and as they do, they are often buying their initial database from another company which provides a white label database.

Whats more, theres usually a sub-clause nestled deep in the terms and conditions that informs you that your information will be used by affiliates, and this is how they get around this being a simple breach of your privacy. So how do you find out if the service youre using is doing this, short of reading all those ts and cs?

Well, stick with the major players: Tinder, Howaboutwe, CoffeeMeetsBagel  or with home-grown or elite start-up apps, such as The Inner Circle or HerSmile, that specifically stipulate they will never sell your data.

7. Avoid Unsafe Subscriptions

Heres a conundrum. Research done on the user experience of dating services finds that individuals who pay for their products tend to be more invested in making genuine connections. At the same time, any online transaction carries a potential fraud risk, depending on how tight the security is surrounding its operation. So how do you know as user when its safe to splash the cash?

Cosmo Currey, CEO of HerSmile explains: A transaction is safe if it goes through a service that is PSI compliant, a hard-to-reach standard which is generally held by banks and Paypal. Our app uses a PSI  compliant service called Braintree, which is related to Paypal, to process payment for our services. It means that we never hold any users credit card information, and that were never in danger of leaking or losing that info.

So youre looking for authentication of your purchase by your bank, or the use of Paypal. Be wary of any other pro-forma, and look out for reassurance that the service will not hold details of your card numbers or bank account.

Nichi Hodgson is a journalist, broadcaster and sex educator. She is the director of the Ethical Porn Partnership and author of Bound To Me, a memoir that details her experiences as a professional dominatrix.
The state's lingering budget woes are casting a shadow of uncertainty over the village of Arlington Heights, where officials are proposing a $180 million budget for 2017.

"Obviously, the Illinois budget crisis is looming over all of us, and there does not seem to be any indication of which way this is going," Village Manager Randall Recklaus said at a Nov. 14 public hearing for the proposed 2017 budget.

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The village's proposed 2017 budget increased roughly 9 percent from last year's $165 million budget, and the proposed 2016 property tax levy for the village and library will rise roughly 1.4 percent, officials said.

But officials remain concerned that the state's budget crisis could potentially have a negative impact on Arlington Heights in the future, in particular, if Illinois legislators attempt to tap into the roughly $31.4 million  43 percent of the village's projected 2017 General Fund revenues  which are distributed by the state from taxes including sales tax and income tax, said Thomas Kuehne, the village's director of finance.

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In addition, the village is anticipated to receive $1.8 million in revenues from the state from the Motor Fuel Tax, which is the primary source of funding for the village's street resurfacing program, $1.8 million from the Home-Rule sales tax, and $612,000 in taxes paid to the Northwest Central Dispatch, adding up to a total of $35.6 million in revenues, Kuehne said.

While Arlington Heights has a minimum General Fund reserve policy of 25 percent of its annual operating expenditures, the village currently has 39 percent General Fund reserves, totaling $28 million, Kuehne said.

Kuehne said maintaining adequate reserves is an important factor that helps the village receive lower bond interest charges when borrowing money for capital improvement projects, is a source of emergency funding, and provides a buffer during economic downturns.

The reserves could also help officials deal with the negative impact on its budget if the state were to begin tapping into anticipated tax revenues, Kuehne said.

"Having adequate reserves would also allow the village the time needed to digest and plan around potential actions by the state that may have an adverse effect on the village's finances," Kuehne said.

kcullotta@tribpub.com

Twitter @kcullotta
Business leaders discussed the impact of Donald Trump's upcoming policies on the local economy during a meeting of the Aurora Regional Chamber of Commerce. (David Sharos / The Beacon-News)

Aurora business leaders are taking a wait-and-see attitude to the impact President-elect Donald Trump will have on the local economy.

At an Aurora Regional Chamber of Commerce meeting at Aurora Country Club, Madeleine Doubek, publisher of Reboot Illinois; Ben Taylor, executive director of the U.S. Chamber of Commerce, Great Lakes office; and Ted Dabrowski, vice president of policy and spokesman from the Illinois Policy Institute, discussed the national  as well as state  election results with area business people.

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Aurora Mayor Robert O'Connor said Chamber members and local businesses "need a sense and understanding of what direction we are going in."

"We're hoping to get a better touch and feel as things occur, and local business and government are interested in how this is going to play out," he said. "You don't always get a sense of things during the campaign  people then are in their own worlds, and there are promises made. Now, there is the reality of the moment. We need to know the direction for business, taxation, and regulatory policies."

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Taylor said that in terms of the soon-to-be-installed Trump administration, three "opportunities" would likely present themselves that could have local impact.

"Based on Mr. Trump's platform and the things he has said, I suspect there is going to be a rollback in terms of some of the regulatory agencies and their tentacles that are affecting the growth of jobs," Taylor said. "I also think we'll be looking at tax reform and finally some kind of transportation package. Every local Chamber cites that as one of their priorities  improving and rebuilding the infrastructure."

Doubek said it was critical that Illinois employers and employees from all sized companies "become politically engaged and active in state and federal government as we have reached the tipping point of crisis."

"Our representatives need to know there is going to be some pressure to get the economy going again," she said. "They need to reflect the election results. Everywhere there are frustrated people. Change frightens all of us, but let's give the new administration some time and see where it goes."

She said people need to take a deep breath concerning Trump's election.

"Those with fear to the point of protest need to try to focus on constructive engagement and remember this is how millions of other people felt four or eight years ago," she said.

The state's budget issues were also on the minds of business people at the meeting.

Michelle Meyer, executive director of Mutual Ground, who said that "many times, not-for-profit groups are forgotten" when government begins to rework its budget priorities.

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"People forget that we are a business too, and have insurance and health and workman's comp issues as well," she said. "The state budget, as we know, has many difficulties and we wonder where funding might come from."

Ted Dabrowski, vice president of policy and spokesman from the Illinois Policy Institute, talks about post-election concerns during a meeting of the Aurora Regional Chamber of Commerce. (David Sharos / The Beacon-News)

Dabrowski spoke largely about the "bottleneck and strangle hold" that has existed in Springfield for 30 years and predicted the state might now finally have some new direction.

"The 'super majority' has been broken, and nationally  there has been a repudiation of the status quo," Dabrowski said. "I think there is going to be a change of mentality in Washington, D.C., and hopefully this is going to bring back an impetus for growth."

David Sharos is a freelance reporter for The Beacon-News
Aurora aldermen are set to vote on annexing about three acres on Austin Street, north of Mountain Street, that contains a landscaping business.

The property is near the Farnsworth Avenue bridge over Indian Creek that will be the subject of a major rebuilding project in the next two years.

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The project, which includes regrading, a new bridge, road resurfacing and a change in the incline to the nearby bridge over the railroad tracks, will run between Mountain Street and Sheffer Road.

The property in question, owned by Griselda Escalante and Salvador Carrasco, runs along Indian Creek. As part of the annexation, the slope of the land along the creek would be changed to make Indian Creek flow better underneath the new Farnsworth bridge.

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"Part of what will happen is the floodplain will be reduced," said John Phillipchuck, attorney for the property owners. "It will be an improvement."

The land contains Carrasco's landscaping business, which he owns with his son, and also a private residence. The annexation would bring the property in as a residential use, allowing the landscape business to continue there.

Eventually, the property would be divided into three lots, with one open to commercial development.

There also will be open space as part of the improvement along Indian Creek, which would have its own zoning.

Currently, the land is in unincorporated Kane County with farm zoning.

slord@tribpub.com
Months after moving to purchase a house for students in a special education program, Community Unit School District 308 board members are considering relocating the program.

Board members have discussed moving the Oswego-based district's transition program at the end of the school year, after officials said residents near the transition program's house have expressed concerns about traffic. The board moved in June to purchase a house for the program on Brock Court in Oswego.

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The program, designed to help special needs students between 18 and 22 years old move from school to further education, employment or life in the community, relocated as part of a district plan that involved moving kindergarten classes into students' home schools and shifting preschool classes and some other special education programs. The transition program and other special education programs were housed in the 308 Center, known as the old Traughber Junior High School building, which officials have said needs large-scale improvements.

At a meeting Monday, district officials said they met with residents on the street to discuss concerns, and one resident spoke before the school board Monday to express concerns about parking, buses and safety because of traffic on Brock Court.

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"We have impositioned these people," board member Danielle Paul said. "I mean...when you've got people who are in tears who have lived on that court for 40 years, we've kind of taken over that whole court."

Superintendent John Sparlin told the board the district was working to resolve the issues, but would also discuss the future of the program in that house.

School board President Matt Bauman said if the board decides to relocate the program, a board committee should vet any future site and receive input from a special education administrator..

Sparlin floated the idea of moving the program into a mobile on school property. He said the transportation department used to be housed in a trailer on district property, and though that trailer no longer exists, the necessary utilities and parking remain available at the site.

The move to purchase the house for the transition program was "not well thought out," board member Greg O'Neil said.

The district had originally budgeted $248,000 for the house, but expected the purchase price to be less.

sfreishtat@tribpub.com

Twitter @srfreish
Students work in a class at the Illinois Math and Science Academy in Aurora. (Sarah Freishtat / The Beacon-News)

Aurora's Illinois Math and Science Academy has been named the second-best public school in the country by a rankings website.

The 2017 school listing came from Niche, a website that compiles data to create profiles and rankings of schools, colleges and places to live. Niche also listed IMSA, a selective residential high school that draws students from across the state, as the second-best high school in the country for science, technology, engineering and math.

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The website's top school in America was Adlai E. Stevenson High School in north suburban Lincolnshire.

The public school rankings were based on data from the U.S. Department of Education, test scores, college data and ratings from users of the website and were created from an analysis of more than 80,000 public schools and 10,000 school districts, according to the website. They took into account factors including academics, teachers, and culture and diversity.

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Jose Torres, president of IMSA, said the school was honored by the recognition.

"We continue to build on this excellence to create a transformational experience for both our residential students, as well as students across Illinois who benefit from IMSA's innovative educational approach through our statewide outreach efforts," he said.

sfreishtat@tribpub.com

Twitter @srfreish
Members of the American Federation of State, County & Municipal Employee Council 31 rally Thursday outside the union's Homewood office. (Nick Swedberg / Daily Southtown)

More than 100 state employees rallied near their labor union's Homewood office Thursday afternoon following a ruling that contract negotiations for them and others had stalled.

Workers at the rally said the threat of a state-wide strike by the American Federation of State, County & Municipal Employee Council 31 is "very likely" given Tuesday's decision by the state labor board. Across the state, AFSCME workers held similar rallies on Thursday.

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Union members disagreed with the ruling from the Illinois Labor Relations Board that said negotiations over a new contract with Gov. Bruce Rauner had reached an impasse, saying they are still willing to negotiate.

Union workers are operating under a contract that expired in the summer of 2015.

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More than 100 state employees rallied near the labor unions Homewood office Thursday afternoon. (Natalia Diaz)

The ruling opens the door for Rauner to impose his terms on the new contract.

Rauner spokeswoman Catherine Kelly earlier this week called the board decision "fair for taxpayers and state employees."

The Rauner administration wants to implement cuts that would save the state $3 billion over four years.

AFSCME spokesman Anders Lindall said the union plans to appeal the decision if the Rauner administration doesn't return to negotiations.

Union workers said a date for a vote to strike has not been announced. But it could come soon, if a compromise on a contract isn't reached, said Natalia Diaz, a 33-year-old public aid eligibility assistant who protested in Homewood.

"Nobody wants to be out here in the snow," Diaz said.

The state's largest labor union has never gone on strike before.

Daily Southtown Twice-weekly News updates from the south suburbs delivered every Monday and Wednesday >

Brittany Adams, 29, of Chicago, works as a case worker for the Illinois Department of Human Services. She rallied with other workers near AFSCME Council 31's new Homewood office, 935 175th St.

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State human services already have been hit by budget cuts, affecting programs that provide child care or help to disabled people living independently, Adams said.

"The cuts have been detrimental," Adams said.

Rauner's last offer to the union included a bonus for work attendance, reduced holiday pay, new rules for overtime pay and provided no across-the-board guaranteed salary increase.

Union officials claim Rauner broke off negotiations 10 months ago, that his proposal would freeze pay for four years and would jump health care costs for workers by 100 percent.

"We want a fair contract. That's all we want," Adams said.

Nick Swedberg is a freelance reporter for the Daily Southtown.
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Chinese Vice Premier Wang Yang said the government will increase policy support for new forms of agribusiness to bolster rural economy.

"Large-scale agricultural operations in new forms will lead agricultural modernization," Wang said when addressing a meeting held on Wednesday and Thursday in Huzhou, east China's Zhejiang Province.

The meeting discusses cultivating new types of agribusiness and increasing the scale of agricultural operations.

Wang called for promoting the development of family farms, large and specialized agricultural operations, farming cooperatives and other emerging forms of agribusiness.
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China's top justice on Thursday called for international cooperation on intelligent courts and rule of law in cyberspace governance.

Zhou Qiang, president of the Supreme People's Court was addressing the third World Internet Conference (WIC) in Wuzhen, Zhejiang Province. Zhou said IT has raised the quality and efficiency of trials, reinforcing social equality and justice in general.

Countries need to share their best practices in IT in courts, Zhou said.

Rule of law in cyberspace will ensure the cybersphere is safe, orderly and accessible to all, Zhou added.

The WIC, running from Nov. 16 to Nov. 18 this year, is an annual meeting of the world's tech firm bosses, academics, and government officials to discuss current Internet trends.
The State Bureau for Letters and Calls is investigating the death of a petitioner in southwest China's Sichuan Province, according to an official statement on Thursday.

The younger brother of Yang Tianzhi being interviewed in Bangou village, Yuechi County, Sichuan Province of southwestern China, Nov. 16, 2016. [Photo: cqcb.com]

In August this year, Yang Tianzhi, 68, from Yuechi County in Sichuan, was tricked and taken away by several people near the reception area of the Beijing bureau where he had gone to file a petition. Yang was allegedly taken back to Sichuan against his will and died afterwards.

The Bureau has described the case a "serious criminal offense" and ordered the Sichuan bureau to investigate.

No organization nor any individual is allowed to hinder citizens from filing legitimate petitions and once identified, obstructionists can be severely punished.

The bureau has written to its local offices nationwide, requiring them to pay due attention to such illegal behavior.
Two 17-year-old minors, a female and a male, were sentenced to jail last month for bullying a fellow student, aged 15, in May.

In both cases the sentences were reprieved. The female received a two-year jail sentence, with a reprieve of three years; the male 18 months, with a reprieve of two years.

The two, both from the Real Estate College, were sued for humiliating women.

Prosecutors said a female teenager surnamed Min had taken her schoolmate surnamed Bao, the victim, together with four other students, aged 13 to 15, to a dormitory room around 10pm on May 11.

There they bullied Bao by writing humiliating words on her face, beating and slapping her, forcing her to smoke, dropping cigarette ash on her, and hurting her breasts, said prosecutors.

Yu, the male defendant, who was living in a nearby dormitory building, was said to have encouraged Min and her friends to pour water on Bao, force her to dance on the balcony and use their smartphones to record their behavior, sending the images to him.

The defendants made Bao kneel down, while beating her with plastic bottles and slapping her face. The bullying continued until 1am the next day, causing injuries on Bao's head, said prosecutors.

The court said Min and Yu had committed the crime of humiliating women but decided to give them a lighter punishment as both of them were younger than 18 and they had turned themselves in to police and confessed. The other four were not sued as they were under 16.

The court confirmed Min as the prime culprit, while Yu was classed as an accessory.

Education authorities launched an investigation into the affair in June after media had reported on it. Investigations found Bao and six other students were persuaded by their former school  Huanglou Middle School  to transfer to Real Estate College, an educational training agency that was not qualified for academic degree education.

Authorities ordered the "college" to remove all illegally admitted students, who should have been protected with the same rights as other students undergoing nine years of education in primary and middle schools. One of the students has returned to Huanglou, while the other six, including Bao, have been admitted into vocational schools, according to Shanghai Morning Post.

After the bullying incident came to light, Shanghai Education Commission asked all district education bureaus to regulate schools and training agencies to protect students during their education.

The commission also called for cooperation among families, schools and society in general because school bullying was a complicated matter.

The Ministry of Education released a notice in May, asking all primary and secondary schools in the country to crack down on oral, physical and online abuse.

Last week, the ministry released a guideline on education on how to deal with bullying, together with the Supreme People's Court, the Ministry of Public Security, and the Central Committee of the Communist Youth League.

The guideline suggested schools improve ideological, moral, legal and psychological education of students.

Officials will be held accountable for serious incidents of bullying or violence in areas under their jurisdiction, according to the guideline.
More than half of the corrupt Chinese officials recently netted after fleeing abroad opted to turn themselves in.

Yang Xiuzhu, the most wanted fugitive on the "red notice", returned to China and turned herself in on Wednesday after being on the run for 13 years.

She is one of 37 fugitives named on the "red notice" listing 100 major corrupt Chinese officials that have recently returned back to the country.

Of these, 22 were persuaded to turn themselves in.

China has three main ways to bring back fugitives; persuading them to surrender, repatriation and extradition.

In 2015, seven were persuaded to turn themselves in voluntarily, seven were repatriated and two were arrested in China, after the notice was issued by Interpol in April of that year.

Beijing Normal University criminal law expert Huang Feng said persuading fugitives to return, with the help of the host country's law enforcement agencies, was the easiest option.

He said it was the most economical and effective way to bring them back as it avoids the complex and lengthy procedures of extradition and repatriation.

The host countries may also repatriate the fugitives after receiving evidence of their crimes.

Yang Jinjun, the brother of Yang Xiuzhu, who fled to the United States in 2001 and was brought back in September last year, is the first of the "red notice" officials to be repatriated to China from the US.

While many of the more than 40 extradition treaties China has signed with foreign countries are with Asian and developing countries, some countries, including the US, Canada and some European countries, are popular destinations for fleeing corrupt Chinese officials.

Two of China's most-wanted fugitives, suspected of economic crimes, will be extradited from France to face trial at home, a senior official from the Ministry of Public Security confirmed earlier this month.

More fugitives are expected to be sent back now that China is ready to begin talks about sharing confiscated ill-gotten assets with cooperative governments, the Chinese law-enforcement official said.

As of June 2016, China has brought back 2,210 fugitives, with 363 former employees of government agencies or related entities, from more than 70 countries and regions, and recovered illegal money and assets of 8 billion yuan ($1.16 billion), according to the Central Commission for Discipline Inspection.
Plans to ease the banning of Japanese food imports in Taiwan have triggered violence on the island amid growing public anger and distrust of the approval procedure of the island's leadership.

Since Saturday, violence has erupted at 10 public hearings around the island on whether to lift the ban on food imports from five prefectures in Japan that were contaminated with radiation after the 2011 Fukushima nuclear disaster.

At a public hearing in Kaohsiung on Saturday, tables were overturned and people were heard shouting that the government was turning a blind eye to public health and holding rushed hearings due to a secret deal with Japan.

The hearing was suspended amid protests and violence.

In Hualien, bloody violence erupted 30 minutes after a hearing began on Monday. There were also violent protests in Taoyuan, Xinbei, Taichung and Taipei.

Taiwan's authorities banned food imports from Japan's Fukushima and nearby Ibaraki, Gunma, Tochigi and Chiba prefectures after the 2011 Fukushima nuclear disaster, which was triggered by a huge earthquake and tsunami.

Last year food products, with false origin labels, made near Fukushima nuclear power plant were found to illegally have entered the island. Taiwan authorities demanded that Japanese food exporters submit their origin credentials.

After the Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) came to power in May, it announced a two-stage proposal stating that Taiwan plans to keep a ban on the import of food from Fukushima but conditionally allow imports of certain products from four other Japanese prefectures.

The implementation of the first stage of the plan was to serve as a reference for the further relaxation of the restrictions in the second stage, possibly about six months later.

Last Thursday, amid growing public complaints, the DPP abruptly announced plans to hold ten public hearings in the following three days. Taiwan's law stipulates that plans for public hearings should be announced 10 days before hearings are held.

A survey conducted by the opposition nationalist party has shown 74.6 percent of the public do not want the restrictions lifted.

On Monday an editorial in the China Times, a leading newspaper in Taiwan, censured the DPP for not checking the safety credentials of Japanese food or having a management plan for future imports.

Local legislators, including in Taoyuan, Kaohsiung and Taichung, have decided to amend laws banning imported Japanese food that could be contaminated by the nuclear disaster.

In 2015, Taiwan's health authorities admitted that they were considering lifting the ban on food imports from nuclear-tainted areas due to pressure from Japan.
Chinese President Xi Jinping is paying state visits to Ecuador, Peru and Chile from November 17 to 23. Apart from the bilateral engagements during the key tour, he will also attend the 24th Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) Economic Leaders' meeting in Lima, Peru, on November 19 and 20.

His visit to the three Latin America countries is of great importance. It is his third visit to Latin America since taking the presidency in March 2013 and demonstrates the importance he attaches to this region.

The visit will improve cooperative partnership between China and the three nations. I wouldn't be surprising if the trip and the discussion with the leaders of these countries usher in new horizon of cooperation and development in the bilateral relations.

Xi starts the trip with a visit to Ecuador. The two countries established diplomatic ties in 1980, but the full potential of the relationship could not be utilized due to lack of high level engagements. Xi's visit is expected to bridge the political gap through extensive talks on multiple issues.

He will also meet Ecuadorian President Rafael Correa to explore ways to improve bilateral relations. The two presidents will also take part in the signing of a series of deals. They will also meet with the press and attend a launch ceremony of an assistance program together.

After Ecuador, Xi will travel to Peru, which is the first country in the region to have a strategic partnership with China. It shows the desire on both sides to increase high level visits and regular interactions with each other. He will also meet the Peruvian President of Congress Luz Salgado.

Chile will be the last destination of President Xi. Chile has special ties with China as it was the first nation in the region to ink a bilateral agreement with China regarding China's membership in the World Trade Organization and a free trade agreement with China. Xi is scheduled to hold talks with Chilean President Michelle Bachelet and attend a signing ceremony.

Latin America has special importance for China as it is increasing its investment and presence in the region. China wants to deepen ties, and the range of agreements expected to be signed during this visit will help us understand the level of success achieved through the visit.

China is constantly looking forward to expanding relations by having free trade arrangements and cooperation in the fields of trade, investment and development. Latin America has great potential and Chinese assistance will prove instrumental in changing the fate of the region.

The data shows that already commercial and economic ties are deepening between Latin America and China. Trade volume between China and Latin America increased more than twenty-fold during the past decade, reaching 236.5 billion dollars in 2015. Currently, China is the second largest trade partner and third largest source of investment for the Latin America countries. Also, Latin America is China's seventh largest trade partner.

China's money and investment have been playing a major role in transforming the landscape of Latin America. For example, Chinese help will change Ecuador from a power-deficient country to a clean energy exporter. This will in fact change the fortunes and greatly contribute to economic development.

Apart from economic assistance and capital investment, China can also help these countries with technology. It has been seen that countries like the United States normally hesitate to transfer technology to developing nations. Worldwide it has been seen that transfer of technology quickly changes the fate of the recipients. It decreases dependence on others and brings economic and political stability and real freedom for smaller nations.

Apart from hard power, China should also focus on increasing its soft power in Latin America. It is not just the hard cash and technology but soft powers like cultural exchanges, movies, education and health tourism that can play a role in further cementing the ties.

Expansion of soft presence will be key to achieving the goal of "all-round partnership of cooperation" between China and Latin America.

Sajjad Malik is a columnist with China.org.cn. For more information please visit:

http://www.china.org.cn/opinion/SajjadMalik.htm

Opinion articles reflect the views of their authors, not necessarily those of China.org.cn.
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The Kremlin on Thursday denied reports about a possible visit by U.S. President-elect Donald Trump to Russia after his inauguration in January, saying there have been no specific discussions about this.

Earlier in the day, the Russian Izvestia newspaper, quoting an unnamed high-ranking source in the U.S. Republican party, said Trump was planning to visit Russia after he assumes his responsibilities as president in January.

Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov told reporters that there have been no talks regarding the possibility of Trump's visit so far, and those reports were unchecked information "that looks like a spoof."

During a phone conversation on Monday, Russian President Vladimir Putin and Trump vowed to make efforts to normalize the "extremely unsatisfactory" relations between the two countries.

Peskov said Putin and Trump did talk about their intentions to hold a meeting in the future, but did not mention a possible date for a meeting during their conversation.
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Eleven militants including a Taliban shadow governor for northern Saripul province have been killed over the past 24 hours, Ministry of Interior said in a statement released on Thursday.

"Crackdown against enemies which launched Wednesday around Saripul provincial capital the Saripul city has left 11 rebels dead, including Mawlawi Najibullah nickname Attaullah the shadow governor of Taliban for the province," the statement added.

Mawlawi Najibullah was a notorious commander of Taliban militants who had organized subversive activities and terrorist attacks against government forces in Saripul province, the statement said.

Taliban militants haven't commented.
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A total of 110 people have been killed over the past 24 hours in air raids in Syria's northern city of Aleppo, activists said Thursday.

Rescuers inspect a destroyed building in the Syrian village of Kfar Jales, on the outskirts of Idlib, following air strikes by Syrian and Russian warplanes on November 16, 2016. [Photo/Xinhua]

SkyNews Arabia TV cited activists as saying that 90 civilians had been killed by Russian and Syrian aerial shelling on rebel-held areas in eastern Aleppo.

Another 20 civilians were reportedly killed by shelling that targeted the town of Batabo in the western countryside of Aleppo.

The report said the death toll could likely rise due to the large number of wounded people and the poor medical conditions in the eastern part of Aleppo.

Other activists said that over 50 airstrikes, and 300 artillery shells targeted eastern Aleppo on Thursday.

On the other hand, activists said that the rebels fired over 40 rockets against government forces positions in the city of Sfaira, southeast of Aleppo, and the residential area of 1070 Project, west of the city.

However, Russia has repeatedly denied carrying out airstrikes on Aleppo since last month.

Russian defense ministry claimed that Russian and Syrian jets had not bombed Aleppo for the last 28 days, Interfax news agency reported.

This comes as the Russian Defense Minister Sergey Shoygu said Tuesday that jets from the Admiral Kuznetsov aircraft carrier deployed in the eastern Mediterranean had launched their first strikes on Syria in the northwestern province of Idlib and the central city of Homs.

"Today at 10:30 and 11 am (0730 and 0800 GMT), we started a major operation to conduct mass fire damage on the Islamic State and the al-Nusra Front's positions in the Idlib and Homs provinces," Shoigu was quoted as saying by TASS news agency.

"For the first time in our naval history, the aircraft carrier Admiral Kuznetsov started taking part in combat," he said on Tuesday.

Shoigu said that the Russian Admiral Grigorovich frigate targeted terrorists in Syria with Kalibr cruise missile strikes.

Idlib has emerged as the main stronghold for the rebels, as the entire province is under their control, except two Shiite towns that are still loyal to the Syrian government.
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German Chancellor Angela Merkel and U.S. President Barack Obama agreed on Thursday the European Union (EU) and the United States must maintain their efforts to reach a common trade agreement.

It was important that the Transatlantic Trade and Investment Partnership (TTIP) negotiations would be maintained, said Obama at a joint press conference with Merkel after their meeting at the chancellery in Berlin.

Merkel emphasized that she had always spoken out for a trade agreement between the EU and the United States, two major trading areas of the world.

The negotiations had made a lot progress, but they could not be "ended now", said Merkel.

"I continue believing that the EU is one of the greatest achievements in the world," said the outgoing U.S. President, while calling on the countries of Europe to strive to maintain the 28-nation bloc.

People have to cultivate these achievements and fight for them, said Obama, adding that Britain's exit from the EU should be conducted as "smoothly and orderly and transparently" as possible.

Meanwhile, Obama warned his successor, president-elect Donald Trump, of the important principled task in relation to Russia.

"I've sought a constructive relationship with Russia," said Obama, "My hope is that the president-elect coming in takes a similarly constructive approach, finding areas where we can cooperate with Russia where our values and interest align."

The U.S. president also said he hoped that Trump would not simply take a realpolitik approach in cutting deals and doing "whatever's convenient at the time."

Merkel thanked Obama for the "excellent cooperation" and praised him as a reliable partner in difficult times.

She expressed her gratitude for a close, trusting and friendly cooperation over the eight-year term he served.

The Chancellor said she would "do everything possible to work well with the newly-elected president."

Obama also thanked Merkel for Germany's contribution to the fight against the Islamic State (IS) and to the Syrian conflict.

In an interview with German broadcaster ARD and German weekly news magazine Der Spiegel, Obama had previously warned of growing political tensions in industrialized countries.

"If the global economy does not react to people who feel left behind when inequality continues to grow, we will see the split in the industrialized countries expand," Obama was quoted as saying.

Obama and Merkel will meet with French President Francois Hollande, British Prime Minister Theresa May, Spanish Prime Minister Mariano Rajoy and Italian Prime Minister Matteo Renzi on Friday in Berlin to exchange views on the future of the Ukraine crisis, the future approach towards Russia, the civil war in Syria and the fight against IS.
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The European Union (EU) on Thursday pledged more than 700 million euros (about 744 million U.S. dollars) in aid to the Central African Republic (CAR) , a poor country coming out of one of the worst conflicts in its history.

The pledges were made at the Brussels International Conference for the CAR, which drew delegations from over 80 countries, international organizations and agencies.

The European Commission pledged 409 million euros for the period 2016-2020, while additional pledges from the bloc's member states amounted to 298 million euros, according to a press release of the Commission.

Overall, with contributions from partners, the pledges to the CAR total 2.06 billion euros.

"Our EU pledge today will support the efforts of the national government's ambitious reform agenda to give its population the peace, security and economic prosperity they deserve," said EU foreign policy chief Federica Mogherini, who co-chaired the conference jointly with CAR President Faustin-Archange Touadera.

A substantial amount of the EU's pledges, as well as a number of contributions from the international community, will be channeled through the Bekou Trust Fund, which was set up by the EU and a number of its' member states in 2014. (1 euro = 1.06 U.S. dollars)
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South Sudan's army on Thursday denied claims that opposition forces led by sacked First Vice President Riek Machar had taken three towns in southwestern and northern South Sudan.

Army spokesman Santo Dominic Chol confirmed to Xinhua that there had been fighting in different parts of the country, but refuted the claims made by Machar-led SPLM-IO party.

"They (SPLM-IO forces) attacked our positions in Yei River (State) and in areas of Unity State but we repulsed them. They are just trying to mislead the public. They did not capture any ground," Chol said.

He said SPLM-IO forces had intensified attacks on areas under the government control in recent weeks.

SPLM-IO spokesman Dickson Gatluak on Wednesday claimed that their forces took control of Bazi along the South Sudan-DR Congo border, Morobo in Central Equatoria State and Kaljak in Unity State.

Gatluak also said 20 aid workers who were said to be taken hostage during the weekend fighting in Nhiadiu in northern South Sudan, had returned to their places of work "safely".

He disputed claims by the government that the aid workers were abducted by opposition fighters, saying they were trapped by the weekend clashes but left there after the situation calmed down.

South Sudan fell into civil war in December 2013 after President Salva Kiir accused his sacked deputy Machar of plotting a coup. Machar denied the accusation but then mobilized a rebel force.

A peace deal signed in August 2015 between the rival leaders under UN pressure led to the establishment of a transitional unity government in April, but was shattered by renewed fighting that erupted in early July.

Machar, who was reinstated as Kiir's deputy in April, fled Juba after the July fighting and was later sacked again.

He is now in residence in South Africa and has called for his supporters to topple Kiir's government.

Tens of thousands have been killed, with over two million displaced and another 4.6 million left severely food insecure since late 2013.
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Authorities in South Sudan's southwestern town of Yei have recovered 12 bodies of civilians who were abducted by unknown gunmen early this month, a local official said Thursday.

Athanasio Yongule, a minister in the Yei River State government, said bodies were found in two burnt huts in a neighborhood 3km from Yei town.

He said the deceased were first reported missing by their relatives on November 7.

"Twelve people were killed. Their hands were tied, shot and then taken to two separate houses and burnt. The police identified some bodies and handed them over to their relatives. We buried seven bodies who were burnt beyond recognition at the site of the incident on Tuesday," he said.

The motive of the killing is not yet clear.

The local official advised civilians not to travel to areas contested between government troops and opposition forces.

There has been an escalation in violence in the Equatoria region, where Yei and the capital Juba are located, since renewed fighting between the rival factions erupted in early July.

Last week 12 people were killed and two others injured in an attack by opposition forces in Kaya town, about 48km from Yei.

Unknown gunmen last month also attacked a convoy of vehicles carrying civilians in Yei, killing at least 21 people, including women and children.

South Sudan has been shattered by civil war which broke out in December 2013 after President Salva Kiir accused his sacked deputy Riek Machar of plotting a coup, an allegation denied by Machar.

Fighting between troops of Kiir and Machar has since left tens of thousands dead and more than two million displaced.

A peace deal signed in August 2015 between the rival leaders under UN pressure led to the establishment of a transitional unity government in April, but was devastated by the July fighting.
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The body tasked with monitoring South Sudan's peace agreement has decried the flare-up of armed clashes, ethnic and political tensions, and lawlessness in parts of the war-torn country.

Ambassador Augostino Njoroge, Deputy Chairman of the Joint Monitoring and Evaluation Commission (JMEC), said increased armed groups had led to a rise in cases of killings and property damage.

"The political and security situation has become complex. Insurgency, other armed groups and an ongoing conflict especially in some areas of upper Nile, Unity and Equatoria regions further complicates existing ethnic and political tensions," he said, adding plans and efforts to set up cantonment areas for the integration of fighters had become difficult due to the situation.

Njoroge was speaking in South Sudan's capital Juba as he opened a two-day workshop on the integration of fighters in South Sudan.

South Sudan has been shattered by civil war which broke out in December 2013 after President Salva Kiir accused his sacked deputy Riek Machar of plotting a coup. Machar denied the accusation but then mobilized a rebel force.

Tens of thousands have been killed, with over two million displaced and another 4.6 million left severely food insecure since then.

A peace deal signed in August 2015 between the rival leaders under UN pressure led to the establishment of a transitional unity government in April, but was devastated by renewed fighting that erupted in early July.

"We strongly call on all parties to lay down their weapons and engage in peaceful and inclusive implementation process that will enable a safe and effective cantonment process," Njoroge said.

The JMEC is overseeing the implementation of the August 2015 peace deal.

Machar, who was reinstated as Kiir's deputy in April, fled Juba after the July fighting and was later sacked again.

He is now in residence in South Africa and has called for his supporters to topple Kiir's government.
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With leaders of the 21 member economies of the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) set to gather in Lima, Peru during the weekend, a detailed policy agenda has been laid out ahead of their arrival.

The meeting is designed to expand economic opportunities for those that have reaped fewer benefits from open, integrated markets in the past, and improve economic growth rate and living standards for the 3 billion people of a region that accounts for 49 percent of the world trade volume and 57 percent of the global GDP. It also must contend with an upsurging negative views about globalization.

Luis Quesada, chair of 2016 APEC Senior Officials, on Wednesday detailed the priorities to be discussed by ministers on Nov. 17-18 and the economic leaders at the weekend.

The first priority is investment in human resources to cultivate a workforce suitable for the 21st century, especially in terms of innovation and new technologies, according to Quesada. The talks earlier this week outlined support for more business-compatible, productive staff through education reform, career training and enhanced skill development.

The second priority concerns the modernization of small- and medium-sized enterprises(SMEs), which APEC hails as a pillar of developed and developing economies alike, as well as their integration into the global value chains.

Quesada highlighted the accomplishments made by the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) countries with regards to SMEs, hailing them as an example for APEC. SMEs account for over 97 percent of the total firms and the majority of employment in the region.

The third is food security and access to water, an area where Quesada acknowledged more efforts needed to be made.

According to him, APEC has not made the same progress in lifting tariffs for food and agricultural products as it has for manufacturing. Doing so would allow the public to have access to a broader range of food choices and improve food security.

All these priorities will be discussed under the umbrella of globalization, especially when the APEC members ponder the Free Trade Area of the Asia-Pacific (FTAAP).

A recent rise in protectionist sentiments, manifested by Brexit and the victory of Donald Trump in the U.S. presidential elections, is leading APEC members to consider how to continue globalization policies.

"There is a firm belief across APEC in the enduring power of globalization and trade to build prosperity in the region," said Quesada. "The advantages of these forces must be more evenly felt to sustain public confidence in them."

In the eyes of Alan Bollard, executive director of the APEC Secretariat, APEC's non-legally binding platform sets it apart from a backlash directed towards legally-binding economic integration mechanisms.

"In the current environment, the region's soft approach to globalization and trade could be the best way forward. It offers incremental, yet significant change that is not just tolerated but actually welcomed by all corners of society," he concluded.
Kilamba, c. 2012 Anyone who has been to Luanda knows that the city lacks housing. The hotels are extremely expensive, and researchers h...
A Chinese clerk counts US dollar and renminbi banknotes at a bank in Huaibei city, East China's Anhui province, Jan 22, 2015. [Photo/IC] Advisory panel says Chinese SOEs should be barred from controlling American companies

China sharply criticized a report on Thursday by a United States congressional panel that suggested US lawmakers ban China's State-owned enterprises from acquiring US companies.

Foreign Ministry spokesman Geng Shuang said the report is based on "prejudices and stereotypes" and stressed the importance of "a fair and good environment for Chinese investment".

The US-China Economic and Security Review Commission's annual report released on Wednesday said that the US Congress should prevent Chinese SOEs from acquiring or otherwise gaining effective control of US companies.

"The report has again revealed the commission's prejudices and stereotypes against China," Geng told a daily news conference in Beijing. He said he had no interest in commenting on the specifics of the report, which he called a "cliche" that has the same tone every year.

While Chinese companies are asked to abide by local laws and regulations when investing overseas, China also hopes that other countries will also play fair, he said.

China-US trade and economic cooperation is the "ballast and propeller" of the bilateral relationship, Geng said. The two countries' interests have been closely intertwined in such a way that this relationship is important to both countries.

"The healthy, stable development of China-US trade and economic ties is in line with the fundamental interests of both countries and their people. I believe that the US side will consider the fundamental interests of its own people and adopt a policy that is conducive to bilateral trade cooperation," he said.

Earlier this month, 12 US senators urged the Committee on Foreign Investment in the United States to reject a Chinese aluminum company's proposal to purchase a US aluminum products maker, on grounds that it would damage the US defense industrial base.

The report comes at a sensitive time as president-elect Donald Trump's transition team is preparing its trade and foreign policy agenda and vetting candidates for key economic and security positions. During the presidential campaign, Trump targeted China frequently and threatened to impose stinging tariffs.

However, experts noted that the advisory report is not legally binding.

Almost all of the commission's reports on China are negative, said Li Haidong, a professor of US studies at China Foreign Affairs University. "The US should stop treating normal investment as a political and national security issue. Although some US political elites call for imposing restrictions on China's investment, proposals are different from concrete deeds."

Since Trump's top priority as president will be to improve the US economy and employment, "trade and economic cooperation with China is especially important in this regard", Li said.

"The commission is just a suborganization of the Congress," said Tao Wenzhao, a researcher of Sino-US relations at the Chinese Academy of Social Sciences. Tao said he does not believe it will influence Washington's trade policy.

The 27th China-US Joint Commission on Commerce and Trade will be held in Washington, DC, next week and Vice-Premier Wang Yang will attend.

Zou Shuo and Reuters contributed to this story.
Beijing encouraging companies to boost investment, imports

China will encourage its companies to increase their investment in the Philippines, while raising imports from the Southeast Asian country, said the Ministry of Commerce on Thursday.

Ministry spokesman Sun Jiwen said at a news conference that the two sides were negotiating a five-year economic and technological cooperation plan starting from 2017, which will identify key bilateral cooperation fields.

More bilateral cooperation methods are in the pipeline, according to Sun. Both countries will discuss establishing an economic and trade cooperation zone in the Philippines.

The 28th China-the Philippines Joint Commission on Economic and Trade Cooperation will be held at the beginning of 2017, co-chaired by Chinese Commerce Minister Gao Hucheng and Ramon M Lopez, secretary of the Philippines Department of Trade and Industry.

"China will continue to expand imports from the Philippines, especially agricultural products, and encourage Chinese companies to invest in the Philippines," said Sun.

In addition, China will consider offering financial support to the Philippines' infrastructure construction, and hopes the country will confirm a list of priorities as soon as possible, Sun added.

Earlier this week, Wu Zhengping, director-general of the Ministry of Commerce's department of Asian affairs, said China will encourage its companies to set up a large industrial zone in the Southeast Asian country.

While the total trade volume between China and the Association of the Southeast Asian Nations increased 0.1 percent year-on-year to 2.38 trillion yuan ($346 billion) between January and October, trade between China and the Philippines grew 10.7 percent to 252.8 billion yuan during the same period, data from the General Administration of Customs showed.

Trade between China and the Philippines amounted to $45.65 billion in 2015, up 2.7 percent on a year-on-year basis.

The two countries' economic and trade relations will heat up after the recent visit of Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte to Beijing, experts said.

Prior to that, Philippine direct investment in China was $38.67 million in 2015, down 60.16 percent from the year before, according to financial data provider Wind Information.

"Even though both countries have disagreements on some issues, it doesn't mean they are incapable of building better business ties, especially in the fields of trade and investment," said Feng Yaoxiang, spokesman for the China Council for the Promotion of International Trade.

He Jingtong, a professor of trade policy at Nankai University in Tianjin, said that China and the Philippines also reached a consensus in August to speed up the negotiation of the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership.
A worker assembles an air conditioner at Gree's plant in Wuhan, capital of Hubei province. [Photo provided to China Daily]

Major Chinese home appliances and air conditioner maker Gree Electric Appliances Inc has suspended a plan to buy Zhuhai Yinlong New Energy Co, after failing to win approval from the electric vehicle maker's shareholders, according to a statement from Gree.

Gree, based in Zhuhai of Guangdong province, announced in early August it would buy all the shares of the new-energy vehicle manufacturer for 13 billion yuan ($1.89 billion), in a strategic move aimed at diversifying its businesses.

The termination of the acquisition plan would not have a negative effect on its major business, the home appliances maker said in a statement to the Shenzhen Stock Exchange on Wednesday evening.

The Shenzhen-listed company resumed trading on Thursday, after a suspension since February, with its shares rising 1.96 percent as of the close in trading.

According to the regulations of the Shenzhen stock market, Gree would not be allowed to issue new shares for any major acquisition plans.

Gree was informed by the Zhuhai Yinlong New Energy Co on Wednesday that shareholders of the electric vehicle makers had not approved the acquisition plan, which was revised in early November, according to the company statement.

Zhuhai Yinlong sold more than 7,000 new vehicles in 2015, with its production value reaching more than 10 billion yuan, according to the company.

Gree said in the statement that it would continue to look for more opportunities for business growth and improve its profit and boost its technology in the competitive home appliance market.

The company's suspension of the acquisition plan followed its president Dong Mingzhu's resignation as chairman of Gree's State-owned parent company, Zhuhai Gree Group, in October, as part of new regulations under which on individual cannot be chairman of both a holding group and a listed company, according to Nanfang Daily.

Early this year, Dong said the company would boost its market presence by diversifying its businesses, including entering the electric vehicle and mobile phone industries.

However, industry insiders said the termination of the acquisition plan would help Gree concentrate more on its core business base.

"Some shareholders in Gree even do not agree with the acquisition as the company reported slow business growth in new sectors," said Liang Zhenhua, a home appliance researcher with the Guangdong Household Electrical Appliances Trade Association.

According to company sources, Gree reported 82.42 billion yuan in sales revenue in the first three quarters, a year-on-year increase of 1.11 percent.
Midea Group, a major home appliance manufacturer in China based in Guangzhou, has seen its human labor force greatly reduced at its Wuhan factory since the introduction of an intelligent production line.

"We have made intelligent production a strategic goal of the group," said Yang Hao, general manager of the company's Wuhan factory.

In 2015, Midea revamped its conventional production line into an intelligent one by installing more than 200 robotic devices. Now it has become one of the most advanced machine assembly lines in the world.

The average number of employees working alongside the production line has dropped from 160 to 51. Meanwhile, the qualification rate of products free of defects has increased from 97 percent to 99 percent.

"The biggest advantage of intelligent manufacturing is its accuracy," Yang said. "Humans make mistakes because they can get tired. But a machine does not doze off."

The number of workers at the Wuhan factory, which is the biggest manufacturing base of Midea in China, has gone down from 11,000 in 2011with monthly production capacity of 500,000 unitsto 4,300 with monthly production capacity of 630,000 units in 2015. In other words, its production capacity has increased by 26 percent while the number of workers has gone down by 39 percent during that period.

At the same time, the company said that the cost of intelligent production line is 22 percent lower than the conventional production line.

The company plans to invest 4 to 5 billion yuan ($582 million to $728 million) in the next four to five years to turn all of its factories into intelligent ones, Yang said.

"We need to take a very prudent approach. First build a demonstrative production line, then a workshop and eventually a factory," he added.

Air conditioners manufactured on intelligent production lines are expected to make up 30 percent of the company's total output in 2016. That share is planned to increase to 50 percent in 2017 and to more than 70 percent in ensuing years.

Meanwhile, Midea is making efforts to increase the percentage of local equipment used in its intelligent production lines.

"Imported equipment has high stability and accuracy but is five to 10 times more expensive than locally manufactured equipment," Yang said.

"We need to work with our local suppliers to help them develop equipment that can compete with those from other countries."
A Hilton Worldwide Holdings Inc Grand Vacations Club hotel stands in Las Vegas, Nevada, US, Feb 24, 2016. [Photo/VCG]

BEIJING - China's outbound direct investment (ODI) is surging despite weak global growth as Chinese companies continue to internationalize their business.

Non-financial ODI increased 53.3 percent year on year to reach $145.96 billion in the January-October period, easily surpassing the total for 2015 of about $121.4 billion, according to the Ministry of Commerce on Thursday.

In October, ODI grew 48.4 percent year on year to reach $11.74 billion.

China's overseas investment reached 162 countries and regions, most of which has gone to Hong Kong, ASEAN, the European Union, Australia, the United States, Russia and Japan in the first ten months, with the United States posting the strongest year-on-year growth at 173.9 percent.

ODI continued to exceed foreign direct investment (FDI) into the Chinese mainland, which rose 4.2 percent year on year to reach about $98 billion in the same period. China's ODI exceeded FDI for the first time ever in 2015, becoming a net capital exporter.

In addition to growing investment volume, the pattern of China's ODI is changing rapidly as the consumer and services sectors gather momentum.

China's overseas investment started with raw materials, moved on to infrastructure and manufacturing, and is now starting to focus on big-name consumer brands and high-tech companies, according to a research note from HSBC.

Official data showed that in the first ten months, most of the investment flowed to commercial services, manufacturing and retail, with equipment manufacturing almost quadrupling last year's investment.

Once dominated by large state-owned enterprises in search of iron ore and copper, China's ODI now includes private sector giants buying US film studios and European fashion houses, along with state-backed companies snapping up new tech firms, the HSBC note pointed out.

The HNA Group is a good example of the trends. The private conglomerate from south China's Hainan province extended its push into the leisure sector with a high-profile deal to buy a 25-percent stake in Hilton in October.

In the past two years, the company has spent about $23.8 billion in cross-border acquisitions, including hotels and commercial real estate, in order to extend its value chain and strengthen its aviation core business, according to the note.

Official data showed that Chinese companies continued to work closely with countries along the Belt and Road Initiative. They signed construction contracts worth over $84 billion during the period, up 30.7 percent year on year.

However, HSBC noted that investment in the Belt and Road countries has been moderating in recent months due to global uncertainties and a high comparison base in 2015.

With the global economy showing signs of recovery, more projects are reaching the implementation stage, cross-border connections are becoming more sophisticated, and financing support is gradually strengthening, HSBC said in the note, adding it expects China's investment in the Belt and Road region to grow at a stable pace in the next couple of years.
BEIJING - China's steel exports will remain high in 2017 due to flat consumption domestically and slow capacity rationalization, a recent report pointed out, forecasting exports at 100 million tons next year.

International rating agency Fitch expects Chinese apparent steel consumption to remain between 700 and 705 million tons next year, reflecting decelerating property growth, stable infrastructure investment growth, and a favorable outlook for Chinese automobile and appliance consumption.

On the other hand, capacity rationalization will remain a key theme of the sector, with a target of 14 million to 27 million tons annually until 2020.

As a result, exports should remain high in 2017 as Chinese producers continue to benefit from the yuan's exchange rate and lower raw-material prices, the report concludes.

China's over-supplied steel sector experienced years of plunging prices and factory shutdowns due to the sluggish economy. However, with encouragement from the upward trend of prices from the beginning of this year, many steel mills are resuming production.

Official data showed China's crude steel production increased 0.4 percent year on year to 603.78 million tons in the January-September period.
China's largest microchip maker Tsinghua Unigroup has denied media reports on Friday that it had discussions with United States chip firm Micron Technology on technology licensing and collaboration.

Yangtze River Storage Technology, of which Tsinghua Unigroup is the major shareholder, said in a statement to China Daily that: "Up to now, it has never held negotiations with Micron or any other company on any topic."

The announcement came after Japanese media quoted the company's vice chairman Ding Wenwu as saying that the firm was in discussion with Micron for cooperation.

But Yangtze River Storage Technology said Ding had "never made any comment or released any information on this".

Tsinghua Unigroup had planned to buy Micron for $23 billion, but the bid failed last year.
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Final preparations are underway to bring the two Chinese astronauts back to earth on Shenzhou-11.[Photo/Xinhua]

The two Chinese astronauts on the Shenzhou XI space mission have completed their monthlong stay in the Tiangong II space laboratory and will soon return to Earth.

Mission commander Jing Haipeng, 50, and Chen Dong, 37, floated out of the space lab 393 km above Earth and returned to the Shenzhou XI's re-entry capsule on Thursday morning. The Shenzhou XI spacecraft then departed Tiangong II at 12:41 pm, the China Manned Space Agency said in a statement, adding that the astronauts will arrive back in China on Friday.

Jing and Chen embarked on the space trip aboard the Shenzhou XI spacecraft, which departed from the Jiuquan Satellite Launch Center in Northwest China on Oct 17. They entered Tiangong II, which was launched in mid-September from the same center, on Oct 19.

Their 33-day journey is the longest stay in space by Chinese astronauts. Previously, the longest space trip involving Chinese astronauts was the 15-day Shenzhou X mission in June 2013.

Before leaving Tiangong II, the duo expressed their gratitude and respect for Chinese space workers and those who support the nation's space exploration efforts.

Tiangong II will remain in orbit and continue to be used for scientific experiments. It will receive the Tianzhou 1 cargo spacecraft in April next year, according to the China Manned Space Agency.

China Central Television reported on Thursday that groundworkers at the landing site in Siziwang Banner in the Inner Mongolia autonomous region have carried out several drills and are ready to welcome the astronauts.
Snow leopard fur suspects busted in Inner Mongolia

Xinhua | Updated: 2016-11-18 08:58

HOHHOT -- Five suspects believed to be involved in the smuggling of snow leopard fur were seized on Tuesday, according to the Manzhouli Customs anti-smuggling bureau Thursday.



A police officer with the bureau, surnamed Zhang, said they received a report in September that a Mongolian had smuggled snow leopard fur from Mongolia to China.



After investigation, local police arrested the Mongolian, a Chinese intermediary, and three Chinese buyers while they were doing a deal in a hotel in Manzhouli City on Tuesday. Police also seized snow leopard fur and 50,000 yuan ($7,279 dollars) at the scene.



Zhang said customs from both China and Mongolia were cooperating on the case. It is still unclear whether the leopard was killed in China.



Snow leopards are a Class A protected animal and are classified as "endangered" by the International Union for Conservation of Nature. They are usually found in the Himalayan ranges of central and south Asia, and typically live at an altitude of 2,500 to 4,500 meters. The animals have been found in 12 countries and have been spotted in China's Qinghai, Tibet, Xinjiang, Gansu, Sichuan and Yunnan.



The animal has rarely been seen in the wild this century due to loss of habitat and poaching. There are an estimated 3,500 to 7,000 snow leopards living in the wild, in addition to around 650 in captivity worldwide, according to official statistics released in 2015.



Under China's criminal law, those who smuggle animals and their products can face five years in jail and fines. If the circumstances are especially serious, the offender shall be sentenced to jail terms of more than 10 years or even life imprisonment, and also to confiscation of property.
The declining economy of Northeast China, which was once the country's industrial base, is reaching a bottom and is less likely to decline sharply in the future, an official at the National Development and Reform Commission said on Thursday.

Zhou Jianping, director of the commission's department for revitalization of the northeast region, admitted the difficulties that provinces in Northeast China face, but pointed out some highlights of the region's economic recovery, including rapid growth of emerging industries, stable employment and a good harvest.

According to the National Bureau of Statistics, GDP growth in the three northeast provinces of Jilin, Heilongjiang and Liaoning lagged behind a majority of provinces and regions in the first quarter. Liaoning province was the only province to report negative GDP growth - minus 2.2 percent - in the first three quarters.

"The economies of Jilin and Heilongjiang are gradually recovering from last year, and Liaoning is expected to maintain economic momentum next year," Zhou said.

The economic slowdown of Northeast China, once one of the most industrialized regions in China, has received wide attention from the central government.

A guidance issued by the State Council on Wednesday advanced 14 policies, including deepening reform of administrative systems and State-owned enterprises, inspiring vitality and accelerating the upgrading of industries.

According to Li Pumin, secretary-general of the National Development and Reform Commission, the guidance requires a provincial cooperation mechanism between Liaoning, Jilin and Heilongjiang, and Jiangsu, Zhejiang, and Guangdong, and a city-level mechanism between Shenyang, Dalian, Changchun, Harbin and Beijing, Shanghai, Tianjin and Shenzhen.

"The mechanism aims to bring projects and investment to Northeast China through market cooperation and supports the effective connection of the region's equipment manufacturing advantage and East China's demand in order to enhance the core competitiveness of industries in Northeast China," Li said.

"The governments in Northeast China should learn to use economic, policy, market and legal means more often to promote local economic and social development, while resorting to administrative means as little as possible," Zhou added.
Hebei province ordered all villages to finish examining and recording abandoned wells by the end of this month, and to take follow-up measures to eliminate their potential danger.

The order came five days after a 6-year-old boy fell into an abandoned well and died in Zhongmengchang village in Baoding.

Local governments were asked to fill or seal all abandoned wells as soon as possible to avoid similar incidents, according to an emergency announcement by the provincial government.

The announcement also ordered local governments to determine who is legally liable for any damage that wells still used for irrigation may cause.

The incident in Baoding triggered anger among the public that no government organizations or other institutions had paid attention to the danger of abandoned wells.

Since last year, 31 people have fallen into wells across the country, 80 percent of whom were children, and 40 percent died, Beijing News reported.

Yet the government departments involved all declined to take responsibility for the deaths.

The Hebei Bureau of Water Resources said it gave permission to dig wells, but was not responsible for the management of abandoned wells, according to a report by Hebei Daily. The newspaper received similar replies from provincial departments such as agriculture, and housing and urban-rural development, denying responsibility.

Governments at the grassroots level said they didn't have budgets for handling abandoned wells, while villagers who use the wells for irrigation do not offer to fill them.

Villagers can receive subsidies when digging a well, but get nothing for filling in an abandoned one, Zheng Fengtian, a professor at Renmin University of China's School of Agricultural Economics and Rural Development, said in an interview with China Central Television.

"It should be made clear who is responsible for a well from the time it is dug," Zheng said.

After the incident in Hebei, neighboring Tianjin municipality started to check all wells to eliminate safety risks.
Chinese astronauts Jing Haipeng and Chen Dong are close to completing a 33-day space journey, and on Tuesday, they talked with Xinhua News Agency.

You will say goodbye to space and come back to Earth in a few days. Could you describe your feelings?

Jing Haipeng: Our leaders, colleagues and comrades-in-arms on Earth have been supporting us. They work around the clock, cheer us on and provide us with support. There are still two more days to go, and we will be more meticulous and strict in every detail to ensure the safety of the payload.

Chen Dong: I feel reluctant because soon we will be leaving Tiangong II, where we have lived and worked for 30 days. It is like our home in space, so I have a sense of reluctance and attachment. I feel happy and excited because we are getting back to our "big family" soon, back to Earth, and back to our motherland.

What work do you still need to do?

Jing: All work is progressing on schedule. There is also some preparatory work to be done, including recovering experimental data, cleaning up the compartment and leaving Tiangong II in the right condition.

Most of the experiments have been completed and some data transmitted back to Earth. The rest is saved on memory cards to be taken back to Earth due to the large amount of data. Vegetables grown in space and the silkworm cocoons will also be brought back.Urine and saliva samples as well as microorganisms samples will also be brought back for analysis.

Chen:When we entered Tiangong II,we brought many things in, including our necessities and experimental items, of all sizes. Now we are moving back to Earth and need to put some items back where they belong.

Packing in space is strenuous. There are clear requirements on how an item should be packed, including what a packed item should look like, where it should be placed, and even whether an item should be wrapped horizontally or slantwise.

Jing: We need to sweep Tiangong II. Residual food waste, sanitary waste, and some trash created during in-orbit experiments, including batteries and electrodes, will be packed and placed in the orbital compartment. The trash will then crash into the atmosphere and be destroyed with the compartment.

Chen: Getting Tiangong II in the right condition before departure is similar to turning off the water and electricity before leaving a house for a long time. Tiangong II will be used over the long-term and dock with space cargo ships. We have to make sure that electricity,water, gas and communications are set up properly. In total there are between 40 and 50 tasks to be completed.
TAIPEI -- Plans to ease the banning of Japanese food imports in Taiwan have triggered violence on the island amid growing public anger and distrust of the approval procedure of the island's leadership.



Since Saturday, violence has erupted at 10 public hearings around the island on whether to lift the ban on food imports from five prefectures in Japan that were contaminated with radiation after the 2011 Fukushima nuclear disaster.



At a public hearing in Kaohsiung on Saturday, tables were overturned and people were heard shouting that the government was turning a blind eye to public health and holding rushed hearings due to a secret deal with Japan.



The hearing was suspended amid protests and violence.



In Hualien, bloody violence erupted 30 minutes after a hearing began on Monday. There were also violent protests in Taoyuan, Xinbei, Taichung and Taipei.



Taiwan's authorities banned food imports from Japan's Fukushima and nearby Ibaraki, Gunma, Tochigi and Chiba prefectures after the 2011 Fukushima nuclear disaster, which was triggered by a huge earthquake and tsunami.



Last year food products, with false origin labels, made near Fukushima nuclear power plant were found to illegally have entered the island. Taiwan authorities demanded that Japanese food exporters submit their origin credentials.



After the Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) came to power in May, it announced a two-stage proposal stating that Taiwan plans to keep a ban on the import of food from Fukushima but conditionally allow imports of certain products from four other Japanese prefectures.



The implementation of the first stage of the plan was to serve as a reference for the further relaxation of the restrictions in the second stage, possibly about six months later.

Last Thursday, amid growing public complaints, the DPP abruptly announced plans to hold ten public hearings in the following three days. Taiwan's law stipulates that plans for public hearings should be announced 10 days before hearings are held.



A survey conducted by the opposition nationalist party has shown 74.6 percent of the public do not want the restrictions lifted.



On Monday an editorial in the China Times, a leading newspaper in Taiwan, censured the DPP for not checking the safety credentials of Japanese food or having a management plan for future imports.



Local legislators, including in Taoyuan, Kaohsiung and Taichung, have decided to amend laws banning imported Japanese food that could be contaminated by the nuclear disaster.



In 2015, Taiwan's health authorities admitted that they were considering lifting the ban on food imports from nuclear-tainted areas due to pressure from Japan.
ZHENGZHOU -- The central province of Henan will train more than one million "new, professional farmers" to provide "solid support" for its agricultural modernization, authorities said Thursday.



Henan has more than 100 million registered residents, a substantial share being farmers. The province produces about a quarter of the country's wheat. The challenges of an aging population and a workforce increasingly attracted by industrial employment opportunities, the province faces the daunting task of ensuring it has sufficient farmers to support agricultural development.



According to Henan Department of Agriculture, the province will train 200,000 professional farmers each year and have a farming workforce of at least one million by 2020.



The courses will include professional agricultural skills and entrepreneurship skills, according to the department. The government will choose individuals with a long-track record of large-scale agricultural production including leaders of rural cooperatives, rural company managers and returning migrant workers.
China's top justice stresses intelligent courts, cyberspace rule-of-law

Xinhua | Updated: 2016-11-18 09:17

HANGZHOU -- China's top justice on Thursday called for international cooperation on intelligent courts and rule of law in cyberspace governance.



Zhou Qiang, president of the Supreme People's Court was addressing the third World Internet Conference (WIC) in Wuzhen, Zhejiang Province. Zhou said IT has raised the quality and efficiency of trials, reinforcing social equality and justice in general.



Countries need to share their best practices in IT in courts, Zhou said.



Rule of law in cyberspace will ensure the cybersphere is safe, orderly and accessible to all, Zhou added.



The WIC, running from Nov 16 to Nov 18 this year, is an annual meeting of the world's tech firm bosses, academics, and government officials to discuss current Internet trends.
XI'AN - A former senior legislator in Northwest China's Gansu province was sentenced on Thursday to 12 and a half years in prison for accepting bribes, according to a court.

Xi'an Intermediate People's Court in Shaanxi province also decided to fine Lu Wucheng, former deputy head of the Standing Committee of the Gansu Provincial People's Congress, one million yuan ($145,000). Lu's gains through bribery were confiscated.

From 2006 to 2014, Lu accepted bribes totaling 16 million yuan while holding such posts as vice governor of Gansu province, Communist Party chief of provincial capital Lanzhou, and deputy head of the standing committee of the provincial legislator, said the court.

The defendant accepted the bribes to seek benefits for others in development projects and promotion.
Postgraduate students attend the commencement ceremony at Tsinghua University in Beijing, capital of China, July 2, 2016. [Photo/Xinhua]

LONDON - Times Higher Education (THE) on Wednesday published the sixth annual Global University Employability Ranking, revealing that 14 Chinese universities make into the ranking.

The ranking shows that employers consider Hong Kong University of Science and Technology (HKUST) to be the best Chinese institution at producing graduates with the skills they need for the workplace. HKUST was ranked 13th in this global ranking of 150 universities.

The next five Chinese institutions to make this prestigious ranking were Peking University (17th), Fudan University (37th), Shanghai Jiao Tong University (53rd), Tsinghua University (59th) and National Taiwan University of Science and Technology (73rd).

Graduates from American universities are the most employable, with California Institute of Technology leading the pack, followed by the Massachusetts Institute of Technology and Harvard University.

THE said the research -- commissioned by HR consultancy Emerging and drawn from 2,500 recruitment managers from large international companies -- shows US institutions continue to have a strong grip among global employers, taking 37 places in the 150-strong ranking.

Large global employers based in China were also surveyed as part of the research, revealing that Chinese employers value adaptability, the ability to work in a team and communication skills above the other non-academic skills graduates may possess. Chinese employers placed more importance than those around the world on the ability to work under pressure, and less importance on flexibility.

"A university education brings a host of life-enhancing benefits but for many students, launching a successful career is one of the most important outcomes. For these students, the sixth Global University Employability Ranking will bring them insight and clarity they can't get anywhere else," said Phil Baty, THE World University Ranking editor.

According to THE, the survey behind the ranking asks those responsible for graduate recruitment in large international employers to define what they look for and which universities are the most successful at producing graduates who meet their needs.

The institution said the findings are drawn from 20 countries and reveal some clear distinctions in what employers consider to be the most important employability skills. For example, employers in France, India, the United States and Britain seek students with strong communication skills, while Chinese and German managers consider adaptability to be the most important.

THE is an authoritative source of data, analysis and information about higher education, an essential resource for academics and professionals working in higher education, as well as students and their families.

THE was founded in 1971 and has been online since 1995, publishing news, opinion and the World University Rankings.
A photo taken by astronaut Yang Liwei. [File Photo]



The return of Chinese astronauts Jing Haipeng and Chen Dong is attracting public attention, so it's perfect time to remember those who devoted themselves to the manned space program but were not able to go into space.

Wu Jie and Li Qinglong were among the country's first 14 astronaut trainees and even went to Russia for training before the country finally founded its first team of astronauts. But they never got the chance to go into space. Wu retired from the team in June this year. Their efforts inspired their peers and pushed ahead the manned space program.

Here, we reveal their stories and discover what happened to them.

48 hours in minus 50 degree

China had just started its manned space program in 1990s, and the scientists faced lots of difficulties at that time. China could only send astronauts to Russia's Gagarin Cosmonauts Training Centre for training.

Wu Jie, born in 1963, and Li Qinglong, also born in 1963, were chosen to undergo training at the Gagarin Cosmonauts Training Centre in 1996. They completed the fouryear course in just one year and graduated from the center.

During the training, Wu and Li were once taken to the snow field in the Arctic Circle where they lived for 48 hours in minus 50 degree. They had only some essential food and few biscuits.

"During the two days, we seldom slept and our bodies were aching in pain," Li said. He lost 2 kilograms during the training.




Tons of discarded clothes smuggled from overseas are piled up at Tuyang port in Shenzhen on Thursday. [Photo by Zhou Mo]

Nearly 450 out of 1,046 tons of discarded clothes smuggled from overseas were transported for incineration from Tuyang port in Shenzhen on Thursday in Shenzhen Customs' latest crackdown on solid waste smuggling.

Customs also arrested six suspects involved in the case, including one Taiwanese.

The 441 tons of waste were first seized by the Shenzhen border force on Sept 4 on a vessel from Hong Kong, where they were loaded, Wang Mingwei, an anti-smuggling official from customs, said.

The vessel was originally bounded for Taiwan, but the suspects changed the route on the way and drove the vessel into the Shenzhen sea area where it was seized, he said.

The illegal items and suspects were then sent to Shenzhen Customs for investigation.

In a separate case in June, 605 tons of smuggled discarded clothes were seized. The waste was burned in August.

The two cases are the biggest in terms of the amount involved over recent years, customs said.

According to a suspect, the discarded clothes were mainly collected from Japan and South Korea and were intended to be sold to the mainland market. Officials said the exact destination is yet unknown, as the case is still under investigation.

"We attach high importance to the disposal of the solid waste," said Chen Lei, deputy head of division of accounting at Shenzhen Customs, who is in charge of the matter.

"Stains can obviously be seen on some of the clothes, which may cause serious harm to the environment and people's health. We are making all our efforts to supervise the disposal process to ensure th waste does not enter the market," Chen said.

Solid waste includes electronic waste, household garbage, discarded clothes, construction waste and so forth. Smuggling of more than 5 tons of waste is seen as a serious case and smugglers can be held criminally liable.
Shanghai helps foreign students find internships

Xinhua | Updated: 2016-11-18 13:16

SHANGHAI - Shanghai municipal authority has organized a number of companies and institutions that will offer internships to thousands of foreign students.



The program, which is sponsored by the city's education commission, foreign affairs office and the public security bureau, named 11 companies and government entities that have intern opportunities for foreigners.



Among the employers are Shanghai Textile Group Co. Ltd., Shanghai Automobile International Trade Co. Ltd., Shanghai Ninth People's Hospital and Pujiang Hotel (also known as Richard's Hotel).

Starting from 2017, intern opportunities will be posted on www.study-shanghai.org, a website for foreign students.



There are more than 56,000 foreign students from 185 countries and regions studying in 39 universities and colleges in Shanghai, according to the municipal education commission.

A growing number of foreign students want to find jobs Shanghai after they graduate.



Michael Richard, who studied for his masters at Donghua University this year, told Xinhua that thanks to the city's favorable employment policies he obtained a full time job in July.



The American said his one-year internship with a logistic company was vital to securing a full time job, and helped him understand the Chinese economy and culture.



At Donghua University, there are 4,700 foreign students on campus. They are from 140 countries and regions.
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A 6-year-old boy has been killed by a falling metal locker outside a fruit market in Ankang, Shannxi province.

The accident on Monday also left his mother with serious injuries.

Police are working with the victim's family and the supermarket.

According to the boy's father surnamed Hu, who has watched supermarket footage of the incident, the tragedy occurred just after 7pm when his wife removed her bag from the locker. The heavy locker then fell on them, crushing the boy and his mother's legs.

People passing the market quickly pulled the cabinet off them and found the boy.

The victims were taken to hospital, but the boy died from his injuries after two hours of emergency treatment.

"The right leg of my wife was broken and she is still receiving treatment in hospital," said Hu who works out of town as a migrant worker and was not living with his wife and son at the time.

The 2-meter-high locker was mounted on a step outside the market for customers to store their bags before they enter the market.

A local resident said that the newly-opened market used pieces of wood to keep the cabinet in place as the surface of the step had a slight incline.

The market has been closed for investigation.

Market manager surnamed Yang said that he and his colleagues felt extremely sad for the victims and would do their best to comfort the victims' family.

"We have paid the treatment cost for the victims and hope to consult with the victims' family to reach an outcome," Yang said.

Police obtained the video monitoring record for investigation and arranged discussions between the two sides.
An attack by a robot that left a man needing stitches at a technology fair has been blamed on incorrect operation.

The attack on a visitor at China Hi-tech Fair 2016 on Thursday was caused by misoperation, organizing committee of CHTF said on Friday.

A visitor was reportedly injured on Thursday after a robot named "Xiaopang" displayed at the China Hi-tech Fair ran into a window, smashing it into pieces.

The visitor's leg was wounded by broken glass and he was taken to Peking University Shenzhen Hospital by an ambulance. He later went home after receiving a few stitches.

The accident took place at about 2pm when the exhibitor, Spreadview Century, a Shenzhen high-tech enterprise, was demonstrating the robot to visitors.

In a statement, the fair's organising committee said the employee mistakenly hit the "forward" button, instead of the "reverse" one, leading to the accident

An exhibitor surnamed Zhang whose booth is located near the accident site told China Daily that he heard a loud noise when the accident happened and saw many people gathering at the site.

Display of the robot had been withdrawn from the site by Friday afternoon.

The robot was produced by Beijing robot company Evolver. It was developed for children aged between four and 12 years old for educational use, according to media reports. The device made its debut in November 2015 at the World Robot Conference.

CHTF, known as the country's biggest and most influential technology show, is an annual event during which enterprises and organizations from all over the world share and trade their latest technologies and products.

This year's fair, held in Shenzhen from November 16 to 21, has attracted more than 3,000 exhibitors from 37 countries and regions across the world.
Overheated property markets in major cities have started to cool down after authorities took measures against speculative buying and a potential home market bubble. However, a long-term effort is needed to make the market stable and sustainable, analysts said.

Last month, new home prices dropped in seven cities, compared with six in September, according to the National Bureau of Statistics, which monitors housing prices in 70 cities nationwide.

In Shenzhen, where housing prices rocketed by more than 30 percent, a record, in the past several months, prices declined by 0.5 percent in October.

"After first-tier cities and some key second-tier cities launched cooling measures, home prices have obviously become stable," Liu Jianwei, NBS senior statistician, wrote in a note posted on the NBS website.

Beijing, Tianjin, Shanghai, Xiamen and Zhengzhou began to see home prices switching from rising to dropping in the second half of October, with average prices down by between 0.1 percent and 0.4 percent compared with the first half of the month, he noted.

Housing authorities in more than 20 cities have launched various measures against speculative buying to curb rapid home price growth, including setting stricter requirements for qualified buyers, higher down payments and limits on buying second and third homes.

Yan Yuejin, an analyst with property research agency E-House China R&D Institute, said the residential property market is "digesting these policies and measures gradually, and it is likely for the market to have rational and stable prices in the near future".

Ma Junwei, an analyst with Deyi Realty in Shanghai, said it will require a long-term effort by regulators and local authorities to battle speculative buying while keeping supplies stable for buyers with solid demand, including those who plan to buy their first home or upgrade their housing.

In Shanghai, real estate agents said they have noticed that homebuyers have become more rational.

"Buyers are starting to take their time and study their options. They will compare prices, designs and locations and bargain with sales representatives," said Luo Dingjun, sales manager at Jinyu Property Marketing.

"This was not the case two months ago, when they rushed to buy for fear that if they hesitated, prices would grow too fast and they would no longer be able to afford."
The re-entry capsule of Shenzhou XI spacecraft landed in Inner Mongolia on Friday, bringing home two astronauts from China's longest-ever manned space mission. LI GANG / XINHUA

China will start to recruit and train the third generation of its astronauts beginning next year and will turn engineers into space fliers, a senior space scientist said on Friday.

Huang Weifen, deputy research head of the Astronaut Center of China, revealed the plan at a news conference in Beijing about three hours after two Chinese astronauts returned to Earth from their monthlong space journey.

"We have finalized the plan," she said.

Huang added that to meet the requirements for a future space station, "we will expand the candidates' scope, by selecting not only pilots from the Chinese Air Force but also engineers in the space industry. Those engineers will be trained to become spaceflight technicians to take part in future missions".

The preparatory work is proceeding well, she said, adding that the success of the Shenzhou XI-Tiangong II mission has shown that China is now able to support astronauts' long-term stay in space.

Astronauts Jing Haipeng and Chen Dong returned to Earth at around 2 pm on Friday after completing China's longest-ever manned space mission.

They opened the re-entry capsule's hatch by themselves at the landing site in the Inner Mongolia autonomous region and were carried out of the capsule by medical workers.

The two were in good condition and were to be flown to Beijing on Friday evening together with their re-entry module, said a statement from the China Manned Space Agency.

Jing and Chen began the space trip aboard the Shen-zhou XI spacecraft, which departed from the Jiuquan Satellite Launch Center in Northwest China on Oct 17.

They entered Tiangong II, which was launched in mid-September from the same center, on Oct 19.

General Zhang Youxia, top leader of China's manned space program, said that the Shenzhou XI-Tiangong II mission was a "complete success".

The mission was China's sixth manned spaceflight and is expected to pave the way for a permanent space station, which the country plans to start building in 2018 and put into service in about 2022.

The space station will consist of three parts: a core module and two space labs to which it is attached, each weighing about 20 metric tons. It will operate in orbit for at least 10 years, according to the China Manned Space Agency.

Also at Friday's news conference, Wang Zhaoyao, the agency's director, said that the country will launch its first cargo spacecraft, Tianzhou 1, in the first half of next year to dock with Tiangong II.

The mission will test technologies of in-orbit fuel supply for the future space station, he said.

Currently, Tianzhou 1 is being assembled and tested. It will be lifted atop a Long March 7 rocket from the Wenchang Space Launch Center on the island province of Hainan, Wang said.
Top Chinese and Ecuadorean cultural ambassadors said on Wednesday they hope that new Chinese books translated into Spanish will help cultivate a better understanding of Chinese culture, politics and history among Ecuador's people.

Ecuador has an important place in Spanish-language literature, presenting many notable authors, and the book exhibition - also brings noted Chinese authors, said Huang Kunming, executive deputy head of the Publicity Department of the Communist Party of China Central Committee.

Spanish-language versions of titles such as The Literature of China, The Political System of China and The Encyclopedia of Chinese Culture will give readers a sense of Chinese politics, economics and culture, Huang said at the Month of the Exhibition and Sale of Chinese Books in Quito, Ecuador.
A scene from Keeping Up with the Joneses [Photo provided to China Daily]

Hollywood action comedy Keeping Up with the Joneses has taken an unusual route to promote itself  holding underwear shows in China's big cities to draw moviegoers.

The equivalent of the 2005 spy thriller Mr Smith & Mrs Smith, the 101-minute Keeping Up with the Joneses is about a government spy "couple", Tim (Jon Hamm) and Natalie (Gal Gadot), whose real identities are discovered by their neighbors, a suburban couple.

After a series of adventures, the four team up to fight a criminal group.

Three underwear shows, inspired by the film's scene featuring Natalie wearing only underwear to have a conversation with her female neighbor, were recently held in cinemas in Beijing, Shanghai and Guangzhou, to promote the movie.

The film has grossed nearly 12 million yuan ($1.76 million) as of Nov 18. It opened in Chinese mainland theaters on Nov 8.

Related:

New Sino-French action film
Tian Yucheng, representative of the State Council Information Office, addresses the opening ceremony. [Photo/Art.China.cn]

"Experience China in Peru", an art exhibition themed on "Humans and Nature", opened at the National Museum of Archaeology, Anthropology and Peruvian History in Lima, on November 16. It will conclude on December 8.

The exhibition showcased 36 art pieces, created by artists from 18 APEC members. These artists have their own tastes to express and stories to tell. To some degree, their creation is affected by the deep-rooted tradition in their motherlands. Asian exhibits contain ink and wash paintings, and exhibits from Canada and Australia are more modern and Latin Americans' works teem with imagination and symbolism. But they all have a point to make. Some concerns the harmony between men and nature; others reflect urbanization-induced pollution.

Four exhibits are from Peru. They once made appearance at the Beijing International Biennial Art Exhibition and were later given to China. Their homecoming symbolizes the two nations' friendship.

The relationship between humans and nature has always been the focus of Chinese culture. The core of Chinese philosophy is "nature-human unity", which inspires numerous ink and wash paintings. Surprisingly, some exhibited ink and wash paintings were created by New Zealanders and Canadians. This validates the cultural exchange between the east and west world.

The exhibition will further cement the China-Peru ties and shed a positive light on artistic collaboration within APEC.

2016 marks the 45th anniversary of the establishment of China-Peru ties and also the Year of China-Latin America Cultural Exchange.
A suspicious object is detected at the construction site in Xiangyang township.[Photo/Chengdu Economic Daily]

Detection of a possible bomb disrupted work at a construction site in Guanghan, Chengdu city of Southwest China's Sichuan province last Saturday. It later turned out that the suspicious object was a pot containing ancient Song Dynasty (960-1279) chinaware.

According to reports by Chengdu Economic Daily, a construction team excavated an iron jar-like object when digging a ditch in Xiangyang township.

For fear of a possible undetonated bomb, the workers stopped operations and called the police.
The fourth Nishan Forum on World Civilizations, which aims to further promote dialogue among civilizations and uphold Chinese culture, opened in Nishan, Shandong province on Nov 15.

The three-day forum, themed "Traditional Culture and Ecological Progress  Marching toward a Green and Simple Life", attracted more than 250 distinguished specialists and scholars from domestic and foreign universities, colleges and scientific research institutes.

Zhang Rong, president of Shandong University and vice-chairman of the organizing committee of the forum, said the theme was intended to explore and promote a green and simple lifestyle globally, to better harness our resources and protect the environment.

Three topics were discussed during the forum, including ecological wisdom in different civilizations, ecological civilization and simple lifestyle, and ecological civilization and sustainable development.

Gao Shuqun, deputy secretary-general of the Nishan forum organizing committee, said environmental protection would be top of the agenda at the event.

The forum also featured a sub-forum on women's rights, which opened on Nov 16 with a focus on gender equality and female empowerment.

Meanwhile, a global platform was established in Nishan to promote women's causes worldwide.

Liu Chuansheng, top official of Beijing Normal University and vice-chairman of the organizing committee, said the establishment of the sub-forum and platform was aimed to increase awareness of women's rights protection worldwide.

"The sub-forum was set to make women's voices better heard, and to stimulate the attention of women worldwide," she said.

The First Nishan Forum was held in September 2010, during which the Nishan Declaration of Harmony was issued, calling for dialogue and communication among civilizations.

Nishan is most well-known for being the birthplace of legendary Chinese teacher and philosopher, Confucious.

The fourth Nishan Forum on World Civilizations opens in Nishan, Shandong province on Nov 15, attracting more than 250 distinguished specialists and scholars from domestic and foreign universities, colleges and scientific research institutes. [Photo provided to chinadaily.com.cn]

A sub-forum on women's rights opens on Nov 16, to focus on gender equality and women's empowerment. [Photo provided to chinadaily.com.cn]
Wang Ming instructs an autistic 3-year-old in Lanzhou, Gansu province. Wang must repeat the same word as many as 1,000 times before the child can pronounce it. Cao Zhizheng / for China Daily

AN AIRLINE rejected a father taking his 13-year-old autistic son onto a plane on Tuesday on the grounds that "the child's behavior was weird". Beijing Youth Daily commented on Thursday that the airline's dogmatic refusal to allow the juvenile passenger to board the aircraft exposes a lack of understanding of autism.

Autism is a developmental disorder characterized by impaired social interaction and verbal and non-verbal communication, and restricted and repetitive behavior.

Children with autism, when they are forced to do something they don't want to do, will become aggressive to different degrees.

But these children are controllable if their guardians can take good care of them. China has more than 2 million children under 14 suffering from autism. Most of them live a normal life, because of their families' thoughtful care. And some autistic children are gifted in certain areas, such as art and music.

The airline does have the legal right to refuse to allow a passenger to fly. But the airline's rude refusal to allow the boy to board the plane saved its ground staff and cabin crew the little extra effort required to take care of the child.

Two years ago, the ice bucket challenge in many countries awakened the public to know about, and raised money for patients of ALS, or amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, a progressive neurodegenerative disease that affects nerve cells in the brain and spinal cord.

Today, the airport incident should remind the government and social organizations to take actions to raise the society's awareness and deepen people's understanding of autism.
Chinese Premier Li Keqiang speaks at the Central Urban Work Conference in Beijing, Dec 22, 2015.[Photo/Xinhua]

THE STATE COUNCIL, China's Cabinet, published a detailed regulation on promoting transparency of governmental affairs earlier this week. Compared with similar past regulations, the new one, for the first time, clearly requires local governments and departments to respond to major incidents of concern to the public within five hours, and hold press conferences within 24 hours. Beijing Youth Daily comments:

Increasingly more local governments or departments find themselves too slow to react to incidents of concern to the public. In the past, when some incident happened, officials usually had plenty of time to discuss how to deal with it, but nowadays that's no longer the case.

To make it more difficult, the public are paying increasingly more attention to government affairs. Many rumors emerge this way, with the public eager to know and the local government officials too slow to react.

That's why the newly published regulation is welcome. It not only reemphasizes the existing principle of promoting transparency in government affairs, but also sets out detailed requirements for local governments, which must now make transparent information about urban planning, tax collecting, social welfare and all other major affairs, unless the parts are concerned with State secrets.

This is necessary because if local governments are allowed to selectively publish their information, that will only curb, instead of promoting, government transparency.

More importantly, the new regulation clearly sets deadlines for local governments to respond to public opinion incidents: Five hours for the initial response and 24 hours for a news conference. This means local government officials no longer have any excuse for delaying their responses.

The regulation also requires the leading officials of local governments or departments to respond to the public's questions, instead of delegating that to lower officials. This is an important principle, too, because the leading officials know more about the decision-making process and should be responsible for the decisions they make.

Thus, the new regulation is both welcome and necessary for local governments.
The nutrition improvement plan, which was introduced in 2011 to help pupils in poor regions improve their nutrition with government-sponsored lunches, will be rolled out nationwide, the State Council, China's Cabinet, said on Nov 15.

The plan is aimed at helping pupils from poor regions get enough nourishment so that their academic performance and health don't suffer because of the lack of nutrition.

Over the past five years, the nutrition improvement plan has been piloted in about 137,000 primary and secondary schools across the country and more than 33.6 million pupils have received free lunches. The plan will be enlarged to cover all poor counties.

As a comparison, the UN helps provide free lunches for 17 million pupils in 67 nations worldwide, and officials from UN World Food Programme said they expect to learn from the experiences of China.

At a recent seminar held in Beijing on the issue, Hu Xiaoqi, a researcher on children's nutrition at the Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention, outlined the benefits of the free lunches on students' health and said more attention should be paid to giving teachers in poor regions training on nutrition and its role in kids' healthy development.
President Xi Jinping and guests attend a photo session during the opening ceremony of the first Ministerial Meeting between China and the Community of Latin American and Caribbean States. FENG YONGBIN / CHINA DAILY

President Xi Jinping is visiting Latin America for the third time since 2013. The frequency of his high-level visits to the region reflects the priority China gives Latin America in its diplomatic agenda. And that Ecuador, Peru and Chile are the three countries Xi is visiting this time indicates China's continued efforts to diversify its economic exchanges with the region.

Against the background of Donald Trump's election as the president of the United States and the uncertainty it has created for the open, but changing, world order, Xi's visit proves China's commitment to globalization. Its recent international initiatives, such as the establishment of the Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank and BRICS New Development Bank attest to its effort at global integration. Latin America is not behind in that effort.

China has announced the establishment of a settlement bank in renminbi in Chile, the first in the region, to promote the use of its currency. This should assure the region's countries of China's increasing terms of engagement with the world.

China's transformation toward an innovationand consumption-led economy offers many opportunities. Its economic slowdown, inherent in that restructuring process, is already affecting Latin America. While two-way trade grew in double digits for years, in 2014 the region's exports to China fell for the first time this centurydown 10 percentreflecting its declining appetite for the region's raw materials.

Latin America's export basket to China is not very sophisticated. In 2013, for example, commodities represented 73 percent of the region's exports to China, compared with 41 percent for the rest of the world.

However, the changing dynamics in China are pushing Chinese outward foreign direct investment to record levels and encouraging its companies to transfer their industrial operations abroad. Since China is already a capital exporting country, its "new normal" could reverse the inter-industry flows that have prevailed with Latin America. Doing so implies strengthening their trade and investment linkages by furthering the integration of their value chains.
President Xi Jinping calls for increased international cooperation in cyberspace governance in a speech via video link at the opening ceremony of the third annual World Internet Conference in Wuzhen, Zhejiang province, on Wednesday.Feng Yongbin / China Daily

The third World Internet Conference (WIC) in Wuzhen, Zhejiang province, has attracted government officials, business leaders and academics to discuss the future of the digital world and commerce.

With "internet" being the keyword at the forum, President Xi Jinping also delivered a speech via video, calling for China to "work with the international community to ensure the common well-being of humanity, uphold cyber sovereignty, promote more fair and equitable global Internet governance and bring about an open, inclusive and secure cyberspace that features equality, mutual respect, innovation and orderly development".

The beautiful water town of Wuzhen, which is also called "Eastern Venice", has already hosted two world internet conferences. With China receiving so much attention overseas and global internet companies trying to enter China, it is only fitting that the conference is held here, in the land of more than 600 million online users and e-commerce that is growing at a head-spinning pace. Moreover, Zhejiang province is home to the internet giant Alibaba, which is at the forefront of the industry.

The conference was attended by leaders of Chinese and foreign online conglomerates such as Alibaba's Jack Ma, Baidu's Robin Li, LinkedIn's Reid Hoffman, Qualcomm's Derek Aberle and others who discussed ways to govern cyberspace better.

Moreover, one of the highlights of the conference was the expo, where the tech companies showcased their latest products. For example, Baidu presented its innovative driverless car. One of the interesting inventions was "EyeVerify", which makes shopping easier. You can relieve your pocket out of cash with just a blink of an eye! That would come quite handy for the online shoppers before and during the Singles Day on Nov. 11.

People are less worried about sharing their private photos, hold their savings and make purchases on the online platforms. In China, it is especially distinguished. The experience of a German expat in Hangzhou who went a whole day without cash and used WeChat money to pay for everything, including transport fare, is a good example.

At the same time, that's where the vulnerability lies. Last year's World Internet Forum was dedicated to cyberspace security issues and how to solve them. This year as well, the speakers called for the law-regulated internet space.

It is clear that we need more privacy protection rules, as new advances bring new problems. And as this year's topic is centered on innovation, that's what the authorities should care about.

There is hope, though, that by uniting efforts the companies will be able to find a way to its consumers' hearts with the innovative ideas, and conferences, like the one being held in Wuzhen for the third year in a row, will contribute to the world safety in the internet era as well as offer solutions how to bring innovative ideas into global practice.

Anastasia Sukhoretskaya is a senior blogger with China daily

The opinions expressed here are those of the writer and don't represent views of China Daily website.
President Xi Jinping and guests attend a photo session during the opening ceremony of the first Ministerial Meeting between China and the Community of Latin American and Caribbean States. FENG YONGBIN / CHINA DAILY

President Xi Jinping has embarked on his Latin American tour. His trip included stops in Peru, Ecuador and Chile, three countries that have a long history of ties with China. This is his third trip to the region in three years, a sign of Latin America's strategic importance to China.

"Just as distance tests a horse's strength, time will show a person's sincerity." With this Chinese saying, Xi expressed his views about the future of Sino-Latin relations. China's commitment to the region is here to stay, and bilateral ties will continue to get stronger.

Three points are key to determining the degree of success of bilateral relations in the short and mid-term.

1. Infrastructure, infrastructure, infrastructure

Every leader in the region knows that without a boost in infrastructure investment, Latin America will not be able to continue on its development path. As a Latin American living in China, I witness on a daily basis China's unrivaled skills in building and developing infrastructure.

However, for cooperation in infrastructure development to succeed, first, the local unions need to be ready to accept Chinese workers at construction sites. Although there is a sacrifice to be had in terms of local jobs, there are greater long-term benefits for the whole society. Second, Latin American leaders need to try harder to keep and fully execute their legal commitments and avoid situations like the one in Mexico, where a contract first awarded to China railway to build a high-speed railway was later canceled.

2. What can Peru, Ecuador and Chile expect?

Latin America is a very heterogeneous region. Just as Roberto Mangabeira Unger, the renowned Brazilian professor, said, there is no such thing as "Latin America" - a concept created by US scholars.

Chile and Peru probably are the countries that have benefited the most from China's rise.

Chile has some of the smartest trade and investment specialists in the world and its private sector is now getting involved in sophisticated deals with Chinese companies. If the country's relation with China continues to move in that direction, Chile will become a model for other countries in the region on how to do business with China.

Peru's diplomats are doing an extraordinary job. This is the second time President Kuczynski will meet Xi Jinping in less than six months. This visit gives Peru a unique chance to set a start date for the construction of infrastructure projects currently under negotiation.

Ecuadorian President Rafael Correa has said that this is "the most important visit by a foreign leader ever". Of great importance is how the Andean nations capitalize on this visit and share its fruits with other countries in the region, taking advantage of platforms like CELAC.

3. For Latin American SMEs, China is the way to go

More and more Latin American SMEs are realizing that, for companies of their size, China is usually the road less traveled, but, sooner than later, the China road will take them to a more prosperous land.

However, in order to take advantage of the China opportunity, they will need to invest time in designing their own China strategies. Take the case of the opportunities offered by platforms such as Connect Americas of the Inter-American Development Bank (IDB), a project launched with Chinese government support. On this platform, Latin American companies can even find purchase requests from Alibaba. This shows that the Chinese government made the right decision when it joined the IDB back in 2008, as this created more opportunities for entrepreneurs of both regions to engage with one another.

Last, Latin American countries need to do a better job when it comes to brand building in China. With the exception of the Chilean wine brand Concha y Toro and, to some extent, the Mexican brand Bimbo, Latin American brands have not been able to create strong bonds with Chinese consumers.

The author is an entrepreneur from Uruguay and the former head of the international department of the Foshan Bureau of Commerce.




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WELLINGTON - Chinese visitors would be crucial to the recovery of the north Canterbury economy after the quake, particularly in the hard-hit township of Kaikoura in New Zealand, famed for its coastal scenery and whale-watching, a tourism industry group leader told Xinhua Tuesday.

Tourism industry and government agencies are moving to bolster confidence in China, New Zealand's fastest growing and second biggest tourism market, in the wake of the 7.5-magnitude quake, which killed two people in the north Canterbury region, said Tourism Industry Aotearoa (TIA) chief executive Chris Roberts.

Tourism and government agencies were closely monitoring reactions in China, Roberts said.

New Zealand tourism chiefs had issued an urgent appeal to prospective Chinese visitors after early Monday's deadly earthquake: Don't cancel your travel plans.

The industry had learned from the Christchurch earthquakes, which killed 185 people in 2011, that the international media coverage risked portraying New Zealand as a whole devastated, said Roberts.

"To date, we've been checking and there've been very, very few reports of people canceling planned trips to New Zealand, which is good," Roberts said in a phone interview.

"But we do know from China in particular that yesterday, immediately following the quake, there was some anxiety and Chinese travel companies were receiving calls from customers about their planned trips to New Zealand this summer. Hopefully they're getting the right information to them that there is no reason to cancel a trip to New Zealand."

The TIA was part of the government-organized Civil Defense visitor response group, which was arranging "official messaging" through the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade (MFAT), embassies and other channels.

"The key from a tourism perspective is that New Zealand is still open for business. Yes, there's some disruption in north Canterbury, but the rest of the country is unaffected and we certainly want to welcome our tourists to keep coming to New Zealand over summer," said Roberts.

"We know from the experience of the Christchurch earthquakes that Christchurch took a big hit and other parts of the South Island also did -- parts of the South Island that were actually completely unaffected by the earthquakes -- so we want to try to avoid that."

Monitoring the public response and getting out "good information" would be a key focus of MFAT and the government's Tourism New Zealand agency, which has an office in Shanghai, over coming weeks.

Massive landslides cut off road and rail links to Kaikoura, making it accessible only by sea and by helicopter and sparking an airlift evacuation of about 1,000 stranded travelers on Tuesday.

"We'd want to support Kaikoura and get it back on its feet once the immediate cleanup is carried out and the road is reopened. Hopefully the tourist flows will begin again for whale-watching and all the other activities because it's very important to that town that it's able to get back in operation as soon as possible," he said.

Recovery of the tourism market was also essential to Chinese airlines that had recently begun direct flights into Christchurch and to Chinese carriers that were flying to New Zealand for the first time via the main gateway of Auckland.

"They're flights from new regions of China for the first time coming into New Zealand, so those airlines will be keen to have those planes filled up," Roberts said.
US President-elect Donald Trump speaks at election night rally in Manhattan, New York, US, November 9, 2016. [Photo/Agencies]

MOSCOW - The Kremlin on Thursday blamed outgoing US President Barack Obama for the deterioration of ties with Russia, which it said would make it difficult for US President-elect Donald Trump to mend bilateral relations.

In a briefing before Russian President Vladimir Putin's trip to Peru for the APEC summit, Kremlin aide Yury Ushakov told reporters that the Obama administration has driven Russia-US ties into a "dead end", making it hard for Trump's team to improve relations.

Yet Ushakov said Moscow is ready to work with the new US administration, a readiness which he said Trump shared.

In their first phone conversation on Monday, Putin and Trump agreed that bilateral relations "could not get any worse", Ushakov said.

During the conversation, both sides vowed to review the current soured ties, noting the need to create a solid foundation for bilateral relations through the development of trade and their economies, which would help "stimulate a return to pragmatic, mutually beneficial cooperation," according to a Kremlin statement.

Ushakov did not rule out contacts with representatives of the Trump team before Jan 20 when the inauguration of Trump is due to take place.

But he said it is at present unclear with whom contacts should be conducted, as the new team has only just begun to form.
Prime Minister of Japan Shinzo Abe listens to questions from the media about his meeting with US Republican President-Elect Donald Trump at the InterContinental Barclay Hotel in New York, November 17, 2016. [Photo/IC]

NEW YORK - Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe said on Thursday he was confident of building trust with Donald Trump following a meeting in which he sought clarity on campaign rhetoric from the US president-elect that cast doubt on long-standing US alliances.

After the hastily arranged 90-minute meeting at Trump Tower in Manhattan, Abe called Trump a trustworthy leader, although he said he would not disclose details of the conversation because the talks were unofficial.

The Republican president-elect will succeed Democratic President Barack Obama on Jan. 20.

"The talks made me feel sure that we can build a relationship of trust," Abe told reporters. Describing his conversation as "candid" and held in a "warm atmosphere," Abe said: "Alliances cannot function without trust. I am now confident that President-elect Trump is a trustworthy leader."

He said he had agreed to meet again with Trump "at a convenient time to cover a wider area in greater depth." It was not clear if such a meeting would occur before Trump's inauguration.

Japanese Finance Minister Taro Aso told reporters on Friday in Tokyo that it was beneficial for Abe to meet Trump before he becomes president, given that Japan-US relations were vital to both countries.

The conversation came as Japan's leadership was nervous about the future strength of an alliance that is core to Tokyo's diplomacy and security.

Abe and other Asian leaders were alarmed at Trump's pledge during his election campaign to make allies pay more for help from US forces, his suggestion that Japan should acquire its own nuclear weapons and his staunch opposition to the Trans-Pacific Partnership trade deal.
US President Barack Obama is welcomed by German Chancellor Angela Merkel upon his arrival at the chancellery in Berlin, Germany, November 17, 2016. [Photo/Agencies]

BERLIN - German Chancellor Angela Merkel and US President Barack Obama agreed on Thursday the European Union (EU) and the United States must maintain their efforts to reach a common trade agreement.

It was important that the Transatlantic Trade and Investment Partnership (TTIP) negotiations would be maintained, said Obama at a joint press conference with Merkel after their meeting at the chancellery in Berlin.

Merkel emphasized that she had always spoken out for a trade agreement between the EU and the United States, two major trading areas of the world.



The negotiations had made a lot progress, but they could not be "ended now", said Merkel.

"I continue believing that the EU is one of the greatest achievements in the world," said the outgoing US President, while calling on the countries of Europe to strive to maintain the 28-nation bloc.

People have to cultivate these achievements and fight for them, said Obama, adding that Britain's exit from the EU should be conducted as "smoothly and orderly and transparently" as possible.

Meanwhile, Obama warned his successor, president-elect Donald Trump, of the important principled task in relation to Russia.

"I've sought a constructive relationship with Russia," said Obama, "My hope is that the president-elect coming in takes a similarly constructive approach, finding areas where we can cooperate with Russia where our values and interest align."
China's climate envoy on Thursday urged developed nations to increase the financial support they had pledged in the Paris pact, as they face a possible curtailment of financial support from the United States.

"Developed countries should speed up their pace to fulfill the committed financial support as they had pledged," said Xie Zhenhua, head of the Chinese delegation, after two weeks of negotiations at the Marrakech Climate Conference.

"Developing countries did not see progress on the allocation of funding," Xie said at a news briefing with ministers from four emerging developing economies  China, India, Brazil and South Africa  which share a similar stance on climate change.

Negotiations on financing will continue if there are no concrete plans after the climate talks close on Friday, according to Environmental Affairs Minister Edna Molewa of South Africa.

In the Paris Agreement, developed countries pledged to provide $100 billion in funding by 2020 to support developing countries combat climate change.

They reaffirmed their pledge in the Marrakech Action Proclamation released on Thursday.

However, the proclamation, which has no legal force, raises concerns over whether developed nations would fulfill their pledges as scheduled.

"Now we are facing with a possible withdrawal of funding from the United States under Donald Trump's presidency. If he follows his pledges during the campaign, other developed nations should step up," Xie said.

"$3 billion is not a large amount and should not be a problem for other developed nations to put up," Xie added.

The United States, as the world's largest economy, pledged to contribute around 3 percent of the $100 billion climate funding initiated by the United Nation's Global Environmental Facility.

Bai Yunwen, a climate researcher at Greenovation Hub, said that other developing countries face more pressure on climate finance if the United States withdraws, "because other developed nations may lack the motivation to comply if the United States withdraws".

"But China's active involvement in terms of providing support to other developing countries can be complementary to support climate actions," said Erik Solheim, director of the UN Environment Program, referring to the South-South Cooperation Fund initiated by China.
WASHINGTON -- US President-elect Donald Trump Friday appointed Senator Jeff Sessions for attorney general, Lt.General Michael Flynn as national security advisor and Congressman Mike Pompeo as chief of the Central Intelligence Agency.

"It is an honor to nominate US Senator Jeff Sessions to serve as attorney general of the United States......Jeff is greatly admired by legal scholars and virtually everyone who knows him," Trump said in a statement released on his official website.

"I am pleased that Lieutenant General Michael Flynn will be by my side as we work to defeat radical Islamic terrorism, navigate geopolitical challenges and keep Americans safe at home and abroad," Trump said of his new security advisor, whom he called an "invaluable asset."

"I am proud to nominate Congressman Mike Pompeo as Director of the Central Intelligence Agency......He will be a brilliant and unrelenting leader for our intelligence community to ensure the safety of Americans and our allies," Trump said.

All three men have agreed accept the posts, according to the statement.

Sessions, 69, was a US attorney in Alabama before entering the Senate in 1996. He is considered to be one of the most conservative senators.

Flynn, 57, was one of the most prominent military figures who supported Trump's presidential campaign. He was the director of the Defense Intelligence Agency from 2012 to 2014.

Pompeo, 52, served as a US Representative for Kansas since 2011. He was an early supporter of Trump's presidential bid and a member of the Tea Party movement in Congress.

This is the second time Trump has made collective appointments for officials in his administration, having earlier named Reince Priebus as his chief of staff and Stephen Bannon as his top strategist.

Other important slots yet to be filled including defense secretary and secretary of state, for both of which a number of candidates are being considered by Trump's team.
President Xi Jinping arrives at the Quito airport, Ecuador on November 17, 2016. [Photo/Xinhua]

President Xi Jinping said on Thursday that his visit to Ecuador, the first state visit by a Chinese head of state in 36 years, will make positive progress.

Xi made the remarks while delivering a speech at the Quito airport, where Ecuadorian President Rafael Correa hosted a grand ceremony to welcome Xi and the Chinese delegation.

"I come here with the deep friendship of Chinese people and the wish to develop bilateral ties," Xi said, adding that he was looking forward to the upcoming meetings with Ecuadorian leaders.

Referring to the major earthquake that struck Ecuador in April, Xi said that Chinese people empathized with the Ecuadorian people.

China has provided help to the Ecuadorian people in the rescue and reconstruction work, he added.

The 7.8-magnitude quake, which struck the northern Pacific coast of Ecuador, caused heavy loss of human lives and property damage. China had immediately announced that it would provide $2 million of cash and $60 million of materials for rescue and reconstruction.

The visit will build a solid bridge for the China-Ecuador cooperation, and bright bright future for the bilateral ties, he added.

The Chinese president is paying visits to Ecuador, Peru and Chile starting from Thursday. He will also attend the APEC leaders meeting in Lima, capital of Peru, over the weekend.
By An Baijie in Sardinia, Italy and Wang Qingyun in Beijingg | China Daily | Updated: 2016-11-18 07:59

Mediterranean country is a trusted friend and partner, Xi tells PM Renzi

China hopes Italy will play a positive role in contributing to a long-term, steady and sound development of China-Europe ties, President Xi Jinping said on Wednesday in Italy.

Xi emphasized that the European Union is a vital pole in the world while meeting with Italian Prime Minister Matteo Renzi in Sardinia, where Xi's plane stopped overnight on his way to Latin America.

The president also said that China supports the prosperity and stability of Europe, which is undergoing big changes.

Calling Italy a trustworthy friend and important partner in the EU, Xi said that China attaches great importance to the development of China-Italy ties.

The president encouraged the two countries to better dovetail the Belt and Road Initiative with Italy's developing strategies.

Xi also extended his sympathy to Italians affected by a strong earthquake that hit the country in October, and he said he hoped Italy's people would overcome difficulties and rebuild their homes as soon as possible.

Renzi said Italy is willing to work with China to enhance cooperation in such areas as the economy and trade, energy, innovation, culture and tourism.

Meanwhile, Italy is committed to boosting China-Europe relations and to working with China to maintain world peace and stability, the Italian prime minister said.

Xi and Renzi previously met on the sidelines of the G20 summit in Hangzhou, Zhejiang province, in September.

As bilateral ties made big progress in recent years, Chinese companies have actively taken part in the privatization of Italian companies, while Italy invested in 5,478 projects in China by the end of March, according to the Foreign Ministry.

Cui Hongjian, an expert on European studies at the China Institute of International Studies, said "a considerable basis" has been established for bilateral cooperation, but the two countries need to better connect their development strategies to fulfill their great potential.

Italy's location on the Mediterranean Sea gives it an edge in cooperating in the Belt and Road Initiative, according to Cui.

Italy, a founding member of the EU, is playing an important role in consolidating the European integration process following Britain's plan to exit the EU, he said.

In addition, Italy can play a positive role within the EU to help address the recent twists and turns of China-EU ties caused by issues including China's market economy status, Cui added.

Xinhua contributed to this story.

Contact the writers at anbaijie@chinadaily.com.cn
Huang Kunming (center), of the CPC Central Committee's Publicity Department, and Raul Vallejo (right), Ecuador's culture minister, open the book fair in Quito on Wednesday.[Photo by Amy He/China Daily]

Top Chinese and Ecuadorean cultural ambassadors said on Wednesday they hope that new Chinese books translated into Spanish will help cultivate a better understanding of Chinese culture, politics and history among Ecuador's people.

Ecuador has an important place in Spanish-language literature, presenting many notable authors, and the book exhibition - also brings noted Chinese authors, said Huang Kunming, executive deputy head of the Publicity Department of the Communist Party of China Central Committee.

Spanish-language versions of titles such as The Literature of China, The Political System of China and The Encyclopedia of Chinese Culture will give readers a sense of Chinese politics, economics and culture, Huang said at the Month of the Exhibition and Sale of Chinese Books in Quito, Ecuador.

The exhibition is part of a larger international book fair at the Casa de la Cultura Ecuatoriana.

Huang said he hopes the literary exhibition will help Ecuador's readers to experience the depth of Chinese literature, and he believes the exhibition will deepen literary cooperation between the two countries as well as overall bilateral relations.

He also said the Spanish version of President Xi Jinping's The Governance of China offers a window into how Xi manages state affairs, his philosophies and his determination to reform the country. More than 6 million copies of the book have been published worldwide, he said.

Xi was to arrive in Ecuador for a state visit on Thursday before taking part in the APEC Economic Leaders' Meeting in Lima, Peru, this weekend.

Raul Vallejo, Ecuador's minister of culture and heritage and an author, said the books are an opportunity for Ecuador's people to understand thousands of years of Chinese history, adding that Xi's book presents a contemporary approach.

Contact the writer at amyhe@chinadailyusa.com
President Xi Jinping meets with Ecuadorian President Rafael Correa in Quito, Ecuador on November 18, 2016. [Photo/Xinhua]

China's help to Ecuador will have no additional conditions as the two countries are making joint efforts to establish brotherhood ties, President Xi Jinping said on Thursday.

Xi made the remarks while meeting with Ecuadorian President Rafael Correa in Quito during his historic state visit to the South American country. He is the first Chinese president to visit Ecuador since diplomatic relations were established between the two countries in 1980.

"I saw that the (Ecuadorian) people were quite friendly along the street," Xi said, adding that China aims to provide practical help for Ecuadorian people.

"I came here with the deep friendship of Chinese people and the good wishes of developing bilateral ties," Xi said in a speech delivered at the Quito airport, where President Correa hosted a grand welcome ceremony for the Chinese delegation.

During the meeting, the two countries signed a number of cooperative documents covering areas including infrastructure, finance and investment.

Correa expressed gratitude for China's financial support in the country's infrastructure, saying that China has financed Ecuador's seven hydropower plants.

"With the hydropower plants, Ecuador has become one of the world's most efficient country in the use of clean energy," he said, adding that as many as 90 percent of the country's power is from renewable energy including hydropower.

Contact the writer at anbaijie@chinadaily.com.cn
People walk into the Museum of the Nation, where the 2016 APEC (Asian Pacific Economic Cooperation) meeting will take place from Nov 19-20, in Lima, Peru, November 17, 2016. [Photo/Xinhua]

LIMA - Leaders from the Pacific Rim economies are gathering in Lima, the capital city of Peru, for an annual Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) Economic Leaders' Meeting. Following are basic facts about the city.

With around 9 million residents, or a third of Peru's overall population, Lima is the largest city in the South American country. As Peru's political, economic and cultural center, the city registers more than two-thirds of the country's GDP, taxes, bank deposits and private investments.

The city was founded by Spanish conquistador Francisco Pizarro in 1535. Till the middle of the 18th century, it had been the capital and the most important city of the Spanish dominion in South America. It became the capital of the Republic of Peru in 1821.

Although severely damaged by earthquakes, the downtown area of Lima still homes a number of historical sites, including the Plaza de Armas, the Plaza San Martin, the San Francisco Convent and the Cathedral. That part of Lima is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Lima is also home to one of the oldest higher learning institutions in the Western Hemisphere. The National University of San Marcos, founded in 1551, is the oldest continuously functioning university in the Americas.

Despite its location in the tropics and in a desert, Lima's proximity to the cool waters of the Pacific Ocean leads to temperatures much cooler than those expected for a tropical desert, with an annual average temperature of about 22 degrees Celsius.

High relative humidity produces quickly passing morning fog from December to April and persistent low clouds and mist from May to November. The city has sunny, moist and warm summers and cloudy, damp and cool winters.

While relative humidity is high, rainfall is very rare. With an average annual precipitation of 15 mm, the city is known as one of the driest capitals over the world.

Lima hosted the 16th APEC Economic Leaders' Meeting in 2008.
On Nov 17-23, Chinese President Xi Jinping is paying a state visit to Ecuador, Peru and Chile. During the tour, he is scheduled to attend the 24th APEC Economic Leaders' Meeting in Lima. It's Xi's first visit after the Sixth Plenary Session of the 18th Communist Party of China Central Committee and his third visit to Latin America (LatAm) since he took office in 2013. His ongoing tour is of great significance. Xi's LatAm trip aims to enhance friendship and deepen cooperation. The three countries covered in this trip serve as important representatives in this region, have long-standing and deep friendship and a sound foundation of cooperation with Beijing.

The trip will consolidate traditional and friendly relations between China and the three countries, enhance the level of bilateral political mutual trust and pragmatic cooperation, along with pushing forward the China-LatAm all-round partnership to grow deeper and write a new chapter for "China-LaAm times".

Xi's attendance at the 24th APEC Economic Leaders' Meeting will be the highlight of the trip. He will attend a series of activities and elaborate on Beijing's Proposal to promote common prosperity and deepen regional cooperation, injecting Beijing's power into Asia-Pacific and global economic development.

President Xi's visit is expected to build a community of shared destiny between China and LatAm and expand Asia-Pacific pragmatic cooperation. The tour would open up new prospects for China, LatAm & Asia-Pacific cooperation.

The author is a researcher with the China Institute of Contemporary International Relations; cartoon drawing by Liao Tingting.
Chinese President Xi Jinping speaks when visiting the headquarters of Ecuador's national emergency response system ECU-911 in Quito, Ecuador, Nov 18, 2016. [Photo/Xinhua]

China will take an active part in the rebuilding of earthquake-jolted Ecuador and provide support in housing, medical treatment and earthquake prevention for the South American country, President Xi Jinping said on Friday.

"A friend in need is a friend indeed," Xi said, adding that China had provided various forms of assistance immediately after the 7.8-magnitude quake hit the northern Pacific coast of Ecuador.

Xi made his remarks while attending a ceremony to unveil a joint laboratory at Ecuador's national emergency response system, also called ECU 911.

Accompanied by Ecuadorian President Rafael Correa, the Chinese president also watched the live broadcast of the foundation stone laying ceremony of the Chone Hospital and the completion ceremony of Coca Codo Sinclair (CCS) hydro power station.

The hospital is to be built with Chinese assistance in the earthquake-stricken Ecuadorian city of Chone in northwestern Manabi province, to replace the one that was seriously damaged in the devastating earthquake in April. The new hospital will be completed in 20 months by China CAMC Engineering Co Ltd, a Chinese engineering company.

With a power generating capacity of 1.5 million kilowatt hours, the CCS hydro power station was started building in 2010 by China's State-owned Sinohydro Group. The hydro power station could meet 40 percent of Ecuador's national power needs.
President Xi Jinping said on Friday that the legislative authorities of China and Ecuador should enhance exchanges and communications in areas including legislation, supervision and governance.

Xi made his remarks while meeting with the president of the National Assembly of Ecuado, Gabriela Rivadeneira.

Mentioning that China and Ecuador had upgraded their bilateral relationship to the overall strategic partnership on Thursday, Xi told Rivadeneira that legislative authorities' exchanges are important for the overall strategic partnership.

China would like to enhance cooperation with Ecuador in all areas to bring real benefits for the people of both sides, he said.

The Chinese president is paying a state visit to Ecuador on Thursday. It's the first visit by China's head of state in the past 36 years since diplomatic ties were established. Xi will also visit Peru and Chile, and attend the 24th Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation Economic Leaders' Meeting, to be held in Lima over the weekend.

Calling China a brother-like partner, Rivadeneira expressed gratitude for China's support in the reconstruction work at the earthquake devastated region in Ecuador.

Ecuador's National Assembly would like to enhance cooperation with China's National People's Congress to push forward bilateral ties, he added.
China and Ecuador agree to raise bilateral ties to level of comprehensive strategic partnership

President Xi Jinping and his wife, Peng Liyuan, are welcomed by Ecuadorean President Rafael Correa and his wife, Anne Malherbe Gosselin, after arriving at the Quito airport to start a state visit to Ecuador. JU PENG / XINHUA

The help that China offers to Ecuador will have no conditions attached, President Xi Jinping said on Thursday as the two countries agreed to raise their bilateral relationship to a comprehensive strategic partnership.

Xi met with Ecuadorean President Rafael Correa in Quito during his state visit to the South American country. Xi is the first Chinese president to visit Ecuador since diplomatic relations were established in 1980.

After the meeting, the two leaders witnessed the signing of a number of cooperative documents covering areas such as infrastructure, finance and investment.

Xi said China-Ecuador relations have entered a key phase. China will continue to support Ecuador in exploring a development path that suits its own conditions, and will take part in Ecuador's post-earthquake reconstruction work, he said.

He said China aims to provide practical help for Ecuadorians.

"I come here with the deep friendship of the Chinese people and best wishes for developing bilateral ties," Xi said in a speech at the Quito airport, where his host held a grand welcoming ceremony.

Correa expressed gratitude for China's financial support in the country's infrastructure, saying that China has financed seven of Ecuador's hydropower plants.

"With the hydropower plants, Ecuador has become one of the world's most efficient countries in the use of clean energy," he said, adding that 90 percent of the country's power comes from renewable energy.

China is the third-biggest trade partner of Ecuador, while Ecuador is China's major energy partner in Latin America and a major destination for Chinese investment.

Bilateral trade volume reached $4.1 billion last year. Bananas, shrimp and flowers are Ecuador's major exports to China.

More than 90 Chinese companies operate in Ecuador, and some have been involved in the country's biggest projects, such as its largest hydroelectric plant.

Wang Yulin, China's ambassador to Ecuador, said bilateral ties will get a boost from Xi's visit.

"Pragmatic economic cooperation has produced palpable benefits for people in both countries," said Wang.

"China and Ecuador are highly complementary, natural partners for cooperation in the economic field. They have enormous potential for cooperation in such areas as production capacity, investment and clean energy," said Wang.

Cesar Navas, Ecuador's minister of security and coordination, said Ecuadorians are grateful for the timely assistance China offered after the April earthquake.

"We trust Chinese quality and efficiency, which can help build a hospital that will last 100 years," he said.

Milton Reyes, a professor and researcher of Asia-Pacific affairs at the Latin American Integration Association, said China's respect for Ecuador has encouraged Correa's government "to seek to elevate bilateral ties based on the potential to expand cooperation".

Xi's visit will also take him to Chile and Peru, where he will attend the 24th APEC Leaders' Meeting in Lima over the weekend.

Xinhua contributed to this story.
For Ecuador, China is a remote country across the vast Pacific, yet the geographic barriers did not divide them when the South American country was jolted by a deadly earthquake in April.

The 7.8-magnitude quake, which struck the northern Pacific coast of Ecuador, caused heavy loss of human life and property damage. China announced immediately after the quake that it would provide an aid fund of $2 million and $60 million in materials.

During his state visit, which began on Thursday, President Xi Jinping will discuss offering help for Ecuador's rebuilding work, including the construction of hospitals, houses and roads.

A new hospital is to be built with Chinese assistance in the earthquake-stricken city of Chone in northwestern Manabi province, to replace one that was seriously damaged by the devastating earthquake in April.

Daniel Santos, of Ecuador's disaster relief and reconstruction commission, said the new hospital will be completed in 20 months by China CAMC Engineering Co Ltd.

Actually, Ecuador's national emergency response system, ECU 911, which was a vital resource in the aftermath of April's powerful earthquake, was also developed by Chinese companies.

Apart from the earthquake rescue and rebuilding, China and Ecuador's cooperation has also flourished in many other areas.

Of the eight hydropower plants under construction or completed, seven were built by Chinese firms.

"Even mountains and seas cannot distance people with common aspirations," Xi wrote, quoting a Chinese saying in his article published in Ecuador's El Telegrafo newspaper on Wednesday.

Ecuadorean President Rafael Correa has also given his explanation of the close Ecuador-China relationshiphe broke with his country's reception norms and went to airport to welcome the Chinese president and his delegation. Such a high-level greeting is rare in international diplomatic practices.

According to a Chinese saying, "when brothers come together, there is nothing they cannot achieve."

For Ecuador, China is definitely a trustworthy brother.

Contact the writer at anbaijie@chinadaily.com.cn
QUITO - Chinese President Xi Jinping wrapped up on Friday his visit to Ecuador, and departs for the Peruvian capital of Lima for a state visit.

During his stay in Quito, the top Chinese leader held talks with his Ecuadorian counterpart Rafael Correa, during which the two heads of state exchanged views on bilateral ties, China's relations with Latin America, as well as international and regional issues of common concern.

Xi hailed Ecuador as an important country in Latin America, saying that bilateral ties have witnessed substantial development in recent years.

In a joint statement issued after the talks between the two presidents on Thursday, China and Ecuador agreed to lift their relationship to the comprehensive strategic partnership.

Also in the statement, the two countries agreed to boost their cooperation in production capacity, as well as economic and trade areas, and pledged to implement major projects in oil and gas, mining, infrastructure, water conservancy, communication and finance, and explore cooperation in agriculture, petrochemical industry, ship building, metallurgy and paper making industries.

China and Ecuador also agreed to enhance their cooperation in education, culture, health, sports, tourism and judiciary, bolster exchanges between media, artists and students of the two countries, increase the number of student exchanges, so as to boost understanding and friendship of the two peoples, according to the statement.

Both countries will, within the UN and the Group of 77 as well as many other multilateral cooperation frameworks, maintain close communications and cooperation on UN reform, global economic governance, climate change, and the 2030 agenda for sustainable development, so as to promote South-South cooperation and preserve the interests of the developing world, said the statement.

On Friday, the Chinese president met with Ecuadorian President of the National Assembly Gabriela Rivadeneira.

During their meeting, Xi said China and Ecuador need to keep stepping up dialogues and exchanges between their legislative bodies to promote a steady development of the two nations' comprehensive strategic partnership.

Later in the day, the Chinese leader paid a visit to the headquarters of ECU-911, Ecuador's national emergency response system, and promised further support for earthquake-hit Ecuador in disaster relief and reconstruction of the Latin American country.

Xi arrived in the Ecuadorian capital of Quito Thursday afternoon for a state visit to the country and his third visit to Latin America since he took office in 2013.

In Lima, Peru, Xi will also attend the 24th Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) Economic Leaders' Meeting from Nov. 19 to 20. After that, he will fly to Chile for a visit.
Huang Kunming (second from right), executive deputy head of the Publicity Department of the CPC Central Committee, and Ecuadorean officials attend the opening ceremony for the Beautiful China Photo Exhibition at the Universidad San Francisco de Quito in Ecuador on Thursday. AMY HE / CHINA DAILY

A new China-themed photo exhibition was unveiled at the Confucius Institute at the Universidad San Francisco de Quito on Thursday, focusing on China's natural landscapes, cultural history and developmental growth.

"This exhibition focuses on the oneness of man with nature, showcasing China's landscapes through these beautiful photos," said Huang Kunming, executive deputy head of the Publicity Department of the Communist Party of China Central Committee.

The photos will give viewers a sense of China's rivers and mountains, its long histories and traditions, and the current growth the country is experiencing, he said.

The nature focus shows that "the Chinese people respect nature, let nature take its course, and wants to protect nature", Huang added.

Huang said he wants the exhibit to serve as a window to better understanding the beauty and variety of China and its flourishing development in the modern age.

"There's a saying in Chinese that goes, 'Seeing once is better than hearing a hundred times,' so we hope that through this exhibit we can honor the two countries' interactions, let more Ecuadorians-particularly the youth-understand China, especially the uniqueness of China's culture and Chinese people's sincere friendliness," he said.

Huang spoke in the morning before President Xi Jinping arrived in Ecuador, his first stop in Latin America before he travels to the APEC Economic Leaders' Meeting in Lima, Peru, this weekend.

Making Ecuador his first stop in the region shows that China values its traditions with Ecuador and the growing bilateral ties, Huang said.

The founder and president of the university said during the ceremony that its Confucius Institute-established by Professor Jose Salazar Carbonell-has seen more than 1,500 students from across Ecuador pass through in the six years since its creation.

The university has sent more than 230 students to study at Peking University through scholarships, where they majored in finance, Chinese-language teaching and Chinese philosophy, said Santiago Gangotena Gonzalez, president of the university.

"Establishing the Confucius Institute with the help of the Chinese government helped contribute to Ecuadorians' understanding of China and helped promote the learning of Mandarin," he said.
Xi says it's only natural that the two countries should push forward all-around cooperation

Peru will have "China's full support and cooperation" in achieving positive results with the upcoming APEC leaders meeting in its capital, President Xi Jinping wrote in an article ahead of his state visit to the country.

In the article published in Peru's El Comercio newspaper on Thursday, Xi said the presidents of China and Peru will have exchanged visits in less than two months by the time of his visit, which "will send a strong signal of China and Peru working together for common development".

He also called for the two countries to conceive and implement a well-structured plan to guide pragmatic bilateral cooperation in the coming years and suggested intensifying production capacity and investment cooperation.

Xi will attend the APEC meeting in Lima this weekend and make a state visit to Peru on the second leg of his three-country, weeklong trip to South America.

"We are ready to provide Peru with all the equipment and technology it needs for industrialization, supported by personnel training and matching funds," Xi said.

China also welcomes more Peruvian students to study in China and supports more youth exchanges to pass on our traditional friendship to the next generation, Xi said.

Nearly one-tenth of Peruvians have Chinese ancestry, something the Chinese president regards as "a valuable asset" shared by the two countries. Chinese are called by an affectionate nickname in Peru: paisanos (old pals).

"I believe that the tremendous progress and strong momentum in China-Peru ties is attributable to the extensive public support for our friendship, to our enormous economic complementarity and enthusiasm toward cooperation and to the right decision of successive governments of both countries to place high importance on this relationship," Xi said.

"It is only natural that we should push forward all-around cooperation," the president said.

Juan Carlos Capunay, Peruvian ambassador to China, said "Peru is the only country that has signed a free trade agreement, established a comprehensive strategic partnership, as well as setting up dialogue and a committee for discussions with China".

Capunay said he believes that the three instruments are the basis when China handles relationship with other countries.

It is the right time for Peru and China to further promote their economic ties to higher level, said Fernando Gonzalez, a Peruvian economist and director of the APEC Studies Center.

Xinhua contributed to this story.
(Photo : Getty Images) A US advisory commission is calling the government to probe outsourcing to China has weakened the US national defense system.

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A US advisory committee has urged for a government inquest into how far outsourcing to China has weakened the US defense structure.



In its annual report, the US-China Economic and Security Review Commission pointed out that the U.S is facing a growing threat of Chinese spying.



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The report says that Chinese spies have been infiltrating US organizations and has urged the congress to ban Chinese state enterprises from acquiring ownership and control of US firms.



The committee is worried that China's growing military strength might embolden it to use force while pursuing its interests.



"China's pursuit of expeditionary capabilities, coupled with aggressive trends that have been displayed in both the East and South China seas, are compounding existing concerns about China's rise," the report said.



According to the committee, the ongoing reforms in the People's Liberation Army of China will strengthen Beijing further. They are also worried by the fact that China is close to complete the construction of its first domestically produced aircraft carrier.



The report went on to say that given China's enhanced strategic lift capability, strengthened employment of special operation forces, and more experience in operating beyond its borders, it may resort to use force to protect its interests.



The committee warns that China's rising stock among US allies and partners in Asia should further serve to alarm the United States. According to the panel, the United States response to the threat by China has been sluggish due to lack of coordination in the intelligence community.



The report recommended the US State Department to educate US students going to China on the recruitment methods used by Chinese agents.



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(Photo : Getty Images) A US panel is voicing out concern of China's increasing interference to Hong Kong's affairs, fearing this may affect the semi-autonomous city's international financial hub status.

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A US congress panel has warned that China's interference in Hong Kong's affair is increasing at alarming pace, expressing fear that this may have an adverse impact on former British colony's status as an international financial hub.



The US-China Economic and Security Review Commission, however, did not take note of the ongoing pro-democracy movement in the semi-autonomous city that has been trigged by the oath taking controversy last month.



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Nonetheless, the commission in its 33-page report took serious note of the recent abduction and detention of five booksellers, who were arrested for allegedly selling gossipy political content in the former British colony.



"This incident has threatened the maintenance of the 'one country, two systems' framework and led some observers to question Hong Kong's status as a leading global financial hub," the report said.



The report goes on to add that the incident increased local fear about Mainland China's interference and caused record turnout in September's legislative election.



Talking further about election, the report said, "The election took place against the backdrop of an alarming rise in mainland China's interference in Hong Kong."



Citing the interference, the panel urged the US State Department to conduct a fresh probe in the issue of Hong Kong's autonomy.



In response, China gave a standard reply that Hong Kong is its internal affair and some external forces are hatching a conspiracy.



"In order to try to split the country, some forces have openly sought foreign support," Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesman Geng Shuang told a news briefing. "Those who attempt to use foreign forces to achieve their own political goals will not succeed."



The word 'foreign forces' was apparently aimed at US and UK, as they have more vocal in raising concern over Beijing's alleged interference in the semi-autonomous city.



UK transferred the control of Hong Kong city to China in 1997 under a "one country, two systems" agreement. The agreement made it binding on the Chinese government to ensure non-interference in legal system and the autonomy in wide range of areas remain intact.



The international community, composing mostly of western countries, has often accused Beijing of breaching this agreement.



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(Photo : Getty Images) A general view of the Intel booth at the International CES at the Las Vegas Convention Center in Las Vegas, Nevada.

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During his keynote speech at the LA Auto Show on Tuesday, Intel chief executive officer Brian Krzanich said that the chip manufacturer will invest $250 million within the next two years towards the development of autonomous cars. It is a major investment for Intel, and it clearly shows how committed the company is towards the future of self-driving cars.



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Following Krzanich's statement, many in the tech world wonder what Intel's plan will be. Some say that the company might create its own fleet of self-driving cars, while some believe that Intel will focus into chip-making and development of microprocessors with emphasis towards its application in the autonomous car platform.



Regarding its plans for the autonomous car platform, Intel said in a statement, "These investments will drive the development of technologies that push the boundaries on next-generation connectivity, communication, context awareness, deep learning, security, safety and more."



According to The Verge, Intel is gearing up to delve deeper into the software side of the autonomous car platform instead of providing car hardware for car manufacturers to use in their own models.



During his keynote at the LA Auto Show, Krzanich said that the tech industry should prepare for an inundation of data once autonomous cars start hitting the road. Krzanich said that a single autonomous driving car can download and upload more than 4,000GB of data each use as it relies on self-driving technologies like camera, sensors, GPS, and lidar.



It is important to note that Intel is not known for its software business. Moreover, the company is still catching up to new platforms like machine learning, artificial intelligence, and Internet of Things.



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TagsIntel, Self-driving cars, intel investment, Autonomous Cars, LA Auto Show, Brian Krzanich
(Photo : Getty Images) Volkswagen revealed on Thursday its plans to form partnership with China's ride-hailing app giant Didi Chuxing and to focus on increasing its electric car sales by up to 400,000 by the end of the decade.



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The German automaker Volkswagen AG (VW) on Thursday made two big announcements about its future plans for China's auto market. The auto giant announced that it is likely to tie up with Didi Chuxing to form a high-end ride-hailing service and will focus more on sales of electric and hybrid vehicles to increase its market share in the Chinese market.



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Volkswagen did not elaborate on its plan to enter the ride hailing market but said that it is already in talks with officials of Didi Chuxing, China's largest ride-hailing company. The ride-hailing company stamped its authority in the domestic market, after buying Uber's operations in the country.



On sales of electric car or 'new energy vehicles' (NEV), Volkswagen said it aims to become one of the biggest players in this new market. The automaker has set the sales target of 400,000 cars till 2020 and 1.5 million vehicles till 2025.



"We have to do more in the NEV area. The government is pushing, the general environment in China is pushing that," Jochem Heizmann chief of VW's China's operations told reporters ahead of the Guangzhou auto show.



The German auto giant is all set to introduce its first 'made in China' NEV vehicle under its globally famous Audi brand. The vehicle will be manufactured in joint venture with China's state-owned auto company FAW Group.



Additionally, Volkswagen has tied up with SAIC Motor to manufacture more vehicles under Audi brand, while it is also exploring opportunities to enter in venture with Anhui Jianghuai Automobile (JAC Motor) to produce electric vehicles.



Heizmann said he is hopeful that the Chinese government would allow the firm to go on with three joint ventures in the country.



Volkswagen is not the only auto company that is planning to go green in a bid to increase its market share in the world's largest automarket. Other big companies like Hyundia, Honda, and General Motors have all announced big plans to capture the nascent but lucrative electric car market of China.



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A Canadian citizen who was held by Chinese authorities says she was tortured and forced to confess that she bribed a former top official who later becomes a critic of the government.



You Ziqi was arrested at the Beijing airport in 2014 while traveling with her son to the Hubei province. She was then allegedly detained on fraud charges.



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You claimed Chinese authorities forced her to testify that she had bribed Xie Weidong. The Chinese government also seized You's family assets approximately worth $10 million.



Her testimony was then used to issue a red notice against Xie, who was a businessman and a former supreme court judge before immigrating to Canada two years ago.



Both Young and Xie say that the case against them is based on false testimony. They believe that the case is being instigated by officials in the Communist party trying to cover up the plundering of You's family assets.



"I have come from inside the system. I know very well the extent of corruption and darkness there," Xie told the media.



David Matas, a lawyer who has extensive experience in the human rights field in China, said that these kinds of scenarios are a common occurrence in the country.



"They operate by attacking friends, relatives, neighbors and business associates as a way of getting the target. They drain the pool to catch the fish," Matas said.



The allegations against You dates back to 1999 when she represented her brother in a debt dispute. The case landed on Xie's desk and he ruled in You's favor.



Xie said that one of his sisters had bribery charges pinned on her by Chinese authorities to force him back.



Canada repatriates dozens of people to China each year, despites claims of human rights violations.



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(Photo : Getty Images) A rescue team run to a model of Shenzhou VI during a pre-launch drill at a landing site in the Badan Jara Desert on September 14, 2005 in Jinta County of Gansu Province, northwest China.

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The two Chinese astronauts aboard the Shezhou-11 have successfully returned to Earth on Friday, according to a live broadcast by China Central Television (CCTV).



Jing Haipeng and Chen Dong, who have been staying and working in the Tiangong-2 space lab since Oct. 18, have landed safely in the northern region of Inner Mongolia.



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CCentral Television revealed images of the Shenzhou-11 on the ground flanked by Chinese flags and ground teams. The capsule successfully touched down at 2:15 p.m. Friday local time (01:15 a,m, ET), according to Reuters citing Xinhua.



Before the astronauts were allowed to go out from the capsule, medical examinations were conducted. But Zhang Youxia, the space mission's chief commander, assured in a televised speech that both are in good condition.



According to NASA Space Flight, the Chinese astronauts, who conducted the six crewed mission for China, carried out several experiments including on-orbit examinations of the crew's hearts, lungs, and biochemistry conditions, and effective prevention for space motion sickness. The duo also had the chance to speak with Chinese President Xi Jinping during the flight days.



Meanwhile, the Tiangong-2 will remain in its orbit and will resume conducting experiments until it docks with Tianzhou-1, China's first cargo spacecraft, which is expected to be launched in April 2017.



"Tiangong is a precursor testbed of capabilities. Building toward the large space station has always been the culminating goal of the Shenzhou program," Joan Johnson-Freese, a professor from the Naval War College, told CNN.



The Shenzhou-11 started its return journey on Thursday. It separated from the orbiting Tiangong-2 space lab at 12:41 p.m. (Beijing Time).



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(Photo : Getty Images) Analysts say the uncertainty of Trump's election win has provided China the perfect opportunity to win its neighbors over to its side.

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Chinese President Xi Jinping is ready to fill in the political void left following the recent election of US President-elect Donald Trump by strengthening ties with Latin America and pushing for regional free trade pacts at the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) Leaders' Meeting in Lima, Peru this weekend.



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Accompanied by more than 500 Chinese businessmen, President Xi is expected to seize the opportunity to advance and promote the China-led Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP) to replace the US-backed Trans-Pacific Partnership (TPP), which has already expired.



Amid Trump's threat that he will pull the US out of the TPP, which he said is a "death blow" for the country's production jobs, the Obama administration last week announced that it would not push for the ratification of the pact.



Strategies



Joining the TPP is one of the strategies that the Obama administration has taken in its pivot to Asia foreign policy which has suffered several setbacks including the Philippines' anti-US rhetoric and Trump's refusal to advance the TPP deal.



Several Asian countries have agreed to scrap the TPP deal and have expressed interest in joining the China-led regional trade pact.



The RCEP is a regional trade pact between the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) and six other countries in the region.



Non-ratification



Vietnamese Prime Minister Nguyen Xuan Phuc has said that his country would not ratify the TPP and would instead join the Beijing-led RCEP.



Australian Trade Minister Steve Ciobo said Canberra would likewise scrap plans to ratify the TPP and would study another regional pact being pushed by Beijing known as the Free Trade Area of the Asia-Pacific.



Analysts say the chaos brought by Trump's election has provided China the perfect opportunity to win its neighbors to its side.



Economist Arthur Kroeber said Trump's lack of interest in regional trade pacts such as the TPP "gives China an opportunity to execute geopolitical influences and sort of write the rules of regional integration in the Asia-Pacific region."



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'Big Bang' Steven Hawking insists future is limited on earth & Franklin Graham agrees 18 November, 2016 by Gregory Tomlin , |

NEW YORK (Christian Examiner)  Humanity's only hope for survival is to look to the stars, the world's most famous physicist has said, and one of the world's leading evangelists agrees with him  in part.

"I don't think we will survive another 1,000 years without escaping beyond our fragile planet," Stephen Hawking told the Oxford Union debating society earlier this week.

Hawking was discussing the origins of the universe and said he hoped scientists would soon be able to use gravitational waves to look into the heart of the "Big Bang"  the moment scientists claim all of the cosmos spontaneously erupted into existence.

To me, you don't have to be a physicist to see the awesome power of the Master Creator when you see the innumerable stars and all of His vast creation. We need to keep our eyes fixed on Him.

Hawking doesn't actually believe the world will end in 1,000 years. Instead, he believes 1,000 years from now is the beginning of a window of statistical probability when something catastrophic could occur on earth. Before it does, he said, humans should "remember to look up at the stars and not down at your feet."

"Try to make sense of what you see, wonder about what makes the universe exist. Be curious. However difficult life may seem, there is always something you can do and succeed at. It matters that you don't just give up," Hawking said.

Hawking said he believes humanity can one day jump off of earth and find a future among the heavens.

Evangelist Franklin Graham, head of Samaritan's Purse, said he believes Hawking is partly correct. Humanity could look to the stars, he said in a Facebook post. But to Graham, it doesn't make sense to look to the heavens unless humanity is looking for life in the God who created them all.

"Well known physicist Stephen Hawking is in the news for announcing that he didn't think people would 'survive another 1,000 years without finding another place to live besides Earth," Graham wrote.

"As human beings, our time is limited for sure  we're not promised another breath, another day, or another year. But if we have put our faith in Jesus Christ, we can rest confidently in the hands of the One who created us and breathed life into us. He created this amazingly intricate universe we live in."

Graham wrote that Hawking's comment about looking up to stars is one with which he can agree.

"To me, you don't have to be a physicist to see the awesome power of the Master Creator when you see the innumerable stars and all of His vast creation. We need to keep our eyes fixed on Him," Graham wrote.

Graham posted Nehemiah 9:6 beneath his comment:

"You alone are the LORD. You have made the heavens, the heaven of heavens with all their host, the earth and all that is on it, the seas and all that is in them. You give life to all of them and the heavenly host bows down before You."
The Oregon Labor Commissioner Brad Avakian, who heavily fined bakery owners Aaron and Melissa Klein for declining a request to bake a cake for the lesbian couple's wedding, lost his race for Secretary of State.

Avakian had slammed $135,000 on the Christian bakery owners for refusing to bake the wedding cake for lesbian couple because of their religious beliefs.

He had also ordered a Portland bar owner to pay $400,000 fine because he asked a group of transgender people not to frequent the bar, claiming that they caused disruption in the business.

Republican Dennis Richardson, who is a lawyer and a Vietnam War veteran, won the popular vote. The historic result ended a nearly 14-year Democratic control over statewide offices, as Richardson became the first Republican to win the office since 1985.

The responsibilities of the Secretary of State include managing elections and public records, and auditing public accounts.

Richardson's victory in Oregon came as a surprise to many as it is traditionally a Democratic-leaning state and one of the six in the country where state House, Senate and the seat of Governor are all controlled by the Democrats.

"I think people in Oregon were uncomfortable with Avakian's stated objective of expanding the scope of the Secretary of State's office to broaden a progressive agenda," Oregon political analyst, Rob Kremer, told Independent Journal Review.

Because of the hefty fine by the Bureau of Labor and Industries (BOLI), the Kleins had to close their business, though the fined amount was raised by generous donations.

"The people of Oregon have spoken," said Aaron Klein, co-owner of Sweet Cakes by Melissa. "Hopefully with the guy that won, we'll see religious freedom start to grow in this state."

Kleins' bakery 'Sweet Cakes by Melissa' has served gay customers before, but the owners refused to bake the wedding cake because they said it would be tantamount to taking part in the ceremony which was not in line with their Christian beliefs.
Iran's house church movement is on the rise despite ongoing persecution of Christians, according to various media reports.

Last week, Mohabat News reported that over 200 natives and Afghans were baptised near Iran, and that the mass baptizing service was organized by eight local churches.

"According to our contacts in Iran, the house church movement is seeing astounding growth. This is despite the intense persecution the house church movement faces from the government," Stark, International Christian Concern's Regional Manager for South Asia, told The Christian Post.

God Reports, an activist platform, said that the Iranian church is witnessing a spectacular growth and may be one of the fastest growing churches in the world.

"The word that a lot of our senior leadership team has been using recently is momentum, the Lord is really doing something," said Mark Howard of Elam Ministries.

"We see incredible opportunity," he added, "reaching Persian speaking refugees in Europe, planting churches in Iran - people are so open right now."

"Every day we have many coming to the Lord. If you give a starving person food and water they will want to share it. That's what they find in Jesus. They are so hungry and thirsty for the truth. They are experiencing it in a powerful way. When they do they want to share it with others."

God Reports quoted Elam Ministry as saying that Iranians have a special affection for Jesus who they see as a "revered prophet." The ministry said that many Iranian poets have written about Jesus.

"They [Iranians] are spiritual people. As many search for truth and hunger for the truth, it is natural to look for that in Jesus. When someone tells them about Jesus they are eager," Howard added.

Christians continue to face persecution in the country. Many believers, especially Muslim converts, are arrested for practicing their faith or are harassed in day-to-day life.

Recently, three Christians were sentenced to 80 lashes by a Sharia court for drinking holy communion wine. The three men were Christian converts from Muslim backgrounds, and were imprisoned for several weeks before being released on bail.

It is not illegal for Christians to drink alcohol in Iran but under Sharia law, Muslims are forbidden from drinking and it is illegal for Muslims to convert to another religion.

In June, three Azerbaijani Christian men who were attending a wedding in Iran were arrested and put in Evin Prison. They were imprisoned for two months, and charged with engaging in missionary and anti-regime activities. They were released but may be arrested again.

"Prayers are definitely needed to continue for these men that they won't be rearrested, because that can happen in this country and it has," said Emily Fuentes of Open Doors USA. "But we're thankful they're out of prison, because that's also not the fate for many Christians."
The election of Donald Trump as the next U.S. President came as a shock to some Christians across the nation, but perhaps equally shocking was the exit poll result that 81 percent of evangelicals voted for Trump.

Numerous Christians have written, tweeted, and posted their opinions online in light of the exit polls in terms of what evangelical now means, and how they will associate themselves with  or distance themselves from  the term.

Fuller Theological Seminarys president Mark Labberton and president emeritus Richard Mouw issued a joint statement on Monday, saying that the term was blurred during the elections season both because of the media and because of some evangelical voices.

This polarization, even among evangelicals, led some to conclude that evangelicals on both sides were increasingly and inextricably bound to and complicit with scandalizing words and actions that degrade people and contradict and betray the gospel of Jesus Christ, they stated.

Evangelical has value only if it names our commitment to seek and demonstrate the heart and mind of God in Jesus Christ, they said in the statement.

They added that Fuller will continue to identify itself as evangelical because of its non-negotiable commitment to the evangel, Gods good news.

However, some were more quick to distance themselves from or criticize the term, particularly the term, white evangelical.

Ray Ortlund, pastor at Immanuel Church, tweeted on Wednesday, I am not a white evangelical. I am a Christian, a grateful member of the gloriously diverse Body of Christ.

Congratulations to white evangelicalism on your candidates win. I dont understand you and I think you just sealed some awful fate, tweeted Thabiti Anyabwile, contributor to The Gospel Coalition. Im not alone in seeing serious problems with evangelicalisms witness at the moment, he added in a blog post.

Author Preston Yancey tweeted, So I guess Im not an evangelical. Because Im not whatever the hell this is.

For white evangelicals who now feel like strangers in a strange land, this has been my experience as POC for most of my life. Lets talk, tweeted Helen Lee, author and director of marketing at InterVarsity Press.

Others in the public sphere shared similar sentiments as that of Fullers presidents, expressing disapproval for what the term evangelical has been used to refer to, yet still not completely disassociating themselves.

Katelyn Beaty, former editor at Christianity Today, wrote in an op-ed to the Washington Post that she felt that she woke up on Wednesday after the elections to an evangelical family [she] no longer resembled.

Although recently I have wished it were otherwise, evangelicals are my people, Beaty added. But this time, this election, I cant defend my people. I barely recognize them.

Ed Stetzer, executive director of the Billy Graham Center for Evangelism, wrote a blog on Christianity Today titled, No, Evangelical Does Not Mean White Republican Who Supports Trump. He explained that researchers often use the term evangelical to really mean White evangelical, which could present inaccurate portrayals of the group.

Some have said they dont want to use the label anymore, embarrassed because of its identification with Donald Trump. But thats backwards, Stetzer wrote. Its not the label that supported Trump, its people  White Evangelicals, primarily. But its not politics that unite all Evangelicals; its the gospel.
Russian President Vladimir Putin has signed an executive order to withdraw from the International Criminal Court (ICC).

Russia will remove its signature from the founding treaty of the organization, which had been on the papers since 2000 but were not ratified.

The Russian Foreign Ministry said that the ICC did not serve its purpose effectively and that "during the 14 years of the court's work it passed only four sentences having spent over a billion dollars."

The decision by Russia also came a day after the ICC said in a report released this week that Crimea and Sevastopol are in a situation amounting to "an ongoing state of occupation."

Recently many African countries have also withdrawn from the ICC.

The United States is not a participant of the ICC, even though it had signed the treaty also known as the Rome Statute in 2000. The US withdrew its intent of ratification in 2002. The Obama administration sought to cooperate with the ICC when it sent a US delegation to attend the annual meeting of the Assembly of States Parties in The Hague in 2009.

"The U.S. also signed but has not ratified the Rome Statute [just like Russia until recently]. Basically, they will not allow their citizens to be tried by anyone except the American courts," said Fyodor Lukyanov, editor-in-chief of the Russia in Global Politics magazine.

The Rome Statute was ratified by 123 nations. Some of the countries which have not signed or ratified the treaty include India, China, and Indonesia.

Philippines' President Rodrigo Duterte also stated his intent to pull out of the ICC.

"They are useless, those in the international criminal [court]. They [Russia] withdrew. I might follow. Why? Only the small ones like us are battered," Duterte said.

Most African and European countries are still members of the tribunal founded in 1998.
I felt uncomfortable as my friend Danny and I sat down to watch the latest Marvel comic book movie. He and I have been watching big-screen heroes together for more than 20 years. From The Hobbit to Harry Potter, from Star Wars to The Matrix, from Batman to Ant-Man, we love these stories of lonely characters who are catapulted out of their comfort zones, reluctantly recruited into rebellions against evil, and transformed into sacrificial heroes. And apparently the rest of the moviegoing world agrees with us. What could be more ordinary?

But life has felt anything but normal during this week of dramatic and deeply troubling news. I didnt know if I could focus on, much less enjoy, Doctor Strange.

Nevertheless, as I drove home afterward, Danny and I couldnt stop talking about this latest variation on the classic hero story. It has an unusual twist that I find, um, strangely reassuring.

A thousand new film reviews and articles are tracing Stranges history. Its easy to learn about how Steve Ditko and Stan Lee, the pair who first imagined Spider-Man, designed this spaced-out sorcerer who battles evil throughout alternate universes.

And its easy to see why director Scott Derricksons adaptation for the Marvel movie super-franchise is such a success. First: Marvel is a machine that makes blockbusters. Second: Strange boasts standard-setting special effects. (Many say its inspired by Inception, but its wildest moments have equivalents in comics that predate Christopher Nolan.) Third: Strange is played by one of this universes biggest starsSherlocks Benedict Cumberbatch as the goatee-sporting, cloak-draped hero. And fourth: It sticks to the basic Iron Man outlinerich ...

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I had the privilege or reading a pre-release version of "God Shines Forth: How the Nature of God Shapes and Drives the Mission of the Church." Here are 20 quotes from the book, which you should pick up.
Thousands of Indonesians protested this week after police named the Christian governor of the nations capital, Jakarta, as a suspect in a blasphemy investigation.

Basuki Tjahaja Purnama, popularly known as Ahok, was appointed in 2014 after his ally and predecessor, Joko Widodo, was elected president. A key presidential ally, Ahok is running for re-election in February.

At issue is the way he used a verse in the Koran when speaking to a group of fishermen in September. Do not believe everything that people say, he is reported to have said, because often you are deceived by using 51st of Surah Al Maidah (the fifth chapter of the Quran).

The verse warns Muslims not to take Jews and Christians as allies; some read it to mean that Muslims are not to vote for those of other faiths.

Buni Yuri, the man who uploaded part of the speech to his Facebook page where it went viral, did not include the word using in his transcript, which ...

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The French government introduced plans this fall to create a digital trading hindrance to pregnancy websites that dont clearly identify their pro-life view.

Being hostile to abortion is an opinion protected by the civil liberties in France, said Laurence Rossignol, minister for families, children, and womens rights. But creating websites that appear official but actually give biased information designed to deter, to blame, or to assign trauma is not acceptable.

Pro-life websites can continue to exist, but they should not be able to deliberately deceiv[e] users by posing as official or neutral sites, the French government stated.

One site the government is targeting is the popular ivg.net, which says that abortion involves risks that can appear quickly or over time. The site, which is named similarly to the governments official site, also includes testimonies from women who regret their abortions, information ...

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2 Kids Adopted From China by Different Families Can't Stop Hugging When Reunited; Mom Says 'It's a God Thing'

A little girl from China adopted by a family in the United States was happily reunited with her best friend she left behind in an Asian orphanage, thanks to the efforts of their respective adoptive parents.

According to a report from Fox 8, American couple Andy and Sharon Sykes from North Texas decided to take care of four-year-old Hannah, who grew up in an orphanage in China.

While going over Hannah's adoption materials, they noticed a photo taken during her early years where she is seen joyfully playing with and holding the hand of a little boy.

Seeing the joy in the little girl's eyes in the photo, the Sykes couple was determined to find Hannah's best friend from the orphanage. Later on, Sharon was able to learn that Hannah and the little boy even shared a weekend foster mother and even called each other brother and sister.

Because of these discoveries, Sharon made a post on her Facebook account seeking help in finding the little boy. What happened next were nothing short of miraculous: A couple living in the same area, the Clarys, decided to adopt the little boy Hannah left behind in the orphanage in China.

Just recently, the little boy, who was given the American name Dawson, flew to the United States to meet his foster family, and to finally reunite with his best friend. Sharon was able to capture on video the joyful moment when Dawson and Hannah were able to see each other again.

"They just shared a sweet and special bond. They were so close and we can't just imagine leaving him in China and have a forever family himself," Sharon told Good Morning America.

In her Sept. 9 Facebook post, Sharon says what happened was "a God thing and an answer to prayer," noting that it saw "the right people, in the right place at the right time... a miracle."

Dawson's mom, Amy Clary, also witnessed the moment of pure innocent bliss between Dawson and Hannah.

"He was so excited. He was so giddy. He just ran up to her, hugged her, and they rolled to the ground," she shared.
Aerosmith 'Farewell' tour 2017 schedule & dates: Band announces details of European leg

Aerosmith has been performing since 1970, and their roots go all the way back to 1964 when vocalist Steven Tyler still performed with The Strangeurs, which is also known as Chain Reaction. After 46 years together the band is going to release one more album and have a farewell tour which will take place starting in 2017.

Billboard reveals that the "Aero-Vederci Baby!" tour will start in 2017. The band has no current plan on when the tour might end, even if it takes place during and after the launch of their new album, but they have hinted that it could go on until 2021. A full rundown of the tour's schedule is found on their website.

Tickets will begin going on sale this Friday, but the shows won't start until next year, with the very first performance scheduled on May 17 in Tel Aviv, Israel. The tour will continue on May 20 in Batumi, Georgia, and on May 23 in Moscow, Russia. The band will then move on to perform in Munich, Germany on May 26.

On May 30, Aerosmith will be performing in Berlin, Germany and at Krakow, Poland on June 2. On June 5, they will be in Copenhagen, Denmark and then in Solvesberg, Sweden on June 8. June 11 will see the tour move over to Donington Park, UK, and on June 14 they will be in Dublin, Ireland. On June 17, the tour will take place in Clisson, France.

On June 20, the group will return to Germany, but this time, in Cologne. They will then perform in Florence, Italy on June 23 and in Lisbon, Portugal on June 26. Aerosmith will be in Madrid, Spain on June 29, in Barcelona, Spain on July 2, and they will end the European tour at Zurich, Switzerland on July 5.

It is still unconfirmed if the tour will take place outside of Europe, such as in the United States or Japan, following the July events. It is also unconfirmed when their final album, which will release during this tour, is going to be released.
Catholic Church One of the Most Culturally Diverse Institutions in the U.S., 'Groundbreaking' Report Shows

The Roman Catholic Church is among the most culturally diverse institutions in the United States at present, with a mix of white, Hispanic, Asian and African faithful, a recent study revealed.

According to the Catholic News Service (CNS), the Center for Applied Research in the Apostolate at Georgetown University was commissioned by the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops' Committee on Cultural Diversity in the Church back in 2013 to conduct a study to determine the size and distribution of ethnic communities in America.

The research showed that less than 6 percent of the 1.3 billion Roman Catholics around the world live in the United States. The survey covered 6,332 parishes with "particular racial, ethnic, cultural and or linguistic" communities, or about 36 percent of U.S. parishes.

Of the population of Catholics in America, most are still white or non-Hispanics, numbering to over 42.5 million. Latin Americans or Hispanics are the second biggest ethic community in the U.S., with a population of more than 29.7 million.

The survey also showed that over 2.9 million American Catholics are Asian or Native Hawaiian; more than 2 million are black African-American or African or Afro-Caribbean; and 536,601 are American Indian or Alaskan Native.

The same study also provided a glimpse of the average age of Catholic faithful in the U.S. based on racial profile. White American Catholics have the highest median age at 62, while Latino Catholics are aged 39 years old on the average. Taken as a whole, American Catholics have a median age of 52.

Archbishop Gustavo Garcia-Siller of San Antonio, Texas, chairman of the committee that commissioned the study, described the findings as "groundbreaking."

"The Catholic Church in the United States has always been a very diverse entity, but it is the first time that all available data was brought together to map this diversity nationwide in remarkable detail," Archbishop Garcia-Siller told CNS.

"It is also the first time that parish life was looked at from the point of view of the experience of diversity. Multicultural parishes are a growing phenomenon in the United States. This is what makes this study so fascinating and groundbreaking," he added.
Christians Who Fled Boko Haram Had To Eat Leaves To Survive

Christians who fled Boko Haram's attacks have faced "open discrimination" in refugee camps and have been forced to eat leaves to survive, according to a Nigerian bishop.

Around 3,000 families  15,000 people  have been supported by persecution charity Open Doors, which has provided food and cash to help them survive for the next few months.

Many of them are from Gwoza, the city declared by Boko Haram as the capital of its 'caliphate' in 2014.

Because of the discrimination they have faced, Christians are gathering in informal camps. Bishop William Naga, leader of the Borno chapter of the Christian Association of Nigeria, said: "The governor did his best when the Christians had to flee their places in 2014 and 2015. But when the care of the camps was handed over to other organisations, the discrimination started.

"They will give food to the refugees, but if you are a Christian they will not give you food. They will even openly tell you that the relief is not for Christians. There is an open discrimination."

Jack van Tol, Open Doors director for West Africa, said: "We're very grateful to be able to assist families who were suffering so much. Reports reached us through our church networks that many Christians were in dire need of food aid. Many had resorted to eating leaves."

Bishop Naga said: "Christians in Borno State are traumatised, displaced and truly they have lost hope. In the Gwoza area there is no single church standing. In the eastern part of Gwoza Christians were a majority. And even inside Gwoza town and in its surroundings there were many Christians. Now there are no Christians left in that area."

He asked Christians to pray for them, saying: "Let our brothers continue to pray for us that we will not give up our faith, but that we will continue in our faith dynamically, strongly, vibrant and bold. [In] Most of our places everything has been looted, churches have been burned down. Our livelihood has been taken away from us. But there is one thing that has been not taken away: our faith in Christ Jesus has not been taken away from us."
Conservative Anglican Churches Buck Trend Of Decline

Conservative Anglican churches have bucked the trend of decline to show an increase in attendance over the past five years.

The Church of England as a whole has seen a seven per cent drop in the number of people at weekly services since 2010. But those churches with more strict teaching on issues such as the infallibility of the Bible, women priests and same sex marriage report a dramatic increase in regular attendance.

Churches with ties to the conservative grouping Reform grew in average weekly attendance at a rate of between three and four per cent year on year for the past five years. This compares to a decline of between one and two per cent yearly across the wider CofE.

They also have typically larger and more youthful congregations. The average weekly attendance for Reform-linked congregations was 99 compared to 40 in the CofE as a whole and only 18 per cent were aged over 70 compared to 30 per cent in the wider Church.

Reform is a conservative evangelical grouping within the Church of England that strongly opposed the introduction of women bishops in 2014. They also teach about the "infallibility and supreme authority of 'God's Word written'" as the only tool for resolving arguments about Christian teaching.

They also emphasise the "wrongness" of sex outside heterosexual marriage particularly in "homosexual forms".

ReNew is an annual conference organised by Reform alongside Anglican Mission in England and Church Society  two other conservative groups.

The conference has similar teaching in opposing women having a role in church leadership and in understanding the Bible in the "literal sense as the inspired and unerring Word of God".

Susie Leafe, director of Reform, told Christian Today: "Without these churches the collapse of the Church of England would be even more noticeable."

Reform asked churches with clergy who were members of Reform or who had attended their ReNew conference to report their statistics every year for the last five years. More than 300 churches contributed to the results that support research from Canada showing theologically conservative churches grow faster than those with a more liberal leaning.

Leafe said Reform's member churches were spread across the UK with different neighbourhoods and congregations. She added they varied in style from the traditional to the charismatic. "What the leadership of these churches have in common is a belief that the Bible is our authority in matters of life and doctrine and the teaching we find in its pages about Jesus Christ is reliable, coherent, challenging and life transforming," she said.

Each church did not respond every year so the data is not complete, but offers a clear picture of growth in the midst of steady decline.

Reform's statistics back up research to be published in next month's Review of Religious Research that suggests churches with strict teaching on hell and a literal reading of the Bible grow faster than more liberal churches.

"Conservative believers, relying on a fairly literal interpretation of scripture, are 'sure' that those who are not converted to Christianity will miss their chance for eternal life," said David Haskell, the lead researcher. "Because they are profoundly convinced of [the] life-saving, life-altering benefits that only their faith can provide, they are motivated by emotions of compassion and concern to recruit family, friends and acquaintances into their faith and into their church.

"This desire to reach others also makes conservative Protestants willing to implement innovative measures including changes to the style and content of their worship services."
Family Sues Megachurch After Daughter Drowns In Pastor's Swimming Pool

An Indiana megachurch is to be sued over the death of an 18-year-old woman found unconscious in the church pastor's swimming pool.

Domonique "Nikki" Smith died on June 1 2015. She never regained consciousness after being found floating face down in the swimming pool at her pastor's home. Smith's family are now suing that pastor's church, ABC7 Eyewitness News reports.

"We need the closure. I need to know my baby's life was not taken in vain," said Vicki Walker, Smith's mother.

On Thursday Smith's parents filed a wrongful death lawsuit against the megachurch Family Christian Centre, and its pastors Steve and Melodye Munsey. Smith had been babysitting the Munsey's 6-year-old granddaughter.

Max Solomon, Smith's family's attorney, said: "The more we looked into it, the more we asked questions, the more questions we had."

The suit filed in Lake County Indiana civil court accuses the ministers of the Munster, Northwest Indiana megachurch of negligence. Smith was found unconscious on 29 May 2015, and died on 1 June 2015. Melodye Munsey and another woman had been at the Munseys' home at the time of the incident. "She should have been watching my child, while [Smith] watched their child," Walker said, according to the Northwest Indiana Times.

Walker's local counsel Trent A McCain said: "Instead of attending to her immediately, she [Munsey] made a judgement call and said, her soul has left her body, there's no sense of urgency."

The Lake County coroner had ruled Smith's death an accidental drowning, although no water was present in her lungs. Toxicology tests showed no signs of drugs or alcohol. Because Smith's organs were donated, there was no autopsy.

Smith's family decided to take legal action after seeing security video footage from the day Smith was found, which Schererville police acquired from the Munsey home. The family say it doesn't show everything and question an alleged 15-minute gap in the footage.

"There were a lot of things that looked very suspicious," said Walker. "I believe the tape was altered."

The Church has declined to comment on the lawsuit, while the Munsey family's attorney said on Thursday that he had not received a copy of the civil complaint and could not yet comment.
Finding It Hard To Forgive? 10 Bible Verses On Mercy

"To be a Christian means to forgive the inexcusable because God has forgiven the inexcusable in you," said CS Lewis.

Forgiveness is at the heart of the Christian faith. God sent his only son to take the weight of our sin and die in our place, that we might be forgiven, be intimately connected with our Father, and have eternal life. But there's also a call on Christians to forgive others, too  which isn't always easy to obey.

Here are 10 Bible verses to remind you of God's mercy, as well as the importance of learning to exhibit grace ourselves.

Ephesians 1:7-10

"In him we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of sins, in accordance with the riches of God's grace that he lavished on us. With all wisdom and understanding, he made known to us the mystery of his will according to his good pleasure, which he purposed in Christ, to be put into effect when the times reach their fulfilment  to bring unity to all things in heaven and on earth under Christ."

Matthew 6:14

"For if you forgive other people when they sin against you, your heavenly Father will also forgive you."

Ephesians 4:31-32

"Get rid of all bitterness, rage and anger, brawling and slander, along with every form of malice. Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you."

Psalm 103:8-12

"The Lord is compassionate and gracious, slow to anger, abounding in love. He will not always accuse, nor will he harbour his anger forever; he does not treat us as our sins deserve or repay us according to our iniquities. For as high as the heavens are above the earth, so great is his love for those who fear him; as far as the east is from the west, so far has he removed our transgressions from us."

Isaiah 53:5

"But he was pierced for our transgressions, he was crushed for our iniquities; the punishment that brought us peace was on him, and by his wounds we are healed."

Acts 10:42-43

"He commanded us to preach to the people and to testify that he is the one whom God appointed as judge of the living and the dead. All the prophets testify about him that everyone who believes in him receives forgiveness of sins through his name."

Isaiah 43:25

"I, even I, am he who blots out your transgressions, for my own sake, and remembers your sins no more."

Colossians 1:13-14

"For he has rescued us from the dominion of darkness and brought us into the kingdom of the Son he loves, in whom we have redemption, the forgiveness of sins."

Psalm 130:4

"But with you there is forgiveness, so that we can, with reverence, serve you."

Isaiah 1:18(b)

"Though your sins are like scarlet, they shall be as white as snow; though they are red as crimson, they shall be like wool."
Five Prophetic Writers From The Past Who Help Us Understand The World in 2016

The world in 2016 is a baffling and troubling place for many of us. Even some who are happy with the political developments this year have become uncomfortable with the uncertainty of the future and the precarious position of the economic, social and political order on both sides of the Atlantic. Here we look at five 20th Century authors who not only described their own time, but who will help us to understand our own.

George Orwell

Despite writing in the 1930s and 40s, Orwell's prophetic edge means his work remains fresh, applicable and vital today. His understanding of how totalitarianism develops and what must be done to oppose it should now be widely read and understood. The obvious places to look are his most celebrated novels 1984 and Animal Farm, but his brilliance was also captured by his essay writing. His relevance has sadly never been greater, with East and West threatened by nationalist leaders.

"Is it perhaps childish or morbid to terrify oneself with visions of a totalitarian future? Before writing off the totalitarian world as a nightmare that can't come true, just remember that in 1925 the world of today would have seemed a nightmare that couldn't come true." (Looking Back On The Spanish War)

Hannah Arendt

Arendt was a Jewish philosopher and writer who died in 1975. Her most famous work is Eichmann in Jerusalem: A Report on the Banality of Evil  written while observing the trial of Adolf Eichmann, one of the most senior Nazis to be captured and put on trial. Her observation about the banality of evil  that Eichmann was merely 'following orders' offers a chilling insight on the need to actively oppose wrongdoing. Her lesson for the 21st century are obvious  we must play our part in standing up to those abusing power, rather than acquiesce.

"In an ever-changing, incomprehensible, world the masses had reached the point where they would, at the same time, believe everything and nothing, think that everything is possible and that nothing was true... one could make people believe the most fantastic statements one day, and trust if the next day they were given irrefutable proof of their falsehood, they would take refuge in cynicism; instead of deserting the leaders who had lied to them, they would protest that they had known all along the statement was a lie and would admire the leaders for their superior tactical cleverness." (The Origins Of Totalitarianism)

Dietrich Bonhoeffer

Bonhoeffer was a pastor and theologian of the Confessing Church  the movement which opposed the Nazis. Already a theological heavyweight by the time the Second World War came around, Bonhoeffer felt compelled by his Christian convictions to oppose Hitler and even to take part in an assassination attempt. His teaching about the risk of cheap grace remains significant to the Church  "Cheap grace is grace without discipleship, grace without the cross, grace without Jesus Christ, living and incarnate." Bonhoeffer's wisdom for the 21st Century is clear  the Church must never surrender its role as the moral compass of society.

"There is no way to peace along the way of safety. For peace must be dared, it is itself the great venture and can never be safe. Peace is the opposite of security. To demand guarantees is to want to protect oneself. Peace means giving oneself completely to God's commandment, wanting no security, but in faith and obedience laying the destiny of the nations in the hand of Almighty God, not trying to direct it for selfish purposes. Battles are won, not with weapons, but with God. They are won when the way leads to the cross." (Speech in Fano, Denmark.)

Martin Luther King Jr

Dr King was murdered in April 1968, not long after many of the most famous legal victories of the civil rights movement had been won. Yet although the Civil Rights Act and the Voting Rights Act were now law, King would not rest. His attention had widened to encompass not just racial injustice but economic and social injustice. He railed against the Vietnam War and against the poverty in which many whites as well as blacks found themselves. Dr King's message is still sadly urgently needed after decades of western entanglement in wars in the Middle East (continuing today in Yemen) and the racial injustice which remains.

"Injustice anywhere is a threat to justice everywhere. We are caught in an inescapable network of mutuality, tied in a single garment of destiny. Whatever affects one directly, affects all indirectly." (Letter From The Birmingham Jail)

Dorothy Day

Day, a Roman Catholic activist, campaigner and writer, died in 1980, having lived a life committed to justice. She founded the Catholic Worker movement that combined living in community with radical acts of justice and civil disobedience. She was a critic of capitalism and communism  and inspired a movement which remains a worldwide force.

"The world was in terrible shape, and I'm glad we stood up and said what we believed; but a lot of the time we'd say these beautiful things about justice and fairness and equality, but we weren't so nice to each other. We'd be jealous and we'd gossip, and we'd be moody and difficult and rude and inconsiderate. Why do I say 'we'? I mean I would be all that  and if at the time I ever came near to knowing what I'd become, I'd dodge, I'd duck, I'd go on the offensive: the terrible Wall Street bankers. Lots of them were terrible  and so were lots of us."

Follow Andy Walton on Twitter @waltonandy.
Fulani Militants In Nigeria Torch More Christian Villages, Murder Babies, Women And Children

Muslim militants in Nigeria have torched four more villages in Nigeria and murdered more than 35 Christians, including women and children.

Some of the murdered children were barely more than babies, aged under two. Bodies were burned so badly they were unrecognisable.

International Christian Concern reported that 200 Fulani herdsmen attacked four villages in Kaduna State. Churches, homes and other buildings were gutted. Thousands of people were displaced.

The Southern Kaduna Peoples Union (SKPU) described the attack.

"It has now become abundantly clear to even the worst sceptics that Southern Kaduna has become a killing field, where genocide is taking place unabated. Clearly, our zone and our people under the support of a powerful group of terrorists that are well funded, are systemically being eradicated," the organisation said.

The SKPU said this latest "pogrom" left whole villages completely burnt to the ground. It is calling for permanent military and other defences to be installed in areas vulnerable to attack and for land seized by the militants to be returned to the lawful owners.

"The villages that have come under the onslaught of the terrorists have also been calling for deployment of security personnel in the forest, mountains and flashpoints rather than the highways, but these calls have not received any favourable response," said the SKPU. "The pattern that has emerged, sadly now, is that attacks occur with impunity usually followed by fire fighting and feeble cosmetic measures by security agencies and the government that have failed to yield any dividend."

The attacks came just one day after the unveiling of a "public apology billboard" at a busy roundabout in the area, and a pledge by the State Governor to donate millions of Nigerian dollars to rebuilding places of churches and the Shia mosques that have also been destroyed in the violence.

The union insisted security must be improved first. "The rebuilding of churches and mosques will not serve useful purpose where the villages are deserted and unoccupied."

These attacks were in Nigeria's middle belt. World Watch Monitor reports that between January 2013 and May 2016, 826 Christians have been killed and 878 injured and 102 churches destroyed or damaged.

Baroness Cox, who narrowly escaped an ambush by Islamist Fulani militants on a visit to the plateau state of Jos in Nigeria a few days ago, said in an interview with Hassan John that was passed to Christian Today: "We must love Muslims as people, we must reach out to Muslims as brothers and sisters.

"We are all part of our Lord's creation but also we must be very aware of the threats from the militant Islamism, the kind represented by Boko Haram and where aggressive Islam is determined to establish its caliphate.

"That is what we need to pray about. We need to pray for the government of Nigeria, we need to pray that there will be preservation of democracy and freedom and justice in Nigeria, and that is very much a prayer focus for the Christians in the north.

"For the Christians in the rest of Nigeria, when one part of the body of Christ suffers we all suffer. I would have hoped to have seen more support from the peaceful parts of Nigeria and the very wealthy churches particularly in the south for brothers and sisters suffering up here... I think we should all try to be worthy of the faith that the Nigerian Christians are living and dying for up here in this part of Nigeria in the central belt and in the north."
John Hagee: Israel, Not Abortion, Won Trump The Evangelical Vote

Israel was the "hidden issue" of the presidential election, and clinched the evangelical vote for Trump, megachurch pastor John Hagee has said.

Hagee told Newsmax TV on Thursday: "The Democratic Party did not bring it up... But the Republican Party, particularly with Pence and also with Donald Trump, made it an issue that America was going to stand with Israel.

"I also believe that abortion had something to do with it, but Israel was the main issue that drove the people that we know to vote like they had never voted before."

Hagee, 76, is senior pastor of Cornerstone Church in San Antonio, Texas, and also founded Christians United for Israel. He is well-known for his frequent interventions in public affairs, especially his unwavering support of the Israeli government.

In May, he gave an implicit endorsement of Trump, though didn't mention the candidate by name. "I'm going to vote for the candidate that's going to make the US military great again. I'm going to vote for the party that is going to solve the immigration problem, not the one that has created the immigration problem. I'm going to support the party that brings jobs back from China... I'm not going to vote for the party that has betrayed Israel for the past seven years," Hagee said in a video message.

"If you can read a newspaper, you know who I'm talking about. No candidate is perfect, but I want you to go vote and may God give us a leader who has the courage to put America first and stand up for we the people."

White evangelicals backed Trump by 81 per cent to 16 per cent on November 8.
'Nobody Should Be Forgotten': Catholic Church Urges Prison Reform

Criminal justice reform is vital, Cardinal Vincent Nichols said today, as he urged employers to 'ban the box' that bars many ex-offenders from finding employment after prison.

Nichols was speaking at a press conference following the Autumn 2016 meeting of the Catholic Bishop's Conference of England and Wales.

Most job application forms will feature a 'tick box' inviting applicants to indicate whether they have committed any criminal offences. However, ticking this box almost always results in an applicant not being considered further for the post.

Challenging this practice, the Rt Rev Richard Moth, lead bishop for prisons, said in a video message: "We as bishops call for the removal of such tick boxes. Such action would not make work places unsafe. It would, however, make possible a conversation for all job applicants, a conversation that for the ex-offender, could lead to employment, and the road away from a life of potential re-offending."

Nichols, the head of the Catholic Church in the UK, said that the Church would integrate the 'ban the box' policy into their own diocesan recruitment practices, as a way of emphasising the need for the rehabilitation of offenders. The Church has increasingly made impassioned calls for criminal justice reform, and outlines proposals for such change in its recent document: The Right Road: A Catholic approach to prison reform.

Nichols spoke of how priests, particularly during this Year of Mercy, have emphasised prison visits, and the Church has made provision for more prayer books for prison chaplains. The Church is also keen to tackle the serious issues of the physical and mental health of prisoners, addressing the crisis of self-harm and suicides that currently pervades Britain's prisons.

Bishop Moth emphasised "the call for our prison system to truly embrace the road of rehabilitation, which in the words of Pope Francis, 'benefits and elevates the morale of the entire community.'"

He added: "Prisons are not isolated institutions, standing disconnected from the outside world, they are an integral part of our communities, and our treatment of prisoners reflects on the whole of society."

On his recent visit to a prison in Philadelphia, Pope Francis told inmates there: "This time in your life can only have one purpose: to give you a hand in getting back on the right road... All of us are part of that effort."

Nichols referred to Pope Francis' comment on incarceration: "There but for the grace of God go I."

Emphasising the Catholic Church's celebration and recognition of the Year of Mercy, which finished last Sunday in the UK and this coming Sunday in the US, Francis had told prisoners: "Please see the door of your cell as a door of mercy."

In The Right Road, Pope Francis is quoted: "Where there is mercy, justice is more just, and it fulfils its true essence. This does not mean that we should throw open the doors of prisons and let those who have committed serious crimes loose. It means that we have to help those who have fallen to get back up."
Suicide Bombers Target Worshipers At Church In Nigeria

Two suicide bombers today targeted worshipers at a church in Maiduguri, Nigeria, but were stopped at a checkpoint by security forces, according to local media.

One female bomber blew herself up, killing a male who was also wearing explosive devices.

A second female was arrested at the scene.

Worshipers were gathered at the Saint Hilary Catholic Church for early morning mass on Friday, not far from the home of the Catholic Bishop of Maiduguri Diocese.

A security source told Nigeria's leading newspaper The Nation that the bombers were "heading for the church".

"We heard a loud bang which shook our entire building," one of the priests of the church said.

"I thought we were under a Boko Haram attack until I later found out it was suicide bombers that exploded at the check point."

Borno State police spokesperson Victor Isuku confirmed the incident.

"By 3:50am today, mobile police personnel on guard duty opposite the federal high court, sighted three suspected suicide bombers (two females and a male) running towards their sandbag. They ordered them to a halt for questioning," he said.

"In the process, one of them detonated the IED strapped to her body, killing herself and one other male accomplice. The other female survivor was arrested alive and subsequently handed over to the military for further exploitation and necessary follow up actions."

Isuku said police detonated unexploded IEDs on the bodies of the deceased, and had restored order to the area.

Borno state has been a particular target of Boko Haram  an Islamist militant group that has been active since 2009.

A report in 2013 stated that at least 100,000 Catholics had been displaced in the Diocese of Maiduguri as a result of the militants, and more than 350 churches attacked. On Tuesday, the UN warned that 75,000 children are at risk of dying within "a few months" due to a famine caused by Boko Haram's insurgency.

Upon his election last year, President Muhammadu Buhari pledged to stamp out the terrorist group but has as yet failed to do so.

Some territory has been reclaimed from the group, but an estimated 2.6 million people remain displaced and more than 20,000 people have been killed.
Terrorist Attacks On West Soar 650%

Deadly terrorist attacks on the West soared by 650 per cent in 2015, statistics released this week reveal.

The shocking rise in OECD member countries is despite a 10 per cent fall in deaths from terrorism globally. The Global Terrorism Index 2016 was released by the Institute for Economics and Peace on Wednesday and said the drop in the total number of deaths is the first fall since 2010.

"This decline in terrorism deaths is mainly attributed to a weakened Boko Haram and ISIL in both Nigeria and Iraq due to the military operations against them," said the report.

"However expanded activities by both of these groups in other countries is posing new threats in other parts of the world."

Despite the overall fall in deaths a record number of countries have recorded their highest levels of terrorism in the last 16 years. This was largely because the number of people killed by terrorism in Niger, Cameroon and Chad increased by over 157 percent in 2015.

The number of deaths in OECD countries rose from 77 in 2014 to 577 in 2015.

The report pointed to a "complex global picture" where 76 countries improved their score according to the index while terror attacks in 53 countries worsened. The report pointed out that as military efforts have affected terror groups in their home countries, they have changed their focus to "lone wolf" attacks overseas.

"While the weakening of ISIL and Boko Haram in their central areas of operations in Iraq and Nigeria is positive, this change has coincided with two key negative trends which have driven up terrorism in the rest of the world," the report said.

"The first is ISIL's shift in tactics to transnational terrorism, not just to other parts of the Middle East but to Europe as well. The second key negative trend is Boko Haram's extension into neighbouring West African countries, which has led to Cameroon and Niger rising to 13th and 16th in the GTI."

It added: "ISIL's role in this increase was significant as more than half of the 577 deaths were in connection to the group.

"The attacks by ISIL in Paris, Brussels and in Turkey's capital Ankara, were amongst the most devastating in the history of these countries and reflect a disturbing return of the transnational group-based terrorism more associated with al-Qaeda before and immediately after September 11."
'Why White Women Shouldn't Date Black Men' - Racist Fliers Distributed At Southern Methodist University

Fliers titled "why white women shouldn't date black men" were distributed across Southern Methodist University campus in Texas last week.

Reasons given were "he's much more likely to abuse you", "he's much more likely to have STDs" and "your kids probably won't be smart", according to The Daily Campus student newspaper. The fliers appear to have been published by Alt Right, a white supremacist outfit.

The leaflets feature a number of smiling white blonde women next to straight faced black men before giving examples of failed relationships saying they are "horrific and sadly predictable".

Southern Methodist University released a statement on Tuesday this week condemning the "racist and hateful message in these fliers". The "concerned students" have met with SMU's Office of Multicultural Student Affairs, the statement added.

"These messages have no place at SMU and are in opposition to SMU's values and commitment to an environment free from discrimination."

SMU's president Gerald Turner added in his own statement on Wednesday: "In challenging times, the country should be able to look to those educated in one of our nation's finest universities to provide insightful analysis of the nation's events that would guide us to to go forward individually with mutual respect, even when mutual agreement may not be immediately possible.

"The entire community must recommit to discouraging and eliminating such unacceptable behaviour."

A surge in racially charged incidents has swept across the US in the wake of Donald Trump's election as president.

Although the flier does not mention Trump the reference to the Alt-Right will raise concerns after the Republican named Stephen Bannon as his chief strategist in the White House.
World's Oldest Stone 10 Commandments Sold For $850,000

The world's oldest stone inscription of the 10 Commandments has been sold at auction in California for $850,000.

The two-foot-square slab of white marble is believed to have been carved in the late Roman period as early as AD 300 for a synagogue in western Israel, in what is now the modern city of Yavneh.

It is carved in a script used by the Samaritans derived from Hebrew and Aramaic and lists nine of the commandments from the book of Exodus, omitting "You shall not take the name of the Lord your God in vain" and adding one adopted by the Samaritans exhorting worshippers to "raise up a temple" on Mount Gerizim, near the West Bank city of Nablus.

The Samaritan sect was repressed by the Romans in the mid-400s and the synagogue may have been destroyed then or later, perhaps by the Muslims or the Crusaders.

It is officially designated one of Israel's "national treasures", but the Israel Antiquities Authority approved its export on the condition that it is displayed in a public museum.

Heritage Auctions director of ancient coins and antiquities David Michaels said: "The sale of this tablet does not mean it will be hidden away from the public. The new owner is under obligation to display the tablet for the benefit of the public."

The owner has chosen to remain anonymous.

The tablet was the centerpiece of an offering of Biblical historic artifacts, all thoroughly researched and authenticated, and owned by the Living Torah Museum in Brooklyn, New York, according to ArtDaily.org.
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The Houston Airport System is expecting 1.5 million holiday travelers at Bush Intercontinental and Hobby airports between Friday, Nov. 18, and the Tuesday after Thanksgiving.

Both airports are forecasting more fliers than last year. Bush Intercontinental is predicting an increase of roughly 19,000 people for a total of 1.2 million. Hobby is expecting about 32,000 more travelers for a total of nearly 363,000.

Nationwide, holiday travelers are expected to increase 2.5 percent to 27.3 million people flying globally on U.S. airlines, according to industry trade organization Airlines for America.

To help ease travel headaches locally, the Houston Airport System is sharing hacks for getting through the airport.

"I want them to get where they want to go faster and more easily," said Kathleen Boyd, head of marketing for the Airport System. "I want them to have information at their fingertips."

MORE: Q&A: Airport director aims high as he navigates the oil slump

First things first, she said fly2houston.com can provide information on parking availability, flight status and security wait times. Security wait times are available at Hobby and for Terminal A at Bush Intercontinental. She expects that will expand to all terminals at Bush Intercontinental in time for the Christmas holiday travel.

Terminal C at Bush Intercontinental, she said, has a parking garage that "only frequent fliers know about." Don't go into the first garage but instead drive past Terminal C and there is another garage.

For dining, fly2houston.com can help travelers search for specific food options  including local food, gluten free and kid friendly  and check restaurants' operating hours. The Skyway, an above-ground people mover at Bush Intercontinental, can take travelers to other terminals for their favorite eats. Kids enjoy the ride, too.

"If your kids love trains and you're post security, you can go back and forth on that Skyway," Boyd said.

Travelers with an American Express Centurion or Platinum cards get free access to the new American Express Centurion Lounge in Terminal D. Other American Express cardholders can pay $50 to enter, space permitting, and United lounges charge a $59 one-time fee for non-members, space permitting. Priority Pass, which provides its members access to a network of lounges worldwide, is accepted in the Air France and KLM lounges in Terminal D at Bush Intercontinental.

RELATED: Airport lounges ascend as competition intensifies

The Harmony in the Air program will provide music at both Hobby and Bush Intercontinental. And for art lovers with extended layovers, she said art-specific online maps will guide them to notable pieces at Hobby and Bush Intercontinental.

"Wherever there's art, we have a terminal and level-specific map," she said.
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When it comes to criminals involved in drugs and money laundering, two of the biggest names are Joaquin "El Chapo" Guzman and Pablo Escobar. But criminal empires aren't exclusive to men.

Mexico's attorney general is offering rewards for information leading to the arrests of eight women linked to multiple crimes.

EXTRADITION BATTLE: 'El Chapo' could see death penalty if sent to U.S., attorneys say

According to the Spanish-language newspaperEl Pais and the online Mexican news outlet Narcotrafico en Mexico, the women are accused of such crimes as human trafficking, drug trafficking and murder.

Mayra Elizabeth and two other women known as "The Kitty" and "La Beba" are suspected members of the Los Zetas Cartel and are believed to have played a part in the 2011 attack on the Monterrey Casino Royale. The fire bombing killed 52 people. Los Zetas were in a battle with the Gulf Cartel at the time, according to reports.

Kenia Rocio Priego Alarcon is accused of organized crime and trafficking minors. The Mexican government is offering $500,000 for information about her whereabouts.

DRUG WAR: What Trump's presidency might mean for drug cartels

Patricia Murguia Ibarra and Rain Eunice Hernandez Mata are wanted for child trafficking crimes. El Pais reports Ibarra is the former director of the Center for Adaptation and Family Integration, a hostel in Nuevo Leon. In 2009, three children disappeared during her time as director. Authorities believe the children became victims of human trafficking. The newspaper reports both women fled to unknown locations after the case went public.

In 2012, a recovered child told authorities that Ibarra and Mata kept him hidden at family members' houses. Authorities are still searching for the two women.

EXOTIC PETS: What happens to lions and tigers when their cartel owners get raided?

Since 2010, Erkia Valenzuela Dynora Obeso has been one of Mexico's most wanted criminals. She's accused of laundering drugs from Colombia to Mexico. Narcotrafico en Mexico reports that authorities believe she launders her drug money into real estate and cars.

Maria Beatriz Rendon Corona is part of Los Granados, an international organization known for human trafficking, according to El Pais. Corona is accused of pimping, trafficking and organized crime in Mexico and the United States. While two of her alleged accomplices have been arrested, she has evaded capture.
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Donald John Trump Jr. is the oldest of the five Trump children.

He works in his father's business empire and often appeared in his dad's "The Apprentice" television franchise.

Here are nine things to know about the first son.

MORE THINGS TO KNOW ABOUT THE FIRST FAMILY:

9 things to know about the other girl, Tiffany Trump

The Trump whisperer: 10 things to know about Jared Kushner

"Little Donald": 9 things to know about Barron

The spare: 9 things to know about Eric Trump
Anyone who has been in Houston during a flood knows it is not a fun time. At all.

However, the Air New Zealand travel magazine apparently didn't get the memo, because they featured a promotion for Houston using a heavily-edited flood photo.
A vehicle crashed into an apartment complex in southwest Houston on Friday morning injuring two children and their mother, according to police.

The incident occurred around 9:15 a.m at 8077 Creekbend Drive. Sgt. C. Nickerson with the Houston Police Department said the driver was traveling northbound when the motorist ran a stop sign and then struck the Braeswood Forest Condominiums.

Two children both age 2, their 27-year-old mother, and the suspect were transported to area hospitals. The extent of their injuries were not given.

The children, mother and father were inside when the vehicle struck their apartment unit. Nickerson said officers were doing a routine patrol of the area when witnesses approached them about the incident.

Robert Hunt III, an apartment resident, was sitting in the living room and on the computer, when the vehicle crashed into his unit.

He said his wife and 2-year-old twins were in the bedroom, when the impact of the crash moved the bed and caused debris to fall on top of the bed. He recalled trying to remove some debris off his son from the crash.

"He just crashed through the house," Hunt said. "Totally, totally out of the blue."

He said his wife has a concussion, and his daughter had a gash on her forehead. The father does not know the extent of his son's injuries. They are all currently being treated at a local hospital.

Houston police spokesman Kese Smith said the incident has been classified as a non-fatal accident and one person has been taken into custody.
Bill Montgomery/Houston Chronicle

Bush Intercontinental Airport is one of seven U.S. gateways that will receive a portion of $110 million that British Airways has earmarked for customer experience upgrades.

The airline plans upgrades at its business class lounges in Houston, Boston, Chicago, Miami, New York, San Francisco and Seattle. British Airways chairman and CEO Alex Cruz announced the changes Thursday in New York.
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Art Sisneros will be on the hot seat when Texas electors gather Dec. 19 in Dallas.

Sisneros, 40, an industrial welding supplies salesman from Dayton, was chosen as the elector to represent Congressional District 36, which includes Liberty, Newton, Jasper, Tyler, Polk, Orange, Hardin and Chambers counties, at a time when the field of Republican candidates was much broader.

"Ted Cruz was still in it then. John Kasich, too. There were other options besides Trump. I never expected he would be the candidate for the Republican Party," Sisneros said.

Sisneros said his religious faith makes him reluctant to pledge support for Republican president-elect Donald Trump. But that puts Sisneros in something of a bind.

Once named an elector, Sisneros signed a non-binding affidavit pledging support for the Republican nominee, but this also came before some of the more salacious revelations about Trump at the end of the election cycle.

Sisneros, a devout Christian, believes Trump fails match up to the biblical qualifications of a presidential candidate for the United States, though he hasn't decided how he will vote.

"I don't think Trump is a Christian and I don't think anyone takes his claims that he is a Christian seriously," Sisneros said. "My personal feelings are irrelevant; however, I do think it's important that I meet the qualifications that God has placed on me as a voter."

In early fall on a blog post titled "Biblical Voting in the Age of Trump," Sisneros explained his decision to hold true to his faith, even if it meant going against the Republican Party.

"It seems clear to me that God both calls me to vote and directs me to only vote for men who fear Him and are just according to God's law. He doesn't expect or allow me to add to his qualifications and seek for perfection. He also doesn't hold me accountable for all the sins that these qualified men commit once in office. He does, however, give me clear commands for who is qualified and expects me to be obedient with my calling as a voter. Therefore, I cannot, in good conscience, vote for Donald Trump for president," he wrote.

While some Christians may rationalize voting for Trump, Sisneros said he cannot.

"We have been told for so long that we have to vote for the lesser of two evils, but that leads to an evil person being elected. I think the Republican voters allowed their fear of Hillary Clinton to motivate them to support Trump, instead of their fear of God," he said.

Sisneros' ambivalence toward Trump has caused a backlash among Republicans in Liberty County. Many of those outraged at Sisneros took to social media to ask him to reconsider his vote, which could very well be cast for Thomas Hoefling, a third party write-in candidate and for whom Sisneros voted in the general election.

"...Liberty County Republicans, you chose Art in good faith that he would represent you, not himself. If he does not use his electoral vote for Trump as this county voted, then he should never be allowed to represent the county again," wrote Gayle Coleman, wife of former Liberty County Republican Party Chairman Ken Coleman, on her Facebook page.

Ryan Daniel, who became the county's party chairman in June, said in a written statement that he still expects Sisneros to vote for the candidate who won the congressional district - Trump.

"However, vilifying one another over differences of opinion is inexcusable and has no place in our county party," Daniel said.

Since announcing his reluctance to vote for Trump, Sisneros said he has been inundated with phone calls, text messages, social media posts and emails.

"I think I have heard from every angry Trump supporter. I've also heard from Hillary supporters and Bernie supporters. Most of those just want me to not vote for Trump," he said.

In the weeks leading up to the Dec. 19 assembly, Sisneros will be weighing his options.

"I haven't decided what I will do. Part of the reason is there are moral implications of who I vote for and there are also moral obligations from signing the pledge," he said. "If people have confidence in me, then they know where I stand."

State Republican Party officials were called for comment but they declined, in part because Sisneros' one vote will not change the outcome of the election.

"This is purely principle," Sisneros explained, " and I have to vote for what I can live with."
More than a dozen honorees, from a justice of the peace to an artist and the owner of the popular local restaurant Italianos, earned recognition as 2016 FamilyTime Crisis and Counseling Center's Women of Achievement.

During a special reception with past Women of Achievement Sunday, Nov. 13, the newest crop of women will be recognized at the Women of Achievement Gala Jan. 21 at the Hyatt Regency Hotel in Houston.

"FamilyTime has been around since 1977, and we still have people volunteering today that were with us then," Judy Coz, executive director of FamilyTime, said during the reception. "We have four locations in three counties, including our Thrift Store in Porter, our Counseling Center and Shelter both in the Humble area, and the counseling center and Thrift Store in Dayton. We are delighted to recognize these 13 women and honor each of them for their contributions to our communities."

MARI OMORI - THE ARTS

A talented artist in her own right, Omori is a true force in promoting fine arts events and activities in the Lake Houston community. She shares her knowledge, training, artistic and creative talents with the public in gallery presentations and with her students as professor of art at Lone Star College-Kingwood.

JENNIFER VANDENBROOK - EDUCATION

Throughout her 22 years in education, all of which have occurred in Humble ISD, Vandenbrook has made a significant difference in the lives of many students, parents and staff members. Currently, as a counselor at Pine Forest Elementary, she has implemented crucial programs that enhance learning and the well-being of students, including: Kids Hope USA Mentoring program, Backpack Buddy, Watch DOGS (Dads of Great Students), Cookies with the Counselor, Panther PALS (Peers as Leaders), No Place for Hate (Anti-Bullying Campaign) and Comfort Dogs.

NANCY COZAD - Volunteer

Cozad has volunteered in the community for 26 years. Her biggest volunteer effort has been with Humble ISD and the district's Education Foundation. She has served on bond committees, district decision-making committees and in many PTA board positions. In addition, Cozad has volunteered for more than 20 years with the Humble Area First Baptist Church as an adult choir member, music librarian, children's choir director and wedding coordinator.

PAT MORLEN - Community Activist

A retired teacher, Morlen is dedicated to spending much of her time helping others, as she cares about people and the community. In addition to teaching, being a mom and a military wife, Morlen also became a surrogate mother to the young enlisted soldiers and their families. During deployment, she was the Readiness Group Leader making sure all went well, and holding hands when things were not. In the political arena, Morlen is serving as the first vice president of the Kingwood Area Republican Women and is currently a Harris County precinct chairperson, an election judge and a member of the Harris County GOP Ballot Security Committee.

MIA HOYT - Homemaker:

In describing Hoyt, many have said that she is the most selfless person that they know. Her dedication to family and community is something to be admired. In an 18-month period, they fostered 8 children. As a foster mom, Hoyt took over the emergency care of two children, ages 5 and 18 months, from the same family. These children were physically abused and exhibited severe developmental and behavioral delays. According to her friends, Hoyt's unconditional love and care for children, especially as a foster parent, has positively affected the lives around her.

ALEXANDRIA HOUSTON - WOMEN'S ADVOCATE

In honor of her cousin, a victim of domestic violence, Houston created BEAT DV (Becoming Educated and Aware Together about Domestic Violence) to empower women and educate the community about the perils of domestic violence. The organization also provides hair care services, clothing, holiday parties, and school supplies for the shelter. In addition, every Thanksgiving Houston holds a fundraiser, "Twenties for Turkeys," which raises money to provide a Thanksgiving dinner for the women and children at the shelter.

SUSIE KUMBARCJA - ENTREPRENEUR

On any given night, there is a crowd enjoying food and fellowship at Italiano's restaurant. The owner, Kumbarcja, grew up in the restaurant business and learned from an early age how to keep the customers walking in the door. Starting from Romas, a small local pizza place, Kumbarcja and her husband, Al, built Italiano's with one thing in mind-offering great food at affordable prices so the community can enjoy a night out. Kumbarcja works the counter, greets people, directs waiters, serves food, clears plates and stops by tables to see if anything is needed. Whether it is a school event, a local charity event, or a fundraiser for a church, Kumbarcja's generosity is endless.

LANELLE JOHNSTON - BUSINESS

Johnston has been an Associate of CruiseOne of Kingwood since 2003 and is a CLIA Master Cruise Counselor. Johnston provides exemplary, personalized service to her clients. She also provides exemplary service to her community. Johnston has held several positions as an elected officer for the Kingwood Area Republican Women, representing the club at both the local and state level. Under her leadership, KARW has received several awards. Johnston also serves as a mentor to aspiring business leaders. She is a charter member of the Deerwood Toastmasters, which was formed in 1994 and she teaches leadership skills and assists those interested in starting their own Toastmasters club.

BARBARA HEMPHILL - HUMAN SERVICES

Fifteen years ago, Hemphill started a support group for caregivers of people with Alzheimer's disease or other dementia. When she realized that many who needed the group could not attend, she developed a website designed to keep dementia caregivers aware of current information, local resources, and educational events. In 2014, she co-founded Kingwood Memory Cafe, a nonprofit which assists Lake Houston area families living with dementia in its early stages. In addition to these projects, Hemphill works each year with the Kingwood Caregiver Conference and an Alzheimer's Association photography and poetry project.

LANA WALKER - VISIONARY

Walker has been involved in several outreach ministries but wanted to start her own ministry to benefit women who need assistance in the community. With some encouragement from Lake Houston United Methodist Church and a vision, Lana started Handbags of Hope where she collects gently used purses and wallets, and fills them with almost everything's women would need for a fresh start. She has delivered more than 500 filled handbags to FamilyTime where they are distributed to women in crisis that FamilyTime serves. Her enthusiasm for Handbags of Hope is contagious, prompting other organizations, such as the Rotary Club and the several High Schools, The Commons Ladies Club in her Neighborhood, Churches, friends, and family, to donate to the ministry and offer to help stuff the purses.

MEGAN MARIETTA - MEDICAL

Marietta serves as the Chief Operating Officer at Kingwood Medical Center. During her tenure, she has overseen the construction of an additional 211 inpatient beds, The Women and Children's Center, a 24-hour Emergency Care Center at Fall Creek, two observation units, cardiac and neurosurgical operating room suites, a Neuro Endovascular lab, the cardiac catheterization lab expansion, the Breast Center expansion, and an inpatient rehabilitation unit. In the community, Marietta has served on the Greater East Montgomery County Board of Directors, the Lake Houston YMCA Board, and the Montgomery County United Way Board.

LARYSSA KORDUBA - SPECIAL RECOGNITION

Korduba is the first woman to serve as our Justice of the Peace for Harris County Precinct 4. As judge, Korduba has made many changes in streamlining the operations of our local people's court, taking the office from paper-driven to a more computer automated operation. Her changes are saving time and money for area taxpayers. Korduba has also focused on making sure students stay in school. She works hard with them, and their families, to help them understand the importance of getting a High School diploma and has promised to attend their graduation as a way to encourage them to finish.

LORI SCHERR - SPIRIT OF FAMILYTIME

Scherr's generous nature and warm personality have been a gift to many. Whether as a Girl Scout leader, Art and Environment Minister or international children's sponsor, Lori gives from the heart with quiet efficiency and passionate dedication. Scherr has co-chaired FamilyTime's Mothers Are Jewels Luncheon for the past three years and helps with FamilyTime's other annual events such as the gala and candlelight vigil. Sharing FamilyTime's passion to help those in need, Scherr co-founded the Home Again Ministry at Saint Mary Magdalene Catholic Church.
Jared Kushner is the husband of future first daughter Ivanka Trump and a close confidant of her father, President-elect Donald Trump.

But he has been a prominent figure in New York real estate and media for a full decade.
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Part-time guide for Northstar Tours in Canada, David de Meulles, was leading a bus when he saw something he'll probably never forget.

Meulles had just stopped the bus near a sled dog sanctuary. A polar bear that  according to an article on ABC  had just woken up from a "cat nap" approached a nearby dog.

"The bear then just started gracefully petting the dog like a human" Meulles told ABC. "It was incredible to see such a powerful animal be so friendly with such a small dog. Normally, these animals are known as killers."

DEVASTATING: The Arctic is melting, affecting polar bear habitat

The Churchill, Manitoba native told CBC News he has seen bears interact with dogs, but never to the level he witnessed on Nov. 12. Churchill is located on the coast of Hudson Bay in the far northern reaches of the province.

Luckily he managed to capture the "mind-blowing" moment and uploaded the video to YouTube, where it has gotten nearly 800,000 views.

"It was a beautiful sight to see," said Meulles to CBC. "I just can't believe an animal that big would show that kind of heart toward another animal."

The polar bear might not be endangered yet, but the has been categorized as "vulnerable" because the population is steadily decreasing.

Take a look through the gallery above to see some on the species that are officially ranked as endangered.
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Scenic Houston knows how to throw a mean fundraiser.

The streetscape planning and revitalization organization's winning formula is simple: al fresco reception, minimal programming, and killer speeches.

This year's chairs Julie Peak and David Hightower went above and beyond, having produced the non-profit's highest-attended and most financially successful annual dinner with $390,000 raised.

Truthfully, late October's near-perfect weather didn't hurt.

Around sunset, more than 360 supporters clinked glasses on Houston Country Club grounds before heading into the tony venue's sunken ballroom. There, Houston Public Media's and soiree emcee Ernie Manouse encouraged presenters to keep remarks short and sweet.

"I have one important role," said board chairman Harry Masterson. "To extend a huge thanks to our chairs and ambassadors."

Indeed, a room full of civic leaders, including former mayors Bill White and Annise Parker, and past honorees attended the festive occasion. Just when it seemed that the evening would wrap in record time, one key figure, sitting Mayor Sylvester Turner, arrived later than expected to present honoree with an eponymous "Larry D. Johnson Day" proclamation.

"I cannot say enough about Broadway (Street)," Turner said of Scenic Houston's latest endeavor. "It has literally transformed in our presence."

Cheered on by family, peers, and members of his decades-long breakfast club, Johnson closed the show.

"I grew up with a love of scenery," he shared. "Growing up in West Texas, the scenery  yes, there were tumble weeds  was a little bit different, but just as a wonderful."
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Montgomery County residents left a recent town hall meeting with more questions than answers after the East 1488 Montgomery Community Association of Montgomery County hosted a forum for residents to voice their concerns over rising fees on their water bills.

But the state agency they feel is most responsible, the San Jacinto River Authority, opted not to come to the town hall citing ongoing litigation between the SJRA and the cities of Conroe and Magnolia.

Representatives from the Lone Star Ground Water Conservation District were also unable to discuss details related to the lawsuit.

"They were unprepared," said Jeremy Smith, who lives in Durango Creek in Magnolia, arguing that the officials who did come were not able to succinctly or effectively answer any of residents' questions.

The Lone Star Groundwater Conservation District is one of many groundwater districts throughout Texas. The LSGCD regulates groundwater resources in Montgomery County.

In response, cities like Conroe partnered with the San Jacinto River Authority to reduce their use of groundwater.

But residents say, as water delivery fees from the SJRA rose in recent years, they've been powerless to curb rising fees and feel they've been kept in the dark about the transparency of those charges.

"Show us the cost, show us the breakdown," Smith said, "If you can give us an intelligent answer then we'll back off."

City officials such as former Conroe Mayor Webb Melder said they now regret the partnership, and have protested that the SJRA's seats on the LSGCD board are a conflict in interest. The lawsuits from Conroe and Magnolia prompted the SJRA to countersue after the cities chose not to pay the higher rates.

Kathy Jones, LSGCD general manager, said regarding proposal to change the LSGCD board from appointed to elected was an attempt to change the rules that govern the district.

"I believe there is a push from the plaintiff in the lawsuit because they have a weak case, and this is their attempt to change the rules and regulations to take over the board."

Recently re-elected state Sen. Brandon Creighton, R-Conroe, ran on a platform of greater transparency among water districts, pointing to potential conflicting relationships between SJRA and LSGCD.

"In an area like Montgomery County, where jurisdictions overlap and interests compete, it may take legislative intervention to ensure we are keeping it fair and holding government accountable," he said.

Smith, who lives in one of the least impacted parts of the county, said he and his neighbors are still plenty concerned.

And for other residents throughout Montgomery County, some families have seen fees that are quadruple what the actual water bill was. They said for some, its even been in the thousands of dollars.

One family has seen their fees steadily jump over the last two years. After another spike (adding seven and a half cents per 1,000 gallons) earlier this fall, the pair had enough after seeing a fee on a $299.50 water charge was $403.49 for a total water bill of 735.94.

That for a house without a pool occupied by a couple in High Meadow Ranch.

"My neighbors are paying less for a bigger house," resident John Daring said of the inconsistency of the SJRA-related fees.

For Daring, his issue is less with his direct water provider and more with the state agencies which he feels are handicapping providers by forcing them to pass high charges onto their customers.

He's also skeptical of the SJRA which reasons that they must hike prices to compensate for "a critical funding shortfall" due to "unexpectedly high rainfall," something that some hydrologists have disputed.

While litigation is pending, some officials told the crowd of around 200 to be engaged and write their local and state officials to enlist their help in resolving the issue.

For Melder, he regrets tying his residents into the partnership.

"Unfortunately, the greatest mistake that I made as the mayor of Conroe, Texas; I trusted two state agencies. One of those is SJRA, the other Lone Star Groundwater Conservation District," he said.
The Houston dentist whose care earlier this year left a 4-year-old girl severely brain damaged may no longer practice medicine in the state of Texas.

The Texas State Board of Dental Examiners Friday voted to permanently revoke the license of Dr. Bethaniel Jefferson, whose licensed has been temporarily suspended since January, when the incident occurred. The revocation will become final in 25 days.

The action comes two months after a state administrative judge recommended the permanent revocation of her license. She ruled that Jefferson failed to meet a minimum standard of care in her treatment of Navaeh Hall, including not "recognizing and responding to the emergency situation," when the girl had a seizure and went into shock.

The case dates to January, when Navaeh's parents brought her to Jefferson's clinic for seemingly routine treatment of teeth decay. There, Navaeh was given excessive levels of sedatives, overmedication that deprived her of enough oxygen.

In hours, state records show, Navaeh suffered brain damage and dystonia, a movement disorder characterized by involuntary muscle contractions. She spent three months in a rehabilitation hospital, unable to walk, talk or respond to instructions, before being discharged to home care in April.

"Nevaeh will never recover from her injuries," James Moriarty, the family attorney, said in a statement. "However today's decision is a victory for her parents, and all parents who take their kids to the dentist. We applaud the Dental Board, and State Administrative Law Judges who, through their actions today, are protecting other children from negligent dental practitioners."

Moriarty has filed a civil lawsuit in Harris County against Jefferson on behalf of Nevaeh's parents in the matter.

The dental board's vote was unanimous, except for one member who abstained. On Friday, attempts to reach Jefferson for comment were unsuccessful.
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A slew of Houston protest leaders have been arrested in the past week on charges ranging from simple jaywalking to felony tampering with evidence, prompting allegations that police are targeting local organizers in an effort to shut down protests following the presidential elections.

The result could be a "chilling effect" on free speech, said defense attorney Brian Harrison.

At least seven people  including leaders with Black Lives Matter, the Black Panthers, a local socialist group and other organizations  were arrested during a string of Houston protests.

"It is my belief we are in the middle of a police campaign to tamp down on demonstration and protest after the election," Harrison said.

Some protesters claim police are zeroing in on local organizers.

"The leadership is being targeted," said Ashton P. Woods, a leader in the local Black Lives Matter movement.

When asked about the allegations, Houston Police Department spokeswoman Jodi Silva highlighted the department's experience with covering public events and officers' ability to help make sure everyone can exercise their right to free speech.

"There are times there are arrests when the violations of the law are committed," she said, "but any time somebody feels that the department has treated them unfairly we request them to make an internal affairs complaint."

One of the most publicized cases was the arrest of Sheree Dore, a Black Lives Matter organizer and homeless advocate accused of punching a police horse.

Even as Dore appeared in court Monday  where the judge more than doubled her bail  prosecutors were preparing to file similar charges against another protest leader, Joseph Wade, who often attends Houston protests dressed like Marxist revolutionary Che Guevara.

During a rowdy Nov. 10 anti-Trump protest, Wade was initially arrested and cited for jaywalking, according to court documents.

Three days later, he was charged with felony harassment of a public servant for allegedly spitting on the officer who told him not to jaywalk.

Then on Tuesday, prosecutors filed another felony charge alleging that Wade punched a police horse named Sgt. Curly.

Harrison, Wade's attorney, said he believes HPD keeps files on protest leaders "and they have ended up arresting a number of those people this week. But whether that's enough to say that they're actively targeting the leadership, I don't know."

Bryan Sweeney, a Black Panther who was arrested both at the Nov. 10 march and again on Tuesday, was more outspoken.

"They're telling the leaders things like, 'We're going to arrest you today,'" he said.

But whether are not police are targeting specific people, Harrison said, the arrests are unprecedented.

"I am not aware in the 16 years that I've been active in Houston politics of any string of arrests like this flowing from demonstrations in Houston and I think it is most clearly sending a message to people  stay away," he said. "Stay home or you will be arrested."

The protesters say arrests won't stop them. More actions are planned for the next week, including a Sunday afternoon anti-Trump demonstration at Westheimer and Post Oak.

"You can jail the revolutionary but you can't jail the revolution," Sweeney said.
Problems related to construction of a new $2.5 million animal adoption center have created months of delays and increased costs, city officials told members of the Pasadena City Council at a Nov. 15 meeting.

Mayor Johnny Isbell said the problems were so extensive they had considered firing the contractor at one point.

"We were seriously thinking about jerking away the contract," Isbell told the council. "We had serious concerns because the plumbing was sticking up everywhere and we had to get that straightened out before they could pour the slab."

In May, the council awarded a $2.5 million construction contract via competitive bidding to Houston-based IKLO Construction for the new animal adoption facility. Attempts to reach the company were unsuccessful by presstime.

Isbell said officials were able to get the project back on track with help from the project's architectural firm, Civil Concepts Inc. The city now proposes paying the firm up to $50,000 to help oversee the construction process on an "as-needed" basis. Robin Green, Public Works Director for the city of Pasadena, told the council the project was behind schedule by several months because of bad weather, but he expected construction to be complete by next March.

The measure was unanimously approved on the first reading. The council is expected to grant final approval on Nov. 29.
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SAN ANTONIO  An 18-year-old UTSA student was arrested Wednesday for allegedly getting a soft drink refill from a restaurant on campus and assaulting one of the workers who tried to force him to pay, according to court documents.

Justice A. Falade was charged with first-degree aggravated robbery, which poses a maximum sentence of between five to 99 years or life in prison.

Falade allegedly walked over to a soda machine dispenser on Monday in the John Peace Library food court and filled a personal cup with a beverage and walked away.

An employee at the food court, described as being 65 years of age or older, confronted Falade and said he had to pay for the drink. He allegedly told her no because it was his own cup and tried to walk away, according to an arrest affidavit obtained by mySA.com.

When he walked away the woman said she would call police and started doing so. Falade then allegedly grabbed the phone out of her hand and walked away with it. She attempted to get her phone back by pulling on the mans backpack.

When she reached for her phone, he allegedly grabbed her by her left wrist and slammed her to the ground, the affidavit said.

Falade confessed to the theft incident but disagreed on the manner that the complainant landed on the ground, the affidavit said.

He said he gave her ample warning to let go and then jerked his arm away from her, causing her to stumble and fall, according to the affidavit.

A witness intervened and grabbed Falade, throwing him to the ground and telling him to get out of the area, according to the affidavit.

Falade was identified via a still photograph from surveillance footage.

The woman suffered a contusion to her left hand, a right shoulder sprain and a sprained left wrist, the affidavit said.
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Landry's Inc. filed a defamation lawsuit against a California-based animal welfare organization over allegations made about the living conditions for the white tigers at the company's Downtown Aquarium.

The lawsuit, filed Thursday in Harris County, accuses the Animal Legal Defense Fund of defaming the company with "deliberately false accusations of animal mistreatment and criminal conduct," over four captive-bred white Bengal tigers that have been housed at Houston's Downtown Aquarium since 2004.

In the lawsuit, Landry's accuses officials with ALDF of making false statements about the tigers, saying they are kept in "deplorable" conditions harmful to their well-being. The company says the organizations distributed "false information" through social media, interviews and their public website.

In a statement released late Thursday, the ALDF said "We have received the lawsuit and we're currently reviewing the allegations."

Update: Judge tosses defamation lawsuit over Landry's tigers

Landry's says ALDF is attempting to coerce them into giving up their tigers and sending them to a "sanctuary" that they deem appropriate. If not, the animal welfare group will file a lawsuit in federal court based on the Endangered Species Act.

The Downtown Aquarium is licensed by the U.S. Department of Agriculture as an animal exhibitor and is regularly inspected under the Animal Welfare Act. Landry's also said the Downtown Aquarium is fully accredited by the Association of Zoos and Aquariums and the Zoological Association of America.

"The Downtown Aquarium has never been cited for a non-compliance with the AWA nor has it had any Animal Welfare Act violations related to the care of its tigers or any other animal," the lawsuit states.

The lawsuit should not come as a surprise to the Animal Legal Defense Fund. In September, an attorney for Landry's said the company planned on taking the legal action because of the "false" and "manipulative " statements made by the group.

The lawsuit seeks a retraction of the statements and damages to the "jurisdictional limits of this Court."
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Carl Conyers, the 21-year-old University of Houston student who went missing earlier this week, has been found safe, according to police.

Conyers is the son of Rep. John Conyers, D-Mich. The 87-year-old congressman is currently the longest-serving member of the U.S. House of Representatives.

Michael Rosen, a spokesman for the University of Houston, said campus police received a tip from Conyers' girlfriend Daisha Lewis and then located the student at his apartment complex in the 3700 block of Southmore around 1:30 a.m Friday.

"The primary concern of the university and the university police was being able to ensure Mr. Conyers' safety and being able to reunite him with his family," Rosen said Friday.

Conyers was interviewed by Houston Police Department investigators and then was released to his family.

Police said the UH student was found in good health, but circumstances surrounding his disappearance are still under investigation.

Tuesday, Conyers had reportedly disappeared with his bike and car being left behind at his apartment complex.

His close friend Corey Gentry also confirmed Conyers was found Friday morning, but could not provide any further information.

The FBI and Secret Service had joined in the search for the missing student on Thursday.
According to a report this week out of Austin the YETI company will soon open its first flagship store in one of that citys busiest and most-popular shopping districts.

The Austin American-Statesman reported that the Austin-based brand known for its heavy-duty drinking tumblers and ice chests will soon open up a store featuring all things YETI at 220 South Congress.
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Despite concern from LGBTQ activists, a Texas state senator's office says a bill addressing parents' right to full disclosure of school information would not force schools to "out" students who identify as sexual minorities, her chief of staff said.

Sen. Konni Burton, R-Fort Worth, filed Senate Bill 242 on Thursday for the 2017 Texas Legislative session that begins Jan. 10 in Austin.

The two-page bill states that a parent is entitled to all of a school district's written records about their child's "general physical, psychological or emotional well-being (except information related to child abuse). An attempt by a school employee to conceal or encourage a child to withhold information is grounds for discipline, the bill states.

TOP 10: Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick lists his top 10 priorities for the new legislative session

Equality Texas, a nonprofit organization that works to secure equal rights for sexual minorities through legislation and education, on Friday issued a statement opposing Burton's bill.

"Until kids are not kicked out of their house for being gay or transgender, and until kids are not being beaten by parents for being gay or transgender, we owe it to kids to protect them," said the statement from Steven M. Rudman, Equality Texas board chairman. "We believe Sen. Burton's legislation would essentially destroy protected communications between a student and an educator...."

Some also worry that the bill would also put lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender or queer (LGBTQ) Texas youth at risk of being placed in so-called "reparative therapy," which is based upon the premise that homosexuality is a mental health problem, according to the progressive website TheNewCivilRightsMovement.com.

KEEPING SCORE: Houston ranks near bottom in LGBT equality report

"That is an unfortunate interpretation," said Elliott Griffin, the senator's chief of staff, on Friday.

Nothing in the bill should be construed to mean that a child could be forced into reparative therapy, he said. "I have no idea why they would draw that conclusion."

Burton's proposed bill came about in response to the Fort Worth school district issuing new guidelines about transgender students, which triggered an uproar over parents' loss of access to complete information, Elliott said.

There was also concern with how the guidelines were developed at the administrative level, without involving the local school board or getting parental input, Griffin said.

As Burton noted in an op-ed piece she wrote in May, she was "appalled" that the school district would be willing to share information with a third party if it was deemed necessary but kept parents on a "need to know" basis.

Nonetheless, Griffin emphasized Friday that Burton's bill does not include a duty to report information unless a parent asks for it.

SUNDAYS TOO: Dallas church could be in trouble for giving LGBTQ members full rights

Texas already has legislation that outlines a parent's right to have information about their children, and the proposed bill would clarify and make stronger those existing statutes, Elliott said.

SB 242 "streamlines" the legislation, he said, by consolidating in one place existing provisions that now appear in several different parts of Chapter 26 of the Texas Education Code.

If a student talks to a teacher or counselor about being gay or identifying as some other sexual minority, Burton's proposed bill is silent on how the teacher would be required to respond, he said.

"We wouldn't presume to tell an individual teacher what to do," Elliott said. "If you (as a parent) call and ask about your child, you should have the expectation that the school isn't going to withhold valuable information. It's existing state law."
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As the White House announced its annual turkey pardoning for the day before Thanksgiving, an animal rights group claimed that the Pennsylvania farm that supplies turkeys to the first family keeps its birds in densely crowded, inhumane conditions.

The advocacy group, Direct Action Everywhere (DxE), said it filmed animals at Jaindl Turkey Farms in Orefield, Pa., over several months beginning in June. In video and images released by the group, the animals appear to struggle to move and fight one another for space. Some appear sick or injured, and some of the birds have mutilated beaks.

"Some were so deformed that they could no longer eat," text in the video reads.

David Jaindl, the owner and president of Jaindl Farms, called the DxE video a "gross inaccuracy."

DxE is a frequent critic of the meat industry, particularly of what it says is a bogus animal-welfare ratings system at Whole Foods Market.

"The President has been duped by Jaindl Farms into promoting violence against animals," DxE investigator Tiffany Walker said in a statement. "We're asking him to look at our findings and denounce, rather than promote, Jaindl and other animal-abusing enterprises."

Jaindl said the group filmed a "recovery barn" for sick turkeys and said animals intended for sale to Whole Foods are kept elsewhere at the 219-barn facility.

"These individuals illegally trespassed and staged what you saw in that video in many different instances, and I am furious," he told The Washington Post.

Gregory Hostetter, Pennsylvania's deputy secretary for animal health and food safety, visited Jaindl's facility this week and praised the operation.

"They actually have some of the best animal-husbandry practices," he said of the farm.

Jaindl also said that the barn appeared overcrowded because turkeys were moving toward the trespassers' lights.

"Anybody who knows the first thing about poultry knows you can't do that," he said.

The White House declined to comment, referring questions to the National Turkey Federation. The federation provides the live birds pardoned by the president each year, and each year it chooses a different supplier.

Jaindl says on its website that it provides the turkeys the first family eats, not the ones a president pardons. The company says it "has sent two Grand Champion turkeys to the White House each Thanksgiving" and that one of its brands "has been selected by the National Turkey Federation to supply the turkey that graces the holiday table at the White House each Thanksgiving" since 1962.

However, Jaindl turkeys have not been eaten in the Obama White House. In 2014, The Post reported that Obama had donated the turkeys to charity each year during his administration.

"I will bring a couple less fortunate turkeys to a great organization that works to help out our neighbors here in D.C. who need it most," Obama said in 2013. "And I want to thank Jaindl's Turkey Farm in Orefield, Pennsylvania, for donating those dressed birds for the fifth year in a row."

Wayne Hsiung, an organizer for DxE, claimed that the group visited 80 percent of the barns on site and found similar conditions. The idea that animals in one barn were better cared for, he said, defied logic.

"If you believe that story, you must believe in Santa Claus," Hsiung said.

A letter from Jaindl's legal counsel sent to DxE accused the group of "ecoterrorism" and said the video's "editing/captioning grossly misrepresents what was captured."

"If ever you could have chosen the wrong operator as an example of poor treatment of turkeys, you certainly have done so in this instance," read the letter from Joseph A. Zator II. "It is your organization that has harmed turkeys. Sneaking into a hospital barn in the middle of the night, when such activity causes the birds to crowd and stampede, thereby injuring many."

Whole Foods said the turkeys in the video are not the ones it buys from Jaindl.

"Whole Foods Market has the highest animal welfare standards in the industry, and we take any allegations of mistreatment of animals by a supplier very seriously," Robin Kelly, a spokeswoman for the company, said in a statement.
AUSTIN -- The State Board of Education ended a months-long battle over a controversial Mexican-American studies textbook Friday, officially rejecting the text critics have lambasted as erroneous and offensive.

The board voted unanimously to exclude the "Mexican American Heritage" textbook from the list of texts recommended to Texas' 1,247 school districts. However, individual schools and districts still can opt to use the book.
AUSTIN -- After decades of planning and controversy, the first monument honoring the contributions of African-Americans to Texas history will be dedicated Saturday at the Texas Capitol.

Gov. Greg Abbott will join members of the Texas Legislative Black Caucus -- along with Houston Mayor Sylvester Turner, a former House member and caucus member -- at the 10 a.m. unveiling on the south lawn of the historic statehouse of the large bronze friezes that will form the centerpiece of the new monument.

Nearby are much-older monuments honoring Confederate soldiers for their service during the Civil War. Texas was a part of the Confederacy.

It is the second memorial dedicated to a specific ethnic group. The Tejano Monument, dedicated to Mexican-American history in Texas, was installed in 2012 just east of the Capitol entrance driveways, across from the site of the African-American memorial.

The new monument features portrayals of the African-American experience in Texas -- from exploration in the 1500s to slavery and from emancipation to achievements in the arts and sciences -- and has been in planning for decades in what originally was to have been a statue honoring Juneteenth and the end of slavery.

"This is part of people's history, and you can't walk away from the reality of it all," Ed Dwight, the Denver-based artist who designed the memorial, said in an earlier statement. "Each state has experienced slavery and civil rights in a different way because they had different laws and different fervor."

Officials with the State Preservation Board, which maintains the statehouse, said the new monument joins 20 others across the Capitol grounds, including statues honoring volunteer firefighters and veterans of five wars.

Dwight said he started work on the memorial in 2010 and the final product cost about $3 million to complete. A foundation for the memorial raised more than $2 million for the effort, and the Legislature two years ago contributed more than $1 million.

"After many years of hard work bringing the Texas African American Historical Monument to the Capitol Grounds, the stories of struggle and triumph of African-American Texans will be properly consecrated at our state's capitol," state Rep. Helen Giddings, D-DeSoto, chairwoman of the Texas Legislative Black Caucus, said in a statement.

In an earlier statement, state Sen. Rodney Ellis, D-Houston, said the monument serves as reminder of the progress Texas has made toward achieving equality, and the work that remains.

"As we've seen in recent battles over textbooks and Confederate monuments  symbols matter," Ellis said. "History belongs to us all. And students of every color and creed should see themselves reflected in our museums and our history books. Texas is and has long been a vibrant, diverse state. We are all strengthened when we begin to understand, celebrate and honor all of our histories instead of denying or distorting those histories."

The Legislature's original plan for an African-American monument was much different than the memorial to be dedicated on Saturday.

The first plan in 1999 was dropped after the statue was completed and quickly drew criticism that one figure on it closely resembled then-state Rep. Al Edwards, a Black Caucus leader from Houston who had advocated for the project. It was never installed.

State officials said Friday that as part of the dedication ceremonies, Buffalo Soldiers will post the colors and a choir from the historically African-American Huston-Tillotson University will sing.
NASA scientists recently found evidence pointing to the fact that Mercury is undergoing a planetary "global contraction," meaning the solar system's smallest planet may be getting even smaller.

Researchers who study high-resolution pictures of Mercury's surface argue that a massive 2-mile deep valley has formed as a result of the planet's shrinking.
The metaphor of the moment is that Donald Trump is the dog that caught up with the car. Multiple members of his own transition team have used this analogy when explaining their scramble to catch up. The truth is that almost no one on his own team thought he could win. They planned, or didn't plan, accordingly.

A more apt reference, especially after Trump's inauguration, might be the Pottery Barn Rule. Colin Powell popularized this doctrine in the foreign policy context. The then-secretary of state warned George W. Bush about the consequences of invading Iraq: "You are going to be the proud owner of 25 million people. You will own all their hopes, aspirations, and problems. You'll own it all." As Bob Woodward recounted in a 2004 book, "Privately, Powell and Deputy Secretary of State Richard Armitage called this the Pottery Barn rule: You break it, you own it."

-- Trump and the congressional Republicans who have chosen to make their bed with him are responsible for what happens from now on. There is now no one to blame if they can't pass budgets, avoid shutdowns, deal with sequestration, replace Obamacare, destroy ISIS or reverse the continuing loss of manufacturing jobs. If climate change gets worse, it's on them. If Syria continues its downward spiral, it's on them. If more countries acquire nuclear weapons, it's on them. It may be totally unfair, but that's the way our system works.

-- This is a rude awakening that faces every president, regardless of party, but it will be especially acute for someone who has demonstrated a preternatural unwillingness to take personal responsibility for anything.

Barack Obama constantly blamed Bush and the Republicans for the lingering effects of the Great Recession, but by the 2010 midterms - just two years after the greatest economic calamity in 80 years - most voters were sick and tired of what they saw as excuses. Fairly or not, they punished Democrats for their pain. Congressional Republicans made a strategic decision not to help Obama; it paid political dividends but corroded public faith in the institutions of government. Now congressional Democrats are faced with a similar choice.

-- Republicans are about to have unified control of government for the first time since 2006, which was three years before the birth of the tea party movement. The GOP has changed dramatically during the intervening decade, lurching rightward from being for smaller government toward being anti-government. Then the party's rank-and-file nominated someone for president who is simultaneously promising the biggest tax cuts ever, a massive increase in defense spending and steadfast opposition to any entitlement reform.

The last time Republicans had unified control of the government, the American people were so happy with how it went that they made San Francisco liberal Nancy Pelosi the speaker of the House and a community activist turned law professor named Barack Hussein Obama the first black president. Both developments were unthinkable to many at this juncture in 2004. Trump's rise is, at least to some degree, a belated over-correction to the overreach of Pelosi, Obama and Harry Reid during their two years with super-majorities.

-- The GOP now has a lot on its plate for the first 100 days. Many Republicans in the Capitol are talking about trying to use reconciliation to repeal Obamacare in January. Trump has suggested his top priority will be an infrastructure spending package.

Trump's appointees need to get confirmed. Attorney General-designee Jeff Sessions, whose nomination to a federal judgeship was blocked in the 1980s by a bipartisan group of senators because of alleged racist comments he had made as U.S. attorney, will not be able to coast through the Judiciary Committee, despite the fact he is a member. (In fact, that actually hurts his prospects - because he cannot vote for himself.)

Much more importantly, because it will shape the country for a generation, the president-elect must quickly decide on a Supreme Court pick. A bunch of the names on his list of 21 could face heavy resistance.

This week, Trump made his first stamp on Congress as House Republicans bowed to his wishes and announced plans to extend government funding through March, despite warnings from top GOP senators that such a short-term spending strategy will wreak havoc on the first several months of his presidency. In addition to the big-ticket items, Trump will now need to negotiate a bill to fund the government. This could wind up wasting a lot of time and blunting any early momentum he might get.

Politically-savvy Republican lawmakers on the Hill are baffled by the decision to pass only a three-month C.R., instead of clearing the deck. "It'll only get harder," said Rep. Charlie Dent, R-Pa. "You'll have a smaller margin of error in the Senate, and we're not likely to get any Democratic cooperation in the new year." Trump allies argue that they'll have more leverage without needing to deal with Obama, and they bet that Democrats will never allow a shutdown. But, here again, they will own the outcome of the spending fight.

-- Will deficits matter to this unified Republican government? The GOP has a long history of only caring about the national debt during election years and when they are out of power. Fiscal discipline has tended to go out the window when they're the ones who get to write the checks.

Ronald "Reagan proved deficits don't matter," Dick Cheney reportedly said in 2002 as he pushed for a second round of Bush tax cuts at the same time that the government was ramping up expenditures for the war on terror, homeland security and Iraq.

When Reagan took office, the size of the national debt was $1.1 trillion. When he left, it was $2.9 trillion. The debt increased by more than $5 trillion during Bush 43's presidency.

-- Nothing in Trump's business record, which includes six bankruptcies, suggests he will be a deficit hawk. If Trump was still a Democrat, which he was the last time Republicans ran Washington, many GOP lawmakers would loudly worry about this. But we're already seeing some of the likeliest conservative dissidents fall in line.

-- The influence and intellectual integrity of conservative outside groups will be tested as never before in the coming months, from the Koch political network to Heritage Action and the Club for Growth. The GOP relentlessly attacked Obama's "stimulus" in 2009, turning it into a dirty word, but it looks like the party is about to get behind the same sort of massive infrastructure spending. There is also a push by Republican members in the House to bring back earmarks, though it has been put off for now.

-- Besides winning, what are Trump's core convictions? Every leak out of Trump Tower only bolsters the narrative that Trump lacks a cohesive worldview or a coherent ideology. As Herbert Hoover once said of FDR, Trump is a chameleon in plaid. He ran against Common Core; now he's considering two Common Core cheerleaders for Education secretary. He ran against interventionism, but now he's mulling John Bolton for State. He spent months lacing into Mitt Romney as the symbol of a broken GOP; now his team is floating that the 2012 nominee could be asked to run Foggy Bottom. Trump promised to drain the swamp; now he's relying on swamp creatures to show him how.
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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United States attorneys serve at the pleasure of the president. Heres hoping that it is the pleasure of President-elect Donald J. Trump to keep junkyard-dog federal prosecutor Preet Bharara on the job long enough to finish the extraordinary work he has undertaken in New York.

Custom has it that U.S. attorneys stand ready to depart when a new president is inaugurated. Bill Clinton, taking office in 1993, demandedand receivedresignation letters from all 93 federal prosecutors. New brooms, as they say, sweep clean. Bharara, if not a new broom, is certainly a big one, and hes been sweeping clean since President Obamaon the recommendation of Senator Charles Schumerappointed him U.S. Attorney for the Southern District of New York in 2009. Thats one of the most challenging prosecutorial posts in the federal government, albeit one that has generally focused on Wall Street and the financial markets. Bharara widened the brief to include New York government at the state and local levelscoring spectacular, if substantially incomplete, results.

Former New York assembly speaker Sheldon Silver and one-time state senate majority leader Dean Skelos are on their way to federal prison; former key aides to Governor Andrew Cuomo await formal indictment in separate scandals; and New York City mayor Bill de Blasios administration has been hamstrung by at least five investigationsmost of them conducted, initiated, or materially aided by Bharara.

Not since Manhattan district attorney Thomas Dewey went after Tammany Hall to splendid effect some 80 years ago has a single prosecutor had the effect on political corruption in New York that Bharara has already achieved. Yet for all of that, much remains to be done, with not much time to do it if standard succession conventions are observed.

New York will never be free of corruption. Greed, stupidity, and arrogance are part of the human conditionarguably nowhere more acutely than in the Empire State. Bhararas singular service to date has been to impose a measure of restraint on business as usual. Going forward, rare will be the gathering of politicians and other players where the folks at the table wont wonder who among them is wearing a wire. And that is all to the good in a state known for its political culture of corruption.

De Blasio is heading into his reelection year, with Cuomo presumably to follow in 2018. For better or worse, each deserves unequivocal conclusions to the investigations and related activities that Bharara has initiated. The prosecutor needs to drop the hammer or lift the cloud, to be blunt. And New Yorkers need a clean resolution also, for otherwise, a restoration of confidence in their government is impossible.

For any of that to happen, Bharara needs time and support. Questions loom, not least among them this: Will the new U.S. attorney generalwhoever that might beprovide Bharara that time and support? Any president-elect has a lot on his plate. Given the circumstances, President-elect Trump likely has more distractions than most. But he is a New Yorker; he cant help but understand whats at stake. He can do his hometownand the rule of lawa substantial favor by extending Preet Bhararas tenure.

Photo by Spencer Platt/Getty Images
Throughout the 2016 Republican nominating process and the just-concluded general-election campaign, Mitt Romney stood out as one of Donald Trumps harshest critics. The former Massachusetts governor and 2012 GOP presidential candidate was a charter member of the Never Trump brigade. Romney questioned Trumps integrity, his competence, and his temperament in unambiguous terms. Trump responded in kind. Hes a loser, Trump said of Romney at a May rally in Anaheim, California. He choked like a dog . . . and he walks like a penguin onto the stage. Did you ever see? Like a penguin!

Now comes news that Romney will meet with the president-elect this weekend to discuss the possibility of becoming Trumps secretary of state. If true, its surely one of the most unexpected political reversals in modern history. It might also work, both for Trump and the country.

Appointing Romney as his chief diplomat would make Trump look strategic, high-minded, and gracious in victory. It would likely calm the nerves of American allies around the globe, who might prefer Romney to more hardline candidates whose names have been mentioned, such as John Bolton or Rudy Giuliani. It would also play well at home: Romneys reputation has rebounded among Democrats, some of whom now regret their over-the-top demonizing of him in the 2012 campaign. A Secretary of State Romney could be all upside for President Trump.

What does Romney get out of it? In a heavily covered speech in March, the former GOP nominee predicted that a Trump presidency would lead to economic recession and that Trumps bombastic style would complicate Americas ability to project power. Donald Trump tells us that he is very, very smart, said Romney. Im afraid that when it comes to foreign policy he is very, very not smart. Statements like that are hard to misinterpret. Were Romney to take a job in the Trump administration, hed have to find a way to explain those comments.

At 69, Mitt Romney is unlikely ever to hold elective office again. If he still wants to serve in government, this could be his last chance. Its clear that Romney cares deeply about the United States and its future (even Democrats can admit that now). Accepting Donald Trumps offer to become secretary of state, should it come, might be the best gift he can give his country.

Photo by Justin Sullivan/Getty Images
Concurs de selectare a 2 consultanti care vor realiza un curs de analiza tranzactionala pentru profesionistii din sectorul educatie in vederea sprijinirii integrarii copiilor refugiati in institutiile de invatamant din RM
Before leaving Pulitzer Hall, the Columbia Journalism School building in Manhattan, on Election Night, I stopped by our makeshift newsroom to absorb some of the evenings excitement. It was still early in the process; polls were just beginning to close around the country. Students were gathering and checking in with their professors, who were their editors for the night. There was a sense of history in the making.

My mind went back 44 years, to November 7, 1972, when I was a student at the school. I was just 23 years old, but on that night, I got to cover a presidential election and write about it for a special edition of the Columbia News. We followed the results on an AP teletype machine that spewed out state totals and on a black-and-white TV featuring Walter Cronkite on the screen.

The school was much smaller back then (after all, this was before Watergate made our profession sexy). There were 123 students in my class, roughly half our class size today. But the division of labor for election night wasnt all that different. Some students, their pockets full of dimes, got to go to the campaign headquarters and phone in scene and color (from pay phones, of course), while others, like me, were on the rewrite bank. I typed my story on an IBM Selectric.

It was not a late night. President Richard Nixon, running for re-election, trounced Senator George McGovern of South Dakota, winning 49 states. McGovern won Massachusetts and the District of Columbia. Nixon even beat McGovern in his home state of South Dakota.

By contrast, the night of November 8, 2016 was a long one. It was after 3 am when Donald J. Trump took the stage and claimed victory. A huge, unanticipated upheaval had taken place in America, and few of us in New York media circles had seen it coming. At a Columbia Journalism School forum the next day, students were visibly upset and many, especially women and people of color, spoke about their fears. They worried aloud about Trumps incendiary comments during the campaign about women, Muslims, African Americans, and the press. After all, here was a candidate for president who said he planned to open up the nations libel laws so we can sue them and win money.

I took the microphone and reminded the students that, like Trump, Richard Nixon, the president of my youth, was an ardent foe of press freedom. He wiretapped journalists phones, unleashed the Internal Revenue Service on them, and featured them prominently on his enemies list. In one landmark case, he went to federal court to stop The New York Times from publishing the Pentagon Papers, a secret history of American involvement in Vietnam. (Nixon lost when the Supreme Court reversed a lower court injunction and allowed the Times to keep publishing.) Nixon won by a landslide that night, I told the students, but most important, he never served out his term. He was forced to resign less than two years later because of two young and smart reporters on The Washington Post.

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As George Packer reminds us in this weeks New Yorker, Nixon was felled by more than Woodward and Bernstein. It was the courts, the Congress and, as we later learned, the FBI, whose deputy director, Mark Felt, turned out to be Deep Throat.

But this was no time for a full history lesson. My purpose was to highlight the role of the press in bringing Nixon down and draw a line from Nixon to Trump. Weve been through worse, I added.

Nixon-Trump comparisons are not new. In fact, Trump himself made one on the eve of the Republican National Convention in Cleveland in July. I think what Nixon understood is that when the world is falling apart, people want a strong leader whose highest priority is protecting America first, Mr. Trump said, according to The Times. The 60s were bad, really bad. And its really bad now. Americans feel like its chaos again.

The Times reported that quote in a news analysis by Michael Barbaro and Alexander Burns headlined Its Donald Trumps Convention. But the Inspiration? Nixon.

In an evening of severe speeches evoking the tone and themes of Nixons successful 1968 campaign, they wrote, Mr. Trumps allies and aides proudly portrayed him as the heir to the disgraced former presidents law-and-order message, his mastery of political self-reinvention and his rebukes of overreaching liberal government. It was a remarkable embraceopen and unhesitatingof Nixons polarizing campaign tactics, and of his overt appeals to Americans frightened by a chaotic stew of war, mass protests and racial unrest.

There was no mention in that article that Trump was also using Nixons playbook in his treatment of the press, especially what he saw as the elite East Coast liberal media. Like Trump and his Twitter account, Nixon found his own way around the establishment press by taking his case directly to the people through the new medium of television. Television turned out to be both his friend and his undoing.

In 1952, when Nixon was the vice presidential nominee running with Dwight Eisenhower, his place on the ticket was in jeopardy because of a report in the New York Post that he had access to a secret rich mens trust fund that enabled him to live lavishly. Nixon delivered a half-hour televised address in which he defended himself and said that regardless of the charges against him, he was going to keep one gift: a black-and-white dog who had been named Checkers by the Nixon children. It became known as the Checkers speech.

In 1960, however, TV was not so kind to him when, running for president against John F. Kennedy, he appeared tired, sweaty and nervous on the screen during a presidential debate. It has often been said that people who heard the debate on radio thought Nixon won; those who saw it on TV thought Kennedy won. Nixon did not have a face for TV.





TV was also his undoing because his fall was played out for all to see when the Senate Watergate hearings were broadcast gavel-to-gavel on PBS and witnesses like John Dean, the former White House Counsel, boldly testified that the president knew of the cover-up.

Trump too is a creature of TV. He has exploited it brilliantly, from his game show, The Apprentice, which ran in various formats across 14 seasons on NBC, to hosting Saturday Night Live, to making the rounds of the late-night talk shows. Although he has blundered during the campaign, in the debates and in interviews, TV remains his friend. Twitter is his constant companion.

Trump also shares Nixons antipathy for the press. Some of Nixons most enduring quotes are about the media. In 1962, when Nixon lost in his bid to become governor of California, he bitterly lashed out at the media, saying now that all the members of the press are so delighted that I have lost, Id like to make a statement of my own. Just think how much youre going to be missing.

He later added: You dont have Nixon to kick around anymore because, gentlemen, this is my last press conference.

It wasnt, of course. In one of the great political comebacks of all time, Nixon defeated a host of challengersincluding Governor Ronald Reagan of California and Governor Nelson Rockefeller of New Yorkto secure the Republican nomination for president. He went on to beat Vice President Hubert Humphrey in the general election to become the 37th president of the United States.

He started his presidency with this axiom: The press is the enemy. That was what he frequently told the White House staff, according to Mark Feldsteins Poisoning The Press: Richard Nixon, Jack Anderson, and the Rise of Washingtons Scandal Culture. At first, Nixon gave the main attack role to his vice president, Spiro Agnew, who labeled the press a small, unelected elite, and famous called them nattering nabobs of negativism, a phrase penned by William Safire, then a White House speechwriter.

Agnew was forced to resign in 1973 after being charged with accepting more than $100,000 in bribes while holding elected office in Maryland. He surrendered his role as vice president roughly a year before Nixon, facing impeachment, would himself be forced to resign.

There were others in the White House who picked up Nixons anti-press mandate, including G. Gordon Liddy and Howard Hunt, who plotted to assassinate one of Nixons major irritants, the syndicated columnist Jack Anderson, a tale told in detail in the Feldstein book. The plot was never carried out, but the two would later plan another White House caper: the break-in at the Democratic National Committee headquarters at the Watergate office complex in Washington on June 17, 1972, a scandal investigated by two Washington Post reporters, Bob Woodward, 28, and Carl Bernstein, 29.

My students especially like to hear the story of these two reporters. When I invoked their work at the J School forum, several students thanked me for injecting a note of hope at a dismal time.

You have your work cut out for you, I told them. The goal is not to fear Trump, but for Trump to fear you.

Has America ever needed a media watchdog more than now? Help us by joining CJR today

Ari L. Goldman is a professor of journalism at Columbia and the author of four books, including The Search for God at Harvard and Being Jewish.
Saul Alinsky, the legendary community organizer, has long figured in the radical rights conspiracy theories about contemporary liberal politics. Hillary Clinton wrote her honors thesis on Alinsky when she was an undergraduate at Wellesley College, and Barack Obama worked for a community-organizing group that based its approach on Alinskys methods when he first arrived in Chicago after law school. For people on the right, this was prima facie evidence that the two technocratic liberal centrists were secret revolutionaries burning with the desire to overthrow the republic.

Just as the radical right has long been obsessed with the radical lefts successes in the 1960s and early 1970s, it has also been obsessed with Alinsky. One of the figures whose efforts have now had the result of bringing the alt-right into the mainstream, Andrew Breitbart, was particularly fixated on Alinsky. This is significant in light of the fact that Breitbarts protege, Stephen Bannon, has been anointed by Donald Trump as his senior adviser.

Before his death in 2012, Breitbart wrote at length about what the radical right could learn from Alinsky in his book Righteous Indignation. Riffing on the famous Alinsky quote that the real action is in the enemys reaction, Breitbart spins the idea this way: If you do a good enough job, you can force them to make a mistake. When they do, you must be ready to exploit it.

Trump and his entourage have been pursuing this strategy, with great success, from the beginning. On the day that Trump announced his candidacy, he declared that he was going to build that wall on the US border with Mexico. This created a great deal of laughter and derision on the right, but also outrage among liberals.

The pattern was established. Trump outraged his opponents. His opponents outraged response proved that they were every bit as intolerant as Trump made them out to be. This proof of fury and intolerance on the other side added to the certainty of Trumps supporters that they had chosen the right man.

Related: Eight steps reporters should take before Trump assumes office

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Now that Trump has been elected president, his practice of Alinskys precept has intensified, especially with regard to the press. Trump knows that his supporters want a revolution, so he has adopted the style of a revolutionary. You think of Lenins terse definition of politics as Who-Whom: as the practice of one group or faction or social class acting against another. Trump is the Who. The media is the Whom. More often than not, Trump has been playing his media adversaries like a salmon.

Trump makes mostly nice on 60 Minutes then tweets something nasty about the media and the media responds full-throatedly, an example of wounded pride that Trump can then display, like the head of a moose, to his followers.

The furor in the media serves as more proof to Trumps followers, who have been accused of intolerance, that the intolerance is all on the other side. After feeling like Whoms for so long, Trumps supporters can feel like Whoslike people doing to rather than being done to. Trump can claim that he is not even the president yetand look at all the outrage and opposition.

The dark irony is that the media is getting all the transparency it ever asked for. Trump could just as well have hidden Steve Bannons twisted influence and kept him as a private consigliere, a sort of Clark Clifford of the extreme right, as he may well do in the end. Instead he chose to use Bannon to incite the liberals, a tactical provocation that will keep inspiring and fortifying his supporters.

Revolutionsthe imposition of martial law, the gradual curbing of precious libertiesare led by the lean and the hungry, not by comfortable, corpulent white males in their sixties and seventies.

Forced into the role of enemy, compelled to play the role of reactor, the media is caught in a dilemma: If they refuse to take the bait and allow Trump and his cronies to get away with inflammatory rhetoric and dangerous decisions, they risk allowing democracy to slip further into the gutter. But if they continue to take the bait and rise up in outrage and opposition, they add to Trumps legitimacy in the eyes of his supporters.



A lot of journalism now is, understandably, being led by various scenarios, the worst of which play right into the hands of the impending administration. Perhaps the media should resist its tendency the follow the darkest master narrative, and contemplate a brighter future. Here is my stab at a chain of events that might temper the medias hysterical reaction to Trumps and his associates every word and move.

As other people have pointed out, Trump has no ideology. Without ideology, there is no impetus or rationale for an authoritarian instinct to become an authoritarian programto become, in other words, a revolution.

Revolutionsthe imposition of martial law, the gradual curbing of precious libertiesare led by the lean and the hungry, not by comfortable, corpulent white males in their sixties and seventies. And revolutions are made by dispossessed people with nothing to lose who are swept up into a vision of an ideal future, not by hard-pressed people trying to hang on to what they have who are lost in a memory of an ideal past.

In contrast to Trump, Reince Priebus, his new chief of staff, does have an ideology, but it is not a fervent vision. He wants to achieve the goal that has driven the American right since the New Deal, which is to virtually abolish the income tax and remove every regulation and social entitlement standing in the way of the accumulation of wealth.

Priebus, Ryan, and Mitch McConnell, guided by Vice President Pence, will quickly adapt to Trumps inflammatory style because it both conceals their low-keyed revolutionary aims and makes their objectives look moderate compared to Trumps rhetoric and symbolic gestures. Trump will quickly adapt to their genial fiscal extremism because it serves his lifelong greed.

In many ways, Trump is their hostage. That could be why he is now seeking counsel from people like Chuck Schumer, and even Mitt Romney. The images of Trump being escorted by Ryan through the Capitol building days after the election gave the impression of a wolf being led to slaughter.

In the end, this fragile entente of crazily conflicting interests and personalities will come crashing down, torn apart by its own self-defeating momentum, the way Trumps competing casinos in Atlantic City drove each other out of business.

In the meantime, as the new regimes policies, again and again, disappoint and betray Trumps supporters, Trump will rely on people like Bannon and other extremist proxies, and on inflammatory gestures, in hopes of stirring the media pot in order to create the enemys reaction. If this happens, the enemys reaction will convince Trumps supporters, despite the evidence to the contrary, that they have, at least, been vindicated.



The issue of how the press should react to Trump and to what degree is no small thing, especially at a time when the mainstream liberal mediaup until the advent of Trump, anywayhas been on the verge of implosion. Its own crisis has the effect of making the media turn, against its will, into itself more than it ever has.

Lately it seems that the establishment media are pouring an inordinate amount of energy into addressing charges that it waited much too long to take a genuine, committed interest in the suffering part of the country that has made Trump president. Surely these resources are better spent on digging into every aspect of a Trump presidency, and on its associations, funding, and enablers. By dramatically responding to accusations of ignoring the rest of the country and spending time reporting on it now, the media makes its own shortcomings the story and turns its sudden new awareness into a virtue that is nevertheless irrelevant.

The medias peculiar complaints about how Trump is limiting access to him and his team are another way the media, almost unconsciously, ease back into the center of whatever story they are telling. The days after Trump met with Obama in the White House were full of indignant reports of Trump, unlike previous president-elects, not allowing a pool of reporters to accompany him on his visit.

Its not clear, however, that access to a president who holds the press in utter contempt would be more productive than no access at all.

Its not clear, however, that access to a president who holds the press in utter contempt would be more productive than no access at all. What, exactly, would access to Trump and his inner circle achieve? The lies would come fast and furious. The contradictions would reach seismic proportions. The media would go from being an enemy whose reaction is a tactical blessing to a sometime friend, subject to all the manipulations and predations of an enemy. In this case, preserving the Who-Whom relationship that Trump has created with the press would provide a bracing clarity.

Related: Journalisms moment of reckoning has arrived.

The complexities and the ethics of access are issues that journalists have wrestled with seemingly from time immemorial. In the case of George W. Bush, access facilitated the sowing of disinformation that had a fatal and still-reverberating effect in the Iraq War.

With Obama, the vaunted access and transparency of his administration seemed to induce semi-paralysis, at least for Obamas first two years, in many of the journalists who were covering him. Its surprising to read some journalists saying now that Obamas administration was opaque. Obama was the subject of countless interviews and profiles, and at least two long, loving books about him and his presidency.

There Obama was, with both houses of congress controlled by Democrats and most of the country nearly brought to its knees by the events of the Bush years, ready to give him what he wanted. Yet as Obama withdraw from his healthcare initiative, seemingly stunned and disheartened by the militant opposition to it, refusing even to appeal to his fellow Americans on the subject from the Oval Office, the access-soaked journalists around him wrote eloquent, sometimes beautiful, tributes to his virtues, and to his place in history.

In that instance, access was an obstruction to clarity. In the case of Trump, a lack of access could turn out to be the strongest motivator behind great and consequential journalism. Think of Gay Taleses profile of Frank Sinatra in Esquire, for which he never met or spoke with Sinatra, and multiply the free play of unmasking and demystification in that piece one thousand times.



We are living in a moment when, thanks to the Internet, words take on the aspect of worlds. Someone in West Virginia writes something ugly about the Obamas on social media, it gets picked up and the enemythe opposition to Trumploses all perspective, broadcasting the sentiment as if it were widely held and, in the process, making it part of the political discourse. In the 1930s, the far right, which portrayed FDR as a pernicious Jew and called him Roosenfelt, spread a rumor about Eleanor Roosevelt being given syphilis by a black man. But this atrocious slur never made its way out of the fetid swamps of fringe malice and paranoia.

Now, thanks to the digital echo chamber, similar linguistic atrocities are not just widely circulated rumors, they have the potential to become fake news. Even if they dont end up in that category, because of the fact that they live on your screen, seen by millions of people, such sentiments can create the illusion of a collective movement when they are held by a relative small crowd of people. The effect, once again, is to incite hysterical reaction on the part of Trumps adversaries, which will bring more and more supporters to Trumps side, and increase the fervency of people already behind him.

It is another conundrum facing journalists now. On the one hand, Trump has been exposed, time and again, as a liar. On the other hand, a few words from his mouth or on his Twitter feed can abruptly change the news narrative for days.

In the eighties, people spoke of the Reagan Revolution. In terms of Reagans radical tax cuts, and draconian cuts to social programs, thats exactly what it was.

At the same time, Reagan, as previous conservative administrations had done, wielded the specter of communist influence to great effect. American involvement in Latin America, especially El Salvador and Nicaragua, captured the American publics imagination and dominated the evening news. Most Americans didnt pay much attention to Reagans social policies. Trump will use the war against ISIS and wild, toothless gestures at curtailing civil liberties, in the same way.

In the case of Trump, a lack of access could turn out to be the strongest motivator behind great and consequential journalism.

On many levels, the media response to Reagan was patient, conscientious, relentless, and revelatory. But behind that was the creation of an oppositional culture which became so excessive that it gave conservatives ever new cultural pretexts to continue their reductive economic policies. The 1980s saw the birth of a politically correct thinking at the universities that, to some extent, made its way into mainstream culture.

The result was Allan Blooms Closing of the American Mind, William Bennetts The Book of Virtues, and the beginning of the so-called culture wars. The toxicity of this adversarial culture, created in opposition to Reagan, had, among other effects, the unlikely result of helping to bring about, after eight years of Reagans Republican presidency, the election of yet another Republican to the White House, George H. W. Bush.

The media became so caught up in the culture wars that many mainstream journalists failed to keep hammering away at the big stories of their time: Reagans fatal combination of massive tax cuts and massive defense spending; the increased radicalization of Muslims in the Middle East as a result of Bushs first Gulf War; Clintons transformation of the criminal justice system into mass incarceration, as well as his fateful repealing of the Glass-Steagall Act, which had prevented financial monoliths. As all this was unfolding, the rise of atomized identity politics in response to the conservative assault on vulnerable social groups justified, in the eyes of many people, the conservative claim to be defending the common good.

The real action is in the enemys reaction. We, as journalists, had better take extra care these days to strike the right balance between reacting and overreacting if we dont want to be used as pawns in someone elses strategy. Sometimes it seems that all the press wants is for Trump to agree not to set up concentration campseven as he confers with Republican leaders on how to completely dismantle whats left of Americas public spaces, public institutions, and protections for the poor and the vulnerable. We will have our civil liberties, but nothing else.

Has America ever needed a media watchdog more than now? Help us by joining CJR today

Lee Siegel , a widely published writer on culture and politics, is the author of six books and the recipient of a National Magazine Award for Reviews and Criticism.
Fake news isnt new.

Think back to Hurricane Sandy four years ago, when incredible amounts of false content circulated, including claims the NYSE was flooded and sharks appeared on flooded streets in New Jersey. At the time, there was much debate about how to deal with these issues. The New Yorkers Sasha Frere-Jones called Twitter a self-cleaning oven, suggesting that false information could be flagged and self-corrected almost immediately. We no longer had to wait 24 hours for a newspaper to issue a correction.

Post presidential election, we are reckoning with the scale of misinformation circulating online, enabled by social platforms such as Facebook and Twitter. As we look to fix our broken information ecosystem, the most frequent suggestion is platforms should hire hundreds of editors who work in multiple languages and decide what should or should not be seen. But, as Jeff Jarvis wrote over the weekend, we need to be careful what we wish for: We dont want Facebook to become the arbiter of truth.

Instead, I would encourage the social platforms to include prominent features for filtering and flagging. They should work with journalists and social psychologists to invent a new visual grammar so that when content is fact-checked, debunked, corrected, or verified, those processes are transparent and available to anyone seeking to understand more about the origins of a story.

Related: Eight steps reporters should take before Trump assumes office

One way this could work in the form of a watermark, embedded with the original piece of content. It is dispiriting seeing a false claim garner thousands of retweets while the separate correction collects only 20 or so. These watermarks would work like a spam filter, making it more likely I would see authenticated content on my feed rather than fake content. Some fake content might slip through, and some authentic content might be marked as spam, but like my email inbox, Ill take the imperfections if it improves my access to information.

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We have much bigger problems than just the fake news sites circulating on Facebookthis is a concern for news organizations using social media to discover content, as well. To begin to develop a grammar of fake news, I collected six types of false information weve seen this election season.

1. Authentic material used in the wrong context

Donald Trumps first campaign ad purported to show migrants crossing the border from Mexico, when the footage was actually migrants crossing from Morocco to Melilla in North Africa. This content isnt fake, but the context is wrong.

In the weeks leading up the election, a video emerged that appeared to show ballot-box stuffing. As Alastair Reid from First Draft News, of which I am a member, explained, the date stamp in the top left hand corner shows it was captured on September 18, the date of elections in Russia. A quick Google reverse image search also confirms the origin of the footage. Again, the content isnt fake, the context is wrong.

2. Imposter news sites designed to look like brands we already know

Eric Trump and campaign spokesperson Kellyanne Conway both retweeted this fake ABC news site:

If you look closely at the URL, you see its abc.com.co, which is not an official ABC News domain. The New York Times and Daily Mail have also recently been copied. Clone Zone is a site that makes this incredibly easy to do.

NowThis was also the victim of a hoax; someone used NowThis branding to create a fake video in early October. Because NowThis publishes entirely on social media and does not have a destination website, it corrected this perception on the social web. As more brands live in a purely distributed environment, the social networks have a responsibility to find a way for corrections to travel with content.

3. Fake news sites

Out of all these types of misleading content, fake news sites have been subject to the most scrutiny since the election. Work by BuzzFeed journalist Craig Silverman over the past few weeks has highlighted Macedonian teenagers creating fake news articles purely to make money. His most recent analysis shows how much engagement fake news articles gathered on Facebook.

The infamous Pope endorsement story originated on WTOE 5 News, which describes itself as a fantasy news site on its About pageone click too many for most users. There should be ways to flag such sites that are blatantly creating fake stories.

Brian Forde, a researcher at MIT, recently compared fake news with email spam. We accept the need for junk folders despite occasionally losing good emails, he said, because the alternative is drowning in a sea of spam. It seems that social media users would benefit from some automated process that mark sources as fake. If users ever want to dive into that junk feed they can, but they probably wont.

Related: Journalisms moment of reckoning has arrived.

4. Fake information

Besides fake news sites, fake information is also frequently presented in graphics, images, and video. Designed to be highly shareable, these memes fill up newsfeeds and are often so creative and convincing in their delivery that most users do not think to question their authenticity, let alone know how or where to start checking.

These images were circulating online just before the US election, incorrectly claiming people could stay at home and vote via text.

5. Manipulated content

Images and videos that have been deliberately manipulated are a huge part of the news ecosystem. Because they can be created easily by bedroom hoaxers, they are often trivialized and dismissed as merely mischievous. But just as prank calls are no longer funny when made to an emergency service, photoshopped hoaxes are no longer harmless when they relate to an election, terror attack, or humanitarian crisis.

This photograph surfaced online a couple of weeks before the US election and appears to show an ICE official making an arrest at a voting station.

A simple reverse image search shows that the two men were edited into the original photograph, which was actually taken in Arizona during the primaries in March. Again, this example highlights the importance of finding a way for corrections to travel with fake content. Expecting every user to perform the same verification checks is not realistic or efficient.

6. Parody content

Parody content makes it hard to think about creating algorithmically driven rules to label fake content. (Although, it would certainly be possible to create a database of satirical sites all over the world. This might even help people who fall for The Onion.)

When Chuck Todd interviewed Rudy Giuliani on Meet the Press, he pushed Giuliani about a tweet he had sent in reference to the first debate:

When Giuliani made it clear he hadnt tweeted this, Todd was forced to explain to viewers that the tweet had actually come from a parody account, which describes itself as a pastiche of the former mayor in its bio.

Related: Bad headlines editors probably wish they could take back

Has America ever needed a media watchdog more than now? Help us by joining CJR today

Claire Wardle is the Research Director of the Tow Center for Digital Journalism and the co-founder of Eyewitness Media Hub.
WikiLeaks is on a post-election PR crusade to limit the fallout following a presidential campaign in which it became part of the story. After Donald Trumps win, the organization once known as an equal opportunity leaker was seen as a puppet of the Russian government, releasing documents with partisan aims against Hillary Clinton.

There is a desperate need for our work, Sarah Harrison, a staffer at WikiLeaks, wrote in an op-ed in The New York Times. Last week, WikiLeaks staff held a Reddit AMA (Ask Me Anything), inviting Reddit users to send in questions about the organization and its publication of the emails of John Podesta, Clintons campaign manager, during the final weeks of the campaign.

WikiLeakss founder, Julian Assange, was not a part of the Reddit discussion; Assanges internet was shut off in October at the Ecuadorian embassy in London, where he has been since 2012, to prevent him from interfering in the US election. Harrison and other unnamed members of the organizations staff of more than 100 reiterated the hardline stance Wikileaks takes on transparency for the powerful and privacy for the rest. But there were interesting insights into how WikiLeaks sees its relationship with the press. When asked, as if on a blind dating show, about WikiLeakss most unique trait, the staff wrote:

I think our most unique trait is our ability to push the boundaries of journalism. This began a decade ago when we were founded by Julian Assange with his invention of an online anonymous submissions platform. This has now become commonplace in many newsrooms. We then pushed the boundaries of publishing in full and allowing the public direct access to the searchable archives of source documents. Along with our perfect track record in verifying documents and years of dealing with government hostility, we will continue to publish fearlessly for the publics right to know.

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While some of WikiLeaks claims can read as arroganceour perfect track recordits answer highlights an important change: WikiLeaks used to be the presss only source for anonymously submitted online document dumps. Since then, the press has developed its own digital capabilities and a comfort with leaked materialand WikiLeaks has strayed from editorial curation and toward publishing unedited archives.

WikiLeaks first emerged as an international player in 2010, when it published information on the Afghanistan war and US diplomatic cables. At the time, it was cited as a press hero, in the tradition of Daniel Ellsberg and the Pentagon Papers.

Related: Eight steps reporters should take before Trump assumes office

Charlie Beckett, author of WikiLeaks: News in the Networked Era (2012), argues that this era was WikiLeakss most effective because it worked in tandem with journalists, who vetted and redacted sensitive information after consulting with the US government. Journalist Craig Silverman wrote in CJR at the time that Assange had outsourced the burden of verification to the news organizations it worked with.

But even then, Assange was well known among editors to be controlling of information and secretive himself. There was, as former Guardian Editor Alan Rusbridger writes in his introduction to Wikileaks: Inside Julian Assanges War on Secrecy (2011), great interest and some respect in Assanges work among the press. But Assange was unable to settle on a single role: was he an editor or an activist?

Assange drew unfavorable comparisons to Edward Snowden, the other major leaker of this era. Snowden relinquished control of the documents he took from NSA to journalists at The Guardian, The Washington Post, and others. WikiLeaks, by contrast, retains the publishing role.

Rusbridger, who later published Snowdens documents at The Guardian, wrote that Assange was willing to don whatever outfit best served his ends: He acts like a leaking source when it suits him. He masquerades as publisher or newspaper syndicate when thats advantageous.

The car crash came, Beckett said, after Assange became angry with The Guardian for disclosing a password to WikiLeakss encryption. David Leigh, investigations editor at The Guardian at the time and co-author of WikiLeaks: Inside Julian Assanges War on Secrecy, says it happened earlier: Assange became angry with The Guardian after they refused to suppress the sexual misconduct allegations against him.

WikiLeaks moved away from working alongside journalists and stopped redacting documents. While there is no evidence anyone has been harmed by a WikiLeaks publication, there have been close calls. The organization was heavily criticized earlier this year after it *linked to the names and addresses of millions of women in Turkey. WikiLeaks offers monetary, crowd-funded rewards for certain documents, such as a copy of the Trans-Pacific Partnership agreement.

For many reporters, WikiLeaks allegiance to its sources will sound disconsonant with journalism in the public interest. WikiLeaks denies bias itself, but without curation it is bound to adopt the biases of its sources. It is now more like a British model of publishing, suggested Beckett. In UK mainstream media, targeted stories are par for the course.



Since the first WikiLeaks dump, newsrooms have become more savvy about handling anonymous data dumpseffectively acting like WikiLeaksbut less successful when it comes to reporting on these issues.

Rusbridger writes that, in the atmosphere of the original leaks, swaths of data were largely unfamiliar to journalists, using skills of data analysis and visualization which were unknown in newsrooms until fairly recently. He describes the initial process at The Guardian of sorting through WikiLeaks data, which was unprecedented:

The first thing to do was build a search engine that could make sense of the data, the next to bring in foreign correspondents and foreign affairs analysts with detailed knowledge of the Afghan and Iraq conflict. The final piece of the journalistic heavy lifting was to introduce a redaction process so that nothing we published could imperil any vulnerable sources of compromise active special operations.  Making sense of the files was not immediately easy. There are very few, if any, parallels in the annals of journalism where any news organization has had to deal with such a vast databasewe estimate it to have been roughly 300 million words (the Pentagon papers, published by The New York Times in 1971, by comparison, stretched to two and a half million words).

Today, such processes are not as cumbersome or unfamiliar. Many journalists have PGP keys, which enable them to be contacted confidentially. Several newsrooms, including The New York Times and The New Yorker, have the capability to receive leaks anonymously through a tool called SecureDrop, and more than 80 news organizations are on the waiting list. While it requires a significant initial investment, the organizations who use it find it well worth the trouble. According to a recent report from the Tow Center for Digital Journalism at Columbia University, news organizations with SecureDrop admit tips for stories have come in this way, but they will not identify which ones.

Related: Journalisms moment of reckoning has arrived.

When it comes to reporting on technically complicated stories like hacks and leaks, on the other hand, journalists are relatively unequipped. The coverage of the Podesta leaks, for instance, focuses on the timing and newsworthiness of the leaksquestions that are bread and butter for the pressand less on the mechanisms by which WikiLeaks gained and shared the information. For that, private security firms and the US government are the main sources.

One way that newsrooms can begin to understand what can and cant be made transparent is by implementing such policies themselves. That way, theyll begin to understand what questions to ask of others, and where to put pressure.

For instance, newsrooms that use SecureDrop need to be as transparent as possible and decide what parts of the interaction they can make public: Which stories have been reported from leaked information? When was that information leaked? Perhaps this will come in the form of a typology that deconstructs under what circumstances certain pieces of information can be shared.

Before the election, the conversation around Wikileaks focused on the question of whether or not the press should report on the Podesta emails, since they are so targeted, uncurated, and not even clearly newsworthy.

The verdict, rightly, was that the press should report on the leaks: Glenn Greenwald argues in The Intercept, and Trevor Timm in The Guardian, that it is the journalists job to take what was leaked, decide what is newsworthy, and report on it. The role of the press is not only to report the leaks, but to interrogate the information and assess its newsworthiness.

But now, after the election, there is another layer of transparency that is the presss job to add: transparency on WikiLeaks itself.

* Correction: An earlier version of this story incorrectly stated WikiLeaks published contact information for women in Turkey. It has also been updated to reflect a note from David Leigh, investigations editor at The Guardian at the time.

Has America ever needed a media watchdog more than now? Help us by joining CJR today

Nausicaa Renner is digital editor of CJR.
A glass of wine with dinner? Or maybe some marijuana?

Denver voters have approved a first-in-the-nation law allowing willing bars and restaurants to give patrons the option to use marijuana alongside a cocktail or meal. The catch: Smoking pot wont be allowed inside, and the locations would have to first get the approval of neighbors.

Denver voters approved Proposition 300 on the same day that the nations largest state of California and two others legalized pot for all adults and five more states approved pot for sick people  signs of societys increasing tolerance for the drug.

Its the sensible thing to do, said Emmett Reistroffer, a Denver marijuana consultant and campaign manager for the pot-in-bars measure. This is about personal responsibility and respecting adults who want to have a place to enjoy cannabis.

Denvers measure takes effect immediately, but it has a lot of caveats.

First, interested bars and restaurants would have to show they have neighborhood support before getting a license to allow marijuana use. In addition, patrons would have to bring their own weed to comply with state law banning the sale of both pot and food or drink at a single location.

Patrons at participating bars could use pot inside as long as it isnt smoked. The law does provide for the possibility of outside smoking areas under restrictive circumstances. The law also allows for non-service establishments, such as yoga galleries or art galleries, to set up pot-smoking areas or hold events serving both pot and food and drink.

Mason Tvert, a spokesman for the national Marijuana Policy Project and a Denver proponent of the consumption law, said the measure would reduce instances of tourists smoking pot on sidewalks and in parks because they have nowhere private to consume weed.

A Denver billboard promoting the measure featured a large arrow pointing to a sidewalk below, telling voters that without a provision for social pot use, folks will keep smoking pot in plain view.

We are setting up a system that is still more restrictive than what we see with alcohol consumption, Tvert said.

Supporters of the measure had no guess on how many establishments would apply for the permits or how long it would take for them to demonstrate community acceptance and receive permits. So it could take many months before Denver sees any Amsterdam-style coffee shops.

The measure sunsets in 2020, unless city officials renew the licenses or voters make the pot-in-bars measure permanent.

Current Colorado law allows jurisdictions to decide for themselves when pot could be used in public. The result is a hodgepodge of local ordinances related to marijuana clubs.

Denver is the first city to allow use in bars and restaurants.

The entire goal of this initiative is to provide adults with private places where they can consume cannabis so theyre not consuming in public, said Tvert, who said the initiative helps not just tourists but adults who may not want to use pot in front of their kids, or tenants whose landlords exercise their right to ban pot use.

Alaska is the only state that expressly regulates on-site consumption at pot retailers. However, the state doesnt allow use in bars or restaurants, and its still working on rules for how those pot-shop tasting rooms would operate.

Californias recreational marijuana measure approved last week allows pot clubs, and legalization measures approved in Massachusetts, Maine and Nevada dont rule out on-site pot consumption on private property.

Opponents of the Denver measure predicted neighborhoods would resist bars, restaurants and other venues seeking pot licenses. They warned the measure wont properly protect the public from stoned patrons leaving a bar that allows smoking and drinking at the same time.

How can these businesses possibly monitor patrons for marijuana intoxication? opponent Rachel OBryan said in a statement Tuesday.

The measure would require any interested bar or restaurant to specially train staff in marijuana use and submit an operations plan to show how it would prevent marijuana use by underage patrons. Applicants must also specify strategies and procedures for identifying and responding to the potential over-intoxication of consumers.

Colorado lawmakers are expected to consider a bill next year to give all jurisdictions a green light for allowing pot clubs or cafes, though marijuana activists hoped for a similar measure last session and were disappointed.
Mayor Dan Horrigan headshot 2016.jpeg

Akron Mayor Dan Horrigan wrote an open letter to Akron residents urging people to show tolerance for all ages, religions and nationalities, and urging the president-elect to reach out to all Americans, not just those who voted for him.

(City of Akron)

AKRON, Ohio - In the wake of one of the most divisive elections in U.S. history, Akron Mayor Dan Horrigan wrote a letter to Akron residents about what's to come.

"... as the Mayor of Akron, I will continue to fight for what I believe is best for this city and all of its residents, without apology and with deliberate intent," he wrote.

Horrigan said neither he nor anyone in his household voted for Donald Trump. But many of his friends did, he said. He encouraged Akronites to show tolerance for all ages, religions and nationalities.

He also urged the president-elect to reach out to all Americans, not just those who voted for him.

About 51 percent of Summit County voters chose Hillary Clinton, compared to 43 percent for Donald Trump. Late Tuesday, hundreds of residents came to Highland Square for an anti-Trump rally.

Take a look at the letter below.

Fellow Citizens of Akron,

I feel compelled to take some quiet moments to myself and pen a letter specifically to you. On a national scale, it has been a tumultuous and divisive year, and understandably, some of this division and tension has trickled down to our City. While we may not know how the next few years will play out, we can control how we support and interact with each other here in our community.

I want to be clear: as the Mayor of Akron, I will continue to fight for what I believe is best for this City and all of its residents, without apology and with deliberate intent. As a public servant it is my job, my administration's job, and every City employee's job to serve Akron residents. I firmly believe most people in public service care about doing what's best for their constituents and try to help residents every single day.

So as we advocate for Akron in Washington and Columbus, work to bring good jobs and educational opportunities to the area, strive for thriving public spaces, keep your streets safe, staff your community centers, pick up your trash and repair your streets, I hope we continue to build your trust and faith in government and elected officials.

Secondly, the nation has voted and Donald Trump will be our president. I did not vote for him, nor did anyone in my household, but I know many people, some dear friends, who did. Most felt a need for change and looked to a political outsider to deliver it.

Now we must move forward. Of all the awesome and too-numerous-to-list responsibilities that President-Elect Trump will have, I can think of none more important right now than as the "tone setter." He will set the tone and tenor for the next four years. There are many of our fellow citizens who are, understandably, in fear of what that tone will be; and fear can have a paralyzing effect on progress.

As a fellow public servant, I strongly urge our new president to reach out to all Americans -- those that voted for him, those that didn't, and those that didn't vote at all -- and show them that there is no room in our United States for misogyny, racism, bigotry and hatred and every other "ism" that attempts to divide us as a country.

Refusing to tolerate these are not Democratic or Republican standards, but human standards. We will never be able to improve our economic and social prospects if we value individualism and exclusion over shared responsibility and collective action.

Wouldn't it be novel if we all took to heart the directive to simply "love thy neighbor," instead of "love only thy neighbor who looks and thinks like me"? Black, White, Nepalese - we are Akron. Democrat, Republican, Independent - we are Akron. Gay, straight, Christian, Muslim, young, old - we are AKRON. We must never forget that there is more that binds us than divides us.

I cannot control what happens outside our city, but I can promise you this: I am here. I am listening. I vow to be a mayor for each and every one of you, and to serve you with integrity and compassion and fight for you with conviction. Every single day.

Daniel Horrigan

Mayor, City of Akron
Operating a vehicle under the influence, Interstate 71: An intoxicated Berea woman, 46, was arrested and hospitalized after she lost control of her vehicle and rolled it over at about 1:15 a.m. Nov. 4 on I-71 southbound near Snow Road.

The woman and her passenger were taken to Southwest General Health Center by ambulance. Their injuries were not life-threatening. Police didn't say what kind of vehicle the woman was driving.

Operating a vehicle under the influence, Fry Road: A Brook Park man, 55, was arrested at about 3:15 a.m. Nov. 5 after he crashed and abandoned his car in a construction-zone ditch on Fry near Sylvia Drive.

The man was intoxicated. Police found him sitting on his front porch about five minutes after the accident. He was not injured.

Disorderly conduct, Holland Road: A 64-year-old woman fought her daughter-in-law, 46, at about 6:55 p.m. Nov. 6 in a Holland driveway.

Either the woman or daughter-in-law live on Holland but police didn't say which one. A neighbor called police after seeing the women fighting. Police didn't say how they diffused the situation. They referred the case to the city prosecutor for review.

Damaged property, Holland Road-Sylvia Drive: A concrete mixer damaged an empty school bus at about 8:30 a.m. Nov. 3 near the Holland-Sylvia intersection.

The concrete mixer, moving at about 5 mph, backed into the side of the bus. No one was hurt, and the vehicles were not badly damaged.

Disorderly conduct, Cedar Point Road: A Brook Park man, 48, and a North Olmsted man, 19, fought each other at about 8:15 p.m. Oct. 31 outside a Cedar Point Road house.

A neighbor called police after seeing the fight. The men were not intoxicated. Police advised both men not to fight anymore.

Disturbance, Bowfin Boulevard: A Bowfin man, 37, called police at about 8:20 p.m. Nov. 7 and said his neighbor was harassing his pit bull dog.

The neighbor was snapping scissors at the dog, who was outside in his owner's yard. Police advised the neighbor to stop his behavior.

Operating a vehicle under the influence, Smith Road: A Cleveland man, 50, was arrested at about 1:50 a.m. Nov. 6 after police caught him speeding on Smith. An open container of beer was in his car.

Operating a vehicle under the influence, Brookpark Road: A Mount Vernon woman, 41, was arrested at about 5 p.m. Nov. 5 after police saw the car she was driving hit the curb several times. She was drunk and had 11 bags of medication in her car.

Sudden illness, Glenway Drive: A Glenway man, 41, was found unconscious by his mother at about 9:30 p.m. Nov. 9 in his home. He had overdosed on heroin, and was taken to Southwest General Health Center.

To comment on this story, please visit the crime and courts comments page.
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Cuyahoga County Common Pleas Court Judge John O'Donnell, left, has been raising money since Election Day for a possible legal battle. O'Donnell and his opponent, Cincinnati appellate Judge Pat Fischer, are in a tight race.

(File photos)

CLEVELAND, Ohio -- Cuyahoga County Common Pleas Court Judge John O'Donnell is raising funds for possible legal challenges as he remains locked in a tight race for a seat on the Ohio Supreme Court.

Ohio Republicans backing Cincinnati appellate Judge Pat Fischer -- a conservative candidate who leads O'Donnell, a Democrat, by more than 24,000 votes in unofficial results -- are working to secure donations for the same possible legal battle.

The fundraising efforts come as county election workers across the state prepare to count provisional and absentee ballots, and determine whether certain ballots are eligible. O'Donnell and Fischer's allies are expected to keep a close eye on the processes, and court challenges to whether certain ballots should be counted have occurred in past elections.

Republicans currently control the Ohio Supreme Court 6-1. Republican Cincinnati appellate Judge Pat DeWine beat his Democratic opponent on Election Night. Chief Justice Maureen O'Connor, a Republican, ran unopposed.

The counting of provisional ballots will not start until Saturday, Ohio Secretary of State's spokesman Joshua Eck said. The final tally is not expected until the end of the month.

O'Donnell trails Fischer by 0.6 percent, according to unofficial results from the Ohio Secretary of State's Office. Under Ohio law, the gap between candidates must be 0.25 percent or lower to trigger a recount. O'Donnell's hope is that the ballots that have yet to be counted may turn the race in his favor.

O'Donnell's campaign has sent fundraising emails to supporters since Election Day on Nov. 8. Campaign manager Bill DeMora said in an email that "we are raising funds to prepare for a recount, as the R's are doing as well."

One email says "the race for Ohio Supreme Court is too close to call and with hundreds of thousands of outstanding ballots, our work is not done. We need to ensure every single vote is counted. And right now, it is crucial that we have the resources necessary to do so."

The Ohio Association for Justice, a trial attorneys' advocacy group, also sent out an email urging people to donate to the Ohio Democratic Party to help O'Donnell win.

The Ohio Republican Party is also making efforts to raise money. In a fundraising email titled "Don't let them steal it," Ohio GOP chairman Matt Borges writes that the party needs support because "one critical race that was so close that it's being contested by the Democrats."

Borges writes, "Will you chip in $10, $25, $50 or whatever you can right now to help fund our 'Victory Defense Fund' and help us fight back! Ohio's Democrats have had terrible candidates for years now but they'll resort to anything to try to steal a race from us. They're desperate but they're also well-funded."

Ohio GOP spokeswoman Brittany Warner said Thursday that the party's internal analysis shows that Fischer will maintain his lead as the provisional and absentee ballots are counted.

But she said the Democrats "have made efforts in the past to try to fight the results" through litigation.

"We obviously want to be prepared should that happen," Warner said.
While Salesforce CEO Marc Benioff backed Hillary Clinton in this year's presidential race, he says he is looking forward to the future with President-elect Donald Trump in the White House.

"I'm not a Republican. And I'm not a Democrat either. You know that I view myself just as an American. And I'm looking forward to a great future," Benioff told "Mad Money" host Jim Cramer on Thursday.

Benioff also said that he believes Twitter played an instrumental role in electing the new president. What he is most excited about is that the election is now over, allowing the country to move forward together.

"I certainly respect the results and the will of the American people  I respect democracy. And I want to move forward with an open heart and an open mind," Benioff said.
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Jim Cramer was shocked that Wells Fargo has managed to transform from the most loathed stock of the financial sector, to the most loved. "When it comes to this seemingly endless bank rally that began when Donald Trump won the election, that means look no further than the stock of Wells Fargo," the "Mad Money" host said. The stock has been in the penalty box with Wall Street since the discovery that accounts were opened without client permission, which prompted the resignation of CEO John Stumpf. However, ever since Trump was elected on a platform of tax cuts, deregulation and massive government spending, bank stocks have been on fire, Cramer said. "Wells Fargo has gone from worst to first, an amazing turn that proves, without a doubt, the bank rally is real and it's terrific," Cramer said.



U.S. President elect Donald Trump speaks at election night rally in Manhattan, New York, November 9, 2016. Mike Segar | Reuters

Like it or not, Cramer also found some stunning similarities among the reactions to Donald Trump's electoral win, the tenure of Ronald Reagan in 1980 and Federal Reserve Chair Alan Greenspan's actions in 1991. "I reach back to those two incidents because they led to growth spurts that brought people back to the stock market in drives," Cramer said. "They changed the perception of the asset class from negative to positive  and I think that could be exactly what is happening right now." Cramer couldn't help but notice a change in the stock market since the election of Trump. There is a sense of optimism about stocks that extends to both Republicans and Democrats, he said. Whether investors love or hate him, they are buying stocks.

While Salesforce CEO Marc Benioff backed Hillary Clinton in this year's presidential race, he says he is looking forward to the future with President-elect Donald Trump in the White House. "I'm not a Republican. And I'm not a Democrat either. You know that I view myself just as an American. And I'm looking forward to a great future," Benioff said. Benioff also said that he believes Twitter played an instrumental role in electing the new president. What he is most excited about is that the election is now over, allowing the country to move forward together. "I certainly respect the results and the will of the American people  I respect democracy. And I want to move forward with an open heart and an open mind," Benioff said.

Marc Benioff, CEO of Salesforce. Adam Jeffery | CNBC
U.S. President-elect Donald Trump said Ford Motor Executive Chairman Bill Ford Jr told him the automaker would not move a Kentucky plant to Mexico, but the firm said it informed him the decision was to keep one vehicle in U.S. production.

On Thursday, Trump posted on Twitter: "I worked hard with Bill Ford to keep the Lincoln plant in Kentucky. I owed it to the great State of Kentucky for their confidence in me!"

"He will be keeping the Lincoln plant in Kentucky - no Mexico," the President-elect tweeted.

But Ford has repeatedly said it has no plans to close any U.S. plants and likely could not do so under the terms of the current United Auto Workers contract that expires in 2019.

This is not the first time Trump's comments about Ford production have been called into question. Last year, he took credit for Ford moving work from Mexico to Ohio, while the automaker had already made the decision in 2011 - long before Trump announced a run for president.

Spokeswoman Christin Baker said Ford "confirmed with the President-elect that our small Lincoln utility vehicle made at the Louisville Assembly plant will stay in Kentucky".

"We are encouraged that President-elect Trump and the new Congress will pursue policies that will improve U.S. competitiveness and make it possible to keep production of this vehicle here in the United States," she added, in a statement.
Managers who invest the money of the world's super-rich have been pulling out of hedge funds and increasing their allocation to private equity and private debt, a new survey found.

The UBS and Campden Research survey of 242 family offices globally found that there was a 0.9 percentage-point decrease in allocation to hedge funds and a 2.3 percentage-point increase in allocations to private equity. Family offices are the investment houses that manage money for ultra-wealthy family groups.

"Ultimately families are patient investors," said Dominic Samuelson, CEO of Campden Wealth, citing two main reasons for the shift.

"Most of them have been extremely successful in creating and establishing businesses and organizations, so it is quite natural for them to want to be engaged," he said. Private equity typically becomes deeply involved in managing and growing individual businesses, while hedge funds are more likely to trade in securities.

"Secondly, you have to be very pragmatic about where the hedge fund industry is today. It doesn't mean that hedge funds are over, but families are challenged by the fee structures of hedge funds. They are not entirely convinced that there is alpha there at the moment," he said.

For the January-to-October period, hedge funds were up 2.85 percent, although they were down 0.48 percent in October, according to data from Eurekahedge released on Wednesday, citing their in-house Eurekahedge Hedge Fund Index, which includes around 2,800 funds with multiple regional mandates. That was compared with the average fund's rise of 1.65 percent for 2015, the data showed.

So far in 2016, global family offices have returned 3.1 percent year-to-date, with around 14 percent of portfolios on average invested in private equity and private investments, while Asia Pacific family offices have seen year-to-date returns of 3.9 percent, with around 23 percent of portfolios in those assets, the survey found.

The survey attributed the better performance of Asia Pacific family offices compared with their global peers to a greater focus on private equity.

Family offices in Asia were particularly interested in co-investment ideas, noted Patricia Quek, UBS' managing director and country team head for Singapore ultra-high net worth and global family offices in Southeast Asia.
Brandon, who asked to withhold his last name to maintain his privacy, has been living out of a 128-square-foot truck for over a year to save on rent .

In general, Americans are not prepared for retirement  especially single Americans  but that's not the case for one 24-year-old Google employee based in the Bay Area.

Brandon moved inside this 2006 Ford a year and a half ago to save on rent.

As a result, he saves about 82 percent of his income, which has allowed him to pay off $22,000 of student loans and puts him on pace to retire by 30 with a little over $1 million.

We asked the Google software engineer to share his best advice for making early retirement a reality.

1. Make a plan

"Get a plan together as soon as you can," he tells CNBC. "The sooner you have a plan, the sooner you'll see your contributions compounding into something meaningful and substantial."

"Getting a plan together" means deciding exactly when you want to retire or be financially independent, Brandon explains.

2. Maximize tax-advantaged accounts

Figure out which tax-advantaged accounts you have available to you and how much you can contribute to them.

3. Streamline

Finally, "evaluate your priorities and cut out the cruft from your life," says Brandon. (Cruft is a coding-derived word for redundant and unnecessary clutter.)
This is the first time Amazon has done Alexa-exclusive deals, and highlights the way the Seattle-based technology giant wants to expand the capabilities of its AI assistant as it faces competition from the likes of Apple's Siri and Google Assistant.

Users need to say, "Alexa, what are your deals?" The voice assistant will respond and allow people to order the deal via Amazon.

On Friday, the U.S. e-commerce giant announced it was offering exclusive deals to its Prime members that can only be ordered through an Alexa-enabled device like an Amazon Echo  its smart speaker.

Amazon is trying to get you used to the idea of speaking to Alexa  its artificial intelligence (AI) digital assistant.

Amazon recently expanded Echo into the U.K. and Germany after launching it in the U.S. in 2014. AI assistants are seen as the next battleground for technology companies as they can be integrated across different devices and keep users locked into an ecosystem. For example, Alexa is installed across Amazon's tablets, Fire TV and Echo. Amazon has also integrated it into hardware that it doesn't make  such as a connected thermostat called Ecobee. All the information Alexa Is gathering from users' requests can be used by Amazon to target customers with product recommendations.

Other technology firms are also boosting the capabilities of their own AI digital assistants. Apple's Siri is now integrated into its wireless AirPods for example. Google Assistant is across Android devices, as well as in Google Home  the company's own smart speaker. Amazon's advantage currently is its ability to link Alexa to its e-commerce business.

Revenue from smart audio hardware will more than triple over the next four years, rising from an estimated $1.4 billion this year to over $5.5 billion by 2020, according to Juniper Research, so it's seen as big business for technology players.

And gathering data through voice can also help companies like Google, Amazon and Apple, personalize their services even further.

Amazon's exclusive Alexa deals start on Friday and go through November and December, which includes the upcoming Black Friday and Cyber Monday shopping events.

Deals this weekend include a 32-inch Samsung 1080p LED TV for $119 or $30 on a Sphero Star Wars BB-8 App controlled robot.

Prime members who have "1-click" check-out enabled on their Amazon account will be able to shop via Alexa.
"You have to be concerned about those kind of statements," Kathwari said Friday on CNBC's "Squawk on the Street."

Kathwari, co-chair of the newly formed Muslim-Jewish Advisory Council , was reacting to a February tweet from retired Lt. Gen. Michael Flynn, who has been chosen as national security advisor by President-elect Donald Trump . Flynn wrote, in part, on Twitter "fear of Muslims is rational." Trump's team had vetted Flynn as a possible vice presidential running mate, NBC News reported in July.

The best way to combat Islamophobia is to highlight the successes of Muslim-Americans, said Farooq Kathwari, chief executive of home furnishing firm Ethan Allen .

Kathwari said the Muslim-Jewish Advisory Council  co-chaired by Stanley Bergman, chief executive of health care products distributor Henry Schein  is not aimed at talking about the people who are being discriminated against.

"What we want to talk about is to show the contributions of Jewish and Muslims in America," he continued. "The best way to building a brand is to show the positive contributions."

Kathwari also said he's glad the election is over because consumers did hold back some spending before the vote in the face of uncertainty, "but not as much as" he had thought would take place.



Since Trump was declared the winner, Kathwari has been encouraged by the rally in the stock market. "For our consumer, that's an important element and I believe that is going to help us really move forward."



While criticizing Flynn's tweet, Kathwari said, "The country needs change," adding in the past five to 10 years "we have stalled."

But change has "got to be done sensibly; it's got to be done with wisdom," he said.

A Muslim immigrant from India, Kathwari and his wife, Farida, donated $1 million in 2015 to Western Connecticut State University to support an honors program named for their son Irfan, who was killed in Afghanistan in 1992, according NewsTimes in Danbury.

Some web commentators accused Irfan Kathwari of being a radical Islamist because of his presence in Afghanistan during the turmoil in Soviet-backed Afghanistan. Kathwari said his son had been upset by the Russian invasion of the country and was in the wrong place at the wrong time, according to the NewsTimes.
Chipotle Mexican Grill and Bill Ackman are nearing a settlement that would give the hedge fund billionaire a say in the burrito chain's boardroom, according to The Wall Street Journal.

A source told CNBC that talks are ongoing between the two parties, but are fluid and may not result in an agreement. This person said it is unclear what the parameters of an Ackman-Chipotle settlement would be.



Earlier this month, Ackman said he has had an "extremely constructive relationship" with the company since he took a nearly 10 percent stake in September.



A settlement could smooth tensions between Chipotle and its shareholders, who have been frustrated by the company's attempts to recover from cratering sales in the wake of a foodborne illness outbreak.

The Denver-based company has faced criticism from investors for having an insular board that lacked racial and gender diversity, which, according to CtW Investment Group. Critics also say the board doesn't have enough experience in the restaurant industry.

"The food-safety crisis really exposed shortcomings in Chipotle's management and governance," Jeff Gramm, a small activist who owns about $8 million in shares, told the Wall Street Journal.



In April, CtW addressed Chipotle shareholders in a letter asking them to withhold support for the reelection of two directors during annual shareholders' meeting in May. While the directors remained part of the board, at least for another year, Chipotle hoped to gain back investor's trust by interviewing new members in August.

So far, the company has yet to make any announcements about new hires.

"The dialogue we've had so far with Pershing has talked about driving long-term shareholder value, talks about recovering the business model and from what they've said so far, they believe Chipotle is a special brand and we're going through a tough time right now and they want, just like everyone else, to see us recover our sales, recover our business and if we do that we're going to get back to our previous stock price and add shareholder value from there," Jack Hartung, Chipotle's CFO said on CNBC's "Mad Money" on last week.



Read the full report from The Wall Street Journal.
Macquarie's David Konrad, one of the Wall Street's top analysts, upgraded his rating on Goldman Sachs to outperform from neutral, citing the likelihood of a better environment for the investment bank due to Donald Trump's economic agenda. "We are recommending a shift in exposure within this space to names that have more leverage to capital markets ... and away from global banks whose multiples may remain suppressed owing to decreased trade and currency volatility, particularly in the EM [emerging markets]," Konrad wrote in note Friday to clients titled "Universal Banks: A new world order." "We believe GS has more earnings levers than peers, should fiscal stimulus and lower corporate taxes help increase economic activity driving better earnings leverage for the leading global adviser in M & A." In another move, he downgraded Citigroup shares to neutral from outperform. "We are downgrading Citi ... as we believe the events such as the US election and Brexit may not favor a global bank such as Citi relative to more domestic stocks," he wrote. Konrad's picks have a 26 percent one-year average return and an 81 percent success rate for a profit, according to analyst ranking service TipRanks. That places him in the top 10 percent of all Wall Street analysts covering any industry. He raised his Goldman Sachs price target to $245 from $190, representing 17 percent upside from Thursday's close. Konrad lowered his Citigroup price target to $56 from $57, representing 1 percent upside from Thursday's close. The analyst cited how Goldman Sachs is trading at a 7 percent forward price-to-earnings valuation discount versus its peers, even though the bank has above average return-on-equity numbers. He forecasts the investment bank will report earnings-per-share in 2018 $2 higher than Wall Street consensus as its merger and acquisitions business will benefit from a better economy. "In addition, we believe GS will achieve improved valuation through the shift in business mix with less exposure from I & L [investment and lending] and increased revenue mix from higher-multiple businesses such as Investment Management and Investment Banking," he wrote.  CNBC's Michael Bloom contributed to this story.

Goldman Sachs Group Inc. signage is displayed on a monitor on the floor of the New York Stock Exchange (NYSE) in New York, U.S., on Friday, Oct. 7, 2016. Michael Nagle | Bloomberg | Getty Images
Sen. Elizabeth Warren (D-MA) speaks during a campaign rally with democratic presidential nominee former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton at St Saint Anselm College on October 24, 2016 in Manchester, New Hampshire.

Elizabeth Warren joined some of her Democratic colleagues in blasting Donald Trump's attorney general pick on Friday.

The president-elect picked Sen. Jeff Sessions of Alabama as his attorney general, giving him clout with supporters who cheered his pledges to crack down on illegal immigration. Democrats and some independent groups have raised concerns about Sessions' hard line immigration views and racially insensitive statements that contributed to him getting passed over for a federal judgeship in the 1980s.

Sessions will likely get confirmed in the Republican-majority Senate. Majority Leader Mitch McConnell of Kentucky said he "strongly" supported the appointment of Sessions, whom he called "principled, forthright and hardworking."

Warren, the Democrat from Massachusetts, accused Trump of "embracing the bigotry that fueled his campaign rallies," calling on him to "reverse" his decision.
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While President-elect Donald Trump's national security advisor pick, Ret. Lt. Gen. Mike Flynn, is smart and quick on his feet, he is also a very "hard-line actor" when it comes to reacting to Islam, former NATO Supreme Allied Commander Admiral James Stavridis told CNBC on Friday.

And that, he believes, is counterproductive. "I think he will play to the darker angels of this administration in terms of adopting very, very aggressive stance, very hard power, very anti-Islam," he said in an interview with CNBC's "Power Lunch." Stavridis, who said Flynn used to work for him in Afghanistan, believes the United States has to find ways to make connections with the Islamic World. "We're not going to be able to kill our way to victory here. You need hard power, certainly, to deal with the Islamic State, for example, but the long game is that mix of hard and smart power that allows you to make connections."

Retired United States Army lieutenant general Michael T. Flynn Getty Images

In addition to Flynn, Trump's transition team has also announced that Rep. Mike Pompeo, R-Kansas, is Trump's choice for CIA director and Sen. Jeff Sessions, R-Alabama, is his choice for attorney general.

For Stavridis, the next two to watch are Trump's choices for secretary of state and secretary of defense. He believes it's important that the secretary of state has some level of international experience, connections around the world and a vision for the country. Names like former presidential nominee Mitt Romney and former New York City Mayor Rudy Giuliani have surfaced as possible contenders for that role. "Mitt Romney would be a move toward a more centrist foreign policy that I think would be helpful for the Trump administration in terms of reassuring global allies, partners and friends," Stavridis said. He also thinks a "moderate centrist" like Stephen Hadley, a former national security advisor to President George W. Bush, could send a positive signal globally and to the military if he were named secretary of defense. Meanwhile, Trump still has to get his names through the Senate, although Flynn's appointment doesn't require Senate confirmation. Democrats could try to hold up the more controversial nominations, but Trump does have a Republican majority in both houses of Congress.

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On Friday, Rep. Cathy McMorris Rodgers, the Republican Conference chair, told CNBC she's "excited" to be part of a unified Republican government. "This is a tremendous opportunity that we've been given. And it's our time to think big, to reimagine this government and really to put people at the center of it," she told "Power Lunch." When asked if the party would try to work with Democrats on the issues or forge ahead without them, McMorris Rodgers said she is always looking for opportunities to work across the aisle.



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"Our bilateral relations are very good, they are very close in the areas of business, of the economy," Merkel said. "The European Union and the United States of America are the big important economic areas for us, which is why I always have come up strongly in favor of concluding a trade agreement with the United States of America."

Germany shipped more goods to the U.S. than any other country in 2015 with exports increasing 73 percent since 2010, according to the Munich-based Ifo Institute for Economic Research. Top exports include automobiles, machinery, and electrical goods. German Chancellor Angela Merkel reinforced the necessity of a strong U.S.-German trade relationship in a joint press conference with President Barack Obama Thursday in Berlin.

"Everybody hopes that we will see better decisions from now on from Trump than in the election campaign," said Thilo Brodtmann, executive director of VDMA, Germany's engineering federation representing more than 3,000 companies. "If you believe in what has been said during the campaignthat would be of very harmful."

As uncertainty looms over President-elect Trump's White House priorities, German companies are holding out hope free trade will win over protectionist policies in the West Wing. Businesses expressed skepticism over Trump's anti-globalization rhetoric on the campaign trail, saying the future president is more likely to take a balanced approach to trade relations with Germany, its crucial economic and political ally. But some worried Trump's "America-first" promise could infiltrate the alliance.

German business leaders caught off guard by the election of Donald Trump are facing the prospect of a new U.S-German trade relationship.

The irony is that deteriorating U.S.-German relations might actually jeopardize German manufacturing investments in the U.S. and thereby pose a threat to the very jobs Trump has said repeatedly that he wants to boost.

Multinationals like Germany-based chain saw maker Andreas Stihl AG & Co. have exported more than their products to the United States. The company brought German-style workforce training and advanced manufacturing to its U.S. headquarters in Virginia Beach, Virginia.

"We're very proud of the fact that our products are German engineered but also built in America and the fact that we add so much value over here," said Bjoern Fischer, president of the company's U.S. subsidiary Stihl Inc.

Fischer said he was optimistic about Stihl's growth prospects in the U.S., citing the company's long-term business strategy. He said operations in both the U.S. and Germany will continue to take advantage of a global manufacturing environment under president-elect Trump.

"Both countries are obviously very strong countries with very large markets," he said. "That cooperation will continue and I'm sure we'll find solutions."

Fischer pointed to possible benefits for business under a Trump administration, including lower corporate tax rates and reduced business regulations. He said there were "two sides of a coin" from a stronger dollar in the U.S., which has appreciated since the election.

"All the components that we buy overseas are benefiting from a stronger dollar so that helps us, but a strong dollar overseas makes our product more expensive to other parts of the world," he said.

Increased trade barriers would likely pose problems for German industrial companies with large footprints in the U.S., said Jacob Funk Kirkegaard, a senior fellow at the Peterson Institute for International Economics. He said German multinationals might not be able to produce or sell their goods in the U.S. as easily as before.

"The irony is that deteriorating U.S.-German relations might actually jeopardize German manufacturing investments in the U.S. and thereby pose a threat to the very jobs Trump has said repeatedly that he wants to boost," Kirkegaard said.

He added disagreements between Trump and Merkel over climate change could further deteriorate the U.S.-German business relationship. Kirkegaard said efforts to fight climate change within Germany are "completely uncontested," and Merkel does not want to defend her country's position to the United States as she gears up for the 2017 German elections.

"If Donald Trump goes ahead and does what he said he would do during the campaign and takes the United States out of the international climate agreement, then I would predict that the political and economic response from Germany would be very negative," he said.

German industry leaders insist they will continue to push business initiatives like TTIP, a bilateral trade agreement between the United States and the U.S. The proposed legislation has met opposition on both sides of the Atlantic.

"German industry will continue to work towards a fair TTIP with good regulations for both sides," said Ulrich Grillo, president of the Federation of German Industries (BDI) in a statement.

Grillo pointed to more than 5,000 German companies represented in the U.S., saying the country must continue to honor its responsibilities as a global leader. An estimated 1.5 million jobs in Germany depend on trade with the U.S., according to the Ifo Institute.

"The United States must continue to support open markets," Grillo said in the statement. "Everything else would be poison for the economy."

Other industry leaders were skeptical Trump would follow through on trade restrictions, dismissing his anti-trade language as fiery campaign rhetoric.

"We hope that there will be some learning curve when answering the question of free trade and the necessity for trade," VDMA's Brodtmann said. "It will show quite quickly that any kind of protectionism will harm the macroeconomic data of the U.S. as well as elsewhere."
When a relationship gets serious, we start to share more of our lives. We borrow each other's cars. We move in together. Inevitably, we start sharing each other's technology and even our passwords.

But your device says a lot about you: Your pastimes, your taste in music, your curiosities and the things you shop for. So how do you maintain your privacy online, even with the people who are closest to you?

More from USA Today:

Cybersecurity experts offer advice for incoming Trump administration

SpaceX looks to the skies to bring faster Internet

Airbnb hosts can now also make money as tour guides

Here are a few simple tricks to help you keep your secrets under wraps. (Note: Apps and websites do not always work the same across all devices and operating systems. If something isn't located in the menus precisely as I say, look around for a similar action.)

Amazon

Amazon tracks not only what you have purchased, but also what you have browsed. If you share an Amazon account, both can pose a major problem especially this time of year.

The good news is that you can easily cover your tracks. To erase your browsing history, from your account settings, look for Personalization. Go to Personalized Content >> View and Manage Your Browsing History. Here, you have a few options. You can remove only certain items or all items as well as turn off browsing history, so you never have this issue again.

Let's say you want to make it more difficult for someone to find out what you have ordered. Amazon will not completely delete your order history, but you can archive individual orders. Casual snoops will have a harder time seeing what you have purchased. From your account settings, go to Your Orders. Select the item you wish to hide and select Archive order.

You can use the Amazon app as an additional holiday security measure. Suppose you have purchased a pair of shoes for your spouse, you've archived the order, and now you're waiting for the package to arrive. But you're receiving so many boxes this time of year, how do you know which delivery to open and wrap?

With the Amazon app, you can scan the barcode on the box to immediately find out what's inside. It works like a charm  unless your spouse has secretly ordered something for you!

Google

Google often auto-completes your search terms based on personal information, such as your location and previous searches. Anyone looking over your shoulder or borrowing your device might be surprised by the guesses Google makes. Google products that collect your information include Chrome, Google Maps, and YouTube.

To delete your search history on Google, you need a Google account. Just log in, go to My Activity, and remove items individually.

Better yet, take control of the data Google saves about you. Click here for step-by-step instructions on how to stop Google from collecting data about you.

Most browsers have a similarly easy way to delete your browsing history, and the controls tend to be in your browser's preferences. Keep this in mind, especially if you're researching something a little unusual.

Facebook

For many of us, Facebook is like a sprawling digital yearbook. Maybe you have a family computer, and you usually forget to log out of Facebook. Other people use the same computer, they stumble into your Facebook account, and they notice your conspicuous search history.

Your significant other may wonder why you've become so curious about the person you once invited to the prom, no matter how innocent your interest.

The easiest way to avoid an awkward conversation is to open your Activity Log. Select More >> Search >> Clear Searches. Or you can remove each search item one by one.

Your Facebook Activity Log stores a lot of data about you. Click here for tips to clean it up and prevent things from coming back to haunt you.

Netflix

We all have our guilty pleasures, especially when it comes to movies. You may have privately viewed Lars Von Trier's "Nymphomaniac" and thought it was a great work of art-house cinema, but that could be hard to explain to a roomful of people.

If you want to hide past screenings, just go to My Account >> Viewing History. Be advised that items aren't always deleted immediately; it may take 24 hours for your lists to update on all devices.

Netflix also allows you to create multiple profiles. Many households don't bother with this unless they have children, but if you want to keep your viewing history private, you can create a personal profile and protect it with a password. Click here to learn how to do this as well as access secret Netflix categories.

Go incognito

Every major web browser including Chrome, Edge, Firefox, Internet Explorer, Safari, and Opera has private, or incognito, browsing settings. Turning this feature on means your browser will ignore cookies including ad-tracking cookies and won't record your browsing history. It's almost like you weren't online. Click here to learn how to enable this simple step to keep your browsing history a secret.

Maintaining privacy is one of my favorite themes. To learn other ways to protect your information, be sure to listen or download my podcasts, or click here to find it on your local radio station. You can listen to the Kim Komando Show on your phone, tablet or computer. From buying advice to digital life issues, click here for my free podcasts.
Imagine free-falling to Earth, hurtling down like a sack of potatoes going faster than the speed of sound, with some weird light illuminating your path.

Normally the next step would be suddenly waking up. But what might be someone else's dream was Alan Eustace's reality.

Eustace, 57, spent 13 years working at Google before this death-defying leap from the stratosphere. In doing so he crushed three world records while breaking the sound barrier. But all that aside, the natural question here is  why? Is this the nerd's version of a midlife crisis or Google's in-disguise man of steel?

Turns out: neither.



The son of an aerospace engineer, Alan grew up "immersed in Apollo missions." It's no wonder that drew him to all things space and science. An engineer, pilot and sky diver, his skill diversity was just right for Google  arguably the world's largest repository of knowledge and incubator of unthinkable ideas.



As Google's senior vice president of knowledge, much of Alan's day job was overseeing engineering and development efforts in maps, search and research. While still at Google, he became part of the "StratEx" project.



StratEx was conceived to create an inexpensive, reusable and safe way to explore the stratosphere.



Until StratEx, the only way to get to the stratosphere was in a heavy, cumbersome, expensive, complex and potentially dangerous capsule  the technology first used nearly 60 years ago.

Enter space technologists.



The team created a spacesuit that would allow Alan to safely dive through the stratosphere. ILC Dover, which created all the Apollo mission suits, made its first commercial suit for Alan.

This suit also separated Alan's jump from the much-publicized Red Bullbacked-effort by Austrian sky-diver Felix Baumgartner. Red Bull used a specially designed pressurized capsule technology versus a space suit. The size, weight and complexity of the capsule required a much larger balloon to go to an altitude that was more than a mile lower than the StratEx record.


Hyperloop One, the developer of a futuristic high-speed transportation system, settled a lawsuit with four former employees.

"Hyperloop One is pleased to announce that it has reached a confidential resolution of litigation with its former employees and looks forward to continuing to execute on its business plan," the Los Angelesbased company said on Friday in an emailed statement.



The company was sued in July by co-founder Brogan BamBrogan and a group of early employees who claimed Hyperloop One's top leaders misused funds, breached their fiduciary duties and conspired to enrich themselves.

Chief Executive Officer Rob Lloyd told his staff in a memo obtained by CNBC that lawsuits "often halt momentum until they can be resolved. That didn't happen here."
The most common uncouth word to show up in conference calls over the last 10 years was "damn," as in "pretty damn profitable." Words like "a--" and "s---" also showed up hundreds of times across more than 100,000 transcripts in both positive and negative contexts ( as in "we kicked a--!").



Using a fairly wide definition of profanity that includes most words that are frowned upon in polite society, it's clear that a small number of companies are responsible for a good portion of foul language in conference calls. These include Cypress Semiconductor, Titan International, Scotts Miracle-Gro, Wynn Resorts and Emerson Electric. Major household names like T-Mobile and Yum Brands are also relatively high on the list.



For the most part, executives stuck to the less offensive curse words, but there have only been a few instances of CEOs dropping f-bombs while talking to investors. We found thousands of profane words in the transcripts we searched, but use of the f-word tends to make people sit up and take notice. While profanity in earnings calls seems to be on the rise compared to the last few years, we didn't find any CEOs who had used an f-word in the last three years.
As President-elect Donald Trump comes forth with the first official appointments to his administration, it is less important to focus on political parties than on the skills required to effectively solve the country's problems, Tennessee Rep. Marsha Blackburn said on Friday.

"I think it's less important to say, 'Well, this one's a Republican, this one's a Democrat, this one's for the East Coast, this one's for the West Coast.' Let's put our attention on having the skill set that's necessary to achieve the goals that Mr. Trump would like to achieve in the next couple of years," she said.

"What we have to do is allow [Trump] the opportunity to build out a group of individuals that he will have confidence in and that he knows are on the same thought pattern," said Blackburn, an executive committee member of Trump's transition team.



Blackburn told CNBC's "Squawk on the Street" that while she thinks the Trump administration will eventually include women and members of different races, the focus at the moment is finding the most qualified person to do each job.

"Just as you look at problem-solving for a corporation, you do the same thing when you're looking at re-engineering a federal government that has grown far too large and has become so bureaucratic it is [incapable] of solving the problems that the citizens have," she said.

Blackburn said she has not been offered any positions or had any conversations with the president-elect about serving on his administration.

She said that Trump's first three picks  Rep. Mike Pompeo for CIA director, Rep. Jeff Sessions for attorney general and former Lt. Gen. Mike Flynn for national security advisor  reflect the top concern of the administration: national security.

And, despite Flynn being a controversial figure, Blackburn said the former general's record of good decision-making judgment while serving his country makes him a very good fit for the job.

"I think you look at the whole of General Flynn's background and what you see is someone who is very committed to this country, who is willing to have laid his life down for this country and for our freedoms, and I don't think that that can be discounted one bit," Blackburn said.

The representative said Flynn, who advised Trump on foreign policy matters over the duration of his campaign, will bring the same discernment as a military general to his new role as national security advisor in how he gathered, processed and distilled information.
While many CEOs look for some down time at Thanksgiving, Boston Market's chief plans to be in the trenches, helping to serve around 1.1 million customers a hot meal.

Thanksgiving is the "Super Bowl" for Boston Market, CEO George Michel told CNBC. The chain sees revenues double during the week, with sales on Wednesday and Thursday five times higher than regular days.



Michel will join his employees at one of the company's New York locations this year scooping heaps of mashed potatoes and packaging sides of stuffing, creamed spinach and mac n' cheese for hungry customers.

This is the sixth-consecutive year that Michel will have spent Thanksgiving on the front lines, a tradition that has extended to several of Boston Market's executives.

"Some customers come and eat in the restaurants, some pick up meals to go home, some pick up side orders or pies as gifts or to supplement their own meals," Michel told CNBC. "We also do a large catering business" during Thanksgiving.

In total, holiday sales in November and December account for about 20 percent of the company's annual business and Thanksgiving business, alone, has grown more than 100 percent in the last five years.

Michel said Thanksgiving traditions are changing, especially for younger generations.

"People are getting busier and busier with their lives and spending less time planning Thanksgiving than they did before," he said, explaining that many consumers have been so focused on the election that they haven't had time to think about the holiday.

Boston Market hopes to snag business from a variety of consumers with its wide range of food options. Michel says that the chain sees a lot of hospital workers, airport employees and Black Friday retailers during Thanksgiving  all folks who are working and unable to cook a full meal or attend a family gathering.

"It's very stressful cooking dinner for 10 to 20 people," he said. "[Consumers] are looking for solutions to take the risk out of cooking the turkey."

The company is offering catering packages that include a whole, precooked turkey or rotisserie turkey breast with a selection of sides for those who want the full Thanksgiving meal, but want to skip the hassle of cooking.

Premium buffet catering, which includes three sides, two choices of meat (turkey, ham or chicken), cranberry walnut relish, cornbread and pie slices, cost $13.49 per person and can be picked up in store or delivered.

Deluxe buffet catering includes two sides and costs $11.49 per person and, of course, the chain offers its day-of Thanksgiving meal for $12.99.
Yuri_Arcurs | Getty Images

1. Know your numbers.

What percentage of employees in the company are female? How many women are in executive roles? What portion of exiting employees are female? Every company leader should know the answers to these questions, Prophet said. You can't address a problem without understanding the extent of it.



2. Develop empathy.

It's easy to empathize with people who lead lives similar to yours. The task becomes difficult when you encounter people who are different from you. Leaders should rise to that challenge in order to build their ability to empathize, Prophet said. "Seek out experiences where you are exposed to people unlike yourself and you're able to see the world through their lens," he advised.

3. Model the whole person.

As a leader, you are a representative for all employees. Regardless of whether your employee looks like you or has a similar lifestyle, you are their representative. Leaders need to take this responsibility seriously and work to model the whole person, Prophet said. If you don't have kids, try to understand what it's like to be a working mom or dad and what company policies could ease that burden. By actively seeking out opportunities to understand their employees, leaders can become more responsive.



4. Practice inclusive meetings.

Large boardroom meetings can be intimidating for anyone, but especially women and minorities, who are often battling stereotypes of incompetence. It's important that leaders step up and foster an environment that encourages everyone to voice their opinion and be themselves. "Work happens in meetings, and having non-inclusive practices in meetings is a death sentence for the health of the culture in the company," Prophet said.

Let each employee finish their thoughts without interruption. Give everyone an opportunity to speak so no one is made to feel invisible. If employees feel valued in those settings, they will be more likely to actively contribute their ideas.

5. Erase cultural biases.
While President-elect Trump is keen to "bring jobs home" and "set up a special deportation task force" for illegal immigrants, his "beautiful" Mexican wall plans may ironically end up benefiting a Mexican company.

In a report from Alliance Bernstein dated July 2016, the analysts write that "despite arguments concerning which government will pay for construction, the large quantities of materials required may necessitate procurement from both sides of the border. Cemex (one of the world's leading cement producers and a Mexican firm) appears best positioned regardless with cement, RMX, and aggregates facilities throughout the border region."

In fact, Alliance Bernstein says that Cemex stands to benefit regardless if the wall is paid for by Mexico or the US.

However, the analysts make the point that neither country were likely to commission companies from the other country if they were to foot the bill, but the US might still choose Cemex USA- the US subsidiary, where profits will ultimately flow back to Mexico.

The analysts add that "other companies who we expect to benefit most include CalPortland, GCC, Martin Marietta and Vulcan"

Another firm with presence in the border region is LafargeHolcim, the world's biggest cement maker. Asked by CNBC this morning if the company was willing to provide materials for the construction of the wall - we got, well, stonewalled. Eric Olsen merely said:" We are focussed on infrastructure. And the real infrastructure needs in the US are building bridges and roads. We see tremendous needs there."

Carolin Roth is anchor for Street Signs and covers the Swiss market for CNBC. You can follow Carolin on Twitter @CarolinCNBC





Follow CNBC International on Twitter and Facebook.


"If Trump imposes a 45 percent tariff on Chinese imports, China-U.S. trade will be paralyzed," Global Times , a Chinese state-run news agency, wrote Sunday. "China will take a tit-for-tat approach then," it added, mentioning everything from Boeing orders to agricultural imports such as U.S. soybeans and corn.

U.S. soybean exports to China have been strong this year, but the sharp rhetoric on trade from Trump during the campaign now is translating into tough talk from the communist nation about possible retaliation if the new administration imposes tariffs.

Ag exports from the U.S. approached $127 billion in the latest year, and besides being the world's top corn exporter, the U.S. is a major seller of soybeans globally with about half of the crop going overseas to customers such as China. Ag exports to China have grown more than 200 percent in the past decade and last year topped $20 billion.

"The current uncertainty diminishes the appetite foreign businesses have to investment in U.S. businesses," said Rabobank Food & Agribusiness Research and Advisory in a report released this week. According to Rabobank, the U.S. food and agriculture industries are "one of the main drivers of global agriculture and trade."

Candidate Trump called China a "currency manipulator" and threatened to put into place 45 percent tariffs on Chinese imports. He also threatened trade with Mexico, including getting rid of the North American Free Trade Agreement, or NAFTA deal, which would have serious implications for agriculture and other industries.

President-elect Donald Trump's tough talk about China's trade policies during the campaign has rankled the communist nation and now raises the possibility of a backlash to the U.S. agricultural industry.

Meantime, candidate Trump called NAFTA the "worst trade deal in history" and may push to renegotiate the 22-year-old agreement between the U.S., Mexico and Canada.

Overall, Mexico and Canada represent nearly one-third of the total U.S. agricultural exports.



"Any change to U.S. agricultural trade agreements will not only affect global prices and trade dynamics but also U.S. farmer margins," according to the Rabobank report.



At the same time, Rabobank said there are NAFTA implications in terms of currency fluctuations such as the Mexican peso. It expects Mexico's exports to the U.S. might benefit from the depreciation of the peso, and Brazil, a major agricultural competitor on the global market, could become more attractive than the U.S.

Then again, others suggest the weak peso and strong dollar is making some U.S. ag products more expensive for Mexico.

"There is concern that corn shipments to Mexico will fall off a little bit due to it costing more for Mexico to buy corn," said Terry Reilly, senior commodity analyst for Futures International in Chicago.

Nearly one-fifth of total U.S. food and agriculture exports go to Mexico.

Elsewhere, President-elect Trump's plans to crackdown on undocumented immigrants may complicate efforts to attract domestic migrant farm workers. Trump has said he will deport millions of undocumented immigrants and build a "big beautiful wall" at the U.S.-Mexico border.

The ag and food sectors, whether fresh produce, livestock or food service companies, are "highly dependent on migrant labor," according to Rabobank. There's also been a trend of rising labor costs, which the bank's report blames on the stricter immigrant laws and increased opportunities in other sectors.

The ag industry has been asking for immigration reform to deal with undocumented workers and to help alleviate the farm labor shortage. The labor shortage has been widely recognized in fruit and vegetable production but it is increasingly being found in other ag areas such as dairies and poultry operations.

Some farmers rely on the foreign guest farmworker visa program to hire help during harvest time. However, there have been delays in the paperwork processing reported in California and at least a dozen other states.



"The current process has so many limitations on it that a lot of folks end up with their crops literally rotting in the field because they don't have anybody to pick the crop," said Dale Moore, executive director of public policy for the American Farm Bureau Federation in Washington, D.C.

The Farm Bureau official added, "We know it will be necessarily tied into the broader process of immigration reform."
"America's workers were told to put down their tools and go to college so they could all design the next iPhone. The dirty task of actually making those things would happen somewhere else, at lower wages. That's simply ridiculous and we have a generation of college grads with mountains of debt competing for low paying jobs."

That model has been good for top engineering grads and marketers, but it failed to provide living wages for middle-class workers. It has also served investment bankers and stock investors well, while undermining our government tax base.

Multinational firms like Apple avoid paying wages to U.S. workers and avoid American environmental regulations while managing corporate shell games that hide billions of dollars overseas. That money should be building infrastructure in America instead of piling up in Irish and Caribbean banks.

Meanwhile, America's workers were told to put down their tools and go to college so they could all design the next iPhone. The dirty task of actually making those things would happen somewhere else, at lower wages. That's simply ridiculous and we have a generation of college grads with mountains of debt competing for low paying jobs.

The result has been growing economic inequality and the political disruption behind this election. Like every nation, we need an economy that provides decent wages and dignity for all levels of workers, and we need that more than we need cheap consumer goods.

The president-elect will adjust U.S. corporate taxes to competitive levels and reduce burdensome regulations. That will be good for the mid-sized businesses that actually pay these taxes and it will encourage the larger ones to start paying. Trump's plan also calls for balancing our chronic trade deficit and leveling the playing field for the U.S. We will finally hold our global competitors to account for currency manipulation, cheating and lax regulatory enforcement.

We must also demand reciprocal market access. If it is illegal for Americans to own property or firms in "strategic sectors" in China, then why are they doing that here? If Facebook and Twitter are illegal in China, then why is Alibaba allowed to run its dubious IPO on Wall Street?

While this will disturb global markets in the short term it will be far from the apocalypse that the establishment fears. America still holds the most valuable consumer and capital markets in the world. Nations will choose to accommodate a United States that trades strategically and fairly. The alternative is to continue the discredited "Free Trade" experiment that has resulted in 30 years of climbing deficits and accumulating debt.

Tech firms that adapt to the new economic reality will flourish. Startups that invest in America's productive workers and develop the tools they need to compete globally will prosper. Finally, GDP growth will return to levels that can actually sustain the demands on our government, without borrowing money from our global competitors. Shared prosperity will produce a more pleasant political environment for us all.

Commentary by Greg Autry, an educator, writer and serial technology entrepreneur. He is an Assistant Professor of Clinical Entrepreneurship with the Lloyd Greif Center for Entrepreneurial Studies in the Marshall School of Business at the University of Southern California, where he teaches small business management and technology entrepreneurship. Dr. Autry's research is focused on innovation policy and the influences of government on entrepreneurial environments.

Follow CNBC's Opinion section on Twitter @CNBCopinion.


U.S. stock index futures pointed to narrowly mixed open Friday as traders eyed a host of Fed speakers. On Thursday, Fed Chair Janet Yellen gave testimony before the Joint Economic Committee of Congress. Yellen, like many other Fed speakers, reaffirmed that a rate hike is coming soon.

Kansas City Fed President Esther George is set to speak in Houston at a joint conference of the Federal Reserve Banks of Dallas and Kansas City at 9:30 a.m. ET, with Dallas Fed President Rob Kaplan speaking there at 1:30 p.m. ET, while New York Fed President Bill Dudley will hold a press briefing at 9:30 a.m. ET.



Chicago Fed President Charles Evans and Fed Governor Jerome Powell are also slated to speak.

On Friday morning ET, St. Louis Fed President James Bullard said he is leaning towards supporting a rate hike next month and argued on Friday that the real question now is the Fed's rate path in 2017.



On the data front, Friday will see leading indicators released at 10 a.m. ET.

On the earnings front, Foot Locker posted mixed results, beating earnings estimates and missing on revenues as comparable store sales rose 4.7 percent. Abercrombie & Fitch is also set to report before the bell.

In Europe, the pan-European Stoxx-600 index was around 0.26 percent lower on Friday. In Asia, the Shanghai Composite in China closed 0.47 percent lower, while the Nikkei in Japan closed 0.59 percent higher.

CNBC's Patti Domm contributed to this report.
Speaker Paul Ryan, R-Wis., center, reacts to the technique of Sen. Charles Schumer, D-N.Y., as Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell, R-Ky., far left, House Majority Leader Kevin McCarthy, R-Calif., and House Minority Leader Nancy Pelosi, D-Calif., participate in a First Nail Ceremony that launches the construction of the Inaugural p

The final inauguration budget for the Jan. 20 event hinges on the proposed event calendar the Trump Presidential Committee puts together, said Chris Geldart, director of the District of Columbia's Homeland Security Emergency Management Agency (HSEMA), which oversees the district's planning for the presidential inauguration. "We will know if we need to increase our budget based on the amount of events they want to have." The presidential inaugural period is officially five days before and four days after the date of inauguration.

But with a meeting Friday between Tom Barrack, chairman of the inaugural committee with D.C. Mayor Muriel Bowser, and homeland security officials, it was anticipated the price tag for security and infrastructure could go even higher.

The city was appropriated $19.9 million in the president's budget for both security and inauguration-associated infrastructure costs. That allocation pales in comparison to allocations to Cleveland and Philadelphia, the host cities for the Republican or Democratic national conventions, which each received $50 million to pay for security.

With the inauguration just 62 days away, CNBC has learned the amount of money originally set aside for the District of Columbia for inaugural safety and infrastructure spending is not enough, prompting the city to ask Congress for an additional $10 million for Donald Trump 's swearing in.

The Presidential Inauguration Stand is seen under construction from the newly-restored Capitol Dome at the US Capitol on November 15, 2016 in Washington, D.C.

HSEMA concentrates on the security and safety of inaugural attendees and started planning for the inauguration back in April, meetings with federal authorities began in July. Based on those meetings, the current budget for the HSEMA is $29.9 million for the 18-20 district agencies assisting in the coverage.

"If more events are added beyond the balls, swearing in ceremony and religious service, the budget could increase to cover more area and security," explained Geldart. "For example, Obama did a whistle stop tour. That added to the budget because of the manpower needed to cover the event." HSEMA went back to Congress in July asking for the additional $10 million.



The agency started planning for the inauguration back in April and started their meetings with federal authorities in July. Based on those meetings, the current budget for the HSEMA is $29.9 million for the 18-20 district agencies assisting in the coverage.

"If more events are added beyond the balls, swearing in ceremony and religious service, the budget could increase," Geldart.said. "For example, Obama did a whistle stop tour. That added to the budget because of the manpower needed to cover the event."



Crowds are estimated to be less than the Obama 2009 inauguration but more than the 2013 inauguration, between 800,00 and 900,000 people. But that number could change. "Over the coming month, we will keep in touch with the hotel association, church organizations and bus providers to give us a better understanding of that number," said Geldart. "We have A, B, and C plans already in place. If we see crowds as large as at the historic 2009 inauguration of President Obama, we are ready to park buses along roadways and if needed along (Route) 395. But we are not anticipating that."



As of right now, 3,000 law enforcement officials from departments around the country and 7,000 national guardsman will be securing and coordinating crowd control.



This is not the first inauguration where Washington, D.C. would request additional funds. For the 2009 inauguration, Washington, D.C., Virginia and Maryland requested $75 million from the federal government to offset the costs of extra police, fire and medical services used during the days around the inauguration.



Geldart stressed if no additional monies were allocated to D.C. that does not mean it would impact the security provided. "We will still direct the proper amount of security necessary as well as build the infrastructure needed for the inaugural events. We will make sure the nation has a peaceful transition of power from one president to another."


SYRACUSE, N.Y.  Syracuse University has formed a search committee to find and hire the next dean of the Martin J. Whitman School of Management.

The 14-person committee includes university leaders, faculty, staff, and board of trustees representatives, according to a university news release.

Syracuse has hired Isaacson, Miller, a Boston, Massachusettsbased recruitment firm, to assist with the search effort.

The new dean will succeed S.P. Raj, professor of marketing and chair of the department of marketing, who is currently serving as interim dean.

Raj was named to the interim post after Syracuse Universitys removal of Kenneth Kavajecz as dean of the Whitman School following his arrest in a prostitution sting in the town of Salina.

The university announced the removal of Kavajecz on Sept. 14.

A key Syracuse University official expressed confidence about the upcoming search.

I am eager to begin the process of identifying a world-class business leader to guide the Whitman School into the future, Michele Wheatly, vice chancellor and provost, said in the release. The Whitman School has never been stronger and continues to experience tremendous growth and success. That success, combined with the Whitman Schools entrepreneurial and student-centric approach to business education, makes the dean position one of the most attractive leadership opportunities in higher education today. I have no doubt we will attract the very best and brightest minds in business education.

J. Michael Haynie, vice chancellor for strategic initiatives and innovation, will chair the committee.

Haynie is also a professor of entrepreneurship in the Whitman School.

The search process will be a collaborative effort between the search committee and the students, faculty, staff and alumni of the Whitman School, Syracuse said.

Contact Reinhardt at ereinhardt@cnybj.com
The James A. FitzPatrick nuclear-power plant in Scriba. Photo credit: Entergy website

SCRIBA, N.Y.  The New York State Public Service Commission (PSC) on Thursday announced approval of the sale of the James A. FitzPatrick nuclear power plant in Scriba to Exelon Corp. (NYSE: EXC).

The agreement to continue operation of the plant will save about 600 jobs, according to the office of Gov. Andrew Cuomo.

Under the deal totaling $110 million, New Orleans, Louisianabased Entergy Corp. (NYSE: ETR) will transfer FitzPatricks operating license to Chicago, Illinoisbased Exelon, which describes itself as the owner of the nations largest nuclear fleet.

Our finding today is that the public will be well-served by the transfer of ownership of FitzPatrick, Audrey Zibelman, PSC chairperson, said in the commissions release. Exelon has an excellent track record as the owner of nuclear power plants, and we fully expect it will operate FitzPatrick in a safe and reliable fashion.

Final transaction closure is dependent upon regulatory review and approval by federal agencies, including the U.S. Department of Justice, the Nuclear Regulatory Commission, and the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission.

The transaction is expected to close in the second quarter of 2017, the PSC said.

The companies credited Cuomo with helping to facilitate the transaction. The governor had asked the PSC to adopt a clean-energy standard (CES), which will provide hundreds of millions of dollars in subsidies, funded by utility customers, to help keep nuclear-power plants open in upstate New York.

The PSC on Aug. 1 approved New Yorks clean-energy standard.

As a result of the CES, Exelon will reinvest millions back into the nuclear units, including upwards of $500 million in operations, integration and refueling expenditures for the upstate plants in spring of 2017, all of which will have a positive impact across the state, the PSC contends.

Exelon has committed to refueling FitzPatrick in January 2017.

Exelon operates two other nuclear-energy facilities in upstate New York, including Nine Mile Point, located near FitzPatrick. Its other plant, R.E. Ginna, is in the town of Ontario in Wayne County.

Together, Exelons two Upstate plants provide carbon-free electricity for more than 2.5 million homes and businesses while employing more than 1,500 full-time staff, the PSC said.

Contact Reinhardt at ereinhardt@cnybj.com
Photo credit: St. Bonaventure University Twitter page

OLEAN, N.Y.  St. Bonaventure University announced Friday that it has selected

Dennis DePerro, dean of the Purcell School of Professional Studies at Le Moyne College in Syracuse, to be its 21st president.

DePerro will start in his new post at St. Bonaventure, located in Olean, on June 1, 2017.

St. Bonaventure said in a news release that it will introduce DePerro to its campus community, at a news conference at 10 a.m. Monday, weather permitting.

Trustees unanimously selected DePerro on Sunday, Nov. 13, after an eight-month search process that involved more than 70 members of the campus community, the release stated.

St. Bonaventure has been led by Andrew Roth, interim president, since Aug. 1, when Sister Margaret Carney, retired. Roth will work closely with DePerro on a transition plan next spring and summer, the school said.

[DePerro] is a great fit for St. Bonaventure University. His innovative enrollment efforts, allied health program development, and commitment to the liberal arts in a Catholic setting make him an ideal president, Robert Daugherty, chair of St. Bonaventures board of trustees, said in the release. What was gratifying is that, even though we had a couple of very strong finalists, the Boards decision was unanimous. Thats how much confidence we have in Dr. DePerro.

DePerro, 57, was VP for enrollment management at Le Moyne for 18 years before becoming the inaugural dean of the School of Graduate and Professional Studies in 2013. He helped secure a $6.5 million gift last year for the school, renamed the Kathy and John Purcell School of Professional Studies, which specializes in allied health and education offerings.

St. Bonaventure established a School of Allied Health this fall.

St. Bonaventure has made an excellent choice by selecting Dr. DePerro as its next president, said Le Moyne College President Linda LeMura. I have had the pleasure of working closely with Dennis over the past 13 years.  He has done a tremendous job advancing the mission of our Jesuit college. Le Moynes loss is St. Bonaventures gain.

DePerro has spent his entire 35-year career in college administration; for eight years (1982-1990) in admissions and alumni relations at his alma mater Canisius College, and for five years (1990-1995) as dean of admission and financial aid at Marietta College in Ohio before going to Le Moyne in 1995.

A Buffalo native, DePerro was one of Le Moynes first two participants in the inaugural Ignatian Colleagues Program, a national program developed to strengthen lay leadership through formation and focus on Jesuit mission and vision.

During DePerros 18 years as VP for enrollment, Le Moynes undergraduate enrollment grew from 1,680 to 2,400, while graduate enrollment rose from 390 to 650 over the same period, the release stated.

DePerro has a doctorate in higher education management (2006) from the University of Pennsylvania, a masters in educational administration and supervision (1988) from Canisius, and a bachelors in biology from Canisius (1981).

St. Bonaventure said it used the recruiting firm Witt-Kiefer to conduct the national search, which began in March with the naming of a 12-person search committee made up of seven trustees and five members of the campus community.

DePerros wife, Sherry, is a VP at Cadaret, Grant and Co., a national financial advisory firm headquartered in Syracuse, per the release. They have two sons who are students at Providence College.

Contact Rombel at arombel@cnybj.com
 Celebrates 365 days of existence.

THE MMM Nigeria, a community of mutual aid and donation exchange on Thursday donated about N2.5 Million to hospital patients in Ibadan, the Oyo State capital who are suffering from deadly ailments and without hope to settle their hospital bills.

According to one of the members, Eleyele Benjamin said MMMs Save a life Charity programme is part of motive the group was founded to assist those who are in need contrary to popular saying that its founded to defraud prospective members of the public.

READ MORE: ALL YOU NEED TO KNOW ABOUT MMM NIGERIA (REGISTRATION AND HOW IT WORKS)

He said, what we do in our community is providing help for each other. We provide for people in need at a time when other people who dont need, pay for them and get rewarded after 30 days.

And part of the motive of the organization is providing for the less privileged. We have come here and seen that there are a lot of people in need financially and we are here to render the assistance.

We believe that if we save these peoples lives today, they would be the ones to save other peoples lives tomorrow.

We are here to also enlighten people that the scheme is not a scam and to enlighten them on social responsibility by the community, Benjamin said.

READ MORE: ALL YOU NEED TO KNOW ABOUT MMM NIGERIA (REGISTRATION AND HOW IT WORKS)

He added that the organization is not faceless as its believed in some quarter.

He explained further that the community is not a scam nor a faceless organization of people saying if not, they wont troupe out enmasse to offer the assistance.

Eleyele also maintained that the way the community is fashioned, nobody owns it saying therefore, so far people are joining and increasing, it wont run down and would be sustainable.

Speaking to journalists, a mother of a 12 years old girl, Oyindamola Oluwadare, who is suffering from a heart failure in University College Hospital, UCH Ibadan and therefore needs a sum of N4 Million to be flown abroad for surgical operation said she noticed her daughter was complaining of chest pain two years ago.

She said after diagnosing her, it was learnt she has developed heart ailment. Now, we need almost N4Million and we have only gotten only N2.6Million. I borrowed N1.4Million from cooperatives.

READ MORE: ALL YOU NEED TO KNOW ABOUT MMM NIGERIA (REGISTRATION AND HOW IT WORKS)

The mother of the SSS 1 student of Command Day Secondary, Mokola, Ibadan, Mrs. Rachael Oluwadare said she really thank MMM. Her statement reads, I have toiled hard to get the N2.6 Million out of N4 Million we actually need. I thank MMM that its paying the balance of N1.4Million on our behalf.

Other beneficiaries of the charity programme were 4 years old boy, Ayoade Muhyeed who needs N300, 000 for an eye surgery, Ariyo Taofeek, a physiotherapic patient, Rafiu Anuoluwapo, Akeem Sakirat Olagunju Akeem, Later Adeshina, Olalekan Kehinde and six other patients in the hospital.

READ MORE: ALL YOU NEED TO KNOW ABOUT MMM NIGERIA (REGISTRATION AND HOW IT WORKS)
I wrote an application in asp net (3.5).

From an .aspx page should be interfaced a script in asp.

I meant that the aspx page after viewing waits X seconds and then using HTTPRequest and POST call the asp page.

In the aspx page I inserted a timer that delays the execution of the asp page X seconds.

When I use firefox working properly, while chrome is in the loop, that is the status bar see that continually draws the current page without stopping, ending only when I close the course page.

Searching the net I saw that chrome and safari have some incompatibility.



Where did I go wrong ?



What can be done to solve this problem, taking into account that I can not replace the ASP page with an .aspx, because it uses COM objects that do not know the features?



Someone enlighten me !!!



Good day



We have the requirement to invoke a Microsoft Outlook Meeting request from an Intranet web page without having the following (well known) message:



An ActiveX control on this page might be unsafe to interact with other parts of this page. Do you want to allow this interaction?



We want to use the standard installed (client side) Microsoft outlook libraries for that.



We do not want to relax the Local intranet Zone in IE by means of the standard resolution method of enabling the Initialize and script ActiveX controls not marked as safe for scripting Setting.



ASP.NET This is a simplified version of the code, the message is invoked by the highlighted portion < body > < form id =" frmScheduleAMeeting" runat =" server" > < div > < input id =" btnScheduleTheMeeting" type =" button" value =" Schedule the meeting" onclick =" ScheduleTheMeeting()" style =" width: 200px" / > < /div > < /form > < script type =" text/javascript" > function ScheduleTheMeeting() { var theApp; var theMeeting; var theApp = new ActiveXObject( " Outlook.Application" ); var objNS = theApp.GetNameSpace( ' MAPI' ); var theMeeting = theApp.CreateItem( 1 ); theMeeting.Subject = " Will this time suit you?" ; theMeeting.Location = " Your Office" ; theMeeting.Recipients.Add( " someone@microsoft.com" ); theMeeting.Start = " 01/01/2017 10:00:00" theMeeting.End = " 01/01/2017 11:00:00" theMeeting.ReminderMinutesBeforeStart = 15 ; theMeeting.BusyStatus = 1 ; theMeeting.AllDayEvent = false ; theMeeting.BusyStatus = 1 ; theMeeting.Save(); theMeeting.Display(); theMeeting.Recipients.ResolveAll(); theMeeting.Save(); } < / script > < /body >





We have tried to mark it safe in the registry as safe for scripting (7DD95801-9882-11CF-9FA9-00AA006C42C4) and safe for initializing from persistent data (7DD95802-9882-11CF-9FA9-00AA006C42C4).

https://msdn.microsoft.com/en-us/library/aa751977(v=VS.85).aspx



This is the registry setting we used (the one is the standard GUID for outlook, the other is the GUIDwe get when we add a reference to mso.dll in a VS.net windows form Application



[ HKEY_CLASSES_ROOT\CLSID\ {2DF8D04C-5BFA-101B-BDE5-00AA0044DE52}] [HKEY_CLASSES_ROOT\CLSID\{2DF8D04C-5BFA-101B-BDE5-00AA0044DE52}\Implemented Categories] [HKEY_CLASSES_ROOT\CLSID\{2DF8D04C-5BFA-101B-BDE5-00AA0044DE52}\Implemented Categories\{7DD95801-9882-11CF-9FA9-00AA006C42C4}] [HKEY_CLASSES_ROOT\CLSID\{2DF8D04C-5BFA-101B-BDE5-00AA0044DE52}\Implemented Categories\{7DD95802-9882-11CF-9FA9-00AA006C42C4}] [HKEY_CLASSES_ROOT\CLSID\{0006F03A-0000-0000-C000-000000000046}] [HKEY_CLASSES_ROOT\CLSID\{0006F03A-0000-0000-C000-000000000046}\Implemented Categories] [HKEY_CLASSES_ROOT\CLSID\{0006F03A-0000-0000-C000-000000000046}\Implemented Categories\{7DD95801-9882-11CF-9FA9-00AA006C42C4}] [HKEY_CLASSES_ROOT\CLSID\{0006F03A-0000-0000-C000-000000000046}\Implemented Categories\{7DD95802-9882-11CF-9FA9-00AA006C42C4}]



Any ideas on what else to try?







If you did manage to change it so that it was marked as "safe for scripting", then any site on the internet could use it to wreak havoc on your users' email.



Try creating your own ActiveX control to perform the specific tasks you need, and locking it down to your intranet site:

Per-Site ActiveX Controls (Internet Explorer)[^]



Alternatively, see if you can do what you need with an iCalendar file, which would have the added advantage of working in other browsers and calendars too.

GitHub - rianjs/ical.net: ical.NET - an open source iCal library for .NET[^]





"These people looked deep within my soul and assigned me a number based on the order in which I joined."

- Homer







Hello, our company website is getting hit hard from malicious bots. I wish to propose a solution which involves changes to our web.config file. The trick is that I wish for the general search engine traffic to continue; I'm just interested in preventing the malicious bots.



This is an example of what I'm seeing online:

http://blog.arvixe.com/how-to-block-malicious-bots-and-spiders-in-web-config



The author seems to be restricting all search engines. Is this correct? If so, does anyone have an alternative that will allow for general search engine traffic to visit but restrict specific malicious bots? (I'd prefer to edit the web.config, since I don't believe that malicious bots care about the robots.txt file.)



Thanks!







Over the years, the bots just change their names over and over and it becomes a circular task that chews up so much time.



I guess to anwser your question, no I have not used the web config or knew that method existed. I'm just saying that manual operation of adding bots to that config is time consuming.



IMHO, the best solution is to just block an entire country using something like a Sonic Wall.



You can create automated programs that will detect and block by IP Address, but the bot activity will detect the block and notify it's master of it; then the master will put your website on a army of machines starting in Russia, then China and so forth. If you keep blocking those, then the army grows till it wraps around the world and it's 24/7.



So after 4 years of experimenting, I finally just broke down and bought a $2K Dell NSA 2600 Sonicwall and purchased a 3 year contract to filter out bad stuff; works like a champ now and they do all the work.

Now I can focus on just writing better more efficient code to keep user data safe.

Globalism is Socialism on a planetary scale.







I appreciate your thoughts about web.config. Too bad there is no way to stop malicious bots that doesn't require spending $$$.



Hi Professionals,



We have a complex application developed in asp.net web forms and ajax. the Application is very heavy and contains many complex functions. Lengthy (Header/details) forms, Complicated Gridviews and all supported with ajax controls.



the application has been enhanced for the last 10 years to keep it with the latest tehnology and trends.



we are planning to do major enhancement to the application - converting it to HTML5 and jquery/bootstrap



the developers advising to re-develop the application in MVC because it is fully support jquery/callback and bootstrap



I am not sure if we can go to in this direction or not. the current application is event based. most of the events are handled in the server side. for example we have a form with many sections being displayed or hidden based on a selection from multiple dropdowns. for that we are using asp.net panel with visible property.



and we have other screens with gridviews loading huge data (more than 50,0000 rows) and we used the gridview built-in paging and sorting. beside we also have nested grids (Expand/Collapse) for each row of the parent grid





I am not sure if all of these functionalities can be achieved by MVC/Bootstrap.



could you please, advise.

Hussain Mohammed Saleh Attiya

ISP Technical Manager

Atyaf Telcom - Bahrain







The underlying technologies are still exactly the same, the separation of concerns is just more clearly drawn.



It will take time, though.

"There are three kinds of lies: lies, damned lies and statistics."

- Benjamin Disraeli



Nathan Minier wrote: Your team will just need to be prepared to work more in JavaScript.



Why?







I mean, is that a trick question?

"There are three kinds of lies: lies, damned lies and statistics."

- Benjamin Disraeli



Nathan Minier wrote: MVC does not provide a shake-and-bake ajax-supported event-driven control model. MVC does provide all of that, and these are possible, only fact is that we don't use this anymore.



Download the boilerplate template, it contains most of Angular, Bootstrap. What are they?

The sh*t I complain about

It's like there ain't a cloud in the sky and it's raining out - Eminem

~! Firewall !~



Afzaal Ahmad Zeeshan wrote: Download the boilerplate template, it contains most of Angular, Bootstrap. What are they?



They're JavaScript and CSS, not MVC.NET. That's kind of the point: you have a proper separation of concerns between the server and client processes.

"There are three kinds of lies: lies, damned lies and statistics."

- Benjamin Disraeli







However you can't really "convert" such an app as you have from a server-side methodology to a client-side one. I think you can maybe re-engineer some things such as, for example, ditching datagrid paging and instead use jQuery to call web methods to return the data as pages and then update the DOM directly. These things are no less possible in webforms than MVC.



The way I see it you can only add these types of enhancements and introduce these techniques a bit at a time, or you can commit to full rewrite the app and take the opportunity to improve it in many areas as I'm sure the app would benefit from this. If you do commit to do that then moving to MVC at the same time would be a good thing to do, but it will involve a complete re-write and there will be a steep learning curve for your team.



However don't think you have to use a certain server-side technology to use a certain javascript framework, as it's all just html.





The main concerns you have to look for:

1. Time - MVC is not RAD!!!

2. Separation. While in ASP.NET Forms you could bend the rules and mix layers MVC will break under same conditions, and for that the design/develop cycle must be more precise and time consuming...

3. Knowledge of client side technologies... MVC gives you grate control over the final output of rendering, but it can be a burden as you HAVE TO take care for almost every details for your own...

4. OO? Not really. MVC views can not inherit the same way web forms do, so all the idea of master pages and inheritance must be redesigned...



To make it clear - there is no actually anything will stop you from porting your application, but it will be a big challenge and you and your team will have to learn a lot of new things and ways of doing them...



On a personal note: We are in the middle of a similar process. We are merging an ASP.NET Forms and a Win Forms application into a new - modern web application. We are talking about thousands of pages in the final project...

Our final solution is to write our own framework, that enables developing the same way we used to do with Web Forms, but translates old style code to MVC like... So we actually mixing ASP.NET Forms and MVC in a way that still enables RAD development with full OO, but take advantages of the MVC (modern) based development...

Skipper: We'll fix it.

Alex: Fix it? How you gonna fix this?

Skipper: Grit, spit and a whole lotta duct tape.







Best call or decision I ever made. I can't wait to deploy the new app and run it. I thought about all the cool stuff I had already had ending up throwing in the trash and writing even better stuff to replace it.



So now I have the whole setup, EF6, automatic migrations, node.js, bower, gulp, bootstrap, fontawesome; with automatic css, js, image compression on every build, and package updates. I can validate a form off a model or just in JQuery. I save 3 hours now every time I publish a change.



It took me 6 months to really learn all of the above, but now I'm jamming fast creating very functional single page apps and so forth with very reusable code. Once you past the learn curve, your reusable code propels you forward at a very fast rate. I's say I'm 8X faster now than Web Forms.



Those complex headers your asking about, you can write an Attribute "OnActionExecuting" class, that will do your header work, and add the name to the top of the controller Action to run it every time that action is called. I have a bunch of these now, one I use for shopping and checkout for security and to replace the Identity module.



Ajax work is a breeze; for I have an Ajax controller that does nothing but ajax calls, returning a JsonResult; just pure json back.



I don't know about the gridview, but suppose you can write something from scratch, it's just HTML. But HTML5 and Bootstrap has stuff that can replace it.



IMO; wish I would of made the move years ago.

Go for it!

Globalism is Socialism on a planetary scale.



jkirkerx wrote: My web app was written in VB, so I had to convert to c# as well.

I'm not sure you had to convert it - it's possible to write MVC using VB.NET:

Getting Started with ASP.NET MVC 5 using Visual Basic[^]



But it was probably a good move anyway. Most of the samples you find tend to be in C#, and you'll have fewer people mocking your choice of language.





"These people looked deep within my soul and assigned me a number based on the order in which I joined."

- Homer











I'm no writing any more VB programs in the future.

much easier to write c# now and faster, less typing.



Thanks Richard!



Oh project is coming along sweet now. Been awhile since I asked for help with MVC, getting much better at it and the whole. Just love this stuff!

Globalism is Socialism on a planetary scale.





Hussain Mohammed Saleh Attiya

Sr. System Analyst

Gulf air - Bahrain



Hi,



I am part of a MVC Web application that contains a Web API. Unfortunately, as I am new to MVC, could the experts out there help me how to integrate the WebAPI into my MVC please?



Thanks



here if you want to call the API server-side (e.g. from within an MVC controller). If you want to consume it on the client side, you could use AJAX or similar with the API URL.

djj55: Nice but may have a permission problem

Pete O'Hanlon: He has my permission to run it.



sunsher wrote: help me how to integrate the WebAPI into my MVC please? Do you want to access Web API or access it in MVC?



The latter is as simple as calling functions on your API object, former one requires a bit of setups, such as routing configurations etc. Be more specific so we may help you.

The sh*t I complain about

It's like there ain't a cloud in the sky and it's raining out - Eminem

~! Firewall !~



Hello, I have a web page that is using similar code to a second page that works perfectly. Both pages have listviews. Immediately following the listviews I have datapagers.



Page 1 (the working page), has a listview, and a datapager. I have three fields for this datapager. To simplify things, the first field looks like:

<Fields>

<asp:NextPreviousPagerField ShowFirstPageButton="False" ShowNextPageButton="False" />





It works as expected.



Page 2 also has a listview. I have a datapager. If I leave out any fields for this datapager, the web page renders. (I just don't see any pagination control.)



Here is where I attempt to just add a single field to the datapager:

<Fields>

<asp:NextPreviousPagerField ShowFirstPageButton="False" ShowNextPageButton="False" />





Doing this generates what I consider to be a bizarre, crazy error:

<ERROR>

Control 'DataPager_ctl00_ctl00' of type 'LinkButton' must be placed inside a form tag with runat=server



Huh? Why would trying to add even one field to this datapager give me this error? The code for the listviews and datapagers for both web pages are nearly identical. Where both datapagers are defined I am using the runat="server" directive. The directive for the datapager that isn't working resembles this:



<asp:DataPager ID="DataPager" runat="server" PagedControlID="listview1" PageSize="1" OnPreRender="DataPager_PreRender">



I've got runat=server. If I take away the field (i.e., NextPreviousPagerField) in this datapager the web page renders. Add the field and I get what I consider to be a bizarre error.



Are there any ASP.NET DataPager gurus out there? Thanks.



-- modified 17-Nov-16 10:42am.



<form runat="server"> ), then you need to set the DataPager 's QueryStringField[^] property.



Without setting that property, it's trying to generate controls that cause a post-back, which requires the pager to be placed inside a <form runat="server"> tag.



When you set that property, it generates a series of HyperLink controls, which don't have to be inside a server form.





"These people looked deep within my soul and assigned me a number based on the order in which I joined."

- Homer






One of the most recent coins from Coin Invest Trust is the impressive 5-ounce silver $25 Cook Islands coin for the Denali mountain range in Alaska, the first of a new series called 7 Summits, which will depict the highest peaks on each of the seven continents. The reverse side shows the topographic details of Denali with amazing relief and detail, and the obverse shows the usual effigy of Queen Elizabeth II by Ian Rank-Broadley.

Coin Invest Trusts first coin to use its Big Gold Minting technology, which enables the creation of gold coins with larger diameters for a given weight of gold, is this 10th-ounce piece for the June 23, 2016, Brexit vote in the United Kingdom to leave the European Union. The reverse shows an image of Great Britain and Europe with the Union Jack flag superimposed on it.

The Proof 2-ounce silver version of the Great Tea Race coin has a face value of $10 and is struck in ultra-high relief, providing an amazing level of detail and three-dimensionality.

The Proof 2016 Cook Islands silver $2 coin celebrating the Great Tea Race was struck with smartminting technology. This version is one of four different weights issued and weighs just 8 grams, yet it has a diameter of 38.1 millimeters.

This graphic from Coin Invest Trust shows the advantages of smartminting compared to conventional high relief and coins of standard weights, by comparing side views of the different approaches.

The 2016 Cook Islands series of gold coin honoring the 80th birthday of Pope Francis are struck with Big Gold Minting technology. Coin Invest Trust has managed to produce large diameter coins with much less metal. For example, the $25 coin, which is made from one quarter of an ounce of gold, has a diameter of 35 millimeters, which is larger than an American Eagle gold $50 coin.

Coin collectors have long been drawn to high relief coins because of their increased three-dimensionality, bringing designs to life in a way that lower relief coins do not.

High relief issues tend to be associated with modern coins, especially commemorative issues produced by world mints, and with medals.

But in fact the coins of ancient Greece and Rome also often had impressive reliefs. That is why when President Theodore Roosevelt tasked sculptor Augustus Saint-Gaudens with starting a renaissance in American coinage, he wanted the coins to be as impressive as those ancient issues. And the 1907 Saint-Gaudens, Extremely High Relief gold double eagle pattern was the best example of that approach.

Connect with Coin World:

Sign up for our free eNewsletter

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However, striking coins in high (and especially, extremely high) relief using modern technologies has been very challenging, and it has involved certain inherent limitations such as smaller planchets.

In February 2016 at the World Money Fair in Berlin, Coin Invest Trust, a company based in Liechtenstein that creates concepts for world coins that are then struck by the German mint, B.H. Mayer, unveiled an entirely new approach to high relief coins that overcomes previous barriers to producing these issues.

CIT unveils Smartminting

Called smartminting, Coin Invest Trust says this approach pushes the boundaries, facilitates new specifications, and sets new standards for commemorative coins. It is used to produce high relief coins with two to four times the usual relief, with greater definition in the details of the design, and with increased three-dimensionality.

It is also a game changer because it does not require that high relief coins have smaller diameters than regular relief issues, and the process makes it possible to produce coins of normal relief with much less metal than before.

Smartminting has been used on a number of coins from Coin Invest Trust released in 2016 to achieve four main goals.

First, it allows somewhat higher relief coins to be struck with standard weight planchets, whereas prior to the introduction of this technology, high relief coins had to be issued on planchets about half the normal diameter.

This issue came up recently with the American Liberty silver medals. The U.S. Mint said it could not issue them in both high relief and on the same size planchets as those for American Eagle silver dollars, two features that had been recommended by the Citizens Coinage Advisory Committee.

Second, the new technique makes it possible to produce coins with extraordinarily high relief with only slightly increased coin weights.

Third, it enables the issuance of coins with much larger than usual diameters on standard weight coins while maintaining relief height.

Fourth, coins with greatly reduced weights can be struck with standard relief height.

Coin Invest Trusts Great Tea Race silver coins in 2016 are good examples of these different achievements.

The Great Tea Race of 1866 was an effort by two clipper ships to see which one could bring tea crops from China more quickly to Great Britain.

All four .999 fine silver coins have a diameter of 38.61 millimeters, which is normally the size of a 1-ounce piece. One piece is an 8-gram regular relief $2 coin; another is a 15-gram (half-ounce) $2 coin; a third piece is a 1-ounce high relief $10 issue; and the heaviest piece is a 2-ounce ultra-high relief $20 coin.

Big Gold Minting

Beginning with the gold coins issued to mark the United Kingdoms Brexit vote (to leave the European Union) on June 23, Coin Invest Trust launched a new way to make gold coins called Big Gold Minting, which makes it possible to produce gold coins that have large diameters and great detail but use much less gold than traditional minting would require.

For example, the Brexit gold 10th-ounce coin has a diameter of 26 millimeters, which is one-third greater than the normal diameter, 22.5 millimeters, for a gold coin of that weight.

More recently Coin Invest Trust launched a line of gold coins in weights from a half gram to 1 ounce to mark the 80th birthday of Pope Francis; these coins make even greater use of Big Gold Minting technology.

The thin gold coins have diameters much larger than is normal for their respective weights.

For example, the 1-ounce version has a diameter of 65 millimeters, which is almost 200 percent greater than normal 1-ounce gold coins. Similarly, the half-ounce version is 50 millimeters in diameter, and the quarter-ounce coin is 35 millimeters in diameter, or 15 percent larger than the 32.7-millimeter diameter of a American Eagle 1-ounce gold bullion coin.

Given how expensive gold is, and that Big Gold Minting enables coins with such impressive diameters to be made with so much less metal, this really could be a game changer for commemorative gold coins. Minting gold coins of impressive sizes and much more affordable than in the past, accessible to more people, would create the possibility of substantially expanding the market.

However, much will depend on the premium added to those coins. For example, the Brexit gold 10th-ounce coin sells for approximately $300, which is twice the cost of a tenth-ounce bullion coin.

Positive reception

Collectors and dealers have responded very well to the various Coin Invest Trust pieces using smartminting released since February, which include high relief coins such as the Saker Falcon half-gram gold and 1-ounce silver coins for Mongolia and many others.

Brian Tully, president of Choice Mint, said, CIT has always been a leader in pushing boundaries in the modern numismatic world, and smartminting is no exception. He said this technology was used on several of his companys coins such as the forthcoming King Arthur series and that the detail we were able to capture on the coin surface is incredible.

At the American Numismatic Association World Fair of Money held in August, Coin Invest Trust launched another group of coins that use smartminting, including a 5-ounce silver coin for the Denali mountain range in Alaska, which provides a birds eye view of all the topographic detail of those mountains and has an impressive 65-millimeter diameter, and others.

Many of these pieces sold out quickly, often in pre-release, and they are distributed through a network around the world.

Coin Invest Trust coins, especially the Tiffany Art series, have won numerous awards, and they tend to appreciate, or at least hold their value, more than most modern world issues.
Types of obituaries

The Missourian publishes two types of obituaries  family obituaries and life stories.

A family obituary is the version submitted by a funeral home or family. Please see the submission form for details on cost and deadlines. Family obituaries

A life story is a closer look at a person's life and involves a reporter contacting family and friends. Life stories are based on newsworthiness and consent of the family. Life stories.
Foundation adds another $25M to Kinder Institute

The Kinder Foundation is giving the Kinder Institute on Constitutional Democracy another $25 million, bringing its total to $60 million.
Next year will see the election of a directly elected Mayor of Greater Manchester. The new Mayor will take over the functions of the Greater Manchester Waste Disposal Authority. I hope that will mean greater transparency and accountability. At any rate, whoever takes charge could scarcely do a worse job.

The Sunday Times has reported() on the disastrous PFI deals, saying the 3.8bn contract to process rubbish for millions of people in Greater Manchester, is under threat amid shrinking council budgets.

It adds:

Nine local authorities signed a 25-year private finance initiative (PFI) contract in 2009 with the infrastructure company John Laing and Viridor, the waste-treatment arm of water company Pennon. Under the deal, which was backed by cash from both the government and the EU, the companies handle more than 1m tons of rubbish a year, and several new facilities have been constructed. Laing, run by Olivier Brousse, and Pennon were guaranteed a long-term revenue stream

The Greater Manchester Waste Disposal Authoritys deal, which covers the handling of rubbish for about 2.4m people, was signed in the aftermath of the financial crisis. But in 2013 Eric Pickles, who was then the communities secretary, criticised it as a shoddy deal done by a shadowy unelected body with no one taking responsibility and local taxpayers left with service cuts and higher taxation.

At the time, Pickles said taxpayers were being forced to pay double the market rate to dispose of their residual waste  a deal which, despite funding to maintain weekly collections, has forced councils into a double whammy of both fortnightly bin collections for some . . . residents and higher taxes.

The then Labour Government were implicated  there was a 182m loan from the European Investment Bank and 120m from the Treasury.

Hilary Benn, as Environment Secretary said when the contract was signed:

I am pleased that Defra could support the delivery of this project.

Andy Burnham is the Labour candidate for Mayor of Greater Manchester  he was a Minister in the Labour Government at the time the contract was signed. Will either of them apologise? Will there be any word of contrition from Manchester City Council and the other local authorities?

Councils complain a lot about austerity but paying twice the going rate for rubbish collection is not a feature of austerity but of crazed extravagance.
Iain Dale is Presenter of LBC Drive, Managing Director of Biteback Publishing, a columnist and broadcaster and a former Conservative Parliamentary candidate.

I cannot imagine what its like being accused not only of being a child sex offender, but also of murdering three children than I was supposed to have interfered with. Especially if the allegations are not only a tissue of lies, but one which a senior police officer tells the public are both credible and true.

Thats what has happened to Harvey Proctor, the former Conservative MP. When these allegations were first made public, his home was searched by the police (who naturally tipped off the media), he lost his job on the Belvoir Estate  and then his home.

He is now penniless, and more or less destitute. He felt he had no alternative but to leave the country  but hes now back, though living a hand to mouth existence. Last week, he got a personal apology for the way he had been treated by Operation Midland from the Commissioner of the Metropolitan Police, Sir Bernard Hogan Howe. On Tuesday, they met in person. Proctor told him to his face he should resign.

I havent known Harvey Proctor for long. I published his book, Credible and True, which makes for a harrowing read at times. It hasnt been a bestseller: books about miscarriages of justice, or wrongful accusations of child sex abuse, rarely are. But its a book which ought to be read by every member of Operation Midland and when theyve done so they should feel free to hang their collective heads in shame. Five of them are now being investigated by the IPCC. No doubt deputy heads will roll.

When I interviewed Harvey on my LBC show last week, I ended the interview by asking him what his lowest moment was. He slightly broke down. In the half hour following, I had dozens of people get in touch wanting to help. I decided to set up a JustGiving page so people could donate to help Harvey get back on his financial feet. So far, nearly 5,000 has been raised. If youd like to make a donation, however small, you can do so here.

         

So Donald Trump won. It suddenly dawned on me last weekend that, four years ago, I interviewed Trump  but for the life of me I couldnt remember what it was about or what he had said.

So on Monday we found the interview in the LBC archives. It was 11 minutes long, and I have to say showed Trump in a very different light. He was chatty, funny, warm, engaging, thoughtful  all the adjectives most people wouldnt think of using about him nowadays.

I wonder if thats the Trump we are going to see more of over the next few years. One point he did make to me back in 2012 was that he felt Mitt Romney wasnt hard enough to fight against what he called nasty Democrat attacks. It was as if he knew at that point he was going to fight a very negative campaign and wouldnt be out-dirty tricked by the evil Democrats. Well, he certainly delivered on that, didnt he?

         

I dont know why some people are so uppity about Boris Johnson saying that Britain is almost certainly going to leave the EU Customs Union. Its a statement of the bleeding obvious.

The reaction from many commentators and journalists demonstrates that they dont really understand what a customs union means. One of the consequences of the EUs is that it negotiates as a single entity in international trade deals, instead of individual member states negotiating for themselves.

So if we stay in this customs union, you have to wonder what the point of Liam Fox is. Now it may  and I repeat, may  be possible to negotiate to remain part of it, but get an op- out allowing us to forge our own way in trade deals, I suppose. But I wouldnt bet my house on it happening.

         

The other media tizzy this week concerned Nigel Farage. The liberal elites got themselves into a right lather over the fact that the former (or is it interim?) UKIP leader managed to become the first foreign politician to get an audience with the President-elect.

It was a snub to Theresa May, we were told. He should have refused the meeting. Yeah, right. Like any sane person would say, No, sorry Mr President-elect, I cant accept your invitation to the 56th floor of Trump Tower unless you see my Prime Minister first.

I mean, honestly. Do these people who write this guff understand how politics works at all? If the Government has any sense it will use Farage behind the scenes, because he clearly has an in with the Trump team that diplomats in the Washington Embassy can never hope to replicate.

And yes, Theresa May should give a peerage to Nigel Farage. If the signals I am picking up are correct, it wouldnt take much for him to rejoin the Conservative Party as well Now that really would set the cat among the Carswells, wouldnt it?

         

As I write this, Ive just had the sort of evening that I sometimes have when I think it would be so nice to have a nine to five job that I didnt have to think about outside those hours.

But of course if I did, I know Id miss what I do now, even on days like this when I could have cheerfully strangled at least three people. As the Germans say: Immer mit der Ruhe. [Calm at all times].
Close

The number of cases of sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) reported in 2015 in the US were higher than ever before, federal officials said on Wednesday.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) said that more than 1.5 million reported cases of chlamydia (which was up at nearly six percent since 2014), about 400,000 cases of gonorrhea (nearly at 13 percent), and about 24,000 cases of primary and secondary syphilis (19 percent).

These three diseases are the most common STDs that are treatable with antibiotics, however, most cases continue to go undiagnosed potentially causing infertility and other problems. Health officials are particularly worried about an increase in the number of babies whose mothers suffering from syphilis are passing it to them in utero, which can result in stillbirths and infant deaths.

"While some of the new numbers may be due to better reporting of cases, most of the rise appears to be a real increase in new infections," said Dr. Jonathan Mermin, director of CDC's National Centre for HIV/AIDS, Viral Hepatitis, STD and TB Prevention. CDC officials said that young people, members of racial minorities, gay and bisexual men account for many of the new cases. According to Dr. Mermin, half of all STDs occur in youth under age 20. CDC officials added that part of the increase may be due to better treatment for HIV, which makes people believe wrongly that they do not need to use condoms.

Health officials also pointed to state and local health departments losing funding as other possible reason. Dr. Mermin explained that eroding of infrastructure and clinics for sexually transmitted disease is corelated to the issue since the clinics are the primary places where health officials actually diagnose and treat STDs as well. He said in 2012 alone, half of state public health programs had to close some of the clinics.

Dr. Mermin also said that the rise of dating apps like 'Tinder' could also be contributing to the rising number of STDs. "But it's not completely clear, the cause and effect at this point," he ended.

See Now: What Republicans Don't Want You To Know About Obamacare
Close

It is no secret that Samsung had recalled its Galaxy Note 7 phones after serious complaints on its battery issues that were causing the smartphones to explode. Samsung officially announced that it is getting rid of Galaxy Note 7 for good on October 11, 2016. However, reports suggest that the Korean tech giants have not completely parted ways with its expensive flagship handset.

Samsung may not be done with Note 7

According to reports from the Korean Herald's blog post- "Samsung has not made a final decision yet, but it will likely sell the refurbished Note 7 units next year."

The reports also suggest that Samsung is planning to target the Indian and the Vietnamese markets to sell the refurbished Note 7 handsets at a considerably reduced price, taking into account that the smartphone's deep-dead reputation and the fact that they are refurbished. As the two countries have a thriving market for low-end phones, Samsung is expecting that it can get rid of its spare Note 7 stock and generate some revenue as well.

Note 7 to return with reduced prices

The Samsung Galaxy Note 7 handsets are expected to hit the market once again in January 2017 at a slashed out price. Samsung in the last few months had faced a major downfall with its Galaxy Note 7 which was initially recalled and replaced due to complaints that the phones are exploding due to battery issues. To the company's ill luck even the replaced phones reported the same issue and hence it had to call off the sales of the Samsung Galaxy Note 7 handsets. The handsets are no longer available in the market.

Refurbished Note 7 handsets by early 2017

It was also reported that Samsung shifted its concentration on its next flagship device Samsung Galaxy 8 which was expected to be released as early as February 2017. With the refurbished Note 7 coming in, it appears that Samsung will push the Galaxy 8 models to the next quarter. However, the Korea-based Apple Rival has neither confirmed nor commented on the report.

See Now: What Republicans Don't Want You To Know About Obamacare
Close

There is a possibility that the same Apple ID is shared amongst the family members. In such cases, the call history might get synced between the devices. Techcrunch reports that Apple stores the history on its servers for at least four months which is advantageous for law enforcement agencies.

Apple wishes to enable users to browse the missed calls on multiple devices. This is the reason why the company is using iCloud to sync this data between all the devices which are associated with the same Apple ID. After activating iCloud, the iPhone will start uploading this log immediately.

Users can manage to disable everything apart from keeping iCloud activated and the call history will get synced. All VoIP apps like Skype, FaceTime, and WhatsApp will appear in call history with iOS 10. When deleting the call manually it will get deleted on iCloud servers and all the devices the user owns.

Users should also remember that Apple holds the iCloud encryption keys. Hence FBI can ask for this data and Apple will be able to comply. The company is planning to make iCloud more secure. In future,the company may hand over the encryption keys so as to keep the government away.

It is also a fact that in case the user activate iCloud backups than everything from the iPhone is automatically sent to iCloud. Information like text messages, call history and notes will reach iCloud which is an interesting feature and many iPhone users have accepted handing out their call history to iCloud.

Once activated, the feature will explicitly tell users what gets synced to iCloud servers. Apple may also educate its users about the information that is synced by default.

Many users might not understand how encryption works as it is a bit complicated. Hackers cannot hack Apple servers so as to download an iCloud data. But the user should be aware that Apple can decrypt backups without approval. With a court order, Apple can also share an iCloud data with a government entity.

See Now: What Republicans Don't Want You To Know About Obamacare
Close

It has been noticed that the Russian telecommunication agency has officially ordered the internet providers to block the professional networking websites of LinkedIn. TechCrunch reports that an old law requires tech companies to store Russian citizens' personal data on servers located in Russia.

In fact, the November 17 order has made LinkedIn as one of the largest and best-known websites that have been hit by this two-year-old law.

The telecommunication agency named Roskomnadzor states that it was implementing a court decision which found that LinkedIn has not confirmed to the law. On November 10, LinkedIn's appeal against that ruling was rejected by a Moscow court.

Linkedin representatives are now planning to meet the officials of the telecommunication agency so as to discuss the matter.

In 2014, Russian President Vladimir Putin brought into practice (Law) the Russian law on data storage which was a part of a package of surveillance legislation until then.

A Linkedin spokesperson confirmed that the company was already receiving complaints from Russian users who are unable to access the site.

As Roskomnadzor has blocked Linkedin the later denies access to millions of members which it has in Russia including some companies as well who use LinkedIn to grow their business. Russia justifies that its rule on localized servers is a way to protect the user's personal data.

This ban occurs after Linkedin has been acquired by Microsoft for $26.2 billion. Microsoft tried to meet the Russian regulators on Friday, 11th of November as a last minute attempt to hold off the ban.

There are unlimited number of international sites accessible in Russia. All these sites are not hosting data within the country. It is not clear why Linkedin was targeted in this case having 467 million users and only 5 million registered users in Russia. There are speculations that such a move from Russia is a warning to bigger sites to be on their guard.

See Now: What Republicans Don't Want You To Know About Obamacare
Castellanos

Faced with currency crunch following the Modi government's demonetization move, top New Delhi-based diplomats are learned to have conveyed it to the Government of India to urgently remove the limits on withdrawal from diplomatic bank accounts. Well-informed sources of the foreign embassies in New Delhi are being quoted as saying that the restrictions are a a violation of the Vienna Convention , which stipulates that a host country cannot put restrictions on the money maintained by embassies.The rumblings in foreign missions follow several complaints reportedly received by Dominican Republic ambassador Frank Hans Dannenberg Castellanos, who is dean of the diplomatic corps in New Delhi, about currency crunch faced by embassy staff, including diplomats, following Modi's demonetization move.Says a report , while Castellanos has made a complaint, there are no signs of things getting any better. Castellanos, who represents the concerns of over 150 embassies and high commissions in New Delhi, has been trying to find a solution to the complaints that have been pouring in from his colleagues, the report adds.Castellanos says, on the very first day of the restriction, November 9, he received calls from over 30 foreign envoys with problems of their embassies. Soon, complaints escalated to include problems faced by foreign nationals in India.We dont want special privileges because everybody is being affected by this. But, at least the embassy account should have certain flexibility in the amount of money that can be withdrawn, says Castellanos. For an embassy operation, we need at least the equivalent of $2,000.While Castellanos has written to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs about the diplomats' and foreign nations' problems, the matter is currently stuck in the Finance Ministry, which has formed an inter-ministerial panel which will discuss and give recommendations on the demand of foreign diplomatic missions to increase the limit on withdrawals from embassy bank accounts, says the report.Castellanos says, the New Delhi-based diplomats neither oppose or support demonetization, calling it an internal issue of India, even as adding, We are appreciative of the measure of the fact that this will benefit foreign investment and will decrease trans border terrorism.According to Castellanos, the foreign nationals in India are particularly hit very hard, as those have changed money one or two weeks prior to the measure are being told by banks that they dont have a bank account, or that they are foreigners and banks have to give priority to Indians.In India for 11 years, Castellanos says, foreign tourists have been told that they can exchange money at the airport, but that is not an adequate solution. How can tourists change their money to new Indian currency when they are leaving and then go to their own country, he wonders.Then, there are what are termed medical tourists, from countries like Afghanistan, Iraq and Iran, who cannot pay for the hotel bills. Worse, for some countries like Iran and Sudan, their people dont have international credit cards due to sanctions.As for diplomats, says Castellanos, their daily operations, from paying staff to putting fuel in the car to supporting a doctors visit for a diplomats family member falling ill, have been jeopardized. The problem particularly acute for the embassy staff, as they dont have accounts.
Channel programs News

The Channel Company Exclusive Research: Strategic Partnerships Help Solution Providers, Tech Vendors Drive More Sales Together

Rick Saia

Share this

For technology vendors, getting the most out of a relationship with channel partners requires more than merely funneling them through the program registration process and barraging them with materials to help sell products.

Building the relationship through better and deeper engagement can go a long way toward helping partners drive sales and be more profitable doing it. It's all about making the partnership more strategic in nature, according to research presented this week by The Channel Company, the parent of CRN.com.

The Channel Company shared the new research this week at road show presentations in Newton, Mass., and Palo Alto, Calif. The research is also available now via a free on-demand webinar entitled, "Cultivating Strategic Partnerships To Drive Channel Revenue," which addresses issues such as what partners expect from technology vendors after they register for a partner program, why so many relationships end after the first transaction, and what factors determine a solution provider's level of commitment to the vendors they team with.

[Related Webinar: Cultivating Strategic Partnerships to Drive Channel Revenue ]

"There's a general misunderstanding between the solution providers and technology vendors on how to achieve a successful strategic partnership," said Dan Dignam, a partner and executive vice president with The Channel Company, during a road show presentation Wednesday to a group of vendor executives.

Many technology vendors believe that once a solution provider joins their channel program, the relationship is solid and they are in essence "married." But more often than not, signing up for a channel program is just "casual dating" to the solution provider, an exploratory phase of a relationship that still needs plenty of nurturing, Dignam said.

Vendors should always be visible, demonstrate value to the partner, and help the partner look good in front of their customers, Dignam said. What's most valuable to a partner early in the relationship is to connect with a vendor's channel management team, provide thought leadership they can share with their clients, and lay the foundation of a working relationship, Dignam said.

"What can you put in a partner's hands to help them build relationship capital?" Dignam asked. "If you can do that, that's enormous."

The message was not lost on Kristin Powers, a channel marketing specialist for Cambridge, Mass.-based endpoint security software vendor Carbon Black. She said Carbon Black's roster of more than 200 partners is "about as big as we're going to get, but we definitely need more engagement."

That means building support for the channel throughout a vendor organization beyond the sales and marketing teams, from product development and operations all the way up to the C-suite, Dignam said.

That point was "spot on" for Jessica Couto, vice president of channel sales and marketing for Boston-based Carbonite, who attended the Wednesday session. Couto said it's important to get your "inside people," such as engineers, into the conversation with partners.

Some 88 percent of solution providers are always looking for new vendors, according to The Channel Company's research.

But do partners wind up happy? The research found that that's hit or miss, with about half of partners saying vendor relationships fall short of their financial expectations.

Technology vendors should show prospective partners how the two sides can align their offerings to cultivate a strategic partnership that opens the door to more business that can generate significant revenue and profits, not just a relationship in which the two sides are doing only a little business together, Dignam said.

Kevin Mitchell, vice president of marketing and product at Alianza, a cloud voice platform provider based in Lindon, Utah, said the data "reinforced some things I felt." Like Couto, he said that better alignment across an organization can help strengthen relationships with channel partners, and create more of them.

"To really scale  you need to get alignment across multiple organizations within the company," he said.

Mark Williams, a senior channel consultant with The Channel Company, reinforced Dignam's points, noting that channel partners are moving toward higher-margin managed services "very quickly" as more solution providers move down the path toward becoming strategic service providers. He specifically cited moves to generate recurring revenue, where partners will sell a vendor's products but only if they can manage them. "Partners are getting to the point where if they can't sell the service, they won't sell the product," he said.

That shift, from focusing on capital expenditures to operational expenditures, is becoming the norm, Williams said.

"Services have really eclipsed product revenue, and we're not going back. The more you're helping partners deliver services, the better off you're going to be," Williams said.

Most channel programs still measure only the sales part of the relationship equation, Williams said. But a well-aligned partnership also brings in marketing, product development, services and technical support, he added, with each of the five functional areas requiring several metrics to gauge how tight a relationship the two sides can develop.

The vendor and the solution provider "need to recognize a mutually beneficial business opportunity," then commit to building a relationship together, Williams said.
A few times Ive shared Jeremiah 29:11 on my Facebook page. The verse says, I know the plans I have in mind for you, declares the Lord; they are plans for peace, not disaster, to give you a future filled with hope (CEB). I always get some pushback on this. Recently a thoughtful reader asked, But for whom and when does this apply? Is the context meant to include me/us?

The you in Jeremiah 29:11 is plural. Its spoken not to an individual but to a nationGods people Israel, in exile in Babylon. Seven verses earlier it says: This is what the Lord Almighty, the God of Israel, says to all those I carried into exile from Jerusalem to Babylon ... (Jeremiah 29:4). And just a verse earlier it explains that exile will last seventy years. In the near context there is a false prophet, Hananiah, who is basically preaching health and wealth gospel, telling lies to the people that all would be well and that Babylon would be defeated. Jeremiah, the true prophet, who is speaking a message of God's judgment on Israel, is rejected. God is promising to bring Israel back from the seventy year exile, and that will fulfill His plans for peace and a future of hope.

But the promise of God for all His people is revealed in this passage: that regardless of what judgment and suffering might happen first, God's ultimateplans for His children (as much for us as for Old Testament Israel) are for good and not evil, for welfare and hope.

Yes, Jeremiah was writing to his fellow Israelites. But so were Moses, Samuel, and David, and nearly all the prophets. Thats true of virtually the entire Old Testament, which in hundreds of cases the New Testament freely applies to the church, followers of Christ, Jews and Gentiles alike. Israel was Gods people, and its no stretch to say that todays believers, the church, are also Gods people. So verses that were written to Israel are also written for the church.

For instance, take 1 Corinthians 10:1-11. Paul is talking about Israel disobeying God, wandering in the wilderness and engaging in immorality, but he takes each of these experiences of Israel and uses them to warn believers in the church, e.g. And do not complain, as some of them did, and were killed by the destroying angel. Now these things happened to them as examples and were written down as warnings for us, on whom the fulfillment of the ages has come (v. 10-11).

Of course, many promises in Scripture are narrow, to particular people such as David: Your house and your kingdom will endure forever before me; your throne will be established forever (2 Samuel 7:16). Certainly it would be a mistake to imagine that God is promising each of us will have eternal thrones. Yet there is truth in that verse for our benefit too, because we know Jesus our Lord and Savior is the descendant of David who will reign forever, His people with Him.

Its really true that while not all of Gods Word is written to us, it is all written for us. God spoke all His words in Scripture to certain people in certain times, but in the larger sense, the principleswhich are timeless truthsapply to all His children. In the case of Jeremiah 29:11, just because it was spoken to Israel about coming back from exile doesnt mean it has no connection to our lives.

Other passages reveal that our future in Gods presence will never end. What could be a better future and a hope than our joyful expectation of resurrected eternal life with Christ who has gone to prepare a place for us and invited us to enter into His eternal happiness? Dont many passages reinforce this idea that God our Father, who loves us, promise us ultimate peace, not disaster, and an incredibly bright future filled with hope, a place we will live happily ever after?

While we are not in exile in Babylon, it doesnt mean Gods Words have no relationship to us. Jesus, King of Kings will deliver us all from our captivity in this world under the Curse, where we are called foreigners and exiles (1 Peter 2:11). He will rescue us, taking us to our true and eternal home, the New Earth, where He will reign forever, and we will reign with Him. Dozens of verses support each of these truths, which suggest clearly that we are part of Gods broader audience of Jeremiah 29:11.

Gods nature hasnt changed, so everything Jeremiah 29:11 says about Gods plans remains true. As He rejoiced over Israel (Zephaniah 3:17) and sought their eternal good, He also rejoices over us and seeks our eternal good. Speaking of 2 Corinthians 1:20 (For all the promises of God find their Yes in him) John Piper says, If youre in Christ Jesus by trusting Him, all the promises are yours.

So I think that while the specific promise to return Israel to the land after seventy years of exile is clearly not made to us, nonetheless the underlying principles of Jeremiah 29:11 pertain to all Gods children in every place and time as they face the hardships of life.

Of course, we should first understand the passage as God actually spoke it and Jeremiah understood it: not a promise of immediate prosperity. Indeed, times were tough for these Israelites and would remain tough for seventy years of exile, where most of the individuals would die. But this was a reminder that corporately their ultimate welfare as a nation was in the hands of a sovereign and loving God. And even if they died in Babylon, their God would take them through the valley of the shadow of death and they would live in His house forever (Psalm 23).

Thats how I understand the passage and thats why I love it. I agree that some people take it out of context, not bothering to recognize the specific historical context and the seventy year exile. Unfortunately many passages are taken out of context. But when I am sharing a verse on Facebook or Twitter without commentary, I am not attempting to anticipate and correct all those who might misinterpret it. I sometimes quote commonly misused passages which, in context, are wonderfully true, and which furthermore, contain timeless truths applicable to our lives as well.

Writing in his commentary, Puritan Matthew Henry said this about Jeremiah 29:11:

We often do not know our own minds, but the Lord is never at an uncertainty. We are sometimes ready to fear that God's designs are all against us; but as to his own people, even that which seems evil, is for good. He will give them, not the expectations of their fears, or the expectations of their fancies, but the expectations of their faith; the end he has promised, which will be the best for them.

Henrys words about that which seems evil, is for good calls to mind Romans 8:28: And we know that for those who love God all things work together for good, for those who are called according to his purpose (ESV). Romans 8:28 suggests that God does intend lifes ordeals for our goodbut theres a difference between immediate good and ultimate good. Seeing that difference requires faith.

Were told in Proverbs 10:28 that The hope of the righteous brings joy. No matter what comes today or tomorrow, may these words from the Lord to His people Israel become our expectation of the life God ultimately intends for all His children: I know the plans I have in mind for you, declares the Lord; they are plans for peace, not disaster, to give you a future filled with hope.

This doesnt mean life will be easy, it wont, or that we wont face hard times. We will. But it means that just as He did for Israel while in exile, God has a future in mind for usin our own difficult challengesthat we can bank on. And we should trust the God who loves us to ultimately bring us peace and hope in a far greater and eternal form than anything the nation Israel ever experienced in their return from exile.

This article originally appeared on EPM.org, Eternal Perspective Ministries. Used with permission.

Randy Alcorn (@randyalcorn) is the author of over fifty books and the founder and director of Eternal Perspective Ministries.

Image courtesy: Thinkstockphotos.com

Publication date: November 18, 2016
Princess Cruises today announced its summer Mediterranean and North Europe for the upcoming 2018 season. The line will deploy five ships to Europe.

Highlights include the maiden visit of the Sapphire Princess to this region, as the Sapphire will move from Asia to Europe.

Guests can choose from 57 unique itineraries on 168 cruise departures, visiting 35 countries with five ships in Europe.

Were proud to continually earn awards for the best cruise itineraries around the globe and were sure to live up to our reputation with the 2018 Europe season, said Jan Swartz, Princess Cruises president. Weve worked hard to not only showcase the famous sites of Europe to our guests but also provide them authentic local experiences to immerse themselves in the culture, food, landscape and charm of these iconic destinations.

The Sapphire Princess makes her maiden call to the British Isles, Northern Europe and the Mediterranean out of London, in addition to a 38-day maiden voyage between Singapore and London. The cruise ship will also make the cruise lines first port call to Skagen (Denmark).

The Crown Princess will depart on 55 cruises, featuring 13 unique itineraries, including 27 destinations in the Mediterranean and Aegean. All seven-day departures from Rome to Athens include visits to Salerno, Kotor, Corfu, Crete and Mykonos. The ships 11-day cruises from Barcelona to Rome visit Marseille (for Provence), Florence/Pisa, Katakolon (for Olympia), Mykonos, Santorini, Kotor and Naples (for Capri and Pompeii).

With 12- to 28-day voyages on Pacific Princess, guests will visit a variety of destinations throughout the Mediterranean.

New is the Royal Princess, which will offer 12-day roundtrip British Isles Voyages from Paris/Normandy (La Havre), in addition to roundtrip cruises from London (Southampton). Select sailings on this itinerary will feature overnight stays in Dublin and all cruises will include late a departure from Belfast.

Guests will have an opportunity to attend the notable Edinburgh Military Tattoo on select eight-day Pacific Princess sailings and 12-day Royal Princess cruises, with overnight stays in Edinburgh on Pacific
Harvest Caye, the new destination built by Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings in Southern Belize, has welcomed its first guests.

It is the only port in Belize with a cruise ship pier, according to Norwegian.

"Located just one mile offshore, Harvest Caye offers Caribbean travelers an authentic Belizean experience that highlights the countrys beauty and nature, along with resort-style amenities including a sprawling pool and private luxury beach villas; a variety of eco-activities and interactive wildlife programs; and an exhilarating cross-island zip line. With its close proximity to the mainland, Harvest Caye also offers guests easy access to a wide variety of adventure excursions," said a statement from Norwegian.

Harvest Caye is truly the ultimate Belizean experience and we are delighted to welcome our first guests today, said Frank Del Rio, president and chief executive officer of Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings Ltd. We have worked closely with the government of Belize to ensure that that this spectacular destination was authentic for our guests, provided economic opportunities for the local community and preserved and protected Belizes incredible natural beauty. Were overjoyed with the results of this four year development project, and we look forward to seeing Harvest Caye and Southern Belize grow as we delight the many guests that will call on the destination.

Guests onboard Norwegian Dawn, sailing from New Orleans, today were the very first to experience all that Harvest Caye has to offer.

Colin Murphy, senior vice-president of destination and strategic development for NCLH led a ribbon cutting ceremony and official grand opening, where he was joined by the Honorable Manuel Heredia, Minister of Tourism and Civil Aviation for Belize, Honorable Edmond Castro, Minister of State for National Emergency Management for Belize, and Mrs. Kim Simplis Barrow, Wife of Belizes Prime Minister Dean Barrow.

Today is the product of the governments continued pledge to entrench tourism as a top national priority and to promote tourism as a main engine for overall economic growth of the country. This investment alone is projected to generate 500 direct jobs and over 1,500 indirect jobs by the year 2020, said Manuel Heredia, Minister of Tourism and Civil Aviation for Belize. We have embarked on an unprecedented and incomparable journey. The growth in cruise tourism over the past 20 years proves that Belize is a destination of choice for those seeking adventure, a host of natural wonders, and most importantly friendly and hospitable people. Today, we say to cruise guests, Welcome to Southern Belize.
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STAMFORD  The Stamford, Greenwich and Greater Norwalk chambers of commerce had no trouble drumming up business for their latest joint venture.

Showing the reach of the chambers programming, the 70-table expo that they held Thursday for local businesses at the University of Connecticuts downtown campus drew some 200 people. The turnout beat last years attendance by about 10 percent, according to Stamford Chamber of Commerce President and CEO Jack Condlin.

It does provide an opportunity for people outside the area to network, Condlin said. And people inside the area get to network with people outside the area.

A number of businesses that are new to the area, such as the Art of Control pilates studio, which opened in April at 1177 Summer St., participated in the expo to increase their visibility.

We definitely want to make sure we get to know other business owners and that we see who is around us and making sure people know were here, said Art of Control owner Simona Cipriani.

Cipriani shared a table with Origin Fitness, which is based in the same building as Art of Control.

Its a good thing to represent your community and be a part of something that is of value to Stamford and for networking and everyone sharing what theyre passionate and how we can all collaborate and work together, said Jenna Brien, Origin Fitness marketing director.

Anel Dzafic, owner of Countdown Fitness, which relocated this past spring from Manhattan to a base on Prospect Street in Greenwich, cited the events importance in helping his business to gain a foothold in southwestern Connecticut.

Were trying to make partnerships, meet new people, and get some clients, he said.

Representatives of long-established organizations said that the expo also helped them to raise their profiles. After its building in downtown Bridgeport was severely damaged in a 2010 tornado, officials at the Barnum Museum are working to build awareness about the museums two-day schedule on Thursdays and Fridays.

Were trying to do is have them keep us top of mind, let people know that the museum is still around and that theyre doing all the renovations, said Gary Zenobia, museums marketing director. Were letting people know that it still exists.

The 2016 expo continues a tradition of joint events by chambers of commerce in southwestern Connecticut. Norwalk Community College hosted a March show that included the Stamford chamber as well as others from Bridgeport, Darien, Fairfield, Stratford, Trumbull and Westport.

The growth has been phenomenal, and we predict that it will continue as people see the value of chamber membership, said Marcia OKane, president and CEO of the Greenwich Chamber of Commerce. People are finding the value of being a chamber member, in that we can help promote businesses, we can help them advertise, we can promote them through social media and our websites.

Representatives of the businesses and nonprofits that participated in Thursdays gathering said that their organizations collaborate on an ongoing basis with their local chambers of commerce.

The chamber plays a very important role because they can provide business, internships, help kids learn about jobs skills, interviewing skills, getting resumes together, what it takes to get that first job, said Meri Erickson, communications manager for Norwalk ACTS, a nonprofit that focuses on childrens development. The business community in Norwalk is very supportive with the kids to move them up to that level and be successful.

pschott@scni.com; 203-964-2236; twitter: @paulschott
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The holiday season kicks off in festive fashion at Norwalks Lockwood-Mathews Mansion Museum, a National Historic Landmark, the day after Thanksgiving.

A new exhibition, Holiday Splendor at the Mansion: Christmas and New Years Celebrations, curated by Kathleen Motes Bennewitz, will feature items loaned by the Fairfield Museum and History Center, Westport Historical Society, Wilton Historical Society, Mark Tobias, of New England Toy Train Exchange, and the private collections of Hadley Veeder and Hetty Erickson.

This exhibition will explore the history of the holiday season as it was celebrated by the Lockwood and Mathews families in Connecticut and New York City, where they once resided. During the Gilded Age, Christmas and New Years holidays, like other elements of American social and material life, were transformed by new technologies and evolving traditions from the 1870s to about 1900, according to Susan Gilgore, executive director.

The exhibition will display trees adorned with historic decorations and lights, mantels festooned with period greens and fruits, and a selection of vintage toys and games. In the dining and drawing rooms, the mansion will feature New Years-themed vignettes; there will be a holiday wedding in the Music Room. Visitors will learn that what was once a simple ringing-in of the New Year soon transformed into a time of joyful, and at times, lavish celebrations with Champagne toasts at the stroke of midnight, she said.

Also on view will be the museums traditional Designer Show House of Holiday Trees and Decorations, featuring trees decorated by renowned interior designers: Victoria Vandamm, of Vandamm Interiors; Linda Fontaine, of Linda Fontaine Design, and Gail Ingis-Claus. The mantelpiece in the drawing room will be adorned with gilt and silver hues, while red silk garlands will drape the grand Victorian staircase, embellished by Gilded Age-inspired decorations designed by Danna DiElsi, owner of the Silk Touch in Norwalk, the museum added.

A Holiday Open House, with a visit by Santa and refreshments, is set for Dec. 11, from noon to 4 p.m. Admission is $5.
A key message from last weeks election is that people are seeking more economic opportunity. And with today marking National Womens Entrepreneurship Day, theres no better place to start than by solving the problems facing women business owners.

Related: Why Women Entrepreneurs Have a Harder Time Finding Funding

Women-owned firms make up more than a third of all businesses in the country, generate more than $1.6 trillion in revenues and employ 8.9 million people. More importantly, they're growing faster in number and employment numbers than most other categories.

The American Express 2015 State of Women-Owned Businesses report found that between 1997 and 2015, a period when the number of businesses in the country increased by 51 percent, the number of women-owned firms increased by 74 percent.

And yet, these businesses still face inequality at every turn. Only 4 percent of all commercial loan dollars go to women. They receive only 5 percent of all government contracts and they are shut out of some of the governments most lucrative ones. Only 3 percent of all venture capital, for instance, goes to women-run companies.

President-elect Trump has said that a primary focus of his presidency will be the economy. If hes serious about giving the economy a boost, he should start by focusing on policies that will help women entrepreneurs.

Women Impacting Public Policy (WIPP) has identified the following 10 points that President-elect Trump needs to know about women business owners to help them thrive:

1. Women entrepreneurs are an economic powerhouse to be reckoned with.

Making up more than a third of all businesses, women-owned firms are growing at four times the rate of men-owned firms and contribute $1.6 trillion to the American economy. This growth not only survived the Great Recession, but has propelled recovery in communities nationwide.

2. Women business owners are not getting the capital they need.

The cumulative regulatory burden on community banks -- a traditional source of capital for women entrepreneurs -- has increased costs and made it difficult for these institutions to rationalize smaller loans. The unmet needs of women entrepreneurs total billions of dollars each year.

3. Healthcare costs continue to rise for employers.

Congress and the administration should fix Health Reimbursement Accounts, a valuable tool for small businesses (most women in business are small business owners).

Related: Fearlessness, Courage and Capital: What's Needed to Fuel the Next Stage of Growth for Women Entrepreneurs

4. Despite significant barriers, women-owned firms compete for and win government contracts. . .

. . . but women are being shut out of some of the governments most lucrative contracts. Parity in federal procurement opportunities is essential for women-owned businesses.

5. Women businesses are a strong investment, yet only 3 percent of all venture capital goes to companies run by women.

The limited number of women fund managers is a factor. A study from the Diana Project found that, Venture capital firms with women partners are three times more likely to invest in companies with women CEOs. The Trump administration can use tools, including the Small Business Investment Company (SBIC) Program.

The SBIC, managed by the Small Business Administration, facilitates the flow of long-term capital to small businesses. SBIC is a good program to encourage more women to become fund managers -- and to ensure more women fund managers have the experience needed.

6. Some 95 percent of consumers live outside the United States; womens business growth must be fueled by access to international markets.

Intellectual property protection is key here. Our government must continue its efforts to strengthen intellectual property rights and protections at home and abroad to encourage more entrepreneurship and the global expansion of women-owned firms.

7. The burden of regulation can be crushing.

We need a regulatory system that is inclusive, transparent and flexible.

8. Women business owners are important consumers of technology and incredible innovators driving technological advancement.

We must not stifle innovation by moving away from the light-touch regulation that has enabled the broadband internet and technology sector to flourish. Doing so would mean less investment and access to the technologies and platforms that help women business owners compete and succeed.

9. Women business owners are unique, yet they're woefully underrepresented within the regulatory environment.

Women entrepreneurs need a seat at the table at the SEC, Consumer Financial Protection Bureau and other key institutions.

10. Women business owners seek certainty, simplicity and fairness from the American tax system.

The outdated tax code restricts the plans of women business owners and potential growth of their firms.

10. Investing in women business owners is an investment in the American economy.

We encourage women in business to reach out to their representatives to ensure they're hearing loud and clear that women entrepreneurs need a level playing field to thrive. And we encourage women business owners of all stripes to join WIPP (and follow us at #ChooseWomen) and help us advocate for these policies.

There's never been a more important time to come together and support the women who create the good jobs that power our economy.

Were willing to work with Congress and the new administration to help women business owners succeed, because like those who come together to create Womens Entrepreneurship Day, we believe that by celebrating, empowering and supporting women in business, we support our economy and our way of life.

Related: 5 Reasons Women Entrepreneurs Should Consider Buying a Business (Infographic)

Its time to get to work.

Related:

Women More Sympathetic Towards Teammates Says This HR Company's Woman Founder

Top IoT Executive Says That Women Should Not Restrict Themselves To Certain Domains

India's Top Woman Digi-preneur Says Nation's Digital Revolution Behind Its Women's Success



Copyright 2016 Entrepreneur.com Inc., All rights reserved
FAIRFIELD  After several contentious debates over the past month and an outpouring of support from McKinley Elementary School parents before the final vote, the Board of Education passed its plan to address the racial imbalance between the school and the districts other elementaries.

At the boards Nov. 15 meeting  three days ahead of a state-mandated deadline  the plan passed by a 6-3 margin. Board members Donna Karnal, John Llewellyn and Eileen Liu-McCormack voted against the plan.

Community view

An outpouring of support for the plan Tuesday night came from members of the McKinley community who spoke of the positive impacts of racial diversity at the school on their children and in favor of preserving McKinleys make-up while spreading more diversity in other district schools. Many of the comments were met with applause.

Multiple members of the public addressed comments made at the boards Oct. 24 town hall meeting, when several residents brought up questions about the plan, including concerns about the portion of the plan that calls for 18 additional Open Choice students next and the following school year.

McKinley parent and York Road resident Kelly Socol asked the board to support the plan and not to dilute the elementary school level diversity.

In our eyes, its perfect, she said.

Suzanne Graceffa, McKinley parent and York Road resident, also asked for support for the plan and said she would love to see Open Choice expanded as a way to provide a good education for the participating students and diversity for the district.

I think its a win for everyone, she said.

Cardinal Street resident Jennifer Barahona, another McKinley parent, said it is gutting to parents at the school when it is seen as negative or a less than school.

We owe it to our children to encourage diversity in every form, to encourage global thinking, to challenge them to look beyond race, ethnicity, religion to get to know their peers, Barahona said.

Fairfield Education Association President Bob Smoler, a math teacher at Warde high school, read a statement from the teachers association leadership during the public comment section.

The quality of education delivered in all Fairfield Public Schools at all levels is equally high and among the best in the country, he read. Furthermore, it is important to note that we live in a global society where employers are looking for individuals who can operate effectively in a diverse workplace that often caters to a diverse customer base. As such, diversity in an educational environment is an important component of preparing students for the real world.

The FEA encouraged the board to pursue efforts to increase students ability to be successful in a diverse global society.

Some also raised concerns about the taxpayer impact of the plan Tuesday night, in particular adding Open Choice seats to the district.

The final plan

Connecticut requires all schools covering the same grade spans, such as elementary schools, to be within 25 percentage points of the district average for minority students in those grade spans.

McKinley has been out of the state-accepted range for five of the past six school years, with its minority enrollment at nearly half its student body last year compared to the average for Fairfields total 11 elementary schools at just over 20 percent.

The finalized plan included two additions before the meeting: A summary of the findings of a consulting group hired by the board to study redistricting and redistricting as an additional step to be considered down the road.

The redistricting section explains Holland Hill and Mill Hill renovations, slated for completion in 2018 and 2020 respectively, would allow redistricting to address the racial imbalance, according to the board-hired consultants.

When presenting the plan, Interim Superintendent Stephen Tracy said he see the plan as a temporary solution for modest progress. With active construction projects and incoming Superintendent Toni Jones upcoming start at the district, more significant steps will likely be required in the future, he said.

Board member Trisha Pytko proposed an amendment to the plan to exclude adding any additional Open Choice students, citing a difficult upcoming budget season as her concern. The board has spent significant time debating the potential cost of Open Choice, which bills Bridgeport $3,000 per student and for significant costs above what is expected per student, such as adding special education staff for a particular students needs.

Chairman Philip Dwyer has called the cost marginal, while other board members have expressed concerns it could cause unaccounted-for expenses.

During public comment on the proposal, town resident State Rep. Cristin McCarthy Vahey, D-133, spoke against the amendment, questioning whether it would help the districts position with the state, since the state could ask for other measures.

This town does not want a wholesale redistrict, she said, emphasizing residents treasure their community schools.

The amendment failed by a vote of 4-5, with Pytko, Karnal, Llewellyn and Liu-McCormack in favor.

Llewellyn proposed a second amendment, to the pre-kindergarten section of the plan. Pre-K programs at other elementary schools offer spots to McKinley families that may then continue at those schools. The plan called for Dwight Elementary School to be phased out in the 2017-2018 school year and a new location at Stratfield Elementary School.

Llewellyns amendment called for the Dwight program, which has had no significant impact on racial imbalance, to be closed in the 2017-2018 year and give participating families spots in other pre-K locations if desired, a cost-saving measure to avoid overlapping programs.

The amendment passed 7-2, with Dwyer and Vice Chairman Anthony Calabrese against it.

At Tuesdays meeting, some town residents also questioned whether a section of the racial imbalance plan state statute requiring a public hearing on the plan before it is sent to the state  with notice and a record  had been met. Tracy said in an interview that the state Department of Educations attorney confirmed the requirement had been met by the boards discussion of the plan at public board meetings.

After the submission of the plan, it will be presented at the state Board of Educations Jan. 4 meeting for its consideration. Fairfields original Dec. 7 meeting deadline from the state board was pushed back due to Jones Dec. 5 start date.

Lweiss@hearstmediact.com; @LauraEWeiss16
Once again, researchers have found that fewer guns among a certain population results in less death.

This time, the subject of study was a 17-year-old Connecticut law that allows for the temporary removal of guns from the possession of people considered to be a danger to themselves or others.

That law has prevented dozens of suicides, said researchers at Duke, Yale and the University of Connecticut who have been monitoring the impact of the law since its implementation.

The researchers presented their new findings to Connecticut Criminal Justice Policy Advisory Commission Thursday morning in the state Capitol.

Their calculations, including data from the state Department of Mental Health and Addiction Services, were that the 762 gun seizures that occurred from the laws passage through 2012 translated into somewhere between 38 and 76 fewer suicides, based on the premise that for every 10 to 20 guns removed, a potential suicide was thwarted.

The law was passed in response to the workplace slaughter at the offices of the Connecticut Lottery in 1998, when a disgruntled, seething employee killed four top lottery officials before killing himself.

In each seizure incident, the average number of guns confiscated under court order is seven.

Many people have many guns, said Jeffrey Swanson, professor of psychiatry and behavioral science at the Duke University School of Medicine and lead author of the study.

The law, he said, is essentially a suicide-prevention program. There are a lot of risky people out there who are just not prohibited from purchasing guns, said Swanson, lead author of the study. They often have guns legally. There are many people who should be alive today except for the fact that they had a firearm at that time.

It is a sobering observation by Swanson and co-author Michael Norko, director of the forensic services division in the Department of Mental Health and Addiction Services, that of the 34,000 firearms-related deaths in the nation annually, two-thirds of them are suicides.

And of the 762 people involved in the seizures in Connecticut, 21 of them eventually went on to commit suicide, six with a firearm, the rest by other means.

Eight other states are considering similar gun-safety measures, in which courts can order the removal of firearms if a person is deemed to be a risk for violence and served with a warrant. The civil order does not result in criminal records.

Guns, of course, are not the sole factor in violence. Mental health issues are equally important. Theres no denying, though, that in combination they are potentially deadly. So, yes, as Swanson said, the 1999 law is a piece in the puzzle of gun-violence prevention policy.

But it is one more brick in the foundation of common-sense steps we need to take to keep guns out of the hands of the wrong people.
Imagine how Vladimir Putin must be feeling. His government hacks the e-mails of leading Democrats, and his friends at WikiLeaks make sure to drip them out in the final weeks of the presidential campaign. In a shocker, the party the Russians didnt hack wins. Less than a week after the victory, the incoming president tells him he wants to explore greater cooperation against the Islamic State.

Putin must be experiencing deja vu. In President Bill Clintons second term, the relationship began to fray as the U.S. supported the ouster of Russias ally in Serbia, Slobodan Milosevic, and Russia launched a vicious war against Chechen separatists.

Then in 2001, President George W. Bush looked into Putins eyes and found the soul of a decent man. Russia and the U.S. cooperated against al-Qaeda after the terror attacks of Sept. 11, 2001. Then Putin turned his attention to his political foes. His agents poisoned a former Russian intelligence officer in London and his army invaded the Republic of Georgia. By the end of Bushs presidency, the U.S.-Russian relationship was in tatters.

Not to worry. Americans in 2008 elect Barack Obama who sets out to bring hope and change. For a few years things seem to be going OK. Russian forces are still in Georgia. But the Russians agree to a new nuclear arms-control agenda and to cooperate on disarming Iran. Then in 2013 there is a revolution in neighboring Ukraine. Russia annexes Crimea the following year. In 2015, the Russians have set up airbases in Syria and are bombing the rebels the U.S. trained to fight against the dictator Bashar al-Assad.

It should be said that weve never elected anyone like Donald Trump before. Hes not a professional politician. Whats more, Trump has shown some elasticity when it comes to his promises. We are now assured that he does not intend to deport all 11 million people who are in the U.S. illegally. He told 60 Minutes on Sunday that he would like to keep the part of Obamacare that bars insurance companies from denying coverage to people for preexisting conditions. So its early days.

But the early signs do not look good. According to a statement from the Kremlin, Putin and Trump discussed joint efforts in the fight against common enemy number one in a phone call on Monday.

One source close to the transition team told me that its unclear what this would mean in terms of actual policy. In the broadest strokes, it would entail joint military operations in Syria against Islamic State positions and the lifting of sanctions Obama imposed for Russias annexation of Crimea. The policy of ridding Syria of the dictator who is barrel-bombing its citizens will be jettisoned. Trump and Putin will once again reset U.S.-Russian relations.

If Trump would like a road map on how to accomplish this reset, he should talk to Secretary of State John Kerry. In September, Kerry believed he had a deal for a one-week cease-fire, which would build confidence between the various forces in Syria. After that, the U.S. would begin to share targeting information with Russia to go after the Islamic State and al-Nusra, a group that until recently was al-Qaedas franchise in Syria.

That plan soon fell apart. Less than two weeks after Kerry reached his cease-fire, the Russians bombed an aid convoy trying to deliver food and medicine to the besieged city of Aleppo.

Perhaps Trump believes he can succeed where Kerry failed. Thats what Bush and Obama used to say. Just as Bush overlooked Russias bloody war in Chechnya and Obama overlooked Russias occupation of Georgia, Trump would be overlooking Russias annexation of Crimea and aggression in Syria. This pattern gives Moscow the impression that it can wait out the sitting president and wipe the slate clean with whoever replaces him.

Trump may face other problems, too. Already his phone call with Putin has raised alarm bells in Congress. Senator John McCain, chairman of the Senate Armed Services Committee that will vote on Trumps nominations for top Pentagon posts, issued a rebuke on Tuesday.

At the very least, the price of another reset would be complicity in Putin and Assads butchery of the Syrian people, McCain said in a statement.

McCains view is closer to many in Trumps own party, who were relentless critics of Obamas reset. As one Republican wrote in 2011, The results of Obamas pandering to Russia have been a total disaster. The author warned about Putins plans to create a rival to the European Union with central Asian countries and excoriated Obama for giving up missile-defense positions in the Czech Republic and Poland. He lamented the fact that Russia had quietly encouraged other countries to oppose the U.S. position on Iran while pretending to cooperate with the U.S.

The man who wrote those words was Donald Trump. They are from his 2011 book, Time to Get Tough. The incoming president would do well to take his own advice.

Eli Lake is a Bloomber View columnist. Email: elake1@bloomberg.net.
Russian company Kamaz to send 2400 trucks to Cuba

Submitted by: Juana

Local

Business and Economy

11 / 18 / 2016





Kamaz, famed Russian heavy transport giant, will supply more than 2,400 trucks to Cuba, the company said in a statement.

"Kamaz signed a contract for the supply of more than 2,400 units to Cuba, as well as spare parts and equipment for after-sales service," the corporation said.

The Caribbean nation will receive the first batch of trucks by the end of this month.

Kamaz, the largest automotive producer in Russia, is among the 20 global truck manufacturers and has 89 subsidiaries worldwide. The group exports its trucks to more than 80 countries in Europe, Asia, Africa and Latin America.
Vietnamese President interested in strengthening ties with Cuba

Vietnam's President Tran Dai Quang emphasized his country's interest in strengthening bilateral ties with Cuba in areas such as agriculture, construction, tourism, science and technology, education, health and transport.

At the opening of a bi-national business forum, the president said that in the meeting held with his Cuban counterpart Raul Castro, they both agreed to strengthen economic and commercial bonds and place them at the same level of the special political relations between the two governments.

We also agree to maintain the mechanisms of the Intergovernmental Commission on economic cooperation more frequently, flexibly and efficiently, he argued.

He said that Cuba and Vietnam will soon negotiate to sign the new trade agreement, replacing the one signed in 1996, in order to temper that legal framework to the current conditions and exploit the existing collaboration advantages.

The Asian president commented that Raul and he also agreed to continue creating favorable conditions for businessmen from both countries to execute contracts and cooperation projects, and in particular to support the materialization of Vietnam's investment proposals at Mariel Special Development Zone.

Dai Quang stressed the willingness of the parties to help businessmen from both countries to implement joint projects in fields such as agriculture, infrastructure construction, tourism, biopharmaceutical, energy, finance and banking.

He referred to the culmination with favorable results of the rice production program, which took place in the period 2011-2015, adding that both countries continue the study for the implementation of other plans in agriculture.

He noted that some Vietnamese businessmen are currently promoting investment projects in Cuba in the tourist infrastructure sectors, and mentioned the construction of a five-star hotel, as well as works in the oil and gas field.

Rodrigo Malmierca, Cuban Minister of Foreign Trade and Foreign Investment, stressed that the historic friendship between the Caribbean island and the Asian nation has been a fundamental basis in strengthening collaboration, with concrete results such as the rice production program, which will include a fifth stage in the period 2017-2021.

He reported that progress is being made in implementing the bilateral economic agenda, signed in 2014, and that important projects are being developed in the field of biotechnology and health for the production of drugs and vaccines in Vietnamese territory.

Vietnam is Cuba's second largest trading partner in the Asia and Oceania region, and its main supplier of rice, not only through direct imports, but also through the promotion and development of food programs.

In addition, it is represented in Mariel Special Development Zone with a project for the production of disposable diapers.

The meeting at the Nacional Hotel was attended by Orlando Hernandez Guillen, president of the Cuban Chamber of Commerce; Doung Minh, Vietnamese ambassador to Havana; Vu Tien Loc, head of Vietnam Chamber of Commerce and Industry, as well as other members of the Asian delegation.

This is Dai Quangs first official visit to Cuba since he took office as head of state in his country on April this year.

After completing his stay in Cuba today, he will travel to Peru to attend the 24th Summit of the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation Forum, to be held from November 17 to 20, in Lima. (acn)




The 7th AFFAIR OF THE ARTS in Downtown Culver City will be held on Friday, Saturday & Sunday, November 18 to 20, and will feature fine and functional art, music, activities for kids and an interactive art project titled Sacred Water which is in support of those protecting our water and protesting the Dakota Access Pipeline in North Dakota.

This art project illustrates the critical role art can play in social justice and bringing people together to explore important issues -- intentional planning by the events producers from TheWhole9.com and The Peace Project who believe that Art Changes People and People Change the World.

Nearly all of the festivals 50 participating artists hail from Southern California and include painters, photographers, sculptors, ceramicists, wood workers, glass blowers and jewelry artists. The event will also feature eclectic music from some of LAs most loved musicians. Admission is free.

In the spirit of creating a better world a portion of proceeds from the festival supports The Peace Projects life-changing work which currently includes on-going work in Sierra Leone, Africa, as well as support to those on the ground in North Dakota.

For the past five years weve been using the power of TheWhole9.coms artists community to fuel change through the local and international initiatives of our non-profit, The Peace Project. Affair of the Arts has grown into another powerful way we can bring people in the community together around art and raise awareness of our collective ability to create a more peaceful world. shared Lisa Schultz, Founder of TheWhole9.com and The Peace Project.

The event will be held on Town Plaza surrounding The Culver Hotel -- 9400 Culver Boulevard at Main Street. Culver Citys downtown restaurants and bars including The Culver Hotel, Kay N Daves, and The Wallace will be welcoming festival-goers so they can come for the art and then stay for the day in Downtown Culver City.
Somerset County Treasurer will 'do what it takes' for best returns
Girls are bleaching their skin with dangerous mercury-infused creams because they think looking lighter will make them 'more successful'.

Channel 4's Unreported World spoke to young people who ignore warnings about the creams because they want to emulate the 'yellow bone' - slang for a light-skinned black woman - look epitomised by Beyonce, who refers to herself using the term in her song lyrics.

A dermatologist links bleaching creams to an increased risk of skin cancer, and some are revealed to contain the banned substances hydroquinone and mercury on the show - but women in South Africa are getting hold of them despite the risk.

The local celebrity is well known for her use of skin lightening products after she took a break from the industry and returned a lighter version of herself. Before on the left and after, right

The chemical hydroquinone has been shown to penetrate the skin and suppress the production of the skin pigment melanin, which scientists have linked to skin cancer.

Correspondent Tania Rashid also hears from a make-up artist who says being light-skinned makes you more likely to be successful in job interviews, and a 19-year-old marketing student who has spent two years bleaching his skin because he thinks it will make him more successful.

South African rapper Mchoza, who disappeared from the public eye only to re-emerge with noticeably lighter skin, told the programme her transformation had breathed new life into her career.

'Theres US influence as well from Beyonce, who describes herself as yellow-boned in her single Formation that everyone is listening to,' the reporter says on the show, referencing the slang term for a light-skinned black woman.

Rapper Mchoza, who is well known for her use of skin lightening products, insists her use is down to a medical condition, but still says she's convinced her lighter skin has positively impacted on her career.

The popularity of Beyonce, who describes herself as 'yellow bone' in song lyrics, is cited among the reasons young people are bleaching their skin

'Peo ple saying when youre dark-skinned you cant find a job,' she says on the programme.

'To me, thats not being sensitive because Ive been through that, Ive experienced that.

'I am always on the TV, Im always in the newspapers. Theyre bound to read and want to be like someone whos on TV. Thats part of life,' she explains.

Her PR manager is also seen saying celebrities need to look lighter: It works better on screen, it works better with make-up and were selling an idealistic world out there.

'In TV we have to sell a fake world.'

Mchoza, who is filmed ahead of becoming a spokesmodel for a bleaching product, is seen using skin lightening creams of varying strength in the documentary.

Tania also speaks to a member of the rapper's entourage, make-up artist Kim, who agrees that being 'yellow bone' is an advantage.

When you walk into a club people notice you, they say "yellow bone" and you are more visible to people,' she says.

'If you go to interviews and you are fair-skinned there is probably a 50 percent chance of you getting the job.

'Its got a huge impact on how people treat you. I feel like it will never really come to an end as long as white is labelled as the perfect race.'

Tania Rashid also speaks to 19-year-old marketing student Jeff, who, after two years of bleaching his skin, tells her: 'Wh en I compare my former self to now, I feel like I am more appealing now because I am lighter.'

He uses a concoction of a product called Lemonvate mixed with lemon juice and sunscreen on his skin.

Lemonvate is not marketed as a skin lightening cream, and manufacturers claim counterfeit copies are being sold in South Africa.

I first saw it in an advert, then I bought it. I started getting lighter and I just continued using it,' Jeff says on the show.

'The lighter the better I think.'

People in South Africa are using banned skin bleaching products in an attempt to make themselves appear whiter and 'more appealing'

The Channel 4 programme explores the disturbing growth in the popularity of skin bleaching

When he gets told that the product he has been using contains traces of mercury - a chemical that can harm the brain, heart, lungs, immune system, and ultimately lead to organ cause organ failure - he still isn't put off.

I dont think I will stop using it. Not at the moment, its really helping. I think if I knew the side effects I would have chosen an alternative solution. Ill have to think about it, says Jeff.

One young girl who is not desperate to be 'yellow bone' says: 'Its so sad, because all these other girls who are not light are going to try and go out there and do things like skin bleaching just to look lighter and be accepted and seen as beautiful.'

The products highlighted by the documentary don't have ingredient labels on them, but when they are tested they are found to contain h ydroquinone - a chemical that penetrates the skin and suppresses the production of the skin pigment melanin, which scientists have linked to skin cancer.

Mchoza doesn't see herself as a face for the skin bleaching products, saying of fans who follow in her footsteps: 'I cant stop them from doing it, its happened already.

'They are doing it, they are using products but they are just using the products that are no good for them.

'For me doing this, I am saying if you are going to do this do it the right way, this is the right product to use.'

Tania with a South African woman who has used the bleaching products, which ingredients that dermatologist Professor Ncoza Dloza says can cause skin cancer

Tania describes Mchoza as an 'all singing, all dancing advert for skin bleaching' but soon discovers the dark side of the beauty product from dermatologist P rofessor Ncoza Dloza, who is left astonished that people are risking their lives.

She explains that use of the illegal products mean when people apply it to their skin they 'are basically removing the melanin that is protective to skin and prevents damage from ultraviolet rays and skin cancer'.

When Tania informs Mchoza - who finds direct sunlight painful on her skin after years of bleaching - that the products she was endorsing contain the dangerous chemical hydroquonine she claims that she has ended her deal.

I am not to be blamed for anything to do with skin lightening, people do a lot of things. I cant be blamed for it. Look it was a business transaction,' she says.
For those in life that are shorter than average, some activities prove to be more difficult.

Concerts for example, can see you stuck behind taller people and unable to see the band, and don't forget the difficulty when buying pants.

But now one 'vertically challenged' grandma has found another downside to being of shorter stature  the potential of falling into a cot.

Step up: A grandmother was using a step to help her get her grandson into his cot (above)

The American woman was trying to put her grandson to bed when she leaned too far over and toppled into his cot with him.

There's even photographic proof, with a baby camera in the boy's room capturing the entire hilarious incident.

The woman's daughter, and mother of the baby, Nikki Sharp Bishop, posted the video to Facebook on Wednesday.

'My mom is going to kill me but I had to post. For those of you who don't know my mom she is 5ft and has always been vertically challenged. I love this crazy woman!' she captioned the video.

Whoops! But then she accidentally leans over too far and falls into the cot

Head over heels: The woman falls headfirst into the cot along with her grandson

The clip shows the kind grandmother attempting to put the baby into its bed, a cot with high railings.

The woman, who is only five foot, uses a small step to try and help her be able to put the baby down gently.

However she leans over too far and falls headfirst into the cot with him.

All okay: Lucky no one was hurt, except maybe the grandma's pride

Careful: The entire thing was caught on video by a baby monitor camera

After checking the baby is okay and righting herself, the sheepish woman climbs out of the cot.

The baby can we seen sitting up to look at his grandmother once she back on solid ground again.
A little girl who nearly died in a freak tractor accident stunned her family by saying she went to heaven after falling into a coma.

Amber-Rose Kordiak was just seven years old when a huge tire fell onto her and sliced her face in half.

She was rushed to hospital and fell into a coma as she fought for her life.

But later, when she woke up, she told her family that she followed 'bright lights and beams of prayers' leading her to heaven, but she 'chose to come back to this world' after somehow seeing her parents' pain.

After 13 facial surgeries and countless hospital visits, the youngster is smiling again, but her vivid experience while she was unconscious still leaves her family stunned.

In recovery: Amber-Rose Kordiak, 10, was left with her face sliced in half after a freak tractor accident

Before the accident: Amber-Rose was saying goodnight to her father on the family's farm in Minnesota when she tried to walk through a tractor tire

Jen Kordiak, her mother, told KSTP: 'She was happy in heaven. She says she could see us and could reflect on our heartache and regret... and chose to come back to this world.'

Amber Rose was on her family's farm in Minnesota one night in 2013, when she popped outside to say goodnight to father.

Jesse Kordiak was working on a tractor that night, and had put a 600-pound tire leaning up against the wall of the barn before he got to repairing it.

As little Amber-Rose came to join him, Jesse warned her not to go anywhere near the tire.

But she didn't listen, her curious nature leading her to try and step through the mammoth, metal-rimmed hole in the center.

As she tried to do so, the massive tire toppled to the ground, with the rim landing right across Amber-Rose's face, cutting deep through her nose and cheek.

When Jesse saw what had happened to his daughter, he screamed, leading Amber-Rose's mother to come running out of the house.

'I ran out there and he was just holding her. Her face was completely in half,' Jen told Today.

Scary moment: The tire tipped over with the rim landing right on her face, slicing through her nose, cheek and eye socket

Happy girl: Amber-Rose's life was changed in an instant, and she almost died from blood loss

Coming back: The little girl had the bones in her nose and eye socket destroyed as well as part of her right cheekbone

'Basically, the top under her eyes was hanging down. You could just see her eyes and this huge gaping hole.'

Jen even compared her daughter's face to looking like the silhouette of Pac-Man.

The family rushed to drive their little girl to meet an ambulance, with Jesse holding Amber-Rose's face together.

She was eventually airlifted to the hospital, going into shock as she lost blood. Yet, somehow, she survived.

The accident left her with a severed upper jaw, broken lower left jaw and dislocated right jaw joint. The bones forming her nose and her right eye socket were completely destroyed as well as part of her right cheekbone.

On top of all this, she also was left with a brain injury thanks to the fall.

Looking up: After 13 surgeries, Amber-Rose is finally able to smile again

More to come: As she grows, she will require several more surgeries on her jaw and nose

What followed were years of surgeries, including the insertion of metal plates, some of which became infected and led to even more surgeries.

Last year in December she entered into further treatment at the Mayo Clinic in Rochester where doctors went about creating a 3-D model of her skull and preparing for an 18-hour surgery, which she had in July.

Thanks to these procedures, which included realigning her eyes after they were left with one sitting inches higher than the other and nose reconstruction, Amber-Rose is once again able to smile.
The parents captured one heartbreaking photo of the twin boys together

But after six days one of the twins' kidneys shut down and he died

Charmaine Winsor was 25 weeks pregnant and going for a routine checkup at John Hunter Hospital in Newcastle when her world changed forever.

She was having an ultrasound to see how her twin boys were going, but it seemed to go on longer than usual.

It was then that a doctor told her that her children had twin-to-twin transfusion syndrome (TTTS) and that it was highly likely one or both of her babies would pass away.

Twin boys Connor (left) and Levi (right) were born at 25 weeks after suffering twin-to-twin transfusion syndrome. They had one photograph together (above)

The mum and her husband Cameron were given two choices: one, for her to deliver the babies prematurely that day, or two, to keep them 'baking'.

But the doctor warned that if she didn't deliver it was likely the children would die within four hours.

'They took us into another room and discussed survival rates,' Ms Winsor told Daily Mail Australia.

'The neonatalist said because that even though they were 25 weeks, because they were twins the survival rate would be as if they were 23 weeks. They said there was only a 10 to 20 per cent chance that they would survive the birth.'

The couple had 10 minutes to organise babysitters for their other children and call family members before Ms Winsor was taken to have an emergency caesarean.

The twins' mother Charmaine Winsor (right) went in for an ultrasound and was told she had to deliver via an emergency caesarean (above with partner Cameron and baby Connor)

There was only a 10 per cent chance of the boys surviving, but they made it through the birth and were sent to the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (above Connor on life support)

WHAT IS TWIN-TO-TWIN TRANSFUSION SYNDROME? Twin-to-twin transfusion syndrome (TTTS) is when two identical twins share the same placenta, but one is getting more blood flow than the other. This means that one twin is growing faster, and puts pressure on the body of the baby that isn't getting enough blood. In severe cases, TTTS has a mortality rate of 60 to 100 per cent. Advertisement

Incredibly, both boys, named Connor and Levi, were born breathing, and taken to the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) in a semi-stable condition.

'For six days they were touch and go but stable for what they were,' the mum explained. 'But we were told it would be a miracle if we took them both home.'

It was on the sixth day that one of the boys, Connor, started going downhill.

His kidneys, which had been deprived of blood and oxygen in the womb, were shutting down.

Because of this, his body was overloaded with fluids and swelled up like a balloon, which was heartbreaking for his parents to watch.

After six days, Connor (above) deteriorated. His kidneys start to shut down and he was put on life support

Levi (above) was also doing worse, but it was Connor the doctors were really worried about

I saw my little boy clench his fist and have his face wrench up in pain every 30 seconds or so

Finally, his kidneys started to do better and Ms Winsor went home for the first time since the emergency birth.

But she was only home for 20 minutes when she got a call and had to rush back to the hospital, which was 40 minutes away.

Connor had been intubated to help him breathe and put on morphine. Ms Winsor stayed with him until 2am, watching her son close to death.

'I saw my little boy clench his fist and have his face wrench up in pain every 30 seconds or so,' she said.

After seven days there was nothing more they could do, and Connor (above with Dad Cameron) was taken off life support and passed away

The hospital sent her home, and when she woke up the next morning she knew it was over.

'When I woke up that morning and I looked at my partner and I said "Connors going to die today, hes not going to make it" and started crying,' she said.

The mum then looked at her phone and saw a message from the hospital saying that they needed to come in and both the boys had gone downhill.

'Connor had to be put up to 100 per cent life support and was on the maximum dose of morphine,' she said.

'Levi was doing worse too. I think he was sensing that his brother was dying in front of him.'

The doctors explained the situation, and how there wasn't anything else they could do for Connor. So the couple made the heartbreaking decision to let him go.

They had a first and last family photo (above) with Cameron before he died

While they weren't allowed to hold him, the nurses dressed the little boy in a christening gown so he could be baptised.

Both the parents got to hold their tiny boy for the first and last time before his machines were turned off and he passed away.

'They closed off the room and we had till 9:30pm with him,' Ms Winsor explained. 'We dressed him we bathed him, my little ones had a hold of him, we just sat with him.'

One of the nurses didn't want him taken down to the morgue yet, so she made up a bed for Connor next to his brother Levi, and said that they could be together for a few hours before he had to be moved.

Levi (above, the day before he came home from the hospital) survived, to the surprise of doctors

Levi (far right) is now 13 months old, and has some developmental delays due to being born prematurely

It was then that the family snapped the only photo that will ever exist of the twins together. It shows Connor on left, finally at peace, while his brother Levi lies on his right, battling on.

Mr and Ms Winsor said goodbye to Connor, and prepared that they might have to do the same for Levi.

But to everyone's surprise the other little boy fought through, surviving to become a toddler.

Levi is now 13 months old, and doing well. He has some delayed development and sight issues, but this is mostly due to being born prematurely.
Twins usually have the same birthday.

But one set of Sydney twins look set to be in the unusual situation where their birthday will be at least four weeks apart.

Danielle Paull gave birth to one of her babies, a little girl named Sadie, on October 26 when the baby was only 24 weeks along.

Miracle: Danielle Paull (right) and her husband Matthew (left) were worried when she started having contractions at only 19 weeks when pregnant with twins

Now, four weeks later, Ms Paull is still pregnant with Sadie's little brother, and hoping to not give birth for a while longer.

The phenomenon is called delayed interval delivery, and is extremely rare.

Ms Paull and her husband Matthew were given the option when the mum-to-be started having contractions at 19 weeks, the Southern Courier reported.

They discovered other cases where women had given birth to twins weeks and even months apart.

Unusual: She then gave birth to a little girl named Sadie at only 19 weeks, and is still pregnant four weeks later to her other twin (stock image)

Utmost care: Sadie then spent weeks in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit at Randwick Royal Hospital for Women (above), while her little brother is yet to be born

Even though she was having contractions, Ms Paull didn't give birth to little Sadie until five weeks later, at the Randwick Royal Hospital for Women.

The newborn was taken immediately to the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) to spend weeks in an incubator which would help her survive.

The little girl weighed only 710 grams when she was born.

'I was not able to express (breast milk) because that might bring on labour,' Ms Paull told the Southern Courier. 'We have been getting donor milk from a milk bank in Queensland. Its a charity  there is no equivalent in NSW yet.'

High tech: Sadie is going well after being born weighing only 710 grams and spending weeks in an incubator

Now Ms Paull is waiting to see how long it will be until her second baby is born. The family is hoping Sadie's brother will hold out and be born as close to 40 weeks as possible.

The news of the 'miracle' twins comes on the heels of reports of another rare phenomenon in Australia where a woman fell pregnant when she already expecting a baby, leading to twins being conceived 10 days apart.

Kate Hills pregnancy was so unusual the birth of her baby girls has been hailed a miracle.

Kind strangers: Ms Paull is unable to express milk, so Sadie is being fed with donated breast milk

The Brisbane mother-of-two and her husband Peter were struggling to conceive.

In 2006 Mrs Hill has diagnosed with polycystic ovarian syndrome: a hormonal condition that left her unable to ovulate.

She underwent hormone treatment and fell pregnant, not once, but twice.

What makes this case even more rare, is that my husband and I only had intercourse one time  his sperm stayed alive for 10 days to fertilise the second egg released, Ms Hill said.
The annual Christmas advert has become as much a part of the festive season as carols and mince pies.

And hot on the heels of M&S and John Lewis, the latest retailer to roll out its seasonal offering is Amazon Prime.

The online giant went for a tear-jerking short film with a message about 'selflessness' which features a Christian vicar and a Muslim imam - played by real people - striking up a close friendship.

The clip, set to Ludovico Einaudi's I Giorni, sees the pair catching up over a cup of tea in the vicar's front room, where they are seen wincing from aching knees as they get up off the sofa.

After parting ways, they both unknowingly buy each other matching knee pads to help with their joints when kneeling to pray.

And viewers were clearly touched by the clip, taking to social media to gush about it, with Twitter user Milhouse writing: 'Amazon Christmas advert hands down won it this year, proper love it.'

F***ing Pyro added: 'The Amazon Christmas advert is the best idc [I don't care] what anyone says.'

Secfrancis tweeted the retailer directly to say she was 'extremely impressed' with the advert and its 'beautiful message'.

Amazon Prime's new advert, released this week, focuses on 'selflessness' as it follows the story of a Christian vicar and a Muslim imam buying each other a surprise present

The imam drops in on his Christian friend for a cup of tea in his front room, where they are seen struggling with their knees as they get up off the sofa - prompting an idea for a present

After parting ways, the pair both unknowingly buy each other matching knee pads to help with aching joints when kneeling to pray - and viewers have branded the short clip 'lovely'

While Aisling claimed they were 'winning in so many ways'. She wrote: 'That Christmas advert is so heart warming and the fact they used my favourite song by Ludovico Einaudi.'

Twitter user Han enthused: 'THE NEW AMAZON PRIME ADVERT WINS THE AWARD FOR THE BEST CHRISTMAS ADVERT HOW AMAZING IS THAT.'

Donna added: 'Got to be honest I love the #amazon Christmas advert. So lovely,' while Nimra said it was 'so cute'.

Inzy Rashid wrote: '@amazon smashed their UK Christmas advert! Best one I've seen yet by far!'

However it wasn't all positive; Badar Salem blasted their festive offering as 'pathetic' while Amerikanida tweeted: 'Just saw the new Amazon Christmas advert on tv. Yikes.'

The vicar goes online to order his friend a pair of knee pads. Secfrancis tweeted the retailer directly to say she was 'extremely impressed' with the advert and its 'beautiful message'

The imam receives his surprise delivery. One viewer, clearly impressed, wrote: 'That Christmas advert is so heart warming and the fact they used my favourite song by Ludovico Einaudi'

The imam pulls on his knee pads to help him when kneeling to pray. Inzy Rashid wrote: '@amazon smashed their UK Christmas advert! Best one I've seen yet by far!'

Viewers were clearly touched by the clip, taking to social media to gush about it, with Twitter user Milhouse writing: 'Amazon Christmas advert hands down won it this year, proper love it'

Amazon Prime released the advert online and on TV in the UK, US and Germany on Wednesday, and it has already racked up 65,000 views on YouTube.

They explained: 'The Amazon Prime advertisement tells a story of a Christian Vicar and a Muslim Imam who are lifelong friends but arent as sprightly as they were in their youth.

'One day the Vicar has a moment of inspiration and decides to do something to make the Imams life and work a little easier. What the Vicar doesnt know, is the Imam also has the same idea for the Vicar.'

While many viewers gushed over the 'beautiful' and 'heartwarming' advert, it wasn't all positive; Amerikanida tweeted: 'Just saw the new Amazon Christmas advert on tv. Yikes'

Simon Morris, director of advertising at Amazon, told the Guardian: 'We think it is a legitimate story. We are conscious that some people may be sensitive to it. It is about selflessness and thinking of other people.'

He added that Amazon had 'sought counsel' from the Church of England, the Muslim Council of Great Britain and the Christian Muslim Forum before making the ad.

Amazon Prime, who released the clip ahead of next week's Black Friday shopping bonanza, come day after Sainsbury's M&S and John Lewis released their festive adverts.
An Instagram account dedicated to Britain's wealthiest teens sees the spoilt youngsters parading their fortunes as they sneer at those who shop at Primark.

The Rich Kids of UK account has amassed over 240,000 followers thanks to their envy inducing posts.

A far cry from the humble first cars and pocket money purchases of the average teen these lucky youngsters often have access to millions of pounds - which they are happy to shamelessly parade.

The Rick Kids UK Instagram account sees the wealthy shamelessly flaunting their fortune and taking time to sneer at those less fortunate, describing Primark customers as 'peasants'

The rich kids take pleasure in not only their own five star lives but in laughing at those less fortunate than themselves.

In a photograph of the popular discount clothing store Primark a member of the account wastes no time in poking fun of its customers.

Captioning the photo they write: 'the peasants lining up to go in Primark'.

Despite their disposable income many of the youngsters show little respect for the possesions they shamelessly flaunt.

The Rick Kids UK Instagram account has amassed 240,000 followers thanks to their envy inducing photos

Clearly keen to get the party started someone shares a photo of a huge stack of champagne

Not settling for any old drink a lucky youngsters shows off their three digit water

In one photo a teen has spread his spending money across his bed with 50 notes covering his cover. The photo is captioned: 'Pillow for tonight.'

While many will be lucky to received any spending funds from their parents these kids bank accounts are bursting at the seams.

In one astounding photo a user shares a bank slip revealing that their remaining funds in their account is 294146.29.

One young woman lounges across her velvet sports car accompanied by her entourage

One woman clearly takes coordination seriously matching her leather trousers to her car

Enjoying first class flying this girl relaxes on a leather seat on board her plane

In flight dining doesn't often look like this as one high flyer tucks into haute cuisine

One woman shows off a rather expensive looking gift she has been given by her father

In one astounding photo a user shares a bank slip revealing that their remaining funds in their account is 294146.29

The big spender captions the photo with: 'Summer spending money.'

While most 17-year-olds would be happy to received a Nissan Micra the wheels seen on this account are far more impressive.

One young woman beams as she poses next to a Range Rover decorated with an enormous bow, obviously a gift for her birthday.

While another photo captioned 'cars are too mainstream' showcases a youngster about to climb aboard their own personal helicopter.

This isn't the first account to showcase the wealth of Britain's young adults with The Rich Kids of London boasting 185,000 followers.

The students don't play for pittance putting their iPhones and expensive watches down as bets in a pool game

This young man struggles to squeeze his Louis Vuitton luggage into the boot of his car

This big spender struggles to fit her lingerie purchases in her car as she returns from a spending spree

While another photo captioned 'cars are too mainstream' showcases a youngster about to climb aboard their own personal helicopter

In another photo a teen has spread his spending money across his bed with 50 notes covering his cover.

From one vehicle to another this teen ditches her Land Rover in order to hop aboard a private plane

The Rich Kids London Instagram account was set up by a 24-year-old property broker for super wealthy clients to share photos of the lavish lifestyles of his friends' and acquaintances.

People share their photos via Instagram and Snapchat, and he selects those he feels are good enough to share with the account's 118,000 followers.

'I know these wealthy people,' he told FEMAIL. 'I have spoken to them and now I hang out with all super rich kids at most exclusive clubs in Mayfair, Knightsbridge and Chelsea.

The perfect way to chill out from a day of spending a woman relaxes by her pool

In this extraordinary picture a young lady poses next to a diamond studded sports car

One image shared via Snapchat shows a flaming bottle of Cristal Louis Roederer Champagne with the caption: Molotov cocktail to throw on peasants.

People share snaps of their lavish lifestyles with the Rich Kids London founder and he posts the best on his Instagram account, which now has 118,000 followers

The founder of Rich Kids London has befriended the capital's elite, such as Christia Hadjieva (pictured) in exclusive nightclubs in Mayfair, Knightsbridge and Chelsea

'People send me their photos and if I think they're good enough then I will post their submission.

'I set it up to motivate everyone to do well and achieve what they want. I get messages every day from people saying my page has made them work very hard to achieve their dream and want to aim for higher.'

He added that references to 'plebs' and 'peasants' are meant to be tongue-in-cheek.

John Gustafsson shared a video of himself filling the tub with champagne

One of the many Snapchats shared with Rich Kids London sneering at 'peasants' who can't afford a super car

Ardino Boloki joked that he was 'playing Monopoly' in a shot showing him in his convertible holding up a wad of notes

'This is meant to be a joke and a laugh,' he explained. 'I love it how people always take it so seriously.'

One image shared via Snapchat shows a flaming bottle of Cristal Louis Roederer Champagne with the caption: 'Molotov cocktail to throw on peasants'.

Another showing a man peering into the window of a parked Lamborghini declared: 'Love it when peasants admire my car.'

To hammer the point home further, another snap shows a fleet of parked supercars with the warning: 'Not for peasants'.

But it's not all about sneering at those left well off.
A macabre video of a body artist transforming into a living jack-in-the box using nothing but makeup has become a worldwide hit.

Cosmetics expert Mirjana Milosevic, from Smederevo, Serbia, turned herself into a skeletal torso on a giant spring for the creepy clip using only makeup.

The chilling horror-style video, which was made by Dimitrije Milivojevic and posted on YouTube, opens with a rat running across a pile of toys in a darkened attic.

Mirjana begins by drawing bones onto her neck and torso before filling them in black

Mirjana then appears on screen, made up as a sinister wooden doll that appears to be nothing more than a head and torso seemingly impaled on a spring.

She then demonstrates how to achieve the optical illusion, starting by painting a white 'spring' onto her neck and torso set against a black background. She uses fine brown lines on her face and decolletage to achieve a wooden effect.

The spine-chilling video, which took around six hours to make, won the Serbian artist this year's Optical Illusion prize in the NYX Face Awards.

The one-and-a-half-minute clip has since become a worldwide sensation on video-sharing platforms, notching up tens of thousands of views in YouTube.

Mirjana Milosevic turned herself into a skeletal torso on a giant spring for the creepy clip using only makeup in the video which has racked up almost 90,000 views since being posted online

She applies false eyelashes and a clown-like grimace to achieve a doll-like effect

She then paints fine brown lines onto her face for a 'wooden' effect

Mirjana paints a spring onto her stomach using white paint set against a black background

The finished product: the one-and-a-half-minute clip has since become a worldwide sensation on video-sharing platforms, notching up tens of thousands of views in YouTube

One fan commented: 'You walk into your room, that is what you find. What do you do. (sic)'

Another called 'Laurie Beth H' replied: 'Probably mess my pants.'

Others were suitably impressed with one writing: 'Your work deserves a MAJOR following!'

YouTube user Athiesm is a Belieft asked how long the process had taken, to which Mirjana replied: 'Like 6 hrs [sic.].'

Mirjana says she got the idea from confronting her childhood fear of dolls.

The real Mirjana: Other recent offerings on her YouTube channel include a 'crazy zombie', a tiger, a fairy and a Halloween joker tutorial

Mirjana's 'skull butterfly makeup tutorial' has been viewed a further 35,000 times

The talented body artist uses makeup to create a 'cracking effect on her face

Mirjana has built up a cult following on social media thanks to her macabre video tutorials, which have racked up a total of 150,000 views

Creepy: A Halloween-worthy look sees Mirjana applying fake blood to half of her face

She explained: 'I decided for that to be my primary motive. I decided to try a wooden doll with a spiral spring on my belly, which gave me a lot of trouble.'

She added: 'It is in my plan to continue doing illusions and move the limits of reality. That fulfils me.'

Another one of her videos, a 'skull butterfly makeup tutorial' has been viewed a further 35,000 times.

Mirjana has built up a cult following on social media thanks to her macabre video tutorials, which have racked up a total of 150,000 views.
Queen Letizia of Spain proved that sometimes less is more, in a simple yet striking monochrome outfit in Madrid today.

The royal, 44, attended a reception at the Zarzuela Palace with King Felipe VI, where they met representatives from the Spanish broadcaster TVE to mark its 60th anniversary.

Queen Letizia, a former news anchor who used to work at TVE, looked stunning in a black top with a co-ordinating belted skirt, offset by dazzling drop pearl earrings.

Queen Letizia of Spain wore a fitted black top and a co-ordinating belted skirt at Zarzuela Palace today

The royal offset her simple yet striking outfit with a pair of dazzling drop pearl earrings

It followed another strong sartorial display from the Spanish royals yesterday.

Queen Letizia and her two daughters, Leonor, Princess of Asturias, and Infanta Sofia of Spain, looked super chic as they joined King Felipe outside Parliament before a ceremony to inaugurate the XII Legislature in Madrid, Spain.

Princess Sofia, nine, donned a burgundy dress complete with bow detailing, whilst Leonor, ten, looked stylish in a grey dress.

The glamorous royal teamed her simple yet stylish outfit with co-ordinating black heels

Queen Letizia and King Felipe received representatives from TVE in recognition of the broadcaster's 60th anniversary

Queen Letizia chose a muted palette of black, white and grey for the reception in Madrid

Queen Letizia wore her dark hair loose, and accessorised with a pair of drop pearl earrings

The King and Queen of Spain made a striking duo at Zarzuela Palace in Madrid today

The royal couple were photographed with Leonor, Princess of Asturias, and Infanta Sofia of Spain yesterday, but attended today's engagement without their daughters

The couple received representatives of the Spanish state broadcaster TVE at the palace

The couple looked perfectly coordinated at the palace today

Both young girls looked to be future matches for their mother in the style stakes when they appeared before the cameras yesterday, teaming their outfits with cute ballet pumps and their signature braided hair styles.

It appears the young princesses did not join the King and Queen at today's event.
This is uncanny. Sir Derek Jacobi and Anne Reid play the part of an old married couple to perfection. Theyre clearly happy together, and the idea of being apart would distress them. But they cant help but hark back to the early days of their courtship and wonder if theyre stuck in a rut. It was fun, Annie, wasnt it, when we were new to each other, finding out about each other, having adventures, Derek says to her with a wistful look in his eye.

She takes his hand and laughs. We shouldnt have got married, Derek, thats what we did wrong. Then she looks at me. The thing is, they didnt know the show was going to be the success it was. If we had, we might have delayed Alan and Celia getting together. But thats the problem isnt it. Were married now. Its more difficult to find things for us to do.

Sir Derek Jacobi and Anne Reid on how their new album came about

Theyre talking, of course, about their Last Tango In Halifax characters Alan Buttershaw and Celia Dawson, whose late-life romance formed the backbone of the BAFTA-winning show when it began in 2012. Few expected a show about 70-somethings courting to be the runaway success that it was, but Last Tango turned out to be a rare TV triumph, achieving the holy grail of being a ratings smash and having the critics slavering over the sharp writing of creator Sally Wainwright.

It also threw conventional TV drama thinking  that over a certain age you have to play a granny-in-a-cardigan  on its head. Its a source of great pride to both actors that theyve portrayed older characters who are in a fully functioning, successful, sexual relationship, as Derek puts it, although he leans forward to clarify, of course, there was no actual sex. You just saw them in bed.

Alas, with filming of the two-part Last Tango Christmas special under their belts, it seems that theres a problem  one that any long-married couple will understand. Marital contentment can be a bit, er, dull. Anne is the first to raise the subject of how their roles in the show have changed, with the action focused more on the younger generation when the show returns, most specifically Celia and Alans daughters, so capably played by Sarah Lancashire and Nicola Walker.

That shift has left Anne, 81, and Derek, 78, feeling a little redundant. Weve become a bit peripheral to the main story. The main thrust of the drama is focused on the daughters, Anne points out. She clearly isnt thrilled about this. Its veered a lot away from us, and thats disappointing. The first series was Derek and me, all about our story. That was the hook, the thing that drew people in. I mean, I understand why its happened  were married now and its more difficult to find things for us to do  but it would be nice if we could get back to that.

The issue theyve raised must be the eternal headache for writers who find themselves with an incredibly strong cast, and all the main characters wanting to be centre stage. The interesting thing here is that Anne and Derek are speaking as one. Theyre both clearly feeling a little under-used. Do they kick up a fuss on set about it, I ask. Oh all the time, laughs Anne. Were forever saying, We want more to do!

Sir Derek nods. Shes very, very good at plots, Sally, but she seems to have become more interested in writing for the girls than for us. Celias slightly better served than Alan is. Sally has a problem with Alan. She doesnt quite know what to do with him. Ive become very conscious of that.

Their careers have been polar opposites. Although RADA-trained, Annes big break came on Coronation Street. Derek made his name with Shakespearean roles

You can see Sally Wainwrights problem though. To continue to have the relationship between Alan and Celia as the focal point means constantly changing the status quo. The writers of, say, Emmerdale do this with far-fetched plotlines  one week a murder, the next a helicopter crash. Last Tango fans wouldnt tolerate such nonsense. The last series did feature the emergence of Alans long-lost son  the product of an infidelity in his first marriage  which was the equivalent of a hand-grenade going off. But where else to go? Anne thinks she knows, and has a suggestion for a plotline. Ooh! Can she share? No, I cant tell you what it is, Sally might not use it, she says. Oh.

Whats interesting is how their on-screen dynamics have spilled over into real life. Obviously theres no romance (Dereks been with his partner Richard Clifford for decades; Anne was widowed at the age of 46 but is very happily independent), but theyve become the best of friends. We hit it off from the start, says Derek. Now when were filming we have a little routine. We go out for dinner every evening. Ill order Madame a gin and tonic, and Ill have a glass of wine. Then well have dinner and chat all night. We never run out of things to talk about.

Last Tango In Halifax starring Nicola Walker as Gillian, Derek Jacobi as Alan, Anne Reid as Celia, Sarah Lancashire as Caroline

Sometimes they dont need to talk  surely the sign of a comfortable liaison. Im happy sitting while he does the crossword, Anne says, then pulls a face to me. He does the difficult crosswords. I cant manage them.

And now theyre embarking on a new adventure together. Anne loves to sing, and for years has had a side-career as a cabaret performer. To everyones surprise  mostly Dereks, it seems, given his raised eyebrow  shes convinced the legendary Sir Derek Jacobi to join her in the recording of an album. Yes, shes turned him into a crooner.

She mooted the idea, she says, back in 2014 when he was laid up in hospital after a devastating fall down some stairs on holiday in the Maldives. He ruptured tendons in both thighs and required extensive surgery. Anne  or Annie, as he calls her  played nurse at his hospital bed. Well, they call it a hospital but it was more like a posh hotel, wasnt it? she says. Wed drink gin and tonics and put the world to rights. Derek was saying Alan wouldnt be able to dance any more  hed been keen on ballroom dancing when he was younger  and I said, Well, youll have to sing, then. And to my surprise he said, Ooh, thats a good idea!

Whats interesting is how their on-screen dynamics have spilled over into real life. Obviously theres no romance but theyve become the best of friends

Can he sing? Well, he blushes and says, No, oh no, I mean Im not trained or anything, but Anne nods wildly. There was a scene in the second series of Last Tango when he did burst into song, just before their wedding, delivering a bring-the-house-down routine of the Bellamy Brothers If I Said You Have A Beautiful Body, which Anne and Derek reprise on the album. That was such fun, says Anne. Sally kept it quiet from the rest of the cast and he rehearsed away from us. So when they filmed it and he burst into song we were as shocked as anyone. Those surprised faces were for real. But it proved he could sing. Hes got a wonderful voice. He objects, she waves him away. You have, darling! I love the energy in your voice. I think its wonderful.

The album, called You Are The Best Thing... That Has Ever Happened To Me, is a mix of their favourite songs, mostly classics such as Time After Time and The Way You Look Tonight with a leaning towards, as Anne puts it, songs with those great tinkly piano moments you get in old movies from the 40s and 50s. Theyve clearly had a hoot recording it, and joke about incorporating their new act into Last Tango. Next year were going to turn into Bing Crosby and Rosemary Clooney, arent we? she jokes. Or maybe Doris Day and Frank Sinatra?

The album, called You Are The Best Thing... That Has Ever Happened To Me, is a mix of their favourite songs, mostly classics such as Time After Time and The Way You Look Tonight

There are quips too about Anne having unleashed a monster. Im worried that Barbra Streisand is going to want to record with Derek next. Or that Stephen Sondheim will want to write a musical just for Sir Derek Jacobi. If I dont get offered a part Ill go and throw tomatoes at him.

Alas, she still has work to do. While shes convinced him into the recording studio, hes steadfastly refused to sing on stage. Oh no, I cant do that. But Derek, youve been on every notable stage in the country. Singing is different. And to ask people to pay for it? That would be outrageous. Presumptuous! Not even after a few of those gin and tonics? He leans in again. It would need to be quite a few gin and tonics.

They really are riotous company. Both insist theyve become close because theyre very similar, deep down but they seem like chalk and cheese. Well, he is calmer than I am. Hes a much nicer person than me. On set everyone loves him. Im more temperamental. As Ive got older Ive become more demanding, says Anne.

There are quips too about Anne having unleashed a monster. Im worried that Barbra Streisand is going to want to record with Derek next. Or that Stephen Sondheim will want to write a musical just for Sir Derek Jacobi'

For the first part of my career I did what I was told and I wasnt getting anywhere. Id get in such a state when I was asked to do something and it didnt feel right, and Id end up feeling that I wasnt very good. Now I can get very spiky. I feel Ive earned the right. But I dont like myself for it sometimes. If someone, a director, tries to tell me the way to do something, Im not good at adapting. I need time to go away and think about things. Dereks better at just saying, Oh, OK and just doing it. Im always saying, Why are you asking me to do that, leave me alone, and then apologising afterwards.

Derek is always calm, as he (very calmly) explains. Im a triple Libran, you see, he says. I have Libra rising everywhere. It means I hate confrontation.

Their careers have been polar opposites. Although RADA-trained, Annes big break came on Coronation Street. Derek made his name with Shakespearean roles. Would she have liked a career progression like that? Yes! I would have liked Sir Derek Jacobis career, she says. I would have liked Sir Laurence Olivier to ask me to go to the Old Vic, and let me play all the roles Judi Dench got.

Now something of a national treasure herself, Anne must surely be a contender for a damehood. Would she like one? I dont want a damehood. Id prefer an Oscar, she says. But obviously shed take a damehood. Oh yes. But I think Im too old now to get all those roles that qualify you.

They discuss going to watch their fellow thespians on stage, particularly the world-renowned ones. Are they always impressed? Derek says he is, and talks of how, even if he doesnt like a particular interpretation, hes still in awe of the skill of getting from dressing room to stage. Anne looks at him as if hes mad. She thinks Judi Dench is a genius, other dames less so. Sometimes I go to plays and think, You shouldnt be doing that. Sometimes I do think, How did you get to be a dame? Im not going to name names but there are people I think have been terribly fortunate, or happen to look right, but when I watch them on stage all I can think is, This is not a very intelligent performance.

Spending an hour in their joint company rather makes you wish the makers of Strictly Come Dancing would sign them up pronto, and get them doing a proper tango. Alas, they reckon theyre too old now. Although Derek was quite nimble on his feet at one point and quite the jiver according to Anne, his accident has left him slower than he would like.

Would Anne do it? Ten years ago Id have been up there in a flash. Ive thought about volunteering, but I cant spin any more. I get dizzy. I even veer to the right when I walk.

But it seems they want to go on waltzing together for as long as the British public will have them. Despite their desire for more meaty storylines, they seem committed to Last Tango, and both say theyre hopeful of many more series to come. What if Sally Wainwright was to shake things up by writing one of them out, though? They both look horrified. If he goes, I go, says Anne. It just wouldnt be fun with anyone else.

He nods. She goes, I go.
Tense psychological drama, steamy love scenes, a murder mystery  theres no wonder US series The Affair has had viewers gripped on both sides of the Atlantic, bagging two Golden Globes last year and a third this year. Over the first two series it told the tumultuous tale of New York schoolteacher and father-of-four Noah Solloway and Long Island waitress Alison Bailey, who was still grieving the loss of a child.

They embarked on an extra-marital fling when they met in the resort town where she worked, and the ramifications of the affair on their respective spouses were explored as both marriages disintegrated. When Alisons brother-in-law was then killed, Noah confessed to a crime he didnt commit.

Ruth and Dominic West as Alison and Noah

And now its back for series three, reuniting Brits Dominic West and Ruth Wilson in the lead roles. For Ruth, who won one of those Golden Globes as Best Actress and was previously best known as Idris Elbas sociopathic sidekick Alice Morgan in Luther, its been her first leading TV role.

When we last saw her, Alison had split with Noah, having told him her daughter Joanie was not, as shed claimed, his child but her ex-husband Coles, who that day was marrying his new love Luisa. And today when we meet in New York, where the show is filmed, Ruth tells me things are only going to get more complicated.

This time the story actually starts three years after the last series ended. When you first see us, Noahs in prison and Ive gone through a breakdown. Ive left my daughter with Cole and Luisa while I get myself sorted out, and when I come back theyve got sole custody of her.

So theres a whole debate going on  about family, about reuniting, about how you can co-parent in a way that involves a third party, in this case Luisa, in a situation where a lot of damage has already been done. Its interesting for me because you see Alison as a mother for the first time. We see her as a parent, and we see her doubts about being a good parent.

Interesting yes, but not exactly a walk in the park for Alison, although thats par for the course, says Ruth. Alison has always been quite a heavy character. Theres not a lot of joy going on in her life, she doesnt have much fun, she doesnt smile much.

Noah in prison with ex-wife Helen (Maura Tierney)

'Its a bit of a pity because Ive always thought the show could challenge the stigma attached to affairs and not necessarily punish the people having them, but it does seem that Noah and Alison are always being punished for the things theyve done. The consequences go on forever and theres drama everywhere.

She admits she was disappointed not to spend more time sharing scenes with her good friend Dominic  theyre both from Irish Catholic families  in series three. I didnt see much of him this time, which is a shame because I love working with him. But thats just part of the bigger story. Its about the idea that this affair has created huge consequences in both their lives.

'We did have one episode together, which was lovely  its a bit romantic comedy-ish and has us running around like we did in the first series. It was quite fun and a nice bit of relief from the heavy stuff. Hopefully Ill get a bit more time with Dom in the next series.

Tense psychological drama, steamy love scenes, a murder mystery  theres no wonder US series The Affair has had viewers gripped on both sides of the Atlantic, bagging two Golden Globes last year and a third this year

One thing that hasnt changed, she says, is the frequency of the sex scenes. Dont worry, theres still plenty of that! she laughs. We actors are used to it by now, although we do have to watch our weight when were going to shoot them  we ask the director not to shoot the scene straight after lunch, and Dominic has to try to hold his stomach in.

Sex scenes arent the most joyful scenes to shoot, to tell you the truth. I tend to regard them as the least interesting scenes  I think the build-up to sex is interesting but when you get to the sex scenes themselves, theres really only so much you can show. We have ways of covering up our body parts. The men have these thongs, and I have to wear sticky nipple covers. Its definitely an odd part of our job to pretend to have sex with a group of 30 people sitting around watching you.

How do her nice middle-class family back in England  banker father, probation officer mother and three elder brothers, two of whom are teachers and one a BBC journalist  feel about the raunch, I wonder. I dont know if my brothers ever watch to be honest, she says. I think they go out of the room and make a cup of tea until their wives tell them its over. I feel for them because it must be weird  I couldnt watch my brother pretend to have sex! We dont talk about it at home  its a non-subject in the Wilson family.

Another non-subject with Ruth is her own private life, which she refuses to discuss although she was quick to deny she was dating her co-star Joshua Jackson, who plays Cole, when they were photographed together recently. In fact the most surprising thing about playing Alison, she says, is how few people want to talk to her about their own love affairs. I think they might be scared of what Im going to say to them, she laughs. Maybe they decide not to ask me for advice because they realise I didnt do my own affair very well at all!
She's known for her elegance and poise - and today was no different as Queen Maxima took a trip to the butchery demonstration this afternoon.

The Queen of the Netherlands, 45, was shown how to carve up a carcass while visiting the Van Eijk butchers in Voorschoten and appeared in good spirits as she stepped out for her rather unusual appointment.

The mother-of-three's visit coincided with the first Day of the Entrepreneur initiative, celebrating entrepreneurship across the Netherlands.

She's known for her elegance and poise - and today was no different as Queen Maxima took a trip to the butchery demonstration

The Queen of the Netherlands, 45, appeared in good spirits as she stepped out for her rather unusual appointment

It was a different kind of royal outing for Queen Maxima on Friday as she got to grips with butchery

Even the exceptionally cheerful royal couldn't help but sport a slight grimace as a butcher worked away at a slab of raw meat.

The mother-of-three's visit coincided with the first Day of the Entrepreneur initiative, celebrating entrepreneurship across the Netherlands.

The butchers was just one of the local businesses she visited in a bid to learn more from local vendors.

For her rather meaty meet and greet, the Dutch Royal - who hails from Argentina - sported an all-grey ensemble.

She wore her blonde hair straight, with a golden tan to boot.

Stepping out in style: The Queen's visit coincided with the first Day of the Entrepreneur initiative, celebrating entrepreneurship across the Netherlands

The Queen's bronzed complexion is due to her recent royal assignments.

Earlier in the month she travelled to New Zealand from Australia with her husband King Willem-Alexander after wrapping-up a state visit.

They were officially welcomed to New Zealand with a ceremony at Government House, Wellington, that included the traditional Maori haka powhiri, a dance of welcome, and Hongi greeting, in which people press their noses together.

They went on to visit the National War Memorial, where they laid a wreath before bowing their heads in a minute of silence.

Engaged: The butchers was just one of the local businesses the Queen visited in a bid to learn more from local vendors

Non-stop: The Queen has been busy over the past few months - recently she was on tour in Australia and New Zealand

Having fun: The Queen didn't appear to be too squeamish during her meat class

The Dutch royals visited the Tomb of the Unknown Warrior, and learned about New Zealand's role in the First World War.

They also met with the Prime Minister of New Zealand, John Key.

The Dutch Royals' three-day tour included visits to Christchurch and Auckland.

They finished the state visit by visiting the training vessel Spirit of New Zealand, returning home in the second week of November.
It is understood that Melania has not asked the designer to dress her

Despite admitting that 'it is not wise to get involved in politics,' she said for the label the 'bottom line is not just about money'

While she is not a household name, Sophie has dressed current First Lady Michelle Obama multiple times as well as reality star Kim Kardashian

Citing the 'rhetoric of racism, sexism and xenophobia' of Melania's husband's campaign she said she will never work with the new First Lady

New York-based French designer Sophie Theallet spoke out against the president-elect Donald Trump in a damning open letter

Sophie Theallet has vowed not to dress Melania Trump when she becomes First Lady and urged other designers to follow her example.

Speaking on behalf of her brand, the designer tweeted a damning open letter in which she said they 'will not participate in dressing or associating in any way with the next First Lady'.

Citing the 'rhetoric of racism, sexism and xenophobia' of the president-elect's campaign, she ruled out ever working with Melania - despite not having been asked.

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Resolute: Designer Sophie Theallet has vowed never to work with Melania Trump, pictured left in Roksanda Ilincic and right wearing Gucci at the second presidential debate

Loyal: The New York-based French designer has dressed First Lady Michelle Obama, pictured in a Sophie Theallet dress with President Barack Obama, numerous times

Public: The designer, pictured, spoke out against the president-elect Donald Trump in a damning open letter

While she is not a household name, Sophie has dressed Michelle Obama numerous times over the last eight years as well as celebrities including Alicia Keys and Kim Kardashian.

Despite admitting that 'it is not wise to get involved in politics,' the New York-based French designer said that as an independent fashion brand the 'bottom line is not just about money'.

In a letter dated Thursday 17 November, she wrote: 'As one who celebrates and strives for diversity, individual freedom and respect for all lifestyles, I will not participate in dressing or associating in any way with the next First Lady.

Moral stance: Citing the 'rhetoric of racism, sexism and xenophobia' of Melania's husband's campaign she said she will never work with the new First Lady in the letter, pictured

Call to action: She also encouraged other designers to refuse to dress Melania, pictured left in Ralph Lauren after Trump defeated Hillary Clinton and right at a rally in Pennsylvania

'The rhetoric of racism, sexism and xenophobia unleashed by her husbands presidential campaign are incompatible with the shared values we live by.

'I encourage my fellow designers to do the same. Integrity is our only true currency.'

During the election campaign, Melania's outfits have included designs by Ralph Lauren, Fendi, Gucci, Michael Kors and Dolce & Gabbana.

Appeal: As well as Michelle, pictured left wearing one of Sophie's designs in 2009, the designer's fans also include Kim Kardashian, pictured right in one of her dresses last year

Fashion fan: During the election campaign, Melania, pictured in October with Donald, has worn outfits by Ralph Lauren, Fendi, Gucci, Michael Kors and Dolce & Gabbana

Sophie, whose clothes are stocked by online store Farfetch, said working with the current First Lady was 'a highlight and an honor'.

'She has contributed to having our name recognized and respected worldwide. Her values, actions and grace have always resonated deeply within me,' she added.
Doctors feared a mother-to-be who suffers from a rare condition which makes her vomit after every meal would starve her unborn baby.

Kate Gillespie, 24, from Portsmouth, was diagnosed with achalasia two years ago - which prevents food from ever reaching her stomach.

Surgeons had initially scheduled her in for an operation to stop her from constantly throwing up.

But after missing her period, she realised she had become pregnant after throwing up her contraceptive pill.

She then decided to cancel the surgery until after her baby had been born - despite doctors believing it could risk the health of her unborn child.

However, she defied expectations and gave birth to Charlie, who weighed in at almost 9lbs.

Kate Gillespie was diagnosed with achalasia - which prevents food from ever reaching her stomach. Surgeons had scheduled an operation but after finding out she was pregnant, she decided to cancel it - despite doctors believing it could risk the health of her unborn child

Miss Gillespie said: 'I was throwing up food, so I assume my pill didnt stay down.

'We werent trying for children, but were really excited anyway.

'Luckily I didnt have morning sickness, otherwise that would have made things worse for me and Charlie.

'Everyone was shocked when Charlie came out weighing what he did, as I only weighed nine stone five pounds at full-term. My bump was so tiny.

However, she defied expectations and gave birth to Charlie, who weighed in at almost 9lbs

In late 2014, surgeons arranged for her to have an operation to widen the entrance of her stomach and allow food to pass into it (pictured with partner Joe Igoe, 24)

'Im pleased Charlie, who is 15 months, is fit and healthy. Luckily, he has a healthy appetite and keeps his food safely in his tummy.'

Prior to her diagnosis, Miss Gillespie had become used to being sick after just a few mouthfuls of food.

She would often panic that something was going to get stuck in her throat, forcing her to drink two litres of water with every meal.

After becoming increasingly concerned, doctors revealed she was suffering from achalasia.

It meant her oesophagus does not relax during eating, preventing food from ever reaching her stomach.

Instead, it gets stuck in her throat and is regurgitated.

In late 2014, surgeons arranged for her to have an operation to widen the entrance of her stomach and allow food to pass into it.

However, after Mr Igoe found out, the couple decided to keep their baby and the procedure was cancelled

Prior to her diagnosis, Miss Gillespie had become used to being sick after just a few mouthfuls of food and would often panic that something was going to get stuck in her throat

But doctors were concerned that if she could not keep food down, nutrients would not reach her growing baby. She was monitored closely by medics throughout her pregnancy to make sure both she and her baby were fine

But just before the turn of year, she missed her period. She quickly realised the only explanation for this was because she had vomited up her pill.

WHAT IS ACHALASIA? Achalasia, or cardiospasm, is a disorder of the gullet (oesophagus) where it loses the ability to move food along. The valve at the end of the gullet also fails to open and allow food to pass into the stomach. As a result, food gets stuck in the gullet and is often brought back up. A ring of muscle called the lower oesophageal (cardiac) sphincter keeps the opening from the gullet to the stomach shut tight to preventacid reflux (acidic stomach content moving back up into the gullet). Normally, this muscle relaxes when people swallow to allow the food to pass into the stomach. In achalasia, this muscle does not relax properly and the end of the gullet becomes blocked with food. Achalasia is an uncommon condition that affects about 6,000 people in Britain. Symptoms can start at any time of life and usually come on gradually. Most people with achalasia have dysphagia, a condition where they find it difficult and sometimes painful to swallow food. Source: NHS Choices Advertisement

Doctors believe the condition was responsible for her becoming pregnant after she vomited up her contraceptive pill.

However, after her partner, Joe Igoe, 24, found out, the couple decided to keep their baby and the procedure was cancelled.

But doctors were concerned that if she could not keep food down, nutrients would not reach her growing baby.

She was monitored closely by medics throughout her pregnancy to make sure both she and her baby were fine.

Fortunately though in August last year, following an 18-hour labour, Charlie arrived at 40 weeks.

Miss Gillespie added: 'He was really big and I was so relieved and happy.

'I thought he might be small because I found it difficult to keep food down during pregnancy.'

Following the birth, she shrank down to eight stone three pounds, and in October last year, surgeons successfully performed the operation to improve her condition.

The five-hour keyhole surgery involved surgeons cutting the fibres of her stomach so it is constantly open and food can go straight down.

She continued: 'Since then, I still suffer with achalasia a little, as it cant be cured.

'So, my oesophagus still doesnt push food down as well as it should, but if I drink plenty of water with each meal it helps.'
All NHS hospitals should have a blanket ban on smoking on their grounds, a senior health official has said.

As part of a drive to make hospitals healthier, Duncan Selbie, chief executive of Public Health England (PHE), wants a 'tobacco-free' NHS.

Currently only a handful of hospitals follow such guidelines in their buildings and grounds, but some patients, visitors and staff flout the rules.

Smoking is believed to kill six million people around the world each year and has been linked to 17 types of cancer and heart disease.

As part of a drive to make hospitals lead by example, Duncan Selbie, chief executive of Public Health England, said he wanted 'a tobacco-free NHS' to improve public health

Mr Selbie said there needed to be a set of preventative actions implemented to help improve public health.

He also told the Health Service Journal that he wanted a 'sugary-drink free' NHS and one that doesn't sell products high in sugar.

'It's about implementing consistency at scale,' he added.

'If you take tobacco, the most obvious thing is more tobacco control. I would like to see every hospital tobacco-free.

'The health service taking account of this in how it acts is really important - I would like to see every hospital tobacco-free.

'I don't just mean you can stand at the front door of the hospital, I mean tobacco-free.'

Mr Selbie said some trusts had achieved the aim, particularly those that serve mental health patients.

A spokesman for PHE said enforcing a blanket smoking ban would be a matter for local NHS trusts.

Smoking is believed to kill six million people around the world each year and has been linked to 17 types of cancer and heart disease

In March, smoking on the grounds of hospitals across Northern Ireland was banned.

Smoking, either tobacco or e-cigarettes, was also not allowed in vehicles located on the grounds.

While two years ago, a carpet ban was enforced on all the Western Health Trust's sites, including the grounds of Altnagelvin Hospital in Londonderry.

Patients, staff and visitors were not able to smoke at the entrance of the trust's buildings, car parks or inside their own cars.

While Scotland's largest health board banned smoking on all of their grounds last April.

However, they turned their decision around to let people use electronic cigarettes later that year.

This comes after an investigation in April revealed up to three million patients are being refused NHS operations unless they lose weight or quit smoking.

One in eight health trusts will not fund procedures for smokers, instead offering them nicotine gum, patches and advice on how to quit.
Zika is no longer a public health emergency, the World Health Organization has proclaimed.

The mosquito-borne virus sparked global panic this year after millions were infected, causing scores of babies to be born with birth defects such as microcephaly.

New infections are still being reported in Florida, home to the only outbreak zone in mainland America, and Floridians are urging the government for funding to fight it.

However, on Friday global health officials released a report to say Zika is no longer as dangerous as once feared.

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The mosquito-borne virus sparked global panic this year after millions were infected, causing scores of babies to be born with birth defects such as microcephaly

In a statement, the WHO explained: 'Many aspects of this disease and associated consequences still remain to be understood, but this can best be done through sustained research.'

Dr Peter Salama, executive director of the WHO's health emergencies program, insisted the threat is not over, and we should not underestimate Zika.

But it no longer meets the requirements to be deemed an 'emergency'.

'We are not downgrading the importance of Zika,' said Dr Salama.

'Zika is here to stay, and the WHO's response is here to stay.'

The WHO first declared Zika a public health crisis in February.

It meant member states were somewhat obliged to follow global orders on how to handle the situation.

Now, however, states can more freely explore treatment, research, and control measures.

Some fear this will hamper progress being made in vaccine-development, particularly funding.

Nearly 30 countries have reported birth defects linked to Zika, with over 2,100 cases of nervous-system malformations reported in Brazil alone.

The officials also emphasized that the now-lifted 'Public Health Emergency of International Concern' was declared in February, when Zika clusters were appearing and a sharp increase in research was needed - with the looming Rio Olympics in mind.

WHO said the emergency measures had led the world to an 'urgent and coordinated response.' But the virus has continued to spread.

The agency acknowledged 'many aspects of this disease and associated consequences still remain to be understood, but this can best be done through sustained research.'

'It is a significant and enduring public health challenge, but it no longer represents an emergency,' Dr. David Heymann, who heads the WHO emergency committee on Zika, said after the panel met for the fifth time this year. 'There was no downgrading of this.'

Heymann said recommendations made in recent months were now being 'internalized' at the Geneva-based agency.

'If anything, this has been escalated in importance by becoming activities that will be continued in the long-term in the World Health Organization,' he said.

Containing the spread of the virus was one reason for the February declaration, Heymann said. But its real purpose was to stimulate more study on the alarming link between Zika and devastating birth defects.

Zika, which first was observed as a more minor health threat in 1947, is mainly spread by mosquitoes, but also can be spread through sex. Most infected people don't get sick. It can cause a mild illness, with fever, rash and joint pain.

But the recent outbreak shows it can also cause microcephaly, or abnormally small heads, and brain damage in newborn children whose mothers were infected, leading to severe developmental problems and sowing grave concerns of would-be parents in countries hit by the virus.

Zika has been linked as well to a temporary paralysis condition called Guillain-Barre syndrome.

Since the last emergency committee meeting on September 1, two countries in southeast Asia and six other countries have reported microcephaly potentially linked to Zika virus, WHO said.

Responding to the WHO announcement, the U.S. Centers for Disease Control called the move 'technical' and reiterated its position that pregnant women should avoid traveling to areas with local transmission of Zika.

The WHO's decision is understandable, given that the pace of new Zika infections has dropped off considerably in recent months, said Dr. Anthony Fauci, the infectious disease chief for the U.S. National Institutes of Health.

But he also noted that Brazil - which for a long time was the focus of the international epidemic - is heading into its hottest months, when mosquito activity peaks. And it's possible that the outbreak could re-intensify, he said.
The birth of the first baby born using a technique called mitochondrial replacement, which uses DNA from three people to 'correct' an inherited genetic mutation, was announced on September 27.

Mitochondrial replacement or donation allows women who carry mitochondrial diseases to avoid passing them on to their child. These diseases can range from mild to life-threatening.

No therapies exist and only a few drugs are available to treat them. There are no international rules regulating this technique.

Just one country, the United Kingdom, explicitly regulates the procedure. It's a similar situation with other assisted reproductive techniques.

Some countries permit these techniques and others don't.

I study the intended and unintended consequences of regulating, prohibiting or authorizing the use of new technologies.

Mitochondrial replacement or donation allows women who carry mitochondrial diseases to avoid passing them on to their child

One of these unintended consequences is 'medical tourism,' where people travel from their home countries to places where practices such as commercial surrogacy or embryo selection are allowed.

Medical tourism for assisted reproductive technologies raises a host of legal and ethical questions.

While new reproductive technologies, like mitochondrial replacement, promise to bring significant benefits, the absence of regulations means that some of these questions, including those related to safety and risks are unanswered, even as people are starting to use them.

How does mitochondrial replacement work?

We each inherit our mitochondria, which provide the energy that our cells need to function and the tiny fraction of DNA contained in it, only from our mothers.

Some of that mitochondrial DNA might be defective, carrying mutations or errors that might lead to mitochondrial diseases.

The mother of the baby born using this technique carried one of these diseases.

The disease, known as Leigh Syndrome, is a neurological disorder that typically leads to death during childhood.

Before having this baby, the couple had two children who died as a result of the disease.

Mitochondrial replacement is done in a lab, as part of in vitro fertilization.

It works by 'substituting' the defective mitochondria of the mother's egg with healthy mitochondria obtained from a donor.

A newborn baby is transferred to an ambulance at the Akanksha Clinic, one of the most organized clinics in the surrogacy business, in Anand, India, last November

The child is genetically related to the mother, but has the donor's mitochondrial DNA.

It involves three germ cells: an egg from the mother, an egg from a healthy donor and the sperm from the father.

While the term 'three-parent' child is often used in news stories, it is a highly controversial one.

To some, the tiny fraction of DNA contained in a mitochondria provided by a donor is not sufficient to make the donor a 'second mother.'

The UK, the only country that has regulated the technique, takes this position.

Ultimately, the DNA replaced is a tiny fraction of a person's genes, and it is unrelated to the characteristics that we associate with genetic kinship.

There is some discussion as to whether mitochondrial replacement is a so-called 'germ line modification,' a genetic modification that can be inherited.

HOW DID THEY CREATE THE FIRST 'THREE-PARENT BABY' The technique could be used for anything - from avoiding disease to altering a baby's appearance. For now, disease is the focus. The world's first 'three-parent' baby was created to prevent him inheriting a genetic condition his mother carries in her mitochondria. The disease - Leigh's syndrome - would have killed him within a few years. HOW IS THE PROCEDURE DONE? 1. Take eggs from a mother with damaged mitochondria. 2. Take eggs from a donor with healthy mitochondria. 3. Remove and save the nucleus from the mother's egg. This contains the majority of her genetic material. 4. Remove and discard the donor's nucleus. 5. Place the mother's nucleus in the donor's egg with the healthy mitochondria. 6. The egg can then be fertilised by the father's sperm. Advertisement

Many countries, including the UK, have either banned or taken a serious stance on technologies that could alter germ cells and cause inherited changes that can affect future generations.

But a great number of countries, including Japan and India, have ambiguous or unenforceable regulations about germline modification.

Mitochondrial replacement results in a germline change, but that change is passed to future generations only if the child is a girl.

She would pass the donor's mitochondrial DNA to her offspring, and in turn her female descendants will pass it to their children.

If the child is a boy, he wouldn't pass the mitochondrial DNA on to his offspring.

Because the mitochondrial modification is only heritable in girls, the US National Academies of Science recently recommended that use of this technique be limited to male embryos, in which the change is not inheritable.

The UK considered but then rejected this approach.

A thorny ethical and regulatory debate

In the US, the FDA claimed jurisdiction to regulate mitochondrial replacement but then halted further discussions.

A rider included in the 2016 Congressional Appropriations Actprecludes the FDA from considering mitochondrial replacement.

While the technique has been given the green light in the UK, the nation's Human Fertilisation and Embryology Authority is gathering more safety-related informationbefore granting the first licenses for mitochondrial replacement to clinics.

Experts have predicted that once the authority starts granting authorization, people seeking mitochondrial replacement would go to the UK.

At the moment, with no global standard dictating the use of mitochondrial replacement, couples (and experts willing to use these technologies) are going to countries where the procedure is allowed.

This has happened with other technologies such as embryo selection and commercial surrogacy, with patients traveling abroad to seek out assisted reproduction services or technologies that are either prohibited, unavailable, of lower quality or more expensive in their own countries.

The first documented case of successful mitochondrial replacement involved US physicians assisting a Jordanian couple in Mexico.

Further reports of the use of mitochondrial replacement in Ukraine and China have followed.

The increasing trend of medical tourism has been followed by sporadic scandals and waves of tighter regulations in countries such as India, Nepal and Thailand, which have been leading destinations of couples seeking assisted reproduction services.

Intended parents and children born with the help of assisted reproduction outside of their home countries have faced problems related to family ties, citizenship and their relationship with donors  especially with the use of commercial surrogacy.

Mitochondrial replacement and new gene editing technologies add further questions related to the safety and long-term effects of these procedures.

Gene modification complicates reproductive tourism

Mitochondrial replacement and technologies such as gene-editing with the use of CRISPR-CAS9 that create germline modifications are relatively new.

Many of the legal and ethical questions they raise have yet to be answered.

What if the children born as a result of these techniques suffer unknown adverse effects? And could these technologies affect the way in which we think about identity, kinship and family ties in general?

One technique to replace mutated mitochondria involves the creation of embryos that will be later disposed. How should the use and disposal of embryos be regulated? What about the interests of the egg donors? Should they be paid?

Some of these problems could be avoided through a solid regulatory system in the US and other countries.

But as long as patients continue to seek medical treatments in 'havens' for ethically dubious or risky procedures, many of these problems will persist.

Regulatory authorities around the world are debating how to better regulate these genetic modification technologies.

Governments need to start considering not only the ethical and safety effects of their choices but also how these choices drive medical tourism.
Rawat has been allotted a dilapidated house which might soon be demolished

Uttarakhand Chief Minister Harish Rawat is struggling to find a suitable bungalow

While the common people are struggling every day in the long queues outside banks and ATMs, Uttarakhand Chief Minister Harish Rawat has a different headache to deal with.

Rawat reportedly is struggling to find a suitable accommodation in the national Capital.

The CM has been asked to vacate his current residence at Teen Murti Marg (Type VII), so that Union minister of state MJ Akbar can be accommodated there.

While Rawat has been allotted an accommodation on the Purana Quila Road, there is no clarity on the capacity in which he has been allotted the new residence.

The matter is currently being heard at a Delhi court after Rawat sought a stay on the eviction orders against him passed by the Estate Office, as he has no suitable accommodation as per his living standard and the requirements.

Initially, Rawat was allotted a bungalow at Rouse Avenue that was found to be dilapidated and was even listed under the demolition scheme.

The new bungalow alotted to Rawat was dilapidated and under demolition scheme

He told the court that in the light of his medical contingencies and Z-plus security, the house allotted is not acceptable to him as it was in an inhabitable condition.

On November 3, the counsel for the Union of India submitted that a new accommodation of Type VII bungalow has been allotted to Rawat, which is located on Purana Quila Road after the earlier alternative accommodation was found to be inhabitable.

The Estate Office in its affidavit mentioned that the new accommodation is habitable, but required minor repairing and needs to be painted.

The government's counsel told the court that Rawat has been allotted a Type VII bungalow on Purana Quila Road and he has given the acceptance in writing.

Rawat ostensibly has been keeping possession of the earlier accommodation as well as a symbolic possession of the newly-allotted house.

To this, the counsel for Rawat submitted before the court that the Estate Office is yet to clear whether this new accommodation has been allotted under the state quota or for his tenure as the state's chief minister.

According to the petition filed by Rawat, he was allotted the present accommodation in the capacity of Union minister in 2009.

However, after the 15th Lok Sabha dissolved he was allowed to retain the flat for two years under the state quota till June 1, 2016.
BJP had found a resonance with the young voters in the last general elections in 2014, when riding on the Modi wave the party had bagged 71 of the 80 parliamentary seats

After Prime Minister Narendra Modi held an Obama-style town hall to reach out to the people directly in August this year, it is now BJP president Amit Shah's turn to woo the young voters.

The party chief is set to hold a massive rally called Yuva Town Hall in poll-bound Uttar Pradesh (UP) on November 19, to make a connect with the young college-going voters of the state.

The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) had found a resonance with the young voters of the state, in the last general elections in 2014, when riding on the Modi wave the party had bagged 71 of the 80 parliamentary seats.

Amit Malviya, in-charge of BJP's national information and technology said: 'Young men and women of Uttar Pradesh have a stake in the state's development, and looking at their aspirations, the BJP wants to establish a direct dialogue. Yuva Town Hall is the first step towards participative governance.'

Over a lakh students will gather at the massive town hall in Babu Banarasi Das University in Lucknow.

Youths from 200 small towns and cities are also expected to join the meet.

Shah wants to have a face-to-face interaction with the students in the varsity campus.

Amit Shah is set to hold a massive rally called Yuva Town Hall in poll-bound Uttar Pradesh

The party reportedly wants to know what the youth of the state want from the government if the BJP were to come to power.

The party calls this crowd sourcing its manifesto, by leveraging technology as students from across UP's colleges would be connected to the party president via online modes such as WhatsApp and online telephony along with the regular phone calls.

The BJP has already appointed its student representatives in the major colleges of the state - the party has christened them as 'Campus Saarthi' of 'Campus Ambassadors.'

Amit Malviya (pictured), in-charge of BJP's national information and technology wants the youth to interact with its leaders

These representatives have been handed over the task to spread across the party's message, particularly taking Modi's ideologies to the common students.

Meanwhile, the party is making grand preparations to make the town hall event a success.

UP BJP spokesperson Chandra Mohan said: 'The BJP is the only alternative in front of the people of the state, especially the youth and students, as the past regimes have neglected all the avenues for their betterment.

'UP needs a major refurbishing of the educational system. The state needs more colleges and more schools but the Samajwadi Party as well as BSP have had just no focus in this field as they have been busy perpetrating corruption and making parks, said Mohan.
An Indian Navy missile warship met with a freak accident inside a naval harbor, causing damage to its front portion and rendering it operationally unfit for service.

'The missile boat INS Nashak was moving in the harbour when its GT engines failed midway and it collided in the flow with the jetty and the front portion of the boat was damaged,' sources in the Naval dockyard Mumbai told Mail Today.

Navy officials confirmed the incident, but referred it as a 'minor accident' as the warship was kept away from the jetty which got damaged.

INS Nashak was moving in the harbour when its GT engines failed midway and it collided in the flow with the jetty and the front portion of the boat was damaged

According to the dockyard officials, INS Nashak is a Veer Class missile boat, which would be under repairs for three weeks.

The Navy has informed the Defence Ministry about the incident and it is expected that the maritime force would soon constitute an inquiry board to probe the incident.

The Veer class corvettes of the Indian Navy are a customised Indian variant of the Soviet Tarantul Class vessels.

They form the 22nd Killer Missile Vessel Squadron in Mumbai.

INS Nashak was built by the Goa Shipyard Limited in 1996, and has been taking part in almost all the important operations and exercises in the force.

Almost couple of years ago, the Navy was badly hit by a spate of accidents, which started with a minor fire incident on decommissioned aircraft carrier INS Virat.

It had led to the death of two officers on a Kilo Class submarine followed by Navy chief Admiral DK Joshi taking voluntary retirement.

With interventions from the top brass and application of standard operating procedures, the Navy has managed to cut down on accidents in the recent times.

But two people lost their lives on board the aircraft carrier INS Vikramaditya a few months back when toxic gas leaked from the sewage compartment of the vessel apparently due to non-compliance of safety measures.

In yet another freak mishap, the periscope of the submarine INS Sindhughosh had suffered damage during an exercise when it rammed into fishing boats operating close to the coastal area.

During the spate of mishaps, the Navy had been warned by the Ministry against frittering away expensive national assets.
The Supreme Court directed controversial Uttar Pradesh minister and Samajwadi Party leader Azam Khan to tender an unconditional apology for his alleged remarks on the Bulandshahr gang rape case.

Khan had termed it a 'political conspiracy' to malign Samajwadi Party government ahead of the crucial assembly elections.

"We need to investigate whether this is a conspiracy by the opponents who want to defame the government. For votes, people can stoop to any level. There can be a Muzaffarnagar, a Shamli and Kairana...why not this?

Supreme Court asked Azam Khan to apologise for his rape remark but he had termed it a 'political conspiracy'

"For power, politicians can murder people, trigger riots, kill innocent people, so the truth has to be found out," Azam Khan was quoted as saying by the news reports.

A bench headed by justice Dipak Misra also sought assistance of Attorney General Mukul Rohatgi in laying down rules as to what action should be taken against persons holding public offices who make such irresponsible comments.

The bench referred to the old adage that words once spoken cannot be recalled.

UP Police had arrested 15 men near Bulandshahr after a woman and her daughter, 14, were allegedly gang-raped on the way to a family funeral

It also asked the senior advocate Kapil Sibal, who represents Khan "if he (Khan) files an affidavit tendering unconditional apology, the matter ends".

During the hearing, Sibal told the bench that though Khan has not said anything, attributed to him, against the victims in the case, but if the father of the victim felt insulted or offended in any manner then the Samajwadi Party leader is willing to apologise.

"Let the affidavit tendering unconditional apology be filed within two weeks," the bench said.

The bench added that it would deliberate upon the questions framed by it earlier regarding the freedom of speech and expression and probable impact of statements of those holding high offices on free and fair probe in heinous cases including rape and molestation.
Stepping down: Alan Davies poses with a rare pink diamond

DIRECTOR QUITS Sacked Rio Tinto executive Alan Davies has quit as a non-executive director of Rolls-Royce.

It is understood he decided to step down to prevent any damage to his professional reputation from affecting the engineering giant.

Rio sacked him alongside its legal group executive Debra Valentine on Wednesday while it investigates claims of an 8.4million payment to a consultant advising on an iron ore project in Guinea. Rio said the pair had breached its code of conduct.

MINE TIE-UP Two of the world's leading mining companies are joining forces to look for gold in West Africa.

Randgold Resources is setting up a joint venture with Australia's Newcrest to explore an area in the south-east of Ivory Coast.

Jersey-based Randgold will manage exploration as well as any mines they find. Randgold chief executive Mark Bristow said they could find 'truly world-class gold deposits'.

CLEARING CONCERNS The City is unlikely to be stripped of its prized euro clearing rights by angry Brussels bureaucrats, according to ratings agency Standard & Poor's.

S&P said any changes would impose a 'massive extra burden' on financial firms and would probably require a European Union treaty change  an extremely lengthy and difficult process.

Foreign politicians have previously demanded clearing is moved to the Continent to punish Britain for voting to leave the EU.

TURKEY PROBE The sale of turkey producer Bernard Matthews to Ranjit Boparan, owner of the 2 Sisters food group, via a pre-pack administration is being investigated by authorities.

The Competition and Markets Authority will probe whether the deal may have led to substantially less competition. The CMA is asking for submissions by December 2.

TOASTING SALES Fuller, Smith and Turner said its pubs and hotels business outperformed the market, but beer and cider sales slid 4 per cent.

Profits rose 6 per cent to 22.8million in the half year to September 24, while revenues climbed 11 per cent to 197.6million.
A row has broken out over the future of Britain's military helicopters after a leading manufacturer announced plans to close its factory.

At least 200 jobs are likely to disappear in Somerset as engineering group GKN said it had lost a deal to make frames for AW159 Wildcat helicopters.

It signals the death knell for the British helicopter industry, which has been in crisis ever since the Westland scandal in the mid-1980s.

The work will instead be done by Italian-owned aerospace manufacturer Leonardo-Finmeccanica, owner of AgustaWestland.

Blow: In July the Government decided to buy 50 Apache helicopters from Boeing rather than Leonardo, which controversially bought Westland in the 1980s

Last night, leading figures feared the decision could see British technology lost to Italy as no UK firm was involved in the making of military helicopters.

It follows a Government decision in July to buy 50 Apache helicopters from Boeing rather than Leonardo, which controversially bought Westland in the 1980s.

The affair nearly cost Margaret Thatcher her premiership after she fell out with Defence Secretary Michael Heseltine over the sale.

Former defence minister Sir Gerald Howarth warned earlier this year that Britain risked losing its ability to make home-grown helicopters if the contract went to an overseas firm .

Leonardo's decision came after it decided to do the work in-house. GKN added it had looked but found 'no realistic chance of significant, long-term helicopter work in the foreseeable future'.

Leonardo, which still employs 3,000 people at the site in Yeovil, has not said where it plans to do future work on the Wildcat helicopter.

But there are concerns that it will move jobs to Italy under political pressure, or even Poland, where the cost of hiring workers is cheaper.

Heathcliffe Pettifer, regional officer for Unite union, said the Government needed a better strategy for keeping manufacturing in the UK or thousands more jobs would be lost.

Pettifer said: 'We are concerned about all the jobs at the Leonardo site, based on what we have seen. GKN is part of the bigger picture.

'It reinforces the urgent need for ministers to formulate a coherent and robust industrial strategy to safeguard UK manufacturing, especially as the complex negotiations on Brexit loom.

'Leonardo will want their own assurances from the Government in the same way that Nissan did.'

Lord Ashdown, the former Lib Dem leader and MP for Yeovil, said the Government must preserve 'Britain's standalone ability to design, manufacture and assemble helicopters'.

He added: 'It seems to me that there is nothing in the Government's Strategic Partnership Agreement with Leonardo which would in itself prevent Leonardo from effectively siphoning off technology assets and skills from Yeovil to Italy, while transferring Italian costs to the Yeovil site.

'I am, I should stress, not saying this is happening  only that the terms of the agreement as it stands mean that it could happen  with very grave consequences. I fear I am just not convinced the Government is on top of this.'

GKN said where possible it would offer jobs to the 221 affected employees at other UK sites.

A Government spokesman said 'We are in contact with the company and stand ready to support any affected workers.'

Peter Hughes, Unite's regional secretary, said the business case had not been made for closing the GKN site.
The finance boss at the hedge fund giant has made 802,000 by selling shares in his company.

Former Goldman Sachs banker Sorrell disposed of 639,489 shares for 125.38p each, regulatory filings show.

A Cambridge graduate, the chief financial officer joined Man in 2011.

He is the son of WPP's advertising mogul Sir Martin Sorrell.
A top British computer hacker was behind the first ISIS terror plot directed against mainland America, US court documents show.

Junaid Hussain used the internet to recruit American Munir Abdulkader to behead a US soldier whose family home address had been hacked from military records.

Hussain, 21, was was widely reported as number three on America's ISIS target list before he was killed in a US drone strike in Syria in August last year.

He was a key target due to his computer hacking skills and his work as an ISIS recruiter.

Hussain, from Birmingham, was married to Sally Jones, a middle-aged rocker turned Muslim convert from Kent, who was nicknamed 'Mrs Terror'.

US soldier beheading plot: British jihadi Junaid Hussain, pictured, was behind the first ISIS terror plot directed against mainland America, US court documents show

Mr Terror: Hussain, 21, was married to middle-aged British mother and rock fan Sally Jones, pictured, who converted to Islam and fled to Syria to work as a recruiter for ISIS

ISIS footsoldier: Munir Abdulkader, pictured, planned to behead a US soldier and launch a suicide assault on a police station. He was caught when a double agent arranged for him to purchase the guns and security services in America swooped

She met the jihadi fighter online and left the UK with her young son to join him in Syria.

The revelation of Hussain's close involvement in the foiled bid to behead a US soldier shows why Hussain was such a highly prized target.

Eritrea-born Abdulkader, 21, who became a US citizen in 2006, was to behead the US soldier and launch a suicide attack on a police station.

He was caught by a US double agent who was working with Abdulkader and arranged for him to purchase the weapons. As soon he bought the guns, security services swooped.

Abdulkader later admitted the terror plot and is to be sentenced in the next few weeks.

Now, newly released American court documents from the District Court, Southern District of Ohio relating to his case reveal the extent of the close contact and communications between the two men.

The documents, obtained by the Program on Extremism at The George Washington University, say: 'Hussain's plan was for them to raid a soldier's home, behead him, record it, send the recording to him.

'Once this attack was completed, the Defendant was to go to a police station, throw pipe bombs, engage the police officers with firearms, and then fight to the death.'

Hussain, according to the court documents filed last week, even suggested Abdulkader wear the beheaded soldier's uniform to the police station.

Abdulkader had been advised by Hussain that travel to Syria was too risky, and that he should 'consider a violent attack within the United States' instead.

Mastermind: Hussain, originally from Birmingham, was was widely reported as number three on America's ISIS target list before he was killed in a US drone strike in Syria in August last year. He was an expert computer hacker who orchestrated the attack, court documents show

Jihadi bride: Sally Jones, pictured, was married to Hussain. The British mother who fled Britain for Syria is wanted by the FBI for her work as a recruiter for ISIS. She is believed to have sent a series of hate-filled tweets in May when she warned that London would be bombed

Cache: Hussain provided the address and personal information of the soldier, including the name of his wife. Abdulkader was then caught because the arms dealer he purchased the weapons from turned out to be a US double agent and arrested him after the deal

As a result Abdulkader focused on a plot to 'murder a government employee simply because that employee proudly served the United States of America.....'

Abdulkader, a Cincinnati university student until last year, kept in almost daily contact with Hussain asking him questions about the IS leader Abu Bakr al-Baghdadi and how to obtain instructions for making a molotov cocktail.

And Hussain crucially provided the address and personal information of the soldier, including the name of his wife. Hussain had previously boasted that the Islamic State had hacked personal details of hundreds of US military personnel.

US officials also believe Hussain was behind the online radicalisation of at least one of the two gunmen who opened fire at a Prophet Mohammed cartoon competition in Garland, Texas, in May last year.

In a separate court case in the UK earlier this year Junead Khan was convicted of plotting to behead US airmen outside their British bases to emulate Jihadi John, the IS chief executioner who was killed in November last year.

Khan, 25, had also been in contact with Hussain who offered to provide him with personal information which would have enabled him to target American military in the UK.

As part of the 'Cyber Caliphate', Hussain is also believed to have aided the group in obtaining the passwords of the US Central Command's Twitter and YouTube accounts and briefly using them to send hate messages.

Before leaving for Syria Hussain had been part of the hacker group Team Poison, where, using the handle Trick, he gained access to the address book of former prime minister Tony Blair and published information from it. The cyber hack earned him six months in jail in 2012.

Terror: Junead Khan, pictured, had also been in contact with Hussain over the internet about a plot to target a US serviceman living in the UK in a Lee Rigby-style beheading attack. Khan was said to have wanted to emulate the British-born terrorist Jihadi John

Shortly after his release, while he was on bail for another offence, he fled to Syria and married jihadi Sally Jones, a 47-year-old mother from Kent, who is believed to be living in Raqqa, the de facto headquarters of the Islamic State.

Her prolific tweets threatening attacks against the UK and Westerners has earned her the nickname 'Mrs Terror' and she is now believed to be on a British 'kill list' of known terrorists.
ISIS tyrant Abu Bakr al-Baghdadi is sleeping in tunnels with a suicide vest after becoming increasingly paranoid about his closest team, it has been claimed.

The terror mastermind is cowering beneath besieged Mosul while continuing to send jihadists to their death in the battle for the city, according to an informant.

As paranoia continues to grow within the top ranks of the group, dozens have been executed after being accused of spying. More than 50 were reportedly drowned in cages after SIM cards showed they had been contacting coalition forces.

ISIS tyrant Abu Bakr al-Baghdadi (pictured) is sleeping in tunnels with a suicide vest after becoming increasingly paranoid about his closest team, it has been claimed

The information comes after a person inside Mosul started sending text messages to Iraqi military intelligence in Baghdad.

Baghdadi 'has become intemperate,' said the early November message, written by an informant inside the city who has contact with the group but is not a member of it.

'He has cut down on his movements and neglects his appearance,' the message read. 'He lives underground and has tunnels that stretch to different areas. He doesn't sleep without his suicide bomber vest so he can set it off if he's captured.'

The text message, which Reuters has seen, was one of many describing what was happening inside ISIS as Iraqi, Kurdish and American troops began their campaign to retake the group's northern Iraqi stronghold of Mosul.

The texts, along with interviews with senior Kurdish officials and recently captured ISIS fighters, offer an unusually detailed picture of the extremist group and its leader's state of mind as they make what may be their last stand in Iraq.

The messages describe a group and its leader that remain lethal, but that are also seized by growing suspicion and paranoia.

The text message, which Reuters has seen, was one of many describing what was happening inside ISIS as Iraqi, Kurdish and American troops began their campaign to retake the group's northern Iraqi stronghold of Mosul

Defectors or informants were being regularly executed, the person texted.

Baghdadi, who declared himself the caliph of a huge swathe of Iraq and Syria two years ago, had become especially suspicious of people close to him. 'Sometimes he used to joke around,' one text said. 'But now he no longer does.'

While Reuters has verified the identity of the informant who has been texting Iraqi military intelligence, the news agency couldn't independently confirm the information in the messages.

But the picture that emerges fits with intelligence cited by two Kurdish officials - Masrour Barzani, head of the Kurdistan Regional Government's (KRG) Security Council, and Lahur Talabany, who is chief of counter-terrorism and director of the KRG intelligence agency.

Talabany and other intelligence chiefs said the military coalition is making slow but steady progress against ISIS.

The coalition has formidable assets inside Mosul, they said, including trained informers and residents who provide more basic surveillance by texting or phoning from the city's outskirts. Some of the informants have families in Kurdistan whom the KRG pays.

The Kurds believe that the military assault on Mosul, which began on October 17, is fuelling ISIS's sense of fear and mistrust.

In the short term, they said, the group's obsession with rooting out anyone who might betray it may help rally fighters to defend Mosul.

The terror mastermind is cowering beneath besieged Mosul while continuing to send jihadists to their death in the battle for the city, according to an informant

But the obsession also means the group has turned inwards right as it faces the most serious threat to its existence in Iraq since seizing around a third of the country's territory in the summer of 2014.

The number of executions is a clear sign ISIS is beginning to hurt, said Karim Sinjari, interior minister and acting defence minister with the KRG, which controls the Kurdish area in northern Iraq.

As well, he said, many of the group's local Iraqi fighters lack the 'strong belief in martyrdom that the jihadis have.'

'Most of the die-hard Islamists who are fighting to the death are foreign fighters, but their numbers at the frontline are less than before because they are getting killed in battle and in suicide attacks,' he said.

Barzani said the growing paranoia has pushed Baghdadi and his top lieutenants to move around a lot, further hurting the group's ability to defend the city.

Baghdadi, Barzani said, 'is using all the different tactics to hide and protect himself: changing positions, using different ways of traveling, living in different locations, using different communications.'

If the military coalition does push ISIS from Mosul, the Kurdish officials said, the group is likely to flee to Syria, from where it will pose a nagging threat to Iraq through regular suicide attacks and other guerilla tactics.

ISIS has always been paranoid. Its rule in Syria and Iraq has relied in large part on a vast intelligence network that uses everyone from children to battle-hardened former Baathists to spy on both subjects and its own officials.

That paranoia appears to have reached new levels as ISIS's enemies advance. Suspicion grew in the weeks before government troops began to encircle Mosul in mid October.

Kurds believe that the military assault on Mosul, which began on October 17, is fuelling ISIS's sense of fear and mistrust. Iraqi army soldiers fire mortars towards ISIS positions

Early last month, ISIS leaders uncovered an internal plot against Baghdadi, according to Mosul residents and Iraqi security officials.

Hatched by a leading ISIS commander, the plot was foiled when an ISIS security official found a telephone SIM card that contained the names of the plotters and showed their links to US and Kurdish intelligence officers.

Retribution was brutal. SIS killed 58 suspected plotters by placing them in cages and drowning them, according to residents and Iraqi officials.

Since then, ISIS has executed another 42 people from local tribes, Iraqi intelligence officers said. Those people were also caught with SIM cards.

Possession of SIMs or any form of electronic communication now amounts to an automatic death sentence, according to residents in ISIS areas.

The group has set up checkpoints where its militants search people, and regularly mount raids on areas hit by U.S. air strikes because ISIS officials assume locals have helped to identify targets.

The informant texting from Mosul is aware of the dangers. 'I am talking to you from the rooftop,' began one recent message. 'The planes are in the skies. Before I go back down I will delete the messages and hide the SIM card.'

ISIS relies on a network of child informers, the so called ashbal al khilafa or 'cubs of the caliphate.'

'These young boys eavesdrop and find out information from other kids about their fathers, brothers, and their activities', said Hisham al-Hashemi, an Iraq government adviser and ISIS expert. 'In every street there are one or two ashbal al khilafa who spy on the adults.'

An Iraqi special forces soldier aims his sniper rifle during gunfight with ISIS fighters in the Tahrir neighbourhood of Mosul, Iraq

The huge network of informants also hurts ISIS, according to Lahur Talabany, chief of counter-terrorism for the KRG. Overwhelmed by information, the group is devoting a lot of its energy to its own people rather than its enemies. That fuels further paranoia.

'There are regular (internal) plots against Baghdadi' Talabany told Reuters. 'We see incidents like that on a weekly basis, and they take out their own guys.'

Until a few months ago, Talabany said, he had a mole inside Baghdadi's inner circle: an ISIS commander who had once belonged to al-Qaeda.

'He was a Kurd born in Hawija', the Kurdish spy chief said, declining to name the man. 'He was one of my detainees. I released him a year before Daesh (ISIS) arrived.'

After ISIS seized Mosul, the commander-turned-agent infiltrated the group and was made a military officer. From that position, he began feeding the Kurds 'valuable daily information.'

The agent told Talabany that Baghdadi consulted closely with top aides, including Saudis who he said were experts on Sharia law. Saudi Arabia has said that there are Saudi nationals in ISIS.

'He told me Baghdadi has got charisma, and has connections, but that he is a front. And that the committees around him take the main decisions, even on the military side,' Talabany said.

The agent told Talabany he had met Baghdadi a few times and was plotting to kill the ISIS leader. But before the commander could act, ISIS discovered he was working as an agent. A few months ago, Talabany said, ISIS publicly executed him.

The group's brutal methods were recounted in a rare interview with two captured ISIS fighters last week. Reuters met the fighters at a Kurdish counter-terrorism compound in the town of Sulaimaniya. A Kurdish intelligence official and an interrogator sat in on the interviews but did not interfere.

Ali Kahtan, 21, was captured after he killed five Kurdish fighters at a police station seized by ISIS in the northern town of Hawija.

Kahtan's path to militancy began at the age of 13, he said. He became a member of al Qaeda and then joined ISIS when a friend took him for religious lessons and military training at a Hawija mosque. The training, he said, involved learning how to use a machine gun and pistol. Trainees were also shown how to cut someone's throat with the bayonet from an AK-47.

Kahtan said that a year ago, a local emir ordered him to cut the throats of five Kurdish fighters. The emir stood over him while he did it, he said.

'One after the other with a knife, a Kalashnikov blade, I did it. Really, I felt nothing.' Afterwards, he said, he returned home. 'I cleaned up and sat down to have dinner with my parents.'

Kahtan said ISIS fighters no longer talk about taking over Baghdad, but focus solely on Mosul, and how to recruit more fighters to protect it.

A second detainee, Bakr Salah Bakr, 21, who was caught as he prepared to carry out a suicide attack in Kurdistan, said ISIS initially tried to recruit him through Facebook to join the fight in Mosul. They are desperate for Iraqi fighters, he indicated, because the influx of foreign fighters dried up after Turkey slowly closed its borders a year ago.

Iraqi intelligence officials say they believe Baghdadi is not in Mosul but in al-Ba'aj district, a bedouin town on the edge of Nineveh province, which borders Syria. Ba'aj has a population of about 20,000 and is dominated by extremists loyal to ISIS.

The area is heavily fortified, with long tunnels that were built after the fall of Saddam when the town became a staging post for smuggling weapons and volunteers from Syria into Iraq.

Even if Mosul and Baghdadi fall, said Kurdish counter-terrorism chief Talabany, ISIS is likely to persist. 'They will go back to more asymmetric warfare, and we will be seeing suicide attacks inside KRG, inside Iraqi cities and elsewhere.'

Security chief Barzani agreed. 'The fight against IS is going to be a long fight,' he said. 'Not only militarily, but also economically, ideologically.'

Barzani, who is the son of veteran Kurdish leader and KRG President Masoud Barzani, estimated there are around 10,000 ISIS suicide bombers in Iraq and Syria. He said ISIS had prepared waves of fighters it was now deploying to defend Mosul.
A French astronaut has brushed off bizarre claims by conspiracy theorists that she tried to warn the planet about alien existence moments after attempting suicide.

Claudie Haignere, 59, reportedly said, 'Earth must be warned', moments before slipping into a coma due to an overdose of sleeping pills.

Space fanatics UFOmania have released a six-minute video dissecting the possible hidden meaning behind the events, but Dr Haignere - who made a full recovery - told MailOnline it was absolute rubbish.

Claudie Haignere, 59, reportedly said, 'Earth must be warned', moments before slipping into a coma due to an overdose of sleeping pills

The French astronaut has brushed off bizarre claims by conspiracy theorists that she tried to warn the planet about alien existence moments after attempting suicide

The clip, uploaded to YouTube and viewed more than a million times, is narrated by a robotic voice.

It says the esteemed astronaut had to be restrained before saying, 'Earth must be warned'.

The voice also tells viewers the laboratory in which she was working when the incident happened back in 2008 was at the forefront of human and alien DNA research.

UFOmania says it was destroyed by fire.

Dr Haignere told MailOnline: 'All there is to say is that it's a complete hoax, nothing else.'

Nigel Watson, author of the UFO Investigations Manual said: 'Many UFO believers or conspiracy theorists think that we are not being told the truth about UFOs and their alien pilots, and think that full disclosure about the facts will be made public one day.

'In the case of Claudie Haignere, her role as an astronaut, connection with a laboratory that was allegedly burnt down and her suicide attempt, is a heady mixture ripe for conspiracy theorists to exploit and use to prove that we are the mercy of sinister alien forces beyond our control or comprehension.'

Space fanatics UFOmania have released a six-minute video dissecting the possible hidden meaning behind the events, but Dr Haignere - who made a full recovery - told MailOnline it was absolute rubbish

The 59-year-old (left) was the first woman French woman in space when she was back-up crew on the 1993 Mir Altair mission along with her future husband Jean-Pierre Haignere (right)

The 59-year-old was the first woman French woman in space when she was back-up crew on the 1993 Mir Altair mission along with her future husband Jean-Pierre Haignere.

Three years later she visited the Mir space station as part of the Russian-French Cassiopee mission.

By 2001, she held another record, when she became the first European woman to visit the International Space Station.

After hanging up her space suit and retiring as an astronaut Dr Haignere embarked on a political career in France where she worked as minister delegate for research and new technologies from 2002 to 2004 before shifting over to European affairs.

She left politics to work for a biology lab at the Pasteur Institute which is where she was stationed when it was reported she attempted suicide in December 2008.

In 1996 visited the Mir space station as part of the Russian-French Cassiopee mission and by 2001 she became the first European woman to visit the International Space Station

After hanging up her space suit and retiring as an astronaut Dr Haignere embarked on a political career in France where she worked as minister delegate for research and new technologies from 2002 to 2004 before shifting over to European affairs

Having recovered, Dr Haignere said an acute stress disorder she called 'burnout syndrome' caused the incident.

She returned to work to become President of the Cite des sciences et de lindustrie - the biggest science museum in Europe.
He was once known as the barefoot bandit - a notorious teen fugitive who stole cars, boats and airplanes and toyed with police during an epic two-year crime spree.

But in his dress shoes and collared shirt, Colton Harris Moore could have passed for a typical young professional as he was spotted for the first time since swapping a prison cell for work-release.

The 25-year-old is staying at a half-way house and has started a part-time clerical job for his former defense attorney, John Henry Browne.

The supervised assignment is the final phase of the seven-year prison term dished out in 2011 for a trail of thefts and burglaries spanning from Washington State to the Bahamas.

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Colton Harris Moore, 25, once known as the barefoot bandit, is in the final phase of the seven-year prison term dished out in 2011 for a trail of thefts and burglaries spanning the U.S. As a teen, he became well-known as a fugitive who stole cars, boats and airplanes during a two-year crime spree

The 25-year-old is staying at a half-way house and has started a part-time clerical job for his former defense attorney, John Henry Browne. Until he is formally released, the 6ft, 5in, felon is restricted to fetching boxes of files and answering phones. Once his term is over, he plans to become an expert in the aviation industry

Harris Moore began stealing from neighbors when he was just 12 years old but would later claim this was so he didn't starve to death

He has vowed to obtain a pilot's license and will set about becoming the aviation industry's answer to Donald Trump when he's formally released in January.

But for now the 6ft, 5in, felon is restricted to fetching boxes of files and answering phones.

Baby-faced Harris Moore kept a low-profile as he headed to Browne's downtown Seattle office Tuesday morning in dark sunglasses and a hooded sweatshirt.

But in an exclusive interview with DailyMail.com, he opened up about the 'living hell' of prison, his dream of building an aviation company and the simple first meal he enjoyed in the outside world - a Starbucks panini and chocolate frappuccino.

Harris Moore, pictured in a 2007 mugshot, gained notoriety when he bolted from a half-way house at age 17 and hopscotched across the United States in a fleet of stolen vehicles

'It looked like a work of art,' he joked. 'I don't recall exactly what was in the drink but it was very, very good. Thank God I'm not diabetic but I probably will be after drinking a few more of those.

'We've gone to a few other restaurants but it's not a huge deal. I don't care about a lot of things a typical 25-year-old guy cares about.'

The high school dropout gained international notoriety when he bolted from a half-way house at age 17 and hopscotched across the United States in a fleet of stolen vehicles.

At the height of his infamy, he boasted 77,000 Facebook followers and was likened to Leonardo DiCaprio's character in Catch Me If You Can for his ability to stay one step ahead of the police.

He even inspired a line of 'Barefoot Bandit for President' t-shirts, referencing the nickname Harris-Moore earned from carrying out burglaries bare-footed and leaving behind chalk-outlined footprints as a calling card.

After spending six years languishing at a Washington state prison Harris Moore told DailyMail.com he was focusing solely on a law-abiding future.

By the time cops shot took him into custody in July 2010, Harris Moore was suspected of more than 100 crimes in nine states. Prosecutors branded Harris Moore a 'menace' to society but a judge expressed sympathy for the 'mind numbing absence of hope' in his childhood and sentenced him to a relatively lenient seven years in prison

'My mom died, my dog died - the things I cared about most in this world are dead,' he added. 'It's been a living hell, it's not been fun and it's not gone fast.

'But now prison it totally done my life is moving forward physically, I'm not just talking and thinking about it.

'Something that people don't realize is that I've wanted to work my entire life. I know that sounds counter-intuitive because what people know about me is running through the woods and doing other things.

'You don't associate being a fugitive with wanting to build a career but at some point in the very near future I'm going to be building companies.

'The last six years I've been forced to sit in a box and do nothing. For somebody like me that's very difficult because I have a lot of energy and there's a lot of things I want to do.

'I always tell people that I have "Donald Trump" energy - I want to work 18, 20 hours a day. But now I'm at a point when things are building speed. It's been very busy and very exciting.'

Harris Moore's transition from incarcerated outlaw to regular citizen began in late September when he was transferred to Seattle's Reynolds Work Release facility, which houses around 100 inmates classified as low-level risk.

He is subject to a curfew but allowed out each day to work for Browne, a high-profile lawyer who once represented Ted Bundy and has just released a memoir, The Devil's Defender.

Browne is a high-profile lawyer who once represented Ted Bundy and has just released a memoir, The Devil's Defender

While on work release, he will work at Browne's downtown Seattle office, though Harris Moore has no aspirations of becoming a lawyer

In late September, Harris Moore was was transferred to Seattle's Reynolds Work Release facility, which houses around 100 inmates classified as low-level risk

'I'm doing just about everything a paralegal would do but it's not where my heart lies,' added Harris Moore. 'Some people have actually said I should get a law degree but John is a very big advocate of people doing what they love to do.

'Ultimately I'm going to be working with airplanes. That's what I was born to do, that's where my passion is, flying machines.

'I get released in mid-January and by mid-February I'll have a pilot's license. But I'm not interested in being hired as a pilot, more the engineering side.'

Harris Moore says that when his sentence formally expires he wants to move to New York City to boost his career.

The first meal Harris Moore enjoyed after being released was a Starbucks panini and chocolate frappuccino

The 24/7 lifestyle will be a far cry from his bleak childhood on the remote island of Camano, Washington, where he lived in a trailer with his alcoholic mother and spent periods living wild.

Harris Moore began stealing from neighbors when he was just 12 years old but would later claim this was so he didn't starve to death.

As he grew older his crimes escalated and he began to steal cars, boats and eventually planes, which he was able to fly with skills picked up from instructional DVDs and video games.

He began his legendary flight from justice in April 2008 after fleeing a minimum security juvenile facility where he was serving three years for burglary.

After living rough in woodland near his home, Harris Moore took to the skies in a plane he stole in Anacortes, Washington, and flew to the San Juan Islands.

He would go on to swipe another from an aircraft hangar in Idaho and only narrowly survived after running out of fuel and crash landing near Granite Falls, Washington.

Harris Moore later made his way to Oregon aboard a 32ft stolen boat - stopping first to leave $100 at an animal shelter.

Harris Moore's trademark move when committing crimes was to carry out burglaries bare-footed and leave behind chalk-outlined footprints as a calling card

From Oregon, he traveled across the United States, committing alleged robberies and thefts in South Dakota, Nebraska, Iowa, and Illinois before finally stealing a Cessna 400 in Indiana to flee the country.

This time he made for the Bahamas where his 1000-mile flight ended with a crash landing in a swamp.

He was later reported to police by a server after he walked into a bar barefooted and downed a beer.

By the time local cops shot out the engine on his latest stolen boat and took him into custody in July 2010, Harris Moore was suspected of more than 100 crimes in nine states.

He also had an army of online fans who followed the antics of their 'folk hero' via the Facebook page he updated from a stolen laptop.

Prosecutors branded Harris Moore a 'menace' to society but a judge expressed sympathy for the 'mind numbing absence of hope' in his childhood and sentenced him to a relatively lenient seven years in prison.

He was handed a six year sentence in federal court a year later to be served concurrently and with time already served both terms expire in the New Year.

The rights to his life story have already been sold to Twentieth Century Fox for $1.3 million - but every penny will be paid to Harris Moore's victims in restitution in a deal he himself engineered and insisted upon.

Harris Moore's mother, Pam Kohler, died of lung cancer in May as he tried to raise money to have her cryogenically frozen

Harris Moore grew up on the remote island of Camano, Washington, where he lived in a trailer with his alcoholic mother and spent periods living wild

Harris-Moore, whose mother died of lung cancer in May as he tried to raise money to have her cryogenically frozen, says that's where his cooperation with filmmakers ends.

'As far as the movie goes it's not something that I ever wanted,' he explained. 'It was a game of chess to get Fox to pay my restitution and whether they ever made the movie or not was something I was willing to gamble on.

'I'm totally against it. I think it's a bad idea and I don't think it would be an accurate portrayal of my life. I think that my life amounts to more than the sensationalism of Hollywood.'

Harris Moore doesn't, however, rule out finding love, but says he's taking life one step at a time.

'I've been alone my whole life, I'm accustomed to it, I like the solitude,' he told DailyMail.com. 'My career is my top priority so I don't want to have to dedicate time and energy to someone else.

'When you're working 18 to 20 hours a day it's really hard to spend time with other people and I don't want to be in a position where I'm disappointing somebody.

'But you can't predict the future, I might meet somebody, fall in love - you never know. Like every other aspect of my life, I'll figure it out when I get there.

'If I had never been caught in the Bahamas I would have continued to Venezuela and Hugo Chavez would have given me citizenship when he was still alive.
Beaming from ear to ear without a scrap of remorse, this twisted teenager smiled as he was sentenced to death for killing a Kent State University student.

Damantae Graham, 19, was one of three teens charged with murdering Nicholas Massa, 18, after they broke into his friend's apartment near Akron, Ohio.

Police said Mr Massa was in the wrong place at the wrong time when Graham shot him on Super Bowl Sunday, February 7.

Beaming from ear to ear without a scrap of remorse, Damantae Graham smiled as he was sentence to death

A Portage County judge sentenced Graham to death on Tuesday after considering mitigating factors including his age, neglectful parents and an unstable home life.

Police say Graham and two 17-year-old co-defendants broke into an apartment near Kent State's campus and demanded money. Graham shot and killed Massa before the three fled.

Graham was convicted on charges of aggravated murder, aggravated burglary, aggravated robbery and kidnapping on November 8.

Mr Massa's devastated sister Kelly said: 'Nick was my little brother and my best friend.

'He was so much to me. That's why February 7 was the day that all the light was taken from me.'

His mother cried in court when she said: 'I cannot believe I will never see him again in my lifetime. I feel utterly lost, broken and I struggle every day with the fact that he is gone.'

Damantae Graham (left), 19, has been sentenced to death for murdering Nicolas Massa, 18

Graham smiled as he walked out of court after the judge agreed with the jury's recommendation of the death penalty coupled with an additional 61 years in prison.

'You have zero remorse,' said Scott Massa, Nicholas' uncle. 'You're an evil person.'

Among the jury was a 22-year-old woman who wished to remain anonymous. She said Graham looked like 'he just did not care' throughout the trial.

She added: 'It's not easy to sign a death penalty verdict. As a 22-year-old, I never thought I would experience something like that.'
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Angry French voters will choose Marine Le Pen as their next president, supporters say, as her far right Front National party enjoys a surge in popularity following the election of Donald Trump.

The party - which has seen its support triple in five years - insists it is not racist, but tapping into disillusionment and a demand for a new type of right wing politics.

I believe Marine Le Pen can be the next president of France, said Front National spokesman Georges Michel. Things have to change!

Ground down by unemployment, terrified by two Islamic terrorist attacks in less than a year and confronted by high levels of immigration from North Africa, Frances working classes are looking for fresh ideas.

MailOnline visited the forgotten towns and villages of the south of France that is the heartland of FN to peer behind the gloss of the far-right party and investigate whether Marine has the support necessary to propel her into the Elysee Palace.

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Support: Angry French voters will choose Marine Le Pen as their next president, her supporters say, as Front National enjoys a surge in popularity following election of Donald Trump. Front National spokesman Georges Michel, pictured, told MailOnline: I believe Marine Le Pen can be the next president of France. Things have to change!'

Surge in popularity: Fear of unemployment, terrorism and immigration means Frances working classes are looking for fresh ideas. Pictured: Marine Le Pen (left) and her niece Marion Marechal-Le Pen (right), the new darling of the party

Ignored: MailOnline visited the ignored towns and villages of the south of France that is the heartland of the Front National to peer behind the gloss of the far-right party. Pictured: The village of Grambois in Vaucluse which has a refugee camp nearby

'Revolution': With support tripling in five years, Le Pen has predicted she will become leader of France in the third part of a global revolution after Brexit and Trump's unexpected win. Pictured: People at a refugee camp near Grambois in Vaucluse

Future: Confidence in the Front National comes as France's prime minister Manuel Valls admitted it was 'possible' Le Pen had a chance of winning next year's presidential election. Pictured: Front National heartland where party enjoys great support

Le Pen has predicted she will become leader of France in the third part of a global revolution after Brexit and Trump's unexpected win.

The Front National is not a racialist party, Mr Michel, party assistant secretary in the Vaucluse department, where the Front National holds one of only two parliamentary seats told MailOnline.

We are a French sovereign party, which believes France is a Christian country based on European culture and traditions.

You do not have to be white to be French, think of the people in [the French Caribbean department] Martinique. But we are against the growing influence of Muslims and Islam on our culture.

The Front National is not a racialist party. You do not have to be white to be French... but we are against the growing influence of Muslims and Islam on our culture. George Michel, Front National

How can it be right that there are Islamic courts in France and some areas of our inner cities can no longer be considered as France?

Confidence in Front National comes as France's prime minister admitted it was 'possible' that Le Pen had a chance of winning next year's presidential election.

At a conference in Berlin Manuel Valls said he was 'struck by the tone of the public debate'.

Le Pen has worked hard to create a new-look far-right Front National, rebranding it as anti-EU, anti-globalisation rather than anti-Semitic or anti-immigrant.

I wish that in France also the people up-end the table, the table around which the elite are dividing up what should go to the French people, Miss Le Pen told the BBCs Andrew Marr this week.

MailOnline discovered a widespread rejection of Frances traditional political parties and growing belief that the Front National should be given a chance.

Support and fear: While a growing number of French people such as retired builder Pierre Roche (left) are looking for something different, mosque elder Mohamed Saoudi (right) is worried his French born children will be ostracised

The grey vote: Like Donald Trump and the Vote-Leaver campaigners in the UK, the Front National has a wealth of support among older voters. Pictured: Georges Michel at NF offices in Carpentras

After 40 years of the same thing its time for a change, said retired builder Pierre Roche, 66.

Im a Front National supporter. The [traditional] politicians have done nothing for us.

I dont like Donald Trump, Ive got nothing good to say about him, but his election victory has shown that the little people can win... It is time for French people to stand up for ourselves or we are going to be taken over by Muslims. I keep a gun under my bed to defend myself. Carol Flaindin, 65

Carol Flaindin, 65, added: What have we got to lose by voting for the Front National?

I dont like Donald Trump, Ive got nothing good to say about him, but his election victory has shown that the little people can win.

And us French people have had enough  enough immigration, enough crime, enough terrorism.

We must stop the politicians from treating the French people like fools.

It is time for French people to stand up for ourselves or we are going to be taken over by Muslims. I keep a gun under my bed to defend myself.

Like Donald Trump and the Vote-Leaver campaigners the Front National has a wealth of support among older voters.

Daniel Martin, 69, retired businessman told MailOnline: I have supported the Front National for years.

Can she win? According to French commentators, Marine Le Pen (above) is expected to receive the highest number of votes in the first round of the election in April but will be resoundingly beaten in the second round when voters choose between the two leading candidates

French first: Disillusioned men and women have told MailOnline how they are preparing to vote for Le Pen. Mother-of-four Christine Do Carmo (above) said: I am struggling to bring up four kids and the government hands out money to foreigners who have just arrived here. Le Pen says French people first. I agree with that.

Of course I am going to vote for Marine Le Pen as president.

We need to urgent action on immigration, violence, crime. Only the Front National can sort this out, send back all of the foreigners.

Tucked away in a side street of the historic town of Carpentras, Mr Michel holds court in the constituency office of Marion Marechal-Le Pen  the Front Nationals blonde bombshell poster girl and niece of leader Marine Le Pen.

Elected aged just 22 in 2012 Marion Marechal-Le Pen became Frances youngest depute, Frances version of MP, and one of only two Front National parliamentary representatives.

Her startling good looks, combative style and closeness to party founder, Jean-Marie Le Pen, her grandfather, has catapulted her to the centre stage and sent her party soaring in the polls.

In December last year she was the front-runner in the first round of elections of the Provence-Alpes-Cote dAzur regional elections scoring more than 40 per cent of the vote, one of six first round victories nationwide.

She was defeated in the second round but still managed to increase her poll by another five per cent.

French political commentators insist that the 2017 presidential elections will follow the same course.

Marine Le Pen is expected to receive the highest number of votes in the first round of the election in April but will be resoundingly beaten the second round when voters choose between the two leading candidates.

Immigration remains a concern for people including Chantal (above left) said: The European Union was a good idea but now it is not working'. Shopkeeper Christine (right) added: Le Pen could well win because... Weve had enough of mass immigration'

Heartland support: The Front National has almost tripled in popularity in just five years, voting figures have revealed. Pictured: Village of Grambois in heartland of FN support

Growing support: FN won over six million votes in the first round of the 2015 regional elections - almost three times as many as 2010 when it received 2.2 million, rising from 11 per cent to 28 per cent of poll. Pictured: Migrants at a refugee camp in Vaucluse, southern France

Concern: Not everyone is pleased by the rise of the right wing. Mohamed Saoudi (pictured) said all his children were born in France and was scared by rise of Front National: When FN tells us to go home, our home is France'

But the Front National could confound the opinion polls  similar to the Trump and Brexit victories.

It is already the biggest single French party in the European Parliament, taking 24 of the 74 seats in the 2014 poll.

Disillusioned men and women revealed how they are now preparing to vote for Le Pen and would love to see the far-right party leader as President.

Le Pen could well win because the French people have had enough. Weve had enough of mass immigration. You work hard all your life and then you have to pay the upkeep of someone who has just got here. Christine, shop-keeper

Mother-of-four Christine Do Carmo told MailOnline: I agree with a lot of the things that Le Pen says.

'I am struggling to bring up four kids and the government hands out money to foreigners who have just arrived here. How can that be right?

We have had enough. Le Pen says French people first. I agree with that.

Chantal, who is married to a baker, said: The European Union was a good idea but now it is not working. Le Pen says we should adapt Europe to make it work for us, otherwise we should leave the EU. I agree with that.

Shopkeeper Christine added: Le Pen could well win because the French people have had enough. Weve had enough of mass immigration.

'You work hard all your life and then you have to pay the upkeep of someone who has just got here.

On Thursday, Jean-Marie Le Pen - Marine's 88-year-old father who was convicted racist and anti-Semite - was allowed to remain Honorary President of the party.

He was expelled from the party last year after referring to the Holocaust as a detail of history but a court decided he can 'participate fully' in the runnings of the party.

Although Marine Le Pen has tried to distance herself from her father, he still has a lot of support from the more extreme wing of FN.

Running for office: Marine Le Pen is the most popular right-wing politician in France, an opinion poll for the France 2 TV network found recently. Pictured: The office of her niece Marion Marechal Le Pen

Tunisian migrant worker Karem Aniba said no one wanted to do the work he does: The Front National say they want to send Arabs like me back home but if there were no Arabs to work on the farms, the fruit and vegetables would rot in the fields

In the southern town of Beaucaire, the FN mayor was taken to court last year accused of victimising Arab shopkeepers by ordering them to close at night during Ramadan due to noise concerns.

But not everyone in the area is pleased with the rise of the right wing.

In the Front National-controlled town of Frejus, Insaf Rezagui, a young female socialist party worker accused far-right supporters of an online campaign of harassment that included death and rape threats.

And a Muslim leader described the prospect of a Front National presidency as a catastrophe.

Mosque elder Mohamed Saoudi, 66, who is originally from Morocco, told MailOnline: If Le Pen got into power it would be bad not only for Frances Muslims but all French people, a catastrophe. They are a fascist organisation.

They want to create discord and pit neighbour against neighbour.

The Front National has blamed Muslims for the terrorist atrocities that happened recently in France but the people who did these things are not Muslims, Islam is completely against violence.

I fear there is a 90 per cent chance that Le Pen could become president.

I spent my whole working life building the infrastructure of France, telecoms, roads, water pipes. My grandfather fought for France in World War II. My children are French. They were born here. When they go to Morocco they are on holiday, in a foreign country.

When FN tells us to go home, our home is France.

The French president should work for all French citizens  Christians, Muslims, Jews, everyone, not just one group.

Tunisian migrant worker Karem Aniba added: I work hard in the fields every day for ten or twelve hours.

The Front National say they want to send Arabs like me back home but if there were no Arabs to work on the farms, the fruit and vegetables would rot in the fields.

The Front National has almost tripled in popularity in just five years, voting figures show.

The party got over six million votes in the first round of the 2015 regional elections almost three times as many as in 2010 when it received 2.2 million, growing from 11 per cent to 28 per of the poll.

Back in the fold: On Thursday, a court ruled that the Front National's disgraced founder Jean-Marie Le Pen (above) - Marine's father and convicted racist and anti-Semite - was allowed to remain Honorary President of the party

Poll support: The latest opinion polls give the Front National 29 per cent of the vote, suggesting leader Marine Le Pen is almost certain to reach the second-round run-off for the Presidency in May next year, the poll for Le Figaro newspaper found in September

Marine Le Pen is the most popular right-wing politician in France, an opinion poll for the France 2 TV network found last month.

The Far Right leader had stronger poll figures than former president Nicolas Sarkozy and is to the heels of conservative front-runner Alain Juppe.

The latest opinion polls give the Front National 29 per cent of the vote, suggesting leader Marine Le Pen is almost certain to reach the second-round run-off for the Presidency in May next year, the poll for Le Figaro newspaper found in September.
An Indiana woman allegedly killed her two young children before stabbing herself in the neck a day after her husband filed for divorce.

Brandi Worley, 30, called 911 at about 4.30am on Thursday and confessed to killing the two children, according to Montgomery County Sheriff Mark Casteel.

'I just stabbed myself and killed my two children,' she is alleged to have told the operator.

Brandi Worley, 30, allegedly killed her two young children before stabbing herself in the neck a day on Thursday at their home in Darlington, Indiana

Officers found seven-year-old Tyler and three-year-old Charlie Worley dead in a bedroom of the family home in Darlington, north-west of Indianapolis.

Their father Jason Worley was asleep in the basement at the time and was unaware of what was happening in the home.

Casteel said the mother of two did not seem to show any remorse during her confession and she seemed 'matter of fact'.

There are no details on how the two young children died.

Worley was taken to IU Health Methodist Hospital to be treated for her self-inflicted stab wounds to her neck. She is yet to be questioned by authorities.

Officers found seven-year-old Tyler and three-year-old Charlie Worley dead in a bedroom of the family home in Darlington, north-west of Indianapolis, on Thursday

The mother of two allegedly called 911 at about 4.30am on Thursday and confessed to killing Tyler and Charlie

Montgomery County Sheriff's deputies remove items from a minivan during the double homicide investigation

There are no details on how the two young children - Tyler and Charlie - died but an autopsy is scheduled for Friday

'We are not used to dealing with things like this,' Casteel told reporters.

'I can't imagine the pain and the grief these families are experiencing this morning,' he said. 'Please keep these families in your thoughts and prayers.'

Authorities said a motive for the attack was unclear and that there was no history of violence at the home.

Court documents show Jason Worley had filed for divorce a day before the children were killed, the Lafayette Journal & Courier reports.

Facebook pages belonging to Jason and Brandi lists their relationship status as separated.

An autopsy on the children's bodies is scheduled for Friday.

The children's father Jason Worley was asleep in the basement at the time and was unaware of what was happening in the home. He is said to have filed for divorce from Brandi this week
It's uncertain whether she can re

given a bridging visa and has been reunited with her

An Iranian woman who fled to Australia after she was raped and tortured by her family in Iran has finally graduated high school.

Mojgan Shamsalipoor was just 18 years old when she escaped an arranged marriage to a 60-year-old man in Iran and travelled to Australia by boat in the hopes of seeking asylum in 2012.

Her chances of pursuing an education were dashed in August 2015 when armed immigration officials took her from Yeronga State High School and placed her in Darwin's Wickham Point Detention Centre before she was transferred to Brisbane.

But on Wednesday evening she was able to cross the stage at that same school and accepted her Year 12 certificate to a standing ovation.

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Mojgan Shamsalilpoor (left) pictured with her husband Milad Jafari and Yeronga State High School Deputy Principal Jessica Walker

Ms Shamsalipoor (left) crossed the stage at Yeronga State High School and accepted her Year 12 certificate to a standing ovation

Ms Shamsalipoor was 18-years-old when she escaped an arranged marriage to a 60-year-old man in Iran and travelled to Australia by boat in the hopes of seeking asylum in 2012

'I was really happy because I was able to get my certificate myself. I was dreaming for it, it was a really great night,' Ms Shamsalipoor told the Brisbane Times.

'That was a really beautiful and emotional feeling and I was really, I was proud that for one year, in a really hard situation, I could study and my teachers and principal, everyone helped me to finish my high school.'

After arriving on Christmas Island in 2012, Ms Shamsalipoor applied for refugee status.

As it was processed she stayed in community detention in Brisbane, where she met her now-husband Milad Jafari and began to pursue an education.

Despite having her refugee status rejected and taken back to detention, the Yeronga State High School graduate was still able to pursue her studies thanks to her dedicated teachers and principal.

Using Skype, Ms Shamsalipoor was able to keep up with her schoolwork.

'She could talk with us and see our faces, and she did her exams from Darwin,' Yeronga State High School Deputy Principal Jessica Walker told the Brisbane Times.

It was an emotional evening following Ms Shamsalipoor's two-year long battle trying to be released from detention

Thunderous applause: Now with her Year 12 certificate, Ms Shamsalipoor hopes to study health services and one day work as a midwife

Ms Shamsalipoor's husband, Milad Jafari (left), was in tears as he watched his wife on Wednesday evening

The Yeronga State High School graduate was still able to pursue her studies while in detention thanks to dedicated teachers

Her teachers at Yeronga State High School were inspired by her determination to continue learning

An emotional embrace between Ms Shamsalipoor and Ms Walker, who has been a source of support as well as knowledge for the 22-year-old

Family and friends watch as the asylum seeker was able to accept her Year 12 certificate at the Yeronga State High School awards night

Their hard work and dedication paid off, as the asylum seeker was able to accept her Year 12 certificate at the Yeronga State High School awards night with her family and friends watching.

Her husband Mr Jafari, also a former student of the school, was in tears as he watched his wife and was overwhelmed by how much support they had during their two-year battle to free her.

'It's like a big chain and the most important element is love, and nobody can tear us apart, no such power in this country or anywhere else on earth cannot tear this apart because this is the power of love,' the Brisbane Times reports.

'We could see that last night and I want to thank every single one of them for standing up for us.'

The Yeronga State High School graduate was still able to pursue her studies thanks to dedicated teachers like Jessica Walker (right)

Mojgan Shamsalipoor (Left: front right and right: centre), was locked up in immigration detention after her Australian visa application was refused

Ms Shamsalipoor (pictured before fleeing to Australia) said she was repeatedly raped and abused by family members in Iran and feared persecution if she was deported

But the uncertainty of Ms Shamsalipoor's future in Australia no doubt cast a shadow on the evening .

Her release from the Brisbane Immigration Transit Accommodation (BITA) in September was on a three-month bridging visa.

'The bridging visa continues to place a shadow of uncertainty over her future in that the minister [Immigration Minister Peter Dutton] has not gone as far as allowing her the opportunity to reside in Australian permanently with her husband,' her lawyer Kevin Kadirgamar told the ABC.

Ms Shamsalipoor said she was repeatedly raped and abused by family members in Iran and fears persecution if she is deported .

Ms Walker hopes the bridging visa would be extended and says there is 'no way' they would allow the 22-year-old to return to detention.

Now with her Year 12 certificate, Ms Shamsalipoor hopes to study health services and one day work as a midwife.

Ms Shamsalipoor's release from the Brisbane Immigration Transit Accommodation (BITA) in September was on a three-month bridging visa

Ms Shamsalipoor and Mr Jafari, who is an Australian resident, married in October 2014

Ms Walker hopes the bridging visa would be extended and says there is 'no way' they would allow the 22-year-old to return to detention
A man who was adopted from South Korea by Americans when he was just three years old has been deported back to his native country.

Adam Crapser, 41, landed in South Korea on Thursday after U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement ordered him to be deported because of criminal convictions, including assault and being a felon in possession of a weapon.

His life story highlights the failings of an adoption system that put him in the homes of one set of parents who abandoned him and another that physically abused him and other adopted children, according to his Seattle attorney, Lori Walls.

Adam Crapser, 41, (pictured with daughter Christal in 2015) landed in South Korea on Thursday after U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement ordered him to be deported

ICE spokeswoman Rose Richeson confirmed Crapser arrived in Seoul, South Korea, on Thursday morning aboard a commercial airline flight escorted by deportation officers.

Adam was adopted by an American family and moved away from South Korea when he was three years old

Richeson said Crapser was arrested by ICE on February 8 after serving a 60-day sentence for menacing constituting domestic violence and attempted coercion. He had been held in an immigration detention center in Tacoma, Washington since then.

A judge could have allowed Crapser to stay in America but decided on deportation.

Crapser's supporters said he waived an appeal because he couldn't stand to stay in the detention center any longer.

His lawyer said she is astonished that the fact that Crapser 'was adopted, abandoned and abused... carried relatively little weight in the decision that the immigration court made.'

'The U.S. government facilitated the adoption out of Korea,' she said. 'No one followed up to make sure he was safe. When that first family abandoned him to foster care he was not visible - there was no follow-up.'

Crapser was arrested on February 8 after serving a 60-day sentence for other crimes. He had been held in an immigration detention center in Tacoma, Washington since then

No one ever sought U.S. citizenship for him.

He and his older sister were adopted by a family who lived in Michigan and who later abandoned them after they moved to Oregon, Walls said.

The brother and sister were split up and Crapser was eventually adopted by parents in Oregon who assaulted him and other children in their care.

His adoptive parents were convicted of multiple crimes.

Crapser eventually left the home and was arrested after he broke in to retrieve some of his belongings from his orphanage in South Korea, Walls said. Crapser later got into further trouble with the law.

He came under the scrutiny of federal immigration authorities after he applied for a Green Card and they saw his criminal record.

'I had 50,000 signatures on a petition to keep me here,' he said. 'They didn't look at any of it, just my criminal record,' he told KPTV in an interview from jail last year.

Korean adoptee Adam Crapser poses with daughters, Christal and Christina and his wife, Anh Nguyen, in the family's living room in Vancouver, Washington in 2015

'I'm hopeful Adam figures out how to make a life in that country, where he doesn't speak the language, read the language or know anything about the culture,' Walls said.

His birth mother in South Korea, who had put her son and daughter up for adoption because she couldn't afford to keep him, is learning English so she can communicate with him when they're reunited, The New York Times reported recently.

'His birth mother, because of publicity in South Korea, came forward,' Walls said, adding that a DNA test proved the relationship. Walls noted that the mother is disabled, has a low income 'and can't be much help for him.'

'I spoke with Adam a couple of days ago,' Walls said. 'He was trying to stay positive, but I mean it was clear talking to him that he was scared. He's going to a country where he can't even read the street signs.'
A man who sexually abused his son, daughter and two nieces for years and performed sexual acts in their cubby house has been jailed.

The man, 57, will serve 16 years behind bars for committing 36 offences including carnal knowledge and indecent dealing with a child in the Northern Territory and Queensland between 1984 to 1992, the Northern Territory supreme heard.

Identified as TRH, he was aged between his 20s and 30s when he committed the crimes, The NT News reported.

A paedophile father, identified as TRH, faces 16 years in prison for sexually abusing his son, daughter and two nieces when they were children during 1984 and 1992 (stock image)

In one instance, he forced his son to perform oral sex on him while driving home from primary school.

The court also heard the man did a sexual act inside a cubbyhouse with two girls who were aged five and seven at his home in Humpty Doo, south west of Darwin.

Judge Stephen Southwood said TRH's psychological report demonstrated 'substantial minimisation' and denial after the crimes were committed.

But in sentencing, Judge Stephen Southwood said the man's offences were serious, of high moral culpability and seriously breached the trust of the young victims.

The Northern Territory supreme court heard in one instance the man forced his son to perform oral sex. Judge Stephen Southwood said the man's offences seriously breached the trust of his young victims

He said that all the children involved were young and in an extremely vulnerable situation.

'The victims were of different gender, they were prepubescent and two of his acts involved incest. The offence against his son was committed on a public street,' Judge Southwood said.
Ann Widdecombe: 'In 1999 I proposed, as shadow home secretary, that every single convicted prisoner should have to spend every single weekday doing a full days work in either the prison education department or the prison workshops'

One of my Grannys favourite maxims was the Devil finds work for idle hands. On that basis the current outbreak of violence and disorder in British prisons, where idleness too often takes up too much of each day, has been waiting in the wings for some time.

In 1999 I proposed, as shadow home secretary, that every single convicted prisoner should have to spend every single weekday doing a full days work in either the prison education department or the prison workshops or preferably in a mixture of the two.

If we had started then, Her Majestys prisons might be presenting a rather different picture to the world than they do now.

Mine has hardly been a lone voice but governments have a tendency to stuff their ears full of cotton wool because as the old cliche reminds us, there are no votes in prisons.

Prisoners do not and certainly should not vote but the adage implies something well beyond that: spending taxpayers money on prisoners is not a vote winner.

Yet rehabilitation in prisons is not, as some portray it, a manifestation of a soft, wet, ultra-liberal approach.

Rather it is a crucial tool of public protection, for if the man who leaves the prison gates is no better prepared to live a law-abiding life than he was upon entering, there will be more victims and further sentences to fund.

Taken with mobile phones smuggled into HMP Guys Marsh, Dorset, photographs posted online, including this one, revealed the cushy life of inmates behind bars

Warehousing a criminal for the duration of his sentence rather than addressing his problematic behaviour does nobody any good when he is released.

Anyway, it is possible to do a great deal more without shelling out vast wads of the taxes paid by the law-abiding. Let us begin with education. Up to 75 per cent of those who enter prison are either illiterate and innumerate or if they are not quite that they are wholly without qualifications.

Typically they come from disordered backgrounds where the principle of a structured day is a foreign concept. They have been either excluded from or truanted from large tranches of their secondary education.

It is surely sensible to contend that anybody who cannot read and write when he is sentenced should leave the gates able to do both, unless of course he is on a very short sentence. There can be few taxpayers who would prefer a prisoner to loll about in jail wondering how to get a drug fix.

Encouraging the already idle to become more idle is a nonsense and explains the revolving doors of our prison system.

Two constraints are cited as to why this cannot happen. The first is money. Yet the costs would not need to spiral if greater use were to be made of volunteer labour. Anybody who doubts this should google prison education jobs and try totting up the costs of all the posts now on offer.

Nobody doubts that it has to be managed by paid employees or that highly skilled courses leading to electrical or plumbing qualifications need experts but more of the actual delivery of basic subjects could be done by volunteers. Give me a blackboard and a piece of chalk and Ill show you.

The second constraint is the availability of prison staff to supervise movements. Indeed when I was prisons minister, it was put to me that we should reduce the target for purposeful activity (education, work and offending behaviour courses) because a rise in the numbers of prisoners had placed extra strain on the officers.

I responded by instead increasing the target because I did not want to reinforce the message that purposeful activity was always to be the first casualty of overcrowding. And the target was reached through the determination and imagination of governors.

Yet targets, poorly applied, can be menaces. I engage with a trust devoted to helping ex-offenders with higher education. There was a time when it was receiving applications instead for vocational courses such as painting and plumbing. Gently it was explained that this trust dealt only with academic courses.

'It is surely sensible to contend that anybody who cannot read and write when he is sentenced should leave the gates able to do both, unless of course he is on a very short sentence.' Above, Ann visiting Spring Hill open prison in 1997

Oh, was the breezy response, yes, of course they knew that but they had a target from the prison service of reaching X number of applications so they just put them in anyway!

Forget targets and trawl the market for volunteers. Money is also fielded as an excuse not to provide more workshops, but workshops should be run as small businesses, providing a product for which there is demand, keeping the profits and gradually expanding.

As long as they do not compete with local labour where demand is scarce, this can and does work.

There are other constraints which I acknowledge. Large prisons built in confined spaces do not always have the capacity but these tend to be the inner city remand prisons where the population fluctuates daily, rather than where the convicted settle down to sentences. By contrast purpose-built private prisons probably provide the best levels of purposeful activity, being designed to do so.

Drugs are rife. They come in over the walls, latterly in drones, occasionally through corrupt officers but most of all concealed in the bodies of visitors.

If officers walk a drug dog up and down at visiting time, it is amazing how many visitors suddenly remember they have left something in their cars and whizz off to get it.

I am afraid this is where we do have to spend money on both staff and technology. A prisoner found with drugs in his or her system should automatically lose remission rather than just privileges but they have to believe theyll be caught and that means vastly expanding the programme of random testing and, if necessary, testing every day. Yes, it would be worth the expense.

All the above and much more could and should be done in our prisons but by the time somebody arrives inside them, unless it is for a very serious first offence, he or she has been on what Oliver Letwin described as the conveyor belt of crime for a long time.

It nearly always begins with exclusion or truancy. In the first case the child is often left without any proper education and is free to wander the streets getting into more trouble and bad company.

Any excluded child should be in a pupil referral unit the very next day and truancy should be far more effectively policed than it is in many areas. Young offender institutions should offer early release in exchange for educational or vocational achievements.

Unless the crime is serious there should also be the carrot of wiping records clean if the youngster stays out of trouble for, say, two years, thus enabling him to embark upon adult life with a fresh start.

There will always be a small hardcore knot of old lags and nasty criminals for whom none of the above will work. For large numbers however, the criminal life is less a matter of conscious choice than something into which they have drifted. We should be better focused on counteracting that drift.
Senior members of the Aboriginal community have revealed that high levels of violence among indigenous people are being dismissed as a 'a matter of culture'.

Speaking at a national forum in Canberra on Thursday, Marcia Langton, Jacinta Price and Josephine Cashman said domestic violence incidents were being swept under the rug to reduce the amount of Aboriginal men being put behind bars.

As part of a three-woman panel on indigenous community violence at the National Press Club, Professor Langton said while just making up two per cent of the adult population, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders accounted for 27 per cent of the prison population, The Australian reported.

Marcia Langton (centre), Jacinta Price (right) and Josephine Cashman (left) spoke at a panel on indigenous community violence at the National Press Club on Thursday

Anti-violence campaigner Ms Price said the community's loyalty to traditional law 'denies women and children their human rights'.

She said indigenous people could not blame non-indigenous people 'for our problems'.

'There's a social inability to criticise anything indigenous, and Aboriginal people are encouraged not to evolve with the rest of humanity... our leaders need to be held to account,' Ms Price said.

Ms Price added it was unacceptable that any member of the community would have their 'human rights violated' in such a way.

Anti-violence campaigner Ms Price said the community's loyalty to traditional law 'denies women and children their human rights'

Professor Langton described the situation as 'Stockholm syndrome writ large'

'It is a national shame that in our recent history Aboriginal male perpetrators have got away with their crimes based on the argument that they were operating within their culture's confines,' she told the forum.

According to data cited by Professor Langton, more than a quarter of the indigenous population older than 15 reported that they had been victims of physical or threatened violence in the past year.

She said the siutation was ' Stockholm syndrome writ large' and led to 'the most racist of stereotypes' which were 'so much worse than Bill Leak'.

Social Entrepreneur Josephine Cashman, who is an adviser to Malcolm Turnbull, criticised his government for their lack of action on an issue that was plauging the community.

'Law and order is a fundamental human right, and the state needs to respond to victims of crime.

'There's not a separate justice system for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people,' Ms Cashman added.
The peer who co-wrote the legal mechanism by which Britain will leave the EU sparked fury last night after arguing that the country needed immigration because we native Brits are so bloody stupid.

Lord Kerr said the UK needed an influx of intelligent foreigners to keep us on the right path.

And he claimed the Leave side only won the referendum by cleverly outsourcing xenophobia and racism to Nigel Farage  allowing the Ukip leader to make the sort of offensive claims that would boost the campaign.

Lord Kerr (pictured) said the Leave campaign won after 'cleverly outsourcing xenophobia and racism to UKIP leader Nigel Farage

Eurosceptic Tory MP Peter Lilley walked out of the event, hosted by a civil service think-tank yesterday, after the odious comments were made.

The former Cabinet minister said he had considered reporting Lord Kerr for hate speech and being racially abusive of the British people.

In my view, immigration is the thing that keeps this country running Lord Kerr

Lord Kerr, a prominent Europhile, faced criticism earlier this month when he said Brexit was not irrevocable and that the people might want to think again once the terms become clear.

The crossbench peer helped drafted the Lisbon Treaty, whose Article 50 sets out the process by which members can leave the EU.

At the event, hosted by the Institute for Government, he said the influx of migrants was a good thing.

He said: Theres a much deeper argument to have  and that is about whether immigration is good for you or bad for you. In my view, immigration is the thing that keeps this country running.

We native Brits are so bloody stupid that we need an injection of intelligent people, young people from outside who come in and wake us up from time to time.

The peer blamed the referendum result on David Camerons disastrous off-the-cuff no ifs no buts commitment to keep net migration to less than 100,000 a year.

In fact, he said, the Government would not have met the target even if all immigration from the EU had stopped overnight.

Its completely true that the Leave campaign, by cleverly outsourcing the xenophobia and the racism to the Farage campaign, were able to salve their consciences it seems by pinning Cameron to the fact that we would only take back control when we left, he said.

But supposing we did stop all the immigration from the EU, we would not have met Mr Camerons target  he would have done a lot of damage to the country if he had met it, but it was in his power to meet it by stopping immigration from outside the EU. So the premise of the argument about immigration was false.

He added: In Wales and the North East there is a perception of an immigration problem. No political party in Britain is having the guts to address that issue.

Lord Kerr, a former ambassador to both the EU and the US, said the civil service was opposed to leaving the EU. He said Theresa Mays insistence that the UK should be able to limit immigration as part of a future deal with the EU meant that we are heading for a very, very hard and unpleasant Brexit.

And why? Because it rests on a fundamental preconception which none of the three parties were brave enough to address.

Thats the principal problem: not the reality of immigration, which is a good thing; but the perception of immigration in the country and that pusillanimity of politicians.

Mr Lilley said: I think these comments revealed the contempt that some Eurocrats like Lord Kerr have for ordinary British people.

They think they are there to rule the country and hugely resent any interference by the electorate.

He said he had considered reporting the peer for hate speech, but decided not to do so. I dont like the law to prosecute opinions however odious, he said.

Mr Lilley also criticised Lord Kerr for saying the housing crisis had nothing to do with immigration.

To say the British people are stupid and then to suggest that housing has nothing to do with immigration displays such profound stupidity that one wonders why he lectures other people, he said.

It is particularly odd coming from a man who is racially abusive of British people.
A mother's protective instincts have kicked in at the precise moment her newborn baby's life was put at risk by a fatal earthquake.

Nikki McLean said she woke at midnight on Monday with a sinking feeling that something was not right, prompting her to check on her newborn daughter, Lilly.

Ms McLean, from Kaikoura on New Zealand's South Island, lifted her young child and held her close to her chest as a rumble from a major earthquake caused a mirror to fall and shatter where Lilly had been sleeping only moments before.

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Nikki McLean lifted her daughter Lilly from her crib seconds before a mirror shattered on it

'As soon I picked her up the earthquake struck. It knocked me straight to the ground,' she told Daily Mail Australia.

'Then a big heavy mirror came off the wall and landed in her cot... it would have killed her.'

She said her three-year-old son was screaming for his father so he dashed to his room and scooped him up.

'We had to sit and brace ourselves in the door frames until it was safe to find our phones for light,' she said.

Everything breakable was smashed on the floor.

Ms McLean, her partner Gareth, three-year-old son and young daughter were unharmed during the terrifying quake, but were forced to leave their home amid fears of a landslide

A 7.8 magnitude earthquake ripped up State Highway 1 (pictured) on the east coast in the early hours of Monday morning, before a 6.3 aftershock struck 14 hours later at around 1.30pm

Ms McLean said her son was crying out for her to save his pet fish so she scrambled around and found a pot of water then fled for higher ground.

She said if she hadn't of woken up when she did her beautiful little daughter would have most definitely been killed.

'If I had been asleep I wouldn't have got to her in time,' Ms McLean told Stuff.co.nz.

Ms McLean, her partner Gareth, three-year-old son and young daughter were unharmed during the terrifying quake, but were forced to leave their home on Thursday.

Cracks had formed in a large mountain face their home was perched on and emergency services feared it could give way.

They are currently taking refuge in a caravan park but are remaining positive about the outlook.

'It could be worse,' Gareth McLean told Stuff.co.nz.

A grocer in Canterbury posted these photos online of smashed wine bottles (left) and toiletries spilled all over the floor (right)

The large landslide completely covered an extended section of the road and also caused damage to railway lines

This comes as emergency services attempt to start cleaning up the aftermath of the massive 7.8-magnitude earthquake which claimed the lives of two people.

The initial quake was followed by two other major aftershocks - one 6.3 magnitude quake centred in Cheviot and the other a 5.8 magnitude which rocked New Zealand's South Island.

The initial tremor created fractures in major roadways, brought buildings to the ground and forced frightened kiwis to flock to their local supermarkets to stock up on food, drinks and essential supplies.

The enormous 7.8 magnitude earthquake not only tore apart homes and roadways, but also ripped some of the country's famed mountain areas to shreds.

A family of cows were left stranded after the massive New Zealand earthquake caused a landslide

Local residents survey the incredible damage caused to State Highway One, the longest major roadway in New Zealand

Shipping containers at Centre Port in Wellington were knocked over after Sunday morning's earthquake struck the area
Dollvy Van Luyn shows the facial injuries she sustained during the attack

A woman was bashed unconscious and robbed outside a BP Petrol Station in Perth as she was filling up her white Lexus sedan on Wednesday night.

After the attack, Dollvy Van Luyn went on social media to get help to find the offender.

Ms Van Luyn took to her Facebook to show pictures of her injuries after the attack, along with photographs of her stolen laptop that was taken from her backpack.

She told how she was assaulted by 'a boy [dark skin, dark hair, 160-170cm, around 15-19yo] at BP riverton/highroad around 9pm last night'.

The incident started when a man got out of a white Mazda, approached Ms Van Luyn's car, and tried to steal her backpack.

When she tried to stop the man, she was punched several times by him in the face and fell to the ground.

The man then ran back to the white Mazda and fled the scene.

Ms Van Luyn also posted on her Facebook the laptop that was stolen and its serial number

Ms Van Luyn explained how one of the teenagers tried to jump into the driver's seat while she was filling the car with petrol, and took her backpack that had her laptop in it, as well as money and her university materials.

'He punched me until I went blackout and [an] ambulance sent me to ER,' she wrote.

WA Police described her attacker as dark skinned, aged between 16 to 19 years of age, and wearing a blue hooded top.
Police looking for fourth person who was in 'Lizard Man' apartment

Police are searching for a fourth person they believe was in the Gold Coast apartment where Bronson 'Lizard Man' Ellery and his ex-girlfriend were found dead.

Another man was believed to have been there when Mr Ellery and Shelsea Schilling, 20, died last Friday, according to the Gold Coast Bulletin.

It comes after a woman came forward on Wednesday claiming she was in the Southport unit in Johnson Street and watched as the former bikie enforcer killed Ms Schilling.

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Shelsea Shilling, 20, (left) and Bronson Ellery, 24 (right) were found dead in a Southport, Gold Coast apartment last Friday

A young woman saw former Bandido bikie 'enforcer' Bronson Ellery (right) kill his ex-girlfriend Shelsea Schilling in a Gold Coast apartment, she has told police

The heartbroken mother of Shelsea (left, with friend) has blasted the woman for watching the suspected murder-suicide without intervening

She slammed the woman for not calling the police or ambulance after watching her daughter dying

Ms Schilling's heartbroken mother Bonnie Markwell Mobbs took to Facebook to blast the woman for watching on as her daughter was murdered.

'This lady watched our beautiful Shelsea being abused and assaulted and die then left her there and didn't call the police or ambulance,' she wrote online.

'Then only to say something 1 week later. WTF.'

She went on to clarify that the pair were not a couple, explaining that Bronson had breached a domestic violence order to be with her in the apartment.

She also revealed that police investigators believed her daughter suffered a heavy blow to the head and was then suffocated.

'My daughter will get justice,' Bonnie Markwell Mobbs told Daily Mail Australia.

Ms Mobbs first revealed the new information on social media on Thursday morning, writing: 'Shelsea suffered a severe blow to her head then (was) suffocated'.

Police investigators believed Shelsea suffered a heavy blow to the head and was then suffocated by Bronson Ellery (pictured), according to her mother

Ellery shows off his heavily tattooed face, including skull features and the number 23

She said her daughter never used drugs and dismissed the idea Shelsea was going to 'runaway with that monster'.

'The day before Shelsea went missing she brought a lunch box and folder for work and all her belongings are in place.'

Citing sources close to the investigation, the Gold Coast Bulletin reported Ms Schillings had suffered a blow to her head and had signs of asphyxiation.

The outlet also reported a large gash was believed to have been found on the side of Ms Schillings' face.

A Queensland Police spokesman would not comment on the disclosures as police are preparing a report for the coroner.

Police have said a suicide note was found at the scene and investigators do not believe a third party was responsible for the double deaths.

Shelsea reportedly quit her job at a Harbour Town dress shop, changed jobs, and disappeared in order to run from Ellery after he breached a domestic violence order she took out on him

A younger, less tattooed Bronson Ellery

Shelsea Schilling, 20, ran in fear of her ex-boyfriend Bronson Ellery, 24, after he breached a domestic violence order she had taken out on him in 2015, according to those who knew her.

When he breached the order in November the same year, police and court documents confirmed Ms Schilling reached out for help.

A former work colleague of Ms Schilling said she quit her job at a Harbour Town dress shop, changed jobs, and disappeared in order to run from Ellery.

He was sentenced to three months in jail for the domestic violence order breach, eligible for release in January 2016.

But true to the pair's on-off toxic relationship, they rekindled their love in the weeks before they were found dead.

A smiling Bronson Ellery is pictured here, with his face still partially visible

Before the latest claims, friends of Ellery and his former defence lawyer defended the young man as a 'good bloke'

In a powerful Facebook post Thursday Shelsea's younger sister who declined to be named said: 'The truth is out.

'Bronson Ellery assaulted and then murdered my beautiful sister in his Southport apartment.

'You not only took away a sister but a best friend and I hope you rot in hell'.

The sibling - who the family asked not be named - said: 'I hope my sister brought happiness into your life like she did mine and anyone else who knew her.

'You will never, ever be forgotten and will always be missed'.

Before the latest claims, friends of Ellery and his former defence lawyer have defended the young man as a 'good bloke'.

Ellery's best friend Nick Blandthorn told the Gold Coast Bulletin: 'I found them both laying there...

'It looked very peaceful'.

Shelsea's family is preparing for her funeral, which will take place on Monday.

The investigation continues.

For confidential support call the Lifeline 24-hour crisis support on 13 11 14
' girl who has since been taken and frozen in Detroit

Landmark ruling: Mr Justice Peter Jackson has agreed a British child who died of cancer could become the first British child to be cryogenically frozen

The father of a 14-year-old girl who is the first British child to be cryogenically frozen fears she could be woken in '200 years' all alone in America, with no memory and no family.

The teenager, who cannot be named, died last month and is now in a 'cryostat' tank at around -196C (-321F) inside the Michigan-based Cryonics Institute, it can be reported for the first time today.

She was at the centre of a fierce legal battle between her divorced parents - with her mother agreeing to her wish to be frozen while her estranged father, who is also battling cancer, refused because of its 37,000 cost and the brutal process of preserving her.

He told the High Court: 'Even if the treatment is successful and she is brought back to life in, let's say, 200 years, she may not find any relative and she might not remember things.

'She may be left in a desperate situation - given that she is still only 14-years-old - and will be in the United States of America.'

Mr Justice Peter Jackson was called a 'hero' by the child before she died after he agreed to her dying wish so that one day she could 'be cured and woken up'.

The judge also revealed her father was also persuaded in the end and said: 'I respect the decisions she is making. This is the last and only thing she has asked from me.'

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Landmark case: The girl has been frozen at become the first British child to be cryogenically frozen and in the Cryonics Institute in Detroit - she is now in one of these storage tanks

Plea: The teenage girl wrote a moving letter to the High Court explaining the reasons why she wanted to be cryogenically frozen

During the landmark case she wrote an extraordinary letter to a judge while on her death bed.

She said: ' I am only 14-years-old and I don't want to die but I know I am going to die.

'I want to live and live longer and I think that in the future they may find a cure for my cancer and wake me up. I want to have this chance. This is my wish.'

'I think being cryo-preserved gives me a chance to be cured and woken up - even in hundreds of years' time. I don't want to be buried underground'.

'I AM ONLY 14 AND I DON'[T WANT TO DIE BUT I KNOW I AM GOING TO': DYING GIRL'S INCREDIBLE LETTER BEGGING TO BE FROZEN The British girl now frozen in America met the judge to prove she was capable of making decisions about her body and wrote him a letter explaining her reasons. Mr Justice Jackson said: 'I am only 14-years-old and I don't want to die but I know I am going to die. 'I think being cryo-preserved gives me a chance to be cured and woken up - even in hundreds of years' time. I don't want to be buried underground. 'I want to live and live longer and I think that in the future they may find a cure for my cancer and wake me up. 'I want to have this chance. This is my wish.' Justice Jackson said that she died peacefully knowing she would be frozen and discussed the arrangements before on the day she died. Advertisement

She had asked the High Court to rule that her mother should be the only person allowed to make decisions about the disposal of her body.

After agreeing, High Court judge Mr Justice Jackson, who visited the girl's bedside shortly before her death on October 17, said the terminally ill she died peacefully knowing that her remains would be frozen.

The judge said he had been moved by the 'valiant way' in which she had faced her 'predicament'.

Today the girl's solicitor, Zoe Fleetwood, said the teenager described Mr Justice Jackson as her 'hero' after being informed of the court's decision days before her death.

Ms Fleetwood told the BBC Radio 4 Today programme: 'By October 6, the girl knew that her wishes were going to be followed. That gave her great comfort. Very sadly she died on October 17. She had those last few days knowing that her wish was granted.'

She added: 'It was a great privilege to represent her. She had extraordinary determination.

'When the decision was communicated to her on October 6, she was very pleased. She was delighted and she wanted to see the judge. The judge did go and see her the very next day. She communicated to me after the meeting and she referred to the judge as Mr 'Hero' Peter Jackson.'

Her body has been flown to America and she has since slowly been chilled over two to three weeks in Liquid Nitrogen and stored next to around 150 other bodies.

She is in one of America's two main cryo-facilities - the Cryonics Institute near Detroit - where its founder Robert Ettinger was frozen with two of his wives when he died aged 92.

Even if the treatment is successful and she is brought back to life in, let's say, 200 years, she may not find any relative and she might not remember things. She may be left in a desperate situation - given that she is still only 14-years-old - and will be in the United States of America Girl's father to judge on his opposition to her case

Around 250 people have spent huge sums cryo-preserving their bodies - the first was Dr James Bedford in 1967 - and it has been a popular theme in movies such as Forever Young starring Mel Gibson.

Thousands more have paid up to 150,000 to do the same when they die.

A device called a 'heart-lung resuscitator' is used to get the blood pumping through the body again, when required, and medication is applied to the body to prevent the cells from deteriorating.

Blood and bodily fluids are drained, then they are replaced with a solution like antifreeze.

But the process is hugely controversial, especially with scientists and doctors, because it has never been possible to successfully revive a human or any mammal frozen in this way.

The girl's body is now suspended in freezing nitrogen at Michigan's Cryonics Institute near Detroit. Pictured is one of the areas where here body would be packed in ice and prepared for freezing

Process: Bodies are drained of blood on a table packed with ice(left) and then frozen slowly over several weeks before reaching -196 C and being kept in a regulated cylinder (right)

WHAT IS CRYOPRESERVATION, HOW MUCH DOES IT COST AND HOW DOES IT WORK? Process: The girl will have been treated within minutes of death - flown to America and then slowly frozen to an ultra-low temperature in the hope, one day, she'll be woken up again WHAT IS CRYOPRESERVATION? The deep freezing of a body to - 196C (-321F). Anti-freeze compounds are injected into the corpse to stop cells being damaged. The hope is that medical science will advance enough to bring the patient back to life. Two main US organisations carry out 'cryonics'  Alcor, in Arizona, and Cryonics Institute, Michigan. HOW IS IT MEANT TO WORK? The process can only take place once the body is legally dead. Ideally, it begins within two minutes of the heart stopping  and no more than 15. The body must be packed in ice and injected with chemicals to reduce blood clotting. At the cryonics facility, it is cooled to just above OC and the blood is replaced with a solution to preserve organs. The body is injected with another solution to stop ice crystals forming in organs and tissues, then cooled to - 130C. The final step is to place the body into a container which is lowered into a tank of liquid nitrogen at - 196C. WHAT'S THE CHANCE OF SUCCESS? Many experts say there is none. Organs such as the heart and kidneys have never been successfully frozen and thawed, so it is even less likely a whole body  and the brain  could be without irreversible damage. HOW MUCH DOES IT COST? Charges at the Cryonics Institute, where the girl has been stored, start at around $35,000 (28,000) to 'members' for whole-body cryopreservation. The girl was charged 37,000, which may include costs such as transportation. Rival group Alcor charges $200,000 (161,000) for whole-body preservation. HOW LONG BEFORE PEOPLE CAN BE BROUGHT BACK TO LIFE? Cryonics organisations claim it could be decades or even centuries. However Medical experts say once cells are damaged during freezing and turned to 'mush' they cannot be converted back to living tissue, any more than you can turn a scrambled egg back into a raw egg. Advertisement

The freezing process was carried out 'quite swiftly' after the teenager's death, said Ms Fleetwood.

She added: 'It was a difficult process. Some might say the girl's mother's attention was directed towards that procedure rather than grieving at that time.

GIRL IS STORED AT CRYONICS CENTRE SET UP BY LOVER OF SCIENCE FICTION Landmark case: The girl has been frozen at become the first British child to be cryogenically frozen and in the Cryonics Institute in Detroit The British girl is in one of America's two main cryo-facilities - the Cryonics Institute near Detroit - where its founder Robert Ettinger was frozen with two of his wives when he died aged 92. The former American physics teacher called Robert Ettinger, inspired by early science fiction writers, began the cryonics movement by writing a highly controversial book, The Prospect Of Immortality, which predicted that death might be reversible. The 1964 thesis sparked such acclaim and outrage that the U.S. authorities feared thousands would opt to be frozen in time - and when he died he chose to do it himself, as did his family. Packed in dry ice, the British girl arrived at The Cryonics Institute, based in Clinton Township, Michigan. There she was placed in a 'cryostat'  a cold storage chamber. Her arrival at the institute, based in the outskirts of Detroit, may have been held up by paperwork issues, as it took eight days to get her to the US. The case notes detailed the arrival of 'patient 143a 14-year-old female from London.' Advertisement

'But her daughter had passed away. The procedure needed to be carried out. One can't imagine what this parent was going through at this time from the loss of her daughter. But parents' attention can be directed elsewhere with various arrangements after a person's death.'

Ms Fleetwood said the case came to court for the first time on September 26 and was swiftly dealt with in little over a week in 'an extraordinary process very sensitively carried out with respect to the family who are grieving at this time'.

The case did not create a precedent with regard to the right to be frozen in the hope of future reawakening, said the solicitor.

'The case was not about the rights and wrongs of cryo-preservation,' she said. 'In accordance with the children's case which go before the courts, this case is about the child's welfare and her wishes being followed.'

Some, like the British girl, have their entire bodies frozen, but others only have their heads and brains preserved.

The Alcor Life Extension Foundation in Scottsdale, Arizona and the Michigan-based Cryonics Institute are the world's leading centres.

There is also a large body freezing facility it Russia.

Before she died of a rare and aggressive cancer, the British girl's mother raised 37,000 she needed for the 'freezing of the body in perpetuity', the High Court heard.

But because she is a child it required the consent of both her parents and her father, who had not seen her for eight years, refused.

He had been concerned about consequences of his daughter being cryogenically preserved, and had been concerned about the costs involved.

Mr Justice Jackson said he had made decisions relating to a dispute between parents - not about the rights and wrongs of cryogenic preservation.

But he has suggested that ministers might consider 'proper regulation' of cryonic preservation and revealed that the management of the London hospital she died in had misgivings about her wish.

The girl, who lived in the London area with her mother and had a rare form of cancer diagnosed in August 2015, had to take legal action to be frozen.

After a year of cancer treatment, this was stopped, before she died friends said she was much-loved, 'caring' and 'bubbly' teenager.

Robert Ettinger, 92, has been frozen in the Cryonics Institute he founded after his death alongside two of his wives

It is unclear what kind of post-mortem procedures were performed. Practitioners are known to cover the head with bags of ice to chill the brain. Blood is drained and replaced with antifreeze.

JUDGE RULED GIRL'S CASE WAS EXTREME VERSION OF FREEZING SPERM OR EGGS High Court judge Mr Justice Peter Jackson said that the scientific theory underlying cryonics was controversial and admitted many health professionals 'feel deep unease about it.' He said cryopreservation, the preservation of cells and tissues by freezing, was a well-known process. But he said cryonics was cryopreservation taken to its extreme. 'The scientific theory underlying cryonics is speculative and controversial, and there is considerable debate about its ethical implications,' said Mr Justice Jackson in his ruling. 'On the other hand, cryopreservation, the preservation of cells and tissues by freezing, is now a well-known process in certain branches of medicine, for example the preservation of sperm and embryos as part of fertility treatment. 'Cryonics is cryopreservation taken to its extreme.' Mr Justice Jackson said the girl had died peacefully knowing that her remains would be frozen. But he said there had been problems on the day she died, and hospital bosses had expressed misgivings. He suggested that ministers might consider 'proper regulation' of cryonic preservation. 'I received a detailed note from the solicitors for the hospital trust in which the events surrounding (the girl's) death are described from the point of view of the hospital,' said Mr Justice Jackson, in a postscript to his ruling. 'It records that (she) died peacefully in the knowledge that her body would be preserved in the way she wished. 'However, the note makes unhappy reading in other ways. 'The trust expresses very real misgivings about what occurred on the day of (her) death.' The judge added: 'On (her) last day, her mother is said to have been preoccupied with the post-mortem arrangements at the expense of being fully available to (her). 'The voluntary organisation is said to have been under-equipped and disorganised, resulting in pressure being placed on the hospital to allow procedures that had not been agreed. 'Although the preparation of (her) body for cryogenic preservation was completed, the way in which the process was handled caused real concern to the medical and mortuary staff.' And he went on: 'It may be thought that the events in this case suggest the need for proper regulation of cryonic preservation in this country if it is to happen in future.' Advertisement

Some patients opt for a cheaper 'head-only' option. The procedure, though deeply controversial, is apparently legal and entirely unregulated.

Mr Justice Jackson admitted: 'I have received information about procedures performed on the body after death that would be disturbing to many people.'

Remembered by classmates as a 'bubbly' and 'caring' girl who loved to laugh, the teenager  who cannot be named for legal reasons had written a letter to the court saying how she did not want to be 'buried underground'. She said cryo-preservation gave her the chance to be cured and woken  'even in hundreds of years' time'.

The girl's body is now suspended in freezing nitrogen at Michigan's Cryonics Institute near Detroit.

Case notes tell how her body, packed in dry ice, arrived at the facility in Flint in October, eight days after her death before being placed in a 'cryostat'  a cold storage chamber. Dry ice has a temperature of -78C(-108F).

Liquid nitrogen is much colder at -196C (-321F). Two further bodies have arrived since. 'Patient 144' was a 56-year-old whose body arrived by private jet, and Patient 145 was a 78-year-old who was frozen within two hours of dying.

Cryonics UK, the not-for-profit group which dispatched the body to the USA, is led by Tim Gibson, a 45-year-old landlord who trains his members how to prepare bodies for freezing. His group is not subject to regulation by the Human Tissue Authority. He once said: 'These days, no one blinks an eyelid. Not long ago, they saw us as cranks.'

Martin Ingvar, a cognitive neuroscientist at Sweden's Karolinska Institute said the cryogenic process was bound to fail and accused its practitioners of charlatanism.

'When you look at the brain, with 100 billion cells and 10,000 links between these and other cells... there's no way in hell you can restore the function in that,' he said.

Cryonics UK said protocols were carried out with the permission of the hospital but some senior staff 'appeared to be on the back foot'.

Tim Gibson, who runs the team, said his volunteers gave the 14-year-old the best chance of success.

Mr Justice Jackson said they had put pressure on hospital staff and were disorganised.

He said: 'The little girl who has just been preserved wouldn't have been preserved without us. It was too difficult.

'Without us, the best she could have hoped for would be relying on a funeral director to pack her in dry ice and send her to America.'

Members, who can pay up to 28,000 for the standby service, are asked to give the team notice so it can arrive 12 to 24 hours before they are legally pronounced dead.

He signed up to be frozen when he was 20 and said today: 'I'm perfectly willing to take the risk with almost a zero possibility chance of success because it's a better chance than being buried.'

Mr Gibson, who was trained by the Alcor cryonics preservation service in Arizona, said medical training is not necessary but volunteers need a certain amount of knowledge.

He said: 'Initially, I was trained by Alcor in the US, the rest of it just came from practical experience

'You end up teaching parts of it to newcomers, that really hones your knowledge, you realise what you're missing from your skill-set, you just pick stuff up.'

It said in a statement: 'This may have been because they had not encountered a cryopreservation before, due to the involvement of the court or because the patient was a minor'.

Hospital chiefs failed to respond to requests for comment.

Mr Justice Jackson has asked the Human Tissue Authority to view case files and investigate the issue. A spokesman for the authority said it was now gathering information on any risks posed by cryopreservation and the possible need for regulation.

HOW GIRL, 14, IS PATIENT 143 IN DETROIT CRYOGENICS CENTRE - BUT WAS HER BODY HELD UP BY PAPERWORK? Robert Ettinger, 92, pictured in the 1960s, has been frozen in the Cryonics Institute he founded after his death By Colin Fernandez, Science Correspondent On the website of the organisation freezing her body, she was simply described as 'patient 143'. Case notes that read like science fiction detail how, packed in dry ice, she arrived at The Cryonics Institute, based in Clinton Township, Michigan. There she was placed in a 'cryostat'  a cold storage chamber. Her arrival at the institute, based in the outskirts of Detroit, may have been held up by paperwork issues, as it took eight days to get her to the US. The case notes detailed the arrival of 'patient 143a 14-year-old female from London.' The significance of the number 143 is the number of human bodies held at the facility. The notes said the girl's family had contracted Cryonics UK to 'provide standby, cooling and transportation of the patient'. The UK group also carried out perfusion  the injection of 'anti-freeze' compounds in the body to stop ice forming. It said a 'case report' from Cryonics UK will be made available when it is received. It took eight days for the body to arrive in the US  a delay that may have been caused 'while the necessary paperwork was obtained for transportation'. The report said: 'The patient arrived at the CI facility, packed in dry ice, at 5:00pm on the 25th of October, approximately 8 days after death. 'The patient was then placed in the computer controlled cooling chamber to cool to liquid nitrogen temperature. 'The human cooling program from dry ice was selected and the time needed to cool the patient to liquid nitrogen temperature was 24 hours. 'The patient was then placed in a cryostat for longterm cryonic storage.' Dry ice has a temperature of minus 78c. (109.3f) Liquid nitrogen is much colder at minus 196c (-321F) The institute said at the time of her death  October 17, 2016  she was a member of the institute. Membership which costs $120 a year, with an initial charge of $75 allows cryopreservation at a reduced cost - $35,000. After the 14-year-old arrived, two further bodies have arrived at the cold store. Patient 144 was a 56 year old woman who arrived at Michigan by private jet, and patient 145 was a 78-year-old female from Michigan  who arrived much sooner  within two hours after death. Advertisement

The frozen 'fountain of youth'? Or false hope for those desperate to live forever? Controversial cryonics method sees people suspended in time waiting for a medical miracle

Cold storage: Bodies and heads are held in tanks like these and will be kept at -196 C in the hope one day they can be 'woken up'

It is illegal to place a living human into cryonic preservation and the process can only be carried out once a client has been declared dead.

While some chose to preserve their whole body, which can cost up to 150,000, others opt for the cheaper option of freezing just their brain at a cost of 60,000, in the hope it can be transplanted into a living body.

All this is done despite no evidence a human or any other animal can survive the process.

The preservation process begins by moving a body to an ice bed and cover them in a loose, slushy layer of ice.

A device called a 'heart-lung resuscitator' is used to get the blood pumping through the body again, and medication is applied to the body to prevent the cells from deteriorating.

Blood and bodily fluids are drained, then they are replaced with a solution like antifreeze.

Major blood vessels are then flushed of any blood before being swabbed with the antifreeze solution.

Kim Suozzi was diagnosed with an aggressive form of brain cancer and died in 2013 knowing she would be frozen. Matheryn Naovaratpong, from Thailand, right, is thought to be the youngest person ever cryogenically preserved after she died last year

The antifreeze solution is used so that ice crystals do not form and damage any cells.

The body is then cooled down to about 0.5 degrees Celsius every hour until the final temperature of -196 degrees C achieved over three weeks then the frozen body is stored.

According to experts, there is no evidence that a whole human body can survive the process.

'Cryopreservation is a remarkable technology which allows us to store living cells, almost indefinitely, at ultra-low temperatures,' said Professor Barry Fuller, Professor in Surgical Science and Low Temperature Medicine at UCL.

WHERE CAN YOU BE FROZEN AFTER YOUR DEATH? Cryonics Institute - Clinton Township, Michigan Alcor Life extension Foundation - Scotsdale, Arizona Oregon Cryonics  Salem, Oregon TransTime - San Leandro , San Francisco The US is no longer the sole preserve or cryogenics, with Russian firm KrioRus becoming one of the first to set up outside of the US. Advertisement

'It has many useful applications in day to day medicine, such as cryopreserving blood cells, sperm and embryos.

'We have learnt that to survive the process, cells have to be treated with special non-toxic antifreezes, and to be handled in very specific ways. In fact, if they are to survive, frozen cells are not 'frozen'  they must contain no ice crystals, which would otherwise invariably kill them.

'However, cryopreservation has not yet been successfully applied to large structures, such as human kidneys for transplantation, because we have not yet adequately been able to produce suitable equipment to optimise all the steps,' Professor Fuller added.

'This is why we have to say that at the moment we have no objective evidence that a whole human body can survive cryopreservation with cells which will function after rearming.'

Matheryn Naovaratpong, from Thailand, is thought to be the youngest person ever cryogenically preserved.

The toddler was diagnosed with an aggressive form of cancer last April after she failed to wake up one morning, Motherboard's Brian Merchant reports

After being admitted to a Bangkok hospital, tests revealed she had a 11cm tumour in the left side of her brain.

In 2013 Kim Suozzi, 23, of St Louis, ignored the wishes of her religious family and decided to have her head placed in cryogenic storage after she entered into the final stages of her life.

Diagnosed with an aggressive form of Glioblastoma multiforme, Kim died on January 17th and spent the final two weeks of her life at a hospice in Scottsdale, Arizona, so that she was near to the cryopreservation center that she chose.

Kim had used the website Reddit to successfully help raise the $70,000 in funds she needed to fulfil her desire to have her head placed in cryonic preservation.
A Minnesota mother has sued her 17-year-old transgender daughter, claiming she started undergoing a male to female gender transition without her permission.

Anmarie Calgaro filed a lawsuit on Wednesday against her daughter and several agencies and health-care providers claiming her parental rights had been infringed when they helped the teen facilitate the sex-reassignment treatment without her knowledge.

Calgaro - who refers to her child as a male - claims she was not consulted or informed in any way about the treatments before they started.

The teenager, identified in the lawsuit as J.D.K, lives away from her mother.

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Anmarie Calgaro filed a lawsuit in a Minnesota court on Wednesday against her daughter, 17, and several agencies claiming she wasn't informed about a male to female gender transition

Calgaro - who refers to her child as a male - claims she was not consulted or informed in any way about the treatments before they started. The teenager is pictured left with her mother before the transition and right during. Her identity has not been revealed

The teenager (pictured), identified in the lawsuit as J.D.K, lives away from her mother. She also filed for emancipation, but her mother's legal rights have not been terminated

'Not only was I robbed of the opportunity to help my son make good decisions, but I also feel he was robbed of a key advocate in his life, his mother,' Calgaro told reporters outside of court on Wednesday.

She claims Mid-Minnesota Legal Aid Clinic helped the teenager file an emancipation statement in court in June 2015, but no official legal action was taken to terminate the mother's rights.

The statement, included in the complaint, states that the teenager's mother 'made it known to him that she no longer wishes to have any contact with him' and that she 'knows where he is and has made no attempts to bring him home'.

The teen said while Calgaro had legal custody, she did not report her child as a runaway even six months after the teenager left home.

The teen (pictured) said while Calgaro had legal custody, she did not report her child as a runaway even six months after the teenager left home

Calgaro filed the lawsuit on Wednesday at St Paul Court in Minnesota (pictured)

Anmarie Calgaro claims Mid-Minnesota Legal Aid Clinic helped the teenager file an emancipation statement in court in June 2015, but no official legal action was taken to terminate the mother's rights

Under Minnesota law, a minor living separately from their parents - with or without consent - and is managing personal income and affairs may give effective consent to personal medical services.

Calgaro, who lives in northeastern Minnesota while her child lives in central Minnesota, has disputed the claims about her relationship with the teenager.

'Suddenly, my son, without any notice to me, no longer was under my supervision,' Calgaro told reporters.

The mother said Park Nicollet Health Services, Fairview Health Services and the St. Louis County School District won't give her access to any of the teen's records.

She added that state Medical Assistance funds are aiding the teenager to live independently and pay for medications related to the gender transition.

Calgaro gave a press conference at the court on Wednesday with her lawyer Erick Kaardal

Calgaro's attorney Erick Kaardal said the lawsuit aims to restore the mother's parental rights.

It is challenging a state law that allows minors to obtain medical treatment and procedures without parental approval.

Calgaro told reporters she was not opposed to the teenager's gender transition, but she wanted the child to 'slow down'.

The teenager turns 18 in July next year.
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With up to 30,000 twinkling Christmas lights, assorted snowmen, Santas and several reindeer it must be one of the earliest festive houses in Britain.

Though it is still only November the dazzling display has gone up on a quiet suburban street.

The display is the work of Christmas obsessives Michael and Lyn Farnes who spend thousands every year on the show.

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Michael Farnes in the middle of his huge festive scene which he puts up outside his home in Hove every year. This year he will use his display to raise money for PDSA

A handmade Santa sleigh and reindeer, just one part of the incredible scene put together by Mr Farnes and his wife Lyn every year

The displays always cause people to stop in their cars in the streets and some to knock on their door to ask about the lights

Each year they plan their pageant of festive lights in the hope of outstripping their previous year's show.

Mr Farnes, 53, of Hove, said: 'Every year I buy something new for the display in the hope of bringing extra delight to viewers.

'It is a lot of work and it costs quite a bit but my wife and I love doing it and we get real pleasure from the faces of the children who stop and admire it.

'I have bought items from everywhere, even the United States, and we are immensely proud of it.'

The couple have been adorning their home in Amberley Drive for around 10 years creating an incredible display that causes cars to stop in the street and people to knock on their door.

Mr Farnes, 53, a Christmas obsessive, tries to top his work from the year before every year and says he and his wife Lyn look forward to building the scene

Around 200 metres of electric cable feeds an estimated 30,000 twinkling fairy lights in a multitude of attractions.

Among them are around 25 snowmen, 40 Santas, elves, reindeers, sleighs, penguins, robins, polar bears.

There is even a full nativity scene, a huge out-sized Father Christmas sculpture and an icy pond.

For Mr Farnes, who works at a supermarket, and his wife it is a labour of love that has become something they look forward to each year.

He said: 'It's a devil when a lightbulb goes because some of them are difficult to replace. I must go through dozens every year.

'Also it takes days and days to set up and I have to have a special electrical control station to keep it all going.'

He said neighbours and visitors are largely supportive of the display but always ask him how big his electricity bill is.

Around 200 metres of electric cable feeds an estimated 30,000 twinkling fairy lights in a multitude of attractions including 25 snowmen, 40 Santas as well as elves, reindeer and penguins

He said: 'Luckily because most of the lights are LED it is not too bad on my electricity bill. I just hope I don't cause a power cut.'

Every year the couple nominate three charities to benefit from the donations they receive from parents who visit with their children.

They have been doing the display for 10 years and over that time they have raised thousands of pounds for a variety of animals charities.

This year they are raising money for the PDSA and hope to be able to hand over hundreds of pounds.

Mr Farne said: 'We aim to split the money between a few charities but we haven' t decided what others to fundraise for this year.'
A young family has been rescued after they were missing in a remote woodlands area for two days.

Jason and Melissa McAlister, and two of their children, aged eights months and two years, vanished after heading out for a drive on Tuesday in Grays Harbor County, Washington.

They were reported missing Tuesday evening after no one showed up to meet the school bus bringing the older children, aged five and seven, home, Grays Harbor County deputy Steve Shumate said.

But they were rescued on Thursday after a hunter spotted the stranded family and then drove them to get help.

Jason and Melissa McAlister, and two of their children, aged eights months and two years, have been found after they were missing for two days in the woods near Seattle

Jason McAlister (pictured with one of his daughters) spoke to reporters on Thursday after the family was rescued by hunters who spotted them

Jason McAlister explained to reporters how the family's van got stuck on a remote logging road southwest of Seattle on Tuesday.

The 33-year-old father the family tried to walk out to get help after the van got stuck on Tuesday afternoon, but darkness fell and as temperatures fell into the 30s, they spent the night on the side of the road in a shelter he built with fir boughs leaned against a rock face.

Early Wednesday they walked back to the van, warmed up with the heater, listened to the radio and watched DVDs.

He said they headed out again Thursday, and that's when they were spotted by hunters.
Downing Street has warned peers they face a drastic curtailing of their powers if they try to block the triggering of Brexit.

Number Ten delivered the ultimatum amid mounting fears inside Government that the Supreme Court will rule that Parliament must have a vote on Article 50. Insiders believe it is now highly unlikely that the Governments appeal will be successful.

This will present the unelected House of Lords with an opportunity to block Brexit for up to a year  causing chaos to the Downing Street timetable.

Theresa May (pictured) opted to appeal the High Courts judgment that Parliament must be given a formal vote

Yesterday, ministers formally put plans to curb the power of the House of Lords on hold.

But Lords leader Baroness Evans warned that if peers do not maintain discipline then we would have to reflect on this decision.

It appeared to be a clear warning to the House not to vote against the triggering of Article 50 should the Government lose its case.

If peers do seek to frustrate the process for article 50, the plans could be revived.

Ministers had been planning to trip the Lords of their power to veto laws known as statutory instruments (SIs).

The idea was first suggested by David Camerons Government last year after ministers suffered a humiliating defeat over George Osbornes plans to cut tax credits in October.

Under the proposals, peers would have been limited to asking MPs to think again about planned legislation, leaving the final decision to the elected House of Commons.

Senior Government sources said the aim was to have a constructive relationship with the Lords ahead of the Supreme Court Ruling.

Theresa May opted to appeal the High Courts judgment that Parliament must be given a formal vote on the triggering of article 50  the formal two year process for quitting the EU.

She argues the emphatic result of the June 23 referendum is sufficient.

But senior Government figures have told the Mail that they are deeply pessimistic about the appeals chances.

As a result, planning is now under way on how to respond to the expected defeat.

Depending on what the Supreme Court demands, a short Act of Parliament would be tabled saying the UK has the authority to leave the EU.

Ministers are confident the legislation would be passed by MPs, despite the bluster of recent weeks. Labour has said it will not seek to oppose or delay article 50.

However, there is deep concern that the House of Lords  in which the Tories have no majority  could seek to block the Bill.

In theory, they could delay it by up to a year. This would mean Mrs May could not trigger Article 50 until 2018  and would face a race against time to get Britain out of the Brussels club by 2020.

I would have stuck to my guns because I think theyre going to live to regret it on all of the Brexit stuff coming down the pipe Lord Digby Jones

One source said: You would hope they would see sense and realise the consequences of defying the wishes of the electorate. That cannot be taken for granted, though.

The Lords breathed a sigh of relief at yesterdays announcement. But it was made clear to them that the respite will only be temporary if they frustrate the Governments wishes.

Some Peers said the Government should not have granted the stay of execution.

Lord Digby Jones said the move is a big mistake and risks peers blocking Brexit.

The crossbench peer suggested the PM has miscalculated if she thinks treating the Lords well now will win peers support on crunch votes in the future.

He told the BBC Radio 4 Today programme: I would have stuck to my guns because I think theyre going to live to regret it on all of the Brexit stuff coming down the pipe.

When youve got eight Liberal (Democrats) in the Commons and youve got 100 Liberal (Democrats) in the Lords and they want actually to stay in the EU and theyll do anything to stay in the EU, I think theyll rue the day.
Champagne at under 10 and fine red wines for less than 6 mean Christmas need not break the budget.

Drinks sold by the discount chain Aldi have beaten much more expensive products in blind tastes by the consumer group Which?.

The victory suggests the nation's supermarkets will be fighting something of a Christmas price war on fizz, despite warnings that the Brexit vote would push up prices.

According to a taste test run by Which? the German supermarket's own brands are as good as or better than some of the leading names in bubbly and red wines

Topping the list is one of the more expensive bottles, a Piper-Heidsieck, left, but at 9.99 the Aldi own brand, centre, is a good alternative. Right, Sainsbury's Blanc de Blancs comes in second at 20

Supermarket rivals will have to match the 10 champagne from Aldi.

Just last week, Tesco launched a promotion for its award winning Louis Delaunay champagne at 9 a bottle.

The Which? taste tests named a Piper Heidsieck Champagne Brut Non Vintage, which costs 30, as the best.

But third place went to Aldi's Veuve Monsigny Champagne Brut, which is just 9.99 a bottle and beat many famous names.

Surprisingly, it scored better than Laurent-Perrier Brut, which costs 38, and Veuve Clicquot Yellow Label Ponsardin, at 35.

Aldi came out on top in a category for the 'best winter red' with its Exquisite Collection Argentinian Malbec 2016, which costs just 5.99. The tasters praised its 'big red fruit flavours and rich tannins'.

The cheapest bottle is also the best according to the Which? survey. Pictured left, Aldi's 5.99 Malbec topped the winter red list, while Spar's Malbec Pays d'Or came second at 1p more. Waitrose Cabernet Sauvignon was third, but 7.49 a bottle

In a separate survey of more than 2,000 Which? members, turkeys from Aldi were voted as matching those sold by Marks & Spencer, Waitrose or Morrisons in terms of taste. Independent shops and butchers came out top overall for taste.

The editor of Which? magazine, Richard Headland, said: 'You don't have to fork out a fortune for your Christmas tipple this year, with supermarket own-label products coming out above well-known more expensive brands.

'Discount retailers continue to provide good-quality festive produce at affordable prices.'

In another accolade, Aldi was named 'Innovator of the Year' at the International Wine & Spirits competition this week. The award follows a long list of new product launches including a craft beer and craft wine range.

The retailer has just launched a luxury range of wines and spirits in time for Christmas. It claims these are up to 74per cent cheaper than equivalent products from rival retailers.

The list includes Chevalier 1989 Grande Champagne Cognac at 29.99, which Aldi claims is equivalent to Ragnaud-Sabourin 1990 Grande Champagne at 119.91.

The spirits buyer at Aldi's German budget rival Lidl, Hannah Cvetkovic, was named Retail Spirits Buyer of the Year at the same awards.
Labor's Bill Shorten says welfare debate is 'hijacked by alarmist rhetoric'

The Coalition wants to taper the country off its reliance on welfare payouts

More than 1.5 million people born overseas are receiving welfare payments in Australia, according to recently released data.

The percentage of migrants on welfare is hugely disproportionate to the number actually in the country, reports The Australian.

About 2.5 million people are currently receiving the Age Pension alone, with almost half of that total coming from overseas countries.

Bill Shorten (pictured) argued the debate was 'hijacked by alarmist rhetoric, by ideology, by chest-beating scaremongering about time-bombs, blowouts and bludgers'

At a Social Services council conference in Sydney on Thursday, Australia's welfare reliance was front and centre.

The Coalition made it clear its objective was to increase self-reliance and taper off dependence on welfare payments.

But Labor leader Bill Shorten argued the debate was 'hijacked by alarmist rhetoric, by ideology, by chest-beating scaremongering about time-bombs, blowouts and bludgers'.

However the results detail an alarming reality.

Migrants from Greece, Italy and Britain represent an overwhelmingly large proportion of migrants on welfare payments in Australia

Migrants from Greece, Italy and Britain represent an overwhelmingly large proportion of migrants on welfare payments.

Overseas migrants from the Middle East also make up a big proportion of those on income support and the carer pension.

People from Iraq also account for less than one per cent of the Australian population, but represent 3.77 per cent of those on the carer payment welfare.

The Iraqi population is closely followed by the Lebanese-Australian population who comprise about three per cent of the entire population receiving carer payments.

About 2.5 million people are currently receiving pay-outs on Age Pension alone

Lebanese-Australians also claim a large proportion of the disability support pension in Australia.

Sudanese people make up just 0.09 per cent of Australia's population but receive a whopping 0.57 per cent of the entire Dole welfare  more than six times their representation in the general population.

But while Sudanese represent a large portion of the Dole payouts, respectively, they represent just 0.02 per cent of the Age Pension.

The figures overwhelmingly paint a picture of migrant reliance on Australia's back pocket, but the Centre for Independent Studies said the figures could be explained.

Research fellow Jeremy Sammut (pictured) said people from overseas faced somewhat greater barriers to entering the workforce

Research fellow Jeremy Sammut said people from overseas faced somewhat greater barriers to entering the workforce.

'That might be because they have limited English or arrive as refugees with few skills to find work in the modern world,' he told The Australian.

And while migrants are over-represented on the age pension, income support pension and the carer payment, Australian-born Australians also tip the scale in other areas of welfare.

Australian-born Australians are largely over-represented on the dole and disability support pensions in particular.

Australians represent about 71 per cent of Australia's population, but receive 73 per cent of Dole pay-outs, and a whopping 77 per cent of the disability support.

New Zealand people represent about 2.6 per cent of Australia's population but claims only 2.05 per cent of the Age pension

One of the few nationalities which was underrepresented on Australia's welfare list was New Zealand.

New Zealand people represent about 2.6 per cent of Australia's population but claim only 2.05 per cent of the age pension, 1.6 per cent of the carer payment, 1.9 per cent of the disability support and 2.3 per cent of dole payments.

The newly released data comes from the Department of Social Services, and while much of the information has now been made public under Freedom of Information laws, some remains hidden.
Phil Shiner (pictured) and his firm, Public Interest Lawyers, is understood to face charges in relation to the Al-Sweady inquiry

A lawyer who has spent more than a decade hounding British soldiers has dropped his demand that a hearing into claims that he drummed up cases be held in secret.

Phil Shiner  who made his name suing the Government at taxpayers expense  abandoned his fight to be granted anonymity at the upcoming six-week disciplinary hearing.

The accusations against Mr Shiner and his firm, Public Interest Lawyers, will now be heard in public in a huge victory for soldiers who have suffered years of torment.

Mr Shiners decision follows a legal fight by the Daily Mail and other newspapers which argued that the case should be heard on the grounds of open justice.

The Birmingham-based human rights lawyer and boss of the now defunct firm PIL, faces a lengthy charge sheet over alleged breaches of the solicitors code of conduct.

Details of the charges put forward by legal watchdog the Solicitors Regulation Authority will now be made public in the coming weeks.

They are understood to centre on his role in the 31million Al-Sweady war crimes inquiry and claims he used a Basra agent who touted for business in the aftermath of the Iraq War.

The Al-Sweady inquiry looked at allegations of murder and torture by British forces but exonerated them and branded the claims made by clients of PIL and another law firm as deliberate and calculated lies.

Mr Shiners firm had handed 2,470 allegations of criminality by British troops to the Iraq Historical Allegations Team before PIL shut down in August this year after its legal aid was pulled.

The majority of the cases handed to Ihat  funded by taxpayers at a cost of 57million  will be thrown out in the coming months.

Mr Shiner, who forced hundreds of soldiers to be put through endless legal battles on behalf of suing Iraqis, said he was too unwell to have his hearing in public.

But lawyers acting for him have relented and said they would not seek the secret hearings after this newspaper fought the application.

Last night Martin McGing, a former guardsman in the Irish Guards, who faced three investigations over the death of an Iraqi looter in 2003, said it was finally Mr Shiners turn to be in the dock.

He had already been cleared of manslaughter by a court marital but his case was handed to Ihat by PIL in 2010, starting a five-year investigation. The case was thrown out.

Mr McGing, 33, said: We have been forced to go through years of questioning and had our names dragged through the mud. His actions have caused so much misery and now it is his turn to be questioned. It is outrageous the idea of allowing Mr Shiner to have the case against him heard in secret was even entertained.

The Al-Sweady Inquiry revolved around allegations that British soldiers unlawfully killed Iraqi civilians

The fact he has been forced to drop this demand means we can now hear every detail of the charges against him.

PIL, which received millions of pounds in legal aid, was investigated by the SRA following a complaint by the Ministry of Defence.

After an 18-month investigation, the watchdog decided to refer the case on to its disciplinary tribunal over serious allegations of professional misconduct.

The SRA decided to charge Mr Shiner and lawyer John Dickinson, who represented Iraqi claimants. A tribunal in London will now hear the case against the pair and decide whether they should be struck off.

Mr Shiner is also under investigation by the National Crime Agency and could face criminal charges over allegations his firm bribed Iraqis to bring claims against UK troops.

The Mail has campaigned for an end to the witch-hunt against British troops, which has seen hundreds of serving and former troops hounded relentlessly over incidents which happened a decade ago. Ihat is currently still examining 1,009 claims of wrongdoing  down from 3,367  a figure which is expected to drop to just 60 by next summer. No one has been charged with any crimes.
Sophia was in pain going through labour with her daughter, but nothing could pull her away from 'her friend, the machine'.

On the day the New Zealand woman gave birth, she had been playing the slot machines, also known as pokies, for nine hours straight.

'I'd gotten into a terribly lonely place, a solo mother on her own and about to have a baby,' she told Seven Sharp.

'The most important thing she could do was sit with her friend, the machine, and tap, tap, tap, tap.'

Sophia (pictured on Seven Sharp) was in pain going through labour with her daughter, but nothing could pull her away from 'her friend the machine'

On the day the New Zealand woman gave birth, she had been playing the slot machines, also known as pokies, for nine hours straight

Her pokie addiction cast a shadow over her life for 13 years and she believes in that time she poured a fortune into the machines.

And it all started with a win.

'I put in $20 and I got a free spin straight away and then I won the jackpot, $996,' the mum said.

'After that it was like, " Can I do it again? Can I do it again? Can I do it again?"'

That glimmer of hope had Sophia addicted, but she says the money she won does not even compare to the amount she lost.

She has now recovered and has poured her energy into creating art.

Sophia's pokie addiction cast a shadow over her life for 13 years and she believes in that time she poured a fortune into the machines

In Australia, up to 500,000 people have, or are at risk of having, a serious problem with gambling

Nine out of 10 female problem gamblers have particular problems with poker machines (stock image)

In Australia, up to 500,000 people have, or are at risk of having, a serious problem with gambling.

From 2008 to 2009 about $19 billion was spent by Australians on gambling, around $12 billion of which was spent playing the pokies, according to Problem Gambling.

Three out of four problem gamblers have particular problems with poker machines.
She's best known as the terrified wife of Jack Nicholson's psychopathic caretaker in 'The Shining' - but today Shelley Duvall lives with a different kind of fear.

In these scenes from Friday's edition of Dr. Phil, the reclusive 67-year-old actress reveals the heartbreaking truth about how she sees the world.

That includes the belief that night workers want to hurt her, and that Robin Williams is a shapeshifter who has visited her since his death.

Iconic actress: Shelley Duvall, almost unrecognizable from her appearance in 'The Shining' (pictured), reveals her struggle with mental illness on Friday's edition of Dr. Phil

Heartbreaking: Reclusive former actress Duvall believes that her 'Popeye' co-star Robin Williams lives on as a shapeshifter - and that he's visited her in several forms

While her mental illness was once the source of gossipy fodder for the National Enquirer, this is the first time the world has seen the 67-year-old in over a decade.

Duvall is clearly troubled, and seems to live a fearful life, reportedly living as a recluse in the town of Blanco, Texas, since her retirement in 2002.

But when Dr. Phil asks about Robin Williams - who she starred alongside, as Olive Oyl, in 1980's 'Popeye' - her face lights up.

'I had a great time on Popeye. Robin' - she chuckes - 'I loved Robin. He was so much fun to work with. He came up with the best jokes outta nowhere, like off camera.'

Tragic: Duvall also told Dr. Phil that people were trying to hurt her at night - particularly bank security, off-duty police and taxi drivers. Her reason for displaying the pen was not clear

Struggling: Dr. Phil was visibly concerned as Duvall relayed her thoughts to him. Duvall disappeared from the public eye in 2000, and lives a reclusive life in Blanco, Texas

But when Dr. Phil says how sad he was to hear of Williams's death, Duvall says she doesn't believe he's dead.

'What do you think happened?' asks Dr. Phil.

'Well beetles escapes,' she replies, her thoughts and speech clearly disorganized. 'I dont know, stones escapes.' She gives a weary half-laugh.

'Where do you think he is?' the doctor asks.

'Shapeshifting,' she replies, with a little chuckle. 'He looks real good in some forms and in other forms he doesnt.'

'Do you see him?' Dr. Phil enquires. 'Half, yes,' Duvall replies.

Help: Dr. Phil promised he is there to help Duvall - and his presence certainly seemed to comfort her. The nature of her illness, and how he can help, will be revealed on Friday's show

Dr. Phil asks how she's feeling physically, and her response is startling: 'Well, you know, damned if I do, damned if I dont.

'I mean, if I say Im healthy, first thing theyll do is hurt me tonight.'

The doctor asks who 'they' are, and she begins to ramble: 'Whoever is in the security... or at the bank...'

She pauses to pick up a black-and-white pen on a table, then holds it up mysteriously as she continues: 'Doing night work...'

With a conspiratorial look off-camera, she asks: 'Whos doing off-duty police work - in black and white? Taxiing?'

'Well thats what I want to help you with,' Dr. Phil says, 'because it sounds like you feel like you have some people that are trying to hurt you...'

'This is okay right now,' Duvall says, indicating the room. 'Good,' the TV host replies.

Big role: Duvall played Olive Oyl in the 1980 film Popeye, opposite Robin Williams. In a lighter moment from the interview, she recalls how he would make her laugh on set

Friends: Duvall appears to believe she is still in contact will Williams, though she can only 'half' see him, because of his supernatural nature

It's not yet clear what mental illness the star is suffering from, but an earlier trailer for Friday's show does provide further insight into her fears.

'The man who is threatening me is the Sheriff of Nottingham,' she implores.

And pointing to her leg, the former Hollywood starlet also claims 'there's a whirring disc inside of me.'

In a moment of clarity Duvall looks at Dr. Phil and begs for help: 'I'm very sick, I need help.'

Dr. Phil replies: 'That's why I am here.'

Windows to the soul: Shelley (seen here left in 1970) was known for her doe eyes and waif figure in the late Seventies and Eighties but has been living as a recluse for over a decade. Robin Williams is pictured right in 1980

It has been 14 years since Duvall starred in a film, with National Enquirer reporting in 2009 that she was a recluse that believed aliens were living in her body.

The magazine went to Blanco, Texas, to collect stories from its 1,500 residents about the actress and insensitively titled the piece online as 'Shelley demented'.

If you or someone you know is struggling with a mental health issue and is in crisis, call US 1-800-273-TALK (8255) to reach a 24-hour crisis center. Or, to find support and resources, contact the National Institute of Mental Health Information Resources and Inquiries Branch on 301-443-4513.
The president told of hopes to find 'the next Michelle and Barack Obama'

For his part, he will focus on finding new leadership in Democratic party

President Obama (above in Germany on Thursday) has revealed his plans to work with the D.N.C and find new party leadership after he leaves the White House

Barack Obama has revealed his plan to rebuild the Democratic party and mold its new leader after he leaves the White House.

In an in-depth interview with The New Yorker on Thursday, the President told how he would help his successor Donald Trump settle in to the role before vacating it.

Once out of office, he hopes to dedicate himself to training and advising a new wave of politicians, the next 'Michelle and Barack... who right now is sitting out there'.

'What we'll be most interested in is programming that helps the next Michelle Obama or the next Barack Obama,' he said towards the end of the mammoth feature.

He will also offer advice to the Democratic party and help it find its new leader, he said.

'I think now I have some responsibility to at least offer my counsel to those who will continue to be elected officials about how the D.N.C. can help rebuild, how state parties and progressive organizations can work together.'

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He will also offer advice to the Democratic party and help it find its new leader, he said. Obama is pictured in Germany on Thursday

Obama's optimistic tone was the same one employed during his meeting with President-elect Trump on November 10 (above)

First, he intends to help President-elect Trump settle in to the role and, as observed by the New Yorker, firmly instructed staff to welcome the new administration graciously in to the White House when the shock election result came in on November 9.

In a meeting with staff the day after the election, he told them to be 'gracious hosts' when welcoming their successors and praised the Bush Administration for its 'efficiency' in handing over the reigns to his own team in 2008.

Determined not to lose hope in the face of the shock election result, he steered away from the hysteria sweeping other Democrats and told the publication: 'This is not the apocalypse.'

It is the same tone as was used by the President immediately after his first meeting with President-elect Trump last week.

President Obama also told of hopes to find 'the next Barack and Michelle' (above together in 2013)

'I want to emphasize to you, Mr. President-elect, that we now are going to want to do everything we can to help you succeed because if you succeed, then the country succeeds,' he told his successor in front of gathered media.

Later, as he spoke at Arlington National Cemetery to commemorate his last Veterans Day as president, he employed the same optimism.

'Veterans Day often follows a hard-fought political campaign, an exercise in the free speech and self-government that you fought for.

'It often lays bare disagreements across our nation.

'But the American instinct has never been to find isolation in opposite corners. It is to find strength in our common creed, to forge unity from our great diversity, to sustain that strength and unity even when it is hard,' he said.

Earlier in his address, he encouraged citizens to look towards veterans for strength when they become cynical.

President Obama also told of hopes to find new leadership in the Democratic party. Hillary Clinton's running mate Tim Kaine (right) was among those he mentioned

President Obama stopped short of naming a favorite to lead the Democratic party on Thursday but listed several promising figures.

Among them were Clinton's running mate Tim Kaine, California Attorney General Kamala Harris, Pete Buttigieg, the gay ex-Navy mayor of South Bend, Indiana, and Colorado Senator Michael Bennett.

The article's publication coincided with President Obama's trip to Germany, his last in his role, where he enjoyed a farewell dinner with Angela Merkel.

He has already visited Athens and will meet with British, French and Italian leaders before returning to the US.
Scots are enjoying nearly 1,500 more per head in public spending than the rest of the UK, Treasury figures show.

Some 56.6billion was spent north of the border in 2015/16  10,536 for every man, woman and child and 1,460 more than the 9,076 figure across the rest of the UK.

The difference between people living in England and Scotland is even greater. The average spend on a person living south of the border is only 8,816  a gap of 1,720. This is up by 109 in the past year.

Scots are enjoying nearly 1,500 more per head in public spending than the rest of the UK, Treasury figures show (file picture)

The spending gap will further undermine the SNPs attempts to make the case for independence  particularly following the collapse in oil revenues.

The UK Government said the figures showed the union dividend  and reveal the pressure that Scotland would face if it became independent.

Some 41 per cent of all spending in Scotland goes on social protection, mainly made up of benefit payments.

Scottish Secretary David Mundell said: Public spending in Scotland is higher than the rest of the UK  now by almost 1,500 per person per year - despite a rising budget deficit on the Scottish Governments watch. This illustrates the value to Scotland of being part of a strong, broad-shouldered United Kingdom.

The new figures, published by the Treasury, show that 56.6 billion of public money was spent in Scotland in 2015/16, which was 6.6 per cent higher than 53.1 billion in 2011/12.

Scottish Secretary David Mundell said the figures showed Scotland's value in staying part of the United Kingdom

The total spent per head of population was 10,536 in Scotland, compared to 9076 across the whole of the UK and 8816 in England. The gap between spending in Scotland and England has increased from 1580 in 2011/12 to 1720 in 2015/16.

The benefits bill in Scotland has increased by 7.9 per cent over the last five years, from 53.1 billion in 2011/12 to 56.6 billion in 2015/16.

Ian Murray, Labours shadow Scottish Secretary said: These figures confirm that being part of the UK means there is more money to spend on public services like schools and the NHS in Scotland.

Even the SNPs own numbers show that leaving the UK would mean spending cuts and tax rises worth at least 15 billion a year over and above those already being imposed by the Tories. Independence would put at risk the life chances of future generations of Scots.

Instead of trying to force another referendum on the people of Scotland, the SNP should focus on the day job of improving schools, sorting out the mess they have made of the trains, and fixing the NHS.

Murdo Fraser, finance spokesman for the Scottish Conservatives, said: Once again, this is evidence of the union dividend we get for being part of a wider union of nations - helping to pay for vital public services across the country.

It cant be repeated often enough that the SNP wants to bring this to an end, leaving Scotland with a 15 billion deficit - and no plan to fill it.

Scotland contributes to the UK, and receives a fair share back in return. The SNP should dump its threat of a second referendum on independence and get on with doing the job we pay it to do.

A Scottish Government spokesman said: Of course, these figures only describe one side of the equation when it comes to public finances  with no comparison for public sector revenues. Scottish revenue has been on average 630 per person a year higher than in the UK as a whole since devolution.

The UK Governments austerity policies are cutting the spending available for public services in Scotland. The UK Government has cut Scotlands discretionary budget by 2.4 billion in real terms since 2010-11 and it will be further cut by almost 1 billion in real terms between 2015-16 and 2019-20.
MPs lavished more than 116,000 of taxpayers cash on staff bonuses last year  with the SNP handing out the biggest slice.

At a time when many private sector workers face pay freezes or cuts, 58 MPs shelled out bonuses ranging from 50 to 3,000.

Total expenses claims for MPs soared by more than 7million in a year, costing 113.6million for 2015/16 compared with 106million in 2014/15.

MPs lavished more than 116,000 of taxpayers cash on staff bonuses last year  with the SNP handing out the biggest slice. Alex Salmond (l) was the most generous employer, splashing out 10,000. He also had the biggest claims for travel and subsistence, 48,470.66. Liam Fox (r), the International Trade Secretary, paid staff 4,500 in bonuses before his return to the Government

Despite accounting for fewer than 10 per cent of MPs, bonuses for SNP staff amounted to nearly half the bonus pool. Of the 116,345 spent on rewards and recognition payments, 52,195 went directly to SNP staff.

Alex Salmond was the most generous employer, splashing out 10,000. He also had the biggest claims for travel and subsistence, 48,470.66.

SNP colleague Stewart McDonald, MP for Glasgow South, billed taxpayers 9,550 for staff rewards and paid the single largest bonus of 3,000. John Nicolson, SNP MP for East Dunbartonshire, handed staff 7,000 in extra bonuses.

Liam Fox, the International Trade Secretary, paid staff 4,500 in bonuses before his return to the Government. It is understood the pay was for staff who did extra work beyond their normal duties at a very busy time. Victoria Borwick, Tory MP for Kensington, gave staff 4,000 in bonuses.

SECURITY SPENDING FOR MPs SOARS SINCE JO COX KILLING Security spending for MPs has soared in the wake of the killing of Jo Cox Security spending for MPs has soared in the wake of the killing of Jo Cox. Figures released under Freedom of Information laws showed that MPs have spent 637,791 since June 16, when the mother of two was shot and stabbed as she was on her way to hold a constituency surgery. The figure is four times more than in the previous year, when MPs spent 160,000 on security. In 2013/14, MPs spent just 77,000 on security. According to Ipsa, the Independent Parliamentary Standards Authority, 66 MPs were granted enhanced security packages after the killing of Mrs Cox, indicating that police may consider they are at a greater risk. The expenses watchdog has also approved 124 applications for lone worker devices  which can connect users to the authorities  for MPs and staff since the death of the Labour MP for Batley and Spen. Advertisement

MPs in London have a staffing budget of 147,000 while those outside can claim up to 140,000.

A spokesman for Ipsa, the parliamentary expenses watchdog, said: MPs can pay modest reward and recognition payments to a member of staff for excellent performance. These payments come from their staffing budget.

The level of reward and recognition payments is left to the individual MPs discretion. In 2015/16 payments were made by 58 MPs.

An SNP spokesman said: SNP MPs pay their staff in line with Ipsas rules.

Most of the overall rise was due to the one-off costs of winding up MPs offices after the 2015 election and starting new ones.

MPs who lost their seats got a total of 2.7million in golden goodbyes.

Some 13 MPs claimed more than 200,000 in expenses. Jim Shannon, DUP MP for Strangford, topped the list with total costs of 245,931.74.

An investigation earlier this year found his expenses accounted for a quarter of the staff mileage claimed by the House of Commons in 2014/15.

The lowest claiming MP for 2015/16 was Nick Thomas-Symonds, Labour MP for Torfaen, who claimed just 34.80  all on accommodation.

Only one other MP had total costs below 10,000  Philip Hollobone, Conservative MP for Kettering (8,396.90).
The misery faced by commuters across the country was laid bare yesterday as figures revealed more than 640 train journeys cancelled every day over the last year.

In total 233,606 train journeys were cancelled over the last 12 months  an increase of 20 per cent on the previous year, according to figures from he Office of Rail and Road.

The worst offender was Govia Thameslink Railway, which runs the embattled Southern rail franchise.

The worst offender was Govia Thamelink Railway, which operates Thameslink (pictured) services out of London Bridge

It also operates Thameslink, Great Northern and the Gatwick Express service.

Some 83,000 trains were cancelled by Govia in the last twelve months.

Commuters to and from London that rely on its services have faced an average of 228 cancelled trains a day.

Less than half of its trains on the busy Southern Mainline service between Brighton and London arrived within a minute of their scheduled arrival time.

The latest evidence of the deteriorating service on Britains railways comes as separate figures revealed rail companies are receiving more than twice as much in public funds from disruption than they are paying in compensation to customers.

Analysis of Department for Transport and Network Rail data revealed companies paid out 45 million in compensation to delayed passengers in England and Wales during the past year.

This represents a 73 per cent increase on the 26 million compensation paid out during the previous year.

But it is dwarfed by the 105 million rail firms received from Network Rail for unplanned disruption.

The biggest beneficiary was Govia which paid compensation worth a total of 2 million during 2015/16, while receiving 22million in public funds from Network Rail.

Network Rail makes payments to train companies for passenger delays caused by engineering works, infrastructure faults, vandalism and bad weather.

Southern says much of the disruption on its services has been caused by the multi-billion Thameslink engineering works, which has included upgrading London Bridge station.

But the figures are likely to anger passengers on Southern services who have suffered months of disruption caused by strikes over changes to the role of train guards.

Last night one MP said passengers would be horrified by the revelations.

They face more travel chaos over Christmas and the New Year with bosses at the Rail Maritime and Transport Union planning further walk outs by drivers and guards.

Robert Flello, a Labour member of the commons Transport Committee said: Passengers on Southern rail will be horrified by this, particularly given the huge profits these rail companies generate.

Yesterday rail minister Paul Maynard reiterated a pledge to make it easier for passengers to claim compensation, as a report from consumer group Transport Focus showed two in three eligible passenger still do not claim for compensation.

This is the despite the fact that the proportion of eligible passengers claiming has almost trebled over the past three years from 12 per cent in 2013 to 35 per cent year.

A 15 minute threshold for compensation is to be introduced on commuter services starting with long suffering passengers on the Southern franchise

This will replace the existing rule which stipulates that passengers can only claim if a train is more than thirty minutes late.

Of course, we must constantly strive to improve punctuality but if things go wrong, passengers need to know that they will be compensated fairly Paul Maynard, Rail Minister

Mr Maynard told the Commons that the 15 minute rule would be included in all future rail franchises.

He said: Of course, we must constantly strive to improve punctuality but if things go wrong, passengers need to know that they will be compensated fairly.

A spokesman for the Rail Delivery Group, representing train operators, described Network Rails payments as entirely separate from those made to passengers.

Govia said that in its case Network Rail payments were passed on to the Department for Transport.

It added that the company paid around 50 per cent per cent more compensation to passengers compared with the previous year.
A mother on her P-plates has been charged with high-range drink driving and speeding on her way to pick up her child from school.

The 29-year-old provisional two (P2) driver was stopped by police patrolling Blackbutts Road in Frenchs Forest, north of Sydney, on Thursday afternoon.

Officers allegedly detected her driving 82km/h in a 50km/h area, approaching a school zone.

A 29-year-old mother has been charged for driving over with high range drink driving and speeding (stock image)

She was driving her Holden Commodore without her P-plates and was not able to produce her licence.

When police spoke to the woman, she said she was on her way to pick up her child from school.

The driver was made to take a breath test and returned a positive result.

She was arrested and taken to the Frenchs Forest Police Station and subjected to a breath analysis, where she recorded a reading of 0.158.

She was stopped by police who allegedly detected she was driving 30km/h over the limit, approaching a school zone (stock image)

The woman was arrested and taken to Frenchs Forest Police station (pictured). She was also subjected to a breath analysis test and recorded an alcohol reading of 0.158

The woman was charged with high-range drink driving and received infringements for speeding 30km/h above the speed limit, not displaying her green P-plates and not producing her licence.

Her license was also suspended on the spot.
A 27-year-old drug dealer who admitted to having sex with a dog will await her sentencing behind bars.

Jenna Louise Driscoll attended Brisbane District Court on Friday for sentencing after pleading guilty to bestiality and three drug-related charges in August.

But Driscoll's sentencing wasreserved after a judge said bestiality acts were 'repulsive and goes against order of nature', 9 News reported.

During a pre-sentence submission in court, defence lawyer James Godbolt said Driscoll had been publicly shamed and had sex with her dog at the request of her then partner who filmed the incident.

Judge Terry Martin remanded Driscoll - who also admitted to stabbing someone with a fork, biting a child and trafficking cannabis - in custody.

Earlier on Friday, she arrived in court alongside her lawyer, staring at the ground as she avoided making eye contact with the waiting media photographers.

Jenna Louise Driscoll, 27, arrives at the Brisbane District Court in Queensland on Friday

Driscoll was formally charged in 2014 after police found videos of her having sex with a dog

She arrived in court alongside her lawyer, staring at the ground ahead of her sentencing

The court appearance comes after police uncovered a video of Driscoll performing the obscene act while they were investigating unrelated offences in 2014.

The charges laid against Driscoll came when police had earlier carried out checks on her mobile phone for suspected drug trafficking.

Following her court appearance in October 2014, Driscoll was pictured arriving home accompanied by an unidentified man and a pet dog.

The dog, believed to be a pitbull terrier, climbed the stairs to Driscoll's cream coloured residence, where neighbours say she has lived for some time.

Driscoll entered her house and remained for a very short amount of time, before leaving with the man in the sedan.

The 27-year-old Queensland woman had been charged after police discovered three videos of her having inappropriate sexual contact with the dog
Violent drug gangs are spreading from the inner cities to middle-class commuter towns to cash in on the trade in heroin and crack cocaine, police warned last night.

Organised criminals are taking over the supply networks in affluent locations such as Tunbridge Wells and Canterbury.

They recruit vulnerable children to courier drugs and cash, and even take over homes to use as temporary bases.

Gangs can make a profit of up to 2,000 a day selling cocaine (pictured) in affluent suburbs

Gangsters market their businesses with telephone hotlines and enforce debts with stun guns, acid attacks and boiling water.

Experts estimate each drug market is worth an average profit of at least 2,000 a day, with dealers selling around the clock.

The shocking assessment was made by the National Crime Agency in its latest report on the supply of illegal drugs in England and Wales.

It found that almost three-quarters of forces are trying to combat networks operating between urban centres and suburban or rural areas. In most cases, including areas around London, Birmingham and Manchester, gang members use train routes to reach new customers.

Almost every force reported that crime networks from London, particularly Somali gangs, are operating in their area.

They drum up custom by supplying cheaper and better quality drugs, while using threats and violence to force out local rivals.

They tend to use a local property, often the home of a drug user taken by force or coercion, as a base and often recruit women and children to transport the drugs and cash  in the belief that they are less likely to be stopped by police.

Drug dealers from Lewisham in south east London are now commuting to places like Canterbury (pictured) to sell their merchandise

The report said the activity generates considerable harm at both the urban core and within the county market location, while a key feature is the unrelenting recruitment, coercion and exploitation of young and vulnerable persons.

Police chiefs are particularly concerned at the emergence of a 24-hour drug market. Commuter towns are particularly at risk, as well as towns and cities with prisons or crown courts, because they are familiar to criminals.

One recent police operation revealed how arrests in the Thames Valley area were linked to a drug network in Cheltenham.

Other gangs are operating in cities and towns including Tunbridge Wells, Cambridge, Scarborough, Derby and Hastings.

One gang from Lewisham, south east London, was suspected of recruiting children as young as 14 from schools and youth clubs to act as footsoldiers.

Investigators discovered they were selling drugs in places as far away as Canterbury, Aylesham, Folkestone and Portsmouth.

Tony Saggers, who wrote the report, said that police should use anti-slavery legislation to help tackle some of the gangs. He said senior officers have been shocked by the threat posed to young and vulnerable people.
Scotland Yard chief says police should only confirm arrest has been made

Sir Bernard Hogan-Howe has provoked fury by suggesting arrests should be hidden behind a shroud of secrecy

Britain's most senior policeman provoked fury last night by backing a call to hide arrests behind a shroud of secrecy.

Sir Bernard Hogan-Howe said officers should release only the bare minimum of information when they take a suspect into custody.

The Scotland Yard commissioner, who stands down in February, said police should simply confirm they have made an arrest, with no further details.

His comments are the latest evidence of how chief constables are using the Leveson Inquiry as an excuse to launch a draconian crackdown on information.

Critics said the move would be reminiscent of a 'banana republic' in which people can disappear from the streets without trace. One contrasted the proposed crackdown with the openness of the US judicial system as an MP called for the plan to be debated in Parliament.

Sir Bernard's call came just days after Wiltshire Police refused to reveal the most basic details about its inquiry into former Tory prime minister Ted Heath. The force confirmed it had questioned two men but refused to reveal their ages, what they were held for or when and where their arrests took place.

The decision raised suspicions that senior officers are struggling to justify the progress of the 675,000, 16-month inquiry into a man who died 11 years ago. Last week, a retired High Court judge ripped apart Scotland Yard's handling of an inquiry into VIP child sex allegations, uncovering 43 failings. Sir Richard Henriques lambasted the force for falling for the claims of a suspected fantasist, needlessly prolonging the anguish of blameless suspects and misleading a district judge.

But he also launched a remarkable broadside at the media, calling for a law to restrict 'investigative journalism' and an information crackdown. He said police should no longer follow the long-established practice of releasing the age, date and general location of those they arrest, interview or release on bail.

Yesterday, Sir Bernard  who has overseen an unprecedented media crackdown during his troubled five year tenure  said he agreed. Speaking to members of the London Assembly, he said: 'My feeling is to accept what Sir Richard says and release no details. We have arrested a man and that is it.'

Sir Bernard said police should simply confirm they have made an arrest, with no further details. A man is pictured being arrested during a protest at Westminster

Asked if this would help his turbulent relationship with the media, he said: 'I can't improve it. It is struggling a bit at times. I don't think they would blame us for this proposal. But if it was accepted, I don't think things would get terribly worse.

'They approach us knowing who the person is and they know they won't get the name from us. If they are confident then they can publish.' Sir Bernard rejected potential accusations of 'secret policing', saying suspects are not held in secret because 'there are lawyers and there is CCTV'.

But Andrew Bridgen, Tory MP for North West Leicestershire, said such a dramatic change to police policy should be debated in Parliament. 'The details they release do not identify any individual so I do not see how there can be a problem,' he added.

'Grave reservations': Andrew Boff said he did not want to live in a world where the police could do around making secret arrests

'Such a key change would need to be debated in Parliament. It is important that not only do the police act in the public interest but are seen to be acting in the public interest. There should always be proper public scrutiny of what police are doing while not interfering with the proper course of their investigations.'

Andrew Boff, a Tory London Assembly member, said he had 'grave reservations' about police 'restricting the amount of public information'. He added: 'I do not want to live in a world where the police can go around making secret arrests and limiting the level of scrutiny on their actions.'

Earlier this month, an academic found the Leveson Inquiry damaged democracy because police used it to withhold information. Marianne Colbran, of the London School of Economics, singled out the Metropolitan Police for restricting information to give a 'favourable impression' of its work.

She said the 'balance of power has swung too far in favour of the police' and a 'big freeze' had descended, eroding public trust in police.

Bob Satchwell, who leads the Society of Editors, said last night: 'The police should be releasing more information, not less. Our chief constables need to look across the Atlantic at the openness of the widely respected US police system.

'No-one should be taken into custody without being named  this is what happens in a banana republic where people disappear from the streets.'

Police guidelines state officers can release a suspect's gender, age, the area where they live, the nature, date and general location of the alleged offence and the arrest date. The College of Policing is drafting a new version, to be published in the New Year, which is expected to enshrine the secretive approach
Everyone must wash their hands for the length of time it takes to sing the first verse of the national anthem, the deputy chief medical officer has said.

Dr Gina Radford warned that the majority of people did not wash their hands for long enough and many did not use soap.

Failure to carry out this basic hygiene was causing people to pick up common infections and contributing to the growing problem of antibiotic resistance, she cautioned.

Everyone must wash their hands for the length of time it takes to sing the first verse of the national anthem, the deputy chief medical officer has said

Her comments follow those of her boss, chief medical officer Professor Dame Sally Davies, who has been nicknamed the Governments nanny-in-chief for her strict instructions about personal health.

She has told people not to drink any alcohol or tea and get off the bus a stop early. Earlier this month she ordered Britons to stop grazing from the fridge.

Speaking at an International Longevity Centre debate in London on the problem of antibiotic resistance, Dr Radford said it could be combatted if everybody tried to avoid picking up infections in the first place.

Health chiefs have warned the overprescribing of antibiotics has caused bacteria to evolve into superbugs which are immune to treatment. Experts fear it means infections could kill more people than cancer within a few decades.

Dr Gina Radford warned that the majority of people did not wash their hands for long enough and many did not use soap

But Dr Radford complained that most people did not help themselves or others because they did not bother to wash their hands properly after going to the toilet or before eating.

She said: Some of the prevention [techniques] are really simple things like hand-washing.

On a day to day basis, you should wash your hands with soap and water for the length of one verse of God Save the Queen or two times through Happy Birthday.

And I can absolutely guarantee that most of us dont do that. I know because I have observed - and I have observed myself. We dont do some of this stuff and we are not practising just some of the most basic hygiene.

Singing the first verse of God Save the Queen or Happy Birthday twice takes between 30 and 45 seconds, depending on your singing speed. The version of the national anthem used in sporting events such as Formula 1 podium celebrations is 44 seconds long.

Dr Radford also warned doctors should not prescribe antibiotics inappropriately and that patients should not ask for them for conditions like a sore throat, where nine out of 10 cases do not need the drugs.

She said there needed to be careful monitoring of the levels of the drugs used in farming, fisheries and even in paints  such as those used to paint ships to prevent barnacles growing.

It is amazing the sorts of things we are doing to the eco-system which are affecting antimicrobial resistance, she added.

Health officials have a goal of reducing the amount of antibiotics prescribed by GPs in the UK by 4 per cent in five years.

Over the past century, the development of effective antibiotics has seen the number of deaths caused by infection drop from40 per cent of all deaths to just 7 per cent of deaths.

But once bacteria evolve to become resistant, the drugs become useless and even a minor graze could lead to a potentially-fatal infection.

Dr Radford also warned doctors should not prescribe antibiotics inappropriately and that patients should not ask for them for conditions like a sore throat, where nine out of 10 cases do not need the drugs (file picture)

There is already a year-on-year increase in bacteria which are resistant to drugs, including E. coli and the superbug Klebsiella, which can cause pneumonia and meningitis.

Dame Sally has described antibiotic resistance as posing a catastrophic threat which is as big a risk as terrorism and would take healthcare back to the 19th century.

Earlier this year, she said 50,000 people a year were dying across the US and Europe from infections which were no longer possible to treat with antibiotics.
A former mayor from a rural Mexican town has been arrested in connection with the kidnap and murder of 300 people who were cooked in ovens at the hands a drug cartel.

Mexican authorities arrested Sergio Lozano on Thursday for allegedly participating in one of the worst massacres perpetrated by the brutal Zetas cartel in the border state of Coahuila.

The state attorney general's office would not clarify his alleged role in the deaths of up to 300 people in the town and its surroundings, but confirmed he was arrested on kidnapping charges.

Mexican authorities arrested Sergio Lozano on Thursday for allegedly participating in one of the worst massacres perpetrated by the brutal Zetas cartel in the border state of Coahuila

Lozano served as mayor of the town of Allende - 33 miles from the Texas border - in 2011 when Los Zetas kidnapped dozens of people who were murdered and burnt.

A spokesperson from the state of Coahuila's center-right National Action Party (PAN), the political party of Lozano, could not immediately be reached for comment.

The Zetas targeted people in the town to get back at members of the gang who were suspected of stealing drug profits, according to a government report.

It said the killings were likely ordered by former Zetas boss Miguel Angel 'Z-40' Trevino, and his brother Omar, both of whom were subsequently captured and imprisoned.

The brutal Zetas cartel in the border state of Coahuila targeted people in the town to get back at members of the gang who were suspected of stealing drug profits (file photo)

The town of Allende in Coahuila is just 33 miles from the U.S. border

Lozano served as mayor of the town of Allende in 2011 when Los Zetas kidnapped dozens of people who were murdered and burnt

The report, published in October, alleges that between 160 and 200 heavily armed gang members - supported by municipal police - abducted Allende residents.

It noted that it would have been 'inconceivable to accept' Lozano had no knowledge of events.

Hector Moreno, a Zeta who fled to bordering Texas to escape the gang, testified that up to 300 people were killed in the massacre.

He also said the Zetas moved five tons of cocaine a year across the border between 2007 and 2011 and paid local authorities in Coahuila to protect them.
Charlie Morton was a reclusive, hardworking farmer when he disappeared without a trace from his cattle station two years ago.

But the 46-year-old had a secret - 20 years earlier he was the key witness in a massive drug bust that sent several high-ranking mafia gangsters to jail.

Now his family is pushing for a coronial inquest to investigate whether he was murdered in a revenge hit, instead of killing himself as police assumed, the Courier Mail reported.

Mr Morton vanished from his 40,000-hectare Strathtay station in remote Queensland on August 14, 2014, and despite a long search his body was never found.

Charlie Morton (pictured) disappeared from his Queensland cattle station in August 2014 without a trace

His farm was doing fine and he never showed any signs of depression or suicidal thoughts, but a .22 rifle was missing from his gun safe.

Keys were missing from some motorbikes, work trucks, the bobcat and a loader - though the vehicles were all still there, and rain had washed away any tracks he might have left.

Though his family admitted the alternate explanation of a mafia execution seemed unlikely, it couldn't be ruled out and his death seemed to be written off as suicide because it was the easiest explanation.

Mr Morton was checking cattle fences on August 30, 1991, when he stumbled upon an $8 million marijuana plantation in a remote corner of his property.

It spawned a major investigation by the National Crime Authority into the 'grass empires' of the Italian mafia in NSW and Queensland.

The family asked the coroner to look into three possibilities: a mafia hit, suicide, or that he ran away from his $5 million farm and started a new life.

There is precedent for the Ndrangheta bumping off opponents, as anti-drugs campaigner and politician Donald Mackay was murdered in 1973.

Like Mr Morton, he told police about the location of marijuana crops and his body was also never found.

Police assume he killed himself but his family wants to investigate whether he was murdered by the mafia for uncovering their marijuana plantation on his property 20 years ago. Pictured: Charlie Morton

Mr Morton was reported missing by his wife of four years, German backpacker and former law student Kathleen, while she was back home visiting family.

The marriage had caused a bitter family split as she felt ostracised by his brother, mother Ailsa and her own sister Tania who had introduced them.

Though running the farm by themselves was hard and strained their marriage, she saw no signs that he might want to end his life.

Then he didn't answer the phone for a scheduled call and she never heard from him again.

'I dont want to say anything about the mafia or the drug crop. If I do, and its true, whats to stop them coming after me?' she said.
The controversial anti-Semite Jean Marie Le Pen can remain involved with Frances far-right National Front, judges said yesterday, in a ruling which may affect his daughters chances in the countrys presidential race.

The party originally tried to expel 88-year-old Mr Pen, who founded the National Front and led it for decades, for referring to Nazi gas chambers as a detail of history.

But now a civil court in the Paris suburb of Nanterre has said he can remain honorary president - in a disastrous blow to his daughter Marine Le Pens presidential ambitions next year.

Marine Le Pen (pictured, left) took over as leader of the Front Nationale when her father (right) stepped down in 2011. She is hoping to win next spring's presidential elections in France

She has said she wanted to detoxify her party by removing her father from its operations.

He then launched a legal challenge against Ms Le Pen, 48, as he carried on with his work as a member of the European Parliament.

The Tribunal de Grande Instance judges ruled Mr Le Pen remains invested in the party, and can participate in all its affairs.

The party was also ordered to pay Mr Le Pen the equivalent of around 13,000 in damages and interest, as he had been excluded as party president for more than a year.

Mr Le Pens lawyer, Frederic Joachim, said: We see this as victory.

It follows Ms Le Penn appearing on the BBCs Andrew Marr Show on Sunday and insisting she could become President of France following elections next May.

She claimed the Brexit vote in the UK, and Donald Trumps win in the American presidential election, were all signs that France is finally ready to elect a far right head of state.

Mr Le Pen (pictured) was fined 25,000 in April for describing the Holocaust as a mere 'detail of history'

In fact Ms Le Pen has never been able to win a parliamentary seat in France, and her party is regularly viewed as one for extremists or protest voters.

The thought of a proven fascist now potentially entering the Elysee Palace thanks to his daughter is one that could put millions off voting for the party.

As recently as April Mr Le Pen was fined 25,000 for Holocaust denial after describing the wartime genocide of Jews as a detail of history.

He had claimed immunity from prosecution because of his status as a European Parliament member representing South-East France.

But judges sitting at the Paris Correctional Court rejected his defence, saying he was guilty of questioning a crime against humanity.

Marine Le Pen turned on her father at the time, saying: I deeply disagree with him. I take note of what he said but I believe that those coming over to vote for us understand what is going on.

He is being deliberately provocative.

Under her leadership, the National Front has deepened its roots across provincial France, winning outright control of some town halls and getting its officials elected onto the councils of departements, broadly the equivalent of counties.

Front National posters on a roadside near Grambois in France. The court's decision may have an impact on her chances in next year's presidential elections

Polls suggest she could make it into the second-round run-off of a presidential election  just as her father did in 2002  but is unlikely to win.

Mr Le Pen remains extremely popular with many members, despite having been convicted on numerous occasions of being anti-Jewish and for inciting racial hatred.

He has regularly made the comment about the Holocaust, telling the European Parliament in 2009: I just said that the gas chambers were a detail of Second World War history, which is clear.

Mr Le Pen was first convicted by a Munich court in 1999 for minimising the Holocaust after telling a German far-right meeting that Nazi concentration camps and the gas chambers are what one calls a detail.

He has had a string of other convictions, including ones for violence and was briefly banned from being an MEP in 2003 following a physical attack on a French Socialist MEP.

Jews have complained of increasing anti-Semitism in France, much of it stirred up by far-right activists.
A security breach at Three Mobile has put the personal data of many of its nine million customers at risk.

Thieves infiltrated a customer upgrade system using a staff login to order and intercept hundreds of new handsets.

The breach meant they had access to personal data including names, phone numbers, addresses and dates of birth of customers but not financial information, a spokesman said.

The thieves hacked into a customer upgrade system and managed to steal 400 phones, but the company insist bank details were not at risk

The company last night confirmed more than 400 phones had been stolen but insisted customers bank details were never at risk.

Three's database is thought to have been accessed using a log-in supplied by an insider to access details of customers who were due upgrades.

Expensive phones were then ordered and either intercepted or stolen from the stores they were dispatched to.

The National Crime Agency is investigating and said that three people have been arrested, two for computer misuse and one for perverting the course of justice.

Both the police and Three are still investigating how many customers have been directly affected.

A spokesman for Three said: 'Over the last four weeks Three has seen an increasing level of attempted handset fraud.

'This has been visible through higher levels of burglaries of retail stores and attempts to unlawfully intercept upgrade devices.

'We've been working closely with the Police and relevant authorities. To date, we have confirmed approximately 400 high value handsets have been stolen through burglaries and eight devices have been illegally obtained through the upgrade activity.'

Expensive phones were then ordered and either intercepted or stolen from the stores they were dispatched to. File photo

The company said it had taken a number of steps to strengthen its controls over upgrades with additional security requirements now needed.

The names and addresses of the company's nine million customers were available, a source said last night, but it is thought only a few thousand were accessed.

The latest data breach comes a month after TalkTalk was fined a record 400,000 for security failings over a cyber-attack which allowed customer data to be accessed 'with ease'.

Personal data of 156,959 people was said to have been accessed in an attack which one cyber expert labelled the attack 'the Great Train Robbery of the 21st century'.

The National Crime Agency said last night that a man, 48, of Orpington, South East London, and a man, 39, of Ashton-under-Lyne, Greater Manchester, had been arrested on suspicion of computer misuse.

Another man, 35, from Moston, Greater Manchester, was also arrested on suspicion of attempting to pervert the course of justice.
They said the Department force them into lengthy battles for support

The Department of Veteran Affairs have been slammed by former soldiers

More Australian soldiers have taken their own lives in the last 12 months than were killed while fighting for their country in Afghanistan over a 13 year period.

Former Army officer and co-founder of the Soldier On veterans support group John Bale warns as many as 50 veterans had killed themselves in 2016 - nine more than the 41 killed while serving during Australia's longest overseas combat deployment.

Mr Bale is set to address a senate inquiry into veteran care in Canberra on Friday after hundreds of submissions were lodged about former soldiers being forced to fight with the Department of Veteran Affairs for recognition and support.

More Australian soldiers have taken their own lives in the last 12 months than were killed while fighting for their country in Afghanistan over a 13 year period (stock image)

'This year alone more veterans have taken their own life than those we lost during 13 years of operations in Afghanistan,' he told The Australian, warning that many more could be lost as the system is overhauled.

According to the Australian, former soldiers are being inundated with paperwork and must face lengthy delays before many claims are denied by 'unqualified staff'.

Soldier Michael Bush nearly died during a training accident in 2002 which left him with post-traumatic stress disorder and significant injuries to his knees, back shoulder and ankles, but did not learn what he could claim until 2012.

Mr Bush wrote in his submission to the senate that he tried to commit suicide five times since his accident as his inability to work left him feeling like a 'drain on my family and friends'.

'This year alone more veterans have taken their own life than those we lost during 13 years of operations in Afghanistan,' Former Army officer John Bale warns

Former soldiers are being inundated with paperwork and must face lengthy delays before many claims are denied by 'unqualified staff' from the Department of Veteran Affairs

He recalled the moment he was told he came within half an hour of losing his life after trying to overdose on pills before police found him passed out on a park bench.

Claims for his right knee and left ankle were approved but those for his alternating joints were denied, leaving Mr Bush feeling hopeless as the Department took a 'sorry but you don't fit this basket' approach.

Mr Bush said he had promised his wife not to take another attempt on his life but thinking about going through the 'bullsh*t' claims process with the Department made him fear it will eventually happen again.

'I pray daily that I get to go to sleep and not wake up therefore I would not have gone against my word but also don't have to deal with the constant nightmares of reliving the accident where I nearly ended six personnels' lives, the pain of waking up and being less mobile than what I imagine a 50-year-old is, and I don't have to deal with the disappointment of being a sub-standard citizen in a world I don't belong in.'

Mr Bush promised his wife not to take another attempt on his life but thinking about going through the 'bullsh*t' claims process with the Department made him fear it will happen again

Hundreds of other service men and women, their husbands and wives, and medical professionals have spoken out about their similar experiences

Hundreds of other service men and women, their husbands and wives, and medical professionals have spoken out about their similar experiences.

Former army medical officer Stephen Scally told the inquiry former soldiers were dying at a rate six times higher than that experienced during combat and slammed for Department for its 'inefficient, convoluted and unsympathetic processes'.

'It is shameful that it has taken some 240 post-service deaths and an epidemic of veteran morbidity for this investigation to occur,' Dr Scally wrote.

'It is ironic that an organisation that is tasked with the support of veterans is indeed achieving the complete opposite result.'

The government announced a scheme that encourages companies to hire former defence force personnel to help integrate them back into society.
The men 'vanished' after hearing the sirens avoiding arrest

A bystander was also injured as she attempted to intervene

A woman has suffered spinal injuries and another received minor injuries after an attack involving up to 10 men of Sudanese appearance on a Melbourne beach.

The attack took place at Chelsea beach on Thursday night

A witness named Tayla said she attempted to stop the fight which she saw when she was walking past on Thursday night.

A member of the Melbourne-based Apex gang is pictured

Tayla, who was with a friend, realised a woman with the group was bleeding from the nose and approached her to see if she was okay.

But Tayla said she was thrown out of the way when the gang realised her friend was calling the police, 3AW reported.

'They bashed (my friend's) phone in her ear and stole her phone and then that's when the person that is in a (serious) condition jumped in to help, that's when I jumped in and they threw me out,' Tayla said.

The 'Sudanese men' immediately ran off, avoiding arrests after they heard the sirens.

Victorian Police confirmed a 21-year-old woman received a spinal injury and was transported to hospital by ambulance.

'And an 18-year-old woman received minor injuries in the fight and then went out into the water,' A Victorian police spokesman said.

Police had to search for the woman in the water before finding her 50 metres off the shore. She was taken to hospital for assessment.

'I feel traumatised...I don't want to go back to the beach' Tayla said.

No one has been arrested over the incident and the investigation continues.

Anyone with information is asked to contact Crime Stoppers.
A video from a local driver has revealed the devastation to roads in New Zealand after the destructive earthquake there - with one man shown walking over a huge rupture in the road.

Irrigation worker Asher Trafford had access to the State Highway One after Monday's quake, and was able to drive along the seriously damaged road, Nine News reports.

Mr Trafford was able to drive around the town of Kaikoura, north of Christchurch, in the South Island despite the roads officially being closed.

Scroll down for video

A local man was filmed walking over a rupture in road caused by earthquake in New Zealand on Monday

His footage showed the serious cracks in the road and landslips cutting off lanes entirely, but it also captured a local man walking along.

After Mr Trafford's car went slowly around the twists and bends of the coastal road on Tuesday, the man came into sight in the distance and as he grew closer it was clear he was approaching a major fracture in the road.

The part of the road was shifted a metre higher than the rest. But just as if it was an everyday occurrence the man calmly stepped down from it and carried on his way.

'It was cracked up and had been shunted right off the road,' Mr Trafford told Stuff.co.nz.

The man came into sight in the distance and nonchalantly walked over the huge rift

Irrigation worker Asher Trafford filmed road damage around Kaikoura in the South Island

During Monday's magnitude 7.8 earthquake scientists said a tide gauge at Kaikoura rose 90 centimetres, which shows just how much the level of the coastline has risen, the Sydney Morning Herald reports.

Data from the stations also show Cape Campbell moved horizontally north-east by two to three metres.

Anecdotal reports from local people alos suggest a two-metre rise at the coast, as a result large numbers of paua, crayfish and other marine life were stranded out of the water.
A Republican lawmaker will withdraw proposed legislation to ban women from wearing burqas in public in Georgia following fierce backlash.

Jason Spencer, a Republican member of the Georgia House of Representatives, said on Thursday he will withdraw the proposed law.

He submitted the bill on Monday, which would have made an old anti-masking statute that was originally aimed at the Ku Klux Klan applicable to Muslim women.

The bill was submitted to require Muslim women to remove veils and burqas while posing for driver's license photos or while driving.

Georgia State Representative Jason Spencer (above) will withdraw proposed legislation to ban women from wearing burqas in public in Georgia following fierce backlash

It would have essentially banned Muslim women from wearing religious head garb anywhere on public property, the Atlanta Journal-Constitution reports.

The proposed legislation quickly ignited fierce opposition from both Democrats and Republicans who feared the bill's intent was to curb religious freedom.

In a statement on Thursday, Spencer said while it could pass, he would withdraw the bill given political forces were too strong against it.

'While this bill does not contain language that specifically targets any group, I am mindful of the perception that it has created,' he said.

'My objective was to address radical elements that could pose a threat to public safety. However, further consideration dictates that other solutions will need to be considered.'

Critics had earlier pointed out that Georgia authorities already have restrictions on the books that require would-be drivers to reveal their faces in photos for licenses.

The bill, which will now be withdrawn, was originally submitted to require Muslim women to remove veils and burqas while posing for driver's license photos or while driving (file photo)

Georgia state lawmakers like Republican Josh McKoon (left) and Democrat Stacey Abrams (right) voiced strong opposition to the bill

'I don't see the need for a law that specifically targets Muslim women,' Aisha Yaqoob, a member of the Georgia Muslim Voter Project, told Atlanta's Channel 2.

'It's frustrating. I was hoping not to have an issue like this come up so soon.'

Spencer earlier denied that the bill seeks to ban all Muslim women from wearing burqas in public.

He told Channel 2 that his proposal 'is simply a response to constituents that do have concerns of the rise of Islamic terrorism, and we in the state of Georgia do not want our laws used against us and to take advantage of us.'

Spencer also said that banning face coverings is a public safety issue since it can obstruct the view for drivers while they are behind the wheel.

One of Spencer's Republican colleagues in the House, Josh McKoon, said he was opposed to the bill on the grounds that it curbs religious freedoms.

'Passing laws that clearly abrogate the free exercise rights of fellow Georgians will do nothing but create additional fear and division,' McKoon wrote on his Facebook page.

In a statement on Thursday, Spencer said while it could pass, he would withdraw the bill given political forces were too strong against it

McKoon said that while he understands the requirement for those applying for a driver's license to reveal their faces, 'we should not give in to a fear of religious traditions that some may not value or understand - after all we live in a country founded on the idea that all of us are entitled to the right of free exercise, not just those government deems worthy.'

One Democratic legislator was more forceful in her opposition, calling the bill 'bigoted.'

The proposed law is 'a direct result of the rhetoric we heard during Donald Trump's Islamaphobic presidential campaign,' House Minority Leader Stacey Abrams told the Journal-Constitution.

During his successful run for president, Trump called for a ban on Muslim immigration to the United States as well as greater scrutiny of Muslims by law enforcement.

A top representative of local Muslims says that the bill would have little practical effect since few Muslim women in the state wear the traditional head garb.

'Very few Georgia Muslim women wear face veils,' the head of the Council on American-Islamic Relations' office in Georgia, Edward Ahmed Mitchell, told Channel 2, 'but those who do have a constitutional right to do so.'
Margaret Thatcher was famously snubbed by Oxford University, which refused to offer her an honorary degree in protest against the Governments cuts in funding for education.

Has Justice Secretary Liz Truss been similarly publicly rebuffed? Truss was due to be made an honorary Bencher of Lincolns Inn last Thursday, but the ceremony was called off.

Truss, 41, took office in July despite having no legal experience and became the first female Lord Chancellor in the 1,000-year history of the role.

Truss, 41, (pictured) took office in July despite having no legal experience and became the first female Lord Chancellor in the 1,000-year history of the role

Lincolns Inn had a change of heart, I am told, about making her an honorary Bencher after some senior members  the so-called Benchers  protested that Truss didnt do enough to stand up for the judiciary following this months controversial High Court ruling that Theresa May can only trigger the process for leaving the European Union via a vote in Parliament.

The decision of the three judges was roundly condemned by Brexiteers and criticised by Communities Secretary Sajid Javid as frustrating the will of the people.

There was horror particularly among the judges over Liz Trusss failure to come to the defence of the High Court judges, says my man at Lincolns Inn.

The Ministry of Justice confirms the ceremony has been postponed and says no alternative date has been fixed. When asked why it was put back, a spokesman for Lincolns Inn says: The Inn is a private organisation and it is not our policy to comment on such matters.

Asked subsequently if the honour had been withdrawn, a spokeswoman said that was inaccurate, but she would not comment on the suggestion that the ceremony had been postponed at the behest of some angry Benchers.

Lincolns Inn Benchers are the governing body who have power to call students to the Bar and they can expel any member or disbench one of their own number.

Among its 314 Benchers are Lord Justice Sales , one of the three judges who made this months ruling, Cherie Booth QC and Lord Neuberger, president of the Supreme Court of the United Kingdom .

Lord Neuberger is one of 11 Supreme Court judges who will sit next month to give their verdict on the Governments appeal against the earlier ruling.

The 3rd Viscount Hailsham spoke in the House of Lords yesterday on the importance of walking to tackle obesity. Doing so, he declared an interest, telling peers that he himself had footpaths over his regrettably modest property.

Modest? Really? Before he made it to the Lords, Hailsham was better known as Douglas Hogg, the Tory MP who left the Commons after an expenses stink about moat-dredging at his country pile.

Star Trek actress Alice Eve (pictured) has no problem adapting to the laid-back lifestyle of LA

Shoestring's girl shows sheer style

Star Trek actress Alice Eve has no problem adapting to the laid-back lifestyle of LA.

The daughter of Shoestring star Trevor Eve was pictured walking her dog, Buddy, in a see-through black lace top that revealed a black bra underneath.

It helps that the 34-year-old, who also appeared to be wearing very little make-up, feels confident in her own skin.

In the culture we live in, theres this pervasive, shared agreement that theres a certain body type to admire, she says, and it isnt actually based on anything real or substantive.

But it wasnt just her upper body attracting attention, as she sported a pair of 580 Stella McCartney platform shoes.

Good to hear that Downton Abbey creator Julian Fellowes has taken on the paternalistic values of his character the Earl of Grantham.

I hear that Lord Fellowes bought a 66 bottle of Virginie T Brut champagne for each adult cast member of the new musical School Of Rock, which he co-wrote with fellow Tory life peer Andrew Lloyd Webber.

The glamorous red-and-black bottles have just been launched by the daughter of Claude Taittinger, who has her own grand cru vineyard.

Downton Abbey creator Julian Fellowes (pictured) has taken on the paternalistic values of his character the Earl of Grantham

Julian bought 28 bottles but discovered he was two bottles short, says my man backstage at the New London Theatre. So his wife, Emma, whizzed off to the warehouse on her bicycle.

Emma should be used to such demands: shes lady-in-waiting to the wife of Prince Michael of Kent, Princess Pushy.

Fry's sudden silence over 'vulgar' Trump

As Britain's best-known liberal luvvie, Stephen Fry used to be outspoken in his criticsm of comb-over king Donald Trump

The QI presenter, 59, once attacked Trump for his poisonously atrocious taste, false glamour, shallow grandeur, [and] cynical vulgarity. And after a visit to one of of his gaudy properties in 2009, Fry declared that he hoped never to hear Trumps name again.

Stephen Fry (pictured) once attacked Trump for his poisonously atrocious taste, false glamour, shallow grandeur, [and] cynical vulgarity

Curiously, however, the portly polymath, who upped-sticks and moved to Hollywood with his husband, Elliot Spencer, 28, has not breathed a word in public about the billionaire tycoon since Trump won the U.S. election.

Surely it cant have anything to do with the fact that Fry is desperate to emulate his old comedy partner Hugh Lauries success in the hospital drama House with a new CBS sitcom hes starring in called The Great Indoors?

My man in Los Angeles claims: Fry is desperate not to put off any potential viewers or Republican-supporting studio executives.
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A 21-year-old man who allegedly doused himself in accelerant and set himself alight at a Melbourne bank was seen just minutes earlier walking past a local cafe with a plastic container filled with liquid.

Fire crews attended the blaze at the Commonwealth Bank in Springvale within 90 seconds of being called and rescued 25 people from inside the 'significantly damaged' building. At least 27 people were injured in the blaze, with six rushed to hospital and one remains in a critical condition.

Eyewitness Ernie Gonzalez said the man, from Springvale, set himself on fire at the entrance of the bank before running inside and squirting gasoline on the carpet shortly before 11.30am on Friday.

A hero tradesman who helped the victims escape the blaze said he heard a man arguing with bank tellers moments before the explosion.

CCTV footage from nearby Asmara cafe captured the moment a man walked past with a large plastic container toward a service station and headed back in the direction of the bank just six minutes before the explosion, The Age reported.

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A 21-year-old Springvale man (second left with police officer) has been taken to hospital in a serious condition and is under police guard

CCTV footage has captured a man walking to a nearby service station with a large plastic container. He walks back toward the Commonwealth Bank, just minutes before the explosion

It's alleged that the man (centre) doused himself in accelerant and set himself alight sparking an explosion in the bank

Mr Gonzalez said the bank tellers had to run through the flames to get out of the building.

'I could see flames in the entrance and I could see people running out covered in charcoal - they were black,' he said.

Tradesman Ash Atkin-Fone said 'instincts' immediately kicked in and he ran across the road to Optus, grabbed a fire extinguisher and tried to contain the blaze.

'This kid comes running out, all burnt, screaming his head off, skin coming off, blood everywhere,' Ash Atkin-Fone said.

The offender is believed to be an asylum seeker from Myanmar in Australia on a bridging visa, The Herald Sun reported.

Just after 5.30pm, an Alfred Hospital spokesperson confirmed six people were still being treated for burns, but only one patients was still in a critical condition.

The other victims were in serious, but stable conditions. Workers were seen boarding up the front of the bank just before 8pm.

The Herald Sun understands the man bought petrol at the Springvale Caltex before taking it down the road and setting himself on fire.

'The site is currently closed but the we are assisting police with their inquiries, and will continue to do so wherever needed,' Caltex Australia spokesman Sam Collyer said.

Police said the man has been taken to hospital in a serious condition and is under police guard. A crime scene has been established and the arson squad is investigating.

Acting Inspector Jackie Poida said it was 'too early to tell' what the man's motive was.

The six victims with severe burns have been taken to The Alfred hospital. Twenty-one other people ranging from a toddler to a person in their 80s, were treated for breathing problems all were in a stable condition.

A spokesman for Monash Medical Centre said they were caring for 13, including three children, and all were in a 'satisfactory condition'.

Those in a critical condition include two women in their 20s, a man in his 60s, a man in his 70s, and another man who age was not provided.

A patient who had been waiting at the emergency department of Monash Medical Centre since 11.40am said he saw about four or five people wearing Commonwealth Bank uniforms being admitted to the hospital after the disaster.

He said he did not get a good look at them but that they were able to walk from the ambulance bay into the emergency department.

Police are reviewing CCTV footage of a man, believed to be the offender, carrying a container of liquid toward the bank

The man was seen walking past the Asmara cafe toward the bank with the container, just six minutes before the explosion

Tradie, Ash Atkin-Fone, has been called a hero after he ran into the blaze after he heard a 'big blast' and seconds later heard a child's screams from the Commonwealth Bank

Pictured is the scorched ATM that was set on fire. More than 20 people have been injured, five with serious burns, after a fire at a bank in Melbourne

The six victims with severe burns have been taken to The Alfred hospital and another 21, including children, were treated on the scene for smoke inhalation

Police officers set up a crime scene at the Commonwealth Bank in Springvale after the blaze

The 21-year-old Springvale man allegedly covered the ATM and himself with accelerant and set himself on fire

A woman tries to clean the eyes of a hysterical child that was involved in the bank fire in Melbourne

Shocked victims were massively distressed after being involved in the blaze at the Springvale Commonwealth Bank

Early reports say that a person set themselves alight inside the bank building on Friday morning

The incident took place inside the Commonwealth Bank branch at Springvale Central

Police and ambulance crews were called to the scene at 11:30am on Friday to treat the injured

Commonwealth Bank said its 'response team' was working with emergency services

Paramedics are treating people for burns and smoke inhalation at the scene

Witness Daniel Chau told Daily Mail Australia he was grabbing lunch when he saw people running out of the bank with their faces covered in charcoal.

'I saw a man run out of the bank with his hands burnt, skin peeling off,' he said.

'The man was dragging his hand out of something. All I could hear was him screaming. He was screaming like mad. It was awful. Everyone was running and jumping around like mad. Another guy was covered in ashes. There was a lot of smoke.

'I was pretty surprised and shocked. I used to live in Springvale and I usually come here to buy my lunch but I've never seen anything like this. It was the first time I've witnessed something like this.'

A young witness said she heard people crying in the bank.

'Those that have escaped, their faces are all black and [they are] suffocating... I feel so useless just standing outside holding buckets of water,' she said.

Adam Coulshed, a local construction worker who was on site across the road from the bank, said there was a loud bang followed by plumes of black smoke.

'I thought it was a car accident,' he told The Age.

He said his co-worker helped put out the fire with a shopkeeper from a neighbouring Optus store.

The man was trying to get money from an ATM at the time of the explosion, he said. 'It was just black and there were people with blood [coming out of the bank].'

Another woman said she received a distressing text message about her father who was caught up in the blaze.

Emergency service workers gather branch of the Commonwealth Bank after a fire injured customers in Melbourne

Commonwealth Bank said that their 'first priority is the safety of our staff and customers'

Passersby were left stunned (left) as victims of the bank fire began emerging from the building (right)

Victims were treated for their injuries and for shock by emergency services after the devastating fire

One girl wrote on Facebook 'how proud' she was of her father who was in the bank during fire

Another person wrote on their Facebook how they had just 'arrived at the post office across the road' just after the incident

'It's bloody awful. I just can't believe it,' eye witness Eric Sleuriot said after the incident

'My dad was in the middle of it, not realising he was helping who were hurt bad,' she said.

'How could someone walk in there and did what he did, praying for everyone.

'I'm really proud of you dad and I'm so happy you weren't hurt, nearly had me in tears, I love you dad.'

Anthony Banh, who is the manager of Love Central Jewellery across the road from the bank, said he went outside immediately after people came running and screaming past the shop.

'I heard a loud bang - it sounded like firecrackers - there was smoke everywhere,' he said.

'A guy had severe burns on his face and arms and everything. There was another man crouched on the ground with severe burns.'

Mr Bahn said he was scared there would be another explosion and kept his distance, but other people came running on the scene to help the injured and use fire hydrants to put out the flames.

'People were quite brave,' he said.

'I was shocked it took so long for the ambulance and firefighters to come.'

A man who arrived at the scene 10 minutes after the explosion said 'a maniac blew up the ATM machine by setting himself and the machine alight'. Authorities have not confirmed this.

'A few Asians I was speaking to mentioned that the guy probably had financial problems and decided to take it out on the ATM and bystanders,' the man said.

State Health Commander Paul Holman said Ambulance Victoria's Emergency Response Plan was activated to the highest level given the large number of people injured.

Acting Inspector Jackie Poida (pictured) said it was 'too early to tell' what the man's motive was

The tellers in Commonwealth Bank reportedly had to run through the flames to get out of the building

Commonwealth Bank's response team is working closely with local authorities and emergency services

In a statement, the Commonwealth Bank said its 'response team' was working with emergency services.

'We can confirm there was an incident at our Springvale branch today. Our first priority is the safety of our staff and customers and as a result the branch will remain closed for the rest of the day,' the statement read.

'Our response team is on site and we are working closely with local authorities and emergency services.

'We are deeply concerned for everyone who has been affected and we continue to work with local authorities and emergency services to provide any assistance required.'

Springvale Road has been closed in both directions between Balmoral Avenue and Windsor Avenue.
Parents have expressed their anger and shock after two high school students portrayed the assassination of President-elect Donald Trump during a skit in class.

Two sophomores at Marshall High School in San Antonio, Texas, were punished after they performed a sketch titled 'The Assassination of Donald Trump' last week, according to the Express-News.

Barry Perez, a spokesperson for the school district, said 'appropriate action' had been taken, but Harold and Melinda Bean, the parents of another student, were 'angry' and 'shocked' that harsher measures were not taken.

Two sophomores at Marshall High School (pictured) in San Antonio, Texas, performed a skit titled 'The Assassination of Donald Trump' last week

During the skit, one of the boys made a gunfire sound effect with his cellphone while the other boy, who played Trump, fell to the ground.

The teacher did not condone the performance and stopped her students before they could finish, according to Perez, who said school officials had conducted an investigation.

The teacher also apologized, and Perez said 'appropriate action' had been taken.

Parents of a student were 'angry' harsher measures were not taken (pictured, Trump)

But the Beans complained to district officials, and said they were dissatisfied with the school district's response.

Melinda Bean told the Express-News the two students should have been suspended, adding: 'Honestly I have run out of words to describe how angry I am and how shocked I am that theyre still in school today.'

Harold Bean also said the teacher should have stopped the students from performing the skit immediately after she heard the title.
New Zealand's navy has welcomed the US navy in their traditional style.

Officers from the Royal New Zealand Navy performed the haka to greet the US navy's 7th fleet to a celebration of their 75th anniversary at The Cloud, in Auckland.

The lively welcome, or Powhiri, sees Kiwi naval officers perform alongside the Maori Cultural Group.

New Zealand's navy has welcomed the US navy with a traditional welcome, or Powhiri, haka

New Zealand's Chief of Navy Rear Admiral John Martin welcomed the navies of 22 countries visiting as part of the celebration.

He said that his navy was standing on 'two feet', one foot celebrating the navy's birthday.

While the other foot was helping with disaster relief in Kaikoura, which was hit by a 7.8 magnitude earthquake on Monday night.

Rear Admiral Martin thanked the visiting navies, including the United States, Australia, Singapore and the United Kingdom for their assistance and offers of support for the affected region.

The Royal New Zealand Navy have welcome 22 navies from around the world to celebrate their 75th anniversary

Many of the visiting navies have vessels helping provide disaster relief assistance in Kaikoura, which was hit by a 7.8 magnitude earthquake on Monday night

Admiral Sir Philip Jones, Britain's First Sea Lord, said the disaster recovery work was 'a symbol of what navies do, and what close friends we have'.

The NZ Minister of defence Gerry Brownlee said: 'its fair to say the captains of the vessels bound for the International Naval Review in Auckland this week will have been torn between attending the event and reaching out to offer their services.'
Brisbane radio host Robin Bailey was in talks with a rival radio station before her shock sacking from 97.3FM.

Bailey said she was shocked by news she had been sacked after 10 years with 97.3FM.

But it has now surfaced she was in talks with Triple M before her contract was discontinued.

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Bailey (pictured) was told she would be sacked after 10 years of service to the 97.3FM Breakfast show on Monday morning and was 'completely blindsided'

The mother-of-three was also speaking with ABC, 4BC and even TV stations about a potential new gig, The Courier Mail reported.

Within hours of her axing on Monday, Bailey said the news 'completely blindsided' her.

'I saw me finishing my career at 97.3FM,' Bailey said.

Her management would not comment on the allegations - Daily Mail Australia also reached out to Bailey for comment.

Bailey was in chats with ABC, 4BC and even TV stations about a potential new gig, it's reported

Robin Bailey with fellow breakfast show hosts Terry Hansen and Bob Gallagher

Further to Bailey's shock axing on Monday, 612 ABC Breakfast host Spencer Howson Thursday announced on air he would give up the early slot after 11 years.

While it was not confirmed, Howson said he heard whispers Bailey's name was thrown in the mix to take his position on breakfast radio.

But he said he knew the ABC were in talks with several people for the breakfast gig.

The Brisbane radio personality was told she would be sacked after 10 years of service to the 97.3FM Breakfast show on Monday.

'I find this really distressing, this is just so awful,' she told The Courier Mail.

'I'm just honestly completely at a loss.'

Robin Bailey with fellow breakfast show hosts Terry Hansen and Bob Gallagher

Just hours before she was sacked, Robin Bailey was joined by her fellow co-hosts Terry Hansen (second from right) and Bob Gallagher (second from left) as they sang happy birthday to her

She said she expected a more respectful approach to the process and thanked her listeners for their support.

'I was ambushed this morning and told of the decision to cease my employment with the station,' she said in a statement released on Monday.

'This was not a joint decision and I certainly saw my future with 97.3, a place that has been my home and my solace for so many years.'

The mother-of-three had celebrated her 46th birthday with her co-hosts Terry Hansen and Bob Gallagher in the studio just 24 hours earlier.

On Thursday, it was revealed Bianca Dye, whose Gold Coast radio career spans 20 years, was hired as Bailey's replacement last month and will start in January.

ARN National Content Director Duncan Campbell is believed to have secured Dye's contract last month.

Veteran radio host Bianca Dye (pictured) will replace Robin Bailey and was hired weeks before the breakfast broadcaster was axed

On Thursday, it was revealed Dye, whose Gold Coast radio career spans 20 years, was hired as Bailey's replacement just last month and will start in January

In a statement on Thursday, Mr Campbell said they hoped to re-sign Bailey, but information provided to the ARN they were 'were led into a position where we were unable to proceed with contract renewal'.

'Bianca was only signed very recently, and only once it was made clear that we couldnt meet contract expectations with Robins management,' he said.

Dye, who has been friends with Bailey for years, will be leaving her afternoon hosting gig at Southern Cross Austero after less than 12 months.

Last year, Dye announced she would step back from radio to focus on starting a family after publicly speaking about her fertility issues.

But in November 2015, doctors performed their last egg retrieval, ending her IVF journey.

'After an emotional 2 years of IVF (miscarriages/being told I need an operation to contain my endometriosis asap etc) my doc pretty much said this egg retrieval today will be my last [sic],' Bianca wrote on Facebook at the time.

She returned to Gold FM's Drive show in February.

On Tuesday, Bailey spoke of the 'distressing' moment she found out she had been sacked - coming just a year after she broke down on air as she opened up about her husband's suicide.

Dye (pictured), who has been friends with Bailey for years, will be leaving her afternoon hosting gig at Southern Cross Austero after less than 12 months

The breakfast show took to Twitter to reveal Bailey was not returning after sudden shake-up

She said she thought it was a joke the company said they worked hard to foster the relationship and create a new agreement.

Her comment comes after content director Duncan Campbell said they were unable to renew the contract due to both parties

'We tried very hard to keep Robin at 97.3,' Mr Campbell said in a statement to Daily Mail Australia.

Bailey broke down on air last year after she opened up about her husband's suicide

'While we won't comment on specific elements of contract negotiations for privacy reasons, what we can say is this negotiation was ongoing for a long period of time with Robin's management.

'We are very disappointed we weren't able to agree to terms, but unfortunately, based on the information ARN was consistently given throughout the negotiation process, we were led into a position where we were unable to proceed with contract renewal.'

On Tuesday morning, co-hosts Hansen and Gallagher expressed their shock on air over Bailey's sudden departure.

'We've had some shock news with the departure of our friend Robin,' Hansen said.

'But she's a fighter and she will bounce back. We will miss you Rob.'

Gallagher added 'we wish Rob the best and the show must carry on.'

She said she had been negotiating the terms of her contract for 'some time' and believed they were progressing well, Mamamia reported.

Bailey's husband of 16 years Tony Smart (left, with Bailey) committed suicide in September 2014 after a long battle with depression. She broke down on air last year over his tragic death

'The announcement today that I am leaving the 97.3FM breakfast team has come as a complete shock,' she said following her departure.

'I have been blindsided by ARN's decision not to renew my contract.'

Terry Hansen and Bob Gallagher are to remain and will be joined by a new host.

ARN intended to provide information about the new version of the show in the near future.
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Donald Trump had his first face-to-face meeting with a foreign dignitary Thursday when he sat down with Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe - and brought daughter Ivanka and her husband Jared Kushner along too.

'As an outcome of today's discussions, I am convinced Mr Trump is a leader in whom I can have great confidence,' said Abe, whose country was troubled by some of Trump's election promises. He described the atmosphere as 'warm'.

But exactly what was discussed in the 90-minute conversation remains unknown - as do Kushner and Ivanka's roles in the meeting.

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Family affair: Trump's daughter Ivanka and her husband, Jared Kushner were present for Donald Trump's meeting with Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe, who attended the meeting only with an interpreter

All smiles: Exactly what was discussed remains unknown - as do Kushner and Ivanka's roles in the meeting. Retired Lieutenant General Michael Flynn (far right) was also present. He has been offered a position as National Security Adviser by Trump

Allies: Japan is one of Washington's closes allies, but its ministers were reportedly concerned during the run-up to the election by several of Trump's statements

Meeting: Abe and Trump shake hands in what was the President-elect's first face-to-face meeting with a foreign leader

Friendship: Trump shared this Instagram post after the meeting saying that it was the 'beginning of a great friendship'

Abe said that the meeting had 'renewed my conviction that together with Mr Trump I will be able to establish a relationship of trust'.

'Without confidence between the two nations, our alliance would never function in the future,' he told media at The InterContinental New York Barclay Hotel after the his meeting.

He declined to go into details on what was discussed in the hour-and-a-half conversation, but said he 'conveyed' his 'basic views' and promised a more in-depth meeting in the future.

Japan is one of Washington's closes allies, but its ministers were reportedly concerned during the run-up to the election by several of Trump's statements.

Abe gave Trump a golf driver and received golf-wear in return, Japanese officials said.

They included suggestions that he might pull thousands of US troops out of the region - where they help allies like South Korea and Japan counterbalance China - unless other countries paid up for the upkeep.

He also suggested that officially pacifist Japan will need to invest in its own nukes.

For nationalist Abe, who strongly opposes China, that was a huge matter of concern.

Trump also pledged to stop the Trans-Pacific Partnership (TPP), which would ease trade between the US, Japan and other Asian and American countries - which Trump said would kill American jobs.

That would be bad news for Japan, which ratified the TPP last week, and saw it as one route out of an economy that has been stagnant for years due to an ageing population and falling demand.

Confidence: Abe said the meeting had renewed his confidence in Trump and in the future relationship of the US and Japan. Trump had said worrying things for Japan pre-election

Down to business: Abe and Trump are seen in discussions in Trump Tower in Manhattan

In-laws: Abe speaks with Trump's son-in-law Jared Kushner, at Trump Tower in Manhattan

Meeting: Abe (seen center) addresses the media about his meeting with Trump on Thursday shortly after their discussions

Abe had pledged to save Japan's economy using the 'three arrows' of huge federal spending, interest rate cuts and a regulatory overhaul to help new businesses and increase the number of women in the workforce, CNBC reported.

But while government intervention had kept borrowing low, the shrinking population - caused by a younger demographic uninterested in having children - has seen the economy continue to wallow.

Rescue: Abe had pledged to save Japan's economy, with the Trans-Pacific Partnership as a large part of that plan - so Trump's claim that he would stop the TPP raised eyebrows in Tokyo

The TPP had looked to be a solution to that, making it easier for Japan to increase the exports on which its economy is increasingly dependent, allowing it to make $125billion in additional income by 2030 and increasing GDP by 2.5 per cent.

So Trump's distaste for the deal - which America entered in 2008, and which was championed by Barack Obama - caused considerable worry in Japan.

Abe was the most high-profile visitor to Trump Tower on Thursday, but he wasn't the only one.

In fact, the day - just like those before it - had seen a constant flow of Trump's advisers, allies, collaborators, associates and potential future Cabinet members.

One of the most high-profile visitors was former Secretary of State Henry Kissinger, who arrived at the Tower for a meeting with Trump.

The pair had previously met in May at Kissinger's home, when Trump was on a mission to woo Republicans.

'President-elect Trump and Dr Kissinger have known each other for years and had a great meeting,' the presidential transition team said in a statement to ABC. 'They discussed China, Russia, Iran, the EU and other events and issues around the world.'

WHY WERE IVANKA AND JARED KUSHNER IN THE MEETING? There hasn't yet been any official word why Ivanka and Jared Kushner were present at this first meeting between the President-elect and Shinzo Abe - but it could be a sign of things to come under President Trump. Ivanka has provided support to her father throughout his campaign, but explicitly said in her interview on Sunday's '90 Minutes' that she was not interested in serving in his administration. So she may have just been there to accompany Kushner. He has been a rock in Trump's changing transitional team, and is currently mulling a role as senior adviser or special counsel to Trump,The Wall Street Journal reported Thursday. Kushner has seen particular support from both new White House chief of staff Reince Priebus and strategy chief Stephen Bannon, insiders told the Journal. But despite being Trump's son-in-law and a key member of his team, Kushner's rise to the White House is not guaranteed. That's because an anti-nepotism law, introduced in the wake of John F Kennedy appointing brother Bobby to the position of attorney general in 1961, may forbid it. According to the law, 'An individual appointed, employed, promoted, or advanced in violation of this section is not entitled to pay, and money may not be paid from the Treasury as pay to an individual so appointed, employed, promoted, or advanced.' That covers in-laws as well as full- and half-blood relatives. However, Kushner is considering working for free, the Journal says. A lawyer could argue that the law is concerned only with ensuring relatives are not paid, rather than not employed. And it could be further argued that the White House is not technically covered by the statue, which specifies hiring the relative into an executive, judicial or legislative 'agency.' Furthermore, it does not specify a penalty for those who break it. Both Kushner and Ivanka are part of a nominal 'blind trust' that will oversee the Trump Organization while Donald Trump is President, though traditional blind trusts are run by fully independent third parties. It's not clear how their position in the trust would be affected if Kushner were to step into the White House - but he would have to set up a trust of his own for his multi-billion-dollar real-estate business. Advertisement

Motorcade: Abe is taken in a motorcade to meet with US President-elect Donald Trump in Manhattan

Pulling out? Trump had suggested while on the stump that he might pull out US troops from Japan, and that the officially pacifist country might need to develop nukes

TRUMP'S NEW CABINET? Many have entered Trump Tower this week, and many of them have been rumored for positions in Trump's administration. President-elect Donald Trump has picked Alabama Sen. Jeff Sessions to be his attorney general and Kansas Rep. Mike Pompeo to lead the CIA, according to a transition official and multiple news reports. The Trump team has not made an official announcement. Republican National Committee spokesman Sean Spicer cautioned Friday morning on MSNBC that Trump himself would have to declare his intentions publicly before choices can be considered final. 'Until he says it's official, it's not official,' Spicer said. Both announcements, along with a final nod to retired General Michael Flynn as Trump's national security adviser, are expected later on Friday. A surprising potential ally is Mitt Romney, who strongly opposed Trump throughout his run but is now rumored to be a potential Secretary of State. That's a hotly contested position, with ex-New York Mayor Rudy Giuliani also said to be in the running for the job. On Monday he hinted to press that he might be up for the job, along with John Bolton, a former ambassador to the UN under George W Bush. South Carolina Governor Nikki Haley is also said to be in the running for the Secretary of State job despite backing Marco Rubio in the Republican primaries. She was seen in Trump Tower today. Another regular in the tower is Trump campaign finance chairman Steve Mnuchin, who's reportedly up for Treasury Secretary. He'll be up against Texas Rep Jeb Hensarling, who was seen in the Tower today. Advertisement

As well as Abe, Trump talked international politics with Ron Dermer, Israeli Ambassador to the United States, who met Trump in the early afternoon.

He told press outside the tower that Israel has 'no doubt' that Trump and VP-elect Mike Pence are 'true friends of Israel.'

'We look forward to working with the Trump administration, with all of the members of the Trump administration, including Steve Bannon, and making the US-Israel alliance stronger than ever,' he added.

The mention of Bannon was unprompted, The Jerusalem Post said. Bannon has been a bone of contention since his appointment as chief of strategy due to historic claims of anti-Semitic remarks.

Pence himself was seen heading in to speak to his boss, as he had done each day this week.

Other Republican figures who attended Trump Tower included South Carolina Governor Nikki Haley, Alabama Senator Jeff Sessions, Florida Governor Rick Scott, and Texas Rep Jeb Hensarling.

Haley is one of a number of people rumored for a possible Secretary of State position, despite having initially supported Marco Rubio in the Republican primaries, describing him as 'the only one who can defeat Donald Trump.'

Another possible hire is Sessions, who has been seen multiple times at Trump Tower this week, and is rumored to be in the running for the role of attorney general - as is Ted Cruz, who was seen at the tower Tuesday.

'While nothing has been finalized and he is still talking with others as he forms his Cabinet, the President-elect has been unbelievably impressed with Sen. Sessions and his phenomenal record as Alabama's attorney general and US attorney,' a statement from Trump's transition team to ABC News read.

'It is no wonder the people of Alabama re-elected him without opposition.'

Scott told reporters after the meeting that he will be staying in Florida and does not intend to take a job on the Trump administration, although he is willing to help out in the transition from the Obama administration.

Hensarling, who is rumored to be on a shortlist for Treasury Secretary alongside Trump campaign finance chairman Steve Mnuchin, told CBS that he discussed taxes, trade and the economy with the President-elect - but stopped short of admitting he was there fore a job interview.

Retired US Army General Jack Keane and was spotted getting into an elevator at Trump Tower on Thursday, as was Arkansas Attorney General Leslie Rutledge.

Keane is a hawk who had advised Hillary Clinton, but voiced his dissatisfaction with President Obama, complaining about the President's reticence for engaging in full-on war, and his remarks about Guantanamo Bay being a 'terrorist recruitment tool.'

According to Bloomberg he's in the running for Defense Secretary, along with another retired General, James Mattis.

Rutledge told media that she wants to help 'the administration to curb back regulations that are hurting American workers across the country' but declined to say who her meeting was with.

Former New York City mayor Rudy Giuliani was also seen arriving for an hour-long meeting, telling reporters on the way out that 'I'm going to get some rest.' He's said to have turned down an attorney general position, but is believed to be in the running for Secretary of State.

Job offer: Retired Lt General Michael Flynn spoke to the media as he arrived at Trump Tower on Thursday. He has been offered the job of National Security Adviser by the Trump team

Visitor: Ron Dermer, Israeli Ambassador to the United States, arrived in the early afternoon to meet with Trump. He later said that Israel considers both Trump and VP-elect Mike Pence to be 'true friends of Israel.' He was one of many visitors Thursday

Senator: US Senator Jeff Sessions of Alabama returned to Trump Tower on Thursday, after spending time in the building on Wednesday

On the team: US Representative Jeb Hensarling (R-TX) talked to Donald Trump about financial reform and told him he was 'on his team,' but did not say whether he was interviewed for his rumored position of Treasury Secretary

Hawk: Retired US Army Gen. Jack Keane was spotted on Thursday. He's rumored to be a potential Defense Secretary. A hawk, he advised Hillary Clinton but disliked Barack Obama's distaste for Guantanamo Bay and desire to withdraw troops

Helping: Arkansas Attorney General Leslie Rutledge told media that she wants to help 'the administration to curb back regulations that are hurting American workers across the country'
The millionaire activist who smashed Donald Trump's star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame with a pickaxe and a sledgehammer could find himself behind bars for three years.

James Otis, 52, was charged with felony vandalism on Thursday - a crime that carries a maximum punishment of three years in jail or a $10,000 fine.

Otis destroyed the star of the president-elect in the early hours of October 27, when Trump was still a candidate, police said. He was arrested soon after.

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James Otis, the millionaire activist who smashed Donald Trump's star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame with a pickaxe and a sledgehammer, could find himself behind bars for three years. he's seen above after his arrest on October 27

Donald Trump's star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame is seen after it was vandalized in Los Angeles

The 52-year-old, who is free on bail and scheduled to be arraigned on Friday, could not immediately be reached for comment and it's unclear if he has an attorney.

The star, given to Trump in 2007 for his work on the reality show 'The Apprentice', has since been repaired.

Otis said at the time that he smashed the star in protest of Trump's treatment of women, and had initially planned to steal the star, sell it off and give the money to the 11 women who had said Trump groped them.

He said he would be happy to pay for the repairs.

Otis is an heir to the Otis Elevator Company fortune, and a self-described 'non-violent activist' who has been arrested as many as 25 times.

An avid peace activist, he hit the headlines in 2009 when he sold a collection of Mahatma Gandhi's possessions - including his glasses - to Kingfisher lager owner and airline magnate Vijay Mallya for $1.8million.

However, he later regretted selling the items, as the Indian businessman had an ongoing dispute with the then-Indian government.

Donald Trump is seen kneeling in front of his star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame during its unveiling in 2007
He reached an undisclosed settlement with his now estranged wife

Musk is worth an estimated $11.2billion and owns Tesla and SpaceX

They were married between 2010 and 2012 and again from 2013 to 2016

Elon Musk and Talulah Riley (above in 2014) are officially divorced for the second time

Elon Musk is officially single after being granted his second divorce from Talulah Riley.

The 45-year-old technology mogul and 31-year-old British actress were given their request on Thursday after submitting paperwork for the divorce earlier this year.

It is their second split: they were married for two years before divorcing in 2012.

They remarried in 2013 and were together for a year before Musk, the founder of Tesla and Space Exploration Corp., filed divorce papers.

He retracted them six months later but Riley refiled in March, citing irreconcilable differences as the reason for the split.

There was no mention of a prenuptial agreement in their most recent parting, with the pair reaching a settlement out of court, TMZ reported.

Reports of their previous turmoil gave $16million as the figure Riley would walk away with.

Court documents released in March showed she was asking for spousal support and legal fees.

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The couple (above in 2015) were first married in 2010 but split two years later. They remarried in 2013 and were together for a year before Musk filed submitted divorce papers which he later retracted. Riley filed them again in March this year

Their parting was made simpler by the fact they have no children together.

Musk is the CEO and founder of Tesla and Space Exploration Corp, both of which have skyrocketed in value in recent years.

He is worth an estimated $11.2billion. The finalization of his divorce came on Thursday as he made strides in acquiring solar panel company SolarCity Corp.

Musk won the approval of shareholders at Tesla to push ahead with the $2billion deal after telling them their 'faith will be rewarded'.

His other venture, Space X, is also winning him acclaim in the business world.

Musk is worth an estimated $11.2billion. He reached an undisclosed settlement with his now estranged wife (right last year)

Riley (above with Sean Parker, center, and Musk, left, art Hugh Hefner's 2015 Halloween party) said she would not rule out marrying the entrepreneur a third time

Earlier this week he filed an application to submit 4,000 satellites into orbit.

The project will bring personal and business customers internet, the company said in its application.

'The system is designed to provide a wide range of broadband and communications services for residential, commercial, institutional, governmental and professional users worldwide,' SpaceX wrote in its application.

Riley, who has appeared in films including St Trinians and television show Nearly Famous and Westworld, previously refused to rule out a third marriage with the billionaire.

Riley previously described the pair as 'best friends' and thought their marriage would work

It is not known how much money Riley was granted in the divorce settlement. Previous reports of a prenuptial agreement between the two suggested it could be as much as $16million

'I mean, never say never. Marriage is a social construct, but I still believe in it,' she told the Mail on Sunday's You magazine.

In a separate interview with The Times, she described the South African businessman as her 'best friend'.

'We really are best friends. I'll always love him, I'll always be there for him,' she said.

Musk was briefly linked to Amber Heard after being spotted partying with her in London in August.
President-elect Donald Trump said on Thursday he saved a Lincoln production plant in Kentucky from being moved to Mexico after speaking on the phone with the company's chairman and CEO - however some critics claim the move was never on the cards.

Trump took to Twitter on Thursday to announce the success of his conversation with Ford Motor Co. Chairman Bill Ford Jr.

'Just got a call from my friend Bill Ford, Chairman of Ford, who advised me that he will be keeping the Lincoln plant in Kentucky - no Mexico', Trump wrote on Twitter.

'I worked hard with Bill Ford to keep the Lincoln plant in Kentucky. I owed it to the great State of Kentucky for their confidence in me!' he said in a follow-up tweet.

Ford has repeatedly said it has no plans to close any U.S. plants and likely could not do so under the terms of the current United Auto Workers contract that expires in 2019.

And many of Trump's enemies claimed the Donald was taking credit for saving a plant that was never at risk. However Ford later said Trump was talking about the location of the manufacturing of the Lincoln model of SUV.

The company doesn't have a plant that exclusively builds Lincolns, but it had planned to move production of the Lincoln MKC small SUV out of the Louisville Assembly Plant so it could make more Ford Escapes there.

A company spokeswoman confirmed Thursday that Ford was considering MKC production at a factory in Cuautitlan, Mexico.

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Trump (left) said he saved a Lincoln production plant in Kentucky from being moved to Mexico after speaking on the phone with the company's chairman Bill Ford Jr (right) . But critics claim it was never on the cards

Trump sent the tweets above on Thursday night discussing how Ford would not move its Kentucky plant and said he 'owed it to the great State of Kentucky'

Company spokeswoman Christin Baker said she didn't know when the decision was made to keep the MKC in Louisville or if Trump had any impact on it.

It's possible the decision was made before the election, because Escape sales have been falling since July, so additional production capacity in Louisville may not be needed.

'We are encouraged that President-elect Trump and the new Congress will pursue policies that will improve U.S. competitiveness and make it possible to keep production of this vehicle here in the United States,' Baker said in an e-mail to the Associated Press.

The company builds both the Ford Escape and Lincoln MKC SUV at its Louisville Assembly Plant in Kentucky, which Trump refers to as the 'Lincoln plant' and where Ford employs about 4,700 people.

It also has a separate truck plant in Louisville, where it builds pickups and larger SUVs.

It is not clear how many jobs would have been impacted if the low-selling MKC had moved to Mexico.

Ford has sold about 20,000 MKC SUVs this year in the United States, compared with 258,000 Escape SUVs.

This is not the first time Trump's comments about Ford production have been called into question.

Last year, he took credit for Ford moving work from Mexico to Ohio, while the automaker had already made the decision in 2011 - long before Trump announced a run for president.

The company builds the Ford Escape and Lincoln MKC SUV at its Louisville assembly plant in Kentucky (file above), where it employs about 4,700 people

The company has endured scathing criticism from Trump over its Mexican investments for nearly 18 months.

The Republican candidate repeatedly said during his long presidential campaign that if elected he would not allow Ford to open a new plant in Mexico and would slap hefty tariffs on any Ford vehicles made in Mexico.

Ford said in April 2015 it planned to invest $2.5 billion to build two new plants in Mexico, adding 3,800 jobs in all.

Earlier this year, Ford said it will invest a further $1.6 billion in Mexico for small-car production to start in 2018.

In September, Ford confirmed that all of the company's small-car production will leave U.S. plants and head to lower-cost Mexico by 2019, but no plants would be closed as a result.

Ford has repeatedly said no U.S. jobs will be lost because of the move - and it will produce two new vehicles at a Detroit area plant that built the small cars.

On Wednesday, Ford Motor Co Chief Financial Officer Bob Shanks told investors on Thursday it is too early to assess the impact Trump's election as U.S. president on its business in the next several years.

Shanks said that Ford officials are communicating with the Trump transition team, and that he was encouraged by the 'change in tone' in Trump's comments since his election last week, related to campaign comments.

Ford has repeatedly said it has no plans to close any U.S. plants, including in Kentucky (file above) and likely could not do so under the terms of the current United Auto Workers contract that expires in 2019

Chief Executive Officer Mark Fields said on Tuesday the company was moving ahead with plans to shift production of small cars to Mexico from Michigan, while 'two very important products' will be built in its U.S. factories.

'We're going forward with our plan to move production of the Ford Focus to Mexico, and importantly that's to make room for two very important products we'll be putting back into Michigan plants,' Fields said in an interview on the sidelines of the Los Angeles Auto Show.

'There will be no job impact whatsoever with this move.'

The company's CEO said last month he met with Trump and has countered Trump's criticism, saying the company, founded by his great-grandfather, makes more cars and trucks in the United States than any other automaker.

Fields said with U.S. gasoline prices so low, 'it's very difficult for us to be able to make money on a vehicle produced in the U.S.' in the small car segment.

If Ford decided to build the Focus small car line in the United States, and had to raise the price, 'we wouldn't sell the vehicle.'

The group that represents Ford and other major automakers in the U.S. has asked the Trump transition team to review and consider easing the Obama administration's fuel economy standards, which call for automakers to more than double the fuel efficiency of their fleets to 54.5 miles per gallon by 2025.

Ford (above) said last month he met with Trump and has countered Trump's criticism, saying the company, founded by his great-grandfather, makes more cars and trucks in the United States than any other automaker

Fuel economy and trade 'are two separate issues,' Fields said.

Ford also is moving ahead with plans to use factory capacity in other markets to fill gaps in its U.S. lineup.

Company executives used the auto show to promote a small sport utility vehicle called the EcoSport that the company plans to ship from India.

'We already have the plants and investment in other parts of the world. It frees us up to make further investments in the U.S.,' Fields said, pointing to the money invested to launch a new SuperDuty pickup at a plant in Kentucky.

Ford has cautioned investors that it sees demand for cars and light trucks hitting a plateau in the United States.

Fields said heading into the last two months of the year 'we are seeing a tougher pricing environment.'
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Victims trapped inside a bank after it was set alight were seen pressing their blackened faces up against the glass as they choked on thick plumes of smoke.

Firefighters took just 90 seconds to reach the scene as desperate victims of the Commonwealth Bank attack in Springvale, in Melbourne's south east, on Friday appeared as if they were suffocating as flames lapped against their feet.

Witnesses helplessly watched on with buckets of water in hand as one man said a 'maniac' had stormed the building and blown up an ATM by setting himself ablaze, while another said he left a trail of flames behind him after dousing the carpet in gasoline.

'He's setting the carpet on fire as he's running towards the back of the bank,' Ernie Gonzalez told The Age.

'I could see flames in the entrance and I could see people running out covered in charcoal - they were black,' he added.

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A 21-year-old man (far left with police and right) has been taken to hospital in a serious condition and is under police guard

One woman covered in soot sat beside the bank distraught as uninjured shopkeepers tended to her and her small child

The little boy held on to his mother tightly, his hair matted and face blackened as two women checked him for injuries

The bloodied and wounded lined the streets - crying out in pain as volunteers poured handfuls of cool water on their burns

Victims trapped inside a bank after it was set alight were seen pressing their blackened faces up against the glass as they choked on thick plumes of smoke

Another told 3AW the man became agitated and pulled some kind of accelerate out before the fire began.

Others said they only saw those gasping for air inside or running bloodied from the chaotic scene.

'They're trying [to help] but people still locked in there,' a woman said on Friday.

'Those that have escaped, their faces are all black and they're suffocating... I feel so useless just standing outside holding buckets of water.'

The bloodied and wounded lined the streets - crying out in pain as volunteers poured handfuls of cool water on their burns.

Witness Daniel Chau told Daily Mail Australia he was grabbing lunch when he saw people running out of the bank with their faces covered in ashes.

Commonwealth Bank's response team is working closely with local authorities and emergency services

Commonwealth Bank said its 'response team' was working with emergency services

Passersby were left stunned (left) as victims of the bank fire began emerging from the building (right)

The bloodied and wounded lined the streets - crying out in pain as volunteers poured handfuls of cool water on their burns

'I saw a man run out of the bank with his hands burnt, skin peeling off - it was pretty burnt,' he recalled.

'The man was dragging his hand out of something. All I could hear was him screaming. He was screaming like mad. It was awful. Everyone was running and jumping around like mad. Another guy was covered in ashes.

'There was a lot of smoke.

'I was pretty surprised and shocked. I used to live in Springvale and I usually come here to buy my lunch but I've never seen anything like this. It was the first time I've witnessed something like this.'

One woman covered in soot sat beside the bank distraught as uninjured shopkeepers tended to her and her small child.

The little boy held on to his mother tightly, his hair matted and face blackened as two women checked him for injuries.

The little boy held on to his mother tightly, his hair matted and face blackened as two women checked him for injuries

Paramedics are treating people for burns and smoke inhalation at the scene

Police said a 21-year-old Springvale man has been taken to hospital in a serious condition and is under police guard

People standing on the street as 'firecracker' sounds rang out called emergency services fearing another explosion could go off at any moment as others heroically braved the fire and rushed inside to help

Some sat quietly with their heads in their hands, unable to believe what had taken place in the quiet suburban branch while others searched for the friends or family they lost in the chaos and crowds of confused people.

Some sat quietly with their heads in their hands, unable to believe what had taken place in the quiet suburban branch

People standing on the street as 'firecracker' sounds rang out called emergency services fearing another explosion could go off at any moment as others heroically braved the fire and rushed inside to help.

A tradesman named Ashley Atkin-Fone picked up a fire extinguisher without any thought for his own safety and tried desperately to smother the flames.

'I got the fire out took four steps inside and I was shouting and shouting but couldn't hear anyone,' he told The Age.

He said one man with severe burns was screaming out as blood dripped from his hands and face.

'His face was terrible,' he said. 'He was screaming at the top of his voice. I've never heard anything like it.'

Anthony Banh who works at a jewellery shop across the road said people with severe burns were walking the street as they waited the fire department and ambulances to arrive.

'I heard a loud bang - it sounded like firecrackers - there was smoke everywhere,' he told The Age.

'A guy had severe burns on his face and arms and everything. There was another man crouched on the ground with severe burns.'

At least 27 people have been injured - six with serious burns who have been rushed to The Alfred hospital.

Twenty-one other people, including people ranging in age from a toddler to people in their 80s, were treated for breathing problems and have been taken to the Monash Medical Centre and Dandenong Hospital in a stable condition.

Adam Coulshed, a local construction worker who was on site across the road from the bank, said there was a loud bang followed by plumes of black smoke

The man was trying to get money from an ATM at the time of the explosion, he said. 'It was just black and there were people with blood [coming out of the bank].'

Police said a 21-year-old Springvale man has been taken to hospital in a serious condition and is under police guard.

Adam Coulshed, a local construction worker who was on site across the road from the bank, said there was a loud bang followed by plumes of black smoke.

'I thought it was a car accident,' he said.

He said his co-worker helped put out the fire with a shopkeeper from a neighbouring Optus store.
A group of leading Democrats is calling on Barack Obama to pardon about 750,000 young undocumented immigrants before Donald Trump becomes president.

A trio of Congressional Democrats asked the President to further protect those covered under an executive order he signed in 2012 - the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals act - amid growing fears about potential immigration changes Trump could implement.

Zoe Lofgren, Lucille Roybal-Allard and Luis Gutierrez asked Obama to officially pardon those who are temporarily shielded by the act.

A group of leading Democrats is calling on Barack Obama to pardon about 750,000 young undocumented immigrants before Donald Trump becomes president

'We urge the president to provide security to these young people,' Lofgren said at the press conference.

'I have spoken personally to children who are so frightened about what is to happen to them next.'

'By no fault of their own, these Americans are prisoners in their own country, living their daily lives, not knowing if they will be deported to another country,' Roybal-Allard said at a press conference on Thursday, Bloomberg reports.

The 75-year-old Congresswoman went on to say during her press conference that a letter including the request had officially been sent to Obama.

The letter read in part, 'Dreamers face uncertainty, fear and stress, leading to psychological issues including depression, anxiety and an increased risk of suicide,' according to the Huffington Post.

'Indeed, we have received reports of Dreamers who have taken their own lives as they are now facing the threat posed by the incoming president.

A trio of Congressional Democrats asked the President to further protect those covered under an executive order he signed in 2012 - the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals. Pictured are supporters of the President's DREAM act

Luis Gutierrez (left) and Zoe Lofgren (right) were among those to sign a letter calling on the President to issue the pardon

'Using your pardon authority, which is not subject to reversal, to protect these young people who relied on the program you implemented is quite literally a matter of life and death.'

However, the idea was rejected by a White House official on Thursday, who went on to say it is up to congress to make the suggested changes.

'We note that the clemency power could not give legal status to any undocumented individual,' the official said, according to the LA Times.

'As we have repeatedly said for years, only Congress can create legal status for undocumented individuals.'

'By no fault of their own, these Americans are prisoners in their own country, living their daily lives, not knowing if they will be deported to another country,' Lucille Roybal-Allard said

Republicans Jeff Flake (left) and Lindsey Graham (right) have said Congress will likely be forced to do something about the 750,000 people covered soon

Prominent Republicans have also said congress will need to take action soon, including South Carolina's Lindsey Graham, before the provisions given to some people covered begin to expire.

'There will be people timed out of it, so the issue will be forced upon us before long,' Arizona Senator Jeff Flake said, according to Bloomberg.

Fears about what will happen to immigrants have arisen since Trump won the election, and are based off his pledge to deport as many as three million undocumented people.

The Republican has also promised to do away with the DACA.
A protester dressed as a shark threw a net over New South Wales Premier Mike Baird as he was confronted by environmental activists today.

Mr Baird was visiting Ballina to launch a six-month trial of shark nets across beaches in the area when he was met by a crowd of eco-friendly demonstrators.

During the heated clash, a protester in a hammerhead shark costume tried to chuck a net on top of the NSW premier, but was blocked by security.

A protester dressed as a shark threw a net over New South Wales Premier Mike Baird as he was confronted by environmental activists today

During the heated clash, a protester in a hammerhead shark costume tried to chuck a net on top of the NSW premier, but was blocked by security

Mr Baird was visiting Ballina to launch a six-month trial of shark nets across beaches in the area when he was met by a crowd of eco-friendly demonstrators

Mr Baird had been mercilessly heckled by dozens of protesters chanting 'no shark nets' during his speech, before stepping down to talk to them.

As he turned to walk to his car, a protester wearing a hammerhead shark costume attempted to throw a net over him but was blocked by security.

The man in the shark suit was Dean Jefferys, an environmental activist and former Sea Shepherd skipper, who was leading the protest.

'I just wanted the Premier to get an experience of what its like inside being since a net... the perspective that these shark nets, they kill everything indiscriminately,' he told News Corp.

'I didn't touch him.'

Mr Jefferys was spoken to by the police but was not arrested and no further action will be taken.

Mr Baird had been mercilessly heckled by dozens of protesters chanting 'no shark nets' during his speech, before stepping down to talk to them

The man in the shark suit was Dean Jefferys, an environmental activist and former Sea Shepherd skipper, who was leading the protest

Mr Jefferys (pictured) accused Mr Baird of ignoring scientific advice to deploy the 'outdated, indiscriminate killing nets'

The conservationists were protesting against the decision to install shark nets at five beaches around Ballina.

The plan was approved after a string of shark attacks on the northern coast of New South Wales.

Mr Jefferys accused Mr Baird of ignoring scientific advice to deploy the 'outdated, indiscriminate killing nets'.

He accused the premier of 'pandering to some ill informed surfers, noisy locals and business operators' after the recent shark attacks.

'Shark nets are purely cosmetic to convince tourists and locals they are safe,' the activist said.
Haitian migrants have been released from crowded jails in Arizona and California as officials struggle to keep up with the number of those trying to enter the US illegally from Mexico.

They have been released on the condition that they agree to return to immigration court on a decided date and are allowed to live in society monitored by ankle tags until then.

An unnamed official said the immigrants are vetted before release to check for dangerous criminal backgrounds or other threats.

It comes after a surge in the number of Haitians attempting to enter the US this year.

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Undocumented Haitian immigrants are being released from US detention centers after entering the country from Mexico because of jail overcrowding. Above, Haitian and African workers line up at a Mexican migration office in October

The Associated Press reports that 5,000 Haitians arrived at San Ysidro, one of California's busiest border crossings, between October 15 and late September this year.

It boosted the illegal immigrant population in jails from 34,000 to 41,000 alongside a surge in other nationalities trying to gain access to the country.

To combat the higher numbers, prison officials have been releasing non-threatening Haitians into the community.

They are released on the condition that they promise to appear at immigration court later to have their cases assessed.

It is a reversal on the government's recent vow to deport Haitian immigrants who have not faced being sent home for years.

President Obama halted automatic deportation for Haitians after the country suffered a devastating earthquake in 2010, claiming it would put their lives at risk to send them back to their shattered homeland.

In September, his administration vowed to resume flights for undocumented workers in response to the growing numbers.

Homeland secretary Jeh Johnson said conditions had improved 'sufficiently' to return them to Haiti.

ICE spokeswoman Jennifer Elzea said in a written statement it is removing Haitians in accordance with its enforcement priorities.

'ICE prioritizes the removal of national security threats, convicted felons, individuals convicted of significant or multiple misdemeanors, and individuals apprehended at or between ports of entry while attempting to unlawfully enter the United States,' she wrote.

Haitian and African migrants are seen queuing up at a Mexican migration office while trying to seek asylum to the United States

Thousands more Haitians have entered the US this year than in previous years

Deportation for Haitian immigrants had been halted since 2010 as the country recovered from a devastating earthquake. In September, Obama's administration reversed the rule and resumed deportation flights. Above, a Guatemalan man holds a Haitian girl at a migrant shelter in Tijuana

The large numbers of Haitians arriving in California and Arizona, and Central Americans coming across in Texas have put a tremendous strain on the system.

Customs and Border Protection announced Thursday it was opening a new temporary processing center in an El Paso, Texas, suburb.

The facility in Tornillo, Texas, will be used to process families and minors and can hold up to 500 people. It will be up and running within a week.

The decision to release Haitians will likely add to the growing backlog of more than half-a-million cases already pending in immigration court. That backlog has effectively meant that immigrants routinely wait years for a judge to decide if they should be kicked out of the country.

At a bus station in Phoenix on Thursday, several Central American women said authorities released them on condition that they promise to appear in immigration court. Yarely Cobon of Guatemala was wearing an ankle monitor and was with her 4-year-old daughter.

Haitian migrant Antenol Galicien waits at San Ysidro in May trying to gain entry to the US

Cobon, 22, said she left Guatemala over three weeks ago and crossed the border in Texas. She turned herself in to the Border Patrol and was detained for about six days. Her family paid for a bus ticket to join them in Los Angeles, where she has a court hearing next week.

Cobon said the Border Patrol holding cell where she was held with her daughter was packed with women in children. She called it a 'hielero' - a Spanish term for 'freezer' that migrants use to describe the extremely cold holding cells.

'I was just standing, sitting, desperate. There's children crying. It was dirty,' Cobon said.

Ana Lidia Dubon Martinez is nearly eight months pregnant with twins and left Honduras with her 11-year-old brother almost a month ago. The pair swam across the river in Matamoros, Mexico, and turned themselves in to border agents in the U.S.

Dubon Martinez is headed to Los Angeles via bus.

The U.S. policy shift announced in September lifted special protections that Haitians got after their country's 2010 earthquake and treats them like immigrants from other countries and regions, including Mexico and Central America.

Central Americans, particularly adult men, are often detained until they can be flown home. Mexicans are typically turned around immediately, made possible by their country's shared border with the U.S.
A male pilot has survived a helicopter crash in far north Queensland thanks to a satellite system beacon that sparked a search and rescue.

The helicopter went missing near the Daintree Rainforest, north of Cairns.

The male pilot, aged in his 40s, was the only person on-board the helicopter and was located at around 2.30pm, 50 km west of Port Douglas.

A helicopter with four people on-board is ffeared to have crashed in far north Queensland

The pilot was discovered quickly thanks to a distress beacon linked to a MEOSAR satellite system and a paramedic was winched to the injured survivor, according to the SBS.

The man was treated for a head laceration and injuries and was transported to Cairns Base Hospital in a stable condition.

Multiple agencies were involved in the search, which was sparked after police received a call concerning the aircraft just after 1pm on Friday.

A rescue helicopter from Townsville and a Rescue 510 helicopter were involved in the search, reported Perth Now.

It is believed the missing helicopter was a Robinson helicopter.
A man who drank 21 schooners of beer before mowing down a fellow pub-patron with his van and killing him has been jailed for at least 18 years.

Michael Allen Meakin was found guilty of murdering Nicholas McEvoy in the early hours of February 21, 2014 at Dean Park, in western Sydney.

The 47-year-old and Mr Mc Evoy, 30, had earlier been involved in a disagreement over a game of pool at the Plumpton Hotel, before committing the fatal hit and run.

Michael Allen Meakin (pictured) was found guilty of the 2014 murder of Nicholas McEvoy at Dean Park, in western Sydney, and sentenced to a minimum of 18 years behind bars on Friday

Meakin ran down Mr McEvoy (right) and left him lying dead by the side of the road after the pair had earlier had an argument over a game of pool at a pub

Appearing in the NSW Supreme Court on Friday, Justice David Davies said Meakin had shown no remorse and had maintained he accidentally hit Mr McEvoy.

In July this year, on the opening day of Meakin's trial, the court heard both men had been kicked out of the pub by bouncers at around midnight.

The court heard close to 10 minutes later, a passing motorist spotted Mr McEvoy's body lying by the side of the road.

Having bought more the 21 schooners of beer, the court heard Meakin would have had a blood alcohol level of close to 0.313 when he jumped behind the wheel and mowed down Mr McEvoy.

The court heard that as the pair were simultaneously ejected from the pub, Meakin issued Mr McEvoy a challenge.

'As he was being escorted out, Mr McEvoy said words to the effect of a challenge to the accused,' Crown prosecutor Pat Barrett said in June.

'[He] suggested to the accused that he, Mr McEvoy, would "smash him".'

Meakin then hopped in his Toyota van to go on a 'Maccas run' before he mowed down Mr McEvoy and killed him.
Six people are in critical condition following the explosion

A tradesman has been hailed a hero after he ran to the aid of people injured in a fire at a bank when a man walked in and set himself alight

Ash Atkin-Fone was laying pipes in an alleyway when he heard an explosion followed by screams of a child coming from the Commonwealth Bank in Springvale, Melbourne at 11.30am on Friday.

'This kid comes running out, screaming his head off, with skin hanging off everywhere,' Mr Atkin-Fone told 9News.

Ash Atkin-Fone was laying pipes in an alleyway when he heard an explosion followed by screams of a child coming from the Commonwealth Bank in Springvale

'I ran across the road to Optus, grabbed the fire extinguisher and tried to put the fire out.'

Mr Atkin-Fone entered the smoke-filled bank as people were evacuated from the back exit as the fire alarms rang out.

'I was four metres inside choking and just shouting, "Is anybody inside?"' he said.

Mr Atkin-Fone began trying to put out the flames before fire services had arrived.

Earlier he said he heard a man yelling the bank would not give him any money.

'There were four people getting blasted [with glass] along the street,' the heroic tradie told The Herald Sun.

He said he 'had to' put himself in danger and run into the burning building.

'What would you do? Instincts just kicked in,' Mr Atkin-Fone said.

Mr Atkin-Fone entered the smoke-filled bank as people were evacuated from the back exit as the fire alarms rang out

The heroic Mr Atkin-Fone began trying to put out the flames before fire services had arrived

Twenty-seven people were injured in the explosion at the Commonwealth Bank in Springvale at 11.30am on Friday

A 21-year-man has been placed under police guard in hospital

Twenty-seven people were injured in the explosion at the Commonwealth Bank in Springvale at 11.30am on Friday, causing people to run from the building.

Six people, including the 21-year-old male, were rushed to The Alfred Hospital with serious burns.

They were all in a critical condition.

Twenty-one others, including a toddler and someone in their 80s, were treated for breathing problems and taken to the Monash Medical Centre and Dandenong Hospital.

The 21-year-man has been placed under police guard in hospital.

'He had some sort of accelerant with him in a container,' Inspector Jacqui Poida told reporters at the scene.

'Somehow that accelerant was lit inside the bank. He set himself alight with that fire.'
A Sky News journalist had her face slashed open after the sister-in-law of a slain hitman shoved her outside court - but kept on reporting regardless.

Reporter Amy Greenbank was outside court after Tarek Assaad - the brother of murdered gangster Hamad Assaad - was denied bail on firearms charges on Friday.

Tarek Assaad's hijab-clad wife stormed out of court after the hearing and grabbed hold of Greenbank's camera before pushing it over her shoulder.

Sky News journalist Amy Greenbank had her face slashed open after the sister-in-law of a slain hitman shoved her outside court - but kept on reporting regardless

She pushed Sky News reporter Amy Greenbank into a tree, causing her handheld camera to hit her above her eye

Moments later, blood was seen streaming down Greenbanks's face from a wound just millimetres above her eye

As Greenbank stumbled back into a tree, the edge of the camera caught her above the eye - leaving her with a nasty gash.

Despite the shocking attack, the journalist carried on filming and following the woman as she continued to shove other reporters outside Bankstown Magistrates Court.

Moments later, blood was seen streaming down Greenbanks's face from a wound just millimetres above her eye.

The brave journalist, who joined Sky as a weather reporter but is also an anchor for the news channel, required medical treatment after the clash.

She later posted a picture online which showed a plaster covering the cut just under her eyebrow.

'Eventful day but I'm fine. Thanks for all your well wishes!' she tweeted.

Ms Assaad shoved several reporters and camera operators as they tried to ask her questions while she fled the Bankstown Magistrates Court on Friday

The hijab-clad woman clashed with the media pack after her husband Tarek Assaad was denied bail on firearms charges

Greenbank later posted a picture online which showed a plaster covering the cut just under her eyebrow

Greenbank is used to encountering tough challenges when reporting, having travelled to the Middle East to interview Syrian refugees at camps in Jordan.

She also covered a tsunami in Samoa in 2009 and was part of Sky News' coverage of typhoon Haiyan, which devastated the Philippines in 2013.

Tarek Assaad was arrested on Thursday night at his house in Sydney, which is just a few doors down from where his brother was shot gunned down in October.

A loaded Glock handgun and almost 30 rounds of ammunition was allegedly found in his home, as well as drugs including cocaine and steroids.

Tarek Assaad (pictured) the brother of slain underworld figure Hamad Assaad was arrested by police on Thursday night at his home in western Sydney

The arrests come less than a month after Hamad Assaad (pictured) was executed in his driveway on October 25

Officers from the Middle Eastern Organised Crime Squad search a vehicle during their raids on the two homes on Thursday night

Hamad Assaad, a prominent underworld figure and renowned hitman, was shot dead in front of his young nephew

In court on Friday, Assaad denied he knew the gun and ammunition was in his house and offered a $115,000 surety and said he would adhere to a night curfew to get bail.

But Magistrate Elaine Truscott said it was hard to believe the wholesale tyre sales manager was unaware of their presence.

'I find it impossible to believe that the defendant did not know there was a loaded firearm in a drawer in his TV cabinet,' she said, according to the Sydney Morning Herald.

Because some of the ammunition was in his car parked outside, she said it appeared he may be 'intending to imminently use it'.
Year 12 students have begun their annual pilgrimage to party hot spots in Australia and overseas as the almost month-long Schoolies festival gets underway.

School leavers from Queensland officially kick off the party on Saturday, but some some teens have gotten off to an early start with celebrations popping up on Friday night.

Renowned for being an often alcohol and drug-fuelled affair, teenagers and their parents have been particularly warned this year to be on the look out for 'zombie drug' Flakka, which has proven to be potentially deadly.

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Year 12 students have begun their annual pilgrimage to party hot spots in Australia and overseas as the almost month-long Schoolies festival gets underway

Some some teens have gotten off to an early start with celebrations popping up on Friday night

Schoolies runs over three weeks from November 19 to December 11

Schoolies swim in their school uniform at Mooloolaba Beach on Queensland's Sunshine Coast

Notorious for its high rise apartment towers, revelers are often seen partying on sky high balconies

'Super moons:' Long the most popular of Schoolies pilgrimages, the Gold Coast is gearing up for another enormous 2016 party

Year 12 students have to make annual pilgrimage to Schoolies from across Australia

A year 12 student enjoying leavers in Surfers Paradise, Queensland

A group of leaver embracing schoolies on the Gold Coast, Queensland

But the warnings haven't stopped thousands of young people, who began flocking to locations including the Gold Coast, Byron Bay, Torquay and even Bali on Friday.

Long the most popular of Schoolies pilgrimages, the Gold Coast is gearing up for another enormous 2016 party.

Notorious for its high rise apartment towers, revelers are often seen partying on sky high balconies.

With a strong police presence to be in place throughout the Schoolies celebrations, students are being warned of the consequences of any bad behaviour.

'We've got to trust their judgment, got to rely on them to make good decisions,' Chief Superintendent Terry Borland said.

'If they're going to put themselves in conflict, well certainly police will take action.

Empty cans, Butter- Menthols, a digital camera and an empty salsa packet are pictured in this leaver's photo

Queensland Ambulance staff prepare the medical response tent at the Schoolies Hub at Surfers Paradise on Friday

With a strong police presence to be in place throughout the Schoolies celebrations, students are being warned of the consequences of any bad behaviour

'What you do now may impact on what you do in the future.

'It's a choice issue.'

Approximately 1100 volunteers from various community organisations will be in and amongst the revellers, providing support and assistance.

One of the most popular groups is the Red Frogs, which is expected to hand out four tonnes of the confectionery during the week-long party.

A strong medical response will also be in place, with an on-site ambulance treatment centre (ATC) providing expert attention to those in need.

Last year more than 500 people sought treatment at the ATC for a variety of ailments from exhaustion and illness to broken bones.

Of those treated, about five per cent needed further treatment in hospital.

School leavers from Queensland will officially kick off the party on Saturday, which runs over three weeks from November 19 to December 11

A leaver celebrating schoolies week at Hyams Beach in New South Wales

The RACQ is also warning Schoolies to stay safe on their way to and from celebration sites

Queensland Ambulance Service spokesman Justin Payne said anyone in need of medical assistance shouldn't be afraid to seek help, but avoiding risky situations was the best advice.

'It's a time to celebrate, it's certainly not a time to risk your health and wellbeing,' Mr Payne said.

The RACQ is also warning Schoolies to stay safe on their way to and from celebration sites.

Schools out: Schoolies celebrations have begun across the country

A group of school leavers celebrate by taking a dip in their school uniform

Packed and ready for schoolies on the Gold Coast, Queensland

Figures released to RACQ by the Department of Transport and Main Roads revealed more than 240 P-plate drivers were caught breaking passenger restrictions during the first half of this year.

RACQ's Lauren Ritchie said P1 licence holders under 25 years of age were unable to drive with more than one peer passenger not in their immediate family between 11pm and 5am.

'The message to young drivers is simple: if you drive with a group of friends during restricted hours you're not being a good friend,' she said.

'You're putting your life and the lives of your friends in serious danger.'
He also called his female colleague a 'c**t' before storming out of meeting

The first openly gay member of the South Australian Parliament has called a female colleague a c**t and told a table of ministers to f**k off during an outburst on Thursday.

South Australia's Water Minister Ian Hunter unleashed the rage-fuelled tirade at a top Adelaide restaurant, before storming out of the meeting and getting icecream with his team.

The Thursday night dinner was arranged for ACT representatives to discuss the Basin Plan  a water management plan, The Weekly Times reports.

South Australia's Water Minister Ian Hunter (pictured) unleashed a rage-fuelled tirade at a top Adelaide restaurant on Thursday

When the ministers disagreed on the plan, the honourable Ian Hunter unleashed his foul tired, directing it towards his fellow Labor Minister Lisa Neville and Deputy Prime Minister Barnaby Joyce.

He then proceeded to tell all ministers at the meeting to 'f**ck off'.

In a statement released to Daily Mail Australia Mr Hunter admitted the ministers had 'a robust discussion' where 'South Australia stood up for our rights'.

'I'm very happy with standing up for South Australia  that's what we do here,' he said.

'And I will do so in the most forthright manner.'

Mr Hunter also called for Barnaby Joyce to be sacked from his position as the Minister for Agriculture and Water

While Mr Hunter admitted the meeting had been 'robust' he would not comment on his fiery outburst.

'I'm not going to talk about what I might have said to people in a private meeting that's not what I do,' he said.

Mr Hunter also called for Barnaby Joyce to be sacked from his position as the Minister for Agriculture and Water, claiming he was not committed to delivering his promises on the Basin Plan.

'I ask Malcolm Turnbull to pull him into line,' he told Daily Mail Australia.

'Or sack him and hand over the ministry for water.'

Ms Neville (pictured) said she shared very different views to Mr Hunter but it would not stop her from arguing her case

Mr Hunter said he was unhappy with Mr Joyce's apparent lack of commitment to the water plan and said he would not 'allow that agreement to be whittled away'.

'I will not be backed into a corner by Barnaby Joyce,' he said.

But in defense of his alleged lack of commitment to the plan, Mr Joyce said the plan could not 'be delivered without significant social and economic detriment'.

When Hon. Neville was asked about the expletive littered outburst directed at her, she confirmed there had been a 'robust discussion' ahead of Friday's council meeting but said it had been a private meeting.

Ms Neville said she shared very different views to Mr Hunter but it would not stop her from arguing her case.
The girlfriend of the murdered gangster Pasquale Tim Barbaro has broken her silence, saying she is grieving for her dead lover and feels deeply sad for his family.

Chantel Baptista, a professional dancer, was in a relationship with Barbaro before he was gunned down in an execution-style shooting in Earlwood on Monday night.

The attractive young woman of Portugese heritage was being comforted by friends on Friday, and told Daily Mail Australia that she was distressed by her boyfriends killing.

I am grieving Im really sad for his family too,' Ms Baptista said.

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Chantel Baptista (L) girlfriend of the murdered gangster Pasquale Tim Barbaro has broken her silence

She said she was in a relationship with Barbaro (pictured) before he was gunned down in an execution-style shooting in Earlwood on Monday night

On her Facebook page, friends sent messages of support, in the wake of her boyfriends death.

Thinking of you babe,' one friend wrote,

It is not known whether Ms Baptista was at all aware of her lovers chequered past, but friends of the couple said they had been dating for some time before his murder.

The attractive young woman of Portugese heritage was being comforted by friends on Friday, and said she was distressed by her boyfriends killing

It is not known whether Ms Baptista was at all aware of her lovers chequered past

Friends of the couple said they had been dating for some time before his murder

Barbaro, 35, was understood to have been living with Ms Baptista in Sydneys south. The young womans mother lives there too.

Friends described Ms Baptista as gorgeous and pictures show her to be a social butterfly who is regularly showered in compliments for her bikini photographs.

She has previously worked as a contract dancer at a venue called The Act in the United Arab Emirates.

Acquaintances said Ms Baptista was reluctant to speak publicly - after other media wrongly identified another woman as Barbaros girlfriend.

'This is not meant to be a circus, Ms Baptista said.

Barbaro, 35, was understood to have been living with Ms Baptista in Sydneys south. The young womans mother lives there too

Friends described Ms Baptista as gorgeous and pictures show her to be a social butterfly who is regularly showered in compliments for her bikini photographs

She has previously worked as a contract dancer at a venue called The Act in the United Arab Emirates

Barbaro was previously married and has two children who he used to live with in the citys Italian enclave of Leichhardt.

On Monday, Barbaro tried in vain to run for his life before he was executed with a shot to the head at about 9.40pm.

Almost a year before the day to his death, Barbaro miraculously survived another attempt on his life - walking away unscathed from a hail of bullets in Leichhardt.

Two other men who share Barbaros name - his grandfather and his cousin - suffered the same fate as the heavily-tattooed criminal.

Barbaro was previously married and has two children who he used to live with in the citys Italian enclave of Leichhardt

Pasquale Peter Barbaro, 58, was stabbed and shot in 1990 as his new wife begged for his life in Brisbane.

More than a decade later, Pasquale Little Pat Barbaro was gunned down in a van in 2003 as his children cried in the back seat.

NSW Police Commissioner Andrew Scipione has formed Strike Force Osprey to examine eight fatal shootings across Sydney in the past eighteen months.

On Monday, Barbaro tried in vain to run for his life before he was executed with a shot to the head at about 9.40pm




A women who dated notoriously violent Brothers 4 Life leaders has been questioned as a crown witness in a murder trial.

The woman, known as Witness M, has told the court of love letters she was sent from partners Bassam Hamzy, Hamad Assaad and Farhad Qaumi, which she safeguarded in an electronic safe.

The woman, whose identity is suppressed, confirmed she had sexual relationships with jailed Brothers 4 Life kingpin Bassam Hamzy and slain hitman Hamad Assaad, and Farhad Qaumi, reports Daily Telegraph.

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A women who dated notoriously violent Brothers 4 Life leaders Farhad Quami (left) and Bassam Hamzy has been questioned as a crown witness in a murder trial

Witness M is giving evidence against Farhad Qaumi and his brother Mumtaz in relation to the murder of debt collector Joe Antoun, who was gunned down outside his Strathfield home in December 16, 2013.

Defence barrister for Farhad Qaumi, John Stratton SC, asked her if she was involved with violent underworld figures.

'What I am putting to you is, serially, you have been involved with Middle Eastern criminals, is that right or wrong?'

'What do you mean, were my exs criminals? Yes,' Witness M said

She agreed she kept letters from Bassam Hamzy and passed information on from him to the other members.

Witness M told the court Farhad Qaumi was offered $200,000 by Antoun's business partner, Elias Elias, to execute the victim.

Debt collector Joe Antoun was gunned down outside his Strathfield home in December 16, 2013

A woman is giving evidence against B4L leaders in relation to the murder of debt collector Mr Antoun, pictured with his wife, Teagan

The woman was also involved with slain hitman Hamad Assaad, who was gunned down last month in an execution killing




The government's child sex abuse inquiry plunged further into chaos today is facing calls for her resignation.

Labour MP Chuka Umunna has demanded Professor Alexis Jay stand aside after the biggest victims' group withdrew their support.

The Shirley Oaks Survivors Association condemned the probe - set up by Theresa May when she was home secretary - for allowing the 'guilty to wash their dirty hands'.

The latest setback will fuel questions about the future of the inquiry, which has had four different chairs in just two years.

However, Downing Street insisted the Prime Minister still had full confidence in Professor Jay.

Professor Alexis Jay took over as chair of the child sex abuse inquiry after the resignation of Lowell Goddard

Earlier this week it emerged that another senior lawyer at the inquiry had quit.

Aileen McColgan, a law professor at Kings' College London involved in the inquiry's investigations into the Anglican and Catholic Church, reportedly quit due to concerns over the inquiry's leadership.

Her departure follows the resignation of the inquiry's senior counsel, Ben Emmerson, and his junior colleague, Elizabeth Prochaska.

Pulling no punches in a statement today, the Shirley Oaks Survivors Association called on panel members to resign 'for the sake of all those children who were abused historically'.

The group dismissed current chairwoman Professor Alexis Jay as 'an uninspiring leader', saying it did not believe she is the right person to uncover the truth behind allegations of historical abuse, expressing disappointment at not having met her since she was appointed in August.

In a scathing conclusion, the association said the inquiry is an 'opportunity lost' which 'will leave a pigment of shame on the Government's hands'.

Mr Umunna, a member of the House of Commons Home Affairs Committee, said he did not have confidence in Prof Jay as chair of the inquiry and wanted to see a judge of High Court level or above appointed in her place.

Mr Umunna - who stressed that he was not speaking on behalf of the committee - said: 'The concern here is whether you've got a chair that can command the confidence of the majority of survivors and whether they are up to doing the job.

'Can Prof Jay bring the heft and forensic capacity of a judge to this inquiry, which is what is needed? I'm not confident that she can.

'There's an ongoing issue about the fact that she's come from three decades in social work.

Theresa May (pictured left meeting Angela Merkel in Berlin today) set up the inquiry when she was Home Secretary

'For many of the survivors that is a problem because a lot of the perpetrators came from that profession. You can't just sweep that under the table and it's never been dealt with by the panel properly.'

Mr Umunna said the resignations of a number of inquiry lawyers showed there was 'severe dysfunction' within its legal team.

But a spokesman for the Prime Minister said: The inquiry itself has said that its sorry that the Shirley Oaks Survivors Association has taken the decision to withdraw from the inquiry, but its important to emphasise that the work of the inquiry to investigate the abuse of children in care in Lambeth  as well as elsewhere  will continue.

He added: The interests of the victims and survivors are at the heart of this inquiry and its right that it continues its work.

Asked whether the Prime Minister still had confidence in Professor Jay as chair, the spokesman said: Yes.

Chuka Umunna, a Home Affairs Committee member, said he did not have confidence in Prof Jay as chair of the inquiry and wanted to see a judge appointed in her place

The scale of the sweeping probe has increasingly come under the spotlight. Described as the most ambitious public inquiry ever launched in England and Wales, it is running a string of investigative strands spanning several decades.

It was initially earmarked to last for five years but there have been suggestions it could run for as long as a decade.

Following her resignation, former chairwoman Dame Lowell Goddard said there was an 'inherent problem' in the inquiry's 'sheer scale and size'.

The inquiry spent 14.7 million out of a 17.9 million budget in 2015/16.

Prof Jay has spoken of her hopes for the inquiry to complete most of its work by 2020.

Earlier this week the inquiry announced it was delaying the strand of its investigation which is focusing on the handling of the case of late peer Lord Janner.

A spokeswoman said this was 'in order to allow the ongoing police and IPCC investigations to continue so that we can avoid potential issues around witness overlap'.

Lord Janner, 87, who died in December, is alleged to have abused youngsters over a period spanning more than 30 years dating back to the 1950s, with offending said to have taken place at children's homes and hotels.

The allegations against him, which are denied by his family, were due to be examined at hearings of the public inquiry

Raymond Stevenson, chairman of the Shirley Oaks Survivors Association, said members voted on Saturday that they no longer wanted to be part of the inquiry.

Mr Stevenson said that Sosa had co-operated with a previous inquiry involving the Metropolitan Police and Lambeth Council which identified 50 potential suspects, but led to only three arrests. Sosa is now preparing to publish its own report naming 60 people as paedophiles.

'In the last inquiry, some of our members committed suicide, and people need to take that on board,' Mr Stevenson told the BBC Radio 4 Today programme.

'They went through a five-year inquiry and they committed suicide. So if you are asking do we feel safe and comfortable to put our members through an inquiry that is openly failing - failing tragically, failing publicly - it's not acceptable for us to put them through this.

'The inquiry needs to sort itself out. They need to get rid of Alexis Jay, who's been parachuted in by the Home Office. She's not the right person.'

Mr Stevenson said he did not believe that Sosa members would be to blame if the child sex inquiry collapses, telling Today: 'The responsibility lies with those people who put the inquiry together. We don't accept any responsibility for us having to pull out.'

He added: 'They can do it without us. If they want to do a tick-box exercise, they can sit at their computers and go through the figures. We were persuaded to take part in this because we believed we were going to get justice and to expose what took place in Lambeth. If it's going to be the inquiry which we believe it's going to be, then they don't need us.
Wolfgang Schauble is a key ally of German Chancellor Angela Merkel

Britain could be forced to write cheques to Brussels until 2030 despite leaving the EU, the German finance minister has warned.

Wolfgang Schauble delivered his blustering warning as Theresa May flew into Berlin for talks with Angela Merkel and other world leaders.

Mr Schauble said post-Brexit Britain would be bound by tax rules restricting it from granting incentives to keep investors in the country.

He also insisted there will be no special deal to curb freedom of movement if the UK wants to remain part of the common market.

Signalling that the bloc is determined to take a tough line in looming negotiations, Mr Shauble - a key ally of Mrs Merkel - said: 'Until the UK's exit is complete, Britain will certainly have to fulfil its commitments.

'Possibly there will be some commitments that last beyond the exit even, in part, to 2030.'

Mrs May is expected to hold talks with Mrs Merkel and US president Barack Obama - who is on a farewell tour before handing over to Donald Trump in January - during her visit to Berlin.

The mini-summit will also be attended by the leaders of France, Italy and Spain.

Although Brexit is not on the agenda for the talks, the Prime Minister is likely to discuss the issue with European counterparts.

Germany's hard line approach comes after French President Francois Hollande said in October that Britain must pay a price for severing its ties to Brussels.

Mr Schauble said freedom of movement was a core part of the single market and changing the key principles of the bloc would hit financial services companies.

'There is no a la carte menu,' he said. 'There is only the whole menu or none.

Prime Minister Theresa May is in Berlin today for meetings with international counterparts including Mrs Merkel and outgoing US President Barack Obama

'Without membership of the internal market, without acceptance of the four basic freedoms of the internal market there can, of course, be no passporting, no free access for financial products or for financial actors.'

Mr Obama yesterday voiced hope that Brexit negotiations would be 'smooth and orderly'.

The US president notoriously waded into the EU referendum campaign earlier this year by suggesting the UK would go to the 'back of the queue' for a trade deal with America if it cut ties with Brussels.

He said after meeting Mrs Merkel in Berlin: 'I hope that the negotiations over Britain's withdrawal from the EU will be conducted in a smooth and orderly and transparent fashion, and will preserve as much as possible the economic and security relationship between the UK and the EU.'

He added: 'I think the European Union is one of the greatest achievements of the world.

'You have to preserve those achievements and fight for them. You can't take them for granted.'
Conservative judges should limit the Supreme Court's powers - inspired by the example of Antonin Scalia, one of its own justices said last night.

Justice Clarence Thomas told a dinner in memory of Scalia, who died in February, that the court has too often granted rights to people which are not found in the Constitution.

He claimed the decision last year to make same-sex marriage legal across the country, which both Scalia and Thomas dissented from, is an example of the Supreme Court overstretching.

Justice Clarence Thomas called on the audience to dedicate themselves to his late friend's 'unfinished business'

'With such unchecked judicial power, we leave it for the least accountable branch to decide what newly discovered rights should be appended to our Constitution,' Thomas told 1,700 people at a dinner in Maryland last night.

He paraphrased Lincoln's Gettysburg address to exhort the audience to 'be dedicated to the unfinished business for which Justice Scalia gave his last full measure of devotion'.

Thomas said he and his longtime friend and colleague formed an 'odd couple', as a white New Yorker and a black man from Georgia.

'But together, we soon became our own band of brothers,' Thomas said.

Thomas' talk to the Federalist Society, along with one earlier on Thursday by Justice Samuel Alito, came at an unexpectedly upbeat moment for the conservative legal organization.

Conservative judge Antonin Scalia, who died in February, was an advocate of an originalism interpretation of the Constitution

Alito said Scalia, a hero to many of the group's members, is sorely missed on the court.

'We are left to ask ourselves WWSD - What Would Scalia Do,' he said.

Most of its 40,000 members had resigned themselves to having Scalia's seat filled by someone more liberal, expecting that Hillary Clinton would become President.

President Barack Obama had nominated Judge Merrick Garland for the seat, but his appointment looks unlikely after 'Hurricane Trump', as society president Eugene Meyer described it.

'ASK THE NEAREST HIPPIE': THE LEGACY OF JUSTICE SCALIA Scalia, who died in February, was nominated to the US Supreme Court in 1986 by President Ronald Reagan and was the longest-serving justice on the current Court, as well as its first Italian-American Justice. An advocate of an originalism interpretation of the Constitution, Scalia believed that its meaning was fixed at the time it was written and that it did not evolve and change with the times. It was the foundation for his staunch opposition to same-sex marriage and affirmative action, his controversial comments in court and colorful dissents often making as many headlines as the decision itself. Scalia, pictured talking to Ronald Reagan in the Oval Office in 1986, was the longest-serving justice in the current court 'Who ever thought that intimacy and spirituality (whatever that means) were freedoms?' he wrote in his dissent after same-sex marriage was legalized by the Supreme Court in June, a vote he called a 'threat to American democracy'. 'And if intimacy is, one would think Freedom of Intimacy is abridged rather than expanded by marriage. Ask the nearest hippie,' he wrote. In the same dissent, Scalia wrote that the Supreme Court had descended 'to the mystical aphorisms of the fortune cookie' and wrote that California didn't count as a 'genuine' Western state. Advertisement

He said: 'On November 8, Hurricane Trump hit. The future can be difficult to predict.'

Now Thomas is more likely to acquire a new conservative ally. Nine state and federal judges on Trump's list of possible Supreme Court nominees are taking part in the group's conference, which runs through until tomorrow.

Thomas regaled the crowd with portions of Scalia's opinions over the years. He urged 'that these words spoken and written by Justice Scalia not be the final word written in support of originalism and constitutionalism'.

He told the audience: 'Rather, they ought to be a prologue.'

Originalism refers to their shared belief that the words of the Constitution should be given the meaning they had when it was written.

Supreme Court Justice Clarence Thomas paid tribute to his friend at the dinner in memory of Justice Scalia

Supreme Court Justice Samuel Alito said conservative justices find themselves asking 'What Would Scalia Do?'

Alito issued his own rallying cry to conservatives earlier Thursday, describing religious freedom and gun rights as among 'constitutional fault lines,' important issues at stake in the federal courts.

'The mood has changed. Everyone is going to be thinking, "Maybe someone here is going to be filling Justice Scalia's shoes,"' said Yale Law professor Abbe Gluck.

WHO WILL BE TRUMP'S CHOICE? THE 21 ON THE PRESIDENT-ELECT'S LIST In May, Trump released a list of possible Supreme Court nominees They are: Keith Blackwell, Charles Canady, Steven Colloton, Allison Eid, Neil Gorsuch, Raymond Gruender, Thomas Hardiman, Raymond Kethledge, Joan Larsen, Mike Lee, Thomas Lee, Edward Mansfield, Federico Moreno, William Pryor, Margaret A. Ryan, Amul Thapar, Timothy Tymkovich, David Stras, Diane Sykes, Don Willett and Robert Young Advertisement

The group's executive vice president, Leonard Leo, said: 'Anytime there's a major shift in the power of government, it's an enormous opportunity for what is probably the collection of the smartest, most talented and most publicly minded lawyers in the country to roll up their sleeves and help advance the cause of constitutional government.'

Leo met with Trump in New York on Wednesday and said afterward that Trump has yet to pare down his long list of names of Supreme Court hopefuls.

But the society's role has been criticized for the influence it holds.

Nan Aron, the president of Alliance for Justice, said it 'promotes a way of looking at the law which upholds the rights of the powerful and the wealthy'.

Aron said it is 'regrettable that so many nominees on Trump's list are going to attend Federalist Society events'.
A man who was left a paraplegic after fatally stabbing his on-off girlfriend before turning the knife on himself has dealt greater punishment to himself than any court could, his lawyer says.

Michael James Quinn, 27, brutally stabbed Cherie Vize, 25, five times in the neck with a small paring knife during a fit of jealous rage on the front yard of his family's Wollongong home in NSW, July 2013.

After leaving her for dead, Quinn turned the knife on himself, stabbing himself twice in the chest and once in the neck, which left him a quadriplegic.

On Friday, during Quinn's sentence hearing in the NSW Supreme Court, his defence barrister Janet Manuell said her client would be 'imprisoned' within his body for the rest of his life.

Michael James Quinn (pictured) stabbed his girlfriend five times in the neck during a fit of jealous rage has been left a quadriplegic after he turned the knife on himself

The court heard Cherie Vize had a 'perfect' life before her relationship with Quinn

The court heard Cherie Vize had a 'perfect' life before her relationship with Quinn, and her proud parents hoped their only child would one day be well-known for her art.

In September, the 27-year-old was found guilty of Ms Vize's murder, which took place after he saw a message on her phone about buying the morning-after pill when their relationship ended and she started seeing someone else.

Ms Vize's family has been devastated by her savage murder, and a family representative told how their future has been destroyed and lives shattered.

'Cherie was our only child, beautiful and loving in her own special way,' her mother Evansueda Vize wrote in a victim impact statement.

'All our lives revolved around her, the only person that held our family close together.

'We miss her every day. We miss her joy, care and warmth that she brought into our lives. We miss her smile and her hugs. This is all gone forever.'

Quinn flew into a rage after upon learning Vize slept with another man

Ms Vize's family has been devastated by her savage murder, and a family representative told how their future has been destroyed and lives shattered

In the 11 days before the murder Quinn, an obsessive compulsive order sufferer, who used to frequently shower and scrub his legs, phoned her 227 times.

The Vize family have been left without the chance to pamper and love grandchildren they had hoped for, and the daughter they knew would take care of them as they aged.

Evansueda Vize said it was 'unfortunate' her daughter had met Quinn.

'She was a young talented woman with a great future waiting for her,' the court heard.

'Her life was perfect until this heart-breaking incident happened.'

The Vize family hoped their only child would one day be well-known for her art

She was beautiful and loving, and the parents had hoped her art would one day lead to her being well-known.

Quinn, who the court heard has offended four times while in custody, wrote a letter in which he says he wishes he had 'not done this'.

'There is no way to process such an irredeemable offence, of taking a life,' he said in his self-described 'letter of remorse'.

'I have taken away possibility, the possibility of motherhood, the possibility of a satisfying and meaningful career, the possibility of grandchildren, the possibility of a full and happy life.'

Throughout his judge-alone trial, Quinn denied murdering Ms Vize and told the court she had been injured while trying to stop him from hurting himself.

Justice Robert Beech-Jones is due to sentence Quinn on December 2.
He was arrested but has been completely exonerated in the High Court

Ms Hamilton falsely accused him of having sex with one of her pigs

Sharon Hamilton, 54, falsely accused her neighbour of having sex with one of her pigs

An actress who appeared in the hit show Doc Martin is facing a 230,000 court bill after 'maliciously' accusing her neighbor of having sex with one of her pigs.

Sharon Hamilton, 54, had been in a land dispute with former parish councillor Anton Barkhuysen, 73, in the hamlet of Tregolls in Stithians, Cornwall.

The pair argued for more than eight years over a fenced-off piece of land where mother-of-two Ms Hamilton kept her pigs.

And she has now been accused of using her acting skills to claim Mr Barkhuysen had sex with one of her animals after enticing it with doughnuts.

She contacted the police to say she saw the married pensioner having sex with a pig and he was subsequently arrested when eight officers raided his home.

But a High Court judge has now ruled she was not telling the truth and made a 'false' and 'entirely unfounded' accusation, reports Nick Parker at The Sun.

Mr Barkhuysen was interrogated about his sex life, had to undergo intimate examinations and was ridiculed in the small village following his arrest on January 1, 2013.

He has now been completely exonerated after he sued her for harassment, slander and false imprisonment in the High Court in London.

Mr Barkhuysen, a father-of-three was awarded 32,080 in damages by Mr Justice Warby and Ms Hamilton faces legal costs estimated at 200,000.

Justice Warby said: 'I heard evidence and argument at the trial of claims and counterclaims in this dispute between two neighbours, Anton Barkhuysen and Sharon Hamilton.

'Mrs Hamilton made a false, entirely unfounded, and malicious accusation.'

In the judgement, Justice Warby wrote: 'The Pig Allegation is not just improbable. Having heard all the evidence and argument I am convinced that it is false.

'It was an invention by the defendant.'

Anton Barkhuysen, 73, said he was ridiculed in the hamlet of Tregolls in Stithians, Cornwall

He has now been completely exonerated after he sued her for harassment, slander and false imprisonment in the High Court in London (pictured)

The court heard Mr Barkhuysen was against part of Tregolls Common being fenced off by Ms Hamilton so she could keep her pigs there.

Mr Barkhuysen told the newspaper that it has been five years of 'hell' dealing with the actress.

He said: 'Because she could not do what she wanted she resorted to a war of terror against myself, my household and my family.

'She had me arrested for having sexual intercourse with a pig, which was a complete pack of lies.

'She is an actress who has had bit parts in Doc Martin and I think she used her acting skills to fool the police.

'The pig allegation is disgusting. I am well known in the village and it is horrifying to think about what people thought.'
A German shopkeeper has been convicted of a hate crime after posting a sign in his store window banning refugees.

The sign reading 'Asylanten mussen draussen bleiben' - refugees must stay outside - was put in 54-year-old Karl Franz's window alongside a picture of a muzzled dog.

A judge in Wunsiedel ordered him to pay 1,800 to two kindergartens as punishment and warned that failure to pay will see the fine tripled.

A German shopkeeper has been convicted of a hate crime after posting a sign in his store window banning refugees

He could have faced up to five years in jail under German law.

Judge Roland Kastner told him the image of the dog 'played an important role in the conviction'.

He added: 'If you had simply written on the door, "There's nothing for refugees here", without the dog, that would have been within the remit of your rights to free speech.

'It was the picture of the dog that made the difference for the court.'

Prosecutors, who wanted an even larger fine for the general store owner, argued he used the dog picture to equate refugees to canines - dirty and unsanitary and not allowed into shops.

The defendant's lawyer argued his client had a right to freedom of speech and should not be convicted, claiming 'he had not maliciously intended to disparage anyone.'

He added: 'He has been in a relationship for ten years with a Russian woman and has friends who are foreigners.'

But police evidence showed that he admitted to having 'negative experiences' with 'refugees.'

He claimed two men once smoked a cannabis joint inside his shop near flammable materials.

'I don't need such people,' he told officers after his arrest.

'The sign I had in my shop had no racist or right-wing background,' he added.

'I did not imagine the negative consequences that it would have for the city of Selb and for the business world.'
Trump's second wife Marla Maples is hoping to become a UN ambassador in Africa after her ex-husband's election, according to reports.

The 52-year-old model and actress, who was married to The Donald for six years from 1993, was spotted at Trump Tower in New York on Wednesday where the President-elect has been hosting future members of his administration.

A source told the New York Post that she 'has been very interested in philanthropy for a long time,' and is keen on an assignment in Africa.

Trump's second wife Marla Maples (pictured at Trump Tower) is hoping to become a UN ambassador in Africa after her ex-husband's election, according to reports

'She has volunteered in Africa and she has taken Tiffany [her daughter with Trump] there recently,' the source added.

It comes as speculation grows that Trump's son-in-law Jared Kusher could be handed a key White House role.

The 35-year-old businessman, who is married to Ivanka Trump, is reportedly being persuaded to join the inner circle by new White House chief of staff Reince Priebus and presidential counselor Stephen Bannon.

His role could be senior adviser or special counsel, but the possibility remains that he could take on an informal advisory role.

Donald Trump with Marla Maples and their daughter Tiffany in the 1990s

The pair married in 1993 and their divorce was finalized in 1999

Trump's three eldest children Donald Trump Jr, Eric Trump and Ivanka Trump are all part of his Presidential Transition Team Executive Committee and will likely take control of his business empire come January.

Meanwhile, Trump's first wife Czech model Ivana, 67, has expressed a desire to become ambassador to her home country, telling the New York Post: 'I will suggest that I be ambassador for the Czech Republic.'

Trump's publicized infidelity with Marla led to his split from Ivana in 1991 after 14 years of marriage, causing a media frenzy.

Donald said 'I do' to Marla just two years later, a few months after the birth of their first and only child together, Tiffany, 23.

Their divorce was finalized in 1999, and Trump went on to marry his 46-year-old wife Melania, who is the mother of his 10-year-old son Barron.
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The inside of a 'barbaric' school where pupils with mental illnesses endured horrific treatment, with cruel staff removing their teeth, is revealed in these chilling photographs.

Belchertown State School, in Massachusetts, operated for more than 70 years without any scrutiny from outside, and was eventually closed in 1992 after the inhuman conditions were discovered.

Benjamin Ricci, whose son Robert lived at the school, described conditions as 'horrific,' medieval,' and 'barbaric' in his 2004 book Crime Against Humanity: A Historical Perspective.

Children had teeth removed to make feeding them easier, and wards were massively overpopulated.

Ricci recalled seeing naked patients smeared with urine and feces, and said he saw helpless pupils with maggots crawling in and out of their ears.

When the state Attorney General toured the facility he described it as 'a hell hole'.

The assembly hall in the notrious Belchertown State School, where the treatment of pupils was described as 'barbaric'

Once a terrifying place for pupils with mental illnesses, the building now lies in ruin. This is part of the school's assembly hall

A room in the former school, where wards were overpopulated and youngsters were often left in their own feces

An old bed in the abandoned facility, which has been empty since it was closed in 1992 after the horrific treatment of pupils came to light

The windows are boarded up and foliage is overgrown around the building, where horrendous conditions were endured by young people with mental illness

A corridor in the empty building is in disrepair, having been vacant for more than 20 years

The school was shut after the terrifying conditions in which young people lived were revealed

When the state Attorney General toured the facility he described it as 'a hell hole'. For decades it was largely unregulated

A room in the former Belchertown State School shows the building crumbling

Benjamin Ricci, whose son Robert lived at the school, referred to coniditons as 'horrific', 'medieval' and 'barbaric'

A football left behind is a reminder of the building's former use, as children endured horrendous treatment, including the forced removal of teeth

A rusted turntable inside the building, which has been disused since the school was shut in 1992
Vladimir Putin has launched a supersonic missile that could reach the UK in 13 minutes, according to Russian missile experts.

The Object 4202 rocket was fired thousands of miles from the Yasny Launch Base in Russia to the far-east peninsula of Kamchatka with Kremlin officials calling the test a 'success'.

It is all but invisible to US anti-missile systems and moves at such high speeds it is virtually impossible to intercept.

Boasting about their new weapon, Russia's Tactical Missiles Corporation claimed it would make the Hiroshima nuclear bombs look like 'popguns'.

Russia unveiled chilling pictures of its largest ever nuclear missile, capable of destroying an area the size of France last month. A contract for the weapons was signed in 2011, and they are expected to be ready in 2018

It could reach the west coast of the United States in 12 minutes.

The super weapon is being designed to sit atop Russia's largest ever nuclear missile, dubbed 'Satan 2' by NATO.

The RS-28 Sarmat missile - which was unveiled last month - has a top speed of 4.3 miles (7km) per second and has been designed to outfox anti-missile shield systems.

The new Sarmat missile could deliver warheads of 40 megatons - 2,000 times as powerful as the atom bombs dropped on Hiroshima and Nagasaki in 1945.

The Russian President is reportedly planning to replace the country's older SS-18 Satan weapons with the new missiles amid a string of recent disagreements with the West.

Each missile contains 16 nuclear warheads, according to pictures revealed online from the Makeyev Rocket Design Bureau. It is also able to evade radar.

The pictures were revealed online by chief designers from the Makeyev Rocket Design Bureau.

A message posted alongside the picture said: 'In accordance with the Decree of the Russian Government 'On the State Defense Order for 2010 and the planning period 2012-2013', the Makeyev Rocket Design Bureau was instructed to start design and development work on the Sarmat. '

The RS-28 Sarmat missile is said to contain 16 nuclear warheads and is capable of destroying an area the size of France or Texas, according to Russian news network Zvezda, which is owned by Russia's ministry of defence.

The weapon is also able to evade radar.

Earlier this year, a Yars RS-24 intercontinental ballistic missile system was paraded through Red Square during the Victory Day parade but there was no sign of the RS-28 Sarmat

It is expected to have a range of 6,213 miles (10,000 km), which would allow Moscow to attack London and other European cities as well as reaching cities on America's west and east coasts.

Igor Sutyagin, an expert in Russian nuclear capability at the Royal United Services Institute in London, told MailOnline: 'The SS-18 is more than 30 years old. It is past its sell-by date.

'So even if you had the warmest relations in the world with Nato you would want to update your missiles.

'But (President) Putin of course is happy for it to be portrayed as an aggressive move. He wants to stress his unpredictability and his importance.'

COULD RUSSIAN LAUNCH NUCLEAR ATTACK FROM SPACE? Russia is readying itself to become a leader in the construction of hypersonic aircraft, a new report reveals. Kremlin-backed media claim engineers in the Federation are among the first in the world to work towards new materials for planes capable of reaching hypersonic speeds. The move could help Russia produce a new fleet of aerial war machines that could launch nuclear attacks from space. Aviation researchers are reportedly working to develop the materials which can withstand the stress and high temperatures of travelling many times the speed of sound. Advertisement

Dr Sutyagin points out that the SS-18 missiles which the Russians currently rely on were designed in 1988 during the Soviet Union and were built at a factory in Dnipropetrovsk, in what is now the Ukraine.

He said the Russians cannot totally rely on the Ukraine-based maintenance engineers and he said Sarmat were designed and built by Russians at the Khrunichev plant just outside Moscow.

Dr Sutyagin said they would be no match for Nato systems like Aegis Ashore, the controversial missile defence shield which the US is deploying to Romania.

If a Sarmat missile were fired at London it would wipe out most of Britain, as well as northern France, Belgium and the Netherlands

RUSSIAN COMBAT BUGGY CREATED TO FIGHT TERRORISTS A new Russian combat buggy capable of taking on almost any terrain has been caught on camera. The two-seater, called Alabai, is said to be able to cope with conditions from swamps to snow and deal with obstacles such as tree trunks and rocks. It was filmed racing around an off-road track at the International Training Centre of the Special Forces in the town of Gudermes in south-western Russia's Chechen Republic. Alabai is armed with an arsenal of new weapons including the latest guns and automatics grenade launchers Designer Edward Mymrin said it would enable Russian special forces to strike quickly in forests, mountains and towns, and then immediately withdraw Alabai was created by a Moscow-based private company, F-Motor-Sport, for Russia's Defence Ministry. Its creators see it as an efficient tool for fighting terrorists. It is 4 metres (13 feet) long and weighs only 1.5 tonnes. It can reach a top speed of 130 kph (81 mph) and cover up to 800 kilometres (497 miles) on a full tank of fuel. Advertisement

He said: 'Not only are they too fast but they have got rid of the predictable flight path.

'It manouevres all the way so it is terribly difficult for any missile defence system to shoot it down.'

The Russian Defence Ministry plans to put the Sarmat into service in late 2018 and remove the last SS-18 by 2020.

Tensions between Russian and the West are at breaking point with Theresa May attacking Putin for 'undermining the West's efforts' to tackle the Syria crisis.

Russia has welcomed the election of controversial Donald Trump as president and Putin and 'The Donald' are set for talks on crucial issues such as ISIS, the Ukraine issue and the global terror threat.

Trump has spoken of his admiration for Putin and there is concern in Europe the US could pull back from sanctions against the Kremlin aimed at preventing further military action on the country's borders after the seizure of Crimea.

A Russian intercontinental ballistic missile RS-20 (SS-18 Satan according to the NATO code) takes off somewhere at undisclosed location in Russia in this June, 2001 photo
before he leaves office, and Trump takes over

It is the last major tour of Obama's

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Barack Obama has made his final visit to Europe before leaving the White House - and there was little sign of any 'special relationship' with Theresa May.

The outgoing US president travelled to Berlin on his valedictory tour, where he had a cosy three-hour dinner with Chancellor Angela Merkel before attending a mini-summit with select EU leaders.

By contrast Mrs May had to make do with a brief 'brush-by' chat in the margins of the gathering - and they did not sit together for the group discussions.

Ties between Britain and America have frequently been scratchy during Mr Obama's premiership, and he has made clear he views Mrs Merkel as his closest ally on the world stage.

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Theresa May had to make do with a brief 'brush-by' with outgoing US president Barack Obama in the margins of the Berlin mini-summit - and they did not sit together for the group discussions (pictured)

By contrast Mr Obama had a long cosy one-on-one dinner with Angela Merkel last night, and was warmly welcomed by German Chancellor Angela Merkel this morning

Good morning Chancellor: Obama warmly greeted Merkel with handshake and a kiss on each cheek on the red carpet

Mr Obama's notorious foray into the EU referendum campaign - when he warned that Britain would go to the 'back of the queue' for a trade deal with America if it voted to cut ties with Brussels - was widely seen as having backfired.

At the mini-summit the leaders discussed the challenges they face in the wake of Brexit, weak economic growth, the rise of the far-right and Donald Trump's shock election victory.

He urged the group - also including Spain's Prime Minister Mariano Rajoy, Italian Prime Minister Matteo Renzi and French President Francois Holland - to work constructively with his Republican successor when he takes over in January.

Gathered around a circular table in Merkel's Chancellery, the leaders exchanged awkward pleasantries for the cameras before the private session.

The White House said the talks were focussed on the need to secure a diplomatic resolution to the conflicts in Syria and eastern Ukraine.

On Syria, the leaders expressed grave concern about the humanitarian situation in Aleppo and demanded humanitarian access to the war-torn city.

They agreed that increased attacks by the Syrian regime and its supporters, including Russia and Iran, should be immediately halted.

There was also a consensus that sanctions against Russia should remain in place until it meets its commitments to resolving the conflict.

You do make me laugh, Angela: Obama and Merkel shared a joked as they prepared to head inside for crunch talks

On the move: The pair continued to engage in conversation as they moved past the press area

Mrs May and Mrs Merkel appeared together for the cameras after the group meeting, but did not seem to agree about whether they would be discussing Brexit

However, the key decisions will be Obama also urged his European counterparts to continue seeking solutions to common challenges with the incoming Donald Trump administration.

Before the main talks, Mrs May had a brief 'brush-by' conversation with Mr Obama at the Chancellery in the German capital.

British sources said their short discussion was about the ongoing relationship between the UK and Washington 'rather than the US election result'.

Since Obama's arrival on Wednesday - his sixth trip to Germany as president - he and Merkel have had a series of in-depth meetings.

Last night they enjoyed a one-on-one dinner at the Hotel Adlon in Berlin, said to have lasted three hours.

The talks come largely in the context of what the election of Donald Trump will mean to efforts to seek peace in Ukraine and Syria, the strength of the NATO alliance, trade agreements, efforts to fight climate change, and other pressing matters.

German Chancellor Angela Merkel greets President Barack Obama upon his arrival for talks with European leaders

After you: Obama and Merkel displayed their friendship which both so often talk about

French President Francois Hollande, left, is welcomed by German Chancellor Angela Merkel

Alongside the looming Brexit negotiations, the West is facing a series of challenges to the established world order.

Spain's Prime Minister Mariano Rajoy faces economic woes in his country that have contributed to financial instability in the trade bloc.

Italian Prime Minister Matteo Renzi's already shaky economy has been rocked by tens of thousands of refugees.

And French President Francois Hollande's socialist government faces a major challenge from the far-right in elections next year.

German Chancellor Angela Merkel greets Italian Prime Minister Matteo Renzi

Britain's Prime Minister Theresa May, left, is welcomed by German Chancellor Angela Merkel

Theresa May put on an old pals act with Angela Merkel today as she arrived in Berlin after Brexit

Merkel appeared to straighten Hollande's tie as the leaders met with beaming grins on the red carpet

The leaders have been cornered by Trump's shock election victory after the billionaire advocated Brexit and criticised the shortcomings of the NATO miltary alliance.

In the wake of Trump's victory, Merkel offered a subtle warning, suggesting her support for him was conditional: 'I offer the next President of the United States close cooperation on the basis of [certain liberal] values.

'The partnership with the United States is and remains a foundation of German foreign policy.'

She said she watched the campaign with 'trepidation,' adding: 'The election campaign this year was a particular one with some confrontations that were difficult to stomach.'

Francois Hollande said Trump's win 'opens up a period of uncertainty' that 'must be faced with lucidity and clarity'.

Theresa May was more welcoming but it is widely known that most British politicians were rooting for Hillary Clinton, especially after the parliamentary debate on banning Trump from the UK.

Italy's prime minister, Matteo Renzi, was a vocal supporter of Hillary Clinton even before she secured the Democratic nomination.

U.S. President Barack Obama, German Chancellor Angela Merkel, French President Francois Hollande and Italian Prime Minister Matteo Renzi meet at the chancellery in Berlin

The five leaders smiled for photos before reporters were asked to leave the room so they could knuckle down

At a news conference with Obama on Thursday, Merkel diplomatically said she was approaching the incoming Trump administration 'with an open mind.'

Around the world, many are looking to Merkel - one of the longest serving leaders of a major world power, leader of Europe's largest economy and one of the biggest U.S. trade partners with the U.S. - for leadership as Obama leaves office.

Obama seemed to underscore that reality as he effusively thanked Merkel for her 'deep friendship.' He said he couldn't 'ask for a steadier or more reliable partner on the world stage,' while adding that if she chooses to run again for a fourth term next year, he'd vote for her - if he could.

Obama flashed a beaming smile as he conversed with Italian Prime Minister Matteo Renzi

After pleasantries were exchanged, the leaders got down to business across the table

Trump has applauded the British decision to exit the EU, or 'Brexit,' and has had meetings with Nigel Farage, leader of the U.K. Independence Party and a key player in the British decision to leave.

Obama said Thursday he hoped that the Brexit negotiations be 'conducted in a smooth and orderly and transparent fashion and preserve as closely as possible the economic and political and security relationships between the UK and EU.'

Still, he noted that he considered the EU 'one of the world's great political and economic achievements.'

Germany has emphasized that it respects the British decision to leave, but that the United Kingdom won't be able to cherry-pick what parts of the EU it wants to keep, and what not.

The European leaders were seeking assurances from Obama on the course that Donald Trump might take

The session expands on lengthy talks Obama held the day before with Merkel

Mrs Merkel and Mr Obama enjoyed a one-on-one dinner at the Hotel Adlon in Berlin last night, that is said to have last for three hours

On other issues, Obama said he hoped for continuity of U.S.-European relations under Trump, saying 'how important it is that we work together.'

Obama said that 'continued global leadership on climate in addition to increasing private investment and clean energy is going to be critical.' He added that the U.S. would 'continue to stand united with Germany and our NATO allies' in Afghanistan, and that on the refugee crisis he had put in place more robust support from Washington and that he was 'hoping that continues beyond my administration.'

Following his meetings in Berlin, Obama heads to Peru, the final leg of his last foreign tour, for an Asia economic summit.

Hollande, Merkel and Obama posed for three different cameras

Merkel listened patiently as Obama addressed his fellow leaders around the table

After the meeting, Obama boarded Air Force One for a ten-hour flight to Peru as he turns his focus to his final Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation leaders' meeting.

The organization, which focuses much of its energy on improving trade relations among the 21 participating nations, is figuring out how to continue that work after a proposed free trade agreement called the Trans-Pacific Partnership stalled on Capitol Hill with GOP leaders making clear it will not be considered this year.

Economic experts expect Obama will field uncomfortable questions about President-elect Donald Trump's pledges to overhaul U.S. trade policy.

After the meeting, Obama boarded Air Force One for a seven-hour flight to Peru as he turns his focus to his final Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation leaders' meeting

US President Barack Obama , right, walks across the tarmac with Ambassador Jurgen Mertens, center, German Chief of Protocol

Obama waved goodbye to Germany. This is the last time he will be in the country as US President
Mayor Andy Berkes Council for Women held an informative luncheon on Thursday Mayor Andy Berkes Council for Women held an informative luncheon on Thursday Mayor Andy Berkes Council for Women held an informative luncheon on Thursday Previous Next

Chattanooga Mayor Andy Berkes Council for Women convened a luncheon on Thursday to introduce new women, and the men who support them, to the work being done to advance women and their families in Chattanooga. Council members reported on the specific issues each subcommittee is addressing, which include economic opportunity, education, health, history, justice, and leadership.

Women and families in Chattanooga should be able to get to where they want to be, said Mayor Andy Berke. With the right women at the table, asking tough questions and proposing solutions, we are removing the barriers to leading a safe, successful life in our community.

To improve the economic status of all women, a subcommittee is working on access to transportation, childcare and financial independence. After research and interviews with women about their experiences, the subcommittee reported at Thursdays luncheon that predatory lending is a major barrier to financial independence.

Tennessee has the highest per capita rate of bankruptcies. According to a Pew Charitable Trust report, in states with the most stringent regulations, 2.9 percent of adults use predatory loans compared to 6.6 percent in least regulated states like Tennessee. The Council for Women subcommittee is working on alternatives to help women in Chattanooga and plans to propose a policy change to address predatory lending.

We're working on issues that really affect women, and all women have problems like finding quality daycare and affordable housing, said Councilwoman Carol Berz, who is co-chair of the Mayors Council for Women. Women should be able to reach their fullest potential so we can all reach our fullest potential. Our whole economy benefits when everyone is productive.

A commonality shared Thursday by the Health and Education subcommittees is that women need more access to information. One working group plans to help connect women to health care by publishing an online database of all the available resources in Chattanooga.

Our ultimate goal is to also make these online resources available offline to everyone in Chattanooga neighborhoods by partnering with faith-based institutions. Not everyone has access to the internet. We will take these resources to meet women where they are in neighborhoods, said Dr. Nicola Crisp.

The Justice Subcommittee is working to improve the legal system to address some inequities that women face. A working group is currently studying violence among young women and will be going to schools, youth centers, and jails to gather information and propose plans to prevent violence among women.

Mayor Berke announced the launch of the Council for Women during his 2015 State of the City Address. Since its creation, the city of Chattanooga has adopted three of the Councils recommendations, including a commitment to a family-friendly workplace. The Council for Women also researched, wrote, and proposed a bill, which helps victims of domestic violence stay in their home when faced with eviction because of the offender. The Tennessee Legislature passed the bill earlier this year.

Members of the Health and Leadership subcommittees also shared reports Thursday with guests and explained how more people can get involved in advancing the status of women and families in Chattanooga.

For more information on the Mayors Council for Women and how to get involved, please visit http://connect.chattanooga.gov/councilforwomen/.
ISIS thugs have carried out a new wave of executions as pictures emerged of revenge-fuelled Iraqis killing and mutilating the bodies of dead terrorists.

Shocking images show militants tying Iraqi 'spies' to trees before beheading them while separate footage shows two prisoners being machine gunned at point-blank range in Syria.

In one video men are dragged from a car and forced to kneel before they are brutally shot in the back of the head by a masked jihadist.

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Shocking footage shows two prisoners being machine gunned at point-blank range in Syria

Shocking images show militants tying Iraqi 'spies' to trees before beheading them

The brutal executions took place as a human rights charity released graphic images it says shows Iraqi Security Forces, civilians and militiamen dragging the bodies of at least five dead ISIS fighters through the Iraqi town of Qayyarah

Separate images show men secured against trees in northern Iraq and being slaughtered with hunting knives.

The brutal executions took place as a human rights charity released graphic images it says shows Iraqi Security Forces, civilians and militiamen dragging the bodies of at least five dead ISIS fighters through the Iraqi town of Qayyarah.

Anti-ISIS fighters also executed at least one extremst after he surrendered, according to Human Rights Watch, which says it has seen a series of 13 videos of captured and killed jihadists.

The men are dragged from a car and forced to kneel before they are brutally shot in the back of the head by a masked jihadist

A masked jihadist in Syria shot the men from point-blank range using a machine gun

Iraqi government forces retook Qayyarah, south of Mosul, from ISIS on August 25 but the films emerged after ISIS unsuccessfully tried to retake the area.

In one video, Iraqis surround an ISIS video and order him to surrender - only for him to be gunned down.

Another fighter in civilian dress rushes over to shoot the fighter who has just been killed while one then steps on the corpse, Human Rights Watch reports.

A second film shows children dragging a dead fighter by a rope tied around his ankle. They kick and beat his body with a branch while a man n military clothing kicks the head of the corpse several times, the charity says.

A third film shows men dragging a corpse by a rope attached to the ankle, as crowds cheer while a fourth video shows a pickup dragging two dead bodies along.

Anti-ISIS fighters also executed at least one extremst after he surrendered, according to Human Rights Watch, which says it has seen a series of 13 videos of captured and killed jihadists.

One film shows men dragging a corpse by a rope attached to the ankle, as crowds cheer while a fourth video shows a pickup dragging two dead bodies along

Lama Fakih, deputy Middle East director at Human Rights Watch said: 'The Iraqi government should control its own forces and hold them accountable if it hopes to claim the moral upper hand in its fight against ISIS.

'The failure to hold commanders and abusers to account does not bode well for the looming battle inside Mosul. Mutilation of corpses is a war crime, as is killing captured combatants or civilians.'

It comes as Iraqi troops advanced cautiously into eastern districts of Mosul on Friday, facing stiff resistance from ISIS militants a day after they paused their assault due to poor visibility, officers said.

Airstrikes, automatic fire and artillery were heard from dawn and one soldier was reported killed in clashes. Civilians, some of them wounded, could be seen fleeing the fighting.

According to the officers, the Iraqi forces aim to take complete control of the city's Tahrir area and from there move into the adjacent Muharabeen district. The officers spoke on condition of anonymity because they were not authorized to talk to the media.

Sickening footage showed men being dragged away and shot by a jihadist with a machine gun

Pictures have also emerged of men being tied to trees before they are decapitated

Iraqi forces launched the long-awaited operation to retake Mosul a month ago but have only advanced into a few eastern districts. The troops have faced fierce resistance, with snipers, mortar fire and Islamic State suicide bombers driving armor-plated vehicles packed with explosives.

On Thursday, cloudy skies over Iraq's second-largest city obscured the visibility of the drones and warplanes on which the troops rely, hindering their advance. Instead, special forces secured areas they had seized, set up checkpoints and swept for explosives.

The pause also allowed the residents running out of food in areas liberated from IS to get some supplies from Iraqi troops and aid organizations.

Mosul is the last major holdout for the militants in Iraq. Driving them out would deal a severe blow to the Islamic State's self-styled caliphate stretching into Syria.

ISIS on Friday claimed responsibility for an attack the previous night in which a suicide car bomber struck a wedding near the western city of Fallujah, killing at least 10 people and wounding 32.

The wedding was full of government-allied Sunni tribal fighters who are also part of the campaign to rid the country of IS, said Interior Ministry spokesman Brig. Gen. Saad Maan.
Fuel duty is expected to be frozen next week under a Government package to help voters who just about managing  or JAMs - to balance the family budget.

Theresa May has told Chancellor Philip Hammond to make middle and low-income families a priority in next weeks Autumn Statement.

After weeks of tense talks, a deal has now been struck between Number Ten and Eleven.

Fuel duty is expected to be frozen next week under a Government package to help voters who just about managing  or JAMs - to balance the family budget

Other measures on the table include cuts to air passenger duty to help families with the cost of a foreign holiday and more childcare subsidies.

Mr Hammond will also commit to honouring Tory manifesto commitments to raise the income tax threshold to 12,500 and to raise to 50,000 the threshold for the 40p higher rate of tax.

Mrs May coined the term just about managing on the steps of Number Ten after becoming Prime Minister.

Treasury officials are now using the shorthand JAMs.

Mrs Mays predecessor, David Cameron, had referred to the squeezed middle.

Mr Hammond wanted a sober Autumn statement focussed on making the nations finances sound, post-Brexit

Whitehall sources said that said that negotiations had been fraught, and involved a number of tense meetings.

Treasury officials are said to have described relations between the teams representing the Chancellor and PM as bad.

Mr Hammond wanted a sober Autumn statement focussed on making the nations finances sound, post-Brexit.

However, Mrs May was insistent that more should be done to help people who are struggling to make ends meet.

Treasury officials confirmed that next Wednesdays statement would now focus on people who are just about managing.

There have been simmering tensions between the Chancellor and senior Cabinet figures, who have been irritated by his gloomy tone on the economy.

Labour and Tory MPs have both been pressing the Chancellor to cut fuel duty  which they insist will not harm the Treasury.

A study by the Centre for Economics and Business Research found that a cut in 3p could create 8,000 jobs and would add billions to the value of UK businesses.

Even a continued freeze in fuel duty would save the poorest households more than 120 a year.

Neither move would cost the Treasury any money because the boost to the economy would result in higher tax receipts elsewhere.

However, Mrs May was insistent that more should be done to help people who are struggling to make ends meet

George Osborne did not increase fuel duty for six years in a row, and the current Chancellor is under pressure to continue the trend, or even improve it.

Tory MP Charlie Elphicke said: The CEBR report is a powerful reminder that the freeze in fuel duty has benefited drivers, helped boost the economy and hasnt cost the Treasury a penny.
A brown bear cub wanted to join the fun at a children's playground in Siberia.

But the youngster appeared frustrated that the seat on the swing was too small to sit on.

Never mind, the hulking cub swung on it anyway, to the amusement of residents in Kolpashevo, Tomsk region.

This brown bear cub wanted to join the fun at a children's playground in Siberia, but the swing was too small to sit on

Never mind, the hulking cub swung on it anyway, to the amusement of residents in Kolpashevo, Tomsk region

'Wow - and they say bears are not walking the streets of Siberia. They do! Not only that, they even go swinging on a swing!,' commented the local woman who caught the scene on video.

'This just sums my hometown up,' wrote Natalya from Kolpashevo in a comment to the 20-second film.

It later emerged that the bear was not wild but from a visiting circus and was on a walk with its handler.

By now, wild bears are hibernating in Siberia.

Local ranger Sergey Yelnikov told The Siberian Times: 'You can see the collar on the bear.

The cub valiantly tried using the swing - but struggled to get himself in the seat

It later emerged that the bear was not wild but from a visiting circus and was on a walk with its handler

'I had a call from locals who saw the bear trying to get on a swing next to the club.

'We found later that the bear cub was on a walk with its handler.

'Since the cub was looked after by the circus staff, I doubt it was dangerous.
Theresa May and Angela Merkel could not even agree on whether they were discussing Brexit today as the Prime Minister visited Berlin.

Mrs May was in the German capital for a mini-summit with EU leaders and outgoing US president Barack Obama.

The gathering came amid threats from a key ally of Mrs Merkel that the UK faces contributing to Brussels coffers for more than a decade after Brexit.

But while the PM told journalists she would be 'updating' the German chancellor on the Brexit process, Mrs Merkel made clear she would not be talking about the key issue.

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Theresa May and Angela Merkel seemed to be at odds over whether they would be discussing Brexit when they met in Berlin today

At their joint press appearance Mrs May said she would 'update' the German Chancellor on the Brexit process, but Mrs Merkel said they would not be discussing the issue

During a joint appearance before cameras this afternoon, Mrs May said: 'I will be able to update Chancellor Merkel on where we are on our Brexit preparations.

'Our work is on track, we do stand ready to trigger Article 50 by the end of March 2017, that's next year.

'I want to see this as a smooth process, an orderly process, working towards a solution that is in the interests of both the UK but also in the interests of our European partners too.'

By contrast, Mrs Merkel said : 'We will not discuss any further today the British wish to leave the (European) Union.

'That will not be on the agenda because the Prime Minister has already assured us at the very latest that Britain will invoke Article 50 by the end of March.'

The apparent tensions came after German finance minister Wolfgang Schauble signalled a tough approach to the looming negotiations.

He said post-Brexit Britain would be bound by tax rules restricting it from granting incentives to keep investors in the country.

Mr Schauble also insisted there will be no special deal to curb freedom of movement if the UK wants to remain part of the common market.

A Downing Street spokesman said: 'We have always set out that, as long as we remain members of the EU, we will fulfil the commitments and obligations to the EU.

'What happens once we have left the EU is a matter for the negotiation process.'

Mrs May and Mrs Merkel embraced warmly as the PM arrived at the Chancellery building in Berlin this morning.

Earlier Mrs May and Mrs Merkel had been all smiles as they greeted each other at the Chancellery building in Berlin

Mrs May met Mr Obama - who is on a farewell tour before handing over to Donald Trump in January - for a brief 'brush-by' this morning.

British sources said their short discussion was about the ongoing relationship between the UK and Washington 'rather than the US election result'.

The gathering is also being attended by the leaders of France, Italy and Spain.

The mini-summit in Berlin today was also attended by outgoing US president Barack Obama, as well as leaders from France, Italy and Spain

Mrs May and the other leaders looked slightly awkward as they assembled around a table under the watching eye of the media today

Alongside the UK and German leaders, outgoing US president Barack Obama and premiers from France, Italy and Spain are attending

Mr Obama is in Berlin on a farewell tour before handing over the White House to Donald Trump in January

Germany's hard line approach comes after French President Francois Hollande said in October that Britain must pay a price for severing its ties to Brussels.

Mr Schauble said freedom of movement was a core part of the single market and changing the key principles of the bloc would hit financial services companies.

'There is no a la carte menu,' he said. 'There is only the whole menu or none.

'Without membership of the internal market, without acceptance of the four basic freedoms of the internal market there can, of course, be no passporting, no free access for financial products or for financial actors.'

Italian Prime Minister Matteo Renzi is also attending the mini-summit hosted by Mrs Merkel

French President Francois Hollande (pictured greeting Mrs Merkel today) said last month that Britain must pay a price for severing ties with Brussels

Mr Obama yesterday voiced hope that Brexit negotiations would be 'smooth and orderly'.

The US president notoriously waded into the EU referendum campaign earlier this year by suggesting the UK would go to the 'back of the queue' for a trade deal with America if it cut ties with Brussels.

He said after meeting Mrs Merkel in Berlin: 'I hope that the negotiations over Britain's withdrawal from the EU will be conducted in a smooth and orderly and transparent fashion, and will preserve as much as possible the economic and security relationship between the UK and the EU.'

He added: 'I think the European Union is one of the greatest achievements of the world.

Mrs May speaks to Spain's Prime Minister Mariano Rajoy as the leaders begin their talks

It is almost certain to be Mr Obama's last visit to Europe before he hands over the keys to the White House to Donald Trump

'You have to preserve those achievements and fight for them. You can't take them for granted.'

The issue of how to combat ISIS is the main item on the agenda for the leaders, along with sanctions on Russia over its involvement in Ukraine.

Mr Obama has attempting to reassure allies about Mr Trump's support for the NATO alliance.

The Republican billionaire was highly critical of some members for failing to hit military spending targets and relying on America to pick up the slack.

NATO Secretary-General Jens Stoltenberg said today he was 'absolutely confident' the incoming US president was committed to the alliance.

'I am absolutely confident that President Trump will maintain U.S leadership in the alliance,' Mr Stoltenberg told a conference in Brussels.

Mr Stoltenberg said he would tell Trump that increasing European defence spending was one of his top priorities and that he had raised it with every NATO member.

Mrs Merkel and Mr Obama enjoyed a one-on-one dinner at the Hotel Adlon in Berlin last night, that is said to have last for three hours
The shocked beachgoer can be heard saying: 'nice day for a w*** bud?'

The video has been passed onto police who are investigating the incident

Beachgoer saw the man in his car committing the

A man has been caught 'red-handed' allegedly committing a lewd act in his car at a nudist beach.

Josh Bilbrough was walking back to his car at Swanbourne Beach in Perth last Tuesday when he unfortunately gazed upon a man allegedly masturbating in his car.

Whipping out his camera to capture the lewd act, Mr Bilbrough nonchalantly added, 'Nice day for a w*** bud?' as he walked past.

Josh Bilbrough was walking back to his car at Swanbourne Beach in Perth when he unfortunately gazed upon a man masturbating in his car

Mr Bilbrough was with his friends and said he was shocked at the incident from the random man and was one of the last things he expected to see

Mr Bilbrough was with his friends and said he was shocked at the incident and was one of the last things he expected to see.

'We had just come back from a nudie dip so we couldn't believe it...not at the beach,' he told WA Today.

'To be honest I was pretty shocked.

'The bloke had a decent stalk but you don't whip it out in the car park.'

The video has been turned into the police who are investigating the incident.

Mr Billbrough said he sent the video into the publication after reports a man was seen at a South Fremantle beach committing a lewd act seen by a woman last Monday.
The 37-year-old was tipped for West End fame but died

Joanna Reyes (pictured) was struck and killed on Thursday evening in east London

The woman who was mowed down and killed after being hit by a Range Rover Sport was a singer tipped to star on the West End stage.

Joanna Reyes, 37, was standing on a traffic island in the middle of a busy road when the vehicle struck her late on Thursday night.

She had been drafted in to play the leading role in the comedy musical Urinetown and had just finished rehearsing when she was hit.

Ms Reyes was pronounced dead at the scene near the Troxy events venue in Limehouse, east London, just after midnight this morning.

Her agent Linda Bradley said it feels like she has lost a 'daughter' rather than a client following the tragic incident on Thursday night.

A 44-year-old male driver was arrested on suspicion of causing death by dangerous driving.

Ms Bradley said Ms Reyes - who had just been signed by West End talent agency PMA London - was the 'most vibrant person'.

She said: 'Of course, this news of our client, Joanna Reyes passing away has shocked us beyond description.

'There is nothing words can say at this moment to soften this tragic early loss of a beautiful life. The theatre world, our religion, has lost a huge beauty and talent.

'Joanna was the most vibrant person who has now left a huge void in everyone's lives.

'Beyond heartbroken is an understatement. We continue to send our prayers and condolences to Joanna's family and friends at this tragic time. Joanna will be very much missed but never forgotten.'

Ms Bradley added: 'She was tipped for the West End and was drafted in to play a leading role in Urinetown.

'The cast, and everyone, is just broken by this devastating news. As you can imagine the loss is like losing a close family member. Joanna will continue to shine like a diamond forever.'

Officers were called to Commercial Road by the London Ambulance Service at 11.23pm on Thursday night.

The woman, who was in her 30s, was pronounced dead at the scene in east London after being struck by a Range Rover Sport

A Metropolitan Police spokesman said: 'At this early stage of the investigation, it is believed that the victim was standing on an island in the middle of the road when she was struck by a white Range Rover Sport.

'Officers and London's Air Ambulance attended. The female pedestrian, aged in her 30s, was pronounced dead at the scene at 12.01am on Friday, November 18.

'Next of kin have been informed and formal identification is yet to take place. A post-mortem examination will be scheduled in due course.'
Councillor Naveeda Ikram was suspended by the Labour Party after allegations of 'financial irregularities' arose in October last year

Britain's first female Muslim Lord Mayor has made her first appearance at Leeds Magistrates Court charged with misconduct in a public office.

Councillor Naveeda Ikram, who served as Lord Mayor of Bradford in 2011, was suspended by the Labour Party after allegations of 'financial irregularities', since dropped, arose in October last year.

The case has now been moved to Leeds Crown Court and has been scheduled to take place on the 15 December.

Councillor Ikram represents the area of Little Horton and has served the ward since being elected in 2004.

She was arrested on 3 March earlier this year arrested in connection with allegations of perverting the course of justice and misconduct in a public office.

Councillor Ikram denied the allegations while being questioned by officers from West Yorkshire Police.

The allegations of perverting the course of justice and financial irregularities have both since been dropped.

Councillor Ikram released a statement back in October when news of her suspension from the Labour Party became public.

She said: 'An allegation has been made against me and it's completely just down to normal procedures, that if an allegation is made against a councillor, they are suspended.

Councillor Ikram represents the area of Little Horton and has served the ward since being elected in 2004

'The allegation was not connected to my role as a councillor and the suspension is "administrative" by the Labour Party.

'I am completely confident I will be exonerated completely. The matter of my suspension was confidential and should never have been made public at this stage.

'However, I am still a councillor and still carrying out all my duties as a councillor.
Tesco boss: Dave Lewis, who is known as 'Drastic Dave' because of his tough approach to business, has spoken out for the first time and told Unilever their price rises must be 'legitimate'

Tesco's boss has taken aim at suppliers including the makers of Marmite and warned them not to use the weak pound as an excuse to bump up prices.

Dave Lewis, who is known as 'Drastic Dave' because of his tough approach, said his supermarket would pull products off the shelves again if forced.

He has spoken out for the first time since 'Marmitegate' and has told Unilever and others that their price rises must be 'legitimate'.

Mr Lewis, who worked for the giant for 28 years before moving to Tesco two years ago, has been in a battle with them over process for months.

It led to shortages of favourites including Pot Noodles, PG Tips tea, Lynx deodorant, Dove soap and many other items because Unilever wanted to force through a blanket 10 per cent increase.

But there was particular fury about Marmite because bosses tried to put up prices because of low pound even though it is made in the UK.

As the row rumbled on the products became scarce in Tesco stores.

Mr Lewis said yesterday: ' I would ask companies in those positions to not ask UK consumers to pay inflated prices in order that their reported currency is maintained.

'They don't do that to countries outside of the UK and whilst they may have put the UK into their European arm, we don't want that to be driving their pricing decision. We will work with them to offset it as much as they can'.

Mr Lewis added big business has the 'right to try and increase prices, but it is Tesco's right to say we will no longer stock them if they do without a justified reason.'

Tesco was asked to stomach a 10 per cent hike in the price of Marmite by Unilever, which blamed the move on Brexit - but it refused

Tesco briefly withdrew cupboard staples including Marmite and PG Tips from shelves before Unilever announced that the dispute had been 'successfully resolved'

Consumers have been appalled by the number of products multinationals have either tried to bump up in price or reduce in size since the EU referendum on June 23.

Ten days ago fans of Toblerone are in meltdown over a decision to change the shape of the bar and shrink the amount of chocolate.

Some of the bars have reduced in weight from 170g to 150g, which means there are now big gaps between each chocolate peak.

Another larger Toblerone bar, which is sold by other UK retailers, has been cut from 400g to 360g.

The Swiss chocolate brand is owned by Mondelez International, which also owns British confectionary icon Cadbury.

Everything from teabags to packs of washing powder and nappies have been reduced in size in recent years.

Changes to Toblerone resulted in the weight of the 400g bars being reduced to 360g and the 170g bars to 150g, pictured, while the price remains the same

Unilever, which owns Ben & Jerry's and PG Tips, was among the businesses which warned before the June referendum that Brexit could have a negative effect, provoking allegations of scaremongering

These include a whole host of Cadbury products. For example, last year the number of Creme Eggs in a multi-pack came down from six to five.

The weight of tubs of its Heroes selection box was cut by the equivalent of about three chocolates. And it introduced new bars of Dairy Milk with curved segments, which cut the weight from 49g to 45g.

Earlier this year the Terrys Chocolate Orange, also made by Mondelez, was reduced in weight by 10per cent  down from 175g to 157g.

Packs of Maltesers, the KitKar and Mars bar have all been through the grocery shrink ray in recent years.

Firms like Unilever, which makes Marmite, and Pepsico, which makes Walkers crisps, have suggested the fall in the value of the pound, making imports more expensive, will push up food prices.

Mondelez has denied that the changes to Toblerone are related to Brexit.
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Protests have broken out in the Philippines after a former dictator was given a hero's burial at a 'secret funeral' more than 25 years after his death.

Ferdinand Marcos was buried with military honours at a cemetery in the capital Manila amid demonstrations by human rights groups and a politicians.

Supporters of the 'people power' revolt that ousted Marcos three decades ago have been left furious by the move, which was approved by the country's controversial president Rodrigo Duterte.

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Protests have broken out in the Philippines after a former dictator Ferdinand Marcos was given a hero's burial at a 'secret funeral' more than 25 years after his death. His widow Imelda Marcos is pictured (wearing black) at the service

Imelda Marcos, in black on a wheelchair under an umbrella, the widow of the late dictator Ferdinand Marcos, and their close relatives follow the flag-draped casket of Ferdinand Marcos during a ceremony of his burial at the Heroes' Cemetery in suburban Taguig city, Philippines

Imelda Marcos, the widow of the late dictator Ferdinand Marcos, cries as she receives the Philippine flag from a military officer as their daughter Imee Marcos looks on

The body of former strongman Ferdinand Marcos is pictured inside a refrigerated crypt during the commemoration of his 89th birthday in Batac, Ilocos Norte, northern Philippines. Marcos was buried at a heroes' cemetery today

Many in the Philippines were angered by the way Marcos' family had kept the timing of the burial secret, including Vice President Leni Robredo who likened the ceremony to 'a thief in the night'.

The media was banned from the ceremony and waited outside the cemetery as a 21-gun salute was fired and a Philippine flag was handed to Marcos' widow, Imelda.

Dozens of protesters rallied around Manila, some burning pictures of the late ruler.

Past governments had blocked the burial, because they were either led by enemies of Marcos or bowed to public opinion, and the body had lain in refrigerated mausoleum in Marcos' hometown of Paoay since its return to the Philippines in the early 1990s.

Marcos had imposed martial law in 1972, before the end of his second term as president and ruled by decrees.

He ruled the Philippines for 20 years, during which time he, his family and cronies amassed an estimated $10 billion in ill-gotten wealth, a commission found. Tens of thousands of suspected communist rebels and political foes were killed.

Ferdinand Marcos was buried with military honours at a cemetery in the capital Manila amid demonstrations by human rights groups and a politicians

Protesters chant as the late Philippine dictator Ferdinand Marcos is finally buried at the Heroes' Cemetery in Taguig city, east of Manila

Military officers serving as pallbearers stand around the flag-draped casket of the late Philippine dictator Ferdinand Marcos

He was chased from office in a people's power revolt in 1986 and died in exile in Hawaii three years later. The Marcos family returned to the Philippines in the 1990s and became powerful politicians representing his home province of Ilocos Norte.

Marcos's daughter, Imee, expressed relief after her father's interment at the heavily guarded cemetery in metropolitan Manila, which she said fulfilled his last wish.

Enraged pro-democracy activists, however, stressed the decades-long debate over the ex-president's final resting place was far from over and protested across the metropolis.

Bonifacio Ilagan, a left-wing activist who was detained and tortured during Marcos's rule, said the dictator was buried 'like a thief in the night' in a stealthy fashion similar to when he suddenly placed the country under martial rule. A lawmaker considered asking the Supreme Court to exhume the newly buried Marcos.

'It's very much like when he declared martial law in 1972,' Ilagan told The Associated Press. 'This is so Marcos style. I want to rush to the cemetery to protest this. I feel so enraged.'

Marie Hilao Enriquez, a former political detainee whose sister, a fellow activist, was raped and killed by policemen, wept upon learning the news.

'Marcos died in the arms of his family' but many Marcos-era activists remain missing after being allegedly abducted by state forces, Enriquez said at a protest. 'We are still searching for the victims' bodies, trying to find out where they buried the bodies.'

Imee Marcos thanked those who 'were with us in hoping and praying for nearly three decades to see this day.'

Soldiers carry the flag-draped casket of the late Philippine dictator Ferdinand Marcos during his burial at the Heroes' Cemetery in Taguig City

The late dictator Ferdinand Marcos' family follows the casket during the ceremony today

Despite growing opposition, Marcos was buried today at the country's heroes' cemetery in a secrecy-shrouded ceremony which opponents said mocked the democratic triumph won when a 'people power' revolt ousted him three decades ago

President Duterte, who gave the go-ahead signal for the burial, called for calm.

'Hopefully, both sides will exercise maximum tolerance and come to terms with the burial,' Duterte's spokesman, Ernesto Abella, quoted him as saying after the president landed in Peru, where he is attending a summit of Asia-Pacific leaders.

Military spokesman Brig. Gen. Restituto Padilla said Marcos's remains were flown by air force helicopter from his northern Ilocos Norte hometown for burial at the military-run cemetery in Manila.

Marcos's widow, Imelda, who was clad in black, and her children attended the simple ceremony, along with dozens of relatives and friends.

After landing at an air base, Marcos's remains were brought by a black limousine to the cemetery, where his flag-draped wooden coffin was placed on a caisson and later carried by military pallbearers to the gravesite, military spokesman Brig. Gen. Restituto Padilla said.

A 21-gun salute by military honour troops rang out during the burial ceremony.

'We rendered the simplest of honors befitting the former president in compliance to the desire of the family,' Padilla said.

Asked why the burial was kept from the public, Padilla said it was the Marcos family's desire 'to keep it private.'

After landing at an air base, Marcos's remains were brought by a black limousine to the cemetery, where his flag-draped wooden coffin was placed on a caisson and later carried by military pallbearers to the gravesite

Marcos's remains were flown by air force helicopter from his northern Ilocos Norte hometown for burial at the military-run cemetery in Manila

Protesters shout as the late Philippine dictator Ferdinand Marcos is finally buried at the Heroes' Cemetery today

Still, the burial shocked many democracy advocates and human rights victims who had planned protests nationwide Friday against Marcos's interment at the cemetery, where former presidents, soldiers and national artists have been buried, unaware that funeral plans were already underway.

Burying someone accused of massive rights violations and plunder at the heroes' cemetery has long been an emotional and divisive issue in the Philippines, where Marcos was ousted by a largely nonviolent army-backed uprising in 1986. At the height of the political turbulence, Marcos flew to Hawaii, where he lived with his wife and children until he died in 1989.

The powerful family has repeatedly denied any wrongdoing and Imelda Marcos and two of her children eventually ran for public office and won stunning political comebacks. One son, Ferdinand 'Bongbong' Marcos Jr., ran for vice president earlier this year and lost by a slim margin.

In 1993, Marcos's body was taken to his hometown in Ilocos Norte, where it has been displayed in a glass coffin and became a tourist attraction. But his family fought for his remains to be transferred to the heroes' cemetery.

Duterte, who took over the presidency in June, backed Marcos's burial at the cemetery, saying it was his right as a president and soldier. It was a political risk in a country where democracy advocates celebrate Marcos's ouster each year.

Imee Marcos reads her family's statement after the late Ferdinand Marcos, her father, was buried. The powerful family has repeatedly denied any wrongdoing and Imelda Marcos and two of her children eventually ran for public office and won stunning political comebacks

Soldiers with riot shields guard the gates of the Hero's Cemetery amid fears of protests in the area over the secret funeral

The burial shocked many democracy advocates and human rights victims who had planned protests nationwide Friday against Marcos's interment at the cemetery. Marcos is pictured in 1986

Former Philippine first lady Imelda Marcos kisses the refrigerated crypt of her husband, the late strongman Ferdinand Marcos as she observes his 88th birthday at a mausoleum in Batac, Ilocos Norte

Last week, the Supreme Court dismissed seven petitions, including from former torture victims, which argued that an honorable burial for the dictator was 'illegal and contrary to law, public policy, morals and justice.'

Opponents planned to appeal the court decision within a 15-day period but were pre-empted by Friday's surprise burial. They said the Marcos family should be cited by the court for contempt.

The court ruled that Marcos was never convicted by final judgment of any offense involving moral turpitude, adding that the convictions cited by anti-Marcos petitioners were civil in nature.

While critics may disregard Marcos as president due to his human rights abuses, the court said he cannot be denied the right to be acknowledged as a former legislator, a defense secretary, a military member, a war veteran and a Medal of Valor awardee.
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Today marks the 100th anniversary of the final day of the Battle of the Somme, when German machine gun fire cut down scores of British soldiers as they charged through a snowstorm towards the enemy trenches.

Among them was David Bowie's grandfather, whose body now lies in an unmarked grave in the fields of northern France. He is believed to have died among the muddy shell holes as his unit was drawn into hand-to-hand combat.

The selfless sacrifice of Robert Haywood Jones has long remained a secret, finally emerging months after musical icon Bowie's death from cancer in January this year.

Among those who died on the final day of the Battle of the Somme was David Bowie's grandfather Robert Haywood Jones (pictured left), whose body now lies in an unmarked grave in the fields of northern France. His grandson is pictured right

Heroic: Robert enlisted in response to a call for reinforcements four days after the launch of the Somme offensive, the first day of which was the worst in British Army history. There were 57,470 casualties, almost 20,000 of them dead

Robert Jones was a 34-year-old private in the King's Own Yorkshire Light Infantry, according to Danny Buckland at the Daily Mirror.

He enlisted in response to a call for reinforcements four days after the launch of the Somme offensive, the first day of which was the worst in British Army history. There were 57,470 casualties, almost 20,000 of them dead.

Bowie's grandfather left his wife and childhood sweetheart Zillah, receiving basic training before arriving in France on September 27. From July 1 to November 18, 1916, the fighting had raged, before Robert was killed on the final day.

One of the 'lost generation', when Zillah was told of his death she was grief-stricken. She died four months later aged just 30, leaving Bowie's father an orphan at the age of four.

Great War historian Bob Pike said: 'It must have been from grief, which was the case with a lot of women who lost their husbands.

Robert Jones was a private in the King's Own Yorkshire Light Infantry (pictured) and arrived in France on September 27, 1916

Family heritage: One of the 'lost generation', when Zillah was told of his death she was grief-stricken. She died four months later aged just 30, leaving Bowie's father John (pictured left with the star's mother Peggy Burns) an orphan at the age of four

The British Army suffered almost 60,000 casualties on the first day of the Battle of the Somme, 20,000 of whom were killed

'He was a hero, like so many others. He was 34 years old and signed up in response to the desperate need for soldiers after the disastrous start to the Battle of the Somme.'

Zillah's official cause of death is recorded of diphtheria. Bowie's father, who used the name John Jones, was raised by the grandparents of the style icon's second cousin.

He used a 3,000 trust fund to live a lavish lifestyle in London from the age of 21, before later serving with the Royal Fusiliers in Africa and Italy in the Second World War.

John, who later spent 22 years working for orphans at Dr Barnardo's, divorced from his first wife Hilda and married Peggy Burns in 1947 shortly after she gave birth to Bowie.

The family settled in Beckenham, south-east London, and a certain David Jones went on to become a global superstar.
Chattanooga artist Christian J. Collier is bringing a unique poetry workshop to the downtown branch of the Chattanooga Public Library beginning Thursday, Dec. 1. His MANIFEST Film and Poetry series will feature the screening of three acclaimed documentaries as well as three writing workshops that will help attendees discover and foster their poetic voices over the course of six weeks, said officials.

The sessions are free to the public and will be held on the librarys 4th floor, which is a public laboratory and educational facility with a focus on information, design, technology, and the applied arts. The schedule for the workshop is as follows:

Dec. 1  Louder than a Bomb (film) 5:30-8 p.m.

Dec. 8  Writing Workshop 5:30-8 p.m.

Dec. 15  We Are Poets (film) 5:30-8 p.m.

Dec. 22  Writing Workshop 5:30-8 p.m.

Dec. 29  Cambodian Son (film) 5:30-8 p.m.

Jan. 7  Writing Workshop 3-5 p.m.

Mr. Collier is an accomplished artist, public speaker, and educator who has shared the stage with several members of HBOs Def Poetry cast, legendary poet and activist Ishmael Reed, Grammy-nominated artist Minton Sparks, Rock & Roll Hall of Fame members The Impressions, etc. Mr. Collier is also a 2015 Loft Spoken Word Immersion Fellow, has given a TEDxTalk and been featured on an episode of TNTs State Farm Neighborhood Sessions with multi-platinum recording artist Usher Raymond.

For additional information on the workshop, he can be reached through his website at christianjcollier.com.
The son of US Representative John Conyers has found safe and well after going missing earlier this week, the Houston Police Department confirmed.

Carl Edward Conyers, 21, was found at 2.20am this morning, after he liked a tweet, which led police to his whereabouts, ABC news reports.

Prior to going missing, he was last seen on Tuesday around 6pm by his roommate at their shared off-campus apartment in South Central Houston, police told WWJ.

His older brother, John Conyers III, wrote in a post on Instagram that Carl has been missing for more than 24 hours and asked anyone with information to contact him.

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Carl Edward Conyers, 21, (pictured left and with his mother, Monica, right) has been found safe and well after going missing on Tuesday

Carl is the youngest son of US Representative John Conyers who represents the 13th Congressional district of Michigan

Police yesterday confirmed the FBI and Secret Service were assisting with the investigation into Carl's disappearance.

The Secret Service became involved because Conyers is the son of a congressman.

Police have not yet released details of where Conyers spent the past three days.

Speaking while his son was missing, John Conyers, who represents the 13th Congressional district of Michigan, said his wife, Monica, was in Texas awaiting any developments in the search.

'I'm very worried,' the Detroit Democrat told The Detroit News on Thursday.

'It's very unlike him. He's a very stable young guy,' he said of his son.

Carl's older brother John Conyers III wrote in a social media post asking for anyone with information about Carl's whereabouts to come forward (shown above)

A spokesman for the congressman issued a statement saying the family asked for privacy 'as they work through this situation of uncertainty.'

On Thursday, University of Houston police were seen knocking on the door of his apartment on in the 3700 block of Southmore.

His roommate, Chet Ball, said Carl had been acting weird on Tuesday evening, pulling his shirt over his face.

At the time, he was cooking dinner at their apartment, Ball said, who is also a junior at University of Houston.

Ball, suggested Conyers may have been overwhelmed by his studies.

'School can be hard on a person,' Ball told reporters outside of their apartment. 'Stress is very serious.'

Inside their apartment on Thursday, a pan of cooked Hamburger Helper remained on his desk along with two Blue Moon beers, according to the Houston Chronicle.

Photos appearing to show him and his girlfriend were also left on the desk.

In photos shared online of Carl, he is shown with facial hair but his brother said he may no longer have a beard.

Police confirmed Carl had shaved his beard before he was reported missing.

Carl is currently a junior at the University of Houston and recently celebrated his birthday earlier this month on November 2, according to social media posts.

University of Houston police were seen knocking on the door of his apartment on Thursday morning in the 3700 block of Southmore

His mother told KHOU 11 that her son had told his roommates he 'had a bad day' before he disappeared.

By Wednesday morning, his girlfriend Daisha Lewis said he was no longer answering his phone.

Lewis, 20, along with other friends were supposed to meet Carl on campus on Wednesday, but he never showed up.

Lewis said she briefly thought her boyfriend had been located on Wednesday morning after receiving a message from his Twitter account.

At the time, Lewis told WWJ: 'He might have come back to take more stuff out of his room, but we're not sure if it was him that took stuff out of his room or someone else that made him or someone that did it for him.'

In photos of Carl shared online, he is shown with facial hair but his brother said he may no longer have a beard

Carl (pictured above) is currently a junior at the University of Houston and celebrated his birthday on November 2, according to social media posts

She said she and his friends all received private messages from someone purporting to be Conyers on Twitter asking them to meet him on campus.

But when they arrived, he was not there.

When they went back to his apartment, his ID, debit card and some of his clothes were gone, she said, but he had left behind his car keys, bike, phone and laptop.

'He took his ID with him and a debit card and some clothes even. Like it was a distraction to get more stuff that he left behind,' Lewis told the station.

She told the Houston Chronicle she also found a packed backpack stuffed with clothes, a towel, comb, hoodie and sweatpants.

'To see his room like that, it was scary,' she told the Chronicle.

Lewis told WWJ: 'He left his phone and his laptop at his apartment, so I went through his laptop and I looked for emails or any history of an airplane ticket or a bus ticket somewhere, but there was nothing.'

US Rep John Conyers has been in Congress since 1965 and is the longest-serving member of the House

Carl pictured right with his brother John Conyers III, left, and Congresswoman Sheila Jackson Lee

Lewis told reporters that Carl was active on campus and described him as an 'amazing person' who 'everyone cares about' a lot.

'I mean, he tells me everything. I saw him everyday,' she told WWJ.

'We would talk and text all day so this is surprising to me and surprising to everyone around him.'

Carl is currently enrolled at the CT Bauer College of Business and is a Student Program Coordinator at the university, according to his LinkedIn account.

He also serves as the Marking Director for Uncommon Commons, a platform for creative expression across all forms of art at the university, and as the president of the university's Black Business Association, according to his Twitter account.

Carl is currently enrolled at the CT Bauer College of Business and is expected to graduate from the university(file photo above) in 2018

He is expected to graduate from the university in 2018.

Carl is the youngest son of 87-year-old Michigan Democrat John Conyers and his wife Monica.

US Rep John Conyers has been in Congress since 1965 and is the longest-serving member of the House.
Jeremy Clarkson was 'kicked off' a flight after a row over a 'lack of food' in the airport departure lounge, it has been claimed.

The former Top Gear presenter, whose new show The Grand Tour came out on Amazon Prime today, was due to leave Stuttgart Airport in Germany with co-hosts Richard Hammond and James May on Monday night, but was prevented from doing so.

Clarkson - who left the BBC after punching a producer in an argument over food - said airport employee Manuel Pereira deliberately stopped them boarding and called him an 'ignorant little worm'.

One passenger said the 56-year-old 'looked grumpy' after sending his assistant to get him food only to be presented with a chicken wrap.

Jeremy Clarkson (left, file picture) is said to have been 'grumpy' over a lack of food options - settling for a chicken wrap (right, file picture) - at Stuttgart Airport shortly before he was barred from boarding a flight

The source told the Mirror: 'A girl who ran his errands for him went off to try and get his food. I thought he was going to kick off because she was apologising that she couldn't get what he wanted.

'She was all apologetic about the fact that she couldn't find other food. All they got were chicken wraps.'

The passenger added a member of the Grand Tour production crew did board the flight and 'begged' staff to let the trio on, before being heard calling someone on the phone and saying 'Calm down Jeremy'.

Clarkson told The Sun that he, May and Hammond had a beer in the airport lounge before heading to the gate 'on time'.

He said that his security team then said they were not allowed to board and accused the airport worker of stopping them getting home to Britain

He said: 'I said to this little bald guy, "What's the problem?" He had a big smile on his face. He said, "You've missed it." We said we had left the lounge when we were told, and he said, "I'm from Argentina so f*** you".'

Airport employee Manuel Pereira, pictured, was accused of deliberately stopping Clarkson and his Grand Tour co-hosts James May and Richard Hammond from boarding. He denies Clarkson's claims

But in an emailed statement to MailOnline, Stuttgart Airport said: 'In this case Mr. Clarkson and his team missed several calls in the lounge while the other passengers have been already boarded.

'Due to airline policy after a certain time of absence the luggage will be removed from the aircraft and the missing passengers will be withdrawn from the passenger list.

'From this point there is no chance for boarding, even if the passengers show up.'

The airport added that the alleged 'personal behaviour of the staff member... does not conform to our approach on customer service at Stuttgart Airport' and that its partner S.Stuttgart Ground Services is investigating.

Mr Pereira denied the allegations and said he was 'polite and professional' to the presenter.

Clarkson - who has made several controversial comments about Argentina previously - claims that police were called and were '100 per cent on our side for once'.

German police have also said they will not be investigating the incident.

Amazon Prime is reportedly paying over 160 million for 12 shows a year over three years, giving them an astronomical budget of 4.5 million per episode.

The Airport, pictured, told MailOnline Clarkson 'missed several calls for his flight' but added Mr Pereira's alleged behaviour 'did not conform to its standards'

The twelve-episode show will take place in locations across the United States South Africa, England, the Netherlands, Finland and Germany before culminating in spectacular fashion at the foot of the world's tallest building, The Burj Khalifa, in Dubai.

Amazon Prime members can watch The Grand Tour via the Amazon Video app on smart TVs, streaming media players, Android phones and tablets, and on the web.

Clarkson punched Oisin Tymon in 2015 in a row over a lack of hot food, leading the BBC to not renew his contract.

He is said to have flown into a rage after being told he could not order steak after a day of filming, calling Mr Tymon a lazy, Irish c*** during the fracas.
A former Army sergeant has denied attempting to murder his wife by tampering with her parachute, which failed to open during a solo jump from 4,000ft.

Victoria Cilliers suffered catastrophic injuries when her main and reserve canopies malfunctioned during a jump above the Salisbury Plain, Wiltshire, last year.

Her husband Emile Cilliers denied two counts of attempted murder and one count of criminal damage in a way reckless as to whether life was endangered when he appeared at Salisbury Crown Court today.

Emile Cilliers has appeared in court accused of the attempted murder of his wife, Victoria

Experienced parachutist Victoria (pictured during another jump) suffered serious injuries

Experienced parachutist Victoria, 40, suffered broken ribs, a broken collarbone, a broken leg and spinal injuries when her parachutes malfunctioned during the jump on Easter Sunday last year.

A qualified parachute instructor herself, she jumped alone from a Cessna light aircraft at 4,000ft and, after both chutes failed, her reserve chute deployed partially, saving her life by slowing her fall.

Her injuries were so severe she needed to wear a back brace and use crutches for months after the incident.

Her husband was an instructor with the Royal Army Physical Training Corps attached to the Royal Engineers at the time of the incident.

Cilliers, of Amesbury, Wiltshire, denied two counts of attempted murder today.

Family and friends of Cilliers were gathered in the public gallery at Salisbury Crown Court.

Cilliers denied the charges and was bailed. He is allowed to travel abroad for Army ski trips

The incident happened during a jump at Netheravon Airfield near Salisbury, Wiltshire

The South African national was accused of allegedly tampering with his wife's parachute before a jump near Netheravon Airfield over Salisbury Plain in Wiltshire.

A second attempted murder charge related to an alleged incident in Amesbury the week before.

Judge Keith Cutler granted granted Cilliers bail on the condition he does not contact anyone involved in the case or travel to Amesbury, Wiltshire.

His passport will also need to be in the possession of the Army or police at all times but he will be permitted to travel with the Army for a ski instructor course in Bavaria, Germany, and Austria.
A far-right party has emerged in Slovakia that openly uses Nazi salutes, blames all crime on gypsies and considers NATO a terror group.

Kotleba - The People's Party Our Slovakia - is part of a wave of rightwing parties gathering steam across Europe and won almost 10 percent of the seats in Parliament in March.

It openly admires the Nazi puppet state which Slovakia was during the Second World War and - unlike other far-right parties in Europe - celebrates Nazi imagery.

Party members use Nazi salutes, blame Roma for crime in deprived areas, consider NATO a terror group and want the country out of the alliance and the European Union.

The chief of the extreme right Kotleba party, Marian Kotleba, arrives for a television debate after parliamentary elections in Bratislava, Slovakia

The party takes its name from its leader, Marian Kotleba, previously chairman of the banned neo-Nazi Slovak Togetherness-National Party, which organized anti-Roma rallies and admired Nazi rule in Slovakia.

Thousands have signed a petition demanding that the party be banned. Analysts say the party's popularity could grow even further.

Its simple slogan  'With courage against the system!'  attracts young people fed up with corruption and the inability of mainstream parties to deal effectively with the post-communist country's problems.

In contrast to most of Europe's far-right groups, 'it's truly neo-Nazi, it advocates the legacy of the Nazi war state,' says Eduard Chmelar, a Slovak political analyst.

Miroslav Mares, an expert on extremism from the Masaryk University in the Czech city of Brno, said the party belongs to the 'hard core of right-wing extremism' in Europe. He said it has only some features similar to Greece's Golden Dawn party and to Hungary's Jobbik at its beginning.

What they have in common is targeting the mainstream politics.

A girl stands outside a house in a poor Roma settlement near Banska Bystrica in Slovakia. Kotleba members blame Roma for crime in deprived areas

'The parties like that are not looking for solutions, it's all about protests,' Chmelar said. 'You can see it globally. It's the same with Donald Trump, it's the same with (Marine) Le Pen in France. What's important is to be against the system. They're all riding on a wave of public dissatisfaction that has been growing.'

These parties 'communicate and cooperate with each other, and that dramatically changes the situation in Europe, and that's dangerous,' Chmelar said. 'So far, there's no recipe to stop them.'

Kotleba's new party made news by launching patrols on trains in April in a reaction to a robbery blamed on a member of the Roma minority. Parliament banned such activities in October.

The party has proposed legislation to label non-governmental organizations that receive funding from abroad as foreign agents, and is trying to get the 350,000 signatures needed to force nationwide referendums on the country's membership in NATO and the European Union.

'Among our major goals is above all a creation of an independent and self-sufficient Slovakia, that is Slovakia which has an autonomous foreign policy that is not dictated by any foreign structure, such as the European Union,' Milan Uhrik, a deputy chairman of the party, told The Associated Press in a rare interview. Kotleba refuses to talk to foreign media, The AP was told.

A man walks past the Memorial of the Slovak National Uprising in Banska Bystrica, Slovakia. The wave of far-right parties across Europe has been gathering steam from Greece to France and Germany

Speaking in the Parliament building, Uhrik said the EU has been turning into a super state with Brussels in power. 'What's the worst is that EU legislation is above Slovak law,' he said.

NATO is another target.

'It's important for Slovakia to leave NATO because we consider NATO a terrorist organization. It doesn't bring peace to the world, quite the contrary,' Uhrik said.

'NATO is in fact a military organization of the United States and we are militarily subordinated to the United States.'

A celebration of wartime Slovakia remains particularly controversial, but Uhrik says it is not about fascism.

'As nationalists, we cannot reject the first independent Slovak state,' he argued. 'We recognize the Slovak (war) state because it was the first Slovak state, not because it was a fascist state.'

On October 13, party members celebrated the 129th anniversary of the birth of Jozef Tiso, a Catholic priest and politician who was Slovakia's war president.

During his rule, some 60,000 Slovak Jews were transported to Nazi death camps. He was sentenced to death and hanged in 1947.

Deputy chairman of the extreme right Kotleba, Milan Uhrik, answers questions during an interview at Slovakia's Parliament in Bratislava

Rights activists have submitted a petition with 20,000 signatures calling for the party to be banned. Prosecutors are reviewing that request.

'Racism, xenophobia, anti-Semitism, Holocaust denials and other such things have no place in democracy,' said Peter Weisenbacher from Bratislava's Human Rights Institute.

Kotleba is not a newcomer on Slovakia's political scene.

In 2013, he was elected the head of a regional government, campaigning on a strong anti-Roma ticket. He promised to have a recipe to solve problems with the embattled minority, calling its members 'Gypsy parasites.'

He defeated a candidate of the ruling leftist Smer-Social Democracy party in a runoff vote despite that party's chairman, Prime Minister Robert Fico, claiming that 'a bag of potatoes' would beat Kotleba.

'It was a shock for me when (Kotleba) won the regional election,' said Ingrid Kosova, a Roma activist. 'I remember people were calling me every day saying that they were ridiculed on the streets, they were not allowed to board buses, they were really afraid. Later on the situation calmed down but until now they live with worries and fears.'

In a region hit by unemployment around 15 percent, and over 25 percent in one county, Kosova said Kotleba succeeded in poor areas where the problems with the Roma minority are felt, and 'which he misused to get to power.'

When the party won seats in Parliament, 'I was abroad in the Czech Republic and I was considering staying there for good,' Kosova said.

Kotleba's new party made news by launching patrols on trains in April in a reaction to a robbery blamed on a member of the Roma minority. Parliament banned such activities in OctoberSlovakia's Parliament in Bratislava is pictured above

During the celebration of the 70th anniversary of the Slovak National Uprising against the Nazi rule in 2014, with foreign presidents and other dignitaries in the central city of Banska Bystrica, the seat of Kotleba's region, Kotleba was flying a black flag from his office and unveiled banners saying 'Yankees go home!' and 'Stop NATO!'

The Uprising is considered a defining moment of the Slovak history, and for most Slovaks a source of national pride because they stood against the Nazi rule.

Peter Gogola was mayor there at the time.

'I can't forgive him that,' Gogola said. 'My grandpa was forced to fight in the Hungarian fascist army and died at Stalingrad. I can't stand fascism.'

Martin Slosiarik, the head of Bratislava-based pollster Focus, said 70 percent of those who voted for Kotleba are under 40. He said most of them voted for him not because they would share his extremist views but because he promised 'to deal with the Roma and get rid of corruption.'
Police have wrapped up the investigation and let them off with warning

An elite school had four boys cautioned by police but let off with no charges after they released intimate photos of girls online.

Three boys aged 17 and one 16 from elite Melbourne school St Michael's Grammar were not charged after it was claimed they shared photos of female students in years 10 and 11, according to The Herald Sun.

Police have wrapped up the investigation and let the boys off with a warning, much to the dismay of one mother.

Police have wrapped up the investigation and let the boys off with a warning (Stock Image)

An elite school had four boys cautioned by police but let off with no charges after they released intimate photos of girls online

'I'm shocked that in our school, which is very much about values and respect for others, so many boys have been found complicit in degrading their young female peers,' the mum with a child at the school told the publication.

The mother said since the incident could have long term consequences for the girls, so why aren't the boys who are claimed to have shared the photos being dealt a more serious consequence.

'I would have hoped there were serious consequences for it  being let off with a slap on the wrist won't necessarily put other boys off,' she said.

Victoria Police spokeswoman Leonie Johnson said four boys were cautioned by the Moorabbin Sexual Offences and Child Abuse Investigation Team.

Earlier in the year, School head Simon Gipson told the community in an email that they would be handing down serious punishments if the students were found to have breached the expected behaviour standards of the school.
Vietnam has extended its runway on an island in the South China Sea also claimed by Beijing in a move that will anger the regional superpower.

Satellite images taken this month showed Vietnam had lengthened its runway on Spratly Island from less than 2,500 feet (760 metres) to 3,300 feet, the US-based Asia Maritime Transparency Initiative said in a report.

Beijing claims most of the South China Sea and has reclaimed reefs and built airstrips capable of hosting large military planes.

Vietnam will likely extend the runway to 4,000 feet in total, AMTI reported.

Satellite pictures also revealed Hanoi was building two large hangars on Spratly, one of 14 islands, that along with more than 100 reefs, make up the Spratly chain.

This picture, from January 11, shows the runway built by Vietnam on Spratly Island, in the South China Sea

In this satellite image, taken from January 2016, the runway had increased

This picture, taken this month, reveals how the runway has been extended to 3,300 feet

Hanoi and Beijing have traded diplomatic barbs over disputed island chains and waters in the sea.

Tensions have eased slightly in recent months but the issue continues to simmer on both sides.

SOUTH CHINA SEA Control of the South China Sea is the most contentious and explosive diplomatic issue in east Asia, with China asserting sovereignty over maritime areas that span 3.5m square kilometres but are also claimed by Vietnam, Taiwan, Malaysia, Brunei, the Philippines and Japan. The South China Sea is thought to have significant oil and gas reserves and is a route for about $4.5tn (3.4tn) in trade. Advertisement

In 2014 China moved a controversial oil rig into contested territory, prompting riots in Vietnam.

'Even amid reduced diplomatic tensions, Vietnam continues to modernise its military and seek closer security ties with Japan, the United States and India in preparation for future Chinese assertiveness in disputed waters,' AMTI said in its report published on Tuesday.

Vietnam did not respond to a request for a comment on Friday, but Beijing issued a customary rebuke and asserted its claim over the disputed Spratly chain.

Chinese foreign ministry spokesman Geng Shuan said: 'We are firmly opposed to some relevant country's illegal occupation and construction work on some of the islands and reefs of China's Nansha islands.'

China has built military-length runways on three artificial islands it has built up in the South China Sea since 2013

According to AMTI, China has reclaimed 3,200 acres in the Spratly chain since 2013, compared with 120 by Vietnam.

While the Vietnamese reclamation and construction is small compared to the Chinese, the runway extension will not be welcomed by the US amid concerns the move eases pressure on Beijing to halt its activity in the region.

Anna Richey-Allen, a spokeswoman for the US State Department, said: 'We encourage all claimants to take steps to lower tensions and peacefully resolve differences.'

The strategic waterway is also claimed by the Philippines, Brunei, Malaysia and Taiwan and is rich in energy reserves, fishery resources and is a busy shipping route.
Following an article published on MailOnline on 27 June 2016 headlined Beatrice makes a splash on yet ANOTHER day off! Princess dives into the sea in a very skimpy bikini as she enjoys a sunshine break on a yacht in Monaco, HRH Princess Beatrice of York complained to the Independent Press Standards Organisation that MailOnline breached Clause 2 (Privacy) of the Editors Code of Practice. IPSO upheld the complaint and has required MailOnline to publish this decision as a remedy to the breach.

The article reported that the complainant had been spotted on board luxury yacht with long term boyfriend. It included a number of grainy photographs of the complainant on board the yacht in a bikini, and swimming in the sea.

The complainant said that the photographs were taken surreptitiously in circumstances in which she had a reasonable expectation of privacy; she was on a private boat when the photographs were taken, and was on a private holiday, undertaking private leisure activities. Those on board the boat were not visible to the naked eye from the shore, and the photographs had been taken with a long lens. The complainant also expressed concern that the photographs showed her partially clothed and were accompanied by comments on her appearance, and her lack of clothing.

The publication did not accept a breach of the Code. It said that the photographs did not include any private information about the complainant, as she had previously been photographed in a bikini. It did not accept that the complainant had a reasonable expectation of privacy with regard to her location when the photographs were taken. It said that the photographs of the boat, which was anchored approximately 200m from the shore, had been taken using a 600mm lens, and had been cropped by the agency prior to submission. It said the public areas of the deck were facing the shore, were visible to the naked eye, and that the photographs had been taken from public land. It also noted that the complainant had been swimming from an area of the yacht that was at sea level, and not obstructed from view, and that there had been another boat in the vicinity at the time the photographs were taken.
Joseph McMenemy, pictured, suffered a 'violent death' at his home in Hamilton, Scotland, police said

Police have launched a murder hunt after a man's 'violent death' at his home in Scotland.

Joseph McMenemy, of Hamilton, Scotland, was found dead on Tuesday night and officers are treating the case as murder following a post-mortem.

The 27-year-old's family has been informed and police are now appealing for witnesses to come forward with any information.

Detective Inspector Rory Hamilton from Police Scotland's Major Investigation Teams said: 'A man has died a violent death and it is absolutely critical that we get to the bottom of who is responsible.

'Extensive inquiries are underway to establish the circumstances of this incident but we need support from the local community to find answers for Joseph McMenemy's family.

'If you were in the surrounding area late on Tuesday evening and saw or heard anything suspicious we would like to hear from you.

'I am confident that somebody must know something about who is involved and I would appeal to anyone with information to come forward and speak to us as a matter of urgency.

'Anyone with information can contact officers at the incident room based at Livingston Police Station via 101.

'Alternatively you can call Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111 where details can be given in confidence.'

Officers have launched a murder probe and have been examining the scene, pictured
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The 21-year-old 'maniac' who doused himself in accelerant and set fire to a Commonwealth Bank branch is reportedly a refugee from Myanmar in Australia on a bridging visa.

On Friday morning, the man became agitated after not having enough funds to withdraw money from the ATM at the Springvale branch in Melbourne's southeast and allegedly walked to the nearby Caltex service station to fill a plastic container with petrol.

A witness told Daily Mail Australia he was 'loud and angry' when he returned minutes later to set fire to the ATM and the carpet inside the branch.

The man is believed to have travelled from Myanmar by boat in 2013 and was placed on Christmas Island before being transferred to Melbourne on a temporary visa, The Herald Sun reported.

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The 21-year-old (pictured) who allegedly doused himself in accelerant and set fire to a Commonwealth Bank branch is reportedly a refugee from Myanmar in Australia on a bridging visa

On Friday morning, the man became agitated after not having enough funds to withdraw money from from the ATM (pictured) at the Springvale branch in Melbourne's southeast

Victims of the Commonwealth bank attack were taken to the Alfred Hospital and one remains in a critical condition

The man is believed to have been asked to apply for a Temporary Protection Visa so he could work and gain access to Medicare and Centrelink, but has not yet applied.

Witness Mr Heeraman, who chose to keep his first name anonymous, said the man was frustrated he had no money in his account and was blocked from withdrawing money from the machine.

'He went to withdraw money earlier and had no funds available so he went back later to start havoc,' he told Daily Mail Australia.

'The maniac blew up the ATM by setting himself and the machine alight.

'Some [locals] say he had financial problems and decided to take it out on the branch'.

At least 27 people were injured in Friday's blaze, with six rushed to hospital and one remains in a critical condition.

Hero tradesman, Ash Atkin-Fone, who helped the victims escape the blaze said he heard the man arguing with bank tellers moments before the explosion.

He said his 'instincts' immediately kicked in and he ran across the road to Optus, grabbed a fire extinguisher and tried to contain the blaze.

'This kid comes running out, all burnt, screaming his head off, skin coming off, blood everywhere,' Ash Atkin-Fone said.

CCTV footage from a nearby cafe captured the moment a man walked past with a large plastic container toward a service station and headed back in the direction of the bank just six minutes before the explosion, The Age reported.

Footage shows a man, believed to be the offender, walking past Asmara Cafe with an empty plastic container to a service station and returning with it full of liquid.

He is believed to have picked up the discarded container from out the front of the cafe.

The Herald Sun understands the man bought petrol at the Springvale Caltex before taking it down the road and setting himself on fire.

'The site is currently closed but the we are assisting police with their inquiries, and will continue to do so wherever needed,' Caltex Australia spokesman Sam Collyer said.

Phalla Neary Khmer was in the bank when the explosion went off with her teenage daughters, Claudia and Angel, and her two-year-old son, Fighter.

She posted to her Facebook page after being released from hospital late on Friday, thanking her family and friends for their support.

'It has been a traumatic event, we greatly thank each and every one of you,' she wrote.

Police said the alleged offender has been taken to hospital in a serious condition and is under police guard. A crime scene has been established and the arson squad is investigating.

The six victims with severe burns have been taken to The Alfred hospital. Twenty-one other people ranging from a toddler to a person in their 80s, were treated for breathing problems all were in a stable condition.

The 21-year-old Springvale man (second left with police officer) has been taken to hospital in a serious condition and is under police guard

CCTV footage has captured a man walking to a nearby service station with a large plastic container. He walks back toward the Commonwealth Bank, just minutes before the explosion

Phalla Neary Khmer (pictured, left) was in the bank when the explosion went off with her teenage daughters, Claudia (centre) and Angel (right), and her two-year-old son, Fighter

She posted to her Facebook page after being released from hospital late on Friday, thanking her family and friends for their support

Police are reviewing CCTV footage of a man, believed to be the offender, carrying a container of liquid toward the bank

The man was seen walking past the Asmara cafe toward the bank with the container, just six minutes before the explosion

Tradie, Ash Atkin-Fone, has been called a hero after he ran into the blaze after he heard a 'big blast' and seconds later heard a child's screams from the Commonwealth Bank

Pictured is the scorched ATM that was set on fire. More than 20 people have been injured, five with serious burns, after a fire at a bank in Melbourne

The six victims with severe burns have been taken to The Alfred hospital and another 21, including children, were treated on the scene for smoke inhalation

Police officers set up a crime scene at the Commonwealth Bank in Springvale after the blaze

A woman tries to clean the eyes of a hysterical child that was involved in the bank fire in Melbourne

Shocked victims were massively distressed after being involved in the blaze at the Springvale Commonwealth Bank

Early reports say that a person set themselves alight inside the bank building on Friday morning

The incident took place inside the Commonwealth Bank branch at Springvale Central

Police and ambulance crews were called to the scene at 11:30am on Friday to treat the injured

Commonwealth Bank said its 'response team' was working with emergency services

Paramedics are treating people for burns and smoke inhalation at the scene

Witness Daniel Chau told Daily Mail Australia he was grabbing lunch when he saw people running out of the bank with their faces covered in charcoal.

'I saw a man run out of the bank with his hands burnt, skin peeling off,' he said.

'The man was dragging his hand out of something. All I could hear was him screaming. He was screaming like mad. It was awful. Everyone was running and jumping around like mad. Another guy was covered in ashes. There was a lot of smoke.

'I was pretty surprised and shocked. I used to live in Springvale and I usually come here to buy my lunch but I've never seen anything like this. It was the first time I've witnessed something like this.'

A young witness said she heard people crying in the bank.

'Those that have escaped, their faces are all black and [they are] suffocating... I feel so useless just standing outside holding buckets of water,' she said.

Adam Coulshed, a local construction worker who was on site across the road from the bank, said there was a loud bang followed by plumes of black smoke.

He said his co-worker helped put out the fire with a shopkeeper from a neighbouring Optus store.

'The man was trying to get money from an ATM at the time of the explosion,' he said. 'It was just black and there were people with blood [coming out of the bank].'

Another woman said she received a distressing text message about her father who was caught up in the blaze.

Emergency service workers gather branch of the Commonwealth Bank after a fire injured customers in Melbourne

Commonwealth Bank said that their 'first priority is the safety of our staff and customers'

Passersby were left stunned (left) as victims of the bank fire began emerging from the building (right)

Victims were treated for their injuries and for shock by emergency services after the devastating fire

One girl wrote on Facebook 'how proud' she was of her father who was in the bank during fire

Another person wrote on their Facebook how they had just 'arrived at the post office across the road' just after the incident

'It's bloody awful. I just can't believe it,' eye witness Eric Sleuriot said after the incident

'My dad was in the middle of it, not realising he was helping who were hurt bad,' she said.

'How could someone walk in there and did what he did, praying for everyone.

'I'm really proud of you dad and I'm so happy you weren't hurt, nearly had me in tears, I love you dad.'

Anthony Banh, who is the manager of Love Central Jewellery across the road from the bank, said he went outside immediately after people came running and screaming past the shop.

'I heard a loud bang - it sounded like firecrackers - there was smoke everywhere,' he said.

'A guy had severe burns on his face and arms and everything. There was another man crouched on the ground with severe burns.'

Mr Bahn said he was scared there would be another explosion and kept his distance, but other people came running on the scene to help the injured and use fire hydrants to put out the flames.

'People were quite brave,' he said.

'I was shocked it took so long for the ambulance and firefighters to come.'

Acting Inspector Jackie Poida (pictured) said it was 'too early to tell' what the man's motive was

The tellers in Commonwealth Bank reportedly had to run through the flames to get out of the building

Commonwealth Bank's response team is working closely with local authorities and emergency services

In a statement, the Commonwealth Bank said its 'response team' was working with emergency services.

'We can confirm there was an incident at our Springvale branch today. Our first priority is the safety of our staff and customers and as a result the branch will remain closed for the rest of the day,' the statement read.

'Our response team is on site and we are working closely with local authorities and emergency services.

'We are deeply concerned for everyone who has been affected and we continue to work with local authorities and emergency services to provide any assistance required.'

Springvale Road has been closed in both directions between Balmoral Avenue and Windsor Avenue.
At least one person was killed and six others were wounded when violence broke out at a toddler's birthday party.

A 21-year-old woman was killed after gunshots were fired at the two-year-old boy's birthday party in a small Tennessee town on Thursday evening, authorities said.

Police raced to the home in Dyersburg at about 6.20pm local time after receiving reports of a shooting, according to WMCA.

Upon arrival, they found a bloody scene, with at least six other people injured with bullet wounds, as well as the dead woman.

A 21-year-old woman was killed after gunshots were fired at a child's birthday party

Neighbors said the dead woman was the mother of the two-year-old boy

Neighbors told police that the dead woman was the birthday boy's mother.

The victims were reportedly party-goers who were on the front porch when several gunmen opened fire before fleeing the scene on foot.

Police were scouring the town, which lies 80 miles north of Memphis, for as many as three gunmen on Thursday night, officials said.

Police said there was no immediately obvious motive for the shooting.

Neighbor Stephanie Childress, who was first on the scene, said: 'It was hysterical.

Neighbor Stephanie Childress was first on the scene and gave CPR to one of the victims

Police said there was no immediately obvious motive for the shooting

'The baby was sitting in the high chair and there was, I know, two on the porch that were shot. The one lady that I was helping was on the ground

'She was shot here in the chest, so we were applying pressure.

'She was grasping for breath and all I knew was to try and keep performing CPR to keep her breathing, keep her heart rate up.'

A six-year-old boy was airlifted to the Regional Medical Center in Memphis in critical condition

A six-year-old boy was airlifted to the Regional Medical Center in Memphis in critical condition.

The other victims were taken to the Dyersburg hospital, where their conditions were not immediately known.
The Class of 2006 selected math instructor and department head Marti Wayland as the winner of the 2016 Conrow Miller Award.

The award is given annually by members of the class celebrating its 10-year reunion to the faculty member they feel most influenced their Baylor experience.

Ms. Wayland joined the Baylor faculty in 2001.
This is the shocking moment a crazed tourist covered in blood was finally arrested after going on a 24 hour drinking rampage.

The man, who is believed to be from Europe, was seen attacking people, cars and buildings this morning in Pattaya, Thailand.

Police tried to arrest him but he locked himself in a car park and began smashing up the building - before running into a bar and attacking customers.

Pictures captured the shocking moment a crazed tourist covered in blood was finally arrested after going on a 24 hour drinking rampage

The man, who is believed to be from Europe, was seen attacking people, cars and buildings this morning in Pattaya, Thailand

The middle-aged holidaymaker, who has not yet been identified, was finally subdued by half-a-dozen officers who pinned him down on a pool table.

Police said that he had been drinking heavily for 24 hours before losing control of himself.

Pictures show him with his arms aloft and wrapped in a landline telephone cable.

Another image shows him apparently surrendering to police before he is handcuffed over a pool table in a bar.

Police tried to arrest him but he locked himself in a car park and began smashing up the building - before running into a bar and attacking customers

A spokesman from Pattaya Police said: ''We're checking CCTV footage to see where he had been and what he was doing.

''People have told us he was drinking all day before and through the night. He had a cut on his arm and bleeding a lot, a lot.

''He has been taken to hospital first then we will look at if he should be charged.''
Paedophile Rolf Harris looks set to make a profit from the sale of his artwork as collectors rush to sell paintings from the disgraced artist at knockdown prices.

A 6ft by 4ft oil painting of a Maori chief painted in 1984 and a smaller 1971 pen and ink self-portrait were listed for 20,000 and 3,000, were recently listed for auction.

The prices are around half of what they were worth before his 2014 conviction, as collectors rush to offload the work and salvage some value from the items.

A 6ft by 4ft oil painting of a Maori chief painted in 1984 has been listed for auction at 20,000, less than half what it was worth since paodophile artist Rold Harris's conviction in 2014

A smaller 1971 pen and ink self-portrait was listed for 3,000 at Robson Kay Associates auction house, which has been contacted by four Rolf Harris collectors since they sold one of his works

But with every one sold, the disgraced TV presenter will make a personal profit of four per cent - nearly 1,000 from the two if they are sold at the guide price.

He will get the commission despite being behind bars because of legislation that awards a percentage to the original artist whenever it is resold.

The paintings were listed for auction with auction house Robson Kay Associates after they controversially sold a 45,000 Harris painting for 7,500 earlier this year.

After the sale, four more collectors contacted the Manchester-based auctioneers to list their paintings, including the two now due to sell their artworks.

Harris, who is serving a sentence for child sex offences, stands to make nearly 1,000 from the sales if they sell for the guide prices

Mr Kay, who received an abusive email in the wake of the first Harris sale in August, said that is possible more collectors come forward in the future.

He said: 'Four different owners of Rolf Harris paintings have approached us on the back of the previous sale.

'All of them are in the same boat. They bought a picture in good faith prior to his convictions.

'Quite understandably they no longer want these works hanging on their walls and they are worth far, far less than what they paid for them.

'Their only other option is to quite literally throw them in the bin so they have approached us to sell them for whatever we can. They know they are likely to make a loss from the sale.

'Two collectors have agreed to sell the works through us while two more are thinking about it.

'To our knowledge and according to the agency that collects royalties for the artist, no other auction house is taking paintings by Rolf Harris, we are the only ones.

The painting of the Mauri Chief came along with this letter, explaining that it was drawn with plastic paint at a concert

'We had one abusive email after the previous sale, we can't avoid that - we understand it is an emotive subject.

HOW A PAEDOPHILE IN JAIL CAN COLLECT ART PROFITS WHILE SERVING A SENTENCE Harris will stand to profit from the sale of the two paintings thanks to the Artist's Resale Rights (ARR), which awards the artist of an original painting four per cent of the secondary sale price. This would apply to work sold at auction or in any other circumstances, and he will be paid via a middle-man company that protects artists' rights. The law does not prevent convicted criminals serving a jail sentence from collecting the cash. Advertisement

'Following lengthy internal discussions, to our mind it is not morally inappropriate for us to be doing this, as we are offering a service to the owners who need our help, not Mr Harris

'Our attitude is that these clients are private individuals who bought a piece of art in good faith when Rolf Harris had a reputation of being a respected artist.

'We aren't selling them for Rolf Harris, we are selling them for our clients.

'Yes the sale will be subject to ARR but the sums involved are quite low and the law does not prevent convicted criminals, even those currently serving a custodial sentence, from receiving a royalty in these circumstances. There is still a market for these works now.

'We assume that some people will be able to remove from their mind what Harris has done and see it as a piece of art, others perhaps like the controversy that surrounds owning such a piece of art and undoubtedly some will see this as a long term investment opportunity'
A former New South Wales union official and his niece have been charged with $870,000 worth of fraud offences linked to online dating services, a tattoo and Tiffany's jewellery.

Derrick Belan, former NSW branch secretary of the National Union of Workers and the union's former accounts manager Danielle O'Brien, were arrested in Sydney's west on Thursday in relation to the alleged fraud.

The arrests were made by state and federal officers from the Trade Union Joint Police Taskforce established in January in response to the Royal Commission into Trade Union Governance and Corruption.

Derrick Belan (left), former NSW branch secretary of the National Union of Workers and the union's former accounts manager Danielle O'Brien (right), were arrested in Sydney's west on Thursday in relation to the alleged fraud

Under cross examination Mr Belan admitted to using union money to pay for a tattoo of his mum and dad on his leg, but denied committing fraud

The commission heard last year the pair misused Mr Belan's union credit card by spending hundreds of thousands of dollars on personal travel, jewellery, toys and online dating, The Sydney Morning Herald reported.

Under cross examination Mr Belan admitted to using union money to pay for a tattoo of his mum and dad on his leg, but denied committing fraud.

He reportedly said he had repaid the money and that he had originally intended to pay for the tattoo in cash but the ATM 'didn't have any money in it'.

Belan's lawyer entered pleas of not guilty for 24 fraud-related offences and two of participating in a criminal group on his client's behalf at the Penrith Local Court on Friday.

Belan appeared via video link from nearby Amber Laurel Correctional Centre. He looked tired and unkempt.

He was granted bail on the condition he does not contact any witnesses involved in the continuing police investigation of the NUW.

Police prosecutor Andrew Whitton told the court Belan had systematically defrauded the union between 2010 and 2015.

Belan appeared via video link from nearby Amber Laurel Correctional Centre- He looked tired and unkempt

Fromer National Union of Workers accounts manager Danielle O'Brien

'The accused held a position of trust in that union,' he said.

'He was the one who was able to call the shots.

'The union is supposed to look after its workers.'

Mr Whitton opposed Belan's release from jail, citing concerns he could tamper with evidence and contact witnesses.

'This accused has the potential and capacity to approach people in a prejudicial way,' he said.

Defence lawyer Arjun Chhabra said Mr Whitton's arguments were 'misconceived'.

Magistrate Stephen Corry imposed conditions on Belan's bail that he not leave the country, only leave his home in the company of his mother and that he not go near or contact Danielle O'Brien.

If found guilty, a jail sentence is 'almost inevitable' given the extent of the fraud, Mr Corry said.

Belan's next court appearance is scheduled for January 20.
Pictures released on Thursday evening by the Japanese government that showed Ivanka Trump and Jared Kushner joining the president-elect for a meeting with Prime Minister Shinzo Abe have led to widespread criticism on social media.

A number of Twitter users are expressing their outrage and shock after learning that Ivanka - who has no security clearance and is set to run her father's business in a blind trust once he takes office - was present for Donald's first sit-down talk with a foreign dignitary.

'Ivanka Trump, responsible for running Trump businesses, sits in on meeting with a foreign power. Conflict of interest is an understatement,' wrote Matt Ortega, a former member of Hillary Clinton's digital team.

Frequent Trump critic Keith Olberman was a bit more blunt meanwhile, writing: 'Attention @realDonaldTrump Nobody else in your family was "elected." Get your daughter THE F*** OUT OF STATE MEETINGS.'

Some are referring to Ivanka as having the look of a 'leggy assistant' in the photo, while others are taking issue with the level of involvement Trump's three oldest children and his son-in-law have in the still forming administration.

Meanwhile, someone with knowledge of the meeting tells DailyMail.com that Ivanka was simply stopping by the meeting when the photos were taken on Thursday.

And a family source adds: 'The President-elect has always encouraged Ivanka and his children to attend meetings with him. This was informal, but the family obviously needs to adjust to the new realities and they will.'

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Front and center: Photos from President-elect Donald Trump's meeting with Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe revealed Ivanka and Jared Kushner were in present (Ivanka above across from General Michael Flynn, President-elect Trump, Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe and an interpreter)

Family affair: Trump's daughter Ivanka and her husband, Jared Kushner were present for Donald Trump's meeting with Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe, who attended the meeting only with an interpreter

Off to work: Ivanka was spotted leaving her apartment in New York City on Friday morning (above)

Issue: Some on Twitter pointed out that it was a conflict of interest for Ivanka to be present

Very angry: Longtime Trump foe Keith Olbermann did not try and hide his anger with the situation

Most of the Twitter comments were in response to a photo posted by CNN reporter Ivan Watson that showed a leggy Ivanka sitting in a chair with her legs crossed directly across from her father, General Michael Flynn and Prime Minister Abe.

Soon after he posted the photo however Watson took it down from his account.

Watson later wrote on Twitter: 'Earlier, Donald and Ivanka Trump, & Gen Flynn met w/ Japanese PM Abe. I deleted handout photo after learning Trump had denied press access.'

The same photo that Watson posted was later included in the handouts provided to members of the press.

Because members of the press were not allowed in, there was some confusion as to how much of the meeting Ivanka and her husband Jared sat in on, though it now seems that Trump was only joined by General Flynn for the full sit down.

It was reported on Thursday that President-elect Trump had offered General Flynn the position of national security adviser.

And while Ivanka and Jared are part of Trump's transition team, they have not been offered roles in his administration and have no foreign policy experience.

This is part of the reason some people were upset and confused after seeing the photos from the meeting.

All smiles: Exactly what was discussed remains unknown - as do Kushner and Ivanka's roles in the meeting. Retired Lieutenant General Michael Flynn (far right) was also present. He has been offered a position as National Security Adviser by Trump

Reason: Someone with knowledge of the meeting tells DailyMail.com that Ivanka was simply stopping in to greet her fathers guests

Poor fit: Users also pointed out that Jared and Ivanka do not have security clearance and have no experience in foreign policy

Problem: Many on Twitter took issue with this after the photos were released, pointing out that Ivanka is set to run her father's company in a blind trust

'Ivanka is sitting in on a meeting w/heads of state & #PresidentElect.. She has no National Security clearance. Trump's already going rogue,' wrote Victoria Brownworth.

Marcus Gilmer of Mashable tried to find some humor in the situation by also acknowledging the decor of the Trump Tower room where the meeting took place, writing: 'Wait why is Ivanka in this meeting with PM Abe and why is it being held in Liberace's coffin?'

Mother Jones was apparently left speechless, with political magazine tweeting from their account: 'OMGOMGOMGOMGOMGOMGOMGOMGOMGOMG'

They also wrote in their piece about the meeting why they believe Ivanka was in the meeting.

'Here's my incredibly depressing guess: Trump believes that Japanese men consider it a sign of respect to have a pretty assistant in the room who listens attentively and silently. So he nabbed Ivanka and told her to act as decoration,' read an article on the Mother Jones website.

And one individual made reference to Ivanka's 60 Minutes jewelry scandal from earlier in the week, writing: 'Can't wait to see if later today we get an email about opportunity to buy Ivanka's stilettos, or perhaps Jared's watch?'

Ivanka came under fire after an employee at her company sent out a press release to members of the media pointing out that the 35-year-old real estate developer and designer was wearing a $10,800 bracelet from her jewelry collection when she appeared on 60 Minutes over the weekend.

That appearance was for her father's first interview since winning the election, and some called out the newly minted first daughter claiming that she was hoping to capitalize on her father's position for her own financial gain.

Rough week: Ivanka also came under fire earlier this week when her company promoted the bracelet she wore on 60 Minutes during her father's first interview

Keep it going: One Twitter user took the chance to again bring up that scandal

Decor: Another Twitter user made fun of the design and ecor in the meeting room

Abigail Klem, the president of the Ivanka Trump brand, later told DailyMail.com: 'This notification was sent by a well-intentioned marketing employee at one of our companies who was following customary protocol, and who, like many of us, is still making adjustments post-election.

'We are proactively discussing new policies and procedures with all of our partners going forward.'

President-elect Trump was also criticized earlier this week when he snuck out to dinner with his family on Tuesday without telling the press poll.

He and his four oldest children, along with their spouses, enjoyed a meal together at the 21 Club a little over an hour after his press secretary Hope Hicks had told members of the media that he was in for the night.

No one who was present at the meeting on Thursday has commented yet on why and for how long Ivanka and Jared were present.

Japan's Prime Minister Abe for his part said that the meeting had 'renewed my conviction that together with Mr Trump I will be able to establish a relationship of trust'.

'Without confidence between the two nations, our alliance would never function in the future,' he told media at The InterContinental New York Barclay Hotel after the his meeting.

Meeting: Abe and Trump shake hands in what was the President-elect's first face-to-face meeting with a foreign leader

Job offer: The meeting was attended by retired Lt General Michael Flynn who has been offered the job of National Security Adviser

He declined to go into details on what was discussed in the hour-and-a-half conversation, but said he 'conveyed' his 'basic views' and promised a more in-depth meeting in the future.

Japan is one of Washington's closes allies, but its ministers were reportedly concerned during the run-up to the election by several of Trump's statements.

Abe gave Trump a golf driver and received golf-wear in return, Japanese officials said.

They included suggestions that he might pull thousands of US troops out of the region - where they help allies like South Korea and Japan counterbalance China - unless other countries paid up for the upkeep.

He also suggested that officially pacifist Japan will need to invest in its own nukes.

For nationalist Abe, who strongly opposes China, that was a huge matter of concern.

Trump also pledged to stop the Trans-Pacific Partnership (TPP), which would ease trade between the US, Japan and other Asian and American countries - which Trump said would kill American jobs.

That would be bad news for Japan, which ratified the TPP last week, and saw it as one route out of an economy that has been stagnant for years due to an ageing population and falling demand.
A French couple were today facing prosecution for naming their newborn baby after the notorious al-Qaeda murderer Mohammed Merah.

The husband and wife, who have not been identified, live in the southern city of Nice, which was devastated by the ISIS-linked Bastille Day attack in July.

Despite this, they want to name their son 'Mohammed Nizar Merah', after a 23-year-old jihadist who gunned down seven people in the Toulouse area in 2012.

A French couple face prosectution for naming their newborn baby after the notorious al-Qaeda murderer Mohammed Merah (pictured)

Merah targeted Jewish children and Muslim soldiers, before he too was shot dead in his council flat by police

Merah targeted Jewish children and Muslim soldiers, before he too was shot dead in his council flat by police.

The Jihadi threat has escalated considerably since then, and community leaders in Nice are deeply concerned by the child's provocative name.

Now Jean-Michel Pretre, the Nice Prosecutor, has to decide whether the parents are breaking the law by apparently showing their support for terrorism.

It also has to be decided whether the child can keep the name, with Mr Pretre saying: 'What counts is the interests of the child. More than fifteen years ago it was possible to ban certain names. Now, all first names are possible, except when they threaten the child.'

Officials at Nice City Hall made the original legal complaint to the prosecutor, with a spokesman saying that the name Mohammed Merah 'could be against the interests of the child' and amounted to an 'apology for terrorism'.

On July 14  Bastille Day  a Tunisian born local man called Mohamed Lahouaiej-Bouhlel drove a 19-tonne truck into a crowd celebrating the national holiday on the Promenade des Anglais

On July 14  Bastille Day  a Tunisian born local man called Mohamed Lahouaiej-Bouhlel drove a 19-tonne truck into a crowd celebrating the national holiday on the Promenade des Anglais.

A total of 86 people were killed, and some 434 were injured in the terrorist atrocity.

Lahouaiej-Bouhlel suffered from psychiatric problems, but he claimed a loose affiliation to ISIS before carrying out the crime, which ended with him also being shot dead.

Christian Estrosi, president of the regional council that covers Nice, and a former mayor, said: 'While our city was hit hard by an attack this summer, and our residents are still shaken, it is unacceptable to deal with something like this.

'It is for this reason that we alerted the prosecutor so that he takes the appropriate measures to change this act of birth so that it is no longer an attack on our republic.
Nigel Farage deserves a peerage and Theresa May should use him as a link to Donald Trump, a top Tory said last night.

Graham Brady, chair of the influential 1922 committee of Conservative MPs, said it was unfair not to give Ukip representation in the House of Lords considering the party won nearly four million votes at the last General Election.

Ukip currently has just three peers - all of whom defected from the Tories, while the Lib Dems have more than 100 despite winning 1.4m fewer votes.

Mrs May refused to rule out the prospect of handing the interim Ukip leader a peerage at Prime Minister's Questions earlier this week.

Nigel Farage, pictured on ITV on Tuesday, deserves a peerage and Theresa May should use him as a link to Donald Trump, a top Tory said last night

Mr Brady also said he was 'relaxed' about the prospect of Mr Farage being given an informal role in helping Mrs May and other ministers forge a relationship with Mr Trump and his team, the Huffington Post reported.

Mr Brady told the University College London Conservative society last night: 'Do I think it's a bad thing if Nigel Farage is spending time in Washington encouraging them to be pro-British? No I don't. I am quite relaxed about it. I don't see a formal role.'

Asked whether Mr Farage should be given a peerage, Mr Brady said: 'Given we have fallen into the habit of saying that there is a relationship between the new appointments and the votes cast at the last general election - which is why the Lib Dems were given a ridiculous large number of peers under David Cameron's administration.

'The fact that Ukip got nearly four million votes at the general election makes it pretty hard to justify not allowing them some representation in the Upper House.

'If you are going to have that system, you've got to be seen to be fair.'

The comments from the senior Tory will increase pressure on Mrs May to consider putting Mr Farage in the Lords.

Graham Brady, pictured, chair of the influential 1922 committee of Conservative MPs, said it was unfair not to give Ukip representation in the House of Lords considering the party won nearly four million votes at the last General Election

She insisted the usual procedure is not to discuss future Lords appointments in public when she was grilled about it at Prime Minister's Questions on Wednesday.

But Downing Street is continuing to reject calls to deploy Mr Farage as a link man to his ally Mr Trump, despite concerns that the Government has failed to forge relations with his key aides.

The interim Ukip leader became the first British politician to meet the President-elect since his shock election victory last week and believes his 'connections' to Mr Trump's team could help the UK Government build a relationship with the new administration.

But No 10 has insisted the Government's channels of communications are 'well-established' as it dismissed the prospect of Mr Farage becoming the 'third person' in the relationship between Mr Trump and Mrs May.

SNP MP George Kerevan drew laughter from MPs as he asked Mrs May in the Commons: 'Can the Prime Minister confirm or deny if there have been any official conversations at any level regarding giving Nigel Farage a peerage?'

She replied: 'All I can say to you, I'm afraid, is that such matters are normally never discussed in public.'

Theresa May, pictured in the Commons, insisted the usual procedure is not to discuss future Lords appointments in public when she was grilled about it at Prime Minister's Questions today

Mrs May's official spokeswoman, speaking outside the Commons, said the Prime Minister was making a point about process.

She said: 'We don't comment on individuals, there's a process to be followed.

'You will have heard the Prime Minister talk in October about her views on the honours system and making sure that it recognises people who really contribute to society and their communities.'

The spokeswoman added later: 'It will be for any individual that wants to make a nomination to set out the criteria for why they think the individual meets that nomination and then there's an appointments commission to look at it.'

Ukip has three peers in the House of Lords, Lord Pearson of Rannoch, Lord Willoughby de Broke, and Lord Stevens of Ludgate. They were all defections from the Tories; none were appointed.




A visitor to a Chinese tech fair was injured yesterday after a robot suddenly went out of control and smashed a booth, according to Chinese media.

The three-foot-tall droid, which has been launched recently, is designed by a Chinese company to teach children English and is popular among families.

The victim sustained cuts in the ankle caused by shattered glass and was taken to the hospital by staff at the booth.

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A robot has caused a scene at a Chinese tech fair after it smashed glass, leaving one injured

The 3ft tall robot was pictured after it smashed a glass wall at its booth in Shenzhen yesterday

The incident took place at the China Hi-Tech Fair held in Shenzhen, southern China, on November, 17, according to a reported on Huanqiu.com, an affiliation to the People's Daily.

The robot, which has been named 'Little Chubby' by Beijing-based developer Evolver, is programmed to teach English as well as general knowledge to children aged between four and 12.

The incident was first reported by users of Wechat, a popular social media app in China.

According to Shenzhen Evening News, a witness wrote in a post: 'The Force Awakens! I saw the "Little Chubby" at the neighboring booth smashing the glass wall without any human commands, wounding a passerby.'

One of the three accompanying photos showed the white droid, which had allegedly caused a scene.

Another photo showed the tech show's staff cleaning up the broken glass left on the ground.

A third photo showed the injured visitor being carried on a stretcher.

According to an official Weibo post from the Shenzhen city government, the victim's ankle was cut by the broken glass.

The man was later taken to the hospital and received to stitches, said the statement.

The news was quickly shared by Chinese media on their online platforms.

The incident was reported to be the first case in China that a robot had injured a human by various Chinese media, including CCTV News, Sina and Global Times.

'Little Chubby' is programmed to teach English as well as general knowledge to children

Evolver, the developer and manufacturer of 'Little Chubby', issued a statement on November 18 through its social media account on Weibo.

The firm said in the statement that the robot had been showcasing its ability to project at the booth.

WHAT CAN THE ROBOT DO? A promotional video of 'Little Chubby' shows the robot can check the English pronunciation of primary school pupils. The machine is said to carry an American accent. In addition, the robot can: Translate the basic vocabulary of English

Answer the questions asked by the children from a pre-installed encyclopedia

Hold conversations with the children in English and Mandarin

Be used as a surveillance camera to monitor the children

Purify air and check pollution levels Advertisement

A member of staff pressed a button on 'Little Chubby' by mistake, causing it to reverse instead of moving forward.

The robot was designed to detect and avoid obstacles automatically, but the function was turned off at the time.

This led the machine to go out of control as it sped forward for as long as 10 seconds and smashed into a glass wall.

Launched in September and targeted at families with young children, 'Little Chubby' is sold at two prices depending on the functions: 9,988 yuan(1,176) for a basic version and 12,988 yuan(1,529) for an advanced version.

So far, over 3,000 of these droids have been sold across China, according to the company's statement.

Marketed as 'a professional tutor' and 'child's playmate', the robot can be used at home to assist children aged between four and 12 in learning English and general knowledge.

Over 3,000 of these droids have been sold across China since its launch in September

The robot can be used at home to assist children aged between four and 12 in learning

The incident has attracted thousands of comments on Weibo, a social media platform in China.

Some expressed concerns on whether or not it was suitable to use 'Little Chubby' to accompany their children while others poked fun at the machine.

One person asked: 'What would happen if a family member press the wrong button?'

Another one wondered: 'Tailored for children aged four to 12 years old? Will it give children physical punishment?'

While one user said: 'Primary school children wouldn't win the fight with the robot.'

A fourth one joked: 'Hawking's prediction on the rise of robots is becoming true.'

A screenshot from its website shows 'Little Chubby' is sold at 9,988 yuan (1,176)
President-elect Donald Trump has picked Alabama Sen. Jeff Sessions to be his attorney general and Kansas Rep. Mike Pompeo to lead the CIA.

The announcements came Friday morning, along with an acknowledgement that retired Lt. Gen. Mike Flynn would be Trump's national security adviser. Flynn has also helmed the Defense Intelligence Agency.

The attorney general and CIA roles will require confirmation from a Republican-controlled Senate. Flynn's job will not.

Republican National Committee spokesman Sean Spicer cautioned Friday morning on MSNBC that Trump himself would have to declare his intentions publicly before choices can be considered final.

'Until he says it's official, it's not official,' Spicer said. Now the first cabinet-level administration picks are official.

Alabama Sen. Jeff Sessions, pictured Thursday with Donald Trump presidential campaign manager and senior adviser Kellyanne Conway, is reportedly the president-elect's choice for attorney general

Third-term Republican congressman Mike Pompeo of Kansas, a member of the House Intelligence Committee, is Trump's choice to lead the CIA

Trump called it 'an honor' to nominate Sessions, saying that 'Jeff has been a highly respected member of the U.S. Senate for 20 years. He is a world-class legal mind and considered a truly great Attorney General and U.S. Attorney in the state of Alabama. Jeff is greatly admired by legal scholars and virtually everyone who knows him.'

Sessions pronounced himself 'humbled to have been asked.'

'I enthusiastically embrace President-elect Trump's vision for "one America," and his commitment to equal justice under law,' he said. 'I look forward to fulfilling my duties with an unwavering dedication to fairness and impartiality.'

Pompeo, Trump said, 'has served our country with honor and spent his life fighting for the security of our citizens. ... He will be a brilliant and unrelenting leader for our intelligence community to ensure the safety of Americans and our allies.'

The newly minted spy chief said he would 'look forward to working with America's intelligence warriors, who do so much to protect Americans each and every day.'

Pompeo, 52, was part of the tea party tsunami that swept congressional elections in 2010. Like Trump, he has bitterly criticized the nuclear deal President Barack Obama cut with Iran.

He is a member of the House Intelligence Committee and the joint committee that investigated the 2012 terror attack on an American diplomatic outpost in Benghazi, Libya.

An Army cavalry veteran, Pompeo graduated from West Point at the top of his class and later earned a law degree from Harvard University.

His Capitol Hill office did not respond to a request for comment Friday morning.

Trump had been considering officials other than Sessions for the attorney general job, including Texas Sen. Ted Cruz and Kansas Secretary of State Kris Kobach. Cruz reportedly wanted the post.

But Sessions, 69, has been a vocal and enthusiastic Trump backer since late February and was the first senator to support him. He was also chosen to ceremonially place Trump's name in nomination at the Republican National Convention in July.

Cruz said Friday in a statement that Sessions' nomination 'is great news for all of us who revere the Constitution and the rule of law.'

Retired Gen. Michael Flynn, who has spoken on Trump's behalf at his campaign rallies, is to be the president-elect's national security adviser

Sessions is an immigration hard-liner and has argued that illegal immigrants don't have constitutional rights.

Fellow senator Richard Shelby, another Alabama Republican, said in a statement that Sessions would 'bring integrity and immense expertise to the role of Attorney General due to his decades of experience in the legal field and an impressive tenure' on the Senate Judiciary Committee.

That same committee will have to approve his nomination before the full Senate holds a vote.

In 1986, Sessions became only the second nominee in 50 years to be denied confirmation as a federal judge after allegations that he had made racist remarks.

Those included testimony that in 1986 he had called an African-American prosecutor 'boy,' an allegation Sessions denied. He claimed he had used the word 'folks' and it was misheard.

Sessions insisted he was not a racist, but said at his hearing that groups such as the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People and the American Civil Liberties Union could be considered 'un-American' because of unspecified links to communists.

Sessions has sparked controversy with his hard-line statements about illegal immigration, which tend to fit nicely with Trump's platform

Texas Sen. Ted Cruz was also in the running for the attorney general position but praised Sessions on Friday

Liberal Democrats leapt on Sessions Friday morning, led by Illinois Rep. Luis Gutierrez who opened up with both barrels.

'If you have nostalgia for the days when blacks kept quiet, gays were in the closet, immigrants were invisible and women stayed in the kitchen, Senator Jefferson Beauregard Sessions is your man,' he said in a statement.

'No Senator has fought harder against the hopes and aspirations of Latinos, immigrants, and people of color than Sen. Sessions. ... He ran for the Senate because he was deemed by the Senate Judiciary Committee as too racist to serve as a federal judge. He is the kind of person who will set back law enforcement, civil rights, the courts, and increase Americas mass incarceration industry and erase 50 years of progress.'

As the nation's top law enforcement official, Sessions will make the decision about whether to reopen the investigation into classified materials found on former secretary of state Hillary Clinton's infamous private email server.

Trump told DailyMail.com in May that he would defer the decision to his AG.

Since then Sessions has said he favors appointing a special prosecutor, independent of the Justice Department, to weigh the facts and decide whether to reopen the case that FBI Director James Comey officially closed in early July.

Chants of 'Lock her up!' were common at Trump campaign rallies.

The election ultimately turned, in part, on the discovery less than two weeks before Election Day of 650,000 emails on a computer belonging to top Clinton aide Huma Abedin's estranged husband Anthony Weiner.

Sessions had also been discussed internally as a potential defense secretary, a transition insider told DailyMail.com. He met one-on-one with Trump on Wednesday.

A statement Thursday from the transition team suggested strongly that Sessions' experience as a federal prosecutor had made him the president-elect's natural choice to lead the Justice Department.

'While nothing has been finalized and he is still talking with others as he forms his cabinet, the President-elect has been unbelievably impressed with Senator Sessions and his phenomenal record as Alabama's Attorney General and U.S. Attorney,' the statement read. 'It is no wonder the people of Alabama re-elected him without opposition.'

The 58-year-old Flynn, whose appointment was widely reported late on Thursday, was a fierce critic of Obama's military and foreign policy long before he began advising Trump on national security issues during the presidential campaign.
A schoolgirl has been taken to hospital today after falling 15ft from a balcony at school.

The 15-year-old girl is being treated at Edinburgh Royal Infirmary following the incident at Gracemount High School in the city on Friday morning.

A Police Scotland spokesman said: 'Police in Edinburgh were called to an incident at Gracemount High School around 10.20am on Friday after a pupil fell 15ft from a balcony.

The 15-year-old girl is being treated at Edinburgh Royal Infirmary following the incident at Gracemount High School (pictured) in the city on Friday morning

'The 15-year-old has been taken to hospital for treatment. Her injuries are not thought to be life-threatening.

'Inquiries are ongoing into the full circumstances.'

Council chiefs said the school remains open and investigations are continuing.

A City of Edinburgh Council spokeswoman said: 'There was an incident at Gracemount High School this morning, which unfortunately resulted in a female pupil being injured.

'Emergency services attended and she has been taken to hospital for treatment. The school remains open and pupils will leave at the normal time.
A plus-size prostitute told an undercover cop that she perform a sex act on him in exchange for $50 and a plate of nachos, according to a police report.

Crystal Hotlosz was arrested after officers in Ohio got in touch with her after seeing an advert for her services.

Hotlosz, 36, who describes herself as a 'BBW (big beautiful woman) goddess' in her online adverts, usually charges an hourly rate of $160.

Crystal Hotlosz was arrested after officers in Ohio got in touch with her after seeing an advert for her services

But cops from Beaver Police Department knocked this down to $50 and a plate of nachos.

A report filed by officers stated: 'The female stated that she was still seeing people and texted a price of "Hh is 100 hour 160". The female agreed to a price of $50 and nachos.'

The officer met Hotlosz, who is 5ft 8ins and weighs 270lbs, The Smoking Gun reports, in a car park outside a Mexican restaurant.

'I discussed the previously stated price of $60 for the sex act and she asked if I had any extra money and her nachos,' the report states.

It was at this point that officers converged on the car and arrested Hotlosz on suspicion of solicitation.

She was taken to Mahoning County jail.
CARTA officials said the transit agency's numbers at its most popular stop - Eastgate in Brainerd - are way down since the Eastgate Town Center management no longer allows CARTA buses on the property.

CARTA is now restricted to just the loop road around Eastgate, Executive Director Lisa Maragnano.

She said the local Eastgate management is sympathetic to CARTA, noting that it brings 70,000 people to that location in a year. However, she said owners in California are not.

Ms. Maragnano said CARTA is in talks with nearby businesses that might welcome all those potential customers.

She said Eastgate asked that CARTA pay for repairs caused by the buses or wanted the agency to build concrete pads at bus stops. She said those requests were not financially feasible.

CARTA has a bus arriving at Eastgate every 15 minutes.

Steve Jett, CARTA board chairman, said many Eastgate employees utilize bus service, including some of those working at the "huge call center."

He said the breakdown "is frustration - especially considering that we've been serving Eastgate for over 40 years."

City Councilwoman Carol Berz is aware of the situation and the Mid Town Chamber of Commerce is also involved in talks, it was stated.


The Scottish and Welsh governments and a trade union backed by Jeremy Corbyn were today given permission to join the legal battle trying to frustrate Theresa May's Brexit plans.

They will all be able to intervene when the Supreme Court hears the UK Government's appeal against the High Court's controversial ruling that the Prime Minister must win approval from MPs before triggering Article 50 - the formal mechanism for leaving the EU.

Supreme Court justices accepted Nicola Sturgeon's application to have her government's voice heard in the court case.

She wants the Scottish Parliament to be consulted before Mrs May starts divorce proceedings with Brussels

The Supreme Court also gave permission to the Independent Workers Union of Great Britain (IWGB) - a group that has enjoyed regular support from Mr Corbyn and Shadow Chancellor John McDonnell - to intervene in the court case.

Supreme Court justices accepted Nicola Sturgeon's application to have her government's voice represented in the court case

The union wants MPs to block Brexit unless the Government gives an extensive list of guarantees on workers rights.

This directly contradicts assurances from the Labour leadership that the party will not block the Government's move to trigger Article 50 when they call the crucial vote in the Commons.

Mr McDonnell said earlier this week: 'Labour will not seek to block or delay it.'

But at the court hearing next month, a union that he actively supports will attempt to do just that.

The IWGB backed Mr Corbyn in his Labour leadership campaign, telling its members: We know a lot of people are sceptical about the Labour party, for many very legitamate reasons. We urge people, despite those concerns, to back a true campaigner leading the opposition.'

Mr Corbyn and his close ally Mr McDonnell have joined IWGB protests and demonstrations and have spoken in support of its strike action.

Mr Corbyn tweeted his support for IWGB in its campaign against the Deliveroo campaign in the summer.

Counsel for the Scottish Government will be able to address the court on the relevance of points of Scottish law, so far as they do not form part of the law of England and Wales.

Supreme Court justices will also invite legal representatives from the Welsh government and a group representing British expats to intervene in the court case, which will begin on December 5.

Theresa May, pictured being greeted by German Chancellor Angela Merkel in Berlin this morning, faces another obstacle in her Brexit plans after the Supreme Court said it will allow the Scottish and Welsh Governments to intervene in next month's high-stakes court battle

The Supreme Court also gave permission to the Independent Workers Union of Great Britain (IWGB) - a group that has enjoyed regular support from Jeremy Corbyn, pictured at Prime Minister's Questions earlier this week, and Shadow Chancellor John McDonnell - to intervene in the court case

John McDonnell, pictured, gave the reassurance earlier this week that Labour 'will not seek to block or delay' the triggering of Article 50. But at the court hearing next month, the IWGB, a union that he actively supports, will attempt to do just that

The Government's appeal against the High Court ruling earlier this month will last four days but the Supreme Court warned it was unlikely to publish a result before the New Year.

WHAT EXACTLY IS THE LEGAL BATTLE ABOUT? The landmark legal dispute over Brexit centres on who exactly holds the power to start the process of Britain's exit from the EU. The Government had insisted Theresa May could do it without consulting Parliament, invoking Article 50 of the EU treaties to start a formal two year negotiation to complete Britain's departure from the EU. But Remain campaigners insisted only Parliament could make the decision because filing the Article 50 notification was irreversible and would therefore cancel rights granted under the EU treaties. In a shock ruling, senior judges at the High Court backed the campaigners and rejected the Government case - even though it was personally made by Attorney General Jeremy Wright. Advertisement

Downing Street says it is confident it will win its appeal against the High Court's decision, which ruled the Prime Minister cannot use executive powers to trigger Article 50.

Speaking on a visit to Berlin today, Mrs May said: 'Our work is on track, we do stand ready to trigger Article 50 by the end of March 2017, that's next year.

'I want to see this as a smooth process, an orderly process, working towards a solution that is in the interests of both the UK but also in the interests of our European partners too.'

The decision in favour of Remain supporters including businesswoman Gina Miller is threatening to throw the PM's Brexit timetable into turmoil, with pro-EU MPs and peers set to fight a desperate rearguard action to limit the impact.

But the government set the stage for a dramatic showdown by announcing it will appeal to the Supreme Court next month. The outcome could potentially shape the country's future.

The Independent Workers Union of Great Britain, which describes itself as 'fighting for the rights and welfare of some of the most vulnerable and under-represented workers in the UK', has also been given permission to make submissions to the court.
Peter Thiel and others working on the Donald Trump transition have launched a secret database called the 'Plum List' to screen out disloyal Trump administration applicants and recruit prospective hires from outside the traditional Beltway channels, sources tell the DailyMail.com.

Insiders said the Plum List, which is being run outside of the official Trump transition, will serve as a central database to help wade through the thousands of incoming applications and identify key talent.

Sources said the list is being spearheaded by Thiel, who was appointed to a top spot on Trump's transition team last Friday.

The Plum List, launched by Peter Thiel and others on the Trump transition team, will serve as a database to help wade through the thousands of incoming applications and identify key talent=

'Peter and a number of people are running a secret "Plum List", which is a way of screening out bad people,' said one source involved with the project. 'It's basically a way to do all the background checks.'

Another Thiel ally billed it as an 'official, unofficial way to fast-track' qualified applicants, particularly those who come from outside the typical Washington, DC, think tank-consultant nexus.

The list will primarily focus on recruiting staffers for science and technology, the areas Thiel has been tasked with in the transition process.

However, sources close to Thiel said he has taken a broad view of his directive, and will be looking at candidates for the FDA, the FCC, and federal trust issues as well.

The database will also include generalist candidates who could be placed in a range of administration roles, and ambassadorial candidates.

'Everybody with any involvement with the campaign is getting bombarded with resumes so this is a place where we're forwarding them all and just organizing our efforts into a formal process around it,' said the source. 'We have people inside the transition who we're preparing this for and who've asked us to do this.'

Applicants will be screened and color-coded in the database  with an emphasis on whether they have shown loyalty to Donald Trump through the election.

A master database could be a crucial tool for the transition team, which has been scrambling to organize since Trump's surprise victory last week. Pictured above, Trump chats with President Barack Obama

'We're vetting people and making sure they've been committed Trump supporters throughout the election,' said the source. 'Loyalty is very important to Trump, and there's been kind of a civil war within the party.

'So we want to make sure that the people who go into the administration are aligned with his vision and goals.'

The vetting process includes a heavy focus on social media. Insiders say they will be looking closely at prospective staffers' online postings  even ones they may have deleted.

'The jocks have won the election, and now the nerds need to make sure they do their homework for them,' said another source.

A master database like the Plum List could be a crucial tool for the transition team, which has been scrambling to organize since Trump's surprise victory last week.

Prior to the election, the transition team made very little progress with Chris Christie at the helm, according to insiders.

Last Friday, the campaign announced that vice president-elect Mike Pence would replace Christie as the leader of the transition. Christie was bumped down to a vice-chairman role.

Prior to the election, the transition team made very little progress with Chris Christie at the helm, according to insiders

Last Friday, the campaign announced that vice president-elect Mike Pence would replace Christie as the leader of the transition

The New Jersey governor had been a contentious choice to lead the transition team, according to insiders.

Christie had filled leadership positions with members of his inner circle, including Bill Palatucci and former chief of staff Rich Bagger.

This irked some on the transition, who believe Christie's people were working to fill administration roles with their own allies rather than individuals who supported Trump's political agenda.

'It look[ed] like the "Christie for President" transition,' said one source with knowledge of the transition. 'There's nobody in the building [leadership] who's loyal to Donald Trump It's infuriating because Christie's not the guy you want to trust with personnel.'

Christie's circle reportedly lobbied for several individual appointments, including Christie adviser Bob Grady, a former official in the George HW Bush administration, for Environmental Protection Agency secretary or head of Interior; James Connaughton, a former George W. Bush official; and environmental attorney Jeff Holmstead.

This push to appoint Christie insiders also grated on some of the transition staff, who applauded the news that Pence would take over last Friday.
A stunned father has described his amazement after watching a statue of the Virgin Mary he keeps in his house weeping blood.

The man, from Jalisco, Mexico, claimed the figurine has been crying for four months - a phenomenon some Catholics see as a sign from God.

The statue, which shows the Virgin Mary in a white shawl topped by a crown, is now caked in what its owner claims is dried blood.

A stunned father has described watching a statue of the Virgin Mary he keeps in his house weeping blood

The man, from Jalisco, Mexico, claimed the figurine has been weeping for four months - a phenomenon some Catholics see as a sign from God

However, its exact location is being kept a secret and members of the public are not allowed to visit, the man told TV news channel Telemundo.

He might be concerned about prompting a mass pilgrimage to the statue, as happened in the Colombian town of Floridablanca earlier this year.

Images of the statue with a red liquid dripping down its cheek prompted a wave of ecstatic visitors who believed they were witnessing a miracle.

Resident Ana Cristina Jimenez said: 'I saw that the Virgin had a tear of blood. I was surprised. I felt joyful, sad... everything!'

Miryan Quintero, another woman from the community, added: 'I believe it. The Virgin is alive in Heaven. I know she's real.'

The statue, which shows the Virgin Mary in a white shawl topped by a crown, is now caked in what its owner (pictured) claims is dried blood

However, its exact location is being kept a secret and members of the public are not allowed to visit, the man told TV news channel Telemundo

The Catholic Church did not comment on the unexpected mass pilgrimage, although the archbishop of the nearby city of Bucaramanga urged caution.

It remains to be seen whether or not the Vatican will endorse the weeping statue of Jalisco as a miracle.
Didn't watch returns until 10 pm that night - and the First Lady went to bed

Explained how they had to keep calm and keep fighting against 'bigotry'

Recounted telling his daughters Malia, 18, and Sasha, 15, not to worry

President Barack Obama has striven to for a smooth transition into Donald Trump's administration - and he has carried the same message of unity and hope into his household, a new profile has revealed.

The president told the New Yorker in an upcoming issue he advised Malia, 18, and Sasha, 15, to accept that 'people are complicated' and to keep fighting for their values - kindness, respect and understanding.

'You should anticipate that at any given moment there's going to be flare-ups of bigotry that you may have to confront, or may be inside you and you have to vanquish,' Obama told his daughters as reports of racial incidents emerged in the days after the election.

The president also revealed he didn't start watching the returns until 10 pm on election night, while First Lady Michelle Obama went to bed right around that time, as she usually does - after deciding it wasn't worth the stress.

Barack Obama (pictured with Donald Trump during their White House meeting two days after the election) told his daughters to keep upholding their values after Trump's election

Obama, whose 90-minute White House meeting with Trump two days after the election was seen as a sign of effort to ensure a peaceful transition of power.

The president had a similar message for Sasha and Malia - that this was not the time to panic, but to accept the 'messy' side of society while still upholding the values they hold dear.

'What I say to them is that people are complicated,' Obama told the New Yorker's David Remnick.

'Societies and cultures are really complicated. ...This is not mathematics; this is biology and chemistry. These are living organisms, and it's messy. And your job as a citizen and as a decent human being is to constantly affirm and lift up and fight for treating people with kindness and respect and understanding.

'And you should anticipate that at any given moment there's going to be flare-ups of bigotry that you may have to confront, or may be inside you and you have to vanquish.

'And it doesn't stop. ...You don't get into a fetal position about it. You don't start worrying about apocalypse. You say, OK, where are the places where I can push to keep it moving forward.'

The president tild Sasha, 15 (left) and Malia, 18 (right): 'Your job is to constantly affirm and lift up and fight for treating people with kindness and respect and understanding'

Obama told the New Yorker something about his own rise to power that, in retrospect, seems eerily similar to Trump's own ascent - reminding the magazine that he, too, was once an unlikely candidate finding success against Hillary Clinton.

'In '08, they saw me coming, but I was a guy named Barack Hussein Obama coming up against the Clinton machine, so no way!' he said.

'So they weren't focused on me, and I established a connection.

'What I'm suggesting is that the lens through which people understand politics and politicians is extraordinarily powerful.

'And Trump understands the new ecosystem, in which facts and truth don't matter. You attract attention, rouse emotions, and then move on.'

Obama wouldn't reveal exactly how he reacted when Trump pulled a shocking victory on election night.

But he did say that he didn't start watching the returns until 10 pm - in part because he doesn't watch television until that time as a general rule.

His wife, meanwhile, went to bed around 10 pm as usual, because 'she decided she didn't need the stress', the president said.

Trump's first ten days as president-elect have been marked by protests around the country, as thousands of people rallied to disavow him.

Obama told a press conference in Berlin Thursday he would not advise protesters to remain silent, adding:

'One of the great things about our democracy is it expresses itself in all sorts of ways and that includes people protesting.
Donald Trump is right to demand that NATO members spend more on defence, the alliance's chief has said.

Secretary-General Jens Stoltenberg voiced confidence in the US president-elect's commitment as he urged other countries to contribute more.

The Republican billionaire repeatedly lambasted NATO's shortcomings during his successful campaign for the White House.

Nato secretary general Jens Stoltenberg has voiced confidence that Donald Trump will maintain America's commitment to the alliance

He pointed out that only a handful of the 28 members were hitting the target for 2 per cent of GDP to go on military spending - a small group that includes Britain.

As a result they are relying too heavily on America to pick up the slack.

Speaking at a conference in Brussels today, Mr Stoltenberg said: 'I am absolutely confident that President Trump will maintain U.S leadership in the alliance.'

Mr Stoltenberg said he had yet to speak to the new commander-in-chief, but would tell him that increasing European defence spending was one of his top priorities.

Pointing to failing states in North Africa, the threat from ISIS, and Russia's annexation of Crimea, he said: 'You have to increase defence spending when tensions go up.

'Stop the cuts and gradually increase (defence spending) to reach 2 percent (of economic output) is a very robust message.

'We have started to move, although there is a very long way to go.

Donald Trump (pictured meeting Japan's Prime Minister Shinzo Abe in New York this week) was critical of NATO during the US presidential election campaign

'I am certain that Trump will make this his top priority (for NATO).'

At a mini-summit with EU leaders in Berlin today, outgoing US President Barack Obama urged them to work with the Trump administration to resolve the conflicts in Syria and eastern Ukraine.

According to the White House, he urged Theresa May, German Chancellor Angela Merkel, French President Francois Hollande, Italian premier Matteo Renzi, and Spain's Mariano Rajoy to seek common ground.

The 'core values that define the United States and Europe as open democracies' remained solid, Mr Obama insisted.
A school board member in Arkansas was caught wearing blackface to a Halloween party, and community members are frustrated that he can't be punished for the move.

Blevins School Board member Ted Conner was photographed wearing black face and holding up a sign reading 'Blak Lives Matters' (sic) a few weeks ago.

Since then, the local NAACP and other community members have been calling for Conner to lose his position, but the schools' superintendent says there's nothing he can do.

Blevins School Board member Ted Conner caused controversy when he donned blackface for a Halloween party

Superintendent Billy Lee says the only way Conner can be recalled is when his term is up - which is in 2018 - or if he voluntarily resigns.

At a school board meeting on Monday, Conner reportedly apologized for the offensive costume but showed no sign of stepping down from his position.

'This district is deeply committed to creating and maintaining a strong and healthy school culture free of bullying, and any form of discrimination,' Lee said in a statement.

Faye Smith, who has two sons in the school district, told KARK that she was 'appalled' that Conner is still on the school board.

Video courtesy of KARK

Conner can't be removed from his position until his term is up in 2018. And he has refused to resign. Above, Blevins High School

'It's inappropriate for a school board member to disrespect students that he's over, who was black,' she said.

She added: 'Why is that every time you make a joke, it's blackface? Why is blackface funny? We have a whole race of people who don't think looking in the mirror is a joke.'

In a letter, local NAACP President Rizelle Aaron called Conner's costume 'offensive and hateful' to a 'racially and culturally diverse' student population.

'Elected officials have an obligation to be a role model for our future leaders and [Bonner] has conducted himself in a manner that is unbecoming of an elected official and has brought embarrassment and negative national attention to the Blevins School District and the great state of Arkansas,' Aaron wrote.

On Wednesday, Aaron threatened protests if Conner continues to refuse to resign.

The town of Blevins has just 310 residents. Seventeen per cent of the town is black.
A Sky News journalist who had her face gashed by the sister-in-law of a slain hitman outside court has shared an photo of stitches just millimetres from her eye.

Reporter Amy Greenbank almost suffered a serious eye injury when the wife of Tarek Assaad - who was denied bail on firearms charges on Friday - shoved a camera into her face outside a court in Sydney.

Blood was seen streaming down the journalist's face just moments later, but she has reassured her friends that she is OK.

In a tweet on Friday evening, Greenbank posted a photo of her face, showing a plaster just underneath her eyebrow.

'Eventful day but I'm fine. Thanks for all your well wishes!' she wrote.

Scroll down for video

Reporter Amy Greenbank (left) almost suffered a serious eye injury when the wife of Tarek Assaad - who was denied bail on firearms charges on Friday - shoved a camera into her face. Pictured right, a picture Greenbank tweeted after the attack

Moments later, blood was seen streaming down Greenbanks's face from a wound just millimetres above her eye

Tarek Assaad's hijab-clad wife stormed out of Bankstown Magistrates Court after her husband's hearing and grabbed hold of Greenbank's camera before pushing it over her shoulder.

As Greenbank stumbled back into a tree, the edge of the camera caught her above the eye - leaving her with a nasty gash.

Despite the shocking attack, the journalist carried on filming and following the woman as she continued to shove other reporters outside

Moments later, blood was seen streaming down Greenbanks' face but she carried on reporting.

The brave journalist, who joined Sky as a weather reporter but is also an anchor for the news channel, required medical treatment after the clash.

She was outside court after a court hearing for Tarek Assaad - the brother of murdered gangster Hamad Assaad.

Sky News journalist Amy Greenbank had her face slashed open after the sister-in-law of a slain hitman shoved her outside court - but kept on reporting regardless

Ms Assaad shoved several reporters and camera operators as they tried to ask her questions while she fled the Bankstown Magistrates Court on Friday

The hijab-clad woman clashed with the media pack after her husband Tarek Assaad was denied bail on firearms charges

Greenbank is used to encountering tough challenges when reporting, having travelled to the Middle East to interview Syrian refugees at camps in Jordan.

She also covered a tsunami in Samoa in 2009 and was part of Sky News' coverage of typhoon Haiyan, which devastated the Philippines in 2013.

Tarek Assaad was arrested on Thursday night at his house in Sydney, which is just a few doors down from where his brother was shot gunned down in October.

A loaded Glock handgun and almost 30 rounds of ammunition was allegedly found in his home, as well as drugs including cocaine and steroids.

Tarek Assaad (pictured) the brother of slain underworld figure Hamad Assaad was arrested by police on Thursday night at his home in western Sydney

The arrests come less than a month after Hamad Assaad (pictured) was executed in his driveway on October 25

Officers from the Middle Eastern Organised Crime Squad search a vehicle during their raids on the two homes on Thursday night

Hamad Assaad, a prominent underworld figure and renowned hitman, was shot dead in front of his young nephew

In court on Friday, Assaad denied he knew the gun and ammunition was in his house and offered a $115,000 surety and said he would adhere to a night curfew to get bail.

But Magistrate Elaine Truscott said it was hard to believe the wholesale tyre sales manager was unaware of their presence.

'I find it impossible to believe that the defendant did not know there was a loaded firearm in a drawer in his TV cabinet,' she said, according to the Sydney Morning Herald.

Because some of the ammunition was in his car parked outside, she said it appeared he may be 'intending to imminently use it'.
Doctors performed an emergency c-section and delivered a baby after the mother was fatally shot in the head during a gang-related attack on Thursday, police said.

Vanessa Oviedo, who was 35 weeks pregnant, was in a car driven by her boyfriend Andrew Aguirre when suspects in another vehicle opened fire in Visalia, California.

The baby boy is expected to survive, and Oviedo's sister Ebony Villa told Dailymail.com: 'She knew what she was doing...she wasn't going to stop fighting until he was born and safe.'

Vanessa Oviedo (pictured) was 35 weeks pregnant when she was fatally shot in the head on Thursday. Her newborn son was delivered in an emergency c-section

Oviedo (left) was in a car driven by her boyfriend Andrew Aguirre (right) when suspects in another vehicle opened fire in Visalia, California

Friends and family shared their condolences on Facebook. Oviedo (pictured) was the mother of three children before her newborn was delivered

Suspects in one car pulled up and opened fire on Thursday evening, striking Oviedo, who was in the passenger seat, near Ben Maddox Way and Houston Avenue, about 45 miles south of Fresno,ABC reported.

Sergeant Mark Feller said the shooting was gang-related, and told the Visalia Times-Delta: 'This wasn't random.

'The suspect's vehicle pulled up next to victim's car to give the passenger a clear shot. We believe this vehicle was targeted,' he added.

Aguirre, who suffered a gunshot wound to the leg, drove straight to Kaweah Delta Medical Center before police arrived at the scene, the Times Delta reported.

Oviedo died in the hospital, but doctors managed to deliver the baby, who was placed in the neonatal intensive care unit.

Villa told the Dailymail.com: ' I feel like she knew what she was doing. My sister fought long enough just for [the baby], so he could breathe life and hear our good byes.

'She wasn't going to stop fighting until he was born and safe,' she added.

Sergeant Ford said Aguirre has been released and should be able to see his child, who is now listed in stable condition, ABC reported.

Aguirre (pictured left with a gun, and right with a tattoo reading 'Visalia's Most Hated') has been released from the hospital after he was shot in the leg

It remains unclear how many people were in the suspect car and police did not say whether it was a random or gang related shooting (pictured, Aguirre, left, and Oviedo, right)

Oviedo's 10-month-old was also in the car at the time along with two other men, but they were not injured. Aguirre (right) drove straight to Kaweah Delta Medical Center after shooting

The mother's 10-month-child was also in the car along with two adult men. The three were unharmed.

An investigation is still ongoing and no arrests have been made.

Police have a description of the suspect car but have not yet released that information.

Villa commemorated her sister, who had three children before her newborn was delivered.

She told Dailymail.com: ' She was so full of joy. I've never met someone who could always keep a smile on their face.

'She never hesitated to help an loved with everything she had.

'As a mother, she would go above and beyond just to see them smile. She always made sure her kids had everything they needed and wanted.'

Family and friends have also posted tributes to the slain mother on Facebook.

Adolfo Santos Jr, who is listed as one of Oviedo's relatives on Facebook, posted photos of the mother and wrote: 'She didn't deserve to die like this, to get gunned down like this like an animal in front of her daughter. RIP mija we love you.'

The suspects in the drive-by shooting opened fire Thursday (pictured, scene). An investigation is still ongoing and no arrests have been made
Lt. Gen. Michael Flynn, national security adviser to President-elect Donald Trump, sat in on intelligence briefings, even as he lobbied for foreign clients.

The Flynn Intel Group lobbies for a Dutch company whose Turkish owner runs with that country's resident, Recep Tayyip Erdogan, Yahoo News reports, and other unnamed, international businesses.

Flynn will be ending his registration as a lobbyist in compliance with a mandate Trump instituted this week barring all incoming administration officials from lobbying for five years after their service to him ends.

The ex-military and intelligence official was allowed to lobby on behalf of his clients over the summer while he advised Trump, then the Republican nominee for president, giving rise to ethics complaints.

New job: Flynn has been a close adviser to Trump throughout the presidential campaign and has worked with him on national security issues during the transition. He is pictured above at Trump Tower on Thursday

Good day? Retired Lt General Michael Flynn (pictured left on Thursday at Trump Tower) has been offered a job as national security adviser to president-elect Donald Trump (right)

Executive Director of the Project on Government Oversight Danielle Brian told Yahoo News it is 'deeply disturbing' that Flynn, who was offered the National Security Adviser post in the new administration, continued his work as a lobbyist while he receiving classified information.

'Its exactly the kind of foreign entanglements our laws are designed to prevent,' she said.

The exact nature of Flynn's firm's work is unknown.

Flynn's lawyer told Yahoo in a statement that the organization is a 'private business intelligence company' with 'international and domestic clients.'

It lobbies on behalf of Innova BV, a Holland-based business owned by Ekim Alptekin of Turkey, and other undisclosed companies overseas.

Attorney Robert Kelley shared a statement from Flynn that said: 'If I return to government service, my relationship with my company will be severed, in accordance with the policy announced by President-elect Trump.'

Flynn, the Director of the Pentagon's Defense Intelligence Agency from 2012 to 2014, was also paid to travel to Russia within the past year.

He sat at a table with Vladimir Putin at a dinner celebrating the state-run Russia Today television channel. He admitted to Yahoo that he was paid by his speakers bureau to attend the 10th anniversary event but did not disclose the amount.

'If this is true, its a disqualifying conflict of interest  if not by ethics laws, certainly in the spirit of conflict of interest, not to mention security regulations,' a retired military officer told Yahoo of Flynn's dual titles of lobbyist and Trump adviser.

'We should be deeply concerned about his ethical judgment, but more specifically how can he possibly provide unbiased advice to the POTUS about Turkey and Russia, when hes taken money from both.'

The retired three star general has been a close adviser to Trump throughout the presidential campaign and has worked with him on national security issues during the transition. They are pictured above in September

Flynn was no fly on the wall in the secret-level briefings that Trump was authorized to receive once he became the GOP's nominee for president.

Two briefers, and two other sources who heard about Flynn's behavior second hand, told NBC the former Pentagon official kept interrupting and wouldn't stop until transition head Chris Christie told him to pipe down.

Christie, who is now just a vice chair on Trump's team, having been replaced last Friday by Vice President-elect Mike Pence, said the report was a 'complete work of fiction.'

Flynn said it was 'total bulls***'.
No Amber Alert has been issued for missing newborn because police do not have suspect information to put out to the public

Police say baby Sofia's father is not considered a suspect in the case

Police in Kansas are searching for a seven-day-old baby girl after her mother was found fatally shot in Wichita on Thursday.

A man came home from work at around 3.30pm and found his 27-year-old live-in girlfriend mortally wounded and her baby missing from the family's apartment in the 200 block of North Brunswick Street.

The victim had last been heard from at around noon Thursday. Early Friday afternoon, she was identified by police as Laura Abarca-Nogueda.

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Missing newborn: Police in Wichita, Kansas, are searching for seven-day-old Sofia Victoria Gonzalez Abarca (left and right). The newborn's mother was found shot dead on Thursday

No leads: Baby Sofia's father is not considered a suspect in the killing and abduction

Laura Abarca-Nogueda, 27, was discovered shot by her boyfriend in their apartment in Wichita

Sgt. Nikki Woodrow says Abarca-Nogueda's newborn daughter, Sofia Victoria Gonzalez Abarca, is 'considered missing and endangered.'

Police want to talk to anyone with a relationship to the victim. Police sent out an alert Thursday night saying the driver of a purple Cadillac who was a person of interest in the case has been found and questioned. He is not considered to be a suspect.

Woodrow says baby Sofia's father also is not considered a suspect.

It was announced at a press conference Friday morning that the FBI has joined the search for the missing baby, reported the station KSN.

Police say they have yet to issue an Amber Alert for the missing newborn because they do not have suspect information to put out to the public at this time, which is one of the criteria for issuing the alert.

'The Wichita Police Department is working closely with the KBI and if any facts change, and a suspect is determined, an Amber alert will be issued immediately,' according to a statement released on the police department's official Facebook page.
Senator Lamar Alexander on Thursday made the following statement after the U.S. Dept. of Health and Human Services approved a $139,536 federal grant to help continue a successful program that supports the training of physicians at St. Jude Childrens Research Hospital in Memphis.

This federal funding to help train pediatricians is great news for the thousands of children from around the globe who come to the world-renowned St.

In 2013, Senator Alexander co-sponsored the Childrens Hospital GME Support Reauthorization Act, which reauthorized support for the Childrens Graduate Medical Education Program  a program that trains doctors at freestanding childrens hospitals, including St. Jude Childrens Research Hospital. According to the Childrens Hospital Association, the program is effective in supporting the training of more than 6,000 pediatricians and pediatric specialists every year and nearly half of all pediatric residency training in the country.
This is the moment a lover got stuck inside his married mistress while having sex after her husband asked a witch doctor to curse her genitals.

The pair became locked together as they were having sex at the home of the cheating wife in Kisii County, Kenya while her husband was away on a business trip.

Unable to control the pain that came with their embarrassing situation, both let out loud yells that attracted the neighbours.

Video captured the moment a lover got stuck inside his married mistress while having sex after her husband asked a witch doctor to curse her genitals

The pair became locked together as they were having sex at the home of the cheating wife in Kisii County, Kenya while her husband was away on a business trip

Unable to control the pain that came with their embarrassing situation, both let out loud yells that attracted the neighbours

A crowd milled around the house and the two were carried outside on a sheet as more and more people gathered to see the shamed lovers, still locked together and draped only in more sheets.

It was reported in local media and widely believed that the womans husband, suspecting she was cheating, had secretly given her a concoction prepared by a witch doctor.

It was designed to have the effect of making the lovers inseparable and proving their guilt.

However, others suggested a medical condition could have caused the incident.

A crowd milled around the house and the two were carried outside on a sheet as more and more people gathered to see the shamed lovers, still locked together and draped only in more sheets

It was reported in local media and widely believed that the womans husband, suspecting she was cheating, had secretly given her a concoction prepared by a witch doctor. Pictured supposedly show the tool the witch doctor used to make the potion

On the husbands instructions, local media reported, the pair were taken to the witch doctor, who separated them

On the husbands instructions, local media reported, the pair were taken to the witch doctor, who separated them.

The witch doctor made the man who was having sex with the married woman pay a fine before agreeing to free him.

The witch doctor also told local news that the incident should serve as a lesson to those cheating in relationships.
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President-elect Donald Trump is hunkering down at his New Jersey golf course where he is promising to work all weekend to finalize his Cabinet after spending the last few days at Trump Tower with a cast of visitors including Rupert Murdoch, Mike Huckabee and his happy children Ivanka and Eric.

On Friday, Ivanka Trump and billionaire publisher Rupert Murdoch were spotted exiting an elevator in Trump Tower together as the president-elect continued to meet with his transition team and potential cabinet members throughout the day.

The two appeared to be chatting as they stepped into the lobby before going their separate ways.

The Naked Cowboy - made famous for his Times Square antics - performed at the building around 4pm. As he sang, Trump's motorcade left the building to head to Bedminster, New Jersey, where he and his transition team will meet over the weekend at Trump National Golf Course.

Political and business elite as well as several family members have been spotted walking in and out of Trump Tower over the last several days.

Many are having meetings with Trump as the President-elect's transition team helps decide who will be by his side in the White House.

Vice president-elect Mike Pence took over the transition leadership for Trump's journey to the White House from Chris Christie last week and together he and the president-elect have been 'reviewing a number of names for key jobs' as lists for the leadership positions begin to narrow, Trump spokesman Jason Miller said.

Some positions, however, have already been chosen.

As of Friday morning,Trump had chosen US Senator Jeff Sessions as Attorney General, Representative Mike Pompeo as CIA director and retired Lieutenant General Mike Flynn as the president-elect's national security adviser, a position that does not require US Senate confirmation.

Former Florida governor Jeb Bush took to Twitter on Friday to say that Trump's pick for CIA director was a 'great choice'.

'President-elect Trump made a great choice in asking Mike Pompeo to lead the CIA,' Bush wrote.

Trump has also named Steve Bannon as his chief strategist and Reince Priebus as his White House chief of staff.

Huckabee later appeard on The O'Reilly Factor, where he told host Eric Bolling that he'd turned down a position in the Cabinet as 'it was not a good fit'. He refused to say which position he was offered.

The billionaire businessman tweeted on Friday evening that he'll be working throughout the weekend to finalize who will join his Cabinet.

'Will be working all weekend in choosing the great men and women who will be helping to MAKE AMERICA GREAT AGAIN!' he wrote in the message on social media.

Trump's transition team is heading to Bedminster, New Jersey, on Saturday, where they will meet with several more people, including Former Governor of Massachusetts Mitt Romney, Marine Gen James Mattis, Chicago Cubs co-owner Todd Ricketts, education advocate Michelle Rhee and more.

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The motorcade vehicle with President-elect Donald Trump (pictured above in the backseat) is scene arriving at Trump National Golf Club in Bedminster Township, New Jersey on Friday evening

The billionaire businessman tweeted (above) on Friday evening that he'll be working throughout the weekend to finalize who will join his Cabinet to 'Make America Great Again'

Trump is pictured above in the back seat of the SUV waving as he leaves Trump Tower on Friday to head to Bedminster, New Jersey, where he and his transition team will meet over the weekend at Trump National Golf Course

Ivanka Trump and Rupert Murdoch leave Trump Tower were spotted chatting by the elevators as they left Trump Tower on Thursday

Ivanka and Murdoch parted ways in the lobby of Trump Tower after having meetings upstairs with the Trump transition team

Husband Jared Kushner accompanied Ivanka to Trump Tower on Thursday afternoon

The Naked Cowboy - a popular Times Square performer - was at Trump Tower for a photo shoot with Neurocentrikk magazine. At one point he lifted up his robe to reveal that the back of his briefs had Trump's name on them

Former Arkansas governor Mike Huckabee said he was looking forward to meeting with president-elect Donald Trump when he arrived at Trump Tower on Friday. He later said he'd turned down a position on Trump's Cabinet - but didn't say which one

Retired US Army Lieutenant General Michael Flynn, who was named as the president-elect's national security adviser on Thursday, was at Trump Tower on Friday

Vice president-elect Mike Pence arrived at Trump Tower on Friday carrying a packet of papers featuring the title 'Agency Action Briefing'

Steven Mnuchin, national finance chairman of President-elect Donald Trump's campaign, arrived at Trump Tower carrying a suitcase just before 10am

Former Florida governor Jeb Bush took to Twitter (above) on Friday to say that Trump's pick for CIA director was a 'great choice'

Donald Trump's campaign manager Kellyanne Conway arrived at Trump Tower in the early afternoon

Donald Trump's son Eric was among the first to arrive at Trump Tower on Friday morning for meetings. He rode the building's elevator on Friday morning with two unidentified men

New York City Police stand guard outside Trump Tower in New York on Friday as officials begin to stop by the building

People stopped in front of the Trump Tower building to take selfies throughout the day on Friday

A huge crowd of people stood across the street from Trump Tower in hopes to get a glimpse of the new president-elect

Officials gather at the entrance of Trump National Golf Club in Bedminster, New Jersey, on Friday ahead of the president-elect's arrival

Trump's transition team is heading to Bedminster, New Jersey, on Saturday, where they will meet with several more politicians and business elite
A motorcyclist has survived with minor injuries to a rather delicate area after being sent flying by a car that pulled out on him.

The biker was riding in Sydney when a Ford pulled out of a junction, apparently without spotting the motorcycle heading towards him.

'You f***!' the motorcyclist shouts moments before impact as he hits the brakes but is unable to stop in time.

A motorcyclist has survived with minor injuries to a rather delicate area after being sent flying by a car that pulled out on him

You f***!' the motorcyclist shouts moments before impact as he hits the brakes but is unable to stop in time

He flips over the bonnet and crashes to the ground in a heap, but gets straight back to his feet.

The unshaven, scruffily dressed motorist gets out of his car to check if the biker is OK, only to be called a 'c**t'.

'My f***ing nuts,' the injured rider says.

Two bystanders who rushed over to help the motorcyclist if he needs an ambulance, but it quickly becomes apparent that he has somehow escaped relatively unscathed.

The biker was riding in Sydney when a Ford pulled out of a junction, apparently without spotting the motorcycle heading towards him

The unshaven, scruffily dressed motorist gets out of his car to check if the biker is OK, only to be called a 'c**t'

The biker asks the driver who hit himL 'Jesus, what were you thinking dude?'

Despite the nasty crash, the motorcyclist only needed one day off work and, most importantly, his 'nuts' were unharmed.

'They're fine now. Just a bit of aching in my forearms and legs,' he told Dash Cam Owners Australia.
A disturbing video has emerged showing the extent of the country's heroin epidemic, with two men having to be rescued after overdosing in a McDonald's parking lot in Ohio.

The video, taken on a cellphone and posted to Facebook Live, has been viewed more than 50,000 times following the incident in Sandusky on Thursday afternoon.

According to police, a group of people found one man passed out behind the wheel of a car, and a second man unconscious on the ground by the vehicle.

Heroin epidemic: This shocking video shows two men - one behind the wheel and one on the ground - out cold after overdosing on heroin in Sandusky, Ohio

Cell phone video of two men apparently overdosing in a McDonalds parking lot has been viewed thousands of times on Facebook

Unconscious: The driver of the car was passed out behind the wheel. A nurse who happened on the scene was able to rouse him

The video begins with the man, Eddie Wimbley, pulling up at the McDonald's in his car and asking somebody to call 911.

Others quickly arrive at the scene and try to help the men. They determine both are breathing, but while the driver soon comes to, the man on the ground will not respond.

One woman, who Wimbley said is a nurse, takes charge and attends to both men.

Paramedics soon arrived at the scene, followed by police.

Wimbley, who had his four-year-old son in his car, said he was worried the man on the floor was dead.

'He wasn't moving or responding or anything,' Wimbley told Fox 8 Cleveland.

Authorities are heard saying on the video that Sandusky has seen more than 180 overdose incidents so far this year

The video shows paramedics arriving at the scene and transporting the man on the ground to hospital. His condition is currently unknown

This week, Sandusky Police Chief John Orzech posted a 'rant' on Facebook about the drug problem in the city.

'We have seen levels of overdoses in the last two weeks that are unprecedented. We have had as many as 20 plus overdoses and four suspected overdose deaths in the past two weeks. Sandusky Fire Department has administered Narcan over 170 times this year, up from 80 last year. Loved ones are dying because of this horrendous epidemic,' Orzech said.

Police also announced the arrest of a dealer, Antwuan Monegan, on Monday.

He was charged for allegedly corrupting another with drugs, four counts of heroin trafficking, one count of trafficking a schedule 2 controlled substance, and possession of heroin and marijuana.

Police in Sandusky posted this disturbing message to Facebook earlier in the week

The incident is the latest in a string of overdoses to be recorded and posted on social media.

In one of the most shocking cases, Rhonda Pasek and James Acord overdosed on heroin in their van in East Liverpool, Ohio, while their four-year-old grandson was in the back seat.

Another incident showed a woman unconscious on the floor of a store, as her young daughter cried and tried to pull her arm to wake her up.

Police in East Liverpool, Ohio, shared this image showing Rhonda Pasek and James Acord passed out in their car with the woman's grandson in the backseat after a suspected heroin overdose in September

Officials say Ohio is in the midst of an 'epidemic', with seven people dying in one day near Cleveland last month.

In one six-day span in August, there were 174 overdoses reported in Cincinnati and Hamilton County.

Across Ohio, which has been among the hardest hit by the opioid scourge, there were 3,000 unintentional drug overdoses last year - or eight per day.

The epidemic has led to support from the federal level, with the Obama administration announcing plans to spend $17million to help law enforcement agencies deal with the growing issue.
Gordon was able to make money in the months after Bobbi Kristina fell into a coma by appearing on talk shows and speaking about his girlfriend

Gordon is understood to be and he will struggle to pay anything

Terrett also said that the judgment means that Gordon will never be able to profit from Bobbi Kristina's death

'Our first step will be to retain a collections attorney to pursue all available avenues,' Bobby Brown's attorney Craig Terrett told DailyMail.com

Lawyers for the estate announced soon after that they plan to collect the full judgment from Gordon, despite the fact that he is unemployed

Nick Gordon, 26, was ordered to pay $36million in damages after being found liable in the

Nick Gordon has so little money that lawyers for the estate of Bobbi Kristina Brown will struggle to collect even a dime of the $36,256,918 in damages out of him, it has been claimed.

One day after a judge ordered Gordon to pay the damages, lawyers for the Brown family have made it clear they intend to do everything in their power to get the full judgment.

'We intend to enforce the judgment against Gordon. Our first step will be to retain a collections attorney to pursue all available avenues,' Craig Terrett, the attorney for Bobby Brown, tells DailyMail.com.

'We understand that collecting the full judgment will be difficult but we want to make sure he never profits from her death. When he finally climbs out from under the rock that he is hiding under, we will be there to greet him.'

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Judgment: Nick Gordon, 26, was ordered to pay $36million in damages after being found liable in the wrongful death lawsuit filed by Bobbi Kristina's estate (Nick and Bobbi Kristina above in 2012)

Tough day: Bobby Brown (above) broke down on the stand Thursday speaking about his late daughter

On the hook: Lawyers for the estate announced soon after that they plan to collect the full judgment from Gordon (above in September), despite the fact that he is unemployed

But a source close to Gordon'a legal team reacted to the judgment, saying: 'You can order a gajillian dollars but what will you collect?'

The source added to TMZ: 'One day they may collect part of it. If he wins the lottery.'

Gordon had managed to make some money in the months after Bobbi Kristina went into a coma by appearing on a number of talk shows.

There is also still a chance that he could face criminal charges in the death of Bobbi Kristina, who passed away last July at the age of 22.

Fulton County District Attorney Paul Howard said on Thursday that the investigation into her death is still ongoing.

Attorney David Ware, who was representing Bobbi Kristina's conservator Bedelia Hargrove in the wrongful death suit, also made a point of announcing that he would be going after Gordon to collect the full judgment following the ruling on Thursday.

'There was an urgent need, in my mind, to get justice for Bobbi Kristina Brown and thats why I took the case,' said Ware.

'We intend to pursue, with all vigor, the full collection of the judgment. The Defendant will not escape justice nor ever profit from his misdeeds.

'We hope that in some small way this will allow Krissys family to continue their quest for peace.'

Gordon was found liable in the wrongful death lawsuit filed against him by Bobbi Kristina's estate this past September. That ruling came after he failed to appear for a mandatory court appearance in Atlanta, despite the fact that he had no legal counsel and was representing himself in the civil case.

He also failed to appear in court on Thursday when the damages in the case were handed down by Judge T. Jackson Bedford, Jr.

Gordon has not been seen in public since September, when DailyMail.com spotted him heading into a restaurant while holding a packet of white powder near his home in Florida.

Terrett told DailyMail.com that with the wrongful death suit settled, he is hoping that criminal charges will soon be filed against Gordon.

'We are pleased with the Courts judgment and Bobby is relieved to have this chapter of the process behind him,' said Terrett.

'We are also hopeful that District Attorney, Paul Howard, will see this as an opportunity to complete his investigation and bring criminal charges against Nick Gordon.

'The eyewitness testimony alone is sufficient to warrant charges so we are perplexed as to why the District Attorneys office hasnt reached the same conclusion.

'Regardless of what the District Attorney does, Gordon needs to be held accountable for his actions and this was the only other to accomplish that goal.'

Happy days: Bobbi Kristina was found unresponsive in a tub at her home almost three years to the date that her mother Whitney Houston died (Bobbi Kristina, Whitney and Bobby Brown above in 1994)

Like a son: Bobbi Kristina announced she was engaged to Gordon, who was raised at times during his childhood by Houston, in 2012 (Bobbi Kristina, Houston and Gordon in 2010 above)

Glenda Hatchett, who represented Hargrove with Ware, also spoke about why she believes criminal charges need to be filed in the case after the ruling on Thursday.

'Domestic violence is a horrible reality in our society and Bobbi suffered such horrific pain and degradation at the hands of Nick Gordon, the man she loved and trusted,' said Hatchett.

'No one should suffer the way she did and the Judge sent a strong message in the award of punitive damages that this despicable behavior is inexcusable and will not be tolerated.'

That statement came after a long and difficult day in court that saw Bobbi Kristina's father breaking down in tears on the stand as he spoke about his daughter.

The estate had been asking for $50million in their lawsuit, which they broke down into different counts.

Judge Bedford awarded the estate damages of $1,575,041 on the count of conversion, considerably less than the $10million the lawsuit demanded after claiming that Gordon had transferred bank funds from Bobbi Kristina's account while she was in a coma and taken one of her rings.

The estate had also requested $10million for pain and suffering in the lawsuit, and got that and then some, with Judge Bedford awarding $13,800,000 on that count. Addition punitive damages of $4,200,000 were also added to that on account of the fact that Gordon was determined to be under the influence of alcohol and/or drugs.

The biggest award however was the $15,056,000 for loss of life. All those, combined with the $1,375,877 on the count of assault and battery as it relates to Bobbi Kristina's medical costs, came out to a grand total of $36,256,918.

It is one of the largest awards that has ever been handed down by a judge, beating out the $33.5million OJ Simpson was ordered to pay in his civil suit following the deaths of Nicole Brown and Ron Goldman.

Simpson still has yet to pay that judgment, and is currently behind bars in Nevada for armed robbery.

A former lawyer for Gordon, Randy Kessler, said in a statement on Thursday: 'Had Mr. Gordon been present to give his side, who knows what the award, if any, would've been.'

Tragedy: Gordon was able to make money in the months after Bobbi Kristina fell into a coma by appearing on talk shows and speaking about his girlfriend

Scene: Bobbi Kristina's autopsy report showed that her face being immersed in water, along with drug intoxication, led to her death (Bobbi Kristina's home where she was found above)

Gordon has yet to comment.

Bobbi Kristina, the daughter of Bobby Brown and the late Whitney Houston, passed away at the age of 22 on July 26, 2015.

She spent the final six months of her life in a medically induced coma after being found unresponsive in a bathtub at her Georgia home.

Bobbi Kristina's body was found in her bathtub almost three years to the date that her mother Whitney was pronounced dead after suffering a similar fate while staying at the Beverly Hilton prior to the 2012 Grammy Awards.

It was Gordon who found and tried to resuscitate Houston in that incident as well, after he discovered her unresponsive in her bathtub just hours before she was due to attend Clive Davis' annual Grammy party.

Eight months after her mother's tragic passing, Bobbi Kristina announced she was engaged to Gordon, who was raised at times during his childhood by Houston and who many considered to be a brother-like figure to Bobbi Kristina.

The pair later claimed they had been married in early 2014, but Bobby Brown shot down those statements, saying the two had yet to wed.

Houston was pronounced dead on the scene after being discovered in the bathtub of her suite at the hotel, with accidental drowning, heart disease and cocaine use later cited as the causes of death.

Bedelia Hargrove (above), the executor of Bobbi Kristina's estate, filed her first suit against Gordon in June 2015

The estate claims in their lawsuit that Bobbi Kristina's death happened after Gordon had been 'out all-night on a cocaine and drinking binge.'

Bobbi Kristina and Gordon argued after he returned home at around 6am on January 31 according to the lawsuit, with the two having it out for approximately 30 minutes while two other individuals - Danyela Bradley and Max Lomas - were at the home.

The estate claims in court papers that Gordon then 'gave Bobbi Kristina a toxic cocktail rendering her unconscious and then put her face down in a tub of cold water causing her to suffer brain damage.'

Bobbi Kristina's autopsy report showed that her face being immersed in water, along with drug intoxication, led to her death.

She was found to have morphine, cocaine, alcohol and prescription drugs in her body at the time her body was found in the tub.

The medical examiner could not determine whether her death was an accident, suicide or murder however, and ruled it 'undetermined.'

In an interview with DailyMail.com after the release of Bobbi Kristina's autopsy, a happy and smiling Gordon said; 'I'm glad that s*** is all over.'

He then added; 'I just want to wish my girl a Happy Birthday. I can't say any more but it's good.'

Hargrove first filed a lawsuit against Gordon in June of 2015, while Bobbi Kristina was still in a coma.

In that initial filing, which would later become the wrongful death suit, Hargrove claimed Gordon was physically abusive on multiple occasions and stole money from Bobbi Kristina's bank accounts while she was in a coma.

It was also alleged that his actions on the day Bobbi Kristina was found unresponsive in the tub were the result of him learning that she was leaving him.
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A pair of Alaska moose locked antlers during a fight - then froze together in a slough, their bodies getting trapped - and preserved - under eight inches of ice.

Social studies and science teacher Brad Webster spotted the moose earlier this month while giving a friend a tour of the area in Unalakleet.

The two men walked on the frozen surface and at first saw one pair of antlers poking out from the ice. Soon, they spotted a second pair of antlers - and realized there were two full animals underneath.

The pair of male moose were lying on their sides and seemed to have gotten locked together during a fight.

Two moose locked antlers during a fight before freezing in a slough in Unalakleet, Alaska (pictured). Social studies and science teacher Brad Webster spotted the moose earlier this month while giving a friend a tour of the area

The pair of male moose were lying on their sides and seemed to have gotten locked together during a fight. Webster and his friend first saw a pair of antlers poking out of the ice, then spotted another one and realized there were two animals

'We were both kind of in awe,' Webster, 33, told the Washington Post. 'I've heard of other animals this had happened to, but I've never seen anything like this.'

The two moose likely got stuck together clashing their antlers, entangling them to the point of not being able to dislodge, before falling into the water together and drowning, biology and wildlife specialist Kris Hundertmark said.

Male moose fight using their antlers to compete for females during mating season in the fall. Their breeding season, known as the rut, peaks in late September and early October.

'These two fellows were unfortunate in that they probably fell into the water while locked together and drowned,' Hundertmark said.

The two moose likely got stuck together clashing their antlers, entangling them to the point of not being able to dislodge, before falling into the water together and drowning, according to biology and wildlife specialist Kris Hundertmark said

Moose like the two found in Unalakleet (pictured on a locator map) fight using their antlers to compete for females during mating season in the fall. Their breeding season, known as the rut, peaks in late September and early October

'Then again, that is a much quicker way to go than by getting locked together in some forest and slowly starving to death.'

But Webster, who went to retrieve the moose heads with some of his friends, had a slightly different theory. One of the moose appeared to have pierced the other's skull, meaning one of them could have died during the fight.

The dead moose could then have pulled his adversary into the water as he fell into the Slough, Webster believes.
This overcooked hamburger has become an internet sensation after it was served up in a DuBois, Pennsylvania school cafeteria.

The questionable piece of meat is a dark brown-gray color, with shriveled, fatty pockets on its surface.

A photograph of the burger was posted on a Facebook page called DuBoisLive on Monday, and it has since attracted almost 400 comments from people questioning whether the patty was safe to eat.

Samantha Pilalas wrote: 'That looks...disgusting. Ugh i cant stand school lunches they're ridiculous.'

This overcooked hamburger has become an internet sensation after it was served up in a DuBois, Pennsylvania school cafeteria

While Emily Rogers wrote: 'My daughter said she has seen pig slop that looks more edible.'

And Dila Holyfield said: 'You got to be kidding. I hope they don't eat that c***.'

Superintendent Dr. Luke Lansberry of DuBois Area School District said the burger was safe to eat, but looked unappealing because it had been overcooked.

He added that 300 burgers had been served that day, but the district had only had one complaint.

'Food service workers cooked the hamburgers at 170 degrees, when typically they are only required to cook at 155 degrees,' Lansberry told WAJC TV.

A photograph of the burger was posted on a Facebook page called DuBoisLive on Monday

it has since attracted almost 400 comments from people questioning whether the patty was safe to eat

'There's a pretty good chance that hamburger was overcooked and a lot of the internal ingredients surfaced from that level of heat.'

However, as a precaution, Lansberry said the hamburgers would no longer be served in school cafeterias in the district.

A school spokesman said that 300 burgers had been served that day, but the district had only had one complaint

School officials have encouraged students and parents to raise any future problems with food service workers so that they can be immediately addressed

'Our food service director has contacted the state and told them about the situation and made it clear we will no longer accept that product in the district, just to make sure that we have good quality food,' he said.

Lansberry added that DASD been given an excellent rating at a recent health inspection of their food services.

'It's something we'll learn from and overcome and I have 100 percent confidence in the food service staff here that work hard to make great food for all of us,' he said.
A four-year-old boy has died after an 'accident' on playground equipment at his daycare centre in Auckland, New Zealand.

Friends and family of Aldrich Viju gathered at his home on Friday night to pay their respects, the New Zealand Herald reported.

Police were called to Angels Childcare Centre on in Takapuna just after 2pm on Friday, following reports of a 'likely accident on playground equipment.'

Friends and family of Aldrich Viju (pictured) gathered at his home on Friday night to pay their respects

A friend of the family, who did not wish to be identified said the boy's mother was four months pregnant.

The four-year-old's family are originally from India and were members of a close Inidan community on the North Shore, the friend said.

Auckland Malayali Samajam Incorporated, a charity celebrating the communities South Indian culture, said members of the committee visited the family's home to support them.

The group's Facebook page was full of an outpouring of grief from friends and family.

One person wrote: 'Heartfelt condolences and prayers to the family. May this little angel rest in peace.'

Police spoke to witnesses and carried a scene examination after the incident. It will now be referred to the coroner.

WorkSafe had been told about the incident and are making initial inquires.
Lauren Gritz (pictured) wept as she was jailed for 12 months at Inner London Crown Court

A personal assistant at a top City insurance firm who glassed a recruitment consultant in the face in an 'unprovoked attack' has been jailed for 12 months.

Lauren Gritz, 24, shoved Paige Wooding across the dance floor at the bar in May before snatching the glass from her hand and smashing it into her forehead.

Ms Wooding, 23, who was there celebrating a friend's birthday at the City of London bar, suffered a one inch gash to her head.

She took three weeks off work and told the court that she had been having nightmares since the attack.

At Inner London Crown Court on Friday afternoon, Gritz cried in the dock as District Judge Emma Arbuthnot jailed her for 12 months.

Her family also loudly wept, crying 'why, why' as she was led to the cells.

The PA had apparently been drinking since lunch after finishing work at insurance firm Jardine Lloyd Thompson and had no recollection of her brutal assault the next day.

Shocking CCTV footage of the incident was shown to the court in which Ms Wooding can be seen dancing with a drink in her hand, before accidentally bumping into Gritz.

CCTV footage shows the moment Gritz glassed recruitment consultant Paige Wooding in the face

Gritz attacked Ms Wooding after she accidentally bumped into her in a bar in the City of London

Gritz is then seen shoving her across the dance floor before chasing her, snatching the glass and smashing her in the face with it.

In a short statement, Ms Wooding said: 'In the first week or so after I was hit I had nightmares and restless sleep.

'I am conscious I have a scar. People literally stopped me in the street to ask me what had happened.

'The first week-and-a-half were really hard, but I have been working hard and trying to keep my head down, in a social sense.'

Judge Arbuthnot told Gritz: 'You pushed her and it was a really hard push - you should have left it there because she was out of your way.

'But at that stage, you followed her, grabbed her glass and with an overarm motion hit her in the face.

'It was entirely unprovoked, entirely inappropriate and it could have been much, much worse.

'The glass could have gone in her eye and she could have been blinded.'

Shekinah Anson, prosecuting, said: 'The complainant, who was 22 at the time, at the Agenda bar celebrating a friend's birthday.

'She was with two friends, and they were on the dance floor, dancing and she was holding a glass in her hand.

The shocking CCTV footage of the incident was shown to the Inner London Crown Court

Glassing attack victim Ms Wooding attended the hearing at Inner London Crown Court on Friday

'Without warning, she's pushed by Ms Gritz one, twice, and then a third time much harder.

'Ms Gritz grabs the glass, proceeds to hit her with it using an overarm action. The security staff describe Ms Gritz as being very aggressive.

'The police are called and arrive 20 minutes later. She is arrested, interviewed the following morning and answers 'no comment' to all the questions.

'The crown say this was an unprovoked attack in which Ms Gritz grabbed the glass out of her hand.

'Ms Wooding suffered a one inch laceration on her forehead as well as mild swelling and bruising.'

Gritz was photographed standing outside the court in London

Briony Molyneux, defending, said: 'This was effectively a birthday that took a terrible turn.

'Out of character is a term banded around by defence counsel, but in reality it is the only way to describe this unfortunate incident.'

Ms Molyneux described Gritz as a 'loving family member and friend' and as 'softly spoken' and said the attack was a 'split-second moment' in which Gritz made the 'most terrible judgement call of her life'.

She urged Judge Arbuthnot to consider suspending the sentence, and revealed that Gritz had been fired after her brutal attack was reported in the press.

But Judge Arbuthnot jailed her for 12 months, and ordered her to pay compensation of 1,500.

Gritz, from Thurrock, Essex, wore a grey jumper and jacket over a black shirt and wept throughout the sentencing.

She had earlier admitted one count of unlawful wounding regarding the incident in Agenda Bar.

DC Joe Farrell, from the City of London Police, said: 'I hope today's sentencing sends a strong message to everyone who socialises in the City.

'There is no excuse for such violent behaviour and it will not be tolerated by the City of London Police.

'Gritz went to Agenda for an enjoyable night out. The same can be said for her victim and for many other people who work in the City.

'However, on this occasion the night ended with long-lasting consequences for both women.

'Gritz left a 23-year-old woman scarred after the altercation.

'There had been no contact between the two women prior to the incident and the attack seems to be sparked by the victim backing into Gritz while dancing.

'There is no justification for the way Gritz reacted that night.'
Frantic call: Barbara McPheron, 69, crashed her car down an embankment and was trapped in the vehicle for five days

Police have released the desperate 911 phone call of an elderly California woman who was missing in her overturned car for five days last month in the Mojave Desert.

Barbara McPheron, 69, is believed to have crashed her Hummer more than 100 feet down an embankment off Torosa Road in Adelanto, and remained trapped in the vehicle for five days before being rescued. She was found alive, but later died on her injuries.

McPheron first called 911 around 1pm on October 23 using her 2007 Hummer H3's OnStar service, saying that she was in a 'ditch on Highway 395 in Ridgecrest', near where she lives.

In the frantic call, which was released on Thursday, a confused-sounding McPheron said was bleeding 'so badly' and pleading for help, 23ABC News reported.

'Oh please, I'm bleeding. I'm bleeding from my whole my head,' McPherson is heard saying.

However the area was searched extensively, both on the ground and in the air, but there was no sign of McPheron or her car, police said.

Rescue: There was an extensive land and air search for McPheron after she called 911 with her location on October 23. It wasn't until five days her car was found 80 miles away

McPheron was found inside the vehicle in a serious condition. She was taken to the Arrowhead Regional Medical Center for treatment but died of her injuries

It wasn't until five days later that a hiker came across the wreckage. McPheron was actually in Adelanto, about 80 miles - or 90 minutes - from where she thought she was.

Oh please, I'm bleeding. I'm bleeding from my whole my head. 911 call of Barbara McPheron

Adelanto is about 75 miles northeast of Los Angeles.

It took about an hour for first responders to secure the McPheron and rescue her from the vehicle. She was in a serious condition when found.

She was taken to the Arrowhead Regional Medical Center for treatment but later died of her injures.

Police think McPheron may have died from pneumonia but the San Bernardino Coroner's Office say they haven't determined an official cause of death.

McPheron was reported missing after she made the call, but said she was in Ridgecrest, where she lives. She was actually an hour and a half away in Adelanto

The woman's nephew spoke to the media after she was found and said he had no idea how she ended up so far from her home.

Ridgecrest detectives tried using her car's OnStar feature to get reverse coordinates after her 911 call, but could not locate her, police said in a statement.
The Tennessee Valley Authority announced another successful year in economic development activity by growing or retaining 72,000 jobs and stimulating $8.3 billion in capital investment in the TVA service area in fiscal year 2016.

TVA attributed the 2016 gains to two factors: more opportunity due to an increase in new projects the past couple of years, and the competitive and reliable power provided by TVA and its local power company partners.

TVA electricity powers the regions economy around the clock, said TVA President and CEO Bill Johnson.

Our economic development team works directly with local power companies, economic development agencies and others to bring good jobs to the region and keep them here.

Nearly 250 companies were recruited to the Tennessee Valley or expanded their existing operations in FY16, resulting in attracting and retaining over 72,000 jobs, while boosting economic growth across a variety of industrial sectors.

As a result, in 2016, Site Selection magazine recognized TVA for the eleventh consecutive year as one of the Top 10 utilities in North America for economic development.

Led by Senior Vice President John Bradley, TVAs economic development team has worked with local, regional and state partners to attract and retain more than 418,000 jobs and over $48 billion in capital investments since 2009.
Waitrose has come in for a ribbing online after advertising a bottle of champagne for the 'sale' price of 165.

The supermarket, often accused of appealing to its customers pretensions, usually sells its Brut Krug Rose for 195.

But customers were left laughing after seeing bottles of the bubbly next to a sign proclaiming they were 'reduced to clear' at the lower price.

Waitrose has been mocked after advertising this champagne at the 'sale' price of 165

The 'deal' was spotted at the Southsea branch of the store, near Portsmouth

A photo of the sale ticket has now been shared around the internet, with website users quick to make fun of the sell-off.

Facebook user Lisa Cullen wrote: 'No !... Really ?... I've just paid full price for that in Lidl!!'

Nikki Berriman added: 'I'll have two. I'm sure I've got some loose change in the bottom of my handbag!'

And Nick Daniels posted: 'Damn! I just bought a bottle of Cava at full price! It was only six quid, mind.'

The deal of 75cl bottles Brut Krug Rose was spotted by Nathan Johnston in the Southsea branch of the store, and he said he couldn't help but take a photo.

The offer caused hilarity on Facebook, where users were quick to poke fun at the supermarket

Mr Johnston said: 'I perused the reduced wine section only to find a lonely bottle of Krug Champagne with the sign 'reduced to clear'.

'The inference of the sign was that of a bargain and that the manager of the store having already slashed a hefty 30 off the RRP price reduced the bottle to a much more palatable 165.

'Sadly I had to settle for Waitrose's own champagne at around 28 per bottle.'

Krug Champagne dates from 1843 when it was founded by Joseph Krug.
Viewers were left chuckling after a BBC weatherman forecast a penis-shaped snow storm live on air.

Meteorologist Matt Taylor was providing a forecast for the UK on BBC Breakfast this morning when audiences spotted the phallic-shaped object on the screen.

As he warned of snow covering western parts of the country, viewers took to Twitter to voice their amusement - noting it was 'one interesting weather feature' and telling him to be 'careful where his hand is going'.

Meteorologist Matt Taylor was providing a forecast for the UK on BBC Breakfast this morning when audiences spotted the phallic-looking object on the screen

The storm was broadcast on the show shortly before 7am.

Twitter user DaveinNorwich wrote online: 'Matt needs to be careful where his hand is going! That's one interesting weather feature over Devon!'

This comes amid a flurry of snow and wintry storms which lashed parts of the country overnight and throughout the day.

Parts of the country - including Greater Manchester, Cumbria, Devon, Cornwall and areas in Scotland were blanketed in a thick layer of snow, bringing some roads to a standstill and causing travel chaos.

Temperatures plummeted to as low as -7.2C last night, while many cities and towns struggled to stay above freezing throughout the day.

One Twitter user saw the funny side, writing: 'Matt needs to be careful where his hand is going! That's one interesting weather feature over Devon!'

Drivers were being warned to take extra care on roads, including the A361 near South Molton in Devon

The road was treacherous in Devon this morning due to ice, snow and sleet
Santa Claus told his hiring company he thought he was just making a joke

It is not known yet whether Santa Claus will be allowed to return to his job

Complained to management, who sent Santa Claus to HR counseling

Mother said he told her daughter Tuesday Clinton was on his naughty list

Santa Claus has been relieved from his duties at a mall in Sanford, Florida

A mall Santa Claus has been relieved from his duties after getting political.

A mother said a Santa at Seminole Towne Center in Sanford, Florida, told his daughter Tuesday that Hillary Clinton was on his naughty list.

The mother, who said she and her daughter are both supporters of the defeated Democratic candidate, complained to the management - and Santa is now learning proper etiquette with the HR department, WKMG reported.

Another Santa has replaced him while the previous Santa's future remains uncertain.

A Santa Claus at Seminole Towne Center mall in Sanford, Florida (pictured) has been suspended after a mother said he told her daughter Hillary Clinton was on the naughty list

The mother, who hasn't been named, said she took her two children to see Santa at the mall Tuesday.

Her four-year-old sat on Santa's lap without any incident but, the mother said, his conversation with her ten-year-old daughter took an unexpected turn.

'She tells Santa what she wants and then he tells her she's on the nice list. He then says there's only one name on the naughty list, can you guess who?' the mother recounted on Facebook.

He then said it was Hillary Clinton and started laughing.

The mother said the comment upset her because it had 'nothing to do with a child' who believes in Santa Claus.

She got in touch with the management, who in turn called Santa's hiring company.

The company apologized to the family and removed Santa from the mall. Santa, according to a company spokesman, said he thought his comment was a joke.

He is now getting counseling with human resources and it is unknown whether he will return to the mall.

The mother said she and her daughter were both supporters of Clinton (pictured left Wednesday). The mall's Santa (stock picture) told his hiring company his comment was a joke
Mohammed Humza, 25, is said to have filed a V62 form to the DVLA claiming to own Sheikh Mohammed Alibrahim's 79,000 Rolls-Royce

A supercar thief stole a 97,000 Rolls Royce that a Saudi Prince kept in a Mayfair garage by fooling the DVLA into thinking he was the real owner, a court has heard.

Mohammed Humza, 25, is said to have filed a V62 form to the DVLA claiming to own Sheikh Mohammed Alibrahim's Rolls-Royce Phantom Coupe.

The prince claims only he and his chauffeur were allowed to get behind the wheel and says the driver inspected the car, which was kept in a garage in central London, every week.

Humza allegedly fooled the DVLA with the bogus V62 form and ordered new keys for the saloon.

According to charges he later sold it to Shaks Specialist Cars in Huddersfield for 27,500 with a Blue BMW 5 Series and a White Mercedes-Benz A Class as part of the deal.

Sheikh Alibrahim says he was unable to reply to the DVLA on whether the ownership had changed because he was abroad.

Humza also faces charges for telling the DVLA he was the lawful owner of a Porsche 911 belonging to Nicholas Cattelian, a Ferrari California belonging to Sara Duncan, and an Aston Martin DB9 belonging to Jake Urich.

He denies any wrongdoing and claims he had a 'legitimate right' to Sheikh Alibrahim's Rolls Royce.

Humza appeared at Southwark Crown Court wearing a grey Hugo Boss sweater and smart trousers.

He spoke only to identify himself and to deny five counts of fraud by false representation and one count of conspiring to steal a motor vehicle.

Judge Anthony Leonard QC said the trial will begin in the week beginning February 27 at Southwark Crown Court.

Humza allegedly fooled the DVLA with the bogus V62 form and ordered new keys for the car

The prince claims only he and his chauffeur were allowed to get behind the wheel and says the driver inspected the car (pictured), which was kept in a garage in central London, every week

He added: 'I have given directions today to try and ensure that your trial will run smoothly.

'Your trial will be in the warned list beginning 27 February.'
Said there's a risk he'd 'fixate on another woman', adding: 'You need help'

' that Thompson could ever serve again

A married Royal Navy intelligence expert has been dismissed after he 'hounded' a young pilot he was training with a 'campaign of harassment'.

Lieutenant Commander Andrew Thompson, 52, sent leading air crewman Hannah Leask a stream of unwanted messages and gifts over a four-year period.

Ms Leask felt 'harassed' and 'hounded' by the constant stream of attention and it had such a 'detrimental effect' she was signed off flying duties during her course.

Lieutenant Commander Andrew Thompson (left), 52, admitted one count of stalking and was given a six-month prison sentence, suspended for two years, after he 'hounded' leading air crewman Hannah Leask (right) with a constant stream of attention

Thompson, who lives with wife Liz and their children near Salisbury, Wilts, harassed Ms Leask during his time at Portsmouth Military Centre, Hants.

Judge Advocate General Jeff Blackett told Thompson said it was 'inconceivable' that Thompson could carry on serving, telling him he 'needs help'.

Captain Alison Towler, prosecuting, said the stalking campaign began in 2011, a year in which Thompson was reported to the navy for harassing another female sailor.

She said: 'The [first][ meeting was brief but soon after he sent her a friend request on Facebook. This turned into text messages, emails, letters and gifts.

'In October 2011, Thompson sent her a box of chocolates and a card thanking her for being his friend. He then sent her an array of messages afterwards.

'By March 2012 he had obtained her mobile phone number, she is not sure how he got it as she didn't give it to him herself.

'He bombarded her with text messages and it caused her a great deal of distress. She tried to divert him back to his wife and his family.

'Whatever she did the volume of texts and messages didn't stop. She didn't want to complain in fear of putting her job in jeopardy.

Thompson's commanding officer, Philip Richardson, was among those to give evidence

'In March 2013 he sent her a pair of Ray Ban sunglasses and in April 2013 while he was away he invited her to stay in his hotel room.

'His attention was becoming unbearable and she outright told him to stop but the volume of messages still didn't stop.'

In March 2014 Ms Leask split from her boyfriend, prompting Thompson to declare his love for her, forcing her to unfriended him on Facebook.

Ms Towler added: 'An email conversation ended with her saying "stop, stop, stop messaging me, I feel harassed".

'After that he continued to send her letters, gifts and other messages. She received another letter which caused her so much stress she withdrew from flying training.

'She went to her chain of command and Thompson received a verbal warning but no further action was taken; the conversations then reduced considerably.

'Thompson then sent her a specially designed charm in a case for her wings parade in March 2015. She was deeply upset by this as he had got to her on this milestone occasion in her career and it ruined her day.

'Matters came to an almost-end at RNAS Culdrose open day when he sought her out and came to talk to her, as he was a senior officer she could not just ignore but was nearly reduced to tears.

'Her now-boyfriend came and asked him to leave but Thompson followed them around during the open day.

'On September 4 he sent an email to her boyfriend complaining about a picture put on Facebook. They went diving together and shared a perfectly innocuous picture of them together sharing a kiss underwater.

Thompson, who lives with wife Liz and their children near Salisbury, Wilts, harassed Ms Leask during his time at Portsmouth Military Centre, Hants (pictured)

'Thompson emailed saying it did not pass the service test.'

Bob Scott, defending, said Thompson lost many servicemen he trained in 2002 and 2003 which he believes explains why he became attached to Ms Leask.

He said: 'This was not about sex. He has not ever sought to have sex with her, at one point she invited him into her room and he did not try to have sex with her.'

Judge Blackett, sentencing Thompson, said: 'It's inconceivable that you could continue to serve or serve ever again, there's a risk you will fixate on another woman. You need to get help.'

Thompson admitted one count of stalking and was given a six-month prison sentence, suspended for two years.
A headteacher has become the first to transition from man to woman while in post, prompting a letter of congratulations from the education secretary.

Claire Birkenshaw returned to work as principal of Ashwell Academy in Hull this week having last set foot in the school as a man named Michael.

The 48-year-old has spent six months away from work while adjusting to the change, although the full process is expected to take another two or three years.

After making her transition, she received a letter from Justine Greening praising her openness as 'absolutely fantastic'.

While several teachers and pupils have changed their gender in schools across the country, Ms Birkenshaw is understood to be the first head to do so.

Claire Birkenshaw (pictured) returned to work as principal of Ashwell Academy in Hull this week having last set foot in the school as a man named Michael

Speaking for the first time yesterday, she said pupils and their families were supportive of her change.

She told the Times Educational Supplement: 'It was brilliant; there were no sniggers, it was just superb. It was a really nice morning.

'Straight away, one kid said, 'Hi Miss'.

'If I look at education, it doesn't seem to be that [there are] many role models.

'So I can try to do things under the radar but how are people going to know?

'These children in schools need someone who is out there.

'I'm hoping to machete the way for somebody else, and then the next person comes along and the next person, and hopefully in future they will only need tweezers.'

Ms Birkenshaw has run the school  a pupil referral unit for youngsters with behavioural difficulties  since 2013, when it became an academy.

In September 2015 she told her chair of governors that she had gender dysphoria and was going to live as a woman and then started hormone-replacement therapy.

She informed other headteachers in the local authority a few months ago, as she was preparing to return to work.

Pupils and staff at her school were then trained in trans awareness, and parents were informed in July.

For her first morning back, she said she wore a dress from Next, a blazer and knee-high boots.

She added: 'I think what people find really difficult to understand is that the essence of me has never, ever changed.

'There seems to be a lot of anger about at the moment. As an educationalist, we' re shaping children's lives for the future and there is an alternative viewpoint.

'I still expect to be a headteacher. I still expect to be working with schools, with academies and ensuring that children are making progress  but also that children are happy.'

She said that after her transition, she emailed Ms Greening, who is also minister for women and equalities, to thank her for the 'significant guidance and legislation' that has made transition easier.

Ms Greening replied that it was 'absolutely fantastic' and said Ms Birkenshaw's openness was 'going to make a difference to so many people'.

The 48-year-old has spent six months away from the school (pictured) while adjusting to the change

Ms Birkenshaw, born and raised in Bury, said she has felt 'different, female' since the age of four but felt 'trapped' in a male body.

She was head boy at her school and had a girlfriend at 16, who knew of her feelings and accepted them.

She said: 'It was an age where there was little knowledge about transgender.

'You got these 'outings' of people. The puberty resulted in the fact that I looked like a man and it just seemed that it would be impossible to transition.

'I suppose I was waiting for society to catch up,' she says, 'in terms of the legal framework and the medical procedures.'

She took a geography degree at Hull University, and then carried out a PGCE teaching qualification.

As a teacher, she was promoted fast  but she still struggled to suppress her feelings about her gender, which she says 'consumed' her.

She finally decided to make the transition when she heard the story of Stephanie Hirst, a radio presenter in Yorkshire, who made the change in 2014.

It comes after Sir Michael Wilshaw, head of Ofsted, said he supported gender-neutral toilets in schools to help trans pupils as long as they are 'well-policed and well-supervised'.

Speaking for the first time yesterday, she said pupils at the school (pictured) and their families were supportive of her change

In February, 13-year-old Jordan Morgan became the only boy at Gloucester High School for Girls after changing his gender.

And in January, private school Brighton College scrapped distinctions between boys and girls uniforms in an effort to accommodate transgender students.

Russell Hobby, general secretary of school leaders' union NAHT, said: 'School leaders aim to make all schools places of tolerance and inclusivity, for pupils and staff alike.

'As important as a child's academic education is, it is equally vital to teach compassion and promote respect.

'Claire Birkenshaw's experience is a model of how this can and should work. It is uplifting that we finally have a society in which Claire has the support she needs  from government, governors, staff, parents and pupils  to be true to herself and lead the way for others.'

Earlier this year, Ofsted gave Ashwell Academy a rating of 'requires improvement' because of issues with teaching and behaviour.
Video is of elderly couple who stopped having sex after having children

Ageing Danes are being told to have sex to stay alive in a cringeworthy campaign aimed at pensioners.

The advert urges pensioners to take an exotic trip to boost their sex lives and prolong their lives.

The message from the narrator is, 'You don't stop having sex because you're getting old, you get old because you stop having sex,' telling the story of an elderly couple.

Scroll down for video

Ageing Danes are being told to have sex to stay alive in a cringeworthy campaign aimed at pensioners

The advert urges pensioners to take an exotic trip to boost their sex lives and prolong their lives

The message from the narrator is, 'You don't stop having sex because you're getting old, you get old because you stop having sex,' telling the story of an elderly couple

It is the brainchild of Danish travel agency Spies, who claim it has actually been successful in getting residents to have more sex

It is the brainchild of Danish travel agency Spies, who claim it has actually been successful in getting residents to have more sex.

They are offering a loyalty programme which comes with discounts for what they call exotic holidays depending on how many children they have.

The video claims couples have less sex after having children, but the travel agency says it does not have to be that way.

Featured couple Karen and Jorgen are shown in bed on their tablets before they are whisked away for a frisky getaway with white sandy beaches and clear waters.

Spies claim their holidays boost sex by 102 percent, using a banana to illustrate their message.

They say regular sex can boost the immune system, strengthen the heart and boost life expectancy by eight years.

They are offering a loyalty programme which comes with discounts for what they call exotic holidays depending on how many children they have

The video claims couples have less sex after having children, but the travel agency says it does not have to be that way

They are offering a loyalty programme which comes with discounts for what they call exotic holidays depending on how many children they have

It is Denmark's third sex-drive video thanks to Spies.

Residents were told to 'Do it for Denmark' back in 2014 in reaction to the falling birth rate.

Then last year Danes were told to 'Do it for Mom' by Spies in a bid to increase the number of grandmothers in the country.
A German husband who killed his Filipino wife and sliced her body into eight pieces because she stood in the way of his Thailand sex holiday has been jailed for life.

Horst Koenig, 53, bludgeoned his 37-year-old Filipino wife Grace with a hammer when she was fast asleep in bed.

He then sliced her body with a reciprocating saw and bundled the parts into a rented warehouse locker before jetting off to Thailand for an 'exciting' getaway.

Today he was found guilty of the 'particularly callous' crime and sentenced to life in prison.

Koenig turned a ghostly white when District Judge Christoph Wiesner in Augsburg, Bavaria announced his verdict saying: 'Such a motive is shocking for the court.'

Horst Koenig (left), 53, bludgeoned his 37-year-old Filipino wife Grace (right) with a hammer when she was fast asleep in bed

He previously admitted he killed his wife of ten years and cleared out her bank account so he could enjoy a 'booze and hookers' holiday in the far east.

At Augsburg State Court he confessed to plotting the murder and described in detail how he planned it and carried it out.

'I had check lists made, I worked it all out,' the chemical laboratory assistant told judges.

Grace, from the Philippines, had endured a marriage filled with his infidelity, said prosecutors. He wanted to take a sex holiday but knew she would 'have to be out of the way,' they said in court.

On 19 November 2015 he a leased warehouse in Augsburg where he installed a computer to research how to kill a person with a single blow to the head.

When the computer was later found by police they found other searches for 'how to prevent decay' in a corpse and visits to anatomy sites.

On November 28 he bought a 5lb hammer and duct tape. Two days later, while she was asleep in bed, he whacked her on the temple and then slipped a plastic bag over her head, leading to her death by suffocation.

I had check lists made, I worked it all out

The following day, December 1, he bought industrial strength rubbish sacks and construction foam used to seal windows and doorframes. Then he popped along to his local travel agents to buy the tickets for his Thailand trip.

He packed his bags and then using a reciprocating saw sliced her body into eight parts and stuffed them into the plastic bags.

The day after, he went back to his secret computer in the warehouse and tapped into a search engine; 'When does a body begin to smell?'

Having found the answer he returned home and smothered all the body parts with the construction foam and brought them to the warehouse.

Before he flew to Thailand on December 2 he typed e-mails to friends and family members of Grace saying she had left him to return to the Philippines 'but that I will win her back.'

Horst Koenig flew to Pattaya in Thailand (file photo) where he met up with a woman he chatted with on the internet

In Pattaya he met up with a woman he chatted with on the Internet. He told the court: 'What she promised seemed exciting and many of my secret desires seemed to come true. I wanted to be with this woman.'

Five weeks later, when his money was spent on Thai prostitutes and his visa had expired, Koenig returned to Germany where he was arrested.

The court said Koenig acted out of treachery and greed.

The judge said: 'You can decide for yourself, whether you make true the words you spoke during the trial and accept the blame for which you have been charged.'

Grace's sisters were relieved by the verdict. Their lawyer Mandana Mauss, 45, said: 'They did not want revenge. They wanted justice for their sister. Now they can put the ordeal behind them.'
A British baroness has told of her horror after she narrowly escaped an ambush by Islamist gunmen during a humanitarian visit to a Nigeria.

Baroness Caroline Cox, 79, was visiting survivors in the war-ravaged village of Jong when her group heard of a probable attack.

Minutes later, Islamic Fulani gunmen blocked the only route out of the village, in central Nigeria, and opened fire on civilians with AK47s.

Baroness Caroline Cox, 79, was visiting survivors in a war-ravaged village of Jong when she was forced to flee from Islamic Fulani gunmen

A young wedding party and other villagers were caught up in the raid and it is not known how many were injured.

It comes after hundreds of armed militants chanting 'Allahu Akbar' stormed the village in May, slaughtering 20 people including a village leader and Christian pastor.

Speaking following her safe return to the UK on Wednesday, Baroness Cox said she had no doubt that the Fulani would have 'delighted' in killing her.

She is certain that she and her delegation of eight, which included US Bishop Stuart Ruch III, and Humanitarian Aid Relief Trust CEO Corinna Loges, were the target.

Baroness Cox said: 'We were in Jong in the afternoon. We spoke to the people and heard their story and took some photos as evidence of the destruction.

'Then our guide, our host, said, 'You must go.' He just sensed that it was the time to go. Local people could sense we had been there for long enough.

'The kids who were herding the cattle might have gone back and told the Fulani adults who were around the corner that we were there.

'We left fairly quickly.

Baroness Cox was visiting Nigeria on a humanitarian mission with a travelling party including US Bishop Stuart Ruch III (pictured, during her visit)

'Then one of the people we met in the village phoned to check we were OK. He said the Fulani came in an ambush and they did quite a bit of shooting.

'My first concern was, 'I hope the other people were alright.'

Guide Hassan John, who led the group around five villages on Monday, said they left Jong as it was getting dark at 6pm local time.

He said: 'We had just driven out of a valley when, as an eye witness described later, gunmen emerged from the hills and were shooting at the vehicles that passed the road.

'They must have thought it was our vehicle because they were mostly headlights of the cars shot at.

'Those, unfortunately were people returning from a wedding to the village.

'We knew we were the target because while we were out in the village, we saw the cattle herders, young children run off in a direction.

Luckily Baroness Cox escaped unharmed from the incident but said she thinks the gunmen would have been 'delighted' to have shot at her and her party (pictured, during her visit)

'Sensing the danger, we also left the village. The pastor in the community could not say exactly how many vehicle or people attacked.

'People ran away and because there is no hospital close by we are unable to ascertain how many are injured but he assured us no one was killed, as much as he knew.'

He said the guns were automatic rifles - AK47s according to locals.

Baroness Cox added that the attempted attack on her delegation happened after Fulani children herding cattle nearby reported their presence to militants.

She said: 'Their standard process is they come in black and shout Allahu Akbar. This ambush was probably a response to the fact there were visitors there.

'It wasn't like the planned attack in May. The kids would have come back and said, 'There are foreigners here'.'

'We were definitely the target of the ambush. The only way to get out would have been along the road, where they were.

'If we were still there, we might have well been hit. They were out to do that.

Baroness Cox visited and spoke to victims of attacks by Fulani militants and said she felt 'enormous sadness' hearing about the violence they had endured (pictured, during her visit)

'We got out but I was terrified that some of the lovely people we were talking to might have been killed or injured.

'I think they would have been delighted to kill us if we had been there.

'It would have had a deterrent to other people visiting and it would have stopped us visiting.'

Baroness Cox is a religious freedom campaigner and cross-bench member of the British House of Lords.

Much like Boko Haram, whose barbarism is widely known, Islamic Fulani militants are known to have killed many people including women and children.

They also systematically force vulnerable rural communities to abandon their homes and grab their land, leave children orphaned and destroy houses and churches.

The delegation spoke to numerous individuals who had survived the horrors of the Fulani militants on their annual visit to Nigeria.

They visited four villages - Jong, zim, Lo Biring and Ropp.

Baroness Cox said: 'I felt enormous sadness speaking to the victims of the violence themselves.

'There is the really serious issue of land-grabbing, when people are driven off their land by the violence, the Fulani move in and they can't go back.

'It is a very serious situation, of what seems to be systematic displacement.

'Jong is devastated. It is ruined. People and children - the ones who can't flee - are killed.

'The buildings are literally smashed to pieces so there is nothing to go back to.'
Medics also claimed some of the children were suffering from gas attacks

Pediatric hospital had already been bombed in air strikes just two days ago

Babies in incubators had to be scrambled to safety after a pediatric hospital in Aleppo was bombed for the second time this week.

They were already being kept in underground shelters, but had to be moved today to save their lives in the besieged Syrian city.

A doctor, who identified himself only as Hatem, rushed 14 babies in incubators to another facility a 10-minute drive away while airstrikes continues.

Babies in incubators had to be scrambled to safety after a pediatric hospital in Aleppo was bombed for the second time this week

They were already being kept in underground shelters, but had to be moved today to save their lives in the besieged Syrian city

A doctor, who identified himself only as Hatem, rushed 14 babies in incubators to another facility a 10-minute drive away while airstrikes continues

Today's airstrikes in Aleppo hit a complex of four hospitals that had been attacked two days earlier

Today's airstrikes in Aleppo hit a complex of four hospitals that had been attacked two days earlier.

The latest strikes caused the pediatric hospital and a neighboring facility to stop operating.

'Now it is being bombed. I am sorry. I have to go to transfer the children,' the head of the pediatric hospital wrote in a text message.

The doctor identified himself only by his first name of Hatem because he fears for reprisals against his family.

The incubators already had been moved underground for safety, but with bombs falling all around the facility, hospital workers had to rush them to a safer place despite the danger.

'As we drove out with the ambulance, warplanes were firing and artillery were shelling,' he wrote.

'But thank God we were not hurt.'

The latest strikes caused the pediatric hospital and a neighboring facility to stop operating

The incubators already had been moved underground for safety, but with bombs falling all around the facility, hospital workers had to rush them to a safer place despite the danger

The doctor identified himself only by his first name of Hatem because he fears for reprisals against his family

Medics and aid workers also reported a suspected attack involving toxic gas in a district on the western edge of the rebel-held area

Medics and aid workers also reported a suspected attack involving toxic gas in a district on the western edge of the rebel-held area.

At least 12 people, including children, were treated for breathing difficulties, said Adham Sahloul of the Syrian American Medical Society, which supports health facilities in Aleppo.

Claims of toxic gas attacks are common in Syria, and reports by international inspectors have held the government responsible for using chemicals in attacks on civilians, which Damascus denies.

Airstrikes also hit a village in rural areas Aleppo province, killing seven members of a family, including four children, opposition activists said.

Friday was the fourth day of renewed assaults by Syrian warplanes on eastern Aleppo districts, a rebel-held enclave of 275,000 people.

The onslaught began Tuesday, when Syria's ally Russia announced its own offensive on the northern rebel-controlled Idlib province and Homs province in central Syria.

Since then, more than 100 people have been killed across northern Syria.

At least 12 people, including children, were treated for breathing difficulties, said Adham Sahloul of the Syrian American Medical Society, which supports health facilities in Aleppo

Claims of toxic gas attacks are common in Syria, and reports by international inspectors have held the government responsible for using chemicals in attacks on civilians, which Damascus denies

Airstrikes also hit a village in rural areas Aleppo province, killing seven members of a family, including four children, opposition activists said

Some of the survivors of the suspected gas attack were taken to the children's hospital.

The cameras of Al-Jazeera, which was broadcasting from the facility as the airstrikes occurred, went dark for a moment.

When video resumed, dust was swirling and debris was strewn in the corridors.

Nurses scurried to get babies to safety, and one was seen carrying a blanket-wrapped infant.

She then hugged and comforted another nurse who was sobbing as she picked up a baby.

Another hospital in a different Aleppo neighborhood was bombed Thursday night, the doctor said.

The entrance was set on fire but no one was hurt.

Only four of seven hospitals are still operating in the district, Sahloul said.

Some of the survivors of the suspected gas attack were taken to the children's hospital

The Britain-based Syrian Observatory for Human Rights said dozens of airstrikes, artillery and barrel bombs hit 18 different neighborhoods of eastern Aleppo

The Britain-based Syrian Observatory for Human Rights said dozens of airstrikes, artillery and barrel bombs hit 18 different neighborhoods of eastern Aleppo.

Government bombings have targeted neighborhoods with medical facilities, including the children's hospital and a nearby clinic that has one of the few remaining intensive care units in eastern Aleppo, the Observatory said.

Many hospitals and clinics in the besieged area have moved their operations underground after months of relentless bombardment.

The World Health Organization said that in 2016, it recorded 126 attacks on health facilities, a common tactic over the five years of Syria's civil war.

Russia and the Syrian government deny targeting hospitals.

The city of Aleppo, once Syria's commercial hub, has been divided since 2012, with the eastern half in rebel hands and the western half controlled by government forces.

Ibrahim al-Haj, a member of the Syria Civil Defense rescue unit in Aleppo, said the city 'is a mess.'

The city of Aleppo, once Syria's commercial hub, has been divided since 2012, with the eastern half in rebel hands and the western half controlled by government forces

The group of rescuers and first responders said they are struggling to put out fires set off by the bombings in at least 10 areas

The group of rescuers and first responders said they are struggling to put out fires set off by the bombings in at least 10 areas.

The Observatory said at least four people were killed in the city's districts.

It also said the strike that killed the seven family members took place in southwestern Aleppo province.
A large new brewery, a fitness center and a women's clothing center will be tenants of a major new retail development on the North Shore.

Cardon Smith, vice president of the Fletcher Bright Company, said construction is about to start on the 300 Cherokee project.

He said, "This will be the conversion of the old Mill and Mine/3M building next to the Business Development Center into a retail project. This will be a complete renovation of the existing manufacturing building and we will be adding a new surface parking lot with 102 parking spaces for tenants and customers of the project.

"300 Cherokee is anchored by an 8,000-square-foot brewery with tasting room and a bar (Heaven and Ale Brewing Company), a 3,500-square-foot Orangetheory Fitness (2nd Chattanooga location), Merch (womens clothing store relocating from existing Northshore location) and a Noire Nail Bar.

"We are over 50 percent leased now and plan on completing the project for tenant turnover by April of 2017.

"We have a prominent restaurant location available with a mezzanine for lease.

"Additionally, we are working together with the owner/developer of Signal Mill and planning a pedestrian connection between the Signal Mill project and 300 Cherokee over the railroad track making foot traffic easier between the projects and creating a shortcut for pedestrians between Manufactures Road and Cherokee Boulevard."

Click here to see the plans.
Shocking footage has been released showing the moment a drunk passenger pushed a ticket inspector head-first onto railway tracks just before a train arrived at the station.

CCTV footage captured the moment Andrew Kapta, 41, pushed Andrew Foran, 50, off the platform and onto the tracks at Hanwell station, north London.

He only managed to get back to safety moments before a train pulled into the station.

CCTV footage captured the moment Andrew Kapta, 41, pushed Andrew Foran off the platform and onto the tracks at Hanwell station, north London

Kapta, from Acton, has been jailed for three and a half years after pleading guilty to actual bodily harm and endangering the safety of a person on the railway.

Footage shows Kapta walking up to Mr Foran and shoving him on to the railway track two minutes before a high-speed train passed through the station.

Mr Foran managed to get up but struggled to climb back onto the platform, meaning he had to walk dangerously to the end of the platform in order to get to safety.

Mr Foran fell backwards onto the train tracks just minutes before a train pulled into the station

He managed to get up but struggled to climb back onto the platform, meaning he had to walk dangerously to the end of the platform in order to get to safety

He said he could hear his attacker laughing and chuckling to himself as he walked away.

He did not sustain any serious injuries following the incident.

Kapta, from Acton, has been jailed for three and a half years

Detective Constable Martin Coburn, said: 'This was a highly traumatising assault for the victim who continues to experience the shock of this nasty and senseless assault.

'The consequences of Kapta's unprovoked shove could have claimed the life of his victim.

'Thankfully, he was clear of the tracks before the approaching train sped through.

'Kapta was a dangerous and violent man and I hope this 42 month sentence gives him time to reflect on the severity of this assault.
Venter was fired for gross misconduct after an internal investigation

South African Belinda Venter had been employed for 12 years by the theatre and was a trusted employee

A financial manager at the National Theatre who skimmed off over 25,000 in bogus expenses claims has escaped jail because she has two children.

South African Belinda Venter, 42, had been employed for 12 years by the theatre and was a trusted employee, Inner London crown court heard.

Shekinah Anson, prosecuting, said: Between 2011 and 2014 she claimed false expenses claims which came to a total of just over 25,000.

The total figure was 25,600.98.

She was the commercial operations financial manager.

It came to the attention of the National Theatre in January 2014.

As a result of an investigation, Ms Venter was fired for gross misconduct.

Venter, sobbed in the as she told of her remorse and begged to be spared prison for the sake of her children.

She said: My husband is looking after them this week.We have no relatives in the country.

We are originally from South Africa, my grandparents wouldnt be able to look after them.

Lady Recorder Emma Arbuthnut handed Venter, of Stalybridge, Greater Manchester, a ten month custodial sentence suspended for two years.

She said: She was trusted and her claims were not questioned.

She filled in false claim expense forms.

The former financial manager of the National Theatre was spared jail for skimming off over 25,000 in bogus expenses

She initially denied the offences to her employer and only admitted them when they could prove she had done them.

It was significant planning, it was persistent fraud.

You could have easily gone to prison today but you havent because of your children.
Jared Kushner, Donald Trump's son-in-law, is so interested in a White House job that he's reportedly consulted a lawyer on how to get around federal nepotism laws.

The New York Times reported that Kushner, the husband of Trump's eldest daughter Ivanka, had inquired about the law with at least one lawyer and now believes that if he forgoes a salary and puts his businesses in a blind trust, he may able to skirt the rules.

Rumors began to heat up that Kushner was interested in a White House gig when he was seen strolling the South Lawn with President Obama's chief of staff Denis McDonough last Thursday, when team Trump first rolled into this town.

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Donald Trump's son-in-law has reportedly sought legal counsel to discuss how he might get around anti-nepotism laws in order to work at the Trump White House

The first indicator that Jared Kushner (left) was serious about a White House job came last Thursday when he met with President Obama's Chief of Staff Denis McDonough

Donald Trump's son-in-law Jared Kushner (right) attended the president-elect's first meeting with a foreign leader, that of Japenese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe (left) on Thursday

Kushner, who played a pivotal role in his father-in-law's winning presidential campaign, wasn't given the chief of staff gig  that went to Reince Priebus, the now-exiting chairman of the Republican National Committee.

But Prieubus, and also Steve Bannon, the ex-Breitbart chief Trump previously named as chief strategist at the White House, are on board with Kushner coming down to Washington too.

The 1967 Federal Anti-Nepotism statute, which is part of the Federal Postal Act, prohibits public officials from hiring family members to agencies over which they have authority.

Today, because of the timing, it's been suggested to have been inspired by President John F. Kennedy's hiring of his brother, Robert F. Kennedy, to be his attorney general.

But the Washington Post's Ruth Marcus, discussing the legislation on MSNBC's 'Hardball' last night, explained that the real reason it was passed was because so many members of congress had their wives on the payroll.

Trump could try and get around the law by arguing that, as president, he has broad executive authority to choose his advisers: leaving room for Kushner at the table and even Trump's kids.

Donald Trump's son-in-law Jared Kushner is seen with his wife Ivanka out to dinner at the 21 Club in New York City

The Wall Street Journal hinted that Donald Trump may be better off liquidating his stake in his businesses so that his family - Jared Kushner and Ivanka Trump - can advise him in office

Yesterday, the president-elect made waves by having both Kushner and daughter Ivanka, who is supposed to take over Trump's business interests with her two adult brothers, at his first meeting with a foreign dignitary: Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe.

WHAT INSPIRED THE FEDERAL ANTI-NEPOTISM LAW? In 1967, Congress passed a law that prohibited federal officials from employing family members in agencies that they oversaw. While the timing suggests the laws inspiration was the controversial appointment of Robert F. Kennedy as attorney general, when his brother John F. Kennedy was president, the bill's sponsor, a Rep. Neal Smith, D-Iowa, told the Des Moines Register it was because when he came to Congress in the early 1960s 'there were 50 members who had their wives on the payrolls.' Advertisement

The move to claim executive authority could invite legal challenges, with judges being forced to decide whether a president's authority to pick the people he's around takes precedent over a congressional law that bans nepotism in government, the Times explained.

Ironically, Trump could try using Hillary Clinton, his Democratic rival, as a model, since she ran the health care task force while serving as first lady of the United States.

A 1993 decision by the U.S. Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia circuit said that Clinton was acting as a full-time government employee and thus could shield her group's meetings and records from public disclosure.

Within the decision, the court suggested that anti-nepotism laws may not apply to the White House. It also hinted that unpaid position may also not count.

That being said, according to the Times, the ruling stated that the first lady already has a unique and widely-recognized role in assisting the president with his White House duties.

A son-in-law being in the Oval Office in an official capacity would be a new thing.

And the Clintons' paid a heavy price for Hillary Clinton's involvement in the health care project.

The Wall Street Journal tried to provide answers for the bigger problems facing Trump and his family, suggesting that the billionaire should liquidate his stake in the company, so that each move he makes as president doesn't look like he's trying to line his own pockets.

In an op-ed published last night, the paper noted how Ivanka Trump was already in hot water as her jewelry company promoted a $10,800 bracelet she wore during a '60 Minutes' interview.

'The company chalked up the incident to an overeager marketing executive, but this is only the beginning of such media catcalls,' the Wall Street Journal warned.

And then it gave what seemed to be an endorsement of Kushner joining the administration  as long as the president-elect severed those business ties.
The parent company of Google is bracing for the presidency of Donald Trump while mourning the loss of an ally in Barack Obama.

Alphabet Inc, which heavily favored Trumps opponent, Hillary Clinton, in the election, faces a number of regulatory obstacles that could be imposed if and when Trump undoes much of the Obama administrations liberalization of the telecommunications market.

Google and other companies like Apple and Microsoft have lobbied the government to force cable and telecommunications companies to permit their customers to have the choice of accessing online content through their set-top cable boxes.

Obamas Federal Communications Commission, headed by chairman Tom Wheeler, supported the reform, much to the dismay of the cable giants.

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The departure of Barack Obama (left) could spell the end of Google's bid to force cable TV companies to enable streaming content on their devices. Google co-founders Sergey Brin (center) and Larry Page (right) are seen above

This week, however, the FCC signaled that it was backtracking in anticipation of Trumps entry into the White House, Yahoo! News reported.

The practical significance of such a reform would be that viewers could easily switch between their regular cable programming and streaming services like Netflix, Hulu, and YouTube, a Google-owned property.

Instead, large telecom giants force consumers to rent the traditional set-top box at a cost of over $200 per year while limiting them to the bulky cable packages and pricey subscriptions.

Proponents of the reform say that it would slash prices and bolster competition while giving consumers greater choice and a wider array of viewing options.

Donald Trump (left) is expected to roll back Obama-era Google-friendly policies that were likely to have been continued by the company's preferred candidate, Hillary Clinton (right)

Telecom firms like Comcast Corp., AT&T, CBS Corp., and numerous Hollywood studios counter that the plan is flawed since it would slow innovation.

In reality, observers say that the cable industry is opposed because it stands to lose $20billion in annual revenue generated by the set-top rentals, according to Bloomberg.

The FCC sided with Google and internet actors successfully lobbied the Obama administration to allow internet providers to compete with cable television companies in providing set-top boxes.

Trump, however, appears poised to roll back the Google-friendly policies of his predecessor, as is likely to be demanded by his Republican colleagues.

The GOP is on record as opposing the Obama administrations 2015 net neutrality initiative that required internet service providers to enable their subscribers to have access to web-based content irrespective of its source, essentially treating all data as equal.

Content providers like Google and Netflix cheered the net neutrality policy, but analysts say that a Trump administration is likely to fall in line with telecom monoliths and roll back the initiative.

Since Trumps victory, shares of Alphabet fell 2.4 per cent while Neftlix shares dropped 5.9 per cent and Amazon shares depreciated by 2 per cent.
A yoga instructor who is accused of killing her twin sister by driving their car off a cliff has made her first appearance in an upstate New York courtroom.

Alexandria Duval showed little emotion as she made her way into the Albany County Court wearing a marigold-colored prison jumpsuit and orange rubber shoes on Friday morning. There were also handcuffs around her wrists and leg irons keeping her ankles close together.

She was taken into custody by police to face a charge of second degree murder last Friday.

The 38-year-old was indicted by a grand jury in Maui, Hawaii last month, who heard how in May of this year Alexandria drove her car off a 200-foot cliff and into the Pacific Ocean, killing her sister Anastasia.

On Friday her lawyer was able to successfully delay extradition back to Hawaii for his client, after telling the court she had returned to the mainland to grieve for her 'soul mate' sister.

Alexandria is being held at Albany County Jail on $3million bail until her next appearance on December 16.

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Accused killer: Alexandria Duval (above) made her first appearance in an Albany, New York, courtroom since being taken into custody last Friday on charges of second degree murder

Keeping quiet: A grand jury in Maui, Hawaii indicted her on a charge of second-degree murder last month in the death of her twin sister Anastasia and she was taken into custody last week

Staying put: Alexandria is attempting to fight extradition to Hawaii, and was successful in doing so on Friday

The ruling on Friday came despite the fact that Alexandria evaded authorities in the two weeks prior to the date that she was taken into custody.

Police in the area were ultimately forced to conduct a manhunt to locate Alexandria, with both troopers and officers present when she was finally located and booked into the local jail.

She also reportedly tried to flee when she realized law enforcement was closing in on her.

Alexandria's lawyer said on Friday that she had not been trying to evade authorities, and claimed that she was unaware a grand jury had indicted her on the charge of murder.

He also said that his client had come back home to the area where she and her sister grew up as a way of dealing with the sudden death of Anastasia.

The two girls were born Alison and Ann Dadow in nearby Utica.

'She left Hawaii to come back to the states to grieve, not to escape from justice,' said Terence Kindlon, a local public defender.

'She is very distraught. Very distraught. And I think that if nothing else she needs just to reach a greater state of peace with herself because this has been a terrible experience with her.'

He then added: 'Her sister was her soul mate.'

Anastasia (left) and Duval (right) were arguing inside their SUV moments before the crash in Maui, Hawaii, witnesses said. Duval's sister died at the scene

The twins' SUV (pictured after the crash) accelerated and took a sharp left over the cliff, Maui Deputy Prosecuting Attorney Emlyn Higa said after Duval's first arrest

Alexandria and her sister had only recently moved to Hawaii when on May 29 the two were seen by eyewitnesses arguing in their Ford Explorer while driving down Mauis Hana Highway.

One woman, who had been cleaning a gravesite on the side of the road, said she also saw the passenger pulling the driver's hair in the vehicle while also attempting to get control of the steering wheel.

Soon after the vehicle took a sharp left and crashed into a rock wall before hurtling down 200 feet onto a large rock in the ocean.

Alexandria suffered only minor injuries in the crash while her sister Anastasia was pronounced dead on the scene.

Soon after Alexandria was arrested, but prosecutors were forced to let her go when they could not provide enough evidence to prove who was behind the wheel of the car.

She left the island almost immediately after the charges were dropped, returning to New York.

Alexandria also tried to leave the island at least twice just after the crash and before she was officially charged in June, but managed to miss both flights.

Maui Deputy Prosecuting Attorney Emlyn Higa spoke of her concern after hearing that Alexandria had tried to leave the state back in June before charges could be filed in the case.

'We had information after she was discharged from the hospital she attempted to fly out of the jurisdiction Wednesday night. All we know is she was trying to leave the state,' said Higa at the time.

'We were afraid she would try to leave the country as well. The fear we have is that she could easily go to a country where we dont have an extradition treaty.

'She has already changed her identity once, so she could change her identity again and we wouldnt be able to locate her.'

Alexandria Duval (pictured left in her latest mugshot), 37, was arrested last Friday at a home in Albany, New York. She was wanted in connection with her sister's death after a car crash in Maui (Duval is pictured right being airlifted)

'The judge understood the factual and legal circumstances. He got it right. Allison did not harm the person she was closest to and loved the most in the world,' Duval's attorney told DailyMail.com after charges were dropped in June.

Back in New York she found herself in trouble with the law once again, with police arresting her in August after she almost hit a squad car while driving with a blood alcohol content of .26 percent.

She pleaded not guilty to driving while intoxicated in September.

The Duval sisters had spent their entire lives together, moving to Palm Beach where they opened a yoga studio in 2008 before closing shop and moving to Utah in 2014.

The two then moved to Hawaii in December of last year. Soon after they arrived the two were both arrested for disorderly conduct on Christmas Eve.

Alexandria has yet to publicly comment on her sister's death or the deadly crash, and it is unclear if she has entered a plea.
Former Arkansas Gov. Mike Huckabee denied on Friday night that President-elect Trump has asked him to serve as America's ambassador to Israel.

'Media buzz that I was named Amb to Israel is NOT true,' Huckabee tweeted Friday night. 'Was never discussed with PE Trump; slot probably not picked until State Dept in place.'

Huckabee was reacting to a presidential transition official who told DailyMail.com that he would be headed to the Holy Land as America's top diplomat in the Jewish state.

And, the official had said, Huckabee's first order of business as the tip of Trump's spear in the region would be moving the U.S. embassy from Tel Aviv to Jerusalem.

'That's going to happen,' the transition official said Friday morning. 'Governor Huckabee is going to see it through.'

Former Arkansas Gov. Mike Huckabee denied Friday night that he will be America's next ambassador to Israel

A presidential transition official had told DailyMail.com that Huckabee, shown in 2011 at the dedication for a new Jewish settlement in East Jerusalem, would take the job and move America's embassy from Tel Aviv to Jerusalem

Huckabee's spokesman wouldn't comment on the report of Huckabee's appointment on Friday, but Huckabee himself tweeted a denial Friday night  hours after meeting with Trump

David Friedman, a bankruptcy lawyer who has served as Trump's chief Israel adviser, did not respond to a request for comment on Friday afternoon.

Ron Dermer, Israel's ambassador to the U.S., could not be reached for comment. Dermer reportedly met Thursday with several candidates for the ambassadorial post and offered Trump his advice afterward.

Spokespersons for the transition also did not respond to a request for confirmation earlier in the day. And Huckabee spokesman Hogan Gidley emailed: 'I've got nothing as yet.'

International Business Times had reported Thursday that according to The Jerusalem Post, 'several members of Trumps transition team confirmed the former Arkansas governor and minister will assume the post once the administration is installed in January.'

Huckabee met with Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu last year in Jerusalem and angered Palestinians by calling the West Bank part of Israel

Huckabee arrived at Trump Tower around 1:00 on Friday. Asked by pool reporters why he was meeting with Trump, he joked: 'I'm just here for the Starbucks.'

Asked on his way out, 'What was the meeting about?' Huckabee deadpanned: 'Three hours. Just kidding.'

It's Trump's job 'to make the decisions,' Huckabee told reporters. 'The only person giving out jobs in this building is President-elect Donald Trump, not me.'

'It really should come from him,' he declared.

Within three hours, conflicting reports surfaced online.

DailyMail.com's source, a person with direct knowledge of recommendations made by the transition executive committee, said Friday night that the information he provided was accurate at the time, leaving open the possibility that the Huckabee-Trump meeting changed the president-elect's thinking.

He would not expand on or qualify his earlier statement about moving the embassy to Jerusalem, insisting that Trump's intention held firm.

Huckabee greeted reporters as he entered Trump Tower on Friday, joking that he was 'just here for the Starbucks'

A Jerusalem Post writer started the dominoes falling on Thursday

Despite congressional approval for moving the U.S. embassy, American leaders have historically tap-danced around the issue of where in Israel America's diplomatic footprint should fall.

No other nation has its embassy in Jerusalem.

But Israel's Knesset and Supreme Court are located in West Jerusalem. The nation captured East Jerusalem in the 1967 'Six-Day War,' taking control of it from Jordan.

An Israeli law in force since 1980 declares that 'Jerusalem, complete and united, is the capital of Israel.'

Arab nations near Israel oppose the idea of making Jerusalem a center of power for the Jewish state. Many of them deny Israel's right to exist at all, and most see Jerusalem as a holy city for Muslims.

The Obama administration and others before it have insisted that the multiple religious claims on Jerusalem should be decided as part of peace negotiations between Israelis and Palestinians, 'the ultimate deal' that Trump said during his campaign he would like to tackle.

Huckabee has been to Jerusalem's 'Holy Land' regions dozens of times and offers ten-day guided tours for $5,250 (and the February 2017 trip is still on offer)

Huckabee's appointment to the key diplomatic post would have sent shock waves through the Middle East.

In 2011 during a dedication ceremony at a Jewish settlement in East Jerusalem, Huckabee said Arabs' attempts to prevent Jewish settlers from building there was comparable to racist housing discrimination in the United States.

Last year in August, as he was shoring up support for his ultimately unsuccessful presidential campaign, Huckabee met with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu in Jerusalem and controversially referred to the Palestinian-occupied territory of West Bank as part of Israel.

A political correspondent with the Jerusalem Post was the first to report that Trump was committed to choosing Huckabee for the job in Israel.

The gregarious and affable Huckabee has long been an unwavering Israel advocate, even parlaying his dozens of trips there into a part-time tourism business, 'The Mike Huckabee Israel Experience.'

The U.S. embassy in Tel Aviv, Israel will move to Jerusalem as part of a Trump administration overhaul of U.S.-Israel policy, an official with his presidential transition says

Huckabee hosted a weekend Fox News Channel show bearing his name from 2008 to 2015, playing bass with a house band often fronted by Christian recording artists

For $5,250, participants get a 10-day tour of the Holy Land from Huckabee himself, complete with commentary on historic sites, Christian worship services and moral lessons about the need for America to shore up its closest ally in the region.

'During your Israel Experience trip, you'll walk where Jesus walked, sit atop the Mount of Beatitudes, and pray in the Garden of Gethsemane,' the program's website promises.

'You'll see where He performed miracles, and you'll stand in the empty Garden Tomb. You'll experience the Sea of Galilee and be baptized in the Jordan River. You'll explore Old City Jerusalem, gaze out from Masada, and swim in the Dead Sea. The Bible will come alive for you as never before.'
The grieving father of a terminally-ill teenage girl who was cryogenically frozen following a landmark legal case spoke of his ordeal for the first time last night.

Fearing for her future should she ever be revived, the father known as Mr S fought to stop his 14-year-old daughter, JS, from going ahead with the controversial procedure - but eventually allowed her dying wish to be honoured.

Yesterday, he spoke for the first time of his extraordinary court battle and revealed that he had been prevented from seeing her before she died and even after her death from a rare form of cancer.

Landmark case: The girl has been frozen at become the first British child to be cryogenically frozen and in the Cryonics Institute in Detroit - she is now in one of these storage tanks

The father, who cannot be named for legal reasons, also revealed he is facing his own cancer battle as he tries to come to terms with his ordeal and even spent time in the same hospital as his child without her knowing he was there.

I had two daughters now I have only one, he said last night.

The girl had wanted to be cryo-preserved after her death, in the hope she could be woken up if doctors found a cure for her rare form of cancer - and wrote to a High Court judge begging for her wishes to be respected.

She died last month and is now suspended in freezing nitrogen at a cryogenic centre in the US.

Her extraordinary case yesterday sparked a fierce debate over the ethics of cryo-freezing - and about the lack of regulation surrounding the cryonics industry in Britain and worldwide.

The teenager, from London, was diagnosed with a rare form of cancer in August last year and announced her wish to be cryo-preserved after all treatment options failed.

She researched the process online and told relatives in the months before her death: Im dying but Im going to come back in 200 years.

Landmark ruling: Mr Justice Peter Jackson has agreed a British child who died of cancer could become the first British child to be cryogenically frozen

Her case was heard by the High Court after her estranged father opposed the plan, saying he could not fund the 37,000 procedure at a facility in the US.

The girls maternal grandparents agreed to pay all costs but the father still questioned what kind of future the procedure offered to his daughter.

Speaking yesterday the girls father told the Mail: We came to the end of the road after my child passed away, what is there left to say?

Its all ended, its finished. Her mother didnt allow me to have contact with her.

Ive ended up in court on ten occasions in an effort to see her.

Ive been trying very hard to have contact with her though courts. I was able to see her in 2005 for about a year and a half.

The father, who is in his 40s, said he had been fighting in the courts for access to see his daughter since 2002, when he is understood to have separated from her mother soon after her birth.

He said he made several attempts through the courts to see her, including asking to visit her in hospital and to be allowed to see her body after her death. But he said he last saw her in 2007, adding: The reason for this is purely her mothers doing. She said no way, full stop.

As a result of her hatred she caused all this sadness between me and my daughter and she died in the end without me being able to see her.

Its so sad. My daughter didnt even know about the court proceedings. I am very sad about it. Im suffering from cancer myself.

Meanwhile another family member suggested last night that she had been brainwashed by people on the internet who were just after money.

A paternal uncle of JS said that the childs mother would not let the family get a second opinion on the freezing procedure.

Plea: The teenage girl wrote a moving letter to the High Court explaining the reasons why she wanted to be cryogenically frozen

He described Cryogenic companies as hope-traders, adding: They are just trying to get money off people. Who is going to come back in 200 years? Please tell me? They trade in hope and brainwash people on the internet.

I talked to doctors and professors and scientists and no one thinks its possible. None of my family on this side supported this process. We wanted JS to have a grave in the earth so we could visit her and pay our respects.

But even relatives on her mother's side of the family said they too had misgivings about the girl being cryogenically preserved.

A cousin of the girl's mother told the Telegraph: 'She wouldn't let any of the family see JS. I know about her body being frozen. It's her choice, she wanted to do it and her mum made it happen.

'JS's father didn't know anything at first - the mother wouldn't tell anyone. It was her mum who was driving it. It's not going to work - this cryo thing must be impossible.

'To me, the mum had a problem. They had a bad divorce. She made life hard for JS's father. You know, he was ill and he ended up in the same hospital as JS. He was on a different floor from her for months and he was never told his daughter was so near.

'I AM ONLY 14 AND I DON'[T WANT TO DIE BUT I KNOW I AM GOING TO': DYING GIRL'S INCREDIBLE LETTER BEGGING TO BE FROZEN The British girl now frozen in America met the judge to prove she was capable of making decisions about her body and wrote him a letter explaining her reasons. Mr Justice Jackson said: 'I am only 14-years-old and I don't want to die but I know I am going to die. 'I think being cryo-preserved gives me a chance to be cured and woken up - even in hundreds of years' time. I don't want to be buried underground. 'I want to live and live longer and I think that in the future they may find a cure for my cancer and wake me up. 'I want to have this chance. This is my wish.' Justice Jackson said that she died peacefully knowing she would be frozen and discussed the arrangements before on the day she died. Advertisement

'And then when he heard about the freezing, JS's mum wouldn't let him anywhere near her.'

Earlier, the father Mr S had told the High Court: 'Even if the treatment is successful and she is brought back to life in, let's say, 200 years, she may not find any relative and she might not remember things.

'She may be left in a desperate situation - given that she is still only 14-years-old - and will be in the United States of America.'

Mr Justice Peter Jackson was called a 'hero' by the child before she died after he agreed to her dying wish so that one day she could 'be cured and woken up'.

The judge also revealed her father was also persuaded in the end and said: 'I respect the decisions she is making. This is the last and only thing she has asked from me.'

During the landmark case she wrote an extraordinary letter to a judge while on her death bed.

She said: ' I am only 14-years-old and I don't want to die but I know I am going to die.

'I want to live and live longer and I think that in the future they may find a cure for my cancer and wake me up. I want to have this chance. This is my wish.'

'I think being cryo-preserved gives me a chance to be cured and woken up - even in hundreds of years' time. I don't want to be buried underground'.

She had asked the High Court to rule that her mother should be the only person allowed to make decisions about the disposal of her body.

After agreeing, High Court judge Mr Justice Jackson, who visited the girl's bedside shortly before her death on October 17, said the terminally ill she died peacefully knowing that her remains would be frozen.

The judge said he had been moved by the 'valiant way' in which she had faced her 'predicament'.

Today the girl's solicitor, Zoe Fleetwood, said the teenager described Mr Justice Jackson as her 'hero' after being informed of the court's decision days before her death.

Ms Fleetwood told the BBC Radio 4 Today programme: 'By October 6, the girl knew that her wishes were going to be followed. That gave her great comfort. Very sadly she died on October 17. She had those last few days knowing that her wish was granted.'

She added: 'It was a great privilege to represent her. She had extraordinary determination.

'When the decision was communicated to her on October 6, she was very pleased. She was delighted and she wanted to see the judge. The judge did go and see her the very next day. She communicated to me after the meeting and she referred to the judge as Mr 'Hero' Peter Jackson.'

Her body has been flown to America and she has since slowly been chilled over two to three weeks in Liquid Nitrogen and stored next to around 150 other bodies.

Even if the treatment is successful and she is brought back to life in, let's say, 200 years, she may not find any relative and she might not remember things. She may be left in a desperate situation - given that she is still only 14-years-old - and will be in the United States of America Girl's father to judge on his opposition to her case

She is in one of America's two main cryo-facilities - the Cryonics Institute near Detroit - where its founder Robert Ettinger was frozen with two of his wives when he died aged 92.

Around 250 people have spent huge sums cryo-preserving their bodies - the first was Dr James Bedford in 1967 - and it has been a popular theme in movies such as Forever Young starring Mel Gibson.

Thousands more have paid up to 150,000 to do the same when they die.

A device called a 'heart-lung resuscitator' is used to get the blood pumping through the body again, when required, and medication is applied to the body to prevent the cells from deteriorating.

Blood and bodily fluids are drained, then they are replaced with a solution like antifreeze.

But the process is hugely controversial, especially with scientists and doctors, because it has never been possible to successfully revive a human or any mammal frozen in this way.

The girl's body is now suspended in freezing nitrogen at Michigan's Cryonics Institute near Detroit. Pictured is one of the areas where here body would be packed in ice and prepared for freezing

Process: Bodies are drained of blood on a table packed with ice(left) and then frozen slowly over several weeks before reaching -196 C and being kept in a regulated cylinder (right)

WHAT IS CRYOPRESERVATION, HOW MUCH DOES IT COST AND HOW DOES IT WORK? Process: The girl will have been treated within minutes of death - flown to America and then slowly frozen to an ultra-low temperature in the hope, one day, she'll be woken up again WHAT IS CRYOPRESERVATION? The deep freezing of a body to - 196C (-321F). Anti-freeze compounds are injected into the corpse to stop cells being damaged. The hope is that medical science will advance enough to bring the patient back to life. Two main US organisations carry out 'cryonics'  Alcor, in Arizona, and Cryonics Institute, Michigan. HOW IS IT MEANT TO WORK? The process can only take place once the body is legally dead. Ideally, it begins within two minutes of the heart stopping  and no more than 15. The body must be packed in ice and injected with chemicals to reduce blood clotting. At the cryonics facility, it is cooled to just above OC and the blood is replaced with a solution to preserve organs. The body is injected with another solution to stop ice crystals forming in organs and tissues, then cooled to - 130C. The final step is to place the body into a container which is lowered into a tank of liquid nitrogen at - 196C. WHAT'S THE CHANCE OF SUCCESS? Many experts say there is none. Organs such as the heart and kidneys have never been successfully frozen and thawed, so it is even less likely a whole body  and the brain  could be without irreversible damage. HOW MUCH DOES IT COST? Charges at the Cryonics Institute, where the girl has been stored, start at around $35,000 (28,000) to 'members' for whole-body cryopreservation. The girl was charged 37,000, which may include costs such as transportation. Rival group Alcor charges $200,000 (161,000) for whole-body preservation. HOW LONG BEFORE PEOPLE CAN BE BROUGHT BACK TO LIFE? Cryonics organisations claim it could be decades or even centuries. However Medical experts say once cells are damaged during freezing and turned to 'mush' they cannot be converted back to living tissue, any more than you can turn a scrambled egg back into a raw egg. Advertisement

The freezing process was carried out 'quite swiftly' after the teenager's death, said Ms Fleetwood.

She added: 'It was a difficult process. Some might say the girl's mother's attention was directed towards that procedure rather than grieving at that time.

GIRL IS STORED AT CRYONICS CENTRE SET UP BY LOVER OF SCIENCE FICTION Landmark case: The girl has been frozen at become the first British child to be cryogenically frozen and in the Cryonics Institute in Detroit The British girl is in one of America's two main cryo-facilities - the Cryonics Institute near Detroit - where its founder Robert Ettinger was frozen with two of his wives when he died aged 92. The former American physics teacher called Robert Ettinger, inspired by early science fiction writers, began the cryonics movement by writing a highly controversial book, The Prospect Of Immortality, which predicted that death might be reversible. The 1964 thesis sparked such acclaim and outrage that the U.S. authorities feared thousands would opt to be frozen in time - and when he died he chose to do it himself, as did his family. Packed in dry ice, the British girl arrived at The Cryonics Institute, based in Clinton Township, Michigan. There she was placed in a 'cryostat'  a cold storage chamber. Her arrival at the institute, based in the outskirts of Detroit, may have been held up by paperwork issues, as it took eight days to get her to the US. The case notes detailed the arrival of 'patient 143a 14-year-old female from London.' Advertisement

'But her daughter had passed away. The procedure needed to be carried out. One can't imagine what this parent was going through at this time from the loss of her daughter. But parents' attention can be directed elsewhere with various arrangements after a person's death.'

Ms Fleetwood said the case came to court for the first time on September 26 and was swiftly dealt with in little over a week in 'an extraordinary process very sensitively carried out with respect to the family who are grieving at this time'.

The case did not create a precedent with regard to the right to be frozen in the hope of future reawakening, said the solicitor.

'The case was not about the rights and wrongs of cryo-preservation,' she said. 'In accordance with the children's case which go before the courts, this case is about the child's welfare and her wishes being followed.'

Some, like the British girl, have their entire bodies frozen, but others only have their heads and brains preserved.

The Alcor Life Extension Foundation in Scottsdale, Arizona and the Michigan-based Cryonics Institute are the world's leading centres.

There is also a large body freezing facility it Russia.

Before she died of a rare and aggressive cancer, the British girl's mother raised 37,000 she needed for the 'freezing of the body in perpetuity', the High Court heard.

But because she is a child it required the consent of both her parents and her father, who had not seen her for eight years, refused.

He had been concerned about consequences of his daughter being cryogenically preserved, and had been concerned about the costs involved.

Mr Justice Jackson said he had made decisions relating to a dispute between parents - not about the rights and wrongs of cryogenic preservation.

But he has suggested that ministers might consider 'proper regulation' of cryonic preservation and revealed that the management of the London hospital she died in had misgivings about her wish.

The girl, who lived in the London area with her mother and had a rare form of cancer diagnosed in August 2015, had to take legal action to be frozen.

After a year of cancer treatment, this was stopped, before she died friends said she was much-loved, 'caring' and 'bubbly' teenager.

Robert Ettinger, 92, has been frozen in the Cryonics Institute he founded after his death alongside two of his wives

It is unclear what kind of post-mortem procedures were performed. Practitioners are known to cover the head with bags of ice to chill the brain. Blood is drained and replaced with antifreeze.

JUDGE RULED GIRL'S CASE WAS EXTREME VERSION OF FREEZING SPERM OR EGGS High Court judge Mr Justice Peter Jackson said that the scientific theory underlying cryonics was controversial and admitted many health professionals 'feel deep unease about it.' He said cryopreservation, the preservation of cells and tissues by freezing, was a well-known process. But he said cryonics was cryopreservation taken to its extreme. 'The scientific theory underlying cryonics is speculative and controversial, and there is considerable debate about its ethical implications,' said Mr Justice Jackson in his ruling. 'On the other hand, cryopreservation, the preservation of cells and tissues by freezing, is now a well-known process in certain branches of medicine, for example the preservation of sperm and embryos as part of fertility treatment. 'Cryonics is cryopreservation taken to its extreme.' Mr Justice Jackson said the girl had died peacefully knowing that her remains would be frozen. But he said there had been problems on the day she died, and hospital bosses had expressed misgivings. He suggested that ministers might consider 'proper regulation' of cryonic preservation. 'I received a detailed note from the solicitors for the hospital trust in which the events surrounding (the girl's) death are described from the point of view of the hospital,' said Mr Justice Jackson, in a postscript to his ruling. 'It records that (she) died peacefully in the knowledge that her body would be preserved in the way she wished. 'However, the note makes unhappy reading in other ways. 'The trust expresses very real misgivings about what occurred on the day of (her) death.' The judge added: 'On (her) last day, her mother is said to have been preoccupied with the post-mortem arrangements at the expense of being fully available to (her). 'The voluntary organisation is said to have been under-equipped and disorganised, resulting in pressure being placed on the hospital to allow procedures that had not been agreed. 'Although the preparation of (her) body for cryogenic preservation was completed, the way in which the process was handled caused real concern to the medical and mortuary staff.' And he went on: 'It may be thought that the events in this case suggest the need for proper regulation of cryonic preservation in this country if it is to happen in future.' Advertisement

Some patients opt for a cheaper 'head-only' option. The procedure, though deeply controversial, is apparently legal and entirely unregulated.

Mr Justice Jackson admitted: 'I have received information about procedures performed on the body after death that would be disturbing to many people.'

Remembered by classmates as a 'bubbly' and 'caring' girl who loved to laugh, the teenager  who cannot be named for legal reasons had written a letter to the court saying how she did not want to be 'buried underground'. She said cryo-preservation gave her the chance to be cured and woken  'even in hundreds of years' time'.

The girl's body is now suspended in freezing nitrogen at Michigan's Cryonics Institute near Detroit.

Case notes tell how her body, packed in dry ice, arrived at the facility in Flint in October, eight days after her death before being placed in a 'cryostat'  a cold storage chamber. Dry ice has a temperature of -78C(-108F).

Liquid nitrogen is much colder at -196C (-321F). Two further bodies have arrived since. 'Patient 144' was a 56-year-old whose body arrived by private jet, and Patient 145 was a 78-year-old who was frozen within two hours of dying.

Cryonics UK, the not-for-profit group which dispatched the body to the USA, is led by Tim Gibson, a 45-year-old landlord who trains his members how to prepare bodies for freezing. His group is not subject to regulation by the Human Tissue Authority. He once said: 'These days, no one blinks an eyelid. Not long ago, they saw us as cranks.'

Martin Ingvar, a cognitive neuroscientist at Sweden's Karolinska Institute said the cryogenic process was bound to fail and accused its practitioners of charlatanism.

'When you look at the brain, with 100 billion cells and 10,000 links between these and other cells... there's no way in hell you can restore the function in that,' he said.

Cryonics UK said protocols were carried out with the permission of the hospital but some senior staff 'appeared to be on the back foot'.

Tim Gibson, who runs the team, said his volunteers gave the 14-year-old the best chance of success.

Mr Justice Jackson said they had put pressure on hospital staff and were disorganised.

He said: 'The little girl who has just been preserved wouldn't have been preserved without us. It was too difficult.

'Without us, the best she could have hoped for would be relying on a funeral director to pack her in dry ice and send her to America.'

Members, who can pay up to 28,000 for the standby service, are asked to give the team notice so it can arrive 12 to 24 hours before they are legally pronounced dead.

He signed up to be frozen when he was 20 and said today: 'I'm perfectly willing to take the risk with almost a zero possibility chance of success because it's a better chance than being buried.'

Mr Gibson, who was trained by the Alcor cryonics preservation service in Arizona, said medical training is not necessary but volunteers need a certain amount of knowledge.

He said: 'Initially, I was trained by Alcor in the US, the rest of it just came from practical experience

'You end up teaching parts of it to newcomers, that really hones your knowledge, you realise what you're missing from your skill-set, you just pick stuff up.'

It said in a statement: 'This may have been because they had not encountered a cryopreservation before, due to the involvement of the court or because the patient was a minor'.

Hospital chiefs failed to respond to requests for comment.

Mr Justice Jackson has asked the Human Tissue Authority to view case files and investigate the issue. A spokesman for the authority said it was now gathering information on any risks posed by cryopreservation and the possible need for regulation.

HOW GIRL, 14, IS PATIENT 143 IN DETROIT CRYOGENICS CENTRE - BUT WAS HER BODY HELD UP BY PAPERWORK? Robert Ettinger, 92, pictured in the 1960s, has been frozen in the Cryonics Institute he founded after his death By Colin Fernandez, Science Correspondent On the website of the organisation freezing her body, she was simply described as 'patient 143'. Case notes that read like science fiction detail how, packed in dry ice, she arrived at The Cryonics Institute, based in Clinton Township, Michigan. There she was placed in a 'cryostat'  a cold storage chamber. Her arrival at the institute, based in the outskirts of Detroit, may have been held up by paperwork issues, as it took eight days to get her to the US. The case notes detailed the arrival of 'patient 143a 14-year-old female from London.' The significance of the number 143 is the number of human bodies held at the facility. The notes said the girl's family had contracted Cryonics UK to 'provide standby, cooling and transportation of the patient'. The UK group also carried out perfusion  the injection of 'anti-freeze' compounds in the body to stop ice forming. It said a 'case report' from Cryonics UK will be made available when it is received. It took eight days for the body to arrive in the US  a delay that may have been caused 'while the necessary paperwork was obtained for transportation'. The report said: 'The patient arrived at the CI facility, packed in dry ice, at 5:00pm on the 25th of October, approximately 8 days after death. 'The patient was then placed in the computer controlled cooling chamber to cool to liquid nitrogen temperature. 'The human cooling program from dry ice was selected and the time needed to cool the patient to liquid nitrogen temperature was 24 hours. 'The patient was then placed in a cryostat for longterm cryonic storage.' Dry ice has a temperature of minus 78c. (109.3f) Liquid nitrogen is much colder at minus 196c (-321F) The institute said at the time of her death  October 17, 2016  she was a member of the institute. Membership which costs $120 a year, with an initial charge of $75 allows cryopreservation at a reduced cost - $35,000. After the 14-year-old arrived, two further bodies have arrived at the cold store. Patient 144 was a 56 year old woman who arrived at Michigan by private jet, and patient 145 was a 78-year-old female from Michigan  who arrived much sooner  within two hours after death. Advertisement

The frozen 'fountain of youth'? Or false hope for those desperate to live forever? Controversial cryonics method sees people suspended in time waiting for a medical miracle

Cold storage: Bodies and heads are held in tanks like these and will be kept at -196 C in the hope one day they can be 'woken up'

It is illegal to place a living human into cryonic preservation and the process can only be carried out once a client has been declared dead.

While some chose to preserve their whole body, which can cost up to 150,000, others opt for the cheaper option of freezing just their brain at a cost of 60,000, in the hope it can be transplanted into a living body.

All this is done despite no evidence a human or any other animal can survive the process.

The preservation process begins by moving a body to an ice bed and cover them in a loose, slushy layer of ice.

A device called a 'heart-lung resuscitator' is used to get the blood pumping through the body again, and medication is applied to the body to prevent the cells from deteriorating.

Blood and bodily fluids are drained, then they are replaced with a solution like antifreeze.

Major blood vessels are then flushed of any blood before being swabbed with the antifreeze solution.

Kim Suozzi was diagnosed with an aggressive form of brain cancer and died in 2013 knowing she would be frozen. Matheryn Naovaratpong, from Thailand, right, is thought to be the youngest person ever cryogenically preserved after she died last year

The antifreeze solution is used so that ice crystals do not form and damage any cells.

The body is then cooled down to about 0.5 degrees Celsius every hour until the final temperature of -196 degrees C achieved over three weeks then the frozen body is stored.

According to experts, there is no evidence that a whole human body can survive the process.

'Cryopreservation is a remarkable technology which allows us to store living cells, almost indefinitely, at ultra-low temperatures,' said Professor Barry Fuller, Professor in Surgical Science and Low Temperature Medicine at UCL.

WHERE CAN YOU BE FROZEN AFTER YOUR DEATH? Cryonics Institute - Clinton Township, Michigan Alcor Life extension Foundation - Scotsdale, Arizona Oregon Cryonics  Salem, Oregon TransTime - San Leandro , San Francisco The US is no longer the sole preserve or cryogenics, with Russian firm KrioRus becoming one of the first to set up outside of the US. Advertisement

'It has many useful applications in day to day medicine, such as cryopreserving blood cells, sperm and embryos.

'We have learnt that to survive the process, cells have to be treated with special non-toxic antifreezes, and to be handled in very specific ways. In fact, if they are to survive, frozen cells are not 'frozen'  they must contain no ice crystals, which would otherwise invariably kill them.

'However, cryopreservation has not yet been successfully applied to large structures, such as human kidneys for transplantation, because we have not yet adequately been able to produce suitable equipment to optimise all the steps,' Professor Fuller added.

'This is why we have to say that at the moment we have no objective evidence that a whole human body can survive cryopreservation with cells which will function after rearming.'

Matheryn Naovaratpong, from Thailand, is thought to be the youngest person ever cryogenically preserved.

The toddler was diagnosed with an aggressive form of cancer last April after she failed to wake up one morning, Motherboard's Brian Merchant reports

After being admitted to a Bangkok hospital, tests revealed she had a 11cm tumour in the left side of her brain.

In 2013 Kim Suozzi, 23, of St Louis, ignored the wishes of her religious family and decided to have her head placed in cryogenic storage after she entered into the final stages of her life.

Diagnosed with an aggressive form of Glioblastoma multiforme, Kim died on January 17th and spent the final two weeks of her life at a hospice in Scottsdale, Arizona, so that she was near to the cryopreservation center that she chose.

Kim had used the website Reddit to successfully help raise the $70,000 in funds she needed to fulfil her desire to have her head placed in cryonic preservation.
Donald Trump's CIA appointee Mike Pompeo, an Army veteran and current congressman, defended 'enhanced interrogation' techniques used by George W. Bush's administration against combatants in the War on Terror.

Pompeo said programs like waterboarding that were outlined in the then-Democratic-run Senate Intelligence Committee's 2014 broad report on torture, 'were within the law' and 'within the [U.S.] Constitution.'

'Our men and women who were tasked to keep us safe in the aftermath of 9/11  our military and our intelligence warriors  are heroes,' Pompeo said in a statement at the time. 'These men and women are not torturers, they are patriots.'

The president-elect has said that waterboarding can be seen as torture  but he believes it is 'absolutely fine' and 'it works.'

'We should go much stronger than waterboarding,' Trump said last February, calling the tactic a 'minor form' of torture.

SCROLL DOWN FOR VIDEO

Donald Trump's CIA appointee Mike Pompeo, an Army veteran and current congressman, defended 'enhanced interrogation' techniques used by George W. Bush's administration against combatants in the War on Terror

Pompeo, center, said programs like waterboarding that were outlined in the then-Democratic-run Senate Intelligence Committee's 2014 broad report on torture, 'were within the law' and 'within the [U.S.] Constitution'

Drowning is simulated in waterboarding by pouring buckets of water over an individual's nose and mouth while that person is strapped down and immobile.

Blindfolded and tied down to a board that is sloped toward the head during the procedure, water fills their breathing passages.

A spokesman for Pompeo did not respond to an emails from DailyMail.com on Friday, including one that asked directly about waterboarding and torture.

Jason Miller, a spokesman for Trump, said Friday that he could not characterize Pompeo's stance.

'That is not an issue that I've specifically discussed with him, so I'll get back to you on that one,' he told a McClatchy reporter during a transition team update call.

He told DailyMail.com, 'I haven't specifically been briefed on that ... issue area. I didn't want to speculate.'

Trump transition team spokesman Sean Spicer argued that Pompeo's stance on the issue isn't important.

'Anyone's personal view isn't what matters - you are serving the President-Elect of the United States and implementing his views,' Spicer said after Miller spoke on the conference call.

Speaking broadly about potential staffers and political appointees, Spicer said, 'One of the things that always have to be remembered is that everybody who serves in a Trump administration will served Donald Trump and Mike Pence.

'And they will implement that vision and their ideas and no one else's,' he added.

The matter will likely be a subject of debate during Pompeo's confirmation hearing in the Senate, where Republicans outnumber Democrats but do not have the heft to prevent a filibuster.

Waterboarding was a Justice Department-approved information gathering technique at the time it was used by CIA operatives on enemy combatants. So was sleep deprivation.

Trump has said he wants to bring back harsh, punishing interrogation techniques that were used to extract information from suspected terrorists after the 9/11 attacks in 2001.

'We're going to have to be a lot sharper and we're going to have to do things that are unthinkable almost,' he told New Hampshire television channel NH1 in June.

The president-elect has said that waterboarding can be seen as torture  but he believes it is 'absolutely fine' and 'it works'

Jason Miller, a spokesman for Trump, said Friday that he could not characterize Pompeo's stance on torture (left). Trump transition team spokesman Sean Spicer argued that Pompeo's stance on the issue isn't important (right)

He said, 'Unthinkable, when you look at what's happening to us, when you look at what's going on in this country and throughout the world and we don't want  you know they're allowed to cut off heads and they're allowed to chop off heads, and we can't waterboard.'

'So people can have disagreements, but I feel we have to get much, much, stronger, tougher and smarter.'

Pompeo's response to Senate Democrats' torture report, spearheaded by California Sen. Dianne Feinstein, suggests a meeting of the minds between the president-elect and his intended CIA director.

His Dec. 9 2014 statement calling CIA officers who ran the enhanced interrogation technique program 'patriots' added: 'The programs being used were within the law, within the Constitution, and conducted with the full knowledge of Senator Feinstein.

'If any individual did operate outside of the program's legal framework, I would expect them to be prosecuted to the full extent of the law.'

Pompeo is a member of the House Intelligence Committee.

Democrats on the Senate Intelligence Committee claimed that not only did the so-called 'enhanced interrogation' techniques constitute torture, but they also didn't work.

Their Republican counterparts said in a dissenting report that at least one terrorism suspect, Abu Zubaydah, 'provided actionable intelligence, after he was subjected to "aggressive" interrogation in April and August of 2002.'

The main report states that Zubaydah was left 'completely unresponsive with bubbles rising through his open full mouth' after a waterboarding episode. It also claimed that Zubaydah and other detainees gave their captors false information after these sessions.

Waterboarding was a Justice Department-approved information gathering technique at the time it was used by CIA operatives on enemy combatants. So was sleep deprivation

Republicans on the committee said that Zubaydah provided information that led to the capture of high-level al Qaeda operatives. The also said 'multiple detainees who were not interrogated through the program also gave false information to their questioners.'

'The only real inference that can be drawn from these facts is that detainees fabricated information regardless of whether they were subjected to enhanced interrogation,' the document stated.

Republican Senator John McCain, a former prisoner of war, broke with his Republican colleagues and said from the Senate floor that the Bush-era tactics constituted torture.

'Waterboarding,' he said, 'is a mock execution and an exquisite form of torture.'

As torture talk began to dominate the presidential race, McCain said in February that 'waterboarding and other inhumane interrogation techniques' he considers torture 'not only failed their purpose to secure actionable intelligence to prevent further attacks on the U.S. and our allies, but compromised our values, stained our national honor, and did little practical good.'

McCain, who chairs the Senate Armed Services Committee, had not released a statement on Pompeo's appointment as of Friday afternoon. His office did not immediately respond to an email asking if he'd oppose Pompeo's nomination.

In nominating Pompeo to head the CIA on Friday morning, Trump said the three-term congressman, elected to a fourth one last week, 'has served our country with honor and spent his life fighting for the security of our citizens. ... He will be a brilliant and unrelenting leader for our intelligence community to ensure the safety of Americans and our allies.'

The newly minted spy chief said he would 'look forward to working with America's intelligence warriors, who do so much to protect Americans each and every day.'

Pompeo, 52, was part of the tea party tsunami that swept congressional elections in 2010. Like Trump, he has bitterly criticized the nuclear deal President Barack Obama cut with Iran.

He is adamantly against the relocation of Guantanamo Bay detainees, some of whom could end up in his home state, Kansas, and he backed NSA's spying program - another area that's sure to be explored in his confirmation hearing.

'I believe that program has proven to be a very valuable asset for the intelligence community and for law enforcement,' he said of the mass surveillance program that lawmakers allowed to expire during an interview with McClatchy.

Pompeo is also a member joint committee that investigated the 2012 terror attack on an American diplomatic outpost in Benghazi, Libya.

An Army cavalry veteran, the Kansas congressman graduated from West Point at the top of his class and later earned a law degree from Harvard University.
A woman shot and killed a friend who showed up at her New Jersey house for a surprise visit and startled her, authorities said.

The woman told them she was talking on the phone late Thursday with 50-year-old Kelvin Watford, who said he was returning from a trip and wasn't nearby, authorities said.

The 51-year-old woman said she then heard a dog barking and noises outside her Hamilton Township home.

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A woman shot and killed a friend, 50-year-old Kelvin Watford (pictured left and right), who showed up at her house for a surprise visit and startled her, authorities said

The woman called police at around 11.20pm. The Mercer County prosecutor's office said an investigation is ongoing, but it appears the killing was an accident

The woman told authorities she got her gun when she heard someone inside her home and, while still on the phone, opened her bedroom door, saw a shadow and fired a single shot.

Officers found Watford, of Willingboro, lying at the bottom of the stairs. He died of a gunshot wound to the chest.

The woman called police at around 11.20pm.

The Mercer County prosecutor's office said an investigation is ongoing, but it appears the killing was an accident.

It said in a release: 'Although the investigation is still in the early stage, preliminary indications are that the homicide was accidental.'

No charges have been filed in the case. Watford's brother Alvin Hursley told NJ.com that family and friends were shocked by the 'tragic' shooting

Prosecutor's office spokeswoman Casey DeBlasio told NJ.com: 'Everything the woman has told investigators has been corroborated at this point. This appears to be a tragic accident.'

No charges have been filed.

Denise Jones told CBS New York that she is the woman's sister, telling the station: 'She wasn't expecting him to be coming to the house that soon.

'He had told her he was on the George Washington Bridge, but actually she was on the phone with him, and he was in the house.'

Watford's brother Alvin Hursley told NJ.com that family and friends were shocked by the 'tragic' shooting.

'He didn't have an enemy in this world,' Hursley said.
A Russian presidential plane carrying journalists was chased across Swiss skies by fighter planes amid mounting tensions between Vladimir Putin and the rest of Europe.

One of the passengers on board the Russian plane, which was headed to Peru, took a video showing the military jet flying by their side, clearly carrying Swiss markings.

Andrey Kolesnikov, editor-in-chief of the magazine Russian Pioneer, wrote on Facebook: 'Were flying above Switzerland. At some point, the plane with the delegation and the journalists is being blocked from three sides by three fighter jets.'

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A Russian presidential plane carrying journalists was chased across Swiss skies by fighter planes amid mounting tensions between the country and the rest of Europe

One of the passengers on board the Russian plane, which was headed to Peru, took a video showing the military jet flying by their side, clearly carrying Swiss markings

Kolesnikov said the aircraft were so close he could see the faces of the Swiss pilots, and there could have potentially been a crash if they had come much closer.

Despite fears the Russian plane would be forced to make an impromptu landing, the Swiss jets pulled away once it reached the border.

A growing military presence in Eastern Europe, its alliance with Syria's President Bashar Al-Assad and boasts about nuclear capabilities has put much of the continent on high-alert over Russia.

Just today, it was announced Putin launched a supersonic missile that could reach the UK in 13 minutes.

Kolesnikov said the aircrafts got so close he could see the faces of the Swiss pilots, and there could have potentially been a crash if they had come much closer

Just today, Vladimir Putin launched a supersonic missile that could reach the UK in 13 minutes

The Object 4202 rocket was fired thousands of miles from the Yasny Launch Base in Russia to the far-east peninsula of Kamchatka, with Kremlin officials calling the test a 'success'.

It is all but invisible to US anti-missile systems and moves at such high speeds it is virtually impossible to intercept.

Boasting about their new weapon, Russia's Tactical Missiles Corporation claimed it would make the Hiroshima nuclear bombs look like 'popguns'.
The Duke of Cambridge revealed his softer side during a candid interview with Talk Vietnam, a popular English-language chat show

Prince William has admitted that he has 'struggled' with parenthood and that being a father has made him more emotional.

The Duke of Cambridge revealed his softer side during a candid interview with Talk Vietnam, a popular English-language chat show.

William explained how at first he had found it hard to adapt from being a single young bachelor to a married father-of-two.

The Prince, second in line to the throne, also hit out at materialism and said he wants his children Prince George and Princess Charlotte to grow up with 'simple aspirations'.

He has used his first official visit to Vietnam to highlight the damaging effects the illegal trade in wildlife has on some of the world's best-loved animals.

Talk show host Tran Thuy Duong asked the 34-year-old about his personal commitment to protecting wildlife and his family life as well as taking questions from a small studio audience.

Speaking about his children during the 25-minute interview, the Duke said: 'There's wonderful highs and wonderful lows. It's been quite a change for me personally.

'I'm very lucky in the support I have from Catherine, she's an amazing mother and a fantastic wife.

'But I've struggled at times. The alteration from being a single independent man to going into marriage and then having children is life-changing.

Prince William said the alteration from being a single independent man to a married father was 'life-changing'

The Prince said that the Duchess of Cambridge was an 'amazing mother' and a 'fantastic wife'

'I adore my children very much and I've learnt a lot about myself and about family just from having my own children.

'George is a right little rascal sometimes, he keeps me on my toes but he's a sweet boy. And Charlotte, bearing in mind I haven't had a sister so having a daughter is a very different dynamic.

'So I'm learning about having a daughter, having a girl in the family.'

He took a question from a 10-year-old girl about his advice on how an individual could help protect wildlife before going on to describe his hopes that his children would inherit a better world.

William said: 'I worry about the future more. When you have something or someone in your life to give the future to I think it focuses the mind more about what you're giving them and are you happy that you've done all you can to leave it in a good state.

'I would like them to grow up with more simple aspirations. I think there's a lot of huge aspirations and people living with an enormous amount of stuff that they don't necessarily need.

'The materialism of the world I find quite tricky sometimes.
A woman miraculously survived a brutal hit-and-run incident in which she was dragged for 60 feet under the front wheel of a van.

CCTV footage captured the shocking moment the woman was knocked down and dragged down the street in Johannesburg, South Africa.

The footage shows the woman crossing the road before the truck comes around the corner at high speed.

A woman miraculously survived a brutal hit-and-run incident in which she was dragged for 60 feet under the front wheel of a van in Johannesburg, South Africa

She was then dragged down the street for at least 60 feet, with her head and shoulders clearly visible.

The woman, who has not been named, survived the incident and is understood to be recovering at Charlotte Maxeke Johannesburg Academic Hospital.

Police are understood to be waiting for an official medical report before they open a formal inquiry.

CCTV footage captured the moment she was knocked down and dragged down the street

However, South Africa's Crime Intelligence and Community Awareness has already launched a nationwide search on its Facebook page for the driver involved.

Footage of the incident has been watched more than 10,000 times after it was shared online.

The post read: 'Please share to all groups and pages - Let's help find the perp from the horrific hit and run incident.'
Relatives and friends of a distinguished California teacher and early advocate for LGBT rights are reeling from her arrest in connection to a grisly homicide that wiped out a family of three last week.

Dana Rivers, 61, has been charged with three counts of murder, arson and possession of brass knuckles after police say she shot and stabbed to death a fellow teacher, her wife and the couples 19-year-old son before setting their Oakland home on fire a week ago.

Rivers made headlines in 1999 because she was fired from a teaching job at a Sacramento high school after she told her boss she would be transitioning to a woman.

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Dana Rivers (pictured left in mugshot and right), a 61-year-old teacher and transgender activist, has been charged with three counts of murder

Police found Toto Diambu-Wright, 19 (center), bleeding from a stab wound outside his Oakland, California home. His parents (left and right) were found dead inside

Police investigating the triple homicide in Oakland that claimed the lives of Patricia Wright, 57, her wife Charlotte Reed, 56, and their 19-year-old son, Toto 'Benny' Diambu-Wright, on Thursday suggested that the motive behind the slaughter might have been a dispute over property, but they declined to elaborate, reported CBS News.

Dressed in a red prison jumpsuit, Rivers briefly appeared in court Thursday but delayed entering a plea to the charges against her for three weeks, reported SFbay.ca.

Rivers has been jailed without bail since last Friday. Her next court appearance is scheduled for December 8.

Those who know Dana Rivers were left scratching their heads upon learning of her arrest and the gruesome circumstances surrounding the killings.

This is utterly unfathomable. I am in utter shock, one unnamed relative told the East Bay Times Thursday. This is a woman who has devoted her life to helping others. Nothing about this lines up.

Speaking on condition of anonymity, the family member told the paper she last saw Rivers about a year ago, at which time the 61-year-old seemed 'happy and healthy.'

Rivers had joined a women's biker group in San Jose called the Deviants Motorcycle Club and reportedly told her relative she has found a community among other female riders.

Patricia Wright, 57, (right of left) and her wife Charlotte Reed, 56 (left of left) had been shot and stabbed. The couple married just last year. Pictured right, son Diambu-Wright

On Friday, police responded to reports of gunfire at the home on Dunbar Drive and said Rivers emerged covered in blood

Upon hearing of Rivers' arrest on murder charges, the relative said she 'screamed at the walls.' She characterized the award-winning educator as a gentle person who enjoyed teaching and working as a white-water rafting guide.

Police responded to reports of gunfire after midnight on November 11 and found Diambu-Wright, who went by the name 'Benny,' bleeding from a stab wound, according to probable cause statements cited by NBC.

Benny's mothers, who adopted him from West Africa, were found shot and stabbed inside their home. All three victims were pronounced dead at the scene.

Police heard a 'loud bang' from the garage and said Rivers emerged from the home on the 9400 block of Dunbar Drive covered in blood.

Rivers was about to ride off on Reed's motorcycle, but was arrested and found with ammunition and knives in her pockets, police told the East Bay Times.

The 61-year-old also made 'spontaneous statements about her involvement in the murders' during her arrest, according to police.

Rivers, who was accused of setting the house on fire to destroy any evidence, has also been charged with arson and possession of brass knuckles.

If convicted, she could face life in prison without parole, or capital punishment, for the 'special circumstance murders' the East Bay Times reported.

It's unclear what Rivers' connection was to the family, although she is said to be an acquaintance (left: Wright and Reed, right: Diambu-Wright)

Wright, who was a semi-retired teacher at Esperanza Elementary School, had been married to Reed, a US Air Force veteran and businesswoman, for more than a year. They had a total of three children between them.

Wright's other son Khari Campbell-Wright said Rivers was an acquaintance.

The married couple are pictured on Facebook riding a motorcycle after their wedding, and Rivers is said to have tried to escape the scene on Reed's motorcycle.

But it remains unclear what Rivers' connection was to the family, and Campbell-Wright suggested it was a random act of violence, telling the East Bay Times: ' My mom had no part of it. My brother had no part of it. Wrong place, wrong time.'

More than 100 people gathered at the Berkeley High School Academy of Medicine and Public Service to hold a vigil for Benny, who graduated this past spring.

Rivers, a US Navy veteran, was an award-winning teacher known as David Warfield in the 1990s, prior to her transition (pictured above after her gender reassignment surgery)

She lost her teaching job in 1999 after telling school administrators about her plans to undergo a male-to-female transition

He was remembered as a 'kind and sweet young man' who made new students feel welcome at the school and envisioned a world without poverty and violence, according to Berkeley Side.

Rivers was licensed to carry a weapon as a security guard, NBC reported.

Rivers, a US Navy veteran, was an award-winning teacher known as David Warfield in the 1990s, prior to her transition.

She notified her employer about her plans to undergo gender reassignment surgery, only for Center High School to put her on administrative leave before terminating her.

Rivers filed a lawsuit against the school and eventually reached a $150,000 settlement.

After using her 15 minutes of fame, marked by several TV appearances and newspaper profiles, to draw attention to LGBT issues, Rivers has all but vanished from the public eye, opting to lead a private life.
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Benidorm was flooded with body painted and scantily-clad expat Brits during the wildest and largest fancy dress party in Europe.

Around 40,000 party goers descended on Spain's southern coast for the annual event.

Revelers braved cold temperatures to strip off for a variety of risque costumes.

Two friends donned only body paint and thigh-high boots for their daring leopard costumes despite the temperatures being on the chilly side

A gaggle of Honey Gs were also spotted drnking in the parade along side some very under dressed policemen

The average temperature in Benidorm in November is just 15C but this did not bother some revelers

The average temperature in Benidorm in November is just 15C but this did not bother some revelers.

Two friends donned only body paint and thigh-high boots for their daring leopard costumes.

A gaggle of Honey Gs were also spotted in the parade as well as some very under dressed policemen.

Candy sellers, marvel characters and a lot of men in open backed suits made up the colourful crowds.

Candy sellers, marvel characters and a lot of men in open backed suits made up the colourful crowds

The fancy dress day tradition started more than 20 years ago when the popular Sinatras Club offered a free drink to anyone who dressed up

Elsewhere, a group of men stripped down to revealing lingerie despite the chilly weather.

The fancy dress day tradition started more than 20 years ago when the popular Sinatras Club offered a free drink to anyone who dressed up.

Over the years the event has grown and grown and 2016 was the most attended yet. The crowds are mostly made up of British ex-pats living in Spain and tourists visiting the Costa Blanca resorts.

A group dress up as Pinocchio in one of the more family friendly costumes of the day. An open backed suit - revealing stockings and suspenders - was a popular fancy dress choice for some men

An open backed suit, revealing stockings and suspenders was a popular fancy dress choice for some men

The promotion was designed to help out bars during the less touristy period of the year when the weather is not quite as hot

Over the years the colourful event has grown and grown and 2016 was the most attended yet with some 40,000 people taking to the streets in costume
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Tens of thousands of dead fish have been found floating in a canal on New York's Long Island this week and authorities are investigating what caused it.

Countless bunker fish were seen floating near the water's edge on the Shinnecock Canal in Hampton Bays on Monday morning in what scientists are calling unprecedented. Locals have branded it the 'fishpocalypse'.

Drone footage taken by Hampton Watercraft shows the unbelievable extent of the stranded fish, all stacked on top of each other on the surface of the water, with the canal looking like it is covered in ice from afar.

Regional Department of Environmental Conservation spokesman Bill Fonda told Newsday that the die-off was most likely caused by suffocation and not chemicals or pollutants and urged concerned locals not to worry.

Unprecedented die-off: Environmental officials are investigating a massive fish kill on Long Island in which tens of thousands of dead fish turned up in a canal Monday

'Fishpolcalypse': A massive fish kill carpeted the Shinnecock Canal, both north and south of the gates, on Monday morning

Fonda says fish kills happen when a large number of fish get trapped in a confined area and the oxygen levels drop, leading to suffocation.

A spokeswoman for the New York state Environmental Conservation Department told CBS News that the town of Southampton is cleaning up the rotting fish.

Officials assured locals there is no public health issue.

There were sightings of bluefish - large, aggressive, and fast-swimming predators - in and around the Shinnecock Canal just days before the incident.

This suggests the bunker fish were 'herded' into the canal and then became trapped once the river gates were closed for the evening.

'There was a big school of bluefish in the bay earlier on Sunday,' Southampton Marine Science Centre manager Chris Paparo told the station.

'Bluefish eat bunker, and they chase the bunker into the canal like this, and the locks are closed, fish can't escape, and when they get pushed in they deplete the oxygen.'

From above: The New York Department of Environmental Conservation said the Shinnecock Canal in Hampton Bays was closed at 3 am Monday, trapping a large and dense school of bunker fish

Drone footage taken by Hampton Watercraft shows the unbelievable extent of the stranded fish, all stacked on top of each other on the surface of the water, with the canal looking like it is covered in ice from afar

It's believed the fish became trapped in the canal after the river gates were closes. They then died of oxygen depletion

Efforts are now being made to clean up the canal. Officials say that no other fish are believed to have died since Monday. They believe the incident was isolated.

'Right now, we're in a period where we just have to wait and see whether the fish float to the top,' Town trustee Scott Horowitz told

'People are going to keep an eye on it from the air and the sea. We're also going to keep an eye on the tides and prevailing winds.'

A foul odor has started to permeate the air in and around the canal from the rotting corpses. Officials say they will attempt to mask the smell with natural scents, such as lime and wood chips.

The State Department of Environmental Conservation are testing the water to see if pathogens or pollution could have contributed to the incident, Science Alert reported.
The $25M include restitution for students and $1M in penalties to the state

Trump named as a defendant in two suits in California, one in New York

Donald Trump has settled the fraud lawsuits related to his now-defunct Trump University for $25 million - shutting down accusations of fraud while admitting no wrongdoing.

The settlement came Friday afternoon and was confirmed by New York's attorney general Eric Schneiderman, who had led the charge against Trump and painted the tycoon's former school for real estate investors as little more than a scam.

Three cases against Trump - two class-action lawsuits in California and a civil suit filed by Schneiderman - are expected to be put to rest.

The $25 million, to be paid by Trump or one of his business entities, include restitution for students and $1 million in penalties to the state, Schneiderman said.

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Donald Trump on Friday settled the fraud lawsuits related to his now-defunct Trump University for $25 million, according to New York's attorney general Eric Schneiderman

The $25 million, to be paid by Trump or one of his business entities, include restitution for students and $1 million in penalties to the state. Pictured, lead Trump attorney Daniel Petrocelli arrives for a hearing Friday in San Diego, California

Schneiderman had previously called Trump University a 'fraud from beginning to end.'

The suits against the school claimed that Trump University failed to deliver the quality real estate investing education it promised.

Friday's deal doesn't require Trump to acknowledge wrongdoing.

Former students have bashed the university in recent months, with some of them calling it a scam that had robbed them of up to $35,000 apiece for useless real estate classes.

Trump University was launched in 2005 and closed five years later amid growing legal troubles.

Attorneys for the president-elect had previously tried to get one of the California suits delayed while Trump was busy negotiating his transition into his presidency.

Trump had said he wouldn't settle the case because he thought it would be easy to win in court.

The president-elect had also lambasted the judge in charge of the case, Gonzalo Curiel, claiming Curiel's Mexican heritage meant the judge couldn't possibly treat him fairly.

The settlement enables Trump (pictured in a file photo) to shut down accusations of fraud against his now-defunct real estate school while admitting no wrongdoing

Trump had repeatedly denied the fraud allegations during his presidential campaign.

'Do you know that almost everybody in the lawsuit has signed a letter saying how great the school was? That's why I won't settle because it's an easy case to win in court,' Trump said on MSNBC's Morning Joe earlier this year.

Trump's legal team at one point tried to have comments he made throughout the election excluded from the trial, claiming his tweets and outlandish remarks towards women, minorities and other groups could affect his credibility. Their motion was denied.

Former students say they were lured by false promises that Trump had 'handpicked' tutors for courses in real estate.

Seminars were more akin to infomercials, they said, and they were never given access to the businessman and his industry 'secrets' as promised.

The president elect's lawyers filed documents Wednesday, seen exclusively by DailyMail.com, with the highly unusual request for information about how the jurors were chosen and who conducted the screening of the candidates.
A 16-year-old Texas girl who was found murdered in a field last week was stabbed nearly 60 times, according to newly released court documents.

Jesse Dobbs, 21, the boyfriend of the victim, Kirsten Fritch, has been charged with murder in her slaying.

He is also a suspect in the shooting deaths of Fritch's mother, 37-year-old Cynthia Morris, and her 13-year-old sister, Breanna Pavilicek.

Dobbs was arrested in Texas City after walking into a bar barefoot and asking for a glass of water.

Court documents released on Wednesday indicate that during an interview with police, the 21-year-old suspect told detectives, unprompted: 'Kirsten is dead, I killed her.

Slaughtered: Kirsten Fritch (left), 16, was stabbed to death as many as 60 times before her body was found in the woods in Texas City two days after she vanished with boyfriend Jesse Dobbs (right)

The teenager's mother Cynthia Morris (right) was found shot dead in her home in Baytown 30 miles away on Tuesday with her other daughter (not pictured)

He then added cryptically: Not the real Kirsten but the fake Kirsten, reported KTRK.

Prior to his arrest, Dobbs allegedly called up his ex-girlfriend, who is the mother of his two children, and told her he wanted to travel to Louisiana to see his kids for the last time.

The Galveston County Medical Examiner's Officer confirmed last week that Fritch's cause of death was sharp force injury, reported the station KTRK.

The teenager had sustained between 50 and 60 stab wounds to her chest, neck, abdomen and face.

Fritch disappeared on November 8 before the bodies of her mother and sister were discovered in their home in Baytown, Texas.

Her boyfriend, Jesse Dobbs, was arrested in Texas City hours later after walking into Shenanigans bar covered in sweat and asking for a glass of water.

Dobbs, 22, was named a suspect in their deaths as an amber alert for Kirsten was sent out. He was arrested last week and is believed to have confessed to the slayings

Two days later, police found Fritch's lifeless body in a wooded area near the Texas City bar. A search of the surrounding area turned up a backpack that was submerged in water, which contained a knife wrapped in a garment and a journal bearing the victim's name.

Dobbs went on the run after allegedly shooting dead his girlfriend's mother and her 13-year-old sister.

Cynthia Morris and Breanna Pavilicek were found at their home on November 8 after Morris's mother called police to share her concerns.

The medical examiner's office has stated that Morris was shot in the torso and neck while Pavilicek suffered gunshot wounds to her head, neck and right shoulder.

Police said Dobbs' grandmother told them she and Morris did not approve of a relationship between Dobbs and Fritch.

The girl's body was found in woodland behind Shenanigans bar in Texas City (above) last Thursday. Dobbs was arrested in the venue after he went in covered in sweat, and asked for a glass of water

Barbara DeRamus told KENS5 that her granddaughter, who was an orchestra musician and had plans to study medicine in college, had met Dobbs online a couple of weeks before the murders.

A short time after the two started dating, the 21-year-old moved in with Fritch's family, but her mother wanted him out.

'He just seemed like a lowlife,' DeRamus said. 'I thought what was Kirsten doing with this idiot.'

The 21-year-old has two children from a previous relationship, and earlier this year he was charged with domestic violence against the children's mother, who claimed that he was a methamphetamine addict.

'I believe he murdered my daughter and my innocent 13-year-old granddaughter,' said the grandmother. 'I hope he rots in hell.'

Police were searching for the gun used in the shootings, according to The Houston Chronicle.

Police issued an amber alert for Kristen last week and shared an image of her mother's car which they said had gone missing

It took police just half an hour to locate her body in woodland last Thursday morning (above) as supplied by KHOU11

The girl's mother and 13-year-old sister were found dead in their home in Baytown last Tuesday (above)
The University of Dayton has refused their students' pleas to remove a 'disrespectful' work of art showing an American flag that appears to have been burned, because they believed it is protected by freedom of speech.

The flag, which was painted black to look like it is scorched, has a sign posted on it that reads, 'We will move forward', with the unnamed artist welcoming viewers to add their own responses and messages next to it.

The artwork was installed in Fitz Hall at the Ohio school two days after the elections, and sparked a horrified reaction from some students.

Ellie Wood told FOX: 'I've never been this upset in my entire life.'

A flag, painted black to look like it was scorched, was installed as a work of art at the University of Dayton two days after the elections. A note on it reads, 'We will move forward'

Among the many notes pinned around the flag is one that reads: 'Sadly, as a nation we are divided. Ever since last Wednesday, the people I love have been scared of the future.

'Friends of difference races, religions and homosexuality have been terrified. We need to see that everyone is affected by this differently. And we stand together.'

Another student, tweeting under the username @hannahhh_kane, said she thought the artwork was 'fundamentally disrespectful, ignorant, and unacceptable', and added her own message explaining the significance of the flag.

She wrote: '"It's just a symbol...Tell that to the thousands of children who received a folded flag instead of their mother or father....'

Wood, who has family members who served in the military, told FOX: 'Anything that gets hung up around campus gets administration approval. It wasn't like it was just thrown up there, people knew about it.'

She also expressed her view as a first-generation US citizen with Irish parents that being an American is a privilege that people 'take advantage of... and disrespect.'

Other students called it 'embarrassing' and one alum said he would never donate money to the school unless it issued a formal apology.

A number of students thought the piece was disrespectful, and were angered that their school allowed it to be installed. One student said she added her own contribution

Tweeting under the handle @hannahhh_kane, one student added this poignant message explaining the significance of the flag

The University of Dayton, a Roman Catholic research university, has not said whether it will take the artwork down, issuing a statement instead that emphasized the First Amendment.

The school said: 'The University is aware of a student art exhibit at the University that includes a display of a modified American flag.

'The American flag is a powerful symbol, which is why artists often use it to elicit strong reactions....

'One of our country's most cherished freedoms is that right to free speech, which has special value in artistic contexts.

'This installation invites the free expression of strong opinions  including disagreement with the artists use of the flag in this way.'

The school also added it would hold an academic forum to highlight 'contrasting perspectives on this artwork'.

While defacing a flag is considered a misdemeanor in Ohio, the Supreme Court ruled in 1989 that flag desecration as a form of symbolic speech is protected by the First Amendment.

'They have the right to control what is or is not on their land,' attorney Jane Lynch told the Dayton Daily News.

The University of Dayton has not said whether it will take the artwork down, issuing a statement instead that emphasized the First Amendment
Electoral College voters across the country are being harassed by Hillary Clinton supporters, in a last-ditch effort to prevent the Trump presidency.

In the U.S., presidents are elected by the Electoral College - not by popular vote. In most states, electors must cast a vote for the winner of their state's popular vote. But some states - like Arizona, Idaho, Michigan and Georgia - don't have a rule against electors going rogue and voting for another candidate.

So Clinton supporters have been harassing electors in the 21 states with no rules against these so-called 'faithless electors' - urging them not to vote for Trump when they officially cast their ballots on December 19

In Arizona, electors have been hit with a barrage of emails and phone calls from unhappy citizens - most of them from out of state.

Electoral College voters across the country are being harassed by Hillary Clinton supporters, in a last-ditch effort to prevent the Trump presidency. Layne Bangerter, an Idaho elector, says a lot of the emails to him have used 'rough language'. He's pictured above in a picture with now President-elect Trump

'It is total harassment,' Robert Graham, an elector and chairman of the state Republican Party, told the Arizona Republic. 'It started about a week ago. Now? 'Bam!' It's hardcore.'

Bruce Ash, another Arizona elector, said he had received hundreds of calls, many of which he described as 'hateful'.

'They demonize me, they call me a homophobic, an isolationist, a bigot, a misogynist, and an anti-Semite, which is interesting because I'm Jewish,' he said.

Arizona elector Saron Geise estimates that she has received as many as 8,000 calls and says she has stopped picking up altogether.

It's a similar story just north in Idaho, which has four electoral college voters.

Idaho Secretary of State Lawrence Deeney told the Idaho Statesman that the phone calls to electors 'are crossing into what could reasonably be considered harassment'.

He called the incidents 'disheartening' and say they show 'a tremendous disrespect for the individuals tasked with casting Idaho's elector ballots'.

'A lot of 'em use bad, rough language,' Idaho elector Layne Bangerter told the Spokesman Review. 'Nothing I feel intimidated over. But we're watching it very closely. They've got our home phone numbers, our cell numbers, our emails, our Facebook. We're just getting an orchestrated barrage from the left.'

Arizona elector Sharon Geise (left) estimates she's received 8,000 calls from people trying to get her to change her vote. Fellow elector Bruce Ash (right) said he had received hundreds of calls, many of which he described as 'hateful'.

'They attack my religion, they attack my politics, they tell me that I must be a terrible father, I must be a terrible American, they use foul language  every swear word,' she added.

Electors in Michigan and Georgia have also been barraged with calls from Clinton supporters.

'You have people saying 'you're a hateful bigot, I hope you die,'' Michigan elector Mike Banerian told the Detroit News. 'I've had people talk about shoving a gun in my mouth and blowing my brains out. And I've received dozens and dozens of those emails. Even the non-threatening-my-life emails are very aggressive.'

'Even if I could, I wouldn't be remotely interested in changing my vote,' Michigan electoral voter Banerian said. 'The people of Michigan spoke, and it's our job to deliver that message.'

'Even if I could, I wouldn't be remotely interested in changing my vote,' said Banerian said. 'The people of Michigan spoke, and it's our job to deliver that message.'

In Georgia, elector Michael McNeely said he was 'getting deluged' with messages.

'But for all the efforts of those sending those out, there's no wavering at all. I'm fully supporting Donald Trump, and I'm not concerned any of us will flip,' he told the Atlanta Journal Constitution.

The likelihood of this plan actually working is slim, since Trump has a considerable lead over Clinton in the Electoral College, despite losing the popular vote.

Clinton would need at least 40 votes changed and there have only been 157 changes in the history of U.S. presidential elections.
at a care facility in Sydneys south in October

A disability carer has been charged for allegedly assaulting a wheelchair-bound woman.

The unidentified patient in her 30s is alleged to have been indecently assaulted by a male staff member at a care facility in Sydneys south in October.

The wheelchair-confined woman was also allegedly threatened.

A disability carer has been charged for allegedly assaulting a wheelchair-bound woman in Sydney's south (stock)

Police from St George Local Area Command were made aware of the alleged indecent assault earlier in November.

The male carer, 30, was arrested on Friday morning at Kogarah Police Station.

He was charged with aggravated indecency, aggravated indecent assault and stalking/intimidation.

The disability carer was granted conditional bail and will appear at Sutherland Local Court on 14 December 2016.

The male carer, 30, was arrested on Friday morning at Kogarah Police Station (pictured)




A father-of-two has been put off eggs for life after finding blood in three as he prepared his sons' breakfast.

Ady Reid had bought the eggs from Iceland in Salford, Greater Manchester, on Wednesday but was disgusted when he cracked them open to make scrambled eggs and found blood in three of them.

He promptly binned the rest of the box after taking photos of the gruesome food.

Ady Reid cracked open the eggs to make breakfast for his sons and was shocked to find a lot of blood inside

Mr Reid said his first thought was 'b***** hell'. He called the chain's customer service team and was offered a refund and a bottle of wine but didn't take it

Mr Reid told the MailOnline: 'My first thought was "b***** hell" excuse the pun.. but in all seriousness, this whole episode has really put me off eggs.

'My youngest son saw the eggs too, he was traumatised.'

Mr Reid, father of two boys, aged 12 and 16, called Iceland to complain, but was not impressed.

He said: 'They offered me a refund and a bottle of wine.

'I just said I'm fed up not hard up, and bid them good day.'

Mr Reid, a businessman, posted the pictures on Facebook and told friends he wouldn't be eating eggs again

The father-of-two said the whole episode had put him off eggs and left his youngest son traumatised as well

Mr Reid, 32, posted the photos of the eggs on Facebook and his friends soon echoed his thoughts saying they would be put off the breakfast dish for a while.

One friend said: 'Think I'll have a salad now.' but another said he would still have six scrambled for breakfast.

The businessman said: 'I'm not a regular in Iceland anyway and I don't think I will be going back after this palaver.

'However I really don't think that they should be letting fertilised hens practically give birth and then passing these eggs on to the consumer.'

Commercial eggs are sorted with a process called candling which makes it rare to get an egg with blood in it on the supermarket shelf.

According to Organic Valley, they are caused by a rupture of a blood vessel during formation.

Some advise that eggs with blood spots can be safe to eat as long as the spot is removed.
Democratic Sen. Harry Reid, who is retiring this year and passing the leadership baton to his colleague Chuck Schumer, knows just who to blame for Hillary Clinton's ballot box defeat: James Comey.

Reid says Clinton would be the president-elect if the FBI director hadn't played politics.

'There is no question in my mind she would have won this election without any problem if Comey had not been the Republican operative that he is,' Reid said Thursday on MSNBC.

The Senate's minority leader stated: 'He is the reason she lost the election.'

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NOT BITTER AT ALL: Democratic Sen. Harry Reid, who is retiring this year and passing the leadership baton to his colleague Chuck Schumer, knows just who to blame for Hillary Clinton's ballot box defeat: James Comey

'There is no question in my mind she would have won this election without any problem if Comey had not been the Republican operative that he is,' Reid said

Reid, 76, held nothing back in the interview, captured by The Hill, excoriating Comey, a Barack Obama appointee with a guaranteed 10 years on the job.

'He can be fat and happy in his office there for seven more years after having thrown the election to Donald Trump. If he feels good about that  that's nice,' Reid said.

Comey notified Congress 11 days before the election that the FBI was looking at a new batch of emails that could be 'pertinent' to its investigation - and left the country hanging until two days before the election.

The FBI came to the same conclusion that it did before, that Clinton shouldn't be prosecuted, and sent the Democratic nominee on her merry way.

Clinton went on to win Reid's home state - Nevada - where Democrats toppled an incumbent Republican lawmaker in the U.S. Senate race. She outdid Trump in national votes, too, but came in second in the contest because of the Electoral College.

'It's easy to second-guess what Hillary did. I love Hillary Clinton, I am sorry she lost,' Reid said on MSNBC. 'I did everything I could to help.'

Clinton told her donors she believes Comey cost her election by interfering at a critical time.

'There are lots of reasons why an election like this is not successful,' she told them. 'But our analysis is that Comeys letter raising doubts that were groundless, baseless, proven to be, stopped our momentum.'

'Just as we were back up on the upward trajectory, the second letter from Comey essentially doing what we knew it wouldsaying there was no there therewas a real motivator for Trumps voters,' she stated.

Clinton overcame her initial email scandal, climbing in the polls after the FBI cleared her of mishandling classified information. The second time around she wasn't as fortunate.

'Trump spent the last four days of this campaign engaged in a nonstop attack on me personally, and the result is the result,' she said during the donor call.

Clinton told her donors she believes Comey cost her election by interfering at a critical time. She's pictured at a gala on Wednesday in Washington, D.C. - where she did not talk about the FBI Director

Clinton made no mention of Comey in a the public concession speech she delivered a day after voting.

Of Trump she said, 'We owe him an open mind and the chance to lead.'

President Barack Obama called on the country to unite behind their new president in remarks he delivered several minutes later.

Reid did not take it as well.

He waited two days and said in statement last Friday, 'White nationalists, Vladimir Putin and ISIS are celebrating Donald Trump's victory, while innocent, law-abiding Americans are wracked with fear.'

'Watching white nationalists celebrate while innocent Americans cry tears of fear does not feel like America.'
A group of four young men have died in a horrific accident after their car lost control, crashed through a guard rail and rolled.

The men - aged 28, 23 and 22 - and a 17-year-old boy all died at the scene in Penola, south-east of Adelaide.

Police and emergency services responded to a single car rollover on the Riddoch Highway about 3am local time on Saturday.

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Four men have lost their lives in a tragic accident after their car lost control and crashed through a guard rail

Heart-breakingly one of the occupants survived the crash, but was unable to be saved by ambulance officers who attended the scene, according to The Advertiser.

'It has a big impact, you've got the families here then you've got the people that have been here,' Wattle Range CFS Group Officer Fred Stent said.

'I just couldn't put it into words really, I feel very, very sad for them[the families], I really do.'

It's believed the four men were a team of forestry workers who were returning to town when their utility vehicle (ute) slammed into a tree and rolled.

They were all local to the area.

'This is a tragedy which will have a profound effect on the families involved and the wider Limestone Coast community,' Sergeant Ryan Meakin said.

He urged the community to rally around the families of those killed, especially going into the festive season.

Emergency service crews who attended the scene were expected to receive counselling.

The men aged 28, 23, 22 and a 17-year-old boy all died at the scene in Penola, southeast of Adelaide

Emergency crews are remain at the scene of the fatal crash , after getting reports of the smash around 3am Saturday morning

The Riddoch Highway, south of Penola, was blocked for several hours as emergency crews attempt to determine the cause of the fatal crash, but has since been reopened.

Police have advised motorists to avoid the area, with heavy vehicles asked to use the Penola Bypass, 50 metres south of the tragic accident on the highway.

The investigation is ongoing.
The Marquis de Sade's earliest work of fiction, The 120 Days of Sodom, is also his most extreme.

It tells the story of four libertines  a duke, a bishop, a judge and a banker  who lock themselves away in a castle with an entourage that includes two harems of teenage boys and girls.

Four ageing prostitutes, appointed as storytellers, each tell of 150 'passions' or perversions over the course of a month.

The 120 Days of Sodom is about four libertines  a duke, a bishop,a judge and a banker  who stay in a castle with an entourage that includes teenage boys and girls. Four ageing prostitutes each tell of 150 'passions' or perversions that occurred. Pictured is the original novel

The libertines enact the passions they hear described, and as these become more violent, the narrative builds to a murderous climax.

Though Sade never finished his novel, and the last three parts are in note form only, it remains a uniquely disturbing work.

And therefore uniquely challenging to translate.

Perhaps this was the reason no one had attempted a new translation since the one first published by Austryn Wainhouse in 1954 (and revised with Richard Seaver in 1966).

In any case, Thomas Wynn and I felt a new version was long overdue, and, much to our surprise, Penguin Classics agreed.

THE ORIGINAL SEXUAL LIBERTINE: THE MARQUIS DE SADE De Sade, was reviled by contemporaries, is portrayed in 'Correspondence de Madame Gourdan' by Marquis de Sade Marquis de Sade (Donatien de Sade) was born into an aristocratic Provencal family in 1740. A sexual libertine, revolutionary politician and writer, he is best known for his scandalous works, which featured rape, paedophilia, bestiality, torture and necrophilia. The Marquis' name even forms the root of the word 'sadism' and sadomasochism. He managed to keep his head through the French Revolution and died, aged 74, in a lunatic asylum. His works meant he had also spent much of his life incarcerated. He acquired his notoriety through Justine, or The Misfortunes of Justice. Published in 1791, it was described by Napoleon Bonaparte as the 'most abominable book ever engendered'. He had written The 120 Days of Sodom six years before, penned in just 37 days in Bastille in 1785. After his death, he began to become a hero to writers and artists who celebrated him as a philosopher worthy of debate. Advertisement

Dealing with the violence was not the only challenge we faced: The 120 Days is also Sade's most obscene work of fiction.

Over the course of three years, this indeed was the issue that prompted the most discussion and debate between us.

How exactly were we to translate the various rude words of the original French?

Was a vit a prick, dick or a cock?

Though Sade (pictured) never finished his novel, and the last three parts are in note form only, it remains a uniquely disturbing work. Perhaps this was the reason no one had attempted a new translation since the one first published by Austryn Wainhouse in 1954

Weretetons boobs, tits or breasts?

Was a derriere a behind, a backside or, indeed, a derriere?

Was a cul a bum or an arse?

While Wainhouse adopted an eccentric idiom that could be best described as mock-Tudor, we decided to try as far as possible to use sexual slang that was still in use today  as long as it did not sound gratingly contemporary.

Translating obscenity into your own language takes some getting used to.

However familiar one becomes with another language, a trace of otherness always remains.

Sometimes this can add to the beauty of the language, or to its mystique, but when it comes to obscenity there is a distinct softening effect.

DESCENDENTS OF SADE RECLAIM HIS TITLE AFTER 200 YEARS Two centuries after his death, the descendants of the notorious Marquis de Sade have finally embraced their once-reviled relative. The French aristocrat scandalised his contemporaries with his erotic works which saw him locked in prisons and an insane asylum for 32 years. Now, the eldest member of the dynasty, Elzear de Sade, has said the family are no longer ashamed of their controversial ancestor and has reclaimed the title of marquis which has not been used since his 1814. He told The Times: 'The family cut all ties with him after his death and when anyone asked, they would say they had nothing to do with him, pretending they were form another branch. 'Today we are united and proud of our name. It is not at all difficult for us to carry.' For 200 years, his family hid all links with the revolutionary philosopher and writer. But on the bicentenary of his death, de Sade's controversial work, much of which has been translated into many languages and even studied in some French literature degrees, has been celebrated. Elzear de Sade said he found the exhibitions of the Marquis de Sade's life and work 'totally agreeable.' 'A lot of people, writers and philosophers are very happy to show who Sade really was,' added Elzear who claims his ancestor had never actually taken part in debauchery he wrote about. 'He was a writer and a thinker, not a sinner,' he said. Advertisement

Rude words in other languages never have quite the same force, so translating them into one's own language brings the obscenity home in more ways than one.

English reserve probably plays a part in the process, too.

When we started translating 120 Days I soon realised I was instinctively toning the original down, avoiding words that I found jarringly ugly.

I may not have overcome that entirely (no dicks or cocks for me, thank you very much!) but I realised pretty quickly that a watered-down version of Sade's novel would be the worst possible outcome.

How exactly were we to translate the various rude words of the original French? Weretetons boobs, tits or breasts? Was a derriere a behind, a backside or, indeed, a derriere? Was a cul a bum or an arse? Pictured is the original 39 ft scroll Sade wrote the novel on

The last thing we wanted to produce was a text that was any less shocking  and therefore potentially appealing  than the original.

We had a duty to be just as rude, crude, and revolting as Sade.

To ensure consistency we compiled our own Sadean lexicon as we were translating.

Once we had debated the various possible translations of a particular word we would try to settle on one and stick to it. Usually.

So avit would always be a prick, and a cul would always be an arse.

But this wasn't always possible.

When it came to translating tetons, for example, one word was not enough.

One of our most treasured resources as translators was the University of Chicago's database of old French dictionaries, which includes several from the 17th and 18th centuries.

One of the things this showed was that teton was not always quite as familiar or coarse as the English 'tit' (Moliere and Voltaire both used it), so we had to be attentive to these different inflections.

The last thing McMorran wanted was to produce a text that was any less shocking  and therefore potentially appealing  than the original. But he had a duty to be just as rude, crude, and revolting as Sade. Picturesd is the scroll at the Letters and Manuscripts Museum in Paris

In cases like these, it matters whether the word is written by the narrator or spoken by one of the characters, whether it is said by a man or a woman, neutrally or insultingly, and so on  a man or woman writing 'breasts' is very different to a man saying 'tits' and very different to a woman saying 'boobs'.

The term that gave us the most trouble by far was the verb se branler  a slang term meaning to masturbate that is still commonly used by French speakers today.

There may be no shortage of English equivalents, but nor is there any shortage of Englishes to consider  and therein lies the problem.

The most obvious English equivalent  'to wank'  would be unfamiliar and odd on one side of the Atlantic, while 'to jerk off' would be familiar but decidedly American in its associations to English readers.

We contemplated 'to pleasure oneself' but it seemed a little sex-positive and a little too polite, while 'fapping' had yet to hit the public (or our) consciousness.

Ultimately, we decided on 'to frig' even though we were aware that this use of the word would be unfamiliar to many readers  particularly those too young to remember the Sex Pistols' version of Friggin' in the Riggin' (1979).

Since there was only one attempt that was revised of The 120 Days of Sodom, McMorran and his colleague Thomas Wynn felt a new version was long overdue, and, much to their surprise, Penguin Classics agreed.

When we canvassed our students, most thought 'frig' was a euphemism for 'fuck'; and indeed most dictionaries now give 'have sexual intercourse with' as the first definition, and 'to masturbate' as the second.

But 'to frig' works in a way that the alternatives do not  it is compact, and usable reflexively or non-reflexively, and transitively or intransitively.

We think  or hope  its general unfamiliarity might work in its favour for many readers, as this will mean it won't have strong associations of one particular form of English.

In any case, as it occurs so frequently in our translation, we hope readers will soon get used to it and that its initial strangeness will soon be forgotten.
A pair of Chinese astronauts have returned from a month-long stay aboard the country's space station.

The two astronauts, Jing Haipeng, 50, and Chen Dong, 38, spent 30 days aboard the Tiangong 2 space laboratory, or 'Heavenly Palace 2'.

This marks China's sixth and longest crewed mission and a sign of the growing ambitions of its rapidly advancing space program, that hopes to see a manned mission to Mars within the decade.

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A pair of Chinese astronauts have returned from a month-long stay aboard the country's space station. The two astronauts, Jing Haipeng and Chen Dong, spent 30 days aboard the Tiangong 2 space laboratory, or 'Heavenly Palace 2'. The return capsule is pictured

China's Shenzhou-11 space capsule landed safely in the northern region of Inner Mongolia with two astronauts aboard.

Veteran mission commander Jing Haipeng and first-time space traveller Chen Dong were reported in good health after their Shenzhou-11 return vehicle landed on the frozen steppes of Inner Mongolia.

Mission commander Zhang Youxia, who is also a senior military official, said in a televised speech that they were in 'good condition'.

'The Tiangong 2 and Shenzhou 11 flight duties were a complete success,' Zhang said.

The Shenzhou-11 spacecraft blasted off from the Jiuquan Satellite Launch Centre in the Gobi desert on 17 October.

Veteran mission commander Jing Haipeng and first-time space traveller Chen Dong were reported in good health after their Shenzhou-11 return vehicle landed on the frozen steppes of Inner Mongolia. The successful landing is pictured

CHINA'S SPACE STATION China could start building its space station starting as early as next year, Xinhua quoted Zhou Jianping, chief engineer of the manned spaceflight programme, as saying. 'Once the lab mission comes to an end, China will start building our own space station,' Zhou was quoted as saying. The station would be more economically efficient than the International Space Station and use 'more data', he said. China will launch a 'core module' for the station some time around 2018, a senior official said in April, part of a plan for a permanent manned space station in service around 2022. China was prevented from participating in the International Space Station, mainly due to US concerns over the security risks of involving the increasingly assertive Chinese military in the multinational effort. Advertisement

The pair spent 30 days aboard the Tiangong 2 station, conducting experiments and testing equipment in preparation for the launching of the station's core module in 2018.

A fully functioning, permanently crewed space station is on course to begin operations six years from now and is slated to run for at least a decade.

The success of the mission 'indicates that our manned space program has achieved major new progress and is the latest achievement in building a country of innovation and a world power of science and technology,' the ruling Communist Party's Central Committee, the Cabinet and the party commission controlling the military said in a congratulatory message.

'It is the newest achievement of Chinese people in climbing the peak of the world,' said the letter, read out by Vice Premier Zhao Gaoli at the space flight control centre in Beijing.

Since first launching a human into space 13 years ago, China has launched two space stations, staged a space-walk, landed a rover on the moon and is now considering sending a crewed lunar mission.

The astronauts remained on board for 30 days - the longest stay thus far by Chinese astronauts - to conduct tests on spacecraft-related technologies and scientific and engineering experiments. The spacecraft blasting off in October is shown

China's Shenzhou-11 space capsule landed safely in the northern region of Inner Mongolia with two astronauts aboard. Helicopters stand by at the landing area for Shenzhou-11 spacecraft, pictured

Veteran mission commander Jing Haipeng and first-time space traveller Chen Dong were reported in good health after their Shenzhou-11 return vehicle landed on the frozen steppes of Inner Mongolia.Members of a ground searching team pictured

The Tiangong, or 'Heavenly Palace,' space stations are considered stepping stones to a mission to send a rover to Mars by the end of the decade.

Communications with the disused experimental Tiangong 1 station have been cut and it is expected to burn up on entering the atmosphere next year.

China was excluded from the International Space Station mainly due to US legislation barring such cooperation and concerns over the Chinese space program's strongly military character.

Chinese officials are now looking to internationalize their own program by offering to help finance other countries' missions to Tiangong 2, which, at 54 tonnes (60 tons) when completed, would still be considerably smaller than the 380-tonne (420-ton) ISS.

The space station was launched on September 15 and is orbiting (244 miles )393 kilometres) above Earth.

Tiangong 2 will remain in its orbit and next docks with Tianzhou 1, China's first cargo spacecraft, which is set to be launched in April next year, according to state media.

China will launch a 'core module' for its first space station some time around 2018, a senior official said in April, part of a plan for a permanent manned space station in service around 2022.

China is pouring billions into its military-run space programme and working to catch up with the US and Europe, with hopes to have a crewed outpost by 2022
The search for mysterious 'fast radio bursts'  very brief but intense pulses of radio waves from outer space  is heating up.

Nobody knows what causes these powerful bursts, but some have speculated that the signals could be transmitted by distant alien civilisations.

Now an international team of astronomers has detected the brightest ever fast radio burst, and say they are close to pinning down the source.

Professor Carole Mundell, Head of Physics at the University of Bath, explains how researchers are tracing the blip.

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Astronomers have detected the brightest ever fast radio burst. Some astronomers have suggested these brief, intense flashes are flares produced in the atmospheres of certain stars in our own Milky Way galaxy  a process similar to solar flares

WHAT ARE FAST RADIO BURSTS? Fast radio bursts, or FRBs, are radio emissions that appear temporarily and randomly, making them not only hard to find, but also hard to study. The mystery stems from the fact it is not known what could produce such a short and sharp burst. This has led some to speculate they could be anything from stars colliding to artificially created messages. The first FRB was spotted, or rather 'heard' by radio telescopes, back in 2007. But it was so temporary and seemingly random that it took years for astronomers to agree it wasn't a glitch in one of the telescope's instruments. Advertisement

Despite their intensity, the nature and origin of fast radio bursts is still hotly debated.

Some astronomers have suggested these brief, intense flashes are flares produced in the atmospheres of certain stars in our own Milky Way galaxy  a process similar to solar flares.

Others argue they are caused by cosmic collisions such as a neutron star (a collapsed core of a large star) colliding with a black hole in a distant galaxy, or speculated that they could be alien signals.

Now an international team of astronomers has detected the brightest ever fast radio burst.

Dubbed FRB 150807 after its discovery date, the burst of intense radio waves lasted less than half a millisecond  that is 0.1 per cent of the time it takes a human to blink.

Dubbed FRB 150807 after its discovery date, the burst of intense radio waves lasted less than half a millisecond  that is 0.1 per cent of the time it takes a human to blink.

And the study, published in Science, has come closer than any before it to pinning down where the blip came from.

The research comes just days after another study reported having seen a fast radio burst together with an outburst of gamma rays, extremely energetic electromagnetic radiation.

The first fast radio burst  the Lorimer burst  was discovered serendipitously by radio astronomers using Australia's Parkes telescope to search for pulsed radio emissions from spinning neutron stars called pulsars.

The Lorimer burst remained a curiosity until other fast radio bursts at different positions in the sky were discovered by other telescopes such as the giant Arecibo radio telescope in Puerto Rico and the 100-metre Greenbank dish in the US.

But progress in understanding this enigmatic phenomenon has been slow.

This is partly down to the short duration of the bursts, the limited resolution provided by the telescopes and the uncertainty of the sky positions of the bursts.

The first fast radio burst  the Lorimer burst  was discovered serendipitously by radio astronomers using Australia's Parkes telescope to search for pulsed radio emissions from spinning neutron stars called pulsars

Trying to discover a burst and, at exactly the same time, pinpoint accurately where in the sky it comes from is difficult.

If a radio signal could be backed up by telescopes that are searching for other kinds of electromagnetic radiation (such as X-rays or the kind of 'optical light' that we can see), we could measure the distance and understand the physics processes driving these events.

If the processes driving these bursts are similar to those responsible for other cosmic explosions, such as gamma ray bursts, astronomers suspect that radiation at other wavelengths is likely to be emitted in the same event that caused the fast radio bursts.

But it's proven difficult to catch.

Indirect estimates of distances have been made by measuring how the radio signal is smeared out.

This can help infer the amount of material the light has travelled through.

From this, the distance of the fast radio burst from Earth can be estimated, using a variety of assumptions such as the amount of matter between us.

Such measurements have indicated that the origins of fast radio bursts lie far beyond our galaxy.

TRACING THE BLIP

FRB 150807 is remarkable for its short duration, radio brightness and high degree of linear 'polarisation'  a property describing the plane of the vibrations that make up the waves.

Combining these properties, the new study suggests that the burst occurred in a galaxy over a billion light years away, identified by the Visible and Infrared Survey Telescope for Astronomy (VISTA) Hemisphere Survey.

This is the closest we've ever got to pinpointing where a fast radio burst came from.

The polarisation of light is affected by magnetic fields surrounding it.

So knowing that helped the researchers estimate the magnetic properties of the plasma through which the radio waves travelled.

An artists impression shows the 3 mile (5km) diameter central core of antennas of the Square Kilometre Array, which will help shed light on fast radio bursts

Their analysis suggests that there's only negligible magnetisation of plasma close to the burst site.

Interestingly, if this is correct, it would rule out strongly magnetised objects such as young neutron stars, magnetars or other objects causing it  favoured models so far.

This study shows that as the small number of recorded fast radio bursts grows and their properties become better known, the exciting prospect of understanding what produces them becomes increasingly feasible.

They could also be used to map out the magnetic fields in the universe  something we know little about.

The next breakthrough may come with the first detection of a visible counterpart or optical afterglow, from which we can measure an accurate distance.

Scientists believe FRBs can emit gamma-rays in one of two ways. The first involves a magnetar  a neutron star left highly magnetised following the collapse of a star  which could be releasing enormous magnetic flares, similar to solar flares (illustrated)

It may happen sooner than you think, given the other recent study's tantalising report of possibly the first detection of a gamma-rays burst coinciding with a fast radio burst with NASA's Swift satellite.

If the two bursts do indeed come from the same source that would be very exciting  it could mean this source is lot more energetic than we had anticipated.

Analysis of FRB 150807 predicts that these events should not be rare  with 190 occurring across the sky per day.
Britain may be about to spend just over 800 million ($1 billion) on 26 Predator drones.

The deadly drone, with a 79 feet (24 metres) wingspan, can fly for 40 hours at a time, carrying two AGM-114 Hellfire missiles or other munitions.

If the deal goes through, 26 Predator unmanned aircraft will be built as early as 2018.

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Britain is looking to spend 803.92 million (1 billion US dollars) on American Predator drones (pictured), equipment and training. The US State Department notified Congress of the sale on Wednesday

HISTORY OF THE PREDATOR DRONES The Predator was first conceived in the early 1990s as an aerial reconnaissance vehicle, and carries cameras and other sensors. However, it has been modified and upgraded to carry and fire two AGM-114 Hellfire missiles or other munitions. The aircraft, in use since 1995, has seen combat over Afghanistan, Pakistan, Bosnia, Serbia, Iraq, Yemen, Libya, Syria, and Somalia. A new, larger version of the military drone with wings 79 feet (24 metres) long flew for the first time in March this year, meaning the drone can fly for 40 hours at a time rather the 27 hours current models can manage. An earlier version of Predator B ER featuring two wing-mounted fuel tanks is currently operational with the US Air Force as MQ-9 Reaper ER. It marked the start of a massive upgrade programme for the drone, which will be a new version available to military bosses in 2018. Advertisement

The new deal follows a major upgrade to Predator drones, built by San Diego-based General Atomics Aeronautical Systems, earlier this year.

A new, larger version of the military drone for the first time in March, meaning the drone can fly for 40 hours at a time rather the 27 hours current models can manage.

Upgraded drones will be available to Ministry of Defence in 2018 if the deal goes through.

'Predator B ER's new 79-foot (24 metres) wing span not only boosts the RPA's endurance and range, but also serves as proof-of-concept for the next-generation Predator B aircraft that will be designed for Type-Certification and airspace integration,' said Linden Blue, CEO.

The new wing span is 13 feet (4 metres) longer, increasing the aircraft's endurance from 27 hours to over 40 hours.

Now, the UK is looking to add 26 of these new killer drones to its fleet.

The spending is part of the UK's recent plan to invest money towards battling threats in 'an increasingly dangerous world'.

As part of the deal, the Ministry of Defence has requested 26 Predator unmanned aircraft, that can each carry and fire two AGM-114 Hellfire missiles.

'The UK is a close ally and an important partner on critical foreign policy and defense issues,' a statement released by the US Defense Security Cooperation Agency said.

The British Ministry of Defence is yet to agree to the purchase, and the process is still in its early stages.

The State Department said the drones will be used by the 'UK's armed forces and coalition forces engaged in current and future peacekeeping, peace-enforcing, counter-insurgent, and counter-terrorism operations'

And before Britain gets hold of them, General Atomics Aeronautical Systems are planning further hardware and software upgrades to the drones.

These include improved structural fatigue and damage tolerance, more robust flight control software, and enhancements allowing operations in adverse weather.

Additional improvements include short-field takeoff and landing performance and spoilers on the wings which enable precision automatic landings.

The wings also have provisions for leading-edge de-ice and integrated low- and high-band RF antennas.

An earlier version of Predator B ER featuring two wing-mounted fuel tanks is currently operational with the US Air Force as MQ-9 Reaper ER.

A new, larger version of the military drone with wings 79 feet (24 metres) long can fly for 40 hours at a time rather the 27 hours current models can manage, flew for the first time this year, It marks the start of a massive upgrade programme for the drone

Air Interdiction Agent Will Brazelton from U.S. Office of Air and Marine (OAM), programs an unmanned Predator aircraft from a flight operations center near the Mexican border at Fort Huachuca in Sierra Vista, Arizona, America.

The UK is not the only country pushing for more drone activity.

Last year it was claimed the US military plans towiden its surveillance and firepower in conflict zones such as Ukraine and the South China Sea with amajor expansion of drone flights, the Wall Street Journalreported.

The Pentagon plans to increase daily flights by 50 per centover the next four years, expanding them from 61 a day now to asmany as 90 by 2019, the Wall Street Journal said, citing senior defence officials.

The paper said up to 10 of the flights could also be run by private contractors, though the non-military flights would not be 'strike missions' such as those used to bomb suspected militants.

Increased flights may be used in other areas such asIraq, Syria and North Africa, the Journal said.

Unmanned drone flights can be used on reconnaissancemissions to gather video, photos and other surveillance data.

They can also be used to launch air strikes, which has beencontroversial under President Barack Obama.

As many as 10 non-strike flights a day would come from private government contractors using older Predator drones rather than newer long-range models, unnamed officials told the Journal.

A report earlier this year said Pentagon officials will increase the number of drone flights per day 50 per cent by 2019. Above, a picture of a MQ-1 Predadtor drone above California

News of plans for increased drone activity come shortly after the number of flights per day was decreased from 65 to 60 because of stress on the devices' pilots. Above, a pilot flies a drone in Afghanistan from Nevada

Under the phased-in plan, the US Air Force would reportedly continueto launch 60 drone flights a day, the Army would dispatch 16 andthe Special Forces Command could contribute up to four.

The news comes after a report earlier this summer saying the Air Force was scaling back its use of drones from 65 per day to 60.

Operators flying the devices from a location near Las Vegas are 'burning out' from stress, according to the New York Times.

Pilots have complained of feeling 'perpetually deployed' as they struggle to transition from spending time with their families to bombing targets thousands of miles away.

However, intelligence and military officials value the information from drone flights, and the US has recently spoken with North African countries about using drones on the continent to combat Islamic State's presence in Libya.
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Travelling around the world is many people's dream, but few have the means to be able to make it happen.

Now Google has found a way of letting people experience what it is like to be in even the most distant parts of world, from the highest mountains to the busiest cities, without even leaving the house.

The firm has released a free virtual reality version of Google Earth that works with the HTC Vive headset, and comes complete with virtual tours of some of the world's most popular destinations.

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Google has found a way of letting you experience what it is like to be in even the most distant parts of world, without even leaving your house. The search engine giant has released a free virtual reality version of Google Earth that works alongside the HTC Vive headset. Yellowstone National Park is pictured

GOOGLE EARTH VR Travelling around the world is many people's dream, but few have the means to be able to make it happen - or at least to visit every destination on their list. Now Google has found a way of letting people experience what it is like to be in even the most distant parts of world, without even leaving the house. The search engine giant has released a free virtual reality version of Google Earth that works with the HTC Vive headset. It works like the standard Google Earth or Google Street View programs - only it is beamed directly into the user's eyes in three dimensions. Advertisement

The programme works like the standard Google Earth or Google Street View programs, except it is beamed directly into the user's eyes in three dimensions.

'Ten years ago, Google Earth began as an effort to help people everywhere explore our planet,' said Mike Podwal, product manager at Google VR, in a blog post.

'And now, with more than two billion downloads, many have.'

'Today, we are introducing Google Earth VR as our next step to help the world see the world.

'With Earth VR, you can fly over a city, stand at the top of the highest peaks, and even soar into space.'

Google also allows users to experience cinematic tours of particularly popular tourist destinations.

'Earth VR comes with cinematic tours and hand-picked destinations that send you to the Amazon River, the Manhattan skyline, the Grand Canyon, the Swiss Alps, and more.'

The project allows users to walk around the likes of the Hong Kong Stadium or Rome's historic Colosseum, or climb the Matterhorn.

Having been rebuilt for room scale VR, the revamped Google Earth also lets users fly around each destination.

Being able to zoom in and rotate the Earth, and even fly through space is expected to give users first-person views that would be almost impossible to achieve in real life.

The Google Earth VR app is available to download for free from the Steam store, the digital software depository that feeds the HTC Vive.

Like Tilt Brush, Earth VR is launching first on the HTC Vive.

The HTC Vive headset comes with a front facing camera, redesigned headstrap for greater stability, an improved visual system with brighter displays - as well as the ability to take calls while immersed in an imaginary world.

On the Steam store, the Earth VR programme has already achieved a 'Very Positive' rating after over 400 reviews.

The interactive module above lets you explore different parts of the world as they would look in Google Earth VR. Click the arrows to change to a new desination

Travelling around the world is many people's dream, but few have the means to be able to make it happen - or at least to visit every destination on their list. Christ the Redeemer, the statue of Jesus Christ in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil is pictured

It works like the standard Google Earth or Google Street View programs - only it is beamed directly into the user's eyes in three dimensions. The project takes things to the next level, allowing users to walk around the likes of the Hong Kong Stadium or climb the Matterhorn, a mountain of the Alps on the border between Switzerland and Italy, pictured

'Today, we are introducing Google Earth VR as our next step to help the world see the world,' Google said. 'With Earth VR, you can fly over a city, stand at the top of the highest peaks, and even soar into space.' The Colosseum in Rome is pictured

This app comes just a few days after Google's Daydream virtual reality headset hit the market.

Google's earlier attempts at a headset, the low cost cardboard app, was popular - but undeniably low budget and not as effective as more expensive devices.

The Daydream features a soft fabric coating , unlike the plastic finish found on most its competitors.

The headset and controller are sold together for $79 (69 in the UK).

Virtual experiences built for Daydream are still limited - but Google's own YouTube and Street View apps are impressive.

For now, the headset works only with Google's Pixel phone.

The Google Earth VR app is available to download for free from the Steam store, the digital software depository that feeds the HTC Vive. The Florence Cathedral in Florence, pictured

Having been rebuilt for room scale VR, the revamped Google Earth also lets users soar around them, flying through the air for first-person views that are almost impossible in real life. The Space Needle in Seattle is pictured

The Hoover Dam is pictured. At 196.9 million square miles, the world is pretty big, so Google has made it easy to find great places to visit. Earth VR comes with cinematic tours and hand-picked destinations that send you to the Amazon River, the Manhattan skyline, the Grand Canyon, the Swiss Alps, and more

WHAT CAN YOU DO WITH GOOGLE DAYDREAM? You can view 360-degree YouTube videos and any 360-degree photos you store on Google Photos. In fact, Google has an entirely new version of YouTube available from last week. This new standalone app was built from the ground up and optimized for VR. You just need a Daydream-ready phone like Pixel and the new Daydream View headset and controller to get started. 'Every single video on the platform becomes an immersive VR experience, from 360-degree videos that let you step inside the content to standard videos shown on a virtual movie screen in the new theater mode,' Google said. The app even includes some familiar features like voice search and a signed in experience so you can follow the channels you subscribe to, check out your playlists and more. You can visit other destinations such as the Galapagos Islands in a 360-degree version of Google's Street View. Google has worked with everyone from the Natural History Museum in London, to fitness and travel sites to create VR videos Even more are promised by the end of the year, including apps for Netflix and Hulu  though all that does is offer video on a giant screen in a virtual living room. There's much more available for Cardboard. Unfortunately, app developers will need to make some tweaks first to make them compatible with Daydream. They'll need to do even more to take advantage of the motion control. Advertisement




Covering millions of square miles and crossing multiple African borders, the Sahara desert is one of the most unforgiving environments in the world.

But at the edge of the desert, giant nets are catching water droplets from the air, bringing drinking water to the people in an arid mountainous region in Morocco.

The project is the largest in the world using fog catcher nets to harvest moisture, easing water pressure from intense droughts which have caused already limited stores of groundwater to dwindle.

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The project in SouthWest Morocco (pictured) uses 600 square metres of netting to harvest moisture from fog, providing drinking water to more than 400 people in five villages

By using 600 square metres (1,968 square feet) of netting in the mountains near Ait Baamrane, the project is providing drinking water to more than 400 people in five villages.

Catching fog has proved successful in arid regions around the world for a number of years.

In Chile, residents on the edge of the high altitude Atacama Desert  the driest place on Earth  have successfully used the system to irrigate their crops.

More recently, a system of fog catchers has been installed in Limpopo province in South Africa, helping to bring drinking water to villagers.

Local NGO Dar Si Hmad has spent 10 years researching and developing the infrastructure and years of testing

HARVESTING FOG The project relies on the abundant fog which is carried into the mountains by ocean winds for six months of the year. As the fog hits the 600 sq metres (1,968 sq ft) of nets at an altitude of 1,225 metres (4,020 ft) above sea level, it condenses, with the water droplets collecting at the bottom of the net and flowing through piping. Filtered water is stored in reservoirs which can hold a total of 539,000 litres (118,563 gallons). Since launching in March 2005, the fog-catcher system captures an average of 6,300 litres (1,660 gallons) per day. Advertisement

While all of these arid regions are lacking in water, air currents can bring waves of condensed moisture to the surrounding mountains in the form of fog.

The Moroccan project, set up by local non-governmental organisation Dar Si Hmad, has spent 10 years researching and developing the infrastructure and years of testing.

Since launching in March 2005, the fog-catcher system captures an average of 6,300 litres (1,660 gallons) per day.

It relies on the abundant fog which is carried into the mountains by ocean winds for six months of the year.

As the fog hits the nets at an altitude of 1,225 metres (4,020 ft) above sea level, it condenses, with the water droplets collecting at the bottom of the net and flowing through piping.

Once collected, the water is cleaned by passing it through UV-light and sand filters, powered by solar panels.

The nets in the mountains near Ait Baamrane in South West Morocco provide drinking water to five villages through an extensive network of pipes

It relies on the abundant fog which is carried into the mountains by ocean winds for six months of the year

CLIMATE CHANGE SUCCESS The Moroccan project has been so successful that it has been awarded the UN's Momentum For Change award, which highlights efforts underway to tackle climate change and implement sustainable technologies. Dar Si Hmad has been presenting the project at the UN's climate change conference in Marrakesh this week, COP22. Advertisement

It then flows through thousands of metres of piping to villages, delivering clean drinking water into homes.

According to Dar Si Hmad, the villages in the region are mainly made up of women and children, as men migrated to urban regions to find work.

Water pressure in the arid region has increased since the 1980s as waves of drought have hit the villagers.

Speaking to CNN, director of Dar Si Hmad, Jamila Bargach, said: 'Before we installed the nets, [villagers] had to walk three hours a day to go to distant, depleted wells, which is what people still do every day in the region where we don't operate.'

Villagers receive the fresh water piped directly into their homes, with the system and network maintained by residents paying affordable water fees.

As the fog hits the nets at an altitude of 1,225 metres (4,020 ft) above sea level, it condenses, with the water droplets collecting at the bottom of the net and flowing through piping

Water pressure in the arid region has increased since the 1980s as waves of drought have hit the villagers. But the project has brought drinking water to the region, with local villagers involved in the building and maintenance (pictured)

So successful is the project, that it has been awarded the UN's Momentum For Change award, which highlights efforts underway to tackle climate change and implement sustainable technologies.

Dar Si Hmad has been presenting the project at the UN's climate change conference in Marrakesh this week, COP22.

In January, the system is due to be upgraded to a newer version of the technology, called CloudFisher nets.

These advanced nets will enable the project to capture even more of the fog over the same area.

Further plans include connecting eight more villages to the pipeline, providing running water to even more people.
A neurosurgeon planning to carry out the first human head transplant has unveiled a virtual reality system that will 'prepare patients for life in a new body'.

Dr Sergio Canavero wants to carry out the operation next year and believes it could lead to people paralysed from the neck down being able to walk again.

Russian wheelchair user Valery Spiridonov has volunteered to take part in the first operation, which would see his head 'frozen' to stop brain cells from dying and tubes connected to support key arteries and veins.

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Created by US firm Inventum Bioengineering Technologies, the technology would enable patients to take part in sessions for months before an operation

The spinal cord would then be cut, repaired and fused on to a donor body and the skin stitched back together.

If successful, the process could still lead to 'unexpected psychological reactions' from the patient as they get used to their new life, so a virtual reality world to prepare them for a different body is being developed.

Created by Chicago-based firm Inventum Bioengineering Technologies, the new VR system would enable patients to take part in sessions for months before an operation.

Inventum chief executive Alexander Pavlovcik said: 'In preparing the patient of Heaven (Head Anastomosis Venture) to transition into a new body, virtual reality training will be used before the surgical procedure to prevent the occurrence of unexpected psychological reactions.

'We are combining the latest advancements in virtual reality to develop the world's first protocol for preparing the patient for bodily freedom after the transplantation procedure.'

Dr Sergio Canavero is planning to carry out the first human head transplant has unveiled a virtual reality system that will 'prepare patients for life in a new body'

'This virtual reality system prepares the patient in the best possible way for a new world that he will be facing with his new body', said Dr Canavero

HOW VIRTUAL REALITY WILL HELP PATIENTS TO WALK The new VR system was created by Chicago-based firm Inventum Bioengineering Technologies. The idea is to enable patients to take part in training sessions in the months leading up to an operation 'to prevent the occurrence of unexpected psychological reactions'. The system comprises a harness to enable to patient to practice in a standing position, along with a VR headset. Hand controls can also be used. The patient will engage in VR experiences involving activities that require the use of bodily movements. These experiences will be developed based on techniques used in conventional neurorehabilitation Dr Canavero and his team believe that this is the best possible way to prepare patients for a world in which they can walk again. Advertisement

Prospective patient Mr Spiridonov said: 'Virtual reality simulations are extremely important as this kind of system allows [us] to get involved into action and learn fast and efficiently.

'As a computer scientist I am extremely certain that it is an essential technology for the Heaven project.'

Dr Canavero, director of the Turin Advanced Neuromodulation Group, showcased the latest 'milestone' during a conference at the Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Glasgow on Friday.

He said: 'This virtual reality system prepares the patient in the best possible way for a new world that he will be facing with his new body.

'A world in which he will be able to walk again.'

The procedure for cutting the spinal cord is said to be so delicate, with the need to avoid nerves, that a knife that can control cuts to a micrometre (one millionth of a metre) has been developed by Farid Amirouche at the University of Illinois.

Dr Canavero said: 'Prof Amirouche has developed probably the sharpest and most precise blade in the world which will allow a clear cut of the spinal cord with a minimal impact on the nerves, a cutting system that is innovative and very inventive.

'It is another milestone on the journey to make the first human head transplant possible.'

If successful, the process could still lead to 'unexpected psychological reactions' from the patient as they get used to their new life, so a virtual reality world to prepare them for a different body is being developed

A cutting device developed by Professor Farid Amirouche at the University of Illinois, Chicago that will be used by a neurosurgeon planning to carry out the first human head transplant

The cutting device developed by Professor Farid Amirouche at the University of Illinois, can control cuts to a micrometre (one millionth of a metre)

In September, the controversial neurosurgeon outlined plans to conduct 'Frankenstein' experiments to reanimate human corpses to test his technique.

Dr Canavero and his collaborators discussed trials to test whether it is possible to reconnect the spinal cord of a head to another body with tests that will stimulate the nervous system in fresh human corpses with electrical pulses.

However, the Russian man who has volunteered to have the first transplant also revealed that his girlfriend is opposed to him having the operation.

Dr Sergio Canavero plans to conduct tests on human corpses before performing a human head transplant next year. Russian Valery Spiridonov has volunteered to be the first person to have the operation (pictured right with Dr Canavero, centre, on Good Morning Britain)

The aim of the surgery is to first cut the spinal cord and then repair it before using electrical or magnetic stimulation to 'reanimate' the nerves and even movement in the corpse.

In an article for the Surgical Neurology International, Dr Canavero and his colleague in South Korea and China drew parallels to the infamous story of Frankenstein, where electricity is used to reanimate the fictional monster.

He pointed to experiments conducted in the 1800s using the corpses of criminals who had been hung as proof such tests could be successful.

Dr Canavero and his colleagues said: 'A fresh cadaver might act as a proxy for a live subject as long as a window of opportunity is respected (a few hours).

Dr Sergio Canavero (pictured) has revealed he and his colleagues will first conduct tests using fresh human corpses that they will 'reanimate' using electrical pulses to test if the spinal cord can be reconnected

GIRLFRIEND OPPOSES PATIENT'S HEAD TRANSPLANT PLAN The man who has volunteered to undergo the first human head transplant in the world has said his girlfriend does not want him to have the controversial surgery. Valery Spiridonov suffers from a genetic disorder that means he is wheelchair bound and physically unable to take care of himself without constant assistance. He has offered to be the first to undergo the controversial procedure proposed by Dr Sergio Canavero which would see him being decapitated and then his head being reattached to a donor's body. But in September, Mr Spiridonov told ITV's Good Morning Britain that his girlfriend is opposed to the operation. He said: 'She supports me in all what I do, but she doesn't think that I need to change, she accepts me the way I am. She doesn't think that I need the surgery. 'My motivation personally is about improving my own life conditions and to go to the stage where I will be able to take care of myself, where I will be independent from other people. 'I need people to help me everyday, even twice a day because I need someone to take me off my bed and put me in my wheelchair, so it makes my life pretty dependable on other people and if there will be a way to change this I believe it should be tried.' Advertisement

'It also implies that the process of deathly disintegration is not an immediate process. We name this effect the "Frankenstein effect".

It comes as Dr Canavero and his colleagues have announced the results of experiments to show they can reconnect the spinal cord after it was severed in a dog.

A series of research papers published in September detail how the animal was able to walk and wag its tail three weeks after being paralysed from the neck down.

Dr Canavero claims the results prove the technique used, known as GEMINI spinal cord fusion, will also work in humans to fuse two ends of a spinal cord together.

This could then be used to connect a transplanted head to a donor body, allowing a paralysed patient to regain control of a body.

Valery Spiridonov (pictured) hopes to be the first person to undergo a head transplant but he has revealed that his girlfriend is opposed to him having the operation

Valery Spiridonov, a 30-year-old Russian computer programmer suffering from a form of spinal muscular atrophy called Werdnig-Hoffmann, has volunteered to undergo the surgery.

CRITICS OPPOSE PROPOSED HEAD TRANSPLANTS Critics say Dr Canavero's plans are 'pure fantasy'. The Italian has been compared to the fictional gothic-horror character Dr Frankenstein and Arthur Caplan, the director of medical ethics at New York University's Langone Medical Centre, has described Dr Canavero as 'nuts'. Dr Hunt Batjer, president elect of the American Association for Neurological Surgeons, told CNN: 'I would not wish this on anyone. I would not allow anyone to do it to me as there are a lot of things worse than death.' Advertisement

However, the claims have been met with scepticism by many in the scientific community who warn the experiments in animals do not yet prove a head transplant will work in humans.

It is unclear exactly how completely the dog's spinal cord was severed before it was treated and its injury is some way from having a total head transplant.

Writing in the journal Surgical Neurology International, Dr Canavero said the results of the experiments should dispel the hysteria around full head transplants 'once and for all'.

He said: 'While of course these results are in need of duplication, there can be no doubt that this new batch of data confirm that a spinal cord, once severed, can be refused with useful behavioral recovery.

'Despite these exciting animal experiments, the proof of the pudding rests in human studies.'

He said that initial tests will be carried out using the bodies of brain dead organ donors where the spinal cord will be severed and treated to see if it can be repaired.

Dr Canavero's plans for a human head transplant (Dr Canavero posing in a photoshoot) have met with criticism from many scientists and his plans remain controversial. He insists, however, the research could help patients with spinal cord injuries

He explained how techniques, such as electrically stimulating movements through the spinal cord or with magnets applied to the brain, known as transcranial magnetic stimulation, will be used to test the connections.

If the spinal cord has reconnected, such stimulation should produce tiny electrical pulses in the nerves further beneath the point where the spinal cord was cut.

Dr Canavero said: 'We believe this has a neuropathological basis.'

He first announced his plans to conduct head  or body  transplant in 2013 and he said in 2015 he believed the challenges involved were surmountable.

Together with colleagues in South Korea, China and the US, he set up the head anastomosis venture, or HEAVEN, project to develop the techniques needed to carry out such an operation.

Earlier this year, Dr Canavero claimed scientists in China had performed a head transplant on a monkey where they connected up the blood supply between the head and the new body.

Earlier this year researchers in China announced they had performed a head transplant on a monkey, reattaching the blood supply from the head of one monkey to the body of another (pictured). They did not, however, attempt to reattach the spinal cord

Valery Spiridonov suffers from a genetic disorder that has left him wheelchair bound. He told Good Morning Britain (pictured) that he hopes having a head transplant will allow him to regain his independence

In a newly published paper, scientists from South Korea claimed to have severed the spinal cord of a dog before injecting it with the PEG solution (pictured). They say the dog regained the ability to walk and wag its tail within three weeks

They did not, however, reconnect the spinal cord and the animal was unable to regain movement.

Dr XiaoPing Ren, a neurosurgeon in China who Dr Canavero claimed had conducted the work later said it could be some time before the first transplant in humans will be carried out.

Speaking last year, he said that experiments in rats have only had a 30 per cent to 50 per cent survival rate.

He told Xinhuanet.com: 'Some rats survived a few hours, the longest is one day.'

In a new set of papers published in the journal Surgical Neurology International and edited by Dr Canavero, researchers in South Korea and the US claim to have reconnected the spinal cords in mice and in a dog.

Dr C-Yoon Kim, a neurosurgeon at Konkuk University in Seoul who has been collaborating with Dr Canavero, severed the spinal cords of 16 mice.

Dr Canavero (pictured) said the first operation on a human would only be carried out once surgeons were sure there was a 90 per cent chance of success. They hope to test some of the techniques needed to reconnect the spinal cord using fresh human cadavers

They injected a chemical called polyethylene glycol (PEG) into the gap between the cut spinal cord in half of the mice.

After four weeks, five of the eight mice who received PEG regained some ability to move but three of the mice died. Those who did not receive PEG also died.

Similar tests using an enhanced version of PEG was given to five rats with severed spinal cords and the South Korean researchers showed electrical signals passed down it after treatment.

However, four of the rats were killed in a flood at the team's laboratory and so they were not able to see if movement was restored.

HOW TO TRANSPLANT A HUMAN HEAD Dr Sergio Canavero and his colleagues have set up the head anastomosis venture, or HEAVEN, project to develop the techniques needed to perform a head transplant. A new body would need to be obtained from a transplant donor who has been declared brain dead. Using an ultra-sharp blade, the head of both patient and donor would need to be severed a the same time to give a clean cut. The patient's head would then be attached to the donor body with the help of a solution known as polyethylene gylcol. This would be injected between the two ends of the spinal cord to help them fuse together. Muscles and the blood supply would be stitched together while the patient is put into a coma to allow them to heal. During that time the patient would be given small electric shocks to stimulate their spinal cord and strengthen the connections between their head and new body. As the patient is brought out of their medically-induced coma, it is hoped they would be able to move, feel their face, and even speak with the same voice. Powerful immunosuppressant drugs would need to be prescribed, however, to stop the new body from being rejected. It is also likely that the patient would require intensive psychological support. Advertisement

In a final experiment the South Korean team tested the PEG solution in a dog after it's spinal cord was almost completely severed. They claim 90 per cent of the cord had been severed.

While the dog was initially paralysed, three days later the team report it was able to move its limbs. By three weeks it could walk and wag its tail. There was no control in the experiments.

According to New Scientist, however, other scientists have raised serious concerns about the results.

Dr Jerry Silver, a neuroscientist at Case Western Reserve University in Ohio, told the magazine: 'These papers do not support moving forward in humans.

'They claim they cut the cervical cord 90 per cent but there's no evidence of that in the paper, just some crude pictures.'

Dr Canavero has described his plans to take advantage of the 'Frankenstein effect' where the muscles of a dead body can be reanimated using electrical or magnetic stimulation. He says he hopes this could be used to test the techniques to reconnect the spinal cord

Others said it could still at least eight years before a human head transplant could realistically be carried out.

However, speaking on ITV's Good Morning Britain in September, Dr Canavero said his team intended to conduct experiments on dead bodies before attempting ahead transplant with Valery Spiridonov.

He said the operation on a living patient would only go ahead when there was at least a 90 per cent chance of them surviving the procedure.

He said: 'The first humans to receive this sort of head transplant will not be Valery, but we will just be performing the first on brain dead organ donors, so the first live head transplant will come about somewhere where we'll be able to transfer the head of a brain dead organ donor onto the body of a decapitated, brain dead organ donor.

'So only after extensive cadaveric rehearsals and this final proof of principle surgery on brain dead organ donors we will move on Valery.

'Actually the list of patients is so long that we can't actually begin to give you all the names including several patients from England.'
One study showed people who swear have a larger vocabulary than others

You might have been told swearing shows a lack of intelligence or a limited vocabulary.

But experts have revealed this is not the case, and the use of profanity can in fact be a sign of a smart person.

Studies have shown those with foul mouths are more articulate and have a larger vocabulary than their peers.

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There is no doubt it can be incredibly offensive to some, but whether swearing is good or bad for us is still up for discussion in the scientific community. Now experts explain the science of profanity, revealing the evidence behind its positive and negative effects. Stock image

IS SWEARING A SIGN OF A GOOD VOCABULARY? Research in 2014 revealed people who frequently swear are more likely to have a bigger vocabulary than their clean-tongued peers. A colourful tongue does not mean the talker is lazy or uneducated, the study published in the Language Sciences journal found. Instead, those who are more confident using taboo words are more articulate in other areas. Kristin and Timothy Jay, the US-based psychologists who co-wrote the study, said it proved swearing was positively correlated with verbal fluency. 'We cannot help but judge others on the basis of their speech,' they wrote. 'Unfortunately, when it comes to taboo language, it is a common assumption that people who swear frequently are lazy, do not have an adequate vocabulary, lack education, or simply cannot control themselves.' Advertisement

Benjamin Bergen, Professor of cognitive sciences at UC San Diego, says we have many misconceptions about using foul language.

Professor Bergen is author of a book called 'What the F: What Swearing Reveals About Our Language, Our Brains, and Ourselves.'

'It turns out that there are amazing things you can find out about how the mind works, how the brain works, people's human sociality just by looking at profanity,' he told CBS.

Swearing could be linked to higher intelligence and a bigger vocabulary.

Research in 2014 revealed people who frequently swear are more likely to have a bigger vocabulary than their clean-tongued peers.

A colourful tongue does not mean the talker is lazy or uneducated, the study published in the Language Sciences journal found.

Instead, those who are more confident using taboo words are more articulate in other areas.

The experiment asked participants to say as many swear words as they could think of in 60 seconds. They were then asked to do the same with animals.

Those who knew the most swear words were more likely to name the most animals as well, the research found.

Kristin and Timothy Jay, the US-based psychologists who co-wrote the study, said it proved swearing was positively correlated with verbal fluency.

The average profile of a swearer is often sophisticated, like that of the swear-word loving spin doctor Malcolm Tucker (played by Peter Capaldi) in TV political satire The Thick of It

TURNING THE NET BLUE: TOP 10 UK SWEAR WORDS ON FACEBOOK 1. F*** 2. S*** 3. Bloody 4. P*** 5. B**** 6. Crap 7. C*** 8. C*** 9. Damn 10. D*** Source: Slate Advertisement

They added that those who used taboo words were able to make nuanced distinctions and could use language expressively.

'We cannot help but judge others on the basis of their speech,' they wrote.

'Unfortunately, when it comes to taboo language, it is a common assumption that people who swear frequently are lazy, do not have an adequate vocabulary, lack education, or simply cannot control themselves.'

In their conclusion, they added: 'The overall finding of this set of studies, that taboo fluency is positively correlated with other measures of verbal fluency, undermines the [normal] view of swearing.

'Speakers who use taboo words understand their general expressive content as well as nuanced distinctions that must be drawn to use slurs appropriately.

'The ability to make nuanced distinctions indicates the presence of more rather than less linguistic knowledge.'

Forty-nine participants aged between 18 and 22 were used in the experiment.

'There's this idea that swearing might be cathartic' Professor Benjamin Bergen, from UC San Diego, told CBS.

But according to Professor Bergen, swearing makes people no less aggressive.

Another group of researchers has claimed swearing is a harmless emotional release which could make you feel stronger - though only in moderation.

In an experiment, participants were made to play aggressive computer games and could recall a wider variety of swear words after their session, as well as turning the air blue much more often.

A colourful tongue does not mean the talker is lazy or uneducated, a study published last year in the Language Sciences journal found. Instead, those who are more confident using taboo words are more articulate in other areas

Rather than just proving we swear more when we are angry, the psychologists insisted, the study showed profanity can be an emotional coping mechanism which makes us feel more resilient.

The group presented the findings of their study to the British Psychological Society's annual conference.

In the video game study, they said, participants were asked to recall as many profanities as they could before and after playing.

Senior lecturer Dr Richard Stephens said: 'The video games made people feel more aggressive so their language became more emotional and they swore. This explains swearing and makes it more acceptable.
The days of having to remember to your ID with you could soon be a thing of the past.

The famous tourist town of Wuzhen, China, is now using face recognition technology to act as its entry pass through the gates of the attraction.

The system uses cameras to spot people as they approach the entry, and checks these against a database of registered visitors within a few seconds.

The facial recognition technology is thought to be up to 99.77 per cent accurate and able to distinguish people better than a human.

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The famous tourist town of Wuzhen, China, is now using face-recognition technology to act as its entry pass through the gates of the attraction (stock image)

HOW DOES IT WORK? Chinese web firm Baidu's system is based on neural networks, which can process huge amounts of data  more than one billion faces  with 99.8 per cent accuracy. As well as recognising faces, the system can also detect facial movements, so can't be fooled by someone holding up a mask. And Baidu does not operate the system or provide cameras or gates. Instead, it licenses its technology, and the servers this runs on, as well as helping the park's operators install the system. Advertisement

Wuzhen is a popular tourist town with visitors flocking to see its stunning river system and museums.

Baidu, a web firm which is often referred to as 'Chinese Google' created the system.

When people now check in to their accommodation, they will have their photo taken and uploaded to a central database.

Upon leaving and re-entering the town, the system will re-check that they are still a guest at a hotel, before allowing them back in.

The technology is being used to track the 5,000 visitors that stay in the town's hotels every day.

Yuanqing Lin, director of the Institute of deep Learning at Baidu, told The Verge: 'With our technology, you don't need to present ID.

'When you are approaching a gate it will take a photo of you and it will compare that photo to the database. Just one step.'

Wuzhen used to monitor its visitors using a ticket-entry system, but this could easily be abused, and it was discovered that some people were sharing their tickets to avoid paying.

A fingerprint identification tool was then introduced, but this took too long, and had lengthy queues.

Wuzhen is a popular tourist town, with visitors flocking to see its stunning river system, and museums

Unlike the fingerprint identification tool, the facial recognition system uses cameras, which can identify faces within a matter of seconds, reducing the wait time to go in and out of Wuzhen.

Baidu's system is based on neural networks, which can process huge amounts of data  more than one billion faces  with 99.8 per cent accuracy.

As well as recognising faces, the system can also detect facial movements, so can't be fooled by someone holding up a mask.

However, Baidu does not operate the system or provide cameras or gates.

Wuzhen used to monitor its visitors using a fingerprint identification tool, but this took too long, and had lengthy queues (stock image)

Wuzhen is a popular tourist town on the east coast of China, near Shanghai

Instead, it licenses its technology, and the servers this runs on, as well as helping the park's operators install the system.

So far, Baidu's system is being used in Wuzhen, but the firm is also using the software for employee entry at its Beijing headquarters.

There have previously been concerns about the privacy issues with facial-recognition systems.

So far, Baidu's system is being used in Wuzhen (pictured), but the firm is also using the software for its employee entry at it's Beijing headquarters

Last month, 50 civil rights groups signed a letter asking the US Department of Justice to investigate police use of facial recognition databases, following a report that half of American adults have their images stored in at least one searchable facial recognition database.

They argued that the technology disproportionately affects minorities and has minimal oversight.

'Innocent people don't belong in criminal databases,' said Alvaro Bedoya, Executive Director of the Centre on Privacy & Technology at Georgetown Law and co-author of the report.

'By using face recognition to scan the faces on 26 states' driver's license and ID photos, police and the FBI have basically enrolled half of all adults in a massive virtual line-up.

'This has never been done for fingerprints or DNA. It's uncharted and frankly dangerous territory.'

It is unclear if Baidu plans to install the software at any other locations.
says the e-service will launch at the beginning of next year

A high tech cemetery and crematorium is offering mourners the chance to watch funeral services online before the deceased is uploaded to the cloud.

The chapel in Kent is aiming the service at family and friends unable to attend the service in person.

A camera is being installed at the church, with the feed to be streamed online, to be watched on smartphones and computers anywhere in the world.

A cemetery and crematorium in Kent will begin webcasting funeral services, aiming them at family and friends unable to attend the service in person (stock image)

Not just anyone will be allowed to tune in however, because grieving friends and family will need a password to access the live-stream.

The Kent and Sussex Crematorium and Cemetery in Tunbridge Wells is trialling the new technology at the moment.

Registrar at Tunbridge Wells Borough Council, Ken Dry, said: 'The webcasting facility is a service that we hope will be of help to families and friends who are unable to attend a funeral, perhaps because they live too far away.

'The funeral service is broadcast securely over the internet and accessible only to those who have been given the password.

'A similar facility is offered in many other cemeteries and crematoria.

'The technology is currently being tested here and we envisage it will be available from early 2017.'

The Kent and Sussex Crematorium and Cemetery in Tunbridge Wells is trialling the new technology at the moment, and hopes to begin streaming funeral services from the English cemetery in 2017 (stock image used)

STREAMING FUNERAL SERVICES A cemetery and crematorium in Kent will begin webcasting funeral services from next year. The Kent and Sussex Crematorium and Cemetery in Tunbridge Wells is trialling the new technology at the moment. The webcasts are aimed at family and friends unable to attend the service in person, due to distance or illness. According to the funeral directors, the service will be broadcast over a secure internet connection. Only people with a password will be able to access the stream. It will enable mourners to watch the funeral service on internet-connected devices, including phones, tablets and laptops. Advertisement

Funeral director Robert Hickmott said: 'Hopefully, the webcast would actually cover people who couldn't have made it anyway, because of physical reasons or because of distance.

'My only reservation is over time it may change the attendance, who turns up to services.

'They may not travel great distances but watch online, but that's a long-term view, ten years' time.

'I think it is a good thing, we've had a few requests and it does make sense.'

Former locals think it's a sensible idea.

Michael Palmer used to live in Tunbridge Wells before he moved to Dubai.

He said: 'Living away from your home country isn't easy, and unfortunately you do have to accept there will be important events which you are unable to attend.

'Obviously attending a funeral 'virtually' isn't ideal, but this seems like a sensible use of easily-accessible technology, which could help you to connect to friends and family at a difficult time.'

He added: 'It's also good to feel that you are present in some way, and this could help to make the distance between you and your family feel a little shorter at an important time.'

It will enable mourners to watch the funeral service on internet-connected devices, including phones, tablets and laptops (stock image)

'I could definitely see this being a valuable service too many living abroad, and I applaud the initiative.'

Maurice Knights, 83, from Tunbridge Wells, said: 'It could mean less traffic and congestion at the crematorium which can only be a good thing.

'You get people driving fast because they came from Dorking and thought Tunbridge Wells was only five minutes away. It would take the stress away for some people.'

Registrar Mr Dry added: 'A number of crematoria around the country already offer this facility. We have decided to introduce it because demand elsewhere suggests it may be something that people would like to take advantage of here.'

The service will cost 50 ($60), paid to the council - but those accessing the webcast online will not have to pay.

Online streaming services for funerals have been around for a number of years.

Soldiers, ex-pats and long-lost friends are among those the service most benefits, say experts, with more people tuning in from overseas to bid farewell to their loved ones.

COFFINS OF THE FUTURE If a webcast funeral service isn't futuristic enough, how about a hi tech coffin? One firm in the West MIdlands is building coffins of the future, in which we could be laid to rest in a box with a built-in screen to display photo slideshows and digital messages of condolences. A design for the Coffin of the Future also includes colour-changing lights and built-in loud speakers to project a eulogy or play music. The coffin design includes a large screen on its lid showing a slideshow of memorable images of the deceased. It also includes a social media stream of tributes paid to the deceased. The side panels are fitted with lights that change colour, enabling the deceased's favourite colour to be selected. The coffin also contains integrated speakers, so that the deceaseds eulogy can be projected from the coffin. A design for the Coffin of the Future (shown above) includes a built-in screen to display photo slideshows and digital messages of condolences, colour-changing panels and built-in loud speakers Advertisement

In some cases, funeral directors will make footage of the service available for 30 days by uploading it to their website.

More than half of the crematoria in Wales have been fitted with webcams since 2012, with scores more in England adapting to keep up with digital technology.

While some families request professional filming of services, others have asked directors to set up Skype while the ceremony is carried out, experts said.

'There are often people who can't physically be at the funeral. This is a way of them being able to say their goodbyes without actually being in the service themselves,' a spokesman for the National Association of Funeral Directors told MailOnline.

'It's technology enabling people to say farewell. What we've seen is a change in how people are thinking about planning and arranging a funeral.

'Families are thinking about different ways of incorporating elements of tradition and things that are unique and special to the person that's died.

'Talking to our members, they're all being requested on a fairly regular basis. They're either working with crematoria that have the facilities or some members are using a mobile handset or another digital device and doing Skype.

'Funeral directors are there to organise the funeral for the family and to give them the funeral they want.

'They'll go to great lengths to do that.'

Among homes offering the services in England is Stafford Crematorium Bereavement Services.

A post on its website advertises: 'Sometimes it's not possible to attend a funeral in person. Illness, incapacity and sheer distance prevent many people from attending the funerals of those they have lost.

'Now there is an opportunity for friends and relatives to view a live video stream of the funeral service on a secure, password protected page on the internet.

'The event can be available to review for up to 30 days afterwards, and DVDs are also available on request.'

The cost of offering the service varies depending on whether funeral directors own their own chapel or crematorium, or whether they must pay the council for filming on their premises.

Warren Knight, a digital commerce expert, said the trend of was in keeping with an increasingly tech-savvy age.

'The need for real-time access is becoming a 'must have'. The funeral industry is no different.'

Funeral services given for public figures have been streamed in the past to allow fans and admirers to mourn.
Last month, geologists revealed a troubling discovery about the San Francisco Bay Areas most dangerous fault  its connected to another.

If the deadly Hayward fault and the Rogers Creek fault broke at the same time along their 118-mile stretch, experts warn the resulting earthquake could be up to a magnitude 7.4, creating a disaster which would cause more damage than Hurricane Katrina.

To prepare for catastrophic quakes, roughly 1,200 emergency responders carried out drills across California in a week-long exercise known as 'Vigilant Guard.'

The National Guard, local agencies, and search dogs dug through the rubble of decimated buildings in a simulation that begins with a magnitude 6.7 quake near Las Vegas followed two days later by a magnitude 7.8 along the San Andreas fault, LA Times reports.

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The National Guard, local agencies, and search dogs dug through the rubble of decimated buildings in a simulation that begins with a magnitude 6.7 quake near Las Vegas followed two days later by a magnitude 7.8 along the San Andreas fault

RISK OF A MEGAQUAKE A report from the U.S. Geological Survey has warned the risk of 'the big one' hitting California has increased dramatically. Researchers analysed the latest data from the state's complex system of active geological faults, as well as new methods for translating these data into earthquake likelihoods. The estimate for the likelihood that California will experience a magnitude 8 or larger earthquake in the next 30 years has increased from about 4.7% to about 7.0%, they say. 'We are fortunate that seismic activity in California has been relatively low over the past century,' said Tom Jordan, Director of the Southern California Earthquake Center and a co-author of the study. 'But we know that tectonic forces are continually tightening the springs of the San Andreas fault system, making big quakes inevitable.' Advertisement

Hundreds of civilians volunteered to play victims in the disaster simulations.

Vigilant Guard created a script in which there were major fatalities, along with damages to bridges, airports, and roads.

It even included a collapsed hotel/parking garage and a building that had been struck by an airplane, LA Times reports.

In one part of the drill, the emergency responders rescued a man trapped in an elevator shaft.

And, with the second quakes epicentre in San Bernardino, they say there would be hundreds of fires, concerns of hazardous materials, and jammed escape routes as millions of people flee the devastation.

The massive statewide exercise was hosted by the California National Guard, and combined the efforts of local officials along with members of Arizonas, Hawaiis, and Nevadas National Guards.

Following the drill, engineers and politicians met today in Los Angeles to discuss the threat of a major quake.

We want to be the best prepared, the best trained and the most efficient as possible, Major Richard Chappell told CBS News.

The massive statewide exercise was hosted by the California National Guard, and combined the efforts of local officials along with members of Arizonas, Hawaiis, and Nevadas National Guards

Vigilant Guard created a script in which there were major fatalities, along with damages to bridges, airports, and roads. It even included a collapsed hotel/parking garage and a building that had been struck by an airplane

Fears of a megaquake have recently grown after it was revealed that the Hayward fault and the Rogers Creek fault are connected.

There are nearly seven million people living in the San Francisco Bay Area, and the experts say they all need to be prepared for a strong earthquake.

The longer a fault, the larger an earthquake it can produce, and if the Hayward and Rogers Creek faults went together along their length, it would up to a magnitude 7.4, USGS geophysicist Janet Watt told CBS.

When asked what kind of damage this would create, Watt warned, More damage than Hurricane Katrina in terms of loss.

The Hayward Fault has long been considered a threat because it runs under densely populated neighborhoods east of San Francisco. Using acoustic device that bounces sound waves through water and into the rocks below, researchers found that it joins with a second

The researchers are working to better understand the faults in order to better understand the faults so they can prepare for any potential emergencies.

The Hayward Fault has long been considered a threat because it runs under densely populated neighborhoods east of San Francisco.

Using acoustic device that bounces sound waves through water and into the rocks below, researchers found that it joins with a second, less active underground fracture to the north, beneath San Pablo Bay.

While the discovery doesn't change the estimated earthquake hazard much, it confirms suspicions that the stage is set for what could be a massive quake.

While the discovery doesn't change the estimated earthquake hazard much, it confirms suspicions that the stage is set for what could be a massive quake. If the faults broke simultaneously along their combined 118 miles, they could produce a magnitude 7.4 quake

THE 1906 SAN FRANCISCO EARTHQUAKE The M 7.8 San Francisco earthquake of 19O6 struck the coast at 5.12 am on 18 April 18. Devastating fires lasting several days broke out in the city. As a result about 3,OOO people died and over 8O per cent of San Francisco was destroyed. The earthquake and resulting fire are remembered as one of the worst natural disasters in the history of the US alongside the Galveston Hurricane of 19OO and Hurricane Katrina in 2OO5. People walk through the rubble following an earthquake in San Francisco on April 18, 1906 Advertisement

If the Hayward and Rodgers Creek faults broke simultaneously along their combined 118 miles, they could produce a magnitude 7.4 quake, said scientists from the U.S. Geological Survey.

Such shaking would be more than five times stronger than the 1989 Loma Prieta quake on the San Andreas Fault that killed over 60 people and collapsed part of the San Francisco-Oakland Bay Bridge.

There hasn't been a major quake on the Hayward Fault in more than 140 years. Quakes are caused by a sudden movement in the Earth's crust, releasing stored energy that people feel as shaking.

The last time it broke was in 1868 when a magnitude 6.8 struck, killing 30 people. The Rodgers Creek fracture runs 56 miles north of the bay through the heart of wine country.
A 5-inch-long ornament sculpted from the leg bone of a kangaroo is said to be the oldest-known piece of Indigenous jewelry ever found in Australia.

Archaeologists say the artifact is more than 46,000 years old, and was worn through the nose of one of Australias earliest inhabitants.

This remarkable find now debunks the idea that that bone tool-making was lost during the journey from Africa to Australia and took thousands of years to re-emerge, suggesting the craft instead caught on soon after arrival.

A 5-inch-long ornament sculpted from the leg bone of a kangaroo is said to be the oldest-known piece of Indigenous jewelry ever found in Australia. Archaeologists say the artifact is more than 46,000 years old

HISTORY OF BONE TOOLS Kangaroo leg bones have long been used by Indigenous Australians for leatherwork, basketry, ceremonial tasks, and bodily decoration. As jewelry, both men and women were known to wear a bone ornament through their nose, like the one discovered at the site. Even children sometimes had these nose piercings, while other communities reserved this fashion for certain individuals. Advertisement

According to the researchers from the Australian National University, the discovery in the Kimberly region of northern Australia acts as hard evidence of bone tools and ornaments among the first settlers.

We know people had bone tools in Africa at least 75,000 years ago, said Dr Michelle Langley of the ANU School of Culture, History, and Language.

People were leaving Africa around the same time and arrived in Australia some 60,000 years ago.

Until very recently the earliest bone tools we had found in Australia dated to be about 20,000 years ago, so there has been a 40,000 year gap.

The artifact was unearthed at Carpenters Gap, a large rock-shelter in Windjana Gorge National Park.

In a paper published to Quaternary Science Reviews, the researchers explain that this could now be the earliest example of personal ornamentation on the continent.

Kangaroo leg bones have long been used by Indigenous Australians for leatherwork, basketry, ceremonial tasks, and bodily decoration. All across Australia both men and women would wear a bone point through their nose identical to this one,' Dr Langley explained

Some people believed that the knowledge of bone tool making was lost on the journey between Africa and Australia, Dr Langley said.

With this find, we now know they were making bone tools soon after arriving in Australia.

Its a shaped point made on kangaroo leg bone, and at each end we can see traces of red ochre.

This artifact was found below a deposit dated to 46,000 years ago, so it is older than that date.

Kangaroo leg bones have long been used by Indigenous Australians for leatherwork, basketry, ceremonial tasks, and bodily decoration.

The artifact was unearthed at Carpenters Gap, a large rock-shelter in Windjana Gorge National Park. The discovery in the Kimberly region of northern Australia acts as hard evidence of bone tools and ornaments among the first settlers

The shape of the recently discovered artifact lines up with the characteristics of an awl or a nose-bone.

An awl is small pointed tool, and would be evidence of early leatherworking or basketry occurring more than 46,000 years ago.

But, the researcher say the ancient ornament better fits the nose-bone explanation, proving rare insight on the culture of Australias earliest inhabitants.

ABORIGINAL AUSTRALIANS DID NOT EXIT AFRICA EARLY In the first major genomic study of Aboriginal Australians, researchers have confirmed that along with European and Asian ancestral groups, Papuan and Australian genomes too can be traced back to this migration. The new evidence supports the idea that there was just 'one exit event'. However, once out of Africa, the Papuan and Aboriginal ancestors branched off early on, with some eventually reaching Australia, where they would remain isolated from the rest of the world for thousands of years. New evidence supports the idea that there was one exit event  but once out of Africa, the Papuan and Aboriginal ancestors branched off early on, with some eventually reaching Australia, where they would remain isolated for thousands of years A second study looking at the genomes of indigenous Papua New Guineans found they can trace 2 per cent of their genomes to an earlier but now extinct group of Homo sapiens that left Africa around 120,000 years ago. This suggests the ancestors of those living in Papua New Guinea may have met and bred with these earlier pioneers before they died out. However, most populations living outside Africa appear to not have encountered these earlier Homo sapien migrants. Advertisement

The bone we found is most consistent with those used for facial decoration, according to Dr Langley.

All across Australia both men and women would wear a bone point through their nose identical to this one.

Children in some communities were known to have had their nose pierced quite young, while in others only certain individuals were allowed to adorn themselves in this fashion.
The mysterious 'bright spots' of dwarf planet Ceres have been captured in unprecedented detail - but researchers admit they still don't know what causes them.

Over 130 of the bright patches are dotted across the dwarf planet which brighten and fade during the day - for reasons that continue to be a mystery.

Now, the brightest area on Ceres can be seen standing out amid shadowy, cratered terrain in a dramatic new view from NASA's Dawn spacecraft.

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Occator Crater, home of Ceres' intriguing brightest areas, is prominently featured in this image from NASA's Dawn spacecraft.

WEIRD WORLD OF CERES Ceres is 590 miles (950 km) across and was discovered in 1801. It is the closest dwarf planet to the sun and is located in the asteroid belt, making it the only dwarf planet in the inner solar system. Ceres is the smallest of the bodies currently classified as a 'dwarf planet'. It lies less than three times as far as Earth from the sun - close enough to feel the warmth of the star, allowing ice to melt and reform. Nasa's Dawn spacecraft made its way to Ceres after leaving the asteroid Vesta in 2012. There is high interest in the mission because Ceres is seen as being a record of the early solar system. Advertisement

Dawn snapped this image on Oct. 16, from its fifth science orbit, in which the angle of the sun was different from that in previous orbits.

'This image captures the wonder of soaring above this fascinating, unique world that Dawn is the first to explore,' said Marc Rayman, Dawn's chief engineer and mission director, based at NASA's Jet Propulsion Laboratory, Pasadena, California.

The craft was about 920 miles (1,480 kilometers) above Ceres when this image was taken - an altitude the spacecraft had reached in early October.

Occator Crater, with its central bright region and secondary, less-reflective areas, appears quite prominent near the limb, or edge, of Ceres.

At 57 miles (92 kilometers) wide and 2.5 miles (4 kilometers) deep, Occator displays evidence of recent geologic activity.

The latest research suggests that the bright material in this crater is comprised of salts left behind after a briny liquid emerged from below, froze and then sublimated, meaning it turned from ice into vapor.

The impact that formed the crater millions of years ago unearthed material that blanketed the area outside the crater, and may have triggered the upwelling of salty liquid.

The spacecraft has gathered tens of thousands of images and other information from Ceres since arriving in orbit on March 6, 2015.

After spending more than eight months studying Ceres at an altitude of about 240 miles (385 kilometers), closer than the International Space Station is to Earth, Dawn headed for a higher vantage point in August.

In October, while the spacecraft was at its 920-mile altitude, it returned images and other valuable insights about Ceres.

Dawn scientists also have released an image of Ceres that approximates how the dwarf planet's colors would appear to the human eye. This view, produced by the German Aerospace Center in Berlin, combines images taken from Dawn's first science orbit in 2015, using the framing camera's red, green and blue filters. The color was calculated based on the way Ceres reflects different wavelengths of light.

On Nov. 4, Dawn began making its way to a sixth science orbit, which will be over 4,500 miles (7,200 kilometers) from Ceres.

While Dawn needed to make several changes in its direction while spiraling between most previous orbits at Ceres, engineers have figured out a way for the spacecraft to arrive at this next orbit while the ion engine thrusts in the same direction that Dawn is already going.

This uses less hydrazine and xenon fuel than Dawn's normal spiral maneuvers. Dawn should reach this next orbit in early December.

One goal of Dawn's sixth science orbit is to refine previously collected measurements.

The spacecraft's gamma ray and neutron spectrometer, which has been investigating the composition of Ceres' surface, will characterize the radiation from cosmic rays unrelated to Ceres.

This will allow scientists to subtract 'noise' from measurements of Ceres, making the information more precise.

The dwarf planet could also be hiding something even more fascinating in its shadows, according to the latest data from Nasa's Dawn spacecraft.

Craters at Ceres' poles are permanently engulfed in darkness, a new study suggests, and these spots might be cold enough to have been collecting ice over billions of years.

Permanently shadowed regions capable of accumulating surface ice were identified in the northern hemisphere of Ceres - using images taken by Nasa's Dawn mission, combined with sophisticated computer modeling of illumination

MAPPING THE CERES CRATERS Dr Norbert Schorghofer and his colleagues used images from Dawn's camera to study the northern hemisphere. They used these images to create a 3D map of the dwarf planet, complete with craters and plains. This was input into a computer model, which was used to determine the parts of the planet the sunlight reaches, and how much radiation makes it to the surface. The group also modelled how the conditions change over the course of a year on Ceres. Advertisement

'The conditions on Ceres are right for accumulating deposits of water ice,' said Dr Norbert Schorghofer, a Dawn guest investigator at the University of Hawaii at Manoa.

'Ceres has just enough mass to hold on to water molecules, and the permanently shadowed regions we identified are extremely cold - colder than most that exist on the moon or Mercury.'

Because of the way the dwarf planet is tilted, the poles never receive direct sunlight.

Even the indirect sunlight that reaches the poles never heats it up to more than minus 151 degrees Celsius (minus 240 degrees Fahrenheit), making both the poles a 'cold trap'.

Dr Schorghofer and his colleagues used images from Dawn's camera to study the northern hemisphere, which they demonstrated in a video.

They used these images to create a 3D map of the dwarf planet, complete with craters and plains.

This was input into a computer model, which was used to determine the parts of the planet the sunlight reaches, and how much radiation makes it to the surface.

The group also modelled how the conditions change over the course of a year on Ceres.

Dozens of large, permanently shadowed regions showed up across the northern hemisphere. The largest of these was inside a 10-mile-wide (16-kilometre) crater, less than 40 miles (65 kilometres) from the north pole. When combined, Ceres' permanently shadowed regions occupy about 695 square miles

Dozens of large, permanently shadowed regions showed up across the northern hemisphere.

The largest of these was inside a 10-mile-wide (16-kilometre) crater, less than 40 miles (65 kilometres) from the north pole.

When combined, Ceres' permanently shadowed regions occupy about 695 square miles (1,800 square kilometers, less than 1 percent of the surface area of the northern hemisphere.

The team expects the permanently shadowed regions on Ceres to be colder than those on Mercury or the moon, because Ceres is quite far from the sun, and the shadowed parts of its craters receive little indirect radiation.

'On Ceres, these regions act as cold traps down to relatively low latitudes,' said Erwan Mazarico, a Dawn guest investigator at Goddard. 'On the moon and Mercury, only the permanently shadowed regions very close to the poles get cold enough for ice to be stable on the surface.'

According to the team's calculations, about 1 out of every 1,000 water molecules generated on the surface of Ceres will end up in a cold trap over the course of a year on Ceres, which lasts 1,682 Earth days.

This is enough to build up thin but detectable ice deposits over 100,000 years.

Ceres is the largest body in the asteroid belt between Mars and Jupiter and the only such object classed as a dwarf planet. Nasa's Dawn spacecraft (illustrated) has been in orbit around Ceres for more than a year. One of the biggest surprises has been the discovery of bright spots, which reflect more light than their surroundings

The team expects the permanently shadowed regions on Ceres (artist's impression) to be colder than those on Mercury or the moon. According to the team's calculations, about 1 out of every 1,000 water molecules generated on the surface of Ceres will end up in a cold trap over the course of a year on Ceres, which lasts 1,682 Earth days

'While cold traps may provide surface deposits of water ice as have been seen at the moon and Mercury, Ceres may have been formed with a relatively greater reservoir of water,' said Chris Russell, principal investigator of the Dawn mission who is based at the University of California, Los Angeles.

'Some observations indicate Ceres may be a volatile-rich world that is not dependent on current-day external sources.'

The researchers are hoping to verify their study with direct measurements.
The F-35 Joint Strike Fighter has been hailed as the 'most expensive weapon in history, costing $400bn.

Now, it is finally set for its first mission - despite a last ditch warning from the Pentagons top weapon testing official that it is not ready and could put pilot's lives at risk.

In a memo obtained by the Project On Government Oversight, Michael Gilmore, Director, Operational Test and Evaluation, warns that the Joint Strike Fighter Program Office is simply cut short the plane's development phase in order to pretend that schedule and cost goals are being met.

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The jets will first deploy as part of Marine Fighter Attack Squadron 121 in early 2017, a Marine spokeswoman said. The Pentagon's director of testing recently warned it is 'not on a path toward success but instead on a path toward failing to deliver' the plane's full combat capabilities on time, according to Bloomberg.

BATTLE READY? The software on the F-35 is being constantly upgraded. In 2017, its 3F software will be rolled out, which will give the the aircraft its full war-fighting capability, including the ability to launch certain types of weapons such as the Small Diameter Bomb. Other 3F changes, like improved pilot interfaces and displays, will make the plane easier to operate. Advertisement

'The purpose of this memorandum is to document my continuing concerns regarding progress in the -35 JSF program as you prepare to conduct the upcoming Defense Acquisition Board review,' the note says, according to War is boring.

It calls for the entire programme to be restructured so enough testing can be completed.

'The primary concerns were that the program appeared to be prematurely ending System Development and Demonstration (SDD) and was not taking the necessary steps to be ready for which will be conducted using realistic combat missions fully consistent with our war plans and threat assessments.'

It lists the problems faced, including everything from a lack of testing on guns to issues with the head mounted displays pilots will use in combat.

Taking incompletely developed F-35s into combat will, Gilmore says, place pilots at 'significant risk.'

'If the program continues with plans to close out SDD prematurely, it will carry the high risk of failing and having to repeat the approximately $300-million operational test, and failing for many years to provide the full combat capability Block 3F has long been meant and claimed to provide.

'Finally, the combination of unfnished SDD work and the likely follow-on Operational test would significantly delay, and increase the cost of, achieving the important capabilities which are urgently needed to counter current and emerging threats.

'I therefore recommend very strongly that the program be restructured now and provided the additional resources it clearly requires to deliver its long-planned and sorely needed full Block 3F combat capability.'

The Marines be the first force to deploy the Lockheed Martin jet aboard the USS Wasp (pictured) next year, and will deploy a second contingent soon after, aboard the USS Essex.

The Marines will begin moving 16 F-35Bs to Iwakuni Air Station in Japan early next year, it has been revealed.

The Marines will be the first force to deploy the Lockheed Martin jet aboard the USS Wasp next year, and will deploy a second contingent soon after, aboard the USS Essex.

'We will learn from that, and see what capabilities we need to further develop,' said Marine Lt. Gen. Robert Walsh, the commanding general of the Marines' Combat Development Command, according toDefense One.

'A lot of it's going to be the school of hard knocks.'

The jets will deploy as part of Marine Fighter Attack Squadron 121 in early 2017, a Marine spokeswoman said.

The F-35 Joint Strike Fighter has been hailed as the 'most expensive weapon in history.' But despite a price tag of $400 billion for 2,457 planes, the fifth-generation fighter has been plagued with issues. Pictured is a F-35B aircraft prepares for a landing at Marine Corps Air Station Yuma, Arizona. Now, a new report says the craft could finally be battle ready later this year.

At year's end, six of that squadron's planes will attach to the 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit.

Following over a decade of de and with a price tag of $400 billion for 2,457 planes, the fifth-generation fighter has been plagued with issues.

But it appeared the tide had finally turned earlier this year when the U.S. Air Force has declared an initial squadron of Lockheed Martin Corp F-35A fighter jets ready for combat.

Now, the Pentagon's director of operational testing has poured cold water on the announcement, slamming the planes readiness.

Michael Gilmore, stated the F-35 is 'actually not on a path toward success but instead on a path toward failing to deliver' the plane's full combat capabilities on time, according to Bloomberg.

Gilmore also said the plane is 'running out of time and money' to address deficiencies

'Achieving full combat capability with the Joint Strike Fighter is at substantial risk' of not occurring before development is supposed to end and realistic combat testing begins, he said of the F-35.

The U.S. Air Force has declared an initial squadron of Lockheed Martin Corp F-35A fighter jets ready for combat, marking a major milestone for a program that has faced cost overruns and delays.

However, the most complex software capabilities 'are just being added' and new problems requiring fixes and verification testing 'continue to be discovered at a substantial rate,' Gilmore wrote to Air Force Secretary Deborah Lee James; General David Goldfein, the service's chief of staff; and Frank Kendall, the Pentagon's acquisitions chief.

The action is another achievement for the $379 billion program, the Pentagon's largest weapons project.

The Air Force's decision follows one by the U.S. Marine Corps in July 2015 declaring a first squadron of F-35s ready for combat.

'The U.S. Air Force decision to make the 15 F-35As ... combat ready sends a simple and powerful message to America's friends and foes alike - the F-35 can do its mission,' the program's chief, Air Force Lieutenant General Chris Bogdan, said in a statement.

Dan Grazier, a fellow of the Project On Government Oversight, said, however, 'This is nothing but a public relations stunt.'

He added that it would not be possible to know if the F-35 jets were ready for combat until after initial operational testing.

HOW DOES IT COMPARE WITH ITS 1970S PREDECESSOR, THE F-16 JET? F-35 Role: Stealth multirole fighter First flight: December 15, 2006 Unit cost (not including engine): F-35A - $98million F-35B - $104million F-35C - $116million Number built: 115 (as of November 2014) Length: 15.67m Wingspan: 10.7m Height: 4.33m Max speed (F-35A): 1,930kph Armament: One of the most highly-anticipated features of the F-35 armament is the Small Diameter Bomb II (SBD II).The bomb is able to guide towards its target using laser, imaging infrared or radar homing. It can hit moving or stationary targets in any weather, or at night, with unprecedented reliability and accuracy. The 'super weapon' is predicted to be the most versatile air-to-ground munition in the Pentagon's air combat inventory. The cost per SDB II is said to be around $250,000 and the US military plans on buying as many as 17,000 of them. F-16 Role: Multirole fighter First flight: January 20, 1974 Unit cost: F-16A/B - $14.6million F-16C/D - $18.8million Number built: 4,540+ Length: 15.06m Wingspan: 9.96m Height: 4.88m Max speed (F-16C): 2,120kph Combat history: The F-16 has served in the Air Forces of 26 nations, including the U.S., Israel, Egypt, the Netherlands, Denmark and Norway. During Operation Desert Storm, the 1991 assault on Iraq, F-16s flew over 13,000 operations, more than any other Coalition aircraft. The U.S. has employed the F-16 in operations over the Balkans, Afghanistan and Libya. At its production peak in 1987, the F-16 team in Fort Worth was also making history, by producing 30 F-16s in just 30 days. Thanks to frequent upgrades improving and incorporating new technologies into the cockpit, avionics, sensors and weapons, the aircraft has become more reliable over its 40 years. The F-16 has served in the Air Forces of 26 nations, including the U.S., Israel, Egypt, the Netherlands, Denmark and Norway. Advertisement

'The program is not doing everything they wanted it to do ... But they're at a point now where it is stabilizing and so it is progress,' said Todd Harrison, a defense analyst at the Center for Strategic and International Studies

Officials say the F-35 will give the U.S. military the ability to detect enemy aircraft and other threats far beyond current ranges, allowing the jets to strike targets and disappear long before they are detected.

The U.S. Air Force plans to buy a total of 1,763 F-35A conventional takeoff and landing jets in coming years and will operate the largest F-35 fleet in the world.

Air Force General Herbert Carlisle, commander of Air Combat Command, said work to upgrade the jet would continue in areas such as software, making the displays more intuitive and boosting the ability to share information between aircraft.

The aircraft could provide basic air support at this point but did not have everything the final version would, such as an infrared pointer, Carlisle said, adding that he would try to get the jets deployed to Europe and the Pacific within 18 months.

Lockheed is building three models of the F-35 Lightning II for the U.S. military and 10 countries that have already ordered the jets: Britain, Australia, Norway, Italy, Turkey, Denmark, the Netherlands, Israel, South Korea and Japan.

The Pentagon's F-35 program office said it remained in negotiations with Lockheed over long-delayed contracts for the next two batches of F-35 jets, deals worth about $15 billion.

'We're seeking a fair deal for the F-35 enterprise and industry,' said F-35 program spokesman Joe DellaVedova.

The program, launched in 2001, has made strides in recent years after huge cost overruns and technical problems that sent the project's cost up nearly 70 percent.

Problems with the fighter jet included issues with the radar software and increased risk of neck injury to lower-weight pilots when they ejected from the aircraft.

Last year researchers revealed the hugely delayed and over budget project has finally fired its first shots in the air. The F-35A Lightning II completed the first three airborne gunfire bursts from its internal Gun Airborne Unit (GAU)-22/A 25mm Gatling gun system during a California test flight on October 30th

Industry and U.S. defense officials say they are working hard to continue driving down the cost of the new warplanes to $85 million per plane by 2019, as well as the cost of operating them.

Senator John McCain, the Republican chairman of the Armed Services Committee, said he welcomed the announcement but made clear he intended to keep a close eye on the hugely expensive program.

With a price tag of $400 billion for 2,457 planes, the fifth-generation fighter could finally be battle ready later this year, a new report claims.

'The Senate Armed Services Committee will continue to exercise rigorous oversight of the Joint Strike Fighter program's long-delayed System Development and Demonstration phase as well as the start of the operational test and evaluation phase,' McCain said in a statement.

To become battle ready, at least a dozen individual F-35 must demonstrate their ability to drop bombs and shoot down other planes.

Each jet must be upgraded to a specific software package, and plugged into the complex logistics cloud that manages maintenance.

Workers can be seen on the moving line and forward fuselage assembly areas for the F-35 Joint Strike Fighter at Lockheed Martin Corp's factory located in Fort Worth, Texas

ALIS: THE 'BRAINS' OF THE F35 The problem is with what the Department of Defense officials call the 'brains' of plane, also known as the Autonomic Logistics Information System (ALIS). It is designed to support operations, mission planning and to spot any maintenance issues with the vehicle. It also allows pilots to plan missions and look back at their their performance. ALIS receives Health Reporting Codes via a radio frequency downlink while the F-35 is still in flight; this enables the pre-positioning of parts and qualified maintainers so that when the aircraft lands, downtime is minimised. Advertisement

The F-35 project office had previously set an Aug. 1 target date.

The project has been plagued with delays.

The F-35 Joint Strike Fighter's record on cost, schedule and performance has been a scandal and a tragedy, Senator John McCain told senior Pentagon officials earlier this year.

McCain, the chairman of the Senate Armed Services Committee, said the aircraft's development schedule has stretched to 15 years, deliveries of the F-35 have been delayed, and costs have skyrocketed.

'It's been a scandal and the cost overruns have been disgraceful,' McCain said.

Most recently, problems with its logistics software system grounded the entire fleet.

The issue is with what the Department of Defense officials call the 'brains' of plane, also known as the Autonomic Logistics Information System (ALIS).

A Government Accountability Office report says a failure 'could take the entire fleet offline' because there is no backup system.

The report also says a lack of testing done of the software will mean it's not ready for its deployment by the Air Force in August and the Navy in 2018.

The 'brains' of the F35 are one of three major components, with the other two being the engine and airframe.

CNN points out that the software runs on ground computers rather than operating on the plane itself.

It is designed to support operations, mission planning and to spot any maintenance issues with the vehicle.

'Program officials said that if ALIS is not fully functional, the F-35 could not be operated as frequently as intended,' the report said.

'But a DoD commissioned plan found that schedule slippage and functionality problems with ALIS could lead to $20-100 billion in additional costs.'

So far, the software has been so flawed that maintenance crews have had to resort labour-intensive alternatives.

According to National Interest, in one instance maintainers had to manually burn data onto CDs and to send the massive files across a civilian WiFi network.

One major problem, the report said, is that the F-35 data produced goes through a single main operating unit which has no back up.

'The F-35 is still in development, and this is the time when technical challenges are expected,' Lt. Genernal Chris Bogdon told CNN.

'However, we believe the combined government and industry team will resolve current issues and future discoveries,' he said.

Lead defense contractor for the plane, Lockheed Martin, insists development of the logistics software is on schedule.

a new report says problems with its logistics software system could ground the entire fleet. The problem is with what the Department of Defense officials call the 'brains' of plane, also known as the Autonomic Logistics Information System (ALIS)

'As ALIS development continues, our focus is on the warfighter and delivering the most effective, efficient fleet management system to sustain the F-35 over the next five decades of operations,' said Sharon Parsley, a spokeswoman for Lockheed Martin.

'The recommendations by the GAO are in line with the actions already underway in preparation for full-rate production and worldwide sustainment.'

As well as this month's report, a recent Pentagon report has revealed a massive list of potentially lethal bugs still facing the jet. Pictured is the F-35A, which recently completed its first aerial gun test

This isn't the only problem to plague the program.

Last month, it has emerged the jets complex radar system has a problem - it keeps crashing.

The software glitch that interferes with the ability of the Lockheed Martin F-35 Lightning II Joint Strike Fighter's AN/APG-81 AESA radar working in flight.

This poses the greatest threat to delaying US Air Force (USAF) plans to declare its jets operationally deployable, a top service official told Janes.

Major General Jeffrey Harrigian, director of the air force's F-35 integration office at the Pentagon, described the problem as 'radar stability - the radar's ability to stay up and running'.

'What would happen is they'd get a signal that says either a radar degrade or a radar fail -something that would force us to restart the radar,' Maj Gen Harrigian said

Another Pentagon report revealed a massive list of potentially lethal bugs still facing the jet.

It also found problems with the computer software, including 'in fusion, electronic warfare, and weapons employment result[ing] in ambiguous threat displays, limited ability to respond to threats, and a requirement for off-board sources to provide accurate coordinates for precision attack.'

Last year researchers revealed the hugely delayed and over budget project has finally fired its first shots in the air.

The F-35A Lightning II completed the first three airborne gunfire bursts from its internal Gun Airborne Unit (GAU)-22/A 25mm Gatling gun system during a California test flight on October 30th.

The F-35 also has a smart parts system to ensure everything is working within its limits, and can warn when parts need to be replaced.

However, the computerized maintenance management System, or CMMS, 'incorrectly authorizes older/inappropriate replacement parts.' the report said.

THE EJECTOR SEAT THAT COULD KILL Pilots under 136 pounds aren't allowed to fly any F-35 variant. Pilots under 165 pounds have a 1-in-4 chance of death and 100 percent chance of serious neck injury upon ejecting, according to the testing office. 'The testing showed that the ejection seat rotates backwards after ejection. This results in the pilot's neck becoming extended, as the head moves behind the shoulders in a 'chin up' position. When the parachute inflates and begins to extract the pilot from the seat (with great force), a 'whiplash' action occurs. The rotation of the seat and resulting extension of the neck are greater for lighter weight pilots,' the report states. Sophisticated: Footage from ground testing of the F-35A stealth jet at Edwards Air Force Base in California, shows the awesome firepower of the four-barrel Gatling gun embedded in the left wing Advertisement

It also fails to detect if it's been flying too fast and 'randomly prevented user logins' into its computerised control system.

In the first live firing test, three bursts of one 30 rounds and two 60 rounds each were fired from the aircraft's four-barrel, 25-millimeter Gatling gun.

In integrating the weapon into the stealthy F 35A airframe, the gun must be kept hidden behind closed doors to reduce its radar cross section until the trigger is pulled.

'The successful aerial gun test sortie was a culmination of several years' planning, which intensified in the first half of 2015 at the Edwards F-35 Integrated Test Force (ITF) Flight Test Squadron with a team of Air Force, Lockheed Martin, Pratt & Whitney, General Dynamics, and Northrop Grumman personnel,' said Mike Glass, Edwards ITF flight test director.

'The results of this testing will be used in future blocks of testing, where the accuracy and mission effectiveness capabilities will be evaluated.'

The 25mm gun is embedded in the F-35A's left wing and is designed to be integrated in a way to maintain the F-35's very low observable criteria.

It will provide pilots with the ability to engage air-to-ground and air-to-air targets.

'At the end of the program's system development and demonstration phase in 2017, the F-35 will have an operational gun.
Elon Musk has often boasted Tesla's cars are the fastest production vehicles in the world, and the firm even built in a 'ludicruous mode' to show off its speed.

Now one North Carolina owner has released shocking footage showing just how useful the acceleration can really be.

Jason Hughes posted a video to YouTube showing his Tesla P85D using the firm's 'fast acceleration' to avoid being rear ended on a highway.

Scroll down for video

Look out! Jason Hughes posted a video to YouTube showing his Tesla P85D using the firm's 'fast acceleration' to avoid being rear ended on North Carolina's Highway 10. Here, a driver in Prius can be seen approaching from the rear - and not slowing.

The dashcam footage shows Hughes stopped in his Tesla P85D on North Carolina's Highway 10 while waiting to make a left turn.

'You can hear my blinker is on... you can also see the opposing traffic pass by,' Hughes wrote in the video's description.

A driver in Prius can be seen approaching from the rear - and not slowing.

At the last moment, Hughes hits the accelerator, and is blasted out of harm's way by the boost of speed.

'Distracted driver in the Prius almost plows into me while waiting to make a left turn. I floored it instead,' he wrote.

Hughes later added the car was not in self driving mode.

'The Prius definitely would have smashed into the rear of my car had I not moved,' he said.

'The Prius came to a near complete stop before continuing on at a substantial following distance.

'I eventually turned on to a side street on the right about a half-mile down the road in order to turn around.'

He says even the video doesn't do the car's acceleration justice.

'Probably not many other cars out there that could have done this successfully.

'I was back up to nearly the speed limit (55 MPH) by just after the time this video cut off and by the time the Prius was nearly stopped in the space I was previously stopped.'

Elon Musk has revealed the Model S P100D's special 'ludicrous mode', which already makes it the world's fastest production car, it about to get a speed boost.

RECORD BREAKERS The upgrade will enable the Model S P100D Ludicrous to accelerate from zero to 60 miles per hour in just 2.4 seconds, making it the world's third fastest production car, behind the LaFerrari and the Porsche 918 Spyder. 'However, both the LaFerrari and the Porsche 918 Spyder were limited run, million dollar vehicles and cannot be bought new,' Tesla says. Advertisement

It fact, earlier this week Elon Musk has revealed the car's special 'ludicrous mode', which already makes it the world's fastest production car, it about to get a speed boost.

It will be able to blast drivers and passengers from 0-60 mph in just 2.4 seconds - an improvement of .1 of a second.

The upgrade will enable the Model S P100D Ludicrous to accelerate from zero to 60 miles per hour in just 2.4 seconds, making it the world's third fastest production car, behind the LaFerrari and the Porsche 918 Spyder.

'However, both the LaFerrari and the Porsche 918 Spyder were limited run, million dollar vehicles and cannot be bought new,' Tesla said when the record was previously broken.

'While those cars are small two seaters with very little luggage space, the pure electric, all-wheel drive Model S P100D has four doors, seats up to 5 adults plus 2 children and has exceptional cargo capacity.'

The firm revealed earlier this week it will end unlimited free use of its worldwide charging station network.

The company says cars ordered after Jan. 1, 2017 will get roughly 1,000 miles worth of credits each year at the supercharging stations.

After credits are used, owners will have to pay fees.

Cars ordered or sold on or before Jan. 1 would still get free charging.Tesla didn't specify the fees but says charging would cost less than the price of filling a comparable gasoline car.

The company says it will release fee details later this year. It says prices could fluctuate over time and vary by regional electricity costs.

Muask also revealed that the Model X will get a similar speed boost through a software 'easter egg'

This means that free charging won't apply to the $35,000 Model 3, which is due to enter production in the second half of 2017.

Tesla said 373,000 people put down $1,000 deposits for the Model 3 as of May.

Buyers of new cars ordered or sold on or before Jan. 1 must take delivery before April 1 in order to get the free charging.

WHAT IS LUDICROUS MODE? The name 'Ludicrous mode' comes from Mel Brooks' 1987 'Star Wars' spoof 'Spaceballs,' where a spaceship is able to surpass light speed - traveling so fast it turns plaid. It adds a 'smart fuse' to a car's battery pack to the motors which improves the responsiveness of the motors, speeding up its acceleration times. The mode is currently available as a $10,000 option on the Model S and Model X. It allows the Model S to go from zero to 60 miles per hour in 2.8 seconds - and now, in 2.5 seconds in the new P100D. Tesla had referred to a previous package as 'Insane Mode.' The Model 3 can go from 0-60mph in under six seconds. However, the exact change in performance with Ludicrous mode remains a mystery. Earlier this year, a car website took passengers on a ride in the dual motor sedan and filmed their reactions when Insane mode hits. The Ludicrous mode promises to be even faster Advertisement

Tesla has set up 734 charging stations worldwide that can give the cars 170 miles of range in a half hour.

A 30-amp public charging station can only do 10 miles in a half hour, the company says on its website.

In the U.S., charging stations are across the nation, but many are concentrated in population centers long the East and West Coasts.

Earlier this year the firm introduced new battery options to extend the range of the Model S to 315 miles per charge, making it the first electric car on the market to exceed 300 miles of range.

Tesla drivers who currently own a Model S or Model X P90D Ludicrous can upgrade to the 100 kWh packs for $20,000.

'While the P100D Ludicrous is obviously an expensive vehicle, we want to emphasize that every sale helps pay for the smaller and much more affordable Tesla Model 3 that is in development,' the firm said.

'Without customers willing to buy the expensive Model S and X, we would be unable to fund the smaller, more affordable Model 3 development.'

The larger battery pack will also make the Model X the world's quickest SUV with the ability to accelerate to 60 miles per hour in 2.8 seconds.
Carbon dioxide that is captured and injected into volcanic rock will turn into solid rock in just two years, researchers have found.

Basalt is a volcanic rock that forms from cooling lava and is found all over the world, and researchers say the method has potential to be a large-scale solution for carbon emissions.

The findings suggest CO2 could be converted into stable carbonate minerals in this way, trapping it in rock  rather than letting it escape into the atmosphere  for good.

Carbon dioxide thats captured and injected into basalt will turn into solid rock in just two years, researchers have found. The findings suggest CO2 could be converted into stable carbonate minerals in this way, trapping it in rock for good

CO2 HITS RECORD HIGHS Levels of carbon dioxide in the atmosphere stood at around 278ppm before the Industrial Revolution, a concentration which the World Meteorological Organisation said represented a natural balance on Earth. Human activities have altered the natural balance and in 2015 global average levels of carbon dioxide were 44 per cent above pre-industrial levels. In 2015, for the first time, carbon dioxide levels in the atmosphere were at 400 parts per million (ppm) on average across the year as a whole, the World Meteorological Organisation's (WMO) annual greenhouse gas bulletin reveals. At Mauna Loa in Hawaii, researchers predict carbon dioxide concentrations will stay above the symbolic 400ppm for the whole of 2016 and reach new highs. It will not dip below the 400ppm mark again for many generations, the experts said. Advertisement

In the past, lab studies have shown that CO2 will turn to rock when injected into basalt.

But now, in a study published to the American Chemical Societys Environmental Science & Technology Letters, researchers found this happens out in the field as well.

Numerous examples now point to successful storage of the greenhouse gas.

In Iceland, researchers used CO2 pre-dissolved in water.

And starting in 2009, researchers with Pacific Northwest National Laboratory and the Montana-based Big Sky Carbon Sequestration Partnership injected 1,000 tons of pressurized liquid CO2 into a basalt formation in Washington.

Researchers also injected CO2 into a well in the Columbia River Basalt formation in 2013  and two years later, core samples revealed it had turned into the carbonate mineral ankerite.

Basalt is a common rock in North America and around the world, and researchers say this could be a way to permanently sequester massive amounts of carbon.

The Paris Climate Agreement goes into effect this month in a worldwide effort to fight global warming, with carbon emissions being a major element.

But, the UN recently warned that governments still need to step up their efforts.

In order to have a shot at limiting global warming to the goal of 2 degrees Celsius, the UN Environmental Program said annual emissions will need to be cut by an additional 12-14 billion metric tons by 2030.

Basalt is a common rock in North America and around the world, and researchers say this could be a way to permanently sequester massive amounts of carbon

Climate change has already caused extreme conditions in some parts of the world  especially in the Arctic.

This week, it was revealed that temperatures in the North Pole have hit 36 degrees Farenheit above normal even as polar night bears down.

And in parts of Arctic Russia, experts say the anomalies went even beyond 40 degrees.

Experts are baffled by the exceedingly high temperatures that are now occurring during a time that brings long periods of darkness, and usually, frigid temperatures.

The shocking temperatures come as the earth is on track for its warmest year on record after October temperatures equaled the third-warmest for the month ever, a U.S. government agency said.
York is the UK city with the best community spirit - while Wolverhampton has the worst, according to new research.

Hull was voted the second most neighbourly city, ahead of Belfast, Derby, Plymouth, Wrexham, Newcastle, Swansea, Cardiff and Glasgow.

While at the other end of the friendliness chart, Wolverhampton was followed by Portsmouth, Preston, Milton Keynes, Nottingham, Southampton, Cambridge, Liverpool, Oxford and Lincoln.

The poll of 4,000 people by Bisto revealed that over a third are not satisfied with the level of community spirit in their neighbourhood and 43 per cent would like to see more of it. Only half of Brits know their neighbour's name, only 29 per cent say hello to them and 39 per cent do not engage in any social activities in their neighbourhood.

Bisto teamed up with Dr Stephanie Alice Baker, Lecturer in Sociology at City University of London, to assess 'social and civic attachments'.

Dr Baker said: 'Technology is not solely responsible for a decline in community spirit. A series of social and cultural factors have contributed to people's lack of engagement in their community, including longer working hours, commute times and moving house frequently. Trust and friendship is generated by repeated, meaningful social interactions.'

The top 10 UK cities for community spirit

York was unveiled as the friendliest UK city with 42 per cent of locals having a neighbour they could call for help if they lost a key. A quarter engage in social activities in their neighbourhood (25 per cent) or check in and offer help to vulnerable neighbours (26 per cent). One in four (25 per cent) have invited a neighbour to their home for a meal in the last year

Belfast scored third place in the poll. The research found that only half of Brits know their neighbour's name and only 29 per cent say hello to them

Hull ranked second place for community spirit in the poll of 4,000 people by Bisto. It revealed that over a third are not satisfied with the level of community spirit in their neighbourhood and 43 per cent would like to see more of it

Derby was rated fourth in the UK-wide survey. Research revealed that just over a third of Brits do not meet with local friends or family regularly and 39 per cent do not engage in any social activities in their neighbourhood

Plymouth scored fifth place. Bisto teamed up with Dr Stephanie Alice Baker, Lecturer in Sociology at City University of London, to assess 'social and civic attachments'

Wrexham made it to sixth place. Dr Baker said: 'There's a significant body of literature in sociology that discusses the decline of community in the 20th century. Arguments of this kind have been intensified by the proliferation of digital devices and social media platforms in the 21st century'

Newcastle was rated at number seven in the community spirit poll. Baker added: 'Our findings suggest that technology is not solely responsible for a decline in community spirit. A series of social and cultural factors have contributed to people's lack of engagement in their community, including longer working hours, commute times and moving house frequently'

Swansea was one of several Welsh cities and towns to rank highly for community spirit across the UK. Baker explained: 'Trust and friendship is generated by repeated, meaningful social interactions'

At number nine, Welsh capital Cardiff still manages to maintain a friendly feel. Baker said: 'To increase community spirit, we can start by taking the time to get to know those around us and engaging with them on a regular basis by simply saying hello or sharing a meal together'

Glasgow was the only Scottish city to make the top 10 community spirit list

COMMUNITY SPIRIT IN CITIES ACROSS THE UK Top 10 cities for community spirit 1. York 2. Hull 3. Belfast 4. Derby 5. Plymouth 6. Wrexham 7. Newcastle 8. Swansea 9. Cardiff 10. Glasgow Source: Bisto 10 cities with the worst community spirit 1. Wolverhampton 2. Portsmouth 3. Preston 4. Milton Keynes 5. Nottingham 6. Southampton 7. Cambridge 8. Liverpool 9. Oxford 10. Lincoln Advertisement

The 10 UK cities with the worst community spirit

At the other end of the scale, in Wolverhampton just 32 per cent have a neighbour they could call for help if they lost their key. Just 16 per cent engage in social activities in their neighbourhood and only 13 per cent check in and offer help to vulnerable neighbours. Ten per cent have invited a neighbour to their home for a meal in the last year

Portsmouth came second in the list of cities with the worst community spirit. Discussing the poll, Helen Touchais, brand director at Premier Foods, Bisto, said: 'Whilst the research shows that community spirit across the UK is low, it is encouraging to see that many people want to improve it'

Preston in Lancashire was rated the third least friendly city when it comes to neighbourly relationships

The 1960s town of Milton Keynes in Buckinghamshire came fourth in the poll. The survey was conducted to mark the launch of Bisto Open Door Sunday on November 20, a project encouraging neighbours to get together

Despite its legendary links to Robin Hood, famed for his community spirit, Nottingham was rated as the fifth unfriendliest town in the UK

Southampton took the sixth spot in the poll. Touchias said: 'We have been bringing families together around the table for over 100 years, and now we're encouraging communities to partake in Bisto Open Door Sunday to get to know their neighbours over some good food'

Popular tourist attraction and top university town Cambridge didn't achieve high marks in the friendly neighbour poll. It was rated seventh on the worst community spirit list

Residents of northern powerhouse Liverpool fail to create strong neighbourly bonds, according to the poll. The city came eighth

Established in the 12th century, university town Oxford does not foster strong friendships between its residents. It ranked ninth in the poll
Changing money is one of the more irksome tasks we have to tackle before going on holiday - but Sweden might soon be making it much smoother.

Riksbank, the world's oldest central bank, has announced that it's exploring the concept of a 'digital currency' to accompany its Swedish kroner notes, which could ultimately save tourists a trip to the currency exchange desk.

Enabling people to purchase kroner online would be similar, but not the same, as the way virtual currency Bitcoin is already used by travellers to pay for things like flights and hotels.

Riksbank, the world's oldest central bank, has announced that it's exploring the concept of a 'digital currency' to accompany its Swedish kroner notes, pictured

David Berger, CEO of Digital Currency Council, told MailOnline Travel: 'In comparison with those archaic money exchange kiosks, it's actually easier and less costly to exchange fiat currency - in this case the e-kroner - for digital currencies.'

However, he added: 'In practice, the fact that digital currency is not currently directly accepted as payment by many merchants in Sweden is a limitation.

'The number is rising, but is still estimated to be under a million digital-currency-accepting merchants globally.'

Sweden is currently seeing a huge decline in the use of traditional notes and coins, as the Swiss embrace increasingly efficient card payment methods.

Riksbank, pictured, is the oldest central bank in the world and now one the most progressive

In fact, circulation of its currency has fallen by 40 per cent since 2009.

Riksbank's deputy governor Cecilia Skingsley said in a statement: 'The less those of us living in Sweden use bank notes and coins, the clearer it becomes that the Riksbank needs to investigate whether we should issue electronic money as a complement to the money we have today.'
A man who continues to suffer health problems related to a serious gastric illness he suffered during a holiday has received a five-figure settlement from the tour operator.

Stephen Robson, 52 , and his wife Susan, 42, from Lowestoft, Suffolk, stayed at the Dreams Resort in the Dominican Republic in 2012, booked through First Choice, a subsidiary of TUI.

He strongly suspects that the gastric problems he suffered during the trip were down to the resort's 'unhygienic' handling of food which he says 'was often served lukewarm and left uncovered for long periods of time'.

Stephen Robson, 52, and his wife Susan, 42, pictured, got ill at the Dreams Resort in the Dominican Republic in 2012, booked through First Choice

Four years after the trip, Mr Robson's personal injury lawyers at Sheffield-based Irwin Mitchell settled the case for an undisclosed five-figure sum.

The money was enough to cover the cost of the ruined holiday and the illness he suffered.

Mr Robson's brother booked the holiday in 2012 through First Choice as a present for the couples first wedding anniversary.

However, just days into the trip he began suffering with diarrhoea and vomiting. After receiving treatment at the resort his symptoms continued and he was eventually rushed to hospital, where he remained for three days.

Just days into the trip Mr Robson began suffering with diarrhoea and vomiting and was eventually rushed to hospital, pictured, where he remained for three days

He points to the resort's 'unhygienic' handling of food, pictured, which he says 'was often served lukewarm and left uncovered for long periods of time'

Mr Robson, pictured, hopes the successful outcome of his case encourages First Choice to ensure its endorsed resorts 'take hygiene seriously' in the future.

WHAT IS IRRITABLE BOWEL SYNDROME? Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) is a long-term condition that affects the digestive system. It causes pain or discomfort in the abdomen and a change in your bowel habits. About two in 10 people in the UK are believed to suffer from the illness. Symptoms include: frequent bowel movements (more than three a day) or infrequent bowel movements (less than three a week)

abnormal stool form (lumpy/hard or loose/watery)

abnormal stool passage (straining, urgency or feeling of incomplete evacuation) Other symptoms include extreme bloating, lethargy, nausea, abdominal pain or cramping, flatulence and mucus in the stool. IBS can develop at any age, but symptoms usually arise after adolescence. Women are twice as likely to suffer from it. There is no cure, but it can be eased with lifestyle changes and over-the-counter medicines. Source: BUPA Advertisement

As well as ruining the couples holiday, the illness Mr Robson suffered led to him being diagnosed with irritable bowel syndrome, his lawyers claim, and he has also stopped eating certain foods, including spices and cereals, as they exacerbate his symptoms.

Mr Robson said: 'We were really disappointed with the resort and our experience overall as we noticed some things we were very concerned about.

'The food was often served lukewarm and left uncovered for long periods of time, which meant insects and birds in the restaurant area were able to get at it.'

He continued: 'I never thought that these issues would lead to me developing such terrible symptoms, which appear to have caused me significant long-term health complications, which I may never fully recover from.

'We put our trust in First Choice and the hotel and expected to enjoy a relaxing break away to celebrate our anniversary, but we were left extremely angry and disappointed by the experience.'

Mr Robson added that he hopes the successful outcome of his case encourages First Choice to ensure its endorsed resorts 'take hygiene seriously' in the future.
In a bid to combat Italy's dwindling fertility rate, a group of hotels in Assisi is offering couples who conceive at their accommodation a free holiday.

Ten hotels in the Umbrian birthplace of St Francis have signed up for the initiative, which will either reimburse guests or offer a second trip to couples who can prove conception took place during their stay.

However, the 'Fertility Room' campaign, the brainchild of a local tourism councillor, has stirred up controversy with authorities who claim its sexual theme is incongruous with the ancient city's historic and religious appeal.

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Ten hotels in Assisi have signed up for the initiative, which will either reimburse guests or offer a second trip to couples who can prove conception took place during their stay

The Fertility Room campaign launched on Friday with the slogan - Venite ad Assisi. Insieme! (Come to Assisi. Together!).

To claim their holiday, couples have to produce their newborn's birth certificate dating nine months after their original stay.

The organisers will allow a ten day window for conception.

Couples enrolling in the scheme do not need to be married to participate.

Organisers told The Local: 'Giving birth to a child is an act of deep love, which should be encouraged despite the multitude of difficulties in life.'

To claim their holiday, couples have to produce their newborn's birth certificate dating nine months after their original stay

Local councillor Eugenio Guarducci conceived the scheme to boldly address Italy's ongoing fertility crisis.

The country has the lowest birthrate in the EU and one of the lowest birthrate's worldwide.

In 2015 Italy registered the lowest number of births in more than 150 years as the average childbearing age rose to 31.6 years old.

Some 700,000 Italians want to have children but can't because of infertility problems.

However, the innovative approach to raising awareness of the issue has not attracted support from authorities with the mayor Stefania Proietti telling local paper Assisi Oggi that the scheme has not been officially endorsed.

The Umbria region's councillor, Claudio Ricci, is looking into whether the campaign suits the area's image and if it will shine a positive spotlight on the region.

In 2015 Italy registered the lowest number of births in more than 150 years as the average childbearing age rose to 31.6 years old

Accomodation signed up to the scheme includes Farm Basaletto; Farmhouse Casa Faustina; Farmhouse Le Mandrie di San Paolo; Hotel Upper Room Hotel Cristallo from Moro Gallery Hotel Assisi; Hotel Dei Priori; Hotel Fontebella; The Castle Hotel; and Hotel Windsor Savoia.

Back in September, Italy's Ministry of Health launched its first 'Fertility Day' in an attempt to prevent infertility and sterility through education and health programmes.

Dozens of protesters gathered outside the 'Fertility Day' launch, claiming the Health Ministry had ignored the real economic reasons behind Italy's low birthrate.

They said a stagnant economy, low-paying, temporary work contracts for young people and insufficient public day care, were all contributing factors.

In June, MailOnline reported that Denmark was on the verge of a baby boom - nine months after running a campaign urging people to have more sex

Italy isn't the first destination to try to encourage its population to take holidays to boost the country's falling birth rate.

In June, MailOnline reported that Denmark was on the verge of a baby boom - nine months after running a campaign urging people to have more sex.

A television advert called 'Do it for Mom!' was released last year to encourage Danes to go on holiday in a desperate bid to increase the country's birth rate.

The steamy campaign advert was aimed at older parents and recommended that they contribute to their adult childrens getaways so that they can get a grandchild 'nine months later'.
He infamously falsely reported the death of actor Jeff Goldblum in 2009.

And Richard Wilkins nearly did it again during an interview with Mushroom Records co-founder Michael Gudinski, as they spoke about music legends who have passed away this year.

With Michael mourning the death of Leonard Cohen, Richard joined in on listing names of other late celebrities, such as Prince, David Bowie, and The Eagles rocker Don Henley - who is still alive.

Awkward! Richard Wilkins (left) accidentally listed Don Henley as a dead celebrity when hes's still alive and well, according to music mogul Michael Gudinski (right)

Co-host Karl Stefanovic could be heard as clarifying that 'Don Henley didn't die' while laughing hysterically at his colleague's gaffe, adding: 'He's done it again! He's done it again!'

Karl went on to say: 'Dickie's killed another one,' referring to Richard's industry nickname.

Remaining straight-faced after his blunder, Richard tried to brush it all off by saying: 'It was a slip of the tongue.'

'He's done it again!' Richard's co-hosts didn't let his blunder slide, laughing hysterically while pointing out his mistake after he famously reported actor Jeff Goldblum had died in 2009

Michael was quick to correct the showbiz reporter, saying: 'Don Henley's well alive, I can assure you.'

The music executive and Frontier Touring founder appeared on the breakfast TV segment to promote the alive member of The Eagles' upcoming tour of Australia, following the death of his band-mate Glenn Frey in January this year.

But while he was trying to get on with the interview and answer Richard's questions, the 64-year-old was continually interrupted by the laughter of Karl, Lisa Wilkinson and Sylvia Jeffreys in the background.

Unprofessional? Guest Michael was growing impatient as he was continually interrupted by Karl Stefanovic, Lisa Wilkinson and Sylvia Jeffreys' background laughter

A fan took to Twitter to call the TV presenters out for their insensitive behaviour, Tweeting: '#TodayShow on 9. How rude was Karl & Lisa when Michael was trying, I repeat trying to talk about Don Henley. Grow up. (sic)'

Earlier this week, the panel suffered another embarrassment during an interview with actress Rose Byrne.

The presenters referred to Rose's long-term partner as her 'husband' twice in the interview, causing the actress to become visibly uncomfortable.

'Grow up': A fan took to Twitter to call the TV presenters out for their inappropriate behavior, branding them as 'rude'

The 37-year-old's eyes seemed to widen after Lisa's use of the word 'husband' before she quickly brushed it off and continued chatting.

However, a couple of minutes later Rose appeared to roll her eyes before offering a short, sharp response of 'he's around' when Richard inquired if her 'ridiculously handsome husband' was in Australia with her.

Despite seeming uncomfortable with them calling her longtime love 'husband,' the actress didn't choose to correct the journalists.

Earlier this week: It's the second embarrassing interview the Today panel has had, after referring to Rose Byrne's long-term partner as her 'husband' twice in the same segment

Uncomfortable: The 37-year-old beauty isn't married to her partner of four years, but didn't correct the TV journalists during the interview

Meanwhile, Richard has become well-known for his mistaken reporting of actor Jeff Goldblum's death seven years ago.

He falsely reported the Independence Day: Resurgence star had died after falling off of a cliff in New Zealand.

Biggest blunder: Richard famously reported on the death of actor Jeff Goldblum (right) in 2009




She's the larger than life housewife who never leaves the house without a full face of make-up.

But Gina Liano managed to divert attention from her well-powdered face with an eye-popping amount of cleavage on Thursday night.

The barrister attended Paris Hilton's perfume launch in Melbourne, where her extremely low cut dress also stole the show from the American socialite.

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That's an eyeful: RHOM's Gina Liano attended the launch of Paris Hilton's perfume on Thursday night in Melbourne, where her over the top cleavage stole the show from the guest of honour

Daring display: Gina Liano verged on the edge of a wardrobe malfunction as her revealing dress struggled to contain her large assets

Gina wore a sheer dress adorned by strategically situated silver sequins, with a ruffled hem which ended just before the knee.

Her breasts verged on the edge of a wardrobe malfunction, with the revealing strappy style showing plenty of her assets.

The 50-year-old complemented her dress with sparkling diamond jewellery and matching silver glitter peep toe heels.

Her long brown locks were tousled in their signature style, perfectly matching her rich dark tan.

Polar opposites: Co-star Janet Roach looked positively conservative next to Gina, choosing not to show any cleavage at the event

A hint of green eyeliner under her eyes added a pop of colour to her bronzed face.

Gina was also joined at the event by fellow Real Housewives of Melbourne cast member Janet Roach.

The blonde looked positively conservative in comparison to her loud companion, opting to show no cleavage.

Red carpet regular: The 50-year-old reality TV star is a staple of Melbourne's social scene, famous for her sparkling outfits

Guest of honour: Gina's jaw-dropping cleavage stole the show away from the event's host Paris Hilton

Instead, Janet wore a form-fitting sleeveless gold dress.

Her hair was sleekly styled into a straight bob and she wore corporate-style nude pointed heels.

While Gina has never shied away from a dazzling outfit, her look on Thursday night appears to be her most daring cleavage display yet.

Revealing: The star is no stranger to revealing red carpet outfits but her Thursday night look is her most daring yet

The reality TV has previously admitted to having botox and fillers, telling NW magazine in May that she hasn't ruled out having a boob job to give her breasts a lift in the future.

It's not the only revealing display Gina has done of late.

The 50-year-old recently appeared naked on the cover of Stellar magazine to celebrate her milestone birthday.

Open: Earlier this year Gina admitted to getting botox and fillers, saying she wouldn't rule out a boob job in the future

'If I was in my 30s I probably wouldnt do it,' Gina said.

'But Im 50 and, if I do a glamour shot, I think it can be quite inspiring for women of my age.'

Besides her legal work, the reality star also has a perfume line of her own and recently released a second fragrance.
On a night dedicated to mans best friend it was one particular woman who stood out as she made a memorable appearance in central London.

Indeed, Pascal Craymer caught the eye as she helped registered animal charity K-9 Angels celebrate their fifth birthday at popular Warwick Street venue Sanctum Soho Hotel.

The former TOWIE star, 29, was dressed to impress in a thigh-skimming leather mini-dress while letting her hair down at the event on Thursday evening.

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Ca-nine out of ten! Pascal Craymer caught the eye as she helped registered animal charity K-9 Angels celebrate their fifth birthday at popular Warwick Street venue Sanctum Soho Hotel in central London on Thursday evening

A plunging neckline exposed a generous hint of cleavage as Pascal greeted on lookers with a beaming smile before making her way inside.

Over-the-knee boots gave her ensemble a raunchy flourish, while her dark hair was effortlessly brushed to one side, revealing a face heavy on smoky mascara, soft pink lipstick and foundation.

The former TV personality was on hand to help K-9 celebrate their milestone following a successful five year run, during which the charity has endeavoured to improve the quality of life for dogs all over the world.

Striking: The former TOWIE star, 29, was dressed to impress in a thigh-skimming leather mini-dress while letting her hair down at the event

Here we go: A plunging neckline exposed a generous hint of cleavage as Pascal greeted on lookers with a beaming smile before making her way inside

Finishing touches: Over-the-knee boots gave her ensemble a raunchy flourish

Given the occasion, Pascal was in high spirits as she posed for series of fun snaps with a cute chocolate brown canine shortly after arriving at the London venue.

The brunette beauty went under the knife five years ago, going from a 34B to a 34DD, and previously said watching the Kardashians inspired her to change her appearance.

Speaking to The Sun, she revealed: 'When you watch the Kardashians it makes you want to have your lips and face and almost everything done!

For a good cause: The former TV personality was on hand to help K-9 celebrate their milestone following a successful five year run, during which the charity has endeavoured to improve the quality of life for dogs all over the world

Upbeat: Given the occasion, Pascal was in high spirits as she posed for series of fun snaps with a cute chocolate brown canine shortly after arriving at the London venue

Made up: Pascal's dark hair was effortlessly brushed to one side, revealing a face heavy on smoky mascara, soft pink lipstick and foundation

'Kim K is famous for a certain thing but in our world and reality, and when you want to settle down and have kids thats not natural.'

Pascal also reflected on her troubled past, telling the publication: 'When I was around 16 I used to self-harm with a razor.

'Ive never told anyone before but I didnt know how to cope with my body changing, and I was bullied because of it.'

Enhanced: The brunette beauty went under the knife five years ago, going from a 34B to a 34DD, and previously said watching the Kardashians inspired her to change her appearance

Looking ahead: Pascal is attempting to carve out an acting career following her brief appearance on The Only way Is Essex

On reflection: The TV personality has talked about her regrets over appearing on the hit ITV2 show

Last year, Pascal talked about her regrets over appearing on the hit ITV2 show, where viewers saw her relationship with Essex heartthrob Mario crumble to pieces.

She told FUBAR radio: 'When I went on the show it was completely new to me, I didn't have a clue. My life turned around overnight.

'I thought me and Mario were going somewhere, so I had to let his fans know that he'd moved on [from Lucy].

New path: It was recently announced that she is poised to appear in crime thriller The Dark Return of Time

'I'd gone out with him for a little while, and suddenly it was everywhere  "She might be the one, I want her to meet my parents."

Clearly moving on from her turbulent stint on reality TV however, the busty brunette is now turning her hand to acting.

It was recently announced that she is poised to appear in crime thriller The Dark Return of Time - and is set to join the cast in Paris for filming over the next few weeks.
Paris Hilton has admitted that she does know Rob Mills after denying that fact on The Project.

The 35-year-old heiress revealed to Ryan 'Fitzy' Fitzgerald after the show that she only says she didn't know the Australian actor because she gets embarrassed talking about their failed romance.

Speaking on his radio show, Fitzy explained: ' She basically said, "that's my response now, I just say 'who' because things didn't work out".'

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Awkward: Paris Hilton takes selfie with audience after denying knowing Rob Mills. His mum (far right) can be seen trying to get out of the shot in The Project host Carrie Bickmore's Instagram repost

The radio host and presenter then got Rob's mother on the phone, who coincidentally was in the audience of The Project during Paris's Thursday night appearance.

A picture captured on the night showed the awkward moment when Paris took a selfie in front of Rob's mum Bill.

His mother definitely didn't want to be in shot after her son was dismissed on live TV, and she can be seen awkwardly trying to get out of the frame.

She told the Fitzy & Wippa show: 'I tried very hard not to be in that photo.'

'Who?' Paris Hilton (L) blanked a question about her former fling Rob Mills (R) during an interview on The Project on Thursday

The whole drama began when Fitzy brought up her brief romance with the Australian Idol star.

Near the end of the interview, Fitzy asked if she was in a relationship, and Paris replied: 'I'm very single.'

'Who?' the American socialite responded bluntly, before the segment was quickly wrapped up by TV producers.

Not an approved question? Paris looked awkward when guest host Ryan 'Fitzy' Fitzgerald brought up her brief romance with Rob. Pictured with host Peter Helliar (R)

'Do you still keep in contact with Millsy?' When Fitzy brought up Paris' fling from 13 years ago, things took a rather unfortunate turn

'We're running out of time, Fitz': Meanwhile, The Project host Carrie Bickmore (R) desperately tried to wrap up the segment. Pictured with host Waleed Aly

Paris had a brief relationship with Rob shortly after he rose to fame on the first series of Australian Idol in 2003.

Last month, Rob said he kept in touch with Paris for a year after their fling during an appearance on 2Day FM's Rove And Sam.

'For about a year we did and then that was it. We caught up the next time she was (in Australia),' the 34-year-old said.

Memorable? Paris' sudden memory loss may come as a surprise to Rob, who recently said he kept in touch with the US socialite for a year after their Melbourne Cup hook-up

What a transformation! In the last 13 years, Rob has reinvented himself from reality TV larrikin to respected musical theatre star and TV actor. Pictured in 2014

They first met at an event at Sydney Opera House before heading to an after-party hosted by Osher Gunsberg.

Afterwards, they spent the night at Paris's hotel before meeting up again shortly after the Melbourne Cup.

'We did pretty much everything but (sex) and then we caught up at the races a week after,' he told The Sydney Morning Herald.
Shannen Doherty continues sharing her courageous fight against cancer via social media.

On Thursday, she took her Instagram followers on a trip to a surgeon as part of the process of reconstructing her breast amid a mastectomy she underwent months back.

The 45-year-old beauty posted a brief clip from inside her doctor's office, as her reconstructive surgeon Dr. Jay Orringer and an assistant prepared her for a treatment.

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Warrior: Shannen Dohery, 45, shared an Instagram shot from her doctor's office on Thursday amid her valiant battle against breast cancer

No quit: The actress said she was undergoing a procedure involving her expander, a device used to prime the chest region for a future reconstructive procedure

Sharing her journey: The Charmed star took center stage at a gala held by the American Cancer Society earlier this month

Getting my expander expanded by my reconstructive surgeon @jayorringermd and the lovely Ana Marie. I consider myself very lucky and very blessed to have this man as my doctor. The last couple of days have been busy gearing up for radiation. #warrior #fightlikeagirl #cancerslayer A video posted by ShannenDoherty (@theshando) on Nov 17, 2016 at 11:09am PST

'Getting my expander expanded by my reconstructive surgeon ... and the lovely Ana Marie,' wrote Doherty, who's seen in the clip having iodine applied to her chest. 'I consider myself very lucky and very blessed to have this man as my doctor.'

The expander is a device some use to prime the region for a future reconstructive procedure.

The TV star, who gained fame on the 1990s Fox hit Beverly Hills, 90210, said she's been busy 'the last couple of days ... gearing up for radiation.'

Open book: The veteran actress has provided her fans with details about her painstaking chemotherapy sessions and how she deals with the aftereffects

The resilient actress added the hashtags, '#warrior,' '#fightlikeagirl' and '#cancerslayer.'

In the clip, Shannen said, 'What he's doing is, I have an expander in and because I'm starting radiation soon, he has to over-expand me; make sort of this placeholder, if you will, larger because radiation shrinks it.'

When the actress asked the doctor what percent of her expander would be shrunken as a result of radiation, the doctor told Doherty that radiation has a shrink wrap-like effect on the devices.

Survivor: The strong beauty did not let her health crisis keep her from the ballot booth last week during the U.S. presidential election

The Charmed star, who was previously married to actor Ashley Hamilton and poker player Rick Saloman, recently celebrated her sixth wedding anniversary with husband Kurt Iswarienko.

Shannen's initially breast cancer diagnosis came in February of 2015, and about six months later, she revealed her health crisis publicly. The disclosure came vis a vis a lawsuit the Heathers star filed against her ex-business managers, who she said let her health insurance lapse, delaying the urgent news of the diagnosis. She's since settled the matter.

The brave beauty has been flooded with support from friends, fans and former co-stars as she engages in the fight of her life.

Her base: Shannen's husband of six years, photographer Kurt Iswarienko, has been a stable presence at the beauty's side as she takes on the fight of her life

Positive thinker: Speaking with Chelsea Handler last month, Shannen said 'Whats beautiful and hard and interesting about cancer is that it tears you down and builds you, and tears you down and builds you'

At the Chicago nostaliga convention Rewind Con earlier this month, 90210 heartthrob Luke Perry, 50, said that his former co-star - and onscreen romantic interest - was a huge key to the success of the teen drama.

Perry told the audience, 'Here's the deal. None of us are up here today without Shannen. Oftentimes, Shannen's contributions to the show get forgotten or they somehow get minimized ... the reality is she's a very big part of the success of that program.'

Another former castmate who has lent her support has been Jennie Garth, who called Shannen her 'soul sister' and the 'strongest lady [she's] ever known' in an Instagram post on Sunday. Garth said, 'You've taught me a lot about speaking my mind and not being afraid of my power,' adding that she was 'so grateful' for their longtime friendship.

Kind words: Both Luke Perry (left) and Jennie Garth (right) have publicly praised Shannen in the past week as she continues to take care of her health
Rosamund Pike who is set to appear in the new epic A United Kingdom alongside David Oyelowo

When Rosamund Pike received an email from her friend, actor David Oyelowo, she opened it to reveal a picture of a man and a woman she had never laid eyes on before.

Further images showed the couple holding a baby and the woman listening to an old-fashioned radio with a group of African men.

I looked at these faces, and I started to cry, the actress recalled. Tears started pouring down my face. On some level it touched me really profoundly, and urgently.

All I saw was a white woman and a black man; and I guess maybe their love came out, she told me, with a shake of her head.

They were Ruth Williams and Seretse Khama.

Williams was born in Blackheath, South London. Her father was in the tea trade.

Khama was an Oxford-educated prince from the British protectorate of what was then Bechuanaland (now Botswana) and heir apparent to lead the Bamangwato tribe.

Pike sent Oyelowo a message that read: I dont know who these people are, but I want to be in the film!

The woman she was itching to play defied Britains government and Bechuanalands colonial powers when she married Seretse. By the time she was expecting their first baby, Ruth was in Africa, but he languished in London, prevented from joining his wife in his homeland.

The story of how they were reunited and more (he became Botswanas first democratically elected president; Ruth his first lady) is related in Amma Assantes epic A United Kingdom, released next Friday. The pressure to capitulate was immense. But Ruth was tough. She drove an ambulance at an airfield during the war and was a confidential clerk at an insurance company, Rosamund said.

She was entering a workplace that would have previously been occupied by men. She had that appetite for adventure, and could commit herself to a cause.

Pike has revealed that a picture she saw of the main characters Ruth Williams and Seretse Khama convinced her to take the part

That cause was her love for Seretse. She also showed the strength you can have just by being loyal to someone; and being by their side. Some were envious of that love.

Others disapproved, then  and now. Offensive comments were left on websites featuring the films trailer. Theres obviously a lot of racism, Pike said, sadly. Whats the first thing people see, when they look at a poster of me and David? Do they see a black man with a white woman, who shouldnt be together? Or do they see a couple who love each other?

If she was in a romantic comedy she hoped Oyelowo would be up alongside any other man to play the male lead. But it doesnt happen.

She would love them to work together again. It would be good if it didnt matter to the studios  or anybody else  what colour we are.

Sniffing out an English accent!

The cast of She Loves Me in rehearsals at the Menier Chocolate Factory

Scarlett Strallen was rehearsing a number called Dear Friend, from the musical She Loves Me.

The song, in her clear soprano voice, sounded familiar to me  but different, too.

Mark Umbers, one of the shows leading men, volunteered that it might be because it was being performed in an English accent.

Well, obviously, I thought. Then director Matthew White explained that the last London production, 20 years ago, which starred Ruthie Henshall and John Gordon Sinclair, was based on a U.S. version. They were directed to act in American: with an American accent, he said.

This is set in Budapest! White exclaimed. So theres no reason to do an American accent.

So White decided his cast at the Menier Chocolate Factory would not only do it in English, they would do it with regional accents.

One lad  17-year-old Callum Scott Howells, who ended up landing the part of the delivery boy  was asked to sing in his own voice during rehearsals. He did it in broad Welsh: and it just worked brilliantly! White recalled

Scarlett Strallen and Mark Umbers rehearse the new show, which last came to London more than 20 years ago

It feels more honest, agreed Strallen. She plays Amalia Balash: the shop assistant at the parfumerie in Budapest who begins an epistolary romance with an unknown sweetheart who might be closer than she thinks.

Katherine Kingsley, playing Ilone Ritter, a woman whose glamour masks her loneliness, thinks using regional accents also introduced a sense of class difference.

She has been practising with co-star Dominic Tighe. Our characters are in love at the start; and then it gets a bit icky, she laughed. She and Tighe are a real-life married couple, by the way.

She Loves Me, with music and lyrics by Jerry Bock and Sheldon Harnick and a book by Joe Masteroff (based on Miklos Laszlos play) is perhaps best known for a number Amalia sings called Vanilla Ice Cream: a gift for a soprano like Strallen.

She Loves Me starring Scarlett Strallen and Mark Umbers goes in front of audiences on November 25

David Babani, the Meniers artistic director, said he was told Masteroff was loathe to write the show, back in the Sixties, unless he could mine the dark side, as well as the light. He didnt want it to become a comic frippery, Babani told me. Its about real people, in real situations.

Watching rehearsals, Id say White has got the balance just about right. But he wont know for sure until its in front of its first audience on November 25. To my mind, She Loves Me is like being enveloped in a warm embrace.

The company also includes Les Dennis, as perfume shop owner Mr Maraczek; Olivia Fines (a star of the future); Vincent Pirillo; and Luke Fetherston  who was in the Menier and Savoy Theatre production of Funny Girl.

Samantha Womack has been cast as slinky witch Morticia Addams for the UK tour of The Addams Family musical. Its her first major role since leaving EastEnders after ten years as Ronnie Mitchell.

Les Dennis, who is very much into musicals (see my story on She Loves Me, above) has been chosen to play Uncle Fester and Carrie Hope Fletcher has signed on as Wednesday.

Samantha Womack, who has been cast as slinky witch Morticia Addams for the UK tour of The Addams Family musical

The show, directed by Matthew White, will launch at the Festival Theatre in Edinburgh on April 20, although the official first night will be held at New Wimbledon Theatre on May 16.

The show, by Marshall Brickman, Rick Elice and Andrew Lippa, had a rough ride on Broadway, and I remember feeling no desire to click my fingers when I saw it in New York. However Im told extensive re-writes have taken place and its now a very different piece.

Watch out for...

Jez Butterworth, whose latest play The Ferryman sold every seat  in one day  for its run at the Royal Court from April 24

Jez Butterworth, whose latest play The Ferryman sold every seat  in one day  for its run at the Royal Court from April 24. The play, to be directed by Sam Mendes, cant extend beyond its five-week run at the Court.

But Im hearing pretty solid whispers that it will transfer to the Gielgud Theatre not too long after it closes on May 20. No deals can be confirmed yet, because the National Theatre hasnt determined whats happening with its long running, prize-winning play The Curious Incident Of The Dog In The Night-Time: the Gielguds current occupant. (Curiously, the Curious Incident company were told yesterday that this page would be running a speculative item on their shows future.)

Anyway, rowing back to The Ferryman, the play by Butterworth (pictured) is set in rural Ireland against the backdrop of The Troubles, and is about how a Catholic family deals with matters close to home. Butterworths recent big hits include Jerusalem and The River.

Andrew Lloyd Webber, who has extended the run of his new musical School Of Rock at the New London Theatre through to April 9. A new block of seats will go on sale today. The show garnered terrific reviews when it opened this week, and reminded people of the composers love of rock n roll.

It is based on Richard Linklaters movie about a lazy rock nerd who pretends to be a supply teacher at an elite American school. He teaches the kids how rock relates to life and, in the process, he learns things, too. Such as how to get up in the morning.

The children who play the schoolkids are beyond all right. Theyre brilliant  and provide just as much energy as David Fynn and Gary Trainor (who alternate the role of fake teacher Dewey Finn). The kids played their instruments; and I liked that they had a bit of backbone, and werent too cutesy. Florence Andrews, as the snooty headmistress who lets her hair down, is great, too. So rock on down to the New London and have yourself some fun.
She had just enjoyed what was surely a pleasant evening of revellry.

So no wonder birthday girl Brandi Glanville looked slightly the worse for wear as she put on an amorous display with her megarich new beau outside a trendy restaurant in Los Angeles on Wednesday.

The Real Housewives Of Beverly Hills favourite appeared to be having a great time as she locked lips with Donald 'DJ' Friese, who is named after his glazing supplies billionaire father.

Hitting the jackpot: Brandi Glanville put on an amorous display with her megarich new lover in West Hollywood on Wednesday

Brandi, who turned 44, was looking good for her age in a barely there off-the-shoulder black dress that showcased her toned thighs and honed upper arms.

The saucy former model, who had just enjoyed a meal at the trendy Nice Guy eatery, rounded off her stylistic mode with a towering pair of golden stilettos and a garish leopard print purse.

Her look certainly seemed to have impressed Donald, as not only did he stop her so he could give her a kiss in public, but he was also carrying an expensive-looking box full of roses.

The gift doubtlessly won her over, as she later posted an image the flowers on Instagram and said: '@djfriese thank you for the best night EVERI'm officially in the "L" word.'

Too much Brandi? The reality television beauty looked a little worse for wear after their meal

More money than sense: Wealthy Donald had purchased his birthday girl a box full of roses

It beats a box of Quality Street: Brandi could hardly take her eyes off of her floral tribute

Given he was holding a box of roses, it seemed incongruous Donald had dressed up like the Milk Tray Man in a black shirt, trousers and leather shoes.

After their amorous display cheeky Brandi also shared a photo of herself sprawled on a double bed for her fans to ogle at, which she captioned: 'Yep this happened was such a magical night thank you @djfriese.'

Her new man is in line to inherit a huge slice of his billionaire father's fortune, and in some ways is an upgrade on her ex-husband, Sunset Beach legend Eddie Cibrian, who dumped her after starting an affair with his current wife LeAnn Rimes.

Donald Sr made waves after he sold his business C.R. Laurence for an eye-watering $885 million after taxes, then handed over $85 million to his employees.

Her Milk Tray Man: Dashing Donald leaned in for a kiss before she got into their vehicle

No wonder she's grinning: Her man's father is glazing supplies billionaire Donald Friese

Glass act: In some ways the wealthy heir is an upgrade on her Sunset Beach legend ex-husband Eddie Cibrian

Joking about his humble beginnings when he made the deal last year, the 76-year-old said: 'You know the saying, 'Some people are born with a silver spoon'? I didn't even have a spoon.'

He was the company's sixth employee after moving to Los Angeles from his native Pennsylvania. When Donald arrived he had just $125 in his pocket, and ended up taking over the company.

He cashed out after accepting an offer of $1.2 billion in cash and $100 million in promissory notes for the business.

Donald Jr, who likes to be addressed as DJ, is an executive vice president at the company, while his father serves as chairman and CEO.

Putting a smile on her face: She could not stop giggling after their public display of affection

Steady as she goes: The cackling reality television beauty made a sterling attempt at clambering into the vehicle unaided

One person it looks like will not be accompanying Brandi on double dates in the future is her old co-star Lisa Vanderpump.

The 56-year-old restaurateur answered a viewer's question on Watch What Happens Live about whether or not she talks to the blonde, who was absent from the show's seventh season.

She revealed that her relationship with Brandi is non-existent and that she 'got to know the block button' with her.

Look where she ended up: She shared a snap of herself sprawled on a bed and said 'Yep this happened'
Shes enjoying the first flourishes of a brand new romance, but Caroline Flack was without her current boyfriend as she made an appearance at the annual Winter Wonderland launch on Thursday evening.

The presenter, 37, was instead joined by a group of female pals, amongst them All Saints star Shaznay Lewis, as she took in the array of seasonal rides and stalls in Londons Hyde Park.

On a chilly night Caroline favoured comfort over couture, and she cut a relaxed figure in her weathered suede jacket and skinny jeans while taking a stroll through the sprawling festive theme park.

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Stepping out: Shes enjoying the first flourishes of a brand new romance, but Caroline Flack was without her current boyfriend as she made an appearance at the annual Winter Wonderland launch in London's Hyde Park on Thursday evening

Tan leather ankle boots added to her low-key ensemble, while a simple black top, untucked and generously cut, rounded things off.

A smart leather handbag from French fashion house Yves Saint Lauren completed the presenters look, and it remained casually slung across one shoulder as she clambered aboard one of the events numerous rides.

Offering her look an added splash of colour, the presenter opted for a healthy layer of blood red lipstick, offset by a hint of mascara and carefully applied foundation.

Low key look: On a chilly night Caroline favoured comfort over couture, and she cut a relaxed figure in her weathered suede jacket and skinny jeans

In good company: The presenter was joined by a group of female pals, amongst them All Saints star Shaznay Lewis (far right)

Let's do this! Caroline was in high spirits as she clambered aboard one of theme park's numerous rides with a female pal

Evidently keen to look her best, Caroline was seen checking her appearance in a small compact after being joined by a female pal.

But her efforts appeared to be futile as the ride set off, leaving the presenter's brunette locks in complete disarray.

Looking mildly disorientated, she was seen placing a hand to her head after being whisked into the air.

Putting her face on: Evidently keen to look her best, Caroline was seen checking her appearance in a small compact

Hair-raising: The star's brunette locks were in need of a brush after her spin on the festive ride

Steady on: Caroline looked mildly panicked as the ride gathered momentum

The brunette is in the midst of a new romance with illustrator Blue Logan, but recently admitted it's been so long since she has been in love that she's forgotten what it feels like.

'I haven't been in love for so long that Ive forgotten what it feels like to want to tell everyone, "Look how happy I am,"' she explained during an interview with Glamour magazine's Hey It's OK podcast.

While discussing extravagant proposals, Caroline admitted she preferred keeping her relationships private from the public eye.

What happened? The disorientated star placed a hand on her forehead

A rush of blood to the head: Caroline looked a little out of sorts as the ride slowed to a halt

On trend: Buckled tan leather ankle boots added to her low-key ensemble

The former X Factor host said: 'It's a bigger thing to not tell anyone, I'm personally not a social media love-displayer.'

Her new boyfriend is reportedly just as besotted as she is, and they have been spending much of their time together.

A source told The Sun: 'Caroline is so happy with Blue. They've been enjoying each other's company and she's very proud of his work as an illustrator, not to mention how handsome she finds him.

'Blue has completely won over her friends. They all approve.'

Good times: The presenter was upbeat during her appearance at the seasonal event

We're in this together: Caroline shared a laugh with her female companion
Rob Lowe never dated Madonna, but at one point he thought he could have.

The 52-year-old revealed on Thursday to Ellen DeGeneres he once thought he was going on a blind date with her, and was gutted to find he was tricked by his friends.

The TV star told Ellen that his pals had organised a surprise party for his 21st birthday, back in 1984. 'The only way that they could get me to the location of the surprise party was that they told me that I was having a blind date with Madonna,' he recalled.

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Not in bed with Madonna: Rob Lowe revealed on Ellen he once thought he had a blind date with Madonna

'I was like "yeah... yeah!"

'Of course I got there and its a surprise party and it's really great... but the whole night I was just bummed because Madonna wasnt there,' he admitted.

'I was like "I guess Im not going to hook up with Madonna tonight".

What a present: He told Ellen that his pals had organised a surprise party for his 21st birthday, back in 1984

The bait: 'The only way that they could get me to the location of the surprise party was that they told me that I was having a blind date with Madonna,' he recalled

Worst birthday ever: 'Of course I got there and its a surprise party and it's really great... but the whole night I was just bummed because Madonna wasnt there,' he admitted

Ellen immediately quipped: 'Is that the one woman you haven't dated in Hollywood?

The reason his own 21st came up in conversation was Rob's youngest son John Owen just turned 21 himself.

The Grinder star book his boy to Vegas, which - despite lots of vomiting and one of the group even having his wallet stolen by a girl - was an overall success.

What a match: They would have made a handsome couple in 1984

The singer now: Madonna is still in top form. Here she is seen on Wednesday in NYC

'Here's the way I look at it: nobody got arrested, nobody ended up in the paper, everybody's healthy, so I'm declaring victory and getting off the field,' he said.

During the interview, Rob revealed that Ellen had been his first choice to roast him during the recent Comedy Central special, but she could't find it in her to be mean to him.

He also revealed that while free diving during a vacation in the Maldives, he rescued a 12ft shark he found with a fishing hook and line caught in his mouth.

After giving him stick on his struggles pronouncing medial terms as a guest star on hospital drama Code Black, Ellen challenged him to a game in which he had to silently perform medical procedures on her and she had to guess her condition.

Playing doctor: After giving him stick on his struggles pronouncing medial terms as a guest star on hospital drama Code Black, Ellen challenged him to a game in which he had to silently perform medical procedures on her and she had to guess her condition
She's no stranger to showing off her trim figure online, often uploading images of her very revealing outfits.

And on Thursday, former Big Brother star Tully Smyth dared to bare in an incredibly plunging dress as she prepared to attend Paris Hilton's perfume launch in Melbourne.

The 28-year-old blonde shared a snap of herself pouting to camera, writing in part of her post: 'T**s out and a touch of gold.'

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'T**ts out': On Thursday, former Big Brother star Tully Smyth (seen) dared to bare in an incredibly plunging dress as she prepared to attend Paris Hilton's perfume launch in Melbourne

'Getting my 16 year old on to go party with @parishilton... just missing Tinkerbelle (RIP) and Nicole,' Tully added, referring to Paris' old best friend Nicole Richie.

She also added the hashtag, 'That's hot,' which is the heiresses famous catchphrase.

In the sultry image, Tully shows off a golden tan and wears a black dress from Kookai, which features a bra-like bustier.

Flawless: American star Paris Hilton, 35, is in Australia promoting her new perfume, Gold Rush

Tully had her her short blonde locks out and over her shoulders and wore oversized gold cross earrings.

Her makeup included dewy foundation, a nude lip and a smokey eye.

American star Paris, 35, is in Australia promoting her new perfume, Gold Rush.

She dazzled at the event, wearing a gold embellished crop top and skirt.

Tully is known for appearing on the now defunct Australian reality show Big Brother, in 2013.

Claim to fame: Tully is known for appearing on the now defunct Australian reality show Big Brother, in 2013 (seen in March at a Melbourne event)

Sultry: Tully is now a blogger

She had a controversial relationship with housemate Drew on the show, despite at the time, having a girlfriend on the outside.

She now is a blogger and recently was linked to The Bachelor's Richie Strahan.

Last November, the pair were reportedly seen kissing at the Melbourne Cup races and were seen cosying up together on social media.

However, ahead of his stint on reality TV this year, she wished him good luck, writing in part of her Instagram post: 'Any girl would be lucky to have you.'
She is an avid philanthropist, having flown to Africa with her son Brooklyn to support children with AIDS just last month.

And Victoria Beckham has gone one step further in her charity work - using her fashion expertise to raise money for World AIDS Day.

The mother-of-four, 42, has created a set of adult and child T-shirts, featuring cartoon artwork of one of her daughter Harper's drawings, to raise money for UNAIDS and Born Free Africa on the charity day in December.

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Power of a simple T-shirt: Victoria Beckham, 42, has created a set of adult and child T-shirts to raise money for UNAIDS and Born Free Africa on the charity day in December

The former Spice Girl first took to her Instagram page on Thursday to reveal her new project with fans.

In the stunning but simple photo, the star poses against a plain grey background and with minimal, glowing make-up to keep the focus on the standout T-shirt.

Of classic shape and colour, the cotton top features the cartoon image of a woman wearing a red AIDS ribbon, with a bright red heart printed next to it.

Striking: The adult and child set both feature cartoon artwork drawn by her daughter Harper

Doing her bit: Victoria had ventured on her charitable trip to Kenya back in October with her eldest son Brooklyn, 17 (above)

Alongside the garment modelled by Victoria, which is designer for adults, the brunette has also created a co-ordinating one for children - which features the same image but against a pretty red polka dot background.

As a UNAIDS Global Goodwill Ambassador, all profits from the sale of Victoria's T-shirts will go directly to support Born Free Africa in their work to promote the Prevention of Mother to Child Transmission (PMTCT).

Talking of the whole experience, the wife of David Beckham said: 'I have recently returned from Kenya, where, in my role as a UNAIDS Goodwill Ambassador, I helped promote the START FREE, STAY FREE = AIDS FREE initiative.'

Giving back: The star had headed to Africa to promote the Start Free, Stay Free = AIDS Free initiative, which aims to help the Prevention of Mother to Child Transmission

She continued: 'We need to keep HIV & AIDS on the agenda, to lobby governments and health authorities and continue to raise awareness. If we do, then we have a real opportunity to eradicate HIV & AIDS for future generations.'

The exclusive T-shirts will be sold at the Victoria Beckham 36 Dover Street Store in London, as well as online at victoriabeckham.com.

Victoria had ventured on her charitable trip back in October with her eldest son Brooklyn, 17.

A life-changing experience for the youngster, the former beau of Chloe Moretz took to his own Instagram to gush over how a baby he had nursed back to health had subsequently been named after him.

He wrote to his fans: 'Humbled by the most inspiring family running @newlifehomeke - Honoured to meet newborn baby Brooklyn!'

Caring: Victoria, who has been International Goodwill Ambassador for the charity since 2014, is mother to four of her own children with husband David Beckham, 41

Victoria has held the role International Goodwill Ambassador for the charity since 2014.

She said at the time of appointment: 'This is the beginning of an important journey for me. As a woman and a mother I have a responsibility to support other women.'

The project sees Victoria using her fashionable expertise for a better cause, as one of the top designers in the industry.

She first released her eponymous label in 2008 and, after it became a regular on the New York fashion scene, she created a cheaper version for stores in 2011.

The brunette then went on to win Designer Brand of the Year at the British Fashion Awards that year, and has showcased a collection at New York Fashion Week ever since.
Red is definitely her colour.

Amy Adams looked scintillating in a sexy scarlet gown the that Nocturnal Animals premiere in New York on Thursday night.

The 42-year-old flashed her cleavage in the form-fitting long sleeved dress, which she paired with dainty red ankle-strap heels.

Red head turner: Amy Adams looked scintillating in a sexy scarlet gown the that Nocturnal Animals premiere in New York on Thursday night

Her signature red hair fell to one side in luscious wavy ringlets.

She was joined by her artist/actor husband Darren Le Gallo, who scrubbed up in a three-piece suit, shirt and tie, all black.

Although they have only been married a year and a half, the couple have been together for a decade and a half. They share a six-year-old daughter, Aviana.

Amy was also joined on the red carpet by her doppelganger and Nocturnal Animals co-star Isla Fisher, who looked equally gorgeous in a sparkling black floor-length gown.

Lady in red: The 42-year-old flashed her cleavage in the form-fitting long sleeved dress, which she paired with dainty red ankle-strap heels

Beau: She was joined by her artist/actor husband Darren Le Gallo

Dark horse: Her hubby who scrubbed up in a three-piece suit, shirt and tie, all black

Pucker up: The couple stopped for a smooch for the cameras

Had to be sure: Although they have only been married a year and a half, the couple have been together for a decade and a half

The film i s the sophomore directing effort of fashion designer Tom Ford, who also helmed the 2009 Oscar-nominated A Single Man.

In their latest endeavor, Amy's character runs a successful art gallery in Los Angeles, but finds her life in disarray when her jilted ex-husband sends her a violent book dedicated to her.

Jake Gyllenhaal plays the ex-husband, while Armie Hammer plays her character's current spouse. Laura Linney puts in an appearance as her brittle, cocktail-swilling mother.

The next leo: Amy has received five noms, but has yet to nab one of these

Multitalented: Nocturnal animals is directed by fashion designer Tom Ford

Zod: Michael Shannon also starred opposite Amy in Man Of Steel

Company: The couple scooched up to Laura Linney at the after party

Buds: Amy also said hello to Andrea Riseborough

Having already screened at the Venice, Toronto BFI London film festivals, it will have a US release on November 18.

Amy also currently stars in Arrival as a linguist who - along with a physicist played by Jeremy Renner and a US Army Colonel played by Forest Whitaker - is sent to collect information on space aliens who've landed in Montana.

Earlier on Thursday the Italian-born beauty stopped by the Ed Sullivan Theatre in to tape an interview on The Late Show With Stephen Colbert.

Snap: Amy was also joined on the red carpet by her doppelganger and Nocturnal Animals co-star Isla Fisher, who looked equally gorgeous in a sparkling black floor-length gown

Has a type: Ellie Bamber is another redhead in Tom's cast

A-list: Husband and wife Sam Taylor-Johnson and Aaron Taylor-Johnson were also on hand

Smashing: Linney looked gorgeous in a white gown
They were spotted flirting up a storm on the red carpet of the GQ Men Of The Year Awards in Sydney on Wednesday.

And Tahnee Atkinson was spotted once again with male model Jordan Barrett as the pair grabbed breakfast in Bondi.

The genetically-blessed duo were also seen sparking up a friendly chat with actor Julian McMahon, who happened to be strolling past during their meal.

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Models about town! Tahnee Atkinson (left) and Jordan Barrett (right) were spotted having breakfast together in Bondi on Thursday

Cutting a casual figure for the outing, Tahnee flaunted her toned midriff in a scarlet long-sleeved crop top and ripped jeans.

The 24-year-old wore her raven locks out and straight while also sporting a pair of Adidas slides.

Her date Jordan meanwhile, opted to ditch his shoes for the outing and walked around the cafe barefoot.

Breakfast buddies: The genetically-blessed duo were seen sitting down for a meal with another friend

Natural beauty: Tahnee looked every inch the model as she showed off her fresh-faced glow

The Byron Bay-born model wore slouchy jeans that featured grungy splatters of white paint all over them, which he teamed with a billowy blue shirt.

His long blonde locks were left tousled and swept to the side as he enjoyed Tahnee's company.

The good looking pair were also joined by another female friend for the outing.

Barefoot bandit: Byron Bay-born Jordan meanwhile, opted to ditch his shoes for the outing

Red hot: The former Australia's Next Top Model winner showed off her toned midriff in a scarlet crop top, which she paired with light jeans

Comfortable: Jordan was seen cutting a relaxed figure, chatting on his phone throughout the meal

Comfortable: The blonde-haired hunk appeared to enjoy himself as he chatted to pals

They seemed thrilled to bump into Julian McMahon, who stopped for a friendly chat before walking away.

Jordan was seen cutting a very comfortable figure while seated at the restaurant's table, chatting on his phone and even resting one leg up on the chair at one stage.

Just hours before, on Wednesday night, Jordan and Tahnee set tongues wagging as they put on a very amourous display at the GQ Men Of The Year Awards.

A famous reunion: The models bumped into actor Julian McMahon during the meal

Out and about: Julian appeared friendly as he chatted to Jordan and Tahnee's table, before heading on his way

Jordan, who has been linked to glamourous stars such as Paris Hilton and Hailey Baldwin, was seen whispering something in Tahnee's ear before they both burst out laughing while posing on the red carpet.

Tahnee stunned in a white skirt and crop top ensemble, while Jordan looked dapper in a grey blazer and cropped trousers.

It's unclear whether the former Australia's Next Top Model winner and the male model are more than friends.

More than friends? Earlier this week, Tahnee and Jordan set tongues wagging as they attended the GQ Men Of The Year Awards in Sydney together

They have known each other for a while, with US-based Jordan often visiting her during his trips to Australia.

In June, they were photographed watching a rugby league game together.

Jordan made headlines last year amid reports he was dating Paris Hilton, but he later said they were just friends.
Jack Taylor , C5

Rating:

Close To The Enemy , BBC2

Rating:

Down these mean streets, as crimewriter Raymond Chandler said, a man must go who is not himself mean  thats an elegaic and even poetic definition of what it takes to be a film noir detective.

Chandler created the archetypal private eye, Philip Marlowe, portrayed on the big screen by Hollywood heroes including Robert Mitchum, James Garner and, best of all, Humphrey Bogart.

Marlowe was a modern-day saint, a spirit of justice and chivalry whose only source of vitamins was tobacco and who prayed to the god of hard liquor. The saviour of distressed damsels, the scourge of evildoers, it is no surprise that he was modelled on the knights of Arthurian legend.

Iain Glen (pictured) plays Marlowe with a West Coast Irish accent in Jack Taylor. Glen, best known as the knight-protector to Queen Daenerys in Game Of Thrones, relishes the role

Iain Glen plays Marlowe with a West Coast Irish accent in Jack Taylor (C5). The only time theres no tumbler of whiskey in his hand is when hes nursing a pint glass. We never see him eat, but he puffs his way through a couple of packets of cigarettes every episode  part knight of the Round Table, part smoke-breathing dragon.

There is nothing original about Jack Taylor. Hes a hard man with a soft heart, an ex-copper who is friend to the winos and enemy to the bigwigs.

And he can take a punch, especially when its thrown by the girl he loves. This episode ended with a slap in the chops that was textbook Bogie-and-Bacall. She hits him, he ruefully rubs his chin and kisses her  zoom to a close-up on their clinch, and dissolve . . .

Even the dialogue of this Gaelic noir is sheer Chandler. I thought youd be taller, the villainess mocks him. Im working on it, he growls.

Glen, best known as the knight-protector to Queen Daenerys in Game Of Thrones, relishes the role. In his billowing overcoat and three-day stubble, he looks like hes been sleeping on a bar stool since 1993.

You have to peer carefully to realise how artful that dishevelled style is, and that he has a combover to hide the bald spot on his crown. Theres a reason private eyes wear hats  he should invest in a homburg.

In Close To The Enemy the neurotic German scientist is perpetually unshaven, which is fair enough, but so is Army officer Callum Ferguson played by Jim Sturgess (pictured)

The plotting is nothing special, following a conventional template of murder, suspects, second murder, false trail and showdown. Fans of other death-by-numbers shows such as Vera and DCI Banks will read every twist as if its laid out on a map.

This formulaic writing leaves more time for moody atmosphere, which is what noir is all about. Galway looks seductively seedy, like a Sin City on the edge of paradise. Especially when seen through another cloud of Jack Taylors smoke.

The Connington Hotel in playwright Stephen Poliakoffs post-war spy drama, Close To The Enemy (BBC2), is striving for moody atmosphere too.

The rooms and corridors seem to shift around, like the classrooms at Hogwarts school, while everything beyond the windows is a cheerless wasteland of rubble and bonfires.

CREEP OF THE NIGHT Creep of the night: Loudmouth Karthik, who claims to model himself on Alexander the Great, bizarrely boasted on The Apprentice (BBC1) that he knew the very hotel room where his baby was conceived. Then he tried to undress in public. He was lucky to be merely fired, and not arrested. Advertisement

In this nightmarish landscape, its not surprising the characters have started to lose their way. They wander around, banging into each other randomly like balls on a billiard table at sea.

Alfred Molina keeps popping up, his shiny face made up with red cheeks like a china doll. Each time we meet him, he is stuffing himself at a dining table, a little fatter than before.

Hell soon be as bloated as Monty Pythons gluttonous Mr Creosote: in the final scene, hell swallow one more prawn vol au vent and explode, taking all the spies and defectors with him.

To add to the sense of unreality, so much of the period detail is off. The neurotic German scientist is perpetually unshaven, which is fair enough, but so is Army officer Callum Ferguson (Jim Sturgess). Back in 1946, body odour and bad breath was more acceptable than stubble on a gentlemans face.

In a surreal digression, Fergusons loopy brother  played by Sebastian Armesto, the one with the electric-shock hair  is running around in a World War One greatcoat, giggling like a maniac as he urges his child companion to join him in search of adventure and hot chocolate.
Thanks to her 6ft2in frame, she's hard to miss.

And on Thursday, Karlie Kloss made sure onlookers had something to appreciate, as she stepped out for a fancy event at the Guggenheim Museum in New York City.

The 24-year-old put her stunning frame on display in the partially sheer, polka dotted number which featured two straps crisscrossing her bare back.

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Model material: On Thursday, Karlie Kloss, 24, made sure onlookers had something to appreciate, as she stepped out for a fancy event at the Guggenheim Museum in New York City

While the plunging neckline may have been the initial draw, a closer inspection revealed that below her bust, the garment turned sheer, revealing a pair of high-waist black underwear with a white elastic band.

The sheer fabric, which also sported tiny silver dots, ensured the former Victoria Secret Angel's shapely gams were on full display as well.

She finished her fetching ensemble off with a pair of white pointed-toe pumps with bow details and a somewhat complementary small white clutch.

A small choker necklace appeared to be her only other accessory.

X marks the spot: The 24-year-old put her stunning frame on display in the partially sheer, polka dotted number which featured two straps crisscrossing her bare back

Statuesque: The sheer fabric, which also sported tiny silver dots, ensured the former Victoria Secret Angel's shapely gams were on full display as well

The details: She finished her fetching ensemble off with a pair of white pointed-toe pumps with bow details and a somewhat complementary small white clutch.

Before arriving at the event, she was caught leaving her apartment also wearing a striking crimson overcoat, which she draped over her shoulders.

Though her outfit was quite elegant, she opted to keep her blonde tresses back in a simple, sensible ponytail.

Some brilliant ruby red lipstick, light blush and subtle eye makeup ensured the beauty was ready for the evening.

Peek-a-boo: While the plunging neckline may have been the initial draw, a closer inspection revealed that below her bust, the garment turned sheer, revealing a pair of high-waist black underwear with a white elastic band

Chilly? Before arriving at the event, she was caught leaving her apartment also wearing a striking crimson overcoat, which she draped over her shoulders

Meanwhile, Karlie, who was a regular participant in the annual Victoria's Secret Fashion Show since 2011, eventually became an official 'Angel' in 2013, only to leave the lingerie brand in 2015.

This year's show will mark her return to the VS runway for the first time since 2014.

The Victoria's Secret Fashion Show, which normally takes place in New York City - excluding the London show in 2014 - will happen in Paris this year.

The 2016 show will tape on November 30 at the Grand Palais, but won't air on CBS until December 5.
Indignation (15)

Rating:

You wait ages for an adaptation of a Philip Roth novel and then two come along at once. Actually, thats only half-true. Two have certainly arrived in our cinemas in quick succession, in the form of Ewan McGregors stolid, badly miscast American Pastoral, and now Indignation, written and directed by James Schamus.

But nobody was waiting for them, most probably not even, or quite possibly least of all, 83-year-old Roth himself.

The man widely regarded as Americas greatest living novelist has seen plenty of his books adapted for the big screen, but hardly any have properly captured their spirit, complexity, sadness and wit.

Infatuation: Sarah Gadon and Logan Lerman in Indignation, an adaptation of a Philip Roth novel that captures all the complexity, wit and sadness of the book

Indignation, Im pleased to report, pretty much nails it on all counts. And unlike American Pastoral, in which McGregor was wince- inducingly wrong in the lead role, it is meticulously well cast.

Above all, Logan Lerman is marvellous as the storys engaging if introspective hero. This is Marcus Messner, who leaves his close-knit neighbourhood in Newark, New Jersey, where his father is a kosher butcher, to attend a small college in Ohio, where of the 1,400 students on campus, less than 80 are Jewish.

It is 1951 and the Korean War is raging. The film is bookended by the same scene of soldiers in conflict, but Marcus, with his scholarship to Winesburg College, is insulated from all that. The closest he seems likely to get to the battlefield is the funeral back home in Newark of a school friend killed in Korea. Nonetheless, his parents and, in particular, his father Max (Danny Burstein), are no less anxious about his imminent departure than if he really were going off to war.

It is a huge relief to Marcus to escape his fathers stultifying neuroticism, and soon there is a very different kind of relief, when the intoxicatingly lovely, incontestably gentile Olivia Hutton (Sarah Gadon) does him the kind of sexual favour that he has only ever read about.

But Marcus is torn. What kind of girl would do that on a first date? It must be because her parents are divorced, he decides. There is no other explanation for a mystery so profound.

Intense: Tracy Letts plays the dean and it is clear he relishes a scene showing his confrontation with Marcus

Meanwhile, Marcus has been assigned a room with two other Jewish students, but finds them no more congenial to live with than his parents. He also rejects the advances of the colleges only Jewish fraternity, citing his atheism and lack of clubbability.

But when he asks for new accommodation, he is summoned to the office of the Dean (Tracy Letts) to explain himself. The intense, wordy encounter between the ferociously bright, atheist freshman, and the conservative, God-fearing dean, is one of this films enveloping pleasures.

Letts is not only a fine actor, he is also an accomplished playwright, so maybe that is why he so relishes the theatricality of a scene that is exquisitely, almost painfully prolonged.

Indeed, it is more theatrical than cinematic, but then that is true of quite a lot of this film. Maybe that is the answer to the conundrum of adapting Roth for the screen; make it more like a play.

Whatever, Schamus has done a terrific job, helped immeasurably by his actors. Gadon is beautifully cast as the seemingly serene, but emotionally troubled, Olivia, with whom Marcus becomes besotted.

And all the smaller parts are filled perfectly, such as that of Marcuss mother, Esther (Linda Emond). She heads for Ohio when Marcus is recuperating from appendicitis and, after meeting Olivia, forces him into an impossible promise, conclusively showing that his past and his future, like his intellect and his emotions, not to mention his conscience and his libido, are irreconcilably at odds.

It is such an intelligent, thought-provoking film, as all Roth adaptations should be and so few are.

The New Man (15)

Rating:

Fly on the wall: The New Man is directed by Josh Appignanesi and is a documentary about his life

That very Jewish brand of angst, which Woody Allen turns into comedy and Philip Roth into tragedy, also flavours The New Man, a film by Josh Appignanesi, which at first looks like an improvised drama but is best characterised as a fly-on-his-own-wall documentary.

It begins with his wedding to academic Devorah Baum, but the focus is on her pregnancy, which follows three years of trying unsuccessfully to conceive. Josh is thrilled but also full of trepidation. Soon there will be a creature who needs mothering even more than he does. In fact, there will be two of them; Devorah is expecting twins.

Poignantly, and often very amusingly, the film charts both sets of anxieties, hers and his, as the birth draws closer.

She worries about having to befriend other new parents, he agonises about the example of his own father, who left the family home when Josh was just five.

Then they learn that both twins are boys but that, tragically, one will not survive. There is a deeply affecting scene, following the birth, when Josh walks down a London street looking like hes been dragged through a hedge both backwards and forwards, while congratulatory voicemail messages play.

But among them is a message from the Jewish burial society, needing to discuss the funeral arrangements.

In the end, though, this is an uplifting film about that unique yet universal, extraordinary yet everyday rite of passage in which non-parents become parents.

Its best line comes from Devorah, who looks at her infant son and sees the answer to the riddle of existence, while aware that everyone else looks at him and sees just a baby.
Her husband Sam Burgess has been away in the UK for the past week.

And on Thursday, Phoebe Burgess celebrated the NRL star's return by sharing a video of the couple snuggled up on the couch.

The following day, the journalist showed off her growing baby bump in a bright bikini, as they went swimming in the backyard.

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She's glowing! WAG Phoebe Burgess flaunted her blossoming baby bump on Instagram

Wearing a purple two piece in the Instagram photo, Phoebe was positively glowing.

She styled her blonde hair in loose tousled curls and wore a black and beige hat to protect her face from the sun.

The TV personality had a white towel tied around her waist and posed side-on to show off her baby bump.

Reunited! On Thursday, Phoebe celebrated her NRL star husband Sam's return to Australia by sharing a video of the couple snuggled up on the couch

Date day! In another snap, they posed in the mirror before they went for breakfast

Back to the Aussie way of life! Sam was soaking up the spring weather after a trip to the UK

In July, the pair revealed they were expecting their first child, when Sam confirmed the rumours to Nova 96.9's Fitzy and Wippa.

'It's exciting news, we're both over the moon,' Sam said. 'Phoebe's been amazing through the first trimester.'

The British-born rugby league star claimed the couple wanted to keep the sex of their baby under wraps.

Beautiful day: The couple married in December last year in a lavish ceremony held in the New South Wales Southern Highlands

'I'd like to not find out, I'd like a surprise and it'd be nice to have something to keep for ourselves throughout this process, so we'll wait and see,' he said.

Sam added cheekily: 'Phoebe's running the show, so she'll make the final call!'

The couple married in December last year in a lavish ceremony held in the New South Wales Southern Highlands.

They first met through mutual friends at an Avicii concert in Sydney in 2014.
He is the entrepreneurial reality star, who has been making headlines for his eye-popping nude photography

Now The Bachelorette's Rhys Chilton appears to be carving out a career as a sex guru, penning a controversial essay inspired by his experiences between the sheets, on Friday.

The eyebrow-raising article, titled 'Choke me, Spank me, Pull my hair', focuses on the issue of rough bedroom activities, and Rhys says he thinks women enjoy choking, spanking and hair-pulling because 'it makes you feel more like a woman.'

'Choke me, Spank me, Pull my hair': Rhys Chilton has penned a controversial essay on the issue of rough bedroom activities and the apparent 'bondage craze' that is supposedly sweeping society

'Why do you like it so much?' he wrote, adding: 'The obvious answers are that it makes you feel more like a woman in a way, you give up control to a stronger male and youre in turn, petite and vulnerable.'

While Rhys claims that 'rough' sex was never his 'cup of tea', he says the topic has inspired him to investigate the apparent 'bondage craze' that is sweeping society.

He also theorised that the popularity of books such as 50 Shades Of Gray have contributed to the popularity of bondage among women.

From the pages to the sheets? He also theorised that the popularity of books such as 50 Shades Of Gray have contributed to the popularity of bondage among women

Rhys then moves to the topic of masculinity by claiming that that 'men aren't being very manly anymore.'

'Now dont get me wrong, I want 100% equality and this isnt about that at all. This is about women not being fully satisfied by the lack of masculinity surrounding them in day to day life,' he explained.

The controversial essay ends with a warning to women that they should communicate their bondage-style desires very clearly to their partners, as many men fear 'it being misconstrued after the fact.'

Claims: Rhys then moves to the topic of masculinity by claiming that that 'men aren't being very many anymore'

'Ladies, Im telling you this for your own good and to ease the minds of some men out there,' he cautioned.

Rhys failed to spark romance with The Bachelorette's Georgia Love, earlier this year.

He has since remained open about his relationship status, having recently written an essay on his website explaining why he is 'never settling down.'
Trouble In Mind (Ustinov Studio, Bath)

Rating:

In New York in the Fifties, black actors were just beginning to find their way into white-dominated theatre. Alice Childresss audacious play from that era records the agony of systematic exclusion and prejudice.

The story is of a group of actors rehearsing a play about the lynching of a young black man. But its also a sardonic comedy, with the actors glossing over inter-racial conflicts and putting personal advancement ahead of social conscience.

Trouble In Mind tells the story is of a group of actors rehearsing a play about the lynching of a young black man

Jonathan Cullen, as the narcissistic white director, feels aggrieved hes not getting more credit for staging a play about black experience. Tanya Moodie, as his leading lady, is caught between her rage at injustice and playing a stereotypical black mother whose son is about to be lynched.

This was the dilemma for Childress, too; her play crystallises her exasperation as a woman who had to censor herself, in order to express herself. But for all her gravity, theres not enough at stake: the play sometimes feels like a roomful of egos vying for attention.

Even so, Childresss characters are affectionately drawn and steeped in grim historical realities. Joseph Marcell, playing an older black actor, brings the Ustinov to pin-drop silence with a harrowing tale of a lynching.
It's been four years since his last major TV job in Balls of Steel Australia on The Comedy Channel.

But 'Baby' John Burgess says he is ready for a small screen comeback by hosting Burgo's Catch Phrase again.

Speaking to The Daily Telegraph, the legendary Australian personality said: 'Would I like to do a game show again? absolutely.'

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Back in the game: 'Baby' John Burgess wants to host Burgo's Catch Phrase again

John famously hosted Burgo's Catch Phrase from 1997 to 2003.

'People like to watch other people winning things. It creates interest, you dont offend anybody and it is good fun,' he explained.

'I would like them to bring back something I did. I think Catch Phrase would work famously. Everything that goes around comes around, so watch this space.'

Classic: He hosted Burgo's Catch Phrase from 1997 until 2003

John shot to fame as host of Wheel Of Fortune from 1984 to 1996 and later, he briefly hosted Pass The Buck in 2002.

He will soon be appearing on All Star Family Feud, on a team captained by Kerri-Ann Kennerly.

The talk show queen will lead Tony Barber, Glenn Ridge and John in an upcoming episode in order to raise money for Look Good Feel Better.

Back then: John hosted Wheel of Fortune alongside Adriana Xenides

Legend: John became a small screen star thanks to his hosting duties on the game show

The charity aims to help cancer sufferers with 'appearance-related side-effects caused by cancer treatment.'

Kerri-Ann's team take on newsreaders led by Sandra Sully.

Ron Wilson, Natarsha Belling and Stephen Quartermain join the journalist to raise money for the the McGrath Foundation and the Unicorn Foundation.

The episode will air on Monday November 21st at 7.30pm on TEN.
The Today show's anticlimactic Million Dollar Call competition has angered hundreds of viewers.

The Channel Nine breakfast program has come under fire for its 'pathetic finale' and what some viewers allege were 'sneaky' promotional tactics on Friday morning.

'Just tried to register for the competition at 7.20am, and the message says that the competition is closed,' one disgruntled viewer claimed on the show's Facebook page.

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Anticlimax: The Today show's anticlimactic Million Dollar Call competition has angered hundreds of viewers

'But I was still charged for the call. This was just after you advertised to register now.'

'I did (the) same thing,' another claimed. 'Very sneaky to encourage you to register but the competition had closed.'

Another complained the rules of the competition meant many people couldn't register.

'It's really unfair that only people with premium number access can enter,' they wrote, before adding: 'It excludes so many who could do with the money.'

'Very sneaky to encourage you to register but the competition had closed': Viewers slammed the program's promotional tactics

For those who did managed to register, co-host Lisa Wilkinson laid out the ground rules, telling viewers they must answer their phone within three rings and only speak the words 'I wake up with Today'.

They then had to give the code words 'Australia's number one breakfast burrito,' before they were given the chance to spin the wheel.

After five viewers failed to pick up, Tony from Camden in western Sydney was given his chance.

Anger: Viewers took to social media following the competition on Friday morning

'What a farce': One angry viewer vented via social media after Tony spun the $10,000 prize

With just one of the 20 panels on the wheel displaying the million dollars, his actual chance of winning the jackpot prize was just five per cent.

With 16 panels labelled $10,000, it seemed a far more likely scenario at an 80 per cent chance.

'What a farce,' one angry viewer vented via social media after Tony spun the $10,000 prize.

'Disgusting': Hundreds of viewers expressed their disappointment at the program's competition

'What a joke': Fireworks were let off after it was revealed the viewer had won $10,000

'They made it as hard as possible so you would not get million prob 10k only (sic). Three rings only. Nearly 9am when most people are on the way to work. Lots of 10k on the board. It was a monty that only 10k would go off (sic).'

Another added: 'What a joke that competition was wonder how much money they made from that one seeing how the guy only one ten grand.'

One commented: 'What a fizzer all that raz and all the guy got was 10K,' while another said: 'That was a pathetic finale. Lost me as a viewer!'

'That was a pathetic finale. Lost me as a viewer!': Some said they will no longer watch the program

A Channel Nine spokesperson told Daily Mail Australia the competition was run according to the terms and conditions.

'The competition closed at 6.00am. At no point after 6.00am did any of the TODAY Show hosts call out for viewers to continue to enter the competition,' the spokesperson said.

'The competition terms, including the competition period and time and date the competition closes, have been made clear throughout the competition, including on the competition website.

'If people have concerns or disputes about premium call charges, we would encourage them to contact their individual telco service provider.'
On Wednesday, Kristen Stewart slipped into costume after costume for her filming day in Savannah, Georgia.

She was in the midst of principal photography for a biopic of the infamous Lizzie Borden, who in 1893 was acquitted of slaughtering her father and stepmother.

Chloe Sevigny, also spotted on set, has taken the leading role, whilst the 26-year-old will play the family's Irish maid Bridget Sullivan.

Hard at work: Kristen Stewart was spotted on Wednesday filming a Lizzie Borden biopic in period costume in Savannah, Georgia

One of Stewart's costumes saw her in a long brown skirt with burgundy stripes that fell to her ankles and had its waist settle halfway up her midriff.

Her beige top appeared to be made of satin and was heavily ruffled about the neck. Over the outfit was a dark brown jacket with a Chelsea collar.

The Twilight star's hair had been messily gathered up into a bun behind her head, and black shoes completed the look.

Leisure time: Between takes, the 26-year-old lost her hat and popped on a pair of sunglasses

Getting down: She knelt at one point whilst looking at her phone near a parked car

Between takes, she popped on a pair of black sunglasses and checked her phone, standing amid the cars scattered about the area.

When she was filming, however, she added a bowler hat with a tilted brim to the look and buttoned up her jacket entirely.

Her hair was in a similar do when she was wearing another outfit with a Chelsea collar, though this time it was white.

New look: That day saw her in another costume, this one charcoal and white

Who's who: She's playing the Borden family's maid Bridget Sullivan, who in 1893 testified in court when Lizzie Borden was accused of murdering her father and stepmother with a hatchet

Keeping her options open: Whilst wearing her costume shoes, she also held a pair of comfortable-looking white trainers

Though her cuffs and apron were also white, the rest of the outfit was a charcoal dress that cinched about her enviably flat midriff.

A third outfit that day was peach, and also featured a pleated dress that cascaded to the ground, dragging a bit as its wearer walked.

Her jacket was similar to the first one, and also buttoned up to the top, but it had a cutaway collar rather than a Chelsea one.

Formality: Her third costume for the day was peach and elegantly arranged

Half-dressed: When she walked about for a bit with parts of costume removed, her arm tattoo of part of Picasso's Guernica was visible

Tune-up: Between takes, a makeup artist spruced up the Twilight star's face

Between takes, she was seen slipping out of a more comfortable pair of white trainers and into the shoes she'd be wearing onscreen.

She'd arrived on set in a much more casual outfit. The trainers matched a white jumper that would've bared a bit of stomach if not for the white T-shirt underneath.

Tight zaffre jeans emphasised her toned legs and were folded up a bit at the hem, revealing her white socks.

The woman behind the magic: On the film's IMDb page, the costume designer is credited as Natalie O'Brien

On the currently untitled film's IMDb page, the costume designer is credited as Natalie O'Brien, who's worked on such TV programmes as Blue and The Bold And The Beautiful.

The outfit O'Brien had put together for Sevigny was equally striking, including a heavy blue and white faded tartan coat chucked casually over her shoulders.

A blue and white pinstriped shirt had every button undone except its top one, revealing a white top beneath it.

Something a little more comfortable: Stewart was also spotted in the street clothes she'd worn when she arrived on set

That top was tucked into a heavily pleated white dress, and the 41-year-old's curly hair was gathered into a sloppily arranged updo.

A pair of sunglasses with green, round lenses and a gold-coloured frame were perched on the American Horror Story actress' face.

Another of her outfits was a frilly pale blue gown, though with the same jacket thrown on top of it.

Leading lady: Chloe Sevigny is heading up the cast as the accused woman herself

In August 1892, Abby and Andrew Borden were butchered with a hatchet in their Falls River, Massachussetts home.

Lizzie, then 32 years old, was charged with the crime and went to trial the following June in what became a nationwide media frenzy.

Sullivan, whom the family reportedly used to call 'Maggie,' was one of the witnesses called, and her testimony's often credited with helping secure Lizzie's acquittal.

Though Lizzie was legally off the hook, nobody else has subsequently been charged with the murders, and the case remains cold to this day.

Backstory: In August 1892, Andrew and Abby Borden were slaughtered with a hatchet in their Falls River, Massachusetts home
She's engaged to Snapchat co-founder and CEO Evan Spiegel.

So it comes as no surprise that Australian supermodel Miranda Kerr enjoys playing around with the app's filters.

The 33-year-old shared a short clip of herself using the kangaroo filter and singing Peter Allen's famous song, I Still Call Australia Home.

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'I still call Australia home!' Miranda Kerr, 33, looked almost unrecognisable with a kangaroo Snapchat filter as she sang I Still Call Australia Home earlier this week

In the playful video, Miranda looks barely recognisable as giggles and blows kisses for the camera.

She styled her brown hair in loose curls and appeared to be wearing a grey jacket.

The mother-of-one captioned the video: 'Aussie Aussie Aussie #oioioi.'

Playful: The supermodel was seen giggling and blowing kisses for the camera

Miranda - who hails from Gunnedah, NSW - announced her engagement to Evan in July after dating for a year.

At the time, Evan's spokesperson told DailyMail.com: 'They are extremely happy.'

Miranda later shared an image of her stunning engagement ring to Instagram, along with the message: 'I said yes!!!'

Wedding bells! Miranda, who hails from Gunnedah, NSW, announced her engagement to Snapchat co-founder and CEO Evan Spiegel in July after dating for a year

Earlier this month, the couple celebrated their engagement party at the Hotel Bel-Air in Los Angeles.

Miranda looked every inch the blushing bride-to-be in a strapless white dress.

The former Victoria's Secret model shares five-year-old son Flynn with ex-husband Orlando Bloom.
They've been married since 2012 and have three children together.

And Hilaria and Alec Baldwin enjoyed an adult date night sans kiddos as they attended the annual 2016 American Museum of Natural History Museum Gala in New York City on Friday.

Alec's wife looked beautiful in blue as she showcased her ample cleavage in a plunging dress for their evening out.

Date night: Hilaria and Alec Baldwin enjoyed an evening sans children as they attended the annual 2016 American Museum of Natural History Museum Gala in New York City on Friday

The 32-year-old Spanish beauty, who gave birth just two months ago to the couple's youngest child, flaunted her trim waistline in a fit-in-flare frock.

The simple yet stunning design showed off her decolletage with a daring low-cut neckline along with her tiny midsection, which was cinched in furthermore.

The bottom half of her elegant dress featured pockets inside the full A-line skirt which stopped just below her knees showing off the yoga instructor's lean legs.

Hilaria further accentuated her toned pins with a pair of black platform peep-toe heels.

Beautiful in blue! The 32-year-old Spanish beauty, who gave birth just two months ago to the couple's youngest child, flaunted her ample cleavage and trim waistline in a fit-in-flare frock

Lovely duo: The 30 Rock star and his yoga instructor wife, who've been married since 2012 and have three children together, looked sharp all dressed up for their night out

The brunette beauty left her long locks down in loose waves to cascade past her shoulders.

She accessorized with a large silver bangle on her wrist and wore long dangling earrings.

Meanwhile, Alec looked dapper all dressed up in a classic black tux and matching loafers.

Funny people unite: Later, Alec was spotted mingling with another SNL star - Kate McKinnon - whom he also posed with before the event

The 58-year-old comedian added a white dress shirt with black cuff links, matching suspenders and bow tie.

The lovely duo looked happy as they posed arm in arm outside of the museum.

Later, Alec was spotted mingling with another SNL star - Kate McKinnon - whom he also posed with before the event.

Classic look: Kate, who is known for channeling Hillary Clinton in her SNL sketches, looked beautiful in a black and white gown

Kate, who is known for channeling Hillary Clinton in her SNL sketches, looked beautiful in a black and white gown.

The 32-year-old actress showed off her fit figure in a plunging two-tone, floor-length dress which featured a subdued mermaid silhouette.

The blonde beauty wore her hair in an up-do and highlighted her eyes with a thick black liner.

SNL reunion! Kenan Thompson and Leslie Jones looked super enthusiastic as they greeted each other and posed alongside each other before the event

She shimmers! Leslie looked stunning as she showcased her curves in a metallic plum dress

Meanwhile, the evening was almost a Saturday Night Live reunion as Seth Meyers, Leslie Jones, Kenan Thompson, Bobby Moynihan, Martin Short and Steve Martin were all in attendance.

Kenan and Leslie looked super enthusiastic as they greeted each other and posed alongside one another before the event.

Seth looked dapper in a navy and black fitted tux and bow tie and accessorized with his color-coordinating wife, Alexi Ashe, who donned a floral frock.

Color-coordinating couple: Seth Meyers looked dapper in a navy and black fitted tux and bow tie and accessorized with his wife, Alexi Ashe, who matched him in a navy floral frock

Would have loved to have heard their convo! Martin Short and Steve Martin were all smiles as they posed alongside one another before the event

Another funny guy: SNL star Bobby Moynihan was also in attendance

Martin and Steve were all smiles as they posed alongside one another before the event.

The evening could also easily of passed as a 30 Rock or Unbreakable Kimmy Schmidt cast reunion as Tina Fey, Jane Krakowski, and Ellie Kemper also hit the star-studded comedian-heavy event.

Like Baldwin and Meyers, Tina also made the evening a date night as she brought along her husband of 15 years, Jeff Richmond.

While Jane looked beautiful in a curve-hugging paisley printed mini dress as she hit the carpet solo.

Longtime loves: Like Baldwin and Meyers, Tina Fey also made the evening a date night as she brought along her husband of 15 years, Jeff Richmond

Leggy look: Jane Krakowski looked beautiful in a curve-hugging paisley printed mini dress which she teamed with an intricate pair of black strappy sandals

Simple: Ellie Kemper, who welcomed her first child in August, opted for a simple loose-fitting black midi dress

Ellie Kemper, who welcomed her first child in August, opted for a simple loose-fitting black midi dress and coordinating closed-toe pumps.

The Netflix star and new mom looked beautiful with minimal make-up and left her short auburn tresses down.

Matthew Morrison and his wife Renee were also spotted at the museum.

Mr. Schue is that you? Matthew Morrison and his wife Renee were also spotted at the museum. The Glee alum looked different as he sported a full mustache and scruffy facial hair

Off the record: TV Journalists Diane Sawyer (left) and Lara Spencer (right) were also seen at the event

The Glee alum sported a mustache and scruffy facial hair along with a dark suit and tie.

TV Journalists Diane Sawyer and Lara Spencer were also seen at the event.

Musical instrumentalist, Ahmir Khalib Thompson, known as Questlove also stopped by as well as Leven Rambin and Timo Weiland.

Musical instrumentalist, Ahmir Khalib Thompson, known as Questlove was also seen at the gala
Sarah Paulson blossomed in a floral print dress on Thursday at an actors' gathering in Los Angeles.

The 41-year-old actress joined her American Crime Story: The People V. OJ Simpson co-stars at the SAG-AFTRA Foundation event.

Sarah hit the right note in a long short-sleeved blue and yellow dress with a floral motif.

Famous role: Sarah Paulson attended an actors' event on Thursday in Los Angeles along with her co-stars from The People V OJ Simpson

The award-winning actress had her short blonde hair swept up and wore just a hint of makeup.

Sarah received rave reviews for her portrayal of prosecutor Marcia Clark in the mini-series that recently received six Critics' Choice Awards nominations.

She was nominated for the Critics' Choice Award for Best Actress In A Movie Made For Television or Limited Series.

Sarah attended the SAG-AFTRA Conversation event with season co-stars John Travolta, Cuba Gooding Jr and Courtney B. Vance.

Critical acclaim: The actress received widespread critical acclaim for her portrayal of prosecutor Marcia Clark

Award winner: Sarah won her first Emmy Award for her work on The People V OJ Simpson

Busy star: The actress starred in the recently concluded American Horror Story: Roanoke and has been filming the star-studded Ocean's Eight

'I didn't know any other way to get into it other than absorb myself in research,' Sarah said about playing the famous prosecutor during a live tweet.

'I was trying to be a vessel for what I read and saw and how it hit me particularly,' she added.

Sarah won her first Primetime Emmy Award in September for her portrayal of the real-life prosecutor.

Oscar winner: Cuba Gooding Jr played Simpson in the miniseries and also attended the event

Conversation event: Courtney B. Vance who played real-life defense attorney Johnnie Cochran also participated

She brought Marcia backstage as her Emmy was being engraved.

Sarah had been nominated for Emmy Awards four times previously for her work on the American Horror Story anthology series.

She played three different roles in the recently concluded American Horror Story: Roanoke and recently has been filming the star-studded feature film Ocean's Eight.
He's the Weekend Today host also known for his work as a prime time news reporter and war correspondent.

But Peter Stefanovic is set to leave the world of breakfast TV, after announcing on Friday he will be joining the 60 Minutes team full time next year.

The 34-year-old confirmed the news on Instagram, while sharing a photo of himself with journalists Charles Wooley and Liz Hayes.

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Someone's happy! Weekend Today Show host Peter Stefanovic announced his new job through a beaming social media post

'Excited to announce that next year I'll be working alongside these two legends full time,' he captioned the image.

As well as hosting Weekend Today with Deborah Knight, Peter has acted as the reporter for a number of 60 Minutes stories this year.

Just weeks ago, the journalist interviewed the wives of men who traded child pornography for the current affairs program.

Dipping a foot in: In between hosting episodes of the weekend breakfast show, the 34-year-old has been reporting on stories for 60 Minutes

Making friends! The reporter interviewed champion surfer Mick Fanning (left) and his friend Barney Miller (centre) in March for the current affairs show

He can hack it! Peter has enjoyed a varied career in media, which has seen him report from war zones (pictured), royal weddings, and from the comfort of a studio

He also spoke to champion surfer Mick Fanning and his friend Barney Miller about their codependent relationship which helped them both get back on the board in March.

The move comes just two weeks after it was revealed his brother Karl Stefanovic would spend his summer off air as he recovers from his marriage split.

Channel Nine boss Darren Wick confirmed earlier this month the Today show host, 42, would be taking at least a month off work as he deals with family issues.

In better times: While his brother's career gets a boost, Karl Stefanovic will spend a month resting over the summer as he sorts out his personal life following a bitter marriage breakdown with Cassandra Thorburn (right)

'Previously what we've done with Karl is that he has often shot 60 Minutes stories over the summer,' added Darren.

'We don't want him doing that this year  just have a break. Obviously what he's working through with his family situation ... he needs to have a break and just rest and spend time with his family.'

Peter joined Channel Nine in 2004 as a reporter for their nightly news program before he was sent to report from the network's LA and London offices.

He spent some time as a war correspondent and was present for the 2011 Arab Spring and the 2012 conflict between Gaza City and Israel.

He'll be missed! Peter has been hosting Weekend Today with Deborah Knight

The reporter also covered softer stories such as the wedding of Prince William and Kate, the death of Michael Jackson and the London Olympics.

Earlier this year, he released a book called Hack in a Flack Jacket, which covered his adventures as a war correspondent.

Peter is the younger brother of Today Show host Karl Stefanovic, and became engaged to Karl's Today co-host Sylvia Jeffreys in July this year.
She told fans earlier this year that she wanted to get a nose job.

And it appears Instagram model Skye Wheatley may have finally fulfilled her wish as her nose looked MUCH smaller in a recent selfie.

But it is possible Skye's new look could be the result of extreme make-up contouring, or even one of the popular airbrushing apps she is known to use.

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Did she get it done? Skye Wheatley shared an Instagram selfie on Friday (L), which showed her nose looking much smaller than it did earlier this year (R)

The former Big Brother Australia star has admitted to getting lip fillers and a botched boob job.

In May, the 24-year-old told a follower on Instagram that she was planning to go under the knife yet again.

'Hahaha 100% it's gotta be done,' she wrote, when a fan asked if she was planning to get her nose done.

Flashback: The 24-year-old Instagram model shot to fame on Big Brother back in 2014

My, you've changed! Skye is unrecognizable now compared to her time on Big Brother

Skye's followers tried to dissuade her from surgery, with one fan saying: 'You don't need a nose job! You're already so stunning, nothing needs fixing!'

However, the reality TV star did not agree, responding: 'No one will ever see what I see babe.'

The former Gold Coast barista recently claimed on Instagram she had received more lip fillers to achieve a plumper pout.

Fresh faced: A childhood photo shows the reality star as a wholesome, innocent young girl

Last year, the plastic fantastic model flew to Thailand and paid $28,000 for a breast augmentation to fix her 'wonky' chest.

But the surgery was a disaster, leaving Skye with a 'double bubble' in one breast.

'I've lost all my confidence and I never want to get naked with a boy again. I hate what that surgeon has done to me,' she told the Daily Telegraph.
Activists Fight Bail Abuse, Seek To Raise $40K To Free Jailed Chicagoans

By Stephen Gossett in News on Nov 18, 2016 6:44PM



Shutterstock

It's been a year since local activists set up a special fund to bail people out of jail, and they've raised the money to help 45 people who couldn't afford to post bond themselves. Now, as bail reform picks up support from Chicago-area political leaders, the grassroots Chicago Community Bond Fund is celebrating its first year of success and getting ready for more challenges ahead.

The Bond Fund, which was founded late last year, raised funds to post bond for 45 people who were incarcerated in 2015, and the organization hasnt lost any bonds in that time, according to co-founder Sharlyn Grace. Everyone we bonded out would still be in jail, she told Chicagoist.

While the group continues to advocate for policy and systemic change, in the meantime, its important to actually get people out, Grace said. The group also has a volunteer network that supports those it helps with court-date reminders and transportation assistance.

Chicagos bond system essentially allows for the indefinite detention of people awaiting trial in Cook County who cannot afford cash bond. Officials with Cook County Sheriff Tom Darts office, who recently called for an end to the states bail system, projected there are some 200 inmates who cant afford their $1000 bail. And more than 1000 were detained longer than their actual sentence in 2015.

This graphic helps explain how it works:



All donations to @ChiBondFund get people out of Cook County Jail who can't afford bond! Learn more: https://t.co/7dAo8ENnv8 pic.twitter.com/Nv82ZmguON  Chicago Bond Fund (@ChiBondFund) November 18, 2016



The problem only compounds itself, too. Many people lose their jobs, and consequently lose housing, lose custody of children if dont have a family member to help.  Grace said.

People who are incarcerated pre-trial are more likely to be convicted, more likely to be found guilty by a judge and jury, more likely to take a plea, or receive longer sentences rather than probation, Grace told Chicagoist.

"Money bail isnt an evidence-based policy. It's been proven that the overwhelming majority of these people deserve to be released with no unfair conditions," she added.

The Bond Fund on Saturday is set to celebrate its one-year milestone at an anniversary party, at Wellington Avenue United Church of Christ (615 W Wellington Ave.) at 7 p.m., and at the same time re-up its coffers. The party, which features speakers and performers for whom CCBF posted bond, doubles as fundraiser: the organization hopes to replenish revolving fund with $40,000 before the end of the year to continue the fight against one of Cook Countys worst shames.

"The right to liberty while presumed innocent is a basic, unassailable right," Grace said.
Charlie Sheen said his twin boys were fine on Thursday following his ex-wife's recent breakdown in Utah.

The 51-year-old actor said seven-year-old twins Bob and Max were 'excellent' after their mother Brooke Mueller reportedly agreed to a psych evaluation.

'It could've been a lot worse,' Sheen said while standing outside a dermatology center in Beverly Hills, California.

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Family drama: Charlie Sheen said his ex-wife Brooke Mueller and twin sons Bob and Max were doing fine on Thursday following her recent breakdown in Utah

The Platoon star that Mueller and the boys were 'good' and 'everybody's fine'.

Sheen revealed that he has not yet spoken to Mueller, 39, but 'talked to somebody next to her'.

The Two And A Half Men star earlier on Thursday released a bizarre statement to People following a strange 24-hour period for Mueller and the boys.

'In the face of a roughshod and polar moment of unsanctioned divide, sanity and certainty were restored with grace and resolve,' his statement said.

Good mood: The Platoon star was in a jovial mood as he talked outside a dermatology center

Bizarre statement: The actor gave an update after releasing a bizarre statement about it

'Immeasurable gratitude and love to a fellow yeoman of the apocalypse; sir Michael from that hamlet called Walters, need accept each and every Crimson palm-sting, as high fives rain upon his bitchen nobility, not just from this traveler, but from his safe and stable brood as well,' he added.

The statement was released after Mueller agreed to a psych evaluation after reportedly being seen arguing barefoot with her nanny in a Salt Lake City bar and then allegedly 'beating' her children at a nearby car wash.

Her alleged behaviour in the late hours of Tuesday and early hours of Wednesday prompted police to briefly search for Mueller and the twins.

Handled it: Sheen said the situation was handled and the boys were doing 'excellent'

Fan favourite: The Hollywood star joked around as he was peppered with questions

Mueller was said to have arrived barefoot in a bar with the boys and asked people for a cigarette late on Tuesday night, before getting in a fight with the children's nanny, according to TMZ.

Police reportedly called Sheen about the situation after Mueller apparently told people in the bar that she was his ex-wife and gave them his phone number.

Mueller and Sheen separated in 2011 after three years of marriage and went through a nasty divorce and custody battle.

She spent time in rehab earlier this year and is said to have been in rehab 20 times to date.

Interesting: Sheen reacted to Mueller's breakdown with a bizarre poem as a statement to People on Thursday, as they are pictured together in September 2009
She confessed she 'would love to' start a family in a heart to heart with Lisa Snowdon on Thursday night's episode of I'm A Celebrity... Get Me Out Of Here!

And Ola Jordan's husband James has opened up about fulfilling her desire of becoming a mum by revealing details of their steamy sex life.

The ballroom dancer, 38, also explained that a once in a lifetime opportunity for Ola, 34, to take part in the jungle-based ITV series in the Australian outback put a halt on the couple's plans to start a family.

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Starting a family: Ola Jordan's husband James, 38, has opened up about fulfilling her desire of becoming a mum by revealing details of their steamy sex life

'We are doing loads of practising but she wanted to do I'm A Celebrity first,' the pro dancer confessed to the Daily Star about Ola, who decided to leave Strictly in 2015 after nine years.

Her decision to head Down Under for the ITV series was a surprise for James as he also admitted: 'Ola quit Strictly because she wanted to have a baby'.

Ola - who previously revealed she feels pressure to have a baby, especially from her dad - is so keen for the next chapter of her life to begin that even an insider noted to the newspaper: 'She cant wait to become a mum and James is right behind her.'

The couple, who have been together for 17 years and married for 13 years, also spoke candidly about their sex lives in an exclusive interview with MailOnline.

'We've been practising!' The Strictly star admitted they were active in the bedroom but Ola's decision to do I'm A Celebrity... Get Me Out Of Here! has slowed down their family plans

As the first couples ambassadors for Ann Summers, James confessed: 'After 17 years would I suggest trying sex toys? It's spiced up our love life a lot, so yes, I would definitely urge couples to experiment with toys.'

He added: 'There are brilliant things for massage and they aren't seedy, they are actually romantic!'

And while it's all fun and games in the bedroom, James offered a stern warning to any of the contestants on I'm A Celeb planning on making a move on her, during a Periscope broadcast.

'Its to be expected. Shes a gorgeous girl and if they hit on her, they hit on her. Maybe Ill smash their face in when they get out,' he notified.

'She wanted a baby': The ballroom dance pro, 38, also confessed that his stunning wife of thirteen years quit Strictly last year after nine years to fulfill her desire to becoming a mum

And baby talk was on Ola's mind once again as she discussed having children with stunning Lisa Snowdon, 44, on I'm A Celebrity.

And despite dating the likes of George Clooney, male model Paul Sculfor and recently finding love again with George Smart - the brunette thinks she has left it too late to start a family.

'Not now' said Lisa, when Ola asked if she wanted a family. 'Its a weird one because its so hard. I left it kind of late.

'I didnt find anybody that I wanted to actually be with and I didnt want to have kids to just...'

'Have kids, said Ola.

'Yeah. I wanted that unit kind of thing,' Lisa admitted.

Confidante: Lisa Snowdon told Ola she thinks she left it too late to have children on Thursday night's I'm A Celebrity, Get Me Out Of Here

Heart to heart: Ola said she still wants to have children in the chat with Lisa

Not for me: Lisa said she had always wanted a family unit but her timing wasn't right

Happily married: Ola has been married to fellow professional dancer James Jordan since 2003

But Ola who has been married to fellow pro-dancer James since 2003, told Lisa she 'would love to' start a family.

The pair enjoyed a spot of sunbathing in the jungle with Lisa sporting a bright blue bikini and Ola a lemon yellow two-piece under her jungle trousers.

Lisa lazed on a hammock, while Ola soaked up some sun on her jungle camp bed.

Lazing away: Lisa chilled out on a hammock at one point enjoying a mid-afternoon snooze

Slim and trim: Ola showed off her lithe dancer's body as she lazed on the hammock

Sleepyhead: Lisa has been showing off her toned limbs on the hit ITV reality show

Meanwhile, Scarlett Moffatt also said she wanted to be a mother.

'Oh yeah. I want my own little tribe definitely,' she said. 'I would like at least two kids because I was [like] an only child.

'My little sister wasnt born until I want 16 so Id like them to have a couple of years between them so they have a play mate.'

Motherhood ambitions: Scarlett Moffatt said she would like 'a tribe of her own'

Dressed up: Lisa later ditched the bikini for a jungle hat and regulation shirt and trousers

Scarlett has been recovering from Wednesday night's Big Bush Bake Off challenge which saw her munch chewy camel nipples.

Before the task, Scarlett revealed the sage advice her dad had given her prior to the jungle.

She explained: 'Me dad always says what won't stick in your throat, won't stick in your a**e.'
She's known for her demure displays at glamorous events and red carpets.

Yet Lydia Bright was sure to turn heads as she flaunted her enviable hourglass curves in a skimpy brown two-piece on Thursday in a sultry Instagram clip.

The 26-year-old TOWIE beauty sizzled in the tiny bikini which showcased her taut abs after she landed Down Under for an appearance on ITV2's I'm A Celebrity...Extra Camp alongside former jungle queens Vicky Pattison and Stacey Solomon.

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Killer curves: Lydia Bright was sure to turn heads as she flaunted her enviable curves in a skimpy brown two-piece on Instagram on Thursday

Making sure to share the fruits of her gym labour online, the reality star captioned the rather saucy pic: 'Bikini time'.

While many prepare for the winter chill by wrapping up in the Northern Hemisphere, Lydia instead soaked up the Australian sunshine as she sported a plunging halterneck that teased at her ample cleavage.

She paraded her toned pins and pert derriere in a matching pair of low-slung bikini bottoms with gold circle detail as she relaxed in her hotel room in New South Wales.

Going barefoot for the insightful snippet, Lydia held her rose gold plated phone in front of her delicate facial features as she swept her signature blonde locks into a messy bun.

Flaunt it: The 26-year-old TOWIE beauty sizzled in the tiny bikini which showcased her taut abs after she landed Down Under for an appearance on ITV2's I'm A Celebrity...Extra Camp

Demure darling: Lydia is known for her demure looks on the red carpet and at exclusive events

Letting a number of loose strands frame her face, the ITV darling was sure to accentuate her deep golden glow against her purple hued sexy two-piece.

Lydia recently touched down in Australia and is set to appear on the I'm A Celebrity...Get Me Out Of Here! spin-off.

The fashionista is set to chat about all the antics and goings-on in the Australian jungle after TV presenter Andi Peters and Coronation Street star Brooke Vincent made appearances earlier this week.

Very cheeky! She paraded her toned pins and pert derriere in a matching pair of low-slung bikini bottoms with gold circle detail

Bottoms up! The ITV darling was sure to accentuate her deep golden gold against her purple hued sexy two-piece

She tucked her blonde locks behind her ears and let them cascade down her back, and she looked to be wearing a thick faux fur coat.

Keeping things simple with her captioning work, Lydia simply wrote 'Pussy pussy' alongside the image.

Lydia and her ex, James Argent, slept together during their work-related jaunt to Spain at the beginning of October.

In the past: Lydia and her ex, James Argent, slept together during their work-related jaunt to Spain at the beginning of October

Previously, the reality star duo, who have played out much of their romance on-screen since TOWIE began in 2010, split in April after seven years of on-and-off dating.

Lydia ended things with her long-term boyfriend after he allegedly relapsed into his cocaine habit.

Her friend Danielle Armstrong told Lorraine Kelly just days after their recent night of passion: 'She doesn't want to hurt him. I don't think they'll get back together, but she still cares for him.'
She's busy promoting her latest film which sees her play a 1950s Hollywood siren.

But Lily Collins showed off her new more modern haircut as she hit the red carpet in West Hollywood on Thursday afternoon at the star-studded Stylemakers Awards, hosted by Variety and WWD.

The actress daughter of rocker Phil Collins, 27, debuted her trendy fringe and choppy bob in a head-turning red dress.

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Fringe benefits! Lily Collins showed off her new haircut as she hit the red carpet in West Hollywood on Thursday afternoon at the star-studded Stylemakers Awards, hosted by Variety and WWD

The blunt shoulder-length cut and choppy fringe framed her pretty features perfectly, adding a chic touch to her look.

Making the most of her chiselled bone structure, she wore minimal make-up, opting for lashings of mascara, nude lips and her trademark bold brows.

Her figure-skimming floor-length gown highlighted her petite figure, and was brought alive by an array of ruffles on the back.

New hair don't care! The daughter of rocker Phil Collins, 27, debuted her trendy fringe and choppy bob in a head-turning red dress, having previously rocked more classic long waves

Feeling a change: The blunt shoulder-length cut and choppy fringe framed her pretty features perfectly, adding a chic touch to her look

And teaming the look with nude killer heels, she showcased her delicate foot tattoo.

The look is quite a change from that of a few weeks ago, where she wore her flowing glossy tresses in classic Hollywood waves, adding bold red lips.

Lily first showed off her new hairdo on Instagram, sharing a snap of her photographer taking to her hair with a pair of scissors with the caption: 'Cutting loose'.

Understated: Making the most of her chiselled bone structure, she wore minimal make-up, opting for lashings of mascara, nude lips and her trademark bold brows

Going for the chop! Lily first showed off her new hairdo on Instagram, sharing a snap of her photographer taking to her hair with a pair of scissors with the caption: 'Cutting loose'

And Lily was happy to share her hair off at an array of bashes, later attending Beau Dunn's 'Plastic' opening at De Re Gallery in a more casual ensemble.

Wearing her hair in a casual ponytail and sweeping her fringe slightly to the side, the actress rocked a vampy maroon lip.

In line with her rock-chic look she wore a black T-shirt, leather look leggings and an oversized denim jacket, accessorising with a logo-emblazoned clutch and stylish ankle boots.

Denim delight! Lily was happy to share her hair off at an array of bashes, later attending Beau Dunn's 'Plastic' opening at De Re Gallery in a more casual ensemble

Rock chic: Wearing her hair in a casual ponytail and sweeping her fringe slightly to the side, the actress rocked a vampy maroon lip

Lily currently features in romantic comedy Rules Don't Apply directed by Warren Beatty.

In the film the British-American beauty plays aspiring star Marla Mabrey in 1950s Hollywood.

Her character finds herself caught in a love triangle between chauffeur Frank Forbes - played by Alden Ehrenreich - and obsessive-compulsive billionaire Hughes - played by Warren.

The star-studded cast also includes Alec Baldwin, Haley Bennett, Martin Sheen, Steve Coogan, Ed Harris, Candice Bergen and Oliver Platt.

Lily is also set to appear in three films in 2017: Okja, Halo of Stars and To The Bone.

Detail: She accessorised with a logo-emblazoned clutch and stylish ankle boots as she posed up a storm
He's often used his celebrity status to highlight a number of political issues.

And Johnny Depp threw his star power behind another campaign as he expressed support for imprisoned Ukrainian film director Oleg Sentsov.

Posing for a thought-provoking mugshot, the 53-year-old actor wore a board hanging around his neck showing Sentsovs sentence.

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Star power: Johnny Depp expressed support for imprisoned Ukrainian film director Oleg Sentsov as he posed for a thought-provoking mugshot in a new campaign

The photo was taken as part of a new campaign called Imprisoned for Art, which has also been backed by the likes of Peter Gabriel and Tom Morello.

Hunter Heaney, co-founder and executive director of The Voice Project, said the campaign had twin goals - to build awareness and raise money for the group, which works to support freedom of expression.

Depp had chosen to support filmmaker Sentsov, who was convicted of conspiracy to commit terror attacks by a Russian military court in 2015 and sentenced to 20 years in prison.

Imprisoned: Depp was supporting Russian filmmaker Oleg Sentsov, who was convicted of conspiracy to commit terror attacks by a military court in 2015 and sentenced to 20 years

Meanwhile, Depp hit the headlines recently when it emerged he has a cameo role in the forthcoming Harry Potter spin-off film Fantastic Beasts And Where To Find Them.

Following this, it came out that he plays the character of Grindelwald prequel - leading to an outcry on social media.

Fans suggested that Depp wasn't the right choice in the light of the domestic abuse claims leveled against him by his now ex-wife Amber Heard during their messy divorce this summer.

Back on screens: Depp hit the headlines recently when it emerged he has a cameo role in the forthcoming Harry Potter spin-off film Fantastic Beasts And Where To Find Them

But director David Yates defended the decision, saying he and producer David Heyman simply went 'for the most inspired, interesting, right fit for that character.'

Speaking during publicity for the latest J.K. Rowling big screen adaptation, Yates explained: 'As we started to approach Grindelwald, we thought, "Whos going to take this in an interesting direction?"

'In this business youre a star one week, people are saying odd things the next, but no one takes away your pure talent.'

The Hollywood star is set to play a much bigger role in the sequel that is expected to chart the rise of the wizard Grindelwald to power in Europe, and will be filmed in the UK and in Paris.
Laura Csortan has become a mother for the first time.

The TV personality announced the birth of baby girl Layla Rose Csortan on Instagram on Friday night.

'Welcome to the world my angel,' the 40-year-old captioned a photo of herself holding her newborn's hand.

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'Welcome to the world my angel': Laura Csortan, 40, announced the birth of her baby girl Layla Rose Csortan on Instagram on Friday night

She announced the news to her 22,000 Instagram followers, and confirmed Layla was born the previous day.

'Born 17.11.2016 never felt a love quite like it,' she wrote, alongside the hash tag 'My baby girl'.

The photo saw Laura holding onto her baby girl's hand, which looked precious by comparison.

Proud parent: This is the first child for single mother Laura, who has chose not to reveal the identity of Layla Rose's father

Laura has spoken candidly about the difficultly she expects to face while raising her child as a single mother.

Weeks before giving birth, she told Poppy Renegade that revealing her pregnancy was 'the hardest thing (she's) ever done'.

She added: 'It's not been without fear and struggles, I'm not pretending it's going to be a walk in the park, but it's the cards I've been dealt.'

'The hardest thing': Laura has spoken candidly about the difficultly she expects to face while raising her child as a single mother

Despite having doubts, Laura claimed she has received plenty of support since announcing her decision to raise the child alone.

'I was supported by family and friends and also so many women I have never met before who would write to me sharing their stories,' she said.

She previously told Woman's Day: 'I didn't know how it would go down, I was terrified but it's certainly been received really well.

'I will be a single mum and there's a lot of single mums saying, "I went through it and these are the things you might find difficult or not," so that's really fabulous as well.'

Stigma: Laura previously told Woman's Day about her pregnancy reveal, 'I didn't know how it would go down, I was terrified but it's certainly been received really well'

'That's really fabulous as well': Despite having doubts, Laura said she has received plenty of support since announcing her decision to raise the child alone

Keeping mum! Laura has not publicly revealed who the father of her baby girl is

Laura has not publicly revealed who the father of her baby girl is.

'When the baby's older I'm happy with her finding out who her father is. I'm going into this with an open mind,' she said.

Laura's former partners include ex-AFL player Chad Cornes and American model Joshua Slack, 28.

Speaking of her 11-year age gap with Joshua, she previously told Daily Mail Australia that age is 'just a number.'

'I think it's great and there are a lot of really great girls in the industry that have younger boyfriends as well.

'It's just a number. Whatever makes you happy, whatever works,' she said.
She's been embroiled in a bitter custody battle with ex-husband Peter Loughran.

And Lena Headey has reportedly provided new evidence in the fight to take their six-year-old son Wylie to the UK, claiming that she needs to make the move for work.

According to TMZ, the 42-year-old actress handed over a letter from the Executive Producer of Game Of Thrones demanding her presence on the set until February 2017.

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Working mum: Lena Headey has reportedly provided new evidence in the fight to move six-year-old son Wylie to the UK, claiming that she needs to make the move for work

Lena - who stars as Cersei Lannister in the HBO series - currently has an order which allows her to take their son to Britain only when she films, which her ex Peter claimed should have finished by now.

However, her letter from Bernadette Caulfield allegedly says she must stay in the UK for 'possible addition scenes and pick-ups' for another three months.

MailOnline have contacted Lena's representative for comment.

Star of the show: Lena - who stars as Cersei Lannister in the HBO series Game Of Thrones - currently has an order which allows her to take their son to Britain only when she films

The update comes following reports she had been ordered by a custody judge to return to the US with her son after she enrolled him at school in her native England without her ex-husband's permission.

Her former spouse attended court in the city to complain the star violated their 2013 custody agreement by signing their six-year-old boy Wylie at an educational institution in Yorkshire.

According to TMZ she had been hoping to keep their son in England permanently as she feels American schools are inferior to their British counterparts.

Free Wylie: Her ex-husband Peter Loughran, here with Lena in LA back in May, attended court to request she return with their boy

However, her Irish ex is supposed to see their boy 10 days per month under their custody agreement.

She had, however, been allowed to keep him in her native country until filming on the hit HBO show was completed bringing him home to the States. She was supposed to return with him on September 5.

Until then she has been ordered to foot the bill for her musician former spouse's travel expenses.

Split: The English beauty married the Irish musician in 2007 but they divorced six years later

The former couple tied the knot in 2007 before separating in 2011 and divorcing in 2013.

Lena, who last year welcomed a daughter named Teddy, has endured a contentious split with her former husband.

The tattooed beauty, citing her ex's past driving issues, asked the court to make him download an app that would prohibit him from texting while driving (which she agreed to download as well).

The Terminator: The Sarah Connor Chronicles star also brought to the court's attention his social media posts showing him posing with an AK-47 in a successful petition from keeping him from taking the boy on a holiday trip to his native Ireland.
He's been on a whirlwind promotional tour for his new flick Fantastic Beasts And Where To Find Them.

And in his latest appearance for the much-anticipated release, Eddie Redmayne poked some major fun at the J.K. Rowling written script on Thursday night's The Late Late Show With James Corden.

The 34-year-old British actor willingly joined in the chat show host's well known skits as he spoofed the movie with a side-splitting airport security sketch.

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In the spoof, the Oscar winner and Corden hysterically imagined what it would be like if Eddie's Fantastic Beats character Newt Scamander had to travel through the airport, equipped with his case of mystical creatures.

Going through airport security with his trademark suitcase, Eddie is met with 38-year-old James - who channelled his inner TSA agent for the skit.

Stopping the Theory Of Everything star after he noticed some questionable items in his bag through the X-ray machine, he begins to check his baggage, much to Eddie's anxiety.

Proclaiming to not open his suitcase, James answers Eddie amusingly: 'Don't make me blow this whistle. So help me God, I will blow this whistle.'

'If you back me into a corner I will whistle my way out of it.'

Having fun: The Oscar winner and Corden hysterically imagined what it would be like if Eddie's Fantastic Beats character Newt Scamander had to travel through the airport, equipped with his case of mystical creatures

Side-splitting: Going through airport security with his trademark suitcase, Eddie is met with 38-year-old James - who channelled his inner TSA agent for the skit

Having a laugh: Stopping the Theory Of Everything star after he noticed some questionable items in his bag through the X-ray machine, he begins to check his baggage, much to Eddie's anxiety

Giving up his fight, Eddie worryingly forewarns James: 'Don't say I didn't warn you.'

While James steps out of shot, some of the Fantastic Beasts' heads pop up in his suitcase to share their impatience to get where they're going before he urges them to get back down and 'shut up'.

Although his creatures answer his plea, James continues his power-trip and hilariously harasses him after finding his non-TSA approved mouthwash in his bag.

'Don't make me blow this whistle': Proclaiming to not open his suitcase, James answers Eddie amusingly: 'Don't make me blow this whistle. So help me God, I will blow this whistle'

In trouble: Although his creatures answer his pleas, James continues his power-trip and hilariously harasses him after finding his non-TSA approved mouthwash in his bag

On his merry way: Still failing to spot the beasts, Corden lets Eddie shut his suitcase and go on his way

Still failing to spot the beasts, Corden lets Eddie shut his suitcase and go on his way.

He jokes: 'I'm afraid I had to confiscate and destroy the mouthwash sir but other than that, you are free to go.'

Causing a rib-tickling performance, Eddie was later joined on the CBS chat show with Golden Globe winner Jessica Chastain.

Having a blast: Causing a rib-tickling performance, Eddie was later joined on the CBS chat show with fellow Golden Globe winner Jessica Chastain

Stylish figure: Eddie looked dapper in a blue grey suit beside the flame-haired beauty

Meanwhile, Eddie recently confessed Taylor Swift auditioned for the big-screen adaptation of Les Miserables.

Discussing how 'amazing' she was during the process, the acclaimed actor was also quick to clear up rumours that they enjoyed a romance, which began to circulate the same year he starred in the Oscar-winning blockbuster.

After being asked about their rumoured fling, Eddie told Andy Cohen on Watch What Happens Live: 'I absolutely can put the rumors to rest. I never went out on a date with Taylor Swift.'

Clearing it up: Eddie was keen to 'put to rest' rumours that he went on a date with the starlet whilst filming the flick, which is when he began dating his now-wife Hannah Bagshawe

Explaining where the gossip stemmed from, the star confessed: 'She auditioned for Les Miserables, she was amazing in the audition.

'We got to sing together, which was a big moment for me, but no, we never went out.'

Full of praise for the Grammy-winning artist, Eddie continued: 'She was extraordinary.'

'She was extraordinary': Eddie revealed that Taylor Swift for the big-screen adaptation of Les Miserables but was quick to dismiss rumours they went on a date at the time

Starring role: Eddie played Marius Pontmercy in the 2012 hit Les Miserables (pictured with Samantha Barks)

Meanwhile, Eddie has no plans to slow down his career, and can thank his role in Les Miserables for helping him find his wife, Hannah Bagshawe.

Whilst the pair had been friends for years, it wasn't until the PR executive jetted to Italy to visit him as he filmed the flick, that romance blossomed.

Two years later, the pair were married at Babington House in Somerset, and they welcomed a daughter, Iris Mary, in June.
With a recent spate of original cast members announcing their departure from Geordie Shore.

The new stars of the MTV series Abbie Holborn, Sarah Goodhart and Eve Shannon have been immersing themselves into the wild nights out on the Toon in a number of daring ensembles.

Making sure to command attention while they film season 14 at Tup Tup Palace on Thursday night, starlet Abbie dared to bare in a sheer lace body suit that strategically covered her modesty.

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Turning heads: Geordie Shore newbie Abbie Holborn dared to bare in a sheer lace body suit that strategically covered her modesty

The blonde's plunging body highlighted her buxom bust as it framed her cleavage with daring cutout detail.

Not shy in flashing some skin, Abbie teamed her sheer number with a pair of heavily ripped high-waisted light wash jeans that cinched in her hourglass figure with a black leather belt.

Showcasing her bronzed pins in the form-fitting denims, she injected some height into her petite frame as she slipped on black heeled sandals that matched her pedicured feet.

Abbie completed her sultry ensemble with a velvet black choker wrapped around her neck as she swept her golden tresses into a messy low ponytail.

The reality star was heavily tanned for her outing as she worked a full face of make-up with lashings of mascara.

On the Toon: Newcomers Abbie and Sarah Goodhart dressed to the nines for their outing

That's a bit cheeky: No stranger to TV screens, the beauty sported the quirky shiny skintight staple that hugged her thighs and perky derriere

Former Ex On The Beach star Sarah Goodhart was sure to flaunt her curves in an envelope pushing jersey one piece for filming.

No stranger to TV screens, the beauty sported the quirky shiny skintight staple that hugged her toned thighs and perky derriere.

Sarah - who is Marty McKennas former flame - highlighted her ample cleavage in the slinky outfit as she added inches to her look with a pair of gladiator inspired caged knee-high heels.

Working her raven-coloured tresses into a centre parting, she let her glossy locks cascade down her back to highlight her septum piercing and vivid bright red lip.

Daring: Sarah - who is Marty McKennas former flame - highlighted her ample cleavage in the slinky outfit

Eye-catching: Working her raven-coloured tresses into a centre parting, she let her glossy locks cascade down her back to highlight her septum piercing and vivid bright red lip

Leggy display: Keeping to the slinky theme, Geordie newbie Eve Shannon flashed some serious skin in a racy hip slit waterfall skirt

Keeping to the slinky theme, Geordie newbie Eve Shannon flashed some serious skin in a racy hip slit waterfall skirt.

Flaunting her toned pins, the blonde bombshell avoided a wardrobe malfunction in the daring number as she paired it with a demure bardot crop top that teased at her taut stomach.

Taking style notes from fellow cast member Abbie, Eve also worked a velvet choker around her neck as she draped her black handbag over her shoulder, allowing her neatly waved tresses to fall to her waist.

Beaming while filming, she teetered to and from their waiting cars in a pair of strappy heels.

Work it! Making sure to command attention was Zahida Allen in a thigh-grazing black mini-dress displayed her slender pins in their entirety

Pin-credible: The stunner's choice of ensemble also featured side cutouts and a plunging neckline that hinted at her assets as she adorned her feet with a pair of suede beige platform heels

Making sure to command attention while out on the tiles was another MTV newcomer Zahida Allen in a thigh-grazing black mini-dress that displayed her slender pins in their entirety.

The stunner's choice of ensemble also featured side cutouts and a plunging neckline that hinted at her assets as she adorned her feet with a pair of beige platform heels.

Working a dark brown lip, she styled her ombre locks into a bouncy curl that fell down her back.

Zahida's appearance comes after it was rumoured she was involved in a scuffle with fellow cast mate Chloe Ferry at the venue.

Mixing it up! The Geordie newcomers were joined by Italian Elettra Lamborghini

Newcastle bound! The Lamborghini Heiress is from another of MTV's shows which is broadcast in Europe called Super Shore

The Geordie newcomers were joined by Italian Elettra Lamborghini, the Lamborghini Heiress is from another of MTV's shows which is broadcast in Europe called Super Shore, a sister show of Geordie Shore.

Clad in a skintight plunging jumpsuit, the European beauty - who made a splash on the EMA's red carpet earlier this month - teamed her look with a platform suede heels as she kept her tresses loose with a number of on-trend braids worked through her locks.

However, MTV confirmed to MailOnline that she won't be staying for the full series but simply made a cameo for the upcoming season.

A spokesperson said: 'MTV Super Shore star Elettra Lamborghini entered the Geordie Shore House last night as a special guest.'

The four new girls have been signed up by producers to replace Charlotte Crosby , Holly Hagan and Chantelle Connolly, following their departures for various reasons from the show.

Catsuit clad: Clad in a skintight plunging jumpsuit, the European beauty teamed her look with a platform suede heels as she kept her tresses loose with a number of on-trend braids worked through her locks

While Scotty T is reportedly missing the upcoming series due to previous commitments.

Gary 'Gaz' Beadle , who has been part of the show since it began back in 2011, is the only original cast mate to be apart of season 14.

Also filming on the night were fan favourites Chloe Ferry, Sophie Kasaei and Marnie Simpson as well as Gary, Marty Mckenna and Aaron Chalmers.

Here come the girls: The four new girls have been signed up by producers to replace Charlotte Crosby , Holly Hagan and Chantelle Connolly, following their departures for various reasons from the show

Old school: Marnie, Sophie and Chloe are the original Geordie Shore girls

Joking around: Abbie Holborn playfully left the club with her arms around fellow Geordie Shore newbie Billy Philips
She sent jaws dropping at the beginning of the month when she attended the MTV EMAs in a completely sheer jumpsuit, leaving little to the imagination.

And Elettra Lamborghini ensured she made a memorable entrance ahead of joining the Geordie Shore girls as their newest scantily-clad special guest in the upcoming series.

But the 21-year-old Italian heiress to luxury car brand Lamborghini dressed in a relatively more demure ensemble as she hit Newcastle town for a night out with the other castmembers on Thursday.

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Turning heads: Elettra Lamborghini ensured she made a memorable entrance ahead of joining the Geordie Shore girls as their newest scantily-clad special guest in the upcoming series

Her halterneck jumpsuit featured a plunging neckline, highlighting her ample cleavage.

And showcasing her slender waist, the one-piece was adorned with button embellishment.

Accentuating her toned pins, she added a pair of black platform sandals.

Seeking attention: The 21-year-old Italian heiress to luxury car brand Lamborghini wore an outrageous sheer jumpsuit just weeks ago at the MTV EMAs

And in keeping with Geordie Shore' s uniform heavy make-up, the reality star went for a healthy helping of bronzer, highlighter, eyeshadow and statement lashes, going for bold brows.

With her glossy raven tresses perfectly blow-dried, she sported two braids adding an edgy touch.

The look is a far cry from the outrageous sheer jumpsuit she wore just weeks ago at the MTV EMAs.

Covering up: But on Thursday she opted for a halterneck jumpsuit featured a plunging neckline, highlighting her ample cleavage

Barely covering her modesty with sheer rhinestone nipple covers, she appeared to go free of underwear, an array of patterns just covering her crotch area.

And ensuring she posed from every angle, her bare bottom was clearly visible through the controversial ensemble, flaunting her leopard print tattoo on both sides of her hips.

Dressing up the ensemble with a sparkling diamond body chain, hand chain and drop earrings, she certainly made an entrance to the awards ceremony.

One of the girls: In keeping with Geordie Shore' s uniform heavy make-up, the reality star went for a healthy helping of bronzer, highlighter and statement lashes, going for bold brows

Elettra is no novice to reality shows, having already taken part in 'Super Shore', MTV's Spanish version of the show which is broadcast in Spain and Latin America.

Dubbing herself as the 'Italian killer', she proudly claims she never backs down '[it's] because I fight with everyone.'

But despite openly proclaiming herself as 'bisexual and up for anything', according to The Sun, she is the only castmember of the spin-off shows not to have sex on camera, proclaiming: 'To have good sex passion is needed, and get that in a single night holiday is very difficult.'

Nippy? Barely covering her modesty with sheer rhinestone nipple covers, she appeared to go free of underwear, an array of patterns just covering her crotch area
Comedian Who Left Second City Over Racist Audiences Is Back With 'Crowd Sourced'

By Chicagoist_Guest in News on Nov 18, 2016 8:28PM



Peter Kim, photo via Second City.

By Peter Kim

What the fuck is going on? Are we dead? Is this hell?

A few weeks back, before the election, pre-full-blown-apocalypse, I left The Second City due to an overwhelming increase in hate speech from Trump supporters and others in the audience. And now, just days after the election, we are seeing a surge of hate crimes across the country, all in the name of their golden haired demagogue: Donald Trump. I feel like this is the perfect moment to gloat and say I told you so! but that would just be petty.

For a gay Korean comic who relies heavily on exercising his 1st Amendment right, now is truly a frightening time to be alive. Every day, I walk with my head held high, knowing that just for being me, for believing in my right to be treated as a human amongst other humans, I am prime target for a hate crime. I know that as a live performer, if I offend someone in the audience, he might wait for me outside the theater to physically retaliate against my verbal slings and arrows. But, I took a free introductory Capoeira class, so Im totally cool.

Thats a lie. The truth is, I still feel uneasy walking into Pipers Alley. I want to say that Im totally over the trauma, but Im really not. So I felt very uncomfortable knowing that I had to go back into that building for a show that I booked Monday nights in the Training Center before I quit.

During the summer, when assholes from all over the country were coming to my shows and screaming obscenities, I happened to watch Todd Barrys Crowd Work Tour on one of my off nights. Its a road documentary about a comic touring different cities and only performing crowd work. It made me really sad that he was having so much fun with his crowds while I was getting beat up by mine.

So I decided to start a show where I talked to my audience members and dialogue with them in a healthy way. I was sick and tired of being afraid of my audience members, I wanted to have fun again.

The Trump blindside is still something Im processing. I havent slept soundly in days and everything tastes like the cardboard box that shredded wheat comes in. Im not interested in ever being caught off guard again. Instead, Im interested in starting the process of dialogue with people of all political backgrounds, yes, even Gary Johnson voters. (Yes, I almost threw up typing that.)

So this is an open invitation to everyone to please come participate. Let us meet eye to eye and talk face to face about what the fuck just happened. Lets delight in the levity of comedy and find relief from the common human condition. Weve had two shows so far, and its been an overwhelmingly positive experience. I think people are in need of comedy more than ever, especially shows like this where we get to know each other and roast each other in a safe environment.

Given our President-elects (almost vomited again) penchant for respecting women, we will be donating proceeds to Planned Parenthood, because I believe that if we dont protect womenour largest oppressed demographicthe rest of us dont have a chance in hell. And believe me, we are definitely in hell. The next show, on Monday Nov. 21, will also be crowd sourcing Thanksgiving for the Night Ministry, so bring canned and non-perishable goods.



Peter Kim is a Chicago based writer and performer whose credits include The Second City e.t.c., Laugh Factory, Chicago Magazine and Vox.com. His new show Crowd Sourced w/ Peter Kim will be playing a limited run Monday nights in November at the Judys Beat Lounge @ The Second City.
While the Kardashians and other younger celebrities may get dressed up in their tightest, fanciest looks to fly, this veteran star knows a thing or two about being chic and comfortable in the air.

Lisa Rinna was a walking how-to-guide for airport fashion as she jetted put of Los Angeles, California, late Thursday night.

With daughter Amelia Gray Hamlin in tow, the 53-year-old looked comfortable yet far from slovenly as she made her way through the airport.

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Chic and casual: Lisa Rinna was a walking how-to-guide for airport fashion as she jetted put of Los Angeles, California, late Thursday night

For her flight to Paris, the Real Housewives Of Beverly Hills star wore a pair of simple full length leggings with a black flowing tee and a soft trench cinched in around her waist.

The star carried a heavier black coat as well so she was ready when she touched down in France.

The actress turned reality star finished off her look with a pair of Nike sneakers and some Ray Ban sunglasses.

While leggings and sneakers are hardly a style statement, the addition of the trench and the colour coordination ensured she looked good but was flight ready.

Mother daughter trip: With daughter Amelia Gray Hamlin in tow, the 53-year-old looked comfortable yet far from slovenly as she made her way through the airport

Low key: For her flight to Paris, the Real Housewives Of Beverly Hills star wore a pair of simple full length leggings with a black flowing tee and a soft trench cinched in around her waist

Her daughter showed she has a sartorial flair wearing some straight leg black pants with a box-fit black tee from cult street wear designer Gosha Rubchinskiy under an oversized blush overcoat.

The 15-year-old continued with her cooler-than-you-can-ever-be style by adding a pair of Rihanna's Fenty X Puma creepers, Sunday Somewhere shades and porting a Goyard tote.

Lisa seemed in a good mood to fly despite having a run in with United recently after she claimed they were rude to Amelia.

Cool girl status:Her daughter showed she has a sartorial flair wearing some straight leg black pants with a box-fit black tee from cult street wear designer Gosha Rubchinskiy under an oversized blush overcoat

The Bravo star went on a Twitter tirade but she told reports as she left the airport that she and the airline had made their peace.

'They fixed that they were very kind,' she told waiting photographers.

The reality star refused to say how she and the airline worked out their differences, however.
It is safe to say this star has always been Team Jen and is now back to being Team Brad.

Chelsea Handler once again took aim at Angelina Jolie, who she has previously branded a 'lunatic'.

The 41-year-old used the actress' split from Brad Pitt as a punchline at the A Place Called Home's Gala For The Children in Los Angeles, California, on Thursday night.

Not mincing her words: Chelsea Handler (pictured last month) took aim at Angelina Jolie, who she has previously branded a 'lunatic'

While introducing celebrity divorce lawyer - and dedicated A Place Called Home supporter - Laura Wasser, the funny lady made her feelings on Angelina clear once more.

Chelsea told the star studded crowd in a video obtained by TMZ: '[Laura]'s very dynamic, she's very principled and she's a very accomplished human being.

'And she's such a humanitarian, she's actually currently negotiating Brad Pitt's emancipation.'

Chelsea threw her hands up in the air triumphantly as the majority of the crowd clapped and laughed.

Going for laughs: The 41-year-old used the actress' split from Brad Pitt as a punchline at the A Place Called Home's Gala For The Children in Los Angeles, California

Good cause gone bad: While introducing celebrity divorce lawyer - and dedicated A Place Called Home supporter - Laura Wasser, the funny lady made her feelings on Angelina clear once more

A Place Called Home is a charity dedicated to helping the children of South Central Los Angeles through educational programs, mentorship and other support services.

Chelsea joked that Brad and Angelina's children - Maddox, 15, Pax , 12, Zahara, 11, Shiloh, 10, and twins Knox Jolie-Pitt and Vivienne, 8 - needed some help.

As a segue from Brad to inducing Laura, Chelsea said: 'Speaking of kids that need help...

Serious shade: Describing the lawyer the comedian joked, 'And she's such a humanitarian, she's actually currently negotiating Brad Pitt's emancipation' (the former couple are pictured last year)

'Speaking of kids that need help...' Chelsea used Brad and Angelina's children - Maddox, 15, Pax , 12, Zahara, 11, Shiloh, 10, and twins Knox Jolie-Pitt and Vivienne, 8 - as a segue

'When Laura first visited A Place To Call Home she knew she needed to do something to help, she said, and I quote, ''This is Los Angeles and this is my town. The fact there is a waiting list for hundreds of kids waiting to get into a Place Called Home is no OK with me, the place has to grow and I'm going to help make that happen.

'And when Laura says she's going to help make something happen that usually means someone is going to lose a summer home.'

Not the first time: Chelsea - who is best friends with Brad's other ex wife Jennifer Aniston (pictured 2015) - has previously made her feelings on Angelina clear

Chelsea - who is best friends with Brad's other ex wife Jennifer Aniston - has previously made her feelings on Angelina clear.

On her self-titled show Netflix in September - just after Angelina and Brad filed for divorce - the star went on a rant.

'There are rumors that part of the problem was that Brad was allegedly drinking and smoking too much weed. I wonder why he would need to self-medicate.'

She went on: 'Maybe because he could have been spending the last 12 years at Lake Como hanging out with George Clooney and Matt Damon, instead of being stuck in a house with 85 kids speaking 15 different languages.

'Oh yeah, because he married a f***ing lunatic, thats why.'

Angelina was not the only one to get the Chelsea treatment on Thursday night, with the fact Laura has worked with some of Hollywood's biggest names giving her plenty of comedy fodder.

Not subtle: On her self-titled show Netflix in September - just after Angelina and Brad filed for divorce - the star went on a rant calling the actress a 'lunatic'

Chelsea told the gala: 'Our community owes a lot to Laura and, as a celebrity divorce attorney, Laura owes a lot to hot nannies everywhere.

'Laura has repped some of the most high profile divorces of our time - and also Nick Lachey - that list includes Kim and Khloe Kardashian, Stevie Wonder, Heidi Klum, Johnny Depp, Britney Spears

'She also represented Robyn Moore in her divorce from Mel Gibson, why anyone would ever want a divorce from him we will never know.'
Chrissy Metz is contractually obligated to lose weight for her NBC hit show This Is Us.

As the show progresses, viewers will be seeing the actress go from overweight to much more slimmed down, which must put an enormous amount of pressure on the 37-year-old Florida native.

But instead of being stressed out about what lays head, the beauty told TV Line she is excited.

Pressure: Chrissy Metz is contractually obligated to lose weight for her NBC hit show This Is Us, she told TVLine. Here she is seen on Monday in LA

She is up for it: 'It's a different kind of motivation, so I was excited about it,' she said. Here she is seen with Chris Sullivan

'It's a different kind of motivation, so I was excited about it,' she said.

And she adds it's no surprise to her because it was all discussed before cameras rolled.

'In our contract, it did state that that would be a part of it, to lose the weight in the trajectory of the character as she comes to find herself,' she clarified.

'That was a win-win for me. Because its one thing to try to do it on your own. But as human beings, its an ego thing: Were more likely to do something for someone else.'

The cast: (L-R) Sullivan, Susan Kelechi Watson, Mandy Moore, Milo Ventimiglia, Justin Hartley, and Metz attend NBC's Live screening a of This Is Us in September in West Hollywood

And she insists the people working on the series are sensitive and she is very much going along with it.

'I, as Chrissy, want to do things that mentally, emotionally and physically make me the best that I can be. Thats the intention for our writers and the development of the character,' she explained.

That doesn't mean she is about to hate on her rounder figure. The star says she will never regret being plus sized.

A friend: The beauty with Simon Helberg on November 10

Happy to diet: 'I, as Chrissy, want to do things that mentally, emotionally and physically make me the best that I can be. Thats the intention for our writers and the development of the character,' she explained

'I just have to be very clear. Whether or not I lose weight or stay the same, its purely a choice of mine for health. Not because I think that plus size, curvy, voluptuous, big bodies arent attractive  because I think theyre awesome and sexy,' she said.

'So Ill just have to make sure thats known, because Im not selling out the big girls. I dont do that. Thats not me.'

When the drama began Kate was 36 and unhappy with her weight. She went to an Overeaters Anonymous-like group and meet a 'fat friend' named Toby.

In September Metz addressed the anger viewers felt over the portrayal of her character and said it was a stereotype.

Cute: The star shared this flashback photo from when she was a child

'You know, its really hard for me because I have friends who are like, Why do we have to talk about the weight? Why cant you just be an actor who happens to be overweight in the show and youre moving on with your life? and I completely understand that,' she said.

'Eventually I know that that will be the case  there will just be plus-size actors and its not going to be talked about. However, this role is written about a woman who  it was loosely based on Dan Fogelmans sister  who struggled with her weight and her self-worth.

'And a lot of people do, and I have myself, as a human being. So this is a story that needs to be told because there are people who find their self-worth in the number on the scale.'
Amber Rose certainly knows how to turn heads.

The 32-year-old model was spotted showing off some serious shoulder during a night on the town in Los Angeles on Thursday night.

She looked fantastic in a blue velvet off-the-shoulder top as she arrived at West Hollywood hotspot Delilah.

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On the town: Amber Rose was spotted showing off some serious shoulder during a night on the town in Los Angeles on Thursday night

Amber teamed the sexy top with a pair or ripped light blue jeans and a strappy metallic gold sandals.

She accessorised the look with a small black leather heart-shaped Yves Saint Laurent bag along with a blinged out watch and dangling earrings.

Her signature platinum blonde buzzcut shined as she accentuated her face with make-up including pink blush and shiny lip.

Crushing it: The 32-year-old model looked fantastic in a blue velvet off-the-shoulder top as she arrived at West Hollywood hotspot Delilah

Lovely: She was back to having blonde hair after having pink locks earlier this week

Showing her style: Amber teamed the sexy top with a pair or ripped light blue jeans and a strappy metallic gold sandals

Shiny: Amber wore a blinged out watch and dangling earrings

It has certainly been a busy week for Amber as she was spotted out for a primp and pamper session in Tarzana, California the previous day.

The mother-of-one wore a red-and-blue striped crop top and high-waist blue jeans that accentuated her tiny waist.

On the neo-feminist's feet were a pair of trendy red furry slides.

She hid her pretty face behind a pair of tortoise shell Celine sunglasses.

Curvaceous: She couldn't resist showing off her figure in the skintight jeans

Chic: She also gripped onto a small black leather heart-shaped Yves Saint Laurent bag

Heading out: A bodyguard held her hand as she stepped down an curve and hopped into a pick-up vehicle

The tattooed beauty put her art work on display, opting for short sleeves in the beautiful LA weather.

Wiz Khalifa's ex got VIP treatment in the empty salon, taking up a cushy red spa chair.

Amber talked about the pros and cons of her buzzcut style to refinery29.com in August.

Back to Blonde: A day earlier Amber was spotted in Tarzana just ahead of a primp and pamper session

Blonde bombshell: The blonde-again video bizen stepped out of a car for a nail appointment on Thursday morning

Bountiful booty: Her curves were on display in skin-tight denim

VIP treatment: The celeb enjoyed an afternoon of pampering virtually alone at the nail salon in LA

No more pink: Her buzzcut bleach blonde hair is back

'The best is that once you cut and bleach it, you have a good three days of waking up and literally your hair being done,' she dished.

'But every three days, you have to cut and bleach it, which becomes a process. It's maintenance.'

She recently dyed her hair back to blonde after stepping out with the short hair dyed bright pink.

On Tuesday, the curvaceous beauty stepped out with her short hair dyed a bright pink.
Ordinarily, she's looking perfectly turned out and exceptionally glam.

But Diane Kruger's role in Fatih Akins German-language Drama Aus dem Nichts is a whole different story.

The character evidently calls for the 40-year-old actress to appear dowdy and low-key as she continues to get spotted on location shooting scenes in all-black ensembles and heavy boots.

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World's away: Diane Kruger is a far cry from her typically glamorous self as she shoots scenes for gritty German drama Aus dem Nichts

The latest snaps of the star saw her out and about in Hamburg sporting her chopped hair cut.

Diane's shoulder-length blonde tresses were styled in soft curls and her make up was practically non-existent as she shot the scenes.

She sported a high-necked black sweater, tight black trousers, a buckled belt and a tight-fitted leather jacket.

She has been snapped taking part in hands-on scenes, tussling with a co-star in the rain on the pavements of the city.

The project marks Diane's first film in her native tongue and is a follow-up to Fatih's Why We Took The Car, which was adapted from Wolfgang Herndorf's bestselling novel Tschick.

Drab: The character evidently calls for the 40-year-old actress to appear dowdy and low-key as she continues to get spotted on location shooting scenes in all-black ensembles and heavy boots

Akins Bombero International will produce with Melita Toscan du Plantier and Marie-Jean Pascal of Macassar Productions co-producing. Little is known about the details of the character she plays, however.

Diane was most recently seen in Disorder opposite Matthias Schoenaerts, which premiered at last years Toronto Film Festival. She also stars in The Infiltrator with Bryan Cranston.

The filming comes amid a series of cryptic Instagram posts Diane had shared, seemingly about her relationship with ex Joshua Jackson.

One, entitled 'Final Thought,' read: 'A relationship without trust is like having a phone with no service. And what do you do with a phone with no service? You play games.'

Back on home ground: The project marks Diane's first film in her native tongue and is a follow-up to Fatih's Why We Took The Car, which was adapted from Wolfgang Herndorf's bestselling novel Tschick

Out of character: The 40-year-old actress is ordinarily looking perfectly turned out and exceptionally glam

Diane and Joshua, 38, ended their 10-year romance in July, and since then the actress has shared a number of quotes seemingly pertaining to love and dating.

The star was also in a reflective and somber mood last week when she posted further Instagram remarks mourning the death of her stepfather.

Usually reserved about her personal life, she shared a sweet throwback photo of her mother, Maria-Theresia Heidkrueger and stepfather Wolfgang Bieneck, along with the message 'Thank you for making my mom so happy and bringing peace to our family. R.I.P.'

Sad news: Diane Kruger shared this sweet photo of her mother, Maria-Theresia Heidkrueger and her longtime partner Wolfgang Bieneck

The black and white image was a close-up shot of her mother leaning into her stepfather's shoulder affectionately as the pair smiled brightly.

Diane's mother and biological father, Hans-Heinrich Heidkruger, divorced when she was just a young teenager.

The star hasn't spoken out much about her family, but back in 2011 she talked to the Independent about her dad's battle with alcoholism.

'Everyone has issues. But because of my Dad's illness, my Mum had to go through a lot. She was the one that had to go to work and raise us kids alone,' she said.

Aus dem Nichts is due for release next year.
It's a busy time of year with the holidays quickly approaching.

And Caitlyn Jenner looked to have a lot on her plate as she stepped out to run errands in Malibu, California on Friday.

The 67-year-old juggled her coffee as well as a few supplies as she was seen leaving a lumber yard in casual clothing.

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Busy morning! Caitlyn Jenner had her hands full as she was spotted running errands in Malibu, California on Friday

Caitlyn looked laid-back in a fitted, grey sweater, which she teamed with black skinny jeans.

She finished off the comfortable look with a pair of strappy, black sandals, and carried a black, leather handbag.

She wore her long, brunette tresses in a center part, and styled in soft waves, and hid her eyes behind black sunglasses.

Getting her caffeine fix! The I Am Cait star carried a red Starbucks holiday cup as she stopped by a lumber yard in Malibu to pick up a few things

She accessorized with a pair of pearl earrings and a small necklace, and kept her make-up natural, sporting a nude lipstick.

The reality star showed off a bright red manicure, and carried a red holiday cup from Starbucks as she returned to her car.

Meanwhile, on Wednesday Caitlyn shared a message of hope as she tweeted a link to glaad and Google's #transvoices project.

Laid-back: The reality star kept casual in a grey sweater, black skinny jeans, and strappy sandals

'Time for a little light in the world. These people are so inspiring! Watch their stories to celebrate #transvoices,' Caitlyn posted.

The project showcases the 'stories of three inspiring changemakers who are redefining what it means to be transgender in our country today.'

And earlier this week Caitlyn was spotted posing alongside Modern Family star Ariel Winter at Glamour's annual Women of the Year Awards.

In good company: Caitlyn snapped a photo with Modern Family's Ariel Winter earlier this week, after running into her at Glamour's annual Women of the Year Awards

Ariel was thrilled, posting on Snapchat: 'Met Caitlyn and she called me her second daughter she was so sweet! [heart emoji].'
He's been slammed by his ex-lovers in the past for being a miser when it comes to splashing the cash.

But Mick Jagger - who is worth almost 300million - proved these claims wrong this week when he left a $500 tip for a waiter at Mr Cheng's Noodles in New York.

The Rolling Stones rocker, 73, nipped in for a quick bite with an entourage of five and a couple of security guards outside in the car.

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Not so miserly now: Mick Jagger shakes off his stingy reputation by tipping a waiter a whopping $500 at a Chinese restaurant in New York

He ordered enough to feed the group including lettuce wraps, tuna tartare, chicken satays, green prawns, chow mein, Peking duck and Baked Alaska to round off the meal.

The check came to a reported $478 - which Jagger then matched and increased with the enormous $500 gratuity.

Eyewitnesses couldn't believe it, claiming the star was chatty, friendly and speedy in feeding his team before dashing off to their next appointment.

In 2014, his ex-wife Jerry Hall told The Times that she was the one who had to fork out for household expenses and costs relating to their children.

'He always wanted me to pay everything to do with the house and the children which I didnt mind, I guess, because I had the money,' she said, adding: 'But, yeah, hes pretty tight with the day-to-day stuff.'

Generous: The check came to a reported $478 - which Jagger then matched and increased with the enormous $500 gratuity

Tips like Jagger: Eyewitnesses couldn't believe it, claiming the star was chatty, friendly and speedy in feeding his team before dashing off to their next appointment

Jagger took issue with these claims however, calling The Times following Hall's comments to passionately refute them.

He said: 'I find her remarks absurd. I have always paid all expenses for the children as well as the lions share of the costs relating to her lifestyle, and been more than happy to do so.'

Similarly, in her memoirs, ex-girlfriend Marianne Faithfull wrote, 'I did notice he could be tight with money'.
Jonathan Cheban is a close friend of the Kardashian family.

And now that Kim Kardashian is spending time with her kids Saint and North as she recovers from her October 3 Paris robbery, the New York-born reality star has been hanging out with Kim's mother Kris Jenner, 61.

So it's interesting that the star took the time to share an image of Kris' new Star magazine cover that claims the momager is romancing Scott Disick.

Jonathan shared the magazine cover on Friday with 'LOLL' written over it. LOLL means laughing out loud literally.

Laughs: Jonathan Cheban seemed to find Kris Jenner's latest cover of Star magazine funny in this Instagram story

Buddies: The reality stars were last seen together on Tuesday shopping at Barneys New York in Beverly Hills

The weekly claimed that Kris was having 'secret romps' with Scott at the Beverly Hills Hotel, where both stars are often seen. The tryst began in Las Vegas, it was alleged.

It was added her daughter Kourtney Kardashian, who split from Scott in June 2015 after claims of cheating, was livid over the romance.

And another line is that Kris has gotten Botox for Scott.

The new Kim! Now that Kim is spending time with her kids Saint and North as she recovers from her October 3 Paris robbery, the New York-born reality star has been hanging out with Kris, 61

She doesn't go out much anymore: The pinup in NYC with Cheban in September

Scott has also been linked to Kendall Jenner and Khloe Kardashian.

It is not known if the father-of-three is back together with Kourtney or not. UsWeekly claims they are living together again.

Meanwhile, Kris has been romancing Corey Gamble, who works for Justin Bieber.

Jonathan and Kris seem to be tight. On Tuesday the momager was seen shopping at Barneys New York in Beverly Hills with Cheban.

On again with Kourt? It is not known if the father-of-three is back together with Kourtney or not. UsWeekly claims they are living together again. Here they are seen in May 2015

Kris appeared to be in great spirits as she chatted with the Celebrity Big Brother star.

At one point she held onto his arm as she descended the steps of Barneys.

And she was dressed to impress in a coat that had lipstick tubed, skulls, butterflies and high heels on them with a fur collar.

Black leggings showed off impressively toned legs. The ex of Bruce Jenner added platform heels in brown and black with shiny gold buckles.

A man on the go: The former Spin Crowd star in Beverly Hills on Thursday

Cheban wore an incredibly bright orange hoodie. Grey slacks and high tops gave him a rock casual style. He was also blinged out with a diamond-encrusted watch and Cartier bracelets.

Jonathan has been appearing often on KUWTK to lighten the mood. He and Scott Disick seem to be the joke makers on the long-running E! show.

Meanwhile, his bestie Kim, 36, returned to Instagram this week, only instead of making posts she only followed some other celebs, like old pal Paris Hilton and new friend Sofia Richie.
Today show co-host Lisa Wilkinson isn't afraid to promote her program via social media.

Now, her rivals at Channel Seven have given the outspoken presenter a new nickname, according to The Daily Telegraph.

Staffers have reportedly labelled the 56-year-old presenter the new 'head of public relations' for Channel Nine amid claims that her promotion is excessive.

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'She should take a chill pill': Channel Seven staffers have reportedly hit out at Today show host Lisa Wilkinson's online promotion of her program and Channel Nine

'It has become a bit of a running joke, her love affair with Twitter and Instagram is epic,' a Seven employee told the publication.

'She should take a chill pill.'

The comments stem from a recent dispute over which breakfast program had won the this year's ratings war.

On Twitter, both Lisa and Channel Seven Sunrise host Samantha Armytage congratulated their own shows for being the most-watched.

'Head of public relations': Staffers reportedly have given the 56-year-old presenter a new nickname

Seven launched legal action after Nine sent out a press release claiming the Today show had 'triumphed' in the 2016 ratings as Australia's favourite breakfast program.

The legal case was settled on October 27 before the hearing after Nine reportedly agreed to not refer to the Today show as 'number one.'

But Lisa tweeted saying Channel Seven had backed down: 'Channel 7 drops its court case & now concedes Today Show has won the official OZTAM breakfast show ratings for 2016.'

'It's epic': A Channel Seven employee reportedly said Lisa's 'love affair' with social media has become 'a running joke' at the network

Despite: The bitter war of words between the rival networks began with a dispute over which breakfast program had won the breakfast ratings for the year

Lisa took yet another apparent dig at Sunrise during a cringe-worthy Today show segment on Friday.

Promoting Today's Million Dollar Call competition, hosts were asked to guess the final word after the phrase 'Australia's number one breakfast.'

Lisa proposed the answer may be 'Australia's number one breakfast show,' which was met with awkward silence from the panel.

War of words: Both Lisa and Sunrise host Samantha Armytage (second from right) congratulated their own shows as being the most-watched Australian show
UN extends Syria gas attacks probe

The UN Security Council on Thursday unanimously decided to extend for another year the mandate of a panel tasked with investigating chemical attacks in Syria and identifying those responsible.

Backed by Russia, the council adopted a US-drafted resolution to prolong the joint investigation by the United Nations and the Organization for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons (OPCW) until November 2017.

US Ambassador Samantha Power said the work of the panel, known as the Joint Investigative Mechanism (JIM), was "far from finished" and pointed to reports of alleged chlorine gas attacks in east Aleppo.

Backed by Russia, the UN Security Council agreed to extend the joint investigation by UN-Organization for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons (OPCW) until November 2017 Cia Pak (UNITED NATIONS/AFP/File)

The JIM has already established during its year-long investigation that Syrian government forces carried out three chlorine gas attacks on villages in 2014 and 2015.

It was the first time that an international probe pointed the finger of blame at President Bashar al-Assad's forces, after years of denial from Damascus.

Despite the findings, Russia has dismissed the conclusions as unconvincing and said no sanctions should be imposed on Syria.

Russian Deputy Ambassador Vladimir Safronkov said "Russia's skeptical position is well-known regarding the conclusions" but he added that Moscow's backing was a recognition that chemical weapons use remained a threat in Syria and in Iraq.

The JIM also found that the Islamic State group in Syria used mustard gas as a weapon in August 2015.

- Calls for sanctions -

France and Britain have repeatedly called for UN sanctions against Syria for its use of chemical weapons but there has been no action at the Security Council.

French Ambassador Francois Delattre said "today's adoption is an important step but we will need to go further" by ensuring that those responsible for the attacks face sanctions.

Power said the council must work to "make sure those who use these gruesome weapons face consequences."

The resolution tasks the JIM with identifying the "perpetrators, organizers, sponsors" of attacks including among groups associated with the Islamic State group or Al-Qaeda.

It states that all "individuals, entities, groups or governments responsible for any use of chemical weapons must be held accountable."

In its last report, the JIM found that government helicopters flying from two Assad regime-controlled air bases dropped chlorine barrel bombs on the villages of Qmenas, Talmenes and Sarmin, in rebel-held Idlib province.

The panel identified three helicopter squadrons as the perpetrators.

Syria signed the Chemical Weapons Convention (CWC) in 2013 and agreed to give up its chemical stockpile under pressure from close ally Russia.

At a meeting in The Hague last week, the OPCW's executive body condemned Syria for its use of chemical weapons, the first-ever condemnation of a state-party to the CWC.

"With the extension of the UN-OPCW Joint Investigative Mechanism for another year, all those thinking of using chemical weapons in Syria will know that they may be exposed. But accountability is also crucial," said Louis Charbonneau, the UN director for Human Rights Watch.

"The Security Council should quickly impose sanctions on senior leaders in the Syrian chain of command who have allowed the use of chemical weapons on their watch."

Set up by the council in August 2015, the JIM was due to shut down on Friday unless its mandate was renewed.

US Ambassador Samantha Power, said the work of a panel tasked with investigating chemical attacks in Syria was "far from finished" Amanda Voisard (UNITED NATIONS/AFP/File)
Cubs Co-Owner Todd Ricketts Has A Meeting With Donald Trump

By Rachel Cromidas in News on Nov 18, 2016 10:00PM



Todd Ricketts, co-owners of the Chicago Cubs and member of a family of influential political donors, is among those slated for a meeting with President-elect Donald Trump this weekend.

Trump's transition to the White House has gotten off to a rocky and at timesdownright dark start, but amid scrutiny over how he's begun scheduling and conducting meetings with political leaders, Trump's team is plowing ahead. Ricketts is slated to speak with Trump on Saturday in New Jersey, the same day he is also slated to talk to Mitt Romney, controversial former D.C. public schools chancellor Michelle Rhee, and others, about potential political appointments.

"These meetings that the president-elect is holding are showing that he is meeting some of the best, brightest and most qualified people, not only to fill specific roles within the administration, but also to give advice and counsel," Trump spokesman Jason Miller told reporters in New York.

The Ricketts' family's place by Trump's side still strikes us as more than a bit awkward. The Ricketts helped fund an anti-Trump PAC during the Republican primary, and Trump lashed out with a cryptic Tweet about how the family "better watch out." Once Trump secured the nomination, family patriarch Joe Ricketts changed course and donated money to his campaign.
Anger and tears as Tunisians relive torture years

As anger erupted and the tears began to flow, four hours of testimony on live television by abuse victims shone a rare spotlight on the crimes of Tunisia's dark dictatorship years.

In a plain white room inside a night club once owned by a dictator's entourage, victims of torture and abuse joined bereaved relatives to deliver an unprecedented account of the violence and intimidation Tunisians endured over decades of despotic rule.

"We will not be silent," said Ourida Kadoussi, whose son was killed by security forces during the 2011 uprising against the regime of Zine El Abidine Ben Ali. "We want justice for our martyrs."

Tunisian mothers of torture victims carry their sons' portraits at the The Truth and Dignity Commission in Tunis Fethi Belaid (AFP)

Kaddousi's witness statement is one of tens of thousands gathered by the Truth and Dignity Commission (IVD), which has tracked human rights violations spanning five decades.

The complaints which the commission received include torture, arbitrary detentions, physical abuse and violations of freedom of speech.

The televised interviews, which will continue Friday, are part of the panel's attempt to get Tunisians to confront the demons of their past, as well as provide justice to those who endured the worst.

Latifa Matmati's husband Kamel died in police custody after his arrest in October 1991, just one of hundreds of Islamists to be detained and mistreated under Ben Ali's rule.

Latifa told of her frantic attempts to find her husband, who was tortured during his detention. Although he died shortly after being dragged from his office by police, she was instructed to bring him clean clothes and food, teasing her with the hope he may still have been alive.

His death certificate didn't arrive until 18 years later.

"We want his body so we can bury it," Latifa told the panel. "And we want these people to be held accountable."

- 'Why did they do that?' -

Sami Brahem, an Islamist academic, also spoke of his experience of torture by Ben Ali's henchmen.

After being arrested for a remark that was judged to be provocative, he was severely beaten and had his head forced down a toilet bowl.

"I couldn't get up for a week," Brahem said.

He also described horrific scenes to the panel -- and the television audience -- of prisoners stripped naked, beaten and forced to climb on top of one another.

"This was sexual violence which I cannot understand. I don't want to sully my country, I want to talk about the honourable things it has done... but why did they do that?" Brahem asked.

"When I was asked to testify, I didn't hesitate in spite of my embarrassment," he said.

Some in the room began to cry.

"I am ready to forgive if they provide an explanation. It is society's right to know these things, so that they can be told in history."

Last to speak was writer Gilbert Naccache, well known for his leftist opposition to Habib Bourguiba, who ruled ruthlessly between 1957 and 1987.

"The police, whether they are political or not, only know one method: torture," said Naccache during a testimony sprinkled with dark humour that had audience members chuckling in spite of the seriousness of his allegations.

"I have been to prison three times and three times I was subjected to torture."

Naccache said he did not wish to dwell on the details of what he was forced to undergo during the Bourguiba years, or the hardships suffered by Tunisians since the 2011 uprising.

For him, Thursday's televised testimonies were "one day that makes up for the frustrations of the last five years."

Relatives of abuse victims watch a live broadcast of testimonialsv at The Truth and Dignity Commission Fethi Belaid (AFP)
A decade on, legacy of Maoist war stalks Nepal

Sabitri Chilwal's eyes mist over as she remembers the day 12 years ago when her husband was shot in his office and left to die in a pool of blood at the peak of Nepal's Maoist insurgency.

Sunday marks a decade since the Maoists signed a peace deal to end a 10-year civil war that claimed more than 16,000 lives, laying down their arms and entering politics with a promise to bring change to the deeply feudal country.

The peace agreement hastened the end of a 240-year-old Hindu monarchy and transformed Nepal into a secular republic, and with it came hope that a new constitution would heal the deep fissures in the impoverished Himalayan nation.

Sabitri Chilwal's husbandwas shot in his office and left to die in a pool of blood Prakash Mathema (AFP)

But Nepal has since shuffled through nine governments, mostly brittle coalitions, as political infighting has thwarted reconciliation and left victims of the bloody insurgency doubtful that they will ever see justice.

Chilwal is among over 60,000 people who have filed complaints with the two commissions set up in 2014 to investigate the murders, rapes and forced disappearances perpetrated by both sides during the conflict.

The commissions have been hamstrung by a lack of funding but the slow progress is also blamed on reluctance among some quarters to find the perpetrators, many of whom occupy positions in the military and political parties.

"It has been ten years since the war ended and yet nothing has happened. My husband's killers are walking free," said Chilwal.

"They themselves are in the government now. I don't know how anything will happen," she added.

The Maoists swept to victory in the first national elections held after the 2006 peace deal but soon fell out of favour as former cadres accused rebel leaders of adopting lavish lifestyles and betraying their sacrifices.

Nepal's fractious coalition politics however meant that Maoist chief Pushpa Kamal Dahal, better known by his nom de guerre Prachanda or "the fierce one", secured a second chance at being prime minister in August after winning the support of other parties.

Prachanda has since promised to resolve disagreements over the new constitution, which was finally adopted in September last year -- rushed through parliament four months after a massive earthquake devastated the country and claimed nearly 9,000 lives.

But the passing of the long-awaited charter -- meant to usher in a new era of peace and stability for war-torn Nepal -- was marred by deadly clashes between police and ethnic minority protesters, who say the constitution has left them marginalised.

"If we assess the peace deal after a decade we find that it limited itself to ending the conflict but failed on restructuring (the country) to establish political stability through equality and progressive agendas," said Kathmandu-based political commentator CK Lal.

"It gets a pass mark, but bigger issues remain to be addressed," Lal added.

- 'Diluted, lost, ignored' -

The first sign of trouble emerged when members of the historically sidelined Madhesi minority, who live in the densely-populated Terai plains bordering India, complained that new internal borders laid out in the draft charter would leave them under-represented at the ballot box and in the national parliament.

The Madhesis -- who make up a significant proportion of the Terai population -- have long complained of discrimination, with many encountering prejudice due to their close cultural, linguistic and family ties to Indians living across the border.

Their demands went unheard and days after the constitution was adopted, protesters kicked off a months-long border blockade that led to a crippling shortage of goods across Nepal.

"If you look at the early documents of the Maoists and the peace process there is an agreement on socio-economic transformation on both sides. But it has been hugely diluted, lost or ignored," said Akhilesh Upadhyay, editor of The Kathmandu Post.

Dahal has promised amendments to the constitution by the end of November, hoping to stave off another showdown with Madhesi demonstrators who are threatening a fresh round of protests if their demands are not met.

Shopkeeper Saroj Mishra, 35, was among thousands of Madhesis who protested against the charter last year.

Beaten by police during the demonstrations, Mishra said he was fed up of waiting for the government to listen to citizens like him.

"The government seems to think Nepal is (only) Kathmandu," he said.

"So many years have passed after the peace deal, but here we are still forced to fight."

Hari Bahadur Karki was one of 700 people killed or wounded by landmines in Nepal in 2004 Devendra Man Sing (AFP)

Prachanda has vowed to resolve disagreements over Nepal's new constitution Prakash Mathema (AFP)
Malaysian police arrest organiser of anti-PM rally

Malaysian police on Friday arrested the leader of a group staging a major weekend demonstration against Prime Minister Najib Razak and his links to the massive 1MDB corruption scandal, protest organisers said.

The arrest of Maria Chin Abdullah, chairwoman of the pro-reform NGO alliance Bersih, looked likely to raise tensions further before Saturday's rally in Kuala Lumpur, which a pro-government rightist group is vowing to disrupt.

Chin was arrested Friday afternoon along with another leading Bersih activist, Mandeep Singh, in a raid on the group's offices in which police also seized computers and documents, Bersih steering committee member Jay Jay Denis said.

Maria Chin Abdullah is chairwoman of the pro-reform Malaysian NGO alliance Bersih Manan Vatsyayana (AFP/File)

Police said they plan to hold the pair at least overnight and possibly longer, Denis said, calling the arrests the latest in a series of actions by authorities to intimidate rally organisers and supporters into cancelling the demonstration.

"The rally will definitely go ahead. There is no turning back," Denis said.

Relevant police officials could not be reached for comment.

Malaysia has been seized for more than a year by allegations that billions of dollars were plundered from 1MDB, a state investment fund Najib founded and oversaw, in an audacious campaign of fraud and embezzlement.

Saturday's protest over 1MDB is the second in 15 months organised by Bersih, which means "clean" in Malay and which has become Malaysia's leading independent voice pushing for reform.

Bersih drew tens of thousands of its yellow-clad supporters to two days of peaceful protests in Kuala Lumpur and other locations in August 2015 to demand Najib's removal over the scandal.

Najib, 63, denies wrongdoing, but last year purged critics in his government and shut down domestic investigations.

Critics have accused him of a lurch toward autocracy as he moves to contain the damaging scandal with elections due within 18 months.

Chin was to be investigated under a law prohibiting acts that "threaten parliamentary democracy," Denis said. Singh was arrested on suspicion of violating an anti-rioting law.

In a radio address Friday, Najib dismissed Bersih as a "deceitful" tool of the opposition seeking "to unseat a democratically-elected government".

Saturday's protest marks the finale of a seven-week Bersih campaign to highlight the scandal across the country and prevent it being swept under the rug by Najib's government.
30,000 displaced by violence in Myanmar's Rakhine: UN

Up to 30,000 people have been displaced by violence in Myanmar's Rakhine state, half of them over the course of last weekend when dozens of people died in clashes with the military, the UN said Friday.

Troops have poured into a strip of land along the Bangladesh border, an area which is largely home to the stateless Muslim Rohingya minority, since coordinated attacks on police posts last month.

The army this week said troops have killed nearly 70 people as they hunt the attackers, although activists say the number could be much higher.

Displaced Rakhine residents of Maungdaw are housed in tents at an evacuation center in Sittwe, Rakhine State Khine Htoo Mrat (AFP)

Violence escalated over the weekend, with state media reporting troops had killed more than 30 people in two days of fighting after coordinated ambushes forced the army to bring in helicopter gunships.

The UN's Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) said 15,000 people were believed to have fled their homes over the space of 48 hours.

"Up to 30,000 people are now estimated to be displaced and thousands more affected by the 9 October armed attacks and subsequent security operations across the north of Rakhine State," said a spokesman for the UN OCHA.

"This includes as many as 15,000 people who, according to unverified information, may have been displaced after clashes between armed actors and the military on 12-13 November."

Activists have accused troops of killing civilians, raping women and torching homes -- allegations the army denies.

Authorities have heavily restricted access to the area, making it difficult to independently verify government reports or accusations of army abuse.

The resurgence of violence in western Rakhine state has deepened a crisis that already posed a critical challenge to the new administration led by democracy activist Aung San Suu Kyi.
Trump to meet with Romney Saturday: transition team

President-elect Donald Trump will meet Saturday with Mitt Romney, one of his top Republican critics, raising speculation that the incoming commander in chief could tap the 2012 presidential nominee for a key cabinet post.

Trump will hold a series of meetings with fellow Republican officials during his weekend getaway to Bedminster, New Jersey, the presidential transition team said Friday.

Romney, a former Massachusetts governor who is considered a Republican Party elder, was mentioned first on the list of guests who will sit down with the president-elect Saturday.

Mitt Romney is now considered a Republican party elder Justin Sullivan (Getty/AFP)

The meeting could signal a reconciliation of sorts between the two.

Romney, 69, helped lead the charge against Trump's nomination earlier this year by branding the provocative billionaire a "fraud" who was "playing the American public for suckers."

Rumors have swirled that Romney was under consideration to be nominated as Trump's secretary of state, a move that would put an experienced politician and trouble-shooter with a calm, reassuringly diplomatic bearing as the future face of American foreign policy.

But the transition team tamped down speculation that Romney could join the cabinet.

"I think that what that meeting suggests... (is) the president-elect wants the best and the brightest, and the people who can offer ideas and suggestions on how to move this country forward and to implement his vision," Republican National Committee spokesman Sean Spicer told reporters on a press call.

"He's going to meet with people who supported him, people who didn't support him, Republicans, Democrats, independents." Spicer added.

"The conversation with Mitt Romney is just that, an opportunity to hear his ideas and his thoughts."

Former Arkansas governor Mike Huckabee, who ran against Trump in the Republican primaries, meets the president-elect Friday, the transition team said.
Malawi man convicted over 'cleansing' sex ritual

A Malawian man accused of sleeping with more than 100 girls and women in a series of traditional cleansing rituals was on Friday convicted by a court of "engaging in harmful practices".

Eric Aniva -- who has said he is infected with the HIV virus -- was prosecuted after publicly speaking about his role as a "hyena" in a BBC documentary.

Custom in some parts of southern Malawi demands that a man, known as a "hyena", is paid to have sex with bereaved widows to exorcise evil spirits and to prevent other deaths occurring.

Eric Aniva (right) was paid to have sex with adolescents to mark their passage to womanhood after their first menstruation Eldson Chagara (AFP/File)

At the request of a girl's parents, the "hyena" is also paid to have sex with adolescents to mark their passage to womanhood after their first menstruation.

The ritual, which many Malawians says is rarely practised today, is believed to train girls to become good wives and protect them from disease or misfortune that could fall on their families.

After an international outcry, President Peter Mutharika ordered Aniva's arrest in July.

In the first case of its kind, Aniva, 45, was found guilty on two counts by magistrate Innocent Nebi after a one-day trial in a packed courtroom in the district of Nsanje.

"It is clear... that the state has proved beyond reasonable doubt that the accused was engaging in harmful practices," the magistrate said.

"I find you guilty and convict you accordingly," he said, adding that sentencing would be on November 22.

He faces a maximum of five years in jail.

- High HIV infection -

The state produced six witnesses against Aniva, who pleaded not guilty.

The magistrate said the court had concluded that "sexual cleansing violates the dignity of widows".

State prosecutor Chiyembekezo Banda demanded a long prison sentence for Aniva, saying he was probably responsible for the spread of HIV.

Malawi is one of the worst affected countries in the world, with 27,000 deaths from AIDS-related illnesses and nine percent of the adult population infected with HIV.

Michael Goba Chipeta, Aniva's defence lawyer, told the court his client should not be jailed.

Chipeta appealed for Aniva to not be used as "a sacrificial lamb", saying "the publicity he has attracted is punishment enough".

Before being led by police to his cell, Aniva told AFP: "I am not worried about being convicted. I think I will be given a suspended sentence."

His second wife Sophia, who was in court, was in tears and declined to speak to the press.

Aniva is said to have slept with at least 104 women and girls, some as young as 12, in a ritual that lasts three days.
US seeks sanctions against South Sudan rebel leader, army chief

The United States on Friday proposed that South Sudan's rebel leader Riek Machar, its army chief and its information minister face UN sanctions for fueling violence in the war-torn country.

Machar, President Salva Kiir's army chief Paul Malong and his information minister Michael Makuei are on a sanctions blacklist circulated to the Security Council, in a text seen by AFP.

Under the proposed measure, Machar, who is receiving medical treatment in South Africa, and the two senior officials would face a global travel ban and an assets freeze.

South Sudan's information minister Michael Makuei is one of the officials on a sanctions blacklist circulated to the Security Council Waakhe Simon Wudu (AFP/File)

The sanctions list was presented after the United States on Thursday put forward a draft resolution on imposing an arms embargo on South Sudan, where a civil war has raged since December 2013.

In the document sent to the council, the United States said Machar had declared war on Kiir's government in September after fleeing the capital during heavy fighting two months earlier.

The former vice president has entered into alliances with militia groups in Equatoria province to overthrow the government. Those forces have raided villages, abducted civilians and aid workers, the document said.

The United States accused Malong of trying to kill Machar who had returned to Juba under heavy international pressure to serve in a national unity government.

Malong, the military chief of staff since 2014, "was responsible for efforts to kill opposition leader Riek Machar" and knowingly disobeyed Kiir's orders by sending tanks, helicopter gunships and troops to assault Machar's residence in July.

After Machar fled Juba, Malong wanted the army to attack his position immediately and informed army commanders that "Machar was not to be taken alive," the document said.

- Opposition from Russia -

Information minister Makuei was cited for ordering the closure of the Juba airport in April to prevent the return of Machar to the capital.

He also declared that South Sudan would treat troops from a proposed UN regional force as "invaders" if they deployed without Juba's approval, the document said.

Russia last year blocked a previous bid by the United States to blacklist Malong along with top rebel commander, Major General Johnson Olony.

Angola, China and Venezuela also opposed the move.

The council has imposed sanctions on six commanders -- three from the government side and three among the rebels.

Russia has made clear it opposes an arms embargo, arguing that it would further sour relations between South Sudan's leadership and the international community.

Deputy Ambassador Petr Iliichev declined to specify Friday whether Russia would veto the draft resolution, but added that Moscow feels "very strongly" that a ban on weapons sales was ill-advised.

"It's going to affect very negatively the small progress that we have achieved, especially on trying to re-start the inclusive process if we are going to sideline the leaders," Iliichev told reporters.

US Ambassador Samantha Power said Thursday that months of talks with South Sudan's leaders had failed to persuade them to opt for peace as she made the case for sanctions.

"There is no good reason why we would not deprive those who have shown a willingness to commit mass atrocities of the means of doing it more efficiently," she said.

The world's youngest nation, South Sudan descended into war in December 2013, leaving tens of thousands dead and more than 2.5 million people displaced.

The country won independence from Sudan in 2011 with strong support from the United States.

A peace deal between Kiir and Machar in August last year had raised hopes of peace, until clashes erupted in Juba four months ago.
Kanye stuns crowd with Trump support

Rap superstar Kanye West stunned a crowd by revealing his support for US President-elect Donald Trump while suggesting he still plans to challenge him in 2020.

After a campaign in which fellow artists and African Americans overwhelmingly backed rival Hillary Clinton, the rapper told an audience Thursday night that he did not vote -- but would have chosen Trump.

"Because I'm a celebrity, everyone told me not to say that I loved the debates, I loved his approach," West said in a lengthy on-stage speech in San Jose, California, prompting loud boos and aghast reactions on social media.

Kanye West -- the husband of Kim Kardashian, who like Trump has built a following through reality television -- last year said he planned to run for president in 2020 Alain Jocard (AFP/File)

West said that Trump, who ran on cracking down on immigration and won through white working-class support, could help bring about change by exposing racism.

"If people are racist and they feel more inspired to say how they feel, then they're exposing themselves," he said.

"To black people -- stop focusing on racism. This world is racist, okay? Let's stop being distracted to focus on that as much," he said, according to a video of the event.

West -- the husband of Kim Kardashian, who like Trump has built a following through reality television -- last year said he planned to run for president in 2020.

He appeared to be serious, telling the San Jose concert on Thursday: "I don't say 2020 because I disrespect our president at all. ... I've just got some ideas about the way we should connect."

West proposed that President Barack Obama and Clinton take roles in advising Trump, running the United States through "collective ideas."

West in the past has backed Obama and famously irritated former president George W. Bush by suggesting he responded slowly to Hurricane Katrina because he did not care about African Americans.

But West has had a warm relationship with the president-elect, who last year said, "I'll never say bad about him... because he loves Trump."

Other top musicians including West's sometime collaborator Jay Z and his wife Beyonce had campaigned for Clinton during the campaign, calling her a uniter.
French fashion designer refuses to dress Melania Trump

There's no doubt which side the fashion world supported during the US presidential campaign.

For years, First Lady Michelle Obama and Democrats' vanquished presidential candidate Hillary Clinton have been favorites with fashion designers who dressed them in clothes aimed at evoking their values.

But New York-based French designer Sophie Theallet has gone a step further, throwing down the gauntlet by refusing to dress future first lady Melania Trump because of the political views of her husband, President-elect Donald Trump.

New York-based French designer Sophie Theallet refused to dress future first lady Melania Trump because of the political views of her husband, President-elect Donald Trump Mandel Ngan (AFP/File)

Theallet is urging other designers to follow her lead.

"As one who celebrates and strives for diversity, individual freedom and respect for all lifestyles, I will not participate in dressing or associating in any way with the next first lady," she wrote in an open letter published Thursday.

"The rhetoric of racism, sexism and xenophobia unleashed by her husband's presidential campaign are incompatible with the shared values we live by."

"I am well aware it is not wise to get involved in politics," Theallet added.

"That said, as a family-owned company, our bottom line is not just about money."

The letter has prompted a flood of reaction on social media, much of it negative.

Theallet, 52, who has worked in the United States for more than fifteen years, is a regular fixture at New York's fashion week.

Her feminine designs have appealed to Michelle Obama, who provided welcome publicity by donning several of her dresses since 2009.

"She has contributed to having our name recognized and respected worldwide," Theallet wrote of the current first lady, indicating purpose behind Obama's fashion choices.
Just How Much Does The Electoral College Screw Illinois?

By Stephen Gossett in News on Nov 18, 2016 2:00PM



Getty Images / Photo: Aaron P. Bernstein

If youre like us, youre pretty effing sick of the electoral college. Not because youre a bitter loser (although were still feeling a little bitter), but by virtue of the fact that the system is outdated, promotes institutional racism, and is basically anti-democratic.

Given that the electoral college notably lowballs the most populous states and Illinois ranks among the top five in total populationand number one in the Midwest region by several million peoplewe decided to look at just how much Illinois was getting shafted by the founding fathers folly.

Perhaps you saw a recent article by Katy Collins, in the Washington Post, in which she determined the California vote is weighted a whopping 3.6 times less than a Wyoming voter, based on the ratio between state population and number of electors.

Illinois, it turns out, doesnt fare much better at all. With a population of 12,880,000 people but only 20 electoral votes, our state ascribes a single electoral vote to 644,000 voters. Based on Wyomings population (584,153) and electors (3), they only need 194, 717 voters per electoral vote. So our vote is weighted 331 percent lessand you can compare that to Californias 362 percent. Lucky us.

This obviously opens up the debate of whether or not the electoral college serves a purpose nonethelessa debate to which the answer is emphatically no. The original purpose of the system is essentially obsolete, the Post convincingly argues:



The electoral college is designed to favor sparsely populated areas. It was created to strengthen the agrarian elite, offer more federal power to slaveholding states, and counterbalance factionalism and polarization. But its not doing any of this today. Rather, the electoral college values some votes above others, while entirely disenfranchising the 4 million Americans who live in overseas territories.

The ultimate cost is a legacy of disenfranchisement and a legitimacy crisis, Collin argues.

Jilted large-population staters across the country are thus clamoring for electoral voters to cast ballots for the popular-vote winner. Theyre also deep-diving into the National Popular Vote Interstate Compact, an agreement in which pledged states cast ballots for whoever wins the popular vote. Many states have signed on (including Illinois) although not enough to swing 270 electoral votes, and less populous states have little incentive to join. As Polifact notes, it could also open up several truckloads of cans of legal worms and a likely Supreme Court challenge.

But still, its all evidence, along with Illinois sad, under-valued vote, that a change is in order.
Saudi high-speed rail link to open in March 2018

A delayed high-speed railway linking Mecca and Medina in Saudi Arabia will finally open in March 2018, the Spanish consortium building the project said Friday.

The railway linking Islam's holiest cities was initially scheduled to open at the end of the year but the date for its completion was moved to the end of 2017.

Now, according to a spokesman for the Al-Shoula consortium, "full operations will start in March 2018." Partial operations will begin a few months earlier, in December, he added.

A unit of the new highspeed train built by Spanish manufacturer Talgo is loaded onto a freighter in Barcelona's port on December 12, 2014 bound for Jeddah City in Saudi Arabia Josep Lago (AFP/File)

Saudi Arabia in 2011 awarded the contract worth 6.7 billion euros ($7.1 billion) to the consortium of 12 Spanish companies and two Saudi firms for the project which aims to improve transport between the two cities during the annual hajj pilgrimage.

According to the spokesman, Saudi authorities agreed to pay an extra 600 million riyals (150 million euros; $160 million) to compensate additional costs of the project.

The contract -- one of the biggest Spanish firms have ever undertaken abroad -- is for the laying of the 444 kilometres (275 miles) of track between Mecca and Medina, providing 35 trains and maintaining the line for 12 years.

When it is finished, the rail link will be able to move 166,000 passengers per day.

But the project has run into challenges that have added to its costs, leading to disagreements among members of the consortium over who is responsible for resolving them.

The rail line crosses the Arabian Desert, where sandstorms are frequent and large dunes can suddenly form, which has added to the difficulties in completing the project.
Suspect in mall shooting began at theater

SEATTLE (AP)  The young man accused of fatally shooting five people at a Washington state mall had a history of violence against his family and girlfriend, who told police he had links with "bad people in Turkey," according to documents obtained by The Associated Press.

The reports reveal suspect Arcan Cetin had an interest in beheadings by the Islamic State militant group and followed their activities in the news.

An hour before the Sept. 23 shooting in Macy's in Burlington, Washington, the reports say he bought a ticket to the film "Snowden" at the mall's theater.

FILE - In this Sept. 26, 2016 file photo, Arcan Cetin is escorted into Skagit County District Court by Skagit County's Sheriff's Deputies, in Mt. Vernon, Wash. The young man accused of fatally shooting five people at the Cascade Mall had a history of violence against animals and his girlfriend, who told police he had links with "bad people" in Turkey, according to documents. (Brandy Shreve /Skagit Valley Herald via AP, File)

He went into the theater and propped an outside door open with his cellphone, suggesting he may have planned a repeat of the Aurora, Colorado, mass shooting by James Holmes.

After Cetin went outside, a person in the theater gave the partially crushed phone to an employee at a kiosk. Cetin walked back inside and asked the worker if anyone had found a phone. She handed it to him and he left, records said.

Soon after, authorities say Cetin went into Macy's on the other side of the mall and shot a girl near a clothing rack and a man he encountered as he walked to a makeup counter. There, he shot two women who clung to each other in front of the counter and an employee as she hid behind it, according to police reports and surveillance video. He set the rifle on the counter and left.

Police captured Cetin the next day a block from his Oak Harbor, Washington, apartment. He's being held on a felony warrant accusing him with five counts of first-degree murder. Formal charges are expected in January. Bail was set at $2 million.

His stepfather told reporters after Cetin's initial court appearance that he suffers from psychological problems.

Hundreds of pages of police interviews and search warrants reveal a history of violence against and by Cetin dating back to his years in Turkey before moving to the U.S. with his mother when he was 7. Cetin told police his uncles used to hit him. One of those uncles is now in prison for murder, the police report said.

Cetin's ex-girlfriend told police that people warned her against dating Cetin when they worked together at the commissary. Co-workers said "he talks about how he would kill people when he gets angry," she told police, but she dated him anyway and their relationship turned violent.

"He would grab my arm and I'd have bruises at work," she said. "And during, like, intimate times tried choking me until I passed out."

"How frequently would he choke you?" asked the officer.

"Every time," said the girlfriend. She also said Cetin attacked his father for looking at her. The AP is not naming her because she alleges she was abused by Cetin. She did not immediately return a call from AP Thursday.

Cetin wanted to take her back to Turkey but she refused, she told police. Cetin's mother didn't want him to have any contact with his biological father or other relatives, but Cetin found his father and told his girlfriend that his dad was affiliated with "bad people in Turkey" -- "like the ISIS," she told police. Cetin was in contact with them on Facebook, she said, but she didn't speak Turkish and didn't understand what they said.

She broke up with him in early 2015 because of his violent behavior and he threatened to rape and kill her, she told police. He continually contacted her, she said, and described abusing his dog and having sex with an older neighbor. She used to work at Macy's but has moved from the area.

Cetin's "open source profile" changed after the breakup, police said in search warrants reviewed by AP. On his Tumblr page in July, he had a photo: "Mein Kampf Cyberpunks Julian Assange," which was Assange's book altered to add "Mein Kampf," the name of Adolf Hitler's autobiography.

Police asked Cetin, who described himself as a devout Sunni Muslim, whether his Turkish relatives had ties to terrorist groups and he said no. He also said he didn't have any contact with those relatives.

"Cetin did admit to taking an interest in ISIS beheadings with he watched on the Internet and he also stated that he listens to the news and reads articles about ISIS," the police report said.

Police asked him if he thought what terrorists did was wrong, he said yes, the report said.

"He was asked if he was to be labeled a Muslim terrorist for these shootings would this be okay for him and he said 'I can't answer that,'" the police report said. "He was asked if terrorist groups such as ISIS inspired him to commit these murders and he again said 'I can't answer that.'"

Cetin said he didn't know any of the shooting victims and showed no remorse while speaking about the people he had killed, the police report said.

"In fact, at times he would smirk and smile and appeared to be unsympathetic," the officer said.

__

Follow Martha Bellisle at https://twitter.com/marthabellisle
NZ newcomers shine as Black Caps take charge vs. Pakistan

CHRISTCHURCH, New Zealand (AP)  New Zealand's test newcomers shone on debut, with Colin de Grandhomme taking 6-41 and opener Jeet Raval making an unbeaten 55 on Friday as the hosts took the upper hand on day two of the first test against Pakistan.

After day one was lost to rain, Pakistan was sent in to bat on a seamer-friendly wicket and was bowled out for just 133 in its first innings, with New Zealand 104-3 in reply at Hagley Oval.

De Grandhomme, a 30-year-old Zimbabwe-born allrounder who had only one five-wicket bag in 84 first class matches before Friday, set the tone of the second day as he returned the best-ever figures by a New Zealander on test debut.

His fellow debutant, Auckland opening batsman Jeet Raval, held three catches during the Pakistan innings then shared a unbroken 64-run partnership with Henry Nicholls (29 not out) which steered New Zealand into a position of strength.

In conditions ideal for swing and seam bowling, New Zealand seemed to have squandered the advantage of winning the toss as Pakistan's openers negotiated the first hour without difficulty.

But de Grandhomme's arrival changed the course of the Pakistan innings. He claimed his first wicket with only his 15th ball and took a series of scalps that included some of the world's best batsman, among them Younis Khan (2).

"It was important to bowl first, especially on a wicket which has been covered for a couple of days," de Grandhomme said. "My plan was just to hit my areas and be confident in doing it and that's what I did more often and it worked in the end."

De Grandhomme bowls right arm medium pace well below the speed of New Zealand's new ball pair of Tim Southee and Trent Boult, but thrived thanks to the precision of his line and an ability to use his height to create unexpected bounce.

He snared several of his victims by encouraging them to drive at swinging deliveries, capturing three wickets in that manner in his first seven overs.

Pakistan slipped from 53-1 to 56-4, and after a momentary steadying, the tourists lost their last six wickets for 45 runs.

Southee contributed 2-20 from 19 overs and Trent Boult took 2-39, including the wicket of Pakistan captain Misbah-ul-Haq who batted 161 minutes for 31 in his team's only protracted act of resistance.

Raval then played a key role in holding together the top order as much more experienced players failed at the other end.

Mohammad Amir trapped Tom Latham (1) lbw, with the decision confirmed by review; Kane Williamson (4) edged a Sohail Khan delivery to Sami Aslam at first slip, and Ross Taylor (11) gloved a Rahat Ali delivery down leg side, producing a fine diving catch by wicketkeeper Sarfraz Ahmed.
Sentencing reset for man in US attacks plot

CINCINNATI (AP)  Sentencing has been reset for an Ohio man who pleaded guilty to plotting attacks against a member of the U.S. military and a local police station in support of the Islamic State group.

Sentencing is now scheduled for Nov. 23 for Munir Abdulkader (moo-neer ab-duhl-KAH-der).

Court documents say Abdulkader pleaded guilty to attempting to kill officers and employees of the United States, providing material support of a foreign terrorist organization and possession of a firearm in furtherance of a violent crime.

The 22-year-old West Chester man was arrested in May 2015.

U.S. District Judge Michael Barrett has rescheduled sentencing from Friday until next week.
Myanmar man accused of self-immolation in Australian bank

CANBERRA, Australia (AP)  A 21-year-old man accused of injuring himself and 26 other people by setting himself on fire with gasoline in a bank branch in Australia's second-largest city was identified on Saturday as a Myanmar asylum seeker who had been waiting three years to be accepted as a refugee.

The suspect, known by his friends as Noor, and five bystanders were taken to hospital with serious burns following the fire at the Commonwealth Bank of Australia branch in the Melbourne suburb of Springvale Friday morning, officials said.

Another 21 people ranging from children to elderly in their 80s were taken to hospitals with breathing problems.

Noor, who remained under police guard on Saturday, came to Australia by boat in 2013 with no family members and had been waiting to be granted a refugee visa ever since, said Pamela Curr, who recently retired from the non-government Asylum Seeker Resource Center outside Melbourne.

Curr did not know why Noor had allegedly decided to set himself alight. But she said the Immigration Department was threatening to make thousands of asylum seekers financially desperate by cutting their benefits if their refugee claims were rejected.

"The department is going to starve thousands of people out of the country, or so they think," Curr said.

A member of Myanmar's minority-Muslim Rohingya community in Melbourne, Habib Habib, said Noor speaks Rohingya, although he might not himself identify as Rohingya.

Noor had been struggling financially to help support his family in Myanmar with the government benefits he is paid every two weeks, Habib said. Asylum seekers are not legally allowed to work.

Habib had been told that Noor's latest benefit had not been deposited into his bank account when it was due on Wednesday and that Noor had returned to the bank each day in the hope of making a withdrawal.

Noor's friends had become concerned by the state of his mental health as years passed without his refugee claim being resolved.

. "This system makes all of them crazy. They're in legal limbo," Habib said.

Police have yet to announce a motive for the fire, which was quickly extinguished.

Closed-circuit television footage showed Noor walking toward the bank carrying a plastic bottle of gasoline that he had bought from a nearby gas station moments before the blaze.

Noor arrived in Australia shortly before July 19, 2013, when the government introduced a hard-line policy banning refugees who arrive by boat from that date from ever making Australia home. Since then, asylum seekers have been sent to Australia-run camps on the Pacific island nations of Papua New Guinea and Nauru.
Trump's election triggers flood of immigration questions

CHICAGO (AP)  Immigration hotlines are buzzing. Legal clinics are seeing an influx of clients. Public schools are fielding frantic questions from parents and students.

Since the election, Donald Trump's tough talk on immigration has stirred anxiety nationwide among immigrants regardless of legal status. They are turning to lawyers, schools, advocacy groups and congressional offices for help.

"We're operating with a lot of unknowns, and a certain amount of fear comes with that," said Vanessa Esparza-Lopez, a managing attorney at the Chicago-based National Immigrant Justice Center.

Andrea Aguilera sits at the Erie Neighborhood House in Chicago, Thursday, Nov. 17, 2016. Aguilera, 20, a student at a suburban Chicago college, said she feels uncertain since the election. She was brought to the country illegally as a child and has been able to get a work permit and avoid deportation through a federal program called, Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals. She said she doesn't know what will happen next with the program. (AP Photo/Nam Y. Huh)

In Chicago, a hotline run by the state's largest immigrant-rights group received more than 330 calls in the week after the election, compared with the usual 100 or so. Denver school officials sent a letter to parents in response to questions about the election's effect on students living in the country illegally.

The New York Legal Assistance Group said it's receiving 40 to 60 daily calls about immigration, up from 20 to 30. The Coalition for Humane Immigrant Rights of Los Angeles reported 19 walk-ins on a single day, all with citizenship questions.

The most urgent inquiries have been from young people benefiting from a 2012 federal program started by President Barack Obama's administration that allows immigrants brought to the country illegally as children to avoid deportation and get work permits. About 740,000 people have participated in the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals system.

Attorneys say the program is vulnerable because it was created by executive order, not by law, leaving new potential applicants second-guessing whether to sign up.

Andrea Aguilera, a 20-year-old who attends a suburban Chicago college, feels in limbo with her DACA paperwork expiring next year.

She was brought across the Mexican border illegally as a 4-year-old and largely kept her immigration status secret until she was able to get a work permit through DACA four years ago. She's since worked as a grocery store cashier and as a finance office intern at a Chicago organization. Two of her siblings are in the program. Another is a U.S. citizen.

"It's been hard to focus on school," Aguilera said. "I just don't know what's going to come next for us."

During the campaign, Trump pledged to deport the estimated 11 million immigrants living in the country illegally and to build a border wall. The Republican president-elect has not detailed how he will proceed and recently walked back the number of anticipated deportees.

The Center for Immigration Studies, which advocates for lower immigration levels, explained the spike in activity as uncertainty about whether existing laws will be enforced by Trump's administration. Jon Feere, a legal analyst at the Washington D.C.-based research organization, said those enrolled in DACA were aware of the risks when they signed up. Others should have little concern.

"Those who are in compliance with the law have nothing to worry about," he said.

Still, even immigrants with permanent legal status have had questions since the election.

Attorneys and immigrant organizations said green card holders feel new urgency to ensure that paperwork such as a renewal application is in order over fears that laws could change under a new administration. Most immigrants can seek citizenship three to five years after getting a green card.

Roughly 9 million green card holders are currently eligible for citizenship, according to the most recent Department of Homeland Security statistics. Some citizens also sought clarity about when they could sponsor family members abroad.

"People need reassurance," said Irina Matiychenko, who leads the immigrant protection unit at the New York Legal Assistance Group. "People need guidance."

In Phoenix, local leaders planned a weekend meeting about being an immigrant in Arizona as an effort to "guide us on the path of trust and unity." Staff members at the Chicago office of Democratic U.S. Rep. Luis Gutierrez reported an uptick in activity with at least 60 new applications for citizenship the past two weeks.

School districts, including Chicago and Denver, used the election as a way to communicate existing policy.

Denver Superintendent Tom Boasberg said the 90,000-student district sent letters in four languages home in response to what teachers were hearing from students and parents. The letter reiterated that school officials do not ask about immigration status when students enroll.

"In a time of fear and concern, lots of rumors and misinformation spread," he said. "And that's why it's so important to get accurate factual information to our families from a very trusted source."

___

Associated Press writers Astrid Galvan in Phoenix, Colleen Slevin in Denver, and Amy Taxin in Santa Ana, California, contributed to this report.

___

Follow Sophia Tareen at http://twitter.com/sophiatareen .

Moises Hernandez looks outside from his office on Thursday, Nov. 17, 2016, in Chicago. Moises Hernandez, a longtime Chicago immigration attorney, said he's seen an uptick in inquiries from clients since the election. He said many of the questions are from young people living in the country illegally who were granted work permits under a federal program started by President Barack Obama's administration. He said he's also heard from those with green cards who want to become U.S. citizens. (AP Photo/Nam Y. Huh)

Andrea Aguilera stands at the Erie Neighborhood House in Chicago, Thursday, Nov. 17, 2016. Aguilera, 20, a student at a suburban Chicago college, said she feels uncertain since the election. She was brought to the country illegally as a child and has been able to get a work permit and avoid deportation through a federal program called, Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals. She said she doesn't know what will happen next with the program. (AP Photo/Nam Y. Huh)

Andrea Aguilera stands at the Erie Neighborhood House in Chicago, Thursday, Nov. 17, 2016. Aguilera, 20, a student at a suburban Chicago college, said she feels uncertain since the election. She was brought to the country illegally as a child and has been able to get a work permit and avoid deportation through a federal program called, Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals. She said she doesn't know what will happen next with the program. (AP Photo/Nam Y. Huh)

Andrea Aguilera sits at the Erie Neighborhood House in Chicago, Thursday, Nov. 17, 2016. Aguilera, 20, a student at a suburban Chicago college, said she feels uncertain since the election. She was brought to the country illegally as a child and has been able to get a work permit and avoid deportation through a federal program called, Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals. She said she doesn't know what will happen next with the program. (AP Photo/Nam Y. Huh)

Moises Hernandez sits in his office on Thursday, Nov. 17, 2016, in Chicago. Hernandez, a longtime Chicago immigration attorney, said he's seen an uptick in inquiries from clients since the election. He said many of the questions are from young people living in the country illegally who were granted work permits under a federal program started by President Barack Obama's administration. He said he's also heard from those with green cards who want to become U.S. citizens. (AP Photo/Nam Y. Huh)

Andrea Aguilera stands in front of the Erie Neighborhood House in Chicago, on Thursday, Nov. 17, 2016. Aguilera, 20, a student at a suburban Chicago college, said she feels uncertain since the election. She was brought to the country illegally as a child and has been able to get a work permit and avoid deportation through a federal program called, Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals. She said she doesn't know what will happen next with the program. (AP Photo/Nam Y. Huh)
China, US militaries stage joint humanitarian relief drill

KUNMING, China (AP)  Chinese and U.S. commanders on Friday stressed the importance of maintaining military-to-military exchanges under the administration of President-elect Donald Trump, saying they are crucial for building confidence between the two armed forces that remain deeply wary of each other.

Troops from the two sides staged joint drills in the southwestern Chinese city of Kunming on Friday in an effort to better coordinate responses to humanitarian disasters.

"This kind of exchange acts as a bridge to promote relations between the two militaries and I am sure it will be conducted in an even higher level in the future," said Gen. Liu Xiaowu, commander of ground forces for China's Southern Theater Command.

A soldier is lowered from a helicopter to practice rescuing a person in the water during a joint rescue operation in the U.S.-China Disaster Management Exchange (DME) in Kunming, China's Yunnan Province, Friday, Nov. 18, 2016. Hundreds soldiers from Chinese PLA Southern Theater Command Army and the U.S. Army Pacific conducted the fourth round of Disaster Management Exchange (DME) joint drill held in southwestern China's Yunnan province on Friday, as part of the exchanges between the two countries' militaries. (AP Photo/Andy Wong)

U.S. Army Pacific Commander Gen. Robert Brown also said he would advise the incoming administration to maintain the momentum of engagement.

"These types of military-to-military exchanges are really critical because of the trust they build," Brown said.

Trump has yet to articulate a clear defense policy toward China and the region as a whole, unsettling officials in close U.S. allies such as Japan and South Korea.

Held since 2005, the U.S.-China Disaster Management Exchange is part of efforts to build trust and coordination at a time when the two governments are frequently at odds over disputes in the South China Sea and elsewhere.

The weeklong drills include academic exchanges, a command post exercise and a live troop exercise in simulated disaster conditions. They featured the use of sniffer dogs to find victims in debris, a water rescue and building a pontoon bridge and refugee shelter.

"It has been a very successful exchange of ideas between our two militaries and it will definitely benefit us in organization in the future," said U.S. Army Capt. Jeremy Reynolds.

Deng Yuguang of the Chinese army said the drill offered new perspectives for Chinese troops who have shown greater capacity in dealing with disasters within China, but lack the overseas experience of their U.S. counterparts.

"We have similar exercises by ourselves, but this joint drill is very impressive because the drill helps a lot in improving our disaster rescue and relief capability," Deng said.

Along with the Kunming drills, the Chinese and U.S. militaries have joined in naval exercises off the coast of Hawaii and other limited multinational drills mainly aimed at dealing with humanitarian disasters. They've also tried to improve mutual trust through agreements on dealing with unexpected encounters at sea.

Despite those, China deeply resents the presence of the American Navy in the South China Sea, which Beijing claims virtually in its entirety, while the U.S. has been moving to strengthen alliances with friends and partners throughout Asia.

U.S. Army Pacific commander Gen. Robert Brown, left, shakes hands with Gen. Liu Xiaowu, the commander for Southern Theater Command Army of Chinese Liberation Army (PLA) at the end of their joint press conference after conducting U.S.-China joint drills at a PLA's training base in Kunming in southwest China's Yunnan province, Friday, Nov. 18, 2016. Chinese and U.S. troops staged U.S.-China Disaster Management Exchange joint drills Friday in an effort to better coordinate a response to humanitarian disasters and build confidence between their militaries that remain deeply wary of each other. (AP Photo/Andy Wong)

U.S. Army Pacific commander Gen. Robert Brown, front row center, and Gen. Liu Xiaowu, front row third right, the commander for Southern Theater Command Army of Chinese Liberation Army (PLA), applaud with their soldiers at a group photo session after conducting the U.S.-China Disaster Management Exchange (DME) drill at a PLA's training base in Kunming in southwest China's Yunnan province, Friday, Nov. 18, 2016. Chinese and U.S. troops staged joint drills Friday in an effort to better coordinate a response to humanitarian disasters and build confidence between their militaries that remain deeply wary of each other. (AP Photo/Andy Wong)

Soldiers from Chinese PLA Southern Theater Command Army and the U.S. Army Pacific carry out an injured man as they conduct a search and rescue operation at a mocked earthquake-collapsed building in the U.S.-China Disaster Management Exchange (DME) drill at a PLA's training base in Kunming, southwestern China's Yunnan Province, Friday, Nov. 18, 2016. Hundreds soldiers from China and U.S. conducted the fourth round of Disaster Management Exchange drill on Friday, as part of the exchanges between the two countries' militaries. (AP Photo/Andy Wong)

A U.S. Army Pacific soldier calls for medics as he takes part in a rescue mission with soldiers from Chinese PLA Southern Theater Command Army while conducting a search and rescue operation at a mocked earthquake-collapsed building in the U.S.-China Disaster Management Exchange (DME) drill at a PLA's training base in Kunming, southwestern China's Yunnan Province, Friday, Nov. 18, 2016. Hundreds soldiers from China and U.S. conducted the fourth round of Disaster Management Exchange drill on Friday, as part of the exchanges between the two countries' militaries. (AP Photo/Andy Wong)

Soldiers from Chinese PLA Southern Theater Command Army and the U.S. Army Pacific carry an injured man from a mocked earthquake-collapsed building as they conducting a joint rescue operation in the U.S.-China Disaster Management Exchange (DME) drill at a PLA's training base in Kunming, southwestern China's Yunnan Province, Friday, Nov. 18, 2016. Hundreds soldiers from China and U.S. conducted the fourth round of Disaster Management Exchange drill on Friday, as part of the exchanges between the two countries' militaries. (AP Photo/Andy Wong)
Thai junta fines ex-PM for last rice subsidy, funds another

BANGKOK (AP)  Just weeks after Thailand's military government imposed an unprecedented $1 billion fine against an ousted prime minister for her handling of an ill-fated rice subsidy program that racked up huge losses, the junta did something else extraordinary: It announced a major assistance plan of its own.

The $1.5 billion effort, which helps struggling rice farmers in part by guaranteeing prices well above market rates, is ironic given its similarities to the larger subsidy program for which the junta has castigated ex-premier Yingluck Shinawatra.

But the current government may have had little choice but to act. Global prices for the grain have plummeted to their lowest in nearly a decade, severely weakening an industry crucial to Thailand's economic well-being.

In this Nov 4, 2016 photo, Thai farmers harvest an organic rice-field in Buriram, Thailand. Just weeks after Thailands military government imposed an unprecedented $1 billion fine against an ousted prime minister for her handling of an expensive rice subsidy program, it announced a major assistance plan of its own. Its spending $1.5 billion to help struggling rice farmers, going so far as to dispatch troops into the fields to help farmers harvest the crop. (AP Photo/Gemunu Amarasinghe)

Some analysts say the about-face is also intended to stave off potential unrest during the sensitive, year-long mourning period following the death last month of King Bhumibol Adulyadej, and to win over some of the politically powerful farmers who make up 40 percent of the population. The rice-growing north is a traditional stronghold of Yingluck and her allies.

The junta has begun to realize "they simply cannot ignore the plight of the farmers anymore, especially (if) they wish to be in power for the long term," said Puangthong R. Pawakapan, an associate professor at Bangkok's Chulalongkorn University.

Prime Minister Prayuth Chan-ocha, the former army chief who spearheaded the coup two years ago, has vowed to restore civilian rule through elections in late 2017. There is speculation he could stay on as premier, and in any case, the nation's new constitution guarantees the military a strong hand in politics for years to come.

The putsch was the culmination of a decade of political turmoil that boiled over after the army ousted Yingluck's brother, former Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra, in a 2006 coup. The conflict, in broad terms, is part of a societal schism that pits the majority rural poor against an urban-based elite establishment supported by the army and staunch royalists who see Yingluck's family as a corrupt threat to the traditional structures of power.

In 2011, Yingluck's Pheu Thai Party won elections in part by promising to pay farmers nearly double the price that rice then fetched on the world market, a move critics equated to vote-buying.

The hope was that by stockpiling rice, the government could drive up world prices. But producers such as Vietnam took up the slack, bumping Thailand from its spot as the world's leading rice exporter. The government lost billions of dollars and about 8 million tons of the rice it purchased sits unsold in warehouses.

Yingluck told The Associated Press that "in principle, there is no difference" between the junta's effort and that of her government, an assessment some analysts agree with.

The junta's plan is similar to Yingluck's in that it is offering artificially high prices for rice, dispersing large sums to farmers and encouraging them to keep the grain off market in hopes of stimulating prices. But Jitti Mongkolnchaiarunya, dean of Thammasat University's School of Development Studies, said the latest plan is less risky because its scope is smaller, its price ceilings lower, and rice farmers  not the government  will be responsible for storage.

Yingluck's administration, for example, offered 15,000 to 20,000 baht ($421 to $561) per ton of rice, compared to 10,500 to 13,000 ($294 to $365) offered by Prayuth's government.

None of that, though, guarantees the effort will be a success, Jitti said, because global supply and demand cannot be controlled. Prayuth has said he wants to wean farmers off populist policies and has warned government aid is "not limitless."

"The government must have ... the courage to deal with these issues," Jitti said, "because it's all related to politics. Everything is politics."

Indeed, shortly after Prayuth's government announced its plans, Yingluck bought 10 tons of rice from farmers and made a public show of helping to sell it  at cost  outside a Bangkok mall. Last week, she did it again at another mall just southeast of Bangkok in Samut Prakan.

It was a brazen move for Yingluck, who could be sentenced to 10 years in prison if convicted of criminal negligence charges related to her government's rice subsidy. But in a country where free speech is suppressed and bans on large political gatherings have almost completely silenced the opposition, helping farmers sell rice offered a rare means of speaking out.

"I think she intended to challenge the junta," Puangthong said.

Prayuth and his supporters have condemned such moves as publicity stunts, though Yingluck claims she was only doing it to help farmers.

One person who showed up to buy rice in Samut Prakan, Samruey Thappan, said she was doing it not only "to help farmers, but to help Yingluck because she's a good person who is being harassed."

Farmers say they need assistance, no matter who's offering it.

Political fights "have no relevance to us," said Weerachai Wongbut, a 59-year-old who traveled to Bangkok from the northern province of Uttaradit to sell rice at a market stall this month. "We just need help."

In this Nov 4, 2016 photo, Thai farmers weed an organic rice-field in Buriram, Thailand. Just weeks after Thailands military government imposed an unprecedented $1 billion fine against an ousted prime minister for her handling of an expensive rice subsidy program, it announced a major assistance plan of its own. Its spending $1.5 billion to help struggling rice farmers, going so far as to dispatch troops into the fields to help farmers harvest the crop. (AP Photo/Gemunu Amarasinghe)

In this Nov 4, 2016 photo, Thai farmers weed an organic rice-field in Buriram, Thailand. Just weeks after Thailands military government imposed an unprecedented $1 billion fine against an ousted prime minister for her handling of an expensive rice subsidy program, it announced a major assistance plan of its own. Its spending $1.5 billion to help struggling rice farmers, going so far as to dispatch troops into the fields to help farmers harvest the crop. (AP Photo/Gemunu Amarasinghe)

In this Nov 4, 2016 photo, Thai farmers harvest an organic rice-field in Buriram, Thailand. Just weeks after Thailands military government imposed an unprecedented $1 billion fine against an ousted prime minister for her handling of an expensive rice subsidy program, it announced a major assistance plan of its own. Its spending $1.5 billion to help struggling rice farmers, going so far as to dispatch troops into the fields to help farmers harvest the crop. (AP Photo/Gemunu Amarasinghe)

In this Nov 4, 2016 photo, a Thai farmer weeds an organic rice field in Buriram, Thailand. Just weeks after Thailands military government imposed an unprecedented $1 billion fine against an ousted prime minister for her handling of an expensive rice subsidy program, it announced a major assistance plan of its own. Its spending $1.5 billion to help struggling rice farmers, going so far as to dispatch troops into the fields to help farmers harvest the crop. (AP Photo/Gemunu Amarasinghe)

In this Nov. 10, 2016 photo, a customer smells a handful of Jasmine rice at a stall set up to help farmers sell rice directly to buyers in Bangkok during the rice price slump in Thailand. Just weeks after Thailands military government imposed an unprecedented $1 billion fine against an ousted prime minister for her handling of an expensive rice subsidy program, it announced a major assistance plan of its own. Its spending $1.5 billion to help struggling rice farmers, going so far as to dispatch troops into the fields to help farmers harvest the crop. (AP Photo/Sakchai Lalit)

In this Nov. 10, 2016 photo, Thai farmer Chaiwat Srimuengin, center, talks to customers at a stall set up to help farmers sell rice directly to buyers in Bangkok during the rice price slump in Thailand. Just weeks after Thailands military government imposed an unprecedented $1 billion fine against an ousted prime minister for her handling of an expensive rice subsidy program, it announced a major assistance plan of its own. Its spending $1.5 billion to help struggling rice farmers, going so far as to dispatch troops into the fields to help farmers harvest the crop. (AP Photo/Sakchai Lalit)

In this Nov. 10, 2016 photo, Thai farmer Kanussanan Phongprom shows Jasmine rice at a stall set up to help farmers sell rice directly to buyers in Bangkok during the rice price slump in Thailand. Just weeks after Thailands military government imposed an unprecedented $1 billion fine against an ousted prime minister for her handling of an expensive rice subsidy program, it announced a major assistance plan of its own. Its spending $1.5 billion to help struggling rice farmers, going so far as to dispatch troops into the fields to help farmers harvest the crop. (AP Photo/Sakchai Lalit)

In this Nov. 10, 2016, photo, Thai farmer Kanussanan Phongprom weighs rice for sale at a stall set up to help farmers sell rice directly to buyers in Bangkok during the rice price slump in Thailand. Just weeks after Thailands military government imposed an unprecedented $1 billion fine against an ousted prime minister for her handling of an expensive rice subsidy program, it announced a major assistance plan of its own. Its spending $1.5 billion to help struggling rice farmers, going so far as to dispatch troops into the fields to help farmers harvest the crop. (AP Photo/Sakchai Lalit)

In this Nov. 11, 2016 photo, supporters raise banknotes to purchase rice from former prime minister Yingluck Shinawatra in Samut Prakan province, Thailand. Just weeks after Thailands military government imposed an unprecedented $1 billion fine against an ousted prime minister for her handling of an expensive rice subsidy program, it announced a major assistance plan of its own. Its spending $1.5 billion to help struggling rice farmers, going so far as to dispatch troops into the fields to help farmers harvest the crop. (AP Photo/Sakchai Lalit)

In this Nov. 11, 2016, photo, former Prime Minister Yingluck Shinawatra, second left, support farmers by selling their rice to her supporters in Samut Prakan province during the rice price slump in Thailand. Just weeks after Thailands military government imposed an unprecedented $1 billion fine against an ousted prime minister for her handling of an expensive rice subsidy program, it announced a major assistance plan of its own. Its spending $1.5 billion to help struggling rice farmers, going so far as to dispatch troops into the fields to help farmers harvest the crop. (AP Photo/Sakchai Lalit)

In this Nov. 11, 2016, photo, former Prime Minister Yingluck Shinawatra, center, support farmers by selling their rice to her supporters in Samut Prakan province during the rice price slump in Thailand. Just weeks after Thailands military government imposed an unprecedented $1 billion fine against an ousted prime minister for her handling of an expensive rice subsidy program, it announced a major assistance plan of its own. Its spending $1.5 billion to help struggling rice farmers, going so far as to dispatch troops into the fields to help farmers harvest the crop. (AP Photo/Sakchai Lalit)
Flynn: Critic of Muslim militancy and culture

WASHINGTON (AP)  Michael Flynn, the retired Army lieutenant general and intelligence officer who is Donald Trump's pick to serve as his national security adviser, is a harsh critic of Muslim extremism and the religion itself, calling "radical Islam" an existential threat to the United States.

In strident speeches and public comments, including a fiery address at the Republican National Convention, Flynn has aggressively argued that Islamic State militants pose a threat on a global scale and demanded a far more aggressive U.S. military campaign against the group.

In a June interview with CNN, Flynn complained the U.S. needs to "discredit" radical Islam, but that "we're not allowed to do that right now." But his comments about Islam, a religion practiced by more than 1.5 billion people worldwide, have at times gone beyond condemning radicals inside the faith.

Retired Lt. Gen Michael Flynn gestures as he arrives at Trump Tower, Thursday, Nov. 17, 2016, in New York. (AP Photo/Carolyn Kaster)

In Flynn's book, "The Field of Fight: How We Can Win the Global War Against Radical Islam and its Allies," he condemned U.S. leaders who have called Islam a religion of peace. "This insistence on denying the existence of jihad led President Obama to the absurd claim that the Islamic State has nothing to do with Islam," Flynn wrote.

In August, he spoke at an event in Dallas hosted by the anti-Islamist group Act for America, calling Islam a "cancer" and a "political ideology" that "definitely hides behind being a religion."

Muslim Advocates, a civil rights group based in California, said in a statement that Flynn's appointment "signals support for anti-Muslim policies and sentiment that will undermine our nation's security and exacerbate an already unsafe climate for Muslims and all Americans."

The role of national security adviser has varied by administration, but usually centers on coordinating the policy positions of the secretaries of state, defense, justice and other members of a president's national security team.

It is an especially powerful position because of the national security adviser's access to the president in the West Wing of the White House. The adviser acts as a gatekeeper on a wide range of issues, including matters of war and peace as well as diplomacy and intelligence.

Flynn, who turns 58 in December, served for more than three decades in the Army following his commissioning in 1981 as a second lieutenant in military intelligence. His career included a stint as director of intelligence for the Joint Chiefs of Staff and intelligence chief for the U.S.-led International Security Assistance Force in Afghanistan.

It ended, however, when he was forced to resign from his post as head of the Defense Intelligence Agency in 2014 after two turbulent years leading the Pentagon's top spy agency.

After leaving the agency, Flynn became a harsh critic of the Obama administration's prosecution of the fight against the Islamic State group and emerged as one of Trump's most vocal backers. Throughout the campaign, Flynn championed many of Trump's foreign policy provisions, including renegotiating a seven-country agreement with Iran aimed at curbing its nuclear program in exchange for a lifting of economic sanctions.

Yet while Flynn has publicly issued dark warnings about the risks of Islamic violence, his private consulting firm has lobbied for a company headed by a Turkish businessman tied to Turkey's authoritarian, Islamist-leaning government, which cracked down on dissent and jailed thousands of opponents after a failed coup in July against Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan.

The businessman, Ekim Alptekin, told The Associated Press on Friday that he had no relationship with Erdogan's government, even though he is member of a Turkish foreign economic relations board managed by the country's Economic Ministry.

In an op-ed for the Washington newspaper The Hill just before the election, Flynn wrote that Turkey needs support and echoed Erdogan's warnings that a "shady" Turkish Muslim cleric living in Pennsylvania should not be given safe harbor in the U.S.

Erdogan has accused the cleric, Fethullah Gullen, of orchestrating the July coup attempt and called for his extradition. The Obama administration has not complied.

Alptekin said Friday that Flynn's editorial supporting Erdogan was not connected to his company's lobbying or the Turkish government. "The Turkish government did not order that," he said.

The Flynn Intel Group also lobbied Congress even as Flynn joined Trump in a presidential intelligence briefing in August  a possible security misstep, according to several ethics law experts.

"If the general was receiving classified information that could affect his business interests, that would be an obvious concern," said Joe Sandler, a campaign ethics lawyer and expert on the law that requires lobbyists for foreign governments to register their activities.

Sandler and others also questioned why Flynn's firm registered as lobbyists with Congress instead of the Justice Department's stricter Foreign Agent unit, which requires more detailed reporting of activities under the federal Foreign Agent Registration Act.

"If a foreign entity is lobbying Congress with the aim of influencing U.S policy, they're required to file under the foreign agent act," said Lydia Bennett, an expert in foreign agent work with the non-partisan Project on Government Oversight in Washington.

Flynn's consulting group registered with Congress as a lobbyist in September for Inovo BV, a company Alptekin set up in the Netherlands in 2005. Alptekin said the lobbying project was designed to support an energy firm that he declined to identify.

Alptekin said a lobbyist for Flynn's firm, Robert Kelley, had suggested it aim to improve U.S.-Turkish relations as part of its work for the energy firm.

Kelley and Flynn Intel Group did not respond to calls and emails from the AP, and the Trump transition team did not respond to requests for comment. Flynn said in a statement Kelley provided to Yahoo News that "if I return to government service, my relationship with my company will be severed."

FILE- In this file photo taken on Thursday, Dec. 10, 2015, Russian President Vladimir Putin, center right, with retired U.S. Lt. Gen. Michael T. Flynn, center left, and Serbian filmmaker Emir Kusturica, obscured second right, attend an exhibition marking the 10th anniversary of RT (Russia Today) 24-hour English-language TV news channel in Moscow, Russia. Flynn is widely reported Thursday Nov. 17, 2016, to be a potential contender to become national security advisor to U.S. president elect Donald Trump, although his appointment may be controversial. (Mikhail Klimentyev/Sputnik, Kremlin Pool Photo via AP, file)
China demands Mongolia scrap visit by Dalai Lama

BEIJING (AP)  China on Friday demanded its northern neighbor, Mongolia, scrap a visit by the Dalai Lama, labeling the exiled Tibetan spiritual leader a separatist who seeks to alienate Chinese-controlled Tibet from Beijing.

The 81-year-old monk is starting a four-day visit to predominantly Buddhist Mongolia on Friday evening. His visit is being described by his hosts as purely religious in nature and no meetings with officials are planned.

Despite that, China's Foreign Ministry reiterated its rigid opposition to all foreign travel by the Dalai Lama, who has been based in India since fleeing Tibet during an abortive uprising against Chinese rule in 1959.

The Dalai Lama is a "political exile who has long been engaging in splitting China activities in the name of religion with the aim of alienating Tibet from China," ministry spokesman Geng Shuang said.

"We strongly demand that Mongolia, for the purpose of maintaining the general picture of a sound and steady development of bilateral ties, earnestly stick to its commitment on Tibet-related issues, does not allow the visit by the Dalai Lama and does not provide any form of support and convenience to the Dalai Lama clique," he said.

Mongolia's herding and resource-centered economy is heavily dependent on China and the country is currently in negotiations for a $4.2 billion loan from Beijing to help pull it out of a deep recession.
Rep. Gutierrez Rails Trump's Appointment Of Jeff Sessions To AG

By Stephen Gossett in News on Nov 18, 2016 9:49PM



Getty Images / Photo: John Moore

A pretty handy rule of thumb, we find, is if David Duke or Joe Walsh wholeheartedly applauds a particular social-political move, its probably bad news. U.S. Rep. Luis Gutierrez (IL-4th), of Chicago, would seem to agree, as he blasted the patently blast-worthy President- elect Donald Trumps appointment of Jeff Session to Attorney General.

Gutierrez's righteously pissed statement is worth quoting in full:



"If you have nostalgia for the days when blacks kept quiet, gays were in the closet, immigrants were invisible and women stayed in the kitchen, Senator Jefferson Beauregard Sessions is your man. No Senator has fought harder against the hopes and aspirations of Latinos, immigrants, and people of color than Sen. Sessions. He is a staunch opponent of legal immigration and someone who has blocked every effort to improve, modernize, and humanize our immigration system, which is two or three decades out-of-date. He ran for the Senate because he was deemed by the Senate Judiciary Committee as too racist to serve as a federal judge. He is the kind of person who will set back law enforcement, civil rights, the courts, and increase Americas mass incarceration industry and erase 50 years of progress."

Mic drop.

Gutierrez has been decidedly full-throated in his condemnation of Trump and his recent moves. Gutierrez appeared on Monday at a press conference with Mayor Rahm Emanuel in Chicago in which the mayor reaffirmed Chicagos sanctuary-city statusa presser at which the president of Lurie Childrens Hospital said Trumps election has ignited a public health crisisand on Thursday he joined colleagues in calling on President Barack Obama to pardon DREAMers, both retroactively and prospectively.

Of course in politics, there can be a thin line between ethical indignation and grandstanding. But this kind of continued normalization of racist, xenophobic and sexist leanings needs "bullshit" called on itand we're glad to see one of our own help lead the charge.

No Sen. has fought harder against the hopes & aspirations of Latinos, immigrants & people of color than Sessions https://t.co/FFpe35G2Hf  Luis V. Gutierrez (@RepGutierrez) November 18, 2016

Several Illinois lawmakers were quick to chastise Donald Trump for his pick of Steve Bannon as chief strategist.

Senator-elect Tammy Duckworth has not yet made a public comment about Sessions; Sen. Dick Durbin didn't respond to the news directly, but released a statement in which he disavowed the proposed Muslim immigration ban:



"Reinstating failed programs that target Arabs and Muslims in our country is exactly what ISIS was cheering on election nightwhen America, a beacon of freedom in the world, gives in to fear and begins chipping away at civil rights, our enemies are emboldened and their ranks swell with new recruits. Back in 2002, I called for this program to be terminated because there were serious doubts it would help combat terrorism. Terrorism experts have since concluded that this program wasted precious homeland security funds and alienated Arab- and Muslim Americans. How many terrorists did it identify? Zero. Failed programs like this are the exact wrong approach to combating terrorism, and I'll fight to ensure it never returns."

[H/T Crain's]
German teen accused of copy editing Islamic State propaganda

BERLIN (AP)  Federal German prosecutors have charged an 18-year-old with supporting a terrorist organization by translating Islamic State propaganda and correcting errors in texts the group posted online.

Prosecutors said Friday Mikail S., a German citizen whose last name wasn't disclosed in line with privacy laws, faces nine counts of supporting the Islamic State group on allegations he'd been in contact with the extremist organization's propaganda operations since mid-2016.

S. is alleged to have contacted the group, offering to translate English, German and Turkish texts and correct linguistic errors.

After being taken up on his offer, he delivered over the period of about a month beginning at the start of June one translation and eight corrected texts which ended up on the internet.
2 Syrians, 1 Afghan face terrorism charges in Germany

BERLIN (AP)  German prosecutors on Friday charged two Syrian men with membership in a terrorist organization on allegations they fought with a militant Islamist group in Syria.

Prosecutors said 24-year-old Kamel T.H.J. and 22-year-old Azad R. allegedly fought with the ultra-conservative Ahrar al-Sham against other rebel groups and Syrian government troops in the Aleppo area from at least August 2013 until April 2014, when the younger man was injured.

The two then traveled to Turkey together and then in 2015 onto Germany for the injured fighter to receive medical care.

Both suspects, whose names weren't released in line with German privacy laws, were arrested in April and have been in custody since then.

Also on Friday, federal prosecutors announced the arrest of a 17-year-old Afghan citizen in Germany for alleged membership in a foreign terrorist organization.

Abdullah S.K., who was arrested Thursday, is suspected of joining the Taliban in Afghanistan and participating in weapons training and combat operations from 2013 to 2015, according to investigators.

The prosecutors' statement alleged he fired shots at Afghan police officers and soldiers several times.
Tens of thousands march for Croatia war anniversary

VUKOVAR, Croatia (AP)  Tens of thousands of Croats are taking part in a memorial march marking the 25th anniversary of the fall of the eastern town of Vukovar to the Yugoslav army during the 1991-95 war.

Carrying Croatian flags and patriotic banners, the crowds on Friday were forming a kilometers-long column through the streets of the baroque town on the Danube which was all but demolished during the three-month siege in 1991.

Citizens were also lighting candles throughout Croatia.

Vukovar has become a symbol of Croatia's war for independence and of the senseless destruction during the wars that followed the breakup of Yugoslavia.
UN official urges Turkey to release journalists from jail

ANKARA, Turkey (AP)  A United Nations official on Friday urged Turkey to release all jailed journalists, saying the government's need to protect citizens following the failed coup in July and a wave of terror attacks was not a "blank check" to restrict freedom of expression.

Speaking to reporters at the end of a weeklong visit, David Kaye, the U.N. special rapporteur on the right to freedom of opinion and expression, said he was "in deep sympathy" with the threats the country faces following the July 15 coup attempt as well as threats from Kurdish militants and Islamic State group.

"The government has the responsibility to protect the rights of its citizens," Kaye said. But he added: "That does not mean that the government has a blank check to do whatever it wants to restrict freedom of expression."

United Nations Special Rapporteur David Kaye speaks to the media about the situation of the right to freedom of opinion and expression in Turkey, in Ankara, Turkey, Friday, Nov. 18, 2016. " The space for critical voices, academics, journalists, lawyers and others in civil society has been under threat," Kaye said.(AP Photo/Burhan Ozbilici)

During his mission to Turkey, Kaye met government officials as well as a number of journalists in prison, including journalists from the opposition Cumhuriyet newspaper whose editor and nine senior staff members were arrested on terror-related charges earlier this month.

"The conclusions I would say are fairly grim and reflect what I think is a deep sense of restrictions on freedom of opinion and expression throughout the country," Kaye said.

Turkey's government has arrested close to 37,000 people since defeating a coup attempt in July, and has dismissed or suspended more than 100,000 others from government jobs for alleged ties to a U.S.-based Muslim cleric who has been blamed for the coup. More than 170 media outlets have been closed for alleged links to violent groups.

Kaye said 155 journalists are in detention.

Kaye urged the government to review its broad anti-terrorism laws, repeal its defamation laws that criminalize insults to government officials, reverse its shutdown of media outlets and allow people who were dismissed from government jobs to legally challenge the decisions.
A 21-year-old from suburban Chicago has been jailed for three years for trying to go to Syria to join the Islamic State.

Mohammed Hamzah Khan, who could have faced up to 15 years in prison, was arrested at a Chicago airport in 2014 when he was just 19.

With time served since his arrest, Khan will be released from jail late next year.

Standing in orange jail garb - his mother and father on a nearby spectator's bench - Khan showed little emotion during Friday's sentencing hearing in Chicago.

Mohammed Hamzah Khan, 21, was jailed for just over three years after he was arrested at a Chicago airport two years ago trying to flee to Syria to join the Islamic State.

Federal judge John Tharp said the case highlighted the quandary of dealing with impressionable young Muslims in the U.S. who fall under the sway of the militant group's online recruiters.

Tharp said he couldn't reconcile Khan's desire to join IS as a 19-year-old with portrayals by family and friends of him as caring and quick to help others.

The judge's explanation was that Khan had led a 'sheltered' existence at his parents' home in Bolingbrook and so was 'vulnerable to being preyed on by terrorists.'

'The real issue here is risk: What is the risk that you pose to the public?' he said.

Tharp said he couldn't gauge Khan's sincerity about now rejecting IS, but he agreed that counseling and education to broaden his world view is what Kahn needs most.

A long prison term, the judge said, could make Khan more, not less dangerous, and wouldn't ensure he never looked to a terrorist group again.

'This isn't what our prison system was made to do,' Tharp added.

Mohammed Hamzah Khan, (pictured in his passport photo) who could have faced up to 15 years in prison, was arrested at a Chicago airport in 2014 when he was just 19

Shafi Khan, (right) father of Mohammed Hamzah Khan, talks to reporters as he and his wife, Zarine (left) depart the federal courthouse after a judge sentenced their son on Friday

Prosecutors had asked for a five-year sentence, saying Khan's cooperation in identifying two IS recruiters justified leniency.

The defense had asked for the sentence Judge John Tharp ended up imposing.

Kahn will also be subject to an exceptionally long 20 years of close monitoring that prosecutors characterized as among the strictest ever in the district.

The 21-year-old's attorneys say he intends to enroll in college once he is released.

Defense lawyer Thomas Durkin had argued that individuals such as Khan should not be written off without a second chance for succumbing to adept IS propagandists who wooed them over the internet.

'Do we give in to the fear that we cannot trust that this kid will ever change?' Durkin said. 'I think he deserves a chance.'

Agents detained Khan with two younger siblings as they tried to board a plane at O'Hare International Airport.

Agents detained Khan with two younger siblings as they tried to board a plane at O'Hare International Airport in 2014. He was accused of helping to indoctrinate his brother and sister

Zarine Khan (left) and her husband Shafi (middle), parents of Mohammed Hamzah Khan, listen to attorney Thomas Durkin after their son was sentenced to just over three years in prison

Prosecutors say Khan helped indoctrinate his brother and sister, who also aspired to live in Islamic State, though they were never charged.

Khan left a letter before leaving for O'Hare expressing anger over U.S.-backed bombing of IS.

Khan's mother, Zarine Khan, told reporters last year that IS had brainwashed her son. And she added about Islamic State: 'Leave our children alone!'

Tharp said he couldn't accept that Khan's hope was to get a non-military job in Syria, saying the Islamic State would surely press any young man into fighting.

'I don't believe for a second... that you would go to Syria and work as a chef,' he said.

Defense attorneys argued Khan now grasped that his ideas about IS were 'unrealistic' and that he no longer glorified its trademark brutality.

Before adjourning, the judge contrasted the image of brutal executions in IS-controlled territory against Khan's treatment in Chicago federal court.
Italian rightwing politician visits Moscow

MOSCOW (AP)  The leader of Italy's right-wing, anti-EU Northern League party is visiting Moscow two weeks ahead of Italy's referendum.

Matteo Salvini has been one of the active "no" campaigners in the Dec. 4 constitutional referendum, on which Italian Prime Minister Matteo Renzi has staked his political future.

Renzi is calling for changes which would make it easier for the government to pass legislation.

Italy's Northern League leader Matteo Salvini attends a news conference at RIA Novosti news agency in Moscow, Russia, Friday, Nov. 18, 2016. Salvini is in Russia to meet the Italian community in Russia as part of his campaign against an institutional referendum sponsored by Italian Premier Matteo Renzi's government to change the role of the Italian Senate as provided by the 1948 Italian Constitution. (AP Photo/Alexander Zemlianichenko)

In an interview with Russian state TV broadcast Friday, Salvini voiced hope for Renzi's defeat, saying it would continue the anti-establishment trend of the British vote to leave the EU and Donald Trump's victory in the U.S. election.

Salvini has sought to develop contacts in Russia. He has harshly criticized EU sanctions against Russia, saying that Italian businesses have lost $6 billion because of them.

Italy's Northern League leader Matteo Salvini attends a news conference at RIA Novosti news agency in Moscow, Russia, Friday, Nov. 18, 2016. Salvini is in Russia to meet the Italian community in Russia as part of his campaign against an institutional referendum sponsored by Italian Premier Matteo Renzi's government to change the role of the Italian Senate as provided by the 1948 Italian Constitution. (AP Photo/Alexander Zemlianichenko)
Minnesota mom sues teenage child over transgender treatment

MINNEAPOLIS (AP)  A Minnesota mother is suing her teenage child for transitioning from male to female without her permission.

Anmarie Calgaro is also suing the 17-year-old's doctors and public health and school officials in the lawsuit filed in Minneapolis federal court Wednesday.

Calgaro says in the lawsuit that her child has been treated at a Minneapolis health clinic and given medication for transgender issues without her consent. Calgaro says the St. Louis County school district, where the teen is a student, has taken away her parental rights and refused to release records to her.

The lawsuit includes a copy of a letter of emancipation the teen obtained from a lawyer, but notes that the letter doesn't constitute a court order. Calgaro is asking the court to halt all medical services.
Autopsy: Man shot self in Alabama police station

SELMA, Ala. (AP)  A preliminary autopsy shows that an Alabama man who died of a gunshot inside Selma's police station shot himself to death.

Authorities say 21-year-old Rykemp Giles attacked a clerk inside police headquarters after being arrested on a domestic violence charge involving his mother on Nov. 7.

Police say Giles got into a scuffle with an officer and was shot, but that wound wasn't serious.

Police Chief John Brock tells The Selma Times-Journal (http://bit.ly/2fnXJuQ ) the man then got an officer's gun and was later found dead in a cell.

District Attorney Michael Jackson confirmed says the autopsy determined Giles shot himself.

An officer and the police clerk suffered injuries that weren't life threatening.

___
Navajo youths travel 1,000 miles to protest power plant haze

Nineteen-year-old Sheldon Natoni worries about the haze hanging over his tribe's sacred mountains in Arizona and the effect it is having on the health of others in the Navajo Nation.

His friend Sebale Tsosie, 21, has the same concerns, saying it's unfair that a massive coal-fired power plant blamed for the pollution will not have to drastically cut back emissions until a generation from now.

Federal rules exempt the Navajo Generating Station in Page, Arizona, from drastically reducing haze-causing nitrogen oxide emissions for several decades  a decision being challenged by Navajo environmental groups at the 9th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals.

Navajo youths from left, Robert Yazzie, Sedate Tsosie and Sheldon Natoni burn sage as tribal members in the background enter the United States Court of Appeals for the Ninth Circuit in San Francisco on Friday, Nov. 18, 2016. Thirty Navajo youths have traveled from their reservation in Arizona to San Francisco to protest a federal decision that would allow a massive coal-fired power near their homes to bypass pollution-control regulations for the next several decades. (AP Photo/Eric Risberg)

The two young men and dozens of other Navajo youth, including some who organizers say suffer from asthma, filled the rows of a federal courtroom in San Francisco on Friday to listen to oral arguments in the case. Some of the youth also protested outside court.

"The whole point for me being here is to show my face and show that us young people care about our land and about everything we had  or have," Tsosie said while en route to San Francisco.

The youth ranging from school-age children to young adults piled into vans to travel nearly 1,000 miles for the hearing.

They are among the growing ranks of young activists to claim a role in recent environmental causes in the U.S. Last week, a federal judge in Oregon gave the green light to a lawsuit from 21 youths who allege the federal government failed to protect them from the effects of greenhouse gas emissions.

In North Dakota, tribal leaders have said native youth opposition to the Dakota Access pipeline helped grow the movement that has led to months of protests.

In the Navajo case, the lawsuit against the power plant was brought by conservation groups To' Nizhoni Ani, Dine Citizens Against Ruining our Environment and the Black Mesa Water Coalition, of which Natoni and Tsosie said they are members.

The groups allege the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency's decision to set back the deadline for the Navajo Generating Station to reduce nitrogen oxide emissions by 84 percent sets a double standard because other plants have had to meet speedier timelines.

They say the decision does not meet the requirements of the Clean Air Act and that they and the Hopi Tribe, which also lives in the region, were not a part of consultations with the federal government, the Environmental Defense Fund, the Gila River Indian Community, the Navajo Nation and others.

The plant serves customers throughout the Western U.S. It powers a series of canals that deliver water to Phoenix and Tucson, fuels the economies of the Navajo and Hopi tribes, and helps fulfill American Indian water-rights settlements with the federal government.

The U.S. Interior Department's Bureau of Reclamation co-owns the plant, which some consider an important supporter of the local economy.
Amid protests, Philippine dictator buried at heroes cemetery

MANILA, Philippines (AP)  Long-dead former Philippine dictator Ferdinand Marcos was buried Friday at the country's Heroes' Cemetery in a secrecy-shrouded ceremony, a move approved by President Rodrigo Duterte that infuriated supporters of the "people power" revolt that ousted Marcos three decades ago.

Marcos's daughter, Imee, expressed relief after her father's interment at the heavily guarded cemetery in metropolitan Manila, which she said fulfilled his last wish. Enraged pro-democracy activists, however, stressed the decades-long debate over the ex-president's final resting place was far from over and protested across the metropolis.

Bonifacio Ilagan, a left-wing activist who was detained and tortured during Marcos's rule, said the dictator was buried "like a thief in the night" in a stealthy fashion similar to when he suddenly placed the country under martial rule. A lawmaker considered asking the Supreme Court to exhume the newly buried Marcos.

In this photo provided by the Office of the Army Chief Public Affairs Headquarters Philippine Army, Imelda Marcos, the widow of the late dictator Ferdinand Marcos, cries as she receives the Philippine flag from a military officer as their daughter Imee Marcos looks on during a ceremony of his burial at the Heroes' Cemetery in suburban Taguig city, Philippines, Friday, Nov. 18, 2016. Marcos was buried "like a thief in the night" Friday at the country's Heroes' Cemetery in a secrecy-shrouded ceremony which opponents said mocked the democratic triumph Filipinos won when a "people power" revolt ousted him three decades ago. (Office of the Army Chief Public Affairs Headquarters Philippine Army via AP)

"It's very much like when he declared martial law in 1972," Ilagan told The Associated Press. "This is so Marcos style. I want to rush to the cemetery to protest this. I feel so enraged."

Marie Hilao Enriquez, a former political detainee whose sister, a fellow activist, was raped and killed by policemen, wept upon learning the news.

"Marcos died in the arms of his family" but many Marcos-era activists remain missing after being allegedly abducted by state forces, Enriquez said at a protest. "We are still searching for the victims' bodies, trying to find out where they buried the bodies."

Imee Marcos thanked those who "were with us in hoping and praying for nearly three decades to see this day."

President Duterte, who gave the go-ahead for the burial, called for calm.

"Hopefully, both sides will exercise maximum tolerance and come to terms with the burial," Duterte's spokesman, Ernesto Abella, quoted him as saying after the president landed in Peru, where he is attending a summit of Asia-Pacific leaders.

Military spokesman Brig. Gen. Restituto Padilla said Marcos's remains were flown by air force helicopter from his northern Ilocos Norte hometown for burial at the military-run cemetery in Manila.

Marcos's widow, Imelda, who was clad in black, and her children attended the simple ceremony along with dozens of relatives and friends.

After landing at an air base, Marcos's remains were brought by a black limousine to the cemetery, where his flag-draped wooden coffin was placed on a caisson and later carried by military pallbearers to the gravesite, military spokesman Brig. Gen. Restituto Padilla said.

A 21-gun salute by military honor troops rang out during the burial ceremony.

"We rendered the simplest of honors befitting the former president in compliance to the desire of the family," Padilla said.

Asked why the burial was kept from the public, Padilla said it was the Marcos family's desire "to keep it private."

Still, the burial shocked many democracy advocates and human rights victims who had planned protests nationwide Friday against Marcos's interment at the cemetery, where former presidents, soldiers and national artists have been buried, unaware that funeral plans were already underway.

Burying someone accused of massive rights violations and plunder at the heroes' cemetery has long been an emotional and divisive issue in the Philippines, where Marcos was ousted by a largely nonviolent army-backed uprising in 1986. At the height of the political turbulence, Marcos flew to Hawaii, where he lived with his wife and children until he died in 1989.

The powerful family has repeatedly denied any wrongdoing and Imelda Marcos and two of her children eventually ran for public office and won stunning political comebacks. One son, Ferdinand "Bongbong" Marcos Jr., ran for vice president earlier this year and lost by a slim margin.

In 1993, Marcos's body was taken to his hometown in Ilocos Norte, where it was displayed in a glass coffin and became a tourist attraction. But his family fought for his remains to be transferred to the heroes' cemetery.

Duterte, who took over the presidency in June, backed Marcos's burial at the cemetery, saying it was his right as a president and soldier. It was a political risk in a country where democracy advocates celebrate Marcos's ouster each year.

About 2,000 protesters gathered late Friday at the site of the 1986 revolt that toppled Marcos. Some yelled, "Marcos dictator, dig him up, dig him up."

Michaela Gotangco, a Catholic nun who stood in front of tanks with others to stop Marcos's forces from crushing that uprising, said the burial may herald a new era of political restiveness.

"This is the start of many protests ... it's a very painful event," Gotangco said.

Last week, the Supreme Court dismissed seven petitions, including from former torture victims, which argued that an honorable burial for the dictator was "illegal and contrary to law, public policy, morals and justice."

Opponents planned to appeal the court decision within a 15-day period but were pre-empted by Friday's surprise burial. They said the Marcos family should be cited by the court for contempt.

The court ruled that Marcos was never convicted by final judgment of any offense involving moral turpitude, adding that the convictions cited by anti-Marcos petitioners were civil in nature.

While critics may reject Marcos as president due to his human rights abuses, the court said he cannot be denied the right to be acknowledged as a former legislator, a defense secretary, a military member, a war veteran and a Medal of Valor awardee.

"While he was not all good," the 15-member court said, "he was not pure evil either."

In this photo provided by the Office of the Army Chief Public Affairs Headquarters Philippine Army (OACPA HPA), soldiers prepare to fold the flag-draped casket of the late Philippine dictator Ferdinand Marcos during his burial at the Heroes' Cemetery in Taguig City, east of Manila, Philippines, Friday, Nov. 18, 2016. Despite growing opposition, after the Supreme Court ruled that one of Asia's most infamous tyrants can be entombed in the hallowed grounds, Marcos was buried Friday at the country's heroes' cemetery in a secrecy-shrouded ceremony which opponents said mocked the democratic triumph won when a "people power" revolt ousted him three decades ago. (OACPA HPA via AP)

Protesters chant slogans as the late Philippine dictator Ferdinand Marcos is finally buried at the Heroes' Cemetery in suburban Taguig city, east of Manila, Philippines Friday, Nov. 18, 2016. Marcos was buried "like a thief in the night" Friday at the country's heroes' cemetery in a secrecy-shrouded ceremony which opponents said mocked the democratic triumph won when a "people power" revolt ousted him three decades ago. (AP Photo/Bullit Marquez)

In this photo provided by the Office of Ilocos Norte Governor Imee Marcos, soldiers carry a flag-draped casket of the late dictator Ferdinand Marcos during a ceremony of his burial at the Heroes' Cemetery in suburban Taguig city, Philippines, Friday, Nov. 18, 2016. Marcos was buried "like a thief in the night" Friday at the country's Heroes' Cemetery in a secrecy-shrouded ceremony which opponents said mocked the democratic triumph Filipinos won when a "people power" revolt ousted him three decades ago. (Office of Ilocos Norte Governor Imee Marcos via AP)

In this photo provided by the Office of the Army Chief Public Affairs Headquarters Philippine Army (OACPA HPA), military officers serving as pallbearers stand around the flag-draped casket of the late Philippine dictator Ferdinand Marcos during a ceremony of his burial at the Heroes' Cemetery in suburban Taguig city, Philippines, Friday, Nov. 18, 2016. Marcos was buried "like a thief in the night" Friday at the country's Heroes' Cemetery in a secrecy-shrouded ceremony which opponents said mocked the democratic triumph Filipinos won when a "people power" revolt ousted him three decades ago. (Office of the Army Chief Public Affairs Headquarters Philippine Army via AP)

In this photo provided by the Office of the Army Chief Public Affairs Headquarters Philippine Army (OACPA HPA), soldiers carry the flag-draped casket of the late Philippine dictator Ferdinand Marcos during his burial at the Heroes' Cemetery in Taguig City, east of Manila, Philippines Friday, Nov.18, 2016. Despite growing opposition, after the Supreme Court ruled that one of Asia's most infamous tyrants can be entombed in the hallowed grounds, Marcos was buried Friday at the country's heroes' cemetery in a secrecy-shrouded ceremony which opponents said mocked the democratic triumph won when a "people power" revolt ousted him three decades ago. (OACPA HPA via AP)

In this photo provided by Jun Gudoy from the Office of Ilocos Norte Governor Imee Marcos, led by wife Imelda Marcos, in black, the late dictator Ferdinand Marcos' family follows the flag-draped casket during a ceremony of his burial at the Heroes' Cemetery in Taguig City, east of Manila, Philippines Friday, Nov.v18, 2016. Despite growing opposition, after the Supreme Court ruled that one of Asia's most infamous tyrants can be entombed in the hallowed grounds, Marcos was buried Friday at the country's heroes' cemetery in a secrecy-shrouded ceremony which opponents said mocked the democratic triumph won when a "people power" revolt ousted him three decades ago. (Office of Ilocos Norte Gov. MImee Marcos via the AP)

In this photo provided by the Office of Ilocos Norte Governor Imee Marcos, Imelda Marcos, in black on a wheelchair under an umbrella, the widow of the late dictator Ferdinand Marcos, and their close relatives follow the flag-draped casket of Ferdinand Marcos during a ceremony of his burial at the Heroes' Cemetery in suburban Taguig city, Philippines, Friday, Nov. 18, 2016. Marcos was buried "like a thief in the night" Friday at the country's Heroes' Cemetery in a secrecy-shrouded ceremony which opponents said mocked the democratic triumph Filipinos won when a "people power" revolt ousted him three decades ago. (Office of Ilocos Norte Governor Imee Marcos via AP)

In this photo provided by the Office of Ilocos Norte Governor Imee Marcos, Imelda Marcos, in black at right on a wheelchair, the widow of the late dictator Ferdinand Marcos, and their close relatives including their daughter Gov. Imee Marcos, walking third right with Imelda Marcos, follow the flag-draped casket of Ferdinand Marcos during a ceremony of his burial at the Heroes' Cemetery in suburban Taguig city, Philippines, Friday, Nov. 18, 2016. Marcos was buried "like a thief in the night" Friday at the country's Heroes' Cemetery in a secrecy-shrouded ceremony which opponents said mocked the democratic triumph Filipinos won when a "people power" revolt ousted him three decades ago. (Office of Ilocos Norte Governor Imee Marcos via AP)

In this photo provided by the Office of the Army Chief Public Affairs Headquarters Philippine Army (OACPA HPA), soldiers fold the national flag over the casket of the late Philippine dictator Ferdinand Marcos during his burial at the Heroes' Cemetery in Taguig City, east of Manila, Philippines Friday, Nov.18, 2016. Despite growing opposition, after the Supreme Court ruled that one of Asia's most infamous tyrants can be entombed in the hallowed grounds, Marcos was buried Friday at the country's heroes' cemetery in a secrecy-shrouded ceremony which opponents said mocked the democratic triumph won when a "people power" revolt ousted him three decades ago. (OACPA HPA via AP)

Supporters of the former Philippine dictator Ferdinand Marcos cheer as they stand outside the Hero's Cemetery where he was buried in Taguig, south of Manila, Philippines, on Friday, Nov. 18, 2016. Marcos was buried Friday at the country's heroes' cemetery in a secrecy-shrouded ceremony which opponents said mocked the democratic triumph won when a "people power" revolt ousted him three decades ago. (AP Photo/Aaron Favila)

Protesters shout slogans as the late Philippine dictator Ferdinand Marcos is finally buried at the Heroes' Cemetery in suburban Taguig city, east of Manila, Philippines Friday, Nov. 18, 2016. Marcos was buried at a heroes' cemetery Friday in a secrecy-shrouded ceremony, police officials said, despite growing opposition after the Supreme Court ruled that one of Asia's most infamous tyrants can be entombed in the hallowed grounds. (AP Photo/Bullit Marquez)

Gov. Imee Marcos reads her family's statement after the late Ferdinand Marcos, her father, was buried at the Heroes' Cemetery Friday, Nov. 18, 2016, in Pasay, Philippines. Ferdinand Marcos was buried at a heroes' cemetery Friday in a secrecy-shrouded ceremony, police officials said, despite growing opposition after the Supreme Court ruled that one of Asia's most infamous tyrants can be entombed in the hallowed grounds. (AP Photo/Bullit Marquez)

A Filipino military band rides a truck inside the Heroes' Cemetery where former Philippine dictator Ferdinand Marcos was buried in Taguig, near Manila, Philippines Friday, Nov. 18, 2016. Marcos was buried "like a thief in the night" Friday at the country's heroes' cemetery in a secrecy-shrouded ceremony which opponents said mocked the democratic triumph won when a "people power" revolt ousted him three decades ago. (AP Photo/Aaron Favila)

Soldiers with riot shields guard the gates of the Hero's Cemetery as the late Philippine dictator Ferdinand Marcos is buried Friday, Nov. 18, 2016, in Taguig city, Philippines. Ferdinand Marcos was buried Friday in a secrecy-shrouded ceremony, police officials said, despite growing opposition after the Supreme Court ruled that one of Asia's most infamous tyrants can be entombed in the hallowed grounds. (AP Photo/Bullit Marquez)

File- In this Friday, Feb. 28, 1986, file photo, former Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos reads a statement at the Hickam Air Force Base in Honolulu. Marcos was buried at a heroes' cemetery Friday in a secrecy-shrouded ceremony, police officials said, despite growing opposition after the Supreme Court ruled that one of Asia's most infamous tyrants can be entombed in the hallowed grounds. (AP Photo/Jack Smith, File)

FILE- In this Sept. 11, 2005, file photo, former Philippine first lady Imelda Marcos kisses the refrigerated crypt of her husband, the late strongman Ferdinand Marcos as she observes his 88th birthday at a mausoleum in Batac, Ilocos Norte, northern Philippines. Ferdinand Marcos was buried at a heroes' cemetery Friday in a secrecy-shrouded ceremony, police officials said, despite growing opposition after the Supreme Court ruled that one of Asia's most infamous tyrants can be entombed in the hallowed grounds. (AP Photo/Aaron Favila, File)
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French director Luc Besson's latest film The Warriors Gate will open in China on Nov 18.

Actress Ni Ni in The Warriors Gate. [Photo provided to China Daily]

The Sino-French production, which has Taiwan actor Mark Chao along with mainland actress Ni Ni and Hong Kong actor Francis Ng, has been written and produced by Besson.

At a promotional event in Beijing on Tuesday, the film's director Matthias Hoene said he was a fan of top Chinese filmmakers Chen Kaige and Zhang Yimou.

Hoene said The Warriors Gate fulfilled his dream of making a film that presents Chinese culture and history.

Set in a fictional kingdom, the story follows a teenager's travel back to an ancient world in which he helps a female ruler fight her enemies. All the film's dialogues are in English.

Ni, known for Zhang's directorial war epic The Flowers of War, said the new action film will likely resonate with Western moviegoers because of the language.

Chao, who has a lot of action scenes in it, said he was injured during filming.

Besson wasn't present at the event as he has been busy producing Valerian and the City of a Thousand Planets, a French sci-fi that is set for release in July 2017.
Men's and women's Scottish Open on same course next year

NAPLES, Fla. (AP)  Dundonald Links will host the Scottish Open twice next summer  one for men, the other for women.

The LPGA Tour and Ladies European Tour announced Friday they will co-sanction the Ladies Scottish Open at Dundonald Links, on the Ayrshire coast about 5 miles north of Royal Troon. It will be played July 27-30, one week before the Women's British Open at Kingsbarns.

The men's Scottish Open at Dundonald will be July 13-16, one week before the British Open.

Aberdeen Asset Management will be the title sponsor of both tournaments.
4 dead in murder-suicide in Virginia identified

STAFFORD, Va. (AP)  Officials have identified the four people found dead in an apparent murder-suicide in northern Virginia.

The Stafford County Sheriff's office identified the dead Friday as 35-year-old Lance Calvin Buckley; 30-year-old Amy Buckley; 5-year-old Claire Buckley; and 17-month-old Abigail Buckley. Lance Buckley and Amy Buckley were husband and wife.

The sheriff's office said in a statement that a man who identified himself as Lance Buckley called 911 Thursday morning and said he wanted to report three murders and a suicide.

The sheriff's office said that when deputies arrived at the home they found the four bodies in the lower level of the home. The Buckleys lived in a subdivision in the northwestern part of the county.
Peru police investigate death of 'Nashville' actress

LIMA, Peru (AP)  An American actress who appeared in episodes of "Nashville" and "Unbreakable Kimmy Schmidt" has been found dead in her hotel room in Peru's capital.

Police said Thursday they are investigating a possible suicide after Lisa Masters was discovered hanging in her hotel room's closet. Antidepressants and instructions on her cellphone for contacting her family in the U.S. were also found.

Her manager in New York, Christopher Silveri, confirmed the death on Friday. He said that "we hope those who have had the pleasure of knowing her will see how brightly she shined and will find that light within themselves."

The 52-year-old actress and model was in Lima for a photo shoot paid for by a cosmetic company.
The Latest: Storm causes hundreds of crashes in Minnesota

MINNEAPOLIS (AP)  The Latest on a wintry storm blowing across the upper Midwest (all times local):

6:30 p.m.

Authorities report hundreds of crashes in Minnesota as a snowstorm sweeps across the state.

The Minnesota State Patrol reports 340 crashes, including 37 with injuries, and more than 550 spinouts statewide since Thursday night. At least one person died on icy roads. The patrol says a 42-year-old man from Fulda died in a two-vehicle crash on Highway 59 early Friday.

Heavy, wet snow also was causing power outages. Officials of Crow Wing Power reported 4,000 customers lost power Friday. The Minneapolis Star Tribune reports that the power cooperative, which serves counties in central and north-central Minnesota, pulled crews off the roads and shut its offices down.

Transportation officials recommended no travel in parts of southwestern Minnesota due to whiteout conditions and roads covered with blowing snow.

Snow was also reported in parts of Nebraska and the Dakotas.

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2:45 p.m.

Snow is falling rapidly in northern Minnesota, where more than a foot has fallen in the first major wintry blast of the season.

A spotter for the National Weather Service reports nearly 14 inches of snow fell at a location in Cass County by early Friday afternoon. In Itasca (eye-TAS'-kuh) County, an observer reports a foot of snow near Coleraine, with 5 inches falling in less than two hours.

Meteorologist Amanda Graning of the National Weather Service in Duluth says some areas in northern Minnesota could see up to 2 feet of snow before the heavy band starts dissipating Friday evening.

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1:40 p.m.

Transportation officials say a wintry storm that swept the northern Plains states Friday has sent cars and semitrailers into ditches along Interstate 94 in western Minnesota.

Jerimiah Moerke with the Minnesota Department of Transportation told the Fergus Falls Daily Journal that snow and high winds have made it difficult for vehicles  especially big rigs  to get up hills on the interstate around Dalton. Officials say at least one semitrailer jackknifed on I-94 between Fergus Falls and Evansville.

Minnesota State Patrol trooper Jesse Grabow says low visibility, ice, snow and slush are the main causes for crashes and spin outs on the interstate.

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This item has been corrected to reflect that Dalton is in western Minnesota.

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12:05 p.m.

Northern Nebraska residents are digging out after half a foot of snow fell in some areas, as a wintry blast moved from the Rocky Mountain region into northern Plains states.

National Weather Service meteorologist Cody Moldan in North Platte, Nebraska, says 6 inches of snow fell in Newport overnight Thursday. He says from 3 inches to more than 5 inches of snow fell in other parts of northern Nebraska before the storm moved northeast Friday morning.

Temperatures have dipped into the lower 30s, with high winds making conditions feel colder. Moldan says temperatures in the area will drop into the single digits and teens late Friday and early Saturday morning.

That's a big change from earlier in the week. Temperatures hovered around 70 degrees in the area on Wednesday.

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12:58 a.m.

The unseasonably mild conditions of recent days will be ushered out by a jolt of wintry weather that's expected to bring blizzards, freezing temperatures and high winds to northern Plains states.

The National Weather Service has issued a blizzard warning for Friday in eastern parts of North and South Dakota and western Minnesota, as well as winter storm warnings for other parts of those states and Nebraska.

The service says up to a foot of snow could fall in parts of Minnesota, and 3 to 8 inches elsewhere.

Gusts of up to 60 mph are expected to cause whiteout conditions.
Deputy US marshal, fugitive killed in Georgia shootout

LUDOWICI, Ga. (AP)  A fugitive accused of attempting to murder police officers fatally shot a deputy U.S. marshal trying to arrest him Friday in southeast Georgia, where other law officers returned fire and killed the suspect, federal authorities said.

The U.S. Marshals Service said 53-year-old Patrick Carothers, deputy commander of the agency's Southeast Regional Fugitive Task Force, died after being shot twice as a team of officers tried to serve a warrant at a mobile home in rural Long County.

The slain suspect was identified as Dontrell Montese Carter. He was wanted in Sumter County, South Carolina, since September on charges of attempted murder of police officers, domestic violence and illegally discharging a weapon, the Marshals Service said in a news release.

This undated photo provided by Sumter County Sheriff's Office shows Dontrell Montese Carter. A fugitive accused of attempting to murder police officers fatally shot a deputy U.S. marshal trying to arrest him Friday, Nov. 18, 2016, in southeast Georgia, where other law officers returned fire and killed the suspect, federal authorities said. The slain suspect was identified as Dontrell Montese Carter, who was wanted in Sumter County, S.C., since September on charges of attempted murder of police officers, domestic violence and illegally discharging a weapon, the Marshals Service said in a news release. (Sumter County Sheriff's Office via AP)

The agency said Carothers and his team had tracked Carter to a mobile home just outside Ludowici, about 55 miles southwest of Savannah. Carothers was shot as they were entering the home.

Law officers returned fire and shot Carter multiple times, the Marshals Service said. Both men were taken to area hospitals, where they were pronounced dead.

"The fugitive who killed Deputy Commander Carothers was extremely dangerous, wanted for trying to kill law enforcement officers and deliberately evading authorities," David Harlow, deputy director of the Marshals Service, said in a statement. "Pat is a hero and our thoughts and prayers are with his wife and five children."

Attorney General Loretta E. Lynch, in a statement Friday, said she was "deeply saddened" by Carothers' death.

"He stayed true to his oath to the last, laying down his life to keep his community safe and his neighbors secure," Lynch said. "I know that his legacy will live on in the proud annals of the U.S. Marshals Service and in the memory of his fellow law enforcement officers from coast to coast."

Carothers served 26 years with the Marshals Service and had been deputy commander of the fugitive task force for more than a year.

Carter, 25, had been wanted in South Carolina since Sept. 18. The Sumter County Sheriff's Office said at the time that officers tried to arrest Carter after receiving calls that he had assaulted his girlfriend and fired gunshots into the home of a relative who tried to intervene.

Carter ended up leading officers on a car chase, the sheriff's office said, and fired shots at the officers as he left his vehicle and escaped on foot.

Sumter County Sheriff Anthony Dennis offered condolences to the slain marshal's family in a statement Friday. His office declined further comment.

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Puerto Rico: 2nd baby born with microcephaly due to Zika

SAN JUAN, Puerto Rico (AP)  Puerto Rico is reporting that a second baby has been born in the U.S. territory with severe defects as a result of a Zika infection.

Health Secretary Ana Rius said Friday that the baby was born this week. She declined to provide any other details. Another four fetuses have been diagnosed with microcephaly but have not yet been born.

Puerto Rico is fighting a Zika epidemic with more than 34,000 cases, including 2,631 pregnant women. Nearly 280 people have been hospitalized.
Dogs get in on internet's 'mannequin challenge' craze

PITTSBURG, Kan. (AP)  The "mannequin challenge" has gone to the dogs.

Canines are getting in on the internet craze that has featured videos of athletes, students and celebrities frozen in various poses.

Kansas college student Ryan Thomas has garnered nearly 200,000 retweets for his video of a boxer named Boston sitting perfectly still while wearing costumes. The dog also displays impressive willpower by posing in front of a tray of muffins and on a couch while covered in Doritos.
Wyoming man pleads guilty to manslaughter in baby's death

CHEYENNE, Wyo. (AP)  A Wyoming man pleaded guilty Friday to involuntary manslaughter in the death of an infant whose disappearance prompted an unsuccessful search of a northern Colorado landfill this month for his remains.

Authorities still haven't found the body of 13-month-old Silas Ojeda, who was reported missing late last month by his grandfather. Divers searched a pond on Wednesday on the outskirts of Cheyenne but found nothing.

Logan Rogers, 23, entered his plea Friday in district court in Cheyenne. He faces up to 20 years in prison at a later sentencing.

Prosecutors have agreed to drop a second charge alleging Rogers endangered Silas by exposing him to methamphetamine before his death on Oct. 20.

Rogers was the boyfriend of Ojeda's mother, Rhiannon Ojeda, according to law enforcement statements filed in court.

Rogers told Judge Thomas Campbell that Rhiannon Ojeda was present at their Cheyenne home when Silas fell off a counter. Rogers said he bathed Silas after he fell but said the boy had a seizure.

Under questioning of his defense lawyer, Brandon Booth, Rogers responded "yes" when asked whether he or anyone else in the home was using methamphetamine at the time Silas fell.

Rogers said he performed CPR on Silas for an hour but said it wasn't successful. Campbell didn't question Rogers about what he did with Silas' body.

According to a detective's statement filed in court, Rogers has told investigators that he had put Silas' body in a trash container at a local community college.

Trash from the container goes to a landfill near Ault, Colorado. Authorities searched for Ojeda's body at the landfill for more than a week before halting the effort late last week.

Booth told Campbell that prosecutors have been keeping him informed about developments in the investigation. Booth said he believes there are two or three other people who will have an interest in "saving their skin" as the case unfolds. Even though a body has not been found, Booth said evidence could develop that would pre-empt Rogers' ability to argue that he was guilty only of manslaughter.

Campbell told Rogers that Booth was describing the trade-off that Rogers was making by pleading guilty without going to trial. "They're not going to, now or later, charge you with murder or some other, greater offense," the judge said of prosecutors.

Silas' grandfather, Richard Ojeda of Cheyenne, called authorities on Oct. 26 to report his grandson missing. He declined comment after Friday's court hearing. Booth also declined comment.
Venezuela frees opposition activist amid ongoing dialogue

CARACAS, Venezuela (AP)  Venezuela has freed an opposition activist jailed for his role in 2014 anti-government protests as a sign of goodwill amid ongoing talks to mitigate the country's political crisis.

Rosmit Mantilla of the Popular Will party, one of Venezuela's most radical opposition parties, was released on Thursday night.

He immediately went to a hospital for gall bladder surgery. On Friday, looking pale but joyous, he vowed to fight for the liberation of other political prisoners.

Rosmit Mantilla, wearing a T-shirt with the image of jailed opposition leader Leopoldo Lopez, and waving a rainbow flag, stands surrounded by members of his party, "Voluntad Popular, prior a news conference outside of a hospital, in Caracas, Venezuela, Friday, Nov. 18, 2016. Mantilla spoke with the media members after being released from jail as part of Vatican-sponsored negotiations with the government. Mantilla, who is also a LGBT rights activist, was jailed during anti-government protests in 2014. (AP Photo/Fernando Llano)

"My promise to all Venezuelans is to keep working for the Venezuela of the future, for the Venezuela of change," he said.

Popular Will cheered his release, but said that another 100 political prisoners remain behind bars. Amnesty International seconded the call for Venezuela to release more jailed opposition activists.

Mantilla, 33, was arrested in 2014 on charges that he helped foment violence during a wave of sometimes bloody anti-government protests. He was elected as an alternate congress member in December 2015 legislative elections.

He has championed gay rights causes in addition to the opposition demand that President Nicolas Maduro step down. He appeared at a press conference Friday holding a rainbow flag.

Mantilla lives with his grandparents, who kept his room untouched during his more than two years in prison.

The government has released a handful of activists since it joined Vatican-mediated talks last month.
Indiana sheriff, mayor, other officials charged with bribery

HAMMOND, Ind. (AP)  A federal grand jury has indicted a northwestern Indiana sheriff, his top deputy and a mayor, accusing them of collecting bribes in return for contracts for towing and other services, a prosecutor announced Friday.

Indictments name Lake County Sheriff John Buncich, Chief Deputy Tim Downs, Portage Mayor James Snyder and tow company owners William Szarmach of Chase Street Auto in Lake Station and John Cortina of Kustom Auto Body in Portage, U.S. Attorney David Capp said at a news conference.

The FBI last week raided Buncich's offices in Crown Point, Indiana, 45 miles southeast of Chicago.

The indictment alleges that between February 2014 and October 2016, Buncich, Downs and Szarmach worked to enrich Buncich and his campaign committee, Buncich Boosters, through towing contracts.

Buncich received over $25,000 in cash and $7,000, often collected by Downs, in checks from Szarmach and an unnamed individual for towing contracts in Gary and Lake County, prosecutors said. The three men face wire fraud charges, and Buncich and Szarmach also are charged with bribery.

Snyder, named in a separate indictment, is accused of receiving $12,000 from Cortina and the same unnamed individual for towing contracts in Portage, located in neighboring Porter County. He's also accused of accepting $13,000 for other city contracts or projects from 2013 to 2014. He's faces a charge of obstructing tax laws for impeding the government's collection of personal taxes he owed and payroll taxes owed by his mortgage business, First Financial Trust Mortgage LLC.

Buncich, Downs, Szarmach and Cortina were all arrested and taken into custody Friday morning, Capp said. Snyder was to surrender to federal authorities later, officials said.

"These investigations are not over," Capp said. "Our public corruption team will continue its work, particularly into the towing contracts in both Lake and Porter counties."

Buncich is the chairman of the Lake County Democratic Party and was elected to his fourth term as sheriff in 2015. Snyder, a Republican, was elected to his second term as mayor in 2015.

Snyder's attorney, Thomas Kirsch, issued a statement saying the mayor's indictment "comes as a complete surprise."

"Mayor Snyder looks forward to fighting these charges in a court of law and to complete vindication," the statement said.

Buncich issued a statement saying his department was "continuing to run as normal."
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China will boost the development of geothermal power in the next five years to reduce coal consumption and improve air quality, an energy official said on Thursday.

In particular, China will promote the use of geothermal power in the Beijing-Tianjin-Hebei region to replace coal for heating to reduce carbon dioxide emissions and improve air quality, Li Yangzhe, deputy director of the National Energy Administration, told an international forum on geothermal power.

Li said China will provide policy support to boost geothermal power exploitation and consumption during the 2016-2020 period.

China is expected to more than triple its geothermal power consumption by 2020 to 72.1 million tonnes of coal equivalent from the current level.

China consumed about 20 million tonnes of coal equivalent of geothermal resources for heating, power generation and other uses in 2015, official data showed.

By 2020, geothermal power will likely account for about 1.5 percent of the country's total energy consumption, helping to reduce carbon dioxide emissions by 177 million tonnes.
House chairman: Trump favors privatizing air traffic control

WASHINGTON (AP)  A House committee chairman says President-elect Donald Trump likes the idea of spinning off air traffic control operations from the government and placing them under the control of a private, non-profit corporation chartered by Congress.

Rep. Bill Shuster, head of the House transportation committee, told The Associated Press that he spoke to Trump about the idea several times both before and during the presidential election.

He said he believes the president-elect would be supportive, although details would have to be worked out.

FILE - In this Nov. 3, 2015 file photo, House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee Chairman Rep. Bill Shuster, R-Pa. speaks during a news conference on Capitol Hill in Washington. Shuster says Donald Trump has told him that he likes the idea of spinning off air traffic control operations from the government and placing them under the control of a private, non-profit corporation chartered by Congress. (AP Photo/Andrew Harnik, File)

"I have spoken to him on a number of occasions and he generally likes the idea," Shuster said. "We do need to sit down and put meat on the bones ... I think in general he sees it as something that's positive and we need to work on it."

The Republican lawmaker endorsed Trump early on and campaigned twice with him in his Pennsylvania congressional district. He also campaigned twice with Vice President-elect Mike Pence.

Since the election, Shuster has met with Shirley Ybarra, a former Virginia transportation secretary who is working with the Trump transition team on transportation matters.

Ybarra and the Trump transition team didn't immediately respond to requests for comment.

Shuster and most of the airline industry have been pressing for air traffic control privatization. They say the Federal Aviation Administration is moving too slowly to adopt new technology and that airlines haven't seen the benefits they expected from the agency's air traffic control modernization program, which has been in the works for more than a decade.

Earlier this year, Shuster included a plan to privatize air traffic control in a bill to extend the FAA's operating authority. The bill was approved by the transportation committee, but Shuster was unable to get it to the House floor after several influential lawmakers, including the Ways and Means Committee chairman and the House and Senate Appropriations Committee chairmen, raised objections. Democrats, some segments of the aviation industry and some FAA unions also oppose the plan, although the National Air Traffic Controllers Association endorsed the bill.

Sen. John Thune, R-S.D., the Commerce, Science and Transportation Committee chairman and Shuster's Senate counterpart, hasn't taken a position on the issue. He said Friday that the FAA hasn't been successful in bringing fundamental change to how air traffic is managed despite spending billions of dollars.

"Congress has different options, and we will continue to explore them, but the case for changing the FAA's approach to air traffic control modernization has become stronger," Thune told the AP.

Rep. Peter DeFazio, D-Ore., the senior Democrat on the House transportation committee, cautioned earlier this week that any proposal to overhaul the existing air traffic system "must be thoroughly vetted, not rushed through Congress just because the political landscape makes it easier."

Sen. Bill Nelson, D-Fla., raised objections Friday to what he described as an attempt by House proponents of air traffic control privatization to include language in a defense policy bill that would effectively squelch military objections to the plan. Nelson described his concerns in a letter Friday to Senate Armed Committee Chairman John McCain, R-Ariz., and Sen. Jack Reed, D-R.I., the committee's senior Democrat.

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Greek Cypriots demand return of land in reunification talks

NICOSIA, Cyprus (AP)  About 200 Greek Cypriots gathered outside Cyprus' presidential palace Friday to demand the return of their homes and farmland in any deal to reunify the ethnically divided island.

Morphou Mayor Charalambos Pittas said the peaceful demonstration was intended to get President Nicos Anastasiades to live up to his pledge of making his fertile town a part of the ongoing reunification talks.

"What counts for us is that the president keeps his word that Morphou is returned," Pittas told the Associated Press.

Residents of Morphou city, at the Turkish Cypriot breakaway north part of the island, gather outside of the presidential palace holding a banner reading "Morphou is not up for bargaining", in Nicosia, on Friday, Nov. 18, 2016. Some 200 Greek Cypriots have staged a peaceful demonstration calling for the return of their homes and farmland, as part of any deal to reunify the ethnically divided island following the peace talks between the Greek and Turkish Cypriot leaders on Sunday in Switzerland. (AP Photo/Petros Karadjias)

Anastasiades and breakaway Turkish Cypriot leader Mustafa Akinci are meeting in Mont Pelerin, Switzerland for two days next week to negotiate how much territory each side would administer under an envisioned federation.

A domain agreement would pave the way for a final summit where Greece, Turkey and Cyprus' former colonial ruler Britain would make post-settlement security arrangements.

Meanwhile, hundreds of Turkish Cypriots marched in the streets of northern Nicosia on Friday in support of peace, urging the two leaders to overcome any remaining hurdles during their talks in the Swiss resort.

A 1974 Turkish invasion triggered by a coup aimed at uniting Cyprus with Greece split the island into a breakaway Turkish-speaking north and an internationally recognized, Greek-speaking south.

Only Turkey recognizes a Turkish Cypriot declaration of independence, and the country keeps more than 35,000 of its troops stationed in the north.

Former Morphou residents say having the town and its surrounding agricultural land under a Greek Cypriot administration would go far toward enabling around 100,000 people who lost homes and property in the war to reclaim it.

Up to 37,000 Greek Cypriots could reclaim property if Morphou is returned, Pittas said. At the time of the invasion, the town produced most of the island's citrus exports.

Under any deal, Turkish Cypriots want to minimize the displacement of people now residing in Greek Cypriot homes. Many Turkish residents had to leave properties in the south and move north when the island was divided.

Michael Jordanou, 88, a Greek Cypriot whose family was forced to abandon 37 acres of citrus orchards in Morphou, said he hopes housing for the town's Turkish Cypriots will be built so their relocation creates as little hardship as possible.

At the same time, Jordanou said he strongly doubts a peace accord can be reached without the town's return.

"I can't see any solution without Morphou," he said.

The shadow of a resident of Morphou city, at the Turkish Cypriot breakaway north part of the island, is seen on a banner with photos of the city reading "Morphou is not up for bargaining" outside of the presidential palace in Nicosia, on Friday, Nov. 18, 2016. Some 200 Greek Cypriots have staged a peaceful demonstration, calling for the return of their homes and farmland as part of any deal to reunify the ethnically divided island following the peace talks between the Greek and Turkish Cypriot leaders on Sunday in Switzerland. (AP Photo/Petros Karadjias)

Residents of Morphou city, at the Turkish Cypriot breakaway north part of the island, gather outside of the presidential palace holding banners in Nicosia, on Friday, Nov. 18, 2016. Some 200 Greek Cypriots have staged a peaceful demonstration calling for the return of their homes and farmland, as part of any deal to reunify the ethnically divided island following the peace talks between the Greek and Turkish Cypriot leaders on Sunday in Switzerland. (AP Photo/Petros Karadjias)
Amnesty warns new Egypt rights bill 'draconian'

CAIRO (AP)  An international rights group has warned of a new Egyptian bill to regulate civil society, saying that the proposed law amounts to a "death warrant" for relevant organizations.

In a strongly-worded statement, London-based Amnesty International urged President Abdel-Fattah el-Sissi on Friday not to sign the proposed law, calling it "draconian" and the "most repressive" for the authority it gives the government over civil society work.

The call comes days after the parliament, packed with el-Sissi supporters, voted in favor of the law. It was debated for only two days, and comes into immediate effect once ratified by el-Sissi.
Suspected robber wounded in shootout near Nevada-Utah line

SALT LAKE CITY (AP)  A suspect in an armed robbery in Utah hours earlier was critically wounded in a shootout with police near the Nevada-Utah line after he fired his gun inside a strip club, fled the scene and crashed outside a Nevada casino along Interstate 80, authorities said Friday.

Elko County Sheriff's Lt. Kevin McKinney said more than two dozen shots were exchanged between the suspect and West Wendover, Nevada police before he surrendered Thursday night and was flown by helicopter to a Salt Lake City hospital.

Ogden police identified him Friday afternoon as Christopher Anthony Martinez, 30, and reported he was in critical condition. He was shot at least once in the chest and suffered leg injuries from the crash.

Members of law enforcement try to dismantle a possible explosive device inside a vehicle in West Wendover, Nev., Friday, Nov. 18, 2016. A suspect in an armed robbery in Utah hours earlier was critically wounded in a shootout with police near the Nevada-Utah line after he fired his gun inside a strip club, fled the scene and crashed outside a Nevada casino along Interstate 80, authorities said Friday. Authorities in Nevada recovered multiple firearms from the suspect's car, and a bomb squad robot disarmed a possible explosive device found inside. (Scott G Winterton/The Deseret News via AP)

Martinez is believed to be the same man who was caught on surveillance tape during a holdup on Thursday at the Mountain America Credit Union in Ogden, police said in a post on the department's Twitter account.

Investigators say a large amount of cash found in his car after the shootout includes bills that match serial numbers of those taken in the robbery.

Ogden police Lt. Danielle Croyle, the department's public information officer, did not immediately respond to telephone calls and emails seeking further details.

Authorities in Nevada recovered multiple firearms from the suspect's car, and a bomb squad robot disarmed a possible explosive device found inside. Roads remained closed at midday around the Red Garter Casino in West Wendover, nearly 160 miles southwest of Ogden.

"We found some other firearms, a couple of long guns and a shotgun," McKinney told the Deseret News (http://tinyurl.com/j6acjj6 ).

Police responded at about 8:45 p.m. Thursday after the man allegedly pulled a handgun on the doorman at the strip club, hit him over the head with the gun and fired a round into the bar.

McKinney said the doorman suffered minor injuries, and no one else was hurt.

A witness, Randy Rudd, said he saw the crash and almost immediately heard gunfire.

"He opened fire in his car or something, and the cops pulled the (guns) out and just lit him up," Rudd told Salt Lake City's KUTV (http://tinyurl.com/jjsu2l4). "It was a trip."

____

Eds note: The story has been corrected to fix the spelling of the name of the newspaper, the Deseret News
Julie Dash's landmark 'Daughters of the Dust' is reborn

NEW YORK (AP)  Julie Dash's 1991 film "Daughters of the Dust" was the first film directed by an African American woman to get a nationwide theatrical release.

When it premiered at the Sundance Film Festival, its director of photography, Arthur Jafa, won best cinematography. In 2004, it was added to the Library of Congress's National Film Registry. Rapturously lyrical, wholly original, it's been called "a landmark achievement" and "one of the most distinctive, original independent films of its time."

And yet Dash  though she has since made a number of noted shorts and television films  hasn't gotten another chance to direct a feature film.

This image released by the Cohen Film Collection shows Alva Rogers as Eula Peazant, from left, Trula Hoosier as Trula and Barbara- O as Yellow Mary Peazant in a scene from "Daughters of the Dust." (Cohen Media Group via AP)

"I'm the poster child for if you make a film that's deeply authentic, you may be benched for many, many years," Dash, 64, said in a recent interview. "If you make a film that's more pop or trendy or fits into various tropes, people are more comfortable with you and your ideas.

"But that's not the reason we became filmmakers."

Dash never got the second shot she deserved, but "Daughters of the Dust"  widely cited as an inspiration to Beyonce's "Lemonade"  has only gained in esteem over the years. For its 25th anniversary, Cohen Media Group has digitally restored the film. Beginning Friday with New York's Film Forum, the restored "Daughters of the Dust" is heading back into theaters.

"It's perhaps not as much as a shock to the system as it was for some in '91, '92 when we were seeing a lot of African-American male urban films," said Dash, speaking by phone from Atlanta. "This was so very, very different from all that."

"Daughters of the Dust," set in 1902, is about the Gullah women of the Sea Islands off the coast of South Carolina. Their isolation from the mainland helped its people preserve much of their African heritage, culture and language.

Dash was partly inspired by writers like Toni Morrison, Alice Walker and Melville Jean Herskovits, whose "The Myth of a Negro Past" detailed the deep cultural roots that African-American slaves carried with them. In "Daughters of the Dust," some are preparing for the post-Civil War migration north. It's a moment of both loss and new beginning, rendered emotionally and poetically by Dash, a Queens native who grew up seeing foreign films at the Studio Museum of Harlem.

"I just wanted to do a film that was so deeply embedded in the culture, was so authentic to the culture that it felt like a foreign film," says Dash. "I wanted to do my historical drama that reimagined and redefined what we read about history in a way that wasn't always trying to explain away what was happening. When you have to keep explaining and explaining, it just kind of misses the mark for a lot of people who already understand the culture."

Dash, who splits time between Atlanta and Los Angeles, currently teaches film at Morehouse College and Howard University. After attending AFI and UCLA in the '80s, she was associated with the "LA Rebellion" movement of filmmakers that helped forge a new black cinema.

"Daughters of the Dust"  made with $800,000 and largely funded by PBS's American Playhouse  was met with great reviews from some, but it was seen as too unconventional by a movie industry with narrow ideas about African American filmmaking.

She has since made TV films like the 1999 erotic thriller "Incognito," the 2000 interracial romance "Love Song" and 2002's Emmy-nominated "The Rosa Parks Story."

"I've never really felt bad about not being able to do another feature film because so many good things have come from having made ('Daughters of the Dust'), as it is," Dash says. "But there certainly have been some frustrations in wondering why the doors didn't open to me to do another feature like all the other people on the stage with us at Sundance."

Dash has watched a new wave of filmmakers continue what she helped start. Ava DuVernay, she says, "changed the landscape of everything."

"I feel like all of this is a continuum of ideas, a recreation of the imagination and redefining who we are," says Dash.

Dash, remarkably, isn't bitter. Her students, she urges down the same road: "Be bold. Expand your horizons." If "Daughters of the Dust" is her legacy, she's at peace with that.

"Maybe that's my history," Dash says. "Maybe that's what I was here to do."

___

Follow AP Film Writer Jake Coyle on Twitter at: http://twitter.com/jakecoyleAP

This DVD cover image released by Cohen Media Group shows the 25th Anniversary edition of Julie Dash's film, "Daughters of the Dust." (Cohen Media Group via AP)
Canadian rookie Mackenzie Hughes up by 2 shots at Sea Island

ST. SIMONS ISLAND, Ga. (AP)  Five tournaments into his rookie season on the PGA Tour, Mackenzie Hughes has the 36-hole lead at Sea Island and expects a few nerves.

That weekend he spent with Phil Mickelson should at least help.

Hughes had another bogey-free round Friday and took care of the par 5s on the Plantation Course for a 5-under 67, giving him a two-shot lead over C.T. Pan going into the weekend of the RSM Classic, the final PGA Tour event of the year.

Hughes at was at 14-under 128.

Pan also is a rookie, and perhaps they can take inspiration from rookie Cody Gribble winning in Mississippi three weeks ago. Hughes and Pan both spent last year on the Web.com Tour to earn their cards.

"There's going to be nerves tomorrow, and I'm going to be a little jittery starting out, but that's completely natural," Hughes said. "But I just think guys come off the Web.com Tour that ... for example, I won in Missouri and I feel like the win translates to being able to win out here. The margin is so small that the things I did on that weekend to win that tournament are the same things I'll have to do Saturday and Sunday."

Hughes started his rookie season in the Safeway Open, made the cut and wound up in the same group with Mickelson, who attracted the largest gallery.

"The atmosphere was a dream start for me," Hughes said. "We played the first day, and I had a 9-footer on 19 for par to make par and stay tied with him. I was so pumped that I made it because I got one more round out of it. He was a super nice guy, really welcoming. It was a nice way to break yourself in."

There wasn't much of a gallery at Sea Island on another pristine day for scoring, so ideal that the cut came at 5-under par. That probably won't change for the weekend, especially with tournament host Davis Love III and Sea Island neighbors Zach Johnson and Matt Kuchar among those missing the cut.

Even so, it was an experience that could come in handy for the 25-year-old Canadian.

"Being with him for two days and with his galleries and all the distractions going on there, that's probably as good a preparation as you would have for tomorrow and Sunday," Hughes said. "There was so much learning going on that weekend that I'll be able to apply."

It was the lowest cut on the PGA Tour since 5 under at the 2015 Zurich Classic.

Hughes opened with a 9-under 61 on the Seaside course at Sea Island, while he didn't hit the ball as cleanly over at Plantation, he had few complaints. He picked up three of his birdies at the par 5s, even on the 18th when he found a fairway bunker off the tee and had to lay up. He hit wedge to 8 feet and made the putt.

"Today was definitely a little more work," Hughes said, though he quickly added that 67 was "no slouch of a score and I would take two more of those in a heartbeat."

Hughes and Pan, who shot a 64 at Seaside, played together on the Canadian Tour two years ago, and then all last year on the Web.com Tour. Pan had a brief stay atop the world amateur ranking in 2013 when he won eight times at Washington, and he made the cut as an amateur at the 2015 U.S. Open at Chambers Bay.

They will be joined in the final group by Hudson Swafford, who lives at Sea Island and shot a 67 on the Plantation. Swafford was three shots behind, along with Chad Campbell, Chesson Hadley and Blayne Barber.

"It should be fun," Pan said. "We played on the Canadian tour last year, and then we played the Web.com Tour this year and now we are both on the PGA Tour. So it's exciting to see both of us play well out there, because it's a dream come true for both of us."

That much was clear when Hughes came into the media center for an interview. He left his seat, walked to the back of the room and handed his phone to his mother to take a picture. It was that kind of moment for him.

Even with a two-shot lead, however, the conditions have been such that low scores are available to anyone at any time. Twenty-five players were separated by just five shots with two more rounds to play.
Sessions' selection caps bizarre year for Alabama politics

MONTGOMERY, Ala. (AP)  President-elect Donald Trump's choice of Sen. Jeff Sessions for attorney general sets off jockeying for his seat in Alabama, leaving the state's embattled Republican governor  who faced an impeachment push after affair allegations  to choose a successor.

The rush to fill Sessions' Senate term comes in a year that saw the state House speaker removed from office after being convicted of corruption. Supreme Court Chief Justice Roy Moore  best known for his refusal to take down the Ten Commandments at the courthouse  also got the boot for his defiance of the U.S. Supreme Court ruling on gay marriage.

The senator's replacement would be appointed by Gov. Robert Bentley, who denied having an affair with a top aide but admitted making inappropriate remarks to her.

In this photo taken Nov. 17, 2016, Sen. Jeff Sessions, R-Ala. speaks to media at Trump Tower in New York. President-elect Donald Trump has picked Sessions for the job of attorney general. (AP Photo/Carolyn Kaster)

"Whoever I choose, there are certain criteria. No. 1 is whoever I choose has to support the agenda for the new president," Bentley said Friday. "I want the next senator to be as conservative as Senator Sessions, to be very much like him."

Sessions, a former state attorney general, was elected to the Senate in 1996. His selection by President-elect Donald Trump was disclosed Friday by a senior Trump official who wasn't authorized to speak publicly about it. The official wouldn't say whether Sessions had accepted the job, leaving open the possibility that the appointment wasn't final.

Two of the highest-ranking Republicans in state office  Attorney General Luther Strange and Senate President Del Marsh  are among those thought to be interested in the job. The state's congressional representatives, such as Rep. Mike Rogers and Rep. Robert Aderholt, and numerous legislators are also potential contenders.

A potential wrinkle for Strange, though: His office called off a House committee investigating whether the governor should be impeached. Strange, in a letter this month to the committee chairman, said his office was doing "related work" but did not elaborate.

Bentley said he will ask the Alabama Republican Party executive committee to submit suggestions to him for filling the seat. But guessing whom he might choose quickly became a favorite parlor game in the capital of Montgomery that some joked needed a flow chart because of the complex political relationships and potential reverberations for each pick. Bentley joked this week about his sudden influx of new friends.

"You will have a crush of people talking to his office about multiple good candidates," Alabama Republican Party Chairwoman Terry Lathan said.

Bill Stewart, a former chairman of the political science department at the University of Alabama, said Bentley is known for his unpredictability.
Leaders mark Soviet dissolution, urge Ukraine dialogue

WASHINGTON (AP)  Three former top Soviet officials on Friday marked the signing 25 years ago of the treaty that formally dissolved the Soviet Union, and they used the occasion to urge dialogue on the deadly separatist conflict in Ukraine.

On Dec. 8, 1991, the leaders of the Soviet republics of Russia, Ukraine and Belarus signed a pact that broke up the U.S.S.R. Negotiations were held in secret in a government hunting lodge in Belarus, and the pact defeated the efforts of Soviet leader Mikhail Gorbachev to keep the country together.

One of the signatories, Stanislav Shushkevich, then head of the Belarusian parliament, said the deal helped avoid civil wars and other calamities that could have resulted from the break-up of the world's largest country and one with a huge arsenal of nuclear weapons.

"There was a nuclear power which was threatening the entire world with nuclear missiles and to say that it will cease to exist, one must be not just a philosopher, but a philosopher with a touch of heroism," Shushkevich said at an event at the Atlantic Council think tank in Washington.

Gennady Burbulis, a close aide of the late Russian President Boris Yeltsin, who signed the document together with his boss, said the Soviet Union was a doomed totalitarian state.

"Historically speaking ... the Soviet Union was an inviable entity from the get-go," Burbulis said. "The repressions of the system were an anthropological catastrophe."

But while the Belovezha agreements, as they became known, led to the peaceful creation of 15 independent post-Soviet states, a number of ethnic conflicts and territorial disputes took place in the region, causing wars and devastation. And even though the dissolution of the Soviet Union gave hope to liberalization, only a few post-Soviet countries have emerged as true democracies.

"A whole range of symbols of the old Soviet Union have been resurrected because the mentality of Soviet people has been preserved," Shushkevich told reporters before the event.

Twenty-five years later, the region is again in turmoil. In 2014, after protesters toppled a pro-Russian government in Ukraine, Russia annexed the Crimean Peninsula and threw its support behind separatist rebels in eastern Ukraine. Some 10,000 people have been killed.

The United States and European Union have imposed economic sanctions on Russia in bid to pressure Moscow to stop supporting the separatists. Russia denies interfering in Ukraine.

International negotiations to enforce a peace deal have all but reached a dead end.

Former Ukrainian President Leonid Kravchuk, who also signed the Belovezha agreement, said it was important to continue talks, while also exerting economic pressure on Russia.

"My position is the same as of those countries that imposed the sanctions," Kravchuk said. "At the same time, I agree that you will not achieve order in the world only through sanctions."

But Burbulis, who served in Yeltsin's government, said Western sanctions and a harsh line against Moscow are ineffective. He called for a softer, more nuanced dialogue with the Kremlin.

"There is no other way than consensus, but consensus implies a different understanding of politics, a different culture of relations, not guided by the principle, 'I am stronger and you are poorer.'"
A California airport has been blanketed in white foam after safety accident

A California airport has been covered in white foam after the 'snow-like' fire retardant accidentally began spilling out of a hangar and blanketed cars and businesses on a nearby street.

The bizarre incident took place at Mineta San Jose International Airport on Friday afternoon, with the bobbing five-inch-deep sea of white foam spewing from a large hangar.

San Jose Fire Capt. Mitch Matlow told The Mercury News the foam is a chemical used as a fire retardant and is coming from the hangar's fire prevention system.

A California airport has been covered in white foam after the fire retardant accidentally began spilling out of a hangar

A young woman raced out of her office after seeing the foam to pose for a picture in front of the 'snow-like' fire retardant

The bizarre incident took place at Mineta San Jose International Airport on Friday afternoon, with foam covering nearby cars

A man was seen riding a bike through the massive sea of foam outside San Jose International Airport on Friday afternoon

Matlow says the retardant discharged accidentally and began spilling out Friday morning.

By the afternoon, the pulsating flow had surrounded two tanker trucks, reached to the bottom of a stop sign and spilled onto the street.

Crews are asking people to stay out of the foam, but video showed a man on a bicycle emerging from the fluffy mass, covered in foam.

The foam came from Signature Flight Support, a company located right next to the airport. It was testing its fire safety systems when the foam got out of control, CBS San Francisco reports.

The fire retardant

The sea of foam was five inches deep, and spread out to roads near the San Jose airport

Locals joked that it appeared as though Christmas had come early in California.

'When does Santa Claus arrive?' one person said, according to the Mercury News.

A police officer quickly replied, 'you missed him'.

The foam is not toxic.

A cyclist braved the bizarre situation and rode his bike through the sea of foam outside San Jose airport
Accused in 2012 Quebec election death sentenced to life

MONTREAL (AP)  A Canadian man who killed a lighting technician in a deadly shooting at a rally following the 2012 election of Quebec's separatist premier has been sentenced to life in prison with no eligibility for parole for at least 20 years.

Quebec Superior Court Justice Guy Cournoyer sentenced Richard Henry Bain, 66, in a Montreal courtroom Friday.

Bain was found guilty of second-degree murder in August, convicted by a jury in the killing of Denis Blanchette outside a Sept. 4 2012 victory rally for Pauline Marois of the Parti Quebecois.
China sharply criticized a report on Thursday by a United States congressional panel that suggested US lawmakers ban China's State-owned enterprises from acquiring US companies.

Foreign Ministry spokesman Geng Shuang said the report is based on "prejudices and stereotypes" and stressed the importance of "a fair and good environment for Chinese investment".

The US-China Economic and Security Review Commission's annual report released on Wednesday said that the US Congress should prevent Chinese SOEs from acquiring or otherwise gaining effective control of US companies.

"The report has again revealed the commission's prejudices and stereotypes against China," Geng told a daily news conference in Beijing. He said he had no interest in commenting on the specifics of the report, which he called a "cliche" that has the same tone every year.

While Chinese companies are asked to abide by local laws and regulations when investing overseas, China also hopes that other countries will also play fair, he said.

China-US trade and economic cooperation is the "ballast and propeller" of the bilateral relationship, Geng said. The two countries' interests have been closely intertwined in such a way that this relationship is important to both countries.

"The healthy, stable development of China-US trade and economic ties is in line with the fundamental interests of both countries and their people. I believe that the US side will consider the fundamental interests of its own people and adopt a policy that is conducive to bilateral trade cooperation," he said.

Earlier this month, 12 US senators urged the Committee on Foreign Investment in the United States to reject a Chinese aluminum company's proposal to purchase a US aluminum products maker, on grounds that it would damage the US defense industrial base.

The report comes at a sensitive time as president-elect Donald Trump's transition team is preparing its trade and foreign policy agenda and vetting candidates for key economic and security positions. During the presidential campaign, Trump targeted China frequently and threatened to impose stinging tariffs.

However, experts noted that the advisory report is not legally binding.

Almost all of the commission's reports on China are negative, said Li Haidong, a professor of US studies at China Foreign Affairs University. "The US should stop treating normal investment as a political and national security issue. Although some US political elites call for imposing restrictions on China's investment, proposals are different from concrete deeds."

Since Trump's top priority as president will be to improve the US economy and employment, "trade and economic cooperation with China is especially important in this regard", Li said.

"The commission is just a suborganization of the Congress," said Tao Wenzhao, a researcher of Sino-US relations at the Chinese Academy of Social Sciences. Tao said he does not believe it will influence Washington's trade policy.

The 27th China-US Joint Commission on Commerce and Trade will be held in Washington, DC, next week and Vice-Premier Wang Yang will attend.
Wake Forest University naming dorm for poet Maya Angelou

WINSTON-SALEM, N.C. (AP)  Wake Forest University is naming a new residence hall in honor of famous former faculty member Maya Angelou.

The private university in Winston-Salem, North Carolina, said Friday the five-story building now under construction will house more than 200 first-year students when it opens in January 2017.

University President Nathan Hatch says Angelou was a towering figure on campus and in American culture. Angelou taught a variety of humanities courses as a professor of American studies from 1982 until her death in 2014.
Venezuelan 1st lady's 2 nephews found guilty in cocaine case

NEW YORK (AP)  Two nephews of Venezuela's first lady who were charged with conspiring to send drugs to the United States were convicted on Friday by a jury that found evidence of the crime even though the government's star witness came across to at least one juror as "slime."

The Manhattan federal court jury returned its verdict against Efrain Campo, 30, and his cousin Francisco Flores, 31, after less than a day of deliberations. The nephews of Venezuelan first lady Cilia Flores were charged with conspiring last year to import more than 1,700 pounds of cocaine into the United States.

U.S. Attorney Preet Bharara said Flores and Campo thought they'd make millions of dollars with the drug scheme.

FILE - In this Dec. 17, 2015, courtroom file sketch, Efrain Antonio Campo Flores, seated second from left, has an emotional reaction as he is flanked by his attorneys while appearing with his cousin Franqui Francisco Flores De Freitas, far right, in Manhattan federal court at their arraignment on cocaine-smuggling charges in New York. On Friday, Nov. 18, 2016, the jury returned a guilty verdict against the two men, who are nephews of Venezuela's first lady. Their conviction came after less than a day of deliberations. (AP Photo/Elizabeth Williams, File)

"What they ended up with is a conviction in an American court and the prospect of years in federal prison," he said.

Lawyers for Campo and Flores argued no drugs traded hands and the men never intended to deliver any. They blamed a flawed Drug Enforcement Administration-led probe that relied on a longtime informant who was using and dealing cocaine as he helped build the case.

"He was slime," juror Robert Lewis, a 69-year-old architect from Westchester County, said of the informant, Jose Santos-Pena.

A defense lawyer told the jury on Thursday in closing arguments that the first lady's nephews should be acquitted because a U.S. sting operation was so deeply flawed that prosecutors had to take the rare step of notifying Santos-Pena, the star witness, they were ripping up his cooperation deal because of his lies.

"He lied in your face!" attorney David Rody told the jurors. "You saw a rare thing, a government cooperator get ripped up in court."

Rody said the testimony by the informant was crucial to the government's case against Flores and Campo. And he said it explains why the government didn't cut ties with him after learning in April that he had been dealing drugs for the last four years even as he was being paid hundreds of thousands of dollars to work as an informant for the DEA and others.

U.S. District Judge Paul A. Crotty said the defendants would not be sentenced before March, though no date was set. Defense attorneys requested time to challenge the conviction.

Rody, representing Flores, declined to comment after the verdict.

Attorney Randall Jackson, representing Campos, said outside court that his client was "obviously disappointed."

"We're going to see what our next steps are," he said.

There was no immediate comment from the Venezuelan government.

Prosecutors had urged jurors to look at other evidence in the case including statements the defendants made to federal agents and recordings of meetings.

Lewis said jurors did just that, relying on transcripts of conversations involving the defendants and text messages to convict.

"Nobody was in love with the witnesses," Lewis said. "We clearly had some bad guys."

Assistant U.S. Attorney Brendan Quigley said the defendants "thought they were above the law."
US seeks sanctions on South Sudan rebel leader, army chief

UNITED NATIONS (AP)  The United States is seeking to impose sanctions on South Sudan's rebel leader, army chief of staff, and information minister for fueling conflict and obstructing peace in the world's newest nation.

An annex to the U.S. resolution calling for an arms embargo and new sanctions, obtained Friday by The Associated Press, would slap travel bans and freeze the assets of rebel leader Riek Machar, Gen. Paul Malong and Information Minister Michael Makuei Lueth if approved by the U.N. Security Council.

U.S. Ambassador Samantha Power urged the council on Thursday to authorize the arms embargo and new sanctions to curb violence that could lead to mass atrocities.

But Russia's deputy U.N. ambassador Petr Iliichev on Thursday called the U.S. draft resolution premature and irresponsible. He added Friday that Russia feels "very strongly" that targeting leaders is ill-advised because it would negatively affect "the small progress that we have achieved" trying to restore peace. He wouldn't say, however, if Moscow would cast a veto.

Power said an arms embargo can't prevent weapons getting into the conflict-wracked country, but it would be "an important step toward curbing the ongoing violence perpetrated by government and opposition forces against civilians." She told the council the people targeted would be those most responsible for preventing peace.

The Security Council issued a press statement Friday night signaling its readiness to consider additional sanctions "to prevent a further escalation of violence and conflict."

Members agreed with Adama Dieng, the U.N. special adviser on the prevention of genocide, "that what began as a political conflict has transformed into what could become an outright ethnic war." They called on the government "to immediately address increasing hate speech and ethnic violence, and to promote reconciliation," and urged all parties to take steps to take "meaningful steps" to promote peace.

There were high hopes that South Sudan would have peace and stability after its independence from neighboring Sudan in 2011. But the country plunged into ethnic violence in 2013 when forces loyal to President Salva Kiir, a Dinka, started battling those loyal to Machar, his former vice president who is a Nuer.

A peace deal signed in August 2015 has not stopped the fighting. Tens of thousands of people have been killed, more than 2 million are displaced, and U.N. envoy Ellen Margrethe Loj told the council Thursday the country faces a "dire humanitarian situation," with 4.8 million people estimated to be "severely food insecure."

According to the annex, Machar's opposition faction "declared war on the South Sudanese government and called for armed resistance" after a wave of violence in the capital, Juba, led him to flee the country. It said "forces allied with Machar have raided villages and abducted civilians and aid workers."

As chief of staff of the Sudan People's Liberation Army, the annex said Malong has expanded the conflict in South Sudan and broken the cease-fire deal.

"As of early August 2016, Malong was responsible for efforts to kill opposition leader Riek Machar," it said, including knowingly violating Kiir's orders and launching tank, helicopter gunship and infantry assaults on July 11 against the rebel leader's residence and the rebels' "Jebel" base. He informed SPLA commanders "that Machar was not to be taken alive," the annex said.

Lueth, the minister of information and broadcasting, "has repeatedly and consistently worked to obstruct and undermine the implementation of peace deals in South Sudan," the annex said.

It cited Lueth's involvement in planning and coordinating an April 2014 attack on the U.N. compound in Bor, the Jonglei State capital, that killed three U.N. guards and 140 civilians, and his statement in September that the government would treat "as invaders" members of a new regional force if they deployed without government approval on numbers, nationalities and equipment.
Attorney: Jacob Wetterling's killer shed 'countless tears'

MINNEAPOLIS (AP)  The Minnesota man who confessed to kidnapping, sexually assaulting and killing 11-year-old Jacob Wetterling has shed "countless tears" for Jacob and his family in the 27 years since his death, his lawyer says in a court filing.

Danny Heinrich will be sentenced in federal court Monday on a child pornography charge that stemmed from the investigation into Jacob's disappearance. As part of his plea deal, Heinrich confessed to killing the St. Joseph boy, and prosecutors agreed not to charge him with murder. The plea deal calls for a 20-year sentence, the statutory maximum for the count.

In a sentencing memo filed Thursday, defense attorney Reynaldo Aligada says nobody should feel sympathy for Heinrich, who can do or say nothing to lessen "the immeasurable pain" that he caused the Wetterling family.

FILE - This undated photo provided by the Sherburne County Sheriff's Office shows Danny Heinrich, of Minnesota. Heinrich, who confessed to kidnapping, sexually assaulting and killing 11-year-old Jacob Wetterling, of St. Joseph, Minn., has shed "countless tears" for Jacob and his family in the 27 years since his death, his lawyer said in a court filing Thursday, Nov. 17, 2016. Heinrich is scheduled to be sentenced in federal court Monday, Nov. 21 on a child pornography charge that stemmed from the investigation into Jacob's disappearance. As part of his plea deal, prosecutors agreed not to charge him with murder. (Sherburne County Sheriff's Office via AP, File)

"Recognizing that there is nothing he can say or do to change the pain and anguish he has caused, Danny Heinrich is still hopeful that on November 21, 2016, he can somehow convey how sorry he feels for the terrible crimes that he has committed," Aligada wrote.

Patty Wetterling and her husband, Jerry, of St. Joseph issued a statement, saying for Heinrich to say he never had any intention to commit the crime is "ludicrous."

"I believe his struggle with the secret was really his struggle with the fear of being caught," the Wetterlings wrote. "He may have 'shed countless tears' but not one tear was shed when he stood in the courtroom telling us what he did to Jacob."

Prosecutors said no sentence can ever truly reflect the "cruel, sadistic and narcissistic" character of Heinrich, but 20 years is the maximum allowed by law.

Heinrich's "conscious choice to kill this child reveals him to be a predator who placed self-preservation and his own criminal sexual desires over the innocence and life of a young boy who never had the chance to grow to be a man," they wrote.
Man, 52, charged with vandalising Donald Trump's walk of fame star

A man has been charged with vandalising Donald Trump's star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame.

James Otis, 52, is accused of using a pick axe and sledgehammer to smash the star on October 26 - two weeks before Mr Trump won the US presidential election.

Otis allegedly removed a brass medallion from the middle of the star during the attack, prosecutors said.

A man has been charged with vandalising Donald Trump's walk of fame star in Los Angeles

He is charged with one count of vandalism over 400 dollars (322) and faces up to three years in jail if convicted, the Los Angeles County District Attorney's Office said.

Otis is due to appear in court at Foltz Criminal Justice Centre in Los Angeles on Friday, where b ail will be recommended at 20,000 dollars (16,108).

Police are continuing to investigate the incident.

A video posted online last month showed Mr Trump's star on Hollywood Boulevard had been smashed to pieces and his name removed from it.

According to Deadline, the vandal - dressed as a city construction worker - said he originally intended to remove the president elect's name from the star to auction it off to raise funds for women who have accused him of sexual assault.

Mr Trump has vehemently denied the sexual assault allegations.

The tycoon received the 2,327th star on the Hollywood Walk Of Fame in 2007 for his work on the American version of The Apprentice.

It has been repeatedly targeted in recent months following his controversial comments about banning Muslims from entering the US and building a wall on the US-Mexico border.

In July, a British artist known as Plastic Jesus installed a mini-wall around Mr Trump's star, topped with razor wire, miniature US flags and Keep Out signs.

Following the latest vandal attack, t he Hollywood Chamber of Commerce, which manages the Walk of Fame, said it intended "to prosecute to the full extent of the law".

Leron Gubler, president of the Hollywood Chamber of Commerce, said at the time: "The Hollywood Walk of Fame is an institution celebrating the positive contributions of the inductees.

"When people are unhappy with one of our honourees, we would hope that they would project their anger in more positive ways than to vandalise a California State landmark.

"Our democracy is based on respect for the law. People can make a difference by voting and not destroying public property."
UK could pay into EU for decade after Brexit, German minister warns

Britain faces paying into the European Union (EU) for more than a decade after it quits the bloc, Germany's finance minister has said.

The UK will still be bound by tax rules that stop it from incentivising investors to stay in the country and its commitments to Brussels will "last beyond exit", Wolfgang Schauble warned.

There will be no special deal to curb freedom of movement if the UK wants to remain part of the common market, he insisted.

Germany's tough approach comes after French President Francois Hollande said in October that Britain must pay a price for severing its ties to the EU.

Mr Schauble's hardline approach comes as Theresa May prepares to meet international leaders during a visit to Berlin.

Although Brexit is not on the agenda for the talks, the Prime Minister is likely to discuss the issue with European counterparts.

Germany's tough approach comes after French President Francois Hollande said in October that Britain must pay a price for severing its ties to Brussels.

Mr Schauble told the Financial Times: "Until the UK's exit is complete, Britain will certainly have to fulfil its commitments.

"Possibly there will be some commitments that last beyond the exit ... even, in part, to 2030 ... Also we cannot grant any generous rebates."

Mr Schauble said freedom of movement was a core part of the single market and changing the key principles of the bloc would hit financial services companies.

"There is no a la carte menu," he said. "There is only the whole menu or none.

"Without membership of the internal market, without acceptance of the four basic freedoms of the internal market there can, of course, be no passporting, no free access for financial products or for financial actors."

Meanwhile, campaigners claimed that Britain faces paying nearly an extra 850 million into EU coffers if it remains part of the single market.

Brussels has "secretly" raised spending limits by 1 billion on the long-term budget that had been curbed after demands by former prime minister David Cameron in 2013, according to Change Britain.

It also claimed European Commission documents suggest payment ceilings in the financial plan, which runs to 2020, will be breached in its final two years.

The group, which was set up in the wake of the referendum to campaign on the terms of Britain's departure, said the UK could be left with a total additional bill of 845 million.

Mr Cameron, along with Germany, the Netherlands, Finland and Sweden, secured an agreement for real-terms cuts in the budget, known in Brussels jargon as the multi-annual financial framework (MFF), amid continuing austerity following the financial crash.

Change Britain said the UK must quit the single market when it leaves the EU on the current 2019 timetable to avoid being landed with extra bills.

It claims that remaining part of the trading agreement would leave the country "almost certainly" having to pay into the budget in the same way it does now.

Conservative Dominic Raab, one of its founding supporters, said: "EU politicians promised David Cameron that the EU would cut its budget.

"These figures show that eurocrats are now going back on their word and will ask for even more money from UK taxpayers if we stay in the EU's single market.

"Millions of people voted Leave on June 23 because they think that the EU costs us too much cash.

"Instead of sending more money abroad, people voted for that money to be spent here on our priorities like the NHS.
Children In Need charity spectacular honours Sir Terry Wogan

Sir Terry Wogan was honoured during the Children In Need live Appeal Show on Friday, the first telethon for the charity since his death.

His son Mark gave out the very first Sir Terry Wogan Fundraiser of the Year Award, a new prize recently introduced in his memory.

The veteran broadcaster hosted the annual BBC charity event for 35 years until 2015 when poor health forced him to pull out. He passed away in January after a battle with cancer.

Presenters Greg James and Tess Daly with the first totaliser on BBC Children in Need

Mark told the audience: "It was his favourite night of the year, mainly because the money raised tonight and through the year actually made a difference to people, that's why he loved it."

He shared his thanks for tributes he and his family received following Sir Terry's death.

Of the award, Mark said: "It is about people who have gone above and beyond for charity, who have raised not necessarily enormous amounts, but who showed determination and creativity and people who inspire other people to do great things."

The first recipient of the prize was Lauchlan Muir from West Lothian, Scotland, a youngster who raises money by acting as a human statue.

Mark said: "Dad always said Children In Need was the thing he was most proud of in his entire career. He said he was just one player in a massive team and that you at home were the real stars.

"It was always about helping the children for him."

Sir Terry was a prominent part of the live broadcast, and presenters Tess Daly and Greg James kicked off the show with a promise to "give everything" in return for his years of service.

Graham Norton and Ade Adepitan later took over the hosting reins and showed a montage of Sir Terry's best Children In Need moments, including clips of him performing with Madonna and showing some moves on the Strictly Come Dancing dance floor.

The hosts announced the sum of money raised during the show around the half-way point to be at 29,519,665. The charity looks set to smash last year's total of just over 37 million.

The annual show is famous for its many celebrity appearances, performances and comedy skits in order to encourage the nation to raise money for the charity.

Eddie Redmayne joined forces with The Great British Bake Off's stars Mel Giedroyc, Sue Perkins, Mary Berry and Paul Hollywood.

Singer Britney Spears, astronaut Tim Peake, The X Factor's Simon Cowell, actor Jamie Dornan, business mogul Lord Sugar and Paralympic athlete Jonnie Peacock were among the many other personalities in the 10-minute sketch.

The Bake Off stars poked fun at the cooking show's move from the BBC to Channel 4.

The night also included a Strictly Team GB Children In Need special, which was won by taekwondo athlete Lutalo Muhammad.

He fended off competition from gold medal-winning rower Helen Glover MBE, hockey star Hollie Webb and slalom canoeist Joe Clarke.

The cast of EastEnders united for a toe-tapping performance during the live appeal show, in honour of classic movies from the 1980s.

Danny Dyer, who plays Mick Carter on the BBC soap, got the ball rolling as he starred as Tom Cruise in Top Gun on a motorbike, cruising through the streets of London.

Bonnie Langford traded her role of Carmel Kazemi to take on classic big-screen dance hit Flashdance.

Shona McGarty and Danny-Boy Hatchard, who play on-screen couple Whitney Dean and Lee Carter, impressed viewers with a routine from Dirty Dancing.

The actors danced to the film's song (I've Had) The Time Of My Life and attempted the lift made famous by the film's stars Jennifer Grey and Patrick Swayze.

Richard Blackwood - EastEnders' Vincent Hubbard - showed off his moves as he danced to Kenny Loggins's Footloose at the end of the performance.

Children In Need viewers were also treated to a glimpse of the Doctor Who Christmas special, with a clip starring Peter Capaldi and Matt Lucas.

Capaldi's Time Lord came face-to-face with a real superhero, played by Canadian actor Justin Chatwin.

Craig David performed his official Children In Need charity single All We Needed for the first time as the programme continued later into the night.

The live TV spectacular switched to BBC Two from BBC One for a short while, and was fronted by husband and wife team Marvin and Rochelle Humes.

They introduced musical performances from Take That, Ellie Goulding, Olly Murs, Shane Ritchie and Tony Hadley, as well as Michael Buble, who had pre-recorded his effort.

Back on BBC One, Little Mix shook up the stage with an energetic rendition of their number one hit single Shout Out To My Ex.

Ricky Gervais later sang in-character as his Life On The Road and The Office alter-ego, David Brent.

A Would I Lie To You? special with children as the panellists provided some comedy entertainment early on in the evening, after the show was opened by with a live performance from the West End cast of the Disney Aladdin musical.

Children In Need aims to protect every child in the UK and currently supports 2,400 projects across the nation.

Since its creation in 1980, the charity has raised over 600 million.
British man, 60, dies on Great Barrier Reef scuba dive

A British man has died while scuba diving on the Great Barrier Reef on Friday, an Australian tourism company has said.

The 60-year-old certified diver from England, who was travelling with his wife, became the third person to die on the reef in as many days.

He was rescued from the bottom of the ocean at Agincourt Reef, near Port Douglas, after he was seen to have had his breathing regulator out of his mouth, the Association of Marine Park Tourism Operators said.

The 60-year-old became the third person to die on the reef in as many days (PA/Australian Institute of Marine Science)

The company's executive director Col McKenzie said: "After an extended effort with no response, the diver was declared dead."

His death came after two French tourists - Jacques Goron, 76, and Danielle Franck, 74 - reportedly died while snorkelling on Michaelmas Cay, near Cairns, on Wednesday.

The English tourist, who was on his second dive of the day, was 15m below the surface when he was found and pulled aboard the Silver Sonic dive boat, Mr McKenzie said.

The victim received CPR both on board the vessel and from a doctor airlifted to a nearby helicopter pad, he added.

Mr McKenzie said: "Accidents like this are a tragedy for the surviving family members, the crew and the passengers."
Egypt accuses May over Sharm el-Sheikh flights ban

Egypt's ambassador has suggested that Prime Minister Theresa May is blocking the resumption of UK flights to Sharm el-Sheikh airport despite the implementation of security measures demanded in the wake of a suspected terrorist bomb.

Tourism to the Red Sea beach resort was devastated by flight bans imposed after a Russian plane crashed in October last year following take-off from Sharm el-Sheikh.

But Nasser Kamel said all EU countries apart from the UK have now resumed air links to the Sinai Peninsula town. It was "mind-boggling" that Britain had still not authorised flights a year after the disaster, he said.

A ban was imposed on flights to Sharm el-Sheikh after a Russian plane crashed in October last year

Mr Kamel told the BBC Radio 4 Today programme: "When the accident happened and the UK decided to suspend flights, we had an agreement with the British Government to implement a joint action programme, under the promise that if the programme is implemented fully in three or four months, flights will resume.

"Egypt has done its share. We have implemented the programme, we have brought independent security firms to assess the situation. All EU countries have resumed flights to Egypt - including Germany, which does not take the security of its citizens lightly - and the only EU country which is not flying to Sharm el-Sheikh is the UK."

Mr Kamel said Egypt had invested millions of dollars in security not only at the airport but in the resort itself.

Asked what obstacle remained to the resumption of flights from the UK, he said: "It's mind-boggling, to be honest. When I talk to the Department for Transport or Home Office or Foreign Office, they are all for the resumption, so I think the decision is stuck somewhere higher. I think you should be asking that question to the Prime Minister.

"A very thorough robust Egyptian-British joint action plan with 27 different chapters relating to security has been implemented. The Department for Transport experts have been giving us the thumbs-up for the way we have implemented it. We have contracted independent security consultants from the UK to look at what we have done and they told us that things are A-OK.

"The whole set of countries, including Germany, who have done their own independent assessment have decided to resume flights based on the fact that Sharm el-Sheikh is not only safe but is being seen as an example of an airport that has improved over a very short time and become one of the leading airports in the world in terms of security."

The Foreign Office does not warn against visiting the resort itself, but states: "We advise against all but essential travel by air to or from Sharm el-Sheikh."

A Department for Transport spokesman said: "The security of British nationals is our top priority, and we took the decision to suspend flights from Sharm el-Sheikh in November last year in the aftermath of the Metrojet crash to protect the travelling public.
Supreme Court rules Scottish and Welsh Governments can intervene in Brexit fight

Both the Scottish and Welsh Governments are to be allowed to intervene in a court battle over how the Brexit process should be formally triggered, the Supreme Court has announced.

The UK Government is appealing against a High Court ruling that Prime Minister Theresa May must seek MPs' approval to trigger the process of taking Britain out of the European Union.

Counsel for the Scottish Government is being invited by the Supreme Court justices to address the court on the relevance of points of Scots law so far as they do not form part of the law of England and Wales.

The UK Government is appealing against a High Court ruling that the PM must seek MPs' approval to trigger Article 50

The Independent Workers Union of Great Britain, which describes itself as "fighting for the rights and welfare of some of the most vulnerable and under-represented workers in the UK", has also been given permission to make submissions to the court.

The Attorney General for Northern Ireland has made a reference to the court on devolution issues and did not need permission to intervene.

The historic legal challenge over Brexit was brought by investment fund manager and philanthropist Gina Miller and Deir Dos Santos, a hairdresser, with other "concerned citizens".

Three senior High Court judges ruled that the Prime Minister does not have power to use the royal prerogative to trigger Article 50 of the Lisbon Treaty to start the two-year process of negotiating Brexit without the prior authority of Parliament.

Mrs May and her ministers are now asking the Supreme Court to overturn that unanimous decision.

Their appeal is due to be heard by 11 judges between December 5 and 8, with a judgment expected in the new year.

Counsel General for Wales Mick Antoniw welcomed the court's permission to intervene and said the Welsh Government would be seeking to "reinforce the importance of parliamentary sovereignty and the rule of law".

Mr Antoniw said: " This case raises issues of profound importance, not only in relation to the concept of parliamentary sovereignty but also in relation to the wider constitutional arrangements of the United Kingdom and the legal framework for devolution.

"This case is not about whether the UK leaves the EU or not. The people have voted for the UK to leave the EU, and the UK will leave.

"The sole legal question at issue is whether the UK Government can, as a matter of constitutional law, use the prerogative powers to give notice of withdrawal from the European Union.
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China's consistent efforts to transform into a low-carbon economy will help the country meet its climate change pledges made in Paris in December last year, according to a new report.

Alina Averchenkova, the lead author of the report and head of the ESRC Centre for Climate Change Economics and Policy at the London School of Economics and Political Science, attributed China's progress to strong government support for renewable energy development and public calls for clean air.

The report was released on Thursday ahead of the closing of the Climate Conference in Marrakech, Morrocco, where representatives from more than 190 countries discussed the implementation of the Paris Agreement.

A concluding document from the conference calling for action is expected after it concludes.

Adnan Amin, director of the International Renewable Energy Agency, said China's de-carbonizing process is sustainable, with an expected rise in demand for clean energy.

Global carbon emissions caused by fossil fuels remained flat for the third year in a row, thanks to declining coal use in China since 2012, a study published in the Earth System Science Data journal earlier this week showed.

China's emissions from fossil fuels went down 0.7 percent last year and are projected to fall 0.5 percent this year, the study said.

Yang Fuqiang, a senior analyst at the Natural Resources Defense Council, expects coal use to be down by 1.5 to 2 percent this year.

"Not a sharp drop compared with several years ago, but coal usage will decline for sure," Yang said.

By comparison, the United States, a major emitter, has not undertaken sufficient efforts to match its pledges, according to Averchenkova.

She said that the US, which lacks overall framework legislation or regulations on climate change, needs to put pledges to cut emissions into its economic development plan.

The study said bottom-up action could help to ratchet up ambition at the federal level, but US president-elect Donald Trump's election adds uncertainties.

Bai Yunwen, a climate researcher at Greenovation Hub, said that Trump's presidency would slow the pace of emissions cuts in the US.

"Additional government policies are needed," she said.

Liu Zhenmin, Chinese vice-foreign minister and deputy head of the Chinese delegation, hoped the US can follow up on US President Barack Obama's actions to combat climate change.

Liu added that the US played a vital role with China while sealing the Paris pact, and he expects the US to maintain momentum in the fight against climate change.
Sunderland captain Lee Cattermole ruled out for four months with hip injury

Sunderland skipper Lee Cattermole will be out of action for four months after undergoing surgery in America to address a long-standing hip problem.

The 28-year-old midfielder, who has made just three appearances to date this season, had a procedure to repair a torn cartilage in his hip on Monday and now faces a long haul back to fitness.

Manager David Moyes said: "Lee Cattermole had an operation in America on Monday on a torn cartilage in his hip and will be out for four months. He's out there just now, coming back in the next day or two, I think."

Sunderland's Lee Cattermole has been struggling with a hip problem

The news came as a significant blow to Moyes, who has been without one of the club's most consistent performers in recent seasons for much of his reign on Wearside.

The setback arrived after a lengthy treatment process which eventually got to the root of the problem.

Moyes said: "It's a big blow because we have had hernias, we have had epidurals, we have had other things done but, by all accounts, we have found a tear in his cartilage in his hip which has now been repaired."

Cattermole, who joined the Black Cats in a 6million switch from Wigan during the summer of 2009, has been a key figure in the club's successful survival fights over the last four years.
Angry backlash for 'Brits are bloody stupid' pro-immigration peer

A peer who claimed Britain needs immigration because the natives are "so bloody stupid" has faced a furious backlash.

Lord Kerr of Kinlochard, who wrote Article 50, the formal process for quitting the European Union, said the country needed an "injection of intelligent people" from outside.

But the comments provoked an angry response from Ukip and Tory politicians who accused the cross-bench peer of showing "contempt" for Britons.

Lord Kerr of Kinlochard was arguing Britain needs immigrants.

David Campbell Bannerman, Conservative MEP for Eastern England, said: "Lord Kerr's utterly contemptuous views on his own people is hate crime and shows how dangerous EU fifth columnists are."

Tory former Cabinet minister Peter Lilley said Lord Kerr had shown "contempt" for the British people. " Imagine the outrage if someone had said 'immigrants are bloody stupid compared with native Brits'," he added.

Ukip London Assembly member Peter Whittle said the comments echoed the notorious incident where former prime minister Gordon Brown was caught describing a voter as a bigot.

"Just like Brown's 'bigot' comment, here is authentic self-hating voice of the establishment," he said.

Lord Kerr made the comments at a discussion hosted by the Institute for Government on the implications of Brexit and Donald Trump's victory in the US presidential election.

The former ambassador to the EU and the US said he believed migration was a " good thing".

He said: "There's a much deeper argument to have - and that is whether immigration is good for you or bad for you. In my view, immigration is the thing which keeps this country running.
Charles Kennedy's wisdom greatly missed from EU debate, says Nicola Sturgeon

Scotland's First Minister will pay tribute to Charles Kennedy's "wisdom" on European Union membership i n the annual memorial lecture for the former Liberal Democrat leader.

Nicola Sturgeon is expected to say Mr Kennedy's contribution to the debate on the EU referendum and Brexit has been "greatly missed".

She will deliver the second annual Charles Kennedy Memorial Lecture in Lochaber High School in Fort William on Friday evening.

Charles Kennedy's contribution to the debate on the EU referendum and Brexit has been "greatly missed", Nicola Sturgeon will say

Lord Wallace gave the inaugural lecture last November, five months after the former MP for Ross, Skye and Lochaber died at the age of 55.

Ms Sturgeon is expected to say: "Charles was an ardent supporter of the European Union. He once described himself as a Highlander first, Scottish second, British third, and European fourth. However he was proud of, and comfortable with, all of those identities. In fact, he served as president of the European Movement from 2004 until his death.

"I can't be the only person during the last year who has thought about the contribution Charles could have made to the UK-wide discussions on EU membership. His sense, good humour and wisdom have been greatly missed in that debate."

She will continue: "In his maiden speech to the House of Commons, Charles talked about the lack of opportunities that young people at that time faced - in Lochaber and across these islands.

"He went on to argue that a loss of opportunities has economic, social and political consequences.

"Versions of that argument have been heard a great deal in recent months about voters of all ages, not simply about young people.

"They have often been made in relation to Brexit, and indeed last week's US elections.

"Unless parliaments and governments work for every individual in society, disillusionment in politics and in society will grow.
Memories of Jonah Lomu add to All Blacks' motiviation to beat Ireland in Dublin

New Zealand will aim to summon Jonah Lomu's smiling assassin spirit when seeking revenge over Ireland in Dublin on Saturday.

Captain Kieran Read admitted the All Blacks have talked at length this week about former wing Lomu, who died a year ago on Friday, aged just 40.

The All Blacks will pay tribute to Lomu in Saturday's Aviva Stadium showdown, where New Zealand are aiming to atone for their first-ever loss to Ireland, the 40-29 defeat in Chicago on November 5.

Kieran Read hopes New Zealand can put the the loss to Ireland in Chicago behind them

Giant wing Lomu changed rugby forever with his bullocking running, winning 63 caps between 1994 and 2002, only to suffer serious kidney problems later.

"We've certainly spoken about it as a group," said Read when asked if New Zealand will pay tribute to Lomu this weekend.

"He's one of our legends in this All Blacks family, we certainly feel for his family at this time of the year.

"It's extra motivation for the group, so we'll be playing for him and his family."

"But the other thing is the earthquake, that's something else that's on a lot of the guy's minds."

Early on Monday, a magnitude 7.8 earthquake in New Zealand left two people dead, triggered a small tsunami and brought down rocks and mud that swept across highways.

Read continued: "So the best way we can honour all of that is to go out there and perform on the pitch."

He admitted suffering his first defeat as All Blacks captain against Ireland in Chicago has made for an "uncomfortable" two weeks since.

New Zealand have the chance to avenge that Soldier Field loss this weekend however, and Read insisted it is vital the All Blacks produce a performance worthy of the late Lomu.

Read revealed Lomu as the reason he started playing rugby himself, having watched from the terraces as a youngster as the potent winger carved up defences for Counties Manukau.

"To me he was a massive inspiration, he's the reason why I played footie," said Read.

"I grew up in the area where he was from and played his footie, and I went to watch him every weekend.

"It would have been down at Pukekohe Stadium, watching him for Counties, and he was just a legend for what he did on the pitch. But also his smile, and how he conducted himself off the pitch, that shone through too. He was a top man.

"It's something I guess we can perhaps use on an individual level.

"But the way we can do that is by preparing and playing to the highest standard. Every time he ran out he did that and that's what we'll try to do tomorrow.

"That defeat in Chicago makes guys uncomfortable, suffering the loss and how to deal with it.

"So you might look back on this as defining, the loss and how you respond to it.
Argentina extradites alleged Colombian cocaine boss "My Blood" to U.S.

By Hugh Bronstein

BUENOS AIRES, Nov 17 (Reuters) - Argentina extradited an alleged Colombian drug kingpin known as "My Blood" to the United States on Thursday to face charges of organizing cocaine shipments.

Henry de Jesus Lopez, whose nickname is "Mi Sangre" in Spanish, was captured by Argentine police in 2012 at his favorite restaurant in the Buenos Aires suburb of Pilar, where he lived after fleeing his homeland.

He was turned over to U.S. marshals early on Thursday, Argentina's security ministry said in a statement.

The decision to send Lopez to face trial in Florida comes at a time of improving diplomatic relations and security ties between Argentina and Washington.

Lopez, 45, once key underworld figure in the Colombian city of Medellin, slipped into Argentina in 2011 with a forged Venezuelan passport. He has been charged in U.S. federal court with managing smuggling routes through which tonnes of cocaine left Colombia's Atlantic coast bound for the United States.

He had risen to prominence after Medellin's previous crime boss Diego Fernando Murillo, alias "Don Berna", was extradited to the United States along with other leaders of Colombia's right-wing paramilitary groups.

Lopez was also a leader of Colombia's paramilitary movement, which started as a way of protecting land owners from left-wing guerrillas now trying to close a peace deal with the government. Both armed groups ended up in the cocaine business.

Lopez also faces cocaine charges in Colombia, which often extradites suspects wanted by the U.S. courts to the United States.

Other Colombian traffickers are thought to be hiding in Argentina, which has become an export hub for cocaine smuggled into the country from the Andean region.

The extradition comes at a time of improving ties between Washington and Buenos Aires after center-right Argentine President Mauricio Macri was elected a year ago on promises of improving the economy, in part by attracting U.S. investment.

Since then, Argentina has been visited by President Barack Obama and Secretary of State John Kerry after years of icy relations under previous leftist leader Cristina Fernandez.
Ukraine presidential official counters Saakashvili's corruption claims

By Matthias Williams and Margaryta Chornokondratenko

KIEV, Nov 17 (Reuters) - The office of Ukrainian President Petro Poroshenko hit back on Thursday at claims by former regional governor Mikheil Saakashvili that Poroshenko had allowed corruption to flourish, saying Saakashvili had failed to deliver change while in office.

Speaking to Reuters a week after resigning as a governor, Saakashvili, a former Georgian president who went on to have a second political career in Ukraine, had said Poroshenko either abetted or turned a blind eye to corruption.

In the first detailed rebuttal by a representative of Poroshenko since Saakashvili quit, Vitaliy Kovalchuk, the first deputy head of the Presidential Administration, told Reuters Saakashvili was a better politician than a manager.

Despite being given more power than any previous governor in Ukraine, and allowed to appoint his own people to key positions, Saakashvili had failed to bring corrupt people to book or deliver tangible reform in the customs service, Kovalchuk said.

"We may say that Mikheil Saakashvili did not manage to cope with his powers," Kovalchuk told Reuters in an emailed statement.

"Believe me, no one in the presidential administration is happy about it. I regret that Mikheil Saakashvili turned out to be a far better politician than a manager."

Saakashvili was appointed governor of the Odessa region in 2015 by Poroshenko - Kiev's pro-Western leader who pledged to transform Ukraine after the Maidan street protests, partly fuelled by anger over official corruption, led to the overthrow of the previous administration.

But for some in the country, dreams of radical change are fading; a report by Transparency International on Wednesday found nearly three-quarters of Ukrainians do not think there has been a reduction in corruption under Poroshenko, compared with under the former president, Kremlin-backed Viktor Yanukovich.

"Poroshenko wanted until now to appear nice in front of the West, that he is doing something, without really doing anything," Saakashvili said. "Imitating change without really having any real substantial change."

Reuters could not independently verify any of Saakashvili's allegations.

Poroshenko and others in the government "have lost all taste for reforms", Saakashvili said in an interview.

"Real change and reform really means also decreasing the leverage for stealing, for plundering, pillaging Ukrainian wealth and for the cronies of the president and the others to basically increase their wealth," he said.

"First they refused to help us when they could, and then they actually started to sabotage us."

Kovalchuk countered assertions that Poroshenko didn't help reforms in Odessa. As an example, he said Poroshenko initiated a law change allowing new roads to be built through the revenues collected from customs, with Odessa in mind.

But Odessa still lagged other regions in road repairs on Saakashvili's watch, he said. He added Saakashvili had spent 47 percent, or 167 days out of the 357 days he was in charge of Odessa, travelling outside the region.

"Mikheil Saakashvili says that the president has lost the appetite for reforms, but in my opinion, Mikheil as the head of the region has failed to cook this meal," he said.

POLITICAL FORCE

When Saakashvili quit on Nov. 7 he said he planned to create a new Ukrainian political force without links to big business or established political factions, and that he would pressure the government for snap elections.

Saakashvili said he had hoped to reform Odessa on the Black Sea, which had a reputation as a hub for smuggling with a corrupt port customs service. But he said his efforts were blocked at every turn.

"We see some of the old cronies of Yanukovich, basically racketeer businesses, being replaced by people close to the sitting president," Saakashvili said.

Recalling their conversations, Saakashvili said Poroshenko had tried to blame former Prime Minister Arseny Yatseniuk for blocking reform. But even after Yatseniuk's government fell in April, Saakashvili said corruption was allowed to continue.

Yatseniuk resigned and, according to Saakashvili, the price he and his party exacted for supporting Poroshenko's choice of new prime minister was the sacking a reformist prosecutor who was investigating a scam to loot fuel from a state-run refinery.

Yatseniuk's People's Front party did not respond to a request for comment.

'LAST OF THE MOHICANS'

Saakashvili also said the head of Odessa port customs, Yulia Marushevska, was prevented from implementing reforms to reduce the discretionary powers of officers to set the level of duties and recruit new people who would be less susceptible to bribes.

Saakashvili said Marushevska was hounded by official reprimands at the behest of another parliamentary faction leader in exchange for supporting Poroshenko's coalition.

Marushevska, a Ukrainian, resigned on Monday, as did police chief Dekanoidze, a former Georgian government minister.

Marushevska was not immediately available to comment. She has previously accused vested interests in state agencies of sabotaging her attempts to fire corrupt officials.

Her superiors said her leadership had been unsatisfactory and that they had not seen any evidence of her reform plans.

Dekanoidze was also unavailable to comment. When she quit she said there was a conflict between "those who want to change, and those who are stuck in the past," warning that politicians should stop meddling in the police force.

Earlier official departures in Ukraine included the Economy Minister, a Lithuanian who resigned in February accusing a Poroshenko ally of corruption.

"We were almost The Last of the Mohicans trying to keep faith in changing the system from within it," Saakashvili said of reformists who had left their jobs. "So for us, giving up hope was very hard because we invested a lot of time, reputation, effort in trying to change the system."
Sherritt sees Cuban nickel venture returning to profit in 2017

By Sarah Marsh

HAVANA, Nov 17 (Reuters) - Sherritt International Corp's joint nickel venture in Cuba will return to profit next year if prices for the metal sustain themselves at the current level, the Canadian mining company's head said in an interview.

Speaking at Sherritt's office in Havana on Wednesday, Chief Executive David Pathe said the price, which has risen around 20 percent this year from multi-year lows, could even improve given global nickel supplies were expected to swing into a deficit.

"If prices can sustain where we are now, we will be EBITDA (earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation and amortization) positive at these prices with some upside in 2017," Pathe said.

"It looks like the nickel market... is moving into deficit, with forecasts of deficit for few years, and we are optimistic it will be positive for pricing going forward," Pathe said.

A Reuters poll released last week showed that analysts expected the average price of nickel would hover around current levels of around $11,000 a tonne in 2017.

Nickel is essential in the production of stainless steel and other corrosion-resistant alloys. Beyond its Cuba venture, Sherritt also has a stake in a large Madagascar nickel mine.

The Canadian company has been operating in Communist-ruled Cuba for more than two decades and says it is the most-vested foreign investor on the island.

While Pathe expected little if any profit from its Cuban nickel business in 2016, he forecast $50 million to $70 million in EBITDA from its Cuban oil and power ventures.

Sherritt has been focused in recent years on improving efficiency in existing businesses rather than undertaking new projects in Cuba, he said.

"We've had, in particular in this market environment, enough on our plate in existing business, but as you look ahead, there is the opportunity to do more," he said.

Sherritt was talking with Cuba about different investment options in power generation, he said. The company already has a one-third interest in a joint-venture with production capacity of 506 megawatts, equivalent to 15 percent of the Cuban grid.

Asked about the impact of the U.S.-Cuban detente, Pathe said the key issue for businesses like his remained the embargo, which was still firmly in place.

"As and when (it is lifted), it will be good for us, in that it will give us access to U.S. suppliers and to U.S. markets," Pathe said. "It would also help demystify our assets."
Train to Peru's Machu Picchu resumes service after protests

LIMA, Nov 17 (Reuters) - PeruRail, the company that takes hundreds of thousands of foreign visitors to the ancient Incan ruins of Machu Picchu each year, resumed service on Thursday after protesters agreed to a truce.

Protesters will stop blocking tracks to one of the most popular tourist attractions in South America for at least 10 days, PeruRail said in a statement.

The Peruvian government said in a separate statement it would meet local government officials and protesters to address demands ranging from better rail service, an improved health center and access to Machu Picchu.

A group known as the Unique Front to Defend Machu Picchu began protests in the area earlier this week.

PeruRail said it had started remodeling all its cars on local lines and would buy new engines.
U.N. council extends inquiry into Syria toxic gas attacks

By Michelle Nichols

UNITED NATIONS, Nov 17 (Reuters) - The U.N. Security Council on Thursday extended for one year an international inquiry to determine blame for chemical weapons attacks in Syria, paving the way for a showdown between Russia and Western powers over how to punish those responsible.

Russia had said it wanted the inquiry to be broadened to look more at the "terrorist chemical threat" within the region and the resolution to renew the mandate included language to reflect that request.

The 15-member council unanimously adopted the U.S.-drafted resolution.

Launched by the Council a year ago, the inquiry by the United Nations and the Organization for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons (OPCW) has already found that Syrian government forces were responsible for three chlorine gas attacks and that Islamic State militants had used mustard gas.

Syria's government has denied its forces have used chemical weapons during the country's nearly six-year-old civil war, while Islamic State is not known to have commented. The Damascus government and its main Russian ally refer to all rebels fighting to topple President Bashar al-Assad as "terrorists".

France, Britain, the United States and other Council members have said that after the renewal of the inquiry on Thursday, they hope to start negotiations on a draft resolution to punish those blamed for the attacks, likely with U.N. sanctions.

French Foreign Minister Jean-Marc Ayrault said on Friday that nobody could deny the Syrian government's culpability and that a resolution needed to be brought to the Security Council.

"The first conclusions from investigators were damning. It is impossible to deny that the Syrian government repeatedly used chemical weapons in clear violation of international law and commitments it agreed to. Those responsible must now be held accountable," he said during a news conference alongside U.N. Secretary General Ban Ki-moon.

But Russia has said the inquiry's findings cannot be used to take action at the Security Council and that the Syrian government should investigate the accusations.

Last week, the OPCW's executive body voted to condemn the use of banned toxic agents by the Syrian government and Islamic State jihadists.

Chlorine's use as a weapon is prohibited under the Chemical Weapons Convention, which Syria joined in 2013. If inhaled, chlorine gas turns to hydrochloric acid and can kill by burning lungs and drowning victims in the resulting body fluids.

Syria agreed to destroy its chemical weapons in 2013 under a deal brokered by Moscow and Washington. The Security Council endorsed that deal with a resolution that said in the event of non-compliance, "including unauthorized transfer of chemical weapons, or any use of chemical weapons by anyone" in Syria, it would impose measures under Chapter 7 of the U.N. Charter.
Philippine dictator Marcos buried at heroes' cemetery amid protests

By Manuel Mogato and Karen Lema

MANILA, Nov 18 (Reuters) - Former Philippine dictator Ferdinand Marcos was buried with military honours at a heroes' cemetery in Manila on Friday, almost 30 years after his death in Hawaii, amid scattered protests around the sprawling capital.

Many in the Philippines are angered by the way Marcos's family had kept the timing of the burial secret, including Vice President Leni Robredo who likened the ceremony to "a thief in the night".

"This is nothing new to the Marcoses - they who had hidden wealth, hidden human rights abuses and now hidden burial - with complete disrespect for the rule of law," Robredo, who belongs to an anti-Marcos political party, said in a statement.

President Rodrigo Duterte, who is attending the Asia Pacific Economic Cooperation summit in Lima, Peru, had given orders in August that the burial could go ahead, fulfilling an election campaign promise.

But it only took place after a Supreme Court ruling last week that dismissed objections from human rights groups.

"I was just being legally strict about it," Duterte said in Lima, defending his decision to allow the burial.

"President Marcos was a president for so long and he was a soldier. So, that's about it. Whether or not he performed worse or better, there is no study, there is no movie about it. It's just the challenges and allegations of the other side which is not enough."

Marcos's eldest daughter, Imee Marcos, the governor of Ilocos Norte province, thanked Duterte for allowing her father, a former soldier and guerrilla leader during World War Two, to be laid to rest with soldiers.

"At last, my beloved father's last will to be buried with fellow soldiers was fulfilled today," she said. She also asked people to understand the family's decision to keep the ceremony "simple, private and solemn".

The media was banned from the ceremony and waited outside the cemetery as a 21-gun salute was fired and a Philippine flag was handed to Marcos' widow, Imelda.

Thousands of protesters rallied around Manila, some burning pictures of the late ruler.

Past governments had blocked the burial, because they were either led by enemies of Marcos or bowed to public opinion, and the body had lain in a refrigerated mausoleum in Marcos's hometown of Paoay since its return to the Philippines in the early 1990s.

"At a time like this, it is fitting that we hear the voices of others: learn about their stories, the persons behind the statistics, their loved ones lost to the regime of martial law," said Duterte's predecessor, Benigno Aquino, whose father and namesake was assassinated during Marcos's rule.

Marcos had imposed martial law in 1972, before the end of his second term as president and ruled by decrees.

He ruled the Philippines for 20 years, during which time he, his family and cronies amassed an estimated $10 billion in ill-gotten wealth, a commission found. Tens of thousands of suspected communist rebels and political foes were killed.
Poland - Factors to Watch Nov. 18

Following are news stories, press reports and events to watch that may affect Poland's financial markets on Friday. ALL TIMES GMT (Poland: GMT + 1 hour):

DATA

Poland's statistics office to release corporate employment and wages data for October at 1300 GMT.

TAURON

The newly-appointed chief executive of state-run utility Tauron told Rzeczpospolita daily that one of his priorities is finding a partner for constructing a power unit in the city of Jaworzno.

ASSECO POLAND

The net profit of software firm Asseco Poland fell by an annual 20 percent to 81.7 million zlotys ($19.49 million) in the third quarter, the company said late on Thursday.

****Reuters has not verified stories reported by Polish media and does not vouch for their accuracy.****
Australia's Canberra zoo welcomes endangered lemur babies

SYDNEY, Nov 18 (Reuters) - Canberra's National Zoo and Aquarium released footage of four new Black and White Ruffed Lemurs on Friday, the first of the critically endangered species to be born at the Australian zoo.

The quartet were born around a month ago to first time parents Polo and Masina, the zoo said, adding they were surprised at the number of arrivals as lemurs normally only give birth two babies at a time.

"It is quite a treat for us to have three boys and one girl," the zoo's operations manager, Renee Osterloh, told the Canberra Times.

The early, inquisitive steps of the primates, who have large eyes, pointy ears and long tails and are often compared to monkeys, were captured by the zoo which placed a camera in the lemur enclosure.

The International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) has listed the species as critically endangered and took part in World Lemur Day last month in attempt to save them from extinction.
Greece approves permit for Eldorado's Skouries gold mine - source

ATHENS, Nov 18 (Reuters) - Greece has approved a permit application by Canadian gold miner Eldorado to build a plant at its Skouries gold mine in northern Greece, a senior Greek energy ministry source said on Friday.

After years of confrontation with the Greek government over environmental concerns, Vancouver-based Eldorado halted development at its project in the forested Halkidiki peninsula in January. It laid off most of its 600 workers, saying the government had been delaying necessary permits

The miner resumed preparatory work for construction at the site in June after it received approval of an updated technical study. It plans to start production there in 2019.

A source at the energy ministry said that Greece approved Eldorado's amended plan to build an enrichment plant in Skouries earlier this month.

Asked about suggestions that the government has changed its stance towards the investment, the source said: "Nothing has changed in our policy".

"If we hadn't approved this licence, the company would have taken the case to the (country's top administrative court)Council of State."
Pakistan navy "pushed" Indian submarine clear of its waters

KARACHI, Nov 18 (Reuters) - The Pakistani navy detected an Indian submarine off the Pakistani coast and prevented it from entering its waters, it said in a statement on Friday, as tension between the nuclear-armed rivals simmers.

The submarine was detected "south of the Pakistani coast" on Monday, the navy said in a press release.

"Thereafter, despite the submarine's desperate efforts to escape detection, it was continuously tracked by Pakistan Navy Fleet units and pushed well clear of our waters," the press release said.

The navy also released footage and photographs of what it was said was the submarine trying to enter Pakistani waters.

The Indian navy was not immediately available for comment.

Relations between Pakistan and India have been strained for several months, while cross-frontier shelling has intensified leading to deaths of civilians and soldiers stationed along the disputed frontier.
Patriarchal attitudes stymie Kenya's laws to give women land rights

By Caroline Wambui

NAIROBI, Nov 18 (Thomson Reuters Foundation) - Tabitha Karimi could barely hide her delight at the thought of a bumper harvest as she took part in training on how to farm with crops specially adapted to the region, after many years of poor harvests in Tharaka in eastern Kenya.

Karimi, who usually produces just five or six bags of the beans, maize and vegetables she grows on the six-acre (2.4 hectare) farm she tends with her husband, said she had learned a lot from a session in which crops were tested for their suitability to the soil.

"As a couple, I now understand where we have been going wrong as we have not only been using the wrong techniques but have not farmed with the right crops adapted to the region," said Karimi, who was trained alongside other women farmers.

But her dream of making her family more food-secure was shattered when she suggested to her husband that she take over the running of their farm. He would not accept that the wife he had "bought" with a dowry would control him, she said.

Karimi's predicament reflects how entrenched patriarchal attitudes in Kenya are holding back women's rights over land, despite the 2010 constitution granting women rights to own and inherit land and to exert joint control over family resources, experts and activists say.

"In African culture, a woman has no say when it comes to property. Her views aren't valid and cannot therefore influence a man's decision in any way," David Mugambi, a natural resource management expert and don at Chuka University, said.

"Even at the household level, a woman cannot own a cow, a goat or a sheep ... she has no collateral when it comes to a loan guarantee as she isn't even the legal owner of the farm."

'WOMEN'S RIGHTS ARE SECONDARY'

Like other women in Tharaka-Nithi County, Karimi has no choice but to comply with decisions made by her husband - or by her father and brothers.

Such traditions are detrimental to farming as they silence women who may have valuable knowledge to offer, experts say.

Nathan Njagi, a social services worker in Tharaka, said changes in the law had not resulted in land rights for women.

"Only six percent of women own land in Tharaka - the majority are the elite ... ironic a few years after Kenya ushered in a new era in land management in 2010," he said.

Human rights activists say women's land rights continue to lag in Kenya because the issue is poorly understood and traditional attitudes are so ingrained that many Kenyans fail to grasp that equal land rights are granted by the constitution.

This situation is particularly problematic because women account for more than 80 percent of the rural population whose only means of a livelihood is land, Njagi said.

"Customary laws, the patriarchal nature of Kenyan society - where the man is held as the head of the household and women's rights to land are seen as secondary - as well as some communities dictating that women should not own land or other immovable properties - play a key role in the discrimination against women," he said.

IMPACT ON FARMING

A lack of land rights for women undermines their ability to improve the productivity of the farmland as well as their economic status, said farmer Grace Nkatha.

Without land, women have no collateral to access financial services, restricting their ability to invest in fertilisers, seeds and other innovations to increase yields and incomes.

"The ability to access credit for farmer is vital to enable them access the right seeds, the right farm inputs and have the right storage facilities after harvesting," she said.

Joel Kithure, a project officer with CARITAS, an NGO that works to eradicate food shortages, said organisations like his were striving to advance women's land rights as a way of ensuring families have enough to eat.

But for Karimi, traditional attitudes to the role of women are still holding her back. She hopes that eventually she can persuade her husband that she has knowledge to offer.
Malaysia arrests pro-democracy leader ahead of anti-PM rally

By Rozanna Latiff

KUALA LUMPUR, Nov 18 (Reuters) - Malaysian police arrested the head of the pro-democracy group Bersih and several opposition leaders on Friday, widening a crackdown on government critics a day before a rally calling for Prime Minister Najib Razak to step down.

Thousands are expected to march on Saturday in a protest organised by Bersih, an electoral reform group, to demand Najib resign over his involvement in a multi-billion-dollar misappropriation scandal at state fund 1Malaysia Development Berhad (1MDB). Najib has denied any wrongdoing.

Bersih chairperson Maria Chin Abdullah and secretariat member Mandeep Singh were arrested shortly after the group's offices were raided.

City police said they were arrested for offences related to rioting. Laptops, bank and payroll statements were seized.

Human Rights Society chairwoman Ambiga Sreenevasan, Bersih's former chief, said in a text message the demonstrations would go on despite the arrests.

"I think we will have a larger turnout because of them," she said.

Last year, more than 200,000 people attended a similar rally organised by Bersih, which has held several mass protests calling for electoral and institutional reforms since 2007.

Five opposition leaders including Anthony Loke and S. Arutchelvan were arrested, civil activists and local media said.

Two student leaders, including Anis Syafiqah Md Yusof who in August organised a protest calling for arrests in the 1MDB scandal, were also detained.

"These arrests are the latest in a series of crude and heavy-handed attempts to intimidate Malaysian civil society activists and other human rights defenders," said Josef Benedict, Amnesty International's Deputy Director for Southeast Asia and the Pacific.

"They must be released immediately and unconditionally, and tomorrow's rally must be allowed to go ahead peacefully."

Bersih, along with other groups, is being investigated after reports that it received funds from Open Society Foundations, an organisation linked to business tycoon George Soros.

Najib's administration has cracked down on the media and civil society in an attempt to silence criticism over his involvement in a money-laundering scandal at 1MDB.

Founded by Najib, who chaired its advisory board, 1MDB is the subject of investigations in at least six countries, including Switzerland, Singapore and the United States.
EU's Moscovici: end of austerity does not mean end of fiscal rules

LISBON, Nov 18 (Reuters) - The European Commission's call this week for a more positive fiscal stance in the euro area means the end of austerity in Europe but not the end of fiscal rules to keep deficits low, the EU economic and financial affairs commissioner said.

"Our message is: countries that have fiscal space should use the resources to invest more," Pierre Moscovici told a news briefing in Lisbon on Friday, after lauding Portugal for cutting the budget gap to levels that should see it out of the EU excessive deficit procedure this year.

"Those who are confronted with high deficits should focus on meeting fiscal targets. In my view it is the end of austerity. But it is not the end of the rules and serious fiscal policies," he said.

Finance Minister Wolfgang Schaeuble has accused the Commission of overstepping its mandate and urged it to focus its energies on enforcing the EU's fiscal rules.

Moscovici, who was in Portugal to meet officials including Finance Minister Mario Centeno, said the country's budget deficit should for the first time settle below the European threshold for excessive deficits of 3 percent of GDP. The Commission currently sees no need for additional fiscal tightening measures, he said.

"Portugal is the best pupil. It is among those with the lowest risk of not meeting the targets... We've said explicitly that we don't want new measures in Portugal unless certain risks materialise. And we hope they don't."

The Portuguese economy expanded an unexpectedly strong 1.6 percent in the third quarter from a year earlier, thanks to rising exports. On Wednesday it received more good news when Brussels said it will not suspend EU cohesion funds for breaking budget rules last year, when the deficit was 4.4 percent.
N.Ireland deputy leader says post-Brexit border could lead to violence

ARMAGH, Northern Ireland, Nov 18 (Reuters) - The erection of a hard border between the Republic of Ireland and Northern Ireland after Brexit could lead to an upsurge in violence by dissident Irish nationalists, the province's deputy leader said on Friday.

Talk of a more physical border between Ireland, which remains an EU member, and Northern Ireland, which will leave the bloc with the rest of the UK, has angered some nationalists who want eventual Irish unification.

"We still have people who are committed to violence and who would wish to push us back to the past and who would seek - if there was any effort made to install a hard border between North and South - to use that against the peace process," said Martin McGuinness.

"The threat to the peace process should not be in any way underplayed," added the former Irish Republican Army commander who is now part of a power-sharing coalition with pro-British unionists.

Military checkpoints were dismantled when the 1998 peace deal ended three decades of violence between Catholic nationalists seeking a united Ireland and Protestant unionists who wanted to keep Northern Ireland British.

While both British and Irish leaders have said they want to avoid a return of border checkpoints, they cannot be completely ruled out until Britain and the European Union conclude an agreement on their future trade relations.

Britain in May raised the threat level from dissident Northern Ireland militants to "substantial", but Prime Minister Theresa May said last month that there was no reason to think Brexit would undermine Northern Ireland's peace deal.

In March, a group known as new IRA carried out an attack in Belfast which seriously injured a prison officer when a bomb exploded under his van. He later died from his injuries.

Overall, 52 percent of the United Kingdom voted in favour of leaving the EU in June's referendum, but 56 percent of those voting in Northern Ireland backed remaining in the bloc.

McGuinness' Sinn Fein party campaigned against Brexit while his coalition partners in the Democratic Unionist Party supported it.
November deadly for migrants crossing Mediterranean, IOM says

By Stephanie Nebehay

GENEVA, Nov 18 (Reuters) - At least 365 migrants have drowned in the Mediterranean this week in six sinkings, bringing the death toll so far this year to 4,636, already 1,000 more than in all of 2015, the International Organization for Migration said on Friday.

Migrants, mainly from West Africa, are taking to the sea from Libya in flimsy rubber boats, trying to reach Italian islands and Europe, where they have little hope of being granted asylum, IOM spokesman Leonard Doyle said.

"This is really a calamity in plain sight," Doyle told a news briefing. "We are seeing really tragic scenes of rubber rafts going under the seas in the middle of winter in the Mediterranean."

The president of the Italian unit of aid group Doctors Without Borders (MSF) said on Thursday that six migrants died and up to 100 more were missing and feared dead after their rubber boat sank. Aid groups had already put the death toll at 240 for the three days ending on Wednesday.

"Overall we're counting 1,000 more migrant deaths in the Mediterranean compared to the same period last year," Doyle said.

"This of course is due to appalling weather, migrants assuming and paying in the hope and expectation that they will get a decent passage across the Mediterranean, coming down to the beach (in Libya) and being confronted with a rubber raft, and not having any option, sometimes physical restraints on them even going back."

The latest drowning victims were mostly West Africans, presumed to be from Gambia, Ghana, Mali, Nigeria and Senegal, he said.

"The migrants who are passing are primarily, sadly for them, going to end up as rejected asylum seekers, the vast majority of them have their claims rejected. So they would possibly fall into the category of economic migrants," he said.

"They are destined to be deported or they live underground."

The route between Turkey and Greece has been "effectively sealed off" since a deal between the European Union and Turkey last March, Doyle said.

Several ships have carried out rescue operations in recent days, he said. "The EU policy has undoubtedly led to the savings of hundreds of thousands of lives."

"But an unintended consequence is that as they rescue migrants and destroy the smugglers' boats, they go to ever flimsier vessels. And the migrants seem to be increasingly desperate to get to Europe and are taking ever greater chances to do so."
Gaza man shot dead in protest near border with Israel - Palestinians

GAZA, Nov 18 (Reuters) - Israeli troops shot and killed a 26-year-old Palestinian during a rock-throwing protest near the Gaza-Israel border on Friday, a Palestinian health official said.

An Israeli military spokeswoman said troops had fired shots to disperse Palestinians trying to breach the Gaza border fence and authorities were investigating reports that one person had been killed.

The Gaza health officials said Mohammad Abu Seada was killed by Israeli gunfire and that two others were wounded. Dozens of protesters hurl rocks at Israeli soldiers every Friday along the border with Gaza.

At least 227 Palestinians have been killed in violence in the occupied West Bank and the Gaza Strip since October 2015. Israel says 154 of them were assailants. Others died during clashes and protests.

Palestinians, many of them acting alone and with rudimentary weapons, have killed at least 33 Israelis and two visiting Americans.

Palestinian leaders say assailants have acted out of desperation over the collapse of peace talks in 2014 and Israeli settlement expansion in Israeli-occupied territory that Palestinians seek for an independent state.
This week, the small town of Wuzhen, in northern Zhejiang Province, has been attracting disproportionate global interest. However, its citizens are beginning to get accustomed to this.

For the third year running, Wuzhen has played host to a World Internet Conference (WIC), a Chinese initiative from 2014 to promote mutually beneficial e-commerce and to work towards international consensus on information management. The process has involved some of the world's largest internet companies, as well as Chinese experts and officials.

The 2016 agenda was prefigured by last year's meeting, attended by President Xi Jinping and the prime ministers of Russia, Pakistan, Kazakhstan, and Kyrgyzstan. The Chinese view, as expressed in a speech by President Xi, was that China fully supported the rapid growth of information transfer and e-commerce.

This obviously fits into the wider Belt and Road (B&R) programs to expand the commercial infrastructure (a forum was held at this year's conference to demonstrate the opportunities for countries to improve their network infrastructure with Chinese investment linked to the B&R programs).

A "Wuzhen Initiative" was launched, calling on all countries to promote the cultural diversity of expanded cyberspace, share equitably the fruits of Internet development, ensure cyberspace peace and security, and improve global Internet governance, while recognizing and respecting each country's "Internet sovereignty" and right to choose its own development path and management model.

President Xi again addressed the conference, although this time by video link as he was already en route to Latin America. His main themes continued the themes of the previous conference: "The development of the internet knows no international boundaries. Its sound use, development and governance thus call for closer cooperation." However, the need to respect "cyber sovereignty" was reiterated.

The main point at issue is how to manage a phenomenon transcending international boundaries while ensuring each country can operate its own system of information management. China offers to take the lead in solving this apparent conundrum.

In addition to Xi's speech, Politburo Standing Committee member Liu Yunshan expressed a willingness to step up China's role in global Internet governance, and to work at rectifying "imbalances" in the way information management standards are set.

Here, China appeals to a sentiment widely shared throughout the world. The unlimited flow of information across cyberspace clearly conveys huge advantages in terms of commerce, as well as in promoting mutual understanding; yet, open windows do not only mean fresh air can circulate, but insects and other undesirable elements can also enter.

It is not surprising that every government should have its own view on how to manage information flows to ensure that material considered damaging to the national interests, even detrimental to national security, is kept out. And it is also not surprising that some countries should prefer a liberal approach, whereas others are more conservative.

Xi's call for "equitable global internet governance" recognizes that various countries will have different approaches, requiring mutual respect and discussion of these matters on an equal basis. For this reason, China hopes to broaden the basis of participation at future meetings in Wuzhen. There is already no problem in attracting the attention of the large technology companies who wish to ensure a solid and sustainable basis for their future business in China.

One concern raised by some foreign companies operating in China referred to the new Cyber Security Law passed by the National People's Congress on Nov. 7, 2016. This law sets out China's security requirements for "network operators" and "critical information infrastructure operators."

Not unnaturally, international companies were keen to know how their own operations in China might be affected. Chinese officials were at pains to stress the law is meant to cover security threats in "critical"industries, and not to interfere with the workings of legitimate foreign businesses.

Thus, it is recognized that there will always be a balance to be struck between the interests of e-commerce and cybersecurity. China is as aware of this as any other country. Given that this issue is certain to come up again in some form, China's initiative in bringing it to the world's attention at an early stage must be welcomed, especially as this is an area in which technological development is extremely rapid.

It will be interesting to watch the progress of international cooperation within the annual Wuzhen Conference format, and to observe how attempts to strike this necessary balance progress. Above all, it will be interesting to see whether participation in the process can be expanded.

Tim Collard is a columnist with China.org.cn. For more information please visit:

http://www.china.org.cn/opinion/timcollard.htm

Opinion articles reflect the views of their authors, not necessarily those of China.org.cn.
Gridlocked Guinea Bissau names fifth PM in a year

BISSAU, Nov 18 (Reuters) - Guinea Bissau named its fifth prime minister in a year on Friday as the coup-ridden West African country struggled to end months of political gridlock.

A presidential decree named Umaro Mokhtar Sissoco Embalo - a brigadier general as well as a presidential adviser and minister in previous administrations.

President Jose Mario Vaz had to dissolve the previous government on Monday after the last prime minister, Baciro Dja, failed to win the full support of his ruling PAIGC party, an organisation hit by regular infighting.

Political rivals agreed in September to a plan to ease a crisis that has prevented parliament from agreeing budgets and blocked international aid.

The six-point plan, put together with the help of regional mediators, included a preliminary agreement to form a consensus government.
Opinion polls have for months suggested that far-right National Front leader Marine Le Pen will make it to the decisive run-off in May

The race for France's conservative presidential nomination looked tighter than ever on Saturday, with voting due to begin within 24 hours and polls suggesting whoever emerges on top will make it all the way to the Elysee Palace.

Ahead of Sunday's vote, which will select two candidates for the decisive Nov. 27 second round, centrist Alain Juppe had lost most or all of his early polling lead as his fellow former prime minister Francois Fillon enjoyed a late surge.

After Britain's shock 'Brexit' vote in June and last week's election of Donald Trump as U.S. president, the French election next spring will be the next test of strength between weakened mainstream political forces and rising populist insurgents.

Opinion polls have for months suggested that far-right National Front leader Marine Le Pen will make it to the decisive run-off in May, but that Juppe would beat her if he won the conservative Les Republicains nomination.

His lead, however, has been eroded by two party rivals to his right - ex-president Nicolas Sarkozy and Fillon, who served as Sarkozy's prime minister from 2007-2012.

'I can sense a surprise coming,' Fillon told supporters at a rally on Friday in Paris. He urged them to 'shake up' the primaries, winning wide applause and shouts of 'Fillon for president' from a crowd of over 3,000.

Long trailing in the polls, Fillon has come from behind in the past week, making the race even harder to call.

He was judged the winner of Thursday's final televised debate before the weekend vote, an opinion poll showed.

Anyone can vote in the primary, in which there are seven candidates, which opens an already unpredictable contest to tactical participation by left-leaning and far-right voters.

Lack of confidence in pollsters, who failed to predict Trump's win and Britain's vote to quit the European Union, has deepened uncertainty surrounding the conservative and Socialist primaries as well as the election itself.

But Juppe was confident on Friday that no such upset will happen. 'I am not Hillary Clinton,' he said on public radio, 'and France is not America'.

Far-right leader Marine le Pen tries glasses as she visits the 'Made in France' trade fair in Paris

Under unpopular President Francois Hollande, France's ruling Socialists are deeply divided and seen as unlikely to get past the presidential election's first round next April. That would clear the way for whoever clinches the conservative nomination to face Le Pen in the deciding vote.

Juppe is seeking to draw support from centrists and left-wing voters determined to prevent a Sarkozy comeback or Le Pen's National Front from winning power.

Sarkozy, whose campaign has emphasised law and order, mocked Juppe at a rally in Nimes, southern France, for being too 'soft'. 'I will be the president who re-establishes the authority of the state,' he said.

Some market analysts have started taking more seriously the possibility Le Pen could become president, an event some believe could weaken or break up the European Union and the euro zone.

But polls have consistently shown her falling short. The electoral system requires her to win over 50 percent of votes in a second-round run-off, and she has persistently polled only around 30. French pollsters have in recent elections also tended to overestimate her appeal rather than underplay it.

But should Sarkozy or Fillon emerge as her conservative opponent, polls and analysts suggest, Le Pen's electoral prospects would improve.
Thirty two Muslims from four families have joined the IS IS Group in the recent past, Justice Minister Wijedasa Rajapaksa told Parliament today.

He said the government would not allow these people to disrupt the country.

The minister said the government would not control the social media websites but would take action within the legal framework should these websites violate the law.

"We will not allow the media to abuse the freedom given to them" he said.

The minister said mischievous elementsare attempting to create a fear psychosis saying the government was trying to dilute the status given to Buddhism in the constitution." We will safeguard Buddhism while ensuring the rights of other religions," he added. (Yohan Perera)
The High Commissioners of Australia and the UK to Sri Lanka formally inaugurated VFS Globals new Visa Application Centre (VAC) yesterday, the two embassies in Colombo said in a statement.

The new VAC is located in Arnold Ratnayake Mawatha and offers customers a larger application centre and more appointments slots. This will make the process of applying for UK and Australian visas quicker and easier for customers. The VAC will be open Monday to Friday from 09:00 - 14:00.

The British High Commissioner to Sri Lanka James Dauris said that UK Visas and Immigration continues to make improvements to the visa service that UK offer to its Sri Lankan customers, to make it quicker and more straightforward for them to apply for visas.

We continue to make improvements to the visa service. This year we have introduced a new visit visa application form which is quicker and simpler to fill out. The form is available in Sinhalese and Tamil to help ensure that all of our Sri Lankan customers can properly understand our visa application requirements, Dauris said.

The Australian High Commissioner to Sri Lanka Bryce Hutchesson said that the new Visa Application Centre will continue to assist the Australian Government manage more than 25,000 visa applications lodged in Sri Lanka each year.

Australias Department of Immigration and Border Protection and VFS are working to make the Australian visa lodgement process a convenient and comfortable experience for travellers from Sri Lanka. These new arrangements will facilitate the smooth flow of ever increasing numbers of visa applicants and enhance the client experience, Hutchesson said.
Cenmetrix receiving the 2016 Best Project Award in Songdo Smart City, South Korea (from left) Suprema Inc. President James Lee, Cenmetrix Director Farhard Hussain and Cenmetrix Director Ziyam Kamil

Cenmetrix walked away with the Best Project Award for the year 2016 at the Suprema Partner Conference held at Sheraton Grand, Songdo Smart City, South Korea.

Suprema Inc. is a leading global provider of biometrics and ID solutions. Suprema has a worldwide sales network in over 130 countries and is one of the worlds top 50 security companies in its turnover (ranked in A&S Security 50, 2010-2015).

Cenmetrix has been involved in some key projects in Sri Lanka and was recognized for these projects and contributions made to the biometric security industry.

Cenmetrix is a leading technology SI specializing in biometric and RFID/NFC-related application for the Sri Lankan market. Cenmetrix portfolio expands over 500 customers in Sri Lanka and the Maldives, with over 4,500+ installations islandwide for key projects involving high level biometric security for the private and public sectors.
Hilton Colombo partners with this unique Design Development program

The unique cutting edge design development program that encourages designers of any genre and field to fine-tune their creative sensibility, Project Seven completes its first session of 2016. Seven up and coming designers enrolled into 12 weeks of design development modules. The transformation that took place in their approach to design of fashion was heralded by the participating fashion designers and fashion enthusiasts who successfully completed the session.

Hilton Colombo partnered with Project Seven as part of their social initiative that supports youth development and enterprise. The partnership will now continue to the next program.

Project Seven is a designer development program aimed at enhancing the ideation process through a series of workshops and mentoring sessions. The program takes participants through practical and logical steps to refine their creativity. It gets them to view things from a fresh perspective, helping them to become sensitive to the environment of design and the creative structures that are present around them.

Designer development is one of pillars of CFW and its basis. Thats how we started in 2003 and thats how we continue to move ahead. When we started over a decade ago we realized that the fashion design industry was almost non-existent and needed a special kind of effort to unearth and showcase Sri Lankan fashion design talent. It was quite lonely when CFW started, after 13 years it has gathered momentum and the fashion design industry is moving in the right direction and design development has been the basis of this movement, says Ajai Vir. Singh  Founder and President, Colombo Fashion Week who leads Project Seven.

Colombo Fashion Week distinguishes itself with this development project led by the vision to take the fashion design industry of Sri Lanka to a new level using a multi-pronged approach, which includes interaction with international designers and exposure in international markets and international media development projects for designers.

This program is simplistic in terms of pre-requisites for applying, anyone who loves fashion design and is passionate about it qualifies to apply. Its meant to hone their skills regardless of their field of work, says CFW President and Founder Ajai Vir Singh.

Over the years majority of designers who showcase at CFW have gone through mentorship in various forms. Project Seven is a streamlined, compact group version of this development process. New designers such as Asanka from Lovi, Jaish of Jai/ Aashilki, Anushika, Vatsala and others benefitted with the outcome.

"We are extremely privileged to have the opportunity to conduct these mentoring programs at the hotel and now await to see their brilliance unfold in the world of fashion design says Manesh Fernando, General Manager of Hilton Colombo. The Hilton Colombo joins hands with Colombo Fashion Week to host the Project Seven workshops.

Project Seven also gives participants knowledge and insight into the fashion industry as well as what it takes to be successful in both runway and retail today.

"My frames have gone. Project Seven inspired me to be more creative and look at things from a fresh perspective. I now look at the environment as a source of inspiration and design as a medium of expression. I look at design and fashion differently, with expanded horizons, Jaish, one of the designers said.

Asanka who also took part in the program said that Project Seven helped them tremendously to unearth the creativity that was within them. It was an invaluable course. Now my brand LOVI has a clear direction. I learned about fashion design in a refreshing way of branding"

By staying true to its vision, CFW has become the backbone of the Sri Lankan fashion industry and one that is supporting and leading Sri Lankan designers to international platforms.

For further details on Project Seven, please visit www.colombofashionweek.com or follow CFW on Facebook (www.facebook.com/colombofashionweek), Twitter (@colombofw) and Instagram (@colombofw).
From left Sandamali Hewanayake Senior Manager Corporate Communications, Imal Fonseka Group Chief Executive Officer, Fairway Holdings Group , Soundarie David Rodrigo Music Director Soul Sounds and Saminda Jayasekera Group Director Legal & Corporate Affairs, Fairway Holdings

Fairway Holdings continued their partnership with Soul Sounds, Sri Lankas award winning Premier all women choir.

Directed by well-known pianist and musician, Soundarie David Rodrigo, Soul Sounds is ranked with some of the most renowned choirs in the world. Soul Sounds have enthralled many an audience both in Sri Lanka and abroad with their ability to reach out to the soul with their passionate music. This premier female ensemble, were the first choir in the country to venture into the world of international choral music, and have been truly musical ambassadors to Sri Lanka. Their first win as a choir was at the Llangollen International Musical Eistedfodd in Wales back in 2004, where they were first runners up in the Youth Choir Category. Since then there has been no turning back and they have won many awards at the World Choir Games held in China and Austria.

To date, they have traveled and performed in India, China, Australia, Kuwait, Austria, France, the USA, Malaysia and South Africa.

Each successive performance of this choir has been an improvement on the earlier and the choral harmony and music transcends boundaries and continues to take up the challenge of venturing into different genres of music. For these girls, singing is soul searching. Their goal is to constantly better their standards, while reaching out internationally to appeal to their growing fan base, with the aim of showcasing Sri Lankan talent to the world.

Fairway Holdings has a fine track record of sponsoring artistic & musical events that have the salutary effect of spreading wholesome societal values and appreciation of the arts and culture. This partnership between Fairway Holdings and Soul Sounds is a long-term commitment to support and empower this choir to make greater forays in the musical art.
Fouzul Hameed  Managing Director, Hameedia addressing the media

Renowned menswear specialist Fouzul Hameed will continue to uplift menswear fashion in Sri Lanka, by presenting the fourth edition of the annual Envoy Concept a showcase on 3rd of December 2016, under the theme infini8. Concept is the only menswear fashion show of its kind and is conceptualised and presented in accordance with the highest international standards. Hameedia is the only menswear brandthat forecasts all of the latest local, global fashion trends and showcases its collections and styles a year in advance.

Concept 2017  infini8 willshowcase a total of 8 newcollections that will be inspired by the essence of liberty and elegance that are quintessential to effortless style. Drawing inspiration from the theme infini8, the collections will feature indigo prints and patterns, hounds tooth fabrics, chic British fashions, handlooms and linens, earthy hues and tones, street styles from Milan as well as ceremonial attire. Sleek sophistication and elegance will be evident in each collection, which will encompass the finest fabrics, embellishments, cuts and designs from around the world. Each piece featured in the show will be designed and tailored using both age-old tailoring techniques and the latest technology to achieve a final look and feel that has an impeccable finish. The latest edition will focus heavily on the international market and will be pitched to international buyers.

Commenting on the highly anticipated showcase, Fouzul Hameed  Managing Director, Hameedia stated, The Envoy Concept showcase is the most anticipated menswear spectacular in the country and is a key highlight in the local fashion calendar. The show was created to transform the menswear fashion arena in Sri Lanka and it offers the men of today the fashion knowledge and inspiration that they need to become the men of tomorrow. The way someone dresses defines their personality and how they are perceived by the world. The Concept 2017  infini8 showcase will enable men with differing aspirationsto embrace the best fashion choices for every occasion. A man needs many things to live a wholesome and enriched life - health, comfort, shelter, happiness, opportunities and support are all integral to a mans success. However, the ability to be well groomed and make a strong style statement can truly redefine a man and it can bolster the confidence and power that he exudes in his professional and personal life. Concept 2017  infini8will showcase an extensive range ofclothing and will project many up-and-coming trends, that will inspire Sri Lankan men to step out in style on any occasion.

Shiham Saliheen- Brand Manager Hameedia, welcoming the media

As serving society has always been a core value of the Hameedia Group, theConcept 2017  infini8showcase will feature a variety of fundraising initiatives that will support the My Friend project. The project is powered by Angelo Mathews who is the cofounder and brand ambassador. All proceeds from the show will help to educate underprivileged children across the country through the My Friend foundation. This year, several partners that specialize in mens retail as well asmany lifestyle brands, will also come on board for the showcase. These partners include adidas, Vision Care, Colombo Jewellery Stores, Exclusive Lines, HP and Capello Salons, while Galle Face Hotel is named as the official hospitality partner and will be hosting the event on their venue

The collections that will be showcased at the event encompass over 60 years of tradition, know-how and expertise and will truly raise the bar of the local menswear fashion industry. Concept 2017  infini8 will offer a glimpse into the future of style,whilst showcasing designs and outfits that are tailored to suit the style needs of men from all walks of life. EnvoyConcept 2017  infini8 by FHwill serve as a one-stop menswear showcase and will feature clothing options that will complement every mans lifestyle and fashion needs and enable him to look his best at all times.
Locally produced milk powder which was hitherto exempted from the Valued Added Tax (VAT) has now been made liable with effect from January 1, 2017, an expert in tax policy and planning said this week. According to Suresh Perera, Principle, Tax and Regulatory at KPMG Sri Lanka, going forward both locally produced and imported milk power will be taxed at the rate of 15 percent. When the VAT Amendment Act was passed, VAT exemption on import and supply of milk powder was removed and I think in order to create uniformity in this budget, the local milk powder has also been subjected to VAT. So, now going forward, both local and foreign milk powder will be liable for VAT, Perera told a postbudget forum organized by Chartered Institute of Management Accountants (CIMA) Sri Lanka Division this week. A closer look at the text of the budget speech made by the Finance Minister, Ravi Karunanayake in fact showed a proposal to that effect.

I also propose to exempt the provision of geriatric care and child care services, certain electrical and electronic goods, locally manufactured dairy products other than milk powder from VAT, the text of the budget 2017 showed. While this means from January 2017, the locally produced milk powder prices should go up in response to the hike in VAT, the Minister had earlier imposed a control price of Rs.295 for a 400g pack. It was only yesterday the Ceylon Chamber of Commerce, Sri Lankas premier business chamber, warned against price controls as such actions distort the free market. However, Perera hailed the move to reduce the VAT exemptions to a minimum, for the tax to work effectively. He took the examples of countries such as Singapore and New Zealand where there are only four to five exempted items but in Sri Lanka there is a list of 160 exempted items. Our VAT has a problem. We have too many exemptions. For VAT to work, exemptions should not be there. So, there is a move to increase the VAT base  that is to eliminate the exemptions, Perera explained. Meanwhile, the budget proposed to reduce the custom duty on imported milk powder by Rs.35 per kilogram to Rs.100.
Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe inspecting exhibits, as Industry and Commerce Minister Rishard Bathiudeen (centre left) looks on. Pic by: Kithsiri de Mel

The Sri Lankan government is planning to introduce technological solutions for the countrys traditional crafts industry, it was revealed at the Shilpa Abhimani2016 Presidential Awards and Handicrafts Exhibition inauguration.

It is time we bring in new technologies to this sector. Together with our Ministry of Telecommunication and Digital Infrastructure, we are planning to introduce new tech to Sri Lankan crafts sector, Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe said..

Organized by the National Crafts Council, this years exhibition included 100 local exhibitors, and for the first time, included regional participation with 30 exhibitors arriving from Bangladesh, Bhutan and Nepal.

Wickramasinghe said that the Telecommunication and Digital Infrastructure Ministry is hoping to introduce new technologies to help craftsmen to help expand their businesses.

As they are SMEs, we also plan to increase funding to them through budgeted SME funds, he added.

Crafts and designs are very competitive and increasingly market-driven. Therefore it is important for our craftsmen to be up to date in their work, Industry and Commerce Minister Rishard Bathiudeen added.

He said that the government will support Sri Lankan craftsmen to gain international exposure at global trade fairs, where participants use cutting edge 3D printing and laser operated design setups.

Bathiudeen said that over 1,000 craft related jobs have been created this year, and that he is hoping the number would increase by threefold next year.
 Flash

China and Ecuador agreed on Thursday to lift bilateral ties to a comprehensive strategic partnership.

President Xi Jinping meets with Ecuadorian President Rafael Correa in Quito, Ecuador on November 18, 2016. [Photo/Xinhua]

The decision was announced during Chinese President Xi Jinping's state visit to Ecuador, the first of its kind since the two countries established diplomatic relations 36 years ago.

In his talks with Ecuadorian President Rafael Correa, Xi, who arrived in Ecuador Thursday afternoon, said Ecuador is an important country in Latin America.

Despite a long distance between them, bilateral ties between China and Ecuador have witnessed substantial development in recent years.

The two countries established a strategic partnership in Correa's second official visit to Beijing in 2015, and Ecuador is now a major destination for Chinese investment and financing in Latin America.

In April this year, Ecuador was hit by a 7.8-magnitude earthquake, and China was one of the first countries to supply humanitarian aid immediately after the quake.

Xi noted that since 2015, mutually beneficial cooperation between the two sides have seen rapid development in a wide range of areas, with the scale of collaboration continuing to increase.

Bilateral ties have since been greatly enriched and have been picking up momentum towards comprehensive development, he added.

The Chinese president said China-Ecuador relations have now entered a key phase where cooperation between the two countries is of greater importance to both sides.

China will continue to support Ecuador in exploring a development path that suits its own conditions, and will actively take part in Ecuador's post-earthquake reconstruction work, he said.

China is willing to reinforce practical cooperation with the Ecuadorian side in all areas, comprehensively step up the integration of interests of both sides, expand people-to-people exchanges, and open up brighter prospects for the development of bilateral ties, Xi said.

He went on to pledge support for Ecuador's presidency of the Group of 77 next year, saying that China is willing to maintain close cooperation with the G77 in multilateral affairs.

China is also willing to work with Ecuador to boost overall cooperation with Latin America and push for greater development in China-Latin America relations, he added.

Ecuador is the first leg of President Xi's three-nation Latin American tour which will also take him to Peru and Chile. This is his third visit to Latin America since he took the presidency in March 2013.

He will also attend the 24th Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) Economic Leaders' Meeting while in Lima, capital of Peru.
Former Sri Lankan Ambassador to the USA, Jaliya Wickramasuriya was arrested by the Financial Crimes Investigations Division (FCID) last night over a financial fraud, Police said.

He was alleged to have defrauded more than US$ 33,000 in purchasing a building for the Sri Lankan Embassy in USA.

He was arrested at the Bandaranaike International Airport (BIA) on his return from USA. (T.K.G. Kapila)

Video by Buddhi


Former Sri Lankan Ambassador to the USA Jaliya Wickramasuriya is seen being taken to the prison today, after he was remanded till December 2 by the Colombo Fort Magistrate over financial fraud.

Pic by Nisal Baduge
A Supreme Court Bench comprising Justices Priyasath Dep, K.T. Chitrasiri and Prasanna S. Jayawardene today refused to grant leave to proceed with the petition challenging the singing of the National Anthem in Tamil.

Petitioners Sudath Perera, Pradeep Asiri Soysa and G.A.D. Premaratne cited President Maithripala Sirisena and the Attorney General as respondents and said they it was on February 4, 2016 at the Independence Day celebration that they became aware of the national anthem being sung in Tamil.

They said it was a gross violation of Article 7 of the Constitution and it was arbitrary and capricious and crass violation of the principle of equality and of the rights of all citizens.

The petitioners said the words Namo Namo Matha had been substituted by Sri Lanka Matha.

Meanwhile, two intervernient petitions were filed by Ven. Gonagala Gnanaloka Thera of the Sri Sugathamaha Viharaya in Anuradhapura and the Centre for Policy Alternatives challenging the rights petition.

They maintained that the Constitution did not stipulate that the national anthem should only be sung in Sinhala and that Article 18 and 19 of the Constitution clearly and had unambiguously stated that Sinhala and Tamil shall be the official and national languages of Sri Lanka.

The intervenient petitioners said there was no inconsistency between the Constitution and the decision to sing the national anthem in Tamil.

Manohara de Silva PC appeared for the petitioners. Viran Corea instructed by Moahan Balendra appeared for the intervenient petitioner CPA and Suren Fernando and Pulasthi Hewamanna for the intervenient petitioner Ven. Gonagala Gnanaloka Thera. Deputy Solicitor General Viraj Dayaratne appeared for the Attorney General. (S.S. Selvanayagam)
In 1772, sailing to the far south, Captain James Cook deflated the prevailing myth of Antarctica, that it was a temperate land, fertile and populated. Although he never landed on the continent he saw the vast icebergs, the frozen sea and the worst weather anywhere in the world. He wrote that it is a continent doomed by nature and doubted that man would ever find a use for it.



The words had not been long out of his mouth before governments started to make tentative grabs. The British were the first to make a move, claiming sovereignty on the grounds that the government needed to regulate commercial whaling.



The grabbing continued over the next century, to be followed by a lull and a passive acceptance of the status quo by the rest of the world. Now, however, the ice continent, the vast wilderness of ice, whipped repeatedly by hurricane force winds surrounded by cold grey seas, has become the centre of its own stormy debates. It is mankinds last frontier on earth, its ice-covered mountains and surrounding seas contain undiscovered resources -- oil, gas, uranium, platinum as well as krill, whales, penguins and petrels.



So who owns Antarctica? The original buccaneering nations who grabbed it first? Or is it, like the UNs Law of the Sea, another common heritage of mankind, as suggested by the eminent Latin American jurist Andres Bello who developed the thesis in 1831 that those things that cannot be possessed by one nation without detriment to the rest have to be considered by the international community as indivisible common patrimony?



The Antarctica discussions have been even more complicated than the complex Law of the Sea debate because of the longstanding claims already in existence.



At the end of last month, delegates from 24 countries and the European Union agreed that the Ross Sea in Antarctica would become the worlds largest marine protected area. In fact it is the Earths most pristine marine ecosystem. It covers 1.57 million square kilometres (600,000 square miles) of the Southern Ocean.



It will be protected from commercial fishing and mining for 35 years and possibly indefinitely. The Ross Sea, its shelf and slope comprise only 2% of the entire Southern Ocean but are home to 38% of the worlds adelie penguins, 30% of the worlds Antarctic petrels and around 6% of the worlds population of Antarctic mink whales. It is also home to huge numbers of krill, a staple food for species such as whales and seals. The up-welling of nutrients from the seas deep waters are carried around the planet by currents.



At the end of negotiations last year Russia was the one country holding out against a consensus agreement. But the current year was designated by President Vladimir Putin as the Year of Ecology. First, Russia expanded a marine protected area around Franz Josef Land in the Artic. Now it is a signed-up member of the Ross Sea agreement with China and the US having also signed.



Britain, France and Norway have long claimed large areas of Antarctica -- partly because they discovered and effectively occupied big chunks of the wasteland, even if occupation was nothing more than a weather station and half a dozen wooden huts, Australia, Argentina, Chile and New Zealand have claims based on proximity. The Chilean and Argentinian claims overlap with claims made by Britain. Surprisingly, neither Russia nor the US has a current claim.



In 1958, the claimants together with the Soviet Union, Japan, Belgium and South Africa met to discuss a code for scientific research on the continent. In 1960 they signed a treaty providing for continued peaceful research. It also banned military activities, nuclear explosions and the dumping of nuclear waste.



It was an unusual piece of ad-hocery without any valid judicial basis. Nevertheless, its principles are important, committing the big powers to behaviour and norms they usually shy away from.

As the Antarctic Treaty has matured it has become recognised as one of the most successful sets of international agreements, setting an example for peaceful cooperation in the rest of

the world.



As an environmental regime it is unique- an entire continent, which is essentially undisturbed and will remain protected from the cruder urges

of mankind.



After a period of 30 years a member -country had the right to ask for a review of the Treaty. No country has asked so far. Clearly the status quo is keeping everyone happy. The Ross Sea agreement 56 years after the Treaty was signed is another important step forward. At the moment an ancillary minerals regime treaty is not a pressing issue. Two-mile thick ice precludes mining.

Environmentalists from green NGOS are overjoyed at the successes so far. Now they are shooting for their next target- a series of Marine Protected Areas in other parts of the cold continent. Why not?

Copyright: Jonathan Power
Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe has instructed the Ministry of Foreign Affairs to support the former president, Kurunegala District MP Mahinda Rajapaksa on his forthcoming tour of China.

Sources close to the Prime Minister said that a request to this effect has been made, as Mr Rajapaksa had been invited by the Chinese government.

Mr Rajapaksa is expected to leave for China on November 23. (Yohan Perera)
CEO of Synapsys - Dinesh Fernandopulle

DFCC Bank was the Exclusive Banking Partner at the World Export Development Forum held recently in Colombo. This forum was a unique global conference and Business-to-Business (B2B) matchmaking platform dedicated to supporting trade-led development and provided an ideal platform for the nations exporters to engage with overseas buyers. During the event, the Bank was able to highlight its comprehensive range of trade and other financial solutions for the export community.

DFCC Bank plays a critical role in elevating Sri Lankas export community to establish its footprint in the international arena and it does this through a suite of cutting-edge IT-enabled platforms that enable exporters to save resources, reduce transaction cost and achieve faster turnaround times. These cutting-edge solutions are designed by its wholly-owned subsidiary, Synapsys, which is led by a vision to bring financial access to the unbanked and under-banked communities, providing low-cost efficient payment systems and ultra-convenient financial services to consumers.

Arjun Fernando, Chairman of Synapsysand CEO of DFCC Bank said, We are proud to have Synapsys as the force behind the technology we offer our customers through our IT-backed financial solutions. DFCC Bank has emerged as a sustainable business partner for offering FinTech solutions and we will work closely with Synapsys to devise solutions which empower our customers and impact their businesses in a dynamic manner.

Celebrating its 10th anniversary this year, Synapsys has become a preferred FinTech partner for various industries such as the plantations, apparel, ceramics and financial services sectors by streamlining their operations on both trade and treasury aspects.

The CEO of Synapsys, Dinesh Fernandopulle says, Our IT solutions enables diverse sectors to gain greater control across the length and breadth of their value chains by automating and simplifying former manual processes, strengthening quality control and production planning, and ensuring timely payments to suppliers. Our solutions target real business needs of our clients by offering domain specific solutions rather than a one-size-fits-all approach.

Synapsys financial technology solution, MBANX TIPS won Gold in the E-inclusion and E-community category, at the prestigious National Best Quality Software Awards (NBQSA) held recently. This award has qualified MBANX TIPS to represent Sri Lanka and compete in the Asia Pacific ICT Awards (APICTA) 2016 in Taipei. Developed by a team of Tea industry, Supply Chain and Financial Services professionals working with technology experts, MBANX is a configurable system that adapts to diverse operations and industries.

MBANX TIPS, which has been implemented by some of the largest tea factories in the world, has enabled its customers within a short time to increase quality and quantity of supplied produce, increase efficiency in the supply chain, provide more visibility and accountability to the processes, increase compliance and build mutually beneficial relationships with the industry stakeholders. MBANX is also offered as a Cloud-hosted solution and Software-as-a-Service (SaaS) which reduce upfront and operational cost for customers.

Synapsys is proud of its impact in financial inclusion that is facilitating the smallholder owners to track their products from farmto-factory. This has especially enabled some of its customers to identify sourcing of tea for buyers in order to comply with various Fair Trade, Ethical Sourcing and Organic certifications. Closer tracking and greater transparency and control are the immediate benefits of solutions from Synapsys.

Synapsys is staffed by high quality computer engineering and banking experts, who enable us to devise financial solutions that have a strong practical element. Synapsys has evolved into one of the foremost financial solutions partners for diverse sectors and has established a global footprint. Our solutions like the Vardhana Virtual Wallet are already accelerating financial inclusion and easy access to cash for all, and we expect it to build on it further to render it a widely adopted platform on an even wider scale as the market matures. Synapsys expects to make a big leap by diversifying into the platform economy and crowd funding/sourcing to uplift small scale and cottage industries to find buyers and funding, adds Fernandopulle.

Synapsys itself is an Exporter of IT Solutions & Services  a key focus of the government in the digitalization of Sri Lanka and our place in a Digital World.

SYNAPSYS, a subsidiary of DFCC Bank PLC, is a dynamic and innovative technology firm with an array of products and services supporting Banks, Capital Markets, Insurance and Retail Payments across Asia and Pacific. The unparalleled service commitment offered by the employees has enabled Synapsys to originate the two flagship and NBQSA award winning platforms, MBANX Mobile Teller a few years ago, METRIX Analytics in 2015 and MBANX TIPS today.
The Cinnamon Grand in Colombo seemed extra alive over the past few days as Sri Lanka hosted the 12th International Micro insurance Conference. From the 15th to the 17th of November, more than 400 insurers from over 50 countries and Sri Lanka gatheredto share their views and ideas on the topic of insurance and the development of microinsurance.

Initiated in 2005 by the Munich Re Foundation and the Micro insurance Network, the purpose of the conference lies in providing insurers, re-insurers, insurance/re-insurance brokers, micro credit agents, insurance regulators, international donor agencies as well as organizations like the World Bank Group and ILO, from all over the globe with a suitable platform to meet, share ideas and experience while learning new and innovative methods to further develop the concept of microinsurance in their own countries. As Mr. Thomas Loster, the Chairman of the Munich Re Foundation stated at the opening ceremony, We are devoted to aiding those most vulnerable, the poor.

The opening ceremony took place at 2.00 pm on the 15th of November in the Oak Room of the Cinnamon Grand with the Honorable Minister of Finance, Mr. Ravi Karunanayake taking on the role of Chief Guest and the Chairperson of the IBSL, Mrs. IndraniSugathadasa attending as Guest of Honor. Stepping up to the microphone Mr. Dirk Perera, the President of the IASL expressed his absolute pleasure to welcome the gathering to the conference as according to him, Microinsurance goes to the very heart and purpose of our business. Mr. Perera also thanked the Munich Re Foundation and the Microinsurance Network for the confidence they have shown by selecting the IASL to host the International MicroinsuranceConference for the year 2016 and for the support both organizations have rendered in the organization of the prestigious event.

Dr. Jagath Alwis, Chairman, Organizing Committee /Coordinator

Addressing the gathering, Mr. Loster graciously thanked and acknowledged the contributions made by the IASL since the inception of the conference and stated that he was confident that the Sri Lankan insurance industry was ready to take on a leading role in the global insurance market. The Chairman went on to thank the Microinsurance Network for their support in the endeavor. Insuring the poor against climate change is one of the matters for which this conference is striving to find solutions, added Mr. Loster. Mr. Michael McCord, the President of the Microinsurance Network stated that the conference had already proven to be most exciting. In his speech, Mr. McCord placed special emphasis on the necessity of trust between insurer and customer and encouraged all those gathered to learn from the conference and apply those teachings to their own work.

Mrs. IndraniSugathadasa warmly welcomed all those gathered to the 12th International Microinsurance Conference, adding that it was a great leap forward for the insurance community of Sri Lanka to host such a popular international event. Mr. Rohan Sachdev, EYs Global Insurance Emerging Market Leader, delivered the keynote address during which he discussed the concept, gaps, benefits and aspects of microinsurance.

Chief Guest, Minister Karunanayake was most pleased by the efforts and initiatives of the IASL, the Munich Re Foundation and the MicroinsuranceNetwork in holding such an important conference on microinsurance. I am pleased to note that sustainability has come into focus which we took into account while drawing up the Sri Lanka national budget proposal this year. It is my fervent wish that the conference commencing today will bring in greater benefits for the industry and more opportunities for the beneficiaries, the lower income citizens thus making them inclusive. The minister further went on to state, The professionalism of the organizers is clearly depicted by the objectives enumerated which will hopefully provide the correct foundation to ensure that the 12th Annual International Microinsurance Conference held during the next few days in Sri Lanka will be the most valuable weve held in the recent years.

Mr. Dirk Perera-President of IASL

The IASL, the Munich Re Foundation and the Microinsurance Network were joined by the IBSL as a co-host and J.B Boda as the gold sponsor of the conference.

In addition to the main event, a pre-conference workshop organized by ILO and was held on the 14th of November at Cinnamon Grand, based on the topic, Managing Microinsurance Distribution & Building Sustainable Agriculture Insurance. The Annual General Meeting of the Microinsurance Network was held on the 18th of November while the International Association of Insurance Supervisors (IAIS) hosted their financial inclusion working group and draft group on the use of Digital Technology in conjunction with the conference.
A globally-acclaimed futurist and a growth strategist who visited Sri Lanka recently said that he is very upbeat about the countrys future and its culture of innovation.

Global Change Limited Chairman Dr. Patrick Dixon made this observation, when he addressed a gathering of Sri Lankan CEOs at the Ceylon Chamber of Commerce.

Plans for establishing a Colombo International Financial City is a symbol of confidence and of future economic growth. With a highly skilled workforce and strategic location, the nation has a great future as part of Asias rapid rise in global influence and power over the next 50 years, he said.

Dr. Dixon was visiting Sri Lanka to help promote the new mobile payments platform ROKA PAY.

ROKA PAY was designed and built here, with potential to transform mobile payments in many nations  just one example of Sri Lankas excellence in innovation, he said.

The futurist, who was ranked among the worlds 20 most influential business thinkers alive today by Thinkers 50, was speaking to the CEOs on The Future of Almost Everything  the title of his latest book.

Dixon advised the business leaders to remain fast and flexible in their decision making.

The world can change faster than you can hold a meeting, so we need to be flexible in strategy, and think ahead. But at the same time, many mega trends are changing relatively slowly and predictably, which is the basis of corporate strategy, he said.

If youre a fashion house, a 6 month horizon may be far enough, but banks need to plan at least 5 years ahead because new technologies take time to integrate and launch. Insurers typically calculate risks over 10 years ahead, stretching to 25 years for pharma because it takes 15 years to bring a new drug to market, Dixon added.
Turkey, which has one of the largest construction industries in the world, is interested in taking part in the Western Province Megapolis project, Turkish Prime Minister Binali Yldrm said.

Turkish contractors are world-renowned. They can partner in various construction projects in Sri Lanka including the planned Megapolis. We are ready to partner, Yldrm said, according to a communique released by the Sri Lankan Industry and Commerce Ministry.

He was speaking to Industry and Commerce Minister Rishad Bathiudeen, who was in Ankara, Turkey last weekend to attend the Second Session of Sri Lanka Turkey Joint Committee Meeting of Technical and Economic Cooperation (JCMTEC).

We welcome Turkey contractors to partner in Sri Lankas projects and invite representatives from Turkish contractor community to visit Sri Lanka and see. I shall take the message of Turkish contractors interest on Sri Lankas Megapolis back home to our Prime Minister, Bathiudeen said.

Turkish construction companies are the worlds second largest overseas project contractors, behind China.

Meanwhile, Yldrm pointed out the potential of Sri Lanka for logistics and tourism.

We see Sri Lanka not only as a hub in South Asia but as an attractive tourist destination as well, he added.

He further said that he was pleased with the progress made by the unity government in Sri Lanka, and that it was important to re-open trade talks after 26 years of cordial and historic relations.

According to the Commerce Department, bilateral trade between Turkey and Sri Lanka stood at US$ 230 million in 2015. Turkey is one of the leading markets for Ceylon Tea, and Sri Lankan tea exporters have been requesting the government to initiate a dialogue with Turkey to sign a free trade agreement between the two countries.

During our Ankara session, both sides agreed to take our bilateral trade to US$ 500 million by 2020. I invite Turkish investors and businesses to partner with Sri Lanka and take advantage of the hub positioning that Sri Lanka offers to enter the growing South Asian market, Bathiudeen said.

During the meeting, both Bathiudeen and Yldrm also discussed other avenues of bilateral cooperation.
The Petroleum Resources Development Ministry will construct two oil refineries in Trincomalee and Hambantota with the technical and financial commitments from China and India, the Daily Mirror learns.

A reliable Ministry source on condition of anonymity told the Daily Mirror yesterday that the Trincomalee refinery with a capacity of 200,000 barrels per day would be constructed in association with India while Hambantota refinery will be built with chinas assistance.

Minister Chandima Weerakkodi will visit the two countries soon to initiate discussions at which a final decision will be taken on the capacity, the total cost, the financial commitment from each country and the time of commissioning. However, the output of both refineries will be mainly for export, he added.

Meanwhile, the Petroleum Resources Development Ministry is in the process of setting up a training centre at the Sapugaskanda oil refinery for professionals for the petroleum industry in association with the Colombo University.

Sri Lanka will produce technicians and engineers to meet the requirements the oil industry from this training centre. Such positions are in high demand in the international market offering high salaries.

In the wake of Sri Lankas one and only oil refinery at Sapugaskanda performing below expectations, the Petroleum Resources Development Ministry has decided to award three term contracts to two Singapore suppliers and one Indian supplier for the delivery of Gas Oil, Gasoline and Jet Fuel for a period of eight months from December 2016 to July 2017 at a cost of US$ 257 million (Rs. 38 billion approximately).

The three term contract to supply refined Gas Oil, Gasoline and Jet Fuel during the 8 months duration will be thus awarded to M Petrochina (Singapore) International Pt. Ltd., Singapore, M/s. Reliance Industries limited, India and M/s Petrochina (Singapore) International Ltd., Singapore, respectively as per the terms and conditions stipulated in the approved respective bid documents and recommendation of the SSCAPC (Special Standing Cabinet Appointed Procurement Committee) .

The cabinet gave the nod to a proposal made by Petroleum Resources Development Minister Chandima Weerakkodi in this respect on Tuesday (15) with approved terms and conditions of bid documents along with the recommendations.

Minister Weerakkodi told the cabinet that since the existing term of contracts would end by October, 2016, these three term contracts separately were necessary in order to make every endeavor to procure all petroleum products.

Products quantities and the product combinations of the above three (03) term contracts are based on the local demand for each product and the storage limitations in the country, Minister Weerakkodi said.

A total of 23 bids had been received for the entire purchase and three (03) bids were eligible for detailed bid evaluation having completed all tender terms and conditions including the product specifications. Among said three (03) responsive bids, the bid of the M/s. Petrochina International (Singapore) Pte. Ltd Singapore was the lowest evaluated substantially responsive bid and also the lowest among all six (06) bids submitted for this procurement, Accordingly, on the evaluation and recommendation of TEC, SSCAPC has recommended to award the particular contract to M/s. Petrochina International (Singapore) Pte. Ltd, Singapore, Minister Weerakkodi said.(By Sandun A Jayasekera)
People in general are fed up and disgusted at the governments refusal to fulfil its pledge to bring to book, those involved in crime, corruption, amassed wealth illegally, plundered the country, waste and other such activities during the previous regime. On 8 January 2015 they voted with great enthusiasm in the hope that both President Maithripala Sirisena and Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe would be sincere in their election slogans to punish all who plundered countrys wealth. However, dashing all hopes, the government, instead of fulfilling its promises, is being accused of the same evils such as widespread corruption and waste, while crooks, criminals and others accused of various crimes remain free and even travel abroad.



The mood in the country is Gloom. Civil society organisations even discuss the possibility of a third political force as both the United National Party and the Sri Lanka Freedom Party, ruled alternatively since independence,had turned the country into one of the most mismanaged in the world.They realise that the shortsighted racist politics of these two parties had brought nothing but disaster.

For example Sri Lanka, during the time of independence, was one of most stable countries, often described as the role model, in the entire third world. There was political and economic stability, sufficient foreign reserve, health care and education systems, communal harmony and peace.



Those were the days one could walk from Matara to Jaffna without fear of being waylaid. Instead one may have been treated for a free cup of tea or a meal as human values were cherished

Rights and privileges of all were enshrined in the constitution. People respected one anothers religious and cultural values. Politicians, professionals, intellectuals

and all others were respected by the society. Corruption and crime were

relatively unknown.



There was an independent judiciary and police. Thus the country was blessed with everything required to move ahead to ensure a better future for all. However it failed to produce a visionary leader from the majority community who could think above communal politics and guide the country.

As a result, almost seven decades after independence today, Sri Lanka remains as one of the most mismanaged countries in the world.



Who is responsible? Isnt it the destructive racist politics of the UNP and SLFP which turned the island into Asias worst killing field? Racist politics began as early as the 1930s when some politicians began to promote the interest of the Sinhalese for their own selfish political interest.

For example during the State Council days in the 1930s it was D.S.Senanayake as Minister of Lands and Lands Settlement who initiated the colonisation of Sinhalese in Polonnaruwa, Padaviya and Inginiyagala in the East which were claimed by Tamils and Muslims as their traditional homeland.

Adding fuel to fire, politicians also started claiming that this was a Sinhala Buddhist country and dismissed minorities. Minorities who do not want to be second class citizens demanded equal rights and equal roles in the affairs of the country and in deciding their own destinies.



Realising the racist mind-set of politicians, the British colonial government, enshrined in the Soulbury Constitution a special provision, section 29A , as a security valve in the hope of protecting minority rights. Some of the Sinhalese leaders, before and after the independence, were quite open in continuing to whip up communalism.They openly equated and continued to equate Sinhalese nationalism with Sri Lankan nationalism and Buddhism, and began implementing their communal agendas ruthlessly, not realizing that they were plunging the country into a bloodbath.



Exploiting the mood of the Sinhalese the Legislative Council Member S.W.R.D. Bandaranaike formed the Sinhala Maha Sabha which segregated the Sinhalese from the mainstream political scene.

J.R. Jayawardene moved in the United National Party annual convention the Sinhala only resolution. S.W.R.D.Bandaranaike called for Sinhala only within 24 hours and faced elections on communal slogans to gain power. Politicians also encouraged the rise of Sinhala chauvinism with frequent violent attacks on Tamils causing death and destruction.



However Mr. Bandaranaike was quick to realise the consequences of his communal politics and took damage control measures such as the Bandaranaike Chelvanayagam Pact, BC Pact. Even at that stage, did the politicians do some stock-taking of the consequences of their racist politics? They were not bothered.



Instead almost all governments with their eyes firmly fixed on elections, either to win or to retain power, aggressively continued to woo the majority community as the most effective vote-caching strategy.



This unfortunate trend continued, not realising the consequences. In 1970 Prime Minister Mrs. Srimavo Bandaranaike removed Section No 29A of the Soulbury Constitution in her Republican Constitution and made Buddhism the state religion. This led to all Tamil political parties uniting under the umbrella of Tamil United Liberation Front (TULF) which demanded equal rights.



Added to this President Jayewardenes draconian 1978 Constitution which created a democratically elected all powerful dictator, virtually turned minorities voiceless and helpless. In July 1983 his party thugs attacked and killed Tamils besides burning their properties under a very well organised anti-Tamil programme.



The result was the emergence of the Tamil militancy, later trained, armed and financed by India, which produced some of the deadliest terrorists who virtually paralysed the island, besides paving the way for a powerful Tamil Diaspora of Sri Lankan Tamils.



There were death and destruction all over, the economy was crippled, and people lived in fear. The situation was such that women folk at home were not sure whether their husbands who went to work or the children who went to school would return alive. Those were the days when people went about only for essential work as they did not know when and where a bomb would explode.



While people suffered, politicians and their cronies flourished in the form of commissions in weapons purchasing. This dire catastrophe spelt adversity to the helpless people and prosperity to politicians of the two main parties.



The ethnic war also brought in all sorts of players to the island. For example India entered the islands politics when the Indian Prime Minister Rajiv Gandhi forced down the throat of President J.R.Jayawardena, the 13th Amendment to the Constitution. In the subsequent years Indias interference and dominance in the local politics came to such a ridiculous stage that Sri Lankan politicians visited New Delhi frequently to brief and, perhaps, to get their blessings on local issues.

Most disillusioned people from all communities left the island in search of peaceful life to countries all over the world. Squeezed between Sinhala chauvinists and the Tamil racism and militancy, the Muslim community had its own share of sufferings. Their grievances fell on the deaf ears of almost every government after the independence.



A section of Muslims from the East, launched a separate Muslim party which isolated the Muslim community from both Sinhalese and Tamils. Their sufferings continued even after the war ended due to the Rajapaksa governments hostility towards Muslims.



That historic opportunity was squandered once again due to racist politics, unprecedented crime, corruption, waste and the virtual collapse of the administration under the Mahinda Rajapaksa regime. The regime unleashed violence against Muslims. There were more than 350 attacks on mosques, religious schools, business establishments and the organised programme at Aluthgama, Beruwala and Dharga town.



It was under such circumstances that President Maithripala Sirisena and Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe came out with the slogan they would eliminate crime, corruption and pave the way for good governance and communal harmony.



Almost two years after assuming office where do we stand today? Once again allegations of racist politics, widespread corruption, lawlessness, rapid erosion of democracy, wasteful expenditure, extravagance and luxury.



Due to mismanagement of the two parties, today the island has become a playground for all deadly players from India, China, Israel, United States, Britain and even Russia who are all active with their own designs here.



Describing the situation, columnist Lacille de Silva said in a recent article that OURS IS A KLEPTOCRACY - LITERALLY RULED BY THIEVES.



Under the circumstance are we going to vote for these parties. Isnt the time ripe to think of a third political force to save the country and restore its dignity?
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FLEETCOR Technologies, Inc. provides digital payment solutions for businesses to control purchases and make payments. It offers corporate payments solutions, such as accounts payable automation; Virtual Card, which provides a single-use card number for a specific amount usable within a defined timeframe; Cross-Border that is used by its customers to pay international vendors, foreign office and personnel expenses, capital expenditures, and profit repatriation and dividends; and purchasing cards and travel and entertainment cards for its customers to analyze and manage their corporate spending. The company also provides employee expense management solutions, including fuel solutions to businesses and government entities that operate vehicle fleets, as well as to oil and leasing companies, and fuel marketers; lodging solutions to businesses that have employees who travel overnight for work purposes, as well as to airlines and cruise lines to accommodate traveling crews and stranded passengers; and electronic toll payments solutions to businesses and consumers in the form of radio frequency identification tags affixed to vehicles' windshields. In addition, it offers gift card program management and processing services in plastic and digital forms that include card design, production and packaging, delivery and fulfillment, card and account management, transaction processing, promotion development and management, website design and hosting, program analytics, and card distribution channel management. Further, it provides other products consisting of payroll cards, vehicle maintenance service solution, long-haul transportation solution, prepaid food vouchers or cards, and prepaid transportation cards and vouchers. The company serves business, merchant, consumer, and payment network customers in North America, Brazil, and Internationally. The company was founded in 1986 and is headquartered in Atlanta, Georgia.
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In Germany, U.S. President Barack Obama is meeting with key European leaders Friday to talk about a myriad of economic and security challenges that face the partners as the United States prepares to have President-elect Donald Trump sworn into office during January.

The meeting Obama is having with leaders from Germany, France, Britain, Spain and Italy is likely the last one of this setting prior to him leaving office. The session will expand on the long talks Obama held on Thursday with Angela Merkel the German Chancellor.

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Some of the leaders were planning to make statements or to take questions from the press after the Friday meeting.

Since the arrival by Obama on Wednesday, which is his sixth and final trip to Germany as the president, he and the German chancellor have been focusing on issues of trans-Atlantic cooperation and globalization.

These talks are largely under the context of what the U.S. election of Trump means to the efforts to seek out peace in Syria and Ukraine, the NATO alliance strength, trade agreements, efforts in fighting climate change along with other important matters.

Merkel was diplomatic on Thursday following a meeting with Obama by saying during a news conference that she is approaching the incoming administration of Trump, with an open mind.

Across the globe, many have looked to Merkel, one of the worlds longest serving leaders of a major power, leader of the largest economy in Europe and one of the largest trade partners with the U.S. for leadership upon Obama leaving office.

Obama said that he could not ask for a more reliable or steadier partner on the world stage and thanked the German chancellor for the deep friendship she has for the U.S.

Joining Merkel and Obama on Friday are leaders of the countries facing a number of coming challenges in the European Union.

Theresa May the Prime Minister of Britain is preparing the country for the negotiations it will have by leaving the bloc. Mariano Rajoy the Prime Minister of Spain is facing economic woes in the country that contributed to instability financially in the EU.

Matteo Renzi the Prime Minister of Italy already has a shaky economy that is being hit hard by thousands of Middle East and Northern African refugees.

The socialist government of France under President Francois Hollande is facing big challenges from the countrys far right in next years elections.
The first annual regional Sexual Assault Response Team meeting, held Thursday, covered the needs of survivors and a new set of interviewing tools for law enforcement.

Last month, the Charlottesville-Albemarle SART signed a fresh memorandum of understanding that updated the original document and brought the University of Virginia into the fold. The local SART is a multidisciplinary team that provides interagency, coordinated responses to make sexual assault survivors needs a priority while working to prosecute offenders and promote public safety.

Law enforcement representatives from UVa, Charlottesville and counties of Albemarle, Fluvanna, Greene and Nelson attended Thursdays meeting to learn more about the effects of trauma on survivors and how to investigate sexual assault cases.

Kristina L. Vadas, sexual-assault program coordinator for the Virginia Department of Criminal Justice Services, opened the meeting by talking about some of the myths and realities surrounding sexual assault. In reality, she said, most assaults are motivated by power and control, rather than sexual desire, and are most often committed by someone the victim knows. Despite the myth that sexual assaults are one of the most lied-about crimes, Vadas said its actually one of the most underreported crimes.

Citing recent research about the physical effects of trauma on the human body, Vadas said lack of eye contact, fidgeting, or inconsistencies often are mistaken by law enforcement as signs that someone is lying.

Law enforcement officers often sit down with the assumption that the victim is making it up, Vadas said. The details of their story or the victims behavior dont always make sense to law enforcement. Theyre reading traumatic behavior as sketchy or signs of lying.

To speak more to the officers in the room, Detective Tim Meacham, from the University of Richmond Police Department, talked about the Forensic Experiential Trauma Interview technique that helps police get details from survivors of sexual assault while respecting the trauma they have experienced.

Meacham reiterated the need for law enforcement to understand the physical signs of trauma and said its particularly important that the officer show empathy for the survivors experience. Often, he said, inconsistent statements are a sign of trauma and officers should be patient with survivors as they go over the details.

Theyre trying to figure it out, said Meacham. They dont know.

The first question an officer should ask when interviewing a survivor, Meacham said, is, What are you able to tell me about your experience? The officer should not ask for  nor expect  a full recall, but should let the survivor bring forth details at their own speed. To facilitate this, Meacham had a simple answer.

The first word is shut and the second word is up, he said, eliciting a chuckle from the audience. Let them talk.

When the officer hears an inconsistency or unclear detail in the survivors story, they are encouraged to ask for more information about the specific detail, in an effort to get the survivor to talk about it more.

Meacham also spoke about the importance of asking about all five senses the survivor can remember from his or her assault  such as what they remember smelling at the time or what they heard. Meacham used an example of a survivor he interviewed who kept pounding her fist on his desk. She didnt realize she was doing it, he said, but he later discovered she was subconsciously beating to the rhythm of the song that played during her assault in the back of a car.

This interview technique will work on any traumatic experience, Meacham said. Your next armed robbery  someone runs in and puts a gun in the clerks face  you can use this interview and get some decent information.

Following the meeting, Sheri Owen, director of community outreach at the Sexual Assault Resource Agency, which hosted Thursdays event, said the discussions were valuable and seemed to garner interest and participation from the audience.

I thought the turnout was wonderful, Owen said. We had representatives from all of our response area departments. People were excited about it and interested in the topic, so I was thrilled with the first time weve done it.

Mentioning the FETI training, Owen said it is already SARTs plan to teach the interview technique to all officers in local departments to make sure they know what to do if they are the first to speak with a sexual assault survivor.

Were going to start working with the local law enforcement departments in their rollcalls and teach them trauma-informed interview techniques, and have a reference card they can use, so if they have a survivor, theyll know what to do, she said. People were listening and realizing that there is a special way to work with somebody  not just a survivor [of sexual assault]  but anybody who has experienced trauma.

Also in attendance was Albemarle County Deputy Commonwealths Attorney Darby Lowe, who said she was glad local agencies learned about the FETI training and will now be able to better interview survivors.

The Albemarle commonwealths attorneys office is pleased that our SART partners had the opportunity to receive trauma-informed investigation training to better serve survivors, hold sexual offenders accountable and better serve the community, Lowe said.

Michael Schneider, a detective with the Albemarle County Police Department, said he wanted to attend the meeting to learn more about how to speak with survivors, and with the new interview technique, he said hes ready to start using it right away.

I could talk to victims and have a conversation, but I didnt really know what questions to ask to try to get the appropriate response, said Schneider. I dont want to go to a sexual assault victim and say the wrong thing.

I cant go in there and treat them as a suspect, he said. Now that I know this, absolutely Im going to use it.

Speaking about the recent memorandum of understanding, Schneider said the new interview technique is just the beginning for local law enforcement to combat sexual assaults. The next step, he said, is encouraging survivors to come forward.

I think were going in the right direction, especially with our MOU with [UVa] and the city  everything is finally signed and we have our SART team, said Schneider. I think its a good time now to get officers and detectives ready.

Im hoping we get more people to report, he said. Thats the biggest part  we need to get more people to come in and talk to us and let us know whats happening.
An Albemarle High School student claims his First Amendment rights were challenged at school last week when he displayed his support for the president-elect the day after the election, but school officials deny the accusation.

Trenton Snead, a senior at Albemarle High, said he was wearing a Make America Great Again hat and carried a Donald Trump flag at school the day after the election because he was excited with the results of the presidential race.

That afternoon, Snead said, he walked out to the breezeway and a hall monitor grabbed at his flag and said he had to put it away.

Snead claims the hall monitor and Craig Smith, an assistant principal, confronted him and told him to put the flag away and that he was inciting violence and disrupting the learning environment.

Phil Giaramita, county schools spokesman, denies that the hall monitor and Smith told Snead he needed to remove the flag from sight. Giaramita said, after speaking with Smith and others involved in the situation, that the hall monitor and assistant principal did approach the student, but it was because they heard students reacting on the breezeway  a relatively crowded area of the high school at that time of day  and decided to investigate.

On the way to the breezeway and while out there, Snead said he heard a number of profanities thrown his way, but there was some support from students as he sat outside.

Snead and his friend Nycholas Carpenter, a junior, said Smith told Snead he was going to call the police and that he needed to go to the main office, but police never arrived. Giaramita has gone against those claims, adding that the school resource officer wasnt even involved in the incident.

Craig Smith is insistent neither he nor the hall monitor ever mentioned the police, he said. And Craig says he never said the student was inciting violence or disrupting the learning environment.

Giaramita added that it is preposterous to suggest that an administrator would threaten to call the police to silence a student, but Snead stands by his narrative of the events.

Snead said he met with Deputy Superintendent Matt Haas later that day, who came by the school to speak with him. Snead said Haas talked to him and assured him he was free to exercise his right to free speech and expression, but said Haas wasnt able to speak with him very long.

Giaramita said Haas was scheduled to attend the county Board of Supervisors meeting later that day and was unable to stay at Albemarle High for very long.

Haas later sent an email to AHS staff regarding the incident.

I came over to the school this afternoon because there was a concern about a student carrying a flag advertising for Donald Trump, the email read. I am advising all staff that he is not to be impeded in doing so, as it is his constitutional right to freedom of expression.

Elliott Harding, chairman of the Albemarle County Republican Committee, said Snead had worked as a volunteer during the election, knocking on doors and getting the word out about the GOP candidates. Harding said he was informed of what had taken place at the school, and went there that afternoon to find out more.

Harding said hes tried to speak to county and school officials to get more information about the incident, but has had little success.

He said he feels theres a double standard in how students are able to share their political beliefs, and that students whose ideology leans to the right often feel marginalized in school.

Harding said he would expect some students to voice their opinions against Sneads pro-Trump display, but that he didnt expect the school staff and administration to be involved.

Snead said he has not heard from Smith or the hall monitor since the incident, and that he would like to receive a formal apology.

The incident happened a day before a group of students led an anti-Trump protest in the same area of the school that became heated. The schools student resource officer called in police for backup in case the arguments escalated, but no disruptions or physical harm occurred.
Updated at 8:39 p.m.

A University of Virginia police officer accused of yelling Make America Great Again into his vehicles public address system has resigned.

We believe any reasonable person would conclude that the inappropriate use of the PA system undermines the departments goals and objectives and is detrimental to the departments operation and the efficiency of the department, read a joint statement from UVa Police Chief Michael A. Gibson and Patrick D. Hogan, UVas chief operating officer.

During the investigation of this incident, the officer responsible for making the address over the PA took responsibility for his actions and has resigned, the statement said.

An investigation by the university determined that two other officers initially implicated in the incident did not use the PA system. The university originally put three officers on administrative leave in connection with the incident, which took place in the early hours of the morning after the presidential election.

Students who were unhappy about the direction the elections had taken reported hearing the officer shouting the slogan  used by President-elect Donald Trump on the campaign trail  into a megaphone, said UVa President Teresa A. Sullivan.

Recounting the incident to the universitys Board of Visitors earlier this month, Sullivan said it was a part of a rising tone of incivility on Grounds during the divisive election season.

The incident angered some students on Grounds, including a group of demonstrators who temporarily took over a Board of Visitors meeting in the Rotunda.

The protesters mostly were concerned about the fate of undocumented students and workers once Trump takes office, asking the UVa administration to do what it can to protect them. But they also saw the open support for Trump by officers as a troubling sign.

Gibson and Hogan said they want to make sure everyone at UVa is treated with dignity and respect by the universitys police force.

UPD remains committed to the highest professional standards in law enforcement and will work tirelessly to enhance the safety of our living and learning environment, they wrote.
WASHINGTON - If Jeff Sessions is confirmed as attorney general, it will mean likely sweeping changes for the Justice Department, especially on civil rights policies.

It also could mean even more investigation of Hillary Clinton's email practices and her family's charitable foundation.

Sessions, a Republican senator from Alabama who previously served as a U.S. attorney, has been an outspoken critic of the FBI's investigation into Clinton's use of a private email server, saying on Fox Business Network last month he was "uncomfortable with the way the investigation was conducted" in part because witnesses were not compelled to testify before a grand jury. He also has said it "seems like" the FBI had not fully investigated the dealings of the Clinton Foundation while Clinton was secretary of state and that, in his view, Clinton might have used her position to benefit the foundation.

"The fundamental thing is you cannot be secretary of state of the United States of America and use that position to extort or seek contributions to your private foundation," Sessions said on CNN. "That is a fundamental violation of law and that does appear to have happened."

Those statements are important because, as attorney general, Sessions would have the power to reignite the email investigation, which FBI Director James B. Comey has recommended be closed without charges. He also could breathe new life into a separate investigation of the Clinton Foundation - which agents in the FBI's New York Field Office have wanted to probe, despite the misgivings of career-public-integrity prosecutors about a lack of real evidence.

Pursuing such cases, of course, would be called a form of political retribution by critics. When Donald Trump said during a debate that he would appoint a special prosecutor to look into the Clinton email case and Clinton would "be in jail" if he were president, even former attorney general Michael Mukasey - long a critic of Clinton and her private email server - said he would advise against such actions.

"It would be like a banana republic," Mukasey said at the time. He added later: "Putting political opponents in jail for offenses committed in a political setting, even if they are criminal offenses - and they very well may be - is something that we don't do here."

But as president-elect, Trump has not backed down from the idea. Asked on "60 Minutes" if he would appoint a special prosecutor, he said, "I'm going to think about it" and later, "She did some bad things." He ultimately did not answer the question.

"I don't want to hurt them. I don't want to hurt them. They're, they're good people. I don't want to hurt them. And I will give you a very, very good and definitive answer the next time we do '60 Minutes' together," Trump said.

Representatives for Trump, Sessions and the Clinton Foundation did not immediately return messages seeking comment. A Clinton campaign spokesman said they were not commenting on any Cabinet appointees.

Comey has said "no reasonable prosecutor" would bring a case against Clinton for her email practices, which allowed classified material to traverse a private server. Sessions seems to take a different view and has criticized the FBI's tactics in coming to that conclusion. On "The Howie Carr Show" last month, he said he "tried not to be critical of Comey at first, but more that comes out, the more I'm concerned about it."

He questioned in particular why top Clinton aide Cheryl Mills was allowed to sit in on Clinton's FBI interview and said congressional hearings would be necessary to assess what happened. (Comey has said Mills was Clinton's lawyer, and the FBI has no ability to control who she brings to a voluntary interview).

"I am troubled about it," Sessions said. "A case of this high-profile should have been handled as clean as possible, with the least possible ability for anybody to question what was done, and they left a lot of things out there that caused real questions in my mind, and it's troubling."

Comey himself is in the middle of a 10-year term, though it is technically possible - if politically difficult - for Trump to fire him. Trump declined to comment on that question during his "60 Minutes" interview.

Even if Sessions were to accept Comey's recommendation on the email investigation, that would not preclude pursuing a separate investigation of the Clinton Foundation. Agents in the FBI's New York Field Office pitched such a probe to career-public-integrity prosecutors earlier this year. Those prosecutors, and at least some in FBI leadership, though, believed they did not have enough evidence to proceed. That left some agents frustrated, though it did not end the matter entirely.

In August, Justice Department officials learned New York agents were still taking steps to advance their case and advised them to hold off - in accordance with department policies - until after the election. Sessions, it would seem, would be far more sympathetic to the New York agents' side of things; he said on CNN outright that an investigation was warranted.

"The evidence indicates to me that this should be fully investigated. I cannot say that Mr. Comey has not completed a full investigation but it seems like he has not," Sessions said. "And I think there is a cloud over this, and just because he might conclude there is not a chargeable offense does not indicate that there is no wrongdoing."
The man who informed on the members of his gang that killed a reserve police captain will only serve three more years in prison after pleading guilty to federal racketeering charges.

Devante Bell, 22, was sentenced to a total of 66 months behind bars on Friday in federal court in Charlottesville for his part in the 99 Goon Syndikate, an affiliate of the Bloods street gang. Bell was one of nine people indicted in connection to the 2014 abduction and slaying of Waynesboro reserve police Capt. Kevin Quick. In September, four of those nine were given life sentences for Quicks killing.

Earlier this year, Bell agreed to provide information to the federal government about the gang in exchange for a reduced prison sentence. He pleaded guilty to a racketeering charge, with other charges related to his participation in a string of robberies around Central Virginia being dismissed.

In court Friday, a judge said he agreed that Bells participation in the gang was not so substantial as to warrant a sentence within the sentencing guideline range of 97 to 121 months. Earlier this month, prosecutor Ron Huber filed a motion to have Bells sentence reduced as a result of his compliance with the federal investigation into the gang, saying Friday that Bell cooperated within days of his arrest and provided particularly difficult testimony against his former gang affiliates, including one of his own brothers.

Speaking to his role within the gang, Bells attorney, Lloyd Snook, said his client had been an early member of the gang, young and impressionable at the time of its inception and pressured into its midst by his older brother. During his time with the gang, he participated in several robberies with Anthony White, who was sentenced in September to 83 months on the same federal racketeering charge.

Snook noted that no one was hurt in the robberies, although Huber countered that emotional damage likely was inflicted on the victims. That said, Bell still did not convey the same braggadocio and erratic behaviors as the others indicted in the gang, and had attempted to retreat from its activities by the time he was arrested, Snook said.

Judge Glen Conrad said Friday that he recalled hearing Bell testify in open court against his former associates, and that he understood the difficulty of giving up damning information about his own brother.

Clearly, you did not want to be there, Conrad said. I know it wasnt an easy thing to do.

Despite Bell living outside of federal laws for a short period of time, Conrad granted the governments motion for a reduced sentence. With Huber recommending 73 months of prison time and Snook asking for a 44-month sentence, Conrad elected to sentence Bell to 66 months.

With 30 months already served, Bell will only face three more years in prison. Upon his release, he will be on supervised release for three years. Conrad also imposed a $500 fine, in the hopes that Bell will begin a work detail in prison, and added that he will have to pay $12,369 in restitution to the victims of his robberies.

Two more individuals in the Quick case are scheduled for sentencing in Roanoke later this month.
In early April, Chippewa Falls School District voters could see virtually the same referendum question that called for a new Stillson Elementary School and millions of repairs and improvements to other buildings.

Two School Board members and a Lafayette resident each spoke in favor of bringing the question back during Thursday nights board meeting, when the board got its first public opportunity to break down the results of its two failed referendums in the Nov. 8 election.

That first of two referendum questions, for $61.2 million, was defeated 52.3-47.7 percent, and some felt the reason for its defeat was that the referendum included $630,000 to buy land for a new high school.

Question 1 only lost by 784 votes, and judging from the input Ive had, that is the major obstacle, board member Staish Buchner said. People are saying we do not want land bought for the high school because we dont know if were going to need it in 10 years.

Buchner, who had argued for adding the $98 million Question 2 that included a new high school so the public would get a chance to have its say, said district residents had spoken.

The public had a right to choose, and they have, he said. We know they wont go for the second question.

Question 2 was soundly beaten, 61.9-38.1 percent, and Thursday Buchner endorsed only bringing back Question 1 as is, without the clause to buy land for a high school.

Gary Krumenauer of Lafayette said most people he spoke with would have supported the first question without the land purchase. He encouraged the board to keep the question exactly as it was worded, reduce the amount to an even $60 million and remove the land purchase.

Krumenauer believed much thought and consideration went into the two referendums, but said adding the second referendum significantly reduced the likelihood of passing either.

The board was just asking for too much money, he said.

Board member David Czech, who proposed the $61.2 million Question 1 that included the land purchase, said his reasoning for including it was lost on the public.

I have to eat some crow on that. Im the one that wanted that land on it, he said.

Czechs intent wasnt to push for a new high school, but to identity a fixed location for the future. That would allow the Booster Club to begin raising money for things like a multi-use field house, a competitive swimming and diving pool or an orchestra/music area.

The second referendum question was brought by people who were very well meaning. But we got our answer, Czech said, adding that he was unconvinced of the need for a new high school. What I put before the board was essentially a compromise.

That left him in an unlikely spot.

Im right on board with Staish right now, Czech said.

Other board members werent as quick to support returning one of the failed questions to the public. Jennifer Heinz favored backing a referendum in April, but needed more time to consider what that referendum should include.

While both questions may have caused a little confusion, I think theres nary a person in the district whos not aware the district has needs, she said.

We need to pull back, prioritize our needs and work with our maintenance plan to make sure we have the correct priorities, said board member Pete Lehmann. Is it possible to still make it in April? Lets make sure we can do it right. Its too early to put a timeline on it.

Board member Kathy Strecker agreed with Lehmann.

We want to do it right. Sit down and look at the priorities and work within our budget, she said. I was happy there was so many people that did vote. It showed real engagement with the community. People care about their schools.

Board member Pat Allen also favored taking another look at priorities.

Maybe we need to separate out a little of what we looked at before, she said. I would like to sit down again with our facilities plan and see if there are other ways we can resolve some of the issues.

That approach had no appeal to Czech.

What are we going back to study? Its not complicated, he said. I dont see why we would wait. Weve done all of the research, and know what our priorities are.

Board President Amy Mason said she chose to look at the defeat of both referendums as a learning opportunity rather than a failure.

I think April is a little quick, but perhaps not if everyone wants to recycle the first question, she said.

To get on the April ballot, the board would have to pass a resolution by Jan. 24, just two months away. But if its not there, theyll be waiting awhile.

If you dont bring it forth on April 24, it will be put off another whole year, Buchner said.

Public speaks

Four people spoke about the referendum during the meeting.

Chad Hable, a member of the original Facilities Study Committee, said he attended half of the 12 information sessions to better understand why people were against the referendums. The best part of the sessions was hearing from residents, while the worst was the boards lack of participation.

He didnt understand why three of the seven board members couldnt attend a single meeting.

Im not here to question whether you were for or against the referendums, but Im wondering how you were going to learn the concerns voiced at the meetings, Hable said.

He thought the board should go ahead with just one referendum for the April election.

Id hate to see time that was spent wasted because we kicked the can down the road again, he said.

Sherry Jasper, a counselor at Halmstad Elementary, said the election provided valuable information she hopes will be looked at.

I really hope we can figure out what do we need that will also be palatable and go forward, she said.

Dave Edland, who was part of the parent group that advocated for the second referendum question, said in hindsight some voters may have been confused by the second.

I pushed hard for that, but it prevented everyone from being on a unified front, he said. We need to try and figure out how to make the next referendum pass, and definitely need to push for April.
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A hearing to set an execution date for Ricky Javon Gray has been set for Monday morning via teleconference with Richmond Circuit Court Judge Beverly Snukals.

The date must be within 60 days of the hearing. In a letter to Snukals last week the Virginia Attorney generals office requested the execution be carried out on Jan. 17 or 18, little more than 11 years after a murder spree that claimed seven lives in Richmond.

The attorney generals office announced Mondays hearing Thursday. Grays lawyers could not immediately be reached for comment.

Gray was sentenced to die for the New Years Day 2006, slayings of sisters Ruby and Stella Harvey, 4, and 9 years old respectively.

The attorney generals office wrote that the dates in January were sought so that Gov. Terry McAuliffe would have time to consider any request for clemency.

Gray, 39, and Ray Dandridge, 39, murdered seven people in Richmond in 2006, including four members of the Harvey family, slain in their home.

Dandridge was sentenced to life and Gray to death, for the capital murders of the girls. Also murdered were their parents, Bryan Harvey, 49, and Kathryn Harvey, 39.

Gray and Dandridge also killed Ashley Baskerville, 21, who had been a lookout when Gray killed the Harveys; Baskervilles mother, Mary Tucker, 47; and stepfather Percyell Tucker, 55, in their Richmond home days after the Harvey slayings.
This presidential election just will not go away.

While Syrians were getting bombed into the Stone Age and African children were starving to death, Americans, mostly college students, were taking to the streets and stopping traffic on interstate highways to protest their candidate losing the election.

They want to invalidate the Constitution and hold a new election so their candidate will have another chance of winning.

Sound crazy? Well, not really when you consider that this is a generation of young people who have had their parents go to school and demand that the teacher give another test because their child failed the first one.

This is a generation that wants to get its wayno matter what rules are broken or the cost involved, a generation that has been taught that everyone is a winner and everyone gets a trophy.

Some of the same people who two years ago were condemning protests and rioting in Ferguson, Missouri, are now calling President-elect Donald Trump un-American while they burn American flags in the streets. How ironic is that?

Others were bawling their heads off and on the verge of a nervous breakdown because Hillary Clinton lost.

Some collegesincluding our very own Virginia Techreportedly brought in comfort dogs and gave the mourners crayons and coloring books to ease their pain.

Hey! Didnt Tom Hanks address this situation two decades ago? There is no crying in politics!

And while this crying over a lost election was going on, four Americans were getting killed in Afghanistan, more children were being blown up in Syria and parents in Africa were desperately seeking clean drinking water for their children.

Perhaps the craziest part of this mess was the fact that some high schools in California and Montgomery County, Maryland, allowed students to skip class to protest. I guess the teachers and principals just wanted to help them find their safe space.

Some are the same people who condemned Trump as un-American because they were sure he wouldnt accept the outcome of the election if he lost.

Now those who want to take all the guns away from American citizens are ready to start a revolution. Can some college professor tell me how that happens? Do the revolutionaries throw rocks or signs at the soldiers with guns?

We seem to always be dealing with amendments these days. The protesters want to take away peoples Second Amendment rights, but insist that they can block streets under their First Amendment rights.

The point that college professors are apparently not getting acrossor maybe not teachingis that rights come with responsibilities. You have the right to vote, but you have the responsibility to accept the outcome. Thats how a democracy, or in our case, a republic, works.

And despite what your parents taught you, everybody doesnt get a trophy in life and you dont always get your way. Any fool can be a good winner. It takes character to be a good loser.

Yes, those of my generation were the protest champions of the 20th century in America. But my generation has also done more harm to this country than any other in its history.

By the way, dont worry about Donald Trump and all that big campaign rhetoric. Once in Washington, hell turn into just another politician.

But given the post-election events, if I were Trump, my first act as president would be to take a good look at who gets federally backed college loans.

Maybe that would be a good place to cut back on spending to help balance the budget.
Following his split with General Cigar earlier this year, Sam Leccia is now on his way to the next chapter of his career in the cigar business. While it was soft-launched earlier this year, it was today that Leccia officially announced the opening of his online store. Its a store that will handle both distribution to retailers and direct to consumer. The move puts Leccia in charge of his own distribution for the first time.

In a press release announcing the Leccia Tobacco Store, Sam Leccia commented, Since taking over the distribution of my products, I wanted to offer both retailers and consumers a user-friendly experience for buying Leccia Tobacco cigars.

Leccia will carry his core line offerings, the Leccia Black, Leccia White, and Leccia Luchador. In addition, the store will offer two new lines that were released earlier this year  Desnudo and Desnudo Beach.

Desnudo means Naked or Nude it is an unbanded, unsorted, uncelloed offering packaged in a woven box used for bales of Brazilian tobacco. Produced in Nicaragua, Desnudo consists of a Brazilian Arapiraca wrapper, Nicaraguan binder as well as fillers consisting of Brazilian Mata Fina, Pennsylvania Ligero, and Esteli Ligero. Desnudo is being offered in four sizes: Robusto (5 x 54), Toro (6 x 52), Double Toro (6 x 60), and Lancero (7 1/2 x 38).

Desnudo Beach will be Leccia Tobaccos Connecticut Shade offering.

In addition to the core offerings, Leccia Tobacco limited one-off blends and shop exclusives to retailers.

The store will offer Leccia gear and cigar accessories. In addition, Leccia Tobacco is offering military drop option where consumers can purchase cigars at discount prices that can be sent directly to Armed Services personnel serving overseas. There are also plans for a roll your own tobacco kit.

Photo Credits: Leccia Tobacco
This week word surfaced Reynolds American has rejected British American Tobaccos bid to acquire them. Numerous sources have cited that Reynolds American felt the 47 billion dollar offer to acquire them was too low.

Back in October, British American Tobaccos bid to acquire Reynolds American was made public. Making this public was required under U.S. Securities laws. British American Tobacco currently owns a 42.2% minority state in Reynolds America. Under the proposed bid, British American Tobacco would acquire the remaining 57.8% of Reynolds American. The merger would have created the worlds largest tobacco company.

There have been some reports of the two tobacco giants still being in negotiations.

British American Tobacco owns the Dunhill brand, a premium cigar line distributed in the U.S. by Scandinavian Tobacco Group. The company also owns cigarette brands Kent, Lucky Strike, and Pall Mall.

Based in Winston Salem, North Carolina; Reynolds American does play in the premium hand-made space, it does own Santa Fe Natural Tobacco Company, a brand known for Spirit Cigarettes, roll your own products, and some machine-made cigars. Former U.S. Speaker of the House of Representatives John Boehner had recently joining Reynolds American on the board of directors.
ViTrox Names Kyoritsu Sales Representative in Indonesia, India and Vietnam Published: 18 November 2016 by Mike Buetow by Mike Buetow

PENANG MALAYSIA  ViTrox Technologies, a solutions provider of innovative, ad-vanced and cost-effective automated vision inspection systems and equipment for the semiconductor and electronics packaging industries, announces the appointment of Kyoritsu Electric (Vietnam) Co., Ltd. and PT. Kyoritsu Electric Indonesia as its Strategic Channel Partner, effective from January 2016 while Kyoritsu Electric India Pvt. Ltd is effective from January 2017.

Kyoritsu Test System Co., Ltd was established 16 years ago with headquarters in Japan. Kyoritsu has representatives strategically placed in different countries to cover a wide range of related markets, such as Singapore, Malaysia, Thailand, China, Philippines, Indonesia, India, US, Vietnam, Canada and Brazil. Kyoritsu Electric India Pvt. Ltd. was established in India in 2008 as a subsidiary of its parent company, Kyoritsu Electric Corporation & Kyoritsu Test System (Japan) for marketing, sales and after sales support of their state-of-the-art PCBA in-circuit testers and function testers manufactured in Japan.

Kyoritsu is authorized to distribute ViTroxs products, such as Advanced 3D Optical Inspection (AOI), Advanced 3D X-Ray Inspection (AXI) and Advanced 3D Solder Paste Inspection System (SPI) throughout its territory. The companys worldwide connections will help ViTrox to establish a stronger customer base in the mentioned countries.

ViTrox's Senior Vice President & General Manager, Mr. Wee Kah Khim said, We are excited to co-operate with Kyoritsu again in expanding our market share in Indonesia, India and Vietnam as Kyoritsu is the established company that has partnered with ViTrox for years. We are happy with our partnership and we look forward to strengthen our relationship and achieve mutual growth.
Infosys will partner with UNSILO to bring the latter's artificial intelligence and machine learning technology to the former's global clients.

New Delhi: Country's second-largest software services firm Infosys on November 18 said it has invested DKK 149,20,000 (about Rs 14.49 crore) in UNSILO, a Danish artificial intelligence startup focused on advanced text analysis.

The announcement of the investment, which is being funded through Infosys' Innovation Fund, comes a week after the company invested an undisclosed amount in the US-based TidalScale.

"We see Denmark as a global hub of world-class innovation with talented people, a good education system and a track record of entrepreneurial success. UNSILO has built an impressive semantic search engine with best-in-class text intelligence, which powers a range of advanced business processes," Infosys Executive Vice-President and Global Head (Corporate Development and Ventures) Ritika Suri said.

She added that Infosys will partner with UNSILO to bring the latter's artificial intelligence and machine learning technology to the former's global clients. Infosys had set up the Innovation Fund in 2013.

It beefed up the fund five-fold to USD 500 million in 2015 to provide financing to startups and new technologies like artificial intelligence.

The Bengaluru-based firm has spoken many times of its strategy to focus on renewing core business while building new capabilities like design thinking and artificial intelligence at the same time.

UNSILO uses a unique combination of machine-learning and natural language processing to analyse large quantities of text and improve the speed and effectiveness of knowledge workers across many industries.

"Making sense of any large amount of unstructured text is a huge challenge for many industries. Pairing our ground- breaking technology with Infosys' deep client relationships and strong capabilities in project delivery and go-to-market will give us a unique opportunity to bring our services to several new industries and expand globally far more quickly," UNSILO CEO Thomas Laursen said.

The investment will be completed on receipt of regulatory approvals, the statement said.
VW, which employs some 600,000 people globally, has set aside some 18 billion euros to cover the fallout of the scandal.

Frankfurt: Volkswagen intends to cut 30,000 jobs by 2020 as part of a huge savings plan aimed at helping the German auto giant recover from the dieselgate emissions cheating scandal, a German newspaper reported Friday.

The plan, which has been agreed with labour representatives after months of tortuous negotiations, will lead to annual savings of 3.7 billion euros ($3.9 billion), according to the Handelsblatt business daily.

Two-thirds of the job losses will be at VW plants in Germany, the others in North America and Brazil, the report said, citing sources close to the talks.

There will be no forced lay-offs, with most of the job cuts stemming from employees who are retiring, it added.

Europe's largest carmaker is to announce the details of the so-called "Future Pact" in a press conference at 0830 GMT.

The plan also safeguards investment in electric cars, in line with the VW group's shift to environment-friendly vehicles in the wake of dieselgate.

The group was plunged into crisis last year after it admitted to installing software in some 11 million diesel vehicles worldwide that could detect when they were undergoing regulatory tests and lowered emissions accordingly to make the cars seem less polluting than they were.

VW, which employs some 600,000 people globally, has set aside some 18 billion euros to cover the fallout of the scandal, but experts believe the final bill for the buy-backs, fixes and legal costs will be far higher.

The crisis pushed the firm to its first loss in over two decades last year.
Mumbai: India's foreign exchange reserves declined by USD 1.190 billion to USD 367.041 billion in the week to November 11 on account of fall in foreign currency assets, Reserve Bank said on November 18.

In the previous week, the reserves had increased by USD 1.074 billion to USD 368.231 billion. They had touched life- time high of USD 371.99 billion in the week to September 30, this year.

Foreign currency assets a major component of the overall reserves, dipped by USD 1.155 billion to USD 342.772 billion. FCAs, expressed in US dollar terms, include the effect of appreciation/depreciation of non-US currencies such as the euro, pound and the yen held in the reserves. Gold reserves remained steady at USD 20.460 billion, the apex bank said.

The special drawing rights with the International Monetary Fund declined by USD 13.4 million to USD 1.462 billion, while India's reserve position with the fund dipped by USD 21.5 million to USD 2.346 billion, the apex bank said.
New Delhi: Describing domestic black money declaration scheme IDS as a "major success", Finance Minister Arun Jaitley on November 18 said it will yield Rs 29,362 crore in taxes, which is three times the amount garnered by the then government in 1997 amnesty scheme, VDIS.

Providing comparative data, Jaitley said that under the Income Declaration Scheme (IDS) Scheme 64,275 persons declared black money totalling Rs 65,250 crore. This will fetch the exchequer a tax of Rs 29,362.5 crore.

Whereas under the Voluntary Disclosure of Income Scheme (VDIS) 1997, 4.72 lakh people declared assets totalling Rs 33,697 crore. The taxes paid were only Rs 9,729 crore.

"In view of the above (comparative data), it can be inferred that IDS, 2016 has been a major success vis-a-vis VDIS, 1997," he said.

Under the IDS which closed on September 30, government had offered a one-time chance to holders of income and assets that had illegally escaped taxes, to come clean by paying 45 per cent in tax and penalty.

While IDS is not an amnesty scheme, VDIS provided blanket amnesty. Taxation under IDS is charged at the rate of 45 per cent while the effective rate of tax in the 1997 scheme was in single digit, Jaitley had earlier said.

Last year, under a similar scheme for foreign black money holders, 644 declarations of undisclosed foreign income and assets were received, and just Rs 2,428 crore was collected in taxes.
The Centre is considering a lower three per cent GST rate on gold even as industry sticks to its demand to keep it at a lower rate of 1.25 per cent.

New Delhi: The Centre is considering a lower three per cent GST rate on gold even as industry sticks to its demand to keep it at a lower rate of 1.25 per cent. The proposal would be taken up in the GST Council which is scheduled to meet on November 24-25 to resolve pending issues for implementation of the indirect tax reform from next fiscal.

It has not been finalised as discussions are on. There is a suggestion that gold be taxed at three per cent. It will be considered by the GST Council in its next meeting, an official source said. The GST Council had in its last meeting cleared a four-tier goods and services tax structure of 5, 12, 18 and 28 per cent in the new regime. It suggested a 4 per cent levy on gold but a final decision was put off due to difference of opinion on it among states. In earlier discussions, a higher rate of five per cent had also been suggested.
Expeditious roll out of telecom infrastructure will help improve quality of service, reduce call drops as well as cost of setting up networks.

New Delhi: To address telecom sector's woes, the Department of Telecom has notified uniform rules for the rollout of mobile and cable networks across the country that aim to facilitate installation of towers, laying of cables in a time-bound manner and on non-discretionary basis.

Expeditious roll out of telecom infrastructure will help improve quality of service, reduce call drops as well as cost of setting up networks.

According to the notification, the authorities involved in granting Right of Way or RoW permit will have to grant permission within 60 days of application. In case of rejection of the application, they should record reasons in writing.

If the authority concerned does not reply within 60 days of application submission by telecom operator, the approval for right of way "shall be deemed to have been granted", as per the rules notified by DoT.

To check arbitrary fee levied by various agencies on network rollout, authorities have been barred from imposing any fee, charge, lease rental, licence fee other than the expense that they would incur as consequence of the proposed work.

Every application under the rule "shall be accompanied with such fee to meet administrative expenses for examination of the application and the proposed work as the appropriate authority may, by general order, deem fit", the notification said.

Such fee to meet administrative expenses "shall not exceed one thousand rupees (Rs 1000) per kilometer", it said. Telecom operators have often blamed local authorities in states for creating unnecessary hurdles in rollout of infrastructure, specially in granting RoW permission.

Most of the complaints have been made regarding abnormally high price for RoW as well as different levies or fee imposed by various authorities other than charges prescribed under telecom licences. In some cases, the charges have been as high as Rs 7 crore per kilometre for laying underground cables.

However, the notification said that authorities concerned may impose cost of restoring damage caused to road or other infrastructure as result of laying cable or installing any other telecom network equipment.

"The licensee (Telecom operator) shall, while making the application, give a specific commitment on whether he undertakes to discharge the responsibility for restoration, to the extent reasonable and prudent, of the damage that the appropriate authority shall necessarily be put in consequence of the work proposed to be undertaken," the notification said.

Telecom operator seeking ROW permission will have to either make the payment of expenses or submit the bank guarantee within 30 days from the date of grant of permission and prior to the commencement of work of laying the underground telegraph infrastructure, the notification said.

Telecom company will also have to put measures to mitigate public inconvenience and provide for public safety while carrying out the project. To expedite permission process, the appropriate authority will have to develop an electronic application process within a period of one year from the date of coming into force of these rules for submission of applications, the notification added.
MSRDC is the implementing agency for the 706-km road project that will require 10,000 hectares.

Mumbai: The Maharashtra government is in talks with the Asian Development Bank (ADB) to raise funds for the Rs 46,000 crore Nagpur-Mumbai 'Samruddhi Corridor' road project.

"We will need to raise funds to the extent of Rs 27,000 crore which is the actual project cost. We plan to raise it from the market in the form of loan and the government has already approached ADB for raising the funds," Maharashtra State Road Development Corporation (MSRDC) Vice Chairman and Managing Director Radheshyam Mopalwar said here today.

MSRDC is the implementing agency for the 706-km road project that will require 10,000 hectares. It has appointed SBI Capital to assist in fund-raising.

Of the total project cost of Rs 46,000 crore, Rs 27,000 crore, which includes Rs 24,000 crore for civil work, Rs 2,500 crore for node development and Rs 500 crore for utility shifting, will be raised from market, Mopalwar said.

Asked when the actual work is expected to begin, he said, "We are currently in the process of final alignment and acquiring of land. We expect that to be complete in two months. By February 2017, we feel we will be able to invite tenders and by May, we believe the actual civil work may begin. Our target is to complete the project by 2019."

He said the joint measurement process, which includes notifying land and acquiring it, will start from November 21.

The government has adopted land pooling pattern where the farmers, whose land is acquired, would be given in return fully developed land in the vicinity along with provisions for sustained livelihood.
However, Hrithik's legal team has something entirely else to say.

Mumbai: On Thursday, several media reports claimed that the legal war between Hrithik Roshan and Kangana Ranaut was finally over. It was reported that the Cyber Crime Cell of Mumbai Police decided to close the investigation due to lack of evidence.

However, just few hours later, Hrithik Roshans legal team responded by slamming the reports and saying that the investigation into Hrithik and Kanganas emails has not been shut. The team has also said that case is not only in motion but a section of the media was in partnership with Kanganas lawyer to mislead people with false information regarding the case.

Media reports which suggest that the investigation into the Hrithik - Kangana emails is closed, are totally false. A section of the media in connivance with Ms. Ranaut's lawyer have sought to disseminate this false information. The investigation in fact continues and Mr. Saxena (Joint Commissioner of Police, Crime) has informed Mr. Mahesh Jethmalani, Senior Counsel advising Mr. Roshan that "the case is not yet closed. Investigation is still going on," Hrithik's spokesperson said in a statement.

Previously reports suggested that the Mumbai police tracked down the email id hroshan@email.com, the alleged email account of Hrithik Roshan, to someone in the US. Since the IP address is not operational in India, the police failed to unmask the face behind those emails and decided to submit an NIL report indicating that the case is highly likely to hit dead end, a daily had reported.

Kanganas lawyer Rizwan Siddiquee called the Mumbai Polices decision to shut the case as a sign of victory saying that he is not surprised by the Cyber Cell submitting a NIL report in the case post their investigation.

This means that they could not trace any imposter as was claimed by Hrithik Roshan. Kangana has always been maintaining that there was no imposter ever, Rizwan was quoted by a daily.

However, Hrithiks team hit back instantly saying that they are still holding their side of the story, and also claimed that it was Kangana who persistently hounded Roshan on emails. It is categorically asserted that there is unimpeachable evidence to suggest that there was no relationship of any kind between Mr. Roshan and Ms. Ranaut and that Ms. Ranaut persistently hounded Mr. Roshan on emails with the intention to entice him into a relationship, the statement further stated.

The controversial tiff between the two began when Kangana called the 'Bang Bang' actor her silly ex. Following her statement, Hrithik slapped a legal notice on her and demanded an apology.

Ever since then, their on-going legal battle topped up with heated and counter-arguments has been making headlines.
Mumbai: The proud Aussie, talented surfer, doting dad and charitable, grounded, funny and successful actor has been announced as GQ 'Man Of The Year' at the Australian award ceremony in Sydney, reports gq.com.au.

His colleagues also find it hard to say a bad word about the 'Ghosbusters' star, who was once named People magazine's 'Sexiest Man Alive'.

In the issue, Hemsworth's 'Thor' co-star Tom Hiddleston sums up the actor appeal.

"One morning on the set of Thor: Ragnarok, I watch Chris zero in on an important scene between Thor and Loki with razor-sharp focus and commitment. The scene required a lot of nuance, but he wanted to shoot it quickly, because he had to be off-set by lunchtime in order to make it to father-daughter day at school in the afternoon," Hiddleston shared.

"That's a Man Of The Year if ever I saw one," the British heartthrob told the magazine.

While receiving the award, Hemsworth thanked his wife, Elsa Pataky and all the great women of the world, saying, "You can't have a great man without a great woman."

Other honorees include Dylan Alcott for 'Sportsman of the Year', Atlassian as 'Entrepreneurs of the Year', Iggy Azalea as 'Woman of the Year', Shannon Bennett as 'Chef of the Year', Kyle Chalmers for 'Breakthrough Sportsman of the Year' and many more.
With half a dozen films in different stages of production, Ghibran seems to be one of the busiest composers in KTown. While the Chennai 2 Singapore music director gears up for the audio launch of two of his films, he has been roped in for a Hollywood project, whose script has been penned by Antony Mithradas, a 103-year-old director, known for his 1955 Malayalam film Harishchandra.

Confirming the news, Ghibrans close aide says, He has given his official nod for the script, but is yet to sign on the dotted lines. The story of this untitled venture is based on an incident that happened in Belgium during World War I. The team is currently in talks with several Hollywood actors and technicians to be part of the team.

Though Hollywood actor Arnod Schwarzeneggers name is being tossed around, the source has reiterated that nothing has been confirmed yet. It is to be noted that Arnold was approached to play the antagonist in Shankars 2.0, but talks fell through midway.

Also, the source added that Antony may not direct the flick  Owing to his age, he wont be directing the film. However, he has roped in a potential filmmaker to helm the project.

The official confirmation regarding the director and the rest of the cast will be announced in the coming days.
Archer has a great fan following in India and has been a frequent visitor (Photo: AFP)

New Delhi: Popular British author Jeffrey Archer will be on a four-city tour of India from Monday to promote the final installment of his seven-book "The Clifton Chronicles" with Gurgaon being his first stop.

The 76-year-old writer, whose "This Was a Man" had a global release on November 3, will also travel to Bengaluru, Pune and Mumbai.

Archer has a great fan following in India and has been a frequent visitor. He says he enjoys the "cosmopolitan feel of Mumbai, the beauty of New Delhi, the energy of Kolkata, and the friendliness of Hyderabad".

He had visited India last year, in 2014 and in 2013 to promote the earlier volumes of "The Clifton Chronicles", a saga that crosses continents, and one which in which the lives and loves of Harry, Emma and Giles are tested through friendship, betrayal, and intrigue.

The author of bestsellers like "Not a Penny More", "Not a Penny Less", "Kane and Abel", "As the Crow Flies" and "First Among Equals", terms India as an amazing market.

"Indians love storytellers. You are a very large leadership. There are 200-250 million middle class readers in India. This is bigger readership than America. So India is an amazing market," he had told PTI in an earlier interview.

According to publishers Pan Macmillan India, "This Was a Man" has enhanced Archer's reputation as a master storyteller.

Spanning the 20th century, "The Clifton Chronicles" is a gripping family saga of the trials and tribulations of the Clifton and Barringtons, two families at opposite ends of the social spectrum.
Vijayawada: A heavy quantity of tonsured hair donated by devotees was stolen from the famous Mallikarjuna Swamy temple at Srisailam in Kurnool district of Andhra Pradesh, police said on Friday.

Thieves broke open the window rods late last night and gained entry into the 'kalyana katta' where pilgrims are called to fulfil the promise of tonsure.

They then broke open one 'hundi' (donation box) and emptied it of the hair. They tried the same with the second hundi but gave up halfway through, according to police.

Devotees tonsure their heads and offer hair to the Lord as a custom in fulfilment of their wishes. The temple authorities conduct an annual auction and award a contract to the highest bidder. The contractor concerned collects the hair and stores it in hundis before moving it out in bulk for sale.

The hair fetches a handsome price in the national and international markets.

After the burglary, the hair contractor, hailing from Tamil Nadu, visited Srisailam this evening and formally lodged a complaint with the police, said Deputy Superintendent of Police Supraja.

The value of the stolen hair was being estimated, she said.

The police were scanning the CCTV footage from the temple for possible clues on the theft and the burglars.
Shivpuri: A 72-year-old retired professor has been booked for allegedly raping six minor girls living at a government-aided orphanage, while his daughter, who ran it, has been arrested today.

Advocate Shaila Agrawal (40) has been charged with helping her father, K N Agrawal, rape the girls, inspector Aradhana Davis of Women Crime Cell said here.

S Shukla, an officer of Women and Child Development department, got suspicious during a routine counselling of the orphans some weeks ago. She called them for another round of counselling in presence of District Collector O P Shrivastava and other officers concerned yesterday, Davis said.

Six girls claimed Agrawal raped them repeatedly. An FIR was lodged against Agrawal and his daughter under relevant sections of IPC and Protection of Children from Sexual Offences Act late last night, police said.

Shaila has been sent in police remand till tomorrow by a local court, they said.
BENGALURU: Cooperation Minister H.S. Mahadeva Prasad on Tuesday appealed to the Reserve Bank of India and the Union government to allow farmers to repay their cooperative loans with Rs 1000 and Rs 500 denomination notes till at least the end of December.

Speaking to reporters here, he said the last date for repayment of cooperative loans was November 15 and the RBI had issued a circular to all states asking them not to accept repayment through demonetised currencies. But this will badly affect farmers and so I appeal to the Union government and the finance minister to allow repayment till December end using the old currency notes, he added. Moving on, the minister said that the state was expecting lower sugar production this year owing to lower yield of the sugarcane crop. In 2015 when the state produced 396 lakh MT of sugarcane, the sugar output was 40.45 lakh MT. But in 2016-17, the projected sugarcane production was around 362 lakh MT, and sugar production was expected to be around 30.90 lakh MT.

Of the 68 sugar factories in the state, 39 had already started crushing the cane. But four sugar factories, including MySugar in Mandya, and the Pandavapura sugar factories would not be crushing cane due to technical reasons, he explained. The minister revealed that the Fixed Rate Price for sugarcane was between Rs 498 and Rs 619 per tonne this year.
Bank customers can swipe their cards at the PoS centres for utilising cash-back from the traders. (Representational image)

Hyderabad: In an attempt to ease the cash crunch citizens are facing after withdrawal from circulation of Rs 500 and Rs 1,000 notes, withdrawals of cash will be permitted at several Points of Sales, including petrol bunks, from Friday.

The cash-back facility will be extended to recognised supermarkets and hospitals by Friday evening. Anyone having a debit or credit card can visit any petrol outlet, supermarket to withdraw money up to Rs 2,000 a day without providing any identity proof.

All petroleum companies have decided to launch currency exchange counters at some of their outlets from Friday.

2,500 cash-back units nationwide

Withdrawals of cash will be permitted at several Points of Sales (PoS), including petrol bunks, from Friday. Hyderabad district collector Rahul Bojja said, On Friday, we will issue a list of PoS centres in the city, including private hospitals and business establishments. Bank customers can swipe their cards at the PoS centres for utilising cash-back from the traders.

Representatives from the oil companies  HPCL, IOCL and Bharat Petroleum  had approached chairman of the State Bank of India, Arundhati Battacharya, and discussed the possibilities of cash withdrawal through POS machines provided by the bank.

The chairman agreed to supply sufficient cash. The special counters will operate from 2,500 outlets across the country. HPCL spokesperson Mr Naik said list of petrol outlets in Telangana and AP states was yet to be released. We will inform the public on the cash-back facility from Friday morning. The oil firms will extend a similar service at over 20,000 outlets gradually, he said.
The ministry reiterated that small deposits made in banks by artisans, workers, housewives etc would not be questioned by the Income Tax department. (Photo: File)

New Delhi: Government on Friday cautioned Jan Dhan account holders, housewives and artisans that they will be prosecuted under the I-T Act for allowing misuse of their bank accounts through deposit of black money in Rs 500/1,000 notes during the 50-day window till December 30.

The directive comes against the backdrop of reports that some are using other persons' bank accounts to convert their black money into new denomination notes. In some cases, even rewards are being given to account holders for allowing such misuse.

The government had earlier said deposits up to Rs 2.50 lakh in bank accounts would not come under tax scrutiny as it is within the tax exemption limit. In the case of Jan Dhan account, the holder can deposit up to Rs 50,000.

However, the income tax department has noted that people are under impression that no action will be taken for deposits up to Rs 2.50 lakh during November 9-December 30.

The ministry said "such tax evasion activities can be made subject to income tax and penalty if it is established that the amount deposited in the account was not of the account holder but of somebody else. Also, the person who allows his or her account to be misused for this purpose can be prosecuted for abetment under the Income Tax Act".

The government has earlier said black money deposited in bank accounts during the 50-day period will be subject to tax, interest and 200 per cent penalty.

It asked people not to be lured into conversion of black money and become a partner in the crime of converting black money into white through this method.

"Unless all citizens of the country help the government in curbing black money, this mission of black money will not succeed," the official statement said.

It also asked people to provide information of such illegal activities to the I-T department so that immediate action can be taken and such illegal transfer of cash can be stopped and seized.

"Black money is a crime against humanity. We urge every conscientious citizen to help join the government in eradicating it," it added.

Following the demonetisation announcement of November 8, people have been queueing up in front of banks to convert and deposit the now-defunct 500 and 1,000 rupee notes.

The tax department has already made quoting of PAN mandatory if cash deposits during the 50-day period aggregate Rs 2.5 lakh or more in bank accounts.
A bank official applies indelible ink on the finger of a customer after withdrawing an amount at the State Bank. (Photo: PTI)

New Delhi: The Election Commission (EC) on Friday wrote to the Finance Ministry, asking it not to use indelible ink to mark people who were exchanging scrapped notes or withdrawing money from banks.

The EC raised the concern as several states will be going to polls and using indelible ink is the primary way of marking citizens who have already voted.

In its letter, the EC said, "It is informed that bye-elections from some parliamentary and Assembly constituencies are currently in progress, poll for which is scheduled to be taken on 19.11.2016. As per the provisions of Rule 49K of the Conduct of Elections Rules, 1961, the left forefinger of electors is required to be marked with indelible ink at the polling stations before the elector is allowed to vote."

While Uttar Pradesh and Punjab are headed for assembly polls early next year, the Election Commission stated, "Sub-rule (4) of the said Rule 49K provides that in cases, where the elector does not have forefinger on the left hand, the ink is to be marked on any finger on his left hand, and if does not have any finger on his left hand, the ink is to be marked on his right forefinger. Extracts from the Handbook for Returning officers issued by the commission containing instructions in terms of the aforesaid Rure 49K are also enclosed for reference."

The EC raised the concern as several states will be going to polls and using indelible ink is the primary way of marking citizens who have already voted.

This comes just a day after various political parties including the Congress launched a scathing attack on the Government over the move.

Congress on Thursday had accused the government of "branding" people through its "fascist act" of inking those exchanging demonetised currency notes.

Party spokesperson Anand Sharma said the Modi government was "insulting and harassing" crores of Indians by subjecting them to stand in long queues to withdraw money and demanded apology from the Prime Minister and Finance Minister Arun Jaitley.

"The decision to put indelible ink on fingers of account holders is a senseless, Fascist and Nazist act of branding people. It is shameful that they have done so with foreign tourists. Instead of sermonising, Prime Minister Narendra Modi and his Finance minister should hang their heads in shame and apologise to the people," he said.
New Delhi: The Finance Ministry on Thursday had announced some measures to mitigate the problems of farmers across the country, but had rejected Agriculture Ministrys proposal to allow them to buy seeds with demonetised notes of Rs 500 and 1,000.

According to a report in Indian Express, the Finance Ministry told the Agriculture Ministry that farmers maybe used as means to offload black money if they were allowed to use old notes and thus turned down their proposal.

The government said close to 16 crore Jan Dhan accounts are active in rural areas and farmers could easily use them to exchange or withdraw money to buy seeds and everything else they need for their crops.

On Thursday, the government had eased guidelines for farmers by allowing them to withdraw up to Rs 50,000 cash per week from bank.

Besides, it also extended the deadline for payment of crop insurance premium by 15 days and permitted APMC-registered traders to withdraw up to Rs 50,000 per week.

These steps will ensure that sowing takes place adequately in the Rabi season and enough cash is available to the farmers to buy fertiliser, seeds and other inputs, Economic Affairs Secretary Shaktikanta Das told reporters.

"The government has decided to permit the farmers to draw up to Rs 25,000 per week against the crop loan sanctioned and credited to their accounts, subject to the limits...and this will also apply to Kisan Credit Cards," he said.

These accounts have to be in the name of the concerned farmers, the accounts will have to be KYC compliant, Das said.

Besides, if the farmers receive payments either by way of cheques or RTGS into the bank accounts, they can withdraw up to Rs 25,000 per week, Das said.

Similarly, the registered traders with the Agricultural Produce Marketing Committee (APMC) markets also will be permitted to draw Rs 50,000 per week to meet various cash requirements like payment of wages to workers and other sundry expenses.

"So, this will facilitate smooth procurement process and help farmers to sell their produce without any difficulty," Das said.
Amod Phalke, a senior member of the think-tank which advised Modi on demonetisation said that the move has paved the way for introduction of a banking transaction tax (BTT). (Photo: PTI)

Mumbai: Arthakranti Pratishthan, a think-tank, which appears to be the brain behind the Modi governments demonetisation scheme is of the opinion that within six months to one year India will be all set to go cashless at which point Rs 2,000 and Rs 500 notes could also be withdrawn.

Speaking to the Asian Age, Amod Phalke, a senior member of the think-tank said that the demonetisation move has paved the way for introduction of a banking transaction tax (BTT). The BTT, according to the think-tank will lead to the abolition of all taxes in India  Income tax, VAT, excise duty and even the proposed GST.

In its latest issue, RSS mouthpiece Organiser credited the think-tank for being instrumental in the demonetisation initiative by the government on November 8.

The Organiser interview quoted another senior member of the think-tank Anil Bokil, who, when asked if he was in touch with the Prime Minister on the demonetisation issue said, The Prime Minister is an institution. He is not a person. He is so busy that he has no time to even meet his family members. Therefore, the PM and we were engaged in discussions at the institutional level and not at family level. The way the secrecy was maintained was also commendable.

Explaining the idea behind the BTT, Phalke said that people would have to pay 1-2 per cent tax on the amount credited or deposited in their bank accounts. This deducted amount will be distributed among Central, state and local bodies. Since nearly all transactions will be cashless, Arthakranti Pratishthan believes that BTT will raise `21 lakh crore taxes, which is equivalent to all the taxes raised by the Centre and states together.

Phalke pointed out that as the Indian economy is highly currency dependent, Modi could not at once withdraw all high-value currency.

But Modi in his speech has clearly mentioned that Rs 2,000 notes will be regulated. Once people start looking at cashless ways to pay, Rs 2,000 currency notes also could be easily withdrawn, he said, adding that Rs 50 and Rs 100 notes would continue to be used till poor people and those living in rural economies moved to a cashless economy.

If you will see any other economy like the US, people dont keep such large amounts of money with them. But in India, due to high denomination notes people have been out of the banking system, said Phalke. He also said that they had been in touch with Modi since 2013 when he was the chief minister of Gujarat.

He maintained that the government in its new plan didnt want people to be penalised even for depositing `100 crore in banks. The earlier taxation system was defective. So these people should not be penalised for depositing huge sums of money. The government may take 10 per cent as tax and pay back the rest in 15 years as bonds or something similar, he said.

Phalke said that it was only a matter of time for their other related proposals to be implemented. It will be implemented either in 2017-2018 or 2019. People have realised the power of our plan, he said.
Chennai: Apollo Hospitals on Thursday said Tamil Nadu Chief Minister J Jayalalithaa's "mental functions are absolutely normal" and that she can leave for home as and when she wants to, but continues to recuperate in the ICU to avoid any infection.

The 68-year-old AIADMK supremo was also "living beautifully" without ventilator, but respiratory support was being given to her periodically to ensure that her lungs don't collapse, Apollo Hospitals Chairman Pratap C Reddy said.

Asked by reporters when Jayalalithaa could resume her official responsibilities, Reddy said "responsibilities at that level is to guide and direct. I suppose that she can do well even now."

"She lives beautifully without ventilator but that has been kept so that the lungs should not collapse. Only for that purpose it is used. She is sleeping normally, eating normal food and increased high-protein diet that her body needs," he said.

"Her mental functions, I can assure you, are absolutely normal," he added.

Reddy said that Jayalalithaa has "recovered completely" and that "she is doing well," but continues to recuperate in the ICU to avoid any infection.

She was in ICU "to keep her infection-free, not to get exposed to any infection," he said.

"Even when we get fever for 10 days and take all those antibiotics for 10 days, our resistance is low. So it is normal sense for us to see that she is now in a place where the restrictions are there so that she won't get infection," he added.

The Chief Minister can leave the hospital "any time she will want to," Reddy said.

Meanwhile, party Spokesperson Nanchil Sampath said that Jayalalithaa will return home in a few days. "The doctors told me she is all right," he said.

Jayalalithaa was admitted to the hospital on September 22 after she complained of fever and dehydration. Later, the hospital had said she was being treated for infection, with respiratory support, among others.

Specialists from the All India Institute of Medical Sciences, New Delhi; and from London, have treated her during the period.

Since her hospitalisation, state ministers and AIADMK cadres have been organising special poojas at various temples across the state, praying for her speedy recovery.
Hyderabad: Telangana Chief Minister K. Chandrasekhar Rao is flying to New Delhi on Friday to meet Prime Minister Narendra Modi and seek the Centres support for Telangana, which has been hit by a severe demonetisation crisis.

Mr Rao spoke to Mr Modi on the telephone on Thursday. The PM asked the Chief Minister to prepare a blueprint of measures to be taken to mitigate the difficulties of the people post-demonetisation, a CMO official said.

The Chief Ministers wishlist for the prime minister includes seeking the Centres support for overcoming the currency crisis and deferring payment of loans to the Centre by the states. He also wants Rs 2.5 lakh cash from income or savings to be designated unaccounted money and not black money.

Exemptions to small and medium traders, businessmen and others in the unorganised sector, and one more chance to disclose and deposit unaccounted amounts of money in an amnesty scheme.

On Thursday, Mr Rao discussed the impact of demonetisation on the States revenue with chief secretary Dr Rajeev Sharma and other heads of department and CMO officials. He was told that the transport and registration departments have borne the brunt of demonitisation, while excise, sales and commercial taxes have also had a setback.

The CM said if demonetisation of currency notes would help clean the countrys economy, it should be welcomed. Any reform is a continuous process and it should be aimed at excellence. When thinkers embark on a purpose, it should be met by nothing but success. But any decision taken by the Centre to curb black money should not cause misery to lakhs, he said.
New Delhi: The issue of demonetisation continued to dominate both the Houses of Parliament on Day 3 of the Winter Session on Friday. Rajya Sabha was adjourned multiple times, while MPs in Lok Sabha struggled to raise various issues amid the ruckus created by members of the Opposition on note ban.

Here are the live updates from Parliament:

Lok Sabha was adjourned till Monday at around 12.25 pm as Opposition leaders made it difficult for the House to transact any business for the day. Rajya Sabha was adjourned till 2.30 pm and was later adjourned till Monday too.

Leaders of the TDP party demanded that the govt make some advancement on the special package announced by the Centre in Lok Sabha. "We dont want to constantly fight for out rights, no clarity even after two years, we asked for special status, government then granted special package but there has been no progress since the announcement," a TDP MP said.

TDP MP spoke amid the ruckus over note ban, demanding the Centre to release the fund under the special package for Andhra Pradesh.

Opposition members in Lok Sabha shout slogans like 'Vijay Mallya kaha hai', to protest the demonetisation move by government.

Both Rajya Sabha and Lok Sabha resumed at 12 pm, with Hamid Ansari presiding over the Upper House. RS MPs stood huddled near the Well and shouted against the Govt, leading to a third adjournment within three minutes.

The Upper House resumed at 11.30 am, but members of the Opposition continued sloganeering against the Government, despite the speaker repeatedly urging them to co-operate with him. Kurien was forced to adjourned the house again till 12 noon.

Rajya Sabha was adjourned till 11.30 am, after MPs refused to listen to the Chairman and continued creating ruckus in the House.

"Please go back to your seat, you should cooperate with me for running the house," Rajya Sabha speaker P J Kurien urges members to maintain decorum in the House.

Lok Sabha adjourned till 2 pm.

Rajya Sabha members protest against the government, rush into the Well of the House.

BJP leader Mukhtar Abbas Naqvi asked Congress to apologise for their statements against the demonetisation move

"Congress party and the honourable leader of the Opposition must apologise to the nation for trying to jeopardising the huge mission undertaken by the Prime Minister of this country to eliminate black money and corruption," BJP said in Rajya Sabha.

"The Leader of Opposition said that the number of people killed by terrorists was much lesser than the number of people that were killed by demonetisation, this statement has sent a very negative message to the nation and it sent the message that the Congress party is encouraging terrorists, black money and is trying to put hurdles in the fight against black money," BJP leader Naqvi attacked the Congress for its statements against demonetisation.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi earlier met senior leaders of his party to strategise a counter-offensive against the Opposition on the issue as the Parliament failed to transact much business on the first two days of Winter Session.

Opposition leaders have been demanding a roll back on the scrapping of Rs 500, 1000 notes, but the Finance Ministry had made it loud and clear that it will not take a step back at any cost.

Indian Youth Congress plans to gherao the Parliament on Friday to protest against demonetisation. The protest march will begin from the Indian Youth Congress' office at 5, Raisina Road.

This comes as the Congress Party is leaving no stone unturned to pigeon hole the government on what it called a hasty move.

On Day 2 of Winter Session, Opposition completely paralysed the Parliament, with Rajya Sabha disrupted over demand for the presence of Prime Minister Narendra Modi and his response in the demonetisation debate, which the government rejected outright.

The Upper House witnessed repeated adjournments but Leader of Opposition Ghulam Nabi Azad's reference to Uri terror attack in the context of demonetisation forced the final adjournment for the day.

Members of opposition parties, led by Congress, created uproar in both the Rajya Sabha and the Lok Sabha as soon as the Houses met for the day and it continued throughout.

The Lok Sabha could carry out business only during the Question Hour, that too amid the uproar, after which it was adjourned for the day minutes past 12 PM.

The Rajya Sabha could not transact any business.
New Delhi: Bill Gates, founder of Microsoft and co-Chairperson of the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation, on Thursday met Home Minister Rajnath and backed the governments move to demonetise Rs 500, 1000 notes.

According to reports, Gates said that transition is never easy when a government takes bold steps for the greater good but that the temporary pain caused it worth it.

"Government transitions are never managed perfectly and never easy," he said referring to the woes faced by millions across the country due to scrapping of big note.

With the Modi-government trying to move towards a cashless future in its bid to wipe out black money and corruption, Gates lauded steps taken by the country towards digitisation.

"India is pushing towards digitisation in a big way. The scale of the country means that once India gets there, the amount of digital innovation here will be greater than anywhere else in the world," Gates added.

Rajnath Singh asked him to support Central government's efforts for skill upgradation of workers in agriculture sector.

Commending the welfare schemes being run by the Gates Foundation in India, Singh said after the success of its 'Ananya' child care and maternal health programme in Uttar Pradesh and Bihar, the scheme should also be implemented in Chhattisgah, Jharkhand and Odisha where there is a large tribal population.

The Home Minister invited Gates to support the Central government's initiative to give a major push to skill upgradation of workers in India's agriculture sector, an official statement said.

Singh lauded the Gates Foundation's 'Awahan' initiative which has helped reduce the spread of HIV infection across India.

The Home Minister said the Central government has laid stress on the JAM (Jan Dhan Accounts, Aadhar Number and Mobile Governance) platform and hoped Gates' Potential Digital Financial Inclusion Models can be adopted to improve the Service Delivery System in the country, the statement said.
Mumbai: Expressing displeasure with the way the "ADHM" controversy was handled by the Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis, Congress MP Shashi Tharoor on Thursday said he favoured inviting Pakistani artists, creative people and businessmen to boost bilateral ties.



"We should welcome creative people, artistes and genuine businessmen (from Pakistan) to India," Tharoor said, during a debate in the Tata Literature Live Festival here tonight.



"We have to create a 'home away from home' situation for them," he said, adding that hostility between the two countries "can be a mood but not a policy".



In a scathing comment about the way Fadnavis handled the controversy surrounding Karan Johar-directed 'Ae Dil Hai Mushkil' when MNS opposed the film because it had Pakistani actor Fawad Khan, Tharoor said, "Certainly no Congress Chief Minister would have ever negotiated (with outfits like MNS)."



The Raj Thackeray-led party later relented on the condition that the producers would give a donation to Army welfare fund. Fadnavis later denied that he brokered the 'deal' between MNS and the ADHM producers.



Taking part in a debate on 'India and Pakistan can never be friends', Tharoor contended that people-to-people cooperation would improve bilateral ties.



"Create an umbrella where artists, the fashion designers and genuine businesspersons would interact more frequently, form associations which would create a constituency of goodwill," Tharoor said.
Hyderabad: Demonetisation has opened up a new battlefront in the Congress-TRS war, with leaders of both parties shooting barbs at each other

While the TRS on Friday slammed the Congress, accusing it of obstructing and wasting Parliament time, T-Congress leaders accused Chief Minister K. Chandrasekhar Rao of going to New Delhi to convert black money into white.

TRS Deputy Floor leader in the Lok Sabha, B. Vinod Kumar said Congress, which had welcomed demonetisation of high-value currency notes and has to play a key role subsequently, is only interested in adjourning Parliament.

Meanwhile, Congress MLA D.K. Aruna alleged the Mr Rao was going to New Delhi to convert black money into white.

KCR claimed Telangana was a rich and revenue-surplus state. Why is he now seeking Centres help? There is only corruption and no development in the state. People are suffering due to Modis decision. The PM promised to get back black money stashed in foreign banks, but he has miserably failed. I see sadism in his actions, Ms Aruna said.

Former MP Ponnam Prabhakar said Mr Raos face turned pale since the time of the demonetisation announcement, leaving it to the listeners to infer why.
The sharp reaction came after Pakistan claimed that an Indian submarine, after being detected near Pakistans territorial waters, had been pushed back. (Photo: Representational Image)

New Delhi: India and Pakistan were engaged in a war of words after Islamabad claimed that it had prevented an Indian submarine from entering its territorial waters, a charge which was strongly dismissed by New Delhi.

Indian Navy categorically denies the statement of Pakistani Navy as blatant lies, Navy spokesperson Captain D.K. Sharma said, adding that Indian Navy did not have any underwater movement in the area as claimed by the Pakistani Navy.

The sharp reaction came after Pakistan claimed that an Indian submarine, after being detected near Pakistans territorial waters, had been pushed back.

The charge came two days after its Army chief Gen. Raheel Sharif had said his men killed 11 Indian soldiers in firing across the Line of Control.
One is the Conveyance Allowance, which will be Rs 600 per month. Another is the Hardship allowance, amounting to Rs 1000 per month.

Bengaluru: Acceding to the long- pending demand of police constables, Chief Minister Siddarmaiah on Friday announced a Rs 2,000 hike in their salaries in the form of allowances from December 1. He also gave an assurance that he would constitute a wage commission next year, to look into the revision of their pay scales.

The constabulary had been upset over the state government's delay in announcing a pay hike, in keeping with the recommendations of a committee headed by ADGP Raghavendra Auradkar.

More pay is what they want

Speaking to reporters, Mr Siddaramaiah said, The lower- rung police personnel in the state will receive a hike of Rs 2,000 in their salaries through allowances, as per the demand of the state constables and recommendation by a committee set up subsequently."

He hastened to admit that there was indeed disparity in pay, but said it would be difficult to proceed as the state cannot independently increase salaries for a single department. We are likely to set up a pay committee next year and this matter will be referred to them, he said.

One of the key demands by state constables was to bring their salary on par with their counterparts in other states.

While a constables pay ranges from Rs 11,600-21,000, a head constables pay ranges from Rs 12,500 -Rs 24,000.

Two new allowances

In the absence of any increase in salary, the state government has introduced two new allowances.

One is the Conveyance Allowance, which will be Rs 600 per month. Another is the Hardship allowance, amounting to Rs 1000 per month. The state has also increased the Uniform allowance to Rs 500 per month from the existing Rs 100. These allowances will be paid from December 1, and will be applicable from the rank of constable to sub-inspector, he said.

Accelerated promotion

The CM added that the state would also be implementing a policy of accelerated promotion. Normally, constables wait anywhere from 20 to 22 years for a single promotion. We have decided to change it to 10, he said. The changes will affect around 80,000 police personnel. The state will bear the additional cost of Rs 200 crore per year.

Orderly system on its way out

The CM reiterated that the archaic orderly system would be abolished, but no time-frame was mentioned.

Later, home minister Dr G. Parameshwar too announced that the system would be scrapped. He had also proposed appointing dalayats.

Mr Siddaramaiah also said the state has approved recruitment of 4,561 constables and 333 sub inspectors for 2017-18 and 4,045 constables and 312 sub inspectors for 2018-19 to fill the vacancies that would be created.

Something is better than nothing, say disappointed cops

The state governments decision to pay Rs 2,000 extra towards allowances to the policemen has not appeased the latter. As a committee headed by ADGP Raghavendra Auradkar had recommended a hike of 30-35 per cent, cops expected a raise of at least 25%.

But the governments announcement on Friday has disappointed most constables in the city. When we decided to go on a strike in June, the government did whatever it could to foil our plans. Then they had promised that they would look into our problems and had set up a committee, which recommended a 35 per cent hike. The government has granted us only a Rs 2,000-hike, which does not make much difference, and has announced that it would constitute a pay committee next year again. What was the purpose of setting up a committee and not implementing its recommendations? What is the guarantee it wont set up another committee next year and reject its recommendations too ?, questioned a constable working in the East division.

Another constable in the West division said, The hike is meagre and were being made to wait for another year, that is, if the government sets up a second committee at all. How is this supposed to motivate us?

However, a head constable in the CCB, said he would welcome the governments move. Many of my colleagues are not happy with the hike. But something is better than nothing. At least the government has considered our request and given us this. I hope that it will further respond to our demands in the coming days, he said.
Hyderabad: Chief Minister K. Chandrasekhar Rao will request Prime Minister Narendra Modi to offset the loss to state exchequer due to the currency crisis during his trip to New Delhi that began on Friday.

TRS MP Burra Narasaiah Goud said that the state faces a Rs 1,200 crore deficit in the Budget and the figure could be higher, since the market is still fragile.

Mr Rao has been stating from the day he took over the reins of the state that Telangana is a surplus state, and accordingly, had launched several schemes.

CM will discuss the deficit Budget issue with the PM. State will face a severe revenue problem. We estimate a Rs 1,200 crore Budget deficit. We have taken up several developmental schemes. We welcome economic reforms but it should not turn into a case of political one-upmanship, Mr Goud said in New Delhi.

TRS sources said that clarity would emerge on party and government programmes and policies after Mr Rao meets the PM and other Union ministers in New Delhi on Saturday.

Though market is recovering slowly, it will take some more time for things to settle. The common man is put to huge hardship due to constraints on exchange of old Rs 500 and Rs 1,000 notes and businessmen due to shortage of smaller denomination notes, another TRS leader said.

Sources said that the CM was keen to continue flagship programmes like Mission Bhagiratha and Mission Kakatiya, Asara pension scheme, and the proposed construction of new power projects to ease the power situation in the state before next polls.

The government has already clamped down on expenditure for various programmes and is focussing only on priority projects. There will be further tightening of the expenditure. Since the Centre too is reeling under the impact, we dont expect much support from it. We will seek offsetting of loss due to crisis, but wont bank on it, an official said.
The new posture implies integrating strategic missiles with nuclear warheads and making its fighter-bombers capable of carrying and firing nuclear weapons.

NEW DELHI: Pakistan is secretly changing its nuclear deterrence stance from a limited one to a full-spectrum nuclear deterrence posture, the director of the Nuclear Information Project (NIP) at the Federation of American Scientists (FAS), has claimed.

The new posture implies integrating strategic missiles with nuclear warheads and making its fighter-bombers capable of carrying and firing nuclear weapons.

The leading FAS scientist Hans M. Kristensen, in his recent blog Pakistans Evolving Nuclear Weapons Infrastructure, said: Pakistan now identifies with what is described as a full-spectrum nuclear deterrent posture, which is thought to include strategic missiles and fighter-bombers for so-called retaliatory strikes in response to nuclear attacks, and short-range missiles for sub-strategic use in response to conventional attacks.

This posture is being augmented with at least 10 nuclear-related facilities including five missile garrisons (soon possibly six) as well as two (possibly four) air bases with fighter-bombers.

There are still many unknowns and uncertainties about the possible nuclear role of these facilities. All of the launchers are thought to be dual-capable, which means they can deliver both conventional and nuclear warheads, wrote Mr Kristensen. The scientists claim comes at a time of sharply escalating Indo-Pak tension since the September 18 attack by Pakistan-backed militants who attacked an Indian Army base in Uri. India hit back strongly on September 28-29 when Indian troops crossed into Pakistan-Occupied Kashmir to target terrorists launchpads killing many militants and Pakistani soldiers.
Reserve Bank said cash withdrawal limit from Point of Sale in large cities and towns has been doubled to `2,000 per day and customer charges have been waived in the wake of demonitisation of old 500/1000 bank notes.

New Delhi: The Centres demonetisation drive has had a significant impact on the circulation of Fake Indian Currency Notes (FICN) as its smuggling from international border along with Pakistan, Nepal and Bangladesh has virtually come to a halt.

Minister of state for home Kiren Rijiju said that following the announcement by Prime Minister Narendra Modi on November 8 smuggling of fake currency from these three major sector has completely stopped.

Mr Rijiju claimed that at any given point of time there was at least Rs 400 crore worth of fake currency in circulation in the country and nearly rs 70 crore of FICN was pumped into the economy every year. The biggest source of this fake currency are Pakistan based terror groups and me-mbers of the Dawood Ibrahim gang.

The impact of demonetisation, the minister added, was also being felt by the illegal trade of arms and ammunition, hawala, drugs and opium.

In fact, according to the home ministry sources hawala trade has been badly hit by the demonetisation drive. Till June this year security agencies had seized fake currency worth Rs 12.35 crore, while in 2015 it was Rs 34.99 crore, in 2014 the value was Rs 36.11 crore and in 2013 it was Rs 42.90 crore.

Intelligence sources said the move had also hit terror funding in the country as an estimated Rs 700 to Rs 800 crore is used for terror activities in the country.

Out of this, Rs 350 to Rs 400 crore is used by insurgent groups in the North-East, Rs 300 to Rs 400 crore by the Naxals and Rs 20 to Rs 30 crore by subversive elements in the Kashmir Valley.

In fact, intelligence sources claimed that the cash rich Naxal outfits were caught completely unawares by the demonetisation move and were now loaded with old Rs 500 and Rs 1,000 currency notes which are virtually of no use to them. The ministry has directed Naxal-hit states to ensure that the Maoists do not pressur-ise bank officials or villagers to exchange the old currency in their possession. Sources said there was nearly was Rs 4,00,000 crore of black money in circulation in the country which too had been badly hit by the demonetisation of old Rs 1000 and Rs 500 notes.
Chief Minister K. Chandrasekhar Rao will be in New Delhi on Saturday to meet Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Union finance minister Arun Jaitley on Saturday to discuss the issue.

Hyderabad: The revenue-surplus state is set to go for an overdraft for the first time to tide over the present financial crisis. The states revenues have been dwindling every day since November 8, when high-value notes were demonetised.

Though the state can avail ways and means advances from the RBI to mobilise funds, the finance department has stated this would not be enough to meet the financial commitments and the government needs to seek an OD facility from the RBI to pay salaries of employees and meet day-to-day expenses.

60 per cent drop in tax revenue feared

Ways and Means Advances are intended to provide a cushion to the states to carry on with their essential activities and normal financial operations.

The RBI, as the banker to the state governments, provides financial accommodation to states to tide over temporary mismatches in the cash flow of their receipts and payments. When advances to the state governments exceed WMA limits, an OD facility is provided.

The RBI charges 7.5 per cent interest for WMA and 2 per cent more for OD. Telangana state government earns Rs 4,500 crore per month on an average through its own tax revenues. It gets another Rs 1,000 crore per month on an average from the Centre towards tax devolution. This month the state's tax revenue is expected to fall by 50 per cent due to demonetisation as theres hardly been any business activity since November 8 due to the currency crisis. There is no clarity how much money the Centre would give under tax devolution this month since it imposed a Rs 450-crore cut last month without any intimation, said sources in Finance department.

The immediate priority of the state government is to pay salaries for staff, which account for Rs 2,500 crore. Another Rs 1,100 crore is needed to pay interest on loans.

"The income from all sources is not expected to touch even Rs 3,000 crore this month. Besides, there are other financial commitments  to adjust funds for subsidy rice, social security pensions, purchase of power etc., which cannot be deferred. To meet all these financial commitments, going for OD is a must in the wake of reports that it would take at least four months to recover from the impact of demonetisation," sources added.

Chief Minister K. Chandrasekhar Rao will be in New Delhi on Saturday to meet Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Union finance minister Arun Jaitley on Saturday to discuss the issue. Finance minister Etela Rajender said, The CM will take up all these issues with the Centre and seek adequate financial assistance to make up for the loss.
Kadiri: At a village counselling centre in Andhra Pradesh, a woman dressed in a bright pink sari starts the conversation on a bright note. But 10 minutes into her session she is weeping.

"I ran away from the brothel and came back home 10 years ago but it still seems like yesterday," the 40-year-old victim of sex trafficking tells her counsellor, Shakuntala Byalla.

"I don't like to think about the past but coming back hasn't been easy either. Even my parents asked why I had come back."

The woman, who declined to be identified, is one of thousands who are trafficked from in and around Kadiri town in Andhra Pradesh's Anantapur district to the brothels of Mumbai, New Delhi and Pune every year.

Agents and gangs prey on the poverty of thousands of women and girls in rural areas, promising them a good job and decent income in other cities before selling them into the sex trade, activists say.

Many women are rescued or escape - only to return home and face a new struggle to overcome their past and deal with the present.

In Gandlapenta village, counsellor Byalla is their only friend and confidant.

"Many of them were practically sold by their own parents, who then live off the money the trafficked girl sends home," Byalla said.

"When they come back, the shock of being rejected by their mother and father drives them to despair. They lose the will to live."

India alone is home to 40 percent of the world's estimated 45.8 million slaves, according to a 2016 global slavery index published by the Australia-based Walk Free Foundation.

According to the National Crime Records Bureau, there were nearly 5,500 cases of forced prostitution in 2014 across India, which does not differentiate between human trafficking and sex work in its anti-trafficking laws.

Easy Targets

A recent government survey identified Kadiri, where Chittoor, Kadappa and Anantapur districts meet, as a hot spot for human trafficking in Andhra Pradesh, the coastal state which is home to India's space research centre.

"Many women from the Lambada tribe in particular fall victim to traffickers," senior district official Kona Sasidhar told the Thomson Reuters Foundation.

"Not only are the women very pretty, they are also very poor, making them easy targets for agents. We have started a crackdown to stop this."

A 2016 survey by Anantapur district officials identified 6,200 women as "being susceptible to trafficking" due to poverty, a lack of awareness about trafficking and drought in agriculture-dependent areas.

The woman in the pink sari, who left her toddler behind with her mother when she was trafficked to Mumbai, was one of them.

Wiping her tears, she told Byalla about the woman from her neighbourhood who promised her a job as a maid but instead sold her to a brothel in Kamathipura, Mumbai's red light district.

In graphic detail, she described the "gharwali" (madam) who ran the brothel, the first time she was raped and how she managed to hide a few rupees in the seams of her clothes.

However it was when she started talking about her family that the tears flowed down her cheeks.

"They are very poor and lived off the money I sent. I still take care of them but we don't live under the same roof," she said as Byalla held her hand.

"Spoil Women "

For 10 years, the counsellor has been listening to women who "left home as adolescents and came back looking different".

"They are suddenly perceived as modern, spoilt women and have nowhere to hide," said Byalla.

"The nail polish, hair cuts, clothes and urban slang gives them away. They come to the centres with anger, frustration and guilt. For years, I have listened and seen that nothing has changed."

Later, a 28-year-old touched Byalla's feet in the counselling centre asking for help to get her own house. The woman said she had thought of killing herself.

Byalla admonished her gently.

"We have to fight with everyone for everything. It is normal," she said.

Byalla's counselling centre is one of six in the region that are run by the non-profit Rural Development Trust. Between April 2015 and March 2016, more than 600 women sought help at the centres, many of them victims of trafficking, others of domestic abuse.

Byalla also sends out teams to 124 villages identified in 2004 as having high rates of migration. They go looking for trafficked victims and also those on the verge of migrating.

The Gandlapenta centre also offers vocational training based on the belief that if women are taught a skill, which they can earn a living from, they will be less likely to fall victim to traffickers.

"Rehabilitation of victims is a big concern and we are in the process of forming small self-help groups in villages for these women," Sasidhar said.

"They are being given access to banks and soft skill training will follow."

Many of the women who go to Byalla are directed to the vocational centre, where they are trained to make sanitary pads, incense sticks, notebooks and taught tailoring.

Some stay on after their training and earn a monthly salary to run their homes.

Byalla spoke to the 28-year-old about the possibility of learning a skill and working. She nodded eagerly.

"I try to be strong because I have a daughter to raise," she told Byalla.

"It's very difficult but the one thing I look forward to is meeting you. I feel happy sharing my feelings with you. I am relieved of some of my pain."
Kochi: The cops managed to fish out the bodies of four Nepalese who went missing in the Aroor mishap but their relatives will have to wait for a long time to take the bodies home owing to the legal tangles. The state government has also not announced any financial assistance to the victims. The authorities are waiting to complete the formalities of the Nepal natives, Shyam Khatri, Madhu, Himlal and Gaman Bahadur Khatri. The body of Nijas of Panavally was handed over to the relatives on Friday.

Lokman Hale, 32, Suresh Khatri, 28, Behadoor Rekha, 36, and Ramu had escaped unhurt. They were taken to hospitals but were discharged soon. They also want to go to their homeland. The State Disaster Management Authority (KSDMS) had contacted Nepal government through the Nepal embassy in India soon after the accident but they are yet to get a final decision on the bodies. The KSDMS sought the address and other details of the four persons from Ernakulam collectorate but did not get any details.

According to Mr Sekhar Lukose Kuriakose, member secretary of the State Emergency Operations Centre, the authorities were in touch with Nepal. As the deceased are Nepal natives, the bodies can be handed over only as per international norms. Just like in the case of an Indian dying abroad, we need to try our level best to get it done, he said. Once they receive the details, further action would be taken. Most probably we will contact the Nepal Embassy tomorrow, he said. The bodies are kept in the mortuaries at Thripunithura Taluk Hospital and Ernakulam General Hospital.

Three more bodies found

The rescue team on Friday found the remaining three bodies of the persons who went missing after a pickup van crashed at Aroor bridge and plunged into the Kochi backwaters on Wednesday. Two bodies were retrieved earlier. A total of nine persons were in the pickup van, including the driver. The police found the bodies of Nijas Ali of Madhurakulam, near Cherthala, and Shyam Khatri and Gaman Bahadur Khatri of Nepal. Other than Nijas, all the others belonged to Nepal. There is confusion over how the accident actually happened. Four persons were rescued by local fishermen.

According to the police, the bodies of Shyam and Gaman were found near Edakochi-Aroor bridge around 12 midnight and 8. 30 a.m. respectively. The body of Nijas was recovered from Perumpadappu around 9.30 a.m. The bodies were shifted to Ernakulam General Hospital and Triupunithura Taluk Hospital. The body of Nijas was handed over to the relatives after post-mortem by evening. The Edappally police have registered a case.
Kozhikode: BJP leader V. Muraleedharan alleged that the CPM was trying to protect their vested interest by using lakhs of co-operate bank customers as human shield. Addressing a press conference here on Friday, he said BJP was not against cooperative sector but its misuse by the CPM to mobilize funds for the party and to employ partymen. The cooperative sector in the state has a deposit of Rs 1,27,000 crore and more than 1 crore people are involved in the sector in one way or the other. "However, for the last many decades, these funds and human resources are under the total control of CPM. It is a threat to polity," Mr. Muraleedharan said.

He pointed out that allegations are rife about CPM using cooperative bank as a shelter to keep the unaccounted money the partymen earned through dubious ways as deposits. The party is also against the Central government's amendment of the cooperative law, which ensured better transparency and efficacy. "CPM wants total disarray in the sector," he alleged. He also said that though the UPA government led by Congress had brought the 111th amendment of the Cooperative Law, it failed to implement it throughout the country. "It is ironic to see the same Congress party is cooperating with CPM in its war against BJP," Mr. Muraleedharan said.
New Delhi: Under attack from BJP over comparison between the deaths post demonetisation with the Uri killings, Leader of the Opposition in Rajya Sabha Ghulam Nabi Azad and his party ruled out apologising for his remarks saying the government should instead apologise to the people.

"BJP should apologise (for demonetisation) to the entire nation, not me. The way they have pushed back the country, they must apologise to the 125 crore people of this country," the senior Congress leader said here outside Parliament.

BJP members led by minister Mukhtar Abbas Naqvi on Friday created a ruckus in the Rajya Sabha demanding that Azad apologise for his comparison.

He said that Azad's statement had given a message to the country that Congress was sympathetic to terrorism and asked why was it so agitated when the demonetisation drive was only to hurt black money hoarders.

Azad had in his remarks yesterday during the debate on demonetisation said that the number of those killed by Pakistan-sponsored terrorists in Uri was less than those who died due to suffering post demonetisation.

His party leaders Digvijay Singh and Manish Tewari came to Azad's defence saying as a politician of long standing from Jammu and Kashmir and as chief minister of that state, he was second to none in upholding nationalism and by no means he could be called anti-national.
While Congress members trooped into the Well, several AIADMK members were seen standing along their seats. (Photo: file)

New Delhi: Proceedings in Parliament were washed out for the second consecutive day on Friday, with the ruling side causing pandemonium in Rajya Sabha over certain remarks by Congress leader Ghulam Nabi Azad and opposition creating ruckus over demonetisation in Lok Sabha.

No business could be transacted in either the Rajya Sabha or the Lok Sabha due to the uproar and both the Houses were adjourned for the day prematurely.

In the Rajya Sabha where debate took place on demonetisation for six-hours on Wednesday, the discussion could not be resumed even today as the House saw a clash after the ruling side raked up Azad's comments linking deaths due to demonetisation crisis to the killings in the Uri terror attack and demanded apology from Congress.

On the other hand, Congress and some other opposition parties insisted on presence of the Prime Minister before the debate could be resumed.

Slogans and counter slogans in the Upper House forced its adjournment, first till 1130 hours, then till noon, then till 1233 hours, after that till 1430 hours and finally for the day.

Soon after listed papers were laid on the table of the House, BJP members moved into aisles shouting slogans and demanding an apology from Azad for his remarks.

Congress members too rushed into the Well raising slogans demanding presence of the Prime Minister and an apology from him as well as the government for the hardship caused to the common man due to withdrawal of 86 per cent of the currency in circulation in the form of old 500 and 1000 rupee notes.

AIADMK members were also in the Well raising slogans over the Cauvery water issue.

Deputy Chairman P J Kurien asked all members to leave the Well and return to their seats, assuring them that he would hear their submissions.

Amid the din, Minister of State for Parliamentary Affairs Mukhtar Abbas Naqvi alleged that Azad's statement had given a message to the country that Congress was sympathetic to terrorism and asked why it was so agitated when the demonetisation drive was only to hurt black money hoarders.

Kurien persuaded AIADMK and Congress members to withdraw from the Well, telling them that he would give opportunity to their leaders to raise their respective issues.

But with BJP members continuing to stand in the aisles and raising slogans, Congress members too were back in the Well, shouting slogans.

Kurien said treasury benches should not create problems for the Chair. "If you do this, what do I do? You should cooperate with me in running the House. Treasury benches should not disrupt," he said.

But the din continued, forcing him to adjourn the proceedings till 1130 hours.

There was no change in the scenario when the House reassembled as both BJP and Congress members again started raising slogans.

While Congress members trooped into the Well, several AIADMK members were seen standing along their seats.

As the slogans and counter slogans continued, the Chair adjourned the House till noon. After repeated adjournments, when the House met again at 1430 hours, opposition members continued to create ruckus.

Congress leader Anand Sharma accused the government of not wanting the House to run and for "destroying the poor" with his policies.

In the melee, the Deputy Chairman asked the MPs to introduce the Private Member's Bill amid continuous sloganeering by the opposition and treasury benches.

Prior to this, he read out a decision by Lok Sabha Speaker Sumitra Mahajan on a private member's bill for special package to Andhra Pradesh after its reorganisation, moved in the last session Congress member KVP Ramachandra Rao.

The Bill was referred to the Speaker to ascertain if it was a money bill and whether it can be introduced in the Upper House. However, Kurien's statement could not be heard in the din.

Independent MP Rajeev Chandrasekhar moved his Bill to declare any country as state sponsor of terrorism and withdraw economic and trade relations with such country and to create legal, economic and travel sanctions for citizens of that country.

Following continuous uproarious scenes, Kurien adjourned the House till Monday.

In the Lok Sabha, Congress and some other opposition parties pressed for a discussion on demonetisation under a rule which entails voting, that too through an Adjournment Motion which means suspension of all business.

Several notices were given by various opposition leaders for discussion under the Adjournment Motion but Speaker Sumitra Mahajan rejected these, saying a debate could take place otherwise.

Ruckus started soon after the House met for the day, with Leader of Congress Mallikarjun Kharge demanding that the issue of scrapping of Rs 1000 and Rs 500 denomination notes be discussed through an adjournment motion and not the rule being proposed by the government.

Parliamentary Affairs Minister Ananth Kumar said the government was willing to discuss the issue and there was no need to press for an adjournment motion.

As the din continued, the House was adjourned for nearly one hour till noon, minutes after it assembled.

When the House assembled again for Zero Hour, the opposition again pressed for moving an adjournment motion. But the Speaker rejected all the notices. Both Kharge and TMC leader Sudip Bandopadhyay insisted that the debate be taken up through an adjournment motion.

The Parliamentary Affairs Minister once again urged the opposition to take up the debate under Rule 193 which does not entail voting and a formal motion.

Kumar said the opposition should not "run away" from a debate and maintained that it was up to the Chair to decide under which rule the discussion will take place.

As part of their Zero Hour references, Meenakshi Lekhi and Gajendra Singh Chauhan (both BJP) raised the issue of remarks made by Leader of Opposition in Rajya Sabha Ghulam Nabi Azad yesterday linking deaths due to demonetisation crisis to the killings in the Uri terror attack. The remarks were expunged last night itself.

The two BJP members slammed Azad for the statement and demanded that a resolution be passed against him and he should be asked to apologise in writing.

As differences persisted and opposition continued to raise slogans like "Pradhan Mantri sadan mein aao" and "Vijay Mallya kahan gaya", the House was adjourned for the day.
By now it must have become apparent to the meanest intelligence that India is in turmoil. A running economy has ground to almost a halt and there is no saying when things will get back to normal again, normal in this case being the ability of the common citizen to work, earn and then spend that money for his/her daily needs. To be cut off from legitimately earned money, lying within arms reach but yet inaccessible, and going through tiresome and humiliating moments to get it, has understandably frustrated millions of innocent citizens. Fervid supporters of the present government and specially of Prime Minister Narendra Modi still persist in hailing this masterstroke. His political colleagues have now begun to admit that there is pain, but say its all for future gain. Economists are not so sure that it was a good idea at all, because the costs  economic and human  far outweigh the benefits.

What will social scientists make of the aftermath of the off-with-his-head kind of firman issued by the Prime Minister one weekday night, which has radically changed the lives of millions of people and will cause serious long-term damage? How has India reacted and what does it tell us, about our political masters, about our society, about ourselves? Undoubtedly sociologists and historians of the future will study this phenomenon but even observing the unfolding of this human drama, which has seen not just economic misery but also death, one thing has become starkly clear  the vast class divide between the well-off and also the well-connected and the rest of the nations citizens has grown exponentially. There was always a chasm in India between the rich and the poor, the haves and the have-nots. The poor were a blind spot for the other Indians, specially in urban areas. Even if they were within the eye line, they were mostly ignored. As for the rural poor, for much of urban middle-class India, they existed only in the abstract and therefore didnt matter. But in an earlier India, even the richest and the wealthiest knew that poverty was a problem and something had to be done for them.

In the post-reform era, it was hoped that trickle-down economics would eventually reach them, but as we know, that was a chimera. It was the middle class that got richer and got the full benefit of higher salaries and consumer goods; the government was happy to tailor its policies towards them. It was during the peak of India Shining and later, the India Story that a rising intolerance towards the poor became manifest. One of the criticisms against Manmohan Singh  and Sonia Gandhi  was their allocation of funds for schemes such as NREGA or the food subsidies, which were seen as a drain on resources. Though NREGA has not been done away with, that imbalance is being readjusted now. Poverty is no longer part of the conversation. This disregard for the invisibles at the bottom of the economic pyramid has created tremendous antipathy and hatred towards those who do not fall within the idea of what the modern Indian should be: consumerist, tech-savvy and digitally networked. The poor now are a drag, a nuisance holding us back.

In recent days, how often have we seen voices exhorting the poor to get plastic or mobile wallets instead of paying the old way? Or wondering why they dont have bank accounts? Why dont they just download WhatsApp on their smartphones? And in any case, why would demonetisation matter to them since they dont have `500 notes in the first place? Arent the poor used to standing in queues? Cant they understand it is for the greater good? On social media, the tone is virulent; one asked, Why should every policy be about the poor. Why indeed? These questions have not just come from the raucous online warriors but also from corporate chieftains and politicians who are credulous that such a great decision by the Prime Minister is being actually questioned. Their world of privilege and entitlement, a world in which one can manage with credit cards for weeks and months, has inured them to all other realities. This divide  economic, social or indeed digital  has not happened overnight. It was becoming apparent over the years.

No one from the government has said sorry for this major mess-up  that would be asking for too much  and there has been no show of empathy either. No minister or MP has walked among the crowds or the people in their constituencies, offering them assurances  all the platitudes are being issued from their offices and then echoed by their publicity machine. Anyone who complains is being asked to think of the soldier in Siachen. The Prime Minister says it is the rich who are sleepless, not the poor  but all around one only sees ordinary people queuing up outside banks from 5 am while the rich are hosting multi-crore weddings; the incongruity seems to have completely missed our leaders.

There have also been enough stories about people helping the weak and the indigent (though even that kindness has been mocked), because there is also no dearth of goodness in this country. Small traders and vendors have shown compassion and helped their fellow citizens. That is the least one expects in a civilised society. The turbulence this decision has caused will eventually settle down  in 15 days, 50 days or maybe longer. Farmers, workers and businessmen, specially small ones, will somehow make do, as Indians are known to, and get back on their feet. Whatever the outcome, the government and its vocal drum-beaters will claim success; if you say something often enough and loud enough, it starts sounding like the truth, at least to yourself. But something has deeply changed in India and the long-term consequences of that will not go away.
I had the privilege of knowing Lt. Gen. Srinivas Kumar Sinha, PVSM (Retired), but not his full name until quite recently. He was an officer and a gentleman of the old school whose character and moral values sprang from his undoubtedly privileged family background from an established landowning Bhumihar family of Bihar which was politically influential and well connected. Lt. Gen. Sinha was very much an old-world aristocrat in the truest sense of the word, calm and collected under all circumstances, just, fair, at the same time strict and even handed in all matters. He was endowed with a personal sense of honour and the most impeccable integrity. I was aware of his advanced age, and I knew the end had to come sometime, but nevertheless I was indeed sad when the news arrived of his passing.

Lt. Gen. Sinha was a former Army vice-chief, a former governor of Jammu and Kashmir and of Assam, and a former Indian ambassador to Nepal. At that time, I remember wondering that out of all these illustrious posts, which one would have given him the most satisfaction and happiness. My own guess was it would have been his tenure as the Indian Armys vice-chief, though his natural ambitions of becoming Chief of Army Staff had remained unfulfilled. He had approached close to the summit but yet remained just a few feet short of it. He retired undefeated, but with his personal honour and integrity intact. The true nature of his moral courage and strength of character came shining through brightest in his hour of defeat, when he resolutely refused to compromise his principles with the unsavoury political machinations of a defence minister (who later became Supreme Commander of the Armed Forces, God help us!) and resigned rather than deviate from his own stand.

He had joined the Indian Army during World War II and was commissioned into the Jat Regiment, whose battalions had two rifle companies each of Hindu Jats and Punjabi Muslims. 2nd Lt. S.K. Sinha was posted to one of the Muslim companies, and moved with his unit to Myanmar and later to the Dutch East Indies. World War II ended in 1945 and the Indian troops were tasked with supervising the surrender of the Japanese garrisons, which had been located there. Meanwhile, the struggle for independence from Dutch colonial rule had begun in the East Indies, and as a young captain Gen. Sinha had seen the beginnings of the violent struggle for independence, that ultimately resulted in the formation of the new nation of Indonesia. Indonesian nationalists had repeatedly approached Indian Muslim soldiers to back them in their own struggle against the return of their former colonial masters. Some Indian soldiers did desert and stayed behind when the Indian formations returned to India in 1945, where Indias own struggle for independence against British rule was well under way.

There was much work to be done in India too. Independence in 1947 was approaching, and so too was Partition and the division of the Indian Army between India and the new Muslim homeland of Pakistan. As general staff officer Grade 2 at Army Headquarters, soon to be split between India and Pakistan, Gen. Sinha was a working hand directly involved in the whole process, and witness to the birth of the nation. He had to rush as a liaison officer and an observer to many hotspots that were erupting everywhere, most notably in Kashmir, which had been invaded and nearly completely overrun by tribesmen sponsored by Pakistan. It was a shape of things to come and Lt. Gen. Sinha began recording and writing his observations, that were to be published after his retirement as a book  Operation Rescue: Military Operations in Kashmir 1947-1948. The book became prescribed study material for the Defence Services Staff College.

Shankar says he became Chief of Army Staff by an act of fate... In my case, fate decided I was not to become the chief, even though I had been cleared for it, Lt. Gen. Sinha said while speaking at the Kolkata launch of my book Officially at Peace, that he had very kindly agreed to preside over. I had approached Lt. Gen. Sinha as like many others in the Indian Army, I considered him as the quintessential thinking mans soldier for whom I had high regard, both as a military professional as well as an intellectual in his own right. It must never be forgotten that the Indian Army is a manpower-intensive organisation and will continue to remain one, in view of the multifarious operational responsibilities it is required to undertake and the terrain on which it is required to operate.

Management of human resources will therefore always remain an issue of critical importance to the Army, in some senses even more than to its sister services, which are relatively more technology-driven and less manpower-intensive. Lt. Gen. Sinha was blessed in this context with a clear and sharply analytical mind, which, as adjutant-general of the Army, its chief personnel officer, enabled him to take up cudgels cogently and forcefully on behalf of the Indian soldier, on a variety of important issues. Lt. Gen. Sinha was one of the most significant contributors to the critical aspect of organisational strengthening and development of the Indian Army in terms of pay and allowances, medical facilities benefits for the rank and file and, above all, the inter-service protocol of the armed forces vis-a-vis the civil services. His presentation to the Third Pay Commission in 1971 set the board for future jousts on these issues, with the Sixth and later the Seventh Pay Commissions as well as with the civil bureaucratic hierarchy of the Government of India, challenging their sense of divine right and authority without responsibility. Rest in peace, Lt. Gen. Sinha. The Indian Army owes you a debt of gratitude that will be difficult to repay. Jai Hind!
China's Shenzhou 11 space capsule landed safely in the northern region of Inner Mongolia on Friday with two astronauts aboard, state media said, completing the country's longest manned space mission to date.

China Central Television showed images of the craft - whose name translates as "Divine Vessel" - on the ground flanked by Chinese flags and support teams. State news agency Xinhua said the capsule had touched down "successfully" just after 2 p.m.

The two astronauts, Jing Haipeng and Chen Dong, spent 30 days aboard the Tiangong 2 space laboratory, or "Heavenly Palace 2", which China is using to carry out experiments ahead of a longer-range plan to have a permanent manned space station around 2022.

They did not immediately emerge from the capsule as CCTV said they were undergoing medical examination, but mission commander Zhang Youxia, who is also a senior military official, said in a televised speech that they were in "good condition".

"The Tiangong 2 and Shenzhou 11 flight duties were a complete success," Zhang said.

Tiangong 2 will remain in its orbit and next docks with Tianzhou 1, China's first cargo spacecraft, which is set to be launched in April next year, according to state media.

In a manned space mission in 2013, three Chinese astronauts spent 15 days in orbit and docked with a space laboratory, the Tiangong 1.

Advancing China's space program is a priority for Beijing, with President Xi Jinping calling for the country to establish itself as a space power.

The U.S. Defense Department has highlighted China's increasing space capabilities, saying it was pursuing activities aimed at preventing other nations using space-based assets in a crisis.

China has been working to develop its space program for military, commercial and scientific purposes, but is still playing catch-up to established space powers the United States and Russia. It insists the program is for peaceful purposes.

China's Jade Rabbit moon rover landed on the moon in late 2013 to great national fanfare, but soon suffered severe technical difficulties.

The rover and the Chang'e 3 probe that carried it there were the first "soft landing" on the moon since 1976. Both the United States and the Soviet Union had accomplished the feat earlier.

China will launch a "core module" for its first space station some time around 2018, a senior official said in April, part of a plan for a permanent manned space station in service around 2022.

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A multinational crew, including a US astronaut who is the oldest and most experienced woman to fly in space, blasted off from Kazakhstan on Thursday for the International Space Station, where it should arrive in two days, a NASA TV broadcast showed.

The Russian Soyuz rocket carrying American Peggy Whitson, Russian cosmonaut Oleg Novitskiy and French astronaut Thomas Pesquet lifted off from the Baikonur Cosmodrome at 3:20 p.m. EST.

Whitson, 56, a biochemist and NASA's former chief astronaut, is making her third trip to the station, a $100 million research laboratory that flies about 250 miles (420 km) above Earth.

By the time she returns to Earth in six months, she will have accumulated more time in orbit than any other US astronaut, surpassing the 534-day record set in September by astronaut Jeff Williams.

"The most important thing about the station is the friendships and the work we accomplish there," Whitson said during a prelaunch news conference on Wednesday in Kazakhstan.

Novitskiy, 45, who is making his second spaceflight, added: "The station is ... a place where we can demonstrate to the entire world that you can have normal relations, where you can work without being distracted by things that don't really matter."

Joining the veteran fliers is Pesquet, 38, a rookie astronaut representing the European Space Agency.

The crew is due to reach the station at 5:01 p.m. EST on Saturday, where it will be greeted by NASA astronaut Shane Kimbrough and Russian flight engineers Sergey Ryzhikov and Andrey Borisenko, who arrived on Oct. 21.

The combined crew will be one of the last six-member teams to live on the station for a while. Beginning in March, Russia plans to cut the number of cosmonauts serving on the station to two from three, following delays in launching a new science laboratory. The Multipurpose Laboratory Module is now expected to be launched in 2018.

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Russias communications regulator, Roskomnadzor has started to enforce a proposed block of LinkedIn in the country.

Russias communications regulator Roskomnadzor recently issued an order against LinkedIn on their website that cited an original Moscow District Court decision from August to block LinkedIn.

Apparently, the social networking platform had failed to transfer Russian user data to servers located in the country thus, violating a law instituted in Russia which essentially requires all online sites to store personal data on national servers.

Now reports suggest, Roskomnadzor has officially started to enforce a proposed block on LinkedIn in the country.

LinkedIn confirmed the block to TechCrunch in a statement, LinkedIns vision is to create economic opportunity for the entire global workforce. We are starting to hear from members in Russia that they can no longer access LinkedIn. Roskomnadzors action to block LinkedIn denies access to the millions of members we have in Russia and the companies that use LinkedIn to grow their business. We remain interested in a meeting with Roskomnadzor to discuss their data localization request.

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YMS Mobitech Pvt. Ltd, a tech-based distribution start-up, has joined hands with Chinese smartphone manufacturer, Mi India to distribute its range of accessories in key states of Eastern India. The partnership will focus on offline distribution of Xiaomi accessories including Mi In-Ear Headphones, Mi Capsule Earphones, Mi Bluetooth Speaker, Mi Band 2, Mi Power Bank and other accessories. YMS Mobitech will make all Xiaomi accessories available to 2000 stores across West Bengal, Bihar, Jharkhand, Orissa, Assam, Sikkim and all North Eastern states.

The YMS e-distribution network boasts of 11,000 retailers and 350 distributors across 364 cities in what is Indias largest app-based distribution ecosystem, guaranteeing on-demand sales with zero dead stock and zero loss of business opportunity.

Announcing the tie up Ajay Laddha, Co-founder, YMS Mobitech said, YMS Mobitech has been consistently working with an aim to disrupt the distribution landscape in India through its pioneering e-distribution platform. We are happy that a leading technology player like Xiaomi has placed their trust in us. We are excited to offer Xiaomis accessories and look forward to helping them scale new milestones in India through our distribution ecosystem.

We have made significant movements in our offline distribution plans for India, especially in 2016. We have been taking gradual steps in this direction and believe our association with YMS Mobitech will take us a step further in our plan. As our India portfolio grows, we are foraying into the offline accessory market for the first time to extend our accessory experience for our fans, said Vipin Raina, Head  Offline Sales, Xiaomi India

All retailers, distributors and sales team operate via YMS app. Distributor can transfer wallet balance to retailers by a click of a button and retailers can use the same to sell any product.

YMS Mobitech also creates financial products for the electronics industry, under its brand Apps You Need, and uses its technology-driven platform to sell and monitor these products. Few months ago, it also launched an accessories and IoT brand CULT.

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The footage of the incident shows the boy with a bloodied face holding his hands up as the mob surrounds him as he sits on the ground with his legs tied together. (Photo: Representational Image)

Lagos: A boy in the Badagry district of the city of Lagos in Nigeria was savagely beaten by a mob and burnt to death for being a thief.

According to a report in The Mirror, the boy was set upon by the mob after being accused of repeatedly robbing local residents and businesses, and even threatening to kill people.

The footage of the incident shows the boy with a bloodied face holding his hands up as the mob surrounds him as he sits on the ground with his legs tied together.

He is beaten over and over again as he begs for his life, and then a tyre is placed around his neck. The tyre, upon which a flammable liquid has been poured, is then set on fire.

The boy manages to throw off the tyre, but the unmerciful crowd then proceeds to set him alight anyway.

The boy burned to death even as some people called out for him to be handed over to the police instead of being killed.

The video of the incident was shared on social media, where users speculated about the boys age. Some people claimed he was as young as seven years old.

The boy had allegedly been caught in a supermarket trying to steal food, which he had been caught doing before on more than one occasion, as well as robbing locals.
Morocco: Amid apprehension that US President-elect Donald Trump might withdraw the US from the climate-rescue Paris Agreement, India on Thursday said that one should not react on assumptions and "wait" and keep a "close watch" on the situation.

Environment Minister Anil Madhav Dave, during a media interaction organised by BASIC countries, said Paris agreement is a "settled fact" and whatever is spoken during election campaigns is "different" which is why one should wait for another few months.

The BASIC ministers who met in Marrakesh said there can be no "backtracking" on the commitments made by the developed nations and no attempts should be made to "renegotiate" the terms of the Paris Agreement.

"Coming from the largest democratic country which always goes for elections in five years, we know the test of results. Power comes and goes and whatever we speak in the election campaign is somewhat very different from when we come to power."

"Nothing official has been there (about US' decision). On the assumptions, we should not react. We should wait watch and see the situation. Paris is a settled fact. World is going ahead with Paris Agreement," Dave told reporters.

He said that one should not go for words like "ifs and buts" and wait for a few more months and see the situation.

"We should wait for another few months and see the situation and then BASIC and BRICS countries will decide. This is the time to keep a close watch," he said.

Before his election, Trump called climate change a "hoax" perpetrated by China and vowed to "cancel" the hard-fought Paris Agreement concluded last year to limit dangerous global warming.

China and the United States, the two largest emitters, gave a major boost to the accord when they signed on during a summit in September between Presidents Xi Jinping and Barack Obama.

US Secretary of State John Kerry who gave a speech at the ongoing climate change conference yesterday without naming Trump said that the "strongest skeptic" has to acknowledge that something disturbing is happening.

The BASIC countries will continue to advance their "legitimate" interests of all developing nations with "emphasis" on such nations which are particularly vulnarable to the adverse effects of climate change.

The Ministers also stressed the adequate means of implementation support, in the form of new and additional climate finance, technology transfer and capacity building for all developing nations that require it is "indispensable" if countries need to meet the temperature adaptation goal set by Paris agreement.

The Ministers also welcomed the early coming into force of Paris agreement, which represents the best contract possible in balancing the circumstances of all countries.
Abe, whose country is one of Washington's closest allies, said the two leaders can have a relationship of trust. (Photo: AP)

Washington: Donald Trump has met Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe, the US President-elect's first meeting with a foreign leader after winning the presidential elections last week.

"I am convinced Trump is a leader in whom I can have great confidence," Abe said after the meeting that lasted for about 90 minutes at the Trump Towers in New York.

Abe, whose country is one of Washington's closest allies, said the two leaders can have "a relationship of trust".

"I am very honoured to see the President-elect ahead of other world leaders. The Japan-US alliance is the axis of Japan's diplomacy and security. The alliance becomes alive only when there is trust between us," Abe told reporters after the meeting, which was closed for the press.

Presidential transition team has described the meeting as private. This was Trump's first meeting with a foreign leader after he was voted to power in one of the most surprising results of a US presidential election held on November 8.

He has spoken with as many as 32 world leaders including Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
Jeff Sessions, conservative senator, was one of Trump's early backers in the race for the White House (Photo: AP)

Washington: President-elect Donald Trump has chosen Jeff Sessions, a conservative senator who was one of his early backers in the race for the White House, to be attorney general, US media reported Friday.

And US Representative Mike Pompeo has been selected to be CIA director, news outlets said.

A member of the Senate since 1996, Sessions is known as an outspoken voice against illegal immigration, and in favor of reduced spending and a tough approach to fighting crime.

He was the first senator to endorse Trump during the campaign and is said to have become a close adviser to the real estate tycoon who has no experience in government.

But he is also dogged by racially charged comments he made in the 1980s while working as a prosecutor in Alabama, including allegations he referred to a black subordinate as "boy" and joked about the Ku Klux Klan.

Pompeo, from Kansas, co-authored a report that slammed Trump's defeated rival Hillary Clinton for her handling of the 2012 attack in Benghazi, Libya in which the US ambassador and three other Americans died.

It accused the administration, of which Clinton was then secretary of state, of misleading the public over the attack and failing to protect US personnel.
San Diego: President-elect Donald Trump will face an immigration system that is maxed out when he takes office in January as a high number of Central Americans and Haitians continue to come to the US through the Mexican border.

Resources to process the immigrants, detain them and to try their immigration cases in court are extremely strained.

Now, federal officials say they are releasing Haitian immigrants who have been entering the country in large numbers, backtracking on a pledge to jail them before they are deported.

A U.S. government official told The Associated Press that the decision to free Haitians arriving in Arizona and California is in response to a lack of jail space. The official said releasing immigrants with orders to report later to immigration court is a tactic used when detention space is scarce, under certain humanitarian conditions or as part of efforts to keep families together.

Before the Haitians are released, they are subjected to a criminal background and national security check. The official was not authorized to discuss the matter publicly and insisted on speaking on condition of anonymity.

Federal immigration officials announced Thursday they are opening a large processing facility in west Texas next week in an effort to deal with the large number of families and young children coming through the border. The facility in Tornillo, outside of El Paso, can hold up to 500 people and will be up and running by next week, officials say.

The influx of migrants and lack of jail space on the border will be one of the most immediate immigration challenges for Trump.

Among the issues Trump will face is growing opposition to conditions at Border Patrol holding cells and ICE detention centers.

For example, the Border Patrol in Arizona faces a lawsuit from immigrants who say its holding cells are overcrowded, dirty and extremely cold. A federal judge in Tucson on Tuesday said he was inclined to direct the Border Patrol to improve sleeping conditions, although he hasn't issued a directive yet.

Immigrants who enter through Texas also report that Border Patrol holding facilities - known as "hieleras" - the Spanish word for "freezers," are difficult to sleep in. CBP has said it is "committed to the safety, security and welfare of those in our custody, especially those who are most vulnerable."

In California, thousands of Haitians have arrived at the U.S. border with Mexico in recent months, many after traveling 7,000 miles by foot, taxi and bus from Brazil through eight nations. They present themselves to U.S. border inspectors, often at San Diego's San Ysidro port of entry, the nation's busiest crossing.

About 5,000 Haitians had showed up at San Ysidro from October 2015 through late September, overwhelming border inspectors. Another 40,000 were on their way, officials have said.

The Department of Homeland Security last week said there were about 41,000 people in immigration detention facilities, compared to a typical population of 31,000 to 34,000.

It was unclear how many Haitians have been released since the change, although ICE says it has deported 203 Haitians to their home country and that about 4,400 remain detained.

ICE spokeswoman Jennifer Elzea said in a written statement it is removing Haitians in accordance with its enforcement priorities.

"ICE prioritizes the removal of national security threats, convicted felons, individuals convicted of significant or multiple misdemeanors, and individuals apprehended at or between ports of entry while attempting to unlawfully enter the United States," she wrote.

The decision to release Haitians will likely add to the growing backlog of more than half-a-million cases already pending in immigration court. That backlog has effectively meant that immigrants routinely wait years for a judge to decide if they should be kicked out of the country.

At a bus station in Phoenix on Thursday, several Central American women said authorities released them on condition that they promise to appear in immigration court. Yarely Cobon of Guatemala was wearing an ankle monitor and was with her 4-year-old daughter.

Cobon, 22, said she left Guatemala over three weeks ago and crossed the border in Texas. She turned herself in to the Border Patrol and was detained for about six days. Her family paid for a bus ticket to join them in Los Angeles, where she has a court hearing next week.

Cobon said the Border Patrol holding cell where she was held with her daughter was packed with women in children.

"I was just standing, sitting, desperate. There's children crying. It was dirty," Cobon said.

Ana Lidia Dubon Martinez is nearly eight months pregnant with twins and left Honduras with her 11-year-old brother almost a month ago. The pair swam across the river in Matamoros, Mexico, and turned themselves in to border agents in the U.S.

Dubon Martinez is headed to Los Angeles via bus.

The U.S. policy shift announced in September lifted special protections that Haitians got after their country's 2010 earthquake and treats them like immigrants from other countries and regions, including Mexico and Central America. Central Americans, particularly adult men, are often detained until they can be flown home. Mexicans are typically turned around immediately, made possible by their country's shared border with the U.S.

Women with children such as Cobon and Dubon Martinez are often released and given a court date similar to how the government is handling the Haitians.

The new posture hit hurdles when a powerful hurricane struck Haiti, raising more questions about the ability of the Caribbean nation to accept large numbers of its people. The U.S. temporarily suspended deportation flights to Haiti on Oct. 4 but Johnson vowed that Haitians would continue to be detained.
Indian Army had used artillery guns to destroy four Pakistani posts in a massive assault across the Line of Control (LoC) in Keran sector of north Kashmirs Kupwara district last month. (Photo: AFP)

New York: Pakistan has drawn the attention of the United Nations to what it said was India's "intention" to escalate tension on the Line of Control by launching artillery barrages, which were threatening regional peace and security.

Pakistan's Ambassador to the UN Maleeha Lodhi wrote to UNSC President and and UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon saying Indian troops in Kashmir launched artillery barrages last week in a major escalation of attacks along the LoC threatening regional peace and security, Geo News reported.

"This was the first use of such weapons in 13 years and was a clear indication of the Indian intention to further escalate tensions and undermine regional peace and security," she wrote.

Lodhi said it was an effort by India to divert the international attention from its "continued violations of human rights" in Kashmir, the report said.

She called on the UN chief and the Security Council as the custodians of international peace and security to take note of the continued ceasefire violations by India that pose a real danger to regional peace and security.

She told the UN authorities that the frequency of these violations has increased over the last two months.
If convicted, each defendant faces a maximum sentence of 20 years in prison and a USD 250,000 fine. (Photo: Representational Image)

Washington: An Indian-American couple have been indicted on human trafficking charges related to forced labour of foreign nationals primarily from India, authorities have said.

A federal grand jury charged Satish Kartan, 43, and his wife Sharmistha Barai, 38, with conspiracy to commit forced labour and the commission of forced labour.

Kartan has also been charged with fraud in contacting foreign labour and Barai with benefiting from forced labour, the Department of Justice said on Thursday.

If convicted, each defendant faces a maximum sentence of 20 years in prison and a USD 250,000 fine.

The couple from California were arrested on October 21, on a criminal complaint and were released on bond with special conditions that prohibit them from hiring any non-relatives to perform domestic services or child care work for them. The arraignment is scheduled for November 21.

According to court documents, between February 21, 2014, and October 3, 2016, Kartan and Barai hired workers from overseas to perform domestic labour in their homes in Albuquerque, New Mexico; Stockton and elsewhere in the US.

In advertisements seeking workers on the internet and India-based newspapers, the couple made false claims regarding wages and duties of employment, federal prosecutors alleged.

"Once the workers arrived at the defendants' residences, Kartan and Barai forced them to work 18 hours a day with limited rest and nourishment. The defendants did not pay wages and used force, physical restraint and coercive conduct to get the workers to perform the labour and services," it said.

The indictment alleges that Kartan and Barai struck one worker on multiple occasions, including in one incident where Kartan grabbed her hands and caused them to be burned over the flames of a gas stove.

Moreover, the indictment alleges that the defendants failed to pay another worker and told her that they would call the police if she tried to leave.

When she was ultimately able to arrange to be picked up from the defendants' house, Kartan refused to provide her with the access code to the gated community so that her ride could not enter, the court papers alleged.
The leader of the Taliban, a proscribed entity needs to be designated as a terrorist individual. The international community is impatient for action, India said at UN. (Photo: Representational Image)

United Nations: Asserting that the UN should do more to send the right message to terror groups, India has said that the inconsistent implementation of sanctions on some of the terrorist outfits eats away at the UN's authority.

"The United Nations must do more to send the right message. Inconsistent implementation of sanctions on some of these terrorist outfits eats away at the UN's authority and needs to be addressed," Indian Ambassador to the UN Syed Akbaruddin said in his address to the UN General Assembly.

"The leader of the Taliban, a proscribed entity needs to be designated as a terrorist individual. The international community is impatient for action," the Indian diplomat said.

Earlier this week, Afghan President Ashraf Ghani himself asked a delegation of the UN Security Council Sanctions Committee to include the new Taliban leader Mullah Haibatullah (Akhundzada) and such others, in the list of terrorists.

"Unless the Security Council and its subordinate organsare part of a cohesive response to global terrorism they run the risk of becoming marginalised from the most fundamental security priorities of Member States whose fabric is being torn as under by terrorists," Akbaruddin warned.

Addressing the UN General Assembly as it adopted an unanimous resolution on Afghanistan, he said the security challenges faced by the Afghan people and Government have not receded.

"We note that Afghanistan, along with the Resolute Support Force, continues to make efforts to combat terrorism," he said.

"However, the shadowy supporters of some of these terrorist organisations like the Taliban, Haqqani Network, ISIS, AI-Qaeda and its designated affiliates such as Lashkar-e-Taiba and the Jaish-e-Mohammed have not been deterred, as is reflected in the upwards trend in the toll of causalities," the diplomat said.

The resolution unanimously adopted by the UN General Assembly pledged its continued support, in particular as the Afghan Government rebuilt a stable, secure and economically self-sufficient State free from terrorism and narcotics while strengthening the foundations of its constitutional democracy.

At the same time, it heard expressions of alarm over recent spikes in civilian casualties and the influence of violent extremists.

In her address, Pakistan Ambassador to the UN Maleeha Lodhi said the presence of large numbers of terrorists, foreign fighters and militant groups in the vast ungoverned areas of Afghanistan presents an imposing challenge to the long-term stability of the war-torn country.

"They pose a threat not only to Afghanistan but also to Pakistan and indeed the entire region. Afghanistan could once again become a source of global terrorism, with grave implications for the region and the world," Lodhi said.

"A dialogue between the Afghan Government and the Afghan Taliban remains the only way to end Afghanistan's long night of suffering," she added.
Nazi guards select prisoners on the platform at the entrance of the Auschwitz-Birkenau extermination camp in 1944 (Photo:AFP)

United Nations: The United States was one of three countries to vote against a U.N. resolution condemning the glorification of Nazism on Thursday, citing freedom of speech issues and concerns Russia was using it to carry out political attacks against its neighbors.

The resolution entitled "Combating glorification of Nazism, Neo-Nazism and other practices that contribute to fueling contemporary forms of racism, racial discrimination, xenophobia and related intolerance," was approved by the U.N.'s human rights committee on Friday with 131 in favor, 3 against with 48 abstentions. Ukraine and Palau were the other no votes.

"We condemn without reservation all forms of religious and ethnic intolerance or hatred at home and around the world," said Deputy U.S. Representative to the Economic and Social Council Stefanie Amadeo, explaining the U.S. vote.

"However, due to this resolution's overly narrow scope and politicized nature, and because it calls for unacceptable limits on the fundamental freedom of expression, the United States cannot support it," Amadeo said.

She said the U.S. also disagrees with the resolution's willing to curb freedom of expression even while sharing its concerns about the rise of hate speech around the world.

"This resolution's recommendations to limit freedom of expression, freedom of association, and the right to peaceful assembly contravene the principles enshrined in the Universal Declaration of Human Rights and must be opposed," Amadeo said.

Unlike resolutions in the Security Council, resolutions in General Assembly committees are not considered legally binding.
COLUMBUS  John Cimpl got to know his way around Columbus Hydraulics Company long before he sat in the big chair as head of the company.

The 66-year-old worked on the back shop production floor during summer breaks from his studies at Creighton University, where he earned a management degree more than 40 years ago.

In the years afterward, he put in stops in the manufacturers purchasing, payroll, human resources and sales departments before becoming president and part-owner of the company in 2000.

I got to learn the family business, joked Cimpl, who retired in 2015 after selling his stake in the company to a Minneapolis, Minnesota-based private equity firm.

He and his uncle, Don Cimpl of Omaha, who was a silent partner in the ownership of the local company, still own the buildings at the corner of 12th Avenue and 17th Street.

Im really enjoying retirement, Cimpl said. He and his wife, Marlene, are now able to spend more time with local family members.

Cimpl will receive The Archway Award presented to a local outstanding businessman during Tuesday's Columbus Area Business Hall of Fame banquet at Ramada-Columbus.

Key for Cimpl when he decided to sell the manufacturer of custom-built hydraulic cylinders was Artic Capitals decision not to upset local operations by relocating to another community. A five-member management team he built over the years stayed intact, guided the ownership transition and remains today.

It was really important they stayed in Columbus and I feel pretty confident they will grow the company here, Cimpl said. We had a great management team and they were part of the deal.

In the next year or two, Arctic Capital plans an expansion in local operations that includes the addition of a new facility and larger work force.

According to local officials, the company will look to build or acquire a new facility at a separate Columbus site while continuing to invest in equipment upgrades and local workers.

The companys customer base includes manufacturers of equipment used in construction, agriculture, lawn and turf care, transportation, railroad maintenance and other applications.

Columbus Hydraulics has about 250 active customers, some of which have done business with the company for decades.

The companys business model of pursuing a diverse menu of markets has paid dividends over the years.

A slowdown in the farm economy, which normally accounts for about 15 percent of Columbus Hydraulics annual cylinder sales, has impacted orders over the past couple of years.

Farmers arent making any money on low cattle prices and $3 corn, Cimpl said.

The manufacturers two top customers year in and year out, Vermeer Company and Toro Company, buy cylinders for construction, wood-waste processing and turf and landscape management equipment.

We were fortunate (over the years), when one market was down, the others were up, Cimpl said.

Columbus Hydraulics was owned by the Cimpl family from 1962-2015. The company was started in 1952 by the Sokol family.

Don Cimpl and his brother-in-law bought into the company 10 years later, and Don and Manny Cimpl, Johns father, became co-owners in 1970 after Manny moved to Columbus from South Dakota and assumed the role of president and general manager.

Under the Cimpl familys ownership, Columbus Hydraulics became a major employer for the city, adding a second shift in the mid-1990s and eventually reaching its current work force level of around 130 employees.

John Cimpl, who joined Columbus Hydraulics in 1973 and bought out his father in 2000, said the company experienced double-digit sales growth each year since the economic downturn, which led to expansions at the 1705 12th Ave. facility in 2008 and 2010, taking the manufacturing plant to about 90,000 square feet.

The company also leases a second building for inventory and storage.

John Cimpl has also demonstrated a commitment to community service over the decades when he wasn't busy at the office.

The father of four grown daughters served as president of the Columbus Optimist Club (1979), St. Bonaventure school board (1989-91), Scotus Central Catholic school board (2003) and Columbus Community Hospital Foundation (2014) over the years.

Cimpl was named the Optimist of the Year in 1980 and United Way Volunteer of the Year in 2004, and is a member of the Glow Gold Committee of Sammy's Superheroes (and Sammy Nahorny's grandfather).
The woman was was listed in good condition with a broken left arm and bite wounds on her head and torso that required more than 70 stitches. (Photo: File)

Hagerstown: A 63-year-old Maryland woman survived an attack by a black bear by punching it, and when that didn't work, she played dead, her husband said Thursday at the hospital where she's recovering.

"She said she punched him in the face a couple times," Ronald Osborne said. "She's a tough babe."

He said Karen Osborne used her cellphone to call 911 after she was attacked Wednesday night in the driveway of their daughter's rural home near Frederick, about 45 miles west of Baltimore.

She was listed in good condition with a broken left arm and bite wounds on her head and torso that required more than 70 stitches, her husband said. He said she was in a lot of pain and didn't want to be interviewed.

Maryland Department of Natural Resources wildlife specialists tracked and euthanized the 200-pound female bear under a policy mandating death for bears that attack people, said Candy Thomson, a Natural Resources Police spokeswoman.

Paul Peditto, director of the DNR's Wildlife and Heritage Service, said it was the state's first recorded bear attack on a human in at least 81 years. He said the agency had captured and tagged the same bear last summer after she got into a chicken coop.

The Osbornes live next door to their daughter's family in the Catoctin Mountains near Gambrill State Park. Ronald Osborne said Karen had gone outside with their leashed dog at about 9 p.m. to investigate constant barking from their daughter's dog.

Peditto said the barking dog had apparently treed at least one of the bear's three cubs. "And then when she saw another dog probably close to, or between, her and the cubs, she went into what we call a defensive attack," he said.

He said the cubs, nearly a year old, can survive without their mother.

The mother bear was familiar to area residents, said Tara Snuffin, the couple's daughter.

"She's been in the area forever. We all kind of love her," she said. "We're all very sad that this had to happen this way."

The state's growing bear population, estimated at more than 1,000 in 2011, prompted the state to expand hunting this year to Frederick County, where the attack occurred. Maryland ended a 51-year moratorium on bear hunting in 2004.
The Abu Sayyaf, which is blacklisted by the US and the Philippines as a terrorist organisation, holds more than a dozen foreign and local hostages. (Photo: AFP)

Manila: The Philippine military says fierce clashes between government troops and Muslim extremists in the country's south have left at least 14 combatans dead.

Military spokesman Maj Filemon Tan said, 10 Abu Sayyaf rebels were killed on Friday in Sulu province, but troops retrieved only three bodies.

Four were killed and nine wounded on the government side. Tan said army units encountered some 150 militants in Patikul township and exchanged fire for 45 minutes until the extremists withdrew.

Soldiers then pounded the rebels' position with artillery fire and put up checkpoints as they pursued the militants.

The Abu Sayyaf, which is blacklisted by the US and the Philippines as a terrorist organisation, holds more than a dozen foreign and local hostages.
Bangkok: A Thai court handed a conwoman a 150-year sentence on Friday for a cascade of offences including defaming the royal family by trumping up connections with the monarchy to solicit cash.

Kramonthas Thanathornkositcheera, 62, will serve the maximum of 50 years in jail allowed under Thai penal law after pleading guilty to scores of charges including 29 counts of royal defamation.

The Thai monarchy is protected by one of the world's toughest lese majeste laws.

She was accused of swindling four people, who owned a printing factory, out of around $145,000 between 2010 and 2014.

She made promises that donations would be rewarded with palace favours in a country where the monarchy holds great prestige and powers of patronage.

Kramonthas told her victims that the favours would flow "if they donated money for merit-making with royal family", the prosecutor told the court.

To back up her elaborate claims she falsified royal household documents and pretended palace officials attended a birthday bash she threw for herself.

"The defendant was given a total 150 years in jail," said the prosecutor -- who was not named in court documents seen by AFP.

The prosecutor explained she will serve the legal maximum of 50 years after pleading guilty.

Kramonthas is half-sister to Monta Yokrattanakan, better known as 'Ying Kai', who is awaiting trial over royal defamation and human trafficking charges.

Her case has seized Thai headlines but remains shrouded in mystery like many alleged royal defamation crimes.

The monarchy is a highly sensitive issue in Thailand, with the law and social opprobrium swiftly brought down on anyone deemed critical of the institution.

All media based in Thailand must self-censor to avoid falling foul of the broadly worded law.

The death of Thailand's revered King Bhumibol Adulyadej on October 13 at the age of 88 plunged the country into intense mourning.

Bhumibol's son Crown Prince Maha Vajiralongkorn will take the throne.

The country's ruling junta has vowed to double down on criticism of the monarchy.

Even palace or well-known establishment figures have fallen foul of the royal defamation law in recent years.

A famous Thai fortune teller was arrested in October last year and charged with improperly using his connections with the monarchy to make money.

He died in military custody in November last year. Doctors said he succumbed to blood poisoning.

A senior police officer also arrested in connection with the same case was found hanged in his cell.

Among others accused of using connections with the monarchy to make money are more than half a dozen relatives of the Crown Prince's former wife, Princess Srirasmi, who have been jailed in closed court proceedings.
Beijing has reclaimed reefs and built airstrips capable of hosting large military planes, sparking anger from competing claimants led by Vietnam and the Philippines. (Photo: Representational Image/AFP)

Hanoi: Vietnam is extending its runway on an island in the South China Sea also claimed by Beijing, according to fresh images likely to irk the regional superpower.

Hanoi has lengthened the runway on Spratly island from less than 2,500 feet (760 metres) to 3,300 feet, the US-based Asia Maritime Transparency Initiative said in a report, citing images from early November that appeared to be from a satellite.

Vietnam will likely extend the runway to 4,000 feet in total, added the monitor, a project of the Center for Strategic and International Studies in Washington.

Communist Vietnam is also building two large hangars capable of hosting its maritime surveillance aircraft and transport planes, AMTI reported.

Beijing claims most of the South China Sea. It has reclaimed reefs and built airstrips capable of hosting large military planes, sparking anger from competing claimants led by Vietnam and the Philippines.

Hanoi and Beijing have traded diplomatic barbs over disputed island chains and waters in the sea.

Tensions have eased slightly in recent months but the issue remains incendiary on both sides.

In 2014 China moved a controversial oil rig into contested territory, prompting riots in Vietnam though tensions have simmered in recent years.

"Even amid reduced diplomatic tensions, Vietnam continues to modernise its military and seek closer security ties with Japan, the United States and India in preparation for future Chinese assertiveness in disputed waters," AMTI said in its report published Tuesday.

Hanoi did not respond to a request for comment Friday, but Beijing issued a customary rebuke and asserted its claim over the disputed Spratly chain, which it calls the Nansha islands.

"We are firmly opposed to some relevant country's illegal occupation and construction work on some of the islands and reefs of China's Nansha islands," Chinese foreign ministry spokesman Geng Shuan said at a regular briefing.

The strategic waterway is also claimed by the Philippines, Brunei, Malaysia and Taiwan and is rich in energy reserves, fishery resources and is a busy shipping route.
Charity founder Radha Stirling called the mentality racist and said she would not report it even if she were personally raped in the UAE. (Photo: Representational Image)

London: A UK-based charity has warned British tourists and expatriates in Dubai and across the UAE not to report rape, after a woman who was allegedly gang raped was arrested and charged with extramarital sex.

According to a report in The Independent, Detained in Dubai, an organisation that assists people who have become victims of injustice in the UAE, has warned against reporting rape or other crimes in the country because of the manipulation when it comes to criminal accusations and the racist preconceptions held against Western tourists.

Radha Stirling, founder of the charity, said that following the shocking arrest and a spate of recent incidents where rape victims have been detained in the UAE, she encourages woman not to report sexual assault.

Stirling says that it is often assumed in the UAE, which has a strong clubbing scene, that the raped woman was just looking for it. Because the police get a lot of complaints from disgruntled prostitutes who file false rape cases, they tend to believe that maybe the girl was just drunk and then she regretted it the next day.

Stirling called the mentality racist and said she would not report it even if she were personally raped in the UAE.

Her advice came following the case of a British tourist who was gangraped by two men last month, who has been arrested and charged with 'extra-martial sex' in Dubai after she filed a police complaint regarding sexual assault.

The 25-year-old victim said that she was on a holiday to UAE when she was attacked by two men. Following the incident, the victim lodged a police complaint.

Instead of helping her out, police officials arrested her for breaking Emirati laws against extra-marital sex.

The woman was later released on bail. However her passport was confiscated which meant that she could not travel back to her home country and could face trial for the offence and be awarded punishments such as flogging, jail, deportation or even stoning to death.

"They have taken her passport as lawyers thrash it out. She is staying with an English family but she is absolutely terrified. She went to the police as the victim as one of the worst ordeals imaginable but she is being treated as the criminal, a family member of the victim was quoted as saying.

Rape cases in UAE often require proofs such as a confession from the rapist or witness statements from adults -- due to which most cases are are often dismissed or turned around to prosecute the victim.
Paris: Human Rights Watch chief Kenneth Roth said he was keeping a close eye on "warning signs" from US President-elect Donald Trump after the Republican's tough talk during his campaign about torture and drone strikes.

"I don't take entirely seriously what he said on the campaign trail... I don't take entirely at face value that he is going to kill families (which) is just a blatant war crime," Roth told AFP.

"We are not assuming the worst, but we are also pushing to ensure that the worst doesn't become official policy," the HRW executive director said during a visit to Paris.

Last December Trump said that as president he would order the United States to "take out" the families of terrorists.

Roth said outgoing President Barack Obama left the door open for Trump to revive disturbing policies from the George W. Bush years by taking "half steps".

"Torture is a good example. Obama stopped the Bush torture but he refused to prosecute the Bush torturers," Roth said.

"Even though he tightened the law against torture, which is clearly illegal, the fact that no one has been prosecuted makes it easier for Trump to resume it."

"So it was a positive step, but only a half step."

Trump has "backed off... a little bit but he said during the campaign that he'd like to use waterboarding or worse ... even if it doesn't work."

On the use of drones, Roth said Obama had spelt out the "proper standard" for strikes outside war zones, for example in Yemen and Somalia, which is that "lethal force can be used only to meet an imminent lethal threat."

But in practice, "he has allowed the CIA and the Pentagon to use an extremely elastic definition of imminence," Roth said.

As a result, "even participation in a terrorist plot, which is extremely weak, often just a young male associated with a known suspect," can be used as justification.

"It could be the pizza delivery guy," Roth said, adding that Obama's approach had made it "easier for Trump" to use a looser standard.

On Obama's failure to close the Guantanamo Bay prison camp, Roth said he had "taken steps to do so by reducing its population but refused to end Bush's long-term detention without trial."

The president, who had made the camp's closure a top campaign pledge in 2007, "refused to spend the political capital to veto the legislation that has made it harder for him to transfer people to the United States," Roth said.

"In terms of counterterrorism (Obama) was obviously a big step forward from Bush, but he didn't really close off the abuse of counter-terrorism practices, meaning that it will be easier for Trump to revive them if he wants."
Several people are believed to be injured but the driver had escaped unhurt, officials said. (Photo: Representational Image/AFP)

The Hague: Several people were hurt on Friday when a train derailed after smashing into a milk tanker in the northeastern Netherlands, police said.

The tanker truck was leaving a farm in the rural area of Winsum and "was probably driving over an unguarded railway crossing when it was hit by an oncoming train," Groningen police said on their Twitter account.

"Several are believed to be injured" but the driver had escaped unhurt, they said, adding dozens of rescue workers had been rushed to the scene.

Groningen police spokesman Ernest Zinsmeyer told the NOS public broadcaster: "Most of the injured are only slightly hurt, but one person has been taken to hospital."

It was not immediately known how many people were in the train when the crash happened, but a helicopter was also said to be on the way.

Television images from the NOS public broadcaster showed the first few carriages of the train had derailed, and it was partly tipped onto its side in a field.

Rescuers could also be seen carrying stretchers to the derailed train. But police said other people had already been treated for their injuries on the scene. Train links to the region had been stopped for the time being.
Jerusalem: Israel's Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu failed to prepare his country for Hamas's use of tunnels during the 2014 Gaza war, according to a key report cited by local media Friday.

A two-year inquiry by state comptroller Yossef Shapira reportedly found that despite intelligence warnings, Netanyahu only belatedly and partially informed his cabinet of the danger.

Shapiro, who is in charge of assessing state policies and the use of public funds, opened the inquiry soon after the July-August 2014 conflict between Israel and Hamas, the Islamist group which controls the Gaza strip.

His long-awaited report, which ministers and military officials received Thursday, has not been publicly released but local media cited officials familiar with its contents.

Preventing Palestinian militants from launching rockets from Gaza into Israel and destroying Hamas tunnels were Israel's key goals when it launched the 2014 assault, its third war in the coastal territory in six years.

Israel's border with Gaza is sealed by a closely monitored security barrier.

But during the war, Israel's military found 32 tunnels, including 14 that extended from the Gaza Strip into Israel, according to a UN inquiry into the conflict.

Gaza militants used the tunnels during combat, including to carry out cross-border attacks.

The Israeli army said it destroyed over 30 tunnels during the 50-day conflict.

A draft of Shapira's report in October reportedly slammed Netanyahu and Moshe Yaalon, who was defence minister at the time.

It was quoted as saying the security establishment "did not have a comprehensive plan for dealing with Hamas's offensive tunnels".

A senior army official said last month that Israeli troops should have been better prepared for tunnel warfare.

A source close to Netanyahu on Friday rejected the accusation that he had not adequately informed his cabinet of the threat.

The threat was discussed "with all the seriousness required at 13 different meetings," the source said.

The war killed 2,251 Palestinians and left 100,000 homeless, according to the UN.

On the Israeli side, 73 people were killed, most of them soldiers.

The UN report said both Israel and Palestinian militants may have committed war crimes, decrying "unprecedented" devastation and human suffering.

The Shapiro report may be politically damaging for Netanyahu, who has faced criticism from political opponents over the tunnels.
Earlier on Friday, air strikes on a village in the rural Aleppo province killed seven members of the same family, including four children, opposition activists said. (Photo: Representational Image)

Beirut: Intensive bombings pummeled Syria's rebel-held eastern neighbourhoods of the city of Aleppo on Friday, residents and rescuers said, hitting an area housing several hospitals and sending the chief of a pediatrics clinic in a frantic search for a place to move his young patients.

Earlier on Friday, air strikes on a village in the rural Aleppo province killed seven members of the same family, including four children, opposition activists said.

The attacks mark the fourth day of renewed assault by Syrian government warplanes on eastern Aleppo districts, a rebel-held enclave of 275,000 people. The onslaught began with a Russian announcement of its own offensive on the northern rebel-controlled Idlib province and the central Homs province.

So far, more than 100 people have been killed across northern Syria since Tuesday.

A physician who identified himself as Dr. Hatem, the head of the only pediatric hospital remaining in besieged rebel-held part of Aleppo, said his facility has been targeted once more on Friday, causing damages to its exterior. The hospital was also hit during a wave of airstrikes on the complex housing four hospitals on Wednesday.

"Now it is being bombed, I am sorry. I have to go to transfer the children" to a safe area, he said in a text message. He uses his first name fearing for his family's safety.

Another Aleppo hospital in a different neighbourhood also came under intense bombing late Thursday, he said, though no one was wounded.

Many hospitals and clinics in the besieged area have moved their operations underground after months of relentless bombings and air strikes.

The city of Aleppo, once Syria's commercial hub, has been divided since 2012, with the eastern half in rebel hands and the western half controlled by government forces.

Ibrahim al-Haj, a member of the Syria Civil Defence rescuers in Aleppo said the city "is a mess." The group of rescuers and first responders said they were struggling to put out fires set off by the bombings in at least 10 different areas of eastern Aleppo.

The Britain-based Syrian Observatory for Human Rights says the strike that killed the seven from one family took place in southwestern Aleppo. Syrian Civil Defence posted photographs online showing children's bodies covered with dust and blood.
The situation reached a turning point after the failed July 15 coup, with Brussels angrily criticising a relentless crackdown and Ankara accusing the bloc of failing to show solidarity. (Photo: AFP)

Ankara: President Recep Tayyip Erdogan has threatened to call a referendum on the future of Turkey's EU membership bid, while Brussels accuses Ankara of "backsliding" on key commitments.

After an already exhausting process of over half a century, could this finally be the end for the long-running saga of Turkey's EU membership bid?

The situation reached a turning point after the failed July 15 coup, with Brussels angrily criticising a relentless crackdown and Ankara accusing the bloc of failing to show solidarity.

Turkey formally applied to become a member of the European Union in 1987 and accession talks began in 2005. Its ambition to become part of the bloc dates back to the 1960s.

Analysts say that, despite all the problems. both sides are keen to keep up an illusion of an accession process. Brussels is also acutely aware of the importance of a deal with Turkey to reduce the flow of migrants to Europe.

Half-century accession bid over?

The Turkish government said it may now propose bringing back the death penalty, a move the EU has warned would mark the immediate end of its accession bid.

"It's their (the EU's) choice to continue the path with or without Turkey," Erdogan warned in October.

But German Foreign Minister Frank-Walter Steinmeier, visiting Ankara this week, said that the ball was in Turkey's court. "It is not a decision for Europe or the European capitals," he said.

Aykan Erdemir, senior fellow at Washington-based Foundation for Defense of Democracies, said there is "a reluctance in Brussels to suspend Turkey's accession process".

"The continuation of Turkey's membership bid is seen as one of the last tools available to the EU for checking Erdogan's arbitrary rule."

What is the impact of crackdown?

Since a rogue military faction tried to oust Erdogan from power, over 100,000 people within the judiciary, media, military and civil service have been arrested, suspended or sacked.

Among those arrested include secular daily Cumhuriyet columnists and the co-chairs of the second biggest opposition Peoples' Democratic Party (HDP).

For Roy Karadag, political scientist at the University of Bremen, the crackdowns mean "factually, this is the end of the Turkish accession process".

"This is a tough sell, diplomatically speaking, but no European leader can credibly commit to the Turkish accession, any longer," he told AFP.

Yet on the surface at least, EU leaders have been keen to keep the membership bid going, with only Austria at a meeting of foreign ministers this week suggesting a halt.

EU foreign affairs chief Federica Mogherini said it was "very important that channels remain open between a candidate country and a partner and the EU".

Presidential spokesman Ibrahim Kalin wrote in Daily Sabah that membership was a "strategic goal" for Turkey and talks should be accelerated rather than stopped.

What future for refugee deal?

Last year the continent experienced its worst refugee crisis since World War II, with more than a million people fleeing war and poverty landing on Europe's shores mostly via Turkey.

In a bid to stem the flow, Brussels and Ankara agreed a 6 billion ($6.4 billion) deal in which Turkey would take back migrants in exchange for money, visa-free travel and the opening of new chapters.

Soner Cagaptay, director of the Turkey Program at the Washington Institute for Near East Policy, said the EU was painfully aware it needs Erdogan's cooperation in the refugee crisis.

Erdogan "could actually bluff and walk away from the EU, knowing that the EU will come to him (almost begging) in the spring when the Aegean warms up and becomes crossable for refugees again, threatening to inundate the continent with refugees." he said.

How great is economic dependence?

While the rhetoric now is red hot, a significant reason that cooler heads may prevail is Ankara's economic dependence on the EU, say experts.

Anthony Skinner, head of political risk at Verisk Maplecroft consultancy, said with Turkey's slowing GDP growth an end to talks "would land a heavy and multi-dimensional blow to trade with Europe and inbound European foreign direct investment (FDI)".

Aydemir agreed, saying that the president could "shy away" from suspending talks to protect the Turkish economy.

"The Turkish president might be a firebrand populist but at the same time he is smart enough to know that 85 percent of Turkey's FDI comes from the West."
SCHUYLER  One act of kindness sparked a change at St. John's Lutheran Church and in the community of Schuyler.

In 2010, Olivier Musungay, a refugee from what is now the Democratic Republic of the Congo, was in Schuyler with his children from his first marriage. Hed just gotten a job at Cargill, but ran out of food.

Musungay called the Colfax County Food Pantry, which is operated by the Schuyler Ministerial Association represented by Divine Mercy, Trinity Lutheran, First Presbyterian, Christ United Methodist and St. Johns Lutheran churches.

The Rev. Ruth Boettcher of St. John's Lutheran answered the phone.

I was surprised that in this small city people come give us food and give us a check to help pay our rent. Then she introduced herself and says, Im a pastor at this church, said Musungay.

The Schuyler Sun wrote a feature on Musungay in 2012, spreading the word within Congolese communities about the opportunities available here and prompting more families to move to Schuyler. This small group of immigrants called St. Johns Lutheran their church home.

Pastor Ruth shows that she cares about us, Musungay said.

St. Johns celebrated its newest immigrant community Sunday during a special service on immigrants and refugees. The congregation discussed the history of the Democratic Republic of the Congo's civil war, which started in 1998 and has displaced around 2 million people to refugee camps in Uganda and Malawi.

On Saturday, Musungay, his wife Natalie Fideline Kayoka, their house guest Aline Didi, Boettcher and other members of the congregation prepared a Congolese meal served after the service. Together, they speared beef kebabs, chopped okra and onions and prepped a host of other dishes.

Didi and her husband Gabriel relocated to Wichita, Kansas, as refugees. But after three months there Gabriel still hadn't found a job. Didi was pregnant with their third child so Gabriel reached out to see if anyone could help.

I couldnt just wait for food and a car. With my wife pregnant? No. I had to get a job, he said.

A friend from their old neighborhood in the Democratic Republic of the Congo gave them Musungays phone number, and he took in the couple and their children.

Musungay goes to school, teaches English, works at Cargill and has his own growing family to feed. He and Kayoka have two children together, he has three kids from a previous marriage and theyve taken in Kayokas 14-year-old sister. But whenever a Congolese family reaches out for help, he doesnt hesitate to lend a hand.

Its always inside me to help, he said. I dont like to see people struggle.

Musungay heard Mid-American Research Chemical was hiring and the company hired Gabriel on the spot. Since then he got a drivers license, bought a car and is looking for housing.

When (Gabriel) works, I know hes happy, his familys happy, Im happy and I know God is happy, too, said Musungay.

Musungay has helped around 10 Congolese families relocate to Schuyler.

Michel Miseka, 32, came to Schuyler in December 2015  also thanks to Musungays help  and found a job at Cargill. Miseka was a doctor in the Democratic Republic of the Congo and has now learned enough English to start a new job as a certified nurses assistant at Schuyler Rehabilitation and Care Center.

Guillaume Amudalia, 49, and his wife were sent to Philadelphia as refugees. A friend of his wifes lives in Lincoln and Amudalia ended up in Schuyler last June. Like many of the newcomers, Amudalia likes that Schuyler is a small, diverse city.

In Schuyler, many people say hi, but not in Philadelphia, said Amudalia. Because we have Africans, Latinos, we live with the American people in peace. There is no discrimination.

Musungay will take in another three families, who are currently living in Atlanta, in December. In January, two families, one from a refugee camp in Uganda and another in Malawi, will also come to Schuyler.

We have people in need, he said. Food, furniture, housing, we need everything.

Once families are settled and supporting themselves, Musungay said most are looking for a simple, quiet life.

I can pay my bills, I can take care of my family  that is all we immigrants need to get a good life, he said.
Justice Minister Wijeyadasa Rajapaksha said Sri Lanka would go ahead as planned on the proposed Counter Terrorism Act despite criticism. (Photo: Representational Image/Representational Image)

Colombo: Thirty-two Sri Lankans have joined the Islamic State terror group in Iraq, a senior minister informed parliament on Friday and vowed to implement the proposed tough counter terrorism Act to protect national security.

"We are aware that 32 of them have left the country to join Islamic State (ISIS)," Justice Minister Wijeyadasa Rajapaksha said during the 2017 budget debate.

Rajapaksha said Sri Lanka would go ahead as planned on the proposed Counter Terrorism Act despite criticism.

"We know that there is criticism on the proposed act but we have to consider our security interests. You may call it draconian but we will implement it," Rajapaksha said.

He said some vested interests were trying to create instability in the country by igniting communal clashes. We have to deal with this situation, Rajapaksha said.

Some groups were trying to brand the northern criminal group Ava as the LTTE. We have to be alert on these actions to create problems in the north, he said.

The police have arrested over a dozen of alleged Ava group members accused of perpetrating violence in the north. All of them have been placed under remand custody.

The locals and Tamil groups have levelled criticism on the proposed anti-terrorism bill.

The main Tamil party, Tamil National Alliance (TNA) described it as more draconian than the existing Prevention of Terrorism Act (PTA).
Mandalay: Shunned by Myanmar's new government and its Buddhist hierarchy, a nationalist monk blamed for whipping up at times bloody anti-Muslim fervour said he feels vindicated by US voters who elected Donald Trump to be president.

Ashin Wirathu, a high-profile leader of the Myanmar Buddhist organization known as Ma Ba Tha, drew parallels between his views on Islam and those of the Republican president-elect.

Trump's campaign was rife with anti-Muslim rhetoric and proposals that included banning Muslims from entering the country and heightening surveillance of mosques. The form his actual policies will take remains unclear.

"We were blamed by the world, but we are just protecting our people and country," Wirathu said.

"The world singled us out as narrow-minded. But as people from the country that is the grandfather of democracy and human rights elected Donald Trump, who is similar to me in prioritising nationalism, there will be less finger-pointing from the international community," Wirathu said.

He even floated the idea of cooperating with nationalist groups in the US.

"In America, there can be organizations like us who are protecting against the dangers of Islamization. Those organizations can come to organizations in Myanmar to get suggestions or discuss. Myanmar doesn't really need to get suggestions from other countries. But they can get ideas from Myanmar," he said in an interview at his monastery in Mandalay on Nov. 12.

Wirathu has been accused of inciting violence with hate-filled, anti-Islamic rhetoric in this Southeast Asian, Buddhist-majority country of about 55 million. Buddhist-led riots left more than 200 people dead in 2012 and forced hundreds of thousands more to flee their homes, most of them Muslim Rohingya in Rakhine state.

Anti-Rohingya sentiment remains high in Myanmar. Members of the ethnic group are widely considered to have immigrated illegally from nearby Bangladesh, though many Rohingya families have lived in Myanmar for generations.

At the same time, Wirathu's influence has weakened in the past year. He threw his support behind the military-backed government ahead of elections in November 2015, only to see the former ruling party fall to Aung San Suu Kyi's National League for Democracy in a landslide.

In July, a senior NLD official in Yangon said that Ma Ba Tha, also known as the Committee to Protect Race and Religion, was not needed. Calls for the official to be disciplined went unanswered. In the same month, the country's official Buddhist clergy publicly distanced itself from the group.

"Ma Ba Tha fades with barely a whimper," read a headline in the English-language Myanmar Times in August.

Wirathu said he has no plans of fading into obscurity.

"This government doesn't want our Ma Ba Tha," he said, seated behind a desk in a saffron robe as several aides took photos and video of his pronouncements. But the NLD's attempt to thwart the group will be "hard for them," he added, as Ma Ba Tha is not breaking any laws.

"Currently, we are waiting and looking at the situation as this government has only been here a short time and they don't know how to manage," he said. "So we are not doing anything like campaigning or protesting to impact the government. But we will hold meetings, issue statements, help in our role."

For example, he said, his members have been distributing food in northern Rakhine state.

Scores of Rohingya and some Myanmar troops have been killed in northern Rakhine since suspected militants attacked border posts last month, killing nine police officers. Rohingya activists say innocent villagers are being killed, but the government says it is only fighting "violent attackers." International media and aid groups have been kept away.
Held since 2005, the US-China Disaster Management Exchange is part of efforts to build trust and coordination between the two militaries. (Photo: Representational Image)

Kunming: Chinese and US troops staged joint drills Friday in an effort to better coordinate a response to humanitarian disasters and build confidence between their militaries that remain deeply wary of each other.

Held since 2005, the US-China Disaster Management Exchange is part of efforts to build trust and coordination at a time when the two governments are frequently at odds over disputes in the South China Sea and elsewhere.

The weeklong drills included academic exchanges, a command post exercise and on Friday, a live troop exercise in simulated disaster conditions. It included sniffer dogs to find victims amid debris, a water rescue and building a pontoon bridge and refugee shelter.

"It has been a very successful exchange of ideas between our two militaries and it will definitely benefit us in organization in the future," said U.S. Army Capt. Jeremy Reynolds.

Deng Yuguang of the Chinese army said the drill offered new perspectives for Chinese troops who have shown greater capacity in dealing with disasters within China, but lack the overseas experience of their US counterparts.

"We have similar exercises by ourselves, but this joint drill is very impressive because the drill helps a lot in improving our disaster rescue and relief capability," Deng said.

Along with the Kunming drills, the Chinese and U.S. militaries have joined in naval exercises off the coast of Hawaii and other limited multinational drills mainly aimed at dealing with humanitarian disasters. They've also tried to improve mutual trust through agreements on dealing with unexpected encounters at sea.

Despite those, China deeply resents the presence of the American Navy in the South China Sea, which Beijing claims virtually in its entirety, while the US has been moving to strengthen alliances with friends and partners throughout Asia.
Pakistan said signing of nuclear deals by some countries is a matter of concern as it is only reinforcing arrogance and belligerence with which India conducts itself in the region and beyond, in an indirect reference to Indo-Japan nuclear deal. (Photo: Representational Image)

Islamabad: Pakistan on Friday described as "ambiguous" India's 'No First Use' policy on nuclear weapons and said it cannot be a substitute for verifiable arms control and restraint measures, days Defence Minister Manohar Parrikar questioned the doctrine.

"Pakistan believes the ambiguous 'No First Use' Declaration is not verifiable and amounts to nothing. It can't be a substitute for verifiable arms control and restraint measures proposed by Pakistan's standing offer of Strategic Restraint Regime," Foreign Office (FO) spokesperson Nafees Zakaria said in his weekly briefing.

He was responding to the recent remarks by Parrikar in which he asked why India cannot say "we are a responsible nuclear power and I will not use it irresponsibly" instead of affirming a "no first use policy". Later he had said the remarks were personal in nature.

Zakaria said statement by the defence minister of a country that repeatedly and constantly heightens tension and maintains an aggressive posture should be a matter of concern for all.

He said signing of nuclear deals by some countries is a matter of concern as it is only reinforcing arrogance and belligerence with which India conducts itself in the region and beyond, in an indirect reference to Indo-Japan nuclear deal.

Zakaria also said Pakistan established itself as a serious candidate for membership of the Nuclear Suppliers' Group (NSG), increasing number of countries were supporting the non-discriminatory approach.

"There is also growing recognition of the fact that 2008 exemption to India neither benefited non-proliferation regime nor objective of strategic stability in South Asia," he said.

The spokesman expressed the confidence that members of the NSG would bear in mind the need to prevent further erosion of non-proliferation regime and preserving credibility of the NSG as a rule-based organisation.

He said Pakistan has expressed its openness to measures for strengthening non-proliferation objectives to the NSG, which included proposal for binding bilateral agreement with India on non-testing.
A view of Gwadar Port, a deep-sea port developed jointly by the Pakistan and China  which is the key to the trade portion of the China Pakistan Economic Corridor. (Photo: AP)

Beijing: Admitting perhaps for the first time that Kashmir dispute "does hinder" the USD 46 billion China-Pakistan Economic Corridor project, a state media report in Beijing on Friday said that this does not mean China should "appease" India to prevent it from playing "little tricks".

"The dispute over Kashmir between India and Pakistan does hinder China's efforts in pushing the (China-Pakistan Economic Corridor) forward, but this does not mean China should 'appease India' to prevent the country from playing little tricks," said the article in the Global Times, part of the People's Daily group of the ruling Communist Party of China.

It said "India should be aware that its ambition of becoming a great power won't be realised if it contributes little to promoting regional integration and regional economic development."

The article was in response to a piece by US-based analyst Panos Mourdoukoutas in Forbes magazine on Thursday criticising Beijing over the ambitious project. The Forbes piece has said that China has done "very little to appease India."

The daily has regularly carried articles critical to India for the past few months. Today's was, however, a rare admission that the Kashmir dispute hinders the CPEC project, which runs through the Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK).

India has expressed reservations over the project that links western China to Gwadar Port in the restive Baluchistan province in southern Pakistan. The project gives China easy access for trade to Central Asian states and European markets.

China has defended the project, saying it is a commercial project aimed at improving people's lives.

In the Forbes piece, Mourdoukoutas said that "China should make peace with India for forget about the project".

He said China desperately needs CPEC. It's part of China's vision "to write the rules of the next stage of globalisation" and help its export and investment engines grow for years.

"So far, China has done very little to appease India. In fact, it has done quite the opposite: repeatedly blocking India's efforts to join the Nuclear Suppliers Group," he said.

"And things could turn worse, if pro-Indian forces in Pakistan sabotage China's CPEC route. That raises the possibility of an open confrontation between China and Pakistan on the one side, and India and its allies on the other," he said.

Countering Mourdoukoutas, the Chinese media article said, "India's strategic suspicions toward China's rising presence in South Asia may hobble its ambition to be a great power, even though some observers think otherwise."

The CPEC "does not target India, and we believe that China's efforts to improve infrastructure in Pakistan have no intention of supporting the country's dispute with India," it said.

It said China has made efforts to boost regional economic integration with Bangladesh, Sri Lanka, Nepal and Myanmar.

"However, as a strategic location connecting East Asia, Southeast Asia and Central Asia, India's poor infrastructure is a challenge for Asian nations to become interconnected.

Although China has offered an olive branch to India to help upgrade its infrastructure facilities, it seems that India is reluctant to participate in the initiative. Additionally, New Delhi's suspicions toward China have left the country vigilant as Beijing strengthens ties with India's neighbours," it said.

"Some neighbouring countries have not benefited significantly from India's rapid economic growth. This will hamper New Delhi in improving its regional influence," it said.

"However, India cannot hinder China's efforts in promoting regional integration. Additionally, Asian countries like Pakistan keep a positive attitude toward Chinese efforts to improve infrastructure in the region. If India still holds suspicions toward China and excludes itself from the moves of promoting regional integration, the country will perhaps end up simply watching China's influence among its neighbouring countries rise," it claimed.
Pakistan became a pivotal US ally in the battle against extremism after the September 11, 2001 attacks spurred the US invasion of neighbouring Afghanistan. (Photo: Representational Image/AFP)

Karachi: Pakistan's "war on terror" has cost the developing country a whopping $118 billion so far, a new central bank report has said, an amount equivalent to well over one third of its gross domestic product.

The central State Bank of Pakistan (SBP) released its annual report on Thursday showing extremist violence cost the country $118.3 billion in direct and indirect losses from 2002 to 2016.

"Both economic growth and social sector development have been severely hampered by terrorism related incidents," the bank said in the report.

Pakistan became a pivotal US ally in the battle against extremism after the September 11, 2001 attacks spurred the US invasion of neighbouring Afghanistan.

A Coalition Support Fund (CSF) was approved by the US to support Pakistan in the war, with an annual release of around $1 billion since 2002. By last year Pakistan had received a total of $14 billion under the CSF.

The country has also been waging a fight against home-grown Islamist insurgents since at least 2004.

The bank said that apart from causing immeasurable human suffering, including casualties and mass displacement, the war had helped drive away foreign investment, stall domestic investment, freeze exports, and slow down trade.

Pakistan has carried out major military offensives against Al-Qaeda and the Taliban in its border tribal regions that have sapped their strength, with overall levels of militant violence dropping drastically in 2015 and 2016.

The economy, meanwhile, is improving, with the IMF saying in October that the country has emerged from crisis and stabilised its economy after completing a bailout programme.
Assuring people that the Centre will take steps to ensure that the poor and farmers do not suffer due to demonetisation policy, the BJP national president Amit Shah on Thursday said that the move had perturbed the Samajwadi Party and other opposition parties.





While addressing the partys Parivartan Yatra in Azamgarh, the Lok Sabha constituency of the Samajwadi Party (SP) chief Mulayam Singh Yadav, Shah said the common people and the BJP were happy with demonetisation.



BJP is happy as it does not have any black money. The common people are also happy. The SP, Bahujan Samaj Party and others are perturbed, the BJP leader said.



Shah explained the advantages of demonetisation. The decision will completely cut funding to terrorists, Maoists, corrupt people and black marketers. The economy will witness an improvement in the coming days, he said.



The national president said that Uttar Pradesh could develop only under the BJP government and appealed to the people to support his party in the forthcoming Assembly polls.



It will also end the menace of fake currency being pumped in to our country by Pakistan, he said. Shah also sought to assure the people that the government was contemplating a series of measures to ease their difficulties that have cropped up due to demonetisation.



The government will soon be taking measures to give more facilities to the farmers, he added. The BJP leader also accused the SP government of doing little for the development of the state.



The SP government remained bogged in the family fight and ignored the plight of the people, he added.



The BJP has been undertaking Parivartan Yatras across the state. The rallies will culminate in Lucknow on December 25 when Prime Minister Narendra Modi will address a public meeting.
The Delhi government on Thursday launched a portal to address grievances against private schools on a single platform. The portal will have name of all the private schools. One can select the name of the school and register their grievances.





Sisodia, who also heads the education department, said a lot of complaints come to the government with regards of the private schools pertaining to fees, admission etc.



People can register complaints at www.doepvt.gov.in which would reach the District Education Director. The issues have to be addressed in 15 days and the link to the portal will be available with the Department of Education, Sisodia said. The parents can file complaints at a single platform.



To register a complaint, one has to mention his/her name and mobile number after opening Grievance Redressal & Monitoring System' on the website following which the grievances can be written in the given box and upload documents.



The complainant can track the status of his complaint and add on additional documents if he wants to. After the issue is resolved the complainant will receive an SMS, he said, adding, this is a single window for the parents to complain.
Despite some respite, scenes outside banks and ATMs in the national capital continued to remain chaotic on Thursday morning.





As the queues of people waiting to exchange notes in banks got shorter as the day progressed, the lines outside ATM vestibules grew longer since many machines across the city were efficiently dispensing Rs 100 and Rs 50 value notes even after banking hours.



On Wednesday, I stood in line outside an ATM vestibule but it was exhausted in an hour. Today, I had to wait for nearly three hours, but I managed to withdraw a hefty sum of money, said Harshit, a resident of Pitampura in north Delhi.



I had withdrawn Rs 25,000 from an ATM just five minutes before Prime Minister Narendra Modi announced the demonetisation of Rs 500 and Rs 1,000 notes, said another north Delhi resident Haroon.



It was quite a challenge to redeposit the money into my account. It took me four hours over two days to redeposit and exchange the money. I should get a medal for that, he laughs.



When asked about inconvenience, most people were of the opinion that while the Centres intention and demonetisation measure seemed sincere, the execution of the plan could have been better.



While queues outside banks were chaotic in the morning, with reports of minor scuffles between and among people emerging from different parts of the city, the situation was very much under control during the afternoon.



I feel the situation is slowly getting better. As long as the ATMs are functional, I have no qualms, said Ranjana, a homemaker from north Delhi.



However, many complained that the rush of exchange and deposits due to demonetisation has hindered other services such as insurance and DEEMAT account facilities.



I need to check whether the insurance companies have reimbursed my medical bills. But the guards wont allow me in, said Harkishan, an elderly pensioner from north Delhi.



Due to the long queue outside the RBI, many gave up. Theres no point queuing up. By the time my turn comes, the offices will close down, said a dejected teenager. I have to come in much earlier tomorrow, he added.



Lieutenant Governor Najeeb Jung took stock of the arrangements at banks and directed the Delhi Police to ensure adequate deployment of personnel at banks and ATM vestibules. He also ordered them to assist the elderly, women and needy.



Jung further appealed to the public at large that there is sufficient cash reserve available in banks and ATMs and hence, they must be patient.
More than 20 people were hurt today, some seriously, after a man apparently set fire to a branch of the Commonwealth Bank in Australia, police said.





Paramedics treated 21 people at the scene, an ambulance spokesman said. Most suffered breathing problems but five have serious burns.



"Police responded to reports that a man had allegedly set fire to a Springvale Road bank," Victoria state police said of the incident in the Melbourne suburb.



"The man has been taken to hospital in a serious condition under police guard." Eric Sleuriot, who was nearby, told the Melbourne Age newspaper: "It's bloody awful. I just can't believe it."



The Commonwealth Bank, Australia's biggest, said the branch would remain shut for the rest of the day, with its response team on site.



"We are working closely with local authorities and emergency services," it said in a statement.
Pramila Jayapal, the first ever Indian-American woman elected to US House of Representatives, has said it is becoming clear that there needs to be "a strong line of defence" against the Trump presidency that aims to curtail the rights of immigrants, people of colour, and women.





"Let us be clear: This is absolutely no time to hide in the shadows. We cannot let fear or the comfort of complacency prevent us from moving forward," Jayapal, 51, asserted.



"We must stand togethernot just to stop the disastrous rollback of decades of progress in this country but to protect the vision of a united country that celebrates its rich diversity and honours its immigrants, women, and people of colour as a singular indication that we are, in fact, a truly civilised society," she said.



Jayapal was elected to the House of Representatives from the Seventh Congressional District of Washington State. She is the first Indian-American woman ever elected to the House.



Born in Chennai, she left India at the age of five for Indonesia, Singapore and then came to the US at the age of 16. After her election, Jayapal, who ran her elections on a progressive agenda, has described Trump's victory as shocking.



"It is becoming more and more clear that we will need a strong line of defence against a Trump presidency that chooses to curtail our rights as immigrants, people of colour, and women," she wrote in a blog on Broadly published yesterday.



"We need to fight to protect the most fundamental right of a woman to make choices about her own body, but we need to do more as well. Muslim women simply should not have to worry about getting attacked on the way to the bus stop because Trump has unleashed a wave of anti-Muslim hate that has no place in this country," she said.



Undocumented mothers, who have given everything for their children (and who are often US citizens), continue to be shaken to their core by the idea that they will be targets in a political war on immigrants  a notion that makes absolutely no practical sense in a country that is fuelled by the labour of immigrants, Jayapal said.
One more death due to apparent stress arising out of long wait for cash was reported today as there was no respite from queues for people to get valid currency 10 days after the demonetisation that also saw Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan sitting on a dharna.



With tightening of the exchange norms and use of indelible ink, the serpentine queues before bank branches have, however, shortened at some places though ATM transactions continues to be a nightmare in several cities and towns.



Chaotic scenes could still be seen at banks and ATMs as people queued up for hours to get cash to meet their daily expenses even as bank branches and cash vending machines struggled to manage the rush.



Siyaram, a resident of Balapatti in Hathras district in Uttar Pradesh who had been standing in the queue for the past three days and failed to get his old notes exchanged, was taken seriously ill yesterday and was rushed to hospital where he died, Superintendent of Police Dilip Kumar Srivastava said.



The victim had been standing in the queue before the Canara Bank branch near Burz wala Kuan, the SP said, adding that police has been deployed in view of huge crowds collecting in front of banks.



The locals have repoRtedly sent a fax message to the Prime Minister's Office demanding a compensation of Rs 20 lakh to the family of the deceased.



The queues outside banks and ATMs in Mumbai and suburbs continued even as people struggling to get cash expressed unhappiness over the reduced limit of exchange.



However, despite facing problems, many people say they are with the government on the demonetisation move but also suggested the process needed better preparedness.



Standing in a queue outside a bank in Vile Parle, Pradeep Karmakar said, "First the maximum exchange limit was Rs 4,000 and it was raised up to Rs 4,500 following the protests, but now this limit has been reduced to Rs 2,000. What we will do with a meagre Rs 2,000?"



Public and private sector banks across Tamil Nadu continued to witness large number of people thronging the branches while cash vending machines were either non- functional or ran dry within hours.



Some banks faced shortage of currency leading to frayed tempers as people were told to wait for 'sometime.'



Some customers turned back disappointed as banks did not dispense cash following shortage.



Vijayan, along with his ministers, sat on a dharna in front of the RBI office in Thiruvananthapuram protesting against the Centre's move to "destroy" the cooperative sector in the state under the cover of demonetisation process.



Vijayan and his Cabinet colleagues marched from the Martyrs Column at Palayam to the RBI regional office before commencing the dharna.



In the national capital, labourers and traders at Delhi's fruits and vegetable mandis were among the worst affected with sales in wholesale markets plunging and daily wage workers struggling to make a living.



At Azadpur Mandi, Asia's largest wholesale market for fruits and vegetable, migrant workers can be seen sitting idle in a huddle, waiting for work or payment to arrive.



"We used to make a decent income earlier but now getting even Rs 200 or Rs 300 is getting difficult as no work is available.






Slogans and counter slogans forced the adjournment of the House first till 1130 hours, then till noon and again till 1233 hours as similar scenes continued.





Soon after listed papers were laid on the table of the House, BJP members moved into aisles shouting slogans and demanding an apology from Azad for his remarks comparing the deaths after demonetisation with those killed in terrorist attacks. The remarks were expunged by the Chair yesterday itself.





Congress members too rushed into the Well raising slogans demanding an apology from the Prime Minister and government for the hardship caused to the common man due to withdrawal of 86 per cent of the currency in circulation in the form of old 500 and 1000 rupee notes.





AIADMK members were also in the Well raising slogans over the Cauvery water issue. Deputy Chairman P J Kurien asked all members to leave the Well and return to their seats, assuring them that he would hear their submissions.





Amid the din, Minister of State for Parliamentary Affairs Mukhtar Abbas Naqvi alleged that Azad's statement had given a message to the country that Congress was sympathetic to terrorism and asked why was it so agitated when the demonetisation drive was only to hurt blackmoney hoarders.





The Chair persuaded AIADMK and Congress members to withdraw from the Well, telling them that he would give opportunity to their leaders to raise their respective issues.





But with BJP members continuing to stand in the aisles and raise slogans, Congress members too were back in the well shouting slogans.





Kurien said treasury benches should not create problems for the Chair. "If you do this, what do I do? You should cooperate with me in running the House. Treasury benches should not disrupt," he said.





But the din continued, forcing him to adjourn the proceedings till 1130 hours.There was no change in the scenario when the House reassembled as both BJP and Congress members again started raising slogans.





While Congress members trooped into the Well, several AIADMK members were seen standing along their seats. As the slogans and counter slogans continued, the Chair adjourned the House till noon.





When the House reassembled at noon, members from the Opposition again trooped into the Well demanding an "apology from the Prime Minister" for causing harrassment to the people. The BJP members were also on their feet countering the Opposition.



All pleas by Chairman Hamid Ansari to run the Question Hour proceedings failed to make any impact on the Congress and other members who were raising slogans.



As the heated exchanges between the Opposition and Treasury bench members continued, Ansari said "allow the Question Hour to run. What are you doing? Please go back to your seats."







When the House reassembled at 1233 hours, it again witnessed uproarious scenes with opposition members trooping into the Well and those from the Treasury standing in the aisles demanding apology from Azad.



While members from Congress and others raised slogans like "Narendra Modi maafi maango (Narendra Modi apologise)," the Chairman tried to restore peace by repeatedly telling them, "go to your seats, you cannot do this."



However, as the uproar continued, Ansari adjourned the House within minutes for the fourth time till 1430 hours.



Earlier, the Chairman was heard saying "a minister can't do" as some ministers too were seen raising slogans. No business counld be transacted as the din continued unabated.

The list of business today included further discussion on demonetisation of currency. Two bills were listed for consideration and passing - the Human Immunodeficiency Virus and Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome (Prevention and Control) Bill, 2014 and the Employee's Compensation (Amendment) Bill 2016, which is to be followed by Private Members' Business. As the uproar continued, the Chairman adjourned the House for 30 minutes till 1233 hours.

Congress and BJP members today clashed in Rajya Sabha over Leader of Opposition Ghulam Nabi Azad's remarks during demonetisation debate yesterday, forcing adjournment of the House thrice in quick succession.
US President-elect Donald Trump has offered the influential post of National Security Adviser to his trusted military adviser Lt Gen (rtd) Michael Flynn, who advocates cutting off aid to Pakistan if it continued to help the jihadist groups, media reports said.





A shrewd intelligence professional and a straight talker, 56-year-old Flynn was one of the top military leaders to have endorsed Trump and has been his closest military adviser for more than a year now.



"The most influential national security job in the still-forming Trump administration will likely go to a retired three-star general who helped dismantle insurgent networks in Afghanistan and Iraq but then surprised  and sometimes dismayed  colleagues by joining the political insurgency led by Donald Trump," The Washington Post reported.

If selected, he would succeed Susan Rice as the NSA.



In his latest book in August, Flynn had advocated cutting off aid to Pakistan, if it continued to help the jihadis.



"We need to have some tough love conversations with the leaders of countries who pretend to be our friends, but who also collaborate with our enemies," Flynn had said in his latest book 'How We Can Win the Global War Against Radical Islam and Its Allies' that hit the book stands in August.



"Countries like Pakistan need to be told that we will not tolerate the existence of training camps and safe havens for Taliban, Haqqani, and Al-Qaeda forces on their territory, nor will we permit their banks and other financial institutions to move illicit funds for the terror network," said Flynn.



As an adviser, Flynn has already proved to be a powerful influence on Trump, convincing the president-elect that the US is in a "world war" with Islamist militants and must work with any willing allies in the fight, including President Vladimir Putin of Russia, The New York Times reported.



They both believe that the US needs to start working with Putin to defeat Islamist militants and stop worrying about his suppression of critics at home, it said.



He served as the director of the Defence Intelligence Agency, the Pentagon's top spy agency, commander of the Joint Functional Component Command for Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance, and chair of the Military Intelligence Board.



Flynn was forced out of his job as director of the agency in 2014 over concerns about his leadership style.



After the ouster, he frequently lashed out in public against President Barack Obama and blamed his removal on the administration's discomfort with his hard-line views on radical Islam, the Post reported.



Fox News said Flynn was in line for the NSA position, which does not require confirmation by the Senate.
A trio of astronauts were due to blast off overnight, delivering to the International Space Station some fancy French culinary fare, a saxophone and its future female commander.





The team includes French space rookie Thomas Pesquet, 38, NASA's former chief astronaut Peggy Whitson, and Russia's Oleg Novitsky.



In the hours leading up to the 2:20 AM Friday launch (2020 GMT today) from the Baikonur cosmodrome on the arid steppes of western Kazakhstan, the astronauts huddled with family who they will see next after touching down in six months' time.



Pesquet, a former Air France pilot who has spent seven years training for a shot at Space, posted a "LastSelfieOnEarth" photo on the European Space Agency's Facebook page.



Novitsky, 45, who was born in Belarus, will carry a Belarus flag with him on his second ISS trip, according to official media there.



Social media was abuzz about the records that the trailblazing Whitson is due to break on her third ISS mission.



The 56-year-old already holds the record for the longest time in space for a woman.

She will take command of the ISS in March 2017, a role she already held back in 2007, becoming the only woman to lead it twice. And she will be the oldest woman ever in space -- turning 57 while still aboard the ISS.



In addition to his saxophone, Pesquet is carrying coveted cargo from his home country: a selection of gourmet dishes by world-famous chefs Alain Ducasse and Thierry Marx.



"We will have food prepared by a Michelin-starred chef at the station. We have food for the big feasts: for Christmas, New Year's and birthdays. We'll have two birthdays, mine and Peggy's," the Frenchman said at the astronauts' last press conference before the launch.



Highlights include beef tongue with truffled foie gras and duck breast confit.

Whitson said the fancy French food would be a welcome change on the ISS.

"I think the thing that I find the most challenging about space flights is the lack of variety of the food," said.



But above all she stressed the international cooperation embodied by the space missions. "I think quite the most important thing about it (the ISS), it's the demonstration of what people can do together."



Novitsky, who is making his second ISS trip, agreed. "The ISS is both a home and a place of work. It's also a place for friendship, for showing to the world that we can work together and have good relationships," he said.
In a bizarre incident, a 23-year- old man accidentally fell into a hot spring at Yellowstone National Park in Wyoming and died, US media reported today.





Colin Nathaniel Scott from Oregon essentially dissolved inside a hot spring at Yellowstone National Park in Wyoming after he accidentally fell into it, CNN reported.



The incident happened back in June, when Scott went to the park with his sister to find a place to "hot pot."



According to a recently released report from park officials, Scott and his sister went to an unauthorised area near the Norris Geyser.



"They were specifically moving in that area for a place that they could potentially get into and soak," Deputy Chief Ranger Lorant Veress told CNN affiliate KULR. "I think they call it hot potting."



Scott had reached down to check the temperature of a spring when he slipped and fell into it. Rescuers later found Scott's body inside the pool, but could not retrieve it because of a lightning storm in the area.



When they came back the next day, no remains were found beneath the spring's churning, acidic waters.



"In a very short order, there was a significant amount of dissolving," Veress said.

The parks' geyers and springs are acidic because they are fed by thermal water deep underground that picks up sulfuric acid as it rises to the surface. The sulfuric acid is produced by microorganisms that break down hydrogen sulfide in rocks and soil.



Scott's sister was recording on her cell phone when he fell in, but the park service will not release the video.



Veress stressed the importance for park visitors to obey all warning signs.

"Because (Yellowstone) is wild and it hasn't been overly altered by people to make things a whole lot safer, it's got dangers," he said.



"And a place like Yellowstone, which is set aside because of the incredible geothermal resources that are here, all the more so," Veress added.
CCTV footage sought by Delhi Police from the Jamia authorities in connection with the disappearance of JNU student Najeeb Ahmed has been erased as the authorities store a day's clips for one month, prompting the probe team to seek help from Forensic Science Laboratory (FSL) to retrieve the images.





The Jamia Millia Islamia administration, after initial reluctance, has shared CCTV footage with the Delhi Police's Crime Branch which is probing the disappearance of Najeeb Ahmed, but has informed it that the footage of the period before October 18 was not available.



The probe team has traced an auto-rickshaw driver who told them that he had dropped Najeeb at Jamia Millia Islamia on October 15.



"We contacted the Jamia authorities and they told us that the footage of the period till October 18 has been erased since the clips are stored only for a period of one month. We are trying to retrieve the footage of October 15 in order to trace Najeeb's movement inside the Jamia campus. We have sent the cameras to FSL so that we can get some clues in Najeeb's case," a police source said.



Meanwhile, a guard at JNU's Mahi Mandavi Hostel where Najeeb was staying had received a letter a few days ago which stated that the student was being held captive in Aligarh. However, on verification, the letter was found to be bogus.



"We checked it. The information was bogus. The letter said he's in captivity but it was found to be fake. There was no ransom demand," Joint Commissioner of Police (Crime) Ravindra Yadav said, adding that a team was sent to the address in Aligarh and it was found that the sender had used fake identity.



The reward amount for providing information on Najeeb's whereabouts has been increased from Rs 2 lakh to Rs 5 lakh owing to the "sensitivity" of the matter.



Najeeb went missing on October 15 following an on-campus scuffle allegedly with ABVP members the night before.



The case was last week transferred from South District Police to Crime Branch in order to have a "fresh look" at the case.
US President-elect Donald Trump today announced key Cabinet picks with the influential post of National Security Adviser going to his trusted military adviser Lt Gen (rtd) Michael Flynn while Congressman Mike Pompeo was selected to head the powerful CIA.





Trump also announced that he intends to nominate Senator Jeff Sessions to serve as Attorney General.



"It is an honour to nominate US Senator Jeff Sessions to serve as Attorney General of the United States," Trump said.



Sessions has a distinguished legal career and has served as both the US Attorney for the Southern District of Alabama and Alabama Attorney General prior to his service in the US Senate.



He has been one of President-elect Trump's trusted advisors on the campaign and will now continue his service as nation's chief law enforcement officer, Trump's transition team said.



"Jeff has been a highly respected member of the US Senate for 20 years. He is a world-class legal mind and considered a truly great Attorney General and US Attorney in the state of Alabama. Jeff is greatly admired by legal scholars and virtually everyone who knows him," Trump said.



"I am humbled to have been asked by President-elect Trump to serve as Attorney General of the United States," Sessions said.



"My previous 15 years working in the Department of Justice were extraordinarily fulfilling. I love the Department, its people and its mission. I can think of no greater honour than to lead them. With the support of my Senate colleagues, I will give all my strength to advance the Department's highest ideals," Sessions said.



"I enthusiastically embrace President-elect Trump's vision for 'one America', and his commitment to equal justice under law. I look forward to fulfilling my duties with an unwavering dedication to fairness and impartiality," he said.



Flynn, a retired United States Army Lieutenant General and former director of the Defence Intelligence Agency, assumes the position of National Security Advisor with a decorated career of more than 35 years in service.



He served as Trump's top military advisor during the campaign and will now continue to provide expert advice and support to the President-elect as his National Security Advisor, a statement said.



"I am pleased that Lieutenant General Michael Flynn will be by my side as we work to defeat radical Islamic terrorism, navigate geopolitical challenges and keep Americans safe at home and abroad," Trump said.



"General Flynn is one of the country's foremost experts on military and intelligence matters and he will be an invaluable asset to me and my administration," he said.



Flynn said, "I am deeply humbled and honoured to accept the position as National Security Advisor to serve both our country and our nation's next President, Donald J Trump."



Pompeo, representing Kansas' Fourth Congressional District, is a former active duty cavalry officer in the US Army and graduated first in his class from the US Military Academy at West Point.



He currently serves on the House Intelligence Committee, which oversees America's intelligence-gathering efforts. "I am proud to nominate Congressman Mike Pompeo as Director of the Central Intelligence Agency," Trump said.



"He has served our country with honour and spent his life fighting for the security of our citizens. Mike graduated number one in his class at West Point and is a graduate of Harvard Law School where he served as an editor of the Harvard Law Review. He will be a brilliant and unrelenting leader for our intelligence community to ensure the safety of Americans and our allies," Trump said.



Pompeo said, "I am honoured to have been given this opportunity to serve and to work alongside President-elect Donald J Trump to keep America safe. I also look forward to working with America's intelligence warriors, who do so much to protect Americans each and every day."



Meanwhile, vice president-elect Mike Pence told reporters that Trump is a "man of action" and they have got a great number of men and women with great qualifications to look forward to serving in the new administration.



"Our agency teams arrived in Washington DC this morning and I am very confident it will be a smooth transition that will serve to lead this country forward and make America Great Again," Pence said in response to a question.
Over 100 students stormed the corporate office of the Raffles Millennium International (RMI) at Mittal Towers on MG Road on Friday after they learnt that their college in Koramangala was shut down without any notice.





The RMI is a design college affiliated to Singapore University. It is being run on a joint venture with Educom. They provide degrees in fashion design, fashion marketing and management, visual communication design, interior design, digital media design and various other courses. The college was supposed to reopen on November 7 for the start of a new semester, but the management told the students that the classes would begin a week later. After a few days, they again told the students that they have shut down the college due to maintenance work, a student from RMI, who did not want to be named, told DH.



Other students said, On Friday morning, we found that the college was closed and the building was locked. Students informed their parents, who contacted the owner of the building. The building owner said the RMI management had not paid the rent for over eight months and was asked to vacate. We tried to contact the management, but in vain. We have been left high and dry.



A staffer in the colleges marketing department, who had joined the institution recently, said, We trusted the college and worked for it. We have been cheated.



Whenever we asked the management to pay our salaries, they would come up with various excuses. The fee for each course is over Rs 20 lakh and the students pay it in instalments. Those who have completed the course are not getting their certificates. A few students contacted the Singapore University officials. The university said that it will not issue any certificates as the RIM had not followed certain rules.



Another student mentioned that one of the representatives of the college has promised to look into the matter. We have contacted lawyers and are discussing the future course of action. Students should get their money back and those have completed their course should get their degree certificates. a student demanded.

DH News Service


China on Friday refuted charges of denying visa to the manager of the Indian badminton team on the ground that he is a resident of Arunachal Pradesh, saying he cancelled his visa application.





China in the past has declined visas to residents of Arunachal Pradesh as it considers the area to be part of Southern Tibet.



Bamang Tago, who is also the secretary of Arunachal Pradesh Badminton Association, had applied for a Chinese visa at its embassy in New Delhi to travel to Fuzhou for the ongoing China Super Series Premier Badminton tournament.



What you said does not comply with the facts, Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesman Geng Shuang told reporters here while commenting on the issue.



According to what we have learnt, the person you have mentioned had previously gone to the Chinese embassy in India for visa application but later he himself cancelled the visa application, Geng claimed.



Asked whether Togo was denied visa because he is from Arunachal Pradesh, Geng said, The way China issues visa to relevant people is a flexible approach adopted by China to facilitate exchanges between two sides pending the final settlement of the boundary question.



It fully reflects Chinas sincerity and flexibility. We hope that India will work together with China to maintain sound momentum of personnel exchanges and cooperation in different fields between the two sides, he added.



Reports from New Delhi stated that Tago has approached the Ministry of External Affairs after he was denied visa by the Chinese Embassy in New Delhi on ground of being Arunachal domicile, a day after applying for the travel document on November 10.
A brand new stretch of a highway in Uttar Pradesh is set to be the second of the 22 road segments prepared by the Indian Air Force (IAF) as alternative landing strips in the time of an emergency.





The Agra-Lucknow Expressway will be the second road where the IAFs Mirage-2000 fighter jets will touch down on Monday. A practice drill was carried out on Friday in the presence of officials.



The first such landing took place on the Yamuna Expressway in May 2015 when IAFs Mirage test landed after taking off from Gwalior.



Over the last few years, the air headquarters was in touch with states governments to identify the roads where its fighter jets can land. Earlier this year, a parliamentary panel had appreciated the IAF for going ahead with its plan of finding out alternative landing strips.



Following several rounds of discussions, officials from the ministry of defence, road transport and the IAF found 22 road segments in the north, east and western parts of the country, sources said.



In fact, Union Transport Minister Nitin Gadkari harbours an ambitious plan of converting one of the road segments in Rajasthan in such a way that the same strip can double up as a runway and a road.



On such a road, vehicular traffic would be closed well before a flight lands and it would open up for vehicle movement once the plane takes off.



The Rajasthan airport plans, however, are only on papers as no aircraft has landed so far. But if the plan succeeds, then similar airports may come up in the Northeastern states, increasing Indias regional connectivity. Some of Indias neighbours already use highways as landing strips.



Myanmar has a vast experience in this area, whereas in September the Pakistan Air Force used a piece of the highway between Lahore and Islamabad for its J-17 jets touch down and take-off .



When compared to international developments, our services has been a little late in reaching this landmark (highway landing). We recommend more road stretches be explored and identified for this purpose during the coming years, the Parliamentary Standing Committee on Defence had stated in its report earlier this year.
Post demonetisation, the Congress was back at the table for re-calibrating its strategy for Uttar Pradesh and planning to introduce Priyanka Vadra in the campaign for elections early next year.





The strategy meeting was held at Rahul Gandhis residence and was attended by Priyanka, Congress chief ministerial face Shiela Dikshit, campaign committee chief Sanjay Sinh and UP Congress chief Raj Babbar, among others. Priyanka has acceded to our request. But when and where she would campaign is not finalised yet, Babbar told reporters here.



Meanwhile, Priyanka is scheduled to share the stage with Congress president Sonia Gandhi and vice-president Rahul Gandhi at a function to inaugurate an exhibition on late prime minister Indira Gandhi at her ancestral home in Allahabad.



Congress leaders believe that the demonetisation decision has wiped out all the gains the BJP had made by announcing the surgical strikes against terror camps across the Line of Control in Pakistan-occupied Kashmir.



The September 29 surgical strikes, made public by the government through a press conference by the Director General of Military Operations, had changed the political equation in favour of the BJP, a section of the Congress leaders said.



Rahul had undertaken a nearly 3,500 km Kisan Yatra across Uttar Pradesh in a bid to rejuvenate the moribund organisation.



The Congress has been out of power in the state for the last 27 years. Priyanka has been taking active interest in planning the strategy for Uttar Pradesh, where the party is keen to make a mark and play the role of kingmaker.



In the 2012 elections, the Congress had won 28 seats in the 403-member state Assembly.



Of these, eight have either quit the party or have been expelled by the Congress for hobnobbing with rival parties.

DH News Service
The Opposition Congress and Nationalist Congress Party have demanded the sacking of Maharashtras Cooperation Minister Subhash Deshmukh after unaccounted-for cash worth Rs 91 lakh in demonetised currency notes were seized from a car belonging to him.



In an embarrassment to the BJP-Shiv Sena dispensation led by Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis, Deshmukh has admitted to hoarding the money and even expressed his readiness to face the law.



I had kept (the cash) thinking it would come in handy during my regular business transactions. But suddenly, on November 8, these notes were demonetised. I am ready to face any consequences in this regard, he said.



The money was seized by a flying squad of the State Election Commission at Umerga tehsil in Osmanabad district during a search of a private vehicle belonging to Solapur-based Lok Mangal Group, which is controlled by Deshmukh.



The State Election Commission has sought a clarification from the Cooperation, Marketing and Textiles Minister, who represents the South Solapur constituency, in view of the local body elections that are under way in the state.



Leader of the Opposition in the Legislative Council, Dhananjay Munde of NCP, said, Since the elections to the local bodies are under way, the State Election Commission must probe the issue in detail.

DH News Service

Govt warns against a/c misuse

The cash crunch is likely to ease by next week as the government expects half of the 2 lakh ATMs to be recalibrated to dispense the new Rs 500 and Rs 2,000 notes in the next five days, DHNS reports from New Delhi.



The Ministry of Finance, came out with a strict warning after some reports suggested that people have been using bank accounts of other people to convert their illegal money into legal tender.


The Modi government and the Opposition remained at daggers drawn in Parliament over the decision to scrap Rs 500 and Rs 1,000 currency notes, with the NDA pinning its hopes on regional parties for an alternative view on the crisis to break the logjam.





Congress leaders stood strongly with Leader of the Opposition in the Rajya Sabha Ghulam Nabi Azad whose comparison of demonetisation with the death of soldiers during the Uri terror strike came under sharp attack from the government.



As serpentine queues grew longer outside banks and ATMs, the Congress accused Prime Minister Narendra Modi of running away from Parliament after leaving the people stranded between the devil and the deep sea through the decision to withdraw high denomination currency.



Congress activists took to the streets protesting the hardship caused to the people by demonetisation exercise. Youth Congress activists marched to Parliament while Mahila Congress workers attempted to lay siege to the prime ministers official residence.



The government stepped up outreach to the citizens as prime minister directed BJP parliamentarians to fan out in their respective constituencies to spread the message of the benefits of monetisation and help those facing problems in accessing valid currency.



The Opposition is also aware the government is biding time for queues outside banks to grow short and the prime minister may have something up his sleeve to blunt the effect of hardships caused to the people.



While the Opposition is insisting on moving an adjournment motion hoping to draw support from BJP allies Shiv Sena and the Akali Dal, the government is pressing for a discussion under Rule 193 which does not entail voting.



Modi, who has stayed away from the proceedings of Parliament, barring a brief presence in the Lok Sabha on Wednesday, is expected to intervene in the discussion and attack the Opposition by making an emotional speech.



The Congress, the main opposition, is expected to field Rahul Gandhi who is expected to attack the government for selectively leaking out information on demonetisation to its well-wishers.
At a college fair on Wednesday at the Le Meridien hotel in New Delhi, 20 US universities made their pitch to aspiring students, many of whom had long hoped to study in the United States.



But as the students checked out presentations from colleges ranging from the State University of New York at Binghamton to Abilene Christian University in Texas, several expressed concern about going to America under a Donald Trump administration.



Its the main topic of conversation among my friends, said Palak Gera, 21, who is applying to graduate programmes in pharmaceutical science in North Carolina, Illinois and North Dakota. They dont want to apply to the US under Trump. Aman Kumar, 18, who is looking at universities in California, said, In his campaign, hes discriminating against Muslim and other brown and black people, adding, Im thinking of applying to Canada.



This year, the number of international students in US colleges surpassed one million for the first time, bringing more than $32 billion a year into the economy and infusions of money to financially struggling colleges. College admi-ssions officials in the US caution that it is too ea-rly to draw firm conclusions about overseas app-lications, because deadlines for applications are generally in January and February. But they are worried that Trumps election as president could portend a decline in international candidates.



Canadian universities have already detected a postelection surge in interest from overseas. We have seen an increase in applications from the US and from international students in the last week, Jocelyne Younan, the director of global undergraduate recruitment at McGill University in Montreal, wrote in an email. Weve also seen an increase in students inquiring about McGill on social media.



Traffic on a University of Toronto website for international applicants surged the day after the election, officials there said  and most of it came from Americans. Visits to our recruitment website from the US are typically around 1,000 a day, said Ted Sargent, the universitys vice president, international. On Nov 9, that spiked to 10,000. On the same day, there was an increase in visitors from Britain and India, Sargent said. Our positive message as a university, but also as a city and a country, definitely is about openness to people from around the world and a real inclusiveness, he said.



A disruption in the flow of international students could be particularly worrisome for universities who balance their books with income from international students, who generally pay higher tuition. At Indiana State University, 1,000 of the 13,500 students are foreign, including many Saudis who transferred this year from Idaho State, and officials are concerned, said Santhana Naidu, an associate vice president for communications and marketing.



We have already received inquiries from prospective students who are in the applicant pool, Naidu said. Theyre asking, Is it safe for me to come there? and generally getting the lay of the land. Naidu will be among officials meeting this week in Terre Haute at the university to determine what they can do to assuage fears. Scott Manning, the director of global programmes at Susquehanna University, a liberal arts college in Selinsgrove, Pennsylvania, said he had heard before the election that two prospective students from China were waiting until after the vote to submit visa documents necessary to attend Susquehanna.



They were kind of spooked about threats Trump made about the South China Sea, back and forth with Japan about some uninhabited islands, and trade issues in general, Manning said. The students, who were considering an English-language programme beginning in January as a precursor to fall enrollment, have still not submitted their documents, he said. Officials at Ohio State University said it was too early to tell whether the election result would affect international applications, adding that there had been an increase so far this year, although most were received before the Election Day.



International study has historically been affected by social forces. Attacks on Indian students in Australia in 2009 and 2010 were believed to be part of the reason for a sharp drop-off in applications from India. International education experts first raised concerns in May about the election of Trump, when a study was presented at a meeting of NAFSA: Association of International Educators indicating that a Trump presidency could dissuade international students from coming to the United States.



The study, by Intead and FPP EDU Media, two companies specialising in international student recruitment for colleges, found that 60% of international prospective students would be less likely to attend a college in the United States if Trump were elected. We were really surprised, if not shocked, by the results, said Benjamin Waxman, the chief executive of Intead. More recently, international education experts who have been on the ground in China and India  the two biggest feeder countries to US colleges  also say they are seeing post-election jitters.



Unfriendly regime



Andrew Chen, the chief development officer at WholeRen, an international education consulting company in Pittsburgh, returned to the United States this week from China, where he said colleges in other countries were trying to capitalise on fears over Trump. Many organisations and programmes are starting to use this to promote education in the UK, Australia and Singapore, Chen said. These competitors paint the US as not safe. Now, with Trump, theyre saying its going to be unfriendly.



But Chen said he believed the fears of international students were unfounded. He doesnt like refugees from West Asia and he said for all Muslims he wanted to do a background check, Chen said. And also people from Mexico. He doesnt like those people. Chen added, But I dont think he ever said he doesnt like international students who pay tuition to study in the US.



Rahul Choudaha, an international education consultant in New Jersey, has been travelling for the past week in India, where he said there was a palpable worry among students and their parents. They are not seeing the United States as a safe destination, said Choudaha, a founder of interEdge, a company that helps international students. Theyre changing the destination to Australia or Singapore. Its an anti-immigrant tone, he added. Just stylistically, he seems be a very different person than people thought would be taking leadership in America.



As she prepared her applications to prestigious US universities, Naina Lavakare, a senior at the British School in New Delhi, developed a Plan B. It was a family joke, said her mother, Jyoti Pande. You can apply anywhere you want. However, if its Trump in the White House, were not sure we want to send you to the US.



Lavakare, 17, has adjusted her college aspirations. While she still has several US colleges on her list  in New York, California and Rhode Island  she dropped universities in red states to focus on colleges in Britain and Canada, her mother said, because she was concerned about Trumps anti-immigrant talk. Lavakare and her friends, Pande said, view Trump as a bigot and a misogynist. She added, I think that is what is freaking them out more than anything else.


A local court here on Friday rejected the bail petition moved by Khushbu Sharma in a cheating case.





The Fourth ACMM court judge rejected her bail petition citing seriousness of the complaint, considering her past history of habitual offences and fraud. The judge also took note of the fact that she was wanted in many cases in India.



Khushbu Sharma, 26, who reportedly conned at least 150 people in various parts of the country and has had several run-ins with the police, hails from Jaipur in Rajasthan. She was a school dropout and used to pose as a Supreme Court lawyer, an IAS officer, CEO of a well-known software firm, a top celebrity and at times as daughter of a politician, to cheat her victims.



The Pulakeshinagar police had arrested her for cheating advocate Sanketh Yenagi on November 4. She was living in a paying guest accommodation in Indiranagar and had told the PG owner she was a lawyer.



She had obtained a fake degree certificate and spoke fluent English. She used her attractive personality and cheated people in Mumbai, Pune, Rajasthan and other places, police said.



She was arrested by several state police, but she came out on bail and continued cheating people, said the police.

DH News Service


The state government on Friday announced a slew of measures, including new allowances  conveyance and hardship  and hike in existing uniform allowance, in order to placate the police personnel. A section of police force had threatened to protest demanding pay hike recently.





The men in khaki will get conveyance allowance of Rs 600 and Rs 1,000 as hardship allowance every month. Their monthly uniform allowance will go up to Rs 500 from Rs 100. Police personnel will get Rs 2,000 per month each as allowances with effect from December 1. These apply to only the lower rung policemen  constables, head constables, assistant sub-inspectors and sub-inspectors, Chief Minister Siddaramaiah told reporters.



He said about 90% of the total 90,000 policemen will benefit. The government will incur additional expenditure of Rs 200 crore. The government has decided to constitute pay commission for revising the salaries of its employees next year.

Appropriate decision on increasing the salary of police personnel will be taken based on the recommendations of the commission.



A committee headed by ADGP Raghavendra Auradkar set up to examine disparity in salary of police personnel compared to other states, had recently recommended to the government to increase the salary by 35%. The government had constituted the committee after a section of police personnel threatened to go on strike, demanding pay hike.



Siddaramaiah said his government will introduce what he called accelerated promotions for policemen. Accordingly, promotions will be given every 10 years. This will enable a constable to become sub-inspector before retirement. Currently, a constable has to wait for 23 years for a promotion and she/he would retire as head constable. The government has also decided to do away with age-old orderly system. Service of the policemen will be utilised properly. All police personnel will get a day off every week.



He said the government plans to fill up all vacant posts by 2018-19. Process to recruit 7,815 constables and 711 sub-inspectors is underway. Next year, 4,561 constables and 333 sub-inspectors will be recruited. In 2018-19, 4,045 constables and 312 sub-inspectors will be recruited.

DH News Service
Business across the city continued to be hit with ATMs not dispensing cash and people struggling to exchange old currency notes at banks and post offices.





KR Market, that normally teems with buyers and traders, wore a deserted look on Friday with a handful of vendors, traders and customers.



Seetha Lakshmi, a vegetable vendor at the market said: A few customers hand us a Rs 2,000 note for a Rs 100 or Rs 200 transaction. We do not have notes of smaller denomination and hence turn them away.



Lakshman K, a resident of Shivajinagar who visited KR Market to buy vegetables and fruits on Friday, returned empty handed. Reason: he just had a Rs 2,000 note and no trader had change.



He told DH: At the banks, we can just withdraw a Rs 2,000 note.



Besides shops and markets, pharmacies too are suffering as they are running short of Rs 100 notes. Sridhar R, who runs a pharmacy in Indiranagar, said he has loaned Rs 2,000 to a few customers since they faced a dire emergency.



He said: While I accept Rs 500 notes, I am unable to change Rs 2,000 notes since I am running short of Rs 100 notes. My business has dipped by 30% since the Union governments move.



Ramesh Jain, another pharmacist at Hebbal said: I hope ATMs start dispensing new Rs 500 notes at the earliest as traders are at the receiving end.

DH News Service
The scrapping of 500- and 1,000-rupee notes has posed a unique problem to post office savings bank account holders: the ATM at the General Post Office (GPO) has not been refilled for the past five days. These account holders cannot use their debit cards at bank ATMs.





Post office savings bank account holders in Bengaluru had flocked to the ATM, located at the entrance of the GPO, following demonetisation. Each person was able to withdraw Rs 2,000, but the cash ran out at 8 pm on November 13. The closing balance in the ATM was Rs 1,800. Due to technical glitches, cash has not been deposited again. We have tied up with AGS Transact Technologies Ltd (a multinational that provides end-to-end payment solutions). But right now, we are unsure of when the ATM will be refilled, said a staffer at the GPO.



The GPO has around 25,000 savings bank accounts. The Department of Posts has more than 960 ATMs across the country, including 76 in Karnataka. Thimmoji Rao, assistant superintendent, GPO, said the Postal Directorate, under the Ministry of Communications, had accepted a proposal to enable post office account holders to use bank ATMs, but that would take time. The project is being processed and can possibly be introduced in the next financial year, though nothing has been finalised, he added.



The directorate has conducted workshops in the city to educate postal staff about the change. The department is currently speeding up the accounting work of all the transactions taking place at its ATMs, said the GPO staffer quoted earlier.



As a result, account holders have to queue up at the eight counters set up at the GPO to swap and deposit notes and withdraw the new ones.



In the first four days after demonetisation, at least 1,000 people had turned up at the GPO every day. Srinath, who has been an employee at the GPO for the last 15 years, said he had to queue up in the last two days.



Had the government released 500-rupee notes at the same time, it would have been much easier. The situation is frustrating, he said.



Indelible ink

The use of indelible ink to prevent multiple exchanges of old notes is seeing mixed results. While the number of visitors has come down at some banks as well as the GPO in the last two days, crowds persist at others.



Canara Banks Cantonment branch on MG Road exchanged just Rs 8-10 lakh worth of old notes on November 17 and 18. This is in stark contrast with about Rs 20 lakh worth of old notes exchanged on each previous day. Jayalakshmi M, the branch manager, said the use of indelible ink was a positive move that helped the bank staff work more efficiently. Now, people hesitate to come to swap notes twice.



Earlier, I had to enter the name in the computer to make sure that the customer was exchanging the notes for the first time. The use of ink has definitely regularised the system, she said. At 4 pm on Friday, only a handful of people were seen at the bank.



But the State Bank of Indias branch on Hesaraghatta Road saw a crowd of 500 even after the use of ink was made mandatory. The number of people swapping the old notes is still high. Nonetheless, a bank staffer hailed the move.



Meanwhile, crowds are coming down at the RBI office on Nrupathunga Road. Unlike the previous days when the queue spilled over onto the road, the situation is now more organised. Vigilant guards at the gate ensure that only people with valid documents stand in the queue. At 1 pm on Friday, there were just 20 people outside the gate.

DH News Service



Centre should have been better prepared

Chief Minister Siddaramaiah on Friday said his government was not against demonetisation of Rs 500 and Rs 1,000 notes but that it has only objected to the Centre not making necessary preparations.



We are not against it (demonetisation). We support any measure aimed at curbing black money...And demonetisation was done in the past also. It is not the first time, he told reporters at his home office Krishna.



People, especially farmers, are put to a lot of inconvenience due to lack of preparation. The Centre should have released new Rs 500 currency notes first instead of the Rs 2,000 ones. The common man is struggling to get change for Rs 2,000. Besides, farmers are unable to conduct banking transactions, he said, adding that he has already written two letters to Unio-n Finance Minister Arun Jaitley highlighting these problems.
Separatists have announced a two-day break from a shutdown they have enforced for 133 days. People can go about their lives normally on Saturday and Sunday, they said.





The agitators have been issuing weekly protest schedules since July 9, a day after Hizbul commander Burhan Wani was killed by security forces in an encounter.



Since September, they had been easing restrictions in the evening hours, four days a week. In the cycle of violence since July 9, more than 87 civilians have died, and thousands injured.



Thousands of security forces personnel have also been injured in stone-pelting incidents. The weekend reprieve doesnt mean much. In the past week, transporters, office-goers and shopkeepers have defied the strike call. The board exams were held successfully and that has forced separatists to announce a relaxation, said Muzaffar Ahmad, a businessman in uptown Srinagar.



He questioned why the agitators, who claim to care for Kashmiris, announced no relaxation for Bakrid in September. Separatist leaders Syed Ali Geelani, Mirwaiz Umar Farooq and Yasin Malik, who have been spearheading the agitation, had urged people to march towards idgahs and then towards the UN office in Srinagar on the day of the festival.



It was for the first time in Kashmir that a strike remained in force on Bakrid. During the 2010 unrest, the separatists had announced a relaxation ahead of the festival.



When separatists realise strikes have lost relevance, they announce a relaxation. People have already returned to their normal activities, Ahmad said.



Public transport has already resumed in Srinagar and between the districts.



Suspended for 133 days, post-paid mobile Internet will be restored from the midnight of Friday, according to Inspector General of Police Javaid Mujtaba Gilani.



The service was snapped in Kashmir on July 8, following the killing of Burhan Wani.




The income tax authorities are quietly going after people with illicit cash in Karnataka and Goa.





The officials are being extra cautious, though. The raids began a couple of days after the government scrapped Rs 500 and Rs 1,000 notes, and a full week on, they arent disclosing names. On Friday, an operation in Yelahanka yielded Rs 16 crore in unaccounted cash. The income tax department seized cash, gold and incriminating documents from a financier, an official said.



Tipped off about scrapped notes being used for gold purchases, taxmen also swooped down on a leading jeweller in Bengaluru.



On November 10, they detected a difference of Rs 11 crore between sales and stocks, confirming their suspicion that gold was being sold against demonetised notes, and at a premium.



The Air Intelligence Unit at Kempegowda International Airport intercepted two people on November 12.



A man travelling from Hyderabad to Bengaluru was caught with Rs 13.3 lakh in cash and two gold biscuits of 100 gram each.



On November 14, a passenger from Bhubaneshwar to Bengaluru was similarly caught carrying Rs 50 lakh in Rs 1,000 notes.



The department seized the cash when the passengers could not explain its source.

Officials also visited co-operative institutions in and around Mangaluru, following inputs that they were accepting deposits and investments in demonetised currency.



Five societies had illicitly exchanged notes amounting to Rs 8 crore, an official said.

In the Goa region, officials seized Rs 96.45 lakh in cash, besides gold and diamond-studded jewellery, from a man staying at a hotel in Panaji.



A search at the house of a Margao-based doctor yielded Rs 31.79 lakh in unaccounted cash and jewellery worth Rs 1.6 crore. The raid also helped officials dig out details about Rs 3 crore in undeclared income, the department said.



Dark face of gold

A Bengaluru jewellery chain faced raids for selling gold against old currency. The cash at their three showrooms exceeded the value of their jewellery sales, leading the tax department to conclude they were selling gold at inflated rates.
The Supreme Court on Friday asked the Union government to address the serious issue of people facing cash shortage. The court expressed its apprehension that if the situation does not ease soon, it may lead to riots.



A bench of Chief JusticeT S Thakur and Justice Anil R Dave turned down a plea by Attorney General Mukul Rohatgi to restrain any other high court or district court to hear the matter relating to the demonetisation of Rs 500 and Rs 1,000 notes as announced on November 8.



People are affected. People are frantic. There may be riots... People have the right to approach the courts. Can you dispute it, the bench asked him.



Rohatgi denied any such possibility, claiming that the people stood silently in queues which became shorter by the day following the decision to apply indelible ink on those exchanging notes.



See the kind of problems people are facing. People have to go to the high court. If we stop them from going to the high court, how will we know the magnitude of the problem. There would be riots... People going to different courts indicates the magnitude of the problem, the bench said, referring to news reports about the hardships faced by the public.



Listing out the steps taken by the government, Rohatgi submitted that new notifications have been issued allowing farmers to withdraw Rs 25,000 a week and Rs 2.5 lakh for a wedding.



Senior advocate Kapil Sibal, appearing for a petitioner, contended that the government further brought down the exchange limit from Rs 4,500 to Rs 2,000. He said the situation has gone from bad to worse with the death of 47 people. He also claimed that there is no capacity to print notes worth Rs 23 lakh crore required in the process.



The bench asked Rohatgi if there was any difficulty in printing Rs 100 notes.

He responded by saying the banks had started distributing Rs 100, Rs 500 and Rs 2,000 currency notes.



He also pointed out that the facility for withdrawal of Rs 2,000 has been extended to petrol pumps.



Rohatgi also accused Sibal of making a political attempt in the court by exaggerating the issue. He reminded Sibal that he was representing a private party here. Sibal countered him, saying he was not raising any political issue.



The court, however, asked Sibal to place all materials including the difficulties faced by the people before the Attorney General, who would respond on November 25, the next date of hearing.



The bench allowed Rohatgi to file a transfer petition, indicating it may refer all petitions filed in different courts to the Delhi High Court.



No move to seal bank lockers

The Centre on Friday dispelled rumours that it was going to seal lockers as part of its next move on demonetisation aimed at curbing the black money menace. It said on its twitter handle that it was merely a myth.



EC concern over indelible ink

The Election Commission has written to the finance ministry asking it to ensure the use of indelible ink by banks does not cause confusion in poll-bound states. Five states are going to bypolls on Saturday.



Cash exchange only for elderly

The Indian Banks Association will not entertain requests for exchange of old currency notes at banks across the country on Saturday, but has made an exception for senior citizens.
By Jess_Shankleman

16 November 2016 (Bloomberg News)  China couldnt have invented global warming as a hoax to harm U.S. competitiveness because it was Donald Trumps Republican predecessors who started climate negotiations in the 1980s, Chinas Vice Foreign Minister Liu Zhenmin said. U.S. Presidents Ronald Reagan and George H.W. Bush supported the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change in initiating global warming talks even before China knew that negotiations to cut pollution were starting, Liu told reporters at United Nations talks on Wednesday in Marrakech, Morocco. Ministers and government officials from almost 200 countries gathered in Marrakech this week are awaiting a decision by President-elect Trump on whether hell pull the U.S. out of the Paris Agreement to tackle climate change. The tycoon tweeted in 2012 that the concept of global warming was created by and for the Chinese in order to make U.S. manufacturing non-competitive. Chinas envoy rejected that view. If you look at the history of climate change negotiations, actually it was initiated by the IPCC with the support of the Republicans during the Reagan and senior Bush administration during the late 1980s, Liu told reporters during an hour-long briefing. [more]
LINCOLN  A Nebraska state agency has paid $57 million in fines and penalties to federal agencies over the last five years, but department officials say they have taken steps to reduce the likelihood of future mistakes.

Nebraska Department of Health and Human Services administrators told lawmakers Wednesday they have created a new review process, provided more training for staff and are working more closely with the federal government. The department could owe another $45 million, although that figure could change.

Some of the penalties were imposed because the state didn't properly document how it used federal money. In other cases, the department changed how it calculated payments for developmental disability services without getting federal approval.

Department spokeswoman Kathie Osterman said some of the issues arose from audits dating as far back as 2003. Osterman said the penalties, known as disallowances, have previously been reported.

"We are cleaning up from these past errors," said Garet Buller, the department's internal auditor. "It is now our responsibility and we are committed to do all we can to mitigate potential disallowances from those years."

Buller noted that some of the payments to the federal government were reduced after the department provided documentation to support its expenses. In one case, the federal government sought reimbursement of $22 million for child welfare expenses that weren't properly documented, but later reduced the total to $14.2 million.

Buller and department CEO Courtney Phillips provided the update to the Legislature's budget-writing Appropriations Committee.
Russia blocking LinkedIn will set a huge precedent for other internet firms

LinkedIn is the latest victim of statewide regulations and data monitoring. Russia's communications regulator has ordered to block public access to LinkedIn's website, reports Reuters. A Russian court ruling has found LinkedIn guilty of violating local data storage law.

US headquartered LinkedIn is the first major social networking platform to be blocked by Russian authorities. LinkedIn reportedly has over 6 million registered users in Russia and the blocking will set a precedent for other internet firms' operation in Russia. "The Kremlin said that the decision was legal and that President Vladimir Putin did not plan to interfere in the case," reports Reuters.

Russia has been one of the toughest regulators of social networking platforms. The country already has one of the toughest laws on internet usage. "When asked whether the move might stir fears of online censorship, Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov said there were "no such concerns." Russian law requires internet firms storing personal data of Russian citizens to do so on local servers, something LinkedIn has not done. The law was approved by Russian premier Putin in 2014 and came into force in September last year.

"LinkedIn's site will be blocked within 24 hours, Interfax news agency cited Roskomnadzor spokesman Vadim Ampelonsky as saying. One Internet service provider, Rostelcom, said it had already blocked access," adds the Reuters report.

"Roskomnadzor's action to block LinkedIn denies access to the millions of members we have in Russia and the companies that use LinkedIn to grow their businesses," a LinkedIn spokeswoman said. Microsoft recently acquired LinkedIn for a record $26 billion and the deal is being probed for anti competitive nature by the EU antitrust regulators.

LinkedIn has requested for a meeting with Russian watchdog and the meeting will take place within the next two weeks. LinkedIn seems open to discuss the demand for data localisation request but the blocks will continue to be implemented in the meantime.
The Lenovo ZUK Edge's TENAA listing suggest that it will be powered by a Snapdragon 821 SoC with 4GB of RAM

Lenovo may soon launch a new device under its ZUK brand. Leaked images of its retail box suggest that the device will be called the ZUK Edge and hints that the device will be available in two colour variants, black and white. Further, the phone was listed on Chinese certification website TENAA, and is tipped to come with a 5.5-inch FHD display. It is also expected to be powered by a Qualcomm Snapdragon 821 SoC with 4GB of RAM. It is tipped to be available in 32GB and 64GB variants.

Considering the name, it was expected that the phone might have a dual-curved display, similar to Samsungs Edge series of phones. However, additional leaked images suggest that the phone might not have a curved display. Weibo user, KJuma posted photographs of a ZUK device, which is claimed to the ZUK Edge. The images suggest that the may not have a curved display after all. SlashLeaks posted a much clearer image of the phone, which also hints that the device will not have a curved display. The image also shows the name of the device and the fact that it is powered by a Snapdragon 821 SoC.
Rustom-2 was scheduled to take flight in late 2013 but the UCAV has finally taken flight after a delay of almost three years

Rustom-2, India's long endurance Unmanned Combat Air Vehicle (UCAV) finally took flight on Wednesday. The flight of Rustom-2 comes after a considerable delay. Rustom-2 was scheduled to take flight in late 2013 but the UCAV has finally taken flight after a delay of almost three years.

Rustom-2 falls under the medium-altitude, long endurance (MALE) category of vehicles. Rustom-2 is conceived as India's self reliance when it comes to use of combat drones. India currently relies on Israeli firms for aerial combat vehicles.

While Rustom-2 is unlike any other drone in the market. It has a wingspan of more than 20m and an endurance of 24-30 hours. It is equipped with contemporary technology and needs a runway for takeoff. It also features enhanced aerodynamic configuration, digital flight control and navigation system.

"Besides, it will also have automatic takeoff and landing capabilities, this version of Rustom is comparable to some of the best in the world," sources in Aeronautical Development Establishment (ADE) told The Times of India.

With Rustom-2, ADE hopes to receive orders from army, navy and the air force but reliability will be the key here. DRDO's previous UAVs have faced several crashes and the Indian Army has not inducted anything into its fleet recently.
ITM Power , an energy storage and clean fuel company, has been granted planning permission from South Buckinghamshire District Council to construct a hydrogen refuelling station at oil behemoth Royal Dutch Shell s filling station in Beaconsfield.

This will be the first hydrogen refuelling station in the UK to be integrated into the existing fuel forecourt, with the hydrogen dispenser under the main fuel forecourt canopy.

The station is also part of the Hydrogen Mobility Europe project, an initiative to introduce hydrogen fuelled transport, and the hydrogen refuelling station infrastructure grant scheme by the Office for Low Emission Vehicles.

It is co-funded by Fuel Cells and Hydrogen Joint Undertaking, an EU public-private partnership and the British government.

The company was previously granted planning permission at the other Shell filling station at Gatwick, which together with motorway service areas at Shell filling stations off the M25 at Cobham and the A14 in Cambridge, it has four sites and agreements with the oil giant to build at three of these locations.

Commissioning for the Cobham is currently underway following delivery of the electrolyser and buffer tank to the site earlier in the week, which will open in early 2017.

Jane Lindsay-Green, Shell UK retail future fuels manager, said: "It is another example of Shell's commitment to providing low carbon fuels for the future and we hope will provide further encouragement to other stakeholders to support and invest in hydrogen.

Shell's experience from partnerships in Germany and the US shows vehicle manufacturers, fuel suppliers and governments need to work together for hydrogen mobility to succeed."

The company also announced that it had signed a sales contract with an engineering, procurement and construction firm to supply 1.25 megawatts of a 50-bar electrolyser unit, which will be used at an ethylene production plant.

Shares in ITM Power were down 1.11% to 22.25p at 0846 GMT.
UK and Netherlands-focused oil and gas group Parkmead posted its preliminary results for the year to 30 June on Friday, with revenue from continuing operations almost halving to 10.4m from 18.6m.

The AIM-traded company managed to offset that with a significantly reduced cost of sales of $15.1m, down from 39.4m, making for a gross loss of 4.6m, narrowing from 33.7m.

After expenses, the firms operating loss was 5.8m compared to 32.7m a year ago.

Parkmeads reported loss before tax was 6.4m, also down on last year, when it was 30.8m.

Basic and diluted losses per share totalled 6.76p, compared to 35.22p.

I am pleased to report an excellent year of progress for Parkmead, despite the challenges of the low oil price environment, said executive chairman Tom Cross.

Parkmead discovered and brought onstream a new gas field at Diever West, in the Netherlands, within just 14 months.

This field is delivering profitable gas production and important additional cash flow to the group.

Cross said Parkmead is increasing its gas production in the Netherlands through a low-cost, onshore work programme, which acts as a natural hedge to low global oil prices.

The group's reserves and resources have significantly increased in 2016 through two licence acquisitions.

Parkmead has strengthened its position around the important PDL oil hub in the UK North Sea.

Cross explained that the companys new licence awards in the 28th Round were an outstanding result for Parkmead, with 10 new offshore oil and gas blocks awarded to the group.

We are delighted with the new award in the West of Shetland region targeting two prospects, Sanda North and Sanda South.

West of Shetland is an area we understand well and has the potential to add major value to the company.

He said Parkmead is well positioned to take advantage of the ongoing lower oil price environment, and the opportunities that are arising from it.

We have excellent regional expertise, significant cash resources, and a growing, low-cost gas portfolio.

The group will continue to build upon the inherent value in its existing interests with a licensing and acquisition-led growth strategy, securing opportunities that maximise long-term value for our shareholders.
Oil and gas explorer President Energy said it expects to receive about $55 per barrel of oil sold in Argentina until the end of 2016, with a price drop "probable" next year.

The Argentinian government has said it intends to match local international prices of oil, "whilst it is quite probable" that this will happen in 2017.

Currently Brent crude oil is trading around $46 a barrel.

Using the Brent forward curve from 1 January 2017, the company expects that the initial rate of return of its planned well workover campaign next year will not be materially impacted, estimated at about 150%.

The AIM-listed company does not expect there to be no material difference in its cash position at the end of 2017.

On Tuesday, the company raised $20m in equity to invest in its work programme to increase production in Argentina and strengthen its balance sheet.

Shares in President Energy were down 3.62% to 5.59p at 0923 GMT.
Oil and gas investor Sirius Petroleum has signed a well management contract with Add Energy Group, for a multi-well campaign as part of an offshore development in Nigeria.

Sirius will drill, complete, and produce wells as part of the contract, which which will start in the first half of 2017.

Add Energy had worked with Sirius to secure the drilling contract with COSL Drilling Pan-Pacific, the international division of COSL china, a oil field service provider.

Under the contract Add Energy will also provide well management solutions services to Sirius and will extend delayed invoice and payment terms to the company in line with its other project partners.

The company hopes to drill on the Ororo Field, which could be expanded to include other potential offshore assets.

Sirius chief executive, Bobo Kuti said that having Add Energy leading the operations in the field reinforces the company's confidence in achieving first hydrocarbons in the first half of 2017.

Dermot O'Keeffe, Add Energys chief operating officer, added: "Working together with COSL and our other service providers will demonstrate that, in the oil and gas new world order, pooling resources to develop solution-based results is the way forward."

Shares in Sirius Petroleum were down 1.7% to 20.89p at 0842 GMT.
Drug trial company Venn Life Sciences has completed the sale of its stake in Innovenn UK innovation unit to Integumen for up to 4.74m that will see it retain a majority stake as the newly created skin science company looks to float on AIM.

Integumen has been set up by Venn's director Tony Richardson and Innovenns managing director Declan Service to float Innovenn on AIM and acquire complementary businesses in the areas of skin science, oral-health and woundcare.

Before the sale the company converted a loan to Innovenn of 1.29m into shares of 0.001 each, increasing its stake to 70%.

The remaining 30% is owned by Cayman Islands-based Helium Rising Stars Fund, which is managed by Swiss hedge fund manager ISPartners.

Innovenn reported a loss before tax of 385,000 and had net liabilities of 121,000 at 31st December 2015, and the deal crystalises a gain on disposal in the company's consolidated accounts of about 959,000.

Venn has spun off the innovation arm partly to allow it to concentrate on its core activities of drug development and clinical research services, but perhaps more crucially so that investors have a clearer understanding of the underlying value of that core business.

Shares in Venn Life Sciences were down 0.24% to 24.44p at 0926 GMT.
Iraq 's top oil official said on Friday that he is "optimistic" about the Organisation for Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC) reaching an agreement to cap production levels of the commodity.

Jabbar al-Luaibi hinted to the Wall Street Journal that the country, which was thought to be the most reluctant to cap production levels, would be in favour of the action when the group meets in Vienna at the end of this month.

The 14-member bloc will meet on November 30 to take measures to aid a boost in oil prices, which have dropped more than 60% in the last two years.

In September, OPEC agreed to cut production of the commodity, but the details have yet to be confirmed. The figure being suggested as to how much it will be cut by rests between 2% and 4% of global production.

"I'm really optimistic on the result of the next OPEC meeting," al-Luaibi said in the interview.

Previously, the country's oil minister had said that Iraq would be increasing its oil production, but he added that differences with other members of the bloc had since been resolved.

"We reached almost some sort of, not agreement, but satisfactory results," he said.

One of the major stumbling blocks for OPEC could be Iraq's close neighbours Iran, who have pumped up production this year after the lifting of Western sanctions, and are keen to regain pre-sanction levels.

According to documents seen by Reuters, Iraq would have to compensate international oil companies for potential limits placed on its production.

It is still far from certain that a complete agreement will be reached in Vienna, with Iraq consequently not being able to finalise its 2017 spending plans and provide clarity on its near-term production
Apple is considering moving production of its flagship iPhone model of smartphones to the United States, according to a report from the Nikkei Asian Review.

Key supplier Foxconn Technology has been looking into the possibility of making the shift to the US, the Tokyo-based publication said on Friday, citing a source from within the company.

Much focus has centred around American companies' global operations since the election of Donald Trump as president-elect, after the Republican promised to heavily tax businesses which locate their manufacturing divisions abroad.

"Apple asked both Foxconn and Pegatron, the two iPhone assemblers, in June to look into making iPhones in the U.S.," the Nikkei Asian Review reported.

Foxconn is currently based in the Tucheng district on the outskirts of Taipei, and along with other smaller providers, pump out 200m iPhones annually from their factories.

"We're going to get Apple to build their damn computers and things in this country instead of in other countries," Trump said in January of this year as he embarked on a campaign which ended in an unexpected victory.

Trump said that he would tag a 45% tax on goods imported from China, but in the days since his election win, he has cooled on many of the brash policies which characterised his speeches during the last few months.
German car-maker Volkswagen has reached an agreement with employees that will see 23,000 jobs cut initially, a figure which could rise to 30,000, representing 5% of its global workforce.

The company is still making efforts to recover from one of the biggest scandals in its history last year, when it admitted to having fitted millions of vehicles with emissions-cheating devices. The total legal costs arising from the incident is expected to surpass $30bn.

Volkswagen said it was committed to no compulsory redundancies under the deal agreed with union, with the initial 23,000 of the positions to leave its domestic market in Germany.

In a press conference at its headquarters in Wolfsburg, brand chief Herbert Diess said the losses were "socially acceptable".

"I am very sorry for those affected, but the situation of the brand at the moment gives us little room for manoeuvre," he said.

"We're shaking up the entire VW brand and making it fit for the future," he added.

By 2020, the company aims to increase its earnings by 3.7bn per year in an effort to reclaim some of the profits lost by the scandal.

The job cuts will arrive via early retirement schemes and not replacing workers that leave. The cost cuts are made up of 3bn at its German factories and another 700m internationally.
Markets in Asia finished mixed on Friday, with Japan putting in a stellar performance as its domestic markets finished on an 11-month high as the yen retreated to much weaker levels.

The benchmark Nikkei 225 was up 0.59% at 17,967.41, which was its highest close since 6 January, while the broader Topix added 0.38% to settle at 1,428.46.

It was a weaker day for the yen, which was last 0.45% weaker at JPY 110.61, having been around the 108 level per $1 on Thursday.

The major Japanese exporters saw their shares rise, with Honda up 0.98%, Mazda adding 3.77%, Nissan 1.71% higher and Toyota stock 2.68% firmer.

Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe met with US President-elect Donald Trump in New York on Thursday, though little detail was released to satiate investor appetites.

Abe did say after the meeting that he had confidence he could build trust in Trump, though he avoided disclosing the topics of the talks by describing the meeting as unofficial.

Analysts were quick to suggest the Trans-Pacific Partnership was on the agenda, with the 12-member agreement already ratified by Japan and others, but Trump promising not to ratify it while campaigning ahead of the election.

Lack of details on the hour-long 'frank' discussions suggests that none of the uncertainties around TPP and U.S. engagement have been resolved, noted Mizuho Banks Vishnu Varathan.

There is a sense that 'Abenomics' and 'Trump-onomics' need not be mutually exclusive.

On the mainland, the Shanghai Composite was down 0.47% to finish at 3,193.27.

South Koreas Kospi was off 0.3% at the close, to finish at 1,974.58, while Hong Kongs Hang Seng Index was up 0.37% at 22,344.21.

In Seoul, Samsung Electronics was ahead of the benchmark, finishing 1.15% higher.

Oil prices were down during Asian trading, with Brent crude last off 0.5% at $46.26 per barrel and West Texas Intermediate losing 0.91% at $45.01.

In Australia, the S&P/ASX 200 finished up 0.39% at 5,359.40, led higher by the hefty financials subindex which was ahead 0.45%.

Gold and energy were the losers of the day, with those subindexes off 3.17% and 0.05% respectively.

New Zealands S&P/NZX 50 was up 0.6% at 6,857.85, with local analysts saying theyre starting to see bargain hunters enter the market after a period of declines for the benchmark.

It was led higher by airport operator AIAL, which added 3.3%.

The companys stock slipped earlier in the week amid concerns that a depression in tourism would arise from Sunday nights deadly and destructive earthquakes, leading to a downturn at the countrys largest airport in Auckland.

It was a mixed picture for the down under dollars, with the Kiwi last 0.09% stronger at NZD 1.4222 after spending much of the session sharply weaker against the greenback while the Aussie was 0.47% weaker at AUD 1.3563 per $1.
Stocks in London were set for a muted open on Friday, with little due in the way of macroeconomic news to provide any direction and corporate releases thin on the ground.

The FTSE 100 was called to open just four points higher than Thursdays close at 6,798.

CMC Markets Michael Hewson said: It looks like being a fairly mixed bag of a week for European equity markets as we come to the end of the week with the FTSE100 holding up fairly well, though markets in Europe have struggled with Italian markets in particular having a bad week, as bond yields there pushed sharply higher on rising political concerns, ahead of next months referendum.

There are no major UK data due.

In corporate news, engineering distribution firm Electrocomponents reported a 44% jump in first half profits to 55.1m.

Revenues were up to 706m from 626m and the interim dividend was unchanged at 5p.

The company said it had made an encouraging start to the second half of the year, with all hubs seeing an improvement in underlying revenue growth in October versus the Q2 trend.

DIY company Grafton Group has agreed to by Dutch ironmonger Gunters en Meuser in order to increase its presence in Amsterdam.

The deal, which is subject to approval from the Dutch competition authority, is expected to take place in January.

Bodycote issued a trading update for the period from 1 July to 31 October on Friday, with group revenue 12.7% higher than the same period last year and 3.1% lower at constant exchange rates, against somewhat weak comparables.

Several new sites were acquired in the period with annualised sales of 14m, though the contribution to full year 2016 EPS from the new businesses will be minimal while they are integrated into the group. Revenue from ongoing operations were 13.2% higher, or 2.7% lower at constant exchange rates.
UK supermarket giant Tesco has warned suppliers not to inflate prices to compensate for the slump in sterling so they can report healthier profits.

Chief executive Dave Lewis (pictured) said suppliers should be able to report results in constant and current exchange rates to take into account any volatility.

"The only thing we would ask of companies that are in that position is they don't ask UK customers to pay inflated prices in order that their reporting currency is maintained. They don't do that for countries outside of the UK," he said.

I spent 28 years working in a multinational and there are always elements of currency volatility in businesses like that, said Lewis.

When there is devaluation, what multinationals do is they present sales at constant and current exchange rates and the City understands."

Lewis, who worked for Unilever, was speaking for the first time since a row in October with his old company when it tried to increase the prices of goods like Marmite, the yeast spread.

Unilever had claimed it needed to cover higher import costs even though Marmite was being made in the UK. Tesco withdrew the product from its shelves.

Tesco and Unilever reached an undisclosed agreement to settle the matter.

The moves come after a slump in the pound since the UK's decision in June to leave the European Union.
US President-elect Donald Trump has appointed a new attorney general, national security adviser and CIA director of his future cabinet.

Alabama Senator Jeff Sessions, 69, has been offered the job of attorney general according to transition officials that wish to remain anonymous.



Sessions,a former prosecutor elected to the Senate in 1996, was nominated by former president Ronald Reagan in 1986 for a federal judgeship but was rejected because of allegations that he had made racist remarks, which he strongly denied.

"He is a world-class legal mind and considered a truly great attorney general and US attorney in the state of Alabama. Jeff is greatly admired by legal scholars and virtually everyone who knows him," said Trump.

"I enthusiastically embrace president-elect Trumps vision for one America, and his commitment to equal justice under law. I look forward to fulfilling my duties with an unwavering dedication to fairness and impartiality, said Sessions in a statement.

Sessions opposes citizenship for undocumented immigrants and enthusiastically backed Trump's pledge to build a wall on the border with Mexico.



Former Lieutenant General Michael Flynn, 57, has accepted the position of national security adviser, according to the same sources.



Flynn has been a vocal critic of the Obama administration since he was dismissed from his position as director of the Defence Intelligence Agency in 2014. He agrees with Trump on renegotiating the Iran nuclear deal, strengthening ties with Russia and intensifying the fight against Islamic extremists.

One of Flynn's tweets said that fear of muslims is "rational".

"General Flynn is one of the countrys foremost experts on military and intelligence matters and he will be an invaluable asset to me and my administration," said Trump.

Flynn said he was deeply humbled and honored to accept the position as national security advisor to serve both our country and our nations next president.

Both men have been close allies during Trump's campaign and share many of his views.



Conservative Republican Mike Pompeo has also been offered the role of CIA director, according to the sources.

"He will be a brilliant and unrelenting leader for our intelligence community to ensure the safety of Americans and our allies," said Trump.

I am honored to have been given this opportunity to serve and to work alongside president-elect Donald J. Trump to keep America safe, Pompeo said in a statement. I also look forward to working with Americas intelligence warriors, who do so much to protect Americans each and every day.



Pompeo has also criticised Obamas nuclear deal with Iran, tweeting on Thursday: "I look forward to rolling back this disastrous deal with the world's largest state sponsor of terrorism."






Germanys finance minister has set out a tough line on EU divorce talks with Britain on issues from tax breaks to exit costs, dashing Downing Street hopes Berlin would soften Europes stance on a UK departure from the bloc. Theresa Mays government has been looking to Germany, a net exporter to the UK, to temper French demands that Britain pay a price for its decision to leave.  Financial Times

Shinzo Abe has declared his trust and confidence in Donald Trump as the US president-elects first meeting with a foreign leader passed off successfully. Emerging from Trump Tower in New York after an hour-and-a-half meeting, Japans prime minister hailed the new president as a man he can do business with.  Financial Times

There is no reason for the Big Six energy giants to raise their standard variable tariffs this winter because their hedging strategies should insulate them from rising wholesale prices, leading analysts have said. Amid mounting speculation over a possible round of price rises, consultants Cornwall Energy said their analysis showed major suppliers should be able to hold off for several months  but warned that electricity price rises of up to 10pc before winter 2017-18 were highly likely.  Telegraph

JP Morgan is to pay $264m (212m) to US authorities to settle charges the Wall Street bank breached anti-bribery laws by employing Chinese "princelings", the children of influential figures, to secure business worth more than $100m. Regulators have spent almost three years investigating whether hiring by the American firm overseas violated US the Foreign Corrupt Practices Act (FCPA).  Telegraph

The chief executive of Tesco has fired a fresh warning shot at multinational consumer brand owners, such as Marmites parent company Unilever, by asking them not to push currency-related price hikes on to British shoppers. In his first comments since last months Marmitegate stand-off, Dave Lewis said consumers should not be asked to pay inflated prices due to fluctuations in currencies, such as the post-referendum slump in the pound.  Guardian

The chancellor, Philip Hammond, should limit the impact of the Brexit vote on the economy by excluding public investment spending from his deficit reduction plans in his autumn statement next week, economists say. As the Treasury finalised tax and spending plans, economists warned that a black hole in government finances of more than 100bn could deter the chancellor from boosting infrastructure spending and leave the economy to cope with severe headwinds without extra support.  Guardian

The government has been urged to consider radical reform of how it commissions and finances infrastructure projects, amid concerns over the spiralling bill for high-speed rail and problems with building new homes and airport capacity. The Centre for Policy Studies said the authorities must consider issuing project bonds that would be sold to private investors to fund specific developments. It believes these would avoid the risk inherent in previous public-private schemes of what are, in effect, blank cheques backed by the taxpayer.  The Times
Resources stocks led the Footsie lower on Friday as gold futures continued to come under pressure as the US dollar hovered near 13 year highs.

Miners took seven of the top 10 slots on the fallers list. Led by Fresnillo, which fell 5%. Also down were Randgold, Antofagasta, Anglo American, and Rio Tinto.

Rolls-Royce shares were lower after Emirates Airlines said it was having some unspecified technical issues with engines for A380 jets due for delivery.

Emirates President Tim Clark said there were no plans to defer any deliveries, but some problems needed to be resolved.

We have a new engine coming on and there are some issues with that at the moment. We want the engines as prescribed in the contract," he told reporters in Germany.

TUI shares were in favour, despite Morgan Stanley downgrading the stock to 'equalweight' as it expects the travel group's heavy investment programme will dilute cash flow and earnings per share.

Royal Mail shares recovered after Thursday's slide. The company reported lower profits and increased its target for cost savings which prompted a sell off.

Market Movers

FTSE 100 (UKX) 6,793.37 -0.02%





FTSE 100 - Risers

Paddy Power Betfair (PPB) 8,825.00p 2.50%

TUI AG Reg Shs (DI) (TUI) 1,024.00p 2.30%

Royal Mail (RMG) 474.00p 2.16%

Whitbread (WTB) 3,596.00p 2.01%

Compass Group (CPG) 1,382.00p 1.92%

Intertek Group (ITRK) 3,247.00p 1.85%

InterContinental Hotels Group (IHG) 3,223.00p 1.64%

WPP (WPP) 1,708.00p 1.55%

Micro Focus International (MCRO) 2,045.00p 1.49%

DCC (DCC) 6,160.00p 1.48%

FTSE 100 - Fallers

Fresnillo (FRES) 1,312.00p -5.20%

Randgold Resources Ltd. (RRS) 5,815.00p -4.44%

Rolls-Royce Holdings (RR.) 671.50p -3.93%

Antofagasta (ANTO) 666.00p -3.13%

Anglo American (AAL) 1,098.50p -2.49%

Polymetal International (POLY) 769.50p -2.41%

Rio Tinto (RIO) 2,957.50p -2.10%

Sky (SKY) 769.50p -1.91%

Glencore (GLEN) 262.90p -1.77%

BT Group (BT.A) 366.80p -1.77%
Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe said he had "great confidence" in Donald Trump after being the first foreign leader to meet the US President-elect.

Abe met the property developer at Trump Tower in New York for a 90 minutes. He later described the bi-lateral as "candid".

Trump was a vocal opponent of free trade deals with countries like Japan, and had pledged to dump the Trans-Pacific Partnership trade deal which Abe's government has signed.

He also said Japan needed to pay more to maintain US troops on its soil, and suggested that Japan and South Korea should develop their own nuclear weapons to counter the threat from North Korean missiles.

"We were able to have a very candid talk over a substantial amount of time. We held it in a very warm atmosphere, Abe said after the meeting.

"I do believe that without confidence between the two nations the alliance would never function in the future and as the outcome of today's discussion I am convinced Mr Trump is a leader in whom I can have great confidence."

I conveyed my basic views on various issues to Trump, but with regard to more of the specifics or details, because [he] has not assumed the office as the president of the United States and todays discussion was an unofficial discussion, Id like to refrain from touching on details, Abe said.
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4 takeaways from Fox News town hall with Tim Ryan, J.D. Vance

Republican J.D. Vance and Democratic U.S. Rep. Tim Ryan participated in a town hall in Columbus hosted by Fox News Tuesday night.
LMN wins ULI award for San Antonio arts center with a shimmering veil'

Photo by Andy Crawford [enlarge] The Spanish-style Municipal Auditorium was renovated and expanded.

Tobin Center for the Performing Arts in San Antonio won a 2016 Global Award for Excellence from Urban Land Institute.

Seattle-based LMN Architects was the design architect and Marmon Mok Architecture of San Antonio was associate architect, according to a press release from LMN.

The center was completed in 2014.

A 26,000-square-foot Spanish Colonial-style Municipal Auditorium, built in 1926, was renovated and the historic facade was retained. Another 157,000 square feet were added.

The center has two performance spaces: a 1,768-seat main performance hall and 231-seat flat-floor studio theater. There is also a new lobby and support facilities.

LMN said the new and old components were integrated in a grand, unifying design gesture.

The center has a porous, shimmering metallic veil that is designed to celebrate San Antonio's cultural life. The veil begins at the River Walk, and rises through irregular sheer planes to form an architectural presence.

The jury noted that the center created a world-class performance venue that connects with San Antonio's famed River Walk.

The $150 million project is one of 11 globally that won in the ULI program, which considers design, construction, economics, planning and management. Here are all the winners: http://tiny.cc/2db0gy/.

Tobin Center for the Performing Arts developed the San Antonio project, which is certified LEED New Construction silver.

The center won a 2016 Honor Award and a Mayor's Choice Award from the San Antonio Chapter of the AIA, and a 2016 AIA Washington Council Civic Design award of merit.

Here is the team: The Projects Group, project management/owners representation; Sussman Prejza & Co., interior design/environmental graphics; Fisher Dachs Associates, theater consultant; Akustiks, acoustical consultant of record; Walter P. Moore of Dallas with Alpha Consulting Engineers, structural engineers; Timmons Design Engineers, mechanical/plumbing engineer; TTG, electrical engineer; Horton Lees Brogden Lighting Design, architectural/specialty lighting design; Stantec, technology and electronic security consulting; Rialto Studio, landscape architect; and Linbeck Zachry Joint Venture, construction manager and contractor.

LMN won the 2016 American Institute of Architects Architecture Firm Award.




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Donald Trump didn't offer specifics as to how  or how much  he would revive logging and milling, but he alluded to loosening federal restrictions.



By DYLAN DARLING

The Register-Guard

EUGENE, Ore.  When he visited Eugene last spring, Donald Trump promised to revive Oregon's timber industry, which for decades has been hamstrung by severe curbs against logging in federal forests west of the Cascades summit.

Timber jobs (in Oregon) have been cut in half since 1990, he said during his May 6 stump speech to a revved-up crowd at the Lane Events Center. We are going to bring them up, folks, we are going to do it really right, we are going to bring them up, OK?





. . .
Subscriber content preview

NEW YORK (AP)  The American Museum of Natural History is presenting a bilingual exhibit that explores Cuba's biodiversity and culture.

The exhibition is called ACuba! and opens Nov. 21. It was developed in collaboration with Cuba's National Museum of Natural History under an agreement signed in the summer in Havana.





. . .
This story was originally published on Gizmodo

Predicting the future is hard. Its nearly impossible to know what technological marvels await in the next few years, let alone the next eight decades. Undaunted, weve put together a list of 10 super-advanced technologies that should be around by the year 2100.

Some of these technologies are rather out there, but Im reasonably confident in making these predictions. As radical as some of the items described here appear, most  if not all  should be around by the turn of the 22nd century. The reason has to do with an innovation that doesnt appear on this list: Artificial superintelligence. As computer scientist I.J. Good aptly pointed out in the 1960s, the first ultraintelligent machine is the last invention that man need ever make.

Once greater-than-human intelligence emerges in a machine  a development that could happen as early as the 2050s  all bets are off in terms of whats technically possible. Intelligent machines will replace humans as designers and engineers, constructing the technologies of our dreams, including some we hadnt even thought of. Here are just 10 of those technologies that could change virtually everything.

1. Brain-Linked Virtual Reality

Wearable VR-enabling devices like Oculus Rift are all fine and well, but no matter how sophisticated these sorts of gadgets become, a true sense of existing in an alternate reality will remain out of reach. Whats required is something a bit more invasive  and by the time we reach the 2100s well have found a way to create a virtual reality experience thats indistinguishable from the real thing. Incredibly, these experiences will be fed directly to our brain, bypassing our normal sensory inputs to make it all the more believable.

To get that intangible feeling of what its like to exist in our surroundings, well need to go to the source of that experience: The human brain. Indeed, the brain (among other things) is a sensory processing device. All of the things we sense on a regular basis, whether it be the smell of your tacos or the glaring glow of your computer screen, are routed to your brain. As Morpheus put it so eloquently in The Matrix: What is real? If youre talking about what you can feel, what you can smell, what you can taste and see, then real is simply electrical signals interpreted by your brain.

Futurist Ray Kurzweil, author of The Singularity is Near, explained how this could come about in a Q&A about his book.

I see this starting with nanobots in our bodies and brains. The nanobots will keep us healthy, provide full-immersion virtual reality from within the nervous system, provide direct brain-to-brain communication over the Internet, and otherwise greatly expand human intelligence. But keep in mind that nonbiological intelligence is doubling in capability each year, whereas our biological intelligence is essentially fixed in capacity. As we get to the 2030s, the nonbiological portion of our intelligence will predominate.

Kurzweils time lines are probably a bit optimistic, but his concepts are sound; were finding new ways of breaching the blood-brain-barrier and creating microscopic machines that can travel around the body. And just as importantly, were creating a detailed map of the brain, including areas responsible for processing incoming sensory information.

Once implanted in the brain, Kurzweils nanobots would locate the brains various sensory inputs and shut them down (for example, disrupting the electrical signals collected by the retina, ear and so on), making the person completely unaware of their actual surroundings (it would be the perfect sensory deprivation chamber. In place of these signals, the nanobots, fed by wireless transmission, would replace those missing signals, feeding the brains cortical regions with artificial senses  and an entirely new subjective experience. To the person, it would feel like they have been transported to another world.

2. Utility Fog

Devised by nanotech pioneer J. Storrs Hall, utility fogs are a swarm of nanobots, or foglets, that can take on the shape of virtually any object, and change its shape on the fly. Storrs came up with the idea when trying to imagine a futuristic seat belt. But instead of static straps and inflatable airbags, Hall imagined an intelligent cloud of interconnected snowflake-like foglets capable of morphing along with the movements of anything around it, including the passengers of cars.

Utility fogs defy the imagination in terms of the technological sophistication required. Each foglet would measure just 10 microns across (roughly the same size as a human cell), be equipped with a tiny, rudimentary onboard computer to control its actions (which would be controlled externally by an artificially intelligent system) and a dozen telescopic arms that extrude outwards in the shape of a dodecahedron. When two foglets link up, they would form a circuit, allowing for the distribution of power and communications throughout the network. The foglets wouldnt be capable of floating, but would instead form a lattice structure, called an octet truss, when holding hands in all 12 directions.

A utility fog would work like programmable matter, capable of moving around, enveloping and and even transporting an object or person. More radically, utility fogs could be used to create a virtual world around a person  and even host a person who has uploaded themselves into this nano-infused cloud (similar to the foglet beings in Warren Ellis Transmetropolitan).

3. Space-Based Solar Power

As our civilisation struggles to mitigate the effects of climate change and transition into a more sustainable energy economy, its tempting to think well never be able to meet our seemingly insatiable energy needs. Space-based solar power  an idea thats been around since the 1960s  could solve this problem once and for all.

Nearly 60 years ago, Peter Glaser envisioned solar powered satellites capable of transferring captured solar energy down to receiving dishes on the Earths surface via microwaves. A number of different schemes have been proposed since then, with Japan leading the way in terms of having an actual plan to get it done. Called the SBSP System, the Japanese orbital farm would run in a stationary orbit about 36,000km above the equator, where it would transmit energy to Earth using laser beams. Each satellite would target a 3km wide receiving station that could generate an entire gigawatt of electricity, which is enough to power a half million homes. For safety, the receiving station should be positioned far from human habitation, such as a desert or island.

4. Mind Uploading

By the turn of the 22nd century, many humans will have opted for a purely digital existence, one free of all biological constraints. Called mind uploading, or whole brain emulation, this will involve the meticulous copying of an existing biological brain. The scans would capture every cognitive detail down to the molecular level, and include memories, associations and even a persons personality quirks.

Futurists arent entirely sure how mind uploading will happen, but a critical step will be to make sure the important parts of a brain are copied, particularly those tied to a persons sense of identity (namely the parahippocampus and retrosplenial cortex). This could involve destructive copying, where an existing brain is sliced or otherwise taken apart in order to record a persons brain state and memories. Alternately, a sufficiently powerful brain scanner could be used to take a snapshot of a persons brain, and then pasted into a computer capable of translating that information into a functioning mind. In order for an uploaded person to function normally, they would have to be equipped with a virtual bodyand environment.

An important scientific and philosophical question to ask is whether or not this represents a true transfer of consciousness, and not just the mere copying of a persons brain. Whats more, its not entirely clear if conscious self-awareness can be replicated in digital substrate. Frighteningly, each upload could be a kind of zombie that behaves and functions like the pre-existing person, but would in reality be nothing more than a script-driven bot.

5. Weather Control

Its unlikely that our species will be able to completely control the weather by the end of the current century, but we should be able to put a serious dent into it. Were already seeding clouds with particles to stimulate precipitation, and California has been doing this for nearly 50 years. During the 2008 Summer Olympics in Beijing, Chinese authorities fired 1100 rockets into the clouds to trigger downpours before the storms reached the capital city. There are even efforts to fire laser pulses into thunderclouds in hopes of drawing out lightning in a controlled manner.

Looking ahead to the future, weather engineers could build massive wall-like structures to prevent devastating tornadoes from forming, or construct massive  and very strong  arrays of offshore turbines to suck the energy out of hurricanes. On that last prospect, a study in 2014 showed that a wind farm consisting of tens of thousands of individual turbines could reduce peak winds by up to 148km/h and decrease storm surges by up to 79 per cent. That would in effect reduce a hurricanes power by an entire magnitude.

More radically, we could eventually build a weather machine to create a programmable atmosphere. A particularly intriguing plan calls for a thin global cloud of small transparent balloons lifted up into the stratosphere, where it would shade or reflect the amount of incoming sunlight. A mirror would be placed inside each balloon, along with a GSP to monitor its location, an actuator to control its orientation and a small computer. Lifted by hydrogen, the programmable green house gas would come to a rest about 32km above the Earths surface. When the millions of mirrors face away from the Earth, they would reflect the sunlight back into space. This system, guided by AI, could influence weather patterns around the world, and turn marginally habitable areas into temperate regions.

6. Molecular Assemblers

Think 3D printers are amazing? Just wait until the arrival of molecular assemblers, a hypothetical fabricator described by nanotechnology pioneer K. Eric Drexler in his seminal book, Engines of Creation. Drexler described a molecular assembler as a device capable of manipulating individual atoms to build a desired product. If youve ever seen an episode of Star Trek in which a member of the crew uses a replicator to churn out a steaming hot cup of Earl Grey tea, then youve basically seen a molecular assembler, which some futurists refer to as fabricators, or fabs for short.

Drexler basically argued that biological assemblers already exist, producing complex and wonderful structures like bacteria, trees and even you and me. Using the same logic, he figures well eventually be able to tap into the mechanical properties of the uber-small, and use similar principles to produce objects of any shape, form or consistency.

Fabs could introduce the world to an era of radical abundance, allowing us to produce items and materials that would otherwise be impossible to build, constructing them from the ground up (or more accurately, from the molecules on up). But these devices could even be used to produce items were familiar with, like food. To make a steak, for example, the fabricator would take base materials, such as carbon, hydrogen and nitrogen, and then arrange them into amino acids and proteins, which would then be assembled to form a steak.

7. Geoengineering

Disturbingly, the effects of climate change are likely irreversible. No matter what we do from now until the year 2100, the levels of greenhouse gasses in our atmosphere will continue to warm the planet.

To prevent the many environmental calamities wrought by climate change  from rising sea levels and megadroughts through to superstorms and mass extinctions  well begrudgingly have to start geoengineering the planet.

Some notable geohacking proposals include cirrus cloud seeding to reduce reflectivity, stratospheric particle injection for solar radiation management, sulphur-aerosol injection to induce global dimming and simple solutions like tropical reforestation to restore the carbon balance. Other ideas include a giant space reflector (though that might be beyond our technological capacities by 2100), ocean fertilisation to spawn carbon-sucking algal blooms and ocean alkalinity enhancement to make the ocean less acidic. Clearly, there are no shortage of ideas, and we wont be restricted to just one.

The problem with geoengineering, of course, is that we could royally wreck our planet should something go wrong, and we may become dependent upon it. But desperate times will require desperate measures, and well have little choice but to rely on complex climate models and supercomputers to ensure safety and efficacy.

8. Mind-to-Mind Communication

Ongoing advances in communications technologies and neuroscience will transform humanity into a telepathic species.

The advent of direct mind-to-mind communication will bring us even closer together as individuals, and conceivably give rise to a hive mind  a vast network of interconnected minds working together over the future instantiation of the internet. In such a future, we may start to see the dissolution of the individual, and the rise of a collective mass consciousness.

Remarkably, this future may be closer than we think. Back in 2014, an international team of researchers were the first to demonstrate a direct and completely non-invasive brain-to-brain communication system. During their experiment, two participants were able to exchange mentally-conjured words despite being separated by hundreds of kilometres. A year later, a separate team of researchers transmitted brain signals over the internet to control the hand motions of another person, allowing them to collaborate on a computer game. These systems, though extremely rudimentary, point to a future in which we can simply use our thoughts to converse with one another, and telekinetically control smart devices in our environment.

9. Fusion Power

Earlier this year, physicists in Germany used a two-megawatt microwave pulse to warm low density hydrogen plasma to 80 million degrees. The experiment didnt produce any energy, and it only lasted for a quarter of a second, but it was an important step forward in the effort to harness an extremely promising form of energy production known as nuclear fusion.

Unlike nuclear fission, where the nucleus of an atom is divided into smaller parts, nuclear fusion creates a single heavy nucleus from two lighter nuclei. The resulting change in mass generates a tremendous amount of energy that scientists believe can be harnessed into a viable source of clean energy. Eventually, fusion power could replace fossil fuels and conventional nuclear reactors.

But to get there, scientists will have to figure out how to reliably and safely manage conditions typically found on the Sun. The problem is that fusion plasmas do not like to be contained; these free-flowing streams of protons and electrons are tough to wrangle. Our Sun holds on to its plasma with its intense gravity, but here on Earth, wed have to rely on magnets or lasers to perform the same trick. Should a tiny fraction of the plasma escape, it would scar the wall of the machine, causing the fusion reactor to shut down.

10. Artificial Lifeforms

Not content to stop at genetic engineering, scientists of the future will be able to design and create new organisms from scratch  from microscopic synthetic bacteria through to redesigned humans reminiscent of the Replicants in Blade Runner.

This burgeoning discipline, known as artificial life (or Alife), is the effort to recreate biological phenomenon with the help of computers and other synthetic media.

The quest to create synthetic forms of life is already underway. Earlier this year, researchers from Synthetic Genomics and the J. Craig Venter Institute successfully created an artificial bacterial genome that, with its scant 473 genes, is smaller than anything found in nature.

Further breakthroughs in this domain will help biologists explore the core functions of life, and to categorise essential genes within cells. Researchers could use building block cells like these to construct organisms with capacities not found in nature, including bacteria that can consume plastic and toxic waste, and microorganisms that can function like medicines inside the body.

In a related breakthrough, a new initiative co-founded by Harvard Medical Schools George Church is seeking to create a synthetic human genome from scratch. The researchers say theyre content to stop once they figure out how to power cells with synthetic human DNA, but the same technology could conceivably be used to create artificial organisms and even designer humans.

Any one of the technologies listed here has the potential to reshape our civilisation. Whats less clear is how these marvels will work in tandem with one another; the convergent effects of technology are often hard to predict. For example, the convergence of brain-linked VR, mind uploading and AI could result in a hybrid computer-based civilisation consisting of real-world humans, emulated brains and artificial intellects. Future geoengineering schemes could integrate weather control systems and engineered nanoparticles. And so on.

The more predictions we make about our future technologies, the more difficult it becomes to know what the future might actually look like.
As they battle to hold on to the northern Iraqi city of Mosul, Islamic State militants have added a new 'weapon' to their arsenal - tanks made of wood. The life-size replicas are intended to confuse air support from the US-led coalition backing the Iraqi ground offensive for the city, commanders said. Although they may look far from realistic when viewed from close quarters, it's harder to tell what they are made of from the sky. Iraqi forces discovered a building used to manufacture the decoys when they retook the village of Sada, north of Mosul, last week. In addition to three fake tanks, they found five wooden Humvees. There were even mannequins designed to look like fighters operating machine guns and plastic weapons. Maj Gen Sabah al-Azzawi, commander of the 16th Division of the Iraqi army, said his forces were "stunned" to make the discovery. "I expect there will be more inside the city," he said. It's the latest in a range of elaborate tactics the militants are using as they try to cling to the city, their last major urban stronghold in Iraq. They have dug extensive tunnel networks to avoid airstrikes, planted roadside bombs and sent hundreds of car bombs toward advancing forces. Although the Iraqi military has come across most of those methods before as they have slowly taken back territory from the militants, it is the first time they have seen the decoys. Safaa al-Assam, an Iraqi military analyst, said the effort shows that the Islamic State is planning for a long-term battle and will not give up on Mosul easily. The replicas "are made to distract warplanes from the real targets, as well burdening the Iraqi air force and the international coalition," Assam said. Islamic State militants seized huge caches of weapons from the Iraqi army when they took over Mosul 30 months years ago. Iraqi Prime Minister Haider al-Abadi has said that the military lost 2,300 Humvees alone. With so many, the militants have used the armoured vehicles for suicide bombings because they are harder for ground forces to stop with small-arms fire. Brig Gen Yahya Rasool, a spokesman for Iraq's joint operations command, said the use of decoys was a sign that the group had lost resources and was "in a state of collapse". "That they resort to these desperate tactics means that this is the beginning of their end," Rasool said. He said the method has "failed" and that no ammunition has been used to strike the wooden decoys. It is unclear whether the military would be able to know if decoys had been hit.








It is his belief that the places we live in are our truest and most intimate portrait, unveiling our deep-lying identity through complex systems of representation. From picturesque rooms in the once luxurious grand homes of Havana to public schools and nurseries in the Ukrainian cities of Chernobyl and Pripyat that were evacuated after the 1986 nuclear disaster, all of this Canadian photographers subjects trigger reflections that mirror our history, focusing attention on socially and politically complicated conditions. By showing us traces of our past, Polidori allows us to thoroughly analyse the body of our own memory.

In his recent work, his focus has shifted from interiors to exteriors. The last series of photographs, shown at the Paul Kasmin Gallery in New York and contained in two recently published books by Steidl, Sixty Feet Road and Hotel Petra, are of locations in Mumbai, India, and Beirut, Lebanon. The portraits of Mumbai were all taken on one road, the eponymous Sixty Feet Road of the books title, where, as a result of uncontrolled expansion, temporary housing of the poor has been self-built  and it is this aspect of the site that drew Polidoris interest. The emblematic photograph of the road is a monumental mural created by assembling 22 shots in order to map out an entire street, creating tight dialectics between photography and cartography.

Taking the word dendritic from the branching extensions of the mammalian cell structure, Polidori has adopted the term to describe rampant and spectacular urban growth, and it is his intention to publish a large volume, to be entitled Dendritic Cities, which will be a compilation of all of the sites in the world where he has photographed auto-constructed cities.
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The project 25sqm Syria was a co-operation between IKEA Norway and Norwegian Red Cross, and developed by POL Norway. It was a way to create awareness among the Norwegian people and to encourage people to help by donating money and support the Norwegian fundraising event, TV-Aksjonen.

A replica of a real Syrian apartment has been built, the home of Rana and her family. The house was only on display for one week, before the Norwegian fundraising event. The apartment and the messages it brought to customers and co-workers got great and positive attention.

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My love of people and getting the message out there gave me the motivation to do two and a half years of study at the North West College of Further and Higher Education.

The course of choice was a part time Foundation Degree in Science, Responding to Drugs and Alcohol Misuse.

As a lone parent of three teenagers and having had come through some difficult times myself, I began this back to education experience with all the determination to better my own life and hopefully enable change in the people I would encounter knowing that I have always wanted to help people.

Being a non-driver, I had to rely on public transport to get from Donegal to Derry. The only bus I could get was at 9 am which meant I missed almost all of the first lecture, something which would become another obstacle later on in the course. This meant getting home very late as well.

First experiences of going back to education are important, especially if you have confidence issues.

Arriving in late on the first day, I had missed out on the morning tea break where everyone in the class had relaxed and got to know each other. That feeling you get walking into a crowded room and everyone turns, stares and goes silent.

Well, I thought..,or maybe I didnt think at all....

I continued to my seat and before sitting down I threw my hands in the air and announced: I am the one from Donegal and am going to be late every week, so get used to it.

Everyone erupted in laughter. The ice was broken and I became part of a wonderful group of students.

Assignments were daunting and the research lecture which I was absent for most days left me feeling inadequately informed to complete the tasks.

The importance of a positive and supportive mentor who understands the difficulties mature students have to face, both in completing assignments and sitting exams is vital.

I was not eligible for the Back to Education grant as the course was in the North.

The comparative cost of education North and South of the border was a factor in choosing the course. Fees for a similar course in the Republic of Ireland were 2,500 compared to 350 in Northern Ireland, plus the cost of purchasing books.

However, I recall the morning I got on the bus in Donegal Town to learn that the fare had increased from 17 to 23.60. This information threw me completely. Not alone did I have to find an extra 6.60, but making adjustments to a household budget with three teenagers was difficult.

These are the sacrifices and challenges I had to overcome as a mature student, financially and from a time management point of view.

There were other challenges which impacted on my return to education as well.

Past experiences at school where I was always dismissed by teachers, had left me with the thought that I was not good enough in school. I had a lot to prove to myself. I needed to do well for me.

Although it was tough, I feel these challenges have made me stronger.

I have now graduated; something I didnt think would happen.

I feel very privileged to be part of the only group of students in North West who have this qualification. My kids and family are very proud of me.

There is one piece of advice I would give and that is, no matter what age or how many obstacles that stand in your way, going back to education and achieving a degree is possible.

Volunteering with the homeless, I see first-hand that there are people who need assistance in trying to cope with daily life.

For myself, I have so many ambitions now --to find employment, take up further studies, continue with my volunteering and encourage people to go back to education.
Arranmore Island remembered 19 lives lost 81 years ago this month, in a memorial Mass held recently to mark the Arranmore Disaster.

Nineteen islanders lost their lives in the waters off the island on November 9th, 1935, when a yawl carrying islanders home from Scotland, and family and friends, ran up on rocks.

On the afternoon of November 9th of this year, islanders gathered for the Rosary at the old lifeboat station on Aphort, where those who lost their lives in the tragedy were taken after they were recovered from the sea.

Later on the day there was a memorial Mass at St. Crones Church on Arranmore.

There was one survivor of the tragedy, Paddy Gallagher, age 26, whose father owned the boat. Paddy lost his father, four brothers and two sisters in the tragedy.

Those lost in the tragedy include Edward Gallagher, 61, and his sons, Edward Gallagher, 24, John Gallagher, 22, Michael Gallagher, 29, and Charles Gallagher, 20; and Edwards daughters Madge, 28, and Hannah Gallagher, 16; brothers Anthony Gallagher, 17, and Edward Gallagher, 15; Manus Gallagher, 17, Daniel Gallagher, 27, and Hannah Gallagher, 21; brother and sister Patrick O'Donnell, 44, and Kate O'Donnell, 45; John Rodgers, 34; John O'Donnell, 50; Edward Ward, 51; Peter Leonard, 61; and John Gallagher, 20.

In his homily at the memorial Mass, Father Liam Boyle held up a pocket watch that one of those who died in the tragedy had carried on the journey. The watch was stopped at 6.20, the time the tragedy is understood to have occurred.

The watch carries memories and emotions, Father Liam said. Its a piece of history.

He said, Twenty past six on the 9th of November is a time that has stood still on this island. In a sense, that hour will be remembered forevermore, and it is remarkable to have an artefact from that incident.

We can only imagine that it was a silent witness to the pain and distress of those people on that night, Father Liam said.

Speaking later, Father Liam said the impact of the loss of so many lives is still being felt in the tight-knit island community. The population of the island communities that lost so many people all those years ago never recovered.

Can you imagine, 19 souls from a small, close-knit community like this? Father Liam said.

The Donegal Association in Dublin was founded as a result of the tragedy. After the news broke, Donegal people living in Dublin came together to offer assistance to dependents of those who lost their lives. There was a benefit concert held at the Gaiety Theatre on November 24th, and the association grew from that.
One of the giants of the fishing industry in Donegal, and, indeed Ireland, the late Martin Howley of Killybegs, has been honoured with a Lifetime Achievement Award at the inaugural Bord Iascaigh Mhara (BIM) National Seafood Awards.

Thunderous applause, the biggest cheer of the night, and a standing ovation greeted the announcement at the gala ceremony in the Clayton Hotel, Ballsbridge last night.

Presenting the award to Martin's son Padraig and daughter Marguerite, BIM Chairman Kieran Calnan said, "Martin exemplified everything you need to be a great leader. He led by example, starting as a fisherman in Killybegs in the 1970s and rising to become a pioneering mackerel skipper, then a successful businessman and a great leader in the fishing industry.

"His passion, energy and innovative spirit were a unifying and driving force. Martin is a most worthy recipient of the BIM Lifetime Achievement Award."

Top haul

In an emotional and proud night for Donegal, the county took home the highest number of awards. The other Donegal winners were: Barry Shaw, Killybegs, Student of the Year; Island Seafoods Ltd, Killybegs, Green Processor of the Year; and Foyle Warrior Ltd, Greencastle.

Out of 38 finalists shortlisted across the areas of Skills, Sustainability, Innovation and Competitiveness, twelve winners received awards for their outstanding contributions to the fishing, fish farming, seafood processing and retail sectors at a ceremony officially opened by Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine, Mr. Michael Creed, T.D.

BIMs CEO Tara McCarthy commented, "The Irish Seafood Sector contributes 1 billion in GDP to our economy and employs over 11,000 people predominantly in our coastal regions. The BIM National Seafood Awards provide us with the opportunity to celebrate the positive contribution of this valuable indigenous industry and recognize excellence and leadership across this diverse sector. It is an exciting time to work in seafood and the high standard demonstrated by our winners and all of our finalists bodes well for the future as we collectively aim to achieve growth as set out in the Governments Food Wise 2025 plan."
A new book called Canon James McFadden, The Patriot Priest of Gweedore will be launched in Carrigart this weekend.

The official launch will be performed by Mary Gallagher, Falcarragh, great-grandniece of Canon McFadden in the Parochial Hall, Carrigart on Saturday 19th November 2016 at 7pm

The book is being published by author, Martin Jim McFadden from Carrigart, a relative of the later priest who says the new title is simply the resurrection of a chapter on the noted clergyman that appeared in a local history book by Proinnsias O Gallchobhair, which is now out of print.

Martin explained: I personally can't take any credit for this publication. I am only reprinting chapter seven of Proinnsias O Gallchobhair's ''History of Landlordism in Donegal'' , which is now out of print. I would also like to thank and acknowledge Mary Gallagher, daughter of the late author for permission and approval to use the book.

He added: My reason for doing same is to honour the upcoming 100th anniversary

of the death, 18th April 2017, of Canon James McFadden, my great-granduncle.

I would also like to add that profits from the sale of this book will be going towards having Masses offered for the souls of all ancestors and loved ones of everyone who should purchase this book.

Martin has also penned his life story in an autobiography called Dont Go There.

This fascinating account of his life will also be available on the night. Both books are priced at 10 but will be on sale for a special offer price of just 15 for the pair at the launch.

To find out more about Martin and his writings visit www.martinjimmcfadden.com
Letterkenny IT company, Gartan Technologies, has announced a major expansion into markets in the USA and Canada after forming a new partnership with US firm, Adashi Systems, based in Baltimore.

The announcement was made in Boston by Gartan CEO Malachi Eastwood, who is in the USA this week as part of the Ireland Northwest Trade Mission.

Mr Eastwood is also taking part in a multi-city promotional tour that includes New York and Philadelphia. He first visited the Boston area in March 2015 as part of the Donegal County Councils trade links initiative.

Gartan Technologies specialise in rostering solutions for the Emergency Services sector and they already work with some of the largest Fire Departments in Ireland, the UK, Australia and Northern Europe.

Baltimore-based Adashi Systems, will act as resellers for Gartan solutions in the USA and Canada. The partnership between the firms is the culmination of two years hard work to find what Malachi Eastwood describes as, the perfect partner.

A business relationship is like any other relationship. The very best partnerships work when the participants share a similar view of the world, so to speak. Adashi are like us in that theyre a very customer focused organisation. The client is at the epicentre of everything they do. Our companies share the same values and we share a determination to innovate and to bring genuine value to the sector.

Donegal firm Gartan, know all about the challenges of breaking into new overseas markets. They have worked in the UK since 2007 and in 2014 they moved into Australia.

Most recently, they were awarded a contract by Copenhagen Fire Department which was their first breakthough into mainland Europe.

There were challenges involved in breaking into all of those markets and the company took their experience of the last 10 years and applied it to their US project.

The US market is massive. Its so vast and it just wouldnt have been practical for us to manage the sales, system deployment and support processes in the US in the same way we do in, say, the UK or Australia. Ironically, distance is not actually the main issue. When it comes to North America there are tens of thousands of Fire Departments and thats what makes it truly unique. In the UK, for example, there are 70 departments.

Gartans partnership with Adashi, is now set to help the Letterkenny firm gain a foothold in the North American market.

We first met Adashi through a shared client in Sydney. Theyre in the software development business and theyre in the Fire Department sector, too. They already have a big presence in North America. Our respective solutions complement each other very well and they will now leverage their position in the US and Canada to sell and support our solutions.

The expansion into the USA and Canada is a timely one for Gartan who have been working with Fire Departments for over 20 years.

The company moved into the UK in 2007 and in 2013 began a programme of expansion to leverage their growing positive reputation within the sector.

They started with Australia and then spent two years focusing on mainland Europe and the US. The timing of their latest expansions has coincided with Brexit and the importance of that has not gone unnoticed.

We do a lot of business in the UK and theres no doubt that Brexit will be a challenge. That said, our job is to build a robust, sustainable business and our partnership with Adashi means were now operating on three continents and in four separate currency areas. That, of course, reduces the risk of being overexposed to one marketplace but it also helps manage the impact of currency fluctuations.

In 2013 we appointed a Chief Operations Officer and that helped give us the space to start a strategic market expansion. We sat down with the staff that year, too, and explained our thinking behind the strategy. They immediately bought into it and that was even more crucial because you need a supportive team behind you to make any plan work and our guys have been fantastic, Malachi Eastwood added.

Gartan has an office in Sydney which focuses on business development and client support in Australia and they plan to open a similar facility in the US.

The companys product development teams and the bulk of their support operation will continue to operate out of Letterkenny.
With one of the yearly highlights of the Donegal community in London taking place this weekend at the Donegal Association of London dinner dance, a GAA stalwart will be honoured as the associations person of the year.

Kilcars Michael Cunningham is a well-known face in his home community of Carrick and Kilcar, as well as his adopted home in London where he has lived for many years with wife Teresa, daughter Grace, sons Conor and Kieran. Another son, Callum, sadly died.

A passionate GAA administrator, Michael, is a strong supporter of his home club and this year's county finalist's, Kilcar, as well as being the chairman of the minor board at Tir Chonaill Gaels in Greenford, North London.

The club is a hive of activity throughout the year and is a pivotal part of the Donegal Diaspora in London, where friends and family often gather to enjoy gaelic games as well as the lively social life at the club house.

The club hosts some of the largest youth GAA tournaments in the English capital and Michael and his team have a busy schedule of training and competing for the Gaels

Michael resides in Perivale, North London and works for the prison services in the UK.

He explained that he initially studied engineering with Anco, now FAS, in Gaoth Dobhair before heading to England.

I did an apprenticeship there in engineering and got into several different engineering jobs here. I got into the prison service working in their engineering workshops with the prisoners and that is where I have been for over 20 years, he explained.

His job, which includes overseeing the construction of aluminum windows and doors by the inmates, sees him travel all over the UK , to manage the productions.

Passion

But it is his passion for GAA and his dedication to the Tir Chonaill Gaels that sees him take the honour from the Donegal Association of London in their 69th year of existence, just as the club's busy time of year winds down for another season.

He explains: We have our annual dinner dance the week after the Donegal Association dinner dance and that normally wraps up our season. That's really the end of it for another year.

He says his club's on both sides of the Irish sea enjoyed good seasons making major finals and while they have no silverware to show this year, he said it a good sign they are reaching finals and competing at a high level.

We lost every final going but it is good to be in them, he said.

While humble about his award, he says he is looking forward to this Saturday's event and it will be a special night with family and friends, from both sides of the Irish sea who will travel over for the function.

Ill take it (the award) while its going. It is a lovely thing to get, or even get considered for, as it was never the type of thing that ever even crossed my mind.

But it will be nice and we will have a good night, he added.

The event takes place in the Clayton Crown Hotel in Cricklewood on Saturday night, November 19th.
Home Two wheelers Honda Unveils Customisable Bobbers  Rebel 300 & 500 oi-Kennedy Paul

Honda has announced a pair of progressive custom bobbers which fuses tradition with groundbreaking new ideas and perspective while offering ample scope for customisation. The new Honda bobbers, the Rebel 300 and the Rebel 500 offer a fresh take on customisation.

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The story of the sinking of the S.S. Connemara passenger ship out of Greenore on a stormy night on November 3, 1916, which I wrote about a couple of weeks ago, has reminded me that the trade of Dundalk Port had long been the mainstay of the whole area around the town.

This connection reinforced by something I read about the notes left me by the late Tom McDevitte which I mentioned last week.

An interesting lecture by Professor Paul Gosling which I heard some years ago showed the local port trade to have been ongoing from at least the thirteenth century. He had related the story of a ship belonging to a merchant from Dundalk carrying a cargo of wine which was seized in the port of Carlisle by the agents of Edward 1 to provision his army which was subduing the Scots prior to the Battle of Bannockburn. Professor Gosling had detailed the sort of goods that being imported and exported from Dundalk around that period and these cargoes included livestock. The same was true of the period Oliver Cromwell's attack on Drogheda and later during the Williamite Wars around the time of the Battle of the Boyne.

Tom McDevitte, writing for the Dundalk Democrat, under the pen name 'Roamer', in February 1977, brought the same story up to the nineteenth century when he wrote ---

'The Dundalk Steam Packet Company began operations from Dundalk to Liverpool in September 1826, mainly for livestock and cargo but passengers were carried up to the end of the Great War in 1918.

Some of the cattle exporters were dissatisfied with the rates charged and a local man, Peter Russell, formed a another company, the Dundalk and Midland S.P. Company in 1856, providing a twice weekly service for cattle, cargo and passengers from Russell's Quay (which about where Mark Deary's Spirit Store licensed premises is today) from Dundalk to Liverpool. To put it mildly, the staff of the new company were so enthusiastic for traffic that they went out the road, beyond the town, met the cattle as they were being driven to the Port and, with the help of a few ash plants, coaxed them, on to their ship.

The Dundalk S.P. Co. retaliated by similar methods and even the directors (of both companies) were involved in fisticuffs at times. Eventually the Dundalk S.P. Company bought out their rivals but not before they had bribed the passengers with liberal liquid refreshments and brought the single fare down to sixpence.'

I wonder does that account remind readers for the old movie stories about the Mississippi gambling paddle steamers' trade of the same period?

I began my own working career with the old Connick's coal importing company, then owned by Kelly's of Belfast, at the Quays in the early 1950s. At that time 'Coal was King' in the local trade at the Quays but the Port was busy with other goods, including timber and molasses.

There was, however, still a considerable trade in livestock exporting by the B. & I. Shipping Company to Liverpool and the twice weekly cattle sales at the local auctioneers' sales yard at Quay Street was 'big business'.

This trade declined with the advent of the Common Market but, I wonder, could this livestock trade be revived again with the implementation of Brexit?
Looking back to when I started Reckon 30 years ago with a maxed out credit card, a bank loan against a busted-up Holden Commodore and a big idea, it all seemed pie in the sky. Today Reckon is a publicly listed ASX company with strong growth employing over 500+ people across the world and a big, bright, exciting future.

However, there are many things I wish I could have told my younger self when the start up was in those first initial years. As the facts tell us, a large number of businesses wont make their first five years. There is definitely not a one size fits all solution but I wish I had someone I could have leaned on to provide me with a few insights that would could have added a few extra hours sleep to my life.

Be Brave  as cliched as it might sound this could not be more true. In a market full of sheep dont be afraid to go against the norm and challenge the status quo. Ive made many business decisions early on in my career where I relied a lot on my gut instinct. Granted not everything worked but it helped me to be more strategic and focused moving forward.

My goal for Reckon was to enter the market and disrupt everything that was being done in the accounting profession. I wanted to bring businesses, accountants, bookkeepers, banks and customers together to create a brave new connected community. I could see an opportunity to strip back complex accounting platforms to create user friendly software that utilised the latest technology to deliver a personal and productive.

For many small businesses this often involves taking that first step and turning your passions or dreams into a functioning business, but my advice just do it, anything worth its salt will often be a challenge and if it means enough to you, you will withstand the storm.

Journal your thoughts  theres something to be said about the tool that has been used by some of the greatest leaders of our time to channel their thoughts. I have used journaling throughout my career to align myself with my goals and help me focus and prioritise so Reckon would grow at a consistent rate.

I would write down my week ahead then break down my time accordingly. The key was being realistic with the time I had and knowing how long I needed to dedicate to a task to get the outcome I wanted. It also provided me an outlet to reflect on what we were doing well and the areas that we needed to pivot our focus.

Learn through trial and error  nine times out of ten nothing that is successful goes right the first time. I cant put into words how many hours it took me to get our first product right, it was a fundamental step in getting Reckon to the place it needed to be before entering the market and something we still do today when evolving our new offerings.

We now live in a society where everything is expected to be perfect the first time but what weve forgotten is that the process of learning often involves making mistakes and its these mistakes that make us better.

You cant be an expert at everything  When new to business or building your first start up you often dont have the funds needed to hire the experts in finance or marketing. More often than not, you will be wearing all of the hats without an ounce of experience. I learnt quickly that although I knew a lot about the accounting world there were a number of business functions where I had no idea what I was doing. You might be the best plumber, graphic designer or electrical contractor in the market but that counts for nothing if you cant balance the books.

Dont be afraid to get advice or better yet ask for help  lets be honest, asking for advice isnt always easy. We want to handle everything on our own but it goes back to what I said earlier about being brave. It is important that you can acknowledge that there is always room to evolve yourself and learn.

Good advice from someone you trust can completely transform the way you think, the approach you take and the outcome of the project. Its about a balance between your gut feelings and relying too heavily on the opinions of others so always be mindful that its a fine line.

Reckon operates today in the same way that we did 30 years ago, we havent lost that entrepreneurial spirit we started out with and the grit, energy and boundless excitement that any business owner knows. So be brave, learn from your mistakes and get back up after that first fail.

About the author

Greg Wilkinson co-founded Reckon in 1987 and has over 30 years experience in the computer software industry. He is also an investor and mentor to a number of cloud based start-up companies.
Apple this week introduced a new offering that is neither hardware nor software, but a pricey book bulging with artsy photos of the companys products.

Designed by Apple in California contains 450 photos of products created by Apple over a 20-year span. Its available in two sizes: 10.20 by 12.75 inches for US$199 and 13 by 16.25 inchesfor $299.

The linen-covered hardbound volume  filled with photographs by Andrew Zuckerman, who is known for popping his images out of stark white backgrounds  is dedicated to Apples late cofounder Steve Jobs. It is printed on specially milled, custom-dyed paper with gilded matte silver edges, using eight color separations and low-ghost ink.

This archive is intended to be a gentle gathering of many of the products the team has designed over the years, said Apple Chief Design Officer Jony Ive.

We hope it brings some understanding to how and why they exist, while serving as a resource for students of all design disciplines, he added.

The books are availabile at Apple.com in eight countries, as well as at a select number of Apple retail stores.

Mixed Messages

Although its not unusual to see expensive books at this time of year, Apples aims appear to be higher than just grabbing some real estate on coffee tables.

The idea is to reinforce Apples design philosophy and reassert their message that their designs start in Silicon Valley and throughout California, which in many ways still sits at the heart of technology and its future, Creative Strategies President Tim Bajarin told the E-Commerce Times.

Although many of the designs pictured in the book were groundbreaking, the marketing strategy behind the book is an old one.

The new volume finds Apple following a fairly conventional messaging strategy  delivering a high-profile document that reminds people just how great your products are, thus justifying their happiness and your own success, said Charles King, principal analyst at Pund-IT.

A secondary benefit is that focusing intense attention on past successes also helps divert peoples attention from your current problems and shortcomings, he told the E-Commerce Times.

Sticker Shock

Companies tooting their own horn in vanity books isnt new, although businesses that do it typically have a longer history than Apples.

Companies will occasionally publish books about their history, explained Larry Chiagouris, a marketing professor at Pace University.

Those kinds of books are meant for employees and, to some degree, investors. Theyre meant to put an exclamation mark by the substantial nature and viability of a company, he noted.

Apples book is about its products, which from a design perspective have had an advantage in aesthetics in the competitive fray, Chiagouris told the E-Commerce Times.

Nevertheless, at $300, the audience will be limited.

When companies do expensive books like this, they will either lower the price in the future and keep the $300 price point on the book so people will think theyre getting a great deal, Chiagouris said, or theyll offer the book as a premium when someone makes a major Apple purchase.

The book targets a narrow audience, Pund-ITs King suggested.

The pricing will put it out of reach for most consumers and curious buyers, even as a holiday gift, he said.

Then again, the book is really aimed at pleasing Apples truest fans  the folks who believe that the companys products are fully worth their premium prices, King pointed out. As a status item, I expect the $299 version to be a big seller among those Apple customers.

Audacious Move

Others may see value in the book beyond its status symbol appeal.

It will be of great interest to design professionals across all disciplines, said Creative Strategies Bajarin, and there will be serious interest from those in the tech world who want a better understanding of how Apple thinks about design and products.

Publishing Designed by Apple in California is an audacious move, said Chiagouris.

If nothing else, its getting us talking about Apple and the history of design. Thats a good thing for Apple, he said.

That said, if they wanted more of us to talk about it, they might have come up with something that was less than $100, so people would take it seriously and spend more time discussing and reviewing it, Chiagouris added.

Their strategy was a smart strategy, he said, but their execution leaves a lot to be desired, because they picked such a high price point.
Geoscientists have revealed a direct link between hydraulic fracturing, or fracking, and earthquakes in Canada. The groundbreaking study found that earthquakes can even occur intermittently over several months after drilling operations end.



Seismicity of northwestern Alberta, Canada for the period 19852016. The size of the dot correlates to the magnitude of the earthquake. Xuewei Bao and David Eaton

According to a new study published in the journal

Science, seismic activity in northwest Alberta over the last five years were likely caused by fracking, in which chemically-laden water and sand is injected at high pressures into shale formations to release oil or gas.

The article,

Fault activation by hydraulic fracturing in western Canada, was authored by Xuewei Bao and David Eaton from the University of Calgary.

For the study, the researchers mapped out more than 900 seismic events near Duvernay shale drilling sites around the Fox Creek area dating back to December 2014. This included a 4.8-magnitude earthquake in January in northern Alberta thats likely the strongest fracking-induced earthquake ever.

They found that there were two main causes for quakes. The first was immediately from pressure increases as the fracking process occurred.

We were able to show that what was driving that was very small changes in stress within the Earth that were produced by the hydraulic fracturing operations, Eaton told DeSmogBlog.

The second cause comes from pressure changes from lingering fracking fluid. According to the Globe and Mail, a fault shakes when fluids infiltrate tiny spaces in the porous rock and increases pore pressure.

If that pressure increases, it can have an effect on the frictional characteristics of faults, Eaton told the Globe and Mail. It can effectively jack open a fault if the pore pressure increases within the fault itself and make it easier for a slip to initiate.

Per the study abstract, Patterns of seismicity indicate that stress changes during operations can activate fault slip to an offset distance of >1 km, whereas pressurization by hydraulic fracturing into a fault yields episodic seismicity that can persist for months.

Eaton told DeSmogBlog that a majority of injection-induced earthquakes are actually linked to hydraulic fracturing in Canada.

The new study is not related to the recent spate of induced earthquakes currently rocking midwestern states, most notoriously Oklahoma. Those quakes are not likely caused by fracking itself but from the injection of large volumes of oil and gas wastewater into deep underground wells.

The key message is that the primary cause of injection-induced seismicity in Western Canada is different from the central United States, Eaton told the

New York Times, adding that their study could help regulators craft guidelines to avoid more human-caused earthquakes.
By Concerned Health Professionals of New York and Physicians for Social Responsibility

A comprehensive report, authored by Nobel Peace Prize-winning organization Physicians for Social Responsibility and Concerned Health Professionals of New York, was released Thursday demonstrating the tremendous amount of scientific evidence of the health impacts, water contamination and climate risks of fracking.

https://www.facebook.com/EcoWatch/videos/1353322434680690/

The Compendium of Scientific, Medical and Media Findings Demonstrating Risks and Harms of Fracking brings together findings and studies from scientific and medical literature, government and industry reports, and journalistic investigations.

The available evidence overwhelmingly indicates that fracking is incredibly harmful, said Sandra Steingraber, PhD, biologist, author, Distinguished Scholar in Residence at Ithaca College and co-founder of Concerned Health Professionals of New York.

Scientific studies have demonstrated that drilling and fracking can increase risk of cancer, respiratory conditions and migraines in communities surrounding fracking sites. Fracking pollutes the air, water and land in nearby towns and cities, and has resulted in explosions and earthquakes. There are least 17 million Americans living within one mile of a fracking site, whose lives will be negatively impacted and potentially shortened, by fracking.

There are now more than 900 peer-reviewed studies on the impacts of fracking, the vast majority of which indicate risks and adverse impacts. The new compendium includes summary and analysis of the trends in the scientific findings over the years.

Major areas of risks and harms identified in the compilation of the science include: public health impacts, air pollution, water contamination, occupational health and safety hazards, radioactive releases, inherent engineering problems, impacts from associated infrastructure and climate change impacts.

Each year, the empirical data yield increasing certainty that fracking is causing irrevocable damage to public health, local economies, the environment and to global sustainability, Kathleen Nolan, MD, MSL, of Physicians for Social Responsibility and Concerned Health Professionals of New York, said. The compendium, and especially this new, fourth edition, which has drawn from a wide range of scientific studies, investigative reports, and accident reports, only reinforces the desperate need for a moratorium on fracking.

Three of the 12 major scientific trends identified in the compendium are that fracking threatens drinking water and that there is now proof of water contamination, that drilling and fracking emissions contribute to toxic air pollution and smog at levels known to have health impacts, and that public health problems associated with drilling and fracking, including reproductive health impacts and occupational health and safety problems, are increasingly well documented.

The compendium also contextualizes the issue of fracking in terms of the Paris climate agreement, noting how drilling and fracking significantly exacerbate climate change due to methane leaks and emissions and increasing reliance on fossil fuels.

With the release of the compendium, a group of doctors gathered in Harrisburg, Pennsylvania to hand-deliver it and more than 100 of the most recent studiesmany about public healthdemonstrating the harms of fracking to Gov. Wolf. Pennsylvania is the focus of many of the scientific studies, where drilling and fracking have been linked to widespread water contamination and health impacts.

The doctors and scientists felt the need to hand-deliver the recent studies because Gov. Wolf has not publicly commented on any of them, despite the fact that many of them have documented impacts in Pennsylvania and harms to Pennsylvania residents, reflecting the high volume of fracking taking place in the state. They called on the governor to heed the science and the recent call from the Pennsylvania Medical Society for a fracking moratorium.

As the primary author of the Pennsylvania Medical Societys resolution on a moratorium on new gas drilling, todays new edition of the compendium only confirms why we should stop drilling, said Walter Tsou, MD, former president of Philadelphia Physicians for Social Responsibility, past president of the American Public Health Association and former health commissioner of Philadelphia, and author of the Pennsylvania Medical Societys unanimous resolution for a moratorium on fracking. The scientific evidence only points to precaution in continuing this practice.

Bob Little, MD, agrees. In light of more than 900 scientific studies that overwhelmingly demonstrate risks and adverse impacts of drilling and fracking, Governor Wolf must implement a moratorium to stop the public health crisis that is occurring in Pennsylvania, he said.

Since the release of the first edition of the compendium in July 2014, concerns about and opposition to fracking have grown. In December 2014, the New York State Department of Health released its own years-long review of the health impacts of fracking, which served as the foundation for a statewide ban, along with an environmental review finding significant impacts.

Following New Yorks ban, Maryland overwhelmingly passed a two-and-a-half year moratorium on fracking. Internationally, both Scotland and Wales imposed moratoria on fracking in January and February 2015, respectively, and in July 2015 the Dutch government banned all shale gas fracking, joining a range of countries and provinces in prohibiting the practice including Bulgaria, France, Germany, Ireland, Netherlands and parts of Canada, Spain and Switzerland.

In June 2015, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency released a draft version of its study of the impacts of fracking on drinking water. The agency found that fracking has polluted drinking water in several communities nationwide and identified several potential mechanisms by which hydraulic fracturing could affect drinking water resources.

And most recently, the Baltimore City Council just passed a resolution calling on the General Assembly to pass a statewide ban on fracking. A study from the Yale School of Public Health found specific fracking compounds to be tied to an increased risk of leukemia. In August, new research was released indicating that living near a fracking site is associated with increased rates of sinus problems, migraines and fatigue in Pennsylvania residents. A July 2016 Johns Hopkins study found that fracking was linked to increased asthma attacks in Pennsylvania.

Given the continuous growth in research, the compendium is designed as a living document that is publicly available on the websites for Physicians for Social Responsibility and Concerned Health Professionals of New York.
Last month was the third warmest October on record behind 2014 and 2015, and the year-to-date remains the hottest on record, according to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration.

The running average of global temperatures throughout 2016 compared to recent years. Each month shows the average of that months temperature and each month before it. Climate Central

The Arctic in particular has witnessed a meteoric rise in October heat and the exceptional warmth contributed to the regions record low sea ice extent for the month, which clocked in at 28.5 percent below the 1981-2010 average.

Arctic sea ice shrank to its second lowest level since scientists started to monitor it by satellite. National Snow and Ice Data Center

Presently, the North Pole is recording temperatures 36 F (20 C) above average. One of the clearest consequences of climate change is greater surface warming in the Northern Hemisphere high altitudes, including the Arctic.

Temperature departures from average on Nov. 17, showing unusually warm conditions in the Arctic and unusually chilly temperatures across Siberia. Climate Change Institute / University of Maine

There has been a meteoric rise in October temperatures on Alaskas north slope, said Rick Thoman, NOAAs climate science and services manager in Alaska.

Since October 2001, there have been no cold Octobers (in Barrow), not one, Thoman said. This change is the direct result of the really catastrophic loss of autumn sea ice on Alaskas north coast.

For a deeper dive:

News: AP, Climate Central, Washington Post, Grist, Reuters, BBC, Mashable

Background: Climate Signals

For more climate change and clean energy news, you can follow Climate Nexus on Twitter and Facebook, and sign up for daily Hot News.
The largest bank in Norway, DNB, announced Thursday that it has sold its assets in the Dakota Access Pipeline, accounting for 10 percent of the total funding for the project.

The $3.8 billion pipeline project is now entering its final stretch. More than 80 percent of the pipeline has already been constructed.

Earlier this month, Reuters reported that DNB was reconsidering its participation in the financing of the pipeline if concerns raised by Native American tribes against its construction are not addressed.

We have initiated an independent review of how indigenous rights are safeguarded in this process, Even Westerveld of DNB said. In addition, we have intensified the dialogue with our customers to use our position as a bank to influence a solution to the conflict.

It is great that DNB has sold its assets in the disputed pipeline, and it is a clear signal that it is important that people speak out when injustice is committed, Martin Norman, Greenpeace Norway sustainable finance campaigner, said. We now expect DNB to also terminate its loans for the project immediately.

There should be a clause in the lending agreement that deals with human rights violations, and DNB should use it to get its money back and end all involvement in the Dakota Access pipeline. If they dont have such a clause they must accept they have a bad contract and take the loss.

This news follows the delivery of 120,000 signatures gathered by SumOfUs.org to DNB by Greenpeace Norway and others urging the bank and other financial institutions to pull finances for the project.

The writings on the wall for the Dakota Access pipeline. People power is winning, Norman continued.

The news that DNB has sold its assets and is considering terminating its loans is a victory for the water protectors who are fighting to stop this disaster of a project. All financial institutions with a stake in the pipeline must quickly realize that financing this project is toxic. It would be smart for them to get out ahead of the growing movement of customers looking to divest from banks that finance the destruction of our planet and ignore Indigenous rights and sovereignty. Citigroup, TD Securities, Wells Fargo, SunTrust, and the other banks backing this project should see this as a sign to get on the right side of history.

[facebook https://www.facebook.com/EcoWatch/videos/1333980263281574/ expand=1]

The $3.8 billion pipeline project is now entering its final stretch. More than 80 percent of the pipeline has already been constructed. The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers announced Monday that it would delay a decision on granting an easement to Energy Transfer Partners for the contentious pipeline. However, on Tuesday, a Unicorn Riot reporter spotted construction continuing despite the Army Corps decision.
Nearly 200 countries reaffirmed their unequivocal commitment for the Paris agreement in the Marrakech Action Proclamation, demonstrating a show of strength amid fears that Donald Trump would withdraw from the climate deal.

We call for the highest political commitment to combat climate change, as a matter of urgent priority, reads the proclamation. Forty-seven of the worlds most climate vulnerable nations, including Bangladesh, Ethiopia and Costa Rica, also pledged to aim for 100 percent renewable energy as rapidly as possible.

Meanwhile, California is exploring whether it could join the climate talks as a sub-national party if Trump pulls the U.S. out of the agreement.

If Trump does the unthinkable and quits the Paris Agreement, it will be up to the rest of United States to make sure that we meet our climate targets with or without the White House, 350.org Executive Director May Boeve said.

The Paris Agreement represents the bare minimum of what is necessary to preserve a livable planet. We need more action, not less. Scientists are very clear that we do not have four years to waste waiting for the United States to come back to the table. Its all of our responsibility to make sure we continue to raise the level of ambition rather than let Trump drag us under the rising seas, Boeve concluded.

For a deeper dive:

MAP: Reuters, Climate Home, AP, Bloomberg, BusinessGreen, Hindu, Morocco World News, News Ghana, Mongabay

CVF: Climate Home, Sky News Australia, Weekly Times

For more climate change and clean energy news, you can follow Climate Nexus on Twitter and Facebook, and sign up for daily Hot News.
Stephen Hawking made a rare interview appearance on Larry King Now on Saturday to discuss sciences greatest discoveries, what still mystifies him about space and the state of the planet.

While the interview was less than 10 minutes long, King and Hawking covered a lot of ground. Hawking, director of research at the department of applied mathematics and theoretical physics at the University of Cambridge, joined King via video stream from the Starmus Festival, which celebrates the intersection of science and art, in the Canary Islands of Spain. This years festival was titled Tribute to Stephen Hawking.

Below are some highlights of the Q&A:

Q. King: Stephen, when we last spoke six years ago, you said that mankind was in danger of destroying ourselves by our greed and stupidity. Have things gotten better or worse since then?

A. Hawking: We certainly have not become less greedy or less stupid. Six years ago I was warning about pollution and overcrowding, they have gotten worse since then. The population has grown by half a billion since our last meeting with no end in sight. At this rate, it will be 11 billion by 2100. Air pollution has increased by 8 percent over the past five years.

Q. King: Whats the biggest problem facing humanity today?

A. Hawking: The increase in air pollution and increasing emissions of carbon dioxide. Will we be too late to avoid dangerous levels of global warming?

Q. King: What scientific discovery have surprised even you over the years?

A. Hawking: The most surprising was the discovery in 1998 that the rate of expansion of the universe is speeding up, rather than slowing down, as had been expected. This is said to be dark energy, but this is just a name given to something we dont understand. In particular, we dont understand why it isnt either exactly zero or very large, or whether it is constant as the universe expands.

The two also discussed artificial intelligence, Ray Kurzweils singularity theory, what still mystifies Hawking about the universe and some changing scientific theories.

Watch the entire interview here:
Now what?

Many people in the U.S. and around the world are dismayed that a bigoted, misogynistic, climate change denier has been elected to the highest office in what is still the worlds most powerful nation. His party controls the House and Senate, meaning pro-fossil-fuel, anti-climate-action representatives who reject overwhelming and alarming scientific evidence will hold the reins.

Noam Chomsky: 'The Republican Party Has Become the Most Dangerous Organization in World History' via @EcoWatch https://t.co/NB5a0jOhe6  Yellar Dog 2022 (@StrayYellarDawg) November 16, 2016

It will be a government firmly in the pocket of the fossil fuel industry. But global warming isnt going to pause for four years. Its going to accelerate.

Do we give up? No way

Governments move slowly at the best of times. People were filled with hope when Barack Obama became Americas first black president. Sure, there was progress in some areas, but the fossil fuel industry continued to expand as the world got warmer. Here in Canada, after a decade of watching our political representatives backtrack on environmental and climate policies, Canadians elected a party that promised climate leadership. Despite many progressive and positive initiatives, our government is still encouraging, subsidizing and approving fossil fuel projects and infrastructure.

We cant count on governments to make the changes we so desperately need. Its up to us. We must be the change. We have our work cut out for us, but work we must. Perhaps this is even an opportunity, albeit one fraught with great challenges. The election exposed nasty currents in U.S. society but it also revealed a profound and rising dissatisfaction with the status quo. Theres good reason for that. The gap between rich and poor has grown, globalization and changing technologies have left many people behind in an outdated economic system, we witness racism daily on social media and television, education standards have declined, traditional media is breaking down, war and violence continue, and the effects of climate change worsen every day.

The answer isnt to throw more gas on the fire. Many Americans just did that. Now, its up to those of us who believe in a brighter future to bring the fire under control without killing the flame. On the day after the election, the David Suzuki Foundations Alaya Boisvert posted, Let the fire that ignites from this madness outshine the darkness that precipitated it.

Despite Donald Trumps promises to overturn what progress has been made on environmental and climate policies and initiatives, theres no stopping the wave already underway. As Foundation Quebec and Atlantic Canada director Karel Mayrand wrote in a blog after election day, renewable energy investments have surpassed fossil fuel investments every year since 2010, and the gap continues to grow; American states and cities are putting a price on carbon, investing in renewable energy and in transit; electric vehicles will achieve price parity with gas vehicles by 2022; and the global movement against climate change is not going to stop.

Why Trump, or Anyone for That Matter, Can't End the War on Coal https://t.co/Tzc3zbTNHE @foeeurope @globalactplan  EcoWatch (@EcoWatch) November 18, 2016

We cant be complacent. We cant let fear and despair stop us from working to make the world a better place for everyone, regardless of race, religion, sexual orientation, physical appearance or limitations, country of origin, political leanings, education or social circumstance. And lets face it, the planet isnt in trouble, humanity is. Earths natural systems always find balance, but the corrections they make to overcome the damage weve causedfrom putting too many emissions into the atmosphere to destroying habitat to make way for mining, industry and agriculturedont favor our species and the path were on.

We have so many possibilities and so much potential. We have knowledge and amazing technologies. We have ancient wisdom that teaches us how to be a part of this miraculous, complex, interconnected existence. Most of us want the same things: Health, happiness and connection with others.

We mustnt let fear overcome us. Its time to stand together to work for justice and human rights, for equity, for liberty, for a cleaner environment, for governments that serve the people rather than corporationsfor the values the United States of America was supposedly founded on. We must listen to each other and promote dialogue rather than debate.

The U.S election has brought things to a head and the boil is erupting. Its more important now than ever before to come together to heal the wound.
A 4.8-magnitude earthquake has indefinitely closed fracking operations in northern Alberta, an area that has experienced a spate of tremors in recent months.

While it is too soon to tell if the temblor was triggered by fracking, if fracking is indeed the culprit, Canada will once again set a world record for the largest earthquake triggered by the controversial drilling process.

The earthquake was reported Tuesday at 11:27 a.m. approximately 30 kilometres west of Fox Creek, Alberta.

Alberta Energy Regulator (AER) has ordered the shutdown of the site operated by multinational energy company Repsol Oil & Gas, CBC News reported. The regulator automatically shuts down a fracking site when any seismic activity registers above a 4.0.

The company has ceased operations  and they will not be allowed to resume operations until we have approved their plans, AER spokeswoman Carrie Rosa said.

A statement from Repsol confirmed that Tuesdays earthquake occurred during fracking operations.

Repsol immediately shut down operations and reported the event to the AER and other local authorities, the statement said.

The company is investigating the event, which includes reviewing and analyzing available geological and geophysical data, as well as the onsite seismic monitoring data. Operations will not resume at this location until a full assessment of the event has been completed and approval has been received from the AER.

Jeffrey Gu, associate professor of geophysics at the University of Alberta, explained to CBC News that the area surrounding Fox Creek has seen hundreds of quakes ranging between 2.0 to 3.0 in the last six months. There were two two fairly large quakes in the area, including a 4.4 in January 2015, Gu said. He added that it was highly probable the earthquakes were caused by fracking.

Albertas provincial energy regulator also said at the time that the quake was likely caused by hydraulic fracturing.

Gu also told CBC News that if fracking induced Tuesdays 4.8 quake, it would be the largest such quake in Canadas history. Actually, such a quake would be the largest such quake in the world.

No injuries or property damages were reported from the temblor, although some residents in the area felt shaken.

I thought it was just a forklift backing into the wall, St. Albert resident Ken Munroe said in the video below.

Canada has the dubious honor of holding the world record for the largest fracking-induced earthquake. Last month,

British Columbias energy regulator confirmed that a 4.6-magnitude earthquake that struck the province in August was caused by fracking.

According to Food & Water Watch, earthquakes caused by fracking itself are usually smaller and less frequently felt than earthquakes produced from underground injection control wells. The alarming spate of tremors in Oklahoma, for instance, are very likely caused by the disposal of large quantities of fracking wastewater into underground wells.

Alberta government officials are currently investigating Tuesdays quake.

The AER has been engaged in a review of fracking, in particular as it relates to this issue, and Ill be asking them to speed that review  to come up with some recommendations that we can consider sooner than later, Alberta Premier Rachel Notley said.

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The U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) announced it found the largest continuous oil and gas deposit ever discovered in the U.S. The Wolfcamp shale sits in West Texas and contains 20 billion barrels of oil and 16 trillion cubic feet of natural gas.

Map of the Midland Base and Wolfcamp shale site. USGS

According to the USGS, technically recoverable oil in the Wolfcamp shaleusing modern-day horizontal drilling and hydraulic fracturingcould yield three times as much as the Bakken Shale in North Dakota.

The Wolfcamp shale, in the Permian Basin, alone could supply the entire petroleum needs in the U.S. for nearly three years. The U.S. is already the worlds largest petroleum and natural gas producer.

According to the International Energy Agency (IEA), In todays oil world, anybody who can produce oil sells as much as possible for whatever price can be achieved. U.S. natural gas production is expected to grow to more than 40 trillion cubic feet by 2040, double the 2010 volume.

Projected U.S. natural gas production. U.S. Energy Information Administration

Despite current low oil prices, oil companies are engaged in a land rush to lock up acreage in the Permian Basin, which spreads across West Texas and parts of New Mexico. Its unique geological structure allows for very long horizontal drills. Some are already nearly two miles out from the wellhead, and more, possibly longer drills are planned. The record is a well in Ohio with a lateral drill 3.5 miles long.

The Permian is currently producing two million barrels of oil a day and has as many active oil rigs as the rest of the U.S. combined. There are already 3,000 horizontal wells drilled in the Wolfcamp shale, and that is expected to grow following the release of the new USGS numbers.

But, not everyone is happy about this new discovery.

Filmmaker Josh Fox told EcoWatch, This is not good news for anyone except people who wish to rush the demise of civilization due to global warming. If the USGS discovered underground millions of rabid red ants, or zombies waiting to be unearthed to eat human flesh, or a dormant volcano underneath Manhattan the implication would be that we should definitely keep those things safely in the ground. Thats exactly what we have to do with this oil if we dont want climate change to destroy the future.

Alan Septoff of Earthworks agrees. This announcement is bad news on three fronts, he said. First, because it signals the endangerment of one of Texass most special places, Balmorhea Springs, which are fed by groundwater endangered by fracking. Second, because we know we cant extract previously announced oil reserves without guaranteeing catastrophic climate change. And third, because it suggests another boom bust cycle seen around the countrywhere the boom benefits shareholders the most and the bust hurts the community the most.

Texas isnt the only place where more drilling is planned.

The federal Outer Continental Shelf Oil and Gas Leasing Program is currently in development on its next five-year plan, covering 2017-2022. The draft plan currently calls for 10 leases in the Gulf of Mexico, where the BP Deepwater Horizon disaster released 4.9 million barrels in 2010.

Three sites in Alaska are included in the draft plan: Cook Inlet, Beaufort Sea and Chuckchi Sea. But, with a more fossil-fuel friendly administration coming to Washington, oil companies are looking to exploit even more of the 49th state, including the environmentally-sensitive Arctic National Wildlife Refuge.

All of this runs up against the global carbon budget. A study published in Nature determined that a third of the worlds oil reserves and half of its gas reserves need to stay unused in order to meet the target of 2 degrees Celsius of warming. We show that development of resources in the Arctic and any increase in unconventional oil production are incommensurate with efforts to limit average global warming to 2 C, wrote the London-based researchers.

In support of those finding, the Sierra Club, 350.org, Greenpeace and many other organizations launched the Keep It in the Ground campaign to avoid the worst impacts of climate change.

Robert Redford: Fossil Fuels Need to Stay in the Ground, Renewable Energy Is the Future http://t.co/gCTwiw5AZV @OneWorld_News @globalgreen  EcoWatch (@EcoWatch) January 31, 2015

The fact is, oil corporations will have to use increasingly extreme and dangerous methods to get at fossil fuels that no one will need, Greenpeace researcher Jesse Coleman told EcoWatch. On top of that, scientists say the climate cant handle the carbon pollution these extreme extraction projects would produce. Spending capital and resources on these new fossil projects doesnt make sense any way you cut it.

Methane emissions and other pollutants are also a concern from increased extraction of oil and gas. According to the Texas Observer, Every hour, natural gas facilities in North Texas Barnett Shale region emit thousands of tons of methanea greenhouse gas at least 20 times more potent than carbon dioxideand a slate of noxious pollutants such as nitrogen oxides and benzene. The Aliso Canyon leak was big. The Barnett leaks, combined, are even bigger.

With increased drilling, west Texans may experience more than just increased oil and gas production. A study released in September proved the link between wastewater injection from fracking operations and a series of earthquakes that struck Texas between 2012 and 2013.

In January, 11 earthquakes struck Irving, Texas, in 24 hours. On Nov. 6, a 5.0-magnitude earthquake shook the oil hub town of Cushing, Oklahoma, damaging buildings and causing evacuations.

Instead of blindly allowing destructive fracking to continue in our communities, we should extend statewide fracking bans, like the one in New York, and moratoriums, like the one in Maryland, that will keep dirty, climate-polluting fossil fuels like fracked gas in the ground and invest in truly clean, renewable sources of energy that dont come with the threat of poisoned drinking water and climate disaster, Michael Brune, executive director of the Sierra Club, concluded.
(Photo:  Sean Hawkey)Shadows on a Pyongyang street Aug. 8, 2016.

Church representatives from countries including North and South Korea are urging the reopening of the North's Kaesong Industrial Complex as an important model for building peaceful cooperation and mutual trust.

For the same reason the church leaders called also for the reopening for tourism of North Korea's 1,638-metre (5,374 foot)-high mountain Mt. Kumgang about 30 miles (50 kilometers) from South Korea.

The call came after a Nov. 14-16 meeting in Hong Kong when 58 participants from churches and related organizations from North Korea and South Korea and 11 other countries met.

Their aim was to promote improved inter-Korean relations and advancing the cause of peace on the Korean peninsula.

The conference was organized by the World Council of Churches and hosted by the Hong Kong Christian Council.

Launched in 2004, the Kaesong Industrial Complex is located inside North Korea just across the demilitarized zone from South Korea and was largely financed by the South to increase co-operation.

South Korea suspended operations in February at the jointly-run industrial park in North Korea following a rocket launch and nuclear test by the North which triggered regional uncertainty and insecurity.

It is seen as one of the last remaining points of peaceful engagement between North and South Korea, and is often seen as an indicator of relations between them, the BBC said in February.

The church leaders said their meeting in Hong Kong was built on a long history of ecumenical engagement of Christians from both North and South Korea searching for peace and reunification after more than 70 years of division.

CHRISTIANS FROM NORTH AND SOUTH KOREA

The presence of delegations from both the Korean Christian Federation rom North Korea and the National Council of Churches in Korea from South Korea was pivotal to the conference and its outcomes, said the WCC in a statement.

"We especially focused on the prospects and impact of a peace treaty for the Korean peninsula," the participants said after the meeting.

They said, "It is the right time to begin a new process towards a comprehensive peace treaty that will replace the 1953 Armistice Agreement."

"Ending the suspended state of war that has existed since the Armistice Agreement of 27 July 1953 is both long overdue and still critically and urgently necessary," said the statement.

It noted that the absence of a formal end to the Korean War still colors and obstructs inter-Korean relations today, and encourages the escalating arms race and militarization of the peninsula and region.

"We especially focused on the prospects and impact of a peace treaty for the Korean peninsula," participants said in their statement.

They affirmed that, "it is the right time to begin a new process towards a comprehensive peace treaty that will replace the 1953 Armistice Agreement."

"Ending the suspended state of war that has existed since the Armistice Agreement of 27 July 1953 is both long overdue and still critically and urgently necessary," said the statement.

It noted that the absence of a formal end to the Korean War still colors and obstructs inter-Korean relations today, and encourages the escalating arms race and militarization of the peninsula and region.

No final peaceful settlement has been achieved yet.

The signed armistice established the Korean Demilitarized Zone, creating a new border between the two nations.

DEMILITARIZED ZONE

The Demilitarized Zone runs not far from the 38th parallel, which separated North and South Korea before the war.

The churches statement said North Korea has repeatedly called for a peace treaty, but asserted that the United States has rejected such calls.

They said, "Progress towards a peace treaty is needed now."

This is needed, "in order to interrupt the spiraling cycle of mutual antagonism, confrontation and militarization, to reduce tensions and build trust, to ensure the withdrawal of all foreign troops from the Korean peninsula."

It also need to "promote an environment in which current issues in inter-Korean relations can be addressed and, God willing, resolved."

They noted, "In face of the many threats and challenges to peaceful co-existence on the Korean peninsula, we say a clear and emphatic 'NO!' to war and to the threat of pre-emptive attack.

"We propose that future ecumenical initiatives with regard to the Korean peninsula be purposefully and explicitly configured so as to model and exercise leadership towards a process for a peace treaty to replace the Armistice Agreement."

The group invited increased ecumenical support  through prayer, advocacy, solidarity and participation  for the ongoing NCCK Peace Treaty Campaign in 2017 (in Europe) and 2018 (in Asia).

They said, "We cherish the longstanding ecumenical accompaniment of the relationship, dialogue and exchange between Christians from North and South Korea, as a rare and now possibly unique resource for peace in the region."
(Facebook/MadamSecretary)Madam Secretary season 3 airs Sundays at 9 p.m. on CBS.

Elizabeth (Tea Leoni) has to handle the crisis in Venezuela and problems at home in the upcoming episode 7, titled "Tectonic Shift," of the third season of the American political drama "Madam Secretary."

A devastating earthquake leaves Venezuela in shambles. The country's President and his immediate successors end up dead. Elizabeth tries to do everything in order to stop a power grab by the late president's son from happening. At the same time, the US Secretary has to make sure that the international aid team that he arrested will be released.

Elizabeth's brother, Will (Eric Stoltz), on the other hand, is having a hard time choosing between family and duty. He has to choose whether to save his marriage by settling down or work at Walter Reed Medical Center or flying to Venezuela to help in the relief effort.

The promo trailer for the upcoming "Madam Secretary" episode, "Tectonic Shift," shows the humanitarian crisis when the American aid workers are captured by the Venezuelan rebels right after they landed on the earthquake-stricken country. Then, Will talks to his sister, Elizabeth, and brother-in-law, Henry (Tim Daly), about his plans to bring his team in the country to assist the relief operations.

Despite Elizabeth's warning about the humanitarian crisis in Venezuela, it seems like her brother decides to push through with his plan, which makes her even more worried about the entire situation. However, Henry assures his wife that Will knows what is at stake.

Meanwhile, the previous episode, titled "The Statement," saw Elizabeth discovering that the terrorist bombing at a coffee shop in Illinois was funded by someone who has ties with the Saudi government. One of her staff members, Matt (Geoffrey Arend), was publicly harassed because of his religion. He declined to issue a statement to respond to accusations that the bomber is connected to him.

"Madam Secretary" season 3 airs Sundays at 9 p.m. on CBS.
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Businesses that call employees 'contractors' are cheating workers

In 2020 and 2021 nearly 50,000 employers misclassified nearly 400,000 PA workers. We have introduced a bill to begin to level the playing field.
Tyres damaged on car parked in Douglas

Police are appealing for information after all four tyres were damaged on a car parked in Douglas.

The green Audi was targetted while parked on Hailwood Avenue between 5.30pm on Wednesday and 6.30 yesterday morning.

Anyone who saw anything suspicious or can help identify the person responsible is asked to contact Police Headquarters on 631212.
Discussions on caste are caught in the binaries of Scheduled Castes and the "General Category." Such binaries see the lower caste as a monolith and leave little space for discussing discrimination among such castes. The nomenclature "Dalit," its revolutionary impulse notwithstanding, also does not help address the issue. The homogenising claims of the category Dalit have failed to address the issue of discrimination within Dalits. A major omission pertains to scavenging work.
At 8 pm on 8 November 2016, as Prime Minister Narendra Modi took to a live broadcast on Doordarshan to make the historic announcement that the government was demonetising notes of Rs 500 and Rs 1,000, emphasising his commitment to ridding India of the evils of corruption and black money, at least five central agencies or commissions in New Delhi were sitting on a tranche of documents that allegedly indicated that Modi had accepted bribes in excess of Rs 55 crore, or eight million dollars. It is unclear from the documents, whether there were 13 separate transactions that involved Modi and came to a total of Rs 55.2 crore or nine transactions totalling Rs 40.1 crore. In the documents, there appears to be a repetition of four specific transactions, which took place between 30 October 2013 and 29 November 2013 and have been accounted for under two separate headings.

The documents, which have been doing the rounds in New Delhi for the last few months, suggest that Modialong with a number of important politicianswas paid large amounts of cash by individuals associated with Subrata Roy, the founder-chairman of the Sahara India Group, during his tenure as the chief minister of Gujarat. These documents also suggest that the recipients of such favours included, among others: Shivraj Singh Chouhan, the chief minister of Madhya Pradesh; Raman Singh, the chief minister of Chhattisgarh; Shaina NC, the treasurer for the Bharatiya Janata party in Maharashtra and; Sheila Dikshit, the former chief minister of Delhi.

On 17 November, The Economic and Political Weekly (EPW) and The Caravan e-mailed and wrote letters to Modi, Chouhan, Singh, Shaina N C and Dikshit, seeking their responses to the information contained in the documentswhich the income tax department seized during a raid it conducted on various premises of the Sahara India Group in the national capital region on 22 November 2014. At the time of publication, no responses had been received. These responses will be published as and when they come in.

The documents that were seized during the raids are said to have been signed by Ankita Pandey, deputy director, Income Tax (Investigation) and counter-signed by other government officials along with a representative from the Sahara India Group. When I spoke to Pandey over the phone on 3 November, she said she was on a long leave. She added that she was not authorised to speak to the media and could, therefore, neither confirm nor deny the authenticity of the documents. These documents are currently in the possession of at least a dozen journalists and a similar number of senior government officials, who were sent scanned or photocopied versions of the papers.

The documents form a part of an Interim Application (IA) that has been filed by the non-governmental organisation (NGO) Common Cause, in its pending petition challenging the appointment of Kosaraju Veerayya Chowdary, the chief vigilance commissioner of India since June 2015. The organisation filed this IA on 15 November 2016. It is being represented by the lawyer Prashant Bhushan, who had earlier written letters to nine individuals, attaching copies of some the documents that had been seized during the raid on the Sahara India Group. Bhushan sent these letters, with detailed annexures, in the course of the last week of October.

Bhushan wrote to two retired judges of the Supreme Court of India, Justices M B Shah and Arijit Pasayat, who comprise the Special Investigation Team (SIT) on black money instituted by the Supreme Court; the director, the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI); the director, Enforcement Directorate (ED); the chairman, Central Board of Direct Taxes (CBDT), which administers the working of the Income Tax Department; the member (Investigation) of the CBDT; the chairperson, Income Tax Settlement Commission (ITSC); K V Chowdary the Central Vigilance Commissioner (CVC) and two Vigilance Commissioners Tejendra Mohan Bhasin and Shri Rajiv. (Incidentally, Chowdary was holding key positions in the CBDT and the Department of Revenue when raids were conducted on the premises of the Aditya V Birla group in October 2013, and on the Sahara India Group in November 2014. He is the first officer from the Indian Revenue Service to hold the post of the CVC. It has traditionally been held by an officer from the Indian Administrative Service.)

In his letters, Bhushan asked each of these offices why various law-enforcing agencies of the government had not initiated action against those whose names feature in the documents and have allegedly acquired assets disproportionate to known sources of income. He claimed that different wings of the government were sitting tight on important documents indicating bribery and corruption even as the accused persons and firms were attempting to strike conciliatory agreements with the tax authorities through the Settlement Commission. (The objective behind establishing the Settlement Commission was to create a channel whereby tax disputes can be settled expeditiously and in a spirit of conciliation rather than prolonging them through [an] adversarial attitude.)

Reminiscent of Jain Hawala Diaries

These documents bear an uncanny resemblance to the infamous Jain Hawala dairies that were found two decades ago. In 1996, these dairies, which came into the possession of the CBI, indicated those associated with businessperson Surinder Kumar Jain and his brother had made payments to a host of important political personalities such as L K Advani, Madhavarao Scindia, Balram Jakhar, V C Shukla, Madan Lal Khurana, P Shiv Shankar and Arif Mohammed Khan, among others. While a lower court had ordered the CBI to frame charges against these politicians, the higher courts ruled that the diary entries did not qualify as admissible evidence. The Supreme Court, however, ruled that whenever any record indicating illegal payments to public functionaries is recovered by any government agency, a thorough and independent investigation must be undertaken. Legally, the income tax department and the CBI, who have not conducted any investigations on the documents that were seized at the raids at the offices of the Sahara India Group and the AV Birla group of companies yet, have gone against the Supreme Court instructive. Although any investigation into the documents filed by Common Cause may well go the way of the Jain Hawala dairies, there are certain important differences. While the documents include the names of just about every important politician in India, cutting across party lines, often with figures written or typed next to them in Hindi and English, the records relating to the alleged payments made to Modi, Chouhan, Raman Singh, Dikshit and Shaina N C are distinct. In the case of these five individuals, specific dates, amounts and persons who apparently delivered the cash have been mentioned.

Explosive Documents

I first learnt about the existence of these documents on 28 July 2016 from the member of parliament and well-known lawyer Ram Jethmalani, who was expelled from the BJP in May 2013. During an informal conversation that followed a panel discussion at the India International Centre in Delhi, Jethmalani told mein the presence of around half-a-dozen individuals (including a Rajya Sabha MP from the BJP)that the documents that had been seized by income tax officials from the offices of the Sahara India Group were explosive as they suggested that Modi had received huge cash payments. I repeatedly asked the 93-year-old lawyer if he would show me the documents but he was non-committal. A number of phone calls to him over the next few weeks elicited no response.

More than two months later, a source close to a politician slipped a brown-paper envelope containing a bundle of photocopied documents under the door of my residence in the national capital region. As I made inquiries with my sources in the government and among my fellow journalists, I realised that at least twenty individuals known to me had access to these papers. Some of them offered me documents that I did not possess at that time. I asked them why they had not filed reports based on the documents. A few of them said they were not sure of the authenticity of the papers. I asked them if they had tried to ascertain the veracity of the documents from the persons named in them. They said they would.

A senior journalist alleged that the government had prepared a cover-up plan, according to which it would claim that a disgruntled employee from the Sahara India group had manufactured these documents in an effort to blackmail his boss, Subrata Roy. Royin relation to another case filed by the Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI)has had to spend two years in Tihar Jail on the orders of the Supreme Court for allegedly defrauding investors and failing to deposit funds to obtain bail. (He was let out of jail on parole in May after his mother passed away. The regulator still insists that the company needs to repay Rs 47,000 crore, nearly 6 billion dollars) Meanwhile, the bunch of papers with me started getting thicker.

I subsequently discovered, that on 28 June, Jethmalani had writted to Satyendar Jain, minister in the government of the National Capital Territory (NCT) of Delhi. Jethmalani had attached the documents recovered from the raid and a copy of an official letter that the income tax officer Ankita Pandey had signed in December 2015, with a request to verify whether the signatures on the two sets of papers belonged to the same person. On 1 July, Anurag Sharma, assistant director (Documents), Regional Forensic Science Laboratory, Government of the NCT of Delhi, wrote to G Sudhakar, the secretary to Jain, stating that the signatures on the two documents "appear to be written by one and the same person.

After documents are seized by income tax officials during a raid, these are examined and evaluated by a different officer who then prepares a detailed appraisal report outlining the possible future course of action. According to a report by Ritu Sarin and Pragya Kaushika, published in the Indian Express on 16 November, a voluminous appraisal report running into thousands of pages on the papers pertaining to Sahara has been prepared and is being looked into by an assessment officer.

Political Payouts

A day earlier, on 15 November, the Hindu had carried a report by Josy Joseph titled Bhushan Seeks Investigation into Political Payouts' but without the names of Modi or other prominent politicians. Subsequently, Arvind Kejriwal, the chief minister of Delhi dropped a bombshell on the floor of the Delhi Assembly. Kejriwal disclosed the contents of a document that had been seized during the search and seizure raid by the income tax department on the premises of the Aditya V Birla Group of companies on 15 October 2013. The document contains an entry which states Gujarat CM - 25 cr (12 done - rest?).

Although BJP spokespersons promptly denied the implications of the contents of the document seized from the premises of the Birla group of companies, Modi had not issued any formal denial at the time that this story was being published. The documents annexed in the Common Cause PIL include handwritten transcripts of interrogation sessions with A V Birla group executive Shubhendu Amitabh, during which he claimed that the references to the Gujarat CM were personal jottings made by him and referred to a caustic soda manufacturing company called Gujarat Alkalies and Chemicals.

What do the three excel sheetswhich are possibly just a minuscule part of the entirety of the documents that were seizedallegedly indicate? The log sheets show cash receipts aggregating Rs 115 crore over a period of 10 months between May 2013 and March 2014the months leading up to the 2014 general elections.

In the case of Shaina N C, the alleged payments total Rs 5 crore between 10 September 2013 and 28 January 2014. These payments were apparently made by one Uday ji. In a separate sheet, there is a somewhat cryptic entry stating that help was being sought from her to ask A. General to withdrawal (close) Bombay case.

The former chief minister of Delhi, Sheila Dikshit, allegedly received Rs 1 crore on 23 September 2013 from one Jaiswal.

The Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Chouhan allegedly received Rs 10 crore between 29 September 2013 and 1 October 2013 in two instalments from one Neeraj Vashisht, while his counterpart in Chhattisgarh, Raman Singh, apparently received Rs 4 crore as a single one-off payment on 1 October from Nand ji.

The instances of alleged payments to CM Gujrat totalling Rs 15.1 crore were made between 30 October 2013 and 29 November 2013 in four instalments by one Jaiswal ji. Then, eight payments were allegedly made in Ahmedabad between 30 October 2013 and 22 February 2014 to Ahmadabad Modi ji by Jaiswal ji totalling Rs 35.1 crore and another apparent payment was made to Ahmadabad Modi on 28 January 2014 amounting to Rs 5 crore. Thus, the total alleged payments made to CM Gujrat, Ahmadabad Modi ji and Ahmadabad Modi add up to Rs 55.2 crore.

Will an independent investigation take place to ascertain the authenticity or otherwise of the implied or suggested payments detailed in the documents seized by the Income Tax Department?

This is not the end of the story.

Update on 28 November 2016:

On 25 November, a bench of the Supreme Court comprising Justices J S Khehar and Arun Mishra told petitioner Common Cause that it cannot order an investigation into allegations that representatives of the Sahara and Birla Groups had bribed politicians including Narendra Modi when he was chief minister of Gujarat. The bench told senior advocate Shanti Bhushan, who was representing the NGO, that the documents that had been adduced to its petition were not reliable and asked Common Cause to produce "better" material when the case is heard again on 14 December.

The observations made by Justice Khehar, who is in line to become the next chief justice of India on 4 January, included: "Are you relying on Saharas documents? They never have genuine documents ... Anybody can make a computer entry against a chief minister or prime minister. Can we order a probe based on all that? Bring better material..."

Referring to documents seized by the Income Tax Department after conducting raids on companies in the Aditya Birla Group in October 2013 and on the Sahara India Group in November 2014, Justice Khehar added: "If we accept what you say, then somebody can tomorrow make an entry that I sent PM this much of money  see how far-reaching this could be. We are not shying away from taking action against anybody but you must have something even prima facie to show wrongdoing. We cannot initiate proceedings only because you name a big man. There has to be something ... If any suspicion arouses our conscience, it is a good suspicion but your suspicion does not do it this is only insinuation. Show us better material because we are not satisfied at all with this. It is zero for us."

Demanding a court-monitored probe by a special investigation team, Common Cause had alleged that there had been a "cover-up" following the raids, the seizure of documents and computers, and the preparation of appraisal reports by the Income Tax authorities. The bench said that the petitioner should take its petition back from the court if it fails to gather "credible evidence".

Some of the documents seized by the Income Tax Department on 22 November 2014 at the Sahara India Group Offices in Delhi and Noida can be found below, and downloaded on this link.

Senior lawyer Prashant Bhushan wrote to the IT Settlement Commission on 8 November 2016 and the Central Vigilance Commission wrote to Bhushan on 4 November 2016. Both letters can be downloaded on this link.

Seized Sahara Documents - 1

Seized Sahara Documents - 2

Seized Sahara Documents - 3

This article has been published as a collaborative effort with The Caravan Magazine.
Alex Moir had taken 6 for 155 against England in Christchurch in 1951. Sixty-five years later, Colin de Grandhomme took 6 for 41 to finish with the best figures by a New Zealander on debut; Pakistan were bowled out for 133

New Zealand 104 for 3 (Raval 55*, Nicholls 29*) trail Pakistan 133 (Misbah 31, de Grandhomme 6-41, Southee 2-20) by 29 runs

Scorecard and ball-by-ball details

It was a tale of two debutants on a fascinating day of Test cricket where ball dominated the bat. Although the final analysis of 13 wickets for 237 runs would suggest a menacing surface, the truth was that a lot of batsmen, especially from Pakistan, were out poking or trying to play expansive drives. New Zealand fared much better with the bat, and held the aces as the first Test moved forward at a breakneck speed despite an entire day being washed out by rain in Christchurch.

Colin de Grandhomme , the Harare-born Auckland allrounder who had previously taken just one five-wicket haul in 83 first-class games, had the best figures (6 for 41) by a New Zealand debutant. It meant Pakistan, sent in to bat, were rolled over for 133. Misbah-ul-Haq, captaining his country for the 50th time, top scored with a typically feisty 31 off 108 deliveries during the course of which he proved it was the top order's impatience and not a menacing Hagley Oval green top that contributed to their downfall; no other batsman crossed 20.

In reply, Jeet Raval , the other debutant, replacing Martin Guptill, overcame a testing new-ball burst to finish 55 not out as New Zealand recovered from early losses of Tom Latham, Kane Williamson and Ross Taylor to end on 104 for 3, trailing by just 29 runs. Playing late and committing himself wholeheartedly to his strokes, both off the front and back foot, he picked off seven boundaries and looked at ease even as his partners largely struggled; particularly against Mohammad Amir in a probing opening spell that read 6-2-6-1.

Things could have been much worse for New Zealand had Henry Nicholls, replacing Luke Ronchi, not substituted flamboyance for grit and patience to finish unbeaten on 29. The fourth-wicket pair added 64, but in blunting out 19.4 overs, they ensured New Zealand had limited the new-ball damage to potentially make run-scoring a lot easier on the morrow.

The surface demanded patience which Pakistan clearly lacked, as their top order crumbled after a solid 31-run opening stand that frustrated New Zealand. In trying to bowl full and swing the ball late, their new ball pair of Tim Southee and Trent Boult either slipping the ball down the leg side or bowl it full and wide in the first hour as Sami Aslam and Azhar Ali went into their shell, seemingly happy to blunt the new ball.

Ina ddition to a half-century on debut, Raval also took two excellent catches in the slips  AFP

Then Williamson turned to de Grandhomme's seam-ups over Neil Wagner's bustling pace, and the move worked immediately. After two poor overs in which he sprayed the ball, de Grandhomme broke through when he scythed through Azhar's defence with an in-dipper. The old adage of 'one brings two' ensured when Southee, brought back form the other end, sent back Aslam, who jabbed hard to get a thick edge to Raval at second slip.

Babar Azam was reprieved on 4, but couldn't curb his instincts of trying to drive on the up as he was also pouched in the slips. When Younis Khan's flashy cover drive to a delivery he could have left alone off de Grandhomme was pouched by Raval in the cordon, Pakistan had sensationally slipped from 31 without loss to 56 for 4.

Pakistan slowly rebuilt through a 32-run stand, but the lunch break came to New Zealand's rescue as Asad Shafiq, demoted to No. 6 after a fruitless stint at No. 3 in the UAE, poked one to gully. Sarfraz Ahmed tried to unsettle the bowlers by walking outside the crease, giving bowlers the charge and play a typically aggressive game. Not even being hit on the helmet by a steep bouncer altered his approach. Eventually a tame waft resulted in a simple catch at gully to a relieved Todd Astle, who put down a chance earlier in the day.

Watching the carnage unfold, Misbah continued to bat on in the hope that he would find some support from the tail. But such was the nature of Pakistan's collapse that Williamson resisted temptation to give his faster men a break, and go for the kill. Boult and Southee overcame insipid starts to finish with two wickets apiece.

For a while it looked like New Zealand's top order would match Pakistan's indiscretions. After Tom Latham was lbw to Amir, Williamson, in particular, fell tamely when he pushed away from the body - neither attempting a punch nor a full-blooded cut shot - to be caught at slip. Ross Taylor, all at sea against Sohail Khan's late away-swing, was snaffled down leg side to extend his lean patch to 10 innings now to open up the game.
Strong all-round performances from Laura Marsh, Danielle Hazell and Natalie Sciver took England to a 162-run victory on the reserve day in a rain-interrupted fourth ODI in Colombo

England Women 240 for 9 (Sciver 77, Hazell 45, Fernando 3-28, Ranaweera 3-38) beat Sri Lanka Women 78 (Weerakkody 32, Marsh 4-21, Hazell 3-21) by 162 runs

Scorecard

File photo - Danielle Hazell scored 45 runs and took three wickets  Getty Images

England Women's offspinning duo of Laura Marsh and Danielle Hazell took seven wickets between them to decimate Sri Lanka Women for 78 and seal a 162-run win in the fourth ODI in Colombo. With the win, England completed a 4-0 sweep and their sixth consecutive series win.

In a match that was pushed to the reserve day by the weather, Sri Lanka were bowled out in 33.1 overs, with Marsh taking 4 for 21 and Hazell returning figures of 3 for 21 - her best in ODIs. That, after England had put up 240 for 9 on Thursday after being lifted by contributions from Natalie Sciver (77) and the lower order.

Sciver performed with the ball too, and was the first to strike, taking out Sri Lanka's openers inside eight overs to reduce them to 21 for 2. Twenty balls later, in the space of which Sri Lanka had added just three runs, Marsh had her first victim, sending back Lasanthi Madhushani to expose Sri Lanka's middle order.

Marsh and Hazell then scythed through the middle order with the next three wickets falling for 17 runs as Sri Lanka slipped to 47 for 6. Prasadani Weerakkody, the only batsman to show some fight with 32, added 29 runs for the seventh wicket with Nilakshi de Silva - the highest Sri Lanka could manage - before the home team lost their last four wickets for the addition of two runs.

England began in similarly poor fashion on Thursday, losing opener Tammy Beaumont for a duck in the second over after choosing to bat. Amy Jones (28) and Heather Knight (11), the captain, steadied them briefly with a 30-run second-wicket stand, before England slid drastically, losing five wickets for 20 runs to become 58 for 6.
18 November is the last day of the COP22  the 2016 United Nations Climate Change Conference that is currently wrapping up in Marrakesh, Morocco. One of the most notable speeches of the conference was given by US Secretary of State John Kerry who was trying to soothe the mounting concerns regarding the next US Presidents attitude towards global warming and environmental agenda more generally. I cant stand here and speculate about what policies our President-elect will pursue, Mr Kerry said but immediately added that In the time, Ive spent in public life, one of the things Ive learned is that some issues look a bit different when youre actually in office compared to when youre on the campaign trail.

Donald Trump had previously spoken about ditching the historic Paris Agreement on fighting climate change and reducing greenhouse gases. Shortly after his unexpected victory, he appointed climate change skeptic Myron Ebell to lead his Environmental Protection Agency transition team. US Secretary State, however, emphasized that climate change shouldnt be a partisan issue in the first place.

While the United States has raised some concerns as a result of its presidential election, activists and environmental organizations have been positively surprised by China, which has expressed its commitment to the Paris deal. One of the countrys high level diplomats has assured us that climate actions will continue in China regardless of the US political situation, said Li Shuo, the climate policy advisor for Greenpeace China. Mr Shuo also remarked that Inside every crisis is an opportunity. China has seized this.

With the historic Paris Agreement having recently entered into force, COP22 has also summarized this years Climate Change Performance Index (CCPI) 2017, which confirmed a boost for renewable energy and positive developments in energy efficiency. While these encouraging trends are happening on a global scale, the necessary energy revolution is still happening too slowly. Experts say that despite the international consensus, there is still no guarantee that the critical goals will be met, even the most fundamental goal of holding temperature increases to two degrees warming.
The European Parliament has Liaison Offices (EPLOs) in the EU capitals, as well as antennae in a regionally relevant city in the most populous Member States, and further afield. It also has a Liaison Office in Washington DC.

EPLOs are responsible for the local implementation of institutional communication activities, with the ultimate goal of ensuring that people understand the importance of the European Parliament well enough to engage in the European democratic process.

The Offices engage with citizens and stakeholders, manage contacts with national, regional and local media, and provide support to Members of the European Parliament (MEPs) in the exercise of their official mandates in the Member States.
Over at the BioLogos Forum, a couple of scientists have taken on two new BIO-Complexity papers by Ola Hossjer, Ann Gauger, and Colin Reeves. The critics are Dennis Venema, biologist at Trinity Western University and a BioLogos Fellow, and Stephen Schaffner, a computational biologist at the Broad Institute.

The papers are here and here, described by Ann Gauger for Evolution News here. The Abstract of the first paper gives an overview:

In a series of two papers (Part 1 and 2) we explore what can be said about human history from the DNA variation we observe among us today. Population genetics has been used to infer that we share a common ancestry with apes, that most of our human ancestors emigrated from Africa 50,000 years ago, that they possibly had some mixing with Neanderthals, Denisovans and other archaic populations, and that the early Homo population was never smaller than a few thousand individuals. Population genetics uses mathematical principles for how the genetic composition of a population develops over time through various forces of change, such as mutation, natural selection, genetic drift, recombinations and migration. In this article (Part 1) we investigate the assumptions about this theory and conclude that it is full of gaps and weaknesses. We argue that a unique origin model where humanity arose from a single couple with created diversity seems to explain data at least as well, if not better. We finally propose an alternative simulation approach that could be used in order to validate such a model. The mathematical principles of this model are described in more detail in our second paper (Part 2).

Venema and Schaffner are unhappy with this. Read their full comments here and here. In a nutshell, Venema says of the first paper that it is a (poor) attempt to argue for a predetermined conclusion that humans were specially created as a pair in the Middle East. It does not offer a mechanism to deal with the obvious problems of such an approach other than an appeal to created diversity.'

Schaffner complains of many problems with the paper. It simply does not address the actual genetic evidence for a large ancestral population size, he writes, adding that the other strong piece of evidence that human genetic variation is the result of accumulated mutations is that it looks like accumulated mutations. As for the second paper, it strikes me as nuts.

Invective aside, at least this is an attempt to engage the science. We asked Dr. Hossjer, Professor of Mathematical Statistics at Stockholm University, for his response, which he was kind enough to provide.

On Dennis Venema:

Venema basically criticizes the Middle East version of the unique origin model, saying the African DNA looks older than non-European DNA, both from single locus allele frequency statistics and from two locus linkage disequilibrium patterns. But we also point out that this is a drawback of the Middle East unique origin model (on the other hand we argue that a ME origin has other advantages, for instance less inbreeding depression). We offer some tentative explanations (reference 50, for instance) of why African DNA could look older even if humanity originated in the Middle East. Venema rules out these explanations as inadequate. This may very well be true, but it remains to be seen when the model is implemented.

On Stephen Schaffner:

Schaffner points out that reference 49 in the BIO-Complexty Part 1 paper (Wilson Sayres et al. PLOS Genetics, 2014) is not about low diversity of the Y-chromosomes. This surprises me. In fact, the opening sentence of the abstract reads, The human Y-chromosome exhibits surprisingly low levels of genetic diversity. As far as I understand the whole purpose of this paper is to a) say the low Y-diversity cannot be explained by a neutral model, b) offer an alternative explanation in terms of purifying selection that removes deleterious alleles and hence reduces diversity at such selected loci, and also at linked neutral loci (background selection). An argument for this is that background selection is more efficient for the Y-chromosome, since there are no recombinations. Thus linked neutral loci more easily follow the selective sweep of the non-deleterious allele that is selected for at the non-neutral locus. In the Part I paper we propose an alternative explanation for the low Y-chromosome diversity  that all men originate from a single ancestor. As a next point, Schaffner criticizes the waiting time argument in Sanford et al. against human-chimp common ancestry. However, he doesnt specify on what grounds he does so. I dont regard this as a serious critique, since probably, Sanford et al were very generous in their modeling. If we include orphan genes and other structures that differ greatly between humans and chimps, the waiting time problem becomes even more of an issue. Schaffner then argues that the diversity we see today looks like it was gradually accumulated, rather than being due to created diversity. In particular he refers to the 1/f shape of the allele frequency spectrum at low frequencies f. This is to say that there are many SNPs with a very small minor allele frequency f. It is true that there will be fewer SNPs with a very small minor allele frequency if humanity started from a couple with created diversity that lived very recently. On the other hand, if this couple lived further back in history, there has been less time for genetic drift to create very rare alleles. So this is only an argument against a recent single couple. Even so, I think it is incomplete, since there are a number of factors that influence the allele frequency spectrum. Even if the first couple lived very recently and the worldwide population then expanded fast (as we know it has), we will still see many rare alleles (see reference 24). A related point: Schaffner argues that genomic regions with a high mutation rate have a higher diversity. This would indicate that most variation is gradually accumulated through germline mutations. It is true that this to some extent would be an argument against a recent first couple (not necessarily against an old first couple though), since there has not been enough time to accumulate germline mutations into large numbers. However, in my view, Schaffner would need to make this criticism much more detailed in order to convince. For instance, Nathaniel Jeanson argues in references 56-57 that a recent first couple is consistent with mitochondrial DNA variation  a region with a very high mutation rate. In view of this, there doesnt seem to be any simple strong correlation between a high mutation rate and high diversity that violates a first recent couple. But ultimately this has to be tested for all types of chromosomes through simulations and real data validation. Schaffner then goes on arguing that haplotype block boundaries are not due to single recombination events, but that they occur in clumps (recombination hotspots). This may very well be true. Indeed, in our first article (Paper I) we actually write that these boundaries are either due to single recombination events (indicating a recent first couple) or due to hotspots (indicating an older first couple or common descent). However, Ann Gauger has pointed out that chimps have very different block boundaries than humans as another argument against common descent. Finally, Schaffner criticizes our second (Part 2) paper, saying that the model is too large, and the parameter space huge. There is some truth in this. It would not be a good idea to validate the whole model straightaway. It is better to fit a small subset of the model at first, and then successively add to it. This is exactly our working plan.

Regarding a couple of other BioLogos commenters, Hossjer adds: Benjamin Kirks argument is more or less the same as Venemas. Chris Falter says that pseudogenes and ERVs are additional arguments for common ancestry. I know Ann Gauger, Paul Nelson, and others would have a lot more to say here, but my understanding is that this is simply not true.

To Dr. Hossjers fine response we might add a few thoughts. Remember, these papers are not intended to be the last word on human ancestry. Instead, they offer models being developed in order to be tested. What Venema pejoratively labels a predetermined conclusion is simply a hypothesis to be tested. His dismissive tone is unworthy. All scientific models test predetermined conclusions. Thats what a hypothesis is.

Moreover, initial created diversity is a legitimate, testable mechanism. We know how genetics works and we can decide whether (within the bounds of genetics) initial high diversity could account for present-day observations.

As for the Middle East origin hypothesis, if you read the papers you will see that they have a justification for it  namely that African populations look artificially old due to different recombination rates. And given that their model allows for all kinds of normal mutations to occur, its hard to see how its fair for Dr. Schaffner to say they that they ignore mutations. Their model incorporates mutations!

Unfortunately, these critics seem to want to kill off the proposed model before its even been fully implemented. Yet Dr. Venema complains of predetermined conclusions. Look whos talking.

Photo: Parietal art, Cave of Altamira, Spain, by Rameessos (Own work) [Public domain], via Wikimedia Commons.
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Its been more than three years since First National Bank of Edinburg was shut down by federal bank regulators, but some of its peculiar business practices continue to stir up trouble.

Prior to its September 2013 closure, the bank made a policy decision to electronically scan and then destroy some or all unsecured promissory notes to save room in (its) vault for secured notes. Unsecured promissory notes are loans based solely on the borrowers creditworthiness, not backed by collateral like a home or car.

The revelation came out last year in a lawsuit filed by Dallas-based PlainsCapital Bank. It acquired most of the assets of First National with its closure and was trying to collect on two unpaid loans made to Michael James Rogers, the brother of former First National Chairman David Rogers Jr. This week, a federal judge in McAllen ordered Michael Rogers to pay PlainsCapital more than $2.5 million in principal and interest.

Mark Weitz, an Austin attorney representing Michael Rogers, said he doesnt believe First National officials were trying to do any favors for his client by destroying the notes.

If you look at the (court) pleadings, it wasnt just Michaels stuff that got destroyed, Weitz said. They wholesale destroyed a bunch of stuff.

Weitz added, As the black cloud of doom began to shroud itself across that bank, I think (bank officials) began to take steps to protect themselves. Its speculation, but its my opinion.

Saul Ortega, who was First Nationals chairman and CEO at the time of its closure, did not respond to a request for comment.

The closure of First National, at one time Texas 12th largest bank with more than $3 billion in assets and four San Antonio branches, cost the Federal Deposit Insurance Corp.s deposit insurance fund $637.5 million. This summer, former First National officers and directors agreed to collectively pay $1.5 million to settle claims made by the FDIC.

First Nationals failure came a year shy of its 80th anniversary. In its last years, the bank was plagued by mounting losses, dwindling capital and legal problems.

A 2014 report on the banks failure by the Treasury Departments Office of Inspector General cited its aggressive growth, resulting in a high concentration of real estate loans, as well as undue influence by ex-Chairman David Rogers Jr. and deficient oversight by management and board.

After the banks closure, FDIC investigators discovered that First National arranged loans for borrowers to buy stock in the institutions holding company as a way to boost the banks capital levels, according to the report. Federal regulations governing insured depository institutions bar them from making any loans on their stock.

Other questionable practices raised in the report included attempts by banks officials to pass off bad loans as good and delaying recognition of problem loans.

According to PlainsCapitals lawsuit, Michael Rogers received a $750,000 unsecured loan in December 2002. The following month, Rogers received a second loan for $1.25 million that was secured by a CD.

The first loan was renewed nine times, while the second loan  which subsequently became unsecured  was renewed 10 times, the lawsuit stated.

Some of the renewals occurred when First National was under a consent order from the Office of the Comptroller of the Currency that directed the bank to address its unsafe and unsound practices.

Some local bank representatives found it strange that First National would have destroyed original unsecured promissory notes.

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.

Its definitely out of the ordinary, said Bruce E. Toppin III, who heads San Antonio law firm Rosenthal Pauerstein Sandoloski Agathers financial institutions corporate and regulatory practice. To my knowledge, all of my clients retain the originals.

We keep our original notes and our collateral documents in safe keeping under lock and key, said J. Bruce Bugg Jr., chairman of The Bank of San Antonio. Best practice is to keep your original notes even though the law was changed to allow imaged documents in the event of a claim of forgery. You have a much higher defense against a claim of forgery if you can produce the original.

PlainsCapital originally sued Michael Rogers in December 2013 in Hidalgo County District Court to collect on the two loans. But after the judge ruled against PlainsCapital, it dropped the suit and filed a similar complaint in U.S District Court in McAllen, Weitz said.

Steven Shaver, a lawyer for PlainsCapital, said he could not comment on the suit without the banks permission.

In its complaint, PlainsCapital said the only evidence of Michael Rogers notes are two electronic documents. Interestingly, it appears Rogers was aware that the two notes had been destroyed, the bank said in the lawsuit.

Destruction of the notes weakened PlainsCapitals legal claim against Rogers and forced the bank into a three-year legal battle, the bank argued in court documents. U.S. District Judge Randy Crane finally ruled in favor of PlainsCapital Wednesday, ordering Rogers to pay more than $2.5 million to the bank. His lawyer Weitz said Rogers intends to appeal the ruling.

pdanner@express-news.net

Twitter: @AlamoPD
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Amanda Alonzo turned the sheet of metal over in her hands and slid it into the hand brake. Grasping a lever, she used the brakes large clamp to bend and ply the sheet, adjusting it in tiny increments over and over.

What was once flat metal would become the bottom half of a small toolbox, handed out at an open house Thursday by Sheet Metal Workers Local 67. The fair, hosted as part of National Apprenticeship Week, a U.S. Labor Department initiative, also featured booths for insulation installation, carpenters and electrician unions and apprenticeships.

Over four years, sheet metal apprentices receive 800 hours of classroom instruction and around 8,000 hours of on-the-job training. With a starting salary of $11.56 and pay raises every six months, apprentices work toward a union salary of more than $23 an hour. Sheet metal workers handle welding, heat and air conditioning, fiberglass and specialty projects.

Doug John, training coordinator for the joint apprentice and training program, said the biggest benefit of apprenticeships is that students dont pay a cent in tuition.

I can look at parents and high school kids of potential apprentices and say, You owe nothing, John said. Its good for everybody.

Alonzo, 25, enlisted in the Army straight out of high school. She served for six years, completing a 12-month tour in Afghanistan. When she was honorably discharged, she was unsure initially of what to do next.

When I got out, I thought I was going to have to go to school, and thats my only option, Alonzo said.

After enrolling for a semester at St. Philips College, Alonzo realized that sitting at a desk was not a good fit. She likes being active and has always been good with her hands. Her father, a retired sheet metal worker, encouraged her to join.

As Alonzo crafted the bottom of the toolboxes, Roger Mortensen, 26, hammered pieces together and cut off excess metal at an adjacent table, where tools spilled out of an already assembled toolbox.

Mortensen, also a first-year apprentice, said he joined the program because the work and pay in the industry was less consistent outside the union. Since he started, Mortensen has worked on the University of the Incarnate Words new student center, helping to install air handlers, duct work and railings.

While he completes the apprenticeship, he is also pursuing a bachelors degree in project management so he can one day open his own business.

You get paid while youre getting educated, he said.

lcaruba@express-news.net
Two unidentified boys performed a skit called The Assassination of Donald Trump in their 10th grade English class at Marshall High School last Friday, prompting outrage from at least one set of parents.

According to the parents, one of the boys used his phone to make a shooting sound effect as the other, posing as President-elect Trump, fell to the ground in mock death.

Barry Perez, Northside ISD spokesman, said appropriate action was taken to reprimand both the boys and the teacher, but parents Harold and Melinda Bean said the boys should have been suspended.

Honestly I have run out of words to describe how angry I am and how shocked I am that theyre still in school today, Melinda Bean said.

It was an act of violence on our 45th elect president, she added, saying that shes heard of younger children using their hands to simulate guns on playgrounds that were suspended from school. She and her husband declined to comment on whether they supported Trumps election bid.

Harold Bean also felt that the teachers apology, which she gave to him in person on Monday, was not enough.

I dont understand how the teacher can repeat an apology and be right there back at work on Monday morning. Though we understand she is apologetic, it does not make the situation right, he said.

The district and the parents also dispute whether the teacher stopped the skit in time. For the class project, all the kids had submitted summaries of their presentations that were approved by the teacher ahead of time. But the two boys performed a presentation different from the one they had submitted.

When the campus investigated this, they found the teacher did not condone this, she did not allow this, she was surprised as anyone else that this was mentioned, and she told the boys to stop and that it was not appropriate, Perez said.

But the Beans have a different story.

Pardon my language but I think that its a bunch of B.S. if theyre going to tell you the kids were stopped, Harold Bean said. I will agree with one part  that the paperwork that had been submitted was supposedly not what they presented. But then my question would be, after they announced the title of their presentation, why did she still allow it to be presented?

After meeting with school officials the day the incident occurred and again on Monday, to speak with the teacher, Harold Bean went to the school again on Wednesday because his daughter had texted her parents to say students at the school were harassing her.

According to her parents, kids approached the daughter asking her if she was a Trump supporter and making her feel uncomfortable and unwelcome in class.

Shes already been antagonized by these two boys from their comments and their harassment, which leads me to believe that a level of seriousness (from the school) has not been met, her father said.

Perez said if they hadnt already, Marshall High officials would follow proper procedure to help protect the daughter from bullying.

sfosterfrau@express-news.net
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To local fashionistas, Donna Muslin was known as San Antonios accessory queen because the beloved fashion leader and breast cancer survivor had a knack for turning a simple white blouse and black trousers into a head-turning, chic look.

Her advice: Make sure the shirt is always crisp, which means youll have to iron it. Now turn up the collar, layer on the pearls, add statement rings and stack on the bracelets.

Muslin, 78, died Nov. 7, less than two weeks after she was diagnosed with acute leukemia.

A celebration of Muslins life  one known for her dedicated mentorship of fashion students at the University of Incarnate Words fashion management program and for her tireless advocacy for women fighting breast cancer, a disease she beat several years ago  is set for 2 p.m. Saturday at Covenant Presbyterian Church, 211 Roleto Drive. A reception will follow.

A native of Pittsburgh, Muslin moved to San Antonio with her husband and children in 1984 to become JCPenneys southwest regional public relations director, a job she had for 20 years before starting her own business, Muslin & Associates, a fashion production, event planning and wardrobe and design consulting firm.

In 2011 she was named to San Antonios Womens Hall of Fame, honored for her work at UIW and her activism in helping women with networking, career development and rejoining the job market. Also noted was her role as a volunteer spokeswoman for the American Cancer Society.

Muslin started the local chapter of the New York-based Fashion Group International that examines and shares with its members contemporary issues from industry trends to careers.

My mother was a member of that group in Pittsburgh and she saw the opportunity to expand that here. She never was one to shy away from a challenge, said her daughter, Michelle Muslin Lipari.

Xitlalt Herrera-Salazar, public relations coordinator for Neiman Marcus, agreed.

You knew who Donna was by her actions. She raised the bar. She did something because it was the right thing to do. It was that principle that made her a dynamic leader, she said.

While a student at UIW in the late 1980s and early 1990s, fashion maven Robert Mitchell met Muslin.

I was walking in the design building when I noticed her. I was so enamored with her amazing sense of style, grace and confidence. I thought to myself I dont know who this woman is but I know one day we will work together,  he recalled. And they did. Muslin hired him for his first fashion production job that later led to similar jobs with New York Fashion Week designers.

She was influential to countless fashion professionals, he said, recalling how Muslin advised him throughout his career, including supporting his move from San Antonio to Houston 18 months ago to become director of styling for Stage department stores across the country.

She had high expectations of herself and everyone around her. Mediocrity was never acceptable, he said.

Teri Lopez, a senior instructor at UIWs fashion management department, always will be grateful to Muslin for her untiring help in advancing the schools 37-year old Cutting Edge fashion show  from emceeing to loaning her own pearls, jewelry, belts, handbags and more to accessorize the student-designed fashions paraded in the show that today commands more than 600 guests annually.

I remember when Donna would bring in her own wardrobe and teach the students how to do the styling. She let them put garments together and then she would critique them. Shed show them how she could take a white blouse and pencil skirt and turn it into a western or business or chic evening look, Lopez said during a break at a textile convention in Vancouver, Canada.

Lopez recalled a tender story about a student at a fashion show who spotted Muslin in her signature look  black swirls of curls framing her blue eyes, a crisp white shirt covered in layers of pearls and fingers afire with dazzling statement rings.

Miss Lopez! Miss Lopez! the student excitedly said, I think I just saw Coco Chanel. After that I always called Donna the Chanel of San Antonio.

Indeed, Muslin was a San Antonio icon, not just for her fashion savvy, but for building awareness and funding for cancer research, said Suzan Lambillotte, a local fashion designer and manufacturer of her own namesake brand. She said Muslin also offered advice regarding her womenswear line and business.

She was tirelessly getting out there and connecting people. And nothing was going to railroad her, she said.

Muslins daughter, Lipari, said that even when her mother was dealing with breast cancer that was never an excuse for her to leave the house not put together in her signature look.

Days before she was diagnosed with acute leukemia, Muslin was out and about attending board meetings even though she wasnt feeling her best.

She never complained. She kept her sense of humor. She had no fear and no regrets, said Lipari, adding that just last month her mother joined a board that helps uninsured women with cancer.

My mom was known for her fashion savvy, but to me her life was about the people she helped. She lived her life to the very end on her terms.

In addition to her daughter, survivors include husband, Walter; sons, Greg Muslin and Scott Muslin; grandchildren, Ava, Jaci, Kristen, Alexa and Anton.

Contributions can be made to The American Cancer Society in Donna's memory.
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The raid by federal agents at Community Family Medicine this week wasnt targeting the West Side clinic. It was part of a wide-ranging investigation of pharmacies that provide compound pain medication to military veterans and others.

Compounding pharmacies create their own drugs by combining two or more prescription ingredients into one product.

For two years, federal prosecutors in at least four states, including Texas, have been working with the Defense Department and other agencies to investigate allegations that some of the firms and their sales staff are committing healthcare and prescription fraud, selling expensive pain creams and other drugs not approved by the Food and Drug Administration to veterans and their families.

The use of compounded drugs by current and former servicemen and servicewomen has skyrocketed in the past decade, federal data show. In some cases, the Defense Departments TRICARE insurance or other insurers have been socked with bills of up to $30,000 for a months supply of the compounded cream, records show.

They confiscated charts on select patients. I think they took 80 charts. I have 10,000 patients, said Dr. Javier Bocanegra, who runs the Community Family Medicine clinic that was searched Tuesday. Theyre not investigating what weve done with them. Theyre investigating the companies.

I wasnt committing any fraud, he added. We didnt do anything wrong.

Bocanegra said he was not familiar with any of the companies investigators were focused on. He said he had written prescriptions for certain pain medications to local pharmacies, and surmised that they might have had connections that led investigators elsewhere.

His lawyer, Celeste P. Lira, said agents had to get search warrants to get around HIPAA and other privacy laws that bar release of such information.

They were asking him to provide copies of pertinent patient files, and he cooperated fully,  Lira said. He is back open and there is no concern that he participated in any wrongdoing. Hes been an important part of the healthcare community  for 30 years and continues to provide quality care to his patients.

The clinic on Callaghan Road wasnt the only one the FBI, U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration and several other agencies searched as part of the probe. The San Antonio Express-News located at least three search warrant cases it confirmed are related to the investigation, though their contents are sealed. The drug companies said to be targets of the probe were not identified

I understand there were a number of clinics called on in the greater San Antonio area, Lira said.

Federal records show similar investigations in other states, particularly in Florida, in which federal agencies have pursued both civil and criminal charges against pharmacies that have billed TRICARE, affiliated marketers and doctors.

Bocanegra said he learned at least one of the target companies might be based in Florida but he was unfamiliar with it or any of the others mentioned by investigators.

In some cases, marketing firms searched social media websites to identify military members and their spouses to contact them to promote compounded creams, records indicate. TRICARE had been known to reimburse compounded drugs more generously than other federal health programs and private insurers, though the Pentagon has made some policy changes, according to a review of several investigative files.

In September, federal prosecutors charged 16 people in a massive $175 million compounding cream fraud in South Florida, including the alleged ringleader, Clifford Carroll, 36, of Boca Raton, court records show.

The fraud was operated from a number of companies in Boca Raton, led by Carrolls NuMedCare LLC, and included an unnamed failing pharmacy in Dallas.

Charging documents said the defendants concealed that they were paying illegal kickbacks to some doctors and medical professionals to issue prescriptions for compounded medications. The fraud targeted private insurance companies and TRICARE, court records said.

Also, in mid-October three members of the military were indicted in Tampa Bay, Florida for allegedly participating in fraud with Centurion Compounding Inc., a marketing entity, by providing expensive compounded creams for pain and scars to TRICARE beneficiaries, prosecutors there said.

Several Florida compounding pharmacies agreed this year and last year to pay millions of dollars to the Justice Department to settle civil allegations that they had improper financial relationships with doctors.

According to figures from the U.S. Government Accountability Office and the Defense Department, the amount of money TRICARE spent on compounded drugs went from $5 million in fiscal year 2004 to $1.75 billion in fiscal year 2015. The Pentagons 2015 cost for compounded medicines was 18 times the amount paid in 2012, according to the data.

The Houston-based International Academy of Compounding Pharmacists, which represents the industry, said in a statement Thursday that it does not condone marketing or billing practices involving fraud, waste or abuse.

Legitimately prescribed and dispensed compounded medications can dramatically improve a patients life, the statement said. The prescriber is the best person to determine an appropriate treatment regimen for a patient  Clearly, proper controls around the billing of compounded medications are needed to ensure patients can still access these important medications. IACP is open to working both with public and private insurers to work towards a system which ensures patient access but protects the insurer from fraudulent practices.

gcontreras@express-news.net

Twitter: @gmaninfedland
This is a carousel. Use Next and Previous buttons to navigate 3 1 of 3 Courtesy photo / Courtesy Show More Show Less 2 of 3 JERRY LARA, Staff / San Antonio Express-News Show More Show Less 3 of 3 JERRY LARA, Staff / San Antonio Express-News Show More Show Less





Officials in the Mexican border state of Coahuila on Thursday arrested the former mayor of Allende, the site of a 2011 massacre by the Zetas drug cartel.

Details of the massacre have come out in a series of trials in Austin and San Antonio federal courts. This summer, a jury in San Antonio found a Zetas middle manager guilty of several drug crimes, including taking part in the Allende Massacre.
A New Braunfels man was arrested Wednesday in Mississippi in connection with the death of his wife, a Stone Oak kindergarten teacher whose body was found in their burned-down home early Tuesday.

Gary Hendry was arrested in Mississippi on Wednesday on a murder warrant in the death of Gayle Hendry, a 15-year-veteran at Specht Elementary School, the New Braunfels Herald-Zeitung reported.

The New Braunfels Fire Department responded to a call for a structure fire in the 700 block of Forest Trail around 2:40 a.m. Tuesday, according to a Comal County Sheriffs Office news release. After the fire was extinguished, a body was found.

Specht Elementary Principal Jackie Sundt sent a letter to parents Wednesday confirming that Hendry died in the fire.

Sundt said Thursday that Hendry was deeply loved, not just by our staff, but the entire community.

A Rankin County sheriffs deputy made a traffic stop near Pelahatchie in central Mississippi and found the 60-year-old suspect with weapons in his vehicle, the newspaper reported. WLOX reported that Gary Hendry was driving a gray Dodge SUV.

The deputy stopped Mr. Hendry at gunpoint, a Rankin County undersheriff told the Herald-Zeitung. When he got him in custody, (Hendry) asked why he stopped him. He advised that there was a (bulletin for his arrest) and asked if (Hendry) knew why. (Hendry) said that he did. That was the extent of the conversation.

The Comal County Sheriffs Office said detectives were headed to Mississippi to extradite Hendry on a murder warrant, the newspaper reported.

The countys criminal investigations department did not immediately respond for comment.

Sundt wrote in the letter to parents that it is with great sadness that I must inform you that we believe one of our kindergarten teachers, Gayle Hendry, tragically lost her life Tuesday morning in a house fire.

On the Comal Independent School Districts website, Hendrys About Me page says she taught pre-kindergarten in San Antonio for 12 years before moving to Specht Elementary at Overlook Parkway in north Stone Oak.

Young children keep us busy and challenged, but I wouldnt change a thing, she wrote. We work hard in kindergarten, but we also have a lot of fun. Together, you and I will take your child on an eye-opening trip into the beginning of their school career.

kbradshaw@express-news.net

Twitter: @kbrad5
Officials at the immigration detention center in Karnes City have banned crayons for children in the facilitys visitation room, according to pro bono lawyers who work there, which they say is the latest example of mistreatment of Central American families seeking asylum.

The families also face strict rules on where children can use toys in the visitation room.

In a letter to U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement, lawyers working with a program that provides free legal services to families in detention said employees of Geo Group Inc., the private prison contractor that operates the center, have stopped children from using crayons and markers in a waiting area where parents often let their children play while they meet with lawyers.

Children have also been prevented from taking crayons into the meeting rooms with their parents, according to the letter.

GEO said ICE has a policy prohibiting outside crayons in the visiting room, but that they have access to crayons and books in other areas of the detention center. Both ICE and GEO have pointed out that the facility is not a standard detention center and gives detainees some freedom of movement, as well as access to medical staff, playgrounds and computers.

U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement has not banned crayons from the facility, the agency said in a statement. ICE currently provides TV, books and toys in the visitors area for children to use while waiting for their parent. For the safety of the facility residents, donated items brought into the visitation area, including crayons, are prohibited.

However, crayons, coloring books, books, toys and other educational materials are available to the residents of the center throughout their stay, the agency said. ICE is currently installing a chalkboard wall for children to use in the visitation area.

Attorneys working at the 830-bed detention facility said theyve long had problems with how officials treat children while their parents meet with their lawyers.

Children are restricted to a 9-foot-by-5-foot rug and are not allowed to take toys off the rug or into the visitation rooms with their parents, said Barbara Hines, a professor at the University of Texas School of Law.

Theres no reason why the children cant move off the rug. And I would say anyone whos had a two-year-old or a three-year-old or a five-year-old to confine them to whatever it is, we measured it, five-by-nine, is unrealistic, Hines said.

Theres never been an explanation as to why the children cant move a toy into the small visitation room where they sit with their mother, or move the toy to a table. They cant take a toy to the table and play with the toy, She said. They claimed the children destroyed GEO property by coloring on tables or coloring on the wall.

The Karnes detention center and a 2,400-bed facility in Dilley are the only facilities in the country capable of holding large numbers of immigrant families. The centers have come under intense criticism by immigration advocates because they say the majority of the families held there are asylum seekers fleeing gang violence in Central America who should be allowed to pursue their asylum cases while living in the U.S.

The detention centers opened after more than 130,000 immigrants traveling as unaccompanied children and in families crossed the border in 2014, the vast majority in South Texas. While overall illegal immigration is well below its peak more than a decade ago, the number of families and children crossing the border remains high.

After a brief decline, the number of families crossing the border exceeded 2014 levels since October 2015, while the number of unaccompanied children stayed just below the peak two years ago. In October, however, more than 11,000 familes were apprehended at the border, the most that Customs and Border Control has recorded. Last month, more than 6,700 unaccompanied children were apprehended at the border, the most since December of last year.

Because the majority of families surrender to Border Patrol agents and request asylum, their advocates argue that they arent likely to abscond and shouldnt be held in jail-like conditions. Theyve complained about access to counsel issues, room checks during the night and strict schedules that interfere with parenting.

Even before the ban on crayons, we have faced and continue to face significant impediments to working with traumatized women and children in the visitation area, the lawyers wrote in their letter.

jbuch@express-news.net

Twitter: @jlbuch
Religion pollster Robert P. Jones was among the many analysts surprised by Republican President-elect Donald Trumps win over Democrat Hillary Clinton.

But the head of the Public Religion Research Institute and author of The End of White Christian America said that while Trump was effective in communicating to white Christian voters that hes their last chance, his election wont stop their population decline nor reverse ongoing U.S. social and cultural shifts.

Jones will be in San Antonio on Saturday, joining thousands of researchers at the American Academy of Religion annual conference, beginning Friday and concluding Tuesday.

The organization, which is more than a century old, is the nations primary professional association of secular U.S. religious scholars and researchers. The conference will feature more than 1,000 sessions covering the worlds religions. About 8,000 people are expected.

Members of the Society for Biblical Literature, scholars of sacred texts and Scriptures, will meet concurrently.

Jones, founding CEO of the PRRI, which conducts public opinion polls on religious topics, said white Christians made up 54 percent of the population in 2008, when President Barack Obama was first elected. Today, its 43 percent, he said.

White Christians turn out, Jones said of Trumps victory. They were able to hang on at the ballot box longer than one might expect.

He lamented the fractiousness of the election, particularly unfortunate because, he said, it came as some white evangelical leaders were trying to bridge racial divides.

Jones cited the efforts of Russell Moore, president of the Southern Baptist Conventions Ethics & Religious Liberty Commission, who helped move the church to apologize for its role in slavery and to renounce public veneration of the Confederate flag.

Important progress was being made, Jones said. This is going to be a setback. Those political tensions will bleed over as conversations were just getting off the ground.

Jones admits hes pessimistic, saying, Im not sure where this divide leaves us.

The conferences 130-page list of events and speakers covers a wide swath of faith-related scholarship, from Buddhism and Hinduism to Christianity and Islam.

Workshops involve smaller groups of scholars, including discussions on the occult by the European Society for the Study of Western Esotericism; a study on U.S. Asian and Pacific Island Catholics analyzed by the Asian North American Religion, Culture and Society Group; and the Psychology, Culture and Religion Groups exploration of dreams as a primal wellspring of religious experience.

Cornel West of the Union Theological Seminary will lead Saturday mornings plenary, titled Love and Hate in American Religion, which will explore religious hatred toward Latinos, African-Americans and Muslims, their origins and practices.

Steve Herrick, the Academys director of external relations, said the conference will offer a few free events open to the public, including a screening of the PBS documentary On the Front Lines of Faith, about the work of chaplains serving soldiers in Afghanistan. Its set for 7:30 p.m. Saturday on the second floor of the Grant Hyatt. An accompanying panel will include Patrick Conroy, chaplain for the U.S. House of Representatives, and speakers from the Army and Air Force.

Jones examined more than four decades of polling data for his book  and he hasnt changed his conclusion that, as he put it: The sun is setting on white Christian America. I see whats happening here as the last gasp of a cultural force on its way down.

Often at these moments, when its clear that this world is not secure and (is) under threat, you get a strong reaction, he said. Trump is an expression of this world.

The divisions were discernible during the recent campaign, he said. PRRI data show, for example, that 7 in 10 white Christian voters agree whites now face discrimination and that its as big a problem as discrimination against racial minorities, he said.

Nearly two-thirds of white Christian registered voters say theyre bothered when they come in contact with immigrants who speak little or no English.

Trumps slogan, Make America Great Again, tapped into feelings of nostalgia, when white Christians were in the majority, Jones said, reflecting a palpable racial resentment, especially of the progress of the civil rights movement.

They didnt hold their nose and vote for Trump, he said. They were with him, and it was not just about Supreme Court appointments.

Jones said data also show that white Christians fear and are anxious about immigration and immigrants, Muslims, changing gender roles and same-sex marriage.

Were feeling the repercussions of that shake-up, Jones said. They heard it in Trumps own words, that this was your last chance. Hes right about that.

eayala@express-news.net

Twitter: @ElaineAyala
Senate Republicans moved to ban fetal tissue donations from elective abortions Thursday, making good on promises after the 2015 release of undercover videos from an anti-abortion group purporting to show the sale of fetal tissue.

Sen. Charles Schwertner, R-Georgetown, filed a bill Thursday that says abortion facilities cannot offer women the option to donate aborted fetal tissue. Licensed hospitals, ambulatory surgical centers and birthing centers can donate fetal tissue that is not obtained through an elective abortion to accredited universities for research, with written consent from the woman.

The proposal is one of Lt. Gov. Dan Patricks top 10 legislative priorities ahead of the legislative session beginning Jan. 10.

Nothing we do is more important than protecting innocent life, Patrick said. In the wake of discovering the notorious Planned Parenthood videos last year, in which employees were caught callously discussing the procurement of aborted baby body parts, the Texas Senate is taking aggressive steps to criminalize these despicable acts.

Texas abortion providers do not currently offer women the option to donate aborted fetal tissue. A Planned Parenthood facility in Houston most recently donated fetal tissue in 2010 as part of a research collaboration with the University of Texas Medical Branch in Houston, according to the Houston Chronicle.

State Republicans called for investigations into the states Planned Parenthood facilities after the release of videos  secretly made by anti-abortion group members posing as tissue buyers  featuring Planned Parenthood employees discussing donation practices and tissue procurement reimbursements.

Planned Parenthood has denied trying to profit from the donation of tissue, pointing out that it is legal to collect reasonable reimbursement fees.

The office of Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton and the states health agencies have not released the findings of investigations they launched in July 2015.

Because Texas abortion providers do not currently facilitate fetal tissue donations, abortion-rights groups expect the effect of the measure to be minimal.

Its certainly an interesting way to expend resources in the state, said Amanda Allen, senior state legislative counsel for the Center for Reproductive Rights. Texas would be far better off if they actually spent this amount of time improving womens health.

Schwertners bill would also ban partial-birth abortion in Texas, a specific type of procedure already banned by a federal law passed in 2003.

Schwertners proposal would allow someone to take civil action against a physician that performs the banned procedure.

Jeffrey Hons, president and CEO of Planned Parenthood South Texas, said partial-birth abortion is not a medical term and is being used as a lightning rod by Texas Republicans.

Schwertner is trying to polarize the public, Hons said. People elect lawmakers for many reasons  telling us how to feel about our reproductive health is not one of them.

Other Republican-filed abortion bills would force women who are more than 20 weeks pregnant to carry their pregnancy to term even if the fetus has a fatal abnormality and would require abortion facilities to bury or cremate fetal tissue.

bmartin@express-news.net

Twitter: @beedotmartin
Its only been four years since the last time Greg Brockhouse decided to run for City Council, but his life has changed pretty dramatically since then.

The Brockhouse who challenged District 6 incumbent Ray Lopez in the 2013 council election was a former mortgage-bank executive coming off two short stints in the council offices of Mary Alice Cisneros and Rey Saldana.

The Brockhouse who officially launches his campaign this week in District 6 is a municipal lightning rod: someone who has spent the past three years advising the San Antonio police and fire unions through tempestuous battles with the city; who helped lead political movements against a downtown streetcar project, council-pay charter amendment and SAWS rate hike; and who has emerged as Public Irritant No. 1 for City Manager Sheryl Sculley, the person who would sit to Brockhouses immediate left on the dais if he wins next May.

It was Brockhouses strategizing that pulled the public-safety unions beyond the realm of simply defending their benefits packages to making the larger point that the city should eschew expensive, ambitious projects and stick to its core functions.

Its a message that Brockhouse is carrying across District 6, where a term-limited Lopez is completing his final months in office.

Ive been out in that community for the last six months, Brockhouse said. Just going to neighborhood associations and listening. Ive compiled a keen and thorough understanding of whats important to the district.

The thing thats most important out here is youve got to prioritize that city spending and get after public safety, streets and sidewalks and jobs and education. From a community perspective, we have to get back to the basics.

Brockhouse, 44, is wiry and energetic, a fast talker who approaches even casual conversations with intensity and purpose.

A native of Peoria, Illinois, he grew up on the Southwest Side of San Antonio and graduated from John Jay High School. His dad served in the Air Force and his Army mom drove flatbed trucks in Kuwait during the 1991 Persian Gulf War. As soon as he graduated from high school, Brockhouse enlisted in the Air Force, ultimately leaving after 10 years when he decided the paychecks were too small.

In the same way he critiques the citys spending priorities, he also knocks himself for what he sees as the misplaced priorities (pride, ego and avarice) of his young adulthood.

He chased wealth in the mortgage-banking industry and achieved success with World Savings Bank until the 2006 housing bust wrecked his career there. He is on his third marriage and has fathered four children by four different women, a personal history he blames on his own immaturity.

Eight years ago, Brockhouse converted from the Lutheran faith of his childhood to Catholicism, and he credits that conversion  and the support of his current wife, Analisa  with reordering his priorities.

Expect him to lean on the line he employed during the 2013 campaign: Judge me by what Ive learned.

In 2014, Brockhouse gathered signatures for a petition calling for a public vote on VIA Metropolitan Transits controversial streetcar plan, an effort that built momentum for Mayor Ivy Taylors decision  a week after she took office  to pull the plug on the streetcar. The following year, he fought and lost a battle against council pay, and he later served as a messenger for the public-safety unions opposition to a three-year contract extension for Sculley that included $25,000 annual pay raises.

If you look at my record, and whatever Ive been involved in, it was never about projects being bad, Brockhouse said. It was always about the priorities being wrong. I want to get in there and reshape the priorities of our community but do it from a perspective of whats important to the neighborhoods.

Brockhouse sees skewed priorities in the citys consideration of bond funding (to the tune of $13 million) for a land bridge connecting the two sides of Hardberger Park separated by Wurzbach Parkway.

Theres a serious misallocation of resources in our community, he said. I would never advocate tearing down an entire bond. I think theres too much good in the bond to shoot the whole thing down. But I think you have to advocate for pieces of it that need to go.

Thats what were missing at City Hall. That hard dialogue and that good conflict  it doesnt exist right now. Its a very fractured council and theres a huge leadership vacuum.

ggarcia@express-news.net

Twitter: @gilgamesh470
The Prairie Doc: Men, you can thank women for your good health
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AHDB Potatoes Next Generation headed to see the science behind potato seed on a two-day Scottish tour earlier this month.

The group explored pre-basic minituber production on the first morning  the start of the process for the entire 4.8 billlion potato industry in Great Britain.

Virtually all seed potato stocks produced in Scotland originate from the in-vitro, pathogen-tested microplant nuclear stock maintained by SASA (Science and Advice for Scottish Agriculture), a Scottish government institution the group visited that same afternoon.

First up, the group were taken through the production processes at GenTech Propagation Ltd in Dundee, from initial splicing and microplant propagation, to minituber grading and bagging.

Adam Lidstone, of ware growers and packers A J Lidstone and Son, hailing from the opposite end of the British Isles in Devon, said: Before today, I hadnt any appreciation of the intensive operations involved in generating the seed that eventually arrives at our farm.

This visit also helped clarify for me all the classification categories, providing some thoughts on how that might play into my seed purchasing decisions.

With only one seed grower in the group, Andrew Johnston of Albanwise Farming Ltd, the delegates welcomed the visit as an opportunity to learn more about the details of seed production:

Even for me in my role, I had not seen the extent of the process prior to the commodity Im involved in producing. The morning was a real eye-opener, said Mr Johnston.

Steps behind the humble potato

Speaking about the Next Generation visit, GenTech Manager Nigel Ebblewhite said: We feel its important for all involved in the supply chain to gain a better understanding and awareness of the many steps involved in producing a humble potato.

Heading next to the Scottish Government facility, the delegates were hosted by SASAs export liaison officer Jacqueline Gibson.

Mrs Gibson introduced them to the array of specialist services in place to preserve and ensure the high health status of Scottish seed potatoes.

Key members of the potato and plant health teams provided insights into potato DNA fingerprinting, variety collections and virology, before the group tried their hand at microplant cutting within a mock sterile setup.

AHDB-sponsored nematology Fellow, Dr Kim Davie, provided a close-up look at SASAs advanced soil-testing systems which help keep Scottish seed land free of Potato Cyst Nematode (PCN).

The group concluded their tour with a demonstration of SASA's Seed Potato Universal Data System - a set of unified records tracking potato seed and ware production and associated health data across the country.

Offering traceability and field history useful for planning rotations, it has also proved valuable to scientific research in areas such as disease outbreak distribution monitoring.
A British businessman has claimed grasslands could provide enough gas to heat all of the UKs homes.

Ecotricity's founder, Dale Vince, unveiled his plan for Britain to make its own gas from grass, grown on marginal farmland, of which Britain has enough to heat almost every home in Britain.

Ecotricity outlines the potential in a new report  Green Gas Mills: The Opportunity for Britain  which shows that green gas from grass could provide all of the gas needs for Britains homes, pump 7.5 billion annually into the economy, and create a new industry with up to 150,000 jobs.

Additionally, green gas made this way is virtually carbon neutral, so could play a significant role in Britain meeting its climate targets, and could help create new habitats for wildlife.

Ecotricity has just received permission to build its prototype Green Gas Mill, the first of its kind in Britain. Grass at the plant would be turned into biomethane within 45 days and then injected into the national network, providing the heating needs of more than 4,000 homes.

The future is... grass

Making green gas from grass will support food production by improving soils (Photo: Ecotricitys green gas mill at Sparsholt College, Ecotricity)

Dale Vince said: As North Sea reserves run out, the big question is where were going to get our gas from next. The government thinks fracking is the answer, but this new report shows that we have a better option.

Recently, its become possible to make green gas and put it into the grid, in the same way weve been doing with green electricity for the last two decades. The current way of doing that is through energy crops and food waste  but both have their drawbacks.

Through our research, weve found that using grass is a better alternative, and has none of the drawbacks of energy crops, food waste or fracking  in fact, it has no drawbacks at all.

As our report shows, the benefits of Britain making its gas this way are astounding. And in the light of this new option available to us, I call on Teresa May to review the governments plan for where Britain gets its gas  post-North Sea.

We now have a more than viable alternative to fracking, which people have been fighting tooth and nail up and down the country to prevent. Its not too late, because fracking hasnt started yet. We need a proper review of where Britain gets its gas from  we can either frack the countryside or we can grow the grass. Its that simple.

Supporting food production

Making green gas from grass will cut carbon emissions, help Britain become energy independent, support food production by improving soils, create wildlife habitats, and provide support for farmers who are set to lose EU subsidies following Brexit, according to Mr Vince.

Lynne Featherstone, Liberal Democrat MP Minister, said: "If the government would only throw its weight behind green gas, it would go a long way to delivering on the government's renewable heating targets and secureenergy for the future."

Doug Parr, Chief Scientist and Policy Director of Greenpeace UK, said: As long as its not competing with food production, green gas like this project can be really helpful in getting the UK onto a cleaner and lower carbon path. Agriculture need not simply be part of the problem in tackling climate change, but through innovation it can be part of the solution, and improve wildlife habitats at the same time. 
Dale Farm has announced a 2.5p per litre increase on its base milk price, along with the 2p per litre winter bonus paid for October, November and December.

This brings Dale Farms milk price payable to farmer members to 26.17p/l, for milk of average constituents.

Nick Whelan, Group Chief Executive, Dale Farm said: "Today, at the cooperatives Annual General Meeting in Cookstown we announced a significant lift in our milk base price to our farmer members. We have said consistently that the business would give back once the market delivered, and we have kept this promise. This increase will hopefully reaffirm our members confidence and pride in Dale Farm, after two years of falling global prices.

Our farmers were very supportive today. The performance of the business in the past 12 months and our vision for the future was very well accepted. We have a strong customer base that recognises the value of Dale Farm post Brexit, and our members felt reassured by this. They asked constructive and progressive questions today of the board and me, and accepted the decision to open the milk pool to new suppliers.

Dale Farm is Northern Irelands leading dairy company owned by a cooperative of 1,300 dairy farmers and employing more than 1,000 people
There is an income crisis on livestock farms in Ireland as the collapse in beef prices is being blamed on Brexit, Irish Farmers' Association president Joe Healy told the Irish farm minister.

Speaking at a meeting of the Beef Forum chaired by Agriculture Minister Michael Creed in Dublin, Mr Healy said growing output alone without improving incomes on livestock farms is an 'unsustainable strategy.'

Mr Healy called on the government to increase market access to the UK by removing barriers on live trade and made it clear to the meat factories beef prices must rise.

The IFA President called on Minister Creed and the Government to mount a strong response at national and EU level to the challenge from Brexit. He said the collapse in beef prices blamed on Brexit is a market disturbance under CAP, similar to the Russian ban, and justifies direct action by the EU Commission.

"With the forecast for an additional 100,000 head of cattle next year, a strong live export trade is vital for calves, weanlings, stores and finished cattle. Live exports are essential for competition and to support market balance and viable prices, as well as additional market outlets," said Mr Healy.

'Crucial'

In September, the Ulster Farmers' Union said Cross border trade for cattle and sheep must be protected.

deputy President Victor Chestnutt, said: ""There are many established links between the livestock sector in Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland for both breeding and finished stock.

"This historic trade, in place for generations, is crucial if we are to sustain a vibrant and economically viable livestock sector north and south of the border," said the UFU deputy president.
A string of rural crime incidents has led to some farmers and rural business owners to think twice and increase their security systems.

A farmer in Wroughton, Wiltshire has vowed increase the security in his premises after finding thieves in the farm shop on Sunday 13 November.

Niall Jones, who runs a farm and small shop in the village, said after initially leaving then returning to the shop, he saw a car parked and thought it was a customer.

He told the Swindon Advertiser, "I thought it was a new customer but it was only when I put my head in the room that I saw everything was gone. I ran after them but the car shot down the lane without their lights on and that is when I managed to see that it was a small white hatchback."

Mr Jones said the farm shop ran on 'trust' that people can pick up fresh eggs and pay by themselves.

"It is a shame," he said.

"There are lots of people who do come and buy off us but if we are doing to have things nicked then we have no other choice. It is really irritating because we are providing a service and the village love being able to pop in and buy eggs and we must have over 100 customers come here."

"There is not a lot of money in farming anyway and when we took the farm on last year, we thought how can we sell our things and make it available to the village and community by providing a service," he told the paper.

Wiltshire Police said they are still investigating the incident.

In a separate incident, petrol engines worth thousands of pounds were stolen from a farmers shop in Berkeley Heath, Gloucestershire.

Burglars struck at TCS Country Supplies between 6pm on Tuesday, November 15 and 7.40am on Wednesday 16 November. They forced entry to a warehouse attached to the shop and made off with boxes containing the engines, with a combined value over 20,000.

They are believed to have made off in a stolen blue Land Rover Defender with the registration number M175 SCJ.

'42.5 million a year'

The cost of rural crime to the UK economy costs 42.5 million a year, according to reports. NFU Mutuals annual Rural Crime Report shows that despite little change overall, regionally, there were still winners and losers in the war on rural crime.

The worst affected regions remain the North East and East of England, with claims costing 7.9 and 6.9 million respectively.

Tom Shepherd, NFU Mutual Senior Agent in Leicestershire said: "Rural thieves are becoming increasingly sophisticated and using computers rather than bolt cutters to steal from farms and country properties.

"Farmers and police have been working hard to adopt high-tech security measures to tackle the problems which now include: cloning tractor identities, advertising non-existent machinery in agricultural publications and stealing the GPS computer systems which are a key part of modern farming."

North Yorkshire Police and Crime Commissioner Julia Mulligan said: "Research suggests that our rural communities dont feel as safe as their counterparts in towns. A survey I commissioned as Chair of the National Rural Crime Network (NRCN) showed that there is large-scale non-reporting of crime in the countryside and levels of satisfaction with the police are considerably lower than they are among town-dwellers."

You can contact the independent crime-fighting charity Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111 to help in these two cases.
Sales of antibiotics for use in animals in the UK are at a four-year low, putting the UK on track to meet ambitious targets to tackle antibiotic resistance, according to a government report.

The government has published the latest UK-VARSS report revealing antibiotic sales data for 2015, showing the livestock sector is well on course to reach its overall target set for 2018.

The headline figure is an overall 9% reduction, to 404 tonnes, in sales of antibiotics sold for use in animals, including companion animals, compared with 2014. This represents a four-year low.

The figures show the pig sector played a major part in bringing about that overall reduction. Sales of products licensed for both pigs and poultry were down 23 tonnes to 212 tonnes, a 10% drop.

Defra Minister for Rural Affairs and Biosecurity, Lord Gardiner, welcomed the reports findings, saying antibiotic resistance is the 'biggest threat' to modern medicine

Sales of products licensed for pigs only were down an even more impressive 24%, a 16 tonne reduction to 50 tonnes, the biggest fall across all the sectors. Overall sales for antibiotic use in food-producing animals dropped 10% from 62 milligrams per kilogram (mg/kg) to 56mg/kg.

This continues a ten-year downward trend and puts the UK on track to reach its 50mg/kg target by 2018. Sector specific targets are due to be agreed next year.

The VARSS report also showed a drop in sales of the highest priority antibiotics that are critically important for humans. Sales of these made up just over 1% of all antibiotics sold for use in animals in 2015.

UKs Chief Veterinary Officer, Nigel Gibbens, said those who work with animals 'have a key role to play' in the global fight against antibiotic resistance

'Pig sector is pulling its weight'

The National Pig Association (NPA) has welcomed the 'encouraging' new data confirming a significant reduction in sales of antibiotics for use on pig farms.

NPA chief executive Dr Zoe Davies said: We are encouraged by these figures, which show the pig sector is pulling its weight and is taking the challenge of reducing and refining antibiotic usage seriously.

We fully expect to see further reductions in 2016 and are committed to meeting the challenge of new targets that come our way. We will continue to press for these to be workable and proportionate. Meanwhile, we will continue to push forward the key principles of our Antibiotic Stewardship Programme to drive further change.

The report also highlighted the work the pig industry is doing to collect on-farm usage data via the electronic eMB-Pigs database.

NPA senior policy advisor Dr Georgina Crayford reiterated the need for any farmers who have not yet done so to upload their data.

Sales data can only tell us so much. Entering data onto eMB-Pigs is necessary to give us a more detailed understanding of the volume of antibiotics used on farm and how they are used. This, in turn, will help us agree reasonable reduction targets next year.

'ESBL enzymes' - resistant stuff

The VARSS report also showed the results of research on resistance in E. coli isolated from pigs in 2015. But the NPA said it is slightly concerned about the findings of extended spectrum beta-lactamase (ESBL)-producing E.coli.

Bacteria that produce enzymes called ESBLs are resistant to many penicillin and cephalosporin antibiotics and often to other types of antibiotic.

However, Dr Crayford added: We are comforted by the fact that ESBL genes found in E.coli from animals have in the past been different to the genes found in ESBL E.coli in human clinical cases, highlighting that the transfer of resistance from animals to humans is not a major concern. We are equally encouraged to see little to no resistance to 3rd and 4th generation cephalosporins and fluoroquinolones, critically important classes of antibiotics for human health, in Salmonella isolated from pigs.

Dr Crayford said the VARSS report highlighted progress being made in reducing antibiotic use on pig farms but also contained pointers for the future.

When it comes to setting further targets for the pig sector it is important to note that, while were committed to using antibiotics responsibly, reductions in antibiotic use will not necessarily result in a reduction in bacterial resistance. The key is to ensure that further development of antimicrobial resistance (AMR) does not happen. We must also ensure that we do not compromise the health and welfare of our livestock, Dr Crayford concluded.

Antibiotic resistance is a growing threat to human health - experts believe if we do not take action it could be responsible for ten million deaths per year and cost the global economy $100 trillion by 2050. In September, the UK government announced plans to tackle it, including a commitment to significantly reduce antibiotic use in animals.
A Dumfries and Galloway farm has been named as the 2016 Scotch Beef Farm of the Year.

Drumdow farm, near Stranraer, run by Robert Parker and his wife Eileen, was announced as the winner during a presentation at AgriScot.

Drumdow farm, near Stranraer, run by Robert Parker and his wife Eileen, was announced as the overall winner

Drumdow farm runs 170 Hereford and Aberdeen Angus cross cows and calves (otherwise known as Black Baldies) and a further 40 Hereford and Angus cross bulled heifers. All cows and bulls are outwintered on a 52 hectare moor. Cows are home-bred with heifers joining the herd calving as two-year-olds. The farm also has 150 Easycare ewes and gimmers.

Fergus Ewing, Cabinet Secretary for Rural Economy and Connectivity, said: "Farms like Drumdow are the mainstay of our livestock industry and I whole heartedly congratulate the Parker family on this award. This years winner and the other finalists should be commended for their commitment to building sustainable and viable farming businesses. Their success and commitment augurs well for the future of the beef industry in Scotland."

'Really happy'

Representatives from AgriScot and QMS visited all three finalist farms and were particularly impressed with the Parkers commitment to continually improving the efficiency of their farm.

"It was a pleasure to visit all of the finalist farms all of which demonstrated high quality beef production systems", said Douglas Bell, Head of Industry Development with QMS.

He added: "What particularly impressed us with Roberts production system was how he has designed and tailored it to suit the resources available at Drumdow. A ten-year programme of criss-crossing Hereford and Aberdeen Angus, using carefully selected bulls, has produced a high quality herd of Black Baldies which, when combined with Roberts management skills, is achieving high levels of technical and financial performance."

Andrew Moir, Chairman of Agriscot added: "We are delighted that we have a farm dedicated to producing quality meat in an easily managed system and - with climate change and carbon footprint moving to the top of the agenda - a sustainable way."

Robert Parker said he was delighted and astounded to have won: "My thanks go to my wife Eileen and our stockman Jim McCurdy who has been working with the Parker family for 45 years now. I am really happy with the performance of our cows and the balance in the breed now. However, there is always scope for improvement and well keep looking for ways to do that."
Continuing uncertainty around the future of the Areas of Natural Constraint (ANC) scheme is 'hindering businesses decisions' in hill areas, warns a farming union.

Ulster Farmers Union Hill Farming chairman, Ian Buchanan, has urged politicians to show their commitment to the scheme. He warned that there would be long term environmental and economic consequences, should the ANC be scrapped.

This uncertainty is causing real problems for farmers in severely disadvantaged areas when it comes to planning and making decisions for the future. Farming in these areas comes with distinct challenges, linked to landscape and climate, and these have a big impact on production costs. The ANC scheme recognises this and provides a support payment that helps to offset these natural constraints, said Mr Buchanan.

The hill farming chairman said that if the Department of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs (DAERA) decides to end the ANC scheme it would mean the immediate loss of 20 million a year to farmers in severely disadvantaged areas, which would eventually leave a huge void in primary cattle and sheep production currently being produced for the lowlands.

'Northern Ireland in danger of being left behind'

Scotland and the Republic of Ireland have already committed to continuing their ANC schemes. Both have also developed other ideas targeted at encouraging livestock production. Northern Ireland is in danger of being left behind if our government fails to deliver similar support, said Mr Buchanan.

He added that direct support and agri-environment payments remain the biggest source of income for most farms in severely disadvantaged areas. These payments support farmers in managing difficult landscapes. Removing them would not only be to the detriment of the agri-food industry, but would also have major environmental implications, he said.

Mr Buchanan is encouraging politicians to look at the ANC scheme in a broader sense and consider the environmental and tourism benefits. Much of the land in SDA areas acts as a carbon sink. And in terms of tourism, our picturesque countryside is being marketed worldwide to attract visitors. The ANC scheme supports farmers to maintain the countryside to a standard that is expected by tourists. When you consider the broader picture, the ANC delivers value for money for Northern Ireland, concluded Mr Buchanan.
'Brexit barrier': Sheep sector slams new rule for meat exports to EU
Warrenton, VA (20186)

Today

A mix of clouds and sun early followed by cloudy skies this afternoon. High 68F. Winds N at 5 to 10 mph..

Tonight

Cloudy skies early, then partly cloudy after midnight. Low around 45F. Winds light and variable.
Two 14-year-old boys have been charged in connection with having a gun at Unity Reed High School in Manassas this week. The gun was not brandished toward other students and was not part of an
Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin visits troops at Fort Bragg

The commander of Fort Bragg and the 18th Airborne Corps said, "Welcome Home," to Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin when he arrived on post Tuesday.
As I remark in the foreword to my new book A Motif of Seasons , I enjoy writing about women - their interaction with other women and with the opposite sex and the delightful complication they add to life through their presence, manifest in their gestures, their voices, their expressions, their tastes and opinions. A Motif of Seasons follows the lives of three feisty, strong-willed women. Below are my top ten inspirational heroines who inspired my writing.

A Motif of Seasons

Anna Karenina

Tolstoy's novel spins an intricate web of hypocrisy, jealousy, loveless marriage, bigotry, social snobbery and physical desire around an unhappily married aristocrat, Anna, and her lover Count Vronsky with whom she has fallen deeply in love.

It is a tragic story of a doomed affair - a reminder of the extent to which inflexible social norms in 19th century Russia did not favour freedom for a woman trapped in a dead marriage. Anna's tortured dilemma makes her an inspirational figure for me. I drew on her dilemma in one of my books Fortune's Sonata. The main female character is faced with a heart rending choice: to marry a man who loves her deeply - and she him - and who fulfils her sexual needs; or remain alone for the sake of the estate she has inherited and her reputation as an accomplished musician. Neither compensates the loss of a loving relationship.

Beatrice

Beatrice in Shakespeare's Much Ado about Nothing is a thoroughly modern woman - feisty, passionate, short tempered, witty, cynical and sharp tongued; taking no prisoners in argument and a fierce opponent of a woman's unequal place in 16th century Messina. Her dialogue crackles like a brush fire. Yet behind her bravado is a sensitive and vulnerable woman in need of equal love and respect. I found in her character a rich vein to mine in order to give some of my female characters in the Herzberg trilogy that crucial human spark.

Becky Sharp

She is a fascinating character in Vanity Fair - devious, unscrupulous and ambitious, using her sexual allure and cynicism to climb the social ladder and expose the upper classes to ridicule. Becky was initially a starting point for one of my characters in A Motif of Seasons but after a while she inspired me to go in a different direction.

Elizabeth Bennet

For me Elizabeth is a warm and pleasing heroine who steadily emerges in Pride and Prejudice as a worthy, inspirational woman. Though I did not seek to replicate her character in any of my books, nonetheless some of her traits and qualities - such as her intelligence, independent thinking and sharp tongue - helped me to mould one or two aspects of the principal female character in my first two books.

Cleopatra

In my most recent book one of the three leading female characters utters the opinion that the long deceased Countess was strong, clever, capricious, wilful, heroic and sensual - an extraordinary woman who survived the French Revolution and the Napoleonic Wars. Another replies that if that were so, she was like Cleopatra - that famous ancient Egyptian queen at the centre of a tragic story whose bitter end comes because of the weakness of her lover, Mark Anthony.

Cleopatra is fascinating - one of the most outstanding characters in English literature - because of her scheming, her use of sex to manipulate and her unremitting cold blooded ambition to equal the power of Rome. She is a force of nature.

Countess Natalya (Natasha) Rostova

Natasha's role in War and Peace typifies the position of women at the end of the 18th century, not just in Russia but elsewhere in Europe. Her tragic relationship with Prince Andrei Bolkonsky conducted (in contrast to Anna Karenina) according to the social norms of the time underlines dramatically the difficult task women faced in overcoming sexual inequality. It took the French Revolution and Napoleon to break open an unforgiveable system. Natasha's story of lost first love and ultimate redemption make her a strong literary personality.

Fanny Price

Fanny - in Jane Austen's Mansfield Park - is another worthy character on my list. Intelligent, quiet, conscientious and shy, she lives by a strict moral code - portrayed as a young, inexpressive woman, unwilling to speak out despite strong principles. But her constancy and will power triumphs. Her quietness, her understated outward assurance together with her inner vulnerability make her a compelling character reflected - to a small extent - in one of the female characters in my latest book.

Marquise de Merteuil

Les Liaisons dangereuses is a brilliant novel about moral corruption, infidelity and sexual betrayal - with the Marquise, the viper, at the heart of the story, using as does the equally venomous Valmont the weapon of cruel seduction to humiliate her chosen victims. She and Valmont relish their despicable games and boast of their talents.

While it is a tale of pre-French Revolution aristocratic decadence, it is equally a modern story - often played out in 21st century tabloid headlines. She and Valmont are fascinating characters - exponents of utter wickedness and limitless depravity, not just destroying others but ultimately themselves. She demonstrates human nature at its worst. It was with her in mind that I formed the main male character in A Motif of Seasons.

Moll Flanders

She is a delightful, bawdy character full of human flaws. Though her life of crime, debauchery, endless children and multiple marriages is breath-taking, she is a person of warmth, amusement and an incisive gauge of life and manners in England in the early 18th century. While none of my characters are based on her, the world in which she flourished and survived - nourished by her happy go lucky attitude to life - was useful background for my first two books, illustrating the chasm between the privileged and the poor. Her story echoes today's widening gap in society.

Sophie Zawistowska

Sophie is a tragic character in Sophie's Choice; so brilliantly portrayed by Meryl Streep in the 1982 film.

The unspeakable dilemma with which she is confronted - which of her two children should she send to the gas chamber to save the other - is a reminder to any writer of the evil that exists in the darker side of human nature. While the human spirit is often not extinguished by profound adversity, in Sophie's case it was. That is what makes her such a compelling and impressive character for me.

A Motif of Seasons by Edward Glover is out now (9.99, The Oak House). Available to order on Amazon.
The Killers have released surprise Christmas album 'Don't Waste Your Wishes'.

Brandon Flowers

The 'Somebody Told Me' hitmakers have put together a collection of 10 festive singles they've released each year for the AIDs charity RED including this year's single 'I'll Be Home For Christmas'.

The rock band - comprised of Brandon Flowers, Dave Keuning, Ronnie Vannucci, Jr. and Mark Stoermer - teamed up with frontman Brandon's school teacher, Ned Humphrey Hansen for the song, who taught him the reason behind the classic Yuletide tune.

The 'Brightside' group recently marked the 10th anniversary of their LP 'Sam's Town' with a vinyl reissue and a two-day Las Vegas "extravaganza" and they are currently working on a follow-up to 2012's 'Battle Born'.

Talking about the progress, drummer Ronnie told NME magazine: "We'll see what happens. We've been working with different people and seeing how it feels, and we're starting to work with another person now.

"I don't know if we wanna reveal who that is."

However, that person could be Sir Elton John, who previously revealed his plans to head out to Las Vegas to lend his expert songwriting skills to The Killers.

Elton, 68, said "I'm hoping to go to Las Vegas and write with Brandon Flowers for the new Killers record. So that'll be interesting."

Fans can digital download the record now and a limited edition physical LP will be available on December 9.

The track list for 'Don't Waste Your Wishes' is as follows:

1.'A Great Big Sled' feat. Toni Halliday

2. 'Don't Shoot Me Santa' feat. Ryan Pardey

3. 'Joseph, Better You Than Me' feat. Elton John & Neil Tennant

4. 'Happy Birthday Guadalupe!' feat. Wild Light and Mariachi El Bronx

5. 'Boots'

6.'The Cowboys' Christmas Ball'

7. 'Feel It In My Bones' feat. Ryan Pardey

8. 'Christmas In L.A.' feat. Dawes

9. 'Joel The Lump Of Coal' feat. Jimmy Kimmel

10. 'Dirt Sledding' feat. Ryan Pardey & Richard Dreyfuss

11. 'I'll Be Home For Christmas' feat. Ned Humphrey Hansen
Prince William is eager to know how Vietnam will "tackle the challenges" of the illegal wildlife trade.

The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge

The 34-year-old royal is currently on a two-day official visit to Vietnam to highlight the effects of illegal trade, which saw him visit a traditional medicine store in Hanoi known for its traditional pharmaceutical methods, which William was "looking forward" to because he was eager to speak to the pharmacist about their use of rhino horns in their medicine

According to US Weekly, a spokesperson from Kensington Palace said: "[William] said he was looking forward to hearing what Vietnam was doing to tackle the challenges presented by the illegal wildlife trade."

William - who has three-year-old son Prince George and 18-month-old daughter Princess Charlotte with his wife the Duchess of Cambridge, who is also known as Kate Middleton - believes Vietnam could easily be "leaders in wildlife conservation" and guide the way for other countries to follow in a bid to protect endangered animals, which he fears will be extinct in 25 years.

The spokesman added: "He [William] knows the people of Vietnam will share his concern that we have less than 25 years to save some of our most iconic species from extinction. He believes Vietnam has a real opportunity to be leaders in wildlife conservation."

And prior to Williams visit ahead of the Third Conference on the Illegal Wildlife Trade, which was held on Thursday (17.11.16), authorities in the area of south-east Asia seized two tonnes of elephant ivory and rhino horns and burned them to stop consumers from using the products.

Meanwhile, the Duke of Cambridge has urged people to enforce a ban on ivory immediately.

Speaking previously, he said: "China has already signalled a total ban, the USA has instituted one, and other nations, including the United Kingdom, are considering it.

"Ivory is not something to be desired and when removed from an elephant it is not beautiful.

"So, the question is: why are we still trading it? We need governments to send a clear signal that trading in ivory is abhorrent."
Samantha Womack is set to star in 'The Addams Family' musical.

Samantha Womack

The 'EastEnders' actress is set to bow out of the long-running soap as feisty blonde bombshell Ronnie Mitchell early next year and, although she only made the announcement last month, she's already been snapped up to portray Morticia Addams in the ghoulish production.

Samantha isn't the only big name to join the show either, as 'Coronation Street' star Les Dennis will portray Uncle Fester, while Tom Fletcher's sister Carrie Hope has also agreed to star in the musical.

The show, directed by Matthew White, will launch at the Festival Theatre in Edinburgh on April 20, 2017, but the first official first night will be held at New Wimbledon Theatre on May 16.

However, although they've secured their cast, producers are still being struck blows as the script - penned by Marshall Brickman, Rick Ellce and Andrew Lippa - is said to have had extensive re-writes since it was criticised following its stint on Broadway, according to the Daily Mail newspaper.

Meanwhile, Samantha's gig on stage will be her first major role after her exit from the soap.

It's not yet known how the 44-year-old actress will bow out of the programme but it's believed her alter-ego, which she has played for nine years, will meet a grisly end at the start of 2017 along with her sister Roxy Mitchell (Rita Simons) when they take their final breaths under water.

Rita has also decided to take a similar route after her exit as she too will join a West End production.

The 39-year-old actress is set to portray Paulette, the beautiful manicurist looking for love, in the theatrical version of the hit film 'Legally Blonde' for seven months from next September.

The production will kick off in Bromley towards the end of 2017 and will tour the UK, stopping off at theatres in High Wycombe, Bristol and Woking among other major venues until April 2018.
East African Community (EAC)s decision to phase out the imports of secondhand clothing items by 2019 is likely to have devastating economic impact in the region. The industry generates over thousands of jobs in East Africa and eliminating them will force entrepreneurs into poverty, says Secondary Materials and Recycled Textiles Association (SMART).

The ban directly contradicts requirements that African Growth and Opportunity Act (AGOA) beneficiaries work towards eliminating barriers to United States trade and investment and promote economic policies to reduce poverty. SMART seeks the reversal of the EACs ban and the roll back of the recently increased duties in EAC member nations no later than the next EAC Heads of State Summit, Jackie King, executive director of SMART, a US based non-profit organisation, told Fibre2Fashion.

Should the EAC fail to reverse its decision, SMART will pursue an out-of-cycle review of their AGOA eligibility and duty-free access to the US market with the aim of promoting economic, humanitarian and environmental welfare for the people of the EAC and the US, added King.

East African Community (EAC)'s decision to phase out the imports of secondhand clothing items by 2019 is likely to have devastating economic impact in the region. The industry generates over thousands of jobs in East Africa and eliminating them will force entrepreneurs into poverty, says Secondary Materials and Recycled Textiles Association (SMART).#

The secondhand clothing items exported by American companies into the African markets are specifically selected to meet the quality and price demands of African populations. This industry helps close the loop on post-consumer textile waste and the secondhand clothing items are not unwanted goods that are dumped in Africa.

Billions of pounds of secondhand clothing are in demand and being purchased globally, while very little, if any, of apparel manufactured in developing countries is sold within those countries. In fact, the secondhand clothing industry helps close the loop on post-consumer textile waste, and the real story is that individuals in Africa continue to demand the clothing that provide them the greatest utility, added King.

Many of these people live on as little as $1-2 or less per day, and would be hard pressed if they had to depend exclusively on higher-priced new apparel as opposed to quality, affordable, secondhand clothing, continued King.

She said that there is no evidence to support the claim that importing secondhand clothing is negatively affecting the local textile manufacturing industry. Countries like Pakistan, Guatemala and Honduras prove that the secondhand clothing and new textile manufacturing sectors can co-exist harmoniously.

A small number of apparel manufactured in developing countries is sold within those countries and are mostly designed to be sold to the western markets. New clothing businesses in developing countries can make more money producing clothing for export to wealthier countries in Europe and North America than selling them locally, according to Oxfam. Most textiles manufactured in Africa are exported for sale in developed countries, including the US and UK. (KD)

Read the complete interview here .

Fibre2Fashion News Desk  India
HON PM BAINIMARAMA STATEMENT ACCEPTING THE PRESIDENCY OF COP-23





Vinaka vakalevu. Thank you

Mr Chairman/Madam Chair,Excellencies,Distinguished DelegatesFiji is honoured and humbled by the confidence that the community of nations has placed in us to preside over the next United Nations Conference on Climate Change  COP 23  in Bonn, Germany, next year.We are the first Pacific Islands nation to be given this important task and we are acutely aware of the great responsibility that has been entrusted to us.As the region of the world that is destined to bear the worst brunt of the effects of climate change, we have been given a crucial platform to put our case. And I make the following pledge to our island neighbours and the other low lying nations of the world, along with the rest of the international community.Fiji will do everything in its power to fulfill its duty to place climate change at the very top of the global agenda. As President of COP-23, we will use this platform to continue to press for deeper cuts in carbon emissions to reduce global warming even further. And to counter the rising sea levels and extreme weather events that threaten the very existence of some nations.We will also do everything we can to lobby the industrial countries who are responsible for these emissions to allocate adequate funding - in the form of grants - to enable us to build our resilience and adapt to the terrifying new era that awaits us.I again appeal to the President-Elect of the United States, Donald Trump, to show leadership on this issue by abandoning his current position that man-made climate change is a hoax. On the contrary, the global scientific consensus is that it is very real and we must act more decisively to avert catastrophe.As the second biggest carbon emitter on earth, the United States must take responsibility for contributing to our collective response to this crisis and show leadership at this critical time.We in the Pacific  in common with the whole world - look to America for that leadership and for its engagement and assistance on climate change, just as we looked to America during the dark days of World War Two. And I say to the American people: You came to save us then. And it is time for you to help save us now.I renew my offer to President-Elect Trump to come to Fiji to see the effects of climate change for himself. And to meet Pacific Island leaders face-to-face in Fiji to discuss the crisis we are all facing, along with other low-lying areas of the world including parts of America.Fiji warmly thanks the nations of the Asia-Pacific for putting us forward and giving us our own opportunity to show leadership by presiding over COP-23. And I again pledge to do everything in our power to draw global attention to this most pressing issue that humanity faces - the preservation and survival of the planet on which we all live.
While Lion Heart is still roaring in Cinemas on its 49th day, with packed shows throughout the country, Saint Dr. MSG has already started shooting for the sequel titled 'Hind Ka Napak Ko Jawaab MSG Lion Heart-2'.

Dr. MSG revealed the first look from 'Hind Ka Napak Ko Jawab', where he is seen as a Secret Agent, laced with futuristic weapons, all set to take on the enemies. Check out the first look below!

Hind Ka Napak Ko Jawab is the the first movie based on the surgical strikes in Uri and Guruji MSG revealed that it will also capture the moments when our army men killed the perpetrators and the mindless violence against Indian lives. It will also provide evidence to those who have questioned the truth about the army action.

DR. MSG said, "It is deplorable to question the integrity of our army; Our soldiers stay awake and sacrifice their lives for the nation so that we can live in peace, and there are some playing petty political games."

Iulia Vantur Opens Up About Her Experience In India!
Rating: 2.5 /5

Cast: John Abraham, Sonakshi Sinha, Tahir Raj Bhasin, Adil Husain, Narendra Jha

Director: Abhinay Deo

Producer: John Abraham, Vipul Amrutlal Shah, Viacom Motion Pictures

Writer: Parveez Shaikh, Jasmeet K.Reen

What's Yay: High octane action sequences, John Abraham, Tahir Bhasin's shady character

What's Nay: Nothing new to offer

Popcorn Refill: Strictly Interval

Plot: Films have one sure way of involving us that never fails, they give us a character who has been wronged and then invite us to share his frustrations as they try to talk some sense into the blockheads. That character in Force 2 is Rudra Pratap Singh alias Shiv Sharma (Tahir Raj Bhasin), who is out to destroy the Indian intelligence agency RAW. Stopping him in his endeavour are ACP Yashwardhan aka Yash (John Abraham) and an Intelligence Officer, Kanwaljeet Kaur aka KK (Sonakshi Sinha).

The narrative begins with a few RAW agents getting eliminated in Shanghai but Anjan Das, the head of RAW, is not perturbed. It is when Mumbai Police Inspector Yashwardhan receives a coded message in form of a gift from his deceased friend, he realises that his friend was betrayed by someone from within the agency.

To avenge his friend's death and to avoid other RAW agents from getting eliminated, Yash offers his services to RAW. Anjan Das reluctantly agrees to Yash being on the mission, but not before assigning an able and efficient KK, as the team leader. The lead takes the duo to Budapest to catch Tahir Bhasin and what follows is the majority of the action sequence.

Direction: Director Abhinay Deo has done what he is good at. He has made sure that he doesn't disappoint action lovers out there. Without mixing too much of comedy or romantic angle, the director has kept the film true to its genre.

Acting: John Abraham as Yashwardhan is all beefed-up. He shines sporadically with his muscle power and he offers his punches more convincingly than his dialogues.

Sonakshi Sinha is natural as the agile KK. With no deviation in her character, her on-screen chemistry with Yash is winsome and together, they make a perfect buddy duo who bond over the investigation.

Tahir Raj Bashin is the surprise package, of the film. Understated, and ordinary in his approach, he propels the narrative convincingly, but unfortunately, since we Indians like our antagonist to be larger than life, he disappoints a bit and this is not his fault.

Adil Husain as the politician, Narendra Jha as Anjan Das and Boman Irani as Rudra Pratap Singh's father, in miniscule roles are effectively perfunctory.

Other Technical Aspects: Technically, the film is mounted with excellent production values. The lone song snuggly fits into the narrative. The chases and the action sequences are well-choreographed and they tend to be stretched at times.

However, the climactic sequence with visuals captured by hand-held cameras and layered with loud background score gummed together in snappy edits, is an eye sore.

Verdict: Overall, Force 2 offers nothing that you have not seen before, yet entertains you. It is an ideal watch for John and Sonakshi fans.
Shruthi Ramachandran, the actress who rose to fame with her role in the recently released horror thriller Pretham, entered wedlock. Shruti tied the knot with her longtime boyfriend Francis Thomas, on November 17, Thursday.

The wedding, which was held in the actress's hometown Ernakulam, was a low-key ceremony attended by only the close family members and friends of the couple. Shruti and Francis have been in a relationship from the past few years.

Here are some clicks from the mehendi ceremony and the couple's personal collection....

Shruti & Francis Shruthi and Francis are getting married after several years of courtship, with the blessing of both the families. The Wedding The wedding, which was a simple, low-key affair, was attended by only the family members and close friends of Shruti and Francis. Mehendi Ceremony The families had arranged a special mehendi ceremony for Shruti, on the wedding eve. The friends of the couple have shared some special mehendi clicks on Facebook. The Wedding The close associates have also shared a special video of the newly married couple on social media. The wedding pictures are yet to be released. Best Wishes Here we wish Shruti Ramachandran and Francis Thomas, a wonderful married life ahead.

Shruti Ramachandran, who is a multi-faceted talent, is an architect by profession. The budding actress is currently working as an assistant professor in Azadi Engineering College, Vytilla, Kochi.

The actress, who is also a trained classical dancer, is the student of popular dancer Narayani Anoop, the daughter of Mullassery Raju. Shruti wants to equally concentrate in her teaching and acting careers.

It was Narayani, who suggested Shruti Ramachandran to director Ranjith, who was searching for a new face for his Dulquer Salmaan movie Njaan. Later, she made her acting debut by playing Dulquer's girlfriend in the movie.

Later, she acted in a pivotal role in the recently released Jayasurya-Ranjith Sankar movie, Pretham. The actress's performance in the movie as a ghost, and her different look, were widely accepted by the audiences.
Summer In Bethlehem, the Sibi Malayil movie, is one of the most celebrated multi-starrers of Malayalam movie industry. The movie, which was released on September 4, 1998, had Suresh Gopi, Jayaram, and Manju Warrier in the lead roles.

The movie, which was written by popular writer-director Ranjith, highly impressed the audiences and went on to become the highest grosser of 1998. Summer In Bethlehem is still considered as one of the classic family entertainers of Mollywood.

Social media audiences have conducted several discussions and surveys on the new possible star cast of Summer In Bethlehem, if the movie is hypothetically remade now.

Here are our suggestions... Have a look....

Dulquer Salmaan As Dennis Dulquer's exceptionally good voice and acting chops make him a perfect choice for the role of Dennis, the rich orphan. The soft-hearted, selfless lover's role is just tailor-made for the actor. Nivin Pauly As Ravishankar Nivin is an actor who creates wonders with his charming screen presence. He is also an actor who can pull off comical characters with perfection. It will be really exciting if Nivin is roped in to play Ravishankar, the most-wanted 'murachekkan'... Parvathy As Abhirami Parvathy is undoubtedly most talented and versatile actress of her generation. She has an amazing skill to carry any type of characters on her shoulders. We can't really think of any other choices for the role Abhirami, which still remains as one of the best roles in Manju's career. Soubin As Monai Well, we are sure that no actor can replace the supremely talented Kalabhavan Mani. But considering his great comic timing and camaraderie with Dulquer and Nivin, Soubin will be a good choice for the role Monai. Prithviraj As Niranjan It is hard to imagine any other actor in the place of Niranjan, the character played by Mohanlal. It is has been considered as one of the best ever cameo appearances of Mollywood. If the movie is being remade today, Prithviraj is the only actor who can do justice to this role.

Summer In Bethlehem dealt with the story of Dennis, a rich orphan who longs for love, Ravishankar, Dennis's best buddy and a struggling youngster who fabricates his family, and Abhirami, Ravi's cousin.

Vidyasagar composed the songs and background score for the movie. Most of the songs, especially 'Ethrayo Janmamay' sung by Sujatha and Sreenivas, became chartbusters and are still in the playlists of most of the Malayalis.

The movie ends without the revealing the identity of the girl who loves Ravi secretly and sends him a kitten & audio cassette through courier service. Still, the Malayali audiences are longing to know who the mystery girl is.
SAN LEANDRO, CA--(Marketwired - November 17, 2016) - The Gate 510, a creative commercial space for the art, tech and maker community, will open its doors from 4:30-8:30pm for the third annual "Gratitude Party", to be held on Thursday, November 17. Gate 510 tenants and Factory 510 coworking members will share the property's Town Hall to reveal their latest innovations in a festive atmosphere with a backdrop of live music, dancing, a photo booth, and lots of food and drink, to honor the community that has developed over the years. The Gate 510 is located at 1933 Davis Street in San Leandro with ample parking.

During the event, We Are From Dust (WAFD), a new non-profit arts organization dedicated to showcasing the transformative power of interactive art in public spaces, will also officially launch. WAFD will kickstart its fundraising campaign to send nine established Burning Man artists to the 57th International Art Exhibition, otherwise known as the Venice Biennale in Italy, which begins in May 2017.

The "Art Refuge" will showcase artist in residence, Nick Radell, aka Smoke Daddy's, 20 year retrospective of neon art. Guests will visit displays hosted by Founders of Art, Tech & Maker innovations Made at The Gate. And everyone will enjoy specialty foods and handcrafted libations made by tenants & members of The Gate including beer specialties from Drake's Brewing, Dr Hops Kombucha, and DrinkVerbena, sparkly fruit infusions.

Anna Edwards

BeeCharge

Binky Bunny

Bon Appetit Box

Bottle Bracket

Creating Perfume

Direct Images Interactive

LumenEssence

Memphis Meats

Open Sesame Door Systems

PhaseSpace

Pinx Catering

Rafael Vanoni

Re-Mixed Ink

Steamm

Tiny Farms

Type A Machines

Unpossible Cuts

Verde Vivo Tea

Gate 510 property & Factory 510 creative coworking Co-Founder Cheryl Edison said, "The Gratitude Party is our way of bringing together our Art, Tech, Makerspace community to reflect on the past year's challenges and celebrate achievements. We're especially grateful to ScanlanKemperBard together with WHI Real Estate Partners for their hallmark transformation from puzzling commercial property in an economically challenged city to become the nation's premier Makerspace, packed with Silicon Valley innovation leaders. We are honored to host the launch for We Are From Dust, as they share our values and commitment to linking creativity, community and commerce."

"We applaud our tenants for their innovations and The Factory 510, for their co-working and creative space programs as the next step in our goal to provide art, tech and makers a place to meet, test projects, and grow their businesses," said Stephen Wong, Senior Vice President of ScanlanKemperBard which, together with WHI Real Estate Partners, owns and operates the property. "All tenants of our building have full access to the newly outfitted lounges, co-working areas and program activities with new Factory 510 members, creating one of the largest incubation and acceleration environments for creative entrepreneurship in the whole Bay Area."

WAFD Grant Recipients

Out of 80 submissions earlier this year, nine artists have been selected to receive grants to fund exhibition of their artworks at the Biennale in Venice next year. Some of these works have been on display at previous Burning Man events and will be recreated for the Biennale, while others are new installations. They include:

Mars Transmitter -- Kate Raudenbush

Singularity Project -- Rebekah Waites

Compound Eye "I" #2 -- Kirsten Berg

Dreamland -- Flux Foundation

The Pool -- Jen Lewin

BE ART -- Laura Kimpton

The Memories of Home -- Sema Payain

Squared -- Charlie Gadeken

Cleavage in Space -- Rosanna Scimeca

WAFD aims to raise $1.6M to cover the expenses of creating, shipping, installing and maintaining the works over many months during the Biennale. While initial sponsors have already contributed towards this goal, WAFD is actively seeking additional funds to subsidize artists' costs. The artists will also be raising money through their own communities.

"As a brand new arts organization, we were delighted by the high concept and quality of submissions we received from well-established creators known for making big art," said Elizabeth "BettieJune" Scarborough, We Are From Dust Curator. "We're currently evaluating artist budgets and working with patrons and strategic partners to help offset as much of their costs as we showcase their art at the Biennale next year, and beyond."

WAFD's goal is to be a Collateral Event at the Biennale, and to be featured in the Biennale's official communications, schedules and maps.

Get Involved

The Venice Biennale is the first exhibition that WAFD will help fund and facilitate, but more exhibitions and events are in the works. To get involved, please follow our social channels on Facebook, Instagram, @wafdust. You can also find ways to participate on our blog and you can stay in the loop by subscribing to our newsletter.

About The Gate 510

The Gate 510 is the nation's premier Makerspace, that goes beyond the concept of a "commercial property." The Gate 510 melds commerce and creativity under one roof to meet the expanding needs of the 21st century's movers and shakers. Studded with high quality amenities, The Gate is five minutes from Oakland International Airport, has the nation's fastest fiber optic internet and nurtures a thriving community of large- scale artists, technologists, and makers. Make It Here! http://thegate510.com

The Factory 510 is creating a whole new definition of a place to work through an innovative business model that builds property value and local economies as it nurtures entrepreneurial companies and projects, TheFactory510 offers creative coworking programs for short term and drop-in users in an energetic accelerator/incubator environment. The Factory's memberships provide the right space for your next big thing. http://thefactory510.com

ScanlanKemperBard is a privately held real estate merchant bank based in Portland, OR which acquires, manages and transforms commercial properties into profitable, risk-adjusted returns for select high-net-worth individuals, family offices, trusts, and institutional investors. https://skbcos.com/

About We Are From Dust

We Are From Dust is a non-profit organisation dedicated to harnessing the transformative power of interactive art in public space. We take our inspiration from Burning Man / Black Rock City and its 10 Principles. www.wearefromdust.org

Cheryl Edison

Cheryl@CherylEdison.com

14155339990

@CherylEdison
Mazda CX-4



Corporate Communications Division Mazda Motor Corporation, Japan +81-3-3508-5056 [Tokyo] +81-82-282-5253 [Hiroshima] mailto: media@mazda.co.jp

HIROSHIMA, Japan, Nov 18, 2016 - (JCN Newswire) - Mazda Motor Corporation announced that the new Mazda CX-4 has been named China Car Design of the Year in the 2017 China Car of the Year awards organized by the Chinese Automotive Media Chief Editors' Club (C-Club) and PRIME Research & Consulting (Shanghai) Ltd. It is the first time a Mazda has won the award.Launched in China in June, the CX-4 crossover SUV features SKYACTIV Technology and KODO-Soul of Motion design throughout. It offers outstanding environmental and safety performance and Jinba-ittai driving for various scenes, with large wheels, genuine SUV-like clearance and excellent all-road ability courtesy of Mazda's i-ACTIV AWD new-generation all-wheel drive system. A beautiful design imparts a striking presence and intuitive functionality makes the vehicle easy to use in daily driving situations. Sales in China reached 21,860 units at the end of October."Thank you very much for this prestigious award," said Iwao Koizumi, Chief Designer of the CX-4. "I'm delighted that people in China appreciate the value of CX-4's design. I sincerely hope the beauty of the CX-4 strikes a chord with Chinese customers, provides them with pride and joy, and helps to strengthen their connection to the Mazda brand."About MazdaMazda Motor Corporation (TSE: 7261) started manufacturing tools in 1929 and soon branched out into production of trucks for commercial use. In the early 1960s, Mazda launched its first passenger car models and began developing rotary engines. Still headquartered in Hiroshima in western Japan, Mazda today ranks as one of Japan's leading automakers, and exports cars to the United States and Europe for over 30 years. For more information, please visit www.mazda.comSource: MazdaContact:Copyright 2016 JCN Newswire . All rights reserved.
LONDON, November 18, 2016 /PRNewswire/ --

31% of students using credit cards and pay day loans to cover university living costs

70% of students admit their government student loan does not cover expenses

Almost a third (31%) of students turn to credit cards, overdrafts and payday loans to cover living costs while at university, according to new research commissioned by the UK's first specialist student lender, Future Finance.

This comes as 70% of students surveyed admitted they do not think their government loan is enough to cover all of their expenses at university - perhaps accounting for this reliance on riskier forms of funding.

Worryingly the results from the survey also show that almost a quarter of students (24%) do not consider credit cards, pay day loans and overdrafts as forms of debt.

In fact, there is a stark knowledge gap when it comes to financial understanding. Although 63% of those students surveyed consider themselves to possess a good understanding of finance, 40% of them do not know what APR stands for.

It is also suggested that parents should do more to impart a positive financial example to their children. 81% of parents believe they are qualified to financially educate their children - yet just 39% of students cite their parents as their biggest financial influence. Parents should endeavour to raise awareness around financial education to ensure their children are prepared for an independent lifestyle.

Brian Norton, CEO and co-founder of Future Finance, comments: "It is worrying that significant numbers of students rely on credit credits, payday loans and overdrafts without even seeing them as debt.

"These products are typically not tailored to students or to the lifecycle of higher education and we would encourage students to research all financial options available to them before choosing which form of credit they need to help them through their university life.

"For many students, going to uni is the first time they're required to stand on their own feet financially. It's a big change in their life and it can be a steep learning curve. Schools, universities and parents alike have a duty to support students and help nurture their financial awareness."

Future Finance is the UK's first specialised private student lender providing undergraduates and postgraduates an additional way to fund their university education. With an uncertain economic period ahead, it is more important than ever for students to take control of their finances and avoid turning to riskier forms of credit.

About Future Finance lending

Future Finance, the UK's first specialist student lender, provides competitive tailored loans to students in the UK and Germany when government loans and bursaries are not available or enough to cover the cost of higher education. Future Finance is facilitating access to education through its proprietary lending platform, enabling it to lend to students who in many cases would not be able to obtain loans from banks.

Future Finance also provides loans to undergraduates and postgraduates of between 1,000 and 40,000 each academic year to help them pay for tuition costs and living expenses. Loan periods are for ten years after graduation although borrowers can settle early at any time, with no early repayment charges, and reduce the amount of interest that they pay overall.

Future Finance is authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority.

http://www.futurefinance.com
DANDERYD, Sweden, Dec 16, 2016 /PRNewswire/ --

According to the decision by the Annual General Meeting (AGM), the members of the Nomination Committee should be appointed by the four shareholders having the largest holdings in NOTE and which desire to appoint a representative. On account of changes within the ownership structure, there are consequently changes in the composition of the Nomination Committee.

The Nomination Committee now comprises of:

- Kjell-Ake Andersson, own holdings and family

- Fredrik Hagberg, own holdings and company

- Johan Hagberg, own holdings

-Jonas Hagstromer, Creades AB

The Nomination Committee is appointed by shareholders together representing approximately 50 percent of the voting rights for all shares of the company.

For more information, please contact:

Kristian Tear, Chairman of the Board,

tel. +41 795 121 525

Stefan Hedelius, CEO and President,

tel. +46 761 000 731

About NOTE

NOTE is one of the leading Northern European manufacturing and logistics partners for production of electronics-based products. NOTE produces PCBAs, subassemblies and box build products. NOTE's offering covers the complete product lifecycle, from design to after-sales. NOTE has a presence in Sweden, Finland, the UK, Estonia and China. Net sales in the last 12 months were SEK 1,115 million; the group has approximately 1,000 employees. NOTE is listed on Nasdaq Stockholm. For more information, please go to www.note.eu.

NOTE AB (publ) discloses the information provided herein pursuant to the Market Abuse Regulation and Nasdaq Stockholm's Rule book for Issuers. The information was submitted for publication on 16 December 2016 at 1:30 p.m. (CET).

CONTACT:

This information was brought to you by Cision http://news.cision.com

http://news.cision.com/note/r/changes-in-note-s-nomination-committee-for-the-annual-general-meeting-2017,c2151934

The following files are available for download:
MEMPHIS, TN--(Marketwired - November 18, 2016) - Data Facts, Inc., a nationwide provider of lending solutions and background screening, recently announced their Executive Vice-President Julie Wink was elected to serve the National Consumer Reporting Association (NCRA) as President for the 2017 term.

Julie has played vital leadership roles within the NCRA as part of the Legislative, Strategic, and Education & Compliance Committees, serving as a Co-Chair, a member of the Board of Directors, and Vice-President and Treasurer. Serving as President is a natural next step.

Julie is pleased to be able to serve the NCRA in this capacity. "The NCRA is an essential source for distribution of vital industry information. The upcoming year is sure to bring new challenges within the industry. Data Facts' involvement with the NCRA will ensure that our team and clients are mindful of and prepared for all changes and updates. As the NCRA President, I will make sure Data Facts continues to be a leader in our quest to aid our client partners in continued awareness."

Daphne Large, Data Facts' CEO and a past NCRA President, views Wink's new role as a crucial responsibility. "Each person at Data Facts is committed to serving our clients and community in a trusted advisory capacity. We want to be instrumental in helping their businesses be as successful as possible. Julie serving as the NCRA President will empower us to be informed and equipped to rise to the challenging demands our industry makes on us all."

Julie Wink began her career with Data Facts in 1995, as an Account Executive. She was promoted to Sales Director in 2001, and to Executive Vice President and Partner of Data Facts in 2005. Wink has served on a variety of committees, including the Nashville Mortgage Bankers Association and the Tennessee Mortgage Bankers Association.

About the National Consumer Reporting Association

The NCRA is a national trade organization of consumer reporting agencies and associated professionals that provide products and services to hundreds of thousands of credit grantors, employers, landlords and all types of general businesses.

NCRA's membership includes two of every three mortgage credit reporting agencies in the United States that can produce a credit report that meets the requirements of Fannie Mae, Freddie Mac and HUD for mortgage lending. Additionally, our members produce reports for employment screening and tenant screening.

NCRA shares its knowledge and understanding of the industry with its members through the Annual Conference, Educational Tele-Seminars, and weekly educational publications.

About Data Facts, Inc.

Since 1989, Data Facts, Inc. has provided trusted information to mortgage lending and background screening professionals to reach sound lending and hiring decisions. The company maintains a national footprint, keeps a close eye on technological development, and stays at the forefront of industry compliance and regulations. This insight allows them to provide a suite of comprehensive solutions to advance their clients' efficiency in sound decision making. Their dedication to operational excellence and personalized support has solidified them as an industry leader.

Their commitment to above industry standards is proven by their NAPBS accreditation, sustaining SOC 1 and SOC 2 certifications, all staff members upholding FCRA certification, and maintaining active roles on the NCRA and multiple MBA boards.

Data Facts, Inc. was the proud recipient of the Commercial Appeal's Top Workplace Award in 2013, 2014, and 2015.

For more information, please contact Data Facts, Inc. at 901-685-7599 or email info@datafacts.com. Subscribe to their lending solution or background screening blog, follow them on Twitter at @dfscreening and @dflending, and connect on LinkedIn at Data Facts, Inc. to stay abreast of industry updates.

Image Available: http://www.marketwire.com/library/MwGo/2016/11/17/11G122572/Images/Julie_Wink_2012-58bb1ac5654f8ca38346d64742d087d8.jpg

Data Facts, Inc.

901-685-7599

info@datafacts.com
Announcement no 245 - 18 November 2016 Highlights Q1 2016/17:In the first quarter of 2016/17 Rovsing continued the strong sales growth. The sales grew by 61 % compared to same period last year.Q1 2016/17 was dominated by continued activities for large Power SCOE contracts and the ramp-up of the DSTE products and systems.In August 2016, Rovsing signed the agreement for deliveries of stand-alone Solar Array Simulator (SAS) modules to the MetOp-SG Satellite Programme.In the summer, Rovsing won OHB System in Bremen, Germany as a new customer for its standards products and entered OHB's supplier base for future EGSE systems.In September 2016, Rovsing signed the Distributor Agreement for the Chinese mainland with Shanghai Keliang Information Tech. & Eng. Co. Ltd (Keliang) for Rovsing's Power SCOE products.Rovsing was contracted by ESA/ESTEC to provide technical training for a Galileo IOV EGSE system that Rovsing delivered earlier to the industry prime.Financial highlights Q1 2016/17:-- Turnover for the period was DKK 9.0 mio. (Q1 2015/16: DKK 5.6 mio.) with an EBITDA of DKK -0.2 mio. (Q1 2015/16: DKK -0.1) The EBITDA is impacted by considerable investments in SAS and DSTE production ramp-up and knowledge transfer (cf. Annual Report 2015/16).-- Equity amounts to DKK 15.2 mio. (30/9 2015: DKK 25.9 mio.).Outlook for 2016/17For the financial year 2016/17, Rovsing confirms its outlook of an expected turnover of DKK 32-35 mio. with an expected EBITDA of DKK 0-2 mio.The very strong sales growth continues to challenge the liquidity situation in Rovsing. To pursue and support the full growth potential of the increased activities, Rovsing will investigate the option of increasing the capital by way of a direct listing of up to 10 % of the share capital.Further informationRovsing A/S, Cristian Bank, CEO (cbk@rovsing.dk)Attachment:https://cns.omxgroup.com/cds/DisclosureAttachmentServlet?messageAttachmentId=605002
BAKU, Azerbaijan, November 18, 2016 /PRNewswire/ --

Leading educators from around the world gathered in Baku, Azerbaijan, Wednesday for the opening of the country's first Azerbaijan Teachers Development Centre, which offers training for local teachers in modern methods of education.

Founded by The European Azerbaijan Society, the centre provides an on-going professional development for teachers with the newest research on how children learn, supporting education across the post-Soviet region.

"This centre is the first of its kind in this country," said Tale Heydarov, Chairman of TEAS. "We're taking an innovative, novel approach, developing the skills of our teachers by integrating international best practices, thereby bringing the best of education to Azerbaijan.

Bill Martin, a leading U.S. educator and the co-author of a new book entitled "Schools that Deliver," stressed the importance of well-trained teachers in the development of nations.

"Azerbaijan understands something that many countries do not: teachers are the most valuable resource for this country's future," he said. He added that the teachers development centre "is symbolic of how serious Azerbaijan takes the role of teachers for the future of the country."

The centre will train about 3,000 educators a year and has implemented - together with the ECIS (European Council of International Schools) - the International Teachers Certificate programme in Azerbaijan.

The centre has taken the teaching community by storm. Teachers of all ages and varying experiences learn how to successfully engage children in learning and present them with new information. The technological revolution too has impacted the educational landscape across the globe.

Graeme Pollock, a New Zealander who serves as the Director of the Azerbaijan Teachers Development Centre, pointed out the challenges of the former Soviet republic, as the country rebuilt itself over the past quarter century, including the education system.

"Currently the teaching workforce grew up in the Soviet era, so the remnants of the Soviet education practices still prevail among many of them," he said. "Thus, bringing about change in education in Azerbaijan is a very complex process and this centre will leapfrog this development."
KINSHASHA, DEMOCRATIC REPUBLIC OF CONGO -- (Marketwired) -- 11/18/16 -- Robert Friedland, Executive Chairman of Ivanhoe Mines (TSX: IVN)(OTCQX: IVPAF), and Lars-Eric Johansson, Chief Executive Officer, announced today that Ivanhoe and its joint-venture partner, Zijin Mining Group Co., Ltd., have signed a landmark agreement that confirms the support and desire of the government of the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) to be a prominent partner in the development of the Kamoa-Kakula Copper Project.

The agreement, which was signed in Kinshasa, DRC, by the Minister of Mines and Minister of Portfolio on November 11, 2016, transfers an additional 15% interest in the Kamoa-Kakula Copper Project to the DRC government, increasing its total stake in the project to 20%. As a result of the transaction, Ivanhoe Mines and Zijin each hold an indirect 39.6% interest in the Kamoa-Kakula Copper Project while Crystal River Global Limited holds an indirect 0.8% interest and the DRC Government holds a direct 20% interest in the Kamoa-Kakula Copper Project.

"This is a historically significant event for the people of the Democratic Republic of Congo," said Mr. Friedland. "We now are united as partners committed to working closely together toward our shared objective of ensuring that the major copper discoveries we have made at Kamoa and Kakula during the past eight years can be predictably, efficiently and expeditiously developed into a world-scale mining venture with a lifespan of multiple generations."

Mr. Johansson said the agreement "paves the way to fulfil Kamoa-Kakula's promise of decades of substantial, long-lasting, economic and social benefits for the Congolese people and the strengthening of the national government's capacity to support the development of international trade and building of the country."

Agreement highlights include:

-- Kamoa Holding Limited (Kamoa Holding) will transfer 300 Class A shares in the capital of Kamoa Copper SA (Kamoa Copper) - representing 15% of Kamoa Copper's share capital - to the DRC government, in consideration for a nominal cash payment and other guarantees from the DRC government summarized below. In addition, the DRC owns 100 non-dilutable Class B shares, representing 5% of Kamoa Copper's share capital. -- The parties agreed that the 300 Class A shares shall be non-dilutable until the earlier of (i) five years from the date of the first commercial production and (ii) the date on which the DRC government ceases to hold all of its 300 Class A shares. -- Kamoa Holding undertakes to provide all shareholder loans to Kamoa Copper and/or procure financing from third parties for the development of the Kamoa-Kakula Copper Project. The interest on all shareholder loans will be LIBOR plus 7 percent. -- The parties acknowledge that they shall not be entitled to any dividends from Kamoa Copper prior to the repayment of 80% of all shareholder loans, currently totaling US$452 million, and 100% of any financing provided by a third party. -- The Kamoa-Kakula Copper Project will be developed with the full support of the DRC government. -- The DRC government has reaffirmed Kamoa Copper's mineral tenements and has guaranteed that the Kamoa-Kakula Copper Project will not be subject to any taxes or duties other than those legally required by the applicable statutory and regulatory provisions for the life of the project. -- At Kamoa Copper's request and subject to the satisfaction of the applicable conditions, the DRC will provide its assistance in obtaining the advantages contemplated by the DRC's special law - No. 14/005, enacted to facilitate Sino-Congolese cooperation - relating to the tax, customs, parafiscal tax, non-tax revenues and currency exchange regime applicable to cooperation projects. -- Kamoa Holding will have a pre-emptive right, and right of first refusal, to purchase any or all of the DRC's shares in Kamoa Copper should the DRC wish to directly or indirectly sell, transfer or otherwise dispose of any or all of its shares. -- The agreement will be governed by the laws of the DRC. Any dispute will be subject to binding arbitration, conducted in the French language, in Paris, France, in full accordance with the Convention on the Settlement of Investment Disputes between States and Nationals of Other States. An arbitral decision will be subject to enforcement under the New York Convention of 1958, to which the DRC is a contracting party.

About Ivanhoe Mines

Ivanhoe Mines is advancing its three principal projects in Sub-Saharan Africa: Mine development at the Platreef platinum-palladium-gold-nickel-copper discovery on the Northern Limb of South Africa's Bushveld Complex; mine development and exploration at the Kamoa-Kakula Copper Project on the Central African Copperbelt in the DRC; and upgrading at the historic, high-grade Kipushi zinc-copper-lead-germanium mine, also on the DRC's Copperbelt. For details, visit www.ivanhoemines.com.

Cautionary statement on forward-looking information

Certain statements in this release constitute "forward-looking statements" or "forward-looking information" within the meaning of applicable securities laws, including without limitation: (i) the impact of the share transfer agreement on the development of the project and the partnership with the DRC going forward; (ii) the application of taxes and duties to the Kamoa-Kakula Copper Project; (iii) the support of the government of the DRC to the development of the Kamoa-Kakula Copper Project; (iv) the future application of law no. 14/005; and (v) the structure, terms and treatment of shareholder loans and dividends relating to Kamoa Copper. Such statements involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors which may cause the actual results, performance or achievements of the company, or industry results, to be materially different from any future results, performance or achievements expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements or information. Such statements can be identified by the use of words such as "may", "would", "could", "will", "intend", "expect", "believe", "plan", "anticipate", "estimate", "scheduled", "forecast", "predict" and other similar terminology, or state that certain actions, events or results "may", "could", "would", "might" or "will" be taken, occur or be achieved. These statements reflect the company's current expectations regarding future events, performance and results and speak only as of the date of this release.

With respect to this specific forward-looking information included in this release, the company has based its assumptions and analysis on certain factors that are inherently uncertain. Uncertainties include among others: (i) the adequacy of infrastructure; (ii) geological characteristics; (iii) metallurgical characteristics of the mineralization; (iv) the ability to develop adequate processing capacity; (v) the price of copper; (vi) the availability of equipment and facilities necessary to complete development; (vii) the cost of consumables and mining and processing equipment; (viii) unforeseen technological and engineering problems; (ix) accidents or acts of sabotage or terrorism; (x) currency fluctuations; (xi) changes in governments, and in laws, regulations or their application; (xii) the availability and productivity of skilled labour; (xiii) the regulation of the mining industry by various governmental agencies; and (xiv) political factors.

Forward-looking statements involve significant risks and uncertainties, should not be read as guarantees of future performance or results, and will not necessarily be accurate indicators of whether or not such results will be achieved. A number of factors could cause actual results to differ materially from the results discussed in the forward-looking statements, including, but not limited to, the factors discussed here, as well as unexpected changes in governments and laws, rules or regulations, and their enforcement by applicable authorities; the failure of parties to contracts with the company to perform as agreed; social or labour unrest; changes in commodity prices; and the failure of exploration programs or studies to deliver anticipated results (including the actual results of drilling and exploration activities,) or results that would justify and support continued exploration, studies, development or operations.

Although the forward-looking statements contained in this release are based upon what management of the company believes are reasonable assumptions, the company cannot assure investors that actual results will be consistent with these forward-looking statements. These forward-looking statements are made as of the date of this release and are expressly qualified in their entirety by this cautionary statement. Subject to applicable securities laws, the company does not assume any obligation to update or revise the forward-looking statements contained herein to reflect events or circumstances occurring after the date of this release.

The company's actual results could differ materially from those anticipated in these forward-looking statements as a result of the factors set forth in the "Risk Factors" section and elsewhere in the company's most recent Management's Discussion and Analysis report and Annual Information Form, available at www.sedar.com.

Contacts:

Ivanhoe Mines - Investors:

Bill Trenaman

+1.604.331.9834



Ivanhoe Mines - Media

North America:

Bob Williamson

+1.604.512.4856



South Africa:

Jeremy Michaels

+27.82.939.4812




CALGARY, ALBERTA -- (Marketwired) -- 11/18/16 -- Editors Note: There are seven images and two videos associated with this press release.

(TSX VENTURE: BBI) Blackbird Energy Inc. ("Blackbird" or the "Company") is pleased to provide an update regarding the Company's successful 102/2-20-70-7W6 ("02/2-20") Upper Montney drilling program; Blackbird's high tonnage 02/2-20 completion program, which utilized the innovative and patented Stage Completions Inc. ("Stage") Bowhead II fracturing system (the "Stage System"); the planned closing of Blackbird's acquisition of a 10% indirect minority interest in Stage; a material step reduction in drilling and completions costs ("D&C") achieved by Blackbird; the commencement of the Company's accelerated strategic business plan and H1 2017 drilling program; the progress of Blackbird's infrastructure construction and the expected timing of tie-in and production.

Highlights

-- Drilling Cost Achievement: 02/2-20 Upper Montney well drilling cost of $2.6 million represents a cost savings of $3.0 million, or 54%, compared to Blackbird's first Elmworth Montney well and a cost savings of $1.8 million, or 41%, compared to the average of Blackbird's first three Elmworth Montney wells. -- Successful Stage System Deployment: Blackbird's 02/2-20 completion program, utilizing the Stage System, was completed in 11 days and placed 3,757 tonnes of proppant. In comparison, Blackbird's 2-20 Middle Montney well was completed in 20 days and placed 2,223 tonnes of proppant. -- Planned Closing of 10% Stage Acquisition: Due to the success of the Stage System, Blackbird intends to proceed with the closing of the previously announced 10% Stage acquisition for a purchase price of $3 million. -- Material D&C Cost Reduction: Blackbird's 02/2-20 well D&C costs are expected to total $5.5 million compared to $9.7 million for the average of Blackbird's first three Elmworth Montney wells - a 43% reduction. With this $4.2 million cost reduction, Blackbird believes that its current D&C costs are comparable to those of certain industry leaders in the Pipestone / Elmworth corridor. -- Commencement of Accelerated Business Plan & Drill Program: Blackbird has initiated its previously announced accelerated business plan and will spud its 3-28 well on approximately November 22, 2016, and its 2-20/11-9 well in December, 2016. -- Infrastructure Construction and Timing of Production: Construction of Blackbird's infrastructure continues, and is currently on schedule to be completed in late December, 2016 or early January, 2017, with production to commence shortly thereafter.

02/2-20 Upper Montney Drilling Program Showcases Reduced Drilling Cost

The 02/2-20 Upper Montney well (the "Well") was spud on October 8, 2016 from surface location 10-8-70-7W6 ("10-8"). See Figure 1 for a video of the 02/2-20 drilling operations.

Figure 1 - 02/2-20 Drilling Operations Video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nRG5wjEt49w

The Well was drilled to a measured depth of 4,598 meters, including a 2,049 meter lateral section to 2-20-70-7W6. Drilling operations were completed in 21.5 days from spud to rig release. As per Figure 2 below, Blackbird has now reduced the drilling days on each of its first four Elmworth Montney wells drilled to date.

Figure 2 - Drilling Performance Chart: http://www.marketwire.com/library/20161117-F2-gr.png

As a result of the significant reduction in drilling days, Blackbird's drilling costs have declined substantially. Blackbird estimates that the 02/2-20 drilling costs will total approximately $2.6 million compared to an AFE budget of $2.7 million. As per Figure 2 above, when compared to Blackbird's historical drilling costs, the 02/2-20 well represents cost improvements of approximately $3.0 million compared to the Company's first Elmworth Montney well, the 6-26, and cost improvements of approximately $1.8 million compared to the average drilling cost of the Company's first three Elmworth Montney wells.

Garth Braun, Blackbird's Chairman, Chief Executive Officer and President stated: "The 02/2-20 well represents the second monobore well in the Elmworth / Pipestone corridor, with the first being the Blackbird 2-20 Middle Montney well drilled in late 2015. The 02/2-20 drilling performance will serve as an excellent benchmark as we embark on our substantial future exploration and development program. The 02/2-20 D&C costs achieved by Blackbird are comparable to those reported by industry leaders relating to wells which were drilled and completed on multi-well pads. The Blackbird team will continue to focus on improving D&C costs as we move towards pad development."

Successful 02/2-20 Completion and Deployment of Stage's Innovative Bowhead II Fracturing System

Subsequent to the 02/2-20 drilling operations, Blackbird successfully utilized the Stage System in the Company's high-tonnage slickwater completion program. See Figure 3 for a video illustration of the Bowhead II system functionality, and Figure 4 for an image of a collet engaging in Blackbird's 02/2-20 wellbore.

Figure 3 - Stage Bowhead II Illustration Video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KGUZzbXNmB8&feature=youtu.be

Figure 4 - 02/2-20 Well Bowhead II Collet Landing Signature: http://www.marketwire.com/library/20161117-F4-gr.png

As per Figure 5 below, Blackbird placed approximately 3,757 tonnes of proppant over 76 stages and 2,049 lineal meters during the 02/2-20 completion program, compared to 2,223 tonnes of proppant over 70 stages and 2,067 lineal meters during Blackbird's 2-20 Middle Montney completion program.

Figure 5 - Total Proppant vs. Total Frac Time Chart: http://www.marketwire.com/library/20161117-F5-gr.png

Garth Braun stated: "The Stage System facilitates pin point completions with individual sliding sleeves that are activated by a collet, eliminating the need for coil tubing to activate sleeves. Blackbird was able to continuously pump without delays through multiple intervals of the wellbore. The continuous completion program allowed Blackbird to reduce the time spent between fracs, decreasing the direct and indirect costs substantially. The Stage System facilitates higher pump rates which improved the placement of proppant in the formation. The 02/2-20 was completed using slickwater and intervals were completed at pump rates from 8 to 10 m3/min."

As a result of these demonstrated benefits, as illustrated in Figure 5 above, fracing operations spanned 11 days, compared to 20 days for the Company's 2-20 Middle Montney well, while placing significantly higher volumes of proppant.

On a preliminary basis, Blackbird expects that the 02/2-20 completion costs will total $2.9 million compared to an AFE budget of $2.5 million. When compared to Blackbird's historical completion costs, the 02/2-20 well represents a cost improvement of approximately $2.4 million compared to the average completion cost of the Company's first three Elmworth Montney wells. Blackbird expects to realize further material cost savings as the Stage System is deployed in future Blackbird wells and as best practices are developed for this disruptive technology.

The 02/2-20 well will be partially flowed back and then shut-in until it is tied-in and placed on production upon the commissioning of Blackbird's infrastructure solution, eliminating the majority of flow-back and testing costs. As a result, Blackbird will provide an update once the 02/2-20 well has been tied-in and production has been normalized.

Garth Braun stated: "The Bowhead II system was implemented to achieve four goals: i) a significant impact on cost reduction; ii) a higher quality completion in the Montney; iii) a graduation of the estimated ultimate recovery from the formation; and iv) a substantial improvement on the net present value of the well. Blackbird will now focus on the refinement of methodologies to further reduce overall completion times and costs. The step change in completion efficiency delivered by the Stage System will allow Blackbird to become a low-cost producer in the Elmworth / Pipestone corridor, increasing economics substantially, and ultimately creating impactful value for our shareholders."

For more information on Stage and its fracturing solutions, please visit www.stagecompletions.com.

Planned Closing of Indirect Minority Interest in Stage Completions Inc.

As a result of the successful 02/2-20 completion, Blackbird is pleased to announce that it will proceed with the closing of its previously announced acquisition of an indirect 10% minority interest in Stage for a cash purchase price of $3.0 million (the "Stage Acquisition"), pursuant to the terms of a subscription agreement entered into between Blackbird and SC Holding Corporation, the majority shareholder of Stage (the "Subscription Agreement").

The closing of the Stage Acquisition is subject to certain financial and operational conditions including the receipt of an independent valuation report of Stage and the successful deployment of the Stage System in two wells (the "Condition Wells"). The independent valuation report, prepared by a large international accounting firm, was received by Blackbird in September, 2016, and as such, that condition has been satisfied.

The Stage System has now been successfully installed and tested in three wells: i) Blackbird's Cardium water disposal well during July, 2016; ii) the first of the Condition Wells during September, 2016; and iii) Blackbird's 02/2-20 well during November, 2016. Due to the success of these three Stage System installations and tests, Blackbird plans to waive the Subscription Agreement's final outstanding condition of successful deployment of the Stage System in the second Condition Well. The Company expects closing of the Stage Acquisition to be completed by the end of November, 2016.

Garth Braun commented: "The successful installation of the Bowhead II system in Blackbird's 02/2-20 well marks an important milestone for both Blackbird and Stage, and the beginning of what I believe will be an extremely fruitful relationship. We believe that the operational capability of the Stage System has now been proven in multiple formations. Blackbird benefits greatly from its preferential access to the Stage System for cost plus an administration fee - a distinctive competitive advantage. I anticipate that Blackbird's acquisition of a 10% minority interest in Stage will provide further upside for Blackbird's shareholders as the highly disruptive technology is deployed in the North American and international marketplaces."

Material Step Reduction in D&C Costs

Overall, 02/2-20 D&C costs are expected to be approximately $5.5 million compared to a budget of $5.2 million. The critical fact is that Blackbird has achieved a material step reduction in D&C costs compared to the Company's past performance while increasing completion intensity. These costs are now in line with the cost data provided by peers in the Elmworth / Pipestone corridor. Please see Figure 6 for the costs of Blackbird's Elmworth Montney wells drilled to date.

Figure 6 - Blackbird's Historical D&C Costs: http://www.marketwire.com/library/20161117-F6-gr.png

When compared to Blackbird's historical D&C costs, the 02/2-20 well represents cost improvements of approximately $4.2 million, or 43%, compared to the average D&C cost of the Company's first three Elmworth Montney wells.

With the material step reduction achieved in D&C costs, the Company expects to achieve a corresponding material increase in the net present value and internal rate of return of Blackbird's wells once tied-in. The Company believes that its Elmworth / Pipestone asset will prove to be among the most economic resources in the Montney under a full development scenario.

Commencement of Strategic Accelerated Business Plan and H1 2017 Drill Program

Blackbird has initiated its previously announced strategic accelerated business plan and H1 2017 drill program (the "Program") consisting of two additional horizontal wells. The first well will target the Upper Montney at Elmworth / Pipestone in an area that an industry leader calls the "Volatile Oil" window (which it defines as having greater than 250 bbls of condensate per mmcf of gas). The well will be spud from surface location 11-15-70-7W6, will have a lateral length of approximately 2,150 meters, and will target location 3-28-70-7W6 ("3-28"). Blackbird intends to spud the licensed 3-28 well on approximately November 22, 2016.

Subsequent to the 3-28 drilling operations, Blackbird will conduct a large scale, high-tonnage slickwater completion program utilizing the Stage System. The completion program will place approximately 4,000 tonnes of sand over approximately 50-60 stages. The 3-28 completion operations are scheduled to begin in December, 2016.

The second well, to be drilled subsequent to the 3-28 well, will target the Middle Montney at Elmworth / Pipestone in the "Volatile Oil" window. The well will be spud from surface location 11-9-70-6W6, will have a lateral length of approximately 2,150 meters, and will target location 2-20-70-6W6 ("2-20/11-9"). Blackbird intends to spud the licensed 2-20/11-9 in December, 2016.

Subsequent to the 2-20/11-9 drilling operations, Blackbird will conduct a large scale, high tonnage slickwater completion program similar to the 3-28 program, again utilizing the Stage System. The completion program will place approximately 4,000 tonnes of sand over approximately 50-60 stages. The 2-20/11-9 completion operations are scheduled to begin in January, 2017.

Upon completion of the Program, Blackbird will have a total of three Upper Montney wells and three Middle Montney Montney wells behind pipe. These wells will span over two townships, with the 02/2-20 and 2-20/11-9 wells being approximately six sections apart on an east / west basis. See Figure 7 below for an illustration of these drilling locations.

Figure 7 - Blackbird's Drilling Program Locations & Corridor Activity: http://www.marketwire.com/library/20161117-F7-gr.png

Infrastructure Construction & Timing of Production

On September 28, 2016 Blackbird achieved the critical company milestone of Alberta Energy Regulator ("AER") approval for its 100% owned and operated Elmworth facility located at 12-14-70-7W6 (the "Facility") and pipeline gathering system (the "Gathering System"). Upon the receipt of the AER approval, Blackbird immediately commenced construction.

Construction of the Facility and Gathering System continues, and is currently on schedule to be completed in late December, 2016 or early January, 2017. Upon commissioning, Blackbird will tie-in the 6-26, 5-26, 2-20, and 02/2-20 wells, with the 3-28 being tied-in shortly thereafter, and the 2-20/11-9 well being tied-in subsequent to the construction of an eastern pipeline gathering system. The tie-in of these wells will mark another significant milestone for the Company.

Certain pictures during the early stages of construction can be found in the Company's "The Executive Letter - Photo Edition" in Figure 8. The Blackbird Facility is also rendered in Figure 9 below:

Figure 8 - Link to the Executive Letter - Photo Edition

https://www.blackbirdenergyinc.com/assets/docs/executive-letter-november-2016-final.pdf

Figure 9 - Rendering of Blackbird's Facility: http://www.marketwire.com/library/20161117-F9-gr.png

Blackbird's Facility will have an initial capacity of approximately 10 mmcf/d of natural gas plus associated liquids of approximately 1,500 bbls/d, for aggregate throughput of approximately 3,150 boe/d. The Facility includes liquids recovery and stabilization. The Facility has been designed to allow for future production expansion beyond 10 mmcf/d, 1,500 bbls/d and 3,150 boe/d.

Garth Braun commented: "Upon tie-in, we will normalize production, evaluate data, and ensure the smooth operation of our Facility and Gathering System. Thereafter, we will look to increase our firm sour processing and sales gas takeaway contracts in order to facilitate our continued production growth and development strategy. This is a transformative period for Blackbird, and one which our team and loyal stakeholders are very excited about. Thank you all for your continued support as we execute on our vision of being THE Montney growth story."

About Blackbird

Blackbird Energy Inc. is a highly innovative oil and gas exploration and development company focused on the condensate and liquids-rich Montney fairway at Elmworth, near Grande Prairie, Alberta.

For more information, please view our Corporate Presentation at www.blackbirdenergyinc.com.

Advisories and Forward-Looking Information

For further information regarding the Stage Acquisition please see the Company's material change report dated July 29, 2016 and the Subscription Agreement, including an amending agreement thereto, copies of which are available on Blackbird's SEDAR profile at www.sedar.com.

This press release contains forward-looking statements or information (collectively referred to herein as "forward-looking statements"). Such statements are subject to risks and uncertainties that may cause actual results, performance or developments to differ materially from those contained in the statements and are not guarantees of future performance of the Company. Such forward-looking statements include but are not limited to: the final cost of the 02/2-20 D&C program; the design and expected success of Blackbird's future exploration and development program; the improvement of D&C costs including but not limited to those attributed to pad development; the cost savings attributed to a limited flow-back and testing program of the 02/2-20 well; Blackbird's refinement of its drilling and/or completion program in an effort to reduce D&C time and costs; the ability of Blackbird to become a low cost producer; any potential increase in EUR, net present value, internal rate of return, economics, efficiencies, or value for Blackbird's shareholders; the closing of the Stage Acquisition and the anticipated timing therefor; any benefit resulting from Blackbird's relationship with Stage for the benefit of Blackbird and its shareholders; the present and future performance and operational capability of the Stage System and the cost savings and quality improvements derived by Blackbird as a result thereof; the continued availability of preferential access to the Stage System for Blackbird; the ability of Blackbird to maintain any step redcuction in D&C costs; the comparability of Blackbird's Elmworth / Pipestone asset with other Montney resources under a full development scenario; the commencement of Blackbird's accelerated strategic business plan and H1 2017 drilling program; the timing, the lateral lengths, the completion programs, and the stages of the Program wells; the number of wells behind pipe post the Program; the timing of completion of construction on the Facility and Gathering System, currently expected in December, 2016, or January, 2017 and the timing of tie-in of Blackbird's wells; the initial and future capacity of Blackbird's Facility and that the Facility will allow for future production expansion; the normalization of production, the evaluation of data, and the potential smooth operation of the Facility and Gathering System; Blackbird's future focus on accessing additional natural gas processing and take-away capacity to facilitate production growth and Blackbird's future development strategy; the continued support of Blackbird's stakeholders, and the ability of Blackbird to be THE Montney growth story.

No assurance can be given that any of the events anticipated by the forward-looking statements will occur or, if they do occur, what benefits the Company will obtain from them. These forward-looking statements reflect management's current views and are based on certain expectations, estimates, and assumptions which may prove to be incorrect. A number of risks and uncertainties could cause our actual results to differ materially from those expressed or implied by the forward-looking statements, including: (1) a downturn in general economic and business conditions in North America and internationally, (2) the inherent uncertainties and speculative nature associated with oil and gas exploration, development and production including drilling and completion risks, (3) the price of and demand for oil and gas and their effect on the economics of oil and gas exploration, (4) any number of events or causes which may delay or cease exploration and development of the Company's property interests, such as environmental liabilities, weather, mechanical failures, safety concerns and labour problems, (5) the risk that the Company does not execute its business plan, (6) inability to retain key employees, (7) inability to finance operations and growth, and (8) other factors beyond the Company's control. Should one or more of these risks or uncertainties materialize, or should any of the Company's assumptions prove incorrect, actual results may vary in material respects from those projected in the forward-looking statements. Readers are cautioned that the foregoing list of risks, uncertainties, and other factors is not exhaustive. Unpredictable or unknown factors not discussed could also have material adverse effects on forward-looking statements. The impact of any one factor on a particular forward-looking statement is not determinable with certainty as such factors are dependent on other factors, and the Company's course of action would depend on its assessment of the future considering all information then available. All forward-looking statements in this press release are expressly qualified in their entirety by these cautionary statements. Except as required by law, the Company assumes no obligation to update forward-looking statements should circumstances or management's estimates or opinions change.

THE TSX VENTURE EXCHANGE INC. HAS NEITHER APPROVED NOR DISAPPROVED THE CONTENTS OF THIS PRESS RELEASE. 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 press release.

To view the photos and videos associated with this press release, please visit the following links:

Figure 1 (video): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nRG5wjEt49w

Figure 2: http://www.marketwire.com/library/20161117-F1-gr.png

Figure 3 (video): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KGUZzbXNmB8&feature=youtu.be

Figure 4: http://www.marketwire.com/library/20161117-F4-gr.png

Figure 5: http://www.marketwire.com/library/20161117-F5-gr.png

Figure 6: http://www.marketwire.com/library/20161117-F6-gr.png

Figure 7: http://www.marketwire.com/library/20161117-F7-gr.png

Figure 8: https://www.blackbirdenergyinc.com/assets/docs/executive-letter-november-2016-final.pdf

Figure 9: http://www.marketwire.com/library/20161117-F9-gr.png

Contacts:

Blackbird Energy Inc.

Garth Braun

Chairman, CEO, and President

(403) 500-5550

gbraun@blackbirdenergyinc.com



Blackbird Energy Inc.

Jeff Swainson

Chief Financial Officer

(403) 699-9929

jswainson@blackbirdenergyinc.com



Blackbird Energy Inc.

Joshua Mann

Vice President, Business Development

(403) 390-2144

josh@blackbirdenergyinc.com

www.blackbirdenergyinc.com




HONG KONG, CHINA -- (Marketwired) -- 03/01/17 -- CITIC-Prudential Life Insurance Company Limited ("CITIC-PRU Life") recently received approval from the China Insurance Regulatory Commission ("CIRC") to commence preparatory work for the establishment of a new branch in Sichuan province. This closely follows CITIC-PRU Life's expansion into Anhui province, announced in November last year.

Situated at the upper reaches of the Yangtze River in south-western China, Sichuan is China's fourth-largest province, with a population of 82 million(1). In line with accelerated economic growth and ongoing modernisation in Sichuan, demand for life insurance products has grown strongly in the province in recent years. In 2016, it recorded RMB99 billion in Life Gross Written Premiums(2), a 43 per cent year-on-year growth.

Tony Wilkey, Chief Executive of Prudential Corporation Asia, said: "Our strategy is to provide families with the protection and savings products they need to secure their financial futures, and the opportunities for us in the Chinese life insurance market are very significant. Over the last five years, our new business sales and profit in China have more than doubled(3), as has the number of active agents. With Sichuan, we will have a presence in the top 10 provinces in China in terms of Life Gross Written Premiums. We are very excited about this further extension of our reach to include Sichuan."

CITIC-PRU Life has a comprehensive network of 169 sales offices in 69 cities across 15 provinces. The addition of Sichuan means CITIC-PRU Life is represented in provinces that generate 75 per cent(1) of the country's Gross Domestic Product and have a population of 940 million people(1).

ABOUT PRUDENTIAL CORPORATION ASIA

Prudential Corporation Asia is a business unit of Prudential plc (United Kingdom)*, comprising its life insurance operations in Asia, and its asset management business, Eastspring Investments. It is headquartered in Hong Kong.

Prudential is a leading life insurer that spans 12 markets in Asia, covering Cambodia, China, Hong Kong, India, Indonesia, Laos, Malaysia, the Philippines, Singapore, Taiwan, Thailand and Vietnam. Prudential has a robust multi-channel distribution platform providing a comprehensive range of savings, investment and protection products to meet the diverse needs of Asian families.

Eastspring Investments manages investments across Asia on behalf of a wide range of retail and institutional investors. It is one of the region's largest asset managers with a presence in 10 major Asian markets plus distribution offices in the US and Europe. It has  104.9 billion (about US$140.3b) in assets under management (as at 30 June 2016), managing funds across a range of asset classes, including equities and fixed income.

*Prudential plc is incorporated in England and Wales, and its affiliated companies constitute one of the world's leading financial services groups. It provides insurance and financial services through its subsidiaries and affiliates throughout the world. It has been in existence for over 165 years and has  562 billion in assets under management (as at 30 June 2016). Prudential plc is not affiliated in any manner with Prudential Financial, Inc, a company whose principal place of business is in the United States of America.

Prudential plc is listed on the stock exchanges of London (PRU.L), Hong Kong (2378.HK), Singapore (K6S.SG) and New York (PUK.N).

ABOUT CITIC-PRUDENTIAL LIFE

Established in 2000, CITIC-PRU Life is the first Sino-British insurance joint venture in China and has maintained a leading position among foreign joint venture companies in the country. With the strong support of its joint venture partners, Prudential and CITIC, CITIC-PRU Life has grown rapidly over the years and currently has branches in Guangdong, Beijing, Jiangsu, Shanghai, Hubei, Shandong, Zhejiang, Tianjin, Guangxi, Shenzhen, Fujian, Hebei, Liaoning, Shanxi, Henan and Anhui. While the company has identified the Pearl River Delta, Yangtze River Delta and the Bohai Economic Region as its pivotal development areas, it plans to continue its expansion into central and western China to achieve country-wide coverage. CITIC-PRU Life has more than 30,000 agents, 2,400 employees and one million policyholders. The company has won numerous awards over the years, including the 'Best Foreign Insurance Company' by China Internet Information Center and 'Best Health Insurance Product of the Year' by China Insurance News in 2016.

(1) Source: China National Bureau of Statistics, 2015

(2) Source: China Insurance Regulatory Commission

(3) From Half Year 2011 to Half Year 2016

MEDIA CONTACTS



Susanna Hui / Kitty Liu

Tel: +852 2918 5485 / +852 2918 2780

Email: Email Contact / Email Contact




AECI LIMITED

(Incorporated in the Republic of South Africa)

(Registration Number 1924/002590/06)

Tax reference number: 9000008608

Share code: AFEP ISIN: ZAE000000238

("AECI" or "the Company")

DECLARATION OF PREFERENCE SHARE DIVIDEND NO. 157

NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that, on Friday, 18 November 2016, the Directors of AECI declared a gross cash dividend, at the rate of 5,5% per annum (equivalent to 2,75 pence sterling), for the six months ending Thursday, 15 December 2016. The dividend is payable on Thursday, 15 December 2016 to holders of preference shares recorded in the register of the Company at the close of business on the record date, being Friday, 9 December 2016.

The last day to trade "cum" dividend will be Tuesday, 6 December 2016 and shares will commence trading "ex" dividend as from the commencement of business on Wednesday, 7 December 2016.

The dividend is declared in pound sterling and payment will be made from the offices of the Transfer Secretaries in South Africa and the United Kingdom on Thursday, 15 December 2016. Dividends payable from South Africa will be paid in South African currency at the rate of 49,79769 ZAR cents per share (gross dividend) in accordance with the exchange rate ruling on Monday, 14 November 2016 (1 pound sterling = ZAR18,10825).

A South African dividend withholding tax of 15% will be applicable to all shareholders who are not either exempt or entitled to a reduction of the withholding tax rate in terms of a relevant Double Taxation Agreement, resulting in a net dividend of 42,32804 ZAR cents per share payable to those shareholders who are not eligible for exemption or reduction. Application forms for exemption or reduction may be obtained from the Transfer Secretaries and must be returned to them on or before Tuesday, 6 December 2016.

Dividends payable from the United Kingdom office will be subject to such tax deductions as are prescribed by United Kingdom legislation unless a certificate exempting the shareholder concerned from such tax deduction is received before Tuesday, 6 December 2016.

The issued share capital of the Company at the declaration date is 121829 083 listed ordinary shares, 10117 951 unlisted redeemable convertible B ordinary shares and 3000 000 listed cumulative preference shares. The dividend has been declared from the income reserves of the Company.

Any change of address or dividend instruction must be received on or before Tuesday, 6 December 2016.

Share certificates may not be dematerialised or rematerialised between Wednesday, 7 December 2016 and Friday, 9 December 2016, both days inclusive.

By order of the Board

EN Rapoo

Group Company Secretary

Woodmead, Sandton

18 November 2016

Transfer Secretaries

Computershare Investor Services (Pty) Ltd

70 Marshall Street

Johannesburg

2001

and

Computershare Investor Services PLC

PO Box 82

The Pavilions

Bridgwater Road

Bristol BS99 7NH

England

Registered office

1st Floor, AECI Place

24 The Woodlands

Woodlands Drive

Woodmead

Sandton

South Africa Sponsor

Rand Merchant Bank (A division of FirstRand Bank Ltd)
ALBANY, NY and TORONTO, ON -- (Marketwired) -- 03/08/17 -- Vena Solutions, the fastest growing provider of cloud-based corporate performance management (CPM) software, today announced new additions to its seasoned executive team, including a chief customer officer, chief people person, chief revenue officer and corporate counsel. Vena also announced its impending move to its new Canadian headquarters in Toronto's Liberty Village neighborhood to support and inspire its rapidly growing team.

"Vena prides itself on our ability to attract world class talent," said Don Mal, co-founder and CEO of Vena. "Our latest hires are among the best of the best and highlight that our customers and employees are our top priority. We welcome this new bench strength to help propel Vena through our next phase of growth."

Vena's new hires are another key indicator of the company's momentum and recently announced record sales growth in 2016. Vena hired 86 new people and increased its product, sales and marketing teams by 60 percent in the last 12 months alone. The company's newest executive hires are:

Debbie Lillitos as chief customer officer: Lillitos will oversee Vena's client success and development of its customer service initiatives. Most recently, Lillitos was vice president of professional services at Achievers, a leader in employee recognition and rewards software.





Tracey Mikita as chief people person: Mikita will oversee employee engagement and the cultivation of Vena's corporate culture and values. Prior to Vena, Mikita served as vice president of human resources at FreshBooks after progressive HR and leadership roles at Wal-Mart and General Electric.





Shawn Cadeau as chief revenue officer: Cadeau will lead sales, marketing and growth initiatives at Vena. Previously, Cadeau was chief marketing officer at FreshBooks and senior vice president of global marketing at Corel Corporation.





Gargi Chopra as corporate counsel: Chopra brings to Vena several years of private practice and in-house experience with a specialty in technology law and corporate issues. Previously, Chopra was director of legal at Leonardo Worldwide Corporation, a SaaS firm serving the global hospitality industry.





In conjunction with the company's record employee growth, Vena also announced its new Canadian headquarters, located in the heart of Liberty Village -- Toronto's tech and innovation hub. The new space will provide additional capacity to support, encourage collaboration and inspire the company's rapidly growing team, with highlights including:

Over 27,000 square feet of open concept office space.

A historic building with exposed brick and beam architecture.

Maximum natural lighting and 25-foot ceilings throughout the office.

Two rooftop patios for private work or impromptu meetings.

Stocked kitchens, private washrooms, showers, recreation areas and more.





"We're thrilled with the results of all the hard work that went into Vena's new Canadian headquarters," said George Papayiannis, co-founder and CTO of Vena Solutions. "From the character and emotion the building evokes, to the informal breakout areas, we designed every detail to give our growing team an inspiring place to do what they love."

For more information visit:

Vena's Website

@VenaSolutions on Twitter

Vena on LinkedIn

Vena Voice Blog





About Vena Solutions

Vena turns Excel into an enterprise-class business solution with a centralized database, workflow, detailed audit trail and more. With Vena, hundreds of leading global brands now get trusted numbers and insights -- fast -- with their favorite spreadsheet software. Our customers use Vena for corporate performance management (CPM) applications including budgeting, financial close management and reporting, and automating other spreadsheet-driven processes beyond Finance. Vena is the fastest growing cloud CPM vendor, and the only one to embrace -- not replace -- Excel spreadsheets. Visit us at www.venasolutions.com.

Media Contacts

Danielle Salvato-Earl

Kulesa Faul for Vena Solutions

(650) 922-7287

Email Contact



Michael A. Corcoran

Vena Solutions

(416) 529-5709

Email Contact




BANGKOK, Nov 18, 2016 - (ACN Newswire) - Amata Vn PCL (SET:AMATAV) Director and Chief Executive Officer, Mrs. Somhatai Panichewa discusses the company's strategy and outlook in The Executive Talk (TET) by ShareInvestor.com.TET: Please explain the history and business of AMATAV.Amata in Thailand was established 40 years ago and 20 years later, we started to explore more opportunities for expansion into Vietnam. At that time, not only in Vietnam, but we have been surveyed China and India as well. Each country presented had their own pros and cons whether they be population size, ease of doing business, as well as the country's transparency.We decided on expanding to Vietnam as we saw the opportunity to develop a world class industrial estate there, together with enthusiasm of the Vietnamese government in supporting the development of industrial estates and their clear investment policies. During those days, foreign investment was not allowed 100% ownership and we were able to secure a strong local partner, Sonadezi, who assisted in managing land acquisition and local legal requirements.We started our first development in the South of Vietnam where we have established our presence for more than 20 years in city of Bien Hoa, Dong Nai province. We are opening three more projects in this province as well: Amata City Long Thanh, Amata Township Long Thanh and Amata Service City Long Thanh.Our next stage of development is to the North in Halong City, Quang Ninh Province. The reason that we decided to expand to the Northern part of Vietnam is because we see the global market trend gearing towards the North. This is proven from the increase in ODA for economically strong countries like Japan, Korea and Singapore in developing Vietnam's infrastructure. Especially in Haiphong, Japan government has helped funded Vietnam's first deep sea port, Cat Bi International Airport, Hanoi-Haiphong highway, etc.Since our existence in Vietnam, we had never increased our capital, however, as we are expanding vastly, we decided to seek additional funding through listing on the Stock Exchange of Thailand.TET: Please provide more detail on the projects that AMATAV has today.Amata has a long existing estate in Bien Hoa, Dong Nai province since 1994 and is almost fully sold out. We have recently received permission for 3 more estates which are located within 20-30kms distance from Ho Chi Minh City.Amata City Long Thanh is a 2,564 rai project focusing on manufacturing industries with advanced technologies. Amata Service City Long Thanh is about 670 rai which focuses on the integrated services such as worker housing and business logistics to support the customers and people at Amata City Long Thanh. Finally, Amata Township Long Thanh is 4,706 rai and is geared towards recreational services, hospitals, educational institutions, and residential area with facilities such as shopping centers, rest areas and food corners.In Northern Vietnam, we have Amata City Halong in a location that we feel is very attractive with the total project size of about 36,000 rai.TET: Why is Vietnam an attractive destination for Foreign Direct Investment (FDI)?FDI typically flows to locations where costs are cheaper whether it be the workforce, infrastructure, tax benefits, and accessibility to raw materials. If you look at this region, you have Myanmar, Laos, Cambodia and Vietnam as options. Vietnam itself has been very aggressive at creating an environment that is attractive to FDI through their multiple free trade agreements with major economic players of the world. Its openness to accommodate foreign investment needs is why companies such as Samsung, which invested USD 20 billion in Vietnam, LG, Panasonic, Formosa and Foxconn all already have established entities in Vietnam today.TET: What differentiates AMATAV from its competitors?There are some major factors that differentiate AMATAV from its competitors which all concerns the ability to meet with the needs and requirements of customers. We assured that the location we select for development is attractive for customers; whether it be near main highways, accessible to workforces, near sea port and airport. Finding and obtaining locations with such requirements are very limited and scarce, therefore, it is one of our strong differentiation. In addition, to obtain economies of scale, the size of the estates typically is no less than 500 hectares, thus will help reduce the cost of investment for our customers as well. Providing ease for businesses by servicing our customer well during their presence with us is one of our company's policy. This has given us new customer by positive word of mouth introductions from existing customers.TET: What are the biggest risks facing your business?Every business has risks. In Vietnam, although there are many opportunities, there are also many risks. The main risks are the land acquisition processes and the fast change of laws and regulation.With one central government, laws are implemented very fast, if we compared with that of Thailand, the time of implementation is much longer. The land acquisition processes are a big challenge for us in terms of minimizing our initial capital expenditures as our proposal has been publicized by the government.TET: Where do you see AMATAV in five years from now?We must retain flexibility in the organization to cope with the changes in the world market. For Vietnam, if the country's economy grows as we anticipated, we shall look for nice stable growth, reduction in risks, and look for further expansion without putting much burden to our business. Our philosophy is the same as our name, Amata, which means Eternity.- The Executive Talk Interview Series is presented by ShareInvestor, Asia's leading financial internet media and technology company, the largest investor relations network in the region.- For more information, email admin.th@shareinvestor.com- Website: www.ShareInvestorThailand.comSource: Amata Vn PCLCopyright 2016 ACN Newswire . All rights reserved.
CANBERA (dpa-AFX) - The Australian dollar drifted lower against its major counterparts in early European trading in Friday. The aussie fell to near a 5-month low of 0.7365 versus the greenback and a weekly low of 1.4405 against the euro, from its early highs of 0.7418 and 1.4312, respectively. The aussie retreated to an 8-day low of 1.0480 against the kiwi and more than a 5-week low of 0.9971 against the loonie, from its previous highs of 1.0554 and 1.0031, respectively. The aussie fell back to 81.46 against the Japanese yen, after having advanced to a 2-day high of 81.91 at 1:30 am ET. The next possible support for the aussie is seen around 0.715 against the greenback, 1.46 against the euro, 1.03 against the kiwi, 0.98 against the loonie and 80.00 against the yen. Copyright RTT News/dpa-AFX

Werbehinweise: Die Billigung des Basisprospekts durch die BaFin ist nicht als ihre Befurwortung der angebotenen Wertpapiere zu verstehen. Wir empfehlen Interessenten und potenziellen Anlegern den Basisprospekt und die Endgultigen Bedingungen zu lesen, bevor sie eine Anlageentscheidung treffen, um sich moglichst umfassend zu informieren, insbesondere uber die potenziellen Risiken und Chancen des Wertpapiers. Sie sind im Begriff, ein Produkt zu erwerben, das nicht einfach ist und schwer zu verstehen sein kann.
Anglesey Mining plc

Half yearly report for the six months to 30 September 2016

Chairman's Statement and Management Report

In 2016, year to date, to a large extent we have seen an improvement in all the metals which are key to Anglesey Mining and the immediate outlook for all these metals is very positive.

Base metal prices move ahead

Zinc has continued to be one of the strongest performing metals in 2016, rising from the US$0.70 per pound level at the end of 2015 to US$1.15 per pound in recent days, an improvement in the year to date of more than 50%. For the past five years the zinc market has been in deficit and the fundamentals for zinc have been steadily improving. The closing in 2015 of Australia's Century mine and the Lisheen mine in Ireland, combined with earlier closures of the Glencore's Brunswick and Perseverance mines in Canada has removed more than one million tonnes of mine supply which represents almost 9.9% of world mine production.

Lead has also performed well in 2016 rising from US$0.75 per pound at the end of 2015 to US$0.95 per pound during the third quarter, while uncertainty about the global economy and investor anxiety continue to support the prices of gold and silver.

More recently, following the election of Donald Trump in the United States, there has been a dramatic increase in the prices of most metals, particularly copper and iron ore. Copper is now selling at over $2.60 per pound, a level not seen for several years. The likelihood of a major infrastructure programme in the United Sates would be very significant for both copper and iron ore and particularly for zinc, the demand for which is closely linked to steel production and hence to iron ore demand.

Iron ore showing some strength

Iron ore is now selling at US$74 per tonne on a 62% iron basis FIS China. This is a level not seen for almost two years, while at the same time the price of metallurgical coal, the other major ingredient in steel making, has more than doubled in the past six months. It is clear that Chinese consumption of iron ore continues to increase. On a positive note particularly relevant to the company the premiums for high grade fines and pellets, as would be produced by Grangesberg in Sweden, are also increasing.

In the longer term, per capita steel consumption in China must catch up with levels in the West and that would see at least a doubling in iron ore and zinc demand.

Operations

At Anglesey Mining we have continued to keep our corporate and operating costs at the lowest level possible and indeed have reduced general expenses by a further 38% compared to the same period last year, which as noted at that time were 50% of the prior year. The direct expenditure at all our projects has again remained low throughout the period.

New studies on Parys Mountain

As announced in the Annual Report the company is updating the earlier scoping and economic studies on its Parys Mountain zinc/lead/copper/silver/gold property in Wales. This updated scoping study is being prepared by Micon International Limited and by Fairport Engineering Limited, both of which are acknowledged experts and leaders in the resources sector.

The Parys Mountain property is a significant zinc, copper and lead deposit with small amounts of silver and gold, with a reported a resource of 2.1 million tonnes at 6.9% combined base metals in the indicated category and 4.1 million tonnes at 5.0% combined base metals in the inferred category. The site has a head frame, a 300m deep production shaft and planning permission for operations and there is also important exploration potential.

It is expected that the results of this updated study will form a solid base from which to move the project towards production and will be used to assist with future planning and potential financing of the development of the Parys Mountain project. We expect that capital costs of developing Parys Mountain will be lower in today's less competitive environment and, coupled with positive changes in exchange rates, could make the project attractive at expected metal prices. The Parys Mountain project will of course benefit from the expected increase in zinc price which is the predominant metal to be produced during in the early years of the mine life.

Labrador restructuring

In Canada, Labrador Iron Mines has made significant progress. A Plan of Arrangement has been filed with Ontario Court and a meeting of creditors will be held in early December. This filing marks a major milestone in the court-supervised process to complete a restructuring of LIM's business. The plan is intended to restructure LIM's business to preserve its mining assets and to position LIM to refinance an orderly resumption of its iron ore mining activities when economic conditions warrant. If the plan is implemented as expected then Anglesey's holding in LIM will be diluted by an approximately 25%.

Grangesberg well positioned

In Sweden, a number of technical reviews have been continued to position the Grangesberg iron ore project should the iron ore market continue to strengthen. Anglesey holds a direct 6% interest in Grangesberg and a right of first refusal over a further 51%. It has a shareholder and cooperation agreements for operatorship of GIAB. The mining leases can be maintained for a number of years with only minimum work levels. The high grade of concentrate to be produced from Grangesberg, together with the extensive existing infrastructure on site and nationally, and the potential for sales within Sweden's domestic markets, negating the requirements for major port facilities and expensive handling and shipping costs, will be key drivers in this expectation. In the meantime, Grangesberg is also actively looking at alternative resource projects in Sweden that could benefit from the local knowledge and corporate support available, whilst awaiting a sustainable upturn in the iron ore and financing markets.

Financial results

The group had no revenue for the period. The loss for the six months to 30 September 2016 was 124,576, a reduction of 11,373 in the loss from the comparative period last year due to a reduction in administrative expenses. The cash and net current liabilities positions also improved compared with the last period as a result of cash advances of 125,000 from Juno under the working capital agreement. Additional financing will be required for working capital to maintain the group and carry out planned progress at Parys Mountain.

Outlook

Anglesey is exposed to zinc, lead, copper and precious metals at Parys Mountain and to iron ore at LIM and Grangesberg. With recent political developments in the UK and the United States, coupled with the likelihood of renewed stimulus investment in China, we feel that there is sound reason to believe that the future outlook for the commodity prices which are important to Anglesey Mining is very positive.

We thank shareholders for their continued patience and support.

John F Kearney

Chairman

17 November 2016

Unaudited condensed consolidated income statement

Notes Unaudited six months ended 30 September 2016 Unaudited six months ended 30 September 2015 All operations are continuing   Revenue - - Expenses (42,418) (68,337) Investment income 103 160 Finance costs (82,392) (66,959) Foreign exchange gain/(loss) 131 (813) Loss before tax (124,576) (135,949) Taxation 8 - - Loss for the period 7 (124,576) (135,949) Loss per share Basic - pence per share (0.1)p (0.1)p Diluted - pence per share (0.1)p (0.1)p

Unaudited condensed consolidated statement of comprehensive income

Loss for the period (124,576) (135,949) Other comprehensive income Items that may subsequently be reclassified to profit or loss: Exchange difference ontranslation of foreign holding (18,135) 33 Total comprehensive loss

for the period (142,711) (135,916)

All attributable to equity holders of the company

Unaudited condensed consolidated statement of financial position

Notes Unaudited 30 September 2016 Audited 31 March 2016   Assets Non-current assets Mineral property exploration and evaluation 9 14,945,175 14,926,626 Property, plant and equipment 204,687 204,687 Investments 10 86,660 86,660 Deposit 123,078 123,078 15,359,600 15,341,051 Current assets Other receivables 30,411 32,759 Cash and cash equivalents 40,608 11,504 71,019 44,263 Total assets 15,430,619 15,385,314 Liabilities Current liabilities Trade and other payables (98,500) (136,259) (98,500) (136,259) Net current liabilities (27,481) (91,996) Non-current liabilities Loans (3,323,437) (3,097,662) Long term provision (50,000) (50,000) (3,373,437) (3,147,662) Total liabilities (3,471,937) (3,283,921) Net assets 11,958,682 12,101,393 Equity Share capital 11 7,116,914 7,116,914 Share premium 9,848,949 9,848,949 Currency translation reserve (56,592) (38,457) Retained losses (4,950,589) (4,826,013) Total shareholders' equity 11,958,682 12,101,393

All attributable to equity holders of the company

Unaudited condensed consolidated statement of cash flows

Notes Unaudited six months ended 30 September 2016 Unaudited six months ended 30 September 2015   Operating activities Loss for the period (124,576) (135,949) Adjustments for: Investment income (103) (160) Finance costs 82,392 66,959 Foreign exchange movement (131) 813 (42,418) (68,337) Movements in working capital Decrease in receivables 2,348 1,002 (Decrease)/increase in payables (25,672) 8,329 Net cash used in operating activities (65,742) (59,006) Investing activities Investment income 103 60 Mineral property exploration and evaluation (30,388) (29,144) Net cash used in investing activities (30,285) (29,084) Financing activities Loans 125,000 - Net cash generated from financing activities 125,000 - Net increase/(decrease) in cash

and cash equivalents 28,973 (88,090) Cash and cash equivalents at start of period 11,504 96,873 Foreign exchange movement 131 (813) Cash and cash equivalents at end of period 40,608 7,970

All attributable to equity holders of the company

Unaudited condensed consolidated statement of changes in group equity

Share

capital

 Share

premium

 Currency translation reserve

 Retained losses

 Total

 Equity at 1 April 2016 - audited 7,116,914 9,848,949 (38,457) (4,826,013) 12,101,393 Total comprehensiveincome for the period: Exchange difference ontranslation of foreign holding - - (18,135) - (18,135) Loss for the period - - - (124,576) (124,576) Total comprehensiveincome for the period: - - (18,135) (124,576) (142,711) Equity at

30 September 2016 - unaudited 7,116,914 9,848,949 (56,592) (4,950,589) 11,958,682 Comparative period Equity at 1 April 2015 - audited 7,116,914 9,848,949 (31,163) (4,569,563) 12,365,137 Total comprehensiveincome for the period: Exchange difference ontranslation of foreign holding - - 33 - 33 Loss for the period - - - (135,949) (135,949) Total comprehensiveincome for the period: - - 33 (135,949) (135,916) Equity at

30 September 2015 - unaudited 7,116,914 9,848,949 (31,130) (4,705,512) 12,229,221

All attributable to equity holders of the company

Notes to the accounts

1. Basis of preparation

This half-yearly financial report comprises the unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements of the group for the six months ended 30 September 2016. It has been prepared in accordance with the Disclosure and Transparency Rules of the UK Financial Services Authority, the requirements of IAS 34 - Interim financial reporting (as adopted by the European Union) and using the going concern basis and the directors are not aware of any events or circumstances which would make this inappropriate. It was approved by the board of directors on 17 November 2016. It does not constitute financial statements within the meaning of section 434 of the Companies Act 2006 and does not include all of the information and disclosures required for annual financial statements. It should be read in conjunction with the annual report and financial statements for the year ended 31 March 2016 which is available on request from the company or may be viewed at www.angleseymining.co.uk.

The financial information contained in this report in respect of the year ended 31 March 2016 has been extracted from the report and financial statements for that year which have been filed with the Registrar of Companies. The report of the auditors on those accounts did not contain a statement under section 498(2) or (3) of the Companies Act 2006 and was not qualified. The half-yearly results for the current and comparative periods are unaudited.

2. Significant accounting policies

The accounting policies applied in these unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements are consistent with those set out in the annual report and financial statements for the year ended 31 March 2016. The following amendments to interpretations were effective in the current period and have been adopted:

IAS 1 (amendment) 'Presentation of Financial Statements' - Disclosure initiative - 1 January 2016

IAS 16 (amendment) 'Property, Plant and Equipment' and IAS 38 (amendment) 'Intangible Assets' - Clarification of acceptable methods of depreciation and amortisation - 1 January 2016

IAS 27 (amendment) 'Separate Financial Statements' - Equity method in separate financial statements - 1 January 2016

IFRS 11 (amendment) 'Joint Arrangements' - Accounting for acquisitions of interests in joint operations - 1 January 2016

Annual Improvements to IFRS (2012 - 2014) - 1 January 2016

The adoption of the amendments and new interpretations has not resulted in a change to the accounting policies nor had a material effect on the financial performance and position of the group. In preparing these financial statements any accounting assumptions and estimates made by management were consistent with those applied to the aforesaid annual report and financial statements.

3. Risks and uncertainties

The principal risks and uncertainties set out in the group's annual report and financial statements for the year ended 31 March 2016 remain the same for this half-yearly financial report and can be summarised as: development risks in respect of mineral properties, especially in respect of permitting and metal prices; liquidity risks during development; and foreign exchange risks. More information is to be found in the 2016 annual report - see note 1 above.

4. Statement of directors' responsibilities

The directors confirm to the best of their knowledge that: (a) the unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements have been prepared in accordance with the requirements of IAS 34 Interim financial reporting (as adopted by the European Union); and (b) the interim management report includes a fair review of the information required by the FSA's Disclosure and Transparency Rules (4.2.7 R and 4.2.8 R). This report and financial statements were approved by the board on 17 November 2016 and authorised for issue on behalf of the board by Bill Hooley, chief executive officer and Danesh Varma, finance director.

5. Activities

The group is engaged in mineral property development and currently has no turnover. There are no minority interests or exceptional items.

6. Earnings per share

The loss per share is computed by dividing the loss attributable to ordinary shareholders of 0.1 million (loss to 30 September 2015 0.1m), by 160,608,051 (2015 - unchanged) - the weighted average number of ordinary shares in issue during the period. Where there are losses the effect of outstanding share options is not dilutive.

7. Business and geographical segments

There are no revenues. The cost of all activities charged in the income statement relates to exploration and development of mining properties. The group's income statement and assets and liabilities are analysed as follows by geographical segments, which is the basis on which information is reported to the board.

Income statement analysis

Unaudited six months ended 30 September 2016 UK Sweden - investment Canada - investment Total     Expenses (42,409) (9) - (42,418) Investment income 103 - - 103 Finance costs (82,392) - - (82,392) Exchange rate movements 105 26 - 131 Loss for the period (124,593) 17 - (124,576)

Unaudited six months ended 30 September 2015 UK Sweden - investment Canada - investment Total     Expenses (68,337) - - (68,337) Investment income 160 - - 160 Finance costs (66,959) - - (66,959) Exchange rate movements - (57) (756) (813) Loss for the period (135,136) (57) (756) (135,949)

Assets and liabilities

' Unaudited 30 September 2016 UK Sweden investment Canada investment Total     Non current assets 15,272,940 86,659 1 15,359,600 Current assets 69,755 1,264 - 71,019 Liabilities (3,191,748) (280,189) - (3,471,937) Net assets/(liabilities) 12,150,947 (192,266) 1 11,958,682 Audited 31 March 2016 UK Sweden investment Canada investment Total     Non current assets 15,254,391 86,659 1 15,341,051 Current assets 43,069 1,194 - 44,263 Liabilities (3,038,460) (245,461) - (3,283,921) Net assets/(liabilities) 12,259,000 (157,608) 1 12,101,393

8. Deferred tax

There is an unrecognised deferred tax asset of 1.3 million (31 March 2016 - 1.2m) which, in view of the group's results, is not considered to be recoverable in the short term. There are also capital allowances, including mineral extraction allowances, exceeding 12.5 million (unchanged from 31 March 2016) unclaimed and available. No deferred tax asset is recognised in the condensed financial statements.

9. Mineral property exploration and evaluation costs

Mineral property exploration and evaluation costs incurred by the group are carried in the unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements at cost, less an impairment provision if appropriate. The recovery of these costs is dependent upon the successful development and operation of the Parys Mountain project which is itself conditional on finance being available to fund such development. During the period expenditure of 18,549 was incurred (six months to 30 September 2015 - 24,127). There have been no indicators of impairment during the period.

10. Investments

Labrador Grangesberg Total    At 1 April 2015 1 86,659.00 86,660 Addition during period - - At 31 March 2016 1 86,659 86,660 Addition during period - - - At Unaudited 30 September 2016 1 86,659 86,660

Labrador: The group's investment is classified as 'unquoted' and is held at a nominal value of 1.

Grangesberg: The group has a 6% holding in Grangesberg Iron AB (an unquoted Swedish company) and a right of first refusal over shares amounting to a further 51% of that company. This investment has been initially recognised and subsequently measured at cost, on the basis that the shares are not quoted and a reliable fair value is not able to be estimated.

11. Share capital

Ordinary shares of 1p Deferred shares of 4p Total Issued and

fully paid Nominal

value  Number Nominal

value  Number Nominal

value  - At 31 March 2015,

2016 and 30 September 2016 1,606,081 160,608,051 5,510,833 137,770,835 7,116,914

12. Financial instruments

Group Available for sale assets Loans & receivables Unaudited 30 September 2016 31 March 2016 Unaudited 30 September 2016 31 March 2016     Financial assets Investments 1 1 - - Deposit - - 123,078 123,078 Other debtors - - 30,411 32,759 Cash and cash

equivalents - - 40,608 11,504 - - 1 1 194,097 167,341 Unaudited 30 September 2016 31 March 2016   Financial liabilities Trade payables (44,206) (77,465) Other payables (54,294) (58,794) Loans (3,323,437) (3,097,662) (3,421,937) (3,233,921)

13. Events after the reporting period

None.

14. Related party transactions

None.

Corporate information

Directors:

John Kearney Chairman

Bill Hooley Chief executive

Danesh Varma Finance director

David Lean Non executive

Howard Miller Non executive

Parys Mountain site: Parys Mountain, Amlwch, Anglesey, LL68 9RE

Phone 01407 831275

London office: Painter's Hall, 9 Little Trinity Lane, London, EC4V 2AD

Phone 020 7653 9881

Registered office: Tower Bridge House, St. Katharine's Way, London, E1W 1DD

Share registrars: Capita Registrars www.capitaregistrars.com

Phone: 0871 664 0300 - for all change of address and shareholder

administration matters (calls cost 10p per minute plus network extras,

lines open 0830 to 1730 Mon-Fri)

Web site: www.angleseymining.co.uk

E-mail: mail@angleseymining.co.uk

Shares listed on the London Stock Exchange - LSE:AYM

Company registration number 1849957
TORONTO, ON and TAMPA, FL -- (Marketwired) -- 11/18/16 -- Cott Corporation (NYSE: COT) (TSX: BCB) today announced that it will be participating in two upcoming conferences.

Cott will hold investor meetings at Citi's Global Consumer Seminar in London on Tuesday, November 29, 2016. An investor deck will be available on the investor relations section of Cott's website at http://www.cott.com/for-investors/events-and-presentations on November 28, 2016 at 5 p.m. (ET).

Cott will present at the Beverage-Digest Future Smarts Conference on Friday, December 9, 2016. The presentation will be available on the investor relations section of Cott's website at http://www.cott.com/for-investors/events-and-presentations on December 8, 2016 at 5 p.m. (ET).

Cott also announced that its Cott North America business has entered into a letter of intent with a national brand customer for production within its U.S. based hot fill plants. Cott has already begun initial production and the letter of intent reflects volume progressively increasing over the coming months to 7.5 million actual cases per year by the second quarter of 2017.

"We are pleased to see continued growth within the contract manufacturing channel of our traditional business," commented Jerry Fowden, Cott's Chief Executive Officer. "This development is in line with our ongoing strategy to grow contract manufacturing and other categories such as value added and sparkling waters in order to maintain volume stability within our Cott North America business," continued Mr. Fowden.

About Cott Corporation

Cott is a diversified beverage company with the largest volume-based national presence in the North America and European home and office bottled water delivery industry, a leader in custom coffee roasting and blending of iced tea for the U.S. foodservice industry, and one of the world's largest producers of beverages on behalf of retailers, brand owners and distributors. Our platform reaches over 2.3 million customers or delivery points across North America and Europe supported by strategically located sales and distribution facilities and fleets, as well as wholesalers and distributors. This enables us to efficiently service residences, businesses, restaurant chains, hotels and motels, small and large retailers, and healthcare facilities.

Website: www.cott.com

Safe Harbor Statements

This press release contains forward-looking statements within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933 and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, including statements regarding expected volumes from the new national brand customer. Forward-looking statements involve inherent risks and uncertainties and Cott cautions you that a number of important factors could cause actual results to differ materially from those contained in any such forward-looking statement. The forward-looking statements are based on assumptions regarding management's current plans and estimates. Management believes these assumptions to be reasonable but there is no assurance that they will prove to be accurate. Factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those described in this press release include those risks and uncertainties indicated from time to time in Cott's filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission. Readers are cautioned not to place undue reliance on any forward-looking statements, which speak only as of the date hereof. Readers are urged to carefully review and consider the various disclosures, including but not limited to risk factors contained in Cott's Annual Report on Form 10-K and its quarterly reports on Form 10-Q, as well as other periodic reports filed with the securities commissions. Cott does not undertake to update or revise any of these statements in light of new information or future events, except as expressly required by applicable law.

CONTACT:

Jarrod Langhans

Investor Relations

Tel: (813) 313-1732

Email Contact




TORONTO, ONTARIO -- (Marketwired) -- 11/18/16 -- Grenville Strategic Royalty Corp. (TSX VENTURE: GRC) ("Grenville" or the "Company") today announced the closing of a $500,000 follow-on financing in Expert Homes, an Alberta-based manufacturer of modular homes. The transaction represents the first investment under the joint venture arrangements with Foregrowth Holdco Inc. ("Foregrowth") and Darwin Strategic Royalty Corp. ("Darwin") announced last month.

Grenville funded $250,000 of the follow-on and the Foregrowth JV and Darwin JV funded an additional $125,000 each. The funds will be used to continue to accelerate growth at Expert Homes, where sales have been very robust in 2016, well ahead of plan from the time of the original Grenville investment. With this investment, Grenville has invested a total of $1,810,000 in the company including the original $1,560,000 investment in April 2015.

"We believe Expert Homes is an excellent choice as the first co-investment given the exceptional performance of the company and the value our joint venture partners can bring to the table above and beyond capital," said Steve Parry, Chief Executive Officer of Grenville. "We believe this investment is a great start to what we see as an exciting investment platform for the three partners."

"This first investment, just one month after the closing of the Joint Venture agreement, represents an excellent start to our portfolio development," said Vishy Karamadam, Director of Foregrowth-Grenville Investments Inc. "We look forward to continued growth in the portfolio in the coming months."

"Grenville has provided us with a robust pipeline of deals for investment," said Louis Desmarais, Managing Partner of Darwin Strategic Royalty Corporation. "The Expert Homes investment matches well with our expectations for joint funding opportunities with Grenville and we look forward to building a diverse portfolio of investments through the joint funding arrangements."

"Grenville has been a highly strategic partner since their first investment," said Brad Sanders, CEO of Expert Home. "We appreciate the vote of confidence from this tranche of capital provided by Grenville, Foregrowth and Darwin, and we are enthusiastic as this capital will help to fuel our business providing high quality, sustainable homes to our many First Nations partners."

About Grenville

Based in Toronto, Grenville is a publicly-traded royalty company that makes investments in established businesses with revenues of up to $50 million dollars. Grenville generates revenues from royalty payments and buyouts from contracts. The non-dilutive royalty financing structure offered by Grenville competes directly with traditional equity to meet the long-term financing needs of companies on more attractive commercial terms.

Contacts:

Grenville Strategic Royalty Corp.

Steve Parry

Chief Executive Officer

Tel: (416) 777-0383




CAMBRIDGE, UNITED KINGDOM and SANTA CLARA, CA--(Marketwired - November 18, 2016) - Sequent Software, the leader in bringing cards to mobile, and Trustonic, the leading provider of mobile device security, have announced a collaboration to increase the adoption of digital cards on smartphones and wearables. This integration of the Trustonic Hybrid Protection (THP) solution with Sequent Platform will increase the security of billions of digital cards and will bring about significant change in the fields of payment, transit, access control and hospitality applications.

Sequent Platform digitizes legacy plastic cards from card issuers, such as banks, transit agencies and access control companies and makes them usable on smartphones and wearables. Any smartphone app can use these cards to make a payment, ride public transit systems, or get access to office buildings or student campuses. For the first time, Sequent Platform will support THP, an advanced, hardware-based security technology to protect digital cards on TEE-enabled smartphones. This new security option increases the number of smartphones Sequent can support with cards and, therefore, makes these smartphones more valuable in consumers' everyday lives.

"Trustonic's access to TEE hardware in smartphones has increased significantly in the last few years. Our collaboration is the natural next step in Sequent's journey to bring billions of cards to billions of smartphones," said Hans Reisgies, Sequent CTO. "Our industry has understandably focused on bringing bank-issued cards to smartphones over the last few years. Trustonic's technology will help Sequent bring the next billion cards -- specifically digital transit cards, employee badges, student and government ID's, and car keys -- to both smartphones and wearables." "Sequent is using Trustonic's THP solution to secure the mobile experience," said George Kanuck, SVP, Sales & Marketing at Trustonic. "THP is being used to store user credentials securely, as well as to perform all cryptographic processing in a secure area, thus ensuring that the users' secrets and encryption keys are always kept hidden. With this collaboration, delivering and deploying secure credentials on smartphones without compromising on security or user convenience becomes easier than ever."

About Sequent

Sequent Platform brings cards to mobile and makes them useful for consumers. Sequent enables banks, transit agencies, access control providers and any other issuer to securely digitize their credit, debit, transit, loyalty, or ID cards, distributing them to their own application or any others using the Sequent Platform. Sequent's simple APIs empower the app developer community to bring cards to all apps on mobile, wearable, and other connected devices enabling consumers to make payments, redeem offers, open doors, and ride transit systems. Sequent Platform includes: Token Service Provider (TSP), Card and Wallet Management Platform, and Trust Authority. For more information, visit www.sequent.com, and follow us on Twitter @sequentsw.

About Trustonic

Trustonic is a venture formed in 2012 by blue chip leaders in the semiconductor industry (ARM) and digital security (Gemalto). Trustonic's mission is to protect, enrich and simplify people's digital lives by enabling optimum security on all smart connected devices and associated services and applications. Trustonic has already pioneered the adoption of advanced Trusted Execution Environment (TEE) security technology into the world's leading mobile devices with working solutions today underpinning Samsung Knox, SamsungPay, Alipay and Symantec VIP. Trustonic TEE technology is available from 12 of the leading 15 Android smartphone manufacturers and is embedded in more than 700 million devices.

Image Available: http://www.marketwire.com/library/MwGo/2016/11/18/11G122623/Images/Trustonic-e712e009e7a2906484051976afd15cee.JPG

Press Contact:

Colin Eade

Marketing Communications Manager

+44 (0)7393 148294

colin.eade@trustonic.com
PALO ALTO, CA -- (Marketwired) -- 11/18/16 -- SentinelOne, the company transforming endpoint security by delivering real-time protection powered by machine learning and dynamic behavior analysis, today announced the findings of a nationwide survey on the business impact of ransomware, conducted by research firm Vanson Bourn. The survey revealed an immediate need for better solutions -- in the last 12 months, 50 percent of organizations have responded to a ransomware campaign, with 85 percent indicating that they've suffered from three or more attacks.

According to the survey, in response to ransomware attacks, 70 percent of businesses globally have increased IT security spending, and 65 percent reported that they are changing their security strategies to focus on mitigation. Fifty-two percent also agreed that their organizations have lost faith in traditional cybersecurity, such as antivirus.

"Ransomware has become one of the most successful forms of cybercrime in 2016 and is on the top of every security professional's list of most prolific threats," said Jeremiah Grossman, Chief of Security Strategy at SentinelOne. "It's not surprising to see high levels of apathy towards traditional antivirus software, and we don't expect the ransomware epidemic to slow down anytime soon. The situation is likely to get far worse, as some of the ill-gotten gains will be invested into research and development designed to improve encryption strength and utilize new delivery methods, as witnessed with Locky."

Eighty-three percent of organizations that suffered ransomware attacks said hackers gained access to their networks through phishing emails or social media. And 59 percent reported that attackers gained access via drive-by downloads initiated by clicking on compromised sites. The company data most often affected by these campaigns was financial data (52 percent), employee information (46 percent) and customer information (37 percent).

As a result, more than half of organizations have lost faith in traditional cybersecurity, like antivirus, while over a third feel helpless to defend their organization from new forms of ransomware. An additional 68 percent of respondents agreed that traditional cybersecurity techniques are unable to protect organizations from the next generation of malware. Despite this, companies are still willing to assume responsibility for breaches -- only 42 percent would demand answers from their IT security vendors.

"As they have for decades, cyber-criminals continue to illegally access sensitive data by simply tricking users. This problem has not been addressed nor can it be solved by adding more firewalls and end-user trainings," concluded Grossman. "To make a positive impact, both customers and vendors must make real changes to the defense tools they use and design. It's clear that there's an immediate need for a new generation of security technologies that can discover, stop and adapt to the new breed of threats and hacker strategies."

SentinelOne is one of the few vendors to offer next-generation security capabilities through its Endpoint Protection Platform. Using machine learning that combines both static and behavioral-based detection, along with automated response, SentinelOne can protect organizations from a range of attacks, from simple phishing schemes to sophisticated, file-less attacks.

To download the full survey findings, click here. An infographic on the global findings can be found here.

Survey Methodology

Vanson Bourne surveyed 500 cybersecurity decision makers at organizations with more than 1000 employees globally in October 2016: 200 in the U.S.; 100 in the U.K.; 100 in France; and 100 in Germany.

About SentinelOne

SentinelOne is shaping the future of endpoint security with an integrated platform that unifies the detection, prevention and remediation of threats initiated by nation states, terrorists, and organized crime. SentinelOne's unique approach is based on deep inspection of all system processes combined with innovative machine learning to quickly isolate malicious behaviors, protecting devices against advanced, targeted threats in real time. SentinelOne was formed by an elite team of cyber security and defense experts from IBM, Intel, Check Point Software Technologies, McAfee, Palo Alto Networks and the Israel Defense Forces. To learn more visit sentinelone.com or follow us at @SentinelSec

Follow SentinelOne:

Website: sentinelone.com

Blog: sentinelone.com/blog

Twitter: twitter.com/sentinelsec

LinkedIn: Linkedin.com/company/SentinelOne

YouTube: SentinelOne on YouTube

Media Contact:

Denise Schenasi

(415) 963-4174 x 22

SentinelOne@highwirepr.com




OTTAWA, ONTARIO -- (Marketwired) -- 11/18/16 -- The Professional Institute of the Public Service of Canada (PIPSC) will hold its 97th Annual General Meeting on November 18 and 19 in Gatineau.

The Honourable Scott Brison, President of the Treasury Board, will speak to delegates on Friday November 18. This is the first time a Treasury Board President has spoken at an Institute AGM.

This year's theme, Programming for Success, is in deliberate contrast to Canada's over-reliance on outsourcing and contracting out which is Programmed to Fail. A panel of experts will discuss the issue on Saturday November 19.

Event: 97thAnnual General Meeting - The Professional Institute of the Public Service of Canada (PIPSC) Where: Hilton Lac Leamy, Gatineau, Qc When: November 18 & 19, 2016 Media events: Friday November 18th - Address by Treasury Board President Scott Brison at 9:00 a.m. - Address by PIPSC President Debi Daviau at 10:15 a.m. Saturday November 19th - Panel on Precarious work in the public service at 11:00 a.m. Panelists: Debi Daviau, PIPSC President, Trish Hennessy, founding Director of the Canadian Centre for Policy Alternatives' (CCPA) Ontario office, and former Member of Parliament Andrew Cash, co-founder of the Urban Worker Project. Moderator: Globe and Mail's Gloria Galloway.

The Professional Institute of the Public Service of Canada represents some 55,000 professionals and scientists across Canada's public sector.

Follow us on Facebook and on Twitter (@pipsc_ipfpc)

NOTES:

1. Learn more about the PIPSC 97th Annual General Meeting (2016) by visiting http://www.pipsc.ca/portal/page/portal/website/news/events/agm/2016.

2. Hashtag: PIPSC2016

3. These three key AGM events will be available for live viewing on the PIPSC Web site at http://www.pipsc.ca/.

Contacts:

Johanne Fillion

(613) 228-6310 ext 4953 (office)

(613) 883-4900 (cell.)

jfillion@pipsc.ca




VANCOUVER, BRITISH COLUMBIA -- (Marketwired) -- 11/18/16 -- Reliq Health Technologies Inc. (TSX VENTURE: RHT)(OTCQB: RQHTF) ("Reliq" or the "Company"), a technology company focused on developing innovative mobile health (mHealth) and telemedicine solutions for Community-Based Healthcare, is pleased to announce that it has begun enrolling patients for the pilot of its remote patient monitoring and care collaboration solution with Sacred Heart Health System in Florida.

The pilot is specifically aimed at reducing readmissions for Sacred Heart's Congestive Heart Failure (the "CHF") patients. CHF affects over 6 Million Americans, and over 21% of all patients in the US who are admitted to hospital for CHF will be readmitted within 30 days of discharge. All-cause 30-day readmissions cost the US healthcare system over $41 Billion annually.

Reliq's digital health solution reduces readmissions by creating a "virtual hospital ward" within the patient's home, automatically collecting vital signs and tracking medication adherence. Reliq's interactive voice technology provides patients with audible alerts and reminders to take their medications, collect their vitals using Bluetooth-enabled "wearables" and perform prescribed rehab or fitness activities. Reliq's two-way voice hub provides voice-activated access to patient education content, empowering patients and family members to proactively manage complex chronic conditions. The Reliq Health cloud platform instantly alerts the clinical care team if a patient develops key warning signs, allowing clinicians to intervene before a health crisis occurs and preventing costly and disruptive hospital readmissions and ER visits.

"We are very excited to be enrolling patients and launching our pilot with Sacred Heart Health System in Florida," said Dr. Lisa Crossley, CEO of Reliq Health. "Studies consistently show that providing patients with the tools they need for self-management of their chronic conditions produces better health outcomes and reduces healthcare costs. Reliq's remote patient monitoring system quickly and easily collects sophisticated health data from patients in their own homes. Our secure, cloud-based care collaboration platform provides the clinical care team, patient and family members with real-time access to patient health information including trends over time. This helps the care team identify high risk patients and intervene early, before a serious complication develops. Patients and their loved ones are able to clearly see how compliance with prescribed medication and lifestyle changes affect the patient's health measures, improving patient engagement and patient- and family-reported satisfaction."

Sacred Heart Health System is Northwest Florida's leading provider of high-quality health care to children and adults. The hub of the Sacred Heart system is its 566-bed Sacred Heart Hospital in Pensacola. The facilities in Pensacola include The Children's Hospital at Sacred Heart, a Level II Trauma Center, a Cancer Center affiliated with MD Anderson Cancer Network, the area's only program specializing in maternal-fetal medicine, and a cardiovascular program ranked as one of the top 50 in the nation by Truven Analytics. The Health System also includes Sacred Heart Hospital on the Emerald Coast, a 58-bed community hospital near Destin, Sacred Heart Hospital on the Gulf, a 19-bed hospital, in Port St. Joe, and Sacred Heart Medical Group, a large regional network of primary care and specialty physicians with offices across seven coastal counties between Gulf Shores, Ala. and Apalachicola, FL. Sacred Heart is part of Ascension Health, the nation's largest system of Catholic and non-profit health care facilities.

ON BEHALF OF THE BOARD

Dr. Lisa Crossley, CEO and Director

Neither the TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release.

Cautionary Statements Regarding Forward Looking Information

Certain statements in this press release constitute forward-looking statements, within the meaning of applicable securities laws. All statements that are not historical facts, including without limitation, statements regarding future estimates, plans, programs, forecasts, projections, objectives, assumptions, expectations or beliefs of future performance, are "forward-looking statements".

We caution you that such "forward-looking statements" involve known and unknown risks and uncertainties that could cause actual and future events to differ materially from those anticipated in such statements.

Forward-looking statements include, but are not limited to, statements with respect to commercial operations, including technology development, anticipated revenues, projected size of market, and other information that is based on forecasts of future results, estimates of amounts not yet determinable and assumptions of management.

Reliq Health Technologies Inc. (the "Company") does not intend, and does not assume any obligation, to update these forward-looking statements except as required by law. These forward-looking statements involve risks and uncertainties relating to, among other things, technology development and marketing activities, the Company's historical experience with technology development, uninsured risks. Actual results may differ materially from those expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements.

Contacts:

CORE Capital Partners

604-566-9233

investors@ccpartnersinc.com




Delticom launches a new online platform deltipartners.com in 28 countries, enabling its fitting partners to access Delticom's B2B services centrally.

Tools such as the online appointments calendar, wheel storage placement platform, and statistical evaluations help fitting partners to organise day-to-day business in the workshop, and offer opportunities for business expansion.

The features available on deltipartners.com are being continually expanded. The aim is to offer a range of services comparable to those of trade and workshop chains without obligation.

Since the beginning of 2016, Delticom fitting partners, and those who want to become one, have had a new online platform at their disposal. The platform facilitates day-to-day business in the workshop, as well as helping them to expand their business: at deltipartners.com, workshops and dealers now have central access to various online tools from the Delticom B2B service range, including a calendar for coordinating fitting appointments with customers, and a warehouse placement platform for the Delti Wheel Storage service. Also available with one click: the extensive range from the B2B online shop Yourtyres.co.uk. The deltipartners.com has been launched in 28 countries.

This Smart News Release features multimedia. View the full release here: http://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20161118005326/en/

Delticom launches a new online platform deltipartners.com in 28 countries (Photo: Business Wire)

At the heart of the B2B services on deltipartners.com is the opportunity to work as a fitting partner or mobile tyre service partner for all the online shops belonging to Europe's largest online tyre retailer, for example Mytyres.co.uk and Tirendo. On deltipartners.com, workshops can conveniently update their own additional services and prices, so that they are always displayed in the B2C shops. In addition, partners can evaluate numerous statistics, view customer reviews, and compare themselves to other fitting partners. On top of this are useful support services, such as help to improve their online presence. The features available on deltipartners.com are also being continually expanded.

"Deltipartners.com offers our partners a central platform which combines all the B2B services available to them. In this way, we create opportunities for dealers and workshops to develop additional business and capture new customer groups. This highlights the partnership approach that we are pursuing in order to develop a successful and mutually beneficial combination of online and offline trading", says Ansgar von Haacke, currently Project Manager at Delticom. "In particular, we see ourselves as partners of smaller workshops that want to maintain their independence. Our goal is to provide these companies with continually expanding B2B services offering the same range as tyre wholesalers and workshops, but without obligations such as being bound to certain manufacturers or minimum sales. Our partners are free to use the modules they need and nothing more. With a few exceptions, the features are all free, and can be added or cancelled at any time."

About Yourtyres.co.uk

Yourtyres.co.uk is the exclusive online store from Delticom AG for workshops, retailers, wholesalers, tyre fitters/service stations and car accessories. With over 15 years' expertise in the online tyre business, the Yourtyres.co.uk specialist B2B team offers its clients a spectacular range of car and motorbike tyres of all brands and dimensions for all types of vehicles, tyres for light trucks, trucks and buses, custom tyres, complete wheel sets, car spare parts and accessories, engine oil and batteries. In addition to favourable purchasing conditions, retail clients benefit from the online shop's time-saving tyre search function, high availability, reliable delivery thanks to in-house warehouses, as well as a simple registration process with no hidden costs from the very first tyre.

Information about the company: www.delti.com

Tyre tests: www.tyretest.com

View source version on businesswire.com: http://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20161118005326/en/

Contacts:

insignis Agentur fur Kommunikation GmbH (GPRA)

Henning Jahns

Tel.: +49-511-132214-14

Fax: +49-511-132214-99

delticom@insignis.de

or

Delticom AG

Anne Lena Peters

Tel.: +49-511-93634-8909

Fax: +49-511-93634-8301

anne.lena.peters@delti.com
ATLANTA, GA--(Marketwired - May 16, 2017) - Jacada, Ltd. (OTCQB: JCDAF), a leading global provider of customer service technology designed to simplify the interaction between businesses and their customers, announced that it has been selected as one of four finalists in the Digital Self-Service Innovation category of the UK National Innovation Awards for 2017. Recognized for the Jacada Contact Hub, a suite of award winning solutions that support today's digital consumer, Jacada is expected to pick up another award in the area of digital customer service solutions.

The Jacada Contact Hub offers digital engagement across multiple channels, personalizing the experience and offering seamless connectivity to assisted service when needed. The Jacada Contact Hub is committed to driving digital adoption and lowering inbound call volume by right channeling customers to the proper digital channel. The Jacada Hub features the award winning Visual IVR, an Artificial Intelligence powered Virtual Agent, and Interact -- the powerful cross-channel interaction designer. With this cross-channel interaction platform, Jacada enables efficient customer engagement on the voice channel, the digital channel, the physical (IoT) channel, and on the outbound channel. Customer interactions are all designed on one convenient platform with a single designer, ensuring no more channel silos.

The UK National Innovation Awards 2017 are judged by business leaders who employ the technologies selected. Senior leaders from digital, customer service, customer contact, customer experience and customer operations will judge the final.

"We are honored to be recognized as a leader in Digital Self-Service as we work hard to enable our customers to engage with their consumers in the most efficient and effective ways," says Guy Yair, Co-Chief Executive Officer of Jacada. "Our digital customer innovations empower companies to drive the use of their digital assets while providing the best options for customer self-service."

Jon Snow, Chairman of Directors' Club United Kingdom, praised the standard of entries saying, "Directors' Club is delighted the Jacada entry was voted through to the final of the Digital Self-Service Innovation category on May 23 rd . The competition from eight other entrants was high, as was the quality of the submissions. I am sure their live final presentation will further demonstrate the innovation at the heart of their offering. Congratulations and best of luck."

About Jacada

Jacada provides solutions that simplify and improve the effectiveness of customer interactions. Jacada's mobile, customer, agent desktop and process optimization solutions help companies reduce the cost of their operations, drive customer satisfaction, and provide a complete return on investment within the first year after deployment. Founded in 1990, Jacada operates globally with offices in Atlanta, USA; London, England; Munich, Germany; and Herzliya, Israel. More information is available at www.Jacada.com.

About The National Innovation Awards

The UK National Innovation Awards (the Nationals) have been designed by the Directors' Club United Kingdom to recognize business technology innovations and their impact on customer experience, employee engagement, operations performance, product creation, and profitable growth. Visit http://directorsclub.org.uk for more information.

Embedded Video Available: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4dB_N5qVOnw

Contacts:



A. Lee Judge

Senior Digital Marketing Manager

Jacada, Ltd.

770-776-2326

Email contact





Jon Snow

Directors' Club United Kingdom

07966 191 128

Email contact






Through its Sustainability 2022 efforts, company aims to increase access to clean, safe, sustainable sanitation to 10 million people by 2022

DALLAS, Nov. 18, 2016 /PRNewswire/ --This November 19, on World Toilet Day, Kimberly-Clark renews its commitment to its Toilets Change Lives program, a multi-national commercial program that leverages the power of its well-known brands to educate consumers and help solve the global sanitation crisis.

The United Nations General Assembly officially designated World Toilet Day in 2013 to raise awareness and inspire efforts to tackle the global sanitation crisis. A lack of basic sanitation affects more than 2.4 billion people around the world, making 'access to water and sanitation for all' an important platform for the UN's Sustainable Development Goals.

The reality of what this means for so many people is profound. Countless children miss school because of the spread of life-threatening diseases and infection from a lack of basic sanitation. And millions of girls miss school every month because menstruation becomes too hard to manage without access to proper facilities.

"Access to safe, clean, sanitation facilities should be a basic, human right," said Mauricio Troncoso, vice president and managing director for Western Europe for Kimberly-Clark Corporation. "The nature of our business gives us a unique understanding of sanitation and toilets, and the opportunity to improve and change lives for the better."

One of the keys to solving the crisis is the Toilet Board Coalition, a business led public-private partnership co-founded by Kimberly-Clark. Now in its fourth year, its members are multinational corporations, development experts, intergovernmental and non-governmental organizations and social investors who share a joint vision and mission to support and accelerate commercially sustainable business models dedicated to building smart, sustainable sanitation systems for the future while delivering sanitation to all.

With the help of Kimberly-Clark leaders with a wide variety of skills from marketing, sales, finance, research, logistics and human resources, the Toilet Board Coalition is providing access to innovation and support for business processes that help entrepreneurs focus on the goal - to provide sustainable access to a proper toilet.

"This model works because it's about mutual benefit. Kimberly-Clark can gain so much from working with entrepreneurial young businesses," added Troncoso, who also was recently named chairman for the Toilet Board Coalition. "Thus far, we've been given direct insight into consumer behavior and we've been greatly inspired by the enthusiasm and drive of our mentees. And at the same time, we can help provide the expertise that will get growing businesses over the start line, to start solving the issue for good."

In addition, Kimberly-Clark is rallying employees, customers and consumers behind a large-scale multi-national program titled Toilets Change Lives. It brings the global sanitation crisis to the forefront through its well-known global brands to help fund potentially life-saving programs.

Since its inception in 2014, the Toilets Change Lives program has helped improve access to sanitation to approximately 300,000 people in need. Several Kimberly-Clark brands, including Andrex, Scott and Neve, have partnered with key retailers in 10 countries to sell special promotional packs that help support potentially life-saving programs through donations to NGOs such as UNICEF, Water for People and WaterAid.

In India, for example, Kimberly-Clark has partnered with Charities Aid Foundation India to address the issue of open defecation through work to provide clean, safe toilets in schools and early child development centers. Additionally, the company is creating a sustainable market-driven model in partnership with the Toilet Board Coalition and Svadha, a sanitation focused social enterprise. The program trains villagers to become 'Sani-preneurs' who can build and sell toilets. This holistic approach, which galvanizes both demand and supply of toilets, aims to bring a sustainable solution to open defecation in India.

"We're asking our consumers and our employees to purchase our products, share posts and stories through social media to enable contributions, or consider donating to support the cause," said Lisa Morden, Global Sustainability director for Kimberly-Clark. "Through our Sustainability 2022 strategy, we hope to improve the social and physical well-being of people in need around the world, and make a lasting difference that realizes our company's purpose of making lives better."

For more information about Kimberly-Clark's commitment to sanitation or to access the work of our brands related to the issue, search "Toilets Change Lives" on Facebook.

About Kimberly-Clark

Kimberly-Clark (NYSE: KMB) and its well-known global brands are an indispensable part of life for people in 175 countries. Every day, nearly a quarter of the world's population trust Kimberly-Clark's brands and the solutions they provide to enhance their health, hygiene and well-being. With brands such as Kleenex, Scott, Huggies, Pull-Ups, Kotex and Depend, Kimberly-Clark holds the No. 1 or No. 2 share position in 80 countries. To keep up with the latest news and to learn more about the company's 144-year history of innovation, visit www.kimberly-clark.com or follow us on Facebook or Twitter.

[KMB-B]

Logo- http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20110928/DA76879LOGO
WASHINGTON (dpa-AFX) - Chipotle Mexican Grill Inc. (CMG, CMG-B) and William Ackman are nearing a settlement that would give the activist investor a say in the boardroom at the company, the Wall Street Journal reported citing people familiar with the matter. The report indicated that the company and Ackman's Pershing Square Capital Management LP, which disclosed a 9.9% stake two months ago, have been discussing changing the board and could reach an agreement soon. A deal isn't assured and could be delayed or fall apart. Both the company and Mr. Ackman say they've had a cordial relationship. According to report, a settlement could head off a potentially expensive and distracting public fight over the board, which shareholders, analysts and governance experts say hasn't properly performed its role of overseeing and guiding management, especially during a food-safety crisis that has hobbled the company's sales and performance for over a year. Copyright RTT News/dpa-AFX

Werbehinweise: Die Billigung des Basisprospekts durch die BaFin ist nicht als ihre Befurwortung der angebotenen Wertpapiere zu verstehen. Wir empfehlen Interessenten und potenziellen Anlegern den Basisprospekt und die Endgultigen Bedingungen zu lesen, bevor sie eine Anlageentscheidung treffen, um sich moglichst umfassend zu informieren, insbesondere uber die potenziellen Risiken und Chancen des Wertpapiers. Sie sind im Begriff, ein Produkt zu erwerben, das nicht einfach ist und schwer zu verstehen sein kann.
NEW YORK, NEW YORK -- (Marketwired) -- 11/18/16 -- Brookfield Investment Management Inc. (the "Adviser") announced today that, at a special meeting of shareholders held earlier today, shareholders of Brookfield Mortgage Opportunity Income Fund Inc. (NYSE: BOI) approved the reorganization of BOI into Brookfield Real Assets Income Fund Inc. Additionally, as previously announced, shareholders of each of Brookfield Total Return Fund Inc. (NYSE: HTR) and Brookfield High Income Fund Inc. (NYSE: HHY) have previously approved the reorganization of each Fund into Brookfield Real Assets Income Fund Inc.

It is currently expected that the reorganizations will be completed after the close of the New York Stock Exchange on December 2, 2016, subject to all applicable regulatory requirements and other customary closing conditions being satisfied. Detailed information on the reorganizations is contained in the proxy materials previously filed with the SEC.

Forward-Looking Statements

Certain statements made in this news release that are not historical facts are referred to as "forward-looking statements" under the U.S. federal securities laws. Actual future results or occurrences may differ significantly from those anticipated in any forward-looking statements due to numerous factors. Generally, the words "believe," "expect," "intend," "estimate," "anticipate," "project," "will" and similar expressions identify forward-looking statements, which generally are not historical in nature. Forward-looking statements are subject to certain risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ from the historical experience of Brookfield Investment Management Inc. and the Funds managed by Brookfield Investment Management Inc. and its present expectations or projections. You should not place undue reliance on forward-looking statements, which speak only as of the date they are made. Brookfield Investment Management Inc. and the Funds managed by Brookfield Investment Management Inc. undertake no responsibility to update publicly or revise any forward-looking statements.

Brookfield Investment Management (the "Firm") is an SEC-registered investment adviser and represents the Public Securities platform of Brookfield Asset Management. The Firm provides global listed real assets strategies including real estate equities, infrastructure equities, real asset debt and diversified real assets. With approximately $15 billion of assets under management as of September 30, 2016, the Firm manages separate accounts, registered funds and opportunistic strategies for institutional and individual clients, including financial institutions, public and private pension plans, insurance companies, endowments and foundations, sovereign wealth funds and high net worth investors. The Firm is a wholly-owned subsidiary of Brookfield Asset Management, a leading global alternative asset manager with approximately $250 billion of assets under management as of September 30, 2016. For more information, go to www.brookfield.com.

Brookfield Mortgage Opportunity Income Fund Inc., Brookfield Total Return Fund Inc. and Brookfield High Income Fund Inc. are managed by Brookfield Investment Management Inc. The Funds use their website as a channel of distribution of material company information. Financial and other material information regarding the Funds are routinely posted on and accessible at www.brookfield.com.

Contacts:

Brookfield Mortgage Opportunity Income Fund Inc.

Brookfield Total Return Fund Inc.

Brookfield High Income Fund Inc.



Brookfield Place

250 Vesey Street, 15th Floor

New York, NY 10281-1023

(855) 777-8001

funds@brookfield.com

www.brookfield.com




WASHINGTON (dpa-AFX) - Donald Trump has offered the post of Attorney General to Alabama Senator Jeff Sessions, one of his closest allies, US media reports. A former prosecutor elected to the Senate in 1996, Sessions is chairman of the Senate Subcommittee on Immigration, and served as an adviser on Trump's immigration policy plan during the presidential campaign. The news comes a day after the President-elect met with Sessions in his office in New York. 'While nothing has been finalized and he is still talking with others as he forms his cabinet, the President-elect has been unbelievably impressed with Senator Sessions and his phenomenal record as Alabama's Attorney General and U.S. Attorney,' the Trump transition team said in a statement Thursday. It is no wonder the people of Alabama re-elected him without opposition, it added. Copyright RTT News/dpa-AFX

Werbehinweise: Die Billigung des Basisprospekts durch die BaFin ist nicht als ihre Befurwortung der angebotenen Wertpapiere zu verstehen. Wir empfehlen Interessenten und potenziellen Anlegern den Basisprospekt und die Endgultigen Bedingungen zu lesen, bevor sie eine Anlageentscheidung treffen, um sich moglichst umfassend zu informieren, insbesondere uber die potenziellen Risiken und Chancen des Wertpapiers. Sie sind im Begriff, ein Produkt zu erwerben, das nicht einfach ist und schwer zu verstehen sein kann.
TORONTO, ON -- (Marketwired) -- 11/18/16 -- Patriot One Technologies Inc., (TSX VENTURE: PAT) (OTC PINK: PTOTF) (FRA: OPL) ("Patriot One" or the "Company"), developer of a revolutionary concealed weapons detection system, is pleased to announce that Company CEO Martin Cronin, and President Dinesh Kandanchatha, will be presenting a corporate overview at the 2016 Drexel Hamilton Emerging Growth Conference for Institutional Investors in New York City on Thursday, December 1st at 2:00 PM Eastern Time.

Patriot One's team will be providing insights into the recent launch of its revolutionary NForce CMR1000 concealed weapons detection system. Details regarding intrinsic innovation and patent-pending radar technologies will include an overview of its revolutionary cognitive ability to learn signature identification patterns of prohibited items. The covert identification of weapons such as guns or knives prior to entry into restricted areas will be discussed with a view to the disruptive potential for this all-new technology. Find out more at www.patriot1tech.com.

ON BEHALF OF THE BOARD

"Martin Cronin"

CEO & Director

About Drexel Hamilton, LLC

Drexel Hamilton, a full-service institutional broker-dealer founded in 2007, partners military and service-disabled veterans with Wall Street veterans in the institutional financial services industry. In addition to the presentations and one-on-one meetings, participants will have an opportunity to meet some of the military and service-disabled veterans working at Drexel Hamilton. The firm is committed to maintaining a concentration of at least 40 percent military and service-disabled veteran employees. For more information, visit: http://drexelhamilton.com.

About Patriot One Technologies, Inc. (TSX VENTURE: PAT) (OTC PINK: PTOTF) (FRA: OPL)

Patriot One is advancing five years of academic research and successful testing into a commercial first-of-its-kind Cognitive Microwave Radar concealed weapons detection system. The Company's NForce CMR1000 aims to Deter, Detect and Defend against active shooter threats before they occur. NForce CMR1000 can be cost-effectively installed in hallways and doorways to covertly identify weapons and to alert security of active threats before entry. Soon, facility operators will have an ability to prominently post anti-weapons policies with compliance assured. Patriot One believes widespread use of its technology could act as an effective deterrent, thereby diminishing the epidemic phenomena of active shooters across the nation and around the world. For more information, visit: www.patriot1tech.com and watch the video.

CAUTIONARY DISCLAIMER STATEMENT:

Neither TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release.

This news release contains forward-looking statements relating to product development, commercialization and other statements that are not historical facts. Forward-looking statements are often identified by terms such as "will", "may", "should", "anticipate", "expects" and similar expressions. All statements other than statements of historical fact, included in this release are forward-looking statements that involve risks and uncertainties. There can be no assurance that such statements will prove to be accurate and actual results and future events could differ materially from those anticipated in such statements. Important factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from the Company's expectations include the failure to satisfy the conditions of the relevant securities exchange(s) and other risks detailed from time to time in the filings made by the Company with securities regulations. The reader is cautioned that assumptions used in the preparation of any forward-looking information may prove to be incorrect. Events or circumstances may cause actual results to differ materially from those predicted, as a result of numerous known and unknown risks, uncertainties, and other factors, many of which are beyond the control of the Company. The reader is cautioned not to place undue reliance on any forward-looking information. Such information, although considered reasonable by management at the time of preparation, may prove to be incorrect and actual results may differ materially from those anticipated. Forward-looking statements contained in this news release are expressly qualified by this cautionary statement. The forward-looking statements contained in this news release are made as of the date of this news release and the Company will update or revise publicly any of the included forward-looking statements as expressly required by applicable law.

For further information, please contact:

Patriot One Inquiries

+1 (800) 753-0031

info@patriot1tech.com

www.patriot1tech.com




MATAWAN, NJ--(Marketwired - November 18, 2016) - iCIMS, Inc., a leading provider of cloud-based talent acquisition solutions, announces three recent awards from New Jersey business-focused organizations including NJBIZ, NJ Tech Council and NJ Business & Industry Association.

For the eighth consecutive year iCIMS was included on the NJBIZ 50 Fastest Growing Companies list. iCIMS was ranked 9th on the list, moving up 13 spaces from last year. Companies recognized for this award must be headquartered in New Jersey, have annual revenues exceeding $500,000 in the fiscal years ending in 2013, 2014, and 2015, and show revenue growth over the same period. In 2015 alone, iCIMS added more than 1,000 customers and increased revenue by 37 percent, contributing to more than a decade of profitability for the company. NJBIZ is New Jersey's leading business journal. It is well known for its events honoring New Jersey's top business professionals.

iCIMS was also named the Impact Company of the Year by NJ Tech Council, which recognizes and celebrates tech and life sciences companies for their accomplishments in leadership, collaboration and innovation. To be considered for the Impact Company of the Year, companies must have over $25 million in revenue and be a profitable market leader, while experiencing employment growth. The NJ Tech Council provides the state and region's technology businesses with business development, education, networking and recognition opportunities.

"We're incredibly honored to be recognized by leading organizations in our home state that realize the importance of the growth and development of New Jersey businesses. We've personally made numerous strides over the past year to remain a healthily growing organization, both in terms of customer and employee bases," states Colin Day, chairman and chief executive officer of iCIMS. "Additionally, we're planning to continue this growth and aim to further benefit the state in an even bigger way. Earlier this year, iCIMS signed a lease to relocate to the historic Bell Works corporate campus in Holmdel, NJ as the anchor tenant, providing us with room for up to 2,000 employees. iCIMS playing this large role in reviving the former Bell Laboratories is very meaningful to me and will hopefully help position New Jersey as a thriving tech hub once again."

Lastly, iCIMS was awarded by NJ Business & Industry Association with an Award for Excellence in the Business Success category. The award is presented to companies that have contributed to the state's economic growth through the expansion of their businesses. The NJ Business & Industry Association, which is regarded as the most credible and effective advocate for business in the state, is dedicated to building a more prosperous New Jersey by providing information, services and advocacy to its member companies.

About iCIMS, Inc.:

iCIMS is the leading provider of talent acquisition solutions that help businesses win the war for top talent. iCIMS empowers companies to manage their entire hiring process within the industry's most robust Platform-as-a-Service (PaaS). Built on the foundation of a best-to-market talent acquisition software suite, iCIMS' PaaS framework, UNIFi, allows employers to expand the capabilities of their core talent acquisition technology by integrating with the largest partner ecosystem in talent acquisition to help them attract, find, screen, and manage candidates. Offering scalable, easy-to-use solutions that are backed by award-winning customer service, iCIMS supports more than 3,200 contracted customers and is one of the largest and fastest-growing talent acquisition solution providers.

Media Contact:

Kelly Cordrey

iCIMS, Inc.

732-520-7411

Kelly.Cordrey@icims.com
EAGAN, MN -- (Marketwired) -- 11/18/16 -- A Minnesota jury awarded ARA, Inc. $961,283.42, exclusive of costs and attorney's fees, for claims of breach of contract, fraud, theft and conversion. In March of 2015, TempWorks Software Inc. and ARA Inc. discovered that a mutual customer, JG Staffing, Inc., of Phoenix, AZ, had orchestrated a payment lapping scheme involving the factoring of improperly-discounted invoices. After the scheme was uncovered, the Arizona staffing firm began intercepting debtor payments due ARA, Inc.

In May of 2015, JG Staffing, Inc. filed an unsuccessful lawsuit accusing TempWorks Software Inc. of withholding its proprietary data and overcharging, and ARA Inc. of interfering with a large customer relationship. ARA, Inc. counterclaimed, and was awarded $723,884.63 for fraud and breach of contract, $87,398.79 for conversion, $75,000 for theft, and $75,000 in punitive damages related to the theft. $132,578.29 was awarded by the court for pre-judgment interest.

Documents produced during the discovery phase of litigation tie JG Staffing, Inc. to the operation of web domain "Beware Of TempWorks." The domain is owned by Florida resident David Stemm, who together with Texas businessman Todd Barnes, refer to themselves as "victims" of TempWorks. Barnes is the registered owner of Cibolo Creek Capital, LLC, which conducted over $100,000 of banking transfers with a JG Staffing entity during the pendency of the litigation. A $110,027.07 default judgment was entered in Alabama against Mr. Barnes in 2014, in favor of Birmingham factoring firm Momentum Capital Funding, LLC, in a case involving allegations of theft and fraud.

"We are delighted that this finding of liability holds JG Staffing Inc. accountable for its theft and exonerates our own conduct in the eyes of the public. We look forward to returning the energy spent in this piece of litigation to our customers, employees, and products," stated TempWorks and ARA CEO, David Dourgarian. TempWorks and ARA were represented at trial by their general counsel, Mr. John H. Reid, and Mr. Daniel J. Cragg, a partner with Eckland & Blando LLP.

For more information about TempWorks Software, please visit www.tempworks.com.

Media Contacts

Melissa Landy

Uproar PR for TempWorks Software

(321) 236-0102 x233

Email Contact




BLACKROCK FRONTIERS INVESTMENT TRUST PLC All information is at 31 October 2016 and unaudited. Performance of ordinary share portfolio at month end with net income reinvested. One month

% Three months

% One

year

% Three

years

% Five

years

% Since

Launch*

% Sterling: Share price 5.4 6.7 37.6 30.9 112.2 62.4 Net asset value 5.8 10.2 30.6 39.6 107.7 66.2 MSCI Frontiers Index (NR) 6.0 9.8 22.6 27.3 61.7 34.5 MSCI Emerging Markets Index (NR) 6.7 13.2 38.2 23.7 35.9 20.3 US Dollars: Share price -0.9 -1.9 8.8 -0.4 60.9 27.6 Net asset value -0.6 1.3 3.3 6.1 57.4 30.3 MSCI Frontiers Index (NR) -0.4 1.0 -3.0 -3.3 22.3 5.4 MSCI Emerging Markets Index (NR) 0.2 4.1 9.3 -6.0 2.8 -5.8

Sources: BlackRock and Standard & Poor's Micropal

* 17 December 2010.

At month end US Dollar Net asset value - capital only: 163.13c Net asset value - cum income: 167.25c Sterling: Net asset value - capital only: 133.62p Net asset value - cum income: 137.00p Share price: 136.00p Total assets (including income): 225.1m Discount to cum-income NAV: 0.7% Gearing: nil Gearing range (as a % of gross assets): 0-20% Net yield*: 4.4% Ordinary shares in issue: 164,333,108 Ongoing charges**: 1.5% Ongoing charges plus taxation and performance fee: 1.6%



*The Company's yield based on dividends announced in the last 12 months as at the date of the release of this announcement is 4.1% and includes the 2015 final dividend of 4.15 cents per share declared on 18 December 2015, paid to shareholders on 19 February 2016 and the 2016 interim dividend of 2.60 cents per share announced on 16 May 2016 and paid to shareholders on 1 July 2016.

**Calculated as a percentage of average net assets and using expenses, excluding performance fees and interest costs for the year ended 30 September 2015.



Sector Analysis Gross assets(%)* Country Analysis Gross assets(%)* Financials 34.0 Argentina 13.1 Consumer Staples 17.7 Pakistan 11.1 Telecommunication 13.7 Romania 10.9 Utilities 6.8 Kazakhstan 8.9 Health Care 6.7 Bangladesh 8.8 Energy 6.3 Vietnam 7.2 Industrials 6.1 Sri Lanka 6.8 Information Technology 5.4 Morocco 6.5 Materials 5.2 Ukraine 5.7 Consumer Discretionary 2.5 Kenya 5.6 Real Estate 2.0 Kuwait 5.4 ----- Nigeria 3.0 Total 106.4 Saudi Arabia 2.4 ----- Eurasia 2.1 Short positions 0.0 Estonia 2.1 ===== Slovenia 2.0 Caribbean 2.0 Philippines 1.4 Egypt 1.4 ----- Total 106.4 ----- Short positions 0.0 =====

*reflects gross market exposure from contracts for difference (CFDs).

Market Exposure

30.11

2015

% 31.12

2015

% 31.01

2016

% 29.02

2016 % 31.03

2016

% 30.04

2016

% 31.05

2016

% 30.06

2016

% 31.07

2016

% 31.08

2016

% 30.09

2016

% 31.10

2016

% Long 100.3 99.5 102.5 102.2 108.1 109.2 108.8 110.5 103.4 105.7 104.0 106.4 Short 1.7 1.7 1.4 1.1 1.2 1.3 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 Gross 102.0 101.2 103.9 103.3 109.3 110.5 108.8 110.5 103.4 105.7 104.0 106.4 Net 98.6 97.8 101.1 101.1 106.9 107.9 108.8 110.5 103.4 105.7 104.0 106.4

Ten Largest Equity Investments Company Country of Risk % of gross assets MCB Bank Pakistan 4.6 Banco Macro Argentina 3.9 Maroc Telecom Morocco 3.9 Halyk Savings Bank Kazakhstan 3.5 Mobile Telecommunications Kuwait 3.5 Grupo Financiero Galicia Argentina 3.5 KazMunaiGas Exploration Production Kazakhstan 3.4 Square Pharmaceuticals Bangladesh 3.3 MHP Ukraine 3.2 BRD Groupe Societe Generale Romania 3.1



Commenting on the markets, Sam Vecht, representing the Investment Manager noted:



In October, the Company's NAV fell by -0.6% marginally underperforming the MSCI Frontier benchmark by -0.2% (on a US Dollar basis with net income reinvested). On a 12-month basis, the Company outperformed the benchmark by 6.3%, returning 3.3% against the benchmark's -3.0%. The MSCI Emerging Markets Index rose 0.2% and 9.3% over the one month and 12-month periods.

October performance was diversified across countries, sectors, and names. Selection within Kazakhstan was a notable driver to performance. Our overweight position in Halyk Bank did particularly well for the Trust, driven by an improved profitability outlook, attractive valuation and anticipated macro recovery. A position in off-benchmark telecom name, KCell, was also among the largest contributors. Outside of Kazakhstan, Argentine utility, Pampa Energia, continues to benefit the portfolio, as Argentina delivers an electricity sector reform, unlocking value in Pampa. Similarly, our underweight to Kuwait also contributed positively on a relative basis. The market and economy are still adjusting to the reality of $50 oil price. The portfolio remains approximately 20% underweight to the Middle East region versus the benchmark.

On the other hand, our longstanding position in Pakistani utility, Hub Power, detracted over the month on news that the power company may be scaling down the size of their new coal plant. Lebanese real estate developer, Solidere, was the largest individual detractor in October. The stock, which is not owned in the portfolio, soared over 30% on news that newly elected President Michel Aoun had appointed former Prime Minister Saad Hariri to form a new cabinet, maintaining momentum as the country breaks free of the two-year leadership vacuum. Pan-Eurasian Coke bottler, Coca-Cola Icecek, also weighed on performance.

It is notable that during the recent bout of global volatility, frontier markets are very resilient. This reflects the different investor bases in frontier markets and low synchronisation with the global cycle. Frontier Markets continue to exhibit strong GDP growth and low government debt levels, and represent an opportunity to invest in companies with strong cash flow and high dividend yields, on some of the lowest valuations in the world.

18 November 2016

ENDS

Latest information is available by typing www.blackrock.co.uk/brfi on the internet, "BLRKINDEX" on Reuters, "BLRK" on Bloomberg or "8800" on Topic 3 (ICV terminal). Neither the contents of the Manager's website nor the contents of any website accessible from hyperlinks on BlackRock's website (or any other website) is incorporated into, or forms part of, this announcement.


TOKYO (dpa-AFX) - After US President-elect's first meeting with a foreign leader, Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe said he has great confidence in Donald Trump and he believes they can build a relationship of trust. The Japanese leader said that it was 'candid,' held in a 'warm atmosphere.'



The 90-minute meeting at the Trump Towers in Manhattan Thursday was closed to the press.



'I do believe that without confidence between the two nations the alliance would never function in the future and as the outcome of today's discussion I am convinced Mr. Trump is a leader in whom I can have great confidence,' Abe told reporters.



'It was a pleasure to have Prime Minister Shinzo Abe stop by my home and begin a great friendship,' Trump said about the meeting in a Facebook post.



Vice President-elect Mike Pence, Trump's daughter Ivanka and her husband Jared Kushner also met Abe at the Trump Tower summit.



Trump has spoken over phone with around 30 key world leaders in just a week after he won the race to the White House, but this was his first face-to-face meeting with a foreign leader.



The outcome of the hastily arranged talks during Abe's stop-over in New York on his way to an Asia-Pacific trade summit in Peru comes as a tension reliever for Tokyo.



Trump had threatened during the presidential campaign that he may withdraw US troops from Japan if they do not pay more for their presence.



The United States is Japan's biggest ally, and Washington's commitment to the region is crucial for Tokyo's security and business interests, especially in the wake of the rising military assertiveness of China and North Korea's nuclear threat.



Copyright RTT News/dpa-AFX

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PUNE, India, November 18, 2016 /PRNewswire/ --

According to a new market research report "Cardiac Monitoring & Cardiac Rhythm Management Devices Market CM [ECG (Resting, Stress, Holter Monitor), COM Devices, Implantable Loop Recorders, Event Monitors], CRM (Defibrillators (ICDs, External), Pacemakers, CRT-D, CRT-P) - Global Forecast to 2021" published by MarketsandMarkets, the global market is projected to reach USD 28.00 Billion by 2021 from USD 22.19 Billion in 2016, at a CAGR of 4.8% from 2016 to 2021.

(Logo: http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20160303/792302 )



Browse 176 market data Tables and 33 Figures spread through 184 Pages and in-depth TOC on "Cardiac Monitoring & Cardiac Rhythm Management Devices Market"

http://www.marketsandmarkets.com/Market-Reports/cardiac-monitoring-advanced-technologies-and-global-market-55.html

Early buyers will receive 10% customization on this report.

This report provides a detailed overview of major drivers, restraints, challenges, opportunities, current market trends, and strategies impacting the global market along with estimates and forecast of revenue. Factors such as increasing incidence of cardiovascular diseases, technological advancements, and rise in private institutional nursing and home care are driving the CM & CRM Devices Market. However, dearth of skilled healthcare professionals with expertise in electrocardiography and cardiac monitoring and limited reimbursements for remote cardiac monitoring devices are major factors restraining the growth of the CM & CRM Devices Market.

Speak to our research experts:

http://www.marketsandmarkets.com/speaktoanalyst.asp?id=55

The market is segmented on the basis of product, end user, and region. On the basis of product, the CM devices market is segmented into ECG devices, implantable loop recorder (ILR), and cardiac output monitoring (COM) devices, and event monitors. The ECG devices segment is the largest and fastest-growing product segment due to increasing incidence of cardiovascular diseases.

On the basis of product, the CRM devices market is segmented into defibrillators, pacemakers, and cardiac resynchronization therapy (CRT) devices. The defibrillators segment is the largest and fastest-growing segment.

On the basis of end user, the market is segmented into home and ambulatory care, hospitals, and other end users (research institutes and laboratories). The home and ambulatory care segment is expected to account for the largest share of the market in 2016.

On the basis of region, the CM & CRM Devices Market is segmented into North America, Europe, Asia, and the Rest of the World (RoW). In 2015, North America accounted for the largest share of the CM & CRM Devices Market, followed by Europe. However, Asia is expected to account for the largest share during the forecast period. The growth of the CM & CRM Devices Market in the Asia will revolve around China, India, and Japan.

Major players operating in the CM & CRM Devices Market are Medtronic plc (Ireland), GE Healthcare (U.S.), Boston Scientific Corporation (U.S.), Philips Healthcare (Netherlands), and St. Jude Medical, Inc. (U.S.)

Browse Related Reports:

Defibrillators Market by Product (Implantable Cardioverter Defibrillator (Transvenous ICD, Single & Dual Chamber, CRT-D, S-ICD) and External (Manual, AED, Wearable)), End User (Hospital, Prehospital, Public Access, Home) - Global Forecasts to 2021

http://www.marketsandmarkets.com/Market-Reports/automated-external-defibrillator-market-549.html



Patient Monitoring Device/Equipment/System Market by Product (Blood Glucose, EEG, ECG, Capnography, Spirometer, Sleep Apnea, Pulse Oximeter, Fetal Doppler, Ultiparameter, Remote, Weight, Temperature), End-User (Hospitals, Home) - Global Forecast to 2020

http://www.marketsandmarkets.com/Market-Reports/patient-healthcare-monitoring-systems-devices-market-678.html



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MarketsandMarkets is the largest market research firm worldwide in terms of annually published premium market research reports. Serving 1700 global fortune enterprises with more than 1200 premium studies in a year, M&M is catering to a multitude of clients across 8 different industrial verticals. We specialize in consulting assignments and business research across high growth markets, cutting edge technologies and newer applications. Our 850 fulltime analyst and SMEs at MarketsandMarkets are tracking global high growth markets following the "Growth Engagement Model - GEM". The GEM aims at proactive collaboration with the clients to identify new opportunities, identify most important customers, write "Attack, avoid and defend" strategies, identify sources of incremental revenues for both the company and its competitors.

M&M's flagship competitive intelligence and market research platform, "RT" connects over 200,000 markets and entire value chains for deeper understanding of the unmet insights along with market sizing and forecasts of niche markets. The new included chapters on Methodology and Benchmarking presented with high quality analytical infographics in our reports gives complete visibility of how the numbers have been arrived and defend the accuracy of the numbers.

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VANCOUVER, BRITISH COLUMBIA -- (Marketwired) -- 11/18/16 -- Genovation Capital Corp. (CSE: GEC) the "Company" or "Genovation Capital") announces it will complete its corporate name change to Valens GroWorks effective Thursday, November 24, 2016.

The Canadian Securities Exchange listing of the Company's common shares will commence trading under the new name and trading symbol "VGW" following the issue of the CSE's bulletin to dealers. The Company's new CUSIP number will be 91913D106 and the new ISIN will be CA91913D1069. There is no change to the Company's share structure.

The name change is part of a corporate rebranding following the Company's recently completed acquisition of Valens Agritech ("Valens"). Valens is biotechnology company based in the Okanagan Valley of British Columbia, focused on cannabis cultivation and research, with assets and improvements that include a state-of-the-art 17,000 square foot R&D facility located in Kelowna, British Columbia.

Valens is currently awaiting final inspection by the Regional Inspectorate of the Office of Controlled Substances of Health Canada for a Controlled Drugs and Substances Dealer's Licence (including the activities of cultivation, production (extraction), packaging, possession, sale, transportation, delivery and research). Valens anticipates holding both the R&D oriented Dealer's licensing as well as a Licensed Producer ("LP") contract from Health Canada under the Access to Cannabis for Medical Purposes Regulations (ACMPR), enabling the capture of a broad spectrum of medical marijuana users and recreational users once legalized.

The Company intends to launch a new corporate website at www.valensgroworks.ca in due course. Meanwhile, historical corporate information will continue to be accessible at www.genovationcapital.ca as well as on SEDAR and the CSE's website at http://thecse.com/en/listings/life-sciences/genovation-capital-corp.

On behalf of the Board of Directors,

GENOVATION CAPITAL CORP.

Robert van Santen, Chief Executive Officer

Cautionary statements

This press release contains forward-looking information based on current expectations. Statements about the Company's expectations are all forward-looking information. These statements should not be read as guarantees of future performance or results. Such statements involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors that may cause actual results, performance or achievements to be materially different from those implied by such statements. Genovation Capital assumes no responsibility to update or revise forward-looking information to reflect new events or circumstances unless required by law. Neither the CSE nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the Canadian Securities Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release. We seek safe harbor.

Contacts:

Greg Patchell

Manager, Public Relations

+1.250.860.8634




VANCOUVER, BRITISH COLUMBIA -- (Marketwired) -- 12/05/16 -- Columbus Gold Corp. (TSX: CGT)(OTCQX: CBGDF) ("Columbus") is pleased to announce the results of a maiden resource estimate, as shown in Table 1, for its 100% owned Eastside gold-silver project, located 32 km (20 miles) from Tonopah, Nevada. Eastside has outstanding infrastructure for mining and processing, and metallurgical testing indicates that gold and silver at Eastside are amenable to cyanide leaching, whether oxide or sulfide.

At a cut-off grade of 0.15g gold per tonne and a US$1,300 gold price, Columbus Gold calculates from the estimated resources that Eastside contains pit-constrained Inferred resources of 35,780,000 tonnes grading 0.63g gold equivalent per tonne, for a total of 721,000 ounces of gold equivalent as summarized in Table 2. Columbus Gold converted silver to gold equivalent at a ratio of 60:1. Average gold and silver grades are 0.57g and 3.5g per tonne, respectively.

Robert Giustra, CEO of Columbus Gold, commented: "Considering that only about one square kilometer of the large 58 square kilometer property has been drilled so far, and only 136 holes drilled, a maiden resource of 721,000 ounces constrained in a pit, is an excellent start." Mr. Giustra further stated: "The volume of drilled gold and silver mineralization at Eastside is known to be much larger than what is contained within the $1,300 pit shell, with only about 50% of the mineralized material identified from the drilling being included into the current resource estimate. The deposit also remains open at depth, to the south and to the west, and recent work has generated an abundance of additional targets."

Table 1 Eastside Inferred Gold Resources

-------------------------------------------------------- Cutoff Tonnes Grade Ounces Grade Ounces g Au/t g Au/t Au g Ag/t Ag -------------------------------------------------------- 0.10 55,620,000 0.41 732,000 2.8 5,016,000 -------------------------------------------------------- 0.11 50,990,000 0.44 716,000 2.9 4,791,000 -------------------------------------------------------- 0.12 46,460,000 0.47 699,000 3.1 4,568,000 -------------------------------------------------------- 0.13 42,310,000 0.50 683,000 3.2 4,359,000 -------------------------------------------------------- 0.14 38,710,000 0.54 667,000 3.3 4,158,000 -------------------------------------------------------- 0.15 35,780,000 0.57 654,000 3.5 3,999,000 -------------------------------------------------------- 0.16 33,470,000 0.60 642,000 3.6 3,866,000 -------------------------------------------------------- 0.17 31,210,000 0.63 630,000 3.7 3,740,000 -------------------------------------------------------- 0.18 29,310,000 0.66 620,000 3.9 3,629,000 -------------------------------------------------------- 0.19 27,870,000 0.68 611,000 3.9 3,537,000 -------------------------------------------------------- 0.20 26,530,000 0.71 603,000 4.0 3,445,000 -------------------------------------------------------- 0.25 22,050,000 0.81 571,000 4.4 3,141,000 -------------------------------------------------------- 0.30 19,130,000 0.89 545,000 4.8 2,936,000 -------------------------------------------------------- 0.35 17,090,000 0.95 524,000 5.1 2,789,000 -------------------------------------------------------- 0.40 15,320,000 1.02 503,000 5.4 2,653,000 -------------------------------------------------------- 0.50 12,500,000 1.15 462,000 6.0 2,410,000 --------------------------------------------------------

Notes to table of resources:

-- Contained ounces may not add due to rounding. -- These Mineral Resources occur in such form, grade or quality and quantity that there are reasonable prospects for eventual economic extraction. -- It is reasonably expected that the majority of Inferred Mineral Resources could be upgraded to Indicated Mineral Resources with continued exploration. -- Inferred Mineral Resources are not Mineral Reserves. Mineral resources which are not mineral reserves do not have demonstrated economic viability. -- The Qualified Person for the above resource estimate is Steven J. Ristorcelli, CPG of Mine Development Associates.

Table 2 from Columbus Gold presents the estimate of Inferred gold equivalent resources at Eastside at a base case cut-off grade of 0.15g gold per tonne (bolded). Other cut-offs are shown. Silver was converted to gold equivalent at a ratio of 60:1.

Table 2 Eastside Inferred Gold Equivalent Resources

--------------------------------------- Cutoff Tonnes Grade Ounces g Au/t g AuEq/t AuEq --------------------------------------- 0.10 55,620,000 0.46 816,000 --------------------------------------- 0.11 50,990,000 0.49 796,000 --------------------------------------- 0.12 46,460,000 0.52 775,000 --------------------------------------- 0.13 42,310,000 0.56 756,000 --------------------------------------- 0.14 38,710,000 0.59 736,000 --------------------------------------- 0.15 35,780,000 0.63 721,000 --------------------------------------- 0.16 33,470,000 0.66 706,000 --------------------------------------- 0.17 31,210,000 0.69 692,000 --------------------------------------- 0.18 29,310,000 0.72 680,000 --------------------------------------- 0.19 27,870,000 0.75 670,000 --------------------------------------- 0.20 26,530,000 0.77 660,000 --------------------------------------- 0.25 22,050,000 0.88 623,000 --------------------------------------- 0.30 19,130,000 0.97 594,000 --------------------------------------- 0.35 17,090,000 1.04 570,000 --------------------------------------- 0.40 15,320,000 1.11 547,000 --------------------------------------- 0.50 12,500,000 1.25 502,000 ---------------------------------------

MINERAL RESOURCE ESTIMATE

The estimate was prepared by Mine Development Associates ("MDA") of Reno, Nevada and is dated Effective as at November 17th, 2016. In accordance with NI 43-101 a Technical Report dated December 2, 2016 will be filed on SEDAR.

The resource is based on 136 drill holes, which provided the basis for a good geologic model developed by Columbus Gold. The Eastside drilling database contains 23,605 gold assays and 12,255 silver assays used for the estimation of the resources reported herein. Samples were composited to 2m lengths after capping. Caps of 3.0g Au/t, 15.0g Au/t, 1.0g Au/t, 150.0g Ag/t, and 1.0g Ag/t were applied for low-grade gold, high-grade gold, outside gold, inside silver, and outside silver domains, respectively.

Preliminary metallurgical studies conducted by Kappes, Cassiday and Associates, in Reno, Nevada, indicate the mineralization is amenable to recovery by cyanidation. Heap-leach extractions are expected to be around 70% and 20% for gold and silver, respectively, but likely would require crushing. Milling with a fine grind is expected to result in extractions over 90% and around 50% for gold and silver, respectively.

Multiple estimates were completed using four different procedures: polygonal, nearest neighbor, inverse distance to the third power, and kriged. The inverse distance to the third power is the reported resource.

MDA classified the Eastside resources giving consideration to the confidence in the underlying database, sample integrity, analytical precision/reliability, and geologic interpretations. Because of the complex geology caused by multiple rhyolite intrusions, and because this is the first resource estimate at Eastside, all material in this estimate is classified as Inferred. Table 1 presents the estimate of Inferred gold resources at Eastside at a base-case cut-off grade of 0.15g gold per tonne (bolded). Other cut-offs are shown.

The resources in the above tables are reported at a cut-off grade of 0.15g gold per tonne which approximates anticipated economic cutoffs based on preliminary metallurgical test work and operations cost estimates for an envisioned open-pit with combined heap-leach and milling scenario. To determine the "reasonable prospects for eventual economic extraction" MDA chose to report the resource considering mining costs of $1.35 and G&A costs of $0.50 respectively. Heap-leach and milling costs used were $4.60 and $10.40, respectively. The prices of gold and silver were $1,300 and $21.67, respectively. MDA ran a series of optimized pits using variable gold and silver prices, mining costs, processing costs and processing scenarios. Most scenarios showed small and consistent increases in contained mineralized material up to the highest gold and silver prices used at $2,000 and $33.33, respectively. There was a jump of approx. 20% in mineralized material between $1,700 and $1,725.

POTENTIAL RESOURCE EXPANSION

Ongoing field work at Eastside has generated a significant number of new targets from both geologic and alteration mapping, combined with geochemical sampling. Columbus has determined that the Original Target, Targets 1, 2, and 6, are actually part of a large and continuous zone or cell of hydrothermal alteration, which extends for 5.5 km north and south, and is about 1-2 km wide. The Original Target, where essentially all drilling has occurred to date, lies completely within this large cell of hydrothermal alteration. The cell provides abundant drill targets for future drilling. In addition, geochemical targets exist at Targets 3, 5, and 7. Further, the east flank on the Columbus claim block is "pediment" in nature, where only a few small bedrock exposures are present and rocks are mostly covered with a thin veneer (10-20 m) of alluvium. This pediment just east of the Original Target, the pediment northeast and south of Target 5, and the pediment north and northeast of Target 7 are considered by Columbus to be highly prospective for gold and silver. The outlines of the new target areas, which will be described in detail in a subsequent news release, can be viewed at the following link:

www.columbusgold.com/i/nr/2016-12-05-map.pdf

The volume of gold and silver mineralization at Eastside is known to be much larger than what is contained within the US$1,300 pit shell. This is illustrated with an East-West cross section through the US$1,300 pit block model showing the overall outlines of the mineralized zone, which can be viewed at the following link:

www.columbusgold.com/i/nr/2016-12-05-xsection.pdf

A drill plan with the location of all 136 drill holes, can be viewed at the following link:

www.columbusgold.com/i/nr/2016-12-05-drillplan.pdf

QUALIFIED PERSONS

Andy Wallace is a Certified Professional Geologist (CPG) with the American Institute of Professional Geologists and is the Qualified Person under NI 43-101, Standards of Disclosure for Mineral Projects, who has reviewed and approved the scientific and technical content of this press release. Mr. Wallace is the principal of Cordilleran Exploration Company (Cordex), which is conducting exploration and project generation activities for Columbus Gold on an exclusive basis.

The maiden NI 43-101 Mineral Resource estimate for the Eastside gold-silver deposit was prepared under the direction of Steven J. Ristorcelli, CPG of MDA, a Qualified Person under NI 43-101, who has reviewed and consented to the information in this news release that relates to the reported resources.

ON BEHALF OF THE BOARD,

Robert F. Giustra

Chairman & CEO

This release contains forward-looking information and statements, as defined by law including without limitation Canadian securities laws and the "safe harbor" provisions of the US Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995 ("forward-looking statements"), respecting the estimation of a resource for the Eastside property, including any potential future expansion of the mineral resources and/or mineral reserves; and that further exploration work being conducted on newly identified drill and geochemical targets.

The mineral resource figures referred to in this press release are estimates and are therefore insufficient to enable an evaluation of the technical or economic viability of the property, and no assurances can be given that mining of the Eastside property will be technically viable or that the inferred levels of gold or silver will be produced. Such estimates are expressions of judgment based on knowledge, mining experience, analysis of drilling results and industry practices. Valid estimates made at any given time may significantly change when new information becomes available. While Columbus believes that the resource estimates included in this press release are well established, by their very nature, resource estimates are imprecise and depend, to a certain extent, upon statistical inferences which may ultimately prove unreliable. If such estimates are inaccurate or are reduced in the future, this could have a material adverse impact on Columbus.

Forward-looking statements are based on the opinions and estimates of management at the date the statements are made, and involve risks, uncertainties and other factors that may cause actual results to materially differ from those expressed or implied by the forward-looking statements, including: the ability to acquire necessary permits and other authorizations; environmental compliance; cost increases; availability of qualified workers and drill equipment; competition for mining properties; risks associated with exploration projects including, without limitation, the accuracy of interpretations; mineral reserve and resource estimates (including the risk of assumption and methodology errors and ability to complete the intended drilling program); the timing and content of upcoming work programs; dependence on third parties for services; non-performance by contractual counterparties; title and insurance risks; and general economic conditions. Forward-looking statements are based on a number of assumptions that may prove to be incorrect, including without limitation assumptions about: market prices, exploitation and exploration success; that the design of the drill plan is appropriate for the site; general business and economic conditions; the timing and receipt of required approvals; continued availability of capital and financing; power prices; ability to procure equipment and supplies including, without limitation, drill rigs; and ongoing relations with employees, partners, optionees and joint venturers. Readers are cautioned not to place undue reliance on the forward-looking statements contained herein. The foregoing list is not exhaustive, and Columbus undertakes no obligation to update any of the foregoing except as required by law.

Contacts:

Investor Relations

(604) 634-0970 or

1-888-818-1364

info@columbusgold.com




VANCOUVER, BRITISH COLUMBIA -- (Marketwired) -- 11/18/16 -- The Canadian Securities Administrators (CSA) today released the Oversight Review Report of the Mutual Fund Dealers Association of Canada (MFDA).

The review covers July 1, 2012 to July 31, 2015 and was conducted by seven of the provincial regulators that recognize the MFDA: the Alberta Securities Commission, the British Columbia Securities Commission, the Financial and Consumer Affairs Authority of Saskatchewan, the Financial and Consumer Services Commission of New Brunswick, the Manitoba Securities Commission, the Nova Scotia Securities Commission, and the Ontario Securities Commission (the Recognizing Regulators). The Prince Edward Island Office of the Superintendent of Securities also recognizes the MFDA but did not participate in the review.

The Recognizing Regulators used a risk-based approach to evaluate whether certain regulatory processes were effective, efficient, consistent and fairly applied. Processes and activities in functions that were assessed as high and above average risk were chosen for review, including enforcement, financial compliance, policy and sales compliance.

In the report, the Recognizing Regulators identified two high priority findings in the enforcement department, specifically cases involving signature falsification and cases against dealer members. There was one high priority finding in the financial compliance department relating to member responses to examination files. The Recognizing Regulators also identified five medium priority findings: two in enforcement, two in financial compliance and one in policy.

Other than the findings noted, the Recognizing Regulators did not identify concerns with the MFDA meeting the relevant terms and conditions of the recognition orders in the areas reviewed. The Recognizing Regulators will continue to monitor the MFDA's progress in resolving these findings as part of their ongoing oversight activities.

To view the report, visit the Recognizing Regulators' websites.

The CSA, the council of the securities regulators of Canada's provinces and territories, co-ordinates and harmonizes regulation for the Canadian capital markets.

Contacts:

Alison Walker

British Columbia Securities Commission

604-899-6713



Nicole Tuncay

Alberta Securities Commission

403-297-4008



Andrew Nicholson

Financial and Consumer Services

Commission, New Brunswick

506-658-3021



Janice Callbeck

Office of the Superintendent of Securities

Prince Edward Island

902-368-6288



Rhonda Horte

Office of the Yukon Superintendent of

Securities

867-667-5466



Tom Hall

Office of the Superintendent of Securities

Northwest Territories

867-767-9305



Kristen Rose

Ontario Securities Commission

416-593-2336



Jason (Jay) Booth

Manitoba Securities Commission

204-945-1660



Jane Anderson

Nova Scotia Securities Commission

902-424-0179



John O'Brien

Office of the Superintendent of Securities

Newfoundland and Labrador

709-729-4909



Jeff Mason

Nunavut Securities Office

867-975-6591



Shannon McMillan

Financial and Consumer Affairs

Authority of Saskatchewan

306-798-4160




TRUSTECH 2016 presents:

This Smart News Release features multimedia. View the full release here: http://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20161118005523/en/

Keynote Stage: The Leaders of the Most Influential Companies in the Industry (Photo: Business Wire)

A complete panorama of the trust-based technologies industry

Moderators :

Laura Shin Forbes

Jemima Kelly Reuters

Keynote Stage: The Leaders of the Most Influential Companies in the Industry:

Nicolas Arpagian : ORANGE CYBERDEFENSEStrategy Public Affairs Director

Osama Bedier: POYNTFounder & CEO

Caspar Berry: POKER PLAYERRisk Taking Decision Maker

June Yee Felix: VERIFONEPresident Europe

Jason Lane : MASTERCARD Executive VP Market Development Europe

Adrian Ludwig: GOOGLEDirector of Engineering LeadEngineer, Android Security

Damien Perillat : PAYPALGeneral Manager France

Didier Serodon: EUROSMARTChairman

Kevin Slavin: MIT MEDIA LABAssistant Professor

J.B Straubel: TESLA MOTORSCo-Founder CTO

Eric Tak: INGGlobal Head ING Payments Centre

ZOOM

Gemalto

Gemalto, world leader in digital security, has been an invaluable partner of the CARTES event for 10 years. In 2015 alone, Gemalto submitted over 100 innovative patent applications. In 2016, the team will be presenting, among other things, its latest LTE technology Cat M1, which will revolutionise the connectivity of the IoT.

Verifone

June Yee Felix is a member of the Innovators Hall of Fame for her work in the banking industry. She is also one of the top 10 best innovators in the world according to Banking Technology News. In 2014, she took over the European chairmanship of the Verifone Group, thereby becoming one of the most influential women in the payments industry.

Paypal

Damien Perillat joined PayPal in 2008 in order to lead the launch and development of the service in multiple countries. He is now the company's General Manager for France. At TRUSTECH, he will be interviewed by Laura Shin (Forbes) about innovation in the payment industry during a fireside chat.

Mastercard

Mastercard is holding a pre-conference on Monday 28 November to introduce the 2016 edition. Apart from being a sponsor of the event, Mastercard will also be holding several conferences such as  The Advent of Connected Commerce by Kiki DelVall.

Ingenico Group

A long-term partner of TRUSTECH, Ingenico will once again be present this year. The team will be participating in a roundtable on  The impact of the Internet of Things on Connected Commerce and presenting its latest innovations at its booth.

Thales

Thales is a major operator in cybersecurity and will also be present at TRUSTECH. Thales will be part of a roundtable covering the topic:  Will the Blockchain Accelerate the Revolution in the Internet of Things? .

Dermalog

Another long-term collaborator is Dermalog, a leader in biometric innovation, which, at the last edition of CARTES presented a preview of the first combined scanner for passports and digital fingerprints. This year, its CEO will be leading a conference on  A New Scanning Technology for Documents and Biometrics .

SPONSORS :

Entrust Datacard

Galitt

HID

IBM

Ingenico Group

Mastercard

NXP

Spire Payments

Vasco

Verifone

EXHIBITOR SAMPLE:

Dermalog

FEITIAN

Matica Technologies

Keolabs

Keypasco

Thales e-Security

Be2bill

Gemalto

More about TRUSTECH 2016

> 400 exhibitors and sponsors

An event with a strong focus on Fintechs and start-ups

An increasingly international event: 86% of companies from outside France

First-time participation for 36% of exhibitors

> Over 40 start-ups

About TRUSTECH (Incorporating Cartes):

The event was first held over thirty years ago under the name Cartes Secure Connexions , to promote the newborn technology of smartcards. Now it has been re-named TRUSTECH (incorporating CARTES) , to better reflect the way the industry and the event have evolved, and its focus on trust based technologies.

About COMEXPOSIUM:

The COMEXPOSIUM Group, one of the world's leading event organizers, is involved in more than 170 B2C and B2B events across 11 different sectors, including food, agriculture, fashion, security, digital, construction, high-tech, optics and transport. Comexposium hosts more than 3 million visitors and 45,000 exhibitors in 26 countries around the world. Comexposium operates across 30+ global economic growth zones, such as: Algeria, Argentina, Australia, Belgium, Brazil, Canada, China, France, Germany, India, Indonesia, Italy, Japan, Korea, Monaco, Netherlands, New Zealand, Philippines, Qatar, Russia, Singapore, Spain, Thailand, Turkey, UAE, UK, USA.

More information and Press Pass on www.trustech-event.fr

View source version on businesswire.com: http://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20161118005523/en/

Contacts:

TRUSTECH

Press Contact:

Vianova Agency

Sandra Codognotto, +(33)1 53 32 28 58

codognotto@vianova-rp.com

or

Lisa Dubreuil, +(33)1 53 32 28 37

corporate@vianova-rp.com


WASHINGTON (dpa-AFX) - Continuing his preparations to take over the White House, President-elect Donald Trump announced his picks for several top posts in his incoming administration on Friday.



Trump said he intends to nominate Senator Jeff Sessions, R-Ala., as Attorney General and Congressman Mike Pompeo, R-Kan., as Director of the Central Intelligence Agency.



Retired U.S. Army Lieutenant General Michael Flynn has also been selected as Assistant to the President for National Security Affairs, a position that does not require confirmation by the Senate.



Sessions has been one of Trump's closest and most consistent allies and was praised by the president-elect's transition team for his distinguished career as Alabama's Attorney General and U.S. Attorney before joining the Senate.



'Jeff has been a highly respected member of the U.S. Senate for 20 years,' Trump said. 'He is a world-class legal mind and considered a truly great Attorney General and U.S. Attorney in the state of Alabama. Jeff is greatly admired by legal scholars and virtually everyone who knows him.'



Sessions received praise from several of his Republican colleagues but may face opposition from Democrats amid concerns about his record on civil rights.



The Trump transition team noted that Pompeo is a graduate of West Point and Harvard Law School and currently serves on the House Intelligence Committee.



Trump claimed Pompeo will be a brilliant and unrelenting leader for the intelligence community to ensure the safety of America and its allies.



The choice of Pompeo for CIA Director is partly seen as an effort by Trump to show that he is not only picking those loyal to him during the campaign, as the Kansas Congressman backed Senator Marco Rubio, R-Fla., in the Republican primary.



Meanwhile, Trump called Flynn one of the country's foremost experts on military and intelligence matters, but his selection as National Security Advisor has already drawn considerable criticism.



A statement from House Democratic Whip Steny H. Hoyer, D-Md., accused Flynn of making incendiary, hateful comments about Muslims.



'I have serious questions about General Flynn's competence and composure, his ongoing lobbying on behalf of the Turkish government, and his links to Russia,' Hoyer said.



'We have learned many lessons since 9/11, one of which is not to provide our enemies with fodder to fuel anti-American hatred,' he added. 'I fear that appointing this individual to such a central position of importance to our national security will do just that.'



(Photo: Gage Skidmore)



Copyright RTT News/dpa-AFX

Kostenloser Wertpapierhandel auf Smartbroker.de
With a 2 MW solar PV plant switched on, Jordan's Azraq camp has become the world's first refugee camp to be powered by renewable energy.The 2 MW solar PV plant, the first of its kind in a refugee setting, will provide electrification that will transform the lives of 20,000 Syrian people living in the camp's harsh environment. The project is due to be expanded to all 36,000 refugees currently residing in the camp by early next year, as the solar PV capacity is expected to be upgraded to 5 MW, announced UNHCR. The project, which was funded by  8.75 ($ 9.6 million) coming from the IKEA Foundation's Brighter Lives for Refugees campaign, will allow the refugee agency to ...

Werbehinweise: Die Billigung des Basisprospekts durch die BaFin ist nicht als ihre Befurwortung der angebotenen Wertpapiere zu verstehen. Wir empfehlen Interessenten und potenziellen Anlegern den Basisprospekt und die Endgultigen Bedingungen zu lesen, bevor sie eine Anlageentscheidung treffen, um sich moglichst umfassend zu informieren, insbesondere uber die potenziellen Risiken und Chancen des Wertpapiers. Sie sind im Begriff, ein Produkt zu erwerben, das nicht einfach ist und schwer zu verstehen sein kann.
VANCOUVER, BRITISH COLUMBIA -- (Marketwired) -- 12/08/16 -- Canada Coal Inc. (the "Company" or "Canada Coal"), (TSX VENTURE: CCK) Further to the Company's news release dated November 18th, 2016, Canada Coal wishes to confirm the terms and status of its non-binding letter of intent (the "LOI") with Honu Inc. The agreement with Honu is non-binding and contains no proposed terms or compensation for any potential transaction between the two parties. The LOI provides for a 90-day period of exclusivity, which will allow both parties to exchange information and maintain confidentiality as each party seeks to determine whether mutually beneficial business opportunities may exist. The LOI would not meet the definition of a COB Agreement or an RTO Agreement, as those terms are defined in TSX Venture Exchange policies. The Company will update the market if and when the relationship with Honu advances to anything more material, or if the LOI terminates (whether by mutual agreement or upon the expiry of the 90-day term). Should any specific transaction be agreed to among the parties, the issuer may be subject to a further trading halt, and additional requirements pursuant to TSX Venture Exchange policies.

About Honu Inc.

Honu was incorporated in 2013, and began commercial sales in the spring of 2015. Honu is the Hawaiian name for the green sea turtle, which represents longevity, peace, good luck, humility, and "the spirit within" to the Hawaiian people. These principles have been adopted and are held sacred by Honu Inc. and its production team. The company operates a 23,000-square foot indoor grow and operates a processing facility with an additional 21,000-square feet of operation. Honu produces flower, oil, concentrates and award winning edibles.

Honu is a Tier 3 licensed cannabis grower and processor in Washington State. It employs state of the art growing, curing and extractive technology to ensure that only the highest quality standardized cannabis products are marketed under its award winning Purple Turtle brand.

Honu Inc. began legally selling cannabis products into the Washington market in April 2015. In 2016, Honu was honoured as having the "Best Cannabis Brand Design 2016" in an online poll published by the Marijuana Business Association (MJBA). In the same year, its Coconut Snowballs were chosen as the best sweet edible recreational cannabis product. For more information about the company's business, please refer to the Honu website at: http://www.honu-inc.com

On behalf of the Board of Directors

R. Bruce Duncan, President and Chief Executive Officer

"Neither TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release."

FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS: This news release contains forward-looking statements, which relate to future events or future performance and reflect management's current expectations and assumptions. Such forward-looking statements reflect management's current beliefs and are based on assumptions made by and information currently available to the Company. Investors are cautioned that these forward looking statements are neither promises nor guarantees, and are subject to risks and uncertainties that may cause future results to differ materially from those expected. These forward-looking statements are made as of the date hereof and, except as required under applicable securities legislation, the Company does not assume any obligation to update or revise them to reflect new events or circumstances. All of the forward-looking statements made in this press release are qualified by these cautionary statements and by those made in our filings with SEDAR in Canada (available at www.sedar.com).

Contacts:

Canada Coal Inc.

R. Bruce Duncan

President and Chief Executive Officer

1-604-685-6375

info@canadacoal.com

www.canadacoal.com




LONDON, November 18, 2016 /PRNewswire/ --

At an exclusive panel event on Wednesday night (16 November), agency and industry leaders from Ketchum, Edelman, Hanson Search and Gorkana looked to the future and discussed what PR agencies will need to do, who they will need to hire and how they will prove success as media and comms continue to change.

(Photo: http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20161118/441217 )

Kicking off the event, Denise Kaufmann, partner and CEO at Ketchum London, spoke about the evolution of the PR industry. Clients, she said, are now looking for services, "that they never knew they would want." As a result, the range of people working in the industry is much broader, and some of them will not have worked in, or even near, PR before. She said, "We try to find the right people for the right opportunity." Kaufmann reminded the audience that the client doesn't necessarily care about internal agency structures; they just care about the individuals.

Nigel Miller, chief human resources officer at Edelman, also spoke about the rapid change affecting the industry, but reminded the packed room that a PR professional's core job - and many of the core skills needed - remain the same. He said: "You have to have these core skills, but you also need knowledge of digital."

According to Miller, the political events of 2016 in the UK and the US have highlighted an important issue for communicators. As in the wider world, the PR industry suffers from a lack of exposure to diverse experiences. For instance, in media consumption, people tend to expose themselves to like-minded individuals and similar points of view. "We are not getting out of the bubble," he explained, and this limited input can have an adverse affect on the quality of work produced.

Alice Weightman, founder and CEO at Hanson Search, also touched on diversity, particularly on gender diversity, and on the industry's need for flexible working. She recently launched online platform, The Work Crowd, to help agencies and businesses find the expert freelancers they need.

The twin pressures of the need to offer diverse services and to control costs mean that agency business models are changing, and will continue to change, Weightman said, and the PR industry is adopting a more agile approach as a consequence.

Paul Hender, Gorkana's head of insight, said that communicators and PR agencies understand the increasing importance of measurement and proving ROI, but they don't always know how to put this into practice.

Hender acknowledged Miller's point about media consumption and the 'echo chamber' of media consumption in the digital world. The challenge for the media industry, he said, is that we spend around half of our waking day looking at screens and consuming media, yet 76% of ad-spend goes to news curators, not creators. However, he said, this can put earned media at an advantage compared to advertising or paid-for media. If PR can prove its value, then there is a great deal of potential for the industry moving forward.

All four experts agreed that PR agencies should look to the future with confidence and optimism as successful earned media activity, including PR, is in demand from clients. Aspiring PR professionals should be confident too. As Kaufmann concluded: "It's never been a better time to get into our industry."

The panel event took place at 1 Wimpole Street in London. For future Gorkana events, visit: http://www.gorkana.com/events

Cision is a leading global media intelligence company, serving the complete workflow of today's communication professionals. Offering the industry's most comprehensive PR, IR and social media software, rich analytics, content distribution and influencer outreach, Cision enables clients to engage audiences, enhance campaigns and strengthen data-driven decision making. Cision solutions include PR Newswire, Gorkana, PRWeb, Help a Reporter Out (HARO) and iContact brands.

Headquartered in Chicago, Cision serves over 100,000 customers in 170 countries and 40 languages worldwide, and maintains offices in North America, Europe, Asia, Latin America and Australia. For more information, visit http://www.cision.com or follow @Cision on Twitter.

For more information, visit http://www.gorkana.com | http://www.cision.com or follow @gorkana | @Cision on Twitter

For media information please contact:

Philip Smith

Head of News and Content

philip.smith@gorkana.com

Gorkana

+44-020-7674-0200



Video:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=h3b-nQ2j8A4&feature=youtu.be




Werbehinweise: Die Billigung des Basisprospekts durch die BaFin ist nicht als ihre Befurwortung der angebotenen Wertpapiere zu verstehen. Wir empfehlen Interessenten und potenziellen Anlegern den Basisprospekt und die Endgultigen Bedingungen zu lesen, bevor sie eine Anlageentscheidung treffen, um sich moglichst umfassend zu informieren, insbesondere uber die potenziellen Risiken und Chancen des Wertpapiers. Sie sind im Begriff, ein Produkt zu erwerben, das nicht einfach ist und schwer zu verstehen sein kann.
Montreal, Quebec--(Newsfile Corp. - November 18, 2016) - Peak Positioning Technologies Inc. (CSE: PKK) ("Peak" or the "Company") today announced that it has entered into a marketing agreement with NAI Interactive Ltd. ("NAI") (http://www.naiinteractive.com/) to promote the Company as an investment opportunity to individual, retail and institutional investors in Canada and Asia.

Under the terms of the agreement, NAI will translate all of Peak's promotional and public disclosure materials, including fact sheets, investor presentations, financial statements and news releases into simplified (Mandarin) and traditional (Cantonese) Chinese and distribute them to its network of more than 30,000 members, which includes high net-worth investors, retail and institutional investors in North America, Hong Kong and China. The Company will also be featured on the NAI 500 platform (http://www.nai500.com/) where visitors and NAI members can go to get the latest market and public company info, and subscribe for a variety of service offerings in the language of their choice.

Details for Q3 Conference Call Playback

The Company also released the details related to the playback of its Q3 results conference which originally took place on November 17, 2016. The following were some of the key elements of the call:

The Company's management stands by its revenue and profit projections for 2016 and 2017

Gold River's financial services feature will soon be activated to help increase AST's gross margins

Q3 transactions were limited to only transactions with other materials distributors, which explains the lower than expected profit margins

Any future private placement conducted by the Company will try to minimize potential dilution of existing investors. So timing, pricing and financial instrument used in a potential private placement would be carefully considered

The Company has taken steps to broaden its investors base by reaching out to potential investors with favorable views of Chinese based opportunities

Those who would like to listen to the recorded audio conference can do so by dialing toll-free:

1-800-408-3053 and entering passcode 829661447#

The following instant replay controls may be used during the recording playback:

Press 1 - Skip backward 5 seconds

Press 2 - Hear a list of playback controls

Press 3 - Skip forward 5 seconds

Press 4 - Skip backward 5 minutes

Press 5 - Pause the playback

Press 6 - Skip forward 5 minutes

Press 7 - Skip first quarter of the conference

Press 8 - Skip first half of the conference

Press 9 - Skip first three quarters of the conference

Press # or 0 - Return to the beginning of the conference

Press * - End the conference playback

The recording will be available for a period of 30 days from the date of the original conference call and will expire on December 17, 2016.

About Peak Positioning Technologies Inc.:

Peak Positioning Technologies Inc. is an IT portfolio management company whose mission is to assemble, finance and manage a portfolio of high-growth-potential companies and assets in some of the fastest growing tech sectors in China, including Fintech, e-commerce and cloud-computing. Peak provides its shareholders with exceptional growth potential by giving them access to the fastest growing sectors of the world's fastest growing economy. For more information: http://www.peakpositioning.com

Contact information:

Cathy Hume

CEO

CHF Investor Relations

Phone: 416-868-1079 ext.: 231

Email: cathy@chfir.com

Or

Henry Wong

Account Executive

NAI Interactive Ltd.

Phone: 604-488-8878

Email: henry@nai500.com

Or

Johnson Joseph

President and CEO

Peak Positioning Technologies Inc.

Phone: 514-340-7775 ext.: 501

Email: investors@peakpositioning.com
LAS VEGAS, NV -- (Marketwired) -- 11/18/16 -- Avalara, Inc., a leading provider of cloud-based tax compliance automation for businesses of all sizes, today announced it has won a User Favorite Award in the Sales Tax category at Accountex, an independent expo and conference devoted to accounting technology.

The Accountex User Favorite Awards, presented in partnership with AccountingWEB, are unbiased and coveted accounting technology awards, chosen by the users themselves in a thorough comparison landscape against direct competitors. The Sales Tax award category included eight sales tax automation providers.

Categories and companies for the awards are culled from the accounting technology ecosystem. Users vote on which solutions they use, and their degree of satisfaction with favored solutions. Winners are based on a cumulative scoring system, ensuring that those selected are the true favorites of the users themselves, rather than the solutions with the largest client base.

"Awards programs that are based on the actual user or reader feedback are the most valued, as they are the true stakeholder who can speak to the value of the solution provided," said Andy North, publisher of AccountingWEB. "AccountingWEB is excited to be a part of the User Favorite Awards program as it honors a single provider in each category of a massive marketplace."

"We are truly honored to receive this recognition from Accountex and AccountingWEB," said Julie Lubetkin, VP of Marketing, Channels & Partners at Avalara. "Avalara has worked hard since our founding to offer the best possible technology to help businesses, from the smallest to the largest, to easily, affordably, and confidently manage their transactional tax burdens. It's highly gratifying to know that our cloud solutions are independently validated by users in the accounting technology ecosystem."

About Avalara

Avalara helps businesses of all sizes achieve compliance with transactional taxes, including VAT, sales and use, excise, communications, and other tax types. We deliver comprehensive, automated, cloud-based solutions that are fast, accurate, and easy to use. Avalara's Compliance Cloud platform helps customers manage complicated and burdensome tax compliance obligations imposed by state, local, and other taxing authorities throughout the world.

Avalara offers hundreds of pre-built connectors into leading accounting, ERP, ecommerce and other business applications. Each year, the company processes billions of tax transactions for customers and users, files hundreds of thousands of tax compliance documents and tax returns, and manages millions of exemption certificates and other compliance related documents.

A privately held company, Avalara's venture capital investors include Sageview Capital, Battery Ventures, Warburg Pincus, Technology Crossover Ventures, Arthur Ventures, and other institutional and individual investors. Avalara's headquarters are in Seattle, WA and it has offices across the U.S. and in Brighton and London, England; Brussels, Belgium; and Pune, India. More information at: www.avalara.com.

Sheri Renner

Director of Corporate Communications

sheri.renner@avalara.com




OTTAWA, ONTARIO -- (Marketwired) -- 11/18/16 -- The Honourable Jody Wilson-Raybould, Minister of Justice and Attorney General of Canada, has issued the following statement:

"Today, I am very proud that Bill C-16 has passed the House of Commons. This Bill would amend the Canadian Human Rights Act to add gender identity and gender expression to the list of prohibited grounds of discrimination. It also proposes to amend the Criminal Code to add gender identity or expression to the definition of "identifiable group" for the purpose of the hate propaganda offences and to the list of aggravating circumstances for hate-crime sentencing.

All Canadians should feel safe to be themselves. Our strength as a nation lies in our diversity and our inclusiveness. It is our responsibility to recognize and reduce the vulnerability of trans and other gender-diverse persons to discrimination, hate propaganda, and hate crimes, and to affirm their equal status in Canadian society.

I am pleased that so many Members of Parliament supported this important piece of legislation and I look forward to working with the Senate as it continues through Parliament."

Follow Department of Justice Canada on Twitter (@JusticeCanadaEn), join us on Facebook or visit our YouTube channel.

Contacts:

Valerie Gervais

Press Secretary

Office of the Minister of Justice

613-992-4621



Media Relations Office

Department of Justice

613-957-4207




PHILADELPHIA, Nov. 18, 2016 /PRNewswire/ --After a long and successful career leading Clarivate Analytics and its predecessor entities, Vin Caraher today announced that he has accepted a position to be a non-executive member of the Clarivate Analytics Board of Directors and will step down from his position as CEO effective January 1, 2017. He will be succeeded by Jay Nadler who is also joining the board of the company.

Logo - http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20160929/413983LOGO

Caraher spent almost 30 years of his professional career working in different parts of the Thomson Reuters business, over 20 with the IP & Science business. "I've had the opportunity to work with incredibly talented people from around the world and witnessed the company grow into the market leader it is today," said Caraher. "I'm proud of what we've accomplished, and look forward to supporting and offering guidance to the business in my board capacity."

Nadler has 30 years of experience in the information services industry and is returning to the intellectual property and science sector. Nadler has held senior executive roles at a number of other data and information-related companies, including Interactive Data, Information Holdings and MLM Information Services. As Chief Operating Officer of Interactive Data from 2010 to 2016, he led a transformation of the company, invested in its product suite, accelerated revenue growth and improved customer satisfaction. From 2000 to 2005, Nadler was a senior executive at Information Holdings, an intellectual property and science information provider that Caraher and Thomson Reuters acquired in 2004.

"I'm excited to return to the IP and science industry, and honored to re-join the company now known as Clarivate Analytics. The company is well positioned to leverage its leading brands to meet the critical needs of its customers across the innovation lifecycle. I look forward to working with our customers, the talented employees at Clarivate Analytics and Vin," said Nadler.

"We thank Vin for his tremendous commitment to the business and the dedication he has shown throughout his career," said Kosty Gilis, Managing Director at Onex Corporation. "We are grateful he has accepted a position on the board, providing continuity and oversight for Clarivate Analytics as it begins its journey as an independent company. We and our partners at Baring Asia are also pleased to welcome Jay to the role of CEO and look forward to working with him to help grow Clarivate Analytics together."

Onex Corporation and Baring Private Equity Asia recently completed their acquisition of Clarivate Analytics from Thomson Reuters.

Clarivate Analytics

Clarivate' Analytics accelerates the pace of innovation by providing trusted insights and analytics to customers around the world, enabling them to discover, protect and commercialize new ideas faster. Formerly the Intellectual Property and Science business of Thomson Reuters, we own and operate a collection of leading subscription-based businesses focused on scientific and academic research, patent analytics and regulatory standards, pharmaceutical and biotech intelligence, trademark protection, domain brand protection and intellectual property management. Clarivate' Analytics is now an independent company with over 4,000 employees, operating in 100 countries and owns well"known brands that include Web of Science', Cortellis', Thomson Innovation', Derwent World Patents Index', Thomson CompuMark', MarkMonitor, Thomson IP Manager' and Techstreet', among others. For more information, please visit us at Clarivate.com.
QUEBEC CITY, QUEBEC -- (Marketwired) -- 11/18/16 -- Petrolia (TSX VENTURE: PEA) announces that in accordance with its compensation policy, and its stock option plan, which is to grant stock options each year to its employees and directors, Petrolia's Board of Directors granted on November 17, 2016, 1,787,500 stock options to its employees and directors. The price has been set at $0.165 per share, and the expiry date for these options is November 16, 2021. Certain of the options vest over a three year period.

About Petrolia

Petrolia is a Quebec junior oil and gas exploration company which owns interests in oil and gas licenses covering 16,000 km2, which represents almost 23% of the Quebec territory under lease. Petrolia is a leader in gas and petroleum exploration in Quebec and its vision is to produce oil from here, by the people here, for here. Social and environmental considerations are at the heart of Petolia's concerns and exploration processes. Via its subsidiary, Investissements PEA Inc., Petrolia holds a 21.7% interest in Anticosti Hydrocarbons L.P., and Petrolia's subsidiary, Petrolia Anticosti Inc., is the operator of the project on Anticosti Island. Petrolia has 103,177,460 shares issued and outstanding.

Forward-looking statements

Certain statements made herein may constitute forward-looking statements. These statements relate to future events or the future economic performance of Petrolia and carry known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors that may appreciably affect their results, economic performance or accomplishments when considered in light of the content or implications or statements made by Petrolia. Actual events or results could be significantly different. Accordingly, investors should not place undue reliance on forward-looking statements. Petrolia does not intend and undertakes no obligation to update these forward-looking statements.

Neither the TSX Venture Exchange nor its regulation services provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release.

Contacts:

Martin Belanger, P. Eng.

Interim Chief Executive Officer

418-657-1966

www.petrolia-inc.com




TORONTO, ONTARIO -- (Marketwired) -- 11/18/16 -- Nutritional High International Inc. (the "Company" or "Nutritional High") (CSE: EAT)(CSE: EAT.CN)(OTCQB: SPLIF)(FRANKFURT: 2NU)(CNSX: EAT) is pleased to announce the closing of the second tranche of the non-brokered private placement (the "Second Tranche"), consisting of 25,449,212 units ("Units") at a price of $0.15 per Unit to raise aggregate gross proceeds of $3,817,381.80, and together with the closing of the first tranche, an aggregate of 33,134,922 Units have been issued for aggregate total proceeds of $4,970.238.30. (See press releases dated October 26, 2016 and November 9, 2016). The Company expects to close a final tranche early next week bringing the total gross proceeds to over $5 million.

Each Unit consists of one common share ("Common Share") of the Company and one-half of one Common Share purchase warrant ("Warrant"). Each Warrant entitles the holder thereof to purchase a Common Share at $0.22 per share for a period of 18 months from closing.

All securities issued in connection with the Second Tranche are subject to a four-month hold period from the date of issuance in accordance with applicable securities laws. The Company engaged First Republic Capital Corporation ("First Republic") as the Lead Finder for the offering. A cash fee was paid to finders representing 6% of the gross proceeds raised in the Second Tranche. Additionally, finders received that number of compensation options ("Compensation Options") totaling 6% of the number of Units sold pursuant to the Second Tranche. The Compensation Options are exercisable at a price of C$0.15 per Unit for a period of 24 months after the closing of the Offering. First Republic was paid a corporate finance fee representing 2% of the gross proceeds raised in the Second Tranche and that number of Compensation Options equaling 2% of the number of Units sold under the Second Tranche.

About Nutritional High International Inc.

Nutritional High is focused on developing, manufacturing and distributing products and nationally recognized brands in the hemp and marijuana-infused products industries, including edibles and oil extracts for nutritional, medical and adult recreational use. The Company works exclusively through licensed facilities in jurisdictions where such activity is permitted and regulated by state law.

For updates on the Company's activities and highlights of the Company's press releases and other media coverage, please follow Nutritional High on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and Google+.

NEITHER THE CANADIAN SECURITIES EXCHANGE NOR OTC MARKETS GROUP INC., NOR THEIR REGULATIONS SERVICES PROVIDERS HAVE REVIEWED OR ACCEPT RESPONSIBILITY FOR THE ADEQUACY OR ACCURACY OF THIS RELEASE.

This news release may contain forward-looking statements and information based on current expectations. These statements should not be read as guarantees of future performance or results. Such statements involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors that may cause actual results, performance or achievements to be materially different from those implied by such statements. Such statements include submission of the relevant documentation within the required timeframe and to the satisfaction of the relevant regulators, completing the acquisition of the applicable real estate and raising sufficient financing to complete the Company's business strategy. There is no certainty that any of these events will occur. Although such statements are based on management's reasonable assumptions, there can be no assurance that such assumptions will prove to be correct. We assume no responsibility to update or revise them to reflect new events or circumstances.

Company's securities have not been registered under the U.S. Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the "U.S. Securities Act"), or applicable state securities laws, and may not be offered or sold to, or for the account or benefit of, persons in the United States or "U.S. Persons", as such term is defined in Regulation S under the U.S. Securities Act, absent registration or an applicable exemption from such registration requirements. This press release shall not constitute an offer to sell or the solicitation of an offer to buy nor shall there be any sale of the securities in the United States or any jurisdiction in which such offer, solicitation or sale would be unlawful.

Additionally, there are known and unknown risk factors which could cause the Company's actual results, performance or achievements to be materially different from any future results, performance or achievements expressed or implied by the forward-looking information contained herein. All forward-looking information herein is qualified in its entirety by this cautionary statement, and the Company disclaims any obligation to revise or update any such forward-looking information or to publicly announce the result of any revisions to any of the forward-looking information contained herein to reflect future results, events or developments, except as required by law.

Contacts:

Nutritional High International Inc.

David Posner

Chairman of the Board

647-985-6727

dposner@nutritionalhigh.com



Boom Capital Markets Inc.

Steven Low

(647) 620-5101

steve@boomcapitalmarkets.com

www.boomcapitalmarkets.com




TORONTO, ONTARIO -- (Marketwired) -- 11/18/16 -- Enssolutions Group Inc. (NEX: ENV.H)(OTC PINK: NSLSF) ("Enssolutions" or the "Company"), a manufacturer and distributor of an environmentally responsible emulsion product for a wide variety of industrial and commercial market demands, is pleased to announce the filing of its Interim Unaudited Consolidated Financial Statements for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2016, and the comparative 2015 third quarter along with management's discussion and analysis.

Financial Results

Certain of the Company's financial results for the three and nine month periods ending September 30, 2016 and September 30, 2015 are presented in the table below (expressed in Canadian dollars):

For the Three Months For the Nine Months Ended September 30, Ended September 30, ------------------------------------------------ 2016 2015 2016 2015 ------------------------------------------------ Revenue $ 926,636 $ 701,533 $ 2,206,057 $ 2,092,563 Operating loss (263,045) (210,141) (1,080,258) (986,561) ------------------------------------------------ Net loss (377,174) (248,054) (1,268,984) (967,035) ------------------------------------------------ Basic and diluted loss per share (0.00) (0.01) (0.01) (0.01) ------------------------------------------------ ------------------------------------------------

As of September 30, 2016, and December 31, 2015, the Company's financial conditions are presented in the table below:

September 30, December 31, 2016 2015 ----------------------------- Assets $ 1,353,293 $ 1,054,385 Liabilities $ 6,579,899 $ 5,134,601 Shareholders' deficit $ (5,226,606) $ (4,080,216)

The Company's consolidated financial statements and MD&A for the period ended September 30, 2016 are available at www.sedar.com.

About Enssolutions

Enssolutions manufactures, distributes and applies environmentally responsible products to meet a wide variety of industrial and commercial market demands. Enssolutions provides engineered environmental solutions for mine tailings control, process dust and erosion control, granular stabilization, road construction/maintenance and stockpile sealing. It has production facilities in Beamsville, Ontario and Glendale, Arizona that service some of North America's largest mining, steel, cement, and road construction/maintenance companies as well as numerous public road authorities.

For more information on Enssolutions, please visit www.enssolutions.com.

Certain information in this news release constitutes forward-looking statements. When used in this news release, the words "may", "would", "could", "should", "will", "intend", "plan", "anticipate", "believe", "seek", "propose", "estimate", "expect", and similar expressions, as they relate to the Company, are intended to identify forward-looking statements. In particular, this news release contains forward-looking statements with respect to, among other things, business objectives, expected growth, results of operations, performance, business projects and opportunities and financial results. These statements involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors that may cause actual results or events to differ materially from those anticipated in such forward-looking statements. Such statements reflect the Company's current views with respect to future events based on certain material factors and assumptions and are subject to certain risks and uncertainties, including without limitation, changes in market, competition, governmental or regulatory developments, general economic conditions and other factors set out in the Company's public disclosure documents. Many factors could cause the Company's actual results, performance or achievements to vary from those described in this news release, including without limitation those listed above. These factors should not be construed as exhaustive. Should one or more of these risks or uncertainties materialize, or should assumptions underlying forward-looking statements prove incorrect, actual results may vary materially from those described in this news release and such forward-looking statements included in, or incorporated by reference in this news release, should not be unduly relied upon. Such statements speak only as of the date of this news release. The Company does not intend, and does not assume any obligation, to update these forward-looking statements. The forward-looking statements contained in this news release are expressly qualified by this cautionary statement.

Neither the TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release.

Contacts:

Enssolutions Group Inc.

James D. Staudohar

Interim Chief Executive Officer

(877) 520-6767

jims@enssolutions.com

www.enssolutions.com




TORONTO, ONTARIO -- (Marketwired) -- 04/05/17 -- Star Navigation Systems Group Ltd. (TSX VENTURE: SNA)(OTCBB: SNAVF) ("Star" or the "Company) announces that its common shares will be delisted from the TSX Venture Exchange ("TSX-V") after the close of trading on Thursday, April 6, 2017 and will be listed on the Canadian Securities Exchange ("CSE") commencing at the open of trading on Friday, April 7, 2017. The Company's trading symbol "SNA" will remain the same.

About Star Navigation:

Star Navigation Systems Group Ltd. owns the exclusive worldwide license to its proprietary, patented In-flight Safety Monitoring System, STAR-ISMS, the heart of the STAR-A.D.S.  System. It is the first system in the world to feature in-flight data-analysis, monitoring and diagnostics with a real-time connection between aircraft and ground. Its real-time capability of tracking performance trends and predicting incident-occurrence enhances aviation safety and improves fleet management while reducing costs for the operator.

Star's MMI Division designs and manufactures high performance, mission critical, flight deck flat panel displays for defence and commercial aviation industries worldwide.

Certain statements contained in this News Release constitute forward-looking statements. When used in this document, the words "may", "would", "could", "will" and similar expressions, as they relate to Star or its management are intended to identify forward-looking statements. Such statements reflect Star's current views with respect to future events and are subject to certain risks, uncertainties and assumptions. Many factors could cause Star's actual performance or achievements to vary from those described herein. Should one or more of these factors or uncertainties materialize, or should assumptions underlying forward-looking statements prove incorrect, actual results may vary materially from those described herein as intended, planned, anticipated, believed, estimated or expected. Star does not assume any obligation to update these forward-looking statements, except as required by law.

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 the content of this release.

Contacts:

Viraf Kapadia

CEO

(416) 252-2289 Ext. 230

viraf.kapadia@star-navigation.com




OTTAWA, ONTARIO -- (Marketwired) -- 12/07/16 -- The Honourable Dominic LeBlanc, Minister of Fisheries and Oceans and the Canadian Coast Guard, today accepted two new medium-lift helicopters into the Canadian Coast Guard fleet.

These are the first of seven new medium-lift helicopters being constructed by Bell Helicopter Textron Canada Ltd. as part of the Coast Guard's Fleet Renewal Plan. The acquisition of these modern aircraft is renewing the capabilities of the Coast Guard's existing fleet of helicopters.

These helicopters will help support the Government of Canada's Oceans Protection Plan by enhancing the Coast Guard's capability to contribute to marine safety and environmental response across the country.

Helicopters are used in delivering key Coast Guard services, including ensuring the safety of marine traffic, performing icebreaking reconnaissance, maintaining aids to navigation and marine communications equipment, science and fisheries enforcement, and transporting personnel and cargo between ship and shore.

Quick Facts

-- The helicopters are owned by the Canadian Coast Guard. Transport Canada pilots and engineers fly and service the aircraft for Coast Guard operations. -- The seven Bell 412 helicopters will replace five Bell 212 helicopters currently in service. -- Under the Canadian Coast Guard Fleet Renewal Plan, the Government of Canada has already received and deployed 15 light-lift helicopters and contracted for a helicopter simulator. -- In an average year, Coast Guard's helicopter fleet flies 7,000 hours; performs over 8,400 flights; transports more than 22,700 persons; carries a payload of more than 11.2 million pounds; and completes more than 3,500 external load lifts, carrying cargo suspended by a cable from the helicopter. -- Economic benefits of this procurement are being leveraged through the Industrial and Regional Benefits Policy. This policy ensures that companies that win Government of Canada defence and security contracts conduct high quality and advanced technology business activities in Canada equal to contract value.

Quotes

"The Government of Canada has committed to enhancing marine safety and environmental response through the Oceans Protection Plan. These helicopters support that plan, playing a vital role in ensuring the safe movement of ships on Canada's oceans and waterways."

- The Honourable Dominic LeBlanc, Minister of Fisheries and Oceans and the Canadian Coast Guard

"The purchase of these helicopters for the Canadian Coast Guard encourages innovation and drives economic growth. This contract has helped maintain over 170 highly skilled jobs for Canadians across the country in the aerospace sector."

- The Honourable Judy M. Foote, Minister of Public Services and Procurement Canada

Related Product

-- Medium-lift Helicopters

Internet: http://www.dfo-mpo.gc.ca

Follow us on Twitter! www.Twitter.com/DFO_MPO

For more information about the Canadian Coast Guard, visit www.ccg-gcc.gc.ca.

Follow us on Twitter! www.Twitter.com/CCG_GCC

Contacts:

Media Relations

Fisheries and Oceans Canada

613-990-7537

Media.xncr@dfo-mpo.gc.ca



Laura Gareau

Press Secretary

Office of the Minister

Fisheries and Oceans Canada

613-992-3474

Laura.Gareau@dfo-mpo.gc.ca




Domino Data Lab, a San Francisco, CA-based provider of an enterprise data science platform, raised $10.5m in funding.

The round was led by Sequoia Capital, which joined existing backers Zetta Venture Partners, Bloomberg Beta, and In-Q-Tel.

The company intends to use the funds to accelerate product development.

Co-founded by Nick Elprin, CEO, Chris Yang, CTO, and Matthew Granade, Domino Data Lab provides a data science platform for companies to monitor and improve the impact of their quantitative research.

Customers include leading pharmaceutical and life sciences companies, insurance companies, financial services firms (such as banks, ratings agencies and hedge funds) and consumer technology companies like Instacart, Mashable and Lumosity use Domino.

FinSMEs

18/11/2016
NetBeez, a Pittsburgh, PA-based network performance monitoring company, received new funding from Partech Ventures.

The amount of the deal was not disclosed. In conjunction with the funding, Reza Malekzadeh joined NetBeezs its Board of Directors. Before Partech, the company received investments from the Pittsburgh-based fund Innovation Works, Carnegie Mellon University, and Y Combinator.

The company intends to use the funds to expand its team and customer acquisition initiatives as well as to develop the product and accelerate the growth of its customer base.

Founded in 2013, NetBeez, is a network performance monitoring company delivering a monitoring solution that continuously simulates user connectivity on any wired or wireless network. Dedicated sensors called Beez simulate end users and enable proactive identification and troubleshooting of complex network issues, helping to reduce time to resolution by IT.

The company participated in the Y Combinator Winter 2016 program.

FinSMEs

18/11/2016
Some Richmond, VA-based based entrepreneurs have launched a company business incubator and an angel fund.

Led by Will Loving and Brad Cummings, 1717 Partners will provide a 35,000 square foot space (in a building at 1717 East Cary Street) where early stage companies can co-live, and receive mentorship and funding via an angel fund, which is raising money from local investors.

As the construction of the space will take about ten months, Loving and Cummings in the interim have leased 5,000 square feet at 27 North 17th Street and formed The Annex, an early stage business incubator assisting young companies in central Virginia. The Loving/Cummings group expects the majority of tenants to move from The Annex to the (yet unnamed) new space when it opens in late Q3 of 2017. In addition, the initiative expects to deliver programs in the space as well. Lighthouse Labs, a local nationally-recognized business accelerator, will move its future company cohorts to the building once it opens while both the Venture Forum and Richtech have expressed support and plan to be occupants of the building.

The group is also partnering with other types of incubators around Richmond, such as Build, RVA, a maker-oriented incubator, which expect to leverage the new building for joint programs and events.

The angel fund, which will work to complement the current CVA Angels group, who makes individual investment decisions, expects to be legally formed and up and running before the end of the year.

FinSMEs

17/11/2016
Sigfox, a Labege near Toulouse, France-based provider of connectivity for the Internet of Things (IoT), is to close its 150m Series E funding round.

Backers included new investors Salesforce, Total, Henri Seydoux, Alto Invest, Swen CP and Tamer Group as well as existing shareholders Bpifrance, Elliott, Intel Capital, Air Liquide, Idinvest Partners and IXO PE. Additional new investors are also expected to join this financing round shortly to reach the 150m level.

The company will use the funds to expand its international network to 60 countries by 2018.

Co-founded by Ludovic Le Moan and Christophe Fourtet and led by Xavier Drilhon, deputy CEO, Sigfox has built a global wireless network that provides a connectivity solution, enabling devices to connect to the cloud at low-cost by relying on the surrounding energy sources.

Its network has more than 10 million objects registered with coverage currently spanning 26 countries.

The company also has offices in Paris, Madrid, Munich, Boston, San Francisco, Dubai and Singapore.

FinSMEs

18/11/2016
Sparkcentral, a San Francisco, CA-based enterprise digital customer engagement platform, raised $20m in funding.

The round was led by the European venture capital fund LRM, with participation from Group MC and existing investors Split Rock Partners and Jackson Square Ventures.

The company, which has raised a total of $37.5m, intends to use the funds for international growth, mainly throughout the EMEA region, accelerate product innovation and expand its global team.

Led by Davy Kestens, CEO, and Christoph Neut, former Chief Commercial Officer, Sparkcentral provides companies with a digital customer engagement platform to manage and resolve customer service interactions over modern communication channels by leveraging customer routing and prioritization technology and workflow optimization and reporting tools.

The company, which serves global brands like Direct Energy, Francescas, Goodbaby, Qdoba, Slack, T-Mobile, WestJet, Uber, Discover, Netflix, Delta Air Lines, Emirates, and Western Union, has EMEA headquarters in Hasselt, Belgium.

FinSMEs

18/11/2016
After repeated attempts to get the Global Citizen Festival concert scrapped or postponed; the Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) plans to get Hotplay  a moniker given by the party to a traditional dhol band  to perform the adjoining lanes leading to Bandra-Kurla Complex (BKC), the venue where British rock band Coldplay is scheduled to perform on 19 November, reports Hindustan Times.

NCP termed it farce on grounds that poverty cannot be controlled by organizing such concerts and the state government should not have given concessions to them.

Congress party spokesman Nawab Malik said, "You can see our (Hotplay) performance for free. No liquor will be served and people can enjoy as much as they can. We will seek permissions from all authorities concerned and will perform even if permissions are denied."

Earlier, Congress Mumbai unit president Sanjay Nirupam had called upon state election commissioner JS Saharia and demanded that the concert either be postponed in the view of the election code of conduct being in force or given permission after the poll process is completed.

Other opposition parties in Maharashtra have alleged that the BJP-led state government was trying to derive political mileage ahead of local civic polls from the Coldplay concert.

The Global Citizen Festival concert will have Coldplay, Jay-Z, The Vamps, A.R. Rahman, Arijit Singh, Shankar Ehsaan Loy, Farhan Akhtar, Monali Thakur, Shraddha Kapoor, Aamir Khan, Katrina Kaif performing among others.
At a time when cash in a crunch, the movie business is still continuing in full force (2).

John Abraham, Sonakshi Sinha and Tahir Raj Bhasin starrer Force 2 releases this weekend, right at the heel of a previous sequel, Rock on 2. While it is too soon to explore the impact of the demonestisation move on Bollywood, let's hope the success of the first action film spills over to its sequel.

Also read: Rock On 2 bears the brunt of demonetisation or of its own mediocrity? Box office update

Tushar Joshi, in his review for DNA, says Force 2 is a genre pleaser and an adrenaline rush:

John Abraham's introductory scene reminds us why he's such a hit with the masses. No one comes close to the actor when it comes to having a killer physique. Abhinav Deo (director) makes the most of it with his tight close ups on Abraham's bulging biceps and shredded six packs.

However, Rohit Vats' review for Hindustan Times, states that there's no sign of any logic in the plot of Force 2:

Initially, Abhinay Deo, the director, tries to infuse some quirky elements. Even John Abraham attempts dead-pan humour. But these efforts give way to lethargic chase sequences. Budapests scenic beauty takes the attention further away from whats happening on the screen.

And Shubhra Gupta's review for Indian Express says there's no difference between Force 2 and Bond/Bourne films:

John Abraham is efficient and does what he needs to. His super toned muscles are used well to get rid of the bad guys, but not even the most impressive bod can rise above a sluggish script.

Meanwhile, Bollywood celebrities and Twitterati were also talking about John Abraham's film.

#Force2 is one of the worst film of 2016 n it's simply 1* film.  KRK (@kamalrkhan) November 18, 2016

@Force2thefilm releases today.. the best action ive seen in bollywood this year. Great execution & Super gripping   A MUST WATCH.  Deepesh Sharma (@deepeshofficial) November 18, 2016

@Force2thefilm a great movie, double action! Dedicated to all the Martins,hats off work done by @TheJohnAbraham and @sonakshisinha cr300+  piyush varma (@varma_piyush) November 18, 2016

Saif said in #Phantom-Ghar Main Ghuskar Maarenge n public Ne Theatre Main Ghusne Se Hi Mana Kar Diyaa tha. John also saying same in #Force2.  KRK (@kamaalrkhan) November 18, 2016

Sonakshi ke father allready bjp mai hai. Unke pass change ki koi kamee nahi hai. Force 2 hit chahiye to box office ko bolo note change karne  Arjun Singh (@ArjunSi45781319) November 18, 2016
Even as the Narendra Modi government has been struggling hard to manage the post-demonetisation tremors after withdrawing 86 percent of the currency in circulation (by value) and although 10 days on, the common man is still in a trance-like state pondering whether to praise or curse the prime minister for the currency ban, two mysteries remain unexplained.

First, how does one explain a dubious, record spike in bank deposits in the July-September period?

There has been an increase of close to Rs 6 lakh crore in bank deposits in the three months leading up to September  the highest ever recorded quarterly jump in the past 19 years at least, according to an analysis by Firstpost's research team. How do the government and the RBI explain the unusual surge in bank deposits in the July-September quarter, something that has surprised most economists given that in the previous quarters, most banks reported a negative growth in deposits, and the economy is still in a slowdown phase.

Take a closer look.

Going by RBI data, there has been an increase in the broad money supply (M3) to the tune of Rs 5.9 lakh crore between June and September. If one looks at the M3 internals, it is quite evident that the surge in M3 is on account of a significant jump in the demand and time deposits in the banking system, while the currency in public circulation has largely remained where it is.

To be precise, between June and September, the currency with the public actually declined  from Rs 16,567.5 billion to Rs 16,560.5 billion. Lets say this number is static for this period. But, the time deposits (fixed deposits) have increased from Rs 92,734.2 billion to Rs 96,968 billion  an increase of Rs 4,233.8 billion. Similarly, the demand deposits have gone up from Rs 9,931.7 billion to Rs 11,590.9 billion.

Together, there has been a total increase of Rs 5,893 billion or Rs 5.89 lakh crore till 30 September.

What does it mean?

As said earlier, the jump in M3 has been on account of surge in bank deposits, which is dubious indeed given the unprecedented spike.

Certainly, there is an issue here as to what is the source of this deposits. There needs to be an explanation from the RBI, said Naresh Malhotra, former DGM with the State Bank of India, in an exclusive interaction with Firstpost. Ever since this spike was first reported by CNBC-TV18, Union Finance Minister Arun Jaitley has played down the issue saying this was because of the payment of arrears in the Seventh Pay Commission that may have been channelled into the bank accounts. But even if one factors in these arrears  Rs 70,000 crore  and adds any other inflows including subsidies, the figure would not exceed Rs 1.5 lakh crore at the most.

The finance minister's explanation isn't good enough to clear the confusion.

Also, this is happening at a time when the economy is in a downturn. There isnt much economic activity on the ground. There are no substantial rise in employment or wage increase in the private sector. Fresh private investments havent picked up, which could have translated into more savings with corporations and individuals. In fact, except what the government has been spending through its various schemes, including the wage increases associated with the Seventh May Commission, OROP and other subsidy payments, there has been no major money flow into then system.

Also, foreign remittances have been on the decline in the recent quarters as this VC Circle article shows. The report says that India has seen a fall in remittance inflows for the past five quarters starting April-June 2015, even though the country continues to be the biggest recipient of capital sent by its nationals working overseas.

Then what is the source of these deposits?

That brings us to the strong possibility is that our black money-hoarder, who received some kind of tip-off or signal about the government action, smartly managed to push at least a part of his unaccounted cash in Rs 500, Rs 1,000 notes into the banking system to make it legit.

Now, why should he do that? Isnt he exposing himself to tax sleuths by bringing the hidden funds to the banking system?

Well, consider this: If the black money-holder didnt do that, he stands to lose his entire stock of his ill-gotten wealth or income for which he never paid tax (or for which he doesn't have a source to show). He will have to simply dump it in a roadside dustbin or simply make a bonfire out of it and spend the night lamenting his lost fortunes, provided he didnt find an alternative to hide this money, say in other assets such as gold or real estate or in hawala schemes. Yes, now he will be exposed to the system and will have to pay tax, even face prosecution, but it is better than losing everything at one go.

Economists and financial experts are perplexed by this sudden spike.

They also point out the possibility that our faceless black money-hoarder would have even used benamis to put the unaccounted cash into different bank accounts to escape tight scrutiny and tax penalty implication that would happen on such deposits post the demonetisation announcement. The government has warned that cash deposits above Rs 2.5 lakh threshold during the 50-day window could attract tax plus a 200 percent penalty in case of income mismatch.

If the demonetisation exercise was indeed leaked, the Modi government will have to answer to the public how it happened, whether it is deliberate or, simply, an accident?. If it is the former, a good part of the black money (unaccounted money) has already entered the system. This needs to be investigated.

Having addressed the first mystery, let's take a look at the second one.

How did Reserve Bank of India (RBI) governor Urjit Patels signature appear on the new Rs 2,000, Rs 500 notes now in circulation when the government reportedly claims the printing began in August-September, whereas Patel officially took over as new governor only on 5 September.

Was Patels signature used in bank notes even when Raghuram Rajan was still the governor of the Central bank? Or is it that, the government only started printing notes after the first week of September, not months in advance as reports appeared to claim. The logical assumption here is that the whole process of printing new notes started only post the first week of September.

Had this process started earlier, as the government claimed, the public would probably not have been subjected to the kind of cash-crunch and chaos they are facing now. This part needs to be explained by the government.

These two questions are important for different reasons. Whether the demonetisation process was leaked to the crooks and cronies in advance, and, second, whether the government acted late on printing new currency notes as the Patel signature mystery shows.

The Modi government and RBI owe an answer to the public on both these questions, sooner or later.

Kishor Kadam contributed to this story
Across the country, ATMs are dead and the lines outside banks are killing. In a few cases, literally and unfortunately so.

An entire population of 1.25 billion is craving something they already have. It's a strange contradiction of shortage in abundance.

People can't bank the cash in their hand, nor lay their hands on the cash in their bank. As yesteryear screen villain Ajit famously never said, "It's like living in liquid oxygen..." The liquid is choking them and the oxygen is not allowing them to choke.

So, there's only one question to which the nation really wants the answer: Did Prime Minister Narendra Modi send a country into war against black money without planning? Did he push his troops to the front lines high on emotion and low on ammunition? The scale of the crisis since 11 November when the banks opened for transactions after two shut days suggests so. National Opposition parties and those opposed to Modi's sudden crackdown are sure this was a Quixotic idea of a destiny-seeking prime minister in desperate hurry. Even those who are willing to see this as part of their national duty are at a loss to explain the chaos and hardship unleashed by the cash purge.

The government, on the other hand, insists that if it had planned it on the lines the Opposition parties are suggesting  recalibrating the ATMs before announcing the note ban  this massive operation would have delivered a still-born. Any plan to recalibrate ATMs would have lifted the veil of secrecy and black money would have either changed colour or form. There was, the government says, just no way to do this other than to dive head first into the deep waters of currency replacement with a hope (that people would understand and endure) and a prayer (that it passes off without event).

The Opposition parties are not wrong  this could have been planned better  and the government is not giving us all the facts  it did have a plan. No, the plan was not for recalibration of ATMs  for which it now under severe attack  but for the preemptive calibration of ATMs. If this plan had run its course, it could have considerably smoothened the currency exchange at ATMs. But the plan ground to a halt even before it took off. But more on that later.

The evidence of a well-thought out plan comes from a publicly available notification of the Reserve Bank of India (RBI). Buried under dozens of notifications issued by the RBI this month, is the notification of 2 November (see below) that is headlined 'Dispensation of Rs 100 denomination banknotes through exclusive ATMs'.

RBI November Notification by Firstpost on Scribd

The contents of the notification are even more noteworthy, in retrospect, of course. Under the cover of a 'pilot' project, the RBI asked banks to calibrate 10 per cent of all ATMs in the country to dispense only Rs 100 notes. To further throw prying eyes off the trail of the brewing demonetisation plan, the RBI slipped this big ticket reform under its pet Clean Notes Policy, on-going since 2013.

Here's the operative part of the notification signed by P Vijaya Kumar, chief general manager:

"A review of steps taken by banks for installing ATMs dispensing lower denomination banknotes was conducted and found that very few banks had taken initiatives in setting up ATMs dispensing lower denomination notes including Rs 100 denomination banknotes. "In keeping with the objectives of Clean Note Policy and to ensure that genuine requirement of members of public for Rs 100 denomination banknotes are met, the banks should increase dispensation of Rs 100 banknotes through ATMs which are widely used for distribution of banknotes for retail use. "With a view to encourage the banks in that direction, it has been decided to conduct a pilot project wherein 10 percent of the ATMs in the country will be calibrated to dispense Rs 100 banknotes exclusively. You are, therefore, advised to configure/calibrate 10 percent of your ATMs to facilitate this arrangement."

See the notification below:

RBI Dispensation of Rs.100 Denomination Banknotes Through Exclusive ATMs by Firstpost on Scribd

There are 1,03,282 on-site and 98,579 off-site ATMs in the country. This brings the total to 2,01,861 ATMs in all (as per the RBI's bank-wise ATM statistics as of July 2016). That means by 17 November, when calibration was scheduled to have been completed, the government had planned for around 20,000 ATMs to be dispensing only Rs 100 notes. This would have considerably eased the hardship of citizens left stranded with notes they cannot use.

A little detour to understand the difference between calibration and recalibration is necessary here:

Every ATM has three types of cartridges  also called bins  to keep cash, one each for notes of the denominations of Rs 100, Rs 500 and Rs 1,000. To ensure that the ATM dispenses notes of only Rs 100, the cartridges carrying the other two denominations would require to be removed and replaced with cartridges of Rs 100 denomination. This change would not have raised any suspicions because Rs 100 notes were already in use. The banks would just need to order more cartridges of Rs 100 denomination. That is why the RBI notification mentions 'calibration' not 'recalibration'. But distributing the new Rs 500 and Rs 2,000 notes from ATMs would have required changing the cartridges, or recalibrating them as per the size and other parameters of the new notes. Recalibration of nearly 1,80,000 ATMs (the number left after calibrating 20,000 ATMs exclusively for Rs 100 notes) across the country would certainly have had tongues wagging about the impending currency replacement. So, recalibration, it seems, was not part of the plan and Finance Minister Arun Jaitley spoke the truth when the government was blasted for not recalibrating ATMs.

Two things are obvious from a post-facto reading of this (then) seemingly innocuous notification.

First, the government and the RBI had anticipated that after removing the larger Rs 500 and Rs 1,000 denominations, there would be a mad rush for denomination of Rs 100 for retail use. And they had rolled out what now seems like a graded plan to meet the challenge of the small notes.

Second, the ATMs were supposed to have been ready by 17 November to dispense only Rs 100 notes. A day after that deadline has passed, it is unclear how many of the 20,000 ATMs are fully Rs 100-note-ready. Chances are very few ATMs are, because at 8 pm on 8 November, this plan was blown off the tracks by the prime minister's sudden announcement of demonetisation.

The notification was issued on Wednesday, 2 November and the prime minister went live on Tuesday, 8 November. That's a little over three working days between the two dates. It's hardly likely that the banks could have done much more than just crank up their systems. And after that, they have been left to deal with the deluge.

That raises the bigger question: If the calibration of ATMs was scheduled between 2 November and 17 November, why was the demonetisation bomb detonated midway knowing fully well that banks were still not ready? It is very unlikely that the two moves were disconnected from each other. The RBI could not have been on an indulgent Clean Note Policy binge six days prior to the entire banking system of the country being shaken from its roots. That would mean that RBI Governor Urijit Patel was not in the loop on the demonetisation plan. We know that is not possible because the the new notes bear the signature of Urijit Patel.

The RBI's notification does indicate that the government was working to a plan and a schedule. It suggests that the next big move on demonetisation should have been made after 17 November, although it is impossible to know how soon or how much later. But plans had to be abandoned. What was the provocation? Did the government suspect that the plan was leaked? Images of the Rs 2,000 note were, after all, floating on social media early in November. Did Narendra Modi detonate the demonetisation bomb earlier than scheduled?

Unless the government is forthcoming, we will have to keep wondering if on 8 November, Modi was announcing the demonetisation plan or delivering it prematurely.
Is the airline pricing mechanism fair and transparent in India? Why do people booking at the last minute - for emergency travel specially - have to pay a bomb? Well, the easy answer is that last minute bookings will mean most seats on a flight are already full and therefore, as per flexi-pricing rule followed by airlines, you end up paying a hefty premium for coming on board at a late hour. But how much premium is justified? And who decides if this premium is fair?

According to data complied by online travel aggregator Makemytrip, a one way Delhi-Mumbai air ticket would have cost you a neat Rs 46,973 in September this year. Bengaluru-Delhi would have cost you Rs 46.906 in the same month. These are peak prices, the maximum that has been charged on these sectors in that month. The minimum fare during the month was Rs 2,198 on Delhi-Mumbai flights and Rs 2,395 on Bengaluru-Delhi flights. It is clear that peak pricing is about 20 times the lowest fare.

As of now, there is no control over how much premium an airline can charge for last minute bookings. Civil Aviation Minister A Gajapathi Raju said in a written reply in Lok Sabha yesterday that airlines are free to fix "reasonable" tariff under sub-rule (1) of Rule 135, Aircraft Rules 1937 having regard to all relevant factors including "cost of operation, characteristics of service, reasonable profit and the generally prevailing tariff." He also said that airlines remain compliant with the regulatory provisions of Sub-Rule 2 of Rule 135 as long as the fare charged by them does not exceed the fare established and displayed on their website.

He did not, however, explain what is meant by "reasonable profit" or characteristics of service of an airline which charges a particular fare.

But his deputy Jayant Sinha said in this interview earlier in November that the civil aviation ministry is studying the system of fare buckets which airlines use to dismiss queries on fares. "We are working with online traffic aggregators and with the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) to understand all of this better. But the view from industry is that by making these buckets transparent you are hurting peoples competitive strategies and how many buckets they will make available is very much a part of their business strategy. So we are considering and analysing all of this so we can understand if consumer complaints are well founded or not."

Sinha also said that aggregate prices for air tickets have fallen in India. This means the rupees collected per km of flying by airlines are actually going down. But this is poor consolation to those who are forced to make last minute ticket purchase at exorbitant prices.

Anyway, the Makemytrip research quoted earlier found that domestic air fares in India were among the cheapest among core markets across the world when booked last minute. "Domestic flights in India are at par for long haul travel compared to the US, 62 percent cheaper for mid haul travel and 90 percent cheaper for

short haul travel," the online travel aggregator said.

The study was conducted over September and October this year and also found that domestic flights in India were 27 percent cheaper (or cheaper by almost a fourth) when booked more than one month in advance as compared to last minute bookings. Another conclusion: long haul travel by air was at the same cost as by rail.

Last year, after a hue and cry over exorbitant fares, the DGCA had analysed fares on 20 busiest domestic sectors on revenue earned and the number of seats sold by scheduled private airlines in the highest fare bucket. It found that the highest revenue share from highest priced tickets was just 3.52 percent across India's six private airlines. This was shown for just one private airline on one sector. Other airlines earned ridiculously low revenue share from highest priced tickets across various sectors, punching holes in the war cry against exorbitant air fares.

Sinha said in the interview that high-priced tickets represent less than 2 percent in all cases of tickets available.

So from all available indications, there is little the government is planning to do to stop exorbitant last minute air fares. But it has given relief from sky high fares to passengers flying non-viable, less frequented routes in India's hinterland. Under the UDAN scheme which promotes flying to India's unserved and under-served airports, a specified fare cap has been announced based on the distance of flying. So flyers on these routes need not worry about last minute spikes.

However, the pain for passengers taking a flight on metro routes will increase as the UDAN scheme envisages an additional levy on such flights to fund regional connectivity, which means flyers on metro routes will ultimately shell out a little more.
Katrina Kaif and Shilpa Shetty have competition and they dont even know it. While they have been thanking Pantene for salvaging their scalps from exposure, elsewhere, a tall and stunning newcomer on the Bollywood marquee, Sonakshi Sinha, recently shot a television spot for the brand.

Whose hair is lost to soap suds, well see soon enough. Ever since Sinha became the face for Dyna soap -- a brand Katrina was endorsing earlier -- speculation has been rife about friction between the two. But the newcomer, who also endorses Provogues womens wear, has been a favourite of the endorsement circuit after her smash hit debut in Dabangg.

Not long ago, Katrina was being courted quite the same when she was chosen as the new temptress by Nakshatra diamonds after Aishwarya Rai-Bachchans longstanding contract with the brand expired; Ash took it in her stride.

Make way for young Bollywood Kat; youre a senior now.
By Heather Somerville

| SAN FRANCISCO

SAN FRANCISCO Snap Inc, the red-hot messaging company, is seen by many tech investors as the next Facebook or Google, but its youthful founders are pushing far more aggressively than its predecessors in moving from scrappy startup to public company.At a time when it is fashionable in Silicon Valley to stay private as long as possible, Snap is planning an initial public offering valuing it at more than $20 billion just two years after it first began to generate revenue, even though it has plenty of cash and ample opportunity to raise more on the private markets. It is expected to be the biggest U.S. tech IPO since Facebook Inc's (FB.O) 2012 debut.It is also defying convention by declining to bring in "adult supervision" to help 26-year-old co-founder and Chief Executive Officer Evan Spiegel and 28-year-old co-founder and Chief Technology Officer Bobby Murphy manage the company. Imran Khan, a former Credit Suisse banker who played a big role in the Alibaba Group Holdings Ltd (BABA.N) IPO in 2014, is emerging as a key figure in his role as chief strategy officer.Some investors remain concerned, however, that the combination of an inexperienced management team and a sky-high valuation could be problematic."It is a very clearly inexperienced team leading a company that's asking for two things: a huge valuation and a very aggressive multiple," said Max Wolff, a market strategist at 55 Capital. "Once you start asking public investors for 30x earnings, the tolerance for mistake, misadventure and learning on the job goes down."Questions about the management team have lingered after a string of senior executives left following short stints with the company. High-profile departures include Emily White, who joined as chief operating officer from Instagram at the start of 2014 and quit after just more than a year, according to her LinkedIn profile. Mike Randall, who joined Snap from Facebook, left last year after less than a year as head of business and marketing.A spokesman for Snap declined to comment.

The executive ranks have since stabilized, and executives such as finance chief Drew Vollero and hardware guru Steve Horowitz have decades of experience. Still, the departure of Jia Li, one of the highest-ranking women at the company and its head of research, to join Alphabet Inc's (GOOGL.O) Google this month left another high-level opening."I think Snapchat struggles with leadership," said Dave Carvajal, an executive recruiter for tech companies. "Just because something is a great idea, it still has the very real challenge of bringing in the right people."Spiegel, an enigmatic figure who choose to locate the company in the Southern California beach town of Venice rather than Silicon Valley, has not followed the example of Facebook founder Mark Zuckerberg, who partnered early on with Sheryl Sandberg, a former Treasury Department official and Google executive. Google co-founders Larry Page and Sergey Brin initially ceded the CEO role to veteran technology executive Eric Schmidt."I think (Spiegel) is a sole dictator type," said Lyon Wong, co-founder and partner at venture firm Spectrum 28, and former partner at Lightspeed Venture Partners, a firm that made multiple early investments into Snap.Hemant Taneja, a managing director at the venture capital firm and Snap investor General Catalyst, pointed to Khan as a key figure in the run-up to the IPO.

I think that hire was critical and they work very well together, Taneja said. He has taken a lot of things off of Evans plate so he can focus on what he does best.Taneja said the turnover may be more indicative of Spiegel constantly upgrading the talent in his ranks.I think that Snapchat does everything in an unconventional way, Taneja said. Comparing it to Facebook or another company is an incorrect way to think about it.Wolff also noted that the company may yet bring in more experienced managers and board members ahead of the IPO.

IPO AS MARKETING

Snap, valued at about $18 billion, has raised roughly $2.5 billion from investors including mutual fund Fidelity Investments, Sequoia Capital, T. Rowe Price and Alibaba. It raised $1.81 billion as recently as May, according to regulatory filings.The windfall of cash just six months ago, however, did not slow Snaps IPO talks, which have been ongoing for at least a year, according to sources familiar with the matter. An IPO early next year may help Snap capture pent-up investor demand after a prolonged IPO drought, while also getting out in front of other hotly anticipated debuts from Uber Technologies Inc [UBER.UL] and Airbnb.It could be easier to tell your story because everyone will be focussed on you and ready for you to make your move, said Hans Tung, managing partner at GGV Capital. There will be a lot of demand for this stock.Some investors said the marketing boost and visibility that comes with an IPO is crucial to help Snapchat get more users outside the United States - and outside its dominant user base of millennials. Snapchat says it has more than 150 million daily active users.The goal of the company is to grow as fast as possible, venture capitalist Wong said. And there are no more 16-year-olds for them to get onto the platform.An IPO will give the company a more mature image that will appeal to advertisers, investors said. Snap has told investors to expect $1 billion in advertising revenue in 2017, according to sources familiar with the matter. (Additional reporting by Liana Baker in San Francisco and Lauren Hirsch in New York; Writing by Jonathan Weber; Editing by Lisa Shumaker)

This story has not been edited by Firstpost staff and is generated by auto-feed.
By Shihar Aneez

| COLOMBO

COLOMBO Thirty-two Sri Lankan Muslims from "well-educated and elite" families have joined Islamic State in Syria, the justice minister told parliament on Friday, promising that the government would clamp down on extremists.The statement by minister Wijeyadasa Rajapakshe was condemned by representatives of the Muslim minority, who complained of racism. "All these (Muslims) are not from ordinary families. These people are from the families which are considered as well-educated and elite," Rajapakshe said, adding that the government was aware of some foreigners coming to Sri Lanka to spread what he called Islamic extremism."There is a greater fear among the public about ISIS," he said, using another name for Islamic State. "If somebody tries to spread extremism in this country, we will not allow for that from today. The law of this country is no different to Buddhist monks or ordinary people."

The Muslim Council of Sri Lanka (MCSL), an umbrella body that includes most Muslim organisations in the country, expressed concern, saying Rajapakshe's statement came at a "very opportune time to certain extremist elements bent on tarnishing the image" of Sri Lankan Muslims."The Muslim community is seriously alarmed about the re-emergence of the racist campaign that was carried out by extremist Buddhist monks since the end of the war in 2009," the MCSL said in a statement. "We urge Wijeyadasa Rajapakshe to provide the evidence and take immediate action against anyone who may have violated the laws of the land, irrespective of ethnicity or religion."

More than 70 percent of Sri Lanka's 20 million people are Buddhists, about 13 percent are Hindu, while Muslims make up around 10 percent. President Maithripala Sirisena has been criticised for failing to curb religious hate speech by both Muslims and Buddhists. Some Sinhala Buddhist groups have threatened Muslims and their businesses on social media, while attacks on mosques and Muslim-owned properties have continued under the Sirisena administration.

Muslim leaders warned the government in 2014 of possible Islamic radicalisation and Muslims turning to foreign Islamic groups for support, attributing this to attacks by Buddhist hardliners.Sri Lanka's 26-year civil war ended in 2009 with the military defeating the predominantly Hindu Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE), who fought for a separate state in the island's north and east. (Reporting by Shihar Aneez and Ranga Sirilal; Editing by Mark Trevelyan)

This story has not been edited by Firstpost staff and is generated by auto-feed.
By Andreas Cremer and Jan Schwartz

| WOLFSBURG, Germany

WOLFSBURG, Germany Volkswagen (VOWG_p.DE) and its labor unions agreed to cut 30,000 jobs at the core VW brand in exchange for a commitment to avoid forced redundancies in Germany until 2025, a compromise which leaves the carmaker's profitability still lagging rivals.The turnaround plan announced on Friday will lead to 3.7 billion euros ($3.9 billion) in annual savings by 2020 and lift the Volkswagen (VW) brand's operating margin to 4 percent that year, from an expected 2 percent in 2016.That target still remains below rival European carmakers such as Renault (RENA.PA) and Peugeot Citroen (PEUP.PA), which is targeting an operating margin of 6 percent in 2021.VW, Europe's largest carmaker, is seeking to move beyond an emissions-cheating scandal that has tarnished its image and left it facing billions of euros in fines and settlements.The cuts came with a management pledge to create 9,000 new jobs in the area of battery production and mobility services at factories in Germany as part of efforts to shift toward electric and self-driving cars."We have to invest billions of euros in new cars and services while new rivals will attack us - the transformation will surely be more radical than everything we have experienced to date," VW brand CEO Herbert Diess said at a press conference.DEEP ENOUGH?

Some experts argued the cost cuts were not deep enough.Spending on R&D and staff across VW's automotive operations has been growing for years with the need to overhaul the cost base dating back to before the diesel emissions scandal broke 14 months ago.

"The deal may be the best the company could negotiate with labor but it's not a victory for either side," said Erik Gordon, a University of Michigan business professor."The cuts are too small to make VW cost competitive with Toyota (7203.T) and other global rivals."With 610,000 workers globally, VW last year built slightly fewer vehicles than Toyota which has 350,000 staff. The German company has also been slow to cease production of unprofitable vehicles in its 340-model range.VW's labor leaders said management had agreed to avoid forced redundancies in Germany until 2025, a step which clears the way to cutting 23,000 jobs via the more palatable methods of buyouts, early retirements and reducing part-time staff.Jobs will also be cut in North America, Brazil and Argentina, VW said, without being more specific. Around 120,000 employees work for VW brand in Germany including 6,000 temporary staff.

UNIONS PLEASED

Many analysts and investors nonetheless welcomed the deal, sending the shares more than 2 percent higher to the top of the blue-chip DAX .GDAXI index in early Frankfurt trading. At 1324 GMT (8:24 a.m. ET), the stock was still trading up 0.8 percent at 118.5 euros.Activist hedge fund TCI, which has been critical of Volkswagen management, said it looked like a good deal all round provided it could be made to stick."As long as they are net savings  the savings are not given back by increased costs elsewhere in the organization," said TCI partner Ben Walker.

"They've just to deliver now. It's easy to talk. They now have to deliver and execute," he added. Labor leaders were pleased with the outcome."The most important message is the jobs of the core workforce is secure," VW's works council chief Bernd Osterloh said at the news conference in Wolfsburg, where the company has its headquarters.Management and labor agreed to outsource production of plastic parts from the German Braunschweig plant but will compensate workers by assigning more orders for chassis and steering assembly needed with rising investment in self-drive cars.In a further sign of its shifting focus, VW said it will build electric cars at its German factories in Zwickau and Wolfsburg. Electric motors will be built in Kassel, and VW will start battery cell production and development in Salzgitter. Volkswagen will also build battery packs for electric and hybrid cars in Braunschweig, it said. (Additional reporting by Maiya Keidan in London; Writing by Edward Taylor; Editing by Alexander Smith/Keith Weir)

This story has not been edited by Firstpost staff and is generated by auto-feed.
By Michael Martina

| BEIJING

BEIJING China will position itself as free trade's new champion at an Asia-Pacific summit this weekend, with the Communist government seeking to project economic leadership as a U.S.-led Pacific Rim trade pact languishes under President-elect Donald Trump.Beijing aims to capitalise on the Trump-induced coma of the Trans-Pacific Partnership (TPP), with President Xi Jinping selling alternate visions for regional trade at the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) meeting this weekend in Peru."If the U.S. gives up its leadership here, of course China will take the role," said Tu Xinquan, a trade expert at Beijing's University of International Business and Economics, who has advised China's government on trade issues.On the campaign trail, Trump labelled the TPP, championed by President Barack Obama, a "disaster". Obama last week abandoned efforts to win congressional approval for the TPP before Trump takes office, saying its fate was up to the President-elect and Republican lawmakers. The China-backed Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP), a rival pact that excludes the United States, has become the front-runner for new free trade deals in the region. The RCEP and the TPP -- which excludes China -- were viewed as parallel, if competing pathways, to an eventual broader Asia-Pacific free trade zone. But when Beijing hosted the APEC meeting in 2014 and pushed the Free Trade Area of the Asia-Pacific (FTAAP) as a framework for liberalising Pacific Rim trade, the United States saw it as a distraction from TPP.Now, the RCEP is likely the main avenue to a future FTAAP, giving China, as the largest economy among the deal's 16 countries, a driving role in the future of Asia-Pacific trade.Obama had argued that the TPP would allow the United States and not China to write the rules of trade for the region.GEOPOLITICAL REALITIES

China's efforts to push trade pacts coincide with other soft power initiatives aimed at cementing the country's economic influence, such as Xi's global One Belt, One Road infrastructure plan and the Beijing-led Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank.Claire Reade, senior counsel at U.S. law firm Arnold & Porter and a former Assistant U.S. Trade Representative for China Affairs, said China would seek to contrast its commitment to the region with U.S. inconstancy."The geopolitical realities and China's economic diplomacy make it seem unlikely the smaller countries in the region would spurn China's leadership," she said.In a sign of frustration with the United States among some TPP members, Peru's president has said that Pacific-rim countries can forge a new trade deal to replace TPP that includes China and Russia but not the United States.This week, Peru's trade minister said it was engaging China on ways to get involved with RCEP negotiations. If Lima joined the talks, which is unlikely until existing members come to terms, it would be the only participant from the Americas and could encourage other TPP signatories in Latin America to follow suit.

Other TPP members, including staunch U.S. ally Australia, have said they will pursue other free trade options in Asia. Malaysia has said it would shift its focus from TPP to RCEP, and Vietnam, which is also party to both deals, will shelve its ratification of TPP due to political changes in Washington.China's Commerce Ministry did not respond to faxed questions on the trade deals, but Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesman Geng Shuang downplayed Beijing's role."No matter if it is the RCEP or the FTAAP, neither is being led by China," Geng told a regular press briefing on Friday, adding that China was working together with all parties to advance negotiations.

MORE OFF-SHORING

Trade experts say that in addition to dealing a blow to U.S. influence, TPP's failure could mean U.S. goods lose out on lower tariffs and market access to RCEP countries, including Japan, China and India. Proposed dates for an agreement have come and gone, but an RCEP deal could be reached as soon as next year.Deborah Elms, who runs the Singapore-based Asian Trade Centre consultancy and advises governments, said the lack of U.S. involvement in future trade deals could spur more off-shoring by U.S. companies."If you want to take advantage of RCEP, you need to be in Asia to service Asian markets. That means you need to be physically present with at least some part of your operation," Elms said.Governments in the region should take advantage of RCEP momentum, she said."I would be trumpeting loudly from the rooftops ... Put your whole global operations here to take advantage of the place that is still open for business."The role-reversal on free trade zones and other uncertainties stemming from Trump's election bolsters China's image, Douglas Paal, vice president for studies at the Carnegie Endowment for International Peace, said at a forum in Beijing on Wednesday."Withdrawing from trade agreements, talking about shaking up alliances, talking about pulling out of the climate change agreement, talking about pulling out of Iran  all of these make China look like the responsible stakeholder," Paal said. (Reporting by Michael Martina; Editing by Tony Munroe and Bill Tarrant)

This story has not been edited by Firstpost staff and is generated by auto-feed.
Friday would be Arnab Goswami's last day at Times Now channel, reported The News Minute. Goswami had announced his resignation from his post as editor-in-chief and president news of Times Now and ET Now on 1 November.

According to the report, Times Now CEO MK Anand had also announced that Goswami would not be hosting the flagship programme The Newshour anymore. The report added that the initial plan was to have a four-hour show which, however, was scrapped later.

Goswami started his career with The Telegraph in Kolkata after which he moved to NDTV 24x7. He joined Times Now in 2006. His brand of journalism has often come under flak, especially the daily The Newshour.

Sulekha Nair wrote for Firstpost: "According to a report by the Broadcast Audience Research Council (BARC), Goswami, commands nearly 76 percent of the English news viewership in the time band between 9 pm and 11 pm, when he hosts his show The Newshour."

After he announced his resignation on 1 November, Goswami had addressed his core team and spoke about "his dream of an independent media," according to The Indian Express.

Goswami could soon chart a new course as media maven with interests in a global news channel that addresses Indians and the Indian diaspora, which numbers about 20 million, sources familiar with his plans told Shantanu Guha Ray.

Disclaimer: Firstpost is from the same stable as CNN News18 which competes with Times Now.
After the currency ban, the visitors of the India International Trade Fair have experienced a strange dilemma where the banned currency notes are immediately accepted in the ticket counter and outrightly rejected by sellers in Pragati Maidan.

If you plan to make purchases in the ongoing trade fair by debit or credit card, you may have to stop at the ticket counter itself, because it has no machine to swipe your cards.

Despite the Centres insistence to use electronic payment systems at the advent of new currency policy, Indian Trade Promotion Organisation (ITPO), the organiser of the mega event, has yet to recalibrate its ticket counter. Instead, the counter is accepting old currency notes.

If a person repeatedly requests the ticket counter to pay by using plastic money, stating Centres order, he will be taken to the Metro Station on the first floor of the ticket counter and the amount to be paid for the entry tickets will be transferred to a bank account by a swipe machine. But he will not get the ticket right after that. Rather, he will be handed over the amount swiped out of the account in cash, most likely in old currency notes. He, in turn, will have to buy tickets with the cash from the counter.

Soon after he steps into the fair, he is likely to face a situation that is the extreme opposite of what he met at the ticket counter. Most of the traders there do not accept the old currency notes.

This is a strange dilemma that not only hit the buyers, but also the sellers badly. In fact, the entire trade fair has been hit by the note ban imposed by the government.

Arpan Sharma, who was seen loitering from one stall to another attempting to make purchases, told Firstpost, "Very few traders are accepting old currency notes. I do not have the new ones. On the other hand many traders do not have swiping machines either for online payment."

Zaheed, an Afghan tourist, says that he has been hurt most by the ban. The Indian currency he had before the ban became invalid. On the other hand, there are long ques outside banks. So he had to sell his dollars at very low price to make purchases.

"What can we do. The government has told us that rupee notes of 500 and 1,000 denomination are banned. How can we accept it," asks Nabal Puri Goswami, a trader who has come all the way from Bikaner to sell his khadi products.

He also says that because of the currency ban, his sales have hit rock bottom. Goswami, who has been participating in the trade fair for the last seven years, says that earlier he used to sell khadi clothes worth Rs 70,000 to 80,000 every day in the trade fair. But this time around he has sold clothes for Rs 11,000 in the last four days.

Jitendra Kumar, who is running a restaurant in the trade fair, says that he used to make Rs 35,000 every day in the previous years. But this time it is only Rs 7,000 per day. He also expected that the government will make currency more available to make purchase easier in the trade fair.

J Gunasekaran, a top official of the ITPO says that due to currency ban, lesser footfall has been witnessed this time. "No comparison can be made in terms of footfalls between the trade fairs held in earlier years and that held this time," he said. "This time you can see there is a crisis."

He further said that the situation is gradually improving and people have began stepping in bigger numbers than in the first three days

He also said that the ITPO has established 15 ATMs in the fair and requested the banks to provide the traders with swiping machines. But long queues outside ATMs has made purchase very difficult for the visitors and many traders in the fair still do not have swiping machines.
New Delhi: The Supreme Court on Friday dubbed the long queues outside banks and post offices as a "serious issue" and expressed its reservation on the Centre's plea seeking a direction that no other court in the country should entertain petitions challenging the 8 November notification demonetising Rs 1,000 and Rs 500 currency notes.

"It is a serious issue which requires consideration," a bench comprising Chief Justice TS Thakur and Justice AR Dave said, while asking the parties to be ready with data and other issues in writing.

"Some measures are required. See the kind of problems people are facing. People have to go to the high court. If we shut them from going to the high court, how can we know the magnitude of the problem. People going to different courts indicates the magnitude of the problem," the bench said.

It made the remarks as Attorney General (AG) Mukul Rohatgi submitted that any matter relating to challenge to the demonetisation issue be heard by the apex court only.

However, the bench said, "People are affected. People are frantic. People have the right to approach the courts," noting that there are difficulties and "can you (the Centre) dispute".

The AG said there is no dispute, but the queues are getting shorter and even suggested that the CJI can go out during lunch and himself look at the queue.

"Kindly go in the lunch time," the AG told the bench and took objection to senior advocate Kapil Sibal, appearing for a private party, for allegedly exaggerating the situation.

"It's a political attempt in the court. I have seen your (Sibal's) press conference also. You are not appearing for a political party, but for an advocate. You are turning the apex court into a political platform," Rohatgi said.

At the outset, the bench questioned the relief measures undertaken by the Centre by saying, "Last time you said there will be relief for people in the coming days but you have squeezed the exchange limit to Rs 2,000 only."

"What is the difficulty? " the bench asked Rohatgi.

The AG explained the situation by stating that after printing, the currency has to be moved to thousands of centres across the country and ATMs have to be re-calibrated.

"There is no shortage of funds," he said.

To questions from the bench, the AG said Rs 100 notes are in circulation and the ATMs needed to be re-calibrated to issue new currency notes of Rs 500 and Rs 2,000.

He also elaborated on the steps taken by the government to meet the situation by stating that besides reducing the exchange limit, farmers have been allowed to withdraw Rs 50,000 and people having weddings at home can withdraw Rs 2.5 lakh.

"At a petrol pump, which has card swipe machine of SBI, people can go and withdraw money upto Rs 2,000. We have been monitoring the situation day-by-day," Rohatgi said and added that the idea was to push the new notes of Rs 2,000 as one note of Rs 2,000 is equal to 20 notes of Rs 100.

At this point, Sibal interrupted and said the problem is of printing as they need to print Rs 23 lakh crore, but they do not have the capacity to do that.

"Already they have frozen Rs 14,000 crore and it is not clear under which law they have done so," he said, contending that it is a serious situation where people cannot withdraw their own taxed money.

"They are trustees, how can they not let us withdraw our legitimate money," he said, adding that "the situation has turned from bad to worse".

Sibal said that the government was not concerned about the people living in remote areas of the north-east, Himachal Pradesh and Naxal-hit district of Bastar where people have to walk for 20 kms to reach an ATM.

While the Congress leader was making the submission pointing out the deficiencies and the steps taken by the Centre, the AG said, "We need not give any explanation as right now it is the interim application that has to be heard."

Realising that the bench has reservation in entertaining the Centre's application, Rohatgi said, "We will file a transfer petition".

The matter will be heard again on 25 November.

The Centre had moved the apex court seeking a stay on the proceedings before various high courts and other courts except the apex court against demonetisation issue, saying otherwise it will create a lot of confusion.

Rohatgi, on 11 November, had told the court that the Centre had already sent the fresh draft of the Memorandum of Procedure (MoP) for consideration of the collegium on 3 August, this year, but so far no response has been received by the government.

The apex court had earlier rapped the government for delay in appointments to higher judiciary despite recommendations made by the collegium in this regard and had said the entire institution cannot be brought to a grinding halt.

Maintaining that the appointment process "cannot be stalled" due to non-finalisation of the MoP, the court had criticised the tardy progress in processing files pertaining to judges' appointment and even warned that it may summon the Secretaries of the PMO and the Ministry of Law and Justice to ascertain the factual position.

The Attorney General had said that non-finalisation of the MoP was one of the issues and had assured the bench that more progress will be seen in the near future on the appointment of judges.

The Centre had on 14 September told the apex court that there was "no blame game" or "logjam" in appointments and transfer of judges for higher judiciary but blamed the high courts for "pretty much delaying" the starting of the process.

Earlier, the apex court had said it would not tolerate "logjam in judges' appointment" and would intervene to "fasten accountability as the justice delivery system is collapsing".

The bench had said that if the government had reservations about any name, it could always come back to the collegium.
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"You have 50 days to return the old notes of Rs 500 and Rs 1,000 to your respective bank from 10 November 2016 to 30 December 2016. The banks, however, will have a cap on how much cash can be withdrawn  Rs 10,000 daily and Rs 20,000 weekly."

"And no one should blame me if I take tough decisions after the 30th. This money belongs to the countrys poor. No one has the right to loot this. This is my commitment. I am working with full force and will continue the effort," he had said.

Apparently, Prime Minister Narendra Modi had given a fair warning to all the black money hoarders in this interview with CNN-News18 in September this year. Replying to a question on if he intended to carry forward his tough line on curbing black money, Modi had urged those with undeclared wealth to take advantage of the disclosure scheme before the deadline of September 30 and return to into the mainstream.

A lawyer by profession, Kamboj said that he understands the legal consequences of doing any such thing. "I know I can land up in big trouble if I do something so foolish. What Kejriwal is doing is nothing more than dirty politics. He will see what will happen to him in Punjab."

There were various news reports about the probable introduction of new notes. What was new in that? Kamboj added.

Rubbishing Kejriwal's claims, Kejriwal said: I had only written that new notes would soon be introduced. But nowhere I had talked about or even mentioned banning of the old notes.

Delhi CM Arvind Kejriwal on Saturday alleged that BJP had informed its 'friends' beforehand about its decision to demonetise Rs 500 and Rs 1,000 currency notes, to help them fix their black money.

Firstpost reporter Amitesh Singh spoke to Sanjeev Kamboj, co-convener of BJP's law and legal affairs department in Punjab, who had tweeted the picture of Rs 2,000 notes on 6 November.

The step is being taken after it was observed that same people have been withdrawing money, again and again, misusing the facility and not giving a chance to others to exchange their money. 

The government has decided to use indelible ink to mark people who exchange cash over the counter in the banks.

"Government should allow old Rs 500 notes to remain in circulation along with the new notes. Also, Rs 100/50/10 notes must be made easily available. Rs 1,000 notes may be withdrawn when circulation improves by 30 December, or at your discretion. No need for anymore faltu, action-less announcements. Sometimes blunders lead to more more blunders," says the West Bengal Chief Minister.

In a series of tweets on Friday, Mamata Banerjee said that there are ways that the government can restore normalcy and help people.

"Such tax evasion activities can be made subject to income tax and penalty," ANI reported. The ministry added that thos who allow their accounts to be misused will be prosecuted."However, genuine people having their own household savings in cash and depositing the same will not be questioned," the ministry was quoted as saying by ANI.

Announcing that small deposits made in banks of artisans, workers, housewives will not be questioned by Income Tax Department, the finance ministry said that there are reports that a few people were "using other's accounts to convert their black money into new denomination notes."

The Opposition parties are not wrong  this could have been planned better and the government is not giving us all the facts. The truth is the government did have a plan. Not for recalibration  for which it has come under severe attack  but for the preemptive calibration of ATMs. If this plan had run its course, it could have considerably smoothened the currency exchange at ATMs. But the plan ground to a halt even before it took off. But more on that later.

An entire population of 1.25 billion is living in misery, craving something they already have: A strange contradiction of shortage in abundance. The only question that everyone is asking is: Did Prime Minister Narendra Modi send a country into war against black money without planning?

"What is the difficulty? " the bench asked Rohatgi. The AG explained the situation by stating that after printing, the currency has to be moved to thousands of centres across the country and ATMs have to be re-calibrated. "There is no shortage of funds," he said.

At the outset, the bench questioned the relief measures undertaken by the Centre by saying, "Last time you said there will be relief for people in the coming days but you have squeezed the exchange limit to Rs 2,000 only."

"It's a political attempt in the court. I have seen your (Sibal's) press conference also. You are not appearing for a political party, but for an advocate. You are turning the apex court into a political platform," Rohatgi said.

The Attorney General (AG) Mukul Rohatgi in his response, said there is no dispute, but the queues are getting shorter and even suggested that the Chief Justice of India can go out during lunch and himself look at the queue. "Kindly go in the lunch time," the AG told the bench and took objection to senior advocate Kapil Sibal, appearing for a private party, for allegedly exaggerating the situation.

"We have also come to know that corruption through new notes has already started. Such reports are surfacing in newspapers and especially on the social media," he said, claiming the goal of unearthing black money and weeding out fake currency notes will not be achieved.

On the Centre's stand that demonetisation will check corruption, Akhilesh said cases of graft involving new currency notes are already making news in some parts of the country.

Talking to reporters in Lucknow on Friday after presiding over a Cabinet meeting, Akhilesh Yadav said, "The meeting was of the opinion that farmers should get relaxation in use of Rs 500 and Rs 1,000 notes...cooperative banks to which farmers are directly linked should get relaxation as money is not promptly reaching bank branches."

SC made the remarks as Attorney General (AG) Mukul Rohatgi submitted that any matter relating to challenge to the demonetisation issue be heard by the apex court only.

"Some measures are required. See the kind of problems people are facing. People have to go to the high court. If we shut them from going to the high court, how can we know the magnitude of the problem. People going to different courts indicates the magnitude of the problem," the bench said.

"It is a serious issue which requires consideration," a bench comprising Chief Justice T S Thakur and Justice A R Dave said, while asking the parties to be ready with data and other issues in writing. The apex court also refused Centre's request to put on hold petitions pending in various high courts challenging the decision to demonetise.

Coming down heavily on the Narendra Modi government for not taking the issue seriously, the Supreme Court on Friday questioned the move to reduce the exchange limit of old notes from Rs 4,500 to Rs 2,000. The apex court added that the situation was serious and there are possibilities of riots breaking out.

"We are not against demonetisation. We are against the hardships being faced by poor people due to mismanagement in implementing this scheme," Ravat said, when he was detained and taken away by police.

In Vadodara, at least 100 Congress workers were detained from different parts for trying to block the roads. While two Congress workers were detained for setting fire to tyres on Ahmedabad-Vadodara highway on the city outskirts, around 100 have been detained for blocking an internal city road at Dandiya Bazar area.

Slamming the Centre over faulty implementation of the demonetisation drive, Mayawati said that the government has unleashed an Economic Emergency on the nation and the party does not care how people of the nation are suffering.

He then said that India trusts its citizens who will make the country emerge successful after "this test of fire".

"But I see your support. Despite so many attempts to dissuade you, you have understood this move for the welfare of this nation," said the Prime Minister. "The entire world is watching this move. Every economist is analysing this move. The world is watching whether 1.25 crore Indians, despite difficulties, will achieve success."

"But for 70 years, we have been tolerating the disease of corruption and black money. The cure to that disease cannot be simple," he said.

"When I had taken this decision, I had said that this is full of difficulties. And the implementation of this decision was also bound to be difficult. I knew about the kind of difficulties people would have to face," Modi said. "I knew that it will definitely take 50 days to come out of the effect [of demonetisation]," he added.

"A lot of people have asked me to talk more about the currency ban," said the Prime Minister, as he began talking about demonetisation.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday talked about the demonetisation of Rs 500 and Rs 1,000 notes on the radio programme 'Mann Ki Baat' and appealed to the people of India to help him create a "less-cash society".

Sources have told CNN-News18 that the central government has stepped up the printing of the new Rs 500 notes. The news channel also reported that the shortage in Rs 500 notes will be over by the end of December.

Old Rs 500 notes at petrol pumps and for airline tickets will be accepted till 2 December as against 15 December announced earlier, reports PTI.

Exactly a month ago, Prime Minister Narendra Modi announced scrapping of high denomination notes of Rs 500 and Rs 1,000. On Thursday, Opposition parties and Members of Parliament protested outside the Parliament House.

Modi said, "The government's decision has several gains for farmers, traders, labourers, who are the economic backbone of our nation. I always said that the government's measure will bring a degree of inconvenience but this short term pain will pave way for long term gains. No longer will the progress and prosperity of rural India be curtailed by corruption and black money. Our villages must get their due. We also have a historic opportunity to embrace increased cashless payments and integrate latest technology in economic transactions."

In a series of tweets, Prime Minister Narendra Modi said that the government never denied that the demonetisation drive will not be inconvenient, but "this short term pain will pave way for long term gains."

Slamming the government, West Bengal Chief Minister on her Facebook page slammed the move and said, "One month of harassment, pain, hopelessness, financial insecurity and utter chaos."

Leading members of Opposition took to social media to speak on demonetisation. 8 December marks one month since the Modi government scrapped high-denomination notes and introduced the new Rs 500 and Rs 2,000 notes.

The Opposition parties will meet with BJP leaders as well at around 12 pm on Thursday to discuss demonetisation.

The Bharatiya Janata Party has announced that it will hold a party meet at 9.30 am on Thursday. According to CNN-News18, the party meet will discuss demonetisation and will be broadcast live. Prime Minister Narendra Modi will be addressing the nation as well, the news channel said.

'It's a pity that this opposition party, who fought against the Congres both inside the Congress and outside the Congress are ready to work with Congress. Trinamool Congress, CPI (M) are with Congress. Even DMK who had taken talaq from Congress are rallying behind it. They don't even know what their leader is going to talk about. The congress regime was filled with scams. They will have to explain it to the people," he added.

'It's ironic to see that government is fighting corruption, and the opposition is opposing it. Many people are shaken because vested interests are shaken. They are trying to create panic in the public. And therefore, they are trying to tarnish Prime Minster's image,' Venkaiah Naidu said.

Unlike Gandhi, who in a letter dated 24 August, 1974, to all chief ministers, sought selective action against bigger people that could be publicised to counter the perception in the public mind and in Parliament, Modi and his officers were well prepared in advance to scrutinise the shades of unaccounted stash in the country, even if that meant severe criticism of his government.

Modi is not Indira Gandhi and 2016 is not 1974 when TA Pai, the then Union Minister for heavy industry told Gandhi: "Currency has no complexion and it is neither white nor black." (Declassified black money files of prime ministers office, no 37 (465)/74 PMS).

When Prime Minister Narendra Modi, in a televised address on 8 November, told the nation that the existing Rs 500 and 1,000 notes can no longer be used for transactions and they are now mere pieces of papers, he very well knew that a huge number of zero-balance accounts were going to witness sudden activity from the very next morning.

Narendra Modi did what Indira suggested was not for her to do

This means that these notes will not be acceptable for transactions from midnight onwards. The 500 and 1,000 rupee notes hoarded by anti-national and anti-social elements will become just worthless pieces of paper.

To break the grip of corruption and black money, we have decided that the 500 rupee and 1,000 rupee currency notes presently in use will no longer be legal tender from midnight tonight, that is 8th November 2016.

As (Narendra) Modi gets ready to address the nation on 31 December in a stock-taking speech, sober watchers of the game may find no nail-biting finish or clear winner. We might need to use something resembling the Duckworth-Lewis method that cricket scorers use when rains or disruptions mar a match.

The government is also planning to come out with an Ordinance making possession of old Rs 500/1,000 notes beyond a specified limit for numismatic purposes illegal and punishable.

People, however, will still have time to exchange the currency notes at designated RBI counters till 31 March after giving valid reasons for not depositing defunct notes in their accounts by 30 December.

The 50-day deadline to deposit the old Rs 500/1,000 notes in banks comes to an end today, but the cash crunch and queues before ATMs are likely to continue for some more time as currency printing presses have failed to meet the huge demand for new bills.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi is expected to address the nation on Saturday after his self-imposed deadline of 50-days for the situation to return to normal ends. While some people are hoping for an extension in the deadline, the government maintained it had no plans to do so.

The deadline to deposit old Rs 500 and Rs 1,000 notes in banks ends today. From next week onward, those still holding the scrapped currency can deposit it only with the Reserve Bank of India till 31 March, 2017. After 31 March, holding demonetised notes would be illegal and could invite hefty fines and even jail, according to an ordinance passed by the Union Cabinet on Wednesday.

Post #DeMonetisation Govt. to roll out massive campaign. PM's address to the nation on Dec 31st will be beginning of this campaign: Sources

Meanwhile, the RBI's image seems to have been dented significantly during the period. Post the announcement, the action mostly happened in Delhi and the central bank was relegated to the background. Moreover, the frequent rule changes, mostly dictated by the political bosses in Delhi, unfairly affected the central bank's image.

The man who is complaining the most is the one who is affected and that is not the common man, believes Bijoor. He places Modis popularity on a ratio of 80:20 with 80 percent having welcomed the bold move of the PM.

The common man is in the mood to forgive the prime minister as he realises that demonetisation is a big task that irritants like more than 60 policy flip-flops after the announcement of the scheme can be tolerated, says Harish Bijoor, chief executive officer of brand and business strategy firm Harish Bijoor Consults Inc.

The brand Modi might have received a good boost after the demonetisation drive, however, the brand RBI, the monetary authority in charge of the Indian currency, may have taken a huge drubbing, brand experts told Firstpost's Sulekha Nair .

The cash crunch in cities seems to be easing. Just for a lark i went to 5-10 different ATMs on diff days and all yielded cash Queues shorter

(Cont) to deposit the same in any Issue Office of Reserve Bank or a currency chest on December 31, 2016 itself: RBI

SBNs (Specified bank notes) cannot form part of banks cash balances from the close of business as on December 31, 2016: RBI

Specified bank notes (SBNs) cannot form part of banks' cash balances from the close of business as on 31 December, 2016 to deposit the same in any Issue Office of Reserve Bank or a currency chest on 31 December, 2016 itself, RBI said.

Common people across India continued to suffer, with millions scrambling for cash to meet basic needs, even as Prime Minister Narendra Modi defended the ban on high-value notes, saying the move had given sleepless nights to those with ill-gotten wealth.

Two major bank unions have said the demonetisation scheme was announced without proper preparedness by the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) and has put the common man to immense difficulties.

In a joint letter to Indian Banks' Association, a copy of which was issued to the media, the All India Bank Employees' Association (AIBEA) and All India Bank Officers' Confederation (AIBOC) said: "While we do not wish to go at this stage into the merits or otherwise of the scheme announced by the Government in achieving the purpose for which it has been intended, we would definitely like to point out that the scheme has been announced but without proper preparedness by the RBI to meet the situation.

"There is so much of a chaotic condition prevailing in the bank branches and the situation is unbearable, both for the customers and the general public as well as for the bank officers and employees."

According to the unions, the government and RBI must be fully aware that already there is a huge gap between the indent and supply of Rs 100 notes, noting that in 2015-16, as against the indent of 535 crore pieces of Rs 100 notes, the supply was only to the tune of 490 crores pieces.

"Even till now, new Rs 500 notes have not been issued by RBI or received the bank branches or currency chests. One cannot understand the reason behind banning the existing Rs. 500 notes and not providing new supply of Rs 500 notes in time," they said.

Expressing their apprehension that the two lakh ATMs in the country including the 35,000 machines located in rural areas would start dispensing cash in another three weeks time, the unions said the machines have to be recalibrated with proper cash trays.

With an acute shortage of Rs 100 notes, the ATMs are likely to be dead machines for quite some time, which would add to the ire of the people and this anger is bound to be shown on the branch staff thus making their life further miserable, they said.

The two unions have asked the IBA to approach the RBI/Government to allow all government departments, agencies and institutions to exchange the banned 500/1,000 rupee notes; the RBI should immediately ensure adequate supply of cash in denominations of Rs 100 and new Rs 500 notes and ATMs should be re-calibrated on a top priority basis and made ready for use within the shortest possible time.

They also sought deployment of bank staff on shift basis, uniform instructions to be sent by IBA to all banks on payment of overtime wages/compensation amount and special care to be taken by banks while asking lady employees/officers to work in late hours.

With inputs from IANS
New Delhi: Congress leader Rahul Gandhi on Wednesday met a group of street vendors in the capital's Sarojini Nagar market to enquire how the demonetisation decision has affected their business.

He reached the market around 8.45 pm and interacted with the vendors for nearly half an hour.

During his stay, he also interacted with shopkeepers of the area while squatting on the footpath.

The Congress vice president has dubbed the move to demonetise Rs 1000 and Rs 500 currency notes as a knee jerk reaction of the government.

He has said while big players involved in black money have been allowed to go scot free, the common man is being harassed.

The Congress has attacked Prime Minister Narendra Modi inside and outside Parliament over the poor implementation of the decision.

Some BJP supporters have objected to Gandhi's visit and raised slogans in favour of Modi.
New Delhi: Delhi Police's investigation into the mysterious disappearance of JNU student Najeeb Ahmed has hit a roadblock as the administration of Jamia Millia Islamia, where he was reportedly last seen, is allegedly not cooperating in the probe.

On Wednesday, the Crime Branch team had revealed that it has traced an auto driver who said he had dropped Najeeb at Jamia Millia Islamia.

However, sources privy to the probe said the Jamia administration hasn't shared the CCTV footage. "They aren't cooperating with us. They haven't yet shared the CCTV footage with us," a source said.

Jamia authorities claimed that they have been cooperative in the probe. "They have approached us and we are cooperating with police in every possible way," Jamia spokesperson said. Police had also said that Najeeb had hailed the auto himself and he wasn't accompanied by anyone when he left the JNU campus thereby ruling out the theory that he was kidnapped.

On Wednesday, Delhi Police Commissioner Alok Kumar Verma also approved the increase in the reward amount from Rs 2 lakh to Rs 5 lakh owing to the "sensitivity" of the matter. Najeeb had gone missing on 15 October following an on-campus scuffle allegedly with ABVP members the night before.

Meanwhile, JNU Students Union President Mohit Pandey took to Twitter requesting an appointment with Vice Chancellor Jagadesh Kumar to seek a status report on Najeeb's case. "Since our VC is only active on Twitter, we are tweeting to seek an appointment with him," he said.

JNUSU General Secretary Satarupa Chakraborty tweeted, "Dear VC @mamidala90, we are waiting for your reply as JNUSU seeks urgent appointment."

JNU students and teachers have been leading a movement alleging inaction on administration and Delhi Police's part in tracing the missing student.
Bengaluru: Terming the demonetisation move as a "war" on corruption and black money, Union Minister M Venkaiah Naidu on Friday said some people are opposing it because of their inability to digest Prime Minister Narendra Modi's popularity.

He hit out at the opposition for not allowing Parliament to function and ruled out any possibility of a rollback of demonetisation.

"Different parties are taking different stands. I'm happy that Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar, Odisha Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik and Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister Chandrababu Naidu and others have come out in support of this decision, but some people are not able to digest it," Naidu said.

Speaking at an event organised by BJP, he said, "They have this indigestion problem from beginning itself. From day one you (people) gave the mandate to Modi... They are not able to digest it."

Naidu said some people are not able to accept Modi as Prime Minister and his growing popularity and started the "drama" of award wapsi.

"Intolerant are those people who are intolerant towards the victory of Modi. They are not able to digest it. That is why on Thursday they compared Modi to Hitler, Mussolini and Gaddafi. Look at their anger because he defeated them, brought out what is beneath their bed," he said.

West Bengal Chief Minister Mamta Banerjee and her Delhi counterpart Arvind Kejriwal were opposing demonetisation just for the sake of politics, the Union minister said.

He listed prominent economists, personalities and international organisations who have spoken in favour of the move and said those trying to create confusion among people "will be disappointed after a week or so".

"They will be disappointed because there are queues and queues are shown by TVs, the moment these queues disappear, these people will also disappear," he added.

On disruption of Parliament over demonetisation, Naidu said the opposition, which started the discussion on the issue in Rajya Sabha, is now trying to shy away after coming to know that they are in a fix as their arguments are proving to be hollow.

"It is like after marriage one is complaining about problems with stars or zodiac sign," he said.

Modi has come before the country with a massive social mobilisation which impacts every countryman's life for a better tomorrow. At this juncture, every political party has to choose whether they are with the people's and government decision against black marketers, hoarders, arms smugglers and those running counterfeit, he said.

"There is no question of a rollback at any cost. Narendra Modi is the last man... he will never go back on his decision," Naidu said.

"He (PM) is ready to take suggestions. We expected Parliament to function smoothly and (opposition to) give ideas, suggestions for improvement with regard to problems faced by people, but they have disappointed us," he said.

Naidu said the government has taken the decision of demonetisation, keeping the national interest in mind and it is a "war" on corruption and black money.

"It is a war on corruption and black money. I know that I'm using the word, I know the meaning also," he said.

The Union minister said that in India, black money has become the biggest menace because there is almost a parallel economy in the country.

"This is a war because our neighbour Pakistan is aiding, abetting, funding and training terrorists. They want to cripple the economy of India. They want to subvert the system. That is why they are printing counterfeit notes and circulating them in the country, causing a huge loss to the country," he said.

The Centre did not want to harass any party or section. It was also not done keeping the Uttar Pradesh Assembly polls in mind, Naidu said.

He said the biggest beneficiary of this programme will be the poor, middle class and honest taxpayers of India.
Mumbai: Police have handed over a copy of the Central notification banning Islamic Research Foundation (IRF) for five years to office-bearers of the city-based NGO, promoted by controversial preacher Zakir Naik.

"After receiving the copy of notification from Ministry of Home Affairs on Thursday, the Mumbai Police served it to IRF office-bearers (in their office at Dongri in Mumbai)," Deputy Commissioner of Police, Ashok Dudhe told PTI on Friday.

The Union cabinet had approved a proposal to outlaw the IRF on Tuesday for its alleged terror activities.

In a gazette notification, the Home Ministry had said the IRF and its members, particularly, the founder and its president Zakir Naik, has been encouraging and aiding its followers to promote or attempt to promote, on grounds of religion, disharmony or feelings of enmity, hatred or ill-will between different religious communities.

IRF came on radar of investigative agencies after one of the terrorists in Dhaka attack had allegedly posted on social media that they had been inspired by Naik's speeches.

Youths from Malavani in western suburbs who had left their home to join Islamic State earlier this year were also allegedly inspired by the preaching of the televangelist.

Police had arrested some members of IRF for allegedly motivating and radicalising group youths from Kasargod in Kerala to join the Islamic State. The case is under investigation of the National Investigation Agency (NIA).

Naik is currently out of country apparently to evade arrest, sources said.
"Scrumptious" is a word I've always found delightful. Try saying it. What emotions does it trigger? Just saying the word makes you feel like you're eating something (delicious). It's a word that brings to mind great food, and all of the emotions associated with it.

You'll find those emotions rushing to the fore when you step into the Indore night market. Indore's Sarafaa Bazaar (translated, it means 'market of jewellery stores') transforms into a food street post-10 pm. From idli-dosa to dahi vada and paan  there's plenty of food on offer for you to savour. Foodies and people from all walks of life walk the lanes, and even if you aren't eating, it's a pleasure to even just stroll through the street.

It's Indore's water and the warmth of the people here that makes this place worth visiting," said a patron we spoke to while filming this 'Slice Of Life' documentary.

Another fascinating part of Indore is whats called the Chappan Bazaar. Chappan is the word for '56' and that's as many food shops as are present here. These shops specialise in age-old recipes and dishes, passed on down the generations in the chefs' families.

Watch this short documentary for a quick glimpse at the vibe and experience. If your mouth starts to water and you are wondering just what it is that makes the food here so special, pay a visit to Indore, at the heart of India.

This is a partnered post.
At a time when he is under fire over the demonetisation issue, the sight of the 40-member delegation of AIADMK MPs would have worried Narendra Modi. But he needn't have broken into a sweat. Because they had come to meet him to submit a memorandum over the attacks on Tamil Nadu fishermen by the Lankan Navy.

The Prime Minister would have comforted himself with the thought that he can always bank on the AIADMK.

It isn't always radio silence of this sort. Tamil Nadu Chief Minister and AIADMK supremo Jayalalithaa is known to shoot off letters without mincing words to the Prime Minister. But the only statement that she put out last week from her hospital bed was to her cadre in which she claimed to have taken a rebirth. In the two-page letter, Jayalalithaa also asked the voters in the three assembly constituencies which go to by-elections on 19 November to vote for her candidates.

Not a word on demonetisation, which has affected 7 crore people in her state. It was left to DMK leader MK Stalin to point out the disconnect with what the common man in Tamil Nadu is going through.

Contrast this with Tamil Nadu's neighbours. On Friday, Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan and his ministers sat on a dharna outside the Reserve Bank of India office in Thiruvananthapuram to protest against the impact of demonetisation on the cooperative bank sector in the state.

Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah has shot off a letter to Finance Minister Arun Jaitley on the plight of the cooperatives in his state, while his Telangana counterpart K Chandrasekhar Rao has flown to Delhi to meet the Prime Minister. Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister Chandrababu Naidu is taking the credit for 500 and 1,000 rupee notes being declared illegal tender as he was among the first to suggest it.

But all is quiet in the land of Amma. Even though the senior-most minister in the Jayalalithaa cabinet, O Panneerselvam holds the finance portfolio, the AIADMK has not spoken its mind on the problems arising due to demonetisation. Only the Cooperatives Minister Sellur K Raju has issued a statement pointing to the inability of farmers to get new deposits when samba crop cultivation has begun.

Which begs the question  is the Tamil Nadu administration merely going through the motions of governance without Jayalalithaa at work?

Take the Cauvery stand-off with Karnataka. Despite all its protests, the state got nothing much out of the Cauvery agitation and farmers in the delta suffered. It was left to the opposition parties to raise the pitch, but in the face of aggressive posturing by Karnataka, even the Supreme Court found it tough to make the upper riparian state fall in line. Karnataka obviously knew it was dealing with a weakened political administration in Chennai.

The perception about Tamil Nadu is also taking a hit. The state has slipped from 12th to the 18th rank in the state-wise 'ease of doing business' rankings released by the Department of Industrial Policy and Promotion (DIPP). Its score of 62.8 percent is much lower than Andhra Pradesh and Telangana that are jointly first at 98.78 percent and Karnataka's score of 88.39 per cent.

To add insult to injury, Tamil Nadu, which is one of the most industrialised states in India, has been put under the 'acceleration required category'. Not a surprise considering that of the Rs 19,500 crore worth of investment proposed in 2015, only Rs 500 crore materialised, according to DIPP data. In fact, during Jayalalithaa's tenure between 2011 and 2015, only 5.64 percent of the MoUs that were signed, were implemented.

Is the Tamil Nadu administration merely going through the motions of governance without Jayalalithaa at work?

Though the EoDB ranking concerns the period from July 2015 to June 2016, when Jayalalithaa was in charge, the feeling is that the next year's rankings would see Tamil Nadu go down further.

Last year, heavy rains created havoc in November and December, flooding Chennai. For some months, environmental activists and citizen groups have been pushing for desilting of drains and clearing of encroachments to avoid a repeat of the tragedy of 2015. But with the ruling dispensation obsessed with the health of their leader, there is little clarity on what the administration has done so far. It is Chennai's good fortune that so far, the rain god has not shown any signs of being fast and furious.

Even when the Supreme Court dismissed Tamil Nadu's plea to allow jallikattu during Pongal season in January, there has not been a murmur of protest. Surprising, considering the AIADMK's rather strident stand this year in the run-up to the elections.

Apollo Hospitals Chairman Dr Pratap Reddy has made it clear on more than one occasion that Jayalalithaa can be discharged any time now. It is imperative for the AIADMK to get its act together lest Tamil Nadu falls sick.
The Modi government has done well to liberalise the withdrawal window so that farmers as well as families performing marriages can draw more than the measly Rs 24,000 per week under the ongoing demonetisation scheme.

Below are the pluses and minuses in the special dispensation for marriage.

1) The government has done well to lift the gloom of marriages by allowing cash withdrawals subject to a limit of Rs 2.5 lakh by bride, groom or their parents;

2) But the devil is always in the details;

3) Is the limit of Rs 2.5 lakh per person mean the six of the members among them can withdraw Rs 15 lakh required even for modest celebrations? This isnt clear though opposition parties are rubbishing the latitude as niggardly and not in keeping with the times. If all of them can draw cash upto Rs 2.5 lakh each, marriages can go on with some pomp and show befitting the occasion. It would also bond the two families like never before with the bride family, usually at the receiving end, getting to relish the financial help, temporary may be, from the usually demanding and assertive grooms family!

4) The government says withdrawal permitted from one account, period. It should say one account belonging to the six of them if its intent is to allow only a limited latitude of Rs 2.5 lakh. More importantly it should spell out in stark detail the consequences of breach of these solemn conditions. To wit, what is the penalty if marriage is just an excuse or sham? What is the penalty if a person withdraws from more than one account of his or hers? No rule is complete unless it spells out the consequences of its breach.

5) The simultaneous reduction in exchange amount from Rs 4,500 per person to Rs 2,000 is welcome though the move has attracted flak from vested interests. It has been the consistent stand of the author that the exchange counter stuck out like a sore thumb and was out of place in an otherwise good scheme. It offered an opportunity to crooks to launder their ill-gotten wealth in dribbles. It is good that the government has reduced it to driblets!

Here was an opportunity to make a bank account mandatory for everyone through sheer necessity if not coercion. In other words, genuine exchangers would have been compelled to open a bank account and deposit the demonetised currency into it;

6) Patients and their families would have sent their collective blessings skyward had the government simultaneously heeded their plaintive plea too. It is all well for the Finance Minister Jaitley to exhort issuance of cheques to the wicked and greedy private hospitals but he should realise that private hospitals do not trust cheques which could always bounce. Those who do not have debit or credit cards willy-nilly therefore have to carry dollops of cash to hospital cash counters. In fact the government must have treated private hospital bills at par with marriage expenses.

Indeed they need greater consideration because while marriage can be postponed albeit at great inconvenience, financial loss and social embarrassment, hospital bills brook no delay or limits. In the event, the government must permit unlimited withdrawal of cash by patient and their family subject to the usual safeguards like production of pro forma or actual bill. The penalty for misuse of this latitude must be more severe vis-a- vis the misuse of marriage latitude.

7) The most durable solution for the vexed cash problem is digital payments. Paytm the leading e-wallet is claiming quantum jump in its users even though some accuse it of fishing in the troubled waters and allegedly playing ball with Reddy brothers of Bellary infamy who are alleged to have made as much as Rs 500 crore of payments for the recent marriage bash in the family using the e-wallet.

8) In USA and other advanced countries, a card is more a swiping device at stores than a cash withdrawal device. In India it is by and large an open sesame to cash. This must change under digital India initiative.
New Delhi: On July 7, 1978, senior Congress leader Karan Singh walked into the office of Shah Commission in Delhi that was probing excesses committed during the Emergency imposed by the then prime minister Indira Gandhi in 1975.

Singh, who was the health minister during Gandhi's regime, in his deposition before the enquiry commission headed by Justice JC Shah, had revealed the existence of an extra constitutional centre of power operating in the country that defeated good federal principles (Declassified files of Ministry of Home Affairs, no. 31024/87/78).

Many decades later, Congress is preparing to counter perpetual political embarrassment of Gandhi imposing Emergency by off-loading the blame on socialist icon Jayaprakash Narayan. On Gandhis birth centenary, the Congress has put together a booklet for media blitzkrieg  a year-long programme that will begin from 19 November  she was born on this day in 1917.

Rajya Sabha MP Karan Singh, interestingly, is part of the Indira Gandhi Birth Centenary Celebrations Committee, which has 21 members including Congress president Sonia Gandhi and former prime minister Manmohan Singh. The booklet, titled Indira Gandhi-A Life of Struggle and Success, attempts to justify Gandhi's decision to declare a State of Emergency in the country, suspending elections, civil liberties and locking up all prominent senior Opposition leaders.

The details exclusively accessed by Firstpost reveal Congress plan to project Gandhi as the most democratic leader who was always willing to leave the last word to people. The 21-month long suspension of democratic rights was one of Indias darkest periods, but Congress is going to argue out that with dire threat to democracy, Gandhi was left with no choice but to impose Emergency in the early hours of June 26, 1975, for the very survival of the nation.

The grand old party plans to launch massive campaign in towns and villages across the country and blame Jayaprakash Narayan, fondly referred to as JP, for the Emergency. The JP movement, although confined to the Hindi-speaking areas of North India, and with little impact elsewhere, took on a different colour when Narayan, finding in the last quarter of 1974 that his movement was running out of steam, took to calling on the police, and then the army, to not obey the orders of a duly elected and Constituted government, says the Congress booklet which is yet to be made public.

It goes on to say that this attempted subversion of the Constitutional order reached a climax when the Allahabad High Court disqualified Gandhi for alleged violation of prescribed electoral practices and before the Supreme Court took up the case, JP insisted in his speech that the military, police and government servants must not take orders from a disqualified head of a discredited government.

Faced with this dire threat to democracy and the Constitution, after taking expert legal advice, Indiraji declared a State of Emergency, the partys publicity material boldly contends and also draws support on the controversial decision from what it says that the Supreme Court had confirmed her declaration of Emergency was within the Constitution.

She herself explained that she was compelled to take this extreme step to ensure the very survival of the nation, indeed, its very fabric and to uphold its stability and security, its freedom and unity.

Through the campaign, Congress intends to project Gandhi as a large-hearted leader who in fact released JP in less than six months post the declaration of Emergency. The Congress seeks to tell the public through its publication that Gandhi unilaterally and of her own volition announced the election in January 1977, when she had the situation under her control and ensured free and fair elections even though it was clear that the prospects were severely tilted against her personally and the Congress.

In fact, Karan Singh had informed Shah Commission that the decision to abandon atrocity like forced mass-sterilisation of millions of people was indeed a political one keeping in mind the election results. Singh had said, Once the elections had been decided upon and announced, I think it was realised that this was causing a great deal of political fallout and therefore, the whole matter should be kept in abeyance until the result of the election. (Declassified files of Ministry of Home Affairs, no. 31024/87/78).

Although, the result of 1977 was obvious and engraved in countrys political history, Congress publicity material lauds Gandhi for gracefully accepting the verdict and subsequently visiting the village of Belchi in Bihar within a few months of her defeat, fording a river in flood on the back of an elephant to provide succour to the Dalits who had been subjected to the most unspeakable atrocities. It further takes on the Janata Dal government headed by Morarji Desai which the propaganda material says "hounded and persecuted Gandhi and even jailed her and conspired to invalidate the result of a by-election that brought her back to Parliament".

The Congress publication material reviewed by Firstpost points out that the party believes that Indiras centenary celebration is the right time to take stock of her stewardship of the nation for nearly two decades in economic, social and international relations and to assess her years at the helm in balanced and objective manner. Congress General Secretary Janardan Dwivedi, in a letter dated 11 November, directed all the state party presidents and senior leaders that materials for booklet should be translated in different languages for distribution.

Wo kehte hai Indira hatao, hum kehte hai garibi hatao! In two lines, she defined her political and economic philosophy. She not only overwhelmed the grand alliance, she became and remained the messiah of the masses, the Congress booklet goes on to say though admitting that the Emergency may have been a period of political concern but economic achievements reached new heights during that period.

Another portion of Karan Singhs deposition to Shah Commission which Congress blinked while drafting the booklet is: It will remain a matter of grave sorrow and personal regret to me that in the name of family planning, Indian citizens, especially those belonging to the weaker sections of society, should have been humiliated in such a barbaric fashion. (File no. 31024/87/78).

The Congress will not find it easy to sell uncomfortable history repackaged to tide over current political turbulence it is witnessing.
By Stephanie Nebehay

| GENEVA

GENEVA If investigators identify who was to blame for the deadly Sept. 19 attack on a U.N. aid convoy in Syria, the "war crime" could be brought to the Security Council, U.N. Deputy Secretary-General Jan Eliasson said on Friday.The United States has said it believes two Russian aircraft carried out the strike near Aleppo, which killed 20 people, destroyed a warehouse and 18 trucks, and shattered a one-week truce. Russia has denied involvement.U.N. Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon launched an independent board of inquiry into the attack, which U.N. satellite imagery experts have said was an air strike."We now have a three-person board of inquiry. And they are in the area, I believe, and were already a couple of days ago, even last week I think, and are working on it," Eliasson told a news conference."Of course we know that it's a difficult mission because it's a mission where access is very difficult," he added."We know of course that manipulation of evidence can take place and evidence can disappear and so forth."

U.N. spokeswoman Alessandra Vellucci later clarified that it was a five-member team and that "they are not there yet, but we hope they will be there soon". Such an attack against a humanitarian convoy carrying food and medical supplies for civilians "constitutes without any doubt a war crime", Eliasson said.VETO POWERS

It was absolutely crucial to gather as much information as possible. "We would like to see as much as possible if we can identify who was behind this attack," he said, adding that the results should be "out in the open"."This issue is an issue which probably will be of interest to bring to the Security Council and then we'll see what happens in the Council," he said.The five permanent members of the Security Council - Russia as well as Britain, China, France and the United States - have veto powers, including against any move to send such a case to the International Criminal Court.

U.S. Secretary of State John Kerry said on Thursday he had discussed "all aspects" of the Aleppo conflict in a meeting with Russia's Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov. Lavrov, speaking to reporters, denied Russia's military was carrying out air strikes in rebel-held Aleppo this week.U.N. aid workers have since July had no access to rebel-held eastern Aleppo, where 250,000-275,000 people live under siege by government forces and their allies. The last distribution of rations was a week ago."We are definitely running out of food and it's a hugely critical situation," Eliasson said. (Editing by Catherine Evans)

This story has not been edited by Firstpost staff and is generated by auto-feed.
By Tom Perry and Lisa Barrington

| BEIRUT

BEIRUT Syrian rebels fought fiercely with pro-government forces trying to advance into opposition-held areas of eastern Aleppo and warplanes kept up their bombardment of the area on Friday in a renewed bid by Damascus to retake the entire city.The U.N. humanitarian adviser said the besieged population of eastern Aleppo faced a "very bleak moment" with no food or medical supplies, winter approaching, and an increasingly fierce attack by Syrian and allied forces. Violence also escalated in and around Damascus, where government forces bombarded the city's rebel-held eastern outskirts and rebels fired rockets into the government-controlled city centre, witnesses said. Syrian government forces and allied militia renewed a heavy bombardment of rebel-held eastern Aleppo on Tuesday after a pause of several weeks. Russia, whose air force is bombing in support of Assad, says it has not taken part in the latest Aleppo attack. Moscow has, however, escalated its role in the war, launching attacks on other rebel-held areas from the sea.Bombs hit a hospital in east Aleppo on Friday evening, the fourth health facility put out of service there in four days, the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights monitoring group and a health official from a rebel area said.The government, backed by the Russian air force and Shi'ite militias, has this year steadily closed in on eastern Aleppo, first besieging a population estimated by the United Nations to number 270,000 and then launching a major assault in September.The battle for what was once Syria's largest city is now the central focus of a five-and-a-half-year-old civil war, which is potentially entering a new phase after the election of Donald Trump as U.S. president. While Trump's Syria policy has not been fully spelled out, he has suggested Washington could re-examine its longstanding opposition to Russia's support for Assad.REBELS DEEPLY ENTRENCHED

Mohamad Abboush, an east Aleppo resident, told Reuters an air strike killed two of his relatives, a 45-year-old uncle and a 12-year-old cousin, on Friday morning. As they sought out medical care for other relatives wounded in the attack, he said they found one hospital in ruins and another in flames.

The air strike had completely destroyed a four-storey apartment block where his relatives had been living in the Tariq al-Bab neighbourhood, he said. The survivors had been taken to houses in another area, but nowhere was safe."The whole of Aleppo is being bombed," he said.Heavy bombardment also took place in the rebel-held area of Eastern Ghouta near Damascus. A witness said shelling and air strikes ongoing since Thursday evening were the worst seen for at least a year. The Observatory said air strikes and shelling on the Eastern Ghouta town of Douma had in the past 24 hours killed at least 22 people - 10 of them children - and injured dozens. The death toll was expected to rise as many of the injuries were serious.Witnesses and the Observatory said rockets fired from rebel areas near the city hit central Damascus on Thursday and Friday. Syrian state media said one woman died and others were injured in rockets fired on residential areas of Damascus on Friday.

While the government side has unleashed enormous firepower, its advances into rebel-held areas of Aleppo since September have been limited. The rebel forces are deeply entrenched and say they are well prepared for urban war.Fighting was reported on the southern and eastern periphery of the rebel-held area on Friday. The Observatory said Friday's clashes were the fiercest in Aleppo this week.Sources on both sides said pro-government militias were mobilised in large numbers. An official in the Levant Front rebel group, which fights under the Free Syrian Army banner, told Reuters that the pro-government forces appeared to be seeking to advance along a highway that bisects the rebel-held part of Aleppo.His group lost a commander along with a number of his men in the fighting, he said. "The militias are coming in strongly in the areas they are trying to storm. There are few frontlines in Syria in general at the moment, most of the focus of the regime and militias is in Aleppo," he said.

A source on the government side confirmed large mobilisation by pro-Assad forces. The source said the shelling of recent days was in preparation for ground operations. A media unit run by Hezbollah, a Lebanese Shi'ite group fighting in support of Assad, said the army had made progress in northeastern Aleppo.Rebels repelled an attempt by pro-government militias to advance in the Sheikh Saeed area on the southern periphery of eastern Aleppo after heavy bombardment, Al-Farouk Abu Bakr, a commander in the Ahrar al-Sham group, told Reuters. Syrian military officials could not immediately be reached for comment.In the four days since bombardment resumed on eastern Aleppo, the Observatory says it has documented 65 deaths and hundreds of injuries in east Aleppo, and four deaths and dozens of injuries in government-held west Aleppo as a result of rebel rocket fire. State media said shelling killed five more people in western Aleppo on Friday. Hundreds of people have been killed in the east Aleppo assault since September, according to U.N. figures and rescue workers. Rebel shelling, meanwhile, killed dozens of people in government-held western Aleppo during a failed counter attack. The Observatory said government forces had targeted areas near three hospitals to keep them out of service. The government has previously denied such accusations.U.N. humanitarian adviser Jan Egeland said rebel groups in Aleppo had agreed in principle to a U.N. humanitarian relief plan that allows medical workers, medical supplies and food into eastern Aleppo and enables the evacuation of the sick and wounded, but operational details had yet to be agreed.Egeland said Russia had given positive signals about the plan but had not given an official green light. The United Nations had hoped to send convoys with aid for 1 million Syrians in besieged or hard-to-reach areas this month, but so far not one has reached its destination. (Reporting by Tom Perry, Lisa Barrington and Laila Bassam in Beirut, Tom Miles in Geneva; Writing by Tom Perry, editing by Peter Millership)

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By Brian Love

| PARIS

PARIS French presidential hopeful Francois Fillon, who has made a surprise jump in opinion polls just before a party primary on Sunday, has the political instincts of a true conservative.Behind a mild, refined demeanour, the 62-year-old is a hard-hitter bent on slashing the cost of government, mostly by axing public service jobs. He already has form. An admirer of the late British Prime Minister Margaret Thatcher, as Labour and Social Affairs Minister he faced down street protests in 2003 over his retirement pension age reforms.Fillon served as prime minister under then President Nicolas Sarkozy from 2007 to 2012. Sarkozy lost the 2013 election to Socialist Francois Hollande, but Fillon avoided the disdain that was heaped upon his boss.With his hallmark line on government overspending, Fillon sought to distance himself from Sarkozy when an international debt crisis erupted in 2008, calling his own country "bankrupt".That statement has returned as the backbone of his manifesto, which demands cost-cutting on a scale to which his rivals do not dare commit in a country with one of Europe's highest public expenditure levels.Fillon says he will get rid of 500,000 public sector jobs in five years, a proposal dismissed as implausible by Sarkozy and presidential favourite Alain Juppe.Both men have an edge on Fillon in opinion polls but that has shrunk ahead of a Sunday first round primary over who should stand as Les Republicaines party candidate in the presidential election set for April and May next year.

CATHOLIC ROOTS

Born in the Sarthe region some 200 km west of Paris, where secular France's Roman Catholic roots remain strong, Fillon has also distinguished himself by opposing the adoption of children by gay couples.He is married to the Welsh-born Penelope and they have five children. He was the youngest member of France's parliament when he was first elected 35 years ago.Fillon argues that his cost-cutting plan is doable if people on the public payroll work 39 hours a week instead of 35 or less currently.In a country where more than 230 people have been killed in Islamist militant attacks over the past two years, political adversaries of Fillon have balked at proposing such deep cuts for fear of accusations that police staffing could suffer.

Sarkozy already stands accused of cutting 10,000 police jobs while president between 2007 and 2012 - a policy that the ruling Socialists have mostly reversed through new recruitment since the attacks.Juppe, who bowed out after big strikes over planned welfare cuts and pension reform when prime minister in the mid-1990s, says Fillon simply cannot deliver on his cut-backs promise. Fillon hopes his credentials will get him through Sunday's contest to the final duel on Nov. 27 for Les Republicains' ticket.He is in third place in polls in the primary contest but has closed the gap on the two frontrunners to an extent that makes him a contender for the two-horse race. He was seen as the winner of the final debate on Thursday before the primary.

BEWARE THE POLLS

Fillon has been particularly scathing of Sarkozy during the campaign, taking aim at the fact he is under investigation over alleged past election funding irregularities.Asked on BFM TV on Friday whether he could bring himself to vote for a person who is under judicial investigation, he said: "It's in order to avoid that situation that I want to win this election."A potent factor in the suspense over the primaries is Donald Trump's victory over Hillary Clinton, whom pollsters and the media tipped as winner up to the final hours of the U.S. presidential election.In the debate, Fillon had urged voters: "The French are proud and don't like to be told what to do.""Don't be afraid to contradict opinion polls and the media that had decided it all for you. Vote for what you believe in." (Reporting By Brian Love, Editing by Andrew Callus and Angus MacSwan)

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By Tom Perry and Suleiman Al-Khalidi

| BEIRUT/AMMAN

BEIRUT/AMMAN On the eve of Donald Trump's election victory, members of a Western-backed Syrian rebel group met U.S. officials to ask about the outlook for arms shipments they have received to fight President Bashar al-Assad. They were told the programme would continue until the end of the year, but anything more would depend on the next U.S. administration, a rebel official at the meeting said. When Trump takes office in January, it may stop altogether.The president-elect has signalled opposition to U.S. support for the rebels, and an overhaul of policy on Syria.The military aid programme overseen by the Central Intelligence Agency has given arms and training to moderate rebels in coordination with Turkey, Saudi Arabia, Qatar, Jordan and others.It helped to support these rebels, fighting under the Free Syrian Army banner, as jihadist groups linked to al Qaeda emerged as a major force in a war approaching its sixth anniversary.U.S. officials declined to comment on any meetings with rebel groups, and previously have not commented on the CIA programme given its covert nature.But Trump has indicated he could abandon the rebels to focus on fighting Islamic State which control territory in eastern and central Syria. He might even cooperate against IS with Russia, Assad's most powerful ally, which has been bombing the rebels for over a year in western Syria.Assad, in an interview published on Tuesday, said Trump would be a "natural ally" if he decides to "fight the terrorists". The rebels are looking on the bright side. They say support via the U.S.-backed programme has been inadequate and Washington has stopped Saudi Arabia from giving them more powerful weapons. So the rebels hope a more isolationist United States will give regional states a free hand, allowing Saudi Arabia to provide the anti-aircraft missiles President Barack Obama has vetoed.The rebel official said there had been no contact with U.S. officials since Trump's win. But were U.S. support to end and "this veto lifted", that would be a good outcome, he said."Everybody is analysing, there are positive expectations, there are negative expectations - but nothing is yet clear," the official said.DARK DAYS FOR REBELLION

The prospect of a shift in U.S. policy comes at a dark time for the rebellion. Russia on Tuesday escalated its military campaign in support of Assad, drawing for the first time on an aircraft carrier it has sent to the region.

Assad and his allies are tightening their grip on rebel-held eastern Aleppo, where heavy air strikes have resumed and insurgents have failed to break the siege.Longstanding tensions among rebels have turned into fighting twice in the Aleppo area this month.But analysts also say it is too early to tell what Trump will do in Syria since his views could be reshaped by establishment thinking in Washington.Republicans in his administration will not want to cooperate with Russia, or bow to the huge influence wielded by Iran in Syria, where thousands of Shi'ite militiamen including Lebanon's Hezbollah are fighting on Assad's side.And to many in Washington, Assad remains anathema.Yet since his election win, Trump has reiterated his misgivings about U.S. policy, telling the Wall Street Journal he "had an opposite view of many people regarding Syria" and "we have no idea" who the rebels are. His comments cheered Damascus and its allies, which view his win as positive for their war effort.

"INTERNATIONAL COMMITMENT"?

"It is true that he doesn't know us, but the American state knows us and will tell him," said a second rebel leader whose group has been a recipient of military support. "There is an international commitment to us," he said. The rebels' other state backers were seeking to explain this to Trump, he said.Western policy towards Syria has been built around the idea that there can be no sustainable peace with Assad in power.Assad, a member of the minority Alawite sect, is dependent on military support from Russia, Iran and Shi'ite Islamist militias in the fight with the Sunni Muslim insurgency.Western policymakers believe the nationalist Sunni rebels are needed to build a stable Syria.But their policy has long been hampered by splits in the opposition and the prominent role jihadists have played in the insurgency. A Western diplomat said jihadist influence would increase were Trump to abandon the FSA rebels. In western Syria, FSA rebels have often fought in close proximity to jihadists against the army and its allies.

Concerns about weapons ending up in jihadist hands still appear to act as a brake on military support to the rebels.With the collapse of a ceasefire brokered by the United States and Russia in September, U.S. officials considered military options including direct U.S. military action such as air strikes on Syrian military installations. But rebels say there has been no big shift since then.Were the United States to abandon the rebels, their military fortunes would hinge on Saudi, Qatari and Turkish support. Officials from those countries could not immediately be reached for comment on the subject of their backing for the rebels.The rebels believe Turkey for one remains a steadfast backer. But its recent rapprochement with Russia has raised questions over Turkish aims in Syria. Ankara appears more set on rolling back Kurdish influence and Islamic State than getting more deeply involved in the war for Aleppo, for example. The Syria conflict has killed hundreds of thousands of people, and divided Syria into areas controlled by the government, insurgent groups, Kurdish militia, and Islamic State.The Kurdish YPG militia is at the centre of U.S. strategy for fighting Islamic State in Syria, despite opposition from U.S. ally Turkey, which fears Kurdish influence in northern Syria will fuel separatism among its Kurdish minority.The Pentagon also backs some Syrian Arab rebels fighting Islamic State, despite the failure of a programme last year which only trained a few dozen fighters.The spokesman for one such group, the New Syria Army, forecast reduced U.S. support for the rebels as Trump sought to "understand the picture more and to separate the jihadist groups from the moderate groups".But in the end, U.S. policy will be forced to "support the FSA groups that have a nationalist complexion", said the spokesman, Muzahim Saloum.Mohamad Aboud, an ex-rebel commander and a member of the main opposition political body, the High Negotiations Council, said Turkish influence would help shape a more supportive U.S. policy towards the rebels.Unlike with Obama, there would "be clarity in the new Trump administration", he said. (Writing by Tom Perry; editing by Giles Elgood)

This story has not been edited by Firstpost staff and is generated by auto-feed.
By Isabel Coles

| MOSUL, Iraq

MOSUL, Iraq U.S.-backed Iraqi troops expanded their foothold on the eastern side of Islamic State's stronghold of Mosul on Friday, as the group pledged to mount more suicide attacks on their offensive to take the city.The elite Counter-Terrorism Service (CTS) stormed the Tahrir district on the northeastern edge of Mosul, the last major city under control of the Sunni hard-line group in Iraq. A Reuters correspondent reporting from the CTS-held line in Tahrir saw civilians streaming out of the nearby Aden district where fighting blazed, pushing trolleys containing their belongings and carrying home-made white flags.The women were still shrouded in black robes imposed by the militants but most had uncovered their faces as they fled intense fighting.Militants have been steadily retreating from areas around Mosul into the city since the battle started on Oct. 17, with air and ground support from a U.S.-led coalition."The advance is slow due to the civilians," said CTS Lt. General Abdul Wahab al-Saidi, adding that the U.S.-trained unit aims to clear the rest of the neighborhood during the day.A Friday prayer sermon referring to "mujahideen", or holy war fighters, could be heard coming from a mosque under control of the jihadis in the vicinity. An armed man, possibly a sniper, was in the minaret of the mosque.As the offensive entered its second month, Iraqi government forces are still fighting in a dozen of about 50 neighbourhoods on the eastern part of Mosul, which is divided by the Tigris River that runs through its centre.Militants are dug in among the civilians as a defence tactic to hamper air strikes, moving around the city through tunnels, driving suicide car bombs into advancing troops and hitting them with sniper and mortar fire.

"READY FOR MARTYRDOM"

A loud explosion was heard several streets away from the CTS lines. An officer said it was a suicide bomber who blew himself up after being surrounded in a house. The CTS unit was using a drone to try to detect insurgents.The number of fighters who are ready to blow themselves up is increasing, an insurgent commander told Islamic State's weekly magazine, al-Nabaa, published online on Thursday."We're giving you the good news that the number of brothers ready for martyrdom is very large and, with God's grace, the brothers who are demanding martyr operations are increasing," said the commander, who was not named.The offensive to take Mosul, the largest city under Islamic State control in either Iraq or Syria, is turning into the biggest battle in Iraq's turbulent history since the U.S.-led invasion that toppled Saddam Hussein in 2003.

The CTS became the only unit to have breached the city limits on its eastern side two weeks ago. Other army units have yet to breach the northern and the southern sides.Iranian-backed militias earlier this week announced the capture of an air base west of Mosul, part of their campaign to choke off the route between the Syrian and Iraqi parts of the caliphate Islamic State declared in 2014.Iraqi military estimates put the number of Islamic State fighters in Mosul at 5,000 to 6,000. Facing them is a 100,000-strong coalition of Iraqi government forces, Kurdish fighters and Shi'ite paramilitary units.DRAWN OUT BATTLE

Iraqi authorities have declined to give a timeline for recapture of the whole city, but the battle is likely to last for months. Militants have launched waves of counter-attacks against advancing forces, tying them down in lethal urban combat in narrow streets still full of residents.The Islamic State commander cited in al-Nabaa said the battles with the Shi'ite paramilitary groups known as Popular Mobilisation west of Mosul will continue "in long episodes". Iraqi authorities have not published a casualty toll for the Mosul campaign overall - either for security forces, civilians or Islamic State fighters. The warring sides claim to have inflicted thousands of casualties in enemy ranks.Nearly 59,000 people have been displaced because of the fighting, moving from villages and towns around the city to government-held areas, according to U.N. estimates.The figure does not include the thousands of people rounded up in villages around Mosul and forced to accompany Islamic State fighters to cover their retreat towards the city as human shields.In some cases, men of fighting age were separated from those groups and summarily killed, according to residents and rights groups. Human Rights Watch said on Thursday more than 300 former police officers were likely killed last month and buried in a mass grave near the town of Hammam al-Alil, south of Mosul.Mosul's capture is seen as crucial towards dismantling the caliphate, and Islamic State leader Abu Bakr al-Baghdadi, believed to have withdrawn to a remote area near the Syrian border, has told his fighters there can be no retreat. (Reporting by Isabel Coles, writing by Maher Chmaytelli, editing by Peter Millership)

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Manila: Ex-Philippine dictator Ferdinand Marcos was given a hero's burial with military honours, a deeply controversial move three decades after he was ousted in a "People Power" revolution. The ceremony began with a 21-gun salute as soldiers in parade dress and ceremonial rifles stood to attention at the "Cemetery of Heroes" in Manila, after his body was secretly flown to the venue in an apparent effort to avoid protests.

The Supreme Court said last week that Marcos, who ruled the nation for two decades until millions of people took to the streets in the 1986 military-backed uprising, could be buried at the heroes' cemetery. The decision, endorsing a recommendation from controversial President Rodrigo Duterte, outraged many opponents of the Marcos regime who said it would whitewash the dictator's many crimes.

Marcos died in 1989 in the US. His body was brought back in 1993 and later put on display in his home city of Batac.

The surprise move by the Marcos family and the government to bury him so quickly after the Supreme Court verdict, with appeals still to be heard, caused further outrage. Barry Gutierrez, counsel for the anti-Marcos court petitioners, said the burial was illegal because of the outstanding appeals.

"It's not really surprising that this is happening. Marcos flouted the law when he was still alive, and even at his burial, he is still breaking the law," Gutierrez told AFP. Police only announced that Marcos's body had been flown to the cemetery shortly before the ceremony began, leaving opponents who had been planning rallies flat-footed. "We are shocked and angered," Gutierrez said.

Thousands of riot police and soldiers guarded the perimeter of the cemetery, but there were no protesters. Journalists who rushed to the cemetery were barred from entering. However, reporters were able to view the ceremony with long camera lenses from outside.

Marcos ruled the Philippines for two decades until forced into US exile by the "People Power" revolution, a largely peaceful event that inspired democracy movements throughout Asia and around the world. Marcos, his infamously flamboyant wife Imelda, and their cronies plundered up to $10 billion from state coffers during his rule, according to government investigators and historians.

The dictator also oversaw widespread human rights abuses to maintain his control of the country and enable his plundering, with thousands of people killed and tortured, previous Philippine governments said. Anti-corruption watchdog Transparency International in 2004 named Marcos the second most corrupt leader of all time, behind Indonesian dictator Suharto.
By Wa Lone and Yimou Lee

| SITTWE, Myanmar

SITTWE, Myanmar Ever since deadly attacks by alleged Muslim militants in Myanmar's troubled northwestern Rakhine State, Myint Lwin says he has been unable to sleep at night. As rumours spread of fresh violence, even the sound of dogs barking frightened him."No one in the village has had enough sleep since last month," said Myint Lwin, an ethnic Rakhine Buddhist from a Muslim-majority village in the north of the state. "We were scared when we heard people shouting and dogs barking in the middle of the night."The 18-year-old motorbike taxi driver is one of 116 civilians to sign up for a new auxiliary police force in Rakhine State, part of the response by authorities to the latest spasm of violence that began with attacks on border police posts that killed nine officers on Oct. 9. Human rights monitors say arming and training non-Muslims will lead to further bloodshed in the divided state, but Myint Lwin sees it as necessary for self-defence."These Muslims are trying to abuse our Buddhist women and people, so I want to protect our country from them," he told Reuters, wearing his new police uniform with a badge bearing a white star on the shoulder.Sixty-nine suspected insurgents and 17 members of the security forces have been killed, according to official reports since a military crackdown began last month along Myanmar's frontier with Bangladesh.It is the most serious unrest in the state since hundreds were killed in communal clashes between Muslims and ethnic Rakhine Buddhists in 2012.Residents and rights advocates have also accused security forces of killing and raping civilians and setting fire to homes in the area, where the vast majority of residents are Rohingya Muslims. The government of Nobel Peace Prize laureate Aung San Suu Kyi and the army reject the accusations.There have been no reports of insurgent attacks on Buddhist civilians.LOYALTY OATH

Chanting an oath of loyalty to the state, the new recruits began an accelerated training programme in the state capital Sittwe this week. Mostly Rakhine Buddhists in their early 20s, in 16 weeks they will be deployed guarding border posts in the tense north.The training is two months shorter than the programme undertaken by regular police and the recruits did not have to meet the usual entrance criteria such as educational attainment standards and minimum height.

Only citizens were eligible, excluding the 1.1 million Rohingyas living in Rakhine State who are denied citizenship in Myanmar, where many regard them as illegal immigrants from Bangladesh. The recruits, who are from across Rakhine, will be given training courses including martial arts, use of weapons and riot control."The ethnic Rakhine asked the government to protect them in the Muslim-majority region," said Rakhine State police chief Colonel Sein Lwin. "If we have enough police force, we can give more security to them."He said the recruits would help protect residents from what the government has described as a Rohingya Muslim militant group, estimated to be 400-strong, that has been blamed for the Oct. 9 attacks."These Muslims never follow the laws," Sein Lwin said. "They are trying to seize land and extend their territory in northern Rakhine and kill Rakhine ethnics." The state-run Global New Light of Myanmar reported that apart from the special training for new police recruits, "healthy Rakhine women" and wives of members of the security forces had received military training in January.

The auxiliary force will come under the control of the border police. After an 18-month stint on the border, the recruits will be deployed to police stations close to their hometowns.They will be paid 150,000 Kyat ($115) monthly, a salary many recruits said was less than they earned as civilians. "I don't care about salary," said Than Lwin Oo, a 24-year-old waiter from the northern Buthidaung township who failed a college entrance exam - a requirement to join the regular police."I dislike the Muslim who try to intimidate our country. That is one of the reasons why I want to become a policeman.""RECIPE FOR ABUSES"

While officials have said the auxiliary police recruits are not a new "people's militia", like those that fight ethnic insurgencies elsewhere in Myanmar, some observers fear the move will sharpen tensions between the two communities.

"This is a recipe for rights abuses against the Rohingya,"said Phil Robertson, deputy director of Human Rights Watch's Asia division. "The Burmese government is foolhardy to think they will be able to control the local recruits operating on a basis of bias against the Rohingya people."Not all the recruits voiced hostility towards Muslims.Kyaw San Win, 29, said he had always wanted to join the police, but had not achieved the level of education usually required. He said his village of 100 houses in northern Rakhine was close to a Muslim settlement of 500 homes."I have some Muslim friends, they are not bad people, and we have no problems," he said.But many Muslims say the auxiliary programme was likely to worsen the distrust and fear between the two communities."We don't dare to go out on the street. If they found us, they would accuse us of being insurgents," said a Rohingya teacher from northern Rakhine, who asked not to be named because he was afraid of repercussions.In Buddhist Rakhine communities the fear is just as palpable. Some living in the Muslim-majority north said the auxiliary police recruitment comes too little and too late. "The police training is useless," said Kyaw Win from a village where some 1,200 Rohingya houses outnumber the 40 ethnic Rakhine households. He said some 50 Rakhine villagers have fled since fighting escalated in mid-November.He urged the government to reinforce with militias with weapons rather than police."We don't know what would happen in the future," he said. "We can get killed any time because we are surrounded by Muslims." ($1 = 1,299.0000 kyat) (Editing by Alex Richardson)

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By Tarek Amara

| TUNIS

TUNIS Tunisian television broadcast testimony from victims of decades of authoritarian rule on Thursday, a first chance for the public to see the workings of a Truth and Dignity Commission intended to help cement democracy after the Arab Spring revolution of 2011.Among the first to testify in a highly charged live session were mothers of protesters slain during the uprising, and victims of police brutality under the regime of ousted leader Zine El Abidine Ben Ali.The commission is investigating crimes and abuses dating back to 1955, a year before Tunisia gained independence from France, in an effort to come to terms with its past. In the last three years, it has received more than 62,000 submissions and gathered testimony behind closed doors from about 11,000 people. "The goal is not revenge," said its head, Sihem Bensedrine, a former activist who was harassed by the authorities under Ben Ali."We need to expose these testimonies for history," she said. "The Tunisian people are tolerant, but they are tolerant after knowing the truth ... Tunisia will no longer accept human rights violations."

Among those who spoke on Thursday were the widow and mother of Kamel Matmati, an Islamist who was arrested and killed in the city of Gabes in 1991."My husband was beaten by the police in a detention centre until he died," said the widow, Latifa, adding that she only found out about his death in 2011. "I demand the punishment of the police who killed him and are still walking free."Another victim, Sami Brahm, described how he had been strung from a pole and had cigarettes stubbed out on his body during torture sessions in the basement of the interior ministry, after being arrested in 1989 for suspected ties to Islamists.

Further public hearings will be held on Dec. 17 and Jan. 14, dates that commemorate the outbreak of Tunisia's 2011 uprising and the flight of Ben Ali to Saudi Arabia. At the December session, officials accused of human rights violations, torture or corruption will present public apologies. The commission said the hearings could boost investment in Tunisia's struggling economy, "because foreign investors will know that Tunisia is implementing a path for transitional justice aimed at dismantling its authoritarian and corrupt system." The country is hosting a major international investment conference at the end of the month. The 2011 uprising, the first of the Arab Spring that spread across the Middle East, was driven by a wave of anger at unemployment, corruption and repression.

Since ending Ben Ali's 23 years of authoritarian rule, the North African country has won praise for its democratic transition. But many remain frustrated over a lack of economic opportunities and the fact that some former officials have been allowed to return to public life.Rights group Amnesty International said the truth commission was "a historic opportunity to affirm a commitment to end impunity for past crimes under international law and human rights violations"."The real test facing Tunisia's transitional justice process, however, is whether it will ultimately lead to criminal prosecutions for the crimes of the past decades, which have thus far gone without adequate investigation or punishment," Amnesty said. (Editing by Aidan Lewis, Mark Trevelyan and Bernard Orr)

This story has not been edited by Firstpost staff and is generated by auto-feed.
By Steve Holland

| NEW YORK

NEW YORK U.S. President-elect Donald Trump planned a Saturday meeting with Mitt Romney, the 2012 Republican presidential nominee and fierce Trump critic, and may discuss whether he should be a candidate for secretary of state, a source familiar with the meeting said on Thursday.Trump already has a lengthy list of potential candidates for the post of top U.S. diplomat, including former New York Mayor Rudy Giuliani, former U.S. Ambassador to the United Nations John Bolton, U.S. Senator Bob Corker of Tennessee, and South Carolina Governor Nikki Haley, who met Trump on Thursday.Trump, a former reality TV star, has shown a flair for the dramatic in his deliberations over his Cabinet, saying only he knows who "the finalists" are.Corker told CNN on Wednesday he was "in the mix" for the position but that Trump might pick someone who was closer to him during the presidential campaign. He met on Thursday in Washington with Vice President-elect Mike Pence.Trump's expected meeting with Romney amounts to an olive branch of sorts to one of his sharpest critics. Romney, who in a speech in March called Trump "a phoney, a fraud," urged Republicans to vote for anyone but the New York real estate magnate while the party was picking its presidential nominee.Trump, in turn, used harsh rhetoric at times during his campaign to dismiss Romney as a failure who blew a chance in 2012 to defeat Democratic President Barack Obama, whom Trump felt was a weak opponent.

The source told Reuters that a broad discussion was expected during the meeting and that discussion about the secretary of state position was possible. The source had said earlier his understanding was that the meeting would occur on Sunday.Asked about the meeting, Trump senior adviser Kellyanne Conway suggested it was still being arranged. "We're working on it," she said. 'TRUMP WILL MAKE DECISION'

"I think it's good that the president-elect is meeting with people like Mr. Romney," U.S. Senator Jeff Sessions of Alabama, one of Trump's closest confidants and a potential nominee for defence secretary, told reporters at Manhattan's Trump Tower.Sessions sounded far from certain Romney would be offered a job.There are a lot of talented people that he (Trump) needs good relationships with. And I think Mr. Romney would be quite capable of doing a number of things. But he will be one of those, I am sure, that's reviewed. Donald Trump will make that decision," Sessions said.

When Romney, a former Massachusetts governor, opted out of running for the 2016 Republican presidential nomination, people close to him suggested that serving as secretary of state might be appealing to him if a Republican won the presidency.A steady stream of potential Trump administration hires made their way through the lobby of Trump Tower to meet with either Trump or officials close to him.All indicated a willingness to serve, such as Jeb Hensarling, a Texas Republican who is chairman of the U.S. House of Representatives Financial Services Committee. He is a potential treasury secretary in the Trump administration."I stand ready to help the president in any capacity possible. Ive got a great position in public policy today, if he wants to talk to me obviously, about serving somewhere else, well look at serving somewhere else," he told reporters. (Reporting by Steve Holland; Editing by Bill Trott and Peter Cooney)

This story has not been edited by Firstpost staff and is generated by auto-feed.
Istanbul: Turkey is to scrap the office of the prime minister in a historic switch under a government-backed proposal for a new presidential system, a cabinet minister said on Thursday.

Forestry and Water Affairs Minister Veysel Eroglu said there would be one and possibly two vice presidents under President Recep Tayyip Erdogan in the new format, which is expected to be submitted to a referendum next year.

"There won't be prime ministry in the new system," he told the state-run news agency Anadolu.

"In general there is a president and next to him probably a vice president like in the United States. We might have more than one vice president," he said.

Erdogan, who was elected to the top post in 2014 after serving as prime minister for more than a decade, is seeking a strong presidency similar to France or the United States.

His ruling Justice and Development Party (AKP) needs at least 330 votes in the 550-seat parliament to call a referendum to legislate the changes.

Eroglu predicted that the proposed package would be put to a referendum next spring with the support of MPs from the opposition Nationalist Movement Party (MHP).

Opponents say that since he was elected Erdogan has become de-facto executive president and argue the proposed changes could drag Turkey into one-man rule.

Before Erdogan became head of state, the Turkish prime minister was seen as the number one but current Prime Minister Binali Yildirim is very much his subordinate.

The Turkish strongman is already under fire by Western allies for a widening crackdown on opposition in the aftermath of a failed putsch in July.

The full blueprint is yet to emerge, but Erdoglu indicated that cabinet ministers would no longer be MPs.

"What's being thought is a system where the legislative and executive run separately," he said.

Erdoglu added that the president would be party-affiliated, meaning Erdogan could resume his links with the ruling AKP that he had to cut after becoming president.

The minister said elections for parliament and the president would take place in 2019, with no snap polls to be expected before.

The Ankara bureau chief of Hurriyet Daily News Serkan Demirtas wrote on Tuesday that under the changes Erdogan could stay in power until 2029 as the clock on the maximum two mandates would start from zero.
There does not seem to be a let up in the ongoing atrocities on Hindus in Bangladesh. While Bangladesh continues to add more muscle to its military might  strengthening its defence through several deals with China, including the purchase of two submarines  it seems that the Sheikh Hasina government is still hapless when it comes to containing the incessant excesses being committed against the Hindu minority in the country.

The Muslim aggression against Hindus was first unleashed at Nasirnagar of the Brahmanbaria district on 30 October, during the Hindu festival of Diwali (Kalipuja for the Hindu Bengalis). Islamic fanatics torched several Hindu houses, vandalised and desecrated temples and openly looted property. The big question here is that whether the fanatics acted with the connivance of the local goons of the ruling Bangladesh Awami League party.

The Hasina government has always claimed to be secular and pro-Hindu. Yet, acts of terrorising Hindus continue unabated, with law and order authorities watching the violence as silent spectators. Therefore, by default or by implication, it will not be a reach to suggest that there is a State connivance to such undesirable activities.

How else can one explain the fact that it has been nearly three weeks since the violence erupted and there have been no signs of any fire fighting. This is indeed appalling. Reliable sources confirm that the planning for the attacks on Hindu temples and houses was carried out in local mosques, and that Muslim extremists paraded on the streets with arms, openly exhibiting their anti-Hindu tenor.

Following the attacks in Brahmanbaria, the anti-Hindu excesses spilled over to Govindgunj of the Gaibandha district on 6 November. Here, a Santhal village came under communal attack, leading to two avoidable deaths and the wanton destruction of property, in what can only be described as organised cases of arson and murderous attacks on Hindu Santhals.

Almost simultaneously, the Khulna and Bagerhat districts also saw episodes of large scale and planned violence, conducted on the pretext of grabbing immovable Hindu property. An ordinary incident of land dispute in the region led to arson, loot and anti-Hindu sloganeering that was reminiscent of the ugly scenes of Partition days. The women were not spared either. The authorities looked clueless in spite of several credible reports claiming that 17 temples were desecrated and over 100 Hindu homes were usurped.

In lieu of the ceaseless inhuman atrocities against Hindus, it is pertinent to point out that the Hindu population in Bangladesh has shrunk drastically, from 13.5 percent to a meagre 8.5 percent. Sceptics attribute this decline in number to the fact that Hindus are being forced to flee to India, so that their prime-landed property can be appropriated.

Many secular quarters in Bangladesh have voiced their concern and have expressed surprise over a studied silence on part of India, especially the Hindu activists. They condemn the Indian government for failing to prevail upon its Bangladeshi counterpart and for not being able to contain the communal situation, that seems to be getting out of hand.

Earlier, the Bangladeshi minority problem was debated rather loudly in the British Parliament (House of Commons) with British MP Bob Blackman taking the lead on behalf of the Hindus in Britain, vehemently castigating the perpetrators for their continued attacks on Hindus. Similar protests have also been observed in other European capitals including in Brussels, Paris and Amsterdam; resonating the Hindu grievances of being easy targets of Islamic intimidation and atrocities.

It must be noted here that Hindus form a sizeable vote bank in Bangladesh and that they have traditionally voted for the Awami League in all the elections. The government and the ruling party must work in sync to tackle this unwieldy communal problem started by the majority community, lest it assumes serious proportions. Civil rights groups should also make the right kind of noise to keep the secular fabric of the country intact. As of now, there are no signs of any optimism in this regard. It's high time the government wakes up and meets the challenge.

In the past, atrocities on Hindus were always and conveniently blamed on to the communal and anti-Hindu Jama'at-e-Islami party. But this party is now proscribed and above all, all its top leaders have either been executed or are languishing behind bars. If that is the case, then who are the real culprits? That is something for the Hasina government to identify, thus enabling it to take some visible punitive measures to safeguard Hindus from the fanatics' onslaught.

(The writer is a retired IPS officer who is a security analyst and a Bangladesh watcher. All views expressed are personal.)
Apple is exploring options for manufacturing iPhones in the US, according to a new report from Nikki Asian Review. The Japan-based business publication cited an anonymous source saying that Apple has asked two companies to assemble iPhones in the US.



As per the report, Apple has asked Asian-based manufacturers Foxconn and Pegatron in June to explore the possibility of manufacturing the popular smartphone in the U.S. Foxconn complied, while Pegatron declined to formulate such a plan due to cost concerns, added the report. Apple relies on Pegatron and Foxconn to manufacture the smartphone in China in part because of cheaper labor.

The report comes one week after Donald Trump won the U.S. presidential election. During his campaining trail Trump had warned that he would try to force Apple into manufacturing its products in the U.S. Making iPhones in the U.S. means the cost will more than double, Nikkeis source said. Market researcher IHS Markit said it costs roughly $225 to build the 32GB iPhone 7, which retails for $649.

Source
The Government of Telangana has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with Microsoft Corporation India Private Limited. Under the MOU, Microsoft will help the Government explore cloud, machine learning and mobile based solutions to improve citizen services, education, healthcare and agriculture in the state.

Microsoft India will work with the Government of Telangana to support the development of cloud and mobile-based solutions and support the use of machine learning and advanced visualization to help solve challenges in the fields of education, agriculture and healthcare.

Anil Bhansali, Managing Director, Microsoft India (R&D) Pvt. Ltd., said,

Over the past year we have experimented with cloud, mobile and machine learning based solutions for better citizen connect as well as to help students, farmers and patients in India. We are delighted to bring many of those learnings to Telangana and explore new use for these world-class technologies. We believe technology should empower every Indian, and todays MOU will take us further in that journey.

Jayesh Ranjan IAS, Secretary, ITE&C, Government of Telangana, said,

The Government believes that ICT is the key to building not only a stronger economy but also an efficient and effective governance system. Through this partnership of ours with Microsoft, we are confident about bringing in advanced solutions pertaining to our initiatives under Digital Telangana program.

The Government of Telangana in collaboration with various partners, has deployed IoT enabled solutions such as healthcare teleconsulting for remote geographies and online marketplace cum support platform for farmers.
Investors would be hard pressed to find a company that's endured more bad news in the past year than Valeant Pharmaceuticals (BHC 6.15%).

Revelations of triple-digit price increases on decades-old drugs led to Congressional hearings, the dismantling of its distribution partner Philidor, lawsuits, the exit of its longtime CEO, and dwindling sales in the past year. This seemingly endless barrage of bad news has caused Valeant shares to lose 80% of their value since last November, and unfortunately, investors got more bad news yesterday when two executives with close ties to Philidor were arrested for fraud.

Although the investigation remains ongoing, and more arrests could be coming, investors shrugged off the report and sent Valeant's shares slightly higher Thursday. Could this mean that it's finally time for investors to buy Valeant's shares?

A tangled web

Valeant Pharmaceuticals' breakneck pace of mergers and acquisitions quickly transformed it from a small Canadian drugmaker into a global pharmaceutical giant.

Despite saddling the company with tens of billions of dollars in debt, rapidly growing sales prompted many of the world's biggest money managers to cheer the company. Last year, however, optimism for Valeant's business model quickly shifted to pessimism after reports surfaced that Valeant bought two decades-old heart disease drugs, only to increase their prices by hundreds of percent shortly thereafter.

Scrutiny resulting from Valeant's runaway drug pricing eventually led to the discovery of what's turned out to be a far too-close-for-comfort relationship between Philidor and Valeant. An internal review of its relationship with Philidor resulted in Valeant's cutting ties with Philidor last year, but Philidor continues to cast a shadow over the company.

Because Philidor was a key reason for the success of some of Valeant's best-selling dermatology drugs, the company has struggled to replace sales lost since its shuttering, and as a result, Valeant's third-quarter revenue fell 11% from a year ago.

Philidor's overhang, however, extends beyond sliding sales. Investigations into Philidor's pricing and sales practices have been ongoing, and yesterday, those investigations resulted in the arrest of Philidor CEO Andrew Davenport and former Valeant executive Gary Tanner.

In a complaint filed by the U.S. Attorney's Office in the Southern District of New York, Davenport and Tanner are accused of willfully and knowingly combining, conspiring, confederating, and agreeing together to commit fraud.

According to the claim, Tanner joined Valeant in 2012 when Valeant acquired the specialty distributor Medicis. Tanner was then tasked with managing Valeant's alternative fulfillment program to boost revenue from drugs that experienced low levels of insurance coverage because of their cost or the availability of generics.

As part of his responsibility, Tanner was instrumental in establishing Philidor as Valeant's largest specialty pharmacy distributor, say prosecutors. Not only did Tanner encourage a deeper relationship with Philidor that drove Philidor's sales higher, but he also rebuffed requests by other Valeant executives to explore relationships with Philidor's competitors to diversify the company away from Philidor. According to the complaint, he took these actions even as he was lobbying on behalf of Davenport for Valeant to buy Philidor.

Ultimately, Tanner successfully convinced Valeant to ink an option to buy Philidor that resulted in Valeant's paying Philidor investors $100 million up front, plus millions more in milestone payments. According to the Justice Department, Tanner's efforts were rewarded with a $10 million kickback paid by Davenport to Tanner via shell companies.

What's next

Despite the news of these arrests being highly publicized, Valeant Pharmaceuticals' shares traded up slightly on Thursday. Perhaps Valeant's resiliency was due to this complaint painting Valeant as Davenport and Tanner's victim. Or perhaps investors are finally immune to Valeant's negative newsflow.

If it's the former, it may be wishful thinking. The complaint names Davenport and Tanner, as well as "others known and unknown," as defendants. Depending on how this case shakes out, Valeant could find its exposure to lawsuits costly and distracting, and that's not a recipe for upside. Overall, the news may put this company a step closer to closure, but nevertheless, there's still too much uncertainty for me to want to buy Valeant's shares.
In the two months following revelations of Wells Fargo's (WFC 2.09%) fake-account scandal, there was a deafening silence coming from Omaha, Nebraska, the home of the bank's biggest shareholder -- Warren Buffett's Berkshire Hathaway (BRK.A -0.46%) (BRK.B -0.33%).

Buffett admitted to speaking briefly with former Wells Fargo chairman and CEO John Stumpf after Stumpf's interview with CNBC's Jim Cramer in the immediate wake of the scandal. Buffett warned Stumpf not to underestimate the magnitude of the burgeoning crisis but other than that stayed silent. (Stumpf has since stepped down.)

This led me, and others, to question whether the Oracle of Omaha was using the time to surreptitiously unload Berkshire Hathaway's nearly 10% stake in Wells Fargo.

In my defense, this wasn't an unreasonable thing to think, given Buffett's past statements on scandals. In 1991, for instance, Buffett testified before Congress about an ethically analogous incident related to Berkshire's investment in Salomon Brothers, famously saying: "Lose money for the firm and I will be understanding. Lose a shred of reputation for the firm and I will be ruthless."

We now know, however, that Buffett hasn't unloaded Berkshire's stake in Wells Fargo.

We got the first inkling of this when Berkshire filed its third-quarter 10-Q at the beginning of this month, showing that Wells Fargo remained one of the conglomerate's four biggest holdings. This was confirmed two weeks later when Berkshire filed its 13F, revealing Berkshire's specific stock holdings and disclosing that its position in Wells Fargo hadn't declined at all.

But it was in a recent interview with CNN's Poppy Harlow that Buffett explained why he took so long to publicly comment on the controversy:

I don't think anybody has actually picked up on this. We own 500 million shares at Berkshire Hathaway [equating to just under 10% of Wells Fargo's outstanding stock]. You can't go over 10% of the shares of a bank without becoming a bank holding company unless you agree to be passive and the Federal Reserve [agrees]. We don't want to be a bank holding company. We filed in June to declare our intent to be passive, and [the Federal Reserve] still has to rule on that and it may be a few more months. In my view they'll rule [in our favor] because we are passive. But that means passive. It means you don't talk directly to the board. I can't talk directly to the board. That is not being passive. The Federal Reserve would say at that point that you are going to be a bank holding company.

To be clear, Berkshire Hathaway doesn't intend to exceed the 10% threshold because it's buying more Wells Fargo stock -- though Buffett did say in 2009 that if he had to put his entire net worth into one stock, it would be Wells. The threshold has come into play instead as a consequence of Wells Fargo's buybacks, which concentrate ownership around remaining shareholders.

Over the last three fiscal years, the bank repurchased $23.5 billion worth of common stock, reducing its outstanding share count by a net 165 million shares, or approximately 3%. As Wells Fargo continues to do so, it'll push Berkshire's stake from where it is today -- at a little less than 10%, according to CNBC's Berkshire Hathaway Portfolio Tracker -- to above the threshold.

In addition to explaining why Buffett remained silent on Wells Fargo's controversy, this also explains why Berkshire Hathaway isn't represented on the bank's board of directors, despite being its biggest shareholder. If it were to have a seat on the board, then it obviously wouldn't be passive. As an aside, this also assuages any concern related to the fact that one of Buffett's lieutenants, Todd Combs, just joined the board of JPMorgan Chase -- a bank that Buffett himself owns shares of, but which Berkshire doesn't have a stake in.

The lesson in all of this for me, and hopefully for readers as well, is that it's important to be vigilant and humble when you're tempted to read too much into something that you don't have direct knowledge about.
JPMorgan Chase & Co is once again facing questions about who will succeed its larger-than-life chief executive after Jamie Dimon was courted by the incoming U.S. president for the role of Treasury secretary.

Dimon, 60, has been running the largest U.S. bank for more than a decade and has faced questions about his longevity in the role before: when potential successors left, when he allowed an embarrassing $6.2 billion derivatives trading loss and, most recently, when he was diagnosed with throat cancer in 2014.

Although associates have said Dimon is not interested in the Treasury job, the recent invitation from a member of President-elect Donald Trump's transition team to apply for the job was a reminder to interested parties, including some investors, that his time at the helm is finite.

"He is not going to be CEO forever," said Walter Todd, chief investment officer at Greenwood Capital Management, which owns JPMorgan shares.

Although a sudden departure would not necessarily lead the investor to sell the stock, it would be "troubling," Todd said. "I would have to gain some comfort with who was taking over that role."

Dimon will not be easy to replace. He has won a higher valuation for JPMorgan stock than rival banks by shepherding it through the financial crisis without any quarterly losses, while earning relatively high returns on equity and explaining the workings of the bank to analysts as though he were a demanding business school professor.

He has been quick to point out that the JPMorgan board has a succession plan in place, whether he departs abruptly due to unforeseen circumstances  known colloquially as a "hit by a truck" scenario  or whether he takes part in a more gradual transition. The board does not publicize those plans. Doing so could prompt executives who are not the favorite to leave.

There are six key members of Dimon's management team who are often mentioned in discussions about succession. They range in age from 46 to 58, with the older executives seen as "hit by a truck" contenders, and younger ones thought to be potential CEOs-in-training.

Each has some qualities Dimon has identified as necessary for the next CEO  like moving through senior roles in different parts of the company, having experience with the investment bank, or having the temperament to be the public face of JPMorgan  but none clearly has them all.

JPMORGAN'S GOT TALENT

Gordon Smith, a 58-year-old Briton with computer science training, is chief executive of the consumer bank. He runs nearly half of JPMorgan, including Chase branches, credit cards, mortgages and auto loans.

Dimon hired him from American Express Co in 2007. Although Smith has many of the skills needed to be CEO, he is close enough to Dimon's age that insiders see him as an unlikely long-term candidate.

Daniel Pinto, 53, who oversees corporate and investment banking, is also on the succession shortlist.

Dimon has entrusted Pinto with running the most volatile part of JPMorgan and dealing with the biggest corporate clients. A native of Argentina, Pinto spends much of his time working from JPMorgan's London office.

Doug Petno, who runs commercial banking, is another possible contender. With $212 billion in assets, his segment of the company is bigger than all but a handful of competitors. The 51-year-old came up through the ranks as lender and investment banker to the oil and gas industry.

Mary Erdoes, 49, who runs asset management, is also said to be in the running. Erdoes keeps a relatively low public profile as she travels the world to cater to the richest clients.

Chief Financial Officer Marianne Lake, who is 47, is also floated as a possibility. Lake already has a high profile, because she handles public presentations of the bank's financial results each quarter and has shown she can be as dextrous with numbers as Dimon.

But while Lake is known internally for grasping the details behind summaries she receives from business heads, she has not run any of JPMorgan's units day to day.

Chief Operating Officer Matt Zames is the youngest contender, at 46. In his role, he has the advantage of learning all segments of the bank from the inside out.

Dimon turned to Zames in early 2012 to clean up the portfolio of the bad "London Whale" derivatives trader that was costly not only in dollars but in reputation. Zames came from fixed-income trading, and has worked through financial crises going back to 1998.

'I DON'T WANT TO RETIRE'

Dimon has said JPMorgan has a "deep bench" of talent, with several people who could take over. But he has been careful not to clearly show favorites.

When all goes right with succession plans, companies tend to announce a few months ahead of time that their leaders will be relinquishing the CEO title to a successor but remain on the board as chairman for a smooth transition. During the interim, other executives in the horse race tend to peel off, letting up-and-comers take over their own roles.

JPMorgan has resolved nearly all of its major legal investigations. Dimon received a clean bill of health after undergoing cancer treatment. And, apparently, he has no plans to join Trump's cabinet. So unless an unexpected event forces his hand, Dimon may not feel compelled to tell investors who is next.

"My retirement date, every time you ask me that, I'm going to say five years," Dimon said in response to a question last year. "I don't want to retire."

(Reporting by David Henry in New York; Editing by Lauren Tara LaCapra and Bill Rigby)
Donald Trumps agenda on trade and environmental regulations has raised major questions about the road ahead for car companies.

On the campaign trail, Trump frequently criticized Ford (NYSE:F) and the North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA), saying trade deals have cost American jobs, especially in the manufacturing sector. The transition team currently forming the Trump administration has already signaled that reforming U.S. trade deals will be one of the first tasks undertaken by the President-elect next year.

The incoming administration also has its sights on environmental regulations imposed by President Barack Obama and the Environmental Protection Agency. For car companies, this means fuel-efficiency rules that some in the industry view as overly burdensome could be up for significant changes.

The Alliance of Automobile Manufacturers, a trade group that represents top automakers including General Motors (NYSE:GM) and Ford (NYSE:F), sent Trumps transition team a memo that highlighted its positions on issues like the federal governments emissions standards. The organization has pushed for reform amid cheaper gasoline prices and weak sales of electric vehicles.

Federal agencies recently began a midterm review of the 2012 Corporate Average Fuel Economy (CAFE) program, which stated that automakers would have to more than double their fleet-wide fuel economy to 54.5 miles per gallon by model-year 2025.

Mitch Bainwol, president and CEO of the Alliance of Automobile Manufacturers, told Congress that federal rules cant ignore a consumer shift from passenger cars to sport-utility vehicles, while electric cars struggle to gain traction. Plug-in electric cars make up less than 1% of sales.

Much has changed in four years  most notably, fuel prices and changes in consumer purchasing habits. These changes are important to keep in mind because automakers are ultimately judged not by what they produce but by what consumers buy, Bainwol said in his congressional testimony.

The CAFE deal allowed for both sides to take a second look at the regulations in 2017, coinciding with Trumps rise to the White House. Final rules are expected in early 2018.

Ticker Security Last Change Change % GM GENERAL MOTORS CO. 39.34 +0.08 +0.21% F FORD MOTOR CO. 13.39 +0.01 +0.04% FCAU n.a. n.a. n.a. n.a.

Other potential changes coming next year and beyond may throw a wrench into the auto industrys supply chain.

Trumps attacks on Ford focused on the automakers plan to construct a $1.6 billion factory in Mexico, where it will hire 2,800 additional people. Ford expects to begin assembling small cars at the plant in 2018. Eventually, all of Fords small-car production will be concentrated in Mexico. Ford CEO Mark Fields has argued that new models in the U.S. would replace car production going south of the border, thus preventing any loss of jobs. He confirmed this week that Fords Mexico plans have not changed.

Even before Inauguration Day, Trump is touting progress on the issue. On Thursday evening, Trump posted a message on Twitter (NYSE:TWTR) saying he spoke to Ford Chairman Bill Ford, who told the President-elect that Lincoln production would remain at the companys Louisville, Ky., plant.

Just got a call from my friend Bill Ford, Chairman of Ford, who advised me that he will be keeping the Lincoln plant in Kentucky - no Mexico  Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) November 18, 2016

Under terms of a new labor deal negotiated last year, the United Auto Workers union gave Ford the green light to build the Lincoln MKC compact SUV at a factory in Mexico. The production move would allow Ford to build more Ford Escapes in Louisville. But sales of the Escape have slipped in recent months, and demand since the start of 2016 has been roughly flat compared to last year.

Ford also said it looks forward to working with the Trump administration to support economic growth and jobs, according to a statement provided after Trumps victory over Hillary Clinton.

Trump has argued that NAFTA, a wide-ranging trade agreement with Canada and Mexico, is an unfair deal that hurts American jobs. Cars shipped from Mexico to the U.S. face no taxes, while Mexico imposes a tariff on cars imported into the country. During the campaign, Trump proposed implementing tariffs as high as 35% to encourage automakers to keep production in the U.S.

Shares in Ford and GM slipped in the wake of Trumps win, but the stocks soon recovered as traders plowed into equities in the hope that the incoming administration will be a sparkplug for the economy.

Efraim Levy, an analyst at CFRA Research, believes Trump will back away from his toughest stance on U.S. trade policies.

Even with some potential tariff costs to automakers, we believe GM and Ford will have time to flex production and regional sales to mitigate the impact, Levy wrote in a note to clients.

As for the UAW, which publicly endorsed Clinton, the union suggested it will work with the Trump administration on trade policy. During a press conference following Trumps victory, Williams called Trumps position on trade right on.
Warren Buffett's forever-style investing approach has made him one of the planet's wealthiest people and the poster child of long-term investing. His tremendous success over the past 50 years suggests that investors ought to pay attention to what stocks he's buying, but it also suggests that they might want to focus even more on what stocks he's selling. Fortunately, Warren Buffett's Berkshire Hathaway (NYSE: BRK-B) (NYSE: BRK-A) files a 13F report with the SEC that shows what he's been selling, and according to the most recent filing, Suncor Energy (NYSE: SU), Wal-Mart Stores (NYSE: WMT), and Deere & Co. (NYSE: DE) have all fallen out of favor with the Oracle of Omaha.

Read on to learn more about these companies, why Warren Buffett might be selling shares, and whether or not you should follow his footsteps away from the stocks.

Image source: Suncor Energy.

Giving up on oil sands

Warren Buffett sold 7.7 million shares of Suncor Energy in the second quarter and in the third quarter, he unloaded the rest of his remaining 22.3 million shares.

His decision to sell shares in the large Canadian oil-sands player might have stemmed from increasing concern that global oil and gas prices would remain under pressure for the foreseeable future. Rising U.S. production has caused oil and gas prices to slump significantly in the past year, and that's taken a toll on companies like Suncor that make their money producing, refining, and marketing oil products. While the company earned over $4 billion a few years ago, its net loss totals $1.6 billion over the past 12 months:

SU Net Income (TTM) data by YCharts.

Warren Buffett's decision could also have been influenced by Suncor's spending plans. In June, Suncor diluted investors with a 82.2 million share offering that raised $2.9 billion in capital. Suncor plans on using the money for acquisitions.

Ultimately, Suncor could swing back to a profit if oil and gas prices bounce back. Its M&A (mergers and acquisitions) plans could also pay off long-term. Nevertheless, uncertainty related to both of these factors appears to have convinced Buffett that it's better to wait and watch from the sidelines.

Cooling off on competition

Wal-Mart has been a Warren Buffett holding for years, but he's soured on the stock this past year in the face of rising competition from online retail giant Amazon.com.

Berkshire Hathaway sold 4 million shares of Wal-Mart late last year, another 15 million shares in the second quarter, and an additional 27.3 million shares in the third quarter. The pace of Buffett's selling suggests to me that he plans to sell his remaining 12.9 million shares before the end of this year.

If that's the case, then it marks a seismic shift in his opinion of the company, which has been steadily losing wallet share to online retailers. In a bid to keep those competitors at bay, Wal-Mart has taken a hard line with suppliers lately that may indicate a profit-unfriendly price war is afoot. Now that we're bumping up on the ever-important holiday shopping season, Warren Buffett's selling doesn't add confidence that Wal-Mart can fend off its online rival anytime soon, and that could be reason enough for you to head for the exit too.

Image source: Deere & Co.

Plowing up less profit

Until recently, Warren Buffett had been increasing Berkshire Hathaway's exposure to Deere & Co. However, Warren Buffett used some of Deere's rally this past summer to pare back his stake in the farm-machinery Goliath.

Warren Buffett sold 874,185 shares in Deere & Co. in the third quarter, reducing his stake by 3.98% to 21.1 million shares. Despite the selling, Berkshire Hathaway remains Deere's biggest institutional investor, but that could change if Warren Buffett's outlook on grain prices and farm income shifts, due to the election of Donald Trump as America's next president.

Although Deere & Co. shares are up 22% this year, the company's profit has slumped substantially as farm income has declined to its lowest point since the Great Recession. Through the first nine months of the year, Deere & Co.'s $1.24 billion profit was considerably lower than the $1.59 billion profit it posted in the comparable period of 2015. Deere & Co.'s global equipment sales declined 14% year over year in Q3, suggesting that slowing machinery demand continues to drag on the bottom line.

So far, Warren Buffett has looked beyond this year's slide in demand and profit, toward rising global food demand driven by an increasingly larger population. Now that Trump's secured the White House, Deere's potential to tap into that opportunity might change. The company could benefit from rising infrastructure spending, but a strong dollar and a trade war with China, Mexico, and Canada could offset much, if not all, of that benefit.

Overall, it's anyone's guess how Warren Buffett will weigh these competing factors, so investors will want to keep close tabs on Berkshire Hathaway's 13F over the next couple quarters to see whether his selling accelerates.

Forget the 2016 Election: 10 stocks we like better than Wal-Mart Stores Donald Trump was just elected president, and volatility is up. But here's why you should ignore the election:

Investing geniuses Tom and David Gardner have spent a long time beating the market no matter who's in the White House. In fact, the newsletter they have run for over a decade, Motley Fool Stock Advisor, has tripled the market.*

David and Tom just revealed what they believe are the ten best stocks for investors to buy right now... and Wal-Mart Stores wasn't one of them! That's right -- they think these 10 stocks are even better buys.

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Todd Campbell has no position in any stocks mentioned.Todd owns E.B. Capital Markets, LLC. E.B. Capital's clients may have positions in the companies mentioned.Like this article? Follow him onTwitter where he goes by the handle@ebcapitalto see more articles like this.

The Motley Fool owns shares of and recommends Berkshire Hathaway (B shares).The Motley Fool owns shares of Amazon.com.The Motley Fool is short Deere & Company.

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.
During most of 2016, when shares of AbbVie (NYSE: ABBV) went up, so did shares of GlaxoSmithKline (NYSE: GSK). However, after the U.S. election surprise, the paths of these two drugmakers' stocks have diverged. AbbVie is up, but Glaxo isn't. That's just a short-term snapshot, though. Which of these stocks is the better choice for investors over the long run? Here's how AbbVie and GlaxoSmithKline stack up.

Image source: Getty Images.

The case for AbbVie

Let's first address a couple of problem areas for AbbVie. Sales for hepatitis C drug Viekira tanked in the third quarter. Perhaps more ominous, though, is that momentum for AbbVie's perennial powerhouse Humira seemed to slow during the quarter.

I wouldn't count on any comeback for Viekira. While the hep-C drug will still probably generate over $1.5 billion this year, it's likely that its best days are now over. However, AbbVie doesn't seem to be worried about Humira just yet. CEO Rick Gonzalez said that the anti-inflammatory drug is tracking along with expectations. AbbVie CFO Bill Chase attributed the seeming slowdown in the third quarter to a seasonal effect.

For now, Humira remains one of the big reasons to own AbbVie's stock. The drug pulled in nearly $11.8 billion in the first nine months of this year, up 14.5% from the prior-year period. Continued growth is expected over the next few years.

Sooner or later, however, AbbVie won't be able to depend so heavily on Humira. What's the company's plan for a post-Humira world? Imbruvica should play a major role. Sales for the cancer drug topped $1.3 billion in the first nine months of 2016. More indications for Imbruvica could be on the way soon. AbbVie is waiting for regulatory approval for treatment of relapsed/refractory marginal zone lymphoma. The company also plans to submit for approval for treatingchronic graft-versus-host disease in the first half of 2017.

AbbVie's pipeline includes 15 late-stage programs. Several of these candidates could emerge as winners. Two that especially stand out are anti-inflammatory drug risankizumab and elagolix, which targets treatment of endometriosis and uterine fibroids. Risankizumab targets several of the same indications that Humira currently treats. Analysts expect the drug could reach peak annual sales of $4 billion if approved.Peak annual sales for elagolix are expected to approach $2.5 billion if the drug is approved for both targeted indications.

Another thing for investors to like about AbbVie is its dividend. The dividend yield currently stands just over 4%.

The case for GlaxoSmithKline

While AbbVie awaits the inevitable day when Humira's sales begin to slide, GlaxoSmithKline is already experiencing that pain with some of its key products. Sales for Glaxo's top-selling drug, Seretide/Advair, fell in the first nine months of 2016 compared with the prior-year period. So did sales of its biggest vaccines,Infanrix and Pediarix.

GlaxoSmithKline does have some bright spots in its current lineup, though. Sales for HIV drugs Tivicay and Triumeq are soaring. Several respiratory drugs are also performing well, including Anoro Ellipta and Relvar/Breo Ellipta. And despite weakness for Infanrix and Pediarix, Glaxo's vaccines segment continues to produce solid growth overall.

There's plenty to like in Glaxo's pipeline, which includes over 100 clinical programs. Notably, 15 of those are late-stage studies. I think that shingles vaccine Shingrix will be a huge winner for Glaxo. Look also for the drugmaker to build on its growing HIV portfolio with a combination treatment of Tivicay and Edurant.It seems likely that GlaxoSmithKline will be able to achieve growth over the next few years thanks to its big pipeline.

Of course, we couldn't discuss the case for GlaxoSmithKline without mentioning the dividend. Glaxo has historically been one of the best big pharma dividend stocks. With a dividend yield of 4.77%, it still ranks at the top. The downside, though, is that the drugmaker is paying out more in dividends than it's earning. That situation won't be able to continue indefinitely.

Better buy

I think that AbbVie wins in a head-to-head match-up with GlaxoSmithKline. Humira's success won't last forever, but it's doing quite well for now. AbbVie also appears to be taking the right steps to position itself for when it can't count so heavily on its lead drug.

Imbruvica is just getting warmed up. The cancer drug should become an even bigger winner for AbbVie in the years ahead. And while the company's pipeline looks pretty good, I wouldn't be surprised if AbbVie were to acquire more candidates in the near future.

Forget the 2016 Election: 10 stocks we like better than AbbVie Donald Trump was just elected president, and volatility is up. But here's why you should ignore the election:

Investing geniuses Tom and David Gardner have spent a long time beating the market no matter who's in the White House. In fact, the newsletter they have run for over a decade, Motley Fool Stock Advisor, has tripled the market.*

David and Tom just revealed what they believe are the ten best stocks for investors to buy right now... and AbbVie wasn't one of them! That's right -- they think these 10 stocks are even better buys.

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Keith Speights has no position in any stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. Try any of our Foolish newsletter services free for 30 days. We Fools may not all hold the same opinions, but we all believe that considering a diverse range of insights makes us better investors. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy.
New York City officials are warning residents and businesses the police officers armed with assault weapons, bomb-sniffing dogs and concrete barricades outside Trump Tower aren't going away anytime soon.

Democratic Mayor Bill de Blasio (dih BLAH'-zee-oh) says the beefed-up security for Republican President-elect Donald Trump will continue for at least another two months until he's inaugurated. The mayor said Friday what happens after that depends on how Trump splits time between his Trump Tower apartment and the White House.

The security effort has slowed motor and foot traffic outside the tower on Manhattan's Fifth Avenue and has raised concerns among retailers it could hurt business during the holiday shopping season.

It also has prompted questions about cost. City officials say they want the federal government to chip in.
Shares of Mallinckrodt (NYSE: MNK) have plunged 30% over the past three months. The drugmaker's stock started to rebound after the U.S. election, but that bounce is gone now. What happened? Another fiery attack from short-seller Andrew Left took its toll. Is Mallinckrodt just too risky to buy right now -- or does the latest drop present a buying opportunity?

Image source: Getty Images.

Is Left right?

Andrew Left accused Mallinckrodt CEOMark Trudeau of committing securities fraud. This allegation stems from an Oct. 2015 conference call in which Trudeau was asked about the exposure to Medicare for Acthar gel, which is used for treatment of multiple sclerosis (MS) and several other indications. Trudeau replied that on an overall basis roughly 25% of Mallinckrodt's business came from Medicare, with Acthar's percentage being a little higher.

Left said that the Medicare Drug Spending Dashboard released by the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) shows that the percentage of Acthar sales from Medicare is actually over 61%. He alleged that Trudeau has now "been caught red-handed" in a lie to investors.

Is Left right? Maybe not. For one thing, Trudeau was only asked about Medicare. Left included spending for both Medicare and Medicaid to calculate his percentage. Also, the Medicare Drug Spending Dashboard uses total product sales instead of net sales. It would make sense that Trudeau was thinking about net sales in his ballpark figures.

A more serious concern

I don't think there would be a strong case against Trudeau for securities fraud. However, Left's latest attack stirred up renewed concerns of a more serious nature: Is Acthar really worth what Mallinckrodt is charging?

This question is important, because Acthar sales make up around 30% of Mallinckrodt's total revenue.On a per-patient basis, Acthar was the most expensive drug covered by Medicare in 2015. There are many who doubt the drug's price is justified.

Ilya Kister,assistant professor of neurology at New York University, and John R. Corboy, professor of neurology at the University of Colorado, recently wrote that "there is no evidence that ACTHar gel... is in any way superior to methylprednisolone for MS relapses" and that its current price makes routine use "difficult to justify."This view isn't new. Back in 2012,The New York Times reported that "doctors, insurance companies and investors are beginning to have doubts about whether the drug is really any better than much cheaper alternatives."

Aetna (NYSE: AET) was one of the first health insurers to put tight restrictions on reimbursement for Acthar. A few months before that New York Times story was published in 2012, Aetna came close to dropping Acthar from its formulary completely. The insurer allowed payment for only one indication -- West syndrome (infantile spasms).Four years later, Aetna still maintains that there isn't enough clinical evidence to justify use of the drug for other indications.

Assessing the risk

While Andrew Left successfully renewed worries about Acthar, I'm not so sure Mallinckrodt's stock is truly riskier now than it was prior to his allegations. As I mentioned earlier, there doesn't seem to be enough substance to Left's accusations against Mark Trudeau to gain any real traction. Also, despite continued concerns about the pricing and efficacy of Acthar, I don't see any new obstacles on the horizon for Mallinckrodt.

It would have been a different story had the U.S. elections turned out differently. However, President-elect Donald Trump doesn't appear to have any plans to change how Medicare pays for prescription drugs.Mallinckrodt shouldn't have to worry too much about Medicare pushback on Acthar.

Mallinckrodt's shares now trade at less than seven times forward earnings. That makes the stock one of the cheapest healthcare alternatives available for investors. This low valuation is a direct result of fears about Acthar, which I think are overblown. Mallinckrodt isn't too risky to buy right now in my opinion. Concerns about its risk make it an even better buy than it was before.

Forget the 2016 Election: 10 stocks we like better than Mallinckrodt Donald Trump was just elected president, and volatility is up. But here's why you should ignore the election:

Investing geniuses Tom and David Gardner have spent a long time beating the market no matter who's in the White House. In fact, the newsletter they have run for over a decade, Motley Fool Stock Advisor, has tripled the market.*

David and Tom just revealed what they believe are the ten best stocks for investors to buy right now... and Mallinckrodt wasn't one of them! That's right -- they think these 10 stocks are even better buys.

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Keith Speights has no position in any stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. Try any of our Foolish newsletter services free for 30 days. We Fools may not all hold the same opinions, but we all believe that considering a diverse range of insights makes us better investors. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy.
Image source: Getty Images.

Pfizer's (NYSE: PFE) stock jumped last week based on a Reuters report that the company could be planning to unload its consumer health unit for $14 billion. The potential spin-off would be great news for shareholders, helping to refocus Pfizer on specialty drugs, which have higher profit margins.

Still, I'd take the rumor with a grain of salt, since Reuters cited anonymous sources and provided no word on whether Pfizer was considering a sale, an asset swap, or a tax-free spinoff -- such as it did with animal health unit Zoetis.

All that being said, here's why Pfizer may soon prove breaking up isn't really that hard to do.

Pfizer's CEO assessingspin-off

While Pfizer officially abandoned the idea of any kind of corporate split several months ago, CEO Ian Read hinted the company was rethinking things in its third-quarter earnings release. Specifically, Read said the drug giant was assessing whether the over-the-counter (OTC) segment was worth more inside or outside the company.

To be fair, divesting a unit isn't the same as a restructuring, and besides, going back a few years, Pfizer already spun off its consumer health biz -- in 2006 to Johnson & Johnson. Three years later, Pfizer bulked the unit back up by acquiring Wyeth. And then, it slimmed down again by selling nutrition and animal health businesses to Nestle and Zoetis.

While that doesn't guarantee what Pfizer might do next, the $14 billion price tag certainly looks doable. The consumer unit pulls in $3.5 billion in sales annually, and Germany's Bayer paid $14.2 billion for Merck's consumer care business, which tallies $2 billion in annual sales.

In addition, multiple companies are trying to grow their OTC units, so if Pfizer divests, it should quickly find a buyer. Among publicly traded companies, Sanofi, which has a substantial OTC business, has been mentioned as a possible candidate. But privately held Reckitt Benckiser looks more likely, since it has alreadysaid it would be first in line if Pfizer was looking for a buyer for itsOTC unit.

Cashing in OTC unit would unlock value for investors

While Pfizer arguably has transformed its R&D and pipeline,the stock is flat for the year.Last quarter, management reported Pfizer's sales grew 8% to $13 billion, but earnings fell 38% to $1.32 billion ($0.21 per share). Investors promptly dropped the stock an additional 2%.

Read focused on the company's recent acquisitions in the earnings call, specifically Medivation and Anacor Pharmaceuticals, saying they provided near-term opportunities. But over the past five years, Pfizer's revenue growth has been negative and the marketclearlyhas become impatient and needsto see sustained top-line growth,starting now.

While Pfizer couldprovide that going forward, with the company's cancer drug Ibrance and Medivation's Xtandi likely tokick in lots of firepower and avery impressive pipeline with over 90 studies ongoing, achieving consistent top-line growth with no hiccups is going to be a tall order, particularly with patent expirations on Viagra in 2017 and Lyrica in 2019.

Meanwhile, Pfizer has been continuallybadgered to break up the company to unlock value, since the pharma trades at a forward PE multiple of around 12.5, one of the lowest valuations in its peer group. Similarly sized Merck trades at 15.4, while AstraZeneca trades at around 16. The market seems to value Pfizer less because its disparate businesses are assumed to weaken its focus, often referred to as the conglomerate discount.

Divesting a low-margin unit wouldallow a higher multiple to be applied to the remaining company, which many see as a good way to lift the stock price. Even better, theOTC unit could possibly be sold for more than $14 billion, since Merck put its consumer health unit for sale at $10 billion, only to see it go for $14 billion due to multiple companies bidding up the price.

But will it happen?

The aggressiveness with which Pfizer tookonnew dealsthis yearspiked its debt/equity (D/E) ratio to wheretotal debt is 70% of its total equity,up from60% at the end of last year. That level of risk is a tad concerning, and meanwhile, the company's dividend has a frankly worrying payoutof around 100%, compared to a median of 58%over the past 13 years.

Divesting its consumer unit should helpthe debt level, but of course only company insiders know what Pfizer is actually planning. Still, with the surprise loss of Hilary Clinton, which will reduce pricing headwinds, I'd expect multiple major pharmas, not just Pfizer, to consider cashing in on slower-growing segments to refocus on high-margin specialty drugs.

In sum,Pfizer's break-up isback on the table and could start with the OTC unit. I wouldn't hold my breath; it might not happen this year or next. But one thing is certain-- Pfizer is going to be badgered by impatient investors until it divests or splits, or until it starts delivering better earnings and revenue growth.

Forget the 2016 Election: 10 stocks we like better than Pfizer Donald Trump was just elected president, and volatility is up. But here's why you should ignore the election:

Investing geniuses Tom and David Gardner have spent a long time beating the market no matter who's in the White House. In fact, the newsletter they have run for over a decade, Motley Fool Stock Advisor, has tripled the market.*

David and Tom just revealed what they believe are the ten best stocks for investors to buy right now and Pfizer wasn't one of them! That's right -- they think these 10 stocks are even better buys.

Click here to learn about these picks!

*Stock Advisor returns as of November 7, 2016

Cheryl Swanson owns shares of Johnson and Johnson. The Motley Fool recommends AstraZeneca and Johnson and Johnson. 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.
Republican Gov.-elect Chris Sununu said on Friday that maintaining "frugality" while providing good services to state residents will be a driving principle as he crafts the next two-year state budget.

Sununu addressed state agency heads alongside outgoing Democratic Gov. Maggie Hassan as the budget writing process begins. Sununu will be sworn in in January and must present a budget by February. He didn't offer specific spending priorities in his remarks but said he'd take a "fresh look at everything we do."

"We will not let frugality out the window, by any means," he said.

Hassan, who defeated freshman Republican U.S. Sen. Kelly Ayotte in the nation's closest Senate race, used her remarks to highlight successes during her two terms as governor and offered her vision for the future. She noted New Hampshire ended fiscal year 2016 with an estimated surplus of $130 million, suggesting that money could be used to fund new priorities in the upcoming budget.

Those priorities should include providing money for the substance abuse crisis, adding more workers at the Division for Children, Youth and Families, increasing school building aid and addressing the recent drought's impact on farmers, Hassan said. She said the state must remain committed to "wise investments" in infrastructure and providing a safety net for "our most vulnerable citizens."

The future of New Hampshire's Medicaid expansion program, which passed under Hassan, remains uncertain under Sununu and Republican President-elect Donald Trump.

The next few months require a careful dance between the outgoing and incoming administrations, as the budget process is beginning before Hassan leaves office. Charlie Arlinghaus, who is leading Sununu's budget efforts during transition, sat at the table Friday alongside Meredith Telus, Hassan's budget director.

Hassan said her office "is committed to supporting Governor-elect Sununu's team in any way possible during this transition."

Friday also marked the first day Sununu shared an executive council table with Hassan and Democratic businessman and councilor Colin Van Ostern, his former gubernatorial rival, since the election.
Former Commerce Secretary Bill Daley is concerned over President-elect Donald Trumps tough trade talk.

Theres some serious issues there taking not just the rhetoric of the campaign but what I think a large part of President-elect Trumps base wants visa vi globalization and a fear of globalization. Does the President-elect double-down on sort of what he said, or does he begin to walk away and take a more traditional view that Paul Ryan and other Republicans in Congress have around trade and trade issues? he told the FOX Business Networks Maria Bartiromo.

When it comes to appointing a Commerce Secretary, in Daleys opinion, its important to hire someone familiar with business.

We are only 5% of the worlds population and so it is imperative that we have good relationships to sell our goods around the world. At the same time we have to defend those jobs and those companies in the U.S. from unfair trade practices that other countries absolutely do, he said.

On day one, Trump promised to declare China a currency manipulator. While this would be a major step, Daly said not sticking to his word will have consequences.

If he doesnt do it then his base I assume will say wait a minute, is this a message that youre rolling back to be the usual sort of Republican they would have turned away from had he been or will he stay with that?

He added: People are cynical about politicians and say they dont really mean what they say One of the reasons I think Donald Trump was elected was because people believed that he believed what he said.
Iraq would have to compensate international oil companies for limits placed on their production, according to industry sources and documents seen by Reuters, further reducing the prospect it will join any OPEC deal to curb the group's output.

The compensation, according to the excerpt seen by Reuters, "may include, amongst other things, a revised field production schedule or an extension to the term or payment of all or part lost income to contractor".

"Immediately after (an) SOC notice of ... production curtailment, the parties shall agree ... a mechanism to promptly fully compensate (the) contractor as soon as possible," according to an excerpt of the contract the ministry signed with BP in 2009 for the company to develop the 20-billion-barrel Rumaila field.

OPEC member Iraq pays developers a fixed dollar-denominated fee for every barrel of oil produced in the south of the country - home to its biggest reserves - under technical service contracts agreed between the international firms and the state-owned South Oil Company (SOC).

The compensation - stipulated in contracts - would compound the financial hit of losing much-needed revenue from crude sales, if the cash-strapped country were to yield to OPEC entreaties to curtail national production.

The same clause also applies to other fields covered by the technical service contracts in the south, including fields being developed by Anglo-Dutch firm Shell, U.S. major Exxon Mobil and Italy's Eni, according to industry sources.

A Shell spokeswoman said it did not comment on contracts. Exxon declined to comment and Eni did not immediately reply to a request for comment.

A senior oil official with SOC told Reuters the country would not have to worry about curtailment clauses because it had no plans to limit production.

"On the contrary, we're encouraging the foreign companies to raise production as much as they can," said the official, who declined to be named as they are not authorized to speak publicly.

'EVERY DOLLAR NEEDED'

The Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries agreed in Algiers in late September to limit its collective output to 32.5-33 million barrels per day (bpd). The group's production hit a record 33.64 million bpd in October.

Iraq has asked to be exempted from output curbs, arguing it is still trying to regain market share lost when sanctions were imposed in the 1990s during the Saddam Hussein era, and that it needs to keep up a costly battle against Islamic State.

"OPEC must submit to the fact that Iraq must stay away from any possible output cut deal because the country is in the middle of a tough war and every single dollar is needed to keep it standing on its feet," a senior government official close to Prime Minister Haider al-Abadi told Reuters.

Iraq put its output at 4.77 million bpd in October and said it would not go back to below 4.7 million bpd.

"Not for OPEC, not for anybody else," said Falah al-Amri, Iraq's OPEC governor and head of the country's state marketer SOMO.

There is, however, no certainty over how the discussions will play out at an OPEC meeting on Nov. 30.

As a consequence, the Iraqi oil ministry and oil companies will not be able to finalize their 2017 spending plans until after the meeting, to have enough clarity on what route Iraq will take on its near-term production ambitions, an industry source told Reuters.

Iraq has been making great efforts to ensure it pays its dues to oil firms promptly and oil minister Jabar Ali al-Luaibi has made boosting production in the country a priority.

"[Iraq] is one of the countries in the region that doesn't have large foreign reserves, so will want to continue to maximize its revenue," said Jessica Brewer, Middle East upstream oil analyst at UK-based consultancy Wood Mackenzie.

She added that while most Middle Eastern OPEC members had all or most of their production operated by national oil companies, Iraq was one of the few that relied on international oil companies for the majority of its output.

(Writing by Ahmad Ghaddar; editing by Pravin Char and Jason Neely)
Designer Sophie Theallet isnt a fan of President-elect Donald Trump and has announced shes refusing to dress the next first lady, Melania Trump.

As one who celebrates and strives for diversity, individual freedom, and respect for all lifestyles, I will not participate in dressing or associating in any way with the next First Lady, Theallet wrote in an open letter she posted to Twitter on Thursday. The rhetoric of racism, sexism, and xenophobia unleashed by her husbands presidential campaign are incompatible with the shared values we live by.

Theallet, 52, is a French-born designer who grew to prominence by dressing current first lady Michelle Obama on a number of occasions.

As an immigrant in this country, I have been blessed with the opportunity to pursue my dreams in the USA, she added. Dressing the First Lady Michelle Obama for the past 8 years has been a highlight and an honor. She has contributed to having our name recognized and respected worldwide.

In addition to eliminating herself from the potential list of designers who may dress Trump during her tenure, Theallet is calling on all designers to join the boycott. Integrity is our only true currency, she wrote.

Trumps fashion choices this election season have garnered much attention. She famously wore a $1,100 hot pink Gucci p---y-bow silk top to the second presidential debate. On election night, she wore an all-white off-the-shoulder Ralph Lauren jumpsuit.

This article originally appeared in Page Six.
A 23-year-old dentist and medical student died after experiencing an allergic reaction on the operating table, where she was supposed to undergo cosmetic surgery.

Maria Delyukina went to private clinic in Volgograd, southern Russia, to have her lips enlarged and chin re-profiled, Central European News (CEN) reported.

While the team administered anesthesia, Delyukina suffered massive anaphylactic shock. Though the team tried to stabilize her and transport her to emergency care, she died before she arrived at the hospital.

Anaphylactic shock, a severe allergic reaction to a drug or substance, can cause fatal breathing complications or low blood pressure.

Officials plan to conduct an autopsy to figure out why pre-operative tests didnt detect the womans allergy, CEN reported.
A Minnesota woman filed a lawsuit against her 17-year-old child, the county and a handful of other agencies after she claimed that her child was receiving transgender services without her permission.

Anmarie Calgaro says St. Louis County, St. Louis County Public Health and Human Services Director, Fairview Health Services, Park Nicollet Health Services, St. Louis County School District, Principal of the Cherry School treated her child as an emancipated minor, according to the lawsuit.

"Why wasn't I even notified? I feel that my constitutional rights have been stripped from me," Calgaro told reporters, according to KMSP-TV. "If this had been a child custody case, I would've had my day in court. I'm firmly committed to what is best for my son. I'm his mother, and he has always been and always will be welcome in our home."

The lawsuit claims that state law provides no way for Calgaro to challenge the emancipation status, which is a violation of her constitutional rights. She also alleges that her parental involvement had been repeatedly circumvented.

According to KMSP-TV, Mid-Minnesota Legal Aid Clinic advised the teen in 2015 that they were emancipated without a court order. No legal action had been taken to terminate Calgaros parental rights.

Park Nicollet Minneapolis Gender Services and Fairview provided the teen medical treatment for a sex change from male to female and prescribed narcotics, the station reported. The services were paid for through the St. Louis County Public Health and Human Services.

The school district said in a statement that the 17-year-old had been classified as an adult and denied Calgaro any access to their educational records and barred Calgaro from any educational decision marking.

Furthermore, the teens application for name change had been denied by the country district court.

Erick Kaardal, special counsel to the Thomas More Society, which represents Calgaro, told The Washington Times that Calgaro and her child still have a good relationship despite the lawsuit.

They have a good rapport, Kaardal said. So in that way its really not a typical emancipation case. But the idea of the government funding him, funding medical services, just goes too far with respect to parental rights.

Click for more from KMSP-TV.
Finding a lump down there is one of the most terrifying things a guy can experience. But if the lump really is testicular cancer, catching it early could save your life.

Testicular cancer is one of the most curable forms of cancer, but your chances of beating it drop if it spreads before its diagnosed.

For example, 99 percent of men with localized testicular cancermeaning it hasnt spread from the testissurvive more than 5 years. But the rate drops to 74 percent once it spreads to distant organs, according to data from the National Cancer Institutes Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results Program (SEER).

Heres how to be proactive about your own testicular health.

Related: The Mens Health Better Man Project2,000+ Quick Tricks For Living Your Healthiest Life

Should You Perform Regular Testicular Self Exams?

Currently, the U.S. Preventive Task Force recommends against routine testicular self exams.

A big part of that is because they believe that guys might be unnecessarily stressed out by finding things on the self exam that they think are harmfulbut arent, says Tobias Kohler, M.D., a spokesperson for the American Urological Association and an associate professor of urology at Southern Illinois University School of Medicine.

Its possible that parts of your testicular anatomysay, your spermatic cord or epididymis, the tube that connects your testicle to your vas deferensmight feel bumpy enough to freak you out, but they are perfectly normal, says Dr. Kohler.

At your next visit with your doctor, ask him or her to point them out to you so you know what they feel like.

Related: 15 Facts You Didnt Know About Your Penis

Once you have these structures squared away, you should be able to pick up on any potentially problematic changes in your testicles, says Dr. Kohler.

Thats why many urology experts still believe its smart to check your balls.

In fact, Dr. Kohler and Mens Health urology advisor Larry Lipshultz, M.D., both recommend you examine your testicles once a month. Heres how to get started.

How Perform a Testicular Self Exam

The best place to give your testicles a once-over is in the shower.

Related: 6 Things You Should Never Do In the Shower

Thats because the warmth will relax your scrotum and make it easier for you to feel any abnormalities, says Nicholas Cost, M.D., a urologist and assistant professor at the University of Colorado.

Start at the top of your left testicle. Hold it between your thumb and fingers of both hands, and gently roll it between your fingers as you move down. Repeat on the right side.

Be on the lookout for any hard lumps, smooth or rounded bumps, or unusual changes in the size, shape, and consistency of your testicle, Dr. Cost says.

You might not be able to feel a mass itself, but it could make your testicle feel very firm.

Related: 5 Scary Things That Happen to Your Penis When You Age

It can be scary to find something weird, but just know that not all irregularities you find on your self exam point definitively to testicular cancer, says Dr. Kohler.

For instance, if your testicles feel like what can only be described as a bag of worms, you might have varicoceles, or enlarged veins in your testicles.

You may also find innocuous bumps that are just cysts or the result of a testicular torsion, which is a painful condition where your testicle gets twisted and swells up.

Only your doctor can know for sure, though. So if you notice a bump or lump that feels different, suddenly appears, or just worries you, schedule an appointment with your urologist right away.

Additional reporting by Paige Fowler, Joelle Smith, and Erin Weaver.

This article originally appeared on Menshealth.com.
Its no secret that ObamaCare isnt going very well and that at least a partial repeal may be looming under the Trump administration. So-called comprehensive insurance creates more problems than it solves  in my practice, a regulatory chokehold limits referrals and treatments  and doctors have been fleeing from it in increasing numbers.

As of a year ago, at least 20 percent of doctors were not accepting new Medicare patients, 25 percent were not seeing Medicaid patients at all and 43 percent were not participating in the ObamaCare exchanges.

So what might the doctors office of the future look like if ObamaCare is scaled back?

There will likely be more competition, more choice and more out-of-pocket payments, with less regulation.

There will be more national insurance companies providing more health care plans to choose from. If more patients made payments upfront and then submitted claims to insurance for reimbursement, it would take pressure off the doctors office.

Instead of not knowing the true cost of a health care service because the insurance is covering it rather than the patient, instead certain treatments or tests that are not directly lifesaving but are more focused on improving could be paid for out-of-pocket by tax-deductible, expanded health savings accounts (HSAs), as President-elect Trump proposes. These HSAs could roll over from one family member to the next, from one year to the next, and from one generation to the next. You could save some each year for a rainy day. If you were using your HSA to pay for your ankle xray just to make sure a simple twist is only a sprain, or your calcium scoring coronary ct scan even though your ekg is normal and your internist insists you are at low risk of heart disease, believe me, you would be much more aware of the cost and would be motivated to find out who in town does the best job at the lowest price.

As a gatekeeper, I would combine price lists along with my lists of referrals. Patients who needed more of my time would pay me more, and I would factor in all the time I spend documenting on the computer.

Tort reform would lesson my worry that a very rare complication or an unsatisfied customer would lead quickly to a frivolous malpractice suit.

Doctors offices like mine could be transformed from regulatory swamps to places where patients would receive tax incentives for losing weight, improving their diet and increasing their exercise. Right now, we all pay higher premiums to cover those who smoke, binge drink or sit on the couch and overeat. This is hardly fair.

Instead of the government subsidizing almost every patient on the state exchanges, subsidies could be reserved for high-risk pools to help the chronically ill who cant afford their premiums. Insurance for high-risk patients with diabetes or heart disease or cancer should be more comprehensive, because they have more needs and greater risk.

Healthier patients could choose higher-deductible catastrophic-type insurance with lower premiums than are available on the state exchanges and use their HSAs to pay for their regular care. Instead of seeing my office filled with patients with colds or coughs or back pain or for no reason other than the fact that they have insurance, I would see those who are really sick, with flu or strep or high blood pressure or going for surgery.

Further privatizing Medicare could also increase choices. Technological advances have provided more tests and treatments for people as they age and get sicker, but doctors are overwhelmed by the growing demand for services coupled with increased regulations which make it more difficult to deliver these services. House Speaker Paul Ryans plan to get rid of the Sustained Growth Formula, which outrageously penalized doctors for an overall increase in Medicare spending, and replacing with a system of rewarding quality care was celebrated by doctors everywhere.

Another Ryan proposal, block Medicaid grants to the states, could be useful if they rely on a team/efficiency model like the one Gov. John Kasich has instituted in Ohio. Most Doctors would welcome being part of a well-oiled machine rather than remain as solo practioners in an insurance system that will never pay us well as individuals.

The doctors office of the future will be a friendlier place if there are just two parties in the room: the doctor and the patient. The third party, insurance, belongs at the front desk only, and even there it should not be a looming presence.
As Donald Trump, our new president-elect, starts to plan for the future, the man he should turn to for advice may have died more than fifty years ago, but his words and deeds live on. Hes General Douglas MacArthur, who actually has a lot in common with Donald Trumpand should be one of his role models as president.

Like Trump, MacArthur was a maverick, an anti-establishment figure. His rise to supreme command in World War Two and Korea, and during the occupation of Japan, came in the teeth of opposition of Americas political elites who saw him as vain and arrogant but couldnt deny his long list of achievements reaching back to winning seven Silver Stars in World War Oneor his gift for seeing the possibility of victory when others saw only looming defeat.

Like Trump, MacArthur understood the power of the iconic image, whether it was MacArthurs corn cob pipe and the khaki hat with its gold leaf and ornate designor Donald Trumps signature hair.

MacArthur was also the ultimate phrase maker, whether its Old soldiers never die or I shall return. Its not clear if Trumps Make America Great Again will last as long; but the power to craft a phrase that conveys powerful meaning to millions in a few short words was MacArthurs gift, as well as Trumps.

And like Trump, MacArthurs appeal to his fellow Americans was based on his reputation as a doer and a winner, whether it was telling the 1928 US Olympic team he headed, Americans never quit and bringing home the most gold medals in US history, or liberating the Philippines and helping to defeat Japan in World War Two, or his success in crushing first North Korean and then Chinese forces in the war in Korea.

In fact, it was his MacArthurs determination to win in Korea by any means necessary, including nuclear weapons, and his public declaration that, there is no substitute for victory, that led to his dismissal by President Truman in April 1951and MacArthurs run for the presidency the following year.

He never made it. Dwight Eisenhower got the Republican nomination instead, but it was MacArthurs popularity and his outspoken challenge to the liberal elites that cleared the path for the first GOP president in two decades.

Now that Trump has achieved what MacArthur couldnt, what advice would the old soldier offer the new president-elect?

First, stand your ground. There will be a temptation to soften positions on key issues that got you elected, whether its repealing ObamaCare or illegal immigration or crushing ISIS. Dont. Tough, outspoken, and uncompromising leadership was MacArthurs hallmark; it should be President Trumps, as well.

Second, trust your gut. Thats what MacArthur did in August 1950, when the war in Korea seemed totally lost and everyone, including the Joint Chiefs, advised him against launching an amphibious landing at Inchon. MacArthur didnt listen; he trusted his instinct that he would catch the North Koreans by surprise. The result was one of the most brilliant feats of arms in American history. His advice to Trump today would be: your instincts got you here. Let them guide you on the path forward.

Third, know your enemy. MacArthur always worked hard to understand his opponents intentions and motives, to gather enough intelligence so that (as with the Japanese in New Guinea) he often knew what they were going to do before they did. He would advise Trump to do the same. The new president must understand that the Nancy Pelosis, Harry Reids, Elizabeth Warrens, and the New York Times will never seek common ground, they have to be defeated. No substitute for victory applies as much in our politics today, as it does on the battlefield.

Finally, keep your word. MacArthurs most famous saying, I shall return, was his pledge to the Filipino people that he would set them free from the Japanese, no matter long it took. In the end, it took two and half years of hard steady fighting but MacArthur kept that promise. If he were sitting down with Trump today, he would stress the same thing.

A presidents word must be his bond, and if Trump can keep his pledge to make America great again he can reach a level of greatness that eludes many presidents, but one that will put him in a hallowed company of American heroesincluding the man with the corncob pipe.
Youre fired!

When you think about it, Ronald Reagan was Trump-ish before Donald Trump. Reagan sent a stern message to air traffic controllers at the outset of his presidency in 1981: if you break the law, I will fire you.

They did and he did.

Reagans decision to terminate 11,345 controllers who were engaged in an illegal strike was a stunning act of presidential authority and managerial leadership. It set the tone for a presidency that would refuse to tolerate lawlessness. No excuses. No political whining.

When he takes office in January 2017, President Trump may face a similar defining moment. Will he allow big city mayors to defy federal law by protecting illegal immigrants in their so-called sanctuary cities?

Trump cant fire them. But he can take away their federal money. In some cases, he could prosecute them or other city officials should they continue to flaunt and obstruct the law.

Chicago Mayor Rahm Emanuel all but dared Mr. Trump to do so when he declared, Chicago will always be a sanctuary city. So did Mayors in New York, Los Angeles, Philadelphia, San Francisco, Minneapolis and Seattle.

President-elect Trump has vowed to deport millions of illegal immigrants. If cities and counties across America refuse to abide by the law, if they refuse to comply with requests by Immigration and Customs Enforcement officials, the new president may decide it is high time to do what President Reagan did. That is, take aggressive legal action against them.

What Is A Sanctuary City?

More than 300 cities and counties have sanctuary policies. For some, it is simply a political statement. They have taken no real action to give sanctuary to people who are there illegally.

But other cities like San Francisco actively protect illegal immigrants. They refuse to turn over people who committed low-level crimes to federal agents for deportation. And when ICE asks for a hold on a prisoner, the city ignores it. Often they walk free.

That is what led to the tragic shooting death of Kate Steinle in July of last year. Juan Francisco Lopez Sanchez of Mexico was in the U.S. illegally. He had 7 felony convictions and was deported 5 times. He kept slipping back through our border, seeking refuge in the safe haven of San Francisco.

Sanchez was in the custody of the San Francisco Sheriff on drug charges when ICE issued a detainer for him requesting that he be held until the feds could pick him up. Instead of handing him over, the Sheriff followed the citys sanctuary policy by ignoring immigration authorities. He opened the jail doors setting the prisoner free. Sanchez then shot Steinle to death as she was walking with her father on a San Francisco pier.

Steinles death ignited opposition to sanctuary cities. During the campaign, Mr. Trump cited her case specifically as he vowed to end the practice of giving sanctuary to criminals who are here illegally.

Giving Sanctuary Is Against The Law

President Obama has refused to take action against cities like San Francisco that shield illegal immigrants even after arrests or criminal convictions. He has deliberately ignored existing federal law. The Illegal Immigration Reform Act of 1996 requires states and municipalities to cooperate with federal authorities on immigration requests:

A state or local government entity or official may not prohibit, or in any way restrict sending to, or receiving from, the Immigration and Naturalization Service information regarding the citizenship or immigration status, lawful or unlawful, of any individual. (8 U.S. Code, section 1373)

That same law allows President Obama to withhold federal financial support from those cities that continue to thwart the law. Yet, he has taken no action. If he had, perhaps Kate Steinle would be alive today.

Even Mr. Obamas own Justice Department seems aghast at the Presidents refusal to enforce the law. The DOJs Inspector General issued a report concluding that the policies and practices of sanctuary jurisdictions violate federal law and they are, therefore, ineligible for federal funds. The Supremacy Clause of the U.S. Constitution gives primacy to federal law over contrary state or local laws. Does any of that matter to President Obama? Clearly not.

President-elect Trump has promised to take a different course, vowing to withhold federal dollars from cities that protect people who are here illegally. What would that mean? For a large metropolitan area such as San Francisco, it could lose a billion dollars in federal money which supports transportation (buses and trains), welfare payments, food stamps, roads and bridges, housing, law enforcement, Medicaid, and public safety projects.

Politicians love to take public stands on their idealistic principles, however misguided they may be. Until, of course, you hit them in the wallet. When faced with budgetary catastrophes like the loss of $ 1 billion dollars, they often exhibit a sudden change of heart. Funny how that works.

Prosecute City Officials

If the carrot and stick approach fails to force city officials to abide by the law, perhaps President Trump should begin charging people with crimes. He can do so under another federal statute which makes it a felony to shield someone who is here illegally:

Any person who, knowing that an alien has come to the U.S. in violation of law, conceals, harbors, or shields from detection such alien in any place, including any building shall be imprisoned not more than 5 years. (8 U.S. Code, section 1324)

Five years behind bars might give city officials pause to rethink their sanctuary philosophy. But theres an added punishment written in the law: if someone dies because a city official decided not to comply with federal law, as in the Steinle case, the maximum penalty is life behind bars. Im pretty sure thatll get the attention of some sheriffs, police chiefs and mayors.

Whether President Trump and his Department of Justice will decide to criminally prosecute city officials who thumb their noses at federal law is unknown. How many innocent victims like Kate Steinle have to die before people realize that most laws exist for a reason to protect citizens.

I have a feeling that Ronald Reagan might have done it. Maybe President Trump will channel his inner-Reagan and make the right decision.

If he doesnt, how can he call himself the law and order" president?
Given the chance to speak out on the world stage against the anti-democratic, alt-radical left protests against President-elect Donald Trump, President Obama on Thursday incredibly chose instead to encourage the out-of-control behavior.

I would not advise people who feel strongly or are concerned about some of the issues that have been raised during the course of the campaign -- I wouldn't advise them to be silent, Obama said, in a joint press conference with German Chancellor Angela Merkel.

Well, some of these protests have been violent, and the situation cries out for leadership from the White House. But the lack of condemnation falls in line with everything that President Obama stands for. I tried to warn the country and everyone back in 2008 that Obama was a disciple of the alt-radical left, pointing out that he embraces the Saul Alinsky Rules for Radical tactics.

TOUGHEN UP, CRYBABIES, TRUMP IS YOUR NEXT PRESIDENT

All the signs were there: He palled around with unrepentant domestic terrorists Bill Ayers and Bernardine Dohrn, starting his political career in their living room. For 20 years, he sat in the pews of the Rev. Jeremiah Wright, the man who told his congregants God d--- America.

Since the president now refuses to speak out against these anti-democratic agitators, let me remind him about what has been going on:

In the president's hometown of Chicago, a man was severely beaten by an angry mob after a traffic incident because they thought he was a Trump supporter.

A mother in Texas is under investigation after allegedly kicking her 7-year-old son out of the house because he voted for Donald Trump in a mock election at school.

These are just two of many examples. We've also seen continual protests all across the country that have resulted in the destruction of property, unlawful behavior and arrests.

Consider President Obamas predecessor, President George W. Bush. He stayed out of the political arena, and he let Obama do his job. President Bush never responded to President Obama's relentless blaming and name calling. Instead, he took the high road Democrats often speak about but rarely travel.

FOUR ESSENTIAL THINGS DOUGLAS MACARTHUR WOULD TELL PRESIDENT-ELECT DONALD TRUMP

I don't think it's good for the country to have a former president undermine a current president, Bush told me in an interview a few years back, explaining why he didnt respond to criticism from his successor. I think it's bad for the presidency, for that matter.

Why do I suspect President Obama will never show the same amount of grace and respect when it comes to Donald Trump and his presidency? Here's my prediction: President Obama will not be able to contain himself, and he will go after Mr. Trump every single chance he gets once Obama is out of office.

And here's another thing. After Donald Trump's sweeping victory, President Obama has been in complete and utter denial that the election had anything to do with him or his failed policies. The facts say otherwise. Since 2009, Democrats have lost 13 U.S. Senate seats, 64 U.S. House seats, 13 governorship and 33 statehouses.

Wow! What a legacy.

Our next president, Donald Trump, has been handed a huge mess. It is almost beyond repair, thanks to President Obama, and that's why this election was so important. But Republicans now have control, and no excuses for not fixing things.

President-elect Trump needs to keep in mind that the media is never going to like him, especially after WikiLeaks exposed that CNBC, MSNBC, CNN, The New York Times and many others were openly colluding with the Clinton campaign.

The president-elect also needs to understand the Republican establishment is not going to be his friend, either. He needs to stay focused and remember the promises he made to you, the American people. And unlike President Obama, when Trump takes office, he must call out lawless behavior disguised as protests when it threatens the lives and property of U.S. citizens.

Adapted from Sean Hannity's opening monologue on "Hannity" Nov. 17, 2016
President-elect Donald Trump's campaign manager Kellyanne Conway said Thursday that the U.S. government's relationship with Moscow during Trump's presidency "depends an awful lot on Russia."

Conway spoke with "The O'Reilly Factor" hours after President Barack Obama encouraged his successor to "stand up to Russia where they are deviating from our values and international norms," in addition to "finding areas where we can cooperate" with Moscow.

"[That] cuts right to the heart of what many in the media have been saying about Donald Trump and Vladimir Putin," Conway told host Eric Bolling, "that somehow theyre friends and intimates and Donald Trumps going to work with Vladimir Putin. We just heard President Obama say, Find constructive ways to work with Russia when it is in Americas best interests and find ways to push back when its not. Thats what Donald Trump has been saying on the campaign trail all along."

Conway also discussed this weekend's planned meeting between Trump and 2012 GOP nominee Mitt Romney, who repeatedly criticized Trump during the campaign.

"Mitt Romneys a job creator. Hes an American success story. He knows a lot about the world. Many things that Mitt Romney talked about in his 2012 election with respect to the world stage have come true," Conway said. "And I anticipate meeting a meeting of the minds and of two equal partners in terms of those who love their country and want to make sure we have a peaceful and democratic transition into the next administration and we know that Gov. Romney can add to that conversation."

Conway played down speculation that Romney could be asked to join Trump's administration, saying that "not every conversation Mr. Trump is having this week as the President-elect is going to lead to a Cabinet position [or] is going to lead to a senior strategy role. He is a man who listens and who learns, and one listens and learns from him as well, so its always a two-way street."
President-elect Donald Trump doesnt plan to nominate or appoint any of his children to a formal role in his administration.

Yet, his plan for three of them to run his sprawling business empire while he is in the White House is still drawing fire from ethics watchdogs who say it would pose too many potential conflicts of interest.

Trumps umbrella company, Trump Organization, has begun taking steps to transfer management to Donald Jr., Eric and Ivanka Trump and a team of highly skilled executives, according to a company spokesman. Last week, he appointed all three to the executive committee of his transition team, which is charged with choosing the administration officials who will run government agencies, some of whose decisions could affect the company.

Hope Hicks, a spokeswoman for Trump, said Thursday that none of his children are planning to formally join their fathers administration, but didnt respond to questions about whether any might play an informal role. Trumps son-in-law, Jared Kushner, is expected to serve in some capacity in the White House, compounding concerns about his wife, Ivanka, taking control of the familys business. Kushner also may choose to play an informal advisory role without taking a formal White House staff position.

Those potential overlaps have drawn criticism from ethics experts in both parties. We were told they were going to separate the business from the presidency, said Richard Painter, the chief White House ethics lawyer for Republican President George W. Bush. Within the first week, theyve contradicted that.

Click for more from the Wall Street Journal.
Advocates accused a Georgia lawmaker of targeting Muslim women with proposed changes to a 1951 state law passed to unmasked the Ku Klux Klan, creating a backlash that prompted the Republican legislator to quickly discard the idea.



State Rep. Jason Spencer came under fire from the American Civil Liberties Union and Muslim advocacy groups who called his proposal a veiled attempt to ban Muslim women from wearing scarves and other religious headgear that covers their faces in public -- just as the law has prohibited Klan members from wearing masks during rallies and marches on public property.



"It is a naked and despicable attempt to exploit the current wave of anti-Muslim sentiment by targeting Muslim women," Heather Weaver, an attorney for the American Civil Liberties Union in Washington, said Thursday.



Spencer said the bill he introduced for next year's session of the Georgia Legislature would simply be "adding clarity" to a law passed decades ago to safeguard against what he called "threats from masked terrorists." And he insisted he wasn't targeting any specific group.



But by Thursday evening Spencer announced in a statement posted on the Georgia House website that he was withdrawing his proposal "due to the visceral reaction it has created." He confirmed the decision in an email to The Associated Press.



"While this bill does not contain language that specifically targets any group, I am mindful of the perception that it has created," Spencer's statement said. "My objective was to address radical elements that could pose a threat to public safety."



One thing neither side mentioned amid the controversy: Georgia's highest court has narrowly interpreted the 1951 law to apply only when one wears a mask to intimidate others.



Spencer's bill made no mention of Islam or religious garments, but it clearly took aim at women. Although the existing law states that a person commits a misdemeanor "when he wears a mask" or other face-hiding garment on public property, Spencer's version would amend it to read "he or she."



The proposal also would have banned people from wearing anything that conceals their faces in photographs used for Georgia driver's licenses and other official state IDs -- something the Georgia Department of Driver Services already prohibits.



"It makes it clear the law is targeted at people of faith, especially women who wear face veils," said Edward Ahmed Mitchell, executive director of the Georgia chapter of the Council of American-Islamic Relations. "This is a slap in the face of Georgia Muslims."



Aisha Yaqoob, executive director of the Georgia Muslim Voter Project, said the lawmaker's proposal came at a frightening time considering "the rhetoric we saw during the election season."



Known as the "Anti-Mask Act," the original law was approved 65 years ago when masked Klansmen used threats and violence to intimidate blacks and other minority groups in Georgia. Supporters of the law argued masked hoods allowed Klan members to terrorize in anonymity. Victims of Klan violence could rarely identify their attackers for prosecution.



That law has never been used to stop people from covering their heads or faces for religious reasons. And it doesn't look like that would have been allowed even if Spencer's bill became law.



In 1990, the Georgia Supreme Court rejected a suing Klan member's argument that the anti-mask law "criminalizes a substantial amount of innocent behavior" such as wearing a ski mask in the winter or wearing sunglasses.



In upholding the anti-mask law, Georgia's high court ruled it applied "only to mask-wearing conduct" that "provokes a reasonable apprehension of intimidation, threats or violence."



Under the court's narrow interpretation, the lawmaker's proposed changes wouldn't apply to Muslim women "because they're not wearing their gear to intimidate anybody," said Michael Perry, a law professor at Emory University who specializes in constitutional law and religion.



"The only effect there of adding `she' is it makes clear what was already known -- that the law applies to female Klan members as well as male Klan members," Perry said.



Spencer's proposal to prohibit face-covering garb in driver's license photos was essentially redundant. The Georgia Department of Driver Services allows people to wear religious headgear in their photos -- but its rules say any headscarves or other coverings must be adjusted to make the entire face visible.
Retired Lt. Gen. Michael Flynn on Friday accepted President-elect Donald Trump's offer to be his national security adviser, Fox News confirmed.

Flynn, who served as the director of the Defense Intelligence Agency (DIA) between 2012 and 2014, has advised Trump on national security issues for months. As national security adviser, he would work in the White House and have frequent access to the president.

The position does not require confirmation by the Senate. Whoever holds it is typically shielded from congressional requests to testify or produce documents.

GENERAL VS. GENERAL: POWELL, FLYNN FEUD OVER HACKED EMAIL SLAMS

After leaving the DIA, Flynn became a virulent critic of the Obama administration and the Pentagon. He took issue with a wide range of national security policies, including the administration's approach to fighting ISIS and, more generally, its handling of global affairs.

Flynn asserted that he had been forced out of the DIA because he disagreed with the administration's approach to combating extremism. His critics, however, claimed he had mismanaged the agency and that his efforts to force change had met with internal resistance.



In recent public comments, including his fiery address at July's Republican National Convention, Flynn has emphasized his view that the threat posed by ISIS requires a more aggressive U.S. military, as well as his belief that Washington should work more closely with Moscow.

Flynn is also a champion of renegotiating the Iran nuclear deal, another foreign policy theme Trump pushed during the campaign.

But Flynn's warmth toward Russia has worried some national security experts. Flynn traveled last year to Moscow, where he joined Russian President Vladimir Putin and other Russian officials in a celebration of the RT network, Russia's government-controlled television channel. Flynn later explained that he had been paid for taking part in the event, but brushed aside concerns that he was aiding a Russian propaganda effort.



Flynn has also been outspoken in his alarms about the dangers of Islamist groups, complaining on CNN in June that the U.S. needs to "discredit" radical Islam, but that "we're not allowed to do that right now." He blamed the Obama administration in a New York Post op-ed in July for failing to design a coherent strategy for opposing ISIS. And in August, he spoke at an event in Dallas for the anti-Islamist group Act for America, saying that Islam "is a political ideology" and that it "definitely hides behind being a religion."



Flynn's dark warnings about Islam have not extended to the Islamist-leaning authoritarian Turkish government headed by President Recep Tayyip Erdogan. In an op-ed for the Washington newspaper The Hill just before the election, Flynn wrote that "our ally Turkey" needs support and echoed Erdogan's warnings that a "shady" Turkish leader now exiled in Pennsylvania should not be given safe harbor in the U.S. Erdogan has called for the extradition of the exile, Fethullah Gullen, but the Obama administration has made no move to comply.



Flynn's military experience might have made him seem like a natural choice to lead the Pentagon. But without a waiver from Congress, he is not eligible to be secretary of defense because federal law says "a person may not be appointed as secretary of defense within seven years after relief from active duty as a commissioned officer."

Two sources told Fox News earlier this week that Flynn's potential appointment is seen by Trump's team as a way to tap into his national security expertise, without subjecting him to intensive questioning.

During the campaign, Flynn was thought of as a potential running mate for Trump. However, he appeared to fall out of favor after implying that he was pro-choice in a television interview.

FLYNN CLARIFIES HIS ABORTION STANCE, SAYS HE'S 'PRO-LIFE'

Flynn told ABC's "This Week" in July that women "have to make the decision [on abortion] because they are the ones that are going to decide to bring up that child or not." The day after the interview aired, he told Fox News that he was a "pro-life Democrat."

With his public and fervent support for Trump, highlighted by his July convention appearance, Flynn challenged the military's apolitical traditions. He was not alone in that role. John Allen, a retired Marine general, spoke at the Democratic National Convention as a Hillary Clinton supporter. Their former colleague, retired Gen. Martin Dempsey, wrote in The Washington Post that Flynn and Allen were wrong to have participated as they did.



"The military is not a political prize," Dempsey wrote. "The American people should not wonder where their military leaders draw the line between military advice and political preference."



Flynn would not be the first retired general to be asked to serve as part of a president's national security team. Obama appointed retired Army Gen. David Petraeus as CIA director in 2011.



Colin Powell, who had served as chairman of Joint Chiefs of Staff at the pinnacle of his Army career, became secretary of state during President George W. Bush's first term. He also served as national security adviser to President Ronald Reagan from 1987 to 1989 while retaining his Army commission as a lieutenant general.



Retired Marine Gen. James Jones, a former commander of U.S. and NATO forces in Europe, served as Obama's first national security adviser.



Fox News' Ed Henry and James Rosen and the Associated Press contributed to this report.
Arizonas presidential electors are reportedly being hit by a flood of emails and phone calls demanding they defy the voters in their state and choose Hillary Clinton instead of President-elect Donald Trump -- as part of a last-gasp bid to overturn the election.

Since Trumps surprise victory on Nov. 8, those opposed to his election have engaged in a number of strategies to attempt to nix the election or declare it invalid. Protests, many of them violent, have erupted in cities such as Portland and New York City.

Others, noting that Clinton appears to be on track to win the popular vote but still lose the election, have called for the scrapping of the Electoral College altogether. Retiring Sen. Barbara Boxer, D-Calif., introduced a bill this week calling for the scrapping of the college  although it is almost certainly doomed to fail in a Republican-controlled Congress.

OUTGOING CALIFORNIA SEN. BOXER INTRODUCES BILL TO SCRAP ELECTORAL COLLEGE

Now in Arizona, a state which voted for Trump, activists are trying to overturn that by pushing the states members of the Electoral College to vote for someone other than Trump. The 11 members were chosen by the state Republican Party and are scheduled to assemble on Dec. 19 to cast their votes.

The Arizona Republic reports that the electors are not legally required to vote for Trump despite having pledged to support the party nominee. A number of electors told The Republic that theyve been barraged with thousands of emails, phone calls and letters urging them to break that promise.

It is total harassment, Robert Graham, an elector and chairman of the state Republican Party, said. It started about a week ago. Now? 'Bam!' Its hardcore.

Graham said most of the pleas come from out of state and include one that called a vote against Trump an epitome of patriotism.

Bruce Ash, another elector and Arizonas GOP national committeeman told the Republic he had also received hundreds in what he called an outright political maneuver. He said many of the calls were hateful.

"They demonize me, they call me a homophobic, an isolationist, a bigot, a misogynist, and an anti-Semite, which is interesting because I'm Jewish," he told the Republic.

Sharon Geise said she has received as many as 8,000 overtures, and now doesnt even dare to answer her phone.

Hillarys got a great campaign going, she said.
How on earth did fake news become so popular?

I dont mean the major media stories that some of you find unfair or exaggerated. Im talking about made-up-stuff being merchandized for clicks and profits. And since such fare spreads like wildfire on Facebook, the social network is under fire for not curbing the crap.

A Buzzfeed analysis found that the 20 top-performing bogus election stories did better on Facebook than the 20 top-performing stories from such legitimate sites as the New York Times, Washington Post, NBC and Huffington Post.

The legit stuff drew 7,367,000 shares, reactions and comments, while the fictional material drew 8,711,000 shares, reactions and comments.



Of the 20 top-performing false election stories identified in the analysis, all but three were overtly pro-Donald Trump or anti-Hillary Clinton. Two of the biggest false hits were a story claiming Clinton sold weapons to ISIS and a hoax claiming the pope endorsed Trump, which the site removed after publication of this article. The only viral false stories during the final three months that were arguably against Trumps interests were a false quote from Mike Pence about Michelle Obama, a false report that Ireland was accepting American refugees fleeing Trump, and a hoax claiming RuPaul said he was groped by Trump.

The study found just one uber-popular story from a ultra-partisan left-wing site, which claimed that Ireland was accepting anti-Trump refugees from the United States.

Facebook, while using a broader measurement than Buzzfeed, admits it has a problem. And after Google announced this week that it would try to purge such material, Facebook began banning such sites from using its advertising network, trying to starve them financially by removing the profit motive.

Even President Obama got into the act yesterday, offering a 7-minute exposition at a news conference in Berlin on the dangers of fake news:

If we are not serious about facts and whats true and whats not. And particularly in an age of social media where so many people are getting their information in sound bites and snippets off their phones, if we cant discriminate between serious arguments and propaganda, then we have problems," he said. "Then democracy will break down.

One admitted purveyor of fake Facebook news, Paul Horner, bragged to the Washington Post that while making $10,000 a month, he had influenced the election:

"Honestly, people are definitely dumber. They just keep passing stuff around. Nobody fact-checks anything anymore  I mean, thats how Trump got elected 

"My sites were picked up by Trump supporters all the time. I think Trump is in the White House because of me. His followers dont fact-check anything  theyll post everything, believe anything.

Leaving aside the swipe from Horner, who admits he hates Trump, his claim that he influenced the outcome of the electionor any claim that fake news kept Hillary Clinton out of the White Houseis ludicrous.

At the same time, this trend is clearly a cancer on the news business. When this garbage pops up in Facebook feeds, people click, and often believe what they see.

The New York Times recently featured other examples:

Donald J. Trumps supporters were probably heartened in September, when, according to an article shared nearly a million times on Facebook, the candidate received an endorsement from Pope Francis. Their opinions on Hillary Clinton may have soured even further after reading a Denver Guardian article that also spread widely on Facebook, which reported days before the election that an F.B.I. agent suspected of involvement in leaking Mrs. Clintons emails was found dead in an apparent murder-suicide.

Both utter fiction.

Mark Zuckerberg called the idea that Facebook influenced the election crazy. Here is his defense, on his own Facebook page:

Of all the content on Facebook, more than 99% of what people see is authentic. Only a very small amount is fake news and hoaxes. The hoaxes that do exist are not limited to one partisan view, or even to politics. Overall, this makes it extremely unlikely hoaxes changed the outcome of this election in one direction or the other.

"That said, we don't want any hoaxes on Facebook. Our goal is to show people the content they will find most meaningful, and people want accurate news."

But heres the problem: Who does Zuckerberg appoint to cleanse his site of fake news? What about stories that are 60 percent false, or 40 percent false? What about those that just make unprovable claims for partisan purposes?

Remember that Zuckerberg had a problem with his trending topics list, which was eliminating conservative stories because of a biased staff. So the Facebook CEO met with a group of leading conservatives and fired the staff, removing a key layer of human oversight.

A similar problem arises with Twitters decision this week to shut down a number of accounts belonging to alt-right advocates, even if they werent being abusive or publishing anything false. What about the companys commitment to free speech?

Zuckerberg has always maintained the fiction that Facebook is a platform, not a media company, even though it has grown more powerful than most news organizations in distributing journalism around the globe. If its just a neutral utility, than anyone should be able to post anything short of death threats and incitement to violence.

But once Zuckerberg admits hes actually running one of the most powerful media brands on the planet, he has to get more aggressive about promoting real news and weeding out hoaxers and charlatans. The alternative is to watch Facebooks own credibility decline.
ISIS message continues to resonate with alienated Americans, as more extremists plot attacks on U.S. soil and attempt to travel overseas to join the terror group, according to a new report from key lawmakers.

The chilling development was detailed in the House Homeland Security Committees monthly "Terror Threat Snapshot," released earlier this week. The report assesses the growing threat America, the West and the world face from ISIS and other Islamist terrorists.

ISIS operatives may be retreating in parts of Syria and Iraq, but their terror movement is nowhere near broken, Homeland Security Committee Chairman Michael McCaul, R-Texas, said. Indeed, the group continues to plot aggressively against America and our allies.

So far in 2016, 34 people have been in arrested in 18 states for plotting attacks, making plans to travel overseas to join ISIS, providing support to the group or lying to authorities. Six arrests have taken place in Virginia.



According to the report, there have been 125 ISIS-linked plots to attack the West 38 of them directed at the United States  since 2014.

ISIS remains a thriving organization because it still has its main headquarters and functions in Syria and has expanded into 35 countries, where they are attempting to inspire people to kill in their own countries, Retired U.S. Army Gen. Jack Keane told FoxNews.com. So yes, we need to be concerned about ISIS in the United States and the FBI is very diligent in working many cases based on tips they receive from people that believe someone is manifesting radical, Islamist ideas, speech or actions.

Some of the key takeaways from the House Homeland Security Committees November release are:

ISIS has targeted the West at an alarming rate, marked by a recent surge in plots to attack the U.S. and allied interests abroad

ISIS and Al Qaeda continue to take advantage of safe havens to consolidate their power and territory as well as plan attacks

Guantanamo Bay detainees are continuing to return to the fight to replenish the ranks of jihadist organizations

Another point the Committees snapshot explored was the threat of the terrorist diaspora, a phenomenon identified in September by the FBI. It refers to the threat of homegrown jihadis traveling abroad to join ISIS, then returning to the United States amid offensives in Mosul and Raqqa. Keane said that issue could be exaggerated.

There are very few fighters in the ISIS organization in Iraq and Syria coming from the United States; most of them have either come from a region of the Middle East or from Europe, Keane said. The homegrown terrorists are the most significant, because any fighter returning from Syria to the United States would likely be identified and detected by our intelligence and law enforcement agencies.

The House Homeland Security Committee told FoxNews.com that a December Terror Threat Snapshot is in the works, and could address ISIS plots leading up to the holiday season.

The bottom line is this: To protect our country, we must project our power and use it to defeat these fanatics for good, McCaul said.
President-elect Donald Trump has picked Kansas congressman and Tea Party favorite Mike Pompeo to head the CIA under his administration, Fox News has confirmed.



Pompeo, 53, initially supported Florida Sen. Marco Rubio in the GOP primary but later played a key role in helping Vice President-elect Mike Pence prepare for his debate against Virginia Sen. Tim Kaine.

Pompeo, of Wichita, met with the president-elect's transition team in New York's Trump Tower earlier this week. He is a member of the House Select Committee on Intelligence and has been an ardent supporter of the Patriot Act and the National Security Agency's collection of bulk data.

Pompeo was a vocal critic of President Obama's nuclear deal with Iran and has come under fire for what his critics have called anti-Islamic rhetoric.
U.S. President-elect Donald Trump on Friday agreed to settle three fraud lawsuits linked to Trump University for $25 million, FoxNews.com confirmed.

The settlement ends a dispute that has followed Trump throughout his presidential campaign and raised questions about how he would handle it after being sworn in as president in January.

"We are pleased to announce the complete resolution of all litigation involving Trump University, a spokesperson for the Trump Organization said late Friday. While we have no doubt that Trump University would have prevailed at trial based on the merits of this case, resolution of these matters allows President-Elect Trump to devote his full attention to the important issues facing our great nation."

Students at the now-defunct school claimed they were duped into paying thousands of dollars to learn the secret of Trumps real estate success.

Trump's legal team negotiated the settlement with New York State Attorney General Eric Schneiderman and the law firm that brought a class action lawsuit on behalf of students who attended the for-profit school.

In 2013, my office sued Donald Trump for swindling thousands of innocent Americans out of millions of dollars through a scheme known at Trump University, Schneiderman said in a written statement. Donald Trump fought us every step of the way, filing baseless charges and fruitless appeals and refusing to settle for even modest amounts of compensation for the victims of his phony university. Today, that all changes.

Schneiderman said the $25 million to be paid by Trump or one of his business entities includes restitution for students and $1 million in penalties to the state.

The settlement comes just days before the class action lawsuit in California was to begin.

The deal doesn't require Trump to acknowledge wrongdoing. Trump has strongly denied the allegations and said during the campaign that he wouldn't settle.

A federal judge in California had been set Friday to consider arguments on Trump's latest request to delay a trial until after Trump's inauguration on Jan. 20.

Trump's attorneys said in a court filing last week that preparations for the White House were "critical and all-consuming." Six months ago, when they unsuccessfully sought a delay until after Inauguration Day, lead attorney Daniel Petrocelli said the period between the election and swearing-in is extremely hectic for a president-elect but that it was preferable to a trial during the campaign.

"The task is momentous, exceedingly complex, and requires careful coordination involving the respective staffs and teams of both President (Barack) Obama and President-Elect Trump," Trump's attorneys wrote. "In fewer than three months, the President-Elect must be prepared to manage 15 executive departments, more than 100 federal agencies, 2 million civilian employees, and a budget of almost $4 trillion."

Trump's attorneys also raised the prospect of having the president-elect testify by video recording before the trial begins in the class-action lawsuit on Nov. 28.

Fox News' Chris Snyder and The Associated Press contributed to this report.
A rare species of fish and the worlds smallest porpoise  both face extinction as poachers work the waters of Mexicos Gulf of California to meet the growing demand in Asian markets for the fishs swim bladder.

The totoaba  the worlds largest type of drum fish  was once a ubiquitous presence in the Gulf of California, but illegal fishing fueled by demand in China for its swim bladder has decimated the fishs population and led the Mexican government to outlaw fishing for the totoaba and to heavily monitor its home waters.

Adding to the situation is the widespread use of gillnets, which unintentionally trap other species such as the vaquita  a tiny porpoise whose worldwide population is estimated to be less than 60  which poachers fish for totoaba.

Enforcing the ban is always difficult because when you have something that is in high demand and can fetch high prices, the incentive is still there for illegal fisherman, Leigh Henry, a senior policy advisor at the World Wildlife Fund (WWF) told FoxNews.com. The fishs swim bladders, which help them maintain buoyancy, can fetch over $60,000 per kilogram  more than a kilo of cocaine  and are used in traditional Chinese medicine as a treatment a treatment for fertility, circulatory and skin problems.

UNDERWATER LISTENING STATION DETECTS THE CALLS OF RARE WHALES

While the decline in the totoaba population occurred only after the bahaba  a fish with a similar swim bladder - was overfished, the vaquita faced threats since its discovery in the 1950s. Legal gillnet fishing for shrimp in the Gulf of California threatened the species until the 1980s when conservation groups helped introduce alternative fishing techniques like trawling and the population began to level off.

In the last five years, however, the poaching of totoaba has once again put the vaquita in danger of extinction. Earlier this year, the Sea Shepherd Conservation Society found three dead vaquitas in the same number of weeks and researchers who use acoustic devices to detect the porpoises sonar-like squeaks or clicks have reported hearing less and less noise as the population dwindles.

"We are watching this precious native species disappear before our eyes," Lorenzo Rojas-Bracho, chair of the International Commission for the Recovery of the Vaquita, told the Associated Press back in March.

Conservationists at the WWF, Sea Shepherd and other groups say they are doing the best they can to protect the two endangered species, but the type of fisherman hunting totoaba are vastly different from the shrimpers of a few decades ago.

WANT TO MONITOR BEARS? TRY CHECKING THEIR SALIVA

The threat is still the gillnet, but youre now dealing with a whole new industry, Henry said. Instead of legal shrimp fishers, were now dealing with transnational organized crime and people working on the black market.

In the last few years, the Mexican government has stepped up its efforts to curtail poaching in the Gulf of California  the body of water that separates the Baja Peninsula from the rest of Mexico  adding in June two small boats, a number of vehicles and 135 sailors to an enforcement force deployed in 2015 under the Upper Gulf of California Integrated Protection Program. The new support joined the 13 ships, five vehicles, a helicopter-carrying ship and a plane already deployed to combat illegal fishing in the region.

The U.S., which is seen as the main transshipment country for the totoabas bladders, has also joined in the fight against traffickers. Last year, U.S. Customs and Border Protection seized 1,328 pounds of totoaba fish bladders that were in route to Hong Kong.

While conservationists agree that the main battle to save the totoaba and vaquita is in Mexican water, they acknowledge that the demand for the bladders in China is the reason for the illegal trade and argued that officials in Beijing and Hong Kong need to crack down on the underground fish trade.

'WORLD'S SADDEST POLAR BEAR' MOVED AFTER OUTPOURING OF OUTRAGE TOWARDS CHINESE MALL

The problem, experts argue, is that wildlife trafficking is so pervasive in the worlds most populous nation that authorities are stretched thin and forced to give priority to larger cases.

A lot of the response we get from the Chinese is that trafficking of totoaba bladders is not as significant as other species, Henry said. But while it may not be as prevalent as other animals, it is still significant because it could lead to the extinction of at least one species.
American travelers are changing the international vacation destination map as global terror attacks have altered perceived safety risks, a survey released this week from travel insurance provider Allianz Global Assistance found.

One year after terrorists struck targets around Paris-- including the Bataclan Theater-- the number of U.S. travelers who have removed the City of Light from their holiday travel plans jumped 12.8 percent in 2016 over 2015 numbers.

Allianz survey polled more than 650,000 Americans on their travel plans for the peak holiday period from Thanksgiving to New Years. The survey found a significant decline in the number of travelers planning on visiting cities affected by terrorism, when comparing the 2016 results to a similar 2015 survey, said company officials.

A total of 69,975 travelers surveyed this year said they would vacation in Paris during the 2016 holiday season, down from 80,214 in 2015. The Allianz report also indicates Americans plans to travel to other international cities has been significantly impacted by recent deadly terror incidents.

Planned visits to Istanbul, scene of a combined attack at Ataturk Airport in June, declined 69.2 percent year-over-year. Travel to Brussels, site of a March bombing at Brussels Airport in Zaventem, declined 19.6 percent.

Combined, the three cities lost 19,082 travelers in 2016. Meanwhile Europes six fastest-growing cities among U.S. travelers, which each posted increases of between 16.1 and 30.8 percent, added a combined 18,073 visits, more than 1,000 fewer than those lost by the top three cities.

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Amsterdam was among the cities that most benefitted from the re-distribution in Americans' holiday travel plans. Travelers reported a 30.8 percent increase in planned visits to the Dutch capital compared with 2015. Other growth destinations include Portugal (up 29 percent), Venice (19.6 percent), Vienna (17.5 percent), Munich (16.5 percent) and Budapest (16.1 percent).

While its clear concerns over terrorism have impacted travel to some cities in Europe, its encouraging to see American travelers have opted to explore new destinations across the Continent, Allianz spokesman Daniel Durao said.

The survey also reports travelers are changing their preferences within countries they have traditionally visited. Fewer vacationers (17.3 percent) are planning to visit Geneva, Switzerland in 2016 versus 2015 but more (11.7 percent) say they will travel to Zurich.

In Germany, less frequent travel to Berlin and Frankfurt (down 9 percent and 4.8 percent respectively) was contrasted by increased intent to visit Munich (up 16.5 percent year-over-year).

As a whole, Europe recorded a modest 3.01 percent increase in planned visits (694,581 travelers versus 673,685 in 2015). London recorded a 6.3 percent year-over-year increase and remains Europes most-visited city among Americans.
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Two men arrested in the stabbing death of a Connecticut man who had attended a party at a luxury apartment in New York City are now charged with concealing a corpse and hindering prosecution.

James Rackover, of New York City, and Lawrence Dilione, of Jersey City, New Jersey, were arrested on charges that initially included murder. They were arraigned only on the lesser charges.

Nonetheless, during the hearing late Thursday, Assistant District Attorney Antoinette Carter alleged that "one or both of these people committed a murder."

Authorities found a body in Oceanport, New Jersey, on Wednesday while investigating the disappearance of Joseph Comunale (kahm-yoo-NAHL'-ee), of Stamford.

Rackover's lawyer says the case has "serious problems" and will be "vigorously" contested.

Dilione's attorney did not immediately respond to a request for comment.
At least one person was killed and six were wounded in a shooting at a childs birthday party in Tennessee on Thursday night.

Fox 13 Memphis reported that the shooting occurred in Dyersburg and one woman was dead. Another victim was airlifted to Regional Medical Center in Memphis, according to Mayor John Holden.

Multiple people shot, at least one dead, in Dyersburg shooting https://t.co/jhq8bZP2Cs  FOX13 Memphis (@FOX13Memphis) November 18, 2016

WMC-TV reported the woman was dead as police arrived on the scene. The station added that other victims were taken to Dyersburg hospital and it was placed on lockdown.

The shooting happened at a birthday party for a 2-year-old. Police told WMC-TV that they were searching for at least three suspects.

Their identities havent been released.

Click for more from Fox 13 Memphis.
The FBI joined the search Friday for a newborn girl after her father found the baby's mother shot to death in their Kansas home, police announced.

MISSING WASHINGTON FAMILY SURVIVES 2 DAYS IN WOODS

The father came home in Wichita Thursday to find Sofia Victoria Gonzalez Abarca had disappeared and his live-in girlfriend, Laura Abarca-Nogueda, was dead, police Lt. Todd Ojile said during a news conference. The child was believed to be in danger.

Investigators do not consider the father a suspect, Sgt. Nikki Woodrow added. The baby was just 6 days old when she vanished, Fox 4 reported.

MISSING CALIFORNIA MOM'S HUSBAND CLEARED AFTER LIE-DETECTOR TEST

Police did not release the parents' names. They have not issued an Amber Alert because they have not identified a suspect, Woodrow said.

Investigators said they wanted to talk to anyone with a relationship to the victim.

Police sent out an alert Thursday night saying the driver of a purple Cadillac who was a person of interest in the case was found and questioned. He was not considered to be a suspect.

The FBI in Kansas City, Missouri, has deployed a team specializing in investigating child abductions, spokeswoman Bridget Patton said. She deferred additional questions to Wichita police, saying only that federal agents were "in an assistance capacity to Wichita."

The National Center for Missing and Exploited Children said Friday it has dispatched members of its "Team Adam" -- retired law enforcers -- to assist in the search for the baby girl.

Click for more from Fox 4.

The Associated Press contributed to this report.
Newly released surveillance video could help Tampa Police locate the man who drove his car onto a sidewalk in Ybor City, Fla., hitting two people and a bar early Tuesday morning.

Around 3:25 a.m. Tuesday, after businesses had closed, a group of men began fighting outside the Bad Monkey Bar on East 7th Avenue in Tampa.

HOT AIR BALLOON MAKES CRASH LANDING IN PHILADELPHIA

Surveillance cameras captured the brawl, including one subject involved in the fighting who attempted to leave the scene by driving away in a black Nissan.

"He tries to do a U-turn, and its really too tight of a street to do that. He gets hung up on the curb," said Steve Hegarty, spokesperson for the Tampa Police Department.

ENGINEER IN NJ TRANSIT CRASH HAD UNDIAGNOSED SLEEP APNEA, OFFICIALS SAY

The driver jumped the sidewalk and crashed into several men who were still fighting. One of the men was pushed through the window of the Bad Monkey bar when the car made impact, smashing the glass.

After crashing through the building, the driver left the scene.

Detectives are working to determine if the driver intentionally accelerated his car or if the crash was accidental.

"Thats a big question that we have right now. At the very least, its a hit and run. There was damage to the building, clearly, someone was injured and he left the scene," said Hegarty.

Only one of the men on the sidewalk, Michael Silhol, 25, was hurt in the crash. Silhol suffered a minor leg and head injury.

The Bad Monkey bar was left with $15,000 worth of damage.

Click for more from Fox 13.
A deputy U.S. marshal was shot and killed in southeastern Georgia Friday morning while trying to arrest a man with a history of targeting police, investigators announced, adding that law enforcement shot and killed the suspect.

Deputy Commander Patrick Carothers, 53, was part of a team seeking to arrest Dontrell Montese Carter, who was wanted on charges including attempted murder of police officers and domestic violence stemming from a September incident in South Carolina, the U.S. Marshals Service reported.

POLICE SEE HEIGHTENED THREAT OF AMBUSH AFTER YEAR OF UNREST



The team spotted Carter in a trailer in Long County -- but as Carothers was entering, Carter shot him twice, investigators said. The shooting unfolded at the Spring Creek Mobile Home Park, Fox 28 reported.

The fugitive who killed Deputy Commander Carothers was extremely dangerous, wanted for trying to kill law enforcement officers and deliberately evading authorities. Pat is a hero and our thoughts and prayers are with his wife and five children, U.S. Marshals Service Deputy Director David Harlow reacted.

WHITE POLICE OFFICERS DON'T UNFAIRLY TARGET BLACK SUSPECTS, STUDY FINDS

The team returned fire, hitting Carter multiple times. He died at St. Josephs Hospital in Savannah. Paramedics rushed Carothers to Liberty Regional Medical Center in Hinesville, where he died.

Carothers was a 26-year veteran of the U.S. Marshals Service. He had served as the deputy commander of the fugitive task force for more than a year.

The Macon-based deputy marshal was wearing a protective vest, Monroe County Sheriff John Cary Bittick told The Macon Telegraph. Those vests are not going to stop a rifle round, he added.

Long County is located about 55 miles southwest of Savannah.

Click for more from Fox 28.

Fox News' Matt Dean, David Lewkowict and The Associated Press contributed to this report.
An influential seminary affiliated with The Episcopal Church has announced that it will no longer issue degrees starting next year, and is reporting a net loss of $7.9 million in assets since last year.

WASHINGTON BISHOP CALLS FOR UNITY AFTER PRO-TRUMP VANDALISM

The Episcopal Divinity School of Cambridge, Massachusetts, announced in July that they will stop granting degrees at the end of the 2016-2017 academic year.

Last week, the divinity school sent out an update to supporters and members of its campus community wherein they noted that the net assets of the seminary had declined rapidly over the past couple of years.

EPISCOPAL CHURCH ELECTS 1ST BLACK WOMAN TO LEAD DIOCESE

"At our meeting, we also accepted the 2016 audit report which contained the sobering news that EDS's net assets decreased by $7.9 million (11 percent) in the last fiscal year. This follows a decrease of nearly $6.5 million (8.5 percent) in 2015," noted the announcement.

"As the fiduciary stewards of EDS's assets and mission, we are obviously dismayed at the size of EDS's losses, but the news has redoubled our commitment to finding a more sustainable and prudent future for the seminary by the end of fiscal year 2017."

Signed by EDS Board of Trustees Chair the Rev. Gary Hall and Vice Chair Canon Bonnie Anderson, the message also noted that they were working on how to help the 23 students who will not be able to complete their degrees by next May complete their education.

"[W]e have asked [Interim EDS President Bill Nelsen] to develop memoranda of understanding with the Bexley Seabury Seminary Federation, which is housed at Chicago Theological Seminary, to complete the degrees of distributive learning students and with Boston University School of Theology to do the same for residential students," continued the message.

"These arrangements will ensure that students receive full credit for coursework completed and incur no additional costs. A number of the students included in the teach-out are international students, and EDS has retained an immigration lawyer to ensure that their visas are maintained in the transition."

A spokeswoman for the seminary provided The Christian Post with a statement from Hall on Tuesday noting that EDS plans to continue advancing its mission despite the current setbacks.

"Episcopal Divinity School and its predecessors, Philadelphia Divinity School and Episcopal Theological School, have helped form and carry out the Episcopal Church's commitment to Gospel justice," stated Hall.

Click Here to Read the Full Story at ChristianPost.com
The principal at a South Florida middle school is sparking outrage for handing down a six-day suspension to an 11-year-old honor student who brought a toddler-proof butter knife to school.

WPLG-TV in Miami reports that the student at Silver Trail Middle School in Pembroke Pines was suspended recently after she was caught using the knife in the cafeteria to cut a peach in half to share with a classmate.

Police were called to investigate the matter, the station reports.

The suspension has outraged the girls parents, who say the Broward School District has gone too far in treating the knife as a weapon that endangers other students. They fear the suspension will go on their daughters permanent record and even lead to criminal charges, according to the station.

Theres no one there trying to educate and to be reasonable to say, Lets work this out, said her father, Ronald Souto.

He and his wife said the knife is so dull it could barely cut the peach.

This is a set of a spoon, fork and knife for toddlers  1-year-olds, Andrea Souto told the station. It is made for children to learn how to eat properly. She's used it since she was baby.

The station reported that the Pembroke Pines Police Department turned the case over to the Broward County State Attorney's Office, but it was unclear if prosecutors will file charges.

Larry Meltzer, the Soutos lawyer, accused school officials of abusing their discretion in suspending the girl.

It is tragic that a school that this little girl loves sees fit to prosecute and suspend her -- the epitome of a model and honor roll student -- for using a child-proof utensil that could never be construed in any form as a weapon in order to share part of her lunch with a fellow classmate, he said.

WPLG reports that a spokeswoman for the school district defended the suspension, which was reduced to three days after the Soutos met with the principal.

The school followed district policy regarding this incident and continues to work with the student and parents involved, she said. It is the district's priority to maintain safe and secure campuses for students and staff at all times."
Michael Flynn, the former Army lieutenant general Donald Trump has asked to be his national security adviser, rose through the ranks of military intelligence on the strength of his reputation as an astute professional and an unconventional thinker. After retiring in 2014, he quickly turned on the Obama administration and accused it of being soft on terrorism.

In recent public comments, including his fiery address at the Republican National Convention, Flynn has emphasized his view that Islamic State extremists pose an existential threat on a global scale, demanding a far more aggressive U.S. military campaign against the group, as well as his belief that Washington should work more closely with Moscow.

Flynn is a champion of other foreign policy themes Trump pushed during the campaign, including renegotiating a seven-country agreement with Iran aimed at curbing its nuclear program in exchange for a lifting of economic sanctions.

He has also stirred controversy with his dire warnings about the dangers of Islamist groups, complaining on CNN in June that the U.S. needs to "discredit" radical Islam, but that "we're not allowed to do that right now." He accused the Obama administration in July of failing to design a coherent strategy for opposing the Islamic State group. In August he spoke at an event in Dallas for the anti-Islamist group Act for America, saying that Islam "is a political ideology" and that it "definitely hides behind being a religion."

Flynn's dark warnings have not extended to the Islamist-leaning authoritarian Turkish government headed by President Recep Tayyip Erdogan. In an op-ed for the Washington newspaper The Hill just before the election, Flynn wrote that Turkey needs support and echoed Erdogan's warnings that a "shady" Turkish Muslim cleric living in Pennsylvania should not be given safe harbor in the U.S.

Erdogan has accused the cleric, Fethullah Gullen, of orchestrating an attempted military coup in the July and called for his extradition. The Obama administration has not complied.

Flynn's warmth toward Russia and antagonism toward what conservatives call "radical Islam" have worried some national security experts. Flynn traveled last year to Moscow, where he joined Russian President Vladimir Putin and other Russian officials in a celebration of the RT network, a Russian government-controlled television channel. Flynn later explained that he had been paid for taking part in the event, but brushed aside concerns that he was aiding a Russian propaganda effort.

As Trump's national security adviser, Flynn would not require Senate confirmation.

Flynn, who turns 58 in December, is a native of Middletown, Rhode Island. He graduated from the University of Rhode Island in 1981 with a degree in management science and was commissioned a second lieutenant in military intelligence. He held various positions in military intelligence throughout his career, including director of intelligence for the Joint Chiefs of Staff, and the top intelligence officer for the commander of the U.S.-led international military coalition in Afghanistan in 2009-10.

He drew public attention in January 2010, during his time in Afghanistan, for his unorthodox decision to have a Washington think tank, the Center for a New American Security, publish his critique of the U.S. intelligence system in Afghanistan.

After he announced in April 2014 that he would step down as director of the DIA, Flynn asserted he had been forced out because he disagreed with the Obama administration's approach to combating extremism. His critics, however, claimed he had mismanaged the agency and that his efforts to force change were met with internal resistance.

With his public and fervent support for Trump, highlighted by his July convention appearance, Flynn challenged the military's apolitical traditions. He was not alone. John Allen, a retired Marine general, spoke at the Democratic National Convention as a Clinton supporter. Their former colleague, retired Gen. Martin Dempsey, wrote in The Washington Post that Flynn and Allen were wrong to do so.

"The military is not a political prize," Dempsey wrote. "The American people should not wonder where their military leaders draw the line between military advice and political preference."

Flynn would not be the first retired general to be asked to serve as part of a president's national security team. Obama appointed retired Army Gen. David Petraeus as CIA director in 2011.

___

Associated Press writers Stephen Braun and Julie Pace contributed to the report.
Workers at a Long Island, N.Y., garbage dump accomplished the seemingly impossible this week, sifting through heaps of trash for several hours to find a womans precious diamond engagement ring and wedding band.

The rings were worth $5,000 and belonged to Colleen Dyckman of North Babylon, who woke up Monday and realized she had accidentally tossed them in the trash while cooking the night before, CBS New York reports.

She followed the garbage truck that picked up her trash to the Babylon town dump, where she burst into tears as she started frantically searching for the rings.

She was visibly upset, she was ripping through garbage, disgusting stuff, town employee Jeremy Aretakis told the station.

Aretakis and seven others at the dump joined Dyckman and her husband in the messy search.

After about four hours, the rings were still missing.

She was kind of giving up hope and saying she didnt want to continue looking for it, another town employee, Ed Wiggins, told ABC New York.

But a third town employee, Kim Weathers, wasnt ready to quit.

Her husband, he opened the bag and started going through all his garbage, and as he looked through it, I doubled-checked it, Weathers told ABC. And as I was double-checking it I opened it: Voila, the ring.

A grateful Dyckman told the station she returned to the dump with pizza and brownies as a thank you.
A 91-year-old veteran who was dismissed from the U.S. Air Force as "undesirable" in 1948 because he's gay is suing in Connecticut to have his discharge status upgraded.

The federal lawsuit was filed Friday by H. Edward Spires against the secretary of the Air Force and asks for his discharge status to be changed to "honorable."

Spires says after the repeal of the Don't Ask, Don't Tell policy in 2010 he applied for an upgrade but was rejected by the Air Force Board for Corrections of Military Records, which noted personnel records were lost in a 1973 fire.

The Air Force says it can't comment on pending litigation.

Attorneys for Spires say he's in poor health and would like a military funeral but that won't be possible without an upgrade.
A skit performed in a south Texas high school English class that portrayed the assassination of Donald Trump is just one of the latest cases of K-12 election hysteria.

Officials at San Antonios Marshall High School claim they took "appropriate action" following the skit, in which a student dressed as Trump was shot by a classmate, complete with gunfire sound effects from a cellphone. But some parents say harsher punishment was warranted, and critics worry that political polarization has found its way into schools.

STUDENTS TAKE UP TODDLER THERAPY AFTER TRUMP WIN

Honestly I have run out of words to describe how angry I am and how shocked I am that theyre still in school today, parent Melinda Bean told the San Antonio Express-News.

The misguided skit was just one in a slew of controversial acts happening across the country in the wake of Trumps win over Democrat Hillary Clinton on Election Day.

Most media coverage following Trumps victory has focused on sometimes violent protests in cities around the country, but it is now clear the election's reverberations are being felt all the way down to elementary schools.

Students at a Detroit-area middle school reportedly chanted "build the wall" last week, in an apparent reference to Trump's call for a wall along the U.S.-Mexico border.

White students at a central Pennsylvania technical high school reportedly chanted white power in the hallways and referred to students of other races as their slaves.

A 15-year-old Maryland boy wearing a Trump Make America Great Again hat was reportedly beaten by a group of high school students.

Last week, a California high school student was also attacked after she expressed her support for Trump, in an attack captured on cellphone video.

Experts in child development and psychology say that this type of bullying has occurred in the past, this year it has taken on a more ominous tone and been seen a greater scale given how divisive the presidential campaign season was.

This election was unusually nasty, Judith Myers-Walls, a professor emerita of human development and family studies at Purdue University told FoxNews.com. It was in many ways at a childs level with the candidates at times acting like they were in pre-school.

Myers-Walls said that with the pervasive media coverage and constant presence of the candidates on television, the Internet and social media, it is no wonder that young students picked up slogans  Build the Wall and Lock Her Up are just two examples  without even truly grasping what they mean.

Its important, Myers-Walls said, that both parents and educators talk to students when they see them expressing these types of behavior and its even more important to know when to introduce them to whats going on in regards to politics.

You need to get a sense of where they are and what they feel about certain issues, she said. A lot of times children have some ideas that adults wouldnt even think about.
Hundreds of supporters cheered on the Washington Christian grandmother and florist who was fined for declining to make floral arrangements for a same-sex wedding as she appeared before the state's Supreme Court on Tuesday for oral arguments in her appeal of an unfavorable lower court ruling.

OREGON OFFICIAL WHO BULLIED CHRISTIAN BAKERY OWNERS LOSES ELECTION

As previously reported by The Christian Post, Barronelle Stutzman, the owner of Arlene's Flowers in Richland, Washington, was fined $1,001 by the Benton County Superior Court in 2015 because of her objection to making floral arrangements for the same-sex wedding of her longtime customer Robert Ingersoll and his partner Curt Freed in 2013 because she felt it would have violated her Christian beliefs on marriage to do so.

Although Ingersoll and Freed were able to order flowers for their wedding from another florist and Stutzman had served Ingersoll for nearly 10 years, the gay couple decided to file a lawsuit against her with the help of the American Civil Liberties Union.

DEMS, MEDIA SKEWING TRUMP'S RECORD ON LGBT ISSUES?

In addition to the Benton County Court ruling that Stutzman had violated that state's discrimination laws, and ordering her to pay the fine and the couple's expensive legal fees, the state's Attorney General Bob Ferguson also filed a consumer protection lawsuit against Stutzman.

The 70-year-old Stutzman is now at risk of not only losing her business but also losing her life savings and personal retirement assets.

After losing the lower court battle, Stutzman and her lawyers at Alliance Defending Freedom filed an appeal to the Washington Supreme Court and on Tuesday, the nine-justice court held oral arguments in an auditorium at Bellevue College.

According to the Tri-City Herald, hundreds of supporters came out to encourage Stutzman.

Even though the auditorium seats 300 people, the complex was filled to capacity and other supporters had to gather outside the auditorium. The majority of the people gathered outside the auditorium were there in support of Stutzman and her fight for religious freedom. The supporters were holding white roses and signs that read "Let Freedom Bloom," "Freedom to Create," and "Justice for Barronelle."

"I'm here because I believe in religious liberties, and I'm going to stand with Barronelle because I think that we have the freedom to stand for what we believe," Georgene Faries, a resident of Arlington, Washington, told the Tri-City Herald. " It's not hate mongering. I think that is a real confusion and that is a distortion and especially a lie because we don't hate anybody. We don't hate individuals."

After the hearing, Stutzman told the crowd of supporters that her case has bigger implications than her own livelihood.

"The government is telling me there is one choice  either I give up my faith and my freedom or I lose everything I own," Stutzman said. "Rob has the freedom to act on his beliefs and that is all that I am asking, for that same freedom. Our Constitution protects that freedom but it just isn't about my freedom, it is about all of our freedoms."

"When the government can come in and tell you what to do, what to create and what to believe, we do not live in a free America," she added. "Protecting our beliefs isn't a negative thing like some people say it is. It's good things like justice, reason, fairness and respect. However this court rules, it will not effect my faith and my love for all."

Stutzman also said that she was "overwhelmed" and "encouraged" by the amount of support she received.



Click Here to Read the Full Story at ChristianPost.com
A Marion County Circuit judge who is fighting to convince the Oregon Supreme Court to let him keep his seat has been arraigned on felony charges that he twice provided a felon with a gun.

JUDGE REAFFIRMS DECISION TO KEEP DYLANN ROOF HEARING CLOSED

Vance Day was arraigned Thursday in Marion County Circuit Court in Salem, The Oregonian/OregonLive reported.

Day is also accused of misdemeanor official misconduct for allegedly using his official duties twice to obtain a benefit in late 2013 and early 2014.

The indictment doesn't give details about the benefits, but it names Brian Shehan as the felon Day allegedly aided and abetted in the crime of "felon in possession of a firearm," also in late 2013 and early 2014.

DYING GIRL CONVINCES JUDGE TO LET HER BODY BE FROZEN

An Oregon Department of Justice spokeswoman told the newspaper she couldn't provide further details about the charges Thursday.

Day spent leisure time with Shehan, a former Navy SEAL, who was in Day's Veterans Treatment Court program, according to a January 2016 report by the Oregon Commission on Judicial Fitness and Disability. Day drove Shehan to the home of Day's son-in-law in November 2013 so Shehan could do some work there, the report said.

Although Day had repeatedly told Shehan he was barred from being around guns, Day let Shehan handle a gun at the home, the report found.

Day couldn't be reached for comment through his defense attorney, Mike De Muniz. He hasn't been at work since Tuesday, said Phil Lemman, a spokesman for the Oregon Judicial Department.

Earlier this year the judicial fitness commission recommended that Day be ousted from his job for myriad reasons -- including that he allegedly refused to marry same-sex couples. Day is fighting the recommendation, with oral arguments scheduled before the state Supreme Court in April.
The Latest on the search for a missing Kansas infant whose mother was killed (all times local):

10:50 a.m.

Police in Wichita, Kansas, say the FBI has joined the search for a missing newborn whose mother was found shot to death in her home.

Police Lt. Todd Ojile said during a news conference Friday that the week-old infant's father returned home from work Thursday to find the girl missing and her 27-year-old mother dead. He says the child is believed to be in danger.

Sgt. Nikki Woodrow says the girl's father isn't considered a suspect.

Authorities haven't released the name of the parents, but they released the name of the girl, Sofia Victoria Gonzalez Abarca.

Woodrow says authorities have not issued an Amber Alert seeking the public's help in finding Sofia because investigators haven't identified a suspect, which is required for such alerts.

___

8:20 a.m.

Authorities are searching for a missing week-old baby after her mother was found fatally shot in Wichita, Kansas.

The Wichita Eagle (http://bit.ly/2g1YQR7 ) reports that a relative found the woman dead Thursday in her apartment. Sgt. Nikki Woodrow says the woman's daughter, Sofia Victoria Gonzalez Abarca, is "considered missing and endangered."

Police want to talk to anyone with a relationship to the victim. Police sent out an alert Thursday night saying the driver of a purple Cadillac who was a person of interest in the case has been found and questioned. He is not considered to be a suspect.

Woodrow says the child's father also isn't considered a suspect.

Police didn't immediately return phone or email messages from The Associated Press.

___

Information from: The Wichita (Kan.) Eagle, http://www.kansas.com
A shopping mall Santa Claus in Florida is out of a job for telling a 10-year-old girl that Hillary Clinton was on his "naughty list."

WKMG-TV in Orlando reported Friday that the Santa was relieved of his duties at the Seminole Town Center in Sanford after the girls mother complained.

'DON'T TELL ME': GEORGIA MAN DELIBERATELY STAYS IN THE DARK ON ELECTION RESULTS

The mom told mall management she brought two of her children to see Santa Tuesday night, the station reported. As her daughter was sitting in Santas lap, he told her she was on his nice list and then asked her if she knew who was on his naughty list.

The mother said when her daughter asked who, Santa said "Hillary Clinton" and laughed.

The station reported that the woman wrote about the encounter in a Facebook post, which noted that Clinton was the only person on his naughty list. The woman also wrote that her daughter supported Clinton in the presidential election, as she did.

A spokesman for Santas employer in Colorado, Noerr Programs, told the station that the Santa in question, who was not named, thought it was a joke but when the mother called to complain, he was replaced. Spokesman Charlie Russell said Noerr sent the woman an apology.

Russell also said the Santa was sent to counseling in human resources. He didnt know if the Santa would be returning.
A New York man pleaded guilty Thursday to a misdemeanor charge for endangering the welfare of a child following accusations he knocked down an autistic boy during a cross-country race.

Martin MacDonald, of Pittsford, also pleaded guilty in Rochester City Court to second-degree harassment. The Post-Standard of Syracuse reported the sentencing will take place on January 17.

MacDonald told officials he got out of his car and shoved 15-year-old Chase Coleman during a road race in a city park out of fear the boy would try to steal his wife's purse.

According to the news site, Coleman quit his cross-country running team following the incident because it upset him so much.

A run has been organized for Saturday in hopes of encouraging the boy to rejoin the running team.

The teenager is unable to speak and has limited communication skills. Relatives said Coleman would not have understood anything MacDonald would have said to him.

The Monroe County District Attorney's office tells the Syracuse news source that MacDonald will likely serve no more than three years' probation with no jail time.

The Associated Press contributed to this report.

Click here for more from Syacuse.com.
A Minnesota police officer has appeared in court on charges stemming from the shooting death of a black man during a traffic stop in a St. Paul suburb this summer.

DEPUTY MARSHAL SHOT, KILLED IN GEORGIA; SUSPECT DEAD

St. Anthony police officer Jeronimo Yanez was released on his own recognizance after the brief hearing Friday. Yanez did not enter a plea. He is expected to enter a plea at a later date. His next hearing is set for Dec. 19.

Yanez was charged this week with second-degree manslaughter in the July death of 32-year-old Philando Castile. Members of Castile's family attended the hearing as did supporters of Yanez.

Nakia Wilson of St. Paul is a cousin of Castile's. She says she went to court to see the face of the person who killed her cousin.
A missing Washington state family was found safe Thursday after hunters spotted them walking along a remote logging road two days after they failed to pick up their older kids from school, authorities said.

Jason and Melissa McAlister were out for a drive Tuesday with their 8-month-old and 2-year-old, and got stuck when the road gave way as they tried to maneuver their van around a downed tree in Mason County.

"Everybody's good. God's great. Happy to be alive," 33-year-old Jason McAlister told reporters.

"This one was a trouper," he said, referring to his 2-year-old daughter. "She was rooting around in the van, finding all kinds of Halloween candy."

The family began to trek back toward the main road at about 1 p.m. Tuesday, but stopped as darkness began to set in, he said. He made shelter along the side of the road by leaning fir boughs against a rock face that protected them from the wind as temperatures plummeted into the 30s.

"It actually kept us warm, considering I didn't have a fire going," he said.

McAlister usually keeps lighters in the car as a safety precaution  he doesnt smoke. But the friends that do smoke had borrowed them at the time.

The family turned around and headed back to the van Wednesday to try to get warm and dry their clothes. They spent the night in the van and learned that authorities had been looking for them. On Thursday morning, the parents, using a spiral notebook the older kids, ages 5 and 7, had left in the van, began tearing sheets from it and leaving them on the ground in wide spots of the road where they might be seen by helicopter crews.

That's when the hunters found them, Jason McAlister said. McAlister formerly served as a volunteer firefighter for Cowlitz County, where he also worked search-and-rescue, and he said he was grateful for the efforts of everyone who had been looking for his family.

The hunters immediately recognized them because of heavy media coverage about the search, said Steve Shumate, chief criminal sheriff's deputy in neighboring Grays Harbor County, where the family lives. They called 911, drove the family to a general store to meet medics and then led deputies to the family's van.

It was an immense relief for authorities, who feared a less happy ending when the family failed to turn up Wednesday.

"We figured if they were going to walk out, that's when it would have happened," Shumate said.

The family's home is in a rural area southwest of Seattle, about 20 miles north of the town of Montesano. They were reported missing Tuesday evening after no one showed up to meet the school bus bringing the older children home, Shumate said. Jason McAlister works as a ranch hand on the property, and Melissa McAlister works at a Walmart store.

"Hopefully they'll learn some lessons about having a working cellphone with them and letting people know where they're going," Shumate said. "But they did an excellent job keeping their cool and staying dry and warm."

McAlister said he probably won't get a cellphone, because there's no service where the family lives. But he said he learned one lesson.

He added that he believes his volunteer firefighter training helped him keep calm during the 48 hours in the rugged terrain, according to Q13 Fox.

Next time, he said, he'll "take the truck instead of the family church rig."

The Associated Press contributed to this report.

Click for more from Q13 Fox.
Authorities in Nevada were investigating a possible case of animal cruelty Wednesday after reports of exotic animals living in unacceptable conditions.

Nye County sheriffs deputies and Nevada Division of Wildlife officers converged on a home in Pahrump and found several lions, tigers and an illegal species of fox at the house, according to Fox 5 Vegas.

Officials found animals locked in bedrooms with urine and feces on the walls and floors. Deputies also found a Canadian Siberian lynx, which doesnt need a permit in Nye County, and a Fennec fox, which is a violation of state code to have.

Authorities said in total they found 15 animals in total: 8 Canadian Siberian lynx hybrid cats, 2 African lionesses, an African lion, a Bengal tiger, a black panther, a Fennec fox and a cervel caracal hybrid cat.

Jacki Freeman and Abby Gedengren had a special conditions animal permit, but Freeman received an animal cruelty charge because she was in custody of the animals, police said.

Authorities added that Freeman and Gedengren were in litigation with each other.

This case comes days after Nye County deputies arrested a Texas woman who was on the run with her own set of exotic animals.

Click for more from Fox 5 Vegas.
The U.S. Navy reportedly identified the mysterious white plane spotting circling over the Denver metro area Wednesday as a Navy E-6B Mercury.

Navy Lt. Leslie Hubbell told The Denver Channel on Thursday that the plane was created by Boeing at an estimated cost of $141.7 million per unit. Hubbell said the planes mission is classified.

"The overall mission of the E-6B is command, control and communications abilities to direct and employ strategic resources," Hubbell said.

An E-6B plane is a large, high-tech aircraft that can communicate with important assets such as nuclear submarines and is built with a system that can launch intercontinental ballistic missiles.

Hubbell said the plane was circling over Denver because it wasnt granted clearance by the FAA to land at Tinker Air Force Base in Oklahoma where it was housed. The plane was at Travis Air Force Base where planes of that caliber are routinely serviced, according to the station.

However, Travis Air Force Base officials declined to say whether the plane had landed there and FAA officials said it had no contact with the mysterious aircraft.

An unnamed federal official gave a different story to the station.

The high-ranking official, who spoke to The Denver Channel on condition of anonymity, said the plane was involved in a classified training mission. The official said the mission involved electronic surveillance.

Its unclear what kind of surveillance mission the plane would be on, but the official said the kind of missions arent uncommon and the public isnt usually aware of training missions.

Click for more from The Denver Channel.
Authorities in Oklahoma City were investigating an explosion that occurred outside a gas station Thursday.

Oklahoma City police said they received reports of an explosion at around 4 p.m. KOKH-TV reported that witnesses told police they saw someone put something into a trash can at the Shell gas station and then an explosion was heard.

Authorities believe the explosion was intentional.

The bomb squad was called to the area to assist in the investigation. Police had evacuated a two-block area around the gas station and asked residents to stay inside during their initial investigation.

Looks like it's a Shell station right at NW 15th where the explosion happened. Police say explosion was intentional. pic.twitter.com/rmWBh1SBB4  Jordann Lucero (@JordannLucero) November 18, 2016

Police spokesman Travis Vernier said no one was injured in the explosion and there was only damage to the trash can.

The Oklahoman reported that police havent named a suspect.

Click for more from KOKH-TV.
Artur Samarin, a Ukrainian native who posed as a student at Harrisburg High School, will spend time in a federal prison.

A federal judge handed Samarin a two-month prison sentence that will run concurrent to any sentence handed down in Dauphin County Court next week.

SUSPECT ARRESTED AFTER SHOOTING ON SOUTHERN UNIVERSITY CAMPUS

Samarin used the the alias Asher Potts while attending Harrisburg High School from September 2012 through December 2015. The 23-year-old Samarin also allegedly had sex with a 15-year-old girl while he was pretending to be a student.

Indicted by a federal grand jury on May 25 for passport fraud and social security fraud, Samarin plead guilty in late August to both charges before U.S. Middle District Judge Sylvia Rambo.

Samarin also pleaded guilty in August in state court to statutory sexual assault, identity theft, and tampering with records, and conspiracy with his foster parents to commit those theft related offenses.

Click for more from Fox 43.
A woman punched by an Arizona police officer in an incident captured on video has denied a claim by the Flagstaff officer that she kicked and kneed him in the groin before he threw the punch.

The Arizona Daily Sun (https://goo.gl/JYfKVa ) reported that Marissa Morris said she did not assault Officer Jeff Bonar, who was placed on administrative after the incident Wednesday incident while police internal affairs and criminal investigations are conducted.

"After he hit me, I was blown away," Morris told the newspaper. "I couldn't believe it. I didn't know why it was happening to me, why he would do such a thing to me. I did nothing wrong to deserve that."

The incident occurred as the 30-year-old Morris and her boyfriend were being evicted. She was arrested on suspicion of aggravated assault and of resisting arrest.

Police have said Bonar knew of arrest warrants for Morris in previous DUI cases but that police determined after Wednesday's incident that those warrants were no longer active.

"I did exactly what I was supposed to do to take care of my warrants previously," Morris said. "I couldn't believe it."

Morris is heard on the video telling Bonar that there were no active warrants for her arrest.

In his police report, Bonar said Morris started running, so he grabbed her to prevent her from escaping.

Danny Paredes, the brother-in-law of Morris' boyfriend, took the video and shared it on Facebook.

Morris was released from custody Thursday after making an initial court appearance.

A police department spokesman, Sgt. Cory Runge, said Bonar was equipped with a body camera but did not have it activated when he made contact with Morris or when he punched her. He did activate his camera after Morris had been placed in handcuffs, Runge said.

"Officer Bonar's failure to activate the camera prior to the incident will also be addressed during the internal affairs investigation into his actions," Runge said in a statement.

A neighbor who saw the scuffle said she Morris should have let the officer arrest her to avoid the altercation.

"Dragging your feet and flinging your arms  that's what I saw," Loretta Lee told KPNX-TV (https://goo.gl/DQfySQ . "

She added that it took three officers "to get her to the car. Now if that's not resisting arrest, I don't know what is."
A Wyoming man has pleaded guilty to manslaughter in the death of a baby boy whose disappearance prompted an unsuccessful police search of a Colorado landfill this month for his remains.

Authorities still haven't found the body of 13-month-old Silas Ojeda.

Twenty-three-year-old Logan Rogers pleaded guilty at his arraignment in Cheyenne Friday. He faces up to 20 years in prison at a later sentencing.

Prosecutors have agreed to drop a second charge accusing Rogers of endangering the child by exposing him to methamphetamine.

Rogers told Judge Thomas Campbell he was living with Silas' mother in Cheyenne and that the boy died after falling off a counter.

Police said Rogers told them he disposed of Silas' body in a trash bin.

District Attorney Jeremiah Sandburg says the investigation is not over.
The youngest son of Michigan Rep. John Conyers was found safe Friday.

Carl Conyers, 21, is a student at the University of Houston. He was reported missing Tuesday afternoon by his roommate at their off-campus apartment, police said.

MISSING WASHINGTON FAMILY SURVIVES 2 DAYS IN WOODS

Police said he was found safe at around 2:10 a.m. inside the apartment. It was not immediately clear where Conyers was during the week.



"Rep. Conyers has been in touch with his family and is happy his son is safe and uninjured," the congressman's spokesman, Shadawn Reddick-Smith, told Fox News.

KANSAS MOTHER SHOT DEAD, WEEK-OLD BABY REPORTED MISSING



Authorities said Conyers was taken to the University of Houston police department to be interviewed and then he was released to his family.

Carl Conyers' girlfriend, Daisha Lewis, told WWJ Newsradio 950 in Detroit that she was supposed to meet him on campus Wednesday, but that he never showed. When she and friends checked his apartment they found some clothes and other items missing.

Corey Gentry, a friend of Conyers, told Click 2 Houston that Conyers was displaying unusual behavior.

Congressional officials were monitoring the search. A senior House Democratic source told Fox News that they were "worried" about the younger Conyers and that the situation may be serious.

Released images of Conyers showed him with a beard, although investigators said he recently shaved it.

The 87-year-old Rep. Conyers, D-Mich., is the longest-serving member of the House. First elected in 1964, Conyers won his 27th term last week.

Fox News' Chad Pergram and The Associated Press contributed to this report.
German prosecutors have charged two Syrian men with membership in a terrorist organization on allegations they fought with the ultraconservative Ahrar al-Sham group in Syria.

Prosecutors said Friday that 24-year-old Kamel T.H.J. and 22-year-old Azad R. fought with al-Sham against other rebel groups and Syrian government troops in the Aleppo area at least from August 2013 until April 2014, when Azad R. was injured.

They both then traveled to Turkey and in 2015 to Germany for him to receive medical help.

Both suspects were arrested in April and have been in custody since then.

Their last names weren't released in line with German privacy laws.
A Burmese man pleaded guilty Friday to killing three children in front of their families over two days in a horrific display of ancient superstition.

GIRL, 4, DECAPITATED IN INDIAN RITUAL SACRIFICE

"I did it because I lost control of my mind at that time as the dark spirit took over me, Tun Naing told the court in Twante, a village south of the major city of Yangon.

After telling the parents that their children were possessed, Naing punched and kicked a 3-year-old boy and two girls, ages 8 months and 2 years, to death during an exorcism ritual Oct. 18, police said, and then hid the bodies.

WOMAN FORCED TO UNDERGO EXORCISM TO 'CURE' HER DEPRESSION

An uncle of the boy said the villagers were given blessed water and were not in a right state of mind as they stood in a circle with Naing reciting incantations.

Because of what he did, everyone was out of their mind, the uncle told AFP.

GERMANY: 5 SKOREANS ON TRIAL OVER WOMAN'S EXORCISM DEATH

Two days later, Naing severely wounded a 4-year-old girl in a nearby village in another ritual, prompting local people to call for his arrest, The Associated Press reported.

Superstition and belief in spirits is common in Burma alongside the dominant Buddhist religion. Analysts said the former military dictator Ne Win wrecked the economy in the late 1980s when he decided to change the currency to align with his lucky numbers.

Naing could face the death sentence for the killings. It wasn't immediately clear when his trial would resume.

The Associated Press contributed to this report.
China lashed out at Vietnam Friday for extending a runway on a contested island in the South China Sea  even as Beijing takes heat for what neighboring countries call land grabs of its own.

RECENT DEVELOPMENTS SURROUNDING THE SOUTH CHINA SEA

Vietnam lengthened the runway on Spratly Island from less than 2,500 feet to more than 3,300 feet, according to the Asia Maritime Transparency Initiative, a project of the Center for Strategic and International Studies, a Washington, D.C., think tank.

The expansion would enable Vietnam to house maritime surveillance aircraft, transport planes and combat aircraft on the small disputed island, Reuters added.

CHINA-RUSSIA LAUNCH SOUTH CHINA SEA NAVAL WARGAMES

We again strongly urge relevant countries to respect Chinas sovereign rights and interests, immediately stop their illegal occupation and illegal construction activities, and remove all people and installations, Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesman Geng Shuang said.

U.S. State Dept. spokeswoman Anna Richey-Allen weighed in: We encourage all claimants to take steps to lower tensions and peacefully resolve differences.

PHILIPPINES PRESIDENT ANNOUNCES SEPARATION FROM THE US

Surveillance images have shown China expanding its own presence in the South China Sea region, even creating new islands on top of atolls and coral reefs. The country has built military-length runways on three of those artificial islands, Reuters reported.

This is not the first bolstering of Vietnamese military installations in the contested area. Reuters reported in August that the Vietnamese deployed mobile rocket launchers to several islands in the South China Sea, a move aimed at fortifying defenses as well as discouraging Chinese aggression. Vietnam denied the report, calling it inaccurate.

The Associated Press contributed to this report.
Federal German prosecutors have charged an 18-year-old with supporting a terrorist organization by translating Islamic State propaganda and correcting errors in texts the group posted online.

Prosecutors said Friday Mikail S., a German citizen whose last name wasn't disclosed in line with privacy laws, faces nine counts of supporting the Islamic State group on allegations he'd been in contact with the extremist organization's propaganda operations since mid-2016.

S. is alleged to have contacted the group, offering to translate English, German and Turkish texts and correct linguistic errors.

After being taken up on his offer, he delivered over the period of about a month beginning at the start of June one translation and eight corrected texts which ended up on the internet.

The suspect has been in custody since July 14.
Iraqi Christians who survived living under Islamic State rule in occupied territories are now speaking about the various ways they were brutally tortured and threatened by the radical extremists, and have revealed some of the humiliating and degrading acts they were forced to commit.

REPORTER'S NOTEBOOK: REFUGEE FATHER'S TALE OF HORROR AND HOPE FOR THE FUTURE

Although more than 100,000 Christians fled from Mosul and the surrounding Nineveh Plains after IS conquered Christian villages in the area in 2014, some Christians were not able to leave due to sickness, old age, and a variety of other reasons. Many of those who remained were given three choices  convert to Islam, pay a tax for being Christian, or be killed.

One elderly woman who lived in Qaraqosh, which was once home to over 50,000 Christians, could not get away before IS took over because she was tending to her sick 90-year-old husband.

RUSSIA'S LONG-RANGE BOMBERS STRIKE SYRIA FOR 1ST TIME IN A YEAR, OFFICIALS SAY

Zarifa Bakoos Daddo, who is 77 years old and survived living two years under IS' rule, told AFP from her family's home in Erbil that her husband died shortly after IS took over.

Although her husband passed, Daddo was not alone because she lived with her friend Badriya in Qaraqosh until the town was liberated by Iraqi-led coalition forces last month.

Daddo said that while some of the older IS militants could be friendly, the younger jihadists were overzealous in pressuring them to convert.

"One day, one of them came asking for money and gold. He poked his rifle into my ribs and said 'You have to give to us,'" she said, explaining that she forked over about $300, while Badriya gave up 15-carat gold to pay the jizya tax.

In an another instance, about 20 IS militants came to the house and tried to force the women to convert and recite the Islamic declaration of faith.

"I told him we had our beliefs and they had theirs," Daddo said.

"He told me to spit on a picture of the Virgin Mary and a crucifix," she continued. "I refused but he made me. The whole time I was telling God in my heart that I did not mean any of this."

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The leader of Italy's right-wing, anti-EU Northern League party is visiting Moscow two weeks ahead of Italy's referendum.

Matteo Salvini has been one of the active "no" campaigners in the Dec. 4 constitutional referendum, on which Italian Prime Minister Matteo Renzi has staked his political future.

Renzi is calling for changes which would make it easier for the government to pass legislation.

In an interview with Russian state TV broadcast Friday, Salvini voiced hope for Renzi's defeat, saying it would continue the anti-establishment trend of the British vote to leave the EU and Donald Trump's victory in the U.S. election.

Salvini has sought to develop contacts in Russia. He has harshly criticized EU sanctions against Russia, saying that Italian businesses have lost $6 billion because of them.
At least 26 people were hurt, six critically, when a man set himself afire Friday inside a Melbourne, Australia-area bank, authorities said.

5 KILLED IN HOUSE FIRE IN GEORGIA

Police arrested the man, who was heard screaming that the bank wouldnt give him money for food. Three children, one of them a toddler, reportedly were among the injured. Police did not identify the man but said he is 21 years old.

Commonwealth Bank fire in Springvale. Looks like an explosion? pic.twitter.com/rAYZGAgsC7  Solf (@sunprawn) November 18, 2016

Eyewitness Ashley Atkin-Fone described the horrific scene in gruesome detail: This kid comes running out, screaming his head off, with skin hanging off everywhere.

'HALF-HEADED' FLORIDA MAN ARRESTED ON ARSON, ATTEMPTED MURDER CHARGES

Atkin-Fone tried to put the fire out with a fire extinguisher, and ran into the bank. I was  inside choking and just shouting, Is anybody inside?

A spokesman for the Country Fire Authority, Paul Carrigg, said it was amazing that nobody died, The Guardian reported. Very lucky, and it was a combined effort, I think, by civilians, witnesses who were in attendance, and the emergency services response was fantastic, he said.

The incident happened around 11:30 a.m. local time at a branch of the Commonwealth Bank in the suburb of Springvale. Firefighters got the flames under control within an hour.

FBI INVESTIGATING ARSON, 'VOTE TRUMP' TAG AT BLACK CHURCH

The attacker had with him some sort of accelerant. He walked into the bank and he lit that accelerant, which caused some sort of fire.  He set himself alight with that fire, Jackie Poida of the Victoria Police told the BBC.

The suspect reportedly was in critical condition and under police surveillance. The bank branch remained closed for the rest of the day.
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The Mozambican president has pledged support for the families of 73 people, including children, who were killed when a fuel tanker exploded in northern Mozambique.

President Filipe Nyusi said Friday that "tragedy has knocked on our door once again" in Tete province, where the accident happened Thursday. Nyusi was recalling a 2015 incident in Tete in which about 70 people died after drinking contaminated beer.

Nyusi said aid efforts must be "flexible" following the tanker fire in the town of Caphiridzange, according to the Portuguese news agency Lusa. More than 100 people were injured.

The explosion happened after a truck driver stopped to sell fuel to residents who gathered around the vehicle, according to Radio Mozambique. A government task force headed to the scene and an investigation was underway.
Rescue teams recovered another body from a copper mine that collapsed in southeastern Turkey, officials said Friday, raising the death toll to four.

A rescue operation to find 12 miners still missing was underway, but the head of Turkey's crisis management agency, Halis Bilden, said chances of reaching them alive were slim.

MISSING WASHINGTON STATE FAMILY SURVIVES IN RUGGED TERRAIN FOR 2 DAYS

"I don't believe that we will be able to reach them alive," Bilden told reporters from the mine site in televised comments. "I cannot say that we have reached signs of life."

The privately-owned mine near the town of Sirvan, in Siirt province caved in late Thursday.

Mustafa Tutulmaz, the governor for Siirt, said authorities think a landslide triggered by heavy rains caused the collapse. However, an investigation had been launched to determine whether the accident may have resulted from negligence, he said.

Families watched as rescue teams searched for the workers who were buried along with trucks and other machines.

In 2014, 301 miners were killed in a fire inside a coal mine in Soma, western Turkey -- the nation's worst mining disaster. The tragedy exposed poor safety standards and superficial government inspections in Turkey's mines.
Sweden's Foreign Ministry says the country is "deeply concerned" about a planned Israeli bill to allow expanded construction in major West Bank settlements.

The ministry said Friday such settlements are contrary to "Israeli and international law," and "greatly undermine" the possibility of a two-state solution.

Israel's parliament this week gave preliminary approval to a contentious bill that would retroactively legalize hundreds of homes in West Bank settlements that sit on private Palestinian land.

Sweden urged Israel not to adopt this legislation, adding "it opens up for the legalization of a large number of settlements."

Stockholm's relations with Israel have been strained since the Social Democratic-led government in 2014 recognized Palestinian statehood, and Foreign Minister Margot Wallstrom's comments on the Israeli-Palestinian conflict have elicited angry responses from Israeli officials.
Tens of thousands of Croats are taking part in a memorial march marking the 25th anniversary of the fall of the eastern town of Vukovar to the Yugoslav army during the 1991-95 war.

Carrying Croatian flags and patriotic banners, the crowds on Friday were forming a kilometers-long column through the streets of the baroque town on the Danube which was all but demolished during the three-month siege in 1991.

Citizens were also lighting candles throughout Croatia.

Vukovar has become a symbol of Croatia's war for independence and of the senseless destruction during the wars that followed the breakup of Yugoslavia.

More than 10,000 people were killed in the Croatian war that started when the country declared independence from Yugoslavia, triggering a rebellion by minority Serbs. Croatia retook Serb-held lands in 1995.
The chief of NATO says that Turkish NATO officers have sought asylum in allied countries amid a Turkish government crackdown following a failed military coup.

Secretary-General Jens Stoltenberg said Friday that "some Turkish officers working in the NATO command structure ... have requested asylum in the countries where they are working."

Each country will assess the claims individually, Stoltenberg said in Brussels. He did not identify the countries or the numbers involved, or give reasons for the requests. German media have reported asylum claims in Germany by members of the Turkish military.

Turkey has arrested thousands of members of its military following the July coup attempt, and Stoltenberg noted that Turkey has made "numerous" changes in its NATO personnel.

Stoltenberg is traveling to Istanbul on Sunday.
The United States is seeking to impose sanctions on South Sudan's rebel leader, army chief of staff and information minister for obstructing peace in the world's newest nation.

An annex to the U.S. resolution calling for an arms embargo and new sanctions, obtained Friday by The Associated Press, would slap sanctions on leader Riek Machar, Gen. Paul Malong and minister Michael Makuei Lueth if approved by the U.N. Security Council.

Russia's deputy U.N. ambassador Petr Iliichev, who earlier called the U.S. draft resolution premature and irresponsible, said Friday that Moscow feels "very strongly" that the measure is ill-advised.

U.S. Ambassador Samantha Power urged the council on Thursday to authorize the arms embargo and new sanctions to curb violence that could lead to mass atrocities.
UN forced to cut food rations to thousands of refugees in Uganda amid funding shortfall

The United Nations World Food Programme (WFP) , which delivers lifesaving humanitarian assistance, has been forced to cut food rations to refugees in Uganda as a result of insufficient funding. Hungry families have been trapped in Uganda since renewed fighting broke out on 7 July in South Sudan between forces loyal to President Salva Kiir, and fighters loyal to former vice-president Riek Machar.

https://www.yahoo.com/news/m/fdb6c7fd-72fd-3dd1-a3e4-52447a87d4be/un-forced-to-cut-food-rations.html
By 2009, The Max Foundation had been connecting patients around the world with free Glivec for going-on seven years. Thats when Garcia-Gonzalez traveled to Africa for the first time in her life, to attend a conference in Tanzania. She was excited to meet some of the doctors shed corresponded with by email, she said.

She met an Ethiopian physician there, and inquired about the 200 patients in his country she knew were receiving Glivec through her foundations partnership. The doctor exclaimed how his patients were thriving and were so grateful. And then he gently let her know that for those 200 patients in his country whod been diagnosed, there were another 400 who couldnt afford the $600 it would cost to ship their blood samples to Germany or Seattle for diagnosis. They didnt own homes, he said, while many of the 200 had sold their houses just to pay for their diagnoses.

Garcia-Gonzalezs jaw dropped, she said.

I was so naive and I felt so bad, she said. Here you have a pharmaceutical company with this amazing drug, that is very expensive but theyre giving it for free with no limits for all the patients who need it  and we cant get patients in the program because they cant get diagnosed.

After that trip, she discovered that, of the 80 countries The Max Foundation served, 50 of them were in similar straits. Patients were having a hard time affording the shipping costs to have their blood sent to a diagnostic laboratory, such as the one in Germany, that could give the patients the accurate diagnosis needed to qualify for Novartis program.

She started telling this story to everyone she knew and asking for ideas. Garcia-Gonzalez and Radich met up at a U.S. conference shortly after her trip, and he told her about work his research team had been doing with the company Cepheid to develop an automated diagnostic assay for CML. Cepheid makes plug and play diagnostic machines that require less training and expertise to accurately diagnose CML and other diseases. With Radichs help, Garcia-Gonzalez shortly convinced Cepheid to provide the machines and supplies at a discount, when ordered through The Max Foundation in countries with a high burden of CML.

Low-tech with an impact

What started out as a sideline project soon turned into a major career focus for Radich. His labs other research is aimed at developing new, cutting-edge technologies to identify cancerous cells at incredibly minute levels. Those projects ultimate goal is to improve treatment by spotting those patients most likely to relapse as early as possible in their cancers return.

Its a body of work that Radich hopes will bear fruit for cancer patients in the long run. But in the meantime, the low-tech side of his lab is making an immediate impact on patients around the world, for people thousands of miles away whom Radich will never meet, he said.

It is incredibly fulfilling, he said. The bang for our buck is much more immediate.

A few years ago, Jordan Smith, a technician from Radichs lab, traveled to Tashkent, Uzbekistan, to help install a Cepheid machine in a hospital there. During his week-long trip to Uzbekistan, Smith helped diagnose dozens of local people with CML  people who likely would have died and are now connected with lifesaving therapies.

Of the original list of 50 countries that couldnt afford diagnoses, the Cepheid partnership has now provided this aid in 22, Garcia-Gonzalez said. Some of the machines came through The Max Foundation, some were made available through other international partnerships to diagnose other diseases. Once the machines were bought and in place, with the discounts, the price per diagnosis dropped from $600 to about $50, she said.

But many of the countries couldnt afford the machines or the supplies for them, even at the discounted price. Or they didnt have reliable enough sources of electricity to run the machines. So the researchers had to come up with another solution to add to their diagnostic toolkit.

One tiny technology

The diagnosis itself goes back to that singular molecule, BCR-ABL, which 95 percent of CML patients carry in their blood cells. Unlike many other cancers, CML is driven, diagnosed, and can be defeated by that single mutant protein.

Its unique among cancers, Radich said.

BCR-ABL is created when two normal genes, BCR and ABL, are fused. It can happen by random chance. When the mutation crops up in blood cells, the resulting fused protein drives the out-of-control division of white blood cells. CML diagnoses rely on detecting that fused genes RNA (the message molecule that translates DNA to protein). The fused gene itself is too large to easily assess in a diagnostic test, but the genes RNA is much smaller.

CML can be detected with a relatively simple laboratory procedure, known as PCR, that signals the presence of the mutant RNA.

When the researchers were looking for other low-cost ways to diagnose CML, especially for those regions without easy access to diagnostic machines, they were inspired by a simple concept  the newborn heel stick test, which uses blood from a newborn babys heel spotted onto a paper card and shipped to central genetic testing laboratories to screen for inherited disorders. Those tests look for DNA, not RNA, but Radich thought they might be able to get the test working accurately enough to work on RNA.

It started out as a short-term, low-investment project in his lab for some summer interns. But relatively quickly, it was clear the blood spots would work.

It was a rare project in that, within a summer, from idea to possibility, it came together, said Smith, the technician in Radichs lab who worked on the paper blood spot project as well.

With funding from Obliteride, Fred Hutchs fundraising bike ride, the research team scaled up the project. Their collaborators in Adelaide, Australia, tested samples from patients in their lab and sent spotted cards to Radichs lab in Seattle by ground mail. The cards took an average of six weeks to reach them, Radich said. One took three months. But they all worked to reveal the presence of CML with the required accuracy.

Since then, the team has diagnosed about 40 other patients around the world with CML using the paper product, through The Max Foundation. These are all people who wouldnt have otherwise had access to testing  and thus no access to the no-cost treatment. The tests still cost $50 to $100 per person, Radich said, but they dont require the initial investment in the diagnostic equipment or access to a specialized lab. His team does the diagnoses using their own Cepheid machine.

Like Radich, the other Hutch researchers working on this project hadnt worked on global health projects before. But they are all inspired by the impact their work is having.

Its nice to see that what you do here has a direct translation in somebody elses life, far away, so fast, Sala-Torra said.

It utilizes the infrastructure that weve built here at the Hutch, Smith added. Just with one tiny technology, a piece of paper, it extends that infrastructure so that people in far-flung regions can access the things weve done here.

Next, the team wants to scale up their testing. Once they secure additional funding to support the diagnostic work, Radich wants to start a project with a goal to diagnose one person/day  or maybe more  for the next year.

As Garcia-Gonzalez puts it, every test is saving a life.
Myrtle Beach Simple Wedding Day Launches Website

Rev. Simmons is available to officiate at wedding located in all types of setting and of any size. He will perform ceremonies which are casual or formal. Large wedding parties or no wedding parties can be accommodated.

--

Myrtle Beach weddings performed by Reverend Benjy Simmons are simple and memorable. The reverend is a wedding planner as well as an officiant at the ceremony.

Myrtle Beach SC: Myrtle Beach weddings by the Reverend Benjy Simmons take advantage of the many scenic and memorable locations in and around Myrtle Beach. Myrtle Beach, South Carolina offers many different opportunities to enjoy a Myrtle Beach Simple Wedding Day. The area is a favorite vacation destination of many people for a Myrtle Beach wedding. The area is a beautiful and romantic place to exchange wedding vows. Whether the couple are saying their vows for the first time, or are choosing to renew vows, the locations are myriad.

Some of the locations which have been utilized for wedding sites include the beach, hotels, resorts, a chapel, public parks or camp grounds. There are other beautiful and opportune locations to choose for a wedding ceremony and related activities.

According to the Reverend Benjy Simmons, "A wedding can be elaborate and very expensive, or it can be very simple and cost effective, without sacrificing the beauty of the ceremony or the surroundings. If you are looking for a simple wedding ceremony to be performed on the beach or at your designated setting, then I would count it an honor to perform your ceremony. Myrtle Beach weddings and vow renewals are fun and memorable."

In addition to officiation services for wedding and vow renewals, Reverend Benjy Simmons can provide wedding decorations, simple wedding photography or professional wedding photography services. There are beach ceremony sets for weddings and engraved toasting glasses. Planning a Myrtle Beach wedding requires consideration of weather, tides, time of day and the crowds on the beach.

Reverend Benjamin Simmons has more than 24 years of pastoral experience with dozens of wedding ceremonies performed in church settings as well as outdoor setting. The ceremonies can be customized for each couple.

For more information visit their website at http://www.myrtlebeachsimpleweddingday.com

For more information, please visit http://www.myrtlebeachsimpleweddingday.com/

Contact Info:

Name: Rev. Benjy Simmons

Email: info@myrtlebeachsimpleweddingday.com

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Address: 184 Avondale Drive

Phone: (843) 215-3440

Release ID: 147417

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Thanksgiving Event To Showcase Affordable World Travel Features Latest Microsoft Ad Campaign Travel Bloggers

Long time traveling honeymooners recently featured in the Microsoft touch screen ad campaign, are among other award winning travel bloggers, TBEX speakers and digital nomads all presenting at the worlds first House Sitting Summit scheduled over three days of the Thanksgiving weekend.

--

Calling upon experienced house sitters from across the globe, the hosts of the worlds first House Sitting Summit are thrilled to present Mike and Anne Howard from Honeytrek.com, stars of the latest Microsoft ad campaign, who share their wisdom and experience to help inspire more people to travel the world affordably.

The House Sitting Summit will showcase over 35 travel bloggers, digital nomads, early retirees, nomadic families and solo adventurers all sharing tips and advice on how to provide an invaluable service in exchange for free accommodation while traveling.

The line up of presenters includes speakers from the most recent TBEX (Travel Blog Exchange) hosted in the Philippines. "We are more than happy to share how we have supplemented our travels with house sitting over the last two years" says Betsy Wuebker from PassingThru.com "the experience has been so rich and rewarding while providing comfortable downtime for us to work on our travel blog and location independent business."

The practice of house sitting is not new at all, but it is becoming more mainstream. Home and pet owners going on vacation or needing time away for work or other commitments are increasingly choosing to engage house sitters for their home security and pet care via a fair exchange without cost to either party.

"The busiest time of year for home owners needing house and pet sitters is the Christmas holiday season." says Nat Smith co-founder of the House Sitting Academy, "And new house sitters need direct experiences to start gathering references as soon as possible, which is why we are hosting the House Sitting Summit over Thanksgiving. We want to help fill all the needs for the end of year holiday period and provide new sitters the best chance of getting an assignment."

Even though some travel bloggers and digital nomads get offered subsidized travel, many still seek house sitting assignments as a way to have a home base for a period of time. "We love getting up close and personal with local communities in places that tourists never see" says HoneyTrek's Anne Howard "It's an experience made even more rewarding with the loving company of the pets we are blessed to be looking after."

The online event is the first of its kind and is free to attend over the three days 25 - 28 November. There are 33 interviews in total plus daily live panel discussions with Q&A sessions. For those who cannot attend live and/or are serious about getting started in house sitting as soon as possible, there is the option to purchase an all access ticket available at half price before the event begins. The all access golden ticket also includes tutorials for getting set up to be successful in gaining house sitting assignments.

Free Ticket Registration is available at www.HouseSittingSummit.com

Contact the event hosts to learn about each of the presenters and for sponsorship opportunities.

For more information, please visit http://HouseSittingSummit.com

Contact Info:

Name: Jodie Burnham

Organization: House Sitting Summit



Video URL: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eq57N2ZX0tE&index=3&list=PL_LrC7tb4azNHHhEn7XS4lG_aQWX2yLcE

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3 Things You Didn't Know About Expired Domain Name Data Services

The Domain Name releases 3 previously unpublished facts about its upcoming Expired Domain Name Data service launch. Further information can be found at https://the.domain.name/.

--

Ahead of the launch of its new Expired Domain Name Data service, The.Domain.Name is making public 3 as yet unreleased facts about the service, set to go live November 20th 2016, which fans and consumers within the Online Marketing, SEO and Domain Names space will find interesting...

The 3 items include nuggets such as how:

The idea for creating the Expired Domain Name Data service came about after they realised that they had extensive technology and marketing experience and could bring those together to help small businesses with vast data, towards their marketing goals...

The Expired Domain Name Data service has actually been in development for three years and had a team of just two working on it, which is miniscule by industry standards. This goes to show that great technology can be created with nothing but talent, time, a great idea and purpose to deliver for the world.

The Domain Name almost wasn't able to bring the Expired Domain Name Data service to see the light of day, when the one of the founders became homeless after his prior business failed. Thankfully he passed that dark time but during that period his Eureka moment was delivered, and the mission to assist was born, with terabytes of data being analysed on nothing but a solar panel powering his laptop.

The Domain Name has done something different compared to other businesses in the Online Marketing, SEO and Domain Names space, by ensuring the so called big data, normally the preserve of large multinationals, is now available to the average mom and pop with no barriers to entry.

The Expired Domain Name Data service will move from public Beta to a fully launched service, as part of The Domain Name's greater plans to for all their clients to conquer the Google ranking problem. It's hoped this goal will be achieved by the year end.

The Domain Name got it's start when Founder Jason Duke and Richard Lees noticed a growing need for vast domain data to be useable and available to non technical businesses.. With 35 years combined prior experience in the Online Marketing, SEO and Domain Name world, Jason Duke and Richard Lees decided to go ahead and start delivering the answer to this problem in 2013.

Jason Duke is quoted saying: "We like to do things to connect with our consumers and customers. Things like speak with them, one on one, via video conferencing. We and our customers may be spread around the world, but we try to make it feel as if everyone is local, and releasing these little factoids ahead of our Expired Domain Name Data service launch are what make a difference."

The Domain Name's Expired Domain Name Data service is set to launch November 20th 2016. To find out more about The Domain Name and the new service, it's possible to visit https://the.domain.name/

For more information, please visit https://the.domain.name/

Contact Info:

Name: Jason Duke

Email: jason@the.domain.name

Organization: The Domain Name

Address: 1 Alfriston Park

Phone: (759) 592-4934

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Robotic Vacuum Cleaner 2016 Market Segmentation,Application,Technology & Market Analysis Research Report to 2021

WiseGuyReports.Com Publish a New Market Research Report On - "Robotic Vacuum Cleaner 2016 Market Segmentation,Application,Technology & Market Analysis Research Report to 2021".

--

"The Global Robotic Vacuum Cleaner market is expected to cross US$3 million by 2021."

The Report "Global Robotic Vacuum Cleaner Strategic Assessment and Forecast till 2021", covers the present scenario and growth aspect of worldwide robotic vacuum cleaner market for the period of 2016-2021. This market research report includes a detailed market segmentation of the Worldwide Robotic Vacuum Cleaner Market

By Product

o Floor Care

? Vacuum Only

? Vacuum and Mopping

? Mopping Only

o Pool Care

By Distribution Channels

o Online

o Retail

o Specialty Stores

o Supermarkets and Hypermarkets

By Geography

o APAC

o Europe

o North America

o ROW

By Country

o Canada

o China

o Egypt

o France

o Germany

o Japan

o Mexico

o South Korea

o US

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Robotic Vacuum Cleaner - Market Size and Dynamics

The analysts at Beige Market Intelligence expects the worldwide robotic vacuum cleaner market to reach approx. US$3,166.9 million by 2021 with a CAGR of more that 11.6%. In developed regions, the growth in the construction industry will contribute to the demand for robotic vacuum cleaners. Robotic vacuum cleaners are increasingly marking their presence among end-users worldwide. The floor care segment of the market offers a lucrative opportunity for vendors as the demand for floor care robotic vacuum cleaning devices has been increasing globally. Pool cleaning robots are popular in European countries whereas in US the demand of pool cleaning robots is comparatively low.

Robotic Vacuum Cleaner Market - Trends, Drivers and Challenges

The latest trend emerging in the robotic vacuum cleaners market is increased adoption of smart robotic vacuum cleaners among end-users across the world. However, adoption of smart home concept and increased sales and marketing of the robotic vacuum cleaners on internet are the emerging trends in the market. Robotic vacuum cleaners have become a popular sensation in the modern consumer electronics market. The demand is growing at a phenomenal rate across the world. The entry of low cost new variant in the market has propelled the growth of robotic vacuum cleaner market. Also, Increased domestic use of the robotic vacuum cleaners, as they are less time consuming and easy to use, is going to propel the sale of the robotic vacuum cleaner.

Robotic Vacuum Cleaner Market - Geographical Analysis

The report includes the market analysis of different regions such as North America, APAC, Europe and ROW. The report outlines the major market share holder and the market size analysis of all the regions and provides the market size and forecast of the key countries.

The penetration of robotic vacuum cleaners in the APAC countries such as China, Japan, South Korea, and Australia is increasing rapidly. For instance, the demand for robotic vacuum cleaners in Japan witnessed a surge in 2015 from 2014 against the demand for traditional vacuum cleaners. APAC will continue to dominate the worldwide robotic vacuum cleaner market till 2021. Europe will likely account for 30.83% and 33.13% market share, in terms of revenue and unit shipment, respectively, in 2021. The robotic vacuum cleaners market in North American is characterized by demand for advanced robotic vacuum cleaners with autonomy in functioning and navigating.

Robotic Vacuum Cleaner Market - Market Share & Key Vendors

This market research profiles the major companies in the Global Robotic Vacuum Cleaner Market and provides the competitive landscape and market share of key the players. The report covers the entire market outlook regarding the value chain operating within the market.

Complete Report Details @ https://www.wiseguyreports.com/reports/750910-global-robotic-vacuum-cleaner-market-strategic-assessment-and-forecast-till-2021

The major vendors included in the report are

iRobot, ECOVACS ROBOTICS, Maytronics Group and Aqua Products.

The emerging vendors

De'Longhi, Dyson, Groupe SEB, Hanool Robotics, Hayward Industries, Hitachi, Hoover, LG, Mamirobot, Matsutek Enterprise, Metapo, Miele, Neato Robotics, Moneual, Panasonic, Pentair, Philips, Samsung, Sharp, Taurus, Toshiba Lifestyle Products, Vorwerk, Yujin Robot and Zodiac.

Why should you buy Global Robotic Vaccum Cleaner Market report?

The report gives reasonable answers for the following questions which leads you to know the in- depth market analysis such as

1) How has the market been performing and what are some of the current changes which are expected to change the landscape in the coming years?

2) What are the various factors that can affect the market and in what way over the next few years?

3) What are the emerging trends and challenges for the market over the next five years?

4) What is the market size and market forecast for each product segment?

5) Which regions are going to have the largest market share and what are the factors propelling the market growth in that region?

6) Which are the key countries and the market size and market forecast in the key countries?

7) Which companies are the key vendors in the market?

8) What are the strategies used by the top vendors, and what are the opportunities to grow?

9) Which companies are the emerging vendors in the market?

Table Of Contents - Major Key Points

Section 1 Research Methodology

Section 2 Report Coverage

2.1 Report at a Glance

2.2 Descriptive Summary of Worldwide Robotic Vacuum Cleaner Market

2.3 Scope of the Study

2.3.1 Definition of product

2.3.2 End-user Segments

2.3.3 Base year

2.3.4 Geography

Section 3 Market Research Methodology

3.1 Geographical Segmentation

3.2 Vendor Segmentation

3.3 Common Currency Conversion Rates

Section 4 Market Landscape

4.1 Introduction to Robotic Vacuum Cleaners

4.2 Average Selling Price

Section 5 Key Market Trends

5.1.1 Year-on-year Impact of Market Trends

5.1.2 Impact of Market Trends on Geography in 2015

Section 6 Key Market Growth Drivers

6.1.1 Year-on-year Impact of Market Drivers

6.1.2 Impact of Market Drivers on Geography in 2015

Section 7 Key Market Restraints

7.1.1 Year-on-year Impact of Market Restraints

7.1.2 Impact of Market Restraints on Geographies in 2015

Section 8 Value Chain Analysis

8.1 Value Chain Analysis of the Worldwide Robotic Vacuum Cleaner Market

........CONTINUED

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Orrin Woodward Celebrates Life on Life Anniversary

Celebrated author and leadership guru Orrin Woodward marks the one-year anniversary of the Life on Life Initiative, a project that supports community outreach programs.

--

For the past year, the groundbreaking Life on Life Initiative has set people free. With a variety of programs available to participants, the initiative has sparked real change in people's lives.Orrin Woodward, a leadership guru and cofounder of the group behind the initiative, Life Leadership, has marked the one-year anniversary of the program. In cities across the United States, the initiative's programs have served those in need, providing valuable funding and training for underserved populations. "We are immensely proud of our first year at the helm of this important program," says Orrin. "Our group is positioned well to continue providing critical training and resources for years to come." To learn more about the initiative and to read stories about the people the group has helped, visit http://www.lifeleadership.com/LifeOnLife/Index.aspx.

The Life on Life Initiative was established in 2015 to give people the tools to achieve functional freedom through life skills training and literacy programs. Education is a critical component of the group's work, giving participants the tools to take control of their lives and to achieve success. The initiative encourages three levels of contribution to the programs offered by the group. Life Members and corporate sponsors donate financial contributions, while the parent organization produces impactful awareness campaigns. Group participants engage in volunteer efforts, giving freely of their time and their skills to help others. "Volunteerism is the backbone by which the Initiative enters people's lives," adds Orrin. "The group has had many thousands of volunteer hours given in support of our literacy and life training programs." All of the donations made to the group are administered by a 501(c)3 organization and go directly to supporting groups like the Triangle Literacy Council, local foodbanks, and area animal shelters.

Life Leadership, the parent organization behind Life on Life, was founded by Orrin Woodward. He is a best-selling author with several titles to his credit. Inc. Magazine calls Orrin one of the top 20 leaders in the country. He even holds a Guinness World Record for the largest book signing ever conducted. As a speaker, he has engaged audiences all over the world with his insightful thoughts on leadership and personal liberty. His popular blogs and Twitter feed have been accessed by millions of followers from around the world. For more information on Orrin and his published books, visit https://www.amazon.com/Orrin-Woodward/e/B007M2CDEU.

For more information, please visit http://www.lifeleadership.com/LifeOnLife

Contact Info:

Name: Kristen Seidl

Organization: Life Leadership

Address: 200 Commonwealth Ct Cary, NC

Phone: (262) 364-6557

Release ID: 147456

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Online Class Helpers Introduce Refer-a-friend Discounts Program

Clients introducing their friends to the online class help website can get discounts on services

--

Online Class Helpers has announced their Refer-a -friend program in which students can get discounts on services by successfully referring someone else to the website.

"We do not advertise our services on national TV or spend money on marketing. Instead, Online Class Helpers relies on word of mouth publicity. In the past, satisfied clients have recommended our services to others, who have in turn done the same to some of their friends. This program is a gesture to people like this," says a spokesperson for the take my online class service.

The discount is applicable for future orders with Online Class Helpers. The website offers academic assistance to hundreds of students who need help with their online classes. Students can sign up for help with more than 3 dozen subjects including math, science, languages, information technology, management, nursing, and more.

About Online Class Helpers:

Online Class Helpers is a US based online class help website. They offer academic assistance to students struggling to complete their online courses. Tutors at Online Class Helpers offer to complete homework assignments, tests, discussion boards, quizzes, and essays, and much more.

For more information, please visit https://www.onlineclasshelpers.com/

Contact Info:

Name: Joseph Demarco

Organization: Online Class Helpers

Address: 222 broadway, New York, NY 10038

Phone: 404-267-1498

Video URL: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TXJYEaiXm2I

Source: http://marketersmedia.com/online-class-helpers-introduce-refer-a-friend-discounts-program/147360

Release ID: 147360

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4G Demand Global Market Segmentation and Major Players Analysis 2022

WiseGuyReports.com adds "Turkey: Demand for Data, Operator Investments in 4G and Fixed Infrastructure to Drive Future Revenue Growth" reports to its database.

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In 2016, Turkey will be one of the largest markets in the AME region. Going forward, the growth in the telecom market is expected to be driven by increasing adoption of fixed and mobile broadband services, backed by operators' investments in 4G and fiber expansion. IoT/M2M and HD video streaming to provide new revenue streams.

Get Sample Report @ https://www.wiseguyreports.com/sample-request/750717-turkey-demand-for-data-future-revenue-growth

Key Findings

- The overall telecom service revenue in Turkey is estimated to increase by 3.6% over 2016-2021, to reach $11.6bn in 2021. Mobile data and fixed broadband will drive the growth in overall telecom service revenue over the 2016-2021 period.

- Mobile data will be an important driver of revenue growth, owing to an increase in the adoption of 4.5G services along with wider availability of 4G-compatible devices.

- Turk Telekom will be the leading operator followed by Turkcell and Vodafone in 2016. Operators will continue to invest in fixed and mobile networks focusing on network expansion to roll out next-generation technologies to stay competitive.

Synopsis

Turkey: Demand for Data, Operator Investments in 4G and Fixed Infrastructure to Drive Future Revenue Growth,' a new Country Intelligence Report by Pyramid Research, provides an executive-level overview of the telecommunications market in Turkey today, with detailed forecasts of key indicators up to 2021. Published annually, the report provides detailed analysis of the near-term opportunities, competitive dynamics and evolution of demand by service type and technology/platform across the fixed telephony, broadband, mobile and pay-TV sectors, as well as a review of key regulatory trends.

The Country Intelligence Report provides in-depth analysis of the following:

- Regional context: telecom market size and trends in Turkey compared with other countries in the region.

- Economic, demographic and political context in Turkey.

- The regulatory environment and trends: a review of the regulatory setting and agenda for the next 18-24 months as well as relevant developments pertaining to spectrum licensing, national broadband plans, number portability and more.

- A demand profile: analysis as well as historical figures and forecasts of service revenue from the fixed telephony (including VoIP), broadband, mobile voice, mobile data and pay-TV markets.

- Service evolution: a look at changes in the breakdown of overall revenue between the fixed/pay-TV and mobile sectors and between voice, data and video from 2016 to 2021.

- The competitive landscape: an examination of key trends in competition and in the performance, revenue market shares and expected moves of service providers over the next 18-24 months.

- In-depth sector analysis of fixed telephony, broadband, mobile voice, mobile data and pay-TV services: a quantitative analysis of service adoption trends by network technology and by operator, as well as of average revenue per line/subscription and service revenue through the end of the forecast period.

- Main opportunities: this section details the near-term opportunities for operators, vendors and investors in Turkey's telecommunications and pay-TV markets.

Reasons to Buy

- This Country Intelligence Report offers a thorough, forward-looking analysis of Turkey's telecommunications and pay-TV markets, service providers and key opportunities in a concise format to help executives build proactive and profitable growth strategies.

- Accompanying Pyramid Research's Forecast products, the report examines the assumptions and drivers behind ongoing and upcoming trends in Turkey's mobile communications, fixed telephony/VoIP, broadband and pay-TV markets, including the evolution of service provider market shares.

- With more than 20 charts and tables, the report is designed for an executive-level audience, boasting presentation quality.

- The report provides an easily digestible market assessment for decision-makers built around in-depth information gathered from local market players, which enables executives to quickly get up to speed with the current and emerging trends in Turkey's telecommunications and pay-TV markets.

- The broad perspective of the report coupled with comprehensive, actionable detail will help operators, equipment vendors and other telecom industry players succeed in the challenging telecommunications market in Turkey.

Table of Contents

Executive summary

Market and competitor overview

Regional context

Economic, demographic and political context

Regulatory environment

Demand profile

Service evolution

Competitive landscape

Major market players

Segment analysis

Mobile services

Fixed services

Pay-TV

Identifying opportunities

Overall market opportunities

Access Report @ https://www.wiseguyreports.com/reports/750717-turkey-demand-for-data-future-revenue-growth

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Source: http://marketersmedia.com/4g-demand-global-market-segmentation-and-major-players-analysis-2022/147213

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Glass Packaging Market Growth Parameters, Competitor Strategy, Expected Revenue Structure Forecast to 2021

Market Research Future published a Half-Cooked Research Report on Global Glass Packaging Market Information by Application and by Region - Forecast to 2021

--

Market Scenario

Globally there is an increase in demand for alcoholic beverages and beer which has augmented the market for Glass Packaging. The non-reactive nature of glass makes it a suitable packaging material in pharmaceutical and alcoholic beverages industry. This is backed by the increased awareness for eco-friendly packaging and increase in investments by packaging companies which has led to the growth of the global Glass Packaging Market.

Segments

On The Basis Of Application

o Alcoholic Beverages

o Food & Beverages

o Pharmaceuticals

On The Basis Of Region

o North America

o Europe

o APAC

o Rest of the World

"Ask for your specific company profile and country level customization on reports."

Key Players

o Owens Illinois Inc.

o Saint-Gobain

o Ardagh Group

o Gerresheimer AG

o Vetropack Holding AG

o Amcor Ltd

o Nihon Yamamura Glass Co. Ltd

o Tamron Co., Ltd.

o Piramal Glass Limited

o Hindustan National Glass & Industries Ltd

o Stolzle-Oberglas GmbH

o Vidrala SA

o Wiegand Glas

o O.Berk Company LLC

o Shandong Pharmaceutical Glass Co., Ltd.

Get a Sample Report @ https://www.marketresearchfuture.com/sample-request/global-glass-packaging-market-research-report-forecast-to-2021

Study Objectives of Global Glass Packaging Market

o To provide detailed analysis of the market structure along with forecast for the next 5 years of various segments and sub-segments of the global Glass Packaging market

o To provide insights about factors affecting the market growth

o To analyze the global Glass Packaging Market based on various factors- price analysis, supply chain analysis, porters five force analysis etc.

o To provide historical and forecast revenue of the market segments and sub-segments with respect to four main geographies and their countries- North America, Europe, APAC, and Rest of the World (RoW)

o To provide country level analysis of the market with respect to the current market size and future prospective

o To provide country level analysis of the market for segment by application and region.

o To provide strategic profiling of the key players in the market, comprehensively analyzing their core competencies, and drawing a competitive landscape for the market

o To track and analyze competitive developments such as joint ventures, strategic alliances, mergers and acquisitions, new product developments, and research and developments in the global Glass Packaging market

Taste the market data and market information presented through more than 70 market data tables and figures spread in 115 numbers of pages of the project report. Avail the in-depth table of content TOC & market synopsis on "Global Glass Packaging Market Research Report - Forecast to 2021"

Regional Analysis of Global Packaging Machinery Market

APAC dominates the global Glass Packaging market with its fast growing market worldwide. It will expand at a CAGR XX% over the forecast period. The region is expected to grow in coming years due to increasing Glass Packaging consumption, particularly in China and India. The demand is dominated by the alcoholic beverages and pharmaceuticals industry. It is followed by North America which is expected to grow rapidly over $XX million by 2021. Europe and Rest of the World are also expected to grow at CAGR of XX% respectively from 2016 to 2021.

Table of Content

1 Executive Summary

2 Scope Of The Report

2.1 Market Definition

2.2 Scope Of The Study

2.2.1 Research Objectives

2.2.2 Assumptions & Limitations

2.3 Markets Structure

3 Market Research Methodologies

3.1 Research Process

3.2 Secondary Research

3.3 Primary Research

3.4 Forecast Model

4 Market Landscape

4.1 Five Forces Analysis

4.1.1 Threat Of New Entrants

4.1.2 Bargaining power of buyers

4.1.3 Threat of substitutes

4.1.4 Segment rivalry

4.2 Value Chain of Global Glass Packaging Market

5 Industry Overview of Global Glass Packaging Market

5.1 Introduction

5.2 Growth Drivers

5.3 Impact analysis

5.4 Market Challenges

5.5 Impact analysis

Continue.........

Browse Report @ https://www.marketresearchfuture.com/reports/global-glass-packaging-market-research-report-forecast-to-2021

The report for Global Glass Packaging Market of Market Research Future comprises of extensive primary research along with the detailed analysis of qualitative as well as quantitative aspects by various industry experts, key opinion leaders to gain the deeper insight of the market and industry performance. The report gives the clear picture of current market scenario which includes historical and projected market size in terms of value and volume, technological advancement, macro economical and governing factors in the market. The report provides details information and strategies of the top key players in the industry. The report also gives a broad study of the different market segments and regions.

Related Report

Global Tube Packaging Market Information by Materials (Laminate, Plastic, Aluminum, paperboard and others), by Product (Squeeze tubes, Twist tubes, Cartridges and others) by Application (Personal Care, Pharmaceuticals, Food & Beverages, Consumer goods and others) and region - Forecast to 2022 https://www.marketresearchfuture.com/reports/global-tube-packaging-market-research-report-forecast-to-2022

About Market Research Future:

At Market Research Future (MRFR), we enable our customers to unravel the complexity of various industries through our Cooked Research Report (CRR), Half-Cooked Research Reports (HCRR), Raw Research Reports (3R), Continuous-Feed Research (CFR), and Market Research & Consulting Services.

For more information, please visit https://www.marketresearchfuture.com/reports/global-glass-packaging-market-research-report-forecast-to-2021

Contact Info:

Name: Akash Anand

Email: akash.anand@marketresearchfuture.com

Organization: Market Research Future

Address: Office No. 524/528, Amanora Chambers, Magarpatta Road, Hadapsar Pune

Phone: +1 646 845 9312

Source: http://marketersmedia.com/glass-packaging-market-growth-parameters-competitor-strategy-expected-revenue-structure-forecast-to-2021/146716

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E Cigarettes, Vapourizer, E Cigars Market Size, Share, Report, Analysis, Trends & Forecast to 2022

According to Stratistics MRC, the Global E-Cigarettes & Vapourizer Market accounted for $7.47 billion in 2015 and is anticipated to reach $28.57 billion by 2022 growing at a CAGR of 21.1% from 2015 to 2022.

--

Growing demand for distribution channels of e-cigarettes and accessories is the primary factor favouring the market growth. Furthermore, increasing number of brands, innovative product launches and product customizations are some of the drivers favouring the market growth. However, uncertain regulatory framework, increasing incidents of e-liquid poisoning and compatibility issues are some of the restraints hampering the market growth. New taxes on e-cigs in cities like Washington, D.C., are damping sales, as are new regulations, like measures passed this year in Indiana that require manufacturers to secure permits and list ingredients. The industry also is awaiting final rules from the Food and Drug Administration, which could require federal approval for nearly all flavored liquid nicotine juices and e-cig devices.

Access the complete report at:

http://www.strategymrc.com/report/e-cigarettes-vapourizer-market

Disposable E-Cigarette segment commanded the largest share in 2015, while Rechargeable E-Cigarettes is growing at the highest CAGR durig the forecast period. North America is expected to witness highest growth rate over the forecast period. Europe being one of the largest markets in the e-cigarette industry it is hub to provide conflicting regulatory regimes.

Some of the key players in this market include Japan Tobacco, Inc., First Union, International Vapor Group, Inc., Marlboro, Lorillard, Inc., Pacific Smoke International, British American Tobacco Plc (Bat), Cloudcig, Steamlite, Smokefree, Victory Electronic Cigarettes Corporation, Altria Group, Inc., Reynolds American Inc., Puff Ecig, Bull Smoke, Feellife Bioscience International Co. Ltd, Fontem Ventures, Philip Morris International, Inc., Ballantyne Brands, Llc and Nice Vapor.

Make an inquiry at:

http://www.strategymrc.com/report/e-cigarettes-vapourizer-market

Composition Covered:

o Flavors

o Nicotine

o Diluents

o E-Liquids

Products Covered:

o E-Go Electronic Cigarette and Tank

o E-Cigars

o Rechargeable E-Cigarette

o Disposable E-Cigarette

o Personal Vaporizers and Mods

o E-Pipes

o Other Products

Component Covered:

o Cartridge

o Clearomizer

o Battery

o Rebuildable Atomizer

o Atomizer

o Cartomizer

Distribution Channel Covered:

o Online

o Retail

o Pharmaceuticals

o Convenient stores

o Others

Regions Covered:

o North America

o US

o Canada

o Mexico

o Europe

o Germany

o France

o Italy

o UK

o Spain

o Rest of Europe

o Asia Pacific

o Japan

o China

o India

o Australia

o New Zealand

o Rest of Asia Pacific

o Rest of the World

o Middle East

o Brazil

o Argentina

o South Africa

o Egypt

What our report offers:

- Market share assessments for the regional and country level segments

- Market share analysis of the top industry players

- Strategic recommendations for the new entrants

- Market forecasts for a minimum of 7 years of all the mentioned segments, sub segments and the regional markets

- Market Trends (Drivers, Constraints, Opportunities, Threats, Challenges, Investment Opportunities, and recommendations)

- Strategic recommendations in key business segments based on the market estimations

- Competitive landscaping mapping the key common trends

- Company profiling with detailed strategies, financials, and recent developments

- Supply chain trends mapping the latest technological advancements

Follow us on Twitter:

https://twitter.com/StratisticsMRC

Follow us on LinkedIn at:

https://www.linkedin.com/company/stratistics-market-research-consulting-pvt-ltd?trk=mini-profile

About Stratistics MRC

We offer wide spectrum of research and consulting services with in-depth knowledge of different industries. We are known for customized research services, consulting services and Full Time Equivalent (FTE) services in the research world. We explore the market trends and draw our insights with valid assessments and analytical views. We use advanced techniques and tools among the quantitative and qualitative methodologies to identify the market trends.

Our research reports and publications are routed to help our clients to design their business models and enhance their business growth in the competitive market scenario. We have a strong team with hand-picked consultants including project managers, implementers, industry experts, researchers, research evaluators and analysts with years of experience in delivering the complex projects.

For more information, please visit http://www.strategymrc.com/

For more information, please visit http://www.strategymrc.com/

Contact Info:

Name: James Lamb

Email: info@strategymrc.com

Organization: Stratistics Market Research Consulting Pvt Ltd

Address: SMRC Sales Office, 17049 King James Way, Gaithersburg, MD, 20877, USA +1-301-202-5929

Phone: +1-301-202-5929

Source: http://marketersmedia.com/e-cigarettes-vapourizer-e-cigars-market-size-share-report-analysis-trends-forecast-to-2022/145011

Release ID: 145011

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Civil Aerospace Simulation and Training Market is Estimated to Grow at a CAGR of Around 5% During 2016 to 2021

Global Civil Aerospace Simulation and Training Market by Simulator Type (Flight Training Devices (FTD), Full Flight Simulators (FFS), Flight Simulation Training Devices (FSTD)), Aircraft Type (Fixed Wing and Rotary Wing), and by Region - Forecast To 2021

--

Synopsis of Civil Aerospace Simulation and Training Market

Global Civil Aerospace Simulation and Training Market is expected to grow at a CAGR of around 5% during 2016-2021. The key driving factors are cost effective & ecofriendly simulation training, growing aircraft fleets, and high demand for simulator and type rated pilots.

As per the MRFR analysis, factors restraining the market growth are high installation/setup cost of simulator, and absence of qualified simulator instructors.

Key Players

Some of the key players in the Global Civil Aerospace Simulation and Training Market are:

o CAE

o FlightSafety International

o Rockwell Collins, L-3 Communications

o Lockheed Martin

o Thales Training

o Frasca, Indra Sistemas

o Diamond Visionics LLC

o Vector Training Systems

Get a Sample Report @ https://www.marketresearchfuture.com/sample-request/global-civil-aerospace-simulation-and-training-forecast-2016-2021

Market Segmentation:

o Segmentation by Simulator Type: Flight Training Devices (FTD), Full Flight Simulators (FFS), Flight Simulation Training Devices (FSTD) and others.

o Segmentation by Aircraft Type: Fixed Wing and Rotary Wing among others.

o Segmentation by Region: Americas, Europe, Asia Pacific, Middle East and Africa

Access the market data and information presented through over 60 tables and figures spread 103 pages of the project report. Avail in-depth table of content (TOC) & market synopsis on "Global Civil Aerospace Simulation and Training Market Research Report - Forecast 2016-2021"

Browse Report Details @ https://www.marketresearchfuture.com/reports/global-civil-aerospace-simulation-and-training-forecast-2016-2021

Table of Contents for Civil Aerospace Simulation and Training Market

1. INTRODUCTION

1.1. REPORT DESCRIPTION

1.2. RESEARCH OBJECTIVE

2. EXECUTIVE SUMMARY

2.1 KEY FINDINGS / HIGHLIGHTS

2.1.1 INVESTMENT OPPORTUNITIES

2.1.2 MARKET STARTEGIES

2.1.3 LATEST DEVELOPMENTS

3. SCOPE OF THE STUDY

3.1. MARKETS COVERED

3.2. YEARS CONSIDERED FOR THE STUDY (2016-2021)

3.3. GEOGRAPHIC SCOPE

3.4. KEY STAKEHOLDERS

4. ASSUMPTIONS AND LIMITATIONS

5. RESEARCH METHODOLOGY

5.1 PRIMARY RESEARCH

5.2 SECONDARY RESEARCH

5.3 ECONOMETRIC AND FORECASTING MODEL

6. MARKET SIZE ESTIMATION

6.1 TOP DOWN APPROACH

6.2 BOTTOM UP APPROACH

7. MARKET FACTOR ANALYSIS

7.1 VALUE CHAIN ANALYSIS

7.2 SUPPLY CHAIN ANALYSIS

7.3 PORTER'S FIVE FORCES ANALYSIS

8. MARKET DYNAMICS

8.1 DRIVERS

8.2 RESTRAINTS

8.3 OPPORTUNITIES

8.4 TRENDS

9. MARKET SEGMENTATION

9.1 BY SIMULATOR TYPE

9.2 BY AIRCRAFT TYPE

9.4 BY REGION

Continued....

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About Market Research Future:

At Market Research Future (MRFR), we enable our customers to unravel the complexity of various industries through our Cooked Research Report (CRR), Half-Cooked Research Reports (HCRR), Raw Research Reports (3R), Continuous-Feed Research (CFR), and Market Research & Consulting Services.

MRFR team have supreme objective to provide the optimum quality market research and intelligence services to our clients. Our market research studies by products, services, technologies, applications, end users, and market players for global, regional, and country level market segments, enable our clients to see more, know more, and do more, which help to answer all their most important questions.

In order to stay updated with technology and work process of the industry, MRFR often plans & conducts meet with the industry experts and industrial visits for its research analyst members.

For more information, please visit https://www.marketresearchfuture.com/

Contact Info:

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Email: akash.anand@marketresearchfuture.com

Organization: Market Research Future (MRFR)



Source: http://marketersmedia.com/civil-aerospace-simulation-and-training-market-is-estimated-to-grow-at-a-cagr-of-around-5-during-2016-to-2021/145036

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Global Cloud Computing Market by Key Vendors, Market Drivers, Challenges, Share,Trends & Forecasts 2020

WiseGuyReports.Com Publish a New Market Research Report On -"Global Cloud Computing Market by Key Vendors, Market Drivers, Challenges, Share,Trends & Forecasts 2020".

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Cloud Computing is a term that describes a broad range of technology services. Technology is often described as a stack (see diagram below), as a response to the broad range of services built on top of one another under the moniker "Cloud".

Scope of the Report:

This report focuses on the Cloud Computing in Global market, especially in North America, Europe and Asia-Pacific, South America, Middle East and Africa. This report categorizes the market based on manufacturers, regions, type and application.

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For more information or any query mail at sales@wiseguyreports.com

Market Segment by Manufacturers, this report covers

Amazon Web Services

Microsoft Azure

IBM

Aliyun

Google Cloud Platform

Salesforce

Rackspace

SAP

Oracle

Vmware

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EMC

Market Segment by Regions, regional analysis covers

North America (USA, Canada and Mexico)

Europe (Germany, France, UK, Russia and Technologyaly)

Asia-Pacific (China, Japan, Korea, India and Southeast Asia)

South America, Middle East and Africa

Market Segment by Type, covers

Software as a Service (SaaS)

Platform as a Service (PaaS)

Infrastructure as a Service (IaaS)

Market Segment by Applications, can be divided into

Government

Small and Medium enterprise

Large enterprise

Complete Report Details @ https://www.wiseguyreports.com/reports/740596-global-cloud-computing-market-forecast-to-2021

Table Of Contents - Major Key Points

Global Cloud Computing Market by Manufacturers, Regions, Type and Application, Forecast to 2021

1 Market Overview

1.1 Cloud Computing Introduction

1.2 Market Analysis by Type

1.2.1 Software as a Service (SaaS)

1.2.2 Platform as a Service (PaaS)

1.2.3 Infrastructure as a Service (IaaS)

1.3 Market Analysis by Applications

1.3.1 Government

1.3.2 Small and Medium enterprise

1.3.3 Large enterprise

1.4 Market Analysis by Regions

1.4.1 North America (USA, Canada and Mexico)

1.4.1.1 USA

1.4.1.2 Canada

1.4.1.3 Mexico

1.4.2 Europe (Germany, France, UK, Russia and Technologyaly)

1.4.2.1 Germany

1.4.2.2 France

1.4.2.3 UK

1.4.2.4 Russia

1.4.2.5 Technologyaly

1.4.3 Asia-Pacific (China, Japan, Korea, India and Southeast Asia)

1.4.3.1 China

1.4.3.2 Japan

1.4.3.3 Korea

1.4.3.4 India

1.4.3.5 Southeast Asia

1.4.4 South America, Middle East and Africa

1.4.4.1 Brazil

1.4.4.2 Egypt

1.4.4.3 Saudi Arabia

1.4.4.4 South Africa

1.4.4.5 Nigeria

1.5 Market Dynamics

1.5.1 Market OpportunTechnologyies

1.5.2 Market Risk

1.5.3 Market Driving Force

2 Manufacturers Profiles

2.1 Amazon Web Services

2.1.1 Business Overview

2.1.2 Cloud Computing Type and Applications

2.1.2.1 Type 1

2.1.2.2 Type 2

2.1.3 Amazon Web Services Cloud Computing Sales, Price, Revenue, Gross Margin and Market Share

2.2 Microsoft Azure

2.2.1 Business Overview

2.2.2 Cloud Computing Type and Applications

2.2.2.1 Type 1

2.2.2.2 Type 2

2.2.3 Microsoft Azure Cloud Computing Sales, Price, Revenue, Gross Margin and Market Share

2.3 IBM

2.3.1 Business Overview

2.3.2 Cloud Computing Type and Applications

2.3.2.1 Type 1

2.3.2.2 Type 2

2.3.3 IBM Cloud Computing Sales, Price, Revenue, Gross Margin and Market Share

2.4 Aliyun

2.4.1 Business Overview

2.4.2 Cloud Computing Type and Applications

2.4.2.1 Type 1

2.4.2.2 Type 2

2.4.3 Aliyun Cloud Computing Sales, Price, Revenue, Gross Margin and Market Share

2.5 Google Cloud Platform

2.5.1 Business Overview

2.5.2 Cloud Computing Type and Applications

2.5.2.1 Type 1

2.5.2.2 Type 2

2.5.3 Google Cloud Platform Cloud Computing Sales, Price, Revenue, Gross Margin and Market Share

2.6 Salesforce

2.6.1 Business Overview

2.6.2 Cloud Computing Type and Applications

2.6.2.1 Type 1

2.6.2.2 Type 2

2.6.3 Salesforce Cloud Computing Sales, Price, Revenue, Gross Margin and Market Share

2.7 Rackspace

2.7.1 Business Overview

2.7.2 Cloud Computing Type and Applications

2.7.2.1 Type 1

2.7.2.2 Type 2

2.7.3 Rackspace Cloud Computing Sales, Price, Revenue, Gross Margin and Market Share

2.8 SAP

2.8.1 Business Overview

2.8.2 Cloud Computing Type and Applications

2.8.2.1 Type 1

2.8.2.2 Type 2

2.8.3 SAP Cloud Computing Sales, Price, Revenue, Gross Margin and Market Share

2.9 Oracle

2.9.1 Business Overview

2.9.2 Cloud Computing Type and Applications

2.9.2.1 Type 1

2.9.2.2 Type 2

2.9.3 Oracle Cloud Computing Sales, Price, Revenue, Gross Margin and Market Share

2.10 Vmware

2.10.1 Business Overview

2.10.2 Cloud Computing Type and Applications

2.10.2.1 Type 1

2.10.2.2 Type 2

2.10.3 Vmware Cloud Computing Sales, Price, Revenue, Gross Margin and Market Share

2.11 DELL

2.11.1 Business Overview

2.11.2 Cloud Computing Type and Applications

2.11.2.1 Type 1

2.11.2.2 Type 2

2.11.3 DELL Cloud Computing Sales, Price, Revenue, Gross Margin and Market Share

2.12 EMC

2.12.1 Business Overview

2.12.2 Cloud Computing Type and Applications

2.12.2.1 Type 1

2.12.2.2 Type 2

2.12.3 EMC Cloud Computing Sales, Price, Revenue, Gross Margin and Market Share

3 Global Cloud Computing Market CompetTechnologyion, by Manufacturer

3.1 Global Cloud Computing Sales and Market Share by Manufacturer

3.2 Global Cloud Computing Revenue and Market Share by Manufacturer

3.3 Market Concentration Rate

3.3.1 Top 3 Cloud Computing Manufacturer Market Share

3.3.2 Top 6 Cloud Computing Manufacturer Market Share

3.4 Market CompetTechnologyion Trend

4 Global Cloud Computing Market Analysis by Regions

4.1 Global Cloud Computing Sales, Revenue and Market Share by Regions

4.1.1 Global Cloud Computing Sales by Regions (2011-2016)

4.1.2 Global Cloud Computing Revenue by Regions (2011-2016)

4.2 North America Cloud Computing Sales and Growth (2011-2016)

4.3 Europe Cloud Computing Sales and Growth (2011-2016)

4.4 Asia-Pacific Cloud Computing Sales and Growth (2011-2016)

4.5 South America Cloud Computing Sales and Growth (2011-2016)

4.6 Middle East and Africa Cloud Computing Sales and Growth (2011-2016)

........CONTINUED

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Air Ad Promotions Announces Grand Opening Package Giveaway

Package Worth $2,440, Includes Set Up, Maintenance and Removal

--

DALLAS, TEXAS - NOVEMBER 9, 2016 - Air Ad Promotions, a Dallas-based company that specializes in inflatable advertising products, is celebrating its 28th anniversary with a grand opening package giveaway worth $2,440.

Air Ad Promotions specializes in "inflatable advertising that gets you noticed." The company serves local, regional and nationwide companies including Fortune 500 companies, large franchise groups and corporate retail, restaurant and hotel chains. It handles the design, manufacturing and installation of outdoor and inflatable advertising products.

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Contact Info:

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Organization: Air Ad Promotions

Address: 2142 Irving Blvd. Dallas, Texas 75207

Phone: 855-692-3742

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Global Blood Glucose Device (SMBG) (Test Strips, Lancet, Meter) Market Research Report 2016

Blood Glucose Device (SMBG) (Test Strips, Lancet, Meter) -Market Demand, Growth, Opportunities and analysis of Top Key Player Forecast to 2021

--

Blood Glucose Device (SMBG) (Test Strips, Lancet, Meter) Industry

Description

Wiseguyreports.Com Adds "Blood Glucose Device (SMBG) (Test Strips, Lancet, Meter) -Market Demand, Growth, Opportunities and analysis of Top Key Player Forecast to 2021" To Its Research Database

Blood glucose monitoring devices market is very lucrative business with enormous future potential. Self-monitoring blood glucose market is primarily dependent on number of diabetic patients. So with the growth in diabetic patients blood glucose monitoring devices market is set to grow many folds. By the end of 2013 there was 382 Million people suffering from diabetes and this figure is expect to rise further to 592 Million by 2035.

For the year 2013 Self-monitoring blood glucose (SMBG) users has grown more than 50% from the number of users in 2007. China has the highest number of self-monitoring blood glucose device users but United States has highest number of test strips market share. Although self-monitoring blood glucose devices market is expected to grow with single digit CAGR, but its market is in double digit Billion US$. United States controls the highest market share in the self-monitoring blood glucose (SMBG) market worldwide. 4 companies Roche Diagnostic, LifeScan Inc., Bayer HealthCare and Abbott Laboratories together controls nearly 50% market share of self-monitoring blood glucose devices.

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Renub Research study titled "Blood Glucose Device (SMBG) (Test Strips, Lancet, Meter) Market & Forecast - Worldwide" analyzes the worldwide markets for, blood glucose test strips market, blood glucose lancet market and blood glucose meter market. This report studies separate comprehensive analytics for the 15 countries: United States, European Countries (United Kingdom, Germany, Spain, Italy, Netherlands, Norway, Sweden and Switzerland), BRIC countries (Brazil, Russia, India, China), Australia and Kuwait. Annual estimates and forecast are provided for the period of 2014 through 2020. A six year historic analysis is also provided for these markets. This 265 page report with 257 Figures and 12 Tables provides a complete analysis of top 15 countries of worldwide self-monitoring blood glucose (SMBG) market. All the 15 countries in the report have been studied from 7 viewpoints.

o Countries Diabetes Population Scenario and Future Forecast

o Countries Type 1 and Type 2 Diabetes Scenario and Future Forecast

o Countries Self-Monitoring Blood Glucose (SMBG) devices Users and Future Forecast

o Countries Self-Monitoring Blood Glucose devices (SMBG) Market and Future Forecast

o Countries Blood Glucose Test Strips Market and Future Forecast

o Countries Blood Glucose Lancet Market and Future Forecast

o Countries Blood Glucose Meter and Future Forecast

Leave a Query @ https://www.wiseguyreports.com/enquiry/529604-blood-glucose-device-smbg-test-strips-lancet-meter-market-forecast

Top 15 Countries is Covered in this Report

1. United States

2. United Kingdom

3. Germany

4. Spain

5. Italy

6. Netherlands

7. Norway

8. Sweden

9. Switzerland

10. Brazil

11. Russia

12. India

13. China

14. Australia

15. Kuwait

4 Companies Revenue (Sales) from self-monitoring blood glucose (SMBG) devices have been analyzed in this report.

o Roche Diagnostic

o LifeScan Inc.,

o Bayer HealthCare

o Abbott Laboratories

Data Sources

This report is built using data and information sourced from proprietary databases, primary and secondary research and in-house analysis by Renub Research team of industry experts.

Primary sources include industry surveys and telephone interviews with industry experts.

Secondary sources information and data has been collected from various printable and non-printable sources like search engines, News websites, Government Websites, Trade Journals, White papers, Government Agencies, Magazines, Newspapers, Trade associations, Books, Industry Portals, Industry Associations and access to more than 500 paid databases.

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Global Tequila Industry 2016 Share,Supply and Consumption Market Report Forecast to 2021

WiseGuyReports.Com Publish a New Market Research Report On -"Global Tequila Industry 2016 Share,Supply and Consumption Market Report Forecast to 2021".

--

Tequila is a regional specific name for a distilled beverage made from the blue agave plant, primarily in the area surrounding the city of Tequila, 65 km (40 mi) northwest of Guadalajara, and in the highlands (Los Altos) of the north western Mexican state of Jalisco. Although tequila is a kind of mezcal, modern tequila differs somewhat in the method of its production, in the use of only blue agave plants, as well as in its regional specificity. Tequila varieties are only allowed to use the term if they are manufactured in specific regions of Mexico.

Scope of the Report:

This report focuses on the Tequila in Global market, especially in North America, Europe and Asia-Pacific, South America, Middle East and Africa. This report categorizes the market based on manufacturers, regions, type and application.

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Market Segment by Manufacturers, this report covers

Jose Cuervo

Sauza

Patron

Juarez

1800 Tequila

El Jimador Family

Don Julio

Familia Camarena Tequila

Herradura

Zarco

Cazadores

Cabo Tequila

Milagro

Margaritaville

Clase Azul

Avion Tequila

1921 Tequila

4 Copas

Corzo

El Agave Artesanal

Tequila Arette

Don Eduardo

Agave Dos Mil

Aha Toro

Buen Amigo

Campo Azul

Cascahuin Distillery

Compa?ia Tequilera de Arandas

Centinela

Hacienda La Capilla

Dos Lunas Tequila

Market Segment by Regions, regional analysis covers

North America (USA, Canada and Mexico)

Europe (Germany, France, UK, Russia and Italy)

Asia-Pacific (China, Japan, Korea, India and Southeast Asia)

South America, Middle East and Africa

Market Segment by Type, covers

100% Tequila

Mixto Tequila

Market Segment by Applications, can be divided into

Application 1

Application 2

Application 3

Complete Report Details @ https://www.wiseguyreports.com/reports/731701-global-tequila-market-by-forecast-to-2021

Table Of Contents - Major Key Points

Global Tequila Market by Manufacturers, Regions, Type and Application, Forecast to 2021

1 Market Overview

1.1 Tequila Introduction

1.2 Market Analysis by Type

1.2.1 100% Tequila

1.2.2 Mixto Tequila

1.3 Market Analysis by Applications

1.3.1 Application 1

1.3.2 Application 2

1.3.3 Application 3

1.4 Market Analysis by Regions

1.4.1 North America (USA, Canada and Mexico)

1.4.1.1 USA

1.4.1.2 Canada

1.4.1.3 Mexico

1.4.2 Europe (Germany, France, UK, Russia and Italy)

1.4.2.1 Germany

1.4.2.2 France

1.4.2.3 UK

1.4.2.4 Russia

1.4.2.5 Italy

1.4.3 Asia-Pacific (China, Japan, Korea, India and Southeast Asia)

1.4.3.1 China

1.4.3.2 Japan

1.4.3.3 Korea

1.4.3.4 India

1.4.3.5 Southeast Asia

1.4.4 South America, Middle East and Africa

1.4.4.1 Brazil

1.4.4.2 Egypt

1.4.4.3 Saudi Arabia

1.4.4.4 South Africa

1.4.4.5 Nigeria

1.5 Market Dynamics

1.5.1 Market Opportunities

1.5.2 Market Risk

1.5.3 Market Driving Force

2 Manufacturers Profiles

2.1 Jose Cuervo

2.1.1 Business Overview

2.1.2 Tequila Type and Applications

2.1.2.1 Type 1

2.1.2.2 Type 2

2.1.3 Jose Cuervo Tequila Sales, Price, Revenue, Gross Margin and Market Share

2.2 Sauza

2.2.1 Business Overview

2.2.2 Tequila Type and Applications

2.2.2.1 Type 1

2.2.2.2 Type 2

2.2.3 Sauza Tequila Sales, Price, Revenue, Gross Margin and Market Share

2.3 Patron

2.3.1 Business Overview

2.3.2 Tequila Type and Applications

2.3.2.1 Type 1

2.3.2.2 Type 2

2.3.3 Patron Tequila Sales, Price, Revenue, Gross Margin and Market Share

2.4 Juarez

2.4.1 Business Overview

2.4.2 Tequila Type and Applications

2.4.2.1 Type 1

2.4.2.2 Type 2

2.4.3 Juarez Tequila Sales, Price, Revenue, Gross Margin and Market Share

2.5 1800 Tequila

2.5.1 Business Overview

2.5.2 Tequila Type and Applications

2.5.2.1 Type 1

2.5.2.2 Type 2

2.5.3 1800 Tequila Tequila Sales, Price, Revenue, Gross Margin and Market Share

2.6 El Jimador Family

2.6.1 Business Overview

2.6.2 Tequila Type and Applications

2.6.2.1 Type 1

2.6.2.2 Type 2

2.6.3 El Jimador Family Tequila Sales, Price, Revenue, Gross Margin and Market Share

2.7 Don Julio

2.7.1 Business Overview

2.7.2 Tequila Type and Applications

2.7.2.1 Type 1

2.7.2.2 Type 2

2.7.3 Don Julio Tequila Sales, Price, Revenue, Gross Margin and Market Share

2.8 Familia Camarena Tequila

2.8.1 Business Overview

2.8.2 Tequila Type and Applications

2.8.2.1 Type 1

2.8.2.2 Type 2

2.8.3 Familia Camarena Tequila Tequila Sales, Price, Revenue, Gross Margin and Market Share

2.9 Herradura

2.9.1 Business Overview

2.9.2 Tequila Type and Applications

2.9.2.1 Type 1

2.9.2.2 Type 2

2.9.3 Herradura Tequila Sales, Price, Revenue, Gross Margin and Market Share

2.10 Zarco

2.10.1 Business Overview

2.10.2 Tequila Type and Applications

2.10.2.1 Type 1

2.10.2.2 Type 2

2.10.3 Zarco Tequila Sales, Price, Revenue, Gross Margin and Market Share

2.11 Cazadores

2.11.1 Business Overview

2.11.2 Tequila Type and Applications

2.11.2.1 Type 1

2.11.2.2 Type 2

2.11.3 Cazadores Tequila Sales, Price, Revenue, Gross Margin and Market Share

2.12 Cabo Tequila

2.12.1 Business Overview

2.12.2 Tequila Type and Applications

2.12.2.1 Type 1

2.12.2.2 Type 2

2.12.3 Cabo Tequila Tequila Sales, Price, Revenue, Gross Margin and Market Share

2.13 Milagro

2.13.1 Business Overview

2.13.2 Tequila Type and Applications

2.13.2.1 Type 1

2.13.2.2 Type 2

2.13.3 Milagro Tequila Sales, Price, Revenue, Gross Margin and Market Share

2.14 Margaritaville

2.14.1 Business Overview

2.14.2 Tequila Type and Applications

2.14.2.1 Type 1

2.14.2.2 Type 2

2.14.3 Margaritaville Tequila Sales, Price, Revenue, Gross Margin and Market Share

2.15 Clase Azul

2.15.1 Business Overview

2.15.2 Tequila Type and Applications

2.15.2.1 Type 1

2.15.2.2 Type 2

2.15.3 Clase Azul Tequila Sales, Price, Revenue, Gross Margin and Market Share

2.16 Avion Tequila

2.16.1 Business Overview

2.16.2 Tequila Type and Applications

2.16.2.1 Type 1

2.16.2.2 Type 2

2.16.3 Avion Tequila Tequila Sales, Price, Revenue, Gross Margin and Market Share

2.17 1921 Tequila

2.17.1 Business Overview

2.17.2 Tequila Type and Applications

2.17.2.1 Type 1

2.17.2.2 Type 2

2.17.3 1921 Tequila Tequila Sales, Price, Revenue, Gross Margin and Market Share

2.18 4 Copas

2.18.1 Business Overview

2.18.2 Tequila Type and Applications

2.18.2.1 Type 1

2.18.2.2 Type 2

2.18.3 4 Copas Tequila Sales, Price, Revenue, Gross Margin and Market Share

2.19 Corzo

2.19.1 Business Overview

2.19.2 Tequila Type and Applications

2.19.2.1 Type 1

2.19.2.2 Type 2

2.19.3 Corzo Tequila Sales, Price, Revenue, Gross Margin and Market Share

2.20 El Agave Artesanal

2.20.1 Business Overview

2.20.2 Tequila Type and Applications

2.20.2.1 Type 1

2.20.2.2 Type 2

2.20.3 El Agave Artesanal Tequila Sales, Price, Revenue, Gross Margin and Market Share

2.21 Tequila Arette

2.21.1 Business Overview

2.21.2 Tequila Type and Applications

2.21.2.1 Type 1

2.21.2.2 Type 2

2.21.3 Tequila Arette Tequila Sales, Price, Revenue, Gross Margin and Market Share

2.22 Don Eduardo

2.22.1 Business Overview

2.22.2 Tequila Type and Applications

2.22.2.1 Type 1

2.22.2.2 Type 2

2.22.3 Don Eduardo Tequila Sales, Price, Revenue, Gross Margin and Market Share

2.23 Agave Dos Mil

2.23.1 Business Overview

2.23.2 Tequila Type and Applications

2.23.2.1 Type 1

2.23.2.2 Type 2

2.23.3 Agave Dos Mil Tequila Sales, Price, Revenue, Gross Margin and Market Share

2.24 Aha Toro

2.24.1 Business Overview

2.24.2 Tequila Type and Applications

2.24.2.1 Type 1

2.24.2.2 Type 2

2.24.3 Aha Toro Tequila Sales, Price, Revenue, Gross Margin and Market Share

2.25 Buen Amigo

2.25.1 Business Overview

2.25.2 Tequila Type and Applications

2.25.2.1 Type 1

2.25.2.2 Type 2

2.25.3 Buen Amigo Tequila Sales, Price, Revenue, Gross Margin and Market Share

2.26 Campo Azul

2.26.1 Business Overview

2.26.2 Tequila Type and Applications

2.26.2.1 Type 1

2.26.2.2 Type 2

........CONTINUED

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For more information, please visit https://www.wiseguyreports.com

Contact Info:

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Email: sales@wiseguyreports.com

Organization: WiseGuy Research Consultants Pvt Ltd.

Address: Office No. 528, Amanora Chambers Magarpatta Road, Hadapsar Pune - 411028

Phone: +1-646-845-9349

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Advance Anesthesia Monitoring Devices Market 2016 Global Trends, Market Share, Industry Size, Growth, Opportunities, and Forecast to 2027

Market Research Future Published a Half-Cooked Research Report on Global Advance Anesthesia Monitoring Devices Market that contains the information from 2016 to 2027.

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The various major growth of the market is due to immense growth of the application such as include target products & services, Develop new product, target patients, digital marketing and others.

Hottest trend in the market

All systems that include anesthesia require solid anesthesia monitors to keep up patient security. There are a few types of anesthesia monitors and related medicinal equipment being used. The decision of proper monitoring equipment relies on upon the kind of cases to be performed in a specific setting. The American Society of Anesthesiologists suggests that a patient experiencing anesthesia be checked for heart rate, pulse, oxygen immersion, carbon dioxide, oxygen levels, and different vitals.

"Ask for your specific company profile and country level customization on reports."

Key Players

o Nihon Kohden Corporation (China)

o GE Healthcare (U.K.)

o Philips Healthcare (The Netherlands)

o Draegerwerk AG & Co. KGaA (Germany)

o Masimo (U.S.)

o Infinium Medical (U.S.)

o Medtronic (U.S.)

o Mindray Medical International Limited (China)

Get a Sample Report @ https://www.marketresearchfuture.com/sample-request/global-advance-anesthesia-monitoring-devices-market-research-report-forecast-to-2027

Market Scenario

Globally the market for Advance Anesthesia Monitoring Devices is increasing rapidly the main reason for this is the growth in safety of patients. The factors that influence the growth of Advance Anesthesia Monitoring Devices Market are the increasing technology development in healthcare devices, Healthcare organizations encouraging patients to go undergo anesthesia monitoring. The market is also growing due to usage of Advance Anesthesia Monitoring Devices in wide range of treatment.

Segments

By Type

o Gas Monitors

o Standalone Capnography Monitors

o Depth Of Anesthesia

o Mri Compatible Anesthesia Monitors

By End-Users

o Hospitals

o Research Laboratories

o Clinics

o Ambulatory Services

Taste the market data and market information presented through more than 70 market data tables and figures spread in 110 numbers of pages of the project report. Avail the in-depth table of content TOC & market synopsis on "Global Advance Anesthesia Monitoring Devices Market Research Report 2027"

Regional Analysis of Advance Anesthesia Monitoring Devices

North America dominated the Global Advance Anesthesia Monitoring Devices market with the largest market share, accounting for $XX million and is expected to grow over $XX billion by 2027. The European market for Advance Anesthesia Monitoring Devices is expected to grow at XX% GAGR (2016-2027). Asia-Pacific is expected to grow at CAGR of XX% from $ XX million in 2016 to $XX million by 2027.

Table of Content

1. Report prologue

2. Introduction

2.1 Definition

2.2 Scope of the study

2.2.1 Research objective

2.2.2 Assumptions

2.2.3 Limitations

2.3 Market structure

3. Research Methodology

3.1 Research process

3.2 Primary research

3.3 Secondary research

3.4 Market size estimation

3.5 Forecast model

4. Market Dynamics

4.1 Drivers

4.2 Restraints

4.3 Opportunities

4.4 Challenges

4.5 Macroeconomic Indicators

5. Market factor analysis

5.1 Value chain analysis/Supply chain analysis

5.2 Porters five forces

5.2.1. Bargaining Power of suppliers

5.2.2. Bargaining Power of Customer

5.2.3. Intensity of Competitor's

5.2.4. Threat of New Entrants

5.2.5 Threat of Substitutes

Continue.......

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The report for Advance Anesthesia Monitoring Devices of Market Research Future comprises of extensive primary research along with the detailed analysis of qualitative as well as quantitative aspects by various industry experts, key opinion leaders to gain the deeper insight of the market and industry performance. The report gives the clear picture of current market scenario which includes historical and projected market size in terms of value and volume, technological advancement, macro economical and governing factors in the market. The report provides details information and strategies of the top key players in the industry. The report also gives a broad study of the different market segments and regions.

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For more information, please visit https://www.marketresearchfuture.com/reports/global-advance-anesthesia-monitoring-devices-market-research-report-forecast-to-2027

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Denver laser hair removal clinic announces hairiest chest in Denver contest

All males with chest hair are invited to enter into the latest contest sponsored by A Laser Aesthetics (Denver, Colorado's top hair removal clinic). The Furriest male will win a hair removal package valued over $1700.00.

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All males with chest hair are invited to enter into the latest contest sponsored by A Laser Aesthetics (Denver, Colorado's top hair removal clinic). The Furriest male will win a hair removal package valued over $1700.00. All entries have the opportunity to win the following:

2nd place wins 6 laser hair removal sessions on the chest and shoulders

3rd place wins 3 laser hair removal sessions on chest and shoulders

4th place wins 3 laser hair removal sessions on chest

All contest entries will recieve $50.00 in store credit to be used towards any hair removal package.

This contest is being held to bring attention to laser hair removal - full information can be found on the website: www.alaseraesthetics.com

When asked about the competition, Kelly Nelson, Office Manager, had this to say about why people should enter the hair removal contest:

""A Laser Aesthetics is excited to hold this contest as a way to introduce new customers to the latest and greatest technology in laser hair removal. A Laser Aesthetics is so passionate about what they do here at A Laser Aesthetics they want to share their passion with their new customers and offer this great opportunity for safe effective laser hair removal treatments. This is the first time in the company's history that so many prizes are being awarded! All entrants have a great chance to win something as well as have some fun along the way. A Laser Aesthetics is looking forward to seeing who has the hairiest chest in Denver! ""

Winners will be chosen based on submission of picture. Contestants winners are to be chosen by staff and all winners will be announced on Jan 2, 2017. Anyone who is interested can sign up for the contest via the company email address at office@alaseraesthics.com. The deadline for entry is Jan 1, 2017.

Contact Info:

Name: Kelly Nelson

Organization: A Laser Aesthetics

Address: 26 W Dry Creek Cirle



Release ID: 147409

For more information visit r



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Selftanner.us: New American Tanning Blog Launches

Selftanner.us, a new information hub for the American tanning industry, launched today.

November 18, 2016 (FPRC) -- Selftanner.us has just launched. This is a new website platform that will be dedicated to providing American users with pro information about self tanners. The platform will be owned by Jack Montana, a skin care activist whose grassroots campaigns have potentially helped thousands of people escape skin cancer and other serious ailments.



Jack Montana is a skincare activist whos committed to creating awareness about skin cancer. Over the last few years, he has launched dozens of mini-events, as well as spent valuable time creating content to promote skin health. One of Jacks areas of focus is self tanning. The tanning craze has hit not just the U.S but also other countries across the world. Fueled by a media that praises browned skin, tanning is now the new trend among teens in the country. Previously, people used to bask in the sun for a considerable period of time in order to acquire that ideal sun-kissed glow. However, over time the American Cancer Society has warned that overexposure to the suns UV radiation is one of the leading causes of skin cancer. This has resulted in a situation whereby more and more people are tanning to self-tanners, spray tanning, and other tanning methods that do not involve UV radiation.



In the U.S alone, self-tanning is a billion dollar industry. Millions of people are buying self-tanning products that they regularly apply on their skin to enhance their looks. A section of self tanners are created from bio-organic ingredients. Thus, they are 100% safe for use. However, there are hundreds of brands out there that still rely on toxic chemicals and ingredients that are questionable in nature. Selftanner.us will be gathering quality information and presenting it to users so that they can make better-informed choices. The platform will also leverage crowd-sourced information to establish first-hand the efficiency of various products. In addition to publishing handy information about self-tanning and cosmetics, selftanner.us will also offer tips on general skin care.



While responding to an information request, Mr. Montana said, Today is a great day for me and my team. I have always engaged in work to promote safer skincare practices, as well as enlighten people on how they can avoid skin cancer and other serious ailments. Most of my work has been done locally, but I always intended to take my effort to the national level. My team and I have been looking for an ideal domain to cover the U.S audience. The fact that selftanner.us is now live marks a significant milestone for me. Users can expect that this will be a force to reckon with in the industry. We plan to publish immense content regarding the use of self-tanners, and other popular cosmetics today. We have also designed a software module that will crowd source and share useful information regarding the use of indoor tanners. Already, I have hired a small team of 5 employees who will see this platform get on its feet and eventually grow. Stay tuned as well have a lot of valuable, never-seen-before content for American self-tanning fans.





Send an email to Jack Montana of r



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4Students LLC Expands Reach To Global Market

The company is now providing their writing and research services to students all over the world, reports www.4students.us.

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4students LLC, a premier Colorado-based academic writing service, recently announced that the company has expanded their offerings to reach the global market. 4students will now be providing their writing and research services to students all over the world who find themselves in need of help with their academic papers. The company has simplified the online ordering process, making it easy to see pricing and available discounts before purchasing an essay.

Lynda Morrison, a representative of 4students LLC, stated "Our company is proud to be extending our high-quality service to students all around the world. From high school assignments to doctorate-level research, we know that it can tough to excel in academic environments. Taking advantage of our services gives students the benefit of being able to focus on their strengths while getting professional assistance in meeting deadlines on difficult writing assignments."

The company promises that any 4students essay ordered through their online system will be 100 percent plagiarism-free and totally confidential. Their professional writers strive to be detail-oriented, crafting each customized paper according to the student's required specifications. 4students provides free features with every global order, including free formatting, free title and reference pages, and unlimited revisions at no cost to the student. Each essay comes with a money-back guarantee for those who are not satisfied with the service or the final product.

As Morrison continued, "At 4students, we have made it our mission to help students all over the globe succeed in one of their most important endeavors - getting an education. We require our writers to pass a rigorous application and testing process because we want to make sure that they can offer our customers the very best papers and essays. With the help of our experienced team, students across the world can have peace of mind that a busy schedule or lack of writing ability will not be a hindrance to getting the certificate or degree they desire to have."

Read more about how 4students is now helping students around the world complete their most difficult writing assignments with ease at 4students.us.

About 4students LLC:

4STUDENTS LLC is an online professional firm that specializes in providing custom writing services and offers busy students an opportunity to submit professionally-written material that will help them to complete their academic requirements. 4Students.us is available to help students make the grade when they need top-of-the-line academic content that is delivered on time and to their exact specifications.

For more information, please visit http://www.4students.us

Contact Info:

Name: Lynda Morrison

Organization: 4students LLC

Phone: (347) 366-2857

Source: http://marketersmedia.com/4students-llc-expands-reach-to-global-market/147484

Release ID: 147484

For more information visit r



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Story Highlights Race relations, healthcare, unemployment also mentioned

Concerns about elections highest Gallup has recorded

Unifying country, lack of respect for others also at new highs

WASHINGTON, D.C. -- The economy and elections top the list of the nation's most important problems in Gallup's first post-election update of this question. Fourteen percent of Americans identify the economy as the most important problem, and 11% name elections or election reform. Prior to this year, "elections" has never been this high on the list. Nearly as many mention race relations or racism (10%), healthcare (10%) and unemployment or jobs (9%).

Most Important Problems Facing the Nation What do you think is the most important problem facing this country today? Oct 5-9 Nov 9-13 % % Economy in general 17 14 Elections/Election reform 7 11 Race relations/Racism 10 10 Healthcare 4 10 Unemployment/Jobs 6 9 Dissatisfaction with government/Poor leadership 12 8 Unifying the country 2 6 Immigration/Illegal aliens 7 5 Lack of respect for each other 2 5 Federal budget deficit/Federal debt 4 3 Ethics/Moral/Religious/Family decline 3 3 Environment/Pollution 3 3 National security 7 3 Gap between rich and poor 2 2 Foreign policy/Foreign aid/Focus overseas 2 2 Poverty/Hunger/Homelessness 2 2 Terrorism 5 2 Judicial system/Courts/Laws 1 2 Education 2 2 Lack of money 1 1 Taxes 1 1 High cost of living/Inflation * 1 Wage issues * 1 Crime/Violence 3 1 Welfare 1 1 Abortion * 1 Drugs * 1 Energy/Lack of energy sources * 1 Lack of military defense 1 1 Situation in Iraq/ISIS 1 1 * = Less than 0.5% Gallup

Overall, 31% of the public mention issues related to the economy as the nation's most important problem. Besides the economy in general and unemployment, these economic problems include the federal debt (3%) and the gap between the rich and the poor (2%). The percentage of total economic mentions is unchanged from October's reading, despite sharp increases in economic confidence since the election.

While the economy ranking at the top of the list is not new, the 11% of Americans mentioning elections as the country's top problem is the largest percentage to say so since Gallup started tracking this question monthly in 2001. The plurality of Americans voted for a candidate (Hillary Clinton) who will not become president. Dissatisfaction with the election results largely explains the increase -- from 7% in October to 11% in November -- in the percentage mentioning elections and election reform as the top problem in the U.S. The vast majority of the mentions in this category refer to Donald Trump's election, in particular, as the nation's top problem.

Also likely reflecting the election results and the ensuing nationwide protests, new highs say "unifying the country" (6%) and "a lack of respect for each other" (5%) are the most important problems facing the nation. The percentage of Americans concerned about race relations (10%) is unchanged from October and remains on the higher end of what Gallup has measured since 2001. It was lower, ranging from 5% to 7%, in the first half of 2016.

Americans' mentions of healthcare as the nation's most important problem have more than doubled since the election, rising to 10% from 4% in October. Since April, no more than 5% of Americans had cited this as the country's most important problem. The spike in November could reflect uncertainty associated with Trump's campaign promise to repeal and replace the Affordable Care Act, known as Obamacare.

Dissatisfaction with government has declined since October, from 12% to 8%. Of note, President Barack Obama's job approval rating is currently at a four-year high. Americans' frustrations with politics may center more on the election than the incumbent government.

Bottom Line

Domestic policy issues such as the economy, elections, race relations, healthcare and unemployment dominate the problems that Americans say are the most important facing the country. Recent Gallup polling shows Americans have relatively high expectations that the president-elect can effectively address some of these major concerns. Substantial majorities (upward of 60%) believe the Trump administration will improve the economy and create jobs. A slim majority (52%) say he'll improve the healthcare system.

But Americans are more skeptical of Trump's ability to improve race relations, perhaps reflecting some of the divisive comments he made during the campaign. Slightly more than one-third (35%) think he will be successful in dealing with that issue.

Foreign policy issues rank relatively low among the nation's most important problems. Just 3% cite national security and 2% cite foreign policy as big concerns, and another 2% mention terrorism. Expectations for the Trump administration on these issues are mixed -- 57% say Trump will keep the U.S. safe from terrorism, while 38% say he will keep the nation out of war.

If the president-elect were to use these data as a guide, the results suggest that his top priorities should be the economy and jobs, unifying the country after a close election, race relations, healthcare, and providing strong leadership.

Survey Methods

These results are based on telephone interviews with a random sample of 1,019 adults aged 18 and older, living in all 50 states and the District of Columbia, conducted Nov. 9-13, 2016. The margin of error for each item is 4 percentage points at the 95% confidence level. All reported margins of sampling error include computed design effects for weighting.

Each sample of national adults in the 2016 data includes a minimum quota of 60% cellphone respondents and 40% landline respondents, with additional minimum quotas by time zone within region. Landline and cellular telephone numbers are selected using random-digit-dial methods.

View complete question responses and trends.

Learn more about how the Gallup Poll Social Series works.
Story Highlights Nearly half of Americans (48%) have favorable view of Ryan

About one in five (18%) still unfamiliar with the House speaker

Ryan edges out Mike Pence, Donald Trump and Melania Trump in favorability

WASHINGTON, D.C. -- After navigating a shaky political tightrope throughout 2016, House Speaker Paul Ryan has reached his highest favorable rating to date. Nearly half of Americans (48%) hold a positive view of Ryan, up slightly from 44% in July and August before the election.

The latest favorable rating for the speaker is from a Nov. 9-13 Gallup poll. Thirty-four percent of U.S. adults view him unfavorably, essentially unchanged from 36% in August. About one in five have never heard of Ryan or have no opinion of him.

Ryan was recently re-elected as speaker of the House after a politically challenging year. He was first elected to the leadership position late last year, with many seeing him as a leader who could unite the divided Republican conference. But Ryan's election came amid a contentious GOP presidential primary season that put pressure on him to endorse Donald Trump, the controversial eventual nominee. Ryan denounced many of Trump's inflammatory comments, leading Trump to threaten not to endorse the speaker during his primary race in his Wisconsin home district. Despite their complicated relationship, the two GOP leaders maintained their endorsements of one another and must now work together in a GOP-controlled government.

When he became Mitt Romney's running mate in August 2012, Ryan was an unfamiliar face to more than half of Americans (58%) and registered his lowest favorable rating of 25%. His rating improved to 43% before the unsuccessful campaign's end.

Americans became less familiar with Ryan as he returned to his role as a U.S. congressman after the election. As a result, his favorable ratings ebbed to 31% by 2014. But Ryan's election to speaker of the House in 2015 boosted both Americans' familiarity with and favorability of him. He became better known as the highest-ranking elected Republican during the contentious 2016 presidential campaign; his favorable ratings rose to 44%, while his unfavorable ratings held steady, ranging from 34% to 36% since July. The speaker now emerges from the 2016 election with his most positive image to date.

Ryan Stacks Up Well Against Other Republican Party Figures

The speaker's ratings narrowly edge out not only those of Trump (42%), but also those of Vice President-elect Mike Pence (46%) and incoming first lady Melania Trump (43%).

Favorable Ratings of Republican Political Figures Favorable Unfavorable Never heard of/No opinion % % % Paul Ryan 48 34 18 Mike Pence 46 33 21 Melania Trump 43 39 18 Donald Trump 42 55 4 GALLUP, Nov 9-13, 2016

Like Ryan, Pence and Melania Trump have much lower unfavorable ratings than the president-elect, largely because about one in five U.S. adults are unfamiliar with each of them. All three have seen their images improve since August.

Pence has seen the biggest improvement in both favorability and familiarity in that time. His favorable rating has increased by 10 percentage points, while the percentage unfamiliar with the vice president-elect dropped by nearly half, from 39% to 21%. Meanwhile, Melania Trump's favorable rating has improved modestly from 38% in August. Her image is now slightly more positive than negative, whereas before it tilted negative.

Bottom Line

Considering all that could have gone wrong for Ryan in recent months, the speaker's image is stronger than at any point in Gallup's trend. He faced a primary challenge from his home district in Wisconsin; his House GOP majority was thought to be imperiled; and, more recently, his chances of re-election as speaker were in question. But Ryan endured it all.

His next challenge will be moving past a rocky relationship to work with Trump. Despite their recent history, the two appear to be supporting each other in key ways now that the election is over.

Trump could stand to buoy his poor favorable ratings by embracing Ryan, who has emerged from the election in perhaps the best standing among Trump's allies. This puts Ryan in a strong position as a key leader in a newly Republican-controlled government.

Historical data are available in Gallup Analytics.

Survey Methods

Results for this Gallup poll are based on telephone interviews conducted Nov. 9-13, 2016, with a random sample of 1,019 adults, aged 18 and older, living in all 50 U.S. states and the District of Columbia. For results based on the total sample of national adults, the margin of sampling error is 4 percentage points at the 95% confidence level.

Each sample of national adults includes a minimum quota of 60% cellphone respondents and 40% landline respondents, with additional minimum quotas by time zone within region. Landline and cellular telephone numbers are selected using random-digit-dial methods.

View survey methodology, complete question responses and trends.

Learn more about how the Gallup Poll Social Series works.
Casino magnate and GOP mega donor Sheldon Adelson has been pushing for online gambling prohibition for the last few years and now he may have an opportunity to get legislation passed despite a large chunk of Republicans and Democrats alike not enamored with such a measure.

From the Daily Caller :

Just one day after Adelson pledged $20 million to the Senate Leadership Fund, a Super PAC that supported Sen. Cotton as a candidate in 2014, Sen. Cotton introduced a new bill in the Senate, S.3376, that is strikingly similar to RAWA, and would likewise impose a federal ban on internet-based gambling on all states.

Its funny how a day after Adelson pledges more money to Republican politicians, the senator he pledged the money to filed the internet gambling ban on his behalf. At a time when voters are demanding reform in government, money still buys politicians quite effectively.

The legislation is reportedly set to be inserted into a year-end spending bill in the lame-duck session within the next few weeks. Members of Congress think they can quietly slip measures like RAWA into those huge spending bills without the public noticing.

- Gilbert Horowitz, Gambling911.com
Samsung Galaxy Note 8 Release Date, Specs & Updates: Next Samsung Note Installment Could Come Before End of 2017

Samsung's redeeming device, the Samsung Galaxy Note 8, is expected to be released before the end of 2017. Rumors continue to surface about the possible release date of the device and its specs and features.

After the problems experienced by the Samsung Galaxy Note 7, Samsung is expected to deliver a near-perfect device with the Galaxy Note 8 to recover from the failure of the previous release. Here is what we know so far about the next installment:

Possible release date

The Samsung Galaxy Note 8 is thought to arrive late in 2017 but reports do not yet indicate what specific month it will fall. There are also rumors that its release could be delayed for a year or two to give Samsung enough time to make a worthy offering for its customers.

Specs and features

When it releases next year, the Samsung Galaxy Note 8 will reportedly sport a foldable screen and will do away with the home button. Though it is not yet confirmed, many are already raising their eyebrows on the foldable design saying it could be a big risk for the company.

As for its camera, the next device from Samsung could have a dual-lens shooter on its rear just like the iPhone 7 Plus. It will also need a bigger battery to provide more hours to the user.

Unveiling and other highlights

Samsung fans can expect that the Samsung Galaxy Note 8 could be revealed as early as January or in March depending on the company's readiness. It is thought to come with improved functionality with the help of an all-new S Pen. The pointel tool redesign is expected to help users do more and perform better functions with their phablets.

The Samsung Galaxy Note 8 could also start selling at $850. Do you think the next device in the Samsung Note series will be worth the wait?
Xbox Project Scorpio Release Date, News & Update: Soon To Become A PC Replacement Worth Thousands?

Microsoft's Xbox Project Scorpio Console is expected to take console gaming to a whole different level and is believed to be coming around the holidays of 2017 or earlier, which means players still have to wait a bit longer. With the advances that it is aiming for, Microsoft is comparing its new console to high-end PC worth thousands of dollars.

According to windowscentral, Xbox chief Philip Spencer defined how Xbox Project Scorpio is structured to power 4K games and "high-fidelity VR." Now, the people have a more vivid idea of how Project Scorpio will achieve 4K visuals in its games and also uphold its plea of having no exclusives as compared to Xbox One.

Is this Microsoft's attempt to bridge the gap between PC and Console Gaming?

Some analysts would think that the Xbox Project Scorpio is Microsoft's effort to link the gap between PC and Console gaming. But it should also be recalled that Universal Windows Platform is a feature and not a necessity for each and every title. According to mobilenapps, Developers and Publishers are still free to create non-UWP and console exclusive title, which powers the platform in a lot of ways.

Project Scorpio could release earlier

Microsoft's Spencer suggested that the development of Xbox Project Scorpio was ahead of its supposed schedule, which could probably mean that it will be released sooner rather than later. "I'm in a day-long review of where the team is on Scorpio right now, amazing progress and we are feeling good about the schedule." Spencer said.

Xbox Project Scorpio is said to be the most powerful console ever made. It claims 6 teraflops of GPU, which will bring 4K gaming and support virtual reality. It has an internal power supply and supports 4K Ultra HD for Blu-ray discs and contents streamed through both Netflix and Amazon Video. Its design is 40% slimmer than the original Xbox One.
Marion Cotillard On Brad Pitt Rumors: 'I Didnt Take It Personally'

It's not that unusual for on-set romances to happen in Hollywood. Most people see it as a common thing. Just take for instance the recent admission of Carrie Fisher's three-month affair with co-star Harrison Ford on the set of Star Wars: Episode One. But Marion Cotillard quickly shot down rumors of her and co-star Brad Pitt having an affair. She insisted that nothing happened between the two them while on the set filming their latest film Allied.

During an appearance on the Today show on Thursday, the 41 year old French actress told co-host Matt Lauer that the rumors of a possible romance with the 52 year old actor Brad Pitt didn't bother her at all.

"I never take anything personally when it doesn't concern me," Marion Cotillard told Matt Lauer, 58. "And so I didn't take it personally because I had nothing to do with those rumors or situations."

She later explained that the only time they were ever romantic was while filming scenes for Allied.

"It's always an awkward situation, but it's also a very fun situation because it's awkward," she said.

Marion Cotillard, who is expecting her second child with partner Guillaume Canet, also acknowledged that the rumors started even before Brad Pitt and his wife, Academy Award winning actress Angelina Jolie, split up.

She even posted a statement on her Instagram account last September regarding her involvement with the pending divorce of Brad Pitt and Angelina Jolie.

"This crafted conversation isn't distressing. And to all the media and the haters who are quick to pass judgment, I sincerely wish you a swift recovery," she posted. "Finally, I do very much wish that Angelina and Brad, both whom I deeply respect, will find peace in this very tumultuous moment. With all my love Marion."

But in spite of all the rumors and distractions surrounding the filming of their movie, the Oscar winner said to Matt Lauer that it never really affected or bothered her at all.

"No. No, I mean, I don't give energy to this. It was a wonderful, wonderful experience working with such a visionary director, Robert Zemeckis, and an amazing actor, so that's all that matters, you know?"

Angelina Jolie filed for divorce from Brad Pitt on September 19, citing irreconcilable differences. The couple has 6 children.
Tech News And Updates: New Quick Charge Tech MIght Solve All Your Battery Problems

Gone are the days of your smartphone running low on battery as a new tech on charging will try to solve everyone's problem. With the rise of smartphones as the device essential to everyone's needs in this day of social media and connectivity, gone are the days of a cellphone used primarily for texting and calling. Smartphones are a much more convienent device as it does a variety of tasks that a simple cellphone couldn't dream of doing. It is essentially a personal computer at the palm of your hands. However, with the computing power in a small form factor, battery problems are inevitable as the size of a cellphone limits the battery capacity. Advancements on portable and rechargeable batteries have been at a standstill for 25 years without any major improvements. But now, Qualcomm, the chip manufacturer of almost every top Android smartphone has announced a major upgrade to its own Quick Charge tech that will hopefully solve every smartphone's battery woes.

Reportedly, the newest version of the Quick Charge, the Quick Charge 4 will give a phone five hours of battery life for just five minutes or 50% of its charge in under 15 minutes. The Quick Charge 4 will appear in Qualcomm's Spandragon 835 chip which is expected to launch next year. This will improve upon the already outstanding charging rate of the Quick Charge 3.0 which claims to charge a smartphone to 80% of its capacity in just 35 minutes. But basing on their reports, the Quick Charge 4 will be 20% faster than its predecessor.

This is in contrast of news a week after Google, who is addressing the exploding phone battery problems that have been plaguing some phones most notably, the Samsung Galaxy Note 7. Google recommends that Qalcomm's Quick Charge feature should be forbidden in all smartphones as it is not USB-PD compliant. USB-PD is a specification with the intention of preventing charged devices from exploding or catching fire. It acts as a pre-safety measure in such cases as most users leave their smartphones charging throughout the night as they sleep increasing the risk of the phone exploding. Many speculating that Google's announcement was an attempt to hinder Qualcomm's rather popular Quick Charge tech.

Previous iterations of the the Quick Charge from 1.0 up to 3.0 are not compliant with the USB-OD but the newest version of Quick Charge is fully compliant. This is great news for everyone owning a smartphone who have experiences of having their phones die down due to a weak battery. Nonetheless this can only be a temporary solution as computing speeds are increasing by the day while battery tech is still stuck in the past. If we want to completely solve our battery issues, then a new battery tech is needed.
Samsung Galaxy Note 7 Returns: Refurbished Phones Arriving in 2017; Units to be Sold Cheaper?

The Korean tech-giant is reportedly planning to bring back the Samsung Galaxy Note 7, after the disastrous massive recall due to battery problems that caused devices to explode. It was already assumed that the days of the Note 7 are over, but a new report surfaced that the South Korean company will be selling refurbished units sometime next year.

The information comes from an alleged industry source who told The Investor about Samsung's plans. "Samsung has not made a final decision yet, but it will likely sell the refurbished Note 7 units next year," the source said. The report also noted that the refurbished Samsung Galaxy Note 7 units will likely be sold in markets where people support more on the low-end and mid-range offerings, particularly in Vietnam and India.

With that said, the high-end expensive Samsung Galaxy Note 7 could be sold at a lower price in the aforementioned countries. Samsung might consider lowering the price since the Note 7's reputation has already been badly tarnished and that the units that will be sold are already refurbished, Trusted Reviews reported.

There were rumors suggesting that Samsung will discontinue the Note series altogether, following the major issue on the exploding Samsung Galaxy Note 7 units. However, Samsung shot those rumors down by confirming the release of Samsung Note 8. The company even announced an update program, which allows customers to trade in Note 7 for S7 units, which will then be used to trade for Note 8 or S8 at half the price.

At the moment, Samsung hasn't confirmed if it will indeed release overhauled Samsung Galaxy Note 7. Although the company may have done a great job in handling the explosion issue, some tech aficionados may still find it hard to trust the Note series again, let alone a refurbished unit. Would you consider buying a refurbished Samsung Galaxy Note 7? Sound off in the comments below.
Miss Universe 2017 Air Date, Location & Updates: Pia Wurtzbach Confirms 65th Miss Universe Pageant Will Be In The Philippines

Pia Wurtzbach has confirmed that the Philippines will host the highly-esteemed 65th Miss Universe pageant next year. The reigning Miss Universe, the third Filipina to hold the title, did the pronouncement through a video on social media.

The beauteous and lively 27-year-old half-Filipina, half-German excitedly announced the much-awaited confirmation. Steve Harvey, last year's host, who committed an accidental slip-up announcing Miss Colombia instead of Miss Philippines as the winner, is said confirmed to host again, said Philippine Tourism Secretary Wanda Teo to Philstar.

Miss Universe Organization Has Finalized Everything

Sponsors and representatives of the pageant, along with tourism officials, sealed the agreement in an official contract signing of this prestigious event. The crowning event will be on January 30,2 017 and will be telecast live in 190 countries from the 15,000-seater SM Mall of Asia Arena in Pasay City.

Miss Universe Vice President for Marketing and Business Development Shawn McClain said the spectacle would highlight the beauty of the Philippines to enhance tourism. The agreement marks the third time that the Miss Universe pageant will be happening in the Philippines. The first two were in 1974 and 1994.

The Philippines Will Showcase The Beautiful Places & Culture The World Will Love

"We're going to display as much of the Philippines as we can and it's a lovely country, so it's a great back drop for the show," McClain told reporters.

"The energy and the passion of the Filipino people is really powerful. This is a special place especially for the Miss Universe organization and the brand because it's so widespread here. There's an energetic and engaged fan base and we couldn't be happier to announce that the next esteemed Miss Universe contest is going to transpire in The Philippines," said McClain to CNN Philippines.
2017 Jeep Compass Release Date, Price & Specs: First Look To All-New Model Compact Crossover Car

Jeep continues to amaze car enthusiasts as it teases its all-new four versions of the Jeep Compass for 2017 release. Jeep brags distinctive style, cohesive design at a compelling price with its new 2017 Jeep Compass at LA Auto Show.

The iconic and legendary utility vehicle has been around in the market for 70 years and still produces eye-catchy new models. 2017 Jeep Compass has been introduced with four versions across various types of driving experience; Sport, Latitude, Trailhawk and the Limited.

According to Men's Journal, adventure seekers are suited for 2017 Jeep Compass Trailhawk. This version offers an 'Active Drive Low' exclusive 4x4 system, underbody skid plates, and big tires. It also has a 20 to 1 crawl ratio with better approach increased ride height.

Moreover, all 2017 Jeep Compass versions have Uconnect infotainment system. The touch screen has a display size of 5, 7, or 8.4 inches which depend on the cars trim level. Android Auto and Apple Car Play feature are also built with every Compass version.

2017 Jeep Compass offers security systems which include forward collision warning, autonomous and emergency breaking. It also features lane departure warning, blind spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert and a backup camera.

The interior design has a resemblance to the Grand Cherokee, but with improvements. According to Yahoo, the wheelbase of the 2017 Jeep Compass is 103.8-inch which is close to Renegade's measurement with only 101.2-inch. However, Compass' passenger volume is low with only 101-cubic foot passenger compared to Cherokee's 103 cubes.

In addition, since 2017 Jeep Compass sales' focus is global, the room body is 0.5 inch narrower than the Renegade with 1.1 inches wider to fit local roads. The Jeep brags that the Compass has a small-wide 4x4 architecture, which means it is still wider than a front-drive Cherokee.

Meanwhile, 2017 Jeep Compass will be assembled in China, India, Mexico, and Brazil. It will be sold globally with over a hundred markets that can be expected early 2017. Specific pricing is not yet confirmed. According to the Jeep's website, MSRP will range from $22,040 to $25,400.
Google Earth VR News & Update: Explore World Using HTC Vive On Virtual Reality! Is This A Good Marketing Strategy?

Google has released Google Earth VR to allow people travel around the world while at home. Google will be collaborating with HTC in order to achieve this feat. The virtual reality experience is now available on HTC Vive.

To travel around the world is no doubt everybody's dream, but for some who's budget is tight, it will take them years of saving before they can make their dream into reality. This is not the case when it comes to virtual reality. Google has launched its Google Earth VR for those who want to travel without setting foot in their desired location.

Google Earth was first introduced ten years ago with more than two billion downloads that help people explore the world right in front of their devices. With the advent of today's VR technology, Google Earth VR is an experience that everyone will surely enjoy, like standing at the top of the highest mountain.

As introduced to its website, Google Earth VR allows the user to walk around, fly, or even teleport across places they want to visit. It comes with hand-picked destinations like the Grand Canyon, the Swiss Alps, the Amazon River and much more, with a cinematic tour view.

However, the excitement to experience Google Earth VR has turned into disappointment when VR headset owners discovered that it's not yet available for everyone. HTC Vive owners are the lucky ones who can enjoy Google Earth VR and there is no information on when it will be available for all.

According to UploadVR, Oculus Touch and Oculus Rift owners are getting an error: "Google Earth VR only supports HTC Vive at this time," whenever they try to download it. Google confirmed that this is only for now since it wants to make sure that every platform where it releases Earth VR provides a great experience.

Google Earth VR is now available for free to download in the Steam store only for HTC Vive users. One thing is for sure, it will take time before Earth VR will be available across all VR platforms since Google just released its own Google Daydream VR. What do you think of their strategy?
Valve To Pay $3 Million To Settle Lawsuit

Early this year in March, the Australian Federal Court found Valve, an online distributor of games guilty for several breaches of the Australian Consumer Law in a case that was filed in 2014 by the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC). This is regards to Valve's refund policy refusing any refund on its games. The reasoning behind the lawsuit was that according to ACCC, Valve had misleading interpretations relating to the company's refunds or lack thereof. And with the latest news, Valve could be forced to pay up to $3 million for its grievances.

The lawsuit stems from a law in Australia which states that customers are legally entitled to a refund, replacement of repair of any product that can reasonably be considered defective or not fit for purpose. This is a legal right for all Australians that no private company can bypass the Austrailian Consumer Law even if the company is based abroad. The law states that "all all consumer goods or services come with automatic consumer guarantees that they are of acceptable quality and fit for the purpose for which they were sold. If they are not, consumers have a right to a remedy, which may include refund, repair or replacement in certain circumstances. These consumer rights cannot be excluded, restricted or modified."

Since Valve's refusal to to refund games that are bugged of defective, prior to a change in June of last year, and even stating that under Valve's Steam Subscriber Agreement, it had a policy of not giving out refunds, the company was found guilt of violating the Australian Consumer Law. In fact, in Australia, even a 'no refund' sign is considererd illegal under the Australian Consumer Law.

In defense, Valve said that the company should not abide by Australia's law since Valve is based in Seattle. It claims that it should only follow the laws of Washington State. However this was found baseless as Valve was still operating its business in Austrailia by provding its service to consumer and thus shoud abide by the country's laws.In a hearing last Tuesday, the ACCC said that Valve should be ordered to pay $3 million which is substantially more than what was estimated by Valve's attorneys of $250,000. The reason for such a huge amount of money to be paid was to serve as a deterrent for companys that refuse follow the Austrailian Consumer Law. Nonetheless, the esitamated figure of $3 million is still not final as only the Australian Federal Court has the final decision regarding the matter when the final ruling is handed down by mid-December or January. Stay tuned for more updates.
A second route, which will service downtown to Alamitos Beach, will launch on Nov. 10.
Update 3:15 p.m.: Philomath police arrested Jeffrey W. Appelt off Highway 34 near Philomath at 11:44 a.m. on Friday, according to an Oregon State Police press release. Appelt was a passenger in a vehicle that was stopped and apprehended when an officer recognized him.

Authorities are searching for a 28-year-old Philomath man and Oregon State Hospital psychiatric patient who was reported missing Thursday afternoon.

Jeffrey W. Appelt was last seen at around 3:30 p.m. Thursday entering a bathroom at Salem Hospital, according to a press release from Oregon Health Authority. Authorities are considering Appelt to be a danger to others and are cautioning that Appelt should not be approached.

Hospital officials are describing Appelt as 6 feet all, weighing 272 pounds with brown hair and brown eyes. He was last seen wearing a blue sweatshirt, khaki shorts and black and yellow Salomon sneakers.

Oregon State Police is conducting the investigation and are asking anyone who sees Appelt to call 911 or 1-800-452-7888.

Appelt, a Philomath resident who has an arrest record dating back to age 18, was sentenced in December 2015 to 14 months in prison following felony assault and firearm convictions. He was admitted to Oregon State Hospital in October as a civil commitment from Linn County after being transferred from the Oregon Department of Corrections.

Appelts criminal history includes felony convictions for vehicle theft (2006), eluding police officers (2007), weapon possession (2007) and burglary (2009).

This release is being sent on behalf of the Oregon State Hospital.

An Oregon State Hospital psychiatric patient who was reported missing Nov. 17 has been found by the Philomath Police Department.

Philomath police arrested Jeffrey W. Appelt, 28, off Oregon Route 34 near Philomath at 11:44 a.m. today. Appelt was a passenger in a vehicle that was stopped, and the officer recognized him from past contacts. Appelt was arrested on a warrant for unauthorized departure and lodged in the Benton County Jail. No other charges were filed.
 ROSE (roz) n. One of the most beautiful of all flowers, a symbol of fragrance and loveliness. Often given as a sign of appreciation.

 RASPBERRY (razbere) n. A sharp, scornful comment, criticism or rebuke; a derisive, splatting noise, often called the Bronx cheer.

We hereby deliver:

 ROSES to Corvallis' Gracewinds Music, which is closing its doors after 31 years in business.

Gracewinds, the only full-line music store in the mid-valley, is closed today to prepare for a liquidation sale that will begin on Saturday. The company will maintain its online sales division, however, and will continue to carry its rent-to-own instrument contracts. The band and orchestral retail department and repair service will pop up in Philomath under new owners and a new name, Windsmith Music.

Ken and Sharon Oefelein launched the business as an instrument repair shop in their South Corvallis garage in 1985, and the business expanded from there, as the Oefeleins traded in their teaching careers for a home-based enterprise in order to spend more time with their children.

The Oefeleins slowly handed over duties for the store to their son Travis and now it's his turn to spend more time with his young children, although he will continue to operate the store's successful online arm, Musical Supply Direct, which now generates roughly three-quarters of the store's revenue.

We wish all the Oefeleins the best of luck in the future, and we thank them for their decades of operating Gracewinds. But it will be a sad day when we have to go elsewhere to find reeds for the alto sax.

 Speaking of music, ROSES to the careers of Leon Russell and Leonard Cohen, two legends who have died over the last week or so. If Cohen had done nothing else but write "Hallelujah" and "Bird on the Wire," his status would be secure, but he wrote plenty of other classics, and was vital until the end; his last album, "You Want it Darker," was released just before his death at 82. (The album title is an eerily precise summation of Cohen's career.)

As for Russell, the pianist known as "The Master of Time and Space" was a famed session musician for decades before he stepped out on his own and wrote songs such as "A Song for You," "Superstar" and "This Masquerade." He was 74. It adds up to two more musical losses in a year that already has seen way more than its share.

 ROSES to protesters in Corvallis and on the Oregon State University campus who have managed to keep their events peaceful. Last week's election has resulted in protests across the nation, including in Corvallis; the ones we've seen here so far have not been marred by violence of any sort. That hasn't been the case in cities such as Portland. It's a badge of honor that protests here have been peaceful; let's keep it that way.

 RASPBERRIES to those of you who didn't vote in this year's election. The final numbers aren't in yet, but it appears as if nationally, only about 55 percent of voting-age citizens cast ballots this year. If that number holds, it would be the lowest turnout in a presidential election since 1996, when just 53.5 percent of voting-age citizens turned out. In Oregon, where voting couldn't be much easier, the turnout was not quite 79 percent. Seems like we could do better, doesn't it?

Correction

An editorial in Thursday's Gazette-Times misstated oversight responsibilities for a pair of Cabinet positions: The secretary of agriculture, not the secretary of the interior, oversees the U.S. Forest Service. We regret the error. (mm)
HARRISBURG  A 24-year-old Ukrainian man who faked his name and age to attend a Harrisburg high school has been ordered to spend two months in prison on federal fraud charges.

On Thursday, U.S. Middle District Senior Judge Sylvia Rambo sentenced Artur Samarin to less than the three-month jail term prosecutors suggested. Samarin pleaded guilty to passport fraud and Social Security fraud in August.

He faces deportation during a sentencing next week for separate fraud and sex crime charges.

He has admitted lying about his identity to get a free public education and having sex with a 15-year-old girl in 2014, when he was 22.

Samarin was called Asher Potts at John Harris High School. He impressed teachers and community leaders before authorities learned he was considerably older and overstayed a visa.
UN Volunteers : Executive Coordinator says goodbye

Bonn From the Netherlands, Richard Dictus will be leaving his UN post after nearly four years. He was invited by Mayor Sridharan to sign the Golden Book.

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On Thursday, it was time for Richard Dictus to say his goodbyes to Bonn. Since 2013, Dictus, from the Netherlands has served as Executive Coordinator of United Nations Volunteers (UNV). In recognition of his service, he was invited by Bonns Mayor Ashok Sridharan to sign the Golden Book. During his time as Executive Coordinator of UNV, he established the UN Partnership Forum.

This brought together many different leaders from the non-profit sector, with representatives coming from all over the world to meet in Bonn. He was also present during the expansion of the UN campus. Sridharan described Dictus as a responsible, trustworthy and creative partner for the city, and thanked him for his work, which he carried out with passion.

Dictus admitted he was leaving Bonn with some sadness: Bonn is a very special city. People know each other, that is whats really nice, he commented. True to his Dutch roots, he has put away 30,000 kilometers on his bicycle while living in Bonn. In the Netherlands, we say that its time to change the tires after 30,000 kilometers.
"I was terrified," the victim said after the sentencing. "I still am. I have no means to support myself and my children, but I was terrified Id end up dead if he came back ... I cant give up. I just cant. I want to. Trust me I cry every single day. I am scared and heartbroken for my kids. My sons cant grow up watching me be hit. My daughter cant watch me walk around with a black eye and me act like its okay."
Carlos Montezuma was lured into an education by the promise of easy victory.

The future doctor and American Indian rights activist saw how the boys and girls of his Chicago neighborhood walked to and from the building.

I had no idea that they had to be taught, but I had a suspicious idea of the (school) house, Montezuma recalled in an October 1887 letter he addressed to Carlisle Indian School students.

One morning in April, the boy with whom I had associated, persuaded me to come into the school yard to play marbles by saying that I could win piles of marbles if I did. So I consented.

As the story goes, they played until the bell rang for classes to start. Rather than leave, Montezuma went in and took a seat drawing the attention of the teacher who asked if he wanted to attend school.

I could not speak English; All I could say was yes, Montezuma wrote. I naturally said yes to every question. I was taken up to the principal ... questioned and given a small note. This note specified what books I was to get. I left the school feeling as big as ever, and took the note to my guardian.

Gradually Montezuma learned the alphabet and how to count. Within a few months, he could recite The Lords Prayer and describe in writing different objects.

In the years that followed, he advanced his way through college earning a bachelors degree in chemistry. Montezuma was studying to be a doctor in Chicago when he wrote the letter published in the Oct. 14, 1887 edition of The Indian Helper, a campus newspaper.

His story was meant to set an example for Carlisle Indian School students to follow. If they could allow themselves to learn, they could be assimilated into the white mans culture and survive the rush of civilization overtaking the native tribes.

Bringing Up Carlos

As a child taken from a tribe at a young age and raised off a reservation, Montezuma represented the epitome of success Capt. Richard Henry Pratt was reaching for when he founded the Carlisle Indian School in 1879, said Barb Landis, an archives and library specialist at the Cumberland County Historical Society.

Montezuma and other success stories became part of the pitch superintendent Pratt used to promote the school and counteract the characterization of American Indians as savages, Landis said. Montezuma was very compliant with it.

Landis wrote a paper for an internship for Shippensburg on the interactions between Montezuma and Pratt and on his experiences as the Carlisle Indian School physician.

He did the full circle, said Landis adding how later in life Montezuma went back to the blanket and died in a tepee on an Arizona reservation. His birth name was Wasseja (pronounced Wah-SAH-jah).

Born in 1863 into Yavapi band of Apache, Wasseja was kidnapped by Pima Indians as a young child and sold for $30 to Carlos Gentile, an itinerant photographer from Chicago who had ventured into the Old West to photograph the Gold Rush, Landis said. It was Gentile who named the boy Carlos Montezuma.

Early Interactions

Much of his formative years were spent in Chicago where Montezuma not only progressed through public school but also excelled in writing and debate in college. At some point in his studies, Montezuma became acquainted with Pratt and his work at the Carlisle Indian School.

(He) subscribed to the school newspapers and corresponded with Pratt during his undergraduate days and later during his medical schooling, Landis said. The letters from Pratt were full of encouragement and praise for the young Carlos.

Montezumas letters to Carlisle were published by Pratt in the school newspapers  which were used as propaganda to push the superintendents ideas and to encourage sobriety, good habits and use of the English language.

Pratt was so impressed with Carlos that he invited him to travel on behalf of the school, Landis said. This included a trip to New York City in February 1887 where Montezuma delivered an inspiring speech about how he worked in a drug store to afford medical school and had promised to devote himself to the wants of the suffering Indians upon graduating.

After a brief stint in private practice, Montezuma went to work as an agency physician landing a job, with help from Pratt, as a clerk and doctor at the Ft. Stevenson School in North Dakota. Indian School newspapers continued to follow Montezuma who privately vented frustration to friends about the horrible work conditions and lack of supplies at the Stevenson school.

Montezuma requested and was granted a transfer to the Western Shoshone Indian Agency in Nevada. Meanwhile, Pratt continued to follow and encourage Montezuma in his career. Pratt thought conditions would improve for the young doctor.

Mutual encouragement

Instead, Montezuma continued to be frustrated by a lack support to carry out his mission. (Pratt) realized the difficulties the doctor faced as a full-blooded Indian educated and raised in the white world, Landis wrote in her paper.

I understand what you face, Landis quoted Pratt. I would have kept you with whites. Indians call you a white man, not only on the outside, but white in the inside.

Just as Pratt encouraged Montezuma in his request for more support, the doctor stepped in to encourage Pratt when the Carlisle Indian School was experiencing a lack of provisions and funding by the federal government.

In July 1893, Montezuma arrived on campus as the newly appointed Carlisle Indian School physician finally under the direct supervision of his long-time mentor. Pratt had him to travel to make speeches on behalf of the school and to recruit students. While in Carlisle, Montezuma gained a reputation as a skilled physician and was elected vice-president of the Cumberland County Medical Society.

Campus newspapers described Montezuma as a fun-loving, religious character. There are references about his croquet game, his attendance at watermelon parties and his leading of the Sunday Meeting.

Militant troublemaker

He stayed on as the campus physician until November 1895 when he tendered his resignation to enter into private practice. His years as an Indian Agency doctor set the stage for Montezuma to become an activist, Landis said. He reconnected with relatives and got very involved with water rights on the reservation.

He became militant, Landis said. The FBI had a file on him. He was looked upon as a radical troublemaker.

In 1911, Montezuma helped to form the Society of American Indians, which was dedicated to advancement of the race, John Franch wrote in a biography of Montezuma published in the September/October 2006 edition of Illinois Alumni.

Montezuma used the society as a platform to speak out against the reservation system as the only true solution to the so-called Indian problem, Franch wrote. He later pushed for the immediate abolition of the Bureau of Indian Affairs and, in 1916, began to publish Wassaja, a monthly newsletter devoted to the elimination of that federal agency.

For much of his life, Montezuma believed himself to be an Apache instead of a Yavapai  the tribe of his birth. He would eventually accept his true upbringing and, in late 1922, made the trek to the Yavapais Fort McDowell Reservation to die among his people.

He was welcomed with open arms and died on Jan. 31, 1923.
Article

Protecting the worlds oceans  an important goal of Germanys climate diplomacy

The worlds oceans are vital to our survival. They regulate the global climate and are a source of food and income for billions of people. Only a very small part of the seas enjoys legal protection, however. Our diplomats are working in New York right now to change this state of affairs.
Demonetisation: Get Credit For 7 Days with Ola's New Service News oi -Samden Sherpa Falling short on cash but need a cab instantly? Dont worry, Ola has come to your rescue!

As the demonetization spree still continues, we are still waiting to get out of this cash crunch situation. Although, there have been various alternatives to transact cash, still, being out cash can be really troublesome.

However, against such backdrop, Ola, India's most popular mobile app for transportation, on Wednesday announced the launch of Ola Credit, a postpaid service that allows travellers to pay later for their rides.

SEE ALSO: Reliance Jio Free Calls Offer Gets Green Signal from TRAI: What to Expect Next

The service will give customers seven days of credit and customers can keep booking Ola cabs without worrying about having sufficient cash.

While Ola is claims that this service is the first in the industry, it is being launched at a time when conserving cash has become an important task for many citizens.

So once you have used the service, at the end of the seventh day, customers can repay their bills via net banking, debit or credit cards or easily through Ola Money e-wallet which is integrated into the app.

As such, the company has claimed that Ola Credit will enable hassle-free commute to key corporate clients and high-frequency customers together. Ola has proclaimed that corporate clients such as Larsen & Toubro and IBM have subscribed to the Ola credit feature for their businesses.

SEE ALSO: WhatsApp is the Most Used Messaging Platform in India, Says Dean of Cheetah Mobile Lab

Raghuvesh Sarup, who is the Chief Marketing Officer & Category Head of Ola stated that Ola Credit was a global first from Ola to keep India moving towards a cashless economy. Ola Credit will provide hassle-free mobility to citizens.

He further emphasised on how Ola had a deep commitment towards the Indian market and by combining it commitment with their experience in payment technology will help the company to contribute to a digitally enabled India. He adds, "Mobility is an everyday use case and our commitment to making it seamless includes building a frictionless payment experience."

The option is available in all categories, including its auto, rental and outstation services.

However, Ola will extend the credit service to its individual users selectively, most likely the frequent users of the Ola cab service or depending on their transaction history.

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Best Mobiles in India
Asus ZenFone AR (Tango Powered Smartphone)

Lenovo's Tango powered handset- Phab 2 Pro has inspired the Taiwanese tech giant Asus, who is expected to launch its very first Google Tango-enabled device. Named 'ZenFone AR', the smartphone will come with advanced functionality and performance at a competitive price.

As Google Tango utilizes Augmented reality and machine learning, we can expect Asus ZenFone AR to bring along a world of new exciting AR apps to change the way we use smartphones in everyday life.

LG G6

The Media day 2 of CES 2017 will see LG talking and highlighting its 2017 product line-up to audience. We expect the tech giant to introduce or give a sneak peek of the upcoming flagship smartphone- LG G6. The successor to LG G5 will not feature a Modular' design but is expected to feature an Iris Scanner' built into the selfie camera module.

The tech giant might even fit a higher resolution 4K panel to further improve the multimedia viewing experience. Besides, LG is already offering Android 7.0 Nougat with the upcoming LG V20 and it is very likely that the upcoming LG G6 will come with the latest software out-of-the box.

SEE ALSO: 5 Things to Know about the Upcoming LG G6 Flagship Smartphone

Samsung Galaxy S8

The Media Day 2 will also see Samsung holding a news conference in CES 2017. As Galaxy Note 7 and the Note series is out of the scene, Samsung intends to bring Galaxy S8 sooner than its previous defined launch date.

We might see a glimpse of what Samsung is cooking, during the CES 2017. As per reports, Galaxy S8 is expected to boast of an edge-to-edge display, featuring a curved display to the top and bottom edges of the handset.

Huaweis upcoming handsets

Tech giants Huawei is also holding its share of event on January 3, i.e. the Media Day of CES 2017. Huawei has already showcased the world its Mate 9 smartphone, and this makes us even more excited to see what Huawei is planning to showcase during the CES 2017.

The same day Qualcomm is also holding a briefing where we can expect some important announcements from the company. Qualcomm has already shed some light on its upcoming flagship CPU- Snapdragon 835, the new chipset that will replace company's top-of-the-line Snapdragon 820/821 chipset. So we believe we will see some prototypes or working handsets running the new SoC.

Sonys Next Flagship Xperia Smartphone

Sony is expected to launch a new flagship smartphone- dubbed as Xperia X2. The smartphone is expected to feature a 5.5-inch 4K display and Snapdragon 821 SoC. It will run the latest Android 7.0 Nougat out-of-the box and will have 4GB of RAM to handle multitasking.

Sony is known for its camera technology and we expect Xperia X2 to make things exciting with the kind of camera it will feature. May be Sony would also jump on the dual-camera setup with the new handset as it has become a trend these days for every smartphone maker.

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Supreme Court refuses to lift ban on Jallikattu

Published: November 17, 2016

The Supreme Court has dismissed a plea filed by Tamil Nadu to review a 2014 apex court judgment banning Jallikattu.

The apex court questioned the need to tame a domestic animal like the bull and further held that Jallikattu has nothing to do with exercise of the fundamental right of religious freedom.

It also held that Jallikattu runs counter to the concept of welfare of the animal, which is the basic foundation of the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act, 1960.

Tamil Nadu Governments argument

However, the State government countered that Jallikattu was defined as an act of taming of bulls under the Tamil Nadu Regulation of Jallikattu Act, 2009 and it does not amount to cruelty. This law was introduced to stop any kind of torture and taming a bull is not torture.

What is issue?

The Supreme Court had banned Jallikattu in May 2014 and held that bulls could not be used as performing animals. It ordered to completely stop use of bulls for Jallikattu events or bullock-cart races across the country. The ban was imposed by SC as it violated provisions of The Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act, 1960; fundamental duty Article 51A (g): compassion towards animal; Article 21 (Right to Life), which prohibits any disturbance to the environment, including animals as it is considered essential for human life. However, in January 2016, the Union Government through notification lifted this ban and allowed use of bulls for Jallikattu events or bullock-cart races in Tamil Nadu and Maharashtra. But, the apex court put on hold of the Union Governments notification.

What is Jallikattu?

Jallikattu is a bull taming sport played in Tamil Nadu on Mattu Pongal day as a part of Pongal celebrations i.e. harvest festival. It is one of the oldest living ancient tradition practiced in the modern era. Jallikattu has been derived from the words calli (coins) and kattu (tie), which means a bundle of coins is tied to the bulls horns. In Sangam literature the sport is called as Yeru thazhuvuthal (means to embrace bulls). In older times Jallikattu was popular amongst warriors during the Tamil classical period. The bull tamer sought to remove this bundle from the animals head to win gold or silver coins to be called brave and valourous. All castes participate in the event and majority of jallikattu bulls belong to the pulikulam breed of cattle.

Month: Current Affairs - November, 2016

Topics: Art and Culture  Jallikattu  National  Sports  Supreme court

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Qualcomm, at its Snapdragon Technology Summit held in New York yesterday, had shed some light on its upcoming flagship chipset. Called the Snapdragon 835, the new chipset will replace companys top-of-the-line Snapdragon 820/821 chipset. While the company hadnt revealed much about the upcoming SoC, it disclosed one important detail.

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Intelligence Agencies Work, Communicate Better Together, DoD Official Says

By Jim Garamone DoD News, Defense Media Activity

WASHINGTON, Nov. 17, 2016  The Pentagon's intelligence agencies work and communicate better with each other today, and that transformation must continue, the undersecretary of defense for intelligence said at the Defense One Summit here today.

Marcel Lettre told Defense One Executive Editor Kevin Baron that the Sept. 11, 2001, attacks pointed to the need for intelligence agencies to work more closely together. And in the 15 years since those attacks, such teamwork is evident, he said.

"The biggest thing that has changed in my view is that it's [now] an integrated effort across 17 organizations, but it is also an integrated effort across intelligence disciplines, with human intelligence organizations tipping and cueing signals intelligence and geospatial intelligence in unprecedented ways," Lettre said.

Counterterrorism Operations

The result is most apparent in support of military counterterrorism operations, Lettre said. The intelligence community works very closely with the special operations community, with results visible on the battlefields, he said.

All of this, he said, is being done in a social media world, where operations are sometimes available on Facebook or You Tube before planners are aware they are complete. And that is a challenge, Lettre said.

On one hand, Lettre said, the American people need transparency in knowing what is being done to protect them.

"It explains what we are doing and why," he said.

You Tube Effect

There is another dynamic that Lettre referred to as, "the You Tube" effect, which moves the department into a world where there is always some visibility on what were once clandestine operations. The department cannot control this, and must simply adapt to it, he said.

"The successes we have had in our military operations will for a long time to come depend on that combination of special operators and intelligence officers working in close tandem together," Lettre said. This cooperation, he added, happens on the battlefield with reach back all the way to Washington.

Lettre said the special ops/intelligence relationship is part of the overall strategy to put pressure on groups like the Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant at all points.

This is an important point, Lettre said, as ISIL is a diffused organization with no central mind that's directing operations. Instead, ISIL has nodes that begin in Iraq and Syria and reach into West Africa, Libya, East Africa, Afghanistan, and potentially into South and Southeastern Asia, the undersecretary said.

"This is why we remain concerned, even as we  will be successful in removing ISIL from Mosul and Raqqa  we will almost certainly continue to face continued threats and challenges from affiliates of ISIL seeking to conduct external plots particularly in western Europe," he said.

Resources

Lettre said enough resources are being employed to counter violent extremism. But in a world of finite resources that means taking those resources from other areas, he added.

"In the military context, we are also very focused in how to counter Russian hybrid warfare and aggression, how to go after understanding the support we need to deliver in Afghanistan, how to do cyberdefense [and] how to operationalize the Asia-Pacific rebalance," Lettre said.

All of these are priorities and all require resources, he said. But finding the right mix and the right priorities remains a puzzle, the undersecretary added.

"It's kind of a zero-sum game at one level, when you are thinking about what we have today to work with," Lettre said.

All this means it is even more important that the intelligence transformation continues, the undersecretary said. And, deciding what new technologies, methods and tactics to employ will be key factors in squeezing the last bit out of every penny spent on intelligence, he added.

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Top U.S. Intelligence Official: Russia Stopped Hacking After U.S. Warnings

November 17, 2016

The United States' top intelligence official said Russia stopped its election-related cyberactivity after the U.S. administration publicly accused Moscow of interfering in the campaign.

James Clapper told a congressional committee on November 17 that Russia was likely to continue information warfare, despite the U.S. warnings.

Weeks before the November 8 election that was won by Republican Donald Trump, the U.S. intelligence community said publicly that senior Russia officials likely authorized the hack of e-mails of the Democratic National Committee.

Those e-mails were later leaked, embarrassing party leaders.

Russia denied the hack.

Clapper, who is director of national intelligence, said the formal accusation and later threat of retaliation appeared to shut down the activity.

"It may have had the desired effect, since after the issue of the statement and the communication took place between our government and the Russian government, it seemed to curtail the cybe activity that the Russians previously were engaged in," he said.

Based on reporting by AP and AFP

Source: http://www.rferl.org/a/clapper-russia-hacking-warnings/28124781.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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CRG enables strategic air operations at Qayyarah West

By Staff Sgt. Charles Rivezzo, U.S. Air Forces Central Command Public Affairs / Published November 17, 2016

QAYYARAH WEST AIRFIELD, Iraq (AFNS) -- The wheels of a C-130 Hercules touched down at Qayyarah West Airfield Nov. 11. The tactical airlift workhorse, loaded with supplies and equipment to resupply the Mosul offensive, belonged to the Iraqi air force.

The landing was much more than routine; it was symbolic. It represented the first time a fixed wing Iraqi aircraft, loaded with cargo, landed at the strategic airfield since it fell to the Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant fighters in 2014.

An U.S. Air Force Airman vectored the aircraft into the airspace while others marshaled in and offloaded the Iraqi C-130. These Airmen serve as some of the only ground based Air Force personnel at Qayyarah West. Assigned to the 821st Contingency Response Group based out of Travis Air Force Base, California, these Airmen are responsible for enabling and sustaining all air operations at the coalition airfield.

The airfield at Qayyarah West was recaptured from ISIL by Iraqi forces in July 2016, and has been refurbished by coalition engineers to allow the re-commencement of air operations. Qayyarah Airfield is now a vital logistical hub, opening an air corridor in support of the battle to liberate Mosul as well as operations throughout northern Iraq.

The 821st CRG is highly-specialized in training and rapidly deploying personnel to quickly open airfields and establish, expand, sustain and coordinate air operations in austere, bare-base conditions.

Encompassing 29 separate Air Force specialties, the 821st CRG provides the core cadre of expeditionary command and control, airfield operations, security, communications, aerial port and aircraft maintenance personnel for worldwide deployment to assess airfields and extend the reach of airpower.

"We are designed to go where air infrastructure doesn't exist in order to bring to bear airpower where it needs to be," said Col. Rhett Champagne, the 821st CRG commander. "No other country can bring the forces and the airlift all the way around the world to start operations with the speed with which the United States does."

Upon arrival to Qayyarah West in mid-October, the 821st CRG established "airpower from the ground up," constructing command and control centers, configuring the runway to support fixed-wing mobility aircraft and de-conflicting a congested and compressed airspace.

Although the contingency response group traditionally enables the flow of fixed-wing mobility aircraft, they have continued to sustain a large contingent of rotary-wing aircraft in support of combat operations.

"The CRG is here as an enabling capability," said Lt. Col. Blaine Baker, the 821st CRG element commander. "Without us here, you're heavily reliant on ground lines of transportation. While they are heavily robust, they are a little less agile and not as rapid with their resupply capabilities as airlift is."

Baker added that coalition partners are heavily dependent on the airfield as a staging base to take the fight to ISIL and support the Iraqi offensive to recapture Mosul.

"The pre-positioning of cargo, equipment and personnel here in order to facilitate that fight is vitally important," he said. "We are very humbled and appreciative of that effort to bring in and enable the capability to get aircraft in here to bolster the supply lines to get up to Mosul in the fight against (ISIL)."

As the Air Force's contingency response experts, 821st CRG Airmen will continue to provide the role of sustaining coalition and Iraqi forces conducting counter ISIL operations in Mosul.

All air operations conducted out of Qayyarah West are in support of Operation Inherent Resolve, the operation to degrade and defeat ISIL and the threat they pose to Iraq, Syria and the wider international community.

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Military Strikes Continue Against ISIL Terrorists in Syria, Iraq

From a Combined Joint Task Force Operation Inherent Resolve News Release

SOUTHWEST ASIA, Nov. 17, 2016  U.S. and coalition military forces continued to attack Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant terrorists in Syria and Iraq yesterday, Combined Joint Task Force Operation Inherent Resolve officials reported today.

Officials reported details of yesterday's strikes, noting that assessments of results are based on initial reports.

Strikes in Syria

Fighter and remotely piloted aircraft conducted seven strikes in Syria:

-- Near Shadaddi, a strike damaged four supply routes.

-- Near Ayn Isa, four strikes engaged two ISIL tactical units; destroyed an artillery system, a mortar system, and damaged a supply route.

-- Near Dayr Az Zawr, a strike destroyed an oil wellhead.

-- Near Dayr Palymyra, a strike engaged an ISIL tactical unit and destroyed a vehicle.

Strikes in Iraq

Attack, fighter, remotely piloted aircraft and rocket artillery conducted 11 strikes in Iraq, coordinated with and in support of Iraq's government:

-- Near Huwayjah, two strikes engaged three ISIL tactical units and destroyed nine ISIL compounds and a command-and-control node.

-- Near Haditha, a strike destroyed inoperable coalition equipment.

-- Near Mosul, three strikes engaged three ISIL tactical units; destroyed six mortar systems, four watercraft, three storage containers, two fighting positions, two vehicles, a bunker, a trench, and an ISIL-held building; degraded two tunnels; and suppressed two tactical units and a rocket-propelled grenade system.

-- Near Rawah, three strikes engaged an ISIL tactical unit and an ISIL-held building; destroyed two bunkers, two buildings, a bomb storage facility, and a bomb cache; and damaged another bomb cache.

-- Near Sinjar, a strike engaged an ISIL headquarters building.

-- Near Sultan Abdallah, a strike engaged an ISIL tactical unit and destroyed a fighting position.

Task force officials define a strike as one or more kinetic events that occur in roughly the same geographic location to produce a single, sometimes cumulative, effect. Therefore, officials explained, a single aircraft delivering a single weapon against a lone ISIL vehicle is one strike, but so is multiple aircraft delivering dozens of weapons against buildings, vehicles and weapon systems in a compound, for example, having the cumulative effect of making those targets harder or impossible for ISIL to use. Accordingly, officials said, they do not report the number or type of aircraft employed in a strike, the number of munitions dropped in each strike, or the number of individual munition impact points against a target. Ground-based artillery fired in counterfire or in fire support to maneuver roles is not classified as a strike.

Part of Operation Inherent Resolve

The strikes were conducted as part of Operation Inherent Resolve, the operation to eliminate the ISIL terrorist group and the threat it poses to Iraq, Syria, the region and the wider international community. The destruction of targets in Syria and Iraq further limits ISIL's ability to project terror and conduct operations, officials said.

Coalition nations that have conducted strikes in Syria include the United States, Australia, Bahrain, Canada, Denmark, France, Jordan, the Netherlands, Saudi Arabia, Turkey, the United Arab Emirates and the United Kingdom. Coalition nations that have conducted strikes in Iraq include the United States, Australia, Belgium, Canada, Denmark, France, Jordan, the Netherlands and the United Kingdom.

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Army Secretary: Capabilities More Important Than Numbers of Soldiers

By Jim Garamone DoD News, Defense Media Activity

WASHINGTON, Nov. 17, 2016  The Army needs to stop talking strictly about the numbers of its soldiers and focus on the capabilities the service needs, Army Secretary Eric Fanning said here today.

Fanning discussed Army capabilities with Wall Street Journal reporter Gordon Lubold during the Defense One Summit. The secretary said the Army needs to define what it needs for the future.

There are currently more than 100,000 U.S. soldiers posted overseas in more than 150 countries, Fanning said. The Army's role in countering current threats, he said, has "stripped a lot of investment out of the future [and] even a lot of intellectual thinking about the future."

Creative, Innovative Army Workforce

The Army has a lot of creativity and innovation in its military and civilian workforce, Fanning said, and they need to be empowered and funded to move the service forward.

Army special operations forces are incredibly lethal, but they have been worked hard over the past years, the Army secretary said. There is renewed discussion, he said, about the capabilities the Army requires to continue to accomplish its missions, now and into the future.

The Army is headed to a total of 450,000 active-duty troops, "but the number, by itself doesn't really tell you a lot," Fanning said. "There is a lot of analysis behind the number, but there is not precision behind this because it is all about risk."

People need to get away from focusing simply on force structure and numbers, the Army secretary said.

"Whether the number is 450- or 480- or 520-[thousand], you could end up creating more imbalances because those people cost something," he said. "We have to have the money to train and equip them. And then there is 'the [logistics] tail' -- and that goes to the future for a very long way -- you have to plan for modernization of a larger force."

The mix of personnel, training and equipment equals capability, and there must be a balance, Fanning said.

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Defense Innovation Unit Calls on Guard, Reserve to Expand Nationally

By Cheryl Pellerin DoD News, Defense Media Activity

WASHINGTON, Nov. 17, 2016  The Pentagon's Defense Innovation Unit-Experimental technology outposts will expand beyond their offices in three states by calling on innovators and tech experts in the National Guard and reserve to expand the DIUx presence nationwide, DIUx Managing Director Raj Shah said here yesterday.

The entrepreneur, Air Force reservist and former fighter pilot addressed an audience during CyberCon 2016, hosted by C4ISRNET, Defense News and Federal Times, discussing progress and lessons learned by the new team at DIUx 2.0, the second iteration of the innovation hubs that Defense Secretary Ash Carter announced in May.

From its beginning DIUx was meant to connect with technology innovation companies that might not see the Defense Department as a customer for their products, Shah said, and help them find military customers and navigate through the Pentagon.

Accelerating Technology and Innovation

Beyond that, Shah said the new team has learned some things over the past six months and from their predecessors that helped them "accelerate technology and innovation from the commercial sector to help our warfighters, our men and women in uniform."

One is relationships, he said, or having a team whose members are from the innovation community and understand the challenges a non-traditional company or vendor has in working with the government.

Second is having the resources and authorities to move at the speed of business with those companies, and third is to focus on problem sets rather than requirements, particularly for software and more novel solutions.

"The non-traditionals or younger companies are not appropriate to help us build the next aircraft carrier," the director added, "but for certain types of software, particularly in cybersecurity, you come with a capability gap rather than a list of requirements [and] we can work with them."

A Nationwide Effort

Innovation isn't limited to California's Silicon Valley, Boston, or Austin, Texas, where three DIUx offices have opened since 2015, Shah explained.

"It's a nationwide effort," he added, noting that DIUx has had applications from tech companies in 32 states.

Because DIUx can't have offices everywhere, Shah said they're addressing the challenge using "key untapped resources we have as a nation and a department," National Guard and reserve forces.

"We have reservists working in technology companies of all sizes [and] maturities across the nation and they have a deep desire to continue to serve. What better way than to be able to have them serve with us in the department in the capacity that's similar to their day job," Shah said.

If a reservist runs a security operations center in a Fortune 50 company in the Midwest, he said, "rather than him driving a tank on the weekend, why not have him come and do security with us? That's our approach to try to expand across the nation," he added.

"We're setting up a new reserve unit across the services, including the National Guard, where we will be able to help build the team that gives us access to new technology," Shah said.

"They'll live where they live, they will work where they work, and we will use them as required," he said, noting that the DIUx Austin presence, opened earlier this year, is the first instance of "a nexus of reservists and we hope to have more of those across the country as we grow."

A $60 Million Pipeline

So far DIUx has 12 signed contracts worth $36 million with tech companies and 15 more worth $60 million in the pipeline. DIUx contracts can be with young tech companies alone or with a prime defense contractor partnering with a younger company, Shah said.

"There are five key technology areas that we at DIUx are focused on, ones that we think the commercial sector -- because of their own investment and their own focus on going after the $25 trillion consumer market -- are putting in tons of investment dollars that we can benefit from," he added.

These are robotics and other forms of autonomy, machine learning and other forms of artificial intelligence, networking and defensive cyber tools in particular, commercial space from launch to small payloads to sensors, and biotechnology.

"I think you'll see that our next few projects will be mapped across those areas and we're continuing to move forward and constantly working with our partners," Shah said.

DIUx is not alone in reaching out to non-traditional innovation companies, he added, and "if a company views the department as a transparent and reliable customer and partner they'll want to work with us."

Shah said the department's problem sets "are so exciting that engineers want to come in and work on them. The things we do are far more interesting than working on a photo-sharing app," Shah said, "but it has to make business sense."

He added, "If you want to solve a problem but it takes you 24 months to get a contract, you're going to go build a photo-sharing app. That's what I think is changing and in fact I think  we'll see more and more interesting companies wanting to work with us."

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AMES, Iowa - Fresh off its first win over a top-5 opponent since 2012, and a bye during mid-week, the Iowa State volleyball team returns to the court on Saturday when they take on No. 4 Kansas in Lawrence. First serve at the Horejsi Center will be at 11 a.m.



Tickets to the match are sold out. The match will be streamed on ESPN3 and WatchESPN. For more info on how to watch the match, click here. Live stats for the match will be provided by Kansas here.



Iowa State extended its winning streak to six matches last Saturday after taking down No. 5 Texas at Hilton Coliseum. The Cyclones will be looking to knock off another top-5 opponent on Saturday, which would be the first time ISU has ever defeated top-5 teams in back-to-back matches and the third time ISU had defeated a pair of top-5 squads in the same season (2009 & 2012). The Cyclones had a pair of student-athletes earn Big 12 honors last week, with Samara West being named Big 12 Offensive Player of the Week and Hali Hillegas earning Big 12 Rookie of the Week.



Kansas, who has now won 12-straight matches and are atop the Big 12 with a 13-1 record, will be celebrating its Senior Day on Saturday, but the story surrounds a junior. First Team All-American Kelsie Payne left KU's match at West Virginia on Wednesday early with an injury. The Jayhawks were able to adjust and survive the WVU effort in five sets, with middle blockers Tayler Soucie and Zoe Hill stepping up for KU in the crucial points.



Payne, one of the favorites to be named Big 12 Player of the Year, has been a difference-maker when ISU and KU have met. In the meeting in Ames on Oct. 5, a four-set win for Kansas, Payne had 18 kills at .318, 16 digs and eight blocks.



KU will be looking for its fifth-straight victory over Iowa State. The Cyclones will be looking for their first victory in Lawrence since 2013.
U.S. Department of Defense

Press Operations

News Transcript

Presenter: Secretary of Defense Ash Carter November 17, 2016

Media Availability with Secretary Carter at Joint Base San Antonio-Randolph, San Antonio, Texas

STAFF: Hi, everybody. Thanks for being here.

The secretary has a couple of opening remarks about his visit here and some other events, and will take a couple of your questions before we have to head out of here.

SECRETARY OF DEFENSE ASH CARTER: Well, thank you for coming here today. And it's great to be here in San Antonio, Military City, USA. And I had the opportunity to visit a number of installations here. And I want to speak about their importance.

First, I should just note in sadness that one of my predecessors years back, Secretary of Defense Melvin Laird, who was secretary of defense for President Nixon, passed away and our condolences to his family. The Department of Defense is an institution that is committed to spanning the decades and the strategic eras, and continuing to protect Americans and make a better life for our children.

Secretary Laird did that. And we are always in the debt of those who went before us because they left for us, and it is my privilege now to lead the finest fighting force the world has ever known.

And the -- that that force remains the best is an important commitment that I have and that our department has. And so today, we were looking at a number of ways that we're building the force of the future to make sure that it is as fine as the force we have today.

And that means recruiting. It means training. It means retaining. And it means taking care of service members. And we saw that entire arc today. I was at Air Force basic training, which is spectacular, these gifted young Americans who have decided to volunteer to serve their country. We're very selective and we pick men and women on a very selective basis. And we're very pleased that a lot of very talented young Americans decide to join our armed forces and meet the qualifications. And I saw them being trained there.

And I met with some of those who were training them. And these are dedicated Air Force leaders who spend a part of their career imparting what they know to the new recruits. It's very impressive, really inspiring to see that knowledge passed on to the next generation.

Also I had the opportunity to be with some of the specialty skills, the battlefield airmen training initiative, which is a new thing for our Air Force, but very important. This is where the early training takes place for some of the most highly specialized airmen that we have. And that serve not only the Air Force, but the entire joint force. These are the forward-air controllers. These are the rescue jumpers who will go in and get a downed airman. These are specialty medical and meteorological experts, and they, too, are being trained there.

And it just shows you the incredibly high skill required to be the best in today's world. We live in a competitive world. We have military competitors. And it's important for us to build the force of the future that will be the best.

Also here -- right here at Randolph, pilot training. This is where pilots for all classes of Air Force aircraft are trained and it's a spectacular day to fly over beautiful San Antonio, see all of the wonderful military installations that this great city plays host to.

I also want to say that -- I mentioned that taking care of our service members is extremely important. That means especially the wounded, ill and injured. And San Antonio's also home to the Brooke Army Medical Center, called BAMC. I went there. I had lunch with a number of wounded warriors, talked to them about their care and whether we were doing what we should do, which is take good care of them. And we are.

And I met with the medical professionals there who not only take care of these Americans who have served and been injured in service, but you know, really love them and -- and watch after their families as well. So it's very moving and fantastic professional medical care. That's what they deserve.

So all in all, so much going on here in San Antonio relevant to our force of today and our force of the future. And I'm committed to that and confident that our armed forces will remain what it is today, which is the best in the world.

With that, let me take your questions.

STAFF: (off mic)

Q: (inaudible) -- Military.com.

In the spirit of today, and you had also mentioned yesterday the importance of aviation safety, the increasing of flight hours and the budget and such things. And certain services, such as the Marine Corps and especially the Air Force has opined about their shortage of pilots.

And so I was wondering if the Defense Department -- what it's doing, if you can give a few examples, of how it can address these concerns since they are occurring in more than one military service?

SEC. CARTER: They -- they are, and the principle issue is that our pilots, because they're so highly trained, are also sought after by the airlines and by business flyers. And that's a compliment to the skill of our flyers, but it's something that we have to be concerned about.

I remind you, this is an all-volunteer force. Our people have alternatives. I'm happy for them that they have alternatives. However, we really want to retain them.

So the answer to your question is the services and I are working very hard on various ways of ensuring retention, and one of those is to offer additional compensation for retention.

But I think the thing that -- the thing that keeps military pilots in service is, in my talking to them, the thing that brought them in in the first place, which is the mission. They know that this is gonna be a hard life, they know they're gonna be away from their families, they know that there can be danger, they know they're not gonna get paid as well as they might if they were working outside of the Defense Department.

But they love what they're doing and they understand the importance of what they're doing. That's why they stay and we're grateful for it.

STAFF: (inaudible)?

Q: Yes, sir --

STAFF: Can you identify yourselves?

Q: (inaudible) -- with -- (inaudible).

There was a report this morning out of -- (inaudible) -- that you've got a transition office set up in the Pentagon. Briefing books are all there, but the Trump people haven't been to it yet. And along the same lines, the NATO secretary general has said twice in the last week -- he's made statements expressing concern about U.S. treaty obligations under NATO.

I guess first off, can you tell us if it is true that the transition office has not received a visit yet from Trump's people? And have you got concerns about that?

And secondly, what do you think the NATO secretary general's comments seem to --

(CROSSTALK)

SEC. CARTER: Sure, sure.

On -- on the first point, we are ready to welcome President-elect Trump's transition team to the Defense Department. I'm committed to an orderly transition to our new commander-in-chief. The -- we're -- we have prepared for their arrival. We will welcome them warmly. We will help them to hit the road running.

They have not arrived yet in the Pentagon. They'll do that when they're ready. But we're ready for -- for them.

And as far as NATO is concerned, the -- NATO and we as members of NATO have been focused on two principle axes of threat to the security of the NATO -- us and our NATO allies. The first is from the east, and that is from Russia, a threat we hadn't had to worry about for a number of years and now do. So we're taking a number of steps to strengthen our military presence in Europe. This has been going on now for a year and a half or two years.

And then the other is from the south, which is the spillover from the chaos in the Middle East, particularly the Syrian civil war which as caused refugees and other issues in southern Europe.

So both of those are things that NATO has been working on and we work with them. A lot of our deterrence is done in tandem with the alliance. And the alliance has been very strong.

Q: Have you -- have you had any reason to -- do you have any sense of why the NATO secretary general is so concerned?

SEC. CARTER: I don't. I can't speak -- I can't speak for Jens Stoltenberg. I'd only say that NATO has over the years always proved that it was able to adapt to changing times. Remember, it was an alliance that was formed to fight the Cold War. It did that and won. Fortunately, we didn't have to fight, but it stood strong for decades and then was important in bringing peace and stability to the Balkans and then Afghanistan, and now, as I said, to deterrence against threats from the east and south.

STAFF: Justin?

Q: So you've talked a lot about how defense secretaries make investments with an eye toward not just the near term, but the far term. Earlier this week, you sent out a memo making the Strategic Capabilities Office sort of more of a permanent organization of the Pentagon.

What other specific initiatives or actions that you've taken as your time as defense decretary do you believe need to continue on well past your time?

SEC. CARTER: Well, the SCO, so-called, is one of the ways that -- but only one, but a very important one -- that we're trying to continue to be the most technologically innovative military in the world. That's important. We've always had the technological edge. I already said our people is what make our military the greatest, and next to the people is our technology.

And so we're making big investments. We have made those in the budget that is before Congress now and that we hope we -- finally gets passed. And we're preparing a budget for fiscal year '18, which we'll obviously hand off to the new team there. But again, that has that same emphasis.

We spent 15 years of necessity very focused from the point of view of our investments and operations on counter-insurgency in Iraq and Afghanistan. We still need to be able to do that and we need to continue to remember everything we've learned. But we now are preparing for a wider spectrum of conflict, including higher-end opponents that are more technologically challenging.

That's what you saw yesterday at Twentynine Palms, the Marine Corps preparing for that and making that transition. Technology's an important part of that, so that's part of our investment portfolio. The SCO is particularly focused on taking weapons systems that we now have. It has been one of the things -- places where it's been more creative and giving them new missions.

So for example, it took an anti-air missile -- excellent missile -- of the Navy's and figured out how to make it also capable of attacking ships. Very sophisticated, long-range, fast, very lethal weapon. And we had bought it for one reason. They found a way to use it in another way as well, sort of doubling the value of our investment. That's the kind of thing we've gotten out of the SCO. Very creative group of people that work with and for all the services and help them figure out how to be even more innovative with the programs they have.

STAFF: All right. We've got time for one last one, then we got to go catch a plane. Any local questions?

(CROSSTALK)

SEC. CARTER: Thank you.

Q: (inaudible) -- one more. Thank you very much.

When you were out at Lackland have you talked to anyone concerning the changes that have been made at the base since the scandal there several years ago? And do you have a sense of whether that era for the Air Force has passed and they -- they've gotten past the problems that the base had back when something like close to 30 people went on trial over there for various things, most of them sexual assault?

SEC. CARTER: Well, I think it's not just the Air Force, but it's all the services, and it is certainly me as secretary of defense, have been very intent on eradicating sexual assault in our military. Doesn't belong.

You know, the military is a -- and the profession of arms is based upon honor and it's based upon trust, and sexual assault is contrary to both honor and trust, and therefore, to the profession of arms. So the entire leadership is committed to eradicating that.

I did talk to trainers there. I certainly -- and they were describing the training they received and also the training they gave. These are the people who -- who are the military training instructors there. Both in the training they receive and in the training they give, the issue of sexual assault figures and figures strongly, as it should. It's not just the Air Force and it's -- it's the other services as well.

And we're not going to stop working on it and trying to improve how we approach it until we've eradicated it. It doesn't belong in our military.

STAFF: Thanks, everybody. Appreciate it.

SEC. CARTER: Thank you.

http://www.defense.gov/News/News-Transcripts/Transcript-View/Article/1007659/

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The Government of Kuwait - F/A-18E/F Super Hornet Aircraft with Support

Media/Public Contact: pm-cpa@state.gov

Transmittal No: 16-21

WASHINGTON, Nov. 17, 2016 -- The State Department has made a determination approving a possible Foreign Military Sale to the Government of Kuwait for F/A-18E/F Super Hornet Aircraft with support, equipment, and training. The estimated cost is $10.1 billion. The Defense Security Cooperation Agency delivered the required certification notifying Congress of this possible sale on November 17, 2016.

The Government of Kuwait has requested to purchase thirty-two (32) F/A-18E aircraft, with F414-GE-400 engines; eight (8) F/A-18F aircraft, with F414-GE-400 engines; eight (8) spare F414-GE-400 engines and twenty-four (24) engine modules; forty-one (41) AN/APG-79 Active Electronically Scanned Array (AESA) Radars; forty-four (44) M61A2 20mm Gun Systems; forty-five (45) AN/ALR-67(V)3 Radar Warning Receivers; two hundred and forty (240) LAU-127E/A Guided Missile Launchers; forty-five (45) AN/ALE-47 Airborne Countermeasures Dispenser Systems; twelve (12) AN/AAQ-33 SNIPER Advanced Targeting Pods; forty-eight (48) Joint Helmet Mounted Cueing Systems (JHMCS); forty-five (45) AN/ALQ-214 Radio Frequency Counter-Measures Systems; forty-five (45) AN/ALE-55 Towed Decoys; forty-eight (48) Link-16 Systems; eight (8) Conformal Fuel Tanks; and fourteen (14) AN/ASQ-228 ATFLIR Systems. Also included in the sale are ARC-210 radio (aircraft); Identification Friend or Foe (IFF) systems; AN/AVS-9 Night Vision Goggles (NVG); Launchers (LAU- 115D/A, LAU-116B/A, LAU-l 18A); Command Launch Computer (CLC) for Air to Ground Missile 88 (AGM-88); ANAV/MAGR GPS Navigation; Joint Mission Planning System (JMPS); aircraft spares; Aircraft Armament Equipment (AAE); support equipment; aircrew/maintenance training; contractor engineering technical service; logistics technical services; engineering technical services; other technical assistance; contractor logistics support; flight test services; storage and preservation; aircraft ferry; Repair of Repairable (RoR); support systems and associated logistics; training aides and devices; spares; technical data Engineering Change Proposals; avionics software support; software; technical publications; engineering and program support; U.S. Government and contractor engineering; technical and logistic support services. The estimated total program cost is $10.1 billion.

This proposed sale will contribute to the foreign policy and national security of the United States by helping to improve the security of a Major Non-NATO Ally that has been, and continues to be, an important force for political and economic progress in the Middle East. Kuwait is a strategic partner in maintaining stability in the region. The acquisition of the F/A-18E/F Super Hornet aircraft will allow for greater interoperability with U.S. forces, providing benefits for training and possible future coalition operations in support of shared regional security objectives.

The proposed sale of the F/A- l8E/F Super Hornet aircraft will improve Kuwait's capability to meet current and future warfare threats. Kuwait will use the enhanced capability to strengthen its homeland defense. The F/A-18E/F Super Hornet aircraft will supplement and eventually replace the Kuwait Air Force's aging fighter aircraft. Kuwait will have no difficulty absorbing this aircraft into its armed forces.

The proposed sale of this equipment and support will not alter the basic military balance in the region.

The prime contractors will be The Boeing Company, St. Louis, Missouri; Northrop Grumman in Los Angeles, California; Raytheon Company in El Segundo, California; and General Electric in Lynn, Massachusetts. Offsets agreements associated with this proposed sale are expected; however, specific agreements are undetermined and will be defined during negotiations between the purchaser and contractor. Kuwait requires contractors to satisfy an offset obligation equal to 35 percent of the main contract purchase price for any sale of defense articles in excess of three million Kuwait Dinar, (approximately $10 million USD).

Implementation of this proposed sale will require the assignment of contractor representatives to Kuwait on an intermittent basis over the life of the case to support delivery of the F/A-18E/F Super Hornet aircraft and provide support and equipment familiarization.

There will be no adverse impact on U.S. defense readiness as a result of this proposed sale.

This notice of a potential sale is required by law and does not mean the sale has been concluded.

All questions regarding this proposed Foreign Military Sale should be directed to the State Department's Bureau of Political Military Affairs, Office of Congressional and Public Affairs, pm-cpa@state.gov.

-30-

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USS Comstock Arrives in Subic Bay

Navy News Service

Story Number: NNS161117-03

Release Date: 11/17/2016 8:52:00 AM

From Amphibious Squadron 5 Public Affairs

SUBIC BAY, Philippines (NNS) -- Sailors and Marines aboard amphibious dock landing ship USS Comstock (LSD 45) and the embarked 11th Marine Expeditionary Unit (MEU) arrived in Subic Bay, Philippines, Nov. 16, for a port visit while operating in the U.S. 7th Fleet area of operations.

During the port visit, Sailors and Marines will have the opportunity to experience the local culture through Morale, Welfare, and Recreation (MWR) events and a community service project.

Subic Bay marks the second port visit for Comstock after departing Naval Station San Diego, Oct. 14, for a deployment to the U.S. 3rd, 5th, and 7th Fleet areas of operation. Several Sailors and Marines will also get to spend time with their families and experience the local culture while learning about their own heritage.

"I am very proud that my first port visit as the commanding officer of Comstock was to my birthplace, Guam, and I'm even more honored that our next port visit will be to the country where my mother and father were born -- Subic Bay, Philippines," said Comstock Commanding Officer Cmdr. Gervy Alota. "It will be a fantastic opportunity for my crew to enjoy and learn about the beautiful history and culture of Subic Bay, and to strengthen the already close ties between our two nations. I look forward to reuniting with my family and forming new friendships with the people of Subic Bay."

Comstock, part of the Makin Island Amphibious Ready Group (ARG), is operating in the U.S. 7th Fleet area of operations with the embarked 11th MEU in support of security and stability in the Indo-Asia-Pacific region.

While in 7th Fleet, the Makin Island ARG and 11th MEU will be assigned to Commander, Amphibious Force U.S. 7th Fleet, the Navy's only forward-deployed amphibious force, headquartered at White Beach Naval Facility, Okinawa.

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NMCB 3 Conducts Field Training Exercise, Receives Valuable ADR Experience

Navy News Service

Story Number: NNS161117-29

Release Date: 11/17/2016 3:58:00 PM

By Lt. Cmdr. Jennifer Cragg, Navy Expeditionary Combat Command Public Affairs

FORT HUNTER-LIGGETT, Calif. (NNS) -- More than 500 Sailors assigned to Naval Mobile Construction Battalion (NMCB) 3 battle tested their capabilities during a field training exercise (FTX) at Fort Hunter-Liggett throughout November.

NMCB 3 is homeported at Naval Base Ventura County, Port Hueneme. Their FTX tested the battalion's ability to enter hostile locations, build various construction projects, defend against enemy attacks, and improve their airfield damage repair (ADR) capabilities. The battalion's motto "Better than Best" was put to the challenge and the Sailors participating in the FTX exceeded and gained valuable knowledge, as well as lessons learned to carry with them on their future deployment in 2017.

When the Sailors assigned to NMCB 3 arrived at Fort Hunter-Liggett in early November to begin their nearly month-long exercise by transforming an empty lot into a functioning base camp complete with galley, laundry facilities, showers, various vertical and horizontal construction buildings, and other administrative and support functions.

"You don't prepare overnight, this FTX is a culmination of five and a half months of preparation," said Cmdr. Laurie Scott, commanding officer, NMCB 3, who described the value of this type of training to bring together the entire battalion.

"This exercise helps our Sailors get back to the mentality of why we build and why we fight," said Scott, who added when his battalion of nearly 550 personnel deploys next year many of his men and women will do so in small details to continue strengthening vital relationships critical to peace and stability in the Pacific. "Our battalion will deploy to Okinawa, Japan and we will fan out to 14 to 17 different sites across Western Pacific."

Scott added that he often provides briefs to various Seabee Veterans groups located in Port Hueneme and he communicates how the current generation of Seabees is carrying the Fighting Seabees tradition.

"Just like in previous generations when our Seabees deploy around the world, whoever they work with, when they see a Seabee patch they know they are in good hands," added Scott.

In addition to force protection and establishing a defensive perimeter, Seabees also participated in Airfield Damage Repair training.

NMCB 3's Lt. j.g. Stephen Kash, operations officer for the FTX, discussed the importance of ADR training.

"For the first time, in this exercise we are using a variety of different material and taking a different approach instead of using a lot of heavy equipment with heavy debris, we are using quick setting material," said Kash.

NMCB 3's Chief Petty Officer Philip Anderton, formerly a drill instructor at U.S. Navy Recruit Training Command, Great Lakes, was proud of his junior enlisted troops for their toughness and initiative shown throughout the exercise.

"We put a lot on our E4s and E5s to make good and sound decisions and they are doing fantastic," said Anderton, who added "if you show your troops you believe in them, they will do their very best to meet your expectations."

Anderton added that some of the Sailors he trained as recruits are now assigned to NMCB 3 and participating in the FTX.

"Some of the Seabees I trained in Great Lakes are now serving in the battalion," said Anderton, who added it was nice to see these Seabees and see the end result of his training efforts.

Petty Officer 2nd Class Shianne Chlupacek served as the crew leader during the construction of a 10x20 bunker used during the exercise.

"There are so many good things we learn during this exercise," said Chlupacek, who supervised a team of eight Seabees in constructing the bunker which took nearly 10 hours to build. "I always learn something when I do another project."

U.S. Marine Staff Sgt. Michael Bachicha, who serves as the military advisor for NMCB 3, was impressed with the capabilities of the Seabees.

"I didn't know that they did it all," said Bachicha, who is assigned to the battalion for two years.

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Congo president picks opposition lawmaker as new premier

Iran Press TV

Thu Nov 17, 2016 7:4PM

The Democratic Republic of Congo's President Joseph Kabila has named an opposition lawmaker as prime minister following a controversial agreement struck between the government and some opposition groups.

According to a presidential decree read on state television on Thursday, Samy Badibanga who led a fringe opposition bloc in parliament, will be the country's next prime minister.

The former premier, Augustin Matata, has already resigned to make way for the opposition figure to take his place following the deal.

The move is part of a power-sharing deal between the government and some opposition groups. The deal, however, was largely boycotted by mainstream opposition leaders.

Badibanga took part in talks with President Kabila's government in October even though his opposition party had boycotted them. He was excluded from Congo's largest opposition party in 2012 for disobeying an order from party president to boycott seats in parliament.

The agreement, which allows President Kabila to stay in power after his term ends next month, was aimed at calming soaring political tensions.

Defending to the deal, President Kabila said during a defiant speech to parliamentarians in the capital Kinshasa on Tuesday that he was ready to defend against any attempt to take over the country by force.

"The deal currently represents the only roadmap put in place by the Congolese themselves," Kabila said, pledging to organize elections in the coming months.

In September, a wave of deadly clashes pitting the police against demonstrators rocked Kinshasa as the opposition demanded Kabila's resignation. Over 50 civilians were killed in the clashes and dozens more were injured. Since the deadly clashes, city officials have prohibited all unauthorized gatherings with security forces vowing to enforce the ban.

The central African country has further plunged in political turmoil and repeated bouts of unrest since early October, when the electoral commission announced it had postponed the scheduled elections from December 2016 to April 2018, paving the way for the 45-year-old Kabila, whose second term in office expires late this year, to remain in power. A court has also said Kabila can stay in power until the next election.

Kabila had earlier announced his decision to prolong his term. A few days after the commission's official decision, the president claimed that it had delayed the elections in an attempt to make sure the country was better prepared for the vote. His supporters also argue that logistical and financial constraints mean it is not possible to hold fair polls as scheduled.

The president, in office since 2001, is barred by constitutional term limits from standing for a third term, but the opposition is accusing Kabila of manipulating the electoral system to stay in power.

Kabila first took office in 2001, after his father was assassinated.

In 2006, a new constitutional provision limited the presidency to a two-term limit that expires in December. He is, therefore, barred from standing for a third term.

Opposition parties have also called for restructuring the electoral commission and the Constitutional Court, saying they are partisan to Kabila.

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Two FARC rebels killed in Colombia

Iran Press TV

Thu Nov 17, 2016 9:45AM

Two rebels with the Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia (FARC) have been killed in fighting with government troops in the north of the country, a first case of armed hostility in apparent violation of a recent bilateral ceasefire deal.

The Colombian army said in a statement that the fatalities occurred in the country's northern Bolivar Province on Wednesday when the rebels left their designated zones with weapons and were targeted by military forces.

Under a peace deal revised and finalized by the Colombian government and the FARC leaders on November 12, until full disarmament, the rebels must remain in predetermined areas and have to provide the military with their coordinates if they want to leave.

The two rebels were extorting people in the area some 68 kilometers (42 miles) from the area of concentration and carrying weapons, the military said in the statement, adding that a third one surrendered and was detained.

The government of President Juan Manuel Santos and the FARC rebels first reached a peace agreement in September. That deal, however, was surprisingly rejected by a narrow margin of popular voters in a referendum two months later.

The original deal had attracted opposition from some politicians and their supporters, who said that it did not properly punish FARC rebels for crimes committed in the past 52 years of armed conflict. The government thus engaged in new talks with the FARC, and a revised deal emerged.

President Santos, who won the Nobel Peace Prize despite the original deal's rejection, now hopes to unite the divided country behind the new agreement. He had launched the original negotiations with the rebel group after taking office in 2010.

The FARC rebel group, which took up weapons in 1964 to fight against perceived deep economic and social inequalities, now controls large swathes of Latin America's third most-populous country.

The decades-long conflict with the central government has left as many as 260,000 people dead, more than six million others displaced, and still 45,000 others missing.

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Two killed in Yemeni retaliatory attack on Saudi soil

Iran Press TV

Thu Nov 17, 2016 9:32AM

At least three people have been killed and several others wounded in a retaliatory attack by Yemeni forces on Saudi Arabia's southwestern border region of Jizan.

According to Saudi media, the casualties came after Yemeni forces launched mortar attacks against the region on Thursday.

Yemeni sources said that several rocket launched by Yemeni army had hit a gathering of Saudi forces in Jizan.

Elsewhere, a soldier soldier was killed in clashes with Yemeni forces on its southern border. Yemeni forces also targeted a Saudi military base in the southern city of Taiz, killing and wounding an unspecified number of them.

Such attacks are part of a drive by Yemen's Houthi Ansarullah movement and allies to avenge more than 15 months of military aggression by Saudi Arabia.

On Thursday, Saudi warplanes targeted residential areas in the Bani Hashish district of Sana'a three times, killing a civilian and injuring several others, Yemen's al-Masirah television reported.

Saudi jets also pounded the Nehm district of Sana'a province and dropped cluster bombs on the Qatab area but there were no immediate reports of possible casualties.

The attacks came as the US Secretary of State John Kerry said that Saudi Arabia and the Houthis had agreed to observe a cessation of hostilities from November 17.

Speaking after talks in Oman and the United Arab Emirates, a key Saudi ally in the war, Kerry said he had presented Houthi delegates with a document outlining a ceasefire and peace deal.

Yemen's warring sides had further reached a consensus to work out a "national unity government in a safe and secure Sana'a... as a goal towards the end of the year," he said.

In reaction to Kerry's remarks, Ansarullah spokesman Mohammad Abdulsalam held the US accountable for the deadly war, saying Washington has been "leading" the military campaign against Yemen.

Yemenis are demanding a halt to Saudi attacks and "unjust" sanctions against the impoverished country, he said.

Mohammed al-Bukhaiti, a member of Ansarullah's political council, said on Wednesday that the movement's "position has been and still is with stopping the war and the establishment of a national unity government that incorporates all political components."

Abdel Malek al-Mekhlafi, a representative of the resigned president Abd Rabbuh Mansour Hadi, rejected the peace plan, saying Kerry's announcement had not been coordinated with them.

The Houthi Ansarullah movement took state matters into its hands after Hadi resigned and then fled to Saudi Arabia. Riyadh then unleashed a ferocious military campaign to return Hadi to power and crush the Houthis.

The Saudi war has killed at least 11,400 civilians, according to a recent tally by a Yemeni monitoring group. There have also been countless reports on deliberate and indiscriminate targeting of civilian infrastructure by Saudi forces and mercenaries.

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Philippines' Duterte says country may pull out of ICC

Iran Press TV

Thu Nov 17, 2016 9:8AM

The Philippines' President Rodrigo Duterte says his country may decide to follow in Russia's footsteps in withdrawing from the International Criminal Court (ICC).

Ahead of his departure for Peru to participate in the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) Leaders' Summit on Thursday, Duterte called the international tribunal "useless" and only capable of enforcing decisions against small countries like the Philippines.

"They are useless, those in the International Criminal (Court). They (the Russians) withdrew. I might follow. Why? Only the small ones like us are battered," Duterte said.

On Wednesday, the Russian Foreign Ministry said in a statement that Moscow was pulling out of the ICC following a decree by President Vladimir Putin.

Two days earlier, the tribunal, based in The Hague, the Netherlands, had angered Kremlin by referring to Russia's "annexation" of Crimea as an armed conflict. In March 2014, the then-Ukrainian peninsula of Crimea joined the Russian Federation following a referendum.

The ICC, which was founded in 1998, had also said that it was examining accusations of "war crimes" allegedly committed by Russian forces during a brief war with Georgia in 2008. In the Wednesday Russian Foreign Ministry statement, Moscow reminded the international tribunal that it had ignored Georgia's aggression against pro-Russia civilians in the region of South Ossetia.

Elsewhere in his remarks, Duterte denounced the United Nations (UN) for its inability to prevent violence across the globe and its failure in safeguarding human rights, referring to a "series of wars" in the past and present, including the Vietnam War, and the war in Afghanistan, both waged by the US, which led to "endless" killings.

"The amount is splattering. That is our lesson. Just because it is America, it does not mean that it is good," Duterte said.

The Philippine leader also said that Manila would happily join a system of world governance established by Russia and China.

"You know, if China and Russia would decide to create a new order, I will be the first to join," he said.

Russia has not been the first country to recently decide to pull out of the ICC. At least three African countries, namely South Africa, Burundi, and Gambia, have already decided to withdraw from the tribunal.

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Danish Leader Says Ready To Hike Military Spending After Talk With Trump

November 17, 2016

Denmark is ready to increase military spending, the nation's Prime Minister Lars Lokke Rasmussen said after speaking with U.S. President-elect Donald Trump on November 16.

Trump frequently criticized NATO allies during his campaign for not paying enough for their own defense and said the United States was paying a disproportionate amount.

Denmark spends about 1.2 percent of its economic output on defense -- like many other NATO members, falling short of the 2 percent target set by NATO.

But Denmark, Poland, and other European nations since Trump's election have indicated a willingness to increase spending.

"The government is setting the stage for increasing spending on military and national security," Rasmussen said.

Rasmussen, whose one-party government only holds 34 of 179 seats in parliament, called his conversation with Trump "friendly and constructive" and stressed that Denmark is a close ally of the United States.

He noted that Denmark is contributing to the fight against the Islamic State militant group in Syria and Iraq.

"We need a strong United States that will head the free world. I feel convinced that the United States will also in the future take on this role," Rasmussen said.

Based on reporting by Reuters and dpa

Source: http://www.rferl.org/a/danish-leader- ready-hike-military-spending-nato-after- talk-donald-trump/28122313.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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Giuliani's Past Dealings With Serbia, Iran, Russia Could Draw Scrutiny

RFE/RL November 17, 2016

Rudy Giuliani, the former New York mayor who is said to be one of U.S. President-elect Donald Trump's leading candidates to become secretary of state, has had past dealings with foreign leaders and groups from Serbia to Russia and Iran that could draw scrutiny if he is nominated.

Giuliani criticized former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton for her ties to foreign governments and corporations when she was running for the White House, but critics say his past associations could expose him to the same charges.

In one incident, Giuliani traveled to Belgrade in 2012 and met with Aleksandar Vucic, Serbia's current prime minister who was then leader of the Serbian Progressive Party that had been allied with Serbia's notorious strongman Slobodan Milosevic.

News of Giuliani's trip prompted Clinton, while she was secretary of state, to write "this is outrageous" in an e-mail that was later leaked and spurred the U.S. Embassy in Belgrade to issue a statement at the time saying the United States wasn't taking sides in Serbia's elections.

Giuliani himself views his extensive foreign travel and contacts as a major reason he's qualified for the top diplomatic job.

"I've been in 80 countries, 150 different foreign trips," Giuliani said in an interview on Fox News on November 15. "A lot of it for different reasons. Speeches. Security consulting, where I helped bring down crime."

In another episode, Giuliani was paid by the Iranian dissident group Mujahedin-e Khalq, which was linked to assassinations of at least six Americans in the 1970s, to petition the State Department to take the group off its designated terrorist blacklist.

The group was later delisted by Clinton's State Department in 2012 because, officials said, it hadn't committed any acts of terrorism in at least a decade.

"My ties to them are very open," Giuliani told The New York Times in a recent interview.

Giuliani's dealings with Russia may also face scrutiny in Senate confirmation hearings if Trump nominates him for a top cabinet post.

His ties to TriGlobal Strategic Ventures, a consulting firm that helps Western clients advance their business interests in emerging markets of the former Soviet Union, date back to 2004, when Giuliani visited Moscow to meet Russian businessmen and politicians, according to the company's website.

According to Giuliani's profile on TriGlobal's website, the consulting firm's president, Vitaly Pruss, "worked closely" with Giuliani Partners, a consulting firm Giuliani formed in 2002 after leaving his mayoral post, to develop strategies for Russian oil pipeline monopoly Transneft and other companies.

State-owned Transneft was among the Russian oil companies targeted with sanctions by Western powers following Russia's annexation of Crimea in 2014.

With reporting by AP and Reuters

Source: http://www.rferl.org/a/rudy-giuliani- trump-secretary-state-past-dealings-serbia- iran-russia-draw-scrutiny/28122322.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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Russian Government Spokeswoman Suggests Trump Won Thanks To 'The Jews'

Carl Schreck November 17, 2016

Maria Zakharova, the Russian Foreign Ministry spokeswoman who has made caustic rhetoric and sarcastic social-media posts a staple of her public outreach, has an idea whom U.S. President-elect Donald Trump can thank for his stunning victory over Democratic rival Hillary Clinton: "the Jews."

In an appearance that has triggered accusations of anti-Semitism, Zakharova suggested on a nationally televised talk show over the weekend that money from Jewish people played a key role in Trump's win.

Conversations she had with American Jews in September while in New York for the UN General Assembly made it clear that the billionaire businessman would triumph, she said.

"If you want to know what will happen in America, who do you have to talk to? You have to talk to the Jews, naturally. But of course," Zakharova said, prompting applause from the studio audience of Sunday Evening, a show hosted by pro-Kremlin television personality Vladimir Solovyov.

Zakharova then adopted a cartoonish Jewish accent while impersonating her alleged interlocutor.

"They told me: 'Marochka (a Russian diminutive for Maria), you understand, of course, we'll donate to Clinton. But we'll donate twice as much to the Republicans.' That was it! The matter was settled, for me personally," she said.

Zakharova added that "if you want to know the future, don't read the mainstream newspapers -- our people in Brighton [Beach] will tell you everything," a reference to the southern Brooklyn enclave with a large diaspora of Jewish emigres from the former Soviet Union.

Prominent Russian officials made it clear that they were rooting for Trump, who has called for repairing battered bilateral ties with Moscow, though the Kremlin repeatedly stated it had no preference in the race.

While the program aired November 13, Zakharova's remarks only grabbed widespread attention on social media after they were picked up by Ukrainian and Russian-language Israeli websites on November 17.

Her comments sparked accusations of anti-Semitism by suggesting Jews secretly pull the levers of American power.

"It turns out press secretary Zakharova explained Trump's victory as a Jewish conspiracy," prominent Russian opposition activist Roman Dobrokhotov wrote on Twitter.

Michael McFaul, who had bitter run-ins with Kremlin-loyal TV journalists during his tenure as U.S. ambassador to Russia and who has been sharply criticized by Zakharova, wrote on Facebook: "Wow. And this is the woman who criticizes me for not being diplomatic."

Russian journalist Vladimir Varfolomeyev, a staunch opponent of President Vladimir Putin, called Zakharova's appearance "vulgarity masked as diplomacy."

The Russian-language Israeli site Newsru.Co.Il said the Israeli Foreign Ministry had declined to comment on Zakharova's remarks.

Since winning the November 8 election, Trump has faced criticism for appointing as his chief White House strategist Steve Bannon, the former executive editor of the conservative website Breitbart News.

The site is an online hub for the so-called "alt-right," a grass-roots political movement with many adherents who openly endorse white supremacism and anti-Semitism. The Anti-Defamation League calls Bannon the "chief curator for the alt-right" but that it is "not aware of any anti-Semitic statements" he has made.

But Trump did, in fact, defeat Clinton in Brighton Beach and nearby neighborhoods with substantial numbers of Jewish emigres from the former Soviet Union, who are traditionally conservative voters and tend to support Republicans in U.S. presidential elections.

Source: http://www.rferl.org/a/russian-government-spokeswoman- trump-won-thanks-to-jews/28124518.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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On Final Presidential Visit To Germany, Obama Warmly Endorses Merkel

RFE/RLNovember 17, 2016

U.S. President Barack Obama warmly endorsed German Chancellor Angela Merkel, telling reporters that she has has been an oustanding partner who engages with the world.

The comments from Obama came on November 17 as he paid his sixth and final visit to Germany as president.

"All I can say is that Chancellor Merkel has been an outstanding partner, and Chancellor Merkel is perhaps the only leader left among our closest allies that was there when I arrived," he said.

Relations between Berlin and Washington have improved markedly under Obama, following disagreements with his predecessor, George W. Bush, over the Iraq war and other policies.

Relations were also strained by disclosures that U.S. intelligence agencies had spied on German communications and tapped Merkel's cell phone.

Obama's comments also come amid growing speculation that Merkel will seek a fourth term in elections next year.

Many in Germany expect her to run. Despite an erosion of support due in part to criticism of her immigration policies, her party, the Christian Democrats, is expected to remain the largest bloc in parliament.

But Merkel, asked by reporters if she would stand for reelection, demurred.

Merkel also said Germany was prepared to increase its military spending. Obama has chided Germany and other alliance members in the past for not meeting their obligations to commit at least 2 percent of GDP to defense spending.

Germany spent about 1.2 percent of its gross domestic product on defense last year.

"We got the message and have started to react," Merkel told reporters.

President-elect Donald Trump also pressed NATO allies during his election campaign and suggested the United States might back away from the alliance if they don't increase spending.

Obama was scheduled to meet on November 18 with leaders of France, Italy, Spain, and Britain to discuss transatlantic relations after Trump's election.

He then is scheduled to travel to Peru, where he will participate in a summit of the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation forum.

With reporting by AP, Reuters, and dpa

Source: http://www.rferl.org/a/obama-germany-m erkel-peru-greece/28123855.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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Statement by the Small Group of the Global Coalition to Counter ISIL, Berlin, Germany, November 17, 2016

Media Note

Office of the Spokesperson

Washington, DC

November 17, 2016



1. The Small Group of the Global Coalition to Counter ISIL (Da'esh) met today in Berlin at the invitation of Ambassador Sabine Sparwasser of the Federal Republic of Germany and U.S. Special Presidential Envoy Brett McGurk to review the progress of our collective effort to liberate Mosul and to build momentum towards the isolation and liberation of Raqqa. These are essential milestones in our campaign to put Da'esh on a path to lasting defeat. We also used this opportunity to focus more clearly on the threats Da'esh's external operations pose to our nations and to explore what more we can do to support one another against these threats. As a Coalition, we remain united in our determination to destroy Da'esh, disrupt its global ambitions and discredit the toxic ideology that inspires its followers and sympathizers. The atrocities carried out by Da'esh over the last two years, including what we have seen reported recently in and around Mosul, such as massacres, discovery of mass graves and the use of civilians as "human shields," only strengthen our resolve. We condemn these horrific acts in the strongest terms.

2. We welcome the decisive progress we have seen in Syria against Da'esh since July, including the expulsion of Da'esh from the entirety of Turkey's border and from Manbij, Jarabulus, and Dabiq. We recognize Turkey's significant contribution to the campaign against Da'esh and salute all our partners in Syria for their sacrifices. Their progress has deprived Da'esh of critical resupply routes as well as locations from which to orchestrate external operations. The isolation of areas held by Da'esh in northern Syria has exerted more pressure on Da'esh, curtailing its offensive capabilities and putting it on the defensive. Now that operations to isolate Raqqa are under way, we must remain focused on increasing the pressure on Da'esh and denying it any capability to plan and execute strikes, including external attacks.

3. At the same time, Iraqi forces have continued their advance into Mosul  the direct result of strong cooperation between the Iraqi Security Forces and Iraqi Kurdish Peshmerga. Mosul's liberation will be a difficult endeavor  and we commend the heroic efforts of the Iraqi Security Forces, Peshmerga and Ninewa volunteer forces on the front lines. The Coalition will continue its steadfast support to all of these forces operating under Iraqi government command. We underline the importance of compliance with international humanitarian law and the need for all possible efforts to protect civilians. We commend the Government of Iraq for the safeguards it has put into effect to protect civilians in the conflict zone and for its leadership in planning the offensive with a broad array of stakeholders, taking into account the needs for humanitarian assistance, stabilization programs and post-liberation governance in Mosul. We welcome the initiative of the 20 October 2016 ministerial meeting on the stabilization of Mosul held in Paris to address these priorities and call for strengthened and inclusive governance in Mosul and its surrounding territory.

4. We strongly support the Government of Iraq as it works to defeat Da'esh and put Iraq on the path to stability and prosperity. We reaffirm our support for Prime Minister Abadi as he leads the effort to address governance, improve public services, reduce corruption, decentralize certain federal authorities and ensure the equal rights of all Iraqis irrespective of their religion, sect, gender and ethnicity. We recognize the importance of including women and girls in these efforts, and of creating opportunities for members of vulnerable segments of the population to participate on the national and regional levels. These efforts are fundamental to the overall process of national reconciliation and inclusivity that our Coalition hopes to foster in an Iraq free of Da'esh. We reaffirm our unwavering support to Iraq and remain committed to its unity, sovereignty and territorial integrity.

5. Public safety and immediate stabilization in liberated communities are top priorities for our Coalition. With the recent military advances, the number of people needing help is growing, particularly in the populated areas of Iraq. We urge continued support for the UN's Funding Facility for Immediate Stabilization and its new Funding Facility for Expanded Stabilization, intended to help local partners in Iraq improve conditions for the safe, voluntary, and dignified return of residents and to promote the economic revival of their communities. We understand the Coalition's program to train additional Iraqi police, led by the Government of Italy, must expand if we are to meet the needs of liberated communities in Iraq. We welcome the increasing numbers of previously displaced Iraqi citizens over 1,050,000 to date  who have returned to their homes in liberated areas.

6. As in Mosul and elsewhere in this campaign, we stand ready to help liberated communities in Syria recover from the damage and suffering inflicted by Da'esh. The Small Group discussed the stabilization and humanitarian challenges associated with Raqqa and how we can address them. We recognize the unique capacity of the Syria Recovery Trust Fund (SRTF) to help restore essential services in areas of Syria liberated from Da'esh's control, understanding that multinational efforts must be coordinated to meet human needs, provide for public security, and build the capacity of legitimate local authorities for governance of their communities. We also note the United Nations role in post-conflict stabilization in Syria stemming from the February 2016 Syria Donors Conference in London.

7. We continue to be deeply concerned about the growing humanitarian crisis in areas affected by the conflict in Iraq and Syria. We welcome the generous response of host communities in neighboring countries, along with donors at the February 2016 London Conference, and three earlier conferences hosted by Kuwait, all of which have helped the international community address the standing and unrelenting humanitarian needs of Syrians. We urge donors to fulfill all pledges made at these events. We join the rest of the international community in demanding full and unimpeded access for humanitarian assistance  in accord with UNSCRs 2254 and 2258.

8. No less important are the needs we see in Iraq. The July Pledging Conference in Support of Iraq and the 28 September High Level Meeting in New York on Iraq's Humanitarian Crisis each helped to fund vital humanitarian assistance, counter-IED and stabilization programs. Although the international community committed more than $2.3 billion, the needs of Iraqis who have suffered as a result of Da'esh's barbarism in Mosul and elsewhere will need further response. Since August, more than 200 United Nations programs have ceased operations in Iraq because of funding shortfalls in the 2016 UN Humanitarian Response Plan. The cost of humanitarian operations in Iraq in 2017 will climb still higher, reflecting the potential for a rise in the number of Iraq's internally-displaced population as a result of the intensified conflict.

9. Our momentum is also building beyond the battlefield as Da'esh continues to be degraded in other significant ways. It continues to lose senior leaders at a high rate. We acknowledge with satisfaction credible reports of growing dissatisfaction within Da'esh ranks and increased desertions. The flow of new recruits has dropped to its lowest level since the conflict began, and the ability of foreign terrorist fighters to travel to and from the conflict area has been significantly curtailed. Da'esh's resource base is shrinking as it loses territory and as Coalition air strikes degrade the resources that fund its operations, such as oil production and cash stores. Under growing financial pressure, Da'esh has cut its fighters' pay by half or more in many areas and resorted to more arbitrary "taxation" and extortion, further undermining its credibility and reducing its attractiveness to recruits. Da'esh has increasingly resorted to conscription to fill its ranks and is constrained in its ability to mount military operations. The international community must ensure that Da'esh is cut off from available resources and cannot sell or trade oil, looted goods and artifacts or any other items of value.

10. We are also gaining unparalleled insight into the inner workings of Da'esh and its global ambitions. Since the liberation of Manbij, Coalition supported forces have collected over 20 terabytes of information that we are using to help dismantle Da'esh's international terrorist network. Improvements in our common understanding of foreign terrorist fighter trends and dynamics have enabled governments to develop more effective policy and operational responses. The Coalition's ability to identify and find individuals associated with Da'esh's terrorist network will be strengthened by INTERPOL's new membership in the Global Coalition. We will continue to enhance our information sharing, including with INTERPOL, to detect, monitor and disrupt Da'esh's external operations, facilitation networks and foreign terrorist fighters who travel to and from the conflict area. We are likewise determined to disrupt Da'esh's ability to generate, move, and use funds, building on the success of our coordinated efforts to reduce its revenues. Our aim is to disrupt and curb the movement of foreign terrorist fighters, cut off Da'esh from international financial channels and eliminate all financial links with its affiliates outside Iraq and Syria.

11. We welcome the innovative responses by Coalition partners to challenge Da'esh's radical ideology and the propaganda that promotes it. We will continue to work proactively together to undermine Da'esh's violent world-view and build resilience against its attempts to influence global audiences. We are encouraged to see members working with private-sector and community-based entities to counter Da'esh propaganda and better prevent and counter its exploitation of cyber-space to commit acts of terrorism.

12. Given the complexity of the threat posed by Da'esh, the common desire to seek its lasting defeat and the growing number of foreign attacks by Da'esh members or home-grown terrorists inspired by its ideology, our governments must accelerate efforts to enhance information sharing with one another and internally, along with police and intelligence cooperation. We welcome the United Kingdom's plan to host an upcoming meeting further calibrating the Coalition's efforts to decisively address the external threats posed to the larger international community by a wounded Da'esh, lashing out as it spirals closer to defeat. Our collective aim is to prevent terrorist attacks, with an immediate focus on the threat that Da'esh poses to our nations and way of life.

13. The Coalition stands with the Syrian people and supports a genuine political transition based on the 2012 Geneva Communique and UN Security Council Resolution 2254, aimed at establishing an inclusive, pluralistic, and non-sectarian government that represents the will of all Syrians. A negotiated political resolution to the conflict is essential to bring about the lasting defeat of Da'esh. We remain committed to the principles of the negotiation process led by the UN Special Envoy Steffan de Mistura. We condemn all indiscriminate violence and attacks targeting civilians, whether by the regime and its supporters, Da'esh, al-Nusra Front, or other armed groups. We are united in our demand for an end to any indiscriminate bombing by the Syrian regime and its allies, and to the obstruction of access for humanitarian assistance. These actions are contrary to the international consensus in support of the Cessation of Hostilities, and they prevent resumption of the UN-sponsored negotiating process. We call for the regime and its allies to comply fully, immediately and unequivocally with UNSCR 2254 and all other relevant UN Security Council resolutions. We call on all the parties to commit constructively, if the security and humanitarian situation improves, to a political dialogue under United Nations auspices as the only means to achieve peace and preserve the unity, sovereignty and territorial integrity of Syria. We are ready to step up preparations for stabilization, rehabilitation, and recovery efforts in Syria, as well as the voluntary return of refugees and displaced persons.

14. We welcome Libya as the 68th member of the Global Coalition and stand ready to assist the Government of National Accord (GNA). The international community supports the GNA's efforts to unite security and military forces under its command to defeat Da'esh and other UN-designated terrorist organizations and establish peace, security, and the rule of law for the Libyan people in a united, sovereign Libya. We welcome the success of Libyan forces in fighting Da'esh and other UN-designated terrorist groups, and shrinking Daesh's control of Libyan territory to a small area. We are prepared to support the population of Sirte in their effort to restore stability to the city and allow the safe return of IDPs. We will continue to give our attention to Libya and the threat Da'esh poses to Libya and its neighbors.

15. We also note the role of the growing number of countries that have availed themselves of the opportunity to join Coalition's working group meetings as observers. Mindful of the many challenges Da'esh poses in diverse regions, we remain committed to sustaining momentum of the Global Coalition and look forward to the next meeting of the Small Group by March 2017.

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Update: air strikes against Daesh

17 November 2016

British forces have continued to conduct air operations in the fight against Daesh

Latest update

- Monday 14 November  Typhoons supported the liberation of Nimrud, while a Reaper assisted Kurdish forces north of Mosul.

- Tuesday 15 November  Tornados destroyed a Daesh bunker in western Iraq, Typhoons struck a target west of Kirkuk, and a Reaper hit a mortar in eastern Mosul.

- Wednesday 16 November  A Reaper eliminated two mortar teams in eastern Mosul, Typhoons demolished two terrorist positions west of Kirkuk.

Detail

Royal Air Force Typhoons provided close air support to Iraqi forces on Monday 14 November as they fought to liberate the site of the ancient Assyrian city of Nimrud. A group of terrorists were spotted repositioning in open country some distance north of Nimrud, and successfully struck with a Paveway IV guided bomb. To the north of Mosul, a Reaper provided similar close support to Kurdish troops, in particular hunting for Daesh mortars. The Reaper's crew successfully located two such weapons. One was subsequently destroyed by coalition jets guided onto the target by the Reaper, the second was struck using one of the Reaper's own Hellfire missiles.

A Reaper maintained patrols over Mosul on Tuesday 15 November and a further terrorist mortar team was silenced by a Hellfire missile. Tornados and Typhoons meanwhile maintained pressure on Daesh elsewhere in Iraq. The Tornados used a Paveway IV to bomb a terrorist bunker south of Haditha Lake, while the Typhoons destroyed a Daesh-held building to the west of Kirkuk.

The Typhoons operated in the same area on Wednesday 16 November, using Paveway IVs against two more terrorist occupied buildings some 20 miles west of Kirkuk. A Reaper also continued to keep watch over eastern Mosul, where it successfully hunted down and killed two Daesh mortar teams, and supported a coalition fast jet attack that accounted for a third, vehicle-borne, mortar.

Previous air strikes

Tuesday 1 November: Tornados patrolled north of Mosul where they supported advancing Kurdish forces. A Paveway IV guided bomb destroyed a Daesh heavy machine-gun position when it opened fire on the Peshmerga, while an Enhanced Paveway II demolished a building in which a light machine-gun was sited. Meanwhile, to the south-east of the city, a Reaper provided further close air support to Iraqi troops. It conducted Hellfire attacks on a mortar team who were spotted firing, and two groups of terrorists, including individuals with rocket-propelled grenades. The Reaper also directed a successful coalition air attack onto a number of terrorists defending a trench network.

Wednesday 2 November: A combination of Typhoon and Tornado aircraft patrolled to the east of the city. Some distance to the south-east, they used a Paveway IV guided bomb to destroy a building from which a terrorist mortar team was operating. They then flew north to eliminate a sniper position with a second Paveway.

Thursday 3 November: Tornados struck two further targets north-east of Mosul. A Paveway IV destroyed a building from which Daesh extremists were firing on advancing ground forces, while a Brimstone missile accounted for a terrorist vehicle. South-east of the city, a Reaper flew overwatch for Iraqi troops as they pressed forwards. The Reaper's crew used all four of its Hellfire missiles against a mortar team seen firing from amidst trees, and three groups of terrorists as they fired on the Iraqis with rocket-propelled grenades, as well as attempting to set fire to piles of tyres to create a smokescreen. The Reaper was also able to provide surveillance support to two air strikes by coalition aircraft which destroyed a fortified position and an armed truck.

Friday 4 November: Reaper operations continued south-east of Mosul, with our aircraft directing a successful coalition air attack onto its target, a weapons dump, and using one of its own Hellfires to engage a group of terrorists on foot. Two Tornados struck close air support targets inside eastern Mosul itself, using Brimstone missiles to destroy an armed vehicle and a large truck-bomb. A Paveway also hit a group of terrorists which another coalition aircraft had been carefully tracking as they manoeuvred towards Iraqi troops. A second Tornado flight supported Iraqi operations elsewhere in the country, and north-east of Mosul used Paveway IV and Enhanced Paveway II bombs to destroy a cave occupied by Daesh in the hills above Bayji, as well as a nearby stock of equipment.

Saturday 5 November: Three Hellfire attacks were launched by a Reaper near Mosul, against a truck-bomb, a mortar and a rocket-propelled grenade team. The Reaper also assisted in a coalition strike against a second mortar. On Sunday 6 November, Paveway IV-armed Typhoons bombed a terrorist group in the Tigris valley south of Mosul, while Tornados used a Brimstone missile to destroy an armoured personnel carrier inside the city. On the outskirts, a Reaper tracked a terrorist driving a truck-bomb towards Iraqi troops, but the truck exploded prematurely as it drove over rough ground, negating any need for the Reaper to fire at it. The Reaper instead used its Hellfires against a truck being loaded with spare weapons, a recoilless anti-tank gun, a rocket-propelled grenade team and an armed truck.

Monday 7 November: A Typhoon mission armed with Paveway IV guided bombs destroyed a stockpile of rocket and mortar equipment to the north of Bayji, and a Reaper conducting armed reconnaissance near Raqqah struck a Daesh vehicle with a Hellfire missile. Near Mosul, a Reaper provided close air support to Iraqi forces. Daesh fighters were observed firing a recoilless anti-tank gun at the Iraqi troops, then loading the weapon into a vehicle. As the vehicle pulled away, it was destroyed by a Hellfire. The Reaper's crew then used a further three Hellfires, which have a very low risk of collateral damage, in successful attacks on groups of extremists as they engaged in street fighting with the Iraqi troops.

Tuesday 8 November: Reaper operations in the area continued, with our aircraft conducting three further Hellfire attacks on terrorist fighters, as well as providing targeting support to a coalition air strike which destroyed a mortar team. To the north-east of Mosul, a pair of Typhoon FGR4s used Paveway IVs to destroy seven Daesh positions.

Wednesday 9 November: A Reaper spotted an armoured vehicle firing on Iraqi troops on the outskirts of Mosul, and destroyed it with a Hellfire.

Thursday 10 November: A Reaper provided overwatch to Iraqi troops engaged in street fighting at Abasi in northern Iraq. Its crew used Hellfire missiles against two groups of terrorists, including a light machine-gun team. In Mosul itself, a mortar was spotted in an area of heavily wooded parkland. It was destroyed by a Paveway IV guided bomb from a Typhoon flight. North of the city, Tornados used a Brimstone missile to kill several terrorists as they manoeuvred along a street.

Friday 11 November: A pair of Typhoons patrolled over Syria, supporting the Syrian Democratic Forces north of Raqqa. Another coalition aircraft was able to identify a Daesh armoured vehicle well concealed under trees, and was able to direct the Typhoon onto the target, which was duly destroyed with a Paveway IV. Meanwhile, south of Mosul, Tornados used another Paveway IV to demolish a terrorist strongpoint on the banks of the Tigris.

Saturday 12 November: A Reaper maintained surveillance around Mosul. As well as supporting a coalition air strike that eliminated a recoilless anti-tank gun team, our aircraft used three Hellfire missiles against a mortar and two groups of terrorists engaged in combat with Iraqi troops.

Sunday 13 November: Typhoons again operated north of Raqqa and were able to destroy an anti-aircraft gun near Thulth Khunayz. Some miles to the north-east of Mosul, Tornados used a Paveway IV to collapse a tunnel system, while closer to the city, a Hellfire from a Reaper destroyed a large weapon mounted on the rear of a lorry. The Reaper then used a GBU-12 laser guided bomb to attack successfully both a buried weapons cache and a nearby terrorist vehicle.

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Colombia: UN-led mechanism investigating alleged ceasefire violation

17 November 2016  The tripartite Mechanism coordinated by the United Nations and comprising the Government of Colombia and the Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia-People's Army (FARC-EP) has started investigations into a 15 November incident in the country's Santa Rosa municipality that resulted in the deaths of two FARC-EP members.

"The tripartite Mechanism deeply regrets and expresses concern about the first deaths since the beginning of the Bilateral Ceasefire and Cessation of Hostilities, on 29 August," read a news release issued by the Mechanism, which is coordinated by the UN Mission in Colombia.

"Upon completing the investigation, the Mechanism will issue the necessary recommendations to avoid recurrence of such incidents," it added.

A third FARC-EP member  who was unharmed in the incident  is also being investigated, noted the release.

The tripartite Mechanism is monitoring and verifying the ceasefire under a protocol, agreed by the Government of Colombia and FARC-EP, according to which they agreed "not to enter armed contact" and "to maintain the discipline and control of the units so as not to generate acts or incidents that endanger the ceasefire."

As part of its mandate, the Mechanism is also investigating another alleged incident in the municipality of Tumaco, department of Narino (located in southwest Colombia).

Also in the news release, the Mechanism called upon the two parties to facilitate the flow of information and to maintain communications that will strengthen its coordination. It also said that it is open to receiving information from civilians and social organizations.

The release also highlighted that the Mechanism underlined the importance of maintaining the parties' commitment to respect the Bilateral Ceasefire and Cessation of Hostilities.

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Nigeria: UN expert seeks urgent answers on 'brutal' eviction of 30,000 people in Lagos

17 November 2016  A United Nations human rights expert has appealed to the Government of Nigeria for an urgent explanation of the forced eviction of 30,000 people in Lagos state in the last week.

"It has been brought to my attention that the evictions may have involved the extreme use of force and fire by the Nigerian police force and Lagos state government, leaving individuals and families scrambling in the middle of the night to find safety and shelter," said the UN Special Rapporteur on the right to housing, Leilani Farha, in a news release from the Office of the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR).

Four people are reported to have died in the latest operation to clear irregular developments along the state's waterfronts. Residents in the Otodo Gbame community say they suffered brutal treatment and are now homeless. Most of the people affected lived in poor fishing communities and say they have lost their livelihoods and food sources as well as their homes and possessions.

"The mass displacement and reports of four deaths are deeply disturbing," she stressed.

In an urgent communication, Ms. Farha has asked the Nigerian Government for information on the evictions, the methods used and their compliance with international human rights law.

She is also questioning whether the community was given adequate notice or alternative accommodation, as required by international law. The operation took place only days after the Lagos state High Court had issued an injunction restraining demolitions in the waterfront communities.

"What makes these evictions particularly concerning is that they were carried out in blatant disregard of a court order and have completely ignored international human rights guidelines on forced evictions," the UN Special Rapporteur said.

"International law is clear: there must be consultation with the affected community, all alternative options to eviction must be explored, and a resettlement plan must be in place should the evictions be carried out," she noted and urged: "Under no circumstances should force or fire be used."

The people affected, from the Egun and other ethnic minority populations, with no other options, lived in poor-quality homes along creeks and other waterfronts.

"It takes many years to build a home, a community, and a sense of trust with government, but only days to destroy it. It is truly unfortunate that so many people are left with literally nothing but memories of their former lives and questions about their human rights," the independent expert said.

Special Rapporteurs and independent experts are appointed by the Geneva-based UN Human Rights Council to examine and report back on a specific human rights theme or a country situation. The positions are honorary and the experts are not UN staff, nor are they paid for their work.

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US Intensifies Colombia De-mining Efforts After Peace Deal

Nike Ching November 17, 2016

The United States is doubling down on aid programs for de-mining efforts in Colombia, a country that has the second most unexploded ordnance next to Afghanistan since 1990, as its government is making peace with the largest guerrilla rebel group after a decades-long conflict.

According to the latest "To Walk the Earth in Safety" report, which chronicles the U.S. government's efforts to rid the world of land mines, the U.S. has "provided more than $2.6 billion in assistance in more than 95 countries for Conventional Weapons Destruction programs."

Among the most notable of global de-mining initiatives is in Colombia, where the government reached a peace deal with the Marxist FARC rebel group in September. The deal was rejected in a plebiscite last month, but the two sides agreed upon a revised deal last weekend.

Washington has pledged an additional $46 million since September to support efforts to rid Colombia of land mines. That amount is more than what had been invested over the past five years.

From 2001 through 2015, the U.S. invested more than $43.2 million to support conventional weapons destruction in Colombia, including clearance, risk education and survivor assistance programs.

Efforts fall short

But critics said Washington could do more to clean up land mines, cluster munitions and other highly explosive ordnance in many countries where its military inflicted damage.

While "the United States' contribution to clearing minefields is world-leading and very valuable," said Jeff Abramson from Landmine and Cluster Munition Monitor, "the pace of mine clearance is not sufficient to meet the global goal of a mine-free world by 2025"  a goal declared by the Mine Ban Treaty members.

Abramson told VOA on Thursday that there are still "some 60 states with land mine contamination and 31 states with significant numbers of land mine survivors who have a right to assistance."

The Mine Ban Treaty, adopted in 1997 and entered into force in 1999, is a legally binding international agreement that bans the use, production, stockpiling and transfer of antipersonnel mines. It also places obligations on countries to clear affected areas, assist victims and destroy stockpiles.

The U.S. is not a state party of the Mine Ban Treaty, but has been participating as an observer in meetings for years.

"The U.S. must finally join the 1997 Mine Ban Treaty and destroy all of its stocks of the weapon," Human Rights Watch Arms Division director Steve Goose told VOA, if it "truly wants to be a global leader on the land mine issue."

Goose added that "helping to clean up the contamination is not enough. The U.S. should work to prevent and should condemn any use of antipersonnel mines by anyone."

Meeting set in Chile

A senior U.S. official told VOA on Thursday that Washington would attend the 15th Meeting of States Parties to the Mine Ban Treaty in Santiago, Chile, from November 28 to December 1.

The meeting is set to reaffirm commitment for completion of mine clearance and other treaty obligations by 2025.

While the U.S. stopped the export, production and acquisition of antipersonnel land mines, it still retains land mines for use on the Korean Peninsula, where the U.S. military is required to help defend South Korea against provocation from North Korea.

In Asia, 2015 marked a milestone in progress for the destruction of conventional weapons, when the government of Laos issued a commitment to conduct a national unexploded ordnance survey.

The majority of Laos' 17 provinces are contaminated with unexploded ordnance; most are of U.S. origin.

When President Barack Obama visited Laos in September, he announced $90 million in funding for a national survey of unexploded ordnance and for clearance efforts.

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Obama Calls on Trump to 'Stand Up' to Russia

Luis Ramirez November 17, 2016

President Barack Obama brought his message of America's enduring unity and cooperation to the heart of Europe Thursday, stressing to Germans and all Europeans that the United States will continue to engage with the world.

Obama called on his successor, Donald Trump, to "stand up" to Russia, saying his hope is that the president-elect takes a "similarly constructive approach" as he did, "finding areas where we can co-operate with Russia where our values and interests collide."

"I don't expect the president-elect will follow exactly our approach, but my hope is that he does not simply take a realpolitik approach and suggest if we cut some deals with Russia, even if it hurts people or violates international norms or leaves smaller countries vulnerable or leaves long-term problems in regions like Syria, that we do what's convenient at the time," Obama said during a news conference with German Chancellor Angela Merkel in Berlin.

Seeking to reassure Europe

The U.S. leader chose Germany as the main stop of his final overseas tour as president. The country is Europe's top economy and U.S. trading partner, an important member of NATO and host to thousands of U.S. troops.

Observers have also suggested Merkel could be emerging as the most prominent liberal voice in a region where nationalist movements are gaining strength.

This last trip marks President Obama's sixth visit to Germany.

"There will be no return to a world before globalization," Obama and Merkel wrote in a joint editorial published in the German business weekly WirtschaftsWoche before the U.S. leader's arrival.

Obama's message was meant to reassure European leaders who are nervous about what some perceive as America's turn toward isolationism as reflected in remarks made by President-elect Donald Trump during his campaign.

Candidate Trump criticized Merkel

Trump called into question the relevance of NATO, praised Britain's decision to quit the European Union, and criticized Merkel's policy of admitting hundreds of thousands of migrants, most of them Muslims, into Europe. During his campaign, Trump referred to Merkel as "a great world leader," but said her decisions on immigration issues were "tragic" and a "catastrophe."

Analysts say Merkel's calls for migrant quotas among EU nations have fueled nationalist movements across Europe, including Germany, and were a key factor in British voters' June decision to leave the European Union.

Far-right populist movements have also made gains in Germany following the migrant crisis, and Merkel's party has suffered losses, including in her home state.

Possible 4th-term run

She is now weighing whether to run for a fourth term as chancellor. During her news conference with President Obama, she said that decision would not be announced on Thursday.

On Friday, the outgoing U.S. president will meet with leaders of Britain, France, Italy and Spain before heading to Peru for the Asia Pacific Economic Cooperation summit.

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Trump Looms Over Lima's APEC Summit

Steve Herman November 17, 2016

U.S. President Barack Obama arrives in Peru on Friday for his final Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) leaders' meeting, but his presence will be overshadowed by someone who is not scheduled to attend until next year: his successor, President-elect Donald Trump.

Reporters on Thursday queried U.S. Secretary of State John Kerry about whether his counterparts in Lima were expressing concern about protectionism in the United States after Trump's election.

"I haven't heard a word of it yet," Kerry replied at the start of his bilateral meeting with Peruvian Foreign Minister Ricardo Luna. "Everybody is looking forward to building on a good, solid trade relationship, and we had good discussions."

Trump asserted during the campaign that the U.S.-led Trans-Pacific Partnership (TPP) was a "death blow" and a "rape of our country."

Trump's surprise election November 8 destroyed any chance for the Congress this year to take up the trade pact, and there is no indication the next administration would favor its ratification.

"TPP is certainly dead for now," said Deborah Elms, executive director of the Asian Trade Center in Singapore.

Helping US workers

Elms, a TPP proponent, told VOA she wished Trump would see there is no better option for helping American workers than the 12-nation deal and that "killing the TPP means handing an early victory to China."

However the president-elect "is picking people like him who see the world as win-lose and who genuinely believe that trade agreements are why the U.S. runs a trade deficit," Elms added. "You can't reason with such people."

TPP supporters hoped that Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe, who held his initial meeting with Trump on Thursday, could change the mind of the U.S. president-elect.

The conversation with Trump in New York was candid in a "warm atmosphere" and the two agreed to meet again for "wider and deeper talks," Abe said.

House before that meeting, Kerry met with his Japanese counterpart, Fumio Kishida, in Lima.

Kerry and Kishida discussed "a full range of bilateral, regional and global issues, including DPRK, climate change and the importance of implementing the Paris Agreement, and trade," State Department deputy spokesman Mark Toner said in a statement.

For TPP to become a reality under the terms of the agreement, it must be ratified by Japan, the United States and four other countries.

China in 'driver's seat'

If TPP is buried, then "China gets into the driver's seat in a way that they have not been before," Elms predicted.

APEC summit host Peru has already started talks with the Chinese about joining Beijing's regional trade pact while clinging to hope Trump will change his mind.

"We'll have to see how ambitious the pact is," Peru Trade Minister Eduardo Ferreyros said of China's Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP). "Even if it's not as deep as other agreements, we'll still participate."

Seven TPP countries are members of RCEP, which excludes the United States.

Earlier in the week, Kerry told VOA and Reuters he was "not concerned at all" about China pushing its own economic agreements at the Lima meeting.

"If China has a good idea, we should look at China's good idea and see whether or not it makes sense for us, too," Kerry said. "There's no exclusivity here as far as I'm concerned, speaking for myself."

Continued U.S. role seen

A senior administration official told VOA on Thursday that despite the setback with TPP, "it's just not in the realm of possibility the United States does not continue to play a significant and proactive role in guaranteeing security and prosperity in the region."

However, Obama administration officials as well as Asian leaders, such as Singapore Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong, have previously tied TPP's approval in Washington to America's regional security leadership and its credibility.

"It's just a matter of finding out how the incoming administration wants to pursue executing on those broad national goals," the senior U.S. official said. "There will be variations in the approach to how they seek to achieve them, and we'll work with the incoming administration to help them get that done."

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Minnesota IS Supporters Sentenced to Total of 140 Years

Harun Maruf November 17, 2016

A Minnesota judge has handed jail sentences to nine men, most of them Somali-American, who conspired to provide material support to Islamic State.

Eight of the men received prison terms this week adding up to more than 140 years. The ninth was sentenced to time already served.

In the final day of sentencing Wednesday, Senior Judge Michael Davis gave lengthy sentences to three men convicted of conspiring to aid the militants and to commit murder abroad.

Davis sentenced Guled Ali Omar to 35 years while Abdirahman Daud and Mohamed Farah each received 30 years in prison. All three expressed remorse in the court but the judge gave them the sentences recommended by the prosecution.

Omar, 21, was identified as the "emir" of the group during his trial in May. He was the only one to take the stand in his defense, saying the term did not necessarily mean that he was the leader of the group.

During their trials, the government presented secret recordings of the defendants discussing plans to travel to Syria and join Islamic State.

"This community has to understand there is a jihadist cell in this community. Its tentacles spread out," Judge Davis said after sentencing Farah.

Relatives 'shocked'

Farah's relatives cried outside the court alleging unfair sentencing. His mother, Ayan Farah, said she was "shocked" at the sentence.

"The judge insulted the people, destroyed our image. He said to a 22-year-old boy you have to admit being a terrorist, and he is not a terrorist," she said.

"I still don't believe my children are terrorists, there are no terrorists in this country, there are Muslims who are black who have had civil war in their country who were brought here to raise their children. They are black and Muslim, that is why they were targeted."

Farah, Omar and Daud refused to plead guilty earlier this year and instead took their cases to a jury trial.

Six other defendants who entered guilty pleas were sentenced Monday and Tuesday. They included Farah's brother Adnan Farah, 20, who received 10 years in prison. Hanad Muse and Zacharia Abdurahman also received 10-year sentences.

Hamza Ahmed, an ethnic Oromo and the only one of the nine who is not an ethnic Somali, was sentenced to 15 years in prison.

Abdirazak Warsame, 21, got 30 months in prison while Abdullahi Yusuf, 20, was sentenced to time serviced. Both have cooperated with authorities and testified against their former con-conspirators.

Prosecutors said the nine defendants were a group of friends who began conspiring to join Islamic State militants in the spring of 2014. Some of their friends made it to Syria, but the nine who were prosecuted did not.

Zacharia Abdurahman, Mohamed Farah, Hand Muse and Hamza Ahmed were stopped at JFK airport in November 2014 while attempting to travel to Istanbul on their way to Syria.

Roller coaster

Abdurahman's father, Yusuf, expressed mixed feelings after the sentencing of his son.

"What I'm glad mostly is that he is here, he is alive, he is not in Syria and die overseas, as a parent I'm feeling sad about the long sentence and what he will have to go through in the prison," he told VOA.

He said he is proud that his son took "responsibility," apologized to his parents and the court for his actions. He said his son understands the gamble he has taken on his life and wants to make amends.

"He said he will be a mentor to the children, he is articulate, and he can be a mentor to the youth," Yusuf Abdurahman said about his son.

Community leader Jibril Afayre said the community will be glad that "it's over" and said he hopes lessons were learned.

"It has been a roller coaster, we hope the parents and the community will not go through such ordeal in the future and we can put this behind us," he told VOA.

"We hope it will be a deterrent to the would-be recruiters and to the radicalized individuals."

Abdi Mahamud contributed to this story from Minneapolis.

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Shemos Rabbah (52:03) The story is told of R. Simeon b. Halafta, that he once came home just before the Sabbath and found that he had no fo...

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Important!! email - yadmoshe@gmail.com
Full text of Chinese president's signed article in Peruvian newspaper

People's Daily Online

(Xinhua) 23:50, November 17, 2016

LIMA, Nov. 17 (Xinhua) -- Chinese President Xi Jinping published a signed article in the leading Peruvian newspaper El Comercio under the title "Join Hands to Fulfill Centenary Dreams and Strive for New Progress in Cooperation" on Thursday, ahead of his state visit to the Latin American country.

The English translated version of the article is as follows.

Join Hands to Fulfill Centenary Dreams and Strive for New Progress in Cooperation

By H.E. Xi Jinping, President of the People's Republic of China

I am looking forward to coming to Peru for the 24th APEC Economic Leaders' Meeting and my state visit to this country at the invitation of President Pedro Pablo Kuczynski. President Kuczynski visited China in September. By the time of my visit, the presidents of China and Peru will have exchanged visits in less than two months. This will send a strong signal of China and Peru working together for common development.

This would be the second time for Peru to play host to the leaders of APEC economies in eight years. It marks another new and important contribution Peru makes to Asia-Pacific cooperation. Peru will have China's full support and cooperation in facilitating positive outcomes of the meeting.

I still recall my visit to Peru in the 1990s, which left me deeply impressed by the majestic landscape and rich natural endowments of this country. The Andes Mountains, "the backbone of South America," extends from North to South, and the mighty Amazon has nourished a treasure house of minerals, fossil fuel, forests and biological resources. Peru is also known for its hard-working and courageous people, who created a time-honored history and rich culture. Its dazzling cultural heritage such as the Inca civilization, Machu Picchu and Nazca Lines are favored destinations for international visitors. El Condor Pasa and other Andean folk melodies are popular all over the world.

China and Peru enjoy a long and deep friendship. Back more than 400 years ago, braving storms and waves, the Chinese people opened a maritime Silk Road across the Pacific. The Chinese and the Peruvians have been visiting each other ever since. In the past 100 years, a large number of Chinese traveled to Peru to seek a life of happiness on this promising land. They worked diligently with the local people and actively contributed to Peru's development. They were the first generation of friendship envoys who brought Chinese culture to Peru. Today, nearly one tenth of the Peruvian population descended from Chinese ancestry. The Chinese are even called by an affectionate nickname in Peru the "paisano" (old pal), showing the deep roots of friendship between our peoples. This is a valuable asset shared by our two countries.

Peru was one of the first Latin American countries to establish diplomatic ties with the People's Republic of China. Over the past 45 years of our diplomatic relations, we have treated each other with respect and equality, firmly supported each other on issues concerning our respective core interests and major concerns and developed strong political trust, which formed the cornerstone of China-Peru relations. Our two countries have established a comprehensive strategic partnership, the highest level of relations between China and Latin American countries, which embodies the high degree of our political mutual trust.

Despite the wintry state of the global economy in recent years, China and Peru are enjoying spring in their practical cooperation. Bilateral trade has remained on an upward trajectory, hitting a record level of nearly 15 billion U.S. dollars in 2015. In the first eight months of this year, trade grew by 9 percent year-on-year, outpaced by a 21.8 percent uptick in Peruvian exports to China. China has been Peru's largest trading partner, export market and source of import for years, and Peru has become one of the top destinations in Latin America for Chinese investment. Over 170 Chinese businesses have invested more than 14 billion dollars in Peru, helping to create tens of thousands of jobs and new sources of tax revenue for local communities and benefiting economic and social development in this country.

The robust people-to-people exchanges between Chinese and Peruvian peoples have brought them even closer to each other. Exchanges and cooperation in culture, education, science and technology, health and the judicial sector as well as between media, think tanks and youths are growing. More and more Peruvians, especially students, want to study Chinese and learn more about Chinese culture. The four Confucius Institutes in Peru have attracted more than 4,000 registered students. We welcome more Peruvians to visit China. More and more Chinese admirers of the Inca civilization are hoping to visit Peru as tourists.

China and Peru have maintained close communication and coordination on international and regional affairs to jointly uphold the common interests of developing countries. We hold the same or similar views and have consistently echoed and supported each other's positions, be it on key international issues such as UN reform, climate change, sustainable development or regional ones like Asia-Pacific cooperation, Latin American integration and cooperation between China and Latin America.

I believe that the tremendous progress and strong momentum in China-Peru ties is attributable to the extensive public support for our friendship, to our enormous economic complementarity and enthusiasm toward cooperation and to the right decision of successive governments of both countries to place high importance on this relationship. The Chinese people are working vigorously to attain the two centenary goals, namely, completing the building of a moderately prosperous society in all respects by the Communist Party's centenary in 2021 and building a prosperous, strong, democratic, culturally advanced and harmonious country by the centenary of the People's Republic in 2049, and the Chinese dream of great national renewal. The Peruvian people are making relentless efforts toward a just, fair and united Peru by the bicentennial of Peru's independence in 2021. Cherishing the same dream and vision, it is only natural that we should push forward all-round cooperation.

-- We need to deepen political mutual trust and remain partners for each other on the way ahead. We should continue to view our relations from a strategic and long-term perspective, understand and support each other on issues concerning core interests and major concerns and ensure the sustained and steady growth of bilateral ties. I have said on many occasions, "Only the wearer knows if the shoes fit or not." China supports Peru in exploring a development path suited to its national conditions and stands ready to enhance the sharing of experience on governance to make greater achievements in our respective development endeavors.

-- We need to expand practical cooperation and promote common development and prosperity. China and Peru are natural partners on the strength of our wide-ranging, large-scale and fruitful cooperation. We have set up mechanisms such as the strategic dialogue on economic cooperation and the joint committee on economic cooperation and trade. We need to formulate and implement a well-structured action plan to guide our practical cooperation in the years to come. China suggests that we intensify production capacity and investment cooperation. We are ready to provide Peru with all the equipment and technology it needs for industrialization, supported by personnel training and matching funds. This will be conducive to Peru's efforts toward diversified economic development, and raise the quality and efficiency of bilateral cooperation.

-- We need to promote cultural exchange and cement public support for our relations. Amity between the people holds the key to sound state-to-state relations. We need to expand exchanges and cooperation in culture, education, science and technology and tourism and facilitate the interflow of people between our two countries. China welcomes more Peruvian students to study in China and supports more youth exchanges to pass on our traditional friendship from one generation to the next.

-- We need to strengthen cooperation in international and regional affairs to uphold common interests. Lasting peace and sustained progress is the shared aspiration of all humanity. China hopes to work with Peru to maintain close communication and cooperation on major international issues, build a new type of international relations featuring win-win cooperation and contribute to a community of shared interests and shared future for all mankind.

The baton of China-Peru friendship is now passed to us. Let us join hands and work closely together to pursue the dream of our people for a happy life and promote peace, stability and prosperity of the world.

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What Does Xi's 'One China' Mean for Hong Kong's Democracy?

Steve Miller November 17, 2016

After two elected Hong Kong lawmakers took an oath of office, advocating a divide in the "one country, two systems" principle, Chinese President Xi Jinping addressed legislators in Beijing's Great Hall of the People, making it clear that looking forward, there is only one China.

Xi said, "All activities attempting to split the country will definitely be strongly opposed by all Chinese people. We will resolutely not allow anyone, any organization, any party to split any bit of territory from China, in any way at any time."

His address raised more questions about Hong Kong's future than it answered.

This year, Hong Kong began requiring office seekers to pledge their loyalty to one China. So, even before the Hong Kong legislative elections, many analysts and observers questioned where the political process was headed.

In August, David Lampton, director of China studies at the Johns Hopkins School of Advanced International Studies, told VOA, "Where it ultimately ends up in terms of degree of tolerance is anybody's guess. But I think the space for civic activity and citizen participation in meaningful governance ... unfortunately that is going down in both China and, I'm afraid to say, Hong Kong."

Hong Kong oath-taking controversy

Xi's comments were sparked when Sixtus Leung and Yau Wai-ching, members of the Youngspiration Party, deviated from the standard oath text after they appeared last month to take their seats in the Hong Kong Legislative Council.

Appearing draped in a flag that read, "Hong Kong is not China," Sixtus Leung pledged loyalty to a Hong Kong nation. Yau Wai-ching appeared to have slipped in a profane remark when reading "People's Republic of China."

Their oaths were not accepted, they were denied their seats, and a legal challenge was filed as to whether to afford them the opportunity to retake their pledges.

The pair were elected in the September 4 Hong Kong Legislative Council elections, along with advocates for the Special Administrative Region's "self-determination" or independence.

In total, 15 local and pan-democratic party members' oaths are under review, based on the National People's Congress interpretation. Pro-Beijing lawmakers are also facing scrutiny for varying pronunciations of words or omitting the word "Hong Kong" in their oaths, as the chief executive did in 2012.

While the matter was under review in Hong Kong's High Court, China's National People's Congress (NPC) issued its interpretation of Hong Kong's Basic Law, noting, "An oath taker who intentionally reads out words which do not accord with the wording of the oath prescribed by law, or takes the oath in a manner which is not sincere or not solemn, shall be treated as declining to take the oath" and is disqualified from assuming public office.

Hong Kong's chief executive, Chun-Ying Leung, said he and his government would support the NPC interpretation.

"Hong Kong is an inalienable part of the country. The Hong Kong people have the duty to uphold national unity, territorial integrity and security, as well as the dignity and interests of the Chinese people," he said.

Concerns emerge over Hong Kong autonomy

Others in Hong Kong opposed the interpretation. Civic Party legislator Dennis Kwok said it is unprecedented. "What in fact they're [NPC] doing is interpreting and interfering with domestic Hong Kong legislation, the legislation being the oaths and declaration ordinance," he said.

Tuesday, Judge Thomas Au of the High Court in Hong Kong ruled Leung's and Yau's oaths of office were invalid. He said they "have been disqualified from assuming and have vacated the office of a member of the Legislative Council."

He added their manner showed they weren't intending to abide by the Basic Law and that regardless of Beijing's interpretation, the court would have arrived at this decision.

Appearing before reporters, Yau said she wasn't surprised.

"If the court has to use this way to disqualify us from being legislators, I think everybody has an idea of what our society is like," Yau said.

Jonathan Miller, Fellow for the China, East Asia and United States Program at the EastWest Institute, says the "crucial area of scrutiny" should focus on "the response and resolve of the Hong Kong government to events, rather than the heavy-handed tactics from Beijing."

Miller says Xi's comments were designed to send a message. "I think he wanted to hammer home there's a red line when it comes to party control [and] anything that's perceived to erode the legitimacy of the Chinese Communist Party will be tightly cracked down upon," he said.

In Washington, U.S. Senators Marco Rubio and Tom Cotton have introduced the Hong Kong Human Rights and Democracy Act, which they say would establish "punitive measures against government officials in Hong Kong or mainland China who are responsible for suppressing basic freedoms in Hong Kong."

VOA's Victor Beattie contributed to this report.

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North Korea would review US ties if troops withdrawn from South: Envoy

Iran Press TV

Fri Nov 18, 2016 1:54AM

North Korea's ambassador to the UN says his country would consider normalizing relations with the United States in case President-elect Donald Trump orders the withdrawal of military forces and anti-ballistic missile systems from the South, and guarantees a peace treaty aimed at ending tensions on the Korean Peninsula.

"If he (Trump) really gives up the hostile policy towards the Democratic People's Republic of Korea (DPRK), withdrawing all the military equipment from South Korea, including the US troops and coming to conclude the peace treaty, then I think it might be an opportunity to discuss the relations as we did in the 1990s," So Se Pyong said in an interview with Reuters in Geneva on Thursday.

He, however, made it clear that Pyongyang would pursue the "simultaneous development" of its nuclear program and economy for the time being.

So was commenting on Trump's earlier remarks in May that he was ready for face-to-face negotiations with North Korean leader Kim Jong-un in a bid to end the East Asian country's nuclear activities. The Republican presidential winner had also urged China to bring its ally under greater control.

"The meeting is up to the decision of my supreme leader," the North Korean diplomat said in reaction to Trump's willingness.

So also described the recent discussions in Geneva between North Korean officials on one side, and US academics and former statesmen on the other as "unofficial and informal."

"The (DPRK) delegation is here now. But as you know, it is a 'Track 2'," he said, noting that North Korea's top nuclear negotiator Choe Son-hui leads the four-pronged team.

So also condemned the administration of outgoing US President Barack Obama for its lack of interest to engage North Korea, stating that such an approach prompted Pyongyang to develop its nuclear program and "lighten the weapon warheads."

North Korea has conducted a series of military technology tests this year, including a fourth nuclear test in January, to counter what it describes as joint US and South Korean "provocations" in the region.

The US is a close ally of South Korea and the two countries hold joint military exercises every year.

There are about 28,500 US troops based in South Korea. The US military has also deployed the Terminal High Altitude Area Defense (THAAD) missile systems in defiance of strong opposition from North Korea and China.

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US House passes bill to block commercial aircraft sales to Iran

Iran Press TV

Thu Nov 17, 2016 9:46PM

The US House of Representatives has voted to bar the sale of commercial Boeing and Airbus airplanes to Iran.

On Thursday, the Republican-controlled House voted 243-174 to pass the legislation to prohibit the Treasury Department from issuing the licenses US banks would need to complete the transactions.

The measure would also revoke previously enacted authorities enabling aircraft sales to the Islamic Republic. The bill must now clear the Senate.

The move comes about two months after the US Treasury's Office of Foreign Assets Control granted Airbus and Boeing permission to sell airplanes to Iran in a multibillion-dollar deal.

The transaction was approved after anti-Iran sanctions were lifted as part of a nuclear agreement reached earlier this year between Iran and six world powers.

Iran and the five permanent members of the UN Security Council -- the United States, Britain, Russia, China, France as well as Germany --started implementation of the deal, dubbed the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA), on January 16.

Under the JCPOA, all sanctions imposed on Iran by the European Union, the UN Security Council and the US have to be lifted as Iran limits some aspects of its peaceful nuclear program.

The White House announced on Monday that President Barack Obama will veto the bill seeking to block the export of passenger aircraft to Iran, saying it would undermine an international nuclear deal implemented early this year.

The White House said American allies would view the legislation as a violation of the nuclear agreement.

It seems the election of Donald Trump as the next president of the US has allowed Republicans to take a more aggressive stance against Iran.

Trump said during his election campaign that he would "dismantle", "tear up" or try to renegotiate the terms of the nuclear deal if elected president.

Iranian officials have warned the US against walking away from the nuclear agreement, stressing that any US president is bound to honor the deal as it has been endorsed by a United Nations Security Council resolution, which makes it effectively an international law.

On Wednesday, US Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell said that the legislative body was set to renew the Iran Sanctions Act (ISA) before the year ends.

On Tuesday, the House voted almost unanimously to extend the ISA for 10 more years.

"We're going to take up the House bill. I think it's already held at the desk and we are going to pass it," McConnell told reporters at the Senate's weekly GOP leadership media conference.

The House voted 419 to 1 to reauthorize the bill, which was first introduced in 1996 on the unfounded accusation that Tehran was pursuing non-civilian objectives in its nuclear energy program, an accusation that the Islamic Republic has rejected.

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P5+1 must avoid steps undermining nuclear deal: Iran IAEA envoy

Iran Press TV

Thu Nov 17, 2016 7:16PM

The Iranian ambassador to the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) says the P5+1 group of countries should not take steps that would undermine the implementation process of last year's nuclear deal with the Islamic Republic.

Reza Najafi said on Thursday that Iran continues to honor its commitments under the agreement dubbed the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA) and is, at the same time, monitoring if the other sides are fulfilling their obligations.

The accord, which stipulates the lifting of all United Nations Security Council sanctions as well as all nuclear-related unilateral and multilateral bans, should lead to more cooperation between Tehran and the P5+1 states in all areas without any obstacles, Najafi said.

Tehran and the P5+1 group of world powers, namely Russia, China, France, Britain, and the US plus Germany hammered out the nuclear accord in July 2015.

It went into effect in January and resolved a long-running dispute over Iran's peaceful nuclear program. The deal, which took effect in January, ended decades of economic sanctions against Iran in exchange for restrictions on its nuclear program.

The P5+1 countries have a clear responsibility to abide by the JCPOA with good will and in a constructive atmosphere based on mutual respect and through avoiding any steps that run contrary to the text and spirit of the JCPOA and undermine its successful implementation, he added.

He made the remarks hours after IAEA Director General Yukiya Amano said in his statement to the agency's Board of Governors that "for the second time since implementation of the JCPOA began, Iran's inventory of heavy water exceeded 130 metric tons," but the Islamic Republic has made preparations for its transfer.

Iran's stock of heavy water will decrease following the transfer to the level agreed under the nuclear deal, the IAEA head added.

Touching on the issue, Najafi said that Iran should export its extra heavy water under the JCPOA and has recently expressed its readiness to do so.

Last week, the IAEA once again confirmed in a report Iran's full commitment to the nuclear agreement with world powers.

Commenting on the report, Najafi said it "clearly shows that all nuclear-related measures have been completely carried out by Iran."

Since January, the agency has released regular reports confirming the peaceful nature of Iran's nuclear activities and Tehran's commitment to the agreement.

In April, Amano hailed Iran for respecting the nuclear accord, saying the Islamic Republic has even gone beyond its obligations.



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Over dozen dead as bombing rips through wedding in western Iraq

Iran Press TV

Thu Nov 17, 2016 9:0PM

Iraqi security and medical officials say more than a dozen people have lost their lives and scores of others have been injured when a bomb explosion struck a wedding ceremony in the beleaguered western province of Anbar.

Head of the Amiriyah Fallujah Council, Shaker Mahmoud, told Arabic-language al-Sumaria television network that the attack took place in the city, located about 30 kilometers south of Fallujah, on Thursday, when a bomber detonated an explosives-laden vehicle.

He added that 16 people were killed and 45 others injured in the act of terror, noting that there were a number of security personnel among those injured.

Mahmoud said the wounded victims were taken to nearby hospitals to receive medical treatment, while dead bodies were transferred to the city's department of forensic sciences.

No individual or group has claimed responsibility for the assault yet, but such incidents are usually blamed on the Takfiri Daesh terrorist group, which has been wreaking havoc in Iraq's northern and western parts since June 2014.

The terrorist attack came only three days after twin bombings left at least 15 people dead in Fallujah. Daesh later claimed it was behind the coordinated attack.

The United Nations Assistance Mission for Iraq (UNAMI) says a total of 1,792 Iraqis were killed and 1,358 others injured in acts of terrorism, violence and armed conflict in October.

According to the UN mission, the number of civilian fatalities stood at 1,120. Violence also claimed the lives of 672 members of the Iraqi security forces. A great portion of the fatalities was recorded in the capital province of Baghdad, where 268 civilians were killed.

Gruesome violence has plagued the northern and western parts of Iraq ever since Daesh terrorists mounted an offensive there more than two years ago, and took control of portions of Iraqi territory.

Iraqi army soldiers, backed by pro-government fighters from the Popular Mobilization Units and Kurdish Peshmerga forces, launched an operation on October 17 to retake the strategic northern city of Mosul from Daesh terrorists.

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Iraqi troops liberate eastern Mosul district from Daesh grip

Iran Press TV

Thu Nov 17, 2016 4:7PM

Iraqi forces have recaptured an eastern neighborhood in Mosul and raised the national flag on buildings as the army and allied fighters are tightening the noose around the Daesh-held city.

The commander of Nineveh Liberation Operation, Lieutenant General Abdul Amir Yarallah, announced the liberation of the al-Tahrir district on Thursday, the al-Sumaria news website reported.

Yarallah said that counterterrorism units had called on locals to stay indoors while the Iraqi troops are conducting mop-up operations in the liberated area.

In another development late on Wednesday, Iraq's Popular Mobilization Units (PMU), also known as Hashd al-Shaabi forces, wrested control of the Tal Afar airport in western Mosul.

The Iraqi soldiers are reported to be looking for booby traps inside the airport and advancing on the town of Tal Afar on Thursday. Iraqi forces are now moving up from the south, having the Mosul airport in their sights.

"Daesh has planted bombs in large parts of Tal Afar airport and operations are under way to clear it completely," the PMU said in a statement.

Retaking Tal Afar, situated some 50 kilometers from Mosul, would bring Iraqis closer to surrounding Daesh in its last bastion in the Middle Eastern country.

"By capturing the Tel Afar airbase, the Iraqi forces have cut off a main Daesh supply route between Syria and Mosul," Iraqi army officer, Hamid Saadi, said.

Secretary General of Iraq's Badr Organization Hadi al-Ameri also noted that Tal Afar will be "the starting point for the liberation of all of the areas [along] the Syrian border.

The Iraqi army, volunteer Shia and Sunni fighters as well as Kurdish Peshmerga forces have been engaged in the Mosul liberation operation since October 17.

The city, which is divided by Tigris River, fell to Daesh in 2014, the year the terror outfit began its campaign of death and destruction in northern and western Iraq.

Abadi: Kurds already agreed to leave liberated areas

In another development on Thursday, Iraq's Prime Minister Haider al-Abadi reacted to remarks made by the president of the Iraqi Kurdistan Region about Kurdish Peshmerga forces not leaving areas retaken from Daesh.

Abadi's office said in a statement on Thursday that a deal between Baghdad and Kurdistan specifically called for the Kurdish forces to pull back.

"The agreement includes a specific clause on the withdrawal of the Peshmerga from the liberated areas after the liberation of Mosul," the statement read.

Under the accord, the Kurdish forces would return "to the previous places that they held prior to the launch of liberation operations," it added.

The president of Iraq's semi-autonomous Kurdistan region said on Wednesday that Kurdish Peshmerga forces will not withdraw from the regions retaken from Daesh terrorists in Iraq.

Masoud Barzani claimed in an interview with the Kurdish Rudaw TV that the decision was based on an agreement with Washington and the central government in Baghdad.

"These areas were liberated by the blood of 11,500 martyrs," he said, stressing, "It is not possible after all these sacrifices to return them to direct federal control."

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Over 300 Iraqi ex-policemen slaughtered south of Mosul

Iran Press TV

Thu Nov 17, 2016 11:40AM

Human Rights Watch (HRW) says Daesh terrorists have executed more than 300 former Iraqi policemen south of Mosul following heavy losses in the ongoing battle with Iraqi forces.

The executions were carried out near the recently-liberated Hammam al-Alil town three weeks ago and the victims were buried in a mass grave, the group said on Thursday.

The HRW cited a witness as saying that he saw the Takfiri terrorists driving four large trucks with 100 to 125 men on board on October 28 and that he recognized some of them as former policemen.

The terrorists then drove past an agricultural college close to the site of the mass grave where minutes later, he heard shots being fired from automatic rifles and cries of distress, the group said.

A similar scene was repeated the next night, with between 130 to 145 men being ferried, he told the group.

An unnamed Hammam al-Alil resident confirmed the news, saying he heard automatic gunfire shots in the area for three straight nights, each lasting nearly seven minutes.

"This is another piece of evidence of the horrific mass murder by Daesh of former law enforcement officers in and around Mosul," Deputy Middle East Director at Human Rights Watch Joe Stork said.

The Iraqi army liberated Hammam al-Alil on November 7. A UN official said the next day that Daesh had abducted 295 former members of Iraqi security forces near Mosul.

Iraqi troops are in the midst of a massive operation to retake Mosul, the last stronghold of the Daesh terrorists in the country.

On Thursday, pro-government Hashd al-Sha'bi fighters handed over the control of 16 villages in in Tal Afar to the Iraqi army after recapturing them.

A member of Nineveh Provincial Council, Husamuddin al-Abbar, said the army will control the territories as volunteer fighters proceed to free more villages.

Additionally, Iraqi counter-terrorism forces established full control over Tammuz 30 neighborhood in eastern Mosul.

Security forces also launched an offensive in Mosul's eastern district of al-Moharebin and were reported to be capturing it within few hours.

Elsewhere in the western city of Kabisa, officials said an Iraqi army unit repelled a Daesh militant assault, killing scores of the terrorists in the process.

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One month into Mosul battle, UN and partners 'profoundly concerned' for civilian safety

17 November 2016  At the one-month mark of Iraqi military operations to oust terrorists from Mosul, the United Nations and its partners today said tens of thousands of families in newly retaken areas urgently requiring life-saving assistance and warned that the humanitarian community in Iraq faces a "massive scope" of need.

Expressing their "profound concern" in a joint statement, UN relief agencies and their partners underscored that these latest developments further exacerbate a humanitarian crisis in a country where 10 million people already were in need of aid. In newly retaken areas, schools, hospitals, and infrastructure  such as water and power plants  are damaged and medical services are often unavailable.

Families are going hungry as a result of loss of livelihoods, disruptions in food production and supply, and higher market prices. Water supplies and agricultural equipment have also been damaged, leading people to drink untreated well water. Children are not vaccinated, nor do they have access to formal education. Many require psychosocial support.

Furthermore, the agencies emphasized that the armed groups controlling Mosul have created both immediate and long term risks for people and the environment thanks to scorched earth tactics and improvised mines.

"Wherever we can, humanitarian partners are helping displaced people and vulnerable families in newly retaken communities," announced Lise Grande, Humanitarian Coordinator for Iraq, who spoke on behalf of the humanitarian community.

"We are working as quickly as we can and in close coordination with Iraqi authorities to help some of the most at-risk people in the world," she added.

Almost 59,000 people have been displaced over the past month, 26,000 of which are children. More than 40,000 are living in formal camps throughout three governorates prepared and managed by the UN, Iraqi Government, and non-governmental organizations (NGOs). More than half of those who have been displaced are women and girls who are survivors of sexual assault and other human rights abuses. Many households are female-headed.

More than 100 humanitarian partners, as well as the United Nations and the Government of Iraq, are assisting those affected by the military operations. Experts are worried, however, that given the imminent operations to reach more densely-populated portions of the city, many families will be unable to reach safety and assistance.

According to the joint statement, a worst case scenario would leave one million people at extreme risk for cross-fire, snipers, and contamination from improvised explosive devices. There is also a risk that civilians will continue to be used as human shields.

The agencies said that 13,000 displaced people are living with host communities or in public facilities. In addition, 69,000 have been given assistance within 48 hours of their displacement, including more than 114,000 who have received food rations, more than 14,300 recipients of emergency health services, more than 66,000 who were provided with emergency household items, and some 124,000 now have access to water, hygiene, and sanitation services.

More than 6,700 women and girls have received reproductive consultations, including life-saving assisted deliveries. 1,400 sessions have been held to support survivors of gender-based violence. Meanwhile, stakeholders are expanding shelter capacities and building new sites.

Donor support to the UN and NGOs has been critical, but more is urgently needed. Winter is approaching and families who fled their homes have virtually nothing to guard against the cold.

"The humanitarian community calls upon all parties in the conflict to take every possible measure to protect the rights and lives of civilians as part of their obligations under international humanitarian law," the statement concluded.

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IS Bomb-Makers, Kurdish Bomb-Disposal Teams in Deadly Cat-and-Mouse Game

Jamie Dettmer November 17, 2016

The peshmerga general frowned when asked about a top Kurdish bomb-disposal expert killed last month the day after the assault on Mosul, Iraq began. "He was a very brave man," said Gen. Mahmood Kakaye.

Suleman Sahed Chirukaya was trying to disarm a jihadist bomb in a tunnel near the town of Bashiqa, 24 kilometers from Mosul, one of hundreds he'd defused saving countless lives, when an anti-handling device triggered a blast, critically wounding him. Flown to Germany, where he'd lived a comfortable life for 16 years before returning to Kurdistan, he died in a hospital in Koblenz.

In a television interview, his brother, Salih, said Chirukaya felt he couldn't just watch from afar the Kurds battling Islamic State, and re-joined the peshmerga early this year.

"Since July 2014, we have defused 14,000 Daesh bombs," said Gen. Kakaye, who was using an Arabic term for IS. "Chirukaya was a real expert and we'll miss him; he was a good man, but we have others and the work never stops," said Kakaye, who oversees the peshmerga's bomb disposal teams.

Like U.S. troops after the 2003 invasion of Iraq, the peshmerga are finding the deadliest weapons being arrayed against them by the jihadists are IEDs and vehicle-borne bombs (VBIEDs). The peshmerga are updated regularly on the tell-tale signs of IEDs, but identifying the bombs is a moving art.

The jihadist bomb makers and the Kurdish bomb disposal teams are competing in a deadly cat-and-mouse game that favors the bombers.

The general wouldn't disclose how many bomb disposal technicians the peshmerga have deployed, but he says large resources are devoted to battling the jihadist bomb makers, who have been manufacturing on a massive scale more sophisticated devices using civilian components and electronics as well as materiel ranging from cell phones and the parts of battery-operated toys to fertilizer and aluminum powder and pastes used in agriculture.

For two years, IS has been running a bomb manufacturing network of makeshift factories set up in towns and villages across their self-styled caliphate straddling Iraq and Syria.

Earlier this year, Conflict Armament Research, a London-based research organization that monitors the movement of conventional weapons and ammunition, warned, "IS forces have manufactured and deployed improvised explosive devices (IEDs) across the battlefield on a quasi-industrial scale.

Responsible for a large number of civilian and military casualties, these improvised bombs endanger and significantly delay ground operations against IS positions, while threatening the safe return of displaced populations. Made of components that are cheap and readily available, IEDs have become IS forces' signature weapon.

Kakaye said, "They have refined their designs creating new types of IEDs ranging from suicide and car bombs to landmines, booby traps and improvised mortars, and they experiment where to plant their IEDs. There are the obvious places where IEDs can be found; opening a front door or a fridge door can trigger a blast; but, there are twists and they are ingenious in what they do," he adds.

IEDs are planted in everything from food jars and cans to toys and clothes. They have been found in trash and in the carcasses of dead animals.

Iraqi security forces battling their way into Mosul and Shi'ite militias in the countryside are also suffering heavy losses from the IEDs.

When the peshmerga or Iraqi units manage to take ground, their first order of business is to clear remaining IEDs, and as they do so, they can come under attack from jihadists mounting ambushes and commando-style raids. That was seen in the battle for Bashiqa last week, when peshmerga were caught in a huge IED blast before coming under sustained IS gunfire.

Kakaye's bomb disposal experts do not have the advantages of their counterparts in Western militaries - they don't have modern blast-proof suits. Nor do they have motorized robots to help with the defusing of IEDs.

According to Conflict Armament Research, IS acquisition networks set about quickly to secure a steady flow of parts and materiel needed to make their IEDs, leaning "heavily on lawful commerce." The CAR inquiry found much of what IS needs came from Iraqi and Turkish companies.

CAR researchers noted, "Both Iraq and Turkey have large agricultural and mining sectors, in which many chemicals and explosive components are employed extensively. At the same time, many small-scale commercial enterprises appear to have sold, whether wittingly or unwittingly, components to parties linked to, or employed by, IS forces."

Most IEDs being encountered by the peshmerga use ammonium nitrate, found in fertilizer, mixed with other chemicals commonly used in farming, quarrying and mining.

They also are using the plastic explosive C4. The IEDs can be triggered by pressure pads, detonated by remote control or by trip wires, says Gen. Kakaye.

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       :         , 10     5    
Pakistan Claims IS Recruitment Cell Busted in Lahore

Ayaz Gul November 17, 2016

Authorities in Pakistan say they have captured a group of eight militants operating a recruitment cell in the country at the behest of the Syrian-based Islamic State terrorist group.

Counterterrorism forces in an overnight operation arrested the men in Lahore, the second-largest Pakistani city and capital of the populous Punjab province, said an official announcement Thursday.

It added that authorities also seized mobile phones, laptops and IS propaganda material.

The detainees were recruiting young men to send them illegally to Syria via Afghanistan and Iran, the two immediate neighbors of Pakistan sharing long porous frontiers.

The counterterrorism department says the suspects have told interrogators they have already dispatched an unspecified number of fighters and were readying to send a fresh group.

Pakistani officials say that they have arrested hundreds of IS operatives from different cities within the past two years, but they insist the Middle Eastern group has no organized presence in Pakistan.

IS claimed responsibility for last week's bomb blast at a Sufi shrine in a remote district in Pakistan's southwestern Baluchistan province. The violence left more than 50 people dead and wounded scores of others.

In late October, three IS suicide bombers raided a police training center in Quetta, the provincial capital, killing at least 60 recruits and wounding more than 100 more.

IS launched its operation in the region in early 2015 after establishing bases in remote eastern border areas of Afghanistan.

The group calls Afghanistan, Pakistan and parts of Iran as its so-called Islamic State of Khorasan Province and allegedly take orders from leaders in Syria.

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South Korean President Retreats, Resists Scandal Investigation

Brian Padden November 17, 2016

South Korea President Park Geun-hye may have been found guilty in the court of public opinion for her alleged involvement in an influence peddling scandal, but the legal case against her is progressing slowly.

Park this week appointed attorney Yoo Yeong-ha, who immediately sought to delay prosecution plans to question her this week, saying he needed time to prepare, and suggested that the president might insist that the questions be submitted and replied to in writing, rather than meet face to face with investigators.

"A probe into the president should be carried out in a way that minimizes the burden of her duties, which I believe is in the spirit of the constitution," he said.

Second investigation

On Thursday the National Assembly passed a measure appointing an independent special counsel to conduct a separate probe alongside the investigation currently being conducted by prosecutors in the Ministry of Justice.

Opposition leaders have voiced concerns that the Ministry of Justice working under the executive branch has too many ties to the president to conduct a credible investigation on its own.

"President Park is a person with authority over personnel. There is a limit to the investigation of the prosecution. As a result, in order to investigate President Park, a special probe must be conducted," said Kim Jun-seok, a political science professor with Dongguk University in Seoul.

Delay tactics

The South Korean president seems intent on completing her single, five-year term of office that ends next year, despite weeks of massive public protests, increasing calls in the National Assembly for her to resign or be impeached, and with her approval rating hovering between 5 and 10 percent.

The opposition parties that hold a majority in the National Assembly say Park's delay tactics are only delaying the inevitable.

"The pro-Park lawmakers of the Saenuri Party are opposing the public outcry for resignation, buying time to work their way out of the current difficulties," said Park Jie-won, floor leader of the People Party, the second largest party in the opposition coalition.

Park also agreed to cooperate with the criminal probe looking into possible fraud and embezzlement involving the president's long-time friend Choi Soon-sil.

South Korea President Park Geun-hye may have been found guilty in the court of public opinion for her alleged involvement in an influence peddling scandal, but the legal case against her is progressing slowly.

Park this week appointed attorney Yoo Yeong-ha, who immediately sought to delay prosecution plans to question her this week, saying he needed time to prepare, and suggested that the president might insist that the questions be submitted and replied to in writing, rather than meet face to face with investigators.

"A probe into the president should be carried out in a way that minimizes the burden of her duties, which I believe is in the spirit of the constitution," he said.

Second investigation

On Thursday the National Assembly passed a measure appointing an independent special counsel to conduct a separate probe alongside the investigation currently being conducted by prosecutors in the Ministry of Justice.

Opposition leaders have voiced concerns that the Ministry of Justice working under the executive branch has too many ties to the president to conduct a credible investigation on its own.

"President Park is a person with authority over personnel. There is a limit to the investigation of the prosecution. As a result, in order to investigate President Park, a special probe must be conducted," said Kim Jun-seok, a political science professor with Dongguk University in Seoul.

Delay tactics

The South Korean president seems intent on completing her single, five-year term of office that ends next year, despite weeks of massive public protests, increasing calls in the National Assembly for her to resign or be impeached, and with her approval rating hovering between 5 and 10 percent.

The opposition parties that hold a majority in the National Assembly say Park's delay tactics are only delaying the inevitable.

"The pro-Park lawmakers of the Saenuri Party are opposing the public outcry for resignation, buying time to work their way out of the current difficulties," said Park Jie-won, floor leader of the People Party, the second largest party in the opposition coalition.

Park also agreed to cooperate with the criminal probe looking into possible fraud and embezzlement involving the president's long-time friend Choi Soon-sil.

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Obama calls on Trump to stand up to Russia

Iran Press TV

Thu Nov 17, 2016 6:30PM

US President Barack Obama has called on his successor Donald Trump to stand up to Russia, underscoring a major concern that overshadowed his meeting with German Chancellor Angela Merkel.

Following their meeting in Berlin on Thursday, Obama and Merkel held a press briefing to address the future of relations between the US and Europe under the pending presidency of Trump.

Referring to Trump's many indications at "normalizing" ties with Russia, Obama said he hoped that the New York businessman would protect American values and avoid taking a "realpolitik" approach in his dealings with Moscow.

"I've sought a constructive relationship with Russia but what I have also been is realistic in recognizing there is some significant differences in how Russia views the world and how we view the world," the outgoing president said.

"And my hope is the president-elect coming in takes a similarly constructive approach: Finding areas where we can cooperate with Russia, where our values and interests align" and at the same time be "willing to stand up to Russia where they are deviating from our values and international norms," Obama added.

During his time in the White House, Obama tried to unite Europe against what he referred to as the "Russian aggression," using NATO and economic means to put pressure on Moscow.

Trump's willingness to cooperate with Russia and review Washington's ties with NATO, however, has stirred concerns among America's European allies, who have been at loggerheads with Moscow over various issues such as Western sanctions against Russia, the Ukraine conflict and Russia's involvement in Syria.

"I don't expect that the president-elect will follow exactly our approach, but my hope is he does not simply take a realpolitik approach and suggest that, you know, if we just cut some deals with Russia, even if it hurts people or even if it violates international norms or even if it leaves smaller countries vulnerable, or creates long-term problems in regions like Syria, that we just do whatever's convenient at the time," Obama said at the press conference.

He also hailed Merkel as an "outstanding" international partner who understands "that part of good leadership on behalf of the nation requires engaging the world as a whole."

Prior to their meeting, Obama and Merkel issued a joint op-ed in the German daily Wirtschaftswoche, maintaining that Germany and the US would retain their close relations and remain committed to the NATO military alliance under Trump.

Obama's trip to Germany was part of his last official overseas trip. Prior to visiting Germany, Obama flew into the Greek capital of Athens on Tuesday to hold talks with President Prokopis Pavlopoulos and Prime Minister Alexis Tsipras.

He will conclude his tour with a stop in the South American nation of Peru for a summit of the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation forum (APEC).

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Strikes kill 30 terrorists in Syria's Idlib: Russia

Iran Press TV

Thu Nov 17, 2016 1:54PM

Russia says its anti-terror airstrikes this week in Syria's northwestern province of Idlib have killed at least 30 Takfiri terrorists, among them three prominent militant commanders.

In a statement released on Thursday, Russian Defense Ministry spokesman, Major General Igor Konashenkov, said that those slain were members of the Jabhat Fateh al-Sham terrorist group, formerly known as al-Nusra Front.

"According to information from different intelligence sources, at least 30 terrorists were killed," he said, adding that the strikes were conducted by Sukhoi Su-33 combat jets, which took off from the Admiral Kuznetsov flagship aircraft carrier.

Admiral Kuznetsov was deployed from the Arctic to the eastern Mediterranean last month, joining around 10 other Russian vessels already off the Syrian coast. The aircraft carrier took part in combat operations in Syria for the first time earlier this week.

Konashenkov said Muhammad Helala, Abu Jaber Harmuja and Abul Baha al-Asfari were three "well-known" militant commanders killed in the Russian strikes,

He added that Harmuja was "preparing and carrying out a new offensive in Aleppo."

On Tuesday, Russia announced new air raids against foreign-backed terrorists in the Syrian provinces of Idlib and Homs.

Since March 2011, Syria has been hit by deadly militancy it blames on some Western states and their regional allies.

Russia has been conducting an aerial campaign against Daesh and other terrorist groups in the Middle Eastern country at the Damascus government's request since last September.

Separately on Thursday, at least 25 people lost their lives and 20 others were injured in a car bomb attack on an arms depot belonging to the Nureddin al-Zenki terror group in A'zaz on the northern outskirts of Aleppo, al-Masdar News website reported.

Some sources said that the assault was carried out by the Jabhat al-Shamiya terrorist group that has recently engaged in clashes with Nureddin al-Zenki.

However, AFP quoted an unidentified member of the Takfiri group as saying that the bombing "bore the hallmarks" of the Daesh terrorist group.

A'zaz is located near the Turkish border and is controlled by different militant groups, which frequently engage in fierce infighting.

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Taiwan to upgrade four F-16s next year

ROC Central News Agency

2016/11/17 19:14:40

Taipei, Nov. 17 (CNA) Taiwan will begin the domestic upgrade of its F-16 fighter jets early next year, with four jets expected to be upgraded in 2017, the Air Force said on Thursday.

The NT$110 billion (US$3.46 billion) program to upgrade the nation's 144 F-16 A/B jets is the largest and most important upgrade ever undertaken by the Air Force.

Two ROC F-16 fighter jets are currently being upgraded at manufacturer Lockheed Martin in the United States and have been fitted with active electronically scanned array (AESA) radar.

As a result, the first domestic upgrade of an F-16s could begin by Taiwan's Aerospace Industrial Development Corp. (AIDC) early next year.

Air Force Command Chief of Staff Fan Ta-wei () said at a meeting of the Foreign and National Defense Committee that the upgrade of the ROC's F-16s to F-16V specifications should be completed by 2023.

(By Claudia Liu and Lilian Wu)

Enditem/AW

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MND non-committal over troop deployments on Taiping Island

ROC Central News Agency

2016/11/17 17:40:39

Taipei, Nov. 17 (CNA) The Ministry of National Defense (MND) was non-committal on Thursday in the face of demands from lawmakers to send troops to Taiwan-controlled Taiping Island, the largest of the disputed Spratly Islands in the South China Sea.

Legislators including opposition Kuomintang Legislator Lu Yu-ling () proposed during a MND budget review session that the government should send marine corps troops to the island in the wake of an international court ruling earlier this year that refused to recognize Republic of China (Taiwan) sovereignty and downgraded the island to a rock.

However, the MND declined to support the proposal saying that the Coast Guard Administration is currently responsible for patrolling the island, though the military could do more to improve supply capabilities.

The MND stressed that decisions on troops deployment are a matter of national-level policy making at the highest level of government.

In July, the Permanent Court of Arbitration in The Hague declared the "nine-dash line" that underpins Beijing's claims in the South China Sea to be invalid -- dealing a blow to Taiwan's similar claim to territory within an "11-dash line."

The court also declared all high-tide features in the Spratly Islands, including Taiwan-controlled Taiping Island, to be "rocks" and not islands, a difference in terminology that denies them the right to a 200-nautical-mile exclusive economic zone.

Taiwan has rejected the ruling and said it is not legally binding on the Republic of China.

It reiterated its sovereignty over the South China Sea islands and their surrounding waters.

(By Claudia Liu and Lee Hsin-Yin)

ENDITEM/AW

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Turkey set to scrap PM position in new system: Minister

Iran Press TV

Thu Nov 17, 2016 4:9PM

Turkey would no longer have a prime minister under constitutional reforms the Ankara government is seeking to usher in under a presidential system, a senior official says.

Forestry and Water Affairs Minister Veysel Eroglu told state-run news agency, Anadolu, in the capital Ankara on Thursday that one or more vice presidents would assist the president under the proposed system.

"There won't be prime ministry in the new system," Eroglu said, adding, "In general there is a president and next to him probably a vice president like in the United States. We might have more than one vice president."

The remarks come as senior Turkish government officials have already said that they want to submit proposals to parliament for constitutional changes that will bolster the powers of President Recep Tayyip Erdogan. They have stressed that the changes are needed to "eliminate confusion from the system."

The ruling Justice and Development Party (AKP), which currently has 317 seats in parliament, needs a majority of 330 out of the 550 seats to call a referendum.

Chances of such a majority increased last month, when Devlet Bahceli, the leader of the Nationalist Movement Party, also known as the MHP, whose party has 40 seats, gave his strongest signal yet that he could back such a referendum.

The support by the MHP, the fourth party in parliament by seats, would be enough to allow the referendum to go ahead even if it is opposed by the secular Republican People's Party (CHP) and the pro-Kurdish Peoples' Democratic Party (HDP).

Elsewhere in his remarks, Eroglu predicted that the proposed package, which is believed to give Erdogan sweeping powers, would be put to a referendum next spring with the support of lawmakers from the MHP.

Erdogan, who was elected in August 2014 after over 11 years of serving as prime minister, was confident before the election that he could transform Turkey into a presidential republic.

The AKP officials say the constitutional changes are needed to legalize the president becoming the country's number one executive figure.

Critics say giving sweeping powers to the president could push the country into an autocracy under Erdogan.

The Turkish government has sought a presidential system more seriously since July 15, when the country crushed a coup attempt, consolidating Erdogan's power.

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Turkish Leader Vows to Bring US-Based Opposition Cleric to Justice

Ayaz Gul November 17, 2016

Turkey's president, Recep Tayyip Erdogan, has vowed to bring to justice and punish a U.S.-based opposition Muslim cleric he accused of plotting the failed July 15 coup attempt in his country.

Erdogan spoke Thursday in Pakistan after wide-ranging official talks with Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif. He later addressed a special joint session of the Pakistani parliament.

"It is now certain that behind this (July 15) coup attempt we have the Gulenist Terrorist Organization and its leader residing in the U.S. state of Pennsylvania," Erdogan said referring to Fethullah Gulen and his anti-government "Hizmet" movement.

Gulen, a former Erdogan ally in self-imposed exile in Pennsylvania since 1999, has repeatedly denied involvement in the coup attempt.

The cleric preaches Sunni Islam with a message of interfaith dialogue. He runs nearly 2,000 educational institutions in countries around the world.

Turkey has requested Gulen's extradition. U.S. President Barak Obama has stated the cleric would only be extradited through a justified request and as a result of "a legal process."

A nationwide crackdown of Gulen's followers has been underway in Turkey since July and Erdogan has urged countries, including Pakistan, to close establishments linked to the cleric on their territories.

The crackdown has led to the removal of more than 100,000 people from their jobs, including academics and journalists 35,000 others, including military officers and opposition politicians, have been arrested for suspected ties to Gulen.

Erdogan defended the actions Thursday, saying Gulen's followers have been active in Turkey for more than 40 years and have infiltrated the Turkish armed forces, the police, the judiciary and all ministries. He added that around 250 people were killed on the night of the failed coup.

Erdogan reiterated his call for dismantling what he called the FETO terrorist organization.

"We are in the process of taking necessary steps so this evil network and the band of murderers actually face justice and take the necessary punishments," he said.

In a speech to Pakistani lawmakers, the Turkish president said Gulen is trying to destabilize not only Turkey through acts of terrorism, but "seeking to rule the world" from his U.S. base, using what are classified as educational institutions in many countries.

"This structure has been hiding behind the facade of acceptable concepts and terms of such as delivering service, education and dialogue for many years. But we saw on July 15 they would not refrain from any method, including bloodshed so that they can achieve their purposes."

The president praised Pakistan for ordering hundreds of Turkish citizens with suspected links to Gulen to leave the country by Sunday. They include teachers, their families, and management at the chain of PakTurk International Schools and Colleges.

The educational network has been operating in Pakistan since 1995 and educates thousands of students in its schools in major Pakistani cities. It denies links to Gulen's movement.

Erdogan says Turkey and Pakistan will jointly take care of the students studying at the educational network.

Traditionally close relations between Turkey and Pakistan have warmed further under the leadership of Erdogan and Pakistani Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif.

But the Sharif government is under fire at home for expelling the Turkish staff of the educational network. There are fears staff members will all be arrested when they return to their country.

Critics also say the politically motivated move meant to "please only one person (Erdogan)" has threatened the future of thousands of Pakistani students.

Rights organization Amnesty International reacted to Pakistan's decision of expelling Turkish education's at Erdogan's request. "With 24 million Pakistani children out of school, Pakistan's decision to expel teachers from the Pak-Turk International Schools and Colleges will only hurt Pakistan's children. What the country needs is more classrooms and more teachers, not a politically-motivated decision to purge educators at the behest of the Turkish government," it said.

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Is Turkey's Military Becoming Overstretched?

Dorian Jones November 17, 2016

The Turkish army is engaged in a two-front war, fighting both in Turkey and Syria against PKK Kurdish rebels. With a third front possibly looming, questions are being raised about how sustainable such operations are, given the military is still reeling from massive purges within its ranks following July's failed coup in Turkey.

Since the collapse of last year's cease-fire with the PKK, the military has launched unparalleled numbers of counterinsurgency operations across Turkey's predominantly Kurdish southeast. The operations have turned many towns and cities into rubble in vicious street warfare with the rebels. Further demands on the army came with an ongoing military incursion into Syria, targeting both Islamic State, and Syrian Kurdish forces of the YPG that Ankara accuses of being the affiliate of the PKK. Turkey considers the PKK a terrorist organization.

Now Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan has dispatched soldiers and armor to the Iraqi border to deter what he says are threats to Iraq's Sunni minority. The prospect of an unprecedented third front is a front too many. "No army including the American army can deal with so many conflicts or fronts at the same time," warns Retired Brigadier Haldun Solmazturk, head of the Ankara-based research group 21st Century Institute.

"There will be two outcomes - one, the slowing of the operational tempo and the other is the increase in the causality rates. And in Syria, both are happening and I don't see any reason that an intervention in Iraq would end up any different. And the situation is less than favorable for the army because army has been suffering from various blows, I mean purges, for the last 10 to 15 years." Solmazturk has firsthand experience fighting the PKK throughout much of the 1990s and involved in cross-border operations into Iraq.

The Turkish military has admitted its operations in Syria have slowed, but blames a recent ban by Damascus on Turkish airstrikes on its territory, a ban that Ankara says has at least in part, now been lifted.

Since July's failed coup, the military has been hit by a succession of major purges within its ranks. Nearly half its senior commanders have been arrested or dismissed, while its army special forces and air force have been hit especially hard. Over 300 of its 600 combat pilots have been arrested or dismissed.

Specter of growing demands

Demands on the beleaguered military could increase further. Current Syrian operations have been confined to non-Kurdish regions of Syria. That could change, "If there would be a terror attack from the Syrian Kurdish region, on Turkey. Then that would be a justified reason to intervene," warns Muhammad Akar, head of the ruling AK Party in Diyarbakir, the main city in the predominantly Kurdish southeast of Turkey. "In that case, everyone in Turkey would consider this intervention as a legitimate act of self-defense, but, as yet, there is no such planning of Turkey at the moment."

Ankara has made little secret of the fact that it views the Syrian Kurdish region on its border as a threat to its national security. It accuses the ruling PYD as being linked to the PKK.

For now, analysts say the army appears to be coping with the growing demands; but, with the ongoing operations showing little signs of ending, rotation could prove an increasing problem, "As the Turkish army is deploying troops, armor from the central region, Ankara, it means that they don't have much left behind," observes General Solmazturk. "So the replacement would be a problem, and very difficult to solve and eventually this would have a detrimental effect on the operational tempo."

The Turkish army is set to face a new demand. Interior Minister Suleyman Soylu has warned that there will be no let up in anti-PKK operations during winter, traditionally a quiet time due to severe weather conditions. There have been no reports of dissent within the military or at the growing numbers of funerals. Media coverage remains strictly controlled.

Maintaining morale could be the next challenge facing the country's commanders and political leaders, in the face of the ongoing purges both within the army and wider society. General Solmazturk, warns of an approaching perfect storm.

"The recent government decisions to close military schools, to close army academies, to close army hospitals, and the general political situation in the country. Army people are individuals; they are in uniform, but they are Turkish citizens, they are human beings. They are happening as I am, with the media situation in turkey, with the suppression of rights, with the suppression of freedoms, coming together are having a detrimental effect on morale and operational capability of the Turkish army."

Ankara dismisses such warnings, pointing to recent opinion polls showing strong support for the military crackdown on the PKK both in Turkey and Syria. Those polls, analysts say, will likely color deliberations by President Erdogan and his government with a referendum expected early next year to extend his presidential powers.

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Defence Secretary announces UK-French missile cooperation

17 November 2016

Defence Secretary Sir Michael Fallon has announced Franco-British Centres of Excellence for missile technology in Stevenage and Bolton.

Sir Michael made the announcement, which further deepens the UK-France defence relationship, at the Franco-British Council meeting today in Paris.

The revolutionary Cross-Channel Centres of Excellence Strategy will allow Franco-British defence company MBDA to develop cutting-edge technology in the UK and France while increasing efficiency.

The creation of specialised Centres of Excellence for missile technology will support 400 skilled jobs at MBDA's UK sites in Stevenage and Bolton.

Defence Secretary Sir Michael Fallon said:

"To keep Britain strong, it's vital we develop mutual security through innovation and co-operation. By securing a rising defence budget, working with allies and investing in Centres of Excellence, we can keep Britain at the cutting-edge of technology."

"This Franco-British defence co-operation ensures high-skilled jobs through innovation and will help keep Britain safer and more secure."

Building on recent Franco-British commitments to work more closely, the strategy seeks to extend the boundaries of traditional interstate co-operation, to the advantage of both countries, including by increasing UK and French military capability and promoting competitiveness in exports.

Minister for Defence Procurement Harriett Baldwin added:

"The UK and France are the biggest European investors in equipment, and defence projects such as these Centres of Excellence will ensure we work effectively and innovatively with industry to secure the very best deal for the tax payer."

"The UK is investing 178 billion so that our Armed Forces have the equipment they need to keep Britain safe."

During his visit the Defence Secretary also praised the UK and France's deep and enduring partnership on operations against Daesh. The British and French militaries work closely together on a daily basis. RAF Voyager tankers often refuel French Rafales, as well as RAF jets. The RAF and French air force also team up to jointly strike more difficult targets, most recently in western Iraq, where RAF Tornados carrying Stormshadow missiles, and French aircraft successfully destroyed a large group of Saddam Hussein era bunkers used by Daesh for weapons manufacture. And only last week, near Mosul, an RAF Reaper crew was able to guide French Rafale jets onto a Daesh mortar team, striking the terrorists and eliminating the threat they were posing to Iraqi troops.

In a further boost to innovation the visit comes shortly after the launch of the next phase of a 117 million joint Franco-British Maritime Mine Counter Measures (MMCM) programme.

The MMCM programme will develop cutting edge maritime mine warfare capability, which will keep the UK and France at the forefront of autonomous systems technology. The development and deployment of unmanned mine clearance vehicle will help keep our personnel safe in challenging maritime environments.

The announcement on Centres of Excellence came at the annual meeting of the Franco-British Council, an organisation set up in the 1970s to foster closer UK-French ties. 2016's conference underlined the continuing strength and progress of the Lancaster House agreement, which is a fundament part of Britain and France's defence relationship.

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At governing body, UN atomic agency chief highlights agency's priorities for 2017

17 November 2016  Nuclear safety and security, health and nutrition, and food and agriculture will be the main technical programmes for the United Nations atomic agency next year, its head told the agency's governing body.

Yukiya Amano, the Director General of the International Atomic Energy Agency's (IAEA) also briefed the Board on the agency's verification and monitoring activities in Iran as well as on the Democratic People's Republic of Korea and Syria.

"Together, these [three areas] account for 71 per cent of the core programme budget for 2017," Mr. Amano said at the agency's Board of Governors Meeting being held in Austria's capital, Vienna.

He further reported on the agency's assistance to countries in responding to the Zika virus, its broader activities as well as on management issues.

"Our research into ways of further developing the sterile insect technique against the Aedes mosquitoes, which transmit Zika, has been intensified," he said, noting IAEA's work with countries in the Western Hemisphere.

IAEA had successfully used the sterile insect technique to help the Dominican Republic respond to the Mediterranean fruit fly infestation in 2015.

Mr. Amano also updated the Board on the modernisation of IAEA nuclear applications laboratories, near Vienna and on the construction of a new insect pest control laboratory and a flexible modular laboratory.

He also briefed them on the agency's participation at the 22nd Conference of the Parties to the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) (popularly known as COP 22,) in Marrakech and explained that nuclear power produces a steady baseload of electricity while emitting very low levels of greenhouse gases.

Nuclear power has already made a significant contribution to avoiding carbon dioxide emissions, he noted.

"Nuclear power and renewable energy sources complement each other," he added, noting that there are some 450 nuclear power reactors in operation in 30 countries today and 60 reactors are under construction.

He next informed the Board of IAEA programmes on nuclear security as well as in the health and medical sector, including assisting Peru in using nuclear technology to improve the quality of life of patients with severe burns or lesions.

Verification and Monitoring in Iran

Mr. Amano said the IAEA continued to verify and monitor Iran's implementation of its nuclear-related commitments under the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA).

"For the second time since implementation of the JCPOA began, Iran's inventory of heavy water exceeded 130 metric tonnes," he said, adding:

"Iran has since made preparations to transfer a quantity of heavy water out of the country, under the verification and monitoring of the Agency. Once it has been transferred, Iran's stock of heavy water will be below 130 metric tonnes. It is important that such situations should be avoided in future in order to maintain international confidence in the implementation of the JCPOA, which represents a clear gain for nuclear verification in Iran."

Concern on the nuclear programme of DPR Korea

Reiterating serious concern about the nuclear programme of the Democratic People's Republic of Korea (DPRK), which has conducted two more nuclear tests this year, the head of IAEA called upon the country to fully comply with its obligations under relevant UN Security Council resolutions and to resolve all outstanding issues, including those that have arisen during the absence of agency inspectors from the country since 2009.

"The Agency maintains its readiness to play an essential role in verifying the DPRK's nuclear programme," he noted.

Safeguards implementation in Syria

Speaking on the implementation of the Safeguards Agreement in Syria, Mr. Amano said that according to IAEA's assessment, "it was very likely" that the building destroyed at the Dair Alzour site in 2007 was a nuclear reactor that should have been declared to the agency by Syria under the Agreement.

"The Agency is still unable to provide any assessment concerning the nature or operational status of three other locations," he said, urging the country "to cooperate fully with IAEA in connection with all unresolved issues."

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The brilliant blue sky was the perfect backdrop as Air Evac landed on the grounds of the West County School District Thursday. The three-person flight team, along with numerous first responders from the area, made West County Middle Schools first-ever health fair an extremely successful event.

More than 20 different healthcare providers arrived early Thursday morning to greet students and staff with a wealth of healthcare-related information. Middle school students began the day by rotating to three different locations for the event.

Several healthcare professionals represented varied health agencies and businesses in the schools gymnasium. Students were able to participate in hands-on activities and ask questions about health-related fields. Hearing, vision and dental screenings took place in the schools library. The third area was the parking lot located between the middle and high schools where first responders -- including two ambulances, a helicopter, two fire departments and a 911 communications team -- met with students. Sixth, seventh and eighth graders were able to gather information and get answers to their questions about the health care field.

The healthcare providers were treated to a special Thanksgiving lunch provided by middle school cooks Dee Gidden, Julie Hall and Melissa Gidden. After returning to their three locations, the professionals then spent time with the high school students as they rotated through the three areas.

Our first health fair was a huge success, said Cindy Simpson, middle school counselor. Were already making plans for next years event. We hope to make it bigger and better.

Simpson and Micke Brenneke, middle/high school nurse, and other staff members planned the health fair. Next years event has already been scheduled for Oct. 13.

WCMS Principal Kevin Coffman added that the event was a great event for the two groups of students to learn about the different jobs available in the healthcare field. We appreciate all of these organizations who sent representatives to speak to our students. It was a great learning opportunity for our kids.

At the end of the two schools rotations, students released blue and white balloons provided by Preferred Hospice to honor Childrens Grief Awareness Day.

The district is grateful for the providers who took time out of their busy schedules to make the health fair a great event for West Countys secondary students: Upward Smiles, Complete Vision Care, Preferred Hospice, Carters Clubhouse, Washington County Memorial Hospital, Reiter Chiropractic, Mineral Area College, Darla Queen The Hearing Aid Lady, Farmington Fire Department, Leadwood Fire Department, West County Parents As Teachers, St. Francois County Health Center, Southeast Missouri Behavioral Health Center, Prevention Consultants of Missouri, Missouri State Highway Patrol, St. Francois County 911, Air Evac, St. Louis Childrens Hospital and St. Francois County Ambulance District.
After pleading guilty before a judge in August, a former law enforcement officer charged with stealing $40,000 from a woman in September 2014 was scheduled to be sentenced for the crime on Thursday.

The day before, however, defendant Eric Smiths attorney filed a motion to withdraw his clients guilty plea.

Appearing with his lawyer Jason Tilley, Smith stood before Circuit Judge Wendy Wexler Horn on Thursday in the Madison County Circuit Courtroom to hear her ruling on the motion.

After consideration of the defenses motion and guided by the principles of the Missouri Supreme Court, Judge Horn said she was obligated to grant the motion and must allow him to withdraw his guilty plea.

The original charge of stealing (a class B felony), however, still stands; Horn therefore ordered that the case be remanded back to the associate court division for further proceedings.

A former police officer for the City of Leadwood, Smith was working as a deputy for the Madison County Sheriffs Department when he was arrested for allegedly stealing $40,000 from a woman in September of 2014.

According to court records, Madison County Sheriff Bobby Spain requested the Missouri State Highway Patrol conduct an investigation into an allegation by a woman who said Smith stole about $40,000 in cash from her home. Spain said the incident took place while Smith was off duty and in plain clothes.

During the ensuing investigation, $26,875 in cash was found in Smith's residence. He later admitted to investigators that he stole the money from the woman on Sept. 28, 2014 while at her home in rural Madison County. He said he went to her residence as a follow-up to a call from the previous night.

Smith told authorities that while the woman was outside in her yard, he went inside and took the money from the safe in her bedroom. Smith said he knew the safe was there because the night before he had carried it into her home for her. The safe had been open so he knew there was money inside.

Because Smith was a Madison County deputy when he was arrested by highway patrol investigators in October 2014, he was booked into the Wayne County Jail. He was 31-years-old at the time of his arrest.

After accepting his guilty plea in August, Judge Horn ordered a pre-sentence investigation be completed by the Missouri Department of Corrections with a Sentencing Assessment Report submitted to the court prior to formal sentencing.

Smith remains free on bond but faces up to 15 years in prison.

This wasnt the first time Smith faced felony stealing charges while acting as a commissioned law enforcement officer. While he was working as a police officer for Leadwood he was charged in Perry County with stealing and stealing by deceit, both class C felonies.

In that case he was accused of taking money from more than 30 customers for taxidermy work between September of 2011 and December of 2012 and not doing the work or returning the customers property. His taxidermy business was located in a garage next door to his home on Route O in Perry County.

A one-day trial was held in Cape Girardeau in August of 2013 on a change of venue. The judge found him not guilty of the charges.
To the editor:

I did not vote. Before you get upset with me remember that Hillary Clinton won in the state of Virginia and received Virginias electoral votes. My decision not to vote did not help elect Donald Trump.

As a matter of fact, Clinton won the popular vote  more Americans actually voted for her than voted for President-elect Donald Trump, but he won the Electoral College vote and that is the vote that elects the president in America.

There were obviously a few more people in this country with whom I make common cause  I refused to vote for the Democratic platform, which is in opposition to fundamental Christian values and Donald Trump was a non-starter for me.

There were many others who have similar views and who deserted the Democratic Party  populations they expect to have in their pocket needing only to slip a sample ballot in the church program with the party candidates names checked.

That was my experience in church on Sunday. Evangelical Christians played a pivotal role in Trumps victory and many were African-Americans. The Hispanic community delivered more that was expected for him because as a predominately Catholic population they could not ignore the doctrines of their church to support the Democratic Party.

Of course that was not the major factor in his victory; both he and Sen. Bernie Sanders touched the hearts and minds of America.

I hope that we can move forward in the spirit of reconciliation. I pray that the Democrats in Congress refuse to seek revenge though they will have little power with both House and Senate controlled by the Republicans. They can probably still be obstructionist, remembering the way that the Republican Party leaders vowed and carried through on the threat to block anything that President Barack Obama attempted to do. Lets take higher ground.

CAROLYN TANNER

Danville
Updated at 12:17 p.m.

HIGH POINT, N.C.  A company that operates customer service call centers for major corporations will add 800 jobs at its High Point center before the end of the year.

California-based Alorica announced Thursday that it has already added 345 new workers to the 1,100 who work at its offices on 4336 Federal Drive.

We want folks who take care of people's problems like they're their neighbor, said corporate spokesman Ken Muche at a gathering of business and elected officials in High Points government center.

Muche declined to name the company's clients but said one is based in North Carolina.

Aloricas primary clients are in the retail, health care and telecommunications businesses.

The company is now accepting applications only in person at its location at 4336 Federal Drive in Piedmont Center.

HIGH POINT  Alorica will bring 800 jobs to Guilford County, officials announced today.

The announcement was made at the High Point Municipal Building, by the Guilford County Economic Development Alliance.

Alorica will create a customer engagement center in Guilford County. Loren Hill, president of the High Point Economic Development Corp., said Wednesday that 800 jobs coming to the region at once is one of the largest job announcements ever.

Alorica's website states it specializes in customer care, back office support and has a receivables management division, which is a fully-licensed collections agency. The company is based in California.

At the media briefing today, Alorica officials said they wanted to hire people with people skills.

This story will be updated.
GREENSBORO, N.C.  The company that operates the O.Henry and Proximity hotels, Lucky 32 in Greensboro and three other restaurants now is owned by the employees who make the beds, clean the rooms, cook the meals and serve the food.

Chief Executive Officer Dennis Quaintance told a room full of his energized colleagues Thursday morning that he and his partners in Quaintance-Weaver Restaurants and Hotels had passed the baton of ownership to an employee stock ownership plan that is, essentially, a retirement fund for the people who work there.

"I cannot imagine a situation where our interests could be more aligned," he told the standing-room-only gathering of staff members in the Proximity's Weaver Room. "I'm emotional because this is one hell of a situation. It's just amazing that we have this opportunity together."

Quaintaince, 59, began this hotel-and-restaurant operation 28 years ago with Greensboro businessman Mike Weaver by opening the popular Lucky 32 restaurant on Westover Terrace. His wife, Nancy King Quaintance, joined the team several years later.

They added the two hotels and several restaurants over the years, and the Quaintances said Thursday that they will continue to lead the management team under the new business structure.

"In fact," Dennis Quaintance said, "I'll probably die in the saddle."

Quaintance said the only way he would leave the helm would be if he stopped skipping to work most days out of enthusiasm for his job or if someone were to submit objective feedback that Im not the optimal person to play this role.

An employee stock ownership plan gives a company's employees a tangible stake in the company, building retirement benefits that they can convert to cash in later years. All employees, including management, are part of the plan and they reap its benefits in retirement units each year.

Those units each are revalued on the companys annual profits and divvied up among employees based on their salaries. Highly compensated managers have caps on how many retirement units they can receive in any one year.

Such so-called ESOPs employ about 10 percent of the nation's workforce in companies such as the Publix supermarket chain and Kohls department stores.

Across the United States, about 7,000 companies operate in an ESOP format. Their advantages include increased employee productivity, much less turnover and several types of tax advantages for both the 600-plus staff members at Quaintance-Weaver and the company itself.

ESOP expert Keith Butcher explained some of the plans many complexities to his audience, but he said he would be satisfied if the staff members left with the general gist that this is a pretty good thing and a great opportunity.

It simply allows the company to be owned by a trust to the benefit of all the employees, said Butcher, whose company based in St. Louis helped Quaintance-Weaver with the ESOP conversion. Its not a get-rich-quick-tomorrow plan.

Quaintance told his new partners that he and the rest of the company's leadership team pursued the ESOP to ensure the the organization Quaintance-Weaver employees have built would remain intact with the same goals and values.

Quaintance-Weaver employees are eligible to participate in the new plan if they are older than 18 and work for the company more than 1,000 hours yearly. Their benefits are vested after three years on the job.

The new ESOP plan includes workers of all types at the two hotels, the Green Valley Grill at the O.Henry, Print Works Bistro at the Proximity and the Lucky 32 Southern Kitchens in Greensboro and Cary.

"You don't put any money into it," Quaintance said. "You gain participation just by working here."

His audience was upbeat and seemed to appreciate the plans potential to, quite literally, enrich their lives in years to come. People who leave before retirement still retain their retirement account, which begins converting to cash payments five years after they depart.

Green Valley Grill server Morgan Gneiser said that before Thursdays meeting, staff members only knew the meetings focus would be on a new companywide benefit. Speculation was rampant and focused mainly on the possibility it was a 401-K retirement plan, Gneiser said.

The ESOP plan seems likely to increase her loyalty to the company, where she has worked six years, said Gneiser, a Greensboro resident who is pregnant with her first child.

I dont know about through to retirement  thats a long way away  but definitely for quite a few more years, she said. Its just a great thing.

The companys main assets are its staff members, their skills and hard work and their institutional knowledge. As had been the case before the ESOP conversion, the hotel and restaurant buildings will continue to be owned by a real-estate partnership involving the Quaintances, Weaver and several others .

In an interview earlier Thursday, Quaintance noted that he was making the ESOP announcement nine years almost to the day since opening the elegant Proximity along Green Valley Road, which he built with so many environmentally-friendly features that it became the nations first hotel and restaurant to receive highest honors from the U.S. Green Building Council.

And Nancy Quaintance added that it had been nine years before that when they opened the nearby O.Henry, a modernized re-creation of its North Elm Street namesake  an architectural gem that had fallen into disrepair before its demolition in the late 1970s.

Every nine years, we do something really cool, Nancy Quaintance said of the companys newest twist.

We have a really long gestation period, her husband said.
Sydney, Nov. 17, 2016 - Heron Resources Ltd. (ASX:HRR TSX:HER, Heron or the Company) is pleased to announce that further to its press release of 11 November 2016, in which it announced Toronto Stock Exchange due bill trading and settlement rules, it is no longer necessary to continue to hold shares of Heron in certificate form as a direct registered holding until after the payment date of the Spin Off. Although the step of converting to a directed registered holding must be satisfied on or before 18 November 2016, which is the expiry of the due bill trading period, at any time thereafter, the shares of Heron may be re-deposited to electronic custody and Ineligible Shareholders shall continue to be entitled to receive the pro-rata entitlement of Ardea Shares subject to fulfilling other conditions.The Ardea Shares are eligible for trading on the Australian Stock Exchange only, but are eligible for and may be deposited in Canada to The Canadian Depositary for Securities Limited (CDS) by any CDS participant.Further announcements will be made on the status of the Spin Off, including the details of cash proceeds and the payment thereof, as well as the payment date of the Spin Off of Ardea Shares to those Ineligible Shareholders who have met the conditions noted in this press release.Please contact Ms Carolyn Muir on telephone +1 647-862-1157 (Toronto) or the Company Secretary, Mr Simon Smith on telephone +61 2 9119 8111 or email to heron@heronresources.com.au if you have any queries regarding the Spin Off.Herons primary focus is the development of its 100% owned, high grade Woodlawn Zinc-Copper Project located 250km southwest of Sydney, New South Wales, Australia. In addition, the Company holds a significant high quality, gold and base metal tenement holding in New South Wales and Western Australia.CAUTIONARY NOTE REGARDING FORWARD-LOOKING INFORMATIONThis news release contains forward-looking statements and forward-looking information within the meaning of applicable Australian and Canadian securities laws, which are based on expectations, estimates and projections as of the date of this news release. This forward-looking information includes, or may be based upon, without limitation, estimates, forecasts and statements as to managements expectations with respect to, among other things, the timing and ability to complete the Ardea spin-out, the timing and amount of funding required to execute the Companys exploration, development and business plans, capital and exploration expenditures, the effect on the Company of any changes to existing legislation or policy, government regulation of mining operations, the length of time required to obtain permits, certifications and approvals, the success of exploration, development and mining activities, the geology of the Companys properties, environmental risks, the availability of labour, the focus of the Company in the future, demand and market outlook for precious metals and the prices thereof, progress in development of mineral properties, the Companys ability to raise funding privately or on a public market in the future, the Companys future growth, results of operations, performance, and business prospects and opportunities. Wherever possible, words such as anticipate, believe, expect, intend, may and similar expressions have been used to identify such forward-looking information. Forward-looking information is based on the opinions and estimates of management at the date the information is given, and on information available to management at such time. Forward-looking information involves significant risks, uncertainties, assumptions and other factors that could cause actual results, performance or achievements to differ materially from the results discussed or implied in the forward-looking information. These factors, including, but not limited to, the ability to complete the Ardea spin-out on the basis of the proposed terms and timing or at all, the ability to complete the Woodlawn Zinc-Copper Project Feasibility Study on time or at all, and whether the feasibility study is positive and otherwise consistent with the business plans of the Company, fluctuations in currency markets, fluctuations in commodity prices, the ability of the Company to access sufficient capital on favourable terms or at all, changes in national and local government legislation, taxation, controls, regulations, political or economic developments in Canada, Australia or other countries in which the Company does business or may carry on business in the future, operational or technical difficulties in connection with exploration or development activities, employee relations, the speculative nature of mineral exploration and development, obtaining necessary licenses and permits, diminishing quantities and grades of mineral reserves, contests over title to properties, especially title to undeveloped properties, the inherent risks involved in the exploration and development of mineral properties, the uncertainties involved in interpreting drill results and other geological data, environmental hazards, industrial accidents, unusual or unexpected formations, pressures, cave-ins and flooding, limitations of insurance coverage and the possibility of project cost overruns or unanticipated costs and expenses, and should be considered carefully. Many of these uncertainties and contingencies can affect the Companys actual results and could cause actual results to differ materially from those expressed or implied in any forward-looking statements made by, or on behalf of, the Company. Prospective investors should not place undue reliance on any forward-looking information.

Although the forward-looking information contained in this news release is based upon what management believes, or believed at the time, to be reasonable assumptions, the Company cannot assure prospective purchasers that actual results will be consistent with such forward-looking information, as there may be other factors that cause results not to be as anticipated, estimated or intended, and neither the Company nor any other person assumes responsibility for the accuracy and completeness of any such forward-looking information. The Company does not undertake, and assumes no obligation, to update or revise any such forward-looking statements or forward-looking information contained herein to reflect new events or circumstances, except as may be required by law.



No stock exchange, regulation services provider, securities commission or other regulatory authority has approved or disapproved the information contained in this news release.







For further information, please visit www.heronresources.com.au or contact:



Australia:

Mr Wayne Taylor, Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer

Tel: +61 2 9119 8111 or +61 8 6500 9200

Email: heron@heronresources.com.au



Canada:

Tel: +1 647-862-1157 (Toronto)

cmuir@heronresources.com.au


VANCOUVER, BC--(Marketwired - November 18, 2016) -

Completion of Ground Penetrating Radar survey on Silicon Ridge Property

GPR survey is a step towards an optimized mine plan with more accurate waste definition

Changes to Corporate Secretary and IR support

Rogue Resources Inc. (TSX VENTURE: RRS) ("Rogue" or the "Company") is pleased to report the completion of a Ground Penetrating Radar survey ("GPR") on its 100% owned Silicon Ridge Project ("Project"), located approximately 42 kilometres ("km") north of Baie-Saint Paul, QuAbec. The survey was designed to test the thickness of the overburden cover over the proposed surface expression of the quarry. Results of the survey will be used to quantify the volume of overburden that will be removed and stockpiled and will form a portion of the project optimization process, currently underway.

"We are excited to see these GPR results as it launches us into optimizing the Silicon Ridge Project," said Sean Samson, President and CEO of Rogue. "Based on Rogue's understanding of the property, we expect there will be less waste to remove, potentially adding to the near surface quartzite and reducing our overall footprint. We were quite pleased with the results of the previously released PEA, but this should begin leading us to even better project economics. In parallel, we continue conversations with potential customers for our silica and continue to be well-received through that process."

Corporate Update

The Company also announces the appointment of Mr. Paul Davis as Corporate Secretary following the resignation of Ms. Diana Mark from the position. The Company's board of directors and management wish to thank Ms. Mark for her years of dedication and service for the Company. In addition, Rogue has retained DSA Corporate Services Inc. to provide administrative, corporate and regulatory affairs services to the Company effective November 1, 2016.

The Company also reports that the Investor Relations Agreement with Allyson Taylor Partners Inc. has been terminated.

About Rogue Resources Inc.

Rogue is a mining company focused on generating positive cash flow. Not tied to any metal, it looks at rock value and good grade deposits that can withstand all stages of the metal price cycle. The current focus is Quebec's Silicon Ridge Project. For more information visit www.rogueresources.ca.

Qualified Person

The Silicon Ridge exploration project is under the direct supervision of Paul Davis, P Geo., Vice-President of the Company and a Qualified Persons ("QP") as defined by National Instrument 43-101. Paul Davis has approved the scientific and technical content of this release.

On Behalf of Rogue Resources Inc.

Sean Samson

President & CEO, Director

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.

Cautionary Note Regarding Forward-Looking Statements: Certain disclosures in this release may constitute forward-looking statements. In making the forward-looking statements in this release, the Company has applied certain factors and assumptions that are based on the Company's current beliefs as well as assumptions made by and information currently available to the Company, and that actual results are consistent with management's expectations. These statements include, among others, statements with respect to development activities and their timing, resource estimates and potential mineralization, the PEA, the GPR survey results, the Company's ability to obtain efficiencies by optimizing the project, the quantity of overburden on the project, including estimates of capital costs, anticipated internal rates of return, mine production, processing recoveries, mine life, estimated payback periods and net present values, plans to decide if the project and resources to be quarried. Although the Company considers these assumptions to be reasonable based on information currently available to it, they may prove to be incorrect, and the forward-looking statements in this release are subject to numerous risks, uncertainties and other factors that may cause future results to differ materially from those expressed or implied in such forward-looking statements. Such risk factors include, among others, those matters identified in its continuous disclosure filings, including its most recently filed MD&A, changes in regulatory environments, environmental compliance, operating and capital cost escalation, ability to raise project financing and silica pricing. Additional factors include delays in obtaining or inability to obtain required regulatory approvals, permits or financing, risk of unexpected variation in mineral resources, grade or recovery rates, processing plant failure, equipment or processes to operate as anticipated, of accidents, labour disputes, the risk that estimated costs will be higher than anticipated, the risk that the proposed mine plan and recoveries will not be achieved, equipment breakdowns, bad weather timing and success of development activities, mineral resources are not as estimated, title matters, third party consents, operating hazards, product prices, political and economic factors, competitive factors and general economic conditions. Should any of such assumptions prove to be incorrect or such risks become actual events, than the value of the Company's securities may decline. Readers are cautioned not to place undue reliance on forward-looking statements. The Company does not intend, and expressly disclaims any intention or obligation to, update or revise any forward-looking statements whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise, except as required by law.
VANCOUVER, BRITISH COLUMBIA--(Marketwired - Nov. 18, 2016) -

NOT FOR DISTRIBUTION IN THE UNITED STATES OR FOR DISSEMINATION TO OR THROUGH US NEWSWIRE SERVICES

Blue Sky Uranium Corp. (TSX VENTURE:BSK)(FRANKFURT:MAL2)(OTCQB:BKUCF) ("Blue Sky" or the "Company") is pleased to announce that it has retained FronTier Consulting Ltd., part of the FronTier Merchant Capital Group ("FronTier"), to provide financial market consulting services to the Company, to assist with corporate finance programs. FronTier has been engaged for a term of one year at a fee of $84,000. In addition, Blue Sky has agreed to grant to FronTier stock options to purchase 300,000 Blue Sky common shares. These options are exercisable at a price of $0.25 per common share, expiring on November 17, 2018, subject to a four month hold period, and shall vest in accordance with the provisions of the Company's stock option plan and the policies of the TSX Venture Exchange. Except for the investor relations services agreement and stock options, FronTier does not have any interest, directly or indirectly, in the Company or its securities. FronTier's appointment as an investor relations consultant to Blue Sky is subject to regulatory acceptance and applicable filings with the TSX Venture Exchange.

ON BEHALF OF THE BOARD

Nikolaos Cacos, President, CEO and Director

Neither TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release.

This news release may contain forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements address future events and conditions and therefore involve inherent risks and uncertainties. Actual results may differ materially from those currently anticipated in such statements. Readers are encouraged to refer to the Company's public disclosure documents for a more detailed discussion of factors that may impact expected future results. The Company undertakes no obligation to publicly update or revise any forward-looking statements.

The securities being offered have not been, nor will they be registered under the United States Securities Act of 1933, as amended, or state securities laws and may not be offered or sold within the United States or to, or for the account or benefit of, U.S. persons absent U.S. federal and state registration or an applicable exemption from the U.S. registration requirements. This release does not constitute an offer for sale of securities in the United States.
In an audit report presented to the Mineral Area College Board of Trustees, the Park Hills-based community college received a clean bill of health from CPA Curt Boyer of Boyer & Associates, PC.

"With respect to the auditor's report, our opinions were all clean," Boyer said. "We didn't have any material weaknesses or significant deficiencies that we felt the need to report to you at this time, so that's always good. This particular year, ended June 30, 2016, the operating results were somewhat of a challenge from a cash standpoint, as you are all aware.

"Some reductions in enrollment may be best described in what happened with our federal aid. Our federal aid in 2016 was about $12.7 million, which in the year before, was about $15 million. So, all that made the task at hand challenging for the fiscal year 2016. Your cash flow for that year was down about $14,000, but on the accrual basis, we ended up the year with an increase in net assets of around a million dollars. So, from a financial standpoint, it was a successful year considering the challenges that you had before you."

In her 2017 spring semester enrollment report, Dean of Students Jean Merrill-Doss noted that there is a slight dip in student enrollment compared to last year.

"This is a little update from the original information that went out in your packet," she said. "Currently, as of this morning, we have 1,647 students enrolled and about 18,000 credit hours. That is down a little bit  about 100 students and about 600 credit hours from the same time last year  but as you know it's just kind of a yo-yo. Tomorrow we might be up and then we'll be down again. We're off to a good start and we'll have an extra week in the spring, in January, to enroll students  so that will be one week longer than last year."

Facilities Director Barry Wilfong reported that the construction project at the Fine Arts Theatre had been completed.

MAC President Dr. Steve Kurtz announced that school employees Richard Flotron III, assistant professor/Law Enforcement Academy director; and Dean of Students Merrill-Doss were honored by the Missouri Community College Association (MCCA) at its 52nd Annual Convention held Nov. 2 in Branson.

Flotron received MCCAs Administrative Professional Leadership Award. Kurtz said, He was chosen from thousands of peers across the state for his outstanding leadership, innovation and support of MAC.

Flotron has been a member of the Mineral Area College team since 2002.

He is not only responsible for MAC's Law Enforcement Academy, but teaches in the Criminal Justice program, is past president of Faculty Forum, is pursuing his doctorate in Higher Education Leadership and initiated a campus innovation committee to proactively shape MAC's future, Kurtz said.

To serve the community and improve communication between police organizations and citizens, Flotron began a free 8-week citizen police academy this summer.

He writes a blog for educators published on the Association for Career and Technical Education website, and he was selected to be one of nine, nationwide Fellows, representing Region III in the ACTE National Leadership Fellow program.

Merrill-Doss received MCCAs Senior Service Award. She began teaching fashion design and apparel merchandising at MAC in the summer of 1985. In 1998, she was part of the planning for the Tourism Education and Information Center on campus. As director of tourism, she developed youth programs, built a Missouri resource library and hosted several special events. She later served as dean of Community and Workforce Development and became dean of students in 2003. She is very active in the community serving on numerous local boards and councils.

MCCAs Senior Service Award is presented annually to a long-serving employee from each of Missouris community colleges/campuses, said Kurtz. Recipients are recommended for the award by their campus president/chancellor. To receive this award, the employee must have worked at a community college for 20 years or more.

Also honored at the convention was Walgreens manager, Gregg Garland, who received the Missouri Community College Associations MoWINs Grant Partnership Award.

Garland has played an instrumental role in the development of the Pharmacy Technician Certificate Program offered at Mineral Area College through the MoSTEMWINs program, said Kurtz. The relationship between the college and Walgreens began when Garland was a store manager at the 24-hour Walgreens in Farmington.

He and the managing pharmacist at the time met with college staff to arrange clinical rotations for students participating in the Pharmacy Technician program. He has also helped to provide the students with mock interviews.

in his position as district manager, Kurtz said Garland has helped the college expand its partnership with Walgreens throughout the southeast Missouri area

Christian DeShazo received the Missouri Community College Associations Student Leadership Award. He is active in Phi Theta Kappa, having assisted with fundraising, and playing a key role in the chapters Honors in Action Project this year.

In fact it was his idea to create a Tumblr that would include different apps to help students with stress relief as part of the project.

In addition to his work as a Phi Theta Kappa officer, he maintains a 3.88 GPA and has participated in honors projects in French, Fundamentals of Management, Principals of Accounting and Legal Environment of Business.

MCCAs Student Leadership Award is presented annually to an exceptional student leader from each of Missouris community colleges/campuses. Students are recommended for the award by their college/campus president/chancellor and chief student affairs officer.

The Missouri Community College Association is a statewide organization through which Missouris community colleges work together to advance common agendas. MCCA brings the states 12 colleges together for advocacy, professional development, information, and collaboration.

It was also announced that Vice President of College Affairs Gil Kennon will be the recipient of the Trade and Industry Lifetime Service Award from the Association for Career and Technical Education.

In other action, the board approved an election to fill a vacancy on the trustees board in April. It also approved a shooting range agreement for the school.

The board of trustees will hold its next meeting Dec. 15.
DEAR ABBY: I am a retired airline employee, and I get passes for my friends and family. I recently provided first-class-eligible round-trip passes from San Diego to Paris to my best friend and her friend. (The fare would have cost them thousands of dollars retail.) The only thing I asked in return was to pick me up a menu, a print or something small that could be packed easily.

They were in Paris for a month, Abby, and they totally forgot me. I am so hurt. Sometimes I want to call them and tell them how I feel. Then I think it wouldn't be a good idea. Frankly, I am angry. What is the best way to handle this? -- UP IN THE AIR

DEAR UP IN THE AIR: I don't blame you for being angry about the thoughtlessness and ingratitude they displayed. Your feelings are justified, and you should clear the air by explaining that you were hurt. You have every right to tell your friend how you feel. And the next time you are asked to give them a free ride, you have every right to just say "non."

DEAR ABBY: I'm hoping you can guide me on how to handle a sticky situation with my neighbors.

My 9-year-old son has befriended a kid his age. The boy is nice and I don't mind him coming over. However, he has a younger brother the parents always send with him, and the boy is very hyper and aggressive. I work full time as a behavior specialist and deal with hyperactive children all day. The last thing I want when I come home is a hyper child I cannot parent.

My son recently invited his friend to sleep over, and the parents sent both boys. How do I let them know that sometimes just the older brother is welcome without hurting their feelings? -- NOT WANTING TO OFFEND

DEAR NOT WANTING: Hurting their feelings? The parents are using your invitations to the older boy as a baby-sitting opportunity for the younger one. I don't think it would be rude to tell them you can handle only one child at a time, and to please refrain from sending the little brother to your home unless he is specifically invited.

DEAR ABBY: I am struggling with trust in my relationships. I haven't found a faithful man in any of the relationships I've had in the last five years, and it has made me gun shy. Now, each time I try to date, I look for any small indication that he could be cheating, which leads to jealousy and drives men away.

How do I learn to trust again? Should I delete all social media? Should I just stop trying to date altogether? I am so frustrated and tired of getting hurt. -- WOUNDED IN MINNESOTA

DEAR WOUNDED: Putting ourselves out there is risky. There can be many disappointments before a person finds the right match. (Men also become frustrated and gun shy.)

Your luck might improve if you become serious less quickly and let relationships evolve without looking for commitment or signs of betrayal. If a man acts responsibly, does what he says he will and treats you with respect, give him the benefit of the doubt and the chances are your luck may change. If you're unable to do this, some sessions with a licensed professional counselor may help.

DEAR ABBY: I love my sister. She's well-educated, intelligent and fun, but she has let herself go. We are both in our 60s and, unfortunately, those pesky whiskers are starting to appear on our faces. She recently had surgery and when I visited her, I noticed a lot of hairs sprouting from her chin. I offered to pluck them or take her to a spa and have them removed when she had a facial. She refused!

My friends and I have made a pact to pluck each other's whiskers if we are ever in a hospital and can't do it ourselves. Should I just let it go or, the next time I see her, remind her that many people would be put off if they saw her? Or is it just me? -- WHISKERLESS SISTER

DEAR WHISKERLESS: It's not "just you." Depilatories are popular because most American women wouldn't want to be caught dead with obvious facial hair.

Your letter brought back memories, one of which was my mother telling me that her first executive assistant, Katie, had made Mama promise that in the event of Katie's demise, Mama would bring a razor to the viewing and, while standing at the casket, "whisk" off her mustache so no one would see it.

Not knowing your sister, I can't say whether she was in so much pain from her surgery that she didn't want to add to it by being plucked. Talk to her again when she's feeling better and she may offer up her chin. If not, love her the way she is -- fur and all -- because she's happy that way.

DEAR ABBY: My parents have been divorced for 17 years, but my father appears to have trouble letting go. Some examples: Although he never wore a wedding ring, he does wear a widower's band, and he tells people he "lost" his wife. Recently, he talked to my brother about getting a tattoo of my mother's name. Suffice it to say, my brother told him it was inappropriate.

My general policy has been to let Dad cope however he likes. I live 400 miles away and my brother still lives physically close to him. I understand that divorce can be traumatic, having lived through theirs as a child as well as my own. Is there any way I can help Dad cope with this?

He is having health problems now. I think they are forcing him to confront his own death, but this has been going on for more than a decade. Lately, I find myself rolling my eyes and laughing it off. But privately, I worry this could be a sign of something worse because it appears to be escalating.

Are there resources for coping with divorce? He won't consider therapy -- I've tried. -- WORRIED DAUGHTER IN NEW JERSEY

DEAR WORRIED DAUGHTER: While I have heard of widowed individuals switching their wedding band to the right hand, the concept of a "widower's band" is new to me. Your father may be ashamed that he is divorced, which is why he prefers to imply that he's widowed.

I agree with you and your brother that the idea of him tattooing your mother's name on his body would have been inappropriate. I do think that you should discuss your concerns about your dad's mental health with your brother because you say his peculiarities seem to be increasing, and he may need a physical and neurological evaluation.

DEAR ABBY: My husband was recently offered a new job that carries with it a significant increase in salary as well as upward mobility. He was offered the job by a woman he used to work with years ago. She will be his new boss.

It was recently brought to my attention that not only were they co-workers, they also used to sleep together. He tells me there's absolutely nothing there, and that I don't need to be worried. However, I can't help but wonder why they have maintained contact for all these years, and why she sought him out to work for her.

She is also married, and I wonder if her husband knows their history, and if he would be OK with his wife's request to work with a former lover.

Am I overreacting? Or should people cut off contact with their exes once they are married? Should I be worried about a physical or emotional affair? I just don't have a good feeling about this. Thank you for your help. -- NEEDS AN OBJECTIVE OPINION

DEAR NEEDS: In a situation like this, much depends upon the individuals involved and the circumstances of the breakup. Not all romances end acrimoniously. Sometimes they gradually diminish and the people involved move on.

It would be interesting to know who told you your husband and this woman were once lovers. If it was your husband, I think you have less to be concerned about than if it was someone "trying to be helpful." It is possible that the woman contacted your husband because she is familiar with his work ethic and his abilities and thinks he would be the best person for the job.

That said, however, there are four people involved in this situation. And your question about whether her husband is aware of their history is a good one, because he should be.

DEAR ABBY: I have a suggestion for your readers who take prescription medication. When they are finished with it, they should peel the label off the bottle, stick it to a piece of paper and send it through a shredder.

These labels contain a lot of personal information. If they fall into the wrong hands, they could become shopping lists for drug addicts and our landfills could become their next source. Better to be safe than sorry, if for no other reason than privacy. -- CHET IN KENTUCKY

DEAR CHET: I agree!

DEAR ABBY: Is it wrong to drop off a 1- and a 5-year-old at a senior assisted-living center for their great-grandmother to baby-sit in her room? My niece does this weekly, claiming she's giving my mother "quality time" with her great-grandchildren.

My mother is in the assisted-living center due to issues my dad is encountering. She's very independent and, of course, wants to help any of her family whenever she can. But Mom has an autoimmune disease that flares up with stress or when she gets tired. I'm concerned about her health and feel my niece is taking advantage of her. Of course, my sister sides with her daughter. They have told me to butt out.

I don't want to confront the management of the facility because I want Mom to feel as independent as possible there. I don't want them to not allow her to do something she really wants to do. I have safety concerns, though, and feel this is not right. What do you think? -- TORN IN TEXAS

DEAR TORN: I'm not sure what your safety concerns are, but if you think the assisted-living center could be legally liable, you should address them to the manager.

As to the baby-sitting being too stressful or tiring for your mother, leave it up to her to decide if it's too much. Some seniors find that feeling needed keeps them young. The way to gauge any negative impact on your mother's health would be if it causes a flare-up of her condition -- at which point her doctor should be notified so he/she can put a stop to it.

Dear Abby is written by Abigail Van Buren, also known as Jeanne Phillips, and was founded by her mother, Pauline Phillips. Contact Dear Abby at www.DearAbby.com or P.O. Box 69440, Los Angeles, CA 90069
To OUR Gourmet Retailer Readers

While Gourmet Retailer no longer exists as a separate print publication and website, Progressive Grocer will continue to feature new content about boutique retailing in our ongoing coverage of Independent Grocers.

Please update your Gourmet Retailer bookmark and check our Independent Grocers topic page regularly for updates and fresh content.

-- The Progressive Grocer Team
S.C. Gov. Nikki Haley met Thursday with President-elect Donald Trump in New York, but details of the meeting were scarce."Governor Haley was pleased to meet with President-elect Trump," said Haley spokesman Rob Godfrey. "They had a good discussion, and she is very encouraged about the coming administration and the new direction it will bring to Washington."S.C. Lt. Gov. Henry McMaster, the first statewide official in the country to endorse Trump, said Wednesday that Haley was a contender for secretary of state and one other post, speculated to be secretary of the commerce. McMaster also said Trump's transition team had reached out to him about possibly being U.S. attorney general.Haley's meeting with Trump came a day after she was elected vice chair of the Republican Governors Association, a nationally visible post that puts her in line to become the chair of the GOP group in 2018.Kellyanne Conway, manager of Trump's presidential campaign, told reporters at New York's Trump Tower about the Trump-Haley meeting, showing off a photo of herself with Haley. "We're just happy to have her here for her advice and her counsel, and hearing about the great success story that is South Carolina under her leadership," Conway said.U.S. Sen. Lindsey Graham, R-Seneca, said he would support Haley as Trump's secretary of state."She's talented, capable and would do a good job in any assignment given to her," said Graham, a longtime Trump critic. "Nikki is a traditional Republican when it comes to foreign policy -- more like Ronald Reagan than (Republican U.S. Sen.) Rand Paul. I like her a lot. I would certainly support her."U.S. Sen. Tim Scott, R-Charleston, agreed. "She is a natural leader, and I think our country would benefit greatly from her leadership if she were to be nominated for a position," said Scott, who originally was appointed to a Senate vacancy by Haley.However, S.C. Democratic Party chairman Jaime Harrison said Haley is not prepared to be secretary of state. "The question is does she have any foreign policy experience?" said Harrison. "I don't think so."The nation's top diplomat needs to understand the history between the United States and other nations, and know who the players and world leaders are, Harrison said. "I just don't think that she has that."An appointment as secretary of the U.S. Commerce Department would be more fitting for Haley, Harrison said. "She ran as the jobs governor," Harrison said, adding he gives Haley credit for helping attract major corporations to South Carolina.Haley was a critic of Trump during the GOP primary campaign.In January's GOP response to President Barack Obama's State of the Union speech, Haley urged voters to ignore "the siren call of the angriest voices," a slap at Trump. She also endorsed U.S. Sen. Marco Rubio of Florida in the S.C. Republican primary over Trump. Later, after Rubio dropped out of the race, Haley endorsed Trump's last remaining challenger, U.S. Sen. Ted Cruz of Texas.Trump lashed out at Haley on Twitter, saying, "The people of South Carolina are embarrassed by Nikki Haley!"Haley responded dismissively, "Bless your heart."At the annual Gridiron dinner in March, the daughter of Indian immigrants joked, "Even though I gave the (State of the Union) response, I won't really feel like I made it until Donald Trump demands to see my birth certificate."Haley's tone brightened after Trump was elected. "After a hard-fought campaign, where we have seen great passion and frustration among voters, the people have spoken," Haley said in a statement after the election. "This is an opportunity for the country to unite and work together."At the Republican Governors Association meeting earlier this week, Haley said she was "giddy" about Republicans controlling Congress and the White House.
Maryland's chief tax collector said Wednesday that his office accidentally misdirected $21.4 million of local income tax payments for years, a mistake that affects nearly every municipality in the state.Comptroller Peter Franchot told a panel of state lawmakers that the scope of misdirected tax payments was broader than he previously thought.State auditors reported in September that the comptroller's office had sent $8.7 million to the wrong municipalities in Montgomery County. On Wednesday, Franchot said his office found another $12.7 million in misdirected money since 2010.Over the next couple of days, 89 cities will receive checks for money they should have received over the past five years. Some checks will be for hundreds of thousands of dollars.Another 83 cities, which received money in error, will be required to repay the state. The cities will be put on payment plans that start in 2024.Franchot, a Democrat, has been comptroller for nearly 10 years."I'd love to blame this on our predecessors, but this is our problem," he said. "It is something that went under the radar."Baltimore City, which in tax calculations is treated as a county, is not affected.Some towns and cities set their own tax rates, and the taxes are collected by the comptroller's office. Many areas have special tax districts that have irregular boundaries. The comptroller's office collected the correct amount of money from taxpayers, but the taxpayers were not always classified in the proper taxing districts. As a result, municipalities' shares of the money were sent to the wrong places in some instances.The comptroller's office is working on a two-part patch to fix the problem with its tax-processing software, which was written in the 1980s and installed in the early 1990s.A separate, nearly $100 million project to replace the state's entire tax software system is underway. The General Assembly set aside $22 million last year to start paying for the "Compass Project," and bids for the contract are expected to be released in the middle of next year.Franchot said his office correctly processed more than 99 percent of the $14.9 billion in local income tax revenue collected over the past five years. He announced "Project Perfect," a plan to properly distribute all tax money to local jurisdictions. That effort involves biannual audits, new software and additional verification measures.A shift in the way the state processed returns in 2010 increased the likelihood that taxpayers would be misclassified, Franchot's aides said. Franchot and staff members blamed the problem in part on old geocoding software that relied on ZIP codes, not street addresses, to process information on tax returns.Del. Ana Sol Gutierrez, co-chair of the Joint Committee on the Management of Public Funds, called the mistake "a serious error.""I don't buy that geocoding and borders were wrong," said Gutierrez, a Montgomery County Democrat and systems engineer. "For years, these borders had existed."Franchot said he learned of the problem in January. Shortly after, his office commissioned ASR Analytics to determine whether the problem was limited to Montgomery County. The results announced Wednesday showed errors statewide.Neither the debtors nor those owed money will pay or receive interest for the mix-up, Franchot said.The comptroller noted, somewhat in jest, that he hasn't heard much from the jurisdictions that are now receiving a windfall."I wouldn't mind getting a few thank-yous," he said.
The Downtown Park Hills Association (DPHA) has announced the winner of its first Halloween Window Decorating Contest.

Leann Kelly, owner of the Parkland Flower Girl floral shop, located at 2 Coffman St. in downtown Park Hills, was named the winner of the contest for the best-decorated downtown business.

The DPHA held the contest to encourage downtown businesses to get dressed up for the annual Trunk N Treat event held on Halloween night in the municipal parking lot on West Main Street.

Participants were very creative in their decorating choices, making the task of choosing a winner a very difficult one for the anonymous judges. The DPHA appreciates all those who participated this year. They encourage those who participated, as well as other downtown businesses, to plan to enter their decorated window next year, as the organization plans to improve upon this new contest along with the associations annual Trunk N Treat event.

Businesses participating in this years competition included Parkland Flower Girl, located at 2 Coffman St.; First State Community Bank, located at 365 W. Main St.; Lifetouch, located at 212 W. Main St; Mineral Area Office Supply, located at located at 331 W. Main St.; and Southeast Missouri Community Credit Union, located at 312 West Main St.
Ohio can impose its commercial activity tax on out-of-state businesses lacking a bricks-and-mortar presence in the state, the Ohio Supreme Court ruled today.In a 5-2 decision, the justices found that three online retailers were subject to the tax.Justice William M. O'Neill wrote that while an in-state physical presence may be necessary to collect sales taxes from a retailer, the U.S. Constitution commerce clause does not forbid the collection of a "privilege to do business" tax such as the commercial activity tax.The state's $500,000 annual sales threshold before the tax is imposed complies with the commerce clause, O'Neill wrote.The tax has been collected since 2005 and brings in about $1.7 billion a year for the state.The ruling came in cases in which Crutchfield Corp., Newegg Inc. and Mason Companies had appealed Board of Tax Appeals rulings that they owed commercial activity taxes which they had refused to pay based on their Ohio sales.Crutchfield, based in Charlottesville, Virginia, sells electronics online while Newegg, of Whittier, California, also sells electronics and other items. Mason Companies, of Chippewa Falls, Wisconsin, sells a variety of items online.In a dissenting opinion joined by Justice Judith Ann Lanzinger, Justice Sharon L. Kennedy wrote that a 1992 U.S. Supreme Court ruling a physical presence was required to tax out-of-state companies and that only the court or Congress can change law on taxing interstate commerce.Ohio Department of Taxation spokesman Gary Gudmundson said there is no estimate on the number of out-of-state businesses that have refused to pay the commercial activity tax and what they owe.A number of online retailers have been paying the tax since its inception while others have declined while awaiting a legal decision, he said.In Crutchfield's case, the company was billed about $207,000 in taxes and non-payment penalties from mid-2005 through mid-2012. Newegg owed $447,580 for 2005 through 2009.In a statement, Tax Commissioner Joseph Testa said: "The Court's decision recognizes Ohio's legitimate interest in applying its singular general business tax evenhandedly on both in-state and out-of-state businesses. It is reasonable that out-of-state businesses, who enjoy over $500,000 annually in gross receipts from Ohioans, should pay the CAT just as their Ohio peers do."
In the decade since the U.S. Food and Drug Administration approved the vaccine for the human papillomavirus (HPV), its been a tough sell for states, students and their parents.Its a tricky issue to raise. Most places dont like to think about teens having sex, said Dorit Reiss, a professor at the University of California, Hastings, who specializes in vaccine law. As of 2014 , only 40 percent of teenage girls and 22 percent of teenage boys have completed the three doses necessary to be protected against HPV, a sexually transmitted infection that most people contract at some point in their lifetime. While it doesnt cause long-term health problems for most, some strains of the virus can cause cervical cancer.Only Rhode Island, Virginia and the District of Columbia require the vaccine for students. By comparison, eight years after the meningitis vaccine was approved, 29 states and D.C. had approved school requirements.The slow adoption isn't for a lack of trying, though. According to the National Conference of State Legislatures, 41 states have introduced legislation that would either require the vaccine or educate students about its benefits.In Rhode Island's case, it wasn't legislation that required students to get the vaccine. Instead, the health department added the vaccine to the list of mandatory immunizations for middle school students.So far, the mandate has been successful: 88 percent of teen girls and 80 percent of teen boys received their first dose in 2015 Rhode Island lets families opt out for religious and medical reasons. So does Virginia, but there, the opt-out option is partially why the mandate hasnt had much of an impact.Opt-outs have been more the rule than the exception, according to a news release from the University of Virginia.Virginia also only requires girls to get the vaccine, and in 2014, just 28 percent of teenage girls got all three doses.Experts blame the low immunization rates, in part, on the fact that the vaccine has to be given in three rounds (unless you're younger than 13). Sometimes, its tough to get people back to the doctors office that many times in a roughly one-year period.Despite the low immunization numbers across the nation, Nicole Alexander-Scott, the director of Rhode Islands health department, is optimistic that states are at a tipping point. Shes been in talks with her health counterparts in New England who are thrilled with the results weve obtained.""It used to be controversial to give the hepatitis B shot to infants," said Alexander-Scott. "The more we can normalize it for families, Im confident in time [that] rates will increase.But Reiss, the law professor, thinks it will be difficult to raise immunization rates -- especially in socially conservative states.When you wage the battle on sexual nature," she said, "its going to be problematic."
The 2016 presidential election showed a nation that is divided not just along partisan lines but geographic ones, too. Accentuating recent trends, Democrat Hillary Clinton dominated urban areas, while Republican Donald Trump owed his victory to strong support in rural parts of the country.Clinton carried 88 of the 100 largest counties , accounting for her popular vote win. But among smaller counties, Clinton won just over 420 while Trump prevailed in more than 2,500.The urban-rural divide is getting a lot of attention in the wake of last week's results, but it's been part of U.S. politics for decades. Back in 2008, journalist Bill Bishop identified the degree to which Americans were dividing themselves into separate enclaves in an influential book calledWith this sort of cultural and political segregation growing deeper,spoke with Bishop, a contributing editor at the, which covers rural issues. We talked about how people choose where they live, the likelihood of a mass migration of Democrats to rural America and the importance of political enemies.The following discussion has been edited for clarity and length.The rapid increase in the number of people who live in counties where this remarkably close election wasn't close at all. Four years ago, about half the people lived in one of these landslide counties, where one candidate or the other wins by 20 points or more. That's our way of measuring political segregation. This year, that increased to 60.4 percent.In terms of geography, in 2012, 65 percent of counties were in that landslide category. This time, it was 80 percent.The result is that you have increasing populations where people talk to those who agree with them politically. They hear stories and facts and figures that support their beliefs.Over time, social psychology research will tell you that these like-minded groups become more extreme in the way that they're like-minded. Put a group of conservatives in a room and they'll become more conservative. It's just the same with liberals.Our sense was that this sort wasn't at root political, that people were sorting into communities where they could find people with the same lifestyle tastes. This time, those lifestyle choices translated into political choices.The Pew Research Center showed that conservatives prefer houses that are farther apart and where you have more room, even if that means you have to drive more. Liberals like where you can walk to school and work.Density becomes a marker for politics. Democrats have really packed themselves into the most dense counties in the country as well as big cities. Republicans dominate in all other geographic areas. That also means that gerrymandering is something people have done to themselves.No way. Our impression is that people are even less likely to visit. When we moved to central Texas, people from Austin would visit the barbecue places and revel in central Texas places. Now, people have said to us, "It's not fun; it's foreign; I'd be afraid."There are two things going on. The cities are sources of economic growth and diversity, but they also breed distrust and a lack of support for community institutions.That's not the kind of community that people in a lot of parts of the country want to belong to. There's a paradox going on that is irresolvable.We are. So we're living with the consequences.Honestly, I don't know how you get around what has become human nature. I've been reading Umberto Eco's essay, "Inventing the Enemy," where he writes that having an enemy is important not only to measure progress but measure our system of values. In other words, we need an enemy to know who we are and who we are not.That also tells you that politics now is about identity and self expression and not about policy. That's what a lot of people miss. This really wasn't about policy decisions. This was about social identity, which is why the sorting took place to begin with.
On Thursday, in the morning, at the Executive Building, Brisbane, His Excellency the Honourable Paul de Jersey AC presided at a meeting of the Executive Council.

In the afternoon, His Excellency the Honourable Hieu Van Le AC, Governor of South Australia and Mrs Lan Le; His Excellency General the Honourable David Hurley AC, DSC (Retd), Governor of New South Wales and Mrs Linda Hurley; Her Excellency the Honourable Kerry Sanderson AC, Governor of Western Australia; Her Excellency Professor the Honourable Kate Warner AM, Governor of Tasmania and Mr Richard Warner; and Her Excellency the Honourable Linda Dessau AM, Governor of Victoria and Mr Anthony Howard QC, arrived at Government House as overnight guests of the Governor and Mrs de Jersey.

In the evening, at Government House, the Governor and Mrs de Jersey hosted a dinner in honour of the 90th birthday of Her Majesty The Queen, at which were present all serving State Governors and the Administrator of the Northern Territory and their spouses, and Air Commodore Mark Gower OAM and Mrs Julie Gower.

Earlier in the afternoon, the spouses of the State Governors and the Administrator of the Northern Territory toured the Gallery of Modern Art, South Brisbane.
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November, 2016: The Chagos Archipelago has always formed and continues to form an integral part of the territory of Mauritius and the Government of Mauritius does not recognise the so-called British Indian Ocean Territory. GIS - 18The Chagos Archipelago has always formed and continues to form an integral part of the territory of Mauritius and the Government of Mauritius does not recognise the so-called British Indian Ocean Territory.

This was stated in a communique released on 17 November 2016 by the Prime Ministers Office in reply to a statement made to the UK Parliament on 16 November 2016 by the UK Government concerning decisions it has taken purportedly taken as regards the Chagos Archipelago.

The UK statement holds that:

(a) the Chagossian community will not be allowed to resettle in the Chagos Archipelago;

(b) a 40 million package will be funded over the next 10 years by the UK Government to support improvements to the livelihoods of the Chagossians; and

(c) the US presence in the Chagos Archipelago under current arrangements with the UK will continue until 2036.

The PMO Communique

The Government of Mauritius reiterates that it does not recognise the legality of the actions that the UK is taking in respect of the Chagos Archipelago as they are in breach of international law. This includes the unilateral decisions purportedly taken by the UK Government with regard to resettlement in the Chagos Archipelago and the continuation of the UK-US agreement in respect of the Chagos Archipelago until 2036.

Mauritius considers that the UK has acted in blatant breach of the letter and spirit of the Award delivered on 18 March 2015 in the case brought by Mauritius against the UK under the UN Convention on the Law of the Sea, in as much as the UK has failed to fully involve Mauritius, as required by the Award, in the renewed use, until 2036, of the Chagos Archipelago for the purposes for which it is currently being used.

The Government of Mauritius notes with concern that the fact that the UK statement is completely silent both on the discussions that were intended to take place between Mauritius and the UK on the completion of the process of decolonisation and on sovereignty, as agreed in New York last September and the clear obligations of the UK under the UNCLOS Award is very revealing of the UK Governments approach to the rights of Mauritius and the plight of Mauritians of Chagossian origin.

Mauritius protests strongly against the unilateral decision of the UK Government aimed at denying Mauritian citizens of Chagossian origin their legitimate right of return to the Chagos Archipelago.

The Government of Mauritius also reiterates that the denial of the right of Mauritians in general, and those of Chagossian origin in particular, to settle in the Chagos Archipelago is a manifest breach of international law and outrageously flouts their human rights.

While any financial assistance could provide some relief to Mauritians of Chagossian origin, no amount of money and no public apology by the UK Government can make lawful what is unlawful, or dilute the rights of Mauritius under international law and as reflected in the various resolutions of the United Nations. The Government of Mauritius remains fully sensitive to the plight of Mauritians of Chagossian origin and supports their relentless struggle to remove all obstacles to the full enjoyment of their human rights, said the Prime Ministers Office.

The Government reaffirms its commitment and determination to relentlessly pursue its initiatives in conformity with international law to complete the decolonisation of Mauritius, thereby enabling Mauritius to effectively exercise its sovereignty over the Chagos Archipelago.

Mauritius has full justification to take forward the completion of the process of decolonisation, which is now on the agenda of the current session of the UN General Assembly, with a view to putting the matter before the International Court of Justice for an advisory opinion.
Description

GIS - 18 November, 2016: The first meeting of the Joint Committee under the Mauritius-Turkey Free Trade Agreement (FTA) was held yesterday at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Regional Integration and International Trade.

The objective of the first meeting is to make an assessment of the trade trends following the implementation of the agreement, address trade barriers encountered by Mauritian operators on the Turkish market, consider the possibility to enhance market access to include products not covered by the FTA as well as consider the cooperation between the two sides within the ambit of the FTA.

Mauritius and Turkey are implementing a Free Trade Agreement since 2013. The Agreement contains comprehensive provisions on the establishment of the FTA, rules of origin, agricultural products, industrial products, sanitary and phytosanitary measures, bilateral safeguard measures and technical barriers to trade amongst others. Mauritius is the first country in Sub-Saharan Africa to have signed a Free Trade Agreement (FTA) with Turkey.

The Turkish delegation is led by the Deputy Director General, Mr Mehmet Tan from the Directorate General for European Union Affairs in Turkey and comprises five delegates from key institutions including the Ministry of Economy, Ministry of Customs and Trade, and the Turkish Sugar Authority.

Turkey provides duty free access on all industrial exports from Mauritius. On agricultural products, Turkey is providing preferential access on 46 products including fresh and chilled fish, cut flowers, pineapples, guavas, pasta, biscuits, flavoured water, pickles, Beer and rum among others.

The agreement provides for the establishment of a Joint Committee to inter-alia review the general functioning of the FTA, improve market access, explore the possibility to enhance trade and investment.
Description

GIS  18 November 2016 : A Strategic Plan on the prevention of substance abuse amongst children is under preparation by the Ministry of Gender Equality, Child Development and Family Welfare.

In this context, the Minister of Gender Equality, Child Development and Family Welfare, Mrs Marie-Aurore Perraud, chaired a meeting with representatives of non-governmental organisations (NGOs) on 16 November 2016 at the Municipality of Port Louis.

The objective was to provide a platform to NGOs to voice out their concerns on drug abuse amongst children, share experiences and make proposals to remedy the situation.

At the end of the meeting, the Minister stated that it was high time to conduct a scientific study on drug consumption amongst children in Mauritius, especially on the use of new psychoactive substances. A workshop to discuss the proposals submitted by the NGOs will be organised shortly in view of the finalisation of the strategic plan.
Considerations

Moving Forward

Big data holds a lot of opportunity for government and the public. Weve seen it transform transportation systems, schools and public safety. But behind the benefits, there are some inherent risks that need to be addressed as organizations continue to move along in the process of collecting, analyzing and sharing data.As the experts argue, big data is both an opportunity and a potential pitfall in the technology realm. During a Nov. 16 panel discussion hosted by the Council on Foreign Relations in Washington, D.C., industry leaders talked through what they see as the primary considerations in the space.One of the more glaring concerns in the big data environment is that of bias. Despite the fact that algorithms are meant to sort information and filter it using bias, the wrong kind can lead to negative outcomes, according to Andrew Hilts, executive director of Open Effect, a Canadian nonprofit focused on privacy and security.Hilts explained that racial bias in certain algorithms could skew the results of efforts to track recidivism in the prison system. Though black and white offenders were equally likely to reoffend, a biased algorithm might portray black subjects as a greater liability. The issue of bias, whether recognized or not, is linked directly to those responsible for writing the algorithm. While there's no way to fully eliminate human bias, checks and balances in the algorithm building process could help to reduce what slips through into the public space.I think that the notion that technology is inherently neutral needs to be questioned more thoroughly in society, and I think thats probably sort of the underlying risk that emerges in this big data age, he said.His solution: a system that accounts for and monitors bias in the programming process to remove what he calls the veneer of objectivity.Hilts cites examples like Facebooks recent turmoil surrounding so-called fake news and the recommendation algorithms that allowed them to propagate in step with legitimate news reports, as well as the accusation the company was allowing racial affinity profiling in its online advertising.Microsofts Elizabeth Bruce doesnt discount some of big datas inherent issues, but she sees more benefit than risk in the movement. She sees the growing ability to collect and examine data sets as a way to increase the collective powers of observation, whether that be in the public or private sectors.This can be around physical things, when you think about [the Internet of Things], you can now massively track pretty much anything you want at any time," Bruce said. "It also increases our observational power of human behavior in a way that was never before possible."These abilities, she explained, hold the power to address some of the most complex issues seen today. One such example is the use of EKG results and Massachusetts Institute of Technologys efforts to examine the intricacies of human heart conditions across a broad range of patients. Most of the data garnered from the medical process is discarded, along with a substantial amount of significant data, she said.Under the MIT program, Bruce said the results of a multitude of patients could be analyzed to target abnormalities that might otherwise go unrecognized in the context of one patient's EKG patterns. By expanding the scope, researchers may be able to identify problems that could be tied to a certain group of people.Amid the push and pull occurring in the real world, the inability to stop progress appears to have overtaken policy. The gap between policy standards around privacy, bias and everything else will need to catch up.Dan Chenok, a senior fellow with the IBM Center for the Business of Government, argued for standards that evolve with the data practices and what he calls privacy by design.I think the concept of building privacy elements into the design of systems and the design of data flows is something that companies are working on and that governments are learning from the private sector how to do better, he said.In addition, Chenok advocated that the principles of privacy need to be updated to better correspond with developing technology. One such solution could be notifications that data is being used and by whom, rather than a one-time terms and conditions agreement.The benefits of working through the policy and best practices portion of the big data conversation are fairly clear: better insights, faster.I think the benefits [of big data] are clearly significant in sort of how data flows have evolved over the last 30 years, Chenok said. The concept of moving toward this changed notion of big data and enabling open interface, it also lends itself to some of the evolving systems of artificial intelligence, of cognitive computing.  It can enable human decision-making. Its not something to replace humans, but it can look across vast stores of data and help people make better decisions.
(Data-Smart City Solutions)  At the 16convening of the Project on Municipal Innovation (PMI) , chiefs of staff and policy advisors from the nations largest cities discussed tools the federal government currently provides cities with to improve public services and economic opportunity. Guests Aden Van Noppen, Senior Advisor at the White House Office of Science Technology and Policy, and Tara McGuinness, Senior Advisor at the White House Office of Management and Budget, presented a number of projects to PMI members, including the Data-Driven Justice Initiative , the Promise Zone Initiative , the Smart Cities Initiative , the Department of Justices Diagnostic Center , and the TechHire program.One initiative that resonated with the PMI audience was The Opportunity Project , a U.S. Census Bureau-led project to leverage open data for economic mobility. Partnering with the Department of Commerce, Department of Housing and Urban Development, and Presidential Innovation Fellows, the Opportunity Project curates federal and local datasets that illustrate access to opportunity on a neighborhood level.Responding to an open call to create tools using Opportunity Project data, companies and civic organizations created dozens of applications addressing a number of areas of opportunity, equity, and wellbeing. Here are three example projects that illustrate the range of tools developed for the Opportunity Project that are particularly useful to city governments.Addressing the needs of the U.S. Department of Transportation and the Office of the Surgeon General, mySidewalk collected dozens of datasets from a dozen cities  Baltimore, Chattanooga, Detroit, Indianapolis, Kansas City, Los Angeles, Louisville, New Orleans, New York, Philadelphia, San Francisco, Washington, D.C.  to help answer a number of questions, from how many car accidents happened in a given zip code last year to where food deserts exist in cities. Planners and policy advisors may use this data not only as a means to gather insights about their own mobility and health concerns, but also as a useful point of comparison with other regions.Produced by PolicyLink and the USC Program for Environmental and Regional Equity, the National Equity Atlas aggregates data describing urban equity issues across the county. Using the Atlas, one can visualize metrics of racial inclusion, demographical shifts, and economic welfare across 100 of the U.S.s largest cities. The National Equity Atlas is a powerful diagnostic tool for cities seeking to improve welfare and inclusion among their residents.The Open Data Network, produced by Socrata, allows planners and policy advisors to compare metrics across U.S. cities. By layering data maps, anyone may compare metrics concerning demographics, education, employment and economic welfare. With the Open Data Network, city planners and policy advisors can ask specific questions, like: What percentage of people didnt graduate the 9th grade? What are the median earnings for female workers in my city? How does my city compare to others?Beyond looking at the tools The Opportunity Project already provides, members of city governments would do well to consider replicating the model of The Opportunity Project when creating their own applications. By aggregating the necessary data around a theme  such as equity, mobility, or housing  and then pairing that data with a specific problem to solve, cities can more easily source innovation from the private sector, nonprofits, and citizen hackers.
The mass exodus of retirees from the government workforce, particularly in IT, has been a much discussed issue for nearly a decade. But its not a topic to take lightly.The silver tsunami, its a real thing, said JB Holston, dean of the University of Denvers Daniel Felix Ritchie School of Engineering and Computer Science.Talking toat the Colorado Digital Government Summit in October, Holston said its a phenomenon thats been around but is even more acute today. As an example, he pointed to the Colorado Office of Information Technology where the average employee age is over 50. In the video, posted above, Holston discusses two ways for public-sector leaders to frame their technology staffing initiatives.
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A Green River man who head butted his stepson may have his felony charge dismissed.

Michael Wayne Wright, 48, appeared in the Third District Court of Judge Nena James at a change of plea and sentencing hearing to a felony charge of child abuse.

In exchange for Wrights no contest plea to the felony charge, he was placed on probation pursuant to Wyoming Statute 7-13-301.

Under the provisions of 7-13-301, a first-time offender is placed on probation.

If Wright successfully completes his probation, the felony charge is dismissed. A person can only use 7-13-301 once.

Wright was given three years supervised probation, however, if he demonstrates compliance with the first two years of probation, his last year of probation will be modified to one year unsupervised probation.

According to court documents, on Sept. 4, 2015, a Green River Police officer responded to a report of possible child abuse. The officer visited with a 16-year-old boy, who told him his stepfather, Michael, had head butted him.

The officer noticed the boys nose appeared to be swollen and was slightly discolored.

Both the boy and his mother, Shirley Wright, told the officer there was a drop of blood when the head butting occurred.

Both Shirley and the boy told the officer the head butt was not an accident, but an intentional act.

The boy also told the officer that Michael is always physically and verbally abusive towards him. The boy said the whole incident started while the boy was hooking up a cell-phone line.

The boy told the officer Michael had called him a couple of names and then used his forehead to head butt him in the nose.

The boy then pushed Michael away and walked outside.

Michael was interviewed by an officer and he told the officer the head butt was an accident. He said he was turning the corner to the hallway when he accidentally ran into the boy.

The officer believed Michael to be intoxicated and his breath had a moderate alcohol order.
A motion to reduce the bond on alleged murderer Bradley Fairbourn was denied Tuesday afternoon.

Fairbourn, originally of Utah, is accused of an attack that lead to the death of one woman and injuries to another at a hotel in Rock Springs June 23.

Appearing with his attorney, Devon Petersen, and with his parents in the audience, Judge Richard Lavery denied the request, citing his lack of local ties to the community and his determination that Fairbourn is a danger to the community.

Petersen moved to have his bond reduced from $1 million cash or surety to $100,000 cash or $250,000 surety, claiming the charges against Fairbourn are nothing more than allegations and that his continued incarceration has both changed him and left him at the mercy of seasoned inmates at the Sweetwater County Detention Center.

Sweetwater County Attorney Daniel Erramouspe said Fairbourn was the cause of two incidents at the detention center, including allegedly striking another inmate in the back of the head. Erramouspe also cited threats attributed to Fairbourn on Facebook as a reason why the bond should not be lowered. Erramouspe also mentioned one of the letters of support for Fairbourn delivered to the court, saying Fairbourns bishop probably did not know he was using Backpage.com to arrange an encounter with the two women he allegedly attacked. Erramouspe said the evidence involved in the case, which Petersen argued didnt incriminate Fairbourn, does strongly suggest that Fairbourn was the culprit. He said testimony from the survivor as well as Fairbourn having the murder victims phone in his possession at the time of his arrest, strongly suggests his involvement.

Petersen also mentioned that discovery isnt complete leading into the January trial. Evidence regarding the case remains at the state crime lab in Cheyenne, and according to Sweetwater County Attorney Daniel Erramouspe, the lab is backed up with other cases, but has indicated the analysis on case evidence will be complete by Nov. 30. Petersen said it could take several months to develop an adequate defense and line up experts depending on what the crime labs analysis reveals and doesnt believe he can have a case ready by January.

My gut feeling is I dont know how we can have a trial in this case until late next year, Petersen said.

While Lavery agreed with Petersens situation regarding the amount of time needed to construct a defense for Fairbourn, he said he is required to look at the nature of the crime before deciding if its appropriate to reduce the bond.

Because of the violence and severity of the crime, Lavery said he could not reduce the bond because he believes Fairbourn would be a flight risk if given the opportunity.

Lavery said he would like to see the case tried in January, but understands if that wont happen.

My expectation is to move this along as quick as possible, Lavery said.
An economic study commissioned by Memorial Hospital of Sweetwater County claims the hospital generated a $216 million economic impact within the county in 2015.

The report, which was posted on the hospitals website, was created by Quorum Health Resources, a Tennessee-based company which provides consulting for independent hospitals, as well as purchasing and website support. Quorum health lists hospitals throughout Wyoming as clients and owns Evanston Regional Hospital.

Report Highlights

According to the report, the hospitals impact includes 661 direct and indirect jobs related to the hospital, which results in $58 million paid in wages and benefits. The report sites healthcare as an important economic generator for both the county and the state. The annual average wage paid at MHSC is $67,352, higher than the average wage paid in what the study refers to as the Rock Springs MSA (metropolitan statistical area), which Quorum claims has 62,190 jobs paying an average of $48,010 annually. That statistical area encompasses the entirety of Sweetwater County.

As far as a direct impact on the economy, the study states the hospital has had a direct impact of $5 million through infrastructure improvements, and suggests a $4.5 million impact in the community since 2010.
Gail Shirley Hancock, 54, of Rock Springs, passed away Nov., 6, 2016 in Salt Lake City. A longtime resident of Wyoming and former resident of Greeley, Colo., Hancock died following a brief illness.

She was born on Oct. 2, 1962 in Buffalo, Minn., the daughter of Heman A. Hancock DVM and Shirley M. Schaufler Hancock.

Hancock attended schools in Laramie and was a 1981 graduate of the Laramie High School. She later attended the Casper College in Casper.

She married John Phelps in Laramie on Dec.,18, 1982 and they later divorced. They reunited in 2010.

For the past three years she was employed as a bus driver for Sweetwater County School District No.1 in Rock Springs. She loved working as a bus driver because she loved talking to and getting to know all the kids and other drivers.

Her interests included her work, camping, boating and she loved drinking coffee.

She had a heart full of gold and loved everyone she came in contact with. She loved her family and her two dogs and welcomed everyone with a big hello.

Survivors include her soulmate, John Phelps, of Rock Springs; her mother Shirley Hancock of Laramie; two daughters, Shaunie Kingston and husband Wade and Tiffany Phelps, both of Rock Springs; two brothers, Jeff Hancock of Casper and Todd Hancock of Henderson, Nev.

She was preceded in death by her father.

A celebration of her life will be held at 11 a.m. Saturday at the Sweetwater County Events Complex Small Hall. Friends may call one hour prior to services. The family of Gail Hancock respectfully suggests that donations in her memory be made to the Gail S. Hancock Benefit Fund, 200 North Center Street, Rock Springs. Condolences may be left at http://www.vasefuneralhomes.com.
Jean T. Wilkes, 77, passed away Nov. 11, 2016 at her home. A longtime resident of Green River, Wilkes died following a sudden illness.

She was born on June 14, 1939 in Rock Springs, the daughter of Louie Ladda Ruiz and Mary Bensor Ruiz.

Wilkes attended schools in Green River and was a graduate from the Green River High School class of 1958.

She was a house mom with the United Way Youth Home for 15 years and was also employed by Union Pacific Railroad.

Wilkes was a member of the Fraternal Order of Eagles No. 2350 since 1981.

Survivors include two sons; Jimmy Wilkes and Scott Wilkes Sr. and wife Gayle of Australia; one daughter, Tamra Binder and husband Josh of Clinton, Iowa; one brother, Frank Ruiz and wife Patsy of Green River; six grandchildren, two great-grandsons, several nieces and nephews also survive.

She was preceded in death by her parents, 11 brothers and sisters.

Following cremation, a celebration of life will take place at the Fraternal Order of the Eagles Hall in Green River 2 p.m., Thursday.

The family of Jean T. Wilkes respectfully suggests that donations in her memory be made to Sweetwater County Diabetes Chapter.

Condolences may be left at www.vasefuneralhomes.com.
Jose Cordova, 91, of Green River, passed away Nov. 14, 2016 at the Mission at Castle Rock. A longtime resident of Green River and former longtime resident of Burbank, Calif., and Glendale, Calif. Cordova died following a lengthy illness.

He was born on Sept. 4, 1925 in Chamisal, N.M., the son of Damian Cordova and Corina Dominguez Cordova.

Cordova attended schools in Chamisal, N.M., and was a World War II veteran, having served for the United States Navy. He worked for the Lockheed Aircraft corporation for 31 years and retired in 1989.

He married Maria Cordelia Arellano in Green River in...
Dear Editor,

Did you know the Red Desert is the largest unfenced landscape in the lower 48 states? It certainly deserves some protection and attention for the wilderness characteristics that flourish here. I recently was invited by the Wyoming Wilderness Association to take a flight on a small aircraft over the Red Desert. The aerial perspective showed me the hundreds of miles of openness that embody the true spirit of Wyoming. The experience of flying over places such as Cedar Mountain, Honeycomb Buttes, Little Mountain, and parts of the Northern Red Desert was truly breathtaking and...
Rocco Coppolo, a member of the Lincoln Middle School band, listens to Mayor Pete Rust address the crowd.

Monroe Intermediate School's tradition of honoring Veterans Day continued Friday with students from the school performing for area veterans at Lincoln Middle School.

The annual program, which took place in its 25th year, featured students singing patriotic songs and speaking about veterans' importance. Veterans in attendance enjoyed the show, appreciating the program.

"I think it's totally awesome," Charles W. Reynolds, a Vietnam veteran, said.

Reynolds said programs like the yearly MIS help recognize veterans' sacrifices. Reynolds said a lot of veterans need help and urged residents to he...
VFW seeks care-package items

Bob Clevenger, clad in his old Army attire, listens to a story his friend is telling him.

Veterans and their guests gathered at the Golden Hour Senior Center for a special lunch Thursday.

The room was close to packed with veterans, their guests, and regular senior citizens all ready to eat a great meal and honor those who served this country.

Before being served a meal, Jim Shoemaker, Senior Vice Commander of the VFW Post 2321 and District Junior Vice, spoke to the attendees about the importance of supporting the soldiers who return from overseas and those who are still serving.

"We send packages to the troops," Shoemaker said. "We try to do it twice a year."

He said over the ye...
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Inspired by an Uber ride into New York City, a Norwalk company is promising to bring the salon to you with an on-demand service for requesting hair stylist visits in the home.

Conceived by Norwalk residents Dawn Marie Ganino and Scott Howard, Ubersalon is up and running at www.ubersalon.com with a mobile app to follow in December, also booking over the phone at 203-842-8590. In addition to one-time appointments, the company has created subscription options for ongoing visits. Ubersalon does not require a credit card for service.

Ganino and Howard think a ready market exists for the service, whether moms pressed to arrange both a hair appointment reservation and child care for that block of time; seniors or people with infirmities for whom getting out may represent a challenge; or short-notice appointments for people who cannot get onto the calendar of their regular stylist. Ubersalon services are available Monday-Friday 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. and weekends until 9 p.m.

In time, Ganino and Howard want Ubersalon to be the go-to stylist itself. That will take a large cadre of stylists, which Ubersalon plans to certify including background checks and who will be independent contractors.

The inspiration hit Howard and Ganino a year ago while booking an Uber ride into New York City to see Jersey Boys, Ganino fresh off a grueling day of Groupon business at discounted rates at the salon where she worked, with the pair marveling at the convenience of the ride-sharing service.

We wanted to make it really easy for people, Howard said. You want to press the button and see your stylist.

If launching a startup is not as easy as pushing a button, Howard knows the levers to pull via his experience in having launched multiple companies, perhaps most prominently the Peep photo app which raised $3.7 million in funding from investors that included General Atlantic, which has a Greenwich office.

Howard can envision partnerships with existing brick-and-mortar salons, whether via an arrangement in which salons allow their stylists to make Ubersalon house calls during slow days in exchange for a cut of the revenue, or in selling products through the app and website. He added Ubersalon has yet to reach out to salons, focusing for now on working through the early evolution of the business.

If instant gratification for a job well done was part of what drew Ganino to hair styling growing up in Darien, she is under no illusions that building up Ubersalon will be an easy feat  but she believes the demand is there, both for clients and hair stylists looking for another way to make money.

Everyone was asking me, Can you come do my hair? she said.

Alex.Soule@scni.com; 203-354-1047; www.twitter.com/casoulman
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Despite shrinking job rolls in several of its largest cities, unemployment rates still dropped last month across southwestern Connecticut, according to statistics released Friday by the state Department of Labor.

Greenwich produced a 3.4 percent unemployment rate, the lowest among the areas five largest municipalities. Danbury, Stamford and Norwalk followed with respective rates of 3.5 percent, 3.8 percent and 3.9 percent. Bridgeport again posted the highest rate in the southwestern corner, with a 7 percent total.

The jobless rates in those five municipalities respectively declined by 0.4 percentage points in Stamford, Norwalk and Greenwich, 0.5 points in Danbury and 0.7 points in Bridgeport in the past month.

The labor markets are behaving the way the regions of Connecticut have typically behaved recently, said Andy Condon, director of the state Labor Departments Office of Research.

But job rolls are shrinking in much of southwestern Connecticut and elsewhere in the state, as unemployment rates fall. Employment totals dropped by 74 in Greenwich, 90 in Norwalk and 112 in Stamford. In contrast, Bridgeport and Danbury respectively added 64 jobs and 105 positions last month.

The good news is that unemployment rates have gone down, but the bad news is the states and Stamfords workforces are shrinking because jobs have left the area, said Jack Condlin, president and CEO of the Stamford Chamber of Commerce. We just need to make sure we focus on helping businesses move into Connecticut and the city of Stamford.

Connecticut lost 7,200 jobs last month, the fourth straight month of declining employment in the state. The states unemployment rate fell in the past month from 5.4 percent to 5.1 percent, three-tenths of a point lower than the rate a year ago. The national unemployment rate stands at 4.9 percent.

State officials said that they are analyzing the conflicting trends, but that a decrease in the labor workforce could partly explain those labor dynamics. When the workforce size decreases, fewer new jobs are needed to push down the unemployment rate.

We are seeing mixed signals on whats happening in the labor markets, Condon said. I cant really come to a judgment yet on why that is happening. I think we need another month of data to see why that divergent relationship is happening.

Unemployment rates in other major cities in the state continue to exceed the numbers in southwestern municipalities. Hartford produced a 8.4 percent rate, New Haven posted a 6.1 percent total and Waterbury recorded a 7.5 percent rate.

pschott@scni.com; 203-964-2236; twitter: @paulschott
Its a difficult crisis to overstate.

On Thursday, U.S. Surgeon General Dr. Vivek H. Murthyn released , Facing Addiction in America: The Surgeon Generals Report on Alcohol, Drugs, and Health, which explores the causes and costs of addiction, along with possible ways to achieve better days ahead.

The report hopes to drive home the point to America that substance abuse is not a failing of the weak-willed, but rather a set of full-blown diseases, all of which require a lifetime of treatment.

The number of people who die annually in the United States from either drug or alcohol misuse has exceeded the population of Stamford  or more than 135,000 people, with 88,000 of that number coming from alcohol-related deaths and 47,000 fatalities caused by drug overdose.

Weve been saying that for quite a long time  that this is a chronic relapsing disease. said Dr. Robert Heimer, a professor at the Yale School of Public Health. You cannot think of addiction as something like a broken arm  something that has a cure. Rather, its a disease more like cancer, where theres always the threat of relapse without medical care.

Dr. Charles J. Morgan, the chairman of psychiatry at Bridgeport Hospital agreed.

Addiction is still something that is strongly stigmatized in this country, he said. Its still thought of as a weakness and that people need to pull themselves up by their own bootstraps.

He said that we are too eager to ship the addicted off to jail rather than into treatment.

The cost of addiction is actually higher than diabetes, he said. In fact, there still arent a lot of quality programs out there. The first step is that we need to understand that this is a brain disorder, not a lack of willpower.

The mention of diabetes is fitting  experts say that both diabetes and addiction now affect about the same number of people  21 million.

Fatalities are just at the tip of the addiction and alcohol abuse iceberg.

Cost of addiction

The report estimates that the economic losses from substance abuse top $400 billion a year, although this number could even be greater.

There are scores of different sectors of our society that are pulled into this vortex, from paying for auto body repairs to the ongoing costs of caring for the children with fetal alcohol syndrome disorders.

Many of these costs, the report notes, are borne by taxpayers. There are police, judges and prosecutors to pay for, ambulance runs, emergency room fees and the cost of running the many public agencies set up to deal with the this tentacled and unwieldy crisis, not the least of which are the state penitentiaries.

Then there is the incalculable cost of lost or reduced income.

Addiction shows its face in teens and young adults, many of whom have trouble finishing school, Heimer notes.

For far too long, too many in our country have viewed addiction as a moral failing, Murthyn said in his introduction to the report. This unfortunate stigma has created an added burden of shame that has made people with substance use disorders less likely to come forward and seek help. It has also made it more challenging to marshal the necessary investments in prevention and treatment.

Heimer said that its criminal to think of an abstinence program as one that can hope for producing good results.

The fact is, an abstinence program will fail ninety-five percent of the time within six months, he said. Proper treatment using drugs has about thirty percent failure rate  so why do we keep sending people back to these abstinence program? Its just dead wrong.

Growing crisis

The 425-page report explains the complex effects on the brain of alcohol and drugs and how misuse can become a disorder.

It also describes the evidence showing that prevention, treatment, and recovery policies and programs can be effective according to Secretary of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Sylvia Mathews Burwell.

We now have many of the tools we need to protect children, young people, and adults from the negative health consequences of substance misuse, she said in its preamble. We can provide individuals with substance use disorders the treatment they need to lead healthy and productive lives; and help people stay substance-free.

Its a deepening crisis, according to Kana Enomoto, the principal deputy administrator of the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services.

The consequences are becoming more deadly than ever, Enomoto said in the report. At the same time, we need to spread the word that substance misuse and addiction are solvable problems.

Over 20 million people have substance use disorders, and 12.5 million Americans reported misusing prescription pain relievers in the past year. Seventy-eight people die every day in the United States from an opioid overdose, and those numbers have nearly quadrupled since 1999, the report states.

Theres no recovery from addiction, said Heimer. Im hoping that this Surgeon Generals report allows people to come out of the closet.
GREENWICH  Frauds come in many different forms  including offers of employment.

A Greenwich woman from Orchard Avenue came to police headquarters Wednesday to report that she had fallen for an e-mail fraud that bilked her out of several thousands of dollars.

While the public might be suspicious of e-mails promising riches associated with the Nigerian oil ministry, new kinds of e-mail scams are always being generated, according to Greenwich police. One recurrent scheme comes as an offer of employment.

The victim was contacted via e-mail by a scammer who related she was an employee within the human resource department of a prominent health-care company. In the email, they offered her an at home position within the company, said police Lt. Kraig Gray.

The victim accepted the officer and signed a contract with the company, taking a position. The victims new employer then mailed a check to the victim to deposit into her personal banking account, the police lieutenant continued. As part of the ruse, the victim wrote checks to another account, after taking out her salary from the bogus check.

After several transactions, her personal bank advised her that the last check she had attempted to deposit was fraudulent, and that her account was currently overdrawn for several thousand dollars, Gray said.

Police are reminding the public to be wary of on-line employment solicitations. You should never trust any new job where your boss expects you to send money to him or any job where you get a check before actually doing any work, the lieutenant concluded.

Robert.Marchant@scni.com
Ezra Shaw | Getty Images

Earlier this week, Twitter rolled out a new tool that it hopes will help the site's ongoing harassment problems. A beefed-up mute feature is now able to filter phrases, keywords and hashtags that a user deems offensive, and can mute entire threads if desired. The users will stop receiving notifications from any nasty threads they chose without removing the thread from their timeline or blocking anyone.

In short, while it doesnt stop anyone from writing vile tweets, it prevents the target of attacks from seeing them. Is that enough? According to Mark Cuban, no.
With one perfect tone-deaf quote, the New Balance apparel company put a huge greasy smudge on their formerly positive, relatively quiet branding image.

In response to a question about the Trans-Pacific Partnership (TPP) trade agreement, which New Balance (and Donald Trump) opposes because it benefits their competitors, Matt LeBretton, VP of Public Affairs for New Balance remarked, [...] with President-elect Trump, we feel things are going to move in the right direction.

Related: John Oliver: Multilevel Marketing Is Not a Good Path to Entrepreneurship

Neo-Nazi website, the Daily Stormer, subsequently dubbed New Balance the "official brand of the Trump Revolution. And just like that, New Balance became the unofficial cobbler of white supremacists.

Though presidential candidate Trumps endorsement by the KKK didnt negatively affect his election win, New Balance isnt getting the same presidential treatment. Since LeBrettons indelicate statement last week, ex-New Balance customers have taken to posting tweets and videos of themselves trashing and burning New Balance sneakers.

Vote w/your dollars..tends to be more efficient. #newbalance shoes are for Trump supporters. pic.twitter.com/hYMb3COOtV  mayraromeroferman (@mayraromeroferm) November 10, 2016

Shoe owners dump Trump, their New Balance kicks https://t.co/nUxpOF7JUr pic.twitter.com/T4AQvFQzy9  ABS-CBN News (@ABSCBNNews) November 10, 2016

This has, in turn, led to a slew of negative press, which has led to negative Google results, which equals major consequences for the brand.

Related: 'Trumping' Bad Press: 5 Reasons to Listen to Your PR Team

As a content strategist at an online reputation management (ORM) & branding company, my default reaction was: "this is bad for New Balances brand." In my profession, we have long drawn the connection between online reputation and branding; it can often be a tumultuous love-hate relationship. A negative tweet (from or about a company or person) can take a good reputation and raze it to the ground -- and do so bigly.

If Donald Trumps hypothesis is right, he wielded the power of Twitter and Facebook for next to nothing, and used it to win, even against Hillary Clintons sizable campaign war chest. Trump told Leslie Stahl during his 60 Minutes interview, I think that social media has more power than the money [the Clinton campaign] spent.

And hes not wrong. Social media brandishes quite the weapon -- for good or for bad.

Prior to last week, the apparel company was praised by publications like GQ for its patriotic manufacturing practices, saying, weve lauded New Balances ability to turn out quality, stylish footwear while maintaining a manufacturing presence in the United States as other brands fled to China, Vietnam and elsewhere.

In other words, a week ago, the company was a champion for America. Now, wearing a pair of their shoes is akin to donning a white cloak. Regardless of whether LeBrettons statement was taken out of context or whether New Balance is pro-Trump or not, the brand's online presence and Google search results can define a brand by defining what is "truth" -- regardless of validity.

Related: Why 'Pixie-Dust' PR Programs Are Bad for Startups

Since LeBrettons statement just last week, a New Balance Google search (in New York City) currently shows five negative results referring to the story. That's a big deal for a company that gets searched 3 million times every single month. You are whatever your online results say you are. Thats why companies and (individuals) need to be hyper-vigilant about monitoring their online presence, their brand and their VPs. Its a lot easier to keep your brand healthy then rebuild it after a scandal.

A couple of things New Balance could do to rebuild:

Stop making statements.

No matter how much they deny, it wont hold water. That ship has sailed.

Stop talking, start doing.

New Balance has made a statement coming out against bigotry, but no one is convinced. Instead, do something positive in the background: initiatives that combat racism, donation of proceeds of a new or limited merch line to anti-hate charities. When this controversy dies down, and they usually do, New Balance can point to its good works.

Get a solid ORM plan in place!

With New Balances search results the way they are, the company has proven a desperate need for an online reputation management (ORM) firm, and will want to get one in place ASAP. New Balance needs to take control of the online narrative quickly to give them their best chance at rebounding from this fiasco.

To be sure, many big companies dont have solid ORM practices in place, which is why New Balance isnt the first large company to experience a branding snafu due to social media backlash. (Anyone remember the KKK (Krispy Kreme Klub) Wednesdays Facebook ad?) Companies like New Balance most likely have well-paid PR teams to manage bad press, but even they cant be sure how long itll take to control or suppress the story in search results.

In a recent effort to distance themselves from white supremacists, the company issued a statement denouncing bigotry or hate in any form. Sure, its possible that this story may be sufficiently buried a year from now, or it could become a Samsung story that isnt going anywhere anytime soon. In the end, only Google knows, and Google is like the electoral college -- very few of us understand how it works. But we can hope for the best, while preparing for the worst.

Related:



Copyright 2016 Entrepreneur.com Inc., All rights reserved
Salade DAutumne: potato, artichoke, foie-gras torchon. Photo: Melissa Hom

You may not yet know the name Jared Sippel, but he previously built a sterling reputation with his cooking at Frasca Food and Wine in Boulder, and his first New York restaurant celebrates the food of Northern Italy and Southern France (the restaurants name is French for Italian).* Hes poised to become one of New Yorks best new chefs, but even though the food at Italienne is elegant and refined, like Gramercy Tavern, the restaurant offers two different experiences, making it more accessible.

The more casual taverna, in the front of the restaurant, is styled after a neighborhood osteria, and offers funky small plates like octopus salad, bread-and-cabbage dumplings, and electric goat. In the back dining room, you can opt for a four-course, $98 tasting menu. If you enjoyed Le Coucou, add this place to your list. Take a look:

Cheese plate: cardoon honey, cabinbert (Spoonwood Cabin Creamery), Mont St. Francis (Capriole Creamery), Gabriel Coulet roquefort, lavender honey. Photo: Melissa Hom

Ile Flottante: toasted rice creme anglaise, steamed meringue, puffed rice, herbes de Provence. Photo: Melissa Hom

Ingrids Lobster: coconut vichyssoise, lemongrass, fines herbes. Photo: Melissa Hom

The taverna. Photo: Melissa Hom

The back dining room. Photo: Melissa Hom

Italienne, 19 West 24th Street, 212-600-5139

This post has been edited to reflect the fact that Sippel has not won a James Beard Foundation award.
Rigatoni a la Singapore with clams, shrimp, Italian sausage, Chinese broccoli, and XO sauce. Photo: Melissa Hom

The chef Dale Talde likes to describe his style of cooking at Talde, where he serves bacon pad thai and pretzel dumplings, as inauthentic Asian. Now, hes giving the same cheeky treatment to Italian food at Massoni, his first foray into the Manhattan restaurant scene. (Talde had dabbled in Italian food before with Jersey Citys now-closed Carrino Provisions.) The new spot is located in the Arlo Nomad, where Talde and his crew are also operating a second-floor bar named BARlo, a takeout spot called Bodega, and next spring will open the Heights, a rooftop bar.

At Massoni, which launched breakfast service earlier this week and will start dinner this coming Monday, the menu is heavy on pastas and pan pizzas. Those square pies take a pretty clear inspiration from Brooklyns Emmy Squared, with toppings like clam and potato and ricotta salata and pistachio pesto. And while theres a straight up spaghetti with meatballs, theres also rigatoni a la Singapore with clams and XO sauce, Caesar salad made with nori, and hot olive soy sauce with the steamed orata. Breakfast is more basic, think polenta pancakes and a farro grain bowl, while Bodega will serve that same pizza plus mocha danishes, Italian-American sandwiches like meatball parm and Italian beef, and more.

The brick chicken with Calabrian-spiced yogurt and Chinese mustard greens. Photo: Melissa Hom

Square pizza with pepperoni, pickled peppers, and honey. Photo: Melissa Hom

The clam, potato, and parsley pizza. Photo: Melissa Hom

An Italian beef sandwich from Taldes to-go spot in the hotels lobby. Photo: Melissa Hom

Cocktails are named for New York neighborhoods like Wakefield in the Bronx. Photo: Melissa Hom

The Forest Hills is made with Thai basil. Photo: Melissa Hom

Take a seat. Photo: Melissa Hom

Have a drink. Photo: Melissa Hom
Where will he pop up next? Photo: Robin Van Lonkhuijsen/AFP/Getty Images

Now that he has (temporarily) closed Noma, Rene Redzepi has even more time to travel and cook around the world. In February, hell pop up at Blackberry Farm in Tennessee for three nights, and in April, the New York Times confirms that hell open the much-rumored Noma Mexico for more than one month. Hes moving his 90-person staff to Tulum, and collaborating with his former pastry chef, Rosio Sanchez, who operates a taqueria in Copenhagen. Hell also add several local cooks to his team.

While this pop-up will follow Redzepis fine-dining format  it costs $600 per person  all diners will sit outside on the cleared edge of the jungle and Redzepi says his staff will even wear flip-flops (because whats more appetizing than looking at someones feet?). You can book a table starting December 6, right here.
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This week on the terraces of the Marriott Hotel, in front of more than 500 guests, Dr. Harry Beauvais who set up the first specialist clinic for the treatment of infertility in Haiti, has been named Haitis Digicel Entrepreneur of the Year for 2017...




Haiti - Elections : Two conditions to be able to vote





The Executive Director of the Provisional Electoral Council recalls that the voter to be allowed to vote must not only hold its National Identification Card (CIN) but also its name must appear on the list (liste demargement).



In addition, the Directorate invites all voters who have lost their CIN, to do diligence, in order to recover their new Card in the offices of the National Office of Identification (ONI) or any other distribution point set up for this purpose.



The ONI informs that all its communal offices throughout the country, as well as the office of Port-au-Prince and Delmas (Babiole, rue Miot # 4) are open from 8:00 am until 4:00 pm on Friday 18 and Saturday 19 November 2016.



The offices will receive only citizens who come to get their CIN.



If you need more services, come back Monday November 21st. The ONI asks all to respect the order and the discipline and to avoid to make the disorder.



The ONI reminds the population that it will be in the commune of residence (the given address) that they will be able to receive their cards.



How to find your Voting Centre and polling station

The Executive Director of the Provisional Electoral Council (CEP) reminds the general public, the political parties, political groups and candidates in particular that the Call Center operates daily from 6:00 am to 10:00 pm and allows voters to know their Voting Centre and polling station for the next election scheduled for November 20, 2016.



The Executive Directorate, encourages voters to call 8828 (Natcom) and 8830 (Digicel) by providing the operator with the number of their National Identification Card (CIN) or by sending their CIN number by SMS (free service).



You can also use the online system below to find out about your Voting Centre and polling station :



">https://ouvoter.cephaiti.ht/consultation/rechercher.aspx">



S/ HaitiLibre






















Haiti - News : Zapping politics...





Two foreigners assigned to the CTV

The National Human Rights Network (RNDDH) denounced the assignment of two technicians from the United Nations Development Program (UNDP) to the Voting Tabulation Center (VCT). The RNDDH fears that the presence of these two foreigners in the CTV affects the credibility of the recording operations of minutes after the voting took place.



Berlanger call to vote even under rain

Regarding the weather conditions during the election day, Leopold Berlanger, CEP President, said "Go vote! In other countries, people vote under snow [...] if the rain is not dangerous, you have to go out and vote. We can not postpone elections because of the rain." https://www.haitilibre.com/en/news-19254-haiti-flash-weather-situation-as-elections-approach.html



125,800 representatives

125,800 representatives of political parties are authorized to supervise the conduct of electoral activities. Leopold Berlanger, President of the CEP, said that the representatives of the political parties in the voting centers would have to respect the rules established for the voting, recalling that the representatives can vote only in the polling station assigned to them.



Security, deployment in progress

The deployment of police forces to ensure the security of elections of 20 November began on Tuesday throughout the country https://www.icihaiti.com/en/news-19261-icihaiti-flash-almost-13-000-police-officers-and-military-deployed-for-elections.html



UNDP in post-Matthew support

The United Nations Development Program (UNDP) Haiti has signed Memoranda of Understanding with the communes of Dame Marie, Abricots, Anse d'Hainault to support them in the post-Matthew recovery process.



2nd Binational Forum of the OBMEC

Thursday at the Hotel El Rancho of Petion-ville, the Binational Observatory on Migration, Education, Environment and Trade (OBMEC), which brought together Haitian-Dominican academic researchers, organized its 2nd Binational Forum on the theme "Haitiano-Dominican university research at the service of change on the island."



Installation of the new Director of the BCA

Thursday at the Ministry of Agriculture took place the ceremony of installation of the new Director of the Bureau of Credit Agricole (BCA), the Agronomie Dieuvet Michel.



HL/ HaitiLibre


















By Lisa Espinosa | Published on 2016/11/17

"The Legend of the Blue Sea" is starting out strong, beating its pre-produced predecessor "Descendants of the Sun" in ratings. Although the story still hasn't proceeded very far, the dialogue is charming, wittily delivered, and the ten minute long chase scenes are overflowing with Jun Ji-hyun's irresistible energy.

Advertisement

Romance blooms quickly in this drama, growing during fights with thugs, interspecies culture clashes, and all sorts of mermaid badassery. While Lee Min-ho is strong in his comedy and in his chemistry with his co-star, it is the lovely Jun Ji-hyun's mermaid and her complete lack of inhibition that charms the pants off this episode. Contrary to social practice, she is frank with her emotions, does not self depricate, and goes after what she wants. As Joon-jae shares his past, the pain of losing his mother, and his skewed sense of love, the mermaid takes all of it to heart and tries to apply it to her own feelings and situation. She is like a child in her ignorance, but very much a mature, loveable adult in her problem-solving.

This episode still only gave us a taste of their paralleled past incarnations. The mermaid's golden-tailed predecessor definitely dabbled in romance with Joon-jae's town mayer, but we don't know much more than that. Sung Dong-il plays a nasty piece of work in Joseon times and he was seen sauntering around in cuffs in present day Seoul so I expect him to make a splash in Joon-jae's and his mermaid's lives soon. For now the intrigue remains rather perfunctory and utilitarian - Joon-jae is running from the retaliation set on him by a victim of a heist.

Romance in "The Legend of the Blue Sea" is charming and refreshingly unaffected and unpretentious. Emotions are in the open almost immeidately. It will no doubt be Joon-jae's criminal activities and the fact that the two lovers come from different words that will challenge them and spur this drama forward.

Characterizations are fun as well. Joon-jae is obnoxiously confident, but also keenly aware of loneliness and being left behind. The mermaid quietly protects what is hers. Both characters have a fierceness about them that makes them winning individually and together.

While I hope that the fish-out-of-water antics continue, I would like to meet the rest of the main cast and get the plot really rolling forward next week.

Written by: Lisa Espinosa AKA Raine from 'Raine's Dichotomy'

"The Legend of the Blue Sea" is directed by Jin Hyeok, written by Park Ji-eun, and features Lee Min-ho, Jun Ji-hyun, Lee Hee-jun, and Shin Hye-sun.

Watch on Viki
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
Date: Tue, 7 May 1996 06:46:00 -0500

From: L-Soft list server at MIZZOU1 (1.8b) <LISTSERV@MIZZOU1.missouri.edu>

Subject: File: DATABASE OUTPUT

To: Haines Brown <BROWNH@CCSUA.CTSTATEU.EDU> > S * IN ACTIV-L

--> Database ACTIV-L, 7501 hits. > print 07438

>>> Item number 7438, dated 96/05/03 18:22:46ALL

Date: Fri, 3 May 1996 18:22:46 CDT

Sender: Activists Mailing List <ACTIV-L@MIZZOU1.MISSOURI.EDU>

From: MIDDLEEAST@aol.com

Subject: IRAN = NAZI GERMANYMER Lie of the Week

Iran = Nazi Germany: Israel & U.S. pursue new world domination in the Middle East

By Mark Bruzonsky, Mid-East Realities,

3 May 1996

There have been so many lies this week with Shimon Peres, and then Yasser Arafat, in Washington! Breathtaking! But the most dangerous one of all is the one designed to prepare Western public opinion for what is likely to be the next Israeli attack in the Middle East. For next in line after Libya, Iraq, Hamas, Hizballah, and Lebanon, is Iran.

Shortly after coming to office and taking the unprecedented step of appointing the head of the Israeli-sponsored think-tank to the National Security Councilincidentally with the public support of Jim Zogby speaking on behalf of Arab-Americans!the Clinton Administration announced the dual-containment policy.

Dual-containment enunciated by the new N.S.C. man, Martin Indyk, who was instrumental in thrusting this Israeli and Saudi-inspired policy on the U.S.has been the Clinton's Administration main strategic policy in building on George Bush's legacy of a new world order .

More accurately described as a new world domination , dual containment has so far not been completely successful and both the Israelis and (far more quietly) the Saudis are nervous.

Just as there was a build-up of public denunciations and dire warnings that created the public-relations context for the destruction and isolation of Iraq, something similar is underway at the moment in regard to Iran.

The Iraqis were building a super gun to attack Israel. The Iraqis were acting like gangsters when they hanged a British journalist (who probably was a spy). The Iraqis were preparing nuclear and biologically-armed missiles to rain on Israel. All of these propaganda barrages were unleashed against Iraq in the Western media even before Iraq was manipulated into occupying Kuwait. Once that happenedwhether inspired by clever ploys of the Mossad and CIA or by Iraqi designthe die was cast and all attempts to solve the crisis peacefully were purposefully scuttled by the Americans.

Something similar is now underway in regard to Iran, the other leg of the dual-containment policy that has been foisted on the U.S. primarily by the Israelis.

Tel Avivnow working in close alliance with the Saudis (indeed, Saudi Ambassador Prince Bandar is a very close friend and confidant of Martin Indyk who is now U.S. Ambassador in Israel)desperately wants to bring Iran to heal as has been done with Iraq.

That is the reason Shimon Peres has publicly likened Iran to Nazi Germany and repeatedly denounced Iran's quest for nuclear weaponsa race the Iranians feel they have been forced to escalate precisely because of the dual-containment policy itself, the increasing Israeli threats, and Israel's own arsenal of hundreds of sophisticated nuclear weapons and American-supplied delivery systems.

Going even beyond Peres' public denunciations of Iran, the LONDON TIMES reported in the days just before Peres traveled to Washington that an Israeli official had threatened that if Hamas or Hizbullah retaliate against Israel for Kana or anything else Israel's next target might well be nuclear facilities in Iran. This should not simply be taken as pre-election rhetoric; though indeed the Peres government is deeply concerned that something will happen before the May 29th election.
American Legion welcomes vets to discuss VA health care

News Release from American Legion

WASHINGTON, Nov. 16, 2016 -- The American Legion invites all Honolulu area veterans and their family members to a town hall meeting to discuss their Veterans Affairs (VA) health care.

The meeting will be held at 8:30 a.m. on Tuesday, Dec. 6th at the Oahu Veterans Center at 1299 Kukila St, Honolulu, Hawaii.

The town hall event is one of about a dozen hosted by The American Legion in the United States this year. The Legion hosts these events to hear feedback from veterans about the quality of health care they receive at their local VA facility.

Representatives from The American Legion Department of Hawaii, The American Legion National Headquarters office in Washington, D.C., representatives from VA, and members of the Hawaii congressional delegation will be in attendance for the meeting.

For more information, contact: Bernard Lee, Department of Hawaii Adjutant, aldepthi@hawaii.rr.com

About The American Legion

The American Legion is the largest wartime veterans service organization with 2.2 million members in more than 13,000 posts in communities across in America. The Legion, established by an act of Congress in 1919, was instrumental in getting the original GI Bill through Congress and the creation of the Department of Veterans Affairs.
The Australian population is aging rapidly and over 65s are projected to increase in numbers from 3.5 million to 5.8 million over the next 15 years.



Consequently, research by ManpowerGroup Solutions suggests that helping businesses to recruit an older workforce is an economic necessity.



The research also follows a recent report suggesting an older workforce could deliver gains of $78 billion to the Australian economy through increased GDP.



The survey also notes that a quarter (25%) of respondents feel their careers decisions are impacted by a lack of access to technical training.



The projected 32% increase in university fees also underlines the importance of engaging an already educated and experienced workforce, said Sue Howse, general manager at ManpowerGroup Solutions, Australia and New Zealand.



If education costs soar as predicted the talent shortage will be exacerbated, she added.



And again there is a ready solution by re-engaging older workers who have elementary training in their field and the resources to upskill.



Howse explained that developing a strategy for retaining and recruiting older employers makes excellent business and economic sense.



We have an aging population, people are living longer and it is a reality that the pension age could foreseeably increase to 70 years, she said.



And considering the talent shortage this a viable solution for businesses of all sizes.



ManpowerGroup Solutions has developed strategies to harness the capabilities of an older workforce. Included in this are simple steps all employers can take.



Open the door before they walk out of it. Planting the seed for future part-time work with employees who are about to retire opens the door for potential opportunities later on. Employers who broach the idea first can put their companies at the top of the list for returning talent.



Leverage referrals. Providing incentives for un-retirees to refer other potential hires can also be a way to tap industry talent from competitive organizations.



Align reward structures and emphasise flexibility. Flexibility is as important as compensation in recruiting and retaining boomerang workers. Phased retirement (gradually reducing the number of hours worked each week or the number of weeks worked over a given period of time) can also be a win-win strategy.




To the public, Jessica Young is a Captain in the U.S. Army, but if you ask five-year-old Kindergartner Atticus Stauffer  shes Mom. And beyond that, just like the team of Avengers on his Marvel tee-shirt, hed tell you one more thing  his mom is a superhero.

Capt. Young is currently serving active-duty commanding a helicopter unit in the U.S. Army in Afghanistan. While deployed, Atticus is under the care of his aunt and uncle, Valle Crucis locals Brie and Jason Powell, and attends school at Valle Crucis Elementary.

The transition from school-to-school for a child can be a difficult one; add the extra burden of a transfer brought on by the deployment of a parent, and an already tough situation can get worse. But Powell said five-year-old Atticus has handled the change admirably, thanks in no small part to the huge outpouring of support from the Valle Crucis community.

Atticus handled the transition beautifully, Powell said. He handled it with more grace and understanding than you could have expected from most adults.

Powell said that inviting Atticus into her home, which she and her husband did just nine months after welcoming a child of their own into the world, was anything but a burden.

We are probably the most blessed in this situation, Powell said, referring to her family in Valle Crucis. Atticus is just awesome. Its been so eye-opening for me. A lot of people are saying that we are making a sacrifice in taking him on  but no. That is not the case. He is blessing to us everyday. Jess is the one who is missing out for sure.

When Powell, along with her husband Jason  who knew in advance her sister would soon be deployed  were asked to be their nephews godparents, they immediately started doing research to help her give Atticus the smoothest possible transition from his home in Kansas to Valle Crucis.

According to all of the research I did, in a big transition, most preschoolers are going to ask what a change will look like for them, Powell said. Where will I sleep, where will I eat lunch  things like that. Atticus looked at his mother, and the first words out of his mouth were, Mommy, are some of your Army friends going to die?

Powell said Atticus level of understanding of the risk that his mother undertakes in her service to the country was acute.

He is extremely understanding. He understands the risks involved, but he also understands that his Moms level of safety is as high as it can possibly be. She has a great team that she is working with, Powell said.

And even if they have no direct contact with Capt. Young, she has a great team at home as well. Valle Crucis School Social Worker Amy Michael, along with her intern Appalachian State University Masters of Social Work student Jordan Brown, have spearheaded an effort to get a massive care package to Young and her unit.

Called Operation Carry the Love, the effort has worked to collect everyday comfort items that are difficult for soldiers to obtain in Afghanistan, junk food, snacks, etc. Young said that simple items like these were a huge boost to morale, especially for troops who dont often receive packages from home.

Powell said that, fortunately, Atticus and his mom are able to enjoy a certain amount of contact through video chat. Atticus takes his mother around via cellphone, introducing her to aspects of his life in Valle Crucis, including allowing her to remote-contact into a skate night fundraiser recently held for Operation Carry the Love.

The Kindergartner  who said he was better able to skate on carpet than the polished wood floor  was able to wheel his mom around and introduce her to some of his friends who had come out to support her unit.

For his part, Atticus gets to take part in his moms work by proxy with the assistance of a well-traveled stuff animal called Baby Cow.

Before she left on deployment, Young purchased a twin pair of stuffed animals  one for her, one for Atticus. Young took her Baby Cow overseas where it now lives an exciting life full of helicopter flight and hard, dusty work in the warzone.

Atticus is able to follow his moms journey through the photos of Baby Cow she sends back home. Easily the most plush American on base, Young sends photos of the stuffed animal flying helicopters, taking part in target practice and being held by grim-faced, muscle-bound soldiers who, according to Powell, pose for the inescapably cute photos only under her sisters command.

Powell said, along with cherishing the opportunity Atticus has to interact with his mother while she was gone, she was also immensely grateful for the amount of support Atticus and her family had gotten, both from Valle Crucis School and the community at large.

The Valle Crucis community has uplifted us so much, Powell said. The school has been absolutely amazing and then, beyond that, even the citizens here have just been unreal as far as sending us their love and always asking, what do you need, what can we do to make your life easier.

Next week, during the Kindergarten Thanksgiving program, Valle Crucis school plans a video chat with Capt. Young so she can take part in the event.

Valle Crucis is still in the process of collecting material to be shipped to the service men and women under Capt. Youngs command. Anyone interested in donating can contact Amy Michael at the school by calling (828) 963-4712.

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By Jesse Wood

The Blacksurg, Va., office of the National Weather Service issued a Special Weather Statement on Friday afternoon regarding the increase fire danger from Saturday through Sunday in southwest Virginia and northwest North Carolina, including the High Country.

A strong cold front will move through the region Saturday, behind the front winds will increase from the northwest to around 15 to 30 mph with occasional gusts [approximately between] 40 to 55 mph, the alert reads.

The highest wind gusts will occur across the highest elevations of northwest North Carolina Saturday afternoon into Sunday. This combined with low relative humidity of 28 to 48 percent and dry leaf litter increase the danger of rapid fire growth Saturday afternoon through Sunday as any fires could quickly grow out of control.

See the alert here.

If youve been reading RaysWeather.coms forecasts over the past few weeks, it seems as if dry and smoky have been a theme. In the southwest region of the North Carolina mountains, firefighters have been battling nearly 45,000 acres of forests daily. See the latest on the fires here.

Watauga County is currently in a severe drought, as classified by the U.S. Drought Monitor of North Carolina, and the drought, which seemed to start in June is causing groundwater levels to drop, a cause of concern for homeowners with wells.

On Thursday evening, the Town of Boone expanded its burn ban and is currently only allowing open flames outdoors if they are confined to manufactured grills and cookers. Water restrictions are in place, too.

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CURRENT SITUATION

Despite the warm, dry conditions, firefighters are making significant progress on containing most area fires. All major fires in the Nantahala National Forest are now at 50% containment or higher. Total large fire acreage today is at just over 44,000 acres, an increase of 2,310 acres from yesterday. Drought conditions continue to worsen across North Carolina. Temperatures today and tomorrow are forecasted to be at or near record levels. Winds will increase tomorrow and into the weekend as the cold front moves in. Any rain associated with the front is forecast to dissipate before it reaches North Carolina. Firefighters are preparing for the wind event by securing firelines and making sure structure protection measures are in place.

AIR QUALITY INFORMATION

A code orange air quality alert is in effect today for Asheville Valleys (under 4,000ft in elevation). Members of sensitive groups may experience health effects. The general public is not likely to be affected.

A code red air quality alert is in effect today for Hickory and areas in the NC foothills. A code red alert for AQI (Air Quality Index) means everyone may begin to experience health effects; members of sensitive groups may experience more serious health effects. Limit your time outdoors today. Keep windows and doors closed in your home and run your HVAC.

FIRE PREVENTION

Governor Pat McCrory announced today that the state is offering a reward of up to $10,000 to be issued to anyone who provides information leading to the arrest and conviction of the person or persons who are responsible for setting wildfires in western North Carolina. Anyone having information concerning these wildfires should contact Macon County Crimestoppers at (828) 349-2600 or Jackson County Crimestoppers at (828) 631-1125.

BURNING RESTRICTIONS

A total fire ban is in effect for all lands in the Nantahala and Pisgah National Forests; however, commercially available heating equipment, portable lanterns, or stoves that use gas or pressurized liquid fuel are allowed. More information is at

www.fs.usda.gov/detail/nfsnc/alerts-notices/?cid=fseprd524246.

A North Carolina Forest Service ban on all open burning in all 25 Western NC counties. More information is at www.ncforestservice.gov/news_pubs/newsdesk_2016.htm# 1107161

TODAYS UPDATES ON MAJOR AREA FIRES

MAPLE SPRINGS AND OLD ROUGHY FIRES (USFS-LAKE SANTEELAH AREA, GRAHAM COUNTY)

Despite another warm, sunny day, fire activity was quiet again Wednesday on the Maple Springs and Old Roughy fires. The Old Roughy Fire is now fully contained. An infrared flight late Wednesday night revealed most of the heat remaining on the Maple Springs fire is located along and inside the southern and western perimeters, with some pockets of heat in the interior of the fire.

Maple Springs: Acreage: 7,705  Containment: 50%  Personnel: 341  Start Date: November 4

Old Roughy: Acreage: 657  Containment: 100%  Start Date: November 8

TELLICO FIRE (USFS-NANTAHALA GORGE AREA, SWAIN AND MACON COUNTIES)

Fire managers who inspected most of the fires perimeter yesterday reported seeing very little smoke near containment lines or in the interior. Even though a lot of mop-up work remains, they were very pleased with the crews progress and the condition of the containment lines. Acreage: 13,874  Containment: 81%  Personnel: 464  Start Date: November 3

BOTELER FIRE (USFS-CHUNKY GAL AREA, CLAY COUNTY)

Although the smoke has cleared in the Hayesville area, freshly fallen leaves within the Boteler Fires containment lines are still burning. Yesterday, helicopters dropped water on interior hot spots northeast of East Vineyard Road. Today, crews will continue aggressive mop up to strengthen existing firelines.

Acreage: 8,975  Containment: 57%  Personnel: 426  Start Date: October 25

PARTY ROCK FIRE (NCFS-LAKE LURE AREA, RUTHERFORD, BUNCOMBE, AND HENDERSON COUNTIES)

Firefighters continue to secure containment lines and conduct burnout operations on the Party Rock Fire in advance of a strong cold weather front that will move through the area this weekend. Burnout operations were completed on the northern containment line along Rolling Ridge Road in Gray Rock. The northern half of the eastern containment line was successfully burned out, and todays operations will continue.

Acreage: 5,714  Containment: 19%  Personnel: 426  Start Date: November 5

CHESTNUT KNOB FIRE (NCFS-SOUTH MOUNTAINS STATE PARK, BURKE COUNTY)

Air support was utilized again yesterday with water and retardant drops. Additional resources have been ordered to support suppression efforts and are arriving daily. Today, crews are continuing burn-out operations, mop-up, and patrolling fire lines.

Acreage: 5,698  Containment: 35%  Personnel: 234  Start Date: November 6

ROCK MOUNTAIN FIRE (NORTHWEST OF CLAYTON, GA)

7,999 acre fire is 20% crossed over into NC in the Southern Nantahala Wilderness last night. The fire is currently five miles southeast of the town of Shooting Creek, NC. More info at: http://inciweb.nwcg.gov/incident/5100/

EVACUATIONS AND CLOSURES

Please visit Inciweb websites for the most up to date information:

http://inciweb.nwcg.gov/state/34/

BURKE COUNTY Mandatory Evacuation:

Residents along Bob Knob Road.

Evacuation Shelter: Collett Street Recreation Center, 300 Collett St. Morganton

HENDERSON COUNTY Mandatory Evacuations:

Residents in the following locations:

Rumbling Bald Resort (except Apple Valley community)

Chimney Rock from County Line to Boys Camp Road (Boys Camp Road now open to residents only)

Bat Cave from Intersection of 74/64 to Shumont Road off NC 9 North

Shumont Mountain in Buncombe County

Standing Gap and Roaring Rock Mountain

Evacuation Shelter: Grace Lutheran Church, 1245 6th Avenue West in Hendersonville

NANTAHALA NATIONAL FOREST CLOSURES

Major closures on the Nantahala include:

Southern Nantahala Wilderness (North Carolina)

Nantahala National Forest lands east of Eagle Fork community to Southern Nantahala Wilderness boundary

Nantahala National Forest lands south of US 64 and Allison Creek Road (SR 1448), to the Southern Nantahala Wilderness boundary (including the Standing Indian and Hurricane Creek areas)

Nantahala National Forest lands west of the Nantahala Mountains ridge from Mooney Gap to Wallace Gap, and west to the Southern Nantahala Wilderness boundary (including the Appalachian Trail, side trails, and shelter sites)

Nantahala National Forest lands north of US64 and east of State Road 1330 to Nantahala Ranger District boundary

Nantahala National Forest lands south and east of State Road 1307 from State Road 1330 to US64 and the Nantahala Ranger District Boundary

Joyce Kilmer Slickrock Wilderness

Wesser Creek Trail

Chunky Gal Trail

Whitewater Falls Trail and portions of Foothills Trail

Benton MacKaye Trail east of Beech Gap

Appalachian Trail in Nantahala National Forest

Call the US Forest Service office for more information on road and trail closures: 828-257-4200

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By Jesse Wood

Larry Ingle lives on the Watauga River Gorge about a half-mile from the Tennessee line. With his river-frontage property, Ingle can walk down to two waterfalls and more that are essentially inaccessible to everyone except kayakers. Like everyone else or perhaps more so, hes noticed the streams and rivers running low.

With the warranted press on the general election and the drought-related fires southwest of the High Country, Ingle is concerned that the potential effects of the drought on drinking water are being overlooked.

My neighbors think I am crazy. I am being very careful, trying not to waste a drop, Ingle said earlier this week. The whole subject has been kind of ignored, and I think its at a stage now that it deserves some attention.

Currently, Watauga County is experiencing a severe drought. Throughout the early summer to now, Watauga County has slowly crept up from the abnormally dry and moderate drought ranges. Fortunately, for us, though, conditions arent nearly as bad as the exceptional drought and extreme drought levels in the southwestern part of the state, where nearly 50,000 acres of forest are burning.

Unfortunately, though, the dry conditions look like they might remain for at least two more months. This morning, the State Climate Office released the third part of its 2016-17 Winter Outlook, stating that its forecasting model predicts a moderate to high confidence that predominantly dry weather will continue through December and likely much of January.

Drought will remain a concern this winter, as even near-normal seasonal precipitation would not lift western North Carolina completely out of the current drought, the report reads. Groundwater wells in that region will take time to recover.

Rebecca Cumbie-Ward, an extension climatologist with the State Climate Office, said that water levels began dropping in June, a theme that has continued to the present day.

In the past couple weeks, theyve started to drop into these very low levels, Cumbie-Ward said. For example, a USGS well in Cherokee County  its current level is at a depth of 14.7 feet and thats actually 0.4 feet below the lowest levels ever recorded for the month of November.

Curtis Weaver, a hydrologist with the U.S. Geological Surveys South Atlantic Water Science Centers office in North Carolina, said that homeowners with wells certainly have cause for concern with the current conditions.

Weaver noted that there arent local wells, such as the one in Cherokee County, to pull data from, but he referenced the USGS water gauge on the Watauga River, located near the intersection of Rominger and Old Watauga River roads.

At that location, the Watauga River is running 27 cubic feet per second.

To put that in historical context, the [Watauga River] is running at 20 percent of what we expect, Weaver said. When you have streams running this low, because of the interconnect between groundwater and stream flow, I would say there is definitely cause for concern for those who own wells.

Dewey Wright Jr., owner of Dewey Wright Well and Pump Co., said his office has been getting more calls lately. Wells have been drying up, he said, more than normal since January and springs have been drying up the last two or three months.

Weve really been noticing [more calls] for the last year, but its been more noticeable the last two or three months, Wright Jr. said.

He noted that wells at about 3,500 to 4,000 feet in elevation and those that have been drilled shallow at, say, 80 to 100 feet deep, depict the types of service calls his company has received lately.

If you dont get it by going deeper, you do try to find another spot, Wright Jr. said when asked how those service calls turn out.

(As a diagram provided by Doug Smith, another hydrologist with the U.S. Geological Surveys South Atlantic Water Science Centers office in North Carolina, shows, depending on how many fractures in crystalline bedrock a well is drilled through, nearby wells [within feet from each other] in the mountains can yield variable amounts of water.)

When asked about this issue happening in prior times in the High Country, Wright responded absolutely before rattling off different dates in time  1978, 1986-88 and 1999-2001  when droughts have happened.

Weve encountered three drought years in a row in the well-drilling business, Wright said. It does come back around, and sometimes they last three years.

As for how much rain would be needed to end the drought, Dennis Sleighter, a meteorologist with the National Weather Services Blacksburg, Va., office, which covers some of the High Country, said that 10.05 inches of rain would end the drought right now, and according to archives with RaysWeather.com, several months have passed since the High Country has received that amount of rain.

Anywho, Larry it sounds like you arent that crazy after all.

Story Update:

Just before publishing this story on Thursday evening, Andrew Blethen, the environmental health supervisor with the Appalachian District Health Department, said that his office has issued 11 permits for new private drinking water wells since September. He noted that three of these permits were from the Ski Crest Subdivision near Blowing Rock and the others were from various areas, mostly on the eastern side of the county.

In Watauga County for all of 2015 we issued a total of 9 new well construction permits due to someone being out of water. This is a good reason why people need to conserve our most precious natural resource. In addition to conservation the protection of our supplies (both surface and ground water) from contamination is critical and is a major reason behind our onsite water protection program that regulates the construction of septic systems and private drinking water wells across the state, Blethen added on Friday

Blethen noted that permits regarding dry wells are a priority at the office, so residents dont go without water longer than necessary as far as permitting goes.

For homeowners, heres Groundwater and the Rural Homeowner report from the USGS that may be of interest. Click to the following link: http://pubs.usgs.gov/gip/gw_ruralhomeowner/

Here are a couple diagrams provided by Doug Smith of the U.S. Geological Surveys South Atlantic Water Science Centers office in North Carolina to help me with this story:

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Let the celebrating begin earlyand let it not end until February 25th! Before digging into cooking the turkey and fixingsor before hitting the road for the Thanksgiving holiday there is a unique opportunity to add a unique Cajun flavor to the holidays. The Watauga County Arts Council is extending an invitation to kick off the holiday season with a Cajun-style dinner on Monday, November 21st at 6:30 pm in the beautiful, historical setting of Over Yonder, a quaint restaurant which is located at 3608 NC-194 in Sugar Grove, NC  in the historic Mast Farm Inn across from Valle Crucis Elementary School.

This unique event is called Half-Way to Mardi Gras and is the prelude event for the upcoming Mardi Gras celebration planned for Saturday, February 25th. At the Half-Way to Mardi Gras, guests will not only enjoy an okra buffet station and a plated muffaletta sandwich complimented by a heaping bowl of shrimp, chicken, and sausage potlikker gumbo with rice, but they will also finish it off with a New Orleans Bread Pudding with bourbon sauce complimented by coffee, tea, or a beverage from the cash bar. The authentic cuisine is guaranteed by the fact that Over Yonders Executive Chef and owner is Andrew Young, who hails from Baton Rouge, Louisiana. Chef Youngs skilled culinary touch is complimented by the background of the event organizer, Jonell Hager, who also hails from Louisiana. Together they have created a truly authentic menu that will please even the most persnickety Cajun taste buds!

Another highlight of the evening is the fact that the King or Queen of the 2017 Mardi Gras will be announced at this event so that they may reign in splendor at the Mardi Gras on February 25th. In the Mardi Gras tradition, Mardi Gras Krewes, local clubs that sponsor parades and Carnival events, hold elaborate Balls and parties where their King, Queen and other Royalty are announced for the year. On its surface, the election of Royalty may seem comical. However, being chosen is a very special honor and is taken very seriously by New Orleanians. Mardi Gras Royalty are elected because of their contributions and standing in the community. Being chosen to represent a Krewe as a King or Queen is an honor that announces to the community at large that these people have made our city a better place and we recognize their hard work and dedication.

In keeping with that tradition, the Watauga County Arts Councils Board of Directors has selected four nominees who have been instrumental in helping the Arts Council serve the community. A survey is available online at https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/L7BTBKF and everyone is invited to vote (and vote often) for the individual they feel should reign over the upcoming Mardi Gras.

Nominees for the King or Queen of Mardi Gras are:

Marsha Holmes, who chairs the Arts Councils Gallery Committee. Marsha has been working with the Arts Council long before her service on the Board of Directors due to her position as an art teacher for the Project on Aging. Currently Marsha is a member of the WCACs Advisory Council.

Mike Wise holds the record for the longest service to the Arts Council, having served on its Board of Directors periodically since the early 1980s and having held numerous positions including President, Treasurer, Grassroots Grants Panel chairman, and serving as an active member of the Finance Committee, a position he still holds along with also serving as a member of the WCACs Advisory Council. The Arts Council recently voted to name one of the most-used rooms in the Blue Ridge ArtSpace after him.

Perry Yates, while not serving on any boards or committees of the Arts Council has been very instrumental in helping the Arts Council procure, renovate, and maintain their current facility, the Blue Ridge ArtSpace. Perry is a member of the Watauga County Board of Commissioners and was first introduced to the work of the Arts Council at the time they were pursuing permission to lease the facility. He was so impressed with the work of the Arts Council that he not only voted in favor of the lease, but he has been very generous in providing building materials to help the Arts Council renovate and maintain the building.

Shelby Lane is a passionate lover of the arts and an avid supporter of the Watauga County Arts Council. She has served as a past President, chaired several committees hosted fundraising events, and has been a faithful member of the Finance Committee for the last several years. She, too, is a member of the WCACs Advisory Council.

Selection of the royal honoree is already underway online and votes may also be cast in person at the Blue Ridge ArtSpace at 377 Shadowline Drive in Boone. Tickets for the Half-Way to Mardi Gras event are $35/person and are available online at www.watauga-arts.org or by contacting the Arts Council at 828-264-1789. Due to space limitations, only thirty-eight tickets will be sold so guests are urged to purchase their tickets right away.

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When Valle Landing, a shopping venue in Valle Crucis, burned in August, the losses were great  businesses, homes, and, sadly, a life. Even as the embers were still glowing, helping hands were being extended to the families and businesses that were based there. That warm embrace continues this Sunday, November 20, 1 p.m. until 4 p.m., at the Valle Crucis Apple Barn.

When our neighbors need help, we come together, said Caroline Gandy, the executive director of the Valle Crucis Community Park and a victim of a house fire herself. We are hoping to show continued support for those who lost so much and to honor those individuals in our community who put their lives on the line for all of us every day.

The Valle Love event will feature barbecue and all the fixins ($8 for adults/$5 kids). Event organizers hope youll be able to enjoy your meal while listening to live music performed by local musicians including Jeb Wooley and Friends and Jimmy Pineda, but if you need to carry out, please bring your own containers.

The Red Cross will be providing Fire Safety information to ensure your family is prepared should disaster strike at home. Attendees can also sign up for smoke detectors and installation, if needed.

With the holidays upon us, you can start your shopping early at the Holiday Market, featuring crafts and gift items made by local residents along with wreaths and certificates for Christmas Trees. Theres also a bake sale  get what you need for your Thanksgiving feast and save yourself some time on Thursday.

Photography by Macie Pietrowicz, a young woman who perished in the fire, will be on display. Some prints will be available for purchase at the event.

All proceeds from the event will benefit the victims of the fire the businesses: Bald Guy Brew Coffee Roasting Company, Valle Crucis Log Cabin Rentals, Valle Cafe and Bakery, Motorcycle Medics, and a future restaurant  and the medical/home needs of Mark Pietrowicz and the Nagy family.

A community event like this would not be possible if it not for the donations and contributions of businesses and individuals. Please thank Over Yonder (barbecue), Gadabouts, Valle Crucis Conference Center, and Reids Catering (side dishes), Stickboy (desserts), Coca-Cola (drinks), and Hatchett Coffee (coffee in honor of Bald Guy Brew) and remember them as you head out to eat or schedule your own catered event.

For more information, contact the Mast General Store at 828-963-6511.

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Apple-saluting cider jam also features bigtime bluegrass band

Hendersonville is getting a second apple celebration  a one-day event in the spring to promote the growing hard cider business.

Agribusiness Henderson County is sponsoring the Apple Country Cider Jam, Henderson Countys first hard cider festival, on Saturday, April 22, on Main Street.

Related Stories



The festival, from 1 to 6 p.m., will be a ticketed event with hard cider tasting, a nationally known bluegrass band and food trucks, said Mark Williams, executive director of AgHC, the nonprofit that promotes farming in Henderson County. The jam will close the same two blocks that are used for Rhythm & Brews, in front of the Visitors Center and Wells Fargo bank.

The first couple of hours there will be a tasting thats included in the ticket price, Williams said. Then after that people would have opportunity to purchase it by the pint. The main band will be one that people will recognize the name of.

Williams hopes the Cider Jam gives the industry more exposure and more visitors over time.

Were going to try to promote this event in a manner thats not just about the Main Street event, he said. We want to push people out to these operations (the cideries) so they can have their own individual events and give the exposure to their own event.  We want people to make a weekend out of it.

The 16 local and regional cider producers in North Carolina all will be invited to set up tastings

booths at the event. We anticipate that most will accept, Williams said.

Henderson County has three hard cider makers  Bold Rock, Saint Paul Mountain Vineyards and Naked Apple, which operates Flat Rock Ciderworks on Main Street. Organizers may add apple wine, which Burntshirt makes, but there are no plans for beer.

Weve got a reason that we broadened it to include other hard cider makers, because 95 percent of them are getting their apples from Henderson County, he said.

AgHC worked with the Henderson County Tourism Development Authority, the city of Hendersonville and the North Carolina Apple Festival in planning the festival. Food trucks will be limited and because the festival ends at 6 p.m. organizers expect many visitors to stay and dine downtown.

We hope this will be an event that will help tourism and put heads in beds, Williams said. Its been a good collaborative effort.

The Cider Jam also plans to promote a tie-in to apple blossom time. The April 22 date should coincide with the explosion of snowy white blooms in orchards throughout the apple country.

Tickets are $30 and will be on sale after Thanksgiving.
6,700-acre Party Rock fire 32% contained

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More than 900 firefighters made progress against the 6,712-acre Party Rock Fire, reaching to 32 percent containment on Thursday.

There are 920 firefighters working to protect homes and to monitor completed containment lines, the Henderson County sheriff's office said. Several helicopters and a large air tanker supported firefighters as containment was completed overnight down to Rumbling Bald Resort communities.

A significant wind event is forecast for this weekend. Conditions on the ground remain dry  there has been no rain in the area for 46 days. Fire managers will have a large contingency of firefighting equipment including structure protection to patrol containment lines and the communities.

Residents and business owners will be allowed back into Chimney Rock Village beginning at noon on Saturday. Permits are required to re-enter Chimney Rock Village and are being issued only to residents and business owners. Contact the Party Rock Fire Information Office for details.

A stretch of Highway 74-A leading into Chimney Rock Village from the north and south remains closed. Highway 9 remains closed from the intersection at Highway 74-A in Bat Cave north to Shumont Road.
A chip-shop regular accused of stabbing a man to death told a garda he was defending himself after being attacked by two men, his trial has heard.

Donal Colgan (65), of Killarney Court, Killarney St, Dublin 1, denies murdering 45-year-old David Sheridan outside Luigi's chip shop on North Strand Road in August 2014.

Gda Sgt Chris Cahill told prosecuting counsel Paul Burns that he was present when Mr Colgan was arrested and that he sat with him in a garda car as he was taken to Mountjoy Garda Station.

He said that while in the car Mr Colgan told him: "It was self-defence. Two lads attacked me."

Knife

The trial previously heard from Gda Eoin Treacy who agreed with defending counsel Patrick Marrinan that Mr Colgan stabbed Mr Sheridan with a knife.

The trial has also heard from Mr Sheridan's friend, Gary Kinlan, who said there was a fight between himself, Mr Sheridan and Mr Colgan before the lethal knife attack.

Det Gda Kevin Keys told the court that he and other gardai interviewed Mr Colgan four times at Mountjoy Garda Station on August 19, 2014.

During those interviews Mr Colgan denied knowing Mr Sheridan or that he had anything to do with the stabbing. He also denied going to Luigi's that night.

When they asked him if gardai had the wrong man, he replied: "Of course you do."

When they asked him why he had said it was self-defence and that two lads had attacked him, he said he was in shock after gardai arrested him.

He said they had "jumped" him and thrown him over a car.

Gda Keys also agreed that Mr Colgan became emotional when a garda urged him to give his side of the story, saying that a man was dead and it looked as though he had killed him for no reason.

The court heard from Teresa Marsella, who was working in Luigi's that night. She said Mr Colgan was a regular customer who would come in about three times a week for a bag of chips.

She said the shop was busy on the night of the stabbing, so she did not pay much attention to what was being said when Mr Colgan, Mr Sheridan and Mr Kinlan and a group of three younger men gathered in the shop.

She told Mr Burns that the first thing she saw was punches being thrown between Mr Colgan and Mr Sheridan outside the shop.

When Mr Colgan left, she thought that was the end of it. Minutes later, as she stood at the door of the shop, she saw Mr Colgan return.

"He took something out of his jacket and I thought I was seeing things, but it was a knife. He stabbed him and I walked away screaming."

Det Sgt Mark Watters told Mr Burns that he searched Mr Colgan's home after the arrest and found shoes, a black jacket and a pair of jeans, all stained with blood.

He also seized a block of knives from the accused man's kitchen.

Forensic scientist Dr Edward Connolly told the court he examined the blood on the jacket, and that they matched the DNA of the deceased. He could find no trace of blood on the block of knives.

The trial will continue on Monday in front of Justice Carmel Stewart and a jury of nine men and three women.
A spate of attacks in Dublin's Cloverhill Prison this week are under investigation, including one in which a computer screen was flung at the governor by an angry inmate.

Eight prison officers have been hospitalised this week after three incidents of violent attacks from three prisoners.

The first incident happened in the remand prison on Tuesday when an Assistant Chief Officer and three staff were injured.

A prisoner who had picked up a parcel in the yard over the weekend was before the governor on duty, who was writing up a P19 punishment notice for him.

After his punishment was issued, the prisoner picked up the computer screen from the desk and threw it at the governor.

Thankfully the screen missed him, and the staff removed the prisoner from the office and put him in an area known as The Strip.

But when they opened the cell to feed him, he attacked the staff, punching the Assistant Chief Officer a number of times in the head.

Three staff went to his assistance, and one was flung against the wall - injuring his back and hip.

The second incident occurred on Wednesday when three more staff were injured.

A prisoner was offered a phone call and when he was on the way to make his call he ran at an officer, punching him numerous times on the side of his head and face, breaking his glasses in the process.

The officer assisting him intervened and injured his back and knee while trying to restrain the prisoner.

The prisoner has a P19 dating back to May when he threatened the first staff member he attacked. All three staff had to attend the hospital.

Deteriorating

A prison source said that as recently as last week management had been informed by prison staff that the inmate's mental health had been deteriorating rapidly and there was widespread certainty that he was going to attack staff again.

The third incident happened yesterday morning after a request by a prisoner was refused during the governor's daily parade.

A supervising officer was injured and had to go off duty and attend the hospital.

The Prison Officer's Association said they were concerned at the attacks and injuries.

"We are concerned at the severity, regularity and apparent predictability of these incidents that are sadly reminiscent of last year's high level of violence," said the Association's Deputy General Secretary Jim Mitchell.
A young Irish woman has said she and her boyfriend are "lucky to be alive" after a parasailing accident in Australia left them seriously injured.

Noel Mounsey (23) was hailed a hero after keeping unconscious Zoe O'Dwyer Kelly (20) afloat in the sea, despite having injuries to his wrist, neck and shoulder.

Zoe, from Rathmore, Co Kerry, and Noel, from Co Clare, have been living in Sydney for more than two years.

On November 6, the couple went parasailing to celebrate their first anniversary.

"I'll never forget that date due to it being our anniversary and because it changed our lives for ever," Zoe told the Herald.

"I wanted to book a fun activity for us, but little did I know we both could have died.

"That morning we thought it might have been cancelled because we had received a message from the parasailing company to say that due to strong winds they had cancelled the first two morning trips out, but our session was at 12 and they took us out.

"I was a little nervous because the water seemed rough and the boat was swaying from side to side. I trusted our instructor would keep us safe."

Zoe said they were in the air for less than two minutes when a gust of wind snapped the rope that attached them to the boat.

"The parasail lost control and our heads collided. The last thing I remember before the impact was Noel telling me to get ready to hit the water."

Zoe said she was going in and out of consciousness.

"I can remember ropes from the parasail were wrapped around our legs and neck," she said.

"I saw Noel's face which was covered in blood and screamed, at which point he said to me, 'Don't worry about my face, it's your face'.

"I couldn't do or say anything with the blood streaming down my face."

When they hit the water after falling 10 metres, Zoe was unconscious and Noel had to keep her head out of the water.

"Noel had a fractured shoulder and wrist, so for him to keep me above water for so long in pain and shock was amazing," she said.

"Any longer and I hate to think what might have happ-ened."

A professional diving team were in the area at the time and helped take the couple to safety.

They were taken to St Vincent's Hospital where they were treated for serious injuries.

"The outcome of my injuries is a titanium plate in my head and over 37 stitches in my face," said Zoe.

Scars

"I'm 20 years of age and it's never easy to find out you're going to have scars on your face - but scars that need over 37 stitches?"

"Noel had nine stitches over his left eye along with a fractured shoulder and wrist.

"He remembers every second of that day - the rope snapping, hitting the water and the blood covering all around us and what felt like for him a lifetime before any one managed to come to our rescue."

Zoe wants to find out how the rope could have snapped, as she believes they could have died.

She and Noel intend to stay in Australia.

"We love living out here and our life is out here," said Zoe.

She praised her mum Mary and Noel's mum Rose Mary for dropping everything and flying to Australia to be by their sides.

"We'll find out as the days go on just how much the accident has affected us," said Zoe.
A row has erupted over a new Open Libraries initiative.

Dublin councillors are the latest to oppose plans for automated services that could see libraries open until 10pm every day of the week.

Councillors fear the move will lead to job losses.

However, the chief executive of the city council has told the Herald he is planning to increase librarian numbers, not reduce them.

Ballot

At a meeting of the strategic policy committee, councillors from all sides backed a People Before Profit motion opposing any attempt to introduce the initiative in the city.

Meanwhile, a ballot by public sector union IMPACT could lead to a nationwide strike by librarians.

The Local Government Management Association (LGMA), which represents council bosses, has been running a pilot project in two Offaly libraries and a third in Co Sligo.

Users can access services from 8am every day of the year, even when staff are not present.

"People should be in no doubt that this is a Trojan Horse, designed to remove librarians completely from the service," said PBP councillor John Lyons.

"The proposals allow services to remain available for extended hours, but we would argue we should recruit more librarians if that is what they want to do.

"At a time when many people in the city and in many rural areas suffer from increased isolation, removing the personal service provided by librarians will be damaging for society."

However, the council's chief executive, Owen Keegan, told the Herald there are plans to recruit more staff.

"The council has a very high degree of confidence in the skills and expertise of its library staff, and in the high quality service they give to library users.

Difficult

"The council is committed to maintaining its current level of staffed public library opening hours, which has been sustained throughout the recent difficult years.

"In addition, provision has been included in the 2017 budget for the recruitment of library assistants, the first significant recruitment of new library staff for a number of years.

"The possibility of extending opening hours on an unstaffed basis in certain branches has not been ruled out and may be considered at some stage in the future."
One day in 1903, Countess Constance Markiewicz was travelling by horse-drawn carriage to a function in Dublin Castle. A small beggar girl put her hand through the window but was so stunned by the sight of Constance's glittering diamonds that she could not speak a word.

Markiewicz looked back as the carriage moved on, just in time to see the poor child being smacked across the face by her disgusted mother.

As Lindie Naughton writes in her revealing and insightful new biography, this was a moment that Countess Markiewicz never forgot.

She began life as a member of the Anglo-Irish landed gentry who rode ponies, shot pheasants and was formally presented to Queen Victoria in London. Thanks to her compassion for the poor, she ended it as a penniless republican icon whose funeral procession took more than two hours to move through O'Connell Street.

heroine Markiewicz's public deeds have secured her a special place in Irish history. She was by far the 1916 Rising's most prominent female leader and only escaped execution on account of her gender.

Later she became the first woman to serve in an Irish cabinet (there would not be another until 1979) and the first woman to be elected to the House of Commons (she never took her seat).

Naughton's book, however, focuses on Markiewicz the person as much as Markiewicz the rebel or Markiewicz the politician.

It is based on many new and little-known sources, including the Countess's prison letters, papers from her ancestral home of Lissadell House in Co Sligo and eyewitness statements from the Bureau of Military History.

The author has shaped all these details into a colourful and accessible narrative, aimed at general readers who want to know more about the woman behind the myth.

Markiewicz once claimed that she knew the enemy better than other Irish nationalists because her own family contained "black English blood". Even as a girl she was intent on breaking down class barriers and often visited her father's tenants to see what kind of lives they led.

High-spirited and quick-witted, she once picked up a hand that a lecherous old man had placed on her knee during dinner and exclaimed, "Just look what I have found!"

Naughton depicts Markiewicz as a woman in a man's world, unapologetically feminist and way ahead of her time. Constance Gore-Booth agreed to take her husband's surname when she married the Polish Count Casimir Markiewicz (his title may have been fake) in 1900.

During the service in London, however, she promised to love and honour him but left out the traditional pledge "to obey". She developed the extremely unladylike habit of chewing gum, and poured tea over a party guest who sang 'God Save the King'.

Markiewicz's transition from society hostess to gun-toting radical was a gradual one. A major turning point came when she moved into a cottage previously occupied by the nationalist poet Padraic Colum and read some magazines he had left behind. Active in Dublin literary circles, she played Joan of Arc on stage and came to see herself as an Irish version of the French liberator.

Convincing other rebels that she was one of them turned out to be a hard task. Arthur Griffith, the founder of Sinn Fein, was convinced that she must be a British spy.

At the Countess's first republican meeting, people were transfixed by her diamond tiara - which she offered to sell in order to raise money for the cause.

Markiewicz became a serious player within the movement by founding Fianna Eireann, a scouting organisation that taught young boys how to fire guns.

She was a strict disciplinarian and any child who stepped out of line would receive a clip around the ear. She was also extremely kind, spending hours teaching patriotic songs to a blind boy so that he would be able to earn money from singing.

This basic decency shines right throughout Naughton's account. Markiewicz worked in soup kitchens during the 1913 Dublin Lock-Out and impressed everyone with her energy and commitment.

According to her friend Hanna Sheehy Skeffington: "Madame had a personal contact and real sympathy for the poor that removed all taint of Lady Bountiful and made her a comrade among comrades."

Naughton also tackles some old controversies surrounding Markiewicz's role in the Easter Rising.

The claim that she shot an unarmed policeman in St Stephen's Green, for example, is shown to be based on some extremely dubious eyewitness evidence.

Another story of the Countess breaking down at her trial and wailing, "You must not shoot a woman!" was probably invented by a misogynistic British official.

In reality she told her captors: "I do wish your lot had the decency to shoot me."

Although Markiewicz remained a prominent figure throughout the War of Independence and the Civil War, life in and out of jail took a terrible toll on her health.

Many of her colleagues still found it hard to take a woman seriously and Michael Collins declared that her role as Minister for Labour was "a bloody joke".

equality She stayed true to her socialist principles right until the end in 1927, dying at the age of 59 of appendicitis in a public hospital ward and rejecting Eamon de Valera's offer to move her to a private room.

The underlying theme of Lindie Naughton's book is that Markiewicz's idealism was sold out by the people who ended up running independent Ireland. Exhibit A is de Valera's 1937 Constitution, which made it clear that women were expected to be primarily "housewives and mothers".

Even so, Naughten writes, the Countess's "vision of a kinder, better society, where all men and women were equal, where resources and wealth were shared, where no one starved or died of the cold, and where all children were cherished remains a worthy aspiration".

Markiewicz: A Most Outrageous Rebel, by Lindie Naughton, is available now, published by Merrion Press
A woman sent obscene phone messages, including one to Aras an Uachtarain, threatening to bomb President Higgins if he ever visited England.

Anne Fennell, who referred to Mr Higgins as a "ladyboy", told the Aras an Uachtarain receptionist that "the President and Sabrina Higgins would go home in plastic bags if they set foot on English soil".

Priest

She repeatedly threatened to bomb the President in 2014, Dublin Circuit Criminal Court was told.

It also heard evidence of a campaign of harassment against her parish priest - she made nuisance calls and sent taxis and takeaways to his home.

Fennell (57), of Monastery Gate Green, Clondalkin, admitted making persistent annoying phone calls and sending obscene or menacing phone messages to Aras an Uachtarain, the Department of Finance, An Post Dublin Mail Centre and three TDs. She also admitted harassing Fr Desmond Byrne in 2006.

The court heard that the area around Dail Eireann had to be searched in November 2014 when Fennell called to say there was a bomb at the main gate. The parliamentary usher who took the call said Fennell, a former An Post worker, had hung up "screaming".

Judge Melanie Greally yesterday noted that Fennell had abused people in "frightening terms" and that many of the threats had to be regarded as serious and resources had to be expended to satisfy the auth- orities that they were bogus.

She noted that Fennell had a particularly vulnerable psychological make-up and had exceptional difficulties in her life.

She said that since the offences, Fennell had brought about a number of positive changes in her life and had engaged with psychological services.

Progress

Fennell had made some progress, but did not seem to app- reciate the magnitude of her actions and their impact on victims, although she noted she was remorseful.

Judge Greally said she did not think Fennell would benefit from being incarcerated.

She imposed consecutive sentences totalling five years which she suspended and ordered 18 months of probation super- vision to include psychiatric and therapeutic services within the community.
JOHNSON CITY, Tenn.  Circuit Assembly of Jehovahs Witnesses are holding a conference, Increase Your Faith in Jehovah, is the Biblical theme of the semi-annual event.

Sponsored by the Circuit Assembly of Jehovahs Witnesses from the greater Tri-Cities area and from areas nearby in Kentucky, Tennessee and Virginia, the assembly will be held at Freedom Hall Civic Center, 1320 Pactolas Road, on Saturday, Nov. 19. It will begin at 9:40 a.m. and end at 4:15 p.m. with a break for lunch.

Someone might wonder who is referred to in our assembly theme, Increase Your Faith in Jehovah!. said assembly representative Raymond Schneider. The King James version of the Bible in Psalms 83:18 says, JEHOVAH art is the most high over all the earth. The goal then is to increase our faith in the God, of the Bible.

Our scripture, Hebrew 11:6, tells us we first must believe God exists or is real. Then it tells us to be fully convinced he will generously care for us and eventually reward us, said Schneider. That takes true faith. Those coming to the assembly will learn about that kind of faith and the rewards that will assuredly come to all of us.

The speakers will answer the following questions: Why is it necessary in all circumstances to have faith? How can we increase our faith? What gives us confidence that those with genuine faith will be rewarded? The main talk will be the public Bible discourse: True Faith  What Is It, and How Is It Shown?

Attendance and parking is free and no offerings are taken.
When the Pilgrims sat down to the first Thanksgiving feast in the New World, many of the trappings we associate with the November holiday were missing from the menu. Instead the Pilgrims enjoyed a repast of bounty that was seasonally available when they held that first celebration back in 1621. The Pilgrim leader William Bradford wrote of that first observance in his work titled Of Plymouth Plantation. Some of the details may surprise you.

When Americans sit down in a few days to celebrate Thanksgiving, plenty of us will enjoy a meal of turkey with all the traditional trimmings. Among the items available for that first feast were a variety of fish, including good New England cod, as well as bass and other fish. The Pilgrims took good store of fish and every family had their portion. Bradford also wrote that as winter approached, Massachusetts Bay suddenly experienced an abundance of waterfowl, but that their numbers eventually decreased. Birders will recognize what was happening with this sudden influx of ducks and other waterfowl. They were migrating. The waterfowl were temporarily abundant, but then as the ducks and other birds continued to make their way south, they became scarce again.

The Pilgrims also enjoyed Indian corn, as well as the wild fowl that is still very popular at traditional Thanksgiving meals today. They may have lacked cranberries and potatoes, but they most definitely feasted on turkey. And besides waterfowl, Bradford wrote, there was great store of wild turkeys, of which they took many, besides venison.

So, cod and venison shared top billing with turkey at that early Thanksgiving. Of course, Bradford was writing about North Americas wild turkey, which is a far cry from the domesticated fowl that typically ends up on serving platters on Thanksgiving Day in our age

Surprisingly, the wild turkey, which was so abundant during the Pilgrim era in Massachusetts, almost didnt survive until the 19th century. Its almost miraculous that the wild turkey didnt join the unfortunate ranks of such extinct birds as the passenger pigeon and Carolina parakeet. In fact, only an estimated 30,000 Wild Turkeys were alive about 1930. The same forces that wiped out the immense flocks of passenger pigeons and migrating Eskimo curlews almost drove the wild turkey to extinction. Habitat destruction and a merciless commercial slaughter almost claimed another uniquely American bird.

Ironically, the wild turkeys valued status as a gamebird (the largest in North America) helped persuade many Americans to fight for its conservation. Its an effort that succeeded admirably. Today, there are almost seven million wild turkeys roaming North America. The wild turkey is now abundant enough to be legally hunted in most states, including Tennessee, Virginia and North Carolina. The turkey is once again common across the continent, including in Massachusetts.

The wild turkey is a large bird of mostly a terrestrial lifestyle. Males, or tom turkeys, can reach a length of 46 inches, weigh between 11 and 24 pounds and boast a wingspan of 60 inches. Females, or hens, are typically much smaller and weigh between 5 to 12 pounds. The wild turkey is perfectly capable of flying at speeds up to 55 miles per hour, but they often prefer to walk and run over the ground. Theyre good sprinters, in fact, and can reach a running speed of 25 miles per hour.

The female turkey, or hen, nests, incubates eggs and rears young without any help from her mate. The hen may lay as many as a dozen eggs. The clutch usually hatches within a month. Newly-hatched turkeys are known as poults. The poults are capable of finding their own food after leaving the nest, which they do within 12 hours of hatching. They are supervised, however, by the hen. Wild turkeys require a mixture of woodlands with clearings and fields to thrive. They roost in trees at night, but feed in more open habitats.

The wild turkeys scientific name is Meleagris gallopavo. This bird is exclusively resident in North America, but domesticated turkeys are now raised around the globe. The wild turkey has only one close relative, the ocellated turkey, or Meleagris ocellata. The ocellated turkey ranges throughout the Yucatan Peninsula in Mexico as well as the northern parts of Belize and Guatemala.

Few birds have featured so prominently in the history of the United States as the wild turkey. In fact, the turkey came close to being named the official bird of the United States. Benjamin Franklin, who proposed the turkey as the official United States bird, was dismayed when the bald eagle was chosen over the turkey. Franklin wrote to his daughter, referring to the eagles bad moral character, saying, I wish the Bald Eagle had not been chosen as the Representative of our country! The turkey is a much more respectable bird, and withal a true original native of America. George Washington, the nations first president, also shared Franklins opinion, and pointed out the Bald Eagles lifestyle as a carrion eater.

While their objections are duly noted, perhaps its just as well that Americans dont have an official national bird thats also served up at holiday meals in households throughout the nation. If not as our national symbol, the wild turkey is still deserving of respect. This bird, found only in North America, is a true American success story.
Randy Forbes loss might prove the nations gain. Donald Trumps election brightens the future not only for Forbes but for the Navy.

In 2001, Forbes won a special election to represent the 4th District in the House of Representatives. He proved an able member who paid particular attention to national security and to religious liberty worldwide. After federal courts threw out a redistricting plan drawn after the 2010 Census, the 4th changed: It no longer stretched from the Richmond suburbs to south Hampton Roads but centered on the metro area. The new focus tilted the 4th toward the Democrats. Forbes opted to run in the 2nd District instead.

On June 14, Forbes lost to Scott Taylor in the Republican primary. Taylor represented a Virginia Beach constituency in the House of Delegates. Although Forbes came from the region, he appeared a carpetbagger. Taylor won the general election with ease.

Forbes has emerged as a leading candidate to become secretary of the Navy. During the campaign, Trump promised to expand the fleet. As a House member, Forbes served on subcommittees dealing with seapower and readiness. Virginia and the Navy are twinned. Norfolk remains the worlds largest naval base. The battle between the ironclads Monitor and Merrimack that introduced naval warfare to the modern era occurred in Virginia waters. Americas benevolent hegemony relies on the theories of Alfred Thayer Mahan. Forbes understands. Seth Cropsey, a security expert, writes:

There is no one better prepared to carry out the president-elects stated goal than House Armed Services subcommittee chairman Randy Forbes, (VA-4). Forbes has been a strong supporter of powerful naval forces throughout and before his chairmanship. His advocacy on behalf of naval strategic planning is bearing fruit as the current Chief of Naval Operations increased emphasis on strategy demonstrates. An effective Navy secretary must know Congress and how to work with it. No one else who has become Navy secretary has possessed a greater understanding of the national legislature or more finely honed skills in working with members on both sides of the aisle.

Tim Kaine will return to the Senate and presumably to the Armed Services and Foreign Relations committees. He also has stressed seapower. He and Forbes would give Virginia a formidable team. The Times-Dispatch endorses Randy Forbes for Americas version of the first lord of the admiralty. Winston Churchill answered Britannias call. Forbes country needs him.
Washington County football: What to watch, who will get playoff wins

In the "win or go home" world of the state playoffs, Washington County teams are trying to do more than just survive.
Filipina death row inmate Mary Jane Veloso

Filipina in Indonesian gallows for drug charges in positive disposition, even manages to work for her family





Filipina death row inmate Mary Jane Veloso remains calm and completely in control of her behavior and emotions despite being in prison for almost 7 years, according to an official of the Department of Social Welfare and Development.





She even managed to provide for her family in Nueva Ecija.





During a visit to the Wirogunan prison in Indonesia last November 10 - 11, DSWD assistant secretary Aleli Bawagan personally checked on Veloso, who has been jailed in Indonesia for drug trafficking since 2010.





Bawagan said she washed clothes of her fellow inmates and sells some of her batik and crochet creations to earn money that she sends to her family. She also sent a portion of the $2,000 donated to her by then-congressman Manny Pacquiao in 2015 for her sibling's medication.





Bawagan also personally handed Veloso a letter from DSWD secretary Judy Taguiwalo, but did not disclose the content of the message.





"We did not wait long before Mary Jane came. Nagmano siya sa lahat nang nandoon. We were introduced. Because the prosecutor still had another meeting to attend to, we discussed first the status of the case of Mary Jane," Bawagan said.



Unprecedented stay of execution





Prosecutor Ibu Sri Aggraeni told the DSWD official they are just waiting for the results of the illegal recruitment and human trafficking cases against the recruiters of Veloso.





"They are not doing anything (yet) here in Indonesia since Mary Jane has been meted the death penalty. I asked if there is a deadline for the stay of execution based on past experiences. She said that this is the first case of a stay of execution in Indonesia (thus there is no precedent case)," Bawagan said.





She noted that Aggraeni said they are also waiting for the deposition of Veloso to be done in Indonesia.





"She knows that this has been ordered by the Philippine court although they do not know when this will be held. This will be a good opportunity for Mary Jane to testify in front of the court," Bawagan added.





Special requests





Veloso also received Philippine native foods like dried mangoes and peanuts, as well as a letter from her family.





In her family's letter, they expressed plans of visiting Veloso in December or January, in time for her 31st birthday.





Bawagan said Veloso requested the official to give her letters to Taguiwalo and to Veloso's family in Nueva Ecija. She also asked for rubber shoes so she can play volleyball again, as well as some toiletries and underwear.





Veloso also asked if it was possible for DSWD to defray the airfare of her sister, who she had not seen in a long time. Bawagan assured Veloso that this request will be discussed with Taguiwalo.





Keeping herself busy





"We talked about her daily life in prison. They are eight women in one room. They wake up around 5:00 a.m., clean their room, take a bath, and then have breakfast. They then spend time midday and afternoon to learn batik-making. She sometimes gives her batik products as gifts to her visitors. Sometimes, they play volleyball," Bawagan shared.





"We had the chance to talk with her housemother, Ibu Corniase or Ibu Ase. She said that Mary Jane has good relations with many inmates," Bawagan furthered. "She also said that Mary Jane is able to provide hope to other inmates. She tries to be always positive."





Before they left, Bawagan said Veloso had her medical check-up because she has "high cholesterol and sometimes feels numbness in her arms."



Positive disposition





"My impression of Mary Jane is she is in command of herself. I initially thought that she might be depressed after being imprisoned for almost seven years now. She is always smiling and is able to provide positive energy to other inmates. She is also focused on her family."





"She has suitors but she does not want to have a relationship while in prison. She is also focused on learning new skills to keep her active. She has learned to speak and read Bahasa Indonesia. Of course she is hurting, but the regular talks with a priest and a seminarian help her. At this moment, she only wants justice for her case and to be with her family," Bawagan said.





Veloso, a Filipino worker, was convicted of drug smuggling in Indonesia and has been sentenced to death in 2010. She was supposed to be executed last year, but was given a stay of execution amid government appeals and the surrender of her alleged recruiter who duped her into bringing drugs to Indonesia.





Last September, President Rodrigo Duterte met Indonesian president Joko Widodo, but he reportedly did not raise the case of Veloso.





Duterte, however, mentioned he will "respect the judgment of your court," which the Jakarta Post interpreted as a go signal, leaving the Veloso family in shock.

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Source: Manila Bulletin, November 17, 2016
Blog Hinangai

While there is much discussion in Guam about the economic benefits of increasing the islands military presence, the damages/dangers that they represent are rarely mentioned. This blog, a supplement to the Peace and Justice for Guam Petition, is meant to counter that by providing information about the US military in Guam, with the hopes of steering policy away from a dangerous unilateralist course to more sustainable notions of regional development and a strengthening international solidarity.
Widower Uncle Leo Lerner (with large tie) proudly stands among his wife's family on a visit to Cleveland in 1919. Thanks to his efforts, the Schwartzman family was able to immigrate to the U.S. between 1906 and 1910. The author's father, Jacob Moses Schwartzman, is third from the right in the back row.

For those interested in their family history, the "My Jewish Roots" series of 10 monthly hands-on genealogy workshops is being held by the Jewish Genealogy Society of Greater Orlando (JGSGO). These workshops are being co-hosted by The Roth Family JCC, Rosen JCC, UCF Hillel, Congregation Ohev Shalom, and Temple Israel in rotation at their facilities and also joinable over the Internet. The December Workshop topic is "Conduct USA based Research."

The following is one of my stories of finding family through genealogy research.

Ten years ago, it was very sad when family left us in Indiana to relocate to Florida. I realized I needed to fill any empty hours in my schedule till my retirement (2010), when my husband and I could join them. Sitting down at the computer, in just 5 minutes on the Ellis Island website I was able to bring up my father's arrival in America. I knew he had walked over 1200 miles from his home in Bendery, in what was then called Bessarabia, across Europe to the Northern port of Bremen in Germany. This was in 1906, after the terrible pogrom in nearby Odessa the prior year. A young man of 18, Jacob Moses Schwartzman travelled alone, leaving behind his widowed mother and five sisters. He stayed in "safe houses" across Ukraine, Poland and Germany on an early version of the Jewish "Underground Railroad." To my surprise, the ship manifest showed that his passage was paid by "Uncle Leo Lerner" of Rivington Street in New York City. An immediate Google search revealed that Uncle Leo, a lawyer, had founded the Federation of Bessarabian Jews in America. Its primary purpose was to establish an orphanage for the young homeless Jewish orphan boys then roaming the streets of New York City's Lower East Side. The concern was that the boys would lose their Jewish identity without some form of rescue. Starting with 50 boys in 1914, the Hebrew National Orphan Home's (HNOH) census grew to 300 by 1920. I was able to establish that Leo's wife, Rose Schwartz Lerner, was my father's aunt. Obtaining her death certificate from New York City, I learned my father was named after her father, also named Jacob Schwartzman, and that Aunt Rose died unexpectedly in 1907 at the age of 47. Yet, by 1910, her husband helped my father bring his mother and three of his sisters to America.

I was delighted to find an HNOH website maintained by alumni. There was a contact email on the website, so I wrote telling them how their founder had made it possible for my father, his wife's nephew, to come to America. HNOH kindly sent me information about Leo Lerner from their archives, and I sent information I had begun to gather. A family picture dating to about 1919 has the notation "Uncle Leo," but none of my Schwartzman descended cousins whose mothers/grandmothers and great grandmother are in the picture knew anything about "Uncle Leo" and the orphanage. Finally, I was able to share with them that Uncle Leo was the benefactor who made it possible for their antecedents to come to America.

Not the end of the story! Several years passed and in 2009 the orphanage forwarded to me this email received from a lawyer in Israel with experience as a genealogist: "I was requested by the Administrator General of the State of Israel to trace the heirs of Katherine Lerner. Katherine owned property in Israel (and still does). According to Israeli law, since she was "missing" from Israel and the property was considered abandoned, the State of Israel holds it for the rightful owners. My task is to trace Katherine Lerner's descendants. The next step will be to do the procedures required to give the property to the rightful heirs. It would be great if you can provide me with the family tree and contact information with Katherine's family."

Wow! "Orphaned" land in Israel! By this time, I knew that Katherine Lerner (Kitty) was one of five daughters of my father's Aunt Rose and her husband, Uncle Leo Lerner. Kitty married later than her sisters and never had children. However, I knew from the Schwartzman/Lerner Family Tree I had assembled that there were at least a dozen grand nieces and nephews. I met some of them in 2007 at a Lerner Family Reunion. The get-together had been called to reveal my research on their great-grandfather, whom none had ever met or even knew about, as he had remarried and moved from New York to California in 1923.

We learned from the Israeli Ministry that Kitty, while still single, had traveled to Israel around 1928. She purchased a plot of land in Migdal, on the Western coast of the Sea of Galilee. Decades later, married and with no children, Kitty apparently forgot about the property when she drew up her will. The State of Israel was ready to turn it over to her heirs-but first, many hoops had to be jumped by the 17 living heirs, working together, from finding the death certificate, Will, providing proof of relationship, etc. The bureaucratic requests from Israel got more involved, till last year-6 years later-a representative for the family wrote to the Israeli Ministry of Justice that the "heirs" had "determined that to make any further effort to have the property released to us would require more effort than it is worth. Consequently, we will make no further claim upon the property. Please feel free to dispose of it as you will."

In the end, it was disappointing for all these Lerner cousins. But that fortuitous revelation from the Ellis Island records, had brought 17 cousins together. Hopefully, knowing the State of Israel would benefit was a consolation to some.

The Jewish Genealogical Society of Greater Orlando's (JGSGO) next workshop, "Conduct USA based Research," will be held Tuesday, Dec. 6 from 7 till 9 p.m. at The Roth Family JCC. The workshop is free and open to the public. Bring your own laptop to participate in the lab portion. It is also possible to attend via the Internet. Pre-registration is required. Pre-register for either in-person or online participation at http://www.jgsgo.org/MyJewishRoots.
As I pulled into Myrtle Rutberg's driveway at the house she has lived in for 30-some years, her son, Gerald, greeted me at my car.

"My mother likes visitors to come in through the front door," he said as he led me to the front porch. Myrtle's dear friend Karnine greeted me at the door. Karnine stays with Myrtle and their relationship is like a mother and daughter.

Myrtle was standing on her back patio, gazing out into her backyard. She wore a royal blue dress. Her straight white hair was combed in a fashionable side sweep. She is very petite, and because of her height, she said people always thought she was younger than she was. She usually hung around with younger people, and her husband, Albert, was younger than her. Karnine and I teased her, telling her that women who marry younger men are called cougars. She laughed hardily. And even as I was talking with her, she seemed younger than her 105 years. I kept forgetting her age as she shared so many stories in such detail. She has a gift for storytelling-like painting a picture.

Myrtle Skop was born Sept. 17, 1911, in St. Louis, Mo., and she had a twin brother, Arthur, whom they called Archie.

"I have three older siblings," Myrtle shared. "My mother gave birth one and a half years apart for all three elder children. Then three years later God gave her two!" Myrtle gave a youthful giggle, which she often did as she talked about her life. Archie was born 10 minutes before she was, making her the baby of the family.

Myrtle's oldest brother, Morris Skop, became Congregation Ohev Shalom's first seminary rabbi in 1937. Two years later, when Myrtle came to Orlando, he introduced her to the congregation as his baby sister.

"When I came in, my brother announced 'here comes my baby sister!' Everybody turns around expecting to see a baby (she gleefully laughs) and here they see a 28-year-old lady!"

Myrtle treasures living in the United States. "People clamor to get into the United States. They'll do it every which way they can. I was very fortunate that my parents came here in 1904 from a small shtetl in Poland."

Her parents arrived in New York on July 4. "My mother saw those firecrackers go off and they got her very, very nervous. She said, 'Is this what America's all about?"

Her parents settled in Cleveland, Ohio, where the first three children were born. They moved to St. Louis, Mo., then back to Cleveland after the birth of the twins. Myrtle lived in Cleveland until she came to Orlando in 1939.

"These are all stories in themselves and it's hard to tell you individual stories because I'd be talking all night!" she repeatedly said throughout the interview as we changed from topic to topic.

Myrtle had just turned 18 when the Depression struck in September 1929. "We counted every penny we had because without that extra penny we couldn't buy certain items. Those weren't good memories. The song they were singing was 'Brother Can you Spare A Dime,' and they were selling apples in downtown Cleveland to make five cents. I was lucky to have a job. Men were being paid $8 a week, as was I, believe it or not."

Later, to get her to move to Florida, her brother helped her get a job at The Lerner Shop in Jacksonville. She arrived Nov. 10, 1939 and her brother contacted someone in Jacksonville to watch over her. "I was walking down the street and someone came up behind me and tapped me on the shoulder, asking if I was Myrtle Skop. 'How did you know?' I asked. He said because no one wears a coat and hat in Florida!"

After training in Jacksonville, she became the assistant manager and window decorator in The Lerner Shop in Daytona Beach, and soon transferred to a Lerner Shop in Orlando.

"Orlando was called the City Beautiful. And it really was the city beautiful. There were lakes all around, and wherever we went, I thought we were riding around in circles because I was forever seeing a lake!"

When her parents came to Orlando, they bought a house on Park Lake Avenue. "We used to catch the bus on Hyer Street to go downtown or we would walk. Orange Avenue was a beautiful avenue."

Her father moved a business that her twin brother owned on Park Avenue in Winter Park to the corner of East Church St. and Division St. It was called The Myrtle Shop ("after me," she interjected).

Myrtle remembered The Lerner Shop was next to Yowell Drew Ivey on the corner of Central and Orange. On the other side of Lerners was Butler Shoe Store. "Rutland's was on Jefferson and JC Penneys was across the street. What else do I have to remember?" she suddenly asked. "Oh, the stores were open 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. I asked, 'Don't they have labor laws in Florida?' We had labor laws in Ohio! We were not allowed to work more than 40 hours a week!"

Some of her happiest memories of Orlando include becoming part of the Jewish community.

"We had Jewish organizations like the B'nai B'rith, women and men, two different organizations. Hadassah, and what they refer to as the Ladies Auxiliary of the Synagogue. All three were important to any Jewish person who came to Orlando. And we would join all three. I've been active in the Jewish community all through the years."

In February 1941, Myrtle met her husband-to-be, Albert Rutberg.

"I was part of a young people group-eight girls and eight boys. We called ourselves the Stags and Does. We were planning a Valentine's Party and each committee had jobs. I was on the decorating committee, making Valentine hearts to string up."

Orlando was a popular place for Jewish kids. COS was downtown on Church Street and the party was open to all the Jewish young people from all over. Albert lived in Daytona and had just purchased a car. He and some friends drove to Orlando, knowing there was to be a party at the synagogue later that evening. However, they arrived early.

As Myrtle was still decorating, a girlfriend of hers introduced Albert to her as Myrtle Skop.

"Are you the rabbi's wife?" asked Albert.

"'No! I'm the rabbi's sister!' I said. He put two and two together and figured I must be single."

He asked if he could bring her to the dance. As it turned out, Myrtle already had a date with a lieutenant from the base and she was double dating with her girlfriend, but she told Albert they could 'mingle together.'

"My girlfriend and I, we walked into the synagogue looking like a million bucks. We were dressed to the hilt-and the rest is history!"

Albert wanted to take her home. "I said no. I came with this lieutenant. I better let him take me home. But we exchanged phone numbers."

Albert asked if she would go for coffee with him around 10:30. "Oh no, I can't do that. I have to stay until the end when the lieutenant will take me home."

As it turned out, the lieutenant had to be back at base by 11 p.m.

"Well," said Myrtle laughing, "I was sorry I didn't tell him to come to the house and pick me up afterwards!"

Albert was not dissuaded. The very next day Myrtle received a seven-page letter from him.

"What did it say?" Karnine and I pressed her.

"It was a real love letter, believe me. He had fallen for me hook, line and sinker," she said straightforwardly, then added,"I think that he was more interested in the fact that I was the rabbi's sister!" she said giggling. "That impressed him! But none-the-less ..."

It was a long-distance courtship. Albert came over twice a week from Daytona to see her. A short while later, he proposed.

"The way he proposed to me-we were at Lake Estelle by the Florida Hospital and Sanitarium, and we sat on the seats along the shore of Lake Estelle. He asked me, 'How would you like to be a June bride?'"

Myrtle didn't want to be a June bride. She really wanted to get married in September. "So, when he proposed the way he did, I didn't know whether to say yes or no!"

"You didn't want to be a June bride, but you wanted to get married?" I asked.

"That's exactly what happened!" Myrtle stated.

"So, when did you get married?" I asked.

"I got married in June," she said matter-of-fact. We all laughed like school girls.

On June 15, 1941-only four months after they met-Albert and Myrtle got married at her parents' home on Park Lake Avenue with her brother, Rabbi Skop, performing the ceremony and five other rabbis in attendance.

The couple moved to Daytona and Myrtle came back to Orlando to stay with her parents when Albert was drafted into the Army. After he returned from duty after only six months ("that's a story in itself"), the Rutbergs moved back to Daytona.

During the war, the Rutbergs experienced black outs in Daytona Beach. "We used a room that was blacked out. We feared the enemy could see the smallest twinkle of light."

Myrtle recalled standing on the beach and seeing oil on the sand. "It was a reminder that ships had been blown up close to shore. Such a rude awakening," she solemnly said.

One of her happiest memories was when her twin, Archie, returned from the war. He served under Gen. Mark Clark, who came to prominence with the planning and execution of the North African invasion of November 1942 and led the capture of Rome in 1944.

"We always got together for our birthdays or we called each other. My son was eight months old when my brother came home and saw him for the first time. I was so glad to have him home."

The son whom Archie saw was Gerald who was born at Orange Memorial, now Orlando Regional Medical Center.

"We had a circumcision in a downstairs room," Myrtle recalled. "It was during Passover. They dressed up my baby on the eighth day of his life, which is when the circumcision takes place. And my mother had bought him a little bonnet for a boy. I still have that in my possession."

Archie died in 1995. "Uncle Archie was electric!" said Gerald. "During the last 20 to 25 years of his life he was a TV actor and in commercials. When I would drive to Tampa, I'd see billboards with my Uncle Archie's picture!"

Eventually the Rutbergs moved back to Orlando. They bought their first home on Yates Ave. Gerald was five years old. Reluctantly, Myrtle had to ride in a car or take a bus to COS, which was on the corner of Church Street and Eola Drive-too far from College Park. Her parents moved to Anderson St. "It was a lovely two-story house," she remembered. Later the house was moved because the east-west expressway came through.

Eventually the family moved to Kennison Drive in Orlando, and Myrtle was able to walk to shul again. COS was only about eight blocks away. "My husband drove, I walked!" she said with laughter.

"I would walk every Friday night and Saturday morning and on holidays. I did a lot of walking in my lifetime," she said, attributing all this walking to the possibility of her longevity.

"Mom enjoyed walking," said Gerald. "She would take in all the scenery and talk with people."

When Myrtle first met Albert, he was working in his brother Joe's deli in Daytona. "Everybody knew Joe and everyone thought he had an interest in the business-which he didn't. He was just a waiter."

What kind of work did Albert do? "That's a story in itself," Myrtle said. He bought a general merchandise store on Broadway Street in Oviedo. "There was a refrigerator for sale on the porch, and he bought the store!

"It was 16 miles away. Today it's simple [to get there]-from UCF it's a straight line, but at that time there was just a dirt road and my husband was up at 5:30 to get on the job by 6:30. Most customers were up early because they worked the fields."

That was also the first time Myrtle saw women wearing pants.

"I laughed," she said. "They were wearing pants under their dresses. I'd never seen anything like it! But it wasn't too long before I was doing the very same thing because you needed to cover up, especially early in the morning and you have to wear a dress to be presentable. That became the regular style at the time."

In 1972, COS broke ground to build a new synagogue, and in 1974, the new building on Goddard Street was dedicated.

"When the synagogue moved, my mother moved," said Gerald. It took a while, but she did move to Alfred Street in the late 70s, a few years after Albert died in March 1975.

"That was quite a walk from Alfred Street," Gerald stated, explaining that she had to cross Lee Road to get to the shul.

Rabbi Rudolph and Rose Adler, who lived close by, would walk with her to services.

The Adlers and Rutbergs were very close friends.

"That's a story in itself," Myrtle prefaced telling of first meeting Rabbi Adler.

"Al picked up Rabbi Adler at the airport when he first came to town. He stayed with us until the family moved here. We were close to the Adlers to the very end. My husband was his second hand and we got in on all the bar and bat mitzvahs because of the Adlers.

"Rabbi had three children -ages 9, 6 and 3. My husband picked them up on Saturday mornings and brought them to the house and we had lunch. Gerald was like a big brother to the Adler children."

What people remember most about Myrtle was learning their Torah portions for their bar or bat mitzahs from her.

There are people in the community who studied Hebrew with Myrtle whose parents and grandparents also studied Hebrew with her. She even had an adult class at Winter Park High School. When that class was terminated, she continued to teach adults in her home.

"She would have the lessons and afterward have coffee or cake and ice cream for everyone to enjoy," said Karnine, explaining that the custom was that when children used to finish learning a page in the Torah the rabbi would put a drop of honey at the bottom of a page to make learning sweet.

"That was before my time," quipped Myrtle.

"But she still made learning sweet," said Karnine.

Myrtle learned Hebrew when she lived in Cleveland. She was playing out in the yard with Archie when their mother came out and told Archie he was going to Hebrew School. They were 8 1/2 years old. Myrtle's mother looked at her and asked, "Do you want to come along?"

"Yes!" Myrtle replied. When they got to the school, Myrtle noticed a classroom full of girls and told her mother she wanted to attend Hebrew school too.

"Mother had saved enough money to enroll my brother and told me to wait until she saved enough send me," she said.

"Mother sold real estate and she got $50 for selling a house, and the builder told her he would give her $50 for each house she sold."

That's how Myrtle got to go to Hebrew school.

Teaching was a joy for Myrtle and she learned quite a few important things: "Silence is gold. Sweets are gold and silence is silver or visa versa. And for every expression there is a counter expression and I've found that is very true."

Myrtle stopped talking and sat quietly.

"Would you like a sip of water?" Karnine asked.

The Lerners Shop, circa 1940.

Myrtle sipped the water and remained quiet.

"I'm gonna have to take a break," she said. "I can't talk anymore right now."

We'd been talking for over an hour. Karnine tried to encourage her to continue.

"Do you want me to give her the whole 105 years in five minutes?" responded Myrtle to Karnine.

It was an honor to sit and listen to Myrtle Skop Rutberg share much of her life with me that day. And no, there is no way a whole 105 years of life can be shared in five minutes!

Some of Myrtle's memories came from the Orange County Library System's oral history profiles. JTracy interviewed Myrtle on Jan. 8, 2012, when she was 100 years old. For more of Myrtle's memories, visit http://www.orlandomemory.info.
President-elect Donald Trump delivering his acceptance speech at the New York Hilton Midtown in New York City, Nov. 9, 2016.

WASHINGTON (JTA)-Donald Trump will be the next U.S. president, having swept to victory in at least 29 states with 288 electoral votes and jolted a Jewish community made increasingly anxious as his rough-edged nativist rhetoric emboldened the far right and amplified a strain of anti-Semitic invective not heard in decades.

Trump called on all Americans to "heal the wounds of our nation" and "come together as one united people" in his victory speech shortly before 3 a.m. Wednesday at the New York Hilton Midtown, blocks from his iconic Trump Tower. He was surrounded by family, including his Jewish daughter, Ivanka, and her husband, Jared Kushner, who helped guide his unlikely path to victory.

Republicans were projected to maintain their majorities in the U.S. House of Representatives and the Senate, making Trump's victory a sweep for his party.

In polling by Edison Research for the National Election Pool, 71 percent of Jews voted for Democrat Hillary Clinton and 21 percent for Trump. The sample size was small, however, and that result is likely to be fine-tuned as more data becomes available.

In his victory speech, the real estate developer turned reality star turned insurgent politician asserted he would be a "president for all Americans."

"We will deal fairly with everyone-all people and all countries," he said.

Trump said he had congratulated his Democratic opponent, Hillary Clinton, and her family on a "very hard-fought campaign," and told his supporters "We owe her a major debt of gratitude for her service to our country."

The mainstream pro-Israel community will likely take solace from Trump's pivot away from his cool stance on many of its issues during the primaries to a more full-throated support of defense assistance to Israel and investing in the defense alliance. As the Republican nominee, Trump aligned with right-wing Israel advocacy in supporting a retreat from U.S. insistence on a two-state outcome to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict and pledging to recognize Jerusalem as Israel's capital.

Other Jewish groups will be rattled by the election as the world's most powerful leader of a man who appealed to an anti-immigrant strain among voters. Critics noted that in speeches and in a campaign commercial, Trump embraced the notion of a secretive power cabal that to many observers echoed classic anti-Semitic stereotypes of Jews.

Trump's insular posture on foreign policy was also likely to stoke concerns, despite his pro-Israel pronouncements, particularly his apparent closeness to Russian President Vladimir Putin, who is allied with the Assad regime in Syria, an implacable enemy of Israel.

Clinton's campaign director, John Podesta, shortly after 2 a.m. Wednesday indicated to her supporters that she would not speak until later in the day, saying, "Go home, get some sleep. We will have more to say tomorrow."

CNN reported at 2:40 a.m. that Clinton called Trump to concede.
AMSTERDAM (JTA)His name was never mentioned during the Netherlands main commemoration event for Kristallnacht, but Donald Trump was likely on everyones mind at the ceremony at the Dutch capitals majestic Portuguese Synagogue.

It wasnt for any imagined parallels between Trumps election as U.S. president and the campaign of violence that the Nazis unleashed 78 years ago against German and Austrian Jews, which many historians see as the opening shot of the Holocaust. Most European Jews, whose families still live in the shadow of that pogrom and the extermination it heralded, would find that comparison cheap and even hysterical.

Trump was on my mind Wednesday evening because his electionthe latest upset in a series of unforeseen shifts in global politicsbegged comparison between his style and that of the European head of state in attendance: Dutch Prime Minister Mark Rutte. A young and dynamic leader, Rutte is well-liked for his chummy yet courteous behavior but heavily criticized for his pragmatism.

Amid speculation that Trumps election and Britains vote to leave the European Union herald a wider shift in European politics, I wondered if even successful Old Guard politicians such as Rutte could prevent a power vacuum that would embolden radicals with Kristallnacht-like ambitions.

Rutte, a center-right politician whose coalition partner is Dutch Labor, touched in his speech on some of the themes witnessed during the U.S. presidential campaign, when Trump broke accepted speech norms by calling Mexicans rapists and proposing a ban on Muslims entering the country.

By commemorating Kristallnacht, Rutte said, we show we are vigilant here and now of anti-Semitism that always lies under the surface. Against discrimination and exclusion of ethnic groups. Against intolerance, he added in the soft light of an overcast sunset.

Following his address, which was announced at the last moment and unusual in that Dutch prime ministers rarely attend Kristallnacht commemorations, Rutte hugged a woman who survived the pogrom in the German city of Essen. The survivor, Mirjam Weizner-Smukn, in her remarks also reminded me of the charged populist atmosphere surrounding the Trump campaign and Great Britains Brexit vote.

My message is that you dont need to love other members of society, she said. Just treat them respectfully.

Ruttes warm embrace of Weizner-Smukn and the Jewish communitywearing a kippah and with a single security guard in tow, he mingled with the synagogue crowd like a regular, shaking hands and chattingwas typical of his rapport, which has made this right-leaning leader acceptable even to hard-left voters and politicians.

But his message of acceptance and respect, which has been the norm on a continent with memories of fascist cruelty, is giving way to new voices that are rising in popularity based on polarizing rhetoric, disdain for elites and a deep concern for, if not outright fear of, the other.

The European far right is currently being reinvigorated by Trumps election, said Ronny Naftaniel, chairman of the Dutch Humanitarian Fund and a member of Dutch Labor. A backlash could benefit the far left. To prevent both scenarios, Europes moderate forces will need to draw lessons and come up with new, strong messaging, and in some cases new politicians.

In the Netherlands, the far-right politician Geert Wilders, who is on trial for promising to make sure his country has fewer Moroccans, is waging a withering assault on Rutte ahead of the general election in March. His tactics, centering on Ruttes power sharing with Labour, seem to be working: Wilders Party for Freedom and Ruttes Peoples Party for Freedom and Democracy are seesawing in the polls to see which will be the largest faction.

Wilders, who often speaks of his support for Israel and Judeo-Christian values, belongs to a loose alliance of anti-Muslim European nationalists riding a wave of discontent with the European Union, Muslim and Slavic immigration, and a culture of political correctness whose critics say comes at the expense of national cohesion, sovereignty and traditional values.

He and his European allies have celebrated the election of Trump and Brexit  two upset events unforeseen by polling and widely thought of as protest votes against a discredited establishment. They see them both as historical turning points and harbingers of their own success in future elections.

While that may be true, Europes far right was doing pretty well even before Trumps stunning defeat of Hillary Clinton.

Marine Le Pen of the National Front party in France is running ahead of the other candidates in the 2017 presidential elections with an unprecedented 26-29 percent projected for her anti-Islam party in most major polls.

Her Austrian counterpart and ally, Norbert Hofer, is projected to win a popular vote next month after losing by a hairs breadth to a liberal candidate in a May vote that was nullified over irregularities.

Further east, hard-right movements like the Law and Justice Party in Poland and Fidesz in Hungary are locked in a bitter fight with even more extreme forces like Jobbik. They are competing over voters who are resentful of austerity measures dictated by richer EU members and their insistence, citing humanitarian principles, that Muslim migrants be allowed to cross into the bloc from the east.

Still, Trumps election clearly reinvigorated nationalists across Europe, drawing their elated praise from Bulgaria to Spain.

Le Pen said that with Trumps rise, the American people had been set free. Wilders called it a revolution that will repeat itself in the Netherlands. Golden Dawn, the Greek neo-Nazi party, posted online a video of its beaming spokesman speaking of a major global change, including in his homeland.

Back in Holland, Naftaniel worries that this is more than empty bravado.

Rutte, he said, is more popular and likeable than Frances Francois Hollande or Germanys Angela Merkel, with a better chance of addressing the concerns of the common man.

But even Rutte will not be able to guarantee the survival of centrists in power, Naftaniel warned, unless he internalizes the fundamental change in how politicians need to interact with voters in the post-Trump age where social media memes and populist slogans seem to be replacing well-reasoned debates and speeches.

Many European centrist politicians have the qualities necessary to give populists a run for their money, Naftaniel said, but so far I dont think the lessons have been drawn.
George and Amy Camara and two of their four children arriving in Israel, Nov. 2, 2016.

(JTA)-As a Jewish family originally from the Ivory Coast, Amy and George Camara and their four children felt somewhat immune to the rising anti-Semitic thuggery in France.

The Camaras, relieved to leave their war-torn African country, settled in the northern French city of Lille in 2012. Because they fit no one's Jewish stereotype, they said they were able to live as Jews without fear-despite, in recent years, the rise in attacks on French Jews from a small segment of Muslim extremists.

But the Camaras soon discovered that belonging to both the African and Jewish minorities also came with its own set of challenges, said Amy, the 53-year-old daughter of an Ivorian father and a French Jewish Holocaust survivor. The difficulties prompted the family to again pack their suitcases and leave France-for Israel, the only country where this unique Jewish family says it can live comfortably according to their identity.

For the Camaras, whom Amy describes as "proudly Jewish but not too observant," life in France wasn't "truly comfortable," she said.

Precisely because no one from their immediate environment thought they might be Jewish, "people, even friends, would say the most awful lies about Israel and Jews in our presence," Amy said.

"There was no single incident that made us decide to leave, it's more of a cumulative effect," she said.

On Wednesday, the Camaras and their kids-aged 25, 22 and twins who are 15-landed at Ben Gurion Airport aboard a flight organized by the International Fellowship of Christians and Jews.

"The bottom line is that Israel is the only place for us to live as Jews comfortably, safely and freely," Amy told JTA ahead of her immigration, or aliyah, to Israel.

That comfort and freedom was paramount, given the remarkable survival story of Amy's mother, 78-year-old Solange Shuster. Given up for adoption as a toddler by her French Jewish parents who sought to save her life from the Nazis, she was the only member of her immediate family who survived the Holocaust. She met her Ivorian husband in France and moved with him to Abidjan, the Ivory Coast's largest city and economic engine, after their marriage in 1967. (Shuster now lives in France.)

Amy Camara recalls a happy and safe childhood in Africa, where she and George, a commercial airline pilot, raised their children as Jews. But life took a turn for the worse in 2002, when the Ivory Coast was plunged into its first civil war. When another armed conflict broke out in 2011, the Camaras decided to leave "because of a combination of factors that meant we could no longer live safely there," Amy said.

Unfortunately, the Camara family chose the wrong year to move to France.

In 2012, the murder of four French Jews in Toulouse by an Islamist gunman ushered in what the president of the Conference of European Rabbis, Pinchas Goldschmidt, has called a "wave of jihadist murders and other attacks" that has had a deep impact on the feeling of safety of many of the 500,000 Jews living in France.

Amid repeated attacks on Jewish targets-French Islamists have killed 12 Jews in France and Belgium in three major attacks since 2012-some 20,000 Jews have left France for Israel, including nearly 8,000 people who came in 2015 alone. That figure, a record, was more than four times the number of French Jews who came in 2011.

Aliyah from France has slowed down this year, with only some 4,000 Jews making the move to Israel in the first 10 months of 2016. Jewish Agency Chairman Natan Sharansky attributes the decrease to "some improvement in the security situation" due to the robust response by French authorities to anti-Semitic attacks.

On Wednesday, the Camaras arrived in Israel on a flight with some 50 Jews who were also making aliyah. According to Yechiel Eckstein, founder and president of the International Fellowship of Christians and Jews, the Camara family's story "is a special one that weaves within it the story of the Jewish nation as we go from the Holocaust to rebirth, ending in Israel," he said.

The day prior to the Camaras' arrival, the group brought approximately 300 Jews from Ukraine to Israel, including refugees from the rebel-held east. Eckstein's organization has brought more than 4,000 people to Israel since it began directly organizing aliyah two years ago.

In Israel, Amy and George plan to settle in Ashkelon, a coastal city with some 6,000 Ethiopian Jews-the country's seventh-largest population of members of that community.

While Amy has heard claims by some Ethiopian Jews that they face discrimination in Israel because of their skin color, she is optimistic that she won't encounter any racism in the Jewish state.

"I think a lot of it depends on whether you perceive yourself as a victim," she said. "I've never felt excluded by any Jewish community, Sephardi or Ashkenazi, so I expect we'll integrate easily in Israel, God willing."
What do you get when you combine a healthy dose of appreciation, a gourmet luncheon with friends, and a one-of-a-kind holiday shopping bazaar? The answer is the Jewish Pavilion's "JP Connections", honoring dedicated volunteers Jane Edelstein and Lois Silverberg.

"Our annual luncheon is our yearly opportunity for us to show our appreciation and to connect with our wonderful volunteers and membership who support the Jewish Pavilion in so many ways, whether spending time with seniors one-on-one, providing friendship or a listening ear, lending a hand at our year-round programming, or through donations of any and every kind," noted Pamela Ruben, marketing and communications director for the Jewish Pavilion. "This year, we celebrate two special women who have touched the hearts and given their time to the seniors we serve in more than 70 senior living communities throughout greater Orlando."

Honoree Jane Edelstein discovered the Jewish Pavilion three years ago, after looking for the right place to connect with community after the passing of her beloved mother. She shares that she fell in love with the Pavilion's mission to bring community and Jewish life to residents of elder-care homes, and she felt it was a cause her mother, the late Fanny Edelstein, a community "doer", would have supported. Edelstein hit the ground running after joining the Friends Board, chairing the Pavilion's past two Fall Fundraisers, including the recent well-attended "Sunday in the Park."

This past August, Edelstein furthered her commitment to the Pavilion, joining the staff as the part-time Intergenerational Program Director. She is helping grow this brand- new program, which focuses on building a deeper youth-senior connection, in partnership with local synagogues, youth groups, bar and bat mitzvah students, and families. Edelstein is pleased with the program's launch, "Many wonderful things happen when kids spend time with the aged. The kids develop a sense of compassion and learn to feel comfortable around the elderly."

Lois Silverberg

While Jane Edelstein is a newer member of the Pavilion family, honoree, Lois Silverberg has been there from its inception. In fact, her husband, Mark (of more than 50 years), is credited with naming the non-profit, as a "Jewish home that is movable to meet the cultural needs of residents of senior living communities, wherever they call home." For many years, Lois has worked hard to help fulfill this mission. Every Monday she can be found making residents at Savannah Court in Maitland feel at home during "the happiest hour of the week". At that time, Silverberg co- leads a Happy Hour for residents of all faiths, often with friend Corrine Braille, or Happy Hour founder Gloria Newberger. Silverberg greets the crowd with an outreached arm and warm hug, and asks each one about their week, their health, and/or their grandchildren. Additionally, she spends time bonding with residents at Horizon Bay in Altamonte Springs at a monthly Jewish Pavilion luncheon, "celebrating the latest holiday or just kibitzing like the old friends they have become". Silverberg claims she gets as much from giving to others, as they receive. She noted, "I am so thankful to have met all these wonderful people, who touch my life each week."

Please join the Jewish Pavilion at JP Connections, honoring volunteers Jane Edelstein and Lois Silverberg on Thursday December 8th at 11:00 AM at the Altamonte Hilton. Couvert, $25, Patron tickets, $50 (includes $25 in shopping bucks), Patron tickets, $100 (includes $75 in shopping tickets). Register online at http://www.jewishpavilion.org or call 407-678-9363. Vendor tables available.
Jewish Academy of Orlando hosted a Scholastic Book fair this past week. The school has participated in this program for many years. Each year, Scholastic Book fair shares a theme; this year's was "Get Hooked on a Good Book." Students and staff participated in many events, including a "Pirates and Princesses" dress up day, which was followed by an evening pirate-themed family event. The school's parent and teacher committee, HUM, Horim U'Morim, assisted in the making the family event and book fair a success. Even the Head of School, showed ruach, by dressing up as Geronimo Stilton.

The weeklong celebration of pirate activities and literacy culminated with the school's participation in Scholastic's giving program, which raises funds to purchase books for children in need in the Central Florida community. This money was used to purchase books for the Northwest Community Center. Jewish Academy of Orlando's principal, Shari Wladis, challenged students with a fundraising goal, which the school exceeded. In return for reaching the goal, Wladis agreed to "walk the plank" at the JCC swimming pool, in pirate costume. The students were delighted to watch their principal jump into the deep end of the pool! "I was happy to take one for the team," said Wladis. "It was a fun and playful way to share a love of reading and our commitment to Mitzvot within our community."

For more information or to arrange a visit to the school, please contact Alan Rusonik, Head of School, at arusonik@jewishacademyorlando.org or 407-647-0713.
Election night brought mixed results for Jewish politicians vying for seats in Congress. In the House of Representatives, the Jewish delegation saw its best results, increasing representation from 19 to 22 seats, including the election of a rare Jewish Republican.

But in the Senate, some Jewish contenders fared poorly, with defeats in two major seats that could have helped shift the balance of power from Republican to Democrat in the upper chamber.

In the House of Representatives, several Jewish candidates picked seats for the Democrats over their Republican opponents.

Democrat Brad Schneider made a congressional comeback, defeating the incumbent Republican Rep. Robert Dold in the 10th District in Illinois. Schneider had previously served in Congress from 2013 to 2015.

Schneider is widely seen as a staunch supporter of Israel, having visited the Jewish state more than 15 times, and while previously serving in the House, he authored the Israel Qualitative Enhancement Act of 2013 and introduced the Hezbollah International Financing Prevention Act. Schneider has stated that there is "no more important strategic partner for the United States in the Middle East."

In Maryland, Jewish Democrat Jamie Raskin was elected to the state's 8th District, defeating Republican Dan Cox in an open seat race. Raskin, who was backed by the liberal "pro-Israel, pro-peace" group J Street, is a strong supporter of President Barack Obama's Iran nuclear deal and a two-state solution to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.

"We must redouble our efforts not only to guarantee Israeli security against terror, but to assist in accomplishment of a comprehensive settlement for peace, security, human rights and the rule of law for Israelis and Palestinians alike," Raskin told the Washington Jewish Week.

Other Jewish Democrats picking up seats included Josh Gottheimer, a former speechwriter for President Bill Clinton and a Microsoft executive, beat out longtime Rep. Scott Garrett in New Jersey's 5th District. Democrat Jacky Rosen, a synagogue president, won Nevada's 3rd District over Republican Danny Tarkanian.

The embattled former chair of the Democratic National Committee, Rep. Debbie Wasserman Schultz, also easily won re-election in Florida's 23rd Congressional District over Republican Joe Kaufman.

Yet despite the Democratic victories, the Jewish Republican contingent to Congress is set to double from one to two. David Kustoff, a former U.S. Attorney from western Tennessee, was elected to the House of Representatives in Tennessee's 8th District, easily defeating his Democratic opponent Rickey Hobson.

Kustoff joins New York Rep. Lee Zeldin, who handily won re-election in that state's 1st District over his Democratic opponent Anna Throne-Holst. Zeldin, an Iraq War veteran, has been an outspoken supporter of Donald Trump and is strongly opposed to the Iran nuclear deal.

Jewish New York Rep. Lee Zeldin handily won re-election in that state's 1st District over his Democratic opponent Anna Throne-Holst.

"A powerful message was sent all around the 1st District today, all around the state of New York and the country," Zeldin told supporters in his victory speech. "Your love for America powered this ticket to a big win."

Meanwhile, in the U.S. Senate, the Jewish delegation is set to drop by one-from nine to eight-with the retirement of longtime Jewish California Sen. Barbara Boxer and the defeat by two other Jewish Senate candidates, Wisconsin Democrat Russ Feingold, who lost to incumbent Republican Sen. Ron Johnson, and Missouri Democrat Jason Kander, who lost to Republican incumbent Sen. Roy Blunt.

Despite the Jewish Democratic upsets in the Senate, Jewish Sen. Chuck Schumer (D-N.Y.) handily won re-election, easily trouncing his Republican opponent Wendy Long with nearly 70 percent of the vote. With the retirement of Senate Minority Leader Harry Reid of Nevada, Schumer is likely to become the chamber's next Democratic leader.
"Find DNA Ancestors and Cousins" with genetic genealogist Diahan Southard turned out to be a hot topic with over 60 (plus nine via Internet) attending on Nov. 10 at UCF Hillel.

Winner of Ancestry.com one year free subscription Philip Zies with Diahan Southard and JGSGO President Jerry Kurland.

Jointly sponsored by the Jewish Genealogical Society of Greater Orlando (JGSGO), the University of Central Florida (UCF) Judaic Studies Department, and the Central Florida Hillel Center for UCF Jewish Life; many members of the Central Florida Genealogical Society (CFGS) also attended. The attendees were nearly evenly split with about half interested in having their DNA tested, and the rest looking to understand test results already received. With 17 years experience in the field, Diahan was able to clearly explain the difference between the three choices of tests, and what to make of the results as far as relationships and ancestral origins. Her most important message of the evening: Get the oldest living generations in your family tested while they are still around-"it helps weed out genetic mutations." Diahan will return in April with a followup Workshop "Analyze your DNA results."

The next in the "My Jewish Roots" series of monthly workshops will be "Conduct U.S. Research" with Marlis Humphrey, president of the IAJGS returning as speaker. It will be held Tuesday, Dec. 6 at 7 p.m. at the Roth JCC. The workshop is free and open to the public. There will be a drawing for a free annual subscription to Ancestry.com World Explorer at the meeting. Please bring your own laptop if you would like to participate in the lab portion. It is also possible to attend LIVE via the Internet.

Pre-registration is required to participate either in-person or online: www.jgsgo.org/MyJewishRoots.
WASHINGTON (JTA)-The top official of the Republican Jewish Coalition said the Anti-Defamation League had potentially compromised itself with its criticism of President-elect Donald Trump's words and actions during the campaign.

The attack by the RJC on the venerated Jewish civil rights group-and an implied warning of more to come-signaled fraught times ahead for the more liberal precincts of the American Jewish community as they seek to establish ties with the nascent Trump administration.

Until now the RJC had not singled out the ADL, or any Jewish group, for criticizing Trump's rhetoric, and notably was in retreat during the campaign when it came to stumping for the nominee.

"It seems to me at critical times [in the] course of this campaign, a pattern emerged that the ADL put their thumb on the scale in a way that hadn't been done by [Jonathan] Greenblatt's predecessor, Abe Foxman," Matt Brooks, the director of the Republican Jewish Coalition, said Wednesday in a post-election conference call, referring to the current national director and his longtime predecessor.

"The ADL has put itself in a potentially compromising position going forward" in terms of its relations with the next administration, Brooks said. "We'll have to see about that."

Responding to Brooks, the ADL said its bailiwick was to point out anti-Semitism and bigotry wherever it was manifest.

"The Anti-Defamation League has never taken sides in elections," Greenblatt said in a statement. "For more than one hundred years, we have called out anti-Semitism and other forms of bigotry whenever we see it and wherever its source. This is not a matter of politics, but of principles. As President-elect Trump said last night, 'it is time for us to come together as one united people,' and we look forward to working with the new Administration-and all Americans-toward that goal."

Trump, who won Tuesday's presidential election in a stunning upset, presented a dilemma for the ADL: Speaking out against his stream of broadsides targeting minorities, as well as his peddling of conspiracy theories and imagery rooted on the anti-Semitic right, placed the group in the middle of a partisan fight.

On the other side, the ADL would have faced criticism from the left had the group, whose mission is identifying and denouncing bigotry, refrained from speaking out when Trump disparaged Latinos, Muslims and others.

Jewish liberals on social media have routinely called out mainstream Jewish groups for remaining silent on Trump. The groups in turn have said that their tax-exempt status could be put at risk if they weighed in. Bend the Arc, a liberal activist group that openly attacked Trump through an affiliated political action committee, repeatedly called on Brooks' RJC to speak out against the candidate.

The contretemps between the ADL and RJC also signaled that Republican Jews, who have been ambivalent about the success of the often erratic outsider who assumed the leadership of their party, may gingerly be seeking a way into his good graces.

The ADL, more than any other mainstream Jewish group, had criticized Trump for encouraging or condoning bigotry.

Trump's top Jewish aides have angrily dismissed the ADL's claims, accusing it of being partisan. Brooks in the conference call said that attaching the stigma of anti-Semitism to Trump, whose daughter is Jewish, was a "bridge too far."

Yet the RJC was notably silent on the ADL's criticism of Trump before Election Day. Indeed, it had vigorously held back from pronouncing one way or another on the nominee.

When Trump secured the nomination in May, the RJC "congratulated" Trump but did not otherwise praise him. In contrast, when Trump named his running mate, Indiana Gov. Mike Pence, in July, the group was effusive in its praise of Pence, a longtime friend to the RJC.

A considerable chunk of Republican Jewish donors cut off Trump, disgusted with what they said were the reality TV star's history of bigoted statements as well as his offensive remarks about women. The RJC maintained a low profile at the Republican convention in Cleveland in July, closing its events to the press after having welcomed the media to watch Republicans in previous years celebrate the nominee.

Only nine of the RJC's 55 board members contributed money to the Trump campaign, a sharp drop from previous elections, although Brooks and RJC spokesman Fred Brown on Wednesday said the metrics were different this election. Previous nominees had solicited funding for their campaigns, but Trump directed donors to the party as well as his campaign, they said, and Jewish contributions to the Republican National Committee remained robust.
The following statement was released by Rabbis Marvin Hier and Abraham Cooper, Dean and Founder and Associate Dean of the Simon Wiesenthal Center on the election of Donald Trump

The Simon Wiesenthal Center, a leading Jewish human rights NGO joins with all other Americans in congratulating Donald Trump on his election to be the next President of the United States.

We are buoyed by Donald Trumps unambiguous commitment to a strong and safe democratic Israel and his recognition of Jerusalem as its eternal and undivided capital.

We look forward to working with President Trump on a wide range of other issues including, Iran, International Terrorism, Human Rights, online hate and the burgeoning scourge of anti-Semitism here at home and globally.

The Wiesenthal Center looks forward to leadership from the Trump Administration in defeating BDS and ensuring an intimidation-free campus environment for Jewish students at our nations universities.

Finally, we commend Mr. Trumps commitment, which he made last night to strive to be the President of all Americans, including those who voted against him. The Simon Wiesenthal Center is committed to working together with all sectors of our society, along with the Trump Administration for the betterment of all Americans.
Following the election of Mr. Donald Trump and Governor Mike Pence to the Presidency and Vice Presidency of the United States, Rabbi David Zwiebel, Agudath Israels executive vice president, issued the following statement of congratulations:

Agudath Israel of America congratulates Mr. Trump and Governor Pence on their historic victory in yesterdays election. We offer them our most sincere wishes and heartfelt prayers for success.

We have always enjoyed close working relationships with the White House, irrespective of which political party happens to be its occupant, and we similarly look forward to working closely with President Trump and his Administration in the weeks and years ahead.
WASHINGTON-Although it will be some time before President-elect Donald Trump names the members of his cabinet, the four individuals most often mentioned as contenders for the administration's top foreign policy post all have strong pro-Israel records.

Trump himself once floated the name of John Bolton for secretary of state. Asked on the "Hugh Hewitt Show" radio program in August whom he might consider for the position, Trump replied that Bolton "is a good man" and that he was "seriously thinking" about him. Politico reported this week that Bolton remains in contention for secretary of state.

Bolton, 67, served as U.S. ambassador to the United Nations from 2005-2006 in the George W. Bush administration. Bolton strongly criticized the Obama administration last month for changing a White House press release that had referred to Jerusalem as being in Israel. He said Obama's stance on Jerusalem is "a more radical position than the official position of the United States" and chided the president for sticking "a thumb in the eye to Bibi (Prime Minister Benjamin) Netanyahu."

"Obama's got three more months to insult Netanyahu and demean the state of Israel-this is just another example of it," said Bolton, who has also been a vocal opponent of the Obama administration-brokered Iran nuclear deal.

Bolton played a key role in the successful U.S. effort in 1991 to revoke the U.N.'s "Zionism is racism" resolution while assistant secretary for international organization affairs in the George H.W. Bush administration.

Bolton is currently a fellow at the conservative American Enterprise Institute think tank and a commentator on Fox News. He is also a member of the advisory board of the Jewish Institute for National Security Affairs (JINSA), a pro-Israel think tank in Washington, D.C.

NBC News and other sources have mentioned Newt Gingrich as a leading possibility for secretary of state. Gingrich, 73, an 11-term Republican congressman from Georgia, served as speaker of the U.S. House of Representatives from 1995-1999.

Gingrich long has been known as a strong supporter of Israel and a critic of the Palestinian Authority (PA). In one 1997 speech from the floor of the House, he said the PA's execution of Arabs suspected of selling land to Jews "is the kind of action we identify with Nazis... Mr. [Yasser] Arafat, you owe it to the world to stop this kind of killing, to protect people engaged in decent commerce."

In a 2011 interview on The Jewish Channel, Gingrich chided the PA for "stonewalling the peace process" and refusing to recognize Israel's right to exist as a Jewish state. He also said he admires Netanyahu both because "he's a guy who really puts Israel's security first" and because "he's a very free market guy who helped create the entrepreneurial boom that has made Israel so successful."

According to The Hill, another candidate for secretary of state is Sen. Bob Corker (R-Tenn.), chairman of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee. Corker, 64, charged that the Obama administration "got fleeced" on the Iran deal. He was the author of the Iran Nuclear Agreement Review Act, which was intended to give Congress a larger say in the Obama administration's negotiations with Iran.

Corker criticized Obama for giving up on "anytime, anywhere" inspections of Iranian nuclear sites, and for effectively agreeing "to move from having [Iran's] nuclear program dismantled to having its nuclear proliferation managed." He also urged Obama to reach "a clear agreement with Israel over when and how to respond to Israel's nuclear program," since "while our capabilities give us more time, Israel has fewer capabilities and sees their window closing far more quickly."

Corker's voting record on Arab-Israeli issues has earned him a rating of zero from James Zogby's Arab American Institute. Zogby, who co-chaired the resolutions committee of this year's Democratic Party convention, is a harsh critic of Israel and American Jewish organizations.

According to CNN, Sen. Jeff Sessions is also on the short list for secretary of state. Sessions, 69, is a four-term senator from Alabama who was one of Trump's earliest supporters.

The Mobile Area Jewish Federation last year presented Sen. Sessions with its first "Yedid L'Yisrael" [friend of Israel] award, a sculpture fashioned from a Hamas rocket that had been fired at Israel. The federation praised his consistently pro-Israel voting record and his advocacy of "the principle that it is in the national interest of the U.S. to ally itself with Israel." Like Sen. Corker, Sessions has earned a zero rating from the Arab-American Institute.

The New York Times columnist Nicholas Kristof attempted to throw another hat into the ring for secretary of state this week. "It is perfectly possible that Trump will appoint as secretary of state an experienced Republican like Richard Haass," Kristof wrote. Haass, 65, was closely associated with Secretary of State James Baker's policies toward Israel during his years as director of the Near East desk at the National Security Council from 1989-1993.

Former Speaker of the House Newt Gingrich

Newsweek reported in 1992 that Haass authored or coauthored President George H.W. Bush's most confrontational speeches regarding Israel, including his opposition to loan guarantees for the resettlement of Soviet Jewish refugees in Israel. Haass also raised eyebrows in the pro-Israel community with his June 1997 policy paper for the Brookings Institution think tank, titled "Making Oslo Work." In that essay, Haass claimed that Israeli construction in Jerusalem's Har Homa neighborhood was the "impetus" for Palestinian terrorism.

A position for Haass in a Trump administration would be especially surprising in view of Haass's recent criticism of the president-elect. In an interview with the New York Observer in September, Haass accused Trump of "exaggerating the cost" of the current U.S. role in the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO). Asked if he believes that Trump's statements regarding NATO have already "damaged the alliance," Haass replied, "I do." The publisher of the Observer is Trump's Jewish son-in-law, Jared Kushner.
New York Observer, owned by Trumps Jewish son-in-law, ceases print edition

(JTA)The New York Observer, a weekly newspaper owned by President-elect Donald Trumps Jewish son-in-law Jared Kushner, will cease publishing a print edition.

The Nov. 9 edition was the last print edition, the Observers parent company, Observer Media, announced in a statement.

The newspaper will continue to be available online as Observer.com.

The decision to end the print edition and change its name signals an end of an era when The Observer served as a fixture of Manhattan reporting and a training ground for scores of journalists now in senior positions in the media world, The New York Times reported.

Joseph Meyer, chairman and chief executive of Observer Media, told The New York Times that ceasing the print edition was a natural outgrowth of the papers shift toward a national audience. Meyer is Kushners brother-in-law.

Meyer said in the Observer statement that the media company reaches over 8 million people monthly. The Times reported that Observer.com received 5.6 million unique visitors in September, nearly twice its audience from the year before.

Kushner purchased the newspaper in 2006, when he was 25 and in law school. It had been in print for nearly 30 years.

ADL scorns Trump choice of Breitbart chief Stephen Bannon as top adviser

WASHINGTON (JTA)The Anti-Defamation League decried Donald Trumps appointment of Stephen Bannon as a top White House adviser, saying Bannons association with unabashed anti-Semites and racists is disqualifying.

Bannon, longtime CEO of the right-wing Breitbart news website, a clearinghouse of alt-right views, joined Trumps presidential bid late in the campaign and helped lead it to victory.

The ADL in its statement first praised the president-elect for his other hire announced Sunday: Reince Priebus, the chairman of the Republican National Committee, as chief of staff.

At the same time, the ADL strongly opposes the appointment of Steve Bannon as senior adviser and chief strategist in the White House, said the statement posted on Twitter by ADL CEO Jonathan Greenblatt. It is a sad day when a man who presided over the premier website of the alt-righta loose-knit group of white nationalists and unabashed anti-Semites and racistsis slated to be a senior staff member in the peoples house.

Breitbart employs Jews and covers Israel sympathetically, but also has become the nexus of the alt-right movement, which includes in it those who have expressed homophobic, misogynist, white supremacists and anti-Semitic views. In one recent instance, a writer mocked a critic of Polish populism because she is Jewish.

Bannons ex-wife in 2007, in sworn affidavits, said he was resisting sending their daughters to a private school because he didnt want the girls going to school with Jews. Bannon denied it.

Before the appointment was made official, Newt Gingrich, the former U.S. House of Representatives speaker who is expected to play a senior role in a Trump administration, dismissed claims that Bannon was an anti-Semite.

Saying concerns about Bannon and the alt-right come from nut cakes, Gingrich, who is close to the right wing pro-Israel community, told CBS on Sunday morning that Bannon could not be an anti-Semite because he had worked on Wall Street and in Hollywood.

Liberal Jewish groups joined in the criticism of the Bannon appointment.

Those of us who were alarmed by Trumps campaign when it began over a year ago are starting to see the things we feared come to pass, and this is one of themthe elevation of an avowed bigot to a position of incredible official power, said Stosh Cotler, the CEO of Bend the Arc Jewish Action, a political action committee that had opposed Trump.

The National Jewish Democratic Committee said in a statement that the hire showed that Trump was not serious about Jewish sensibilities, despite his oft-repeated defense that his daughter, son-in-law and grandchildren are Jewish.

No amount of Jewish family members or potential White House Shabbat dinners will overshadow the fact that Trump has hired a man like Bannon as one of his most senior staffers, the NJDC said. We wont forget.

Jewish Voice for Peace, a group that is part of the boycott Israel movement, likened Trump to the Israeli government.

From our work on Israel, we are familiar with the deepening violence, hatred and repression that comes from a far right government, it said. We cannot sit by and watch that take place herethis is not a time for business as usual.

Ruth Bader Ginsburg makes her opera debut

(JTA)Supreme Court Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg appeared on stage in an opera performed at the Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts in Washington, D.C.

Ginsburg, 83, performed Saturday night with the Washington National Opera in The Daughter of the Regiment by Italian composer Gaetano Donizetti. She played the role of the Duchess of Krakenthorp.

Some of her lines were rewritten to reflect the current political climate, according to reports. The Los Angeles Times reported that Ginsburg did the rewriting. The new lines referenced among other issues the birther campaign against President Barack Obama and her 2013 dissent against weakening the Voting Rights Act.

Ginsburg, who reportedly is an opera fan, did not sing, and delivered her lines in English rather than French.

She wore a floor-length green gown and sat in a huge chair that did not allow her feet to reach the floor, according to reports.

Ivanka Trump says she will not serve in her fathers administration

(JTA)Ivanka Trump, the Jewish daughter of President-elect Donald Trump, said in a prime-time interview that she would not serve in his White House administration.

Im going to be a daughter, Ivanka Trump said Sunday night during an interview with Donald Trump and his family on the CBS newsmagazine 60 Minutes in answer to a question of how she would support her father as president. She added, however: Ive said throughout the campaign that I am very passionate about certain issues. And that I want to fight for them.

Wage equality, child care. These are things that are very important to me. Im very passionate about education. Really promoting more opportunities for women. So, you know there are a lot of things that I feel deeply, strongly about. But not in a formal administrative capacity.

Ivanka Trump and her husband, Jared Kushner, are among the members of her fathers transition team, however.

According to the Code of Laws of the United States, the official compilation and codification of the general and permanent federal statutes of the United States, neither Ivanka Trump nor her husband could be appointed to a public official post due to restrictions on appointing relatives.

Ivanka Trump, the mother of three young children, is the executive vice president of development and acquisitions at her fathers company, the Trump Organization, where her work is focused on its real estate and hotel management initiatives. She also has her own line of clothes and accessories.

During the interview, Trump called on his supporters to stop harassing and threatening minorities and committing acts of vandalism in his name.

I am so saddened to hear that. And I say, Stop it. If itif it helps. I will say this, and I will say right to the cameras: Stop it, he said.

Trump said he was surprised to hear about the violent acts and thought it must be a small number of incidents.

I would say dont do it, thats terrible, cause Im gonna bring this country together, he said.

In letter to Netanyahu, JFNA board calls for Kotel egalitarian space deal to be fully implemented

(JTA)The Jewish Federations of North America board of trustees sent a letter to Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu underscoring the growing sense of urgency on the part of American Jews to see the agreement to create an egalitarian prayer space at the Western Wall fully implemented.

The letter was approved by the board on Monday during JFNAs annual General Assembly, which is being held through Tuesday in Washington, D.C.

(W)e are writing to affirm our unwavering love for the State of Israel as well as to convey our collective appreciation for all you have done to advance the establishment of an egalitarian prayer space at the Kotel and to make room for a diversity of Jewish religious practice and expression, the letter says. We recognize that no Israeli leader understands the importance of religious pluralism or has done more in this area than you have.

We are sure you can understand the concerns we hear from many in our communities who struggle to understand why the implementation of the historic government resolution to create a space at the Kotel where all Jews are free to worship appears stalled.

Under the agreement announced in January and approved by the Cabinet in a 15-5 vote, the egalitarian section of the wall near Robinsons Arch would be expanded and placed under the authority of a pluralist committee. The plan called for solidifying haredi Orthodox control over the sites traditional Orthodox section.

But the religious partners in the agreement backed away from the deal and in June, a group of Orthodox Jewish organizations filed a petition with Israels Supreme Court to prevent the establishment of the egalitarian section.

Earlier this month, leaders of the Reform and Conservative movements in the United States and Israel brought at least 12 Torah scrolls into the womens section of the Western Wall plaza for a prayer service. The scrolls were carried into the womens section for use during the Women of the Walls monthly prayer service at the Wall as part of a protest march against restrictions on egalitarian worship at the site.

We know you recognize the growing sense of urgency to fully implement the Government Resolution which resulted from the work of your office together with Natan Sharanskys leading of the parties to a compromise, the letter also says. Your declaration at last years General Assembly that there is one Wall for one People has become a statement that our communities truly believe and expect to see come true.

Sarah Bard, Jewish outreach director for Clinton campaign, moving to Israel

(JTA)Sarah Bard, the Jewish outreach director for the campaign of Democratic presidential candidate Hillary Clinton, is moving to Israel.

Bard, 36, was scheduled to move by next week, she told JTA last month. Her aliyah, to be with her Israeli fiance, had been planned before the presidential election campaign.

She reportedly does not have a job waiting for her in Israel.

Bard visited Israel in May to participate in a Clinton fundraiser in Tel Aviv.

She also worked on Clintons 2008 Democratic primary campaign, losing to Barack Obama. Bard then worked on Obamas winning presidential campaign.

Trumps transition team includes Jewish daughter, son-in-law

WASHINGTON (JTA)Donald Trumps presidential transition team includes his Jewish daughter and son-in-law, among other family members.

Three of the president-elects four adult children are on the team, including Ivanka Trump. Her husband, Jared Kushner, a publisher and, like Ivanka, an heir to a real estate fortune, is also on the team.

Kushner became one of Trumps closest advisers during the campaign. Among the issues in which he was involved were relations with Israel.

The transition team includes advisers known for their closeness both to the right-wing pro-Israel community and to Sheldon Adelson, the casino magnate who is a major pro-Israel donor and backed Trumps campaign with tens of millions of dollars.

Among them are Newt Gingrich, the former speaker of the U.S. House of Representatives who reportedly is being considered for secretary of state or health secretary under Trump, and Rudy Giuliani, the former New York mayor, who may become attorney general.

Gingrich led the successful bid by Congress to recognize Jerusalem as Israels capital in 1995, although no president has yet to implement the Jerusalem Assembly Act, choosing instead to exercise a waiver based on national security interests.

Also on the team is Steve Mnuchin, a longtime banker who was finance chairman of the campaign and, like Kushner, is a scion of one of New Yorks best-known Jewish families. Mnuchin is being considered for the post of secretary of the Treasury.

The campaign CEO, Stephen Bannon, also is on the team. Bannon took a break from running Breitbart, the right-wing news site that has peddled conspiracy theories that echo themes prevalent among anti-Semites on the alt-right, to lead Trumps campaign. He has said he wants to return to Breitbart, but on Sunday was tapped senior adviser.

On Nov. 10, a disability advocacy group, RespectAbility, posted what it said was an internal Trump transition team document titled Trump Cabinet Possibilities. The list comports with media reports of people being considered for Cabinet positions by Trump.

In addition to Gingrich, Giuliani and Mnuchin as possible choices, other figures who are Jewish or who are close to the right-wing pro-Israel community include:

* Kansas Gov. Sam Brownback as secretary of agriculture. Brownback in 2008 ran for president, and made his support for Israel central to his campaign, including an emphasis on recognizing Jerusalem as Israels capitala move Trump has pledged he would make.

* Former Texas Gov. Rick Perry as secretary of agriculture or commerce. Perry has close ties to the community of Republican Jewish donors.

* Lew Eisenberg as secretary of commerce. Eisenberg, a financier, was one of a small cadre of Republican Jewish Coalition board members who did not run away from the Trump candidacy. Eisenberg was a major contributor to groups backing Trumps election. Trump stirred concerns among Republican Jews for his equivocation on Israel issues at the outset of his campaign, though he later walked back many of those positions, and for his broadsides against minorities and misogynistic comments about women.

* John Bolton as secretary of state. As a foreign policy official in multiple Republican administrations, Bolton has long been revered in the pro-Israel community for his lead role in the United Nations 1991 rescission of the 1975 Zionism is racism resolution. Among foreign policy think-tankers, he has been the most forceful in recent years in advocating military action to get Iran to end its nuclear program.

* Carl Icahn, the activist invester, also is under consideration for Treasury secretary, according to the document.

RespectAbility, led by Jennifer Laszlo Mizrahi, who for years was prominent in the pro-Israel community, decried the absence on the list of people who were familiar with the disability community.

Mizrahi listed an array of Republican officials who had experience in advancing disability rights and opportunities as possible choices for the Trump team.

It is vital for the Trump administration to reflect America, including talented people with disabilities, she said in a statement.

Human Rights Watch founder: Trump encouraging European anti-Semites

THE HAGUE, Netherlands (JTA)A founder of Human Rights Watch warned that Donald Trumps election as U.S. president is encouraging anti-Semitism in Europe.

Aryeh Neier, an American Jew who was born in Nazi Germany, addressed the issue on Sunday at a talk about philanthropy and anti-Semitism during an event organized by the Dutch Humanitarian Fund, or JHF, in the Hague.

The Trump phenomenon and the phenomenon of xenophobic forces in this part of Europe, some of whom may go further politically than they have gone so far, are likely to contribute to anti-Semitism, said Neier, 79, the president emeritus of the Open Society Foundations.

Trump, a Republican who defeated Democratic candidate Hillary Clinton in the Nov. 8 election, fought allegations during the campaign of encouraging racism and xenophobia. He has called Mexicans rapists and drug dealers, as well as for a ban on entry by Muslims into the United States.

His victory has been celebrated by European far-right groups, including Marine Le Pen of Frances National Front party, who wrote that Trumps election set the American people free. Geert Wilders, a Dutch anti-Islam campaigner, called the Trump victory a revolution to be repeated in his own homeland.

Wilders said the victory will provide very specific encouragement to those who want to demonstrate xenophobia because the United States, which has portrayed itself as a leader in efforts to protect human rights, has elected somebody like Trump.

During the talk, Neier also fielded a question on allegations that Human Rights Watch and groups funded by the American-Hungarian Jewish billionaire George Soroswho also funds the Open Society Foundationscontribute to rising anti-Semitism in Western Europe by singling out Israel for criticism or by supporting its demonization.

Not addressing those accusations specifically, Neier said he opposes rhetoric questioning Israels right to exist but stressed all governments should be subjected to criticism on their policies.

In 2009, another founder of Human Rights Watch, Robert Bernstein, accused the group of helping those who wish to turn Israel into a pariah state, while the brutal, closed and autocratic societies of the Arab world were being ignored.

The New York-born chief rabbi of Ukraine, Rabbi Yaakov Dov Bleich, said at the JHF event that he did not think Trumps election would embolden anti-Semites in Ukraine.

I dont think itll have an effect on anti-Semitism in Ukraine, he said of Trumps election, which he said was perceived in Ukraine is having effect on everyday life in that country.

JHF, which the Dutch Jewish community established with Holocaust restitution money, provides hundreds of thousands of euros in funding annually for Eastern and Central European Jews.
Professors at a number of American universities have found a new cause: demanding the release of a terrorist who murdered two college students.

This disturbing story begins on Feb. 21, 1969. That was the day a powerful bomb exploded in a Jerusalem supermarket. Two Hebrew University students (and roommates), Edward Jaffe and Leon Kanner, were killed. They had been buying canned food for a botanical field trip when they were blown to bits, the Jewish Telegraphic Agency reported. Many housewives brought bouquets of flowers to the employees of [the grocery store], but the bright spring colors could not overcome the evidence of grisly destruction wrought by a terrorist bomb....

The Popular Front for the Liberation of Palestine (PFLP) claimed responsibility for the attack. A 20-year-old PFLP member named Rasmea Odeh and an accomplice were quickly captured.

The PFLP, which is the second-largest member-organization of the Palestine Liberation Organization (PLO), is included in the official U.S. list of terrorist groups. It was responsible for many of the most notorious airplane hijackings of the 1970s and the 1972 Lod Airport massacre (26 dead, including 11 American citizens from Puerto Rico), as well as numerous suicide bombings and other attacks in recent years.

When Odeh went on trial for the 1969 supermarket bombing, the evidence against her was overwhelming. Bomb-making materials, including explosives, were found in her home. She confessed to the supermarket bombing within a day of her arrest. The confession was detailed, and she also made a video-taped reconstruction of how she planted the bombs. Her co-conspirators also confessed, and they all implicated each other. (In a later documentary film, one of her comrades named Odeh as the mastermind of the attack.) And her connection to the PFLP terror group was undeniable.

Odeh was convicted of the two murders and membership in a terrorist organization, and was sentenced to life imprisonment, but in 1980 she was released in a prisoner exchange deal. In 1995, she relocated to the U.S., and in 2004 she received American citizenship. Yet in 2013, Odeh was arrested for lying on her immigration form. The form asked if she had ever been convicted of a crime; she wrote, No.

The Arab-American Action Network (AAAN), for which Odeh works, immediately launched a campaign to demand her release. The AAAN claimed Odeh had misunderstood the question on the form, and in any event only confessed to the bombings after weeks of torture and sexual abuse by Israeli interrogators.

The weeks-of-torture argument obviously conflicts with the fact that Odeh confessed after just one day in jail. Moreover, the AAAN and their cohorts have no way to explain the bombs found in Odehs apartment, the statements of her co-conspirators, or her undisputed involvement with a terrorist group.

All of that should be enough to keep any rational person far away from the campaign to free Rasmea Odeh. The sponsors of the upcoming series of nationwide pro-Odeh ralliesscheduled for Nov. 29, the date of her next court appearanceinclude organizations with names such as the Committee to Stop FBI Repression and the International League of Peoples Struggles. No surprise there; fringe groups often flock together.

Yet if one looks at the ranks of Odehs defenders, one also finds a number of American college professors. Thats right: college professors supporting the murderer of two college students.

Prof. Nadine Naber, of the University of Illinois at Chicago, regularly speaks at rallies for Odeh and even appeared as a character witness in one of her court appearances. Prof. Marc Lamont Hill, of Morehouse College, has authored an impassioned appeal to African-Americans to support Odeh. Professors Laila Farah (Depaul University), Mona Khalidi (Columbia Universitys School of International and Public Affairs), and Louise Cainkar-Mashrah (Marquette University) are three of the five board members of the AAAN, Odehs primary champion.

College professors have doctorates. Theyre educated. We expect them to be rational and enlightened. Thats why we entrust our childrens education to them. And we expect universities to properly vet prospective faculty members. Thats why we pay tuition to them.

I am not saying that these terrorist-defending professors are typical of the entire academic community. And I am certainly not suggesting that they should be deprived of their legal right to adopt immoral positions. But parents have rights, tooincluding the right to refrain from sending their sons and daughters to colleges whose faculties include defenders of a murderer of college students.

Stephen M. Flatow, vice president of the Religious Zionists of America, is an attorney in New Jersey and the father of Alisa Flatow, who was murdered in an Iranian-sponsored Palestinian terrorist attack in 1995.
Americans who opposed Donald Trump have awoken in a stupor, shocked that his victory was no mere nightmare. For those who cannot envision living under a Trump regime, Im moving to Canada or elsewhere no longer feels like election-year blather.

But where would you go?

If five million Americans, alarmed by a reckless, ruthless chief executive, decided to move north tomorrow, Canada would not have the desireor the abilityto absorb them. No country in the world would absorb that magnitude of American expats.

Well, there is one country.

If the five million would-be emigres were American Jews, Israel would welcome and cherish every single one. That massive a population transfer would boost the tiny nations population by 62 percent (think: 200 million new Americans), and require exhausting everyday sacrifice by Israelis. Housing, employment, health care, education, trafficevery aspect of Israeli life would be upended. Yet theres very little antipathy to olim among Israelis.

Welcoming olim (Hebrew for Jewish immigrants)and especially those who see themselves as refugeesis not just part of Israels culture. It is Israels very raison detre.

Will anti-Semitic attacks be a hallmark of the Trump Administration? Hard to say. The president-elect has shown no personal animus toward Jews, and in fact his daughter and grandchildren are Orthodox members of the tribe. (Obama had a well-regarded annual seder, but expect frequent Shabbos dinners at 1600 Pennsylvania Avenue starting in January.)

But if just by campaigning for the presidency Trump energized the alt-right, with its open contempt for Jews, imagine what his victory has already begun to do for such malignant voices. A president doesnt have to be anti-Semitic for his presidency to foster an anti-Semitic era. I cannot predict the magnitude, but I anticipate discrimination, scapegoating, and hate crimes against many groups including Jews to increase over the coming four years. So under Trump, at least some Americans may very well see themselves as refugees from American anti-Semitism.

But his victoryand yesterday will be more permanently unsettling than most Americans have yet realizedwill create other kinds of would-be refugees:

 Political refugees among Democrats whose liberalism is now reviled, its goals moribund in whole swaths of the countryand the even more disfavored anti-Trump Republicans who now lack any political home whatsoever;

 Economic refugees displaced by the global economic upheaval that has already begun, as progress on free trade halts and Trump tries the art of the deal on the Chinese and others not amused by his penchant for disavowing his debts;

 Religious refugees terrified of the new empowerment and vigor among what we now know is Americas most hypocritical (Do as we say...) religious group: Evangelical Christians; and

 Social refugees dismayed by the dissolving ligaments of a nation suddenly less kind and less gentle than before.

Any of Americas 319 million gentiles who see themselves in those categories have no place, for all practical purposes, to go. Even if they find a country that will admit them, theyre on their own to build a new life in a new land, (perhaps) a new language, where nobody sees them as family.

Not true for Americas 5.3 million American Jews. Remember Robert FrostHome is the place where, when you have to go there, they have to take you in?

In Israel, if youre Jewish thats literally trueeven if you dont consider yourself a refugee of any sort whatsoever.

Under the founding Law of Return, a Jew gets citizenship on demand. And today, olim get much more than citizenshipall freebecause the nation appreciates theyve come home. American Jews who move to Israel can expect free health insurance, Hebrew classes, university tuition, subsidized rent, discount mortgages, and various tax breaks. Your one-way flight is free, and you get about $5,000 in cashstarting with a fat envelope waiting for you at the airport.

A global move is always hard, and English-speaking olim face daunting challenges in their new home. But the Israeli government, as well as non-profit organizations (start with Nefesh BNefesh) and most every Israeli you meet will gladly help you learn Hebrew (though in bigger cities, English goes far), and find work and a home.

A lot of Americans are discombobulated this morning, feeling helpless about a country that is slipping out from under their feet. If youre Jewish and want to DO SOMETHING, stop and ponder a question you may have considered preposterous just 24 hours ago: Should I live in Israel?

Ask yourself, Where do I want to build a life? Where do I want to make friends and raise a family? Where do I want to contribute to a thriving society?

Is the answer Donald Trumps America? A country where his regime implements his vision while you watch in horror? A society where every other voter you might meet actively helped him become president?

Because if that answer doesnt work for you, you have something no other category of American has. You have another choice. Come home.

David Benkof is senior political analyst for the Daily Caller, where this essay first appeared. Follow him on Twitter (@DavidBenkof) or E-mail him at DavidBenkof@gmail.com.
The United Nations Security Council devoted a recent session to bashing Israel, criticizing its policy of building Jewish communities in the biblical areas of Judea and Samaria, known to some as the occupied territories. At that meeting two weeks ago, the Israeli nongovernmental organizations BTselem and Americans for Peace Now (APN) gave testimony critical of Israeli policy.

While Commentarys Jonathan Tobin wrote the preeminentresponse, condemnation of these groups perfidy was relatively broad. Rabbi Eric Yoffie, former head of the Union for Reform Judaismthe theologically and politically liberal movement in which I was raised, educated and ordainedresponded last week with an editorial in the Israeli daily Haaretz.

While Yoffie concludes that Americans for Peace Now should not have given its presentation at the United Nations, he nonetheless heaps praise on the presentation yet scorns Israeli policy. Describing the presentation as compelling, restrained, focused, impressive, and elegant, Yoffie clearly supports APNs underlying contention that Jewish communities in Judea and Samaria are illegal, an obstacle to the possibility of a two-state solution and with it any hope for a peaceful resolution of the conflict.

These contentions are wrong. Jewish communities in Judea and Samaria are not illegal under international law; their legal status is contested. Jews living in Hebron, Shiloh and other places mentioned in the Bible are not an obstacle to peace except in the fevered minds of Palestinian leaders who support a policy of ethnic cleansing. And the notion that there is no hope for peace is appallingly contrary to Jewish experience and character.

Yoffies tactic of strong criticism of settlements limited to appropriate audiences has, with staggering predictability, backfired politically while sabotaging the Jewish state and undermining its Jewish connection.

Among the greatest political victories won by Palestinian leaders is the capitulation by the Jewish left on the legality of settlements under international law. Eugene Kontorovich, Northwestern University law professor and world-renowned expert on the subject, has dealt extensively with the issue, and his work explains the legal complexity of settlements. Unfortunately, like most of their fellow human rights abusers, Palestinian leaders care nothing for facts and simply declare what they dont like to be a violation of international law. Whether or not one agrees with Israels policies, ceding this argumentum ad nauseam, was as legally indefensible as it was politically self-defeating. It amounts to doing the Palestinians negotiating for themwhich is, rather obviously, their strategy.

It further defies logic arguing that something (settlements, in this case) is evil, and yet expect people who agree that its evil to denounce it only in approved settings, as Yoffie expects. In a world where nearly every Jew hater on Twitter sends me YouTube videos of haredi rabbis denouncing Zionism or of nominally Jewish activists falsely accusing Israel of practicing apartheid, why does Yoffie think it matters where this compelling presentation was given? It no longer matters where a Jew slanders Israelonly that the slander occurs. His argument amounts to geez guys, did you have to give your super awesome presentation there?

If Yoffie thinks hes modeling a love of Israel that young Jews, who loathe the occupation can appreciate, hes wrong there, too. Earlier this year, former American diplomat Elliott Abrams dealt with the fraying relationship between American Jews and our siblings in Israel in a piece in Mosaic. His thesis, that the strain is caused not by Israeli policies but by trends among American Jews, is spot on.

Are we really to believe that someone who chooses not to engage with any part of the organized Jewish community, who does not belong to a synagogue and considers himself (in the Pew studys terminology) a Jew of no religion, who has never visited Israel, who has married a non-Jew who did not convert and whose children are not being raised as Jews, feels less attached to Israel than his parents or grandparents because of settlements or the occupation?

To Abrams point, I would add the example of a Jew who has, from birth, been fed the contention that Israels policies in Judea and Samaria are illegal.

Kids in the liberal movement have been taught a pro-Israel argument with this description: successive governments of a country that has little to do with your daily life, and whose rhetorical defense is thrust on you as a burden, and a country routinely violating international law and oppressing people who yearn for freedom. But we love that country because were all Jews. Except for the Jews, who act like you or have parents like yours, who are second-class citizens in Israel because the country is run by mean, judgmental haredi Jews. Also, the Palestinians have lots of problems.

Remarkably, Yoffies article is an admission that this strategy has not only failed, but has caused irreparable harm to Jewish polity and peoplehood. The constant drumbeat on the Jewish left against settlements has created an atmosphere in which Americans for Peace Now can show up at the nest of Jew haters - the United Nations - and bash Israel to the general approval of the Jewish left, a large majority of Jews.

Generations of Jewish children have been taught that contemporary political leftism is synonymous with Judaism, speaking truth to power and healing the world are among Judaisms greatest precepts, and the miracle of the reborn Jewish state is only truly lovable if its citizens have the wisdom to elect a Meretz party government. Surely Yoffie cant be surprised those children now see his contradictory sensibilities as an unwelcome, antiquated proscription against their precious consciences.

Jonathan Greenberg is an ordained reform rabbi and the senior vice president of the news and public policy group, Haym Salomon Center. An expert in Middle East policy and former staffer at the American Israel Public Affairs Committee, you can follow him @JGreenbergSez.
Donald Trump is now Americas master.

As improbable as that outcome might seem to metropolitan Americans, it is actually quite consistent with the pattern of politics during the last decade. Many of Trumps fundamental beliefshis aversion to foreign engagements, his portrait of long-standing American allies as free-loaders, his deferential attitude toward Russian President Vladimir Putinhave been on prominent display during President Barack Obamas two terms in office. Since politics is never smooth and is chock-full of unintended consequences, the election of a man without experience of government, the military, the judiciary, or public service is not as outlandish as it first may seem, once you consider the context.

Indeed, the absence of such experience made Trump more appealing to the masses who turned out to vote for him. It isnt just Hillary Clinton who has been humiliated. The pollsters got it horribly wrong. So did the media tribunes of establishment politics. So did significant chunks of the Republican Party.

No one should be under any illusions that Trump will follow through on the promise to unite this fractured country that he made during his victory speech, if only because his supporters wont let him. Understandably, Trumps loudest cheerleaders are looking forward to a long period of gloating, and he wont let them down. The gutter politics and semi-literate screeds that have defined pro-Trump media outlets like Breitbart are now standing at the doors of the White House. The political consequences can, at this stage, only be imagined.

I am not, therefore, going to gaze into a crystal ball and predict the future. But I will identify a few general trends that should be of concern to all Americans, regardless of how we voted.

The political center is dead

Under Obama, confidence and pride in liberal democracy as the best form of government eroded dramatically. Trump is a product of that negativity. The Republicans are now a populist party and there is every reason to suspect that the Democrats will follow suit by shifting further left. Grievance-based identity politics, not rational debate, will determine the desirability of policies both domestic and foreign. Dont be surprised if these transformations sometimes generate points of consensus; the extremes of left and right have a great deal in common when it comes to trade deals, economic protectionism, and foreign policy. Its why many supporters of Clintons socialist rival Sen. Bernie Sanders helped secure Trumps victories in states like Michigan and Pennsylvania. It remains to be seen whether the matters on which these two camps disagreeimmigration policy, the environment, criminal justice reformturn out to be more important than those on which they agree.

The effects of globalization are more persistent than you think

Five years ago, it was the Occupy Wall Street movement that was railing against financial markets, international banks, and the free flow of capital across borders. That turf now belongs firmly to president-elect Trump. Reversing the effects of globalization will not to be achieved without significant pain, assuming it can be achieved at all. Trump is banking, probably correctly, that many American voters will interpret any future economic recession as a war between their president and the global financial elites that he denounced in his last campaign ads. In other words, an economic crisis will work to Trumps political advantage, at least in the medium-term future.

Our world will be defined by spheres of influence

Donald Trump wants to insulate America from the threats to the homeland posed by the outside world. His clean sweep will likely ensure that he has legislative backing to take radical measures on preventing immigration and tightening Americas external borders. These measures will be part of a new international consensus that divides the world into spheres of influencesomething Putin understands well. The consequences will be profound. We are already seeing the manifestations in Europe, where established political parties are giving way to insurgents on left and right in places like Poland, Hungary, Greece, Spain, and the U.K. Dont be surprised if Marine Le Pen, the leader of Frances historically fascist National Front political party, moves into the Elysee Palace after the elections next year.

It is this environment that will be the critical determinant of how America engages with Israel and the Middle East during the next four years. There are good reasons to be confident that, at least initially, relations between Trump and the Israeli government of Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu will be warm and productive. But I fear that Trumps lack of experience and admiration for Putin will be a major risk should Israel be dragged into a destructive war with the terrorists of Hezbollah, for example. Ditto with the Iran nuclear deal, where any pushback by the new administration will at some point have to confront opposition from Putin, who is aligned with the Iranians and the regime of Bashar al-Assad in Syria.

Even more fundamentally, a Trump embrace of Israel may gravely deepen the divide among American Jews and make it infinitely harder to sustain support for Israel as a bipartisan principle. A situation in which opposition to Israel is an integral component of the opposition to Trump should not be welcomed by anyone who cares about American-Israeli relations.

These are the realities that, when the gloating stops, Trump and his acolytes will have to deal with. Let us hope, however forlornly, that wisdom will be their guide.

Ben Cohen, senior editor of TheTower.org & The Tower Magazine, writes a weekly column for JNS.org on Jewish affairs and Middle Eastern politics. His writings have been published in Commentary, the New York Post, Haaretz, The Wall Street Journal, and many other publications. He is the author of Some of My Best Friends: A Journey Through Twenty-First Century Antisemitism (Edition Critic, 2014).
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At 10.05pm on a Saturday, we get a WhatsApp message from Shenaz Treasury (35). Im signing into Skype. See you at 10.30. Twenty-five minutes later, Skypes signature ringtone goes off, with her video call.

In keeping with the Indian tradition of a Skype call, she cant hear us for the first few seconds. Even before we exchange pleasantries, the stream freezes. But Treasury is prompt. Shes already calling us on WhatsApp.

She brushes off the technical difficulties. Shes in Manhattan, New York, and has more pressing matters to discuss: Donald Trump has just been elected US President, the streets below are flooded with Not our President protests. Amid this chaos, with uncanny coincidence, her Netflix series, Brown Nation, released on November 15.

Revolving around the life of an Indian family in New York, it not so much touches upon as dives into the debate of ethnic diversity in the US. I think this is the best time. Now is the time to understand that we, the human race, are bound by the same challenges and sentiments, irrespective of where we come from, she says.

Read more: Heres our complete guide to Netflix in India

Whats skin colour got to do with it?

Set on the life and family of an Indian IT specialist, Brown Nation is a light-hearted comedy on the lifestyle changes and the personal struggles a first-generation immigrant faces in America. Treasury co-stars noted Indian-origin international actors  Rajeev Varma (The Price of Milk, 2000; The Blue Rose, 2013) and Omi Vaidya (Three Idiots, 2009).

I play Dimple, wife to a businessman settled in America. She has big dreams about living in New York, she says. The reality, however, is different. Shes caught between settling into her new life abroad and wanting to make a career for herself. And Dimple is a little scatterbrained. More significantly, she is taking in the culture shock.

A video posted by Travel Backbends & Smiles (@shenaztreasury) on Nov 16, 2016 at 8:21am PST

Treaury would understand. She has a culture shock story of her own.

She moved to New York five years ago in 2011, when she was offered a recurring role on the American TV soap One Life to Live  one of the longest running soaps in the US  as a waitress at a nightclub. By her own admission, it was during this time that the myth of living outside India was shattered for her. Everyone thinks living abroad is fun The ideal life. Take it from me, its tough, she says.

To better explain her point, she gives us an example. That of the lady who runs the beauty parlour Treasury visits in Manhattan. The woman travels all the way from Queens (the New York equivalent of a Virar to Churchgate transit), cooks before she leaves, and takes care of her kids. She works hard  balancing her life and making honest money, just like her Caucasian counterpart. She deserves an equal shot at happiness, says Treasury.

Read more: Heres what happened during Atlas of Beautys India visit

Treasury is quite taken by the parlour lady. She mentions her a few times through our conversation. She admits shes rattled by Trumps win, and steers the conversation to the racial debate at every chance she gets.

More remarkably, her opinion is not primarily driven by her own Indian lineage. Ive been travelling over the last year. I have grown to understand that no matter where we come from, human beings, at heart, are the same. Defining ourselves based on race, religion and ethnicity is like betraying that, she says.

Been there, done that

Treasury isnt exaggerating when she says she has been travelling. Her Instagram feed (126k followers) has her posing at exotic locations  Bali, the Bahamas, Istanbul, Turkey, Jamaica, Thailand. It goes on. And like any serious Instagram influencer (she calls herself that in her Instagram bio), its work meets pleasure for Treasury. I am venturing into the travel vlogging [video blogging], she says.

A self-taught videographer, photographer and editor, she says she learnt it all from YouTube tutorials. Her vlogs feature must-visit locations, and top hotels in every city shes visited. Each vlog  all a little confusingly titled Travel with Shenaz  has close to 50,000 views on YouTube.

And the amateurish approach notwithstanding, shes already developed a bit of a reputation. She says she was followed around in Bali courtesy her Instagram posts. Two couples had checked into the same hotel I was in, after having cancelled their original booking, because they saw my posts. I bumped into them thrice during the trip. They were going wherever I was posting from, says Treasury.

Read more: Poets of Instagram: How social media is making poetry hip again

She says the travel vlogging is a passion, something to keep busy between acting projects. The perks of being a social media influencer dont hurt, though. A lot of her luxurious getaways are thanks to hotel invitations. I am invited for a stay and a review, she says.

Despite her social media success, Treasury continues to primarily identify herself as an actor and a video jockey, a job she started when she was 22. Fresh out of college in 2002, she was on MTVs Most Wanted. In fact, she continues putting her VJ-ing talents to use  Treasury was the red carpet host at Couture Fashion Week, New York, in September. She was even invited to speak at a Hindus for Trump rally in New York. I refused, of course, she says.

But being an actor and a VJ is not enough for her. Treasury doesnt like being idle between projects. So she travels. Shes even attempting a book: a collection of short stories about love and relationships. I know Im in a jack of all, master of none situation, but I like it that way, she says.

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Across pubs, if theres one thing that guarantees footfalls, its blaring music. When did Mumbai get so loud? And is there hope if youre not a pub-hopping millennial?

Heres a fun experiment. The next time you want to meet a friend over a drink, or are out on a date, visit one of the popular pubs in Bandra or Lower Parel on a Friday night, and attempt to have a conversation. If you successfully manage to dissect the latest episode of Westworld, or discover the story behind your dates nickname, let us in on this secret place.

If not, you know what to blame: the blaring music. While the city sees a new watering hole almost every other week, catching up over drinks has become a bit of a struggle: if there isnt a DJ, theres loud, commercial music booming from the speakers.

When the first Social opened in Colaba in 2014, it brought something new to Mumbais nightlife scene. Co-working space by day, it transformed into a buzzing gastro-pub at dusk. Two years and seven outlets in the city later, the model seems to have worked, with restaurateur Riyaaz Amlani set to open another one in Versova next month.

Monkey Bar, Bandra (HT File Photo)

When a colleague and I visit their Khar outlet on a weekend, the place is packed to capacity  the floor thumps with the latest monosyllabic Rihanna track, and we struggle to speak, seated across each other on the community table.

Its a cafe for millennials, says Amlani, when I ask him why he has given in to the loud music template. Theyre different from Gen X. Theyre more value-oriented, laid-back, dont like to dress up too much, but still want to party. And they dont like sedate places a buzzing, high-energy ambience is what they want, he explains.

Other franchise pubs across the city, like TAP, Hoppipola, Harrys, British Brewing Company, and The Irish House seem to follow a similar template: that loud music equals more footfalls.

Changing times, changing tastes

The trend of booming music is actually reflective of the transition that Mumbais nightlife has undergone over the last decade. The 90s were about nightclubs like Fire N Ice (Lower Parel) and Razzberry Rhinoceros and J49 (Juhu). They played a mix of disco, salsa, jazz, latino, and even had live acts. Restaurateur Rishad Nathani, who recently launched The Clearing House in Fort, recalls nights spent partying at now-shuttered places like 1900s (inside the Taj Mahal Palace, Colaba), RGs (at Hotel Natraj, which is now Intercontinental, Marine Drive), and Cellar (at The Oberoi, Nariman Point). The parties would be on till 3 am, after which wed troop into the coffee shops in five-star hotels, he says.

In fact, the recently opened Playboy Club in Worli is a major throwback to that decade, with its loud music, laser beam interiors and a sizeable dance floor. This element makes it one of the last few places in the city  others include Rude Lounge and TAP  for people looking to go dancing.

Playboy Club, Worli (Photo courtesy: Playboy Club)

READ MORE: First look: Inside Mumbais first Playboy Club

The 2000s brought in a relaxed lounge scene, with more ambient, mellow music. Popular haunts included Zenzi and Buddha Bar (Bandra). Interestingly, these places catered to the same crowd that hit the clubs a few years ago. They were now grown up, many married with kids, and didnt want to visit clubs anymore, says Amlani. The decade also saw electronica gaining popularity.

The current cafe-bar and gastro pub concept came into existence after the clampdown on the nightlife scene in 2012. With the 1.30am deadline, profits started dwindling. People would only get out to party after 11pm. And only five-stars had the extension, says Mihir Desai, co-owner, Corum Hospitality, which runs the Bar Stock Exchange (BSE) chain of pubs. Desai would know. Hes moved with the times: he ran the popular club Aziano from 2005 to 2009, and, later, The Big Bang Bar & Cafe, where a BSE outlet now stands.

Zenzi (HT File Photo)

Here to stay?

The millennials, who took over from the clubbers of the 90s, have more disposable income and go out more frequently. The cafe-bar draws in people on weeknights and on Fridays, while the clubs would do business only for eight days a month.

Catering to their tastes, these places ditched Bollywood for EDM, house or commercial western tracks, with alcohol on the side. While most places unmistakably crank up the volume come Friday night, some do it on weekdays too. After a long day, they want to crib about their work, their bosses, and basically, let loose. Music is a catalyst, adds Desai.

Khar Social

The demarcated dance-floor may have died, but the urge to dance hasnt. So, heads bob at the table, or feet move around them. And the music remains loud so that they do. Having a good time equals more hours spent. More hours spent equals more drinks ordered.

If you think going out in other cities would make for a quieter experience, it isnt always so. Bangalore-based Manu Chandra, the chef/partner at Monkey Bar and Fatty Bao, calls it a generational thing: Ive personally seen people walk out of less loud places, mumbling that the place wasnt buzzing at all. A lot of people equate buzz with loudness.

With nightclubs on a steady decline even in the West, its hard to tell whether the loud pub is here to stay. Amlani predicts the next big trend could just be mixologist-led bars. Where theres room for cocktails and conversation, he says. Till then, keep yelling across the table.

Looking for some relative quiet? Some places that dial it down.

The Clearing House: The newest entrant in SoBos fine dining space, this one has good food, better cocktails and subdued music.

Where: Ballard Estate, Fort

Call: 6223 2266

The Clearing House

Doolally: If youre looking to unwind with some good craft beer and soft music, pick the outdoor section of this brewhouse. Besides, theyre pet friendly and have a stash of popular board games.

Where: Near Fun Republic Mall, Andheri (West)

Call: 99671 02143

Doolally

The House: Nestled inside a restored bungalow, this casual dining place is never too crowded, has a terrace area with a gorgeous sea view and mellow music.

Where: Versova, Andheri (West)

Call: 6526 3888

The House

Woodside Inn: No blaring house or EDM. Head to this place for a warm ambience, craft beers on tap and good ol (but not too loud) classic rock music.

Where: Opp. Regal Cinema, Colaba

Call: 2287 5752

Woodside Inn (HT File Photo)

The Tasting Room: An ideal place wine-and-dine place to take your date to, this ones heavy on the pocket, but the cozy ambience provides some much-needed respite.

Where: Raghuvanshi Mill Compound, Lower Parel

Call: 6528 5284

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Two green corridors will be created early Friday to transport the liver of a brain-dead man from Indore to Bhopal for transplantation, which officials said will be the first such surgery conducted in Madhya Pradesh.

The first green corridor will be created between CHL Hospital in Indore and the city airport around 5.30am for transporting the liver to Bhopal in an air ambulance.

The second corridor will be set up around 7am between the Bhopal airport and Siddhanta Red Cross Superspeciality Hospital, where the organ is scheduled to be transplanted to a patient.

While Bhopal will witness a green corridor for the first time, it will be 13th such instance for Indore.

The 42-year-old donor was declared brain dead by MY Hospital doctors on Thursday afternoon, after which he was shifted to CHL hospital for organ retrieval.

The retrieval process was to begin in the evening, but as we were in talks with doctors from across the country for the donation of heart, the process got delayed, said Sanjay Dubey, divisional commissioner, Indore, adding that the process will now begin at 3:30am on Friday.

While one kidney will be transplanted to a patient in CHL hospital itself, another will go to a patient in Choithram Hospital. Also, eyes and skin will be donated to MK International Eye Bank and Choithram Hospital respectively.

Bhopals additional superintendent of police(traffic) Sameer Yadav told media persons: The air ambulance from Indore is expected to land at the state hangar at around 7 am on Friday after which the green corridor will immediately come into effect. It will be based on the arrangements made during VVIP movement.

The ambulance carrying the liver would take the BRTS corridor route to reach Siddhanta Superspeciality Hospital in about 12 to 15 minutes, said Yadav.

Indore to get first liver transplant centre soon

Indores first and the states third liver transplant centre is going to be set up at Choithram Hospital soon, a facility that will not only do away with hurdles in organ donations and retrievals but also boost organ transplant surgeries especially liver transplants. Other two centres are in Bhopal.

Almost all organ retrieval surgeries in the 12 green corridors were done at Choithram hospital. While kidney transplants were carried out at Choithram only, the liver was always flown to either Delhi or Mumbai, said Dr Sanjay Dixit, vice dean of Mahatma Gandhi Memorial Medical College and joint secretary of Indore Organ Donation society. Dr Dixit said it will be a cheaper option for those patients who go to cities like Delhi and Mumbai where the cost of operation comes to around Rs 30 lakh.

There are also talks about the first heart transplant centre being set up at Medanta Hospital in Indore. In the previous two green corridors, attempts were reportedly made to get the heart transplanted but as the hospital did not have a proper waiting list it was decided to give it to other centres in Delhi and Mumbai.
A 26-year-old constable of the Madhya Pradesh Police has offered to donate one of his kidneys to external affairs minister Sushma Swaraj, who is undergoing treatment in Delhis All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS) after kidney failure.

Gaurav Singh Dangi, a resident of Tikamgarh who is currently deployed with the traffic police in Bhopal, said he always liked Swaraj and was upset to know her medical condition.

When I read the news I was upset thinking that an efficient minister of our country is suffering. I thought that I should help her by donating my kidney, because as a policeman it is my duty to help others, he told HT. If with my donated kidney she becomes fine again, then it would be the best thing in my life.

Dangi, a married man, stressed that he didnt want anything in return. It is my selfless decision to help a leader. If I get a call for kidney donation, I will definitely keep my word and will not back out. I can live with one kidney, he said.

Earlier in Thursday, the traffic policeman tweeted, tagging Swaraj, that his blood group was O positive and he wanted to donate his kidney to her.

People from all walks of life have wished Swaraj a speedy recovery after she announced on Twitter on Wednesday that she was on dialysis at AIIMS and was undergoing tests for kidney transplant after the organs failure.

As wishes poured in from her well-wishers, the Union minister on Thursday tweeted: Some friends have also offered their kidneys for my transplant. I have no words to express my deep sense of gratitude towards them.

While Dangis offer brought him under media glare, it was not immediately clear how his department would react to it. Additional superintendent of police (traffic), Sameer Yadav, said he cannot comment on Dangis tweet or his intention.

We will look into the matter if something on paper comes up. In that case we would abide by the certain guidelines of police department and do whatever is needed, said Yadav.
Arjun Rampal, who garnered critical acclaim for his performances in films such as Rock On!! (2008) and Raajneeti (2010), is now back with a slew of sequels, one of which is slated for release next year. In one of his upcoming projects, which also stars Vidya Balan, Arjun will be seen playing a police inspector. Here, he speaks about being calculative in his career, and living up to the audiences expectations.

People have higher expectations from a sequel. Does that put pressure on actors?

There is pressure because comparisons are drawn. There are going to be expectations, but thats good, as it allows you to raise your game. It allows you to be cautious and not be laid-back or complacent in anyway. But that advantage could also become a complete disadvantage. So, you make sure that you work doubly hard on the sequel. The two films are not competing with each other, even though, in a way, they are. So, they become two separate films. But, at the same time, they are also part of a franchise.

Are you calculative about your career moves?

Its fair to say that I am. You need to calculate. You need to get into everything (all kinds of projects) with your eyes wide open, and understand everything about a film before you sign it.

Happy children's day. Make it special. #childrensday A video posted by Arjun (@rampal72) on Nov 13, 2016 at 9:48pm PST

But that only comes with experience

Yes, with becoming comfortable in life. There are times when you have to put yourself out there to work. I think that is the toughest part for an actor. When you are doing the job because you need to run your home or to make sure that your children are getting educated. But once you cross a certain stage, then you are at a position where you have more choices and opportunities. You should be honest with yourself while making those choices. Then everything falls into place.

Good morning just woke up. Just two days to #rockon2 #nervous #excited #lackofsleep A photo posted by Arjun (@rampal72) on Nov 8, 2016 at 5:14pm PST

You share the frame with Vidya Balan in Kahaani 2. Since it is a woman-centric project, does the screen time matter to you?

It matters when you are doing a film, which is not content-driven and more of a potboiler. Thats when these things become important. But when it is a content-driven film, you know that each character is a part of the puzzle. Each character has to be on top of his or her game to make sure that they fit in correctly. Then it is very exciting and it doesnt matter. All the films and subjects that I choose, at least, are content-driven.

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What happened with Mallika could happen to anyone. Were safe nowhere. Comments like these erupted on social media, when it was reported on Thursday that Mallika Sherawat was tear gassed and beaten up by three masked men in her apartment in Paris. The 40-year-old actors Bollywood colleagues, too, expressed shock, and hope that she gets well soon.

I hope she is okay. Health and safety is primary. This is unfortunate but what can one do when this is the way the world has become. It is possible for anyone to fall prey to such things, says actor Ashmit Patel, who co-starred with Mallika in the film, Murder 3 (2013).

Actor Ashmit Patel wishes Mallika a quick recovery.

Every citizen should be careful while travelling abroad. I dont know the exact case, so its difficult to comment. (But) Actors should keep their safety as their priority, says actor Kay Kay Menon, who shared screen space with the actor in Maan Gaye Mughal-e-Azam (2008).

Safety should be actors priority, says actor Kay Kay Menon. (Pratik Chorge/HT Photo)

Mallika was attacked on November 11 in the vicinity where American socialite Kim Kardashian was robbed in October. The incident was also reported in international media, dailymail.co.uk and French newspaper Le Parisien. Ms Sherawat and French businessman lover Cyrille Auxenfans, 45, arrived at her residential building in the upmarket 16th arrondissement of Paris at around 9.30pm, reported Daily Mail.

I always found Paris to be one of the nicest, safest and prettiest cities in the world. I am surprised that these kinds of things are happening there. Its unfortunate that Kim faced it and now Mallika faced it. I am sure there are many more who have gone through this. The police needs to take immediate action. I think the problem is that too many new people have entered the city, says filmmaker Pritish Nandy, producer of Mallikas 2008 film, Ugly Aur Pagli.

Producer Pritish Nandy says the police needs to take immediate action against it all. (HT Photo)

Meanwhile, Mallika posted a lively video on Twitter a day after the attack. She was happy to share moments from her trip to Switzerland. Here goes:

We tried reaching Mallika and her family for a comment, but there was no response.

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Kajol was last seen in Dilwale (2015) opposite Shah Rukh Khan. And now, she reveals that she is focusing on a movie that will be produced by her husband Ajay Devgn. Im just concentrating on one film right now, which Ill start shooting for next year. It is our (Kajol and Ajays) home production. Were going to start talking [to the media] about it once we start the shooting, she says.

Kajol has previously featured in several films made by Ajays production banner, such as Dil Kya Kare (1999), Raju Chacha (2000) and U Me Aur Hum (2008).

Ask her if she wants to branch out into other aspects of moviemaking, such as direction or writing, and she responds with an elongated Noooooo, which is followed by her signature hearty laughter. Thats not happening... not in this lifetime, she adds.

When it comes to social media, Kajol wants to keep a safe distance from the popular microblogging site, Twitter, unlike her peers. It has just become too political. Everything is political on Twitter. I have not completely adjusted to the Twitterverse, she says, adding, I prefer Instagram. I like the fact that a picture speaks a thousand words. I dont have to specify things and write them down in letters, she says.

A lil blurred but such a clear women's club. Had to put it out! pic.twitter.com/B6PrqX1ah2  Kajol (@KajolAtUN) November 11, 2016

On beauty

After her debut with Bekhudi in 1992, she hit the big league with Shah Rukh Khan in Baazigar (1993). Hit films such as Dilwale Dulhania Le Jayenge (1995) and Kuch Kuch Hota Hai (1998) followed. Kajol made a statement with her unconventional looks, when she refused to do away with her bridged eyebrows, at a time when trimmed ones were the norm. However, two decades later, the definition of beauty is still a much-debated topic in the industry. Beauty is in the eye of the beholder, quips Kajol, adding This perception that people have about skin colour (the obsession over fair skin), Im sorry to say, is of a younger mindset, and Im not talking about the age factor. People who are mature, who have grown and evolved, realise that when people are truly beautiful inside, they are beautiful outside as well, she says.

A cause close to heart

Since the past two years, the mother of two (her daughter Nysa, is 13, and son, Yug, is 6) and the face of Olay, has been an active advocate for childrens health in India. She is a United Nations (UN) designated Hand Washing Ambassador. In fact, she joined Twitter on September 2014 specifically to cater to this role.

Kajol says, My UN journey has been fantastic. The campaign we are talking about is Help a child reach five. Hand washing is a simple message, but we found it difficult to make people take it seriously. That was one of the hurdles we had to cross. Everybody was like, Here we are talking about AIDS, cancer, tsunamis and earthquakes, and you are talking about washing hands. How can that even compete? And I replied saying, No, it is important. I believe that prevention is better than cure. Ive seen that with my kids.

On my way to the Kolkata Film festival . Manish an temple jewellery always go together ;) A photo posted by Kajol Devgan (@kajol) on Nov 11, 2016 at 3:17am PST

Without stopping to catch her breath, Kajol adds, The statistics say we are one of the countries with the highest child mortality rates. The reasons behind that are diarrhoea and pneumonia, which are fully controllable. Its not that we are facing a big plague that does not have a vaccine. It is something we can control. And if we can control it but do nothing about it, then we (citizens) are to be blamed for it. And Im very passionate about this cause.

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The author tweets @iamsusanjose

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Actor Sohum Shah has found a great mentor and friend in director Hansal Mehta . He is shooting for Mehtas upcoming film and is all praises for the filmmaker.

Hansal sir is someone who I can sit with and talk about cinema for hours. It is an absolute pleasure to work with him, says Shah, who was seen in the film Talvar and won critical acclaim for his role in the film Ship Of Theseus, adding, The best thing is that both of us share a great passion for stories and it makes working with him really interesting. He is someone who has so much knowledge about films and production, that you never run out of things to discuss.

Actor Sohum Shah with director Hansal Mehta.

The film, which also stars actor Kangana Ranaut in the lead role is currently being shot in the US and is based on a real life incident.

Both Hansal and Sohum are extremely passionate when it comes to stories. One similarity between the two is their love for content-oriented stories. Post pack up, they are often seen discussing various real and fiction stories, says the actors spokesperson.

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Akshay Kumar-starrer Toilet - Ek Prem Katha, which is being shot in Mathuras rural belt, may find itself in legal trouble for going against long-held local traditions.

A lawyer has threatened to serve legal notice to the films director if the storyline goes against a tradition in the Braj region, wherein people of Nandgaon arent allowed to marry people from Barsana.

Lord Krishna was a resident of Nandgaon and Radha, his beloved, was from Barsana and their pious love is depicted during Holi festival organised every year. The tradition not to have marriages between boys and girls from these two villages continues, explained lawyer Gokalesh Katara.

The production unit is filming in Nandgaon, but not much else is known about the films story or schedule as they are keeping their distance from the media.

However, locals got whiff of the plot from a scene shot in which the line Nandgaon ka chhora and Barsana ki chhori (boy from Nandgaon and girl from Barsana) was used.

There had been scenes of a baraat moving from a school premises. Based on media reports, we have come to know that the story somehow revolves around marriage links between Nandgaon and Barsana villages of Mathura, Katara said.

There is a population of about 200 Muslims in Nandgaon and about 1,000 Muslims in Barsana but they too have been cooperative enough to maintain this tradition and dont have inter-village marriages.

A very good morning from Bhumi and me from the sets of Toilet - Ek Prem Katha! First day it is...need your best wishes  #TEPK A photo posted by Akshay Kumar (@akshaykumar) on Nov 5, 2016 at 10:54pm PDT

Katara, who said he did not know the story of the film, said if the movie depicts marriage between people of Nandgaon and Barsana, a legal notice would be served to the director of movie for hurting sentiments of people from these two villages.

We would ask the makers of the movie to provide us the script and then only a decision to proceed legally would begin, he added. The title of the movie also seems to be objectionable.

Priests in the two villages have also reportedly raised their voice against the movie and called a mahapanchayat to discuss their future course of action. Residents of nearby villages too were summoned to ensure that their long-held traditions are not violated by the filmmakers.

Couldn't have asked for a better start to the day.Landed in Mathura and got gifted this precious Bhagvad Gita on day 1 by a passerby! #blessed A photo posted by Akshay Kumar (@akshaykumar) on Nov 5, 2016 at 9:34pm PDT

Ajay Kumar Awasthi, ADM (execution), Mathura, said he learned about the matter only from the media but was not privy to the details.

We had been busy with the governors programme and as such no one came to meet us today, he said, adding that there are sufficient security arrangements for the film unit shooting in the rural belt of Mathura.

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The legal battle between actors Hrithik Roshan and Kangana Ranaut following their public spat over whether the two were in a relationship in the past isnt over yet, said Hrithiks legal team on Thursday.

Media reports which suggest that the investigation into the Hrithik-Kangana emails is closed are totally false. A section of the media in connivance with Ms. Ranauts lawyer has sought to disseminate this false information, Hrithiks lawyers said in a statement.

Hrithik and Kangana in a still from Krrish 3.

The investigation, in fact, continues and Mr. Saxena (Joint Commissioner of Police, Crime) has informed Mr. Mahesh Jethmalani, Senior Counsel advising Mr. Roshan, that the case is not yet closed. Investigation is still going on, the statement added.

The affirmation came after certain media reports on Thursday claimed that the legal dispute between the two has come to an end. The reports said that the case is being closed as the Mumbai Police have not been able to find who was impersonating actor Hrithik Roshan to send regular emails to Kangana Ranaut.

It is categorically asserted that there is unimpeachable evidence to suggest that there was no relationship of any kind between Mr. Roshan and Ms. Ranaut and that Ms. Ranaut persistently hounded Mr. Roshan on e-mails with the intention to entice him into a relationship, claimed the statement.

A public spat broke out between the two former co-stars when Kangana in an interview hinted at Hrithik being her ex, to which Hrithik responded by tweeting that there are more chances of me having had an affair with the Pope than with Kangana. Soon both exchanged legal notices.

The two were first linked in 2013 when they came together in Krrish 3 but the rumour gained momentum after the actor officially separated from his wife Sussanne in December 2013.

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Mumbai

The demonetisation move may hit the micro finance sector hard, said Bandhan Bank CEO Chandrashekhar Ghosh, estimating the temporary loss to be around Rs 1,500-Rs 1,700 crore.

Bandhan Bank, which was one of the largest micro finance institutions before it became a bank last year, has suspended its micro-credit disbursement after the government demonetised Rs 500 and Rs 1,000 notes on November 8. Bandhan still has a large micro lending business.

The micro finance sector, like any financial sector, has a capital base that is replenished by profits earned from its lending business. With the invalidation of high-value currency, the existing capital base for micro finance institutions has mostly been wiped out, said Pronab Sen, former advisor, Plan Panel. Now these MFIs will have to wait till returns from their lending operations accumulate, which could take time, he added.

Micro finance institutions (MFIs), which do business largely in cash, cannot accept demonetised notes as they are not banks. So, collections from customers have stopped since last Tuesday, impacting the entire industry. The disbursement rate will also slow down significantly in the October-December quarter.

Ratna Vishwanathan, CEO, MFIN (MFI Network), said, We do see some of our repayments being affected as more than 85% of our business is in cash. Our repayments range averages around 800-2,500 per instalment, which is on a weekly, fortnightly and monthly basis.

So, we have asked if we can have a limit on repayment through Specified Bank Notes (as against no repayments) as this can help borrowers and the institution. If we do not have timely collection, we cannot disburse money on time and the loan cycles get affected . This would impact the NPAs of both the borrowers (which is currently below 1% and repayment around 99%) as well as the institutions ability to service their own loans.

Given the change in banking habits and limited currency flow, India Ratings and Research, the Indian arm of Fitch Ratings, expects MFI borrowers to re-prioritise their expenses in the next few weeks.

This would lead to an increase in one-month overdues of many micro finance institutions. If money flow does not fully normalise by 4QFY17 (January to March period), tier 1 capital of few MFIs could reach near regulatory minimum levels, said the rating firm.

It has also indicated that most micro finance institutions have liquidity in the form of unencumbered cash and unavailed bank lines to meet debt obligations for 30-60 days in the event of business disruption.
Prime Minister Narendra Modis trailblazing move to scrap high-value banknotes could become a costly political joke if he fails to deliver on the promise of eliminating illegal cash and fake currency, Chinese experts have said.

They also say the informal sector is bearing the burden of the demonetisation move.

The scrapping of the currency has been closely followed by Chinese media and experts. Two separate critiques by Chinese experts have questioned whether the decision to scrap 500 and 1,000 notes would tackle unaccountable cash.

They said the government has pinned its hopes on the move.

The government is placing considerable hope in the demonetisation of the old banknotes. It is expected that many participants in the underground economy had to expose themselves in the light when attempting to explain to the bank or government the origins of the large amounts of cash they hold, Liu Xiaoxue, associate professor at the National Institute of International of Strategy of the prestigious Chinese Academy of Social Sciences, wrote in the magazine, China-India Dialogue.

But it is difficult to predict the outcome, Liu said.

Predicting the effects of this unprecedented measure would be extremely difficult. Past experience has shown that the black market is closely tied to changes in the economic structure and tax systems as well as public awareness, Liu said, adding: It would be impossible to eliminate the black market completely via a simple currency replacement campaign.

Shi Lancha, a visiting scholar at Tsinghua University, called the move a blitzkrieg and said Modis move had snowballed into an unprecedented emergency in India.

While it takes political courage to launch such a trailblazing and massive campaign, it actually takes far more wisdom to give it a happy ending. Given the fact that people have to pay an absurdly high price for the expected reform, if BJP fails to deliver on its high-sounding rhetoric and promises, then Modis much-lauded master stroke or big bang reform will likely be reduced to nasty partisan conspiracy and even a costly political joke, Shi wrote for the state-controlled tabloid, Global Times.

The success of the scheme depends on three challenges, Shi said.

First of all, Modi has to placate the affected Indians. Second, he has to buttress the policys beneficial effect by long-term measures. Last but not least, he has to weave the partisan calculation into the anti-black money campaign in a smart way, Shi argued.

After all, Modi has to handle these three challenges skillfully to optimise the policy outcome, while preventing it from backfiring on himself and his party.

Scapping the most popular notes in India overnight has led to enormous problems, the scholar said.

For example, millions of small businesses, which are especially important given Indias huge informal sector, have been hurt most seriously, as they almost rely entirely on cash transactions. Several murder or suicide cases relating to the chaos have been reported. Although measures like increasing deposit caps have been announced, local situations are hardly improving.

There could be a political angle to the move, Shi argued.

While Modi may find that pacifying chaos in the short term and correcting structural distortion in the long term are both hard policy goals, the partisan politics appears to be the only low-hanging fruit he can readily pluck. In the last decade, undocumented sources like cash donations accounted for around 75% of the funding for Indias political parties. Given this, the sudden clampdown on black money may also be seen as Modis clever electioneering for the upcoming elections in Uttar Pradesh and Punjab.
Now, you can swipe your debit card to withdraw money from specified merchants for free.

The Reserve Bank of India on Friday evening waived charges for cash withdrawal from specified points of sale merchants and doubled the daily limit for withdrawal in cities and metros to Rs 2,000 to ease pressure on banks.

The daily cash withdrawal limit for cities was Rs 1,000, while it stood at Rs 2,000 for smaller towns.

The RBI announcement follows the State Bank of Indias tie-up with designated state-run petrol pumps to allow people to swipe their cards at these pumps to pick up money.

As another customer-centric measure, the limit for cash withdrawal at POS (Point of Sale) has been made uniform at to Rs 2000/- per day across all centres (Tier I to VI) for all merchant establishments enabled for this facility, an RBI announcement said.

It added that customer charges, if any, being levied on all such transactions waived till December 30, though it is subject to review.

Banks were earlier permitted to charge users up to 1% of the transaction amount as customer charges.

The RBI had enabled cash withdrawal at point of sale for debit cards in July 2009. In September, this facility was extended to pre-paid cards issued by the banks.

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Recall, American hollywood movie, Sully, a pilot who became a hero after landing his damaged plane to save the flights passengers and crew. Sully, however, was shaken to his core when the doubts started pouring over his heroic manoeuvre and questions were raised if Sully was a hero or a fraud.

A few recruiters believe Cyrus Mistry, recently ousted chairman of Tata Group, is probably that Sully. Even if you think you have done a great job you can be subjected to very harsh criticism from other lens. Its an old chapter in a new paperback, said Biplob Banerjee, executive vice president, human resource at Jubilant FoodWorks Limited, operator of Dunkin Donuts and Dominos Pizza in India.

The ongoing war of words between Rata Tata and Cyrus Mistry in one of the biggest boardroom coups in Indias corporate history offers multiple learnings, for both employees and bosses, claim human resource managers.

Top lesson is about the growing job insecurity. Everyone is under the threat to lose job any day and anytime. No ones job is secure, even if you think, you are the boss and are performing quite well, pointed Rituparna Chakraborthy, co-founder of Teamlease Services, a staffing firm.

Also, heading a company would now mean you need to be in constant touch with the group of top leaders, no matter, how much liberty you enjoy while making decisions. You need to be in constant touch with the air traffic controller, no matter how much flying hours you have under your belt, Banerjee said.

Beginning this month, Ratan Tata, interim chairman of Tata Sons Ltd, justifying the replacement of Mistry in a letter to employees wrote, As a group, we are steadfast in our resolve to maintain the Tata culture and value system that all of us have worked hard to nurture over the decades... The focus has to be on leading and not following.

Considering that Mistry was the second from outside the Tata family to be asked to helm the empires affairs, the values and focus could be different, said experts. Bhavna Sud, client partner at Korn Ferry Hay Group, pointed, Alignment of values is equally, if not more important, than performance contribution.

If Mistry would have read Tatayan, a biography about the Tata group in Marathi, before accepting the chairmanship, Mistry could have taken a hint from what Bombay Dyeings Nusli Wadia said while declining JRD Tatas offer of chairing the Tata Group in the late 80s: I am anything but a Tata and prefer to remain a Wadia, said another recruiter at leading conglomerate requesting anonymity.

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Senior bureaucrat Navneet Sehgal was injured when his official car collided head-on with another vehicle on the Lucknow-Agra Expressway at Unnaos Hasanganj, 50 kilometres from Lucknow, on Friday.

Sehgal is Uttar Pradeshs principal secretary (Information).

The accident took place when the IAS officer was returning to the state capital after witnessing the landing trials of Air Force fighter jets on the expressway. Some other people, including the driver of Sehgals car, were also stated to be injured in the accident.

All the injured were rushed to King Georges Medical University trauma centre in Lucknow.

Sehgal also heads the UP Expressways Industrial Development Authority that has built the Lucknow-Agra Expressway, one of the dream projects of chief minister Akhilesh Yadav.

The expressway is scheduled be inaugurated by the chief minister on November 21.
The India International Trade Fair (IITF) will open for the general public today (Saturday) with merchants already expressing apprehensions about a possible decrease in the number of visitors and sales due to the ongoing liquid cash crunch.

Vendors have been complaining about a lukewarm response to the fair this year, and some veteran traders have even claimed that this has been one of the worst years at the fair for them.

Kay Leia from Thailand has been coming to the trade fair for almost 10 years now, and she claims this year has been the worst in terms of sales. People dont have cash to spend and not everybody has a credit/debit card. Many people try to spend their old currency here that we cannot accept, she said.

Many traders have expressed fears about their prospects. I am worried. I have reduced prices of my products drastically to try and make entice the customers. I am worried that I might not even be able to break even by the end of the fair. We were told that we would be provided with swipe machines. But we havent got one yet, said Anil Khanna of Patiala, who runs a stall selling womens clothing at the Punjab pavilion.

Traders from outside Delhi are complaining that they dont even have enough cash to manage everyday expenses like food.

We got to know about the demonetisation only a couple of days before we left. So we did not have time to get the currency exchanged before leaving. Restaurants and hotels here are not accepting old notes, but customers primarily come here to spend their old currencies. They say that they will buy our products only if we agree to accept their old notes, said Chitra of the Tamil Nadu Corporation for Womens Development.

Some other traders said that though it has been bad this year, they hoped for a turnaround. This year, because of the cash crunch, sales have reduced by almost 50%. The number of visitors at the fair has also reduced. I hope it gets better when the fair opens for the general public on Saturday, said Sabra Amrut, who sells handicrafts at the Gujarat Pavilion.

The India Trade Promotion Organization (ITPO) has even slashed entry ticket prices on Thursday to boost the reduced footfall. Adult passes now cost Rs 100 on weekends and public holidays and Rs 50 on working days. Children under the age of 12, senior citizens and differently-abled people will be allowed entry free of charge.

Where can I buy tickets?

Online through the IITF website

At Metro stations

At Pragati Maidan (but this will be subject to availability)

How many participants/stalls are there to choose from?

7000 participants

280 companies

24 countries

27 states

Four union territories

Many government departments and agencies

close to 1000 rural artisans and craft persons

What should I definitely not miss?

The salwar suits and slippers available at the Punjab Pavilion

Silver jewellery and Tussar silk sareesat the Odisha Pavilion

Kancheevaram sarees at the Tamil Nadu pavilion

Products made by the Tihar Jail inmates at the Delhi pavilion

Lakh bangles being made at the premises of the Jharkhand pavilion

Products, including furniture, made of cane and other natural fibers at Assam pavilion

Bandini products and handicrafts at the Gujarat pavilion

Jewellery and other trinkets from the Thai stalls, lamps from the Turkish grand bazaar, and carpets and nuts from the Afghan stalls in the International Pavilion

What do I need to take with me to be prepared?

Though many stalls have started accepting credit and debit cards, and Paytm, it is always better to carry some loose change.

There are multiple ATMs at the venue, but the queues can be long and daunting

Wear comfortable shoes; it can be quite a walk.

Stay hydrated. Drink plenty of water. There are multiple stalls that sell beverages, but many of them ask you to give the exact change.

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Officials, parents and students may be rejoicing for the successful implementation of the reading challenge under Mission Chunauti 2018, but teachers are an unhappy lot.

The teachers, who worked tirelessly to ensure that every non-reader child could now read, had their own bunch of grievances.

A number of mentors, who work as guest teachers, claimed that they were employed on a daily wage basis whose salaries were deducted during public holidays.

These teachers work very hard but they dont get a fixed monthly salary. They are paid daily wages based on the number of days they work. So, if the government declares a public holiday, they lose a days salary, said H Akhtar, the vice-principal at the Sarvodaya Vidyalaya in Jor Bagh.

Some guest teachers claimed that they dreaded holidays. Other teachers love taking a day off, especially in the months of October November, for Dussehra, Diwali or Chhath Puja. For us, it is a nightmare. We dont get paid if it is a government holiday, explained Pankaj Kumar Pal, a guest teacher at the Sarvodaya Vidyalaya in Jor Bagh.

Apart from the unfair salary cuts, the teachers also said that they almost never get their salaries on time. Salaries are usually delayed, sometimes for months. For people who are not locals and do not live at their family home, managing everyday expenses like rent, food, and groceries then becomes a problem, asked Jitender Ahlawat, a guest teacher who teaches non-readers in VI-VIII grades.

The Government School Teachers Association (GSTA) has criticised the whole concept of guest teachers and have demanded that more teachers be hired on a permanent basis. Earlier this year, the high court while hearing a PIL too had slammed the Delhi government for allegedly failing to fill up to 50% of the total teaching posts in government and municipal schools that were lying vacant.

The PIL filed by NGO Social Jurist alleged that as many as 26,031 teaching positions, including those for special educators for differently abled students, were lying vacant in the state.

Soumya Gupta, director of education, however, claimed that the actual number of vacancies was probably closer to 8,000. The department does not recruit directly; it is the Delhi Subordinate Services Selection Board (DSSSB) that hires new teachers. These teaching posts have been lying vacant for close to 8-10 years now, she explained.

A government official also added that guest teachers cannot be easily made permanent. A Supreme Court judgment has made it difficult to make these guest teachers permanent, he said citing a 2006 Supreme Court judgment that made arbitrary regularization of temporary and ad hoc employees illegal.

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The Centres demonetisation drive to weed out black money has left hundreds of beggars in the city in the lurch.

The beggars, often spotted at traffic signals and temples of the city, said that they were the worst hit in the currency change drive.

Suresh Gupta, a destitute who sat outside a pavement near Hanuman Mandir, Kashmere Gate, for example, had collected just 10-20 till 4.30pm on Thursday. Gupta claimed that before the demonetisation drive started, he used to collect at least 50 from the worshippers who came to the temple in the same time.

Read: Delhiites hold on to the last penny, adopt thrifty measures to get by

Even on Saturdays and Tuesdays, when hundreds of devotees flock the temple, Gupta said, the beggars werent getting much money.

I used to get anywhere between 70 and 150 on Saturdays and Tuesdays. But the past one week has been extremely dull. Today, I have just collected 15. Thankfully, here we get food once a day at least, the 65-year-old man said.

Malti, another beggar in the area, said that the sudden dip in her collections had compelled her to send her 16-year-old son diving in the dirty Yamuna to look for coins.

Malti, who lives in a makeshift tent near Loha Pul on the banks of the Yamuna, said: It is as if we have gone back in time. Around five years ago, people mostly used to give coins and the same is happening now. Since morning I have got just 6 and not a single note. How will I provide food to my three children? she asked.

Ganga (80), a beggar living on the streets near Hanuman Temple, added that initially, she did not realize what demonetisation was. But when people stopped giving her coins and loose change last week, she asked some fellow beggars what the problem was.

Beggars living in the vicinity told me that 500 and 1,000 notes had been banned. So people were saving whatever money they had. This was very shocking to know. I knew then that I wont get any money for some time now, she said.

Read: Delhi Police, IT dept conduct raids after sting ops on illegal money exchange

Samaa Bai (60) is blind and clueless about ways to get rid of her invalid currency notes. People are saying that I need to have an identity card to exchange my money at a bank. But I dont have any id proof. What shall I do? she wondered.

She added that ever since the currency exchange kicked in, life had become miserable for most of her community.

Yesterday, my friend pointed at the people queuing up outside banks and explained what they were doing. At that time, I realised why people were not giving us alms. I collected only 20 yesterday and 15 on Tuesday. How will I survive on this? asked Kaka who spends his days at Baba Kharak Singh Marg.
With long queues in front of banks and ATMs showing no signs of abating, and cash pile dwindling, Delhiites are forgoing small luxuries to manage finances.

I have been waking up early to wash my car and iron my clothes before leaving for work. We can no longer afford to pay for them, said Siddesh Kumar (46), a senior lawyer at the Supreme Court.

Eight days after 500 and 1,000 currency notes were demonetised, many like Kumar have started to feel the pinch.

Kumar, a resident of Mayur Vihar Phase-1, says paying 30 a day for getting his car washed and 5 to get a set of shirt and trousers pressed would mean he would have to soon stand outside the ATM for a few hours, which he trying to delay as much as he can.

My wife has 1,200 in hand and we are treating it like gold. On a regular day, we would not even think twice before spending that money in a restaurant or for a movie, he said.

24-year-old IT engineer Radhika Sinha, a resident of south Delhis Malviya Nagar, said the weekly market in her area wore an unusually stranded look on Tuesday.

Even the ones who were there were buying what was absolutely necessary. The vegetables were also available at a much cheaper price, Sinha said.

She and her roommate used up one 1,000 and a 500 note they had at the local Safal outletto buy paneer, kidney beans and several varieties of lentils.

Both of us work late and there is no time to stand in ATM queues. We are managing with what we have. We will think of what needs to be done once our supplies get over, she said.

Roadside vendors at Dwarka said the worst hit by this demonetisation are the fruit sellers.

Vegetables are essential. So, people cut down on fruits. My regular customers who used to buy at least two to three kilos of fruits in a week, have either not bought anything or are managing with just half a kilo, said Sushil Yadav, a fruit seller who sits at Mahavir Enclave.

Many residents are turning to e-commerce portals for groceries.

I had never before ordered from these websites. Its the only option I have now. It is convenient in these times, but I can hardly wait to go back to buying vegetables by touching and feeling their quality, said Dr Sudha Prabhakaran, a professor at Ambedkar University.

Residents also complained that their schedule has gone for a toss in the past week. Thirty eight-year-old Ambika Sharma week was spent shuttling her children between school, tuition classes and dance lessons.

She used to send her daughters with her housemaid in an auto rickshaw, but now she has taken things into her own hands.

On the first day when the announcement was made, my husband filled the petrol tank using all the 500 notes we had. I drop and pick my children up from school and then drop them for tuitions in the evening. On weekends, they also have dance classes, she said.

Read: Delhi Police, IT dept conduct raids after sting ops on illegal money exchange

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FOCUS ON DEFENSE CAPABILITY DEVELOPMENT IN SOUTHEAST ASIA AND OCEANIA
The police control room in Delhi received at least two distress calls every minute in the last eight days, all related to chaos at banks and ATMs following the governments shock decision to scrap high-value banknotes.

Between November 9 and 16, the police control room received around 21,600 distress calls made by people waiting outside banks and ATMs to withdraw cash or exchange banned currency.

Many were also made by bank officials seeking security during periods when hundreds of people waiting outside showed signs of turning violent.

There was chaos and most people had fear of losing their money. In the first few days, many also accused bank officers of not giving money, a police official said. He, however, added the number of distress calls was going down.

Read| Feel the pinch? 5 things that are costlier in Delhi after demonetisation

Most of the calls were related to complaints of chaos, people demanding security, squabbles with officers and quarrels outside banks and ATMs, officials said. Some were made by bank officials seeking security.

Most of the calls were during the day when banks were struggling to cope with the huge rush of people, officials added.

Despite thousands of panicked people queuing up in front of ATMs late into the night, there was only one incident of violence in north Delhis Subzi Mandi.

An analysis of police data show a spike in calls last Saturday when around 5,600 calls -- the highest so far -- was received at the control room. The number of calls have come down to just under 3,000 on November 16.

The data show that at least 220 calls were made within a span of around four hours immediately after Prime Minister Narendra Modi made the shock announcement on November 8.

On Thursday, Lieutenant Governor Najeeb Jung instructed police to provide more security outside banks and ATMs to deal with the rush of people.

For full coverage on demonetisation, click here
The Delhi government launched a web portal for parents to register their complaints against errant private schools at a single platform.

Deputy chief minister, Manish Sisodia, said that people will now be able to register their complaints against private schools on issues such as fee hike and the lack of uniforms and books for students from economically weaker sections of society, among other things, at www.doepvt.delhi.gov.in.

Earlier, people had to complain at 10 different places. For the convenience of the common man, we have introduced this single window complaint system. The government will closely monitor the complaints and fix the responsibility of officers concerned if there is any delay on his or her part in resolving complaints, said Sisodia.

He assured that in 15 days, grievances will be resolved by district education officers concerned. The link to the portal will also be available on the DOE website, at www.edudel.nic.in.

People can register complaints against recognised private schools by providing basic information, like his/her name and contact number. The complainant can also track the status of his/her complaint on the website after, and can also update details, give additional information and upload supporting documents through the website.

Though fields like name is compulsory, the minister said that if the complainant specifies that his details be kept anonymous and not shared with the school, especially in cases where the disclosure of such information can affect the student, provisions can be made.

A senior official explained that a list of all recognised unaided private schools with locality name will be made available on the portal. After registration of the complaint, the complainant will receive an SMS on their registered mobile number, having a unique grievance ID. The complaint will automatically be forwarded to deputy director education (district) concerned, she said.

She also said that citizens would have the opportunity to give feedback on the process, once the grievance has been disposed. Based on the feedback, we (higher officials) can choose to reopen the grievance, she said.
In what can be termed as a flipside of the Right to Education (RTE) Act, government schools in MP are increasingly swarmed with below-average students taking a toll on their performances, said several academicians of the city .

After teachers at government schools prepare a good batch of students, parents send them to private schools availing RTE quota. So government schools are left with mostly average or below average students, said Chanda Pathak, an ex-government school teacher, who recently started teaching at a college in Indore.

This, according to Pathak, has led to deterioration of government schools results. Since the government schools lose meritorious students, it affects their results, she told Hindustan Times.

Results of govt schools witnessed a downfall after RTEs implementation

Ever since the RTE was implemented in 2009 results of the government schools witnessed a downfall, but the situation aggravated in the past couple of years, observed Sheerin Ansari, a contractual teacher.

Ansari, a teacher at CB Girls Government School in Mhow, pointed out If you compare the results of the past two years with previous results, you will be able to see the difference. The problem has increased in the past couple of years.

Another senior government teacher based in Indore, on condition of anonymity, said a pre-primary teacher of a government school during an inspection told her that as better students shift to private schools, government schools are failing to compete with the private institutions.

Many government schools are producing better results

However, when HT contacted Akshay Singh Rathore, district project coordinator (DPC), Indore, he refused to subscribe to the views of the academicians saying many government schools are producing better results than several private schools.

It is not true that government schools are losing out due to the RTE. Results of many government schools is much better than several private schools. We churn out more toppers than private schools, he said.

The academicians though do not fully agree to Rathores views, they too believe all is not lost yet.

Government teachers are more qualified than their counterparts in private schools. The government schools have also proved their capability of producing toppers. If teachers start focusing more on average or below average students, the results will improve again, Ansari said.
The Jammu and Kashmir government will continue the no-detention policy this academic session to promote all students, except of Class 10 and 12, in view of the four-month school disruption due to the ongoing unrest in the Valley.

The government on Thursday announced that students of Classes 1 to 9 and Class 11 would be promoted irrespective of their performance in the exams.

Schools in the Valley have remained closed for more than four months owing to curfews, shutdowns and protests following the killing of Hizbul Mujahideen militant Burhan Wani in an encounter on July 8. The students had appeared for their Term-1 (half-yearly) examinations before the unrest began.

Read | Kashmir students happy with easy paper as exams take place amid high security

The school education department also waived off the Term-2 (year-ending) examinations for Class 8, 9 and 11 students of all government and government-recognised private schools in Kashmir for the current academic session.

The order issued by commissioner secretary school education department, Shaleen Kabra, said that holding classes to cover the syllabi for Term-2 at this stage is not feasible.

It is imperative that the new session commences on time so that students interests can be safeguarded and normal academic activities can be restored, the order reads.

Read | Board exams revive memories of a Kashmiri student killed in protests

Education has been a talking point in the Valleys polarised political discourse during the current unrest, when schools have remained shut for the past 132 days.

Following political debates over holding exams in either November or March, the state government, in an unprecedented decision, decided to hold the Class 10 and 12 board exams twice  in November with 50% syllabus and in March next year with the full syllabus for students who fail to appear this time.

Over 96% students of Class 10 and 12 are currently appearing in their board examinations.
Colourful burgers  green, red, pink, and now, white  have taken social media by storm. International food chain Burger King introduced their all-black burger with black cheese and black sauce first in Japan in 2012. Back home, Barcelos, a South African-based burger chain, introduced a white burger at their Delhi outlet a couple of months ago. Restaurants in the city are now taking note of this trend. The current and emerging trend of giving a modern twist to old recipes is the in thing to do. The more attractive a dish looks, the more people will want to order it. The use of different colours also makes people curious about the source of the colour, says Chingy Patel, chef and co-owner of Global Chaos, Fort, which serves assorted sliders in pink, green and black hues.

While Patel feels that these colours, only add to the aesthetic appeal of the dish, Aditya Gupta, owner, The Rolling Pin, Lower Parel, believes that it slightly affects the taste too. The restaurant serves a BBQ Paneer burger with buns that acquire its colour from charcoal. The charcoal lends a crispy, burnt texture to the bun that makes it more flavourful as compared to the regular ones, adds Gupta. So, if you wish to try these vibrant burgers, here are some of the places we spotted them at in the city.

Lil Burgerettes at The Little Door, Andheri (W)

Whether its food or clothes, who doesnt love a splash of colour? says Tanu Narang, co-owner, The Little Door. The mini buns served here are coated with beetroot extracts and turmeric coconut, which gives the bread its pink and yellow shade. They are stuffed with potato and jalapeno patties. Apart from adding a twist to the burger, the coating also makes the burgers ( Rs 243) more appetising, says Narang.

The Dog Father at Dishkiyaoon, Bandra (W)

The Dog Father (Rs 345) hot dog replaces sausage with a chicken kebab, which is sandwiched between a long black bun. It acquires its colour from charcoal that is sourced from bamboo. We not only wanted to give the burger a different look, but also wanted to have some fun with the way the food was presented as compared to the typical food found at bars, says Clyde DMello, corporate chef, Dishkiyaoon.

Assorted Sliders at Global Chaos, Fort

The assortment comprises a Vegetarian Seitan Slider ( Rs 350) and Pulled Chicken Slider (Rs 350). The seitan patty (wheat gluten) is tossed in BBQ sauce and served in a green or pink bun. The non-vegetarian variant, made of slow-cooked brined chicken, BBQ sauce and coleslaw, is served in a black bun. While the pink and green buns get their colour from beetroot and spinach paste, respectively, the black one gets its hue from squid ink.

Lamb Rogan Josh Burger at Genuine Broaster Chicken, Andheri (W)

The red-coloured buns, which are filled with Kashmiri Rogan Josh gravy and a boneless lamb patty (Rs 279), get their colour from beetroot extracts.

BBQ Paneer at The Rolling Pin, Lower Parel

The black-coloured buns (Rs 250) that are filled with paneer acquire their hue from edible charcoal. People are always up for trying something new. Its fun to play around with dishes to add an exciting twist to the meal, says Gupta.

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Disney has renamed its upcoming animated feature Moana in Italy, and will now call it Oceania.

The reason behind the change is one of the countrys most popular porn stars, the late Moana Pozzi, according to The Hollywood Reporter.

A Disney source in California said only The studio frequently changes titles in foreign territories for a wide variety of reasons.

On a mystic island in Polynesia, the 16-year-old strong-willed daughter of the chief of the tribe, Moana from Motunui Island, is chosen by the ocean itself to reunite the Heart of Te Fiti. She sets sail in search of Maui, a legendary demigod and hopes to save her people, reads a plot description of the film.

The movie will be released as Oceania in Italy on December 22, referring to the region of islands in the tropical Pacific Ocean.

In Europe, the film has the title Vaiana, or water cave. Disney Spain confirmed that the name change was the result of Moana being a registered brand in Spain and other European countries. The title character throughout Europe has the name Vaiana instead of Moana.

Follow @htshowbiz for more
An indigenous faith that swears partly by solar energy is fast losing members in Arunachal Pradesh, Indias land of the rising sun.

The major beneficiary is Christianity, whose adherents  the 2011 census says  are 30.26% of the frontier states 1.3 million people, up from 18.7% in 2001. Arunachal Pradesh had no Christians in 1951.

Though there were 5.56% fewer Hindus during this period, the 4.5% drop in the population of followers of indigenous faiths such as Donyi-Polo worries the states tribes more.

Donyi-Polo means worship of the sun and the moon. The 1981 census said the state had 51.6% followers of Donyi-Polo and other indigenous faiths in Arunachal Pradesh.

The conversion rate picked up in the 1990s. Some of those who converted then say costly rituals involving animal sacrifice made them switch religion. Others attribute conversion to the healing powers of the church.

Our village of 115 people converted 20 years ago because missionaries healed the sick with prayers and medicines and not with mumbo jumbo involving sacrifice of chicken, pigs or mithuns (semi-wild bison). Inability to afford such rituals costing Rs 75,000-150,000 made us become Christians, Tali Yorma, a Pailibo tribal from Lipo village, told Hindustan Times.

Lipo is 75km south of Mechukha, the sub-divisional headquarters of West Siang district bordering Tibet.

Of the five tribes inhabiting Mechukha, the Membas are Buddhist. Almost 90% of the other four tribes  Pailibo, Tagin, Ramo and Bokar  have converted from Donyi-Polo to Christianity.

In districts such as Tirap and Changlang, where Naga rebel groups are active, the percentage of Christians is more than 50%.

Tachuk Padu, a Ramo tribal of Padusa village 35km from Mechukha, said many like him have not sacrificed the traditional way of life despite embracing Christianity to escape from elaborate, expensive pujas that Donyi-Polo priests demand.

The church has, however, denied taking advantage of the states socio-political situation to entrench Christianity.

We are not against any religion and we are not enticing or forcing people to convert, said Father Felix, media in-charge of Miao (Arunachal) diocese.

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More than 75 business outlets located on either side of the Indo-Nepal border remained closed for the ninth consecutive day on Thursday following the sudden decision of the Indian government to demonetise high value currency notes of Rs 500 and Rs 1,000 denominations as part of a drive to fight black money.

Hundreds of people, along with a good number of Nepali citizens, queued up before Indian banks and ATMs located on the border.

Manoj Lakhotia, 39, owner of Vaishnavi Traders located on the main road in Raxaul, said: We downed our shutters after customers stopped visiting out outlets since Rs 500 and Rs 1000 notes were scrapped. I am totally dependent on customers from Nepal for business.

Read | Taxmen begin verifying abuse of Jan Dhan accounts to hide black money

Pawan Shahzada, a teacher in a government school at Semera in Nepal, is a shattered man. I saved Rs 2 lakh of Rs 500 and Rs 1000 notes of India to get my wife treated at AIIMS in Delhi, but PM Narendras Modis sudden and abrupt decision has pushed me back by many years, he lamented.

Incidentally, the Indian currency notes of Rs 500 and Rs 1000 denominations were banned in Nepal several years ago fearing proliferation of a huge quantity of fake notes in Nepali territory. The ban was subsequently lifted.

We reposed our faith in the Indian currency again and the ban was lifted. But now I feel robbed now, he said.

Following demonetisation in India, Nepals central bank instructed all Nepali banking and financial institution as well as Nepal Rashstra Bank to stop transaction of these two high values notes of India. Shahzada has been queuing up before India banks to exchange his amount in the name of his relatives. So far I have been able to exchange only Rs 20,000 but now they have begun marking our fingers with indelible ink, what should I do now? a desperate Shahzada asked.

Read | Imphal newspapers feel demonetisation heat, to stop publication

The situation has given rise to middlemen too.

Anil Sinha, a social worker at Raxaul, said: Nepalis and Indians are getting their notes exchanged after paying huge commissions to middlemen. Almost all markets of Raxaul and Birgunj, which depend largely on Indian rupees, wore a deserted look as no customers were there.

Dr Ajay Kumar, posted in a Nepali health centre, said: People hired a middleman to get notes exchanged in India on commission basis, but he informed all of us after two days that all the notes were seized by police on the border.

Raju Agarwal, a cloth merchant in Birgunj and also an officebearer of the Birgunj Commerce and Industries Association, said businessmen were having to pay their staff salary despite the fact their shops are closed. He, however, said a few Indian customers had started visiting the markets on the Nepal side from Thursday.

Bordering Nepal is largely dependent on Indian currency for trade and social responsibility. Dhruv Prasad Gupta, a businessman in Raxaul, said normalcy would return once new Rs 500 notes are circulated in these localities.

Threat for exchange

Central Bank of Indias regional manager Harishanker Thakur said they were facing threats from local people and traders for exchange of the banned notes. He said one of the senior managers of the bank in Raxaul had been threatened that he would be eliminated after he refused to exchange Rs 2 lakh of a local trader. A case has been filed against the businessman with Raxaul police station.

Also Read | SC questions reduced exchange limit of Rs 2000, says situation serious
Self-styled godwoman Sadhvi Deva Thakur, who was absconding along with her bodyguards after being booked for killing a woman and injuring four others in celebratory firing at a wedding here on Tuesday, finally surrendered before the district court on Friday.

In the surprise move, the 26-year-old sadhvi reached the court in a pink salwar-kameez, instead of the saffron attire she is usually seen wearing.

Talking to mediapersons, Deva Thakur denied that she had killed anyone, calling the case a conspiracy against her.

I am innocent and I am not involved in the killing, said the saffron leader, who hails from Baras village and is known for her controversial statements.

Deva Thakur also claimed she was medically unfit and in need of medical care.

Sent to 5-day police remand

The court of judicial magistrate Harish Sabbarwal, before whom Deva Thakur surrendered, has sent her to five-day police remand.

Karnal superintendent of police Pankaj Nain attributed her surrender to pressure created by cops making continuous raids to arrest her.

Police will now quiz her about arms she was carrying at the wedding and also seek her help to arrest her six bodyguards, who are still on the run.

Teams have been formed to trace the remaining accused. They will be arrested soon, said Karnal city police station in-charge Mohal Lal.
For farmer Buddha Singh, who works a small plot of land in the village of Bajna south of New Delhi, the governments decision to abolish Rs 500 and Rs 1,000 banknotes to crush black money could hardly have come at a worse time.

He and millions of other farmers cannot get enough cash to buy the seeds and fertilisers they need for their winter crops, threatening production of key commodities and hurting rural communities only just recovering after two years of drought.

We cant buy our full requirements of seeds, fertiliser and pesticides on credit. There is a limit, said Singh, a man in his 50s, who tills a two-acre field near the highway running from the capital to Mathura.

Were running out of time as weve only 10-15 days more to plant crops like wheat, mustard and chickpeas, he added, to murmurs of assent from around 30 fellow farmers sitting under a neem tree and discussing their predicament.

Read: Demonetisation: PM Modi reviews measures to improve situation

The countrys 263 million farmers mostly live in the cash economy, exposing them to the full impact of Prime Minister Narendra Modis surprise November 8 announcement that larger denomination banknotes would immediately cease to be legal tender.

Modis drive to purge black cash from the economy has, at a stroke, wiped out 86% of the money in circulation.

Farmers gained some relief on Friday, with permission to withdraw Rs 25,000 a week against their crop loans, the government said.

While city dwellers are still queuing up to exchange or deposit old money at the bank, and to draw new funds, many villagers live miles from the nearest branch and have yet to see the new notes being rushed into circulation.

DRAGGED DOWN

Delays to the planting season that began last month threaten to dent the countrys agricultural and overall economic growth, wiping out gains for farmers who this year cashed in on decent monsoon rains after being hit by drought in 2014 and 2015.

Read: Demonetisation: Why Indias poor will no longer believe the news

Farmers who have already spent money on ploughing and irrigation to keep the soil moist can ill afford to leave their land fallow. Late sowing typically reduces yields and increases the risk that inclement spring weather could damage crops.

In all likelihood well not be able to recover our cost of cultivation as the prime sowing time has nearly lapsed, said Prakash Chandra Sharma, another local farmer.

The farmers said they spent an average of Rs 58,000 per hectare to grow wheat, only to eke out an income of Rs 70,000. That assumes a crop yield of about 3.2 tonnes per hectare.

A drop in wheat output would boost local prices that are already near record highs. Stocks are at their lowest level for nearly a decade, and even before the latest cash crunch, private traders were expected to import around 3 million tonnes this year.

Devinder Sharma, an independent food and trade policy analyst, said rural communities in particular would suffer from the demonetisation move.

Read: Amit Shah lauds demonetisation as flood that has destroyed black money

Its a little early to hazard a guess about the extent of crop loss, said Sharma. But both rural income and demand will take a big hit before things start improving from April next year.

THANKS, BUT NO THANKS

In the latest in a series of ad hoc steps, the government on Thursday allowed farmers to withdraw up to Rs 25,000 a week against their crop loans to ensure that sowing of winter crops takes place properly.

Shaktikanta Das, a top finance ministry official, also said a time limit for farmers to pay crop insurance premiums had been extended by 15 days.

But that cuts little ice with farmers, who often rely for their cash not on banks but on money lenders charging annual interest of up to 40%.

Most farmers have already availed of their farm loan for the previous summer season and, for the handful who can still withdraw, the ceiling is too low, said Tejinder Narang, a New-Delhi-based farm expert.

Read: Boost to BJP? Rivals say Modis black money crackdown hits election campaign

After selling their rice crop last month, many are stuck with old Rs 500 and Rs 1,000 bills they can no longer spend.

They are only allowed to exchange Rs 2,000 into new money, and the rest must be deposited before the notes cease to be accepted by banks after December 30.

Four banks cater to 200 villages of about 2,000 people each. Its not easy to get your old currency notes converted, said Harbir Singh, another local farmer.

MARKETS IDLED

The breakdown in the cash economy is causing major disruptions to the supply of produce to Indias cities, with payment alternatives such as plastic cards or digital wallet apps on smartphones yet to gain widespread acceptance.

At Delhis Azadpur Mandi, Asias largest fruit and vegetable wholesale market, traders said business was at a virtual standstill, and labourers who usually earn between $4 and $6 a day sat idle.

The bosses are giving us 500 rupee bills, but we are refusing to take those notes, said porter Raju Kumar Rathore. Then they are telling us to collect our money after a week or 10 days. For us that is a big problem.
Wondering about the sudden flood of celebrities, Bollywood actors and eminent economists appearing on DD News endorsing the governments decision to demonetise Rs 500/1000 notes?

It is part of the media strategy worked out by the government to counter the criticism of the move to withdraw the high-value currencies last week.

Concerned about the negative publicity it is getting in the aftermath of Prime Minister Narendra Modis November 8 announcement to scrap Rs 500/1,000 banknotes, the governments publicity wing -- Press Information Bureau -- has been directed to fight the perception battle through massive publicity outreach across mediums.

So, even as senior ministers and finance ministry bureaucrats are holding press conferences to inform citizens anout the day-to-day situation and new relief measures, DD News has been told to pick some 15 top economists and celebrities and air their views on what they think of the move.

Public broadcaster DD News has roped in noted economists, including former chief economic advisor Arvind Virmani, chief of New Development Bank of BRICS countries KV Kamath and S Gurumurthy to talk on various aspects of demonetisation.

Besides, it has also roped in a host of celebrities such as danseuse Sonal Mansingh and Bollywood actor Ajay Devgn, among others, to endorse the governments decision.

To connect with the regional audience, Doordarshan and PIB have been directed to rope in local celebrities as well. South Indian actor Nagarjuna praising the move as a bold decision is in keeping with this plan.

To take on the deluge of criticism that the government has been facing on the social media, PIBs social media team is coming out with small capsules of information titled Myth vs Reality to quell rumours. The governments communication strategists handling social media have been putting out tweets by the dozen each day informing about any new development.

In a recent note, Frank Noronha, director general of PIB, has asked all publicity officers of the department to facilitate wide coverage of statements made by ministers.

Union ministers representing key ministries such as agriculture, commerce, finance have been told to do regular briefing about measures being taken to facilitate farmers, small businessmen, etc.

The Directorate of Audio Visual Publicity has come out with print and radio campaigns explaining the salient features of demonetisation. For reaching out to the rural community, the Directorate of Field Publicity  responsible for field campaign  has prepared special booklets to be distributed door-to-door.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi too has asked all MPs of the ruling National Democratic Alliance to head to their constituencies over the weekend and explain the benefits of the demonetisation move.

Parliamentarians in poll-bound states have been asked to carry out perception management exercises to ensure that the Centres move to crack down on black money does backfire on account of the hardship faced by people to change their old banknotes for the new tenders.

On Friday, all party MPs were given a set of notices -- 11 from the finance ministry and 16 from the Reserve Bank of India -- that have been issued since November 8 to help them understand the facts about demonetisation. MPs have been asked to go through them carefully.

The partys social media team too has been asked to chip in. A series of messages underlining the importance of the drive are being circulated on social media platforms.

There are genuine problems being faced by people in villages where banks are at a considerable distance. But the mood is in favour of the PMs strike against black money, said a party functionary.
The Gujarat High Court on Friday granted permission to Patel quota agitation leader Hardik Patel to go to Haridwar for 15 days.

Hardik is at present living in Udaipur in Rajasthan after the high court, while granting him bail in July, said he shall live outside Gujarat for six months.

Fifteen days period will start after he presents the high court order at Udaipur police station, Justice A J Desai said.

Hardik had requested that he be allowed to stay in Haridwar for the last two months of the six-month period.

The court, while granting him bail in two sedition cases filed against him by Gujarat Police, had said he shall live outside the state for six months, and it would review his behaviour after this period before deciding whether to allow him to return to Gujarat.

Hardiks application was accompanied by a letter from Swami Deeptanand Asharam at Haridwar saying he could stay there till February end, said his lawyer Rafik Lokhandwala.

Government pleader Mitesh Amin, however, opposed the plea saying no change of address should be allowed now.

Hardik is facing sedition cases in Ahmedabad and Surat with regard to the violence during the agitation of Patel community for OBC quota last year.
Mobile internet services on postpaid connections were restored in Kashmir on Friday, four months after the services were snapped due to unrest in the Valley.

Mobile internet services, which were snapped on July 15, have been restored on postpaid connections, an official said in Srinagar.

The official said the decision to restore mobile Internet services was taken following considerable improvement in security situation in the Valley.

Meanwhile, Kashmiris are expecting a normal day on Saturday as separatists have announced a two-day relaxation in their latest shutdown calendar, the first such relief since the death of Hizbul Mujahideen militant Burhan Wani on July 8.

Separatist leaders  Syed Ali Geelani, Mirwaiz Umar Farooq and Yasin Malik  announced the relief after consulting civil societies members, senior citizens, lawyers, religious groups, business communities and transporters.

It has been a moral victory for the people of Kashmir who refused to yield to oppression. We have made it clear to India that come what may we will be masters of our destiny. 130 days of continuous protest with wholehearted support and participation of people and their tremendous sacrifices have no parallel in the current world, the separatists said in a joint statement on November 16.

We have a long struggle ahead of us. We have to prepare, survive and sustain ourselves to be able to fight this brutal oppression, they said, while issuing the protest calendar with the two-day relaxation.

It will be after four months that I will go out and shop to my hearts content. We have become psychological wrecks during these days when killings, blindings and violence had become routine. The relaxation is a welcome relief, said Safeena Lone, a house wife and mother of two school-going children.

Kashmir has been on the boil for the past four and a half months since Wanis death.

At least 90 people have been killed and several thousand others injured in the ongoing unrest in the Valley.

(With inputs from agencies)
Tamil Nadu chief minister Jayalalithaas lung infection has been cured and she may be discharged from hospital any day, her party AIADMK said on Friday.

Ammas (Jayalalithaa) health has improved excellently. She is (continuing) undergoing physiotherapy and she may be discharged any day, AIADMK spokesperson C Ponnaiyyan said.

Her lung infection and respiratory problem was totally cured and she is breathing on her own, he told reporters in Chennai.

Other health parameters of Jayalalithaa, who has been undergoing treatment at the Apollo Hospital since September 22, including heart (functioning) are excellent, he said.

She is having food by herself, she is sitting, she is able to talk freely... she is cheerful, Ponnaiyyan said.

Apollo Hospitals chairperson Pratap C Reddy told the media the AIADMK leaders mental functions are absolutely normal and that she can leave for home as and when she wants to.

The 68-year-old AIADMK supremo was also living beautifully without ventilator, but respiratory support was being given to her periodically to ensure that her lungs dont collapse, Apollo Hospitals Chairman Pratap C Reddy said.

Asked by reporters when Jayalalithaa could resume her official responsibilities, Reddy said responsibilities at that level is to guide and direct. I suppose that she can do well even now.

She lives beautifully without ventilator but that has been kept so that the lungs should not collapse. Only for that purpose it is used. She is sleeping normally, eating normal food and increased high-protein diet that her body needs, he said.

Her mental functions, I can assure you, are absolutely normal, he added.

Jayalalithaa was admitted to the hospital after she complained of fever and dehydration. Later, the hospital had said she was being treated for infection with respiratory support.

On November 13, the 68-year old leader said she has taken rebirth and that she was waiting to resume her duties after complete recovery.
Police arrested one person in Basata village in Madhya Pradeshs Chhatarpur district for beheading his two minor sons, and trying to kill his wife and another son.

Gyan Singh, assistant sub-inspector of Bamitha police station in Chhatarpur district told HT that at around 10 pm, one Kalicharan Kushwaha, a marginal farmer, entered the bed room with an axe, and attacked his wife and three children.

He (Kalicharan) suspected that his wife had an illicit relationship with his brother-in-law, and wanted to kill his wife and children, Singh said, adding that he attacked when the wife and children were in deep sleep.

Two sons  Bhole (4) and Lokendra (8) died on the spot, while Malti, the wife and eldest son Karan (10) sustained deep cut injuries on the neck and shoulder, police officials said.

On hearing mother and children shouting for help, neighbours and other family members rushed for help. The wife somehow managed to open the door and the people overpowered Kalicharan, and took him to custody. He was later handed over to police.

The injured wife and son were rushed to the district hospital in Chhatarpur. Prima facia investigation has revealed that Kalicharan was suspicious of his wife behavior, and was suspicious of her illicit relationship with his brother in law.

Kalicharan wanted to kill the sons because he presumed that all the three children were from the illicit relationship.
An abrupt recall of high-value currency last week has rattled millions of people who have lined up in banks and ATMs across India to exchange or deposit the now-withdrawn Rs 500 and Rs 1000 notes.

The decision was meant to weed out illegal cash and counterfeit currency but bumpy implementation and frequent changing of withdrawal and exchange norms has also triggered a storm of rumours about the governments next move.

But now, the finance ministry has issued a series of clarifications. Here are the most important ones:

MYTH: The prime minister is soon going to scrap Rs 50 and Rs 100 notes

REALITY: This is a baseless rumour, there are no immediate plans to scrap any other denominations

MYTH: The governments next step is to seal bank lockers and seize gold and other personal jewellery

REALITY: There are no proposals to seal any locker or seize any jewellery

Read | Exchange limit cut to Rs 2,000; help for weddings: 5 points on demonetisation

MYTH: Some party members and business houses already knew of the demonetisation move

REALITY: The measure was carried out with utmost secrecy and the government didnt leak any details of the move to anyone

MYTH: The cost of demonetisation is far higher than the benefits

REALITY: A parallel economy hollows out a countrys economic system and disproportionately affects the poor and middle class

Read | Modis note ban move could become a costly political joke, says Chinese media

MYTH: The new notes are fitted with a GPS chip to track black money

REALITY: They arent

MYTH: The new Rs 2000 note is of poor quality and it bleeds colour

REALITY: The notes have a security sign called intaglio printing. To find out if the note is genuine, rub it against a piece of cotton. This creates a turbo-electric effect that leaves the notes colour on the cotton.

Click here for full coverage on the black money crackdown

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Navy on Friday formally inducted four types of indigenously developed sonars that will boost its underwater surveillance capability.

The systems included Abhay - compact hull mounted sonar for shallow water crafts, Humsa UG - upgrade for the Humsa sonar system, NACS - Near-field Acoustic Characterisation System, and AIDSS - Advanced Indigenous Distress sonar system for submarines.

Defence minister Manohar Parrikar, who on Friday handed over the sonars to the Navy, praised the force along with DRDO and said he expects more synergy in the coming days.

The systems have been designed and developed by NPOL, a Kochi based laboratory of DRDO.

With the induction of these four systems, the underwater surveillance capability of the Indian Navy will get a boost, besides providing a fillip to the quest for self-reliance in this critical area of technology.

Abhay is an advanced active-cum-passive integrated sonar system designed and developed for the smaller platforms such as shallow water crafts and coastal surveillance/patrol vessels.

It is capable of detecting, localizing, classifying and tracking sub-surface and surface targets in both its active and passive modes of operation.

The prototype of this compact sonar installed onboard a nominated naval platform has successfully completed all user evaluation trials to demonstrate the features as per the Naval Staff Qualification Requirements.

Indian Navy has proposed to induct this SONAR on three of the Abhay class ships.

Intensifying the command over the high seas is the Humsa -UG that is designed for upgrading the existing Humsa sonar system.

This system is proposed to be installed on seven ships of three different classes of ships.

AIDSS is a distress sonar is an Emergency Sound Signaling Device which is used to indicate that a submarine is in distress and enable quick rescue and salvage.

It is a life-saving alarm system designed to transmit sonar signals of a pre-designated frequency and pulse shape in an emergency situation from a submarine for long period, so as to attract the attention of passive sonars of ships or submarines in the vicinity and all types of standard rescue vessels in operation.

It is also provided with a transponder capability.
The Pakistan Navy said on Friday it had blocked an Indian submarine from entering the countrys territorial waters, though officials in New Delhi described the claim as blatant lies.

The Pakistan Navy once again proved its vigilance and operational competence by detecting and blocking an Indian submarine from entering in Pakistani waters, an official statement said.

The unsuspecting submarine was detected and localised south of Pakistani coast on November 16. Thereafter, despite submarines desperate efforts to escape detection, it was continuously tracked by Pakistan Navy fleet units and pushed well clear of our waters, the statement said.

The detection of the Indian submarine reflected the Pakistan Navys anti-submarine warfare capabilities, it added. The navy also released footage and photographs of what it was said was the submarine trying to enter Pakistani waters.

This video was tweeted by Dunya News

In New Delhi, Indian Navy officials described the Pakistani claim as blatant lies and said none of its vessels were in that area.

Security analyst Admiral (retired) Tasnim Ahmad told the media the submarine had been in Pakistani waters for more than four days. He said the vessel left Pakistani waters after being detected.

Earlier this week, the Pakistan Navy announced that the first cargo containers for the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) were safely escorted in the Arabian Sea towards their destinations in Middle Eastern and African countries.

It said the success of the CPEC and Gwadar port project was linked to a safe and secure maritime environment in the Indian Ocean and Arabian Sea. It added that it attached high priority to the CPECs maritime security components.

Relations between Pakistan and India have been strained for several months, while shelling and exchanges of fire have intensified along the Line of Control, leading to deaths of civilians and soldiers on both sides.

(With inputs from HTC Delhi)
Both houses of the Parliament were adjourned for the day on Friday, with the opposition and the ruling side clashing over the demonetisation move as snaking queues continue outside banks and ATMs 10 days after the surprise decision.

Scenes similar to Thursday, when both the Rajya Sabha and Lok Sabha failed to do any business, played out on Friday. The proceedings saw regular interruptions by both the opposition and the ruling parties.

The ruling side insisted the Congress apologise for the controversial remarks made by its leader Ghulam Nabi Azad during Thursdays Rajya Sabha debate on the governments move to withdraw Rs 500 and Rs 1,000 notes.

Parliament was log-jammed on Thursday, with the opposition insisting Prime Minister Narendra Modi answer their queries on demonetisation, which has led to cash chaos in the country. Snaking queues of harried customers outside banks and ATMs continue to be seen even 10 days after the surprise move was announced.

Here are the live updates:

2:45 pm: Rajya Sabha adjourns proceedings for the fourth and final time on a stop start day.

2:30 pm:Rajya Sabha resumes proceedings amid protests.

12:30 pm: Lok Sabha adjourned till Monday.

12:15 pm: Uproar continues in Lok Sabha. BJP members demand apology from Azad over controversial remarks made by him on demonetisation on Thursday. His comments had been expunged.

12 noon: Rajya Sabha adjourned once again for 30 minutes moments after resumption.

11:30 am: Rajya Sabha adjourned till 12 noon after brief resumption amid ruckus.

11:25 am:

Delhi: TMC protest at Gandhi statue in Parliament premises over Govt's demonetisation move pic.twitter.com/KyTkB5QNXA  ANI (@ANI_news) November 18, 2016

11:15 am: Rajya Sabha adjourned till 11.30 am

11:10 am:Lok Sabha adjourned till 12 noon

11:05 am: Uproar in Rajya Sabha as BJPs Mukhtar Abbas Naqvi says, Congress must apologise to the country for the controversial remarks made by Ghulam Nabi Azad.

11:00 am: Ruckus in Rajya Sabha, Opposition members enter Well of the house.

10:50 am: Prime Minister Narendra Modi meeting senior ministers in his chamber in Parliament. Arun Jaitley, Venkaiah Naidu, Ananth Kumar in the meeting.

Business schedule for today in Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha LOK SABHA Bill for consideration and passing The Maternity Benefit (Amendment) Bill, 2016

Private Members Business RAJYA SABHA Further discussion on demonetisation of currency; Bills for consideration and passing The Human Immunodeficiency Virus and Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome (Prevention and Control) Bill, 2014

The Employees Compensation (Amendment) Bill, 2016

Private Members Business

(With inputs from agencies)
Lagging behind its rivals Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD) and AAP in ticket distribution for Punjab elections, the Congress has stepped up the candidate selection process with its first list expected to be out in December.

Congress central election committee (CEC), headed by party president Sonia Gandhi, will meet on December 3 to finalise candidates for 70 out of the 117 seats.

Prior to CEC, the screening committee, headed by former Rajasthan CM Ashok Gehlot, will meet on November 23-24 to shortlist the names recommended by the state election committee.

Although Punjab unit chief Captain Amarinder Singh had maintained that Congress candidates will be announced six months before the elections, the fact that the first list is coming two months in advance is also a first for the grand old party.

While the AAP has already come out with its fifth list of candidates, the Akali Dal announced the names of 69 candidates on Wenesday.

Congress sources said the final list will also be out by December 15 to give sufficient time to the candidates to campaign in their constituencies.

Since the Congress is in talks with the CPI for an alliance, it will not announce candidates on seats where the Left is in a strong position.

This time, the Congress has also decided to give one ticket per family. A number of turncoats from the SAD and AAP are also expected to be fielded.

However, the move is set to cause heartburn among the candidates hoping to make it to the final list. Some of the loyalists are already citing party vice-president Rahul Gandhis first speech after assuming the post in Jaipur. He had then promised to address the issue of anomalies in ticket distribution, saying leaders from other parties parachute just before the elections and fly away after getting defeated.

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With progress made with the fabrication of the first flight demonstrator of the Tactically Exploited Reconnaissance Node (TERN) program DARPA has funded a second TERN technology demonstrator. Since DARPA awarded Phase 3 of the TERN program to a team led by the Northrop Grumman Corporation, the program made significant advances on numerous fronts. Milestones included commencement of wing fabrication, completion of successful engine testing for its test vehicle and progress with the system integration. DARPA has been thinking about building a second TERN test vehicle for well over a year, said Dan Patt, DARPA program manager. Adding the second technology demonstrator enhances the robustness of the flight demonstration program and enables military partners to work with us on maturation, including testing different payloads and experimenting with different approaches to operational usage. According to the agency, TERN is making substantial progress toward scheduled 2018 flight tests of prototype unmanned air system for small-deck ships.

Tern is currently scheduled to start integrated propulsion system testing in the first part of 2017, move to ground-based testing in early 2018, and culminate in a series of at-sea flight tests in late 2018. Wind tunnel tests of a sub-scale model are underway at the 80 x 120 wind tunnel at the NASA Ames Research Centers National Full-Scale Aerodynamics Complex (NFAC). Data collected during this test will be used to better characterize aircraft aerodynamic performance and validate aerodynamic models.

Were making substantial progress toward our scheduled flight tests, with much of the hardware already fabricated and software development and integration in full swing, said Brad Tousley, director of DARPAs Tactical Technology Office, which oversees Tern. As we keep pressing into uncharted territoryno one has flown a large unmanned tailsitter beforewe remain excited about the future capabilities a successful Tern demonstration could enable: organic, persistent, long-range reconnaissance, targeting, and strike support from most Navy ships.

In the recent months, TERN has accomplished some significant technical milestones. Fabricating of wing and airframe components has been made with final assembly planned in the first quarter of 2017. Once complete, the airframe will house propulsion, sensors, and other commercial off-the-shelf (COTS) systems to make up the full-scale technology demonstration vehicle.

In Phases 2 and 3, Tern has successfully tested numerous modifications to an existing General Electric engine to enable it to operate in both vertical and horizontal orientations. TERN will use a proven engine already matured with multiple helicopter platforms currently in use.

TERN System integration is already underway at the Software Integration Test Station (SITS), part of the System Integration Lab that supports software development for the program. The test station includes vehicle management system hardware and software and uses high-fidelity simulation tools to enable rapid testing of aircraft control software in all phases of flight. The SITS is helping ensure the technology demonstration vehicle could fly safely in challenging conditions such as launch, recovery, and transition between horizontal and vertical flight.

The TERN full-scale technology demonstration program envisions a new medium-altitude, long endurance UAS that could operate from helicopter decks on smaller ships in rough seas or expeditionary settings while achieving efficient long-duration flight. To provide these and other previously unattainable capabilities, the Tern Phase 3 design is a tail-sitting, flying-wing aircraft with a twin contra-rotating, nose-mounted propulsion system. The aircraft would lift off like a helicopter and then perform a transition maneuver to orient it for wing borne flight for the duration of a mission. Upon mission completion, the aircraft would return to base, transition back to a vertical orientation, and land. The system is sized to fit securely inside a ship hangar for maintenance operations and storage.

A joint program between DARPA and the U.S. Navys Office of Naval Research (ONR), TERN seeks to greatly increase the effectiveness of forward-deployed small-deck ships such as destroyers and frigates by enabling them to serve as mobile launch and recovery sites for specially designed unmanned air systems (UASs).

DARPA and the Navy have a Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) to share responsibility for the development and testing of the Tern demonstrator system. The Marine Corps Warfighting Laboratory (MCWL) has also expressed interest in Terns potential capabilities and is providing support to the program.
Focusing on the transformation theme for the Indian Railways, Prime Minister Narendra Modi put up a strong defense of his governments decision to discard the 92-year old practice of presenting a separate rail budget in parliament on Friday.

The century has changed, so the railways should also change. There should be new speed, progress and new capacity and it should also gain financial strength, the Prime Minister said in an address to railway employees via video conferencing at the Rail Vikas Shivir (rail development camp) that began at Surajkund in Delhis outskirts today.

The Prime Minister is scheduled to visit the camp on the concluding day of the event on Sunday.

Saying that the current century was technology driven, the Prime Minister called upon railway men to be more innovative.

On the decision to scrap the practice of presenting a separate rail budget in parliament, Modi said earlier rail budget speeches had been an exercise in announcing new trains or stoppages for the benefit of one MP or another.

They are used to clapping on such announcements in Parliament. When I took over, I noticed that 1500 announcements regarding railways had been made previously, which had remained confined only to clapping, he said.

Saying that he could have persisted with the same approach to collect claps and praise, the Prime Minister said he chose to remain free from the love for political gains.

Referring to the governments decision to refrain from making populist announcements in the rail budget speeches in the last two years, Modi said that he showed courage. The focus of our rail budgets has not been on politics. We have worked towards a paradigm shift, he added.

Striking an emotional chord with railway men, the Prime Minister  who is said to have sold tea at stations in his childhood  referred to his special affection for the Railways. I have spent so much of my early days at railway platforms and have witnessed the working of the transporter from close quarters, he said.
Congress and its allies do not want Parliament to function and were shying away from a debate on demonetisation as the poor look at Prime Minister Narendra Modi as messiah after the decision, Union minister M Venkaiah Naidu said on Friday.

Attacking the opposition as both the Houses faced adjournment due to their noisy protests, the information and broadcasting minister said Congress was rattled by smooth functioning of the Rajya Sabha on Thursday as it was not interested in a fruitful discussion.

Calling the demonetisation measure a national project and massive social mobilisation, he said peoples lives will be impacted for a better tomorrow. The government is concerned over the hardship being faced by masses and taking measures based to ease it.

Modi ji is very popular in the country and after this step he has become further... immensely popular. The poor of the country are looking at Modi as their messiah... We cannot understand why the Congress and its friends are raising a ruckus (in Parliament).

Congress is now saying that the PM should come only then the debate will go on, demanding JPC probe. There is an attempt to divert from the issue. It does not have facts and public opinion is turning against it. They do not want Parliament to function and seem to be moving in that direction, he told reporters.

He accused the opposition party of taking a U-turn after initially agreeing to a debate.

Read | Demonetisation dust refuses to settle down: 5 things on chaos, politics

Congress leaders are discussing the issue outside Parliament just for the sake of it and are not willing to take part in a debate and give meaningful feedback to the government to resolve issues, he said.

While BJP members protested in the House against Congress leader Ghulam Nabi Azads remarks yesterday in which he compared deaths following demonetisation with those killed in Uri terrorist attack, Naidu asked Congress to clarify if it was his personal remark or the partys official line.

Azad justified Pakistan-aided terrorism attack and he might have got carried away in the heat of the moment, Naidu claimed while appealing Opposition parties to resume the debate in Parliament.

Naidu also attacked TMC president Mamata Banerjee and AAP chief Arvind Kejriwal over their protests on Thursday, saying they went to the RBIs office for a photo opportunity. If both chief ministers have any query they can always meet finance minister Arun Jaitley, he said.

During their protests, people also chanted Modi, Modi at many places, he said.

Read | Governments defence in Rajya Sabha: Demonetisation in national interest, people back us

Naidu accused the opposition parties of abusing the Prime Minister, saying they compared him with the likes of Hitler and Mussolini.

Modi has intervened during various debates in Parliament earlier, Naidu said on the demand by some opposition leaders that the PM speak on the issue. But it cannot be a practice as the precedence is of ministers concerned replying on the behalf of government, he added.

The minister said that people want Parliament to debate demonetisation but the opposition has disappointed them as well as the government by disrupting it.

Are you against cleaning up of the economy? Are you against black money, hoarders... Or you are against the problems faced by the people, he asked, urging the rival parties to start a discussion and offer their suggestions to the government.
Congress president Sonia Gandhis daughter, Priyanka Gandhi Vadra, has accepted the request of party leaders from Uttar Pradesh to campaign extensively for the upcoming assembly election, state unit chief Raj Babbar said on Friday.

It has been decided that she will campaign for UP elections. Whenever we will get her schedule, we will use her time accordingly, Babbar told reporters after a party meeting attended by Priyanka and Congress vice-president Rahul Gandhi, her brother.

In the past too, Priyanka has attended the partys strategy discussions on UP for both Lok Sabha and assembly elections.

Uttar Pradesh, Punjab, Uttarakhand, Goa and Manipur will go to polls in February-March next year.

Once the election schedule is announced, Babbar said, it will bring more clarity on Priyankas campaign plans. He had earlier claimed that Priyanka could campaign in all 403 constituencies of politically crucial UP if she has enough time.

There has been a growing clamour within the UP Congress that Priyanka should play a larger role in the upcoming election to revive the party that is looking to regain power in the state after being dethroned about 27 years ago.

Congress leaders have maintained that Priyankas presence will boost confidence and re-energise not only party workers but also the people across the state.

Till now, she has restricted her election campaign only in the family pocket boroughs of Amethi and Rae Bareli, represented by Rahul and Sonia.

Officially, the party has insisted that a decision on Priyankas role in the upcoming assembly elections will be taken by her in consultation with the Congress chief and Rahul.

She is going to play a major role. Let everything be finalised, UP Congress campaign committee chairman Sanjay Singh said.
Independent Rajya Sabha member Rajeev Chandrasekhar on Friday introduced a private members bill to declare Pakistan a terrorist state.

I had promised that I will do this after the September 18 Uri attack. The reason behind the bill is to put the spotlight on the need for India to take a strong view on Pakistan as a terror state. The main objective is to urge the government to take appropriate action to brand Pakistan a terrorist nation, Chandrasekhar told IANS.

The Declaration Of Countries as Sponsor of Terrorism Bill states that Pakistan propagates and harbours agents of international terror who have repeatedly attacked the territory and people of our country... (It) poses a continual risk to the peace and security of the region.

The bill also provides for imposing legal, economic and travel sanctions on citizens of the neighbouring country.

The bill seeks to prohibit citizens of such country, which is declared a terror state, including its Head of the State, from travelling in India. It also asks for prohibition on trade, receiving or making grants, financial remittances, investments and assets along with maritime activities and overflight over India.

The bill states that immunity of officials of such countries shall be revoked and they shall not be offered immunity from any legal case in India.
Himachal Pradeshs proposal to relocate thousands of simians to three Northeastern states for mitigating its worsening monkey menace has hit an elephantine obstacle with Nagaland offering pachyderms in exchange.

The wildlife wing of Himachal had last month sought the help of Arunachal Pradesh, Manipur and Nagaland to ease the problem the 2.07 lakh monkeys pose to its residents and farmlands. Principal secretary Tarun Kapoor even held meetings with his counterparts recently.

Officials say Arunachal, Manipur and Nagaland initially responded to the request positively, raising hopes in Himachal that at least 30,000 monkeys will find new homes after relocation.

But the hopes have somewhat given way to despair following Nagalands request that Himachal should take in some of its own elephants as the giant mammals are proving to be a nuisance to farmers.

Nagaland has requested us to explore possibilities to lodge elephants principal chief conservator of forest and chief wildlife warden SS Negi told HT on Friday.

I wrote to them (Himachal) offering to send wild elephants from Nagaland to their state, SP Tripathi, chief wildlife warden of Nagaland, said.

There are about 150 elephants in Wokha district of Nagaland which are causing havoc to both life and property.

Nagalands suggestion has caught Himachal in a bind. The hilly state is not known to be a habitat of elephants. Himachal has for the last few years been struggling to come up with an effective strategy to tackle the monkey menace in the state. With the number of monkeys multiplying rapidly, farmers in some 2,300 villages have to be on guard constantly to protect their crop. In many areas, farmers, fed up of the monkeys, are known to have entirely given up on traditional agriculture.

Horticultural crops worth Rs 150 crores are reportedly destroyed annually in Himachal by monkeys and birds. Making matters worse, the simians are turning aggressive by the day. More than 670 people across the state have been attacked by them in the past three years, prompting the government to pay the victims a total compensation of Rs 28 lakhs.

Though the animal was declared vermin by the central government in March for six months, residents of Shimla, the state capital, did not kill even one monkey during the period reportedly because of religious sentiments. It has prompted the state government to double the cash reward for killing a monkey to Rs 1,000.

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A UN climate conference, dominated by US President-elect Donald Trumps threat to withdraw from the Paris accord, sought highest political commitment to fight warming of the climate at an alarming rate.

The high point of the conference was the declaration that the world has an urgent duty to respond to global warming.

As many as 196 countries agreed upon the Marrakech Proclamation, which welcomes a balanced view on combating climate change. The participating countries, however, failed to reach any conclusion on the compensation mechanism  Loss and Damage  at the conference, which would now be concluded by March 2017.

The compensation mechanism was the bone of contention at Marrakech, with rich countries expressing unwillingness to provide adequate funds for the setting up of a system to counter climate change.

The rich nations want private sector tools like the climate risk insurance to be part of the mechanism, which the developing countries had opposed.

We call for strong solidarity with those countries most vulnerable to the impact of climate change, and underscore the need to support efforts aimed to reduce vulnerability, the declaration said.

The Paris deal has set a limit of average global warming at 2 degree rise over pre-industrial age by cutting green house gas emissions by 50-80% by 2100.

The target could be achieved only if the three biggest emitters  US, India and China  shift to renewable sources of energy for reducing their emissions.

However, Trump during his campaign promised to overturn Barack Obamas decision to reduce emissions from fossil fuels. He had also said he would pull out from the Paris deal and described climate change as a Chinese hoax.

At the conference, India pushed for sustainable lifestyle with minimum carbon footprint and a clear mention of flow of funds in the draft of the proclamation.

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A skinny boy posing as John Cena enters a makeshift arena and, in a signature move, hurls his T-shirt at a group of cheering spectators. Another, pretending to be The Rock, swaggers into the ring and challenges Cena to a duel. But the show-stealer is a third boy dressed as just another local aunty, who enters the ring and ends the comical fight with a deadly finishing move.

Read: Khali to hold wrestling-entertainment shows in Gurgaon, Panipat



If you thought WWE WrestleMania existed only in the US, youre wrong.

Theres a whole new kind of wrestle mania in the suburbs. A group of 11 fans aged 18 to 22 are recreating WWE sets in the backyard of their Golden Nest housing society in Bhayander, uploading videos of dramatised bouts like the one described above. And theyve already had over 1 million views on their YouTube channel, ANGAARTv.

We grew up watching wrestling shows, says Suraj Jha, 22, a waiter at a city hotel and co-founder of ANGAARTv. All our conversations revolved around WWE and we had even mastered some of the finishers or difficult finishing moves of top wrestlers  like the Stone Cold Stunner by Steve Austen, the Tombstone by Undertaker or The Rocks Peoples Elbow.

In 2015, they decided to expand their audience beyond the neighbourhood kids who would gather to watch them fight it out, and launched ANGAARTv.

One Bhayander team in the middle of a session inside a cage fashioned from wooden tables, bedsheets and rope

Putting a fake wrestling ring together was easy. They built a stage using wooden tables covered in mattresses, pillows and bedsheets, and put a rope ring around it. Our only props are a few tubelights, skateboards, some plywood, pipes, tables and chairs, says Rohit Vishwakarma, 22, the co-founder of ANGAARTv, who edits videos for a living and for the channel.

The desi version of WrestleMania even apes the over-the-top commentary, with creative storylines and fictional feuds thrown in. The passion is real, though.

Our stunts look convincing because we put in several hours of practice, says Jha. Safety is a priority, though. We want to be dramatic but careful.

To keep their audiences entertained, they add funny storylines and throw in a few diva matches featuring boys in drag.

Our latest was the TLC (Tables, Chairs and Ladders) match, which is considered very hardcore since the risk level is much higher. We received a great response, with over 70,000 views in just a week, says Jha. Our videos are also popular with international wrestling websites and we have received congratulatory messages from fans in Philippines, Mexico and even Pakistan!

Read: In first competition since Rio, Sakshi to compete in Wrestling Nationals

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The pumpkins are heavy, the carrots glow a bright coral and the plump Bhavnagari chillies are warm from the sun. But the brightest thing in the new farmers market, set up near Vidhan Bhavan in Nariman Point every Sunday, isnt the produce. Its the expressions on the faces of the farmers as they meet their customers, learns what they like and get to keep every rupee they make.

About 20 stalls have been selling fruit and vegetables here since August. Theyve proven so popular that the state government plans to roll out 100 more across Thane and Mumbai.

For you and me, this is great news. It cuts out the middleman and lets you connect with those who grow your food.

But it also brings with it confusion. Mumbai has been hosting weekly farmers markets since nutritionist Kavita Mukhi started hers in March 2010. Smaller specialised bazaars have sold everything from indigenous white brinjals and black rice to exotic bacon jam and artisanal cheeses. No two initiatives are alike and now there might be one at your doorstep. Heres what to keep in mind when you visit...

No, everything is not organic: Some, like Kavita Mukhis weekly market, are strictly for organic produce; many others arent. The government farmers markets, for instance, are meant as fair-trade initiatives. Karen Anands markets focus more on boutique producers.

If youre unsure, ask the seller, who should be able to able to display his organic certification or tell you where the food comes from, Mukhi says. Either way, steer clear of any bazaar that is making an urban person rich at the cost of a rural grower.

The produce in a farmers market is likely to have been harvested the day before, rather than five days ago for a long journey through the supply chain. So if it costs a little more, remember that it will taste better and last longer too. (Rachel Lopez / HT Photo)

Bargaining is bad form: Many people expect a farmers market to cost less than their usual bazaar, says Neelima Baja Swamy, who runs an organic farm near Kamshet and sells directly to Mumbai and Pune homes. But they tend to be at par with or slightly higher than the regular rates.

To understand why, keep in mind that the average fruit or vegetable is already about five days old when it gets to you, having seen an 80% jump in its original price as it passed between an average of seven middlemen.

At a farmers market, youre paying for fruits and vegetables that are fresh, brought to you directly, in small lots by growers who must bear the cost of the transport themselves. Khanderao Mahapari, who heads a collective of 11 farmers from Nashik, brings their yields to the Vidhan Bhavan and Lalbaug farmers markets by the morning after they are harvested.

Prices will also fluctuate, because they depend directly on the harvest, Mahapari says. So please stop haggling over five and ten rupees.

But keep the questions coming: Farmers can tell you which brinjals are more fibrous and better suited for roasting. Theyll explain that tomatoes that are orange and not red are more flavourful because they werent artificially ripened. That the gourds are bigger because they were allowed to grow completely instead of being harvested early for a long wait with the middlemen.

You should be able to taste that difference and then you can establish a trust and a bond with the farmer, says Swamy.

Get to know the person growing your food. Not only will he be able to answer questions about his farm, hell also explain what makes some produce better than others. (HT)

Ask and you shall receive: Mukhi believes that bonding is the best way for farmers to grow you exactly what you want and create a sustainable business model for themselves.

Sustained patronage will strengthen the grower-buyer ecosystem, encouraging farmers to grow seasonal produce and deliver food that your family prefers, Swamy adds. Farmers typically grow vegetables separately for themselves, with fewer chemicals and artificial methods. Get them to treat your food like they would treat theirs.

Read: Organic food is getting popular with more urban consumers

Early or late, its all good: At the government farmers markets, go early for the best picks  particularly if youre looking for indigenous, seasonal or less popular veggies. Snow peas, purple yams, red guavas, radish pods, amaranth leaves and dill sell out faster than, say, cabbage or pumpkin. And go late for the best prices. Farmers have no access to storage, so they need to clear out their stock by closing time and will offer you a good deal then, Mahapari says. At most markets, regulars can also phone ahead and reserve portions to beat the rush.

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Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them

Director - David Yates

Cast - Eddie Redmayne, Katherine Waterston, Alison Sudol, Dan Fogler, Colin Farrell, Ezra Miller

Rating - 3.5/5

There are 8 Harry Potter books on my shelf. Their neighbours, across the room, are 8 Harry Potter films. There are t-shirts in my wardrobe, posters on my wall, and a figurine on my desk. I am, as you may have guessed, a fan. I have been, since I was 10-years-old, and remain one to this day even after all these years.

A fans eye is the most honest. We are a critical lot; demanding, yet forgiving. So while we might enter with the optimism that comes only with a healthy vial-full of Professor Slughorns choicest Felix Felicis (the luck potion), we never overlook flaws. Fortunately, Fantastic Beasts, the Harry Potter prequel, has few of those. It is instead, a film full of endless charm, thrilling spectacle, and above all, magic.

But what if, one day, all memory of Harry Potter and JK Rowlings wonderful wizarding world were to be taken away? What if one day, this magic that has become a part of us now, were to disappear?

This is the question Jacob Kowalski asks himself. Only 15 minutes ago, he was headed to the bank, hoping to get a loan with which he planned to open a bakery to make his grandma proud. And then, he ran into Newt Scamander, our magizoologist hero, and his suitcase-full of magical creatures.

Only 15 minutes ago, Jacob Kowalski was headed to the bank, hoping to get a loan with which he planned to open a bakery to make his grandma proud. And then, he ran into Newt Scamander. (Warner Bros)

In the scenes that follow, Jacob watches a Niffler (a platypus-like creature with an affinity for bling) wreak mayhem in said bank, apparates in and out of said banks vaults, unwittingly takes part in a robbery of the increasingly unfortunate said bank, eats the most delicious strudel he has ever tasted (created by magic, of course), kicks into motion the plot for the rest of the movie (by releasing several magical creatures upon New York City by mistake)  and even gets to experience love at first sight.

So when their little adventure ends, and the time comes for him to have his memory wiped  he is a no-maj, you see; the American version of a muggle (a person with no magical ability), who simply cant be allowed to live with knowledge of the wizarding community  he asks himself this question, only to wave it off with frighteningly little thought, and to follow Newt into adventure.

And what an adventure it is. For Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them (which was the name of one of Harry Potters textbooks), JK Rowling (making her screenwriting debut) and director David Yates (returning for the fifth time to film her universe), leave the damp shores of Britain behind, and arrive, almost like Vito Corleone in The Godfather Part II, in 1926 New York.

JK Rowling and director David Yates leave the damp shores of Britain behind for a 1926 New York. (Warner Bros)

Having made up my mind that the film would be full of nods to Harry Potter, overflowing with a wink here and a sly smile there, it was surprising to find that it stands firmly on its own. Unlike Star Wars: The Force Awakens, or even the Hobbit series, Fantastic Beasts wastes little time on fan service. It refuses to play the nostalgia card, which in hindsight, was a terribly risky move.

But JK Rowling is a born storyteller. Her writing, beautiful in its simplicity, confident in its new ideas, builds a lush world, a world that grows with each new scene, always giving the impression that what we are seeing is only the tip of the iceberg. Watching Fantastic Beasts is like being guided by Rowling herself, our hand placed gently in hers, in a world that is as warmly familiar as it is excitingly fresh.

Tonally, it is similar to David Yates first two Potter films  Order of the Phoenix and Half Blood Prince  breezy, operatic, and, when it needs to be, fittingly grave.

Redmayne is not like Harry at all, but he didnt need to be. (Warner Bros)

Like its predecessors, Fantastic Beasts also owes a lot of its success to flawless casting. Eddie Redmayne, as Newt, is charmingly earnest. He is not like Harry at all, but he didnt need to be. And in my opinion, he is better here than he was in both his Oscar-friendly roles (The Theory of Everything and The Danish Girl). Everyone, from Katherine Waterston and Alison Sudol (who are sort of like Hermione and Luna, if a stretch comparison were to be made), to Colin Farrell and Ezra Miller (both sinister, and both with surprises up their sleeve), are terrific.

But its Dan Foglers movie. His thoughtful take on Jacob, who is essentially a comic relief character, a bumbling fool were supposed to point and laugh at, is astoundingly sincere. His romantic arc with Alison Sudols Queenie, set against the gorgeous backdrop of Jay Gatsbys Jazz Age New York, is the heart and soul of this film.

Its Dan Foglers movie. (Warner Bros)

But could we see ourselves becoming their friends, like we became Harry, Ron and Hermiones? Were going to take part in their adventures for the next 10 years. Were going to watch Newt fight for his beloved animals and were going to watch the love of his life return. Well be watching when Jon Voights news magnate takes revenge. And then there is Johnny Depp, who with only two lines as Gellert Grindelwald, the darkest wizard of his time, seared an impression.

Its all very exciting.

But despite all this; despite the innocence and wonder, despite the heroism and friendship, despite the magic

Its Harry. Itll always be Harry. Even after all these years.

Follow @htshowbiz for more

The author tweets @NaaharRohan

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The Reserve Bank of Indias (RBI) decision to not allow District Central Cooperative DCC (Banks) to accept or exchange scrapped notes has hit farmers hard in Maharashtra as most of them have accounts only at these banks. The move is likely to affect cultivation of rabi crops as DCC banks are struggling to provide banknotes to farmers that will enable them continue their farm activities for rabi season.

Five days after the announcement of demonetisation of high-denomination currency notes, the RBI issued a circular on November 13 clarifying that no DCC bank in India can exchange or deposit old notes of Rs500 and Rs 1,000 denominations. Finance minister Arun Jaitley has refused to reconsider the decision.

Farmers are going through difficult times as most of them have their accounts only at DCC Banks. Rabi season is on and they need money to buy seed, fertiliser and for other miscellaneous expenses, but are left with no money. The reason behind is that DCC banks, who are running out of cash, are not allowed to take old notes, said Vijay Jawanbhia, agriculture activist.

When the central government is not allowing the DCC banks to take old currency, how can they (DCC banks) maintain liquidity as there is severe crunch of new currency as well,said Raghunath Patil, farmers leader from western Maharashtra. There are cases where farmers failed to pay crop loan instalments owing to cash crunch and will not be held eligible for new crop loans, he added.

The concept of DCC Banks has been in place since decades. The RBI has granted them banking licence and by leaving them out of the system at such crucial time means you (central government) want the system to collapse, which will be another agrarian crisis, he added.

Maharashtra has around 31 DCC Banks with 3,746 branches being spread across the state. The network of cooperative banks at tehsil and district levels plays a significant role in disbursement of loans and deposits/payments for farmers in rural Maharashtra. Significantly, in Maharashtra, most DCC banks are controlled by Congress and NCP leaders.

The directors and chief executive officers of these banks held a meeting in Mumbai and requested chief minister Devendra Fadnavis to intervene. Pravin Darekar, chairman, Mumbai DCC Bank, said that the chief minister has assured them he will take up the matter with union finance minister Arun Jaitely.

They have also filed a writ petition in the Bombay high court on Wednesday. The hearing on the matter is scheduled on November 21.

The RBI is of the view that DCC banks have not complied with the know-your-customer (KYC) initiative and thus should not be accommodated for the facility, said officials from state finance department.

Darekar said that DCC Banks have strictly implemented the initiative. He also they send daily Suspicious Transaction Reports (STR) to RBI.

Meanwhile, the Maharashtra State Cooperative (MSC) Bank, the apex body of all DCC Banks has also taken up the matter with RBI and chief minister Devendra Fadnavis.

The MSC Bank on Wednesday wrote a letter to the RBI governor requesting him to review its decision as DCC banks have a huge network and people from the remotest of areas have access to these banks, said Pramod Karnad, managing director, MSC Bank.

The clientele of DCC Banks is majorly farmers and with the decision, the agriculture sector has been deprived from the facility, he said. In another letter, MSC Bank has requested Fadnavis to intervene to bring DCC Banks out of the crisis.

The ministry of finance on Thursday decided to allow farmers to withdraw up to Rs25,000 cash a week only from KYC compliant accounts. Rahugnath Patil asked how will it help farmers when they dont have accounts in other banks except in DCC banks.

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State cooperation minister Subhash Deshmukh found himself in more trouble on Friday. The ministers name cropped up after cash worth Rs91.5 lakh was seized from a vehicle belonging to his company, Lokmangal Group, in Osmanabad on Wednesday. The state election commission found the explanation by Lokmangal group unsatisfactory, and decided to rope in two government agencies to verify the claims along with a third-party audit.

The group has claimed that the cash belonged to two branches of the credit society run by them. It needs to be checked if the branches were authorised to take a deposit of the quantum seized, if prior permissions from the authorities were taken for transporting money and if the money seized was supported by book entries. Both the agencies have expertise and technical knowledge for the verification of the facts and the information submitted by the group., Osmanabad collector Prashant Narnaware told HT. He said after verification, the case may be referred to the Income Tax department or the Enforcement Directorate if the need be.

Deshmukh, who had on Wednesday denied any wrongdoing by his group, admitted there may be irregularities involved. The cash belonged to two branches of the Lokmangal multi-state credit society. It was not illegal stock, although there was the possibility of irregularities involved. I am ready to face any consequences. The money was not meant for the civic elections, he said.

The Opposition alleged the cash was unaccounted for and demanded a criminal case be registered against the minister. They have also demanded his ouster from the state cabinet.

The cash in denominations of Rs500 and Rs1,000  was found in the vehicle seized by local authorities in Osmanabad, where elections are being held. The SEC has also asked the Solapur-based Lokmangal group (now headed by Deshmukhs son Rohan) to explain why the cash was stocked in the bank for eight days after demonetisation was announced on November 8. The employees inside the vehicle, which had the groups logo, could not give an appropriate explanation for the demonetised currency, said an official, on condition of anonymity.

Narnaware has roped in the central registrar of the multi-state credit societies department in New Delhi and the district deputy registrar of the cooperation department in Maharashtra to verify the claims made by Lokmangal, which is now headed by Deshmukhs son. The steps were taken after the collector office, which acts as the nodal representative of the state election commission (SEC) for the elections, found the primary say submitted by the company dissatisfactory.

The Lokmangal Group, had submitted its say to the returning officer Neelesh Shringi on Thursday.

Narnaware said, We have also asked for more information and documents from the managing director of the bank and the managers of the banks from where the cash was said to have collected. Additional documents related to the jurisdiction, bank chest and authority are expected to be submitted by them. We will submit a report to the state election commission in due course.

Meanwhile, opposition Congress and Nationalist Congress Party demanded the minister be sacked.

This seems to be a clear case of black money. If the BJP is serious about Prime Minister Modis drive, they should sack Deshmukh immediately and a criminal case should be filed,demanded state Congress spokesperson Sachin Sawant. There was no official response from the BJP on Friday. A senior party leader said Deshmukh had been asked to answer the allegations himself.

The state election commission, on Friday, asked the Osmanabad Collector to submit a report to the commission.

The district collector is authorised to examine and investigate the case at a district level. The investigation is going on as per the laid norms in the Act. The persons involved will have to give the trail of the currency seized, JS Saharia, state election commissioner told HT.

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With an aim to call for tenders by February and award contracts by May, the Maharashtra government will start the formal land acquisition for chief minister Devendra Fadnavis pet project  Mumbai-Nagpur Expressway  on Monday.

The Maharashtra State Road Development Corporation (MSRDC), the implementing agency for the project, will start the joint measurement of 8,520 hectare land required for the road across 10 districts. It plans to complete the task within an ambitious time frame of less than three months. The corporation is racing to meet the chief ministers onerous 2019 deadline for the project, which will cut the time required to travel between Nagpur, Fadnavis home town, and the state capital to eight hours from the current 16 while spurring growth in 10 districts.

RL Mopalwar, vice-chairman and managing director of MSRDC, said, We have had discussions with landowners informally, but the rules for land pooling were recently notified by the state government after which we are starting the formal process for land acquisition with the joint measurement. Informally, we have consent from land owners of about 2,000 hectare.

The government will give land owners the choice of either land acquisition through land pooling,. where owners will receive compensation as well as a portion of the developed land, so that they can avail benefits of price appreciation brought by the expressway, or through a one-time compensation as per the Land Acquisition Act.

The joint measurement will be carried out by officials from the district collectors office, MSRDC and the land owners together to demarcate land boundaries and record ownership. It is only after this exercise that the MSRDC will get an idea of how many land owners are willing to opt for land pooling. The corporation has divided 300 people into 30 teams across the 10 districts for the joint measurement, Mopalwar said.

The MSRDC plans to start construction only once it has acquired 60% of land required for the eight-lane highway, he added. The corporation will call for tenders on an engineering procurement contract model in multiple packages of 50 to 100 kms each. The state is in talks with the Asian Development Bank for financing the project.

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The Mumbai police on Thursday received the order of the Union government, declaring controversial Islamic preacher Zakir Naiks Islamic Research Foundation (IRF) as unlawful under the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA).

HT had first reported on August 8 that the government was planning to declare Naiks outfit unlawful.

The Mumbai police sent the copy of the notification to the office bearers of IRF on November 17, said Mumbai police spokesperson Ashok Dudhe. The order said Naiks speeches, which extolled terrorists such as Osama Bin Laden, were subversive and inspired Muslim youth and terrorists in India and abroad to commit terrorist acts. The order will be reviewed by a tribunal chaired by a high court judge. Naik, who is in Thailand, is accused of dodging the police after charges that his sermons allegedly influenced the Dhaka cafe attackers. Bangladesh has also banned Naiks Peace TV.

Read: Zakir Naik extolling Laden, proclaiming every Muslim should be a terrorist: MHA

Now, the National Investigation Agency (NIA)  whcih was awaiting a final go-ahead from the Union home ministry  may register an FIR against Naik and Dongri-based IRF on charges of alleged violation of the UAPA.

The Mumbai police may also move against the state-based organisation if it continues with its activities. The government declaration, in effect, means no person can hold meetings, collect funds or become a member or office bearer of the IRF whose website says it is a registered, non-profit, public charitable trust. A ban under UAPA is valid for five years.

The decision to declare the IRF unlawful was approved by the Cabinet chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Tuesday, home ministry sources said.

HT had first reported on August 8 that the government was planning to declare Naiks outfit unlawful.

Naiks trouble compounded after suspicion that his speeches inspired 20-odd people, who disappeared from Kerala, and are feared to have joined terror outfit Islamic State.

The IRF was registered under the charity law in 1990.

IRF activities were investigated on chief minister Devendra Fadnavis orders. Earlier, a separate probe was initiated by the special branch (SB), Mumbai polices intelligence wing and the Economic Offences Wing (EOW) focussing on the managerial and monetary aspects of the IRF. The SB rummaged through several published material and audio records of Naiks sermons that were in public domain and the cops found it controversial after studying it. The probe also linked one of the IRFs employees Arshi Qureshi, a guest relationship manager, to a group of 22 men who went missing from Kerala and feared to have joined the Islamic State. The probe was being conducted by the Kerala police and was assisted by the Maharashtra Anti-Terrorism Squad (ATS), which led to startling revelations of how IRF was also part of the conversion racket in the city.

--------------

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Likening Donald Trump to Bacchus, the impetuous and unpredictable Greek god of wine, and explaining why even Hindu gods need a break, mythologist Devdutt Pattanaik had his audience engaged and entertained during his session on day two of the ongoing Tata Literature Live! festival.

In a session titled Olympus: An Indian Retelling of Greek Myths, Pattanaik elaborated on why he chose to write a book on Greek mythology after 30 books on Indian myth.

In the annual cycle, theres chaumas or the rainy reason, when the gods sleep. So while the Hindu gods were sleeping, the Greek gods awakened within me, he joked.

On a more serious note, he drew parallels between the two ancient cultures.

Speaking on queer history and sexuality, for instance, he said: Greek mythology has stories about men falling in love with boys, and also tales of male rape. You dont find this in Indian myths. Instead, you have gender transformation  those who are born men but later identify as women, and vice versa.

Underlining differences between Greek and Indian mythology, he cautioned against comparing myths and legends and deeming one superior to the other.

Whenever I praise one tradition, someone asks Does that mean ours isnt great? Thats a sign of insecurity, Pattanaik said. We have to know about other peoples cultures, just as we expect them to know about our culture.

The loudest round of applause, however, was reserved for his answer to an audience members question: Do you think its easier to write about a redundant religion, such as the one in ancient Greece, or a living religion, like Hinduism?

When I criticise Zeus, Im not afraid of somebody burning me alive, Pattanaik replied. Theres no troll brigade waiting to attack me when I talk about Dionysius and Apollo.

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The city police on Friday served televangelist Zakir Naiks Islamic Research Foundation (IRF) a notice from the Centre that banned the outfit under provisions of the Unlawful Activities Prevention Act (UAPA). The notice was also put up outside the IRFs Dongri office on Friday morning. The IRF said they are seeking legal advice to challenge the ban.

The notification states Naik justified suicide bombers, made subversive and derogatory speeches that promoted enmity in society and gave birth to divisive ideologies against India. It also mentions statements of some of the arrested terrorists, who claimed they were inspired by Naiks speeches.

The notice mentions five criminal cases registered against Naik, including those in Kurla (2013), Nagpada, Vengurla, Sawantwadi (2012) and Kerala, which is also the basis for the ban.

We have given them the legal notice. If we find them operating despite the order, further action will be taken under the provisions of the UAPA and the IPC, said Ashok Dudhe, deputy commissioner of police and Mumbai police spokesperson.

The police have deployed personnel outside the IRF office following the action to keep a tab on their activities.

Meanwhile, a statement was issued by the IRF saying, We are studying the contents of the notification and the reasons cited for the ban and we will take recourse to legal remedies to get the ban revoked.

Despite the ban, the IRF was functional till Thursday. The reason cited by people associated with the IRF was they were not informed about such a notification and were excluded from the full-fledged probe that was underway. The police were waiting for the gazette to initiate action.

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The Railways has turned down the Maharashtra governments request to open counters at Churchgate and Chhatrapati Shivaji Terminus for citizens to exchange their old Rs500 and Rs1,000notes.

During a review meeting on Monday, chief minister Devendra Fadnavis had asked the Bank of Maharashtra to open counters at CST and Churchgate  a move that could ease crowds at banks as lakhs of commuters visit these stations every day. But the Railways turned down the banks proposal citing security reasons. The Railways has asked the state to first put in place ways to manage crowds and address security concerns.

CM Fadnavis told HT on Friday his government will now request the Railways to reconsider its stance.

We met Railway officials on Friday morning to request them to allot counters at the two stations, but they have turned it down. The government will take a further call, said Sanjay Hiremath, the deputy zonal manager, Bank of Maharashtra. The bank has started counters at Nair Hospital and JJ Hospital, as directed by the government during the meeting.

Western Railways chief public relations officer, Ravindra Bhakar, said We have asked the bank to address security concerns and modify proposals in a way that it does not lead chaos. We are waiting for the modified proposal .

Sources in Mantralaya said the Railways asked the government to allows its employees manning the counters to handle the exchange. The Railways wanted the bank to hand over cash to its employees, but the government had refused to allow this. The source said it was against the protocol of banks, as the possibility of the new notes being misused was high.

Meanwhile, on the lines of a Central government initiative, the state considered paying a salary advance to its employees to reduce queues at banks. The proposal, however, has been dropped now for security reasons. The finance department moved the proposal for advance ranging between Rs3,000 and Rs5,000 to Class III and IV employees. But we found it very difficult to implement it as the advance was to be distributed by 12,000 drawing and disbursing officers in government offices across the state, said KP Bakshi, additional chief secretary, also acting chief secretary of the state.

More than 80%, or 10 lakh state employees fall under the class III and IV categories. The Centre has distributed Rs10,000 as advance, to be adjusted with the November salary and had advised states to follow suit.

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When Manoj Chauhan, a resident of Agra, died allegedly in a road accident in 2015, it alarmed six homebuyers of a residential real estate project, Triveni Galaxy, in Sector 78, Faridabad. Chauhan, in an FIR on January 1, 2014, had alleged that the six buyers at Triveni Galaxy attempted to murder him in Sikandera Sabzi Mandi in Agra.

All the six accused named in the FIR are technocrats working in reputed organizations and officer-bearers of Triveni Faridabad Allottees Association (TFAA) formed in January 2012 to fight against the builders  Madhur Mittal and Sumit Mittal  for non-delivery of flats to 5000 buyers in an alleged real estate fraud amounting to 1,000 crore.

The six accused had alleged in a petition in the Allahabad High Court that the case of attempt to murder was false and filed on the behest of the builders. The high court on August 5, 2015 stayed the criminal proceedings against them.

In the next hearing, on November 18, 2015, when the police stated in the court that Chauhan had died, we all were shocked, says VK Jain, secretary, TFAA and one of the six accused in the case. We sent some members to Chauhans hometown to enquire. His family suspected murder but police said Chauhan died in a road accident, Jain told HT. The case is still pending in the Allahabad High Court. The six buyers say that there are five more cases filed in different places against them but they have proof of the builders connivance.

However, the Mittals lawyer, Deepak Agarwal dismissed the buyers allegations as false and frivolous.

A STANDARD PROCEDURE

In the Triveni Galaxy case, the builders may have tried to take on the buyers indirectly but, of late, it has become a common practice for builders to file cases of defamation, criminal intimidation, molestation etc, against those buyers who question delay in delivery, unreasonable demand for money and poor construction quality. However, buyers associations claim that the manner in which the cases have been filed indicate a strategy to intimidate and scuttle protesters.

In a recent case, GK Gambhir, managing director of Today Homes, sent a legal notice to six buyers of its Kings Park project in Greater Noida for defaming him by holding a protest on September 28, 2016 outside his house in New Delhis Friends Colony. The legal notice demanded 20-crore compensation from each buyer. Replying to the notice, one of the buyers Indrish Gupta said that the company launched the project in 2009 and collected money from buyers with a promise to offer possession in three years. However, six years later the builder is yet to fulfill his promise. Gupta said in his reply that despite attempts to present grievances and seek a date by which the construction would be completed, Gambhir never met them.

LEGAL HELP

Residents of Sunworlds Vanalika, a residential project in Sector 107, Noida suffered for two months when the developer filed an FIR against them alleging extortion but they were fortunate to get a favourable closure report from the Noida Police. Dharamvir Singh, director of Sunworlds Vanalika, in his FIR dated August 25, 2016, named eight buyers and alleged they threatened to defame him if he did not pay them 3 crore.

These eight buyers had filed their objections before Noida authority in March 2015 for unauthorized construction in the project and one of them Dinup Matthew had filed a writ petition in the Allahabad High Court. The buyers scored another victory when the Allahabad High Court stayed the construction in the project on September 6, 2016.

FALSE CASES

However, buyers from other realty projects are not so fortunate. Some of them are so harassed that they dont want to bring their plight on the public platform.

Says a buyer requesting anonymity, The female staff of a builders company filed a complaint of rape against me alleging that I entered the office in the evening when the officer was about to be closed and attempted to rape finding her alone. I visited the developers office to demand the return against my investment which the developer had not paid for several months, he says. I threatened legal action and two days later learned that a complaint of attempt to rape had been filed against me.

Another buyer, who went to his developers office to protest against the cancellation of his flat, got a notice which said: You misbehaved and abused the female staff of the company who found themselves to be left with no other option but to leave the premises and run away from the back door in an effort to safeguard their modesty. Amit Chauhan, a resident of Lotus Boulevard of the developer 3C in Noida, has been fighting a defamation case for initiating a Facebook campaign against the builder.

Similarly, Supertech filed a case of extortion against a resident of one of its projects, B V Raisinghani after he spearheaded a campaign against the developer for constructing illegal floors in two towers  Apex and Ceyane. The Allahabad High Court in April 2014 had order the demolition of the illegal construction and the matter is pending in SC.

The Confederation of Real Estate Developers Association of India (CREDAI) justified the builders action as it feels some homebuyers misuse legal provisions to blackmail developers. Rohit Raj Modi, vice president, CREDAI, National says, In rare instances, builders have filed defamation cases against the buyers. Out of all the real estate disputes, such instances are not even 1%.

Some elements want to exploit the situation posing as buyers and try to blackmail the builders. Such elements are not genuine buyers. Its important to counter them by taking suitable legal recourse, he says. Buyers welfare associations insist that intimidating buyers by filing frivolous cases is abuse of law which builders can easily afford to do.

Only 1% buyers play a key role in forming an association of buyers and fighting against the builders who try to harass these 1% buyers to scuttle the whole protest, says Prashant Kanha, an advocate who appeared for homebuyers in many court cases. Its a frivolous allegation that a buyer, who has invested his lakhs of hard earned money into a real estate project, can extort a builder who can dominate with money and muscle, he says.

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Cracking down on the alleged nexus between doctors and surgical implants suppliers at the advanced cardiac centre (ACC) of Postgraduate Institute of Medical Education and Research (PGIMER), the administration has instructed all vendors to come via central governments AMRIT outlet, an affordable price shop.

The move has caused discontent among some doctors.

As per instructions of the administration, the coronary angioplasty items and medicines will be purchased only through AMRIT. All vendors are advised to come through AMRIT for proper billing and for convenience of patients, read the notice issued by Yash Paul Sharma, head, advanced cardiac centre.

The security staff has been advised not to issue any letters allowing other drug companies. The notice was issued almost a week after a circular was issued by Dr Vipin Koushal, officer in-charge, private grant Cell, PGI.

The items which are not available with the AMRIT pharmacy will be procured from RC (rate contract) or alternative source, reads the circular. The letter of is about purchase through AMRIT pharmacy for private grant patients and not for others. Kindly correspondence with the administration for clear guidelines before passing a vague office order, Dr Rajesh Vijayvergiya of ACC remarked.

Docs say AMRIT outlet stents inferior; HoD discards claim

The HoD notice has created unrest among some doctors, who do not seem happy with the order. A source said two doctors ended up in a heated argument outside the cath lab after they were denied to take implants from direct vendors/company representatives.

Dr Rajesh Vijayvergiya, professor, ACC said, AMRIT outlet is not providing USFDA-approved stents, which are of better quality. The AMRIT outlet is providing inferior quality products, which can lead to technical complications during coronary angioplasty. It can put a patients life at risk.

There is difference in price as well. Few products are more expensive than ones in the market. Moreover, they do not have authorisation certificate from companies whose products they are selling, he said.

Dr Yash Paul Sharma said, There is no study or trial in the world which can prove that USFDA-approved stents are better than others. On claims that stents provided by the AMRIT outlet are of inferior quality, he said, They should prove it. We all know why some doctors are creating noise. There was direct vendor system at the ACC. Representatives of large companies would enter into a rate contract with the PGI after quoting the lowest rates.

AMRIT has no supply from local vendors

Private authorised distributors of three companies  Abbott, Medronics, Boston Scientific  are not willing to provide surgical products to the AMRIT outlet, but are directly dealing with the PGI, which is against the directives of the government, said an official from AMRIT outlet.

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A Punjab Congress delegation, led by state party chief Captain Amarinder Singh, has urged President Pranab Mukherjee to direct the central government to consider the ground realities and the availability of water in the state before taking any action on the advice of the Supreme Court on the Sutlej-Yamuna Link (SYL) canal issue.

All Punjab Congress MLAs, along with several central party leaders, called on Mukherjee on Thursday evening, to seek his urgent intervention in the matter. The party leaders warned of the possible outbreak of violence in the state, where the situation was extremely fluid and tense following the SC verdict.

Also read| Ex-minister Phillaur quits SAD, likely to join Congress

Later speaking to mediapersons, Amarinder accused the Parkash Singh Badal government in Punjab of further inflaming passions and aggravating the situation with its irresponsible actions, including the passage of the two illogical resolutions in the state assembly. Describing the special session as an eyewash, he said if the Badal government was serious about resolving the SYL issue it should have brought a proper bill in the House.

Also read| SYL land in Punjab already returned to owners even as court battle still on

Punjab Congress Legislature Party leader Charanjit Singh Channi told Mukherjee that the resolutions passed by the Akalis in the assembly on Wednesday were totally unconstitutional.

In a memorandum to the President, the party cited figures to claim SCs conclusions were neither borne out of the countrys Constitution nor are these based fully on facts and changed ground realities.

Cong delegation meets CEC, seeks early polls

State Congress leaders also met chief election commissioner (CEC) Naseem Zaidi and demanded snap polls in the state under the Presidents rule and immediate imposition of the code of conduct to ensure free and fair elections.

They told the CEC that the political and law and order situation in Punjab was deteriorating under the Badal government.

Also read| Resolutions passed in Punjab assembly irrational, miss key point on SYL: Captain

Amarinder said the CEC had assured them of all possible steps to ensure free and fair elections in the state and accepted the partys demand that electronic voting machines (EVMs) be brought from outside Punjab for the assembly polls due early next year.

Punjab Congress chief spokesperson Sunil Jakhar demanded snap polls, saying extraordinary situations demanded extraordinary steps and it was important to take strong measures to prevent Badal and his deputy CM son, Sukhbir Singh Badal, from making use of their muscle and money power.
In view of the Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD) fielding its sitting MLA Sarup Chand Singla from Bathinda, the Congress is facing tough postures from the states two erstwhile finance ministers Manpreet Badal and Surinder Singla, besides former MLA Harminder Singh Jassi for contesting from the politically charged constituency.

Jassi even exhibited his show of strength on Wednesday against any chance of Manpreet Badal getting the ticket, saying it was he who stood by Manpreet during the last (2014) Lok Sabha polls and led to the increase of 30,000 votes in favour of Manpreet from the Bathinda urban area, which helped Manpreet get a face- saving defeat against Harsimrat Badal.

The vociferous Jassi roped in Bathinda district Congress committee chief Mohan Lal Jhumba at the meeting attended by 5 of the 9 party councillors and over 500 cadres with many holding ranks in the party at his residence here. Jassi even accused Manpreet of behaving like the owner of this Bahinda urban constituency.

Manpreet, whose huge posters emerged in Bathinda in the recent past on festive occasions, told HT that he was willing to contest from Bathinda.

But I will act as per the wishes of the party high command, and I have nothing to comment on this (Jassis rebel meeting), he said.

ANOTHER RIVAL

Former finance minister Surinder Singla also sounded bitter against Manpreet, as he said, The one who could not save his own constituency (Gidderbaha), how could he (Manpreet) win from any other constituency? Manpreet had remained Gidderbaha MLA in the past, before launching his own Peoples Party of Punjab (PPP) and then lost the Gidderbaha seat in 2012 to Amrinder Singh Raja Waring of the Congress.

Singla banks on Punjab Pradesh Congress Committee (PPCC) president Capt Amarinder Singh who had earlier been quoted for backing Singla for the ticket.

You see, how Captain Amarinder Singhji said I would be the candidate when he last came here, Singla told HT.

The PPCC president, during his kisan bus yatra had last month (October 19) stated while talking to reporters here that he would recommend Singlas name as the candidate from Bathinda (urban).

Singla remained Bathinda (urban) MLA in 2002-07 and served as finance minister in the cabinet of then chief minister Captain Amarinder Singh.

Singla on Thursday told HT that he regretted contesting the 2007 Amritsar Lok Sabha byelection. I should have stuck to my constituency here (Bathinda), he said. Banking on the heavy anti-incumbency factor against the Akali-BJP regime, the Congress leadership here had got a boost with the PPCC presidents visit last month.

PAST PERFORMANCES

Manpreet had got a lead of 30,000 from Bathinda (urban) assembly segment during the 2014 Lok Sabha polls that he lost to Harsimrat Kaur Badal for the Bathinda parliamentary seat.

Jassi had lost the 2007 assembly poll from here by a thin margin of 6,600 votes to the SADs Sarup Chand Singla. He was then unsuccessfully fielded for the Talwandi Sabo assembly bypoll against the SADs Jeetmohinder Singh Sidhu in the current AkaliBJP regime in 2014.

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Two days after he was unceremoniously dropped by the Shiromani Ajkali Dal (SAD) as Kartarpur candidate in the first list released on Wednesday, former jails minister Sarwan Singh Phillaur joined the Congress in the presence of its state chief Capt Amarinder Singh here on Friday.

Phillaur, who resigned from the party and as a legislator on Thursday, hit out at the ruling Badals and revenue minister Bikram Singh Majithiabrother-in-law of SAD president and deputy CM Sukhbir Badalsaying he lorded over all mafias in the state. It is not the same SAD that was formed on strong principles. It has forgotten them. This government is run by dacoits and mafias. And it is Majithia who heads these mafias, Phillaur said while addressing mediapersons in Chandigarh.

Playing the Dalit card, Phillaur said he was asked to resign as minister after his son, Damanvir Phillaur, and later he too was summoned by the enforcement directorate (ED) in the Bhola drug case, for being weak and a Dalit. He said all the accused who were questioned by the ED had named Majithia as the kingpin in the case. We were not asked, else we would also have named Majithia, he said in response to a question.

I am a Dalit and am not from a family of landlords. My father was a labourer. I and my son were both framed in the false case by leaders from within the government. We both were summoned six times and questioned for six long hours while Majithia was just summoned once as a formality. The Akali government is trying to protect the minister. We were asked to furnish documents which we had already furnished. But the ED was fair. We were not named in the challans filed by the investigating agency in court after two-year-long inquiry. Par sade te apni hi party de lokan ne badnami da daag la dita (but people from my own party stigmatised me), he said.

Read | Majithia defamation case: Charges framed against Kejri, 2 other AAP leaders

Asked on why was he speaking against his party and Majithia now after being denied the ticket, Phillaur said he had remained loyal to his party for 40 years. But I was punished for being loyal. Even some opposition Congress leaders and Aam Aadmi Party leader Bhagwant Mann stood by me when I was made to resign by my own party. I asked why Majithia too was not being asked to do so? I was allotted a house in Sector 2, Chandigarh, as official residence as a minister, but Majithia took it, he said.

Phillaur was, however, elusive when asked if he was accusing Majithia of framing him and his son. I had said on the floor of the House that I have been falsely implicated and the government should find out who is behind it, he said.

Welcoming Phillaur into the party fold, Amarinder said neither Phillaur nor his sons name figured in any of the three challans filed by the ED. Parkash Singh Badals hold on the party is fast disappearing and Sukhbir now calls the shots. Sukhbir has systematically finished his fathers erstwhile kitchen cabinet, of which Phillaur too was a part. Another loyalist Gurdev Badal is sick but no one from the ruling family has bothered to pay him a visit. Only Bhunder (Rajya Sabha MP Balwinder Singh Bhunder) is left. His days too are numbered, Amarinder said.
The Government Railway Police (GRP) seized Rs 11 lakh in banned Rs 500 and Rs 1,000 currency from a passenger travelling in Jallianwala Bagh Express train. The accused has been identified as Rajeev Kumar of Faizabad in Uttar Pardesh. He was apprehended by the GRP personnel near Beas on Friday morning.

Detailing about the seizure, GRPs Amritsar SHO inspector Dharminder Kalyaan said, As a special drive is on to check the movement of unaccounted money, special teams have been formed to keep an eye on this. We found the cash during checking of the train.

The SHO said during the preliminary questioning, the accused said he was into the business of seeds and the money was meant for payment to somebody at Tangra town.

The GRP called the income tax officials, who took the cash into custody and questioned the accused.

The SHO said all business transactions above Rs 20,000 cant be made in cash.

It is up to the income tax department how they proceed, the SHO said.
Teenkahon director Bauddhayan Mukherji is upset. One of the countrys most prominent ad filmmakers, Mukherji directed his debut Bengali film Teenkahon, starring Rituparna Sengupta, Dhritiman Chatterjee and Ashish Vidyarthi, in 2015. However, the director is extremely disappointed with the way the film was distributed in West Bengal and has decided against making another Bengali film till the distribution model improves. I was disappointed with the way Teenkahon was distributed in West Bengal. We were taken for a ride by the distributors of the film and it hasnt gone down well with me. So, the day when it becomes a bit more conducive for an independent filmmaker to survive in this industry (read Bengali), I will come back, says Mukherji, whose next film will be in English.

The filmmaker was in Kolkata to attend the screening of his debut Hindi film, The Violin Player, at the 22nd Kolkata International Film Festival. The film, which revolves around a violinist who plays for Hindi films, also marks the Hindi film debut of Bengali actor Ritwik Chakraborty. Known for delivering powerful performances, Ritwik outshone in the role of a nameless violin player, who meets a stranger (Adil Hussain). The film, which was screened at Rabindra Sadan on Wednesday, was widely appreciated.

Ritwik Chakraborty, a prominent name in the Bengali film industry, makes his Hindi film debut with The Violin Player. (KFF.in)

Mukherji is best known for directing the Bell Bajao ad, a campaign against domestic violence. He also sounds excited as The Violin Player, which was shot in 10 days, will soon be available on Netflix. As an independent filmmaker, who funds his own films, Mukherji firmly believes that the digital platform provides a great impetus to young filmmakers who dont want to rely on the external forces (read producers and distributors). I agree it would have been better if independent filmmakers got the support of the government, but its a great time to be independent directors in India now, says Mukherji, whose film The Violin Player has travelled to 24 national and international film festivals.

Ashish Vidyarthi and Rituparna Sengupta in a still from Bengali film Teenkahon. (Little Lamb Films)

Teenkahon comprised three stories and was shot in three episodes. The Violin Player, says Mukherji, is based on a true story. Mukherji was also lucky to meet Iranian director Mohsen Makhmalbaf at International Film Festival of India (IFFI) in 2014 where Teenkahon was screened in Indian Panorama section. He told me that a director shouldnt worry about the length of a film. So, when I was making the film I never thought about the length. I have used a lot of silence in the film, says Mukherji, who is all praise for Ritwik.

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If you are planning a euro trip and are hard-pressed on time, weve got you covered. Transport reservation platform GoEuro has come up with a list of best European cities that you can very well cover in 2-3 days. Thanks to its many qualities, Barcelona has been rated the best destination.

GoEuro studied various price-based criteria relating to nightlife, accommodation and more to draw up a list of Europes top cities for weekenders.

For each city, GoEuro studied the nightlife  the number of bars and clubs open late and the average price of a beer  as well as activities and shopping, the price of eating out, the average cost of accommodation per person per night, and the price of public transport and taxis, giving each destination a score out of 100. The ranking is based on data from TripAdvisor and recommendations from specialists like Time Out magazine.

The Spanish city of Barcelona tops the list, with a score of 98.3 out of 100. Its buzzing nightlife and the low cost of eating out makes the city a great choice for a fun weekend away that wont break the bank. Barcelona also comes top of the individual ranking for bars and restaurants.

Similarly, Berlin stands out for the quality of its nightlife. Although the German capital comes third (95.8/100) in the general ranking, the city comes top in this particular field.

This will come as little surprise to many travellers, since Berlin is a well-known hot-spot in Europe for clubbers and party-goers, and specifically for its electronic music scene. As well as Berlin, GoEuro recommends Krakow in Poland (2nd), Kiev in Ukraine (4th) and Madrid in Spain (5th) for weekenders looking to party.

Pragues rich and diverse activities, its lively nightlife and its good-value restaurants make it for an ideal getaway. (Shutterstock)

The Czech capital Prague takes second place in the general ranking, scoring 96.1/100. The city stands out from rivals on the podium thank to the wealth of activities it offers to visitors.

Although the birthplace of Kafka cant match the British capital London (1st) or Frances Paris (2nd) on that front, the combination of Pragues rich and diverse activities, its lively nightlife and its good-value restaurants sees the city take second place overall.

The 10 best European cities for weekend breaks

1. Barcelona, Spain

2. Prague, Czech Republic

3. Berlin, Germany

4. Madrid, Spain

5. London, United Kingdom

6. Paris, France

7. Lisbon, Portugal

8. Krakow, Poland

9. Budapest, Hungary

10. Seville, Spain

Follow @htlifeandstyle for more.
Many winters ago, when this writer walked into the opening party at the Deauville Asiatic Film Festival on a cold March night, the musical strains from Gandhijis bhajan greeted him. Imagine hearing Ishwara Allah Thero Naam in a remote French city on the north Atlantic Normandy coast -- where once the Allied forces landed signalling the beginning of the end of the Axis power. Well, the bhajan of peace sure enough evoked this writers emotions of patriotism -- and a longing for home.

Surprisingly, this writer was battered with the same kind of feeling when he entered China Night the other day here at the ongoing Cairo International Film Festival. The songs that were being played that evening at the party -- held to mark the festival celebrating China as its guest of honour -- were from Hindi and Punjabi movies. Many of these were Bollywood hits, mostly from the films of the 1960s and the 1970s. One number that kept playing and replaying was Churaliye Hai... from Yaadon Ki Baraat. Seemed like Bollywood having mesmerised the Chinese.

Black Coal, Thin Ice is a Chinese thriller film, written and directed by Diao Yinan. It released in 2014.

Tang Xiufan, Cultural Attache of the Chinese Embassy in Cairo, a young genial man, said that since Bollywood songs had great appeal in Egypt, it was decided to play them at the celebration. We know the popularity of Indian film songs the world over, he beamed, happy that there was at least one person in that evenings gathering who had walked up to him with a look of immense appreciation.

China Night also marked the 60th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between Egypt and China. China Night is a great platform for China-Egypt cultural exchanges, said Liu Yongfeng, Charge daffaires of the Chinese Embassy in Cairo.China Night at the festival not only shows the longstanding friendship and mutual trust between the two countries, but also enhances genuine understanding and friendship between the two peoples, Liu added.

Mountains May Depart is a drama film directed by Jia Zhangke. It released in 2015.

Magda Wassef, President of the festival, was happy that 20 films from China were being screened here -- focusing on contemporary Chinese cinema with various kinds of narrative styles and movie schools.

The celebrated Chinese director, Jia Zhangke -- who was honoured with the festivals Excellence Award -- is showcasing some of his most significant works, including the Cannes competition title, Mountains May Depart.

The film is in a way a critique of the market-driven prosperity in China. Set in Jias hometown of Fenyang -- as his other works have been -- Mountains May Depart chronicles the new wealth in the worlds most populous country and how this has brought about a seemingly relative freedom, transforming the nation. But what Jia asks through his narrative is whether this is a good thing.

Jia Zhangke is a leading Chinese film director and screenwriter.

Some of the other Chinese titles at the festival are Diao Yinans Black Coal. Thin Ice (a thriller about a detective falling in love with a murder suspect), Ning Haos No Mans Land (an adventure set on the Gobi Desert), Buddha Mountain (jury member Li Yus take on teenage confusion in contemporary China) and Feng Xiaogangs Cell Phone (on how sensitive info stored in a mobile instrument can prove dangerous).

(Gautaman Bhaskaran is covering the Cairo International Film Festival.)

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The opinion pollsters favourite to hold Frances president office next said on Friday it would be an error to compare him to Hillary Clinton, who was widely expected to become US president but lost to Donald Trump.

I am not Hillary Clinton, poll frontrunner Alain Juppe said. And France is not America.

The 71-year-old former prime minister was speaking on public radio ahead of a primary election ballot his conservative Les Republicains party and its allies hold on Sunday. That contest, involving a second, run-off vote on November 27, will pick a candidate for the presidential race.

He is up against other heavyweights including ex-president Nicolas Sarkozy and another former prime minister, Francois Fillon, respectively second- and third-placed in polls of the likely outcome of that primary.

After a US election that defied opinion poll predictions and general media expectations, the French media are asking whether a similar upset could occur this side of the Atlantic, in the primary, or in the presidential election itself, which takes place in two rounds next April and May.

Juppe is the pollsters tip to win in both cases, though the latest surveys suggest his lead has slipped significantly and made the result much harder to call.

Both rivals have closed the gap, with Sarkozy in second place and Fillons support growing fast. A flash poll made Fillon the winner of a TV debate between primary election candidates on Thursday night.
Pakistan is expanding its nuclear arsenal and has developed an estimated stockpile of 130 to 140 warheads for delivery as well as modifying some of its fighter jets including F-16s to deliver nukes, Bulletin of Atomic Scientists said in its latest report.

Authored by Hans M Kristensen and Robert S Norris, the report says that analysis of a large number of commercial satellite images of Pakistan armys garrisons and air force bases shows what appear to be mobile launchers and underground facilities that might be related to nuclear forces.

Pakistan continues to expand its nuclear arsenal with more warheads, more delivery systems, and a growing fissile materials production industry, said the report on Pakistani nuclear forces, 2016.

Read | Will not ask US for F-16 jets anymore: Pakistan

We estimate that Pakistan now has a nuclear weapons stockpile of 130-140 warheads. This stockpile exceeds the projection made by the US Defense Intelligence Agency in 1999 that Pakistan by 2020 would have 60-80 warheads, said the report released last month.

According to the scientists, with several delivery systems in development, four plutonium production reactors and its uranium enrichment facilities expanding, Pakistans stockpile will possibly increase further over the next 10 years.

Speculation that Pakistan may become the worlds third-largest nuclear weapon state -with a stockpile of some 350 warheads a decade from now - are, we believe, exaggerated, not least because that would require a buildup two to three times faster than growth over the past two decades, it said.

Read | Heavy price of India-Pak N-war: 21 mn may die, half of ozone layer will vanish

We estimate that its stockpile could more realistically grow to 220-250 warheads by 2025, if the current trend continues. If that happens, it would make Pakistan the worlds fifth-largest nuclear weapon state.

But unless India significantly expands its arsenal or further builds up its conventional forces, it seems reasonable to expect that Pakistans nuclear arsenal will not continue to grow indefinitely but might begin to level off as its current weapons programmes are completed, the report said.

According to the report, Pakistan probably assigns a nuclear strike mission to select F-16A/B and Mirage III/V fighter squadrons.

The F-16 was probably the first aircraft in the nuclear role, but the Mirage quickly joined the mission, it said, adding that the F-16A/Bs were supplied by the US between 1983 and 1987.

After 40 aircraft had been delivered, the US State Department told Congress in 1989, none of the F-16s Pakistan already owns or is about to purchase is configured for nuclear delivery and Pakistan will be obligated by contract not to modify additional F-16s without the approval of the United States, it said.

Yet, there were multiple credible reports at the time that Pakistan was already modifying US-supplied F-16s for nuclear weapons, it said, adding that there are rumors that Pakistan intends to make the Chinese-supplied JF-17 fighter nuclear-capable.

Read | Pak navy says it blocked Indian submarine, New Delhi cites blatant lies
When it comes to purging fossil fuels from the global economy by mid-century -- our only hope of staving off catastrophic climate change -- it turns out that you cant get there from here without a good map.

Thats the thinking behind detailed, long-term plans for switching from dirty to clean energy unveiled this week by the United States, Canada, Mexico and Germany at UN climate talks in Marrakesh.

Overcoming sharp internal debate, the German government led the way with sector-by-sector scenarios that would remove up to 95% of its CO2 emissions by 2050, compared to 1990 levels.

Green groups said there were too many sops to big business, but it was a world-first.

The three amigos of North America jointly-released their blueprints on Wednesday, with the 100-page US mid-century strategy for the globes largest economy taking centre stage.

Read | Trump effect? Obamas climate change targets wont be reversed, says Kerry

The US pledge to slash carbon-pollution by four-fifths from a 2005 benchmark dated from the chaotic 2009 Copenhagen climate summit, but had never been spelled out.

The intent here is to think in the long term, not only in the short term, the Obama administrations top climate negotiator Jonathan Pershing told journalists ahead of the November 7-18 climate meet.

At the moment, what we have from the world are commitments for 2025 or 2030, but we know that by 2050 weve got to have deep decarbonisation.

Those medium-term, national CO2 reduction pledges -- annexed to the landmark 196-nation Paris Agreement, which went into force earlier this month -- are not nearly enough to cap global warming at two degrees Celsius (3.6F) above pre-industrial era levels, the planet-saving goal set out in the treaty.

A fundamental change

The imperative for rich nations to stop burning fossil fuels within roughly four decades comes from the UNs top climate science authority, the Intergovernmental Panel for Climate Change (IPCC).

Indigenous people from different countries stage a protest during the UN Climate Change Conference 2016 (COP22) in Marrakech. (Reuters Photo)

Emerging juggernauts such as China and India, whose economies are still powered in large measure by coal, would have to follow suit toward the end of the century, it says.

That is a dramatic transformation, one that requires a fundamental change in our infrastructure -- how we generate power, how we use it, what fuels we use, what vehicles we drive, said Jeffrey Sachs, a special adviser to UN chief Ban Ki-moon and director of the Sustainable Development Solutions Network.

Because our infrastructure is so long-lasting, we have to start now to build that long-term transformation, he told AFP.

Indeed, the 2025 and 2030 targets not only fall short, they could -- without a clear view of the long game -- lead countries into making disastrous choices, experts say.

To fulfil the Paris pledges, for example, moving from highly-polluting coal-fired power plants to cleaner natural gas -- a shift occurring in the United States and elsewhere -- would seem to make sense.

But if the mid-century objective is a carbon-neutral economy, spending hundreds of billions of dollars on equipment ultimately incompatible with that goal does not.

You have to start thinking about the investments that you are doing now in long-lived infrastructure that is going to continue to be operational in 2050 and beyond, said Jim Williams, director of the US Deep Decarbonization Pathways Project.

Ignorant and hostile noises

Likewise for vehicles.

Emissions from internal combustion engines can still be reduced, but the research and money needed for that may be better spent on improving electric and fuel-cell cars.

Three pillars of the US plan -- energy efficiency, electrification and removing fossil fuels from electricity generation -- were first detailed in the DDPP, a 16-nation effort that grew from a 2012 study in the journal Science laying out how the state of California could keep its pledge to cut greenhouse gas emissions 80% by 2050.

World leaders pose for a photo at the UN Climate Change Conference 2016 (COP22) in Marrakech, Morocco. (Reuters Photo)

Increasingly, that transformation is moving into the realm of market choice, said Williams, the lead author of the Science study.

Government clearly has a critical role to play, but in the United States, he added, most regulator decisions on energy take place at the state level.

Which means that even if US president-elect and avowed climate sceptic Donald Trump wanted to reverse the trend, he might not have the leverage.

Read | Make love, not CO2: Emissions level off, still too high to save climate

I dont expect California or a host of other states to slow down one iota because the federal government is making ignorant and hostile noises, Williams told AFP.

For the business sector, long-term road-maps help provide certainty that governments are serious about moving to a low-carbon society, said Peter Baker, president and CEO of the World Business Council.

Thats when finance will start to flow to these investments, he said in Marrakesh.

So far, 25 nations have expressed their intent to formulate 2050 plans, including China and India, Pershing said.
U.S. President-elect Donald Trump and NATO secretary-general Jens Stoltenberg agreed on Friday on the Western alliances enduring importance, NATO said, striving to reassure Europe that Washington will remain committed to its security.

Trump questioned during his election campaign whether the United States should protect allies seen as spending too little on their defence, raising fears that he could withdraw funding for NATO at a time of heightened tensions with Russia.

The president-elect and the secretary general both underlined NATOs enduring importance and discussed how NATO is adapting to the new security environment, including to counter the threat of terrorism, NATO said in a statement after a phone conversation between Trump and Stoltenberg.

There was no immediate comment from Trumps side.

The NATO statement said the Republican Trump, who will succeed Democratic President Barack Obama on Jan. 20, is expected in Brussels for a NATO summit next year.

The two leaders also addressed defence spending and agreed that progress has been made on fairer burden-sharing, but that there is more to do - underlining the fact that the United States spends far more on defence than Europe does.

After the break-up of the Soviet Union a quarter of a century ago, NATOs European members cut defence spending to historic lows, leaving the United States to make up around three quarters of the alliances military expenditure.

A more assertive Russia under President Vladimir Putin has begun to change the picture and European governments are again spending more.

Read| Trump picks opponent of H-1B visas as attorney general, names NIA, CIA head
President-elect Donald Trump has picked Senator Jeff Sessions, a hardliner on immigration and a fierce critic of H-1B visas  used by US companies to hire highly skilled foreigners, including many from India  as his attorney general.

The Trump team also announced the appointment of retired general Michael Flynn, who is known for making incendiary anti-Muslim comments, as National Security Adviser, and Congressman Michael Pompeo as CIA director.

There was no word yet about secretary of state for which South Carolinas Indian-American governor Nikki Haley is understood to be in consideration along with former New York mayor Rudy Giuliani and former US ambassador to the UN John Bolton.

Sessions had introduced a legislation in 2015, making H-1B hires prohibitively expensive for employers to force them to use local hands, and backed a legislation that sought to bring down the annual cap for the visa category from 65,000 to 50,000.

While its still unclear how his appointment as the attorney general could directly impact the H-1B programme, which is a massive source of revenue for Indian IT companies, his position as a member of Trumps core team could signal trouble.

Trump has been ambivalent on the issue, telling HT in an earlier interview, that he likes the programme and has used it for his businesses, but his first priority is to save and protect American jobs.

India worries about protectionist moves around the programme, and has dragged the US to the World Trade Organization for substantially hiking application fees for H-1B and L-1  another visa programme for skilled workers  in 2016.

Retired general Michael Flynn, known for incendiary anti-Muslim comments, has reportedly been picked as president-elect Donald Trumps National Security Adviser. (Twitter)

There were also reports suggesting Trump could be considering Mitt Romney, a critic and failed 2012 presidential nominee, for a position in his cabinet  secretary of state or treasury. They are meeting over the weekend.

Trump has not announced appointments to other important cabinet berths such as secretary of defence, treasury, homeland security and human and health services.

The appointments announced on Friday were seen to indicate Trump was rewarding loyalty above all else  Sessions and Flynn were among his early backers, and also the staunchest, standing by him through his many falls and controversies.

Sessions has a history of racism, and his nomination as federal judge by president Ronald Reagan, a Republican, in 1986, was rejected by a Republican-controlled senate judiciary committee over racially charged remarks and comments.

An African American colleague had said in testimony to the committee then that Sessions had called him a boy, a racial slur, and ranked that that he was fine with the racist outfit Ku Klux Klan until I found out they smoked pot.

Flynn, who will oversee the countrys formidable national security set-up from a room just a few doors from the Oval Office, is known to have made anti-Muslim remarks, which would be particularly troubling given the present climate.

He had argued Islam is a political ideology that the founding father of America wanted nothing to do with and tweeted in February a link to a YouTube video titled, Fear of Muslims is RATIONAL: Please forward a link to this video 

US Representative Michael Pompeo was on Friday named as the next director of the CIA. (AFP FILE)

During Pompeos first run for the House of Representatives in 2010, his campaign had promoted on Twitter an article that had called his Democratic rival Raj Goyle, an Indian-American, evil and turban topper.

Pompeo, a leading member of the Tea Party wing of the Republican, had gone on to win that election and two more terms. The tweet and the article, which have both been removed since, had said Goyle, a state representative then, could be a muslim, a Hindu, a Buddhist etc who knows. He told reporters later that Pompeo had personally called and apologised for it.

What he told me on the call is that he apologised and was shocked by it and it was a communications error, Goyle had said, adding if his own campaign has done anything of the sort, he would have fired the staffer responsible for it.

Trump has already been under fire for appointing Steven Bannon, a former media executive, known to favour AltRight white nationalists; and the appointment of Sessions and Flynn are likely to further agitate those already nervous.

But not David Duke, a former member of the racist outfit Ku Klux Klan, who is celebrating. Bannon, Flynn, Sessions  Great! Senate must demand that Sessions as AG stop the massive institutional race discrimination against whites! he tweeted.
The UNs migration watcher says it now believes 365 people died or are missing and presumed dead from Mediterranean shipwrecks in recent days.

Spokesman Leonard Doyle of the International Organization for Migration is decrying a calamity in plain sight, and says new figures Friday indicate a higher toll from six incidents in the last three days between Libya and Italy. IOM had put the figure at 340 on Thursday.

Doyle told reporters in Geneva on Friday that 4,636 people have died on the Mediterranean this year, about 1,000 more than through this point in November last year.

With migrants taking to flimsy rubber rafts to attempt the crossing, Doyle said IOM counts a six-fold increase in deaths this month compared to November last year.
Asserting that the UN should do more to send the right message to terror groups, India has said that the inconsistent implementation of sanctions on some of the terrorist outfits eats away at the UNs authority.

The United Nations must do more to send the right message. Inconsistent implementation of sanctions on some of these terrorist outfits eats away at the UNs authority and needs to be addressed, Indian Ambassador to the UN Syed Akbaruddin said in his address to the UN General Assembly.

The leader of the Taliban - a proscribed entity - needs to be designated as a terrorist individual. The international community is impatient for action, the Indian diplomat said.

Earlier this week, Afghan President Ashraf Ghani himself asked a delegation of the UN Security Council Sanctions Committee to include the new Taliban leader Mullah Haibatullah (Akhundzada) and such others, in the list of terrorists.

Unless the Security Council and its subordinate organs are part of a cohesive response to global terrorism they run the risk of becoming marginalised from the most fundamental security priorities of Member States whose fabric is being torn as under by terrorists, Akbaruddin warned.

Addressing the UN General Assembly as it adopted an unanimous resolution on Afghanistan, he said the security challenges faced by the Afghan people and Government have not receded.

We note that Afghanistan, along with the Resolute Support Force, continues to make efforts to combat terrorism, he said.

However, the shadowy supporters of some of these terrorist organisations like the Taliban, Haqqani Network, ISIS, AI-Qaeda and its designated affiliates such as Lashkar-e-Taiba and the Jaish-e-Mohammed have not been deterred, as is reflected in the upwards trend in the toll of causalities, the diplomat said.

The resolution unanimously adopted by the UN General Assembly pledged its continued support, in particular as the Afghan Government rebuilt a stable, secure and economically self-sufficient State free from terrorism and narcotics while strengthening the foundations of its constitutional democracy.

At the same time, it heard expressions of alarm over recent spikes in civilian casualties and the influence of violent extremists.

In her address, Pakistan Ambassador to the UN Maleeha Lodhi said the presence of large numbers of terrorists, foreign fighters and militant groups in the vast ungoverned areas of Afghanistan presents an imposing challenge to the` long-term stability of the war-torn country.

They pose a threat not only to Afghanistan but also to Pakistan and indeed the entire region. Afghanistan could once again become a source of global terrorism, with grave implications for the region and the world, Lodhi said.

A dialogue between the Afghan Government and the Afghan Taliban remains the only way to end Afghanistans long night of suffering, she added.
Authorities have freed a South Carolina man who served 39 years in prison for a murder that they now say he didnt commit.

I am free, The Herald of Rock Hill (http://bit.ly/2g35TKh) quoted James Robert McClurkin as saying. The air. It smells different. Like freedom.

McClurkin, 61, left Broad River Prison on Thursday as a parolee after police and prosecutors said he did not kill 74-year-old Claude Killian of Chester in August 1973.

I have been trying for 39 years ... to try and get someone, anybody, to believe me, McClurkin said. I am out now, paroled. I am a free man. But that is not the end. I am still convicted. I want to be exonerated. I did not kill Claude Killian.

McClurkin and Ray Charles Degraffenreid were convicted of Killians murder in 1977. The evidence against them was the word of a co-defendant, Melvin Harris. The three had been friends since childhood. Last month, Chester County Sheriff Alex Underwood told the South Carolina parole board that McClurkin was innocent. McClurkin was paroled Oct. 11 but was not released until Thursday.

His attorney, Jerry Bloom, said he is going to ask a judge to overturn the conviction.

He deserves to have his name cleared, Bloom said.

The newspaper reported that Degraffenreid is in a prison mental wing. McClurkin says Degraffenreid also should be released.

McClurkin said Degraffenreid was helping somebody fix a car in Bascomville when Killian was killed in 1973 and that he was in Great Falls with two other people, including Harris uncle.

They investigated us and cleared us, he said. But then Melvin Harris lied and said we did it. And we been in prison ever since. And Ray Charles  he broke down because of it. He deserves to get out of prison, too. We both are innocent.

McClurkin, Degraffenreid and Harris were all convicted in late 1973 of an armed robbery that happened two weeks after Killian was killed at a car wash. All pleaded guilty.

Harris also was charged with Killians murder but never prosecuted, the newspaper reported. He became the star witness against his friends. Harris later admitted that he lied before he died in prison for another 1992 murder, the newspaper reported.

Harris told McClurkins lawyer at the time in 1992 that he was the one who killed Killian in 1973. But a judge ruled that Harris was not believable, and McClurkin and Degraffenreid stayed in prison.

Sheriff Underwood agreed in 2015 at the request of McClurkins family to re-open the case. A detective found what police describe as huge discrepancies in the evidence.

We found that these two men McClurkin and Degraffenreid were not there at the time of the crime, Underwood said. They had alibis and witnesses that had them in other places.

McClurkin said he blames race  hes black and the victim was white  for the conviction. The jury, prosecutor and judge were white.

What happened in 1977? he asked. I was black and I got life, thats what happened.












ROANOKE RAPIDS, N.C.  After a childhood spent traveling all over the world with a father who was a career Navy man, Ziggy was anxious to put down roots and find some friends that could last longer than a few short months. So when he moved to Roanoke Rapids, N.C., right before going into junior high school, he was thrilled to meet the four friends who would eventually become like brothers to him. Today those friends are fellow musicians who make up the group $GOD. Along with Ziggy are rapper Taboo, DJ G-mac, and rapper Murk.





Were basically a circle of friends who started making music together in high school and then went our separate ways for college and other things, and then came back together a year ago and started investing in music together, Ziggy said. Were all talented guys, and we just decided to run with it and see what we could do with our music.





Toward that end, Ziggy is releasing his first single called Work For Me  a pop/reggae song that features the rap stylings of his friend, Murk. He said its a song that explores the commitment required to make a relationship work and the idea of loyalty.





I was in the studio messing with different sounds and I just couldnt find any beats that I liked, Ziggy said. I used to play in a reggae band in Greenville and so I told the guys, Why dont we go to a Rihanna-type beat? Once I started listening to those beats and messing with it, we knew we found the right hook. And if you mess with that kind of sound, its inevitable that youre going to start talking about a female or love or whatever. But I wanted to keep it raw, not sensitive, so the lyrics are really about asking a girl if shell put in work for me because Ill put work in for her.





Ziggy filmed a music video for the single recently and will release it on YouTube in the next couple of weeks. The video follows the story of a woman who takes a package to some people as a favor for her boyfriend and the obstacles she faces along the way.





While the single is definitely a reggae sound, Ziggy said thats just one facet of his repertoire of work in the music industry. He said his voice sets him apart  especially his falsetto, which he busts out on various other songs and for which many fans have said they are attracted to. He also does some rap, and likes to explore a fusion of genres that include rap, pop, reggae and R&B.





I used to do a lot of acoustic stuff on Facebook and videos like that on YouTube, and a lot of people already knew me by that, he said. This is kind of the next step for me and Im excited for people to hear this new sound that Im bringing.





Fans who want to get a sample of his sound can find him at $GOD Ziggy on Soundcloud and Audiomack. Fans can also follow him on social media @sgodziggy on Twitter and Instagram. And on Nov. 26, he and his $GOD crew will be performing live at the Boat Ride in North Carolina as they open for Fat Trill.




Incidents of gaming hacks have, once again, surfaced on the web. Reports reveal different circumstances about the online attacks. A number of PlayStation enthusiasts have voiced out their concerns about their accounts being blocked or locked out.

Some have grumbled that their security information may have been compromised. A few others are upset that their funds are missing.

Inquiries about the circumstances have not been easy considering that Sony's contact lines are difficult to reach due to security reasons. However, more than a hundred members of the Play Station Network (PSN) have managed to communicate with the Japanese tech company through one its Twitter accounts in the UK.

In response, Sony promptly declares that the PSN domains have not been infiltrated. The network operations continue to function without any glitch.

A statement has been issued, assuring the public that routine surveillance of illegal activities is done. In the event that a breach has been found, the company sometimes initiates a reset of passwords for all intruded accounts. In addition, personal data are also revalidated to protect users from any form of prying.

Sony has also taken the incidents as an opportunity to remind its account holders to be vigilant about the emergence of suspicious activities that are usually associated with phishing for information based upon fake promotions.

The Japanese firm has expressed remorse on Twitter for being unable to address complaints on time. It says that the impediment is attributed to bustling online activities.

Professor Alan Woodward, a cyber security expert, observes that indication of account intrusion likely results in the stolen information being posted elsewhere.

He adds that only through a couple of factors that a breach can happen. It will be either the central network of Sony has been penetrated or the user systems have been illegally accessed. Unlawful entry in the main frame can possibly bring down the whole industry. When individual registries are compromised, notifications through emails will be sent by Sony.

Considering that there is no indication that usernames and passwords have been leaked makes the entire situation suspicious.

Although the number of affected PlayStation accounts remains unclear, what is only know at the moment is the location where gamers have been affected which is in UK.

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Tech giant Samsung is rumored to borrow finest features of Apple iPhone. Samsung's upcoming flagship Galaxy S8 is expected to be launched in the tech market. Apple's new features seen in the iPhone 6, 6S and the current models are likely to arrive in the Samsung Galaxy S8.

According to Express UK, it is reported that the Samsung is building a new flagship Galaxy S8 with curved display only. After the unfortunate flagship Samsung Galaxy Note 7, the company is working hard to gain back all what was lost in the Note 7.

Samsung Galaxy S8 is expected to be launched in two models, one with a 5.1 inch dual-curved display, the other with 5.5 inches - the same screen sizes as the Galaxy S7s. It is reported that the display of the new expected flagship will be included with a pressure sensitive feature with 3D touch functionality.

The 3D touch functionality was developed by Apple, debuted in the iPhone 6 and higher models last year. This feature allows the device to sense varying levels of pressure applied on the screen. The other feature with the 3D touch includes quick previews in a number of apps and number of hidden functions.

The next feature which could be the same as of Apple and Google is the Personal Assistant. Recent reports emerged on internet stating that Samsung hires a team of developer who created the Apple's iconic digital assistant Siri.

Vivi Labs, a start-up company created by developers of Siri, are likely to bring the new voice assistant from Samsung called as Vivi. The new development is expected to be feature in Samsung Galaxy S8.

Viv Labs CEO Dag Kittlaus said, "Samsung is setting its sights on becoming a major player in software and services, specifically AI.

"Samsung Pay has already proven to be one of the most successful mobile payment platforms in the market and SmartThings is another software acquisition signaling their conviction. "And they have installed a new cadre of senior SW-savvy management stretching all the way to the top with a mission. "You will soon come to see the utter seriousness of Samsung's intentions. And like us, they aim to win."

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Jamie Foxx and Katie Holmes secretive romance might have to come to an end but the the drama surrounding the rumoured couple is far from end as they have never from end.

It has been reported that Jamie Foxx dumped Katie had asked him to give him some space. Homes has been turned after the break-up. It has also been rumoured that Jamie was concerned that it might cause tension between him and co-star, Cruise.

Katie Holmes and Tom Cruise have been quite distant after their divorce and there have been claims that Cruise was completely absent from Suri, Tom and Katie's 10-year-old daughter's life due to his Scientology involvement.

Tom is now apparently spending time with Suri and also the Top Gun star is trying to make his presence felt in both Suri and Holmes' life. Recently, Cruise took his daughter on a short trip to London.

According to US Weekly, a source said she is still an important part of his life. In fact, the source said she secretly traveled to England with a bodyguard and her nanny to celebrate his 54th birthday with him in July. "He didn't want word to get out, so everything was treated discreetly,"

The source further added that he hasn't seen them both together for a very long time and Suri lives full-time with her mother.

Holmes who was publicly supporting Hillary Clinton during the presidential elections, recently shared a picture of Suri on social media with a fitting caption on women empowerment. The caption read, "Strong little girls that will become strong women. Let's keep fighting to make it a better world for our children ."

The most recent spotting of Holmes and Jamie was at Barbra Streisand concert where Foxx was performing. Prior to the reported split Between Katie Holmes and Jamie Foxx, it was rumoured that the couple had planned for wedding and were secretly engaged. However, the couple has never confirmed any such news.

Katie Holmes is now busy with her directorial debut, All We Had. Suri Cruise reportedly enjoyed assisting her mother.

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Hillary Clinton continues to cope up with the agony of losing the presidential race to eventual winner Donald Trump. However, the former Secretary of State has decided to be in the spotlight once again after conceding the polls.

Clinton's first public appearance is in Washington, D.C. where she made a speech in support of the Children's Defense Fund which was organized in 1973. She admits thinking about cancelling her commitment at the last minute but decides to go through with it out of respect for her mentor.

The lady politician is talking about the group's founder, Marian Wright Edelman, whom Clinton interned for during her days in law school. The former First Lady will later work for her at the Massachusetts-based children's organization after graduating.

During her speech, the Senator says that Edelman provided the inspiration she needed for a speaking commitment prior to losing the elections.

According to Clinton, her mentor knows how to dust herself up after being down. By doing so, the non-profit group founder has extended a hand to help others too.

At one point, the Democrat nominee stresses a line from Martin Luther King Jr. that speaks about morality eventually bending toward justice.

Although she has been defeated, Clinton reiterates that the push towards Washington was all about building an American nation that is all-encompassing and compassionate.

In the course of her 20-minute speech, Clinton has drummed up support for America, iterating that fighting for the flag, for the children and for values are all worth it.

In reference to her time at the Children's Defense Fund, she declares that she wants to be an activist in order to assist young people. Clinton adds that a community's ideals are determined by how it regards its children.

Bill Clinton's other half also manages to address the incoming Administration, stating that she is hopeful that outgoing President Obama's progress should be sustained.

After her speech, the Senator exits through a private door and skipped engaging with the media.

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In 1964, when Bill White was attending Albany Union High School, his dad bought an old 1929 Model A Ford for $225. The car was in a few pieces at the time, but it was still a good deal.

It basically sat in this garage untouched since then, White said.

About a year ago, White went to his parents house in Albany, asked his mothers permission, and began fixing up the automobile to honor his dad, Bill White Sr., who died more than a decade ago.

White's mother, Marie, is excited about the project. Im going to get something done that my dad wanted to do, he explained.

He hopes to be done with the project sometime next summer, and the car will be burgundy with black fenders and running boards. Its going to be my daily driver, said White, who lives in Dallas.

Hes modified the engine slightly so that it gets a whopping 50 horsepower, and also upgraded to hydraulic brakes. I should be able to cruise at about 60 mph with the modifications, White said. We wont have any problems driving to the coast and back.

Parts arent that difficult to find for Model As, and the best place to purchase them is through swap meets, he said.

This Saturday, White will be on the prowl for parts at the Albany Indoor Swap Meet. The event runs from about 8 a.m. to about 2 p.m. at the Linn County Fair & Expo Center.

White is a member of the Enduring As, the automobile club that organizes the swap meet. There are roughly 120 members of the group, which focuses on Model A's.

He said that he never could have fixed up his dad's car without the help of Enduring As members such as Martin Harding, Bill Cote and Dan Lanyon. It really helps belonging to a club where people have done this before, White added.

White actually drove a different Model A when he was attending high school, so he has a special affinity for the car, which has a unique pop-pop-pop sound.

It probably has to do with it being my first car. A lot of guys want to go back to their first car, he said. And he has a 1929 Model A Town Sedan in his parents garage, as well. The car currently is undergoing repairs, but its drivable and all-original.

Admission is $5 to the 39th Annual Albany Indoor Swap Meet. Proceeds go to club activities and to Linn-Benton Community College scholarships and local philanthropic organizations.

The event usually attracts about 4,000 people, and vendors come from throughout the Pacific Northwest and California. Car parts, posters, toy cars and vintage pickups, hot rods and muscle cars will be for sale at the swap meet.
The presence of Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe in the US goes beyond than just meeting and congratulating the new American President. He is out to determine if Donald Trump is a man worthy of trust and confidence.

As it turns out, the new top guy in the Oval Office is dependable. Abe himself has issued the pronouncement. The 90-minute meeting has been organized on a short notice at Manhattan's Trump Tower.

In a statement, the visiting Japanese statesman shares that, in the course of his conversation with the billionaire businessman, he feels that a bond of faith and belief can be built upon to maintain the good relations between the two nations. Since the meeting is not official, Abe has declined to divulge the details.

Japan has been wary about the declarations of the Republican President during the campaign trail. Along the way, Trump has instigated worrisome comments about Tokyo's undertakings.

For instance, the President-elect has demanded that the US gets paid for the presence of American soldiers on Japanese soil. In addition, Trump has objected to the Trans-Pacific Partnership (TPP) accord of which Tokyo plays a leading role. It can be recalled that Abe and Obama have been closely coordinating about the progress of the TPP.

Abe's close aide Katsuyuki Kawai shares that he'd been informed by Trump's transition team not take the incoming President's previous pronouncements seriously.

Despite Trump's disturbing words in the past, Abe is looking forward to work with him. The short encounter between the world's top two leaders has been described as cordial and promising.

On the President-elect's Facebook page, the photo of the two has been accompanied by a caption that says, 'It was a pleasure to have Prime Minister Shinzo Abe stop by my home and begin a great friendship.'

Both men have exchanged golf items as gifts.

During the meeting, Abe has been accompanied by an interpreter. Trump's daughter Ivana and her husband Jared Kushner are also present. Joining them is Retired Lieutenant General Michael Flynn who is being considered for the National Security Adviser post.

The meet-up has come to fruition based on the suggestion of Tomohiko Taniguchi, Abe's Special Adviser, who proposed the idea during a congratulatory call to Trump for winning the presidency.

The Japanese Prime Minister has agreed that the two leaders will meet at a more appropriate or suitable time in order to discuss issues extensively.

Meanwhile, Trump's campaign manager Kellyanne Conway shares that deeper discussions between Japan and the US will have to stay on hold until after the inauguration.

In Tokyo, Finance Minister Taro Aso quips that the two statesmen share the same wavelength considering that their conversation exceeded the afforded time.

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Former Philippine dictator Ferdinand Marcos was buried today at the National Heroes' Cemetery despite the protests from victims of Human Rights abuses that came to underline his 21 years of power.

The announcement of the burial was done without any advanced notice, shocking many anti-Marcos activists who hoped to keep former President out of the Cemetery, which is generally reserved for soldiers and some popular national leaders.



According to CNN reports, the burial marks the end of a three-decade-long campaign by his family to have his remains buried in the cemetery, the national monument known as "Libingan ng Mga Bayani" in Tagalog. The Supreme Court earlier this month had over-ruled objections to the proposal by President Rodrigo Duterte, a close ally of Marcos' family, to bury the former strongman at the site, saying Mr. Marcos' military service qualified him for the honor. Imee Marcos, Marcos' elder daughter and Governor in his home province Ilocos Norte, said the interment fulfilled her father's last wish "to be buried in the company of his fellow soldiers." In a short statement, she apologized to supporters for making the burial private, saying the family wanted to avoid hurting the feelings of his critics. The Liberal Party of former President Benigno Aquino III- whose own father, a staunch Marcos critic, was assassinated upon his return to the Philippines in 1983- condemned the move. Many Filipinos object to his interment in the heroes' cemetery, given how brutal his rule was. Thousands were imprisoned and tortured under Marcos' reign. He ruled with an iron fist for two-and-a-half decades until his ouster in the 1986 "People Power" revolution. Lt. Col Ray Tiongson, interim spokesperson of the Philippine Army, told that the army had provided assistance for the honorary interment. He added that the Army provided a "battalion-size military honor (guard)" -- around 100 soldiers. Members of the media were not allowed to witness the ceremony, CNN Philippines reported.

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The current crop of world leaders may be forgiven for feeling they are being tested for the events they cannot control over the last year or so.

The Paris terrorist attacks before last November's G20 meeting in Turkey, the Brexit referendum in June, an intractable civil war in Syria - history's hand has placed itself on the shoulders of presidents and prime ministers at many a gathering.

But when Malcolm Turnbull and around 20 other world leaders meet at APEC in Lima, Peru this weekend, they will be wracked by events in America, which no amount of experience in statecraft will equip them to comprehend.

According to the ABC report, Donald Trump's rise as the President-elect of the United States has profound consequences for most leaders, although none have fixed their profound consequence so far.

"In the spring in Lima, the weather tends to be very cloudy and there will be a very dark cloud hanging over this summit - which is Donald Trump's election," APEC-watcher Aaron L Connelly from the Lowy Institute predicts.

Those who are paid to make sense of global strategy for governments have very few points of reference to help their leaders, and it is clear that many are relying on insights no more sophisticated than the rest of us - internet and television viewings of Mr. Trump's campaign speeches.

The US President-elect has made it clear that he is hostile to the kind of free trade deals that tend to be the focus of the annual Asia Pacific Economic Cooperation forum, taking place this year in Peru's capital.

He's also singled out group members China and Mexico in a populist campaign standing up for displaced American workers.

APEC's 21 member-nations comprise more than a third of the world's population and half of global trade. It was established three decades ago to accelerate economic growth by removing trade barriers and helping integrate global supply chains.

The group's annual summits also deal with current international challenges such as security following the terrorist attacks on Sept. 11, 2001, or in Paris last year or the global economic crisis of 2008. This year, the big issue is Trump.

While Trump has threatened a trade war with China, vowing higher tariffs and declaring it a currency manipulator, the Asian giant has emerged as an unlikely champion of border-less buying and selling.

The leaders gathering in Peru will be presented with a joint U.S.-China study ordered up in 2014 about the feasibility of a vast free trade area including all APEC members.

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News, events, history, and other mid-week tidbits.

Tuesday, October 25, 4:30  7 p.m.

Orr Area EMS Open House

Brats and burgers will be served. Event includes a new ambulance tour and blood pressure screenings. For more info: 218-780-3798.

Orr Fire Hall

4540 Lake St., Orr

Tuesday, October 25, 12  6 p.m.

Essentia Health Job Fair

Talent recruiters and department managers will be on-site at Essentia Health-Virginia. Candidates from all backgrounds are encouraged to attendnurses, nursing and clinical assistants, surgery technicians, radiology technicians, respiratory therapists, human resource professionals, and those interested in environmental services or nutrition services. Essentia staff will greet candidates, conduct an initial screening and filter them to appropriate hiring managers for interviews. Select candidates will be verbally offered a position before leaving. Candidates are asked to bring a resume, but its not required. Attire is business casual. For more info: www.essentiacareers.org.

901 9th St. N., Virginia
The campaign for Ann Roe, who is running for Congress against Lyin' Bryan Steil has come out with the best one-liner of this cycle so far: I can't argue...

1 year ago
The South East Asia Hotel & Tourism Investment Conference (AHTIC) will be returning to Sri Lanka later this year. Building on the huge success of last years event, we are expecting more than 250 senior figures and decision makers involved in all aspects of hotel and tourism investment in South Asia to join us this year.

For more information please contact Sally Marwaha

+44 (0) 20 3318 5800 ext 7
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I didnt vote but if I did, I would have voted for Trump, Kanye West informed the crowd at a Saint Pablo show Thursday night. It was a classic Kanye moment made all the more classic-Kanye by the fact that he donated $2,700 to Hillary Clintons campaign in 2015.

The information was revealed by former Spin editor Camille Dodero, who also pointed out that Kanye donated $15,000 toward the Democratic National Committee in 2014.

Clinton had the follow advice for Kanye when she met with him and Kim Kardashian last year: Ive told Kanye that I think he might want to wait cause Ill be running for reelection. I might want to give him some additional experience so hes got, on all the other things hes done on his resume, hes got some kind of envoy role or something he could point to I would not rule out anybody for vice president.

Here is how Twitter is reacting to Kanyes Trump endorsement.

Kanye West




Freedom is never voluntarily given by the oppressor; it must be demanded by the oppressed.

Morality cannot be legislated, but behavior can be regulated. Judicial decrees may not change the heart, but they can restrain the heartless.

A right delayed is a right denied.Like an unchecked cancer, hate corrodes the personality and eats away its vital unity. Hate destroys a man's sense of values and his objectivity. It causes him to describe the beautiful as ugly and the ugly as beautiful, and to confuse the true with the false and the false with the true.

Martin Luther King Jr.

No one is born hating another person People must learn to hate and if they can learn to hate, they can be taught to love, for love comes more naturally to the human heart than its opposite.

Nelson Mandela

We can disagree and still love each other, unless your disagreement is rooted in my oppression and denial of my humanity and right to exist

James Baldwin

There is a fine line between free speech and hate speech. Free speech encourages debate whereas hate speech incites violence.

Newton Lee

The world will not be destroyed by those who do evil, but by those who watch them without doing anything.

Albert Einstein
Kim Kardashians current lifestyle is shrouded in mystery. Following her traumatic robbery in Paris, Kim K became a hermit of what she once was, hiding out in a way she never had before. For some context, the Queen of Instagram hasnt posted on IG in six weeks. In Instagram years thats a goddam century.

As reported by In Touch, Kim has been keeping busy, regaining her sense of security and safety by training in the art of Krav Maga, a form of self-defense developed by the Israeli Defense Forces. According to the publications source, Kim has been taking classes three times a week at home.

If what we hear is true, expect hordes of Kardashians followers to begin hopping on the Krav Maga train themselves. Hope to see you soon, Kim.

Kim Kardashian
November is shaping up to be a monster year for fans of the Air Jordan 3. The True Blue Air Jordan 3 is officially scheduled to hit retailers on Black Friday, November 25th and today we have some details regarding how to get your hands on that beautiful sneaker.

The iconic True Blue Air Jordan 3, which was last released in 2011, will be returning in OG form this time around with the beloved Nike Air branding on the heel. The kicks will have a slightly increased price tag of $220 but thats not going to stop people from camping out for the nostalgic Air Jordan 3s.

Per Foot Locker:

A new App Launch Reservation procedure is being PILOTED. This launch procedure will allow this release to be reserved through the app. App submissions open Monday, November 21st at 10am ET. Once the countdown clock expires, users who placed a submission will be notified via the app of their outcome. For full App Launch Reservation details see www.footlocker.com/launchreservation IMPORTANT: Once you enter your reservation submission your current VIP status will be locked.

The True Blue 3s will in fact be available in sizes for everybody in the family, at nearly every major retailer in the country. The GS pairs will retail for $160, PS for $80, and TD for $60.

Take a look at the official shot as well as some new on-foot images of the 2016 True Blue Air Jordan 3, and remember to mark your calendars for this Friday, 11/25.

True Blue 3s
Outgoing US President Barack Obama has for the first time revealed that he strongly warned President-elect Donald Trump that he should tone down some of his radical political stances during their chat at The White House last week.

Obama, who was in Germany last night (Thursday, 17 November) on one of his last official overseas visits as US President, told a press conference that he advised his successor: What may work in generating enthusiasm or passion during elections may be different than what will work in terms of unifying the country and gaining the trust even of those who didn't support him.'

President Obama said that he walked away from the meeting cautiously optimistic that Donald Trump had taken onboard his advise. My hope is that that's something that he is thinking about because not only is the President of the United States somebody that the entire country looks to for direction, but sets the agenda internationally in a lot of ways.

He added at the Berlin press conference, I don't expect that the president-elect will follow exactly our blueprint or our approach.

Obama said he hopes Trump wont cosy up to Putin. But my hope is he does not simply take a realpolitik approach and suggest we cut some deals with Russia  even if it hurts people or violates international norms or leaves smaller countries vulnerable or creates long-term problems in region like Syria that we just do whatever is convenient at the time.

In what might be perceived as a sly dig at Trump, President Obama observed at the press conference that being President of the US was a position that "demands seriousness  and if you're not serious about the job, then you probably won't be there very long because it will expose problems.

Trump, Obama added, would discover fairly quickly that being the so-called Most Power Man in the World is not a position you can just take casually.

Speaking about his Trumps shock election, President Obama observed: He ran an extraordinarily unconventional campaign and it resulted in the biggest political upset in perhaps modern political history.

Heres the the full press conference President Obama gave alongside Chancellor Merkel last night (17 November):

But even though he praised Trump's campaign, President Obama refused to take the opportunity to urge anti-Trump protestors to stop their campaign of demonstrations across the country to vent their anger at the shock election result.

One of the great things about our democracy is it expresses itself in all sorts of ways, and that includes people protesting. I would not advise people who feel strongly or are concerned about some of the issues that have been raised during the course of the campaign, I wouldn't advise them to be silent. What I would advise...is that elections matter, voting matters, organizing matters, being informed on the issues matter, Obama firmly stated.

However, President Obama promised to help Trump with his smooth transition of power when he hands over the keys to the Oval Office. There's something about the solemn responsibilities of that office, the extraordinary demands that are placed on the United States, not just by its own people, but by people around the world that forces you to focus,' he observed.

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Heres an interview President Obama gave to German TV last night (17 November). Be warned as it's in a mixture of English and German:
Its been three years since Ive spoken to Colin Farrell, and for some reason Im shocked to see that he  like my own mere mortal self  has aged. The last time we spoke, we were curled up in armchairs in a Dublin hotel over tea. His hair was long, his manner effusive. Now, in a swanky LA suite with the AC blaring, our Colins hair is short and graying, and his demeanour is more subdued. Hes no less friendly or engaging; Farrells innate magnetism could never be extinguished. But his charm is less performative these days. Indeed, he now seems possessed of an assured stillness that exudes experience and wisdom.

This newfound calm is certainly at odds with the actors tabloid reputation of yore. For years, Colin Farrell was the Bad Boy, the Party Boy, the Playboy. But at 40, hes no longer a boy, nor trying to be  hes definitively, happily, all grown up.

Not that being older has eliminated his desire for magic and joy. Farrell is currently starring in Fantastic Beasts And Where To Find Them, a prequel to the Harry Potter stories. Directed by David Yates and written by JK Rowling, the film takes place in New York in 1926. The city is becoming increasingly dangerous, with battles between wizards and non-magical people (known as No-Majs) brewing. Oscar winner Eddie Redmayne plays Newt Scamander, a curmudgeonly wizard whose magical creatures are set loose across the city, escalating the tension and the fun. Farrell plays Percival Graves, a man struggling to keep things under control after Newts actions highlight the stark divides in society.
Top Irish prelate Eamonn Martin certainly thinks that Pope Francis was unequivocal on the subject of women priests being a non-runner. Francis was merely reiterating one of the timeless truths of Catholic teaching, he has informed the rattled faithful.

Long-time readers of this column will know that I have had to put senior Irish Catholic clerics right on matters of doctrine more than once in recent years. Now I am called upon again.

The widespread dismay at Franciss pronouncement reflects the common perception of the man from Argentina as a singularly undogmatic class of Pope, compassionate, humble, breath of fresh air, etc. Why, he has even expressed sympathy for gay marriage marchers in Mexico. A decent man with an understanding heart, then....Thus the sighs at his seeming reversion to the unfeeling ways of the past.
Katherine Waterston is rapidly becoming one of the most interesting actresses working in Hollywood today. After making her debut in the George Clooney thriller Michael Clayton in 2007, she has gone on to work with some of cinemas most respected directors. Last year she starred in Paul Thomas Andersons Inherent Vice with Joaquin Phoenix, before starring opposite Michael Fassbender in the Oscar-nominated biopicSteve Jobs. Shes set to act alongside Fassbender again in next years sci-fi sequel, Alien: Covenant  but for now, shes more focused on the supernatural than the extra-terrestrial.

The 36-year-old actress has joined JK Rowlings world of magic, starring with Eddie Redmayne and Colin Farrell in Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them. Set long before the era of Harry Potter, Fantastic Beasts opens in 1926 as Newt Scamander (Redmayne) has just completed a global excursion to find and document an extraordinary array of magical creatures. Arriving in New York for a brief stopover, some of Newts fantastic beasts escape, and he has to get help from Waterstons strong-willed Tina, who wants to learn about the art of magic.

Waterston was drawn to the film because of her appreciation for characters who are, in their own way, outsiders.
Fans of Lemony Snickets A Series of Unfortunate Events look set to be in for a real treat if the exciting new trailer just put up on YouTube for an upcoming series created by the book's author himself is anything to go by.

As Lemony Snicket says himself, If you are interested in stories with happy endings, then you would be better off somewhere else!" So, advert your eyes now if you dont want to see the tragic and horrible sight of the official trailer for the new Netflixs TV series.

The series should get the seal of approval by fans because the good new is it is being created by the one-and-only Daniel Handler  author of the Lemony Snicket series of books. Based on the internationally best-selling series of books by Handler, Lemony Snicket's A Series of Unfortunate Events chronicles the turbulent lives of Violet, Klaus, and Sunny Baudelaire after their parents untimely death in a fire. A careless oversight initially places the children in the custody of a distant relative named Count Olaf, a mysterious and devious figure who is seeking fortune by way of stealing their inheritance.

After his elaborate plans are foiled and his evil intentions are revealed, Count Olaf (Neil Patrick Harris) employs a variety of outlandish disguises to situate himself in the childrens path, causing mayhem for the Baudelaires and their subsequent guardians. As the children manage to evade Count Olafs scheming attempts to steal their fortune, they pick up clues along the way about their parents past.

The show is being produced by Handler and Emmy winner Barry Sonnenfeld (Pushing Daisies, Men in Black, The Addams Family). Along with Harris, the series also stars Patrick Warburton (Lemony Snicket), Malina Weissman (Violet), Louis Hynes (Klaus), Presley Smith (Sunny), Joan Cusack (Justice Strauss), Alfre Woodard (Aunt Josephine), Catherine O'Hara (Dr. Orwell), K. Todd Freeman (Mr. Poe), Aasif Maandvi (Uncle Monty), Don Johnson (Sir) and more.

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New vehicle sales in the Houston area improved in October after a disappointing September, but the latest figures show the months-long downward trend continues.

Retail sales in the nine-county region totaled 20,644 vehicles in October, up 5.6 percent from the previous month, according to data from the TexAuto Facts Report, published by Sugar Land-based InfoNation. Still, that total dropped roughly 19 percent from last October, marking the eighth consecutive month in which sales fell below prior-year totals.

"I think we're steady as she goes," said Steve McDowell, owner of InfoNation. "I don't see us having a sharp recovery anytime soon, and I don't see us falling off the cliff."

Auto retailers across the region have faced lower new vehicles sales for months amid the persistent slump in crude oil prices that have forced local energy companies to shed employees and slowed the once-booming local economy. Year-to-date sales are down about 23 percent from this time last year, which set a record for dealers.

"There is always going to be cycles," Virgil Skinner, chairman of the Houston Automobile Dealers Association and owner of Fort Bend Kia. "You can only be up for so many up years before the market corrects itself."

Still, third-quarter sales were the lowest since 2011. Though October showed a hint of improvement, McDowell said he doesn't expect overall sales to increase substantially during the remainder of the year as dealers work to move older models off their lots to make room for new inventory.

"They're still selling a lot of 2016 models," he said. "They're going to be a while clearing those out."

To a lesser extent, the same trend has emerged across the country. October's national retail sales total dropped about 6 percent year-over-year, according to TexAuto Facts, the third consecutive month in which sales fell below prior year totals.

Despite the overall declines, suburban dealerships in the Houston area saw market share increase to 24.6 percent in October, up slightly from last month. That's the highest level since June 1998, according to TexAuto Facts, something McDowell said might reflect population growth and relative economic stability in those areas.

"To the extent that we've added any dealers, that has taken place in the suburbs, too," he said.

Skinner, whose dealership is located southwest of Sugar Land, said November sales at his location got off to a good start.

"Suburban sales seem to be still quite healthy all around Houston," he said.

He expressed confidence that sales will pick up in the final months of the year. Slower sales have kept more vehicles on the lot, he said, and many dealers are offering strong incentives to sell them.

"Every year, December has been a really good month for Houston-metro area car dealers," he said.
Voyaging to Mars has captured the imagination of many Americans and inspired billionaires to talk of interplanetary colonization, but unfortunately, it makes little economic or scientific sense.

My colleague Andrea Rumbaugh reports from SpaceCom that "NASA wants to get people to Mars in the 2030s." While that's a romantic marketing tool to convince the public to pressure Congress to boost NASA's budget, it makes no sense when robots and virtual reality devices can do the job better, cheaper and safer.

Admittedly, this is a raging debate in scientific circles, but one the public needs to join in. There are even some serious questions about the value of the experiments underway on the International Space Station, not to mention the logistical challenge of sending humans on a three-year trip to Mars and back.

Folks who want to go to space believe that only humans can truly explore, and that machines are a poor substitute. Yet robots are growing so sophisticated, and so capable, that many believe they will exceed human capabilities, just as no human can beat a computer anymore at playing chess, or the much more complex game called Go.

U.S. Air Force pilots on the ground in Nevada fly spy planes all over the world, 24 hours a day. The technology is so good that last year Secretary of the Navy Ray Mabus said the Lockheed Martin F-35 Joint Strike Fighter "almost certainly will be, the last manned strike fighter aircraft the Department of the Navy will ever buy or fly."

Virtual reality goggles are also getting very good at giving people the sense of being outside their bodies. The right equipment mounted on a robot on another planet could allow every human on earth with Internet access a chance at feeling like they are on another planet.

So why go the expensive, manned spaceflight route? What often goes unstated is the role of business in lobbying for the most expensive space program possible.

In an era of low defense spending, companies like Boeing and Lockheed Martin are looking for new government contracts to boost their bottom line. The Apollo program cost the United States $275 billion in today's dollars, and a single flight of the space shuttle cost $450 million, the main reason the program was discontinued. Boeing and Lockheed made fortunes on the programs.

The Mars Curiosity Rover cost $2.5 billion and is doing great work using fairly dated robotics and sensors. The same mission today could accomplish much more and cost less. In comparison, a manned mission to Mars is conservatively estimated to cost $100 billion. NASA could send 40 robots to many planets for the price of one manned trip to Mars.

NASA supporters like to talk about the technological benefits of spin-off technology. And that's perhaps the most compelling argument for sending robots and using virtual reality instead of sending humans. Both technologies have broad application in earth's economy, ranging from virtual trips to the Amazon to self-driving cars.

Lastly, there are also plenty of social problems on earth that need attention. When billions of people do not have access to clean water, reliable electricity, basic health care or the Internet, I find it hard to justify sending a dozen people to another planet just to say we did it. We don't need new technology to solve those problems, only the political will.

Manned space flight has its many fans, but remember that whenever the government talks about spending billions of dollars, there will be hundreds of corporate lobbyists trying to get their hands on those contracts. Exploring space is a great idea, but let's not turn into a government contracting boondoggle by mandating that humans sit on top of that rocket.
Thinking about leasing your home during Super Bowl LI? You might want to check your neighborhood's deed restrictions first.

This week, an appeals court in San Antonio ruled in favor of a homeowners association that argued a homeowner was violating deed restrictions by renting out his house for short-term stays.

The court said such short-term rentals violated a restriction that said properties must be used for a residential use, according to Frank Carroll, the Houston attorney who represented the homeowners association.

"Short-term rentals, by their nature, are not residential," Carroll said.

The judge's opinion, which conflicts with the ruling of a similar case in Austin, puts the legality of residential rentals of all sorts into question, said J. Patrick Sutton, the Austin-based attorney who argued for the homeowners in both cases.

In the San Antonio case, Kenneth Tarr began renting out his house after his employer transferred him to Houston in 2014. He advertised it online and rented it 31 times that year, according to a court document.

When his neighborhood's homeowners association said the rentals were not permitted based on a restrictive covenant, Tarr sued, asking a judge to determine that he was in within his rights. The covenant at issue states that "all tracts shall be used solely for residential purposes ... ."

Tarr's lawyer argued that there was nothing in the language of the covenant that prevented a homeowner from leasing his home on a short-term basis.

The court, however, sided with the association, and this week, the 4th Court of Appeals in San Antonio upheld the ruling. It said the rentals were prohibited because the residential use cited in the covenant requires "an intent to remain." Since the leases were short-term, that was not the intent.

"The agreement thus shows that the home is being used for transient purposes rather than residential purposes," the opinion reads.

"My client respectfully disagrees with the San Antonio court of appeals," said Sutton.

He said Tarr may decide to appeal the ruling to the Texas Supreme Court.

The case could have widespread ramifications on homeowners who attempt to rent out their properties, whether for a short- or long-term basis, Sutton said.

Since the court did not specify a length of time a homeowner would be allowed to lease a property, all types of leases could come into question.

"What tenant intends to remain permanently?" Sutton said.

Fifteen other states that have decided the issue have agreed with the appellate court in Austin, he said.

"Texas would be the only state that reads residential use to bar short-term rentals," he said.

Carroll said similar cases are popping up across the state and residents should be familiar with what their communities allow.

"I think homeowners are going to become more aware of this," he said. "I think there will be some self-policing from associations and residents."
Late Thursday, President-elect Donald Trump took credit for what might have been a big achievement  preventing an auto plant from moving to Mexico  if it were true. But it turns out Trump did have some influence in Ford's decision to keep making Lincolns in America.

"Just got a call from my friend Bill Ford, Chairman of Ford, who advised me that he will be keeping the Lincoln plant in Kentucky - no Mexico," Trump tweeted. And then: "I worked hard with Bill Ford to keep the Lincoln plant in Kentucky. I owed it to the great State of Kentucky for their confidence in me!"

As several news outlets then reported, neither of the two plants where Ford builds cars in Kentucky were ever at risk. The company's new contract with the United Auto Workers union preserved those jobs. While Ford was considering moving production of the low-selling Lincoln MKC to its plant in Cuautilan, Mexico, it would have ramped up production of its popular Escape in Kentucky.

However, when asked whether Trump had some bearing on the decision to keep the Lincoln production in Kentucky, Ford spokeswoman Christin Baker answered: "The answer to your question is yes."

"We have been reviewing the sourcing of this product, and Bill Ford spoke to the President-elect yesterday and shared our recent decision to keep Lincoln MKC in Kentucky," Baker elaborated. "We are encouraged the economic policies he will pursue will help improve U.S. competitiveness and make it possible to keep production of this vehicle here in the U.S."

During the campaign, Trump talked about imposing high tariffs on cars coming from overseas, and repeatedly chastised Ford  often using faulty information  for moving some production to Mexico.

Even if U.S. jobs were not at stake in this particular location decision, the ability to produce vehicles in other countries has been very important to the Ford's business model, and that of other American car companies. If Detroit is no longer able to move different vehicle lines around to its various factories because of political pressure or new tariffs, it could curtail their profits, and even their ability to create more jobs in the United States.

Thus far, Ford has been resolute in its decision to move production of some small car lines to Mexico, and vocal in its opposition to an overhaul of the free trade agreement between Mexico, Canada, and the United States.

However, the company might have wanted to start off on the right foot with the Trump administration by making a small concession.

"I'm sure they're trying to make nice with Trump," says Art Schwartz, an economist and former labor negotiator with General Motors. "He is president now, so he does have a lot of influence. To start fighting with him right away would be a bad idea."

Still, it's unlikely that Trump can force Ford to open new plants in the United States, even if he imposed the kind of import barriers that he has promised. "Ford's not going to eat a 35 percent tariff," he said. "The price of the vehicles would go up, sales would go down, and jobs would be lost in the U.S."

Ford's decision may also be indicative of a broader chilling in investment in Mexico, as businesses wait to see how the rules of the road will change in the Trump administration  which could take a long time to become clear.
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Big changes are happening in Washington, D.C., and I'm not just talking about the incoming resident of the White House. D.C.'s food scene is booming - the prestigious Michelin food guide recently began rating restaurants there - and a nascent Texas-style barbecue scene is slowly coalescing.

D.C. has typically been an underperformer among major American cities when it comes to the adoption of Texas-style barbecue. Los Angeles; New York; Portland, Ore.; Charleston, S.C.; and Seattle all have at least one excellent barbecue joint for the Texas expatriate suffering from smoked-meat withdrawal.

During a trip to D.C. last week, I checked in with Washington Post food writer Tim Carman about worthy barbecue offerings in the area. He recommended only two places - Smokehouse Live in Leesburg, Va., and Texas Jack's Barbecue in nearby Arlington, Va.

"After that," Carman said dispiritedly, "our barbecue drops off dramatically."

So I saddled up (called an Uber) and made the 10-minute trek across the Potomac to Texas Jack's Barbecue, which has a bright storefront in a leafy suburban neighborhood bordering Arlington National Cemetery.

More Information Texas Jack's Barbecue 2761 Washington Blvd. Arlington, Va. txjacks.com See More Collapse

Texas Jack's follows an upscale restaurant model used by several newly opened, Texas-style joints across the country. Similar to Barrel & Ashes in Los Angeles and Hometown Bar-B-Que in New York, Texas Jack's features a beautifully designed dining room, a craft-cocktail program, house-made sides and a full menu of legitimate Lone Star State barbecue dishes.

Not surprisingly, this upscale barbecue concept - derided by some as "hipster barbecue" - hasn't yet taken off in tradition-bound Texas (Freedmen's Bar in Austin and The Granary in San Antonio being exceptions).

But, as always, the proof is in the pudding, or barbecue, in this case. And the smoked meat at Texas Jack's is some of the best Texas-style barbecue I've tasted outside the Lone Star State.

Pitmaster and chef Matt Lang is an unlikely barbecue purveyor. Born in Baltimore, he studied at the French Culinary Institute in New York and worked at the lauded Pearl Oyster Bar there.

In 2007, he teamed up with Williamsburg, Brooklyn, bar owner Joe Carroll to open Fette Sau, one of the original upscale barbecue joints that would drive the current Brooklyn barbecue boom.

Lang returned to the Baltimore area in 2014 and took a pitmaster job at Hill Country Barbecue in the Penn Quarter neighborhood of D.C. proper. Hill Country, a small chain of upscale Texas-style barbecue joints based in New York, has become something of a barbecue incubator in the district. In addition to Lang, co-owner and pitmaster Jim Foss of Smokehouse Live in Leesburg is also a veteran of Hill Country's D.C. outpost.

In 2015, Lang met restaurateur Steve Roberts, and they hatched the plan to open Texas Jack's. It debuted in August of that year.

As for the barbecue, Lang gets the fundamentals right. A beef plate rib is coated with salt and coarse cracked pepper and smoked until the meat and fat are pull-apart tender. Brisket is similarly seasoned, and both the lean and moist cuts are well smoked.

Lang works on two Southern Pride rotisserie smokers and unapologetically admits that he cooks his barbecue primarily with white and red oak wood and uses the gas-assist feature on the Southern Prides to maintain cooking temperature.

Purists, of course, scoff at any barbecue not cooked exclusively with smoke, but I can say from experience that in the hands of a talented pitmaster, the gas-assisted Southern Prides can produce excellent barbecue. Such is the case here.

Worthy side dishes reflect Lang's culinary background - think smoky, vinegary collard greens that complement the rich beef and an addictive, spicy, crunchy bowl of esquites (Mexican-style grilled corn).

As I chatted with Lang, I wondered if there is a big enough audience of knowledgeable barbecue lovers - Carman calls it D.C.'s "barbecue IQ" - to support the nascent scene.

For the Texas expats in the D.C. area - and there are quite a few in business and politics - let's hope so.
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The Texas Medical Center's claim to fame is that it's the largest facility of its kind nationwide.

Last week, for one night only, the TMC transformed into a pop-up gala space in celebration of the University of Texas M.D. Anderson Cancer Center's 75th anniversary.

The diamond milestone raised $14 million. Fittingly, a luminous roster of dignitaries, industry leaders and performers comprised the 2,000-plus guest list.

With Vice President Joe Biden and former President George H.W. Bush in attendance, the first stop for most cocktail-clad civilians was the U.S. Secret Service-guarded check-in. After a metal-detector pass-through, patrons received lanyards and entrance into the tony affair.

A popular second stop was the 30-foot-long "strike through cancer" wall, where attendees wrote encouraging messages or the names of loved ones with a red marker.

Inside, the 51,000-square-foot tent was adorned with towering orchid-tree centerpieces. The event's chairs - Ann and Clarence Cazalot Jr., Estela and David Cockrell, Lynn and Pete Coneway, Susie and Don Evans, Janet and Jim Gallogly, Nancy and Rich Kinder, Laurie and Pierre Lapeyre Jr., Kit and Charlie Moncrief, Regina Rogers, Peggy and Carl Sewell Jr., Marsha and John Shields, and Mindy and Glenn Stearns - mingled with the fete's inner circle of supporters. Eleven honorary chairs and 24 honorary co-chairs completed the circle.

Just 48 hours after Tuesday's election results, Ana Maria Martinez'spowerful rendition of the national anthem felt especially poignant. The program that followed, presided over by Gerald McRaney and Bob Schieffer, was uplifting from start to finish. Former Secretary of State James A. Baker III,whose grandfather housed Anderson's original cancer center clinic on his estate back in 1941, and the University of Texas System Chancellor William McRaven gave opening remarks.

Thunderous applause followed "The Glory of Hope," performed by the Houston Symphony Orchestra, and Yolanda Adams' concert with the Houston Celebration Orchestra. And 9-year-old Ty Cogdill received an ovation after reading his school essay, "My Mom Surviving Cancer."

"I have to make this quick. I have math homework to do," deadpanned the fourth-grader. "Nothing, and I mean, nothing is better at fighting cancer than my mom. My mom made cancer history."

M.D. Anderson president Ronald DePinho announced the Beau Biden Chair for Cancer Research, an endowment funded through private philanthropy.

The recipient will be identified in the coming months. The chair honors the vice president's late son, Beau Biden, and his physician, W.K. Alfred Yung

After Biden's remarks, country-music star Reba McEntire and the Houston Children's Chorus closed the Texas-size festivities.
Clean air advocates from around the country descended on Houston Thursday to urge EPA officials to scrap changes to new regulations that they say give refineries a free pass to pollute.

The agency issued the Refinery Sector Rule in 2014, a move considered overkill by industry officials.

Environmental groups cheered the rule but were extremely critical of changes the agency made before the order was finalized in December 2015.

They compelled the EPA to reconsider some of those changes, and Thursday's hearing gave both sides a chance to weigh in again.

Trisha Sheehan of Philadelphia tearfully told EPA officials how her young son was exposed to toxic chemicals after a train derailment in New Jersey.

The family now lives near a refinery.

"It's is unfair that I have to worry about my child's health because of pollution spewed from these refineries," she said.

Neil Carman, clean air director for the Lone Star Chapter of the Sierra Club, said refineries should be required to continuously monitor for the carcinogen benzene.

He pointed to the fact that industries already continuously monitor for other chemicals.

"It's not a question of does the technology exist," he said. "That technology has been here a long, long time."

Industry officials repeated their stance that refineries have made several facility upgrades over the years that have reduced air pollution, and the new EPA rule does little to change that.

"Air quality has improved, significantly improved, will continue to improve, and our industry will contribute significantly to these improvements," said Doug Van Pelt of the American Petroleum Institute and the American Fuel and Petrochemical Manufacturers.

The agency is expected to finalize the rule next year.
They say "seeing is believing," but for those lucky enough to attend Opening Night of this weekend's Houston Symphony Pops concert, "I Love a Piano," the astonishing performance of pop vocalist & pianist, Tony DeSare, seemed to somehow defy belief. I came somewhat prepared having had the privilege of reviewing the handsome young artist's stellar performance during the orchestra's "Sinatra Centennial" concert here just one year ago (See www.ThePeoplesCritic.com). Now he returns to literally explode across the keys in a mesmerizing celebration of the instrument he's been passionately drawn to since early childhood.

In this, his final season leading the Houston Pops, conductor, Michael Krajewski, arrived onstage to much fanfare as the orchestra played the exciting opening strains from the classic theme of the motion picture, "ROCKY." He then led his superb orchestra in Mr. DeSare's arrangement of the "Evolution of Piano Pop Overture," describing the comprehensive piece as, "a musical piano history from the 1730's to the present in ten minutes." It was all that and more, as its familiar musical tidbits ran the gamut from "Chopsticks" and Beethoven's "Fur Elise," to DeSare's rich piano sampling of countless musical moments from tunes like "The Entertainer," "I Got Rhythm," "As Time Goes By," "Autumn Leaves," Great Balls of Fire," "Lady Madonna," "Lean on Me," and dozens more.

Then DeSare stepped forward to cheerfully address the audience with the playful and easy confidence of the concert pro he has become. Tall and slender, his boyish good looks might remind one of the young Ricky Nelson. Quickly back at the piano, his mellow voice seemed one with the piano as he delivered a thrilling rendition of Ray Charles' "Hallelujah, I Love Her So." The focus then shifted to the orchestra for the serenity of its smoothly intoxicating performance of Debussy's lovely, "Clair de lune." DeSare returned to the stage to perform his original composition, "New Orleans Tango." With its immediate rhythmic enchantment, the richly romantic piano piece had impressively echoing support from the orchestra. It was a highlight of the program.

DeSare travels with his own trio that includes Ed Decker on guitar, Steve Doyle on bass, and Michael Klopp on drums. With his 7-string electric guitar, Decker joined the star to accompany Billy Joel's "She's Always a Woman." DeSare's vocal was like a warm and intimate conversation, but the guitar settings seemed to compete unnecessarily here. Closing the first part of the program, DeSare brought solid keyboard attack, fierce focus, and more impressive skill to a smiling performance of the Elton John/Bernie Taupin composition, "Philadelphia Freedom."

Following the intermission there was a haunting and dreamlike, "Imagine," with DeSare's arrangement of that John Lennon classic. Then his playful performance of Irving Berlin's, "I Love a Piano," had all the requisite joy and lighthearted fun, in addition to a commanding and high-speed finale. DeSare then performed the quiet reflection of his original song, "How Will I Say I Love You?" With its lovely orchestrations, that number reportedly got favorable notice from none other than Sir Paul McCartney when he was in DeSare's audience at the chic supper club of New York's Carlyle hotel. Returning to the music of Billy Joel, DeSare's piano arrangements for "Root Beer Rag," brought out all the merriment and colorful hoedown-flavors of the work's bouncing rhythms. I found myself wondering if the Houston Ballet couldn't develop a pleasing cakewalk suite based on this piece.

The piece de resistance for the evening would be DeSare's dazzling performance of Gershwin's pioneering classic, "Rhapsody in Blue." He explained his boyhood fascination with that challenge from the time his father brought home a CD of the piece. Richly complemented by our magnificent Houston Symphony Pops Orchestra, this concert makes very clear that DeSare has mastered the endless complexities and varied moods of the work with his technical brilliance, focused energy, crisp attack, and the bounding, rapid-fire accuracy of his fluid runs up and down the keyboard. The star's charming mother had come all the way from New York to see her son's Houston triumph. I had the pleasure of chatting with her after the concert. I think she summed it up best: "Tony's talent is a gift from God!"

The columns of David Dow Bentley III have appeared on Broadway websites, in newspapers from the East Coast to the Gulf Coast, and may be viewed online at the website: www.ThePeoplesCritic.com

E-mail may be directed to ThePeoplesCritic@earthlink.net
A 31-year-old Houston man has been accused of posing as a doctor and committing sexual assault under the guise of a cancer exam, among other charges.

Investigators say Nam Vu Bui, who remains jailed in Vermont, falsely claimed to be a medical resident studying early cancer detection at Dartmouth Hitchcock Medical Center in New Hampshire, NECN.com reported.

Bui was dating a student at Middlebury College in Vermont, who thought he was a radiation oncologist and Dartmouth-Hitchcock fellow, according to court documents obtained by AddisonIndependent.com.

She told investigators that she'd known Bui for about four years and he'd been a sort of tutor to her when she had trouble during high school in Texas.

He allegedly offered her friends $500 to $1,000 to participate in what he said was a study, both sites report.

"He represented he could determine whether a woman had cervical or breast cancer, and as such, he played on some of the gravest fears that a young woman might have," prosecutor Dennis Wygmans said.

A victim told an investigator that she agreed that Bui could collect a "sample," AddisonIndependent.com reports. But she said she soon became uneasy.

"Nam started to get his material out of his bag and it did not look legit," she told an investigator, according to the affidavit.

Bui allegedly told her she needed to be blindfolded and that he'd be blindfolded, too. The victim said she took a peek and saw that Bui wasn't wearing a blindfold and didn't have any pants on, according to the affidavit. She also alleges that he was filming her private area.

Bui faces charges including sexual assault, voyeurism, illegal practice of medicine and possession of child pornography, AddisonIndependent.com reported.
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Imagine being one of the Pilgrims at Plymouth, Mass., in 1621 celebrating your first autumn harvest with the Wampanoag Indians.

You might have written a letter, as did Colony Governor William Bradford, describing a feast with a "great store of turkey  besides venison  ." Had you been a Pilgrim chronicler like Edward Winslow, you would have credited the Indians for the deer meat.

Your records would be all that's known about the Pilgrim feast we now call the first Thanksgiving. But I would speculate that the Indians brought the turkey for the feast because of their stealthy skill for hunting the wary, reclusive birds.

Even modern turkey hunters talk about the skill needed to outwit wild turkeys.

The big chickenlike birds have a coat of up to 6,000 feathers with hues of mahogany, copper and green. They become perfectly camouflaged against a forest understory. If alarmed, they may quickly fly out of sight a short distance at speeds reaching 55 mph or run away at 25 mph.

The birds also possess acute hearing that can detects faint sounds, like a hunter slipping on a glove. Keen eyesight, with a 270-degree field of view, gives them uncanny perception of motion, like a hunter raising a gun or lifting a bow.

More Information Wild turkeys Same family as partridges, pheasants and grouse. Diet includes acorns, seeds, fruits, grasses, insects. Once abundant in North America, populations dipped to about 130,000 in the early 20th century due to overhunting and deforestation. Conservation efforts restored populations to current levels of more than 6 million. Domestic turkeys are bulky birds with mostly white feathers. They're also aggressive, unlike shy wild turkeys. Abraham Lincoln designated Nov. 26 as Thanksgiving Day at the urging of cookbook editor Sarah Josepha Hale, whose roasted turkey became the iconic symbol for Thanksgiving dinner. See More Collapse

An old joke goes, it's a good thing turkeys can't smell or else they'd be impossible to hunt.

Wild turkeys live in family groups that forage in placid forests and in woods around farmlands and fields, especially in locations with streams, ponds and lakes. Probably the densest population in Texas occurs in the Hill Country and South Texas, where they routinely trot out in state parks.

A male, called a "tom," stands about 4-feet tall and weighs about 24-pounds. He's a slim, lanky-legged bird with a long neck and bare-skinned head, tinted during breeding season with alternate shades of red, white, and blue. A foot-long bundle of rough, hairlike feathers called mesofiloplumes droop from his breast to resemble a beard.

His full-throated "gobble-gobble-gobble" sound may echo for a quarter-mile and has awarded him the nickname "gobbler."

Females, called hens, have dull brown and gray feathers and pinkish bare-skinned heads. Both sexes show a pinkish-red fold of skin hanging from the neck called a wattle, giving rise to the term "turkey neck" to describe people's necks with sagging skin.

Most of us won't eat wild turkey for Thanksgiving as the Pilgrims did. We'll instead carve up farm-raised turkey derived long ago by European poultry farmers breeding domesticated turkeys from wild turkeys brought over from the New World.
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Here's a challenge: Drive around Friendswood until you find downtown. (If you live there and already know where it is, you're disqualified.)

You could prowl the city for days without spotting any of the traditional markers of downtown: a central square teeming with activity, an iconic structure like a courthouse, building facades flush with the street.

If you're paying close attention as you cruise along Friendswood Drive, you might see purple banners attached to utility poles bearing the words "Downtown District." But the street itself looks like any other busy, traffic-clogged commercial thoroughfare: strip shopping centers, fast-food restaurants, parking lots separating buildings from the street. You'll see few people who are not encased in automobiles.

City officials and civic leaders want to create a real downtown, not just a place arbitrarily designated on a map, in this city of 39,000 residents straddling the Harris-Galveston County line. Last May, voters narrowly agreed to pay an additional 1/8 of 1 percent sales tax for a downtown development initiative.

"We want to create a place that's the heart and soul of our community," said Brett Banfield, a lifelong Friendswood resident who chairs the Friends of Downtown Friendswood Association. "If we're not careful, we're just going to be another indistinguishable suburb of Houston, Texas."

For now, however, the initiative is on hold. The city has been unable to collect the additional sales tax - voters also approved an increase of 3/8 of 1 percent for street maintenance - pending resolution of a lawsuit seeking to throw out the election results.

The suit, filed in June, alleges irregularities in the city's administration of the election, which also included contests for two seats on the City Council. Among other issues, it says the city failed to include a Harris County precinct in the ordinances calling the election, and charges that mail-in ballots were not counted correctly.

One of those contesting the election, Robert Bertrand, said he voted against the sales tax measures. But he said his concern is about the process, not the result, and he would accept the outcome of a properly conducted election.

City officials said they couldn't discuss pending litigation, but Banfield said he hopes the dispute can be resolved in time for Friendswood to begin collecting the tax in January. If the legal challenge is successful, the city would have to conduct a new election.

The language on the ballot regarding the downtown initiative says the tax would pay for improvements including streets, infrastructure, paved sidewalks, signs, lighting and benches. The targeted area is a mile-long stretch of Friendswood Drive, extending about two blocks on either side of the thoroughfare.

Banfield said planners want to make the area more walkable with 8-foot-wide sidewalks and additional lighting and landscaping. Traffic lights that now dangle from wires would be moved to cantilevered poles, and regional parking areas would be created.

Of course, redesigning a fully developed corridor is a lot harder than creating a downtown on a blank canvas. In the age before automobile dominance, many cities started with a central square or gathering place that evolved into a business district; development radiated outward over time.

Friendswood's history is different. According to Joycina Baker, the city historian, the community was founded in 1895 as a Quaker settlement (hence the name "Friendswood"), and its first families were farmers. "There never was an 'old town,' hence we have nothing old to restore or replicate," Baker writes on the downtown organization's website.

Friendswood, though, would not be the first city to successfully navigate this challenge. One expert pointed to the example of Rockville, Md., which razed its historic downtown as part of an urban renewal project in the 1970s and replaced it with a shopping mall and other auto-oriented structures. Decades later, the suburb of Washington, D.C., knocked down the mall and embraced a more walkable downtown.

"It's kind of a metaphor for what's going on around the United States," said the Urban Land Institute's Ed McMahon, as towns and cities recognize the economic and social benefits of a central activity center. In the Houston area, town center-style developments in Sugar Land and The Woodlands are good examples, he said.

"It's the heart and soul of any community," McMahon said. "If you don't have a healthy downtown, you don't have a healthy town."

Friendswood leaders seem eager to tackle the challenge. But first they must resolve the legal dispute, either by prevailing in court or by conducting a new election correctly.
Harris County Judge Ed Emmett said Thursday that he plans to seek re-election when his current term is up in 2018, ending speculation that he might step aside after more than a decade at the helm of the nation's third most-populous county.

Emmett, a Republican known for his pragmatic, steady approach, said he made the decision Wednesday night after conferring with family and friends.

"I'm in kind of a unique position to bring people together at a time when it's needed more than any other," the 67-year-old Emmett said. "Harris County is a big, diverse place with lots of problems. Those problems don't have simple answers."

Emmett's decision follows a Democratic sweep of countywide races on the ballot earlier this month, a rout attributed to the county's changing demographics and turnout against Donald Trump's presidential campaign. Gerrymandering has kept the GOP in the majority on the county's governing body, the commissioners court.

Emmett was appointed county judge in early 2007 after the resignation of Robert Eckels, then won election in 2008 to serve the remainder of the term.

During his tenure, Emmett has largely escaped controversy. He drew fire in 2013 when he opted not to put a countywide tax to fund early preschool education on the ballot despite having received more than 150,000 signatures in favor of doing so. He said then that the 1935 law that advocates cited in trying to get the item on the ballot was antiquated and inappropriately used.

That was among the issues of his judgeship that caused him "the most angst," Emmett said Thursday.

Astrodome champion

And yet he cited a number of successes, including mental health initiatives like the jail diversion program to keep inmates with mental health or substance abuse disorders out of jail. He said Republican and Democratic members of the commissioners court work well together despite political differences.

He's also made progress on the subject for which he's become best-known - the Astrodome. Commissioners in September voted in favor of a plan to raise the floor of the Dome by two floors and build parking underneath. The $105 million plan would make the Dome suitable for festivals or conferences and usher in potential commercial uses in the more than 550,000 square feet that surrounds the core.

Prior to becoming county judge, Emmett represented east Harris County in the state House from 1979 to 1987 and served for three years on the Interstate Commerce Commission following his appointment by President George H.W. Bush. Emmett spent 10 years as president and CEO of the National Industrial Transportation League, a trade organization.

He also worked as a transportation consultant.

Born in Overton, Emmett graduated from Bellaire High School. He holds a degree in economics from Rice University and a master's degree in public affairs from the University of Texas at Austin. Emmett is married with four children and 13 grandchildren.

Parker declines to run

Emmett's current term expires Dec. 31, 2018.

He said part of the reason he announced his intention to run Thursday was because the March 2018 primary is less than 18 months away and campaigns would likely get underway soon.

"I've got some money in the bank," Emmett said. "But if I'm going to run, I need to make it clear so that those people who support me can get behind me."

Former Houston Mayor Annise Parker said Friday that she had been considering running for the judgeship but would not since Emmett is seeking re-election.

"If he's not there," Parker said, "I'm going to be first in line."

Rebecca Elliott contributed to this report.
An India-born scientist walking through the Texas Medical Center was berated by a panhandler who told him he'd be glad when Donald Trump started deporting foreigners.

A San Antonio mother crying into her cell phone about her mother from Mexico was told by a stranger that he'd be sad, too, if he had to be deported.

And a Dallas-area teen - an American citizen of Asian descent - reported that a teacher at his high school told him that she was glad Trump was kicking his kind out of the country.

Hateful harassment and intimidation have surged around the country since the Nov. 8 election, with more than 400 cases reported nationwide, including at least 30 in Texas, according to the Southern Poverty Law Center, which tracks hate groups and related incidents.

Of the 437 reports, nearly one-third - or 136 reports - involved anti-immigrant harassment or intimidation, and 20 percent involved anti-black sentiments.

Reports also included anti-gay, anti-Muslim, anti-Semitic and anti-woman incidents, and use of swastikas, hate group recruitment or pro-Trump sentiments in vandalism or other incidents, the law center reported this week.

There were also 20 reports of anti-Trump intimidation and harassment, the group reported.

The reports of incidents appear to be dropping, however, since the election. More than 140 incidents were reported on Nov. 9, the day after the presidential election, but the numbers dropped steadily each day until fewer than 20 were reported nationwide on Monday.

The Anti-Defamation League in Houston said it is tracking the situation but is trying to determine how many complaints are legitimate before releasing numbers.

"We are monitoring this," said Dena Marks, associate director for the ADL in Houston. "If it does happen, we want to hear about it. Our goal is to keep people safe and respectful."

The Mexican American Legal Defense and Educational Fund, meanwhile, said it began sending letters Thursday to superintendents of schools in which there have been alleged hate incidents, reminding them of their obligation to prevent bullying and offering educational resources.

One letter sent Thursday alerted the Archer City school superintendent in far North Texas that students had been chanting, "build a wall," and holding up a "Come and Take It" flag at a high school volleyball game against the mostly Latino Fort Hancock school district.

"It will spread to other parts of the nation," Celina Moreno, an attorney for MALDEF's southwest region, said of the letter campaign.

'Our destiny'

The Council on American-Islamic Relations in Houston reported it has not seen an increase in hate-related activity, and the FBI and Houston Police Departments say they have no received no reports of hate-related crime since the election.

Rice University sociologist Stephen Klineberg said it makes sense that Houston has not had many hate incidents.

"Houston has been a city of immigrants for 30 years now, so we've had a real chance to get used to this," he said. "There is a real feeling in Houston that this is our destiny, and it is not a bad thing."

Klineberg said that Rice has been tracking attitudes about race for 35 years and that results increasingly show that most people think the city's diversity will be a source of strength and that immigrants strengthen rather than threaten the city's well-being.

Still, he said that when it comes to Latinos, women and gays, there is real fear that Trump's election will turn back decades of advances.

'Choice of words'

Kartick Venkatachalam, the scientist who was berated by the panhandler after refusing to give him money, said the incident came just moments after a divided discussion with colleagues about whether there had been an increase in racial clashes.

He said he's been cursed before in other American cities for not sharing his change but that this was a different type of anger.

"It was a choice of words," he said. "The fact this happened establishes, at least in my mind, that there is a huge swath of this country which - incorrectly or not - thinks they can get away with this stuff."

Helen Montoya, the San Antonio mother, said she's lived in the Alamo City for 20 years and never had an incident like she did sitting outside a Starbucks there.

She said that "emotions had gotten the better" of her as she discussed some of her concerns, admittedly in a loud voice, about Trump and how he might impact children today whose parents are from Mexico.

After she regained her composure, and started to walk away, she heard a stranger say, "I'd be sad, too, if I had to go back to Mexico."

Montoya said she thought about ignoring him, but instead turned around and challenged him to repeat his words to her face. He did not and walked away.

Montoya said that although she considers herself a private person, she decided to share the encounter on Facebook.

"I trembled then as I tremble now just writing this because I was angry but also because I'm tired and frightened," she wrote.

Student Austin Ngo, who attends high school in the Garland School District, said he left school in tears after a teacher told him Trump was building a wall and would deport him.

The remark hit home for Ngo, a first-generation American whose mother was born in Vietnam and father in Thailand.

He reported the incident the next day at the urging of his brother, but he said he could see himself making peace with the teacher.

'Careful assessment'

The district said the matter has been investigated but would not reveal the result.

"We always take it seriously and want to make sure our kids feel safe and protected at school, but we just don't discuss personnel issues," Garland School District spokeswoman Mida Milligan said.

Rachel Godsil, co-founder of Perception Institute, a New York-based social science research organization, said that anecdotally there appears to be an increase in incidents as the lines between social media and what is happening in the streets is blurred.

The challenge now is to determine if there is an increase in such activity or just a perception of growing tensions.

"The group that types in social media in all caps is actually in public proclaiming views out loud and expressing them toward people they see," she said, "and this is obviously scary."

Still, Godsil said it hit home for her when a man on her block punched a woman in the face over Trump.

"That would have been unimaginable two weeks ago," she said. "Careful assessment is in everyone's interest. That is something that has to happen."
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Art Acevedo arrived in Austin nine years ago after a career as a California highway patrolman, an outsider tasked with assuming command of a skeptical department and policing one of the fastest-growing cities in the nation.

Friends, colleagues and critics say he quickly won the respect of a wary community, all the while making the Austin Police Department more transparent and accessible to the public.

When Acevedo arrives in the Bayou City next month to take over the Houston Police Department, he will have to reinvent himself once again, acclimating to the job of leading the nation's fifth-largest police department and policing a larger, more diverse and more crime-prone city.

He'll take charge at a time when tensions between law enforcement and civilians have sharpened considerably in recent years and as a large swath of the command staff is expected to vacate their posts because of a looming pension deal that would sharply cut their benefits if they stayed.

At a news conference Thursday where Mayor Sylvester Turner announced the appointment, Acevedo urged skeptics among the rank-and-file to give him a chance.

"Morale is really critical, because let's face it, an unhappy workforce is not a good workforce," he said. "But I can just say this to the men and women of the Houston Police Department: I love cops. I love policing... I've got your back, and I hope you'll have mine."

Giving people a voice

After stepping into the chief's post in Austin in 2007, Acevedo established himself as an outgoing leader who wanted his department to be in touch with the community it protected.

He arrived at a time when Austin was the subject of a Department of Justice probe following a controversial fatal shooting, recalled Nelson Linder, president of the Austin branch of the NAACP.

Acevedo led the department through that process and helped implement many of the justice department's recommendations, helping to ease tension within the community.

"He really did his job, and gave people access to police that was never there before," Linder said. "He really did a great job of making people feel important and like they had a voice."

He became the face for Texas' capital city when Austin crime made national news, and had been mentioned as a candidate to head several other law enforcement agencies, including head of Immigration and Customs Enforcement and as a finalist for the chief positions in Dallas and San Antonio.

In August 2015, after San Antonio appeared ready to lure him away, Austin city officials convinced him to stay with a 5 percent bump up in pay and additional benefits.

Acevedo pushed for openness and accountability in officer-involved shootings, and cracked down on officers who violated the department's policies. In March, he fired Geoffrey Freeman, an officer who the month before had shot and killed a naked, unarmed teenager. The teen had been running around an apartment complex and roadway, but had not harmed or threatened to harm anyone when Freeman drew his weapon. The February incident was recorded on a dashcam video.

The chief found Freeman's actions were not "objectively reasonable" and not in accordance with department policy.

His readiness to criticize what he views as poor performance also landed him crossways with some law enforcement groups and his bosses at City Hall, who docked him five days' pay and reprimanded him for failing to follow a direct order to stop talking about the case while internal affairs was investigating.

Organizing and outreach

His former subordinates said his skills at reaching out to the community will serve him well in Houston.

"His number one asset is he able to fit in with anyone and he'll work with them," said Ken Casaday, president of the Austin Police Association. "Community organizing and outreach - he's the best at it. There's no doubt in my mind he's the best politician in the state of Texas."

Chris Noble, who worked under Acevedo before becoming chief of the Sealy Police Department, credited him with bringing a sense of fairness to the department and to the community.

"Our relationship with the public at large and with the minority community was at an all-time low," Noble said. "He created a truly transparent style of policing, one never experienced in Austin. ... Acevedo pulled back that veil."

Noble warned that Acevedo has high expectations for employees and holds them to high standards.

"You better be prepared to work harder than you ever had in your life," he said.

Before moving to Austin, Acevedo began his career with the California Highway Patrol and spent more than two decades there, policing in east Los Angeles and rising to the rank of division chief before moving to Austin.

His tenure there was marked by one major controversy, when he filed a complaint alleging his superiors retaliated against him when he applied for the top position. California ultimately paid him a $1 million settlement to resolve the claim.

Even critics like work ethic

Not everyone is a fan, however.

"The Austin police officers are heaving a sigh of relief today," said Charley Wilkison, executive director of the Combined Law Enforcement Associations of Texas, who said he had been alarmed by statements Acevedo made about wanting to change civil service laws to have more time to pursue disciplinary investigations against officers.

"And particularly the Austin Police Association - those guys are relieved that maybe the next chief might be one to deal fairly and with empathy for the very serious and dangerous task they have to perform every shift."

Houston Police Officers' Union President Ray Hunt said in post on the organization's Facebook page that the group had supported another candidate but vowed to work closely with the new chief.

"I have vetted every rumor I have heard regarding Chief Acevedo ... and found most of the rumors to be untrue," he said in the statement. "I personally know him and believe he will be a fair chief to our members and will continue the relationship with the HPOU that we have been blessed with through Chief [Charles] McClelland and [Acting] Chief [Martha] Montalvo....I hope each of you will judge our new chief on his actions after taking the reins in Houston, and not on rumors."

Rebecca Elliott, Andrew Kragie, Lise Olsen and Mike Ward contributed to this report.
After Samuel Pena was tapped to lead the El Paso Fire Department three years ago, he kept traipsing around the rugged peaks that edge the city.

"We had a mountain rescue team," said former City Manager Joyce Wilson, who appointed Pena. "People would get lost. He was still part of the team and would go on these calls, and I finally had to tell him he can't keep doing it. I don't want something happening to you out there."

That Pena maintained his paramedic and rescue certifications and stayed on the front lines in the Franklin Mountains speaks to his ability to engage with the rank and file, Wilson said. That should serve him well in Houston, where an adversarial bargaining process and a protracted pension negotiation forced firefighters to sacrifice, even as the union clamors for a makeover of aging equipment and fire stations.

Pena is a shrewd and strategic manager, said Wilson, who had been grooming him for a deputy city manager role. He became chief before reaching 20 years of service as a firefighter, a rare feat at the age of 43, said Joe Tellez, president of the El Paso Association of Firefighters.

Will appoint fire marshal

His meteoric rise seemed to assure his eventual move from one of the nation's fastest-growing departments to one of its largest. El Paso handles about 76,000 calls for fire, medical and rescue services a year; Houston has more than 330,000.

"Certainly, the scale is different," Pena said during a Thursday press conference in Houston. "A lot of the issues are similar. They're not the same, but they're similar. Response times, equipment, personnel. ... We spoke about morale earlier. I think from my perspective, a drop in morale is when we're asking our first-responders to do a certain job and not resourcing them appropriately."

The El Paso firefighters' union and the city deadlocked over negotiations in 2014, eventually leading to a referendum, which won higher pay and benefits. Pena served as a subject matter expert but mostly stayed out of the headlines during the negotiations and throughout his tenure as chief.

Wilson said Pena was able to thread the needle between enhancing the department and controlling costs.

In Houston, Pena will appoint a permanent fire marshal at a time of upheaval. That office is in disarray, with outdated technology and poor record-keeping leaving firefighters with a loose grasp on hazards all over Houston. That came into stark relief during a chemical warehouse fire in May that triggered evacuations in Spring Branch. Firefighters had no information about the tens of thousands of pounds of dangerous chemicals there.

Information gathering

Pena said he plans to have conversations with the City Council and the mayor to find out what they expect from the fire department, then let them know what it will take to provide that service.

"I'm going to be drinking from the proverbial fire hose for a while, learning the processes and really getting to know the command staff, sitting down with the associations and the rank and file to find out what their priorities are, from their perspective, before we make any wholesale changes," he said.

Pena, 47, was born in Los Angeles and raised in El Paso. He served four years in the Air Force, then joined the El Paso department in 1995, mainly because he needed a job, he once told the El Paso Times. He made lieutenant in 2003 and captain in 2007. He was promoted to battalion chief in 2010. He has overseen the hazmat task force and served as public information officer. Pena has a bachelor's degree in criminal justice and a master's in business administration.

"I think he's prepared himself well," Tellez said. "As a candidate in fire service, he's up there with some of the best."

He earned $145,000 a year in El Paso. Janice Evans, spokeswoman for Houston Mayor Sylvester Turner, said salary negotiations are still underway, but Pena is to start work Dec. 18.

Rebecca Elliott contributed to this story.
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Mayor Sylvester Turner on Thursday named Austin Police Chief Art Acevedo to be Houston's first Latino chief of police, recognizing the rapidly shifting demographics of the nation's fourth largest city and the strained relationship between the department and the citizens it serves.

Turner also named El Paso Fire Chief Samuel Pena to head the Houston Fire Department, filling the top positions at the city's public safety agencies after an extended period without permanent leadership.

Pena would become the city's second Latino fire chief.

"Words can sometimes be deficient, but actions speak much, much louder," Turner said. "Houston is a diverse city, and we must have a leadership team at City Hall that is able to understand all the different populations that we serve."

If confirmed by city council, both will assume leadership of their respective departments at a tenuous juncture. The departments face budget and staffing constraints and struggle to meet the demands of a rapidly growing population. They also face the prospect of retirements in response to controversial pension reform plans.

Acevedo and Pena, who head smaller departments, said they look forward to the challenge of leading Houston's public safety agencies, both the fifth largest in the nation.

"I am proud to be here in the city of Houston, and remember that criminals are the only ones who need to be afraid of the police," Acevedo said in Spanish. "If you're a victim  or a witness, come forward. We're at your service."

Pena comes from a department that responds to about 76,000 calls a year. In Houston he will see about four times that number and Thursday he said he anticipated a steep learning curve.

"I'm going to be drinking from the proverbial fire hose for a while, learning the processes and really getting to know the command staff, sitting down with the associations and the rank and file to find out what their priorities are, from their perspective, before we make any wholesale changes," the 47-year-old said.

Acevedo replaces Interim Police Chief Martha Montalvo and Pena takes over for Interim Fire Chief Rodney West. Police Chief Charles McClelland retired in February, and former Fire Chief Terry Garrison stepped down in October 2015 to run a fire department in suburban Phoenix.

They are slated for City Council confirmation on Nov. 30. Acevedo would start the following day, and Pena would start Dec. 18. Mayoral spokeswoman Janice Evans said salary negotiations for both positions still are underway.

Turner's office used a private executive search firm, Russell Reynolds Associates, to conduct both processes and maintained that neither applications nor resumes had to be made available through the Texas Public Information Act, a decision government watchdogs criticized for a lack of transparency.

Stephen Newton, the Russell Reynolds executive who led both search committees, said eight-10 candidates were interviewed for each post. They included a mix of internal and external candidates.

The 11-month process worried some that the lack of stability at the top could jeopardize public safety and dampen morale.

'Give me the chance'

Acevedo, 52, inherits the difficult task of policing a rapidly growing city more than twice Austin's size with a police staffing shortage and a tight city budget.

The city also is seeking to gain legislative approval for a pension reform deal that already prompted three top Houston Police Department chiefs to file retirement paperwork.

Acevedo asked the agency to have his back.

"I can just say this to the men and women of the Houston police department: I love cops. I love policing," Acevedo said. "Just give me the chance to show you what the mayor saw in me."

Phil Hilder, a criminal defense attorney and member of the city's Independent Police Oversight Board, welcomed the selection of Austin's chief.

"He has a very progressive history at the Austin Police Department and has been very responsive to community concerns and is open-minded to innovations and new ideas in policing," said Hilder, who has also served as a federal prosecutor. "Policing is moving in a rapid direction, embracing new technologies which will require somebody at the helm who will embrace those innovations, in terms of training and to keep the community informed about where policing is going."

Acevedo was known as an outgoing, progressive leader in Austin but weathered internal criticism over his handling of police shootings. Most recently, he fired the officer involved in the fatal shooting of unarmed 17-year-old David Joseph. The police union accused Acevedo of an "unjust and politically motivated firing."

McClelland, Houston's former police chief, warned of the obstacles the outsider could face.

"With community relations on the forefront, any outside police chief is going to have significant challenges  learning all the internal operations and managers and who are your talented folks in your organizations," he said.

"He certainly was the right fit in Austin. That kind of liberal progressive town, I think he was a good fit [there]. Houston is not Austin - we know that. How well he'll do here, I don't know."

U.S. Marshal Gary Blankinship, a former Houston police officer and union president who has known Acevedo for a long time, described him as "very personable," but also a resolute manager.

Acevedo's police officers and federal marshals worked together in the recent arrest in Houston of one of three men charged with the attempted assassination of Austin District Judge Julie Kocurek in November 2015, Blankinship said.

"He's very qualified to be the police chief of Houston - I wish him well and look forward to working with him,'' said Blankinship.

Many 'issues are similar'

The challenges Pena will face include the potential loss of new recruits wary of reduced benefits, aging facilities and calls for new equipment. The Chronicle also revealed that the fire department doesn't know where most dangerous chemicals in the city are located, and city officials have voiced concern about the agency's resource allocation.

Pena indicated he would be cautious early on and acknowledged the jump to leading a department roughly four times the size of El Paso's.

"Certainly the scale is different," Pena said. But, he added, "A lot of the issues are similar. They're not the same, but they're similar: response times, equipment, personnel."

Houston's fire union stressed those challenges while urging Pena to stand up to City Hall officials.

"Job one for Chief Pena will be to better balance his obligations at City Hall against those he will have to the 4,000 firefighters who have earned his support," the union said. "We urge Chief Pena to challenge City Hall to commit to the 'shared sacrifice' imposed upon us by sensibly addressing the declining condition of the (Fire Department) fleet and facilities, a too-often adversarial command staff and stalled contract negotiations."

City Councilwoman Ellen Cohen praised Turner for picking two Latinos for top jobs in a city whose population is nearly 45 percent Hispanic, according to the U.S. Census.

"You can talk a lot about diversity, but it's different when you make something happen, and if you look at these two appointees, you can really see the face of Houston and what we expect to be the face of this country."

Harris County also elected Ed Gonzalez sheriff last week.

East End community activist Jessica Castillo-Hulsey echoed Cohen.

"We waited too long for this," Castillo-Hulsey said. "Speaking for my community, we're very happy, we're very hopeful that we're in the right direction."

Turner also tapped Interim Housing Director Tom McCasland as permanent leader, named Elaine Marshall as presiding municipal court judge and reappointed Phyllis Frye as a municipal court judge. Frye was the first openly transgender judge appointed in Texas.

Jim Pinkerton, Mike Ward and St. John Barned-Smith contributed to this report.
On the north side of Pasadena, mostly Latino residents live amid broken sidewalks, faulty drainage and pockmarked streets.

On the south side of Spencer Highway, where most residents are white, municipal parks are manicured and the streets and sidewalks are better maintained.

The disparity in infrastructure is at the heart of a voting rights case that opened in federal court Thursday in which a group of Latino residents is challenging the city's newly revised system of government, saying it discriminates against minority voters and intentionally dilutes their power.

By creating two at-large council seats and eliminating two of the eight district seats, the suit says, the city violated the federal Voting Rights Act, making it harder for Latino-backed candidates to get elected and leading to unfair allocation of resources.

"Filling a pothole is not a Democratic or Republican thing to do; neither is putting in a drainage ditch or a sidewalk," said Nina Perales, one of a team of attorneys from the Mexican American Legal Defense and Educational Fund, which is representing voters. "The everyday business of a city - including maintaining the infrastructure - is not a partisan issue, and when a city council that operates almost exclusively in unison begins to divide over issues of resource allocation, that is not partisan.

"Here in Pasadena those divisions have everything to do with race," she said, in an opening statement Thursday of the trial that will be decided not by jurors but by U.S. District Judge Lee H. Rosenthal.

Two suits unsuccessful

Lawyers for the city, however, told the judge there were legitimate reasons to change the system of electing city council members.

Claude Robert Heath, a prominent defense lawyer experienced in redistricting law, said shifting two of the eight council seats to at-large positions did not diminish access or opportunity for Latinos, who make up about half the population. And he said the city would show that whites have not voted as a unified block in recent city races, but instead crossed over to back candidates Latino voters preferred.

Watching from a chair at the defense table was Johnny Isbell, the long-serving Pasadena mayor who helped push through a ballot measure in 2013 that changed the structure of local government. Isbell, who has served in various political roles in Pasadena since the late 1960s, is expected to testify Friday at length.

Once the headquarters of the Ku Klux Klan, Pasadena has grown increasingly mixed in recent decades as Mexican-Americans were drawn to its affordable homes and schools.

Until recently, the city operated under a strong mayor form of government with an eight-person council, in which each member was elected from a specific geographic area. Just three years ago, the council was split four-to-four, with four whites and four candidates supported by Latinos.

After the U.S. Supreme Court in 2013 struck down built-in protections for minorities in the Voting Rights Act by concluding that local governments in the South had transcended their racist past, Isbell suggested scrapping two district seats and replacing them with at-large seats. The ballot measure passed by 79 votes in November 2013.

The voters filed suit a year later alleging that whites in Pasadena were voting in a racially polarized block, depriving Latinos of fair representation. Two similar lawsuits aimed at altering the school-board election system were unsuccessful.

In a voting rights case, the plaintiffs must establish a historic pattern of discrimination and illustrate economic or social factors that may have deterred voters from going to the polls.

MALDEF lawyers began their case before Rosenthal Thursday with data-heavy testimony from three expert witnesses: a demographer, a political scientist and a historian.

The demographer, David Ely, testified that Census data indicates Latinos in Pasadena have not achieved the same level of education as whites. They have a higher poverty rate and are likelier to live in overcrowded housing.

Next on the stand was Richard L. Engstrom, a visiting political science professor at Duke University, who is an expert in minority voting rights. Engstrom testified that the ballot measure changing the system of government passed because non-Latinos voted in a racially uniform block. He said 99.6 percent of Latinos voted "no" on the measure.

Under question by the city's lawyers, Engstrom doubled down on his contention that the votes were not an aberration.

"Does racially polarized voting exist?" he asked, rhetorically. "In election after election after election after election, the choice of Latino voters is being eliminated as a result of non-Latino voters voting as a block."

He later added, "Racially polarized voting exists and persists in Pasadena."

Mayor to take stand

The final witness Thursday, U.S. historian Andres Tijerina, traced the history of institutional discrimination in Pasadena and throughout Texas dating to 1836, including segregated housing, schooling and voter intimidation and suppression.

Tijerina said systemic racism reduced Latino's access to the vote and had a lasting effect of intimidating future voting.

Defense counsel chipped away at Tijerina's analysis of archival news clips, pressing him on whether city officials historically ostracized Latinos or whether Latinos merely felt ostracized, for example, when they joined the police force.

On Friday, MALDEF plans to call Isbell and two city council members to take the stand. Lawyers anticipate the trial will take six days, with an expected break over Thanksgiving week.
A longtime Rice University piano instructor is in jail after police alleged he fondled a young girl who came to his home for a piano lesson in May. Dariusz Pawlas, 50, has been charged with indecency with a child.

The student's mother told police she stepped out of the room to make a phone call during her young daughter's piano lesson at his west Houston home, according to the criminal complaint filed this week. He had taught the girl for about three years.

The girl left the lesson crying and told her mother she wanted a new piano teacher, the document states. When the mother asked why, the girl told her Pawlas "had been touching her and today he had put his hand inside her pants."

According to the complaint, the girl said at a hospital that Pawlas had previously touched her clothed bottom and placed his hand on her thigh.

Pawlas told investigators he teaches about 40 students in grades 1-12. The young girl allegedly fondled was younger than 14. Pawlas said he was allowed to teach at his home because he is legally blind.

When police told him in August about the allegation, the complaint says, "he was very quiet and said he was surprised. He denied touching (her) in an inappropriate way on this date."

But in a video-recorded police interview three days later, the complaint says Pawlas admitted touching her leg and waistband and briefly rubbing her genitals.

Pawlas told police he did not inappropriately touch any other students.

He is listed on Rice University's directory as an instructor with the Shepherd School of Music, with an office on campus at Alice Pratt Brown Hall.

However, Rice University spokesperson B.J. Almond said Friday, "Dariusz Pawlas is not a current Rice employee. He used to be an instructor. Rice does not comment on personnel matters."

According to a 2009 Rice University event description, Pawlas came from Poland and earned his master's and doctorate in musical arts at Rice. He played concerts across the country and the world, including "as a soloist with major symphony orchestras in Europe." And, the description added, "many of his students are winners of local, state, national, and international music competitions."

He has been held in a Harris County jail on $30,000 bail since Wednesday. He has a preliminary court appearance scheduled for 9 a.m. Monday.
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Daisha Lewis knew something was wrong Tuesday when hours passed without a response after she sent her boyfriend a text message.

Lewis, 20, asked his friends if they'd heard from Carl Conyers, a University of Houston junior whose father is U.S. Rep. John Conyers Jr., D-Mich, the longest-serving member of Congress. No one had heard from him for several hours, but his bike and car remained at his off-campus residence in the 3700 block of Southmore.

On Wednesday, Lewis visited his apartment and found a messy room with his wallet, photos of family and friends, laptop, car keys and his phone strewn around the room - unusual for Conyers, who is typically tidy. A packed backpack was stuffed with clothes, a towel, comb, hoodie and sweatpants.

"To see his room like that, it was scary," she said.

Houston police were looking for Conyers, who was last seen by his roommate at their apartment about 6 p.m. Tuesday. The FBI and the Secret Service are assisting Houston and UH police in the investigation.

Conyers is black, stands about 6 feet tall and weighs 145 pounds, according to police. He has black hair and brown eyes. HPD said Conyers shaved a beard he's seen wearing in some photos.

Investigators with HPD's missing-persons unit handed out fliers with Conyers' photo and information at his apartment complex Thursday morning.

More Information Police encourage anyone with information about Carl Conyers to call HPD Patrol at 713-884-3131 or HPD's Missing Persons Division at 832-394-1840. See More Collapse

In the afternoon, Texas Equusearch volunteers began canvassing the area around Conyers' apartment complex a few blocks south of Texas Southern University. As many as 600 people in the Houston area were on standby to help, search coordinator Frank Black said.

Carl Conyers' father is a U.S. representative since 1965 with longstanding ties to the NAACP and the ACLU. On Nov. 8, Detroit-area voters gave the 87-year-old his 27th consecutive term.

Rep. Conyers did not respond to requests for comment Thursday, though he told the Detroit News he was "very worried" by his son's disappearance, which he said was "very unlike" him. In a statement, the congressman requested privacy.

The representative's wife filed for divorce in September of last year claiming the marriage was beyond repair, according to the Detroit Free Press, but the couple apparently held a ceremony in August of this year to renew their marriage vows. The couple married in 1990, when Monica Conyers was 25 and John Conyers was 61, the paper reported.

The couple's renewal ceremony came two days before a court hearing was scheduled for their divorce. Monica Conyers' lawyer said at the time that the hearing would be canceled.

"Life is complicated and (the Conyers are) no different than any other family," the lawyer told the Free Press in August.

Shaved his beard

Carl Conyers' roommate, fellow UH junior Chet "Red" Ball, said he didn't have any reason to think his friend was targeted by someone due to his father's role in Congress. Foul play seemed unlikely, Ball said, because the missing man's house key was gone and his room door locked while all his valuables remained inside.

On Tuesday evening, Ball said, Conyers acted a bit off, pulling his shirt over his face as he cooked dinner.

"Man, it's been a crazy day," Ball remembered Conyers saying. Ball noticed his roommate had shaved his distinctive beard, which seemed a sudden change.

On Wednesday, Lewis said, she received a few messages from a person purporting to be Conyers; one message urged friends to meet him on UH's campus.

Lewis said they went there but didn't find him. When they returned to the apartment, his ID was gone and more clothes were missing.

"I don't think he would do any of this," Lewis said. "Everyone cares about him. He has no problems with anyone. He's a good person."

'Rational thinker'

Close friend Corey Gentry called Conyers "a very logical and rational thinker." Gentry said Conyers, a marketing major, is involved on campus, serving as UH's Black Business Students Association president and participating in an arts group, Uncommon Colors. Gentry added that Conyers is from Detroit and does not know Houston very well.

Neighbors young and old said the apartment complex is normally quiet. They said many residents are students at nearby UH or TSU.

On Thursday, the pan of Hamburger Helper that Conyers cooked Tuesday remained on his desk along with two Blue Moon beers and several photos that appeared to show him and his girlfriend.

Lewis said she now answers her phone every time it rings, in case it's Conyers on the line.
WASHINGTON - U.S. intelligence officials expect Turkey and Russia to expand military operations in Syria over the next two months as President-elect Donald Trump's transition team takes over and President Barack Obama exits the White House.

The Obama administration has stood back as Turkish forces have pushed deeper into northern Syria and as Russia has escalated airstrikes on eastern Aleppo this week, pummeling the city with cruise missiles and fighter jets launched from its aircraft carrier in the Mediterranean.

Seeing opportunities

A shakeup this week among Trump's national security team has further emboldened Turkey and Russia in Syria, according to a U.S. intelligence official who spoke on condition of anonymity.

The official said Ankara and Moscow are taking advantage of confusing diplomatic signals from Trump's team about future U.S. policy in Syria.

"They will do what they can in the next two months," said the official. "The expectation is they will put pressure on" to take more territory.

Both countries were "in a wait and see mode" before the election, the official said, adding that Russian and Turkish diplomats and intelligence officials were watching to see how U.S. strategy in Syria might change after Election Day.

Both apparently see opportunities now that Trump has won.

In the past week, Russia and its ally Syrian President Bashar Assad have stepped up their attacks on rebel forces in Aleppo.

After a three-week lull in air attacks, Assad's forces spent the last three days dropping barrel bombs and other munitions on Aleppo's hospitals, blood banks and other facilities, according to human rights groups, while Russia launched air attacks from the sea.

U.S. intelligence officials expect Russia's escalation in bombings to continue, James Clapper told lawmakers Thursday during a House Intelligence Committee hearing, and that will hurt opposition fighters' "morale and willingness to fight."

The Russian airstrikes support Assad's efforts to defeat the rebels, Clapper said, and allows Assad to resist negotiating an end to a conflict that began in 2011 and has taken an estimated 400,000 lives.

Russia is "increasingly putting more pressure on oppositionists in Aleppo, indiscriminately bombing women, children, hospitals, this sort of thing," Clapper said.

'Posturing for position'

Trump has vowed to extend a hand to Moscow to see if U.S. and Russian authorities could work together more to resolve the crisis.

Turkish air and ground forces, joined by Syrian rebel fighters, are near the Islamic State-held town of Al Bab, which is 25 miles from the Turkish border. They will try to recapture the city without support from the U.S.-led coalition.

Turkey's push is seen as a move to create a buffer zone between its border and Syrian Kurdish fighters who are aligned with Turkey's Kurdistan Workers' Party, or PKK. The group has waged an insurgency in Turkey for decades.

Retired Lt. Gen. Michael Flynn, a contender to be Trump's national security adviser, has been a staunch backer of Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan's government.

The Obama administration expressed concern after an attempted armed coup in July led to a harsh government crackdown on supposed opposition members. Thousands of Turkish politicians, military officers, journalists and others were fired or jailed.

"Both Turkey and Russia are posturing for position on the Syria chessboard," said Nicholas A. Heras, a Middle East researcher at the Center for a New American Security, a think tank in Washington.
A prominent supporter of Donald Trump set off concern and condemnation on behalf of Muslims on Wednesday after citing World War II-era Japanese-American internment camps as a "precedent" for an immigrant registry suggested by a member of the president-elect's transition team.

The supporter, Carl Higbie, a former spokesman for Great America PAC, an independent fundraising committee, made the comments in an appearance on "The Kelly File" on Fox News.

He was referring to a suggestion by Kris Kobach, a member of Trump's transition team, that the new administration could reinstate a national registry for immigrants from countries where terrorist groups were active.

"We've done it based on race, we've done it based on religion, we've done it based on region," Higbie said. "We've done it with Iran back - back a while ago. We did it during World War II with Japanese."

"You're not proposing that we go back to the days of internment camps, I hope," said Megyn Kelly, the show's host.

Higbie, a former Navy SEAL who served two tours in Iraq, denied that, but said, "We need to protect America first."

No comment from Trump

He stood by his comments in a phone interview Thursday morning, saying that he had been alluding to the fact that the Supreme Court had "upheld things as horrific as Japanese internment camps."

"There is historical, factual precedent to do things that are not politically popular and sometimes not right, in the interest of national security," he said, adding that he "fundamentally" disagreed with "the internment camp mantra and doing it at all."

He clarified that he was not a constitutional lawyer and was working from a layman's understanding of the 1944 Supreme Court ruling that the order for internment camps was constitutional. He said he hopes to be involved in the Trump administration.

On Thursday, a spokeswoman for Trump did not reply to a request for comment. A spokeswoman for Kobach declined to comment.

A spokesman for the Great America PAC said Higbie had stopped working for the group on the day after the election.

Higbie's comments were met with furious criticism by civil rights activists, Muslim organizations and politicians.

Rep. Mark Takano, D-Calif., a Japanese-American whose parents and grandparents were imprisoned during World War II, said in a statement Thursday that the comments reflected "an alarming resurgence of racism and xenophobia in our political discourse." He called on Trump to denounce them.

Robert S. McCaw, a spokesman for the Council on American-Islamic Relations, the nation's largest Muslim civil rights group, called the reference to internment camps as a precedent "absolutely deplorable" and said that it would "would return America to one of the darkest chapters of its history."

McCaw noted that Congress had formally apologized for the Japanese-American internment in a law signed by President Ronald Reagan.

"I can't see how it would now be right to do the same thing to Muslims," McCaw said.

Helped create system

Kobach, who is Kansas' secretary of state, was referring to the National Security Entry-Exit Registration System, which he helped create while working at the Department of Justice. The program was first proposed in 2002 and significant portions of it suspended nine years later in 2011. Kobach had helped to create and implement the system when he worked for Attorney General John Ashcroft.

The policy came under heavy criticism. In a 2012 report, the Center for Immigrants' Rights at the Pennsylvania State University's law school called it a "tool that allowed the government to systematically target Arabs, Middle Easterners, Muslims, and South Asians" and a "clear example of discriminatory and arbitrary racial profiling."
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MOSUL, Iraq - Layers of hastily erected barricades built from rubble and twisted metal trace Mosul's eastern front line where Iraqi forces and Islamic State fighters are facing off in the dense neighborhoods and narrow alleyways of the country's second largest city.

As the operation to retake Mosul enters its second month on Thursday, Iraqi forces are preparing for prolonged, grueling urban combat.

They have slowed the tempo of their operations, advancing just a few hundred meters at a time. Iraqi forces have gathered troops many times the estimated 5,000 ISIS fighters in the city.

But hundreds of thousands of civilians still remain in the city. And the ferocity and magnitude of ISIS counterattacks and defenses in Mosul is unlike anything Iraqi forces have confronted in the fight against the militant group so far. As a result, overwhelming force can't bring swift victory, and the campaign is likely to take weeks.

Eastern front

Iraqi forces have advanced the furthest and faced the heaviest resistance in Mosul's east. Iraq's special forces say they control significant pockets of four of Mosul's easternmost neighborhoods: Zahra, Qadisiya, Tahrir and Gogjali. The territory measures less than a tenth of the city's total area.

Inside those neighborhoods, Iraqi forces are now surrounded by thousands of civilians as they continue to push to the city center. The presence of civilians has already thwarted the use of overwhelming air power to clear territory.

Iraqi officers say they also worry that ISIS supporters among the civilians are helping the group.

"We control all of this area," Iraqi special forces Maj. Ahmed Mamouri said, speaking in the Zahra district. "We've cleared the territory of fighters, but some of the civilians still support Daesh," he said using the Arabic acronym for ISIS.

Complex, bloody fight

Over the past year, Iraqi forces have slowly clawed back territory from ISIS. Facing a militant organization that proclaimed itself a state, Iraq's security forces battled ISIS with conventional military tactics: cutting supply lines, besieging cities and measuring victory in square kilometers.

In Mosul, Iraqi forces are undertaking a much more complex fight.

Mosul is not yet surrounded by Iraqi forces and has smuggling routes and supply lines with ISIS territory in Syria. Iraq has mobilized some 100,000 troops from the military, as well as tribal and militia fighters, to take on the estimated 5,000 ISIS fighters inside Mosul. Also, the U.S.-led coalition has deployed some 100 U.S. troops to Iraqi front lines to help. The coalition has also launched more than 4,000 airstrikes the past month, mainly around Mosul, and provided Iraqi forces with surveillance and intelligence.

The individual tactics employed by ISIS mirror past fights: extensive tunnel systems; large, armored car bombs; snipers and small units of fighters left behind to fight to the death.

But the sheer scale of ISIS defenses and counterattacks in Mosul has stunned Iraq's military.

During a single week, Iraqi special forces Lt. Col. Muhanad al-Tamimi said more than 30 car bombs attacked his troops on Mosul's eastern edge. Col. John Dorrian, a spokesman for the U.S.-led forces supporting the operation, said Tuesday that airstrikes had destroyed 59 suicide car bombs and more than 80 tunnels used by Islamic State fighters.

In the south and west

Iraqi forces to the south, north and west of the city are struggling to cut supply lines and tighten their hold on the city.

On the city's southern approach, Iraqi forces advanced more than 24 miles over the past month, largely up the Tigris River valley. They are now preparing to launch an operation to retake Mosul's airport on the city's southern edge.

Over 36 miles west of Mosul, government-sanctioned Shiite militia forces are slowly working to surround the historically Turkmen town of Tal Afar, which sits on a key supply line linking ISIS-controlled territory in Iraq to the group's holdings in Syria.
This year will be "very likely" the hottest on record, with global temperatures breaking the previous record, set in 2015, scientists with the World Meteorological Organization announced Monday.

The announcement is no surprise to climate scientists - experts at NASA had already projected that 2016 would be a third year of record heat - and the record will not be definitive until early next year.

But the latest estimate of record-shattering heat comes as world leaders gather in Marrakesh, Morocco, for the annual United Nations talks on limiting the impact of climate change.

The meeting is taking place in an atmosphere of alarm. President-elect Donald Trump has called human-caused climate change a "hoax" perpetrated by the Chinese; has vowed to dismantle the Environmental Protection Agency "in almost every form;" and has named Myron Ebell of the business-backed Competitive Enterprise Institute, who has deep oil industry ties, to head his EPA transition team.

Climate deal

Preliminary data show that 2016's global temperatures are approximately 2.16 degrees Fahrenheit above pre-industrial levels. The landmark climate deal reached by 195 nations near Paris last December commits them to holding the increase in temperature to 3.6 degrees Fahrenheit, the point at which the world would be locked into irreversible and potentially devastating environmental changes.

Trump has vowed to withdraw from the Paris climate deal. It has entered into legal force - meaning that countries like the United States cannot legally withdraw for four years - but there are many actions the Trump administration could take to limit the execution of the agreement.

Weather phenomenon

The meteorological organization found that global temperatures from January to September were about 1.58 degrees Fahrenheit above the average for the years from 1961 to 1990, a period the organization uses as a baseline. Temperatures spiked early this year because of the weather phenomenon known as El Nino, which exacerbated coral reef bleaching, which is caused by water that is too warm, and a rise in sea levels.

"Preliminary data for October indicate that they are at a sufficiently high level for 2016 to remain on track for the title of hottest year on record," the organization said. That would mean that 16 of the 17 hottest years on record have been in the 21st century. The other one was 1998.

The organization also found that concentrations of major greenhouse gases in the atmosphere continue to increase to record levels; that Arctic sea ice remained at very low levels; and that there was significant, earlier-than-usual melting of the Greenland ice sheet.
Look out, Texas cities. Mayor Sylvester Turner wants your best and brightest.

A pleasant surprise arrived Thursday with news that the mayor was filling two top positions in the city hierarchy with experienced outsiders. El Paso Fire Chief Samuel Pena will serve as Houston's fire chief and Austin Police Chief Art Acevedo will serve as the next police chief.

Each comes with a reputation as a respected leader who will bring a new perspective.

These appointments also signify that pension negotiations have emerged on steady footing.

For the icing on top, now the rising generation of Hispanic Houstonians will have a pair of Spanish-speaking leaders to look up to.

There's not much time for celebration. Both the Houston Police Department and Houston Fire Department are riddled with structural problems that require comprehensive overhauls. A city like Houston deserves a fire department that runs on a 21st century model instead of living off outdated legacy ideas. And we need a police department that puts community relations and investigations as top priority.

If Houston is going to have the transformative, innovative, smart and responsive city government that Turner has promised, both Pena and Acevedo should be ready to tackle some big changes.

For example, the fire department needs to confront the reality of their changing duties. The number of fires across the nation fell by 50 percent between 1980 and 2013, but the number of people paid to fight fires has grown by 50 percent. About 85 percent of the Houston Fire Department's calls are for emergency medical services. Stations, training and equipment should reflect this shifting priority.

It will be a tough fight. Houston's notoriously stubborn fire union already released a statement drawing attention to the "declining condition" of its fleet and facilities. Pena will need to show that we're spending our money wisely before asking taxpayers to write another check.

When HFD does fight fires, the Houston Chronicle's extensive Chemical Breakdown investigation found that the department is ill-prepared for dangerous chemicals. Fewer than one quarter of hazardous materials facilities with permits have been inspected, and little effort is taken to find violators or help businesses stay in compliance.

Meanwhile, a recent investigation by Miya Shay at KRTK-TV found that Houston firefighters are selling their shifts over Facebook. Thirteen firefighters were indicted in a similar cash-for-shift scandal two years ago in Cleveland, Ohio.

Pena has his work cut out for him.

The Houston Police Department has its own challenges ahead. Our city avoided the sort of community relations crises that have befallen other major law enforcement agencies. But community relations are still tense. Officer-involved shootings deserve more scrutiny than they currently receive. Excessive force complaints often go undisciplined. And a four-month investigation by KHOU-TV found that the department's body camera program has been riddled with inconsistent policy that allows critical moments to go unrecorded.

There's also continuing conflict between the police department and the civilian-run Houston Forensic Science Center.

All of this on top of a 25 percent spike in the homicide rate last year.

Acevedo arrives with an impressive record. Houstonians should be particularly heartened by the high standard he demands from his officers. When an Austin police officer fatally shot a naked and unarmed 17-year-old this year, Acevedo did not hesitate to terminate the officer in question.

"If someone runs at you naked and unarmed and your first instinct is to shoot them, you have to be fired," Acevedo said. "You can't be a cop."

People have high expectations of their police department. Acevedo sets the bar appropriately high. That's the exact attitude that Houston has needed in our top lawman. We look forward to Acevedo's confirmation by City Council alongside Pena.
Why should every kid get a free meal?

That's the question my neighbor asked me after I said I think all students at our children's school should get to eat lunch for free.

We were discussing the topic because our school, just like 95 percent of public schools nationally, participates in the National School Lunch Program, one of the longest-running and most successful food assistance efforts in this country.

Congress created national school lunches 70 years ago this year. A federal investigation into the health problems that caused young men to be rejected for the draft during World War II had found that childhood malnutrition was the primary cause. Ever since, the program has been helping safeguard the health of our nation's children and improve the prospects for our shared future.

As a nutrition professional, I've seen the overwhelming positive health outcomes linked to making healthy meals available to children for free or low cost at school. The research shows that students who participate have better nutrition than nonparticipants. In the field of public health, feeding children in school has proved to be one of the most successful nutrition interventions that exist.

So why do we still have hungry children in schools? Two reasons: an abhorrent amount of paperwork and the social stigma that surrounds free lunches.

Here in Texas, about 1 out of every 4 students lives in a food-insecure household, according to Feeding America. The U.S. Department of Agriculture defines food insecurity as experiencing times when there is not enough food in a household or there's real uncertainty around having food.

There are absolutely no excuses for hungry children in Texas. Yet according to the National Center for Education Statistics, in 2010-11, Texas had more than 2 million public school students eligible for free or reduced-priced lunch - more than half of all children in Texas public schools.

Many of these children have yet to benefit from the National School Lunch Program and the related School Breakfast Program. Data show many children who are eligible do not participate. Parents or caregivers may miss filling out the annual required forms or, sometimes, they can't read the forms for qualification, or the paperwork never got to them.

Stigmatizing economic struggles is also part of the problem. In the 1970s and 1980s, I myself received free lunches through the program. To this day, I remember the social stigma surrounding it. We need to remove as much social and class division as possible around food assistance programs. Making sitting down and sharing a healthy meal together the new normal in our schools would be a good start.

A provision in the law, called the Community Eligibility Provision, now allows for school districts and parents to give all students who need them healthy meals during the school day, while avoiding unnecessary paperwork. A pilot initiative in the 2010 Healthy, Hunger-Free Kids Act made it easier for students from participating schools and low-income families to eliminate much of the yearly required forms, making free lunches and breakfast universal for every student. Cafeteria employees no longer needed to act as debt collectors. No more collecting unpaid fees or past-due amounts for meals.

These strategies create a better learning environment for all involved. That's why school districts in and around Dallas, Houston and San Antonio are among those using the provision to great success. Still, there are numerous smaller school districts in Texas that either don't understand the steps needed to get started or haven't explored the option. The good news is that tools and resources to help these districts exist online through the Food Research Action Center and others.

We as adults like to say that there is no such thing as a free lunch. But this should not apply to our children.

We must remove as much social and class division as possible around food assistance because every child is worthy of being nourished. Likewise, every community deserves the benefits of a population where childhood malnutrition, food insecurity and hunger become relics of the past.

Papillion is a lecturer of nutritional sciences at the University of Texas at Austin.
The following are excerpts from reports generated by the Houston Police Department:

Jasper D. Robbins, 28, of 224 E. Highway 32 in Licking, was issued citations for stealing under $500 and first-degree trespassing after allegedly shoplifting from Walmart on Nov. 16. Robbins was cited for trespassing because he had been banned from all Walmart properties after an incident in August 2011.

Robbins also had an active Texas County warrant for driving without a valid license, failure to dim headlights, no insurance and no seatbelt. He was taken to the Texas County Jail where he was unable to post $100,000 bond.
Congressman Jason Smith announced a grant last week to assist with updating the surgery wing at Texas County Memorial Hospital.

Funding of $150,000 from the Delta Regional Authority (DRA) will assist with updates for the 6,000 square-foot section of the hospital.

Access to quality healthcare is one of the toughest obstacles we face in rural Missouri, but this grant money is going to help improve those options to people in Texas County, said Smith. Investments like these are exactly why Congress created the Delta Regional Authority, and it can do a great deal of good right here. The services that are going to be offered can make a huge difference not only for families in the community, but could also provide life-saving opportunities when time is of the essence.

Established in 2000 by Congress, DRA makes strategic investments of federal appropriations into the physical and human infrastructure of Delta communities. The DRA works directly with Congress to identify priorities throughout the 252 counties which make up the Delta Region. In Missouris 8th Congressional district, one of the poorest in the nation, 29 of the 30 counties qualify for DRA investments.

The $150,000 investment to improvements at TCMH is a part of a $6.7 million allocation in new investments announced by the DRA in an effort to strengthen Missouris infrastructure and economy.
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Social Media Rules You know this: social media is the preferred method of communication for an increasingly large number of people of all ages and walks of life. The statistics say it all:  There are over one billion Facebook users  about one-third of those users are in the United States alone  Facebook is available in 70 languages, and reaches about one-third of global internet users  YouTube is viewed about four billion times per day Twitter claims 500 million users LinkedIn has 175 million users Tumblr reports 150 million users Instagram says it has 100 million registered users and four billion photographs Social Media is Mobile People arent waiting to get to their desks or home PCs to use social media either. More than 115 million U.S. residents own a smartphonethat number is expected to rise to almost 200 million by 2016. Six hundred million Facebook users use mobile devices to access the site worldwide. Tablet usage in the U.S. rose from 34 million in 2011 to 55 million in 2012, with usage projected at 108 million by 2015. Social media usage is growing and accessing it via mobile technology is exploding. Its how people communicate. Social Media Brings in Customers Individuals arent the only ones who use social media. Companies see the value in social media as a great way to communicate with customers. Fifty-eight percent have a corporate Facebook page. Sixty-two...
Did you know the Internal Revenue Service allows companies to deduct what you pay employees for recognition and wellness programs? Certain conditions and limitations apply, of course, but these benefits could save your company thousands. The catch? Awards cant be cash, gift certificates or other intangible property (such as travel, tickets, etc.). While our industry refers to these acknowledgements as recognition awards, theyre also referred to as achievement awards and wellness programs. To qualify for tax deductions, these types of awards need to meet definite criteria. They must:  Be tangible property  Be awarded as part of a meaningful presentation  Be part of an established written plan or program  Not be disguised as pay  Not favor highly compensated employees Here are the programs that qualify and a few things to think about when it comes to tax advantages and restrictions:  Length-of-service Awards - Given after the first five years of employment and in five-year increments ongoing. Employees cant be given similar awards (other than very small value) in the prior four years.  Safety Achievement Awards - Given for meeting certain corporate safety metrics. But be aware, only 10% of qualifying employees can receive this award per year.  Wellness Programs - Companies enjoy tax credits with wellness programs aimed at enhancing physical and ment...
A recently released report by consulting firm Aon Hewitt via its Radford Trends Report found that despite the global economic uncertainty, tech companies in Asia Pacific are still experiencing high levels of employee turnover.



Median voluntary turnover at technology firms in Singapore currently sits at 11.7%, above the 10% threshold where companies typically begin to consider special retention programs, said the Radford report.



To combat the rising turnover rate, Radford found that the tech sector is planning on increasing salary budgets in 2017.



In Singapore, they reported a 4.4% increase, up from this years 4.2%.



Moreover, they said that approximately two-thirds of technology sector companies in all major Asia-Pacific markets, including Singapore, are currently pursuing normal or aggressive hiring plans.



In Singapore, they said that 2.3% of tech companies have expressed aggressive hiring plans while 64.6% are planning on hiring normally.



But can the promise of a salary increase really entice employees to stay in their current positions?



What matters most is that high performers feel recognised, said Brooke Green, partner, head of employee rewards practice at Radford.



An annual salary increase that is noticeably above average sends a loud message that an employee is valued, which can absolutely help with retention.



In a market, with high turnover and robust hiring, salary differentiation should be on the minds of all HR leaders, she told HRD.


As Canadas Shomi streaming service prepares to shut down at the end of the month, there is a possibility a new player will arrive: Amazon Primes streaming service, which offers movies and original shows such as Transparent and Bosch.

The news of its arrival in Canada was announced unofficially on Tuesday in a tweet from Jeremy Clarkson, the British journalist most recently known for hosting Top Gear.

Advertisement

So. People of Ireland, Canada, Australia and pretty well everywhere else. You WILL be able to watch the Grand Tour. Amazon has gone global.  Jeremy Clarkson (@JeremyClarkson) November 16, 2016

But since the tweet, Amazon has steadfastly refused to confirm its streaming service has gone global, only confirming to several news sources Clarksons show will indeed be available in Canada.

"We are excited to announce that 'The Grand Tour' will be able to be streamed from over 200 countries and territories around the world in December," a spokesperson confirmed to both CBC News and The Toronto Star.

But Clarkson may have just let a large cat out of its bag prematurely.

Recent events in Australia up the odds of an Amazon video launch in Canada.

The service arrived this week in the Land Down Under in what media called an unexpected stealth launch  increasing the odds of a similar announcement in Canada.

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Besides the U.S. and now Australia, Amazon streaming is available in Britain, Japan and Germany.

Clarkson was promoting his new Amazon Prime show, The Grand Tour, on Twitter and responded to complaints from other Tweeters that Amazon Prime streaming is not available in many countries.

Amazon Prime itself is available to Canadians for $79 per year, but offers only free two-day shipping and some discounts and special offers  excluding Amazons video and music streaming services, available to U.S. customers for US$79 a year.

The Toronto Star notes there could be licensing issues, as some Amazon original shows have been licensed to other media companies in Canada.

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Bosch is being aired on Bell Medias CraveTV, while the critically acclaimed Transparent is available on Shomi  though that service, as mentioned, is shutting down at the end of November.

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A Montreal-area developer says too much fiery passion and public misunderstanding has forced him to temporarily halt an idea to build a Muslim housing development in a Montreal suburb.

Nabil Warda told The Huffington Post Canada on Friday he decided the timing just isnt right to present his proposal for his Brossard, Que. project.

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Warda wants to build dozens of homes in the community, but news of his idea has elicited widespread backlash  including from Quebecs premier.

Speaking to reporters from Marrakesh, Morocco, on Tuesday, Philippe Couillard called the project discriminatory. Inclusion goes in both directions, he said, as quoted in The Toronto Star.

There is too much fiery passion and not enough cool reflection.

Warda explained his proposal has been misunderstood or misrepresented  or both. There is too much fiery passion and not enough cool reflection, he said.

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Let's let things settle down.

Because of the belief among some Muslims that paying interest constitutes a sin, buying homes can sometimes be an obstacle for Muslims. The Egyptian-Canadian accountant said its his goal to help Muslim families buy homes.

Warda said he was slated to present his idea at the Islamic Community Centre of South Shore on Friday in hopes of assessing interest in his idea, but a deluge of negative messages to the mosque forced the meeting to be cancelled.

No reason to put more oil on the fire

Mohamed Yacoub, a management committee co-chairman at the mosque where the meeting was supposedly planned to take place, denied any involvement with the idea.

Since its causing so much controversy, theres no reason to put more oil on the fire. We told [Warda], We dont want any presentation. You can do it somewhere else, Yacoub told The National Post.

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But Warda did have the support of provincial politician Gaetan Barrette, who represents the riding where Warda wants to build his housing development.

Barrette defended the merits of the project, comparing it to Montreals Chinatown.

With files from Daniel Tencer and The Canadian Press

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Nicky Libert, a construction worker from Amsterdam, was doing his job one day when a tourist from London stopped him for a photo. He had no idea that this would be the photo that would change his life ~forever~.

Dressed in his uniform, the 26-year-old was snapped by photography student Danika Magdelena.

So I randomly stopped this construction worker in Amsterdam and asked him for a photo because he was beautiful. #someonesignhim A photo posted by Sirius Film (@sirius.film) on Nov 5, 2016 at 12:31pm PDT

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"So I randomly stopped this construction worker in Amsterdam and asked him for a photo because he was beautiful af. #someonesignhim," the 21-year-old wrote on Instagram.

What happened next? Libert's photo went viral, of course.

@MaddoLuu holy moly im in love  nicole (@NlCOLEMARIE) November 6, 2016

@thehomiejade he is so beautiful  rose (@telgraphave) November 6, 2016

And turned him into a bit of a celebrity.

Je zal maar zomaar de beroemde bouwvakker tegen het lijf lopen ..  A photo posted by Chrissy Grace, 19 (@xchrissygrace) on Nov 8, 2016 at 7:41am PST

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And it didn't take long before the fashion industry noticed Libert's beauty either  not even a week later, he was signed to Elite Amsterdam.

Welcome to @nicky_libert by @miloudouze // #elite #elitemodels #eliteamsterdam #elitearmy #beelite #eliteboysdoitbetter #soproud #loveourboys A photo posted by Elite Amsterdam Boys (@elite_amsterdam_boys) on Nov 9, 2016 at 8:17am PST

"[Sic throughout] What a amazing last week i had.. it's been like a rollercoaster! Everything changed at once & it took some getting used to.. I have to say i'm handling it better & better. I want to thank @sirius.film @ygsiri for this amazing opportunity! #dreamscometrue," the Dutch construction worker wrote on Instagram where he went from 500 followers to 35,000 followers in just a few days, according to the Independent.

This is almost as great of a story as that one time Pietro Boselli, the man dubbed "The World's Hottest Math Teacher," landed a modelling gig with Giorgio Armani's EA7 SportsLine.

Oh, you can check Boselli out in this slideshow below:

UCL Lecturer Pietro Boselli Is Also A Top Male Model See Gallery

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Who are we bowing down to today? Jennifer Lopez, of course.

The 47-year-old took to the red carpet at the 17th Annual Latin Grammys on Thursday in Las Vegas where all eyes were on her as she sizzled in a glittery black sheer jumpsuit from Zuhair Murads Winter 2016 couture collection.

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Rocking glossy straight locks and a killer bronzed smokey eye, the triple threat flaunted her toned body in the form fitting outfit, which was covered head-to-toe in sheer detailing and sequins.

And if you thought Jenny's fashion game stopped there, you thought wrong.

The mother of two stunned backstage in a gold embellished Elie Saab romper with long sleeves and a plunging neckline, her sleek tresses still intact.

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The "Shades of Blue" actress finished things off at the Latin Grammys wearing a beaded and fringed caftan made by Kuwaiti brand Labourjoisie during a performance with ex-husband Marc Anthony (where a kiss was shared!)

Seriously, JLo. Thank you for this fashion treat.

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A Conservative MP has made an impassioned case for supporting the Liberal governments transgender rights bill and expressed regret for voting against a similar piece of legislation three years ago.

Calgarys Michelle Rempel, who was one of 38 Tory MPs to support Bill C-16 in second reading last month, rose in the House of Commons Friday to speak in favour of the legislation.

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Rempels speech focused on a theme of compassion.

Tory MP Michelle Rempel speaks in the House of Commons on Nov. 18. (Photo: Parlvu)

What often unifies our weakest moments, the moments when we inflict damage upon others, the moments that linger in our minds as regret long after they happened, the moments we later need to ask forgiveness for or make recompense for, is a failure to seek to grant compassion to others, Rempel said.

Compassion ought to be the goal of legislators, she suggested, adding it's a common thread in religious faith. It requires humility, empathy, and a departure from dogma.

In our worst moments, it is compassion that saves us, she said.

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'Our rights are so precious and so fragile'

Rempel opened up about her education on trans rights issues since she came to the House in 2011. She said it is beyond dispute that transgender Canadians face discrimination, harassment, abuse, and high rates of depression and suicide.

She also grew emotional addressing the trailblazers and advocates who made it possible for her to stand in the House as a cis woman.

Our rights are so precious and so fragile and for us as legislators, if we cannot acknowledge when inequality exists and we cannot rectify that, then we are doing something wrong, she said.

'I was wrong'

C-16 seeks to make it illegal under the Canadian Human Rights Act to discriminate on the basis of gender identity or expression. A similar private members bill from NDP MP Randall Garrison passed the House in 2013, but was gutted by the Tory-dominated Senate and died when a federal election was called.

Rempel voted against Garrisons bill, she said, because she thought the changes it proposed would only result in symbolic action.

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I was wrong, Rempel said. In the last three years, I have watched this community face bigotry, more discrimination, and becoming a flashpoint for fights we should no longer be having in Canada.

Its clear that provinces, employers, and transgender Canadians cannot move forward without the law in place, she said.

40 MPs voted against bill

All 40 MPs who opposed C-16 last month were from the Conservative bench, including two leadership contenders: Andrew Scheer and Brad Trost. Five other MPs running for Tory leader supported the bill: Michael Chong, Maxime Bernier, Lisa Raitt, Stephen Blaney, and Deepak Obhrai.

Trost has argued that passing the bill could somehow endanger children in public restrooms. Rempel addressed the bathroom argument head-on, saying it was wrong to make a value judgement that trans Canadians are more likely to prey on people in public washrooms.

Rempel noted research from UCLAs Jody Herman suggesting trans people are more likely to face incidents of assault, harassment, and abuse in public restrooms.

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"I believe in the capacity of my colleagues across party lines to be compassionate, to be strong, to stand up for Canada, and to stand up for what is good, what is just and what is beautiful."  Michelle Rempel

She also said the bill fits squarely with what it means to be a Conservative, noting the partys guiding principles promised progressive social policy and a commitment to individual rights as well as fiscal accountability.

I believe in the capacity of my colleagues across party lines to be compassionate, to be strong, to stand up for Canada, and to stand up for what is good, what is just and what is beautiful, Rempel concluded.

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It happened, again.

Ottawa police are investigating after two more places of worship in the capital were tagged with racist graffiti.

The Parkdale United Church and the Ottawa Muslim Association were tagged with racial slurs and swastikas on Thursday, the Ottawa Citizen reports.

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5 incidents of hate graffiti in 6 days leave Ottawa wondering who is doing this, and why? https://t.co/ik1HYS5GBo#ottnews#cdnpolipic.twitter.com/PdIlBu1UE5  CBC Ottawa (@CBCOttawa) November 18, 2016

Anthony Bailey, the church's pastor, told the paper he believes the acts weren't committed by just one person or group.

"There is an emboldening that has taken place, I believe, Bailey said.

Rev. Dr. Anthony Bailey says racist graffiti attacks won't stop his church's message of love. #ottnewspic.twitter.com/TP8iRqU9JU  Tom Spears (@TomSpears1) November 18, 2016

"F*** Allah" was spray-painted on the mosque's doors alongside a swastika, while "go home" and "666" were tagged underneath.

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The mosque's vice-president told CBC News the situation is "very scary."

"It's hate, it's just hate. Ottawa is a beautiful city, it's full of love for everyone, it is welcome to everyone," Ahmed Ibrahim said.

"This graffiti is telling me, 'go home.' This is my home. ... Canada and Ottawa is my home. "

Ottawa Mayor Jim Watson condemned the acts on Friday, calling them "disgusting."

Again more racist graffiti at a church and a mosque overnight. These actions are disgusting and not reflective of our community. /2  Jim Watson (@JimWatsonOttawa) November 18, 2016

On Thursday, Prime Minister Justin Trudeau also denounced anti-Semitic graffiti spray-painted on an Ottawa synagogue and prayer centre recently.

The church and mosque incidents are the fourth and fifth places of worship to be vandalized this week.

To the Canadian Jewish community: I stand with you. Our government denounces recent acts of anti-Semitism in the strongest terms.  Justin Trudeau (@JustinTrudeau) November 17, 2016

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Also on HuffPost
Twitter CEO Jack Dorsey has apologized for a neo-Nazi ad that was promoted on his social media network.

On Thursday, Dorsey said the company had "made a mistake."

"Our automated system allowed an ad promoting hate," he said.

We made a mistake here and we apologize. Our automated system allowed an ad promoting hate. Against our policy. We did a retro and fixed! https://t.co/7gvycmzpsm  jack (@jack) November 17, 2016

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The ad in question was a promoted tweet that linked to a neo-Nazi website called The New Order. It was spotted and shared by Ariana Lenarsky, a Los Angeles-based musician and writer, according to Motherboard.

.@twitter I can't believe anything still surprises me, but why the fuck am I seeing nazi ads on this website pic.twitter.com/jtKKnn8XR5  Ariana Lenarsky (@aardvarsk) November 16, 2016

Dorsey noted the promoted tweet goes against the company's ad policy, which "prohibits the promotion of hate content, sensitive topics, and violence globally."

His apology came two days after Twitter unveiled new tools to curb online abuse and bullying. The company also suspended several white supremacist  or "alt-right," whatever that means  accounts from its network, the Chicago Tribune reported.

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Twitter has been facing a storm of criticism for months over its handling of online abuse and harassment.

In a blog post, the company acknowledged the new tools won't "suddenly" fix the problem  pledging to make rapid improvements to the service based on feedback provided from users.

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I am a retired newspaperman. I am 69 and live in Poca, WV, with my wife of 45 years, Lou Ann. We grew up in Cleveland. Three kids. Grandfather.

More on who I am is here.

Report all errors to DonSurber@GMail.com
Doctors are calling it a rare case of "penile strangulation."

According to the South African Medical Journal, an unnamed man was taken to hospital after squeezing a wedding ring over his penis for erotic pleasure. The journal notes the 28-year-old South African man tried to substitute a wedding ring for a cock ring.

No proper guidelines exist for the treatment of this condition, so the best method is the one with a successful outcome, the journal noted.

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According to the report, the wedding ring got stuck and caused the patient's penis to swell  doctors even tried using a small surgical saw to remove it.

After failed attempts with a saw (it got too close to the sex organ), doctors made multiple punctures with a syringe to decrease swelling.

Eventually, the man was sent home with pain killers and antibiotics.

In a similar case, one Chinese man got his wedding band stuck on his penis for two full days, Brides.com reports. Doctors had to remove the ring using a very delicate operation. Ouch.

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Massive West Texas discovery presents a threat to oilsands

Trump may appoint policymakers unfriendly to Canadian oil

A pivot to Asia for Canadian oil?

The oilsands suddenly have a real reason to fear Texas.

The United States Geological Survey (USGS) announced this week that a massive deposit of shale oil had been discovered in west Texas, the largest such field yet found in the U.S.

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Known as the Wolfcamp formation, it contains an estimated 20 billion barrels of oil and 16 billion cubic feet of natural gas.

The Dallas Morning News estimates that, at current prices, the oil alone is worth US$900 billion, or around C$1.22 trillion. But it's unlikely all of that oil could be extracted.

Wolfcamp is three times as large as the Bakken formation in North Dakota  a field so large it has been blamed for depressing Canadian oilsands prices.

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Oilsands product sells at a "discount" compared to the benchmark North American price, in part due to difficulties transporting the oil to markets, and in part due to the explosion of oil production in the U.S., which briefly made the country the worlds largest producer of oil. (It fell behind Russia and Saudi Arabia after oil prices crashed.)

There are already companies operating in the Wolfcamp formation, including ConocoPhillips and Pioneer.

The [USGS] estimate is just a reflection of what a lot of the companies [drilling] out there already suspected, Federal Reserve Bank of Dallas economist Michael Plante told the Morning News.

The possibility that an oil field three times as large as North Dakotas Bakken could one day be fully exploited presents a threat to the future of Albertas oilsands, already struggling with low oil prices that have halted investment in new projects.

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And while president-elect Donald Trump has promised to approve the Keystone XL pipeline, two of this three top candidates for the job of energy secretary are linked to the Bakken field, and may be unlikely to support building a pipeline to the competition.

One of those candidates  oil billionaire and Continental Resources CEO Harold Hamm  has repeatedly said that the Keystone XL pipeline is no longer relevant to the U.S., thanks to the development of the shale oil fields.

Canadas federal Liberal government seems to agree.

The Keystone XL pipeline is no longer crucial to Canadas plans, Natural Resources Minister Jim Carr told media this week.

"It doesn't get oil to export markets in Asia," he said.

Thats one clear sign the Liberals have pivoted towards exports to Asia as the future of Canadian oil, and may be on the verge of approving Kinder Morgans TransMountain pipeline expansion. That pipe would carry Canadian oil to a deepwater port near Vancouver.

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Prime Minister Justin Trudeaus cabinet is set to make a decision on Kinder Morgans TransMountain pipeline no later than Dec. 19.

But that pipeline is heavily opposed by many on Canadas west coast. Vancouver Mayor Gregor Robertson said this week it will be ugly if the Trudeau government approves the project.

CORRECTION: An earlier version of this article stated that the U.S. is the world's largest oil producer. In fact, it lost that rank in 2015.

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Hero Images via Getty Images High school teacher and student assembling computer

In the past 40 years what we've taught our middle and high-school students has remained relatively the same and hasn't been keeping pace with the evolving and modernizing job market. Yes, we have many strengths when it comes to talent and diversity, and there have been efforts in the classroom to improve tech, online learning, and STEM courses to better prepare youth for what lies ahead in post-secondary and the job market. However, a key ingredient to our future generation's success is missing from the majority of our K-12 classrooms -- entrepreneurial and innovative education.

A survey conducted by Bank of Montreal states that 46 per cent of Canadian post-secondary students would like to open their own business after graduation, yet we don't have mandatory curriculum or programming across the country to support this. Too many young, fresh and creative minds are leaving school with no entrepreneurial skills or innovative mindsets.

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We're failing students by focusing mainly on subjects that lead to traditional career paths. Transforming our K-12 schools' curriculum to the needs of our changing global economy is necessary if we want to wholly support the students who dream of starting their own company.

Introducing entrepreneurial practices in all levels of schooling is the best way to equip youth with the right hard and soft skills for the labour market. Beyond developing critical thinking and problem solving skills, students should gain experience in starting and managing their own business, experience what it's like to think ambitiously and push the status quo, graduate feeling motivated and ready to add value to society.

We know that it's best to learn skills at a young age, and if these experiences start early, the skills gained from them will only become stronger with time. This concept is no different when it comes to entrepreneurship and innovation education.

We need youth to think of entrepreneurship as a career option long before reaching post-secondary. Scandinavian countries are at the forefront of this shift, with entrepreneurship and innovation taught at every education level and as a cross-curricular skill rather than a stand-alone course. Closer to home, Canadian teachers can cultivate that mindset by leveraging the abundance of existing programs to teach entrepreneurship skills and schools should encourage this.

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For example, Entrepreneurial Adventure, currently running in Ontario, Alberta, New Brunswick and Nova Scotia is a curriculum-linked program that involves students working with their teacher and a business advisor to develop their own business. A Business of Our Own by Junior Achievement Canada is a program available in Ontario, Prince Edward Island and Manitoba for grades three through six that uses experiential learning and game-based technology to engage students while learning concepts of management, finance, production and marketing.

Clearly, we aren't lacking the framework, but a streamlined approach of how to lay the foundation for entrepreneurship and innovation across the country. Key players, from government to school boards to private sector to veteran entrepreneurs, need to lead the charge and drive changes to curriculum, working with teachers to adopt collaborative work practices and encourage students to take what they learn and put it into practice. Another way to introduce entrepreneurship in our schools is to establish maker spaces -- physical spaces where students can get together to create, build and learn -- or to initiate an entrepreneur in residence program to support students who have questions or ideas that they want to bring forward to someone with personal experience.

Integrating extracurricular programs can also help students who are interested in intensive programming. Ryerson University's Basecamp is an educational program that provides high school students with the education, access to mentorship and resources from the DMZ and Ryerson community to help them become successful entrepreneurs and innovators. Students apply and if accepted, they leave with a startup. Access to this learning is key, or we run the risk of great ideas and success going unrealized.

For example, Harsh Shah, the CEO of SpitStrips spent his summer at the DMZ's Basecamp putting the finishing touches on his business plan. After a classmate's tragic passing at the hands of a drunk driver, a group of students created SpitStrips as a way to help combat this rampant issue with a convenient, accurate and portable way to test blood alcohol content. At Basecamp, Harsh was able to gain access to mentorship and resources from the DMZ and Ryerson that might have otherwise held up their plan. After completing the program, SpitStrips is well on its way to the manufacturing stage and creating partnerships with post-secondary schools for promotion and distribution.

Ryerson University introduced Zone Learning, built off the success of the DMZ, as a unique form of experiential learning where teaching and learning are rooted in startup and social change models and impactful ideas are brought from concept to viable prototypes. Students from business to engineering to arts receive the kind of support to create, develop and launch ideas that have a huge potential to positively impact society. Ryerson's 11 domain-specific zones are dedicated communities for exploring entrepreneurship and social innovations, and it's Ryerson's way of giving entrepreneurial minds the best shot at success.

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The time is now for young people to learn about entrepreneurship and innovation, build the foundation of their future and take charge of their career trajectory, in a space where they spend their days - school. Students should have the opportunity to apply new ways of thinking to transform and impact the world. My hope is really quite simple.

Have young people introduced to entrepreneurship and innovation during their most impressionable years, lead these promising young minds to be entrepreneurial, help provide jobs and boost employment rates, contribute to our knowledge-based economy and overall social and economic well-being. It's our responsibility as entrepreneurs and leaders to accelerate innovative and creative thinking to bring great ideas to reality.
Nicolas Koutsokostas via Getty Images THERMOPYLAE, GREECE - SEPTEMBER 03: Ilias Kassidiaris, lawmaker of the Golden Dawn party, addresses supporters in front of the King Leonidas monument during the event to commemorate the fallen of the battle of Thermopylae on September 3, 2016 in Thermopylae, Greece. (Photo by Nicolas Koutsokostas/Cobis via Getty Images)

Image courtesy of Daniel Rivas via Twitter

Right-wing fascist group Golden Dawn attacked refugees and set fire to Souda camp on Chios island on Wednesday night. According to eyewitnesses, approximately sixty members of the group descended on the camp around 01:00, launching a series of flares and throwing large rocks before setting fire to several tents.

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The group reportedly entered the camp through its entrances on either end and attacked some of the camp's 1,000+ residents. Refugees and volunteers posted videos online depicting the significant size of the rocks, which were thrown from above and tore through the canvas of the UNHCR tents as refugees slept inside.

Several refugees were taken to the hospital as a result of the attack, including one pregnant woman and one man whose skull was fractured after being struck by a rock.

Members of the group then allegedly set fire to one of the large rubhalls in Souda's center and blocked the camp exits. Videos of the fire posted online show chaos and panic throughout the camp as refugees, including many families with babies and young children, tried to escape to safety. The nearby Athena Centre for Women, run by the NGO Action from Switzerland, was quickly opened as an emergency refuge.

Riot police arrived on scene and used tear gas and flares in an attempt to quell the confrontation. However, tweets from volunteers on the ground reported that riot police did little to restrain members of Golden Dawn and instead became violent with refugees. Several reports of police brutality have emerged. One refugee providing updates via Facebook in real time said police had "stormed the tents and started beating refugees and arresting people randomly."

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More than 50 people have been detained, including two international volunteers. Witnesses report one of the volunteers, a nurse, was beaten and detained as he attempted to assist the refugees. It is unclear whether the majority of the detainees are refugees or Golden Dawn members.

Golden Dawn is an ultranationalist right-wing political group in Greece, widely described by both scholars and media as a neo-Nazi fascist group. The group's increasingly hostile xenophobia and anti-refugee rhetoric has repeatedly been denounced by other Greek political parties including Syriza, the KKE and Popular Unity.

Golden Dawn coordinated several rallies on the Aegean islands this week to coincide with US President Barack Obama's visit to Athens.

Refugees have previously voiced concerns about the lack of security in Souda camp. In September Golden Dawn members attacked journalists, refugees, and volunteers during an anti-refugee protest, and its members were also accused of assaulting a young Palestinian girl in the main square later that month. Amidst the simmering tensions on Chios, male refugees in particular have consistently reported assaults by hostile locals and say they have received no protection from police.

There are currently more than 4,000 refugees stranded on Chios, living in temporary shelters built to accommodate a maximum capacity of 1,100 people. Tensions have been mounting in recent weeks as the backlogged asylum system continues to stall, and the EU refuses to provide more asylum officials to assist the overburdened Greek hotspots.

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Refugees are forced to wait for months in what Amnesty International calls "appalling conditions", and say they receive conflicting and confusing information from the various authorities and organizations responsible for their asylum claims. Recently frustrations have been further exacerbated as the tents and tarps provided to refugees prove inadequate protection against the approaching winter weather, particularly heavy rains and high winds.
deniskomarov via Getty Images Portrait beauty woman in a white dress with a long thick curly hair on gray background

I recently attended Canada's Walk of Fame black-tie gala in Toronto. (Those who follow my blogs will guess that I went because my Number One rockstar, Corey Hart, was honoured with his star this year. But, I digress.) Going to a star-studded formal event required a lot of beauty planning and preparation on my part. I'm not a girly girl. On a day-to-day basis, I don't fuss over my appearance. I get my hair cut and coloured regularly, and that's about it. I've had two manicures and one facial in my entire life. I never wear makeup. I pluck my own eyebrows. No, really. Some people still pluck! But a black-tie gala calls for putting on the glitz. Plus, it's fun to be a princess sometimes.

The problem is, when you're a princess only once every few years, you don't have the required DIY skills. Applying false eyelashes, contouring with makeup, applying gel nails, and waxing are beauty regimes that are best left to the pros (or at least to those ladies with considerable experience).

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Something else best left to the pros is hair extensions. While you can be a princess with any length hair (or no hair at all), it's hard not to envision the long, flowing locks of the Disney girls when you think, "princess."

My own hair is short and curly. I haven't had hair past my shoulders for about 20 years. The idea of having Disney princess hair was enchanting but I knew little about the process. How exactly are the extensions attached? How long does it take? How much does it cost? How long do extensions last? Time to do my research!

The website for Jessica Hair Extensions answered a lot of my questions, and serendipitously, it has well-reviewed salons in Toronto and Vaughan. Perfect.

It turns out that there are a number of different ways that hair extensions can be applied. One of the most popular is the hot fusion method, which uses heat and keratin to adhere small bunches of extensions directly to your own hair, near the roots. The results are realistic looking, and allow you to style your hair in a variety of ways -- including updos -- without worrying that people will be able to see the joins. This method also has long-lasting results, as your extensions can easily last two to four months, and sometimes longer. There are some downsides, though. The application can take two to four hours, and you need to be careful when styling your hair. Conditioners, oil treatments, and hot styling appliances to be kept away from the joins so that they don't weaken.

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image courtesy of shc9607 at pixabay.com

Micro loop extensions (also called "micro bead" or "micro ring") have tiny loops at the top of each weft. Small sections of your own hair are then pulled through each loop as well. The loops are squished down with pliers so that their appearance is minimized. Because these extensions are applied without any kind of adhesive, they are easier on your hair, and super simple to remove. Another benefit is that the loops can be moved as your hair grows out, prolonging the life of your extensions. This method is not the best choice for people with short or thin hair, as the loops may be visible, especially near your crown.

I was dubious about the whole idea of tape-in extensions, because really, how long can tape last? But tape-in extensions can last 2-3 months with proper maintenance. They are an excellent choice because the application process is quick (usually under an hour), and the extensions blend very well with your natural hair.

Interestingly -- at Jessica Hair Extensions anyway -- the cost of extensions doesn't depend on the method of application, but on the type and brand of hair used, as well as the length. Extensions at reputable salons are made from human hair. Virgin hair (which has never been chemically treated in any way) is the most expensive. Remy hair may have been chemically treated, but is carefully cut and gathered while keeping the cuticles of the hair aligned, which helps prevent tangling and matting once the extensions are applied. Non-Remy hair is typically discarded hair, and in gathering it together, the cuticles become misaligned. Reputable salons don't normally use non-Remy extensions. The prices at Jessica Hair extensions range from $300 to $600, but price vary between countries, regions, and salons, so research the prices at the salon of your choice.

If you're looking for something more temporary (and economical), you may want to consider clip-in extensions. As the name suggests, wefts are attached to metal clips, which are then clipped into your own hair. While synthetic clip-ins can be super cheap (and fun to play with!), those made of human hair will last longer and may be more cost-effective in the long run.

image courtesy of shc9607 at pixabay.com

As for me, I did not get my chance to shine like Ariel from The Little Mermaid. Due to an unseasonable blizzard, whiteout conditions, one canceled flight, and one delayed flight, I ended up changing right at the airport, splashing some water and coconut oil on my (short) hair, and smearing on some Burt's Bees tinted lip balm. And then I ran -- yes, literally ran -- through Pearson International Airport in my gown and sneakers. I changed into heels in the car. Sometimes it works out well, not being a girly-girl. I don't think I could have made that dash in Manolos, while keeping my long hair from getting tangled in my cross-body bag, and my makeup from smudging.
Dave Reede via Getty Images a farmer standing in oat stubble in front of a tractor and grain wagon during the harvest, near Dugald, Manitoba, Canada

Blog posts are not legal advice.

The province of Manitoba is located in central Canada, bordering on North Dakota and Minnesota, USA. It is located in the heart of the Red River Valley, which is known to be amongst the richest farmland in the world. It is primarily for these reasons that farmers have been coming to Manitoba to establish themselves for centuries.

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The Manitoba Provincial Nominee Program has a Farm Strategic Recruitment Initiative under the Manitoba Provincial Nominee Program for Business. The purpose of the program is to bring new farmers to Manitoba. The farm initiative is intended for those applicants that have proven farm/business experience, the requisite capital to invest, and who wish to operate a farm in rural Manitoba. The farm is expected to operate in accordance with Manitoba's current farm industry.

To qualify for the FSRI, Applicants must have a verifiable personal net worth of $350,000.00 and a minimum of three years of provable farm experience which can include "business management" or "farm ownership and operation." Applicants must also demonstrate "adaptability" with respect to practical farming skills, and sufficient "technical knowledge" to adapt to Manitoba's farm industry. Applicants must also make an "exploratory visit" to Manitoba, pay the non-refundable application fee of CAD $2,500.00, and may be required to attend an interview.

Applicants are required to submit a "Summary of Farm Business Intent" which should include personal details including educational background, qualifications/skills and information pertaining to language proficiency. The summary should also address critical factors such as compliance with government regulations, market analysis, resource requirements, human resource requirements and financial feasibility.

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Applicants should know that they are also required to make an eligible farm business investment in Manitoba, reside in Manitoba with their dependent family members, and upon acceptance to the FSRI, submit a deposit in the amount of CAD $75,000.00.

The Province will review all applications and deference will be given to those applicants who have the greatest potential to be economically established in Manitoba. Once the province nominates an applicant, they can apply for Permanent Residence Status for themselves and their dependents, and may be eligible for a Work Permit.

For information about available farm properties and market analysis in Manitoba, FarmMarketer.com serves as a useful resource, providing thousands of agriculture listings across Canada on any given day. According to Farm Marketer CEO Tracy Brunet:

"For many, farming in Canada is the dream. Canada offers good farmland, priced right and an abundance of the natural resources needed to produce food including; water, energy and fertilizer. With the Canadian currency at an 11 year low against the U.S. dollar, foreigners looking to enter the Canadian market are likely to ramp up their interest especially if their money is parked in U.S. currency or in a currency that is pegged against the American dollar."

For those looking for more information on Manitoba's farm initiative, please contactJoshua Slayen at Zaifman Immigration Lawyers at 204-944-8888 or Jslayen@Zaifmanlaw.com.

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Joshua Slayen and Kenneth Zaifman are immigration lawyers with Zaifman Immigration Lawyers; a full service immigration law firm in Winnipeg, Manitoba (Canada).
A few years back, I got the opportunity of a lifetime that ended up shaping how I feel about employee recognition. One day, my boss asked if I would represent Molson on the television show called Undercover Boss, a show where executives disguise themselves as an average person in order to join their own workforce and better understand how their company operates from the bottom up. The show was coming to Canada and they wanted an iconic Canadian company for their first season.

At first, I thought "No way!" I was worried that I would do something to embarrass myself, my family or my company. Then the producers told us that their vision for the show was to recognize employees who were the unsung heroes of their organizations. That got me interested.

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So I spent the next several weeks filming the show. I went to different breweries and followed our employees around for the day. My only mission: get to know everything about them during our short time together. Not a problem for a curious gal like me! At the end of the show, I got to reveal my true self to them and recognize the great work they do. Seeing the emotion on their faces at being recognized, was simply amazing.

On the night the show aired, I stayed home to watch it with my husband. He is a pretty observant fellow - and afterward he said "You know, people don't cry when they win the lottery. Those employees were crying not because of the rewards they were given, but because they were recognized." His words struck a chord with me. While monetary rewards are nice, what employees are really seeking is to know that they have been seen and that their work matters. I like to call this the "I See You and What You Do Is Good" principle.

How can business leaders use this principle to better recognize their employees? For me, it's about: connecting, communicating, and showing how you feel.

For those of you who read my blog about heart and head leadership, you'll recall my advice about getting really curious about your people and connecting with them. Ask them questions, listen to them and get to know what makes them tick. Make time for them even when you are busy. Never be too busy for your people.

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Our chairman, Geoff Molson, taught me a lesson about the power of connecting a few years back. We were opening a new can line in our Montreal brewery. Geoff was up on stage with the dignitaries who were cutting ribbons and making speeches. I was watching from the back of the room with our brewery employees. Many of them were awe-struck to see Geoff up there - he is a bit of a legend around here - so I got an idea. I called him over and he immediately started to chat with our employees. He shook hands, posed for pictures, asked questions and listened to them. When I thanked him afterwards, he looked at me kind of funny and said "I love talking to our employees!" - no thanks was required.

In addition to connecting with your people, tell them when you think they have done something good. I don't mean the ubiquitous "Great job!" pat on the back - that really doesn't mean anything. Slow down, look them in the eye, and describe what they did and the impact it had. Sometimes it's an added bonus when you can do this within earshot of other people.

Lastly, don't be afraid to show your people how you feel about them. I can thank my highly empathetic father for this trait, but I have definitely been known to get teary eyed when speaking about my team. It's ok to show how you feel, in fact, it's encouraged. Sometimes it's the most authentic way of saying "I see you and what you do is good".

Kelly Brown is Chief Legal and Corporate Affairs Officer at Molson Coors Canada.
Raquel Lonas via Getty Images Pregnant woman in 3rd trimester reclines against pillows on a bed. Face partly visible as she gazes down with arms gently cradling her unborn baby.

I remember making the decision to wean off antidepressants before trying to get pregnant.

No one helped me make that decision.

It was something I did myself because I was scared that antidepressants might harm my baby.

I had been on medication for a year for panic disorder and seemed to be doing well enough in my mind, to try to go off them.

I had begun practicing yoga and eating well and it all seemed to be helping.

However, a year later, after I became pregnant, I suffered from a panic attack while meditating during my first trimester.

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And it got worse from there.

I was anxiety-ridden throughout my entire pregnancy and I suffered from awful depression and anxiety after my baby was born.

Obviously I should have been on meds throughout my pregnancy, but my OBGYN didn't know I was suffering from perinatal anxiety.

I didn't know I was suffering from perinatal anxiety.

I just thought I had the first time pregnancy jitters.

I thought I had brought on the anxiety myself.

Fast forward eight years, and though we still have a long way to go, at least we're talking more openly about perinatal and postpartum depression enough to know that these serious disorders which can affect up to 15% of women in varying degrees occur through no fault of our own.

If there had been more awareness and more importantly, more knowledge available back then, not only could I have made an informed decision based on facts rather than fear, I could have very likely avoided the suffering I and my daughter endured during and after pregnancy.

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And in some ways, still to this day.

That's why I'm beyond thrilled to learn of a new online tool currently being tested with the potential to help women all over Canada, and the world make better, informed decisions about their healthcare and the health of their babies.

Dubbed the "Online Patient Decision Aid for Antidepressants in Pregnancy", the study is the first of its kind recently launched out of Toronto's Women's College Hospital that'll look at whether an online tool can help reduce a woman's 'decisional conflict' around whether or not to take antidepressants during pregnancy.

"Our previous research showed that women have a lot of difficulty deciding about whether or not to use antidepressant medication in pregnancy," says study researcher, Dr. Simone Vigod. "The decision is complicated - untreated depression or anxiety may have a negative impact on the pregnant woman, and may also have a negative impact on the developing fetus and newborn."

Recent studies have linked antidepressant use in pregnancy to autism and dyslexia in offspring but the information can be misleading, says Dr. Vigod.

"Most studies are comparing women who decided to take medication, to women who decided not to take them," says Dr. Vigod. "Sometimes this is like comparing apples to oranges, since for the most part, women who choose to take medication have more severe depression, and therefore have the most high-risk pregnancies irrespective of medication."

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"No choice comes without the potential for undesirable consequences," says Dr. Vigod.

High levels of decisional conflict, which the online tool hopes to decrease, have been associated with poor outcomes such as delays in getting treatment or making ineffective choices, explains Dr. Vigod.

In one of her earlier studies, more than 50% of women facing the decision over whether to take an antidepressant during pregnancy had high decisional conflict and simply learning about the risks of antidepressants alone was not enough to reduce it either through googling the information or meeting with a health care provider.

"Decision aids go a step further and help women to really clarify what their priorities are and what specifically they are worried about," says Dr. Vigod.

Women will have the opportunity to tailor the tool to their specific situation, says Dr. Vigod. It will explain the pros and cons of treatment the risks for untreated depression.

Women enrolled in the study will work through a set of exercises to identify for themselves which risks and benefits are most important to them as well as anything that is making their decision-making easier or harder including partners, family, social or cultural expectations and health care providers.

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The information will then be summarized in printable form which women can share with their healthcare provider if they wish.

Sarah Ross of Innisfil, Ontario faced a difficult decision on whether or not to take antidepressants during her third pregnancy.

"I just knew in my heart and brain that something was not right," says Sarah, who says she was angry all the time, short tempered and easily agitated during her pregnancy. "My husband and mother both thought it was something I could battle without medication."

It wasn't until Sarah ended up in the hospital that her family began to understand how bad she was suffering.

"I needed it (antidepressant medication) to keep myself alive," says Sarah. "And that was all I needed to make the decision."

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Women interested in participating in the study can sign up online directly at: https://wchospital.fluidsurveys.com/s/rls-research-app.
Shutterstock / luxorphoto

November 19 is International Men's Day. This is a time to focus attention on problems disproportionately experienced by some groups of men. Many of these problems (or "gender gaps," as they are known in sociology) are unknown to the general public, and some are quietly worsening under the radar of society.

The Health Gap

Suicide remains a predominantly male problem, with men making up 75 per cent of suicide victims in Canada. Indeed, every three hours a Canadian man kills himself. Men also make up approximately 80 per cent of people experiencing substance use issues, including alcoholism and drug addiction, sometimes known as "slow-motion suicide."

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Sadly, there are very few statutory services devoted specifically to men who face these issues in disproportionate numbers. Organizations such as Movember and the Salvation Army are valiantly attempting to fill in the large gaps, but more can be done.

It is thus unsurprising that recently released figures from the World Health Organization indicate that life expectancy for Canadian men is 80 years, whereas for women it is 84. This figure is even lower for men from vulnerable groups, such as aboriginal men.

The Education Gap

High-school dropout remains a predominantly boy problem across the country. In Quebec, statistics suggest that one in three French-Canadian boys drop out without gaining a high-school diploma, a rate almost double that for girls.

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This often leads to a life of petty crime, unemployment and wasted potential. This social problem is hardly acknowledged, let alone addressed.

Some have argued that university campuses have become particularly hostile to men and masculinity. For example, campus men's issues groups have met with virulent opposition, and sometimes even violent protests.

Philosopher Stefan Molyneux has called insistent campus discourse about rape culture a "massive libellous horrendous smear against the vast majority or men" for implicitly portraying all male students as potential barbarians on the verge of rape and pillage. This broad characterization of the issue may contribute to diminishing male enrollment in Canadian universities, with men now making up only around 40 per cent of recent university graduates.

All this means more and more men are left feeling disenfranchised from society and disenchanted with life.

The Justice Gap

A final issue could be called the "justice gap." This refers to differential treatment in the legal system by gender. Family court is where men report multiple injustices at the hands of the law, with data indicating that only seven per cent of men receive full custody of their children. Many men are also left in severe financial difficulties due to unjust rates of alimony.

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Other unaddressed justice issues include lack of attention or seriousness given to male victims of domestic abuse. Likewise, UBC Professor Adam Jones has conducted research suggesting that aboriginal men and boys are murdered and missing at a higher rate than women, but the government has refused to incorporate aboriginal men into the national inquiry.

These amassed injustices have been linked to the epidemic of suicide and substance abuse in men.

International Men's Day is an opportune time to ask left-field questions and contemplate unorthodox answers.

Solutions

There is a belief, especially prevalent among academics, that certain groups of men are running society for their own benefit. However the statistics may tell a different tale. The government, as well as society, has a duty to take action to help disenfranchised men. Canada has a minister for the status of women, whose job is to take measures to improve the lives of Canadian women.

Is it time for a minister for the status of disenfranchised men and boys -- aboriginal, French-Canadian and otherwise? Should the inquiry into missing aboriginal women be expanded to include missing aboriginal men? What other reforms are necessary to advance the mental health and well-being of Canadian men who may slip through the cracks?

International Men's Day is an opportune time to ask left-field questions and contemplate unorthodox answers. This can lead to concrete action that improves the lives of disenfranchised men, their families and society as a whole.

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Ignoring the issue is not an option.

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Canada is one of the best countries in which to grow up. Kids who live in Canada have won the lottery. Canada takes good care of our youth. These are great statements and most people believe them. Sadly, they're not always true.

A new landmark report by Children First Canada on the state of children in our country has revealed that the kids are not alright, and it's time for Canada to measure up.

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Canada is ranked 17th out of 29 affluent nations for children's well-being.

While Canada is the fifth most prosperous nation in the world, we are ranked only 17th out of 29 affluent nations for children's well-being based on a global index by UNICEF. And we place near the bottom when it comes to measuring child poverty and children's health and safety.

-Nearly one in five children in Canada live in poverty

-One in three Canadians have experienced some form of child abuse

-One in five children have considered committing suicide

-More than one in four children are obese or overweight

-One child dies every nine hours due to preventable injuries.

Canada's children are not alright.

Such deeply alarming and disturbing statistics reveal a magnitude of problems that affect a large portion of Canada's youngest citizens. But these are more than numbers. They represent children who each have a name, and whose lives and futures are diminished each day by preventable causes.

Specific groups of children are particularly vulnerable, including indigenous children, kids from single parent homes, refugee children, and youth in foster care. In fact, Canada is one of the more unequal societies for children and youth. More indigenous children are in the care of child welfare today than at the time of residential schools, and the numbers continue to increase.

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As an advocate for children and as a mother, these figures make me angry. They should make everyone -- parents and children, and citizens and leaders -- angry that our country is letting our children down. In a nation as prosperous as Canada, this is unacceptable. We need to do much better.

Young people in Canada require more programs and services to safeguard their well-being.

While as a society we may believe that Canada is a wonderful place where children can live and prosper, the reality is starkly different. Yet Canadians care deeply about the well-being of children, and are committed to making a difference. A recent poll commissioned by Children First Canada and the Angus Reid Institute revealed that approximately three-quarters of adults (73 per cent) and children (77 per cent) say that young people in Canada require more programs and services to safeguard their well-being and fulfill their potential.

The good news is that we know what's working in other countries, and what steps are necessary to help Canada improve the state of our youngest citizens. There are some basic policies that would have a measurable impact, such as establishing a federal children's commissioner, whose mandate as an independent official would be to promote the best interests of children and hold the federal government accountable.

The government should publish a children's budget to ensure that funding that is allocated to children is tracked and its impact is measured. And we should teach children their rights and responsibilities, and involve them in shaping the public policies that affect their lives.

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Visiting the Boys and Girls Club of Calgary and raising our hands to put children first.

Investing in kids is the right thing to do, but it also makes good economic sense for today and for tomorrow: every one dollar invested in our children's early years saves nine dollars in future spending on health care and social services. What's critical right now is the social and political will to make it happen.

We are seeing some movements in the right direction. Governments across the country are beginning to make children's mental health a priority. The federal child-benefit and new regulations around marketing foods to kids will also help. But much more is needed.

We must ensure that our children have the support, structure, and tools to prosper.

That's why we're launching a new national campaign with a bold and ambitious vision to make Canada a world-leading country where all our kids thrive. Under the umbrella of Children First Canada, we are harnessing the strength of many individuals and organizations who share a common commitment to improve the lives of children.

Leaders such as Katie Taylor (Chair of RBC and Sick Kids Foundation), Sharon Wood (CEO of Kids Help Phone), Alex Munter (CEO of the Children's Hospital of Eastern Ontario), Rick Headrick (President of Sun Life Global Investments), Rhiannon Trail (CEO of the Economic Club of Canada), and many others are lending their support through a Council of Champions for Canada's children.

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This goal cannot be achieved without the support of dedicated partners such as children's charities and hospitals, research centres, corporations, community leaders -- and children themselves.

Today, there are more than six million children in Canada and this number is increasing. Kids can't vote, but they have a voice; it's time that Canadians listened and acted. We must ensure that our children have the support, structure, and tools to prosper. The future of our country -- in fact all of our futures -- depends on it. Please join us, and together we can make this the best place in the world for our children to grow up.

Sara Austin is the Founder and President/CEO of Children First Canada, a new national nonprofit organization with a mandate to be a strong, independent voice for all of Canada's children. Sara's commitment to children has earned her the prestigious Top 25 Women of Influence and the Top 100 Most Powerful Women of Canada.

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Imagine for a moment that you have been accused by a foreign state of committing a heinous crime that took place over 36 years ago. The foreign state calls on your government to extradite you for questioning on the basis of evidence that is either flawed or secret. Over a period of eight years, you are imprisoned by your government, released by your government on strict bail conditions and then extradited to that foreign state, where you await in prison for over two years while that state continues its investigation.

This is the unjust reality for Canadian citizen Hassan Diab. Diab, a Lebanon-born Canadian who taught sociology in Ottawa, was accused in 2008 by France of murdering four and wounding dozens from a bomb that exploded outside a Parisian synagogue in 1980. Diab has always maintained his innocence, saying that he was not in Paris at the time and that he is the victim of mistaken identity.

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The evidence that France presented against Diab in the Canadian extradition proceedings was described by Superior Court Justice Robert Maranger as "very problematic," "suspect," "convoluted" and "very confusing." Maranger added that if Diab was tried in Canada, it would unlikely result in a conviction.

The French case for extradition rested on two main elements: secret intelligence that was eventually withdrawn by the Crown attorneys (on behalf of France) during the Canadian extradition proceedings, due to its unknown origins; and a hotel registration card containing five words in block letters written by the bomber.

The five capitalized words written on the hotel registration card were determined to be the same handwriting as Diab's by two French handwriting experts. But it turned out that the French experts relied on several comparison handwriting samples that were not even written by Diab; his ex-wife wrote them. This led the Crown attorneys to withdraw these handwriting analysis reports from the Canadian extradition proceedings.

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A third handwriting analysis report was then introduced by the French using Diab's actual handwriting, and it too concluded that there was a match. Diab's legal defence commissioned five independent and internationally recognized handwriting experts to review the reports and its findings. Each expert concluded that the French report is biased, based on faulty methodology and wholly unreliable. A British expert even described the report as "demonstrably false." The defence experts showed that an objective handwriting analysis would actually exclude Diab.

In addition, forensic analyses commissioned by the RCMP show that Diab's fingerprints conclusively do not match those found on the hotel registration card and a police statement signed by the bomber.

Despite this exculpatory evidence, Justice Maranger ordered Diab's extradition almost entirely on the basis of the disputed and discredited French handwriting analysis report.

The Canadian justice system failed Diab by continuing its long-held practice of rubber stamping extraditions.

Justice Maranger declared that his hands were tied because of the nature of Canada's extradition law -- he felt forced to extradite Diab because of Canada's embarrassingly low standards for extradition. It is important to note, however, that Canadians are supposed to be extradited to stand trial, not to sit in prison indefinitely while an investigation continues.

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One of Canada's foremost authorities on extradition, attorney Gary Botting, believes that the Canadian justice system failed Diab by continuing its long-held practice of rubber stamping extraditions, despite a Supreme Court ruling in 2006 that told provincial courts to turn down requests that employ unreliable evidence, and which do not meet Canadian standards.

According to Botting, Canadians "get the short end of the stick every time. Their own government has sold them down the river." Regarding Diab, Botting concluded that Diab "should not be going to a country that automatically regards him as a fugitive and has him pegged as a murderer -- a terrorist. And God knows, in this climate, you don't want that label."

The climate in France is undoubtedly hostile to anyone labeled a terrorist, which Diab is consistently labeled as in France. If Diab's case goes to trial, he will be tried in a special anti-terrorism court, which permits the use of secret intelligence as evidence -- evidence whose origins are unknown, even to the judge.

It is objectively clear that the evidence presented against him is unreliable and, in fact, proves his innocence.

And in Diab's legal dossier, the French prosecutor has maintained all the withdrawn evidence from the Canadian extradition proceedings, including the handwriting analysis reports that used Diab's ex-wife's writing as the comparison sample. Diab's lawyers have tried to get this discredited evidence removed, but to no avail.

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A recent breakthrough has occurred in this case, though, which should give hope for those seeking justice. The investigating judge in France recently traveled to Lebanon and found "consistent evidence" that Diab was indeed in Lebanon at the time of the bombing. The judge immediately ordered that Diab be released on bail. Unfortunately, a panel of three appeal judges turned this ruling down, forcing Diab to remain behind bars.

Despite the hideous nature of the allegations against him, Diab's plight has elicited the support of numerous civil society organizations in Canada, including national labour unions, civil liberties associations and human rights organizations. It is objectively clear that the evidence presented against him is unreliable and, in fact, proves his innocence.

Civil society has spoken, and now it is time for the Liberal government to demand the release of Diab from custody. Diab was extradited under the orders of former Conservative Justice Minister Rob Nicholson. The previous government signed off on this request, so the Liberals are not to blame. But now his fate rests in their hands.

If this government is truly committed to justice, then it must take swift action. At a minimum, the Liberals must demand that Diab be released on bail, particularly given the French judge's finding that Diab was in Lebanon during the bombing.

Much like the French Jewish officer Alfred Dreyfus, who was the victim of a miscarriage of justice based on faulty handwriting analysis and secret evidence, history is repeating itself over a century later in the case of Hassan Diab. As Dreyfus found himself in a climate of anti-Semitism, Diab is forced to defend himself in an anti-Arab and Islamophobic climate, where he is presumed guilty.

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The Liberal government cannot simply wash its hands. After all, it's 2016.

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Beeldbewerking via Getty Images Not in my back yard

By Lydia McNutt

We've all heard the acronym, yet not everyone knows what it means - what it really means. NIMBY, or "not in my back yard," implies just what it says. "Yes to new housing, schools and community development, just not right where I live, thank you very much."

Metathesiophobia -- the fear of change

NIMBYism isn't just about anti-development. It can be viewed as "anti-change," and its ripple effect is far-reaching. What happens when cities stop attracting new residents and business? Let's just say that aging populations and infrastructure typically do not support growth.

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"[Residents] see towers going up around the city, new retail springing up, and they experience the congestion and traffic that comes with, what seems like, constant construction," says Bob Finnigan, president of the Canadian Home Builders' Association and COO Acquisitions & Housing at Herity. "Then, when they see a proposal for a building close to home, whether it's a small infill project or a multi-storey tower, they tend to view it in a negative light."

It's easy to sympathize with the NIMBYs when residents consider the congestion, traffic and general unrest that typically comes with construction, but Finnigan is quick to point out that once construction ends, life returns to normal and the new developments bring positive change. For example, Finnigan notes that after seeing 15 to 20 years of intensification developments in Toronto, it's a better place today than it was before change came about.

Get schooled

"Developers don't just build what they want and where they want it," Bryan Tuckey, president and CEO of the Greater Toronto Area's Building Industry and Land Development Association (BILD), wrote in a recent column. "There are numerous government policies and plans at all levels that dictate where and how development happens."

Tuckey points to the Ontario government's Greenbelt and Growth Plan, which has changed how development happens in the GTA by mandating that 40 per cent of all new homes be built within existing communities. As a result, there's now an equal split of highrise condos and single-family homes under development.

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Still, there's little understanding for the provincial plan, and even less support for intensification.

Bob de Wit, CEO of the Greater Vancouver Home Builders' Association, calls NIMBYism a property rights battle between today's residents, who are numerous, well-organized and fighting to maintain a certain lifestyle, versus the growth required to house tomorrow's residents, who are not as organized. "Catering to a perceived majority, the loudest group, NIMBYs slow the creation of new supply and needed amenities, often creating a negative impact on the very municipalities they are trying to protect."

Changing public perception

To help educate the public and change the chants from NIMBY to YIMBY - yes in my back yard - BILD and the CHBA - UDI Calgary Region Association are both running campaigns to promote the benefits and dispel myths surrounding intensification.

"New development and neighbourhood renewal can help our communities thrive, which is something we all want," Tuckey wrote. "Bringing more homes and housing choices can bring new life to established neighbourhoods. With more people come more amenities like shops and restaurants. All this leads to higher property values and means local governments collect more property taxes, which they can invest in things like parks and transit."

In Toronto, Calgary, Vancouver, or any other growing municipality, the issues are very much the same.

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De Wit says the impact of delaying development has negative ramifications on future homeowners and cities as a whole. "Delays in rezoning and building permits increase the estimated project completion time, and ultimate cost, which gets passed onto the homebuyer," he says. "At the same time, a lack of housing inventory will continue to drive the price up of available housing stock as Vancouver struggles to deliver appropriate housing supply. It also puts the city in a position of catching up rather than being proactive."

Now, replace "Vancouver" with "Calgary," "Toronto," "Montreal" - it still makes sense.

Guy Huntingford, CEO of CHBA - UDI Calgary Region Association, says the biggest problem with NIMBYism is the misconceptions on which it is based -- namely the belief that change and densification are negative. "In nearly all cases, it is actually a way to revitalize and drive increased property values for existing communities.

"A lot of issues are fear-based and founded in hearsay and disinformation. Therefore, a constant and positive education and dialogue on the issues that creates NIMBY tendencies is key to success for the city and region."

Take-aways

Despite the opposing opinions of pro- versus anti-development, the home-building industry at large regards NIMBYism as an opportunity to work together, to make the looming urban evolution a smoother ride for all.

"In many cases, those who are against the projects bring forward very good ideas, which get incorporated into final approvals," Finnigan points out. "You have to include constructive criticism and reasoning into any decisions - especially because development decisions can affect a neighbourhood forever."

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From this perspective, a NIMBY "win" could be considered a victory for all. "If they win, it implies things like an adjustment to a development proposal, made based on their concern," Finnigan says - often valid concerns about a development proposal that may have originally been too aggressive in nature. "Whether it be height, coverage, use, architecture or some other item, the fact that their concerns were listened to and acted on allows us to take these concerns into consideration on our next project. This way we can use special care and attention when putting together a new proposal."

Huntingford agrees. "One positive aspect is that a NIMBY argument fosters the need for public consultation, and many times this engagement alone turns NIMBY to YIMBY."
The five things you need to know on Friday, November 18

1) BERLIN CALLING

Senior European leaders today gather for the first time since Donald Trumps election, and meet one final time with Barack Obama. Yet for the UK, the key meeting in Berlin will be a one-on-one session between Theresa May and Germanys Angela Merkel. And the FT has a timely interview which underscores just how the Germans will play hardball over Brexit.

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Finance minister Wolfgang Schauble tells the paper Britain's financial commitments will "last beyond the exit" (even to 2030) and that it will not benefit from any rebates. He underlined Merkels point that you cant curb freedom of movement and remain in the single market (her remarks earlier this week were about benefit curbs, rather than work restrictions). Ominously, Schauble added that the UK should be prepared for financial services to abandon London and move to Frankfurt. Oh, and for good measure, he warned we wont be allowed to undercut the EU by abandoning international tax rules.

None of that will please the Brexiteers, some of whom see the UK as a Singapore-type, buccaneering island economy that will attract more investment after Brexit. What Merkel tells May today, behind closed doors (theres no press conference) could well shape our entire approach. No wonder the clamour for a transitional deal is growing.

In Parliaments The House magazine, William Hague worries about Whitehalls bandwidth being taken up by too much Brexit work. Former Cabinet secretary Lord McDonnell adds that the civil service is not prepared - but it will be.

As for Nigel Farage, my colleague Ned Simons reports that Tory 1922 Committee chairman Graham Brady has revealed that he has no problem with the UKIP leader getting a peerage. And thinks it may be time for Douglas Carswell to be welcomed back into the fold. Will Theresa agree?

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2) CASH SQUEEZE

Next weeks Autumn Statement is all but signed-off by now, but that hasnt stopped some late heavy lobbying. Chris Hopson, the head of NHS Providers, warns today that the health service needs more money than the 8bn previously demanded by NHS chiefs and agreed by ministers. The reason is higher than expected demand and deep cuts to social care. Nine former Health Secretaries say more cash is also needed for mental health provision.

Grant Shapps British Infrastructure Group (BIG) of MPs is demanding that air passenger duty be slashed in half and eventually scrapped altogther. But some MPs will strongly resist cuts in aviation taxes. Quietly and with little fanfare, the UK yesterday ratified the Paris climate change treaty (Boris Johnson signed it formally, making us the 11th country to do so).

More widely, several papers have more details on the FTs story earlier this week that No10 wants more Treasury help for the Just About Managing classes, (such a shame there isnt a senior Treasury minister called James, we could then call them the Jim-JamsOK, Ill get my coat). The Times says that even as late as this week Downing Street has been demanding more moves to help those earning between 18,000 to 24,000, a group that struggles to make ends meet but does not qualify for much government aid.

Nick Watt on Newsnight last night reported that the Chancellor still aspires to achieve Osbornes ambition of a surplus by 2020. Is that anything other than window dressing, given the 100bn Brexit black hole the FT talks of?

3) TRUMPING MAY

The Times Lucy Fisher had a lovely scoop yesterday that a leaked transcript of Donald Trumps phone conversation with Theresa May after his victory. No10 refused to deny that the president-elect had told the PM: If you travel to the US you should let me know. That hardly sounded like a special relationship, though it may just be a reflection of the folksy style Trump uses.

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Lots of papers follow up the story today and no wonder. May was 10th in line to get on the phone to Trump, and the call lasted just 10 minutes. Yesterday, GMB presenter Piers Morgan revealed hed talked to Trump - for 15 minutes.

On the vexed issue of globalisation and car jobs, Trump has been caught out once more for being economical with the truth. Ross Perot famously once warned of that great sucking sound of US manufacturing jobs going south, thanks to NAFTA. During the Presidential campaign, Trump warned Ford he would slap huge tariffs on them if they closed a car plant and moved it to Mexico.

Yesterday, in yet more Twitter delights, Trump claimed he had ensured Ford would not be moving its Kentucky factory (which makes Ford Lincoln cars) to Mexico. But a Ford spokesman says there were never any plans to shut the Kentucky factory. And the firm IS going ahead with a plan to move production of the Ford Focus to Mexico, its CEO Mark Fields told Reuters. Tricky business, cars. Maybe Trump should ask Greg Clark for some Nissan advice.

As for foreign policy, Lithuanias Foreign Minister Linas Linkevicius has warned that Russian President Vladimir Putin may test Nato in the weeks before Trump becomes president, saying he is "very afraid" for the Baltics.

BECAUSE YOUVE READ THIS FAR

Watch this guy smash the world record for a bungee biscuit dunk in a cup of British tea. You read that right.

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4) MOVIE-ING THE GOALPOSTS

Most Labour MPs are proud of the partys campaigns to reverse cuts to sickness and disability benefits, building alliances even with former enemies like Iain Duncan Smith ahead of the Autumn Statement. In a symbolic vote yesterday, the Commons backed by 127 votes to nil a motion to stop the planned cuts to employment support allowance (ESA) and universal credit, with several Tories joining in.

But not all Labour MPs are enamoured of the tactics used by their leadership. Neil Coyle has had a pop at Jeremy Corbyn for urging all his MPs and the public to go and see Ken Loachs movie I, Daniel Blake. He tells The Sun: I find the idea of asking people getting 65 a week to give Odeon 10 to watch a film about how badly theyre being treated a little worrying as an election strategy.

Another Labour MP hit out: Im not sure Labour MPs descending on cinemas to watch a film armed with leaflets is the most appropriate response to the gut-wrenching poverty and inequality we see in our case work. Still, Corbyn, John McDonnell, Debbie Abrahams, Margaret Greenwood and Rebecca Long-Bailey all turned up to the special screenings last night.

Meanwhile, Diane Abbott has told PoliticsHome just who is Labours new shadow immigration minister: herself. The post has been mysteriously unfilled for some time (indeed frontbencher Andrew Gwynne admitted on BBC Daily Politics he was not aware who held the job). But Abbotts office have ended the confusion: Diane will be covering the role. Its an issue she cares deeply about.

5) MANN-ING UP

Throughout November, HuffPost UK has been running our Building Modern Men series, taking a close look at mens mental health and the pressures that lead to high suicide rates. Our Boys Do Cry video (watch it HERE) has had a fantastic reception.

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Today, Tory MP Scott Mann writes for us and explains how he almost drowned this summer because he was afraid to admit he couldnt swim. He was rescued by fellow MP Johnny Mercer. I hid from my fears but there is no need now, we are modern men after all, he writes. Read Scotts blog HERE, it will give you a whole new take on the phrase Man up!

A hundred years ago, on the final day of the Battle of the Somme, men were facing their fears in an entirely different way. A million soldiers were injured and a quarter of a million dead or missing. Few people are marking this final day centenary, but former Para and now Labour MP Dan Jarvis has blogged for HuffPost HERE. He asks whether social media, and the sharing of graphic war photos and footage, will stop another Somme from happening again.

COMMONS PEOPLE

Our latest Commons People podcast is out. Click HERE to listen to us chew the fat on Brexit, Trump, Corbyn and May. Oh, and theres the usual quiz.

If youre reading this on the web, sign-up HERE to get the WaughZone delivered to your inbox.
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If you think Secret Santa is all about keeping the kids in the dark as to the true identity of Father Christmas, you're so far off you may as well be at the North Pole.

Secret Santa is when you pick a name of a colleague out of the hat and have to buy them a fun Christmas pressie for the office party, normally with a five or ten-pound limit.

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Many people love the idea, and it comes from a very money saving motive - only getting one present for one colleague rather than many for more.

It can work. But in my experience you rarely get the name of someone you know well. This leads to guessing which cheap gift would be great for Julie from Accounts who you've only met twice.

And chances are you'll receive something you don't want or need from your mystery elf. If I'm honest, I'd rather they just didn't bother.

"It's the thought that counts!" you say. Well, the Money Advice Service's Christmas Survey revealed that each person gets presents with an average value of 54 that are unused and go to waste each year. That's more than 50 each which could be put to better use. I'm confident Secret Santa is part of that amount.

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But it doesn't have to be this way. There's an option where that money won't get wasted. Where it can make a difference. Where the thought really counts.

What is #GiveOrGift?

This Christmas the UK Money Bloggers community I run has teamed up with the BT MyDonate website to suggest an alternative - #GiveOrGift.

Now you've got the choice if you want the money to go to charity instead of getting a gift from your Secret Santa.

At your office - or even with your friends or family - when you put your name in the hat you get to choose whether you want your Santa to buy you a gift or give a donation to charity instead. It's up to you.

Where the money will go

The UK Money Bloggers community have picked six charities as part of the campaign, each representing a different cause. The chosen charities are:

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The Trussell Trust

Shelter

Citizens Advice

Children in Need

Stand Up To Cancer

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We've partnered with BT MyDonate as they're the only site which doesn't make a profit from your donation, so all your money (except for a card transaction fee) will go to the charities.

Money is split equally between all the charities, so a 5 Secret Santa donation plus Gift Aid will mean each charity gets just over 1 each.

How to take part in #GiveOrGift

First up, please do tell your friends and colleagues, talk to your HR teams at work and spread the word on social media.

It's really easy to take part, we've got sign up sheets, instructions and posters available to download at UKMoneyBloggers.com/GiveOrGift - everything you need to run a #GiveOrGift Secret Santa at your office or with friends and family.

You can make your donation via our BT MyDonate page at BT.com/GiveOrGift.

You can find more information about #GiveOrGift and download instructions and sign up sheets at the UK Money Bloggers website.

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A young girl jumps over a stream filled with waste-water which flows through the slum area of Ajeromi-Ifelodun in Lagos, Nigeria. WaterAid/ Tom Saater

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For the first time in our history, more than half the world's population is living in towns and cities - a number which is expected to increase to two-thirds by 2030 as people increasingly move from rural areas in the hope of a better income and lifestyle.

This means that if we are to create a healthier, more sustainable planet, we need to focus our attention on cities.

One person in every five living in a town or city today does not have access to a safe toilet, a crisis that threatens the health and security of all city dwellers.

State of the World's Toilets

This World Toilet Day, WaterAid has examined the State of the World's Toilets in cities - an analysis showing which countries, towns and cities which have made most progress to provide their residents with decent sanitation, and those that are struggling.

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The findings are startling: India, for instance, is still struggling to provide sanitation for its urban-dwellers, despite strong government focus on Swachh Bharat - the Clean India Mission - in part because its cities are growing at such break-neck speed. Ghana, a country which is otherwise making good headway, is struggling to keep pace with the need for decent sanitation which will hold back its visionary ambitions for progress.

While China leads the way in progress on providing sanitation to its urban population, there are other nations on the top 10 list including Pakistan and Cambodia which have also made impressive progress, through concerted political will and targeted financing and, in some cases like in Pakistan's enormous Orangi Town slum, through residents taking on the task themselves.

Sanitation workers: unsung heroes

We've also taken a look at some of the sanitation workers whose toil and dedication ensures their corner of a city is made healthier for all - from a sewer-line builder in Pakistan to a latrine attendant in Liberia to the head of maintenance at the new public toilets at a teeming bus terminal in Dhaka, Bangladesh.

Abdulla Saidu is the manager of the local public toilet in Nima, one of the poorest parts of Accra. WaterAid/ Geoff Bartlett

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Pressing health crisis

With more than 2.3 billion people in the world still waiting for safe, private toilets, this is truly a pressing health crisis; some 315,000 children under five die each year of preventable diarrhoeal illnesses linked to dirty water, poor sanitation and poor hygiene. But it can be hard to convince politicians to treat this crisis with the urgency it deserves. It's much more exciting to open a new school, road, or hospital than a new set of community latrines - even if the use of those schools and hospitals is compromised because they are without proper provision of safe water and decent toilets.

Sanitation is the bedrock of public health, and essential to creating healthy, thriving, productive cities. We hope this year's report will shed some light on where the hard work needs to happen, and on some of the heroes in this daunting challenge.

Everyone living in urban areas, including those in informal settlements, has the right to have a toilet to ensure their health and that of their communities are protected.

Increased investment and priority

We need to see increased investment that is better spent, from international donors and developing-world governments alike, to deliver sanitation, clean water and good hygiene for all. We need to see better coordination and shared drive from governments, city planners, NGOs, the private sector, service providers and residents - to make these services happen and keep them running. And sanitation workers, the unsung superheroes that are keeping us all safe, should be recognised and celebrated for the important role they play in keeping city dwellers healthy and productive.
Imagine if the referendum had gone the other way and people had voted to stay in the EU. Imagine further that the Government had said "right now we've a mandate to join the euro and the Schengen agreement". All hell would have broken loose, because of course that was not the question on the ballot paper.

And yet the mirror image of this is exactly what is in play now. The hard Brexiters are proposing that we jump out of the Single Market and the Customs Union into our own free trade agreements,; that we leave the social chapter; that we end our membership of Europol and use of the EU arrest warrant; leave Horizon 2020 and negotiate bilateral R+D agreements for the universities and abandon the environmental protections developed with our EU partners.

This cuts right across the endorsement of the Single Market in the 2015 Tory manifesto. Theresa May's foolish refusal to be open about her negotiating objectives or even to share any factual analysis - "no running commentary" - leaves the very worrying prospect that decisions will be taken on the basis of ideology and rhetoric, not a hard-headed assessment of British interests.

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Already ministers are making absurd claims - Liam Fox says we live in a "post-geography trading world"; Boris says he wants barrier-free trade in the EU and to leave the Customs Union. This drew the deserved rejoinder from the Dutch foreign minister that it was intellectually impossible and politically unavailable. Yet the Dutch are among our closest EU partners, sharing the UK's liberal economic outlook. If even they are alienated we should be worried.

This is why I hope the Supreme Court upholds the High Court judgement requiring Parliament to approve the triggering of Article 50. The Government will then need to bring legislation to Parliament and at this point Parliament should assert itself on behalf of the British people on the kind of Brexit the Government should aim for. The fact is people voted for Brexit, not how to Brexit, and as of today polling suggests only a third of people would wish to leave on any terms, 48% voted remain. We need to build a consensus on the new deal.

Amending the legislation to incorporate negotiating aims is not the same as vetoing Article 50. While I sympathise with colleagues who wish to do this because their constituents voted remain (the legislation for the referendum was only advisory), my constituents voted to leave and I believe it's more important to get the right Brexit.

It is reasonable to interpret the referendum vote as a desire to see immigration from the EU controlled and the end to jurisdiction by the European Court of Justice. This being the case, continued membership, but not access to, the Single Market is ruled out. That does not however mean we need to leap to the wilder shores of Liam Fox's fantasies.

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My starters for six would be:

Maintaining all social chapter rights.

Staying in the Customs Union (the original Common Market, which is very popular).

Continuing to participate in the Horizon 2020 research programmes and its successors.

Maintaining policing and security co-operation through Europol and the EU arrest warrant.

A soft border between Northern Ireland and the Republic.

The maintenance of "pillar 2" payments for farmers to protect the environment and the ETS carbon trading scheme.

Stephen Kinnock has argued that the Article 50 leaving process is separate from the Article 218 new relationship process. This is legally true, but in practice the terms on which we leave can constrain the new relationship as is evident with say the Customs Union or the Northern Ireland border. So in practice the two negotiations will be interlinked.

It then follows logically that at the end of the negotiations Parliament and the public be consulted on the terms. The linkage between negotiating aims and approval should be retained to demonstrate good faith and build trust. No-one is being over-ridden. The purpose of a further democratic exercise at that point is not to subvert the will of the people it is to make sure that command of the nation's direction is not in the hands of a tiny group of ideologues who want to turn us into a low wage, offshore tax haven somewhat akin to Belize.

I don't believe that a series of select committee inquiries or debates without votes can deliver the leverage needed to control this Government, as their continued resistance to the court case and criticism of the judges indicates.
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City University's Students' Union is no stranger to bizarre decisions. But last night it finally descended into full-on farce.

During the SU's annual general meeting, a tiny minority of the 19,500 students at City voted to support the banning of the Sun, Express and Daily Mail newspapers on campus - apparently because they are fascist.

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I was not present at the AGM as I had previously committed to attending an event at the Frontline Club. And while I was in Paddington trying to further my career, less than 200 students were back on campus making a decision that could actively damage it.

Of course the irony of the whole thing is that banning publications you don't agree with is a fundamental policy of fascist regimes. All students at City are automatically members of the SU and therefore automatically members of an organisation that has now adopted a fascist policy.

Well, not me. I have opted out of being an SU member as I'm simply not prepared to be part of a group that holds such extreme views.

Since when did university students choose to ban people they disagree with instead of debate them? It's outrageous. Universities should be safe spaces for open debate - if the last few months haven't shown us all how in need we are of open debate I don't know what will.

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But instead, a small group of militant activists, spurred on by an SU too weak to step in when needed, has trashed the reputation of a university that houses one of the greatest journalism schools in the world.

I received a message this morning from Yusuf Ahmad, the president of the SU, who chose to abstain on the motion. He said: "After thinking about it overnight, I think I would've changed my vote to no." How ridiculous that he wasn't prepared to stand up against the motion when it mattered.

Until last month, I was employed part-time by the Express, where I was a news reporter for the website. And while I may not agree with every opinion put forward in its articles, just as I don't with the Guardian and the Times, banning it just seems nonsensical. For crying out loud, these three newspapers are huge employers of City graduates.

Imagine this. The journalism department wants to hold an event for aspiring young tabloid reporters. If these apparently fascist publications are not allowed on campus, how will the militants at the SU cope when the people that write for them come to talk to students? The whole thing is a joke.

Add in the fact that the word fascism was spelt incorrectly in the title of the motion and you're left with a scene from a dark sitcom. Twitter has today been awash with high-profile journalists deriding this horrible decision. But they must understand that this terrible, terrible SU does not represent the thousands of liberal, intelligent minds that are today embarrassed by a decision that has been made on their behalf.

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This World Toilet Day, it's time for new solutions to tackle and old problem.

Bill Gates once said that there are not enough smart people working in toilets. It's not hard to see why people finishing school today don't say, "I want to go and make toilets". But it's time for this to change. It's time we open the eyes of the brightest young thinkers today and inspire them to choose to work in sanitation by showing them they can make a difference. Future engineers, scientists, psychologists, designers and entrepreneurs, there's so much opportunity for the next generation to bring about life-changing transformation.

Perhaps we don't realise the gravity of the need. We recognise the importance of clean water, of eliminating disease, but often in the Western world we don't connect these things to sanitation. Or we deprioritise sanitation without realising the power it has to improve lives. 1 in 3 people - that's 2.4 billion - live without access to proper sanitation. An estimated 800 children under 5 years of age die every day from diarrheal disease caused by a lack of hygienic water and sanitary living conditions. And all of this costs the global economy $222.9 billion - over half of which is the result of death (LIXIL & Oxford Economics).

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But sometimes numbers aren't helpful. Imagine if you couldn't go to the toilet at work because there wasn't one. Imagine if you or your mother, sister or wife wasn't able to relieve themselves at night for fear of being raped. Imagine if the girls in your family dropped out of school because they couldn't face having to change sanitary products in public. Sanitation is something we take for granted, but these are very real situations that exist across the world today. And if there's one thing I've learned in recent years, it's the power of sanitation to put a smile on someone's face. To give someone their dignity back.

The world missed the Millennium Development Goal to halve the proportion of the population without sustainable access to basic sanitation by nearly 700 million people (World Health Organisation). This despite substantial government action. And now we've set ourselves an even greater challenge: Sustainable Development Goal 6 - to ensure availability and sustainable management of water and sanitation for all. So there's a tremendous need to find solutions and this needs to go beyond government and business. Sanitation needs to be everybody's business.

But our toilets aren't suited to the contexts of those living without access. For instance, the typical 'western-style' flush toilet uses around 6 litres of water for each flush, which isn't practical when 1/5 of the world's population live in areas of water scarcity. That's why when the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation called for innovative solutions, I, alongside many others, felt compelled to act.

I visited a village called Rajshahi in Bangladesh and spoke to people on the ground. What I saw was a need for simple, water-saving innovations that the local community could rally behind. I learned that it wasn't about re-inventing the wheel. There is a power in simplicity. That's something that guided me in developing the first SATO - a plastic toilet that sits on top of open pit latrines and features a counter-weighted trap door that quickly seals to prevent smell and keep insects away, preventing disease.

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And after we delivered the second iteration of the SATO, I remember being humbled by the reaction of those in Uganda and Rwanda, who were amazed that it was possible for their toilet not to smell. Several Rwandans commented how it was now possible to actually use the courtyard-like areas around their toilet. But the most memorable moment was when a 13-year old girl said to me, "We used to put up a curtain and queue outside waiting to use the toilet. We used to get injured by the broken iron sheets. The ones we have now; they are very good. Boys can't see us and they're clean." This was the moment I knew the work we were doing, finding innovative ways to reach the unserved, was vital.

Then there is the novel thinking in terms of behaviour change. 946 million across the world defecate in the open. Of these, 564 million live in India (Team Swachh Bharat). And often this isn't because they have to. It's the norm in many rural villages. For product innovations to be effective we also need to create demand for toilets. That's why I'm excited to see ideas emerging from others in the Toilet Board Coalition as to how we can do this, from introducing tech into toilets, enticing people to use them, to programmes that reward people for using a toilet. Public toilets that clean themselves, that generate and conserve power, that are also Wi-Fi hotspots or provide mobile phone re-charging points...and I'm still talking about developing markets here. We should be excited for the future.

Unless we change attitudes towards the toilet industry and get our best minds, entrepreneurs, businesses, governments and charities to work together the costs of poor sanitation are just going to increase and the greater tragedy is the human cost.
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As Donald Trump was elected into the American Presidency, I, like many, sat back in horror. I couldn't believe it. I awoke like many, expecting to see Hillary Clinton's name over the front of newspapers, declaring her the next President of the United States. I was expecting a momentous moment where the United States would show its true moral colours and say no to electing a self-professed sexual predator into the highest office in their country. I expected to see them reject archaic, discriminatory attitudes that dismiss sexual assault and harassment as 'no big deal' and instead send a message to the world that at all times sexual assault is unacceptable and a man with a string of accusations against him could no way be accepted as President of the United States.

But I didn't.

It was like a slap in the face.

It was like a slap in the face because as a long time Hillary Clinton supporter, I desperately hoped that she would become the first female President of the United States. And I desperately hoped that it would be a message to the world that change is on the way. Having travelled throughout much of the world including the deserts of the Middle East, the wilds of Africa, the Islands of the Pacific and the jungles of Latin America, what I have witnessed throughout the world, is relentless violence and discrimination against women. I have heard men laugh as they have talked about violence against women as if it is 'normal'. I have watched as men have shrugged their shoulders in complacency at complaints of violence. I have seen streets filled practically only men as women are barely allowed in public spaces. I have sat in in horror as men have smirked and laughed at my complaints of the horrendous levels of sexual harassment that I have been subject to. I desperately wanted America to send the message to the world that they would not under any circumstances stand for Donald Trumps atrocious behavior and that they at least, would not tolerate sexual violence towards women.

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But they didn't.

It was like a slap in the face because this meant that more than half of the population of the United States must condone sexual violence. Because if they didn't, there is just no way that they could have voted Donald Trump into the highest office in their land.

It was like a sick, sinking feeling of disappointment.

How could America, with all of their claims of being one of the most progressive, forward thinking and best countries in the world, support a man who brags about sexual assault?

'It can't get any worse,' I hear women Trump supporters declaring as their cause to vote for Donald Trump, as if a real estate developer with no political experience will somehow be solution to all of their problems. They voted for Donald Trump, they said, because their situation couldn't get any worse.

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But what American women need to know is yes, it absolutely can get worse. With a self confessed sexual harasser in the highest office in the country, what will this mean for women's rights? Will young boys now think that it is okay to sexually harass women? Will they think because their President does it, its okay for them to do it?

What American women must understand is that America is ahead in terms of women's rights. In most of the rest of the world it is worse for women, much, much worse. According to the Thomas Reuters Foundation, in Iran, men are allowed to marry their adopted daughters from the age of 13. In India, the law states that sexual intercourse between a man and his wife is not rape. In Nigeria, violence by a husband for the purpose of correcting his wife is lawful. In Yemen, a woman can not leave the house without permission from her husband. In Saudi Arabia, women are banned from driving. In Lebanon, a rapist is not liable to prosecution if he marries his victim.

Your situation can certainly get much, much worse.

We have seen women's rights regress with a change in political government in both Iran and Afghanistan. I have spoken with women in Tunisia and the Maldives who have complained of deteriorating rights with a change in governance.

With a man who brags about sexually assaulting women as President, what is this now going to mean for your rights?

You had a chance to step forward America, to show the world that you are a progressive nation, that you care about women's rights and that you care about shattering those brutal barriers that prohibit women from reaching the highest levels of government not just in the United States, but throughout the world.

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But you didn't.

You instead voted for a man who sells steaks and brags about walking in on women changing at beauty pageants.
Despite Lindsey Graham's public hissy fit on the matter, we'll probably never know the full extent of Putin's infiltration of the 2016 election, but what we do know is that Putin's puppet candidate is certainly the President-elect of the United States now, even though the other candidate got around 2.2 million more votes than he did-- albeit in the wrong states apparently. Putin ever so lightly hacked Pennsylvania, Wisconsin, Florida and Michigan... maybe Ohio. Or not. In any case, Trump's role model announced he had withdrawn Russia from the International Criminal Court. I checked Trump's twitter feed. It was filled with attacks on thenothing about the International Criminal Court.

Russia doesn't have an independent judiciary separate from the political system. Authoritarians-- Trump included-- don't get the concept and don't support the principles behind it. The direct impetus for the withdrawal was the International Court's report on Monday describing Russia's annexation of Crimea as "an international armed conflict between Ukraine and the Russian Federation," and termed it "an occupation," which is not Putin's interpretation of Crimea's reunification with Mother Russia-- something like the way the western Czechoslavakia (the Sudetenland) was reunited with the German Fatherland in 1938. Since there were no tweets from Trump on this I turned to my second favorite source of news,, which reported on Putin's move more extensively than anything in the U.S. pop-media. They also noted the coincidence of timing and how the withdrawal came "a day after the court published a report classifying the Russian annexation of Crimea as an occupation." They also mentioned that several authoritarian African counties have been as dismissive of the court as Russia. The Russian foreign ministry denounced the Court's work as "one-sided and inefficient" and claimed the court has "failed to live up to hopes of the international community." According to, "the repudiation of the tribunal, though symbolic, is a fresh blow to efforts to establish a global legal order for pursuing genocide, war crimes and crimes against humanity... The resurgence of nationalist politics, apparent in Brexit and Donald Trumps presidential election victory, suggests the tide may be turning against international legal institutions."

This is a symbolic gesture of rejection, and says a lot about Russias attitude towards international justice and institutions, said Tanya Lokshina of Human Rights Watch (HRW). On a practical level it will not make much difference, but it is a statement of direction: it shows that Russia no longer has any intention of ratifying the treaty in future or of cooperating with the court.





In January, the Russian foreign ministry said it would reconsider its attitude to the court after rulings on the 2008 war between Russia and Georgia.





At the time, the foreign ministry spokeswoman, Maria Zakharova, said: Russia stood at the origins of the ICCs founding, voted for its establishment and has always cooperated with the agency. Russia hoped that the ICC will become an important factor in consolidating the rule of law and stability in international relations.





Unfortunately, to our mind, this did not happen. In this regard, and in the light of the latest decision, the Russian federation will be forced to fundamentally review its attitude towards the ICC.





On Tuesday, the court, which is based in The Hague, published a report that recognised the annexation of Crimea as a military conflict between Russia and Ukraine, and classified it as an occupation.





According to information received, the situation in the Crimea and Sevastopol is equivalent to the international armed conflict between Ukraine and the Russian federation, a preliminary report from the ICC prosecutor Fatou Bensouda stated.





The Russian federation employed members of its armed forces to gain control over parts of the territory of Ukraine without the consent of the government of Ukraine.





Russia has insisted that Crimea voluntarily joined Russia after a referendum, but international observers say the referendum was hastily organised, did not meet international standards, and was conducted as Russian troops swept through the peninsula. Having initially denied vehemently that Russian troops were involved in the takeover, Putin later admitted it.





Russia may also be concerned about ICC jurisdiction in Syria, where its forces have been repeatedly accused of carrying out war crimes in recent months. HRW and other organisations have called for the ICC to investigate events in Syria.





The ICC has struggled to obtain widespread international acceptance. The US, India and China as well as most Middle Eastern states have declined to ratify the Rome statute which established the court.





...Speaking on Wednesday at the annual assembly in The Hague of states parties signed up to the Rome Statute, Fatou Bensouda, the courts chief prosecutor, said she deplored recent withdrawals from the Rome Statute. Any act that may undermine the global movement towards greater accountability for atrocity crimes and a ruled-based international order in this new century is surely-- when objectively viewed-- regrettable, she said.





The ICCs president, Judge Silvia Fernandez de Gurmendi, who is an Argentinian, said: The court has continued to do the work for which it was created and has made significant achievements in addressing crimes of concern to the international community as a whole such as the use of child soldiers, sexual violence in conflict, attacks on civilians and the destruction of cultural property.





International criminal justice, she added, is a long-term project and should remain a top priority in order to bring perpetrators of crimes to justice and protect victims across the world equally.
Robert Daly via Getty Images

Remember Jordan, uber glamour model of the 80s? I just went to see her re-incarnation Katie Price in conversation with Alain de Botton, hosted by The School of Life. (Katie Price and Philosophy, 16 November 2016)

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TSoL is 'devoted to developing emotional intelligence through culture' and the idea of this public chat was to 'discover what drives someone to surrender a big part of their identity to the public, what happens when they do, and what we might all learn from the life of a figure in a constant media storm.'

By way of introducing his guest, de Botton dwelt on the unconventionality of having a glamour model and entrepreneur talking at an organisation normally associated with academics and intelligentsia, and said his colleagues had laughed when he suggested Price as a candidate. In the audience, I felt immediately uncomfortable: wasn't Katie 'intellectual' enough for TSoL? I began to suspect that this evening may be a stunt as opposed to an authentic revelatory conversation about narcissism and the hunger for celebrity in popular culture.

Katie came on stage - all long blonde hair, make-up and over the knee high-heeled boots - looking very much the 'celebrity', glass of white wine firmly in hand. The juxtaposition was clear - we didn't need Alain to point it out further. He did all the same, and Katie asked the audience 'why are you all laughing?' Actually, we weren't all laughing.

After some introductory questions where it was established that Katie didn't want to talk about politics or religion, and that she saw herself as very 'open', chatty and amusing company (she partly puts her success as a model down to 'having a personality'), Alain produced a box of cards.

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On sale at TSoL these cards ('100 Questions: Love Edition') are 'designed by leading experts' to quiz you in a searching and provocative way about relationships. Most of de Botton's selection were slightly sexual in nature.

"After a long pursuit, you realise that someone is as keen on you as you are on them. What feelings does this bring up for you?" he asked Price. The questions were similar to those quizzes in womens' mags that are supposed to reveal your personality, but succeed only in either making you laugh or belittling your intelligence. I couldn't help wondering whether de Botton would have reached for the same box of cards with Stephen Hawking sitting opposite him.

Price responded well, gamely quizzing de Botton right back. She made her interlocutor blush asking him the risque question he'd just asked her: "Would you entertain group sex or a threesome?' (She has, but not nowadays, and he loves 'the idea but would worry about the practicalities').

Overall, however, I got the impression that Katie hadn't really thought things through. There were a lot of contradictions in her statements about herself, and although she's clearly had a life full of diverse and unusual experiences, I was left wondering how much this life had changed the worldview of the 17 year old trainee nurse who was made into Jordan by a hungry media.

For example, Katie loves the doctors and nurses of the NHS and thinks they should be paid a lot more ('they're saving our lives!'), but with the next breath proclaims she hates paying tax ('they're robbing us!') leaving us to wonder where the medics' wages would come from.

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She's proud of her own openness about her extensive use of plastic surgery and Botox, and lives in a reality where she bets 'the person sitting next to you has had a bit of Botox and that, but they lie about it'.

I look at the person next to me and doubt it very much. But then those image-conscious, youth-worshipping circles are the ones in which Katie operates, and always has.

Author of 17 books, Katie also freely admits that she doesn't write them all herself but contributes 'ideas'. She's scathing of celebrities who claim to write their own books, or create their own products, when in fact they have little to do with the goods they lend their names to. Price is nothing if not honest about her career, and the extent of the fakery involved. She seems happy to be exploited as long as she's making money. She thinks winning Celebrity Big Brother was "probably rigged" and has little faith in media reports judging by the lies that are regularly printed about her own life. In Price's World there is little Truth in the public arena: life's taught her that the concept exited the stage years ago, pursued by a Paparazzo.

Katie's good fortune is built on consumerism. 'If Coca-Cola or L'Oreal want me I wouldn't say no, would I?', and the best thing about being famous is the 'free stuff,' she tells the audience.

Price delivered lots of amusing one-liners, the event becoming more of a show than an in-depth look into her motivations and wisdom. The cards didn't help.

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Asked what a typical night out was, Katie explained that it was 'watching The X-Factor at home with the family, with the neighbours round', as, at 38 and with five kids, she wasn't into clubbing anymore. "Last time I went I was like, 'is it me or is it really dark in here!'"

The one moment which felt thoughtful and poignant, where Katie wasn't playing for laughs or to her public persona, was an insight she shared, during the audience Q&A. She told us that had she known during her pregnancy with her eldest son Harvey, that he would be born blind and then have complex developmental problems, she would definitely have aborted him. But, now, having been his mother for so long, she wouldn't dream of aborting for those reasons. Life has taught her that terrible things are not always as terrible as you think. As she spoke about this, her face changed momentarily.

This moment aside, both Price and de Botton seemed to want to keep the conversation fairly jokey, fairly superficial, and Price even chastised the audience for asking 'tame' questions.
How many teeth does a trainee dentist have to extract to qualify? Can you be sure a newly qualified dentist has ever taken out a wisdom tooth before being let loose on yours? Have you been put off going to the dentist for years because of a bad experience?

How dentists are trained, and for that matter doctors, nurses and other healthcare professionals is of interest to all of us. Whether it's mild toothache, moderate tinnitus, or a massive thrombosis, we want to be sure we are in the best possible hands.

So how are medical staff trained, and in particular, how are they assessed as ready to practise?

Well, they have to pass tests. Quite a lot of them. Tests range from short-answer questions, to essay-writing, to full-blown practical exams using mannequins, actors and real patients. And, by and large, medical students are good at doing tests. Look at the A level or high school grades they have to achieve to even get onto a university course. They know how to pass exams.

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But does passing exams really mean that they are fit to practise? Much depends on what is in those exams and how the results are interpreted and followed up. I am not for one minute suggesting that medics' exams have no value or that our doctors, dentists and nurses are not first-rate. But what if there were a better way to develop their skills and assess their competency than for ever sitting exams?

Since joining an education tech start-up, I've discovered that there are new ways to develop, monitor and assess medical students. For example, it's now possible for tutors to stand next to a student in a clinic or ward, watch them drill a tooth, take blood or discuss a sensitive matter, and assess them right there, on the spot, recording observations and also jotting down suggestions for improvement, all on an iPad. That can happen day in, day out for three, four or five years, so that by the end of the course, you really do have a complete picture of how that student is doing across a whole range of skills with all types of patients. Yes, you can do this sort of thing on paper, but it's much easier to analyse the results if they are fed into an electronic database. You have literally thousands of observations - it's big data really.

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The same approach can be applied to other types of courses besides healthcare. Getting constructive feedback, little and often, and having a record of that, is a fantastic way to help anyone learning something to make progress. It's particularly useful for subjects where there is work-based learning and lots of skills to learn. Monitoring a student's soft skills like teamwork, communication and display of empathy is also easier with a long-term, real-time approach in a way that exams just don't cut it. Employers frequently protest that graduates don't have the skills they need, and that could in part be down to the way students are assessed.

I saw a great cartoon at a conference recently. It showed scribbly pictures of students, mouths wide open, shouting, "Who are we?" "Students"; "What do we do?" "Tests"; "Then what do we do?" "We forget what we learned". Everyone who has been to school, let alone university, will recognize that sequence of events.

Just thinking about students' health for a moment, especially student mental health, there is evidence even among school pupils that exams are a major source of anxiety which can lead to ill-health. This is another important reason for re-examining the role of exams.

Going back to our original questions, the average number of teeth a trainee dentist at a UK dental school will take out is typically 50. There are anecdotes that it has been possible in the past for a dental student to avoid tackling the more difficult tooth extractions, but with the kind of regular close monitoring and logging I am describing, this risk is all but eliminated. One in four people fear going to the dentist and delay or avoid visits. Medical, dental and healthcare courses do increasingly address soft skills and the new training and monitoring methods I've described should help public confidence to grow.

Exams have their place and the processes involved in reading through notes, answering practice questions and performing under pressure undoubtedly can help learning. Some subjects and courses might be more suited to exams than others and exams can certainly help with setting standards. But the idea of more regular monitoring of students in different situations and of capturing that information for students and tutors to judge progress has to be a step forward. Universities should certainly consider scrapping exams.

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NUS

Twenty seven years ago, my sister and I ran home through the streets of Constantine, Algeria, after a group of terrorists entered our school and there was open fire with bullets flying everywhere. A few weeks later my father narrowly escaped assassination when a bomb planted in his university exploded too early. After these events, my parents decided to move to England despite their deep love for their country. If they could not guarantee our education, then exile was the only option.

I learned then the importance of education, for those who wish to control society as well as those of us who fight for its liberation. The first moments of the Algerian civil war were fought over and in institutions of learning. It was clear to everybody that the future of our country would be forged there.

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In the following years, education was at the heart of my parents' message to us. Study, work hard, discover the world and don't let people with power define your future by keeping you out of places of learning. At its best, education is a tool for personal growth and collective liberation. It is a place for reflection, debate, and re-imagination of the world around us. It is a personal and social good that needs nurturing and defending. When in danger it deserves to be fought for.

On Saturday November 19, thousands of students and lecturers from up and down the UK will do just that. We will march through the capital in defence of post-16 education, and put forward, collectively, our vision of a free, liberated and accessible education for all, at any point in life.

Tories are imposing funding cuts and area reviews on colleges. Job losses, ever growing student numbers, and shoe-string support budgets are the reality for a growing number of FE students. Add to that the previous governments scrapping of Education Maintenance Allowance and a very bleak image of colleges in the UK emerges.

In universities, not content with the tripling of tuition fees and the rolling back of allowances and grants, the government is coming back for more.

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The Higher Education and Research Bill, currently discussed in parliament, proposes to lift the cap on fees, easy so-called market entries and exits for private companies wanting to set up for profit universities, and increase competition between institutions, departments, and academics through its so-called Teaching Excellence Framework. It is worth pointing out that this framework, rather than focussing on teaching, will take discredited satisfaction ratings and post-study employability as its key indicators.

But we have to be clear. This government's assault on our institutions of learning is also an assault on our futures.

We live in a time where young people are struggling through a housing crisis, a jobs crisis, an ecological crisis, and a welfare crisis. We live in a time where we are increasingly told by politicians and the media to fear and exclude migrants, Muslims, and Black communities. We live in a time where so many want an alternative but that alternative is taking too long to take shape. In this context, the struggle for an open, accessible, and critical education system is crucial in determining what tomorrow will look like.

The situation is at a crisis point and business as usual is no longer on the agenda. It is in this context that we are marching.

The NUS and UCU have not come together for a similar mobilisation since 2010 when the sector was facing a tripling of tuition fees and the cuts in funding. It was in this period that I discovered the strength, the creativity and the importance of the student movement.

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For weeks students occupied, marched, and held mass meetings on campuses and in colleges. Further education students were at the forefront of the movement and brought an energy and a determination, which was as electrifying as it was contagious.

The movement was defeated, but it changed the face of politics in the UK. Our movement brought opposition to austerity and the possibility of articulating a credible, popular alternative to the centre stage of politics. In its direct aftermath we saw the biggest workers strike wave in a generation and the remobilisation of social struggles on issues of racism, state violence, and women's liberation.

The energy, the broad democratic spirit, and the ability of our movement to collectively reflect, debate, and put forward ideas of what we believe our education should look like, remain important examples for the struggles to come.

Furthermore, students put down a marker in the world of electoral politics. By electing the Lib Dems and subsequently punishing them for their lies, our movement made clear the space that existed to the left of the electoral status quo, and the consequences of betraying our futures in parliament. The consequences of this are still being felt today.

As a young girl I learned the importance of education. As a student I discovered the power, and the beauty, of collective action. Today, I call on all students, tutors and lecturers to join us on November 19. But my call is also broader than that. It goes out to everyone who is shocked by the current direction of travel of our society, to everyone who believes that solidarity should remain our guiding principle, to everyone who rejects the idea that profits and wealth should trump human lives and our collective futures. March with us. Fight with us. And let's lay the foundations for a different, and a better, tomorrow.

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 After the flood 2016

Health services around the world are stretched.

Austerity economies have squeezed public health services while private suppliers compete on ever tighter margins. But there are ways to improve. One aspect of modern technology is particularly useful to improving health - beyond hardware and devices, there is data.

We throw off more data than ever before from our everyday activities - submitting it voluntarily when we book travel tickets, involuntarily when we're filmed by CCTV, and somewhere between when we buy from Amazon and receive a recommendation based on our preferences. This data amasses over time, and can come in very useful in areas where it's perhaps not usually considered.

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For instance, at After the flood we've been working with Guy's & St Thomas' Hospital on an app called 1-to-1, which aims to improve feedback between expectant women and midwives.

During this project, we reflected on the work of Florence Nightingale, who set up the first nursing college at St Thomas. Nightingale was a celebrated practitioner, but we particularly like her use of visual statistical evidence and how she drafted Isambard Kingdom Brunel to design and build a rapid-prototype hospital to treat the injured during the Crimean War.

We can match the breadth of Nightingale's achievements thanks to the potential that data has to unlock value in our health systems. But just as Nightingale is trivialised with the 'lady with the lamp' epithet, so to are the arguments about data and artificial intelligence trivialised by over-simplification.

Data is too important for that - anyone working with data needs to look at how to capitalise on the opportunities and mitigate the risks.

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Data is the Sixth Estate

Of course, there is some controversy surrounding data and how it is used - particularly in an industry as personal as health - and these concerns must be addressed.

Early Christian societies described the three estates of clergy, nobility and commoners. The press and then counter-culture were added as the fourth and fifth. I suggest that data is the sixth.

Nell Watson talks about the corporations as the third actors in the people/machine mix. For this we can add any organisations, NGOs, companies, startups - all seemingly different entities - that share one new responsibility: to be transparent about how data is gathered and used. All these entities should ideally share a set of values - like journalists - and then more diverse stated aims within these values.

This is not to say that all transactions need to be open - much data is personal and needs privacy - but not all data from a person is personal.

Likewise if the benefits of giving data to both parties are made clear, the person can choose if or how much they give.

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Much of the fear-driven narrative derives from the assumption that data is an organisation's to take. Actually, if they nuance the interfaces for collection in a people-centred manner, providing options and transparency of use, they can collect more data with greater diversity.

Improving the before, during and after for patients

Once people are happy for their data to be used, a whole variety can be gathered and utilised. The NHS excels at acute clinical care in hospitals, but it is more stretched in the before and after stages of an illness, injury or need for medical assistance. It's here that data can really play its part.

Lifestyle data from mobile devices is already being used in preventive apps to help people behave in a healthier manner. The NHS key risk in the future is lifestyle inflicted diseases, and these can be prevented and pacified by ongoing monitoring and the data that results from it.

Furthermore, in hospital, the tightly choreographed dance of practitioners, carers, pharmacists, relatives and patients can be better coordinated by knowing who is doing what, where and when. The advent of cloud computing, Wi-Fi and mobile device proliferation means that clinicians can save logistical and operational overheads such as resource management and prioritisation and concentrate on making important clinical decisions.

The debate needs to be around how machines (a phone) will help humans (a nurse or doctor) do what they do best, not about replacing people. We already use thousands of machines to improve on our basic functions (bikes, cars instead of walking). The new machines will just be data-powered, rather than engine powered.

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If Nightingale could have built the hospital of her design in 2018, it would have flexible architecture, enabling it to adapt to new systems and installations of hardware and connectivity.

She'd start by tearing out the old connectivity and installing ubiquitous, industrial Wi-Fi. She'd talk to her many influential peers and secure tech partnerships for hardware so all nurses and patients had robust mobile access to information when they needed it. She'd keep all her stakeholders up to date with beautifully designed visualisations of key KPIs and efficiencies being met.
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When I read the founding principle of International Men's Day (Saturday 19 November) I thought it was some kind of ridiculous joke. After all, highlighting 'the achievements of men' doesn't just happen just once a year - it happens every single day.

Let's be clear, we need International Women's Day because women are still largely unrecognised. Consider the facts. In the UK workplace, there are only seven female CEOs on boards of the FTSE 100. On average, women working full-time are still paid 81p to every 1 earned by a man - 46 years after the introduction of the Equal Pay Act. At this rate, recent estimates say that it till take almost a century from the date the act was enacted to finally achieve equal pay. According to KPMG, the main reason for this pay gap is still sex discrimination. In the creative world, 80% of women's art is not on display. If Parliament were to be stripped of men, it would leave only leave 30% of people sitting. These are big issues, and I could go on.

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Some people have had enough. For the last 11 years, women in Iceland have been walking out of work on 24th October at 14.38, the time they should leave every day if they were to be paid the same hourly-rate as their male counterparts. We've seen a recent wave of action from our other European neighbours with French women walking out of work on 7th November, the day they effectively stop getting paid. But we saw something quite encouraging at the Musee d'Orsay, men and women standing together to highlight the disparity in pay between their sexes. Vive la revolution.

You get the point. It's blindingly obvious that more work needs to be done for women, rather than their male counterparts. The balance of power is overwhelmingly held by men.

Of course, the men's health issues International Men's Day seeks to draw attention to are highly worthwhile, such as male suicide for this year. But there seems to be some duplication and confusion here. We have certain days focused on specific health issues, or dates to remember key moments in history - so why dilute them? World Suicide Prevention Day exists and it's crucially important for us to shine a light on this topic alone. At present, it seems that International Men's Day is simply trying to shoe-horn itself into other significant issues in an attempt to justify its existence.

There is a darker side to this too as I've seen little evidence to suggest that the day isn't just a form of modern sexism. Has the day been simply designed by people who consciously or unconsciously object to women achieving equality? What exactly it is that we are striving for here? Admittedly, there are a few male gender stereotypes that still need work, such as better acceptance of parental leave, or homophobic bullying found in lad culture. Would it not be better to be tackling specific issues like these?

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One of the stated intentions of International Men's Day is to improve gender relations and equality between men and women. If that is the case, surely the best way to do this is to get involved in International Women's Day, as the staff from the Musee d'Orsay have done. And that means all of us. Just because men probably have not directly felt the effects of gender imbalance, it doesn't mean they shouldn't stand up for their wives, daughters, mothers and the other significant women in their lives.

But maybe this is the issue. How can a section of society apparently strive for self-promotion when they themselves have probably been lucky enough not to be familiar with the effects of gender inequality? The solution is pretty simple; let's look at the facts and open our eyes. There is very little to be gained from International Men's Day that cannot be found elsewhere. With energy wasted on a day such as this, we drive attention away from the long-term gender disparity still overwhelmingly suffered by women. It is they who still acutely feel the effects of a largely imbalanced world.
Immediate Prospects for AI and Robotics

Within the next ten years we are likely to see major advancements in the way robotics and autonomous systems (RAS) are used in areas such as manufacturing or packaging, leading to greater efficiency and generating cost savings.

A revolution is also under way in how these systems are used in labour-intensive industries such as mining and agriculture, where they are not just undertaking physical tasks but also interfacing with new AI-like technologies such as real-time sensing, intelligence and logistics, to make the processes safer and more efficient.

In other socially important areas that affect our day-to-day lives, such as transport or water and food security, RAS technology is increasingly applied to monitor, maintain and repair assets. There are also new novel capabilities where none existed previously such as innovative healthcare technologies, underwater mining or point-to-point drug delivery in remote geographical locations using drones.

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Looking further forward, we could see the creation of micro-robotic systems designed to carry out repairs, deliver drugs or even repair cell structures within our bodies. At the other end of the spectrum there are massive, as-yet unexplored applications such as the large-scale 3D printing of structures for transport and housing. One of the key UK funding bodies, EPSRC, continues to support blue-sky research in these areas. One day they will become a reality.

Space is another frontier that has traditionally been very receptive to RAS technology. At the Edinburgh Centre for Robotics, we are collaborating with NASA and the Johnson Space Center (JSC) to develop humanoid robots capable of dexterous behaviour in complex environments for unmanned missions to Mars.

We are extremely privileged to be the only team in Europe with one of NASA's Valkyrie humanoid robots (funded partly through an EPSRC Capital grant). Valkyrie's human-like shape is designed to enable it to work alongside people, or carry out high-risk tasks in place of people. Edinburgh has a preferred partnership with NASA-JSC, making it the only institute outside of a couple of universities in the US with the capacity to address these challenges.

How do we support advances?

Dedicated centres for research and training excellence in the UK, initiated and funded by EPSRC, have been crucial in addressing major challenges for RAS, and have gone a long way to improving the visibility of UK robotics research outside of the country and Europe. It has helped attract lots of talent.

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This commitment to long-term investment is very important for robotics, which is a high-investment high-return discipline requiring cutting-edge infrastructure, personnel and training. EPSRC's investments contrast with the scattergun approach we used to have, with robotics inevitably falling into the cracks between the ICT and engineering portfolios. The UK has evolved into a serious player in this domain in Europe and the trajectory is great. We have clearly put ourselves on the map.

In order to maintain this upward trajectory, there needs to be sustained investment in both people and centres. We need to encourage and provide incentives for investment from the large companies becoming interested in these centres, because it's a win-win situation. The key industrial players will develop and influence the next generation of technological leaders, while giving the centres the freedom and timescales to carry out disruptive, high risk innovations.

Questions to be answered

Advances in RAS and AI pose many social, ethical and moral questions. We need to ensure there is consultation not just with scientists and lawmakers but with wider society and stakeholders, the end users. We also need to manage the hype of what is possible and what is not.

Humans in general tend to overestimate the importance of new technology in the short term and underestimate it in the long term. This is very relevant to robotics because when people see an exciting new technology demonstrated, they think the problem is solved, and assume they will be getting a robot butler next.

Public perception
Among the many lies of our times, one is the persistent belief that the job is done once a refugee makes it to safety. All the more so when they make it to the white and blue tents of a UN camp.

The unconscionable truth is that the United Nations - including its refugee agency - is one of the most hideously underfunded life-saving operations on earth.

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Like the world body, born out of the ashes of the Second World War, the UN High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) meets one of humanity's most pressing needs. But it is only able to meet that need if it is funded.

Hence the fund-raising appeal that popped through my letterbox this week. It is a UNHCR appeal to help protect the Syrian refugees they care for along the Jordanian border.

It's heart-rending for two reasons. The first reason hits you immediately. The second takes a little longer.

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An implacable killer

Although the 80,000 children, women and men in the UN camp have escaped the war, they now face an implacable killer: winter. The temperatures this time of year fall below 0 degrees centigrade.

At 5 degrees above zero, asthma and viruses start to take the lives of children and the elderly. At freezing point, blood flow is constricted, increasing the likelihood of heart attack and strokes. A year ago, it dropped to -11 degrees in the camp.

There's a picture of little Omar in the snow on the envelope. "He escaped the bombs. But he can't escape winter," it says. It's genuinely unnerving, like all the charity appeals we get.

A wake-up call

Then it hits you. This is not a private charity asking for help. This is the UN. "Why on earth is the foremost intergovernmental body in the world writing to me for help?" Then you realize: this appeal is a wake-up call to an insidious moral failure taking place on a global scale.

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We imagine that the UNHCR - the world refugee organization - would get the funds it needs from the 193 member states of the United Nations. It regularly issues requests to all governments, seeking donations to sustain its vital operations worldwide. Somehow we assume that the UN symbol means the work is fully funded.

In fact, only 2% of its budget is funded by the UN system.

So here they are, having to ask ordinary citizens like us to help them carry out the most basic work they do.

UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-Moon put the challenge in perspective at a conference when he said: "The world spends almost twice as much on weapons in one day than the United Nations spends for our global mission of peace, human rights and development in one year."

It's hugely dispiriting for the people who work inside the UN system and on the front lines of its humanitarian work. But do they give up? By the looks of this latest UNHCR appeal, the answer may well be more encouraging than you would expect.

An ingenious suvival kit

Their teams have come up with an ingenious winter survival kit. It's got a specially designed high-density tarpaulin and thermal blanket, a collapsible jerry can (for collecting and storing drinking water - this allows families to stay inside during snow storms), and a small steel stove that doubles as a heater.

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With more and more people fleeing the devastation, those kits are going to mean the difference between life and death in the snow.

They fit safely into a UNHCR tent and a donation of 75 will pay for one. 110 pays for two.

I went online to www.unhcr.org/survivalkit and gave four.
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Thursday marked international students day - a chance to reflect on the immense contribution these students make to our Universities, economy and society.

It was also the right time to ask why - given all that - the UK government is so hell bent on making it harder and harder for our education institutions to attract the best talent

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from abroad.

The simple truth is our education sector faces a triple whammy with Brexit; a new Tory government 'crack-down' on student migration -coming on top of the loss of post-study work visas.

This growing situation prompted my debate at Westminster this week.

There was unanimity across parties about why international students are good for Scotland and the UK.

They contribute billions to our economy, supporting many thousands of jobs and they bring new ideas and cultures, enriching the learning experience of everyone.

Even once they leave, the links these students establish here provide a fantastic platform for building political and trade links.

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Sadly Theresa May's government is obsessed with its completely unworkable net migration target. The ridiculous truth is that students are seen an easy way to get the numbers down.

It is called cutting off our nose to spite our face. SNP MPs and many others were arguing that students shouldn't be included in any targets at all. And the public agree.

A recent poll showed a full 75% would like to see the same number, or more, international students in the UK - a figure which jumped to 87% once information on the economic benefits of international students was provided.

Our Universities have a fantastic reputation around the world, and have proved very attractive to overseas students. But that reputation is being put at risk by UK government rhetoric and policy - and competitor countries like Australia, Canada and the USA are taking advantage, attracting more and more students while numbers in the UK stagnate and decline. The number of students across the globe seeking to broaden their horizons by studying abroad is set to increase significantly - and to take advantage we need the right policies to stave off the competition.

One key area where the UK government offer is sadly lacking, is the limited possibilities for staying on to work. Compared to our rivals, very few get to stay thanks to tough financial thresholds and other restrictive rules.

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That's a particular blow for Scotland where demographic challenges and skills shortages in key sectors are crying out for a return to a post study work visa - allowing international students to stay and work for two years, in the hope that some will eventually make Scotland their home.

We used to have this type of visa but the Tories scrapped it. It is exactly the type of visa that is now attracting more international talent to head instead for Australia, the US and Canada.

If the UK government isn't going to protect its Universities, then it should hand over powers to the Scottish government so we can ensure they continue to gain the greatest benefit possible from our fantastic international students.
In case you've been under a rock or stranded on an island with no bandwidth, first off - oh how I envy you! Second, there has been a bit of an election recently, the press coverage of which went on (and on) for about two decades. Throughout that time, there were words and phrases used that caught the attention of the huddled masses (ie. Americans) and are now part of the lexicon.

For anyone needing to communicate with said Americans, here's a breakdown of those words and phrases, together with the meanings lurking beneath:

Bigly - The Donald's fave word. Actually, what he seems to be saying most of the time is "Big League", but it sometimes sounds like "bigly" which is far funnier and grounds for immense mickey-taking. Have a listen and see what you think. He's been saying it for decades but according to Dr. Susan Lin, (quoted in the article), the reason for the rise of "bigly" is due to "some combination of a lot of people not knowing the phrase 'big league,' then also the fact that it's an unusual place to use that phrase in a sentence," she said. "So people are parsing it as an adverb, which would be 'bigly.'" So, if someone says "bigly", they're probably going to be a Democrat who definitely didn't vote for Donald.

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Deplorable(s) - In a private fund-raiser, Hillary Clinton said "You know, to just be grossly generalistic, you could put half of Trump's supporters into what I call the basket of deplorables. Right? The racist, sexist, homophobic, xenophobic, Islamophobic -- you name it. And unfortunately there are people like that. And he has lifted them up. He has given voice to their websites that used to only have 11,000 people -- now 11 million. He tweets and retweets their offensive, hateful, mean-spirited rhetoric. Now some of those folks -- they are irredeemable, but thankfully they are not America." Immediately, it seemed like all of Trump's supporters were desperate to be in that basket, and they wore the moniker like a badge of honour. So now, "deplorable" and the plural noun "deplorables" are used on both sides of the political spectrum, to mean either something to be proud of, or its real meaning.

Nasty - In the third and last Presidential candidates' debate, Trump interrupted Clinton to call her a "nasty woman". Just as the Deplorables jumped all over that word, so Clinton supporters donned t-shirts claiming to be various forms of "nasty". If you hear a woman (it's usually women) saying she's nasty, she's probably telling you which way she voted and what she thinks of Trump.

Pantsuit - For some reason, men wear suits but Hillary Clinton, according to the press, wears "pantsuits". (Remember that "pants" in the USA are trousers, not underwear. Eeuuww - erase that one!) As many women before her have experienced, Clinton's appearance has always been commented on and her choice of sensible, usually cheery trouser and jacket combos caused much derision among those wishing to put her down. However, there is now a formidable movement called Pantsuit Nation, which started out as a small Facebook group and is now an organization with over three million members.

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Post-truth - named by Oxford Dictionaries as 2016's word of the year on both sides of the Pond, it is defined as "relating to or denoting circumstances in which objective facts are less influential in shaping public opinion than appeals to emotion and personal belief." In other words, politicians who say anything to rile up their supporters, never mind what the real facts are. Sound familiar?

Walk back - This is political speak for "Oops, I opened my mouth before engaging brain" or "Oops, I didn't think that very controversial statement was going to get me this much pushback". Trump, in particular, walked back several of his campaign comments, usually after being on Twitter alone in his room at 3am.
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It is almost universally acknowledged that the UK is in the midst of a housing crisis, and the figures published yesterday provide yet more evidence of the extent of the problem.

Nowhere is the crisis more acute than in the South East of England, and particularly London, where average house prices are now a staggering nine times average earnings. In May 2016, the Labour candidate Sadiq Khan swept into office as Mayor of London having promised to make the election a 'referendum on London's housing crisis.' Six months later it remains to be seen whether he will be able to solve this behemoth of an issue.

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Across the country concerns over housing are continuing to creep up the political agenda. The unavailability of affordable housing for those wishing to buy, once the mainstay of middle class aspiration, has pushed more and more people into long-term private renting. Since 1990, the number of households privately renting has more than doubled from fewer than 2 million to over 4.3 million today. Meanwhile the average age of first-time buyers has increased from 31 to 33 over the last decade.

The biggest obstacle for aspiring homeowners is the difficulty of raising a deposit. Since 2000, real median wages have increased at an annualized rate of 0.8%, while real median house prices have jumped yearly by an average of 2.7% - in spite of the 2008 financial crash that supposedly brought the UK housing market to its knees.

The discrepancy between wage and house price growth is alarming, and the difficulty of saving has been exacerbated by an average rise of 17% in rent across the UK's private sector over the last six years. Even if aspiring homeowners consistently save a modest percentage of their income towards raising a deposit, the goalposts are often shifting faster than they can catch up. It is therefore unsurprising that the percentage of private renters who believe they will one day own their own home is falling. And yet home-ownership remains the goal for most Britons - with two-thirds of non-homeowners hoping one day to be able to call a place their own.

The divide between those owning and those renting could hardly be more pronounced. Over half of owner-occupied households in England have more bedrooms than are currently in use. Meanwhile only 13% of privately rented households report under-occupancy, while rates of overcrowding have more than doubled since the mid-1990s. Of course, it makes little sense to rent more than you need; however, these statistics are testament to the sort of divide that is widening in our housing market.

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It is no secret that the main reason for this crisis is a chronic lack of housebuilding. The number of new homes added to the housing stock each year has been consistently falling since the 1980s, even as the population has grown. The UK now needs to build around 250,000 new homes each year simply to keep up with rising demand - a target unlikely to be met. This continuing undersupply will only exacerbate the underlying problem.

In her first speech as Prime Minister, Theresa May acknowledge that 'if you're young, you'll find it harder than ever before to own your own home'. She was right to highlight the issue, but it is now the responsibility of her and her ministers to reverse this trend by addressing the supply-side shortages that have plagued the UK housing market. If the government does not act, voters will punish them.

A third of private renters admit to changing the party they vote for between elections, making them a volatile and important demographic for any party seeking control at Westminster. As the sector grows both in size and discontent, elections may be won or lost by how the parties respond to the aspirations of these voters.

Once seen as a tenure of transition into homeownership, private renting has increasingly become the last stop for many Britons. Politicians need to wake up to this reality and help voters get a foot in the door of their own homes.
The right and some on the left have derided the large post-election protests against Trump's election. What both sets of critiques share is a failure to listen to any of the protesters, except through the media filters that they in other circumstances frequently deride as inaccurate.

The right said, "You lost, stop whining, suck it up," and in yet another Trumpian flight of fancy said that the demonstrators were paid to be there. Some older leftists mimicked this by wrongly assuming that the huge crowds of protesters were mainly disappointed Clinton supporters, and so stayed away.

To say that these fact-deprived observations from afar are incorrect is an understatement. At Chicago's night after election protest, there was a sea of homemade signs in the 10,000-strong crowd, with nary a rightwards pointing "H" arrow or other symbol of affinity to Clinton.

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At an impromptu speak out in the streets shortly before we took Lake Shore Drive, two 15-year-old girls said, with disgust in their voices, "This isn't about Clinton!" They and other protesters spoke in raw emotion in anger against a country which had just put an overtly racist, misogynist, Klan-endorsed sociopath in the White House. As one sign put it, "The voices of our abusers are now the president."

The protesters I met were worried about yet more mass deportations, more physical attacks on and discrimination against Muslims, Arabs, blacks, LGBTQs, and more attacks on the right of women to control their own bodies for abortion and against sexual assaults.

They held little, if any, affection for the Democratic Party and Clinton. Many introduced themselves as or held signs indicating they were undocumented youth. They knew of the 2 million+ deported by Obama because some of them personally knew the families broken up by same. They knew the litany of names of black victims of police violence under our Democratic Party mayor (even if they didn't know he was a Hillary delegate).

The median age of the demonstration was probably early 20s, with probably 90% of the thousands under 25 years old. Precisely a key demographic that Clintonites lamented for months that they'd been unable to reach, despite baiting about "Bernie Bros," guilt tripping about casting a "feminist" vote for Clinton despite misogynist Gulf State monarchies giving millions to her Foundation, etc.

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To those who say, why didn't they protest before the election? I can say that many thousands of youth, many of them too young to vote, did just that. In Chicago last March, many thousands, primarily youth of color, outnumbered Trump supporters at the University of Illinois Forum, effectively shutting down the Trump rally scheduled for there. Again, no Hillary signs in evidence, and yes, a number of Bernie signs, but the core and overwhelming majority of the protest were youth of color not connected to any campaign.

Historic Antecedents

Seated in my Midwest perch back in November 2008, I initially made similar complaints about post-election protests versus the Mormon Church following the passage of California's anti-LGBT Proposition 8. Too little, too late, I said. Where were the protests before the election when they could have influenced the vote? (In my defense, my bitterness was prompted by all the usual NGOs actively discouraging pre-election protests against the Mormon Church, something they shared with Midwestern liberal organizations who frowned upon and opposed demonstrations against the then more-rabidly anti-LGBT Catholic hierarchy.)

A true history of how equal marriage rights was won would show that those 2008 post-election protests against the Mormon Church were critical to putting the religious bigots on the defensive, thus paving the way for our eventual victory. We lost the vote, but won the war, because we didn't take our defeat lying down.

2016 isn't the first time that two widely loathed major presidential party candidates faced off against each other. An even more apt analogy to this year's election was birthed right here in Chicago, just three blocks away from our demonstration that took over Lake Shore Drive last Wednesday night. At least as viewed from the lens of politically engaged youth, the 1968 candidates were as fiercely hated.

That year in front of the Hilton Hotel, Chicago Police under the direction of then-Mayor Richard J. Daley consciously attacked and bloodied dozens of demonstrators protesting the United States' wholesale slaughter in Southeast Asia. This attack at the service of the Democrats led to a sea-change of opinion among a layer of radicalizing youth, many of whom swore off allegiance to the Democratic Party and its presidential candidate.

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In response to the wantonly illegal violence by the authorities (with no legal consequences for the police and generals - sound familiar?), young civilians and people in the armed forces stopped up their game, making the country ungovernable. Having lost faith in established institutions, including both political parties, they relied on their own efforts to make change.

This led to one of the greatest eras of rapid social progress for equal rights in our history. In concert with movements around the world, youth forced the newly-elected, aggressively racist, sexist, homophobic warmongering President Nixon to begin winding down their war on Southeast Asia, enacting affirmative action, food stamps, and clean air and clean water laws.

Nixon, unlike Trump, was a far-right ideologue, and yet he was forced to do all these things counter to his ideology, because a movement in the streets, combined with active resistance, forced him to.

Perhaps the Most Important Antecedent

The disaffection from both major parties by a sector of politically conscious white youth in 1968 was preceded more than a decade earlier by black youth involved in the then-emerging Civil Rights Movement. Black elders, such as Martin Luther King, Jr.'s father, were as firmly emeshed in the Republican Party then as today's black elders are in the Democrats.

King, Jr. and many of his peers saw that the "Party of Lincoln" had done nothing for blacks for many, many decades. Combined with the Democrats' role as the party of slavery and Dixiecrat segregation, they were alienated from both parties. Suspicious of both and subject to neither, they threatened both with what power they could muster.

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The great 1963 March on Washington today is mainly remembered for its soaring rhetoric. Intentional historical amnesia leaves out that it was a march that the Kennedy White House worked assiduously to get cancelled (though they were successful in censoring John Lewis's speech). Arguably it was this relative political independence, combined with the first great mass outpouring of blacks and allies in the nation's capital, which led to the landmark mid-1960s civil rights legislation.

The great unknown is what, if any, organizational expression(s) the current widespread disgust with the two major parties will take, and if these organization(s) will be able to extend the current flurry of protests into a heighted and sustained wave of activism which has been a crucial ingredient to previous periods of accelerated social justice.

In Chicago at least, many Black Lives Matters activists have a healthy disgust for and independence from the Democrats (it helps having someone as thoroughly loathsome as Rahm for mayor). And many radical immigrant rights activists will not soon forget Obama's mass deportations.

Many Bernie activists know the nomination was stolen from them, and will hopefully draw deeper, systemic conclusions about their standard-bearer's quixotic campaign to take the party from the neo-liberals. And some will probably attempt a new electoral left formation, while others will attempt to ramp up the Green Party from its poor showing, at least in the presidential race.

Few electoral activists of any stripe, though, I believe have learned the lessons about how to run a truly Eugene Debs-style campaign that doesn't breed illusions in the system that they purport to overthrow.

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At the very least, the large demonstrations combined with the widespread disgust with both parties presents I believe a rare opportunity for the left: Finally, for the first time in my adult lifetime, there is the possibility of building a sustained movement independent of both parties.

I hope we take advantage of it.
Mexico City made headlines around the world earlier this year when the mayor announced that it would crowdsource its new constitution.

[This article has been republished from Apolitical]

Any member of the public could post an idea on change.org and those that received a minimum number of votes would be presented to the group of 21 scholars, public servants, activists and artists chosen to draft the text. Hundreds of proposals were submitted and hundreds of thousands of votes were cast. The expert group has now presented its first draft, igniting a firestorm of outrage, accusation and counter-accusation that threatens to engulf the whole project.

Yet supporters argue that it is essential for tackling the city's grievous problems, and part of a long process towards making its democratic institutions more representative of the people they are there to serve. The city, which has some nine million inhabitants, only got the right to elect its mayor in 1997, before which the mayors were appointees, and only since then has it also gained the ability to elect authorities to its 16 boroughs.

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One of the people to submit a successful proposal, Francisco Fontano Patan, a 29-year-old travel journalist, told Apolitical, 'At the beginning I didn't really have much faith in this - politics is quite bad in Mexico - but it has exceeded my expectations and changed my view of government. I have seen with my own eyes and worked with them and I have seen them deliver and try very hard to listen to every one of us and to help us.'

Fontano's proposal was that the city guarantee a minimum amount of green space per resident. It has attracted some 39,000 votes at time of writing, and made Fontano the first person to present his idea to the drafters. He asked for 9.2 square metres of green space per person, the World Health Organisation minimum (and below the 16sqm recommended by the UN). The draft constitution has dropped the figure, but committed the city to increasing the green space available.

"This is a crazy idea"



The vituperative criticism of the draft has argued that proposals such as Patan's are wildly unrealistic. Francisco Martin Moreno, a historian, commentator, legal expert and prominent critic of the process, told Apolitical, 'Guarantee green space? How can they say that? If you fly around Mexico City, you will see that the green spaces are gone. We don't have any more green spaces. To have those green spaces, they would have to confiscate houses or businesses or industries, but how can they get the money to do that?

'Some of the provisions are really a nonsense. The constitution says everyone has the right to breathe a healthy atmosphere. OK, but let me tell you how bad the pollution is in Mexico City. So how is that possible?

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'If someone has a right, the government has an obligation. It's a parallel conception. And it's impossible for the government to fulfill all the rights they're proposing. Yes, it's aspirational, and we've been fighting to have a state of laws, but if you don't have the legal system to implement all these rights, it's going to be, like we say in Mexico, a letra muerta [a meaningless document].'

Moreover, the group who actually wrote the draft were selected by the mayor and the whole process has been accused of being a populist ploy to shore up his terrible approval ratings. Miguel Angel Mancera was elected in 2012 with 63.6% of the vote and the largest margin in the city's democratic history, but persistent violence, pollution and corruption have pushed his ratings as low as 25%.

"It's exceeded my expectations and changed my view of government"



Critics such as Martin Moreno believe that the mayor has put the process in the hands of a small, hard leftist group unrepresentative of the city as a whole, and that its demagogic nature was revealed in the text itself. For one, it contained no guarantee of private property, to general uproar. For another, it proposed a tax on assets or, to be specific, capital gains.

Says Martin Moreno, 'Let's say you buy a house and the value goes up, they are going to put a tax on the increased value. In Mexico, you normally have to pay this tax when you sell your house, but with this, you have to pay even if you're not selling. And why is that? Because they want to use that money to construct houses for poor people. It's an aggression against private property here in the city. [The mayor] is searching for ways to create a popular image and to make the left stronger. I have no problem with the left, because I belong to the left, but this is a crazy idea.

'It's a very small group that's determining the future of the city. It's a group mainly composed of fanatics and that's why I'm worried about it.'

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Indeed, despite the strong showing of ideas on change.org, there has been poor participation in the constitutional process as a whole. In the elections to the Constituent Assembly, which is responsible for editing the draft and turning it into law, voter turnout was only 28%. That is partly due to disillusionment with politics and partly because of the speed with which this is all happening. The process was announced in January, the elections to the Constituent Assembly were in June, the Assembly was formed in September and the constitution is supposed to be completed by February. By contrast, Chile's consultation on a new constitution is expected to be a matter of several years.

Supporters, however, argue that the constitution is a historic reform crucial to tackling the city's endemic problems. Carlos Gonzalez Martinez, one of the heads of the Electoral Institute and in charge of the special commission running the crowdsourcing project, conceded to Apolitical, 'There are some excesses in the text, for example, that private property is not mentioned. But I believe that the spirit of the proposal is good. It is a text that essentially seeks to be a bill of rights, and is very literary in some parts. It is an innovative constitution, it is not a classical text. The writers were aware that it would raise some reactions, especially from those who take a dogmatic or orthodox approach.

'But this is a good opportunity to put more force behind our civic culture and citizen participation. I have to tell you, I've been in electoral politics for twenty years, and we have good laws and good institutions, but we don't have a good political culture. You can have all the laws and institutions you want, but if you don't have a political culture that works well, the whole thing doesn't work. And this is one of the main problems in Mexican democracy.'

'[Asking citizens for ideas] is partly to improve the quality of the constitution itself, but to me, it's more important to build a citizenship. If you can do that, you can do the rest. Maybe in this first step, we must just let the people know why the constitution is important for all of us and how we can try to put things in that we wish to have. If there is no citizen, there is no democracy. We have to ask the people to try to take these issues into their own hands.'

"We have good laws and institutions, but we don't have a good political culture"



To carry on building up that civic culture, Counsellor Gonzalez and his colleagues have convened more than 150 civil society organisations to act as observers while the Assembly reviews the draft that has been submitted, and are trying to stimulate wide public debate of its provisions.

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Meanwhile, those who submitted ideas now taken up into the discussion, like Francisco Fontano Patan, have stayed involved. He has met other people who submitted ideas and is working with them to try and see their proposals to completion.

'In general I agree with [the other proposals],' he said. 'Some I think are more important than others, but they're all from people like me, citizens who've decided that they have nothing to lose, so just as I want my suggestion to get to the end, I would be glad to see all of them managing the same thing.
By AsiaToday reporter Jisu Kim - "The Millennial Age" has come to Asia now. Millennials (those born between the early 1980s and the early 2000s) represent more than 45 percent of the region's population, with 60 percent of the world's millennials expected to live in Asia by 2020.

Global consulting firm Accenture said that millennials in Asia will have more spending power than any previous generation - estimated to be US$6 trillion in disposable income by 2020, and e-commerce sales in Asia Pacific region is expected to rise 300 percent to US$2.6 trillion by 2020.

In particular, China's millennials, which account for the largest number of Asian millennials, are already having a profound impact on global consumption as Goldman Sachs has called them "the single-most important demographic in the world today." In fact, about 80 percent of the 434 million consumers who actually bought a product in China's largest e-commerce site Alibaba last year were millennials aged below 35.

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As millennials are set to dominate the consumer market in Asia, capturing their hearts has become a critical issue for companies in the region. "Gaining the loyalty of millennial consumers is absolutely imperative for 'legacy' companies," said Joan Kuhl, founder and president of consultancy agency Why Millennials Matter.

To capture the hearts of millennials, we first need to look at the characteristics of the generation. APEX defined the characteristics of Asian millennials as follows: "They are moneyed, educated, technologically proficient, socially united - and a little bit spoiled."

First, Asian millennials are 'digital natives', who experienced the proliferation of the World Wide Web. Jason Dorsey, millennial researcher in U.S., said, "Millennials in other places tend to be less tech-savvy, more tech dependent. In Asia though, there's a complete integration into that digital world, which to them is as important and almost as real as the physical world."

Asian millennials tend to spend more time online, and more tech dependent than those in Western regions. According to a report from nonprofit organization WYSE, about 57 percent of Chinese millennials use their smartphones four or five times a day, and 39 percent admit they can't go more than five minutes without glancing at it. They spend 27 hours a week online - approximately 69 percent of that time on social media.

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Asian millennials, who spend a lot of time online, are often quite happy to stay home. They never get bored spending their time at home alone because there are so many online activities to do, such as interacting with friends digitally on their social networks, researching products and shopping online, streaming movies and gaming, and more.

This tendency makes it more difficult for companies to reach them. Companies are reaching them online, especially through smartphone applications, believing that their traditional way is limited. China Southern Airline opened a WeChat account and developed more than 20 functionalities - from booking flights to customer service - on the app. Air China (China), AirAsia (Malaysia), China Airlines (Taiwan), KLM (Netherlands), Air France (France) and British Airways (UK) also provide similar services.

China Merchants Bank launched a digital baking proposition for the millennial generation. It offers a short paperless account-sign-up process that links the account to the customer's identity card and mobile phone number. After signing up, additional features can be activated by uploading pictures of the customer holding his or her identity card, and linking the new account to other bank accounts.

Cheryl Zhou, who runs a Singaporean home decor online shop, said, "Social media is very important for sellers who want to target the millennial group. In addition to maintaining a website, we also market our products aggressively via Carousell (online consumer-consumer marketplace for buying and selling secondhand goods) and Facebook."

Despite the efforts of these companies, millennials are good at judging information effectively and don't easily respond to ads. They have their own standards of consumption and their hearts aren't easily stolen by traditional or social ads. A recent survey by MasterCard in Asia-Pacific showed that millennials enjoy fine dining more than their previous generations, yet they are still cost conscious. Sixty-eight percent of millennials in Asia Pacific look out for deals before choosing a place to eat.

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At the Millennial 20/20 summit in Singapore, Teo Correia, Senior MD in Accenture's Consumer Goods and Services practice, said, "Digital is transforming the industry globally by empowering customers with more choices, insights and control."

Millennials are less hesitant about cross-border buys. According to a survey by online payment giant PayPal Inc, 65 percent of the millennials in the major Asian markets transacted in a foreign currency and 33 percent bought from a website in a foreign language.

Singapore millennials are the ones who enjoy cross-border online shopping the most. 80 percent of them have shopped online last year, and 69 percent of them have shopped online across borders, winning the No 1 spot among the six countries surveyed, including South Korea, India, China, Singapore, Japan, and Australia.

In addition, Asian millennials want to reveal and develop their own individuality as they have enjoyed freedoms than previous generations. They consider independence and freedom as the most important values, and they are willing to pay extra for their own unique experiences. Experts say that emotional approach is needed for millennial generation.

InterContinental Hotels Group (IHG) operates the Hotel Indigo brand aimed at millennials. "Millennials are looking for something memorable and personal," said Bruce Ryde, head of marketing for Asia, Middle East and Africa. "There are currently 62 Hotel Indigos, every one of them in its own unique environment and neighborhood. Cities are made up of neighborhoods and we want our guests to have a relationship with what's local and unique."

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Teo Correia said, "Millennials expect easy and delightful experiences that are tailored to their interests and lifestyles. To win their loyalty, it is imperative for brands to keep it simple but make it personal using data-driven applications." She added, "We see successful brands ramping up their data and analytics capabilities to enable personalized customer experiences and pricing based on loyalty, purchase history, and demographics."

Millennials also tend to place emphasis on how delightful their shopping experience is more than previous generations, and they like small luxuries.

Jason Dorsey explained that small details are important to make big loyalty gains. He said, "Millennials like small luxuries. What that means is that a nicer soap or a nicer cookie, or anything like that,that adds just a touch of luxury to the experience is meaningful to them."
The Grief

One week ago, in a shock to much of America, Donald J. Trump became the President-Elect of the United States of America. As the race was called for Mr. Trump, many Americans immediately had the feeling expressed by the great Martin Luther King, Jr. many decades ago that "we have some difficult days ahead." I believe there are many reasons for this feeling. First, the feeling expressed by many on both the left and right that Mr. Trump was not qualified or suited to be President. Second, the polls overwhelmingly pointed to a win for Secretary Hillary Clinton. Finally, the myriad of insensitive and offensive statements made by Mr. Trump toward minorities (African-Americans, Latinos and Muslims), those with disabilities and women, to name a few, suggested to many that he did not have the temperament to be President. The reasoning simply being that surely America would not elect a person who was or alleged to be xenophobic, racist and/or misogynistic. The fact that his campaign was chaired by Steve Bannon who has become a leading voice in the "Alt-Right" movement only further cemented in people's minds that Mr. Trump was too far from center to be elected President. The Alt-Right movement has become synonymous with white nationalism.

Despite the foregoing, by the morning of November 9th, against this consensus line of thinking, America, or more specifically the Electoral College, had given Mr. Trump the needed votes to be called President-Elect. The reaction was both swift and severe. By his supporters, surprise turned to jubilation. Maybe America really would be great again. On the other hand, those who had not voted for him were sad, outraged and fearful. These emotions also quickly turned to anger as Secretary Clinton's supporters witnessed her lead in the popular vote continue to grow. This lead currently stands at approximately 2,000,000 votes.

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With each passing day it seems the Trump Presidency spawns a new crisis. I have heard stories of immigrant children crying at school, wondering whether their parents would be deported while they were at school. Muslims wondering whether they would be exposed to hate crimes or a Nazi type registry, and African-Americans wondering whether the country under Trump and Bannon's leadership would return to the "Jim Crow"-like times of our nation's dark past. As someone who spent the last month in Florida working to elect Secretary Clinton, I believe I have experienced the full range of emotions felt by most Americans who did not support Mr. Trump.

Shock, for one. How did we lose Florida by less than 1%? If we had won Florida, would we have won the Presidency? How did we win the popular vote but lose the Electoral College? Do we challenge this result? As an African American man, fear over what might happen to my community and other minority communities. Fear that the progress we have made under President Obama -- universal healthcare, job growth, marriage equality, woman's choice and expanded protection of civil rights might all be lost.

Separately, what is the signal to be taken from Mr. Trump's appointments? Naming Steve Bannon as Chief Advisor to the President, on equal stature with the Chief of Staff, and in a position to be the primary influencer on this President, at a minimum has to be read as Mr. Trump being less than sincere about creating an American that works for all. Personally, I have known Mr. Bannon in a professional context. We worked to turn around a media company together. He as Chairman and me as Chief Operating Officer. We were successful. I never saw, first hand, him act in a racist manner as is now alleged. That said, it is hard to give the benefit of the doubt to a person who ran a media website which has become the primary platform for the "Alt-Right" movement to get its message out.

Time to Move On

Where do we go from this point? How do we answer the foregoing questions? For starters, I believe we must give ourselves the time and space to heal. We must allow the open wounds of a very contentious election time to close. We must get mentally healthy so we can have the clarity to chart the course that will carry us into the future. Each person must heal in their own way and in their own time. Once, rested, we must rally. With an uncertain path, we should take the advice of former Obama Campaign Manager David Plouffe and plant a thousand flowers and see what blooms.

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I have now returned from Florida. I have rested, and nearly recovered from the many sleepless nights in this most important of battleground states. After what felt like a soul-crushing loss, it feels better and better to be around people. That said, I still have periods of wanting to withdraw from society; the grumpiness of not wanting to be around others. I know these feelings will soon subside. When they do, I will connect, align, organize and come together with other like minded individuals, and answer these questions together.

We need clear-eyed warriors. The road ahead will be hard.

The Path forward:

The following is meant to be a starting place versus an exhaustive list. A grounding that I hope will start both conversation and action.

1.Admit Where We Failed. It is easy to look outside to others for this loss. Certainly FBI Director Comey's late missives were not helpful. Others may allege voter suppression or electoral fraud. As a person that served as a Voter Protection lawyer in Florida, without hard data to the contrary, it is difficult for me to find merit that there was fraud or suppression to be material enough to have made a difference in the election. I believe this election turned on Trump's ability to better connect to the masses of economically downtrodden in our country and offer them a more crisp message of jobs and economic hope. By contrast, and while I believe Secretary Clinton had the far superior detailed jobs plan, as Democrats, I believe we failed to really acknowledge, in an authentic way that was felt by the voter, especially those voters in the rustbelt and the Midwestern battleground states of Ohio, Michigan and Wisconsin, that we felt their pain, emphasized with the many job losses around now shuddered factories and that we are personally invested and committed to improving their economic lives. Many will point to a racist element, unlocked by Mr. Trump's rhetoric, that changed the tide of this election. While I believe there became a more vocal racist fringe, I think the voters that changed this election are those I describe above who saw their vote for Mr. Trump as a desperate last chance effort at a better economic life. As we rebuild the party (DNC) we must keep this lesson at the forefront of our thinking or proceed at our own peril in future elections.

2.Challenge the Electoral College. This is a long shot. That said, an election result such as this is the reason the Electoral College was established in the first place. In 1788, Alexander Hamilton warned of the risks of inaugurating a president with "talents for low intrigue, and the little arts of popularity" and suggesting the Electoral College could prevent the office of the President from falling into the hands of someone unqualified for the office. Several members of the Republican Party, as well as of course Democrats, have flatly stated that Mr. Trump is unfit for the Presidency. His early Cabinet choices would certainty seem to be in line with this claim. To prevail, Mrs. Clinton would have to persuade enough "faithless" electors to change their vote to her in order to beat Mr. Trump and pass the 270 threshold. The result would then have to be ratified by Congress. It is hard to imagine a Republican Majority Congress confirming Secretary Clinton. Therefore, in the alternative, perhaps a compromise candidate could be confirmed. Such a challenge would further divide our nation. Notwithstanding the chance for further division, if there was ever a time to follow the framers intent, it would seem that now is the time. Certainly, the Electoral College should be radically amended or eliminated post this election so that no candidate so far ahead in the popular vote would not be president. Senator Boxer and others are already working in this regard. Regardless of the result of the challenge, Mr. Trump would be served notice that his actions will not go unchallenged, and any actions that are not equitable will be challenged at every turn.

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3.Challenge Cabinet & Supreme Court Appointments. Though generally a President must be allowed to fill out their Cabinet, we must not stand by and allow the appointments of candidates that are totally unqualified. Mr. Bannon, due to his proximity to the Alt-Right movement, and Mr. Guliani, due to his lack of experience (at least in the case of Secretary of State) are two that come immediately to mind. Filing legal suits. Urging our Democratic Senators to use all means to prevent votes from coming to the floor, and in the alternative, working to ensure that there are not enough votes for confirmation are absolute priorities. This is especially the case with Supreme Court Appointments given their life tenure once confirmed.

4.Form Alliances. All minority, women and special interest groups must unite to back each other. If we do not allow ourselves to be divided, we bring real strength to the table. The ACLU and SPLC have stepped up with initial leadership in this regard. The NAACP, National Urban League, Anti-Defamation League, NARAL, Planned Parenthood and many others must join and be active and united.

5.Define No Compromise Issues: A woman's right to choose, marriage equality, sensible immigration reform and affirmative action to name a few. On these we must be unyielding. Where there is the opportunity for true bi-partisan compromise we must take it, however, there can be no yielding on issues we define as "no compromise". The GOP has fought President Obama at every turn for eight years. I am not arguing for a government based on spite, but it must be made clear that we will fight at all costs for our beliefs and for a more progressive America.

6.Restructure the DNC. See number one above. We must take a hard look at our party and make corrections where appropriate. For example, truly being committed to the progressive values of rebuilding the middle class and closing the income gap. We must listen to, then serve, poor and middle class Americans of every race and creed and be committed to a better economic future for them and their families. We must build around the principles of transparency and accountability. Permit competition in our ranks for the best leadership versus the past practice of anointing leaders and choosing them based upon tenure.

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7.Educate, Register & Get People Out to Vote. Forty-seven percent of America did not vote in this last election. We can not have a truly reflective democracy without people participating in the process. As I alluded to in items 1 and 6 above, some do not see themselves in the process. We must show them how voting produces a system that works for us all. I believe this to be particularly true with our younger voters. They are the future leaders of America. Unless they are incorporated into the system they will only grow more apathetic with age, which may deprive us of some of our best talent.

I hope that this is a good start for where we can go as a party and a more unified nation. We should be clear-eyed that there will be difficult days ahead. However, with focus and resolve we can make this a country that works for all, build a healthy DNC and with any luck be ready for a better result in 2020.



Final Thoughts

I leave you to ponder this poem by Langston Hughes. We do not have to bound by these words. We can have an America that works for us all.

Let America be America Again:

Let America be America again.

Let it be the dream it used to be.

Let it be the pioneer on the plain

Seeking a home where he himself is free.

(America never was America to me.)

Let America be the dream the dreamers dreamed--

Let it be that great strong land of love

Where never kings connive nor tyrants scheme

That any man be crushed by one above.

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(It never was America to me.)

O, let my land be a land where Liberty

Is crowned with no false patriotic wreath,

But opportunity is real, and life is free,

Equality is in the air we breathe.
It starts: the "normalization" of Donald J. Trump, the man who achieved the heights in American life -- the White House -- by taking the low road. Specifically the low road of racism, misogyny, and xenophobia.

The normal hallmarks of the transfer of power are being rolled out and extended to the man who, as The New York Times editorialized, "pulped" the American dream, the dream described by Hillary Clinton in her concession speech as "big enough for everyone" -- for "all races, and religions, for men and women, for immigrants."

Already the proforma visits have taken place. First was the White House, where President Barack Obama graciously received the man who launched his own bid by seeking to delegitimize our first African-American president via the birther movement. Next was Capitol Hill, meeting with smiling Republicans who prior to the election were grimly staying their distance from their toxic nominee.

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Already we have the "60 Minutes" interview with the President-elect and his family, conducted in the gold-leaf plushness of Trump Tower. And we have Times columnist Maureen Dowd chuckling on "Charlie Rose" that Trump may be more surprised than anyone at his election, that probably "he's sitting up in Trump Tower with a cheeseburger, what the heck." What's more normalizing than a cheeseburger?

Now comes the astonishing appointment of Sen. Jeff Session as Trump's Attorney General (also here). Sessions, before he became senator, was rejected for a federal judgeship when officials testified he made racist comments -- including calling an African-American lawyer "boy." Our top job at Justice goes to a man known to be hostile to civil rights?

Rudy Giuliani, rumored for Secretary of State, last year made the outrageous charge, "I do not believe that the president loves America" -- claiming Mr. Obama was not "brought up the way you were brought up and I was brought up through love of this country." This xenophobe might be chief diplomat? Before, during, and after his tenure as mayor, Giuliani has had a "fraught history with New York's black and brown residents."

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And we haven't even discussed the misogyny expressed by Trump in the campaign against Hillary Clinton ("Does she look presidential, fellas?" "Nasty woman"). And recall the xenophobia against Muslims and Mexicans that Trump engaged in early on, igniting his defiantly "politically incorrect" campaign.

It's not enough that -- belatedly -- President-elect Trump says to his supporters, "Stop it," as he did, turning to the camera, on "60 Minutes" when interviewer Lesley Stahl related various ugly incidents committed by his supporters. Poisoner-in-Chief now wants the poisoning to stop? The word that comes to mind is "hypocrite."

Much quoted is the observation about Trump, by The Atlantic's Salena Zito, that "the press takes him literally, but not seriously; his supporters take him seriously, but not literally." But if that is so, Trump supporters are naive at best and morally compromised at worst if they do not take Trump's toxic methods literally, given their capacity to hurt and even kill. Economic suffering, while valid, cannot justify these methods.

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No, it's up to Democrats to reinstate the American ideals of tolerance, equality, fair play. (And moderate Republicans, too: I note little pride among them at Trump's win, just surprise.) It needs to be heard loud and clear: Not only "No" -- to racism, misogyny, xenophobia -- but "Hell, no." These evils can never ever become "normal." They must be resisted, daily. This is not the stubbornness of a sore loser, but principle. We need to reinstate "political correctness," which in truth is another term for our foundational ideals.

Right now, though, Democrats are stunned and deflated by Trump's victory. Like you, I so wanted to advance into a New Day, and to see Trump cast into our rear-view mirror, an artifact of history. But, given the gains made by Democrats in recent decades combatting racism, misogyny, and xenophobia, not to mention electing and re-electing our first African-American president, we might look at this recent election as a massive reaction; a reactionary election. The stage is now set for a Renaissance.

To get there, the Democratic party must reform. Importantly, it must renew its original commitment to the working class, the class we forfeited in favor of moneyed interests and lost to Trump. And, importantly, Democrats must recommit to the ideals we hold dearest -- tolerance and equality -- as Trump, once in office, seeks to normalize their opposites. We can be grateful our nemesis is unusually clear-cut.

All this is not to say Democrats don't wish Trump success. For the good of the country, good luck to him in bringing back jobs, infrastructure repair, etc. But do it, Mr. Trump, without bias or prejudice or violence -- or else you'll have the majority of the electorate, the popular majority that voted for Hillary Clinton, at your door.

Meanwhile: "Stay angry," urges liberal thinker Leon Wieseltier. It is the only way to uphold our principles. Let us "maintain our disgust at the low and malign politics that have just prevailed":

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"Trump's success vouches only for his strategy. It says nothing about his probity or decency. Those Americans who are ashamed that we have elected as our president a man bursting with prejudices and lies are right. Their shame makes America great again."

Continuing, Wieseltier writes: "Difficult times are giving way to dark times, and dark times require a special lucidity and a special vigilance and a special ferocity about principle." Providing context, he reminds us "moral progress and social progress are never linear and unimpeded and inevitable":

"If you demand justice, prepare for instability, and for the exploitation of instability by political reactionaries who weaken the wounded with nostalgia and fantasies of exclusiveness... There is nothing Sisyphean or cynical about this. It is the abiding condition of a democracy comprising conflicting ideals. The fight is never over."

And the immediate fight? Not to let racism, sexism, xenophobia -- that is to say, Trumpism -- become "normal." Nothing less than America's soul is at stake. Arise, the Resistance.

Carla Seaquist's latest book is titled "Can America Save Itself from Decline?: Politics, Culture, Morality." An earlier book is titled "Manufacturing Hope: Post-9/11 Notes on Politics, Culture, Torture, and the American Character." Also a playwright, she published "Two Plays of Life and Death" and is at work on a play titled "Prodigal."
Drain the swamp.

Donald J. Trump

It's great news for Kansas-and who'd have thought it. Of course it hasn't happened yet, but it seems to be a possibility.

When President-elect Donald Trump was campaigning, one of his favorite refrains was that when elected he would drain the swamp, and the common assumption was that he was referring to Washington D.C. and the people who had traditionally been involved in assorted administrations there. It never occurred to the listener that the swamps he was planning to drain were, in some cases, far from the nation's capital. That, of course, is exactly what seems to be happening. One of the swamps is a state. The citizens of that state, including those who supported Mr. Trump's election, as well as those who did not, can be pleased at the possibility that their political swamp will be drained by sending two of its most prominent inhabitants to the new administration. Supporters of Mr. Trump will be pleased that the inhabitants may bring glory to Kansas by being given important roles to play in the new administration. Non-Trump supporters will be pleased to get the two men out of Kansas.

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The first person to leave the Kansas swamp may be its Secretary of State, Kris Kobach. Kris made news outside Kansas when he served on the Republican Platform Committee prior to the 2016 Republican National Convention. As a member of that committee, he was successful in inserting language into the platform addressing the border wall that, Mr. Trump now suggests, may be only a fence in some places. The language he successfully inserted was: "The border wall must cover the entirety of the southern border and must be sufficient to stop both vehicular and pedestrian traffic." In addition to the insertion of that language in the platform, Mr. Kobach was also able to persuade the committee to condemn the U.S. Supreme Court opinion that legalized gay marriage, saying it was "obviously incorrect."

Mr. Kobach's swamp-like activities in the state of Kansas were the extensive efforts he undertook, as secretary of state, to make it more difficult for people to register and vote in Kansas. Although he was apparently successful in making it difficult for Kansans to vote in state elections, if they registered without presenting their birth certificates, his efforts to impose that requirement in federal elections were struck down by a federal court. Addressing Mr. Kobach's assertion that the impediments to voting that he wanted to impose were necessary to avoid fraudulent voting, the federal judge who rejected his efforts said: "There is evidence of only three instances where noncitizens actually voted in a federal election between 1995 and 2013." She further observed that during this period, only 14 non-citizens attempted to register.

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Mr. Kobach is a member of Mr. Trump's transition team. In that capacity he has been involved in, among other things, discussing the possibility of drafting a proposal to "reinstate a registry for immigrants from countries where terrorist groups are active." The proposal has raised alarm among civil rights activists as well as other groups who believe the proposal is reminiscent of the Japanese-American internment camps that were used during World War II. Mr. Kobach is rumored to be in the running for attorney general. If he is appointed, the Kansas swamp would be emptier by one.

Another resident in the Kansas swamp who may be called to greater things is its governor, Sam Brownback. His accomplishments as Kansas governor are legion, especially when it comes to state taxation. When he became governor of Kansas in 2011, he slashed personal income taxes and assured his constituents the cuts would result in new hiring and business expansion that would more than offset the loss of revenue that resulted from the tax cuts. He reduced the top personal income tax rate by 29 percent and exempted more than 330,000 farmers and businesses from paying taxes. According to the Kansas Center for Economic Growth, as a result of the Governor's policies, "Kansas is coming close to scraping the bottom of the barrel-both on state finances and job creation." According to CBS News, in 2016 the governor "ordered $17 million in immediate reductions to universities and earlier . . . delayed $93 million in contributions to pensions for school teachers and community college employees. . . ." According to the report he also siphoned off more than $750 million from highway projects during the preceding two years. Tax collections in 2015 fell below projections in 11 months of 2015. In campaign speeches Mr. Trump has applauded the governor's tax policies as a model for America, describing them as the "Kansas solution." On August 16, Governor Brownback was named an advisor to Mr. Trump for agricultural policy. He is now rumored to be a candidate for Secretary of Agriculture.
President-elect Donald Trump called for the removal of the Statue of Liberty from New York harbor because it encourages immigration to the United States.

Trump said he was elected president because he promised to secure the American borders. This, he said, meant the country had to stop the flow of unwanted immigrants, whether they came from Mexico, Canada, or Europe.

"It makes no sense to tell the world you can't come here unless we invite you and then you have this frumpy old woman standing outside our country and telling people to come and stay as long as you want," Trump said during a press conference at the Trump Tower in New York City. "Does this make any sense?"

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Trump said the words on the Statue of Liberty run contrary to everything his supporters believe -- although, he admitted, he couldn't remember the words.

"What does the Statue of Liberty say? I don't know. To be honest, I've lived in New York City my whole life and I've never been there," Trump said. "Why would anyone go? Nobody goes there."

A reporter told him that the Statue of Liberty said, "Give me your tired, your poor, your huddled masses yearning to breathe free, the wretched refuse of your teeming shore. Send these, the homeless, tempest-tossed to me, I lift my lamp beside the golden door!"

"Is that right? Really? Your tired? Your poor? Your wretched refuse? Homeless? So that's how they all got here? When Europe sends its people, they're not sending the best," Trump said, rolling his eyes. "Who needs those people? It might as well say, `Give us your rapists, your criminals, your drug dealers .... your coddled terrorists.' "

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Trump said the country had to secure its borders to prevent all undocumented immigrants from entering the country.

"Like Melania?" asked one reporter, who was immediately handcuffed by New York City police officers and removed from the press conference.

Questions remain about whether Trump's wife Melania followed U.S. immigration law when she came to the United States from her native Slovenia.

Trump was then asked how he thought Americans would respond if he removed the Statue of Liberty, which has stood in the harbor as a symbol of freedom and hope for millions of immigrants who have come to the United States since the late 1800s.

"Americans will thank me," Trump said.

"The Statue of Liberty is an ugly statue. It is. She's an ugly woman, a very ugly woman. Certainly not a ten. She's got no chest. A flat chested woman can't be ten --

Why did France send us a statue of a flat-chested woman?"

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Trump was asked if he would consider having a statue in New York harbor if the statue was better looking.

"Like Melania," Trump replied. "Maybe. Melania. Yes. She's an immigrant and she's opposed to other immigrants. So, yes. But if we put up a statue of Melania, and this is something we're thinking about, we wouldn't have her holding up a torch. We need something that tells immigrants we don't want them."

"What if the statue raises her middle finger?" a reporter asked.
The mood in Marrakech was somber when top climate envoy for President Barack Obama Jonathan Pershing dropped a bombshell on observers gathered there: The rapid warming in polar regions the world is now witnessing may result in five feet--or 1.5 meters-- of sea level rise by 2050.

Pershing had met earlier with State Department Secretary John Kerry in Morocco at the 22nd UN Conference of the Parties to the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change, or COP22. Kerry had just returned from a trip to Antarctica. According to Pershing, Kerry told him that the Pine Island Glacier in Antarctica "is moving very fast and when it goes, we will see 1.5 meters of sea level rise by 2050."

"Five feet of sea level rise in less than 35 years -- that is really soon," said Pershing. "There are 65 million people now living in a state of conflict and 140 million who live less than 3 feet above sea level. Extrapolate to an amount two or three times the level of conflict we have now, and you see that this is a huge crisis. If we are lucky, we will have fewer people displaced, but I'm not optimistic that small island states can be saved."

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As if on cue, reports began to emerge in scientific circles that Antarctica's thawing was proceeding at a record pace, while Arctic temperatures were at a crazy 36 degrees Fahrenheit above normal.

While the velocity around sea level rise seems to be accelerating, momentum around the Paris Agreement is also growing, with the United Kingdom joining 110 other countries in ratifying the agreement. Pershing announced the White House's "deep decarbonization" plan in Marrakech. The U.S.now joins Canada, Mexico and Germany in spelling out their plans to slash greenhouse gas emissions by 80 percent by 2050.

As the Paris Agreement was entering in force, back home in Washington, DC, President-elect Donald Trump was tapping climate denier Myron Ebell to head up the Environmental Protection Agency's transition

Pershing assured observers that the gathering global consensus, in government, business and financial circles, was unstoppable and that the rest of the world would continue to take action on climate change, regardless of Trump's actions. Indeed, should investors ignore the consensus, they risked investing in "stranded assets," he said. The challenge, Pershing said, would remain around issues of financing and development, helping those who are most disenfranchised and least responsible for climate change to face the climate challenge in developing countries. "New money will fall woefully short of what is needed," he admitted. "Our budgets have always been constrained, but it will likely only get worse."

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Pershing highlighted America's strength in the private sector, and the promise of green bonds for infrastructure and resilience, using public sector dollars to leverage private sector activity. He also emphasized that the U.S. State Department has been engaging with local officials around the country, who are on the front lines of the climate crisis. "They don't worry about whether or not you call it climate change; they worry about what to do," he said. Indeed, some cities are already acting on the Paris targets. For example, Portland, Oregon's City Council is voting in early December on a binding ordinance that would call for an end to all new fossil fuel infrastructure within the city's limits, while other cities, such as Canberra, Australia, are moving toward targets of 100 percent renewable electricity by 2020.
During the last few years, I've been heartbroken by stories about young people choosing paths of violent extremism. I'm talking about people like Dylann Roof, the young white supremacist whose shooting rampage left nine black churchgoers dead in South Carolina, or Hoda Muthana, a young Muslim woman who left her family in Alabama to marry an ISIS fighter in Syria. Their choices are stunning for their impact on the lives of innocent people, and because the path to redemption after such a choice seems nearly impossible.

I read these stories but had never really considered them through the lens of media literacy. That is, until I received an invitation from UNESCO to attend a conference on the internet and what they term "youth radicalization." The experience transformed the way I think about The LAMP's work in media literacy, and opened my eyes to a new set of potential for how expanding access to media literacy and critical thinking can change the lives of young people worldwide.

It actually took very little time for me to see how The LAMP could add value to the conversation about youth violent extremism. During the opening session of the conference, panelists immediately took issue with the subtext of the conference, saying it was too easy to blame the internet for turning normal-seeming youth into rage-infused extremists. It was argued that this approach gives the internet way too much credit, while giving hardly any to young people. Of course I agree; we at The LAMP speak often about the faulty logic of blaming media or technologies instead of the people responsible for creating and interpreting them. It's one of the reasons why we do what we do in the first place. We believe everyone is a producer and a reader, and that we all share the responsibilities that come with those privileges.

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When three different high-ranking UNESCO officials used the term "media literacy" in their opening remarks, it was music to my ears. It only got better when Ross Lajeunesse from Google stood up to say that the most effective way to steer youth away from violent extremism was to give them a safe space to challenge harmful and misleading media. That's exactly the kind of space created by The LAMP in its hands-on programs, and through the use of media remix tools like MediaBreaker/Studios. We've never pitched these tools and programs as a means for combating terrorism, but hearing these experts and leaders speak so passionately about the potential of media literacy to do just that was like an alarm bell directly striking my brain.

I counted at least a dozen more times when media literacy was raised as an antidote for violent extremism. I'm used to meeting with people and making the case for how media literacy can help young people find jobs, become more engaged in their communities and make more informed choices, but not avoid a life of domestic or international terrorism.

Perhaps one of the most disturbing parts of the conference was the (only) session in which actual youth were present, hidden by a scrim and with their voices altered to protect their identities. Both young people had been detained at the airport en route to join ISIS, and when a member of the audience asked what piece of propaganda compelled them to defect to a terrorist organization, both of the youth agreed that there was no single piece of media. Rather, it was the collection of anti-Muslim messaging they found inherent to our culture, which reinforced their status as outsiders and undesirables. I was equally struck by another comment the young people made. They provided more insight, saying that the same things that caused them to pursue a violent pathway was the same things that caused them to abandon it: the search for answers. I wondered how their lives might have been different if they had been offered the skills, tools and the agency to push back on those messages. Maybe if they could have found purpose in creating positive representations of Muslim identity and culture, they might have chosen a different path.

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Believe me, I'm not saying media literacy is the end-all solution to ending violent youth extremism. The issue is far too nuanced and complex for any single silver bullet, so to speak. But I'm more convinced than ever that it is a vital tool, and that so far we have barely begun to tap into its potential to address a range of ills. Regardless of how different people may vote, I think we can all agree that we want more peaceful places where young people can grow with promise and confidence. If there is even a small chance that expanding media literacy can foster this world, don't we owe it just a little more effort?
The election of 2016 -- House, Senate and presidency -- was at least partially stolen.

I am not talking about the Russian manipulation, hackers releasing negative information about the Democrats, although that was part of it.

Nor am I referring to the FBI/Comey intrusion, though clearly wrong. Always before, a simple "no comment" was standard policy for ongoing investigations. When the head of the FBI trash-talks a candidate for president, making her appear unreliable or worse, damage is done, even if he later "takes it back".

Worse harm came from something far less spectacular.

In numerous Republican-run states, Democrats have had their voting rights systematically reduced.

First, the Republicans have been working, state by state, for years to make Government-issue photo ID cards mandatory. They say these are necessary to fight voter fraud, to prevent a person from voting more than once -- but this is nonsense. In most states, there have been zero verified instances of voter identity fraud.

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Who are those least likely to have government issued photo ID cards, i.e. driver's licenses?

The old, the poor, the disabled, minority groups and students -- Democrats.

How many voters are we talking about, who might be disqualified?

According to Elizabeth McNamara, President of the League of Women Voters:

"New photo ID requirements potentially disenfranchise millions of registered voters due to disability, age, illness, transportation, or financial issues. As many as 11 percent of United States citizens, more than 21 million individuals, do not have government-issued photo identification..."

One easy way to reduce the vote is to make it hard to register and vote. Like maybe figure out which counties have the most Democrats, and give them the least voting booths and places to register.

In a recent election, the African-American vote in North Carolina was down -- why?

"...The decline wasn't due to lack of enthusiasm or effort, but voter suppression...there's a near perfect fit between where black voters aren't voting and where Republicans have made it harder to vote..."

"...In Mecklenberg County, which...has (a large proportion) of the state's black voters, the Republican-controlled election commission cut early voting locations from 22... to 4..."

You have seen the long lines stretching around the block as people wait and wait and wait to register or vote? Make people tired enough, and they may go home without voting.

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Or -- shorten the list of eligible voters.

Impossible?

Read the amazing article "The GOP's Stealth War Against Voters" by Greg Palast, Rolling Stone, August 24, 2016.

"Election officials have compiled lists of citizens whom they allege could be registered in more than one state--thus potentially able to cast multiple ballots--and eligible to be purged (removed) from the voter rolls."

In total, "...so far Crosscheck has tagged an astonishing 7.2 million suspects, yet ...no more than four (4) perpetrators have been charged with double voting..."

The man behind Crosscheck?

"Kansas Secretary of State Kris Kobach... co-wrote the ultra-conservative RNC party platform, working in a recommendation that Crosscheck be adopted by every state in the union. (Kobach) is also the Trump adviser who came up with a proposal to force Mexico into paying for Trump's wall."

Kobach is now an official member of the Trump transition team.

Why was this done?

For me the reason is simple: if Democrats had won the presidency and the Senate, liberals would have gained control of the Supreme Court. That would almost certainly have meant an end to the systematized corruption now permitted by the "Citizens United" decision, which allows unlimited financial involvement by the rich in politics.

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So what happens now?

Four years of Hell.

Republicans will control both houses of Congress, the Presidency, and (once they appoint the Supreme Court justice they denied Obama) the Supreme Court.

There will be no checks and balances on their power. The Supreme Court, once sufficiently packed, will be overwhelmingly conservative, and can doubtless be counted on to legalize any and all Republican extremisms.

What will they do with this blank check authority? We will find out. My guess?

The Republicans will make taxes on the rich so low there will be no need for loopholes. With less money for government, social programs will suffer. Trump has promised not to mess with Social Security and Medicare--we'll see.

Women's reproductive freedoms are at risk.

In my own small corner of the world, stem cell research, I expect attacks: state by state and perhaps nationally.

And if President-elect Trump fulfills his campaign pledge to deport millions of Mexican-Americans? Suffering would be unimaginable. Buses arriving in the night, men with guns arresting anybody with brown skin, children screaming for their parents...

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When I picked up yesterday's newspaper on my front porch, I found the following:

"Rights groups say voter suppression was key" by Tony Pugh, McClatchy Washington Bureau, Friday, November 11, 2016:

"When we look back, we will find that voter suppression figured prominently in the story surrounding the 2016 presidential elections," said Kristen Clarke, president and executive director of the Lawyers' Committee for Civil Rights Under Law."

Perhaps worst of all, what appears to be a crime-- comes with its own coverup!

"North Carolina and Ohio refused to release their Crosscheck lists on the grounds that all these voters, more than a million in those two states, are subjects of criminal investigation, which allows them to keep the information confidential."

http://america.aljazeera.com/blogs/scrutineer/2014/11/14/voter-purges-alteruspoliticalmap.html

If the lists of removed voters cannot be examined, how can we know if there is a crime being committed?

America needs to be clear on what just happened. We must understand how voter suppression works, and elect people who will fight back against it.

Voter suppression will never go away on its own. It will be used on every election from here on out--until we make it stop.
EESL has expressed strong interest in LED street lights and solar projects for the Vietnamese market.

Indian energy firm EESL expressed interest in Vietnam's clean energy market, particularly LED street lights and solar energy projects, during a recent workshop.

Energy Efficiency Services Limited, as the company is officially known, is a joint venture set up by India's Ministry of Power. It has signed a partnership contract with Cambodia's D&D Group, paving the way for future energy efficiency projects in Vietnam and Cambodia.

D&D Chairman Dibyendu Pattnaik said his company was considering investing in new transmission lines, hydroelectric power and renewable energy projects.

Vietnam's economic growth, particularly the expansion of the manufacturing sector, will continue to drive demand for electricity.

According to state utility Vietnam Electricity (EVN), annual energy consumption in the country has reached 162 billion kilowatt-hours and is projected to grow by 10 percent.

Simple energy efficiency measures can provide some of the easiest and cheapest ways to meet the country's energy demand and reduce green house emissions.

Other Indian investors have also eyed Vietnam's energy sector.

Smita Pant, Consul General of India in Ho Chi Minh City, told the Vietnam Investment Review that Tata Power's $2.1 billion investment in the Long Phu 2 Thermal Power Project in the southern province of Soc Trang would make India one of the top foreign investors in the country. The plant is expected to start running in either 2021 or 2022.

Related news:

> Fast-growing Vietnam to invest $40 billion in electricity projects by 2020

> Vietnam, hungry for electricity, turns into net coal importer

> German firm jumps on Vietnam's renewable energy bandwagon
U.S.-China relations are likely to benefit from the election of Donald Trump as president. Hillary Clinton's policy toward China emphasized confrontation. In a leaked email she was quoted as privately threatening to "ring China with missile defense" if Beijing didn't bring North Korea to heel. She also said Americans should "put more of our fleet in the area."

While Trump primarily emphasized trade issues, Clinton's approach would have risked a military confrontation while adding new tensions to U.S.-China relations. This approach also would have driven Beijing closer to the ever provocative Democratic People's Republic of Korea.

The DPRK's nuclear program has become Northeast Asia's biggest security challenge. Today the North is believed to have enough nuclear materials for up to 20 nuclear weapons. By 2020 Pyongyang could have at least 50 and perhaps as many as 100 nukes.

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Marry such an arsenal to accurate long-range missiles and Pyongyang's mischief-making ability would expand dramatically. China understands the dangers and wants to keep the Korean peninsula nuclear-free.

However, the People's Republic of China does not feel directly threatened by North Korea's nuclear program. In contrast, the PRC fears collapse, chaos, and refugees at its doorstep, which would be made far more likely if Beijing applied the kind of economic pressure demanded by America.

Moreover, at a time when Washington appears to be attempting to contain China, Beijing does not want to destroy its one military ally and promote Korean reunification, which would yield a more powerful American ally hosting U.S. troops, which could end up on the PRC's border.

Finally, China blames Washington for the "North Korea problem." In Beijing's view, decades of American hostility have driven the DPRK to develop nuclear arms. Thus, it is Washington's responsibility to reduce the threat and negotiate with the North.

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The U.S. government obviously does not agree with the PRC's position. But Washington should take China's views into account. Addressing Beijing's concerns would be the most effective, and probably only, means of winning its cooperation against Pyongyang.

For instance, Washington could open an official relationship with North Korea and offer a "grand bargain" to achieve denuclearization of the peninsula. For this America could request Chinese backing. The U.S. could seek coercive Chinese support with the promise that Washington would assist if a North Korean implosion occurred and remove all U.S. military personnel from the peninsula in the event of reunification.

Instead, America, usually through its secretary state, including Clinton, has made a practice of simply telling the PRC what the U.S. desires and complaining when China does not deliver. Alas, the time, if it ever really existed, when Washington could simply dictate to others has passed. Even more, the time when anyone could dictate to Beijing has passed.

Which has led to numerous proposals to force the PRC to pressure the North. Sen. John McCain (R-AZ) once proposed threatening the entire bilateral relationship to get results. Others have taken the Clinton position, that the U.S. should initiate military counter-measures which would discomfit China as well as North Korea.

Presumably there is an unpleasant enough sanction or two which would cause Beijing to do America's will. However, the PRC's pain threshold probably is quite high. Likely higher than Washington's determination to act.

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After all, rising nationalistic powers are not inclined to let foreigners dictate to them. Just look at America's experience. Millions for defense, but not one cent for tribute! shouted Americans when confronted by the Barbary Pirates two centuries ago. Washington likely would have to do much more than it, or Clinton, originally imagined to force Beijing's compliance.

Indeed, a refusal to submit characterized China's response to U.S. and South Korean plans to deploy the THAAD anti-missile system in the Republic of Korea. Beijing's relationship with Seoul, recently on the upswing, has tanked. The Chinese foreign minister announced that the PRC "will take necessary measures to defend national security interests and regional strategic balance."

Ramping up military threats against China is likely to cause it to respond in kind. The U.S. is wealthier and more powerful, but the PRC has greater interests at stake, which means it is willing spend and risk more. In a sense Beijing, as the weaker power, must do whatever is necessary to maintain its credibility, lest Washington attempt to dictate to China in other areas. No potential great power would allow that to occur.

Moreover, attempts at coercion, whether or not successful, would poison future relations, which would be dangerous for the world's two most important nations. A century ago Germany and Austria-Hungary confronted Imperial Russia in a dispute over Bosnia. Russian officials backed down--all the while muttering "never again." Their refusal to compromise in the summer of 1914 in the crisis involving Russia's ally Serbia greatly contributed to the outbreak of World War I.

While no one expects a similar conflict in East Asia, the various territorial disputes as well as North Korean provocations create manifold military tripwires. And America's alliances with Japan, the Philippines, and South Korea could draw the U.S. into even local incidents otherwise of minimal interest to Washington.

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American policymakers understandably are frustrated by China's continuing support for North Korea. However, threats like that advocated by Clinton almost certainly would be counter-productive. The U.S. is unlikely to apply pressure sufficient to coerce Beijing into acting against its interest. But the attempt would make China less willing to cooperate in the future.
By Anna Bengel

In the neighborhoods of Brooklyn, James Hannaham sees slavery everywhere: the coffee shop, crowded sidewalks, the vegetable aisle of his supermarket. Some people could be wearing clothes sewn by slaves, others eating fruit picked by slaves. "I look all over the place and see people everywhere--and I'm constantly thinking. I just assume that everybody has been, in some way, touched by slavery."

"Fighting slavery is important to me because I would like to live a life knowing that I am not contributing to the abuse or torture of other people," Hannaham says.

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He started seeing slavery all around him as he was writing his second book, Delicious Foods. It is a darkly comic and complex, bold story of a grieving mother's crack cocaine addiction and the slavery that engulfs her as she seeks desperately to shake an insatiable habit. In a drug-induced stupor she is kidnapped and forced to work on the farm of the book's title. The novel won the 2016 PEN/Faulkner Award for Fiction. The Washington Post called it "sensational;" The New York Times hailed Hannaham, who also wrote God Says No, as a "writer of major importance."

Hannaham first discovered modern slavery when he read John Bowe's 2007 book, Nobodies: Modern American Slave Labor and the Dark Side of the New Global Economy, about forced labor slavery around the world. He was struck by the story of a woman enslaved in Florida in 1992. "My eyes practically fell out of my head," he says. He thought slavery was "dead and gone."

After Delicious Foods was released to rave reviews, Hannaham decided to act on his anti-slavery message. "It really isn't about me," he says. "The way our society works is to keep us ignorant of all these things happening in our name. I'd like to take agency and say that's not acceptable." He chose to support Free the Slaves on the recommendation of Bowe himself.

Today he is one of our biggest supporters. When Delicious Foods was published, he launched the book, at a New York City art gallery, as a benefit for FTS. He donated much of his advance to FTS.

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'Who Are We Forgetting?'

The pervasive obliviousness to the suffering of slaves in America today was a powerful force as Hannaham wrote Delicious Foods. He kept thinking about his shattered belief, still held by so many, that slavery no longer existed. He realized: nobody wants to face this tragedy--and everybody should.

"Everybody talks about slavery in the American South as if everybody should have gotten over it a long time ago," Hannaham says. "Slavery is one of the most hidden and yet prevalent issues facing the world right now. There are more slaves on the planet than there ever have been."

Modern slavery speaks to Hannaham as an author inspired to write stories about marginalized people. "Who are we forgetting?" he says. "That's the question I'm always asking myself. Who are we forgetting?"

Telling the Story of Modern Slaves

In telling his fictionalized account of real anguish, Hannaham wanted to shed new and distinctive light on the face of modern slavery. Most documentaries and news accounts focus on trafficking. "But to hear it called 'slavery' puts a spin on it that's completely different," he says. "A novel gives people an emotional history of something that the facts don't always quite articulate."

Hannaham saw that modern slavery was suppressed. "There was no reason people shouldn't know about it," he says. "It was something people needed to know, but they weren't going to for a long time." He saw in ignorance a unique opportunity. He saw how he could unveil it--to write. Hannaham thought he could work on his novel while no one else was attuned to the topic. He was right.

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The story of modern slavery is intricate and covert; it is woven into consumer and supply chains, the structure of impoverished societies, the daily lives of millions of vulnerable, unknowing, innocent people.

For all his talents--for language, dialogue, characters, and prose--Hannaham struggles to articulate his role in freeing slaves. "Does one even need a justification for doing something that's just right?" he asks. "When it's an injustice that seems both insane and antiquated?"

After much contemplation, the author found a way to describe his work with Free the Slaves. "I free slaves because I feel like it's going back in time and righting something that needed to be righted a long time ago."

Take the First Step

Above all, Hannaham strives not to be complicit in the modern slave trade. He wants to live a life of integrity. "To know these things is to take responsibility," he says. "It's the first step." Delicious Foods details the horrors of debt slavery in America. In America, slavery is happening today.

Hannaham thinks it is time for us to take action. His work powerfully dispels the notion that slavery is a thing of the past. "No," he says. "It's actually right here, down the street--and we have to deal with it."

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At a professional conference recently, a panel of deans discussed their expectations of department chairs. The session was meant to help new chairs understand their role as academic administrators. The panelists exhibited a surprising amount of unanimity on the subject, and I would like to share some of their advice.

It's become a cliche in higher-education literature to assert that the toughest job in the institution is department head, and for good reason: as chair, you have a foot in two very different worlds.

You are the chief advocate for your faculty both to the administration and externally. In that role, you are a kind of prime minister--the first among equals--and a stalwart champion of your department's interests.

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Within the department, however, you are the frontline administrator, the supervisor of all personnel, and the primary fiscal agent. In that role, you serve as the chief representative of the institution to your faculty and staff members.

A key to becoming an effective department head is the ability to balance those two very different roles. Ineffective chairs foster an us-versus-them climate within the department: "You'll never guess what they are going to make us do now," such chairs say, where "they" means all university administrators above the department level lumped into one. Adopting that stance may ingratiate you to department members in the short term, but it also demonstrates a lack of leadership.

Effective chairs understand that as part of the institution's administrative team, they will be expected to interpret and even "sell" new initiatives, policies, or procedures to their departments on behalf of the institution. Leadership involves stepping up and accepting that role, even when you personally do not support the new policy.

As someone with a foot in two worlds, you will need to follow proper protocol scrupulously and guide your faculty to do so as well. Nowadays, perhaps more than ever before, professors, staff members, students, and even parents feel empowered to leap over several administrative layers in an attempt to get their way. Why follow the process when you can appeal directly to the provost or president? But violating protocol, or allowing others to do so, disrupts the orderly conduct of university business.

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For example, you would not want to be blindsided by one of your faculty members who went directly to the dean to pitch a new program rather than starting with you as the department head. Similarly, if you were to take a departmental initiative first to the provost rather than to your dean, you would risk embarrassing the dean and perhaps losing his or her support.

Following protocol invariably works to your benefit. Maybe the timing is not right for your proposal, and the dean could potentially prevent you from making a strategic error in proposing the plan prematurely. Alternatively, your timing might be perfect, and the dean could be your best advocate. Either way, you win by working through proper channels.

In short, always keep your dean in the loop. And train faculty members in your department to follow basic protocol as well.

An effective department head works closely with the dean and the dean's staff members. The people in the dean's office are there to help you be successful as a chair and should be seen as your greatest support network. Don't isolate yourself and feel that you have to solve every problem on your own: "I don't want to trouble the dean with this one." Most deans would rather be "bothered" early, before a minor brush fire mushrooms into a major conflagration.

A key skill of a good department head is the ability to reserve judgment in a dispute until all parties have weighed in. Everyone who appeals for your support has a compelling story. Unsophisticated administrators assume that the first story they hear is the truth, or that the prevailing narrative about someone or some incident is accurate. Sophisticated administrators wait patiently to hear all sides before arriving at an opinion or rendering a verdict.

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As the department's chief administrator, you are expected to maintain the highest standards of ethical behavior. No matter how close you are to certain colleagues in the department, you must do all that you can to avoid showing favoritism when evaluating faculty and staff members, making recommendations about raises, or scheduling courses.

The best department heads develop a healthy balance among their teaching, research, and administrative responsibilities. As the chief academic officer of your department, you should serve as a role model to your faculty--by being a lauded teacher, an active scholar, and a skilled administrator.

Sure, that balance is difficult to effect, and you are not going to have the time to devote to your teaching and research that you used to have. But keeping up your own work as much as possible is an important way to build credibility within the department and beyond.

One department head in a college where I was once dean consistently taught more courses than he was required to and even won a university-wide award for outstanding teaching. Another chair regularly assigned himself huge lecture courses enrolling hundreds of students so he could justify providing course releases to active researchers. A third garnered global attention for his research, including television documentaries and a lengthy story in The New Yorker.

All three found a way to balance their many duties and to gain the respect of colleagues in the process.

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That said, it is important that you not subordinate the management of your department to your teaching or research. Stories abound of department heads who have neglected the nuts and bolts of administration to concentrate on their own scholarship. Balance is the watchword.

Not everything discussed at the panel on what deans expect of department chairs will apply in every institutional context. Practices and campus cultures vary, but the issues summarized here are ones that every chair will face on a daily basis. The job of department head may well be the toughest in the university, but you can make that job considerably harder by ignoring this good advice.
I've spent the better part of the past decade in rural America. I'm proud to know many farmers, many farm families, and humbled to have been a guest in countless homes in rural America. I'm grateful to call these people friends. Because of my life experiences, I've been able to go back and forth between rural America and urban America with much frequency. I've gotten to hear different perspectives. Many of my family members asked me what happened in this election, many of my friends wonder how this could have happened:

Let's start with the word "educated"

It's a word that's been used repeatedly in this election. "Educated Whites are voting for Clinton" "non-educated whites are voting for Trump". The way these articles are written, the tone used, there's real condescension. For decades, the conversations of city and suburban people about rural people have had the same tone. One woman in Kentucky told me: The only group that it's okay to make fun of any more, that you can call dumb without consequence, is a poor white person with a Southern accent. Imagine a party in NYC where someone made a racist joke doing an impression of a black, Asian or Latino person saying something stereotypical... that would immediately be frowned upon. Tell the exact same joke but if you insinuate that the subject of the joke is a white Southerner, a stupid farmer, then you would get nothing but laughter.

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There's a collective disdain for people in the "flyover" states. The dominant idea in coastal cities and in suburbs is that rural people are uneducated, simply because a lot of them may not have gone to college. The reality is that just because someone does not go to college does not mean that they are not educated. Having spent a lot of time on farms, and with farmers over the past decade, I can tell you with total confidence, that only a highly-intelligent, highly-skilled, very Educated person can run a successful farm. There is so much that goes into agriculture it is almost inconceivable to someone who makes a living in front of a computer screen. The ability to fix a broken down tractor. The ability to manage a herd of a hundred cattle, to know when to graze, when the weather is just right to plant corn, when to cultivate, when to medicate, when to harrow, when to harvest. The reality is that there are many different types of education. Who is to say that someone who has read a lot of fictional books and has a degree in British Literature is more educated then someone who knows how to weld masterfully? What about a masters degree in Economics versus someone who can run a farm and turn a profit in the real world? Who is more Educated?

To make the anger in rural America even stronger is the total lack of appreciation of people in the city for the work they do. The people in rural America quite literally feed the people in urban America. In 1896 William Jennings Bryan said the following in his legendary Cross of Gold speech: "I tell you that the great cities rest upon these broad and fertile prairies. Burn down your cities and leave our farms, and your cities will spring up again as if by magic. But destroy our farms and the grass will grow in the streets of every city in the country." What people in the cities fundamentally do not understand, or choose to ignore, is that without the people in the "flyover states" there would not be any NYC or Los Angeles. This is not a quaint idea. It is the truth. These people in rural America are the foundation of our nation today. Each day they wake up early in the morning and go outside and do the work of growing food that allows us all to do whatever it is we do.

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So after decades of being ignored, of being underappreciated, of being mocked, it comes as no surprise that people in rural America have animosity towards the educated people in the cities and the suburbs. They know these city people are not smarter than they are, and they don't care what the college-educated journalists or pundits have to say about who they should vote for. They are unimpressed by their college degrees, their culture, and their celebrities. To make matters worse, the government has become almost entirely people from this elitist urban and suburban world who view them, with a combination of neglect and mockery. These elites come up with trendy global economic theories that venture that we'll all be better off if we move towards globalization. Politicians like Bill Clinton make deals like NAFTA that helped move factories out of places like Flint, Michigan and into places like Monterrey, Mexico. Pulling a factory out of a small town with no other economic drivers rips the heart out of the economy, and plunges the laid off workers into depression, alcohol and drugs. It also decimates Mexico's agriculture, because the heavily subsidized American corn is now cheaper than local Mexican corn. When the Mexican people buy the cheaper American tortillas, this forces thousands of Mexican farmers out of work.

After the economic crisis of 2008, and as recently as 2014, months before running for president, Hillary Clinton goes around and gives speeches to the banks that the American taxpayers bailed out. Hillary receives upwards of $200,000 (about 4 times what a blue-collar family makes in one year of very hard work) for a few hours of talking. Bill Clinton finds a way to monetize his presidential connections and fame, and once again the people in rural America and the rust belt see the ultimate insider pay-to-play operation. The people in rural America see that before Bernie Sanders and Elizabeth Warren entered the scene, Clinton called the TPP "the gold standard" and is a longtime proponent of globalism. Enter Donald Trump. He says he wants to Make America Great Again. He wants to get rid of trade deals like the TPP and NAFTA that move factories out of America. He says he wants to "drain the swamp". He wants to get rid of the sweetheart trade deals that are killing the middle class. He wants to rid Washington of the political elites who view rural America and farmers as mindless country bumpkins. They see that yes, he is a deeply flawed person. They see that he is in an alleged serial sexual assaulter but that no one has charged him and he has not been convicted. Like other former presidents. They see that he is against undocumented immigrants. For some, this is a good thing, and screams of fairness. For some, it is just bluster, a theatrical suggestion that won't be followed through on, and for some, it is very scary. They see all of his flaws, and weigh them.

Remember, the people in rural America are very smart. They are Educated. For many, the choice between Clinton and Trump was a difficult one. They deeply disliked Trump, but were so tired of backdoor government dealings they held their nose and voted Trump. Many I know voted for Gary Johnson. One farmer in Iowa, who is deeply religious, a brilliant man who does not have a college degree and today runs a multi-million dollar hog and grain farm was undecided when I talked to him. When I asked him who he thought he would vote for- he quoted the Bible: Matthew 22:21 Jesus said "Render to Caesar the things that are Caesar's; and to God the things that are God's." So for him, in the brash uncouth world of politics, a person of faith could vote for a man as immoral as Trump because Trump was better equipped to rid Washington of the corruption it is plagued by today. Ultimately, the people of rural America made a tough choice. Predominantly, they made a choice that they felt was best for their family's economic prospects, and in part they voted for a man who had the guts to stand up to the political elite they so despise.
Donald Trump / Wikipedia

After a vitriolic campaign that exacerbated racial and class divisions, President-elect Donald Trump will be inaugurated as the 45th president in January. Under his administration, the Republicans will be the only conservative party in the world that disputes human activity is warming the climate. He has called global warming a "bullshit hoax" invented by the Chinese to make the U.S. non-competitive. Since beginning his transition, Trump has empowered a radical climate change denier and pursued his promises to roll back President Obama's efforts to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, promote clean energy, and protect the environment.

If Trump is committed to uniting the country, as he has stated, he will need to steer towards a more moderate course, given the vast majority of the country supports climate action, even 48 percent of Republicans. A poll last year found that "83 percent of Americans, including 61 percent of Republicans and 86 percent of independents, say that if nothing is done to reduce emissions, global warming will be a very or somewhat serious problem in the future."

According to The New York Times, Myron Ebell, who runs environmental and climate policy at the Competitive Enterprise Institute, a conservative think tank, and a noted climate change denier, has been tasked with leading Trump's transition efforts for the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). Ebell described himself as a "contrarian by nature." He has led the Cooler Heads Coalition, which "focused on dispelling the myths of global warming by exposing flawed economic, scientific, and risk analysis." And he argues that "a lot of third-, fourth- and fifth-rate scientists have gotten a long ways" by embracing climate change.

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In some of the most heated moments of the campaign, President-elect Trump threatened to abolish the EPA wholesale or shrink it down to a solely-advisory function. But, in September, he back-tracked on that statement, saying he supports clean air and "crystal clear, crystal clean" water. The Guardian quoted him: "I will refocus the EPA on its core mission of ensuring clean air and clean, safe drinking water for all Americans. I believe firmly in conserving our wonderful natural resources and beautiful natural habitats. My environmental agenda will be guided by true specialists in conservation, not those with radical political agendas."

The Paris climate agreement is in Trump's sights as well. After years of negotiation, the agreement was ratified by countries representing 56.87 of the world's greenhouse gas emissions in late October, bringing it into legal force. Even if Trump's administration pulls out of the agreement, other countries are likely to ratify, letting the agreement stand. World leaders have called it the last best chance to keep warming below 2 degrees Celsius (3.6 degrees Fahrenheit). More than 360 American companies just issued a letter urging Trump to continue U.S. participation in the accord. "Failure to build a low-carbon economy puts American prosperity at risk," the companies wrote.

Still, Trump is unlikely to provide the billions Obama committed to developing countries to help them mitigate and adapt to climate change. These funds were critical to winning the support of India and other developing countries.

Climate change is a global concern, and linked to many other areas of negotiation. Aggressive anti-climate actions by a Trump administration would severely damage relations with key European partners. Thankfully, China has said it will stay in the agreement, regardless of how the U.S. acts, but lack of action could also adversely impact the U.S.'s ability to reach agreement with the Chinese on a range of important economic, trade, and political issues.

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Trump also promises to end support for clean energy, instead focusing on boosting gas, oil, and coal production. Trump's website calls for the U.S. to become a major energy producer: "America will unleash an energy revolution that will transform us into a net energy exporter, leading to the creation of millions of new jobs, while protecting the country's most valuable resources - our clean air, clean water, and natural habitats. America is sitting on a treasure trove of untapped energy. In fact, America possesses more combined coal, oil, and natural gas resources than any other nation on Earth. These resources represent trillions of dollars in economic output and countless American jobs, particularly for the poorest Americans."

In his effort to open up fossil fuel energy production, Trump will attempt to gut Obama's clean coal plan, roll-back important auto-emission standards, open up federal lands to oil and gas production, approve the Keystone XL pipeline and Dakota access line, and end billions in federal support for clean power. Apparently, former Alaska Governor Sarah Palin is in the running to head the department of the Interior. She has expressed her enthusiasm for opening up public lands for rampant energy development.

Still, many states and cities are moving forward with ambitious renewable energy plans, which are unlikely to change, even with the loss of federal support. The Georgetown Climate Center found that in 19 states, both red and blue, a "dramatic shift" to clean energy is already underway. And the U.S. Energy Information Administration has said coal is simply not competitive, economically, and it's not clear whether it can be once again, even with a sweep of deregulation.

Trump wants the U.S. to have developing country-levels of economic growth, which he seems to believe is only possible if important environmental safeguards are gutted. But Democrat-led states like California and New York are not likely to roll over if he pursues federal deregulation that impacts the health of their populations and quality of their environment. If he pursues these plans, we can expect many state-driven legal cases coming. Environmental organizations are also gearing up for a fight. "We intend to fight like mad, both in the courts and in the streets, to resist any rollbacks by the Trump administration," Michael Brune, executive director of the Sierra Club, told AP.
5 core values from Techstars to be successful no matter what

Boulder Colorado is a micro-culture, a unique place where you can still find hippie communities going strong along pale dirt roads, abutted against hiking trails that disappear into the trees. I was in Boulder to meet with two of the partners at Techstars, David Brown (also a co-founder) and Ari Newman. Both share an electric vibrancy that buzzes in the intensity of their eyes and the stillness of their postures. They are deep listeners, with algorithmic-process brains. They are living in the future...the film canisters of their brains capture more frames-per-second than the average brain. They shared five core values for success, which is basically "Karma wins."

1. Give first. This might seem obvious in the realm of Karma, but remember Techstars is a tech accelerator program for start-ups meant to create millions if not billions of dollars in return on investments. This would seem antithetical to building wealth, but it works for Techstars. Ari explained, "We just try to help and there's a sort of karma that comes along with it, and things come back."

2. Ask, "How can I help? Don't think 'what's in it for me?'" A slightly more focused version of the first value, but proactive. Focusing on helping something already in progress, help someone else's dreams versus your own. "Because we help them thrive," Ari notes, "I think about it like 'rising tides.'"

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3. "Team-team-team," David explains, "the people matter more than the idea." Techstars looks for team dynamic as the leading indicator of success. This also seems antithetical in a capital-driven environment where investors are seeking the idea with the biggest potential, but Ari adds, "If you think about some of the most successful companies in the world, the original idea they started with; isn't the thing that made them the most successful..."

4. Read the feedback. Related to core value above, Ari continues his train of though, "...It was the founder's and the team's ability to read customer feedback, look into the future, and adapt." The ability to pivot, to trust in the team to evolve versus being stuck on the one concept, even if its failing, is highly important.

5. Get the right things done. David expresses, "You can take a PhDer who's incredibly bright, has a Harvard MBA and a technical degree from MIT. And if they are very analytical and prophesize too much then they can't get anything done. They're just going to spend a lot of money." David adds an example scenario, "Something that you love, but that no customer cares about, is not a good idea." You have to chose the right things to focus on, at the right time. Don't try to boil the ocean

Ari accentuated all of the above points, "If you ever participate in our network, you do it because you want to be helpful, because you want to see other people find success."

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Maybe this type of operation could only have started in an enclave like Boulder, similar to how Silicon Valley sprouted in the nurturing light of Stanford. That said, the intense yet "give first" attitude of Techstars is unique, and welcome, given the pressure these entrepreneurs have chosen for themselves.
Seriously.

What is it about white conservative Christians that makes some people lose their freaking minds? Its like everyone wants us to believe that these people are the next coming of the Nazi party.

Its gotten ridiculous.

Is it possible that most of them arent the evil, racist monsters people think they are? I think so.

This post is a response to an article written by John Pavlovitz entitled White, Conservative Christian Friends --- I Wish You Really Were Pro-Life.

In this piece, he excoriates white conservative Christians. He unfairly attacks these people and labels them as bigoted, close-minded folks who dont care about people who dont look like them.

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The main point hes making in this piece is that white conservative Christians only care about the lives of people who look just like them. They dont want lives snuffed out in the womb, but they dont care about these same lives after they come into the world.

As a black conservative Christian, I dont buy it. And since the this type of vitriol is so popular, I was compelled to write a rebuttal.

Why?

Because most of the things he says in this article are untrue, but theyre accepted as fact because most people wont bother to take a closer look. Im writing this to give you the other side.

Ive actually read some of Pavlovitzs material and I dont disagree with a lot of the things he says. But in this instance, I disagree strongly.

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By the way, Im not a Trump supporter. Im not writing this for political reasons. I just dont think its right to demonize a group of people just because you dont agree with them.

This post is going to show you why Pavlovitz is dead wrong about white conservative Christians. Im going to address the main points he makes in his article and show you why theyre not accurate.

Read on...

Islamic Terrorism

Heres what Pavlovitz has to say about the treatment of Muslims...

Because if that life you say you so treasure, one day converts to Islam, you label it dangerous, you see it as a threat, you applaud suggestions of its expulsion, you deny it open worship.

Hmmm. Okay. So are the vast majority of white conservative Christians labeling ALL Muslims as dangerous?

Is this really happening?

As far as I know, weve not heard stories of white conservative Christians preventing Muslims from doing their daily prayers, attending mosque, or participating in other religious activities.

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Heres the reality: Conservative Christians dont care if someone converts to Islam. They dont care of someone practices Islam --- as long as their practice of Islam doesnt drive them to kill innocent people. Call me crazy, but I dont think anyone of any race or religious belief is okay with radical Islamists detonating bombs in their neighborhoods.

Are there people who hate Muslims? Sure. Wherever theres ignorant people, there will be bigotry. But the notion that most white conservative Christians hate Muslims is absurd. Muslims enjoy rights in this country that Christians wouldnt be allowed to have in most Muslim countries. Its a fact.

Our constitution guarantees that we have the freedom to practice our religion. White conservative Christians are not denying that right to Muslims.

LGBTQ

If that life eventually comes out as LGBTQ, you condemn its soul, harass it in your workplace and church, try to prevent its marriage, tell it where and when it can use a public bathroom. You bully it and drive it to suicide.

Wow.

I had no idea that large numbers of white conservative Christians were running around condemning the souls of homosexual and transgendered folks. I didnt know that white conservative Christians were harassing LGBTQ people en masse.

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The fact is, this isnt happening.

Yes, there are horrible people who bully homosexuals and transgendered people. Its tragic. Its wrong.

The few who do engage in this type of behavior are NOT reflecting the values that Christ teaches. Theyre reflecting their own hateful values.

But most white conservative Christians who disagree with the lifestyles of homosexuals and transgendered people are NOT responsible for driving these people to suicide. Pavlovitz is blaming the majority of white conservative Christians for the actions of a few hateful people.

Black Lives Matter

If that life has brown skin and wears baggy pants and gets gunned down during a traffic stop, you not only have little grief over its loss, but readily blame it for its own execution.

This is obviously a huge issue right now, isnt it? I've written about this myself. There is some truth to this. But not in the way most people think.

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When a police officer shoots a black man, theres a knee-jerk reaction on both sides. Police supporters automatically assume the officer was justified in the shooting. On the other side, people automatically assume the officer unjustly used deadly force because...racism!

Pavlovitz argues that white conservative Christians are not pro- all life. But heres the thing: both sides are pro- all life. One side is concerned about the life of the police officer. The other side is more concerned with the life of the victim.

Its understandable.

I think the real problem here is that both sides are failing to look at each of these incidents objectively. They end defend cops who commit unjust shootings. They defend the victims who acted in a way that got them killed.

There is faulty thinking on both sides; not just the white conservative Christian side.

Death Penalty

If that life is strapped to a prison gurney and pumped full of drugs that will cease its lungs from expanding while its terrified mind comprehends it all, you celebrate the occasion as justice being servedafter a last meal you resent having to pay for.

As someone who is against the death penalty, Im almost inclined to agree with Pavlovitz on this point. But heres the thing...the point hes making in his article is that white conservative Christians only care about the lives of people that look like them.

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But it isnt true.

Heres a fun fact: since 1976, 55.6% of defendants who were executed were white. If white conservative Christians only cared about people who look like them, wouldnt they be against the death penalty?

According to a report from the Death Penalty Information Center, 59% of white evangelical Christians support the death penalty while 34% oppose it. 52% of white mainline Christians support the death penalty while 40% oppose it.

So, the majority of white Christians do support the death penalty. Ill give you that. But there is still a large number of white Christians who oppose it.

Poverty

If that life has to endure its formative years in overcrowded, grossly underfunded public schools, you tell it to pull itself up by its own bootstraps, while nestled in the cloistered, privileged gated community of a Suburbia where bootstraps come with a birth certificate.

You can easily see that this point is false if you actually take the time to find out what the conservative position on poverty is. The fact that conservatives dont believe that government entitlements are the answer doesnt mean they dont care about the poor.

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Conservatives have their own ideas on dealing with poverty. They just involve solutions that are different from the liberal position. Sure, you can disagree with their solution, but you cant characterize them as unfeeling people who just think that the poor should just pull themselves up by the bootstraps.

By the way, most white people arent living in the lap of luxury. A lot of the people living in poverty are actually white. Im sure a lot of these are conservative Christians.

Healthcare

If that life needs healthcare because its undeveloped heart can barely beat on its own, youre suddenly empty of empathy and low on generosityunless it can pull its own weight and pay the premiums.

This is disingenuous.

Theres no reason to believe that the majority of white conservative Christians are empty of empathy and low on generosity. Like I was saying before, the fact that conservatives might have a different opinion on how to deal with health care doesnt automatically mean they dont care about the sick.

Conservatives believe that people should have health care. They just dont believe that healthcare should be run by the government. They believe that if someone can afford to pay for their healthcare, then they should. Those who cant pay should still be able to get health care.

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Pavlovitz seems to imply that white conservatives believe that those who cant pay for health care should just be left to die. Thats simply not true. Its just another attempt to demonize white conservative Christians.

Sexual Assault

If that life is sexually assaulted you want to blame it for its promiscuity and immodesty, and wonder why it didnt just keep its legs closed and why it cant just move on and why it is so easily offended by locker room banter.

I'm not really sure where this even comes from. I haven't seen a whole heck of a lot of white conservative Christians take the position that sexual assault victims should just keep their legs closed. Have you?

Yes, of courses there are jerks who blame the victim. We know this.

However, I have no reason to believe that the majority of white conservative Christians do this. Honestly, Ive never met one who does. I dont think Ive even seen one on TV?

Where are these large number of horrible white conservative Christians that think rape is the fault of the victim?

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Heres the thing...these people are more likely to want to throw the book at people who sexually assault women. Theyre probably more likely to want harsher punishments for these criminals, so Im not understanding where Pavlovitz is coming from on this.

Military

If that life is one day sent overseas to defend liberties here; separated from spouses, children, and parents and placed directly in harms way, youre far more cavalier exposing its vulnerability and far less concerned about whether or not it is sacred.

Okay, last time I checked, the draft has not been reinstated. Although I havent checked in awhile. Hold on while I check again...yep, theres still no draft. So every person who is serving in our military is doing so by choice.

The fact that white conservative Christians support the military doesn't mean they are somehow not pro all life. The very idea is ridiculous. If someone wants to fight for our country, most Americans support that.

And its not just white conservative Christians.

As a black man, I support our troops. I respect what they do. As a matter of fact, it seems to me that most Americans support the troops regardless of their race, religion, or creed.

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Illegal Immigration

If that life doesnt reside in the continental US or speak English and comes here fleeing oppression, poverty, and war youll never understand, you ask it to go back and go through the proper channels, instead of the barely sea-worthy makeshift raft or the stinking, stifling storage container it nearly died in trying to get here.

Interesting.

So when white conservative Christians say we need to enforce our immigration laws, it means theyre not pro - all life?

Every country has immigration laws. Its part of being a country. Were not the only country who has these laws. As a matter of fact, most other countries are far more aggressive in enforcing their immigration laws than we are. If you dont believe me, take a look at how Mexico treats their illegal immigrants.

Does this mean theyre not pro - all life too?

Im not for rounding up every illegal immigrant and sending them back to their home country. Its not feasible, and its probably not right. Guess what? Most white conservative Christians feel the same way.

However, theres nothing wrong with making sure that were preventing as much illegal immigration as we can. In 2014, we had 1,016,518 legal immigrants who were granted citizenship. 13% (the highest) were from Mexico. Nobody has a problem with that. Not even white conservative Christians.

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The issue isnt whether or not we should allow immigrants to come into our country. The issue is whether or not we should ensure that immigrants are entering our country legally.

Conclusion

Look, I totally get it.

Its fun to make white conservative Christians sound like bigoted, sexist, islamophobic, homophobic, racists morons. If theres one group that its actually okay to slander, its this group.

So much for tolerance, right?

Are there white conservative Christians who are bigoted jerks who dont care about people who dont look like them? Of course.

Guess what? Other races and cultures do this too. Some even more so.

But you cant take the attitudes of a small number of people and then pretend as if it represents the majority of the group. It simply doesnt work. When its done to a minority, its called racism. When its done to white conservative Christians, nobody bats an eye.

If we want real change, we need to be able to have an actual exchange of ideas instead of just trying to find ways to make the other side look like awful people just to avoid having to hear arguments you dont agree with. The only way we can move forward in this country is if we choose to engage with one another in a way that is productive.
In 2013, just after super Typhoon Haiyan struck the Philippines, I attended a benefit reception to support an NGO that had been working in the Philippines since 1985, called Handicap International. At that time I was a friend of Handicap International, and this was my first #GivingTuesday action on behalf of any organization.

On hand was Filipina-American Goodwill Ambassador, Jessica Cox, and the Philippines Ambassador to the U.S. at the time, Jose L. Cuisia. Photos on a loop showed the carnage that the storms terrifying surge had caused, and also some of the incredible work that was helping people with injuries safely heal, and opening up critical routes to allow for a better flow of aid. The team delivered a book to Ambassador Cuisia, containing hundreds of messages from friends and donors for the people of the Philippines.

Roldan, 35, built the addition on his home in the Philippines, with the support of HI. ( Till Mayer/Handicap International)

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This was not my first interaction with Handicap International, but it was the moment I made my first donation. That simple gift set me on a journey of discovery, as I began to receive regular updates, and started to understand the scope of Handicap Internationals work. The Philippines was one of just 60 countries where the organization worked. My wife and I joined the organizations monthly donor program, called First Responders. Years later, I applied the job of Executive Director.

I make no promises in this blog: a donation to Handicap International on #GivingTuesday doesnt mean you can have my job! But it does, for many first-time donors, mark the start of a relationship that we take seriously.

Supporting the often overlooked populations we serve in low-income countries comes with a pretty strong reward: our donors get regular updates about the progress being made by the people their gifts reach.

Take James, for instance. He lost his leg in the 2010 Haiti Earthquake, received critical aid and a prosthetic limb from our donors. Today, he works for the local partner to which we handed rehabilitation operations as an ortho-prosthetic technician. See for yourself.

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Lumngen, in Laos, illustrates another powerful story. Her father was the victim of a cluster bomb explosion. Today, Lumngen works as a Handicap International deminer. She and her colleagues have destroyed more than 25,000 unexploded ordnances (UXO) since 2006 in Laos. Watch her save others from her fathers fate.

Theres also Jamila, who lives in a place still ravaged by conflict. After the Syrian crisis delivered a devastating blow to her family, Jamila became psychologically distressed. At an internally displaced persons camp in northern Syria, our teams provided Jamila with physical therapy and psychosocial support. She is now walking better, leaving her tent to socialize, and best of all, smiling. Jamilas progress is possible because of our committed donors.

Nirmalas story is one of my favorites, because our teams met her immediately after doctors removed her leg, which had been badly damaged by the 2015 Nepal Earthquake. My colleagues began rehabilitation that day, and when Nirmala, a young girl, was healed and strong enough, they fit her with her first artificial leg in the late summer. Our donors made it possible to care for Nirmala, and they were along for that powerful ride. Their generosity still reaches her when her leg needs adjustments, or replacement. To see that kind of impact on one childs life, in such a short amount of time, was simply awesome. See Nirmala standing tall.

Nirmala with Handicap International physical therapist Jay Narayan Nadav during a rehabilitation session in Nepal. ( Lucas Veuve/Handicap International)

From Colombia to India, and Iraq to the Democratic Republic of Congo, Handicap International helps our planets most vulnerable individuals. Attending a simple #GivingTuesday event was my entry point into their narratives. I feel privileged to be a part of it.

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On #GivingTuesday, you might choose to train the next James, and ensure the world has more skilled technicians to help people with disabilities, illness or injury to stand tall. You might educate the next Lumngen, and help remove deadly, disabling war debris from the paths of civilians. You might support the next Jamila, and provide psychosocial care to individuals who are deeply affected by conflict. Or you might support Nirmala, and help an injured child regain her strength and independence. But this is your day to stop and think about the kind of difference you want to make in someones life.

As 501(c)3s, gifts to the NGOs participating in this blog series prompt gift receipts that you can use to offset taxes. To make a gift, you can call our office to make a donation from Monday to Friday on (301) 891-2138were real people, and we love talking to our donors! Please ask for me by name, if you would like.

You can mail a check to Handicap International at 8757 Georgia Avenue, Suite 420, Silver Spring, MD 20910. You can even visit Facebook and type #donate followed by the amount of your gift (eg, #donate $25) into a comment on one of our posts. Yes, its even that easy.

At any time you choose, today, tomorrow, on Nov. 29 for #GivingTuesday, at 11:58pm on December 31, or when youre simply inspired to give, you can hop online and make a secure, one-time donation, or sign up to be a become a First Responder like me.

We are grateful to the donors who have chosen to leave a legacy gift to Handicap International by naming our NGO in their will. This, too, can be a powerful action on the international day of giving.

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You can also support us and other NGOs by sharing our messages on social media, signing up for newsletters, and spreading the word with friends and family.

Together, with a simple, but generous action here, we make the invisible visible in 60 countries. I hope youll join me and use #GivingTuesday as the start of something meaningful this year.

Co-winner of the Nobel Peace Prize, Handicap International supports people with disabilities and other vulnerable populations living in conflict and disaster zones and in situations of exclusion and extreme poverty. Learn more about how Handicap International directly impacts the lives of more than 2 million people.
I have attended countless UN Climate conferences during the past two decades, but Marrakech will be among the more memorable, and not just because there was a sense of renewed determination here in the face of the election of Donald Trump.

Two things inspired me today. Standing with hundreds - from the Moroccan Minister of the Environment to grassroots activists fighting to keep fossil fuels in the ground - around our giant #WeWillMoveAhead banners. It was hot, but I felt a sense of connection and determination through this moment of shared solidarity. Thanks to all of you who sent your #WeWillMoveAhead messages. Keep them coming.

The second inspiration today was 47 countries at the forefront of climate change committing to a 100% renewable future. That is the kind of vision and leadership we would want from everyone. The Climate Vulnerable Forum is setting the pace here and we will be their supporters and allies all the way so that their Marrakech Vision is turned into reality on the ground.

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Indeed, there is much hard work to do when we get home. The mood here was positive and determined. But the news is not good. 2016 will be - once again - the hottest year on record. And while global climate pollution is no longer rising quickly, it urgently needs to come down. Coal plants have to close very soon - and there need to be just transition plans developed for all workers affected.

Still, the transformation of the electricity sector is now unstoppable. Not only the 47 vulnerable countries are committed to it. We are also seeing cities, islands, states and businesses delivering 100% renewable electricity on the ground. But that is only the start. To prevent dangerous climate change we need to transform also the transport sector and urban planning, switch to agro-ecology and protect our forests and oceans. Indeed, we need to transform the way we live and share our resources more fairly.

There is much work to do. But what we can learn from the electricity sector is that one of our founders, Bob Hunter, was right when he said that "big change looks impossible when you start and inevitable when you finish." I remember how people looked at me strangely when I said that a 100% renewable world is possible. Those days are over. The renewable energy revolution is now a reality. We need to replicate the success we are having on electricity in other sectors.
The turkey is almost never ready on time so be sure to have some festive appetizers for everyone to nibble on. These impressive starters are all easy to make -- but no one needs to know that!

My husband calls these candied pecans "crack" nuts because they're madly addictive. They're perfect to serve with cocktails, toss over salads or just keep around the house over the holidays. They also make a delicious homemade gift. The best part? You only need four simple ingredients to make them -- and if you start right now, you'll be done in 15 minutes. GET THE RECIPE

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These mini beef and pork meatballs in a light cream sauce are always a crowd-pleaser. Don't want to wait for the holiday? Go ahead and serve them over rice or noodles for dinner. GET THE RECIPE

These crisp and flaky cheese straws specked with fresh herbs and crushed red chili flakes make a wonderful hors d'oeuvre to go along with wine and cocktails, and they're also delicious with a bowl of soup. They are wildly addictive, and just plain fun to serve. GET THE RECIPE

This creamy blend of cottage cheese, sour cream, garlic, scallions and fresh herbs comes from the acclaimed L'Auberge Chez Francois in Great Falls, VA. Served with garlic bread, it's the perfect beginning to a special meal. GET THE RECIPE

Slightly sweet, salty and spiced with an exotic blend of cinnamon, cumin and paprika, this stuff is downright habit-forming. The recipe is adapted from Nigella Express by Nigella Lawson. GET THE RECIPE

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Icon of Facebook, WhatsApp and Messenger (Facebook's proprietary messaging app) alongside other social media apps on a Samsung Galaxy smartphone's touchscreen.

A week removed from the craziest presidential election in modern times, and we continue to feel the aftermath, particularly on social media sites where the avalanche of memes, gifs and rants continues to raise hackles on both sides of the political aisle. Two days ago, I resisted the urge to perform my first "un-friending" on Facebook after receiving an inane reply to one of my posts. Because I strive to be politically tolerant, I have moved past it.

Regardless of who you voted for, and I have close friends on both sides, I think we can agree that many of the election reactions were unfortunate. An official in a West Virginia town was fired for a post-election racist tweet. A Maryland school superintendent was criticized for an allegedly "anti-white" Twitter post. And even Oprah Winfrey caught heat for her online reaction to the first meeting between President Obama and President-Elect Trump.

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While the typical person's online reaction to the election may not be vitriolic, we should all be aware that posts made online can remain forever. Sure, your morning-after musings may now be deep in your Facebook, Twitter or Instagram feeds, but they are still there nonetheless - and they can be found via search engines or just a small level of sleuthing. Many of these posts will stay online forever, and I think that many of things being said by folks on both sides will be regretted in the days, weeks and months ahead.

Remember, your posts can be found later when you are being researched for a job, or when you are in the running for a big contract, or even when applying to college. They can have a major impact on your online reputation.

Yes, we all have our constitutional right to freedom of speech, but regardless of who you voted for, nearly half of the country voted for the other candidate. If you said something inflammatory online, you potentially insulted 47 +/- percent of the country. That's 47 percent of possible employers, employees, human resource professionals, college recruiters and customers for your business.

The day after the election, Matt Maloney, the CEO of food delivery company Grubhub, sent an e-mail to employees that was critical of Trump. Some employees inferred that supporters of Trump were not welcome to work at the company anymore, and the e-mail caused a major online backlash. The stock price of publicly traded Grubhub took a temporary dive, and the company was bashed online - including hundreds of negative posts on a prominent online complaint site.

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(For what it's worth, I read the e-mail and believe that while CEO's message was ill-advised, poorly timed and overly political, his meaning was likely misconstrued.)

What Maloney failed to grasp was that while he may have found his e-mail empowering or cathartic, it also insulted the portion of his employees who voted for Trump. Even worse, once it was shared, he ended up insulting 47 +/- percent of his customers, too.

So, what's the advice moving forward? Here you go:

Politics can be incredibly emotional, and it's difficult for any of us to be truly impartial. When in doubt, don't post about it.

Your e-mails are not private. Once you hit send, you lose custody of your e-mail and any recipient can forward it - to untold numbers of others. The same is true of social media posts on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and even Snapchat. It's easy to get around privacy settings.

It's been a week. Go back and take a look at your social media posts. If you posted anything that has a chance to harm you down the road, delete it.

I'm confident that our country will move past this period of divisiveness, but the online record of it could cause unnecessary damage.

More information and tips for individuals and businesses is available in my new book How to Protect (Or Destroy) Your Reputation Online. (Career Press, 2016)
The people didn't ask for Donald Trump, they asked for change and settled for Trump. It was the change Obama had promised eight years ago. While Trump fired up some pre-existing xenophobic elements of the Republican base, what delivered him the victory that eluded his Republican predecessors was an appeal to the "forgotten men and women" i.e the working class. Venting at the 'establishment' - was a way to articulate the deep anger driven by ever increasing economic inequality and political powerlessness. While division is the story touted across the punditry, Trump's election also exposes something with greater transformative potential: a political realignment reflecting a re-emerging class consciousness. Suspicion of minorities has long found a home in Right Wing Republican politics; Trump merely took it to its logical conclusion. More uniquely though, he coupled it with the relatively Left Wing traditions of protectionism, public infrastructure spending and non-interventionist, non-anti-Russia foreign policy. Trump also did something Democrats have too-often shied away from - he actually used the term 'working class'. Further underlining the return of economic class consciousness is that fact that right up to the election, unabashed socialist Bernie Sanders outpolled Trump. This enormous blow to establishment neo-liberalism underlines the imperative for the Left to return to its roots of angrily fighting for working people and elevating economic equality as its flagship cause.

This article, the first in a series discussing this most important of trends sweeping the US, UK, Australia and the Western world, will focus on economic inequality. The second piece will focus on the 'rigged system' and powerlessness, discussing the lack of influence ordinary citizens have on policymaking. The third will argue that only a Left Wing movement that fearlessly advocates economic change can match Trump and the populist Right.

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Inequality is the biggest scandal of our time and the masses have woken up to it. Despite the cartoonish level of irony implicit in the born-rich billionaire posturing as a hero of the working class, Trump tapped into real anger. This anger and his support grew as the mainstream media handed him bonafide outsider status through its attacks on his personality, however justified. Trump placed his arm over the shoulders of people hurting from economic injustice and whispered to them that they should blame minority scapegoats and some elements of the establishment (though not others) - punching both down and up. Economic inequality provides the most fertile ground for a demagogue to ripen hatreds (alongside other factors like a pro-military intervention media).

While anti-immigrant sentiment and Islamophobia were significant factors in his victory, they were far from being the only drivers. The statistics of key states show that many who voted for Obama in 2008 and 2012, less likely to be racists, also voted for Trump. These people helped swing the election. The greatest new division in this election wasn't the race gap; racial minorities had long voted Democrat over Republican. Trump won a higher proportion of the Latino vote than Mitt Romney. African American support for Clinton was down from Obama's numbers. The biggest new division wasn't even the gender gap. Non-college educated white women voted for Trump over Clinton, 62% to 34%, more than the majority Hillary had with women overall. The biggest new divide was the class gap. Trump excelled in Northern blue collar regions, winning non-college educated whites by 39 points.

This bucked the trend which has existed since the days of Nixon's 'Southern Strategy', where Republicans use the anti-Civil Rights backlash to ensure that social issues were the only acceptable ground upon which political battles could be fought. This evolved over time to issues like religion and abortion being harnessed to fire up the base and snatch up working class voters whose economic interests would be better served by the Democrats. The only debate over economics permitted was the 'big government' versus 'small government' pantomime. The US Democrats and UK Labour Party endlessly conceded ground to the Right to the point where ideological choices like trickle-down theory, privatisation, deregulation and ever-increasing tax cuts were accepted as irrefutable truths. Hand in hand with 50 years of the Left's economic retreat came rising inequality and the gutting of the middle class, to the point where the top 10%'s share of national income became the highest since the Great Depression, ultimately surpassing that of the bottom 90%'s.

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When the Global Financial Crisis finally cracked the veneer of the infallible free market, a groundswell for change led to people putting their hope in a relative outsider. But despite a progressive background, inspirational speeches of hope, and superficial characteristics suggesting the potential for change, Obama turned out to be a steadfast moderate and pragmatist. 95% of income gains from 2009 to 2012 went to the top 1% of the earning population. In 2015, America's top 500 CEOs each earned, on average, 335 times the average worker's wage.

Now, economics is back with a vengeance. The two candidates who inspired the most passion throughout the whole process were economic populists Trump and Bernie Sanders. During the primaries, family values crusaders like Ted Cruz abjectly failed to ignite passions. Hillary's critiques of Bernie's slightly worse record on gun control gained little traction in comparison to Sanders' attacks on her proximity to Wall Street.

What the mainstream media failed to realise was that peoples' lives have become so abysmal that they care little whether Trump, as a person, makes deplorable comments, or even does deplorable things. Anyone who has experienced the stripping of dignity that poverty brings, or the survival instinct that kicks in with the lingering threat of poverty, knows that change, any change and rage become the superseding drivers. A woman working two insecure jobs and overwhelmed by debt knows the gender of the next president or heart-patting speeches by Beyonce won't stop her still being poor tomorrow. Worrying about a candidate's personal morality was a luxury to many. What mattered was their perception, however erroneous, that Trump would stand up for them with policies that affect their lives.

The role of economics and class were perhaps clearest in Trump's redrawing of the electoral map. He surged in the de-industrialised Rust Belt, including Michigan and Pennsylvania, as well as Wisconsin which no Republican has won since 1984. These places epitomised the stagnation of incomes and living standards that have ravaged workers' lives since the Right began to successfully tear down the welfare state and public spending.

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People have finally cottoned on to the injustice of the system. Levels of inequality are so astronomical that even though the public is only aware of a fraction of it, even this fraction is enough to inspire indignation. The table below reveals the richest 20% own over 80% of the wealth, while most people think the richest own less than 60% and would like the richest to own around 30%.

The inequality might not have been so obscene had there been less rampant poverty. Almost 40% of American workers (leave aside the unemployed), earned less than $20,000 in 2014. 51% made less than $30,000. The poverty line for a family of four was $23,850 in the same year.

This election points to a convergence at the economic bottom that provides opportunities for both ends of the political spectrum, not only the extreme Right, but also the real Left. In the UK, inequality was the underlying factor that led not only to Brexit, but the much less appreciated rise of Opposition Leader Jeremy Corbyn. This is a man who, despite almost complete hostility from the establishment media, has managed to use his message of genuine economic change to re-energize and grow the Labour Party in a way not seen in half a century.
The internet was coined in 1969, but it wasn't until 1990s that it came into the mainstream picture. The world experienced a new wave of innovation and advancement in the mainly the communication sector that further aided the growth of supplementary mediums.

This time was the initial stages of the boom in the technology sector, which later allowed us to experience faster and lighter computer systems at our homes that can store more and more importantly the smart devices which revolutionized the way people do their chores. Today, for everything that we do, we have a mobile app for it, and the craze doesn't seem to fade any sooner.

But the process of this development has been long. Design has been an imperative part of this process, but hasn't been purely a core until technology has itself proved itself on the efficacy. Let's talk about WordPress as an example. All of us have seen plugins but don't fit to the design beauty standards until the time when they are updated to become not only more functional but beautiful. Let's explore the connection of design and its dependent technologies first, before getting into the future website designing.

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Right now, some of the dominating trends in the web designing are:

 Responsive design

 Single page design

 Card design

 Material design

These web design trends are all in response to the technologies we use to interact with, such as the laptops, desktops and smart devices. All of which use glass displays that mimic physical documents in a digital manner and which, on a fundamental level, have not significantly changed for decades.

So, what will happen if the computing we know today, change its face? Or perhaps we might even ditch the interfaces that uses glass screens altogether? Well, we might be near to find out, as per computer geeks and technology enthusiasts, we are about to enter the age of context.

Age of context

According to a book written by Robert Scoble and Shel Israel; The Age of Context. As per the book there are five converging forces that promises to change the aspects of our lives, virtually. These forces are mobile to start of with followed by social media, data sensors, along with location based sensors.

Contextual computing is all about technology understanding its creators and fellow beings. Our needs have hiked to the level where now, we need the integration of contextual computing in our lives, so much so that we have not imagined it earlier in our lives. Contextual computing is getting commercial and we are seeing the results today, but it hasn't widely spread yet. The coming years are more likely to bring in positive changes in this sector.



What is already here?

When it comes to website and graphic designing, there is already a contextual computing example that has been put to work. A new website design service known as the Grid, offer users websites build by using artificial intelligence and that these web design tends to alter every time something new is added to them.

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What I personally believe that with this technology, a website design will be equipped to transform itself according to every users' type. Websites can reflect a high conversion rate for one type of people which is due to a change that was favorable for this group of people, however things can be other way around for another group of people.

Leap into the future

Negroponte, a Greek American architect. He is the founder and Chairman Emeritus of Massachusetts Institute of Technology's Media Lab, and founded the One Laptop per Child Association predicted that from 20-30 years from today, we might be interacting with information in a completely different way than how we do today. for examples, instead of networking computers we may be working with networking humans, or at least there lies a possibility. There are other contributing factors that could greatly influence this kind of development say the buying power to name one of them.

Having predicted about the other factors, Negroponte also said that websites will be there, up and strong after 20 years from now, and just may be with an altogether different way of interacting with us and the design itself must have went to a whole new level. Consider going back just 5 years from today and imagining using websites from smart phone, the idea looked unattainable but thanks to the smart phone technology, today people are browsing through smart phones and that too heavily.

Where will it lead website designing?
The day after the election, one thing was clear to me: The business of science is going to change on a number of fronts. Every new administration brings uncertainty over federal funding of science, but this election could have even further reaching effects, especially on the heels President Obama who has said: "Being pro-science is the only way we make sure that America continues to lead the world."

Scouring social media and news reports this week and talking with several peers all involved in the business of science communications and consulting, a few themes emerged:

1. Tech bubble floats farther away

"We've been living in a bubble in a bubble." That statement from a friend of mine yesterday, who is also in the business of sci-tech communications, was echoed in many other places this week, including this excellent story in the New York Times about Silicon Valley. Farhad Manjoo writes:

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The deeper worry is that tech is out of step with the national and global mood, and failed to recognize the social and economic anxieties roiling the nation -- many of them hastened by the products the industry devises.

Tech companies already operate in a bubble-like manner -- almost their own city-states -- where people eat, sleep, play, and yes, code. And among the companies with the most audacious goals, there is a pervasive optimism about the world and its possibilities that is often detached from the realities that many Americans face. (I am guilty of this as well.)

Many in the sci-tech world have reacted to the election with a continued commitment to work toward their goals:

keep calm and code on  Chris Anderson (@chr1sa) November 9, 2016

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It's about the work. We must continue to work to discover and teach and share truth and hope. And stand up for what is right always.  Ed Boyden (@eboyden3) November 10, 2016

Mark Zuckerberg wrote: "This work is bigger than any presidency and progress does not move in a straight line. ... Let's go work even harder."

Indeed, the sentiment among the handful of people I spoke with this week, all in sci-tech communications and consulting, is that the Silicon Valley elite will be further incentivized to fund science and technology -- that this election could, in fact, drive more people toward lofty goals. Frustrated by policies out of their control, more people will turn to science to fuel the progress they want to see in the world. More disconnected optimism? Only time will tell. But the walls of the bubble could get thicker as companies try to stay off the radar and do their own thing.

2. Shift toward privatization of science

Part of the calculation that the election could drive further privatization of science comes from the concern among many that the Trump administration will cut federal funding of science. Most academic researchers rely on federal funding, through agencies such as the National Institutes of Health (NIH) and the National Science Foundation.

Given that Trump has stated many times a desire to cut federal spending, along with the historic trend that science often stays flat or gets cut as "discretionary" funding, we are likely to see cuts in science funding. However, as the Sarah Kaplan points out in the Washington Post, historically overall science funding has been higher under Republican administrations than Democratic ones.

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The worry among scientists is clearly high:

I should be working on an NIH fellowship application, but it feels a little futile. Will there even be science funding in a few years?  Justine Garcia (@mutualism) November 9, 2016

The job of being a scientist just got a lot harder after a 16yrs of decreasing funding/support for science.



.  Bryan William Jones (@BWJones) November 9, 2016

In response to such concerns, the American Association for the Advancement of Science is offering a webinar next week with a post-election analysis of R&D funding. Among the panelists will be former House Science and Technology Committee Chairman Bart Gordon.

Before the election, we were already seeing the trend of scientists fleeing academia for startups and an increasing number of wealthy business people stepping up to fund large-scale science (e.g. Elon Musk, Mark Zuckerberg, Paul Allen). These trends are likely to continue and hasten. We are also likely to see more sci-tech incubators emerge and grow, such as Y Combinator and IndieBio.

3. More science moving overseas

By some estimates, almost 40% of scientists working in the United States are foreign-born. If immigration laws tighten or there is a perception of the United States as a less-friendly place to foreigners, there would be a big shift in science talent. At the same time, looser regulations on U.S. companies could make it easier to do science business, depending on the sector.

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The Trump administration's stance on climate change could mean, for example, that more climate scientists move abroad for funding and research, creating a brain drain in the field. At the same time, U.S. tech companies could be under fewer restrictions when it comes to carbon emissions. How this will all interplay with international organizations working on climate change, such as the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) is unclear; while the Paris agreement is now in place (with 3-years notice needed for withdrawal), there is still a possibility the United States could withdraw from the UNCFCC (which requires only 1-year notice). Such a withdrawal would isolate us from other countries working on the global challenge.

The last several years have seen wave of science support from a highly motivated White House, from the BRAIN Initiative and the Precision Medicine Initiative to the Maker Movement and Grand Challenges for Engineering. If fewer scientists are in the United States to push these agendas forward and less funding is available, we will see greater growth overseas in key areas of research and innovation.

Another key issue for startups is policies for work visas and immigration. If faced with tougher regulations for work visas (already a significant challenge in many tech sectors), companies may need to shift their operations abroad in favor of high-skill foreign scientists. We could also see less interest in foreign scientists coming here to collaborate, bringing to mind issues that came up with travel restrictions post-9/11.

4. Tax boon for startups

Like all U.S. companies, science startups will also be facing new tax policies. Bloomberg writes:

Under Trump's plan, individual income tax rates would be cut to 12 percent, 25 percent and 33 percent, while the corporate tax rate would be reduced to 15 percent from 35 percent and the estate tax would be eliminated. Trump would end some tax breaks -- including the carried interest provision -- and cap deductions, but unless high rates of economic stimulus are assumed, the plan would reduce revenue on a large scale.

This change would give VCs, accredited investors, and corporate businesses a large amount of money back. As a peer wrote to me: "Because alpha [active return of investments] is increasingly elusive in financial markets, I have to believe big businesses and endowments will invest more aggressively in acquisitions, angel investments, venture funds, or corporate venture." This could push science investing more in-house or to sci-tech incubators.

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In short, the outlook for the moment looks to be: reduced support for academic U.S. science, increased support for private science initiatives, and a whole lot of uncertainty. For those of us in the business of science, we should consider shifting our models toward supporting private efforts over government-funded ones, or moving work overseas to follow the talent. No matter what happens, I believe we will continue to see unbridled enthusiasm for science that will expand human knowledge and bring better solutions to global challenges.

--

Lisa Munoz is a science content strategist based in the Washington, D.C., area.
In this wrenching week, I have been thinking about something my former boss Paul Wellstone liked to say: Youve got to start a fight to win a fight.

An animated professor-turned-senator from Minnesota, Pauls willingness to be confrontational, and his refusal to back down from a fight he believed in, was central to his political and organizing strategy. Its a lesson that the progressive movement and everyone who holds dear the values of equal justice, democracy, and basic compassion can take to heart this week: we cant win a fight were not in.

Paul put himself in the middle of a number of fights that seemed impossible, and which sometimes turned out to be doomed efforts. In the mid-1990s, as public assistance programs were being gutted and every other Senate Democrat running for reelection got on board with the cuts, Paul was resolute in his opposition. He told a journalist, You could stick a gun to my head, and Im not going to vote for a bill that will hurt children. Despite the fact that most of his constituents favored the cuts, his numbers shot up in the polls.

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In 2002, he took a risky stand when he announced his opposition to the Iraq War during a tight reelection campaign. I remember that day in our senate office. After his floor speech, our phones started ringing off the hook. He knew that his position might put his job at risk, but the majority of the calls turned out to be calls of support. I dont agree with you, they said, but I appreciate that you took a principled stand.

In this election our country took a devastating blow, especially so for women and racial and religious minorities. Many of our fights going forward--from the Supreme Court to abortion rights to immigrant rights--will be uphill battles, to say the least. But principled stands in support of our values, in support of fundamental rights, in support of a country where everyone is safe from violence and hate: these are more important stances than ever. If we dont show up, the fight has been lost before it started.

To be clear, this fight is unlike any Ive seen in my lifetime. Our next president has made it known that he does not respect our democratic norms. He has incited violence against protesters, threatened to open up libel laws in order to go after journalists, proposed a ban on all Muslims, casually declared that he might not accept the results of our election. He made a man who promotes white nationalism and anti-Semitism his chief strategist in the White House. This is not business as usual: it is a crisis for our democracy and for our values.

But it also means that the work to protect those values took on a profound new importance overnight. We cant win a fight were not in.

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There is an old adage that stands the test of time: You never get a second chance to make a good first impression. Until Donald Trump pulled off the most surprising presidential upset in several generations, being exiled to the Trump Presidential Transition Team was akin to being sent to a Siberian work camp. You went there and were never seen again. Nobody inside or outside of the campaign gave Donald Trump a chance in hell of winning the Electoral College.

But he won.

The skeletal thin Trump campaign soon realized that they now had to staff over 4,000 appointive positons government, something that is known as the "Plumb Book," which covers everything from agency heads and their subordinates.

The peaceful transfer of power is an American hallmark that is a cherished--but often overlooked element of American democracy. People forget that when the one presidency wraps up at noon on Inauguration Day, a new cast of characters enters the White House. Considering that the United States remains as the preeminent power in the world, it is important that none of the functions of governing slips through the cracks.

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A successful presidential transition is both an art and a science. Most do not realize that the complex choreography of a presidential transition often begins a year before the election as members of the GSA begin the process of preparing to turn the keys from one administration to the next. The central positons are announced first, followed by a chorography of cabinet and cabinet-level slots. At the end of the process, it culminates with the Presidential Inauguration.

Back in January 1981, in the closing moments of the Carter White House as everybody pulled an all-nighter to make one last attempt to free the hostages Iran, complex negotiations were being conducted as employees of the GSA were packing up the Carter Oval Office to make way for the Reagans. Once Reagan took the oath of office, all of the White House clearances for the Carters staff officially were retired.

Jimmy Carter used to say that if people wanted to see how he would behave as a president, they should see how he behaves as a candidate. He was quite correct because while running for office is different than running the government, how one behaves is usually "front and center."

By the time Barack Obama entered the White House in 2009, the preparations for a successful transition were already in place and John Podesta and Valerie Jarrett could build a White House staff that would not only address the policy directives of a new administration but would also deploy a team that would highlight the president's strengths but also shore up his weaknesses.

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The meme of "No Drama Obama," which permeated the campaign trail in 2008, was carried through to two successful terms in the White House. Organizing a successful transition allowed the new President and his staff to focus on the greatest dangers, including two foreign wars, an economy in turmoil, and the worst jobs losses since The Great Depression that awaited him on Day One. By Inauguration Day, he had the Right People in place. He was able to communicate domestically and internationally that professionals were in charge.

Now we get to the emerging and still-disorganized Administration of President-Elect Donald Trump. A week and a half after his surprise win, the process of filling these central positon is clouded in secrecy and confusion. New Jersey Governor Chris Christie was demoted by Trump's son-in-law Jared Kushner as payback.

Back when Christie was a US Attorney, he successfully prosecuted Kushner's father, which led to serious jail time. Everybody who had any connection with the New Jersey Governor was tossed out of the window or sent packing. This was a scene is right out of a Telenovela or "The Godfather" as opposed to any presidential transition.

The hiring of Breitbart's Steve Bannon as Trump's Chief Strategist has dominated a week's worth of news cycles. Instead of working toward a seamless transition, surrogates are trying to argue that he is not an anti-Semite or White Supremacist, even though there is ample evidence to the contrary. Even more disturbing are published reports President-Elect Trump did not understand the enormity of what awaited him. He seemed to think that the White House staff would somehow magically remain on the job after he took office.

Like it or not, the transition of the new Administration is mirroring the personality of Donald Trump. There are ongoing feuds with the press, reports of backstabbing, and long knives have emerged. This is an emerging presidential administration at war with itself.

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Nearly two weeks after the election win, federal agencies are still waiting for the "landing parties" from the Trump campaign to arrive so that a seamless transition can take place.

Throughout the campaign, Donald Trump was an equal opportunity insulter, who went after a Gold Star family, John McCain's courage, women in general, his primary opponents, and Hilary Clinton just to name a few. The New York Times published a two page insert on his Twitter insults alone.

If the people chosen thus far are an indication of what is to follow, the next four years will be one long Excedrin headache. Loyalty is placed way ahead of job knowledge and that the only person who is more unqualified to be Secretary of State than Rudy Giuliani is South Carolina Governor Nikki Haley. Both are under consideration. The guessing on cabinet choices and other high level administration appointees appear to point into a direction of a hard right administration never seen in American governance. There appears to be a gleeful desire to dismantle Medicare, Roe v. Wade, and certainly Obamacare. Fifty years of social progress is now on the table, ripe for repeal.
Long before marriage between people of the same gender became a popular issue, marriage even between different races was prohibited in large sections of the United States. States throughout the South and the upper Mid-west forbade marriage, cohabitation, sexual relations and even officiating at weddings between whites and non-whites. The laws identified such behavior as a threat to society and the polity.

Jeff Nichols new film "Loving" is the story of the successful challenge to these laws, a story of courage and deep feelings well told. Nichols, who strokes character development with the sure hand of revelatory brilliance, has already notably probed the capacity of human nature in "Mud" and "Take Shelter."



"Loving" is the strong, restrained, eloquent story of two very ordinary, but resolute people who had the courage and support to fight the racist marriage laws of their time. Richard Loving (Joel Edgerton - "Black Mass," "The Gift") is a working class white southerner, a builder and car mechanic, who has fallen in love with shy, quiet African American Mildred Jeter (Ruth Negga - "World War Z"). Loving fits in easily with Jeter's family. They realize and accept their differences, working and socializing with each other as people of limited means did in the post war South.

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Jeter and Loving journey from their family homes in Virginia to be able to marry in Washington, D.C. When they return, they are arrested and jailed. The police break into the young couple's house and roust them from bed in the middle of the night. "Why are you in bed with that woman," screams a large threatening police. "I'm his wife," responds Mildred. "That's no good here," snarls the cop, hauling both of them off to jail. "We are not hurting anyone," protests Loving. Police and the court do not see it that way.



The Lovings are able to avoid prison sentences by declaring their guilt and leaving to live in Washington, D.C. They try to raise their growing family there. But they are troubled by the effect this uprooting has on their young children. They miss the extended family and friends, the more open space of small town Virginia.

The family has the good fortune to live in a time of social change. Jeter resonates to the Civil Rights Movement of the early 1960s which surrounds her in Washington, D.C. She witnesses Martin Luther King's Great March and hears the words of Attorney General Robert Kennedy. Jeter contacts Kennedy's office, which puts her in touch with two young, idealistic American Civil Liberties Union lawyers, Bernie Cohen (Nick Kroll) and Phil Hirschkop (Jon Bass). When Cohen and Hirschkop ask what message Loving would convey to the Justices of the highest court in the land, without hesitation Richard Loving says only "Tell them that I love my wife."

Nichols, the mid-wife to memorable portraits, has fashioned a picture that is molded in the character of his protagonists: strong, single minded, virtuous and . . . loving.
Person voting

Democrats who are beside themselves over the election of Donald Trump still have an opportunity to prevent him from taking office, and to elevate their own political standing even if they can't. It involves pledging to support another Republican, probably former Massachusetts governor and Republican presidential candidate Mitt Romney, when the Electoral College meets on December 19, and again if that effort succeeds in throwing the presidential election to the House of Representatives.

Trump is not the president-elect yet. Under the U.S. Constitution, he must win a majority of at least 270 votes in the Electoral College. If no candidate hits that magic number, the House of Representatives chooses the next president from among the top three Electoral College vote-getters. Trump won enough states to get 306 electors--a margin of 36 votes--while Clinton got 232. The Electoral College does not meet to select the next president until December 19.

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A handful of Clinton electors is hustling to persuade 37 of their Republican counterparts -roughly one out of eight Trump electors - to vote for someone, anyone other than Trump. The most plausible alternative is Romney, who got a larger share of the popular vote in 2012 (47.2 percent) than Trump won this year (47.0 percent). If 37 electors withdraw their support for Trump, he would get only 269 votes. The Constitution would then throw the election to the House, the same process that elected President Thomas Jefferson. The House would then choose between Trump, Clinton, and (say) Romney. Each state's delegation would get one vote. Since Republicans control 33 out of 50 state delegations, a Republican president would be a certainty. The only question is whether the House would choose Trump or the alternative Republican.

A few Democratic electors are unlikely to persuade any of their Republican counterparts. Whatever concerns Republican electors may have about Trump, the pressure to vote for him will be immense. That's where Hillary Clinton, her electors, and even House Democrats can help.

If all 232 Democratic electors reached across the aisle and pledged to vote for a Republican alternative to Trump, it would be a dramatic and disarming gesture of bipartisanship that could help sway Republican electors. It would show that Democrats respect the will of the voters who chose a Republican, yet are willing to work within the process to keep a uniquely dangerous Republican out of the White House. It would be even more dramatic and disarming if Clinton announced she is releasing her electors to vote for a Republican, and all House Democrats pledged to support the same Republican if the Electoral College throws the election to the House. If Democrats want Republican electors to abandon the GOP candidate, fairness dictates they show the way by abandoning their candidate first.

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If all 232 Democratic electors and 38 Republican electors voted for the same Republican alternative, that Republican would become the next president.

If all 232 Democratic electors and only 37 Republican electors voted for the same Republican alternative, the election would go to the House. If House Democrats united behind the Republican alternative, that candidate would start with the support of 14 state delegations (two are tied). Democrats and Never-Trump Republicans would need to win over another 12 state delegations. For 10 delegations(Alaska, Arizona, Colorado, Maine, Nebraska, New Hampshire, New Jersey, North Dakota, South Dakota, Wyoming), that would mean persuading only one Republican member. It another six delegations (Idaho, Iowa, Mississippi, Nevada, West Virginia, Wisconsin) it would require persuading only two Republican members. In Utah, they would have to persuade three Republican members, but if Romney were the alternative, that might be a gimme.
THE HEART OF CHANGE



A frequent explanation for the unexpected election result is that this was a "change election" in which a majority of voters wanted some kind of sweeping change at the national level. Disruption is another word being used to explain both the method and the aim of the Trump campaign. The new leader represents the energy of disruption that will shake things up and turn things around.

Part of the problem lies in the fact that disruption comes from the root rupture which carries troubling meanings like "tearing asunder, breaking apart, splitting up and breaking to pieces." When it comes to change the old warning is 'be careful what you wish for.' People who simply want some kind of change often wind up 'throwing the baby out with the bath.' Like the Brexit vote in the British Isles, there will be increasing buyer's remorse as people realize that the problems of the modern world are massive in size, complicated in nature and global in scope.

Change, so greatly desired, is not easily accomplished. Genuine change requires a sense of unity, a feeling of wholeness as happens when a person's entire life becomes altered; mind and body, spirit and soul. The same truth applies to a country or a culture which must touch its deepest, most inclusive roots in order to both unify and genuinely change.

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On the day after the election a group of us were meeting in the office of our non-profit organization that works with at-risk youth, people in various states of trauma and inter-cultural healing projects. We were trying to imagine what changes and what troubles would come from the upsetting election and the vitriolic campaign. The obvious concern was that the fractures and divisions in our culture would only be intensified and the rampant disparities be increased.

Our weighty conversation was interrupted by the sound of people shouting, getting louder and louder in the street outside. Pulling up the window blinds revealed a group of 70 to 80 high school students marching up the sidewalk below, calling out in unison, "Give us our future back. Give us our future back." We went down to the intersection where they stood chanting enthusiastically, their tone sounding more like a song than a demand.

An older man with a loud, deep voice yelled out: "White lives matter too!" Someone nearby answered, "Of course;" as if gently pointing to the white students who looked to be the majority of a diverse group that included African American, Hispanic and Asian boys and girls all standing together.

The chant shifted to, "Save our future. Save our future." Some people in cars began honking back in a kind of rhythmic support of the young spirits. Others banged their horns impatiently, as if to say, "Get out of my way; I don't have time for this." For a moment the daily traffic ceased as the divide between the past and the future appeared in the intersection along with the potentially growing distance between the young and the old.

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Painful divisions in the culture have been there all along, serious injuries have gone unhealed for decades and great injustices have been routinely ignored. Now that campaigns are waged like desperate, all-out wars, all the underlying angers, resentments and fears have been stirred up and have risen to the surface. There is a return of the repressed fears and feelings and a release of toxins as when an old wound is opened or ruptures.

Amidst reckless provocation, the age-old American problems of race, ethnicity and immigration have become weaponized and the fractures and fault lines between genders and age groups, between urban and rural populations, between wealthy and poor groups have been rashly exploited. When a country becomes so divided winning is a lot like losing. When the electoral vote and the popular vote diverge everyone loses something. Amidst all the vitriol, crude animosity, fake news and false information something essential has been lost and everyone's future is in greater peril.

There in the street, I wanted to tell the students that they were right to cry out in the midst of all the pain and fear. I wanted to call out that those who indulge in hating others secretly hate themselves. I wanted to shout that every war has two losers; that the real battle is always in the human heart; that the genuine ideals of truth and justice, of love and beauty remain worth fighting for regardless of the odds.

But, they were on the move again, crossing through the intersection with a new chant that became even more passionate, "Love trumps hate! Love is greater than hate!" The words rang out above the sounds of the street as the intersection began to clear and the daily traffic resumed. "Love is greater than hate," echoed loudly from the walls of the buildings on both sides of the street as everyone moved on carrying their own thoughts and hopes and fears.

The world can become polarized and threatened in a thousand different ways and we can become deeply disheartened as "man's inhumanity to man makes countless thousands mourn." The fact that love is greater than hate is all that tips the balance of the world towards life. But only if enough people, young and old, find the love and courage in their hearts to truly change the world.

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One root of the word change means to simply "exchange one thing for another." The deeper, more radical root means "to transform, to become a different substance entirely." What we need at this critical time in the history of the world are the kinds of changes that go beyond the limits of power politics, fixed ideologies and economic theories. What we need are the kinds of changes that can only begin in the depths of the human heart and soul, the place where history is always being made. Hate and anger can change things in the moment; but love is greater than hate and what the heart loves can alter the substance of life and thus change the world.

An old idea states that each soul comes to life at a time when it has something to give to the world. Each child born, regardless of race or ethnicity, gender identification or sexual inclination, social status or economic condition brings some gifts and genius qualities to life. Each person is automatically valuable and worthy of respect because each has something substantial and unique to contribute to life.



We live at a time when both nature and culture need healing; when people all over the world need a renewed sense that life is indeed meaningful, that each living soul is worthy of love and respect. This is no time for cynicism or giving in to despair; this is the time we have come to life to live, the time to work for what we truly love. As the African proverb insists, 'what you love is the cure.' What we love is the cure for what ails us and what brings healing to the human heart also helps heal the world.
If we try to deny our post-election feelings of despair, they'll come back with a vengeance. One way to look honestly at that despair is to surrender ourselves to music about despair that's so powerful, it transcends despair.

The first song on my post-election mixtape is Skeeter Davis's "The End Of The World," repeated listenings to which demonstrate that its title isn't the case. Next is Marvin Gaye's "Mercy Mercy Me (The Ecology)," which inspires me to do something, anything about climate change. There's the tragic opening fugue of Beethoven's String Quartet in C# Minor, which my favorite composer composed when he was very ill and very deaf (and we think we have problems), and Hank Williams "I'm So Lonesome I Could Cry," which, perversely perhaps, serves as a reminder that grief can bring us together.

In search of something both comforting and different, I turned to a brand new, otherworldly cover of Joni Mitchell's "The River" by the indie-folk harmonists Tall Heights. In the delicate hands of the group's Paul Wright and Tim Harrington, it's a chilling take on sadness and loss that feels like salve on an open wound.

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Tall Heights may not offer an actual frozen river to skate away on -- emigrating to Joni's home country isn't the answer, however tempting that may seem -- but we can sail away on their blended voices, which comfortably compare to Simon and Garfunkel (add "Homeward Bound" to your mixtape) and the Postal Service (whose "Such Great Heights" also speaks to our tumultuous times).

Five years ago, Tall Heights was busking in Boston's Faneuil Hall to pay for their first EP. Leo Sacks, the Grammy-winning producer and A&R consultant for Sony Masterworks who signed the band to the label, remembers seeing them for the first time at the Mercury Lounge in New York earlier this year.

"It was 11 degrees below zero and I was delirious with a 102-degree fever," he says. "But I instinctively knew that Tim and Paul had the moxie to make great art. I was struck how their voices formed and shaped, and then separated, like light through a prism.

"Tim's finger-picked guitar and Paul's cello added layers and waves to their natural sense of harmonics. The effect was intriguing and mysterious, rich and full and yet also spare and intimate."

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Once Masterworks president Chuck Mitchell licensed their independent EP, the group added new tracks and brought in producer-engineer Steve Wall to remix the project at his studio in Jersey City.
Edvard Munch, Pikene pa broen (Girls on the Bridge), 1902, oil on canvas, 39 3/4 x 40 3/8 in. (101 x 102.5 cm). Estimate: on request, in excess of $50 million. Price Realized: $54,487,500 million.

While there was much speculation about the effect that the United States' upset presidential contest might have on the art market, this week's New York sales proved that the auction market remains as impervious to politics as it does to criticism. The Picassos, the Warhols, and the Richters were bought and sold, like any other day, regardless of who is advancing to the White House and who is marching in the street. And while the market is certainly experiencing a contraction from the spectacle of just a few years prior, overall the sales were solid and steady, though a touch subdued.

Laszlo Moholy-Nagy, EM 1 Telephonbild, conceived in 1922, executed in 1923, porcelain enamel on steel, 37 1/2 x 23 3/4 in. (95.2 x 60.3 cm). Estimate: $3,000,000 - 4,000,000. Price Realized: $6,087,500. Courtesy of Sotheby's.

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At least one glass ceiling was ruptured: Sotheby's Impressionist & Modern Art Evening Sale started off the week on Monday, November 14, with auctioneer Helena Newman -the first female auctioneer to lead a major evening sale in New York - commanding the room. The star lot of the sale, Edvard Munch's Girls on a Bridge (1902), started at $43 million and quickly rose until stalling at $50 million for what felt like an excruciating length of time. Imploring looks and queries were cast across the room, until Newman finally gave in, settling for the hammer price of $50 million ($54.5 million all told). It's the third time the painting has been sold at Sotheby's, and it set records each time it was auctioned previously. This week's result would have made it a three-for-three record-setter, were it not for The Scream, which set the all time record for the artist at $119.9 million in 2012. Recently on view at the Guggenheim retrospective of Laszlo Moholy-Nagy, EM 1 Telephonbild (1922-23), billed as an early conceptual work of art, was another highlight of the evening, selling for a record-setting $6 million. Not all were winners, however; a highly anticipated Tamara de Lempicka portrait of a male subject, from the collection of fashion illustrator Kenneth Paul Block and textile designer Morton Ribyat, failed to sell. Overall, the auction was a success, however, with the evening sale total coming in at $157.7 million, with $38.8 million resulting from the Tuesday's Impressionist & Modern Art Day Sale, bringing Sotheby's total to $196.5 million - a reassuring result given the charged political climate.

Willem de Kooning, Untitled XXV, 1977, oil on canvas, 77 x 88 in. (195.7 x 223.5 cm). Estimate in the region of $40 million. Price Realized: $66,327,500. Courtesy of Christie's.

Jean Dubuffet, Les Grandes Arteres, 1961, oil on canvas, 44 3/4 x 57 1/2 in. (113.7 x 146 cm). Estimate: $ 15,000,000 - 20,000,000. Price Realized: $ 23,767,500. Courtesy of Christie's.

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Christie's started out auction week with its Post-War & Contemporary Art Evening Sale on Tuesday, led by a 1977 Willem de Kooning abstract painting, Untitled XXV. When it first came to Christie's, in 2005, it set a world auction record for both the artist and any post-war work of art sold at auction at $27.1 million; on Tuesday it smashed the record for de Kooning, selling for $66.3 million. (The current record for a post-war work of art is currently held by Francis Bacon's Three Studies of Lucian Freud (in 3 parts) sold at Christie's for $142.4 million.) Other notable lots included a marvelous, grand canvas by Dubuffet, Les Grandes Arteres (1961), which achieved $23.7 million, over its high estimate of $20 million; a John Currin painting that sold for $12 million, setting a record for the artist; and the Gerhard Richter abstract from the collection of Eric Clapton, which sold for $22 million. Certain lots sparked bidding wars, ranging from the exhilarating - a frenzied bidding over a 2011 abstract painting by Italian artist Giuseppe Gallo, which sold for $367,500, far exceeding its high estimate of $60,000, and setting a record for the artist at auction - to the exasperating - an Adrian Ghenie painting prompted a spirited bidding contest between two bidders in the room, but the price was inching upward by only $50,000 increments, to the consternation of cajoling auctioneer Jussi Pylkannen, until the spell was broken by a third party who outbid them both. The total for the evening amounted to $276.9 million.

Carmen Herrera, Cerulean, 1965, acrylic on canvas, in artist's frame, 69 x 68 1/2 in. (175.3 x 174 cm). Estimate: $600,000 - 800,000. Price Realized: $970,000. Courtesy of Phillips.

Gerhard Richter, Dusenjager, 1963, oil on canvas, 51 1/8 x 78 3/4 in. (130 x 200 cm). Estimate: $25,000,000 - $35,000,000. Price Realized: $27,130,000. Courtesy of Phillips.

Wednesday's evening sales started with Phillips' 20th Century & Contemporary Art Evening Sale, which opened up with Carmen Herrera's Cerulean (1965), selling for $970,000 - a record for the recently rediscovered, centenarian abstract artist. Another auction record for a female Latin American artist was set with Mira Schendel's Sem titulo (XII) (1985-86), also at $970,000. While the star lot of the sale, Gerhard Richter's Dusenjager, did not soar to the heights the auction house might have hoped for, instead hovering near its low estimate, it brought in the highest price of the evening, selling for $25.5 million. Other notable lots included Roy Lichtenstein's Nudes in Mirror (1994), which achieved $21.5 million, and a rare, untitled Clyfford Still from 1948-49, which brought in $13.6 million. The sale totaled $111 million, an impressive 66% increase over the same sale last year.

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Claude Monet, Meule, 1891, 28  x 36  in. (72.7 x 92.1 cm). Estimate upon request. Price Realized: $ 81,447,500. Courtesy of Christie's.

Wassily Kandinsky, Rigide et courbe, 1935, oil and sand on canvas, 44 7/8 x 63 7/8 in. (114 x 162.4 cm). Estimate: $18-25 million. Price Realized: $ 23,319,500. Courtesy of Christie's.

Christie's Impressionist & Modern Art Evening Sale followed, with its most anticipated lot surpassing all expectations: Claude Monet's Meule (1891), a rapturous rendition of a grainstack at sunset, burnished with golds, purples, and greens, achieved a jaw-dropping $81.4 million, a record for the artist at auction. Demand for the sumptuous Monet grainstack was high - as auctioneer Andreas Rumbler reminded everyone, "There won't be another one for quite some time." Another auction record was set with Wassily Kandinsky's Rigide et courbe (1935), which fetched $23.3 million. A Dora Maar portrait by Picasso, from 1938, sold for $22.6 million, to Japanese collector Yusaku Maezawa, but another Dora Maar portrait, from 1943, estimated between $9 and 12 million did not sell. There were a few other notable passes: a rare August Strindberg painting, estimated between $3 and 5 million; a Matisse nude, estimated at $2.5 to 3.5 million; and a Cezanne landscape, expecting between $10 and 15 million, all failed to find buyers. In total, the sale brought in $246.3 million, bringing Christie's running total to $584.4 million for the week (as of Wednesday evening).

Jean-Michel Basquiat, Brother's Sausage, 1983, acrylic, oilstick and paper collage on canvas, 48 x 187 1/2 in. (121.9 x 476.2 cm). Estimate: $15,000,000 - 20,000,000.

Auction week continues tonight, Thursday, November 17, with Sotheby's Contemporary Art Evening Auction. Lots to look forward to include Jean-Michel Basquiat's six-panel tour de force Brother's Sausage, of 1983, estimated between $15 and 20 million; one of Andy Warhol's last works, Self-Portrait (Fright Wig) (1986), estimated around $20 to 30 million; a monumental Hockney landscape with an estimate of $9 to 12 million; and works from the collection of Steven and Ann Ames, including works by Richter, Philip Guston, Robert Ryman, Sigmar Polke, and Anselm Kiefer. The sale is estimated to reap between $208.5 and $302.3 million.
Over the next 10 months, Youth for Technology Foundation (YTF) has the privilege of hosting Narges Khoramshahi, a next generation leader. A native Iranian, Narges teaches entrepreneurship at universities in Tehran and is recognized for having started the first university-based female entrepreneurship clubs in the country. Narges shared her experiences, and the stories of women entrepreneurs she has encountered. These stories, full of challenges and successes, are similar to many we hear from Nigeria, where YTF has run entrepreneurship programs for women for well over a decade.

Female entrepreneurship represents a vast untapped source of innovation, job creation and economic growth. However, women entrepreneurs continue to face obstacles in accessing credit, training, networks and information, not to mention legal barriers. In addition to providing appropriate, affordable training, partners need to take into consideration women's time and mobility constraints. In this regard, mobile phone technology can help by providing entrepreneurs with access to a global customer base.

With nearly 100% wireless coverage and a 92% cell phone rate of ownership, the use of mobile technologies in Nigeria provides entrepreneurs with the ability to create, increase and diversify income anywhere at any time. Take Eucharia, a 36-year-old woman entrepreneur we work with in Nigeria. She has owned a tiles and building materials company for eight years. With training she received from YTF and support from partners like MasterCard, Eucharia has not only begun to use her phone to maintain better customer records, but has created different customer groups in WhatsApp. She uses the application to market her products to them.

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Just as important as technology is providing young women entrepreneurs with role models. When it comes to starting and growing businesses, we have found that many women entrepreneurs have had some sort of awakening inspired by a female (or male) mentor. In my case, my mother gave me the confidence to know that, in business, I can accomplish anything I set my mind to. (MIT Innovations, Pioneering the Youth and Technology Movement in Africa and Beyond.)

Afoma, another entrepreneur YTF works with in Nigeria shares her dream of ensuring that the future of her daughters is even better than hers. A leader in her community, a job creator and a mother, she is clearly leading by example.

There are many such role models in Iran. The country has one of the largest cohorts of female engineering and science students in the world. Women in Iran own and manage businesses, many of them in male dominant industries like oil and gas, construction, mining, and new technology.

Changes in cultural and social behavior in Iran have led to the creation of an environment that supports entrepreneurship. Iranian female film directors, actresses, athletes, scientists and entrepreneurs are at the forefront of raising awareness about women's rights and creating a culture of acceptance, one that will alter social perceptions and empower women. However, Iran is still far away from making that culture a part of its national DNA. It is hard to be taken seriously as a female entrepreneur in Iran, but Iranian women are not following behind or waiting for permission to enter the marketplace. They are bravely fighting against inequality, and in doing so inspiring their families, peers, and communities.

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In the process, they have built networks to reinforce the emerging culture of entrepreneurship. Iran's female entrepreneurs are very welcoming of support groups like the Association of Iranian Women Entrepreneurs,the National Foundation for Women's Entrepreneurship Development, and encourage Startup Weekends for women. There have been many obstacles to women's participation in the workforce, but Iranian women need not wait for the government to remove them.

As a social entrepreneur and teacher, Narges has been following the story of women entrepreneurs in Iran. Many of them agree that the support of their families is pivotal to their success. Having a father, mother, or spouse that believes in them and wants them to be courageous can keep them engaged and focused on their goals.

There are a large number of bright, educated, talented women in Iran willing to take part in their own destinies. Despite the limitations placed on them, they are filled with hope, and it is inspiring to see these brave women attending schools and universities, breaking into the business world, and enjoying social activities with a smile on their faces and a strong belief in a bright future in their hearts.

Women have emerged year over year as a force for innovation. They have demonstrated that they have the confidence and capacity to start and grow a business to the point where, in many African countries, women entrepreneurs outpace their male counterparts. And because women entrepreneurs and the women apprentices they hire spend their income primarily on the welfare, education, and healthcare of their children, they are often the ones who develop new innovations for currently untapped markets. Whether in Nigeria, Iran, or elsewhere around the world, women entrepreneurs have learned to be creative and to thrive in difficult environments, and have grown their businesses as a result.


Elevators close on Rep. Tom Price (R-Ga.) at Trump Tower Wednesday. Price and the other politicians in the mix to be HHS Secretary have received major backing from the health care industry over the years. (AP Photo/Carolyn Kaster)

BY: SOO RIN KIM

Unsuccessful GOP presidential candidate Dr. Ben Carson declared Tuesday that he has no interest in a position in the Trump cabinet and instead wants to serve the administration as an outside advisor because he doesn't have any governing experience.

The former neurosurgeon was a leading contender to head the Health and Human Services Department or the Education Department in the new regime next year. And as the budget committees in the both chambers of Congress plan to swiftly pass a reconciliation bill that they say will repeal Obamacare, the jockeying to be named the official who will help shape a replacement bill and Trump's other health care policies is being closely monitored.

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But one thing seems pretty certain at the point: The fate of the Affordable Care Act looks dim under any of the rumored health secretaries.

Rep. Tom Price (R-Ga.): Shortly after Carson announced he won't be serving in the Trump cabinet, Politico reported the Georgia Republican is being considered for the top Health and Human Services spot.

Price was an early Trump loyalist and has been a leading promoter of the Trump's rally to repeal and replace the Affordable Care Act. But his anti-Obamacare movement goes way back to the 111 Congress in 2009 when he sponsored the Empowering Patients First Act as an alternative to the current Obamacare's predecessor, America's Affordable Health Choices Act of 2009. Price introduced the bill again in 2015 as H.R. 2300, but the legislation hasn't seen much action yet.

Currently the House Budget Committee chair and also a member of the Subcommittee on Health under the House Ways and Means Committee, Rep. Price has raised a total of $15 million in campaign contributions over the past decade, nearly a third ($4.8 million) of which came from individuals and political actions committees in the health sector.

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Given his past as an orthopedic surgeon, it's no surprise that Price's top donors throughout his career are in a similar line of work: Resurgens Orthopaedics, the American Association of Orthopaedic Surgeons and Peachtree Orthopaedic Clinic.

Before he took office in Congress in 2005, Price contributed a total of $22,565 to the Republican Party of Georgia and a number of GOP candidates, including former Speaker of the House Newt Gingrich.

His leadership PAC Voice for Freedom donated a total of $292,500 to House and Senate Republican candidates this year, but none to Trump.

Gov. Rick Scott: The second-term Florida governor built and ran the biggest hospital empire in the United States until 1997 when he resigned amid a criminal inquiry of the company.

Investigations revealed that Columbia/HCA (Hospital Corporation of America) had been systematically overcharging the government for reimbursements, filing false reports, making illegal deals with heath care agencies and providing doctors with illegal loans. In 2002, the government reached a settlement with HCA and its subsidiaries totaling $1.7 billion, the largest amount ever paid to the feds in a health care investigation.

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Scott played an essential part in the president-elect's victory by running one of the biggest pro-Trump super PACs, Rebuilding America Now. Backed by Californian real estate developer Geoffrey Palmer and coal mining giant Murray Energy Corporation, this outside group spent over $19 million on ads attacking Hillary Clinton and supporting Trump this cycle.

According to campaign finance data compiled by the National Institute on Money in State Politics, Scott has raised $84.4 million in campaign contributions since 2010, 71.4 percent of which came from his own pocket.

Scott wrote checks totaling $60.3 million to his own campaign in his first gubernatorial race six years ago. Outside of that, he managed to raise only about $7.1 million for his campaign, while his Democratic opponent raised $17.5 million.

His rival also got more financial support from individuals and PACs in the health sector that election, receiving $626,112 when Scott only received $125,537 from the sector.

Overall, though, the health sector's gifts to the governor over the years total up to $666,381, the second biggest sum after the finance sector's $1.8 million.

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Scott himself has donated $160,000 to the Republican party and candidates over the years, including $10,000 to GOP presidential candidate Mitt Romney in 2012. And he maxed out at $5,400 to Florida Rep. Francis Rooney (R), who won Florida's 19th Congressional District last week.

The former healthcare mogul has long been an ardent opponent of the Affordable Care Act, so much that he started a 501(c)(4) social welfare nonprofit in 2009 called Conservatives for Patients' Rights, which spent over $10 million in two years to rally against the overhaul.

Gov. Bobby Jindal: The former Louisiana congressman and current governor is not quite like some other Trump loyalists. In an op-ed for the Wall Street Journal earlier this year, he called the president-elect a "narcissist" and an "egomaniacal madman."

But then he continued, "I think electing Donald Trump would be the second-worst thing we could do this November, better only than electing Hillary Clinton to serve as the third term for the Obama administration's radical policies," concluding the article with an endorsement for Trump.

Jindal, who ran the Louisiana Health and Hospitals Department in his mid-20s, holds a number of titles: the youngest president of the University of Louisiana System, the second Indian American in Congress, the first Indian American governor in the U.S., and the second youngest governor of Louisiana. He is no stranger to the federal Health and Human Services Department either, as he was an assistant secretary there early in President George W. Bush's administration.



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From 2005 to 2007 as a member of the House, Jindal raised a total of $4.6 million in contributions. He garnered the most financial support from individuals and PACs in the health sector, who donated a total of $728,772. This includes $413,195 from health professionals, $121,641 from the pharmaceuticals industry, $105,750 from hospitals and $83,131 from the health services industry.

During his one unsuccessful Louisiana gubernatorial campaign in 2003 and two subsequent successful campaigns, he raised a total of $35.2 million. The health sector again topped contributions by giving $1.9 million over the years, closely followed by the finance sector, including $37,500 from nursing care provider Magnolia Management and $20,000 from Louisiana Hospital Association.

During the brief period he ran for the presidency this election cycle, his campaign collected $1.4 million contributions; outside groups, including his single-candidate super PAC Believe Again, raised and spent about $4.5 million on his behalf. At the presidential level, the energy and natural resources sector gave the most to Jindal's campaign and pro-Jindal outside groups, totaling $1.4 million. Health professionals still gave the most direct in contributions to his campaign ($74,451).

Louisiana oil industry boatbuilder Gary Chouest, whose company Edison Chouest Offshore was awarded the very first contract with the state government after Jindal took office in 2008, donated $1 million to Believe Again this cycle. The longtime Jindal supporter has donated a total of $16,900 to his state and federal campaigns over the years.

Social welfare group America Next also spent $392,648 in "independent expenditures" supporting Jindal for his brief presidential campaign last year; the nonprofit is chaired by Jindal. As a 501(c)(4) group, America Next does not disclose donors, but a tax filing obtained by the Center for Public Integrity shows the Pharmaceutical Research and Manufacturers of America donated $50,000 last year to the pro-Jindal group.

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(America Next and Believe Again also seem to have shared a common consultant, as they paid $781,572 and $2.6 million each to vendor OnMessage Inc., run by Jindal campaign's chief strategist and senior GOP fundraiser Curt Anderson.)



Another strong critic of the Affordable Care Act, the governor is known for helping privatize hospitals and Medicaid in Louisiana over the years.

Mike Huckabee: Having blasted Florida Sen. Ted Cruz and Ohio Gov. John Kasich for not endorsing Trump and saying they don't deserve a microphone, the former Arkansas governor would in some ways seem ripe to be rewarded with a cabinet slot in the new administration.

Not surprisingly, Huckabee has also advocated for repealing the Affordable Care Act, calling for an expansion in the employer-based healthcare system instead.

OpenSecrets Blog could not obtain campaign finance information from Huckabee's first gubernatorial election in 1998 (it was not available electronically). But for his re-election campaign in 2002, Huckabee collected about $2.5 million in contributions, including $267,380 from the health sector. Nursing care provider NHS Management LLC and the Arkansas Hospital Association were among his biggest health sector donors, giving $5,000 and $4,000 each.

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The Arkansas Republican raised $16 million and $4.3 million respectively in his unsuccessful presidential campaigns in 2008 and 2016. He received the biggest support from the finance sector in both years, though the health sector also was among his big contributors.

Outside groups including Pursuing America's Greatness raised about $6 million to support of Huckabee in this election, including $3 million from Ronald Cameron, a big political donor in Arkansas and the owner of poultry giant Mountainaire Corp.

Cameron donated a total of $6.7 million this election cycle, including direct contributions of $2,700 to Huckabee, $5,400 to Sen. Marco Rubio (R-Fla.) and -- yes! -- $8,100 to Donald Trump.
What's the first thing that comes to mind when I say Silicon Valley or Tech Worker? Is it commuter shuttles crowding your streets, increasing rents, or long-lines at food trucks? What you may not see is the many tech workers from companies like Facebook volunteering their time to help disadvantaged small business owners in their own communities, and in places all around the country to ultimately create more jobs in the communities that need them most.

To make that possible, a nonprofit in San Francisco, flexing their own innovation muscle, has harnessed a technology platform to make these connections easier and scaled across the country. Pacific Community Ventures (PCV) was started by two former Silicon Valley executives who saw the resources being made available to venture-backed tech startups (access to working capital, expert business advice, and extensive networks) and applied that same framework to the world of small business. As part of this, they developed a SaaS technology platform and matching algorithms to pair disadvantaged small business owners with pro bono advisors across the country called BusinessAdvising.org.

Harnessing lean and scrum methodologies, in the office you are likely to see burn-up charts, the creation of MVPs, and near constant iteration. With online tools like goal setting features, on-demand meeting scheduling, Google Hangouts integration, and with high-touch customer engagement BusinessAdvising.org is changing the way business owners get advice.

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Kassin Adelman, the owner of IDF Studio, shared her experience with advisor Dave Talach, Head of Payments at Square, "Dave's helping me structurally realign my business, get through key employee challenges, and fine-tune our processes and communication. These are of course, topics that I've thought a lot about and feel like I'm 90% there on my own. But what Dave does is provide that critical 10%, based on his own experiences and business knowledge, to fill in the gaps and catalyze the change we need. For the first time in many months, I feel like I am working ON my business again, instead of being stuck inside it!"

In the last two years, BusinessAdvising.org has scaled from a California-only program, to now having businesses enrolled in 45 states and advisors from 35 states. In the first six months of 2016, they experienced 100% growth in the number of small businesses being served.

What's The Secret?

With active board members from tech giants like Facebook, Google, and Shotspotter, PCV is able to tap into the Silicon Valley knowledge and talent base. Employees from tech firms have been enrolling as skills-based pro bono advisors to help disadvantaged business owners and their employees achieve their dreams, while the volunteers also get to network with other advisors. For example, BusinessAdvising.org has a curated private LinkedIn group that only volunteer advisors have access to, and is starting to host exclusive volunteer advisor-only events. Creating a network for those doing good in their communities.

Small businesses seeking a mentor have a good chance to get paired with an advisor from Box, Apple, VMWare, Postmates, Oracle, Microsoft, Salesforce, Square, Cisco, Warby Parker, Google, Facebook, VentureBeat, Capital One, several venture capital firms and more. BusinessAdvising.org is quickly becoming the place the tech industry donates their time.

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Aaron Golden, Chief Revenue Officer at VentureBeat has advised two businesses, a local furniture maker and a media company. "BusinessAdvising.org has allowed me to leverage my interests in woodworking and advertising along with my professional strengths to benefit engaged smart entrepreneurs. It's been a rewarding way to both donate time and give back to local business owners."

Corporate Partners

Many companies encourage volunteering (see Salesforce 1-1-1 or Box.org), and the issue often comes up that employees want to volunteer in area where they have skills, and traveling to and from a volunteer site makes it a challenge during the work day. Enter mentoring with BusinessAdvising.org. "At Box.org we serve three key stakeholders", says Bryan Breckenridge, Executive Director of Box.org, "Community, Box employees and Box. Volunteering with local nonprofits and small businesses is a win for all three."

PCV's BusinessAdvising.org contracts with corporations as a new touch point for current customers, to attract new diverse customers, and employee engagement. For example, Capital One ran banner ads offering BusinessAdvising.org to current customers to showcase their commitment to see their small business customers succeed, and many of their own employees signed up as mentors. And corporate Supplier Diversity programs see BusinessAdvising.org as a way to increase the competitiveness of those businesses. For example, the Super Bowl host committees for last year's game in the Bay Area and the upcoming Houston Super Bowl have contracted with PCV to provide advising for the small businesses in their supplier diversity programs.

Tech Gives Back

Many tech industry professionals are volunteering with BusinessAdvising.org because of its model: skills-based, remote advising, using the latest technology and world-class customer service. Every employee has a skill to contribute, be that marketing, finance, crowdfunding, SEO, human resources, and more.

With skills-based volunteering, these employees get to help business owners with the knowledge they have accrued in their own professional careers. And because it is remote, tech workers can book a conference room for a video call or help a company across the country from their desk.

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So the next time people talk about the impact the tech industry is having on local communities, you can agree with them. The tech industry has donated thousands of hours to help disadvantaged business owners and worked to create many thousands of quality jobs in underserved communities across America. Be part of the movement, sign up at BusinessAdvising.org today!
Have you ever been in a serious accident? If not, I'll tell you what it's like.

Imagine for a moment that you're riding in a car. You're cruising smoothly on the freeway despite the rainy weather, when suddenly the tires no longer grip the road. Before you know it, you're in a tailspin and you see oncoming traffic alternating with regular traffic as though you're on some horror-themed carousel. Still, you're not really afraid, because it doesn't seem real. Then, you see your drink fly into the air and you reach for it because you're worried about Sprite getting on your new dress. Before you can catch your drink, the car slams into the guardrail, smashing your head into the side window. Less than a second ago you were thinking about Sprite on your dress. Now, your mind is dulled. You're slow to get out of the passenger seat. You only know it's real when other cars pull over to help and the police arrive.

While this election was also a disorienting tailspin, we knew it was real when hundreds of thousands began marching in major cities across the country. We knew it was real when President Obama addressed the nation. We knew it was real when hate crimes surged. We knew it was real when the executive branch began to fill with all manner of white supremacist, climate change denier, war monger and homophobic politician. We knew it was real when "Saturday Night Live" held its only serious open aside from the one that aired after 9/11, calling to mind the brave performances depicted in "Cabaret" - the iconic play-cum-film set during the fall of the Weimar Republic.

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The comparison isn't a stretch. We have seen a hard right shift in Europe that has manifested as rage against Muslims in the form of torched refugee camps and discriminatory laws in parts of Sweden and France. Islamophobia is a common cause du jour in the face of the largely Muslim diaspora that has resulted from war in the Middle East and accelerating climate change. We already live in a world where Australia ships its desperate refugees, many of whom are Muslims, to squalid camps in Papua New Guinea. And let's not forget what Trump said on the campaign trail: Guantanamo is staying open and he's going to fill it up.



Believe him.

However many things Trump will back down from or abandon altogether, this promise is one among many that he and his cohorts would love to make good. Sadly, many right-wing populists in Europe agree with this thinking. Trump not one lone wolf, he's one among several (nevermind his cabinet). If history tells us anything, these guys tend to come in historical packages, uniting together in the name of burning the world and sometimes turning on one another in their own megalomaniacal pursuit.

I realize that many news outlets are trying to normalize what is happening. I realize that President Obama has worked hard to reassure us. I realize that many around you might be shrugging their shoulders and saying "it's just politics" as though policy has no impact on reality. I realize that everything is filtered through social media and clickbait headlines which makes things seem light at worst and detached from reality at best. But they aren't. This is real and dire.

Trump may look goofy, but he's dangerous - his cohorts perhaps even more so. I'm convinced that the reason many aren't terrified Trump is because he is so ridiculous looking. We have a hard time assigning sinister intentions to those who appear so comical. But have any of you ever taken a look at North Korea's leaders?

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EVERY. SINGLE. TIME. Throughout history, without fail, human tragedies have taken place because no one took anything seriously until guns or camp chimneys were smoking. Until that point, most wrote off dangerous rhetoric as "just politics" or absurd - the New York Times dismissed Hitler as a buffoon in 1922 - and by the time they saw how disastrous the situation had become, they were unable to stop it.



While you may believe that the Trump administration is highly unlikely to attempt anything on the scale of The Holocaust or the Bosnian genocide, that's no reason to fall asleep at the wheel. There's a wreck coming, and we have no way of knowing for certain how severe it will be.



From what we know of history and of sociopaths (however incompetent), there is great cause for concern. This has happened before. This isn't hysteria. We are poised on the brink of national devastation in some form or another, be it environmental, humanitarian, economic or all three. We're overdue for it to happen again, but that doesn't mean it's predestined. It will happen only because we let it.

And why might we let it? Apathy. Disbelief. Selfishness. An inability to see the bigger picture. Disconnectedness. Crippling anxiety. Diffusion of responsibility. Conflict aversion. It's part of our nature, which means it's up to us to overcome those natural inclinations and stop it.

That's a terrible weight, isn't it? Sadly, we don't get to choose what history we're a part of. Sometimes we just happen to be the unlucky ones who were caught in the crash.

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I know that some of you will be in denial of this. You will plug your ears, cover your eyes and preach love without action to back it up. You will be unable to process that you might live to see something so horrible that it could go on the books as one of the defining events of the 21st century.

Others among you will be overjoyed with the feeling that you can rightfully reclaim "your" country, be it in the racial, religious, cultural or economic sense. Perhaps all of the above. You will stand idly by or you will be an active accomplice. Sadly, some of you will be victims, too. A few of you may have a change of heart and will choose to stand on the opposite side of history.

Still others will be worked up for a little while before the seductive desire to normalize and go about life as usual sets in. Hell, that's something all of us with enough privilege to feel safe from immediate death, deportation or imprisonment will fight on some level or another. After all, I love cat videos and Instagramming my #grannyhair as much as the rest of you.

Lastly, a few of us will actively resist. We will accept that the course of our lives and our best laid plans have irrevocably changed and likely not for the best or the easiest. We will accept the costs to our time, our flexibility and to our joy, which will remain tempered by this looming existential threat. We'll do all of this in service of this country, this Earth and our fellow man. We'll do it for the hope of a day, when we are older and a little more weathered, where we can revel fully in that joy again and so that others might for the first time. We'll do it so that we may be able to declare with confidence: "America was never truly great for all, but we will make it so."

For those of us who choose to act, we must do more than raise awareness or wear safety pins or share articles like this one. Sure, we can still watch "Westworld" and go out with friends and take care of ourselves, but now we must make time to do the hard work. To be watchdogs and monitors of new laws and appointees. To write representatives and vote in every state and local election. To strengthen our communities. To protect our vulnerable. If you have money, donate to organizations that protect the rights of women, the environment, Indigenous people, the poor, the LGBTQ community and other minority communities. If white privilege is your superpower, use it to speak out against racism and to defend others who are being intimidated, violated or discriminated against. Whatever your talent, skill or privilege, there is a way to be useful. No one else is going to do this for us.

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I know, so many of us are still relatively young and inexperienced. We feel so unprepared because we are. We grew up in an entertaining world where we lived in the hyperreal. The Holocaust was most vividly recalled as a Spielberg movie for many of us. The same is true of the Civil War and Wounded Knee. Now, many of us are living something that doesn't jive with our understanding of reality as we knew it. It seemed so different up on the silver screen when a decade or more was compressed into two hours of dramatic moments. There, we knew the script and even the worst events were restrained by a compact and neat predictability.

Spoiler alert: That isn't how events play out in real time. This is messy and confusing, it moves in fits and starts, it's slow and creeping until it isn't. If we are not aware of this, we will be lulled, soothed, placated and then played. Played as pawns or accomplices in The Great Game.

No one taught us how to recognize a coming war or other human catastrophe, but history gives us valuable clues. If we are to have any hope of avoiding this, we must resist. Some of us will be intimidated, dismissed and abused. Some of us may even be arrested or harmed, but we must be brave in the face of adversity. We must be prepared.

Part of this preparation is the understanding that during the first 60 days or even the first 360 days of the Trump administration, there will likely be a lot of "business as usual" or even a few small "wins" on the surface that will lull people into a false sense of security and complacency. That is a dangerous mistake. I'm not advocating for panic, but we MUST monitor what's happening in every branch of government and step up our political activity and awareness. Remember, human disasters creep in slowly over time and the majority populace tends to be the last to realize those effects.

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If this all sounds a bit intense and fear-mongering to you, remember this: Fear has a purpose. Fear is nature's way of motivating us to get to safety. Fear works in favor of self-preservation when appropriately induced. We move away from the rabid dog because we rightly fear it, we don't walk into its jaws. So be afraid, but not too afraid. Don't let it cripple you. Fear complacency above all other threats. Let it keep you alert, let it strengthen your resolve.

We can come through this with minimal figurative and literal casualties if we are watchful and active, if we protect our neighbors, if we lobby and petition against injustice, war and environmental destruction; if we vote in state and local elections.

Keep them on Standing Rock, on our most vulnerable ethnic and religious communities, on immigrant and refugee communities, on women's rights, on the LGBTQ community, on the economy, on policy, on a variety of news sources both inside and outside the US and on the voting booth during every election cycle.
This an excerpt from the recently released book The Internet of Women: Accelerating Culture Change. I worked with Alphonsine Imaniraguha on this piece she contributed which is featured in the section Educating Women in Post-Conflict Zones.

In the post-genocide constitution of Rwanda, 30% of the seats in the lower house of parliament are reserved for women. Only two countries in the world have a higher percentage of women serving in parliament than men. Rwanda tops this list with approximately 64% female representation. Through this leadership there have been policies to protect women against violence and create opportunities for gender equality. Rwanda scored .7854 out of a possible equality score of one, which ranks number seven out of 142 countries in the Global Gender Gap Index 2014 conducted by the World Economic Forum.

The African continent is the second largest in the world in terms of land mass. Africa is made up of 57 countries. The African continent has huge untapped potential of 900 million consumers.1 Africa must produce, not just consume technology.

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Rwanda is seeking to be known as a knowledge capital for STEM education and skilled workers in ICT. One of the goals of this small, landlocked country with few natural resources is to develop a skilled ICT workforce that can also be considered as a hub of exporting ICT human capital to other parts of Africa.

I was born in the suburbs of Kigali, the capital of Rwanda. Rwanda means, "getting bigger or enlarging." When I was growing up, everyone around me thought that Rwanda was the biggest country on the entire planet, when in reality, it is about the size of the tiny United States State of Vermont.

I was born in a big family, the second oldest daughter of six children -- two boys and four girls. My first name, Alphonsine is French. It means a "noble warrior." My last name, Imaniraguha, is a Kinyarwanda (my native language) name. It means, "God gives you." Most Rwandans to this day don't always carry their family last name. Imaniraguha is my unique last name; my siblings have different last names.

Although my parents had no more than a basic education, they were aware of the value of an education, and while it wasn't very common to send children to pre-school, my parents did, for all their children, except me. My parents did not send me because I had already learned everything they taught in pre- school and much more. My dad had taught me about all African countries, their capital cities and their presidents. I knew most of them by the time I was five. He also taught me the English words he knew and how to count, although he didn't even have a high-school education. When I was six, my parents sent me to primary school.

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From first to sixth grade, I was always at the top of my class. I loved school and never wanted to miss a single day. I vividly remember one time I had a motorcycle accident in the final semester of first grade, which almost cost me my whole right foot. My greatest grief was not my pain or the fact that I had to be carried like a child at six, since I couldn't walk. No -- I was heartbroken because I would have to miss not just a few weeks of school, but a whole semester and possibly not move to the next grade. I couldn't handle that.

I sent someone to ask my teacher if she could send the final exams and allow me to do them at home. She agreed and when I received the exams, I sat in my room by myself and did everything, alone. When I was graded, I got everything correct and my cumulative grade was 99%, although I am pretty sure my teachers always took one point off somewhere so that I don't always get 100% every year.

In the third grade, my teacher politely asked me to substitute for her for three days when she took a vacation. I enjoyed helping my classmates so I agreed without hesitation. It was not long until our neighbors came to my dad and said, "Guess what, instead of learning as a student, your daughter is actually the one who teaches other students." My father didn't get mad. Instead he replied, I learned later, "If she has something to offer to others, I don't see why she should not help."

My dad always had confidence in me. To this day in Rwanda, at the end of the sixth grade, you have to take a state exam to be able to go on to high school. Prior to the exam, you have to fill out forms to indicate what schools and major(s) you would like to take, should you pass the exam. Based on the score and subjects you did well in, the Ministry of Education places you with a school and assigns a major.

As a child, I thought it was cool to be a nurse or a teacher, because those are the people I saw often. However, when I got my state exam results back, the Ministry of Education itself decided that I didn't belong to nursing or teaching. My major for the next six years of high school was going to be mathematics and physics. Moreover, I placed into the top high school in the whole country. Little did I know then that this was the beginning of my journey as a woman in technology. My parents were overwhelmed with pride.

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Late in March 1994, around my 13th birthday, nothing could ever have prepared me for what was about to happen. Right after Easter, on April 6, the plane carrying the president of Rwanda was shot down as it was landing at Kigali International Airport. Within seconds, the genocide against the minority Tutsi group began. Over the next three months, around a million Tutsis were mercilessly slaughtered. This staggering number includes my parents and two of my siblings. A stranger saved me. My three younger siblings, who were eight, six, and three at the time also survived.

When the genocide ended, life returned to being as normal as it could be. I eventually returned to school. With a drastic turn of events of this magnitude, and no counseling centers or qualified therapists, every single person had to find their own way of coping with this unthinkable turn of events. Many orphan girls my age got married or simply became prostitutes. Many ended up with diseases, and their lives were pretty much over. I, on the other hand, joined a religious group, only to discover later that it was a cult. Without going into details, the group discouraged us from studying or taking medications when we were sick. We were only encouraged to pray. I was there for three years.

While I had always excelled at every class subject, my grades started to decline in high school. However, slowly, I eventually discovered the lies of the cult and how they were using the loss and grief we endured to lure us to believe what they preached. When I eventually left the cult, it was at the end of high school in Rwanda when you have to take another state exam that would qualify you for college. The exam covers everything learned in the final three years of high school, which so happened to be the time I missed most of my classes.

This exam would decide the fate of a future I already lost hope for. Since there was no way around it, I gathered all the books and materials to teach myself math, physics, biology, chemistry and the courses covered while I was busy searching for God. I had exactly 21 days to learn three years' worth of course work and had no idea where to begin. For the next three weeks, surprisingly, I was able to sleep for only one to two hours a day, and I didn't feel tired at all.

Three weeks passed by, and I took about six different exams. When results came in a few months later, my results were so high, I received a full scholarship to study Electronics Engineering at Kigali Institute of Science and Technology, in Rwanda. This very moment of hope shaped who I am today with my personal faith in God and life. In college, I was determined to study hard and didn't want to be affiliated with any religious groups.

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However, a post-traumatic stress disorder that I had perhaps ignored caught up with me. I was diagnosed with a stomach disease and an ulcer. In college, no one believed that I would ever graduate because I was hospitalized at least every week. Every medication that was available in Rwanda that could help was tested on me. When I felt better, I would simply return to my classes to take exams after spending days in the hospital bed. Miraculously, I would do so well that my classmates, who were all male, thought the teachers were giving me high grades because they favored me. In my senior year, the disease finally was healed.

When college graduation came, I graduated with honors and was offered a full-time job immediately. Three months into the job, the Rwandan Ministry of Education received two scholarships for master's programs from the Rochester Institute of Technology in the United States. I was very thankful to be one of the recipients, and a few months later, I packed my bags and moved to Rochester, New York.

When I arrived in the United States, the English conversation was a really big problem for me at first. Although my undergraduate degree was taught in English, we didn't speak the language outside the classroom or to carry a nor- mal conversation. Plus, I didn't understand the American accent. It was a chal- lenge. However, as always, when I am determined, nothing can stop me from reaching my goals. I took English for 10 weeks and started graduate courses after that. I majored in Telecommunications Engineering. To my surprise, and also my sponsors', I completed the first semester with straight As and a GPA of 4.0.

During the graduate program, I was exposed to the Cisco lab on campus; the tasks were learning how Cisco infrastructure works, how to configure routers and switches, and get an IP phone to connect to the network and make a conversation. That itself developed my new dream: Cisco was going to be my destination for my professional career. The only problem was, how would I possibly get Cisco to hire me? English is neither my first nor my second language -- it's my third. Moreover, I had no experience in the field, or strong connections. And to cap it all, the economy crashed in 2008 around my graduation, so that made the process hard. Many companies froze new positions.

When I was first selected for the interview process, Cisco, like many companies at the time, was having a hiring freeze. That didn't stop me. I tried again later. I navigated the challenges and eventually was offered the job I always wanted in the summer of 2010, a Network Consulting Engineer. I was ecstatic. My thesis advisor at RIT later told me that I am a living proof that someone can pursue something great and achieve it.

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Today I see the world differently; I believe that anyone can become whoever they want to be. While my parents always believed in me as a little girl and were confident that I would do well in whatever I chose, when they were killed, that support and encouragement I received disappeared. Throughout high school and college in Rwanda, no one had ever told me that they were proud of me or encouraged me to do well. In fact, it was the opposite: the high- school cult leader and one of my aunts harshly told me, on separate occasions, that I am good for nothing and that I would never get anywhere. I never knew what I was capable of.

Giving back to Rwanda through Technology

Education brought me to the United States, landed me a great job, and gave confidence to an orphaned girl. I feel grateful and compelled to start my non- profit. Our vision is to provide a safe haven for at-risk youth and street children to dream, be told that they have the ability to become whoever they want to be, and hear that they can make someone proud. Our first project is to be launched in Rwanda in 2017: a learning center as a hub for education and empowerment. I want them to know that, just because they may feel like outcasts, this doesn't mean that it's the end. I am living proof of that.
This last week, some of the greatest and most influential minds in tech today packed a conference room in the valley.

The infamous Steve Wozniak, co-founder of Apple. Gopi Kallayil, Google's Chief Evangelist of Brand Marketing. Pat Wadors, LinkedIn's Chief HR officer. Kirsten Davidson, Glassdoor's illustrious Head of Employer Brand. Big-time authors made it, like Mike Michalowicz, the author of "Toilet Paper Entrepreneur" and Guy Kawasaki, the author of "Rich Dad Poor Dad". The list goes on and on.

The conference was a gift from Nextiva, a business VOIP cloud phone system company trusted by more than 100,000 companies. And between November 14th and 16th, they hosted NextCon, plucking up some of the most innovative speakers and thinkers and setting them down together in the Phoenix.

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But why the conference?

Thomas Gorny, Nextiva's CEO, helped flesh it out. "Our company DNA is not just about selling products," he said when I asked. "It is about helping businesses get better. We wanted to create an event where we could provide content that really helps businesses."

This desire to help businesses, especially in the Phoenix's burgeoning entrepreneurial scene, rang throughout the entire conference. In particular, one of their more helpful offerings was their array of educational workshops. These workshops covered nearly everything; landing page optimization, small business marketing strategies, top online advertising strategies, SEO strategies, video marketing, social media and more.

These workshops absolutely underlined Yaniv Masjedi's vision of the event. When I asked Nextiva's CMO about NextCon's objective, he said, "We wanted to make it more about learning." He paused and continued, "Making Arizona a strong business community is really our responsibility as part of that community."

And learn I did, from some strong players in that Arizona business community. I had the opportunity to attend "How To Boost Your Bottom Line With Social Media," a fantastic workshop run by an Arizona startup called the Bloguettes. Their information was seamlessly presented and hugely beneficial. I particularly loved the insightful glimpses they gave us of each social media channel, along with the advantages and disadvantages of each.

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One of my main takeaways; their focus on Pinterest taught me that 82% of Pinterest users are female, 70% of them are under the age of 45, and Pinterest drives high volumes of traffic to websites. Therefore, if the target market for your business is women under the age of 45...well, you do the math.

Jamie Seeker, a small business consultant and founder of Seeker Solution, stated, "From attendees to the vendor and obviously keynotes, the place was filled with such high caliber intellect and talent and I did all I could to soak it all in like a sponge."

I also interviewed Michael Young, the co-founder of ROVR, a dating app that is redefining connection by letting users look for friends, casual dates, or serious relationships. "My team and I could not be more grateful to have this caliber of a conference in our backyard," he said, summing up the thoughts of most conference attendees. "Phoenix is redefining itself as a leading location to start a business."
A worker works at an assembly plant at Pha Rung shipyard in Vietnam's port city of Hai Phong, east of Han on October 4, 2016. Photo by Reuters

Ahead of the 2020 Olympics, Japan is in more need of foreign workers than ever.

Japan is recruiting more Vietnamese workers aged between 20 and 30 to tackle labor shortages in preparation for the 2020 Tokyo Olympic Games, local media has reported.

Japanese businesses, in the latest recruitment drive, are aiming to hire as many Vietnam technical interns as possible with the first batch of 500 workers due in November, said Tran Thi Van Ha, head of the Overseas Labor Management Agency under the labor ministry.

The recruits will receive training in Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City for one month before they set off to work in Japan, said Ha Xuan Tung, a ministry official.

The base salary ranges from VND25 million ($1,100) to VND30 million ($1,300) per month, Tung said, adding that the Japanese government has pledged to offer financial support to Vietnamese interns of more than $5,000 each. Vietnam's average annual income was $2,100 last year, according to the World Bank.

Since Prime Minister Shinzo Abe came to power at the end of 2012, the number of foreigners living in Japan has risen by almost 10 percent to 2.2 million, with the number of technical interns rising 27 percent and the number of foreign students up 36 percent.

Statistics show that Japan has become the second largest labor export market for Vietnam in recent years.

Vietnam sent around 27,000 technical interns to Japan in the first nine months of this year, compared to 30,000 workers for the whole of last year.

Between now and 2020, Japan plans to recruit more foreign laborers from the Southeast Asian region due to a shortage of domestic supply.

Japan is in need of skilled construction workers for 2020 Olympic projects and other infrastructure investment in its north-eastern region, said Pham Viet Huong, deputy head of the Overseas Labor Management Agency.

He expects more Vietnamese workers to move to Japan given the fact Chinese laborers are shifting to other markets in search of better incomes.

Related news:

>ASEAN countries stifle free labor market

>Retirement could be a long way off for aging Vietnamese workers
K-State students get to 'Hang with Tang' on Tuesday

Cat Zone
A construction site of a residential apartment project in a new town in Hanoi on March 17, 2016. Photo by Reuters

Both local and foreign investors alike are keen even as upcoming regulations can tighten credit to real estate.

Vietnam's real estate market has recently been spurred by foreign investors, mainly from Japan, South Korea and Singapore, who continue to see opportunities in an increasingly crowded field.

These regional companies are particularly interested in large-scale mixed-use developments comprising apartments, offices and retail space in Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City. Investors interest is fueled by Vietnams fast-growing economy, urbanization and an expanding middle class.

Foreign investment into real estate hit $983 million in the first 10 months, around 5.5 percent of all new pledges in the period, according to the Ministry of Planning and Investment.

Japanese companies have pledged $2 billion in total for Vietnam's real estate sector. One of Japan's largest builders, Kajima Corporation, has formed a joint venture with Indochina Capital to channel funds worth of $1 billion into property developments in Vietnam over the next 10 years.

Vietnam is currently viewed among the most potential markets in Asia for foreign direct investment, said Keisuke Koshijima, Kajimas Market Development Executive.

Local companies clearly do not want to stay out of this. The number of newly established companies in the real estate sector almost doubled to 2,160 during January-September, compared to the same period last year, the Ministry of Investment and Planning said in a report.

That means, on average, eight property firms were launched every day in the first nine months. The registered capital of new property companies also increased 2.5 times year-on-year.

About 22 percent of overseas remittances have also been flowing into Vietnam's real estate market on average. The country recorded $12.25 billion in overseas remittances last year, slightly up from $12 billion in 2014, according to data released by the central bank.

Remittances from overseas Vietnamese remain a key source of funds for the country's economy, equivalent to about 8-10 percent of gross domestic product.

All of this positive trends come even though the government has announced new lending restrictions to prevent a bubble.

The State Bank of Vietnam said in May that it will raise the risk weight of property loans at commercial banks to 200 percent from 150 percent on concerns that the housing market may overheat. The new rule will take effect on January 1.

In addition, the central bank has also set new restrictions on how banks use their funds. Accordingly, banks will not be allowed to use more than 60 percent of their short-term funds for medium to long-term purposes, including loans for the real estate sector, until the end of this year.

The ratio will then be lowered further to 50 percent in 2017, and 40 percent by 2018.

Related news:

> Foreign investors circle Vietnams property market

> Japanese investors ready to pour $2 bln into Vietnams real estate market

> Vietnam stock market listed among best performers in Asia this year
Music Publishing News 11.18.16: DoJ Appeals BMI Ruling  GEMA Restricted  Songwriter Equity Gains Support

The United States Department of Justice is appealing the ruling that concluded that fractional licensing is allowed under the BMI consent decree. Federal Judge Louis Stanton ruled in September against the DOJs decision to uphold the consent decree and enforce 100% licensing for the two performing rights organizations, ASCAP and BMI.

The appeal does not come as a surprise to the PROs, publishers, or songwriters; BMI president/CEO Mike ONeill said, it is unfortunate that the DOJ continues to fight for an interpretation of BMIs consent decree that is at odds with hundreds of thousands of songwriters and composers.

 A Berlin court ruled this week that top German collection society GEMA can no longer distribute a share of authors royalties to its music publishers. The ruling could have considerable economic repercussions on publishers, as it requires them to return all such payments made since 2010; payments distributed by GEMA to publishers normally account for 20% or more of revenues. The decision is a result of a claim brought by two musicians and GEMA members who argued that they were entitled to claim both the author and publishing shares as the rights of utilization had been contributed to GEMA solely by the copyright holders.

 Ohio Congresswoman Marcy Kaptur has signed on as a sponsor to the Songwriter Equity Act of 2015. If passed, the bill, introduced by Congressman Doug Collins, will protect the rights and royalties of music creators. The bill continues to gain support on Capitol Hill, as Kaptur joins cosponsor New York Congressman Hakeem Jeffries. You can show your support of the bill by contacting your Congressional Representative and Senators via BMIs online tool at www.bmi.com/advocacy.

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The massive earthquake that hit New Zealand at the weekend could result in insured losses as high as U$3.5 billion.The estimate from catastrophe modeling firm AIR Worldwide is for at least $762 million in losses but the damage to homes, business and infrastructure could be much higher. A full assessment is being hampered by continued poor weather in the region.More than 80,000 landslides and 2,600 aftershocks have been recorded following the massive earthquake that struck New Zealands South Island early this week, said Dr. Bingming Shen-tu, assistant vice president at AIR Worldwide. The temblor was the largest experienced by the country since the 2009 M7.8 Dusky Sound earthquake and one of the four most powerful since 1855. Recovery efforts in the region have been additionally hampered by gale-force winds, heavy rainfall, and flooded roads.Although much of the impact of the 7.8 magnitude quake hit a sparsely populated rural area, around 50 per cent of the insured losses are in the countrys capital Wellington which was also impacted, including damage in its central business area.W.R. Berkley Corporation is launching a new business unit to focus on the changing landscape of cyber risk.Berkley Cyber Risk Solutions will offer insurance and risk management solutions worldwide to clients of all sizes and will be headed by Tracey Vispoli who has been appointed president of the unit.Tracey is a pioneer in the cyber insurance space with a wealth of expertise in cyber security related issues, commented W. Robert Berkley, Jr., president and chief executive officer of W. R. Berkley Corporation. This will enable us to be on the forefront of providing effective solutions for this continually evolving risk. Demand for such solutions is increasing rapidly in every corner of the market, and the coverages offered by this new unit will enhance the suite of products available to our clients.XL Catlin has added a new terrorism and political violence insurance option to its Platinum Property insurance program due to demand from increased client concern in this area.Recent terrorism and political violence events outside the United States have prompted businesses worldwide to consider their exposure and the potential repercussions to their property and operations, said Michele Sansone, President of XL Catlins North America Property business.The new endorsements help address gaps in insurance coverage provided by the Terrorism Risk Insurance Program Reauthorization Act (TRIPRA) which does not cover locations outside the United States.
The soft drinks giant is the latest to be found guilty of flouting safety regulations.

Vietnam's Ministry of Health has decided to impose a fine of VND25 million ($1,100) on PepsiCos Vietnamese branch for failing to carry out periodic checks on packets of its soft drinks.

The decision was made following an inspection that started in September at Suntory PepsiCo Vietnam Beverage Company, a fully foreign owned joint venture between U.S. PepsiCo Inc. and Japans Suntory Holdings Limited.

The ministry said that all of the 107 soft drink samples taken had met food safety requirements, and the company had complied with Vietnams regulations regarding raw materials, storage facilities, production lines, water treatment, labeling and advertising.

However, PepsiCo Vietnam did not conduct periodic checks on all its products packaging, and only ran tests on one sample from each batch.

The company has been asked to conduct thorough checks in the future.

Previously, PepsiCos biggest rival, Coca Cola, was fined VND434 million ($19,186) for producing what the health ministry defines as food supplements without the right certificate from the health ministry.

Another rival, the Vietnamese branch of the Filipino food and beverage firm Universal Robina Corporation, was also fined VND5.812 billion ($257,110) for producing and selling products with excessive lead content earlier this year.

Related news:

> Vietnam inspects food safety at PepsiCo JV

> Philippines firm under suspicion of bribery in Vietnam lead poisoning case
'Denial': Adding Insult to Injury

A-10345



Point of disclosure: That was the number on the inside of my mother's arm ... my personal proof that there was a Holocaust. The A denoted Auschwitz. The numbers added up to 13. She said it was her lucky number. I don't think she'd mind me telling you. While there were times when Dorothy Goldberger (R.I.P.) absolutely drove me out of my mind, I can't remember her ever lying to me.



She didn't talk about it at first, nor did any of the other survivors who visited our home shortly after WWII. Or at least I didn't hear it ... only snippets, the name Hitler used interchangeably with the still not popularized term, Holocaust. All were firsthand witnesses. Later, when world outrage took hold and the facts became common knowledge, some were emboldened.



They told their stories. Nazis were hunted. Memorials were built. If there were any deniers back then other than those whose lives were earlier at stake during the Nuremberg Trials, they were still under their rocks. It is this background and information that I bring to my following review.



Director Mick Jackson's "Denial" is a solid, responsible dramatization of historian Deborah Lipstadt's defense in the English court of a libel suit brought against her and Penguin Books by Holocaust denier David Irving. While it is well written, acted and directed, and treats the subject matter with proper reverence, we can't help but feel there's something missing in this otherwise important, studiously informative chronicle ... something else we want to know. It's a bit hazy at first, this missing puzzle to our total satisfaction, and then there it is: the big enigma.



You see, although the depiction of Lipstadt's great legal team proving to the court that there was indeed a Holocaust is a gripping exercise in altruistic argument and common sense, what we can't wrap our brains around is how someone could possibly be a Holocaust denier. While in the course of the narrative we get a pretty good inkling of why Irving himself, superbly portrayed by Timothy Spall, chose to embrace this bizarre genre of historical revisionism, we are nonetheless left wondering about all the other deniers. One could hardly pervert history any worse.



Hence, while fully absorbed by the intelligent deductions rendered by the protagonist's barristers, counselors and solicitors, we also experience a strong indignation. Evil permeates. How dare one put us into the defensive position of having to prove something so horrifically indisputable?
Boxes of baby goods are handed out to expectant mothers Thursday in Pittsfield. Ilana Siegal, founder and owner of LifeWorks Studio in Great Barrington Newly elected state senator, Adam Hinds Rep. Tricia Farley-Bouvier of Pittsfield PreviousNext

New Nonprofit Gives Expectant Moms Early Bundle of Joy

PITTSFIELD, Mass.  In a way, expectant mothers in Berkshire County owe some thanks to Donald Trump.

During the long presidential campaign, South Egremont resident Hinda Bodinger was feeling sad about the tone of the campaign, particularly in regards to inflammatory remarks about minorities and women. Not one just to sit back, Bodinger decided she had to do something.

"I really felt very strongly that I wanted to counteract that, at least in my community," she said. "If there was something I could do to counterbalance that, I wanted to do it."

What she ended up doing was conceiving an new nonprofit organization called Berkshire Baby Box. During an afternoon luncheon on Thursday, several dozen pregnant Berkshire County women were among the first to receive these "baby boxes"  a sturdy cardboard box that can double as a safe bed and filled with all sorts of useful items for new mothers, including clothing like a onesie with a "413" on it, safety items like outlet covers, board books to encourage early literacy, and diapers, caps and bibs. It even has some tea and a snack for the mom, to make sure she takes care of herself.

Bodinger told the 75 people assembled at the Country Club of Pittsfield on Thursday that the idea came to her after hearing about an initiative in Finland to provide women with a baby box to help reduce the country's high rate of infant mortality. It worked, Bodinger said, and now Finland has the lowest mortality rate in the world.

"It's a treasured rite of passage in Finland, and I hope it's going to be here in Berkshire County, as well," she said.

It's getting a good start. A company in California that makes the boxes themselves has donated 1,500 to the local cause, and Bodinger was able to team up with myriad agencies in the Berkshires to fill the boxes with cute and useful goodies and find the women to whom to distribute them.

"Thankfully, we have a community who have embraced the idea," she said.

And that idea of community is driving the entire project  from the community of agencies helping support the boxes to the community of new moms who are finding help and support as they undertake the daunting task of parenthood.

"There's a lot of people here who can help you when you get stuck," Bodinger told the moms  and some dads  at the event on Thursday. "And you will get stuck.

"There are times you'll need to reach out to someone and I hope you will. You don't have to do it all by yourself."

Those sentiments were echoed by guest speaker Ilana Siegal, founder and owner of LifeWorks Studio in Great Barrington, which offers yoga, pilates and Zumba classes for both adults and babies. Accompanied by her own infant son, Siegal talked about how important making community connections is for moms.

"It was surprising how lonely-making becoming a parent was," Siegal said, recalling her first winter in the Berkshires with her first of three sons. "It was incredibly isolating."

Maintaining relationships  and making new ones  is key to the health and well-being of new mothers, who need to know someone is there to help them through the many challenges that come with parenting.

"The babies who come into our lives are so overwhelming you forget that you had relationships before," she said.

Siegal also said many women have this ideal of what a perfect mom should look like and strive for that, only to feel guilty when they inevitably fall short.

"It's not possible to do it perfectly. It's not even probable. It's probably not even optimal," she said. "We think that it's supposed to be perfect. It's not perfect for anyone."

And that's why she supports the idea of the baby box, not only to provide tangible items that someone else might have found useful  like little mittens to cover a baby's sharp fingernails to prevent them from scratching their faces, an item that some people use and some people don't  but also to provide those social connections to help navigate parenthood.

"My wish for you, my blessing for you, my challenge for you, is  before you need something, ask for it," she said, encouraging expectant moms to ask questions and share experiences. "If we all talked more about what was happening for real behind the scenes, we would feel better about what comes next."

What comes next for Berkshire Baby Box, Bodinger said, is continuing to make the boxes available around the county. There are two ways for expectant mothers to get a box now: sign up for a workshop or go to Baby Box University online. In both instances, moms will get some advice about sleeping, eating and other common questions new parents have and get connected to a larger community who can help support them.

"It's a way to bring resources to a family," said state Rep. Tricia Farley-Bouvier of Pittsfield, who spoke briefly on Thursday. "There's where the great power and the great potential is."

Adams Hinds, newly elected to the position of state senator, replacing Sen. Benjamin Downing, echoed those sentiments.

"It's very tangible It's meaningful for a parent to know I'm not alone in this,'" he said, drawing on a thought he had while meeting with some special needs parents before coming to Thursday's events. "It's often just that little support that makes the difference. It's that extra help."
BRPC Advocates for Investment in High-Speed Broadband

PITTSFIELD, Mass.  Reliable high-speed broadband is critical to the county's economic competitiveness in the coming years.



That's the point the Berkshire Regional Planning Commission is stressing in an eight-page letter to Gov. Charlie Baker and more than 15 state and local officials detailing the challenges and goals facing communities in this rural area.



"As a region that has struggled economically for forty-five years, and is increasingly reliant on entrepreneurs and sole-proprietors, who are often home-based and can be located anywhere, having full, future proof broadband available across the region is critical to our economic rebuilding and sustainability," the letter states.



The letter was developed by BRPC's Regional Issues Committee with guidance from Lee delegate Peter Bluhm and approved on Thursday night with the caveat the commission's points of action would be put front and center.



"I think there's really good stuff in here, there's the suggestion to basically establish a broadband speed, there's suggestions on the state getting more involved and taking certain actions, suggestions on pole attachments, there's a lot of stuff I think the state could do," said Rene Wood, Sheffield's representative. "I'm concerned it will be buried."



She suggested putting three to five bullet fronts first as an action list and to make sure they're seen by the recipients. It was decided to hand off the task to Executive Director Nathaniel Karns to ensure the letter was sent out as soon as possible. The Massachusetts Broadband Institute is preparing a request for proposals for private sector solutions for "last mile" connections (its director Peter Larkin is on the list) and lawmakers will be preparing legislation for submission in January for coming session.



"I think as quickly as this letter can go out it should, or everyone is going to be behind the 8-ball," said Ken Basler of Monterey. "This letter feeds right into the need for more energy and innovation."



The statement reviews the conditions of broadband historically in the county and calls for a state standard in broadband speeds, recognition of the lack of equity in quality and costs through current providers, the challenges for communities in developing municipal infrastructures, and a lack of regulation.



Many consumers are reliant on DSL or wireless, and while some of the "most very rural towns" are forging a path forward through MBI's program, "the economic hearts of the region, such as Pittsfield, North Adams and Great Barrington, will be left behind, being served only with older cable TV-based systems."


BCC Names Dean of Enrollment Management & Student Success

PITTSFIELD, Mass.  Adam Klepetar has joined Berkshire Community College as dean of enrollment management and student success.



In his new role, he is responsible for leading BCC's efforts in the recruitment and retention of students. Klepetar is also working closely with academic leaders to provide holistic and comprehensive academic success programming for all BCC students.



"Adam's extensive experience in higher education - in the classroom and as an administrative leader - as well as his commitment to open access and student success, make him an excellent addition to BCC," BCC President Ellen Kennedy said said. "He, along with our team in student services, will bring transformative change - that will enhance student experience and outcomes."



Prior to joining BCC, Klepetar served in various roles for more than a decade at St. Cloud State University in St. Cloud, Minn. He most recently was interim assistant provost at St. Cloud State Universitys University College. He previously was director of the institution's First Year and Transition Programs. His experience also includes work as an instructor as well as leadership roles in the Office of Admissions, the Office of Records and Registration and placement testing.






iciHaiti - FLASH : Almost 13,000 police officers and military deployed for elections





At the beginning of the week Michel-Ange Gedeon, the Director General of the National Police of Haiti (PNH), the Lieutenant-General Ajax Porto Pinheiro, Commander of the Military Force of the United Nations Stabilization Mission in Haiti (Minustah) and the Commissioner of Police, Commander of the UN Police Component (UNPol), the General of Brigade Georges-Pierre Monchotte, signed the integrated security plan for the elections of Sunday 20 November 2016.



No less than 9,400 police officers of the Haitian National Police (PNH) will be mobilized to ensure security during the election day with sustained attention in areas with the reputation of register unrest during elections. Approximately 2,000 UNPol police officers and 1.500 soldiers from the Minustah will be mobilized in support of the Haitian police and ready to intervene at the request of the PNH.



S/ iciHaiti


















We work towards an equitable,

gender-just, self-reliant and

sustainable fisheries,

particularly in the small-scale,

artisanal sector

We work towards an equitable,

gender-just, self-reliant and

sustainable fisheries,

particularly in the small-scale,

artisanal sector

We work towards an equitable,

gender-just, self-reliant and

sustainable fisheries,

particularly in the small-scale,

artisanal sector

We work towards an equitable,

gender-just, self-reliant and

sustainable fisheries,

particularly in the small-scale,

artisanal sector
Aussie robbed by men disguised as flirty women in Saigon

The duo, already arrested, admits to snatching phones from many other tourists in the backpackers district.

Police in Ho Chi Minh City arrested two robbers dressed as women who flirted with an Australian man and snatched his phone in the backpackers area on Friday.

The men, 29 and 41, drove a motorbike and approached the victim, who was walking on Pham Ngu Lao Street in District 1 early in the morning, police said.

One of them started walking alongside the foreigner, groped him and then snatched the phone from his pocket.

The duo quickly fled on their motorbike, but they were caught by police soon later.

Both admitted that they had used the same trick on many male tourists walking in the area.

Ho Chi Minh City is a popular destination among foreign visitors. While the city is generally believed to be safe, street crimes targeting foreigners have remained an issue.

Foreign arrivals to Ho Chi Minh City increased 12.2 percent from a year ago to more than 2.43 million in the first six months, according to the citys tourism department.

A September survey by MasterCard named the city among 20 fastest-growing tourist cities in the world since 2009, with 9.22 percent annual growth.

Two men arrested in Ho Chi Minh City on Friday for allegedly snatching a phone from an Australian man. Photo by VnExpress/Quoc Thang

Related news:

Filthy toilets and robberies: Deputy PM names tourism nightmares in Vietnam
Local officials say this could be a fishing vessel which strayed into Vietnamese waters due to recent storms. Photo by VnExpress

The foreign vessel has raised alarms over maritime safety in the region.

Vietnamese authorities believe that an abandoned foreign steel-hull vessel recently found near the central coast is originally from China and that storms might have brought it here.

Coast guard officials have been trying to unravel the mystery of the vessel, spotted by Vietnamese fishermen around 60 nautical miles off the coast of La Gi Town, Binh Thuan Province, on Wednesday. There was no crew member aboard.

The ship, which is 50 meters long and 8.2 meters wide, was then towed to La Gi and anchored around two miles off the coast for fear of possible contamination.

Its name is believed to be Qiong Lin Yu. Inspectors added that the word Lingao on the ship means that it was likely registered in Lingao County, Hainan Province in China. Some documents in Chinese were also found.

Local officials said this could be a fishing vessel which strayed into Vietnamese waters due to recent storms in late October.

"It is likely that the ship is from Lingao District, Hainan Province, China," an official said. "There's no doubt that it has been long out of operation as all valuable parts were removed. We have reason to doubt that storms have caused the ship to drift into our waters. There was also no fuel in the tank.

Local authorities have ruled out the possibility of hijacking, saying there's no sign of violent attacks such as bullet holes or blood stains.

The discovery of the ship has again raised alarms over maritime safety in the region.

On November 12, Vietnam issued a safety warning to vessels traveling through the region after a Vietnamese ship was hijacked off the coast of the Philippines with six crew members aboard.

Following the incident, vessels in the region were urged to exercise extra vigilance or reroute from the area if possible.

Related news:

> Floating ghost ship found by Vietnamese fishermen

> Region on high alert after hijacking of Vietnamese vessel
Imperial Valley News Center

Another species of Varroa mite threatens European honeybees

West Lafayette, Indiana - A sister species of the Varroa destructor mite is developing the ability to parasitize European honeybees, threatening pollinators already hard pressed by pesticides, nutritional deficiencies and disease, a Purdue University study says.

Researchers found that some populations of Varroa jacobsoni mites are shifting from feeding and reproducing on Asian honeybees, their preferred host, to European honeybees, the primary species used for crop pollination and honey production worldwide. To bee researchers, it's a grimly familiar story: V. destructor made the same host leap at least 60 years ago, spreading rapidly to become the most important global health threat to European honeybees.

While host-switching V. jacobsoni mites have not been found outside of Papua New Guinea, Purdue researchers Gladys Andino and Greg Hunt say vigilance is needed to protect European honeybees worldwide from further risk.

"This could represent a real threat," said Andino, a bioinformatics specialist with Information Technology at Purdue. "If this mite gets out of control and spreads, we might have another situation like V. destructor."

Varroa mites are obligate parasites, meaning their lifecycle is inextricably entwined with that of their bee hosts. The mites can do serious damage to their hosts' health due to their relatively large size  "think of a tick as big as your fist," Hunt said. Mites latch on to bees and feed on their hemolymph, insects' rough equivalent to blood, leaving behind open wounds that are susceptible to infection. They can also transmit diseases such as deformed wing virus and have been linked to colony collapse disorder.

To gain insight into the biology behind V. jacobsoni's host switch, Andino and Hunt, professor of behavioral genetics and honeybee specialist, studied the differences in gene expression between V. jacobsoni mites that fed and reproduced on Asian honeybees and those that parasitized European honeybees. Knowing which host cues mites respond to and the genes involved could lead to potential control strategies, the researchers said.

"If we can understand the mechanism, we might be able to disrupt, block or manipulate that," Andino said. "But first we have to understand what is happening and which genes are involved in allowing the mites to shift to a new host."

Andino and Hunt sequenced and assembled the first V. jacobsoni transcriptome, a catalog of all of the proteins made by an organism that shows which genes are actively being expressed. They then used the transcriptome to compare gene expression in populations of V. jacobsoni.

They found 287 differentially expressed genes between the mite populations that only parasitized Asian honeybees and those that successfully fed and reproduced on European honeybees. A change in gene expression is often a sign that an organism is reacting to a change in its environment  in this case, a new host species.

Of these 287 genes, 91 percent were up-regulated in the host-switching mites. Many of these genes were related to stress responses, "which makes sense," Andino said.

"If you're feeding on a new host, you're going to be stressed. You have to adapt. The food is different and might not be optimal for development," she said. "Potentially, European honeybees are not fulfilling the requirements these mites are used to getting from Asian honeybees."

Some genes involved in reproduction and egg production were overexpressed while some genes linked to digestion genes showed reduced expression, compared with the same genes in V. jacobsoni mites that exclusively parasitized Asian honeybees.

Andino and Hunt said the mites' leap to European honeybees likely occurred within the last decade. Previously, V. jacobsoni mites were occasionally found on European honeybees but seemed unable to produce healthy offspring, limiting their destructive capacity.

Catching the host transition in its early stages will allow researchers to continue to investigate the complex genetic details behind the shift and monitor infected European honeybees, Hunt said.

"This happened once with one species of mite, and it looks like it's happening again. Maybe if we catch this as it's beginning, we'll be able to figure out why it's happening or, down the road, stop it."

The paper was published in BMC Genomics on Wednesday (Nov. 16) and is available at http://dx.doi.org/10.1186/s12864-016-3130-3.

Funding for the study and an ongoing genome-sequencing project was provided by the U.S. Department of Agriculture-Agricultural Research Service and the USDA National Institute of Food and Agriculture.
Vietnam's total Zika infection count has reached 56.

The number of confirmed Zika infections in Ho Chi Minh City has risen quickly from 38 to 46 in just four days, bringing the countrys total to 56.

The city's preventive health agency confirmed eight more Zika cases on Thursday. District 2 and Binh Thanh each has nine patients, followed by five in District 9. Nine other districts have reported at least one case.

The city declared a pandemic state of the mosquito-borne disease in October.

The new patients have raised Vietnams total infections to 56, compared to only two cases in April.

The other patients are in the central and southern provinces of Ba Ria-Vung Tau, Binh Duong, Dak Lak, Khanh Hoa, Long An, Phu Yen and Tra Vinh.

In Dak Lak, a 4-month-old baby has been confirmed as Vietnams first case of microcephaly, a birth defect resulting in an abnormally small head, caused by Zika.

But a baby born to an infected woman in HCMC recently has been fine. Doctors are monitoring the baby and three other pregnant women tested positive to the virus.

More than 2,000 babies have been born with Zika-related microcephaly around the world, according to a report from the World Health Organization. Brazil has reported over 1,800 cases while the U.S. has reported 23.

The birth defect appears in 1-10 percent of babies whose mothers contract the Zika virus during the first trimester. Thailand reported two cases of microcephaly linked to the virus in late September, which were the first in Southeast Asia.

Health officials said all people, either men or women, should avoid mosquito bites and traveling to places with Zika outbreaks if they plan to have children.

Aedes aegypti mosquito, which also carries dengue and yellow fever, is a vector species for the Zika virus, which has caused outbreaks in 73 countries and territories.

People are recommended to seek blood tests when having fever combined with rashes or joint pain.

Related news:

>HCMC declares Zika pandemic

>Ho Chi Minh City to provide free Zika tests as virus spreads
Imperial Valley News Center

FTC Roundtable in Chicago Will Examine Consumer Fraud Affecting Latino Communities

Washington, DC - The Federal Trade Commission will host a roundtable on December 5 in Chicago that will bring together leaders of Chicago-area Latino organizations to discuss consumer fraud and its disproportionate impact on Latino communities.

The roundtable, Combating Fraud in Latino Communities, will examine prior FTC research showing that Latinos were more likely than non-Hispanic whites to be fraud victims yet less likely than the general population to report the fraud. It also will address specific consumer issues affecting Latino communities and explore ways to raise awareness and prevent fraud in those communities.

The event will run from 9:30 a.m. until noon in the Metcalfe Federal Building, Room 331, 77 West Jackson Boulevard. It is free and open to the public. Pre-registration is not required, but those who wish to pre-register should send their name, affiliation and email address to This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

For more information, visit www.ftc.gov/CombatingFraudAgainstLatinos or www.ftc.gov/CombatiendoFraudeContraLatinos.
Governor Brown Announces Appointments

Sacramento, California - Governor Edmund G. Brown Jr. today announced the following appointments:

Kealii Bright, 40, of Sacramento, has been appointed deputy secretary for energy and climate at the California Natural Resources Agency, where he has served as deputy secretary for legislation since 2011. Bright held several positions for the California Assembly Budget Committee from 2001 to 2011, including senior consultant, committee consultant and committee assistant. This position does not require Senate confirmation and the compensation is $133,836. Bright is a Democrat.

Caroline Godkin, 43, of Sacramento, has been appointed deputy secretary for legislation at the California Natural Resources Agency. Godkin has been deputy director of legislation at the California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection since 2011. She was a senior fiscal and policy analyst at the California Legislative Analysts Office from 2008 to 2011 and an associate consultant at NewPoint Group from 2006 to 2008. She was a senior consultant at Anite PLC from 2002 to 2004, a consultant at Arthur Andersen Business Consulting from 1999 to 2002 and an associate consultant at OC&C Strategy Consultants from 1997 to 1999. She earned a Master of Science degree in public policy and management from Carnegie Mellon University and a Master of Engineering degree in manufacturing engineering from the University of Cambridge. This position does not require Senate confirmation and the compensation is $122,484. Godkin is registered without party preference.

Julie Basco, 46, of Sacramento, has been appointed deputy director of the Office of Research at the California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation. Basco has been chief of the Bureau of Criminal Information and Analysis at the California Department of Justice since 2007, where she has served in several positions since 1993, including assistant chief, administrator, budget and legislative analyst and research analyst. She was a legislative aide in the Office of California State Assemblymember B.T. Collins from 1991 to 1993. Basco is chair of the National Instant Criminal Background Check Subcommittee for the Federal Bureau of Investigations Advisory Policy Board Executive Committee. This position does not require Senate confirmation and the compensation is $138,900. Basco is a Democrat.

Thomas Chaplin, 47, of Walnut Creek, has been reappointed to the Commission on Peace Officer Standards and Training, where he has served since 2016. Chaplin has been chief of police at the Walnut Creek Police Department since 2013. He was a commander at the Citrus Heights Police Department from 2010 to 2013, where he was a lieutenant from 2006 to 2010. Chaplin held several positions at the California Department of Justice from 2001 to 2006, including special agent in charge, special agent supervisor and special agent. He served in several positions at the Sacramento Police Department from 1989 to 2001, including detective, police officer and academy instructor. Chaplin earned a Master of Science degree in emergency services administration from California State University, Long Beach. This position requires Senate confirmation and there is no compensation. Chaplin is registered without party preference.

Geoff Long, 61, of Sacramento, has been reappointed to the California Commission on Peace Officer Standards and Training, where he has served since 2015. Long served as policy director in the Office of California State Senate President pro Tempore Kevin de Leon from 2014 to 2015 and was a chief consultant for the California Assembly Appropriations Committee from 1995 to 2014. He was chief consultant for the California Assembly Committee on Budget from 1993 to 1994 and held several positions for the California Assembly Ways and Means Committee from 1984 to 1993, including chief consultant, principal consultant and senior consultant. Long served as a field representative in the Office of California State Senator Al Alquist from 1983 to 1984. He was a reporter at the Grand Forks Herald from 1982 to 1983 and a teacher at Bellarmine College Preparatory from 1979 to 1982. Long earned a Master of Arts degree in religious studies from St. John's University. This position requires Senate confirmation and there is no compensation. Long is a Democrat.
Ignoring Cybersecurity is Risky Business

Washington, DC - They say opposites attract. While my husband and I have many important things in common, we are complete opposites in one area. Hes a risk taker, and me  well, not so much. Rather than being labeled as risk adverse, I prefer the term caution giver.

Im a federal employee. I come from a long line of public servants. I bet that my ancestors probably worked in the service of the king or queen, or at least the local earl or baron, before they came to the U.S. My husband is different story. Hes a small-business owner. Whereas I tend to worry and ask a lot of what if? questions, he likes the challenge of being in command and building his business.

In my role as NISTs Cybersecurity for Small Business Outreach Lead, Ive met many small-business owners, and most have similar personalities to my husband. They have incredible drive and an unrelenting spirit. Small business owners see opportunities where caution givers like me only see risk.

While it might be in your nature to be a risk taker, cybersecurity is one area where you need to listen to the caution givers. Many small businesses might not have the resources to employ an entire IT security team, and that makes them especially vulnerable to attack. Not to fret, though, (leave that up to me) there are some simple things you can do now to help manage cybersecurity risks to your small business.

Train Your Employees

Your employees should know the company policy on computer use. Can they use social media on their work computers? Social media is a great way to interact with your customers and grow your business, but hackers can also use it to do social engineering, potentially fooling your employees into giving away information that they could use to hurt your businesss reputation or even steal from you.

What kinds of applications can they download and use? That free game may be fun to play during your lunch break, but what else is it doing? Games and other free applications you find online are a common way that hackers can gain access to computer systems. Only let your employees install applications from trusted sources and only when they need that application to do their work.

How do they handle information that may be sensitive to the business such as tax or payroll information? Your employees need to know that they should not send out sensitive information through unencrypted email.

Aside from these proactive steps, your employees need know what to do when a security incident occurs.

Stay Up to Date

Even the best software isnt perfect, and hackers are constantly looking for ways to exploit those imperfections. Thankfully, software designers and security researchers are also constantly working to correct those imperfections and plug the holes in their products, so be sure to update your software regularly.

Install and Activate Software and Hardware Firewalls

Firewalls can block unwanted traffic such as malicious emails or browsing to blocked websites. You should install a hardware firewall between your small businesss internal network and the Internet.

Secure Wireless Access Point and Networks

If your small business uses wireless networking, make sure that you change the administrative password that was on the device when you bought it. Set the wireless access point so that it does not broadcast its Service Set Identifier (SSID).

Only access wireless networks that you trust and are certain of their security. That free Wi-Fi in the coffee shop may be convenient, but is it secure?

Require Individual User Accounts and Strong Passwords

Each user should have their own individual account and password. Users should not share their passwords with anyone including other employees. Administrative privileges should be limited to a few employees. Your employees should have access only to those systems that they need to do their jobs. Limiting administrative privileges will prevent them from installing unauthorized software. Require your employees use strong passwords and train them on how to select a strong password.

Set Up Web and Email Filters

When you are selecting an email provider make sure they offer filtering for inappropriate messages. Use web browsers that allow web filtering to keep your employees from accessing malware-infected websites.

Make Full Backups of Important Business Data/Information

Do a full, encrypted backup of every computer and mobile device at least once a month. Do this shortly after a complete virus scan. Store your backups away from the office in a protected place, so that if something happens at the office, your data is safe.

Be CyberAware

So, I know that if youre a small business owner, chances are that youre a risk taker, too. It only makes sense. But take it from a caution giver, there are some things that you shouldnt take risks with no matter what, and cybersecurity is one of them. By following these steps, you can steel yourself against attacks and security incidents. And if youre looking for a more detailed, model cybersecurity blueprint, check out the NIST Cybersecurity Framework and Small Business Information Security: The Fundamentals.

And be careful out there!
On the Occasion of Sovereign Prince's Day in Monaco

Washington, DC - Secretary of State John Kerry: "On behalf of President Obama and the American people, I congratulate the Monegasque citizens as you celebrate the Sovereign Princes Day on November 19. Please also accept our warmest felicitations on the tenth anniversary of full diplomatic relations between the United States and Monaco.

"Monaco is one of the worlds oldest sovereignties and has been a trusted friend to the United States for over 150 years. The United States and Monaco are united by a common commitment to freedom, peace, justice, and respect for human rights. Our two countries recognize that strong partnerships are necessary to confront todays global challenges, such as climate change. The United States is especially grateful for Monacos active participation in initiatives to protect the oceans and our environment. Prince Alberts leadership has been invaluable in the global effort to safeguard the environmental health of our planet.

"We look forward to continued collaboration and are confident that the partnership between the United States and Monaco will further deepen as we continue to pursue projects of mutual importance. The United States wishes the people of Monaco a joyous celebration on this special day."




This Isnt Our Last Love Letter



Dear Don Don,

Way back in 92



I walked into the room and knew



Never felt this way before



I shook your hand while gazing into your eyes



And the feeling grew



As I took a seat I knew



A love that would have my heart



Forever



I knew



Way back in 92





They say love at first sight doesnt always last or isnt true



We were the exception to that rule



Our love had no where to hide



A spark set fire



As if this is how the universe started





I never doubted our love or what we could do



Together we grew



Forming a bond everlasting



That became our glue



My euphoria was YOU



Im eternally grateful for the love and life we shared



For how fortunate we were :



to have and to hold

through sickness and in health

Til death do us part



Until we are together again



This isnt our last love letter



I love you with all my heart and soul



Yours forever,



Deirdre (Mrs. Hank Snow)





Im fortunate to have fallen in love with, marry and make a life with the sharpest, coolest, funniest, most rare, bad ass, tender loving, loyal man on the planet, my husband Don Imus.









A True American Hero

I dont know why it has been so hard for me to write about my dear friend Don Imus.



I certainly know what he meant to me, my family, my charity, my hospital and the millions of fans that listened and loved him for so many years.



I keep reading all the beautiful condolences that people are writing about how much a part of their lives were effected by listening to him over the years.

But what most people dont talk enough about is what he did for all of us.

In every sense of the word, he was an American Hero. His work with children with so many different illnesses and his dedication to their future was unmatched by anyone I have ever known or heard about.



Besides raising over $100,000,000 for so many causes, he took care of young people for over 20 years in a state where he could not breathe. Along with his incredible wife Deirdre, he created a world where children were not defined by their disease. That was a miracle! He was a miracle.

I will miss him ever day for the rest of my life.

I was blessed to be a part of his and Deirdes life.

No one will ever do what he did.

I love you Don Imus - A TRUE AMERICAN HERO





David Jurist

IMUS IN THE MORNING

FIRST DAY BACK!
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Temperatures near the North Pole have risen above freezing in the latest sign of the sudden and very serious changes to the Earths climate.

The US Weather Channel reported that at least five buoys near the pole had recorded temperatures between zero and 1.2C on Tuesday this week.

At the same time, parts of central Russia have seen temperatures of -40C.

 Climate change: It's "game over" for planet earth

Professor Peter Wadhams, head of the Polar Ocean Physics Group at Cambridge University, told The Independent that such warmth in the Arctic at this time of year was once virtually unheard of.

Temperatures of more than zero are really exceptional for this time of year. Its remarkable in terms of the way the climate used to be, but over the past six years this is whats developed, he said.

It was, he said, the result of a sudden change in the jet stream  high altitude winds that circle the globe and have a major effect on the weather.

When the sea ice retreated in the Arctic Ocean, in summer it led to much warmer air over the Arctic, Professor Wadhams said.

That reduced the temperature difference between the Arctic and the tropics and that caused the jet stream to slow down and adopt these big lobes.

Each of these lobes brings warm air up to the Arctic and takes cold air down to other places.

It is a trend thats giving us a [relatively] fast rise in sea level, which will become apparent in nasty effects on coastal zones pretty soon.

It is very serious. It is an increasing concern that this is happening rapidly on so many fronts.

10 photographs to show to anyone who doesn't believe in climate change Show all 10 1 /10 10 photographs to show to anyone who doesn't believe in climate change 10 photographs to show to anyone who doesn't believe in climate change A group of emperor penguins face a crack in the sea ice, near McMurdo Station, Antarctica Kira Morris 10 photographs to show to anyone who doesn't believe in climate change Floods destroyed eight bridges and ruined crops such as wheat, maize and peas in the Karimabad valley in northern Pakistan, a mountainous region with many glaciers. In many parts of the world, glaciers have been in retreat, creating dangerously large lakes that can cause devastating flooding when the banks break. Climate change can also increase rainfall in some areas, while bringing drought to others. Hira Ali 10 photographs to show to anyone who doesn't believe in climate change Smoke  filled with the carbon that is driving climate change  drifts across a field in Colombia. Sandra Rondon 10 photographs to show to anyone who doesn't believe in climate change Amid a flood in Islampur, Jamalpur, Bangladesh, a woman on a raft searches for somewhere dry to take shelter. Bangladesh is one of the most vulnerable places in the world to sea level rise, which is expected to make tens of millions of people homeless by 2050. Probal Rashid 10 photographs to show to anyone who doesn't believe in climate change Sindh province in Pakistan has experienced a grim mix of two consequences of climate change. Because of climate change either we have floods or not enough water to irrigate our crop and feed our animals, says the photographer. Picture clearly indicates that the extreme drought makes wide cracks in clay. Crops are very difficult to grow. Rizwan Dharejo 10 photographs to show to anyone who doesn't believe in climate change Hanna Petursdottir examines a cave inside the Svinafellsjokull glacier in Iceland, which she said had been growing rapidly. Since 2000, the size of glaciers on Iceland has reduced by 12 per cent. Tom Schifanella 10 photographs to show to anyone who doesn't believe in climate change A river once flowed along the depression in the dry earth of this part of Bangladesh, but it has disappeared amid rising temperatures. Abrar Hossain 10 photographs to show to anyone who doesn't believe in climate change A shepherd moves his herd as he looks for green pasture near the village of Sirohi in Rajasthan, northern India. The region has been badly affected by heatwaves and drought, making local people nervous about further predicted increases in temperature. Riddhima Singh Bhati 10 photographs to show to anyone who doesn't believe in climate change A factory in China is shrouded by a haze of air pollution. The World Health Organisation has warned such pollution, much of which is from the fossil fuels that cause climate change, is a public health emergency. Leung Ka Wa 10 photographs to show to anyone who doesn't believe in climate change Water levels in reservoirs, like this one in Gers, France, have been getting perilously low in areas across the world affected by drought, forcing authorities to introduce water restrictions. Mahtuf Ikhsan

Zack Labe, a PhD student studying climatology at University of California, Irvine, tweeted a graph showing the average temperature across the wider Arctic area was below zero and falling towards the end of this year, but then starting to move back up again with quite an anomalous spike.

The amount of Arctic sea ice this year has been significantly below the average for 1981 to 2010.

Professor Wadham believes the North Pole could be effectively ice-free within the next few years  even suggesting previously that it could have happened this year.

But most researchers believe this will happen sometime between 2030 and 2050.

This would be the first time the Arctic was free of ice for more than 100,000 years.
The large amount of water together with heavy rain was blamed for severe flooding that killed 9 in central Vietnam last month.

A hydropower dam which discharged a large amount of water without any advance notice and caused flooding in the central province of Ha Tinh last month has been fined VND115.5 million, or nearly $5,200.

The flood, also partly blamed on torrential rains the night of October 15, drowned 5,000 houses and killed nine people.

Inspectors said Ho Ho Hydropower had violated safety rules when releasing between 500-1,800 cubic meters a second, despite heavy rain. Locals were not informed of the discharge and did not anticipate the deadly flows of water.

It is not the first time a hydropower plant had been blamed for devastating flash floods in Vietnam, especially in the central region.

In 2009, A Vuong hydropower dam in the central province of Quang Nam released 150 million cubic meters of water during Typhoon Ketsana, worsening flooding that killed at least 163 people and caused over $786 million worth of damage.

In 2013, water discharged from nine hydropower dams was blamed for aggravating flooding triggered by a tropical depression. The central region recorded 41 deaths.

Related news:

> Vietnamese race against the clock to save what they can from flood

> Stranded flood victims in Ha Tinh on verge of running out food
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Every year, the World Economic Forum releases its Global Competitiveness Report on the state of the world's economies.

The WEF looks at data on areas as varied as the soundness of banks to the sophistication of businesses in each country. It then uses the data to compile a picture of the economy of almost every country on earth.

Countries were ranked according to the "12 pillars of competitiveness," which includes macro-economic environment, infrastructure, health and primary education, and labour market efficiency.

We have drilled down into the schooling data to look at which countries have the best education systems. Neither the US or the UK make the grade in the top 11 (3 countries are tied for 9th, making 11 the clearest cut off point.)

Here are the ones that did make the grade:

=9. Japan: 5.6

Japan is one of the top performing countries for literacy, science, and maths in the OECD group. Students go through six years of elementary school, three years of junior high school, and three years of high school before deciding whether they want to go to university. High school is not compulsory but enrolment is close to 98%.

The more uniform appearance of Tokyo's skyline

=9. Barbados: 5.9

The Barbados government has invested heavily in education, resulting in a literacy rate of 98%, one of the highest in the world. Primary runs from 4 to 11, with secondary 11 to 18. The majority of schools at both levels are state-owned and run.

=9. New Zealand: 5.6

Primary and secondary education in New Zealand runs from aged 5 to aged 19, with school compulsory between 6 and 16. There are three types of secondary schools in New Zealand: state schools educate approximately 85% of students, state-integrated schools  private schools that have been integrated into the state but keep their special charter  educate 12%, and private schools educate 3%.

8. Estonia: 5.7

Estonia spends around 4% of its GDP on education, according to 2015 figures. The country's 1992 Education Act says that the goals of education are "to create favourable conditions for the development of personality, family and the Estonian nation; to promote the development of ethnic minorities, economic, political and cultural life in Estonia and the preservation of nature in the global economic and cultural context; to teach the values of citizenship; and to set up the prerequisites for creating a tradition of lifelong learning nation-wide."

=6. Ireland: 5.8

The majority of secondary schools in Ireland are privately owned and managed but state-funded, but there are also state comprehensives and vocational schools. However, a recent report shows that Ireland's spending on education fell 15% behind the developed world during the height of the financial crisis, 2008 to 2013, suggesting its education system could suffer in future.

=6. Qatar: 5.8

The BBC reported in 2012 that oil-rich Qatar was "becoming one of the most significant players in the field of education innovation, supporting a raft of projects from grassroots basic literacy through to high-end university research." The country is investing heavily in improving educational standards as part of its Vision 2030 programme to make the country self-sufficient. Government-funded schools offer free education but only to Qatari citizens and most foreign nationals tend to send their children to private schools.

5. Netherlands: 5.9

Dutch children were found to be the happiest in the world in a 2013 Unicef study, leading the way globally educational well-being among others. Schools typically don't give much homework until secondary level and students report little pressure and stress. Schools are divided between faith schools and "neutral" state schools, with only a small number of private schools.

(Getty (Getty)

4. Singapore: 6.1

Singapore scores incredibly highly in the PISA (Programme for International Student Assessment) tests, which aim to measure and compare the performance of students across different countries. However, the school system also has a reputation as being a pressure cooker, putting students under a lot of stress at a young age.

=2. Belgium: 6.2

Belgium has four different genres of secondary schools, namely general secondary schools, technical secondary schools, vocational secondary education schools, and art secondary education institutions. The Fulbright Commission in the US, which organises student exchanges with Belgium and Luxembourg says: "Education enjoys high priority, and the largest share of the regional governments annual budget in Belgium. Complete systems of public and private schools are available to all children between the ages of 4 and 18, at little or no cost."

=2. Switzerland: 6.2

Just 5% of children attend private schools in Switzerland. Lessons are taught in different languages depending on the region of Switzerland, with German, French or Italian the most common languages of instruction. From secondary onwards students are separated by ability.

1. Finland: 6.7

Finland routinely tops rankings of global education systems and is famous for having no banding systems  all pupils, regardless of ability, are taught in the same classes. As a result, the gap between the weakest and the strongest pupils is the smallest in the world. Finnish schools also give relatively little homework and have only one mandatory test at age 16.

(Getty Images)

Read more:

 This chart is easy to interpret: It says we're screwed

 How Uber became the world's most valuable startup

 These 4 things could trigger the next crisis in Europe

Read the original article on Business Insider UK.  2016. Follow Business Insider UK on Twitter.
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The students union at a London universtiy has voted to ban the Daily Mail, Sun and Express newspapers on campus  despite there being no shops which sell them on the institutions grounds.

The ban was approved at City University, which is home to one of the most prominent journalism departments in the country.

The decision was met with surprise and outrage from journalism students and former students, who claimed it was censorship and worrying and ignorant. A contest to the motion is now expected.

Recommended NUS president defends safe spaces and no platfiorming at universities

The Student Unions Annual General Meeting on 17 November was attended by 182 members who debated and passed 15 student motions.

Among these was the motion Opposing Fascism and Social Divisiveness in the UK Media. The motion said that while the Mail, Sun and Express were the main focus of its policy, other media organisations were not excluded.

There is no place for the Sun, Daily Mail or Express (In their current form) on City, University of London campuses or properties, the motion said.

It also promoted active pressuring of the aforementioned media outlets to cease to fuel fascism, racial tension and hatred in society and advocated using the Universitys industry contacts to reach out to employees and shareholders of the media outlets in question.

Many journalists working at the publications in question trained at City University.

The union took issue with subjects of both recent and long term controversy. In addition to criticism of high court judges by the Mail and Express, they also rebuked the Sun for its coverage of the Hillsborough disaster.

They also said the publications were Islamophobic, demonised refugees and scapegoated the working classes.

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

When contacted by The Independent, a spokesperson for the union said its president, Yusuf Ahmad, was unavailable all day but sent a statement attributed to him.

It said: City University London Students Union held its Annual General Meeting on Thursday 17th November 2016. The meeting, attended by 182 members, debated and passed 15 student motions. A number of motions passed are committing resources of the Union and will need the further consideration of the Board of Trustees.

A motion titled Opposing Fascism and Social Divisiveness in the UK Media was debated and passed by the members in the Annual General Meeting. The Union is currently unaware of any outlets on campus selling the mentioned media publications. As with all motions, the Union will be considering how it implements this.

However, the Union did not respond to further questions asking how a ban would be enforced, particularly as there is no shop on campus which sells the newspapers.

The Union also refused to say if there were any journalism students present at the AGM or if any had been consulted.

However, on Friday, students at the journalism department reacted with a mixture of surprise and concern.

I think it's a very poor decision, and it's not been publicised across campus at all, said Bridie Pearson-Jones, a Masters student studying interactive journalism.

Banning publications that you don't agree with just causes everyone to live in an echo chamber - it's not opening up to ideas across the political spectrum.

As journalism students we're often encouraged to read as wide variety of newspapers as possible across the political spectrum and tabloids and broadsheets.

 Theresa May hits out at 'safe spaces'

Another student, Jamie Johnson, said: In the age of shutting the door to Europe, building a wall across a national border and calling judges enemies of the people, perhaps decisions like banning newspapers are becoming the new norm.

And Tom Bennett said: I strongly oppose this ruling. As a member of the student union, I am also fearful that I am now part of an organisation whose official policy is censorship.

Other students have asked to withdraw their membership from the Union in response to the decision.

However, the decision was welcomed by some. Former City journalism student Thomas Triebel said a university should be a positive space promoting progressive ideas and dubious far-right ideas and bad journalismdon't have their place inside a university compound.

Professor Suzanne Franks, Head of the Department of Journalism at City, University of London, said: City's Department of Journalism is regarded as a leader in its field, with an unrivalled record of helping graduates secure attractive employment in both traditional and emerging journalist roles.

We combine professional skills training with a concern for professional standards and the importance of fair, impartial and ethical reporting is at the heart of our courses.

Students on our journalism courses value being able to access the views of publications and broadcasters across the industry and the department will continue to enable all these opportunities.

A university spokesperson also said the motion was still at an early stage, not binding and that the university had not been approached prior to it being passed.
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Alt-right journalist Milo Yiannopoulos said that gender inequality and the wage gap were "conspiracy theories" and that his boss at Breitbart turned government adviser should not care if he offended people.

Days after Stephen Bannon, executive chairman of Breitbart News, was appointed as Donald Trumps chief strategist, Breitbart columnist Mr Yiannopoulos argued that he and his colleagues were not racists or misogynists.

"Breitbart is a company that is almost entirely staffed by Jews. Im a gay Jew and he made me into a star," he claimed in a heated Channel 4 News interview with Cathy Newman.

He also called out modern feminism as "nasty, ugly, sociopathic and mean" and that women "agreed" with him.

He said that feminists and movements like Black Lives Matter had ruled a policy of "feelings first, facts later" for the last 30 years in the US.

"They spread conspiracy theories, propaganda about the wage gap, campus rape culture - this stuff isnt real," he said.

The British-born writer and commentator was permanently banned from Twitter earlier this year as the social media company made a push to crack down on white supremacist-associated accounts.

Ms Newman challenged him on so-called satirical articles where he wrote that women should log off the internet, and that mass immigration should stop, otherwise people would "really know" what rape culture meant.

"You know perfectly well that it is a provocation to make people think and to perhaps make them laugh," he said.

"I do delight in offending people. I think the grievance brigade, victimhood, you know the idea that hurt feelings are some kind of special currency, I think that needs to come to an end and America agrees," he added.

Vermont Senator Bernie Sanders and and other legislators have called on Mr Trump to dump Mr Bannon from his administration come 2017, arguing he made anti-semitic comments and was a misogynist.

Mr Trump has only made two key appointments so far, and one of them was Mr Bannon.
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A federal appeals court in Chicago on Friday blocked the immediate release from prison of Brendan Dassey, a Wisconsin man whose homicide conviction was overturned in a case chronicled in the popular Netflix television documentary Making a Murderer.

A U.S. magistrate judge in August ruled that the guilty verdict returned by a trial jury in 2007 against Dassey, now 27, was based on a coerced confession he gave as a 16-year-old with a learning disability.

Wisconsin Attorney General Brad Schimel appealed the judge's ruling, and prosecutors sought to keep Dassey in prison while the case is under review.

Netflix originals to look forward to in 2016 Show all 14 1 /14 Netflix originals to look forward to in 2016 Netflix originals to look forward to in 2016 House of Cards - Season Four - 4 March Last time we were in Frank Underwoods White House things werent looking to great for the President, his first Lady having just walked out on him. What will happen next in the critically acclaimed show is anyones guess. Netflix Netflix originals to look forward to in 2016 Daredevil - Season Two - 18 March Back in Hells Kitchen things were seemingly getting better. Kingpin is in prison and the crime syndicates should have dispersed - for the meantime at least. Unfortunately for Matt Murdoch, theres a new anti-hero in town: The Punisher. Netflix originals to look forward to in 2016 Flaked - 11 March According to Netflix, Flaked is set in the insular world of Venice, California. It follows the serio-comic story of a self-appointed 'guru' who falls for the object of his best friends fascination. Soon the tangled web of half-truths and semi-b******* that underpins his all-important image and sobriety begins to unravel. Arnett plays Chip, a man doing his honest best to stay one step ahead of his own lies. Netflix Netflix originals to look forward to in 2016 Unbreakable Kimmy Schmidt - Season Two - 15 April Following the story of 29-year-old Kimmy Schmidt on her journey through New York, season two is set to start right where the last left us. The Tina Fey created sitcom has already been renewed for a third season, so you know this one has to be good. Netflix originals to look forward to in 2016 The Ranch - 1 April A comedy starring Ashton Kutcher. Based on a failed semi-pro footballer who returns home to a Colorado ranch. It also has some of the producers from Two and a Half Men behind it, which just happens to be one of the most successful shows of all time. Netflix originals to look forward to in 2016 Marseille - 5 May Netflixs first French language original is a tale of power, corruption and redemption. Sounding like it could very well be the next Narcos. Netflix originals to look forward to in 2016 Grace and Frankie - Season Two - 6 May The tale of a retired cosmetics mogul and a hippie art teacher living together was a hit across the world, especially in the US. Starring Jane Fonda and Lily Tomlin, the show has already been renewed for a third season. Netflix originals to look forward to in 2016 Orange is the New Black - Season Four - 17 June Another Netflix powerhouse, Orange is the New Black will see us returning to Litchfield Penitentiary. Prepare for more Piper, Alex and Red come June. Netflix originals to look forward to in 2016 Stranger Things - 15 July Eight-episode series starring Winona Ryder that follows a small community as they look for a young boy who has seemingly vanished. It all sounds quite scary. Netflix originals to look forward to in 2016 The Get Down - August 12th "Told through the lives and music of a ragtag crew of South Bronx teens, The Get Down is a mythic saga of the transformation of 1970s New York City. Directed by Baz Luhrmann, this is sure to be as stylish as anything hes done before. Netflix originals to look forward to in 2016 The Crown - Spring Starring Doctor Who actor Matt Smith, the period drama reveals the political rivalries and romance behind Queen Elizabeth II's reign and the events that shaped the 2nd half of the 20th century." Netflix originals to look forward to in 2016 Luke Cage - Fall 2016 First appearing alongside Jessica Jones in her Netflix series, Luke Cage will pic up the pieces, seeing Cage come to terms with his super-strength and impenetrable skin. It is unknown whether Kathryn. Netflix originals to look forward to in 2016 Narcos - Season 2 - Fall 2016 Its back. The Netflix series hyped to match Breaking Bad was an astounding success around the world, apparently watched more than Game of Thrones. Well find out what happens to Pablo Escabar now he doesnt have the protection of all his men. Netflix Inc. Netflix originals to look forward to in 2016 A Series of Unfortunate Events - Fall 2016 Netflix is set to revisit the much-loved childrens novel, putting Neil Patrick Harris as Count Olaf in a show that looks so much creepier than the 2004 film. Not much else is known - i.e. casting - but Lemony Snicket is on board as executive producer, so get excited.

On Thursday, a day before Dassey was scheduled to be freed, the Chicago-based 7th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals sided with prosecutors. A three-judge panel ordered him to remain incarcerated pending the outcome of the appeal, but did not explain its reasoning.

Dassey and his uncle, Steven Avery, were convicted in separate trials of killing freelance photographer Teresa Halbach at Avery's home and scrap yard in 2005. Her charred remains were found in an incineration barrel and a burn pit on Avery's property, about 80 miles (130 km) north of Milwaukee.

The nephew, then 17, was found guilty of first-degree intentional homicide, second-degree sexual assault and mutilation of a corpse. Avery was convicted of first-degree intentional homicide and unlawful possession of a firearm as a felon. Both were sentenced to life in prison.

The case was the subject of the 10-part documentary Making a Murderer, which questioned the handling of the investigation and the motives of Manitowoc County law enforcement officials.

The documentary, which first went into production 10 years ago, recounted how Avery was convicted of an earlier, unrelated rape and sent to prison in 1985, serving 18 years before DNA evidence exonerated him and he was released.

He filed a $36 million federal lawsuit against the county, its former sheriff and district attorney in 2004. A year later, he and Dassey were accused of killing Halbach.

The Emmy-nominated documentary suggested that authorities planted evidence against both defendants, a claim rejected by the current sheriff.

Avery has filed a notice of appeal in his own case.

Reuters.
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The message is simple: Donald Trump will reward those who are loyal to him.

The President-elect has reportedly offered the job of Americas top law officer to a man once rejected as a federal judge for alleged racism.

CBS was the first to report that Mr Trump offered the position of Attorney General to Jeff Sessions, 69, currently a senator from Alabama and who has played an important role in constructing the tycoons policy positions on immigration, counterterrorism and trade.

Mr Sessions was one of the first members of Congress to get behind Mr Trumps campaign and offered his support at a time when many Republicans on Capitol Hill  including figures such as Speaker Paul Ryan  were seeking to distance themselves from him.

Mr Sessions has served four terms as a senator for the southern state. But he is viewed with great controversy among civil rights activists. Democrats in the Senate, who will need to approve the decision, might try and put up a fight.

The New York Times said that when he was serving as a government prosecutor in Alabama, he was nominated in 1986 by President Ronald Reagan for a federal judgeship.

However, his nomination was rejected by the Senate Judiciary Committee  which at the time was controlled by the Republicans  because of behaviour and comments that many considered racist.

 Lt. Gen. Michael Flynn (Ret) says islam is a political ideology and not a religion

At that time, he was one of two judicial nominees whose selections were halted by the panel in nearly 50 years.

Former colleages told the committee on Capitol Hill that Mr Sessions had referred to the National Association for the Advancement of Coloured People (NAACP), the Southern Christian Leadership Conference and other civil rights groups as un-American and Communist-inspired.

A black federal prosecutor, Thomas Figures, said Mr Sessions had referred to him as boy and testified that Mr. Sessions said the Ku Klux Klan was fine until I found out they smoked pot. Mr Sessions dismissed that remark as a joke.

Mr Sessions was also accused of speaking disparagingly of the Voting Rights Act and the stringent oversight it placed on southern states.

The news of the job of head of the US Department of Justice being offered to Mr Sessions comes as Mr Trump continues to try and create a new government, for when he assumes the presidency on January 20.

Working out of Trump Tower in New York, he has already made several controversial selections, including Steve Bannon as political advisor. On Thursday night, it emerged he had offered the job of National Security Advisor - a job that does not require congressional approval - to Gen Mike Flynn, who has previously made disparaging remarks about Islam.

On Friday, it was also reported Mr Trump had appointed Congressman Mike Pompeo, a vocal opponent of the Iran nuclear deal, to head the CIA. He will replace John Brennan.
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George Takei has spoken of his experiences of being locked up in a Japanese internment camp as a child after a high-profile Trump supporter cited the World War Two measure as a precedent for a national register of Muslims.

On Wednesday, Carl Higbie, who is a high-profile supporter of Donald Trump and a former spokesperson for Great America PAC, said the idea of a national registry for Muslims would be constitutionally sound as there is precedent for it in the US.

The precedent he cited on Fox News was the US internment of Japanese-Americans during the Second World War. The comparison to the days of Japanese internment camps, which the US government subsequently apologised for in 1988, has drawn widespread condemnation.

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.

At the age of five, Takei and his parents were taken from their Los Angeles home at gunpoint to a camp. In an essay for the Washington Post, the Star Trek actor warned that the "human tragedy which occurred during internment should remind people like Mr Higbie of the real cost of such measures.

 Trump supporter cites Japanese internment camps as 'precedent' for Muslim registry

The internment was a dark chapter of American history, in which 120,000 people, including me and my family, lost our homes, our livelihoods, and our freedoms because we happened to look like the people who bombed Pearl Harbour. Higbie speaks of the internment in the abstract, as a precedent or a policy, ignoring the true human tragedy that occurred, he wrote.

Recommended Trump backer claims Muslim registry is the same as Japanese internment

Takei also blasted the idea of using national security as a reason to marginalise minorities.

Let us all be clear: National security must never again be permitted to justify wholesale denial of constitutional rights and protections. If it is freedom and our way of life that we fight for, our first obligation is to ensure that our own government adheres to those principles. Without that, we are no better than our enemies, he wrote. Let us also agree that ethnic or religious discrimination cannot be justified by calls for greater security.

The 79-year-old said history should serve as a lesson that such measures do not work. Mr Trump's spokesperson has denied the President-elect has plans for a national Muslim registry, yet a video of him endorsing the idea last year has surfaced.

It begins with profiling and with registries, but as Trump and Higbie have made clear, once the safety of the country is at stake, all safeguards are off. In their world, national security justifies actions that are sometimes not right, and no one really can guarantee where it will end.

We cannot permit this invidious thinking, discredited by history at the cost of so much misery and suffering by innocents, to take root once again in America, let alone in the White House. The stigmatisation, separation and labelling of our fellow humans based on race or religion has never led to a more secure world. But it has too often led to one where the most vulnerable pay the highest price.
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An actress who had roles in Law & Order, Gossip Girl and Unbreakable Kimmy Schmidt has died at the age of 52.

Lisa Lynn Masters was reportedly found dead on Tuesday by workers in a hotel in Peru where she had been staying while she travelled to model in the South American country.

Her family did not confirm how Masters died in a statement, saying: As to her husband and familys wishes, we hope that the industry can mourn her death without details. In these darkening days, we hope those who have had the pleasure of knowing her will see how brightly she shined and will find that light within themselves and continue to share it with others just as she would have, reports E! News.

Notable deaths in 2016 Show all 42 1 /42 Notable deaths in 2016 Notable deaths in 2016 Debbie Reynolds was an American actress, singer, businesswoman, film historian, and humanitarian. She died on December 28 in Los Angeles Rex Notable deaths in 2016 Actress Carrie Fisher died on December 27 aged 60 Rex Notable deaths in 2016 Comedian and Actor Ricky Harris died on December 26 aged 54 Rex Notable deaths in 2016 British singer George Michael died on 25 December aged 53 Getty Notable deaths in 2016 Rick Parfitt OBE was an English musician, best known for being a singer, songwriter and rhythm guitarist in the rock band Status Quo. He died on December 24 in Marbella, Spain Rex Notable deaths in 2016 Lord Jenkin of Roding died at the age of 90 on the 21 December PA wire Notable deaths in 2016 Rabbi Lionel Blue died on the 19 December Rex Notable deaths in 2016 Zsa Zsa Gabor died on December 18 Getty Notable deaths in 2016 Leonard Cohen died on 7 November Getty Images Notable deaths in 2016 Grand secretary of the Orange Order Drew Nelson died on 10 October aged 60 after a short illness PA Notable deaths in 2016 Aaron Pryor, the relentless junior welterweight died Sunday, Oct. 9, at the age of 60 at his home in Cincinnati after a long battle with heart disease AP Notable deaths in 2016 Polish Director Andrzej Wajda died on October 9, aged 90 Reuters Notable deaths in 2016 Stylianos Pattakos has died following a stroke on 8th October. He was 103 years old. AP Notable deaths in 2016 Dickie Jeeps, was an English rugby union player who played for Northampton. He represented and captained both the England national rugby union team and the British Lions in the 1950s and 1960s. He died on 8th October. He was 84 Getty Notable deaths in 2016 Duke of Westminster Billionaire landowner the Duke of Westminster, Gerald Cavendish Grosvenor has died on 9 August, aged 64 Rex Features Notable deaths in 2016 Christina Knudsen Sir Roger Moores stepdaughter Christina Knudsen has died from cancer on 25 July at teh age of 47 Getty Images Notable deaths in 2016 Caroline Aherne The actress Caroline Aherne has died from cancer on 2 July at the age of 52 Getty Images Notable deaths in 2016 Christina Grimmie Christina Grimmie, 22, who was an American singer and songwriter, known for her participation in the NBC singing competition The Voice, was signing autographs at a concert venue in Orlando on 10 June when an assailant shot her. Grimmie was transported to a local hospital where she died from her wounds on 11 June Getty Notable deaths in 2016 Kimbo Slice Former UFC and Bellator MMA fighter Kimbo Slice died after being admitted to hospital in Florida on 6 June, aged 42 Getty Notable deaths in 2016 Muhammad Ali The three-time former heavyweight world champion died after being admitted to hospital with a respiratory illness on 3 June, aged 74 Getty Images Notable deaths in 2016 Sally Brampton Brampton who was the launch editor of the UK edition of Elle magazine has died on 10 May, aged 60 Grant Triplow/REX/Shutterstock Notable deaths in 2016 Billy Paul The soul singer Billy Paul, who was best known for his single Me and Mrs Jones, has died on 24 April, aged 81 Noel Vasquez/Getty Images Notable deaths in 2016 Prince Prince, the legendary musician, has been found dead at his Paisley Park recording studio on 21 April. He was 57 Notable deaths in 2016 Chyna WWE icon Joan Laurer dies aged 45 after being found at California home on 20 April Notable deaths in 2016 Victoria Wood The five-time Bafta-winning actress and comedian Victoria Wood has died on 20 April at her London home after a short illness with cancer. She was 62 Notable deaths in 2016 David Gest The entertainer and former husband of Liza Minnelli, David Gest has been found dead on 12 April in the Four Seasons hotel in Canary Warf, London. He was 62-years-old PA Notable deaths in 2016 Denise Robertson Denise Robertson, an agony aunt on This Morning for over 30 years, has died on 1 April, aged 83 Notable deaths in 2016 Zaha Hadid Dame Zaha Hadid, the prominent architect best known for designs such as the London Olympic Aquatic Centre and the Guangzhou Opera House, has died of a heart attack on 31 March, aged 65 2010 AFP Notable deaths in 2016 Ronnie Corbett British entertainer Ronnie Corbett has passed away on 31 March at the age of 85 2014 Getty Images Notable deaths in 2016 Imre Kertesz Hungarian writer and Holocaust survivor Imre Kertesz, who won the 2002 Nobel Literature Prize, has died on 31 March, at the age of 86 REUTERS Notable deaths in 2016 Rob Ford Rob Ford, the former controversial mayor of Toronto, has died following a battle with a rare form of cancer. The 46-year-old passed away at the Mount Sinai Hospital in Toronto on 22 March Notable deaths in 2016 Joey Feek Joey (left) passed away in March after a two-year cancer illness. She was part of country music duo, Joey + Rory, with her husband Rory (right) Jason Merritt/Getty Images Notable deaths in 2016 Umberto Eco Italian writer and philosopher Umberto Eco died 19 February 2016 aged 84 EPA Notable deaths in 2016 Harper Lee Harper Lee, the American novelist known for writing 'To Kill a Mockingbird', died February 19, 2016 aged 89 2005 Getty Images Notable deaths in 2016 Vanity Vanity, pictured performing in 1983, died aged 57 REX Features Notable deaths in 2016 Dave Mirra The BMX legend's body found inside truck with gunshot wound after apparent suicide aged 41 Notable deaths in 2016 Harry Harpham The former miner became Sheffield Labour MP in May after many years as a local councillor. He died after succumbing to cancer, at the age of 61. Notable deaths in 2016 Dale Griffin The Mott the Hoople drummer died on January 17, aged 67 REX Notable deaths in 2016 Rene Angelil Celine Dion's husband and manager Rene Angelil has lost his battle with cancer on 14 January, aged 73 2011 Getty Images Notable deaths in 2016 Alan Rickman Legendary actor Alan Rickman has died on 14 January at the age of 69 after battle with pancreatic cancer. He is largely regarded as one of the most beloved British actors of our generation with roles in Love Actually, Die Hard, Michael Collins, and Robin Hood: Prince of Thieves and an illustrious stage career 2015 Getty Images Notable deaths in 2016 Maurice White The Earth, Wind & Fire founder died aged 74. The nine-piece band sold more than 90 million albums worldwide and won six Grammy awards Notable deaths in 2016 Lawrence Phillips Former NFL star found dead in prison cell on 13 January in suspected suicide, aged 40 AFP/Getty Images

A Go Fund Me page set up to aid Masters husband William in transporting her body back to the United States and help with funeral costs said the actress died tragically and unexpectedly and said her genuine warmth, generosity and tenacious strength will be deeply missed.

Local reports say police are investigating an apparent suicide.

Masters had roles in television series including Law & Order, Ugly Betty, Gossip Girl, Nashville and most recently the Netflix series Unbreakable Kimmy Schmidt. She had also starred in films including The Stepford Wives and Its Complicated.
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Donald Trump may have been anxious before the first Republican debate because he believed he was going to be asked about his first wifes claim - later retracted - that he had raped her, one of the events moderators has claimed.

Fox News anchor Megan Kelly, who is promoting a new book and who was one of the moderators for the debate in Cleveland in the summer of 2015, said that that in advance of the event, Mr Trump had complained to officials at her network about what questions she might ask.

In her memoir, Settle for More, she said: Mr Trump he had heard that my first question was a very pointed question directed at him.

Megyn Kelly at the Republican presidential candidates debate in Iowa - Photo Alex Wong/Getty Images (Getty)

Ms Kellys first question was indeed directed at Mr Trump, and she asked him to explain his offensive comments about women, saying he had referred to them as fat pigs and dogs. Mr Trump later claimed Ms Kelly had asked him the tough question because she was menstruating

But the anchor has revealed in an interview with USA Today, that Mr Trump had been most worried that she would bring up allegations made by the tycoons first wife, Ivana Trump.

In divorce papers filed 25 years ago, she has said Mr Trump had raped her during a fight.

The allegation was contained in the the 1993 book Lost Tycoon: The Many Lives of Donald J Trump. Ivana Trump would later withdraw the allegation, but said that he had violated her. Mr Trump denied the allegation. Mr Trumps lawyer, Michael Cohen, said last year that it was impossible in law for a man to rape his wife.

Mr Trump's campaign transition team did not respond to inquiries on Friday.

 Kanye West: 'I would have voted for Trump'

The newspaper said that a few weeks before the Cleveland debate, Ms Kelly devoted a segment of her programme, The Kelly File, to an interview with the author of a report on The Daily Beast about the rape allegation.

Ms Kelly said that after the segment aired, an angry Mr Trump called and told her that I almost unleashed my beautiful Twitter account on you, and I still may.

Ms Kelly, 45, said she did not believe her question leaked to Mr Trump in advance.

I dont think he had any idea, she said. What I think he was worried about was his divorce from Ivana Trump.He was afraid I was going to bring that up.

Ms Kelly has said that following the debate, she began to receive death threats and hate mail from supporters of Mr Trump. She felt obliged to travel with bodyguards, she said.
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It has been almost three months since Arek Jozwik, a 40-year-old Polish factory worker in Harlow, was killed after being punched to the ground. Harlow police arrested six teenagers, five of whom were released because of insufficient evidence, while one has been released on bail. Two Polish police officers dispatched from Warsaw to reassure Harlows Polish community have headed home, leaving Mr Jozwiks friends and family desperate for justice and deeply afraid. We only stick together now. We only go to places where you know who is there, says Eric Hind, a Polish close friend of Mr Jozwik.

It has been a hard year for Poles in Britain. After months of anti-immigrant rhetoric, the Brexit vote led to a 41 per cent surge in hate crimes in the following month. Days after the referendum, the Polish Social and Cultural Association in west London found the words f*** you scrawled across the entrance. On a bus in Newcastle, a boy set a Polish womans hair on fire. In Leeds, a local couple allegedly told a Polish shopkeeper to go back to your own country. The man, who had a heart condition, collapsed and had to be taken to hospital.

Across Britain, Polish citizens  builders, teachers, entrepreneurs  raised their families and formed deep ties. Earlier this year the Office for National Statistics announced that Poles had overtaken Indians as the countrys largest foreign-born population. But faced with an uncertain future after the Brexit vote and a surge of hostility toward immigrants, many in the Polish community are asking themselves if its really worth staying here.

A vigil held in Harlow for Arek Jozwik, a Polish man killed in an attack believed to be a hate crime (PA)

The uncertainty comes at a time when Donald Trumps sweeping victory in the US presidential election has left some Latinos feeling the same way. I want to cry, but I feel numb, says Carlos Yanez, 17, an undocumented immigrant, who received temporary relief from deportation by an executive order signed by President Barack Obama, which could be overturned when Trump takes office. I dont know what my future is now.

Many UK Poles dont know either. Though many Britons think of Polish migration as a recent phenomenon, the community has deep roots here. The 1947 Polish Resettlement Act offered British citizenship to more than 200,000 Poles who had contributed to the war effort  about 6,000 members of the Polish air force helped win the Battle of Britain. From 1940 until 1990, during Nazi and Communist rule, Polish authorities set up a government-in-exile in London, which several Western states recognised as the de facto Polish capital.

Polish Ambassador Arkady Rzegocki alongside Harlow MP Robert Halfon (right) in Harlow (PA)

Since Poland joined the EU in 2004, the number of Poles in Britain has grown eightfold, from almost 100,000 to 831,000, thanks to immigrant-friendly policies introduced by Tony Blair. When 10 new countries joined the EU in 2004, most from the former Eastern bloc, Britain was one of only three EU countries to immediately open up its labour market, making it an attractive destination for Poles who spoke the language and were eager to take advantage of higher wages in sectors like construction and hospitality. The Eastern European immigrants were good for the economy, but the British Government underestimated the number of those who arrived in the first decade by more than 350,000; anti-immigrant politicians and tabloids used the error to inflame anger over the displacement of low-skilled British workers.

In 2014, Ukip won the 2014 European Parliament election on the issue of EU immigrant labour. One notorious poster read: 26 million people in Europe are looking for work, and whose jobs are they after? Before the referendum in June, European Commission President Jean-Claude Juncker suggested that the British Governments decision to welcome so many Eastern Europeans so quickly caused the anti-immigration sentiment that partly drove the Leave vote.

Now Poles living in the UK worry that they may not be able to stay. Westminster has said it expects to allow Poles already living in the UK to remain but is waiting on a similar promise from the EU that British citizens will also be able to stay on the continent.

A card allegedly put through the letter box of a Polish family (Twitter/@howgilb)

Some Poles may not wait to find out. On a trip here in September, citing the strength of his countrys economy, the Polish deputy prime minister Mateusz Morawiecki said he expected large numbers of Poles to go home. But Madeleine Sumption, director of the Migration Observatory at Oxford, believes a mass exodus of Poles is unlikely because of their ties to the UK. Since Mr Morawieckis comments, Polish officials have softened their warnings about a mass migration. It is too soon to speculate about the scale and directions of migration flows after Brexit, Polands Europe minister Konrad Szymanski said.

If large numbers of Poles do leave, however, it would be economically disastrous for Britain. Polish citizens have become contributors to key sectors of the economy, from farming and construction to technology. A 2014 University College London study found that European immigrants arriving since 2000 contributed more than 20bn to the public purse between 2001 and 2011, and endowed the country with human capital that would have cost 6.8bn in spending on education.

To hold on to our Polish citizens, we will have to make them feel welcome. Barbara Mirowska, editor of the Polish Express, Britains biggest Polish-language newspaper, says most Poles who have contacted her paper after the Brexit vote have concerns that are less economic than cultural. They are not afraid of losing their jobs, as the majority of Poles are hardworking and skilled, she says. They are more frightened of a situation in which they are stigmatised and perceived as unwanted. Adam Bodnar, Polands independent human rights commissioner, says it would help if the Government confirmed Poles right to remain now, rather than waiting for the same assurance about British citizens living in Europe. If politicians are treating this whole group as a bargaining chip, Mr Bodnar says, it creates an atmosphere of instability.

In the long term, many Poles want to see their history in the UK recognised. Daniel Kawczynski, the Conservative MP  the first Polish-born person to sit in the House of Commons  is campaigning for a memorial to commemorate the role of Polish airmen in the Battle of Britain. Its a strong symbolic gesture at this time to say that we acknowledge the contribution, he said.

Daniel Kawczynski (Getty)

Others, such as Bartek Luszcz, marketing director of Volleyball England, are trying to import Polish culture into Britain. Luszcz, the chair of IBB Polonia, a club in London made up largely of Polish-born players or those of Polish descent, wants to develop volleyball, a big business in Poland, to similar heights here. Hopefully, soon there will be a Poland-England or Poland-Team GB high-level volleyball match, and someone will say: Hey, thats Polish people who taught [the] English how to play volleyball, he said. Such imports add to the British economy too; the UKs curry trade, founded by Indian and Bangladeshi immigrants, now generates more than 4bn.

Already Britains Poles are making significant contributions to their adopted country. Companies House recently released a document it describes as imperfect but that lists about 30,000 British companies whose owners or directors are Polish citizens. And like many immigrants, Poles have created jobs in Londons tech sector, co-founding companies like Azimo, a start-up that makes it easier to transfer money between friends, and GrantTree, which helps tech companies access government funding. GrantTree employs 28 people and has raised nearly 45m for UK tech companies. But its Polish co-founder, Paulina Sygulska Tenner, is waiting on the outcome of Brexit negotiations with the EU before deciding whether to keep the bulk of her business in London. And the Brexit vote has made her wonder whether she should personally be moving elsewhere in Europe. You dont really want to live in a country where you fundamentally disagree withthe principles on which its external politics is built, she says.

Hind feels the same way. When he arrived in Britain in 2004, the country was like a dream, he says, but now the place has got a big question mark. Before his friends death, he had hoped to stay here for the sake of his nearly two-year-old daughter: she was born in Britain, and Hind wanted her to grow up there too. Now he is thinking hard about leaving. Its up to Britain to win him back.

With additional reporting by Terry Greene Sterling in Phoenix.

 Newsweek
The notorious militants had already claimed responsibility for the kidnapping.

The Abu Sayyaf group was behind the abduction of Vietnamese sailors on November 11 when the rebels boarded a freighter in Philippine waters near their Basilan Island stronghold,

We have received reports coming from our field operations units that the Vietnamese sailors are being held by Abu Sayyaf, Philippines Daily Inquirer quoted Edgard Arevalo, Armed Forces Public Affairs Chief, as saying on November 16 at Camp Aguinaldo.

He could not confirm if the captives had been taken to Basilan and said this information is the subject of further verification.

Arevalo said the Vietnamese embassy to the Philippines is supporting authorities by providing an interpreter.

The dangerous waters near Abu Sayyaf's stronghold. Photo courtesy of the Regional Cooperation Agreement on Combating Piracy and Armed Robbery against Ships in Asia

The Vietnamese MV Royal 16, which was carrying cement, sent a distress call at 3:30 a.m. on November 11, when 10 gunmen in a speedboat intercepted it around 10 nautical miles to the southwest of Basilan, one of five provinces in the Philippines' troubled southern Muslim autonomous region.

The militants attacked and captured the ship's captain alongside five crew member, while two members escaped with one wounded.

The crewmen will undergo a debriefing and it's my understanding that the Vietnamese Embassy will be taking part in the interview," Alvaro said. "They will help by providing an interpreter so that we can get a clear picture of the situation.

On November 12, Vietnam issued a safety warning to vessels traveling through the region, and other maritime administrations have urged extra vigilance or rerouting from the area if possible.

Related news:

> Region on high alert after hijacking of Vietnamese vessel

> Vietnamese ship hijacked off Philippines, 6 abducted

> Floating ghost ship found by Vietnamese fishermen
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Nicola Sturgeon has said the Scottish government will look into the possibility of giving Northern Irish women free abortions.

The Scottish First Minister told the devolved parliament she is considering the proposal, in response to a question from Green Party MSP Patrick Harvie. She told the chamber: I am happy to explore with the NHS what the situation is now in terms of the ability of women from Northern Ireland to access sage and legal abortion in NHS Scotland and whether any improvements can be made.

Like Patrick Harvie, I believe that women should have the right to choose, within the limits that are currently set down in law, and that that right should be defended. When a woman opts to have an abortion- I stress that that is never ever an easy decision for any woman- the procedure should be available in a safe and legal way.

Unlike the rest of the UK, abortion in Northern Ireland is a criminal offence for which women can face life in prison. Abortions are banned for all circumstances unless a womans life is in danger, including in cases where a woman has been raped or the foetus has a fatal abnormality meaning it will not survive outside the womb.

In November 2015, a high court judge ruled the laws breach human rights legislation, however the following Spring the Northern Ireland Assembly voted to keep the ban regardless. Westminster has been urged to overturn the laws by passing legislation in Westminster.

In addition to being illegal to have an abortion in Northern Ireland, Northern Irish women are not entitled to free NHS abortions when they travel to England for the procedures and instead have to pay for private healthcare. The total cost of travelling for the procedure is estimated at around 1,000.

The Supreme Court is currently considering a legal challenge brought by a Northern Irish woman arguing it is discriminatory for NHS England to refuse Northern Ireland women abortions as they are UK citizens. However, the NHS has argued that as the procedure is banned locally they are not entitled to procedures in England either.

UK news in pictures Show all 50 1 /50 UK news in pictures UK news in pictures 1 November 2022 Englands Tara-Jane Stanley scores their sides seventh try against Brazil during the Womens Rugby League World Cup group A match at Headingley Stadium, Leeds PA 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

Earlier this year a 21-year-old woman was convicted in a Belfast court of having an abortion. The court was told the woman had an unplanned pregnancy and tried to raise enough money to travel to England for a termination but could not afford to do so. Instead, she bought pills online and performed a termination on herself at home. Her flatmates found blood-stained items and foetal remains in a bin and subsequently called the police who attended the scene and arrested her.

Another Northern Irish woman is due to appear in court accused of helping her daughter have an abortion.
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The Liberal Democrats could beat Labour at the next general election because of their pledge to hold a second EU referendum, a new poll suggests.

A survey by YouGov found that the Liberals would surge to second place on the back of disaffected Remain voters if they were the only party offering second referendum.

The survey found that if all the parties except the Lib Dems said they would press ahead with Brexit, the Lib Dems would gain 22 per cent of the vote, while Labour would score just 19 per cent.

Recommended Green Party leader Caroline Lucas calls for second EU referendum

The Conservatives would come first with 39 per cent of the vote and Ukip would take 14 per cent.

The results would produce a notional Tory majority in the Commons of over 100 seats, according to an electoral calculus projection of the results.

Labour, the Conservatives and Ukip have all already said they would accept the result of Brexit  while the Liberal Democrats have already said they would offer a second referendum.

The speculative poll is further good news for the Lib Dems, who are hoping to recover after a historically disastrous performance in 2015, under Nick Clegg. In that election they lost most of their seats, leaving them with just eight MPs.

The results underline the difficult situation Labour is in  with a large chunk of its supporters backing Leave but an even more in favour of Remain.

There was, however, some good news for Labour too this week, after a poll by Ipsos MORI saw them close the gap with the Conservatives by 9 points.

Labour was on 33 per cent, up 4 per cent, with the Tories still ahead on 42 per cent, down 5 per cent. The Lib Dems were on 10 per cent, up 3 per cent, and Ukip were on 7 per cent, up 1 per cent.

EU referendum - in pictures Show all 18 1 /18 EU referendum - in pictures EU referendum - in pictures A woman in a wheelchair with British and European Union flags shows her support for the United Kingdom to remain in the European Union on the day of the EU Referendum in Gibraltar Getty Images EU referendum - in pictures A polling station being used in the EU referendum at Batley Town Hall in the constituency Labour MP Jo Cox PA EU referendum - in pictures People arrive to vote in the EU Referendum at the Library where British MP Jo Cox was shot and fatally wounded last week in Birstall EPA EU referendum - in pictures A man arrives to vote at a polling station for the Referendum on the European Union in north London REUTERS EU referendum - in pictures Voters queue to enter a polling station at Trinity Church in Golders Green in London Getty Images EU referendum - in pictures British Prime Minister David Cameron and his wife Samantha Cameron leave after voting in the EU Referendum at Central Methodist Hall, Westminster Getty Images EU referendum - in pictures Labour Party leader Jeremy Corbyn cast his vote at a polling station at Pakeman Primary School in Islington Getty Images EU referendum - in pictures Chelsea pensioners arrive at a polling station near to the Royal Chelsea Hospital PA EU referendum - in pictures A woman wearing an "I'm In" t-shirt, promoting the official "Remain" campaign, leaves a polling station in London AFP/Getty Images EU referendum - in pictures People queuing outside a polling station on Amott Road in London PA EU referendum - in pictures Scotland's First Minister and Leader of the Scottish National Party (SNP), Nicola Sturgeon and her husband Peter Murrell, react as leave after casting their votes at a polling station at Broomhouse Community Hall in east Glasgow AFP/Getty Images EU referendum - in pictures A man wearing a European themed cycling jersey leaves after voting at a polling station for the Referendum on the European Union in north London REUTERS EU referendum - in pictures Ukip leader Nigel Farage arrives to cast his vote at Cudham Church of England Primary School in Biggin Hill, Kent PA EU referendum - in pictures Justice Secretary and prominent 'Vote Leave' campaigner Michael Gove poses with his wife Sarah Vine after voting in the European Union referendum at their local polling station in Kensington Getty EU referendum - in pictures Nuns leave a polling station after voting in the EU Referendum in London EPA EU referendum - in pictures People arrive to cast their ballots in the EU Referendum in Gibraltar. The United Kingdom and its dependant territories are going to the polls to decide whether or not the the United Kingdom will remain in the European Union Getty Images EU referendum - in pictures A man driving a van covered in stickers urging people to vote for the United Kingdom to remain in the European Union drives outside a polling station on the day of the EU Referendum in Gibraltar Getty Images EU referendum - in pictures A sign on a gable wall in Belfast's, Loyalist Tigers Bay urging voters to leave the EU using scripture from Revelation 18:4, as voters head to the polls across the UK in a historic referendum on whether the UK should remain a member of the European Union or leave PA

The results would likely see the Tories increase their majority in Parliament, however, as they are still slightly up in support compared with the last election.

Theresa May has repeatedly ruled out holding an election before 2020, when the next one is scheduled by the Fixed Term Parliament Act.
Get up and get out: Urbanites in Vietnam love eating out for breakfast

And they hardly care about food-related health issues, a new survey has found.
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Hundreds of Jewish scholars of the holocaust have signed a statement condemning the hateful and discriminatory language and threats against minorities during Donald Trump's presidential campaign, and called on Americans to "resist attempts to place vulnerable groups in the crosshairs of nativist racisms."

The statement, signed by more than 250 Jewish professors from across America, expresses the need to evaluate where the country stands following the election, and resist the degradation of rights that Mr Trumps rhetoric has provoked.

Published in the online LA-based Jewish Journal, the message opens by stating: As scholars of Jewish history, we are acutely attuned to the fragility of democracies and the consequences for minorities when democracies fail to live up to their highest principles.

The United States has a fraught history with respect to Native Americans, African Americans and other ethnic and religious minorities. But this country was founded on ideals of liberty and justice and has made slow and opportunities for all.

It goes on to describe the racial, ethnic, gender-based, and religious hatred that has been "provoked" during Mr Trump's campaign and in the wake of his election, citing the numerous attacks on immigrant groups from both the President-elect and his supporters.

The statement asserts that it is their duty as historians to support and resist victims of such hatred, stating: Our reading of the past impels us to resist any attempts to place a vulnerable group in the crosshairs of nativist racism. It is our duty to come to their aid and to resist the degradation of rights that Mr. Trumps rhetoric has provoked."

 Donald Trump calls for a Muslim registry in the United States

Referring to the victimisation of Jews during the Trump campaign, the statement reads: The candidate himself refused to denounce - and even retweeted - language and images that struck us as manifestly anti-Semitic. By not doing so, his campaign gave license to haters of Jews, who truck in conspiracy theories about world Jewish domination.

The statement concludes by calling on other Americans to "mobilise in solidarity" against the discrimination the has arisen from the Trump campaign. We call on all fair-minded Americans to condemn unequivocally the hateful and discriminatory language and threats that have been directed by him and his supporters against Muslims, women, Latinos, African-Americans, disabled people, LGBT people and others," it states.

World reaction to President Trump: In pictures Show all 29 1 /29 World reaction to President Trump: In pictures World reaction to President Trump: In pictures London, England AP World reaction to President Trump: In pictures London, England Reuters World reaction to President Trump: In pictures Manila, Philippines Getty Images World reaction to President Trump: In pictures Manila, Philippines Getty World reaction to President Trump: In pictures Mosul , Iraq Getty World reaction to President Trump: In pictures Manila, Philippines AP World reaction to President Trump: In pictures New Delhi, India Reuters World reaction to President Trump: In pictures Karachi, Pakistan EPA World reaction to President Trump: In pictures Jakarta, Indonesia Reuters World reaction to President Trump: In pictures Lagos, Nigeria AP World reaction to President Trump: In pictures Kabul, Afghanistan AP World reaction to President Trump: In pictures Jerusalem. Israel Reuters World reaction to President Trump: In pictures Moscow, Russia Reuters World reaction to President Trump: In pictures Seoul, South Korea AP World reaction to President Trump: In pictures Lagos, Nigeria AP World reaction to President Trump: In pictures Peshawar, Pakistan EPA World reaction to President Trump: In pictures Jakarta, Indonesia Reuters World reaction to President Trump: In pictures Hyderabad, India AP World reaction to President Trump: In pictures Kolkata, India AP World reaction to President Trump: In pictures Sydney, Australia Getty World reaction to President Trump: In pictures Sydney, Australia AP World reaction to President Trump: In pictures Aleppo, Syria Reuters World reaction to President Trump: In pictures Mexico City, Mexico AP World reaction to President Trump: In pictures Port-of-Spain, Trinidad and Tobago Reuters World reaction to President Trump: In pictures Jerusalem, Israel EPA World reaction to President Trump: In pictures Baghdad, Iraq Rex World reaction to President Trump: In pictures Gaza Strip, Palestinian Territories Rex World reaction to President Trump: In pictures Tokyo, Japan Rex World reaction to President Trump: In pictures Mexico City, Mexico Getty

Hatred of one minority leads to hatred of all. Passivity and demoralisation are luxuries we cannot afford. We stand ready to wage a struggle to defend the constitutional rights and liberties of all Americans. It is not too soon to begin mobilising in solidarity.

Professor David Biale, the Jewish scholar who wrote the initial statement, which he then invited fellow scholars to contribute to, said it was launched as both a show of solidarity and way for to warn against history being replicated.

Mr Biale, a professor of Jewish history at the University of California, told The Independent: We started circulating it in a very informal way via email, and it went viral. The statement in full got published on a Jewish news website and it began being shared on social media.

The incredible outpouring of support from other Jewish scholars showed the feeling people had that they really needed to find a way of stating their horror at what has happened here politically, and to do so from the perspective of the field, because those of us who have studied Jewish history are very aware of what happens when democracies fail, and the consequences for minorities in particular.

This is a platform for Jewish historians to come together to support people who may feel endangered, and to be ready to respond to policies that bear similarity to the sorts of things that we study historically. If we see them being replicated, we can draw attention to the consequences of those kinds of policies.

Mr Biale said it was too soon to know what Mr Trumps policies would be, but expressed concern at the anti-Semitic support during the campaign and the decisions the President-elect has made so far. Its too soon to know what his policies will be, but the alt-right movement that supported Trump showed a tremendous amount of anti-Semitism during the campaign," he said.

And the fact that hes appointed Steve Bannon as his senior advisor, who seems to hold anti-Semitic views, makes us very worried. Even if Bannon himself isnt an anti-Semite, hes connected with Breitbart, which allows this kind of anti-Semitic expression.

Donald Trump's most controversial quotes Show all 14 1 /14 Donald Trump's most controversial quotes Donald Trump's most controversial quotes On Isis: "Some of the candidates, they went in and didnt know the air conditioner didnt work and sweated like dogs, and they didnt know the room was too big because they didnt have anybody there. How are they going to beat ISIS?" Getty Donald Trump's most controversial quotes On immigration: "I will build a great wall  and nobody builds walls better than me, believe me and Ill build them very inexpensively. I will build a great, great wall on our southern border, and I will make Mexico pay for that wall. Mark my words." Reuters Donald Trump's most controversial quotes On Free Trade: "Free trade is terrible. Free trade can be wonderful if you have smart people. But we have stupid people." PAUL J. RICHARDS | AFP | Getty Images Donald Trump's most controversial quotes On Mexicans: "When Mexico sends its people, theyre not sending their best. Theyre sending people that have lots of problems. Theyre bringing drugs. Theyre bringing crime. Theyre rapists." Getty Donald Trump's most controversial quotes On China: "I just sold an apartment for $15 million to somebody from China. Am I supposed to dislike them?... I love China. The biggest bank in the world is from China. You know where their United States headquarters is located? In this building, in Trump Tower." Getty Images Donald Trump's most controversial quotes On work: "If you're interested in 'balancing' work and pleasure, stop trying to balance them. Instead make your work more pleasurable." AP Donald Trump's most controversial quotes On success: "What separates the winners from the losers is how a person reacts to each new twist of fate." Donald Trump's most controversial quotes On life: "Everything in life is luck." AFP Donald Trump's most controversial quotes On ambition: "You have to think anyway, so why not think big?" Getty Images Donald Trump's most controversial quotes On his opponents: "Bush is totally in favour of Common Core. I don't see how he can possibly get the nomination. He's weak on immigration. He's in favour of Common Core. How the hell can you vote for this guy? You just can't do it." Reuters Donald Trump's most controversial quotes On Obamacare: "You have to be hit by a tractor, literally, a tractor, to use it, because the deductibles are so high. It's virtually useless. And remember the $5 billion web site?... I have so many web sites, I have them all over the place. I hire people, they do a web site. It costs me $3." Getty Images Donald Trump's most controversial quotes On Barack Obama: "Obama is going to be out playing golf. He might be on one of my courses. I would invite him. I have the best courses in the world. I have one right next to the White House." PA Donald Trump's most controversial quotes On himself: "Love him or hate him, Trump is a man who is certain about what he wants and sets out to get it, no holds barred. Women find his power almost as much of a turn-on as his money." Getty Images Donald Trump's most controversial quotes On America: "The American Dream is dead. But if I get elected president I will bring it back bigger and better and stronger than ever before and we will make America great again." GETTY

Mr Trumps presidential campaign has emboldened the American far-right, energising white supremacists and helping to unleash a swarm of online anti-Semitism.

The day after the election, which coincided with the 78th anniversary of Kirstallnacht in Germany  when fascists torched, vandalized and destroyed Jewish homes, shops and synagogues  vandals in Philadelphia sprayed anti-Semitic messages on shop windows, allaying fears of a rise in anti-Semitic attacks during a Trump presidency.

Since Mr Trumps victory over Hillary Clinton there has been a spike in reports of hate crimes across the US, with more than 200 incidents reported in the three days after the election, according to the Southern Poverty Law Centre.
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Steve Bannon, the man set to sit at the US Presidents right hand in the Trump White House, has beaten the liberal media to the punch by comparing himself to the devil and the bad guy from Star Wars. Darkness is good, the former Goldman Sachs investment banker told the Hollywood Reporter in an interview. Dick Cheney. Darth Vader. Satan. Thats power, he said.

Mr Bannon, who has been picked for the role of Chief Strategist in the Trump administration, was until now the mastermind behind the far-right Breitbart News website, which is considered the mainstream online home of modern white nationalism. He has previously faced accusations of racism and anti-Semitism, not to mention domestic violence.

On Friday, Mother Jones reported that he was a member of a Facebook group that is home to racist material. A Facebook account apparently belonging to Mr Bannon is listed among some 3,600 members of the Vigilant Patriots group, which features posts from enthusiastic Trump supporters and advertises itself as standing watch on Americas wall of freedom.

Mr Bannon appears to have joined the group seven years ago, since when it has featured posts calling for President Barack Obama to be violently overthrown and executed, and hailing a police officer who referred to Mr Obama as a f****** n*****.

The group has featured posts calling for President Barack Obama to be violently overthrown and executed

The group also has a Twitter feed that is regularly updated with anti-Muslim posts. Mr Bannon, who does not appear to be regularly active on Facebook, at least publicly, is a member of 31 mostly right-wing groups on the social network. Mother Jones found no evidence that he had ever posted personally on the Vigilant Patriots page.

In the Hollywood Reporter interview, Mr Bannon rejected the notion that he was a white nationalist. Im not a white nationalist, Im a nationalist. Im an economic nationalist, he said. The globalists gutted the American working class and created a middle class in Asia.

If Mr Trumps administration succeeds in boosting prosperity among the American middle class, he claimed, Well get 60 per cent of the white vote, and 40 per cent of the black and Hispanic vote and well govern for 50 years. Thats what the Democrats missed, they were talking to these people with companies with a $9bn market cap employing nine people They lost sight of what the world is about.

In the same interview, Mr Bannon also likened his new position to Thomas Cromwell in the court of the Tudors, a reference to the Machiavellian minister who carried out a purge of the 16th Century English establishment on behalf of the vengeful, red-headed King Henry VIII. Henry later had Cromwell executed.
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There is very little chance President Barack Obama will pardon Edward Snowden before his final term is up  leaving his fate to an unforgiving Trump administration and an incoming CIA director who had called for his execution.

Mr Snowden has lived in Russia since he leaked documents revealing a secret surveillance programme helmed by the National Security Agency in cooperation with major telecommunications companies. The Department of Justice charged Mr Snowden with two counts of violating the Espionage Act of 1917.

Numerous advocates have called for Mr Obama to pardon Mr Snowden following a federal judges ruling that the collection of metadata without the knowledge of Americans under surveillance was unconstitutional.

 Edward Snowden comments on Donald Trump's election victory

I cant pardon somebody who hasnt gone before a court and presented themselves, Mr Obama told the German magazine Der Spiegel in an interview published Friday, so thats not something that I would comment on at this point.

He continued: I think that Mr Snowden raised some legitimate concerns. How he did it was something that did not follow the procedures and practices of our intelligence community.

But according to a Supreme Court decision in 1886, while president Mr Obama certainly has the right to pardon Mr Snowden.

The ruling reads: The power of pardon conferred by the Constitution upon the President is unlimited except in cases of impeachment. It extends to every offence known to the law, and may be exercised at any time after its commission, either before legal proceedings are taken or during their pendency, or after conviction and judgment.

Governmental surveillance Show all 8 1 /8 Governmental surveillance Governmental surveillance Governmental surveillance Detachment 3, Air Force Flight Test Center #2, Groom Lake, Nevada Trevor Paglen Governmental surveillance Governmental surveillance Black Site, Kabul, Afghanistan Trevor Paglen Governmental surveillance Governmental surveillance A drone hovering in the skies over Dande Darpa Khel, North Waziristan Trevor Paglen/Noor Behram Governmental surveillance Governmental surveillance Hide and seek: the tiny dots visible in this image is a Reaper drone Trevor Paglen Governmental surveillance Governmental surveillance National Reconnaissance Office Ground Station, New Mexico Trevor Paglen Governmental surveillance Governmental surveillance N5177C at Gold Coast Terminal, Las Vegas. The plane is one of those used to shuttle people to work at classified military installations in the Nevada desert Trevor Paglen Governmental surveillance Governmental surveillance The Salt Pit, previously secret CIA prison, north-east of Kabul, Afghanistan Trevor Paglen Governmental surveillance Governmental surveillance Remote: Paglen took this photograph of Open Hangar in Nevada using a high powered telescope Trevor Paglen

Mr Obamas suggestion that Mr Snowden present himself before a court was significantly more measured than that of Kansas congressman Mike Pompeo  Donald Trumps nominee for director of the Central Intelligence Agency  who said that traitor Edward Snowden deserved the death penalty for his whistleblowing.

He should be brought back from Russia and given due process, Mr Pompeo told C-Span in February, and I think the proper outcome would that he would be given a death sentence for having put friends of mine, friends of yours, who served in the military today, at enormous risk, because of the information he stole and then released to foreign powers.

Civil rights advocates have spoken out against Mr Pompeos appointment, addressing his positions on government surveillance and maintaining the Guantanamo Bay military prison in Cuba.

Congressman Pompeos positions on bulk surveillance and Guantanamo Bay  raise serious civil liberties concerns about privacy and due process, the ACLU said in a statement. These positions and others merit serious public scrutiny through a confirmation process.

His positions on mass surveillance have been rejected by federal courts and have been the subject of several lawsuits filed by the ACLU."

For his part, Mr Snowden made the moral case for a presidential pardon in September.

"Yes, there are laws on the books that say one thing, but that is perhaps why the pardon power exists  for the exceptions, for the things that may seem unlawful in letters on a page but when we look at them morally, when we look at them ethically, when we look at the results, it seems these were necessary things, these were vital things," he told The Guardian.

"I think when people look at the calculations of benefit, it is clear that in the wake of 2013 the laws of our nation changed. The [US] Congress, the courts, and the president all changed their policies as a result of these disclosures.

"At the same time, there has never been any public evidence that any individual came to harm as a result."
Thousands have come to worship and pray before the 4-ton statue.

A statue of Buddha carved from a nephrite boulder weighing 18 tons has been put on display at the Hoi An Pagoda in the southern province of Binh Duong.

On Friday, thousands of local residents and Buddhist followers gathered at Hoi An Pagoda to admire the statue, which will be on display for seven days.

The giant statue will travel to Go Ken Pagoda in Tay Ninh Province on December 25, which will be its last stop in Vietnam before departing for Australia. The statue's journey has taken it through 20 countries and territories around the world.

The giant statue of Buddha has attracted thousands of Buddhist followers and pilgrims. Photo by VnExpress/Nguyet Trieu

At a height of 2.54 meters and weighing 4 tons, the Jade Buddha is the worlds biggest statue carved from a whole nephrite boulder. The boulder was discovered in the north of Vancouver, Canada, in 2000, and work on the statue took 8 years to complete.

The holy statue is transported around the world for visitors and Buddhist followers to worship and pray for peace and harmony.

The statue arrived in Vietnam in March 2009 and has visited six pagodas across the country.

Related news:

> The life of famed Vietnamese Buddhist Thich Nhat Hanh: First look at Walk With Me

> Buddha statue stolen from northern Vietnam pagoda found near road

> Thieves pinch valuable Buddha statue in northern Vietnam
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A former middle school teacher in Texas pleaded guilty to sexually assaulting a 13-year-old student before becoming pregnant as a result.

Police say 24-year-old Alexandria Vera, 24, allegedly sexually assaulted the child on almost a daily basis, according to KTRK. She faced federal charges of continuous sexual abuse of a child.

Vera taught eighth grade English at Stovall Middle School in Houston before surrendering herself to authorities for the alleged sexual assault in May.

Vera faced a maximum sentence of 25 years in prison. By pleading, she reduced her possible maximum sentence to only five years.

Court documents say the Vera met the student in 2015 during the summer school session. The teacher exchanged numbers with the child by September before they eventually went out for the first time  shortly before the teacher allegedly committed the sexual assault.

The boy apparently introduced Vera to his parents as his girlfriend. Court documents say the parents accepted their relationship and invited her to family gatherings.

The teacher became pregnant in January 2016, but said she had an abortion after Texas Child Protective Services showed up to the school in February to question her about the relationship.

Investigators found evidence of the relationship on her cell phone, despite her initial denial of any wrongdoing.

Vera was placed on administrative leave when the allegations formally surfaced in April.

Sentencing is scheduled for January.
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Men who sexually abuse children could have their convictions quashed if they marry their victims, under a controversial bill supported by Turkish MPs.

Critics said the bill would legitimise and encourage rape, but the government argued the law had been misinterpreted.

The ruling Justice and Development Party (AKP)  which brought the bill to parliament  reacted angrily to the backlash, saying the law was needed to resolve legal complications associated with child marriage in the country.

If it passes, men who sexually abuse girls under 18 could avoid prosecution if they marry their victims.

The act cannot have been committed with force, threat, or any other restriction on consent to qualify for the pardon.

MPs approved the draft law in its initial reading on Thursday and will vote again on the bill in a second debate in the coming days.

Opposition parties have been alarmed by the AKPs proposals.

Omer Suha Aldan, of the Republican Peoples Party (CHP), said the law would encourage forced marriages and legalise marriage to rapists".

Recommended Tensions flare as Turkey heads to vote on new Erdogan powers

If a 50 or 60 year-old is told to marry an 11-year-old after raping her, and then marries her years later, she will suffer the consequences, Mr Aldan told Hurriyet Daily News.

If you give him a pass by marriage, the young girl will live in a prison for her whole life.

CHP group deputy chair Ozgur Ozel said the bill was approved by only one vote and claimed that AKP Justice Minister Bekir Bozdag had strategically issued it at the last moment of the session.

As the bill was debated and approved, the hashtag #TecavuzMesrulastirilamaz (Rape Cannot be Legitimised) became a top-trending topic on Twitter, as users took to social media to express their distaste.

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

Yet the justice minister claimed campaigners were distorting the issue and denied the bill would legitimise rape.

What we do is to find a solution to an ongoing problem, it is not to protect rape nor protect rapists, he told state-owned news agency Anadolu.

Instead, he argued the bill would help couples who have consensual sex when they are underage and want to marry.

When a child is then born from this non-official union, the doctor warns the prosecutor and the man is sent to prison, putting the child and mother into financial difficulties, he told the AFP news agency.

Although the legal age of consent is 18 in Turkey, child marriage is widespread, particularly in the southeast.

The country has one of the highest rates of child marriage in Europe, with an estimated 15 per cent of girls married before their 18th birthday.
Nicaraguans re-elected incumbent President Daniel Ortega and his party, the Sandinista National Liberation Front, to another 5 year term this month. The result was unsurprising given Ortegas concerted efforts to eliminate political opposition and prohibit independent election observation. Many voters abstained in protest of what they characterized as a rigged process.

In June, not long after Mr. Ortega announced his candidacy, he said he would not allow independent international election observers. Later, the Nicaraguan Supreme Court removed Eduardo Montealegre as leader of the main opposition Independent Liberation Party, or PLI, and installed Ortega loyalist, Pedro Reyes, as his replacement.

When PLI deputies to the National Assembly refused to accept their partys court-imposed leader, and declared themselves independent, 28 of them were expelled.

Finally, little more than a month before the election, Mr. Reyes unexpectedly stepped down and was replaced by Jose del Carmen Alvarado, another figure largely unknown to traditional PLI supporters. Previously a strong runner up to the Sandinista National Liberation Front with 28 elected members of congress, this time, the PLI won five percent of the vote and one seat in congress.

Mr. Ortega is an old hand at political gamesmanship. He first ran the country as junta coordinator from 1979 to 1985, then president from 1985 to 1990. When he lost the election in 1990, he bowed out gracefully, setting a precedent of peaceful transition of power. However, over the next few years, Mr. Ortega worked to set up his control of the electoral system. Once again he won the Presidency in 2001; he began to consolidate power by skewing the electoral system to greatly favor his governing party.

The United States is deeply concerned by the flawed presidential and legislative electoral process in Nicaragua, said State Department Deputy Spokesperson Mark Toner in a written statement.

We continue to press the Nicaraguan government to uphold democratic practices including press freedom and respect for universal human rights in Nicaragua, consistent with our countries shared obligations under the Inter-American Democratic Charter.

We have a strong partnership with the Nicaraguan people. We will continue to work on behalf of the Nicaraguan people to achieve a more prosperous, secure, and democratic Nicaragua.
Brexit has sparked its first territorial dispute - reigniting a historic row over the ownership of Lough Foyle.

Claims over the vast estuary between Co Derry in Northern Ireland and Co Donegal in the Republic of Ireland have been made since the island was partitioned almost a century ago.

After the Good Friday Agreement, a cross-border body called the Loughs Agency was handed responsibility for the waters, a key strategic naval base during World War II.

But in the wake of the UK's vote to leave the European Union, Northern Ireland Secretary James Brokenshire has reasserted London's claim over the entire lough.

In response, the Government issued a fresh declaration - saying it did not accept the claim.

It added that it did not see Lough Foyle's disputed ownership being put on the table as part of the Brexit negotiations.

Expand Close Britain's Secretary of State for Northern Ireland James Brokenshire arrives at 10 Downing Street for a cabinet meeting, in London, November 15, 2016. REUTERS/Peter Nicholls / Facebook

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Mr Brokenshire was asked in a parliamentary question how fishing rights would be decided in both Lough Foyle and Carlingford Lough - which also straddles both jurisdictions - after the UK left the EU.

The Conservative minister said London was committed to withdrawing from the EU Common Fisheries Policy and putting a new fisheries regime in place.

But no actual decisions had yet been taken, he said, adding that the UK was bound by international law.

Asked specifically about Lough Foyle, he added: "The government's position remains that the whole of Lough Foyle is within the UK."

However, the Department of Foreign Affairs swiftly rejected the claim. "Ireland has never accepted the UK's claim to the whole of Lough Foyle," it said in a statement.

It said both governments agreed to try to resolve the row over both Lough Foyle and Carlingford Lough during talks in 2011 between the then minister for foreign affairs and British foreign secretary.

"Since that time a series of meetings have taken place at official level between the Foreign and Commonwealth Office and the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade," the statement added.

"The issues involved are complex and involve a range of different actors, including the Crown Estates.

"This is not something we currently envisage as forming part of the negotiations around the UK's departure from the EU."

Sinn Fein senator Padraig Mac Lochlainn branded Mr Brokenshire's remarks "arrogant and provocative".

"The Loughs Agency tasked with responsibility for managing Lough Foyle by both governments has been repeatedly calling for a resolution so that the real tourism and fisheries potential of the lough can be fully realised," he added.
British Prime Minister Theresa May is accompanied by the Lord Mayor of London, Andrew Parmley, as she attends the Lord Mayors Banquet at Guildhall last night. Photo: Carl Court/Getty Images

There is a recognisable repetition in Theresa May's speeches about Britain's decision to leave the European Union: "Brexit means Brexit", making "a success of it" and getting "the best deal" for Britain are some of her stump phrases.

But a closer look at her speeches suggests her position on key aspects of Brexit has evolved since she took office in the aftermath of the June 23 vote to leave.

Together with public comments by ministers in her Conservative government, the changes appear to suggest May has shifted from favouring a "hard Brexit" - a clean break with the EU's single market of 500 million consumers - to supporting continued membership of that market if possible.

May has declined to say whether she wants Britain to remain in the single market. Her aides say she is considering all options.

Since July 13, when May made her first speech as prime minister, subtle changes have emerged in the way she describes her priorities for talks with the EU. Those talks will determine Britain's future, and that of the EU.

Early on in her tenure, May said little more than that she wanted "the right deal" or "best possible deal" on the trade of goods and services with the rest of Europe, which account for more than 50pc of the British economy.

But at the Conservative Party conference in October, she unveiled a more specific phrase to describe her aims for Brexit. "I want it to give British companies the maximum freedom to trade with and operate within the single market  and let European businesses do the same here," May said.

Richard North, a former speech-writer for several eurosceptic lawmakers, says the phrase "operate within" is telling.

"She is very, very precise and there is no way that she is saying anything other than she's going after the single market within a negotiated settlement," said North, who wants Britain to remain a member of the broader European Economic Area trading zone after leaving the European Union.

A spokeswoman for May said the government was "going for a bespoke deal" and declined to comment on speculation of what that agreement might look like.

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EU officials, investors, companies, opposition lawmakers and leaders in Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland often complain about the lack of detail offered by May on Brexit. At her first EU summit as prime minister on October 20-21, some European leaders said they had learnt little more beyond her public statements that she will trigger Article 50 of the EU's Lisbon Treaty to start divorce talks by the end of March, and that she wants the best deal for Britain.

In her October 2 speech to the Conservative Party, she dismissed the choice between a "soft Brexit" and "hard Brexit" as a "false dichotomy" and said Britain could regain control over immigration and its sovereignty while continuing cooperation on security and trade.

"Let me be clear," May told the conference. "We are not leaving the European Union only to give up control of immigration again. And we are not leaving only to return to the jurisdiction of the European Court of Justice."

Her tough wording on immigration and sovereignty may have pleased the eurosceptics in the party, but it spooked some European leaders who felt she was heading for a "hard Brexit".

It contradicts the EU position, which states that the bloc cannot divide its four freedoms - of movement of goods, capital, people and services.But May has also regularly qualified her vision for controlling immigration from the EU. At a meeting with Slovakia's prime minister, Robert Fico, in Bratislava on July 28, she referred to needing to find "a solution that addresses the concerns of the British people about free movement".

A week earlier, she told German Chancellor Angela Merkel "it may take some time" to get net levels of immigration down to sustainable levels.

And in a phone call with Belgian Prime Minister Charles Michel on Sept. 27, May subtly softened the message again, referring to trade first.

She said it would be "a priority to allow British companies to trade with the single market in goods and services, but we would also need to ensure we had more control of the numbers of people who come here from Europe," a statement read.

Since ruling out a points-based system for screening people heading for Britain in September, May has said little new on controlling immigration, something she earlier called the "very clear message" of the British people in the referendum.

This week, talking to business leaders in London, immigration did not figure in her speech at all.

Instead, May has increasingly focused on business concerns.

That may have been prompted by the big fall in sterling since the referendum, according to sources close to the government.

Financial markets seem not to like the idea of a "hard Brexit". Scotiabank economist Alan Clarke said the market was acutely sensitive to any hints from Downing Street.

"I guess it's no accident that when her language pointed to a hard Brexit...the pound weakened," he said.

Financial and business sectors have begun lobbying May over the divorce.

On Oct. 27, three weeks after she said she wanted to "give British companies the maximum freedom to trade with and operate in the single market", she said she had assured Japanese carmaker Nissan to help it decide to build two new models in Britain.

True to form, she has given little away on what those assurances were. At an EU summit six days earlier, she had called on leaders to look at the single market "in a new way".

While May fine tunes her strategy, her reticence to get specific has offered opposition lawmakers an opportunity to poke fun.

"I thought for a moment the prime minister was going to say 'Brexit means Brexit' again," Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn said to roars of laughter in parliament in October.

"I am sure she will tell us one day what it actually means."
Farmers are being told that antibiotics are an important resource for the agriculture industry but must be used wisely if they are to remain effective.

The Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine, Michael Creed, said antimicrobial resistance (AMR) is being increasingly recognised as one of the worlds biggest problems in terms of human health and could be a bigger threat than cancer.

A recent UK study suggests that AMR will be the leading cause of death in humans by 2050, making it a greater threat than cancer, stated Minister Creed.

Speaking on European Antibiotics Awareness Day, the Minister explained that antimicrobial resistance occurs when microbes that could previously be killed by antibiotics are no longer susceptible.

They have developed resistance, which means that many common bacterial infections are now becoming increasingly difficult to treat.

He went on to explain that this issue is relevant to the agriculture sector because, if AMR is to be tackled effectively, there must be collaboration across the human, veterinary and environmental sectors.

AMR is a global problem that is not contained by borders or within any one sector. All of the major international plans for dealing with AMR support a 'One Health' approach urging collaboration across the human, veterinary and environmental sectors.

Therefore, we must all play our part. Insofar as the agriculture sector is concerned, all of us, including Government, the pharmaceutical industry, the veterinary profession, and farmers have a role to play. Behavioural change is never easy, nor is it a short-term project but there must be a combined effort if we are to realistically tackle the problem.

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In this context, Minister Creed said that his Department continues to work with all the relevant stakeholders in the agricultural sector, and with the Department of Health and other health colleagues, through the mechanism of the Interdepartmental AMR Consultative Committee which was established jointly by the Ministers for Health and Agriculture in 2014.

Minister Creed went on to say that that antibiotics are a necessity for the agriculture sector in order to prevent and control disease and ensure that healthy animals enter the food chain. Therefore, we must all in the agri-food industry play our part in conserving this resource by using antibiotics prudently; by this I mean as little as possible and as much as necessary.

Minister Creed asked farmers to remember the 4 Rs - right animal, right drug, right dose, right duration.

The Minister concluded by stating that his Department is holding a seminar on AMR on Wednesday, 30 November, in the Mullingar Park Hotel entitled Antimicrobial Resistance  What can farmers do?.

The seminar aims to continue the dialogue between the relevant stakeholders on what actions need to be taken to address the problem of antimicrobial resistance in order to ensure that antibiotics remain effective in the future.

The seminar will include speakers presenting the most up to date information on AMR in relation to usage, what's happening on the human health side, as well as industry developments and what farmers can do to tackle AMR on their farms.
Earlier this month, the house of Ghanaian presidential candidate Nana Addo Danquah Akufo-Addo was attacked.

The United States embassy in Ghana condemned the assault, saying violence has no place in the electoral process. In the period leading up to and following Ghanas elections on December 7, the United States calls on all actors to remain peaceful and respect the democratic process.

The United States does not support a particular candidate or a particular party. We support democracy, said the U.S. embassy statement, We will continue to work with the freely elected government of Ghana, just as we always have.

The United States urges all parties to make clear to their constituents that any violence or attempts to use intimidation to disrupt the democratic process is unacceptable.

This will be the countrys seventh poll since the return to multi-party democracy in 1992.

President John Dramani Mahama is running on the ticket of the National Democratic Congress for a second term. Five other candidates qualified to run for the presidency.

Ghanaians from across the political spectrum have worked hard to build one of the leading democracies in Africa. State Department Press Office Director Elizabeth Trudeau said, We specifically call on candidates, their parties, and their supporters to reaffirm their pledges to renounce violence and settle any disputes through the judicial process.
Fonterra the world's largest dairy processor today increased its 2016/17 forecast Farmgate Milk Price by 75 cents to $6.00 per kgMS.

It comes following a turnaround in the fortunes of the dairy market in recent months with a number of significant increases at the important Global Dairy Trade auction.

Just this week the majority of Irish milk processors also increased farmgate prices by between 1c/L and 2c/L.

Fonterra Chairman John Wilson said the increase reflects improvements in pricing since September, following the gradual rebalancing of global supply and demand.

Weve seen falling production in the major exporting regions, particularly Europe and Australia, and an unprecedented decline in New Zealand milk supply due to wetter than normal spring conditions across most regions. On balance, demand continues to be firm. As a result there has been a steady improvement in global dairy commodity prices and this is reflected in the improved forecast.

We are very mindful that farm incomes will be affected this year because of lower milk production so we will be doing everything possible to build on our good start to the financial year and deliver the highest possible total payout to our farmers, said Mr Wilson.

Fonterras first quarter revenue of $3.8 billion is up six per cent on the same period last year. Sales volumes are up two per cent to 4.9 billion litres liquid milk equivalent (LME), while the gross margin of 22 per cent remains largely unchanged.

Chief Executive Theo Spierings said the first quarter revenue gains reflected broad-based volume and margin growth across the business, and an ongoing focus on cost controls.

Our operating expenses have reduced by two per cent to $621 million and we continue to keep a close rein on them, in line with the financial discipline shown last year, he said.

The Co-operative has moved an additional 128 million litres LME into higher-value consumer and foodservice products compared with the same period last year.

The consumer and foodservice business achieved an improved gross margin of 31 per cent, up from 28 per cent. This reflects the increasing strength of our brands in key markets and our focus on chef-led solutions in foodservice.

Mr Spierings said while the first quarter performance was pleasing, the Co-operatives earnings face emerging head-winds for the remainder of the financial year.

Our current milk collection forecast is 1,460 million kilograms of milk solids (kgMS), down seven per cent on last season, and this is constraining sales.

In addition there is a potential impact from the price of Milk Price reference products, such as whole milk powder, rising faster than non-reference products.

Mr Spierings said that, given the Co-operatives stronger sales performance and lower production volumes, it continues to monitor its inventory and contracted sales position closely.

Chairman John Wilson said the Co-operative has had a strong start to the year.

The unchanged earnings guidance range of 50 to 60 cents took into account the fact that a higher milk price had the potential to influence margins across the business. However, we do expect this volatility to continue which could impact both milk price and earnings guidance. We will keep our farmers and investors updated as we move through the year, he said.
Dairygold has set its milk price for October to pay a price of 28 cpl incl. quality bonus (0.5 cpl) and VAT, up 2 cpl on the September price.

It follows decisions by Glanbia and Lakeland Dairies to increase milk prices for October supplies.
Albert Manifold chief executive of CRH which says US growth will be more modest in Q3

IRELAND'S biggest company, CRH, has said that its growth in the US was "more modest" in the third quarter than during the first half of the year, while momentum remained positive in Europe in the latest period.

CRH said that, as previously stated and despite "significant" currency headwinds, overall earnings before interest, tax, depreciation and amortisation (EBITDA) for the year are still estimated to be more than 3bn. That would be more than 35pc ahead of the 2.2bn reported in 2015.

"The expected outturn includes a full-year contribution from 2015 acquisitions and is after taking into account the impact of divestments and one-off items," according to CRH.

CRH said its cumulative sales hit 20.4bn in the first nine months of the year, a 22pc increase on the corresponding period.

On a pro-forma basis, excluding acquisitions, sales were 6pc higher.

The company's shares soared last week after investors bet it could be a big beneficiary from Donald Trump's plans to invest heavily in US infrastructure once he assumes the presidential office.

CRH, which is headed by chief executive Albert Manifold, generates about 60pc of its profits in the United States, and is heavily involved in the supply of materials used for highway and other construction projects.

It is the largest producer of asphalt and the third-largest producer of construction aggregates in the United States.

Last year, the company generated revenue of 23.6bn and a pre-tax profit of 1bn.

In an interim management statement issued yesterday for the three months to the end of September, CRH said its EBITDA rose 9pc in the period, compared to a 20pc rise in the first half of the year.

Davy Stockbrokers said this implies third-quarter EBITDA of about 1.25bn on revenues of just over 7.7bn.

That would represent a margin of 16.2pc, which would be 100 basis points higher than in the third quarter of 2015.

Davy called it an "impressive margin performance".

CRH added that its net debt at the year-end is likely to be about 6bn, compared to 6.6bn at the end of 2015, and that the new figure reflects CRH's "commitment to restore our debt metrics to normalised levels in 2016".

In Europe, CRH said that during the third quarter its pro-forma sales fell 2pc, compared with a 1pc increase in the first-half, "reflecting the mixed economic backdrop in some key markets".
Eir faces the threat of several fines after Ireland's telecoms regulator accused it of breaking the rules in its behaviour with rival telecoms firms.

The country's biggest phone and broadband company was found to have breached five separate conditions with respect to how it interacts with industry competitors who are dependent on access to its inherited network. These range from unjustifiable delays in access to wholesale line rental systems to discriminating against other operators with regard to fault repair times.

Eir was found to have shown a lack of transparency in relation to how its services work and it failed to provide fault handling services and information to other operators "under the same conditions and of the same quality as the services and information that Eircom provided for or to itself".

The telecoms regulator also says that Eir did not comply with "reasonable" requests by competitors in some circumstances.

"ComReg has decided to make an application to the High Court for a declaration of non-compliance and for an order that Eircom pay to ComReg an amount by way of financial penalty," said a statement by Comreg in respect of the breaches.

The periods in question range variously from 2011 to 2015.

Eir's head of wholesale operations, Carolan Lennon, was unavailable to comment on the rule breaches or on the telecom regulator's determination.

However, in an interview with the Irish Independent this week, Ms Lennon dismissed charges that Eir discriminates against telecoms rivals.

"I can tell you categorically, that we do not treat our own retail arm any better than we treat the others," she said. "There is absolutely no policy of deliberate behaviour around treating them differently."

She said that such complaints were part of industry rivals "positioning themselves".

"It's competitive tension," she said. "Wholesale has been a huge part of Eir's growth. Sometimes I think that the better you do, the more criticism you get. The National Broadband Plan is a part of it too. Everyone's positioning themselves."

"Eir has rectified all of the issues. The access matter relating to lines with virtual private networks (VPNs) was resolved 23 months ago and the quality of supply for bitstream and line share was resolved 11 months ago," a spokesman for Eir added.

"Eir remains fully engaged with Comreg on these matters and will continue to vigorously defend our position."
Businessman and political campaigner Declan Ganley has failed to block Mexican authorities awarding a massive telecoms contract to a rival.

Yesterday, Mexico declared a consortium backed by Morgan Stanley Infrastructure and the World Bank's International Finance Corporation, along with Mexico's Megacable and conglomerate Alfa's unit Axtel, as the winner of a tender to build and run a national wholesale mobile network.

The so-called Altan group was the only remaining bidder for the long-delayed project after a consortium led by Galway businessman Mr Ganley's Rivada networks was ruled out of the race earlier this month.

Last week, Rivada Networks filed papers with a federal court in the Mexican capital in an attempt to stop authorities from excluding the company from the race.

A spokesman said the firm had made applications to the court, including asking judges to delay the formal award of the contract to Altan, the only remaining bid, until a full hearing of the challenge can be heard.

Mexico's government has defended excluding Rivada from the process.

Yesterday, it ploughed ahead with the licensing, though the court case is continuing.

Authorities in Mexico had said Rivada Networks and Spectrum Frontier failed to meet the financial terms set down.

Rivada Networks insisted it had the required 50m security to underpin its submission, and that any issue with the bid was clerical rather than substantial.

While Rivada has complained about the process, Mexico insisted its tender process had met the "best international transparency practices".
The vast majority of global corporates have identified Ireland as a possible or likely location for data-driven investment in the next year, new research has found.

According to Europe for Big Data, a report produced by William Fry alongside Forbes Insights, 61pc of global companies will look to invest substantially into data over the next year and a half with 96pc of them viewing Ireland as a favourable location.

Data isn't restricted to tech companies either with 73pc of non-tech firms making extensive use of it.

Physical facilities will be the main driver of investment over the next 18 months with Ireland's climate being rate by most as good to excellent.

The report, which is based on a survey of 200 C-Suite executives across the world, Ireland came in second for predicted future spend in the area, behind the UK but in from of Germany.

William Fry technology head David Cullen said there is a real opportunity for Ireland to exploit big data.

"The finding that 75pc of survey participants believe physical facilities are the future of data driven investment in Europe is significant when one considers that 96pc view Ireland as a favourable investment location and that 60% of the organisations surveyed have annual sales of between $1bn and $10bn," he said.

Two of the top five issues when choosing a location for international firms were legal framework and data-related conditions and regulations.

The survey demonstrates that international organisations are placing much greater focus on being able to rely on clear and harmonised data privacy and data security regulations even if this raises operating costs.
IRELAND can increase tourist numbers by 50pc to 12 million in the next five years if we do the right things.

That is the view of Ryanair's marketing guru, Kenny Jacobs who told a conference yesterday however that Ireland as a tourist destination is not "premier league" as its too expensive.

Speaking at the 7th Annual Tourism Policy Workshop at Dromoland Castle in Co Clare, Mr Jacobs said that Ireland must strike "an amazing, never-been-done-before deal with AirBnB" to address the room shortage in the industry.

"We don't have a premier league tourism product. It is very, very good but we can make it better," said Mr Jacobs.

"The principal reason is that we are really, really expensive and there are a lot of countries that offer similar to what Ireland offers but much cheaper," he said.

He added that Ireland was already the fifth-most expensive place in the EU to visit.

"Dublin is a very expensive city to come and visit. If this gets worse, it is going to be a massive factor," he said.

"It is all about value for money. The Irish product is good, but it is not good enough to sustain people coming here paying 6 for a pint."
Irish companies selling into the British market may opt to move some operations to the UK as a result of Brexit, Bank of Ireland chief executive Richie Boucher has said.

Mr Boucher told the Finance Committee that he was "surprised" by how little impact the vote had so far had on Ireland and the UK. There have been effects on some sectors already, including small exporters, mortgage customers who commute across the Border or to London, he said. Dublin commercial property and some other areas may benefit from Brexit, but he believes the overall impact for Ireland will be negative.

"You could see some people move from what are called technical hedges, buying their sterling forward, to looking at structural hedging, buying more raw materials in sterling, or indeed relocating parts of their business to the UK to service that economy," Mr Boucher said. "So I do think there will be a negative impact from Brexit on our economy."

Last month the lender said that the fall in the pound impacts its sterling profits, but added activity in the UK has remained "resilient" despite the vote.

Mr Boucher was also quizzed about rural branch banking and accessibility for elderly people.

Liam McLoughlin, who runs the bank's retail unit in Ireland, said the bank has 250 branches and have closed no rural branches in the last five years.

But he said the amount of across-the-counter transactions were low. "Transactions across the counter at branches now account for 4pc of transactions that we do. There is a significant reduction in cash and cheque activity taking place based on customer behaviour. There is a significant move towards digital activity," Mr McLoughlin said.

"Our experience has been with elderly customers they are very familiar, in the majority, using the machines."
KBC Ireland, which has reported a net profit of 44m for the third quarter of the year, has sought permission from the High Court to reduce its share capital.

The move will free up the lender to pay dividends to its Belgian parent for the first time since the Crash.

The move comes ahead of a decision KBC Group has said it will take at the end of 2016 on whether to remain in the Irish market long term.

That may come in the New Year, KBC Ireland chief executive Wim Verbraeken told the Irish Independent.

Options could include retaining KBC Ireland as a stand-alone brand, putting the business up for sale, or looking to merge with one or more rivals.

The chairman of Ulster Bank parent RBS, Ross McEwan, said recently that it would look at possible Irish bank tie-ups from next year, leading to speculation of a KBC Ireland merger.

"We are not wasting any headspace speculating about any combination in the Irish market," said Mr Verbraeken.

Profits at the Irish business have now been sustained over more than a year, making the decisions about the future of the Irish unit, once a major headache for KBC, relatively easier for the bank

The petition to the High Court is to create distributable reserves - which will make it possible to pay dividends from the Irish business.

KBC Ireland wants to cut its share capital from over 2.5bn to 2bn, and its undenominated company capital by cutting its share premium account by 16.1m.

Yesterday, the bank reported that profits in Ireland had surged by nearly 20m to 44.4m in the three months to the end of September.

So far this year KBC has added 49,900 customer accounts as the bank targeted students with a 100 incentive for opening a new current account.

The bank said its share of new mortgages was running ahead of its overall 10pc market share, but that growth was constrained by lack of housing supply.

Operating profits slid to 17.1m down from 33.9m in the same period last year.

Over the last 12 months KBC has moved to reduce its amount of impaired loans, falling by 13pc, or 900m to 6bn.

Its still a huge share of the 13bn loan book and will take years to work through, Mr Verbraeken said.

Group-wide profits rose at the Brussels headquartered bank by 29m to 629m. Its Irish arm also moved to lower its fixed and variable mortage rates for mortgage customers.

The deposit base rose by 300m to 5.3bn across both its retail and corporate sectors.

Mr Verbraeken said he was pleased to report "strong profitability" across all areas of the business.

"Looking ahead, we remain firmly focused on meeting customers' needs for innovative, competitively-priced banking products and growing market share across our business.

"It is encouraging to note our significant progress in offering resolutions to some 95pc of our distressed customers," he said.
The number of job Irish job searches coming from the US nearly doubled following last week's election result that saw Donald Trump named as President-elect, new research has shown.

Mr Trump's hard stances on immigration during the campaign has left large swathes of the US population uncertain about their future.

According to a report from employment website Indeed, Ireland experienced the third largest surge in job searches, rising 91pc, with Canada in second, up 237pc, and New Zealand in first, increasing by more than four times.

The UK reported the seventh largest increase, most likely reflecting the uncertainty surrounding Brexit.

Indeed EMEA economist Mariano Mamertino said it remains to be seen whether or not these job searches will translate into a movement of workers.

Our data shows that a highly charged and competitive election campaign, followed by a widely unexpected result led to an immediate and sharp spike in overseas job searches by Americans. Much had been made in the media during the election campaign of the potential for such an outflow of labour in the event of a Trump victory."

Job searches peaked in the day after the election, running at double the normal rate. The increases was reported in counties that favoured Clinton over Trump.
Three, which took over rival 02 in 2015, has two million customers in this country (Stock picture)

A huge cyber security breach has been reported by UK mobile providers Three, however a spokesperson has confirmed that Three Ireland has not been affected.

A statement to Independent.ie read: "Three Ireland is not affected. The system impacted is used solely by Three UK."

In the UK, Three said that the data accessed included names, phone numbers, addresses and dates of birth, but added that it did not include financial information. It is thought that 6m of Three UKs 9m customers have been affected.

The company confirmed the breach on Thursday evening but declined to say whether customers' data was stolen or how many have been affected.

Three said that the hackers had been accessing customer accounts and upgrading them then intercepting the new phones, possibly in order to sell them on.

The British National Crime Agency is investigating the breach and said that three people have been arrested, two for computer misuse and one for perverting the course of justice.

Three has over nine million customers and it is understood that hackers, who used company access codes to get into the system, had access to large parts of the upgrade database.

The theft will prompt concerns that personal information of millions of customers could be sold online to criminals
Snap, the red-hot messaging company, is seen by many tech investors as the next Facebook or Google, but its youthful founders are pushing far more aggressively than its predecessors in moving from scrappy startup to public company.

At a time when it is fashionable in Silicon Valley to stay private as long as possible, Snap is planning an initial public offering valuing it at more than $20bn just two years after it first began to generate revenue, even though it has plenty of cash and ample opportunity to raise more on the private markets. It is expected to be the biggest US tech IPO since Facebook's 2012 debut.

It is also defying convention by declining to bring in "adult supervision" to help 26-year-old co-founder and Chief Executive Officer Evan Spiegel and 28-year-old co-founder and Chief Technology Officer Bobby Murphy manage the company.

Imran Khan, a former Credit Suisse banker who played a big role in the Alibaba Group Holdings IPO in 2014, is emerging as a key figure in his role as chief strategy officer.

Some investors remain concerned, however, that the combination of an inexperienced management team and a sky-high valuation could be problematic.

"It is a very clearly inexperienced team leading a company that's asking for two things: a huge valuation and a very aggressive multiple," said Max Wolff, a market strategist at 55 Capital. "Once you start asking public investors for 30x earnings, the tolerance for mistake, misadventure and learning on the job goes down."

Questions about the management team have lingered after a string of senior executives left following short stints with the company.

High-profile departures include Emily White, who joined as chief operating officer from Instagram at the start of 2014 and quit after just more than a year, according to her LinkedIn profile. Mike Randall, who joined Snap from Facebook, left last year after less than a year as head of business and marketing.

A spokesman for Snap declined to comment.

The executive ranks have since stabilized, and executives such as finance chief Drew Vollero and hardware guru Steve Horowitz have decades of experience. Still, the departure of Jia Li, one of the highest-ranking women at the company and its head of research, to join Alphabet's Google this month left another high-level opening.

"I think Snapchat struggles with leadership," said Dave Carvajal, an executive recruiter for tech companies. "Just because something is a great idea, it still has the very real challenge of bringing in the right people."

Spiegel, an enigmatic figure who choose to locate the company in the Southern California beach town of Venice rather than Silicon Valley, has not followed the example of Facebook founder Mark Zuckerberg, who partnered early on with Sheryl Sandberg, a former Treasury Department official and Google executive. Google co-founders Larry Page and Sergey Brin initially ceded the CEO role to veteran technology executive Eric Schmidt.

I think (Spiegel) is a sole dictator type, said Lyon Wong, a venture capitalist and former partner at Lightspeed Venture Partners, a firm that made multiple early investments into Snap.

Hemant Taneja, a managing director at the venture capital firm and Snap investor General Catalyst, pointed to Khan as a key figure in the run-up to the IPO.

I think that hire was critical and they work very well together, Taneja said. He has taken a lot of things off of Evans plate so he can focus on what he does best.

Taneja said the turnover may be more indicative of Spiegel constantly upgrading the talent in his ranks.

I think that Snapchat does everything in an unconventional way, Taneja said. Comparing it to Facebook or another company is an incorrect way to think about it.

Wolff also noted that the company may yet bring in more experienced managers and board members ahead of the IPO.

IPO AS MARKETING

Snap, valued at about $18bn, has raised roughly $2.5bn from investors including mutual fund Fidelity Investments, Sequoia Capital, T. Rowe Price and Alibaba. It raised $1.81bn as recently as May, according to regulatory filings.

The windfall of cash just six months ago, however, did not slow Snaps IPO talks, which have been ongoing for at least a year, according to sources familiar with the matter. An IPO early next year may help Snap capture pent-up investor demand after a prolonged IPO drought, while also getting out in front of other hotly anticipated debuts from Uber Technologies Inc and Airbnb.

It could be easier to tell your story because everyone will be focused on you and ready for you to make your move, said Hans Tung, managing partner at GGV Capital. There will be a lot of demand for this stock.

Some investors said the marketing boost and visibility that comes with an IPO is crucial to help Snapchat get more users outside the United States - and outside its dominant user base of millennials. Snapchat says it has more than 150 million daily active users.

The goal of the company is to grow as fast as possible, venture capitalist Wong said. And there are no more 16-year-olds for them to get onto the platform.

An IPO will give the company a more mature image that will appeal to advertisers, investors said. Snap has told investors to expect $1bn in advertising revenue in 2017, according to sources familiar with the matter.
LUXURY German auto brand Audi envisions the potential of just one diesel model in its US product mix in the wake of the diesel emissions scandal that has embroiled its parent company Volkswagen, according to Audi's US head.

"Once we hopefully get past everything, I see an opportunity to offer it on one model, and that model would probably be the Q7 SUV," Audi of America President Scott Keogh said at the Los Angeles Auto Show.

"It's the one model that makes the most sense."

At its height, diesel made up 7pc of Audi's US mix, said Keogh, who added it was "always a bridge technology" before emissions standards got progressively tighter.

Keogh said the future for Audi was electric, with battery electric vehicles projected to make up 25pc to 30pc of its mix in by 2025. The brand plans to launch its first electric SUV in 2018.

Chief executive officer of Volkswagen of America Hinrich Woebcken told the AutoMobilityLA auto dealers conference that diesel would never reach the 25pc of Volkswagen sales it once enjoyed in the United States.

"Our prediction is that we will not come back with diesel in the same magnitude we had before," Woebcken said.

Volkswagen this week reached an agreement with US regulators for a mix of buybacks and fixes for 80,000 polluting Audi, Porsche and VW 3.0l vehicles, two sources said.

The agreement includes a buyback offer for about 20,000 older Audi and VW SUVs and a software fix for 60,000 newer Porsche, Audi and VW cars and SUVs, the sources said. A separate, more complex fix is expected to be offered for the older vehicles. Talks are ongoing between lawyers for the owners and Volkswagen over compensation for the owners before a court hearing on November 30.

The agreement is a major step toward Volkswagen resolving its outstanding diesel emission issues in the United States - after it reached a separate $10.03bn (9.3bn) buyback offer for 475,000 2.0-litre vehicles in June.

Volkswagen has already agreed to spend up to $16.5bn (15bn) to resolve US diesel emissions cheating allegations, including the 2.0-l buyback offer.

Audi said it is still working closely with regulators "to reach an agreement on an approved resolution" ahead of the court hearing, but declined to comment on confidential talks.

Elizabeth Cabraser, the lead attorney for the owners, said in a statement that any agreement between owners and the company should offer all 3.0-litre owners a choice between a buyback or a fix if approved by regulators.

The US Environmental Protection Agency declined to comment. "While an agreement between the EPA and Volkswagen may address some of the environmental damage, it does not hold the company accountable for the harm caused to consumers. We will continue to pursue a fair resolution," she said.

Details of a final settlement are still being worked out but Volkswagen is expected to save potentially billions by avoiding a buyback of all 3.0-litre vehicles.(Reuters)
Hans Zimmer performing music from his movie scores (Batman, Thin Red Line, Pirates of the Caribbean and more) at Hammersmith Apollo. Photograph: Angela Lubrano

Hans Zimmer, Hollywoods most in demand and innovative film music composer will be returning to Dublin.

The composer will play the 3Arena on June 13, 2017.

Hans, whose music can currently be heard in BBC 1s Planet Earth II and the Nexflix phenomenon The Crown will be joined onstage by his 15 piece studio band, along with an orchestra and choir bringing the total number of musicians on stage to over 60.

Hans Zimmer Live On Tour will be a multi-layered experience for concertgoers and a must-see concert event, featuring career-spanning music from Zimmer's multi-decade career.

Hanss first ever tour Hans Zimmer Revealed in 2016 kicked off with a sold-out two night run at Londons Wembley Arena before embarking on a 33-city run that included shows in major European cities including, Paris, Berlin, Munich, Prague, Geneva, Dublin and Vienna to name just a few.

The tour received rave reviews in every city it visited and due to its incredible success 2017 will see Hans performing Scandinavia for the first time.

The Hans Zimmer Live On Tourconcerts will be in two parts: the first being some of Zimmers classic movie scores including Gladiator, TYhe Lion King and Pirates of the Caribbean and more and the second featuring re-imagined versions of some classic scores such as The Dark Knight Trilogy and Inception with special guests from the rock and pop world.

Tickets from 66.50 including booking and facility fees go on sale at 9am Wednesday 23 November via Ticketmaster
Bruno Mars attempted to speak as Gaeilge with the help of 2FM's Eoghan McDermott.

On Tuesday, Bruno Mars announced that he will bring his 24k Magic World Tour to Ireland.

The musician will perform at the 3Arena on Saturday, April 29, 2017.

To help him prepare for the show, 2FM's Eoghan McDermott gave him some "cupla focal"

He taught him how to say "Dublin, how are you?" as a standard greeting but Bruno requested a more grittier opening.

"How do you say 'Ireland, get the f**k up, let's dance'?" he asked.

Eoghan, a capable Gaeilgeoir, gladly obliged.

"Write that sh*t down," exclaimed Bruno.

"That sounds intense. That sounds like we're ready for war right there."

Bruno Mars will speak with Eoghan McDermott in his only exclusive Irish Interview at 4pm today on RTE 2FM.
Black Widow Catherine Nevin has been reportedly been moved to a palliative care home as her health deteriorates.

According to The Irish Mirror, the husband killer was moved to a care facility in the north of Dublin in recent days.

She had been getting treatment at the Mater Hospital but last week was moved to a different location where she is now receiving palliative care," a source told the newspaper.

The 65-year-old is believed to have been diagnosed with a brain tumour and told she only has months to live.

She was taken to the Mater Hospital before receiving her diagnosis, when she was informed that the growth is inoperable.

It is believed that the brain tumour is considered very serious and there is nothing doctors can do for her.

Expand Close Catherine Nevin with husband Tom whom she had murdered Photo: COLLINS DUBLIN / Facebook

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Whatsapp Catherine Nevin with husband Tom whom she had murdered Photo: COLLINS DUBLIN

Nevin had been spotted out on temporary release from Dochas Women's Prison over recent months.

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She had also been taking part in a new college course in Maynooth University.

The Irish Prison Service said it 'does not comment on individual prisoners.'

Her husband, Tom Nevin, was shot dead in Jack White's pub, near Brittas Bay, in March of 1996 while counting the day's takings.

In August of 2000, she was convicted on three charges of soliciting others to murder Tom, following one of the most high-profile trials in the history of the State.

After 42 days of trial, a jury convicted her and she was jailed for life.

She lost an appeal against her conviction in 2003.

In 2010, she also lost an application to have her conviction declared a miscarriage of justice.

In 2014 a Supreme Court appeal by Nevin against her conviction was dismissed.
Hospitals struggled to find beds for 388 patients across the country yesterday (Stock photo)

A scoring system used by the HSE to decide on the allocation of home care packages has been condemned as too rigid at a time when the hospital trolley crisis is rapidly escalating.

Under the marking system, an older person who is living on their own gets the highest possible score of four.

But this drops down to two if they get visits from their family, reducing their chances of getting the service. A person aged 65-75 years only gets a score of one.

It increases to two for those aged 75-85 and is graded as three for people over the 85.

Fianna Fail TD for Galway East Anne Rabbitte said she has first-hand experience of older constituents who desperately need home care losing out.

"This new score chart is extremely crude and is based on a number of 'risk factors', rather than examining the overall needs of the person.

"All home care hours are allocated based on this scoring scheme. Even if a person lives on their own and has family nearby the fact is they are still on their own."

She said the system is too inflexible and applies a "one size fits all".

"Older people have a right to be cared for with respect and dignity in their own homes and every effort should be made to accommodate this," she said.

"Health Minister Simon Harris and the HSE must find the necessary resources to ensure that home care packages can be provided to those who need them."

The criticism came as Dr Fergal Hickey, spokesman for hospital emergency consultants, warned that over 300 elderly people will die due to overcrowding this winter.

Hospitals struggled to find beds for 388 patients across the country yesterday.

University Hospital Galway faced severe pressure with 40 patients on trolleys, including many frail and elderly people who faced high-risk conditions.

The HSE spokeswoman said the home care service is a discretionary one and national guidance is in place with regard to access.

The guidance is re-circulated at intervals to remind staff that access to home care is based on assessed need. There is no means assessment for access to home care.

She said there is no requirement for a client to hold a medical card in order to access home care and the allocation of service is based on assessed need and "available resources".

Referring to claims that there is a shortage of home help staff, she said the recruitment of these workers is not regarded as a significant problem at this time.

"Posts are being approved and recruitment progressed as appropriate to the needs of individual areas and in consultation with the staff union."

Recruitment is in process in some areas and in other areas business cases are being made.
A woman has expressed her gratitude to the stranger who pointed to a spot on her face, which turned out to be skin cancer, since having it removed.

Mary Fay was waiting for a bus in Busaras in February when a man offered to let her know when the bus arrived so that she could wait inside and stay warm. When he told her the bus was coming, he pointed to a spot on her face.

He pointed right into my face and said And what are you going to do about that spot? Ms Fay told Liveline today.

When asked if she was tempted to tell the man to mind his own business, Ms Fay said that friends had asked her about it as well and it made her think it was time to get it checked out.

She went to the GP that month, was referred to a dermatologist and called back for a biopsy some weeks later; she was shocked at the results.

I went to my GP, who referred me to a dermatologist in Sligo. I was called for a biopsy three or four weeks later and on the 24th of May I had a cancerous growth removed from my face, Ms Fay told Liveline.

Whoever that gentleman was, had I not gone to the doctor, God knows what would have happened, she continued.

I think the most important thing is if people have something on their face, dont be shy about getting it sorted out.

If that man is listening, hes in my prayers.
Nevadans should be commended for having the foresight to pass Question 3 promoting electricity retail choice and restructuring Nevadas electricity system. But now the real work begins. Its imperative that lawmakers take the initiative in the 2017 session by passing laws protecting Nevada ratepayers and ensuring every single Nevadans rights and access to a level playing field offering value through retail electricity choice.

Ratepayers need to know that changing electricity providers is a paper change and there will be no interruption in service or reliability in their electricity service no matter which power provider they have. Electricity has become so pervasive and vital to our quality of life that reliability is vital to any change. Electricity retail choice poses no risk to the lights staying on at their home or work. Large electricity users left NV Energy with no interruption in their service. Restructuring took place in Texas in 2001 and since then customers have enjoyed low rates, technology innovation, more options that fit their electricity usage, and an explosion of renewable energy generation.

Before the vote, we saw several large power users leave NV Energy so they could enjoy cheaper electricity rates. Legislators writing new laws must make sure that all consumers, whether large businesses, small businesses, or residential customers have the freedom to choose their electricity provider without having to pay enormous fees. Those power users who left NV energy made their own economic decisions to terminate their contracts with NV Energy and purchase power from another provider.

Each Nevada ratepayer deserves an exit option from their own service with sufficient facts and transparency to make an educated decision. Ratepayers and lawmakers shouldnt be focused solely on price and how much they can save annually from Nevada Choice. Competition brings different levels of service and technology products, as well. Ratepayers must also consider the added benefits of competition such as companies offering free smart meters and free nights and weekends plans, for example.

It is imperative that lawmakers address changes to Nevadas electric industry from generation to final delivery to the consumer. Restructuring must allow competitive private companies to build new electricity generation, including renewable, without any obstruction from the lines and wires providers. The consumer should also be allowed to install renewable generation without the undue burdens imposed by NV Energy. Regulations must allow for a seamless transition from new generation to the existing Nevada power grid to create the jobs, economic development, technology advancements and competitive retail environment that Nevadans should enjoy.

The time to make the transition to electricity retail choice is in 2017 with the Nevada legislature taking the lead to implement the right laws and regulations. Nevada cant wait until 2023 when other surrounding states could already be reaping the benefits of retail choice including economic development and innovation. To make Nevada stand out, lawmakers must understand the importance and urgency of getting this restructuring right the first time.

NV Energy stated publicly that it was neutral on Question 3 and the voters decision to make the shift to retail choice. Lawmakers need to hold NV Energy to their word and make sure their interests are heard. However, lawmakers must make sure the emphasis is focused on the ratepayers protections and fairness for everyone state-wide.
Scottish First Minister Nicola Sturgeon has offered to explore the possibility of giving women from Northern Ireland access to abortions in Scotland without facing prohibitive costs.

Ms Sturgeon made the assurance while responding to a question from Patrick Harvie MSP during First Minister's Questions yesterday in the Scottish Parliament.

Stormont has been under increasing pressure to change its current stance on abortion, which is only available in hospitals in Northern Ireland if there is a direct threat to the mother's life.

More than 830 women travelled to English hospitals and clinics from there in 2015 to have terminations, all of whom had to raise the money to pay for the procedure themselves.

Women from Northern Ireland are not entitled to free NHS abortions in England, which is currently being challenged at the Supreme Court.

Scottish Green Party co-convener Harvie asked the first minister to explore what can be done through the NHS in Scotland to break down the "financial barrier" many Northern Irish women face.

Mr Harvie pointed out that women from Northern Ireland had to fund their own private terminations, which can cost from 400 to 2,000.

He said this often adds further stress, time and complication to the process.

He then asked Ms Sturgeon; "Does the first minister agree that the national health service in Scotland should be exploring what can be done to ensure that those women are able to access abortion in Scotland, if that is where they choose to travel to, without facing that kind of unacceptable financial barrier?"

In response, Ms Sturgeon said she was happy to explore if any improvements could be made.

She said: "Like Patrick Harvie, I believe that women should have the right to choose, within the limits that are currently set down in law, and that that right should be defended.

"When a woman opts to have an abortion - I stress that that is never, ever an easy decision for any woman - the procedure should be available in a safe and legal way.

"That is my view. Patrick Harvie asked me to explore a particular issue for NHS Scotland and I am happy to do so."

While political opinion in Northern Ireland remains divided on the sensitive issue, the DUP have consistently opposed widespread access to abortion.

In a statement responding to the comments, a DUP spokesman said: "The law on abortion in Northern Ireland is a matter for the Northern Ireland Assembly to decide.

"It is a matter for the Scottish government to decide how they operate and pay for NHS services in Scotland."

Ms Sturgeon's comments were welcomed by Amnesty International Northern Ireland programme director Patrick Corrigan. He said: "Given the utter human rights failure of Northern Ireland's ministers to provide free, safe and legal abortion healthcare for women and girls, we welcome the commitment of Scotland's first minister to explore what can be done via NHS Scotland."
The country's largest trade union has authorised a ballot among its 60,000 workers on whether to strike on public service pay - claiming it was time to "re-take lost ground".

Siptu said that private sector workers had already secured pay increases, and there was an urgent need to amend the Lansdowne Road Agreement to accelerate pay restoration within the public sector.

However, it will hold off on balloting for another fortnight at the request of the Irish Congress of Trade Unions, despite initially demanding the Government announce a timeline for pay talks by yesterday.

Following the request by Congress, Siptu will now ask their negotiating committees to ballot no earlier than December 1.

After meeting in Liberty Hall last night, the union released a statement which said it had accepted "extremely difficult choices" during the recession.

"We did so in order to ensure that our members and working people generally would hold as much ground as possible and to preserve the economic independence of the country itself," it said. "We always made it clear that when circumstances changed we would take whatever action was necessary to re-take lost ground."

It said that in the private sector, there were calls for pay increases of 4pc from next January and that "in public transport and aviation we have supported our members in important battles such as the Luas, Dublin Bus".

But it said the Government had refused to open negotiations on amending the Lansdowne Road Agreement while indicating "it is amenable to the application of preferential terms to individual groups".

Earlier, Siptu President Jack O'Connor said the union was still in favour of a national agreement, but needed to negotiate for amendments to Lansdowne Road.

"We have always made it clear we strongly support a national agreement. It's the best way for every worker in the public service," he told RTE. "You have far more leverage as part of 300,000 workers than trying to do it on your own and actually it's better for the country as well."
Would you employ an estate agent who actively damages the prospects of selling your home?

Consider that I recently took 20 properties in Dublin as presented to me randomly by a popular sales portal - in the price bracket 300,000 to 350,000. I then judged the pictures which appeared for each property under five categories. I concluded that more than two thirds of the photograph selections shown online (65pc) actively damaged, rather than enhanced, the prospects of selling that property.

The categories I judged under were:

1 Brightness - were the pictures bright enough to see the rooms properly? If two or more of the main rooms had photos which were underexposed (much too dark), then the photos failed the brightness test. Twelve out of 20 of our Dublin selection failed because two or more main room pictures were too dark - that's a whopping 60pc. Most potential buyers will look at the pictures attached to that 60pc of properties and think "this is a dark house - I don't want a dark house". Most buyers don't realise the photographer, and not the house, is at fault and fully expect your home to look as it does in the pictures. Showing your home through muck-tinted spectacles repels rather than attracts buyers.

2 Composition - were the pictures decently composed? I wasn't looking for David Bailey-type creations here but I failed a property if two or more pictures of main rooms had cut off important parts without reason or appeared chaotic in their composition. In the case of the Dublin properties, nine out of 20, or 45pc failed.

3 Focus - were the pictures in focus? You don't show people holiday snaps in which the faces of you and your family are blurred, do you? If two or more shots of main rooms were out of focus, the property failed. It's obviously vital when selling a home to ensure potential buyers can see the rooms clearly. Seven out of 20 shoots included two or more main pictures which were fuzzy and out of focus. That's a 35pc failure rate.

4 Overexposure - did the pictures suffer from overexposure? This occurs when light from windows is not accounted for by the snapper. It leads to white streaks, bars or balls of light blanking out large parts of the picture. It's often referred to as 'burnout' or 'whiteout'. If a picture of a room is composed of one quarter of blank white space, which obscures important details, then it's badly taken. If two or more pictures of main rooms had burnout, then the pictures failed. Overall the selections attached to seven out of 20 properties (35pc) failed.

5 Minimal staging - did the photos include rubbish or debris which should not be in the pictures? This includes cars obscuring the property; piles of clothes or laundry; unwashed dishes; scattered toys or items which should have been removed for the shoot. While the agents or the photographers who took the pictures cannot be blamed for vendors refusing to tidy up; rubbish and debris affects the quality of those photos. In Dublin, four out of 20 homes (20pc) had two or more pictures which displayed inexcusable amounts of debris or rubbish.

Just seven out of 20 properties in the 300,000 to 350,000 passed on all categories - that's just 35pc. This doesn't mean the photography was brilliant in those cases - rather the pictures served their purpose and did no active damage to the prospects of selling the home. It also means that 65pc of photo presentations jeopardised, rather than enhanced, the property's sale prospects... in my view.

For a regional taster I picked Laois as my snap survey sample - for no other reason than it is neither wealthy nor poor and is literally "middle Ireland." This time I searched for properties in the 150,000 to 200,000 category - slightly above the average price range for Laois.

Eleven out of the first 20 properties that emerged from the search had two or more main rooms in the dark. That's 55pc. Laois's amateur snappers were better composers than their Dublin counterparts - six out of 20, or 30pc, had too many shots which were badly composed. So 70pc were up to scratch on composition for the purposes of showing a house. Next came focus - 25pc of the test group of Laois homes had two or more main-room pics which were blurred. But when it came to burnout, the rooms in Laois's homes for sale were streaked blind - 15 out of 20 homes (75pc) failed. Laois homes were tidier and better staged for pics - three homes featured eyesore rubbish or debris (15pc). Overall, however, just 10pc of the pictures presented for Laois properties passed all five test categories. It means that 90pc of picture presentations for Laois properties for sale were flawed in some way or other and could, in my view, damage the prospect of selling these homes. Why?

Smart phone cameras is why. Too many agents use them and they simply don't have the capacity to shoot interiors to a marketing standard. A professional photographer can cost as little as 100-200 for a good job. Against the above results, this outlay could add thousands to your home's value. Skinflinting on pictures costs it. And that's the big picture.
What happens to political correctness when its ability to bully everyone into silence comes to an end? The Donald Trump victory signals that it is coming to an end. Strange as it may seem for someone like me to say, if it came to a complete end, that would be a bad thing because the basic instinct of political correctness is good; protect minorities.

The problem with political correctness is that it has completely overreached. By shouting 'bigot' too often, by completely failing to distinguish between reasonable and unreasonable critics, it is getting closer to wearing out the power of the word 'bigot'. It's not there yet by any means, but give it a few more years.

In addition, in its eagerness to protect minorities it has covered up some terrible abuses perpetrated by those same minorities, including sexual abuse (just like the Church did), and voter fraud.

Mr Trump basically set out to defy almost all the conventions of political correctness. He turned its censoriousness to his own advantage. He seemed to know that the more politically incorrect he was, the more publicity he would attract. He also seemed to sense that because political correctness can't distinguish between reasonable and unreasonable criticism, and shouts 'bigot' at absolutely everyone, he might as well be hanged for a sheep as for a lamb.

That's what happens when you impose the 'death penalty' for all offences. You tempt some people to commit a big offence.

Lots of people who wouldn't agree with some of Mr Trump's more outrageous statements - for example, ban all Muslims (later nuanced to 'vet Muslims') - still voted for him because they were sick and tired of being shouted down all the time. Mr Trump might be a barbarian, a club-wielding caveman, but maybe it took someone like him, instead of the more polite critics of political correctness, to deliver a mighty blow to it.

The danger here in Ireland is that the shrill and unthinking defenders of political correctness will in time give rise to a similar, home-grown version of Mr Trump because nothing else seems to get through to them.

They are impervious to reason, assume the bad faith of everyone they disagree with and go from zero to total denunciation in the time it takes you to blink.

I wish there was a term better than 'political correctness' to describe 'political correctness'. I could say 'cultural Marxism' but almost no one would know what that means.

As mentioned, political correctness is concerned with protecting the rights and status of minority groups. The reason it is so concerned with language, is that the wrong kind of language can demean a group. That is why 'Tinker' changed to 'Itinerant' and then to 'Traveller', for example. We won't even mention the 'K' word.

Nor will we mention the 'N' word, for very obvious reasons, but even good-willed people aren't sure whether to say 'black' or 'African-American'. There is no organisation called 'African-American Lives Matter'. It's 'Black Lives Matter'. So, can it really be racist to say 'black'?

We should sometimes have to think twice about some of the language we use to describe this or that group. The trouble is that political correctness has us thinking three, four, 10 times about the language we use and has reached the absurdity of seeking to make us fear whether it is safe to call a man a man or a woman a woman in case the person prefers some gender-neutral term. And if you don't use the right term, you are, of course, a 'bigot'.

A few months ago, Health Minister Simon Harris wrote a ridiculous defence of political correctness and warned us to be 'afraid' of anyone who warns that it has gone too far. At the time, I gave some examples in this newspaper of it doing precisely that, for example, 'safe spaces' and 'no platforming' at universities, so-called 'anti-hate' laws, the shutting down generally of one debate about another through scaring people rigid in case they say the 'wrong' thing.

I ought to have given some even worse examples, for instance, what happened in British towns like Rotherham, Rochdale and Oxford. In those places, Pakistani men were guilty of sexually assaulting and raping hundreds of girls, often underage, over a series of years but the whole thing was covered up by the local authorities, including politicians, in case the revelation incited racism.

Similarly, when 'men of North African appearance' sexually assaulted women in the centre of Cologne and elsewhere on New Year's Eve last, the German police initially covered it up. It came out on social media and the dreaded Breitbart website. In Tower Hamlets in London, meanwhile, voter fraud was covered up because, again, those responsible were from a racial minority.

You won't have heard of Nissar Hussain, who has been subjected to brutal assault and had to be moved to a safe house by the British police within the last week. Why was he so moved? Because he is a Muslim convert to Christianity. Why haven't we heard of him? Because his assailants are Muslims.

When political correctness is crushing free speech, and covering up sex assault, physical assault and voter fraud, that should absolutely scream that it has gone too far, that its anxiety to protect minorities has spun completely and dangerously out of control.

The topic, 'has political correctness gone too far?' has never been properly debated in the Irish media because, presumably, such a discussion would itself be politically incorrect. The more we stifle debate, however, the more people are condemned for saying reasonable things that defy the PC orthodoxies, the more we see terrible human rights abuses covered up in the name of those orthodoxies the more likely it is that we will have more Donald Trumps.

For the sake of civility, we need a mild form of political correctness, but the totally virulent form of it currently on the loose threatens to destroy it completely.
Super moons, tsunamis, earthquakes, the warmest year ever on the planet, the election of a white nationalist as president of the United States - what's next? One longs for the passing of this year. The world seems in turmoil. What Donald Trump campaigned on is a week later diluted but not denied. A fence instead of the promised "wall". Only the worst of the criminals who are undocumented to be deported instead of the threatened 11 million. Words have lost all meaning.

Mr Trump could fall between two stools. On the one hand, those who bought into and were captivated by his bizarre pronouncements may feel they have been sold a pup.

Democrats who supported Hillary Clinton and witnessed her being trashed and libelled are left bereft, cheated of victory and in fear of what the new order will bring.

Post-election trauma is widespread. People gather in different states to protest, New Yorkers are desolate. Millennials are visibly distressed that despite winning the popular vote, Mrs Clinton lost. Too late. Democracy had its day.

The only way to look is forward and be hopeful that ultimately good sense and constitutional safeguards will prevail. If Mrs Clinton and Barack Obama can be civil and pragmatic about this turn of events, the rest of us need to get with the programme. But for Mrs Clinton to attribute her defeat to round two of the FBI email investigation is to miss the point.

All the analysis is that the outcome, however close, was essentially determined by people who felt disillusioned and abandoned by the political establishment and wanted something - anything - better. Warts and all, Mr Trump represented radical change and in those rust belt states, maybe the hope of a job. Perhaps the biggest misjudgment Mrs Clinton made was to characterise Trump supporters as a bunch of "deplorables".

The smooth transition of power is being honoured by Mr Obama and he is managing this with remarkable dignity. He is utilising his final weeks as president to restate important values and extract lessons learned from the election result.

Everyone now sees the calamitous political error of ignoring "people's fears that their children won't do as well as they have", and that people voted to "shake things up".

This was a theme echoed in British Prime Minister Theresa May's speech this week. She sought to capture the sense of "huge change" demanded by the electorate in the Brexit vote and by implication in the US election.

She acknowledged that the forces of globalisation and liberalism "have left too many people behind, despite its delivery of unprecedented prosperity and lifting millions out of poverty". When the deeply held concerns of people are dismissed, anti-globalisation sentiment grows. She concluded that politicians should work to preserve the best of what works and change what does not when dealing with the twin forces of liberalisation and globalisation.

In Greece, as Mr Obama did a final overseas tour, there was an opportunity to speak in support of the indebted country's embattled government. "Austerity alone cannot deliver prosperity," he said. Music to the ears of Prime Minister Alexis Tsipras as he faces a Eurogroup meeting on debt relief. And he gave full credit to the Greek people for their reception and kindness to refugees fleeing war. In Greece too, support is drifting away to the conservative opposition party New Democracy in response to resentment caused by enforced austerity measures introduced so as to repay loans.

One recalls Michael Noonan quoting Yeats in a budget speech: "Too long a sacrifice can make a stone of the heart". In Ireland the last election demonstrated that very clearly.

When people feel unheard, and their anger is perceived as dismissed or disregarded, they will flee to the arms of parties and individuals who offer radical change. Thankfully in Ireland's case the flight has been to independents and parties of the far left, sparing us the toxicity of the far right. Here, the centre is holding thanks to an uneasy coalition of the two big conservative parties. But wage demands, a housing crisis and external shocks like Brexit and the American election outcome will pile pressure on this fragile minority government.

Public Expenditure Minister Paschal Donohoe is bravely holding the line on the spending front and our Taoiseach is the right man for the awkward job of forging relations with the new US administration. And who knows how the Trump presidency will turn out. Either way the outcome should galvanise American Democrats to reframe their offering in four years' time.

In the week since the election, Mr Trump has noticeably turned down the volume, chastened like the rest of us by his unexpected victory. But appointments to key positions are a worry.

To place a notorious white supremacist and provocateur Steve Bannon as his chief strategist means the most extreme and alt-right racist views articulated by the Breitbart website and in the Trump campaign will likely permeate his presidency. Outgoing Democratic senate leader Harry Reid remarked "as long as a champion of racial division is a step away from the Oval Office, it will be impossible to take Mr Trump's efforts to heal the nation seriously".

By contrast, the appointment of RNC chairman Reince Priebus as chief of staff is a nod towards the Republican establishment. Perhaps one will balance the other out, but Mr Bannon is more influential.

And as the spoils of office are dispensed amid chaos and firings in the transition team, the president-elect takes to his twitter account to wage war on the media. All rules are cast aside.

There are legitimate questions being asked also about possible conflicts of interest between Mr Trump's business interests and the presidency. The degree of involvement of his close family members in his future administration is raising eyebrows even among Republicans.

Meanwhile, Russian and Syrian bombs are falling all week on the civilian population of Aleppo and there is no one at home in the White House to take questions.
The most recent 'wellbeing' climate survey of Defence Forces personnel has been published by Minister of State Paul Kehoe. The report represented a quantitative measurement of the extent of satisfaction or otherwise across a wide range of issues and contains many positive outcomes.

Nevertheless, it would be an attempt at sugar-coating not to admit that the report also contains some very alarming findings. This is particularly the case in the results relating to 'commitment to service'.

The commitment of those in its service is a crucial component of a successful military force. Put simply, the commitment of personnel is key to achieving any military mission or objective. This commitment is dependent on the 'psychological contract' between the employer and those who serve the State. The psychological contract is the unwritten element of the contract in a military leadership scenario. It must be managed effectively to foster mutual trust and respect and to ensure that objectives are shared.

A breach in the psychological contract can occur if employees perceive that their organisation, or its agents, have failed to deliver on what they perceive was promised. This can result in employees, or soldiers in this case, becoming disenchanted, demotivated and resentful. Based on the results of the climate survey, this inherent failure appears to be the case in the Defence Forces.

The survey results indicate that a majority of serving personnel no longer have high levels of effective commitment to the Defence Forces. A significant majority of respondents (60pc) indicated that they felt they were doing something worthwhile for their country - there appears to be a high commitment to the idea of being in the Defence Forces and what that means - yet the majority of respondents reported low levels of commitment to the organisation itself (as opposed to its purpose).

This is an alarming outcome which begs the obvious question as to why this is the case. Military personnel appear to be proud to be in an organisation and proud of what it represents but do not believe the organisation is "fit for purpose" to deliver the designed objectives.

Another alarming outcome is the finding regarding personnel's intentions about leaving the Defence Forces. Some 27pc of those who responded signalled their intention to leave the Defence Forces as a result of commuting distances alone. Satisfaction with military life has dropped significantly since an earlier survey in 2008, when 64pc of respondents were satisfied with military life - this has now fallen to 48pc. The survey responses also indicate that should opportunities arise outside of the Defence Forces many will continue to leave unless management address the situation.

Over 10pc of commissioned officers have voluntarily left the Defence Forces since 2013, leaving significant gaps in corporate expertise and knowledge which is even more worrying when the time needed to develop 'professional military skill sets' is considered. The current effective strength of the Defence Forces is below 9,000 out of its designed establishment of 9,500, signalling a 'failed' human resources policy in contradiction of the Defence Department's strategic goals.

The survey findings reveal that there is much discontent as a consequence of the last reorganisation in 2013, which was conducted against a reduced budgetary envelope. The reorganisation has resulted in troops travelling from Donegal, Galway and Athlone to support inadequate manning levels in the eastern Dublin-based units.

Significantly, the Climate Survey Report does not conclude or address how the current retention crisis should be addressed. The failure to make any recommendations on one of the most significant challenges to the Defence Forces is quite alarming and questionable.

With management yet to identify their key takeaways from the report, the continual exit from the Defence Forces, by all ranks, is running at between 40 and 50 a month. This begs the shocking question, at what point of dysfunction will management engage if ever?

Comdt Earnan Naughton is general secretary of the Representative Association of Commissioned Officers (RACO)
A new Dogs Trust campaign is highlighting the plight of mums living in poor conditions on puppy farms, like this rescued springer spaniel. Photo: Fran Veale

The seizure of almost 100 puppies in the UK that had been illegally shipped from Ireland again focuses attention on the sickening trade in 'designer dogs'.

Not that it surprises me in the least that Ireland has earned the reputation among animal welfare groups of being the puppy farming capital of Europe.

We have a serious credibility problem as a nation when it comes to humane treatment of animals.

Yes, we have an animal welfare act, but a badly drafted one that has proved inadequate in tackling a whole range of issues: puppy farming thrives, availing of gaping loopholes in the act; feral cats have virtually no legal protection; badgers are snared and killed openly despite their "protected" status; and the legislation specifically exempts hare coursing from prohibition.

Instead of protecting hares - gentle, inoffensive creatures - from a practice banned in many jurisdictions, it protects the "sporting interests" of coursing clubs.

Whether it's subjecting innocent puppies to the misery of vile breeding establishments or having hares mauled, terrorised and tossed about like broken toys, we seem to excel at turning sentient beings into tortured, traumatised or dead ones in the name of fun and greed.

It's a wonder we don't have a special government department or semi-state agency selling our contempt for animal welfare as a tourist attraction.

The slogan could be: Welcome to Ireland - The land of a thousand cruelties.

John Fitzgerald

Callan, Co Kilkenny

Different rule for Bernie

When Bernie Sanders described an open-border migration policy as a right-wing proposal to drive down wages and undermine the nation state, he was applauded for defending the working class.

Why then are Nigel Farage and Donald Trump anathematised as right-wing ideologues for making the same point?

Dr John Doherty

Vienna, Austria

Priests overworked and jaded

Priests are overworked and under-appreciated. At this year's annual conference for Catholic priests, Fr Brendan Hoban reported pressure by bishops, expressed a deep unhappiness in his job and that morale among priests was at an all-time low.

With so many baptisms, confirmations, penance distributions, anointings of the sick, ordinations, matrimony ceremonies and constant preparing and eating of the entire holy body and precious blood of Jesus Christ - Fr Hoban seems simply jaded.

Even if he is sending his CV out to other recruitment agencies, he doesn't have a statutory entitlement to either a written or an oral reference from his current or previous employer as his employer is - and always has been - God (who cannot be contacted).

But it seems that Fr Hoban needs a new job and having sold the promise of eternal life for over 30 years, his skill sets may be in sales?

Going forward he may form a private limited partnership, that engages in speculation using credit or borrowed capital.

But for now, he could do children's parties in his own clown suit? All I am saying, is give priests a chance.

David O'Reilly

Dublin

Dublin no different to most cities

Comment writers are there to stimulate thoughts and opinions, but Ita O'Kelly (Irish Independent, November 17) really ought to offer a little more.

She is apparently satisfied to regale what is wrong with Dublin having five million tourists a year (myself being one) but offers no suggestion as to how it should become "more than a mere tourist attraction".

She appears to resent the increasing number of people wanting to find out more at first-hand about "her city". Should we take from this that she doesn't visit places on anything other than business?

From my visits to The Bakehouse, Kehoe's and The Guinness Storehouse, I don't recognise some of the picture of the city which she paints. I wonder if those establishments share her view that "enough is enough".

Yes, there are several beggars, rough sleepers, tat shops and late-night ice cream parlours; in that respect, unfortunately, Dublin is no different to many a city across the globe.

There is room for a city and its residents to flourish alongside tourism and the reality is many must find that room in order to remain attractive and buoyant.

Nigel Chapman

Spalding, England

Give the gift of kindness

Christmas is coming and the pressure is on, with many families finding it increasingly difficult to meet the demands of children who have high expectations but unfortunately seem to believe that Christmas is more about receiving than giving.

In this consumer-driven society it would appear the spirit of Christmas is slowly but surely being eroded. Lead by example is always the best policy but unfortunately when Santa arrives he gives much, but receives little in return, except of course his mince pie and carrot, which in the overall scale of things is a little unbalanced and sends out the wrong message.

This Christmas, the new message for all young children should be that as the population of the world is getting so much bigger, Santa needs help and has asked that all children should leave out one of their old toys, not a broken one but one that can be used, so Santa can pass it on to some other child who has little.

Charity shops are always grateful.

Most children understand the concept but a little pain parting with a toy is allowed, as the message learned is a powerful one and insures you instil in your child the most precious Christmas gift of all, empathy and kindness.

Eugene McGuinness

Kilkenny, Co Kilkenny

A long way to go for leaders

It is true that European countries are split along the lines of those who have been in power for too long and wide swathes of the citizenry who have had enough after decades of economic stagnation, hollow promises, foreign misadventure, social decay, gender disparity and health inequality.

European elites are emulating Marie Antoinette who is infamous for delivering her infuriating words 'Let them eat cake' upon learning that her French peasants had no bread to eat.

Western leaders in general have a mountain to climb before they could deliver on their promises to create fairer societies.

Discontent is growing at their increasingly autocratic rules and sense of detachment from people's aspirations.

Dr Munjed Farid Al Qutob

London, England
These are uncertain times.

The seismic shift in world and European politics following Brexit and the election of Donald Trump as 45th President of the United States has led to an environment of global political and economic uncertainty and challenging and uncertain times ahead for Irish businesses.

2016 has been a landmark and unprecendented year and Taoiseach Enda Kenny has described Brexit as arguably the greatest economic and social challenge for this island in 50 years. A Department of Finance / ESRI Survey has revealed that Irish GDP is forecast to be down by 2.3% from what it might have been within 5 years, even if Britain negotiated a free trade agreement with the EU.

The short and longer term impacts of these two major political events are still largely unknown and experts are still divided and uncertain on the full impact that they will have on Irish businesses.

With Uncertainty Comes Risk

There are key concerns for Irish exporters and with the potential for US corporation tax to be slashed to 15%, there will also be a massive impact on the many US companies with Irish global headquarters. Nobody quite knows what to expect and with uncertainty comes risk.

The market volatility has already had an impact and been quick and sharp in its response and this is likely to continue for the forseeable future. The landscape has utterly changed and its time now more than ever for Irish businesses to inform and educate themselves, face the challenges and be creative in coming together to have their voice heard.

Essential Businesses Are Represented

So where to now for Irish businesses post Brexit and Trump? Its now essential for Irish businesses to ensure that they have the correct representation whether home grown, multinational, big or small whatever sector of the economy.

Ibec, Ireland's largest, most influential and best known business representation organisation, has committed to becoming Irelands leading voice of business on Brexit, safeguarding Irelands reputation, competitiveness and future.

Ibec Director of Policy Fergal OBrien said: "Brexit and the possibility of a more protectionist US pose very significant risks to Ireland. The budget introduced some useful measures in response to Brexit, but did not go nearly far enough. Companies are moving quickly to manage severe competitive pressures, but an urgent, targeted national response is required.

"The exporting industries most affected by the sterling fall are typically job intensive and deeply embedded in local economies. A review of the historical exchange rate and agri-food export relationship shows that a 1% weakness in sterling results in a 0.7% drop in Irish exports to the UK. This has already begun. Our most recent trade figures for the year to August showed the value of Irish food exports to the UK fell by 8.1% annually. This fall accelerated to 14.5% annually in the two months since the referendum and has hit all categories", explained Fergal O'Brien.

Closely Working With Government and Stakeholders

Along with its 40 industry sector associations, Ibec leads, shapes and promotes business conditions to drive economic growth and secure prosperity, right across the country. Ibec works with their members to develop policy in key areas of interest. Through their close working relationships with politicians, government departments, state agencies, policy makers and other stakeholders, they ensure those interests stay at the top of the political agenda.

Ibec members receive unrivalled access to market data, economic and legal briefings, executive networking events and sector-specific conferences across the entire economy. Members can also tap into the scale of their employment law and HR practice to support with employee relations and HR policies and procedures.

From small to medium businesses to larger enterprises and employers looking for advice, networking and industry insights in this unprecedented time of political and economic change, its a key time to make the move and join Ibec. In this current environment of global uncertainty, Ibec will be the authoritative voice of Irish business.

Sponsored by:
Editor:

I am writing this letter in regards to the State of Nevada vs. Ristina Slack. Ristina was charged as being a sexual offender. On Sept. 26 she pleaded guilty to two class C felonies for having sexual intercourse with a 13-year-old boy.

I have so many mixed feelings concerning this case. I was a resident of Elko and for over five years, I'm sad to say, I considered myself to be a very good friend to Ristina Slack. I was also close to her two amazing girls and a friend to her husband. My heart goes out to them.

This 40-year-old-woman preyed upon the innocence of a 13 year-old-boy, who attended the school where she was employed. I was heartbroken and in disbelief that she would throw away her family for her own gratification. This is not the person I considered to be my friend for so many years.

Ristina has been allowed to leave the state of Nevada where she has serious charges pending against her. I am dismayed that the charges have been reduced from lewdness with a child under the age of 14 that carries a mandatory life sentence, with the chance of parole after 10 years, to a lesser charge of statutory rape, which only carries a punishment up to ve years. Why the State of Nevada allows this I do not know.

Ristina has also been ordered to seek a psychosexual evaluation from a court appointed therapist, to determine if probation is an option. I wonder how successful that can be.

A pedophile is a pedophile and needs to be dealt with harshly. I have concerns that because she is a woman the charges might be different than those a 40-year-old man would face if he had had sexual intercourse with a 13-year-old girl.

This is a woman who walked into the courtroom showing no remorse. Ristina needs to be held accountable for her actions. I hope and pray every day that justice will be served.

My heart goes out to Ristinas family and to the family of the boy she victimized.

Chris Schofield

Manila, Utah
Lord Sugar pointed the finger early in the latest episode of The Apprentice (BBC/PA)

The Apprentice was hit with its first double firing of the series as Lord Sugar gave "diabolical" team leader Karthik Nagesan the boot before he was able to return to the boardroom for the official showdown.

Lord Sugar then axed Samuel Boateng from the process for having the "self-control of an Italian government" after his and Nagesan's team failed spectacularly in a selling task.

The 11 remaining candidates were ordered to make as much money as possible by tapping into the UK's boating and leisure industry at the Poole Harbour Boat Show.

Lord Sugar chose Nagesan as the project manager for Team Titan, and Frances Bishop to lead Team Nebula.

Cracks appeared swiftly for Titan as they lost the chance to sell mid-priced paddleboards, and when Nagesan put Boateng on the sub-team selling cheaper products despite his experience as a high-ticket item seller.

However, they did nab the jet skis to sell for their high-ticket item, leaving Nebula forced to shift speedboats.

The challenge proved tricky for both teams thanks to wet weather and lacklustre selling techniques from several candidates.

In the boardroom following the task, it was revealed that Team Nebula won the task with low and mid-range sales of 2,580.68 and high-price sales of 40,480.68 thanks to the sale of two speedboats.

Team Titan failed to sell a single jet ski, and made just 188.90 for their lower-priced items.

Aghast at the lack of sales, Lord Sugar immediately fired IT consultancy owner Nagesan for the overwhelming failure of the task.

Video of the Day

He said: "Karthik, listen to me, there is no excuse, you have been a diabolical project manager - I don't trust you to bring anybody back into this boardroom. Karthik you're fired!"

Boateng was put forward to return to the boardroom by sub-team leader Grainne McCoy, and Dillon St Paul told the business boss that himself and Alana Spencer should also face being fired due to their poor sales.

Lord Sugar opted to keep "nice guy" art director St Paul in the process, along with cake company owner Spencer.

He told sales manager Boateng - who went against Nagesan's strategy and altered the price of one of the items - that he has a "total disregard when being told what to do" before firing him.

Nagesan told the Press Association that he believes he was only fired because he did not shut up in the boardroom.

He said: "Like the person stuck in quicksand - the more they struggle, the more they sink - I found that my panic at the margin of the loss and thereafter in trying to get out of that boardroom safe, is probably what caused Lord Sugar to fire me like he did."

He said that he "should have read the signs and kept silent instead of hitting the panic button" to try to save himself.

Nagesan believes Lord Sugar liked him as a candidate and he just had a "bad day at the office".

Boateng admitted that he thought he was safe after Nagesan's shock exit.

He said: "I did think I was home and dry. However, due to the huge loss in the task it became apparent to us quite quickly that more than one of us was going to be fired."

:: The Apprentice continues next Thursday on BBC One at 9pm.
Actress Victoria Smurfit attends the Universal, NBC, Focus Features, E! sponsored by Chrysler viewing and after party with Gold Meets Golden held at The Beverly Hilton Hotel

Irish actress Victoria Smurfit is occupying herself with work commitments and projects as she prepares to divorce her husband, Doug Baxter.

Smurfit announced the news that she was splitting from media entrepreneur Baxter in February.

The couple had been married for 15 years, and are parents to Evie Dorothy, Ridley Belle and Flynn Alexander.

The former Ballykissangel star, who is based in Los Angeles, is about to start working on a new movie, Homecoming.

Expand Close Victoria Smurfit, Doug Baxter and daughters Evie and Ridley in 2010 / Facebook

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Homecoming is essentially a 'Mean Girls' for grown ups, Smurfit explained to The Irish Daily Mail.

"I start shooting in Portland at the end of July. I play the head mean girl which should be fun," she told the outlet.

The 41-year-old actress is also getting ready for the promotional tour for her other movie Bait which will be released in the early Autumn.

"Its a funny, down-to-earth and very disturbing film, set in the north of England," Victoria said of the revenge thriller.

Expand Close Victoria Smurfit at the 2014 IFTAs / Facebook

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Smurfit is expected to jet back to Ireland in August for MCM Ireland Comic Con, alongside her Once Upon A Time co-stars Kristin Bauer and Merrin Dungey.
Victoria Smurfit arrives for the screening of Radar Pictures' "Homecoming" at Laemmle's Music Hall Theatre on April 17, 2016 in Beverly Hills, California. (Photo by Gabriel Olsen/Getty Images)

Irish actress Victoria Smurfit has spoken of how happy she is finding love with filmmaker Alistair Ramsden.

The Once Upon A Time (40) star went public with her relationship earlier this year after meeting him on the set of Bait, a project they both worked on nearly a year ago.

"It's nice to know there's life in the old dog yet. It's a brave new world and modern families are being accepted so much more and I'm really happy," she told the December issue of Image magazine.

She filed for divorce from ex-husband of 15 years Doug Baxter in February 2015 and the couple have three children together Evie Dorothy (10), Ridley Belle (seven) and Flynn Alexander (six).

Expand Close Victoria Smurfit and Alistair Ramsden / Facebook

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In a refreshingly candid reflection on her marriage, Smurfit said she tries to focus on the positives instead of "sounding like a victim".

"I think that hideous old adage about trusting yourself is something I've only learned recently and uh, it's so hard to talk about this without sounding negative or like a victim, because I'm not interested in any of that rubbish," she added.

"I think no matter what, life comes with knocks, that's how it comes. That's how you learn.

"If I'm on a film set, I don't want the director to tell me what I did right, I want him to tell me what I can improve. Nobody is untouched by the swings and roundabouts of life and love and pain and loss."

Expand Close Victoria Smurfit at IFTA Awards 2016 at The Westbury Hotel & Mansion House, Dublin, Ireland / Facebook

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Whatsapp Victoria Smurfit at IFTA Awards 2016 at The Westbury Hotel & Mansion House, Dublin, Ireland

Already an accomplished actress in Ireland and the UK, she moved to Los Angeles in 2011 and explains it in such a way that will make you step back and consider the direction your life is heading in.

"The decision to move was partly to do with seeing my life playing out. I could see how it would play out until the end of time. I was more scared of waking up one day and asking why did I never try it? I had a fear of that and I had a fear of regretting what I didn't do."

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Self-made: Sophia Amoruso launches her first memoir '#GirlBoss', based on her rags-to-riches fame tale of how she set up NastyGal.com

It was the week that was labelled 'a failure for feminism' after Hillary Clinton's historical US defeat to now President-elect, Donald Trump. But behind the doors of an LA courtroom that same Wednesday, another kind of failure was brewing, when online retailer Nasty Gal, the company behind the feminist movement #GirlBoss, filed for bankruptcy. And in a further blow to the fast-fashion company's feminist followers everywhere, Nasty Gal's founder Sophia Amoruso, stepped down as executive chairperson, having already relinquished her CEO title last year.

The Chapter 11 filing sent shockwaves through both the fashion and tech world. Nasty Gal was, after all, a classic rags-to-riches tale.

In 2006, Amoruso, then 22 years old, established the domain name NastyGal.com to continue selling her vintage designer clothes online, having been kicked off ebay for violating the site's policy. Amoruso's niche was sourcing rare vintage designer finds, like a Chanel jacket she purchased for $8, and sold on for $1,000, and shipping to customers within one day of purchase.

Between 2012 and 2015, she managed to raise an astonishing $65m in capital, including $49m from Index Ventures, which has leading tech companies like Skype, Deliveroo, Facebook and Etsy on its books.

By 2015, NastyGal.com had an estimated revenue of $300m, with an estimated annual growth rate of 92.4pc (to put that into perspective, the average growth for an online retail store is about 15pc), and Amoruso herself - then just 31 - had cemented herself as a leading light in both the tech and fashion worlds, with a reported net worth of $280m.

Not bad for a for a high-school dropout who claims to have spent her formative years hitchhiking and stealing from bins.

Amoruso went on to become a one-woman feminist powerhouse, earning herself a slot as the youngest entrant on 'Forbes'' Richest Self-Made Women list and writing a best-selling book entitled '#GirlBoss'.

Fast forward less than 12 months, Amoruso now finds herself locked out of the company she founded, struggling to get capital to break even, while 'Forbes' has reported she would no longer be part of its Rich List. So where did it all go wrong?

In the last five years, Nasty Gal expanded its portfolio, by not only stocking modern brands, such as Jeffrey Campbell shoes and Skinny Dip accessories, but by developing its own in-house design team, which shifted its USP from designer vintage to retail items. The target audience was clearly millenials; handbags with sassy slogans, swimsuits with cut-outs, platform over-the-knee boots. But with great power comes great responsibility- and even greater consequences - and Nasty Gal has found itself hawled before the courts in plagiarism lawsuits more times than not.

In 2011, the LA-based company felt the wrath of biker gang Hells Angels, when they attempted to sell T-shirts with the club's logo on them. The club sued the company for breaching its intellectual property, and the matter was settled out of court for an undisclosed amount in 2012.

Video of the Day

Also in 2012, UK-based designer Sophia Webster took to Instagram to call out Nasty Gal for their 'copycat' bag of her own design. Webster accused the retailer of reproducing her speech bubble clutch with a different slogan, in fake leather, and selling it for $48, while Webster's original retailed for $400. The British design house received support from Vogue UK while Nasty Gal refused to comment on the matter.

In 2014, Texas-based jewellery designer Jamie Spinello sued Nasty Gal for copyright infringement after claiming the brand copied her designs. The matter was settled out of court before a trial commenced, but it was reported Nasty Gal paid Spinello a six-figure sum.

Throughout 2015, the company was sued by four former employees claiming they were unfairly dismissed, three of which involved maternity leave. All were settled out of court, with the court decisions confidential, however industry experts say it is likely substantial monetary values were awarded before trials commenced.

There have also been myriad comparisons online between Nasty Gal's jewellery and indie jewellery designers selling on etsy.com, as well as high-fashion designers such as Alexander Wang, Marc Jacobs, Moschino, Celine and Balmain. One jumpsuit in particular was so similar to a Balmain design that Nasty Gal instagrammed a photo of Taylor Swift at the Billboard Awards earlier this year with the caption: "one piece wonder @taylorswift in the #NastyGal Frisco Inferno Jumpsuit at the @officalbbmas #NastyGalsDoItBetter", only for Balmain to confirm Taylor was in fact, wearing a Balmain jumpsuit.

At the time of writing, there is an ongoing court case between Nasty Gal and jewellery designer Pamela Love, who is listed as a 'creditor' of Nasty Gal, suggesting the retailer has acknowledged they owe her money. In response to all the plagiarism claims, Amoruso herself has been less than kind, claiming being ripped off in the fashion world is a "rite of passage". In an Instagram post from 2013, she told one independent jewellery designer who claimed she copied her bracelet design: "We are pulling it from the site. Forgive us for never having heard of you and give me a break for having done so. There are better ways of eliciting a response from us and it starts with being polite. Congrats, you've been knocked off. It's a rite of passage."

Amoruso went on to call the jewellery designer "whatsherface" and referred to the bracelet as "goofy", sparking a social media war between her army of #GirlBoss followers and thousands of Instagram users sticking up for the little guy.

While Nasty Gal is certainly not the first retailer to rip off high-end or even independent designs and sell them for a fraction of the price - Zara, Urban Outfitters, Dunnes Stores have all been hit with similar lawsuits - Nasty Gal's response has surely contributed to the company's downfall.

Customer dissatisfaction in Nasty Gal also grew - disgruntled punters have taken to online threads to decry the declining quality of garments and the ever-increasing price. The website doesn't specify in its fine print that customers in Ireland may have to pay customs duty and VAT when the product is delivered to the door, despite already paying $15 in delivery charges.

It's also claimed that as her star grew, Amoruso created a "toxic environment" to work in, according to former employees.

Amoruso hired herself an agent, and the #GirlBoss brand became much more about her than the business - it's reported her first memoir didn't shift as many copies as the promotion trail suggested, and it's claimed she focused much more on 'brand Amoruso' than her website.

So what's next for the self-made millionaire? Her first book is being made into a Netflix series in 2017, produced by Charlize Theron, and she has just released her second book 'Nasty Galaxy', which has the tagline 'this is not a style book. It's not about how to mix prints - it's about how to leave yours on everything you touch'.

Meanwhile Nasty Gal's new CEO Sheree Waterson, a former chief product officer at Lululemon, announced the online store would remain open for business during the ongoing Chapter 11 controversy: "We expect to maintain our high level of customer service and emerge stronger and even better able to deliver the product and experience that our customers expect."

Whether Amoruso's army of #GirlBoss followers will continue to support her in her time of need is anyone's guess. Earlier this year the media mogul told 'Forbes': "I'm a creative. I'm a brand-builder. I'm a rainmaker."

Now more than ever, it's time to make it rain.

Nasty Gal's copycat items

Sophia Webster V Nasty Gal

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In 2012 Webster claimed on social media Nasty Gal had ripped off her 'Say My Name' clutch bag with a 'WTF?' pleather version.

Moschino V Nasty Gal

Jeremy Scott for Moschino fans were up in arms last year when Nasty Gal reproduced an almost exact replica of Scott's biker jacket handbag. It is widely believed Moschino didn't sue because their own design was a reminagining of Saint Laurent's 2013 moto bucket bag.

Givenchy V Nasty Gal

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In 2013, Nasty Gal released its 'Vicious Tote', which was very similar to Givenchy's 'Rottweiler Antigona Tote', right down to the handle straps and photo.
Metal and plastic junk hurtling round the Earth at more than 20 times the speed of sound presents one of the greatest environmental challenges facing humanity, a leading British expert has said.

Dr Hugh Lewis believes the growing problem to be a threat to future generations' hopes of living and working in space.

Cleaning up orbital space and turning it into an environment that can be sustainably used "may take years to achieve" with the help of engineers, scientists, lawyers and economists, he says.

Dr Lewis was speaking at the Royal Astronomical Society, London, at the launch of Adrift, a new science and arts project aimed at raising awareness of space junk.

The danger posed by even tiny particles of debris in space was graphically illustrated during British astronaut Tim Peake's mission aboard the International Space Station, when a fleck of paint left a 7mm chip in a window.

An estimated 100 million pieces of space junk are orbiting the Earth, 27,000 of which are larger than 10cm across and are being tracked by the American space agency Nasa and US Department of Defence.

Each piece is travelling at speeds of up to 28,000 km/h (17,398 mph).

Dr Lewis, who heads a group researching space debris at the University of Southampton, said: "Tackling the problem of space debris is one of humankind's greatest environmental challenges, but it is also perhaps the one that is the least known.

"Every day we use and rely on services provided by satellites without ever realising how vulnerable they are. It's not just that satellites can be damaged or destroyed by space debris today or tomorrow, it's that the actions of our generation may affect the dreams and ambitions of future generations to work and live in space."

Nasa defines space debris as "any man-made object in orbit about the Earth which no longer serves a useful function".

Currently the biggest piece of junk flying 225 km (140 miles) above the Earth is Envisat, an Earth observation satellite the size of a double decker bus launched by the European Space Agency in 2002.

Other hazards include a swarm of 2,000 pieces of debris left by the collision in 2009 of a defunct Russian satellite, Cosmo, and a US commercial satellite.

Prospero, the first UK satellite to be launched by a British rocket in 1971, is also still orbiting the Earth.

One ex-Nasa scientist, Professor Donald Kessler, has envisaged a domino effect, with crashing pieces of space junk producing more debris in a continuous cascade.

If the so-called "Kessler effect" ever became a reality it could render future space travel impossible.

Adrift is a three-part project combining film, sound, and an interactive element, enabling people to adopt individual pieces of space junk.

It includes a mechanical art installation created by Bafta-winning composer and artist Nick Ryan, Machine 9, which will transform the movement of space debris into sound in real time.

The Adrift exhibition is due to open next year at Hackney House in London.
Supporters of the former Philippine dictator Ferdinand Marcos cheer as they stand outside the Hero's Cemetery where he was buried in Taguig, south of Manila (AP)

Former Philippine dictator Ferdinand Marcos has been buried at the country's Heroes' Cemetery in a secrecy-shrouded ceremony that has sparked anger among opponents.

The move was approved by President Rodrigo Duterte but has infuriated supporters of the "people power" revolt that ousted the long-dead Marcos three decades ago.

His daughter, Imee, expressed relief after her father's interment at the heavily guarded cemetery in metropolitan Manila, which she said fulfilled his last wish.

Pro-democracy activists stressed the debate over the ex-president's final resting place was far from over and protested across the metropolis.

Bonifacio Ilagan, a left-wing activist who was detained and tortured during Marcos's rule, said the dictator was buried "like a thief in the night".

A politician considered asking the Supreme Court to exhume the newly buried Marcos.

"It's very much like when he declared martial law in 1972," Mr Ilagan said. "This is so Marcos style. I want to rush to the cemetery to protest this. I feel so enraged."

Marie Hilao Enriquez, a former political detainee whose sister, a fellow activist, was raped and killed by policemen, wept upon learning the news.

Marcos "died in the arms of his family" but many Marcos-era activists remain missing after being allegedly abducted by state forces, Mr Enriquez said at a protest.

"We are still searching for the victims' bodies, trying to find out where they buried the bodies."

Ms Marcos thanked those who "were with us in hoping and praying for nearly three decades to see this day", while Mr Duterte called for calm.

"Hopefully, both sides will exercise maximum tolerance and come to terms with the burial," Mr Duterte's spokesman, Ernesto Abella, quoted him as saying.

The president is in Peru, where he is attending a summit of Asia-Pacific leaders.

Military spokesman brigadier general Restituto Padilla said Marcos's remains were flown by air force helicopter from his northern Ilocos Norte hometown for burial at the military-run cemetery in Manila.

Marcos's widow, Imelda, and her children attended the simple ceremony, along with dozens of relatives and friends. After landing at an air base, Marcos's remains were brought by a black limousine to the cemetery.

His flag-draped wooden coffin was carried by military pallbearers to the grave, military spokesman brigadier general Restituto Padilla said. A 21-gun salute by military honour troops rang out.

"We rendered the simplest of honours befitting the former president in compliance to the desire of the family," Mr Padilla said.

Asked why the burial was kept from the public, he said it was the Marcos family's desire "to keep it private".

The burial shocked many democracy advocates and human rights victims who had planned protests against Marcos's interment at the cemetery unaware that funeral plans were under way.

Burying someone accused of massive rights violations and plunder at the heroes' cemetery has long been an emotional and divisive issue in the Philippines.

Marcos was ousted by a largely nonviolent army-backed uprising in 1986. At the height of the political turbulence, he flew to Hawaii, where he lived with his wife and children until he died in 1989.

The powerful family has repeatedly denied any wrongdoing.

Mrs Marcos and two of her children ran for public office and won stunning political comebacks. One son, Ferdinand "Bongbong" Marcos Jr, ran for vice president earlier this year and lost by a slim margin.

In 1993, Marcos's body was taken to his home town in Ilocos Norte, where it has been displayed in a glass coffin and became a tourist attraction. But his family fought for his remains to be transferred to the heroes' cemetery.

Mr Duterte, who took over the presidency in June, backed Marcos's burial, saying it was his right as a president and soldier. It was a political risk in a country where democracy advocates celebrate Marcos's removal each year.

Last week, the Supreme Court dismissed seven petitions, including from former torture victims, which argued that his honourable burial was "illegal and contrary to law, public policy, morals and justice".

Opponents planned to appeal the court decision within a 15-day period but were pre-empted by the surprise burial. They said the Marcos family should be cited by the court for contempt.

The court ruled that Marcos was never convicted by final judgment of any offence involving moral turpitude, adding that the convictions cited by anti-Marcos petitioners were civil.

While critics may disregard Marcos as president due to his human rights abuses, the court said he cannot be denied the right to be acknowledged as a former legislator, a defence secretary, a military member, a war veteran and a Medal of Valour holder.

"While he was not all good," the 15-member court said, "he was not pure evil either."

AP
Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe (right) gestures as he answers questions from the media after meeting with Donald Trump (AP)

Donald Trump is putting together a team to help him run the US after winning the presidential election (AP)

President-elect Donald Trump signalled a sharp rightward shift in US national security policy on Friday with his announcement that he will nominate senator Jeff Sessions as attorney general and representative Mike Pompeo to head the CIA, turning to a pair of staunch conservatives as he begins to fill out his Cabinet.

Mr Trump also named retired Lieutenant General Michael Flynn as his national security adviser. A former military intelligence chief, Lt Gen Flynn has accused the Obama administration of being too soft on terrorism and has cast Islam as a "political ideology" and driver of extremism.

Mr Sessions and Lt Gen Flynn were ardent Trump supporters during the campaign, and their promotions were seen in part as a reward for their loyalty.

The selections form the first outlines of Mr Trump's cabinet and national security teams. Given his lack of governing experience and vague policy proposals during the campaign, his selection of advisers is being scrutinized both in the US and abroad.

Mr Trump's initial decisions suggest a more aggressive military involvement in counter-terror strategy and a greater emphasis on Islam's role in stoking extremism.

Mr Sessions, who is best known for his hard-line immigration views, has questioned whether terror suspects should benefit from the rights available in US courts. Mr Pompeo has said Muslim leaders are "potentially complicit" in attacks if they do not denounce violence carried out in the name of Islam.

Mr Pompeo's nomination to lead the CIA also opens the prospect of the US resuming torture of detainees.

Mr Trump has backed harsh interrogation techniques that President Barack Obama and Congress have banned, saying the US "should go tougher than waterboarding", which simulates drowning. In 2014, Mr Pompeo criticised Mr Obama for "ending our interrogation programme" and said intelligence officials "are not torturers, they are patriots".

Transition officials said the president-elect's senior team would be carrying out Mr Trump's policies, not their own ideas.

"Anyone's personal view isn't what matters," said Sean Spicer, a transition communications aide.

Mr Trump did not appear, instead releasing a statement announcing his decisions. He has made no public appearances this week, holing up in his New York skyscraper for meetings. He is spending the weekend at his New Jersey golf club.

Mr Sessions and Mr Pompeo would both require Senate confirmation before assuming their designated roles; Lt Gen Flynn would not.

Most of Trump's nominees are expected to be confirmed relatively easily given the Republican majority in the Senate. However, potential roadblocks exist, particularly for Mr Sessions, the first senator to endorse Mr Trump and one of the chamber's most conservative members.

His last Senate confirmation hearing, in 1986 for a federal judgeship, was derailed over allegations that he made racist comments, including calling a black assistant US attorney "boy" in conversation. Mr Sessions denied the accusation, but withdrew from consideration.

Some Democrats slammed Mr Sessions' nomination on Friday, including Representative Luis Gutierrez of Illinois, who said the senator was the right pick "if you have nostalgia for the days when blacks kept quiet, gays were in the closet, immigrants were invisible and women stayed in the kitchen".

Still, Republicans were supportive. Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell called his Senate colleague "principled, forthright, and hardworking" and said he looked forward to the chamber's "fair and expeditious" handing of the nomination.

Mr Sessions would bring to the Justice Department a consistently conservative voice. He has objected to the planned closure of the Guantanamo Bay detention facility and has given prominence to the spectre of voting fraud, a problem that current Justice Department leaders believe is negligible.

Mr Pompeo, who graduated first in his class at the US Military Academy at West Point, is a conservative Republican and a strong critic of Mr Obama's nuclear deal with Iran.

He has said former National Security Agency contractor Edward Snowden should enjoy due process and then be sentenced to death for taking and releasing secret documents about surveillance programmes in which the US government collected the phone records of millions of Americans.

Anthony Romero, the director of the American Civil Liberties Union, said Mr Pompeo's views raise concerns about "privacy and due process".

Of Mr Trump's new personnel picks, Lt Gen Flynn will have the most direct access to the president. The national security adviser works from the West Wing and is often one of the last people to meet with the president before major foreign policy decisions are made.

Lt Gen Flynn built a reputation in the military intelligence community as an astute professional and unconventional thinker. He asserted that he was forced out of the Defence Intelligence Agency in 2014 because he disagreed with Mr Obama's approach to combating extremism, though his critics claimed he mismanaged the agency.

In advising Mr Trump's campaign, Lt Gen Flynn has emphasized that he believes the Islamic State poses an existential threat on a global scale. He shares Mr Trump's belief that Washington should work more closely with Moscow, and his warmth toward Russia worries some national security experts.

Lt Gen Flynn travelled last year to Moscow, where he joined Russian president Vladimir Putin and other Russian officials in a celebration of the RT network, a Russian government-controlled television channel. Lt Gen Flynn said he was paid for taking part in the event, but brushed aside concerns that he was aiding a Russian propaganda effort.

The president-elect is still weighing a range of candidates for other leading national security posts. Possibilities for secretary of state are said to include former New York City mayor Rudy Giuliani, former US ambassador to the United Nations John Bolton, senator Bob Corker and South Carolina governor Nikki Haley, who met with Mr Trump on Thursday.

On Saturday, Mr Trump is to meet with retired General James Mattis, a contender to lead the Pentagon. He was also meeting with 2012 Republican presidential nominee Mitt Romney, who lambasted Mr Trump as a "con man" and a "fraud" in a stinging speech in March. Mr Trump responded by repeatedly referring to Mr Romney as a "loser".

AP
Jurors heard that MP Jo Cox was shot three times and suffered 15 stab wounds in a cowardly attack that killed her on June 16. Her alleged attacker, Thomas Mair, has pleaded not guilty to her murder. Photo: West Yorkshire Police/PA Wire

Jo Cox tried to shield her face with her hands as her killer shot her in the head, a court has heard.

The 41-year-old Batley and Spen MP received 15 stab wounds and was shot three times when she was set upon outside her constituency surgery in Birstall, near Leeds, days before the EU referendum.

Alleged far-right fanatic Thomas Mair (53) is accused of her politically-motivated murder as well as stabbing Bernard Carter-Kenny, 78, who tried to stop him.

In statements read out at the Old Bailey, ambulance service staff told of treating Mrs Cox as she lay at the scene.

The MP was "unresponsive" and was given emergency treatment.

She had "swelling" on one of her eyes, an abdominal bleed and "straight edged puncture" wounds to her upper torso .

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She was pronounced dead at 1.48pm.

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Pathologist Dr Richard Shepherd carried out a lengthy post mortem examination on the body of 5ft tall Mrs Cox later the same day.

Dr Shepherd told jurors: "I concluded that Jo Cox died as a result of multiple stab and gunshot wounds."

Jurors were shown computer generated images of the body as he gave evidence in court.

Dr Shepherd catalogued the stab wounds, including to her chest cavity, stomach and hand.

One stab wound passed right through her arm and into her right side, he said.

Another stab wound entered into the right ventricle of her heart, the pathologist said.

One gunshot wound was found to her right forehead and the bullet fragmented, the doctor said.

A second bullet hole was on her right eyebrow, jurors were told.

The round did not penetrate the skull and was recovered from muscle "flattened and distorted", the doctor said.

The third bullet wound was to the chest and the bullet was found in the cavity.

A "through and through" entry and exit bullet hole was on her left hand.

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Prosecutor Richard Whittam QC suggested: "It could be consistent with the hand being raised to the face and the bullet going through?"

Dr Shepherd replied: "Indeed. It could be with any of the injuries but I think it makes more sense that the hands were up covering the face and the bullet has gone through the right hand and ... into the head."

He went on: "I concluded that she received multiple stab wounds to the back, front and left side of the chest and abdomen.

"The stab wounds had penetrated her heart, left lung, stomach and liver."

Some stab wounds were inflicted with between "moderate and severe force", he added.

Mair denies the charges against him.
Lugo boasts one of the few completely intact Roman walls in the world, but the 2,000-year-old city is also special because of its welcoming atmosphere and the exquisite complementary tapas that invariably come with a drink. Delicacies such as pulpo con cachelos (octopus with potato) empanadas, bollos prenados (stuffed pastries), tortillas, anchovies and even Cuban rice are among the tapas served up in bars across town free of charge.

The 101 Vinos tavern, en Lugo. Oscar Corral

The best can be found around Rua da Milagrosa and Rua Nova as well as in the Plaza do Campo and the Augas Ferreas areas. Here, we bar hop across Lugo on the citys choice tapas circuit.

1. Fonte do Rei 2 (Av. de Madrid, 63)

Crowded tables and a bar heaving with people are a familiar sight at Fonte do Rei 2, one of Lugos most celebrated tapas bars where you can sample chorizo criollo (Creole sausage), and costillas de cerdo (steak and pork ribs roasted over a large wood-fired oven). The kitchen, meanwhile, produces traditional pulpo (octopus) served on oil-drizzled wooden platters that, according to owner Ramon Garcia, should always be well seasoned. The wood has to be saturated with oil, he says. If you serve the food on a new platter, it will taste of wood or even of bleach if it has hardly been washed. Theres a trick to everything.

2. Lagar (Rua da Milagrosa, 38)

A platter of pulpo at Fonte do Rei 2 O. Corral

El Lagar is a family establishment in the Milagrosa district that attracts mainly local custom. The menu features everything from canapes, ensaladilla (Russian salad), carne de cerdo adobada (pickled pork) and patatas bravas (spicy fried potatoes) to more elaborate dishes such as codillo asado (roasted pork knuckle), anchovies, chicken skewers, pigs trotters or morro de cerdo (pigs snout). The food is served on large dishes allowing the customer to eat in comfort.

3. Oh, mi Habana! (Av de Magoi, 134)

Offering a taste of Havana in Lugo, this bar only opened recently but it has already become an obligatory pit stop on the tapas trail. Like the best Cuban bars, it features a porch, Caribbean motifs and an old red Cadillac. And when it comes to snacks, theres everything from Cuban rice to pescado frito con patatas paja (fried fish with straw potatoes), chicken and melted cheese toasts, fried banana with rice and beans or lasana de platano macho con carne (banana lasagna).

If you arrive later in the evening, the cocktails are heavenly, whether you opt for simple Cuban rum with a dash of lime or a range of fruit concoctions shaken with Caribbean flair.

4. Ave Cesar ( Rua Nova, 10 )

This bar features a kitsch Roman atmosphere with decor replete with golden imitation Ionic columns. The potatoes, whether spiced with chilly or garlic, are their star tapa, but there is always a tray of aperitifs on the bar top for customers to pick from, filled with pastries, pies, tortilla, smoked ham and cheese.

5. 101 Vinos ( Rua do Mino, 6 )

The 101 Vinos bar is tucked away in the heart of the old quarter and boasts beer taps that drop from the ceiling and barrels that hang over the tables. It also has a terrace with views of the fountain in the Plaza do Campo that flows with wine instead of water once a year to celebrate the Day of Saint Martha, patron saint of catering. Even when its full, this tavern has a peaceful and pleasant vibe.

javier belloso

6. La Fabrica ( Rua Nova, 15)

This is a large establishment with three big bars and tables from which the waiters shout the orders through to the kitchen in traditional fashion. They offer a wide variety of tapas, both hot and cold, including garlic pasta salad, fabes con almejas (beans with clams), caldo gallego (Galician soup), mejillones a la marinera (mussels), merluza a la gallega (Galician hake), lacon (shoulder of pork), and meatballs.

7. Cerveceria A Carballeira (Av. de Magoi, 63)

A quiet, somewhat somber bar, Cerveceria A Carballeira does delicious arepas  a maize-based tortilla popular in Venezuela  that can be eaten with cheese, butter, chicken, mince, or guacamole. It also has a small wooden balcony outside with three tables and a sofa to relax on while you savor your taste of Latin America in the north of Spain.
A woman has died after she was hit by a Range Rover as she stood on a traffic island, Scotland Yard said.

The pedestrian in her 30s was pronounced dead at the scene near the Troxy events venue in Tower Hamlets, east London, shortly after midnight on Friday.

The Metropolitan Police said: "At this early stage of the investigation, it is believed that the victim was standing on an island in the middle of the road when she was struck by a white Range Rover Sport."

A 44-year-old male driver was arrested on suspicion of causing death by dangerous driving, the force added.

Officers were called to Commercial Road by the London Ambulance Service at about 11.25pm on Thursday.

The woman's next of kin have been informed but formal identification is yet to take place.

Witnesses should contact the appeal line on 0208 3453 4955.
File photo of Sharon Beshenivsky, as police investigating the murder of the police officer renewed their appeal to trace a man believed to have been involved in the shooting of the officer. West Yorkshire Police/PA Wire

Police investigating the murder of Sharon Beshenivsky have renewed their appeal to trace a man believed to have been involved in the shooting of the officer in Bradford 11 years ago.

Piran Dhitta Khan has been on the run since Pc Beshenivsky was shot along with her colleague, Pc Teresa Milburn, as the pair responded to an alarm call at a travel agents in the city on November 18, 2005.

Khan, now 68, is believed to have been the mastermind behind the robbery and is the final suspect, from a gang of seven, to be sought by West Yorkshire Police in connection with the incident.

Three men were convicted of Pc Beshenivsky's murder and jailed for life with a minimum tariff of 35 years and three other men were jailed for related offences.

A 20,000 reward has been offered for information leading to the capture of Khan, who is believed to have fled to Pakistan following the murder.

Detective Superintendent Simon Atkinson said: "This investigation remains ongoing and will continue until everyone involved in PC Beshenivsky's murder has been brought to justice.

"Our efforts are continuing to trace Piran Dhitta Khan, who will now be 68.

"He is thought to be living in Pakistan and we are again appealing directly to the people of Pakistan, as well as those in West Yorkshire and across the country to come forward and provide information on his whereabouts."

Pc Beshenivsky, 38, had only been an officer for nine months when she was shot in the chest on what was her youngest daughter Lydia's fourth birthday.

The mother-of-three and stepmother-of-two was the first woman officer to be shot dead on duty since Yvonne Fletcher was murdered outside the Libyan embassy in London in 1984.

Members of West Yorkshire Police will be attending an annual memorial service in Bradford city centre to mark the 11th anniversary of her death.

Anyone with information about Khan's whereabouts is asked to contact the independent charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555111.
Two men who killed a Pizza Hut delivery driver then "laughed and joked" as they ate the stolen pizzas have been jailed for a total of 22 years.

Deliveryman Ali Qasemi was lured to a false address, floored with a single punch then his two assailants stole their takeaway order of three pizzas, costing just over 50.

The father-of-two, whose wife Fawzia was pregnant with their third child, hit his head on the ground in the early hours of May 8 and died two days later.

A trial at Peterborough Crown Court last month heard that defendants Mark Lintott and Joel Lawson had been drinking lager and using cocaine with friends at Lintott's Peterborough flat when Lintott phoned Pizza Hut.

He provided a false address in his street, hoping to snatch the pizzas without paying for them and with no comeback to his address, the court heard.

Those in the flat had joked it would be funny to see a deliveryman chasing them down the street with the stolen pizzas following the "snatch and grab", said Gregory Perrins, prosecuting.

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Lawson, 25, admitted throwing the punch, but the prosecution argued that 29-year-old Lintott was equally responsible for 45-year-old Mr Qasemi's death as they hatched the plan together.

Lawson, who pleaded guilty to robbery and manslaughter, was sentenced to nine years in prison for manslaughter and four-and-a-half years for robbery to run concurrently at Cambridge Crown Court on Friday.

Lintott, who was found guilty of robbery and manslaughter following a seven-day trial at Peterborough Crown Court, was sentenced to 13 years in prison for manslaughter and six years for robbery to run concurrently.

There were gasps from the public gallery as Lintott's sentence was read out.

In a victim impact statement Mrs Qasemi, who was 20 weeks pregnant when her husband was attacked, said her husband was the "backbone" of the family.

She watched the sentencing over a video link from another room as she had her eight-week-old baby with her.

Mrs Qasemi, whose elder sons are aged seven and 11-years-old, said: "I will never overcome the pain and hurt of losing him in such a tragic way."

She added: "The fact our baby won't be able to see him to hold his hand breaks my heart."

Mr Qasemi was a refugee who fled war in Afghanistan, Mrs Qasemi said, adding that her husband's attackers were "pure evil".

"No matter how far you run to get away from war, you can't get away from evil," she said.

Lawson, dressed in a grey T-shirt and tracksuit bottoms, had given evidence against Lintott, dressed in a grey suit and tie, at the trial.

Sally Hobson, mitigating, said Lawson had two children, his partner was expecting a third and he had written a letter of apology to Mrs Qasemi.

Peter Lownds, for Lintott, said the defendant's intention was to steal the pizzas, there was no prior discussion about punching and Lintott was of "low intelligence".

Both defendants had previous convictions including for violent crimes.

Judge David Farrell, sentencing, said that as Mr Qasemi lay dying, Lintott grabbed the pizzas and they both fled.

"Neither of you showed an ounce of concern for the welfare of the man you had been party to knocking to the ground," he said. "You both ate the pizzas, laughed and joked about what had just gone on."

Describing the incident as a "deliberately planned robbery" on a vulnerable lone worker, he told the defendants: "You have robbed a family of their father and a wife of her husband.

"You have robbed them of a hardworking and much-loved man. The harm that you have caused by your behaviour is of the highest level."

Lawson, formerly of Goodhale Road, Norwich, and Lintott, of Shrewsbury Court, Peterborough, remained emotionless as they were led down to the cells.

In a statement released after the hearing, senior investigating officer Detective Inspector Lucy Thomson said: "This was a sickening, senseless crime, which has caused misery to Mr Qasemi's wife and her young sons.

"They have lost a loving, devoted husband and father; devastating their close knit family, all for the price of three pizzas.

"I and my inquiry team send our deepest sympathy to Mrs Qasemi and the boys at this incredibly difficult time."
U.S. President Barack Obama and German Chancellor Angela Merkel meet at the chancellery in Berlin, Germany, November 18, 2016. REUTERS/Kay Nietfeld/POOL

U.S. President Barack Obama, German Chancellor Angela Merkel, French President Francois Hollande, Spain's Prime Minister Mariano Rajoy, Britain's Prime Minister Theresa May and Italian Prime Minister Matteo Renzi meet at the chancellery in Berlin, Germany, November 18, 2016. REUTERS/Kay Nietfeld/POOL

U.S. President Barack Obama, left, is welcomed by German Chancellor Angela Merkel prior to a meeting of the government heads of Germany, France, Italy, Spain and Britain with U.S. President Obama in the chancellery in Berlin, Germany, Friday, Nov. 18, 2016. (AP Photo/Michael Sohn)

US president Barack Obama has joined European leaders to discuss security and economic challenges as President-elect Donald Trump prepares to take office.

The meeting in Berlin with the leaders of Germany, Britain, France, Italy and Spain was likely his last in such a setting before he leaves office. The session expands on lengthy talks he held the day before with German chancellor Angela Merkel.

Gathered around a circular table in Mrs Merkel's Chancellery, the leaders exchanged pleasantries but made no substantive remarks as the meeting started.

Since Mr Obama's arrival on Wednesday on his sixth and last trip to Germany as president, he and Mrs Merkel have focused several meetings on issues of globalisation and trans-Atlantic cooperation.

The talks come largely in the context of what the election of Mr Trump will mean to efforts to seek peace in Ukraine and Syria, the strength of the Nato alliance, trade agreements, efforts to fight climate change and other pressing matters.

At a news conference with Mr Obama on Thursday, Mrs Merkel diplomatically said she was approaching the incoming Trump administration "with an open mind".

Expand Close Prime Minister Theresa May speaks with German Chancellor Angela Merkel, US President Barack Obama, French President, Francois Hollande, the Italian prime minister, Matteo Renzi, and Spain's Prime Minister Mariano Rajoy during a meeting in Berlin with the leaders of the USA, Germany, France, Italy and Spain Credit: Stefan Rousseau/PA Wire / Facebook

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Whatsapp Prime Minister Theresa May speaks with German Chancellor Angela Merkel, US President Barack Obama, French President, Francois Hollande, the Italian prime minister, Matteo Renzi, and Spain's Prime Minister Mariano Rajoy during a meeting in Berlin with the leaders of the USA, Germany, France, Italy and Spain Credit: Stefan Rousseau/PA Wire

Around the world, many are looking to her - one of the longest serving leaders of a major world power, leader of Europe's largest economy and one of the biggest US trade partners - for leadership as Mr Obama leaves office.

He seemed to underscore that reality as he effusively thanked her for her "deep friendship."

Expand Close U.S. President Barack Obama, German Chancellor Angela Merkel, French President Francois Hollande and Italian Prime Minister Matteo Renzi meet at the chancellery in Berlin, Germany, November 18, 2016. REUTERS/Kay Nietfeld/POOL / Facebook

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Whatsapp U.S. President Barack Obama, German Chancellor Angela Merkel, French President Francois Hollande and Italian Prime Minister Matteo Renzi meet at the chancellery in Berlin, Germany, November 18, 2016. REUTERS/Kay Nietfeld/POOL

He said he could not "ask for a steadier or more reliable partner on the world stage", adding that if she chooses to run for a fourth term next year, he would vote for her if he could.

Joining the two leaders are the heads of countries at the centre of many of the European Union's coming challenges.

Prime Minister Theresa May is preparing the UK for negotiations to leave the trade bloc. Spain's prime minister Mariano Rajoy faces economic woes in his country that have contributed to financial instability in the EU.

Italian prime minister Matteo Renzi's already shaky economy has been rocked by tens of thousands of refugees and French president Francois Hollande's socialist government faces a major challenge from the far-right in elections next year.

Expand Close U.S. President Barack Obama, German Chancellor Angela Merkel, French President Francois Hollande, Spain's Prime Minister Mariano Rajoy, Britain's Prime Minister Theresa May and Italian Prime Minister Matteo Renzi meet at the chancellery in Berlin, Germany, November 18, 2016. REUTERS/Kay Nietfeld/POOL / Facebook

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Whatsapp U.S. President Barack Obama, German Chancellor Angela Merkel, French President Francois Hollande, Spain's Prime Minister Mariano Rajoy, Britain's Prime Minister Theresa May and Italian Prime Minister Matteo Renzi meet at the chancellery in Berlin, Germany, November 18, 2016. REUTERS/Kay Nietfeld/POOL

Mr Trump has applauded the British decision to exit the EU and had meetings with Nigel Farage, leader of Ukip and a key player in the British decision to leave.

For his part, Mr Obama said on Thursday his hope was that the Brexit negotiations be "conducted in a smooth and orderly and transparent fashion and preserve as closely as possible the economic and political and security relationships between the UK and EU".

Still, he noted that he considered the EU "one of the world's great political and economic achievements".

Germany has emphasised that it respects the British decision to leave, but that the United Kingdom cannot cherry-pick what parts of the EU it wants to keep.

On other issues, Mr Obama said he hoped for continuity of US-European relations under Mr Trump, saying "how important it is that we work together".

He said that "continued global leadership on climate in addition to increasing private investment and clean energy is going to be critical".

He added that the US would "continue to stand united with Germany and our Nato allies" in Afghanistan.

On the refugee crisis, he said he had put in place more robust support from Washington and that he was "hoping that continues beyond my administration".

Following his meetings in Berlin, Mr Obama heads to Peru, the final leg of his last foreign tour, for an Asia economic summit.
BARACK Obama yesterday said he hoped Brexit negotiations would be conducted in a "transparent fashion", as he called on Britain and Europe to preserve close ties during his last state visit to Germany.

"I hope that the negotiations over Britain's withdrawal from the EU will be conducted in a smooth and orderly and transparent fashion" and will preserve as much as possible the economic and security relationship between the UK and the EU, the out-going US president told a press conference in Berlin.

Mr Obama was speaking after talks with Angela Merkel, which were widely seen as a symbolic passing of the torch of his legacy to the German chancellor following the election of Donald Trump.

"I think the EU is one of the greatest achievements of the world," Mr Obama said. "You have to preserve those achievements and fight for them."

Today British Prime Minister Theresa May will join Mr Obama and Mrs Merkel in Berlin for a mini-summit with the leaders of France, Italy and Spain.

In frank and outspoken comments yesterday, Mr Obama called for Mr Trump to stand up to Russia.

"My hope is that the president-elect does not see this as a purely realpolitik opportunity, if we just cut some deals with Russia, even if it hurts people or even if it violates international norms or even if it leaves smaller countries vulnerable, or creates long-term problems in regions like Syria, that we just do whatever is convenient at the time," he said.

"I hope the president-elect is also willing to stand up to Russia where they are deviating from our values and international norms."

Mr Obama and Mrs Merkel sought to present a united front in the face of concerns over future relations under Mr Trump. "I will do everything I can to work well with the newly elected president," Mrs Merkel said.

But there were clear signs of potential divisions ahead as she spoke of the importance of climate protection, and her hope that stalled trade deal negotiations between the EU and US could be restarted.

Mr Obama said he was "cautiously optimistic" about his successor and said Mr Trump had committed himself to the importance of maintaining Nato at the heart of security policy. But Mrs Merkel conceded that Nato's European members would have to take up a greater share of the cost of the alliance - a key demand of Mr Trump. ( Daily Telegraph London)
A tribute to Rifleman Ernest Ralph Gray of the 9th Battalion King's Royal Rifle Corps, who was killed in action in 1916, ahead of a service at the Thiepval Memorial in northern France to mark the centenary of the final day of the Battle of the Somme Credit: Gareth Fuller/PA Wire

Up to 2,000 guests fell silent to remember the fallen at a service in France marking the 100th anniversary of the final day of the Battle of the Somme.

The British and French national anthems were sung at the Thiepval Memorial to the Missing heralding the end of the bloody four-and-a-half month offensive which started on July 1 1916.

To mark each day of the battle, a daily service has been held at the towering monument, which is inscribed with more than 72,000 soldiers' names whose bodies were never recovered or identified.

In July, an international service attended by figures including the Prince of Wales, the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge, Prince Harry and then prime minister David Cameron was held marking the 100th anniversary of the battle's beginning.

A more low key ceremony was held on Friday to commemorate the centenary of the final day of the battle, which was fought by 60 nations from across the British Empire and Europe across a 15-mile front in northern France.

Guests including the British ambassador to France, Lord Llewellyn of Steep, braved downpours during the service which was led by Bishop James Newcome, the Royal British Legion national chaplain.

The Rev Stephen Hancock, chaplain to the Royal British Legion Somme branch, said: "The trees and fields today mask the horror that once came here. I pray God that is never repeated and I pray God that the people who died are remembered."

The Last Post was followed by a two minutes' silence and wreath laying by figures including Earl Howe, deputy leader of the House of Lords. A lone piper led a military escort of the wreaths to the nearby memorial where they were laid.

Expand Expand Expand Expand Expand Previous Next Close A tribute to Rifleman Ernest Ralph Gray of the 9th Battalion King's Royal Rifle Corps, who was killed in action in 1916, ahead of a service at the Thiepval Memorial in northern France to mark the centenary of the final day of the Battle of the Somme Credit: Gareth Fuller/PA Wire A poppy left on a memorial wall ahead of a service at the Thiepval Memorial in northern France to mark the centenary of the final day of the Battle of the Somme. Credit: Gareth Fuller/PA Wire Lance Corporal Richie Spence of the Irish Guards during a service at the Thiepval Memorial in northern France to mark the centenary of the final day of the Battle of the Somme Credit: Gareth Fuller/PA Wire A tribute to Rifleman Ernest Ralph Gray of the 9th Battalion King's Royal Rifle Corps, who was killed in action in 1916, ahead of a service at the Thiepval Memorial in northern France to mark the centenary of the final day of the Battle of the Somme Credit: Gareth Fuller/PA Wire Soldiers lay wreath during a service at the Thiepval Memorial in northern France to mark the centenary of the final day of the Battle of the Somme Credit: Gareth Fuller/PA Wire / Facebook

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Whatsapp A tribute to Rifleman Ernest Ralph Gray of the 9th Battalion King's Royal Rifle Corps, who was killed in action in 1916, ahead of a service at the Thiepval Memorial in northern France to mark the centenary of the final day of the Battle of the Somme Credit: Gareth Fuller/PA Wire

Liz Sweet, director of external relations for the western Europe area for the Commonwealth War Graves Commission, said that the Thiepval Memorial to the Missing was the largest CWGC monument in the world.

Mrs Sweet told those gathered: "Every grave here, every name, is an opportunity to reflect on the battles of the Somme and their human cost."

The British Army suffered almost 60,000 casualties on the first day of the battle alone, marking it out as the bloodiest day in British military history. And more than a million men were killed or wounded on both sides over the course of the 141 days.

Among the worst hit were the "pals" battalions - volunteer units with limited fighting experience. Many were told to walk slowly across no man's land, resulting in high numbers of fatalities as troops headed into German machine gunfire.

The Rt Rev Nigel McCulloch, head of remembrance at the Royal British Legion, said those who fought had left an "enduring legacy" across the UK and Commonwealth.

He said: "Throughout the First World War centenary, the legion has led the nation in remembering the men whose sacrifice has come to symbolise the tragic scale and futility of modern industrialised warfare.

"The last day of the Somme is a moment to reflect on the collective sacrifice of all those who fought and fell in such tragic numbers between 1 July and 18 November, 1916."

Earlier this month it was announced that hundreds of harrowing first-hand accounts, mostly written by the Tommies who went over the top on July 1 1916, would be made public for the first time.

Among those in the collection was that of Private John Kirkham, a 20-year-old in the 20th Battalion Manchester Regiment in 1916, who described attacking a German soldier with a "knobkerrie", a steel-headed club used in hand-to-hand fighting.

Another correspondent, Lance Corporal Charles Bartram, 23, who had been at the front with his mortar unit for a matter of weeks, described seeing his senior officer killed by a sniper in front of him as they waited to go "over the top".
Nearly 30% of British companies with interests in Spain say they will reduce their investments here in the wake of Brexit , says a survey of businesses conducted for the British Chamber of Commerce in Spain.

British investment in Spain may feel the impact of Brexit. Justin Tallis (AFP)

The Barometer on Climate and Outlook for British Investment in Spain, drawn up between July and September, says UK businesses looking for a post-Brexit survival strategy could reduce their exposure to Spain by an average 10% or more.

But 60% said they will maintain current investment levels, while 8% reported that they are planning to increase them.

The 10-month lack of government in Spain did not hurt British investment

Despite Britains decision in June to leave the European Union, these companies feel it is possible in the mid-term to establish a new framework for economic relations that will maintain investment flows to Spain, says the report, released on Thursday.

The study finds that the UK has the third-highest foreign direct investment (FDI) stock in Spain, accounting for 11% of the total. As of 2014, British investment had created 161,353 direct and indirect jobs, especially in telecommunications (14.3 billion), tobacco (6.2 billion) and wholesale trade (2.1 billion).

It also contributes to state revenues with annual 6.1 billion paid out in taxes and social insurance contributions.

In 2014, British FDI stock in Spain was 37.6 billion, 7.3 billion more than the previous year, but down from the highs of 2008, when it reached 46 billion.

The report finds that the political uncertainty in Spain over the 10-month lack of government during 2016 did not hurt British investment, which grew in the first half of the year compared with the same period in 2015.

However, FDI into Catalonia did show a decline.

The UK has the third highest foreign direct investment (FDI) stock in Spain

This could reflect greater caution by British investors over the political instability in the region in recent times, although the downward trend seems to have reverted in the last few quarters, reads the report.

Respondents said that the business climate in Spain is acceptable and has even improved over the last two or three years.

But they also added that the Spanish economy should accelerate its digitization process and that government agencies should invest more in R&D&i and reduce the bureaucratic burden on business.

The research for the study was conducted by Analistas Financieros Internacionales (AFI).

English version by Susana Urra.
The South Korean government said the risks outweighed the benefits of exporting the country's mapping data to Google

South Korea has rejected a request by Google to use local mapping data in the company's global maps service in a long-awaited ruling which had divided the country for months.

The technology giant said it was disappointed by the decision, which the land ministry said was based on concerns over national security.

"We're disappointed by this decision. We've always taken security concerns very seriously and will continue to provide useful map services in compliance with Korea's current map data export regulation," said Google spokesman Taj Meadows.

The South Korean government said the risks outweighed the benefits of exporting the country's mapping data to Google.

South Korea, facing the overt threat of rival North Korea, bars exporting local mapping data to foreign companies that do not operate domestic data servers.

Google, a unit of Alphabet Inc, handles its maps service at data centres outside South Korea. The restrictions have limited the usefulness of Google Maps within South Korea, since the app cannot offer driving or walking directions.

The government had proposed granting permission to Google to use local mapping data for Google Maps if the company would blur sensitive information on South Korean military facilities on its satellite map.

"Our position from the start was that if it deletes security facilities, we would allow exporting (the local mapping data)," said Kim Tong-il, an official at the land ministry.

"Google's position is that it won't delete those. The question was whether we would allow that regardless."

South Korea has been divided over the issue since Google filed its request in June. The government extended an August deadline to this month, highlighting disagreements between government ministries.

The lengthy deliberation reflects growing support for Google within some government ministries which are trying to promote tourism and local firms' overseas businesses. One of the biggest inconveniences that foreign tourists run into in South Korea, which has some of the fastest and cheapest internet access in the world, is the lack of an online mapping service with navigation and directions in foreign languages.

Some local businesses and consumers opposed giving Google full access to the local mapping data, saying it would be unfair to local companies which operate local data servers to support their map services. They said Google should build data centres in South Korea instead of seeking an exemption from the rules.

Google said earlier that restricting Google Maps in South Korea would be an inconvenience for foreigners visiting the host country of the PyeongChang Winter Olympics in 2018.

It also argued that restrictions on exporting the local mapping data could hinder efforts of companies to roll out global services using locations data and will deprive local consumers of cutting-edge services.

AP
The International Space Station (ISS) crew member Peggy Whitson of the U.S., waves before a space suit check at the Baikonur cosmodrome, Kazakhstan, November 17, 2016. REUTERS/Shamil Zhumatov

Veteran Nasa astronaut Peggy Whitson has become the oldest woman in space after she blasted off for the International Space Station on Friday, adding to her long list of barrier-breaking records.

A Soyuz rocket carrying Whitson, French newcomer Thomas Pesquet and Russian cosmonaut Oleg Novitskiy lifted off from the Russia-leased launch facility in Kazakhstan at 2:20 am on Friday (20:20 GMT on Thursday) and went into orbit eight minutes later.

Whitson, who will celebrate her 57th birthday in February while on the ISS, has become the oldest woman to fly into space.

That's a far cry from John Glenn's space shuttle flight at age 77, but it is enough to beat the record set by fellow American Barbara Morgan in 2007 at age 55.

We are ready for our launch tomorrow! All #smiles today during our crew press conference in Baikonur, Kazakhstan. pic.twitter.com/1j8ZMLMOsN  Peggy Whitson (@AstroPeggy) November 16, 2016

During training, a French documentary crew followed Pesquet, focusing on his relative youth and fresh eyes. Whitson said the interest on her, by comparison, was for being "old and experienced."

"All right, yes, I'm old," she said in a Nasa interview. She noted in a recent series of preflight interviews that it gets easier with age, knowing what to expect on a spaceflight and how to prioritise.

This will be the third space station mission for the Iowa-born biochemist, who first went to space in 2002, and her second stint as commander. In 2007 she became the first woman to command the ISS and will set another first when she will take command for the second time.

Getting my station haircut today. Hope it will last 3 months. Who will cut my hair next time on @Space_Station? pic.twitter.com/9beonSlQEe  Peggy Whitson (@AstroPeggy) November 14, 2016

Whitson has already spent 377 days in space and logged almost 40 hours of spacewalking, which was the most recorded by a woman until 2012, when compatriot Sunita Williams overtook her with over 50 hours of cumulative spacewalk time.

This six-month mission should also push her beyond 534 days in space, the US record set in September by 58-year-old astronaut Jeffrey Williams.

The crew will now travel for two days before docking at the space station, where they will join an American and two Russians already aboard.

The crew will carry out a range of scientific investigations until May 2017.

Whitson said she's had a lucky run with few regrets. But she told reporters last summer: "In terms of goals for NASA before I die, we need to be living on Mars. And I might not live that long, so they better get with it!"

Telegraph Media Group Limited [2022]
A boy brings flowers to put beside a statue of a gorilla outside the shuttered Gorilla World exhibit at the Cincinnati Zoo & Botanical Garden, Monday, May 30, 2016, in Cincinnati

The enclosure separating Harambe the gorilla from the public was not in compliance with safety standards on the day a 3-year-old boy slipped into his exhibit, leading zoo keepers to shoot and kill the 17-year-old western lowland gorilla.

A federal inspection report states Cincinatti Zoo's barrier keeping the public and gorillas separate did not comply with standards for housing primates.

The report, seen by the Associated Press, said the zoo's dangerous-animal response team properly followed procedures after zoo visitors called 911 to report the child had fallen into the gorillas enclosure.

A team member concluded the child was in "life-threatening danger" and Harambe was killed to save his life.

Expand Close Western lowland gorilla Harambe pictured last June (Cincinnati Zoo and Botanical Garden/The Cincinatti Enquirer/AP) / Facebook

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Whatsapp Western lowland gorilla Harambe pictured last June (Cincinnati Zoo and Botanical Garden/The Cincinatti Enquirer/AP)

Two female gorillas were also in the enclosure when the boy fell in but zoo officials said only the 400lb male gorilla remained with the child.

Since the inspection, the zoo made the barrier taller and used nylon mesh to close any gaps.

It said there had bee no earlier issues with the barriers, which were found to be compliant in earlier federal inspections.

After the gorilla's death, hundreds of thousands of people signed a petition calling for "Justice for Harambe".

The petition called for the boy's parents to be held accountable for "not supervising their child".

In a Facebook post, the boy's mother asked others not to judge her because "accidents happen".

Expand Close Harambe, a 17-year-old gorilla at the Cincinnati Zoo who was shot dead. / Facebook

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Defending herself against her critics, Michelle Gregg wrote: As a society we are quick to judge how a parent could take their eyes off of their child and if anyone knows me I keep a tight watch on my kids.

Accidents happen but I am thankful that the right people were in the right place today.
New York Police officers stand guard at the entrance of Trump Tower, in New York. Photo: AFP/Getty Images

Former British prime minister Tony Blair last night dismissed as "beyond speculation" claims that he is being lined up as an adviser to Donald Trump after he was spotted having lunch with the president elect's influential son-in-law in New York.

Mr Blair was spotted deep in conversation with Jared Kushner, who is married to Mr Trump's daughter Ivanka, at Cipriani's hotel restaurant.

Mr Blair and Mr Kushner, who is now viewed as the 'kingmaker' of the incoming White House team, have known each other for "several years".

The meeting has led to suggestions - vigorously denied by Mr Blair - that the former prime minister could be offered some form of advisory role in a Trump administration.

He remains keen to broker a peace deal in the Middle East and retains a staffed office in Tel Aviv.

Mr Blair's spokesman said yesterday: "Tony Blair has known Jared Kushner for several years. Mr Blair was walking past their lunch table. He knew a number of people at the table and he was invited to join them.

Expand Close Tony Blair / Facebook

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"He has not discussed any role. This is completely overblown."

It is not clear how Mr Blair first got to know Mr Kushner, but it is possible that they were introduced through Rupert Murdoch and his then-wife Wendi Deng. Ms Deng is a close friend of Ivanka Trump and helped rekindle her relationship with Mr Kushner by inviting both for a yachting holiday.

Yesterday Mr Trump remained ensconced inside Trump Tower, working on his cabinet team.

Nikki Haley, the governor of South Carolina, was a firm critic of Mr Trump but is believed to be being considered for secretary of state, despite having little foreign policy experience.

She was invited to Trump Tower alongside Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe, who was last night due to become the first world leader to meet the president elect.

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A day before the meeting, basic logistics such as the time and the place, and who would be in the room were still up in the air, causing significant anxiety for Japanese officials who are already nervous about the future strength of an alliance that is core to Tokyo's diplomacy and security.

Trump campaign spokesman Kellyanne Conway said yesterday morning that Mr Abe would meet Mr Trump and vice president-elect Mike Pence.

Yesterday director of national intelligence James Clapper officially announced his resignation - a long-anticipated move, regardless of the election outcome.

Mr Clapper (75) was asked by Adam Schiff, a Democrat politician, about rumours that the spy chief - who took on the role in 2010 - might stay on into the Trump administration.

But Mr Clapper said he "felt pretty good" about handing in his resignation and that he only had 64 more days in office - a thought that pleased his wife.

He was said to have been counting the days until his retirement, and "fist-bumping" President Barack Obama as the tally of days left went down.

No cabinet positions for the incoming administration have been announced so far.

However, Mr Kushner is believed to be orchestrating the 'knife fight' for power inside Trump Tower, ousting those loyal to Chris Christie, the New Jersey governor who prosecuted Mr Kushner's father for tax evasion, and ushering in people he believes to be more suitable.

Also present at the New York lunch with Mr Blair and Mr Kushner was Sam Zell, a billionaire investment manager whose wife Helen runs a philanthropic organisation.

Since the election, Mr Blair, who is a close friend of Hillary and Bill Clinton and backed her candidacy, has spoken of the dramatic changes on the global stage.

"I won't pretend to you I wasn't surprised by what has happened over this past period, because I am, and what it means is not entirely clear to me yet," he said. "But there is a new reality you've got to make sure you come to terms with."

In Washington, Mr Pence huddled with House Republicans on Capitol Hill and also planned to meet with Democratic leaders.

Lawmakers said part of the vice president's elect's mission was to tell fellow Republicans that the transition effort was proceeding smoothly, despite reports of chaos and infighting.

"He just wanted to reassure that the team is working hard and they're working toward an agenda to do what's right for the American people," said Republican Jim Renacci.

Telegraph Media Group Limited [2022]
Former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton delivers remarks while being honored during the Children's Defense Fund's Beat the Odds Celebration at the Newseum in Washington. Photo: Getty Images

Hillary Clinton has admitted there have been times since she lost her presidential bid when she has wanted to never leave the house again.

But acknowledging the difficulty of the loss for herself and her supporters she has urged them to persevere through the Donald Trump era.

Speaking at the annual gala of child advocacy body the Children's Defence Fund - where Mrs Clinton started her legal career - the defeated Democratic presidential candidate encouraged her backers to "never, ever give up".

"There have been a few times this past week when all I wanted to do was just to curl up with a good book or our dogs and never leave the house again," she said.

She told the audience in Washington: "I know this isn't easy. I know that over the past week a lot of people have asked themselves whether America is the country we thought it was.

"But please listen to me when I say this: America is worth it.

"It's up to each and every one of us to keep working to make America better and stronger and fairer."

Mrs Clinton never referred to president-elect Trump by name in her remarks, making only an oblique reference to the controversial policies which fuelled his rise to the White House.

Instead, she focused on the future, asking her backers to "stay engaged on every level".

"We need you. America needs your energy," she said.

Mrs Clinton's surprising loss threw her party into a period of reflection, with an ascendant liberal wing blaming her campaign for failing to embrace a more populist economic message.

In private calls with donors and Democratic officials, Mrs Clinton has largely attributed her defeat to the decision by the FBI to re-examine her use of a private email server during her time as US secretary of state.

Mrs Clinton chose friendly ground to make her first public appearance since her emotional concession speech in New York City on Wednesday last week.

Her first job out of law school in the 1970s was for Children's Defence Fund founder Marian Wright Edelman. She later became a staff attorney and chairman of the group's board. Throughout her campaign, she cited her work for the group as her "north star", sparking her interest in standing up against injustice towards children and families.

The group, which helps disadvantaged children, tried to return some of that affection on Wednesday night.

"We love her and we appreciate all the hard work she has done and say it's not going to be for naught," said Ms Edelman in her introductory remarks. "We're going to say that she is the people's president."

Still, in a sign of Mrs Clinton's new life as a private citizen, the event lacked many of the trappings of her presidential campaign. Security was light and she travelled with only a handful of aides.

Sprinkled throughout the small theatre where she addressed donors and supporters were even a few empty seats.

Meanwhile, Vermont senator Bernie Sanders, who lost the Democratic nomination to Mrs Clinton, has called on Mr Trump to apologise for his inflammatory rhetoric during the presidential campaign.

He has also asked him to cut ties with campaign chief executive Steve Bannon, named as a top White House adviser on Monday by the president-elect.

That sparked an outcry from Democrats, who blasted the conservative media chief executive as peddling conspiracy theories and white supremacy.
Japan's Prime Minister Shinzo Abe (2nd L) meets with U.S. President-elect Donald Trump (2nd R) at Trump Tower in Manhattan, New York, U.S., November 17, 2016. Cabinet Public Relations Office/HANDOUT via Reuters

Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe became the first world leader to meet President-elect Donald Trump on Thursday, seeking reassurances over the future of the US-Japan security and trade relations.

Mr Abe met with Mr Trump in New York, where the incoming president is working to set up an administration after his surprise election victory last week that has injected new uncertainty into old US alliances.

"I do believe that without confidence between the two nations (the) alliance would never function in the future and (after) the outcome of today's discussion I am convinced Mr. Trump is a leader in whom I can have great confidence," Mr Abe said following the meeting.

Mr Trump's campaign rhetoric caused consternation in many world capitals, including Tokyo.

The president-elect has said he would demand that allies such as Japan and South Korea contribute more to the cost of basing US troops in their countries.

Such comments have worried Japan at a time when the threat from North Korea is rising and China is challenging the US-led security status quo in the Pacific.

The State Department has said it had yet to hear from Mr Trump's transition team, raising the prospect of the Republican holding the meeting with Mr Abe without any input from career diplomats with deep experience dealing with Japan.

Both Japan and South Korea already pay considerable sums to support the US bases and note that it is also in America's strategic interest to deploy troops in the region.

Mr Trump has suggested Japan and South Korea could obtain their own nuclear weapons rather than rely on US deterrence, which risks a triggering an atomic arms races in north-east Asia.

South Korea currently pays more than $800m a year - about 50% of non-personnel costs of the US military deployment on its soil - and is paying $9.7bn more for relocating US military bases, according to the Congressional Research Service.

Japan pays about two billion dollars a year, about half of the cost of the stationing US forces.

The Japanese leader may also try to sway Mr Trump on the Trans-Pacific Partnership (TPP), a 12-country trade agreement that the president-elect opposes.

The pact was championed by President Barack Obama and Mr Trump's victory has all but erased hopes of its early ratification by the US Congress.

The pact is expected to be discussed in a side meeting at the annual summit of the Asia Pacific Economic Community in Peru, where Mr Abe heads after New York. Mr Obama will also be in attendance.

Mr Abe is Japan's most powerful leader in a decade and he has invested political capital in overcoming strong domestic opposition to the TPP.

He has also sought to increase the international role played by Japan's military, which is constrained by a pacifist constitution.

That could jibe with Mr Trump's desire to see US partners shoulder more of the burden for their defence.
US president Barack Obama waves as he boards Air Force One during his departure from Berlin (AP)

President Barack Obama has used a meeting with key European leaders to urge them to work with incoming US president Donald Trump.

Mr Obama's meeting with the leaders of Germany, Britain, France, Italy and Spain was likely his last in such a setting before he leaves office.

The session expands on lengthy talks he held the day before with German chancellor Angela Merkel. The six leaders also discussed steps to resolve conflicts in Syria and eastern Ukraine, the White House said.

It said Mr Obama thanked his counterparts for their cooperation during his two terms in office.

He urged them to work on common challenges with a Trump administration on the "basis of the core values that define the United States and Europe as open democracies".

Since Mr Obama's arrival on Wednesday on his sixth and last trip to Germany as president, he and Mrs Merkel have focused several meetings on issues of globalisation and trans-Atlantic cooperation.

The talks come largely in the context of what the election of Mr Trump will mean to efforts to seek peace in Ukraine and Syria, the strength of the Nato alliance, trade agreements, efforts to fight climate change, and other pressing matters.

The White House said in a summary of the meeting that the leaders expressed grave concern about the humanitarian situation in Aleppo.

They agreed that increased attacks by the Syrian regime and its supporters, including Russia and Iran, should be immediately halted. They also are calling for humanitarian access to the city to be restored.

On Ukraine, the White House said the leaders agreed that sanctions against Russia must remain in place until it meets its commitments to resolving the conflict.

Mr Obama also briefed his counterparts on the progress made in Iraq in liberating Mosul from Islamic State militants.

The White House said the leaders agreed on the need for stability after the city is liberated. Mr Obama also encouraged leaders to continue efforts to expand information sharing throughout the European Union to help disrupt terror attacks.

At a news conference with Mr Obama on Thursday, Mrs Merkel diplomatically said she was approaching the incoming Trump administration "with an open mind".

Around the world, many are looking to Mrs Merkel - one of the longest serving leaders of a major world power, leader of Europe's largest economy and one of the biggest US trade partners - for leadership as Mr Obama leaves office.

Mr Obama seemed to underscore that reality as he effusively thanked Mrs Merkel for her "deep friendship".

He said he could not "ask for a steadier or more reliable partner on the world stage", adding that he would vote for her if she chose to run again.

Joining the two leaders were the heads of countries at the centre of many of the European Union's coming challenges.

Prime Minister Theresa May is preparing the UK for negotiations to leave the trade bloc. Spain's prime minister Mariano Rajoy faces economic woes in his country that have contributed to financial instability in the EU.

Italian PM Matteo Renzi's already shaky economy has been rocked by tens of thousands of refugees and French president Francois Hollande's socialist government faces a major challenge from the far-right in elections next year.

Mr Trump has applauded the British decision to exit the EU and has had meetings with Nigel Farage, leader of Ukip and a key player in the British decision to leave.

For his part, Mr Obama said his hope was that the Brexit negotiations be "conducted in a smooth and orderly and transparent fashion and preserve as closely as possible the economic and political and security relationships between the UK and EU".

Still, Obama noted that he considered the EU "one of the world's great political and economic achievements".

AP
Spains minority Popular Party (PP) government is in preliminary talks with the center-right party Ciudadanos about the possibility of beefing up the countrys corporate tax regime, sources have told EL PAIS. With Spains tax coffers in bad shape and Brussels demanding 5.5 billion in cuts to reduce the countrys structural deficit , the two parties are thrashing out ways to bring in some much-needed revenue.

Spain's Deputy Prime Minister Soraya Saenz de Santamaria and Finance Minister Cristobal Montoro. J. J. Guillen (EFE)

But with Prime Minister Mariano Rajoy and Economy Minister Luis de Guindos insisting the government will not increase sales tax (VAT) or income tax, it is the corporate tax rate  currently set at 25%  that has come under the spotlight. Therefore, maximum tax collection for minimum political damage is the order of the day.

Spains corporate tax rate, which differs depending on the type of business, has seen the gap between company profits and tax paid spiraling upwards through the countrys crisis. In 2007, Spain raked in 44 billion in corporate tax, or 4.1% of GDP. By 2015, however, company tax totaled only 20.65 billion or 1.9% of GDP.

This growing gap has several causes, including exemptions on overseas earnings, a generous regime of tax write-offs for losses incurred during the crisis years, and a controversial scheme that allows companies to bundle together subsidiaries so that profits in one enterprise can be offset against losses.

The government is prepared to look at higher taxes for tobacco but not gasoline

Ciudadanos has stated in the past that the country could earn an extra 3 billion in tax by making changes to the corporate tax regime  an assertion that was included in a deal that saw the emerging party help the PP back into government.

Sources say the two parties are now at the negotiating table with a deal on reducing write-offs for previous years. Figures from the Spanish Tax Agency show that businesses have availed themselves of such deductions to the tune of 20 billion, representing 5 billion less in total taxes for the government. A tweak of the current regime could bring in a substantial amount of money, the thinking goes.

Also on the cards are changes to a system that allows for tax deductions for overseas investment and exemptions on overseas earnings.

But there is a catch. Tax authorities have yet to become involved, which means all measures remain theoretical only.

The clock is ticking, too. Spain must present a package of measures to Brussels by the beginning of December, and this is complicating the dialogue between the government and Ciudadanos. In an attempt to ramp up the pressure, Ciudadanos wants the upcoming budget plans to include elements of the deal it hammered out with the PP in exchange for its support in returning Mariano Rajoy to the prime ministers office. But the time-frame makes that difficult.

Ciudadanos believes that social spending could be boosted by 5 billion by making changes to corporate tax and launching a frontal attack on fraud. After GDP growth  predicted to be a healthy 3.1% according to IMF forecasts  that would leave Spain in need of making cuts of only 3 billion to fall in line with EU austerity targets.

The gap between corporate profit and taxes paid has risen during the crisis

The government, which also believes the cuts demanded by Brussels could be avoided  would have to find that extra money by raising taxes on sources such as vehicle emissions, tobacco, sugary drinks or alcohol.

But the government is taking a steady-as-she-goes approach, arguing that the first step is to agree on which reforms could raise revenues before establishing how much the total sums could be. Only after that would the PP be ready to take a closer look at Ciudadanos proposals, such as a wage supplement for low-income earners.

The deal [between the PP and Ciudadanos] has an asterisk that prevents us from committing to spending on items that dont meet deficit targets, a government source told EL PAIS.

There is another spanner in the works, too. While De Guindos is in talks with Ciudadanos, Finance Minister Cristobal Montoro and his team are locked in their own room looking at ways to boost tax revenue.

The government has previously said it is reluctant to raise taxes on gasoline while indicating that tobacco could be a target, as could sugary drinks  as long as this was on health grounds and not as a purely revenue-raising measure.

English version by George Mills.
Iraqi families who fled the fighting between Iraqi forces and Islamic State militants wait to cross to the Kurdish controlled area north-east of Mosul (AP)

Iraqi troops advanced cautiously into eastern districts of Mosul on Friday, facing stiff resistance from Islamic State militants a day after they paused their assault due to poor visibility, officers said.

Air strikes, automatic fire and artillery were heard from dawn and one soldier was reported killed in clashes. Civilians, some of them wounded, could be seen fleeing the fighting.

According to the officers, the Iraqi forces aim to take complete control of the city's Tahrir area and from there move into the adjacent Muharabeen district.

Iraqi forces launched the long-awaited operation to retake Mosul a month ago but have only advanced into a few eastern districts. The troops have faced fierce resistance, with snipers, mortar fire and Islamic State suicide bombers driving armour-plated vehicles packed with explosives.

On Thursday, cloudy skies over Iraq's second-largest city obscured the visibility of the drones and warplanes on which the troops rely, hindering their advance. Instead, special forces secured areas they had seized, set up checkpoints and swept for explosives.

The pause also allowed the residents running out of food in areas liberated from IS to get some supplies from Iraqi troops and aid organisations.

Mosul is the last major bastion for the militants in Iraq. Driving them out would deal a severe blow to the Islamic State's self-styled caliphate stretching into Syria.

On Friday, IS claimed responsibility for an attack the previous night in which a suicide car bomber struck a wedding near the western city of Fallujah, killing at least 10 people and injuring 32 others.

The wedding was full of government-allied Sunni tribal fighters who are also part of the campaign to rid the country of IS, said Interior Ministry spokesman Brigadier General Saad Maan.

It was the second incident this week in Fallujah. On Monday, twin suicide bombers targeted the city's security checkpoints, killing six people.

AP
Volkswagen is to cut 30,000 jobs in a restructuring as it tries to recover from a scandal over cars rigged to cheat on diesel emissions tests.

The German company said the job cuts, which account to around 5% of its global workforce, are part of a long-term plan to improve profitability as well as shift resources and investment to electric-powered vehicles and digital services.

At Volkswagen's headquarters in Wolfsburg, company officials said 23,000 of the job cuts will be in Germany and the measures will save some 3.7 billion euro (3.2 billion) a year from 2020.

Volkswagen employs around 120,000 people at its namesake brand in Germany.

The company also said it would hire in some 9,000 new positions related to new technology and some of those jobs could go to current employees.

Chief executive Matthias Mueller said it was "the biggest reform package in the history of our core brand".

In addition to Volkswagen, the company also makes cars under other brands including Porsche, Audi, Seat, Skoda and Lamborghini.

The announcement caps a difficult year for Volkswagen, which has been embroiled in an emissions-rigging scandal that damaged the company's reputation and cost it billions.

In response, Volkswagen has agreed to pay 15 billion dollars (12 billion) to US authorities and owners of some 500,000 vehicles with software that turned off emissions controls. Around 11 million cars worldwide have the deceptive software.

The scandal has been a spur for the company to address longstanding problems, such high fixed costs at its manufacturing locations in Germany and excessively top-down management.

Herbert Diess, head of the core Volkswagen brand, said the company had let costs rise and "lost ground in terms of productivity". The changes, he said, would make it "leaner and more efficient".

The cuts are aimed at addressing Volkswagen's longstanding cost issue.

With 624,000 employees around the world, it sells roughly the same number of cars as Toyota and General Motors - around 10 million a year. But Toyota does it with 349,000 workers and GM with 202,000.

One reason often cited for VW's higher cost-base and headcount is the role that employee representatives play at the company.

As at other large German companies, employees have half the seats on the board, a power they can use to resist moving production outside Germany or to suppliers.

In addition, the state of Lower Saxony, where the headquarters is located, owns a stake in the company and tends to support employee interests as well.

The cuts will mainly fall on its 120,000-strong factory workforce in Germany. Job cuts are also foreseen in Brazil and Argentina.

The jobs will be reduced through voluntary departures such as early retirement and attrition. Labour representatives won a guarantee of no involuntary layoffs until 2025.

The company has said it aims to cut non-essential costs and investments and shift resources toward battery-powered cars and internet-based services such as car-sharing and ride-sharing.

The company had been slower than some competitors to move toward electric cars but has shifted its view after the scandal underlined diesel's limitations.

Volkswagen now says it plans to introduce more than 30 electric-powered vehicles by 2025, and to sell two to three million of them a year.

To make the job cuts, the company has cut a deal with its powerful worker representatives.

Volkswagen has agreed to keep much of the future investment in new technology in Germany and to rely on voluntary departures such as early retirement, with no firings.

Top employee representative Bernd Osterloh said "the next generation of electric vehicles will be made here in Germany, not abroad".

Volkswagen's package of measures received a lukewarm welcome in markets. The company's share price closed down 0.8% at 128.05 euro, underperforming Germany's benchmark DAX stock index.

AP
Allegiant takes off for New Orleans today

CONCORD - Allegiant today celebrates the start of nonstop flights Concord to New Orleans.

To celebrate, the company is offering one-way fares on the new routes for as low as $53. Seats are limited. Price includes taxes and fees. Fares are one way and not available on all flights. Must be purchased by Nov. 21, 2016 for travel between Nov. 18, 2016 and Jan. 27, 2017. Price displayed reflects purchase by debit card; purchase by credit card subject to surcharge not to exceed $8 each way per passenger. See Allegiant.com for details.

Were very excited to connect the Charlotte area with The Big Easy, said Jude Bricker, Allegiant chief operating officer. Were excited to give Carolina travelers a convenient, ultra-affordable way to visit New Orleans and experience all of the sights and sounds of this popular destination.

The new flights will operate twice weekly and will fly nonstop between Concord Regional Airport (USA) and Louis Armstrong New Orleans International Airport (MSY) and provide Charlotte area travelers with their only ultra-low fare flight option to New Orleans. Flight days, times and the lowest fares can be found at Allegiant.com.

We are very excited for Allegiants first flight to New Orleans, said Rick Cloutier, Concord Regional Airport Aviation Director. This is our first non-Florida route, and a good service addition for the region. We hope to continue to expand to other markets and look forward to greeting the first of many passengers departing to and arriving from the Big Easy.

Allegiant offers a unique option to Charlotte area travelers with low base fares averaging less than half the cost of domestic round-trip tickets purchased in 2015.
By Pritesh Samuel

Indias labor ministry passed a new regulation on November 11 allowing for inactive employee provident fund (EPF) accounts to accrue interest. As per the notification, EPF accounts that are inactive for 36 months or more will no longer be considered inoperative and will continue to earn interest. As such, the EPF account will continue to have an active status irrespective of the employees termination, unless the employee withdraws the cash from the account or gets another job within two months with another employer. Moreover, the new regulation will allow for the transfer of an existing EPF account to one under the new employer. The interest payable is notified annually, and for 2015-2016, it was set at 8.8 percent.

Since April 2011, accounts that were inactive did not attract interest. If a person quit, was unable to get a new job, or failed to transfer his/her EPF account to a new employer, the funds in their account were not considered eligible for earning interest. After the new notification, EPF accounts will now be deemed inactive only upon the following conditions: the account holders retirement at 55 years, subsequently leaving the country, and not withdrawing from his/her EPF balance within 36 months. The developments bode well for millions of working Indians, especially for those who want to leave jobs for self-employment, start a new business, or work with smaller companies that do not subscribe to the EPF scheme.

The Employees Provident Fund Organization (EPFO) is one of the largest social security providers in the country. Between 2014-15, EPFO has received US$ 12 million (Rs 88,723 crore) from employer organizations, while accounts worth about US$ 3.9 million (Rs 27,000 crore) were lying inactive two years ago. In addition, several companies have their own private EPF trusts. Analysts say that about 3,000 trusts cater to around 50 million employees. The new regulation will thus mean an increased cost for employers running such EPF trusts, as they will need to provide interest to accounts earlier designated as inactive.

Typically, employers and employees contribute 12 percent per month towards EPF against the employees basic salary plus dearness allowance. From the employees share, 8.33 percent up to a cap of US$ 18 (Rs 1,250) goes toward the pension, and the rest is credited to the EPF account. However, for persons who have become EPF account holders on or after September 1, 2014, the entire contribution will be sent to the EPF account. While the EPF scheme is mandatory for a salary below US$ 220 (Rs 15,000), most employees are covered.

The changes to the EPF regulation come as the government is set to introduce key labor reforms. Further, the government wants to extend the social security scheme to all economic sectors, thereby expanding the EPFO network. Recently, new guidelines were issued with respect to the settlement of death claims within seven days and retirement cases before or on the day of retirement. Other new initiatives by the EPFO include answering social media queries as soon as possible and joining common service centers (information and communication technology access points under the e-Governance project) to facilitate the use of Jeevan Praman Patra  a Digital Life Certificate for Pensioners.



About Us Asia Briefing Ltd. is a subsidiary of Dezan Shira & Associates. Dezan Shira is a specialist foreign direct investment practice, providing corporate establishment, business advisory, tax advisory and compliance, accounting, payroll, due diligence and financial review services to multinationals investing in China, Hong Kong, India, Vietnam, Singapore and the rest of ASEAN. For further information, please email india@dezshira.com or visit www.dezshira.com. Stay up to date with the latest business and investment trends in Asia by subscribing to our complimentary update service featuring news, commentary and regulatory insight.

An Introduction to Doing Business in India 2016

Doing Business in India 2016 is designed to introduce the fundamentals of investing in India. As such, this comprehensive guide is ideal not only for businesses looking to enter the Indian market, but also for companies who already have a presence here and want to stay up-to-date with the most recent and relevant policy changes.

Pre-Investment Due Diligence in India

In this issue of India Briefing Magazine, we examine issues related to pre-investment due diligence in India. We highlight the different regulatory, tax, and socio-economic issues that a company should be aware of before entering the Indian market. We also detail some of the topics related to entry structures while investing in the Indian market, as well as cultural and HR due diligence, which may differ from state to state.

Strategies for Repatriating Funds from India

In this issue of India Briefing Magazine, we look at issues related to repatriating funds from India. We highlight the unique regulations for sending funds back from India, examine the various strategies companies can make use of while repatriating, and look at remittance procedures for different types of Indian entities. Finally, we give some tips on how expats can remit their Indian money to their home countries.
There is no better evidence of the exponential rise of organized crime in Argentina than the arrest of suspected drug lord Jesus Lopez Londono, also known as Mi Sangre (My blood). His capture in October 2012  while eating with friends at a restaurant in town of Pilar some 60 kilometers from Buenos Aires  was considered the biggest arrest in the history of Argentinas war on drugs .

Mi Sangre during his deportation. Telam

The leader of Colombias powerful Urabenos cartel was the target of an international arrest warrant and was on the United States Drug Enforcement Administrations most-wanted list.

Lopez Londono had lived in Argentina since 2011 in the upmarket gated community of Nordelta in Buenos Aires province. He moved residence regularly with an entourage of eight bodyguards, many of them ex-military. Once arrested, he served out part of his sentence in the town of Ezeiza, where he gave several press interviews.

Argentina is starting out on a path that Colombia went through 20 years ago [in terms of organized crime] and I hope they can put a stop to it, he said to journalists on one occasion.

On early Wednesday morning, prison guards at the Ezeiza facility where Lopez Londono was held stormed into his cell and roused him from his sleep in what marked the kick-off of a top-secret operation, which included the use of two helicopters for surveillance purposes.

After the operation, Argentinas Security Ministry published a photo of the successful operation, declaring it a key step in the countrys ongoing war against drugs.

Lopez Londono was later handed over to US authorities in Florida where he is wanted on drug-smuggling and conspiracy charges.

Prosecutors say Lopez Londono headed up the Urabenos cartel, an organization dedicated to smuggling cocaine to the US, Mexico and Central America, from 2006 to 2012. He is also suspected of laundering profits made through that illegal trade.

The origins of the paramilitary Urabenos cartel date back 20 years. The group has around 1,900 members and is one of the four most powerful mafia-style groups in Colombia along with Los Rastrojos, the Popular Revolutionary Anti-Terrorist Army of Colombia (ERPAC) and the Black Eagles (Aguilas Negras).

Argentina is starting out on a path Colombia went down 20 years ago in terms of organized crime Jesus Lopez Londono

The time Mi Sangre spent in prison in Argentina was not without incident. On September 3 details emerged of a thwarted escape plan, which was to have involved an attack by commandos operating within the prison. The logistics of the operation were organized by the Lopez Londonos attorney, but the lawyer was stopped on his way into the facility, with authorities finding on him a detailed plan outlining the whereabouts of the commando group. The sketch also showed the locations of police stations near the prison and information on a possible escape route.

After the plan came to light, the prison director was relieved of his duties as were two officials thought to have been involved in bringing a telephone and other prohibited items into the cell of Mi Sangre.

English version by George Mills.
Ameriabank: At the Vanguard of Armenia's Banking Sector

STATEMENT OF THE NATIONAL ASSEMBLY OF THE REPUBLIC OF ARTSAKH

SUBSCRIBERS OF UCOMS ALL TIME BEST OFFER TO ENJOY ADDITIONAL BENEFITS

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

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

UCOMS SPECIAL OFFER OF THE UNLIMITED INTERNET IS NOW TERMLESS

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

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The statement of the meeting between Prime Minister Pashinyan, President Aliyev, President Macron and President Michel of October 6, 2022

Largest Corporate Bond Program at the Securities Market of Armenia Completed Successfully

The statement of the Defender on the video of the execution of Armenian PoWs by the Azerbaijani armed forces

LEVEL UP ONLY FOR STUDENTS: UCOM OFFERS X2 AND X3 MORE INTERNET

STATEMENT BY SECRETARY ANTONY J. BLINKEN

This criminal act is another proof that the Armenophobia policy. Tatoyan

Nikol Pashinyan, Nancy Pelosi discuss a number of issues related to the Armenian-American agenda and regional developments

Delegation by Nancy Pelosi Accompanied by Alen Simonyan Visits Tsitsernakaberd Memorial Complex

Speaker of the U.S. House of Representatives Nancy Pelosi Arrives in Yerevan

Armenian Revytech, global technology leader SAP and financial services software specialist SAP Fioneer sign a cooperation agreement

With 120 million drams donated by Mikael Vardanyan, the defenders of the homeland will be treated in a new building

OSCE Chairman-in-Office and OSCE Secretary General call for immediate cessation of hostilities along Armenia-Azerbaijan border

Statement by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Artsakh
Airtel crosses 1 million customers on it 5G network Bharti Airtel on Wednesday has announced that it has crossed the 1 million unique 5G user mark on its network. The company achieved this milestone in less than 30 days of its commercial la... November 02, 2022 | 2:50 pm

Markets near day's low with Nifty below 18,100 Domestic benchmark indices trading in the red after a gap-down opening on Wednesday. Both the Sensex and Nifty benchmarks are marginally lower in the afternoon market session. Moreover, globall... November 02, 2022 | 2:00 pm

Flipkart posts Rs 3,413 crore net loss in FY22 Flipkart India's net loss grew to Rs 3,413 crore in the fiscal year 202122, according to financial information seen by business intelligence platform Tofler. A net loss of Rs2,445.6 cr... November 02, 2022 | 1:38 pm

Moneyboxx secures term loan worth Rs50 crore from SBI Moneyboxx Finance Limited has secured Rs50 crore term loan from SBI for a period of 4 years. The company will utilize the funds for onward lending to the micro-entrepreneurs in the agricul... November 02, 2022 | 1:15 pm

Gateway Distriparks to acquire ICD Kashipur for Rs156 crore; Stock down 2% Gateway Distriparks Limited (GDL) has signed a Share Purchase Agreement (SPA) with Kashipur Infrastructure and Freight Terminal Private Limited (KIFTPL) and its majority shareholders namel... November 02, 2022 | 12:34 pm
Two police officers sustained minor injuries and seven people were arrested after a Nov. 12 protest that began at the Indiana Statehouse moved through downtown Indianapolis and splintered into smaller groups.

The Trump Resistance Rally drew crowds to the capitol for a scheduled gathering from 58 p.m., and Major Richard Riddle, speaking on behalf of the Indianapolis Metropolitan Police Department (IMPD), said the event stayed peaceful.

But just after 9 p.m., IMPD tweeted that the departments Emergency Response Group had been dispatched to an unruly protest and three arrests had been made.

In the aftermath, police and protesters are telling different stories about what happened, with officers insisting protesters threw rocks, and many protesters saying they saw someone throw a water bottle, but never saw any rocks thrown. IMPD Chief Troy Riggs said police heard some reports of people showing up to the protest with backpacks full of rocks, and investigators were seeking more details about those reports.

Dozens of videos posted on social media show some of what happened: the sounds of pepper balls being shot at protesters, officers chasing and tackling one protester, a horse-mounted officer riding his horse into a group of protesters on a sidewalk along Washington Street, an officer on a loud speaker repeatedly ordering the crowd to disperse, and protesters chanting Let her go! in reference to a woman police had taken into custody.

The woman in question, Leah Humphrey, is an organizer with Indy10, the local arm of the Black Lives Matter movement. Humphrey said she was marching with a group and leading chants through a bullhorn when her arrest happened.

We turned the corner, and there were police. One pointed at me, and some people tried to block me from getting arrested. I fell to the ground, (police) started macing everyone and shooting off the pepper spray gun, she said.

Humphrey was arrested on charges of disorderly conduct and resisting arrest.

I didnt resist anything, she said. I laid down.

Though the reactions of protesters in the videos indicate disapproval of police actions, Riggs said he is pleased with how his officers handled the situation.

Obviously if people are starting to throw rocks, we have to take action. At that point, youre pretty close to having a riot situation.  Those officers on the scene made the right decision to move in when they did, he said.

He added that some of the questionable tactics  specifically the officer riding a horse into the crowd  had to be considered in the broader context of the situation.

In the videos that I saw, that was after the rocks were being thrown. Officers were placing some people under arrest. Part of the crowd was rushing toward the officer, and the horse was able to move them back. No one got injured, he said.

But Riggs said the department will take another look at all of the officers actions, which is standard procedure even when an intervention is considered a success.

We will re-evaluate everything from that night.  There are some operational things that we have learned from this that well put in place  to strengthen any weaknesses we have, he said. If its something we need to improve on, we will.

Looking ahead, Riggs said a group within the department has already been reviewing IMPDs use of force policy, and he anticipates learning the groups conclusions in the coming days.

Humphrey said she is also looking ahead.

Im really excited to organize past this. Now were just ready to build and move forward.
In the past decade, Indianapolis has made virtually no progress in solving the problem of homelessness in the city. Now, social services agencies are re-evaluating their approaches.

Alan Witchey, executive director of the Coalition for Homelessness Intervention and Prevention (CHIP), said his organizations data shows small changes in homelessness numbers over the past 10 years, including an increase in the number of people accessing emergency homeless shelters and a slight decrease in homelessness in total. But the numbers of unsheltered homeless people and families experiencing homelessness have not changed.

CHIP was among a group of social service agencies that gathered recently to discuss the state of homelessness in Indianapolis. The event was held at the Indianapolis Urban League, where 25 percent of the clients experience homelessness. IUL President and CEO Tony Mason said the issue is particularly important to his organization.

The issue of homelessness is important to us, because its an economic empowerment issue, its a health and quality of life issue, he said. We also know that the data out there tells us that Indianapolis has one of the fastest growing child poverty rates in the nation, second only to Detroit. We rank 48th out of the largest cities in the U.S. in upward mobility, meaning that if you are born into poverty, you are likely to remain there.

As is the case with many social ills, people of color are disproportionately impacted by homelessness. Though 27 percent of the citys total population is Black, African-Americans account for 51 percent of the homeless population. Kay Wiles, director of HealthNets Homeless Initiative Program (HIP), said 62 percent of her organizations 3,500 clients in 2015 were Black.

To address the issue, Wiles said organizations like HIP and CHIP are trying to pool limited resources and reorganize their efforts.

But while thats going to organize our resources so theyre more efficient, its not going to create new resources, she said. Every day, there are women and children who dont have a place to sleep in our community.

Wiles said the city is so short on resources that her organization tells homeless women and children when the shelters are full  and they almost always are  to seek shelter in the hospital emergency room. If the ER turns them away, Wiles tells them, the nearby White Castle is open 24 hours.

There will still be women and children without a place to sleep. I own that every night when I go home  but I think everybody in our community should own that, she said.

Beyond people having no place to stay, Witchey says, homelessness is the key to so many other issues plaguing the community.

(Problems in) education, income/financial stability, health, basic needs  we have a skewed view on how to solve those as a community. I guarantee you are never going to move the needle on those issues unless you move the needle on homelessness, he said.

Homelessness is a major component contributing to each of those areas, but Witchey said people are in denial.

We think we can change education if we just focus on improving education with kids, if we tutor them better, if we work on teacher education  but the truth is, there are kids who are experiencing homelessness every day, he said. Until we start saying we have to deal with homelessness and all of its complexity and causes  drugs, addiction, foster care, re-entry from incarceration, domestic violence  those other problems are going to stay.

Some small steps are being taken in the right direction, such as the passage of the homeless protection act and the upcoming opening of the Reuben Engagement Center, Witchey said. He said the Reuben Center, which will house homeless people who have addictions, is supposed to be a game-changer, and it marks a major first.

For the very first time ever, our city is actually going to put city funding toward helping to end homelessness (with the opening of the Reuben Engagement Center), he said. Indianapolis, among the top 25 metropolitan cities, is the only city that doesnt contribute city dollars to helping to end homelessness. We can do better as a community.

Wiles said organizations will also look at alternatives to the housing-ready approach theyve been using, which focuses on preparing homeless clients to live on their own before providing that opportunity. Instead, Wiles said people should first be housed, and then be provided with resources to maintain it.

You cant resolve your crisis in public, Wiles said. We have to stop thinking that way.

Overall, Witchey said there are ways to make a change, and its time.

There are successful ways to end homelessness, and it does happen, he said. But it cannot be the same. The numbers of homelessness have not changed dramatically in the last 10 years, and its because weve done the same things. We must change the system.
After four years of serving as Archbishop of Indianapolis  and just weeks after being named to the Catholic Churchs College of Cardinals  Archbisop Joseph Tobin will be leaving the Circle City.

In a Nov. 7 letter addressed to the priests, deacons, religious and faithful of the Archdiocese of Indianapolis, Tobin says he received a phone call on Oct. 22 informing him that Pope Francis had reassigned him to be the archbishop of Newark, New Jersey.

I immediately thought of you, the people of this great Archodiocese whose pastoral care was entrusted to me four years ago, Tobin wrote in his letter. I remembered how you welcomed me, offered your support in so many ways, forgave my mistakes and limitations and always assured me of your love and the precious backing of your prayer. The thought of leaving you devasted me. I have had many sleepless nights and shed more than a few tears.

Tobin will succeed Archbishop John Myers, who reached the mandatory retirement age of 75 in July. Myers introduced Tobin to a gathering of local journalists and Archdiocesan employees at the Cathedral Basilica of the Sacred Heart in Newark on Nov. 7.

Tobin humbly addressed the crowd, saying, Two weeks ago, I learned that Pope Francis was entrusting to me the pastoral care of this storied Archdiocese. Two weeks earlier, I discovered that the Holy Father had named me to the College of Cardinals. I am not sure my central nervous system can take much more news. You will forgive the occasional stutter or facial twitch.

According to the Associated Press, the Newark archdiocese serves about 1.7 million Catholics of diverse backgrounds  about 20 percent are Latino and nearly as many are Black.

Thats good news to Tobin, who speaks Spanish, Italian, Portuguese and French.

Growing up in a multi-cultural area in Detroit, he told the Newark gathering, I was a little jealous of classmates that went home and spoke a different language, ate different food, thought differently. My service of the Church obliged me to live many years in cultures different from the Irish-American ambient of my family. So I am excited to lead an Archdiocese where the Eucharist is celebrated each Sunday in 20 languages.

Tobin will be installed in Newark on Jan. 6, 2017.

He was appointed to his current post as Sixth Archbishop of Indianapolis in October 2012 by Pope Benedict XVI and was installed that December.

Tobin speaks fondly of his time in Indianapolis, and he has asked for well-wishes as he takes his next step.

I hope that you will commission me  send me forth with your blessing to preach and heal in the Archdiocese of Newark, he wrote in his letter. I know that I will leave a considerable chunk of my heart here in the Catholic communities of central and southern Indiana. I trust that God will fill that void wil overflowing gratitude for the gift of sharing a portion of the pilgrimage with you.

Looking ahead to life in the Archdiocese of Indianapolis after his departure, Tobin said he expects a quicker transition than the Archdiocese experienced last time. Archbishop Daniel Buechlein was allowed to retire early in September 2011 due to an illness, and in the interim, Auxiliary Bishop Christopher Coyne served as Apostolic Administrator until Tobins appointment.

The Archdiocese is not helpless in the face of this change. Just as what happened after the resignation of Archbishop Daniel (Buechlien), the Church will provide stable leadership for the Archdiocese until the new Archbishop is named. I believe you will receive a good pastor and you will not have to wait as long as you did before I was named.
The federal government is returning $14 million in proceeds to tribes that participated in early land consolidation efforts.

Using federal funds, the Bureau of Indian Affairs acquired fractional interests from individual Indians. The eventual goal was to transfer the land back to tribes.

But a quirk in the Indian Land Consolidation Act often kept those interests in limbo, sometimes for years. The law required the BIA to place liens on the land, which couldn't be lifted until the land generated enough proceeds to pay for the acquisition.

"Congress included the liens in ILCA so that ILCA would be self-funding," the Fredericks Peebles & Morgan law firm said in describing the program.

But Indian Country quickly discovered that "self-funding" didn't work out. The liens prevented tribes from consolidating their land bases, which was the exact opposite of what was intended by ILCA.

The Interior Department , however, has since determined that it can lift the liens. As a result, 20 tribes that participated in the program will be able to acquire the $14 million in proceeds that were generated over the years.

Our action today is a result of our engagement and meaningful consultation with tribal leadership, respecting their judgement that waiver of ILCA liens and return of lien proceeds will spur economic development within their territories and enable them to restore tribal homelands, Deputy Secretary Michael Connor, the second-in-command at Interior, said in a press release on Thursday. Our trust and treaty responsibilities include ensuring that federal programs are tailored to work effectively and efficiently for Indian country. Tribal nations spoke clearly about the benefits of waiving ILCA liens and their effective and efficient ability to reacquire tribal homelands from willing sellers.

"Tribal nations have repeatedly proven that if an administration works with them, tribal solutions can ameliorate the impacts of now repudiated policies that sought to end tribal culture and communities," added Larry Roberts, the de facto leader of the BIA. "Our action today is another example of tribes determining what is best for their communities.

The liens were a major issue after the Obama administration settled the Cobell trust fund lawsuit . The settlement included $1.9 billion for land consolidation but tribes were worried that the effort would be hobbled if the BIA continued to follow the ILCA provision.

In August 2012, the department concluded that the lien provision does not apply to the Land Buy-Back Program for Tribal Nations . Offers started going out a year later and the program has been a success, according to Interior.

As of November 10 , individual Indians have received more than $911.8 million for their fractional interests. The equivalent of nearly 1.7 million acres has been restored to tribal ownership as a result.

The fund is due to run out of money in less than three years if the rate of acquisitions continues at the current pace. Decisions about the future of the effort are being left in the hands of Congress and the incoming administration of Republican president-elect Donald Trump

 Bad River Band of the Lake Superior Tribe of Chippewa Indians of the Bad River Reservation, Wisconsin

 Lac Courte Orielles Band of Lake Superior Chippewa Indians of Wisconsin

 Lac du Flambeau Band of Lake Superior Chippewa Indians of the Lac du Flambeau Reservation of Wisconsin

 Red Cliff Band of Lake Superior Chippewa Indians of Wisconsin

 Keeewenaw Bay Indian Community, Michigan

 Bois Forte Band (Nett Lake)

 Fond du Lac Band

 Grand Portage Band

 Ho-Chunk Nation of Wisconsin

 Standing Rock Sioux Tribe of North and South Dakota

 Oglala Sioux Tribe

 Rosebud Sioux Tribe of the Rosebud Indian Reservation, South Dakota

 Sisseton-Wahpeton Oyate of the Lake Traverse Reservation, South Dakota

 Winnebago Tribe of Nebraska

 Crow Tribe of Montana

 Confederated Salish and Kootenai Tribes of the Flathead Reservation

 Navajo Nation, Arizona, New Mexico & Utah

 Gila River Indian Community of the Gila River Indian Reservation, Arizona

 Quinault Indian Nation

 Quapaw Tribe of Indians

The 20 tribes that will receive the $14 million in ILCA proceeds follow:

Interior Department Report: 2016 Status Report: Land Buy-Back Program for Tribal Nations (November 2016)

Interior Department Solicitor Opinion: Applicability of the Indian Land Consolidation Act's Lien Provisions to the Cobell Settlement (August 2012)

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Related Stories
Bison at Bear Butte in South Dakota. Photo by Stacy / Rambling Traveler



Tribal Nations Buy Bear Butte Land

By Brandon EcoffeyLakota Country Times Editor

STURGIS -- Three tribal nations came together on Sunday, October 30, to purchase lands near the sacred site of Bear Butte located northeast of Sturgis.

Lakota people can trace their origins back thousands of years through their oral traditions. One site that remains a constant in these origin stories is Bear Butte. Located in the sacred Black Hills, Bear Butte is one of many sacred sites located in the area. It has also been one of the most conflicted locations as Native people have tried to protect the site from the shenanigans associated with the Sturgis Motorcycle Rally that takes place every August in Sturgis.

The Rosebud Sioux Tribe, Southern Cheyenne and Arapaho Tribe of Oklahoma, and the Northern Cheyenne Tribe of Montana coordinated with each other to outbid 21 others to acquire the land for nearly $1.1 million.

"For us any motivation to acquire the land has to do with the sacredness of it," said Rosebud Sioux tribal councilmen Willie Bear Shield.

The auction itself lasted for approximately 90 minutes during which time six tracts of land were bid on individually, then as part of a total package.

"We all kind of heard about it on our own," said Bear Shield. There really wasn't a formal plan for us all to come together to purchase the land," he added.

Visit the Lakota Country Times and subscribe today



Bear Shield said that once he became aware of the auction he spoke with the tribe's Treasurers office to see what could be done to acquire the lands. He said that the Treasurers office at the tribe had been involved in the Pe' Sla land purchase and was knowledgeable of the process.

Bear Shield would add that there is no plans to develop the land and that the purchase would prevent the construction of any "biker bars" on the land.

(Contact Brandon Ecoffey at editor@lakotacountrytimes.com)

Join the Conversation
Food and life have an amazing relationship. And one person who knows how to celebrate this fact is globetrotter, TV host, chef, author and ultimate food guru Anthony Bourdain whom we've come to love for his deep-fried wit on anything that lives under the sun. But don't let the glorious food displays and an enviable travel resume distract. He may not have an opinion on topics like religion and politics, but he has just enough.

Quick-witted, astute and undiscriminating when it comes to food, life, politics and travel, there's many a lesson to be learnt from him. We're taking notes, and we suggest you do too because here's what we can learn from him on:

RELIGION

"Im not exactly a good Catholic. I do have the paperwork to suggest that I might be."

A photo posted by anthonybourdain (@anthonybourdain) on Oct 21, 2016 at 7:00am PDT

Whether he's Catholic or not, is unclear but he does make his dislike for 'hypocritical' religion quite clear. While he respects people who follow religion, he feels most of the world's problems may have roots in religion. But he doesn't deny the the fact that he's met some truly amazing people who happen to also believe in god.

It's only more clear now that Bourdain's religion is of the Epicurean kind, and may be even the only one at that. He enjoys the same in life as he does from a plate of food well served.

POLITICS

"My political views are my own  and I try  really try, to keep them to myself. The last person I want to hear talk about politics or the nations conscience or obligation to the world is some Hollywood fucktard."

A photo posted by anthonybourdain (@anthonybourdain) on Sep 18, 2016 at 12:23am PDT

Like all wise men, Bourdain doesn't rub his political views in people's faces. Quite the contrary, in fact. But a little politics does end up on the food plate but he makes sure the two don't mix.

He's dined with a gazillion celebrities (it was just earlier this year that he dined with Obama in Vietnam), and voted for Obama, but when it comes to the incoming president of America, Donald Trump, Bourdain, a New Yorker through and through, spit out an Absolutely fucking not!

A photo posted by anthonybourdain (@anthonybourdain) on May 23, 2016 at 7:22am PDT

I would give the same answer that I would have given 10 years ago, when he was just as loathsome, he said in an exclusive interview with TheWrap.

FOOD

"Your body is not a temple, its an amusement park. Enjoy the ride."

A photo posted by anthonybourdain (@anthonybourdain) on Sep 29, 2015 at 11:57pm PDT

While this may be as true about life as it is about food, Bourdain recommends living life to the fullest and experiencing all that's on the platter - literally and figuratively.

I think were reaching our human potential, food-wise, he explained while talking to Smithsonian and recounting the moment he almost shared rotting shark meat with locals when in Iceland.

A photo posted by anthonybourdain (@anthonybourdain) on Jun 2, 2015 at 2:48am PDT

Bourdain describes our connection to food in an almost dreamlike manner saying that when you break bread with people from varied cultures, you end up sharing a moment that's almost 'intimate. It's difficult to disagree; that openness with locals only comes after carrying out this silent 'ritual.'

SOCIAL MEDIA

Chefs bitch about it when its going on in their restaurants, yet when they go out to dinner, theyre taking pictures of everything. And any notion that thats sharing? Its bullshit. Its about making other people feel bad about what theyre eating. And a certain knowledge that what youre eating is more interesting.

A photo posted by anthonybourdain (@anthonybourdain) on May 27, 2016 at 3:30am PDT

Bourdain said this in an interview with the Smithsonian while explaining how we would earlier give a little more thought to what we'd be eating versus today where it's less about what's tickling your palate this moment, and more about getting the right food pic for social media.
In a bid to cope up with the scarcity of lower demonetization of Rs 500 and Rs 1,000 currency notes, residents of Khawbung village in Mizoram have started using paper notes.

BCCL

PC Lalhmachhuana, owner of a hardware store in this eastern Mizoram village, has convinced his fellow villagers that they should use pieces of paper as promissory notes to replace currency till the situation eases and new notes come into circulation.

We have to find a solution as the cash shortage has hit the people hard. It is almost impossible to buy or sell anything unless we make an alternate arrangement, he said.

BCCL

Following his suggestion, shopkeepers and vegetable-sellers have begun to accept pieces of paper as currency since Saturday. Customers, too, are happy to play along. The papers bear the amount and the signature of the issuer on them.

That the new system kicked off on a Saturday is significant as it is market day in the village. Needless to say, with paper money having replaced, well, paper money, it was business as usual in the picturesque Khawbung.

AFP

Mapuia, a local activist stated, Such a system of financial transaction is practical and possible only in a close-knit society like that of the Mizos and, that too, only in villages. In Khawbung, we know each other very well. Mutual trust has built up over the year.

Everyone knew that that they would not be cheated of their hard-earned money, Mapuia added.

The activist informed that the practice would be discontinued as soon as notes of smaller denominations as well as the new Rs 2,000 notes arrived in the village.
Notifying ban on Zakir Naik's Islamic Research Foundation (IRF), the government on Thursday cited Naik's "objectionable and subversive" speeches extolling terrorists like Osama bin Laden, justifying suicide bombings and proclaiming that every Muslim should be a terrorist. The organisation has been booked under under the Unlawful Activities Prevention Act (UAPA).

BCCL

"The IRF and its members, particularly, the founder and President of the said association, Dr Zakir Naik, have been encouraging and aiding its followers to promote or attempt to promote, on grounds of religion, disharmony or feelings of enmity, hatred, or ill-will between different religious communities and groups," said the gazette notification issued by the home ministry declaring IRF as an "unlawful association" under Section 3(1) of the UAPA.

Stating that the activities of IRF and Naik were "highly inflammatory in nature" and that "if urgent steps are not taken there is every possibility of many youth being motivated and radicalised to commit terrorist acts leading to promoting enmity between different religious groups," the notification said the Centre was of the firm opinion that it was necessary to declare IRF as an unlawful association with immediate effect.

BCCL

The ban on IRF comes even as an inspection of accounts of IRF Educational Trust, another NGO founded by Naik that runs the Islamic International School in Mumbai and Chennai, is underway. Home ministry sources said with IRF now declared 'unlawful', its funding to IRF Educational Trust will come to a stop.

"In any case, as IRF Educational Trust was put on prior permission recently, all foreign contributions to it will need to be approved by the home ministry," said an official.

The gazette notification banning IRF puts out details of Naik's "objectionable and subversive" speeches, as reported by TOI on November 16 . "He has been extolling known terrorists like Osama bin Laden, proclaiming that every Muslim should be a terrorist and claiming that if Islam had indeed wanted, eighty per cent of Indian population would not have remained Hindus as they could have been converted...by sword, justifying the suicide bombings, posting objectionable comments against Hindu gods, claiming that Golden Temple may not be as sacred as Mecca and Medina and making other statements which are derogatory to other religions," it states.

"...Through such speeches and statements, Dr Zakir Naik has been promoting enmity and hatred between different religious groups and inspiring Muslim youths and terrorists in India and abroad to commit terrorist acts," the notification said adding that "such divisive ideology is against India's pluralistic and secular social fabric and it may be viewed as causing disaffection against India and thereby making it an unlawful activity".

Among the police cases mentioned in the notification are two cases registered against IRF employee Arshi Qureshi in Nagpada police station in Mumbai and Palrivattam in Kerala for his role in converting one of the 21 Keralites who left the country earlier this year to join Daesh (Islamic State). It also recalls three other cases registered against Zakir Naik in Sawantwadi and Vengurla police stations of Sindhudurg and Kurla in Mumbai for making derogatory statements against Hindu gods.
New poll in Nagorno-Karabakh shows highest support for independence

New figures confirm that security is the main concern for the people of Nagorno-Karabakh, and that combined support for independence or unification with Armenia grows from 91.7% in 2015 to 95.1% in 2016, European Friends of Armenia (EuFoA) reports. Hovhannes Grigoryan, CEO of the Institute for Political and Sociological Consulting (IPSC), presented results of a new opinion poll on socio-economic developments, public perceptions of foreign affairs, international recognition, and Nagorno-Karabakh conflict resolution. The poll was conducted in July 2016 (shortly after the Four-Day War) on a sample of 1,081 people in Stepanakert and the 7 regions of Nagorno-Karabakh, and cross-referenced with a similar survey conducted in March 2015. The figures show an increase in the number of people who believe Nagorno-Karabakh should be independent, compared to those who prefer it become a part of Armenia. An even more significant trend was observed among younger and educated, who support the independence in a much higher proportion (61.2% of population between 18 and 30 years support independence; 53.6% of university educated support independence). Furthermore, public's approval of Government's performance in the sectors of Defence and Foreign Affairs has decreased, while the perception that Nagorno-Karabakh is on the right track is still considerably high at 78.9% percent. The question of peace and security remains the predominant concern for half of the people of Nagorno-Karabakh, followed by unemployment and international recognition of the NKR. Despite these concerns, declared intentions for migration remain at a very low level. Commenting on this last aspect, Hovhannes Grigoryan said that: "the poll has showed that the Four-Day war of April 2016 has not affected the migration tendencies of the Nagorno-Karabakh population, which remain the lowest in the South Caucasus region, when compared to figures from similar polls conducted in Armenia, Azerbaijan and Georgia. In other words, people of Karabakh, regardless of the hardships of the unexpected war outbreak in April, are determined to stay in their country". Member of the European Parliament Frank Engel underlined the political maturity of people in Nagorno-Karabakh: "The Four-Day War changed the situation, but it hasn't changed it fundamentally. People of Nagorno-Karabakh are very mature about their positions, especially on the independence of the Artsakh, and it is obvious that despite them becoming more critical of their state and authorities, they express strong loyalty to their country. Further tensions are likely to strengthen these sentiments, rather than to invalidate them." Following the presentation of the research, Diogo Pinto, EuFoA Director said: "The results of this latest opinion poll, conducted after April's Four-Day war, very clearly show the determination and the resilience of the citizens of Nagorno-Karabakh, in spite of the continued Azerbaijani aggression and attempts for destabilisation. Although an overwhelming majority believes that further aggressions are likely to happen in the near future, they crave for peace and trust the OSCE Minsk Process and the international community. As European Friends of Armenia, we urge the international community and the EU in particular, not to let the people of Nagorno-Karabakh down. Pressure must be kept on Azerbaijan so that it understands that only a peaceful solution is acceptable and that no further violations of the cease-fire will be tolerated". You can download results of the poll HERE
To help others deal with the cash crunch, an old man deposited a huge chunk of his personal savings in the bank so that other people in urgent need of money could be helped.

85-year-old Jagat Singh Jain recently took 80,000 in cash to his Punjab and Singh bank branch in Bhagalpur. He went up to the bank manager and to his surprise, gave him wads of 100 rupee notes so that the amount could be deposited in low currency notes.

jagran

While depositing the money, Mr. Jain expressed how the amount will help at least 40 customers in the bank who wanted to withdraw Rs 2000.

People witnessing this unexceptional offer of generosity were shocked. But they did offer their gratitude to the man who selflessly decided to donate his personal savings to help others in such desperate times.

AP

Mr. Jain, who is the owner of a textiles shop, said how the sudden currency ban made him apprehensive, prompting him to donate his savings. Even when the bank manager, Shailendra Kumar, tried to return his cash, the old man remained adamant.

The bank manager also visited Mr. Jain's shop in the evening to personally offer his thanks for his act of kindness.
The Supreme Court on Friday asked the government whether there was a shortage of Rs 100 notes in the country due to problems with printing. Refusing to stop various subordinate courts from hearing petitions related to demonetisation the apex court questioned the government's decision to reduce the currency exchange limit from Rs 4,500 to Rs 2,000 a day.

We asked you to give some relief but you have reduced the exchange limit, the court said. Read more

1. After Demonetisation, Govt May Further Limit Cash Withdrawal, Transaction For Individuals And Companies

In the government's determined push against the parallel economy, the next step after the disruptive overnight ban on high value notes could be a cap on cash withdrawal, transactions and amounts that can be held by individuals and companies, people in the know said.

Recently, some senior tax officials and experts were asked their opinion about such a step. The senior government officials seeking feedback or opinion on the issue is one of the main reasons why industry trackers say that such a step could be in the offing. Read more

2. Govt Justifies Ban On IRF, Says 'Zakir Naik Extolled Osama Bin Laden's Views'

Notifying ban on Zakir Naik's Islamic Research Foundation (IRF), the government on Thursday cited Naik's "objectionable and subversive" speeches extolling terrorists like Osama bin Laden, justifying suicide bombings and proclaiming that every Muslim should be a terrorist. The organisation has been booked under under the Unlawful Activities Prevention Act (UAPA).

Stating that the activities of IRF and Naik were "highly inflammatory in nature" and that "if urgent steps are not taken there is every possibility of many youth being motivated and radicalised to commit terrorist acts leading to promoting enmity between different religious groups," the notification said the Centre was of the firm opinion that it was necessary to declare IRF as an unlawful association with immediate effect. Read more

3. Traffic Cop From Madhya Pradesh Offers Kidney To Sushma Swaraj

A day after External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj tweeted about her kidney failure, a traffic constable of Madhya Pradesh offered to donate his kidney to her.

I wish to donate one of my kidneys to Sushmaji, said 26-year-old constable Gaurav Singh Dangi. I am impressed by her work. She is our External Affairs Minister and a good leader. Therefore, I have decided to donate my kidney to her and also made an offer through Twitter, he said. Read more

4. BJP Left Red-faced After Rs 92 Lakh Cash Seized From Vehicle Owned By Maharashtra Minister

More than a week after high-value currency notes were demonetised, Rs 91.5 lakh in cash was found in a private vehicle belonging to Solapur-based Lok Mangal group, which is controlled by senior BJP leader and Maharashtra cooperation minister Subhash Deshmukh.

Osmanabad collector Prashant Narnaware confirmed that a routine check of vehicles by a flying squad set up for the ensuing municipal council polls netted the amount on Thursday. Read more

5. Woman Forced To Drag Paralysed Husband To First Floor At Andhra Govt Hospital After Being Denied Stretcher

A woman was forced to drag her ailing husband on the ramp of the Guntakal Government Hospital in Anantapur after the staff allegedly expressed inability to provide a stretcher to carry him.

The man, identified as Srinivasa Chary was brought to the hospital by his wife with symptoms of gastroenteritis. The staff there bluntly told her that they did not have stretchers. Left with no option, the woman dragged Chary from the ground floor to the first floor of the hospital even as other patients and attendants watched on. Read more
The bigotry of US president-elect Trump and his aides does not seem to be limited to immigrants, Muslims, women and Mexicans, it is gradually expanding its ambit and the latest entrant into to hate list are the Asian bosses in Silicon Valley. Trumps chief strategist seems to think there are too many immigrants leading Silicon Valley.

Steve Bannon, who previously served as Breitbart News Networks executive chairman, hinted at some of his views on foreign workers at technology companies in the past. He said all this in an interview given to The Washington Post.

Bannon said that the foreign students should return to their respective countries after attending school in the US, instead of sticking around and working at or starting tech companies.

Reuters

Steve Bannon, who has been appointed Chief Strategist by Trump, seemed critical months ago of the prominence of Asians in Silicon Valley. The interview with Bannon has emerged in the US media this week.

Reuters

Though Bannon didnt explicitly say anything against immigrants, he seemed to hint at the idea of a white nationalist identity with the phrase civic society.

Bannon also interviews Trump, in which the latter noted that students attending top universities in the US were heading home after their education.

We've gotta be able to keep great people in the country. We've gotta create, you know, job creators, Mr Trump said in the interview. He added that "we have to keep our talented people in this country."

Bannon responded that when two-thirds or three-quarters of the CEOs in Silicon Valley are from South Asia or from Asia, I think..., and then went on to say, a country is more than an economy. Were a civic society.

Reuters

A study in May last year showed that white men were 149 per cent more likely to be CEOs than Asian men, and that the impact of race is 3.7 times more significant than gender as a negative factor in companies.

According to the survey, one-third of all employees in Silicon Valley are Asian; Asians are under one-fifth of management; and only 14 percent are CEOs.

Reuters

Meanwhile, Microsofts Satya Nadella, tried to quell concerns from employees. Last week, Nadella and Microsoft congratulated Trump, while saying that the companys commitment to fostering a diverse and inclusive culture remains steadfast.

Last year, when Google reorganised as Alphabet, Sundar Pichai was named CEO of the new Google entity. Pichai, who hails from Tamil Nadu, has been at Google since 2004, and before becoming the CEO, he was SVP of Google Android, Chrome and Apps.
Were excited to announce that indmin.com is now part of fastmarkets.com.

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Discover more than 2000 prices, news and analysis in primary and secondary metals markets. We cover base metals, industrial minerals, ores and alloys, steel, scrap and steel raw materials.

If you already have a Fastmarkets account, youll still have uninterrupted access to your markets by logging in with your current details.
Outspoken German Finance Minister Wolfgang Schaeuble referred to the Greek program and the country for astraight day this week, given the increased scrutiny that Athens demand for immediate debt relief has received after the solid support expressed by outgoing US President Barack Obama
A 40-year old painter who has now been identified as Yisa Aweda was caught in the act while raping a two-year-old girl in the Orile area of Lagos state. Yisa was caught in the act by the infants father who stabbed him with a broken bottle before reporting the case to the police.

The coordinator of the Lagos State Domestic Violence Response Unit issued a statement on Friday confirming the incident and the arrest of the victims father.

On Nov. 16, the victims mother found Yisa Aweda having sexual intercourse with her daughter in her living room and immediately shouted for help.

This attracted other neighbors and her husband who came in and in anger took a broken bottle to cause serious injury on the perpetrator.

The matter was immediately reported to Orile Police station, while the perpetrator was taken to the hospital for medical attention.

The father of the girl was also arrested and detained.

On November 14, Mirabel Centre carried out a test on the victim, which confirmed a penetration but the result has been sent to the Police Station for proper prosecution.

The matter was reported to the office of DSVRT on Nov.15. We visited the Police station to know the steps taken by the Police and we also visited the perpetrator in the hospital.

Adeniyi also disclosed that the perpetrator will be charged to court.
73 people have been killed while 110 suffered severe burns in Mozambique on Thursday as they tried to siphon fuel from an overturned truck which exploded near the border with Malawi, the government said on Thursday.

In a statement, the government said the truck was transporting fuel to Malawi from the port city of Beira when the accident occurred.

The incident occurred when citizens tried to take petrol from a truck in a small village in Tete province, the statement said.

Because of the heat, the truck burst into flames, leading to the deaths of 43 people and causing burns in 110 others, according to investigators initial findings, it added.

Initial government reports said 43 people were killed, but the death roll later rose to 73.

Ambulances and medical personnel were deployed to the scene in order to assist the victims. The injured were evacuated to Tete hospital, the government statement said.

The injured had been taken to hospital and a government team was due to travel to the area in Tete province, some 2,000 km from the capital Maputo on Friday.

Authorities are probing whether the truck was selling petrol when it exploded, or whether it had been ambushed by residents, information ministry director Joao Manasses told AFP.

Mozambique is one of the worlds poorest countries and struggles constantly with food shortages caused by drought.
The Zone 2 Police Command, Onikan, Lagos, has arrested three Beninese, Sosu Elijah, Whesu Julien and Agosu Ogungbe, for allegedly vandalising and stealing fuel from pipelines of the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation.

The Beninese were apprehended with four others  Omosebi Olorunwa, Daniel Akinwunmi, Rafiu Balogun and Samson Adams  on Wednesday at Owode-Apapa, in the Badagry area of the state while they were smuggling the stolen fuel from the country.

PUNCH Metro learnt that motorcycles and 10 vehicles, including a Volkswagen car marked, XV859KRD, and 113 jerrycans of petrol were recovered from the suspects.

One of the suspects, 18-year-old Adams, who said he was an admission-seeker, told our correspondents that his role was to assist the gang to fill the jerrycans with fuel, adding that he did not know that it was an offence.

He said, I want to go to school. My father is late and my mother does not have money. I decided to work so that I can raise some money. What I usually do is to fill the jerrycans with petrol at a filling station.

Some people buy the fuel and smuggle it from Nigeria into neighbouring countries. I collect N1,000 every day. I have so far saved N10,000.

The Beninese, Elijah, said, I was taken to the scene by my boss. He said he had a job for me, but he abandoned me immediately he saw the police.

However, Olorunwa denied being a member of the syndicate, saying he was apprehended while returning from a hospital, where he had taken her ailing father.

Another suspect, Akinwunmi, said he was going for a vigil when policemen arrested him.

But the zonal spokesperson, SP Muyiwa Adejobi, said the suspects had made confessional statements to the police, adding that the command would not rest on its oars in ridding the zone of vandals.

He said, There were over 50 vandals in the place, which is located far from the major road. When the command got a tip-off on vandals activities, Assistant Inspector-General of Police, Abdulmajid Ali, deployed a team in the area around 12.30am and the suspects were arrested while others fled.

The command got a hint of the activities of the hoodlums, who are mostly from the Benin Republic.

We learnt that some pipelines had been vandalised and turned into a petrol depot where vandals siphoned and ferried a large quantity of petroleum products out of the country.

The AIG had directed that other fleeing members of the syndicate be arrested and charged to court without delay.

Source: Punch
The video clip of a teenager, believed to have been burnt to death in the Orile area for stealing, has continued to generate discussions on the social media, with many commentators calling for police investigation into the killing.

A mob at the Alafia Bus stop in the Orile area on Saturday had caught the boy, whose name had yet to be ascertained, accusing him of stealing a wallet.

It was gathered that after the boy was beaten to a pulp, the mob got a tyre and set fire to the boy.

A witness, who gave his name only as Nzekwe, said the mob burnt the boy, claiming that he came with three accomplices, who escaped after the theft.

He said, It happened at the Alafia bus stop on Saturday. The teenage boy was trying to steal someones wallet. The teenager was said to have come with three other friends. But the victim held the teenager and raised the alarm.

The other accomplices escaped when the teenager was caught. The victim held him. The mob descended on the teenager and beat him until he collapsed. One of the hoodlums got a tyre and the mob set fire to the brutalised teenager.

Another witness on Facebook, who gave his name only as Harrison, alleged that the deceased belonged to a robbery gang, which usually stabbed victims who refused to part with their property.

He said, My house is near the scene of the incident. Alafia bus stop is notorious for phone thieves. I lost my younger brother to the thieves in January 2016. He was 20 years old and was coming back from a rehearsal when he was attacked by the thieves at that bus stop.

He was holding his friends Samsung Galaxy Tab. They stabbed him in the neck and my brother collapsed. He was rushed to a hospital, but he died minutes later.

On Saturday, I was going somewhere when I witnessed the lynching of the thief at that same bus stop.

I am against lynching, but this particular incident is very personal to me. I do not support jungle justice, but these teenage criminals are ready to kill during their robbery operations.

Another resident confirmed to our correspondent that the deceased was not a seven-year-old boy, burnt to death for stealing garri, as had been widely circulated.

The Lagos State Police Public Relations Officer, SP Dolapo Badmos, said the state Commissioner of Police, Fatai Owoseni, had directed the Orile Divisional Police Officer to investigate the incident.

She said, The command received the report through the social media that the incident occurred in the Orile area.

The CP has directed the DPO in charge of that jurisdiction to investigate and brief the command.

If that incident actually happened, be assured that the perpetrators would be arrested and prosecuted. The command will not tolerate jungle justice irrespective of the offence committed.

Source: Punch
Africas richest entrepreneur, Alhaji Aliko Dangote yesterday gave the University of Ibadan (UI) N250 million.

He made the donation after receiving a honorary doctoral degree at the convocation and 68th Founders Day ceremony yesterday.

Businessman and native of Ibadan Bode Amoo and Prof. Niyi Osundare were also honoured with doctoral degrees.

In his speech, the business mogul said the Federal Government should give UI a special status to attract higher funding.

He said: We do acknowledge that the Federal Government alone cannot shoulder the burden of funding tertiary education due to competing needs of other sectors also demanding attention.

This is where Public Private Partnership (PPP) comes in. I strongly believe the private sector must go beyond the payment of the two per cent Education levy to join hands with the governments in funding tertiary education in Nigeria.

President Muhammadu Buhari, in his address, urged tertiary institutions to produce graduates with entrepreneurial skills.

He lamented that the standard of education has succeeded in creating three classes of Nigerians  a minority that is well educated, a majority that is poorly educated and those without education.

Describing this as bad for the nation, Buhari said efforts must be put in place to reverse the trend.

The President, who was represented by a Director in the Federal Ministry of Education, Hajiya Fatima Mohammed, reiterated his administrations commitment to qualitative education, with the participation and support of stakeholders.

The Vice Chancellor, Prof Idowu Olayinka, said the university was being repositioned to compete with globally acclaimed best universities.

He announced a new faculty; Agriculture and Renewable Natural Resources, and the splitting of Department of Economics into Economics, Accounting, Business Administration and Banking and Finance.

The Chancellor and Sultan of Sokoto, Saad Abubakar, urged universities to build requisite skills in their products to enable them create jobs.

Four hundred and forty-two candidates, spread over 11 faculties and two institutes and two centres, were awarded first degrees, Doctor of Philosophy degrees, in addition to one Doctor of Medicine (MD) from Faculty of Clinical Sciences.

The Faculty of Education led the group with 116 graduates, followed by the Faculty of Science, with 68 and Faculty of Arts with 67.

In attendance were Ooni of Ife Oba Enitan Ogunwusi; Olubadan of Ibadan Oba Saliu Adetunji; Emir of Kano Sanusi Lamido Sanusi; Pro-Chancellor Umar Musa Mustapha as well as Governor Abiola Ajimobi, represented by Secretary to the State Government (SSG) Olalekan Alli, among others.

Source: The Nation
A group, Human Rights Defenders and Advocacy Initiative, on Thursday protested against alleged corruption in the Nigeria Police Force.

The group, which marched to the Lagos State Police Command headquarters, Ikeja, also observed that policemen were paying for items provided for in the budget allocated to the Force, alleging that the police authorities embezzled the funds.

The Chairman of the group, Innocent Agbo, said, We demand an immediate stop to the embezzlement of funds meant for the fuelling of patrol vehicles, stationeries, uniform and others.

We have written several letters to the police authorities to explain how the money was spent, but we got no response.

Majority of policemen look tattered because uniforms are not given to them. Policemen, after their promotional course, are compelled to pay N12,000 to buy new uniform.

It is the wives of senior police officers that sell these uniforms to them. Each trainee donates money to buy a generator in police colleges.

They contribute money to buy diesel and pay N400 for examination sheets. All these expenses have already been provided for in the police budget. We say no to the embezzlement of these funds.

The Lagos State Commissioner of Police, Fatai Owoseni, who addressed the protesters, said it was wrong to claim that the police embezzled funds.

The CP said the Federal Government had a responsibility to allocate funds to all the security agencies in the country, and the police had to live within the allocation.

He said, You have a right to find out what you do not know about your police. The allegation that senior officers embezzled police funds is based on ignorance.

We all know the economic situation of the country and the government has a duty to allocate its dwindling revenue to all the security agencies and other competing needs.

After allocations to the army, the navy, the air force, the customs and others, the police have to live within the funds given to them; and maximise its use.

Dont forget that the government has to build schools, hospitals and provide other infrastructure.

Therefore, there is no embezzlement anywhere. Report any police officer of any division in the state that is extorting money from you. The command has always been open to complaints and we act promptly on them.

Source: Punch
Nigerian newspaper headlines November 18, 2016.

Vanguard

The Senate yesterday rejected President Muhammadu Buharis nomination of Aliyu Saidu Abubakar from Bauchi State as a non-executive commissioner to the governing board of Nigerian Communications Commission, NCC.

Guardian

Another bout of aviation fuel scarcity appears to have begun at the Murtala Muhammed Airport, Lagos, yesterday, with airline operators unable to get the volume required for optimal daily operations.

Leadership

The Senate yesterday confirmed the nominations of Hon. Justice Sidi Dauda Bage and Hon. Justice Paul Adamu Galinje as Justices of the Supreme Court.

The Sun

The Federal Government is targeting to raise $15 billion from its planned joint venture cash calls exit with oil companies by next year.

Thisday

Leading candidates in the tussle for Ondo State governorship have intensified horse trading and power-sharing to shore up support for their aspirations, 10 days to the electoral contest.

National Mirror

The Debt Management Office, DMO, sold far fewer bonds than it offered on Wednesday, as investors demanded higher yields from a government struggling to contain its borrowing costs.

Punch

The Ekiti State Governor, Ayodele Fayose, has called on the International Criminal Court, Amnesty International and other world bodies to investigate the murder of Shiite members in Zaria, Kaduna and Kano states, as well as the ongoing killings in the Southern Kaduna.

The Nation

The Manufacturers Association of Nigeria (MAN) yesterday lamented that its members lost a whopping N500 billion to the flexible exchange rate introduced by the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN).
A United Airlines pilot banned passengers from political talk after an argument about US president-elect Donald Trump, on a flight from San Francisco, USA to Mexico.

The pilots announcement was recorded by a passenger on the flight. The video was posted to YouTube by a Jon Bauer, who said was recorded by a friend on the flight Friday morning.

Bauer said the passenger began to film just after the pilot asked passengers to refrain from discussing President-elect Donald Trump or other hot-button political issues while in the air.

The captain said over the planes speaker system:

I understand everybody has their opinions; thats fine. If you support him, great. If you dont, I understand. However, were out here to go to Puerto Vallarta, supposed to be having a good time, and what I do ask is that as people we have the common decency to respect each others decisions and to get along on this three hour and thirteen minute flight so that we can have a good time when we get down there. Nobody wants to argue, nobody wants  nobody is going to change their minds by arguing. And lets keep our opinions to ourselves on this particular matter at this particular time. If theres anyone that has a problem with this, that needs to vent or rant or rave  theres another flight tomorrow. Youre not going to be on this one. I hope thats clear.

The uploader said the pilots speech was inspired by an altercation moments earlier between a white male passenger and a black female passenger.

Bauer wrote that the man said something racist related to Trumps election and being glad to have kept his guns, causing the woman to cry and freak out.

The individual that said what was said to the African American lady DID apologize to her after the crew separated them on the flight, Bauer wrote.
Ameriabank: At the Vanguard of Armenia's Banking Sector

STATEMENT OF THE NATIONAL ASSEMBLY OF THE REPUBLIC OF ARTSAKH

SUBSCRIBERS OF UCOMS ALL TIME BEST OFFER TO ENJOY ADDITIONAL BENEFITS

Armenia-Azerbaijan: EU sets up monitoring capacity along the international borders

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PACE co-rapporteurs on Armenia concerned by reports of alleged war crimes or inhuman treatment perpetrated by Azerbaijans armed forces

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

UCOMS SPECIAL OFFER OF THE UNLIMITED INTERNET IS NOW TERMLESS

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

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The statement of the meeting between Prime Minister Pashinyan, President Aliyev, President Macron and President Michel of October 6, 2022

Largest Corporate Bond Program at the Securities Market of Armenia Completed Successfully

The statement of the Defender on the video of the execution of Armenian PoWs by the Azerbaijani armed forces

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STATEMENT BY SECRETARY ANTONY J. BLINKEN

This criminal act is another proof that the Armenophobia policy. Tatoyan

Nikol Pashinyan, Nancy Pelosi discuss a number of issues related to the Armenian-American agenda and regional developments

Delegation by Nancy Pelosi Accompanied by Alen Simonyan Visits Tsitsernakaberd Memorial Complex

Speaker of the U.S. House of Representatives Nancy Pelosi Arrives in Yerevan

Armenian Revytech, global technology leader SAP and financial services software specialist SAP Fioneer sign a cooperation agreement

With 120 million drams donated by Mikael Vardanyan, the defenders of the homeland will be treated in a new building

OSCE Chairman-in-Office and OSCE Secretary General call for immediate cessation of hostilities along Armenia-Azerbaijan border

Statement by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Artsakh
The Oyo State Command of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps, NSCDC, has said the information provided by the police is not true and none of its officers was arrested for kidnapping.

The commands spokesman, Oluwole Olusegun, in a statement on Thursday, said that a kidnap suspect identified as Kayode Adeyemi, was not an inspector of the corps as reported.

In the statement, the police said they arrested Mr. Adeyemi along with an alleged dismissed soldier, identified as Ayodele Ibitayo, and one Ikechukwu Daniel for kidnapping.

The suspects were arrested by the operatives of the Special Intelligence Response Team of the Inspector-General of Police in Oyo and Ogun states.

Mr. Adeyemi reportedly told the police that he was an NSCDC inspector, serving in Ibadan and that he supplied the gang with the victims contacts.

However, the civil defence has disowned Mr. Adeyemi, saying he was neither in the nominal nor pay roll of the Oyo State Command of the corps.

The Management of the NSCDC, Oyo State Command, wishes to react to the purported parade of one 29-year-old Kayode Adeyemi, male, claiming to be a personnel of the corps, serving with the command.

The suspect, who also claims to be an aide to the State Commandant, was reportedly arrested by the police on June 23 and paraded on Nov. 15, along with two other suspects for planning to kidnap a business mogul, Femi Otedola.

The command states categorically that Adeyemi was not a personnel of the corps, neither was he at any time a Personal Assistant to the State Commandant, Mr. Olusegun said.

He said that the state police command never contacted the NSCDC to verify Mr. Adeyemis claims before going public.

The statement urged security agencies to always verify their facts before going to the media on criminal matters, so as not to tarnish the image of the innocent ones.
Alexandar Vera, a former Texas teacher who admitted to having sex with her 13-year-old student has pleaded guilty.

She pleaded guilty on Wednesday to aggravated sexual assault of a child.

Vera met the 13-year-old boy who was a student in her 8th grade English class during summer school last summer, according to court documents.

ABC news reports that a sexual relationship developed between the two thereafter.

Vera was an English teacher at Aldine ISDs Stovall Middle School.

Vera claims she and the teen are in love, and shes been introduced to his family as his girlfriend, court documents state. The boys parents reportedly accepted the relationship, including Vera in family gatherings.

Court documents detailed how Vera allegedly became pregnant with the boys baby in January, and his family was said to be excited and supportive about the baby.

However, Child Protective Services paid an unexpected visit to the school in February and asked question about their relationship. She reportedly became nervous and terminated the pregnancy.

The boy is currently in foster care.

Vera is expected to be back in court for sentencing in January.

Source: Punch
The United States government on Friday expressed deep concern by reports of the deaths of dozens of Nigerians involved in clashes between individuals participating in a Shia procession and the Nigerian Police Force in Kano State on November 14.

The U.S. government said in a statement from its Embassy in Abuja that while the matter was still being investigated, it was troubled by the apparent disproportionate response by the police during the clash.

This is the latest in a series of violent incidents between security forces and members of the Shia Islamic Movement of Nigeria (IMN), some of which have resulted in deaths, destruction of property, and the arbitrary detention of IMN members.

The United States calls for calm and restraint on all sides, a reduction of tensions, and greater communication between Shia citizens and government authorities, the statement said.

The U.S. government noted that members of the Shia community, like other religious communities, have the right to assemble, peacefully express their religious beliefs, and mark their celebrations.

While calling on the Nigerian government to protect and defend the rights of the IMN, the U.S. government said it was also incumbent on members of the religious sect and all Nigerians to respect the rule of law and cooperate with the police as they attempt to maintain public order.

We continue to urge the government to ensure accountability for the deaths of more than 300 IMN members during December 15, 2015 clashes between the IMN and security forces in Zaria, Kaduna State.

We also call on the Nigerian government to conduct a transparent investigation of the latest incidents and bring to account anyone responsible for violating the law, it said.
LinkedIn's network just got a little smaller: Russia's communications regulator ordered ISPs to block access to the business networking company on Thursday.

Roskomnadzor made the order after a Moscow appeal court last week upheld an earlier ruling that LinkedIn breached Russian privacy laws.

Tagansky district court ruled against LinkedIn on Aug. 4, following a complaint from the Russian federal service for the supervision of communications, information technology, and mass media that its activities breached a law requiring businesses handling Russians' personal data to process that data in Russia.

Roskomnadzor said it filed suit after LinkedIn failed to respond to two requests for information about its plans for relocating the data to Russia.

LinkedIn isn't the only U.S. company that has been targeted under the legislation.

In 2014, Roskomnadzor ordered Facebook, Twitter, and Google to register as "organizers of information distribution" and host Russian users' personal information in Russia, or risk blocking.

Microsoft too has been in Roskomnadzor's spotlight, but on Tuesday the regulator's director, Alexander Zharov, gave the company the all-clear for its handling of Russians' personal information. The investigation is closed, he said.

Microsoft is in the process of acquiring LinkedIn. While the Russian privacy watchdog's latest ruling is unlikely to derail that deal, the company is said to be negotiating with European Union regulators, offering unnamed concessions to counter their unpublished objections to the merger. EU Competition Commissioner Margrethe Vestager has said that she will look closely at whether Microsoft's acquisition of so much personal information will present a barrier to other companies wanting to offer similar services.
In the wake of a Donald Trumps upset victory, telecom industry players are rubbing their hands in glee at the prospect of eviscerating Barack Obamas fledgling net neutrality rules.

It was one of the crowning achievements of Obamas administration when the FCC passed rules that barred broadband providers from selectively blocking or slowing web traffic, or providing paid fast lanes for select content. The rules enshrined the principal that all data traveling through ISPs pipes had to be treated equally.

To give the rules a solid legal foundation, the agency also voted to reclassify broadband as a utility under Title II of the Telecommunications Act.

Net neutrality enjoyed huge bipartisan support among consumers. But Republican lawmakers, who for the most part strongly opposed the rules, proceeded to put forward more than a dozen bills or amendments to weaken or kill the FCCs new regulations. None succeeded. Then 11/9 happened.

Net neutrality, we hardly knew ye

Technology writer Larry Downes believesto paraphrase Mark Twainthat reports of net neutralitys impending death are greatly exaggerated, and the core principles of enforceable net neutrality are in relatively little danger.

Hes awfully lonesome in that rosy opinion.

Senator Ted Cruz labeled net neutrality Obamacare for the internet. And as with the presidents signature health care law, most industry observers expect net neutrality to be on the new administrations chopping block.

Net neutrality has a big target on its back, Robert Kaminski, a telecom analyst at Capital Alpha Partners, told The Washington Post.

Reading the (bitter) tea leaves

Donald Trump has said little (that makes sense) on the matter. When net neutrality rules were proposed, he thunderedin a tweet, of coursethat Obamas attack on the internet is another top down power grab. Net neutrality is the Fairness Doctrine. Will target the conservative media. (Fact check: The Fairness Doctrinean FCC policy from the late 40s that said broadcasters must present issues in an honest, equitable, and balanced waywas eliminated in 1987; it has nothing to do with net neutrality.)

How keeping the internet accessible to everyone is somehow a power grab, or how it will somehow oppress conservatives, is beyond us, Wonkette opined at the time.

An examination of the people Trump has brought aboard his transition team to spearhead telecom issues does nothing to calm consumers fears: Senator Marsha Blackburn is a staunch AT&T ally, and Jeffrey Eisenach has been a harsh critic of both net neutrality and FCC Chairman Tom Wheeler.

While VP-elect Mike Pence made a big show this week of ridding the transition team of lobbyists, that was a cover story for purging everyone connected to Governor Chris Christie. Eisenach, who has worked for years on behalf of Verizon, remains ensconced.

Pick your poison

The overwhelming consensus is that the Open Internets days are numbered. They could potentially blow everything up fairly quickly, said an FCC official, who spoke to The Washington Post on condition of anonymity.

The question is: Will it be dismembered or suffocated?

The FCC is directed by five commissioners appointed to five-year terms by the president. The agency approved the current net neutrality rules along party lines, with a 3-2 vote. But in 2017, President Trump will appoint two new commissioners.

A Republican-majority FCC could vote to reclassify ISPs and remove Title II from broadband markets entirely, cutting off net neutrality at the knees. But that would be a slow and onerous process. The agency would have to go through another rule-making process, which would involve months or years of public hearings and comment periods, Bloomberg notes. Supporters of net neutrality would almost certainly challenge any changes in court. And a federal court decision that upheld the current regulations could further complicate the matter.

Alternatively, Ars Technica points out, the FCC could decide to forbear from the parts of Title II that were used to impose net neutrality rules, without actually reversing broadbands classification as a utility.

Even if the rules remain in place, it could simply decline to enforce them--oblivion through neglect. The FCC, which investigates on a case-by-case basis, last week warned AT&T that its zero-rating plan may be violating net neutrality rules. But under a Republican-led FCC, AT&T would have little to worry about: In a paper last year, Eisenach defended zero rating, writing that broad-based bans or restrictions on zero-rating plans are likely to be counterproductive and harm consumer welfare.

Where we head now isnt clear, but I think its fairly apparent that all of the griping concerning usage caps and zero rating will likely seem downright quaint in around three to six months, TechDirt writes.

Bypassing the FCC altogether, the Republican-controlled Congress could pass new federal laws. Bills to [roll back net neutrality] have been floated in the last several years but were essentially symbolic during the Obama years, Bloomberg notes.

One such bill proposed last year, called the Internet Freedom Act, would have wiped out net neutrality rules entirely. With the risk of a [presidents] veto now gone, a legislative remedy now not only looks possible, but likely, Craig Moffett of MoffetNathanson Research wrote this week.

Aint hindsight great

Senator John Thune drafted a net neutrality bill last year that would have prohibited blocking, throttling, and paid prioritization, but would also have prevented the FCC from using Title II to regulate broadband providers. Democrats should have taken that deal, said Berin Szoka, president and founder of advocacy group TechFreedom. That was a colossal mistake on their part, Szoka told Ars Technica.

One element that could yet save net neutrality from Congressional action is intraparty fratricide. You have split factions among Republicans between hardliners who want to eliminate all regulation or even get rid of the FCC, and those who are not quite as psyched about that, Harold Feld, senior vice president of advocacy group Public Knowledge, told Ars Technica. Its easy to go along with [a bill] when youre not likely to get anything through, but when youre in charge  you have to make some decisions.

There are also some that cling to hope because Trump himself is unpredictable. While campaigning, he promised to block the merger of AT&T and Time Warner, saying that big media companies already had too much power.

Senator Elizabeth Warren warned Trump in a letter this week: During your campaign for President of the United States, you railed against powerful special interests that have rigged our political and economic system for their exclusive benefit.  Now it is time to live up to those promises.

Another long-shot possibility: Trump will appoint a wild-card commissioner to the FCC. When Obama appointed Wheeler, a former cable lobbyist, it was widely panned as a terrible choice. Net neutrality supporters can always hope for another miracle conversion.

Failing all that and net neutrality rules fall, Karl Volkman, CTO of SRV Network, says:
Update 5/24/17  JDA has signed general contractor DeAngelis Diamond to construct four self-storage projects in Collier, Hillsborough and Pasco Counties, Fla. Together, the developments comprise more than 335,000 square feet in 2,753 units. All of the properties are expected to be between 80,000 and 100,000 square feet, according to a press release from DeAngelis.

The developments are:

Hackney Drive Self Storage in Riverview, Fla. The single-story facility was completed in April and offers 670 units. Serving Hillsborough County, its managed by Extra Space Storage.

A 98,971-square-foot, three-story facility in Lutz, Fla. Currently under construction, the project is expected to be complete by the end of the year. The asset will offer 732 units and be managed by CubeSmart.

A 79,560-square-foot project on Kramer Road in Naples, Fla. Slated for construction, the project is expected to be complete by the beginning of 2018. The 575-unit facility will be managed by Extra Space.

Rattlesnake Self Storage in East Naples, Fla. Still in the contracting, preconstruction phase, the Collier County project will consist of 776 units and be managed by Extra Space.

The storage industry has experienced tremendous growth over the past two years and will continue to for the foreseeable future, said David Kovalik, vice president of project management for the contractor. DeAngelis Diamond is proud to be a part of the industry and partner with great companies to help fuel this growth.

DeAngelis Diamond has more than 20 years of general-contracting experience, specializing in commercial and healthcare construction in the Caribbean Islands and across the United States, the release stated. It has offices in Birmingham, Ala.; Naples and Sarasota, Fla; and Nashville, Tenn.

11/17/16  Johnson Development Associates Inc. (JDA), a real estate developer with interests in self-storage, is expanding its self-storage division as it builds several projects in its pipeline. The company has used growth in its multi-family residential developments on the East Coast to drive self-storage projects, according to the source. Its portfolio includes 60 properties in various stages of development, all of which will be third-party managed by real estate investment trusts CubeSmart and Extra Space Storage Inc.

JDAs current assets are in Florida, Georgia, New Jersey, North Carolina, Pennsylvania, South Carolina, Tennessee, Virginia and Washington, D.C. The company also intends to enter the California and New York markets, the source reported.

Though JDA has been involved in self-storage since 1985 when it purchased the American Storage Rental Spaces portfolio, it didnt formally launch a self-storage division until January 2015. The division has grown to more than 30 employees, with more staff expected to be added as the portfolio grows. The company sold the American Storage portfolio of about 30 facilities in March, according to the source.

Were very excited about the new self-storage division, said Geordy Johnson, CEO. During the coming year, we will be slowing down the pace of new development but will continue to add new employees. Positions will include entry-level analysts as well as management and regional-executive positions, the source reported.

JDAs typical storage development is averaging $10 million in investment and ranging from 75,000 to 100,000 square feet. Projects include multi-story and climate-controlled facilities. Were going to be in this business for the long term, Johnson told the source. We do see a lot of new companies entering the market. Storage is not as sexy as office or retail, but we like it. There is a lot of potential.

Spartanburg, S.C.-based JDA owns an investment portfolio of commercial and industrial properties including self-storage facilities, multi-family rental communities and single-tenant industrial space. It has developed more than 6,500 luxury apartments since 1996, while its industrial projects comprise 20 million square feet of commercial space.
It was Dan versus Dale in the Tar Heel State. Dan Blue III, the son of a former speaker of the North Carolina House of Representatives, and Dale Folwell, himself an exspeaker pro tempore for the same legislative body, squared off against each another for the role of North Carolina state treasurer. In the end Folwell, a onetime vice president and registered investment adviser for Deutsche Bank Alex. Brown before he entered public office in 2005, won on November 8 with nearly 53 percent of the vote, making him the states first Republican treasurer since 1876.

When Folwell, 57, replaces incumbent Democratic treasurer Janet Cowell  who made a surprise decision in October 2015 not to run for reelection  in January, he will, among other responsibilities, take over as sole fiduciary of the $89.8 billion North Carolina Retirement Systems. Folwells win will probably mean big changes to the public pension system, and a number of outside managers could be in for the high jump.

The newly elected treasurer, who has a CPA, ran on a promise to lower the fees that the pension plan pays to investment managers by $100 million. Among his endorsements was one from the State Employees Association of North Carolina (SEANC), an active critic of how many state employee pension dollars have been going into managers pockets in recent years.

When Cowell took office in January 2009, she began boosting the pension plans allocation to active management, especially hedge funds and other alternative investments, with the backing of the state legislature. At the time, even in the wake of the subprime mortgage crisis and banking collapse of 2008, a major allocation to active management, in particular alternatives, was considered best practice for sophisticated institutional investors.

Although North Carolinas commitment to outside managers increased, and with it the fees the pension system paid to manage its money, over the next seven years there was no corresponding uptick in performance. A July 2016 performance review found that the state pension system was in the 38th percentile among its peers over the past decade, with annualized returns of 6.18 percent; in the 50th percentile during the past five years, with annualized returns of 7.03 percent; and in the 49th percentile for the past three years, with annualized returns of 6.61 percent.

For the year ended December 2015, the pension system shelled out $422.2 million in fees, up significantly from 2013, when it paid $377.8 million in fees.

Public pension plans growing commitments to outside active managers, which often charge as much as 2 percent in management fees and 20 percent in performance fees, have drawn fire from public sector unions around the country. The unions contend that this money should be paying pension benefits and not enriching asset managers and Wall Street firms, an argument that has become all the more potent in recent years as hedge funds and other active money managers have underperformed the major investment indexes.

In 2014 SEANC announced that it had hired Edward (Ted) Siedle  a pension investigator who has emerged as an ally of union groups in their fight against alternative investments and a thorn in the side of elected officials who choose to make such allocations with their fiduciary pension plans  to conduct an investigation into the teachers and state retirement funds in the state system under Cowell.

Siedles highly critical report, published in April 2014, found that the fees North Carolina was paying to Wall Street had surged by 1,000 percent since 2000 and accused Cowell of failing to disclose hundreds of millions of dollars in additional fees. Cowells administration slammed the report, insisting that all fees are disclosed to the legislature. But this firestorm contributed to the general sense of negativity around such an investment approach heading into the 2016 election season.

In an interview this September with local web site SVL Free News, Folwell pledged that in his first week on the job he would find out where the pension money is, who is managing it, how good they are it, and how much money are they making doing it. Now hes in a position to make good on his promise. Folwell can also be expected to make changes to the pension funds investment advisory committee, whose seven current members include Neal Triplett, president of DUMAC, the investment firm that manages Duke Universitys endowment.

Among the fund managers that received the most in fees from the state pension system for the 201415 fiscal year, based on Institutional Investorsreview of the latest publicly available data: Angelo, Gordon & Co.; Benefit Street Partners; Blackstone Group; Brigade Capital Management; Brightwood Capital Advisors; Lone Star Funds; Pacific Alternative Asset Management Co.; and Relational Investors (an activist hedge fund firm that closed its doors in 2015). Poor performers included Claren Road Asset Management, Markstone Capital Group, and Relational. It is not clear yet which managers the new regime might seek to cut.

Managers that eventually face the chop, or a renegotiation of terms, under incoming treasurer Folwell probably cant take comfort in thinking they would have done better under the other guy. Folwells opponent, Blue, 43, a former investment banker, argued that the pension plan was paying low fees on a relative basis, but he too vowed to cut costs, increase transparency, and bring more investment functions in-house.

Its a reflection of the state of U.S. politics today  and the wave of populism that resulted in the election of Donald Trump as president  that the more antiWall Street candidate was a Republican who beat a seemingly more progressive Democratic opponent.
What personal data should insurers be allowed to use to price premiums?This question has been raised in New York, as a regulator is said to be considering prohibiting auto-insurers from using consumers occupations to price their policies.The New York Department of Financial Services has asked a group of insurers  including Allstate, Geico, Liberty Mutual and Progressive  to explain why the practice should not be prohibited, the Wall Street Journal reports.The proposal has reignited a debate that has rumbled on for years, as regulators, insurers and consumer advocates disagree over what data should and should not be considered in the pricing of insurance policies.As long as state governments require drivers to buy insurance, they should require insurance companies to price their product based on how we drive, not who we are, J. Robert Hunter, the Consumer Federation of Americas insurance director, told the WSJ.But an official with the trade group Property Casualty Insurers Association of America, Alex Hageli, said that insurers ability to assess a range of factors results in increased availability of insurance for drivers, as insurers naturally want to use accurate predictors of loss.An Allstate representative told the WSJ: Drivers less likely to incur losses should pay less for insurance than drivers more likely to incur losses.A spokesman for Liberty Mutual said the company was working productively with the Department of Financial Services, just as we would on any issue related to auto insurance regulation in New York.Some states already have limits on the use of data in pricing insurance, including Massachusetts in which insurers are banned from using information on occupation or education in setting rates.Geico faced a federal lawsuit in 2006, which alleged that the companys use of education and employment status as a factor in determining prices constituted discrimination.A judge denied the suit class-action status, finding that the insurer continually re-evaluates its occupational categories and moves occupations from one group to another, and the case was eventually dropped.What is your opinion on occupational data being used to price insurance premiums? Leave a comment below with your thoughts.
Starr Companies, a New York-headquartered global insurance and financial services organization providing risk management solutions, announced that the Insurance Society of Philadelphia honored Maurice R. Greenberg, chairman and CEO of C.V. Starr & Co. Inc., with the Distinguished Leadership Award.

It was presented during the Independence Gala on November 16, 2016.

The Insurance Society is a nonprofit organization founded in Philadelphia in 1901 with the primary purpose of providing an arena to exchange ideas within the insurance community. Its goal is to educate and promote professionalism within the industry. The Independence Gala raises funds for student scholarships and a fire prevention program which is run in conjunction with the Philadelphia Fire Department.

Mr. Greenbergs accomplishments are unrivaled, said Ken Ewell, member of ISOPs board of directors and chair of the Independence Gala Dinner Committee, in a Starr Companies press releases. Over a career spanning more than 50 years, he has provided security to countless families and businesses. Having built the largest insurance and financial services corporation in history, Mr. Greenberg continues to stand as an industry leader. We are delighted to welcome him as our 2016 Distinguished Leadership Award recipient.

Source: Starr Companies

Topics Leadership
A former elementary school assistant principal in Richmond has accused the schools principal of sexual harassment in a $5.3 million federal lawsuit.

Local news organizations report that Fernando Lightfoot filed the lawsuit Monday afternoon, claiming Linwood Holton Elementary principal David Hudson sexually harassed him while employed at the school. Lightfoot also named several Richmond school board members and the districts superintendent in the lawsuit, claiming the district attempted to cover up the alleged incidents.

Lightfoot says he was harassed at least 10 times. He also says he was forced to work in a hostile environment and that the district breached his employment contract.

School district spokeswoman Kenita Bowers says the district wouldnt comment on the lawsuit, pending a review of the complaint.

Hudson also declined to comment.

Copyright 2022 Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.

Topics Lawsuits Virginia
Chinas Alibaba Group Holding Ltd. and Tencent Holdings Ltd. rallied behind Beijings recently imposed cyber security law on Thursday, following criticism of it from overseas technology rivals.

The countrys two tech giants also urged closer cooperation between the public and private sectors at Chinas third World Internet Conference, which has focused on heightened threats to cyber security over the past year, including disruptions to financial systems and online terrorist radicalization.

China says the new law, which formalizes broad restrictions on technology companies working in China, was designed to remove cyber security threats in critical industries not to target foreign businesses and will help counter terrorism.

However, overseas business groups and technology organizations say it unfairly targets them with overzealous surveillance measures and local data storage requirements.

Analysts say Alibaba and Tencent operate websites and apps that have a largely local user base, and so face fewer changes in the way they store data as a result of the law.

This marks a step forward for China. We are asking professionals to learn from these regulations, Yang Peng, director of Tencents Executive Committee for Information Security, said at the conference, which is organized by Chinas internet regulator and has also focused on building more robust global governance and the responsibility of the media.

Cyber Cleansing

Critics of the cyber security law say while Chinas influence in global technology has grown, its ruling Communist Party led by Xi has presided over broader and more vigorous efforts to control, and often censor, information online.

Alibabas Vice President Yu Weimin said the group has 3,000 people dedicated to security, and the e-commerce giant is working with law enforcement to crack down on some content.

With all this technology together we can win the war on terrorism, Yu said.

Tencents Yang said the company is working within state regulations to clean up content, and has removed 80,000 video clips from their site this year.

Cyber security took on a greater focus among regulators worldwide in February when it emerged that hackers stole $81 million from the Central Bank of Bangladesh via SWIFT, the global financial messaging system. The funds were transferred to accounts in the Philippines and Sri Lanka.

Both Tencent and Alibaba operate online payment platforms that offer services ranging from bill payments to money transfers. Alibabas Alipay dominates the online payments industry in China, while Tencents WeChat payment system is increasingly popular.

Big internet companies are the ones with the means to fight cyber terrorism, which is why we need more cooperation between the private and public sector, Alibabas Yu said.

(Editing by Ryan Woo and Alexander Smith)

Related:

Topics Legislation Cyber InsurTech Tech China
North American reinsurers may soon see some rate stabilization after a prolonged period of declining premium rates, as they deal with a supply-demand imbalance that has weighed on returns, according to executives at the 2016 Bermuda Reinsurance Conference co-hosted by S&P Global Ratings and PwC Bermuda.

We are pleased with the stabilizing rate environment, said Kean Driscoll, chief executive officer of Validus Reinsurance Ltd.

Joseph Brandon, executive vice president of Alleghany Corp. agreed broadly with Driscoll. On the primary side, the rate declines in property are much steeper than in reinsurance. The pace is slowing. Casualty lines have seen minor rate increases, Brandon said.

Kevin ODonnell, president and chief executive officer at RenaissanceRe Holdings Ltd. believes actual results have been better than expected for the industry. Overall, catastrophe losses have been low and weve seen diminishing rate reductions, ODonnell said.

I think the death of the reinsurance market has been greatly exaggerated, as Mark Twain would say, Brandon told conference attendees. He said that the reinsurance market has survived more adverse periodsparticularly in the late-1990s and early 2000s. What weve gone through in the past few years doesnt even compare, he said.

Nevertheless, the softer for longer reinsurance pricing environment is proving to be deeper and longer than many market participants anticipated a few years ago. This, Brandon said, will continue to hurt reinsurers returns.

Anybody who says they can make 15 percent through the cycle is playing a big game of pretend; its simply not true, he said. Serious companies have assumed that the current environment is going to persist for a while and have adjusted their views.

Kean Driscoll of Validus said his company is targeting returns of at least a 1,000 basis points above the risk-free rate, which he defined as three-month Treasury billsan outcome that has certainly been challenging. Given where the pricing environment is today and where we think it will be in the next few years, Im comfortable with that projection, Driscoll said. Its achievable; its not easy.

Although returns have been lower than in the past, theyre still attractive compared with many other industries, said ODonnell. Moreover, reinsurers have largely avoided falling into the trap of overextending their risk exposures to chase returns, he said. To that extent, the outlook is rosier than it might seem at first glance.

Generally, the reinsurance market should be proud of its behavior, ODonnell said, adding that its important to resist the temptation to rely on risk premiums from investment activity to make up for a loss of underwriting premiums. The question we need to ask is: Are the structures appropriate for the types of risk were taking? I think the answer is generally yes.

Looking at 2017, I think its going to be a tough year, but I think the reinsurance market is poised for success, ODonnell said.

He said that while companies fight for market share, its important for the industry as a whole to expand the market through nascent lines of business such as cyber-risk protection. I dont think we as an industry speak with as common a voice as we need to, ODonnell said. Theres opportunity for all of us to make the pie bigger.

Validuss Driscoll pointed to mortgage reinsurance as an area where theres a significant pipeline of business to be brought to the market. At the same time, as third-party players enter the market, supply may continue to outweigh demand overall.

We recognize that the supply-demand imbalance isnt going to reach appropriate equilibrium unless we do something, he said.

In any event, investors have reacted to credit losses they suffered during the recent financial crisis by diversifying their exposures to areas unrelated to credit, with many entering the U.S. property/catastrophe reinsurance market.

Therefore, the popularity of third-party capital vehicles designed to provide direct access to potentially higher-yielding insurance exposure, such as insurance-linked securities (ILS), has been growing over the years, though at a slower pace over the past 18 months.

RenaissanceRes ODonnell said that its important to understand that alternative capital doesnt just mean hedge funds, as it did in the past. Third-party capital is a permanent fixture in our business, but their appetites have changed and they will continue to change, he said. We have seen capital try to get closer to original riskwe expected it to move horizontally and its gone vertically.

Driscoll agreed, offering that there is a highly educated investor base looking to establish permanence and that theres been significant interest from pension funds in the property/casualty market.

Theres a lot of money sitting out there that will push in, he said. Still theres definitely a lot of learning in the ILS space that needs to occur before its fully formed.

Meanwhile, as consolidation in the industry continues and companies around the world, specifically in Asia, look to grow, theres room for players of varying size to succeed, the panelists said.

Taoufik Gharib, S&P Global Ratings credit analyst moderating the panel, asked whether there is a tiering of the reinsurance market.

I think being Tier 1 is a lot more than just size or scale, said Alleghanys Brandon. It goes to relationship, expertise, what lines of business youre in.

ODonnell joked that many companies think of themselves as Tier 1. The first way companies define Tier 1 is by looking in the mirror, he said, adding, I think its good that companies look different. The way the markets changing provides opportunities.

Driscoll at Validus agreed. If you have a good relationship and you have a good product, you can get business at any tier, he said.

Source: S&P Global Ratings; PwC.

Topics Reinsurance Market
Donald Trump is pulling out the stops to stall a fraud trial over his defunct real estate university until hes president.

Having earlier persuaded a federal judge to delay the trial until after last weeks election, the president-elect now says he has too many responsibilities as he prepares for his inauguration to be diverted. And if that doesnt work, he may challenge how the jury pool was selected.

Trumps lawyers head to court Friday to convince the judge in San Diego to put the case on hold until next year. Thats the same Indiana-born judge who Trump attacked during the campaign as being biased against him because of his Mexican-American heritage.

U.S. District Judge Gonzalo Curiel, for his part, has said he thinks the best option would be for Trump and plaintiffs claiming they were cheated by his real estate seminars to settle the case and avoid what would be the first trial in U.S. history to feature testimony from a president-elect.

If the trial goes ahead on Nov. 28, Trumps lawyers show no signs of rolling over. They have already contested which witnesses can testify for the students and objected to Trumps own comments about the case while campaigning from being mentioned to jurors. Theyre even questioning the basics of which Southern California residents are called for jury duty and whether the process is random enough.

Their immediate goal is to show Curiel that the former reality television star preparing for his first elective office has too much on his plate for a two-week trial.

Briefings, Appointments

President-elect Trump must receive daily security briefings, make executive appointments  ultimately, thousands  and establish relationships with appointees, members of Congress, governors, and foreign leaders, his lawyers said in a Nov. 12 filing. He must also develop important policy priorities.

Lawyers for the plaintiffs counter that any delay would be a slippery slope because Trumps life is only going to get more complicated and unpredictable.

On Wednesday, lead Trump lawyer Daniel Petrocelli launched an initial salvo in what may be a coming challenge to the process by which nine citizens will be chosen to hear the Trump University case. Citing Trumps right to a jury reflecting a fair cross section of the community, the attorney asked the court for granular details on how a pool of 100 prospective jurors were summoned and selected.

Lawyers for the former students said in response that Trumps request is asking too much, too late.

The Trump team waited until the eve of trial to request a far more broad and intrusive collection of juror information than is typically provided even in criminal cases, the plaintiffs lawyers said.

How much of Trump the jury will see remains a point of contention.

If Trumps too busy to come to the courtroom, the 10 hours of sworn testimony in pretrial depositions that he has already provided will suffice, lawyers for the students contend. Theres no reason to believe he has anything to add that would be so important that a trial cant proceed without him, they argue.

Trumps lawyers said relying solely on that video, in which he was being questioned by opposing lawyers, would stack the deck against him. He has the right to provide testimony under questioning by his own lawyers to the jury, Petrocelli said.

Curiel floated the idea that Trump could testify through a video hookup.

The former students allege they were conned into believing they would gain special access to Trumps real estate business secrets. They claim they paid as much as $35,000 based on promises they would be taught by Trumps handpicked instructors at an accredited university, only to end up with minimally trained teachers and subjected to high-pressure sales tactics to keep buying more seminars and workshops.

The jury will be asked to decide whether Trump lied to prospective students and is liable for it. Any damages will be determined on an individual basis at further proceedings.

Given the unique circumstances of the case, its impossible to predict whether the judge will agree to delay the trial, said Christopher Peterson, a law professor at the University of Utah.

In general, a trial judge is entitled to manage their docket at their own discretion, he said.

The case is Low v. Trump University LLC, 10-00940, U.S. District Court, Southern District of California (San Diego).

Copyright 2022 Bloomberg.

Topics USA Fraud Education Universities
Nairit plant employees storm government building, demanding back pay (video)

Scores of employees of Nairit chemical plant stormed the 3rd building of the Armenian Government since early morning, demanding repayment of their back wages. More than 260 employees of the plant have not received salaries for 5-6 months. Ashot Manukyan, Minister of Energy Infrastructures and Natural Resources, came out to talk to the angered group. There is a problem and it needs solution. Our ministry cannot solve the problem alone. The issue is under discussion by representatives of all ministries. I do not want to give advice or promises; I do not want to lie to you but I tell you that you will know about the final decision as soon as it is taken. But I cannot say when it will happen  tomorrow or in a week, Ashot Manukyan said, Should I imagine [the source], I would give you a clear answer. I do not want to cheat you or make unsubstantiated statements. The government has announced an open tender for the reopening of the plant, giving all interested companies until January 20 to submit copies of their bids. Minister Manukyan says not a single company has showed interest in the plant until now. After the meeting with the government official, three of the Nairit employees headed to the Presidential Palace to meet Felix Tsolakyan, Chief of Presidents Control Service.
U.S. Treasury Secretary Jack Lew on Wednesday offered a heartfelt defense of the Financial Stability Oversight Council made up of the heads of the major regulatory agencies, which is often criticized by Republicans and could be under threat next year.

The council was created to respond to threats to the financial system in 2010s Dodd-Frank Wall Street reform law, which President-elect Donald Trump has said he wants to revise. Its powers would be severely limited under legislation from Republican Representative Jeb Hensarling that Trump is expected to use as a blueprint for overhauling Dodd-Frank after he assumes office on Jan. 20.

At the councils final public meeting of the year, Lew, who serves as its chair, said it was fundamental to protecting the safety and soundness of the financial system and that the council has made the federal government better equipped to respond to risks and potential financial shocks.

Weve been fact-based and analytical in our approach. And weve acted only occasionally but prudently and cautiously when risks have required a response, he said. We must resist complacency and remain vigilant to future unrest. I expect the council to continue its mission with skill, care and diligence.

The most-powerful public officials in the U.S. financial universe are among the councils members, including Securities and Exchange Commission Chair Mary Jo White and Federal Reserve Chair Janet Yellen.

Even if Trump does not strip its authorities, the councils character will change under his administration when he selects a new Treasury Secretary and replaces the agency heads.

Republicans have said the council is secretive and unwilling to share information.

Moreover, they are concerned about its authority to label non-banking companies as too big to fail, which triggers additional capital requirements.

Currently, the council is appealing a federal court decision that it used an arbitrary and capricious process in deciding major insurer MetLife Inc. could devastate the financial system if it were to collapse.

FSOCs decision to use an activities-based approach in deciding if asset managers are systemically important financial institutions, was taken as a signal it will not designate a particular asset manager.

On Wednesday the investor advocate for the SEC said the council may not need to oversee them. Personally, I believe the SEC can effectively regulate asset managers without the assistance of the banking regulators and other members of FSOC, said the advocate, Rick Fleming.

(Reporting by Lisa Lambert; Editing by Alan Crosby and Lisa Shumaker)
Kentucky state health regulators said Monday they will seek millions of dollars in civil penalties against companies accused of bringing radioactive drilling waste into Kentucky to dump in Appalachian landfills.

Penalties imposed by the Department for Public Health totaled nearly $8.2 million against eight companies and one business owner.

The fines stem from the dumping of radioactive waste discovered in early 2016 in landfills in Estill and Greenup counties, the Cabinet for Health and Family Services said. Fines were aimed at processors, transporters and brokers responsible for transferring the material into the landfills, it said.

State laws prohibit the disposal of radioactive material from out-of-state companies in Kentucky landfills, said state Health and Family Services Secretary Vickie Yates Brown Glisson. The cabinet is imposing significant penalties against all those responsible for the illegal activity.

The state said evidence showed that the activity began as early as May 2015 and involved the illegal transport and disposal of Technologically Enhanced Naturally Occurring Radioactive Material, which is a byproduct of pressurized oil drilling, or fracking.

The states announcement came hours before a public hearing in Estill County on the issue.

The amounts of fines depended on the number of violations discovered, the state said.

The bulk of the penalties were imposed on a West Liberty man named Cory Hoskins and a business he runs called Advanced TENORM Services. Both Hoskins individually and his company were fined $2.65 million, for a total of $5.3 million.

Hoskins could not be reached at any of the phone numbers listed as his home or his business. A law firm listed on his business filing with the Secretary of States office also did not return messages.

Most of the other companies fined Monday could not be reached for comment.

But Jon Eltringham, the owner of E&R Energy in Ohio, fined $140,000 by the state, said he hired Hoskins company under the assumption it would dispose of his waste legally.

Eltringham owns a company that cleans oil and gas waste out of tanker trucks. He said he hired Hoskins to help him formulate a radiation safety awareness plan to submit to the state of Ohio, train his staff, then paid him $150 per ton to haul away the waste. He estimates he paid the company around $20,000.

Of course we thought we were doing this the right way, he said. Thats why we were spending all this money. Then the next thing we know were getting contacted by the Kentucky Attorney General saying stuff wasnt done right.

Eltringham said hes going to fight the states fine on his small business.

He spent the day digging through old emails to find his contracts with Hoskins business and their exchanges about the services. He said he has not been able to reach Hoskins since he first learned about the state investigation.

The state said other companies being fined and the amounts were:

Fairmont Brine Processing LLC of Pittsburgh was being fined just over $1 million.

Mountain States Environmental of Lancaster, Ohio; $615,000.

L.R. Daniels Transportation Inc. of Ashland, Kentucky; $612,000.

Pressure Technology of Ohio of Norwich, Ohio; $338,000.

Nuverra Environmental Solutions Inc. of Scottsdale, Arizona; $143,000.

Cambrian Wells Services LLC of Norwich, Ohio; $30,000.

In January, the chief of the West Virginia Radiological Health Program first informed Kentuckys Health and Family Services Cabinet that a company operating as Advanced TENORM Services might have been involved in the dumping of out-of-state drilling waste at the Estill County landfill, the cabinet said. Prior to that notification, the cabinet had received no indication of the dumping, it said.

The activity was discovered at both landfills following an investigation by officials from the state Health and Family Services and the Energy and Environment cabinets.

We quickly conducted tests of the area and found that there are no immediate threats to public health from the illegal dumping, Glisson said.

Kentucky Attorney General Andy Beshear said in July that no criminal charges would be filed in connection to the dumping. Beshear said a four-month investigation by his office found insufficient evidence to seek criminal charges.

But he said his office believed that actions by Advanced TENORM Services and its owners violated civil law.

Besides penalties, the Health and Family Services Cabinet said it is monitoring and testing areas that were exposed. Those results, shared with local officials, have shown no evidence that the dumping led to radiation or radioactive contamination above federal and state safety limits, it said.

The cabinet said its working with other state regulators and landfill representatives to manage the landfills and ensure the facilities remain safe for workers and the public.

Copyright 2022 Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.

Topics Ohio Kentucky
A North Carolina couple has been arrested and charged with one count of insurance fraud and obtaining property by false pretense, according to North Carolina Insurance Commissioner Wayne Goodwin.

Keith Hedgepeth, 48, and Sharon Hedgepeth, 48, of Nashville, N.C., are accused by the North Carolina Department of Insurance of filing a duplicate automobile claim with NC Farm Bureau they had already filed with GEICO Insurance Company.

Investigators allege the couple intentionally mislead NC Farm Bureau to obtain additional payment for their damaged vehicle.

Keith Hedgepeth and Sharon Hedgepeth were arrested on Nov. 10 in Wilson County and signed written promises to appear in court.

The Department of Insurance employs 20 sworn state law enforcement officers dedicated to investigating and prosecuting claims of insurance and bail bonding fraud. An estimated 10 cents of every dollar paid in premiums goes toward the payment of fraudulent claims.

Source: North Carolina Department of Insurance

Topics Auto Claims North Carolina
What would happen to an industry that loses one-fourth or more of its employee base?

Idahos agriculture industry, and particularly its farming sector, might run head-on into that hypothetical question if President-elect Donald Trump follows through on a pledge to reverse his predecessors executive actions on immigration and deport people living in the country illegally en masse.

Agriculture represents about 4 percent of Idahos $65 billion annual gross domestic product, and about the same percentage of the state labor force, reported the Idaho Statesman. The states share of the estimated 11.1 million immigrants living in the U.S. illegally is minuscule  approximately 45,000, or 0.4 percent, according to analysis of census data by the Pew Research Center.

But Pews analysis says Idahos workers living in the country illegally dominate in the states agriculture industry. More than 1 in 3 in Idaho are farm workers, and their numbers constitute 43 percent of all farm workers in the state, according to the research.

The states agricultural industry employs more than 40 percent of Idahos population of immigrants living there illegally, and more than one-quarter of all state ag workers entered the country without legal permission. Idaho, Washington and Oregon are the only three states in the nation where agriculture is tops in both of those metrics, said Jeffrey Passel, senior demographer with Pew and one of the studys authors.

The share of agriculture workers who entered the country illegally tends to be very high everywhere, Passel said. But Idahos agriculture sector is a little bit unusual because it also employs the largest portion of these immigrants in the state. Nationwide, construction and the leisure/hospitality industry, which includes hotel service workers, employ the most immigrants who are in the country without legal permission.

Just 4 percent of unauthorized workers are in agriculture nationwide, Passel said.

Idaho ranked first among states in the percentage of immigrants who entered the country illegally and could avoid deportation under President Obamas executive action on Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals and related moves on pathways to citizenship  more than 60 percent, according to Pew. Thats because such a high percentage of Idahos population of these immigrants, nearly 9 out of 10, is Mexican. That population qualifies at a higher rate based on DACAs criteria regarding longevity and family ties.

Trump has proposed immediately reversing Obamas actions and deporting anyone in the U.S. illegally.

Tracking that population is difficult. Neither employers nor industries that depend on those workers are likely to aggressively monitor and report those here illegally. Employers may check work papers but thats not fool-proof, and some workers who enter the country legally on work visas just overstay.

A measurable if imperfect proxy for that population is foreign-born workers. Robert Troxel is manager of the Marsing Agricultural Labor Sponsoring Committee, an Owyhee County-based temp agency for documented agricultural workers that hires about 1,800 people annually as far east as Idaho Falls and north to Payette County. Almost all are Hispanic, he said.

The states unemployment rate is tight at 3.8 percent. We have been short of workers here for the last two or three years, Troxel said.

Troxel said that if workers are deported, it will have impact.

If food prices go up because it cant get harvested or processed by the existing workforce, then theres going to be dramatic repercussions, he said.

Like Troxels group, the Idaho Dairymens Association has supported and worked for immigration reform to address the status of workers who are in the country without legal permission. Dairy workers are needed year-round, not seasonally, so the industry has little use for H-2A visas granted to temporary agricultural workers.

Any change in immigration policy that brings some certainty to what that policy is, is a positive, because currently we really dont have an immigration policy, said the associations executive director, Bob Naerebout. Weve become very dependent on foreign-born labor, and therefore the rural economy becomes very dependent on foreign-born labor.

Related:

Copyright 2022 Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.

Topics Agribusiness
Horizon Blue Cross Blue Shield has suffered its third breach of protected health information in less than three years.

The most recent incident affecting the insurer, which serves New Jersey, was announced this week, after a business associate put personal health information of as many as 170,000 people insured by Horizon into the wrong hands.

Horizon said it was notifying affected members after Command Marketing Innovations, a mailing contractor for Horizon, inadvertently sent explanation of benefit and payment statements to the wrong individuals in late October and early November.

Demographic and insurance information was among the data compromised by the mailings, but financial information and Social Security numbers were not released on the computer-generated mailings. Horizon will monitor member accounts for fraudulent activity, according to information about the release on the nj.com news web site.

Neither Horizon nor Command Marketing responded to requests for comment on the release of protected health information.

In November 2013, two unencrypted Horizon laptops holding sensitive information, which included Social Security numbers, were stolen, and the Blues plan offered a year of credit and identity protection services to 839,711 members. In September 2015, unauthorized access of electronic medical data resulted in a breach affecting 1,173 individuals.
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REE Stock News - Defense Metals (TSX-V: DEFN.V) (OTCQB: DFMTF) Drills 113 metres of 2.50% Total Rare Earth Oxide at Wicheeda

Vancouver, British Columbia - October 26, 2022 (Investorideas.com Newswire) Mining / Metals / Green Energy Stock News - Defense Metals Corp. (TSX-V: DEFN / OTCQB: DFMTF/ FSE:35D) is pleased to announce high-grade Rare Earth Element ("REE") assay results from one additional core hole, totalling 383 metres (m), collared within the northern area of Defense Metals' 100% owned Wicheeda REE Deposit.

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Breaking EV Stock News: Overwhelmingly Positive Reactions Pour in From First Leg of Mullen Automotive's (NASDAQ: MULN) 'Strikingly Different' FIVE EV Crossover Tour

BREA, Calif. - October 31, 2022 (Investorideas.com Newswire) Mullen Automotive, Inc. (NASDAQ: MULN), an emerging electric vehicle ("EV") manufacturer, announces today that the Mullen FIVE has received overwhelmingly positive reactions from members of the public, reservation holders and Mullen investors who were able to ride in the vehicle for the very first time on the "Strikingly Different" tour which kicked off last week in Pasadena, California.

Top Health and Wellness News - Investor Idea

Health and Wellness Stock News - Endexx (OTCBB: EDXC) Secures Third Order for Non-Nicotine Vape Product HYLA Worth Approximately $1.5M in Revenue for First two Fiscal Quarters of 2023

CAVE CREEK, Ariz. - October 27, 2022 (Investorideas.com Newswire) Endexx Corporation (OTCBB:EDXC), a provider of innovative, plant-derived, and sustainable health and skincare products, today announces it has secured three key significant orders for its newly acquired, non-nicotine plant-based vape product, HYLA.

Top AI Stock News - Investor Idea

Breaking AI Stock News: FatBrain (OTCQB: LZGI) Acquires Confidential Computing Platform ZeroTrust to Protect Data Privacy and Accelerate Innovation for Millions of Growth Businesses

NEW YORK, NY - October 19, 2022 (Investorideas.com Newswire) FatBrain AI (LZG International, Inc.) (OTCQB: LZGI), the leader in powerful and easy-to-use artificial intelligence (AI) solutions for star enterprises of tomorrow, has acquired the confidential computing and privacy intellectual property (IP) plus software assets of Zero2A PTE LTD ("ZeroTrust Platform"), a software company based in Singapore.

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Valery Permyakov sent letter to Criminal Court of Appeal (video)

Valery Permyakov, a Russian soldier sentenced to life in prison for killing a seven-member family in Armenia, has sent a letter to the Criminal Court of Appeal, asking the Court not to accept his lawyers complaint. The lawyer has lodged an appeal to a higher court to challenge Permyakovs alleged attempt to illegally cross Armenias border with Turkey. In his letter, Permyakov said that a court in Armenias Shirak marz had handed down a fair judgement. In the letter, he accepted his guilt, adding that he had had no accomplice. At todays court hearing, Artur Sakunts, the legal representative of victims' legal successors, said the prosecutors position does not meet the requirement of the law. The judge has retired to the consulting room to make a decision on the petition filed by Artur Sakunts. In January 2015, immediately after killing the seven-member Avetisyan family in Armenia's Gyumir city, Permyakov fled the Russian military garrison without proper leave papers. He was detained near the Armenian-Turkish border before he could leave Armenian territory. In August 2015, a Russian military court found Permyakov guilty of desertion, theft of weapons, and illegally carrying weapons. The Russian judges sentenced him to 10 years in a maximum. He was then transferred by Russian authorities to the custody of Armenia to face murder charges in a separate trial under Armenian law. A court in Armenia's Gyumri city issued the verdict and sentence against Valery Permyakov on August 23, 2016.
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The Government has been warned that delaying the start of public pay talks is only exacerbating the problem.

The nurses and midwives union (INMO) says its members will not be ignored while the Gardai are given a raise.
The President of The National Party said today that there should be a temporary ban on Muslims entering the country.

The party is calling for a completely new approach to Ireland's immigration policy.
Ministers from both sides of the Irish border have hailed the latest round of Brexit discussions as their best yet.

The UK's forthcoming EU departure topped the agenda at a meeting of the North South Ministerial Committee (NSMC) where Foreign Minister Charlie Flanagan joined Stormont's First Minister Arlene Foster and Deputy First Minister Martin McGuinness in Armagh this afternoon.

Afterwards Enda Kenny described the talks as "constructive", adding there had been a "great deal of common ground".

He said: "We have had a very constructive and a very good meeting - actually one of the best meetings that I have attended.

"One point that we all stressed at this meeting was that it is really important, from an island of Ireland perspective, that there be that strength of solidarity in respect of those common interests.

"So, when discussions do start, and I as Taoiseach will be sitting on the European side of these arguments, will be able to work to get the best deal possible for the island of Ireland north and south.

"That was a common consensus of the outcome of the meeting today which I very much value."

As well as highlighting the unique circumstances in Ireland including the land border, peace process and peace funds, the Taoiseach cautioned that Europe would not allow the UK to "cherry pick" specific deals.

"If the UK want access to the single market, they must come with that freedom of movement of people and that is a challenge and an issue that the British Government has got to focus on," he said.

The North South Ministerial Council was set up under the Good Friday Agreement peace deal and generally meets in plenary session just twice year.

Ms Foster, who earlier this week dismissed suggestions of a frosty relationship with Dublin, described the meeting as useful.

She said: "The Taoiseach has been very good to share some of the discussions that are going on at a European level in terms of the Republic of Ireland's government and we are very grateful to hear that.

"We shared our position in terms of Northern Ireland and indeed in terms of the discussions that are going on a UK basis as well.

"So, it was a very useful meeting.

"We await to see what happens in terms of the Supreme Court and we'll take it from there."

The Democratic Unionist Party leader said she was not surprised that attitudes from some European leaders had hardened in the wake of the referendum result, adding: "You can all take up positions before negotiations start but then you have to start the negotiation.

"And that's where we will be after Article 50 has been triggered."

Meanwhile, Mr McGuinness revealed the NSMC has agreed to set up a high level working group of civil servants to prepare for Brexit.

He said the apparent confusion emanating from Westminster on the issue meant "everything is on the table".

"Today's meeting was of critical importance and I think huge progress was made," the Sinn Fein MLA said.

Mr Flanagan hailed the meeting as the most engaging, important and significant of his two-year tenure as Irish Foreign Minister.
Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe became the first world leader to meet President-elect Donald Trump yesterday, seeking reassurances over the future of the US-Japan security and trade relations.

Mr Abe met with Mr Trump in New York, where the incoming president is working to set up an administration after his surprise election victory last week that has injected new uncertainty into old US alliances.

"I do believe that without confidence between the two nations (the) alliance would never function in the future and (after) the outcome of today's discussion I am convinced Mr. Trump is a leader in whom I can have great confidence," Mr Abe said following the meeting.

Mr Trump's campaign rhetoric caused consternation in many world capitals, including Tokyo.

The president-elect has said he would demand that allies such as Japan and South Korea contribute more to the cost of basing US troops in their countries.

Such comments have worried Japan at a time when the threat from North Korea is rising and China is challenging the US-led security status quo in the Pacific.

The State Department has said it had yet to hear from Mr Trump's transition team, raising the prospect of the Republican holding the meeting with Mr Abe without any input from career diplomats with deep experience dealing with Japan.

Both Japan and South Korea already pay considerable sums to support the US bases and note that it is also in America's strategic interest to deploy troops in the region.

Mr Trump has suggested Japan and South Korea could obtain their own nuclear weapons rather than rely on US deterrence, which risks a triggering an atomic arms races in north-east Asia.

South Korea currently pays more than $800m a year - about 50% of non-personnel costs of the US military deployment on its soil - and is paying $9.7bn more for relocating US military bases, according to the Congressional Research Service.

Japan pays about $2bn a year, about half of the cost of the stationing US forces.

The Japanese leader may also try to sway Mr Trump on the Trans-Pacific Partnership (TPP), a 12-country trade agreement that the president-elect opposes.

The pact was championed by President Barack Obama and Mr Trump's victory has all but erased hopes of its early ratification by the US Congress.

The pact is expected to be discussed in a side meeting at the annual summit of the Asia Pacific Economic Community in Peru, where Mr Abe heads after New York. Mr Obama will also be in attendance.

Mr Abe is Japan's most powerful leader in a decade and he has invested political capital in overcoming strong domestic opposition to the TPP.

He has also sought to increase the international role played by Japan's military, which is constrained by a pacifist constitution.

That could jibe with Mr Trump's desire to see US partners shoulder more of the burden for their defence.

New White House team

Meanwhile, Donald Trump started building his team on Thursday after offering retired Lieutenant General Michael Flynn the job of national security adviser.

Mr Flynn, who served as director of the Defence Intelligence Agency, has advised Mr Trump on national security issues for months.

As national security adviser, he would work in the White House and have frequent access to the president.

Earlier on Thursday, Mr Trump consulted with former Secretary of State Henry Kissinger and sat down with South Carolina Governor Nikki Haley, a potential contender to lead the State Department.

Mr Trump is a foreign policy novice and his early moves on national security are being closely watched by US allies and adversaries alike.

He is said to be considering a range of officials with varying degrees of experience to lead the State Department and Pentagon.

Mr Flynn, who turns 58 in December, built a reputation in the Army as an astute intelligence professional and a straight talker.

He retired in 2014 and has been a fierce critic of President Barack Obama's White House and Pentagon, taking issue with the administration's approach to global affairs and fighting Islamic State.
Both the Scottish and Welsh Governments are to be allowed to intervene in a court battle over how the Brexit process should be formally triggered, the Supreme Court has announced.

The British Supreme Court has ruled both nations can have a say.

British Prime Minister Theresa May is appealing against a High Court ruling that British Parliament has to vote on triggering Article 50 - the process of taking the UK out of the European Union.

The Independent Workers Union of Great Britain, which describes itself as "fighting for the rights and welfare of some of the most vulnerable and under-represented workers in the UK", has also been given permission to make submissions to the court.

The Attorney General for Northern Ireland has made a reference to the court on devolution issues and did not need permission to intervene.

The historic legal challenge over Brexit was brought by investment fund manager and philanthropist Gina Miller and Deir Dos Santos, a hairdresser, with other "concerned citizens".

Three senior High Court judges ruled that the Prime Minister does not have power to use the royal prerogative to trigger Article 50 of the Lisbon Treaty to start the two-year process of negotiating Brexit without the prior authority of Parliament.

Mrs May and her ministers are now asking the Supreme Court to overturn that unanimous decision.

Their appeal is due to be heard by 11 judges between December 5 and 8, with a judgment expected in the new year.
Mr Healy was speaking at the Beef Forum, chaired in Dublin by Agriculture Minister Michael Creed, at which issues within the industry were discussed by the main farmer unions, the meat factories and other key stakeholders. The IFA leader rejected the suggestion that farmers can attain profitability by simply producing more animals for slaughter.

Growing output alone, without improving incomes on livestock farms is an unsustainable strategy for the Irish beef sector, which is the countrys largest farming sector, worth 2.4bn and involving 80,000 farmers. Meat factory prices must rise.

With the forecast for an additional 100,000 head of cattle next year, a strong live export trade is vital for calves, weanlings, stores and finished cattle.

Live exports are essential for competition and to support market balance and viable prices, as well as additional market outlets.

He also called on the Department of Agriculture to increase resources and dedicated personnel on market access and to prioritise the live trade. He said the minister must work to remove the barriers on the live trade to the North and Britain.

Mr Healy said direct support for the suckler herd must be increased to 200 per cow if beef production is to continue to its key role in Irelands rural economy. He cited an IFA-commissioned study by Alan Renwick, of UCD, showing every 1 in direct support to the beef sector underpins 4.28 in output in the economy and all of this remains in rural areas.

Citing figures from 2011 to 2015, the ICMSA estimates that farmers have lost nearly 80m through the workings of the QPS grid introduced by the meat plants. The grid has cost farmers 15m per year on average.

Even now, years after it was introduced, farmers or even factory agents have no confidence or certainty judging where cattle would kill-out on the grid, said ICMSA president, John Comer. He said a review would be essential to restore confidence .

Meanwhile, the ICSA says its membership is considering downsizing its output as the industry cannot deliver sustainable prices for beef. The group cites European Commission reports projecting further downward price pressure to follow trade deals such as CETA, TTIP and Mercosur.

ICSA president, Patrick Kent, said: With the uncertainty around Brexit, and the clear signal from the beef processors that they see Brexit and weaker sterling as a reason to cut beef price, it is clear that the Foodwise 2025 strategy of massive expansion of our output (to 19 billion) is now dead in the water.

Macra president Sean Finan said the Beef Forum has delivered little for beef farmers. He warned that without a clear vision for beef price and income, Ireland was jeopardising a beef industry worth over 2.1bn to the economy, equating to 30% of agricultural output.
Our financial results for this quarter reflect the impact of our non-participation in the UEFA Champions League (failed to qualify for this season), we are pleased that we remain on track to deliver record revenues for the coming year, United executive vice-chairman Ed Woodward said.

Adjusted earnings before interest, tax, depreciation and amortisation for the three months to the end of September fell to 31.2m (36.2m) from a record 41.6m a year earlier.
He told a conference yesterday however that Ireland as a tourist destination is not the Premier League as the industry is too expensive.

Speaking at the Annual Tourism Policy Workshop at Dromoland Castle in Co Clare, Mr Jacobs said that Ireland must strike an amazing, never-been-done-before deal with AirBnB to address the room shortage in the industry.

The Government must not cave into demands from unions for pay increases, as it will lead to fewer funds being available for tourism, he said.

Mr Jacobs said that the views of one union official that Irish tourism is maxed out and that reintroducing the travel tax and getting rid of the 9% Vat rate for the hospitality industry to pay for the public service pay bill was absolute lunacy.

On the tourism product available here, Mr Jacobs said: We dont have a Premier League tourism product. I think it is very, very, very good but I think we can make it better.

He said: The principal reason is that we are really, really expensive and there are a lot of countries that offer similar to what Ireland offers but much cheaper.

Mr Jacobs said that from Ryanairs own research the feedback was: I am not going to Dublin. I am not going to Ireland because I cant get a decent hotel at a price I am willing to pay.

We need to wake up to this reality, he said, adding that Ireland was the fifth most expensive place in the EU to visit. Dublin is a very expensive city to come and visit. If this gets worse, it is going to be a massive factor and anyone who thinks any differently, you are deluded, he said.

It is all about value for money. The Irish product is good, but it is not good enough to sustain people coming here paying 6 for a pint.

We have done a great job with the Wild Atlantic Way, but I think it is reaching saturation point now and what is going to be next?

I think the Ancient East, which is the next product from Tourism Ireland, is going to be a harder sell because the Ancient East in Ireland ... not even Irish people get it, he said.

Mr Jacobs said that the country needs a 25% increase in hotel rooms in the next three years. However, he doesnt believe this can happen in the timeframe and the Government should strike a deal with AirBnB to bring through more accommodation. Mr Jacobs said that it is appalling that only 2.8m continental Europeans come to Ireland, compared with the 3.4m British people.

It is in the German, Italian and Spanish markets we should be spending our marketing dollars, he said.

Mr Jacobs said that Dublin has the great majority of Ryanairs Irish routes because the roads were too good, which allowed people from Cork to drive to Dublin.

Mr Jacobs told the conference that long haul from Cork is a great idea and if Norwegian Airways do get to do Cork to New York, we are fully supportive of this and we are talking to Norwegian about feeding their long-haul operations.

The application by Norwegian Airways has been held up amid objections from US trade unions about the pay and conditions Norwegian plans for the route out of Ireland.
EAEU Foreign Trade Volume Continues to Decline

Recently the Eurasian Economic Commission has published statistical data on the Eurasian Economic Unions foreign and mutual trade dynamics for January to September of 2016. As Armenia is member of this economic block, the economic development conjuncture of the union is one of the decisive factors for Armenias economic progress. Hence, it would be interesting to study the main trends in the sector of trade turnover. EAEU in Global Economy According to data published by the Eurasian Economic Commission, EAEUs foreign trade with third countries equaled 362 billion USD in January-September of 2016. In particular, exports formed 218.5 billion USD and imports formed 143.2 billion USD. This means that the current level of trade is lower by 17.2% or more than 75 billion USD compared to the indicator registered in the comparable period in 2015. Of specific concern is decline in exports since EAEU gross exports have declined by 23.5% or about 67.1 billion USD compared to January to September of 2015. In parallel, the volume of imports from third countries to the EAEU has also reduced. In particular, gross imports in January to September of 2016 reduced by 5.3% or 8.1 billion USD compared to the comparable period in 2015. However, it should be noted that such decline in imports is not a result of replacing imported goods with national products. Rather, it is a result of deterioration of consumers living standards and respective decrease in consumption. As a consequence, the foreign trade balance of EAEU member countries has decreased by more than 40 percentage points, reaching 75.3 billion from 134 billion USD. EAEUs Economic Partners Similar decline has been registered in mutual trade among EAEU member countries. In 2016, EAEUs internal trade turnover totaled to 29.5 billion USD, which is 14% smaller than the indicator of the comparable period in 2015. Again, it is interesting that only Armenia was able to ensure growth in exports to all the member countries, by increasing its volume of exports by 55 percentage points. Besides, growth has been registered in exports from Belarus to Kyrgyzstan (4%) and from Kyrgyzstan to Russia (18%) while there is a tangible decline in all the other trade directions. In particular, exports from Belarus to EAEU member countries have reduced by 2.7%, exports from Kazakhstan have reduced by 31.6%, from Kyrgyzstan  by 46.6%, and from Russia  by 15.6%. A similar situation can be observed in relation to imports. Imports from EAEU countries to Belarus have declined by 13%, to Kyrgyzstan  by 29.1%, to Kazakhstan  by 24%, and to Russia  by 9.3%. And here, too, Armenia is the only country where the volume of imports has grown (2.95%). Such statistical data cast doubt not only on the potential of EAEU as an integration unit and the economic perspectives, but also on the competitiveness of its member countries national economies. Andranik Manukyan Union of Informed Citizens
Taoiseach Enda Kenny and Transport Minister Shane Ross clashed this week over whether judges should be required to declare interests as they might forget their oath.

Mr Kenny publicly rebuked the Alliance minister, saying he did not accept the claim as he disassociated himself from Mr Ross opinion.
The banks chief executive Richie Boucher admitted the lender is deliberately incentivising customers to move to fixed rates.

Appearing before the Finance Committee Mr Boucher was accused of treating people badly by committee chairman John McGuinness.

The amount of hardship that your bank and others have put on individual borrowers chasing your money is significant. And it would be remiss of me, at this meeting, if I were not to say to you that I believe you treat people badly.

There are families out there in deep distress. Some of them have lost members through suicide because of the impact that this whole banking crisis has had on them, Mr McGuinness said.

However, Mr Boucher defended the banking sector and said he had personal experience of members of his own family losing businesses. So, its not as if I dont understand, and this characterisation that we dont understand, I dont agree with, he said. Both as a business and as a human being and as an individual, I have seen what happens.

Around three quarters of Bank of Irelands new mortgages are now on fixed rates Mr Boucher said. He said this was as a result of a deliberate strategy by the bank.

The borrower gets certainty on what they repay and we get certainty from our point of view. It does bind you for a period, but its not for the lifetime of the mortgage. Fianna Fails finance spokesman Michael McGrath questioned Mr Boucher on mortgage pricing and asked how he could justify charging a variable rate of up to 4.5% when the bank is accessing funds at less than 0.75%.

You are charging some customers still more than six times the cost of funds than the bank is accessing, how can that be justified? he asked. Mr Boucher said the bank has a very clear strategy on pricing and as a commercial business it has to consider how it uses its shareholders money.
The court heard the accused claimed to be a person shown on CCTV footage helping the victim, who could not swim, get out of the water afterwards. The footage is too indistinct to identify that person or to identify which of the group had stabbed the victim.

The boy, who cannot be identified as he is a minor, pleaded guilty at Dublin Circuit Criminal Court to assault causing harm at Royal Canal Bank on May 18, 2015.

He has 18 previous convictions including eight for robbery, one for false imprisonment, and is currently serving a sentence for assault causing serious harm.

Judge Melanie Greally it was an extremely vicious and violent attack on the man who was propelled into the canal.

She said that, through the last-minute intercession of the accused or one of his associates, the man got out of the water. His phone and wallet had been taken.

She said the accused boy seemed to have an enormous capacity for violent acts which needed to be addressed if he was to avoid spending the rest of his life in prison. She said the courts primary concern in sentencing a child was rehabilitation.

Garda Peter Hughes told Fiona Murphy, prosecuting, that the victim was walking home along the canal from a night socialising when he was stopped by some guys who asked for his phone and wallet. One of them put their hands in his pocket and he told them to stop.

The man then got a punch in the face. He said he did not remember much but was attacked by at least two men and pushed into the canal. He could not swim and said he could feel himself drowning but managed to get out and walked home, where his partner called an ambulance.
Fianna Fail spokesperson on health, Billy Kelleher, claimed Brexit will pose a significant challenge to Irish healthcare.

Reports that the Minister for Health and the Department of Health are not prepared for the ramifications of Brexit are deeply concerning, he said.

The Cork TD insisted there are numerous important health services reliant on Britains membership within the EU.

The Irish Patients Association (IPA) also believes patients could find it difficult to access treatments when Britain quits the EU and wants a contingency plan put in place.

Currently, two EU schemes entitle Irish patients to travel to receive treatment  the Treatment Abroad Scheme (TAS) and the Cross-Border Healthcare Directive (CBD).

Under the TAS, patients are eligible to travel to an EU member state to receive treatments not available in Ireland once they meet the criteria for the scheme.

The CBD allows public patients to access healthcare in another EU or EEA country.

According to figures released by the HSE, 91% of patients availing of the TAS travelled for treatment to England, Scotland, Northern Ireland or Wales during 2015.

Border communities will be severely adversely affected by this. Many access services such as radiotherapy in Northern Ireland, as its much quicker than waiting for an appointment with the HSE, said Mr Kelleher.

Life-saving treatments and procedures, such as those provided by Great Ormond Street Childrens Hospital, are at risk here.

Ensuring that Irish patients dont lose out requires an immediate and swift response.

IPA spokesman Stephen McMahon said: We see this as a key patient safety and quality issue.

We would support any calls to be proactive with our planning, so we dont have patients denied care as a result of Brexit.

We shouldnt be waiting for the day the Brexit button is pushed. Now is the time to assess and ensure.

Although patients could be transferred for treatment in mainland Europe instead of Britain under the schemes, Mr McMahon said there are several possible implications for patients such as having to travel further, a language barrier, and encountering validation issues like getting in contact with consultants.

The IPA is equally concerned about British patients living in Ireland accessing treatment after Brexit.

Whatever arrangement is put in place for patients must work both ways, added Mr McMahon.
Champagne corks popped yesterday following confirmation from Swiss International Air that it will launch a service between Cork and the Swiss city of Zurich next summer.

However, the champagne is still on ice as the airport continues to pursue the foreign carrier permit for Norwegian Air Internationals (NAI) proposed Cork-Boston service.

The airports management team was recognised for its work on the NAI issue and was awarded the Corporate Campaign of the Year prize at the inaugural EU Public Affairs Awards in Brussels on Wednesday.

Great recognition for the combined efforts of multiple @CorkAirport stakeholders on both sides of the Atlantic tonight here in Brussels pic.twitter.com/EUh0HiC2qz  Cork Airport (@CorkAirport) November 16, 2016

Despite political opposition and objections to the proposed NAI service, Cork Airport has built a coalition of support on both sides of the Atlantic for the service.

In partnership with NAI, Cork Airport has gathered the backing of politicians locally, nationally and at European level through a structured lobbying strategy. It has engaged with US officials and politicians which ultimately led last March to a statement by US president Barack Obama that there was no political impediment to the service.

However, the US authorities have yet to sign off on the permit.

The airports head of communications, Kevin Cullinane, said they were delighted with the win.

At times, it felt like the battle between David and Goliath; an international airport in the south of Ireland verses powerful American airlines and labour organisations, he said.

We have had to battle repeated false assertions in a way that was grounded in dialogue and mutual understanding on multiple levels.

We remain very positive that we will see the first direct US-bound aircraft taking off from Cork Airport during 2017.

Less than 12 hours later, the airport announced the new Cork-Zurich service, which will start on June 2 and operate until September 29, and deliver an extra 6,750 passengers next year.

Swiss will operate a 110-passenger Bombardier C Series aircraft, flying weekly each Friday from June, and increasing to twice weekly, with a Monday flight, in July and August.

The new @FLYSWISS service to Zurich from @CorkAirport will operate from June 2 to Sept 29, 2017 & will go twice weekly in Aug & Sept. pic.twitter.com/cXLDu0mYhF  Cork Airport (@CorkAirport) November 17, 2016

Airport managing director Niall MacCarthy said that they have been working with Swiss for some time to secure the new route.

Switzerland has been a target market of ours, primarily due to its close business and pharmaceutical connections with the region. But also, we have the Wild Atlantic Way and Irelands Ancient East, both right on our doorstep, he said.

Pat Dawson, chief executive of the Irish Travel Agents Association, said he is looking forward to promoting the route.

Swiss International Air, Switzerlands national carrier, is part of the Lufthansa Group and is also a member of Star Alliance, the worlds biggest airline grouping.
Cork Chamber called for a complete overhaul of the local authority funding model after councillors voted on a raft of measures to balance the books against the backdrop of a 1.6m shortfall, caused mostly by government policy.

Cork Business Association chief executive Lawrence Owens described the budget as disheartening, and said it highlights the need for a city boundary extension.

The fundamental problem is the city hasnt seen a boundary extension in 51 years and is being strangled financially as a result, he said.

The 1.25% rates hike was less than the 2.9% increase proposed by management, and includes a 3% rebate incentive scheme for ratepayers in 2018 who are not in arrears.

However, councillors also voted to double the cost of residents parking permits, from 10 to 20 for an annual permit, and from 20 to 40 for a two-year permit, as well as increase by 30c the cost per hour of parking in Paul Street car park.

Cork Chamber said it was disappointed with the rates hike and the short-term focus of reducing the citys Economic Development Fund (EDF) by 150,000.

Chamber president Barrie OConnell said: This approach does not align with the importance and responsibility for economic development within the remit of Cork City.

He said the rates hike and EDF cut sends a mixed message to businesses who have survived a very challenging economic period.

Lord Mayor Des Cahill said councillors faced difficult decisions.

This has been a compromise budget which is allowing Cork City Council to continue to provide our services in 2017 despite the severe funding cuts it has felt from successive governments in recent years, he said.

City traders have survived a testing trading period and a rate increase has been a necessary evil, but I am pleased that this is limited to 1.25%.

City council CEO Ann Doherty issued a statement last night insisting the budget will have no adverse impact on services.

She said the council did everything in its power over the last seven years to mitigate difficulties felt by businesses, and had held commercial rates steady through cost savings and by reducing its own revenue reserves.

However, she said the 1.6m shortfall brought about by externally imposed changes including road funding and a reduced rates contribution from public utility companies has to be bridged by a modest increase in rates, a number of budgetary reductions, and some parking fee increases.

Pulses of Tradition funding axed

- Eoin English

The musician behind the popular city-funded Pulses of Tradition show has expressed disappointed after its funding was axed.

Pulses producer Brian Morrissey said he hopes money can be found next year to reinvent the show after councillors slashed its funding by 120,000.

The decision has effectively axed the show which featured top musicians and singers from bands such as Buille, Liadan, North Cregg, and Nomos, with dancers from the Irish World Academy of Music and Dance at the University of Limerick.

Running twice a week for the last four summers at the citys Triskel Christchurch venue, Pulses told the story of Irish traditional music, song, and dance through the ages. The only local authority funded show of its kind in Ireland, it performed to thousands, toured in France, Scotland, and China, and was featured on The Late Late Show.It was also touted by tourism promotion agencies as a unique tourist draw and visitor attraction for the city.

However, the lack of tour bus parking spaces near the venue hampered its ability to attract more patrons.

Mr Morrissey praised City Hall for developing the show but expressed disappointment at the budget vote.

We invested a lot of time and effort into developing the show. We had a phenomenal team of musicians and performers involved, said Mr Morrissey.

I know that this probably wasnt a decision that was taken lightly, so I look forward to talks over the coming weeks and months to see if we can explore other options.

The arts give character to a city, that cultural artistic element that you remember after visiting a city. We had very good reviews on Trip Advisor and hopefully we can build on the strong product we have developed.

Councillors also slashed 70,000 from the 2017 Glow Christmas festival.

Fine Gael councillor John Buttimer said festivals and events like this have to be reinvigorated every year to prevent them becoming tired and jaded.

He also said City Hall has to take on board the views of retailers who don not benefit significantly from events such as Glow.

He said a council official has now been appointed to liaise with traders to ensure that all businesses can benefit from events like this.
The jury came back after approximately three hours of deliberation with an 11-1 majority verdict.

The jury requested a recording of evidence by a detective in the case be played for them in the course of their deliberations.

Trevor OSullivan, aged 38, with an address at Roches Buildings, Richmond Hill, Cork, pleaded not guilty to a robbery charge.

Detective Garda Edmond ODonoghues evidence, as recorded on the official recording system in the court- room, was replayed for the jury.

Det Garda ODonoghue testified the injured party had very obvious injuries to the side of his face which was bruised and bleeding.

A description was given of two tall males in jeans and T-shirts being the attackers.

I made my way back down Thomas Davis Street and I saw two males heading towards The Coffee Pot on Thomas Davis Street. I stopped and spoke to the two males. A female came out of The Coffee Pot. She was very abusive and irate and wanted to know what was my business talking to the two men, the detective said.

He further testified a garda colleague told him the injured party had identified the two males as the culprits.

Cross-examining, defence barrister Paula McCarthy said Trevor OSullivans brother, Thomas, had admitted carrying out the robbery and said Trevor had nothing to do with it.

Trevors wife said he was in The Coffee Pot with her at the relevant time, at lunchtime that day.

The jury was told the defendants brother, Thomas OSullivan, aged 31, of 2 Comeragh Close, The Glen, Cork, had pleaded guilty to the same charge, namely robbery from a man at Spring Lane, Blackpool, Cork, at lunchtime on Tuesday, May 24.
The man was arrested in Kanturk, Co Cork, shortly after 9am yesterday in connection with an assault on Finbar Lehane, 65, outside a pub in Kanturk on October 24.

The man can be detained for up to 24 hours under Section 4 of the Criminal Justice Act. He is being detained at Mallow Garda Station for questioning.

Mr Lehane from Glen South in Banteer, Co Cork, died at Cork University Hospital (CUH) two weeks after he was assaulted.

He suffered serious head injuries and is understood to have incurred blunt force trauma to the head in the assault. He received a punch to the head which caused him to fall back, banging his head on the hard surface. He was knocked unconscious.

Mr Lehane was rushed by ambulance to CUH where he was put in an induced coma but he was unable to survive his injuries.

Garda technical experts carried out a forensic examination of the scene, witnesses were questioned and CCTV footage was also examined.

Gardai have not released the results of his postmortem for operational reasons.

Mr Lehane died in hospital on November 7. His family were at his bedside. The pensioner is believed to have been accosted on a few occasions on the night of the assault.

Finbarr Lehane was a well known musician in North Cork. He is survived by his wife Josie and his adult children.
Independent TD Mick Wallace said he travelled to Asia last weekend to collect emails and documents from a businessman which will help show the Project Eagle sale was the biggest financial scandal in Irish history.

Within a short time of Frank Cushnahan being appointed to Nama, he was peddling assets belonging to Nama to foreign parts, Mr Wallace told the Dail.

Tughans were involved, the Japanese bank Nomura were involved, who were later the main financier for Cerberuss purchase of Project Eagle. Nama, from start to finish, stinks from high heaven.

Nama sold the collection of Northern Ireland property loans, known as Project Eagle, to US investment fund Cerberus in April 2014.

Another US company, Pimco, said it pulled out of an earlier bid after it was asked for a success fee or fixer payment of 15m for three parties behind the scenes.

The money was to be shared by Mr Cushnahan, US law firm Brown Rudnick, and Ian Coulter, a managing partner of Tughans, a Belfast law firm subcontracted to assist in the deal, Pimco told a parliamentary committee probing the sale.

Mr Cushnahan was formerly a Nama adviser on Northern Ireland, on the recommendation of the DUP.

All parties have denied any wrongdoing.

In the Dail, Mr Wallace demanded that the board and executive of Nama be suspended until a full State inquiry is launched.

It was not a competitive process, it was a scam, he said.

Nama have undersold a massive slice of this country to US vulture funds for a fraction of its value. They are contributing in a serious way to our housing crisis. They are not part of the solution to the housing crisis, they are part of the problem.

Mr Wallace read some of the emails he said he collected from the businessman in Asia.

One dated, December 2010, which he said was from Mr Cushnahan, read: There are very substantial opportunities for major returns to be made for anyone who can access international and institutional funds to acquire blocks of development assets from either development or agency itself.

Another email from an unnamed person read:  Frank will ensure that only people with the highest integrity at government level will be involved and the returns look very, very good.

Another refers to acquisition success fees.
Justin Barrett, who heads the newly launched National Party, said an event for his new group was cancelled by the Merrion Hotel this week, after opposition from liberal groups.

After 10 years out of politics, he said yesterday he had formed a new party as everything he had predicted would happen to Ireland was happening.

Speaking to Matt Cooper on Today FM, the former No to Nice campaigner and Youth Defence member made allegations about immigrants.

Huge opposition over the National Partys publicity event in Dublin this week forced its cancellation.

It was revealed previously that Mr Barrett attended and spoken at extreme right-wing events, including in Germany and Italy.

A video showed him at a National Democrat Party event in May 2000, where skinheads, brownshirts, and people applauding Nazi heroes were present.

Officials with the party this week admitted they were trying to capitalise on the back of the election of Donald Trump. Asked about his opinions on immigrants in Ireland, Mr Barrett said: They have done in their numbers exactly what I said they were going to do.

Cheap loans and cheap labour were factors that collapsed the economy, he said, and immigrants had skewed the economy. He said Irelands mainstream parties did not represent people opposed to mass immigration.

Their supporters are deeply dismayed but you cant bring it up at a political party meeting, he said.

Weve been holding meetings to see the level of support that is out or could be out there for the nationalist agenda.

He denied ever being an extremist, and said he wanted immigrants to leave.
Mark Connaughton, for the college, told Judge Jacqueline Linnane that he would be putting in an affidavit replying to Dr Campbells allegations already before the court.

Mairead McKenna, for Dr Campbell, said her client would also be providing the court with further evidenced.

Mediation talks between the parties had taken place last week in a bid to settle, on the suggestion of the judge, the legal proceedings instituted by Dr Campbell who is claiming she was unfairly dismissed and is seeking a court order directing her reinstatement.

Dr Campbell has told the court she was head of the junior fee-paying primary school, which has 28 teachers.

She had been appointed 11 years ago to what she described as a prestigious position carrying a significant remuneration package.

She is challenging what she describes as a purported and allegedly unlawful decision of the college to terminate her position which, she claimed, was clearly and inextricably linked to complaints she had made to the college principal and the board of governors.

Dr Campbell claims she had not been given any support in dealing with one particularly difficult family in the school.

She alleged she had suffered aggressive conduct from the family concerned, unprecedented in her 33 years of teaching.

She said she had felt increasingly threatened and intimidated.

She said, in a sworn statement, that she had been shocked when called to a disciplinary meeting for conduct causing concern to the board of governors.

She had not been suspended but had been dismissed on October 11 last, which she considered devastating and damaging to her.

The proceedings have been put back for a further week.

St Andrews co-educational and inter-denominational college in Booterstown Avenue, Blackrock, Co Dublin, can boast a famous alumni representative of a whos who in the world of sports, the arts, and politics, including senator David Norris.

Overall the college has 1,300 pupils and 100 teachers and charges fees of 8,290 for enrolment in its junior school, 6,590 for secondary school, and 8,700 for its international baccalaureate degree programme.
He was speaking at the Irish Pharmaceutical Healthcare Associations annual dinner in Dublin last night, where he called on delegates to support Irelands bid to become the new home to the agency.

He said the agency played a vital role in protecting public and animal health by ensuring all medicines available in the EU market are safe. He highlighted the importance of minimising disruption to the agency and its employees post-Brexit.
The countrys largest union is to ballot its 60,000 members on December 1 as it believes the Lansdowne Road agreement is no longer acceptable and a new deal must be struck. It wants discussions to begin before February 1.

Public sector unions have given the Government a fortnight to commit to a new round of negotiations or face a winter of walkouts and protests.

Public Expenditure and Reform Minister Paschal Donohoe has backed the Lansdowne Road agreement, claiming the country cannot afford to fully restore pay at this time, and that services would suffer if pay increased across the board.

The public services committee of the Irish Congress of Trade Unions (Ictu) has demanded a commitment from Government before its next meeting in a fortnight. The Siptu decision to ballot members coincides with this meeting.

If no promise to re-enter talks is received, there would be widespread balloting of public sector workers, with Siptu leading the charge.

Although a process of partial pay restoration has started through the Lansdowne Road agreement, nurses, teachers, junior doctors, and other public workers feel this is not happening quickly enough.

They want an acceleration of pay restoration as they believe the economy has recovered at a far faster rate than expected.

The Lansdowne Road agreement is not due to be re-negotiated until the third quarter of next year, but public unions are demanding this be brought forward.

At a meeting yesterday, the national executive council of Siptu authorised ballots by union members for industrial action and strike action.

Siptu president Jack OConnor had originally set yesterday as a deadline for the Government to come back with a commitment on talks. Ictus public services committee had asked the union to defer a decision on this matter for two weeks to allow for exploratory talks.

In deference to this request, we are asking our various negotiating committees to make their preparations to enable balloting to commence on Thursday, December 1, and thereafter as they consider appropriate, Siptu said in a statement.

It said it had recommended acceptance of extremely difficult choices to members during the downturn. We always made it clear that when circumstances changed we would take whatever action was necessary to retake lost ground.

A spokeswoman for Mr Donohoe said he had met with Ictus public service committee last week, andagreed that further ongoing communication at ministerial and official level would take place. Government has at all times affirmed its commitment to the Lansdowne Road agreement and to doing what is right for the entire country.
Ms Fitzgerald said it was made very clear to the 17 gardai currently waiting to be promoted that the panels they were on would expire when the authority took over.

The gardai will then have to reapply for the posts under the authority.

The Tanaiste was speaking yesterday at a passing-out ceremony for 145 gardai at Templemore Training College.

The Garda Commissioner, Noirin OSullivan, said there were at least eight critical vacancies at senior level and they needed to be filled immediately.

Ms Fitzgerald refused to state whether there would be any positions filled before the regulations are brought in by year-end, transferring the power to the Policing Authority.

Im going to have a discussion first with the commissioner, she said. Ill be examining the critical vacancies that are there and Ill be considering, and the Government will be considering, the precise timeframe.

Probationer gardai watching the recording of their march in the Sports Hall during the passing out ceremony in Garda College, Templemore, Co Tipperary, yesterday. Pictures: Brian Gavin/Press 22

Some 17 gardai were put on a promotion list in July. It is thought the last time a promotion list expired before it was fully executed was 1987.

Referring to the 17 applicants, Ms Fitzgerald said: Anyone who applied knew the panels were going to expire and it was made very clear that once the transfer took place that those panels would expire.

Asked why she had not filled the critical vacancies, Ms Fitzgerald said: There is no reluctance to fill critical vacancies. No one has invested more in An Garda Siochana than myself.

Up to July, I made 32 appointments. I filled all the vacancies there were in An Garda Siochana.

Three vacancies arose in September and I was informed, today, there are a further five vacancies.

Garda Gemma Crampsie, from Letterkenny, Co Donegal, with her mother, Garda Madeline Crampsie, and grandparents Gerry and Greta Daley at the passing out Ceremony in Templemore.

She said there were eight critical vacancies under the Employee Control Framework, set in 2012.

Ms OSullivan referred to remarks she made at the Policing Authority last June, in which she called for the immediate appointment of 46 senior officers, describing them as critical vacancies.

The Government subsequently agreed to 28 of those 46 appointments.

I remain of that view, said Ms OSullivan. We are working with the Department of Justice and the Policing Authority to make sure those vacancies are filled as soon as possible.

A congratulatory kiss at the passing out ceremony yesterday.

Ms OSullivan said there were operational and strategic changes in the organisation since the framework was created, in 2012.

She said the critical vacancies included one assistant commissioner, two chief superintendents, and five superintendents, which, when filled, would have knock-on effects.
Belfast student Kevin McKee, 17, was abducted in the city in October 1972. He was never seen alive by his family again.

His remains were found in bogland at Coughalstown, Wilkinstown, Co Meath, on June 25, 2015, along with another of the Disappeared victims of the Troubles  25-year-old Seamus Wright.

Separate inquests for the pair were convened in Dublin Coroners Court.

In the first hearing before coroner Myra Cullinane, a six-person jury returned a verdict of unlawful killing in the case of Mr McKee.

The court heard the boy from west Belfast was arrested by police in early 1972. He then went missing for months, apparently having travelled to England, amid rumours the IRA were looking for him on suspicion that he had become a British informer. He returned to Belfast late in the summer of 1972 but vanished again a short time later.

Kevins sister, Philomena, told the court her mother Mary died in 2011 having never found her beloved son.

As a child, I used to go out with my mother to look for him, said Ms McKee. She used to sit waiting for him to come home. She suffered from mental health issues since Kevin went missing. Her health deteriorated from then until her death. She used to say: Maybe he went off and married someone and didnt want us to know.

She was mentally tortured. The day they took my brother they took my mother too.

In 1999, the IRA issued a statement admitting involvement in the disappearance of nine people, two of whom were Mr McKee and Mr Wright. The Provisional movement provided further information that their bodies had been buried in bogland in Co Meath.

A number of searches in later years proved fruitless. The bodies were ultimately found inadvertently in June last year on reclaimed bogland near Coughalstown, Co Meath, during a search for another Disappeared victim, Joseph Lynskey.

The remains were found by the Independent Commission for the Location of Victims Remains.

The commission, which was set up by the British and Irish governments in the wake of the Good Friday peace agreement, is tasked with investigating the cases of 16 people killed and secretly buried by republicans during the Troubles.

To date the remains of 12 people have been recovered. Mr Lynskeys remains, along with three others  Robert Nairac, Seamus Ruddy and Columba McVeigh  are yet to be found.

Relatives of other Disappeared victims attended yesterdays hearing. Sean Megraw, whose brother Brendans body was found in 2014, and Maria Lynskey, niece of Joe Lynskey, watched from the public gallery.
The Irish Examiner revealed on Tuesday files relating to mothers and children used in the 4-in-1 vaccine trial in 1960/61 were altered in 2002  just weeks after the Commission to Inquire into Child Abuse sought discovery of records from the religious order running the home.

Mari Steed, who was one of the children used for the trial and whose mothers file was altered, has said she plans to make a formal complaint to both the gardai and the Data Protection Commission.

The Adoption Rights Alliance (ARA) has written to all TDs and senators calling for a response on this very serious matter.

The 1,400 members of ARAs peer support group are deeply concerned about these alterations, and many are worried that their own files have been subject to such changes, said ARA co-founder Claire McGettrick. However, in the absence of information rights, adopted people have no automatic right to access their birth certificates and files, making it extremely difficult for them to ascertain whether or not they were subjected to vaccine trials.

Paul Redmond of the Coalition of Mother and Baby Homes said the revelations were evidence of the need for a full criminal investigation.

The latest series of revelations in about the Sacred Heart nuns altering records both historically and recently are further evidence that there must be a full criminal investigation into the entire Order, he said. The time for inquiries is over.

Kathy McMahon of Irish First Mothers called for all adoption-related files to be fully secured by the State.

The Irish Examiner put a series of questions to the the Sisters of the Sacred Hearts of Jesus and Mary in relation to the document. It declined to answer the specific queries.

A statement from Ruairi O Cathain solicitors, representing the Order, stated that it had no immediate knowledge of any specific event concerning alterations made to records.

We are in contact with the commission in regard to the Mother and Baby Homes Investigation, which is having our full co-operation. For the present, as is appropriate, we will be dealing directly with the commission on all related matters, said a statement.

In a separate statement, the Order said it wished to categorically state that no documents were altered.

In your recent correspondence, you are suggesting that something illegal or inappropriate had occurred in regard to the documents to which you refer, said the statement. This is entirely untrue; and we will continue to deal directly with the official commission on all such matters.
Anne Fennell, aged 57, referred to President Michael D Higgins as a ladyboy on one occasion and on another told the receptionist that the President and Sabrina Higgins would go home in plastic bags if they set foot on English soil.

She made repeated threats to bomb the President over a number of phonecalls in April 2014 and again in October the same year.

Dublin Circuit Criminal Court also heard evidence of a campaign of harassment against Fennells parish priest. The man received numerous nuisance calls and she also ordered taxis and takeaways to his home.

Fennell, of Monastery Gate Green, Clondalkin, Dublin, pleaded guilty to making persistent annoying phonecalls and sending obscene or menacing phone messages to Aras an Uachtarain, the Department of Finance, the European Commission Representation, An Post Dublin Mail Centre, and the constituency offices of TDs Alan Kelly, Aodhan O Riordain, and Noel Coonan, between February 2 and December 1, 2014.

She also pleaded guilty to harassing Fr Desmond Byrne at an address in Clondalkin between September and October 2006. Fennell has no previous convictions.

The court heard the entire area around Dail Eireann had to be searched on November 18, 2014, when Fennell called to say there would be a bomb at the main gate. The parliamentary usher who took the call later told gardai that Fennell, a former An Post worker, had hung up screaming.

Judge Melanie Greally yesterday noted Fennell had abused people in frightening and voracious terms and that many of the threats had to be regarded as serious and resources had to be expended to satisfy the authorities that they were bogus. The later offences were committed while on bail.

Judge Greally said she did not think Fennell would benefit from being incarcerated and noted her very complex and unfortunate psychological history.

She imposed consecutive sentences totalling five years which she suspended in full and ordered 18 months probation supervision to include availing of psychiatric and therapeutic services within the community.
Ciara Sheehan, the injured party, testified: We were talking in the front room. I was standing in front of the window. I heard a loud bang. We ran towards the kitchen. I felt my throat was getting all tight, my face was burning. I touched my neck, there was blood on my hands. That is when I realised I got shot in the neck.

Dylan [Ms Sheehans boyfriend] brought me to his mams car in the back and we drove to the CUH. I had surgery twice, the bullet was still stuck in my neck. I was five or six days in hospital.

Gavin Sheehan, aged 30, of 7 Laurel Ridge, Shanakiel, Cork, has pleaded not guilty to charges against him arising out of the incident.

Opening the case to a jury of seven women and five men, Donal OSullivan, prosecuting, said they would hear things by way of background to the case such as someone being punched and windows being broken but that these were not the subject of charges.

He said there were two neighbouring estates on the northern side of Cork city between Blarney Rd and Harbour View Rd, namely Laurel Ridge and Hollywood estate, and that there was a dispute going on between Mr Sheehan and members of the Cunningham family, of 37 Hollywood estate.

On Saturday, May 14, Dylan Cunningham was in Dinos chipper in Blackpool with his girlfriend, Ciara Sheehan, when Mr Sheehan came in and there was a punch thrown. Ms Sheehan said Mr Sheehan asked Mr Cunningham for his phone number in the chipper, punched him once, and then walked out.

Mr OSullivan said that, at around midnight, there was a series of events including the smashing of windows at 37 Hollywood estate and 7 Laurel Ridge.

A shot is fired at 37 Hollywood estate, Mr OSullivan said. The curtains are closed, the lights are on. Ciara Sheehan ended up being shot in her neck. She had to be operated upon and a bullet removed from her neck.

The prosecution says the person who fired the shot in the window is Gavin Sheehan and by doing so he assaulted Ciara Sheehan causing her serious harm.

Mr OSullivan said the evidence against the accused would be circumstantial evidence such as CCTV, including CCTV from the defendants own home. On the basis of a number of video cameras, Mr OSullivan said: Gavin Sheehan left his home, fired a shot through a window, left the scene and came back to his home from a different direction. That fundamentally is the States case.

Gavin Sheehan, of Laurel Ridge, Shanakiel, Cork, who has pleaded not guilty to charges against him.

The first charge states that, at his home at Laurel Ridge on May 15, Mr Sheehan had in his possession a Smith and Wesson 60.96 semi-automatic firearm giving rise to a reasonable inference that he did not have it in his possession for a lawful purpose.

Secondly, he is charged with possession of a single 9 millimetre calibre round of ammunition at Hollywood estate, Blarney Rd, on the same date.

The third charge states that he discharged a firearm, being reckless as to whether any person was injured or not on Sunday, May 15, at Hollywood estate.

The fourth charge is one of assault causing serious harm, where he intentionally or recklessly assaulted Ms Sheehan causing her serious harm.

Mr Sheehan pleaded not guilty to each of those four charges.

In front of the jury panel, he pleaded guilty to two criminal damage charges, where he caused criminal damage to the front windows of 57 Harbour View Rd, and also damaged the windows of this householders car.

A jury was empanelled for the trial of Mr Sheehan on the four charges to which he pleaded not guilty.

The trial before Judge Sean O Donnabhain and the jury continues on Monday. One of the men on the jury was discharged and the case is continuing before 11 jurors.
WETLANDS, forests, and oceans absorb and store carbon, which makes them a vital asset for countries pursuing the Paris climate agreements targets for reducing CO2 emissions. So how can we use them most effectively?

The Paris accord was concluded by 196 governments last December, and came into force earlier this month. Its signatories met in Marrakesh, Morocco, for the annual United Nations climate change conference. Several conference events specifically focus on how countries can use natural systems to meet their CO2-reduction targets.

While the climate-change challenge is immense, so, too, is the opportunity to accelerate sustainable development and ensure a better future for everyone on the planet.

Under the Paris agreement, governments have committed to reducing their carbon emissions drastically, in order to keep global warming below 2C. The vast majority of signatory countries have already presented national action plans for achieving this goal, and these plans will become more ambitious over time.

These nationally determined contributions include renewable-energy targets and proposals for sustainable transportation, energy efficiency, and education. In addition, countries should consider adopting policies to manage natural capital better.

The Paris agreement itself recognises the important role that natural ecosystems play in limiting the amount of carbon in the atmosphere, and governments should not neglect such powerful tools.

Governments will need to take action to conserve existing ecosystems  and restore and expand degraded ecosystems  in people-friendly ways. This is particularly true of wetlands, which include all land areas  such as lakes, floodplains, peatlands, mangroves, and coral reefs  that are covered with water, either seasonally or permanently.

Peatlands are particularly important. Though they cover only 3% of the worlds total surface area, they store twice as much carbon as all forests combined. Peatland soils are composed of carbon  in the form of decomposed plant material  that has accumulated for thousands of years; and when peatlands are drained or burned, that carbon is released into the atmosphere.

In fact, draining peatlands releases two times more carbon into the atmosphere than the aviation industry does.

In 2015, fires raged across Indonesias forested peatlands, raising concerns worldwide about how much carbon was being released into the atmosphere, to say nothing of the far-reaching health effects.

Indonesias government estimates that peatland fires and deforestation alone account for more than 60% of the countrys total greenhouse-gas emissions.

Conserving and restoring peatlands could significantly reduce global CO2 emissions, which is why, in 2015, the Nordic Council of Ministers announced a commitment to preserve the regions peatlands. Almost half of Nordic countries peatlands have been lost, and this ecosystem degradation contributes 25% of their total carbon emissions.

The Paris agreement entered fully into force in less than a year. This indicates that there is global momentum for concrete action to address the causes of climate change, as well as its effects, such as the disastrous floods, water shortages, and droughts already afflicting many countries.

That sense of urgency is not surprising. According to UN-Water, 90% of all natural hazards are water-related, and they will increase in frequency and intensity as climate change worsens.

But natural systems can mitigate them: Wetlands act as sponges that reduce flooding and delay the onset of droughts; and mangroves, salt marshes, and coral reefs all act as buffers that protect against storm surges. And wetlands, oceans, and forests do far more than just absorb and store carbon; they also provide fresh water, and are a food source for nearly three billion people.

Countries have a readymade platform that they can use for their future wetland-conservation efforts. The Ramsar Convention on Wetlands, an intergovernmental treaty under which 169 countries have committed to conserve and sustainably manage their wetlands, is an ideal vehicle to help them reach their CO2-reduction targets, as well as meet the UN Sustainable Development Goals for 2030.

The Paris agreements long-term objective is to achieve climate neutrality  no net greenhouse-gas emissions  in the second half of this century. Climate neutrality is necessary to keep global warming below 2C; to reach it, we must reduce emissions to the point that they can be fully and easily absorbed by nature. This was the natural cycle for millions of years before anthropogenic climate change began.

Climate neutrality can be achieved through political willpower, imaginative policies, new green technologies and clean-energy sources, and a multi-trillion-dollar shift in investment toward sustainable economic sectors and infrastructure.

In addition, these measures success requires cost-effective investment in conservation efforts and expansion of natural capital. Only nature-based systems such as wetlands and forests can truly guarantee success  and a clean, prosperous future.

Martha Rojas-Urrego is secretary-general of the Ramsar Convention on Wetlands. Patricia Espinosa is executive secretary of the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change. Copyright: Project Syndicate, 2016.
Oh, how we have all  most of us anyway  been proved absolutely wrong. Oh, how groupthink seduced us into imagining that America would never elect the bizarre and odious Trump, but lets try to learn the lesson about how dangerous it is to ignore a threat until it is too late.

In recent days a Dublin hotel cancelled a booking by The National Party, where the party had planned to host an information meeting.
Burma Analysis: Dealing With Defamation

Eleven Media Group executive Wai Phyo arrives at Rangoons Tamwe Township police station. / J Paing / The Irrawaddy

RANGOON  After being detained, Eleven Media Group executives Than Htut Aung and Wai Phyo asked the government to abolish Article 66(d) of the Telecommunications Law under which they have been charged by the Rangoon divisional government.

The two men made the statement to an applauding crowd at a police station in Tamwe Township on Nov. 11, and other media outlets have since issued similar statements calling for an end to the statute.

However, Eleven Media Group itself has sued individuals on several occasions under the controversial law, which states that defamationthrough the use of a telecommunications networkcan be punished with imprisonment.

Writer Sithu Aung Myint, one of the individuals against whom Eleven Media has brought such charges, hit back on social media, suggesting that in order to support press freedom, other media groups should have been critical of such lawsuits even when Eleven Media was the plaintiff, and not only the defendant.

Article 66(d) dates back to the military-backed administration of former President Thein Sein, yet the law continues to be used by security forces to punish those critical of them, even in the seven months since the civilian-led National League for Democracy (NLD) government came to power.

According to a statement issued by PEN Myanmar, 29 people have been charged this year under the statute, whereas only three individuals were jailed for it under the previous government.

Many of the cases were put forward by the Burma Army in response to statements made about the Tatmadaw on social media. Those then charged under the article are denied bail, even while the case is under investigation.

Legal Response

Lawyer Robert San Aung pointed out that Burma has yet to develop laws related to the use of the internet. Article 66(d) should be amended first, he said, and then abolished once the country adopts an updated cyber law.

Until it can be abolished, a starting point for amendment could be a provision that allows the accused to be released on bail while an investigation is carried out, Robert San Aung told The Irrawaddy. During 2016, he has represented three defendants who were charged under the lawone was found not guilty, but two were imprisoned.

We have to be careful when we write for media or post things on Facebook. Wed better have accurate information when we do it. If not, it could be a problem, he said, given the current legal landscape.

One of the criticisms of Article 66(d), according to Linda Lakhdhir, a legal advisor for the Asia Division of Human Rights Watch, is that the language used in the law is so broad and vague that it is unclear what exactly is prohibited.

While the English translations of the law vary slightly, in every translation I have seen the terms are lacking in clarity, she explained. Laws restricting speech must be written clearly so that people can tell whether or not what they want to say will violate the law, and section 66(d) does not meet that standard.

As a result, Lakhdhir lamented that people might opt not to speak out rather than risk being charged with a violation.

Even the fact that defamation is deemed a criminal offense by Article 66(d) is problematic, she added, defining the term legally as a false statement that hurts another persons reputation. There is a growing consensus in the international community that remedies for defamation should be civil, rather than criminal, Lakhdhir explained.

Ideally, a person who feels they have been defamed should be able to bring a civil suit seeking an apology, or a correction or, where they can prove monetary harm, monetary damages that are limited to the amount of the harm, she said.

Future Action

Myo Myint Nyein, an honorary member of PEN International, told The Irrawaddy that journalists must take responsibility for their own news and respect journalistic ethics; the government, he added, should release those currently being detained in violation of the controversial article.

For media like us, we need to monitor the situation, he said, referring to any future political action taken surrounding 66(d). [The media] needs to educate the public about it. Many people agree that this article needs to be abolished. Parliament needs to review it.

Myo Myint Nyeins organization, PEN Myanmar, takes the position that Burma should not have an article like 66(d), and since the laws approval in 2013, the organization, along with other rights groups, has been lobbying to have it abolished.
Burma Govt Alleges Rohingya Detainees Underwent Terrorist Training

A family stands beside remains of a market that was set on fire, in a Rohingya village outside Maungdaw, Arakan State. / Soe Zeya Tun / Reuters

RANGOON  The Burmese government alleged on Thursday that people involved in a series of deadly border police outpost attacks in northern Arakan State earlier last month were forced to undergo terrorist training.

According to a statement released by the State Counselors Office Information Committee, four detainees suspected of involvement in the attacks and arrested during government army clearance operations said during an interrogation that they were recruited under intimidation and the threat of execution to join the training by foreign Muslim extremists.

They said they would shoot me or cut my throat and kill me if I did not do their course. Twenty people from our village had to attend the course, which was conducted at the back of the Mayin Mountain, said the release, quoting Jarbuman, a suspect who was detained from Pwintphyuchaung village on Nov. 12.

The statement added that the Rohingya had set fire to their own villages, a theory viewed skeptically by most outside observers.

The release quoted another detainee, Mammud Iserlan, stating that the Muslim cleric at the local mosque told villagers that people from Bangladesh would come soon and urged the villagers to cooperate with them to attack the government troops, which would never recognize them as Rohingya.

The some 1.1 million Rohingya Muslims are a persecuted minority in Burma. Many view them as interlopers from Bangladesh despite having lived in the country for generations.

He also said that one person from each household had to join in the attacks. Otherwise, all family members would have their throats slashed, the government release stated.

The Irrawaddy could not independently confirm any of the information provided in the release.

Shobir Ahmed, a Maungdaw resident, told The Irrawaddy on Friday that the government statement was a fabrication and he had not heard about the forced recruitment of any of the locals.

Some people joined the training of their own volition, he said, adding that it was the army who set fire to the villages.

Since the border guard post attacks on Oct. 9, the government has been accused of arson and extrajudicial killings in the area. The government denies these allegations.

On Friday, Human Rights Watch said the governments Thursday statement should be treated as spurious as security forces are prohibiting any access to the media or independent investigators.

There is no doubt the conflict between armed militants and government forces has escalated and that police and army personnel face grave danger, but claiming terrorist training of civilians threatens to turn every person into a target, which could have disastrous results, increased casualties, and sadly, increased resistance by local inhabitants, David Mathieson, the senior researcher on Burma in the Asia Division of Human Rights Watch, told The Irrawaddy.

As of Thursday, 302 suspects have been arrested and 69 were killed during the clashes between militants and government security forces. The government has lost 17 security forces, according to Presidents Office spokesperson U Zaw Htay.

Additional reporting by Lawi Weng
Burma Irrawaddy Dolphin Victim of Electric Shock Fishing

The body of a pregnant dolphin washes up on the banks of the Irrawaddy River in Sagaing Division. / Irrawaddy Dolphin Conservation Team / Facebook

RANGOON  The body of a pregnant dolphin found dead on the banks of the Irrawaddy River in Sagaing Division this week has resurfaced the issue of illegal electric shock fishing in Burma.

The 30-year-old dolphin who was eight-months pregnant died from an electric shock in a protected area of the river near Kyauk Myaung town said U Kyaw Hla Thein, a project coordinator with Wildlife Conservation Society (WCS) Myanmars dolphin conservation team.

When we examined the body, we found it was not a natural death from childbirth or from ageing and there was no injury from being trapped in a net, he said. So we are sure it was death from electrocution.

This is the third river dolphin to be found dead this yearone dolphin was found trapped in a fishing net in August and a younger dolphin died of unknown causes earlier in the year.

The Irrawaddy river dolphin population had been declining significantly in recent years.

According to WCS data, 86 dolphins were counted in the protection zone in 2012, but just 63 in 2014 and only 58 in 2015.

Numbers may be on the rise, however, as 65 dolphinsincluding three babieswere found during a survey in February this year.

We have been focusing on Irrawaddy dolphin conservation efforts as their numbers reached critical condition, said U Kyaw Hla Thein from WCS. Illegal electric shock fishing has contributed to the decline in dolphins.

According to the Department of Fisheries under the rural development ministry, electric shock fishing is banned with violators at risk of a 300,000 kyats fine or a three-year prison sentence.

U Kyaw Hla Thein said that a team comprised of representatives from the WCS, the Department of Fisheries and the police force will step up their river patrols, which are currently conducted once every two months.
Burma Ma Ba Thas U Wirathu: Trump Similar to Me

US President-elect Donald Trump and Burmas nationalist Monk U Wirathu / Reuters and The Irrawaddy

MANDALAY Shunned by Burmas new government and its Buddhist hierarchy, a nationalist monk blamed for whipping up at times bloody anti-Muslim fervor said he feels vindicated by US voters who elected Donald Trump to be president.

U Wirathu, a high-profile leader of the Burma Buddhist organization known as Ma Ba Tha, drew parallels between his views on Islam and those of the Republican president-elect. Trumps campaign was rife with anti-Muslim rhetoric and proposals that included banning Muslims from entering the country and heightening surveillance of mosques. The form his actual policies will take remains unclear.

We were blamed by the world, but we are just protecting our people and country, U Wirathu said.  The world singled us out as narrow-minded. But as people from the country that is the grandfather of democracy and human rights elected Donald Trump, who is similar to me in prioritizing nationalism, there will be less finger-pointing from the international community.

He even floated the idea of cooperating with nationalist groups in the US.

In America, there can be organizations like us who are protecting against the dangers of Islamization. Those organizations can come to organizations in Burma to get suggestions or discuss, he said in an interview at his monastery in Mandalay on Nov. 12.

Burma doesnt really need to get suggestions from other countries. But they can get ideas from Burma.

U Wirathu has been accused of inciting violence with hate-filled, anti-Islamic rhetoric in this Southeast Asian, Buddhist-majority country of about 55 million. Buddhist-led riots left more than 200 people dead in 2012 and forced hundreds of thousands more to flee their homes, most of them Muslim Rohingya in Arakan state.

Anti-Rohingya sentiment remains high in Burma. Members of the ethnic group are widely considered to have immigrated illegally from nearby Bangladesh, though many Rohingya families have lived in Burma for generations.

At the same time, U Wirathus influence has weakened in the past year. He threw his support behind the military-backed government ahead of elections in November 2015, only to see the former ruling party fall to Aung San Suu Kyis National League for Democracy in a landslide.

In July, a senior NLD official in Rangoon said that Ma Ba Tha, also known as the Committee to Protect Race and Religion, was not needed. Calls for the official to be disciplined went unanswered. In the same month, the countrys official Buddhist clergy publicly distanced itself from the group.

Ma Ba Tha fades with barely a whimper, read a headline in the English-language Myanmar Times in August.

U Wirathu said he has no plans of fading into obscurity.

This government doesnt want our Ma Ba Tha, he said, seated behind a desk in a saffron robe as several aides took photos and video of his pronouncements. But the NLDs attempt to thwart the group will be hard for them, he added, as Ma Ba Tha is not breaking any laws.

Currently, we are waiting and looking at the situation as this government has only been here a short time and they dont know how to manage, he said. So we are not doing anything like campaigning or protesting to impact the government. But we will hold meetings, issue statements, help in our role.

For example, he said, his members have been distributing food in northern Arakan State.

Scores of Rohingya and some Burma troops have been killed in northern Arakan since suspected militants attacked border posts last month, killing nine police officers. Rohingya activists say innocent villagers are being killed, but the government says it is only fighting violent attackers. International media and aid groups have been kept away.
Burma Motorcycle Ban to Continue in Rangoon

Two men ride on a motorcycle in the outskirts of Rangoon. / The Irrawaddy

RANGOON  The local government will continue its ban on motorcycles in Rangoon Division for road safety reasons, deputy minister of the Ministry of Transportation and Communication U Kyaw Myo told the Lower House of Parliament on Thursday.

Lawmaker U Nyan Linwho represents Rangoons Shwepyitha Township in the Lower Houseasked during the parliamentary session if the government would allow motorcycles in new satellite townships such as Shwepyitha and Hlaingthaya and other areas with less traffic congestion.

The deputy minister, quoting the Rangoon regional government, said the government would not grant motorcycle licenses or allow motorcycle riding in populous suburban townships in Rangoon according to the ban introduced in April 1991.

Shwepyitha and Hlaingthaya are among the townships in the Rangoon municipality where motorcycle riding is banned, said deputy minister U Kyaw Myo.

In early October, however, Rangoon regional governments minister of electricity, industry, roads, and transportation Daw Nilar Kyaw responded to a question concerning official permission for motorcycle licenses and dealers in the outskirts of Rangoon that it was completing reviews on rules and regulations related to setting territories for motorcycle riding.

Burma has an estimated four million registered motorcycles in the country, based on official figures, and many more are imported illegally.
Burma Parliamentary Committee Introduces Changes to Controversial Article 66(d)

Eleven Media Group executives U Than Htut Aung and U Wai Phyo arrived at Rangoons Tamwe Township Police Station on Friday afternoon. Their case will now proceed to court. / J Paing / The Irrawaddy

Parliament does not plan to scrap the controversial Article 66 (d) of the Telecommunications Law but will introduce some changes, according to the Lower House Transportation and Communication Committee.

We plan to reduce the harsh penalties [prescribed in the law] but we wont annul it. We will make necessary amendments, said U Nay Pu Ba Swe, the secretary of the committee.

The Bill Committee, Legal Affairs and Special Cases Assessment Commission, and Citizens Fundamental Rights Committee of Parliament will join a meeting on Tuesday during which the Bill Committee will propose changes.

The Irrawaddy interviewed several lawmakers and most of them agreed that Article 66 (d) was undemocratic, but that the law should remain in effect considering the countrys current situation.

Article 66(d) of Burmas Telecommunications Law states that anyone found guilty of extorting, coercing, restraining wrongfully, defaming, disturbing, causing undue influence or threatening any person by using any telecommunications network shall be punished with a maximum three years in prison, a fine, or both.

Lower House lawmaker U Lwin Ko Latt said that although checks and balances are exercised among four pillarsexecutive, legislative, and judicial branches, and the mediain a typical democratic system, all of these groups still have weaknesses within the countrys nascent democracy, and therefore certain laws are needed to ensure a balanced distribution of power.

I dont agree with revoking it. But I also dont agree with exploiting this law to oppress people. If [concerned parties] abide by their ethics, these [law] articles will no longer need to be applied, U Lwin Ko Latt told The Irrawaddy.

The [maximum penalty of a] three-year jail term is too much, he added, suggesting that this article should only be applied after negotiations fail between the government and the media.

Upper House lawmaker U Aung Thein said that laws like Article 66(d) are needed to control people who abuse freedom of expression.

These laws are needed to control people who are swearing, but not speaking freely. If Article 66(d) were repealed, citizens would be subjected to defamation by those who would abuse freedom of expression, said the lawmaker.

But Lower House lawmaker U Nay Myo Tun said Article 66(d) does not serve the interest of any citizen.

Even if that law continues to be applied, it should be relaxed and bail should be granted. Currently, you can write what you feel online, be sued and be unable to apply for bail. Its like you are punished in advance. Its a bit harsh, said U Nay Myo Tun, who is also a member of the Bill Committee.

In defamation cases, the government can choose to sue the media under the media law, Section 505 of the Penal Code or other communication laws. It is unacceptable that it opts to sue under Article 66(d) of the Telecommunications Law, which does not allow bail and carries a tough punishment, said Lower House lawmaker U Pe Than.

In our country, new laws and provisions are enacted that overrule previous laws. This allows people to sue under more serious charges. This article should be scrapped once and for all, said U Pe Than.

Translated from Burmese by Thet Ko Ko
Burma Zaykabar Groups U Khin Shwe to Open Private Museum

Proposed design for a Rangoon Division museum housing businessman U Khin Shwes collection of antiques. / Zaykabar Museum / Facebook

RANGOON  U Khin Shwe, chairman of the Zaykabar Group of Companies, announced plans to open a private museum in Rangoons Mingaladon Township in which to showcase his collection of antiques, art and natural history artifacts.

Around three acres has been allocated for the project, which is awaiting approval for construction from the Yangon City Development Committee (YCDC) and is set to be completed in two years.

The museum will hold paintings from the time of King ThibawBurmas last reigning monarchPyu-era pottery, stuffed primates from Upper Burma, and 40,000-50,000 other rare items.

The government alone could not handle the maintenance of antiques, so private sector involvement is required right now. Thats why Im collecting these old things to display in the museum, U Khin Shwe told The Irrawaddy, highlighting how many historic items have already been sold to neighboring countries like Thailand.

Also in the collection are preserved turtles, sharks, a crocodile and now-extinct fish. Religious relics, including Buddha statues, will be on display as well. Until the museum opens, U Khin Shwe explained that he is storing the antiques in Zaykabar-owned buildings.

The museum structure was designed by a French architectural firm and will be constructed by a local company, ACE. U Khin Shwe said that the Ministry of Religious Affairs and Culture has already given its approval for the museum, and he is waiting for the YCDC to sign off on the plan.

The Mingaladon museum could be the biggest private museum in Asia, U Khin Shwe speculated. The biggest in Burma is the government-run National Museum in the capital, Naypyidaw.

A former Union Solidarity and Development Party parliamentarian in the previous military-backed government, U Khin Shwe was featured on the USs Specially Designated Nationals list for more than ten years. He saw his name removed with the lifting of sanctions by the White House in October, a move deemed controversial by rights groups who criticize the lack of transparency in the business landscape and continued involvement in the economy by individuals and companies with military ties.
Politics Parliament to Discuss Legal Protection for Domestic Workers

A boy works at a seafood export factory in Hlaingtharyar Industrial Zone, outside Rangoon, on February 19, 2016. One in five children in Burma aged 10-17 go to work instead of school, according to figures from a census report on employment published in January. / Soe Zeya Tun / Reuters

The Lower House of Parliament will discuss a motion next week urging the National League for Democracy (NLD) government to provide greater protection for laborers, including domestic workers.

The move follows publicity created by recent abuse cases including that of two enslaved underage housemaids in the Ava tailor shop in downtown Rangoon. Other cases of torture and rights abuses have been reported across the country, concerning child workers in particular.

Daw Aye Mya Mya Myo, an NLD Lower House lawmaker from Rangoons Kyauktan constituency, proposed the motion on Thursday, urging the Union government to intervene in instances of forced labor and violence perpetrated by employers. The move also recommends that domestic workers require a permit to gain employment, in an effort to crack down on child labor and domestic enslavement.

In order to prevent those vulnerable women and children from forced labor and torture, and to protect them by law, a workplace assessment should be done thoroughly, Daw Aye Mya Mya Myo said. It is an immediate need for them to be in a safe working environment.

Disputes between employers and employees are frequent, as regulations go unenforced and employees often lack knowledge of their own rights, she explained in Thursdays parliamentary session.

Daw Aye Mya Mya Myo also highlighted how problems can be created for both parties when no employment contract exists between domestic workers and their employers.

In Burma, there is no specific legislation protecting domestic workers, who are largely young girls and women, despite the fact that they are regarded as paid workers in accordance with the countrys Minimum Wage Law enacted in 2013.

Quoting a 2014 census figure, Daw Aye Mya Mya Myo said that around 22 million people in Burma make up the workforce, out of a population of more than 33 million over age 15.

According to Burmas 1993 Child Law, children 14 to 18 years old are allowed to work no more than four hours per day and are entitled to protection.

Accustomed to a so-called tradition of having children work, either to support their own family businesses or to alleviate poverty, Burma has a huge number of underage workers in factories, teashops, sweatshops and in homes as maids.

Children between the ages of 10 and 17 years old are more than 800,000 in number in Burma. Daw Aye Mya Mya Myo referenced an independent survey suggesting that the number of working children, aged between 5 and 17 years old, had reached nearly 1.3 million. Amongst them, it is estimated that over 600,000 are in workplaces deemed dangerous.

Although Burma has been a member of the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child (UNCRC) since 1991which intends to protect children from exploitation, dangerous workplaces and to ensure their educational, cultural and social rightsthe lawmaker acknowledged that it is not yet possible to eliminate child labor in the country.

But it is an immediate need to protect those who are in the workplace for various reasons, she added, emphasizing the importance of raising awareness about labor rights.

U Thein Nyunt, a Rangoon lawyer and a former outspoken Lower House parliamentarian, said that the drafting of a protection law for domestic workers should have been done long ago. If a bill follows Daw Aye Mya Mya Myos motion, he said it must be effective in eliminating rights abuses, including torture and sexual assault.

I have talked about it in past years, notably when there was a discussion about employment abroad and protection for [Burmese] housemaids who work in foreign countries, he said. Not only for domestic workers going abroadthe new law is needed for those working inside our country.
Friday, November 18th, 2016 (8:38 am) - Score 2,293

Six million customers of mobile operator Three UK could be at risk after the provider admitted that a database of users (those eligible for a phone upgrade) was breached. Three people have already been arrested in connection with the situation, but the operator has done little to inform users.

A quick visit to Three UKs website this morning reveals no mention of the situation and its a similar story on their Facebook and Twitter pages, all of which are devoid of related updates. Meanwhile plenty of customers, many of whom are angry that the mainstream news learnt of the breach before they did, are clamouring for information.

At this stage what we know is that hackers or fraudsters used authorised logins to access Three UKs internal customer database, which contained the names, phone numbers, addresses and dates of birth (no mention of account passwords.. yet) for 6 million of the operators 9 million customers in the United Kingdom.

Mercifully the database, which listed customers who are eligible for a handset upgrade, did not contain any financial data (NO credit card numbers etc.).

A Spokesperson for Three UK said (Telegraph): Over the last four weeks Three has seen an increasing level of attempted handset fraud. This has been visible through higher levels of burglaries of retail stores and attempts to unlawfully intercept upgrade devices. Weve been working closely with the Police and relevant authorities. To date, we have confirmed approximately 400 high value handsets have been stolen through burglaries and eight devices have been illegally obtained through the upgrade activity. The investigation is ongoing and we have taken a number of steps to further strengthen our controls. In order to commit this type of upgrade handset fraud, the perpetrators used authorised logins to Threes upgrade system. This upgrade system does not include any customer payment, card information or bank account information.

The fact that no financial data was accessed is somewhat moot since the fraudsters can still use the exposed information to scam Three UKs customers, such as by either impersonating support agents or placing orders for the upgraded phones and then intercepting the parcels as they arrive (these phones are then resold). Customers appear to have reported both types of fraud.

At this stage Three UK is still investigating and as such they do not know if all of the exposed customer details were stolen from their servers or if the activity was more targeted. The issue itself only came to light after customers began reporting a rise in related scams.

Apparently three men have already been arrested in connection with the breach, including one 35-year-old man who was arrested on suspicion of attempting to pervert the course of justice. The other two men were a little older and both were arrested under suspicion of breaching the Computer Misuse Act.

A few more details from Three UK would be nice, but so far they dont appear to be taking a leaf out of TalkTalks more open book approach. Mind you TalkTalk still ended up being fined 400,000 by the ICO (here).

UPDATE 8:56am

After some prodding Three UK has put out a statement to customers, albeit so far only via their Facebook page.

Three UK Statement to Customers Were aware of an attempted fraud issue regarding upgrade devices and are working with police and relevant authorities on the matter. The objective was to steal high-end smartphones from Three, but weve already put measures in place to stop the fraudulent activity. Wed like to reassure customers that their financial details are not at risk. We are investigating how many customers are affected and will be contacting them as soon as possible. Well update with further information once we have this.

UPDATE 19th Nov 2016

The CEO of Three UK has confirmed that information from 133,827 customer accounts was obtained but no bank details, passwords, pin numbers, payment information or credit/debit card information were stored on the upgrade system in question.
Intel CEO Brian Krzanich recently made the controversial statement that data is the new oil. The implication is that data is trending and gaining in power. However, Id argue that data has always had the potential to be more powerful than oil and that what is changing isnt its value but our ability to make use of it. Regardless of how you approach this argument, Intel is in a good position to benefit from this change, but likely needs to play an even bigger role to assure its survival, and ours.

Lets chat about that this week because I dont think we talk about the downside of data enough to prevent it.

Oil vs. Data: The Differences

Oil is a limited resource; it forms the basis for a lot of the doom and gloom predictions for the future, either causing global warming and killing off the race or becoming scarce, resulting in a Mad Max kind of wasteland where owning it is the difference between life and death. It is made up of the organic material of the creatures that came thousands of years before us and we probably should have left it buried and considered other forms of energy from the start as it currently forms a rather impressive economic barrier between us and any cleaner, renewable, alternative because it is cheap. Oil has value even if it isnt refined, but refining increases its energy yield and, potentially, reduces the environmental damage it does.

We have always had more data than we could reasonably make use of and, alone, it is virtually worthless. It is only when it is refined through analysis that it becomes valuable. Then, depending on the outcome, it can become a great asset or a massive liability. On the asset side, it can be used as a tool to lengthen lives, increase happiness, and assure the proliferation of the race. On the liability side, it can be used to start wars, develop weapons of mass destruction, and perhaps eventually lead to the destruction of the planet. The recent U.S. election wasnt decided on votes but on the data that the votes represent, and there remains a relatively high probability that some percentage of that data was false due largely to the poor security surrounding the voting process and state-level attacks.

Data vs. Oil: The Similarities

Neither data nor oil is inherently good or bad. They just are. Their evolution into something that does harm or good mostly has to do with what we do with them. As a lubricant or even the source of heat, as it existed before the industrial revolution, oil largely had no downside. It wasnt until oil was shifted to mass use for industrial power and shortages started wars that it became more of a problem than an asset.

Data initially was mostly used formally to track accounts and commerce. Yes, it was also used for intelligence, but largely so one army or firm could outperform another, and mostly focused on things that could be quantified because counting was easy. As with oil, whether it is used for harm or good has to do with what we do with it. For instance, the data on WMDs out of Iraq could have been used to prevent a war and the destabilization of the Middle East, but it was misused and it helped cause a war expensive in lives, money and influence.

Of the two, data has been and will always be the more powerful because it is a greater force multiplier. Yes, refined oil powers most of the major weapons manufacturing and delivery systems in the world, but data tells us where to place them, and wars have always been won or lost more by placement than by quantity of weapons. In the recent U.S. presidential election, Hillary Clinton was massively better provisioned than Donald Trump, yet his better placement in the last 10 days resulted in an upset win, showcasing the power of data that I think most still dont get.

Sadly, we often focus more on the amount of data rather than the accuracy of it, and I still dont think that bodes well for our future.

Wrapping Up: Intels Role with Data

Intel is the leading core technology company behind analysis, basically data refining; its products are at the heart of turning data into the information that has and will change the world. But like a weapons dealer, it currently doesnt have much say over how the information is used. Data acquisition, bias, or pre- or post- data corruption are all things outside of Intels control at the moment. Yet these are the elements that will likely define whether we mostly benefit or are mostly harmed by this next industrial revolution. Andy Grove was a big believer in assuring a positive outcome and after he left Intel worked tirelessly to try to convince politicians to do the right thing. Sadly, and generally, he failed, but I wonder whether tech firms like Intel will take up his sword and shield to continue his battle. Krzanich may, as he has shown an interest in the bigger picture.

Intel is at the heart of the artificial intelligence (AI) revolution; it could be instrumental in assuring that we survive and flourish as a result of it, rather than get squished by it. Lets hope this firm, and its peers, take the right path.

In the end, data isnt the new oil. It has always been, and always will be, vastly more powerful. However, even more than oil, the quality of our lives may depend on what we do with it.

Rob Enderle is President and Principal Analyst of the Enderle Group, a forward-looking emerging technology advisory firm. With over 30 years experience in emerging technologies, he has provided regional and global companies with guidance in how to better target customer needs; create new business opportunities; anticipate technology changes; select vendors and products; and present their products in the best possible light. Rob covers the technology industry broadly. Before founding the Enderle Group, Rob was the Senior Research Fellow for Forrester Research and the Giga Information Group, and held senior positions at IBM and ROLM. Follow Rob on Twitter @enderle, on Facebook and on Google+
"General Hospital" is safe, at least for now. On Wednesday, Nov. 16, ABC announced the renewal of the daytime soap following the increase in viewership last March. Based on the latest cast rumors, Bryan Craig plans to come back to Port Charles. While this may seem to be good news, there is trouble brewing in GH as there are also reports that Matt Cohen, who plays the role of Griffin Munro, could be leaving the show.

"General Hospital" Renewal

"General Hospital" ratings have been great for the past months drawing about 2.2 million viewers each day, but fans were still afraid that ABC will ax the show. Last year, the network decided to end two soap operas in the network, namely, "All My Children" and "One Life to Live." Owing to the respectable ratings and the new boss for ABC daytime, Vicki Drummer, the network approved the renewal of "General Hospital."

Matt Cohen Leaving For "Criminal Minds: Beyond Borders"?

The latest buzz indicates that Cohen, who landed a primetime gig on CBS police procedural "Criminal Minds: Beyond Border," will leave "General Hospital" to concentrate on his new show. Although guesting in a series for an episode or two is not unusual, it seems that GH will be losing Munro soon since the show's producer is eyeing Cohen as a CMBB regular.

Munro is among the most important characters in GH at the moment and if he does leave for primetime, the network needs to fill that void. Aside from Munro, Anthony Morgan who plays the role of Dr. Andre Maddox might also leave the soap for a sci-fi series. With the two actors gone, Port Charles will not be the same.

No Bryan Craig Comeback

The past few episodes of "General Hospital" have been very emotional as the show focused on Morgan Corinthos' funeral following Craig's exit. Craig left the show after landing a role in a movie about the BMX rider John Buultjens where he plays the role of the main protagonist's good friend Jack. Although there are some fans who want him back on the soap, Craig's character would remain dead, unless there is a recast.

Despite what the rumors say, Craig has no plans of returning to "General Hospital" as of the moment. In an interview with ABC Soaps In Depth magazine, the actor spoke up about leaving and the sign that it was time to exit the show. The actor is also planning his wedding and with his current movie project, it would be impossible to make a comeback to the daytime soap.
The Moto Z Play is certainly a takeoff. Not only is it a sleek and luxurious experience that looks sharp in hand, but it also can be powerful, too. It shares some stylings with the cheaper Moto G4 phones but we're impressed with the gorgeous Moto Z Play looks and feels for the price. We took a look at the white option which has pale gold highlights.

The Moto Z Play: Processors

The Moto Z Play runs Android 6.0.1 Marshmallow and features a 5.5-inch display at 1920 x 1080 pixels. Equipped by Qualcomm Snapdragon 625 processor with 3GB RAM. Has an expandable storage too, also 32GB of internal space; microSD allows for up to 2TB extra storage.

The Moto Z Play: Camera, Battery Life And Everything You Should Know

Moreover, the Z Play has a great camera too, with a 16-megapixel rear camera and front-facing 5-megapixel better for selfies. Both cameras include extra hardware and software to give for better shots. Under the hood is a 3,510mAh battery, which offers TurboPower charging, is quite handy and gets users into two days of usage without batting an eye.

Where things get really exciting for the Moto Z Play comes in the form of MotoMods. Designed by third party brands, these are add-on components which snap directly onto the back of the phone. Said accessories comes with a JBL speaker, Incipio power pack, and a Hasselblad 10X optical zoom camera.

Whether a phone is waterproof is an increasingly needed after design feature and Lenovo lists the Moto Z Play as 'water resistant' thanks to a 'nano-coating' technology but it's not made to be dunked in water.

Sold as an unlocked phone in the US, Verizon also provides a carrier-branded take on the handset. Dubbed the Moto Z Play Droid, it's necessarily the same device, locked to Big Red's network.

The Moto Z Play: The Verdict

The Moto Z's epic battery life, excellent display, reliable software with useful enhancements, and compatibility with Moto Mods make a great deal of it. With a price more than $200 cheaper than the Moto Z or Moto Z Force, not to mention superior battery life and an actual headphone jack, this Mot Z Play is a better pick for most consumers
Three of the great federal entities in the U.S. are renewing their agreement to search for the Antarctic meteorites. This will give a big help in learning more about the primitive building blocks of the solar system and revealing the truth about Earths neighboring planets, like the moon and Mars. The three said agencies are National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA), National Science Foundation (NSF) and the Smithsonian Institution (SI) are to work on Antarctic Search for Meteorites Program.

NASA, NSF, And SI To Search For Antarctic Meteorites Again

NASA, NSF and SI will be working together in collecting and curating Antarctic meteorites, forming a partnership called ANSMET or the Antarctic Search for Meteorites Program. The agency recently signed an agreement to advance the program for an additional 10 years, which will replace an earlier agreement signed in 1980, NASA said in a statement. "Antarctic meteorites are posing new questions about the formation and early history of our solar system," Tim McCoy, Smithsonian meteorite scientist.

According to the report released by Nature World News, the U.S. has been searching for meteorites in Antarctica since 1976, and the ANSMET program has collected over 23,000 specimens. Among the first meteorites discovered were those that came from the Moon and Mars, and the ALH 84001 Martian meteorite, which helped renew interest in Mars exploration in the 1990s. Antarctica provides a unique environment for the collection of meteorites, because the cold desert climate preserves meteorites for long periods of time

"Some of these questions are spurring new exploration of the solar system by NASA missions," said MacCoy. According to scientists, asteroids that hit the Earth during its early days and the other bodies in the solar system may have played a significant role in the delivery of water and amino acids to planetary bodies, which could have been important in the development of life. A few meteorites originated on the Moon and Mars  blasted off the surfaces by large asteroid impacts and later falling to Earth.

What Are Antarctic Meteorites?

According to The TeCake, meteorites natural survived objects come from a variety of places in the solar system (in this case  on ice) and collected from the Earths surface. Impacts of asteroids on the ancient Earth and other bodies in the solar system also may have played a significant role in the delivery of volatiles (like water) and organic molecules (such as amino acids) to planetary bodies, which, in turn, could have been important to the development of life.
Latest news on Taron Eagerton's upcoming Robin Hood film has everyone talking. The long wait is over, the classic hero film will be taking off and seen in theaters on March 23, 2018. Like Spider-Man, Robin Hood is one of the crowd's favorite heroes.

Robin Hood fans can look forward to a new and exciting retelling of the classic story. It can be expected that when Robin comes back to the Sherwood Forest, he would find that corruption has once again prevailed. Knowing Robin's nature, he then assembles a team with the outlaws to create an uprising against the governing King.

The reinvention and reprising of Robin's character have had too many attempts over the last years. As per reports, there are over a hundred of projects that revolved around the character. The latest catch was a film starred by Russell Crowe and Cate Blanchett. The Ridley Scott 2010 film is a great version of the character.

A lot is to be expected in this rendition of Lionsgate/Summit's Robin Hood. Those who are into hard-hitting action scenes, nerve-wracking fight battles and delightful romance stories will have a grand time watching the film.

Stars to cast in this formerly "Robin Hood: Origins" film will be Taron Eagerton as Robin Hood, Jamie Foxx as Little John, Jamie Dornan as Will Scarlett, Eve Hewson as Maid Marian and Paul Anderson as a dark and mysterious character.

This reboot will be produced by Appian's Way and "The Wolf of Wall Street" star Leonardo DiCaprio, Joby Harold, Tory Tunell, Basil Iwanyk and Jennifer Davisson Killoran. It is directed by Otto Bathurst. The list of renowned stars to star in the film is enough reason to stay updated with this most awaited film's updates. After the long wait, hero enthusiasts can now look forward to this film's release on 2018.
Many leaks saying that Samsung will release its new flagship smartphone Galaxy Note 8 in 2017 featuring an enlarged display. It is rumored to have a 6.2-inch screen size with a 90 percent screen to body ratio. This Samsung Galaxy Note 8 is undoubtedly the largest smartphone ever introduced in the market so far, if ever.

Samsung Galaxy Note 8 (2017)

Chris Smith reports for BGR that while some reports have indicated that Samsung will abandon the entire Galaxy Note brand, a new leak suggests that the Korean Company has already planned a Galaxy Note 8. Evan Blass, a notable person who leaks about the smartphone, tweeted that Samsung is making two Galaxy S8 models and a Galaxy Note 8 next year, 2017. "Samsung Galaxy S8 models are indeed skipping SM-G94 model numbers, will ship as SM-G950 & SM-G955," Blass said. "Know what else is in the works? SM-N950."

According to the Hot Hardware, Samsung Galaxy Note 8 will be available in 2 different size variants. The smaller one is 5.7-inch and the larger one is 6.2-inch screen size. The current flagship phone of the company, Galaxy S7 Edge, has a screen size of only 5.7-inch. Which means, that if ever the Samsung Galaxy Note 8 with 6.2-inch will be released next year, it will have the biggest smartphone's screen exiting so far.

Smith, from BGR, notes that the number 4 is believed to bring bad luck in Korea, "which is why Samsung skips it in numbering schemes. So, in other words, the SM-N950 would be the successor to the SM-N930, which is the codename of the Galaxy Note 7." Samsung could still decide to cancel the Galaxy Note 8, of course. But for the moment, it's looking like Samsung is planning to introduce a new Note next year.

Although an early release is possible, theres been no suggestion yet that there will be one, so, for now, we wouldnt expect to see the Note 8 before August 2017.
Asteroids are mostly known to destroy once they crash into Earth. Some of the mass extinctions that have happened are speculated to have been caused by the asteroid impact. What most people aren't aware is that asteroids don't just destroy, but build life as well.

Once an asteroid hits, there is much destruction. This is most true for asteroids that are large, such as the one that is thought to have wiped out the dinosaurs. While they mostly destroy, they also create new landscapes and formations. These new formations might become niches wherein life can begin again.

The Chicxulub impact 65 million years ago killed the dinosaurs and much of life on Earth. While much of the area where the impact happened was vaporized, scientists studying the area have found that the material formed out of the impact has to be less dense. The samples were taken from the inner ring of the crater, called the peak ring.

These rocks were not only less dense, but porous as well. Scientists say that the porous rock could be a good place where small life forms could live. The rocks could also hold nutrients for them, according to the Imperial College London site. This could be the likely place where life began again after the impact.

In their study, the researchers have found that rocks around 10 kilometers deep in the Earth have been pushed inward first, and the outward due to the force of the impact. This means that the rocks were moved up and out to about 30 kilometers from where they were. This shows just how much force the asteroid impact had, as Phys Org reports

Professor Joanna Morgan is the lead author and from the Department of Earth Science and Engineering at Imperial College London. She observed that the asteroid which destroyed the dinosaurs has also provided refuge for new life to begin. She said that the samples would be analyzed further to know how life survived in the days after the impact.

The research team will study the sediment on top of the peak ring, to see if a tsunami has also occurred shortly after impact. Their study shows that asteroids don't just destroy, but build life as well. Scientists have also found a passive galaxy with much hydrogen in it.
Carbon dioxide has been threatening the environment for some time now. As humanity continues to use equipment that emits carbon dioxide, the effects of global warming could become worse. Now though there might be use for carbon dioxide. Carbon dioxide might not be that dangerous of harnessed well.

Plants and trees can use some of the carbon dioxides that is polluting our air, though carbon dioxide synthesis could only be done so much by them. While there might be an issue there, some scientists see this as an opportunity to create new ways to harness carbon dioxide. Currently, such efforts to use carbon dioxide as a possible fuel source has been limited.

That might change as researchers from the Max Planck Institute for Terrestrial Microbiology in Marburg, Germany have collaborated with the US Department of Energy Joint Genome Institute in making a new enzyme that is capable of synthesizing carbon dioxide. This enzyme is said to be much faster than enzymes found in nature that can synthesize it. The researchers did not restrict themselves to natural enzymes but also made those that can be biomechanically be created.

DNA synthesis is the process wherein a genetic code is taken and then having that code made into a new system. 17 different enzymes from nine different organisms were used and studied, according to Science Daily. From there they were able to make an enzyme that is more efficient than any found in nature. The study has been led by Tobias Erb of the Max Planck Institute.

Reverse engineering has been used as well in order to make the new enzyme. This is by deconstructing the central carbon dioxide fixation reaction sequence. Further on they replaced the sequences to alternative pathway sequences. The Department of Energy helped by synthesizing a number of enzymes. From there the team selected which among those has the highest carbon dioxide fixation ability and then made one that would be much better.

The use of enzymes in converting carbon dioxide would be much better and more natural than chemical processes for it, as News Wise states. There could also be future applications for this especially industrially, where the need to limit carbon dioxide emissions is very much urgent. It would be much safer in the long run to have enzymes that could process carbon dioxide as well as hopefully bring down global warming.

As climate change and global warming continue, people are finding ways to limit carbon dioxide. Carbon dioxide might not be that dangerous if harnessed well, and some researchers might have found a way that could be safe as well as natural. As researchers look into it, a report states that there is lesser carbon emission this year.
SpaceX may soon add internet provider on the list of things the company offers.

SpaceX Plans For Fast Worldwide Internet

SpaceX, the company founded by Elon Musk, is best known for its goal to privatize space travel. However, the company has other sideline plans, as well. USA Today reports that SpaceX has asked the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) for approval of its plan to launch into orbit as much as 4,425 satellites.

According to the FCC filings submitted earlier this week, the SpaceX satellites aim to provide worldwide Internet access for professional, commercial, residential, governmental and institutional users. On the first step, the company would launch initially 1,600 satellites. After the first 800 satellites are deployed, SpaceX would turn on the internet service that could cover the United States, Puerto Rico, Hawaii and the U.S. Virgin Islands, according to SpaceX's filings.

SpaceX Project's Tech Details

The SpeceX internet service would encompass virtually all parts of the Earth's surface once fully operational and have the ability to provide global service, according to the filings. The satellites would be in a low-earth orbit, roughly at an altitude of 690-823 miles (1,110-1,325 kilometers) above the earth. They would be much closer to the earth than GPS satellites that are approximately 12,550 miles or 20,200 km away. The SpaceX internet satellites would be, in this regard, similar to weather satellites that are also deployed on into a low-earth orbit.

The SpaceX system could theoretically offer faster speeds by operating closer to earth. The internet satellites would rival or even surpass the broadband speeds available today on cable and fiber optic. According to SpaceX, once fully deployed its system would be able to provide speeds of up to 1 gigabit per second.

According to Ars Technica, SpaceX's plan for internet satellites placed on low orbits would have the benefit of greatly reducing latency. One of the downsides to the current satellite internet systems is the high latency because data packets must travel great distances between satellites and Earth, leading to noticeable delays for internet users.

According to SpaceX, the company expects its own latencies to be between 25 and 35ms. These values are similar to the wired internet services' latencies. According to FCC measurements, current satellite internet service providers have latencies of at least 600ms.

SpaceX satellites are roughly the size of a car and weigh about 850 pounds. No timeline was provided yet for when SpaceX will launch the satellites, but each satellite would have an expected lifespan of 5-7 years. Musk announced last year a $10 billion global broadband delivery plan and this satellite broadband project is part of it. According to The Washington Post, SpaceX announced its internet project, Fidelity and Google have invested a combined $1 billion to launch the program.

Other Similar Projects

Several companies are looking at aerial means of expanding global coverage of high-speed Internet. For instance, Qualcomm executive chairman Paul Jacobs and OpenWeb, a group backed by Virgin Group founder Richard Branson plan to launch by 2018 a global high-speed satellite Internet service. Airplane maker Boeing has been pursuing a similar satellite-based delivery system based on utilizing around 1,400 satellites, while Google's parent company Alphabet has been exploring Internet delivery through balloons and drones.
Russia's communications regulators have officially blocked LinkedIn in their country. A local court previously found the social networking company guilty of violating the country's data storage law. LinkedIn failed to store their users' personal data on Russia's servers.

LinkedIn's Failed Compliance

Russia had passed new rules of its data storage law last year, according to The New York Times. LinkedIn made a costly mistake by failing to comply. The country's communications regulator Roskomnadzor has already started to impose the said ban. This rare occurrence for the company is warranted by Moscow's court decision.

The law in Russian requires tech companies to store any personal data of their users in the country's national servers. According to TechCrunch, Russia claims that their data storage law will protect Russian user's personal data. But this is contrary to what many have in mind. These localized servers are being exploited by the Russian government.

Why LinkedIn?

The problem with banning LinkedIn in Russia lies on the fact that users have to deal with it. The most troubling part of is the fate of other sites that are still being accessed in the country like Facebook and Twitter. They would likely have to start hosting data within Russia if they have not yet. Otherwise, they will end up like LinkedIn.

The government does seem to take this seriously. Apparently, the company tried to negotiate with the Russian regulators. TechCrunch further reports that LinkedIn was supposed to meet with the regulators and remained hopeful. However, the eventual result suggests that it did not push through.

The company's spokesperson Anoek Eckhardt said in a statement that the Roskomnadzor's action denies access to millions of LinkedIn members in Russia. In addition, companies will also suffer since they would be denied to use LinkedIn in growing their businesses. Though it is still interested in meeting with the Russian regulator to discuss the request for data localization.

LinkedIn is being acquired by tech giant Microsoft for $26.2 billion. The deal is expected to be finalized by the end of 2016.
On Thursday, U.S. Surgeon General Vivek H. Murthy said that addiction and the misuse and abuse of chemical substances is a moral crisis. He said that he is calling the country to take action on this pressing public health issue, since not everyone understands the magnitude of the problem.

"I'm calling for a cultural change in how we think about addiction. For far too long, people have thought about addiction as a character flaw or a moral failing. Addiction is a chronic disease of the brain and it's one that we have to treat the way we would any other chronic illness: with skill, with compassion and with urgency," the Surgeon General said.

Surgeon General's Report Is Optimistic That Addiction Can Be Treated

The report, which is called "Facing Addiction", gathers the latest information on the health impacts of drug and alcohol misuse, as well as on the issues surrounding treatment and prevention. If offers optimistic reasons and presents evidence that that addiction is a treatable brain disease, with new therapies under development. "Addiction is not a disease that discriminates and it has now risen to a level that it is impacting nearly everyone," Murthy said.

Addiction Treatment Should Be Mainstreamed Regardless Of Patient's Income

Treatment for addiction should be part of routine doctor's visits. Based on the report, mainstreaming it can improve the health of millions of Americans, regardless of income and social status, and save the health care system money.

"We need to take the next step and ensure that these kinds of services are available to everyone. That's where, right now, we have some real challenges as a country. We know that despite the evidence that treatment works, not everyone can get access to it," Murthy said.

Not Everyone Can Afford Treatment For Substance Abuse

Apparently, not all Americans have access to treatment. People are now asking what will happen if the Affordable Care Act is repealed after President-elect Donald Trump takes office. The ACA currently requires that most U.S. health plans offer prevention, short interventions and other substance use disorder treatments to insurance holders.
Starting from behind the likes of Slack and HipChat with its new workplace collaboration Teams service, Microsoft can use all the help it can get. Startup Message.io is among those coming to its aid.

Message.io, a bot translation tool and syndication service provider founded last year, enables developers to quickly port and scale their bots to work on numerous enterprise messaging platforms without making coding changes. It is partnering with Microsoft so that bots built for other messaging platforms will work on Teams within Office 365 (not to mention on Microsoft's Skype for Business).

MORE: An epic search for the IBM Verse e-mail system

We're talking about presumably useful bots, the kind that software companies like HubSpot are going ga-ga over for automating customer service, etc.-- not the sort of botnets that terrorize DNS networks.

Message.io claims that developers of more than 100 bots -- including HubSpot, Kayak and Poncho -- have committed to using its technology to translate their bots to Teams. If you're interested in getting in on the beta test, you can request an invite here.

The embrace by enterprises of workspace collaboration systems has been fueled by "a realization that conversational interfaces, including both messaging and voice, are going to change the way we all interact with the world around us," says Message.io CEO and Co-founder Tom Hadfield, now on his 5th startup with Message.io CTO James Cundle. "You're increasingly seeing the messaging interface becoming the primary way to engage with enterprise software tools...we think of messaging as the new operating system for the enterprise."

Message.io Message.io CEO & Co-founder Tom Hadfield: "We're looking to create a world where all bots work on all platforms."

This applies to everyone from customer service reps to human resources staff to internal application developers, says Hadfield, who adds that friends of his run companies entirely on Slack or Teams, and only use apps that work with those messaging platforms. Bots, of course, are becoming an increasingly popular form of such apps.

An earlier Hadfield startup called Fetch, an e-commerce company that employed text messaging to simplify the buying process, sparked the idea for Message.io by illustrating the potential of conversational interfaces to make doing all sorts of things easier.

One fortunate thing for Message.io, as a company translating between different messaging platforms, is that the primary enterprise systems do have a lot in common in terms of API methods and UI elements that they support. "There's a lot of uniformity when you compare it, for example, to mobile app development... iOS and Android are orders of magnitude different," Hadfield says.

Message.io's service is free during the beta period and the company plans to offer premium services, such as analytics, payment and identity, down the road.

SEED FUNDING

In addition to scoring a partnership with Microsoft, Message.io announced $2.5 million in seed funding, led by Khosla Ventures and Eniac Ventures, and featuring a cast of many others. Hadfield says he's seen most venture funding for bot-related ventures going to those with an enterprise focus, and in particular to the "picks and shovels companies, the bot building tools and frameworks." And Austin, where Message.io is based, is the "the chatbot capital of the world," based on the number of venture-backed chatbot companies in the area, Hadfield quips.

Message.io, which currently has a staff of 12, intends to use its new funds to add support for enterprise messaging platforms such as Salesforce Chatter and Cisco Spark.

MORE: Hottest enterprise networking & IT startups of 2016
Service providers that run the backbone of the internet need to have a coordinated response to deal with a global distributed denial of service attack, security experts say.

There's only so much that individual enterprises can do when attackers go after critical infrastructure, such as last month's attack on Dyn.

And it would take cooperation between a relatively small number of parties, said Oded Gonda, vice president of technology and innovation at Check Point Software Technologies, in a recent report.

"In some situations, it would take just two or three providers," he said. "In some situations, it might be 20 of them. But we are talking about a small number of entities who can work together."

Right now, that's not happening, he added.

[ ALSO ON CSO: Is critical infrastructure the next DDoS target? ]

"That is why we witnessed these kinds of global DDoS attacks," he said.

The cooperation should be on the industry level, he said.

"It would be much better if the technical parties would act together and find the most effective technical ways to do that," he said. "Regulation takes time and regulation sometimes has the chance of not solving all the problems. But if it does not come from the industry, then there is a place for governments to consider regulation."

Individual enterprises affected by a global DDoS attack can't solve the problem on their own because the traffic congestion occurs upstream.

"Individual organizations can do a lot against some types of DDoS attacks ," he said. "And there are various solutions on the market from Check Point and others, that can allow organizations to deal with that. However, if you have a global type of attack, then unfortunately these solutions will not be enough."

Gonda suggested that people aren't yet taking these kinds of attacks seriously enough.

It is more clear than ever that we are now facing a heightened cyber threat level.

Justin Fier, director of cyber intelligence and analysis at Darktrace

"We have to reach the conclusion that these attacks are something we don't want to live with," he said. "That this is an important enough problem that could become an even bigger problem and we need to act together."

The Dyn attack might have been the warning bell needed.

"It got our attention," said Christopher Roach, managing director and national IT practice leader at CBIZ Risk & Advisory Services.

Roach agreed that internet traffic companies need to take a stronger look at DoS attacks, including those based in Internet of Things devices.

"They need to be working to stay ahead of the attacks being developed by running their own what-if scenarios and testing their response capabilities," he said. "I dont think they will always be able to stay ahead of the attack being conceived, but they have to try.

The world is entering a new era of large scale-attacks, said Justin Fier, director of cyber intelligence and analysis at Darktrace.

"In the past six months alone, weve seen several examples of these attacks, from DNC to Yahoo to Dyn," he said. "It is more clear than ever that we are now facing a heightened cyber threat level."

Earlier this month, a DDoS attack took the entire country of Liberia off-line.

"Taking out an entire country is a significant step up from taking out merely a dozen companies," Fier said.
Today

Sunshine in the morning followed by partly cloudy skies and gusty winds during the afternoon. High 74F. Winds W at 20 to 30 mph. Winds could occasionally gust over 40 mph.

Tonight

Partly cloudy. Windy. Low 58F. Winds WSW at 20 to 30 mph. Winds could occasionally gust over 40 mph.

Tomorrow

Mostly sunny skies. High 68F. Winds W at 20 to 30 mph.
A senior doctor at Hillingdon Hospital has described his department as a disgrace with totally inadequate facilities.

Garry Glover, a consultant surgeon who has worked at the hospital's ear, nose and throat (ENT) outpatient clinic since 1974, has written to the Hillingdon Community Health Council, expressing his dismay over the lack of facilities available to him.

In his letter, Mr Glover said the average waiting time for a first appointment is now nearly 12 months.

He described his treatment room as being 'totally unsuitable and inadequate'.

He now finds it impossible to provide a service at Hillingdon Hospital.

He would prefer the clinic be moved to Mount Vernon Hospital, which was not designed for ENT.

He wrote: 'I am not proud of the service I provide in the facilities provided for me.

'The present facilities consist of three rooms, physically separated, totally unsuitable for ENT consulting.

'There is no office, the rooms are adhoc and the staff need to set up equipment and facilities before each clinic and there is little privacy in that consultations are held with a treatment room adjacent and the chatter of patients in two of the three consulting rooms.'

This week a Hillingdon Hospital spokesman said a meeting between health chiefs is being organised to address Mr Glover's complaint.

He said: 'We agree the current accommodation is far from ideal and we are taking action.'

The complaint came in the same week the NHS claimed that over the last year, waiting lists in London had been reduced for the third year in a row and the number of people who had to wait more than 13 weeks for their first outpatient appointment had dropped by 18,000.

But in March this year, when the Government used extra money from the budget to put an additional 660 million into NHS funding, Hillingdon Health Authority received the smallest payment of any London authority-only 3.3 million compared to 6.5 million for Brent and Harrow and 4.4 million for Barnet.
Since October 16, 2016, Iraqi government soldiers and other local militias are together locked in a violent confrontation with the Islamic State of Iraq and Syria (ISIS) in an attempt to liberate the city of Mosul from their control. The Iraqi coalition deploys a new unit that may turn the tide of the campaign to their favor - a squad of commando special forces notoriously known for wearing skull masks.

There is more to these soldiers than their eerie and menacing costumes. They underwent extensive training with the US military's top counter-insurgency advisers.

This unit calls themselves the Golden Division, and they represent the best infantry brigade spearheading the Mosul campaign. In fact, according to an article published by Maxim, it is estimated that each one of them is worth 10 seasoned ISIS fighters.

ISIS warlords now have a good cause to worry and even eventually withdraw their hold in Mosul City. The Golden Division recently dished out an all new destruction at the ISIS vanguard by executing a series of synchronized tactical detonation in the midst of the heavy bombardment by the Iraqi forces' artillery guns.

According to the report published by Daily Star UK, the Golden Division was the first unit to have penetrated the peripheral sectors of occupied Mosul City. In a single day, they have managed to clear out three neighborhoods as the ISIS retreats and rally their beleaguered forces deeper into the city.

It is important to take note that a week before the Golden Division was seen in action, the morale of the terrorists was already badly crippled by a solitary vigilante famously dubbed as The Sniper of Mosul - a character notorious for assassinating high-ranking ISIS officials and rescuing civilians. An article published by Jobs & Hire narrates the positive prognosis of the Iraqi campaign in light of the eroding control of ISIS control in Mosul City.
Along with the raising concerns after the signing of the referendum in the exit of the Great Britain from the European Union and the winning of Donald Trump in the recently concluded United States election is the issue of employment of citizens. To further avoid the drastic increase in unemployment, here are seven companies looking forward to completing their staff this November.



The Muse started to hustle the process of job hunting over the internet after posting twenty businesses that have vacancies to be filled this November 2016. Five of the twenty companies are related to technology and digital marketing including the Facebook corporation, AT and T, Vanguard, T-Mobile, Intercom, Arrow Electronics and Verisk Insurance Solutions.



1. FACEBOOK

The largest social networking site has a lot of vacancies since the number of users drastically increase per day. The office of Facebook is located at Menlo Park, CA, San Francisco Bay Area. Some of the positions that are to be filled-up this month are Software Engineers, Product Producers, Marketing Researchers and Ph.D. Recruiter.



2. AT AND T, T-MOBILE

Communication-related courses are needed by AT and T and T-Mobile this month. The communications company is looking forward to quality professionals to fill in their vacant positions like Associate Creative Director, Senior Tech Specialist, and Government Technicians.



3. INTERCOM People with English as their native language can start sending their resumes for the following positions - senior product designer, engineering manager, business director of operations and other support engineers. If you are interested in building communication networks with one of the best companies, you may try checking the vacancies in different branches and offices of InterCom.



4. ARROW ELECTRONICS

As one of the best technology companies, engineers and project managers are very welcome to apply in Arrow Electronics. The company has different branches (Boston, Saint Louis, Miami, and Chicago) and so people can check if there is any branch near them.



5. VERISK INSURANCE SOLUTIONS

For data analytics, Verisk Insurance Solutions is in need of the following positions - Linux Administrator, Business Associates, Financial Accountant, and Account Executives. Their office is in New York City Metro Area, relatively in a good place in which employees will experience very less hassle.

To check on other vacancies, LinkedIn can be one of the primary sources of information. LinkedIn, according to the latest post of Jobs and Hire is the most used professional site where jobs and opportunities are brimming.
The King of Apes will never die. The gigantic god of the jungle and destroyer of New York City is to the silver screen after 10 years in 'Kong: Skull Island.' It will star Tom Hiddleston, among a cast of other popular Hollywood actors.

Tom Hiddleston and co-stars Brie Larson, John Goodman and Samuel L. Jackson will pit themselves against Skull Island's Master and God, King Kong. Unlike its predecessors, 'Kong: Skull Island' is an origin story of the monstrous ape. Tom Hiddleston's Captain James Conrad rides with his group of explorers into the island, eventually realizing that the giant ape is the god of the island praised by its natives.

As with the ape-god's humongous size is a company of other gigantic animals signifying that this is no ordinary island. Despite the threat, Hiddleston will fight against figures planning to bomb the island.

Jerry Goodman, Jing Tian, John C Reilly, Corey Hawkings and Terry Notary completes the ensemble cast to execute the dark humor and horror of Max Borenstein and Derek Connolly's script. Director Jordan Vogt-Roberts will unleash the film's modern look at the legendary beast.

In promotion of the film, Tom Hiddleston surprised Jimmy Kimmel on Wednesday night in a gorilla suit. However, impressions from the trailer has been mixed.

Yahoo Movies noted that the trailer of 'Kong: Skull Island' could have the feel of the old-era King Kong films along with the atmosphere of Predator and Apocalypse Now - the latter a nod to the jungles of the titular island.

The Hollywood Reporter suggests that the film may be embarrassed of King Kong with the appearance of other monsters and the possible eclipse caused by a stellar cast A-list cast. THR also suggested that Kong might be acting as a "contemporary version of The Godzilla Power Hour" more than anything else.

'Kong: Skull Island' is set to rock theaters on March 10, 2017.
After the nightmare Samsung Note 7 fiasco, Samsung plans to kick other brands down the line with Samsung Galaxy S8 and Samsung Galaxy Note 8. And, there are a lot of ways how they can do it especially with its power-packed specifications and revolutionary features. Positively, this could be the company's real saving grace .

This year has been a difficult one, Samsung struggled with a lot of recent failures starting from Samsung Galaxy Note 7 until their washing machine. Now, Samsung loyal buyers doubt whether the company's technology is really reliable or not.

In an effort to get back on top, Samsung Galaxy S8 and Samsung Galaxy Note 8 are designed to be one of the most revolutionary Samsung technologies ever created. Rumors said that these would be out in the last months of 2017.

According to Jobs & Hire previous report, it describes the rumored Samsung Galaxy S8 as a monster smartphone. Why? Because of these specifications: 30MP camera, 4200mAh battery, 3.2GHz octa-core chipset, 6GB of RAM, bezel-trimmed body design, iris scanner and 'Bixby' AI-assistant.

While Yibada listed Samsung Galaxy Note 8 details, it will come with 4K display and dual camera features as well as Exynos 8895 chip and 3GHz CPU equipped. Notably, this new note version is a much powerful device than any of its predecessors.

Samsung Galaxy Note 8 may be the successor of Samsung Note 7 but theydon't share the same exploding factor. That is rest assred by Samsung themselves, the device will be the company's comeback after their failures.

Surely, the avid fans of Samsung technology can get the assurance that the company is already making peace with their past catastrophes. Explicitly, 2017 will an exciting year to purchase your new gadgets, though, it's sad not to get all of those brand new techs. They're all simply astonishing!
"Timeless" Season 1 has been luring audiences into their TV sets and is making fanatics out of those who love time travel stories. As reported by News Everyday viewers are thrilled by the plot of this TV series because it is somewhere between science and fantasy.

The episode 6 of "Timeless" is about President Richard Nixon's Watergate Scandal. The criminal who stole the time travel technology has gone back to 1972 to retrieve the missing tapes of President Nixon. The usual three heroes were again sent to stop the culprit from changing the course of history.

One has to congratulate the costumes department of "Timeless" for the clothes that the actors wore in this episode. They were all wearing clothes that typically belonged to 70's fashion.

When the team of three, a history professor, soldier and an engineer arrived in the past, they were immediately arrested by the criminal Garcia Flynn. They were ceremoniously restrained and for the first time in the "Timeless" series, they were able to meet the criminal face to face.

They discovered that Flynn is not really the evil man that they pictured he was. They subsequently arrived at a compromise that will send all of them back to the year to 1754, which is a great plot for episode 7 as reported by Cartermatt. For those who have not acquainted themselves with the "Timeless" storyline and the actors of the film, the three agents are historian Lucy Preston (played by Abigail Spencer), Master Sergeant Wyatt Logan (Matt Lanter), and Connor Mason (Paterson Joseph), the engineer who created the time machine.

These three are the saviors of the world and their main mission is to stop Garcia Flynn (played by Goran Visnjic), a criminal who, after stealing the time machine technology organized an atrocious following that threaten to alter the course of history.

The rest of the cast are the mission-in-charge, the head of Mason Industries that created the machine and an agent that keeps watch over the team. All these actors bring the audience through the exciting "Timeless" adventure
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Q: We have installed an alarm system. Do I need to register with the police department or sheriffs office?

S.C.

Answer: Winston-Salem has had an alarm ordinance since 2003.

Only addresses within the city limits of Winston-Salem need to be registered with the police department. This includes certain areas of Lewisville, Kernersville and Pfafftown that were annexed in 2006. Citizens unsure of their jurisdiction can visit the Forsyth County Tax website at maps.co.forsyth.nc.us/forsythjs.

Forsyth County does not have a false alarm ordinance.

Registration is free and can be done online, by phone, by mail or in person at the Public Safety Center. We have created a direct link to the information about the alarm ordinance and how to register at www.tinyurl.com/WSalarmpermits. You can also call the Public Safety Center at (336) 773-7886.

All alarm companies were also notified of this ordinance going into place, Jeff Hartzog with the Winston-Salem Police Department, who is one of the departments false alarm program coordinators, said when we took up this question before. The alarm companies are aware it is their responsibility to inform new customers of this ordinance.

Hartzog said that the citys alarm regulation is comparable to other jurisdictions in North Carolina, including Charlotte, Raleigh, Greensboro, High Point and Durham. In late 2015, the Winston-Salem Police Department had a media campaign to remind citizens about the city ordinance and how to register their alarm systems, said Lt. Tyrone Phelps, a spokesman for the police department.

Police and Fire expend valuable resources responding to false alarms, according to the police departments website. In an effort to recover a portion of the costs, the City Council enacted a Police and a Fire Alarm Ordinance in December 2002. Both Ordinances became effective April 1, 2003. All alarm systems in the city must be registered by applying for an Alarm Permit. This includes residential, business and commercial alarms (monitored and non-monitored alarms). There is no fee to register the alarm.

Each alarm ordinance allows three false alarms during a 12- month period, which begins with a first false alarm response. False police and fire alarms are tracked separately. For registered alarm sites, the false alarm count resets to zero at the end of a 12-month tracking period.

Starting with the fourth false alarm, the penalty is $50 and goes up to $500 for 10 or more.

By reducing false alarms, officers have increased time for problem-solving and community policing, Hartzog said. The safety and security of the city is enhanced. Crime is reduced, and officers response time to other calls is reduced.

Some tips to help prevent false alarms:

Tell alarm users and key holders how to properly operate the alarm system, including how to arm and disarm it and how to cancel false alarm activations through the alarm-monitoring company before police arrive.

An arming delay of at least 60 seconds is recommended.

Properly secure all doors and windows before arming the system, since unsecured ones may result in false alarms.

Review procedures for police or fire dispatch with your monitoring services.

Make sure motion sensors are adjusted correctly, especially if you have pets or ceiling fans.
A federal judge is set today to address a request for a protective order that would prevent the introduction of certain medical and behavioral health records of plaintiffs and witnesses in a House Bill 2 transgender lawsuit.

Attorneys for the defendants, who include Gov. Pat McCrory and the top two GOP legislative leaders, want access for up to 10 years worth of records for the plaintiffs and their witnesses.

The plaintiffs filed the request for the protective order Oct. 20, saying the request constitutes harassment and an attempt to intimidate them and potential witnesses.

Judge Joi Elizabeth Peake also will conduct a status conference today that addresses the defendants request for legislative-privilege on certain HB 2-related communications and public records. Senate leader Phil Berger and House Speaker Tim Moore have become defendants after taking an intervenor role.

Gender dysphoria is the medical diagnosis for the incongruence between a persons gender identity and birth-assigned sex and accompanying clinically significant distress.

Some proponents of HB 2, most notably Lt. Gov. Dan Forest, have cited controversial scientific studies that claim someone describing themselves as transgender is likely experiencing a mental disorder in which their gender identify could fluctuate from how they feel any given day.

The conference comes three days after Peake approved delaying for at least 90 days, and likely until summer, the beginning of a trial on the lawsuit, which was filed March 28.

The parties have agreed to put their legal action on hold to await a ruling in a Virginia transgender case before the U.S. Supreme Court.

The most recognized aspect of HB 2 is that it requires individuals, including those who are transgender, to use public restrooms and locker rooms based on the gender listed on their birth certificates rather than gender identity.

Two of the plaintiffs, Joaquin Carcano, a transgender UNC Chapel Hill employee, and Peyton Grey McGarry, a transgender UNC Greensboro student, were born female but identify as male. A third plaintiff, Angela Gilmore, is a lesbian and an associate dean and professor at the N.C. Central University law school.

On Oct. 27, the Supreme Court said it would rule on whether the Obama administration may require public school systems to let transgender students use restrooms that align with their gender identity.

School districts across the country are split on how to accommodate transgender students. Theyve received conflicting guidance from courts, the federal government and state legislatures, with some states such as North Carolina passing laws requiring people to use public restrooms that match the sex on their birth certificates.

The justices accepted a petition from the School Board of Gloucester County, Va., seeking to overturn a lower courts order that 17-year-old Gavin Grimm, who was born female but identifies as male, be allowed to use the boys restroom during his senior year of high school.

The N.C. plaintiffs agreed to the delay since they believe the Supreme Court will likely affect the scope of discovery and the number of depositions necessary.

The agreement, however, does not include a U.S. Justice Department motion for a preliminary injunction. The plaintiffs have asked to join a Justice lawsuit against McCrory and three state entities in a non-party witness role. The parties have been asked to file position statements on the motion by Monday.

The plaintiffs also have been allowed to file a third amended complaint, also due by Monday.
The vice chairwoman of the Republican Party in Forsyth County has filed protests alleging four illegal votes were cast here during the 2016 general election.

The news came as the campaign of Gov. Pat McCrory announced that election protests that have been filed in 52 of the states 100 counties contain allegations that include ballots being cast by people who are dead, who are convicted felons or who had already voted.

Linda Petrou, the Forsyth GOP vice chairwoman, said in her election protests that votes from two dead voters were received by absentee ballot, and that two felons cast ballots.

The Forsyth County Board of Elections made rulings on the dead-voter allegations during its meeting Thursday night, but has scheduled a hearing Tuesday morning to hear the protest over the votes allegedly cast by felons.

The elections board found that one of the alleged dead voters wasnt dead: Instead, the name on one absentee ballot was that of someone living who has a name similar to that of a dead person. Elections officials determined that the dead person had a different middle name and social security number from the person who turned in the absentee ballot.

In the other dead-voter case, though, the elections board voted to toss an absentee ballot bearing the name of a man who died on July 23. Elections officials say they received the mans ballot on Sept. 18. The vote was unanimous on both dead-voter cases.

The elections board didnt rule on the alleged voting by felons, but did decide on a 2-1 vote that enough probable cause exists to hold a hearing on Tuesday to further investigate the allegations. That hearing takes place at 9 a.m. in the Forsyth County Government Center on Chestnut Street downtown.

Officials said in checking on the protest allegation, they learned that the elections office had been informed more than two years ago about the felonious criminal record of one of the two voters, but that the mans name was never removed from the list of active voters.

The elections office sent a letter to that man on Jan. 2, 2014 informing him that he was on a list of people with felony convictions. That was done as a routine procedure to give the voter a chance to disprove felony status and keep his right to vote.

With no response to that or a second letter, the mans name was supposed to be removed from the voter rolls  but wasnt.

In the other case, elections officials said they werent able to find any information at all on the mans supposed criminal record.

The two voters cast their ballots during early voting, elections official said.

In favor of a hearing on the felon-voting protest were both Republicans on the three-member elections board, Ken Raymond, who is chairman, and Stuart Russell.

Voting against was Fleming El-Amin, who said after the meeting that the elections board had enough information to decide both cases without a hearing: Toss the ballot of the voter with the record, El-Amin said, and leave the other one alone because there was no evidence of a felony.

Russell said he was bothered that the one voter tagged with a felony remained in the system: It makes me think that there are some other examples, he said.

Ellison said he thinks Republicans are playing with peoples fundamental rights. Russell said the boards action simply sets up a hearing that allows Petrou and the affected voters to make their cases.

The elections board had planned to count absentee ballots Thursday night, but the time it took to handle the election protest scuttled that plan.

The board did vote to accept 526 absentee ballots for counting and to reject 305 ballots. But officials didnt get around to the counting before adjourning, and will try again today at a meeting that starts at 11 a.m.

The rejected ballots were received after the deadline, or lacked witness or voter signatures, officials said.

The board also decided to accept 47 ballots that had been postmarked as Election Day, but which lacked a time stamp to show they had been mailed by 5 p.m. on that day. El-Amin said postal equipment doesnt put a time stamp on mail any longer and that the requirement is an anachronism that should be fixed by legislation.

This story has been corrected to attributed the information about time stamps and postal equipment to Fleming El-Amin.
WASHINGTON  If youd never heard of Steve Bannon before Tuesday, you have now.

All the world is suddenly abuzz with news that President-elect Donald Trump has named Bannon, formerly executive chairman at the right-wing website Breitbart News, as his chief White House strategist and senior counselor.

Alt-right conservatives and white supremacists are jubilant; the rest of the world, including many Republicans, is nearly apoplectic. Even Glenn Beck, who seems finally to have found the right meds, says Bannon is a nightmare and once compared him to Nazi propagandist Joseph Goebbels. Suffice it to say, theres no love lost between Beck and the Breitbart Boys.

Between such virulent reactions and selective quotes from Bannons body of work, including a Sirius XM radio show that immediately preceded Becks, a Bannon narrative has emerged: Hes a racist, xenophobic, misogynist nationalist  very much, in other words, like his boss, the soon-to-be president of the United States.

If true.

Already, some reporters seem to be backing away from such specific and explicit characterizations, noting that its unclear whether Bannon himself is all of these things or whether his association with those who are via Breitbart postings inferentially makes him so.

Its an interesting difference with a possible distinction.

Ive never met Bannon. If hes charming, his apparent efforts to conceal it are effective. Photos of him show a disheveled, shaggy-haired man in need of a shave who appears to have slept in his clothes, possibly on a sidewalk grate.

Not that we should judge people by their looks, but we do  until theres reason not to. Thus far, except for a few narrative-affirming anecdotes by people who claim bad experiences with him  and resume items that provoke cognitive dissonance  Bannon is inscrutable.

The operative question for any thinking person is: If Bannon is any of those things mentioned above, what would it mean for the country, our policies, the nations temperament and that most sacred of American pursuits  unity?

As children walk out of schools and protesters stage daily rallies, while women plot to march on Washington the day after Inauguration Day, unity seems an improbable goal.

But what if Bannon isnt all those things? Are we even allowed to wonder? Once a narrative is launched, its nearly heretical to question it.

Im not defending; Im just asking. Is it possible to allow white supremacists and woman-haters to traffic on your website and still be considered something less awful? I asked a few people who have known him well for some time if theres more to Bannon than meets the eye. There usually is, isnt there?

A few words used to describe him, irrespective of his websites fan club or the virtual company he keeps, include: gentleman, strategist, always polite, brilliant, fighter, activist, articulate, as well as I dont trust him.

One person who has known and worked with him the past 15 years said that when she reads about Bannon in the newspaper, she thinks she must be reading about someone else. He was never like that with me. I only knew him to be a passionate fighter. Hes all about freedom. Constitutionally speaking, according to original intent, she clarified.

In the resume column, Bannon is a former Goldman Sachs banker who holds an MBA from Harvard. Hes also a documentarian with eight films  some would say right-wing propaganda movies  to his credit, including one about Ronald Reagan confronting communism, In the Face of Evil, that highlights the markers of totalitarian states, chiefly the repression of free speech (he should know?) and religion. Another was produced in partnership with its subject, Sarah Palin, to rebrand her following her tragic experience in the national spotlight.

Bannon, who is Catholic, is ardent about religious liberty, as Trump has promised to be. But Trump has also promised to clamp down on the media, which would have to include Breitbart, which invites the worst sorts of expression. One recent headline that has women ripping their hair out: Birth Control Makes Women Unattractive and Crazy. They should probably have read the story, which was a cheeky dissertation by British journalist Milo Yiannopoulos, a self-proclaimed dangerous faggot, who, among other things, is never to be taken seriously.

Bannon may or may not be like Breitbart people, but he has been willing to strategically encourage peoples hate as a way of inciting them to action. How these methods will manifest themselves in the White House remains to be seen. But we can uncomfortably imagine that Trump under Bannons direction will do whatever it takes to get what he wants.

Good luck, everybody.
We were rooting for Krispy Kreme Highway.

But the new name for Business 40, Salem Parkway, is better in the long run. It has a ring to it. Its simple, memorable, historic and melodic. Good choice, residents.

The name was announced by Gov. Pat McCrory at a ceremony near the BB&T Ballpark attended by local officials on Oct. 21, the Journals Wesley Young reported.

We are going to make Business 40 safe, McCrory said at the ceremony before unveiling the sign. We are going to make it beautiful. We are going to make it flow better and it is going to be an entryway into one of the most beautiful cities in America  Winston-Salem.

You had us at beautiful.

Business 40 reminds me of a bypass route that doesnt seem to do the road justice, Jason Thiel, the president of the Downtown Winston-Salem Partnership, told the Journal. No doubt the current designation will continue to be used by sentimental residents. But we suspect Salem Parkway will catch on and be preferred quickly.

The name was chosen by Triad residents after hundreds of entries were honed down to four finalists that also included Piedmont Corridor, Golden Leaf Parkway and Innovation Highway. Salem Parkway won with 5,215 votes, or 53 percent of the votes. Piedmont Corridor, which also has a ring to it, received 3,055 votes, or 31 percent of the votes. But the best name won.

The name wont likely be placed above the highway itself until 2020, after the upgrade work on the downtown portion of the highway is completed, Pat Ivey, the division engineer for the N.C. Department of Transportation in Forsyth County, told the Journal. Maybe the anticipation of its display will help us get through the next few years while one of our primary thoroughfares is closed. The highway will be inaccessible for a long stretch, beginning in 2017, while ramps are adjusted and lengthened and bridges are recast by the Creative Corridors Coalition, among other improvements.

But when its all over, well be pleased to cruise down the Salem Parkway.
WAYNE BURTON, Pilot Mountain

The last time

In the words of many Obama supporters in 2008: He won. Get over it.

******

LILLIAN PEGRAM, Winston-Salem

Start praying

The 2016 elections have been the most argued, discussed and debated election I have ever witness. I have been voting since 1962.

For those whose candidates did not win: Stand up straight, take a deep breath, exhale and start praying.

Life goes on!

We are seeing things in life changing that were unimaginable just 10 years ago. So buckle your seatbelt and begin each day with prayer and devotion to God, the Father Almighty. He is in control of everything anyway, and he has ways of straightening things out.

The Old Testament has the history of him doing just that, and I would suggest people start reading it beginning with Genesis.

******

CYNTHIA GOUGH NANCE, Clemmons

Not my kind

Matthew 25:35, 36 according to Trump Evangelicals: For I was hungry and you took my food stamps, I was thirsty and you allowed my water to be poisoned, I was a stranger and you wanted me out of your country, and I was sick and you took my health care. Not my kind of Christians.

******

RON F. SLATER, Winston-Salem

Advice for daughters

Like many parents across America, I had to sit down with my daughters the morning after the election and explain that the crude man who regularly insults women because of the way they look was now the president of the United States. Enough Americans preferred him to the competent woman theyve been lying about for 30 years that he actually won the election.

There were more than a few tears in my house that morning.

If the worst happens, as expected, in a few years Ill have to tell my daughters this:

Whatever you do, dont get pregnant. Since carrying a baby to term is more dangerous than an abortion, which is now illegal, if you do get pregnant, youre putting your own life at risk. The way conservatives have shaped the law makes your fetus life more valuable than yours; if your doctor has to make a choice, the conservatives have decided that you must die.

In fact, Id advise you to reject men for any romantic purpose. Many would offer sweet words, then abandon you if you became pregnant. In fact, Id advise you, if you can, to become a lesbian. Thats the only safe way for a woman to make her way in this backward country.

Though it might be a good idea for you to keep that a secret.

******

PATRICIA H. BOVENDER, Walnut Cove

Our president-elect

I posted, Im so happy that Donald Trump was elected as our 45th president of the United States of America and received a respectful reply, Now that he will be our president, I want to support him. Help me, tell me why you are so happy.

Im happy to say goodbye to the Clintons and Bushes, their attitude of entitlement. Im thankful for Trumps love for our country, driving him to oppose the establishment government of Democrats and Republicans; that he struck such fear into the heart of the collusive parties that the Republicans opposed him more than Democrats. Im elated that he broke down barriers of elitists from the left and right wings. Im proud that I truly voted for Trump, not just because he was the lesser of the evils.

Im excited that regulations choking our economy will be eliminated; businesses will become profitable. Im happy that our country will be producers, not just consumers.

Im thankful that he will nominate Supreme Court justices to uphold the Constitution; those of strong faith in God and courage to stand for our Christian principles.

Im happy that national security will be addressed rationally; immigration laws enforced ensuring safety and preserving American culture.

Im happiest because America experienced revival. Christians took a stand speaking out against the turning away from God that has brought our country chaos and despair.

Im happy that Donald Trump is our president-elect because he is a fearless patriot. God bless Donald Trump and God bless America!

When You Write

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If you would like a photo of yourself included with your letter, send it to us as a .jpg file.

For more guidelines and advice on writing letters, go to journalnow.com/opinion/submit_a_letter.

The Journal welcomes original submissions for guest columns on local, regional and statewide topics. Essay length should not exceed 750 words. The writer should have some authority for writing about his or her subject. Our email address is: Letters@wsjournal.com. Essays may also be mailed to: The Readers Forum, P.O. Box 3159, Winston-Salem, NC 27102. Please include your name and address and a daytime telephone number.
HIGH POINT  A global call- and customer-service company, Alorica, pledged Thursday to add 800 jobs to the major High Point operation it recently acquired.

Alorica, based in Piedmont Centre business park, closed June 30 on its deal for Expert Global Solutions. The purchase expanded its global workforce to more than 100,000, including nearly 50,000 in the United States at 102 domestic centers.

The company did not request local or state incentives, according to Loren Hill, president of the High Point Economic Development Corp.

Alorica didnt wait until the formal announcement to begin hiring.

Alorica spokesman Ken Muche, who led the company presentation, said 235 jobs already have been filled. The goal is filling the remaining jobs by years end.

Along with applying online, Muche encouraged applicants to come to its facility at 4336 Federal Way. The company will remain as Expert Global Solutions until a signage conversion Jan. 1.

Once the 800 employees have been hired, Muche said the High Point workforce would be at 1,900. It already was at 1,100, the ninth largest private employer in High Point, according to Hill.

This was an area where the workforce is already performing at a high level that we want to expand and reward, Muche said. We want employees who want to take care of our customers like they are their neighbors.

The Alorica project represents the third largest in recent High Point history in terms of pledged jobs, trailing NationsBank (now Bank of America Corp.) and 1,900 jobs in 1993 and 900 jobs in 2010 by Ralph Lauren Corp.

Ralph Lauren had 2,843 full-time and full-time equivalent workers in High Point as of December, according to the city economic agency.

Muche was tight lipped about most of Aloricas local operations, declining to identify corporate customers except to say many were in the e-commerce side of retail, along with financial services, transportation, telecommunications and health care.

He declined to provide a wage range except to say it is very competitive for the local market  such as that 10 cents an hour could make a hiring difference  and that 99 percent are full-time positions.

Muche said while its operations primarily handle phone calls, it also handles client emails and social media messages. He envisioned in the near future employees would be handling video chats.

We provide what our clients say they want in customer service and engagement, taking a wider view as technology evolves with our clients, Muche said.

We have proven ourselves, locally and companywide, to have earned additional business from these clients, which is the main reason behind the expansion.

Muche said some employees use public transportation to get to work, and the High Point location worked as a central location in the Triad.

Although previous call-center experience is welcome, Muche said Alorica has a multi-week training process that has proven valuable in bringing in workers from other fields. For example, he said applicants with retail sales experience are valuable in providing services to retail clients.

Andy Lee, Aloricas chairman and chief executive, said in the Expert Global Solutions purchase announcement that the insanely great customer experiences we create for clients are a critical differentiator in increasingly competitive markets.

These experiences are created by our passionate people and backed by our unique approach to data analytics.

Regardless of the vertical, service, location or channel, were in the people-to-people business, Lee said.

Muche said that House Bill 2, known as the bathroom bill affecting transgender individuals in public facilities, did not factor into its decision to expand in High Point.

HB 2 was not among the criteria in our decision making, he said.

Alorica, after buying Expert Global Solutions, became the largest call-center operation in the country and third largest worldwide with $2.4 billion in annual revenue and 147 centers. Alorica announced plans Nov. 2 to add more than 8,000 employees in the Philippines. Muche said it is also hiring at facilities in Kentucky, Indiana, New Mexico and Virginia.

That level of domestic and global critical mass has given Guilford County economic officials confidence that Alorica would be successful in expanding after the countys loss of thousands of jobs related to the closing of call centers by American Express and Citigroup.

High Point Mayor Bill Bencini and Greensboro Mayor Nancy Vaughan called the announcement historic in terms of cooperation between the two cities economic development officials. The cities have combined some economic efforts into the Guilford County Economic Development Alliance.

Vaughan said the Alorica expansion represents the fruits of their collaboration because it means we dont have boundaries or walls when it comes to economic development.
Today

Generally cloudy. A few sprinkles possible. High 66F. Winds light and variable.

Tonight

A shower is possible early. Cloudy skies early, then partly cloudy after midnight. Low around 45F. Winds light and variable.

Tomorrow

A few passing clouds, otherwise generally sunny. High around 70F. Winds light and variable.
Berkeley County Cpl. Kimber Gist recounts the day she was shot multiple times on duty and survived. She spoke to a group of students and faculty Thursday at Charleston Southern University. It was the first time Gist has spoken publicly about the incident since it happened in February.
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By Juan Cole | (Informed Comment) |  

Trump adviser Carl Higbie told Megyn Kelly on Fox News that the new administration wanted to create a registration list of US Muslims, and he compared this step to the interment of the Japanese Americans during WW II:

It is legal. They say itll hold constitutional muster. I know the ACLU is going to challenge it, but I think itll pass, Higbie said.  We did it during World War II with Japanese, which, you know, call it what you will, maybe 

What is truly weird is that Higbie volunteered to compare such a registration list to the internment of Japanese Americans. It raises questions of just how far zealots such as he are willing to take this hatred of Americans of Muslim faith.

The internment of Japanese-Americans was not a policy precedent but a massive crime against innocents who had not been proven to have done anything wrong. Many Japanese-Americans fought bravely in the US military even while their families had lost their homes.

This is sort of like saying, of course the Federal government can commit genocide. Why, we did it to the Native Americans.

Just on moral grounds, Higbies proposal is creepy, and it immediately harmed the morale of Muslim-Americans and harmed the image of the US in the Middle East.

Here are the reasons Higbie is wrong and likely such a registry would be struck down by the courts:

1. Islam is a religion. No one reasonable person denies this simple fact. The first Amendment of the constitution forbids the Federal government to prohibit the free exercise of religion or to favor one religion (Establishment) over another. So you cant register one religious community without the others. That would be a de facto Establishment of e.g. Christianity. Moreover, making members of only one religion register would interfere with their free exercise of their religion. The only way the government got away with the internment of Japanese Americans was by a specious argument from national origins, suggesting that Japanese-Americans could not remain loyal when their two countries were at war. If the Roosevelt administration had tried to round up all Buddhists in the country, that measure would have been struck down.

2. The Right wing talking point that non-citizens in the US are not protected by constitutional rights is a falsehood, as demonstrated by a series of Supreme court rulings.

3. The Supreme Court case Ex Parte Endo found that the US government had acted improperly and that individuals could not be removed from their homes unless there was proof that they as individuals had acted disloyally. In other words you cant punish a whole community out of mere suspicion.

4. A raft of lawsuits by Japanese-American victims in the 1970s and 1980s, although they narrowly failed in the courts, put pressure on Congress, which awarded the equivalent of $40,000 per person in reparations in 1988. This law was an admission of guilt and can now by cited in court by Muslim Americans.

Actually, if the Trump administration does anything about a registry, it will likely just reinstate the Bush administration program of requiring registration of certain categories of non-citizen immigrants from select countries. Of Bushs 25 countries, 24 were Muslim-majority. Since everyone from the designated countries had to register, it was not discriminatory and affected some Christians. Only about 80,000 people were registered in this way. The program probably harmed US security since the government sometimes used the registration to deport people who, e.g., slightly over-stayed their visas. The knowledge of these practices appears to have made Muslim-Americans afraid to talk to the authorities for fear they would make themselves a target. So the community as a source for crucial intel was taken off the table.

This latter step could be taken, but registering Muslims in general, and especially citizens, almost certainly would not be allowed by the courts. Even the registration of immigrant non-citizens from select countries will have adverse effects on our security. The policy could also harm Americans traveling abroad for e.g. business, since often such policies are reciprocal and there could be a tit for tat.

But actually, Higbies suggestion is just completely morally wrong. Very few long-term Muslim residents or citizens of the US have been involved in terrorism, and their numbers are dwarfed by the violence of far right wing white people, whom Higbie is not proposing to register.



Related video:

Mediaite: On Fox, Trump Supporter Carl Higbie Cites Japanese Internment Camps As Precedent For Muslim Regist
Amid the many rumored reports of President-elect Donald Trumps likely cabinet picks, one name that has risen to the surface is seriously concerning observers of the foreign policy arena.

Retired Army Lt. Gen. Michael Flynn is the leading contender to become Trumps national security advisor, one of the top posts in the White House, MSNBC reported Thursday.

A source familiar with the Trump transition says that all signs point to Lt. General Michael Flynn, reported Kristen Welker, though nothing is finalized.

The powerful post, which does not require Senate confirmation, is currently held by Susan Rice under President Barack Obama and formerly by Condoleeza Rice under George W. Bush.

Welker noted that Flynn is a controversial figure in his own right who has been known to eschew political correctness, who, like most of the rumored appointees, is also a Trump loyalist who stayed by the GOP candidates side even as other national security experts sharply criticized him during the campaign.

Though Flynn is better known for his radical declarations against Islamfor instance, saying that he is at war with the religion, calling it a cancer, tweeting that fear of Muslims is rational (and writing a book to that effect), and insinuating that killing the families of suspected terrorists is acceptableperhaps more concerning is his ambition to act on those beliefs.

As former head of the Defense Intelligence Agency, Flynn was one of the most influential figures in the dramatic post-9/11 expansion of the role of U.S. Special Operations forces globally, Intercept reporter Jeremy Scahill wrote in September.

Scahill continued:

Along with Gen. Stanley McChrystal and Adm. William McRaven, Flynn was the embodiment of Donald Rumsfelds view that the world is the battlefield. Flynn, who ran the elite Joint Special Operations Commands intelligence operations, is still revered as a legend within the military intelligence world. [] After 9/11, Flynn was on the knifes edge of the intelligence technology that would be at the center of the mounting, global kill/capture campaign. In both Iraq and Afghanistan, Flynn and JSOC waged secret wars within the broader conventional wars and dramatically expanded the pace of night raids. Central to this strategy was taking prisoners and extracting information from them as quickly as possible.

The seriousness of his record prompted Lizz Winstead, co-creator of The Daily Show, to quip:

Michael Flynn chosen as Trumps national security adviser. In other news, just start waterboarding yourself to cut out the middle man.  Lizz Winstead (@lizzwinstead) November 17, 2016

Though he was ousted by the Obama administration in 2014, ironically, Scahill noted, it was Flynn whose black ops programs laid the groundwork for President Obamas counterterrorism strategy in Yemen, Somalia, Afghanistan and, increasingly, Syria and, once again, Iraq.

Among his other foreign policy views, Flynn is friendly with Russian President Vladimir Putin, and portrays Iran as the source of many of Americas national security problems, according to CNN national security analyst Peter Bergen.

Another point of concern is Flynns relationship with the government of Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan, which he has reportedly been paid to lobby on behalf of, raising ethical concerns and cast[ing] doubt on his suitability for public office, according to David Phillips, director of the Program on Peace-building and Rights at Columbia Universitys Institute for the Study of Human Rights.

And keeping in line with some of Trumps other appointees, namely chief strategist Steve Bannon, Flynn has used his platform to amplify rhetoric of the alt-right movement.

Ultimately, Scahill predicts, Flynns presence in Trumps corner means that a very sophisticated, accomplished assassin could end up in a position of tremendous authority.
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Maan News Agency |  

BETHLEHEM (Maan)  Amid a storm of postulations surrounding what the American President-elect Donald Trumps policies would look like in relation to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, Israeli Defense Minister Avigdor Lieberman on Thursday called again on Trump to coordinate with the Israeli government in order to enable the development of settlements.

According to Israeli media outlet Ynet, Lieberman called on Trumps new administration to work with the Israeli government to form a relationship that will enable development in the settlements.

I ask myself why we didnt succeed in developing the settlement enterprise as we wanted. The fundamental reason is simple: it is the failure to coordinate with the United States, the failure to create a coordinated policy with the American administration, Lieberman was quoted as saying in Ynet.

He also added that the Israeli government needed to wait to see what Trumps policies would look like under his new administration, and to establish policies with them together.

We have to make agreements with them. No one is in our pockets, he reportedly said.

Last week, the Washington Post reported that one of Trumps top advisers Jason Greenblatt said during an interview with Israeli army radio that Trump did not believe settlements were an obstacle to peace, breaking off from his American predecessors and the entirety of the international community.

During his campaign back in May, Trump told the UKs Daily Mail that he would support the continued expansion of illegal Israeli settlements in Palestinian territory, saying that the practice should keep moving forward.

Look: Missiles were launched into Israel, and Israel, I think, never was properly treated by our country. I mean, do you know what that is, how devastating that is? Trump was quoted as saying by the Daily Mail, adding that with all of that being said, I would love to see if peace could be negotiated. A lot of people say thats not a deal thats possible. But I mean lasting peace, not a peace that lasts for two weeks and they start launching missiles again. So well see what happens.

Despite Trumps wishes to position himself as a peace broker between Palestinian and Israeli leaders, the freezing of illegal Israeli settlements has been a central and unmoving demand of Palestinian negotiators and the international community. However, Israels construction of settlements on occupied Palestinian territory has continued unabated, despite routine international condemnation.

Liebermans comments came amid heightened tensions between right-wing Israeli politicians and the Supreme Court in recent days, as the Supreme Court dismissed a petition by the Israeli government to postpone evacuating the illegal Amona settler outpost on Sunday, ruling that the evacuation be carried out by Dec. 25 as previously ordered by the court.

The illegal Amona outpost, where at least 40 Israeli families reside, in the central occupied West Bank was slated for demolition in 2008 after the Israeli Supreme Court ruled in favor of Palestinians whose private land the settlement outpost was built on.

On Wednesday, the Israeli parliament  also known as the Knesset  approved a preliminary reading of a controversial formalization bill which would notably retroactively legalize hundreds of Israeli settler outposts constructed on private Palestinian land, considered illegal under Israeli domestic law. The bill has been pushed forward by right-wing Israeli politicians to prevent the displacement of Amona settlers.

The bill has garnered large amounts of criticism, as Israels attorney general said that the bill contravened international law and that there was no legal precedent for the expropriation of privately owned land.

While the settler outposts constructed in Palestinian territory are considered illegal by the Israeli government  despite authorities commonly retroactively legalizing the outposts  each of the some 196 government-approved Israeli settlements scattered across the West Bank are also constructed in direct violation of international law.

Meanwhile, mass protests have continued in the United States in response to Trumps victory in the US elections. The new administration has continued to spark fears in the American public, as hate crimes have skyrocketed since the elections, while tensions were also heightened following the appointment of Stephen Bannon, a notable white nationalist and influential figure in the extremist right-wing, as Trumps chief White House strategist and senior counselor.

Via Maan News Agency
Brazilian Federal Police [official website] in Rio de Janeiro arrested former governor Sergio Cabral Thursday on allegations of corruption [press release, in Portuguese]. Cabral was governor 2007 to 2014 and was instrumental in bringing the Summer Olympics to Rio be Janeiro, during which it is estimated that 224 million reais, or about $64 million, was siphoned from government funds that had been dedicated to public construction projects. The police claim that there is evidence of public funds being paid as bribes to state officials, as well as instances of corruption, bribery, and money laundering.

Brazils government has been wracked with charges of corruption for the past several months. In October the Federal Police arrested former House speaker Eduardo Cunha for his alleged participation in an embezzlement scheme [JURIST report]. Earlier in October Brazils federal prosecutors filed [JURIST report] new corruption charges against former president Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva. The Federal Police of Brazil in September arrested [JURIST report] former finance minister Antonio Palocci in connection with an ongoing corruption probe. The Brazil Supreme Court approved [JURIST report] a motion by prosecutors to open a preliminary investigation into accusations from Sergio Machado, former Transpetro head, that president Michel Temer sought illegal campaign donations in 2012
The US Bureau of Land Management (BLM) enacted [final rule, PDF] new regulations on Tuesday requiring a reduction in the amount of natural gas wasted through release to the atmosphere through venting, flaring and leaks during oil and natural gas production on federal and Indian lands. The rule is meant to reduce [factsheet, PDF] the amount of natural gas used in flaring by 49 percent and reduce the amount of gas lost through venting and leakage by 35 percent. The amount of natural gas vented or flared between 2009 and 2015 on public or Indian lands is estimated to be equivalent to the usage of 6.2 million homes for one year. The reduction is to be accomplished [press release] through the implementation of currently available technologies and best practices. The total costs of implementation are estimated to be between $110  $279 million per year over the next 10. The total estimated monetized benefits of the legislation are $209-$403 million, which includes $189-$247 million in monetized social benefit due to the reduction in methane emissions. The legislation also provides guidance on royalties from waste natural gas. Under the previous legislation, as much as $23 million annually of royalty revenue was lost due to wasted natural gas. The new rules are estimated to result in recovery of an additional $3-$10 million in royalties annually. The American Petroleum Institute has criticized [WP report] the regulation, stating that it is unnecessary and could stifle innovation.

The new regulations replace the 1979 NTL-4A [DOI Notice, Text]. In September 2015 a federal court halted [JURIST report] the enforcement of legislation that was enacted by BLM on fracking on federal and Indian lands, ruling that congress did not give BLM the power to regulate fracking. However, the Wednesdays BLM regulation states that the regulation allows BLM to carry out its responsibility, delegated by Congress, to ensure that the publics resources are not wasted and are developed in a manner that provides for long-term productivity and sustainability. Fracking [JURIST backgrounder] is a controversial method of tapping natural gas deposits with highly pressurized fluids. The method, commonly used in Marcellus Shale deposits, has raised environmental and public health concerns. The New York Department of Environmental Conservation (NYSDEC) [official website] banned [JURIST report] fracking in the state in June 2015. In March 2015, the Maryland House of Delegates passed a bill [JURIST report] to place a 3-year moratorium on fracking in the state.
[JURIST] The Court of Appeals of Missouri ruled [opinion] Tuesday that frozen pre-embryos, fertilized eggs that are not implanted in the uterus, are legally classified as marital property, and the consent of both parties is required before the pre-embryos can be implanted. The controversy arose when the plaintiff, McQueen, wanted to have more children with her ex-husband, Gadberry, by implanting pre-embryos previously created during a course of in vitro fertilization (IVF) the couple went through when they were married. Gadberry objected [AP report], saying he did not want to have any more children with his ex-wife, and he would want the pre-embryos to be donated or destroyed. The court ruled in favor of Gadberry, affirming the trial courts decision that [Gadberrys] and [McQueens] fundamental constitutional rights to privacy and equal protection under the 14th Amendment to the U.S. Constitution will be violated if either is forced to procreate against his or her wishes [opinion]. In the majority opinion, Judge Robert Clayton III wrote that no action can be taken without both parties consenting in writing. Judge James Dowd dissented [dissent], citing a Missouri statute [statute] that says life begins at conception.

Advances in reproductive technology have continued to raise legal issues. Last February the UK Supreme Court ruled [JURIST report] in favor of a lesbian parent seeking custody of her former partners biological daughter. Last November a California judge ordered the destruction [JURIST report] of five embryos following a couples divorce. That same year UK lawmakers voted in favor [JURIST report] of a law that would make the UK the first country to allow an IVF technique that uses DNA from two women and one man. In 2014 the French Court of Cassation ruled [JURIST report] that a woman is allowed to adopt the child of her same-sex spouse conceived through IVF. In 2012 the US Supreme Court denied [JURIST report] benefits for children conceived after their fathers death.
Philippines President Rodrigo Duterte [BBC profile] said Thursday that he would consider following Russias example and leaving the International Criminal Court (ICC) [official website]. The threatened withdrawal may be connected to the concern issued by the Hauge-based court [official statement] about the country and Dutartes handling of the drug-related violence over the past summer in which it is estimated more than 3,000 people have died [AP report]. Duterte also indicated that he would consider leaving the UN if Russia and China were to do so.

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. Last month, the ICC expressed concern over the rising occurrence of extrajudicial killings in the Philippines in connection with the ongoing war on drugs [JURIST report]. In September Duterte 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.
The Parliament of South Korea [official website] approved a measure on Thursday to appoint a special prosecutor to investigate President Park Geun-hye [Britannica profile] for allegedly allowing individuals to influence state affairs. It is alleged that Parks friend, Choi Soon-sil, was permitted to edit confidential speeches and receive funds even though she is not a political official. Choi Soon-sil is also under investigation for embezzling millions of dollars from non-profit organizations for personal uses. The bill was introduced [AP report] by members of the opposing political party, and the president has the power to reject the measure within 15 days, although experts believe this is unlikely. The nations constitution protects the president from most instances of criminal prosecution, but investigations are still permitted. Thousands of South Koreans have called for the presidents resignation [JURIST report] since last month.

The investigation into the president is the latest controversy affecting South Korean government officials. In October Park proposed [JURIST report] to amend the countrys constitutional provision that limits presidents to one term in office. Currently, South Korean presidents can only have a single five-year term, and Park finishes her term in office in February 2018. The Korea Fair Trade Commission, South Koreas antitrust regulator, confirmed [JURIST report] in August that the country is investigating whether Google violated the countrys antitrust laws. In Kyung-joon, a senior prosecutor in South Korea was indicted [JURIST report] in July on charges of bribery by accepting more than USD $11 million from an executive at the online-game company Nexon during collusive stock transactions over a nine-year period.
The US Supreme Court [official website] published an order [text, PDF] on Thursday stating that it would no longer hear the appeal in two antitrust suits against Visa, Mastercard and several banks concerning ATM fees. The suit alleges that the defendants, credit card companies and banks, have conspired to keep the ATM charges high, hurting consumer and ensuring that independent ATM operators can not set lower ATM fees. The lawsuit was originally dismissed by the district court on the basis that the plaintiffs, consumers and independent ATM operators, lacked standing to sue. The US Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia Circuit [official website] reversed the decision [opinion, PDF] and ordered the case to continue in the district court. The defendants appealed the decision to the US Supreme Court, which granted certiorari [JURIST report] and was set to hear the case in December. Thursdays order specified that the original argument, upon which the grant of certiorari was based, had been substituted for another argument by the defendants. As the basis for the certiorari was now no longer present, the court dismissed the appeal. With the pretrial motion denied, the case will now proceed in the district court.

The size of ATM and overdraft fees have been the subject of several lawsuits in later years. In June the US Court of Appeals for the Second Circuit [official website] rejected a class action settlement [JURIST report] in a lawsuit against Visa, Mastercard and several banks, also alleging conspiracy regarding ATM fees. In 2012 a similar lawsuit against several large banks was dismissed [JURIST report] by the US Court of Appeals for the Ninth Circuit [official website], which concluded that the plaintiffs lacked standing to sue. Also in 2012, two large settlements in lawsuits against banks alleging they charged excessive overdraft fees, were approved by the courts. US Bancorp, one of the largest bank in the US agreed to settle [JURIST report] a lawsuit concerning overdraft fees for $55 million. And a similar settlement [JURIST report] worth $110 million was agreed to by JPMorgan Chase & Co. in a similar lawsuit.
A UN rights expert on Friday criticized [press release] Australias treatment of migrants, saying the nations policies toward refugees has tarnished its human rights record. Special Rapporteur on the human rights of migrants, Francois Crepeau [official profile], made the statement at the end of his 18-day visit to evaluate Australias immigration policies. He did credit Australia for many aspects of its policies, such as the countrys acceptance of 12,000 Syrian migrants last year. However, he condemned Australias mandatory and prolonged immigration detention periods for asylum seekers in Nauru and Papua New Guineas Manus Island.

I am deeply concerned about the grave impact of the punitive approachwhich creates so much uncertainty about the futureon the mental health of many migrants, some of whom are in prolonged and indefinite mandatory immigration detention onshore or in offshore regional processing centres, or living in community detention, or living under temporary protection visas.

Crepeau will present his country mission report to the UN Human Rights Council in June 2017.

The UN has recently expressed criticism on the immigration and human rights policies of a number of countries. Earlier this month the UN Refugee Agency (UNHCR) said that the governments of France and the UK are failing in their obligation [JURIST report] to protect refugee children in the Calais Jungle refugee camp. In October the UNHCR called 2016 the worst year for refugees [JURIST report] crossing the Mediterranean Sea as the death toll reached its highest point. In September UN experts urged member states [JURIST report] to protect women and girls in the movement of refugees and migrants by adhering to international human rights conventions and standards.
An independent UN human rights expert said Wednesday that strengthening the justice system [press release] in the Central Africa Republic (CAR) is essential to achieving peace. Marie-Therese Keita-Bocoum was speaking before a conference on the CAR held in Brussels on Thursday. Also Wednesday the UN Security Council (UNSC) [official website] requested contributions [UN News Centre report] to aid in peacebuilding efforts. Yes the situation of my country is difficult but it is not a lost cause. We call on you to give us the support needed to make the difference  we need your solidarity and help, said [Guardian report] CAR President Faustin-Archange Touadera. The donations will aid in justice reform and work to destabilize armed groups currently occupying the CAR. The UNSC urges swift implementation [press release] of the recently signed initiatives including the National Strategy on Disarmament, Demobilization, Reintegration and Repatriation, the Internal Security Forces Development plan, the National Security Policy, and the National Reconciliation Strategy. The council reiterated the need to focus on addressing marginalized groups but also called on all Central Africans to refrain from taking actions that impede peace and stability.

The CAR has been in civil conflict since 2013 due to tension between the mostly Christian anti-Balaka militia and the predominantly Muslim Seleka, a rebel coalition responsible for the ousting of former president Francois Bozize. In October the UN warned [JURIST report] militant groups to cease their occupation of schools or face forceful eviction. The UN High Commissioner for Human Rights called [JURIST report] attention to the deteriorating human rights conditions surrounding the CARs criminal justice system in July. Earlier this summer UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon released [JURIST report] a report stating that there have been 269 verified human rights violations which have affected more than 900 citizens.
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Photos & Video Credit: Oberoi Hotels & Resorts

Egypt is a beautiful country full of historical importance, wonders of the world, and is one of the oldest civilizations on earth. In fact, 30 percent of the worlds ancient artifacts are found here. For centuries, weve heard stories about the Nile River, accounts of mythical gods, pharaohs that conquered lands and this magical body of water that was at the center of the dynasty. Although many travelers may have shied away from Egypt due to reports of civil unrest, the country is finally starting to see an uprising in tourism again.

If youre looking to experience Egypts wonders and get a firsthand look at the infamous Nile River, Oberois five-day cruise is a good place to start. The cruise line operates four- and six-night journeys between Luxor and Aswan. Both journeys take guests to spectacular temples and museums where they can marvel at gargantuan statues of kings and queens, massive granite obelisks, and detailed wall carving that tell the stories of gods and pharaohs.

The Philae is one of two ships that Oberoi operates on the Nile and is designed in the style of the old steam ships of the past. However the ship is anything but outdated. It is chic and contemporary, having recently gone through a complete overhaul and relaunch in 2016. The interiors are ulta-modern, and the ship offers a pool, several lounges, a bar, full service spa, library, fitness center and a gourmet dining room. Philae carries a maximum of only 44 passengers, giving guests the feeling of exclusivity.

During the renovations, the ships accommodations were transformed into larger suites by combining two cabins into one. If youd prefer something even larger, four suites include separate living and sleeping spaces. The top category suites have large private decks with a Jacuzzi.

Life aboard the ship is peaceful and unhurried. The vistas of villages transition from banana and sugar cane plantations to small farms, tropical river islands, sand dunes and eventually lush jungles. The staff on board are friendly and eager to ensure that your trip is seamless and fun. Be it in servicing your room, setting up your daily activities, or any special needs, just ask and they bend over backward to accommodate.

As wonderful as the ship is, the reason guests go to Egypt is for the historical landmarks, temples, and sites. The ship has an Egyptologist onboard who has a degree in Egyptian history and the passion to match. Salwa shared her knowledge and love for the countrys past as we explored three-story high statues and obelisks erected to honor the pharaohs and the gods. Travelers will visit a number of temples and sites such as Karnak, Luxor, Edfu Philae and Komombo. One of the best parts of the shore excursions was visiting the Valley of the Kings and seeing tombs of past kings such as Ramses VI and King Tut.

Back on the ship, the a la carte meals offer a more casual fine dining experience. Diners can enjoy everything from American, Asian and Middle Eastern cuisine at the ships main restaurant. Poolside, passengers can order light meals, snacks or barbecue lunches. In the bar, guests will find a selection of international wines and signature cocktails as well as a dance floor and movie theater. Be sure to check out their assortment of Cuban cigars as well at the Cigar Lounge on the upper deck.

Whether you choose a four- or six-night trip, this cruise is good way to learn more about the country and get a taste of what makes Egypt so unique. Six-night excursions begin at around USD $540 a night.
The election victory of Donald Trump can paralyse global climate and sustainable development policy for years. But it is not just for to the US to decide whether it actually comes to this.

Donald Trump will become President of the United States of America on 20 January 2017. Even if he only implements a part of what he has announced, a political earthquake will be unleashed. This will radically change the conditions for implementing the Sustainable Development Goals of the 2030 Agenda adopted in September 2015, and the Paris Climate Agreement.

This is a turning point for the world order. Efforts to organize global cooperation now need to be massively expanded: the EU needs to strengthen its international profile, and it needs a 100-day programme outlining its priorities for global cooperation and development following the Trump election.

The German G20 Presidency can help to strengthen climate protection and the 2030 Agenda. These are the foundations upon which the transatlantic partnership with the US government as well as dialogue between our societies must move forward.

Will Trump follow through on his pledges? Between fear and hope

What was unthinkable just a few days ago is now a distinct possibility following the US election: the United States could withdraw from its climate change mitigation commitments and return to the era of fossil fuels. They may refuse to participate in the Green Climate Fund, which is designed to provide USD 100 billion a year to developing countries to help them transition to a climate friendly model of society.

Climate sceptics within the President-elects core team are preparing to restructure the US Environmental Protection Agency. If the worlds second largest emitter of greenhouse gases fails to reduce its emissions, then it will be very difficult to limit global warming to below two degrees Celsius. And that is not all.

The incoming President promises to address the needs of the middle classes, who risk losing their social status, and those on the margins of society, the forgotten people. This is urgently needed, but if it were to be achieved through escalating protectionism and infrastructure investment, which would cement resource and greenhouse gas intensive patterns of growth decades to come, then this approach could conceivably result in a state of deadlock.

The things we already know about the economic, social and environmental programme of the incoming US government do not exactly read like an implementation strategy for the universal 2030 Agenda. Additionally, although the Sustainable Development Goals rest on the basic idea of global cooperation and the reconciliation of interests at the international level, the new US President pushes the idea of our country first.

Will the United States now weaken the key pillars of the world order, which it itself developed following the Second World War?

The way the United States now positions itself in relation to international organisations will also be important. UN development and environmental organisations, the World Bank and regional development banks have committed themselves to implementing the Paris climate accords and the 2030 Agenda. Will the United States now weaken the key pillars of the world order, which it itself developed following the Second World War?

Trumps world view, his concept of society and the 2030 Agenda  it looks like a new version of the Mars and Venus narrative which Robert Kagan used in 2003 to describe the absolute incompatibility between the George W. Bush administrations view of world politics and European criticism of his unilateral foreign policy.

We can only hope that the new US government will be far more moderate in its actions than the presidential candidate promised his voters. It will be revealed during Germanys presidency of the G20, which begins in December 2016.

An historical analogy  from the Brandt Report to Agenda 2030: Please resubmit later?

Five days after Willy Brandt signed his foreword to the famed North-South Brandt Report, or to give it its full title To Ensure Survival  Common Interests of the Industrial and Developing Countries, on 20 December 1979, the Soviet Union began its invasion of Afghanistan. This closed the door to further cooperation on issues of global human development.

The Cold War turned even frostier. Margaret Thatcher became the UK Prime Minister in 1979 (a post she held until 1990). Ronald Reagan was the White House incumbent between 1981 and 1989. The Brandt Report reflected a global discussion about the need for a global governance perspective, but it was released at an unfavourable time.

It was not until ten years later that the idea behind the report experienced a renaissance following the fall of the Berlin Wall and at the end of the Thatcher/Reagan era. The major world conferences of the 1990s, which were expected to create a common, global agenda for the nation states in the 21st century, and in particular the United Nations Conference on Environment and Development in Rio in 1992, were inspired by the spirit behind the Brandt Report.

Is there a similar fate looming for the 2030 Agenda and the Paris Climate Agreement? Both accords reflect in condensed form the recognition which has arisen at international level that global cooperation and inclusive development within planetary boundaries are essential to lasting prosperity for a world population soon to reach nine billion people, and to a peaceful world order.

However, the Paris Agreement and the 2030 Agenda are not yet fully out of the woods, as their key pillars are being radically challenged by ever stronger neo-nationalistic, populist, authoritarian movements and governments, and by leaders from Vladimir Putin to Viktor Orban and Trump.

Is history repeating itself? And is it a farce or a tragedy?

Is history repeating itself? And is it a farce or a tragedy? Will it only be in 2021 or 2025, after the Trump era, that the 2030 Agenda and the Paris Climate Agreement are resubmitted? The costs would be high in such a case.

If global climate change mitigation efforts were to be massively thwarted, it would no longer be possible to stabilise global warming at the two degrees Celsius mark, and the consequences of climate change would give rise to international security risks. If the US, still regarded as the worlds leading country, were to pursue a domestic and foreign policy geared towards social and political exclusion, restricted self-interest, polarisation and the weakening of shared institutions, then this would also provoke national and international instability and conflict.

What needs to be done to prevent a situation in which it takes conflict and global crises to pave the way to greater global cooperation?

The Western world order is under pressure from neo-nationalism and a renaissance of authoritarianism from within

The discussion about the rise of a post-Western world order is closely linked to the rise of the emerging economies and their strategies and visions for the global order of the 21st Century. What is surprising is that the underlying structures of the multilateral system are now being called into question by right-wing populist movements in the West itself.

On the agenda are the discrediting of international organisations from the European Union and the World Trade Organization to the United Nations, through our country first perspectives threatening the concept of promoting common interests, and, last but not least, the calling into question of open and diverse societies as the basis for global cooperation.

It is easy to identify those who would benefit from a Western world in tatters: nationalist powers in China and Russia.

As such, the international system is at tipping point. New alliances of actors from OECD countries, emerging economies and developing countries are needed in order to pave the way for a fair world order based on the reconciliation of interests and a common culture of cooperation and freedom, without which a world of global interdependencies would descend into conflict, chaos and escalating insecurity.

Europes responsibility: hopes and fears

The worst case scenario would see Marine Le Pen elected President in 2017 and France leave the EU, which would then implode and collapse. Trump and Le Pen would become nuclei for right-wing populist movements in the West and beyond. This would mark the beginning of the end of the world order as we currently know it. While such a forecast would have been seen as far-fetched just a few weeks ago, it can no longer be entirely ruled out.

In the optimistic scenario, Trumps election would serve as a wake-up call to Europe, which would renew its commitment to its core values of human rights, equality, democracy, multilateralism and a focus on global common goods.

The 2030 Agenda and the Paris Agreement could provide the starting point for a European and global modernisation, justice and peace project, thus improving future prospects for Europe and the international system: the radical reduction of social inequalities, the creation of employment prospects for the young generation, endeavours to drive the decarbonisation of the European energy system, work to combat the tax evasion strategies of wealthy citizens (Panama Papers) and global companies (profit sharing) on the international financial markets, and efforts to push a modernisation pact with Africa.

Europe could take a similar approach to the new US President and develop a 100-day strategy to secure the support of international partners for this project and engage proactively in dialogue with the Trump government. This would give a whole new meaning to Germanys G20 presidency in 2017, as an opportunity for developing communications channels with the new US administration and exploring options for mainstreaming the Paris Agreement and the 2030 Agenda to the greatest possible extent within the G20.

Of course, governments only represent one group of actors here: thirty years after the Brandt Report and the Reagan and Thatcher era, it is not only economies, but also societies which have become far more closely intertwined. Consequently, the way that civil society groups, culture makers, research networks, cities and also companies respond to the Trump shock will be of crucial importance.

Maybe we will see progress akin to that which followed the failure of the 2009 Copenhagen Climate Summit: a wave of international cooperation originating primarily from societies, cities, international organisations, science based networks, and certain sectors of the business community which ultimately gave rise to the Paris Climate Agreement.

The future of the world order at the beginning of the 21st Century no longer depends solely on the US President, his administration and the intergovernmental system. We are living in an emerging global society.

The original version of the article was published in German on Zeit Online.
HASTINGS (AP)  Former Republican presidential candidate Mitt Romney will visit Nebraska to campaign for U.S. Senate hopeful Ben Sasse.

Romney will appear with Sasse on Monday at an event in Hastings. Sasses is the final swing of his 93 Counties, 93 Days tour in the buildup to the Nov. 4 election. Romney is viewed as a potential presidential candidate in the 2016 election.

Sasse is running against Democrat Dave Domina and two independent candidates in a race to replace Republican U.S. Mike Johanns, who opted not to seek re-election.

Sasse and Romney will meet with voters at the Hastings City Auditorium, starting at 6:30 p.m. Doors open at 5:30 p.m.
Scottsbluff Police arrested a 27-year-old man after finding nearly 34 grams of cocaine in his possession Saturday morning.

Manuel Tapia appeared Monday afternoon in Scotts Bluff County Court and was arraigned on felony charges of possession of a controlled substance (cocaine); possession of a controlled substance (marijuana) with the intent to deliver; possession of cocaine with the intent to deliver and a charge of possession of marijuana with the intent to deliver.

Police had been called to a report of a possible narcotics violation at about 12:45 a.m. to the 400 block of East Overland, in reference indi-viduals sitting in a grey car. The responding officers found three individuals sitting in the car and detected the odor of burnt marijuana.

Officers contacted the driver, Tiffanee Garnier, 26, who was removed from the vehicle. When an officer removed her from the vehicle, he spotted a digital scale with a leafy residue in the passenger side of the vehicle. Alleged marijuana was also seen sitting in the door handle of the vehicle.

Officers searched the vehicle, finding 5.4 grams of marijuana in the center console of the vehicle. As an officer spoke to Tapia, police seized two plastic bags containing 33.2 grams of cocaine near the hood of the vehicle and near Tapia. The cocaine appeared to have been packaged for sale, contained in various quantities.

Police questioned Garnier and Tapia about the drugs. Garnier denied knowing Tapia, claiming she had only been giving him a ride. Tapia said the two were dating and they had traveled from Colorado. The vehicle, identified as a rental, was rented by Garnier.

Police also arrested Garnier, however, Scotts Bluff County Attorney Doug Warner declined to prosecute, citing a need for further investi-gation. Garnier had denied any knowledge of drugs in her vehicle.
For the second time in 16 years, it appears that the winning presidential candidate will lose the nationwide popular vote while winning office through the Electoral College. George W. Bush did it in 2000; Donald Trump, another Republican, has done it again in 2016. The Electoral College was designed by the Founders as part of the Constitution, but its come under increasing scrutiny  with critics suggesting its time to replace it with a system that lets voters directly elect the president.

What to do with the Electoral College? Keep it or boot it?

Lets get rid of it

- MATHIS: Politics makes hypocrites of us all. If Hillary Clinton had won the presidency, theres a decent chance Id be calling for the preservation of the Electoral College. Instead, Im arguing for its replacement.

Then again, the hypocrisy goes both ways. Donald Trump, back in 2012, argued against the Electoral College when he thought  mistakenly  that Mitt Romney had won the popular vote while losing the presidency. The electoral college is a disaster for a democracy, he tweeted back then.

Now? He calls it genius.

So heres why we should replace the Electoral College: There is no other institution in American life where the loser of the popular vote wins the prize. None.

Defenders of the current setup point out that the Constitution has a number of countermajoritarian features  starting with the Bill of Rights, continuing on to the systems of checks and balances  that often restrain the will of American voters. Thats true! But heres the key: Those features restrain the will of those voters. As a general rule, they dont entirely usurp that will.

Heres how Alexander Hamilton defended the Electoral College, writing in Federalist 68: The process of election affords a moral certainty, that the office of president will never fall to the lot of any man who is not in an eminent degree endowed with the requisite qualifications. Talents for low intrigue, and the little arts of popularity, may alone suffice to elevate a man to the first honors in a single state; but it will require other talents, and a different kind of merit, to establish him in the esteem and confidence of the whole Union.

With Trump on the precipice of taking the White House, its a moral certainty Hamilton was incorrect.

He was closer to the mark in Federalist 22, when he wrote fundamental maxim of republican government ... requires that the sense of the majority should prevail.

Theres no way to say in confidence that the sense of the majority has prevailed in this election. Its time to get rid of the Electoral College.

It levels the field

- BOYCHUK: Sixteen years after the Bush-Gore debacle of 2000, were still essentially a 50-50 nation. In some ways, the divisions are deeper than they were way back when. Imagine how much worse things would be if we were the pure democracy too many Americans mistakenly believe we are.

Americas Founders did not want direct democracy. Because the United States is a federal republic now with 50 different states, the Electoral College ensures that the sense of the majority should prevail by guaranteeing the interests of smaller, less-populated states are not overwhelmed by the larger, more-populated ones.

The president-elect, by the way, is confused about the Electoral College. During his recent 60 Minutes interview, Leslie Stahl asked Trump to reconcile his now-infamous 2012 tweet with his position now. Im not going to change my mind just because I won, he said. But I would rather see it where you went with simple votes. You know, you get 100 million votes and somebody else gets 90 million votes and you win.

He acknowledged, however, that the Electoral College brings all the states into play ... and theres something very good about that.

Whats good is that the outcome reflects the geographic and political diversity of a republic of nearly 325 million people.

As Hillsdale College President Larry Arnn explained in the Wall Street Journal the other day, the Electoral College helps establish the ground upon which the American people must talk with each other, while ensuring that they are not ruled as colonies from a bunch of blue capitals, nor from a bunch of red ones.

Fact is, Hillary Clinton owes her popular vote margin entirely to cerulean blue California, a state that is at once the sixth-largest economy on the planet and home to roughly one-third of the nations welfare recipients.

Another fun fact: About one-third of the Democrats representation in the U.S. House of Representatives comes from just three states: New York, Massachusetts and the aforementioned Golden State. Get the picture?

Abolish the Electoral College to enshrine a national popular vote, and the denizens of Los Angeles, Boston, and Manhattans five boroughs would decide the presidency forevermore. And you really dont want that.
Protesters have every right to wave signs proclaiming that Donald Trump is Not My President (although their credibility is compromised if they didnt vote). But they are wrong on their facts. Trump is their president  for the next four years.

Those protesters have many reasons to feel aggrieved. Trump callously exploited ugly strains of racism, sexism and xenophobia. For the second time in five elections, a Democrat won the popular vote but lost the Electoral College.

Still, Trump won fairly. The outcome must be accepted and respected. Thats the American Way.

But the American Way must mean something else as well. It must mean that a relentless and independent press holds the new president accountable from day one. No backing down. No buckling under.

During the campaign, news organizations realized that Candidate Trump had changed the rules, lying repeatedly and refusing to correct his statements or apologize for them. They became more aggressive in confronting his fabrications, and that aggressiveness has to intensify in their coverage of President Trump.

The American Way also places demands on a president. If those protesters are obligated to respect the election, he is obligated to respect the Constitution, including the part about a free press, and here Trump has a dismal record.

He repeatedly insults reporters as scum, clowns and dummies. Hes barred reporters he doesnt like from his campaign events and threatened to loosen libel laws. Recently, hes evaded reporters assigned to cover him.

Trumps anti-press missiles are only part of his assault arsenal. He boasts of more than 28 million followers on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram, and in effect hes created the Trump Broadcasting Network (TBN), which he uses adroitly to communicate directly with his followers and evade the filter of journalistic scrutiny.

In his revealing interview with Lesley Stahl on 60 Minutes, he called social media a great form of communication and added, Im not saying I love it, but it does get the word out. The TBN, he concluded, helped me win all these races where theyre spending much more money than I spent.

Trump has every right to employ these strategies, and hes correct about their effectiveness. But that just means its more important than ever for journalists to say to voters: What you heard on TBN, what you read on Facebook or saw on Instagram, is not the whole story.

Trumps ability to combat the media  or bypass it completely  is enhanced by the rise of fake news, deliberately false stories that are spread rapidly on the web by skilled hoaxsters who manipulate popular platforms like Facebook and Google.

In this election, there were a stunning number of fabricated stories masquerading as legitimate journalism, writes Andy Alexander, a former ombudsman at The Washington Post.

The mainstream media made many mistakes. In a desperate pursuit of ratings and revenue, they gave Trump far too much free coverage. They relied too heavily on polling and not enough on street-level reporting that might have sensed the pro-Trump surge that surprised just about everybody on election night.

As New York Times public editor Liz Spayd wrote: I hope its editors will think hard about the half of America the paper too seldom covers.
We're always interested in hearing about news in our community. Let us know what's going on!

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Canada's opioid epidemic will be front and centre today in Ottawa, where politicians will meet with members of the medical community with the common goal of curbing drug addiction and saving lives. Federal Minister of Health Jane Philpott, left, and Ontario Health Minister Eric Hoskins sit for an official photo before the final day of a meeting of provincial and territorial health ministers in Vancouver, B.C., on Thursday January 21, 2016. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Darryl Dyck
Sandra Jansen, left, and Premier Rachel Notley announce jointly that Jansen is crossing the floor from the Progressive Conservatives to join Notley's NDP at the legislature in Edmonton on Thursday, November 17, 2016. Jansen, a Calgary MLA, pulled out of the PC party's leadership race earlier this month, citing harassment over her progressive views. She says the PCs are moving away from the political centre to embrace a far right ideology, and says she no longer has a home there. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Dean Bennett
EU Commissioner for Environment, Maritime Affairs and Fisheries Karmenu Vella and Vietnamese Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development Nguyen Xuan Cuong on November 18th agreed in principle to work together towards reducing illegal logging and promoting trade in legally produced timber between the two sides through an ambitious licensing system for Vietnamese timber and timber products.

This will ensure that Vietnams exports of timber and timber products to the EU come from legal sources. After nearly six years of negotiation, the substance of the VPA has been agreed while some technical annexes still have to be finalized by the negotiators in the next few months. The EU and Vietnam expect to start the procedure to ratify the agreement in 2017.

"Vietnam and the EU today celebrate a milestone in their cooperation in the global fight to end illegal logging. Now we must focus on implementation to ensure that the VPA delivers on its social, environmental and economic goals. A key commitment is to establish a credible and robust system, which involves all stakeholders and includes effective mechanisms to detect violations and ensure law enforcement. The EU will continue to support Vietnam's efforts in this regard. We will be monitoring closely how the country works to implement the agreement, said Mr Karmenu Vella during a press meeting held in Hanoi.

Photo: Ngoc Bich/EU delegation to Vietnam

Vietnam is a major timber importing and processing country which has seen an exponential growth of its forest-based industries over the past decade, playing an important role in the global market. Illegal logging, however, remains a significant challenge. It deprives the government of revenue, threatens biodiversity and creates conflict with forest communities.

To implement the VPA, Vietnam will develop a timber legality assurance system and other reforms outlined in the Agreement, including issuing specific legislation to ensure the legality of timber it imports for further processing.

Once fully implemented, the VPA is expected to boost confidence in the legality of timber products exported by Vietnam, and deliver wider social and environmental benefits.

Vietnams shipments of timber and timber products to the EU will be accompanied by a FLEGT license, demonstrating the legal origin of these products. This will also simplify work for timber traders, as FLEGT-licensed products automatically meet the requirements of the EU Timber Regulation, which prohibits the placing of illegal timber on the EU market. EU operators can therefore place FLEGT-licensed timber on the EU market without being subject to the due diligence provisions of the EU Timber Regulation.

Vietnam is one of 15 countries that are implementing or negotiating VPAs with the EU. On November 15th, Indonesia became the first VPA partner country to issue FLEGT licenses.

An EU-Vietnam Joint Implementation Committee will oversee implementation of the agreement once it enters into force. Until then, key elements of the interim arrangements have been agreed that will help transition to the implantation phase./.
A KILKENNY woman is directing a national tour of David Mamets play Oleanna that will include performances in Barnstorm Theatre Companys space, The Barn, on July 15 and 16.

A KILKENNY woman is directing a national tour of David Mamets play Oleanna that will include performances in Barnstorm Theatre Companys space, The Barn, on July 15 and 16.

Performed by Company D, this two-person play takes the audience is taken on a stormy and, at times, uncomfortable journey into the modern issues of sexual harassment, gender roles and stereotypes.

Oleanna presents both sides of an epic power struggle between Carol  a bitter student struggling at university and using her age and gender to destroy the professor who, she believes, has failed her  and John, a university professor on the verge of being granted tenure who has let his position go to his head.

Oleanna is directed by Kilkennys Ruth Calder-Potts and stars David Scott (Company Ds artistic director) as John and Sinead ORiordan (a recent graduate of Company Ds Applied Art of Acting programme) as Carol.

Company D is an independent theatre company dedicated to perfecting, encouraging, supporting and exhibiting new actors to the theatre-going public. Company D was formed in September 2006 by David Scott with a group of like-minded actors and in four years the company became a focal point for the nurturing of cutting-edge new work and new actors in Irish theatre. Oleanna is Company Ds 16th production.

Admission is 15 (10 concession) and the performances will begin at 8pm.
SHANGHAI, Nov 18 (Reuters) - China's Ministry of Finance auctioned 19 billion yuan ($2.76 billion) of 50-year bonds and 12 billion yuan of 3-month bills in the interbank market on Friday at an average yield of 3.48 percent and 2.1011 percent, respectively, traders said.

For 50-year bonds, the yield was below market forecasts, centered around 3.55 percent and ranged from 3.50 to 3.60 percent.

The auction yield came in below Thursday's benchmark secondary market yield of 3.5683 percent for 50-year government bonds .

For 3-month bills, the auction yield came in above Thursday's benchmark secondary market yield of 2.0720 percent for three-month government bonds .

For stories on Chinese debt issues, click on . ($1 = 6.8750 Chinese yuan)

(Reporting by the Shanghai Newsroom; Editing by Amrutha Gayathri)
HANOI, Nov 18 (Reuters) - Here's a snapshot of Vietnamese dong exchange rates in the official market and indicative SJC gold prices in Hanoi at 0053 GMT.

Nov 18 Nov 17 USD/VND mid-point 22,112 22,101

USD/VND interbank 22,410/22,420 22,380/22,450 SJC gold (mln dong/tael) 35.73/35.98 35.70/35.97

NOTES: As of Jan. 4, 2016 the State Bank of Vietnam has begun setting the mid-point rate on daily basis, allowing dollar/dong transactions to move in a band of +/- 3 percent around the mid point. The dong's exchange rate against other currencies is not restricted by a band. Interbank quotes are indicative bid/ask prices.

One tael is equivalent to 37.5 grams or 1.21 troy ounces. SJC gold prices are quoted by state-owned Saigon Jewelry Co, the gold manufacturer.

Interbank offered rates are indicative, quoted from market sources.

For Vietnam market overview click on: Vietnam's bonds market auctions: Bonds auction results: (Compiled by Hanoi Newsroom)
HANOI, Nov 18 (Reuters) - Here's a snapshot of Vietnamese dong exchange rates in the official and unofficial markets, indicative SJC gold prices in Hanoi and interbank offered rates at 0433 GMT.

Nov 18 Nov 17 USD/VND mid-point 22,112 22,101 USD/VND interbank 22,450/22,540 22,380/22,450 USD/VND unofficial 22,600/22,650 22,490/22,530 SJC gold (mln dong/tael) 35.62/35.84 35.70/35.97

Interbank offered rates Overnight 1.7-2.3 1.7-2.4

1 week 1.8-2.4 2.0-2.4

1 month 2.4-3.0 2.5-3.0

3 months 4.2-4.8 4.2-4.8

NOTES: As of Jan. 4, 2016 the State Bank of Vietnam has begun setting the mid-point rate on daily basis, allowing dollar/dong transactions to move in a band of +/- 3 percent around the mid point. The dong's exchange rate against other currencies is not restricted by a band. Interbank offered rates are the latest indicative bid/ask prices, quoted from market sources.

One tael is equivalent to 37.5 grams or 1.21 troy ounces. SJC gold prices are quoted by state-owned Saigon Jewelry Co.

For more interbank rate fixings released at 0400 GMT, click on .

For Vietnam market overview click on: Vietnam's bonds market auctions: Bonds auction results: (Compiled by Hanoi Newsroom)
Deputy Prime Minister Trinh Dinh Dung and Minister Keiichi Ishii (Photo: VGP)

During the meetings, the Vietnamese Deputy Prime Minister suggested Japan continue to grant official development assistance (ODA) funding for Vietnam in energy, response to climate change, support for Vietnams development of supporting industry, and the building of key large-scale infrastructure works, including the north-south high speed railway, the north-south highway, and the highway linking Hanoi and Laos capital city of Vientiane.

He also urged the Japanese side to assist Vietnam in training high quality human resources to serve socio-economic development; developing human resources working in the construction and traffic sectors; and share experience in the management and operation of high-speed and urban railway systems.

The two Japanese Ministers showed their pleasure with the good development of the Vietnam - Japan relationship, confirming that they would work closely with the Vietnamese Government, Ministries and localities to increase the implementation of the Vietnam - Japan strategic partnership in all areas, especially in investment, infrastructure building and energy.

Minister Hiroshige Seko added that he wanted to continue to cooperate with Vietnam in the construction of high-capacity thermo-electric plants and import of liquefied natural gas (LNG).

Confirming that Japan will cooperate with Vietnam in completing the infrastructure system, Minister Keiichi Ishii asserted that Japan is willing to support Vietnam in constructing the north-south high-speed railway, and expressed his hope that Vietnam will use Japans technology in to-be-carried-out urban railways, adding that Japanese businesses desired to participate in the Long Thanh International Airport project and the Ben Thanh underground trade centre in Ho Chi Minh city.

During the visit, Deputy Prime Minister Dung and his delegation visited a human resource training centre of the Tokyo Metro Company, the largest metro company in Japan. At present, the company is cooperating with Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh city to carry out urban railway projects using Japans technology. In particular, the companys training centre will train train drivers and staff for Vietnams urban railway routes./.
ATHENS, Nov 18 (Reuters) - Greece has approved a permit application by Canadian gold miner Eldorado to build a plant at its Skouries gold mine in northern Greece, a senior Greek energy ministry source said on Friday.

After years of confrontation with the Greek government over environmental concerns, Vancouver-based Eldorado halted development at its project in the forested Halkidiki peninsula in January. It laid off most of its 600 workers, saying the government had been delaying necessary permits

The miner resumed preparatory work for construction at the site in June after it received approval of an updated technical study. It plans to start production there in 2019. A source at the energy ministry said that Greece approved Eldorado's amended plan to build an enrichment plant in Skouries earlier this month.

Asked about suggestions that the government has changed its stance towards the investment, the source said: "Nothing has changed in our policy".

"If we hadn't approved this licence, the company would have taken the case to the (country's top administrative court)Council of State."

Eldorado still needs a town planning permit for the Skouries plant, the source added.

(Reporting by Angeliki Koutantou; Editing by Alexander Smith)
By George Obulutsa

NAIROBI, Nov 18 (Reuters) - Kenya's capital markets regulator said on Friday it was taking punitive action against former senior managers of Uchumi Supermarkets and a financial advisory firm over the handling of a 2014 rights issue.

Uchumi Supermarkets Limited (USL) raised 895.8 million shillings ($8.80 million) from the rights issue, which it said was to be used for expansion.

The Capital Markets Authority said in a statement it had found former CEO Jonathan Ciano, former finance director Chadwick Okumu and three former directors failed to fully disclose material information to investors and misused proceeds of the rights issue.

It said an adviser on the deal, Faida Investment Bank, had failed to inform the CMA of material changes that were made to the rights issue's information memorandum.

"The Board of the Capital Markets Authority (CMA) has taken enforcement action against the former USL Chief Executive and Finance Manager, former USL directors and the rights issue's transaction advisor for regulatory breaches," it said in a statement.

CMA said after Uchumi received the rights issue proceeds and paid expenses, the money was then used to pay supplier debts instead of branch expansion.

CMA said as a result of this and other breaches, it had decided to fine Ciano, the former CEO, 5 million shillings and asked him to return 13.5 million shillings for failure to disclose a conflict of interest to the board.

It also barred Khadija Mire, its former chairman, from holding any position in any listed company for two years and asked her to refund some 1.77 million shillings she earned in 2014 and 2015.

Okumu, Uchumi's former finance director, was barred from holding any position in any listed company for two years.

Also penalised was former director James Murigu, who was asked to refund money earned in 2014 and 2015, and barred from holding office in a listed company.

Another director, Bartholomew Ragalo, was given a regulatory caution and asked to return his allowances from 2014 and 2015.

CMA said it had barred Faida Investment Bank from doing any transaction advisory services for six months.

Ciano told Reuters he had no comment on the CMA statement as he had not been notified. Okumu, who was not immediately available to comment, has in the past denied wrongdoing.

Faida Investment Bank and the other executives sanctioned by the CMA could not immediately be reached for comment on Friday.

Uchumi reported losses of 1 billion shillings in the six months to the end of December 2015 after a loss for the 12 months to the end of June 2015 of 3.6 billion shillings, which was restated from 3.2 billion due to the malpractices uncovered.

It secured shareholder approval in January for a recapitalisation of up to 5 billion shillings to help turn the firm around and appointed Kenya's Pamoja Capital to lead the search for a potential investor. ($1 = 101.8000 Kenyan shillings)

(Reporting by George Obulutsa; Editing by Adrian Croft)
OSLO, Nov 18 (Reuters) - The average price of Norwegian farmed salmon is expected to fall by 2-3 crowns to 65-66 crown per kilo next week as output volumes rise, industry sources told Reuters on Friday.

In the current week, prices rose to 67-68 crowns, somewhat less than anticipated as the balance of supply and demand gradually shifted.

"It's difficult to predict but we expect prices down a couple of crowns to 65-66," said a salmon producer who declined to be named.

A fish exporter told Reuters there remained significant gaps between what producers were willing to sell for and what buyers were willing to pay, making the price forecasts more uncertain than usual.

Both the producer and exporter said growth in available volumes was the key reason for the drop in prices. The exporter added the market was generally resisting attempts to push prices towards 70 crowns.

Prices have been volatile so far in 2016 and hit a record in July above 80 crowns per kilo as supply fell while demand rose. Prices then proceeded to fall to a level just above 50 crowns before rising again.

Production costs in Norway have risen sharply in recent years to around 30-31 crowns per kilo on average.

Norway is the world's top salmon exporter, with leading producers including Marine Harvest, Salmar , Leroy Seafood , Grieg Seafood and Norway Royal Salmon .

Companies and analysts have predicted that the global supply of salmon will fall by 6-7 percent in 2016 due to declining production in Norway as well as in Chile, the world's second largest producer.

(Reporting by Ole Petter Skonnord, editing by Terje Solsvik)
(Adds context, details, background)

COPENHAGEN, Nov 18 (Reuters) - Denmark's liberal minority government has reached agreement with political allies on the budget for 2017, it said Friday, but could still face a general election this year over tough negotiations on tax cuts, immigration and welfare scale-backs.

The overdue budget deal paves the way for fresh negotiations on a broad 10-year financial reform involving tax, property and pensions reforms as well as plans for a new energy subsidy scheme presented by Prime Minister Lars Lokke Rasmussen in August.

The government last month postponed negotiations on the 10-year plan until a yearly budget deal was reached, as it was unable to find consensus among political allies, threatening to overthrow the minority government.

A final demand by political ally Liberal Alliance to cut the top rate of income tax by 5 percentage points could topple the government if no agreement is reached by the end of the year.

On Friday, however, Rasmussen secured support for economic policy throughout 2017, which aims to hold the public deficit around 1.8 percent of the GDP, less than the European Union's ceiling of 3 percent.

"The budget strengthens the welfare and makes Denmark a safer country, while it remains within a responsible, economical framework," Finance Minister Claus Hjort Frederiksen told reporters after clinching the deal with the the three right-wing political parties that support the government.

(Reporting by Erik Matzen and Teis Jensen, editing by Jacob Gronholt-Pedersen/Jeremy Gaunt)
Union petition calls for St. Michael leadership's ouster

A union leader said of the hospital's short staffing in the ER that the crisis was 'extraordinary.'
Liam Hehir writes:

The press was christened the Fourth Estate in response to the French Revolution, during which the Third Estate effectively overthrew the other two. This could never have happened were it not for an explosion in newspaper and pamphlet publishing that excited debate and increased popular awareness of the affairs of state. Given that we are still experiencing the repercussions of this event, the subsequent designation of the news media as a vital force in public affairs has always been taken for granted. Not so much any more, perhaps.

Hillary Clinton got 500 media endorsements to just 26 for Donald Trump, yet the voters ignored the overwhelming consensus of the media and elected him.

If you go by readership size, of the top 50 newspapers, not one endorsed Trump.

Ive previously expressed the view that claims of media bias should be treated with some caution. Its not that it doesnt exist (journalists are only human, after all). But because they cover controversial topics, reporters are always going to be accused of bias even when they go to great lengths to be balanced. If you are a partisan of a particular candidate, party or cause, the chance are you will find fault with any coverage of the subject. Its just human nature. That being said, its impossible to maintain that the American media was an impartial chronicler of the last election. The manner in which it pushed for Hillary Clintons victory was evident from the nature of its coverage and behaviour of American journalists themselves. In the aftermath of Donald Trumps victory, ABCs Martha Raddatz  who actually moderated one of the debates  struggled to hold back tears as she talked about the Clinton loss. In mid October, it was revealed that a staggering 96 per cent of campaign donations coming from journalists went to the former secretary of state. And what could be inferred from such conduct was more or less confirmed by Wikileaks. It turned out another debate moderator emailed Clintons campaign chair to, among other things, brag about how he had successfully baited Trump, solicit question ideas and even offer campaign advice. Another prominent reporter was caught repeatedly running copy by the campaign for approval prior to publication. The questions in upcoming CNN debates were leaked to Clintons staffers on multiple occasions.

Again part of the falling trust in media.

It sometimes looks that, their forebears having done so much to sweep the First and Second Estates from power, Americas reporters have now come to see themselves as the aristocrats and clergymen of the twenty-first century. They certainly sound like would-be aristocrats when they talk about the lower income voters who flocked to Trump. You get the feeling that for many covering the election, the peasants are revolting is an observation that carries more than one meaning. Jokes about hillbillies, rednecks and white trash may comfort you about your perceived superiority, but they also reek of the same hauteur that characterised the gentry of old. Not much better are the anguished pieces about how these poor benighted people arent to blame for their ignorance and what is really required is a better method of explaining to them why their values are wrong. Both approaches boil down to the same basic idea: that the serfs lack the dignity and agency required for citizenship.

Good observation.

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Prime Minister Nguyen Xuan Phuc (R) meets with Lao Deputy Prime Minister Sonsay Siphandone (Photo: VNA)



Lao Deputy Prime Minister Sonsay Siphandone made the proposal at his meeting with Prime Minister Nguyen Xuan Phuc in Hanoi on November 17th as part of his ongoing working visit to Vietnam.

He suggested the two countries increase cooperation between localities and exert more efforts to weather difficulties for enterprises to do business in the respective markets.

For his part, Prime Minister Nguyen Xuan Phuc confirmed that Vietnam will do her utmost to enhance the time-testing friendship and cooperation with Laos , especially supporting local businesses to boost investments in Laos .

He asked the neighbouring country to put forth specific measures to build an oil pipeline from Hon La Port in the central province of Quang Binh to the central province of Khammouan, as well as the use of Vung Ang Port in the central province of Ha Tinh as a transit place for Lao cargos.

The PM recommended the Lao side to closely work with the Vietnamese counterpart to implement effectively the aforesaid projects.

He also called on the two sides to share experience in socio-economic development management, and underlined agro-forestry-fisheries as potential fields for bilateral cooperation./.
While I always thought Clinton would beat Trump (and was wrong) I did also say that if Sanders had won the nomination I thought Trump would beat him as he is too left wing to be electable.

My theory was that his socialist agenda would unite the entire right behind Trump from establishment GOP to business lobbies to the Tea Party.

It seems my theory had some merit. Kurt Eichenwald at Newsweek has details of what the Republicans were going to hit Sanders with if he was the candidate:

So what would have happened when Sanders hit a real opponent, someone who did not care about alienating the young college voters in his base? I have seen the opposition book assembled by Republicans for Sanders, and it was brutal. The Republicans would have torn him apart. And while Sanders supporters might delude themselves into believing that they could have defended him against all of this, there is a name for politicians who play defense all the time: losers. Here are a few tastes of what was in store for Sanders, straight out of the Republican playbook: He thinks rape is A-OK. In 1972, when he was 31, Sanders wrote a fictitious essay in which he described a woman enjoying being raped by three men. Yes, there is an explanation for ita long, complicated one, just like the one that would make clear why the Clinton emails story was nonsense. And we all know how well that worked out.

Yep there is an explanation but explaining is losing.

Then theres the fact that Sanders was on unemployment until his mid-30s

Amazing. He was basically unemployed until he was almost 40 when he became a Mayor. He was the ultimate stererotypical hippie railing against injustice from his parents basement.

and that he stole electricity from a neighbor after failing to pay his bills

Yep he couldnt pay his bills as he wasnt working so he just stole it from a neighbour!

and that he co-sponsored a bill to ship Vermonts nuclear waste to a poor Hispanic community in Texas, where it could be dumped. You can just see the words environmental racist on Republican billboards. And if you cant, I already did. They were in the Republican opposition research book as a proposal on how to frame the nuclear waste issue.

If only they had done the same research on Trump!

Also on the list: Sanders violated campaign finance laws, criticized Clinton for supporting the 1994 crime bill that he voted for, and he voted against the Amber Alert system. His pitch for universal health care would have been used against him too, since it was tried in his home state of Vermont and collapsed due to excessive costs.

Whoops, but the best is yet to come:

Worst of all, the Republicans also had video of Sanders at a 1985 rally thrown by the leftist Sandinista government in Nicaragua where half a million people chanted, Here, there, everywhere/the Yankee will die, while President Daniel Ortega condemned state terrorism by America. Sanders said, on camera, supporting the Sandinistas was patriotic.

Trump would have slaughtered him. Any of the Republican candidates would have.

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Shenandoah, IA (51601)

Today

Mostly sunny early then partly cloudy and windy this afternoon. High 77F. Winds S at 20 to 30 mph. Winds could occasionally gust over 40 mph..

Tonight

Clear to partly cloudy. Low 57F. Winds S at 10 to 20 mph.
Photo: nld.com.vn

The 13 organizations, including Animals Asia, Education for Nature Vietnam, Flora & Fauna International, Four Paws, Frankfurt Zoological Society, Freeland, Free the Bears, GreenViet, TRAFFIC, United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime, WildAct, WCS Vietnam and WWF-Vietnam, signed a joint statement committing to ongoing cooperation with each other and with the Government of Vietnam in efforts to address the poaching and trafficking of wildlife, wildlife rescue and welfare, strengthen policy and law enforcement, and implement behaviour change and education campaigns for wildlife protection.

Furthermore, the organizations are urging the Government of Vietnam to implement a number of specific and strategic measures to strengthen its immediate response to these issues.

We recognize that Vietnam has already made many important national and international commitments and agreements to end illegal wildlife trade, but now its time to turn these commitments into real action to close down illegal wildlife markets and reduce consumer demand for these products. The worlds attention is on Vietnam, and this is a golden opportunity for Vietnam to show that its serious about combating wildlife crime, said a spokesperson of the group of 13 organizations.

The Government of Vietnam on November 17th-18th hosts the Hanoi Conference on Illegal Wildlife Trade, the third in a series of global conferences that started with the London Conference in 2014, and the Kasane Conference in 2015.

High-level representatives of more than 40 countries will descend on Hanoi, where they are slated to adopt a Hanoi Declaration that will include a roadmap to tangible and unified actions against illegal wildlife trade.

International cooperation is crucial on this issue that spans almost every country and region across the world, but we also need to work together better within each country too. Bringing an end to illegal wildlife trade and improving wildlife protection will take time and require the combined experience, resources and skills of all of us, and that is why we stand together to encourage Vietnam to seriously follow through on its commitments. Were here and were ready to support Vietnam to make a difference, said the spokesperson of the group of 13 organizations.

The joint statement will be delivered to the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development, the Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment, Ministry of Public Security, and the Office of the Prime Minister./.
The hit television show "Duck Dynasty" will air its final season on A&E in the spring of 2017.

"We've decided as a family for this to be the final chapter of the Duck Dynasty series," said Jase Robertson in the family's farewell video.

Since 2012, the Robertsons have entertained and touched the hearts of viewers thanks to their devotion to faith and family.

"The family gets together at the end of the show and they eat together because that's what southern families do," says Peggy Blackburn, a fan from Alabama.

"Duck Dynasty" gave the Robertsons an open door to millions of fans across the country, not just in Sportsman's Paradise.

The Robertson's businesses, Duck Commander and Buck Commander, were around long before "Duck Dynasty" was created, but fans travel from all over the country just to stop in West Monroe at the businesses.

The show's affect on local tourism in The Twin Cities won't be forgotten anytime soon.

"The long-term affects of what they have on us and tourism in our area are going to really shine through over the next several years. I think even though the show is ending, it's still going to have an impact on tourism here," says Sheila Snow with the Monroe/West Monroe Convention and Visitors Bureau.

The Duck Dynasty legacy will continue on the in The Twin Cities with more businesses from the Robertsons; Kay Roberton's bakery will open after Thanksgiving on Trenton Street in West Monroe, and Willie Robertson's diner is currently being renovated.
Internal Medicine Associates opens new Powell office

NOVEMBER 18, 2016 at 10:43 a.m.









KNOXVILLE  Internal Medicine Associates has moved to a new location that offers patients the same high quality of care with ground-level access, dedicated parking and on-site physical therapy.



The single-story 23,000-square-foot office, located at 7744 Conner Road in Powell, is around the corner from the old site and remains close to Emory Road and Interstate 75. The new building features easier access and expanded parking and offers a warm, inviting waiting room for patients. Internal medicine is the specialty of diagnosis, treatment and primary care of adults. In addition, physical therapy services from Summit Medical Group are available on-site.



This new medical facility allows us to continue to offer the best care to our patients and also makes it convenient for them to enter and exit the building as everything is on the ground floor, said Dr. Gerald Mancebo, managing partner for Internal Medicine Associates. The features of our new location are a result of direct feedback from our patients, and we look forward to serving all of our current patients and new ones at our expanded facility.



The new Internal Medicine Associates building opens as the area continues to experience growth in health care services, retail and other industries.



This is developing as a medical corridor for the Powell and North Knoxville communities, Mancebo added. Whether you need a hospital, primary care physician, surgeon, ophthalmologist, dermatologist or other health care professional, its within reach at this thriving Emory Road area.



In addition to serving the primary care needs of approximately 23,000 patients, Internal Medicine Associates offers an urgent care/after-hours clinic. Walk-ins are welcome, and you dont have to be an established Internal Medicine Associates or Summit Medical Group patient to visit the clinic. Its open Monday-Thursday from 4:30-7 p.m. and on Saturday from 8 a.m.-noon.



Internal Medicine Associates is open Monday-Thursday from 7 a.m.-7 p.m.; Friday from 7 a.m.-4:30 p.m.; and Saturday from 8 a.m.-noon. To schedule an appointment, call 865-546-9751.



Internal Medicine Associates is a member of Summit Medical Group, East Tennessees largest primary care organization. For more information, visit www.imasummit.com and www.summitmedical.com.



Summit Medical Group is East Tennessees largest primary care organization with 240 physicians and more than 160 advanced practitioners providing care at 55 practice locations in 13 counties. Summit also consists of four diagnostic centers, mobile diagnostic services, seven physical therapy centers, three express clinics, a central laboratory and a sleep services center. Summit provides healthcare services to more than 260,000 patients, averaging over one million encounters annually. Summits Statcare division, which includes 70 of the groups physicians working with advanced practitioners, delivers superior care for hospitalized patients. Published November 18, 2016
TDCI Lost Policy Service can help you recover insurance & annuity benefits

NOVEMBER 18, 2016 at 10:18 a.m.





NASHVILLE  The Tennessee Department of Commerce and Insurances (TDCI) new lost policyholder service is already paying dividends across the state since the Department announced the service in March 2016.



In just a few short months, the Department has already connected 10 Tennesseans to $128,685 in life insurance benefits, said TDCI Commissioner Julie Mix McPeak. We are pleased to have helped those Tennesseans after a time of great loss and we encourage others to take advantage of this free service offered through TDCI.



TDCIs Lost Policy Service enables beneficiaries to track down the life insurance policies or annuity contracts of deceased family members. To use the service, Tennesseans submit a simple request form either electronically or by mail to the Department. The Department then sends the request to all licensed Tennessee life insurance carriers who search their records for any matches.



The Department designed this program to be as simple as possible for our customers, said TDCI Assistant Commissioner Michael Humphreys. We recognize that one of the last things you want to be do following the death of a loved one is try to track down an insurance policy that may have been purchased 20 years ago from a company that has since merged. We hope to help take one stress off the minds of these Tennesseans.



For more information on the Lost Policy Service and other consumer insurance resources, visit the TDCI website or contact the TDCI Consumer Insurance Service Division at 1-800-342-4029 or (615) 741-2218.



Source: TDCI Published November 18, 2016
By Park Jae-hyuk

Most firms responsible for the toxic humidifier sterilizer scandal declined to reveal the ingredients in their chemical products, an environmental civic group said Friday.

The Korea Federation for Environmental Movements (KFEM) said it sent official documents to 12 companies on Nov. 9 asking them to disclose the ingredients. The companies had been investigated by the government over the scandal up until last month.

According to KFEM, Lotte Shopping and Daiso-Asung refused the request, while another eight firms  Home Plus, E-mart, Home Care, Costco Korea, General Bio, Sandokkaebi, Henkel Homecare Korea and GS Retail  did not answer.

Lotte Shopping said, "We already submitted the whole list of ingredients of our chemical products to the Ministry of Environment in June, so you should ask the ministry for the data."

Daiso-Asung said it could not accept the demand because information about ingredients is confidential between the manufacturer and seller.

Only two  Aekyung and Clannad  said they will reveal the ingredients by the first half of next year.












By Jhoo Dong-chan

Union members at Daewoo Shipbuilding & Marine Engineering (DSME) have agreed to fully cooperate with the company's self-rescue plan, a baseline condition that the debt-ridden shipyard's creditors demanded in return for financial help.

DSME said Thursday in a press release that the company's union members have decided to work together with the company for management normalization, and submitted a letter of confirmation with its creditors led by the state-run Korea Development Bank (KDB) and Export-Import Bank of Korea (Eximbank).

The self-rescue plan includes massive layoffs, but DSME labor union head Hong Seong-tae said, "We made the decision to submit the letter in order to prevent court receivership and protect the workers' jobs and their right to live."

Under the scheme, the KDB and Eximbank are expected to carry out a recapitalization plan worth a total of 2.8 trillion won as planned, paving the way for the ailing shipbuilder to avoid court receivership and gather momentum for its revival.

Of the 2.8 trillion won, the KDB will execute a 1.8 trillion won debt-equity swap while Eximbank buys perpetual bonds worth the remaining 1 trillion won to be issued by DSME in a bid to help it raise capital.

The government has imposed pressure on union members working at DSME to support a creditor-led restructuring plan, stressing they should participate in the self-rescue efforts under the principle of "sharing pain" among stakeholders.

"DSME workers should face the grim reality," Financial Services Commission Chairman Yim Jong-yong said at a meeting on the nation's corporate restructuring campaign earlier this week.

Union members at DSME had strongly opposed the plan, claiming the government and the government-appointed executives should be responsible for the company's lousy management, but eventually gave in as creditors implied court receivership if the labor union does not comply with the plan.
Pianist Cho Seong-jin poses at the press conference, Thursday. / Yonhap



By Yun Suh-young

Pianist Cho Seong-jin, who was catapulted to fame after winning the International Fryderyk Chopin Piano Competition last year, spoke to fans for the first time since his win in a live internet broadcast on Wednesday.

On Naver's V Live channel and its synchronizing app, Cho's interview was simultaneously broadcast online for 90 minutes from 8 p.m. and viewed by more than 55,000 people.

Earlier that day, he spoke to the media about his recent album release with Deutsche Grammophon, which will be available from Nov. 25 in Korea; his recent U.S. tour and his daily schedule. On the V Live broadcast, Cho explained why he chose "Chopin: Piano Concerto No. 1, Ballades" (featuring the London Symphony Orchestra conducted by Gianandrea Noseda) and four ballades for this album.

"In the album, there are four ballades," he said. "In the competition I also played four ballades. The reason why I chose these four is because the first album I bought when I started piano at the age of nine was Krystian Zimerman's Chopin ballades. That was the first that I personally chose to buy.

"At the time, Zimerman was such a huge figure for me, like a mountain, and my dream became to play the whole repertoire like him. I still think that I'm not entirely ready, but I did my best and I'm honored to be able to record the four songs."

Cho has released several albums of his competition performances but the studio recording is released for the first time this month.

"I recorded the Piano Concerto No. 1 in June with the London Symphony Orchestra in the Abbey Road Studios and recorded the ballades in September at Friedrich-Ebert-Halle in Hamburg, Germany," Cho said.

"When I arrived, I was doubtful about the studio because it was just a school in a remote countryside. When I walked in, I was even more doubtful because it looked so plain. But the moment I sat at the piano, I realized this was a great studio. It had great acoustics."

Cho recorded for 12 hours on the first two days, six hours each day on two songs. On the third day, he went through all four songs. It was the last day's performance that went into the album.

"I think the comfortable feeling of having finished made me play better on the last day," he said. "I'll take that into account for my next album.

"When you're recording solo, you have no idea how you're doing. Sitting all by yourself in an empty room feels rather lonely."

For Korean fans, Cho's new album in Korea features one more piece  Chopin's Nocturne No. 20.

"I always thought this song is cold," Cho said. "It has a lot of emotions in it  from happy to sad."

Cho will be busy next year, with several performances scheduled. He will hold a recital at the Lotte Concert Hall on Jan. 3-4, followed by a Carnegie Hall recital in February. He will then embark on a tour to Taiwan and Japan.

"Next year's repertoire will be French," he said. "The studio album will be of French composer Debussy's works, including 'Images,' 'Clair de Lune' and 'Suite Bergamasque,' to name a few."
The winners of the 47th Modern Korean Literature Translation Awards pose for a photo during an award ceremony at Lotte Hotel in downtown Seoul, Friday. From left are juror Brother Anthony; Commendation Award for fiction winner Kim You-jeong; Korea Times President-Publisher Lee Chang-sup; KB Financial Group Managing Director Shin Hong-seob; Lee Gil-sung on behalf of Commendation Award for fiction winner Stella Kim; and Commendation Award for fiction winner Steve Capener. / Korea Times photo by Shim Hyun-chul



By Kwon Mee-yoo

The winners of the 47th Modern Korean Literature Translation Awards by The Korea Times were honored at an award ceremony at Lotte Hotel in downtown Seoul, Friday.

Organized by The Korea Times and sponsored by KB Financial Group, the award recognizes budding translators of Korean literature into English who support Korean literary works to reach a wider audience and transcend the language barrier.

There was no Grand Prize winner for either fiction or poetry this year, but three Commendation Award winners in the fiction category.

Steven Capener won for his translation of Kim Young-ha's "Oppa Came Back." Capener, a professor in the Department of English Language and Literature at Seoul Women's University, said he is a fan of author Kim and he thought the novel was worth introducing in English.

The team of Kim You-jeong and Amy Russ translated Hwang Jeong-eun's "Where No One Had Ever Been." Kim and Russ met at the School of International Affairs at Georgia Tech and this is their first translation work. Russ was unable to attend the ceremony due to her job in the U.S.

"We wanted to conclude the translation, so we went through recent winners of literary awards to find the short story that appeals to us and could be expressed in English," Kim said. "We are so excited to receive this award, but we really enjoyed the moments discussing the translation sentence by sentence together."

Lee Gil-sung attended the ceremony on behalf of Stella Kim, who received the Commendation Award for her translation of "Denture" by Choi Jeong-hwa.





KB Financial Group Managing Director Shin Hong-seob speaks during the award ceremony of the 47th Modern Korean Literature Translation Awards at Lotte Hotel in downtown Seoul, Friday. / Korea Times photo by Shim Hyun-chul



The Korea Times President-Publisher Lee Chang-sup said the award was established on Nov. 1, 1970, as an attempt to introduce Korean literature internationally, inspired by Japanese author Yasunari Kawabata winning the Nobel Prize for Literature in 1968.

"This is the only kind of award recognizing translation of Korean literature hosted by Korean media," Lee said. "It began to nurture Korean literature to go abroad and support Korean authors to win the Nobel Prize, but no one has been awarded yet. Automated translation has been under development, but literary translation remains indigenous to human beings. We will concentrate efforts to take part in promoting Korean literature overseas."

KB Financial Group managing director Shin Hong-seob praised the history of the award. "This is the first year KB sponsored this award and we look forward to contributing to the expansion of Korean literature to the world through good translation," Shin said.

Sogang University professor emeritus Brother Anthony, Ewha Womans University professor Jung Ha-yun, and Seoul National University professor Min Eun-kyung served as judges.

Judge Jung said the results came after a long discussion, following an explosion of interest in translation of Korean literature triggered by Han Kang and Deborah Smith's winning of the Man Booker Prize.

"We welcome the increased awareness on translation, but also worry about the craze as experts," Jung said. "We always think of what good translation is and it should tell the story of Koreans in the voice of Koreans to readers from different cultures, while smoothly read in the English-speaking world," Jung said. "All three winners had distinctive goals and achieved their aims, but it did not embrace the other qualifications. We don't want to point out the shortcomings but to encourage them to develop into better translators."
Citizens in Gwanghwamun, central Seoul, hold up candles on Nov. 12 as they call for the scandal-ridden President Park Geun-hye to step down from office.

/ Korea Times photo by Shim Hyun-chul



1987 vs. 2016



By Cho Jae-hyon



It was deja vu. I was among hundreds of thousands of people who marched from Yonsei University to Gwanghwamun on July 9, 1987, for the national funeral of Lee Han-yeol, a collegian who was killed after being shot by a tear gas grenade during a protest against the then military regime.



I still vividly remember some scenes from the funeral  the dancing for the deceased by a female dancer in a white traditional costume in front of the university, the long line of people who carried a bier, the fountain that at the time was in front of City Hall, which helped the demonstrators beat the heat briefly, and the tense moment of confrontation with armed riot police at the four-way intersection in Gwanghwamun.



I was just a few steps away from the riot police. All of a sudden they fired tear gas, chasing and dispersing demonstrators, and savagely wielding clubs. The chemicals in the gas were so painful that many people, while running away, even broke windows of buildings on the street to put their heads inside to get some fresh air.



That was part of the historical uprising that forced the military regime to accede to a free presidential election.



Some three decades later, I was among the crowds of people again who marched around central Seoul, calling for their President to step down.



At the sight of Gwanghwamun Square lit up by a sea of candles, I felt a pang of sadness. Why do we still have to hold these massive protests on streets? Why does a farmer still have to be killed by a water cannon wielded by police? Why are we still under the authoritarian rule of a dictator's daughter?



We are still under the influence of the previous dictator. Korea has come a long way economically, but faces a long way to go so it can become a true democracy. The road to a more mature society is strewn with a lot of hurdles. To make their country a more democratic one for their children, the people will continue to pour into the streets.





Over one million people gather in front of the Seoul City Hall to bid farewell to Lee Han-yeol, a Yonsei University student killed by a tear gas grenade during a protest, in this July 9, 1987 file photo. / Korea Times file
An ad for the Gimpo-based hospital on the back of the bus reads: "Brain and cardiac surgery available 24 hours a day, 365 days a year." / Korea Times file



The following is a narrative article based on the reporter's experience of taking care of her dying father and the frustrations she had with a local hospital. The people in the article are not named for privacy.  ED.

By Kang Hyun-kyung

My father was deep in sleep; In fact, he had been asleep since his second cardiac arrest on Oct. 12 during his medical evacuation from the intensive care unit to the general ward of a university hospital in western Seoul.

That evening, medical staff rushed to the eighth floor as my father showed signs of respiratory arrest in the absence of his doctor. They had performed CPR on him while he was transferred in a stretcher back to the ICU for the second time.

My father fell into a coma after the staff's unsuccessful attempts to revive him and eventually passed away on Oct. 20.

He had been hospitalized for over two weeks following a stroke. He was recovering in the hospital and was anxious to return home to his normal life.

But just when we thought he was finally getting better, his condition took a turn for the worse. He did return home, but not in the way he had hoped.

My two younger brothers and I were allowed to see him briefly about an hour before he was gone. No words can describe the pain of seeing one's dying father.

Father was fighting for life. The upper right part of his chest trembled visibly, and his left eye welled up. This made me think he wanted to say something to us so desperately, but he couldn't utter a word because of his illness and this saddened him.

The nurse told us our visiting time is up and asked us to leave, a request we had to follow. An hour later, I was urgently ushered to the ICU again to see my father on his deathbed. The young female resident, who always accompanied my father's doctor whenever he explained something about my father's condition to us, was about to declare his death.

I asked if she could wait for 30 minutes or so until my two younger brothers, who had left the hospital earlier for work, optimistic about my father's recovery, could say their last goodbyes.

She flatly rejected my request and went ahead with her duty. "At 7:13 a.m. on Oct. 20, 2016, Mr. Kang Nak-ho passed away," she declared.

I was crushed. I was overcome by a wave of anger that I didn't know I had inside of me.

I came closer to my father, touched his cold forehead and bid him farewell. "Thank you father for everything you've done for me. I'm sorry for letting this happen to you. Thank you for your patience. I hope you rest in peace."

On Oct. 4, Father had a stroke in his medulla oblongata. Located at the lower base of the brain, the medulla is responsible for breathing, blood pressure regulation, heartbeat and swallowing.

His doctor at the university hospital said he had atrial fibrillation, an irregular heartbeat, which directly caused his medulla stroke. The doctor said the disease could be fatal and warned him of a second arrest, probably within two to three days, as with most medulla stroke patients.

The second cardiac arrest came on Oct. 12, six days after my father was transferred to the hospital in Seoul from the secondary hospital near our home in Gimpo, Gyeonggi Province.

He never woke up from the second arrest, which proved fatal. According to his doctor, the second arrest stopped blood from flowing to his vital organs for five minutes, leading to irreversible damage to his kidneys, among other organs. The doctor advised us to prepare for his death.

I prayed, "If my father would die, I hope the day would be sunny. I hope it will be daytime, not nighttime. Otherwise, the pain of loss that we, his family members, have to go through would be far greater."

My prayer was heard. He survived the night of Oct. 19 and passed away the next morning after sunrise. With his own will, he appeared to have struggled to extend the pain of dying to make my last wish come true.

Accepting and confronting his tragic end was much harder than expected.

The last 16 days before his death were a rollercoaster ride. My father recovered fast after he was taken to the university hospital on Oct. 6, two days after he was diagnosed with a stroke at the hospital in Gimpo. I thought it would only be a matter of time for him to be discharged from the hospital because he looked even healthier than before he collapsed from the stroke. Thanks to the effective treatment at the university hospital, he looked well enough for his doctor to decide to evacuate him to the general ward.

Following his death, I wrestled with a tormenting question  what went wrong?

What if he was taken straight to the tertiary hospital in Seoul, not the secondary hospital near our apartment in Gimpo, when I first discovered him struggling from numbness in his legs and arms and from dizziness? Would that have saved his life?

I have no accurate answers to those questions because my medical knowledge is extremely limited. However, one thing is for sure  I would have had at least fewer regrets if he were taken to the tertiary hospital right away.

I found something wrong with my father around 8 p.m. on Oct. 4 when I returned home from work. I found him struggling to stand up to go to the restroom. I called 119, the number for emergency service here.

The 119 crew arrived about 15 to 20 minutes after the call, and took him to the emergency unit of the neighborhood hospital, which was only a 10-minute drive.

I told the rescue staff to take my father to the nearby hospital because it was the nearest one and I didn't want him to miss the golden hours needed for surgery. All the nation's major medical institutions, also known as the Big 5 hospitals, are located in Seoul, and reaching any of them would have required us to take the 88 Olympic Highway, which is notorious for traffic jams during commuting hours.

But choosing the nearby hospital turned out to be a disaster.

An array of medical mistakes awaited us. The medical staff there performed a blood test and a CT scan on my father, and we were briefed about the results over three hours after he was taken there.

The CT results came earlier that night, but the night shift doctor explained the results to us only after he finished treating other patients who had relatively minor injuries, such as cuts on their hands. The emergency doctor called us around 11:40 p.m., and as he showed us the CT scan, he said "fortunately," my father had no stroke. But he said he was deeply concerned about the serious case of arteriosclerosis in his brain. The doctor recommended that my father be hospitalized for treatment, which we followed.

Days later, I learned that a stroke is not detected in CT scans. The emergency doctor should have ordered an MRI scan of my father to figure out whether he had a stroke or not.

The next morning, a neurologist, who became my father's main doctor for the next two days, belatedly ordered an MRI scan of father, which showed he had a medulla stroke. Owing to the first doctor's misdiagnosis and inefficient work style, the medical staff at the hospital missed the golden hours for surgery.

That same morning, the hospital served my father a regular breakfast. Weary, he said he had no appetite for it and didn't eat it.

This was another critical mistake the hospital made. It turns out patients are required to fast for the first 24 hours after a stroke, and, depending on their health condition, they may fast an additional day or two upon doctors' recommendation.

That evening, he went into cardiac arrest, and my two younger brothers and I were in shock. We were also frustrated because the neurologist never told us that such a dangerous situation could happen to our father after his stroke.

Before the cardiac arrest, the medical staff offered an optimistic view of my father's condition and said one part of his medulla oblongata was impaired due to blood clots but he was fine because the other part was still working.

Upon our request, the hospital then arranged my father's transfer to the university hospital in Seoul. However, it's also questionable whether a transfer of a stroke patient who just had a cardiac arrest a day before was appropriate.

On my way to work to Seoul on Monday, I was bothered by an ad for the Gimpo-based hospital on the back of the bus in front of me as I sat in my car waiting for the traffic light to turn green.

It read: "Brain and cardiac surgery available 24 hours a day, 365 days a year."

It made me wonder how the medical staff there can perform surgery when they are so incompetent they cannot diagnose their patients' medical conditions accurately.
Protesters in Gwanghwamun Square last week call for President Park's resignation. / Korea Times file



By Lee Han-soo

The fourth mass protest calling for President Park Geun-hye's resignation will be held Saturday at Gwanghwamun Square in central Seoul.

With an estimated million people calling for her resignation last week, numbers are expected to grow as high school seniors, who just finished their College Scholastic Ability Test, are expected to join in.

Organizers estimate more than 500,000 people will participate in Seoul and a total of a million nationwide.

Meanwhile, police are giving their full attention to the protest because pro-Park groups, collectively called "Parksamo"  which literally means people who love Park Geun-hye are also planning a large-scale rally in downtown Seoul on Saturday.












By Rachel Lee

An independent counsel will be able to begin an investigation into the corruption scandal involving President Park Geun-hye and her longtime friend Choi Soon-sil early next month, if the selection and appointment procedures go smoothly, officials said Friday.

On Thursday, the National Assembly overwhelmingly passed a bill for the investigation, which is separate from the ongoing probe by the prosecution.

Under the bill, the counsel can operate a team of up to 20 prosecutors and 40 investigators to execute the probe for up to 120 days. The counsel will spend 20 days on forming the team and will look into 14 separate allegations that have been raised against Park and Choi. The counsel can demand the investigation of the President be extended once by 30 days.

The team will look into allegations that Choi and An Chong-bum, senior secretary for policy coordination to the president, set up the Mir and K-Sports foundations as fundraising vehicles for her personal benefit and that Cheong Wa Dae pressured large conglomerates to donate 80 billion won to establish the foundations.












By Rachel Lee

Seven presidential hopefuls from the opposition bloc will hold a meeting Sunday to discuss how to deal with scandal-ridden President Park Geun-hye, party officials said Friday.

Rep. Ahn Cheol-soo, former leader of the second-largest opposition People's Party, proposed the meeting to form a united front against Park, who has virtually rejected calls for her resignation and showed determination to remain in office, the officials said.

Six other potential candidates who will attend the meeting are former leader of the main opposition Democratic Party of Korea (DPK) Moon Jae-in, Seoul Mayor Park Won-soon, former opposition leader Sohn Hak-kyu, South Chungcheong Governor Ahn Hee-jung, DPK lawmaker Kim Boo-kyum and Seongnam Mayor Lee Jae-myung.

Kim Kyung-rok, the People's Party's spokesman, said, "Those lawmakers who are responsible for and worry about the future of the country and lives of the people will make efforts together to find ways to normalize the collapse of the government."












The presidential office Cheong Wa Dae reaffirmed Friday that President Park Geun-hye will attend a summit with the leaders of China and Japan in Tokyo next month.

The decision came amid growing calls for her to step down over a corruption and influence-peddling scandal involving her longtime confidante.

"The schedule for the summit has yet to be finalized, but I understand (Park) will attend (the summit) if the schedule is fixed," Jung Youn-kuk, presidential spokesman, told reporters.

Japanese media reported that the leaders of the three Northeast Asian countries seek to hold their summit on Dec. 19-20. Chinese Premier Li Keqiang and Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe are expected to join the summit.

The three-way summit resumed in Seoul late last year after it had been suspended for a few years due to long-festering historical and territorial feuds. The summit was instituted in 2008 to bolster cooperation on a range of regional and global issues.












By Eric Moberg





I believe in equality. I believe we gain strength from our diversity. I believe in liberty, justice, and the rule of law. I believe that institutions and norms give stability to society and space for the expression and flourishing of our individuality. Most of all, I believe in human decency - that we should all strive to be good people who support others in life.

Americans elected a man who does not share those beliefs in his public or private life. Furthermore, he is extraordinarily unqualified and lacks a desire to understand new ideas or different opinions.

Because he won, he will be President, will represent our country around the world, and will wield formidable power in shaping policy. But make no mistake: if he exercises power guided by hatred and division he will not be speaking for the majority of Americans. A majority of voters supported other candidates. Many of those who voted for him did so with deep misgivings and are not motivated by his hatreds and narcissism.

Nevertheless, as an American living abroad, I apologize. I voted for Clinton, but I should and could have done more. The United States, mainly due to historical accident, has disproportionate power in the world and the leaders we choose affect everyone. I apologize because we have allowed our worst characteristics to rise to become a threat to all.

Perhaps things will be better than I fear. Our institutions and traditions are stronger than any one person and we have overcome many challenges before.

But that is small comfort. I am not a minority, or an immigrant, or a woman. Indeed, I have not even lived in the US for a decade. I worry for those who have to face up to the bullies and misogynists and racists who will feel they have been endorsed by this result. That is why I think all of us, of all political views and of all backgrounds must be clear, emphatic, and public in standing up to such bullies. We reject them and stand by our principles.

In my life I have never felt this shocked, distraught, and discouraged by politics. On a personal level, I find this painful. When some Americans feel despair at the state of politics they talk of moving to Canada, as some Koreans talk of Hell Joseon. But despairing or running away when faced with challenges never solved them.

I regret that I did not do more to stop this from happening, but I pledge to do my part to make a better future. We don't choose our circumstances, but we do choose how to respond to them. I chose to respond by doing what I can to make a better world, with hope and belief in the vast scope of human capacity for love.





Eric Moberg has taught English, politics, and history at a Korean high school since 2008.
Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe held a private meeting with U.S. President-elect Donald Trump in New York Thursday. The Japanese leader moved with an alarmingly swift pace in getting to know the next U.S. president, making a stop in New York for the meeting while on his way to the APEC summit in Peru.



Following Trump's first meeting with a foreign leader since his election, Abe called him a "trustworthy leader," saying, "The talks made me feel sure that we can build a relationship of trust." The transition team said Trump's meeting with Abe ahead of other leaders reflects the emphasis Trump places on Japan.



It will be interesting to see what kind of impact the Abe-Trump meeting will have on the president-elect's Asia policies, which has caused much consternation across the region. The billionaire's rise to power has been unsettling for America's Asian allies, given his "America First" foreign policy and the spread of trade protectionism that were central to his campaign.



Details of the Abe-Trump meeting were not released. But it was likely that Abe brought to the table some pressing issues concerning Japan's security and trade. Abe reportedly wanted to sway Trump on issues such as the Trans-Pacific Partnership (TPP), a 12-country trade agreement backed by President Obama that Trump has opposed. The TPP will also be discussed during a side meeting at the APEC summit. Japan has also been rattled by Trump's negative views of U.S. security commitments to Asian allies such as Japan and South Korea. Trump has threatened to pull out U.S. troops unless these countries pay more to maintain them.



In particular, many countries are worried about a trade war and impact on their exports under the Trump administration. The latest survey by the Korea Trade-Investment Promotion Agency (KOTRA) found that 70 percent of KOTRA's 64 overseas branches that responded to the survey expected negative impact on Korean businesses from Trump's election.



The Abe-Trump meeting came as Korea's scandal-ridden President is staying home while sending her prime minister to the APEC summit, an important multilateral diplomatic occasion. The President's inability to fully commit to her diplomatic duties has triggered many concerns about Korea's foreign affairs and trade in the Trump era. The Abe-Trump meeting was a private one, but the meeting itself triggered a sense of envy among many Koreans. Korea needs to learn from Japan's strong diplomatic leadership in preparing for a new U.S. administration.




President Park should fully cooperate with investigations



The National Assembly passed a bill Thursday to launch a special investigation into a corruption scandal involving President Park Geun-hye and her confidant Choi Soon-sil that has instigated nationwide calls for the President to step down. A special prosecutor will have up to 120 days to investigate the influence-peddling scandal and can bring charges.



The motion for a special investigation, proposed by the main opposition Democratic Party of Korea (DPK), was endorsed by 196 out of 220 lawmakers present for the vote during a National Assembly session. The bill had been contested by some in the ruling Saenuri Party who questioned the fairness of the process of appointing an independent counsel. The bill stipulates that the President will appoint one of two candidates recommended by the two opposition parties. The sweeping vote in favor of a special investigation, however, reflects a bipartisan consensus for the need to get to the bottom of the scandal.



The need for a special investigation into the unprecedented scandal, which has resulted in Korea's first sitting President to undergo prosecutorial investigation, is emphasized due to the loose investigation by state prosecutors earlier which has only fueled public rage.



All eyes are now on the special investigation after Cheong Wa Dae's uncooperative stance toward the prosecution's ongoing investigation. In her public apology on Nov. 4, Park said she would submit herself to a full-fledged investigation by state prosecutors or special counsel if necessary, but that pledge has now become more or less meaningless after her refusal to approve an interrogation this week. The President is expected to be questioned next week, but it is doubtful that it will help determine her role in the alleged irregularities given Cheong Wa Dae's reluctance so far to assist the investigation.



Cheong Wa Dae seems to believe Park's role in the scandal is not serious enough to merit resignation or impeachment. This perception is far from the overwhelming public sentiment as shown by furious protests within and outside Korea and the lowest-ever presidential job approval rating at 5 percent.



Park has shown no signs of remorse and appears determined to go back to run state affairs like nothing happened. She is expected to resume chairing Cabinet meetings, which she has missed for the past few weeks, and already appointed new vice ministers for the foreign and culture ministries earlier this week. The least the President can do to assuage the people's anger is show utmost sincerity toward the investigations by state prosecutors and the independent counsel. Also, an Assembly committee chaired by Saenuri Party Rep. Kim Sung-tae will carry out a separate investigation. If summoned by the committee, the nation's first female head of state should also accept it and appear for questioning at the National Assembly.



The success of the special probe depends on who is appointed to the post. It will be crucial to appoint someone who can lead the investigation in a thorough manner but remain politically neutral. The opposition parties should make sure they recommend those who have the capacity to conduct an investigation that can fully satisfy the people's call for the truth behind the scandal which many believe stems from the President.




The South Korean government decided Friday not to allow global giant Google Inc. to export government-supplied map data outside the country, citing security concerns.

The Ministry of Land, Infrastructure and Transport, which supervises mapping policy, made a decision after holding a meeting with officials from foreign, defense and other-related ministries.

"There are security concerns amid the confrontation between the South and the North," the ministry said. "(The ministry) suggested Google to come up with supplementary measures to relieve security concerns, but Google did not accept this."

The Seoul government has said it may allow Google to use the government-supplied maps if it deletes or blurs sensitive and military facilities on the maps, including the presidential office Cheong Wa Dae.

For Google, the government-supplied map data is essential to offering full-fledged mapping services, including vehicle navigation and driving directions, in South Korea, one of the world's most wired nations. Google currently offers only 20 percent of the total service in the country.

Google first made the same request in 2010, but it was rejected by the government due to South Korea's controversial National Security Law, drafted more than a half century ago to fight communism, that bans the South Korean government from sending such map data to other countries. (Yonhap)
By Lee Min-hyung



Korea has rejected Google's request to take the nation's map data abroad, preventing the U.S. search giant from expanding its map-related services here.



The National Geographic Information Institute (NGII) said Friday that the two sides failed to narrow differences on contentious security issues over Google's use of government mapping data in servers outside the country.



"Google did not accept our alternative proposal, including blurring some (militarily) sensitive information from the firm's satellite images, which the firm said is against its corporate policy," NGII chief Choi Byung-nam told reporters after holding its third round of discussions with representatives from seven government bodies.



"Chances are that the Google request may aggravate the security threats amid the ongoing military tensions between Seoul and Pyongyang."



The decision is unlikely to end to the years-long dispute, as Choi said the government is open to further discussions with Google.



"If Google reapplies for the license by shifting its position, we are going to reexamine the case," he said.



Google has sought to win the license to host the nation's map data at its overseas data centers since 2007, in a bid to offer Google Maps and other location-based services. But attempts have failed because of the government's hard-line security stance.



Amid continuing calls from Google, the government established a special committee  consisting of seven relevant ministries  dedicated to resolving the issue. After two rounds of closed-door meetings, the committee on Aug. 24 postponed making its final decision, citing a failure to have enough discussions with Google.



"Officials from Google headquarters visited Seoul to discuss details over our proposals, but the firm declined to accept them," Choi said. "But there are no restrictions for Google to reapply for the license down the road."



However, the government reaffirmed that it will reject requests from global firms that do not abide by local regulations.



Even if the security issue changes over time and there are technological developments, it is important for international firms follow the local legal system, Choi said.



Google Korea said it will try to reach a consensus with the government over the request.



"We are encouraged by the government's commitment to review its policies around new technologies, and we remain hopeful that we will be able to provide people in South Korea with access to the full suite of Google Maps services in the future," the local subsidiary of the search giant said. "We will continue to provide useful map services in compliance with Korea's current map data export regulation."





Pressure from upcoming Trump administration?



With Donald Trump elected as the next U.S. president, the Korean Peninsula has been in a state of growing uncertainty due to his protectionist stance on trade.



Expectations were that his surprising victory might pressure Seoul before making its decision, as the United States Trade Representative (USTR) has in recent months called on the government to approve the Google request.



But the NGII head said no specific trade pressure has been identified since Trump's victory.



"Whoever won the election between Trump and Hillary Clinton, a widespread prediction was that the next U.S. government will intensify trading pressures on us," Choi said. "But as Trump is a stronger supporter over the issue, expectations are that relevant ministries may suffer from more pressure than there used to be."




Legend of the Blue Sea had just aired its first episode on November 16 and from the first episode alone, you could tell the show is going to be a hit. The new show starring Jun Ji Hyun and Lee Min Ho had built up incredible anticipation before its airing and truly, it looks like the show is going to live up to the hype.

According to an article posted by TODAY, here are some reasons why you should start watching the show now.

1. One of the most important reasons why you should watch Legend of the Blue Sea is the fact that Jun Ji Hyun plays a mermaid here. Because of that, you can expect to see a lot of scenes involving Jun in a, well... BIKINI! What could be a better reason to watch the show than seeing Jun flaunting her gorgeous body?

2. Legend of the Blue Sea used a number of filming locations which would include Palau and Spain. Everyone knows how beautiful Palau and Spain are and if you dream about travelling to these places one day but still don't have the means, why not experience the beauty of these places from your screens, right?

3. Everyone knows that when a show becomes a hit, their stars are plunged into constant media attention. When that happens, everything about them gets noticed, from the makeup they are wearing to the hairstyle they are sporting. Almost everyone would want to make a trend out of these stars and you definitely don't want to miss out.

4. Jun had just given birth to a bouncing baby boy last February so this will be her first role post pregnancy. This is also the first role she will star in after her ever popular hit TV series My Love from the Star. This will also be Lee Min Ho's first television role after The Heirs and may also be his last TV series before he enlists for the military next year.

5. Is it not a good reason enough just to see the god-like faces of Lee Min Ho and Jun Ji Hyun two days a week?

According to report published by Allkpop, the first episode of Legend of the Blue Sea had broken the record set by Descendants of the Sun in terms of viewer ratings. It should be remembered that the phenomenal Descendants of the Sun had swept across Asia and became quite the hit. It is expected that Legend of the Blue Sea will do the same, if not more, so that in itself is good enough reason to watch the show.

Legend of the Blue Sea follows the story of the last mermaid on earth, played by Jun, as she adjusts to life on land and gets entangled with a cunning conman played by Lee.
Barack Obama today told Donald Trump to stand up to Russia in a stark warning to the next President. The outgoing premier warned the US cannot set aside free speech and the rule of law when Trump enters the White House in January.

Trump is due to meet Russian leader Vladimir Putin after the pair vowed to tackled ISIS in breakthrough telephone talks.

In the Presidential campaign Trump exchanged controversial warm words with Putin  saying he had strong control over a country and if he says great things about me, Im going to say great things about him.



But speaking in a joint press conference with German Chancellor Angela Merkel, Obama said the relationship must not be unconditional.

Russia clashed with the US over foreign policy when it annexed Crimea and sent its military to Syria in support of divisive President Bashar Al-Assad.

Mr Obama said: In order for us to solve many big problems around the world, it is in our interest to work with Russia.

[However] on issues like Ukraine, on issues like Syria, weve had very significant differences.

My hope is that the president-elect coming in takes a similarly constructive approach, finding areas where we can cooperate with Russia where our values and interests align.

But that the president-elect also is willing to stand up to Russia when they are deviating from our values and international norms.

Obama and Merkel enjoyed a friendly meeting as two of the only major world leaders who have served for eight years or more.

Chancellor Merkel is perhaps the only leader left among our closest allies who was there when I arrived, the President said.

And abandoning the premise of impartiality, he suggested he would vote for her if she attempted a fourth term in 2017.

Follow Us on Facebook  @LadunLiadi; Instagram  @LadunLiadi; Twitter  @LadunLiadi; Youtube  @LadunLiadiTV for updates
Ukraine's Infrastructure Ministry has announced the start of the infrastructure projects contest.

"The Infrastructure Ministry with the help of the reform support group has announced a start of the infrastructure projects contest. This means that any region, city, town or rural community could submit an application to look for an investor to implement projects in the transport and infrastructure sphere. The best projects would be selected. The reform support group that works at the ministry would look for financing to realize them," the ministry's press service said, citing Infrastructure Minister Volodymyr Omelyan.

The minister said that the program is intended to support reforming of the transport and infrastructure system at the local level. The projects are to aim at increasing comfort and safety of citizens.

"Infrastructure projects could be financed only if the national interests are observed. The financing cannot be raised for private companies. This is investment in the development of the state, not private business," Omelyan said.

The application submission system will be available on the ministry's website.
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Foreign Minister Mangala Samaraweera called for the Indian Ocean Rim Association (IORA) to move into a new era of dynamism, when he addressed the 16th Council of Ministers Meeting (CoMM) of IORA held on 27th October 2016 in Bali, Indonesia.



In his address, the Foreign Minister stated that it was necessary for IORA and the members to take collective steps to ensure the security of the Indian Ocean, including the freedom of navigation, aviation and adherence to international law including UNCLOS, enhance scientific and academic cooperation amongst IORA members, protect, preserve and use ocean resources sustainably guided by international law and the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals, eenhance preparedness to deal with ocean based disasters and un-assessed impact of climate change on ocean weather, establish mechanism for development finance within IORA and expand and broad base IORAs partners for more intense and meaningful cooperation.





Speaking further, Foreign Minister Samaraweera also stated that Sri Lanka has been focusing on the Blue Economy due to the economic potential it offers and the availability of aquatic resources, and observed that blue economy-related initiatives have the potential to uplift the economic conditions of the people.



Moving on to the many developments that are currently taking place across the world, the Minister pointed out to the need to measure the progress made so far by IORA, in order to chart a course for greater regional collaboration. In this context, he stated that sharing experiences in joint projects and technical co-operation amongst IORA states in order to ensure the sustainable use of the ocean resources would be useful.



Minister Samaraweera also stated that Sri Lanka is co-hosting the Second Water Working Group meeting and Ocean Forecasting Workshop to Build Capacity for Indian Ocean Operational System, in Colombo, in mid-November this year, which was also in line with Sri Lankas commitment to strengthen the cooperation with IORA.



Noting the progress made in the areas of economic empowerment of women and the institutional strengthening of the IORA, the Foreign Minister added that on the eve of IORAs 20th Anniversary in 2017 and the proposed Leaders Summit in 2017, Sri Lanka was keen to further enhance its role in IORA. He also called for a more meaningful engagement of IORAs dialogue partners in a constructive manner and to further explore mechanisms to encourage more interaction and participation among the stakeholders.



Prior to his address, Foreign Minister Samaraweera also signed the IORA Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between the Governments of the Member States of the IORA for the Coordination in Search and Rescue Services in the Indian Ocean Region.



The Minister also expressed condolences to the Minister of Foreign Affairs of Indonesia, Madam Retno Marsudi, on the passing away of her father, before commencing his address.



The IORA, initially formed in 1997 as the Indian Ocean Rim Association for Regional Cooperation (IOR-AC), later became known as IORA in 2010. It currently consists of 21 member countries.



On the sidelines of the CoMM, Foreign Minister Samaraweera also held bilateral discussions with the Foreign Ministers of Indonesia and Australia, in addition to a meeting with the Deputy Minister of International Relations and Cooperation of South Africa.

Full Text of Statement of Foreign Minister



Read more: www.mfa.gov.lk



Ministry of Foreign Affairs

Colombo



27th October 2016
The price of LITRO gas cylinders would be further reduced in the first week of November in accordance with the

Read more
The SLFP does not condone the continuation of the Emergency Regulations (The Public Security Ordinance) more than a day necessary

Read more
Ukraine's Finance Minister has said that the draft 2017 national budget includes a realistic scenario to increase revenue from social security tax, Deputy Finance Minister Serhiy Marchenko has told Interfax-Ukraine.

"The most conservative scenario has been selected. Some of salaries would be removed from the shadows and help to increase revenue from social security tax," he said.

He added that the scenario to bring salaries out of the shadows outlined in the budget is realistic. It does not say that 100% of salaries will be removed from the shadows, but around 60% of additional revenue to the budget would come from the increase of revenue from social security tax.
PRESS RELEASE

Ambassador Chas Freeman on the Future Under Trump

Nov. 17, 2016 (EIRNS)Ambassador Chas Freeman, who spoke at the Schiller Institute conference in Berlin on June 25-26 this year, was interviewed today on the Ron Paul Liberty Report, presenting a hopeful and targeted presentation on the implications of Donald Trumps election around the world.

Amb. Freeman warned that the civilian control of the military was breaking down. Donald Trump, he said, is absolutely right to set the priority in Syria on working with Russia to crush the terrorist networks, and ending the regime change policy, which is the only way to "clean up the mess we created in Syria."

He ridiculed all the press reports about who Trump will choose for his government, suggeting that most of the reports were issued by the wannabes themselves"draft me" leaks to the press. He said of Trump that "he should be mindful that he basically led a revolutionhe led a bunch of people who Hillary Clinton called deplorable to come out to the polls and register their objection to business as usual in Washington, to the frankly degenerate atmosphere in our political culture."

He advised Trump that if he takes on the neocons that he will be repudiated by the people who put him in power.

On China (about which Freeman is one of the worlds leading experts), he said that "China is basically building its capacity to defend itself against navies that are lurking off its coast, and threatening it, as we are." He said that after World War II there was a vacuum in Asia, and the U.S. forces maintained the peace, but that is no longer true. China, Japan, India, even Vietnam have significant militaries which can protect the region. "It is crazy, frankly," he said, "for the U.S. to pretend we can enjoy absolute primacy in the seas off China indefinitely." He noted that all the talk about "freedom of navigation" was ridiculous in light of the fact that at least two thirds of the $5 trillion of trade in the region was with China, so that they were the nation most concerned about freedom of navigation.

Asked about the fact that both candidates and the Congress all back increases in defense spending, Amb. Freeman said:

"Ask first, what are the threats? Is Mexico going to invade to take back the land we stole from them? We dont have a Department of Defense, but a Department of Offense,"

pointing to the perpetual warfare around the world against nations that are not a threat to the United States. The defense budget is treated as a jobs bill, and it is "never auditednever," he said. No one knows how much is wasted or lost. "Eisenhower was right to hit at the military-industrial-congressional complex. His staff edited out the word congressional, but that was a mistake."
PRESS RELEASE

Helga Zepp-LaRouche Presents a Policy Bombshell in Peru

Nov. 17, 2016 (EIRNS)Schiller Institute founder and president Helga Zepp-LaRouche delivered a bombshell policy statement in Peru today, as world leaders prepare to arrive in that nations capital, Lima, for this weekends APEC Summit. Zepp-LaRouche gave the keynote address today at the XXIII Congress of the Economists Association of Peru, held in the Amazon city of Pucallpa, in the department of Ucayali, with a sweeping overview of the stunning potential for a New Paradigm for all of humanity. The three-day Congress is organized around the subject, "The Peru-Brazil Bioceanic Train: Impact on the Economy of the Amazon Region and the Country."

Zepp-LaRouches overview, titled "The New Silk Road Concept, Facing the Collapse of the World Financial System," was presented via a 50-minute pre-taped video, followed by 20 minutes of live Q&A with the 200 or so people present in Pucallpa. Her opening video was also broadcast online by the national Economists Association, to Economics departments on campuses across the country.

Her presentation provoked so great an interest among participants, with many asking for a copy, that the Economists Association is going to make a DVD available to all. Already in preparation for the congress, the Association had printed 2,000 copies of a 60-page pamphlet for participants and others, consisting of extracts of EIRs The New Silk Road Becomes the World Landbridge, Lyndon LaRouches 2014 policy statement on "The Four Laws," and an introduction by Helga on the New Silk Road developments since EIRs 2014 special report was produced, in order to provide in-depth conceptual material for people to study.

The three questions asked in the Q&A session were all serious, running roughly as follows:

What sort of credit system would be created for the financial platform for construction of regional infrastructure, such as the bio-oceanic rail corridor?



How can changes in economic mentality in China transform the world? How can it help address problems that have arisen under the existing economic model?



Mrs. Zepp-LaRouche, you are known as the Silk Road Lady. On what principles have you based yourself, to develop that concept of a world model?

Significant last-minute logistical challenges had to be overcome to make it possible for Zepp-LaRouche to address the Economists Associations national congress. The night before the congress opened, it was announced that the University of Ucayali, where the congress was to be held, had been shut by a strike, as part of a teachers strike against education budget cutbacks being held at various public universities nationwide. Congress organizers, adamantly committed to creating the policy conditions necessary so that this South American trans-continental rail corridor brings development to their people, had to move the venue of the entire conference on short notice, and managed to make special arrangements for internet access to be available, so that Zepp-LaRouche could speak to them live.
Ukrainian Prime Minister Volodymyr Groysman has expressed confidence that tenders to modernize the Ukrainian gas transport system (GTS) were held honestly and in transparently.

"We have the ProZorro system and those who participate in it as buyers and sellers. I hope that the tender was held honestly and transparently and there are no grounds for being annulled or revised," he said in parliament, asked about the tenders to reconstruct three compressor stations won by Sumy Machine-Building Science and Production Association (Sumy NPO).

He said that it is important to buy from national producers.

"We are drawing up approaches that would help our Ukrainian enterprises to take part in all public tenders. It is important for us that each Ukrainian hryvnia was invested in our national economy," he said.

"We would support Ukrainian enterprises in their production with the high level of localization and added value," Groysman said.
As Hollywood regularly reminds us, the Japanese attack on Pearl Harbor in Hawaii on Dec. 7, 1941, was an act of duplicity so monstrous that President Franklin D. Roosevelt called it a date which will live in infamy.

Japanese warplanes appeared without warning early that Sunday, sinking or disabling 16 U.S. battleships, cruisers and other warships. The sneak attack killed more than 2,400 Americans and forced the reluctant nation into the caldron of World War II.

But the iconic images and stirring oratory largely overshadowed disturbing questions of culpability. Why was the Navys Pacific Fleet caught at anchor? Why did the Army provide no defense? And was the attack really a surprise?

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Nine official inquiries during and after the war sought answers, and historians, survivors and conspiracy theorists have weighed in ever since. In the 1990s, new details emerged about the secret interception of pre-war Japanese diplomatic cables, raising fresh questions of how much Washington knew.

In Countdown to Pearl Harbor: The Twelve Days to the Attack, Steve Twomey, who was a Pulitzer prize-winning feature writer at the Philadelphia Inquirer, has mined the copious testimony, memoirs, oral histories and other evidence to produce a riveting narrative of the American misjudgments and mistakes that contributed to a day rivaled in U.S. history only by Sept. 11, 2001.

Its not revisionist history so much as a poignant retelling of a familiar story: gross negligence by Navy and Army commanders in Hawaii, multiple miscommunications from top officials in Washington, and agonizing failures of American leadership and imagination.

Their adversary, primarily Japanese Admiral Isoroku Yamamoto, had both.

An inveterate gambler, he bet he could lead six aircraft carriers and two dozen other warships halfway across the Pacific  despite the dangers of discovery and difficulties of mid-ocean refueling  to deliver a knockout blow at the start of the war. He almost succeeded.

No one had ever massed aircraft carriers for a coordinated attack. But the Imperial Navy had understood the carriers value, building ten by the end of 1941. The U.S. Navy, still wedded to archaic battleships, had only three carriers in the Pacific.

The Navy saw Pearl Harbor as a refuge. The Japanese saw it as a bulls-eye, a barrel crammed with fish, tied up and stationary, without room to maneuver and only one way out, a narrow channel that was susceptible to blockage.

There was plenty of blame to go around but Twomey wisely focuses on a handful of key Americans. He writes sympathetically of their struggles to understand the growing danger. They were overconfident, not complacent, too quick to dismiss Japans military as second-rate and blind to the threat of modern aircraft armed with torpedoes.

Admiral Husband E. Kimmel, who had spent four decades in the Navy and was commander of the Pacific Fleet at Pearl, was a respected by-the-book leader. Laxness, lateness and subpar performance were felonies as far as Kimmel was concerned, Twomey writes.

The Admiral believed war with Japan was inevitable. So did Roosevelt. The president had moved the fleet to Hawaii in 1940 precisely because he expected war in the Pacific and didnt want it fought off the coast of California.

Washington was secretly reading Japanese diplomatic cables in 1941 so top officials knew when its embassies were ordered to burn code books and other sensitive material. U.S. Army and Navy chiefs repeatedly warned Kimmel and other commanders in the Pacific that an attack was coming. Where and when was never clear.

Ten days before Pearl Harbor, the chiefs ordered an appropriate defensive deployment in a terse cable that dramatically began, This dispatch is to be considered a war warning. The alarm couldnt have been more clear  or less specific.

The warning didnt mention Hawaii. And Kimmel could not conceive of a Japanese raid on Pearl Harbor.

His fleet couldnt sail all the way to Japan in secret, launch a major attack and get away. If he couldnt do it, he reasoned, neither could the Japanese.

Thus he took no precautions to guard the fleet at anchor.

He ordered no submarine or torpedo nets, no blimps over the ships with cables to tangle aircraft, no 24-hour radar net, no search planes on offshore patrol, no crews manning anti-aircraft guns, no orders for the Arizona and other doomed warships to leave the crowded harbor, no heightened alerts at all.

In Washington, the chiefs assumed  but never checked  that he had moved the armada out of danger and had readied a defense.

Kimmels Army counterpart in Hawaii, Lt. Gen. Walter C. Short, known as Machine Gun Short, was just as short-sighted. His concern was local sabotage, not an air attack from ships. He and Kimmel barely communicated; their separate headquarters didnt even have a direct phone line.

Each thought the other was in charge of defending Oahu. Thus neither was prepared when 350 Japanese planes roared out of the rising sun, carrying out a mission that neither thought was possible.

The damage was not as severe as Yamamoto had hoped. His pilots inexplicably failed to hit fuel oil tank farms near the harbor or the dry docks needed to repair the stricken ships. The Navy would soon recover.

More importantly, by chance Kimmel had sent his carriers to deliver fighter planes to Midway and Wake several days earlier. The Enterprise and Lexington later would prove invaluable at the crucial battles of Midway and Coral Sea.

Kimmel and Short were relieved from command after the attack. A commission led by the chief justice of the Supreme Court found they had failed to consult and cooperate, which was a dereliction of duty. But with the war underway, neither was given a court martial.

Despite repetitions, Twomey manages to maintain suspense as the tragedy builds to its inevitable finale. He disappoints only by devoting so little  six pages total  to the attack itself. For that, theres always Hollywood.

ALSO

Books on the Pearl Harbor attack and its aftermath for kids and teens

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The importance of black voices is clear at National Book Awards where Colson Whitehead wins fiction prize
On Dec. 7, the United States will observe the 75th anniversary of the Japanese bombing of Pearl Harbor, in which more than 2,400 Americans were killed and 1,200 wounded.

The following day, President Franklin Roosevelt asked Congress to declare war on Japan. Brewing anti-Japanese sentiments boiled over, leading to the appalling decision to detain 120,000 Japanese Americans in internment camps. Most were native-born American citizens, imprisoned within their own country in hastily built camps surrounded by barbed wire and guarded by soldiers with machine guns.

For teens and tweens, something that happened before they or their parents were born, maybe even before their grandparents were born, can seem like ancient history. But at a moment when America feels increasingly divided by othering and discrimination, a deeper understanding of our own history may help to avoid the repetition of mistakes. This selection of books about Pearl Harbor and Japanese American internment is aimed squarely at youth, and a mix of nonfiction, memoirs and historical fiction for middle grade readers (age 8-12) and for teens, also called YA.

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In What Was Pearl Harbor? (2013) Patricia Brennan Demuth neatly lays out the facts starting with the lead-up to the war in Europe and ending with the dropping of atomic bombs on Hiroshima and Nagasaki. Its tried and true format of short chapters, illustrations and text boxes keeps even reluctant readers engaged.

My Friend the Enemy (2007) by J.B. Cheaney is a middle grade novel set in Oregon in 1944. Eleven-year-old Hazel discovers that her neighbors have been sheltering 15-year-old Sogoji, a Japanese American boy who evaded internment. Hazel struggles to reconcile her growing friendship with Sogoji with her anti-Japanese sentiment.

A Boy at War: A Novel of Pearl Harbor (2002) is the first in the Adam Pelko trilogy written by World War II veteran Harry Mazer. In it, 14-year-old Adam is fishing off the coast of Hawaii with his Japanese American friend Davi when Pearl Harbor is attacked. Adams father is a Navy lieutenant and his ship, the USS Arizona, is sunk before Adams eyes.

Mary Matsuda Gruenewald grew up on a strawberry farm on Vashon Island, a 15-minute ferry ride from Seattle. Her memoir, Looking Like the Enemy (The Young Readers Edition, 2011), starts when Matsuda Gruenewald was 16 and Pearl Harbor was bombed, and recounts the familys struggle to make do as they are evacuated to Pinedale Assembly Center and their world falls apart.

Jeanne Wakatsuki Houston was 7 years old when she was forced from her home in Los Angeles into a room shared with seven others in a tar-papered barrack. Twenty-five years passed before she felt ready to talk openly about her experience at Manzanar, the first permanent internment camp to open in the U.S. Originally published in 1973, Farewell to Manzanar, co-written with her husband, James D. Houston, is a classic that can still be found in bookstores.

Eyes of the Emperor (2005) by Graham Salisbury is a YA novel about Eddy Okana, who enlists in Honolulu seven weeks before the Pearl Harbor attack. His tale is based on the true story of 25 Japanese American soldiers who were sent from Hawaii to an island off the coast of Mississippi in an attempt to train dogs to attack Japanese soldiersby turning Japanese American soldiers into dog bait. This is the second in the four-book Prisoners of the Empire series, which shows readers the bombing of Pearl Harbor and its aftermath through the eyes of Japanese American protagonists.

Yoshiko Uchidas journey took her from a comfortable upbringing in Berkeley to internment in a horse stall at Tanoforan racetrack, and eventually on to the Topaz internment camp in Utah. Uchida first published her story in 1982s Desert Exile: The Uprooting of a Japanese American Family, then adapted it for middle grade readers in The Invisible Thread (1991).

Hotel on the Corner of Bitter and Sweet (2009) by Jamie Ford was not written for the YA market, but its story of friendship and love between Chinese American Henry and Japanese American Keiko in Seattles International District (known back then as Chinatown and Japantown), will appeal to readers of thoughtful YA romances.

The latest addition to the canon of books about Americas internment camps is Uprooted: The Japanese American Experience During World War II, written by Albert Marrin and published in October. Marrins work highlights aspects of the Japanese American experience not often detailed in other books, including the Yankee Samurai  Japanese American citizens who were granted honorary white status so they could enlist with the U.S. militaryand acts of resistance, such as the refusal to sign papers swearing loyalty to the U.S. Marrin, a National Book Award finalist for his other histories for adolescents, writes that this shameful chapter in U.S. history shows that freedom is not free, and democracies do not automatically live up to their declared ideals.

Robertson is a writer native to Seattle and currently living in Beirut.
Shrinking motorcycle sales are forcing manufacturers to think small.

In an effort to attract women, minorities and riders of smaller size to the sport, some of the industrys biggest companies are building littler bikes.

Several will make their U.S. debut at the Progressive International Motorcycle Show, which opens Friday at the Long Beach Convention Center.

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Among them are downsized machines from Honda, Kawasaki, Ducati and BMW.

An estimated 50,000-plus attendees are expected to come to the show  52,000 attended last years event  where most of the worlds motorcycle manufacturers, many apparel and aftermarket parts suppliers, and an expected 150 vendors will display the latest in bikes and regalia.

They are all struggling to remain relevant to the baby boomer consumers who have been their main constituents for the last four decades while making new customers out of millennial buyers who have not yet matured as a market force.

Jason Chinnock, chief executive of Ducati North America, said the old ways of designing and marketing may not be effective with the new generation.

The idea that if you build it they will come  its not true, Chinnock said.

Industry experts say the business is at a transition point  possibly a dangerous one  at which manufacturers, dealers and suppliers remain focused on older riders aging out of the sport while ignoring younger riders who dont yet have comparable spending power.

Were at a tipping point, industry analyst Dr. Paul Leinberger told his audience of industry professionals at a recent Motorcycle Industry Council gathering. You cannot keep doing what youre doing.

Some manufacturers are already reversing a years-long trend of offering increasingly bigger, faster, more powerful and more expensive machines. Partly in response to criticism that they dont build motorcycles that are appropriate for female riders, smaller-sized riders and beginning riders, theyre highlighting the small stuff.

BMW will give U.S. customers a first look at its G 310 R and G 310 GS, scaled-down versions of existing bikes designed to attract younger riders. The R version will cost $4,750 and the GS slightly more. BMW will also be showing off its electric C-Evolution scooter. BMW has not set pricing for either bike.

Honda will similarly debut its CRF250L Rally, a merging of its small-bore CRF250L dual sport and its African Twin adventure bike. It will come standard with spoked wheels, a larger gas tank than the 250L and a windshield. It will be priced from $5,899 without ABS and $6,199 with.

Honda is also crowing about two small-bore customs, the retro, bobber-style Rebels. They will come in 300cc and 500cc sizes, both with available ABS. Like the Rally, they are designed for the beginning or intermediate rider who wants the look of a big bike without the big weight and big MSRP. The 300cc is tentatively priced at $4,399, the 500cc at $5,999.

Kawasaki is introducing a starter-sized version of its Versys touring bike. The Versys already comes in 650cc and 1000cc versions. Kawasaki is adding a 300cc option, fitted like the Honda with spoked wheels and a windscreen. It will start at about $5,399, or about $5,699 if fitted with ABS.

Suzuki too is coming to market with a downsized dual sport  though not showing it at the Long Beach event. The company is building a 250cc version of its successful V-Strom line, which like the Versys already comes in 650cc and 1000cc models. But the company will be showing off a scaled-down street bike  the GSX 250 R Katana. The price has not been announced.

Ducati has scaled down its 1200cc Multistrada and will now begin offering a 950cc version. It will start at $13,995  cheaper than the big bike, but reportedly the same weight. The Italian company has also introduced a new, smaller-sized 797cc Monster, priced at $9,295  reversing a trend that saw formerly midsize Monsters grow as big as 1200cc before they began moving back toward the beginner rider with this new machine.

KTM will be pushing an updated 390 Duke  the baby version of its much admired 1290 Super Duke  that costs $4,990.

The smaller adventure bikes are exciting, and its such an exciting category, because its the dream trigger, said Mark Hoyer, Cycle Worlds editor in chief. You see yourself riding off to exotic places on these bikes  even if you never do.

The new bikes are all an iteration of a desperate need to bring new riders to a sport that saw its overall sales cut in half after the 2008 stock market crash and subsequent economic slowdown. Sales have climbed since then, but have still not reached pre-2008 levels.

We are looking as strongly as we can to expand the market, Honda spokesperson Jon Seidel said. Weve got to. We and the other manufacturers have to reach out to new consumers.

The other major manufacturers will also be on hand, even those revealing no motorcycles not already seen. Harley-Davidson, Indian Motorcycle, Suzuki, Yamaha, Kawasaki, Victory, Triumph, Royal Enfield and BRP, the makers of the Can-Am three-legged motorcycles, will have displays.

What they all have in common is the drive to attract new customers with smaller, less expensive machines, without abandoning the old customers who are still buying bigger, more expensive ones.

All the manufacturers are trying hard to maintain their relationships with the moneyed buyer in the U.S., Europe and Japan by building high-tech, high-performance adventure bikes and sport bikes, Cycle Worlds Hoyer said. But the exciting part of the market is that bike on the lower end of the spectrum.

The Progressive International Motorcycle Show will be open to the public from 3 to 8 p.m. Friday, 9:30 a.m. to 8 p.m. Saturday and 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Sunday. Tickets are $16 for adults, or $24 for multiple-day entry. Entrance is free to children 11 and younger, and discounts are available for groups of 20 or more.

Motorcyclists park free and are offered a free helmet and gear check. Licensed riders with proper gear will be offered free test rides on machines supplied by Harley-Davidson, Indian, Victory, Can Am, Honda, Yamaha and Suzuki. Host Progressive Insurance will be offering free coffee, boot shine and haircuts.

Other events include a stunt-riding performance and vintage bike show.

Charles.Fleming@latimes.com

Twitter: @misterfleming
With Obamacare repeal-and-replace on the table, a favorite healthcare reform of Republicans and conservatives is about to have another day in the sun: health savings accounts. They sound good  tax-exempt personal slush funds that can be used to pay out-of-pocket medical expenses  but for the average person theyre almost useless and for the healthcare system theyre potentially disastrous.

HSAs were not originally conceived as a solution to the average persons healthcare needs. They were pushed in the 1990s as a profit generator for an insurance company with a direct line to the earlobes of then-House Speaker Newt Gingrich, who was charmed by their potential to undermine Medicare.

HSAs are great tax shelters for the well to do, but most Americans simply dont have the extra cash to put into such an account.  Healthcare analyst Wendell Potter

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These accounts have never been hugely popular among healthcare consumers, but theyve been a central feature of Republican reform proposals since even before the enactment of the Affordable Care Act in 2010. Sure enough, they show up in the very first paragraph of President-elect Trumps healthcare plank, albeit without any details.

HSAs are great tax shelters for the well to do, observes healthcare analyst Wendell Potter, a former Cigna insurance executive. But most Americans simply dont have the extra cash to put into such an account.

Under existing law, a health savings account must be paired with a high-deductible, low-premium catastrophic health plan, defined as a plan with a deductible of at least $2,600 for a family. In the case of an unexpected medical event, the idea is that the HSA will cover the deductible and other expenses until the insurance kicks in.

The HSA contribution comes out of pre-tax income; employers who offer such arrangements often kick in a few hundred bucks to seed the accounts, contributions to which are limited to $6,750 per family per year (in 2017). Unspent money in an HSA can be rolled over to future years, so the accounts can grow substantially for users without large medical expenses.

Superficially, that might sound like a good deal for many Americans. The vast majority have very little contact with the healthcare system: As the accompanying chart shows, the top 1% of spenders account for 20% of all spending, and the top 5% account for nearly half.

In the words of Richard Mayhew of balloon-juice.com, this arrangement is good for people who have very strong reasons to believe that they are healthy and have sufficient access to resources to afford the high deductible after they get hit by a meteor.

Theyre bad for the unlucky, however: those with expensive chronic conditions, such as diabetes or multiple sclerosis, and those who suffered an earlier catastrophic event that drained their HSA, and then get hit by a second meteor. Of course, most people cant know with any certainty which of these categories theyll land in during any year, since the time frame dividing the lucky from the unlucky can be a nanosecond.

HSAs also are dangerous for the healthcare system overall. Thats because they bifurcate the insurance pool, potentially paring younger, healthier customers out of the pool and leaving those expensive, unlucky patients for whom HSAs are unsuitable to face higher premiums.

In the years before the ACA when health savings accounts experienced their initial vogue, this prospect worried healthcare experts. George Halvorson, then the CEO of Kaiser, warned that they were a step backward from bringing health coverage to more Americans.

But again, HSAs were not primarily designed to improve the healthcare system. They were pioneered by Indianapolis-based Golden Rule Insurance and its owner, J. Patrick Rooney. Rooney and his employees contributed more than $1 million to the GOP and Republican candidates during the mid-1990s, a period in which Gingrich was launched into the speakership.

Gingrich favored Rooneys plea to provide HSAs  then known as medical savings accounts  as an option for Medicare enrollees. The idea fed into his goal of getting Medicare to wither on the vine by giving seniors an incentive to leave it voluntarily.

As it happened, HSAs never were applied to Medicare. But in 2003, Congress granted Rooney a key wish by making them tax-free  contributions became tax-deductible, and investment gains within the accounts and spending from them on qualified medical expenses became tax-exempt.

The change launched a transformation of health insurers into quasi-financial companies hoping to take advantage of an HSA gold rush. Typically these were located in Utah, which allowed non-financial companies to open state banks without subjecting the parent companies to bank regulations.

UnitedHealth Group bought Golden Rule in 2003 and soon afterward created Optum Bank, a wholly owned subsidiary in Salt Lake City aimed at the HSA market. By 2008 Optum had attracted $600 million in HSA deposits, and collected $34 million in service charges while passing $33 million in profits to its parent company. In 2015, the bank reported $4.2 billion in assets of 3.8 million account holders, and service charges of some $37 million.

Conservatives like to tout HSAs as enormously popular, but the facts dont back that up. In 2008, the Government Accountability Office found that the number of Americans with high-deductible plans had soared  to more than 6 million in 2008 from 438,000 in 2004  but that nearly half of the plan holders hadnt opened an HSA to cover their out-of-pocket expenses, typically because they couldnt afford to set aside the money. Those who did open HSAs had nearly three times the adjusted gross income as the average taxpayer.

The number of HSA accounts, according to the Employee Benefit Research Institute, peaked at about 12 million in 2013, topping out at $24.8 billion in total assets. Both figures fell back in 2014, possibly because the advent of individual insurance sales under the Affordable Care Act gave customers an alternative. Average account balances plateaued that year at just over $2,000  not enough to cover the minimum deductible of a catastrophic plan.

Its unsurprising that HSAs would be concentrated at the upper end of the income scale, for two reasons. One is that for any working-class family that has trouble scraping together $1,000 for an emergency  a busted washing machine, a vets bill, or a car repair, say  funding an HSA with even that much is a stretch, and the $6,750 maximum HSA contribution a mirage.

The tax benefits of HSAs, moreover, are heavily weighted toward the rich. For a low-income family with minimal federal income tax liability or none at all, the tax deductibility and exemptions of HSAs are meaningless. For a wealthy family declaring income of $467,000 or more and facing a marginal tax rate of 39.6%, however, the tax benefit is fabulous. That family would pocket a tax break of nearly $2,700 at todays limits.

So its understandable that congressional Republicans are hankering to make the tax break even greater. Sen. Jeff Flake, R-Ariz., and Rep. Dave Brat, R-Va., have proposed nearly tripling the maximum HSA contribution to $18,000 for families from $6,750 and eliminating the requirement that they be tied to a high-deductible health plan, thus cementing their role as a tax giveaway to the rich. For our top taxpaying family, that maximum deduction would yield a tax savings of some $7,100.

No wonder that Cato healthcare commentator Michael Cannon lauds the Flake-Brat bill as a bigger tax cut than youve ever seen; what he doesnt mention is that the average family wont see it, only the rich. Remember that, the next time someone tries to tell you that the HSA is a healthcare reform. Its not; its a tax cut for people who dont need another one.

Keep up to date with Michael Hiltzik. Follow @hiltzikm on Twitter, see his Facebook page, or email michael.hiltzik@latimes.com.

Return to Michael Hiltziks blog.
It wasnt so long ago  three years, to be exact  that communities all over the country were slavering over the prospect of getting fiber-based, blazing-fast broadband Internet service from Google.

More than 1,000 communities had fallen all over themselves to meet the companys terms, which included exemptions from some city regulations, expedited permit approvals and  the key  Googles right to choose which neighborhoods to endow with its fiber technology and when. This was a demand-driven model designed to ensure that the most densely populated and affluent areas got served first.

Hopes that Google would establish a nationwide model for fiber Internet service were dashed last month, when the company suddenly declared a pause in its plans to lay fiber in as many as 18 municipalities, beyond the eight metro areas where it already is building or has completed its system. The disappointed suitors will have to wait for this strategy to play out or move ahead on their own. They would be well advised to keep an eye on San Francisco.

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When youre begging for something from a big company like Google, you take what you can get.  Christopher Mitchell, Institute for Local Self-Reliance

That city is contemplating what would be the largest and most ambitious public broadband system in the country, with the ultimate goal of running fiber into every home and public building.

Plain and simply, the Internet has to be viewed as a utility, San Francisco Supervisor Mark Farrell, who is spearheading the program, told me. Just like water and power, people cannot function in todays world without access to the Internet. Over 100,000 San Francisco residents dont have access. Bridging that gap needs to be a priority, and its up to individual cities to move forward.

San Francisco has some advantages other communities lack. Its geographically compact and densely populated, with a technophile citizenry.

But the city of 865,000 residents is facing a daunting challenge. No city of comparable size has deployed a system of fiber to every building, the board of supervisors legislative analysts office warned in March. The technical and physical obstacles to laying fiber citywide could sink the project at birth. The cost, which could come close to $1 billion, could raise public and political opposition. Existing Internet providers such as Comcast and AT&T can be expected to fight the project through lobbying and lawsuits.

Still, this is a city sensitive to its digital inadequacies. As of 2014, the legislative analyst reported, only 2.6% of San Francisco residents had gigabit-per-second access, the gold standard for broadband connectivity. To this day, service in a city closely identified with high technology is spotty and often atrocious.

I feel like Im always paying more for less, says Joaquin Siopack, 43, who works as a data analyst out of his home in the hilly Miraloma Park neighborhood. He recently abandoned AT&Ts slow DSL Internet service in favor of a line from independent provider Sonic Internet delivering a pathetic 10 megabit-per-second connection  more than twice the speed he got from AT&T for $60 a month, about 40% more than he paid AT&T.

Neither Sonic nor any other service has plans to run fiber into his neighborhood any time soon. Cable service from Comcast would be an option  but hed have to wire his home for the connection himself.

Some time in the next few weeks, San Francisco will hire a consultant to lay out the options for citywide fiber service. The choices include building its own network and acting as its own Internet service provider to provide gigabit speed access to every building in the city; offering incentives to coax private firms into building the physical network and providing service; or sharing construction and operation of the system with commercial partners.

Also uncertain is whether the city would build the system as a utility, serving all buildings, or replicate Googles demand-driven model by laying fiber only to where it knows customers exist.

Then theres the question of how the system would be paid for  by taxpayers, by all residents and businesses charged an average utility fee estimated at about $43 a month, or only by users paying a monthly fee. The range of potential construction costs, the legislative analyst reported, runs from more than $867 million for a city-built utility-style system, to zero, if the city chooses to turn the chore entirely over to private enterprise. But in that case, there would be no guarantee that all residents would be served.

Every option is on the table, Farrell says, with one caveat: Regardless of the method, I believe the public should own this infrastructure.

Thats an important point, because Americas reliance on private enterprise to build its broadband infrastructure has left the country mired in the digital equivalent of the Stone Age. The San Francisco legislative analyst reported that the average Internet speed nationally was 21.2 megabits per second in 2014, which ranked 19th among the top 20 countries in the world.

Competition among the cable and telecommunications firms is so meagerthe nations cable industry is a collection of regional monopolies  that they have felt almost no pressure to offer customers state-of-the-art connectivity or to reach out to underserved communities.

Broadband service is almost the very model of a public good that should be provided by government, because the profit incentives of private industry work in favor of limited service delivered to customers only selectively. Running fiber is a capital-intensive task: concentrating on high-rise apartment buildings occupied by tenants who will pay premium prices for lightning-fast service spells profits; reaching out to a sprawling community of low-income users, many of whom dont own computers, doesnt. The harvest is the digital divide, in which modern technology bypasses already disadvantaged citizens.

Only a handful of public entities have taken matters in hand. Interest is beginning to stiron election day, 26 cities and counties in Colorado opted out of a 2005 law  sponsored by the cable industry  prohibiting them from providing telecommunications services to the public. That brought to 95 the number of Colorado municipalities considering going it alone.

Yet of the more than 1,000 fiber networks in the U.S., only 143 are municipally owned, including six in California. The pioneers typically are small, affluent or tech-savvy communities, such as Santa Monica and Santa Clara, that tend to provide service chiefly to downtown business districts and public buildings, and see their programs as economic development tools.

That explains why Google Fiber initially looked like a godsend. When the company announced last December that it was exploring placing Los Angeles on its roster of potential fiber cities, Councilman Bob Blumenfield, who has been pushing to ease the way for would-be fiber providers in the city and had met with Google officials, declared that L.A. might be on its way to become the worlds premier gigabit city. (AT&T had announced the same week that it would start rolling out its GigaPower fiber service in Los Angeles County.)

Then came Oct. 25, a sort of Black Tuesday for believers in Google as a broadband savior. That day, the company announced the departure of Fibers CEO, Craig Barrett, and the pause in its operations. Im hoping its a pause and not a stop, Blumenfield says. But all we know at the moment is that its not happening right now. Los Angeles last year asked private companies to submit proposals for a citywide broadband system, but hasnt settled on a model.

Google will continue to build out its system in the eight communities where its already established. But for other cities its shifting its strategy toward wireless Internet service and to a target market of apartment buildings rather than single-family houses. This reflects its acquisition in June of WebPass, which runs fiber lines into neighborhoods, provides wireless connections from there to apartment buildings, and wired service from the buildings rooftops to the tenants inside.

Googles strategic shift shouldnt have come as a surprise, says Christopher Mitchell, a broadband expert at the Institute for Local Self-Reliance. Signs abounded that the company, now called Alphabet, didnt see broadband service as a core business and was becoming more interested in other ventures, including self-driving cars. Its insistence on building on its own terms should have been a warning for companies that thought it would be the answer to their digital dreams.

When youre begging for something from a big company like Google, Mitchell says, you take what you can get.

Keep up to date with Michael Hiltzik. Follow @hiltzikm on Twitter, see his Facebook page, or email michael.hiltzik@latimes.com.

Return to Michael Hiltziks blog.
Ordering a Big Mac from a self-service kiosk and getting it delivered to your table could become a more common experience for McDonalds customers in San Francisco, Seattle and other metropolitan areas.

The Oak Brook, Ill., fast food giant said it would roll out self-ordering kiosks and table service in 2017 at restaurants in cities including Chicago, Boston and Washington. McDonalds did not say how many restaurants would be affected.

Kiosks and table service have already been tested in more than 500 restaurants in Southern California, Florida and New York City, as well as overseas locations, McDonalds said.

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The move comes as the company faces increasing competition in the fast food market. Fast-casual competitors such as Chipotle Mexican Grill Inc. have lured away customers who are searching for fresher fare.

Analysts said this new combination of faster and more accurate ordering and table service could help McDonalds stand out among rivals.

It could potentially have a positive effect on consumers, given the novelty of it, and perhaps offer consumers a fresh take on what it means to dine in at McDonalds, said Andrew Alvarez, industry analyst at IBISWorld.

The kiosks could also cut down on some labor expenses and increase customer convenience, said Kevin Burke, founder and managing partner of Trinity Capital.

But the company will need to make sure its new menu offerings can drive demand. The chain recently debuted Signature Crafted offerings, with which customers can add flavors such as Sriracha Big Mac sauce and other ingredients to their burgers.

Im still waiting to see how these menu offerings are either going to drum up new demand or get consumers back in the door in a consistent manner, Alvarez said. The reason people go to the store is not for the kiosk. Its for the food.

samantha.masunaga@latimes.com

For more business news, follow me @smasunaga

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Starbucks Chief Executive Howard Schultz may have spoken for many corporate CEOs when he said in a memo to employees that he was stunned about the election outcome.

But as the news of Trumps win gave way to planning for his transition, the reality appears to be taking hold, and corporations are navigating how to respond in the aftermath of a historic election that proved explosively divisive. On the campaign trail, Trump bashed several U.S. companies. Rhetoric about women and minorities from Trumps campaign, his supporters or his past create a minefield for corporations that have touted their diversity and inclusion policies. Some CEOs or corporate officials who have spoken out have seen calls for boycotts of their brands on social media.

Theyre clearly not as vocal, and in many cases are laying low and waiting to see what really is generated through the Republican-controlled Congress, says Thomas Cooke, a professor at Georgetown Universitys McDonough School of Business.

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Yet that Republican-controlled Congress is also expected to usher in pro-business changes such as tax reform, infrastructure plans and regulatory changes that have some in the business community excited, said John Engler, a former governor of Michigan and president of the Business Roundtable, which represents CEOs of the largest public corporations.

The reaction from the election has simply been Lets get ready to take advantage of this opportunity thats presented itself,  Engler said in an interview. CEOs, he says, are interested in growth. They awakened a week ago and said, Wow, what was not possible is possible. 

In its aftermath, the chief response from CEOs speaking out about the election included congratulations, calls for unity and commitments to diversity. J.P. Morgan CEO Jamie Dimon wrote to his employees that we have just been through one of the most contentious elections in memory, which can make it even harder to put our differences aside. Apples Tim Cook quoted Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. and reminded employees that our company is open to all ... regardless of what they look like, where they come from, how they worship or who they love.

Yet some CEOs are also starting to publicly offer more policy-oriented remarks or even advice for Trump as the focus shifts from the results of the campaign to how he will govern. On Tuesday, General Electric CEO Jeff Immelt, who had written an initial blog post to employees last week, suggested in a CNBC interview that Trump might actually find himself benefiting from trade deals.

I think what the president will learn, Immelt said, is that as he travels the world, trade deals give him power. If the president of the United States travels around the world and has nothing to offer from a standpoint of economic connection, you lose half of your negotiating power. This guy is a negotiator, hes a dealmaker. So I think lets just wait and see what he does.

Meanwhile, Mark Fields, the CEO of Ford, spoke for the first time since the election outcome about the 35% tariff that Trump has discussed imposing on cars made in Mexico. Fields delivered the keynote speech at the Los Angeles Auto Show on Tuesday and said, A tariff like that would be imposed on the entire auto sector, and that could have a huge impact on the U.S. economy, according to the Detroit Free-Press. During the campaign, Trump frequently called out Ford for moving its small car production from the United States to Mexico.

Still, in a charged atmosphere with a divided electorate and an explosive social media environment, some brands are already learning how volatile the response can be to business leaders remarks. At the DealBook conference hosted by New York Times columnist Andrew Russ Sorkin last week, PepsiCo CEO Indra Nooyi said she fielded questions from her employees who were all crying after the election. She said: The question that theyre asking, especially those who are not white: Are we safe? Women are asking: Are we safe? LGBT people are asking: Are we safe? I never thought Id have had to answer those questions.

Notably, she also spoke of unifying the country and acknowledging the democratic process. Yet Trump supporters on social media platforms seized on parts of her remarks, calling for a boycott of PepsiCos products. (A PepsiCo spokesman said in an emailed statement that Mrs. Nooyi misspoke. She was referring to the reaction of a group of employees she spoke to who were apprehensive about the outcome of the election. She never intended to imply that all employees feel the same way. We are incredibly proud of the diverse views and backgrounds across our workforce, and we are united in our desire for a brighter future.)

Jena McGregor writes a column analyzing leadership in the news for the Washington Posts On Leadership section.

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Transportation technology start-up Hyperloop One announced Friday an end to a months-long saga with four former employees who alleged wrongdoing by management and investors.

Terms of the confidential settlement to a wrongful termination lawsuit werent disclosed. The ex-employees had been seeking a public apology, reinstatement at the Los Angeles company and lost pay and stock options, among other damages.

Justin Berger, the attorney for the former employees, said his clients were pleased with the resolution. And the group of four said in their own statement emailed by a spokesman that they plan to develop their own take on hyperloop and that more details would be announced soon.

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In a brief statement, Hyperloop One said it looks forward to continuing to execute on its business plan.

Brogan BamBrogan, who was chief technology officer; William Mulholland, who was finance vice president; Knut Sauer, who was business development vice president; and David Pendergast, who was assistant general counsel, sued the company in July. Theyre expected to formally drop the case next week in Los Angeles County Superior Court.

In their lawsuit, the plaintiffs said they were concerned by what they called their superiors financial mismanagement, including the appearance that family or friends were favored over more qualified candidates in hiring and partnership decisions. Three of them quit, and one was fired.

The lawsuit named among the defendants co-founder and Executive Chairman Shervin Pishevar and fellow investor Joe Lonsdale. The companys attorney described the accusations against them as nonsense. Still, the company eventually heeded calls first raised by BamBrogan and the others for Pishevar and Lonsdale to cede more control over corporate decisions to employees and other stakeholders.

Hyperloop One countersued, seeking $250 million in damages. The countersuit described the plaintiffs as a Gang of Four who tried to rouse co-workers into joining a rival company. Plaintiffs said the claim about their alleged attempt to poach trade secrets, colleagues and investors for a competing venture were not specific enough to merit consideration.

Hyperloops are envisioned as low-pressure tubes through which carriers holding people and cargo can zip at hundreds of miles an hour. Propelled by electricity and passive magnets, hyperloops could be cheaper, faster and more energy-efficient than alternatives such as trains, cars and buses.

The legal battle drew questions from investors and business partners about how the company allowed an insurrection to take root. But the firm, backed by more than $150 million in venture capital, has continued to draw funding from new partners, and recently struck agreements to research developing a hyperloop system in the United Arab Emirates within the next five years.

The resilience we have shown as a company since June has been nothing short of remarkable, Chief Executive Rob Lloyd told employees Friday afternoon.

paresh.dave@latimes.com

Twitter: @peard33

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UPDATES:

3:35 p.m.: This article was updated with additional details about the lawsuits.

This article was originally published at 3:10 p.m.
Martin McDonagh, the British-born playwright of Irish heritage and humor, made a sensational debut in 1996 with The Beauty Queen of Leenane, his bruising comic melodrama that announced the arrival of a wicked dramatic stylist.

Blending Dion Boucicaults old-fashioned plotting with Quentin Tarantinos bloodthirsty humor and a soupcon of Harold Pinter menace, Beauty Queen won great fanfare for the way its author wrapped audiences on both sides of the Atlantic around his devious finger.

Garry Hynes, who directed the original Druid Theatre Company/Royal Court Theatre production in Galway, became the first woman to win a Tony Award for play direction with her 1998 staging. For the Druid 20th anniversary production of Beauty Queen, which opened Wednesday at the Mark Taper Forum, Hynes has returned with her brilliant accomplice, Marie Mullen, who originated the role of 40-year-old unmarried Maureen and is now playing Maureens miserable crone of a mother, Mag.

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The scenic design by Francis OConnor, who did the sets for the original production, establishes a fresh perspective for Hynes reinvestigation of this play about a mother and a daughter locked in a caretaking relationship that has them both seething with murderous resentment. The cottage where the two women live in Leenane, a small town set down in the rugged landscape of Connemara, evokes the vague impression of a primitive cave home.

Marie Mullen, left, Marty Rea and Aisling OSullivan in The Beauty Queen of Leenane. (Kirk McKoy / Los Angeles Times )

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The domestic details are right  the kitchen sink cluttered with dirty cups and bowls, the solitary rocker positioned in front of a small TV that drones incomprehensibly, the turf-fueled range eager to devour whatever is poked inside its hellish maw. But the frame of the production is mythic. A panel of rain-lashed sky that changes hues without ever becoming bright hovers above the scene, reminding us that the turbulent atmosphere indoors matches the inclement weather outside.

I was curious to revisit Beauty Queen (the first play in the Leenane trilogy that includes A Skull in Connemara and The Lonesome West) because I was not among its ardent champions when it had its New York premiere at the Atlantic Theater Company in 1998. McDonagh has made me laugh and shudder in disturbing combination in such plays as The Lieutenant of Inishmore and The Cripple of Inishmaan (both presented by Center Theatre Group), but my admiration has been limited to the boldness of his playwriting technique. His artistic vision  the soul of his work, if you will  has struck me as tantalizingly empty. (The McDonagh drama I find most satisfying is the 2008 film he wrote and directed, In Bruges, the screen being a better fit in my view for his unfailingly clever, if ultimately shallow, criminal mischief.)

This production of Beauty Queen, the first stop in the Druids U.S. tour, hasnt convinced me that I missed the boat the first time around. But not expecting to be intellectually or spiritually nourished, I relaxed into the dark pleasures of McDonaghs imagination. The play reveals the authors relative inexperience through creaky exposition and crude plotting, but it also flaunts his comic audacity and fearless iconoclasm. McDonagh re-creates traditional Irish family drama only to set it ablaze with a postmodern blowtorch.

INTERVIEW: Beauty Queen star Marie Mullen on playing both mother and daughter 

Mullen was the emotional center of the original production of The Beauty Queen of Leenane. Her Tony-winning portrayal of Maureen didnt shrink from the horror of what this unhappy woman, enslaved to her selfishly domineering mother, is capable of. But her performance had the play vibrating with a lonely ache.

No surprise then that Mullen would find sneaky ways of humanizing Mag. After Mullens Mag wins one of her routine tug-of-war bouts with Aisling OSullivans Maureen, who only begrudgingly brings her mother her tea, biscuit or porridge, a triumphant delight washes across the old womans face. Her pettiness is childish, her feeble helplessness a cover for control. Mullens Mag is scarier for being a recognizably human monster.

The plot hinges on the romantic hopes Maureen has for Pato Dooley (an appealing if too slickly dressed Marty Rea), who spends the night with her in a scene in which the two characters try to relieve themselves momentarily of their isolating awkwardness. As Pato places his arms around Maureen, she seems at a loss as to what to do with the kettles shes always juggling.

Rea as Pato, OSullivan as Maureen. (Kirk McKoy / Los Angeles Times )

Servitude has made Maureen bitter  she knows her mother will never release her without a fight  but she hasnt completely forgotten that shes a woman. OSullivans Maureen isnt easy to get close to  the feral glint in her eyes is enough to put anyone off  but its heartbreaking the way she unclenches like a balled fist with a few strokes of tenderness.

Reas Pato is especially touching in the scene that takes place the morning after the dalliance, when Maureen thinks hes turned on her after her mothers vicious interference and nothing he says can convince her otherwise. Hes basically a nice guy who has innocently wandered into a mother-daughter war zone.

Patos recitation of the letter he has written to Maureen after he has returned to London for work is theatrically challenging, but Rea handles the task with bashful aplomb. The subsequent scene, in which Patos young brother Ray (a squirrely Aaron Monaghan) is sent to personally deliver the missive to prevent it from falling into Mags hands, accentuates the melodrama to comic effect. But the suspenseful belaboring begins to feel like shtick.

The ending remains shocking even if you already know how the dramatic events play out. This is a credit to the canniness of McDonaghs playwriting skill. Beauty Queen ruthlessly exposes the emotional desperation of family life  a desperation quietly compounded by grim economic reality  but its style is more persuasive than its meaning. Two decades later, the play still provides a jangly theatrical escape for those who dont mind when a fable leaves them recoiling.

Mullen and Aaron Monaghan. (Kirk McKoy / Los Angeles Times )

------------

The Beauty Queen of Leenane

Where: Mark Taper Forum, 135 N. Grand Ave., L.A.

When: 8 p.m. Tuesdays-Fridays, 2:30 and 8 p.m. Saturdays, 1 and 6:30 p.m. Sundays. (Call for exceptions.) Ends Dec. 18.

Tickets: $25 to $85 (subject to change)

Information: (213) 628-2772 or www.centertheatregroup.org

Running time: 2 hours and 20 minutes, including intermission

charles.mcnulty@latimes.com

Follow me @charlesmcnulty

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Electricity consumption in Ukraine in January through October 2016, taking into account losses in electricity transmission, fell by 2.3% or 2.807 billion kilowatt-hours (kWh) year-on-year, to 120.593 billion kWh, the Energy and Coal Industry Ministry has told Interfax-Ukraine.

Electricity consumption, not including losses, over the period fell by 2.6% or 2.59 billion kWh, to 95.44 billion kWh.

Industry in Ukraine over the period under review decreased electricity consumption by 2.4%, to 40.795 billion kWh, including a 2% fall in consumption by the metallurgical industry, to 23.715 billion kWh, a 19.9% fall by the fuel sector, to 2.924 billion kWh, a 1.6% decline by engineering sector, to 2.895 billion kWh, a 0.7% rise in consumption by the chemical and petroleum industry, to 2.513 billion kWh, a 1.8% rise in consumption by food and processing industry, to 3.405 billion kWh, a 6% rise in consumption by the construction materials sector, to 1.814 billion kWh and 1.9% rise for other industries, to 3.529 billion.

Agricultural companies consumed 2.823 billion kWh (a rise of 1.6% year-over-year, transport companies  5.437 billion kWh (a fall of 1.7%) and construction companies  625.2 million kWh (a rise of 4.7%).

There was a 4.4% decline in consumption by households, to 28.741 billion kWh.

The share of industry in total electricity consumption increased from 42.6% in January-October 2015 to 42.7% in 625,2 2016, and the share of households fell from 30.7% to 30.1%.

In October, electricity consumption, taking into account losses in electricity transmission, grew by 4%, to 13.104 billion kWh, and without loss  it fell by 1.4%, to 9.458 billion kWh.
Deep within the belly of the Los Angeles Central Library downtown, a slender, plastic soundstick  a telephone receiver, basically  hangs from a gallery wall. On the other end of the line? The late thespian, Edwin Booth.

When Booth died in 1893, he was considered by many to be the greatest Shakespearean actor of his day. Years before, he had made a three-minute wax cylinder recording (the precursor to vinyl) of a passage from Shakespeares Othello while staying in a Chicago hotel. The recording was made for his daughter, Edwina, in part so shed have something to remember him by.

Now all of Los Angeles does, too. The one-minute excerpt of his Othello recital, on display in the Central Librarys Getty Gallery, feels surprisingly intimate and powerful at once. The audio is scratchy, full of pops and crackles, but Booths lines from Act 1, Scene 3 are pungent with emotion. Upon this hint I spake, Booth bellows, defending his characters secret marriage to the beautiful Desdemona before her father and the Venetian Senate. She lovd me for the dangers I had passd, And I lovd her that she did pity them.

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The Booth recording is part of the exhibition Americas Shakespeare: The Bard Goes West, which opened Thursday and is presented by the Library Foundation of Los Angeles in partnerships with the L.A. Public Library and the Folger Shakespeare Library in Washington, D.C., in honor of the 400th anniversary of Shakespeares death. Its an impressive collection of rare Shakespearean artifacts that connect the playwright to America from 14 institutions, including the Library of Congress, the Folger and the Hollywood Bowl Museum.

More than half the show is specific to California. Program manager Todd Lerew traveled up and down the California coast this year visiting libraries and small museums searching for West Coast connections to the Bard. One photograph, likely from the late 1880s, shows an itinerant theater troupe wagon passing through the town of Sonora. Other objects include a gold miners worn, personal copy of Shakespeares works with a handwritten inscription inside describing his 1849 journey across the plains of America, and Marlon Brandos arm cuffs from his Mark Antony costume in the 1953 film adaptation of Julius Caesar.

The Booth recording came from Cal State Northridge. Booths granddaughters family ended up settling in Northridge. In 1972 the Edwin Booth Family Collection donated the Othello recording and other ephemera to the university.

The exhibit also includes, front and center, a First Folio (1623), the earliest attempt at a complete collection of Shakespeares plays and without which about a third of his works, such as The Tempest and As You Like It, would have been lost. Its pages are open to the beginning of Macbeth, Abraham Lincolns all-time favorite Shakespeare work. Lincoln was a passionate fan of Booths as well; he saw the actor perform multiple times before Booths brother, John Wilkes Booth, assassinated the president in 1865.

More than 100 events, across 22 L.A. library branches, are planned in conjunction with the exhibition. They run the Shakespearean gamut, including staged conversations between Shakespeare scholar Ayanna Thompson and theater director Peter Sellars, Elizabethan fencing lessons, and English and Spanish sonnet workshops.

The Booth audio snippet is just a small speck in an exhibition thats broad in scope and deep with cultural context. But its a compelling one, a fleeting moment of lost history brought back to life.

------------

Americas Shakespeare: The Bard Goes West

Where: Getty Gallery, L.A. Central Library, 630 W. 5th St., Los Angeles.

When: Through Feb. 26

Information: lfla.org/event/americas-shakespeare/

deborah.vankin@latimes.com

Follow me on Twitter: @debvankin

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The presidential election results arent directly referenced in The Super Variety Match Bonus Round! but they add prescient urgency and relevance to Deb Hietts quirky new culture war satire at the Met Theatre in L.A.

The plays lively world premier staging by Cameron Watson for Rogue Machine Theatre wittily envisions a bankrupt middle-class dream as a TV game show with unknown rules, in which nothing is fair.

The analogy is initially figurative, as the play opens with an all too realistic scenario in the modest home of a retired couple in rural Texas. Narcoleptic Mags (Bonnie Bailey-Reed), a former English teacher, has given up on life after the suicide of their troubled veteran son. She spends pointless days napping and watching 1970s game show reruns.

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Her caregiver husband, Ernest (Mark L. Taylor), desperate to supplement their inadequate fixed income and shake up their stagnant routine, enlists the help of their Internet-savvy mail carrier, Dolores (Paula Christensen), to post a room for rent during a nearby music festival.

What turns up in answer to the online ad is a flamboyantly androgynous millennial by the name of Chrz (Victoria Ortiz), who embodies everything Mags cant stand about the flip side of the generational divide.

On opening night, the plays sharply observed culture clashes would have benefited from tighter comic timing in the early going. However, members of the ensemble gained more solid satirical footing as they traded barbs and biases. Eventually, pharmaceuticals transport the couple into a real-life game show  a dazzling reality shift masterminded by scenic designer Stephanie Kerley Schwartz.

Dolores reappears as the charismatically pushy game show host, and Chrz becomes the vapid spokesmodel as the bewildered Mags and Ernest compete in the increasingly high-stakes, soul-baring rounds of the appropriately titled show Its a Scary, Scary World. Though the conceit grows a bit labored at times, its an amusing and ingenious avenue of self-exploration that for some in the audience will hold a measure of hope in a time of jeopardy.

------------

The Super Variety Match Bonus Round!

Where: MET Theatre, 1089 N. Oxford Ave., Los Angeles

When: 8:30 p.m. Saturdays and Mondays, 3 p.m. Sundays. Ends Dec. 19.

Tickets: $34.99

Information: (855) 585-5185 or www.roguemachinetheatre.com

Running time: 1 hour, 20 minutes

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Lisa Masters, an actress who appeared in shows including Unbreakable Kimmy Schmidt and Law & Order: SVU, was found dead earlier this week in her hotel room in Peru, her manager confirmed to the Los Angeles Times on Friday. She was 52.

Police in Lima told the Associated Press that they are investigating the case as a possible suicide. Her cellphone included directions on how to reach her family in the United States, the AP said Thursday.

In these darkening days, we hope those who have had the pleasure of knowing her will see how brightly she shined and will find that light within themselves and continue to share it with others  just as she would have, manager Christopher Silveri said via email from New York.

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Masters acting resume also included episodes of Gossip Girl, Ugly Betty, Nashville and Royal Pains, in addition to several film roles and more TV work.

As to her husband and familys wishes, we hope that the industry can mourn her death without details, Silveri said.

Masters, whose body was found Tuesday, was in Lima for a modeling job, Peru21 reported.

Follow Christie DZurilla on Twitter @theCDZ.

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Somewhere in Brooklyn Heights in the summer of 2015, a scattering of index cards carried the weight of nine years of curiosity, anticipation and pressure on their flimsy surface.

We had cards all over the floors of our place  we would tip-toe around them, trying to piece it all together, recalled Amy Sherman-Palladino. Somehow we got here.

Sherman-Palladino is the force behind Gilmore Girls, a dramedy centered on a mother and daughter, Lorelai and Rory Gilmore, and the goings-on in their eccentric small town, Stars Hollow. The series, which ran for seven seasons from 2000 to 2007 on the WB (later the CW), became a cult favorite that was known for rat-a-tat dialogue that sifted through pop culture faster than diner owner Luke could pour a cup of coffee.

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Lorelai and Rory together again: Gilmore Girls actresses revel in their long-anticipated reunion 

The shows charm proved so enduring that Sherman-Palladino finds herself here, preparing for the release of Gilmore Girls: A Year in the Life, a four-part revival of the series on Netflix. Fittingly, the episodes will drop Friday, Nov. 25  because what better time to celebrate family and mandatory dinners than in a post-Thanksgiving tryptophan haze?

We basically emptied our heads of everything that filled them up over the last nine years, said Sherman-Palladino, who crafted the four 90-minute installments alongside her writer-director husband Daniel Palladino, who was also an executive producer on the original series.

Some have characterized the revisiting as a form of properly shutting the door for the wife-and-husband team who left the show after its sixth season due to contractual disputes with the newly minted CW. But the duo is not among that group.

We werent looking for closure, Daniel said in an interview with his wife a few weeks ahead of the revivals release. We just wanted to come back and work with the cast again. What I love is that it did not feel nostalgic at all. It felt very new and right.

When Gilmore Girls had its premiere in 2000 on the WB, the reigning prime-time television champs included Survivor, Who Wants to Be a Millionaire? and Friends. DVRs were still in their early days and subscription video on-demand services werent even a twinkle in the eye of television. Bingeing, meanwhile, was something you did with food.

Gilmore Girls was a relatively small fish. At its peak in its third season, it averaged 5.8 million viewers  about a quarter of the audience of Survivor. Still, it was one of the most popular shows for the WB.

It was a series that relied on witty banter and small-scale family drama rather than stylistic flourishes or labyrinthine plots.

It was an understated show, said Warner Bros. Television Group President and Chief Content Officer Peter Roth, whose studio produced the original series and the upcoming Netflix revival. It was all about the characters and the small town and yet it resonated thoroughly with the audience.

But the reboot also comes with expectations, which werent lost on Sherman-Palladino back in March while directing one of the episodes on the Warner Bros. lot in Burbank.

Forget Team Dean, Team Jess, or even Team Logan. Were on Team Gilmore 

I hope the fans like it, said Sherman-Palladino, surveying the shows set, which had to be rebuilt from scratch. This was all for them.

On this particular day of production, a scene was unfolding in Lukes Diner, where laptops and headphones are now as common a sight as burgers and french fries  much to the chagrin of proprietor Luke Danes (played by Scott Patterson). At one point in the scene, Luke has a run-in with a bag of flour.

Theres going to be flour all over our [crap]!, shouted the always-energetic Sherman-Palladino while adjusting her leopard-print beret. Lets do it once more, Scott. I promise you wont be getting a rash tonight!

These are words Sherman-Palladino didnt expect shed be saying after she left the series. She didnt expect to be saying anything. Sure, there were moments in the time after the Palladinos left where the couple would read a small story in the news and wonder, Oh, if we could do that in Stars Hollow, but it never went further than that.

It wasnt until Netflix acquired the streaming rights to all seven seasons of the original series in 2014 that a shift occurred. Fans and uninitiated viewers were no longer beholden to cable repeats or DVD sets for access. And while Netflix is notorious for not releasing viewership data, the anecdotal evidence showed that people were watching. A lot of people.

By then, the Palladinos had created two other series that fizzled  The Return of Jezebel James and Bunheads  and backed the Broadway production Violet, starring Bunheads lead Sutton Foster.

We would walk out after shows of Violet and there would be 20-year-old women waiting for us because of Gilmore Girls, Sherman-Palladino recalled. And we were like, wow, these girls shouldnt even know about Gilmore Girls. It sort of started planting the seed to revisit the series.

Initial talks had begun just before a reunion of some key Gilmore Girls cast members at the ATX Television Festival in Austin, Texas, in June 2015  the pandemonium that resulted from that event was evidence that they were onto something.

The Palladinos met with Netflix with a heavily prepared pitch. The WBs Roth said the reason the CW had not been pitched the proposition was a matter of economics: This was a very big and ambitious story  one that required a very significant license fee. We wanted to go to a service that would enable us to tell the story with all the grandeur that Amy and Dan had envisioned.

Sherman-Palladino said streaming on Netflix also opened up creative opportunities. They opted for 90-minute episodes  somewhat inspired by the PBS series Sherlock that will span the course of a season in the calendar year. While a script of Gilmore Girls from yesteryear might average 75 to 80 pages, a script for the revival might average150 or more.

Dan added: I think the biggest change was that we knew we had to write everything before we went into production, which we have never done because you cant possibly do that with 22 episodes.

But was Stars Hollow still with them after all these years?

Have you seen Rain Man? Because I seriously think Gilmore Girls is our Rain Man, Amy said. Theres something about this show where it just comes out of us. A couple of days in, we were like, Oh, were going to have a problem. We may have too many episodes in these cards.

It could have been a year and three months in the life! Dan said.

There are 35-plus original cast members returning, including Kelly Bishop as Lorelais mother, Emily, Keiko Agena as Rorys BFF Lane Kim, and (after some controversial headline-making) Melissa McCarthy as Sookie St. James, Lorelais bestie.

Rory (played by Alexis Bledel) is now roughly the age Lorelai was when we met them in the original series and, as such, says screen mom Lauren Graham, The revival will feel more grown up.

A Year in the Life will also delve deeper into the divide between Lorelai and Emily through the death of Richard Gilmore. (Edward Herrmann, who portrayed the family patriarch, died of brain cancer in 2014.) In A Year in the Life, Richards absence looms over the four installments as the three Gilmore women try to cope with the loss.

We instinctively knew where these people were in their lives, Sherman-Palladino said. Also with Eds passing  we knew that had to be a big thing because Richard was such a big part of the show. The gravity of his absence was felt on that set.

This isnt the first time Netflix has mined the vaults to revive an on-the-shelf series. The streaming TV network first brought Arrested Development, which originally ran on Fox from 2003 to 2006, back to life for a not-quite critically acclaimed fourth season in 2013. And last year a continuation of family sitcom Full House, once a pillar of ABCs prime-time programming block TGIF, returned with Fuller House.

We werent surprised that people were really excited for the Gilmore story to continue, but we didnt expect quite the fervor we have seen, said Cindy Holland, Netflixs vice president for content.

Each tidbit of news or drip-drop of clues on the casts social media accounts would get analyzed at length. And when coffee shops across the country transformed for a day into Lukes Diner to celebrate the shows 16th anniversary in early October, fans lined up in droves.

It gives me chills, Graham said about the fan reaction. None of us had a map for what to do when the show was over. I had never been on a show that long. It felt like we had been suspended in aireven for the fans. So that was all the more reason why people kept asking, because they felt unsatisfied too. I know some people watch it multiple times a year. Now you have some new material.

But might the Palladinos consider doing more past these four installments?

Oh my God, Sherman-Palladino said, daunted by the thought. Let people just watch these!

Dan interjected: Everyone just watch and say, thats all we need.

If not, maybe fans should start sending them index cards?

The most-read Entertainment stories this hour 

Entertainment video playlist

yvonne.villarreal@latimes.com

Twitter: @villarrealy

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The jewels of legendary heiress Betsy Bloomingdale are to come under the gavel at Christies. Three Harry Winston pieces from her estate will be offered as part of the auction houses New York Magnificent Jewels sale on Dec. 7.

A larger swath of her collection  named Betsy Bloomingdale: A Life in Style  will receive its own dedicated sale in spring, set to take place in New York.

This winters preview of lots includes three white diamond pieces by Harry Winston. A cluster necklace is estimated to realize between $400,000 and $600,000. A diamond cluster brooch in the same aesthetic vein is estimated between $100,000 and $150,000. The marquee piece  a 29.01-carat, pear-cut solitaire diamond ring is estimated to catch between $1.3 million and $1.8 million.

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Betsy  the wife of Bloomingdales heir Alfred S. Bloomingdale  died in July at the age of 93. The cause of death was congestive heart failure.

Through her social rise, the Los Angeles native became known for her expensive taste in clothes, home furnishings and jewelry. She was a regular presence at the Paris haute couture shows, and favored designs by Christian Dior, James Galanos and Adolfo. Her taste exemplified the look of Eighties high society.

Bloomingdale was a close ally of the Reagan administration, and counted fellow socialites Nan Kempner and Lynn Wyatt as friends.

Her knack for hostessing was so well-known that in 1994 she published a book, written by Catherine Whitney, called Entertaining With Betsy Bloomingdale: A Collection of Culinary Tips and Treasures From the Worlds Best Hosts and Hostesses.

Jewelry is not Bloomingdales only legacy possession currently available for sale.

The socialites Los Angeles estate in the Holmby Hills is presently on the market, estimated to fetch in excess of $40 million. Tom Ford is reportedly considering the three-acre property.
In an e-mail sent Thursday afternoon, Sophie Theallet has said she will not dress the incoming First Lady Melania Trump and she is calling on other designers to do the same.

Theallet, who did not respond immediately available for comment, said in her missive that as an independent fashion brand, we consider our voice an expression of our artistic and philosophical ideas.

As one who celebrates and strives for diversity, individual freedom and respect for all lifestyles, I will not participate in dressing or associating in any way with the next First Lady. The rhetoric of racism, sexism, and xenophobia unleashed by her husbands presidential campaign are incompatible with the shared values we live by. she wrote. I encourage my fellow designers to do the same.

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A spokeswoman for Melania Trump did not respond immediately for a request for comment. In the lead up to Election Night, the former model wore Ralph Lauren, Gucci, Fendi, Dolce & Gabbana and Michael Kors among other labels  all of which she purchased in New York City boutiques or online.

Describing herself as an immigrant, the designer said she has been blessed with the opportunity to pursue her dreams in the U.S., and that dressing First Lady Michelle Obama intermittently over the past eight years has been a highlight and an honor. She has contributed to having our name recognized and respected worldwide. Her values, actions, and grace have always resonated deeply within me.

At 18, Theallet moved to Paris to attend the esteemed fashion design school Studio Bercot and graduated early after winning Frances National Young Design Award. She was then hired by Jean Paul Gaultier. Theallet later worked at Azzedine Alaia for 10 years before relocating to New York City, where she continued to work for the French designer on a part-time basis. She launched her own label in 2007 and two years after won the CFDA/Vogue Fashion Fund Award.

Noting that her brand stands against all discrimination and prejudice, she said, Our runway shows, ad campaigns, and celebrity dressing have always been a celebration of diversity and a reflection of the world we live in.

Her e-mail continued, I am well aware it is not wise to get involved in politics. That said, as a family owned company, our bottom line is not just about money. We value our artistic freedom and always humbly seek to contribute to a more humane, conscious and ethical way to create in this world.

Theallets open letter ended with Integrity is our only true currency.
Whats in season: A member of the cabbage family, Brussels sprouts resemble tiny heads of cabbage or lettuce, growing in rows on long stalks, and are said to have been grown in Belgium since the 16th century, hence their name. The small sprouts generally range in size from 1 to 2 inches, with the smaller sprouts being the most tender and sweet. The cold-weather vegetable is typically in season from late fall through the winter months.

What to cook: Known for their complex flavor, Brussels sprouts benefit from quick cooking to bring out their gentle, sweet notes. Trim the vegetables and cut an x in the base of each sprout to allow the heat to penetrate before cooking. Steaming or glazing the vegetables are classic preparations, but the sprouts also work well tossed with a nut oil and quickly roasted, or shaved and quickly sauteed. Blanch the leaves to use in a quick salad, tossed with Manchego cheese and dried fruit, or deep-fry the leaves and toss with capers and chile flakes for a quick, crunchy dish.

Whats on the horizon: Artichokes, normally in season during the spring into early summer, turn up again for a short period during late fall.

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CLEOS BRUSSELS SPROUTS

Total time: 45 minutes | Serves 2 to 4

Note: Adapted from Cleo restaurant in Hollywood.

10 to 12 Brussels sprouts

Vegetable oil for frying

2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil

2 tablespoons red wine vinegar

Salt and freshly ground pepper

1/8 teaspoon chile flakes

2 tablespoons drained (oil-packed) capers, more if desired

2 tablespoons toasted sliced almonds, more if desired

2 teaspoons chopped fresh parsley

1. Separate the leaves from the Brussels sprouts. To remove the leaves quickly and easily, core the sprouts at their base using a paring or tourne knife, then lightly press the cored sprouts to loosen the leaves.

2. In a medium, heavy-bottomed pot, add enough vegetable oil to come up the sides of the pot by about 3 inches. Heat the oil until a thermometer inserted reaches 360 degrees.

3. While the oil is heating, make the vinaigrette: In a medium bowl, whisk together the olive oil and vinegar. Season to taste with salt and pepper.

4. Deep-fry the Brussels sprout leaves, a small handful at a time, just until the leaves begin to crisp around the edges, 15 to 30 seconds. Be careful, because the oil may splatter a bit as the leaves are added. Remove the leaves immediately and drain on a paper-towel lined rack, pressing the leaves with paper towels to remove excess oil. Continue frying the leaves, in small batches, until all of them are cooked.

5. To assemble the dish, place the fried leaves in a large bowl, add one-half of the vinaigrette, along with the chile flakes, capers, almonds and parsley. Gently toss, then taste and adjust the flavorings and seasonings as desired. Serve immediately.

Each of 4 servings 153 calories; 3 grams protein; 6 grams carbohydrates; 3 grams fiber; 14 grams fat; 1 gram saturated fat; 0 cholesterol; 1 gram sugar; 142 mg sodium.

Love cooking as much as I do? Follow me @noellecarter

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These days, when you see Adam Perry Lang cooking, youre more likely to see him inside a weather system of barbecue smoke on Jimmy Kimmels backlot than you are basting a roasting turkey with a Home Depot spray bottle. Yet thats what the chef was doing on a recent afternoon in the kitchen of his Manhattan Beach house. If youre thinking that Perry Lang builds his Thanksgiving turkey inside a massive custom-made metal smoker, as he does the Angus beef ribs for which hes become justly famous, youd be wrong  at least this year.

Perry Lang navigates the compact space of his kitchen with the speed and precision youd expect from someone whos worked in one all his adult life. He simultaneously attended the Culinary Institute of America in Hyde Park, N.Y., and worked at Le Cirque for Daniel Boulud, the French chef who made the restaurant one of the best in New York City. Perry Lang narrates this years holiday menu as he works  traditional dishes patched together from his childhood in Long Island and his peripatetic restaurant life, now 30 years of working in London and France and on both coasts of America.

Family holidays were a big deal. My mother is a tremendous cook, and she does her best with the tchotchkes and napkin holders, Perry Lang says as he flips a mixture of shallots, garlic and celery in a saute pan for the dressing. I started identifying with Thanksgiving when we came back to America. Fleur had never had one; shed never had a turkey. Perry Lang met his Paris-born wife, Fleur, in France, where hed gone after graduating from cooking school and helping Boulud open Daniel in New York. With Bouluds help, Perry Lang went to work for Guy Savoy. Hed been taking a break to learn French through a Berlitz course when he met his future wife in a cafe bar. They have two children, 12-year-old Max and 9-year-old Noa, who, dressed in a tuxedo jacket, is acting as her fathers sous chef, peeling shallots.

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Fleur Perry Lang and daughter Noa prepare a French salad. (Kirk McKoy / Los Angeles Times )

This year, Perry Langs turkey is one he bought from his local butcher, whom he credits with this years method as well as the bird. He asked if I wanted any tips on how to cook it, says the chef, who has also written three cookbooks. And I thought, Why not? Perry Lang says he was told to roast it upside down, then flip it midway. Give this kid credit for flipping the bird, the chef says, smiling as he does indeed flip his turkey, covering it again with a butter-soaked cheesecloth like a kind of Gallic shroud.

The story of the butcher and the bird is emblematic, as Perry Lang has spent his career adapting to radically new environments, synthesizing what hes learned and finding through-lines that he uses like kitchen twine.

Barbecue and French cooking arent so far apart; neither is Thanksgiving, he says, again hitting his turkey with the Home Depot spray bottle, which is filled with a mixture of melted butter and apple cider vinegar. The spray bottle is a technique he uses when he barbecues, something that hes been doing since he returned to New York. Because after a stint working for Marc Meneau in Burgundy, the chef opened, of all things, a barbecue joint called Daisy Mays.

To hear him tell it, the story of Perry Langs segue from Michelin-starred French restaurants to barbecue pits isnt a crazy anomaly so much as a logical trajectory, from a set of orderly kitchen fires to live fire. There are lots of parallels between French cooking and barbecue, including the snobbery. He adjusts the low fire on his own stove, rendering chicken skin, sauteing parsnips and charring radicchio, all of which will go into a holiday side dish. The journey to the fires of barbecue cooking was as much part of the road home as was bringing his family back to New York and ultimately to Los Angeles. (Along that road, Perry Lang spent a few years opening restaurants with Jamie Oliver in London and working with Mario Batali and Joe Bastianich on a dry-aged beef program in Las Vegas.) While in New York, Perry Lang met late-night TV host Kimmel, and they bonded over cooking and fly-fishing.

Barbecue and French cooking arent so far apart; neither is Thanksgiving  Adam Perry Lang

Friends and family gather for chef Adam Perry Langs Thanksgiving feast. (Kirk McKoy / Los Angeles Times)

Adam Perry Langs Thanksgiving recipes 

So Perry Lang started commuting across the country to do barbecue pop-ups on the Jimmy Kimmel Live parking lot and settled in Los Angeles. He and his family moved into a house near the beach, and Perry Lang started looking for a place to open a restaurant. Called APL (its an intensely personal restaurant), the 150-seat restaurant will open next year on the ground floor of the Taft Building, a restored 1924 high-rise on the corner of Hollywood Boulevard and Vine Street in Hollywood. And no, its not a barbecue joint, rather its an American restaurant  although Perry Lang says hell likely have a walk-up window where you can order some barbecue too.

Windows are something of a recurring motif for Perry Lang (My cooking is about windows; every food has its flavor window) about ingredients and technique, as well as about his career. This is perhaps unsurprising, given the amount of heat and smoke in his environment. The window hes opening now is onto the Pacific, a block away from his home kitchen, which forms the horizon behind the table hes gradually been loading with this years feast.

Perry Lang sets out a pumpkin pie the size of a hubcap, its crust a thick circle of burnished pastry (almost like a fried cannoli shell), and whips heavy cream by hand in a bowl set deep into his sink, adding maple syrup and a hefty toss of salt. As his family and friends gather around the long table, Perry Lang carves the bird, dipping slices into a shallow pan of melted butter into which hes grated black truffles. Intense, right? Its another of his barbecue tricks, although exactly where Perry Langs tricks come from  New York City fine-dining restaurants, Texas barbecue pits, the food palaces of France  is sometimes difficult to tell. What is abundantly clear is that this is comfort food, driven by technique and not a little obsessiveness, the table its own window. Arent they all?

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In a brief but rowdy standoff, University of California students furious about a possible tuition hike momentarily shut down the regents meeting Thursday and were ordered by police to leave or face arrest.

More than 80 students waved signs, stood up and chanted, interrupting regents as they tried to discuss UCs financial-aid and tuition levels. UC officials are considering the first tuition increase in six years  2.5%, or about $280 next year  to help enroll more students, graduate them more quickly, expand classrooms and campus housing, and retrofit aged buildings.



For the record: A previous version of this story referred to UC Berkeley student Juniper Cordova-Goff as a he.

Nathan Brostrom, UC chief financial officer, said financial aid would cover any increase for three-fourths of the 10-campus systems 252,000 students. He also said a small increase for those with family incomes of more than $150,000 a year would help low-income students, because one-third of tuition revenue is funneled directly into financial aid.

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I think thats a fair and reasonable deal, he said.

But students became increasingly agitated during the discussion, loudly denouncing executive pay levels and spending on security fences. Board Vice Chairwoman Bonnie Reiss repeatedly pleaded for order and respect, but the students would not settle down.

When Reiss cited the packed agenda to deflect a suggestion from Regent John A. Perez to let the students speak, the students chanted: We are the agenda!

Reiss then recessed the meeting and asked police to clear the room. UC San Francisco Police Captain Jim Brock told students they would face arrest if they did not leave in five minutes. I dont want to arrest you, he said.

Student Regent Marcela Ramirez asked police for more time and the protesters left about five minutes later, avoiding arrest. The regents then resumed their meeting.

The tone of the encounter embittered Juniper Cordova-Goff, a third-year transfer student in political science at UC Berkeley. The fact that they cleared the room and called police, especially on black and brown students  I feel betrayed once again by my representatives, she said.

Cordova-Goff said her financial aid covers tuition but is not enough to pay the full costs of student life. She needs to work 30 hours a week and take out loans, she said, to make ends meet  and help out her parents, who are homeless.

Other UC Berkeley students spoke of similar financial strain. Andre Luu , a junior, said he is often hungry and able to afford only one or two meals a day  often ramen or pasta without fresh produce and protein. Erika Perez, a senior, said she works 19 hours a week and constantly weighs whether to spend more time studying for good grades or working longer hours to earn money for food.

Were supposed to focus on our education, but how can we when we dont have enough to eat or proper accommodations? Luu said. Its easy for regents to sit behind their desks and not realize we are hurting and cant afford such an expensive education.

Some regents voiced skepticism about any tuition increase. Regent Eddie Island said UC should consider providing more aid to students to cover the full cost of attendance. Regent Norman J. Pattiz said he had presided over many tuition hikes during his long years on the board but that using financial aid to justify another one doesnt fly anymore.

Theres a breaking point beyond which you cannot go, he said. My sense is that this isnt a board that will look at this as we have in the past.

Students say they are strapped with the highest tuition in history, which has more than doubled since 2006 to $12,294. Several cited a UC study that concluded that four in 10 students did not have consistent access to high-quality, nutritious meals.

Brostrom said modest and predictable tuition increases could help families better plan their college expenses rather than face the sort of double-digit hikes imposed after the recession.They also could help UC gain more financial stability at a time of limited state funding, he said.

UC has enrolled 83,000 more students since 2000, but the share of state support for each one has plunged from 72% that year to 41% last year. The Public Policy Institute of California, using the latest numbers available, estimates those state-funding levels per student at $24,644 in 2000 and $12,709 in 2014.

UC and Cal State University, which also is considering a tuition increase, do not have constitutional funding guarantees that protect community colleges and primary and secondary public schools. Nor do they expect to benefit as much as those school systems from Proposition 55, which extended income tax hikes on the rich to raise money for education and healthcare.

Meanwhile, costs are rising. One big reason is that UC has agreed to add another 10,000 California students between 2016 and 2018, partly in response to criticism of the rising number of out-of-state and international students.

UCs growing share of students who are low-income and the first in their families to attend college also is boosting demand for tutoring, counseling and other academic services. The universitys spending on such support services increased by 24% between 2006 and 2012, according to a PPIC study.

Costs for pensions and employee and retiree health benefits also continue to rise.

The state slashed nearly one-third of its support to UC and CSU after the 2008 recession but has steadily restored funding in the last six years. Gov. Jerry Brown pledged annual increases in exchange for reforms to improve student performance and a freeze on tuition increases until next year.

In his May budget statement last year, Brown said it would be reasonable for UC to begin modest and predictable tuition hikes for the 2017-18 school year.

UC administrators also are considering a 5% increase in tuition for out-of-state students. The student-services fee, currently $1,074, could rise by $54.

Brostrom said UC is working to develop other sources of financial support.They include private donations, which reached a record $2.1 billion in 2015-16.

Fundraising has helped expand food pantries for hungry students, and the number of scholarships and endowed chairs, administrators said.

The regents will discuss the tuition issue at their next meeting in January, when UC officials plan to present a proposed 2017-18 budget.

Well be back, Cordova-Goff said.
A surge in border crossings and a lack of immigration jail space have prompted the federal government to start releasing Haitian immigrants who have been entering the country in large numbers in recent months, backtracking on a pledge to jail them.

A U.S. government official said the decision to free Haitians arriving in Arizona and California is in response to a lack of jail space. The official said releasing immigrants with orders to report later to immigration court is a tactic used when detention space is scarce, under certain humanitarian conditions or as part of efforts to keep families together.

Before the Haitians are released, they are subjected to a criminal background and national security check. The official was not authorized to discuss the matter publicly and insisted on speaking on condition of anonymity.

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Thousands of Haitians have arrived at the U.S. border with Mexico in recent months, many after traveling 7,000 miles by foot, taxi and bus from Brazil through eight nations. They present themselves to U.S. border inspectors, often at San Diegos San Ysidro port of entry, the nations busiest crossing.

About 5,000 Haitians had showed up at San Ysidro from October 2015 through late September, overwhelming inspectors. Immigration and Customs Enforcement Director Sarah Saldana said at a recent congressional hearing that officials told her on a trip to Central America that 40,000 more were on their way.

The Department of Homeland Security last week said there were about 41,000 people in immigration detention facilities, compared to a typical population of 31,000 to 34,000. Secretary Jeh Johnson authorized the acquisition of more bed space for single adults.

The move reverses Johnsons recently announced plans to detain Haitians during deportation proceedings. In late September, Homeland Security began putting Haitians in detention before sending them back to the homeland they fled.

It was unclear how many Haitians have been released since the change. The Department of Homeland Security did not immediately respond to a request for comment.

The large numbers of Haitians arriving in California and Arizona and Central Americans coming across in Texas have put a tremendous strain on the system.

The decision will probably add to the growing backlog of more than 500,000 cases already pending in immigration court. That backlog has effectively meant that immigrants routinely wait years for a judge to decide if they should be kicked out of the country.

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California Democrats ask Obama to pardon nearly 750,000 Dreamers, but White House says it wouldnt work
Rada approves provision of up to UAH 30 mln to finance ATR TV channel

The government's bill amending the Budget Code regarding the programs to support television and radio broadcasting companies of Crimea and Sevastopol has been passed by the Verkhovna Rada.

An Interfax-Ukraine correspondent has reported that some 227 lawmakers backed the bill on Thursday.

The bill envisages that Ukraine's Cabinet of Ministers could provide budget funds to programs supporting television companies functioned on the territory of Crimea and Sevastopol in 2016 as an exceptional case.

"We propose to consider the possibility of supporting some television and radio companies that today broadcast in Crimea," Deputy Finance Minister Yevhen Kapinus said, presenting the initiative in parliament.

According to an explanatory note the document, its adoption would standardize spending of the budget funds and provide for financial support of Atlant-SV television company LLC for ART T television channel.
For months leading up to the presidential election, elementary school teacher Ingrid Villeda tried to instill in her students a certain faith in democracy.

The 18-year veteran of L.A. Unifieds schools looked for simple ways to decode the ugly back-and-forths on TV. She taught her fifth-graders about the virtues of a democratic nation in which ordinary citizens study the candidates policy positions and then choose their leaders. She wore suffragette white on election day and told them the story of how women fought for and won the right to vote.

Within the walls of Villedas school, 93rd Street Elementary, where roughly three-quarters of the students are Latino, Donald J. Trump and his vow to deport millions of immigrants living in the country illegally seemed far away and fictional. That is, until the morning after the election, when Villedas students ran to her in the schoolyard, the sleepless night written on their faces.

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People really dont like us? asked a girl from Mexico. What are we going to do about that?

Ingrid Villeda teaches fifth grade students on the topic of health at 93rd Street Elementary School in South Los Angeles. (Mel Melcon / Los Angeles Times )

Recalling this moment in a phone conversation, Villeda began to cry. Theyre looking at me to be able to stand in front of them and say, Youre OK; were going to be fine. 

For students and teachers in the nations second-largest school system, the repercussions of Americas choice for president are likely to be both profound and lasting. In L.A. Unified, 74% of the roughly 600,000 students are Latino, and many have relatives and acquaintances who are living in the U.S. without legal permission.

Children are coming to school shrouded in anxiety, asking teachers to interpret the days headlines for them, examining each bit of news for its potential threat.

Am I safe? many want to know, voicing new concerns about immigration raids or hate-inspired attacks against religious and ethnic minorities as well as LGBT people.

All week long theyve been kind of like zombies, numb from shock, and so have a lot of educators, said Martha Infante, 46, a social-studies teacher at Los Angeles Academy Middle School. The day after the election, she said, was the most difficult day of her career.

Ingrid Villeda teaches fifth grade at 93rd Street Elementary School in South Los Angeles. (Mel Melcon / Los Angeles Times )

During lunch and after school, students gathered in Infantes classroom to ask her questions, many of them newly curious about the inner workings of American government. How soon can the deportations start? one asked. Trying to assuage their anxieties, Infante explained the system of checks and balances and assured them that no one person can make law in the U.S.

Their fear is palpable, she said. We are going to need to revisit these issues, because I only see the fear getting greater, and the students will not be able to learn if fear is foremost in their minds.

Among high school students, there have been shows of defiance. Hundreds have participated in walkouts and protests, prompting district Supt. Michelle King to send a robocall to parents Monday morning, asking them to keep their children in school.

It is also critical that students not allow their sentiments to derail their education, King said in the message.

The morning after the election, James A. Garfield High School social-studies teacher Erica Huerta gathered her students in a circle to discuss the election and what role they could play in shaping the countrys future. Out came a torrent of questions about immigration, climate change, and rights for gay and transgender Americans. One student wanted to know: What are the steps to impeach a president?

Several students who were brought to the U.S. illegally as children broke down crying, Huerta, 39, said. One girl, a junior with excellent grades, said, I dont know what my future holds anymore. Another one of Garfields top students, who is also in the country illegally, didnt come to school at all.

She doesnt know if shes going to be applying for college anymore. She doesnt know if shell be able to stay in the country.  Erica Huerta, social-studies teacher, about one of her students

She doesnt know if shes going to be applying for college anymore, Huerta said. She doesnt know if shell be able to stay in the country.

Teachers said they are worried that the haze that seemed to settle over the nation postelection will not be so easy to clear from schools. Their students are listening to the news while they do their homework, absorbing fear and a sense of being under siege from their families, and they are bringing all of it to the schoolhouse door each day.

Villeda said that when her fifth-graders ask her if they are safe, she tells them they are lucky to live in California, where many elected officials, including some in Los Angeles, have declared their resolve to protect immigrants. She worries about keeping her students motivated, particularly those with temporary resident status.

The school board members keep saying, We want all the kids to graduate, we want all the kids to graduate,  she said. But how do you encourage kids to continue to dream?

The Board of Education has promised to protect students immigration information and shield students from deportation whenever possible.

Some teachers said the current mood in schools reminded them of the controversy that surrounded Proposition 187, a ballot measure approved by California voters 22 years ago that denied public services, such as public education and healthcare, to people in the U.S. without legal permission. Although most of the law was struck down in court, it prompted schools across L.A. Unified to hold workshops and offer families advice on how to prepare their children in case they were seized by immigration agents.

Since the election, some teachers have talked about reviving those meetings. They worry that many students raised in an age of ubiquitous cellphones havent memorized the phone numbers of the relatives and neighbors they would need to call if their parents were detained.

Others said they will no longer encourage students to apply for President Obamas Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals program, an initiative that has shielded thousands of young people from deportation and allowed them to work in the U.S.

Although this once seemed a fail-safe way to protect their students, the program now is threatened, and some fear its records could be used to identify people for deportation.

Theres just a sense of guilt on our part as educators. We told these kids they could get permission to work legally, and they could go to college, Huerta said. What do we tell them now? What dangers have we unknowingly put them in?

anna.phillips@latimes.com

Twitter: @annamphillips

ALSO

At UC regents meeting, unease and uncertainty over Donald Trumps presidency

Cal State will not help deport undocumented students under Trump, chancellor says

L.A.'s education board sends a message to Trump: Schools will stay safe zones for students here illegally
The number of dead trees in Californias drought-stricken forests has risen dramatically to more than 102 million in what officials described as an unparalleled ecological disaster that heightens the danger of massive wildfires and damaging erosion.

Officials said they were alarmed by the increase in dead trees, which they estimated to have risen by 36 million since the governments last survey in May. The U.S. Forest Service, which performs such surveys of forest land, said Friday that 62 million trees have died this year alone.

The scale of die-off in California is unprecedented in our modern history, said Randy Moore, the forester for the region of the U.S. Forest Service that includes California. Trees are dying at a rate much quicker than we thought.

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Scientists say five years of drought are to blame for much of the destruction. The lack of rain has put Californias trees under considerable stress, making them more susceptible to the organisms, such as beetles, that can kill them. Unusually high temperatures have added to the trees demand for water, exacerbating an already grim situation.

The majority of the dead trees are in the southern and central Sierra Nevada region, officials said, though they warned that high mortality levels are also creeping into forests in Northern California, notably Siskiyou, Modoc, Plumas and Lassen counties.

Adrian Das, an ecologist with the U.S. Geological Survey, needs only to step outside his office in Sequoia National Park to see the extent of the damage.

You look across the hillside on a side of the road, and you see a vast landscape of dead trees, he said. Its pretty startling.

Das said the parts of the forest at lower elevations  about 5,000 to 6,000 feet  continue to get hit the hardest. In the higher elevations, it can sometimes appear as if there is no drought and the trees are much healthier.

We have sugar pines here  grand trees that can live for 500 years, he said. Everywhere you walk, through certain parts of these forests, at least half of these big guys are dead.

Although California enjoyed a wet start to the water year in Northern California, the central and southern parts of the state remain locked in what federal officials classify as extreme and exceptional drought.

This staggering and growing number of tree deaths should be concerning for everyone, said Max Gomberg, the climate and conservation manager at the State Water Resources Control Board. It helps us realize just how intense and extreme this drought has been  particularly for Central and Southern California.

A single year of average precipitation, which parts of the state got last year, would not end the drought or cause trees to stop dying, experts said.

Even with a historic deluge this winter, Moore said, die-off would continue for at least a year or two.

Dead trees create various hazards for Californians. For example, such trees are weak and can fall more easily than healthy trees. In October 2015, Gov. Jerry Brown declared a state of emergency and formed a tree-mortality task force to help mobilize additional resources for the safe removal of fallen and dying trees.

 In May 2016, an aerial survey of was conducted in Placerville, near the Sacramento area.

Meanwhile, the U.S. Forest Service has reallocated $43 million in California this fiscal year to conduct safety-focused restoration along roads, trails and recreation sites, the agency said in a statement.

Then there is the wildfire danger.

California was struck this summer by a series of deadly wildfires that destroyed hundreds of homes and forced thousands to flee. Officials at the time said some of those fires were fueled by dead trees.

When a lot of dead fuel remains on the ground, fires burn hotter and damage the soil, experts said. Whenever rain eventually arrives, the water cannot filter through the soil as easily, so it moves the top layer, creating the potential for mudslides and destroying root systems.

Like a sheet of glass, said Scott McLean, a battalion chief with the California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection. Wheres that water going to go? Quickly downhill.

Once fires burn through the fuel on the ground, they can climb up a ladder of dry branches and timber until they get into the crown of the tree, McLean said. And once a fire gets to the top of a tree, it can spread quickly  hopping from tree to tree rather than winding more slowly across the ground.

The forest service said longer, hotter fire seasons are likely to continue for years to come. Officials said this and increased development in forested areas is driving up the cost of fighting fires.

Some experts, however, have questioned whether theres a correlation between high levels of dead trees and fire severity. Officials say that fire management consumed more than half of the Forest Services budget last year.

A blaze in Monterey County this summer burned for months, making it one of the costliest fires to fight in U.S. Forest Service history.

These dead and dying trees continue to elevate the risk of wildfire, complicate our efforts to respond safely and effectively to fires when they do occur, and pose a host of threats to life and property across California, U.S. Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack said in a statement.

matt.stevens@latimes.com

ALSO

Man pleads not guilty to vandalizing Trumps Walk of Fame star

Border Patrol union welcomes Trumps proposed wall as a vital tool

Los Angeles couple reported missing during camping trip found safe in Mexico, police say
A Sacramento County judge has tentatively rejected pimping charges against the operators of Backpage.com, a website that state Atty. Gen. Kamala D. Harris condemned as the worlds top online brothel when she announced the high-profile prosecution last month.

Citing the need to crack down on the trafficking of women and children, Harris had charged Backpage Chief Executive Carl Ferrer, 55, with pimping a minor, pimping and conspiracy to commit pimping. The sites two former owners, James Larkin, 67, and Michael Lacey, 68, were each charged with conspiracy to commit pimping.

But Judge Michael Bowman said in his tentative ruling issued Wednesday that Harris overstepped her authority in filing the case because the Communications Decency Act, a federal statute, immunized Backpage and other website operators from the content of users ads.

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Any rational mind would concur that the selling of minors for the purpose of sex is particularly horrifying and the government has a right and a duty to protect those most vulnerable victims, Bowman wrote in his seven-page decision.

But, he said, prosecutors were constrained by 1st Amendment rights and existing law.

Congress has spoken on this matter and it is for Congress, not this Court, to revisit, Bowman wrote at the end of the decision, underscoring its importance with bold font.

The judge gave each side additional time to submit briefs and further argue their positions. A final judgment is expected by Dec. 9.

If upheld, the decision would strike a blow to Harris while she winds down her tenure as the states top law enforcement official. The Democrat was elected to the U.S. Senate last week.

Lacey and Larkin had previously accused Harris of flouting her legal authority by even filing the case, pointing out that she had unsuccessfully sought an amendment to the Communications Decency Act that would allow for state-level criminal prosecutions.

The pair said Harris was trying to score political points for the Nov. 8 election.

Kamala Harris has won all that she was looking to win when she had us arrested, Lacey and Larkin wrote. She issued her sanctimonious public statement, controlled her media cycle and got her perp walk on the evening news.

State prosecutors announced the prosecution in early October, when Ferrer was arrested at Bush Intercontinental Airport in Houston after arriving from Amsterdam. The companys Dallas headquarters was raided, and authorities said Lacey and Larkin had warrants issued for their arrests.

State prosecutors had alleged in a criminal complaint filed Sept. 26 that the website earned more than 90% of its revenue from its adult ads. Prosecutors contend the advertisements offer thinly veiled prostitution of women and minors, with scantily clad photos and coded sexual language.

Interested in the stories shaping California? Sign up for the free Essential California newsletter 

Prosecutors contended that the men knowingly profited from prostitution and argued that they exceeded their roles as publishers by putting Backpage ads onto affiliated sites such as EvilEmpire.com and BigCity.com, according to court papers.

The judge was not swayed. He stated that republishing material was not the same as creating it, and he upheld the immunity enjoyed by publishers for advertising material posted by third parties.

The victimization resulted from the third partys placement of the ad, not because [of] Backpage profiting from the ad placement, Bowman wrote.

Kristin Ford, a spokesman for the attorney generals office, declined to comment.

matt.hamilton@latimes.com

Twitter: @MattHjourno.

MORE LOCAL NEWS

L.A. narrows list of developers for upcoming homeless-housing projects

Students protesting possible tuition hike briefly shut down UC regents meeting

Search for missing Long Beach womans remains comes up empty, police say
On the 40th anniversary of major legislation to protect the California coast, a new poll shows that voters deeply care about the states shoreline and think its too hard to get to many of its beaches, tide pools and coves.

Released Thursday, the survey by the Field Poll and UCLA shows that 90% of registered voters in California say the condition of the ocean and the states beaches is important to them personally, with 57% believing they are very important.

The vast majority of Californians care deeply about the coast. But ... the coast is not accessible to all Californians.  Jon Christensen, of UCLAas Institute of the Environment and Sustainability

Pollsters found, however, that 62% of voters are concerned about limited access to the coastline and larger majorities stated that a lack of public transit to the beach, affordable parking and affordable overnight accommodations are problems.

The vast majority of Californians care deeply about the coast, said Jon Christensen of UCLAs Institute of the Environment and Sustainability, which participated in the survey. But the Field Poll and our beach surveys this summer show that the coast is not accessible to all Californians.

The poll commemorates the passage of the California Coastal Act of 1976, which permanently established the California Coastal Commission. The law gave the planning agency broad powers to protect the environment, oversee development, provide public access and manage marine resources along 1,100 miles of coast.

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There is much more work to do. But just imagine what the coastline would look like today if not for the Coastal Act.  Jack Ainsworth, acting executive director of the California Coastal Commission

Researchers said they interviewed 1,800 registered voters in English and Spanish from Oct. 25 to Oct. 31. Methods were used to ensure that the sample adequately reflected the states demographics and regional differences, including age, ethnicity, income and proximity to the coast.

The poll reaffirms the very sentiment that created the Coastal Commission to begin with: Californians love their coast, said Jack Ainsworth, the agencys acting executive director. There is much more work to do. But just imagine what the coastline would look like today if not for the Coastal Act.

According to the survey, 77% of voters visit the coast at least once a year. Of that total, 37% visit several times a year and 26% visit at least once a month or more.

Researchers found that voters under the age of 40, parents with children under age 18 and people living in counties along the ocean visit the coast more than others. Least likely to visit are African Americans, residents of the Central Valley and people age 65 or older.

In addition, voters with household incomes of at least $60,000 a year are likely to visit the coast more frequently than those making less than $40,000 annually.

Christensen said that improving coastal access and providing public transit, affordable parking and affordable accommodations will not be easy. Solutions will require the cooperation of local governments, transit agencies, community organizations and the Coastal Commission.

Organizations that represent low income and minority communities inland have been encouraging the commission to develop access programs to help those in urban areas get to and enjoy the beach.

The commissions authority is fairly limited when it comes to requiring more affordable overnight facilities, and it has no authority to provide reasonable public transit to the coast, said Commissioner Mary Shallenberger. Both are essential to providing coastal access for everyone, not just the rich.

The poll builds on a survey done during the summer by UCLA and San Francisco State University. Interviews of 1,000 beachgoers in Ventura, Los Angeles and Orange counties found they were deeply connected to the coast and went to the beach at least several times a year.

Latinos, African Americans and low wage earners said, however, that the cost of visiting the beach and the lack of public transit were obstacles to visiting the coast.

dan.weikel@latimes.com

ALSO

Shes fighting for the California coast from a tiny office in her kitchen nook

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Californias coast: How we come to care and why we sometimes go wrong
LA 90: Massive drills in California, Nevada simulate the aftermath of devastating earthquakes The exercise included some 200 civilians who volunteered or were hired to play victims.
Good morning. It is Friday, Nov. 18. One of the stretching portraits from Disneylands Haunted Mansion is going up for auction. Heres what else is happening in the Golden State:

TOP STORIES

A possible solution

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Nearly 10,000 California National Guard soldiers may be able to keep enlistment bonuses improperly given to them during the height of the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan. Republicans and Democrats in Congress are working on a bill that would forgive debts and close out an episode that has hurt thousands of veterans, roiled the Pentagon and embarrassed members of Congress. Los Angeles Times

Preparing for whats next

Los Angeles city leaders are looking at what they can do to protect immigrants who are in this country illegally once Donald Trump is sworn into office. These concerns should not be underestimated, said Council President Herb Wesson. During the campaign, Trump said he would withhold federal funds from cities that protect immigrants who are in the country illegally. Los Angeles Times

L.A. AT LARGE

Environmental concerns: Neighbors have a growing anxiety over the Torrance Refining Co. Our concerns have gone from breathing  the lack of air quality  to the very real danger of explosion and catastrophic release, said community activist Elaine Wilson. Los Angeles Times

Housing plan: Months ago, Mayor Eric Garcetti and the Los Angeles City Council announced they would turn a dozen city-owned properties into housing that benefits the homeless. A new report says only 10 of those properties are suitable for development and suggests developers be allowed to build affordable housing, mixed-income housing, market-rate housing and occupant-owned housing. Los Angeles Times

Wild and crazy: A West Hollywood hotel famous for its clothing-optional policy and lax attitude toward drugs is getting a makeover. The San Vicente Inn will get a few new rooms, a restaurant and parking. Construction is expected to last 18 months. Curbed LA

In progress: This aerial photo shows the progress being made on the Star Wars area of Disneyland. Orange County Register

POLITICS AND GOVERNMENT

Political funds: Rep. Duncan Hunter (R-Alpine) reimbursed his campaign to the tune of $60,000 for purchases at clothing stores, supermarkets, airlines and hotels in Italy and Arizona. Hunter is reportedly under consideration for a post as secretary of Defense in the Trump administration. Los Angeles Times

Protesting tuition: Students protesting a tuition increase briefly shut down the meeting of the University of California regents. UC officials are considering a 2.5% increase in tuition. Los Angeles Times

Job opportunity: Will Sacramento first lady Michelle Rhee have a role in the Trump White House? Her name is being floated for education secretary. She was chancellor for the Washington, D.C., school system for three years before forming StudentsFirst. Sacramento Bee

Back to the drawing board: The San Francisco Board of Supervisors rejected a proposal for a 157-unit development in the Mission District because city planners failed to consider how gentrification might affect the community. Its unclear what the move could mean for other major projects in the city. SFGate

CRIME AND COURTS

Young suspects: Police say five teenage girls are responsible for a string of robberies in the Bay Area The girls range in age from 14 to 16. The girls didnt use weapons; instead, one would place a victim in a bear hug while the others snatch purses and other valuables, authorities say. Los Angeles Times

Dog fight: Its the bizarre tale of a dog-napping. A Los Angeles woman paid a $220 fine and completed 120 hours of community service for allegedly using a badge and stealing an Echo Park mans poodle. In her defense, Shannah Tenner said she was responding to reports of animal abuse. ABC 7

DROUGHT AND CLIMATE

Working together: Leaders in Arizona, Nevada and California are drafting an agreement to cut water use as water disappears from Lake Mead. Without such cooperation, There wont be any winners and losers. There will only be losers, said Pat Mulroy, a western water expert. KQED

Scary future: An exhibit at the Santa Monica Pier is showing visitors what could happen if ocean levels rise. For sea-level rise the time for planning is now. And starting to plan now means you never have to go to that doom-and-gloom disaster scenario, said Phyllis Grifman, associate director at USC Sea Grant. LA Weekly

CALIFORNIA CULTURE

Religious artifact: The oldest-known Ten Commandments tablet just sold in Beverly Hills for $850,000. The new owner is under obligation to display the tablet for the benefit of the public, said David Michaels, who oversees ancient coins and antiquities for Heritage Auctions. The sale of this tablet does not mean it will be hidden away. Los Angeles Times

Smashed up: It appears that a Prius has smashed into the Hollywood Walk of Fame. Appears is the right word  the whole thing is a publicity stunt for a new show. Los Angeles Magazine

Going green: Tesla and SolarCity shareholders have approved the car companys acquisition of the green energy business. Los Angeles Times

App for that: Take a spin through the L.A. Auto Show as the industry considers a digital future. Optimism requires the car industry to reimagine itself. New York Times

CALIFORNIA ALMANAC

San Diego will be sunny with a high of 77 degrees. Riverside will be 79 and sunny. It will be 79 and sunny in Los Angeles. Sacramento will be 65 and mostly sunny. San Francisco will be 73 with clouds.

AND FINALLY

Todays California Memory comes from Elizabeth A. Baron:

Hot tar, salty air, blowing sand, jazz music, kosher pickles, crashing waves and the sweet scent of cocoa butter swirled around me as I stepped out of our car on Pier Avenue in Hermosa Beach in 1955. I was 14 and newly arrived from a small town in Texas. It had been a miserable, boring trip across flat desert as we drove to California; never again to ride my beloved horse across the range. Instantly I knew that little beach town would forever change me. Coming of age in a California beach town in the 50s. What an experience!

If you have a memory or story about the Golden State, share it with us. Send us an email to let us know what you love or fondly remember about our state. (Please keep your story to 100 words.)

Please let us know what we can do to make this newsletter more useful to you. Send comments, complaints and ideas to Alice Walton or Shelby Grad.
Helen Yasuda knows what its like to be under suspicion in America.

Yasuda was just a 10- or 11-year-old girl when she was sent to internment camps in Arkansas. Her family was among the more than 110,000 people of Japanese descent who were forcibly removed from their homes by the U.S. government, which feared espionage and sabotage, during World War II.

So when Yasuda, now 84, hears talk of creating a registry of Muslim and Arab Americans, she cant help but worry that history is repeating itself.

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Havent we learned something? she said. Cant they see whats wrong?

Japanese American community activists have long expressed concern about the treatment of Muslims in America, particularly since the 9/11 terrorist attacks. Some see parallels between the fear and anger sometimes directed at Muslims and the way their families and ancestors were treated during World War II.

Their anxiety was heightened this week when a Trump supporter told Fox News Megyn Kelly that creating a national registration list for immigrants from Muslim countries would pass constitutional muster, citing Japanese internment as a precedent.

What these people are saying is they want to take our country back to the days of internment.  Salam Al-Marayati, president, Muslim Public Affairs Council

We did it during World War II, Carl Higbie said, sparking a rebuke from Kelly.

Higbie said he was not proposing new internment camps, but said a national registry would be justified until we can identify the true threat. He is the author of Enemies, Foreign and Domestic: A SEALs Story, and calls himself a Trump supporter on his Twitter page.

By Thursday, his comments reverberated across Los Angeles Countys Japanese American community  the largest in the nation.

If theyre going to do snooping on every person whos Muslim, it doesnt make sense, said Bill Watanabe, 72, who was born in an internment camp and on Thursday gathered with friends and former co-workers at the Little Tokyo Service Center he founded. Theres no way to tell whos loyal and disloyal.

Japanese Americans have been working with Muslim American groups for years, holding panels, screening films and sharing meals, activities meant to educate each other on history and culture, community leaders said.

We feel very much that they are experiencing the same kind of discrimination and scapegoating that our community did, said Kathy Masaoka, co-chair of Nikkei for Civil Rights & Redress. We dont want them to go through what we went through.

Salam Al-Marayati, president of the Muslim Public Affairs Council, said he believes that had it not been for Japanese Americans showing support after 9/11, Arabs and Muslims living in America might have been incarcerated.

Then, as now, those tactics would not have resolved any national security problems, he said.

This is simply  using the fear of terrorism and the hysteria that comes from it to suppress a whole population, Al-Marayati said.

What these people are saying is they want to take our country back to the days of internment, he continued. We all thought we had advanced from that time and left it behind.

In one of the darkest chapters in U.S. history, Japanese immigrants and their American-born children from West Coast states were ordered to evacuate their homes and businesses between 1942 and 1945 and were relocated to internment camps in remote, desolate areas, surrounded by barbed wire and guards in watchtowers.

They lost their livelihoods and property in the process. And so after they were released, thousands of families who had already begun new lives in a new land were forced to start over again.

After years of advocacy work by groups such as Masaokas Nikkei for Civil Rights & Redress, President Reagan signed legislation in 1988 that issued a formal government apology and reparations for the internment. We admit a wrong, Reagan said. Here we reaffirm our commitment as a nation to equal justice under the law.

Higbie seemed to defend his remarks on Twitter Thursday morning and blame the media for taking them out of context.

I advise ppl seeing wrong headlines 2day to hear i said on @megynkelly, he tweeted. dishonest media is why @realDonaldTrump won.

Rep. Judy Chu (D-Monterey Park) called abhorrent any proposal to force Muslims to register with the federal government and use of Japanese American imprisonment as precedent.

These ideas are based on tactics of fear, division and hate that we must condemn, Chu said in a statement. Like Japanese incarceration, imposing a registry upon American Muslims goes against our constitutional values and our very principles as a nation.

As a docent at the Japanese American National Museum, Yasuda sees reminders of prejudice and its consequences every time she climbs the stairs to the museums core exhibit.

There are the reconstructed barracks from Wyomings Heart Mountain concentration camp, where more than 10,000 Japanese Americans were incarcerated.

Theres that salmon-colored campaign poster for Sen. James D. Phelan that reads Keep California White.

And theres the black-and-white photo of dozens of Japanese Americans shuffling into buses at First Street and Central Avenue  a stones throw from the floors she walks in the museum.

Were supposed to learn from our mistakes, Yasuda said. And this was a tragic mistake.

ALSO

California politicians condemn Trump supporters remarks about internment and a Muslim registry

Trump supporter cites Japanese American internment to justify registering Muslim immigrants

What happened in World War II is happening again: Immigrant detention centers through the eyes of a therapist
Detectives have identified a man suspected of breaking into a womans home in Maywood over the weekend and sexually assaulting her, and say he may also be responsible for a string of recent assaults, according to the Los Angeles County Sheriffs Department.

Authorities say that on Sunday, Salvador Martinez, 28, broke into a womans home near Slauson and Maywood avenues between midnight and 4 a.m. and raped her. They believe he may be linked to a series of other break-ins last month in Maywood, where two women and a 13-year-old girl were assaulted, said sheriffs Lt. Todd Deeds.

Martinez is not in custody and remains at large, authorities say.

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The attacks, which occurred over two weeks in October, have raised fears among residents and prompted city officials to offer a $5,000 reward for the suspects arrest.

There is a predator who is accosting a number of females in our community that must be stopped before he attacks another victim, City Councilman Thomas Martin said in a statement earlier this week.

If you ever find yourself with a burglar breaking into your home, stay calm and quiet but act quickly, deputies have warned. If you can safely escape, do so immediately. If you cant, then hide and lock yourself in a room. Call 911 as quickly as possible and stay by the phone. If you are attacked, fight back.

In each of the break-ins, the attacker snuck into the home in the early morning hours by removing screens from unsecured windows, authorities said.

The first alleged assault occurred about 1:30 a.m. on Oct. 5 at a home in the 6100 block of King Avenue, where a woman was sitting in her living room. The man walked out of her bathroom and grabbed her breasts, the Sheriffs Department said.

As the unwanted sexual touching continued, the victim fought against the suspect, pushing him away and forcing him out of the house, deputies said in a statement.

The next break-in occurred 13 days later, about a mile from the first.

Authorities said the suspect entered an apartment in the 4300 block of 53rd Street at about 2:30 a.m. on Oct. 18 as the residents slept. One of the residents woke up after hearing a door open and saw a dark silhouette and light from a cellphone.

The resident yelled at the suspect, who jumped out a window and ran.

About an hour and a half later, the suspect entered a home in the 4100 block of 53rd Street as a woman slept in her bed. She reported that she felt someone touching an intimate body part and woke up to find the intruder inside her bedroom.

The woman got up and ran into another room, where she locked the door and called 911. Deputies searched for the suspect, but couldnt find him.

The next day, the suspect returned to the neighborhood.

He entered a home in the 3600 block of 53rd Street through the kitchen window and walked into the 13-year-old girls room. The suspect covered the girls mouth, but she awoke and was able to yell for help, deputies said.

The girls father heard the scream and confronted the suspect. He punched the man, but then fell to the floor and the suspect was able to escape through the front door, deputies said.

The suspect in those attacks is described as 5 feet 2 to 5 feet 5 tall, 18 to 20 years old, with a very thin build. He wore dark clothing and did not appear to be armed during any of the break-ins.

Detectives have not found Martinez.

joseph.serna@latimes.com

veronica.rocha@latimes.com

Twitter: @JosephSerna and @VeronicaRochaLA

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Firefighters were battling a pallet fire with multiple explosions behind a commercial building in Perris early Friday, officials reported.

The fire was reported at 2:49 a.m. near a building at North Webster Avenue and the West Ramona Expressway, and by 6 a.m. it had spread across two acres of the property and been elevated to a three-alarm fire, though no structures were threatened, according to the Riverside County Fire Department website.

#WebsterIncident Photos: Pallet Fire in Perris. Credit: CAL FIRE/Riverside County Fire Department pic.twitter.com/ldAKA8eWbg  CAL FIRE Riverside (@CALFIRERRU) November 18, 2016

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Firefighters are continuing to fight the fire from all directions, the agencys website said.

The explosions were due to propane within the compound, the department reported.

Southern California Edison was asked to respond because two power poles had burned.

BREAKING: Fire burning right now at pallet yard in #Perris. Updates in @10News Live Center pic.twitter.com/zYFTiWks1i  Melissa Mecija (@10NewsMecija) November 18, 2016

Massive pallet yard fire in Perris ... view from Air 7. @abc7 pic.twitter.com/KmJEyZ32TJ  Armando Barragan (@newsarmando) November 18, 2016

marc.olson@latimes.com

Follow @molson21 on Twitter

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UPDATES:

6:10 a.m.: This article was updated with the fires new size.

This article was originally published at 5 a.m.
International institutions, particularly, the Canadian government, the European Commission, the Global Fund, Swiss Agency for Development and Cooperation (SDC), UNICEF, the World Health Organization and the World Bank, have backed the creation of the National Healthcare Service in Ukraine and the mechanism for its financing, according to a joint statement of these institutions posted on the website of Ukraine's Health Ministry on Thursday.

In general, international partners backed initiatives of the government and Health Ministry to reform the healthcare system.

"As partners we are surprised with the acceleration of changes in the past months. We point out leadership of Prime Minister Volodymyr Groysman, acting Health Minister Ulana Suprun and her team of faithful professionals. According to our experience, political allegiancy and leadership are important preconditions for successful changes to the healthcare systems," says the statement.

International partners said that Ukraine's plans to reform the healthcare system are based on a transparent and democratic process.

"We were also involved in consultations on public health, primary care, drawing up the policies in the sphere of medicines and electronic healthcare system. We are ready to support the implementation of reforms and are looking forward the results in the near term," reads the document.

International partners emphasized the necessity of creating the National Healthcare Service.

"The creation of the National Healthcare Service is an important precondition for fair and effective distribution of resources. The National Service will be financed from general taxes covering the guaranteed social package of services," reads the statement.

International institutions recommend increasing the volume of financing of the Ukrainian healthcare system to 12% of the national budget to avoid a financial burden on population.
A man who was convicted of posing as a Roman Catholic priest and selling bogus trips to see Pope Francis returned to court on Friday after investigators discovered that once out of jail, he resumed trying to pass himself off as a man of the cloth.

Erwin Mena, the judge said, was back to doing the same thing he wasnt supposed to be doing.

Mena, 60, had been convicted in February of grand theft in connection with his scheme to sell fake trips to see the pontiff and he got out of jail in July. LAPD Det. Gary Guevara said he arrested Mena on Nov. 2 after confirming he posed as a priest at a church in the Arts District.

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With his arms shackled behind his back, Mena appeared Friday in a downtown courtroom and admitted to violating the terms of his probation.

Los Angeles County Superior Court Judge Frederick N. Wapner castigated Mena for his dishonesty and sentenced him to 264 days in County Jail.

The judge also imposed a special protective order that, upon his release, bars Mena from coming within 100 feet of an Archdiocese of Los Angeles facility.

You cant go into a church and pretend youre a priest, Wapner told Mena, who was wearing black glasses and blue scrubs issued to jail inmates.

Thats what you got convicted for and when you got out, you did the same thing.

Menas public defender, Denise Daniels, objected to such a broad protective order and argued that it put her client in jeopardy since he was being followed by television news reporters. She said Mena could unknowingly violate the terms of the order.

You could be walking next to a Catholic archdiocese location and not even know it, Daniels added.

The judge disagreed and also rejected Menas request to get a week out of jail. Mena had wanted a week out of custody to settle his personal affairs, like the storage of his car and other possessions, Daniels said.

I dont trust him, Wapner said. I dont believe him when he says hes going to come back [to jail]. . He should have thought of that before he started lying to people.

According to an affidavit filed by Guevara, Mena posed as a priest at St. Ignatius of Loyola parish in Highland Park for about five months starting in January 2015.

Parishioners said he delivered uplifting sermons, and he carried out the typical duties of a priest, such as officiating baptisms, confession, funerals and weekly Mass. He also officiated one Mass at St. Bernard parish in nearby Glassell Park, according to the churchs pastor.

Police said that Menas clerical role was a ruse. Since 2008, Mena has been on a list of people who are not authorized to perform the duties of a priest in the Archdiocese of Los Angeles, according to a diocesan spokeswoman.

Menas biggest scam, police contended, was selling phony trips to see the pontiff during his visit last fall to New York and Philadelphia. The trips cost $500 to $1,000, which Mena collected from more than two dozen people.

Michelle Rodriguez, a legal secretary, said she paid more than $900 cash for her spot on the trip  and realizing it was bogus left her feeling betrayed.

He used us, he stole from us, and thats it, Rodriguez said.

LAPD detectives arrested Mena on Feb. 2 in Elysian Park. Weeks later, he pleaded guilty to a felony count of grand theft, and more than two dozen other counts  mostly misdemeanor and felony theft charges  were dismissed as part of a plea agreement.

Mena was sentenced to one year in jail but released early on July 25.

Police arrested him in November after he allegedly posed at St. Francis Xavier Church in the Arts District. Guevara said that after visiting the parish, Mena left a note behind signed, Father Edwin Lima.

A secretary became suspicious and alerted the archdiocese. That day, police were notified of Menas appearance, Guevara said.

matt.hamilton@latimes.com

Twitter: @MattHjourno.

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Excavations of a plot of desert land in Kern County failed to help police find the remains of a missing Long Beach woman on Thursday, but detectives are now fielding additional calls that could help them find out what happened when she vanished 16 years ago.

A call from an anonymous person claiming to know where Diana Raquel Rojas was buried sent investigators to Ridgecrest, Calif., on Thursday, but four different areas near West Boston Avenue and South Guam Street were explored and were all ruled out, according to a police spokeswoman.

Long Beach police said they received several tips about Rojas disappearance after they announced they would reopen her case as a homicide investigation on Wednesday, and will continue to pursue those leads.

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Detectives also have yet to completely rule out the Ridgecrest area as a possible gravesite, a police spokeswoman said.

Rojas, who worked at a church and helped young single mothers, was last seen on Oct. 20, 2000, in her apartment in the 5500 block of Ackerfield Avenue, police said. She left her 2-year-old daughter with a relative and missed an appointment the next day, both of which her family deemed suspicious, investigators have said.

She was 27. Police searched her apartment at the time of her disappearance and, based on evidence collected there, do not believe she left of her own free will, according to Homicide Sgt. Megan Zabel.

Police do not have a person of interest in the case. Rojas was going through a divorce, according to Zable, but police interviewed her estranged husband and did not consider him a suspect.

After receiving the anonymous call about the potential gravesite, Long Beach police contacted NecroSearch, a Colorado-based company that specializes in clandestine evidence recovery. The company found topographical inconsistencies in the area police searched Thursday, and cadaver dogs with the Los Angeles County Sheriffs Department also expressed interest in the same area, Zabel has said.

james.queally@latimes.com

Follow @JamesQueallyLAT for crime and police news in California.
The Obama administration said Friday it was banning offshore oil drilling in the Arctic through 2022, a move that prompted widespread praise from conservation groups but raised questions over how long the decision will stand just two months before President-elect Donald Trump takes office.

A new five-year leasing program prohibits any drilling in the Beaufort and Chukchi seas  an environmental battleground in recent years and also blocks expansion in the Atlantic and Pacific oceans, while allowing some new leasing in the Gulf of Mexico.

As recently as this spring, the administration was still considering selling leases to drill for oil in the Arctic beginning in 2017. But environmental concerns, limited interest from the oil industry and low oil prices helped shift its thinking.

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The plan focuses lease sales in the best places  those with the highest resource potential, lowest conflict and established infrastructure  and removes regions that are simply not right to lease, said Interior Secretary Sally Jewell. Given the unique and challenging Arctic environment and industrys declining interest in the area, forgoing lease sales in the Arctic is the right path forward.

The plan, which preserves a drilling ban off most of the California coast, leaves the Gulf of Mexico as the only major source of offshore drilling in U.S. waters. The administration said it would offer one lease in Alaskas Cook Inlet, where oil and gas have long been produced in state waters.

The only company to actively pursue offshore drilling in the Arctic in recent years is Royal Dutch Shell, which invested more than $7 billion and endured a string of legal and logistical setbacks before finally beginning exploratory drilling in the summer of 2015 in the Chukchi Sea.

The actual drilling did not last long. In late September of that year, Shell announced it was abandoning the efforts for the foreseeable future because of challenging economic conditions, including consistently low oil prices, and what it said were disappointing results from its explorations.

The following month, the administration canceled remaining planned lease sales in the Arctic during the current five-year period. It also denied industry requests to extend leases.

Protecting the fragile and remote Arctic, which is home to endangered whales and walruses and the subsistence hunting traditions of indigenous Alaskans, has long been a high priority among environmental groups. They uniformly praised the move Friday, emphasizing the benefits of limiting fossil fuel production to combat climate change, though some also called for the administration to enact a permanent ban.

This is a significant milestone in protecting the fragile Arctic Ocean and limiting climate change, said Rhea Suh, president of the Natural Resources Defense Council. And the president has the authority to do even more. He can ban dangerous oil and gas drilling in the Arctic  and the Atlantic  for all time.

California and other West Coast advocates have made similar requests for a permanent ban. On Wednesday, all six Democratic senators from California, Oregon and Washington thanked President Obama for his administrations ongoing commitment to keep new West Coast lease sales off of the table. However, without a permanent withdrawal, we cannot be certain that the coastline would not see new oil and gas development in the future.

Industry groups quickly attacked the decision and expressed hope that Trump would reverse it when he takes office. The president-elect has pledged to aggressively roll back environmental regulations and expand fossil fuel development.

Yet undoing the new leasing plan could take anywhere from several months to two years. In addition, it is unclear how much interest industry will have in making the enormous investment necessary to work in the Arctic, particularly given Shells experience. The price of oil, currently about $45 per barrel, has risen this year, but it is nowhere near the levels of $100 or more it reached when Shell was most assertive in pursuing the Arctic.

Practical questions did not stop conservative lawmakers from criticizing the plan, particularly those from Alaska. U.S. Sen. Lisa Murkowski (R-Alaska) said she was infuriated by the decision. She and other critics have accused the Obama administration of ceding Arctic energy development to Russia and other nations.

On Friday, the Alaska congressional delegation cited a 2011 private-sector analysis that said extracting the 24 billion barrels of oil and 104 trillion cubic feet of natural gas believed to be below the Arctic seafloor would create 55,000 jobs annually over a 50-year period and bring in $193 billion in revenue for local, state and federal governments.

They pointed to polls showing that a large majority of Alaska residents support offshore drilling. The state, which relies almost exclusively on revenues from oil production to pay its bills, is facing drastic budget cuts because of declines in production on its North Slope.

We have shown that Arctic development is one of the best ways to create jobs, generate revenues, and refill the Trans-Alaska Pipeline, said Murkowski, who is chairwoman of the Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee. Why the president is willing to send all of those benefits overseas is beyond explanation.

She added, I will do all that I can to counteract this shortsighted decision.

Follow @yardleyLAT on Twitter.

william.yardley@latimes.com
New York City police say two men have been arrested in connection with the death of a Connecticut man whod attended a party at a Manhattan luxury apartment building.

Police said Thursday that James Rackover of Manhattan and Lawrence Dilione of Jersey City, N.J., face charges including murder and concealment of a corpse.

Authorities found a body in a shallow grave in Monmouth County, N.J. on Wednesday while investigating the disappearance of Joseph Comunale of Stamford, Conn.

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Police say the 26-year-old Hofstra University graduate had gone with friends to a club. He was later seen going to the party with different people. Police say detectives found bloodied clothing and sheets.

There was no immediate information on attorneys who could comment for the defendants.

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Breitbart News wants supporters to #DumpKelloggs after advertiser pulls out By David Ng Breitbart News senior editor-at-large Joel Pollak, left, and Chief Executive Larry Solov at the Breitbart offices in Los Angeles. (Brian van der Brug / Los Angeles Times) The Breitbart News Network is seeing some of its advertisers head for the exit doors and is responding in typical Breitbart fashion: by going on the counteroffensive, labeling one of them as un-American and calling it a war on conservatism. Since Donald Trumps victory in the presidential election, Los Angeles-based Breitbart has experienced a backlash from some advertisers who say that the online site conflicts with their corporate values. Breitbart took a pro-Trump stance during the campaign, supporting the Republican candidates views on immigration and national security. The companys executive chairman, Steve Bannon, who is on a leave of absence, was Trumps campaign manager and has been named chief White House strategist. Although Bannon was quoted in Mother Jones as saying Breitbart is a platform for the alt-right  the ultraconservative movement associated with white nationalism  the news site has denied accusations that it engages in racist rhetoric. The company has stated that it isnt affiliated with the alt-right and that the brand of nationalism it espouses is political, not racial. Breitbart is fighting back at one of the advertisers  breakfast cereal maker Kellogg Co.  by launching a Twitter campaign, #DumpKelloggs, that encourages its readers to sign a petition and boycott the maker of such favorites as Froot Loops and Apple Jacks. Read More Facebook

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Supreme Court weighs rules for jailed immigrants in Trump era By David Savage The Supreme Court building in Washington. (Saul Loeb / AFP-Getty Images) Facing the likelihood of dramatically stepped-up deportations under a President Donald Trump, the Supreme Court justices sounded closely split Wednesday over whether the government can indefinitely jail immigrants with criminal convictions while they fight legal efforts to remove them from the country. Trump, who made illegal immigration one of the platforms of his presidential campaign, has promised to deport as many as 3 million immigrants once he takes office, and the Supreme Court case involving a Los Angeles immigrant could give his administration greater leverage. Read More Facebook

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Trump says he saved American jobs, but he hasnt shown how he can turn the victory into policy By Noah Bierman A Carrier Corp. plant in Indianapolis. (Darron Cummings / Associated Press) President-elect Donald Trumps newly announced agreement to save more than 1,000 jobs in Indiana gave him the kind of trophy he covets: a tangible victory that matches his campaign promise to serve as deal maker in chief. But its long-term value will depend on what Trump gave up to keep those factory jobs from going to Mexico and whether he is able to craft a successful fiscal policy that has a broader impact on the economy. Read More Facebook

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Lawmakers reach a compromise to help California soldiers ordered to repay enlistment bonuses By David S. Cloud House and Senate negotiators announced a compromise Tuesday that would permit the Pentagon to forgive debts owed by thousands of California National Guard soldiers who received improper bonuses during the height of the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan. The agreement was included in a defense bill due to be voted on by the House on Friday and the Senate next week. It seeks to strike a balance between the Pentagons concerns about fraud in the bonus system and lawmakers attempts to resolve a scandal that has hurt thousands of military veterans and sparked a public furor. The compromise calls on the Pentagon to forgive the enlistment bonuses and student loans benefits unless the soldier who received the money knew or reasonably should have known that he or she was ineligible for it. The provision stops short of requiring the Pentagon to forgive debts allegedly owed by all California Guard soldiers as long as they fulfilled the terms of their enlistment contracts and did not commit fraud  a far more sweeping waiver that members of the California delegation had proposed. Read More Facebook

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Pentagon says human errors led to mistaken bombing of Syrian-backed forces By W.J. Hennigan Smoke rises near the Syrian village of Hisha, about 25 miles from Islamic States de facto capital of Raqqah, after an airstrike by the American-led coalition on Nov. 9, 2016. (Delil Souleiman /AFP/Getty Images) A U.S. military investigation has found that unintentional human errors led to a coalition airstrike that mistakenly killed dozens of Syrian-backed troops this fall, but it did not recommend disciplining anyone for the deadly attack. The Sept. 17 air raid on a garrison in the eastern Syrian town of Dair Alzour is one of the worst coalition errors to emerge since the Obama administration began an air war against Islamic State militants in Iraq and Syria in mid-2014. The attack, which was in an area also frequented by Russian forces, led to sharp criticism from Moscow after it emerged that Russian attempts to use a communications hotline to stop the attack were not answered for nearly half an hour. Russias Defense Ministry has said the attack killed 62 Syrian troops, wounded 100 more and opened the way for an Islamic State offensive in the area. It also helped destroy an already fragile U.S.-Russian cease-fire. A four-page redacted summary of the investigation that was released Tuesday concluded that the botched bombing did not violate international laws of armed conflict. Read More Facebook

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U.N. slaps new sanctions on North Korea for recent nuclear test By Tracy Wilkinson Participants stand behind a military band in Pyongyang, North Korea, on Sept. 13 during a celebration rally after the countrys successful test of a nuclear warhead. (Kim Won-Jin / AFP/Getty Images) The United Nations has slapped additional sanctions on North Korea in an effort to cut its exports of raw materials as punishment for conducting another nuclear test. The U.N. Security Council on Wednesday unanimously approved a U.S.-drafted resolution aimed at cutting North Koreas exports of coal, copper, silver and other raw materials, which are its biggest legitimate sources of foreign revenue. The latest sanctions were issued in response to Pyongyangs fifth and largest nuclear test, which was conducted in September in violation of U.N. resolutions. U.S. Ambassador to the U.N. Samantha Power estimated the new sanctions will cost North Korea about $800 million a year in lost export income. North Korea is determined to refine its nuclear and ballistic missile technology to pose an even more potent threat ... to international peace and security, Power said. But this resolution imposes unprecedented costs on the [Kim Jong Un] regime for defying this councils demands, she said. Previous international sanctions have had little apparent effect on decisions in Pyongyang, and its difficult to know whether the latest round will make a difference. In March, a set of sanctions described as the most severe in two decades was imposed. But North Korea has gotten around some of the restrictions thanks to complicity from China, its neighbor and longtime benefactor. Wednesdays measures included a 60% cut on North Koreas export of coal, its biggest income source, and bans on the export of copper, nickel, silver and zinc. The sanctions also banned North Koreas export of statues, a business that caters mostly to Africa, and blacklisted 11 people and 10 entities. Under the resolution, North Korea is also threatened with suspension of some U.N. privileges if it fails to comply. Facebook

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CIA director warns Trump it would be the height of folly to scrap the Iran deal By Brian Bennett In an unusual public warning, the head of the CIA said Wednesday it would be the height of folly and disastrous for President-elect Donald Trump to scrap the Iran nuclear deal. CIA Director John Brennan said in a TV interview that ripping up the historic accord could allow Iran to resume its nuclear program and set off an arms race in the Middle East by encouraging other countries to acquire their own nuclear weapons. I think it would be disastrous for the incoming Trump administration to renege on the deal with Iran, Brennan said in an unusually blunt interview with BBC. It could lead to a weapons program inside Iran that could lead other states in the region to embark on their own programs, so I think it would be height of folly if the next administration were to tear up that agreement, Brennan said. It is extremely rare for the CIA director to issue a public warning to an incoming administration, and it suggests deep concern inside the intelligence community about Trumps intentions. During the campaign, Trump variously promised to dismantle or to revise President Obamas signature foreign policy achievement, an international deal that cut off Irans ability to build or acquire nuclear weapons in exchange for easing of sanctions on its finances and oil industry. Rep. Mike Pompeo (R-Kan.), Trumps pick to replace Brennan as CIA director, also has been a vocal critic of the deal. I look forward to rolling back this disastrous deal with the worlds largest state sponsor of terrorism, Pompeo wrote Nov. 17 on Twitter. After meeting Trump at the White House after the election, Obama said they had discussed the Iran deal and that he hoped it would survive intact, noting that the United States would be acting alone if it sought to impose new sanctions. The five members of the United Nations Security Council plus Germany negotiated the deal in 2015, and the U.N. later voted to enforce it. Implementation began in January, and no evidence has emerged to indicate Iran is violating its side of the agreement. View Twitter post Obama administration officials want to brief Trump and his top advisors on classified details and assessments of the Iran deal, including monitoring systems put in place to verify Iranian compliance. So far, Trumps transition team has delayed receiving more than a handful of in-depth intelligence briefings. There are a lot of people out there who read the papers and listened to news broadcasts where the facts may be a bit  you know  off, Brennan told the BBC. I want to make sure the new team understands what the reality is. It ultimately will be up to them to decide how to carry out their responsibilities, Brennan said. Robert M. Gates, a former CIA chief and secretary of Defense, also called for preserving the nuclear deal. It would be a mistake to tear up the agreement at this point, Gates said in an interview on CBS This Morning. I think we would be the ones isolated, not the Iranians, because none of our partners who helped to negotiate that would walk away from it. But I think what the new president can do is push back against the Iranians. Facebook

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Rep. Nancy Pelosi elected by House Democrats for another term as minority leader By Lisa Mascaro House Minority Leader Nancy Pelosi (Andrew Harnik/Associated Press) House Democrats elected Rep. Nancy Pelosi for another term as minority leader after she fended off a rival who said the November election showed the party needs change at the top. The San Francisco Democrat has beaten back challengers before, but this years campaign from Ohio Democratic Rep. Tim Ryan focused attention on President-elect Donald Trumps success in attracting white, working class voters in Rust Belt states that had traditionally been part of the Democratic base. Pelosi responded by expanding her leadership team to include more seats at the table for younger members and those from states Trump won. The only woman to serve as House speaker, Pelosi has faced calls for her ouster ever since Democrats lost the House majority in 2010. First elected to leadership in 2002, the mother of five -- and grandmother -- has also endured questions about how much longer she will stay at the helm. The 76-year-old typically swats back such inquiries by noting the comparable ages of male colleagues in leadership roles elsewhere in the Capitol. Pelosi remains a fundraising powerhouse and despite interest by other Democrats in taking a turn at leadership, few have been able to make the case to their peers that they could match her drive. But this year, Pelosi appeared to take her challenge seriously. She repeatedly worked to shore up support from liberals and minorities who make up the bulk of the Democratic caucus. She also pointed to the gains Democrats have made under her watch -- they picked up six seats in November -- and warned that losses could have been worse. Democratic Rep. Adam B. Schiff of Burbank, in nominating Pelosi during a closed-door meeting Wednesday, said, We need the very best to lead us.... No one is a better tactician than Nancy Pelosi. Facebook

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Trump pledged to protect Medicare. His choice for health secretary has other ideas By Noah Bierman Rep. Tom Price (R-Ga.), President-elect Donald Trumps choice for Health and Human Services secretary. (Carolyn Kaster / Associated Press)) President-elect Donald Trump reassured voters during his insurgent political campaign that he would protect Medicare, Social Security and other popular federal assistance programs. But in tapping Rep. Tom Price (R-Ga.) to be his Health and Human Services secretary, he has elevated one of the most aggressive proponents of dramatically overhauling the government safety net for seniors and low-income Americans, a long-held conservative goal. Read More Facebook

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Trump says he will leave his business in total to fully focus on running the country By Jim Puzzanghera (Mandel Ngan / AFP/Getty Images) President-elect Donald Trump tweeted Wednesday morning that he would leave his business operations in total to fully focus on running the country. Trumps vast interests in real estate and other ventures have raised unprecedented concerns about the potential for conflict of interest, both at home and internationally. In one of a series of tweets, Trump said he would be leaving my great business in total. Legal documents are being crafted which take me completely out of business operations. The Presidency is a far more important task! he said. However, Trump made no mention that would be giving up ownership of the Trump Organization, which includes hotels, golf resorts and other properties and many licensing deals that span the globe. Neither did he specify whether his separation from his businesses would be permanent. To avoid conflicts or the perception that his presidency would benefit his financial empire, government ethics lawyers and watchdog groups have urged him to sell off his businesses and put the assets in a blind trust to be managed by an independent third party. Trump said last week that he has been turning over operations of his businesses to three of his children, who already have senior positions at the Trump Organization. But some critics have said turning over control to his children may not be enough to alleviate such concerns, since several of his adult children remain active in planning his transition. What he does not seem to realize, or does not want to admit, is that the conflicts arise from his ownership of the Trump Organization, said Noah Bookbinder, executive director of the Citizens for Responsibility and Ethics in Washington, in reacting to Trumps announcement Wednesday. He will continue to know what his business interests are and to benefit from them whether or not he is involved in the day-to-day management, so the conflicts remain unchanged. Federal conflict-of-interest rules for government employees and members of Congress dont apply to the president. Trump said in an interview with the New York Times last week that the president cant have a conflict of interest  In theory, I can be president of the United States and run my business 100%. He said then that it would be very hard to sell off his businesses because they are mostly real estate, but also noted that he would like to try and formalize something in terms of an arrangement that would distance his businesses from his work as president. On Wednesday, he tweeted that While I am not mandated to do this under the law, I feel it is visually important, as President, to in no way have a conflict of interest with my various businesses. Trump said he would detail the changes at a New York news conference with his children on Dec. 15. I will be holding a major news conference in New York City with my children on December 15 to discuss the fact that I will be leaving my ...  Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) November 30, 2016 great business in total in order to fully focus on running the country in order to MAKE AMERICA GREAT AGAIN! While I am not mandated to ....  Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) November 30, 2016 do this under the law, I feel it is visually important, as President, to in no way have a conflict of interest with my various businesses..  Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) November 30, 2016 Facebook

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Trump names billionaire investor Wilbur Ross as Commerce secretary By Jim Puzzanghera President-elect Donald Trump and Vice President-elect Mike Pence greet investor Wilbur Ross, left, in New Jersey on Sunday. ( (Carolyn Kaster / Associated Press)) President-elect Donald Trump has chosen billionaire financier Wilbur Ross, known as the king of bankruptcy for his investments in distressed properties, to serve as Commerce secretary, according to a person familiar with the decision. If confirmed, Ross would become the Trump administrations chief liaison with the business community and a leading advocate for U.S. trade abroad. Ross, 80, who was a senior policy advisor to Trumps campaign, is worth $2.9 billion, according to Forbes magazine. Like Trump, Ross has been critical of U.S. trade deals. He sharply criticized trade negotiators and called for the U.S. to withdraw from the yet-to-be-ratified Trans-Pacific Partnership and to renegotiate the North American Free Trade Agreement. Trump has pledged to do both upon taking office. Read More Facebook

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Trump taps Wall Street executive and Hollywood producer Steven Mnuchin for Treasury secretary By Jim Puzzanghera Steven Mnuchin at Trump Tower in New York this month. (Eduardo Munoz Alvarez / AFP/Getty Images) President-elect Donald Trump has chosen Steven Mnuchin, a wealthy Wall Street executive and Hollywood movie producer who served as his campaign finance chairman, to be the next Treasury secretary, according to a person familiar with the decision. Mnuchins deep roots on Wall Street fit the mold of past Treasury secretaries but contrast with the populist stance that Trump took during his campaign. Mnuchins net worth is unclear, but he could be the second billionaire member of Trumps Cabinet, after Betsy DeVos, who is Trumps pick for Education secretary. The third is expected to be financier Wilbur Ross, who has been selected as Commerce secretary. Mnuchins selection  which was first reported Tuesday by the New York Times  drew ire from Democratic and liberal groups, which have accused him of profiting from the financial crisis after buying the failed IndyMac Bank in 2009. Read More Facebook

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Noam Chomsky, Junot Diaz and nearly 400 MIT faculty oppose Trump picks in open letter By Colleen Shalby President-elect Donald Trump. (Evan Vucci / Associated Press) Nearly 400 MIT faculty members, including professor emeritus Noam Chomsky, writer Junot Diaz and four Nobel Prize winners, signed an open letter criticizing President-elect Donald Trumps Cabinet picks. The President-elect has appointed individuals to positions of power who have endorsed racism, misogyny and religious bigotry, and denied the widespread scientific consensus on climate change. Regardless of our political views, these endorsements violate principles at the core of MITs mission. At this time, it is important to reaffirm the values we hold in common. The letter also denounces the controversial rhetoric often associated with Trumps campaign and impending presidency. For any member of our community who may feel fear or oppression, our doors are open and we are ready to help, it states. MIT boasts a student body represented by 120 foreign countries, all 50 U.S. states and three U.S. territories. While campaigning, Trump lauded his late uncle, John, who was a professor at MIT for nearly 50 years. Shortly after Trump announced his candidacy, he spoke about him to CNN. I had an uncle who went to MIT who is a top professor. Dr. John Trump. A genius. Its in my blood. Im smart. Great marks. Like really smart, Trump said. A handful of faculty members who signed the statement overlapped in time with John Trump. At least one, physics professor Robert Jaffe, said that he did not know the uncle, but hopes that his nephews administration will maintain a dedication to science. Facebook

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With no Cabinet to build, Hillary Clinton appears with Katy Perry By Chris Megerian Pop star Katy Perry was one of Hillary Clintons biggest celebrity boosters on the campaign trail, and on Tuesday night the former Democratic presidential nominee introduced the singer at a charity gala in New York. Perry has served as UNICEFs goodwill ambassador. Hilary Clinton surprise appearance just now to intro @katyperry #SnowflakeBall #UnicefSnowflake pic.twitter.com/3wh2Zc2BwG  David Ushery (@DavidUshery4NY) November 30, 2016 Facebook

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Jill Stein pays fee to green-light Wisconsin recount By Michael A. Memoli The recount is officially on. The Wisconsin Elections Commission said Tuesday that Green Party nominee Jill Stein has paid the nearly $3.5 million estimated cost to set into motion a statewide retabulation of the presidential vote. Stein had asked for the recount after claiming that evidence of foreign interference existed. She is also seeking recounts in Michigan and Pennsylvania; together, the three states carry enough electoral votes to flip the election from President-elect Donald Trump to Democrat Hillary Clinton, but such an outcome is all but impossible. The Wisconsin recount, which starts Thursday, is likely to cost Stein slightly more, the commission said, blaming an earlier error in adding up cost estimates from the 72 county clerks who will oversee the ballot review. Stein will be charged whatever additional costs are incurred after the recount is concluded. Officials on Monday said that most counties will complete their recount in a week but that more populous counties will face a challenge in meeting the deadline to certify results. The state aims to finish by Dec. 12, as state law gives the recount petitioner five days after the new tally is finished for further legal challenges. Presidential electors in 50 states and the District of Columbia will meet Dec. 19 to formally cast the votes that will elect Trump as the next president. Facebook

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Repeal and replace Obamacare? It wont happen on Trumps first day, GOP leader says By Lisa Mascaro House Majority Leader Kevin McCarthy. (J. Scott Applewhite / Associated Press) House Majority Leader Kevin McCarthy (R-Bakersfield) cast doubt on whether the Republican-led Congress would be ready to repeal Obamacare by inauguration day, as some in President-elect Donald Trumps transition team have suggested could happen in a special session. But McCarthy said Republicans would try to start as soon as possible on what he acknowledged would be a complicated two-step process to repeal and replace Obamacare that will consume much of 2017 and beyond. Their plan involves retroactively passing a fiscal 2017 budget in the early weeks of Trumps term. Such a maneuver would give Republicans the ability to unwind President Obamas signature domestic program with a simple majority vote, without facing a Democratic filibuster. Replacing the Affordable Care Act would come later, and likely extend into fiscal 2018. Once its repealed you will have hopefully fewer people playing politics and everybody coming to the table to find the best policy, McCarthy told reporters. I just want to make sure we get it right. McCarthy on Tuesday welcomed reports that Trump intends to nominate House Budget Committee Chairman Tom Price (R-Ga.) to lead the Health and Human Services Department as Congress focuses on getting rid of Obamacare. Democrats, though, suggested that Price, a medical doctor who has championed House Speaker Paul D. Ryans plans to overhaul Medicare, will face so much opposition in the Senate that he may not be confirmed. Try it, said Sen. Charles E. Schumer of New York, the incoming Democratic minority leader. Privatization of Medicare goes way beyond where most Americans are. For years, Republicans have promised to end Obamacare, and with Trump in the White House they will have their best opportunity to do so. But McCarthy cautioned that repealing and replacing the Affordable Care Act will be more complicated than simply sending a bill to the White House for the presidents signature. Instead, Congress will need to insert special repeal instructions as part of the wonky budget reconciliation process. And that will take time, he said. McCarthy said that replacing Obamacare will be even tougher than repealing it. Even though Republicans have promised their own healthcare law, they have never been able to produce an agreed-upon alternative. To gather ideas, McCarthy said he would solicit advice from governors and state insurance commissioners. Hell be sending a letter to the states later this week. Since Congress did not pass a 2017 budget for the fiscal year that began Oct. 1, they hope to retroactively approve one in the weeks ahead so they can include the first part of the special instructions needed to repeal the program. But he doubted that would be completed by the time Trump takes office. I dont think you can do it before [Jan.] 20th, he said. Theres only so many legislative days. The finish the job, lawmakers will use the reconciliation process for the fiscal 2018 budget, which is due by spring. McCarthy predicted Congress would still need to pass additional legislation, which cannot be completed through the reconciliation process, in order to ensure a smooth transition. Facebook

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Obama will skip Fidel Castros funeral but is sending an informal delegation By Christi Parsons The Cuban flag hangs at half-staff in front of a picture of Fidel Castro on the facade of the Cuban national library in Havana. (Ronaldo Schemidt / AFP/Getty Images) President Obama is not going to the memorial service for former Cuban dictator Fidel Castro on Tuesday but instead is sending a pair of key representatives to pay their respects, an informal appearance that reflects the delicate diplomacy between the White House and the leadership in Havana. Obama is sending Jeffrey DeLaurentis, the top U.S. diplomat in Cuba, along with deputy National Security Advisor Ben Rhodes, but the two men are not being dispatched as part of a formal delegation, White House Press Secretary Josh Earnest said Tuesday. DeLaurentis and Rhodes played key roles in reopening U.S. ties to the communist island nation in late 2014, ending five decades of a Cold War-era freeze in relations. The policy has been celebrated for opening the possibility of expanded trade with and travel to Cuba, while critics attacked Obama for engaging with President Raul Castro without extracting concessions on human rights. His brother Fidel held power through firing squads, false imprisonment and harsh treatment of dissidents. President-elect Donald Trump was one of those critics, saying after Fidel Castros death that if Cuba isnt willing to make a better deal for the Cuban people  and the U.S. as a whole, I will terminate the deal. After Castro died Friday, the White House released an oblique statement noting that his death filled Cubans with powerful emotions, recalling the countless ways in which Fidel Castro altered the course of individual lives, families, and of the Cuban nation. History will record and judge the enormous impact of this singular figure on the people and world around him. Facebook

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Donald Trump to pick Elaine Chao, a well-connected establishment figure, as Transportation secretary By Noah Bierman President-elect Donald Trump plans to name Elaine Chao  a former Labor secretary married to Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell (R-Ky.)  as his Transportation secretary, according to House Majority Leader Kevin McCarthy (R-Bakersfield). Chaos establishment ties conflict with Trumps promise to drain the swamp in Washington and promote outsiders to lead his government. But Chaos connections could be an asset in Trumps plan to promote a major infrastructure proposal that could face resistance from within his party. Trump has decried the state of the nations airports, bridges and roads and promised to make their revitalization a major part of his jobs program aimed at helping working-class Americans whose votes helped propel him to victory. Chao, who served as Labor secretary through the entire George W. Bush administration, could play a central role in negotiating an infrastructure spending bill while her husband leads the Senate. Trumps spokesman Jason Miller did not confirm the pick on a conference call with reporters but said that Trump had taken people whove been successful in all different walks of life  including business, government, and military  to fill a Cabinet that Miller called a true dream team. The Taiwan-born Chao also exemplifies the type of immigrant success story that became the subject of debate during Trumps campaign, which promised to crack down on illegal immigration and labeled many of those entering the country illegally from Mexico as criminals, drug dealers and rapists. Chao is one of four sisters who attended Harvard Business School. Her family donated $40 million to the institution in 2012. Facebook

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U.S. economy grew 3.2% in third quarter, the best in two years By Jim Puzzanghera The U.S. economy grew faster in the third quarter than initially estimated, expanding at its strongest pace in two years in a rebound from a weak first half of 2016. Total economic output, also known as gross domestic product, expanded at a 3.2% annual pace from July through September, the Commerce Department said Tuesday. The figure was up from an initial estimate of 2.9% and the best performance since the economy expanded at a 5% annual rate in the third quarter of 2014. Read More Facebook

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Q&A: What you need to know about the Wisconsin recount By Michael A. Memoli This is certainly not Bush vs. Gore, a Wisconsin elections official said Monday. Well, what is it? The state is initiating the first significant candidate-driven recount in a presidential election since the 2000 ordeal in Florida between then-Vice President Al Gore and eventual President George W. Bush. This time, though, Donald Trump is certain to remain president-elect after Wisconsins nearly 3 million ballots are re-tabulated. But the fight here and potentially in other states has given third-party candidates new rationale for seeking public attention for their causes, and it has given Trump fresh ammunition to trash his opponents  as well as, bafflingly, the political process in which he just secured the presidency. Here is a look at the issues involved in the Badger State and elsewhere as the seemingly unending 2016 presidential election seeps into overtime. Read More Facebook

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By tweet and petition, Donald Trump and the left cast doubt on credibility of election By Noah Bierman (Evan Vucci / Associated Press) Rather than celebrating his victory, Donald Trump is amplifying far-right conspiracies to undermine the credibility of an election he won. At the same time, he is finding some common cause in the quixotic effort by the fringe left to prevent him from reaching the White House. The chances of changing the election result with selective ballot recounts, as some on the left hope, or finding widespread voter fraud as alleged by Trump are next to nil. Yet a combination of self-interest and a desire for misdirection have propelled factions of both parties to debate the results of an election already decisively settled. Trumps motives are often hard to pinpoint. But by pushing the myth that millions of ballots were cast illegally for his opponent, as he has done on Twitter in recent days, he may be building the case to claim a larger mandate for his victory despite the fact that Hillary Clinton is leading the popular vote by more than 2 million votes. The issue also distracts attention from mounting questions about the financial conflicts of interest he is likely to have in the White House, given that he plans to allow his children to run his international real estate and branding business while he serves as president. Finally, Trumps rhetoric may also sow the seeds of future efforts to propose more restrictive voting rules championed by some of his top advisors. Read More Facebook

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Democrats look to make some deals with Trump  and divide the GOP in the bargain By Lisa Mascaro Republicans became known as the party of no during the Obama years because of their frequent efforts to block the presidents initiatives. As congressional Democrats prepare to deal with a Republican White House, they appear ready to take the opposite approach, effectively challenging President-elect Donald Trump by finding opportunities to say yes. The goal is to strategically engage with the White House on common objectives and at the same time try to drive a political wedge between Trump and those Republicans anxious about his costlier ideas, such as rebuilding infrastructure, aiding blue-collar workers and expanding paid family leave, a pet project of daughter Ivanka Trump. Read More Facebook

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Trump to name a harsh critic of Obamacare as his pick for Health secretary By Noam N. Levey (Drew Angerer / Getty Images) President-elect Donald Trump plans to select House Budget Committee Chairman Tom Price (R-Ga.) to be his Health and Human Services secretary, according to a person familiar with the decision. In picking Price, Trump is tapping an arch-conservative lawmaker and leading critic of the Affordable Care Act to lead his push to roll back President Obamas signature health law. Price, a six-term congressman from suburban Atlanta, has never held an executive position comparable to leading the federal Department of Health and Human Services, a behemoth that includes the Food and Drug Administration, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the National Institutes of Health and the agency overseeing Medicare and Medicaid. Three of the four previous Health and Human Services secretaries were former governors. Price, an orthopedic surgeon, would be the first physician to serve as the departments secretary since Dr. Louis Sullivan, who held the post from 1989 to 1993 under President George H.W. Bush. He would also be among the most politically conservative Health and Human Services secretaries in history. And as a member of House leadership, he would bring to the Trump administration a revolutionary governing agenda closely aligned with Republicans on Capitol Hill. Read More Facebook

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Trump says he won the electoral college in a landslide, but he ranked near the all-time bottom By Cathleen Decker In addition to winning the Electoral College in a landslide, I won the popular vote if you deduct the millions of people who voted illegally  Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) November 27, 2016 President-elect Donald Trumps tweet that he would have won the popular vote this month but for millions of illegal voters was not based on fact. There is no proof backing up his statement, and voting researchers uniformly dismissed it as false. Also problematic was his second claim in the same tweet, that his victory was one of the rare landslides in American political history. A study of electoral vote results by John J. Pitney, an author and professor of government at Claremont McKenna College, shows that Trump resides on the lower end of the electoral vote scale. He won 56.97% of the electoral votes up for grabs by virtue of his state wins. That places him 46th out of the 58 elections since George Washingtons era, Pitney found. In 38 elections, the winner exceeded 60% of the vote, a lopsided verdict by voters. Clear landslides were won most recently by Ronald Reagan in both of his elections: In 1984, he won 97.58% of electoral votes, and in 1980 he won 90.89%. President Obama won nearly 68% of the vote in 2008 and just under 62% in 2012. Faring worse than Trump among modern presidents was George W. Bush, who eked past Al Gore in 2000 with 50.37% of the vote, after a protracted squabble over the Florida results that ended in a U.S. Supreme Court verdict favoring Bush. Facebook

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Trump says Cuba has to act or hell end the diplomatic thaw, but its not that simple By Tracy Wilkinson In his latest comment on Cuba since the death of revolutionary leader Fidel Castro, President-elect Donald Trump said Monday he would end Washingtons diplomatic thaw with the island unless Cuba makes a better deal. If Cuba is unwilling to make a better deal for the Cuban people, the Cuban/American people and the U.S. as a whole, I will terminate deal, Trump tweeted. President Obama and Cuban President Raul Castro renewed diplomatic ties in 2014 after a half-century of Cold War hostility. Since then, through a series of executive orders, Obama has eased restrictions on Americans traveling to Cuba and U.S. firms doing business there. Castro, at the same time, has made it easier for Cubans to travel and to engage in limited private enterprise. However, Castro has not enacted significant political reforms, and the death Friday of his brother, former president and leader of the revolution Fidel, at age 90, is not likely to usher in quick change. It was not clear what Trump meant by a better deal. An email seeking clarification from his transition team was not answered. Previously, however, Trump has spoken of the release of political prisoners and more open space for free expression of opinions and dissent. These are the same elements the Obama administration has been demanding, while choosing not to delay economic progress while awaiting political change. From a legal standpoint, Trump could easily reverse Obamas executive orders with little more than a signature. Politically, however, renewed estrangement would be more complicated and would isolate the U.S. as the only country in the world that does not recognize the Communist-led government in Havana. Its not as simple as one Tweet might make it seem --@PressSec Josh Earnest, on whether @realdonaldtrump might undo @POTUS Cuba policy  Christi Parsons (@cparsons) November 28, 2016 Trump and his top aides have sent conflicting signals over his likely Cuba policy. On Saturday, his staff put out a statement saying a Trump administration would do all it can to help Cubans achieve prosperity and liberty. But it did not mention reversing Obamas actions expanding ties. While Cuba remains a totalitarian island, Trump said, it is my hope that today marks a move away from the horrors endured for too long, and toward a future in which the wonderful Cuban people finally live in the freedom they so richly deserve. Kellyanne Conway, a top advisor, told NBCs Meet the Press on Sunday that nothing is definite when it comes to Cuba. But Trumps soon-to-be White House chief of staff, Reince Priebus, said that Trump would be looking for some movement in the right direction to keep the Cuba opening on course. Conservative Republicans, like Sens. Marco Rubio and Ted Cruz, oppose detente with Cuba as long as any Castro continues to rule. But a growing number of Cuban Americans, as well as most Democrats and a substantial segment of the business community, want better ties and opportunities for economic exchange. Facebook

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The era of super-low interest rates might be ending. Whats in it for you? By Jim Puzzanghera Since President-elect Donald Trumps surprising election victory this month, financial markets have sent a forceful message that the era of super-low interest rates is coming to a close. Mortgage rates have shot up. Bond yields have jumped to their highest levels in a year. And the dollar has surged against other major currencies to values unseen in more than a decade. Those developments have been fueled by expectations of stronger economic growth and higher inflation from Trumps promises to cut business taxes, reduce regulations and increase defense and infrastructure spending. His plans triggered a post-election stock market rally and, combined with recent solid economic data, increased expectations that the Federal Reserve would nudge up its benchmark short-term rate again next month  with more hikes to follow next year. Read More Facebook

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Trump seems ready to fight the world on climate change but hes likely to meet resistance By Evan Halper Coal trucks leave a power plant operated by PacifiCorp outside Huntington, Utah. ( (George Frey / Getty Images)) Donald Trump is branded with all manner of unflattering labels, but one that hasnt seemed to much bother him is climate pariah. The president-elect is unabashed in his disdain for Americas global warming policy. He has placed a staunch climate-change doubter and antagonist of mainstream science in charge of reshaping  or as Trump has suggested, dismantling  the Environmental Protection Agency. He has talked frequently about reneging on the historic Paris global climate treaty the U.S. took a lead in drafting. And he has said he wants every federal green-energy program eliminated. Environmentalists take little comfort in Trumps recent comments that he accepts there is some connectivity between human activity and climate change and that he has an open mind about it, as what hes said elsewhere and done so far suggests otherwise. And even those comments gave scientists cause for alarm. You can make a lot of cases for different views, Trump told the New York Times, casting doubt on the finding by more than 90% of climate scientists that emissions are accelerating global warming. Im not sure anybody is ever going to really know. Read More Facebook

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Jared Kushner, the Trump son-in-law whos the next presidents eyes and ears By Chris Megerian The election results were rolling in, and so were the phone calls for Donald Trump. But no matter who was on the other end of the line, the person handing the phone to the next president of the United States was the same. Jared was screening the calls, said Armstrong Williams, a political ally who described the scene in Trumps Manhattan skyscraper on election night. That would be Jared Kushner, Trumps son-in-law, and his election-night role provides a glimpse of the enormous influence he wields as Trump prepares to take office in January. As the husband of Ivanka Trump, the president-elects elder daughter, Kushner holds an unassailable position inside Trumps unruly ecosystem of advisors. Read More Facebook

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Trump falsely claims that millions voted illegally, costing him the popular vote By Matt Pearce Donald and Melania Trump cast their ballots on Nov. 8. (Evan Vucci / Associated Press) Donald Trump falsely claimed Sunday that he won the popular vote, alleging in a tweet  without evidence  that millions of people had illegally voted for his Democratic opponent, Hillary Clinton. In addition to winning the Electoral College in a landslide, I won the popular vote if you deduct the millions of people who voted illegally, Trump wrote, hours after he tweeted his opposition to a recount in Midwestern states initiated by the Green Party. In addition to winning the Electoral College in a landslide, I won the popular vote if you deduct the millions of people who voted illegally  Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) November 27, 2016 Election experts, who say election fraud is rare, immediately denounced Trumps claim. Theres been no evidence produced of millions  or thousands  or even hundreds  of noncitizens voting for president in 2016, tweeted Rick Hasen, a professor of law and politics who writes for the Election Law Blog. The source of Trumps claim appears to be a widely shared Nov. 14 article on the conspiracy site Infowars, which is famous for claiming the Sandy Hook mass shooting was a hoax. Politifact investigated the illegal votes claim and rated it false. Facebook

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Trump is warned that supporters will feel betrayed if he picks Mitt Romney as secretary of State By Don Lee A senior advisor to President-elect Donald Trump stepped up an extraordinary public effort Sunday to discredit Mitt Romney and thwart the chances that he would be picked as secretary of State. Kellyanne Conway warned on Sunday TV talk shows that Trumps supporters would feel betrayed if he picked the former governor of Massachusetts, a sharp critic of Trump during the campaign, for a senior Cabinet position. Conway, who was Trumps campaign manager and now is a top advisor to the incoming president, said she felt compelled to speak out on the matter because of the backlash from the grass roots. People feel betrayed to think that Gov. Romney, who went out of his way to question the character and the intellect and the integrity of Donald Trump, now our president-elect, would be given the most significant Cabinet post of all, Conway said on NBCs Meet the Press. They feel a bit betrayed that you can get a Romney back in there after everything he did, she added. We dont even know if he voted for Donald Trump. Conway dodged questions about whether Trump supported the concerns she has been raising publicly about Romney, which began with a tweet she posted on Thanksgiving morning: Receiving deluge of social media & private comms re: Romney. Some Trump loyalists warn against Romney as sec of state. Conway made clear that she did not approve of Romney, who was the GOP presidential nominee in 2012, and didnt see him as especially qualified to act as Americas top diplomat. In the last four years, has he even been around the globe doing something on behalf of the United States of which were unaware? she asked on CNNs State of the Union. Did he go and intervene in Syria where they are having a massive humanitarian crisis? Meaning when I say intervene, like offered help. Has he been helpful to Mr. [Benjamin] Netanyahu? she said of the Israeli prime minister. Im all for party unity, but Im not sure that we have to pay for that with the secretary of State position, Conway said, although she quickly added that she would respect what Trump decides. During the campaign, Romney called Trump a phony and a fraud and said his policies would lead to economic ruin. In response, Trump mocked Romney as a failed candidate who had choked in the 2012 race. But a little more than a week ago, Trump met with Romney for about 90 minutes at a golf course in New Jersey to discuss the State Department post. Afterward, Trump said the meeting went great and Romney described the discussion as very thorough and in-depth. Trump is also considering Rudolph W. Giuliani, who was a fierce Trump loyalist during the campaign, for the job. The former mayor of New York has touted his experience traveling, consulting and speaking overseas since leaving office in 2001. But his extensive business deals abroad have raised concerns about potential conflicts of interest if he gets the post instead of Romney. In criticizing Romney, Conway exposed what appears to be deep divisions in the Trump camp as it tries to assemble a team. It is highly unusual for a senior representative of an incoming president to be lobbying publicly against a candidate under consideration. Reince Priebus, the Republican National Committee chairman and Trumps choice to be chief of staff, on Sunday sought to downplay reports of internecine struggles in the transition. However, he acknowledged that picking Romney would represent a team of rivals concept. Trump wants to put the best possible people together for all Americans, Priebus told Fox News Sunday. The fact that hes actually even flirting with the idea of choosing a rival should tell the American people where hes at  which is the best place for everyone in this country, he said. Conway also said Trump, who spent the Thanksgiving holiday weekend at his Mar-a-Lago resort in Palm Beach, Fla., talked with President Obama by phone on Saturday for about 40 or 45 minutes. She wouldnt say what they talked about. I can tell you from President-elect Trumps side that he very much enjoys speaking with President Obama, talking about the serious issues that face this country and the world, Conway said on NBC. They get along nicely. They disagree on many things. Thats not going to change. Facebook

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Hillary Clinton campaign will participate in ballot recount in Wisconsin By Don Lee Hillary Clintons presidential campaign will participate in a ballot recount led by Green Party candidate Jill Stein in Wisconsin and perhaps two other battleground states that were crucial to Donald Trumps victory, a Clinton campaign lawyer said Saturday. In response, Trump called the recount request ridiculous and a scam designed to raise money for Steins political party. Read More Facebook

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Donald Trump names KT McFarland, Don McGahn to White House posts By Michael A. Memoli Don McGahn is named by President-elect Donald Trump as his White House counsel. (Drew Angerer/Getty Images) President-elect Donald Trump added to his West Wing roster Friday, naming KT McFarland as deputy national security adviser and Donald McGahn as his White House counsel. McFarland served in three separate Republican administrations, most notably as a spokeswoman for Defense Secretary Caspar Weinberger under Ronald Reagan. In 2006, she sought to challenge Hillary Clinton for her U.S. Senate seat from New York but lost in the Republican primary. Most recently, she has been a regular contributor to Fox News on national security issues. She joins retired Gen. Michael Flynn, previously named as Trumps national security adviser. So proud & honored to have KT McFarland as part of our National Security team. She will help us #MAGA  General Flynn (@GenFlynn) November 25, 2016 McGahn, who was general counsel for Trumps campaign and a former chair of the Federal Election Commission, is a partner at the powerhouse Washington law firm Jones Day. President Obama revealed at a recent news conference that he had advised Trump to hire a strong White House counsel to guide him and his team, who could provide clear guideposts and rules to help avoid ethical and conflict of interest concerns. Trump campaign officials said Friday that the president-elect, who is spending the holiday weekend at his Mar-a-Lago resort in Florida, would make no additional high-level announcements until next week when he returns to New York. On Monday, he will meet with several more potential Cabinet and sub-Cabinet choices, including Milwaukee County Sheriff David Clarke, Pennsylvania Rep. Lou Barletta and Oklahoma Atty. Gen. Scott Pruitt. Facebook

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Ben Carson hints he may join Trump Cabinet as Housing secretary By Christi Parsons Former Republican presidential candidate Ben Carson speaks in Lakewood, Colo. on Oct. 29. (David Zalubowski / Associated Press) Ben Carson said Wednesday that an announcement is imminent about his role in improving the nations inner cities  a broad hint that President-elect Donald Trump will name him secretary of Housing and Urban Development. After serious discussions with the Trump transition team, I feel that I can make a significant contribution, particularly to making our inner cities great for everyone, Carson said on Facebook. An announcement is forthcoming about my role in helping to make America great again. Carson, himself once a candidate for president, would be the first African American named to Trumps Cabinet. He was a mild critic of Trump during the campaign, but after dropping out of the race, he backed Trump and now serves on the president-elects transition team. Though Carsons professional background is as a neurosurgeon, he has spoken often of his experiences growing up in inner-city Detroit, with a mother who sometimes relied on food stamps and other assistance. Carson has said they moved into a tenement at one point but has never said whether he lived in public housing. Days ago, a senior advisor said Carson thought he lacked the background needed to manage a federal agency, and that he didnt think it was the best way for him to serve. Carson didnt want to take a position that could cripple the presidency, advisor Armstrong Williams told the Hill newspaper. HUD is responsible for administering low-income housing assistance, fair housing laws, housing development and aid to neighborhoods in distress. Carson indicated a change of heart Wednesday. We have much work to do in strengthening every aspect of our nation and ensuring that both our physical infrastructure and our spiritual infrastructure is solid, he wrote. In an interview with the New York Times on Tuesday, Trump suggested he isnt applying the usual standard of qualifications to his Cabinet picks. Were trying very hard to get the best people  not necessarily people that will be the most politically correct people, because that hasnt been working, Trump said. So we have, really, experts in the field. Some are known and some are not known, but theyre known within their field as being the best. Thats very important to me. Facebook

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Trump picks Michigan school-choice advocate to be his Education secretary By Christi Parsons President-elect Donald Trump chose a Michigan charter school advocate and prominent Republican donor to serve as his secretary of Education, he said Wednesday, a decision that may hearten supporters of school choice but worry teacher unions  and even some of Trumps core supporters. Trumps pick, Betsy DeVos, is a champion of charter schools and school vouchers that give families tax funds they can spend on private school if theyre not happy with their local public schools. DeVos, 58, served as chairwoman of the Michigan Republican Party, a credential that ties her to the party establishment reviled by many Trump supporters. She and her family are among the countrys largest donors to Republican and conservative Christian causes, including opposition to same-sex marriage. She has also backed the Common Core initiative to standardize educational requirements across the nation. Trump repeatedly called for its demise. In a tweet after her selection was announced, DeVos disavowed past support for Common Core, acknowledging that the topic was an issue among conservative activists. Many of you are asking about Common Core. To clarify, I am not a supporterperiod. Read my full stance, here: https://t.co/qB2nAXvX0B  Betsy DeVos (@BetsyDeVos) November 23, 2016 In his statement announcing her as his choice, Trump called DeVos a brilliant and passionate education advocate. Under her leadership, we will reform the U.S. education system and break the bureaucracy that is holding our children back so that we can deliver world-class education and school choice to all families, Trump said in the statement. 1:46 a.m.: This post was updated with DeVos statement about the Common Core. Facebook

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Trump may have one more Cabinet-level pick coming before Thanksgiving By Christi Parsons (John Minchillo / Associated Press) President-elect Donald Trump may decide another Cabinet-level position Wednesday, aides said, after he announced South Carolina Gov. Nikki Haley as his ambassador to the United Nations. Aides did not say which job Trump was considering making an announcement about. As he and his family settle in for Thanksgiving at his Mar-a-Lago resort in Palm Beach, Trump is still spending significant time on one prominent position, secretary of State, a sign that a pick for it may not come before the holiday, one staffer on the presidential transition team said. In his search for a secretary of State, Trump has met with close advisor and former New York Mayor Rudolph W. Giuliani and with Mitt Romney, the 2012 Republican nominee for president. Aides said Trump chose Haley for the U.N. post because she improved South Carolinas economy and took part in overseas trade and recruitment trips. The two have a natural chemistry, one staffer said, and their views jibe on how the U.S. should be represented on the world stage. Facebook

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Trump taps South Carolina Gov. Nikki Haley for U.N. ambassador By Tracy Wilkinson South Carolina Gov. Nikki Haley speaks at the Federalist Societys National Lawyers Convention in Washington on Nov. 18. (Cliff Owen / Associated Press) President-elect Donald Trump on Wednesday picked South Carolina Gov. Nikki Haley, a rising star in the GOP, as the U.S. ambassador to the United Nations, an announcement that brings a measure of diversity to a transition that has been dominated by white, male figures. Haley, 44, and the daughter of Indian immigrants, is the first woman and first person of color to be picked for the new administration. Read More Facebook

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Dalai Lama: I have no worries about Trumps election By Associated Press (Ganbat Namjilsangarav / Associated Press) The Dalai Lama, the exiled Tibetan spiritual leader, said he has no worries about Donald Trumps election as U.S. president and expects the businessman will align his policies with global realities. Commenting at the conclusion of a four-day visit to Mongolia, the leader of Tibetan Buddhism said he looks forward to meeting Trump at some point after the Jan. 20 inauguration. The 81-year-old monk says he has always regarded the U.S. as the leading nation of the free world and wasnt concerned about remarks made by Trump during the election campaign. Some of those comments have been cited as offensive to Muslims, Latinos and other U.S. minority groups. China accuses the Dalai Lama of seeking to split Tibet from China and had demanded Mongolia scrap his visit. Facebook

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Trump asks Ben Carson to consider Housing secretary post By Chris Megerian Donald Trump asked Ben Carson to consider serving as secretary of Housing and Urban Development, an advisor to the former Republican presidential candidate said Tuesday. They discussed the potential job at a meeting in the morning and Carson is seriously considering it, said the advisor, Armstrong Williams. Its a role that plays to Dr. Carsons passions, he said. Asked what qualifications the retired neurosurgeon has for overseeing housing policy, Williams said: Dr. Carson has experience with everything. Youd be shocked at the depth of his experience. Williams had previously suggested that Carson didnt feel he had the experience to serve in Trumps Cabinet, but he said Tuesday that those comments were taken out of context. Housing secretary was one of a few options discussed Tuesday, Williams said. Carson always felt that hed be willing to serve in the administration if Trump felt that no one else could fill the position, he added. Facebook

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Texas judge blocks Obama administrations new overtime rule from taking effect By Michael A. Memoli Labor Secretary Thomas E. Perez. (Andrew Harnik / Associated Press) A Texas judge blocked President Obamas bid to expand overtime pay protections to millions of Americans on Tuesday, thwarting a key presidential priority just days before it was set to take effect. The Labor Department rule would have doubled the salary level at which hourly workers must be paid extra for overtime pay, from $23,660 to $47,476. Siding with business groups including the U.S. Chamber of Commerce, Texas District Judge Amos L. Mazzant III halted it. The rule, finalized in May, represented the first such change in more than a decade and was hailed at the time as the most consequential action the Obama administration could take for middle-class workers without congressional involvement. Plaintiffs had argued the Labor Department acted beyond its authority under the Fair Labor Standards Act. The administration said more than 4 million salaried workers stood to benefit from the change when it took effect Dec. 1. The rule was already in jeopardy after the election of Donald Trump. Just as the Obama administration made the change through its rule-making prerogatives, a Republican administration could undo it. Neither the White House nor the Labor Department had an immediate comment. Republican lawmakers and their allies in the business community, which were behind the legal challenge, celebrated the decision. The decision brings us a step closer to curbing regulations that have resulted in $80 billion in compliance costs and more than 25 million hours of paperwork, said Linda Kelly, senior vice president for the National Assn. of Manufacturers. The fights are not yet over  and our work is just beginning. Facebook

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Heres why the electoral college (probably) wont stop Donald Trump from becoming president By Chris Megerian Some liberals who really, really, really dont want Donald Trump to be president are pinning their hopes on a long-shot effort to prevent him from officially winning the election. Understanding how their plan would work requires some background on the electoral college, which was established in the Constitution at a time when the founding fathers were wary of direct democracy. As widely known, presidents are not chosen based on the national popular vote  if they were, Hillary Clinton would be the next commander in chief, given she is ahead by roughly 1.7 million votes. Each state is assigned a certain number of electoral votes based on population. Those votes are awarded to candidates based on the states popular vote. Trump won the presidential race with 290 electoral votes. (That total will reach 306 if Michigan is called for him, as expected.) The process doesnt end on election day. Each electoral vote is represented by an elector, an actual person who has to cast an official ballot for the president on Dec. 19. The electors are chosen through different processes state by state, and usually are selected by state political parties. With unrest over the result, there are efforts to persuade electors to be faithless, meaning they wouldnt back Trump even if he won their states. A Change.org petition calling the president-elect a danger to the Republic has almost 4.6 million supporters. What are the chances of this actually happening? Very slim, says George C. Edwards III, a Texas A&M political science professor who has written a book about the electoral college. From time to time, there are faithless electors, he said. Theyre few and far between. There were some electors who refused to vote for winning candidates in the 1800s, such as six who declined to support James Madison, but never enough to sway the outcome of the race. In the last century there have only been a handful of cases. There were some attempts to persuade electors to back Al Gore over George W. Bush during the disputed 2000 election, but they were unsuccessful. Facebook

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Can Trump put another Justice Scalia on the Supreme Court? By David Savage Judge William H. Pryor Jr. of the U.S. 11th Circuit Court of Appeals moderates a panel discussion during the Federalist Societys National Lawyers Convention in Washington last week. ( (Cliff Owen / Associated Press)) President-elect Donald Trump will soon have the chance to make good on one of his most consequential campaign promises: fill the Supreme Court vacancy with a judge in the mold of conservative icon Justice Antonin Scalia, who died in February. Any Trump nominee is almost guaranteed to be a conservative jurist who is antiabortion and supports a strict interpretation of the 2nd Amendments right to bear arms. But what kind of conservative he selects will determine whether his nominee will be quickly confirmed or instead trigger a fierce fight in the closely divided Senate, potentially overshadowing the early months of Trumps presidency. If Trump opts for a Scalia-like justice, as he repeatedly said he would during the campaign, conservatives lawyers say the betting favorite is Judge William H. Pryor Jr. from the 11th Circuit Court in Atlanta, a former Alabama attorney general who called the Roe vs. Wade decision legalizing abortion the worst abomination in the history of constitutional law. The 54-year-old Pryor believes in Scalias approach of interpreting the Constitution by its original meaning  one that has little room for gay rights, even womens rights. His nomination would electrify Trumps conservative base, but it would also set off a confirmation battle for which the outcome is not assured. Read More Facebook

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Michelle Rhee has some thoughts on Donald Trump By Joy Resmovits After meeting with president-elect Donald Trump Saturday, former Washington, D.C., schools Chancellor Michelle Rhee weighed in on people who have told her to avoid him. She also indicated that shes not likely to be named as Trumps secretary of Education. In light of the speculation about the Secretary of Education role, I wanted to clarify my position and what's best for America's students. pic.twitter.com/DXRZxdAZNX  Michelle Rhee (@MichelleRhee) November 22, 2016 Facebook

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Trump veers off script on climate change, his potential conflicts of interest and even whether to prosecute Clinton By Evan Halper President-elect Donald Trump strayed far from the talking points of his campaign during his wide-ranging interview Tuesday with New York Times journalists. Trump suggested he does not necessarily need to sever ties to his businesses while president. He said he has an open mind to acting on climate change. And he even offered some praise for the Clinton Foundation. On the business ties, Trump was vague about when he will wind them down and how. He suggested he intends to transfer ownership to his kids, but then he also noted that the president is immune from federal conflict-of-interest laws. "In theory I could run my business perfectly and then run the country perfectly. There's never been a case like this,"he says of his tangles  Maggie Haberman (@maggieNYT) November 22, 2016 Trump on his businesses/conflict q's: "The law's totally on my side, the president can't have a conflict of interest."  Maggie Haberman (@maggieNYT) November 22, 2016 Trump, who once declared global warming a hoax perpetrated by the Chinese, backed off his skepticism of climate change. He said he believed there is a connection to human activity and warming  but he is still undecided about how much of one. And he said he has an open mind to keeping in place the international climate agreement President Obama took a lead in negotiating, which Trump has been vowing for months to withdraw from. Tom Friedman asks if Trump will withdraw from climate change accords. Trump: Im looking at it very closely. I have an open mind to it."  Michael M. Grynbaum (@grynbaum) November 22, 2016 Trump also addressed the public re-emergence of the white supremacist movement, and how his campaign has energized those groups. He said he disavows and condemns such groups, including the neo-Nazis who gathered in Washington over the weekend. But he defended his pick of chief strategist, Stephen K. Bannon, the Breitbart News executive who boasted that his outlet is the platform for the alt-right. Trump: Ive known Steve Bannon a long time. If i thought he was a racist, or alt-rightI wouldnt even think about hiring him."  Michael M. Grynbaum (@grynbaum) November 22, 2016 Trump is asked about concerns from minority groups about Breitbart Newss coverage under Steve Bannon. His reply: pic.twitter.com/FBqCGwQpBr  Michael M. Grynbaum (@grynbaum) November 22, 2016 When the conversation turned to Hillary Clinton, Trump said he will not press law enforcement agencies to prosecute her. And he even said people could argue the Clinton Foundation has done good work. Trump is pressed if he has definitively ruled out prosecuting Hillary Clinton. Its just not something that I feel very strongly about."  Michael M. Grynbaum (@grynbaum) November 22, 2016 That last tweet was Trump making clear he doesn't favor prosecution. Added people could argue the Clinton Foundation has done "good work."  Maggie Haberman (@maggieNYT) November 22, 2016 Read More Facebook

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Ben Carson made it clear that he was too inexperienced for a Cabinet job. Now Trump says hes considering Carson for one By Evan Halper I am seriously considering Dr. Ben Carson as the head of HUD. I've gotten to know him well--he's a greatly talented person who loves people!  Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) November 22, 2016 It was only a week ago that Ben Carson had put out word that he wasnt qualified to run a federal agency, and thus had no place in Donald Trumps Cabinet. Now Trump says Carson would be the perfect person to run a federal agency. Trump tweeted on Tuesday that he is seriously considering Carson to run the Department of Housing and Urban Development. Carsons qualifications? Hes a greatly talented person who loves people! Perhaps Carson was playing hard to get last week, when one of his top advisors, Armstrong Williams, told multiple news outlets that Carson wasnt a good fit for any of the Cabinet posts. Dr. Carson feels he has no government experience; hes never run a federal agency, Williams told the Hill. Trumps tweet that Carson was at the top of his list for the HUD job was unusual for another reason. Such trial balloons are typically floated anonymously, to gauge public reaction. If its hostile, the president-elect can scrap the plan and deny it was ever something he seriously contemplated. After Trumps advisors put the media on notice Tuesday morning that they would offer no details of what Trump will discuss at his meeting with Carson, Trump went ahead and shared them with millions of people himself. Facebook

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Donald Trump may have won the election, but hes still mad at the media By Evan Halper The President-elect does not care who knows how unforgiving or vain or distracted he is, David Remnick writes. https://t.co/6vOriXjf4E  The New Yorker (@NewYorker) November 22, 2016 So much for burying the hatchet. Even victory has not diminished Donald Trumps resentment of the news media. His relations with the news outlets have gotten no better now that he has transitioned from confrontational candidate to confrontational president-elect. Trumps angry rant about the New York Times on Tuesday morning  in which he briefly canceled a meeting with the outlet  followed what was by several reports a stormy session the day before with major news networks. Television executives and journalists traveled to Trump Tower for the closed-door meeting anticipating a discussion about media access to the White House and perhaps a recalibration of the increasingly hostile relationship. Trump had something else in mind. He delivered an angry scold about the way he has been covered, complaining of unfairness even in the selection of the photos of him used during broadcasts, which, he griped, emphasized his double chin. He called the coverage outrageous and dishonest, according to a report in the New Yorker. Its unclear what Trumps intentions were. But if his goal was to chasten the media, he did not succeed. Some at the meeting described being offended and accused Trump of failing to understand the press 1st Amendment protection from government suppression. Facebook

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Aide says Trump does not want to pursue charges against Hillary Clinton By Del Quentin Wilber A top official of Donald Trumps presidential campaign on Tuesday reaffirmed signals sent by the president-elect that hes not interested in pursuing criminal charges against Hillary Clinton, despite his repeated campaign promises to prosecute the Democratic nominee over her handling of classified materials and involvement in the Clinton Foundation. Kellyanne Conway, Trumps former campaign manager, also told MSNBC that congressional Republicans should follow Trumps lead, suggesting they drop their own probes into Clinton. I think when the president-elect, whos also the head of your party, tells you before hes even inaugurated that he doesnt wish to pursue these charges, it sends a very strong message, tone, and content to the members, Conway said. Trump had promised his supporters that he would re-investigate whether Clinton broke laws while using a private email server as the nations secretary of State, even after the FBI concluded she had not. During a presidential debate, he even pledged to assign a special prosecutor to look into the matter. Despite his supporters strongly favored such an investigation -- they often erupted into chants of Lock her up! at his rallies -- Trump hinted after the election that he had changed his mind, telling 60 Minutes earlier this month that the Clintons were good people and he didnt want to hurt them. Conway said the former Democratic presidential candidate still has to face the fact that a majority of Americans dont find her to be honest or trustworthy, but she added, If Donald Trump can help her heal, then perhaps thats a good thing to do. FBI Director James B. Comey has said that Clinton was extremely careless in how she and her aides handled classified information on her private server while she served as secretary of State. But agents, he said, turned up no evidence they had intended to violate espionage laws. The Justice Department agreed with Comey and closed the inquiry. Its highly unusual for a president to tell an attorney general whether or not to investigate a potential criminal matter, especially one involving his political rival. Trumps apparent desire to drop the matter raises questions about the FBIs inquiry into the Clinton Foundation, which unlike the email probe has not been concluded. The attorney general would have some discretion whether to prosecute, said Carl Tobias, a law professor at the University of Richmond. Politically, however, its not feasible if the president really doesnt want it to happen. The FBI has not commented on the status of any investigations into the Clinton Foundation. FBI agents in New York were reportedly looking into the nonprofit and wanted permission to use more aggressive law enforcement tools to dig deeper into the organization. But they were blocked by prosecutors and top FBI officials who did not believe the investigators had developed evidence to justify such actions, according to law enforcement officials. Facebook

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One of Donald Trumps meetings might offer a clue for how he wants to replace Obamacare By Noam N. Levey Dr. James Jackson performs a physical on Matthew Shorter, 51, a Medicaid patient enrolled in the Healthy Indiana Plan, at the Heart City Health Center in Elkhart, Ind. (Zbigniew Bzdak / Chicago Tribune) Donald Trump has consistently vowed to repeal and replace Obamacare. But he has yet to explain what he intends to replace it with. His meeting schedule today might offer a clue of what he is pondering. On the agenda is a chat with Seema Verma, an architect of Indianas unusual healthcare program for the poor. Indiana is among a handful of red states that took federal aid through the Affordable Care Act to expand Medicaid eligibility to poor, childless adults. But unlike most traditional Medicaid expansions, Indiana set up a system that requires many low-income residents on the program to pay small monthly contributions for their health coverage. Conservatives, including the states governor, Vice President-elect Mike Pence, have argued that this makes poor patients take greater responsibility for their health. And healthcare advocates in Indiana generally supported the program, in large part because it was seen as the only way to expand health protections in the deeply conservative state. But cost-sharing requirements for low-income patients remains controversial, and a number of states that have experimented with it in the past stopped after concluding it was too expensive and difficult to administer. Read More Facebook

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Britain says not so fast to Trump tweet about Nigel Farage as ambassador to U.S. By Laura King Donald Trump, right, welcomes pro-Brexit British politician Nigel Farage to speak at a campaign rally in Jackson, Miss., in August. (Gerald Herbert / Associated Press) Donald Trump and Nigel Farage were always something of a love match. But cold political realities may have intervened. The U.S. president-elect tweeted late Monday that Farage, leader of a far-right British political party, would make a great British ambassador to Washington. Apparently, the British response early Tuesday could be summarized as: Er, no. There is no vacancy, the Guardian newspaper quoted a spokesman at 10 Downing St., the prime ministers official residence in London, as saying. We already have an excellent ambassador to the U.S. Farage was a wholehearted proponent of Brexit, the June referendum in which the United Kingdom voted to leave the European Union, with still unknown long-term results. The British politician traveled to the United States during the campaign to offer his support for Trump, making rally appearances to sometimes bemused crowds to promote their purported common cause. In the course of his push for the presidency, Trump declared himself Mr. Brexit, and at one point dubbed his insurgent campaign Brextit-plus-plus  an allusion to his support for a referendum across the Atlantic that was strongly colored by anti-immigrant sentiment. Farage was among the early visitors to Trump Tower following the GOP candidates unexpected victory. The two posed, grinning, in front of a bank of gold-plated elevators in the president-elects Manhattan residence. But hopes of a more formalized relationship appear to have been dashed. The Guardian quoted members of Parliament as saying Farages inflammatory views made him a poor candidate for a diplomatic post. The Reuters news agency said it would be highly unusual for an incoming foreign administration to so publicly air its pick for a diplomatic post. Trumps suggestion, it noted, provoked anger, support and even hilarity in Britain. The news agency quoted a Conservative lawmaker, Simon Burns, as joking that Britain should name its own choice for U.S. envoy to the United Kingdom: Hillary Clinton. Facebook

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Trump the president vs. Trump the businessman: Can he juggle both? By Don Lee Donald and Melania Trump greet a guest at a grand-opening ceremony last month at Trumps new hotel in Washington. (Chip Somodevilla / Getty Images) The Trump Organization spent months trying to drive off the culinary union from its Las Vegas hotel, losing one legal battle after another before a federal labor board. Soon Donald Trumps company, which has refused to bargain with the union after housekeepers and other employees voted to join last December, could gain some leverage. As president, Trump will be able to appoint two new members to the National Labor Relations Board, giving the agency a 3-2 Republican majority that could be more sympathetic to Trump. We hope that Mr. Trump doesnt use his power to interfere, considering he has a financial interest in the outcome, said Bethany Khan, spokeswoman for Culinary Workers Union Local 226. Khans concern is but one of many examples of potential conflicts of interest that could arise for Trump the president vs. Trump the businessman. His vast holdings include hotels, office buildings and golf courses, and he has licensing deals across the globe. Read More Facebook

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Donald Trump briefly cancels meeting with New York Times and complains about its nasty tone By Amy Fiscus I cancelled today's meeting with the failing @nytimes when the terms and conditions of the meeting were changed at the last moment. Not nice  Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) November 22, 2016 Donald Trump briefly canceled a meeting Tuesday with New York Times journalists, claiming that its terms were suddenly changed. The charge was made in the obfuscatory style that has come to mark Trumps tweets. He said only that the terms of the meeting were changed, not who changed them; the paper said Trump, not anyone on its side, had requested new terms after the meeting was set. NYT did not try to change ground rules. Trump did, asking for only a private meeting and no on-the-record segment, which NYT refused. https://t.co/EpmZFdDYAh  Jonathan Mahler (@jonathanmahler) November 22, 2016 The meeting was supposed to have included both a private discussion, similar to one Trump had Monday with television news network executives, and a segment where reporters were free to quote Trump by name. The Times said Trump later asked for the meeting to be fully private, a request the newspaper refused. After the cancelation gained widespread attention, spokeswomen for both Trump and the newspaper said it was back on as scheduled. Trump has done a handful of interviews since being elected, none with the Times, and has not held a news conference, as is customary for most presidents within a few days of their election. He also said the papers coverage of him had a nasty tone, without citing specifics. Its front page Wednesday included stories questioning the constitutionality of his foreign business deals and one citing concerns that the military might have too much influence over foreign policy in a Trump administration. 7:25 a.m.: This story was updated with the scheduled meeting being reinstated. Facebook

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Neo-Nazi alt-right crowd cheers the president-elect with Hail Trump By Jessica Roy A newly released video shows a room full of people doing the Hitler salute and yelling Hail Trump! after listening to a speech about white nationalism that invokes Nazi terminology. The video was taken over the weekend by a reporter for The Atlantic while working on a documentary about Richard Spencer. Spencer is the person speaking in the video. He runs the National Policy Institute, a self-described alt-right think tank that openly supports white nationalist and neo-Nazi policies. In the past, he has called for a peaceful ethnic cleansing of the United States. In the video, Spencer calls the media leftists and cucks, invoking popular alt-right insults for people they disagree with. He calls the media the Lugenpresse, which is what the original Nazi Party called the media in Germany  the lying press. We dont exploit other groups, he says, the we referring explicitly to white people. We dont gain anything from their presence. The press has clearly decided to double-down and wage war against the legitimacy of Trump and the continued existence of white America, he continues. But they are really opening up the door for us.... America was, until this past generation, a white country, designed for ourselves and our posterity. It is our creation, it is our inheritance, and it belongs to us. America was, until this past generation, a white country, designed for ourselves and our posterity. It is our creation, it is our inheritance, and it belongs to us.  Richard Spencer Members of the crowd give the Nazi salute throughout the speech. Last week, the Twitter accounts for Spencer and his think tank were suspended, along with a number of other alt-right accounts. Trumps campaign issued a statement in response to the video: President-elect Trump has continued to denounce racism of any kind and he was elected because he will be a leader for every American. To think otherwise is a complete misrepresentation of the movement that united Americans from all backgrounds. White supremacists have credited Trumps win with sparking a new interest in their movement. Facebook

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Donald Trumps first promises since winning the election leave out the border wall, NAFTA and his Muslim ban By Noah Bierman President-elect Donald Trump spent more than a year campaigning to build a border wall, repeal Obamacare and rescind President Obamas moves to protect from deportation some immigrants who came to the U.S. illegally. But in his first extensive public comments since winning the election this month, Trump mentioned none of those issues. Nor did he talk about withdrawing from the North American Free Trade Agreement, banning Muslims from entering the country, or ending the Syrian refugee program. Trump instead made five more modest promises for his first day in office during a nearly three-minute video released Monday that presented him as a more moderate figure and appeared to be an effort to soften Trumps message while he establishes an inner circle of advisors and Cabinet picks of hard-liners. In the video, Trump promises to withdraw from the massive Trans-Pacific Partnership trade deal, a potential disaster for our country, and instead pursue bilateral agreements with some of the Pacific countries involved. He promised to lift restrictions on energy production, including shale and coal, implement a rule that any new government regulation must be accompanied by removing two regulations on the books and to instruct his Joint Chiefs of Staff to develop a new cybersecurity plan. His only discussion of immigration involved the legal immigration system  a crackdown on visa fraud. Trump also said his previously announced ethics rules  barring employees in his administration from lobbying for five years after they leave the government and from lobbying for foreign governments for life  would take effect as soon as he is inaugurated. Trump vowed in the video to release more plans in the days to come. These are some of our Day 1 executive actions, spokesman Jason Miller said in an email. By no means is it everything hell work on day one or after that  many additional good things to come. Read More Facebook

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World gets glimpse of deportation plan Kris Kobach took to meeting with Trump By Colleen Shalby Kris Kobach, the Kansas secretary of state whos been tapped to join Donald Trumps immigration policy transition team, probably didnt intend for the world to see details of his plan to bar terrorists and Syrian refugees when he brought it to a meeting Monday. But thats what happened when he posed for a photo with President-elect Donald Trump outside of Trump International Golf Club in New Jersey. The document was in full unobstructed view, as Kobach apparently wasnt thinking about the power of a zoom lens. The clearest part reads: DEPARTMENT OF HOMELAND SECURITY KOBACH STRATEGIC PLAN FOR FIRST 365 DAYS Bar entry of Potential Terrorists Update and reintroduce the NSEERs screening and tracking system (National Entry-Exit Registration System) that was in place from 2002-2005. All aliens from high-risk areas are tracked. Add extreme vetting questions for high-risk aliens; question them regarding support for Sharia law, jihad, equality of men and women, the United States Constitution. Reduce intake of Syrian refugees to zero, using authority under the 1980 Refugee Act. Record Number of Criminal Aliens in the First Year Those details arent exactly new. Trump has made it clear that he intends to deport 2 million to 3 million immigrants in the country illegally who fall under his definition of criminal. And Kobach, who is behind several controversial immigration laws and was the architect behind the NSEERs system, has said previously that he will help Trump reverse President Obamas immigration policies. The Obama administration has set a second-term priority to deport migrants with criminal convictions. Since taking office, Obama has expelled more people than any other president in American history. Less legible on Kobachs document, but still visible, are mentions of its definition of criminal alien (any alien arrested for any crime, and any gang member); the phrase 386 miles of existing actual wall; the Patriot Act; and Draft Amendment to National Voter .... Its possible this line refers to the National Voter Registration Act. Kansas Senate Minority Leader Anthony Hensley criticized Kobach. Thats the height of irony if hes wanting a job in Homeland Security and youre able to see in a photograph what should be confidential information, Hensley said. Facebook

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Rolling out Obamacare was chaotic, but a repeal could be much worse By Noam N. Levey In the summer of 2013, as state and federal officials readied new insurance marketplaces created through the Affordable Care Act, millions of Americans started getting disquieting notices from their insurers. Health plans were being canceled because they didnt comply with the law, often called Obamacare. Some 4 million people were ultimately told they would lose their plans. The ensuing outrage sparked a political firestorm, seriously eroded public confidence in Obamacare and forced an embarrassed President Obama to change federal regulations so people could keep their coverage. Yet that tumultuous episode could be dwarfed by what President-elect Donald Trumps administration and its congressional allies unleash beginning next year. They plan to not only repeal the law but are contemplating changes that are significantly more far-reaching and could disrupt insurance coverage for many more Americans than did the original law. Read More Facebook

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The U.S. labor forces guy problem: Why arent more men working? By Jim Puzzanghera Inmates at San Quentin State Prison in August. (Gary Coronado / Los Angeles Times) As the recovery from the Great Recession continues, job growth is solid and the labor force is growing at close to its fastest pace since 2000 because more unemployed workers are coming off the sidelines. Still, the percentage of working-age Americans in the labor force remains stuck near its lowest level since the late 1970s. Although retiring baby boomers are the main reason, theres another troubling factor that experts predict wont be solved by stronger economic growth. Too many men in their prime dont have a job and arent even looking for one. Experts trying to figure out the reasons are probing the roles of criminal background checks, painkillers and even video games. In all, about 7 million men ages 25 to 54 are neither employed nor available for work, putting them outside the labor force. Their growing numbers worry and puzzle economists. Read More Facebook

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Obama gives strong support to Pelosi as she faces leadership fight By Christi Parsons House Minority Leader Nancy Pelosi. (J. Scott Applewhite / Associated Press) President Obama all but endorsed Nancy Pelosi to continue to lead House Democrats on Sunday, defending her as she faces a challenge to her position from restive members of the Democratic caucus. Although he is reticent to meddle in party votes while he is on the way out the door, Obama said at a news conference that he cannot speak highly enough of the first female House speaker, who has been a key ally on some of his most important work as president. She combines strong progressive values with just extraordinary political skill, and she does stuff thats tough, not just stuff thats easy, Obama said when asked whether the California Democrat should be reelected to her position. Obama made his remarks during a news conference in Lima, Peru, where he was wrapping up a summit meeting with Asian and Pacific leaders. Some of Pelosis decisions have been unpopular, even with voters in her San Francisco district, he said, but she has done them anyway because its the right thing to do for the American people. Pelosi faces a challenge from Rep. Tim Ryan of Ohio, a seven-term member of the House. Perhaps the most notable example of her support for Obamas agenda was Pelosis steadfast support for the Affordable Care Act, which likely cost some Democrats their seats in Congress in the midterm election when Republicans took over the chamber. In offering advice to fellow Democrats, though, 
Is anyone surprised that Israels parliament is seeking to legalize thousands of homes built without authorization by settlers on privately owned land in the occupied West Bank? They shouldnt be. The ex-post-facto approval is in line with 50 years of settlement building and expansion, which have continued steadily since the Six Day War under governments of both the right and the left.

The current bill, sponsored by Naftali Bennett, leader of the conservative Jewish Home party, has received preliminary approval in the Knesset  but should be rejected when it comes back to the floor. The retroactive legalization of illegal homes for Israelis on Palestinian-owned land threatens the viability of the two-state solution, which admittedly is nearly moribund but which remains the only realistic hope for peace. As Israel continues to transform the map of the West Bank by changing the facts on the ground, the conflict becomes increasingly difficult to unwind. The latest bill is a distressing development.

Israel already has laws on the books to deal with excessive noise  laws which set objective standards... Perhaps it should enforce those.

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But it is a predictable one. Thats why it was just as disturbing in some ways to learn this week that the Israeli parliament is moving forward on what is known as the muezzin bill. The muezzin is the person at a mosque who recites the call to prayer. The muezzins chant, generally broadcast over a loudspeaker from the mosques minaret, is a familiar sound throughout the Islamic world, from the giant mosques of Cairo, Istanbul and Baghdad to the smaller ones in towns and villages in every Arab country. It is a haunting, centuries-old symbol of Islam.

The call to prayer can also be loud and, no doubt, annoying. It occurs five times a day, including a first call before dawn. Under the muezzin bill, backed by Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and endorsed by his cabinet, the government would be allowed to ban the use of loudspeakers at mosques in Israel (and at other houses of worship, although no one has identified a problem at synagogues or churches).

According to the bills supporters, the goal is not to trample on the rights of Palestinians, insult Islam or Judaize mixed cities, but to prevent peoples sleep from being disturbed, as one Knesset member put it. Jews who choose to live close to Arab neighborhoods have complained for years about the noise, the bills proponents say, yet Israeli authorities have not tried to enforce existing noise pollution statutes against mosques.

About 20% of people living in Israel are Arabs, and 83% of the Arabs are Muslim.

On the one hand, the damage done by this bill would be more symbolic than substantive. After all, several European countries have already taken steps to restrict the call to prayer. Governments are expected to balance the respective rights of all the people in a community.

Yet its easy to see this will not end happily. Instead of trying to work out a reasonable, mutually agreeable modus vivendi in mixed-population cities like Jerusalem and Haifa and Lod, the Knesset is poised to adopt a harsh and provocative approach that will deepen the conflict. Its obviously difficult to avoid creating bad feeling when one communitys fundamental and centuries-old religious practice is dismissed by its neighbors as noise pollution. Especially when those neighbors hold the overwhelming share of political power.

Besides, Israel already has laws on the books to deal with excessive noise  laws which set objective standards that can be applied across the board to restrict high-decibel factories, loud nighttime revelers and other such irritants. Perhaps it should enforce those rather than creating a law authorizing an out-and-out ban on loudspeakers that is specifically targeted (despite some thinly veiled language to the contrary) at Muslims and their mosques.

Sadly, sensitivity and compromise are not in vogue in the region these days. Instead, Palestinians stab Jews on the streets, teach resentment and propaganda to their children, lob rockets over the Gaza border. Israelis respond with settlements, walls, harassment, arrests. All in all, the prospects for peaceful co-existence are dimming.

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President-elect Donald Trump has announced his first appointments, and anyone who hoped that he would reach out to more mainstream voices in his party  or make a gesture to the majority of voters who didnt support him  will be deeply disappointed. Trump campaigned on a platform of hostility toward immigrants and Muslims and portrayed his Democratic opponent as a criminal; the three appointees announced Friday share some or all of those noxious views.

Trump promised to change Washington, so it would be foolish to expect him to fill the executive branch with seasoned establishment figures. Nevertheless, he has promised to be the president for all Americans, and his appointments should reflect that.



For the record: The original version of this editorial suggested that waterboarding is prohibited only by an executive order by President Obama. Congress included a similar prohibition in legislation authorizing national defense programs.

Retired Gen. Michael Flynn, Trumps choice as national security advisor  a post that doesnt require Senate confirmation  has been if anything more insulting to Muslims than the president he will advise. In February, Flynn, a former defense intelligence chief in the Obama administration who shares Trumps fondness for Twitter, tweeted a YouTube video listing bombings committed by Muslims with the title Fear of Muslims is RATIONAL. He has reportedly referred to the Islamic faith as a cancer and a political ideology.

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No one expects a Trump Justice Department to have the same policy priorities as Obamas, but lax enforcement of civil rights laws isnt an option.

Flynn also has served Trump with a rabid partisanship that has bewildered his former colleagues in the military. In a speech at the Republican National Convention endorsing Trump, a manic Flynn incited delegates who were calling for Hillary Clintons imprisonment. Yeah, thats right, Flynn told them. Lock her up.

Sen. Jeff Sessions of Alabama, Trumps choice for attorney general, was an early supporter of Trumps campaign and, not coincidentally, has relentlessly opposed legislation that would provide a path to citizenship for immigrants living in the country illegally. More problematic is that Sessions led the charge against a rational and bipartisan immigration reform bill.

Sessions also is a troubling choice for those who expect the Justice Department to be vigilant about the protection of the civil rights of racial minorities. Thirty years ago the Senate Judiciary Committee rejected his nomination for a federal judgeship after allegations (which he denied) that he made racist remarks. On Friday the president of the NAACP Legal Defense and Educational Fund said that Sessions had a decades-long record . . . of opposing civil rights and equality.

To head the Central Intelligence Agency, Trump tapped Rep. Mike Pompeo of Kansas, a caustic critic of Hillary Clinton in connection with the deaths of four Americans in Benghazi  a partisan and disingenuous line of attack. Pompeo has also lamented the closure of secret CIA prisons overseas and opposed the Iran nuclear agreement, a deal that may not be perfect but is far better than the alternatives. On Thursday he tweeted: I look forward to rolling back this disastrous deal with the worlds largest state sponsor of terrorism. President Obama and many foreign-policy experts are trying to convince the president-elect not to follow through with his campaign promise to renegotiate the agreement.

The Flynn appointment is a fait accompli, but the Senate has an obligation to scrutinize the Sessions and Pompeo nominations to ensure that both appointees would abide by the law as written by Congress and not just indulge the whims of a willful president.

In Sessions case, he must overcome widespread skepticism about whether he is committed to use the power of the federal government to protect the rights of minorities, including the right to vote. No one expects a Trump Justice Department to have the same policy priorities as an Obama Justice Department, but lax enforcement of civil rights laws is not an option. If the Senate isnt satisfied that Sessions will enforce the law, it should withhold its approval.

Given Trumps comments on the campaign trail that he would bring back a hell of a lot worse than waterboarding, Pompeo should be asked whether he would insist that the CIA refrain from that practice  deemed a form of torture by the International Red Cross  and other so-called enhanced interrogation techniques employed during the George W. Bush administration. He should be asked specifically whether he would recommend that the Trump administration continue to abide by a 2009 executive order in which Obama directed that interrogators for the CIA (and every other agency) abide by Common Article 3 of the Geneva Conventions and the Army Field Manual. His previous comments on the issue suggest otherwise, which is alarming.

The president-elect has many more appointments to make, and its possible that they will move the administration in a more inclusive direction. We especially hope that Trumps choices to head the State and Defense Departments will be able to counter Flynns influence with Trump, especially when it comes to relations with the Muslim world. But so far the Trump administration is looking less like a Lincoln-esque team of rivals than an echo chamber.
In 2003, it was the Iraq war. In 2008, it was the financial collapse. Now, its the election of Donald Trump that has blindsided the press. Three times in 13 years, American journalism has suffered a massive institutional failure. In contrast to the earlier cases, journalists this time are engaging in anguished soul-searching. The fact that these debacles keep recurring, however, suggests the existence of deep structural problems, which, if not fixed, ensure more of the same.

Of those problems, two stand out. One is the pack mentality. For a profession that prides itself on its independence, journalists are a remarkably conformist lot, reluctant to stray too far from what their peers are saying. In the months before the Iraq invasion, they froze out dissenting voices. During the Wall Street boom, they hailed bankers and industry titans. During the recent presidential campaign, they became one big anti-Trump echo chamber.

The pack mentality is most evident on the nations editorial and op-ed pages. Reading them during the campaign, I was astonished at their near-unanimous condemnation of Trump and hostility to his supporters. At the New York Times, it was not uncommon to find two or three pieces on the same day denouncing him for his bigotry and ignorance. The columnists at the Washington Post, while more ideologically diverse than those at the Times, were no less uniform, with conservatives such as Jennifer Rubin and George Will sometimes outshouting their liberal peers. Personally, I agreed with much of what they said, but as a reader I became disgusted with the mind-numbing monotony and lack of alternative voices.

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Newspaper columnists have become like Supreme Court justices, enjoying virtual lifetime tenure. Its time for a thorough housecleaning.

Which brings me to the second fundamental problem: elitism. In the days since the election, the insularity of the national news media has received much attention, with journalists coming forth to confess their out-of-touchness. My favorite sackcloth-and-ashes performance was by Fareed Zakaria, who said on CNN that he was so surprised at the size of the rural working-class vote that he decided to talk to my friends who work in that world. From them, he learned that the post-industrial revolution has left many behind. Looking at the employment numbers, he found that while 8.5 million college graduates have gotten jobs since 2008, only 80,000 with high school diplomas have. This was stunning news to him.

What most struck me about these mea culpa segments was how many featured members of the elite interviewing other members of the elite about the mood in middle America. On Morning Joe, for instance, Joe Scarborough and Mika Brzezinski discussed the state of the Upper Midwest with such Acela-corridor regulars as Mike Barnicle, Michael Steele, John Podhoretz of the New York Post and Sam Stein of the Huffington Post. Your tweets during the campaign were priceless, Brzezinski told Stein. I didnt even know you followed me, said Stein, brightening. Brzezinski did not ask him about the Huffington Posts presidential forecast, which put the chances of a Hillary Clinton victory at 98%.

Morning Joe did have on one representative from middle America: J. D. Vance. The author of Hillbilly Elegy, a memoir about his journey from an addiction-torn Appalachian family to Yale Law School, Vance was for months a fixture on Sunday talk shows. He became a sort of national oracle, speaking on behalf of tens of millions of overlooked Americans. On CNN the day after the election, he patiently described the world of the coastal meritocracy and its flyover attitude toward the rest of the country. But Vance (who now works at a Silicon Valley investment firm) confessed that he, too, had been surprised at Trumps victory, making him realize that he himself had become part of the bubble.

In the wake of the election, reporters have flocked to the nations diners, interviewing Trump voters over eggs and toast. Many enlightening pieces have resulted. CNN profiled Florida Latinos who voted for Trump. The World interviewed the mayor of Monesson, Pa., who explained why so many residents in that struggling steel town went Republican. The Washington Post ran an op-ed headlined, Im a Muslim, a woman and an immigrant. I voted for Trump. At the end of the piece appeared this statement: Did you vote for Donald Trump? Tell us why. So, after months of chorus-like condemnations of Trump, the Posts editors finally decided to seek out alternative opinions.

In their defense, editors and reporters have pointed out that many solid on-the-ground stories about middle America did appear during the campaign. Theyre right (and certainly newspapers did a much better job in this regard than TV). Why, then, did those stories have so little impact? To an extent, they were drowned out by the flood of anti-Trump vitriol on the opinion pages. Similarly, the polls were so unrelenting and mesmerizing that they affected the reporting itself.

Trip Gabriel of the New York Times spent a year in Iowa covering the primaries there. Looking back over his stories, I found them consumed with polls, focus groups, caucus rules and the ground game; rarely did he break away from the campaign to cover Iowa itself. In one Times Insider report, Gabriel wrote that he was chosen for the assignment by an editor who said to him: You seem a little Midwestern. Im sure youll fit in. In fact, he wrote, he had never lived anywhere between the Hudson River and the Rocky Mountains. He nonetheless decided to embrace the difference, or, in the slogan of the Exile brew pub here, `Enjoy your Exile.

Exile: That says a lot about the attitude national journalists have toward the hinterland. Since Nov. 8, editors have universally agreed on the need to send more reporters to middle America. But dispatching brownstone-dwelling urbanites to the nations midsection is like having Western anthropologists study the natives of Samoa. Rather than send out journalists to report on the other America, why not bring the other America into newsrooms? News organizations could hire people with roots in the Rust Belt and the Bible Belt, the Muslim and evangelical worlds, who could report on their communities from a non-exile perspective.

Michael Moore, who in July predicted a Trump victory (based on his knowledge of his home state, Michigan), has proposed a more radical solution: Fire all pundits, predictors, pollsters and anyone else in the media who had a narrative they wouldnt let go of and refused to listen to or acknowledge what was really going on. Thats impractical; it would leave the nations newsrooms half empty. Some dramatic action is needed, however. The nations editorial pages routinely decry the fact that that none of the bankers responsible for the Great Recession has been held to account. Surely its time for national news organizations to be held accountable for their own substandard performances. A good place to begin would be with pundits. Newspaper columnists have become like Supreme Court justices, enjoying virtual lifetime tenure. Its time for a thorough housecleaning.

Im not optimistic, though. The mea culpas are already fading, and the fit that journalists threw on Tuesday when Trump ditched the press pool to dine at the 21 Club shows a troubling level of self-absorption. If the lessons of this fiasco are not learned, it wont be long until the next one.

Michael Massing is a frequent contributor to The New York Review of Books and the author of Now They Tell Us: The American Press and Iraq.

Follow the Opinion section on Twitter @latimesopinion or Facebook

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California Democrats ask Obama to pardon nearly 750,000 Dreamers, but White House says it wouldnt work

The members of Congress who persuaded President Obama to grant temporary legal status to hundreds of thousands of immigrants brought into the country illegally as children are now asking him to use a pardon to prevent those immigrants from being deported by President-elect Donald Trump.

The White House, however, promptly batted down the idea.

Reps. Zoe Lofgren (D-San Jose), Lucille Roybal-Allard (D-Downey) and Luis Gutierrez (D-Ill.) sent a letter to Obama on Thursday asking him to use his pardon authority to forgive the past and future civil immigration offenses of the nearly 750,000 people granted deportation deferrals under the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals, or DACA, program.

They believe that would keep those people from being deported, and even though it would leave them in legal limbo without work permits or visas, they could more easily apply for legal status from within the U.S. without immigration offenses on their records.

They wouldnt have a piece of paper, they wouldnt have work authorization, but they wouldnt have to be living in fear every moment of their lives about deportation, Lofgren said after a news conference Thursday.

Lofgren, a former immigration attorney, said the pardons would probably be applied to the civil offenses related to entering and remaining in the country without authorization.

But whether a pardon would actually be applicable in the so-called Dreamers situation is unclear. Lawyers disagree over whether the immigrants could be pardoned for civil crimes they havent been formally accused of, and whether such a pardon would actually prevent them from being deported while they seek legal status.

A White House official signaled late Thursday that the administration was not considering a pardon for those registered under DACA because it believes a pardon would not allow them legal status.

We note that the clemency power could not give legal status to any undocumented individual. As we have repeatedly said for years, only Congress can create legal status for undocumented individuals, an administration official said.

After immigration reform efforts stalled in Congress during Obamas first term, the Congressional Hispanic Caucus pressured Obama to act independently to protect from deportation certain immigrants brought into the country illegally when they were children. He then used an executive order to create the DACA program in 2012.

The Dreamers, one in three of whom are estimated to live in California, gave the Department of Homeland Security their fingerprints, home addresses and other information to undergo background checks that allowed them to defer deportation under DACA.

At the time, advocates and the administration emphasized that providing the information would protect the Dreamers and was worth the risk. But with Trump vowing to deport millions of people who are in the country illegally and many fearing he may let the DACA program expire, Dreamers are worried the information they provided will be used to deport them.

Rep. Judy Chu (D-Monterey Park), whose husband is an immigration attorney, said at the news conference she has been getting a flood of messages from frightened Dreamers. On Tuesday she sent a letter to Obama asking him to keep their information from the Trump administration.

We promised these recipients security, and now they are facing a nightmare, she said.

Roybal-Allard said those who pushed Obama to create the program and persuaded people to come out of the shadows to register with the government have an obligation to protect them.

These are kids. We feel a sense of responsibility. We went out into our districts and we talked to the Dreamers, and they asked us, Is it really OK for us to do this? Roybal-Allard said. And we said, No, dont worry, you need to come forward. Now we are in a situation where all that we said, in fact, could possibly be reversed.

Although the presidents pardon power is normally used for individual cases, there is some precedent for the chief executive to pardon a large group of people.

President Jimmy Carter pardoned half a million Vietnam War draft evaders in 1977, and at least seven other presidents have issued broad pardons.

Congress and the Supreme Court cannot undo a presidential pardon, nor can a new president.

Lofgren said if Obama doesnt pardon the Dreamers, she hopes he responds with his own idea to help them.

These young people are not alone, they are not going to be abandoned by us, she said.

UPDATES

4:59 p.m. This post was updated with additional details throughout.

2:15 p.m. This post was updated with the White Houses response to the proposal.

This post was originally published at 11:30 a.m.
President of Ukraine Petro Poroshenko has signed the law on exempting charitable activity carried out by religious organizations from taxes.

The press service of the Cabinet of Ministers noted Poroshenko signed amendments to the Tax Code of Ukraine concerning exemption from taxes of non-profit (charitable) activities, including humanitarian aid, charity, philanthropy, etc., activities carried out by religious organizations.

According to the report, the ceremony of signing the law passed within the meeting of the president and Prime Minister Volodymyr Groysman with representatives of the All-Ukrainian Council of Churches and Religious Organizations.
President Obama left Europe on Friday urging U.S. allies to keep their relationships strong  and to keep an open mind about President-elect Donald Trump.

In his final meeting as president with five key European allies, Obama praised the importance of NATO and other multilateral organizations, predicting that they will improve the quality of life for member nations even at a moment of great change.

Obama urged the leaders of Germany, France, Italy, Spain and Great Britain to keep on seeking solutions to common challenges with the incoming U.S. administration, on the basis of the core values that define the United States and Europe as open democracies, according to a White House statement.

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Shortly after the meeting, Obama boarded Air Force One for a flight to Lima, Peru, for a summit of Pacific nations.

While in Europe for the past three days, Obama tried to assuage concerns of German Chancellor Angela Merkel, who has been cautious in expressing intent to work with Trump. After a day of meetings with Obama on Thursday, she told reporters that she planned to cooperate with the president-elect on the basis of shared values, including respect for the rule of law and the dignity of all people.

In the larger European gathering on Friday, other leaders also spoke of their worries, according to a senior administration official, including grave concern about the humanitarian situation in rebel-controlled Aleppo, Syria, where months of government bombings have killed hundreds of civilians. They were in agreement that Syrian President Bashar Assad should stop attacks against his own people in that city, and that Assads backers in Russia and Iran should pull back, as well.

European diplomats are worried about whether Trump will stand with them in that resolve or instead yield to the plans of Russian President Vladimir Putin, for whom Trump showed some affinity during the presidential campaign. After Trumps election, Assad mused that Trump might be a natural ally in his fight against forces that oppose him.

The leaders also agreed that they should keep sanctions in place against Russia until Putin pulls back on his aggressive moves in neighboring Ukraine. It is not yet clear whether Trump intends to keep the pressure on Putin for that invasion.

An honor guard saw Obama off on his sixth and final presidential departure from Germany. He walked down a red carpet to his plane and set out for Peru, his final foreign summit as president.

Christi.Parsons@latimes.com

Follow @cparsons for news about the White House.

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President Obama and German Chancellor Angela Merkel jointly admonished President-elect Donald Trump to take seriously his new responsibilities on the world stage  staging an extraordinary scene in which the outgoing president and the leader of the countrys most powerful European ally expressed concern over the newly elected presidents approach to the world.

As Trump prepares to take over the White House, Obama has told Merkel he is worried about whether his successor will stand up to Russian President Vladimir Putin as tensions escalate between Russia and the West.

Merkel has questions about what the new administration might mean for economic and national security issues, the victims of Syrias civil war  Trump has said he wants to keep its refugees out of the U.S.  and the fate of shared values such as the rule of law and human rights.

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Together, their message was unmistakable: Too much is at stake for Trump not to take office with serious intent and an understanding of the consequences of his foreign policy.

He ran an unconventional campaign, Obama said in a news conference here Thursday alongside Merkel. He now has to transition to governance.

What may work in generating enthusiasm or passion during elections may be different from what will work in terms of unifying the country, he said, adding that the extraordinary demands that are placed on the United States  that forces you to focus.

And if youre not serious about the job, then you probably wont be there very long.

Merkel was more circumspect but expressed clear concern about the possibility that a new administration might fail to stand up to Russian efforts to subvert its neighbors.

For over 70 years we have been able to enjoy peace, she said. To live in peace very much depends on territorial integrity and sovereignty of each and every European country being respected. In view of European history, the reverse would be the start of a very bitter road down a slippery slope, and we have to nip this in the bud.

They say that they hope for the best, that Trumps most outlandish campaign trail utterances will fade as he moves on to new responsibilities. But their warnings were aimed at a president-elect who has taken a scattershot approach to foreign affairs, raising eyebrows if not outright violating diplomatic protocol with some of his moves.

Obama ticked off a number of complicated problems  Syria, Islamic State, climate, refugees  and repeatedly said that taking a multinational approach was the only path toward a solution. It was a stark contrast to Trumps campaign pledges to tighten U.S. borders and to pull back on longstanding agreements such as the NATO alliance unless other countries pay their fair share.

Obamas chief foreign policy concern, however, was how Trump would deal with Russia. Obama blamed the nation for cyberattacks during the U.S. election, and his administration has also called for an investigation into Russias bombardment of civilians in Syria, where it has provided military assistance to President Bashar Assad. Moscow has said that the U.S. has failed to live up to its agreement to fight terrorism in Syria.

My hope is that he does not simply take a realpolitik approach and suggest that, you know, if we just cut some deals with Russia, even if it hurts people or even if it violates international norms, or even if it leaves smaller countries vulnerable or creates long-term problems in regions like Syria, that we just do whatever is convenient, Obama said of Trump.

Of particular concern in Europe is Russian aggression in the Baltics following its annexation of Crimea from Ukraine.

Our conflict with Russia is not just about Ukraine, but also about preserving the international norms, treaties, and laws that have governed behaviors between states since the end of the World War II, said Michael McFaul, political science professor at Stanford University and Obamas former senior Russia advisor. To abandon those principles would have long-term, negative implications for international stability. Obama understands these high stakes.

Merkel has told reporters that she would cooperate with Trump on the basis of respect for the rule of law and human dignity.

We cannot stand alone, she said Thursday. You cannot, when you just stand on your own, achieve much even though you may be economically strong, she said, saying that populists like Trump are preaching unfriendly policies.

Obamas trip took on new dimensions after Trumps election.

With Trumps intentions unclear on several fronts, Obamas final visit to Berlin offered him a moment to hand over leadership to Merkel of the Western liberal world view.

A scientist who grew up in the former East Germany, the dispassionate Merkel is now the world leader with the greatest affinity for Obama. She showered him with praise for their very close, very intensive cooperation during his last trip abroad as president and came near to tears as he all but endorsed her for a fourth term as German chancellor. She has not said whether shell run.

Her country is a leader on the continent already, having accepted millions of refugees from Syria and elsewhere in recent years in the biggest global humanitarian crisis since World War II and before that, leading the austerity effort to fight the economic crisis.

On Friday, Obama and Merkel plan to draw the leaders of France, Britain, Spain and Italy into the conversation about the future of Europe and their shared global agenda.

Even as Merkel expresses concern about Trump, though, other leaders are heartened by his popular appeal and plain-spoken manner. British leaders were proactive in reaching out to Trump, said Nile Gardiner, a Europe specialist with the conservative Heritage Foundation think tank. Poland and Hungary are also likely to warm to Trumps disdain for elitists and attention to economic concerns.

Trumps approach is very different from that of any previous U.S. president, Gardiner said. President Trump is far less likely to cultivate ties with the European Union. His focus will be more upon working with nation states, and individual European leaders, than collaboration with the Euro elites in Brussels.

Still, a priority for Germany and other major U.S. allies is NATO, the 67-year-old transatlantic military alliance. Trump was critical of NATO during the campaign, threatening to leave it should other countries fail to pay their share. But after their Oval Office meeting two days after his election, Obama said Trump indicated he was devoted to the longstanding U.S. commitment.

While Obama is reticent to represent Trumps point of view too strongly, according to aides, he emphasized that one affirmative statement after his sit-down with Merkel.

I am encouraged by the president-elects insistence that NATO is a commitment that does not change, Obama said.

If Obama and Merkel are hoping to persuade Trump, their first step is to mute their criticism.

After their meeting at the chancellery, Merkel emerged declaring that European leaders understood the message about the importance of transatlantic allies stepping up their engagement and correcting the imbalance in contributions to NATO.

Christi.Parsons@latimes.com

Follow @cparsons for news about the White House.

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In the early morning hours after Donald Trump became president-elect of the United States, California Senate leader Kevin de Leon and Assembly Speaker Anthony Rendon were on the phone grappling with what comes next.

Trumps upset victory left the two Democrats reeling. They saw the incoming administration as an existential threat to the progressive work they accomplished in the nations most populous state. By midday Wednesday, they released a combative statement vowing to defend those strides.

We are not going to allow one election to reverse generations of progress, they said.

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Other California leaders rushed to join Rendon and De Leon in setting up the state as a liberal counterweight to Trump, laying the groundwork for four years of battles with Washington.

Now, the circumstance in which California finds itself recalls that of a perennial rival: Texas playing the role of chief antagonist to President Obama.

That brand of resistance  a barrage of lawsuits seeking to stymie Obamas priorities, and an elevation of state identity over a national one  may be a model, albeit an imperfect one, for California leaders wondering where the state fits into Trumps America. But taking a pugnacious posture would be relatively out of character for a state that in recent times has not tended to view federal power with hostility.

I think its important to think about what California will do if this is a systematic and deeply conservative administration, pushing it in directions it doesnt want to go, said Cal Jillson, a political analyst and professor at Southern Methodist University. Taking a lesson from Texas and learning from the Texas strategy when it feels it is going the wrong way could be wise.

Trumps victory immediately put California in a defensive crouch, as leaders took stock of policies that could be threatened under a new administration. A repeal of the Affordable Care Act could put in jeopardy the states dramatic rise in residents with coverage. The unprecedented rights extended to immigrants in the country illegally  including deportation relief  is at odds with the president-elects vow to crack down on so-called sanctuary cities.

The vast intersection of state and federal policy on healthcare, welfare programs and the environment means the Trump administrations influence could reverberate throughout California.

Concern over the possible repercussions was particularly acute for Rendon and De Leon, who as Latinos saw Trumps win as a personal affront and a danger to the constituents of their immigrant-dense Los Angeles districts.

These are the big questions that are on the table, De Leon said in an interview. Will there be draconian cuts that impact lunches for senior citizens? That impact quality childcare for single mothers? There are a lot of things that folks have not considered.

Gov. Jerry Brown, who had joked before the election that California may need a wall built around it in the event of a Trump win, emphasized unity in his first public comments on the election results  complete with a nod to President Abraham Lincoln.

Promising that California will strive to find common ground wherever possible, he also pointedly vowed to protect the precious rights of our people and to continue to work to combat climate change, which the incoming president has called a hoax.

Other Democratic leaders have struck a more strident note. Secretary of State Alex Padilla lambasted Trump advisors Steve Bannon and Kris Kobach as direct threats to American liberty, multiculturalism and equal opportunity. California Lt. Gov. Gavin Newsom on Thursday called for state-funded colleges and universities to commit to being sanctuary campuses to shield students without legal status from deportation.

Rendon said in an interview he was not necessarily spoiling for a fight with the new administration, but relished the prospect of guarding existing state policies.

If the president tries to inhibit what weve been trying to do, Im more than happy to be antagonistic toward him, he said. I would welcome that.

Analysis: For reeling Democrats, now what? 

The Assembly speaker also said hes been ruminating on what it means to be an American versus what it means to be a Californian.

One presidential election cannot erase our values, ideals, and diversity as a nation  but only if we come together and FIGHT.  Kamala Harris (@KamalaHarris) November 17, 2016

The telling distinction echoes the robust sense of identity in Texas, which is heavily invested in its own origin tale as an independent republic skeptical of government overreach.

Former Texas Gov. Rick Perry famously mused on the prospect of seceding from the nation, although he never endorsed the possibility. In the wake of Trumps win, a movement for a California secession  termed Calexit  enjoyed a burst of publicity.

Just as Californians swiftly signaled opposition to the incoming Trump administration, Texans were once quick to disagree with President Obama.

Republican officials in the Lone Star State took a hard anti-Washington, anti-federal government stance soon after Obama entered office. They blocked polices from what they called an overbearing federal government, unfunded mandates and burdensome regulations, using litigation, legislation and actions by state executive agencies.

It was not uncommon for state officials whose duties were not directly affected by the Obama initiatives to chime in, creating a chorus of opposition.

Leticia Van de Putte, a Democrat and former Texas representative, called it the distrustful loyal playbook.

It was all sue, stall or absolutely refuse to have the conversation, Van de Putte said.

Among the most useful tools was the court system: The state of Texas sued the Obama administration more than 45 times on healthcare, immigration, climate change and transgender bathroom policies, among other issues.

Former Texas Atty. Gen. Greg Abbott filed more than 30 of those lawsuits, and boasted about it on the campaign trail for governor.

I go into the office, I sue the federal government and I go home, he told the Associated Press.

From day one, Greg Abbott started filing lawsuits, recalled Gilberto Hinojosa, chair of the Texas Democratic party. He was not always very successful, but in some areas he was.

The legal challenges often tested when federal laws preempt state laws and the limits of executive power.

The most recent success came this year, when a split U.S. Supreme Court halted an executive order from Obama that would have granted permanent legal status to millions of immigrants brought into the country as children. Texas also made strides against regulations over air quality, greenhouse gases and carbon emissions from power plants.

Texas Atty. Gen. Greg Abbott has been elected governor. (David J. Phillip / Associated Press )

Abbott and Republican leaders billed themselves as defending the rights of Texans and opposed the government at every turn, mobilizing a coalition of Republican attorneys general in other states to oppose the Obama administration.

Earlier this year, in an attempt to fuel a national debate over states rights, Abbott also called for a constitutional convention to diminish the federal governments power over economic regulation and other issues.

It didnt really catch fire, and now with a Republican administration those words will never cross his lips ever again, said Bill Miller, a Republican political consultant in Texas.

But if California seeks to emulate the Texas strategy, which the GOP used successfully to rally its base, Miller said, it must follow a litigation model. It is going to be a legal fight, and you need to do it consistently throughout the presidency, he said.

With much of the battle waged in the courts, the extent of Californias combativeness will be determined by who will be the states next attorney general. Under Atty. Gen. Kamala Harris, the newly elected U.S. senator, the state Department of Justice is currently analyzing how Trump may impact California in immigration, civil rights, healthcare, the environment and consumer protections.

De Leon has urged the governor, who has the authority to appoint Harris successor, to pick a new attorney general that will aggressively protect existing state policies. A spokesman for Brown has said the goal of finding the best possible candidate has not changed with the election results.

The state Senate also plans to hire its own outside counsel for guidance on how to fend off unfriendly directives from Trump, according to a legislative source.

But whether California can follow the Texas playbook and lead a mass resistance against the federal government remains to be seen.

Texas approach has been to challenge the federal government so that Texas can go its own way, said Case Western Reserve University law professor Jonathan Adler. What will be interesting to watch is whether California will be seeking to go its own way, or whether California will be seeking to reorientate or guide the policies of the nation.

jazmine.ulloa@latimes.com

melanie.mason@latimes.com

@jazmineulloa

@melmason

ALSO:

Gov. Jerry Brown warns Trump that California wont back down on climate change

Democrat Kamala Harris will soon join a Republican-controlled Senate. Heres where she sees common ground

Californias legislative leaders on Trumps win: We woke up feeling like strangers in a foreign land

Were called redneck, ignorant, racist. Thats not true: Trump supporters explain why they voted for him

Updates on California politics
A lot happened in Campaign 2016 that no one expected  starting with its ending, the election of Donald Trump.

So, what have we learned? Here are five lessons.

Good afternoon, Im David Lauter, Washington bureau chief. Welcome to the Friday edition of our Essential Politics newsletter, in which we look at the events of the week in the presidential campaign and highlight some particularly insightful stories.

Advertisement

POLITICS IN A 50/50 NATION

Weve had five elections this century (yes, technically, 2000 was the last year of the 20th century, but lets not be pedants). The contests of 2004 and 2008 were decisive, but pointed in opposite directions; the other three were essentially coin-toss victories.

Since the Civil War, American politics has never had such a prolonged period of an even split between deeply divided parties. The polarization of our politics has reached record levels, but neither side has managed to gain a permanent advantage.

Instead, each side has followed a similar pattern: Win, try to force through the program you favor over the objections of the other side, suffer a backlash.

Will the new Trump administration now follow suit?

Does an alternative path even exist? After all, a political party that came to power and didnt try to enact the program favored by its voters wouldnt be worth much. Nor would a party that quietly acquiesced in policies its supporters find abhorrent.

Whether Trump, who ran a campaign that defied the rules, can find a path forward to break the 50/50 deadlock will be among the most consequential questions of the next year.

PARTISANSHIP MATTERS BIGLY

Up until the end, Hillary Clintons campaign poured resources into trying to peel Republican voters away from Trump. They had powerful allies  the GOPs last two presidential nominees and its last two presidents all refused to endorse their nominee, so did a host of prominent former officials, especially in the national security realm.

It didnt matter.

Clinton did win a few big, suburban counties that Republicans have carried in the past, but not enough to carry additional states.

In the end, Trump and Clinton each won about 90% of the votes of those who identified with their parties, according to the exit poll. Support collapsed for Gary Johnson, the Libertarian nominee, whose campaign served for a while as a parking spot for Republicans unwilling to back Trump. The president-elect seems to have benefited from that drop.

Many Democrats blame FBI Director James Comey, saying his last-minute interventions inflamed partisan feelings against Clinton. They may be right, but its also possible that partisans would have come back to their usual home anyway  they typically do.

In either case, this election served as the ultimate test case for the power of partisanship. In the highly polarized politics of America today, nothing matters as much as the D or R after a candidates name.

Indeed, assuming that Republicans hold the Senate seat in Louisiana  they are expected to win next months runoff  we will have had the first election ever since the 17th Amendment mandated popular election of senators in which not a single state voted for one party for president and the other for Senate. Never has ticket-splitting been at such a low.

As a result, mobilizing partisans matters more to candidates than persuading elusive swing voters. If Trumps election proved nothing else, its that.

DEMOGRAPHICS ARENT DESTINY

Democrats spent the last eight years telling themselves that a demographic wave of younger, more racially and ethnically diverse voters would give them a lasting hold on political power. Lots of Republicans worried about that too.

They were wrong.

Part of the reason they erred is that the country still has a disproportionate number of white voters. The SurveyMonkey national post-election poll indicated that whites made up about 75% of this years electorate  up slightly from four years ago and a much larger share than the white percentage of the adult population. White voters who did not graduate from college made up 47% of voters, SurveyMonkey found.

(The exit poll done for the television networks and the Associated Press indicated a lower figure for white votes and for non-college-educated white voters in particular, but the SurveyMonkey number corresponds better with the actual election returns).

An upsurge of white voters in non-urban counties clinched Trumps victories in Florida, Wisconsin, Ohio and Pennsylvania, delivering the White House to him.

That highlights a persistent problem for Democrats: Their reliance on younger, less affluent voters gives them a constant challenge with turnout.

In the aftermath of the election, many Democrats have blamed Clinton for not inspiring a larger vote among core Democratic constituencies, especially African Americans and young people. But the problem for the party goes beyond her  Democrats also suffered from big turnout drops in the 2010 and 2014 mid-term elections.

A party that can only sporadically get its supporters to the polls is always going to face a disadvantage.

BUT DEMOGRAPHIC TRENDS ARENT MEANINGLESS

Republicans shouldnt get too giddy over their success: Clinton will have won about 2 million more votes than Trump once the counting finishes, and four years from now, the demographic trends favoring Democrats will be even bigger.

Demographics alone wont deliver the White House or Congress to the Democrats. But if Republicans continue to push away non-white and urban voters, they will be making their future more and more tenuous.

Politics in the past several years has resembled a race in which the GOP tries to outrun a rising tide. It failed in 2012 and narrowly succeeded this year  winning key states by a few tens of thousands of votes out of roughly 135 million cast nationwide.

But the tide wont turn anytime soon, and sooner or later, outrunning it wont be a viable strategy. Can the GOP come up with an alternative?

HUMILITY IN ANALYSIS

Every election prompts grand theories about why the victor won. Unsurprisingly, a lot of those theories tend to follow the line of this election proves that whatever I advocated before was right all along.

The reality is that in an election this close, lots of issues  and random chance  could have tipped the balance.

Trumps victory really did resemble a contest in which the coin toss turns up heads four times in a row. That happens sometimes, but its not much of a basis on which to build broad constructs, whether about the power of trade as an issue or the alienation of coastal elites from the heartland or the ability of an unconventional candidate to rewrite the political rule book.

Years from now, Trumps election may come to be seen as the start of a new political era. Or it may be as much of a one-off as Jimmy Carters victory in 1976, which briefly interrupted a generation of Republican dominance of the White House.

In an era of instant analysis, time will tell isnt a popular line, but right now, its the one thing we know to be true.

THE UNFOLDING TRANSITION

Mark Barabak and Nigel Duara talked to a host of Trump voters after the election. Were called redneck, ignorant, racist. Thats not true, one voter said. Their story on Trump supporters explaining why they voted for him is an important one.

At the same time, theres no question that Trumps campaign has created an opening for points of view that until this year were seen as fringe beliefs. Jaweed Kaleem looked at how Trumps win has brought white pride out of the shadows.

What to make of Trumps first week? Cathy Deckers analysis stands up well: Hes unpredictable and keeping his options open.

President Obama has been trying assiduously to counsel the president-elect, both in their Oval Office meeting and in public statements. Mike Memoli looked at the new task Obama has taken on: educating Trump. And Christi Parsons looked at how Obama has enlisted European allies, especially German Chancellor Angela Merkel in his effort to influence Trump.

Other foreign leaders are making their own assessments. Bill Hennigan and Brian Bennett looked at how Russia and Turkey have started expanding their military operations in Syria during the transition.

Republican lawmakers have also been pushing Trump. Lisa Mascaro reported that despite talk of GOP unity, Trumps programs could face opposition from Republican budget hawks.

As the week progressed, Trump started giving strong signals of how he will govern in some areas. One important early sign came with the appointment of Steve Bannon as the chief White House strategist. Evan Halper explained why Bannons appointment provoked angry rebukes.

Another signal came with Fridays announcement that Sen. Jeff Sessions would be Trumps nominee for attorney general. Civil rights advocates are bracing for a radical shift in Justice Department priorities, Del Wilber wrote.

Trump has also begun to indicate how hell reverse policy on immigration. Brian Bennett assessed some key parts of Trumps immigration platform, including this: When Trump says he wants to deport criminals, he means something starkly different than what Obama meant.

By contrast, Trump has given conflicting signs about his plans for healthcare.

As Noam Levey wrote, during the campaign Trump used to call for lowering prescription drug prices. Now, he seems to have abandoned that idea, and the pharmaceutical industrys allies are helping shape his agenda.

Meantime, more than 300,000 people have signed up for Obamacare since Trumps election, highlighting how complicated will be the effort to reverse the program.

As Jim Puzzanghera wrote, Trumps victory also could mean the end of the FCCs net neutrality regulations.

Democrats have been divided as they try to shape a response. Halper looked at Bernie Sanders prescription for how Democrats can find their way back to power.

And Melanie Mason examined how California officials hope to block Trump in some areas, making California the new Texas.

Meantime, a USC/LA Times poll showed how California went its own liberal way in the election.

L.A.S FAILED PENSION REFORMS

This is a bit off our usual topic, but its an important local story with national implications for public policy: the latest installment from The Times series on pension issues in California.

The numbers tell a story jarringly at odds with political rhetoric about reforming the pension system in Los Angeles. Taxpayers are underwriting retirement benefits that are among the nations most generous  at a cost that has never been higher. L.A.s vaunted pension reforms have not cut the citys pension costs; at best, they have modestly slowed their rate of growth. Read the latest installment here.

SEE YOU AFTER THANKSGIVING

Essential Politics will be taking a brief break for the holiday. Well be back Nov. 28 with some changes to the format as we move from the campaign to the transition and beyond.

For news next week, continue to check our coverage of the Trump transition (latimes.com/trailguide) and California politics (latimes.com/essentialpolitics) and follow @latimespolitics on Twitter.

And please let us know what you like about the newsletter; feel free to offer suggestions for improvement. Send comments to politics@latimes.com. We actually read them.

If you like this newsletter, tell your friends to sign up.

Have a great holiday.
Stevenson Elementary School is the first campus in Burbank to adopt an idea shared by schools around the world to help all kids feel they belong.

Its called the Buddy Bench program, and the way it works is that benches are placed on the playground and when a child sits on the bench, it signals to other students and school personnel that the student needs a friend.

The PTA Kindness Committee at Stevenson Elementary unveiled three Buddy Benches during a ceremony last week attended by Mayor Bob Frutos, Burbank Police officer Joshua Kendrick and school district dignitaries. Frutos made a presentation to Student Council President Micaela Bowers, 10, a fifth-grader at Stevenson.

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It was really cool because I like the idea and I like that they are dedicated to our school and all that, she said. It was kind of thrilling to be standing up there to get the certificate in front of the school.

Micaela believes the Buddy Benches allow students to make new friends on the playground.

Sometimes your friends might be playing some other game that you dont want to play, and I think the benches will help because you can go there and there will be people to help you, she said.

Micaelas mother, Luci Bowers, is a third-grade teacher at Stevenson and believes the benches serve as a visual cue as to which students need intervention.

Elementary school students are hesitant to come up to their teachers when theres a problem, she said. They know how to tattle but they dont know how to report or self-advocate very well, so to look out and see a student on the Buddy Bench, that tells me, as a teacher, that I might want to check in on them and make sure they are doing OK.

Buddy Benches have been brought to campuses all over the United States to combat bullying and promote kindness. Stevenson Elementary has sparked the interest of other schools in the district to add Buddy Benches to their campuses. Providencia Elementary School will unveil its Buddy Bench on Feb. 5, Frutos said.

The importance of the project is twofold, Mayor Frutos said.

First, its really about the parents who worked together collaboratively and took the leadership role to benefit the children of that school for the common good, he said.

Secondly, Frutos said, he has learned through his experience as a police officer, working with children, the Buddy Bench is a good symbol elementary school children can use when they are facing the tough issues of growing up and need someone to listen.

The important thing is to send a message to the children that they are not alone, he said.

Kendrick, who is assigned to perform community outreach functions, told Stevenson students about the importance of talking to their friends or an adult, no matter the issue.

The local Buddy Bench project was initiated by Estrella Penney after her daughter became a victim of bullying in kindergarten. It hit an especially raw nerve with Penney, she said, because she had been bullied when she was a child. After the situation was remedied, Penney set out to find ways to teach kindness at the school, where she was already a volunteer.

PTA President Jennifer Moore asked Penney to chair the Kindness Committee, and Penney has spent hours over the last two years researching ways to bring kindness activities to Stevenson to prevent bullying. Once a month, the Kindness Committee, made up of parent volunteers, comes up with kindness activities in which students can participate. The goal is to build self-esteem, empathy and respect, she said.

Penney thought that creating an awareness in the children would help them to know how to recognize bullying and how to let an adult know its happening to them, she added. They would take that knowledge with them throughout their middle and high school years.

The benches were presented as a safe haven at the unveiling ceremony, Penney said.

The Buddy Benches are there if a child doesnt have the words to express how they are feeling and if other kids see a child sitting there by them self, it signals to them that maybe they need a friend, someone to talk to, she said. It also is an awareness for the adults on the school campuses that if a child is sitting there, they need to go and see what the problem is.

While doing research, Penney found that many schools in this country and other countries have Buddy Benches on their campuses, so she wrote a proposal to bring the program to Stevenson. When Christina Desiderio became principal this year, Penney shared the proposal with her. By coincidence Desiderios previous school had a Buddy Bench  so the project received a green light, Penney said.

The one catch was that there was no money in the budget to pay for the benches, so Desiderio left it up to Penney to work on getting the benches donated, and the Do-It Center in Burbank, the Canny family and the Ishkhanian family stepped up to help. Each bench costs between $130 to $150, and they are in storage until the school district installs them.

There are 1,000 elementary schools on six continents that have adopted Buddy Benches on their campuses, according to the website tolerance.org.

The Buddy Bench idea started in the United States with Christian Bucks, who attends Roundtown Elementary School in York, Penn., and you can read his story at buddybench.org/us/christians-story.

--

JOYCE RUDOLPH can be reached at rudolphjoyce10@gmail.com.
We cannot let hate, fear and prejudice become the new norm or the law of the land in this country. Since the general election more than 300 reported hate crimes against Muslims, immigrants, African Americans, Hispanic Americans, Asian Americans, LGBTQ people and Jewish people have occurred. Many of these crimes occurred in California. These attacks have not stopped.

My parents and grandparents escaped from Germany and survived the Holocaust. We are fortunate that the young people in Burbank will receive the truth about the Nazis coming into power in Germany.

The German people stood by silently while the Nazis rounded up their neighbors and threw them in concentration camps to be murdered. We cannot be good Germans, but rather good Americans who speak out against hate, racism and bigotry.

David Meyerhof

Burbank

..

Headed to the state Senate

My wife Ellen and our daughters, Bella and Sofia, join me in expressing our sincerest appreciation to everyone who walked a precinct, made phone calls, posted or tweeted a positive message, financially contributed, endorsed and sent well-wishes and positive thoughts about our campaign for the state Senate. Collectively and collaboratively, it made a huge difference for our wining effort. Thank you!

I also want to extend my personal gratitude to Supervisor Mike Antonovich for his long and distinguished service to the County of Los Angeles and the residents of the 5th District. His legacy has been stellar and there is much for all of us to appreciate in his work.

Recently, Dr. Robert Ross gave a keynote address at the YWCA Racial Justice breakfast where he mentioned that the problems, challenges and opportunities facing California and America dont go away after the polls close and winners are declared. He is right. Im honored to have been trusted and supported by friends and neighbors across the 25th Senate District with this amazing opportunity. I look forward to working to the best of my ability to meet those challenges and continue to make a positive difference for our district.

Anthony J. Portantino

State Senator-Elect

La Canada Flintridge
Stage manager Talia Krispel is responsible for ensuring that South Coast Repertorys perennial holiday favorite, A Christmas Carol, runs smoothly.

What happened in 2014, when she began overseeing the show, calling cues and actors entrances, is never far from her mind.

During a technical rehearsal, she asked the stage crew to drop a prop from the ceiling. It nearly hit beloved actor Hal Landon Jr.  who has played Ebenezer Scrooge at SCR since 1980  on his head.

I froze, Krispel said. I was mortified and I apologized hundreds of times, telling him Id never do it again, and he was so sweet, telling me to stop saying sorry.

Since the snafu, she has has written DO NOT HIT HAL in bold on her script.

This year, Krispel is gearing up for her third turn at the helm for the Costa Mesa theaters 37th annual production of A Christmas Carol, which opens Nov. 25 and runs until Christmas Eve. She is the fourth stage manager of the holiday show.

The Charles Dickens story about a bitter old miser who transforms into a gentler, kindlier man after ghostly visitations has become a special part of Orange County families holiday traditions, Krispel said.

Theatergoers anticipate not only Landons portrayal of Scrooge but also look forward to watching new actors, cast members who have been with the show for decades and local schoolchildren who auditioned after training in the theaters conservatory.

Theres a lot that feels the same, but whats amazing is the energy and life that comes into it despite everyone knowing everything about it backwards and forwards, Krispel said. Its a beautiful tradition for people and you get so excited. You can feel that in every performance.

Krispel, whose SCR experiences include Abundance, also has credits from beyond the local theater, including Inherit the Wind, starring Christopher Plummer and Brian Dennehy, and Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat, starring Clay Aiken and Tony nominee Keala Settle.

Her interest in theater began as a young girl living in El Segundo, where she would see plays with her mother.

She started performing at age 8 and eventually considered being an actress. After graduating with a degree in theater arts from the University of the Pacific, Krispel moved to New York City, receiving her masters degree in theater from New York University and seeking roles.

She was diverted when her mother checked the answering machine and heard a message from an executive at New York-based Theatreworks USA looking for an assistant stage manager.

Krispel had only stage managed one show in her life.

She got the gig and was mentored by a female stage manager during her budding career.

Krispel assisted on shows like How the Grinch Stole Christmas, with the original Broadway company, the Broadway workshop of Legally Blonde and The Times They Are AChangin, directed and choreographed by Twyla Tharp.

While she was calling the shots for Guys and Dolls, Krispel learned of a stage manager opening at South Coast Repertory for its annual A Christmas Carol.

Since obtaining the position three years ago, Krispel calls herself the baby of the production, though she is responsible for managing over two dozen child and teen actors, whom she called bright, mature and role models for younger children.

Krispel, who lives in New York, flies out every year for the position and is able to spend more time with her family in Los Angeles County for the holidays.

There is a lot of joy in this show, and thats the big reason why I come back every year, Krispel said. And when we rehearse the scene where I almost hit Hal, I can joke about it. Theres a lot of humor behind the scenes.

*

IF YOU GO

What: A Christmas Carol

When: Nov. 25 to Dec. 24

Where: South Coast Repertory, 655 Town Center Drive, Costa Mesa

Cost: Ticket prices vary

Information: (714) 708-5555 or scr.org.

kathleen.luppi@latimes.com

Twitter: @KathleenLuppi
The State Service for Food Safety and Consumers' Rights Protection has imposed a ban on imports of poultry and by-products from Austria.

According to the service's website, with reference to the World Organization for Animal Health, the outbreak of highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) was registered at farms in the territory of Austria and Germany.

In this regard, Ukraine has imposed restrictions on poultry imports from Austria, except for products and raw materials that passed processing that ensures the destruction of pathogens of this disease.

The Ukrainian authority has received information from the competent authorities of Germany on the outbreaks of this disease. After having studied the information provided, Ukraine will decide on the possible application of restrictive measures taking into account the principle of "regionalization."

As reported, previously Ukraine banned imports of poultry and by-products from Bulgaria and Hungary due to HPAI.
Three men suspected of stealing guns from a Costa Mesa home Wednesday were arrested by Newport Beach police after a short car chase, according to authorities.

The incident started at 9:42 p.m. when a Newport Beach resident in the 1600 block of Highland reported she had seen three people run from a nearby home where an alarm was sounding, police said.

The resident watched as the trio piled into a red four-door Mercedes-Benz and drove off, Newport Beach police spokeswoman Jennifer Manzella said.

An officer responded to the home and found pry marks on a door frame, Manzella said. However, it appeared the burglars fled before they could get inside, according to police.

Around the same time, another officer saw the red Mercedes on Irvine Avenue, police said.

He tried to pull the car over after it turned onto Mesa Drive, but the driver refused to stop, Manzella said. Officers pursued the car to Newport Boulevard, where they disabled it using a PIT maneuver, according to police.

The suspects were taken into custody at gunpoint without incident, Manzella said.

Police said they found stolen property in the car, including a loaded handgun and an unloaded assault rifle.

Police believe all the property had been stolen about an hour earlier from a home in Eastside Costa Mesa.

Newport Beach police identified the suspects as Walter Scott Horne, 37, Jeffrey Hanney, 23, and Davion Jasper, 24, all of Los Angeles, Manzella said.

Horne was booked on suspicion of possession of burglary tools, attempted residential burglary, conspiracy, possession of a stolen loaded firearm, possession of a firearm with a prior felony conviction and possession of stolen property. He is free on $50,000 bail, police said.

Hanney was booked on suspicion of possession of burglary tools, attempted residential burglary, conspiracy, possession of a stolen loaded firearm and possession of stolen property. He is being held at Orange County Jail with bail set at $50,000, according to authorities.

Jasper was booked on suspicion of possession of burglary tools, attempted residential burglary, conspiracy, possession of a stolen loaded firearm, possession of stolen property, felony evading police and a warrant for driving with a suspended license. He is being held at Orange County Jail with bail set at $80,000, authorities said.
Laguna College of Art and Design is diversifying its portfolio of courses with two new degree programs targeted at practitioners of the written word.

The college, at 2222 Laguna Canyon Road, recently announced that next year it would add full-time bachelor and master of fine arts programs in creative writing to its repertoire of offerings, which include game design, animation and painting.

The college is growing and its a natural direction for us because all of our visual arts are grounded in narratives, said Norman Leonard, chairman of the two creative writing programs.

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The two-year masters program, which begins next summer, features a residency component in which students will gather for two weeks for each of three summers to learn the craft of storytelling alongside writing professionals and faculty.

Session topics could include wit and humor, visual imagery and diction as revealed in classic and contemporary works.

During the rest of the year, each student will work with a mentor toward the ultimate goal of developing a manuscript, the programs capstone project.

The manuscript could be in the form of a novel, video game outline, podcast, memoir, travelogue or stand-up comedy routine, Leonard, who currently teaches storytelling and American film at LCAD, wrote in a follow-up email.

Both programs require students to focus on one of three genres: fiction, nonfiction or poetry.

In the four-year bachelors program, students will learn the foundation of their genre as they work toward their own manuscript project, which could be a collection of short stories, a feature screenplay or an album of song lyrics. The bachelors program kicks off next fall.

About 16 years ago Grant Hier, writing teacher and former chairman of the liberal arts department at the college, suggested a masters-level creative writing program at LCAD. Helene Garrison, vice president of academic affairs, had asked Hier for suggestions to jibe with the colleges long-term plan.

Administrators acknowledged Hiers idea but said it was not a top priority.

While it was not discounted completely, it was made known that such a plan would be a long, long ways off, Hier wrote in a 2011 report to LCADs board of trustees. Indeed, there were many other pressing needs and programs in development.

Hier, an accomplished poet, remained persistent.

Several years later I was asked again, but this time I responded as chair of liberal arts, said Hier, who will teach some of the creative writing courses. Again, I listed the idea of an MFA program in creative writing, and this time it gained traction. It was making more sense.

LCADs board approved the masters program in 2015 and the bachelors program earlier this year, Garrison wrote in an email.

Hier credited Leonard with helping develop the curriculum and writing course descriptions.

Leonard said the college seeks students who are playful, risky and experimental.

A lot of creative writing programs want students to focus strictly on a literary genre, he said. We at the school are open-minded for students interested in writing graphic novels or scripts for television animation.

Hier added: Were not teaching any one style. Were asking students, What is your vision, and what is your style?

I dont want to impose my sensibilities so that they can imitate Grant Hier.

Leonard said the school has received several promising applications but did not give a specific number. The bachelors program costs $29,800 a year, while the masters costs $32,496, Leonard said.

For more information about the programs, visit lcad.edu.

--

Bryce Alderton, bryce.alderton@latimes.com

Twitter: @AldertonBryce
The Walking Co. will host Food Network chef Anne Burrell on Saturday at the footwear retailers new South Coast Plaza location in Costa Mesa.

Burrell, who appears on Worst Cooks in America, will sign autographs and copies of her cookbook during the event, which will run from 1 to 3 p.m. at the Walking Co. store near the Macys Home store.

Guests also can get prizes and free copies of Burrells book.

Womens retailer Alice + Olivia opens at Fashion Island

Alice + Olivia, a womens clothing store, has opened at Fashion Island in Newport Beach.

It will operate as a pop-up store near Bloomingdales before moving to a permanent location next year, according to a news release. It is the brands 35th store in the United States.

We love the energy and style of the women of Newport Beach and we are thrilled to expand our fashion community in California, Stacey Bendet, chief executive and creative director of Alice + Olivia, said in a statement.
It has been 48 years since the body of a woman who came to be known as Jane Doe was found face down in a Huntington Beach field. She had been sexually assaulted and severely beaten. Her throat had been slashed.

She has never been identified and her killer has never been found, but detectives with the Huntington Beach Police Department and the Orange County Cold Case Homicide Task Force havent given up hope that they will find out what happened to her.

It is Orange Countys oldest homicide case with an unidentified victim, authorities said.

Police have reopened the mystery to the public several times over the years, most recently in 2011. But detectives announced during a news conference Thursday afternoon that for the first time they were making photos of the womans body available on social media in the hope that they may finally be able to put a name to her face.

The photos will be posted on the Huntington Beach Police Departments Facebook page.

I think if you were to look at it from a statistical standpoint, the odds are against us certainly. But we never give up, said Huntington Beach Police Chief Robert Handy. We still believe there is a chance, no matter how small it is, that someone could give us a piece of information that could help us identify her and then work the case a little bit further and identify a suspect.

The mystery of Jane Doe began at 4:05 p.m. March 14, 1968, when two young boys who had been playing in a field near Newland Street and Yorktown Avenue discovered her body in a drainage ditch.

One of the boys eventually joined the Huntington Beach Police Department as an officer and has since retired, Handy said. Yet the case remains unsolved.

Detectives speculate that the woman was 20 to 30 years old, white or Latina, and possibly from outside of Southern California. She was about 5 feet 4 inches tall and 140 pounds, with dark shoulder-length hair. She had several missing or rotted teeth.

She was found wearing a floral print blouse, purple pants and loafer shoes, clothing that was fairly typical for the era. She was wearing a costume ring with a large blue stone set in a silver band.

Her size-7 Owego shoes were available at the time only in New York, which led detectives to believe she lived in that state and had traveled to Orange County.

Other ideas were that she was a migrant worker or a waitress at a Long Beach restaurant.

All leads have been dead-ends.

If you think about that era, there was a lot of hitchhiking, there was a lot of cross-country travel, Handy said. It was kind of a free-spirit time, and during the height of the Vietnam era, a lot of people were traveling and living this free-spirit lifestyle.

There may be family members that didnt know what happened to her, that she just went off and did her own thing and lost touch with her family.

Detectives in 1968 thought the woman may have been picked up somewhere, killed and her body abandoned in the field. Tire tracks near the body may have indicated the killer left the scene in a car. However, it had rained overnight, which made the tracks more difficult to distinguish.

Authorities collected a mans DNA from the body but have been unable to match it to anyone.

Really, we have theories and more questions than answers at this point, Handy said.

Anyone with information about this case or other cold cases in Orange County is asked to call the Cold Case Homicide Task Force at (866) 673-2574.

hannah.fry@latimes.com

Twitter: @HannahFryTCN
For the 17th year, Balboa Yacht Club hosted the CHOC Regatta, partnered with the CHOC Glass Slipper Guild and their many volunteers.

Racing and related festivities happened in conjunction with the Sunkist Races the weekend of Nov. 5-6.

Many BYC members, as well as racers from other clubs, got together to raise more than $56,000 for the Childrens Hospital of Orange County. With summer-like temperatures, it was an ideal weekend to participate or to simply take in the regatta events as a spectator.

A special thank you to VIP Sponsor Northwestern Mutual of Irvine, and BYC Burgee sponsor Cambridge Companies for all of your support.

While the racers were busy on the water, BYC welcomed sailors and non-sailors alike to the Family Fun Day on the Flag Deck. Saturdays newly added activities were enjoyed by all the kids, as they danced along with Nick the Music Man, bounced in the bounce house and enjoyed face painting and nautical-themed crafts. Special appearances by River and Lexie, two of CHOC Childrens Pet Therapy volunteer dogs, were a welcome addition as well.

On Saturday, 74 boats, representing 10 different sailing organizations, competed for CHOC in the inside classes. Those trophies were presented by Rear Commodore Bill Bloomberg to Bob Larzelere in the Thistle Class, Phillip Thompson for Harbor 20 A, Tucker Cheadle for Harbor 20 B and Ross Watanabe for Harbor 20 C.

Martin Bonsager was first in the Laser Fleet, John Papadopoulos in the Lido 14 A fleet, Denise Ogier in the Lido 14 B. Karen Luttrell was first in the Sabot As, Elaine Lindhoff in Sabot B and Sammy Hemans in the Junior Sabot fleet.

On Sunday, 15 keel boats from five yacht clubs raced in five divisions in the ocean near the Balboa Pier. Winners included Bob Kettenhoffens Dare in Division A, Staff Commodore Alan Andrews Andrews 38" in Division B, Brian Doughertys Legacy in Division C, Mark Hunters In Appropriate in Division D, and Jim Devling in E.

The winner of the CHOC Cup for the largest amount donated to the regatta was once again BYC member Jim Devling, owner of Campaign II. His compassion and unwavering efforts to raise funds for this important cause are truly inspiring.

No child is ever turned away at CHOC because they may not have insurance or the means to pay for treatment. In order for this to be able to continue to happen they need help from people like us.

CHOC is an exceptional place, dedicated to treating and loving the more than 210,000 children who come to them every year. From the incredibly dedicated doctors and nurses to the tireless research which takes place in order to save the children who come to them, you can feel the love and commitment that takes place every day. How lucky we are to have such a place in our community for our children.

The CHOC regatta is held annually with the next events scheduled for Nov. 4-5, 2017. Please put it on your calendars!

Many great sponsors provide a variety of incentives for bidding on auction items, in addition to the special thrill of helping CHOC Children by having a wonderful day on the water in beautiful Newport Beach. The CHOC regatta is part of the BYC Sunkist Series, which will continue on the first weekend of December, January and February.

Additional information, complete results and photos are available at balboayachtclub.com.
Glendale Salvation Army volunteers will once again be ringing bells and asking for donations outside local grocery stores as part of the annual kettle campaign.

About 19 of the nonprofits signature red donation kettles will be set up for the fundraising drive that lasts from Nov. 24 through Christmas Eve.

A kickoff breakfast held Friday at the Glendale Civic Auditorium raised $41,000.

Last years morning event raised $69,000. Adding in the kettle donations for 2014 raised the total to nearly $105,000.

Tuany Vo helps serve breakfast during the 2015 Kettle Kick Off breakfast at the Glendale Civic Auditorium in Glendale on Friday, November 20, 2015. (Raul Roa / Staff Photographer)

Lt. Joshua Sneed, who oversees the local nonprofit, said hell be glad if the same total was raised again to support the slew of services offered to the less fortunate in Glendale.

Youre making good things happen here. We could not to do this without people like you, Sneed told an audience of about 200 people at the breakfast.

The local Salvation Army chapter runs a food pantry that feeds 450 families a month, an after-school program for at-risk youth and Meals on Wheels, which delivers hot meals to 35 seniors.

These are programs that the city of Glendale could not provide. Thats why we support the Salvation Army wholeheartedly, said Mayor Ara Najarian in his remarks.

One of the programs thats in most need of funding is the Nancy Painter Home for Mothers and Children, which helps domestic-abuse victims. Eight families are housed there at a time and it can get costly, Sneed said.

It continues to be a challenge for us to fund this program because its an expensive need, he said. You get an entire family out of there and into a home.

Guests of the Glendale chapter of the Salvation Army enjoy the 2015 Kettle Kick Off breakfast at the Glendale Civic Auditorium in Glendale on Friday, November 20, 2015. (Raul Roa / Staff Photographer)

The newest program, a free monthly movie screening, started nine months ago.

[The programs] success means the world to hundreds of families the Salvation Army services every day, said Deputy Police Chief Carl Povilaitis.

Some of the newer red kettles are plastic while others pulled from the closet for the annual fundraiser are made of metal and have been used for 60 years, Sneed said.

Hes seen everything from foreign currency to a wedding ring (accidentally) dropped through the slot.

There have been roughly seven accounts of people donating gold coins in states like Oregon and Pennsylvania. Sneed has his fingers crossed hell come across one, too.

If I get one of those someday, its going to be a special day for sure, Sneed said.

--

Arin Mikailian, arin.mikailian@latimes.com

Twitter: @ArinMikailian
There has been good news and bad news presented at the climate talks wrapping up in the Moroccan city of Marrakech on Friday.

The United Nations climate agency confirmed what scientists have been warning for months: that 2016 is very likely to surpass 2015 as the hottest year on record.

Moreover, the World Meteorological Organization said, there is an increasingly visible human footprint on the extreme weather of recent years.

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Environmental activists and climate scientists said the research underscores the need to rapidly reduce emissions of heat-trapping greenhouse gasses. The news on that front was more hopeful.

Researchers from the Global Carbon Project reported that emissions of carbon dioxide from burning fossil fuels and industrial processes, a major contributor to global warming, have leveled off in the last three years.

Here is a closer look at the findings:

Just how hot is it?

A cow lies dead near the Dadaab refugee complex in northeastern Kenya in 2011 as a result of a drought that began the previous year. (Barbara Davidson / Los Angeles Times )

Global temperatures for the first nine months of the year were about 1.2 degrees Celsius above pre-industrial levels, the WMO reported.

That is fast approaching the limit set by world leaders, who committed in Paris last year to keep global warming to well below 2 degrees Celsius above pre-industrial levels and as close to 1.5 degrees Celsius as possible.

Some scientists believe world temperatures could exceed the 1.5-degree threshold as soon as 2030 and say time to change course is running out.

Temperatures were especially warm in the early months of the year because of a powerful El Nino event, the WMO said. But preliminary data for October suggested that the figures remained sufficiently high to set a new record in 2016.

The only large land area with below-average temperatures was in South America and included parts of Argentina, Paraguay and Bolivia.

In parts of Arctic Russia, temperatures soared 6 to 7 degrees above the long-term average. Many other Arctic and sub-Arctic regions in Russia, Alaska and northwest Canada were at least 3 degrees above average.

We are used to measuring temperature records in fractions of a degree, and so this is different, said Petteri Taalas, the WMOs secretary-general.

What kind of effects is this having?

To better answer that question, the WMO took a look at climate patterns over the last five years. What it found was a lot of hot and wild weather.

The period from 2011 to 2015 was the hottest five years on record, the report said. Sea levels are rising and ice is melting. So-called once in a generation heat waves and flooding are becoming more common.

The cost in terms of lives and livelihoods is staggering.

The United Nations attributes 258,000 deaths to the drought in East Africa from 2010 to 2012.

Hurricane Sandy in 2012 resulted in an estimated $67 billion in economic losses in the United States.

Typhoon Haiyan claimed 7,800 lives in the Philippines in 2013.

Weather-related hazards drove more than 15 million people from their homes in 2015, according to U.N. estimates.

NYPD officer Chris Wright gurads a subway station in lower Manhattan, where flooding was expected from Hurricane Sandy in 2012. (Caroline Cole / Los Angeles Times )

So too are the environmental effects:



The Arctic sea-ice span from 2011 to 2015 was 28% below the 1981-2010 period. For much of the last five years, however, the Antarctic sea-ice span was above the 1981-2010 period.

Sea levels have risen about 3 mm a year since 1993, compared with an average of 1.7 mm a year from 1900 to 2010.

There was significant coral bleaching in some tropical waters, with coral mortality of up to 50% reported in parts of the Great Barrier Reef in 2016.

How much of a role is human-induced climate change playing?

While this is hard to quantify, the WMO report found that many extreme weather events over the last five years were made a lot more likely as a result of man-made climate change  in the case of some warming, by a factor of 10 or more.

Of the 79 studies published by the Bulletin of the American Meteorological Society on extreme weather events from 2011 to 2015, more than half cited human-induced climate change as a contributing factor, the report said

Examples include the record high temperatures in the United States in 2012, in Australia in 2013 and in Europe in 2014.

But in the case of extreme rainfall, including the 2011 flooding in South East Asia, the report did not find a strong link to climate change.

You said there was good news?

The Global Carbon Project reports that carbon emissions were flat in 2014 and 2015 and are projected to grow by just 0.2% in 2016.

Moreover, this leveling off at about 36 billion metric tons occurred at a time of steady economic growth, which has typically been associated with higher emissions.

The authors of the study, published in the journal Earth System Science Data, attributed the slowdown primarily to declining coal use in China and the United States, the worlds biggest polluters.

But they cautioned that it was too soon to say whether emissions have peaked, which will need to happen soon if there is to be any hope of achieving the temperature targets in the Paris agreement.

Even if emissions have stabilized in some places, growth in others could push global levels back up again. India, for example, saw its emissions grow by more than 5% in 2015.

Still, scientists said the findings are reason to remain optimistic that it will be possible to reverse the trend of dramatic global emissions growth in recent years.

Deep changes in the climate system are taking place, said Jan Fuglestvedt of the Center for International Climate and Environmental Research in Oslo. Its important not to get used to this trend of new records all the time.

alexandra.zavis@latimes.com

Twitter: @alexzavis

Special correspondent Mythili Sampathkumar contributed to this report from Marrakech, Morocco.
Ferdinand Marcos was buried at a heroes cemetery Friday in a secrecy-shrouded ceremony, police officials said, despite growing opposition after the Supreme Court ruled that one of Asias most infamous tyrants can be entombed in the hallowed grounds.

Police Chief Superintendent Oscar Albayalde said authorities earlier finalized the burial plans with the Marcos family Thursday, adding that the former Philippine presidents remains were flown by an air force helicopter from his northern Ilocos Norte hometown for burial in the military-run cemetery in Manila.

Albayalde, who was helping oversee security for the burial, told the Associated Press by cellphone that the dictators widow, Imelda, who was clad in black, and her children attended the simple ceremony, which he described as really like just a family affair.

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After landing at an air base, Marcos remains were brought by a black limousine to the cemetery, where his flag-draped wooden coffin was put on a horse-drawn carrier and later carried by military pallbearers to the gravesite, military spokesman Brig. Gen. Restituto Padilla said.

A 21-gun salute rang out by military honor troops during the burial ceremony.

We rendered the simplest of honors befitting the former president in compliance to the desire of the family, Padilla said.

Asked why the burial was kept from the public, Padilla said it was the Marcos familys desire to keep it private.

Still, the highly secretive funeral shocked many pro-democracy advocates and human rights victims who had planned several protests nationwide Friday to oppose the burial at the cemetery, unaware that funeral plans for the dictator were already underway. The cemetery has the graves of former presidents, soldiers and national artists.

Left-wing activist Bonifacio Ilagan, who was tortured and detained during Marcos time in power, said Marcos was being buried like a thief in the night.

Its very much like when he declared martial law in 1972, Ilagan told the Associated Press. This is so Marcos style. I want to rush to the cemetery to protest this. I feel so enraged, I feel so agitated.

He said he and other stunned activists, gathering outside the Supreme Court in Manila for the previously scheduled Black Friday protest against the burial, had not decided their next step.

Burying someone accused of massive rights violations and widespread corruption at the heroes cemetery has long been an emotional and divisive issue in the Philippines, where Marcos was ousted by a largely nonviolent army-backed uprising in 1986. At the height of the political turbulence, Marcos flew to Hawaii, where he lived with his wife and children until he died in 1989.

The powerful family has repeatedly denied any wrongdoing and Imelda Marcos and two of her children eventually ran for public office and won stunning political comebacks. One son, Ferdinand Bongbong Marcos Jr., ran for vice president earlier this year and won more than 14 million votes, but lost by a slim margin.

In 1993, Marcos body was taken to his hometown in Ilocos Norte, where it has been displayed in a glass coffin and became a tourist attraction. But his family fought for his remains to be transferred to the heroes cemetery.

Rodrigo Duterte, who took over the presidency in June, backed the dictators burial at the cemetery, saying it was his right as a president and soldier. It was a political risk in a country where pro-democracy advocates celebrate Marcos ouster each year.

Duterte was flying to Peru to attend the Asia Pacific Economic Cooperation summit, but officials said he was aware of the burial.

Last week, the Supreme Court dismissed seven petitions, including from former torture victims, which argued that an honorable burial for the dictator was illegal and contrary to law, public policy, morals and justice.

Opponents also cited Dutertes political debt to the Marcos family, which supported his presidency.

The court ruled that Marcos was never convicted by final judgment of any offense involving moral turpitude, adding the convictions cited by anti-Marcos petitioners were civil in nature.

While critics may disregard Marcos as president due to his human rights abuses, the court said he cannot be denied the right to be acknowledged as a former legislator, a defense secretary, a military member, a war veteran and a Medal of Valor awardee.

While he was not all good, the 15-member court said, he was not pure evil either.

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Will the Middle East slide into even greater chaos during Donald Trumps presidency?

Some potential scenarios: An expanded offensive against Islamic State could take precedence over all else. Syrias president could cling to power. Russias regional ambitions could go unchecked. Strongmen could flourish, and sectarian rivalries become more inflamed. Already fading hopes for Israeli-Palestinian peace could dim even more.

Of course, its hard to say what Trump will do when he takes office in January. During months of campaigning, the GOP candidate was long on bombast but short on specifics, firing off machine-gun bursts of rhetoric that veered wildly from one day to the next. Muslims  whether refugees, militants or ordinary citizens  were often painted as a distinct threat.

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Leaders across the region are watching to see which of the Republican president-elects pronouncements can be written off as electioneering bluster, and which seem destined to mark U.S. policy making in one of the most highly volatile parts of the world.

Islamic State, and the question of how best to confront it, lies at the heart of what many in the foreign-policy establishment regard as some of the more combustible elements of the incoming presidents world view.

In statements before and after the election, Trump has indicated that a stepped-up fight against the group is sufficient reason to team up with Russian President Vladimir Putin, openly distrusted by the Obama White House, and to abandon support for the rebel factions seeking to topple Syrian President Bashar Assad.

Assad  a leader the Obama administration has said should face justice for war crimes against his own people  posited this week in an interview with a Portuguese broadcast outlet that Trump could prove a natural ally in the fight against extremists. Assad routinely portrays all those seeking to oust him as terrorists.

After the Nov. 8 election, Islamic States propaganda machine celebrated Trumps victory. It pointed to Trumps harshest campaign positions  including his call to ban Muslims from entering the United States  as proof that the president-elects true agenda was a war on Islam, and that Muslims could never achieve acceptance in Western societies.

Trumps win of the American presidency will bring hostility of Muslims against America as a result of his reckless actions, which show the overt and hidden hatred against them, declared the Islamic State-affiliated al Minbar Jihadi Media network, according to the U.S.-based SITE Intelligence Group, which monitors extremist communiques.

The outlet heralded glad tidings in the imminent demise of America at the hands of Trump, according to SITE.

Some analysts, though, expressed doubts that even Trumps most bellicose remarks provided any real recruiting boost to Islamic State, which has seen its so-called caliphate shrink dramatically over the last year. U.S.-backed forces are laying siege to Mosul, the groups major urban foothold in Iraq, and moving to isolate Raqqah in Syria, its self-declared capital.

Islamic State recruiting has been going down for reasons that have nothing to do with Donald Trump, and a lot to do with being defeated militarily, said Jon Alterman, director of the Middle East program at the Washington-based Center for Strategic and International Studies. Id be reluctant to say he has advantaged them so far.

As Trump surrounds himself with some senior aides who have little or no experience in the foreign policy arena, some analysts are predicting a rude awakening when he learns that many of his most strident pledges contradict each other.

Particularly delicate is the ever-sharpening rivalry between the regions Sunni Muslim powers, led by Saudi Arabia, and the other regional heavyweight, Shiite Muslim Iran.

Their proxy struggles have fueled catastrophic conflict in places like Yemen, where 18 months of fighting between a Saudi-led military coalition and Shiite Muslim Houthi rebels have left some 10,000 people dead. Trump has said he would scrap the landmark nuclear accord with Iran  a pledge that may be impractical because there are other signatories  but such a step, like the striking of the deal, would roil those regional struggles.

If [Trump] goes after Islamic State, that strengthens the hand of Shiite actors, Syria and Hezbollah, said Osama Abi-Mershed, director of Georgetown Universitys Center for Contemporary Arab Studies. But if hes serious about going against Iran, there will be resistance from Putin, and it would be in the interest of the Sunni regimes.

When it comes to winning trust among ordinary citizens in the Arab world, some analysts say, Trump may benefit from the fact that the bar for success has been set relatively low.

Many across the region are deeply disillusioned by the consequences of U.S. policy, including Washingtons inability to stem nearly six years of bloodletting in Syria, continuing bloody fallout of the 2003 U.S.-led invasion of Iraq, and mistrust of Muslims as an ongoing motif since the attacks of Sept. 11, 2001.

But views expressed by Trump and some surrogates have generated a new wave of anxiety. The president-elect had said early in the campaign that he would set up a database of Muslims living in the United States, stirring alarm among Muslims at home and abroad.

] This week, a member of Trumps transition team, Kansas Secretary of State Kris Kobach, suggested the new administration might set up a national registry for immigrants from countries where terrorist groups were active. And prominent Trump supporter Carl Higbie said in a broadcast interview this week that precedent had been set by the United States World War II-era internments of Japanese Americans  now officially viewed as a deeply shameful historic episode.

The sardonic and widely followed Libyan American commentator Hend Amry tweeted: Ill submit my religious identity to Trumps Muslim registry when  with an image of hanging icicles and a road sign reading Hell.

As president, Trump will have to deal with the fallout from powerful forces unleashed by the Arab Spring uprisings nearly six years ago, which produced a splintering that has not yet fully played out  ongoing conflict in Libya, flaring instability in Egypt, and eroding human rights in Turkey and in American-allied Persian Gulf states.

Human rights groups have raised fears that the new era will bring a halt to U.S. diplomacy that seeks to rein in abuses by authoritarian-minded governments.

Two regional strongmen  Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan and Egyptian President Abdel Fattah Sisi  warmly welcomed Trumps election.

The Obama administration has applied sporadic pressure over well-documented rights abuses by Sisi, who took power in a military coup that toppled elected Islamist President Mohamed Morsi. But in talks with Trump on the sidelines of the U.N. Security Council in September, Sisi positioned himself as a bulwark against Islamic extremists.

In NATO ally Turkey, Erdogan is bristling over criticism of a wide-ranging purge following a failed coup against him in July, and has taken a sharply anti-Western stance of late. On Thursday, in a speech delivered in Pakistan, Erdogan said the West supported Islamic State  an echo of Trumps charge that President Obama and former presidential candidate Hillary Clinton founded the group.

Turkeys role in the Syria conflict has been particularly fraught because of its intense hostility toward Kurdish-led Syrian rebels, which the U.S. supports and considers the best foot soldiers against Islamic State. Erdogan considers them aligned with the Kurdish separatists of the Kurdistan Workers Party, or PKK, in Turkey, on whom the Turkish leader has been waging war.

Elsewhere, the struggle between Israelis and Palestinians may see a reversal of decades of U.S. policy.

The Obama administration made no headway in advancing the U.S. support for a negotiated dual-state solution, but Trump has appeared to lean notably in the direction of Israels right-wing government, led by Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, who had icy relations with President Obama.

The president-elect has suggested that Israeli settlement activity in the West Bank  decried by the Palestinians as undermining any future state  is not an obstacle to peace, and has also said he would move the U.S. Embassy from Tel Aviv to Jerusalem, which Palestinians would view as a blow to their hopes that a sector of the city would be their capital.

Trumps election does not bode well for the Palestinians, said Diana Bhuttu, an analyst and former adviser to Palestinian negotiators, adding that she feared his presidency would legitimize Israels denial of freedom to the Palestinians.

Trump has at times advocated intervention  including bombing the hell out of Islamic State  but at times suggested that involvement in Middle East conflicts is not in U.S. interests. In the Arab world, many believe that his election may usher in a more hands-off era  and that it would not necessarily be a bad thing.

Hes basically isolationist, said Mahmoud Mattar, a merchant in Damascus Old City. The only thing I like about him is that he wants nothing to do with the rest of the world.

Special correspondent Nabih Bulos in Damascus contributed to this report.

laura.king@latimes.com

@laurakingLAT

Special correspondent Nabih Bulos in Damascus, Syria, contributed to this report.

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All material is subject to strictly enforced copyright terms & conditions and cannot be repurposed or reproduced.  19882022 Latin American Financial Publications Inc.
Ukrainian army positions came under fire 40 times in Donbas in the past 24 hours, the anti-terrorist operation (ATO) staff said on Facebook on Friday morning.

It said mortars shelled Krasnohorivka, Berdianske, Vodiane and Novotroyitske in the Mariupol sector. Shyrokyne was fired upon by 122mm and 152mm artillery, and a tank fired on Ukrainian army positions in the same area. Another shelling incident occurred in Hnutove, and grenade launchers were used in Maryinka.

In the Luhansk sector, 122mm artillery shelled Troyitske, and mortars were used against Novo-Oleksandrivka, Zolote, Orikhove, Malynove, Novozvanivka and Krymske, it said. An infantry combat vehicle and small arms were used against Stanytsia Luhanska.

In the Donetsk sector, Ukrainian positions near Avdiyivka were attacked by a tank and an infantry combat vehicle, and Pisky were attacked with grenade launchers and small arms, the report said.
Militant units opened fire on the Zolote entry and exit checkpoint and the Maryinka checkpoint in Donbas on Thursday, the Ukrainian State Border Guard Service said.

Small arms fire from the village of Oleksandrivka in the direction of the Maryinka checkpoint began at around 9:00 p.m. and continued for about an hour, it said.

Several hours later, the Zolote entry and exit checkpoint, located in the Lysychansk-Stakhanov road corridor, came under AGS-17 grenade launcher fire from the direction of Pervomaisk, the press service of the Ukrainian State Border Guard Service said.

No border guards were wounded in the shelling.
The European Parliament begins consultations on the formation of the legislative proposal for the provision of a visa free regime for Ukraine, Ukrainian Foreign Minister Pavlo Klimkin has said.

"Today, all three key EU institutions clearly said: Ukraine has met all the criteria. Thus, consultations on the legislative, I stress, a formal legislative proposal, will start now, regarding the ways of receiving a visa free regime by Ukraine," he said from the rostrum of parliament during an hour of questions to the government on Friday.

He said that the ongoing consultations on the mechanism to respond to the migration risks to the EU.

As reported, the Committee of Permanent Representatives to the EU (Coreper) on behalf of the EU Council reached an agreement on a position in the talks on the liberalization of visa regime for Ukraine on Thursday. As noted in the issued EU communique, the Committee confirmed the European Commissions proposal to provide a visa free regime for Ukrainian citizens when traveling to the EU for a period of stay up to 90 days during the 180 day period.

In addition, the EU Council believes that the liberalization of the visa free regime for Ukraine and the new mechanism for the suspension of the EU visa free regime with third countries should simultaneously come into effect. On the basis of this mandate, the EU Council leadership will begin negotiations with the European Parliament.

Head of the EU Delegation to Ukraine Hugues Mingarelli in an exclusive interview with Interfax-Ukraine on Thursday, November 17, said, the European Commission considers that Ukraine has met all criteria for a visa free regime, and the European Commission issued a proposal for the removal of visa obligations to citizens of Ukraine a month ago.

"Now the issue is being considered by the European Parliament and the European Council. The EU is considering the issue of horizontal nature, connected with the withdrawal of a visa free regime. After the adoption this decision will be applicable to all agreements to lift visa obligations, and not only in relation to Ukraine. The ongoing discussion between the European Parliament and the European Council has nothing to do with Ukraine. Once an agreement regarding the suspension procedure of a visa free regime is reached, Ukraine will receive a visa free regime," the European diplomat said.
A father is now facing trial for allegedly shooting a driver that struck the defendant and his daughter while they were crossing an Allentown street.

Hassan Matt, 29, of Allentown, waived his preliminary hearing Friday on charges of aggravated assault and discharging of a firearm into an occupied structure. Those charges now go to Lehigh County court, where Matt faces possible trial.

Matt's bail was initially set at $250,000, but at Friday's hearing Judge Dan Trexler followed the recommendation of Pretrial Services and lowered the amound to 10 percent of $75,000 bail.

The victim, who was shot in the leg, was in court on crutches.

Allentown police said Matt and his young daughter were walking the afternoon of Nov. 11 when they were struck by a car near 15th and Union streets in the city.

Matt saw his daughter was hurt, and then fired five shots at the vehicle, striking the driver once, police said. The driver then drove himself to St. Luke's Hospital at 17th and Hamilton streets, police said.

Officers found "multiple" bullet casings at the scene, and Matt turned himself in to police.

Asked about possible charges for the driver, First Assistant District Attorney Steve Luksa declined to comment because the crash is still an open investigation.

Matt later Friday turned himself in at the Allentown Police Department, London said. He is facing charges of aggravated assault and discharge of a firearm into an occupied structure.

Matt was arraigned before District Judge Jacob E. Hammond, who set bail at $250,000. In lieu of bail, Matt was taken to Lehigh County jail, where he remained Sunday.

A preliminary hearing is tentatively scheduled for Friday before Hammond.

Sarah Cassi may be reached at scassi@lehighvalleylive.com. Follow her on Twitter @SarahCassi. Find lehighvalleylive.com on Facebook.
An Allentown man deported twice to his native Dominican Republic faces a federal charge after returning to the United States illegally, authorities said.

A U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement officer is seen in a file photo. (Courtesy photo | For lehighvalleylive.com)

Ruben Dario Pena-Ortiz, 43, was indicted Thursday on a count of illegal re-entry after deportation, the U.S. Attorney's Office for the Eastern District of Pennsylvania announced Thursday.

Pena-Ortiz is also known as Willie Diaz Rosa and Lorenzo Echevaria, according to the office of U.S. Attorney Zane David Memeger.

A Dominican native and citizen there, Pena-Ortiz was found June 1 in the United States illegally after having been deported Aug. 8, 2004, and Nov. 19, 2013.

If convicted of the federal charge, he faces a maximum sentence of 20 years in prison.

The case was investigated by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement and Enforcement and Removal Operations, and is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Katherine Driscoll.

Memeger's office on Thursday also announced a similar indictment against a Mexican national, Cristhian Guerrero-Alvarez, also known as Raul Hernandez, of Warrington, Pennsylvania, in Bucks County.

Guerrero-Alvarez was found Oct. 18 in the United States after being deported to his native country eight times between August 2008 and last June 15, according to the federal prosecutor's office.

Kurt Bresswein may be reached at kbresswein@lehighvalleylive.com. Follow him on Twitter @KurtBresswein and on Facebook. Find lehighvalleylive.com on Facebook.
By next summer, visitors to South Side Bethlehem will have plenty of parking options.

On Friday morning, the Bethlehem Parking Authority and elected officials celebrated the groundbreaking for a 626-space parking garage at New Street and Graham Place. The garage is expected to open in the summer of 2017.

The $15 million parking deck is crucial to the economic development of South Bethlehem, Mayor Bob Donchez said. Without adequate parking, prospects for revitalization are limited, he said.

But thanks to the garage the mayor predicts many won't recognize South Bethlehem in a decade.

"This is a long time coming," Donchez said.

The garage was staunchly opposed by a contingent of vocal residents who argued there was plenty of existing parking and that the garage was out of scale for the neighborhood. They felt the garage unfairly benefited developer Dennis Benner while saddling the authority with more debt.

The garage will provide parking for Benner's adjacent building at Third and New streets, where St. Luke's University Health Network and Lehigh University plan to be the major tenants.

Construction of the garage was actually delayed when the opponents challenged the financing -- a bid they lost. None of the project's critics turned out for Friday morning's celebration.

Parking authority board member Lynn Collins Cunningham praised Donchez's dogged determination courting St. Luke's and Lehigh for Benner's project. And she predicted the deck will be a significant cog in the revitalization of the neighborhood.

The garage project was initially estimated at $17.5 million but bids for the project came about $2.4 million under budget. The deck also received $5.2 million in state Redevelopment Capital Assistant Program grants.

State Sen. Lisa Boscola, D-Lehigh/Northampton, praised Donchez and prior mayors John Callahan and Don Cunningham for helping her show governors how investing in parking in Bethlehem spurs economic development.

Boscola hears from people that parking deters them from visiting South Bethlehem and this garage will change that, she said.

With construction underway, a section of Graham Place has been permanently closed to traffic between New and Vine streets. The city did look at trying to relocate Graham Place but it proved to be too costly.

Vine Street will be reversed to become a one-way street going north to facilitate the change.

Sara K. Satullo may be reached at ssatullo@njadvancemedia.com. Follow her on Twitter @sarasatullo and Facebook. Find lehighvalleylive.com on Facebook.
Authorities have identified the victim of a deadly crash on Route 33 in Bethlehem Township as a 28-year-old from Wilson Borough.

Patrick Flanagan was pronounced dead at St. Luke's University Hospital in Fountain Hill, where he was taken after the crash with a tractor-trailer at 11:23 a.m., Pennsylvania State Police said.

It happened on northbound Route 33 at the Route 22 interchange.

Flanagan, of the 2000 block of Butler Street in Wilson, was in an Eagle Talon that lost control while going from westbound Route 22 to northbound Route 33, state police said.

The rig, a 2007 International operated by Linda M. Lamgeth, 56, of Wrightstown, Pa., was headed north on Route 33.

At a curve on the on-ramp to Route 33, Flanagan lost control and his car slid sideways across a grassy area and onto Route 33. The front of the rig hit the back of Flanagan's car in the left lane, state police said.

The car then spun off the east side of the highway for nearly 170 feet before stopping. The truck came to a stop in the center median about 300 feet from impact, authorities said. Lamgeth was not hurt.

State police from the Belfast barracks are investigating.

Flanagan was a 2006 graduate of Wilson Area High School who also attended the Career Institute of Technology vo-tech school, said his father Dudd Flanagan.

"He'd give you the shirt off his back if he could. That's the kind of kid he was," his father said. "He was an overall good guy. There's going to be a lot of people affected by this. He had a lot of friends."

Patrick Flanagan was the youngest of three brothers. A Boy Scout, he enjoyed hunting, camping and the outdoors.

Dudd Flanagan said Patrick had a knack for mechanics and put a lot of work into his car. He last worked for an auto body shop in Bethlehem Township, he said.

The family found out about the crash from a trooper who showed up at the front door, Dudd Flanagan said. He said he wasn't sure where Patrick was headed when he crashed.

"He was very much into his car -- very meticulous mechanically," his father said. "I really think something broke on the car and he was trying to save it the whole time."

Assisting at the crash scene were members of the Bethlehem Township Fire Co., Nancy Run Fire Co., Hecktown Fire Co., Fast Lane Towing and PennDOT, state police said.

Jim Deegan may be reached at jdeegan@lehighvalleylive.com. Follow him on Twitter @jim_deegan. Find lehighvalleylive on Facebook.
Where you fly your drone can matter.

Joseph Roselli, a 20-year-old Drexel University student, faces charges after a drone he was piloting allegedly nearly hit a Philadelphia police helicopter on Nov. 16, 2016. (Courtesy photo | For lehighvalleylive.com)

A Drexel University student's camera-carrying device nearly collided with a police helicopter on Wednesday evening as a crime-fighting eye in the sky kept watch on an anti-Trump demonstration in Center City, philly.com reports.

Joseph Roselli, 20, flew the drone up to 1,500 feet, which put it in airspace restricted to Philadelphia's major airport, the news website said.

The helicopter had to veer to avoid the drone, city police told philly.com.

"At the last minute it goes underneath the helicopter," Chief Inspector Joseph Sullivan told the website. "We could have had a true catastrophe."

A news helicopter also in the area followed the drone to Roselli's high-rise apartment building and recorded the student flying it remotely, philly.com said.

Police took Roselli into custody and charged him with risking a catastrophe and recklessly endangering another person, philly.com said. He was release after his $3,700 bail was posted, the website said.

Tony Rhodin may be reached at arhodin@lehighvalleylive.com. Follow him on Twitter @TonyRhodin. Find lehighvalleylive.com on Facebook.

Tony Rhodin may be reached at arhodin@lehighvalleylive.com. Follow him on Twitter @TonyRhodin. Find lehighvalleylive.com on Facebook.
The Ukrainian Opposition Bloc political party intends to collect information regarding instances of political repression by the authorities.

"Opposition Bloc is beginning the collection of facts of political repression, violations of citizens' rights and freedoms by the post-Maidan regime in Ukraine," the party said in its statement.

According to information possessed by the party, some 50,000 people have become victims of political persecution and repression in Ukraine since January 2014. "The opposition in Ukraine is deprived of the right to conduct parliamentary and political activities. There is open persecution of dissent going on. Citizens and media assistants who dare criticize the current Ukrainian administration face threats and repression," the statement said.

The party said that some 100 people have been hurt by criminal prosecution based "on political motives and false accusations" and some of them have been or are in jail. "The political persecution of dissidents has led to the death of 59 people, who were either killed or driven to commit suicide," the statement said.

The statement also mentioned the framing of Mykhailo Dobkin, Vadym Novinsky, Mykola Skoryk, Oleksandr Kasianiuk, Yehor Ustynov, etc.

"The resolution of the Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe demands that the Ukrainian administration stop political persecution of the opposition. Despite that, the authorities are again and again trying to save themselves by destroying their opponents," the statement said.

The Opposition Bloc is asking its foreign partners to take under their control the fulfillment by Ukrainian authorities of the PACE resolution.
Abdiel Ruiz-Roque

Abdiel Ruiz-Roque was sentenced to 1.5 to five years in prison on Nov. 18, 2016. He pleaded guilty to a robbery in Bangor. (Courtesy photo)

(Courtesy photo)

Abdiel Ruiz-Roque doesn't know where his father is.

The Latin Kings have been his family as far back as he can remember.

He's committed crimes for years as part of the gang. Looking back, the 24-year-old Bushkill Township man isn't sure why he went along with the lifestyle.

"It was a lot of anger," he told Northampton County Judge Paula Roscioli on Friday. "I felt lonely at times. I did things because, I had no real reason."

The judge sentenced him to one-and-a-half to five years in state prison for a home invasion robbery in May in Bangor. He pleaded no contest to robbing Christopher Laduca in the 100 block of Main Street.

By pleading no contest, Ruiz-Roque didn't admit he committed the crime but admitted prosecutors had enough evidence to convict him of the crime. A no-contest plea is treated the same as a guilty plea for sentencing purposes.

The judge told Ruiz-Roque he needs to separate himself from the gang before it's too late.

"When's it going to end?" she asked. "Do you want to spend the rest of your life in state prison? ... If I were age 24 I wouldn't want to spend the rest of my life in a prison cell."

Defense attorney Matt Potts said Ruiz-Roque is at least frank about the crimes he committed and open to the notion that he needs to change. Other hardened gang members shut down when asked to take responsibility, he said.

"I just have to accept that I'm wrong," Ruiz-Roque told the judge.

Co-defendant Jordan Purdue, 24, of Bangor, was previously sentenced to a year-and-a-half to five years for participating in the robbery.

Tyler Fleming, 23, of Bangor, was sentenced last month to time served to two years in prison. He watched the robbery but did not participate or try to stop it.

Rudy Miller may be reached at rmiller@lehighvalleylive.com. Follow him on Twitter @RudyMillerLV. Find Easton area news on Facebook.
Books of evidence were last week served on three Laois men in separate cases which will all be sent forward to the next sitting of Portlaoise Circuit Court.

Two of the men are charged with assault causing harm, while the third man is charged with indecent assault.

The man charged with indecent assault is a 63-year-old employee of Laois County Council.

There are 12 charges against the accused, relating to alleged offences committed in Laois in 1971.

Defence is solicitor, Mr Declan Breen, with one junior counsel and one senior.

Mr Breen told the court that his client, who cannot be named, works with the county council.

The matter has gone forward to the next sitting of the circuit court, on November 29.

In a separate matter, a book of evidence was served on a man who allegedly assaulted an off-duty garda.

Peter Fleming, of no fixed abode, was charged with assault causing harm, at Market Square, Mountrath, on July 11 this year.

Defence is solicitor, Mr Declan Breen, with one junior counsel.

The matter will be sent forward to the next sitting of the circuit court.

And a book of evidence was served on a Stradbally man who allegedly broke his own fathers nose in a dispute and put his parents in fear.

Maurice Murphy (30), previously of Dysart, Stradbally, but currently residing in Waterford, was charged with assault causing harm, at Dysart, on June 2 this year.

Defence is Mr Declan Breen, with one junior counsel.

The accused was released on bail, with conditions that he reside at a listed address in Ballybeg, Waterford; he provide a mobile number to the gardai; and he abstain from all intoxicants.
The draft plan on the future of Portlaoise hospital, which the Minister for Health has not yet accepted, has the support of 'HSE leadership', according the hospital manager who authored the report.

Dr Susan O'Reilly, chief executive of the Dublin Midlands Hospital Group, replied to Kildare Sinn Fein councillor Thomas Redmond at the Dublin Midlands Health Forum, which includes Portlaoise.

The doctor also claimed that she has consulted with local GPs and consultants on her reconfiguration plan but Laois GPs say they have been left out of the loop.

Her report is understood to recommend a significant downgrade of Portlaoise hospital, including the removal of the A&E. Doctors at the hospital believe this could lead to the loss of other services. But there are no signs of the Minister accepting the recommendations.

Cllr Redmond asked that the HSE organise a Regional Health Forum meeting with the Minister for Health, Simon Harris, as well as the Minister for Older People and other relevant stakeholders to discuss the Portlaoise Hospital report that is left unpublished and in limbo.

In reply, Dr O'Reilly declined to agree to such a forum. She insisted that it has wide support but admitted that the Department of Health has not accepted the plan. Minister Harris has the final say on downgrade.

However, Dr O'Reilly made clear to Cllr Redmond that her plan has support.

"The draft plan has the full support of all participating HSE National Clinical Leads and was endorsed by the HSE Leadership Team," she said.

She said that in May, as part of the design phase of a new model of clinical services provision for the Hospital Group, the DMHG submitted a draft plan to the HSE and Department of Health.

She said this draft plan includes a "long term vision" for Portlaoise Hospital. She claimed it takes account of the need to develop services at Portlaoise Hospital, "patient experiences, the interdependencies of clinical services and the risks presented by the low volumes in particular specialities at Portlaoise Hospital, as highlighted by HIQA". The objective of the draft plan is to develop a model of care which delivers of safe, sustainable care.

She said the draft plan was developed in collaboration with the National Clinical Leads (Consultants) with responsibility for National Clinical Programmes in Acute Medicine, Surgery, Emergency Medicine, Transportation Medicine, Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Paediatrics and Neonatology, Anaesthesia and Critical Care, as well as the National Ambulance Service and the National Acute Hospital Division Clinical Advisor and Deputy Director.

"The DMHG worked closely with the management at Portlaoise and the Coombe Hospitals respectively in developing this Plan; while consultation also took place with local GPs, the prison services, consultants and staff at the hospital," she claimed.

Despite this she admitted that there have been "ongoing discussions with the Department in advance of future service design being finalised".

She said any changes, once approved, will be carried out in a planned and consultative manner and will provide for "high-quality, sustainable care at the hospital, as well as taking account of the need to develop particular services at Portlaoise in the context of overall service reconfiguration in the Dublin Midlands Hospital Group".

Minister Simon Harris told Sean Fleming in the past month that he had not accepted the report despite it having the support of the HSE's leadership. He said "no decisions" have been reached.
Following a number of meetings in Portlaoise last May and June about the Mortgage Distress/Court proceedings crisis, another public meeting has been arranged for The Townhouse, Tullamore next Saturday, November 19 from 1pm to 3pm.

The meeting is being organised by Ken Smollen of the Irish Democratic Party.

I have been highlighting the mortgage distress/eviction courts crisis and working closely with many families in distress for the last few years. Despite many promises by TDs the crisis is now getting worse.

He said the new Courts Bill 2016 will soon be voted on in the Dail and if its enacted into Law it will fast track the process even more and thousands more families will be summoned to the Circuit Courts by the banks and vulture funds for the repossession of their homes.

I have attended many repossession courts throughout the country to offer my support to the thousands of families who are being summoned to the courts by the banks. Many people have told me their own harrowing stories of hardship and desperation," said Mr Smollen.

Mr Smollen believes it is vitally important that people who find themselves in the 'awful situation' of being brought to the repossession courts, and people who are aware of the seriousness of the mortgage distress/eviction problem in Ireland come together to discuss possible solutions and definitive action to put a stop to families being 'terrorised' in their homes by the banks.

On Monday, November 14, 585 families are on the repossession courts lists in 13 courts throughout the country. This is an appalling situation thats happening every day of the week and is being totally ignored by our Government. Unfortunately most of these families will not attend and wont be represented in any way at these courts. Through fear, many people bury their heads in the sand hoping that someone, somewhere will do something to put an end to their ongoing nightmare," concluded Mr Smollen.

Members of The Hub-Ireland will be in attendance to offer help free of charge to anyone who may need it and all 158 TDs have been invited to attend.
The opening of the new Phoenix Park rail tunnel in Dublin will have an impact on commuters who use Laois train stations but Irish rail has declined to extend the new service to Portlaoise.

Next Monday, November 21 sees new commuter services connecting stations between Newbridge and Parkwest with Drumcondra station and stations from Connolly to Grand Canal Dock via the Phoenix Park Tunnel.

The new services follows an investment of 13.7 million in upgrading the Phoenix Park Tunnel route, funded by the National Transport Authority.

A total of 488 submissions were received from the public and interested groups as part of the public consultation. Some of these directly concerned Laois stations.

Commuters asked for Phoenix Park Tunnel services to start from Portlaoise. Irish Rail said "an extension of services to Portlaoise would reduce the overall number of services". It said connections will be provided at Newbridge/Hazelhatch as part of the timetable.

Irish Rail said people were unhappy with 17.25 Heuston to Limerick advance to 17.20. Following customer feedback, this service will remain at 17.25. As a result, the proposed 17.25 Heuston to Portlaoise moved to 17.28, and minor time changes to 18.00 Heuston to Cork.

The company was asked to add all stops Portarlington/Heuston to the 17.20 Galway/Heuston service. Irish Rail said alternativer Kildare and Newbridge stops were added.

A small number of minor alterations to other services to/from Heuston will also take effect from this date, and the final schedules have been approved by the National Transport Authority following public consultation.

To accommodate new Phoenix Park Tunnel services, the following minor changes to timetables will take effect from Monday, November 21.

Commuter services

06.40 Heuston to Newbridge advanced to 06.35

08.30 Heuston to Portlaoise advanced to 08.25

17.20 Heuston to Portlaoise deferred to 17.28

17.55 Heuston to Newbridge cancelled

18.10 Heuston to Portlaoise advanced to 18.05 and calls additionally at Parkwest and Clondalkin Fonthill

18.55 Heuston to Portlaoise deferred to 19.05hrs

06.25 Portlaoise to Heuston operates 2 to 3 minutes earlier from Monasterevin onwards

06.30 Carlow to Heuston operates 2 to 4 minutes later from Newbridge onwards

07.20 Portlaoise to Heuston advanced to 07.17

19.30 Portlaoise to Heuston advanced to 19.17

Intercity services

18.00 and 19.00 Heuston to Cork: minor revisions to times at intermediate stations

06.45 Cork to Tralee advanced to 06.20

07.00 Tralee to Heuston deferred to 07.05

19.00 Ballybrophy to Limerick deferred to 19.05

19.38 Limerick Junction to Limerick deferred to 19.40

20.45 Limerick Junction to Limerick deferred to 20.47

06.05 Waterford to Heuston advanced to 06.00

09.25 Heuston to Galway additional stop at Oranmore

17.20 Galway to Heuston additional stops at Kildare and Newbridge
Portlaoise Musical Society will be giving it their all for the next eight days, as they present Hello Dolly! at the Dunamaise Arts Centre.

This 1964 musical, with lyrics and music by Jerry Herman and a book by Michael Stewart, is based on Thornton Wilder's 1938 farce The Merchant of Yonkers.

It was first produced on Broadway in 1964, winning a record 10 Tony Awards, including Best Musical, a record held for 37 years.

In 1890s New York City, the enchanting socialite-turned-matchmaker, Dolly Levi, assists her latest clients - the cantankerous "half-a-millionaire" Horace Vandergelder and Ambrose, a young artist, in love with his niece, Ermengarde.

Dolly's comical scheming soon involves Horace's hapless employees and the pretty shop assistants they are encouraged to fall for.

Hello Dolly! won a whopping ten Tony awards when it first hit Broadway and youll soon see why as this production is filled with memorable songs, wonderful dance routines and lots of laughter for all ages to enjoy.

This is sure to be very popular with local audiences so early booking is advised. The show runs at the Dunamaise from Saturday, November 19, to Saturday, November 26, at 8pm nightly, with a matinee on Sunday, November 20, at 2pm.

Tickets are still available, priced 18/15/12, with concessions from Saturday 19 to Monday 21 only.

For more, visit portlaoisemusicalsociety.com
Biden to visit Ukraine before end of this year

U.S. Vice-President Joe Biden intends to visit Ukraine before the end of this year, a source in the diplomatic circles told Interfax.

"Vice-President Biden will visit Ukraine before the end of this year," the source said on Friday.

According to the source, Ukrainian President Petro Poroshenko is expected to visit the U.S. in February 2017 and he plans to meet with Donald Trump, who has been elected President of the U.S., during that visit.

  
A FORMER employee of a Limerick branch of Advance Pitstop has admitted stealing more than 26,000 from the company over a six month period.

When formally arraigned at Limerick Circuit Court, Pat OShaughnessy, aged 36, of Derrynane, Old Cork Road pleaded guilty to 20 sample charges under the provisions of the Criminal Justice (Theft and Fraud Offences) Act.

John OSullivan BL, prosecuting, told the court the defendants guilty pleas were acceptable to the State given the circumstances of the case.

The defendant, who will be sentenced early in the new year had faced a total of 95 charges relating to the theft of more that 50,000 in cash and cheques.

A file was prepared for the Director of Public Prosecutions by investigating gardai and a book of evidence was served on the the defendant in September after she directed trial on indictment.

All of the charges relate to offences which happened at the companys Ennis Road branch on various dates between January 1, 2014 and June 30, 2014.

The charges to which he has pleaded guilty relate to the theft of cash and cheques with a total value of 26,485.

The individual amounts stolen by OShaughnessy range from 10 to more than 2,200.

After formally noting the defendants guilty plea, Judge John Hannan remanded him on continuing bail pending a sentencing hearing on January 10, next.

Details of the offences will be outlined to the court on that date while lawyers representing the 36-year-old will also put forward arguments in mitigation.

OShaughnessy, who previously granted legal aid, faces a maximum sentence of five years imprisonment relating to each of the charges.
WHEN IT was announced last year there was going to be no coursing the Doon the club vowed they would be back bigger and better in 2016.

True to their word  they are pulling out all the stops for their two day meeting on Saturday and Sunday, December 3 and 4. The club has organised a fundraiser this Saturday night and where better to hold it than Limerick Greyhound Stadium.

If Irish Coursing Club representative Timmy Ryan, from Oola, is anything to go by it will be a packed house as he had sold 80 tickets by Monday.

We didnt course last year so we want to have a right good meeting this year. The whole idea of the dog night is to raise funds to get the meeting off the ground, said Timmy. Last year was the first time there was no coursing in Doon since it was founded in 1932.

Its a family tradition  passed down from generation to generation. Our present chairman George Allis - his father, also George, was a founding member. My own father, Thomas, was a founding member. Seamie Barry, who kindly gives us the use of his land, his father Jim was a founder member.

"There are several more that have a family connection, said Timmy.

One man they are especially looking forward to welcoming back is Pa Smyth, Cappamore. The 96-year-old was at the first coursing meeting in Doon in 1932.

Tickets for Saturday are available from any committee member or on the night.
THE mother of one of four young people murdered in Newcastle West six years ago has said that the time was right to speak out on domestic violence.

Maria Dempsey made national headlines this week after a powerful contribution to the Safe Ireland summit on domestic violence in Dublin.

Maria is the mother of Alicia Brough, the 20-year-old who was murdered in Newcastle West six years ago by local man John Geary.

Geary, now serving four life sentences, first murdered his ex-partner Sarah Hines and their five-month-old daughter on November 15,2010.

When Alicia returned from the shops with Sarahs three-year-old son Reece, Geary then turned on them, murdering them before leaving the house and heading to Co. Clare.

The slaughter of these four innocents shocked the country at the time and in her message to the Safe Ireland summit, Maria said she wanted to be a voice for Alicia and for all those affected by domestic violence.

After six years I want to give voice to Alicia and so many other women who are not here with us because they were taken, viciously, unjustly, violently, she said.

She also called for domestic violence to be included as a cause of death.

Speaking to the Limerick Leader following the summit, Maria, who lives in Rockchapel, said it was not just the victims and their families who suffered.

It affects your neighbours, your school community. It is massive, she told the Leader.

Every child going to the school my children go to, has been touched by this. We were shocked as adults. How can those children deal with what has happened?

Her heartfelt plea now is for those affected by violence to be heard and to be better supported.

I want to go out there and I want every service to hear what it is like for a family which has had trauma, she said.

Counselling services in rural areas are practically non-existent, she pointed out, and her family was put on a five-month waiting list for counselling in Cork city miles away.

You shouldnt have to go on a waiting list, she said.

Maria also called for more openness about anger and trauma. A lot of people, she feels, are walking around with things they cant talk about.

Sometimes this gets internalised and sometimes this is turned outward on to other people.

Pain is held, she said, and people push it down, but it rears its head. That is why we need to talk about it.

She described the Safe Ireland summit as a very inspiring and enriching experience and she praised the organisation for the support it has given her.

I came with a mission, she said. I was ready. I felt it was time to speak out.

She also singled out Hozier, whom she met at the summit and described his song Cherry Wine, about domestic violence, as a beautiful poignant message.

He is a beautiful son of Ireland, she said. He is one of the ones who are changing this country.

Marias contribution to the summit came almost six years to the day since her eldest daughters death.

Every year before I just cried and cried. This year, I got hope, she said.

Asked about Geary who is now serving his sentences, Maria said: It is not that I forgive him.

But she is mindful of the pain the Geary family is suffering.

I cant imagine the pain they are holding. I would say they are holding pain. I dont want them to feel our pain too, she said.

Maria and her husband Paul have six other children, ranging in age from five to 21.

I have a big heart but there is always a crack in it. I dont know if it will ever heal. Maybe it will, she said.
THE OWNER of greyhounds that were shot and dumped in a quarry in County Limerick refused to tell gardai who killed the animals, a court has heard.

THE OWNER of greyhounds that were shot and dumped in a quarry in County Limerick refused to tell gardai who killed the animals, a court has heard.

Six greyhounds were found dumped in undergrowth in Ballyagran on April 10, 2012, and two of the dogs were subsequently traced back to John Corkerey, aged 54, of Love Lane, Charleville. Mr Corkerey was fined at Newcastle West Court after pleading guilty to offences under the Welfare of Greyhounds Act (2011).

The court heard that Mr Corkerey had arranged for a third party to destroy the dogs after they failed to show promise at racing trials, and that he had no problem with the animals being shot.

However, Mr Corkerey refused to reveal to gardai who had killed and dumped the animals.

The court heard that Mr Corkerey and members of his family have suffered a lot of abuse in public since the dogs were killed.

At Newcastle West Court last week Mr Corkerey pleaded guilty to two technical offences arising from the Act of 2011. The charges, the first of their kind in Ireland, related to paperwork irregularities for two of the dead dogs, Rathluirc Sham and Kildangan Dawn, which were traced to Mr Corkerey by tattoo tags on their ears.

Detective Inspector Eamon ONeill told the court that the gardai were notified after six greyhounds were found shot and dumped in undergrowth on April 10, 2012.

An identity marking identified one as Rathluirc Sham, an animal registered in the name of Mr Corkereys son. Det Insp ONeill said that further inquiries found that on March 22, 2011 John Corkerey brought Rathluirc Sham to trials, but the animal showed no ability to chase the mechanical hare, and on March 25 Mr Corkerey made arrangements to have the dog put down.

Meanwhile the court heard that the second dog, Kildangan Dawn, had previously been registered to an owner in Dublin, but had come into Mr Corkereys possession through a practice known as raising one dog for another dog.

The court heard that Mr Corkerey did not complete the required documentation or notify the Irish Coursing Club when this took place, which is also an offence under the new legislation.

On June 19, Mr Corkerey attended Newcastle West garda station and took full responsibility for the two dogs, and also admitted he signed the registration form in the name of his son at the trials of March 22 the previous year.

Det Insp ONeill said that Mr Corkerey had said that he saw no problem shooting a dog in the head, and stated that its just the same as injecting them. Its all over in seconds.

Mr Corkerey told gardai that he got someone to put the greyhounds down for him, but would not give that persons name. Det Insp ONeill said that Mr Corkerey refused to co-operate on this point despite being pressed a number of times.

Solicitor Denis Linehan, defending, reminded the court that Mr Corkerey was charged with forging his sons signature and for a paperwork offence, and had no part in the shooting or dumping of the animals.

Mr Linehan said that Mr Corkerey came forward and admitted ownership of the dogs less than a week after they were found.

Mr Linehan said that Mr Corkerey gave the animals to a third party to put down as he could not afford the 160 fee to have each dog destroyed legally. However, the accused takes great exception to the way these animals were disposed, and admits that the animals were killed in not the most humane manner.

Mr Linehan said that since last April, Mr Corkerey has been subjected to a lot of abuse personally, while one of his family was threatened in public.

Mr Linehan said that Mr Corkerey is a man of good character who worked in the building trade but now only receives 233 per week. Mr Corkerey is married with two children.

Judge Mary Larkin fined Mr Corkerey a total of 800, with six months to pay.
Security Service of Ukraine (SBU) has prevented the second attempt to kidnap and murder a former officer of the Russian Federal Security Service, a member of the volunteer battalion in the anti-terrorist operation zone (ATO) Ilya Bogdanov.

"We have carried out the operation, related to the intentions of an organized criminal group, led from abroad, from Russia, to arrange the abduction and murder today of a peaceful citizen of Ukraine," the SBU chief Vasyl Hrytsak said at a joint briefing with the General Prosecutor Yuriy Lutsenko in Kyiv on Friday.

He said the well-known blogger is Ilya Bogdanov, a former employee of the FSB (Federal Security Service) of Russian Federation. .

According to Hrytsak, the previous attempt to kidnap and murder Bogdanov was prevented by security forces in February 2015. The killer detained in October 2015 was sentenced to eight years and a half in prison.

The SBU chief said that the killer was recruited by FSB officers in Belgorod (Russia).

As reported on Monday, Kyivs police communications department said that the law enforcers are searching for Bogdanov after his friends and acquaintances went to the police with a statement on his disappearance. They said the last time they talked to him was on November 12, 2016. A criminal investigation into his disappearance was opened pursuant to Article 115 (premeditated murder) of the Criminal Code of Ukraine along with the operational-investigative measures.
There was already an agreement on the resignation of the Ukrainian National Police chief Khatia Dekanoidze a year ago, Ukrainian Interior Minister Arsen Avakov said.

"That was a scheduled event. We agreed on that a year ago, she fulfilled her term in the position and made this decision," Avakov told reporters, replying to a question regarding the reasons of Dekanoidze's resignation, in Boyarka, Kyiv region, on Friday.

At the same time, he avoided answering the question of whether there was any pressure on Dekanoidze.

On November 14, Dekanoidze said she is resigning from the post of the National Police chief. Interior Minister Avakov said that he accepted her resignation and the Ukrainian National Police first deputy chief Vadym Troyan will serve as its acting chief.

On November 16, the Ukrainain National Police spokesman Yaroslav Trakalo said that the Ukrainian government dismissed Dekanoidze from her post.
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Ukrainian President Petro Poroshenko and President of the European Council Donald Tusk have coordinated approaches to the speedy completion of the ratification process of the EU-Ukraine Association Agreement by the Netherlands.

During a telephone conversation, Poroshenko thanked Tusk for the EU solidarity and support of a UN resolution on human rights in Crimea and Sevastopol, the Ukrainian president's press service reported.

Some 61% of Dutch citizens, who came to the polling stations, voted against the Association Agreement between Ukraine and the EU at a referendum held in the Netherlands on April 6, 2016. The turnout was 32% with the quorum being 30%. Legally the outcome of the referendum is not binding for the government.

A total of 27 EU member states, Ukraine and the European Parliament have already ratified this agreement.

Dutch Prime Minister Mark Rutte said earlier that the refusal to ratify the agreement will be a mistake and will weaken Europe's unity. However, he will have no choice but to table the bill on the refusal of the Netherlands to support the EU-Ukraine Association Agreement, unless the political forces come to an agreement on backing the accord.
Prosecutor General of Ukraine Yuriy Lutsenko considers the information about the alleged termination of the investigation against former President of Ukraine Viktor Yanukovych to be a political manipulation.

"I consider the statement that the Prosecutor General's Office allegedly stopped investigation against Yanukovych and his associates a political manipulation of those people who are not satisfied with the start of the battle against corruption in the country and, in particular, in the city of Lviv. This manipulation is carried out exclusively to draw attention away from the fact that the favorite employee of the Lviv mayor was caught red-handed taking a bribe," Lutsenko said at a joint press conference with SBU chief Vasyl Hrytsak in Kyiv on Friday.

Ukrainian laws allow a maximum of one year for an inquiry, the prosecutor general said. "I headed up the Prosecutor General's Office after two and a half years of investigation of high-profile cases on Maidan and Yanukovych [...]. The law allows for dropping a suspect manhunt case [...] as is the case with Yanukovych's manhunt, but this gives us an opportunity to proceed to the in absentia sentencing procedure," Lutsenko said.

The Prosecutor General's Office is going to ask parliamentarians to clarify the order of this procedure, he said. "This will enable us, already this year, to start all proceedings necessary for the in absentia sentencing of Yanukovych and his accomplices. We've gathered evidence for at least five criminal cases," the prosecutor general said.
Prosecutor General of Ukraine Yuriy Lutsenko has denied recent media information that Ukraine is allegedly preparing to extradite former head of the Odesa Regional State Administration Mikheil Saakashvili to the Georgian side.

Responding to the Interfax-Ukraine's question whether the information is true, the prosecutor general said: "No, this is not true. Ukraine does not extradite its citizens."

Ukrayinska Pravda earlier reported, citing a source close to the presidential administration, that Ukraine may extradite Saakashvili to Georgia, where a criminal case has been opened against him. The source told the publication Saakashvili cannot be stripped of his Ukrainian citizenship and therefore his extradition at the request of Georgia is under consideration.

A different source in the presidential administration said Saakashvili and Ukrainian President Petro Poroshenko had a 'non-attack' agreement before the elections in Georgia.

Item 1 of Article 10 of the Ukrainian Criminal Code provides that citizens of Ukraine and stateless persons who live permanently in Ukraine and who have committed a crime outside Ukraine cannot be extradited to a foreign state to be prosecuted and handed over to a court.

On November 7, 2016, Saakashvili said he was leaving the post of head of the Odesa regional administration because he was tired of constant deceit and corruption, including on the part of the Kyiv authorities. On November 9, the Ukrainian Cabinet approved Saakashvili's dismissal from the post, which was then signed by the president.

Poroshenko granted Saakashvili Ukrainian citizenship in late May 2015. Saakashvili says he now only has Ukrainian citizenship.

Saakashvili was Georgia's third president from 2004-2013.

Parliamentary elections, in which the party United National Movement led by Saakashvili took part, were held in Georgia on October 8. Several criminal cases have been opened against Saakashvili in Georgia.
European Council President Donald Tusk expressed hope that European Union authorities will soon agree on the issues related to a visa waiver for Ukrainian citizens.

Tusk said so during a telephone conversation with Ukrainian President Petro Poroshenko, the Ukrainian presidential press service said on Friday.

Tusk and Poroshenko welcomed the COREPER decision to initiate negotiations on introduction of a visa-free regime for Ukrainian citizens. "This decision is a significant political achievement in the visa liberalization process," the press service cited Tusk as saying.

The sides discussed preparations for the EU-Ukraine summit, which will take place in Brussels on November 24.

On November 17, the Committee of Permanent Representatives in the European Union (COREPER) agreed on behalf of the European Council on a negotiating position on the introduction of the visa-free regime for Ukraine. COREPER confirmed the proposal of the European Commission to provide visa-free travel for Ukrainian citizens when travelling to the EU for a period of stay of 90 days in any 180-day period, the European Council said in a statement.
The Kyiv Solomiansky district court has put head of the Accounting Chamber of Ukraine Roman Mahuta under round-the-clock house arrest wearing electronic monitoring means, Head of the Specialized Anti-Corruption Prosecutor's Office (SAPO) Nazar Kholodnytsky has reported.

"The Solomiansky district court satisfied the SAPO's request and put head of the Accounting Chamber of Ukraine Roman Mahuta under round-the-clock house arrest wearing electronic monitoring means. The court also demanded the suspect give for storage his passport for travel abroad and other documents which make it possible to leave the country," Kholodnytsky wrote on Facebook.

He stressed SAPO prosecutors and investigators from the National Anti-Corruption Bureau are taking all necessary measures to rapidly complete the pre-trial investigation, submit the proceedings to court and reimburse the state for the damage.

As reported, on November 16 Prosecutor General of Ukraine Yuriy Lutsenko signed suspicion against head of the Accounting Chamber Roman Mahuta for the illegal privatization of an apartment.
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Parubiy to visit Turkey on November 19-21 to participate in NATO Parliamentary Assembly meeting

Verkhovna Rada Chairman Andriy Parubiy will visit Turkey on November 19-21, the parliament's press service reported.

According to the visit program, Parubiy will meet with chairman of the Grand National Assembly of Turkey Ismail Kahraman.

In addition, the Ukrainian parliament speaker will take part in the meeting of the NATO Parliamentary Assembly, will address the Committee on the Civil Dimension of Security the NATO PA on the report on the two dimensions of the conflict in Ukraine, he will meet with President of the NATO Parliamentary Assembly Michael Turner.

Parubiy is also scheduled to meet with Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew and visit the Church of St. George.
A letter received by Longford County Council from the Department of Justice and Equality has been blasted as a disgrace and gobbledegook by Cllr Peggy Nolan.

The correspondence was made in response to letters sent by the council to Justice Minister Frances Fitzgerald and Garda Commissioner Noirin OSullivan relating to the vacant Garda Superintendent position in Granard.

In the letter from the Tanaiste and Minister for Justice, its pointed out that the Garda Commissioner is responsible for the distribution of all resources, including personnel.

This allocation of resources is constantly monitored in the context of crime trends, policing needs and various operational strategies in place on District, Divisional and Regional levels to ensure optimum use is made of Garda resources and the best possible Garda service is provided to the public.

The letter also revealed that as of September 30, 2016, the Garda strength in the Roscommon/Longford Division stood at 297, and was managed by one Chief Superintendent and three Superintendents.

Plans to increase the Garda workforce by 2021 was outlined, before the letter concluded by saying; The Tanaiste remains committed to ensuring that An Garda Siochana continue to provide a modern, professional and fit-for-purpose policing service.

Responding to the Tanaistes letter, Granard Municipal District Councillor PJ Reilly said; She [Minister Fitzgerald] done everything but answer our question about the replacement of the Superintendent in Granard, which is vacant for the last three to four months.

At the end of the letter, she referred the issue to the Garda Commissioner Noirin OSullivan, so were awaiting a response from her now, Cllr Reilly continued, suggesting a second letter be sent to the commissioner, an action which was supported by Cllr Paul Ross.

The letter was far, far from satisfactory and I would urge that a letter be sent straight away to the Garda Commissioner, Cllr Ross agreed.

Stating that the issue affected the entire county, Cllr Peggy Nolan fumed; It has to be brought home to the Minister, to the powers that be, that Longford is not going to sit back and have any position that delivers safety left vacant for any amount of time.

Describing the lack of superintendent as a retrograde step, Cllr Nolan hit out at the Ministers response.

The letter was a disgrace. The letter was gobbledegook. The letter said nothing, and it was how many pages? So its an insult to this council.

A member of the Joint Policing Committee, Cllr Martin Mulleady suggested that local Garda staffing numbers be discussed at the next JPC meeting.

I would be concerned with the levels of staffing that we have within our county at any one time, he said.

The discussion was ended by Cllr PJ Reilly, who added; I just want to compliment Inspector Padraig Jones in Granard who is carrying the can there for Superintendent.
An Bord Pleanala has approved plans for the development of a solar farm in Edgeworthstown, the Leader can reveal.

Planning chiefs gave the go-ahead for the proposed development at Lisnageeragh, Edgeworthstown after it was appealed to the board in July.

It came after Longford County Council had granted Dublin based firm Elgin Energy Services Ltd planning permission, subject to a number of conditions a month earlier.

In total, the site spans a total of 14.5 hectares and is located around 1.5km north east of the mid Longford town.

The planned development provides a ten year permission for its construction, consisting of a solar farm with an export capacity of approximately 4.2 mega volt-amperes (MVA) comprising photovoltaic panels on ground mounted frames, a single storey terminal station, four number single storey inverter stations, ducting and electrical cabling.

Provision is also made for perimeter fencing, mounted CCTV cameras, improved access as well as plans for an internal access track, associated site development and landscaping works.

In its summation, the board rejected claims the development would impinge on the area's all-round appearance.

"Subject to compliance with the conditions (of planning), the proposed development would not seriously injure the residential amenities of property in the vicinity and would not detract from the landscape character or visual amenities of the area," the board ruled in a statement.

The initial appeal had been made by Martin Finnan, care of Sean Lucy and Associates Limited, 23E Lough Sheever Corporate Park, Mullingar, County Westmeath.

The board said it agreed with an inspector's view that an Environmental Impact Assessment was not required in respect of the development and, as such and would not be likely to have a significant effect on the environment.

The board is satisfied that the proposed development, including the grid connection, either individually or in combination with other plans or project would not be likely to have significant effects on the European Sites having regard to the conservation objectives
News that Legan, Co Longford has the slowest broadband speed in the country has not come as a surprise to locals.

In new data, released by comparison site Switcher, it was revealed that Longfords broadband is the slowest in the country, with an average speed of 7.25Mbps.

The slowest broadband area was Legan, with an average download speed of 1.98Mbps, compared to the 72.15Mbps recorded by the fastest area in the country; Drimnagh, Dublin 12.

It was further revealed that Legan's broadband speed is almost 12 times slower than the national average.

Broadband has been an issue in south Longford for years, revealed Legan native, Cllr Paul Ross.

We are not surprised to see what has come out in the media today as it has been a problem for years.

Cllr Ross said such was the slow nature of the broadband speed, a local grocery store was unable to facilitate customers in their attempts to pay for their bin service charges.

"Mulleady's use a top up system but the local shop in Legan can't provide that because the laser company Mulleady's work with use a fixed line broadband connection and we (Legan) haven't got that.

Cllr Ross said the absence of such a service was not only hindering local businesses in their efforts to make ends meet, but was also forcing local homeowners to do their shopping elsewhere.

The Fine Gael councillor said of more immediate concern was the fact some some former parishioners had been forced to sell their homes in a bid to access higher broadband speeds.

"Every house in this day and age needs broadband especially when children are now using iPads at school and more people are using Facebook, emails and downloading various types of data.

"And I know of two families who had been commuting to Dublin and looked to work one day a week at home but who sold their house because they can't do their work from home," he said.

For more on this, see www.longfordleader.ie
Local News, Community, Charity & Cause, Press Releases

By Legislator Anker's Office Published: November 18 2016

On Monday, November 11th, Suffolk County Legislator Sarah Anker joined members of the community at Bartlett Pond Park for a Veterans Day commemoration ceremony.

Middle Island, NY - November 17, 2016 - On Veterans Day, we honor the men and women who have fought for our freedom and the active duty military personnel who continue to fight for us at home and overseas. On Monday, November 11th, Suffolk County Legislator Sarah Anker joined the Middle Island Civic Association, the Middle Island Fire Department, and the Longwood community at Bartlett Pond Park for a Veterans Day commemoration ceremony. The event included a flag ceremony, poetry reading, wreath-laying, and unveiling of the newly engraved veterans monuments.





I am proud to be a part of a community that goes above and beyond to honor our veterans, said Legislator Anker. I commend the bravery of our veterans and I am humbled to pay tribute to those who continue to serve and protect our country.

At the ceremony, new name engravings were unveiled on the Vietnam War Memorial and the Global War on Terror Memorial. The names on the memorials at Bartlett Pond Park are the veterans who are from the Longwood community. The commemoration ceremony was sponsored by the Middle Island Civic Association, the Longwood Alliance, and Boy Scout Troop 433. For more information about upcoming events in Middle Island, please visit www.middleislandcivic.com.
Nature & Weather, Local News, National & World News, Community, Charity & Cause, Press Releases

By Long Island News & PR Published: November 18 2016

Councilman Mark Cuthbertson joined forces with the owner of a local Haitian restaurant to help raise funds and awareness of a much needed humanitarian effort following the impact of Hurricane Matthew.

Huntington, NY - November 17, 2016 - In response to the devastating effects that Hurricane Matthew inflicted upon Haiti, Councilman Mark Cuthbertson joined forces with the owner of a local Haitian restaurant to help raise funds and awareness of a much needed humanitarian effort following this impactful storm.



There is a dire humanitarian need to help feed and care for the children of Haiti due to the effects of Hurricane Matthew  one of the strongest storm systems to hit this region in over 52 years, stated Councilman Mark Cuthbertson. We are very fortunate to have a caring and supportive business community in the town, and the owner of a local Haitian restaurant, Marie Michele Destil of Gingerbites wholeheartedly opened her doors to help join in this effort, added Cuthbertson.



Hurricane Matthew, a category 4 storm with wind speeds of 145mph inflicted a devastating blow to the southern province of Haiti on October 4, 2016. It was one of the hardest hitting systems in Haitis history and sadly one of the deadliest. This was the impetus for Councilman Cuthbertsons Help for Haiti fundraiser kick off at Gingerbites Restaurant & Catering on November 14. Hurricane Matthew destroyed Haitis food stock and livestock and left hundreds upon thousands of Haitis children without food or medical needs.



I feel blessed to be a part of this wonderful relief effort especially knowing that the proceeds will benefit the children of my homeland who are in such a dire need, said Marie Michele Destil, owner of Gingerbites Restaurant in Huntington Station.



At a time when we are doing our shopping and getting ready for Thanksgiving dinner, I ask residents to think about the dire food shortage Hurricane Matthew created in Haiti and contribute to help children who are very much in need, said Supervisor Frank P. Petrone, who attended the November 14 kickoff announcing the fund drive. I thank Councilman Cuthbertson and Gingerbites owner Marie Michele Destil for helping to mobilize the effort here to help those in Haiti who are badly in need of food,



Councilwoman Tracey A. Edwards added, I am proud to support Councilman Cuthbertson and Gingerbites humanitarian efforts to support Haiti through Meds and food for kids, stated Councilwoman Tracey A. Edwards.



Those interested in donating to this very worthy cause, can make monetary deposits at the collection boxes at Gingerbites Restaurant & Catering located at 730 East Jericho Turnpike in Huntington Station or in the main lobby at Huntington Town Hall, located at 100 Main Street in Huntington through November 30th.



All proceeds will benefit the Meds & Food for Kids Haitian charity, which is a 501(3) (c) organization that is devoted to saving the lives of Haitis children. Checks will be gladly accepted and they can be made out to Meds & Food for Kids and in the notes section, please write: Hurricane Matthew Relief.







Pictured:



Councilman Mark Cuthbertson is pictured with fellow Board Members, Supervisor Frank P. Petrone and Councilwoman Tracey A. Edwards at Gingerbites Restaurant, along with owner, Marie Michele Destil, and Peter Charles of the St. John's Church in Cold Spring Harbor, George Frank of the Huntington Church of God, and Marie Cyr of the LAMBI Fund of Haiti for the Towns Help for Haiti fundraiser kickoff on November 14, 2016.
School & Education, Local News, Community, Charity & Cause, Health & Wellness, Press Releases, Seasonal & Current Events

By Long Island News & PR Published: November 18 2016

In recognition of the Great American Smokeout, Reality Check LI teens from Brentwood North Middle school created quit packages to support people looking to quit using tobacco.

Brentwood, NY - November 17, 2016 - November 17th marks the American Cancer Society's annual Great American Smokeout. This day is focused on helping people to quit smoking or using other tobacco products. This year, ACS is encouraging individuals that smoke to Quit like a Champion.

In recognition of the Great American Smokeout, Reality Check LI teens from Brentwood North Middle school created quit packages to support people looking to quit using tobacco. Each packet contained a stress ball, mints, toothpicks, educational and resource pamphlets The teens also wrote hand written notes of encouragement to include in the packages.

Many of the teens involved in this activity have family members that smoke. This is an opportunity for them to take steps to try and help their loved ones quit this deadly habit. Allowing teens to take action to help others can be very empowering for them said Michael Hoffner, Reality Check LI Coordinator

Reality Check is a New York State youth-led, adult supported group against the deceptive marketing practices of the tobacco industry and the way they market their products towards youth. Reality Check youth work to expose the truth about the way the tobacco industry advertises and tries to eliminate those marketing opportunities in their community.

Reality Check LI is part of the Tobacco Action Coalition of Long Island which is funded by the NY Tobacco Control Program through a grant administered by the American Lung Association of the Northeast. To learn more visit RealityCheckLI.org.
Ukrainian military positions were shelled 26 times between midnight and 6 p.m. on Friday, according to the press center for the headquarters of the anti-terrorist operation in eastern Ukraine.

In the Mariupol area, mortars of varying caliber were fired against Ukrainian military positions near Vodiane, Novotroitske, Shyrokyne, Talakivka and Pavlopil, the press center said on Facebook on Friday evening. "Near Shyrokine and Berezove fire was also delivered by infantry fighting vehicles. A tank fired several times on Shyrokine," the press center said.

In the Luhansk area, mortars, grenades and small arms were fired on Krymske and Zhovte.

In the Donetsk area, 120mm-caliber mortars were fired on Luhanske; grenades and large-caliber machineguns, on Avdiyivka.

"In all, 26 shell attacks were carried out between midnight and 6 p.m.," the press center said.
Local News, Crime, Press Releases

By Long Island News & PR Published: November 18 2016

A.G. Schneiderman announced the convictions of 9 individuals for staging 4 automobile accidents in Nassau & Suffolk counties to fraudulently receive insurance payouts.

Nassau County / Suffolk County, NY - November 18, 2016 - Attorney General Eric T. Schneiderman today announced the convictions of nine individuals for their roles in staging four automobile accidents in Nassau and Suffolk counties to fraudulently receive insurance payouts.

The defendants, including ringleader Guilberto Jean, pleaded guilty to participating in a series of staged accidents in which rented U-Haul or Penske trucks were intentionally crashed into cars loaded with participants, who were then directed to be treated for fictitious injuries at medical clinics in Freeport and Valley Stream.

As a result of the fake accidents and falsely reported injuries, the defendants submitted fraudulent insurance claims totaling more than $150,000.

Insurance fraud costs all New Yorkers by distorting the marketplace and increasing premiums, Attorney General Schneiderman said. Anyone who thinks they will be able to get away with these types of fraudulent practices should think twice. As todays convictions demonstrate, if you attempt to exploit the insurance system for personal gain, you will be punished.

In 2015, nine defendants were charged by the Attorney Generals Auto Insurance Fraud Unit (AIFU) in relation to four staged accidents:

An accident dated October 30, 2010, at the intersection of Brook Avenue and Mildred Avenue in Bay Shore , in which a U-Haul truck rear-ended a Mitsubishi;







An accident dated June 16, 2011, at Straight Path Road in Suffolk County, in which a Penske truck rear-ended a Honda; and An accident dated December 19, 2010, at the intersection of Patton Avenue and East Little Neck Road in Babylon , in which a U-Haul truck sideswiped a Chevrolet; andAn accident dated June 16, 2011, at Straight Path Road in Suffolk County, in which a Penske truck rear-ended a Honda; and



An accident dated June 29, 2011, at the intersection of Milburne Avenue and Harold Avenue in Hempstead , in which a U-Haul truck rear-ended a Toyota

The four accidents were staged in order to fraudulently bill insurance carriers and collect illegal payouts. In New York State, a person injured in a motor vehicle accident is automatically covered by the Comprehensive Motor Vehicle Insurance Reparations Act, commonly referred to as the No-Fault law.



No-Fault insurance carriers are required to provide reimbursement for a wide range of medical and health services for injuries related to car accidents, up to $50,000 per person. In addition to medical coverage, a victim in a motor vehicle accident may be eligible to recover money from an insurance carrier for a bodily injury lawsuit stemming from injuries resulting from the accident.

According to court filings and admissions made by defendants at the time of plea, the defendants rented U-Haul or Penske trucks and then intentionally drove them into cars operated by other participants. The accidents were organized by ringleader Guilberto Jean, who recruited the U-Haul and Penske drivers and the occupants of the second vehicle with promises of cash payments or lucrative personal injury settlements. After they staged the accidents, the defendants lied to the responding police officers and pretended that the accident had been real.

After the accidents, the occupants of the cars struck by the U-Haul and Penske trucks were directed by Jean to seek treatment at Freeport Medical, P.C., located at 50 South Main Street in Freeport, NY or ZSA Medical Care, P.C., located at 71 South Central Avenue in Valley Stream, NY. At the clinics, the defendants filled out insurance forms that included false information about the accident and the defendants purported soft tissue injuries.



Based on the fraudulent claims of injury, Freeport, ZSA and their associated providers billed insurance carriers over $30,000 for each accident, and over $150,000 in total.

The Attorney Generals prosecution of this staged accident ring successfully concluded today with the conviction of defendant Troy Russell, the driver of rental trucks in the December 19, 2010 and June 16, 2011 accidents.



Russell pleaded guilty to one count of Grand Larceny in the Fourth Degree and two counts of Insurance Fraud in the Fourth Degree, Class E felonies, and was sentenced today by Justice William C. Donnino in Nassau County Court to 1  to 3  years in prison and $7,500 restitution.

In May 2016, ringleader Guilberto Jean, the organizer of the staged accidents, was convicted of three counts of Insurance Fraud in the Third Degree, a Class D felony and three counts of Grand Larceny in the Third Degree. Jean was sentenced to 6 months in jail, 5 years probation, $28,000 in restitution, and 300 hours of community service.

In addition to Jean and Russell, seven other participants in the staged accident ring pleaded guilty to criminal charges. Larry Henley, driver of the U-Haul truck in the June 29, 2011 accident and a passenger in the June 16, 2011 accident, was convicted of Grand Larceny in the Third Degree Insurance Fraud in the Fourth Degree, and was sentenced to a 3-year conditional discharge and $10,000 restitution.

Armand Lamorissiere, a participant in the October 30, 2010, December 19, 2010 and June 29, 2011 accidents, was convicted of three counts of Insurance Fraud in the Fourth Degree and sentenced to 3 years probation.

Jahmari Monroe, the driver of the U-Haul truck in the October 30, 2010 accident, was convicted of Insurance Fraud in the Fifth Degree, a Class A misdemeanor, and sentenced to 2 years probation and 300 hours of community service.

Deja Mose, a passenger in the June 29, 2011 accident, was convicted of Insurance Fraud in the Fifth Degree and sentenced to a conditional discharge, 120 hours of community service and $3,500 restitution.

Tashauna Frye, a passenger in the December 19, 2010 accident, was convicted of Insurance Fraud in the Fifth Degree, Falsifying Business Records in the Second Degree and Petit Larceny, Class A misdemeanors, and sentenced to a conditional discharge and 300 hours of community service.

Alicia Holland, a passenger in the December 19, 2010 accident, was convicted of Insurance Fraud in the Fifth Degree, Petit Larceny, and Falsifying Business Records in the Second Degree and sentenced to a conditional discharge and $1,000 restitution.

Christopher Hunter, who allowed his identity be to used in the June 29, 2011 accident, was convicted of Insurance Fraud in the Fifth Degree and sentenced to 150 hours of community service.

The Attorney General thanked the National Insurance Crime Bureau, New York State Department of Financial Services, New York State Department of Financial Services, the Nassau County Police Department, the Suffolk County Police Department, U-Haul International, Inc., Penske Truck Leasing Company, RepWest Insurance Company, Gallagher Bassett Services, Inc., Allstate Insurance Company, GMAC Insurance Company, 21st Century Insurance Company and Gary Armstrong of GDA Investigations Inc. for their valuable assistance in this investigation.

This case was prosecuted by Assistant Attorneys General Irwin Weiss and Timothy McNutt of the Auto Insurance Fraud Unit of the Attorney Generals Criminal Enforcement and Financial Crimes Bureau, with the assistance of Supervising Legal Analyst Paul Strocko and Legal Analyst Brandon Shapiro. The Auto Insurance Fraud Unit is led by Joseph G. DArrigo. The Criminal Enforcement and Financial Crimes Bureau is led by Bureau Chief Gary T. Fishman and Deputy Bureau Chief Stephanie Swenton.

The Attorney General's investigation was conducted by Investigator Adrian Klapper, under the direction of Supervising Investigators Edward Keegan and Natalie Shifrin and Deputy Chief Leonard D'Alessandro. The Investigations Bureau is led by Chief Dominick Zarrella.
School & Education, Local News, Crime, National & World News, Press Releases

By Long Island News & PR Published: November 18 2016

Attorney General Eric T. Schneiderman issued a statement on the $25 million settlement agreement reached in Trump University case.

A.G. Schneiderman: "The victims of Trump University have waited years for today's result and I am pleased that their patience--and persistence--will be rewarded by this $25 million settlement."

New York, NY - November 18, 2016 - Attorney General Eric T. Schneiderman issued the following statement on the $25 million settlement agreement reached in Trump University case:

In 2013, my office sued Donald Trump for swindling thousands of innocent Americans out of millions of dollars through a scheme known at Trump University. Donald Trump fought us every step of the way, filing baseless charges and fruitless appeals and refusing to settle for even modest amounts of compensation for the victims of his phony university. Today, that all changes. Today's $25 million settlement agreement is a stunning reversal by Donald Trump and a major victory for the over 6,000 victims of his fraudulent university.

I am pleased that under the terms of this settlement, every victim will receive restitution and that Donald Trump will pay up to $1 million in penalties to the State of New York for violating state education laws. The victims of Trump University have waited years for today's result and I am pleased that their patience--and persistence--will be rewarded by this $25 million settlement.
Pets & Animal, Local News, Press Releases, Seasonal & Current Events

By Long Island News & PR Published: November 18 2016

One fortunate turkey wont be on a dinner table this Thanksgiving, thats because he will be officially pardoned.

Jericho, NY - November 18, 2016 - One fortunate turkey wont be on a dinner table this Thanksgiving, thats because he will be officially pardoned by Village of Brookville Mayor Daniel H. Serota and a Nassau County Supreme Court Justice. SPCA animal rights advocates will also be in attendance to support officially pardoning Teddy the Turkey on Monday, November 21st, 2016 at the Historic Milleridge Inn 585 N Broadway, Jericho, NY 11753 at 11:30 AM



This will mark the first official, municipal pardon granted for a turkey in Long Island and will allow Teddy the Turkey to live out his remaining days in peace at the Milleridge Inn, where the innkeepers are currently building a home for the lucky gobbler.



The historic Milleridge Inn has been celebrating Thanksgiving for over two centuries. This year, upwards of 45 million turkeys will not be as lucky as Teddy the Turkey. The Inn dates back to 1672.



According to historians, the first record of a turkey being pardoned was in 1863 by President Lincoln. Subsequently, President Kennedy pardoned a turkey in 1963, but the first official pardon was granted by President George H.W. Bush on November 14th, 1989. It has since become an annual White House tradition.
Looking to stay up to date about all of the news stories and local headlines that are important to Long Islanders? We've rounded up the top coverage for all of the important topics from multiple sources around Long Island, so you can be sure you've got the most recent update on the top stories for Long Island. Have an idea for a news story? Email us at news@longisland.com

Columnists Press Releases
Chinese Premier Li Keqiang has called for China's energy mix to be more in tune with the sustainable development of the economy.

At a meeting on Thursday with representatives of the energy industry, Li said China intends to foster an energy system that is clean, low-carbon, secure and efficient.

A national guideline on development of energy sector until 2020 highlights clean coal and new energy technology.
LIMA, Nov. 17 (Xinhua) -- Chinese President Xi Jinping published a signed article in the leading Peruvian newspaper El Comercio under the title "Join Hands to Fulfill Centenary Dreams and Strive for New Progress in Cooperation" on Thursday, ahead of his state visit to the Latin American country.

The English translated version of the article is as follows.

Join Hands to Fulfill Centenary Dreams and Strive for New Progress in Cooperation

By H.E. Xi Jinping, President of the People's Republic of China

I am looking forward to coming to Peru for the 24th APEC Economic Leaders' Meeting and my state visit to this country at the invitation of President Pedro Pablo Kuczynski. President Kuczynski visited China in September. By the time of my visit, the presidents of China and Peru will have exchanged visits in less than two months. This will send a strong signal of China and Peru working together for common development.

This would be the second time for Peru to play host to the leaders of APEC economies in eight years. It marks another new and important contribution Peru makes to Asia-Pacific cooperation. Peru will have China's full support and cooperation in facilitating positive outcomes of the meeting.

I still recall my visit to Peru in the 1990s, which left me deeply impressed by the majestic landscape and rich natural endowments of this country. The Andes Mountains, "the backbone of South America," extends from North to South, and the mighty Amazon has nourished a treasure house of minerals, fossil fuel, forests and biological resources. Peru is also known for its hard-working and courageous people, who created a time-honored history and rich culture. Its dazzling cultural heritage such as the Inca civilization, Machu Picchu and Nazca Lines are favored destinations for international visitors. El Condor Pasa and other Andean folk melodies are popular all over the world.

China and Peru enjoy a long and deep friendship. Back more than 400 years ago, braving storms and waves, the Chinese people opened a maritime Silk Road across the Pacific. The Chinese and the Peruvians have been visiting each other ever since. In the past 100 years, a large number of Chinese traveled to Peru to seek a life of happiness on this promising land. They worked diligently with the local people and actively contributed to Peru's development. They were the first generation of friendship envoys who brought Chinese culture to Peru. Today, nearly one tenth of the Peruvian population descended from Chinese ancestry. The Chinese are even called by an affectionate nickname in Peru the "paisano" (old pal), showing the deep roots of friendship between our peoples. This is a valuable asset shared by our two countries.

Peru was one of the first Latin American countries to establish diplomatic ties with the People's Republic of China. Over the past 45 years of our diplomatic relations, we have treated each other with respect and equality, firmly supported each other on issues concerning our respective core interests and major concerns and developed strong political trust, which formed the cornerstone of China-Peru relations. Our two countries have established a comprehensive strategic partnership, the highest level of relations between China and Latin American countries, which embodies the high degree of our political mutual trust.

Despite the wintry state of the global economy in recent years, China and Peru are enjoying spring in their practical cooperation. Bilateral trade has remained on an upward trajectory, hitting a record level of nearly 15 billion U.S. dollars in 2015. In the first eight months of this year, trade grew by 9 percent year-on-year, outpaced by a 21.8 percent uptick in Peruvian exports to China. China has been Peru's largest trading partner, export market and source of import for years, and Peru has become one of the top destinations in Latin America for Chinese investment. Over 170 Chinese businesses have invested more than 14 billion dollars in Peru, helping to create tens of thousands of jobs and new sources of tax revenue for local communities and benefiting economic and social development in this country.

The robust people-to-people exchanges between Chinese and Peruvian peoples have brought them even closer to each other. Exchanges and cooperation in culture, education, science and technology, health and the judicial sector as well as between media, think tanks and youths are growing. More and more Peruvians, especially students, want to study Chinese and learn more about Chinese culture. The four Confucius Institutes in Peru have attracted more than 4,000 registered students. We welcome more Peruvians to visit China. More and more Chinese admirers of the Inca civilization are hoping to visit Peru as tourists.

China and Peru have maintained close communication and coordination on international and regional affairs to jointly uphold the common interests of developing countries. We hold the same or similar views and have consistently echoed and supported each other's positions, be it on key international issues such as UN reform, climate change, sustainable development or regional ones like Asia-Pacific cooperation, Latin American integration and cooperation between China and Latin America.

I believe that the tremendous progress and strong momentum in China-Peru ties is attributable to the extensive public support for our friendship, to our enormous economic complementarity and enthusiasm toward cooperation and to the right decision of successive governments of both countries to place high importance on this relationship. The Chinese people are working vigorously to attain the two centenary goals, namely, completing the building of a moderately prosperous society in all respects by the Communist Party's centenary in 2021 and building a prosperous, strong, democratic, culturally advanced and harmonious country by the centenary of the People's Republic in 2049, and the Chinese dream of great national renewal. The Peruvian people are making relentless efforts toward a just, fair and united Peru by the bicentennial of Peru's independence in 2021. Cherishing the same dream and vision, it is only natural that we should push forward all-round cooperation.

-- We need to deepen political mutual trust and remain partners for each other on the way ahead. We should continue to view our relations from a strategic and long-term perspective, understand and support each other on issues concerning core interests and major concerns and ensure the sustained and steady growth of bilateral ties. I have said on many occasions, "Only the wearer knows if the shoes fit or not." China supports Peru in exploring a development path suited to its national conditions and stands ready to enhance the sharing of experience on governance to make greater achievements in our respective development endeavors.

-- We need to expand practical cooperation and promote common development and prosperity. China and Peru are natural partners on the strength of our wide-ranging, large-scale and fruitful cooperation. We have set up mechanisms such as the strategic dialogue on economic cooperation and the joint committee on economic cooperation and trade. We need to formulate and implement a well-structured action plan to guide our practical cooperation in the years to come. China suggests that we intensify production capacity and investment cooperation. We are ready to provide Peru with all the equipment and technology it needs for industrialization, supported by personnel training and matching funds. This will be conducive to Peru's efforts toward diversified economic development, and raise the quality and efficiency of bilateral cooperation.

-- We need to promote cultural exchange and cement public support for our relations. Amity between the people holds the key to sound state-to-state relations. We need to expand exchanges and cooperation in culture, education, science and technology and tourism and facilitate the interflow of people between our two countries. China welcomes more Peruvian students to study in China and supports more youth exchanges to pass on our traditional friendship from one generation to the next.

-- We need to strengthen cooperation in international and regional affairs to uphold common interests. Lasting peace and sustained progress is the shared aspiration of all humanity. China hopes to work with Peru to maintain close communication and cooperation on major international issues, build a new type of international relations featuring win-win cooperation and contribute to a community of shared interests and shared future for all mankind.

The baton of China-Peru friendship is now passed to us. Let us join hands and work closely together to pursue the dream of our people for a happy life and promote peace, stability and prosperity of the world.
One of China's most wanted graft fugitives Yang Xiuzhu, who had been on the run for 13 years, finally returned to China on Wednesday and turned herself in to authorities.

This was hailed as the latest example of the resolute determination and great effort of the Chinese government in its anti-corruption campaign in pursuing fugitives and recovering illicit assets, read a Peoples Daily editorial.

So far, 37 fugitives have been repatriated since the Chinese government released a red notice for the countrys 100 most-wanted fugitives who used to be public servants or were involved in major corruption cases. Four of the five most-wanted fugitives have already been brought to justice.

Whats more, Operation Skynet, an anti-graft campaign launched by Chinese authorities in a bid to capture corrupt officials who have fled abroad, has captured 2,210 fugitives as of September, 363 of which used to be public servants.

Both the 5th and the 6th plenary sessions of the 18th CPC Central Commission for Discipline Inspection (CCDI) listed the international manhunt as a top priority of their annual agenda, the editorial said, introducing Chinas efforts to bring fugitives to justice.

All corruption cases and corrupt officials should be investigated and punished with great perseverance and zero tolerance. There should be no shelter for corrupt officials in the party! Chinese President Xi Jinping said at the meeting commemorating the 95th anniversary of the founding of the CPC, declaring Chinas determination to crack down on corruption.

In order to bring these fugitives back and recover their illegal assets, Chinese authorities have carried out both international cooperation and domestic campaigns, the editorial said.

The editorial also pointed out that authorities have increased efforts in collecting information and evidence on fugitives. Diplomatic, police, judiciary and financial departments have worked well together and a coordination mechanism at the provincial level has also been established as well.

Bringing Yang to justice, according to the paper, can be attributed to effective cooperation among the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Ministry of Public Security, the Supreme Peoples Court, the Supreme Peoples Procuratorate, the Ministry of Justice, People's Bank of China and Zhejiang Provinces fugitive repatriation and asset recovery office.

The editorial suggested that international fugitive repatriation and asset recovery should not only be a domestic affair, but also part of the diplomatic agenda in todays connected world.

President Xi and other Chinese leaders have made clear Chinas attitude towards corruption at multilateral or bilateral occasions by bringing up the importance of international cooperation when it comes to the anti-corruption campaign, and discussing fugitive repatriation and asset recovery, the article elaborated.

Propelled by Chinas initiative, the APEC Economic Leaders' Meeting held in 2014 in Beijing endorsed the Beijing Declaration on Fighting Corruption, the first anti-corruption declaration named after a capital city in APEC history.

The G20 High-Level Principles on Cooperation on Persons Sought for Corruption and Asset Recovery adopted at the G20 Hangzhou Summit held this September is also proof of Chinas anti-corruption commitment. The document put forward for the first time the principle of zero tolerance, zero loopholes and zero barriers when it comes to corruption.

Extensive international cooperation will leave fleeing corrupt officials no place to hide, the article said, citing as an example how cooperation between Chinese and US law enforcement teams contributed to Yangs extradition.

With help from Singapore, the Chinese authorities managed to bring Li Huabo, the second most-wanted suspect from China's "100 most-wanted economic fugitives" list, back for trial, the article added.

These fugitives should never bet on having a safe heaven to hide themselves as the anti-corruption campaign will be a long-term fight. In addition to domestic anti-corruption efforts, international cooperation will enable it to reach every corner of the world, the paper stressed in conclusion.
In early October, the jihadist group Jund al Aqsa swore allegiance to Jabhat Fateh al Sham (formerly Al Nusrah Front), which is al Qaedas rebranded branch in Syria.

Just weeks earlier, in September, the State Department sanctioned Jund al Aqsa as a Foreign Terrorist Organization and added it to the US governments list of Specially Designated Global Terrorist groups. Britain previously banned the group in early 2015. Both governments noted Jund al Aqsas history as a subunit of Al Nusrah that splintered off several years prior.

Despite being based in Syria and having a name that makes reference to Jerusalem, Jund al Aqsa has significant roots in the Gulf, raising questions about how seriously certain Gulf governments have tackled extremism and terror finance.

Jund al Aqsas founder

The organizations founder and first emir was known by the nom de guerre Abu Abdulaziz al Qatari. A Palestinian citizen of Jordan, his real name was Muhammad Yusuf Uthman Abd al Salam.

He was reported to have been a longtime veteran of Al Qaeda.

According to the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights (SOHR), al Qatari once worked for Al Qaeda in Afghanistan, where it claimed he was close to Osama bin Laden, Ayman al Zawahiri, and Sheikh Abdullah Azzam. After a stint in Chechnya, the Observatory asserted that he helped Abu Musab al Zarqawi found Jamaat al-Tawhid wal Jihad, the predecessor to Al Qaeda in Iraq (AQI). Though Zarqawi died in 2006, other sources add that al Qatari continued to serve as an AQI official under Zarqawis successors.

The SOHR reported that al Qatari eventually went on to help Abu Muhammad al Julani found Al Nusrah Front in 2012. Iraqi terrorism analyst Hisham al Hashemi reports that the two were dispatched to Syria to form terrorist sleeper cells by Abu Bakr al Baghdadi, after which al Qatari appears to have temporarily handled important financial matters for the Islamic State inside of Syria. According to al-Arabiya, an Islamic State (IS) financial official known as Muhammad Yusuf the Palestinian once oversaw the work in Syria of Abdulrahman al Qaduli, who went on to become ISs minister of finance.

Early Gulf ties

Before the Syrian revolution, however, al Qatari allegedly went from helping jihadists in Iraq to aiding them from Qatar.

A propaganda outlet named Masar Media, which is considered close to Jund al Aqsa, asserted that he left Iraq to work from Qatar in supporting the mujahideen materially and logistically. See the screenshot below. Text displayed in the video, which includes images of Muhammad Yusuf of the Uthmans, Abu Abdulaziz al-Qatari, reads: And after the American invasion of Iraq in 2003, he worked early on with Abu Musab al-Zarqawi in the organization of the mujahideen to resist the occupation, then to work from Qatar in supporting the mujahideen materially and logistically.

Another sympathetic biography remarked that after he participated in and supported the fighting against the American occupation [of Iraq], he traveled afterwards to Qatar, and was supporting the jihad in Iraq.

In 2011, al Qatari purportedly traveled with the head of Saudi Arabias banned extremist Ummah Party to Syria, where they supported Syrian insurgent groups, including the jihadist Ahrar al Sham just after its founding. This account comes from the website of Hakim al Mutayri, who leads the Ummah Partys branch in Kuwait and has reportedly lionized Osama bin Laden (quite literally) as the lion of Islam, according to the Washington Post.

A journalist who visited Jund al Aqsa several years ago wrote that it drew inspiration from a Kuwaiti cleric named Hamid bin Hammad al Ali, who is now under US and UN sanctions on charges of funding Al Nusrah Front. However, al Ali was reportedly given his job back as a Kuwaiti prayer leader last year by state order. He still seems to be listed on the faculty of Kuwaits top public university.

Masar Media similarly claimed that al Qatari gave material support to Ahrar al Sham. It reported that he briefly joined Ahrar in 2011 before moving on to become a senior Nusrah leader. This would have made al Qatari one of several al Qaeda veterans in Ahrars early ranks, including Ayman al Zawahiris envoy in the Levant.

According to the New York Times, Ahrar has also been funded by the governments of Turkey and Qatar.

Al Qataris sons and Al Qaedas Iran-based network

Abu Abdulaziz al Qatari appears to have been the father of two Qatari ID-holders under US and UN sanctions for allegedly funding the Nusrah Front and other Al Qaeda branches. Like him, the two were also citizens of Jordan, and their names are Ashraf and Abd al-Malik Muhammad Yusuf Uthman Abd al Salam.

This relationship would be particularly striking because Abd al-Malik is reported to have wired $4 million to his father from a Jordanian bank account before being jailed and convicted in Lebanon on charges of terror finance. He reportedly claimed to work at his fathers Porsche business in Qatar.

According to the detainee rights group Alkarama, which was co-founded by a Qatari national who is himself now under US and UN terror finance sanctions, Abd al Malik was freed and deported to Jordan in February and held for several months by Jordanian intelligence. Alkarama says he now has been released and had his passport taken, but the Abd al-Salam family has purportedly been known to use forged passports before.

Remarkably, Abd al Malik, Ashraf, and Jund al Aqsa all appear to have intersected at some point with leaders from Al Qaedas network in Iran. While in Iran, senior al Qaeda figures ran the organizations core financial pipeline from the Gulf to South Asia and went on to lead the so-called Khorasan Group in Syria, which plotted terror attacks in the West.

According to the US Treasury Department, Abd al Malik delivered funds in 2011 to Muhsin al Fadhli in Iran, who oversaw that pipeline and later led the Khorasan Groups external operations arm  that is, its unit responsible for plotting against the West. Fadhlis deputy in Iran, Adel al Harbi, had a $5 million US bounty on his head and was killed last year in Syria. As the Long War Journal reported at the time, Jund al Aqsa revealed that he was both a commander in its ranks and a Khorasan leader.

As for Ashraf, the US accused him of helping to transfer hundreds of thousands of dollars in 2012 intended for Al Qaeda in Pakistan from Khalifa al Subaiy, another Qatari under US and UN sanctions. According to the UN, Subaiy funded Pakistan-based Al Qaeda leaders that year by colluding with Iran based facilitators.

Other Qatar-based individuals have also been accused by America of funding Al Qaedas Iran cell, namely Salim al Kuwari and Abdullah al Khawar. Former Deputy National Security Adviser Juan Zarate has written that Kuwari, Khawar, and three other individuals sanctioned by the US in 2011 constituted the most significant Al Qaeda terrorist financing network that had been revealed in the past five years.

While Doha has finally pressed charges against some unnamed terror financiers, there is still no proof any of these particular men have faced Qatari charges.

Al Qataris successors

In January 2014, Abu Abdulaziz al Qatari was killed in northern Syria. Since then, it seems one of his sons became a top leader in the group.

The Syrian opposition paper Enab Baladi reported several weeks ago that Jund al Aqsa was led by several key individuals, most notably Abu Dharr al Jazrawi and Abu Ahmed al Qatari, the latter of whom it identified as a son of Abu Abdulaziz. It stated that Abu Ahmed has helped Jund al Aqsa attract new recruits and buy up independent militias. The paper was one of several different outlets that described him as Jund al Aqsas main financial official.

An article on the website of Al Sakina, a counter-extremism program launched by the Saudi state, reports that Abu Ahmed al Qatari possesses direct links with Qatari and Kuwaiti businessmen who undertake funding the organization under the name of charity. It also identified his colleague al Jazrawi as a Saudi national.

Furthermore, a 2015 statement attributed by some to the Islamic State described Abu Ahmed al Qatari as connected to the governmental institutions and state of Qatar and as receiving unimpeded support. Abu Abdulaziz had even once been accused by a pro-Hezbollah news site of receiving support from Qatari intelligence. Another Lebanese news page cited an Al Qaeda official accusing Abu Ahmed and Abu Dharr of letting Jund al Aqsa be penetrated by intelligence services.

Given the sources, these claims should be viewed with some skepticism. However, it may be worth noting that the al Sakina article, coauthored by Mona Alami, a nonresident fellow at the Atlantic Council, characterized Jund al Aqsa as under the sway of Qatar.

Likewise, Reuters reported that Qatar led an effort in 2015 to rebrand Nusrah and to provide it with new support. It stated that Qatar and others met Julani, Nusrahs chief, several times to urge such a move. The Long War Journal previously warned that Nusrahs rebranding could lead to increased outside aid for the group.

Battleground developments

In the last three years, Jund al Aqsa helped Al Qaeda demolish two pivotal Western-backed organizations in Syria, the Syria Revolutionaries Front and the Hazm Movement, and seriously weaken a third, known as Division 13. As The Long War Journal reported at the time, Jund al Aqsa also aided Al Nusrah Front in an assault on regime positions in Idlib, sending suicide bombers identified with names suggestive of Saudi and Kuwaiti origins.

A journalist who visited Jund al Aqsa reported in 2014 that it continued to receive funding from private Gulf donors who valued its refusal to attack the Islamic State.

Jund al Aqsa even left an alliance last year that was dominated by Al Nusrah Front and Ahrar al Sham, purportedly over their pressure to confront the Islamic State. Still, the group signaled its continued loyalty to Ayman al Zawahiri, describing him as the sheikh of the mujahideen of today and his eminence.

However, Jund al Aqsa has finally been forced to take sides.

After several days of ill-fated clashes with Ahrar al Sham in October, Jund al Aqsas men fled for safety by joining up again with the relaunched Nusrah Front, which changed its name in July to Jabhat Fateh al Sham (JFS). The text of their agreement  signed in the names of Jund leader Abu Diab al-Sarmini and JFS leader Julani  proclaims that we in Jund al-Aqsa pledge our bayah [allegiance] to Jabhat Fateh al-Sham.

The next day, JFS signed a separate deal with Ahrar al Sham that seems to have sealed Jund al Aqsas fate. The document, which was posted on the Syrian opposition website All4Syria, was again signed in Julanis name and promised that Jund al Aqsas bayah means its dissolution and complete incorporation into JFS, thus preventing its independent reconstitution under any name or form.

Postscript

Al Nusrah Fronts 2016 rebranding, Jund al Aqsas original separation from it, and their recent reunification are all reflections of Al Qaedas strategy of diversifying its investments and downplaying its formal ties to such groups.

The Treasury Departments Acting Under Secretary for Terrorism and Financial Intelligence Adam Szubin has called Al Nusrah Fronts purported split with Al Qaeda transparently misleading and warns that it will not change our approach to combating the groups financial and logistical support networks. Last month, Szubin added that we still see in some cases a lack of political will in Qatar and Kuwait to effectively enforce their combating financing terrorist laws against all threats regardless of their organization or affiliation.

Now that Jund al Aqsa is under US sanctions, the administration will also want to keep an eye on this terrorist factions deep financial links to the Gulf, as well as how those ties may benefit al Qaedas renamed paramilitary army.

David Andrew Weinberg is the Anti-Defamation Leagues Washington Director for International Affairs.

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 Taliban has denied reports from Afghanistans Ministry of Interior that police forces killed the Talibans shadow governor for the northern province of Sar-i-Pul. To be fair, the Afghan government has a historically spotty track record when reporting on the deaths of Taliban commanders.

The Ministry of Interior claimed it killed Mullah Attaullah (Mawlawi Najibullah), the shadow governor, and 10 other Taliban fighters on the morning of Nov. 17 outside of Sar-i-Pul city, according to TOLONews:

The so-called governor Najibullah known as Ataullah was involved in many terrorist and destructive activities in Sar-e-Pul province, the statement said, adding that with the elimination of this group, the security situation in this province is expected to improve.

The Taliban, in an official statement on its website, Voice of Jihad, denied that Attaullah was killed, and instead claimed he was leading operations in the province. Additionally, the Taliban said it has taken control of areas in Sayyad district, which borders the provincial capital:

Reports say, puppet administration officials as usual have claimed that they have martyred Islamic Emirates governor of Saripul province along with other Mujahideens, we strongly reject these claims. The respected governor of Saripul province is very much safe and is leading the battle frontline against enemy. According to another report, area of Dariband in Sayyad district which was under tight besiege of Mujahideen since yesterday afternoon hours was overrun early night after forcing the enemy to flee. It is worth mentioning that key area of Bazar Kami in Sayyad district was also overrun by Mujahideen overnight.

The Taliban controls at least one district in Sar-i-Pul (Kohistanat) and contests another (Somza), according to an assessment by FDDs Long War Journal. The Afghan government admitted that Kohistanat district was under Taliban control in July 2016.

The Taliban identified Mullah Attaullah as its shadow governor of Sar-i-Pul in Aug. 2015.

While it is exceedingly difficult to assess the status of Taliban commanders based on the claims of the Afghan government and the Taliban, particularly after the Taliban was exposed for hiding Mullah Omars death for more than two years, the Taliban maintains a better track record. The Taliban frequently rebuts government claims by releasing audio of its commanders denying their deaths.

For instance, the Afghanistan government has claimed it killed Mullah Salam, the Talibans shadow governor for Kunduz, multiple times. When the government said it killed Salam, whose forces took control of Kunduz City for two weeks, in the fall of 2015, the Taliban responded by publishing an interview the shadow governor.

Bill Roggio is a Senior Fellow at the Foundation for Defense of Democracies and the Editor of FDD's Long War Journal.

Are you a dedicated reader of FDD's Long War Journal? Has our research benefitted you or your team over the years? Support our independent reporting and analysis today by considering a one-time or monthly donation. Thanks for reading! You can make a tax-deductible donation here.
The goal of building an equal, innovative, open and safer cyberspace that Chinese President Xi Jinping put forward for global Internet governance at the start of the World Internet Conference (WIC) injects Chinese wisdom into the construction of a cyberspace community of common destiny, the Peoples Daily commented on Thursday.

Xi called for building a cyberspace community of common destiny featuring equality and respect, innovative development, openness and sharing, as well as security and order on Wednesday while giving a speech via livestream video to the opening ceremony of the third WIC in the riverside town of Wuzhen in East China's Zhejiang Province, pledging Chinas cooperation with the international community.

The Internet has brought earthshaking changes to the thinking of human beings, their lifestyle, as well as the global architecture of economy, interest and security, the commentary pointed out, while admitting that though the booming technology innovation and application have prevailed, the lingering imbalance, spawned rules, and disorder pose challenges to the global Internet space.

The paper added that the global cyberspace is also threatened by risks like disclosure of private information, infringement of personal privacy and intellectual property, rampant cyber crimes, cyber attacks, cyber terrorism and other unresolved public hazards.

Whats more, the current cyberspace management rules can not address needs of the majority of countries, the article stressed, urging that widening information gap between different nations and regions must be narrowed down first in order to build a cyberspace community of common destiny.

Of the four targets raised by Xi, equality and respect servers as the primary requirement, the article said, explaining that the present conflicts and imbalances in global cyberspace require a stronger institutional architecture, a multilateral, democratic and transparent reform of the Internet governance system, as well as more trust and cooperation among stakeholders under the framework of cyberspace sovereignty.

The innovative development is an indigenous demand for the industry, according to the paper. It explained that in order to cope with the global imbalance in Internet technologies, the world has to resort to innovation for all-shared benefits.

The world should share the Internet technologies and applications by updating the mindset, ideology and rules, breaking the monopoly of core technologies and standards and encouraging more competition in core technologies, standards and products, thus building a transparent, balanced and secure cyberspace, the article advised.

An open and shared Internet is necessary because the Internet technology can only be advanced in application and communication, commented the article.

It further pointed out that the sharing economy, inclusive finance, intelligent health care, artificial intelligence, e-commerce and a host of other dividends brought by an open Internet can lead the world toward a community of common destiny and shared prosperity.

A secure and orderly Internet environment is the basic precondition for cyberspace community, the paper added, stressing the importance of proper settlement of cyberspace threats like information leakage, cyber espionage and Internet fraud.

Each country, especially the developing ones, should join hands to crack down on universal hazards like Internet attacks and online terrorism, maintain a clean and orderly domestic cyber environment and sustain the peace and stability of international cyberspace, it underlined.

The article analyzed that though China is a major Internet user, it is not yet an Internet power in the world. Like most countries in the Third World, China faces both opportunities and challenges presented by Internet development.

Amid such backdrop, China will not only contribute products, technologies and market, but also systems, culture and ideas to build an interconnected cyberspace community of shared destiny, so that the Internet could bring more bonus to the world, the article concluded.
Style / Fashion

If you are dreaming of your next vacation right now, you can be sure you are not the only one. In fact, lOfficiel Singapore dedicated its latest issue to wanderlust, and aims to celebrate every aspect of it. This month Kim Cam Jones, one of Asias most influential voices in Fashion, takes over the cover and []

Nov 18, 2016 | By Staff Writer

If you are dreaming of your next vacation right now, you can be sure you are not the only one. In fact, lOfficiel Singapore dedicated its latest issue to wanderlust, and aims to celebrate every aspect of it.

This month Kim Cam Jones, one of Asias most influential voices in Fashion, takes over the cover and brings us on a trip to Paris  accompanied by Hermes iconic Cape Cod timepiece.

Actresses Haley Bennett and Jessica Chastain, along with digital Influencer Chriselle Lim, also join and embody this seasons most desirable offerings in the most scenic cities on each continent. Top designers also present the Cruise 2017 collections, demonstrating their audacity and cheekiness.

The entire issue is a call to adventure, as it takes the reader on a trip across the globe  unveiling marvelous hidden places  including the best spas in the world, innovative ways to travel and find the perfect staycation, without forgetting the best travelers beauty tips.

November being the perfect time to start planning holiday gifts, you will also find our best picks from end-of-year beauty collections from your favorite brands.

You can once again look forward to an enhanced reading experience with LOfficiel Singapore this November, now that Heart Media has partnered with iQNECT, a developer of visual discovery and search platforms. Access backstage videos, learn more about the topics you want or directly shop your favorite items straight from the pages: iQnect brings a new dimension to your magazine. Learn more about this new feature here.
Lifestyle / Gastronomy

To celebrate his first flight to space, Frenchman Thomas Pesquet will be bringing along dishes by Alain Ducasse and Thierry Marx.

Nov 18, 2016 | By Madelaine Angelina

This dining adventure is out of this world  literally. Rookie French astronaut Thomas Pesquet, 38, will be lifting off from the Baikonur cosmodrome to the International Space Station (ISS). He will be accompanied by fellow US and Russian astronauts, Peggy Whitson and Oleg Novitsky respectively.

To celebrate Pesquets first journey into space, he will be bringing along some haute cuisine with him, courtesy of acclaimed French chefs Alain Ducasse and Thierry Marx. The Michelin-starred dishes to be brought to the ISS include truffled foie gras and duck breast confit. Just the thought of how this will work in a zero-G environment is fascinating.

We will have food prepared by a Michelin-starred chef at the station. We have food for the big feasts: for Christmas, New Years and birthdays. Well have two birthdays, mine and Peggys, said Pesquet, who trained for seven years for this inaugural flight of his.

Launches to the International Space Station are currently only operated by Russia, with its Soyuz rocket located at the Baikonur cosmodrome spaceport at Kazakhstan.

The trio are set to take off at 2:20 am local time Friday (2020 GMT Thursday) and dock at the ISS on November 19th at 2201 GMT.

The upcoming trip will be the third for 56-year-old Whitson, who holds the record for time in space for a female. She will assume command of the ISS after March 2017. Novitsky, 45, is going to the station for the second time.

Whitson, NASAs most experienced female astronaut, said the fancy French food will certainly be welcome.

I think the thing that I find the most challenging about space flights is the lack of variety of the food, said the US astronaut, who will command the ISS for the second time after becoming its first female commander back in 2007.

But above all she stressed the international cooperation embodied by the ISS. I think quite the most important thing about it (ISS), its the demonstration of what people can do together, she said.

Novitsky agreed. The ISS is both a home and a place of work. Its also a place for friendship, for showing to the world that we can work together and have good relationships, he said.

The launch of the international trio had been postponed by two days and follows closely in the footsteps of a previous launch in October of Russians Andrei Borisenko and Sergei Ryzhikov and American Shane Kimbrough.

That blast-off was pushed back by nearly a month due to technical issues.

Pesquet, who is the first French national to be sent to the ISS by the European Space Agency since 2008, said he still cant believe hes going to be en route to the space station soon.

I need to be seated in the cockpit and feel the vibrations of the launch, he said.

Technical mishaps have complicated plans to extend the periods during which the ISS is fully staffed with six astronauts.

The space laboratory has been orbiting Earth at about 28,000 kilometers per hour (17,000 miles per hour) since 1998.

Space travel has been one of the few areas of international cooperation between Russia and the West that has not been wrecked by the Ukraine crisis.
The Langham Hotel in Chicago has emerged as the top five-star hotel in the US in hotel search platform Trivagos first hotel ranking for the best properties across the country.

After Hotels.com and TripAdvisor, Trivago has released its own version of top-10 hotel lists which aim to give rank to the millions of properties travelers must choose from.

The report categorizes the top 10 properties in four categories: 5-star, 4-star, 3-star and alternative accommodations.

After culling data from 34 hotel, booking and review sites across the web, number crunchers found that travelers with luxurious tastes and deep pockets were most impressed by the Langham Hotel in Chicago in the five-star category.

In the four-star category, Charlestons French Quarter Inn in South Carolina pulled in the top reviews.

And travelers with tighter budgets may want to consult the list of the top 10 three-starred hotels, which is topped by the Hampton Inn & Suites in St. Louis, Missouri.

Here are the top 10 five-star hotels on Trivago:
(Xinhua) 09:45, November 18, 2016

China and Ecuador agreed on Thursday to lift bilateral ties to a comprehensive strategic partnership.

The decision was announced during Chinese President Xi Jinping's state visit to Ecuador, the first of its kind since the two countries established diplomatic relations 36 years ago.

In his talks with Ecuadorian President Rafael Correa, Xi, who arrived in Ecuador Thursday afternoon, said Ecuador is an important country in Latin America.

Despite a long distance between them, bilateral ties between China and Ecuador have witnessed substantial development in recent years.

The two countries established a strategic partnership in Correa's second official visit to Beijing in 2015, and Ecuador is now a major destination for Chinese investment and financing in Latin America.

In April this year, Ecuador was hit by a 7.8-magnitude earthquake, and China was one of the first countries to supply humanitarian aid immediately after the quake.

Xi noted that since 2015, mutually beneficial cooperation between the two sides have seen rapid development in a wide range of areas, with the scale of collaboration continuing to increase.

Bilateral ties have since been greatly enriched and have been picking up momentum towards comprehensive development, he added.

The Chinese president said China-Ecuador relations have now entered a key phase where cooperation between the two countries is of greater importance to both sides.

China will continue to support Ecuador in exploring a development path that suits its own conditions, and will actively take part in Ecuador's post-earthquake reconstruction work, he said.

China is willing to reinforce practical cooperation with the Ecuadorian side in all areas, comprehensively step up the integration of interests of both sides, expand people-to-people exchanges, and open up brighter prospects for the development of bilateral ties, Xi said.

He went on to pledge support for Ecuador's presidency of the Group of 77 next year, saying that China is willing to maintain close cooperation with the G77 in multilateral affairs.

China is also willing to work with Ecuador to boost overall cooperation with Latin America and push for greater development in China-Latin America relations, he added.

Ecuador is the first leg of President Xi's three-nation Latin American tour which will also take him to Peru and Chile. This is his third visit to Latin America since he took the presidency in March 2013.

He will also attend the 24th Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) Economic Leaders' Meeting while in Lima, capital of Peru.
Malaria Consortium Cambodia wins award

18 November 2016



Malaria Consortium Cambodia is delighted to have received the best e-poster discussion award for its integrated vector management for dengue control project at the 8th Asian Congress of Pediatric Infectious Diseases in Bangkok.

The projects integrated vector management approach proved to be a successful tool in reducing the larval and adult stages of Aedes mosquitoes, responsible for transmission of diseases like dengue, chikungunya and zika virus in Cambodia, said senior technical officer and e-poster author John Hustedt. We found an effective low-cost and home-grown solution which has potential to be applied for wide scale use in the countrys fight against dengue. The award acknowledges this achievement.

Mr Hustedt was in Bangkok to address an audience of over 1,000 pharmacists, pediatricians and doctors at the Asian Congress of Pediatric Infectious Diseases, an event occurring every two years. The award honours outstanding achievements in most engaging e-poster discussions.

The discussion highlighted the successes of the project in offering a viable alternative for dengue control methods, including the use of guppy fish, biological controls and communication for behaviour change interventions. The level of acceptance among community members, volunteers and health centre staff is high. The project increased the community participation in dengue control activities. Communities that were part of the project reported less dengue cases. The discussion also touched upon the cost-effectiveness of the approach and evaluated the economic and disability costs averted as a result of it.

Findings will now be used to provide sound and evidence-based recommendations for the Ministry of Health and the National Dengue Control Programme (NDCP) in order to reduce the number of mosquitoes carrying the virus and to lower the burden of dengue in Cambodia.

Related content
(Xinhua) 11:02, November 18, 2016

The upcoming Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) Economic Leaders' meeting is expected to focus on the establishment of a free-trade area in the region, as well as the role of the China-proposed Belt and Road Initiative.

The 24th APEC Economic Leaders' Meeting will kick off in the Peruvian capital of Lima on Saturday, with the theme of "Quality Growth and Human Development."

At the meeting, APEC member economies will seek to make decisions to facilitate trade and investment and consolidate liberalization policies.

FTAAP STRATEGIC STUDY TO BE APPROVED

The idea of a Free Trade Area of the Asia-Pacific (FTAAP) was first raised during the 2006 APEC Economic Leaders' Meeting in Hanoi, Vietnam.

During the 2014 APEC meeting in Beijing, APEC member economies pushed forward the process of FTAAP by sketching out a roadmap for it.

Now, the Beijing consensus is becoming a reality. A collective strategic study on issues related to the realization of FTAAP has been completed and the final version of the study along with recommendations will be presented to leaders at the Lima meeting.

Juan Carlos Capunay, Peru's ambassador to China, said the Asia-Pacific has become divided in current trade talks, leaving the goal of trade and investment liberalization in the region beyond hope.

APEC should build a free trade area that will cover all its members and coordinate economic development in the Asia-Pacific, he noted.

Julio Chan Sanchez, Peru's general coordinator of APEC affairs, said China will play a key role in facilitating FTAAP at the Lima meeting.

At the 2014 APEC meeting in Beijing, he said, China played an essential role in furthering the goal of creating a free trade zone in the Asia-Pacific.

"China's economy is progressively larger, more important and more relevant for the rest of the world, for international trade and for the global economic system," he said. "China is going to have an important role, and is going to continue to have an increasingly important role."

Echoing Chan Sanchez, Raul Salazar, APEC affairs director at the Peruvian Foreign Ministry, said the upcoming APEC meeting may well approve the strategic study for FTAAP.

"We have the obligation to continue our central topic, which is the approval of the collective strategic study, which was required by the roadmap established in Beijing in 2014. It is the hope that this year the leaders will approve the study as a step forward toward beginning negotiations for FTAAP," he said.

Salazar also praised China's contribution to pushing the idea of a free trade area in the Asia-Pacific.

"This step taken in Beijing ... has forced all the members to face the reality that this is necessary for a number of reasons. Peru holds the position that we need an Asia-Pacific free trade area. It would allow for APEC's work to be deepened and would see free trade agreements proliferate," he said.

QUALITY GROWTH, HUMAN DEVELOPMENT

In the context of sluggish growth in the Asia-Pacific and the world at large, the Lima meeting has set its theme for quality growth and human development.

Analysts see regional economic integration as the core agenda of the meeting, saying the theme shows an idea for inclusive development.

The meeting will be a good chance to discuss sustainable development, said Peruvian Second Vice President Mercedes Araoz.

"The agenda therefore covers all topics ranging from food security, human capital, and better integration," she added.

Ignacio Martinez Cortes, a professor of international relations at the National Autonomous University of Mexico, said that the meeting will be crucial for boosting the world economy through political agreements, and that China will play a prominent role.

Reducing non-tariff measures and rejecting protectionism will map the course on finance and trade for APEC member economies, he said.

Another important issue will be small and medium-sized enterprises.

"I believe they can strengthen their role as new engines of the economy, if favorable conditions are created for them," said Cortes.

The APEC region, home to around 2.8 billion people, represented 57 percent of the world's GDPand 49 percent of global trade in 2014. The quality growth of the regional economy will undoubtedly inject fresh momentum into the global economy.

PROMOTING CROSS-PACIFIC CONNECTIVITY

During an APEC finance ministers' meeting in Lima last month, China's Assistant Finance Minister Dai Bohua pointed out that despite its slow growth, the Asia-Pacific is still one of the most dynamic regions that have a great potential for development.

Next, he said, APEC member economies should spur potential growth through the implementation of structural reforms, so as to promote inclusive growth and sustainable development.

At the same time, they should boost connectivity and create a sound environment for investment, and overcome bottlenecks such as poor infrastructure and other problems thwarting economic development, he noted.

Capunay said that within the framework of APEC, China and Latin American countries can continue to discuss and cooperate in such areas as trade facilitation and the establishment of FTAAP.

He also voiced the hope that with the help of the Belt and Road Initiative, Peru will strengthen trade and economic cooperation with China and other Asian countries.

The initiative, which comprises the Silk Road Economic Belt and the 21st Century Maritime Silk Road, aspires to build a trade and infrastructure network connecting Asia with Europe and Africa along the ancient Silk Road routes.

The Belt and Road Initiative, which has charted a course for open and inclusive development, will not only promote connectivity, but also play an important role in boosting investment, trade and industrial cooperation among countries and regions.

Salazar said China has made great efforts to build a "much stronger, more consistent and better structured relationship" with Latin America.` "I think the stimulus the Chinese government is carrying out is helping, such as the Trans-Oceanic Railway," he said.

The coast-to-coast railway, one of the main cooperation projects between China and Latin America, is expected to create a corridor connecting the Pacific and the Atlantic.

"The planning is being done correctly," Salazar said, adding that this physical integration would catch up with other integration policies within the Asia-Pacific region.
When Prime Minister Narendra Modi took the whole nation by surprise with the demonetization of Rs 500 and 1000 notes, tax evaders sought help from Google with 'How to convert black money into white money'' which was among the top queries on the search engine in India from Tuesday.

However, most of the searches on Google was from Prime Minister Narendra Modi's home state, Gujarat. Maharashtra which includes Mumbai, the financial hub, came second followed by Haryana. Haryana also joined the list according to the Google query regarding converting black money. Overall, Indian sought more information about the new notes that includes better security features.
Chinese President Xi Jinping arrived here Thursday afternoon, kicking off a state visit to Ecuador and his third visit to Latin America since he took office in 2013.

Besides Ecuador, the week-long tour will also take him to Peru and Chile. In Peru, Xi will attend the 24th Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) Economic Leaders' Meeting from Nov. 19 to 20 in the capital city of Lima.

Xi's Quito trip is the first state visit by a Chinese head of state to Ecuador in 36 years since the two countries forged diplomatic relations in 1980.

In a speech delivered at the airport after arrival, the top Chinese leader said Ecuador is an important country in Latin America, adding that the two nations have enjoyed long-running friendship while recent years have seen substantial development of their bilateral ties and ever enhancing political mutual trust.

He also said that the practical cooperation between the two sides have been fruitful and the two countries have supported each other on international and regional affairs.

Xi believes that this visit will achieve positive results and serve as a new and firm bridge to promote the friendly cooperation between the two countries and to open up brighter prospects for bilateral ties.

In his speech to welcome President Xi at the airport, Ecuadorian President Rafael Correa appreciates China's support for his country's economic and social development.

He also said the cooperation between the two countries in economy and trade, energy, agriculture, infrastructure construction and finance has been rather fruitful, adding that he believes that Xi's visit will lift bilateral ties to a new stage.

Ecuador hopes President Xi's "historic" visit leads to strengthening strategic ties, Ecuadorian Foreign Minister Guillaume Long told Xinhua ahead of the visit, adding that "the ties with China in recent years have been very fruitful, very significant."

Since President Correa came into power in 2007, Ecuador has focused on deepening ties with China. The Ecuadorian president's first official trip to Beijing took place in the same year of his inauguration, to bolster cooperation with China in different fields, from energy, science and technology, to economy, trade and education.

In 2015, during his second China visit, Correa and Xi agreed to elevate bilateral ties to the level of a strategic partnership.

"China views and grows its relations with Ecuador from a strategic and long-term perspective," President Xi said in a signed article on Ecuador's leading newspaper El Telegrafo on Wednesday, one day before his visit.

Despite the long distance, China has become Ecuador's third largest trading partner, with two-way trade reaching 4.1 billion U.S. dollars in 2015, quadrupling in just 10 years.

And Ecuador is now a major destination for Chinese investment and financing in Latin America. Chinese investment and financing in Ecuador has exceeded 10 billion dollars, supporting hundreds of projects including major infrastructure projects such as the Coca Codo Sinclair hydropower plant, seven other hydropower plants and a dozen of highways.

"I look forward to having in-depth exchanges with President Correa and friends from various sectors of Ecuador to take China-Ecuador relations to a new height," Xi said in the article.
The morning after Donald Trump was declared the President-elect, I spoke with my best friend  a black woman who teaches grades one through four in a diverse Massachusetts neighborhood.

Teachers are in charge of showing students that if you are unkind, cruel and a bully, you wont be successful in life, she said. Now they will have an example to point to and say, What about him? But we cant stop teaching that or this will happen again.

Like anyone who was shaken by the election results, Ive been alternatively numb, confused and angry while swathed in the blanket of media coverage and the opinions of friends and family as expressed over social media. My best friend does not have this option. She, like many doctors, mental health professionals, parents and other teachers, must continue to work and advise while processing.

I spoke with over twenty educators across the country, from preschool to university-level, about how they are handling the topic. Some are in blue states, some in red states; some teach at Montessori schools or private schools, while some are employed at public schools.

Note: Many identifying details, including names, have been changed due to school policy and personal preference. Full names have not been changed.

How are your students?

Rachel Rizzo, blue county: That varies greatly, mostly to do with whats going on at home. Ive seen tears, aggression, frustration, fear, curiosity, complacence and complete ignorance.

Britt Mitchell, blue county: Some of the students use the morale of the country as an excuse not to care. One third grader yelled, DONALD DUCK WON! That one made me laugh.

Max, red county: The younger students who know very little about politics have been echoing things they hear from their parents. When I ask them for evidence of their viewpoint, they shrug and say, I really dont know much about it.

Kayleigh Wanzer, blue county: Its a lot of middle school emotions mixed with very real fears of overt racism and deportation. We start every morning with a chapel where students can share prayer intentions and this morning every single prayer was either for America or for an immigrant family member. We watched Obamas speech calling for unity and about half the students were crying.

Catye Palomino, red county: Some kids laughed or tried not to laugh as I broke down in tears in front of them talking about this. They are uncomfortable with it, and dont know how to react.

Rebecca, blue county: One came into the classroom today yelling and swearing blaming [us] white people for making Donald trump the President. Naturally, this fueled the other students, so we pulled up some of the election information and explained popular votes versus electoral votes. Most of the responses were but it still doesnt make sense or but thats not fair.

Elissa Daniels, blue county: My most politically aware student, a seven-year-old girl of Mexican heritage whose mother was not eligible to vote, told me that she is scared because Trump won. I told her that I am scared, too. She is happy that Catherine Cortez Masto, our first Latina senator, was elected.

Tyler, red county: One of my [special ed] students was on his worst behavior. He spent twenty minutes in the hallway telling me and his teacher (when she could get away from the class) that he doesnt care about anything, wants to murder someone, wants to die, no one cares about him.

Taylor Reinhart, blue county: Ive been reminding my students (100% POC, mostly from families in Caribbean Islands) that the folks at our building do the work we do because we believe that our students are the future and face of a changing America, and that they need to be ready in four years when it comes time to vote for another President. After I reiterated that I believed that in class discussion, a kid yelled out Why are you lying? Its that kind of day.

Leonard, international teacher: One student seemed on the verge of tears, others found it hilarious, the two Americans (also Muslims) in the class were both very concerned. Several students who were considering attending college in the USA started to reconsider and others were thinking long and hard about if they should avoid certain states.

How did you address your students about the Trump win?

Britt Mitchell, blue county: I said, How many of you feel disrespected? Most of them raised their hands. I responded, There is a lot of negativity and disrespect in this world and in this school, but only you can change that. Think before you say a comment or do an action. Is this moving forward or moving backward? No matter how bad things get, remember to be nice to each other.

Max, red county: I do not feel that I should be expressing my political beliefs to students of this age, but rather creating a Socratic dialogue that makes them logically explain their beliefs and back up their statements with evidence.

Jackie, blue county: I didnt know where to begin, so I put on CNN Student News and let the commentator explain how electoral votes work. I also tried to create a fun, safe space for them to let them know that they are loved and supported. Their lives are hard enough without the President-elect making fun of people like them with disabilities.

Kayleigh Wanzer, blue county: We had a roundtable conversation about thoughts and fears, and how far America has come as a country. Personally, Ive grown really tired of the calls for tolerance and unity from well-meaning liberals, but I think its a necessary thing to pass on to middle schoolers in general, so we discussed that as well.

Catye Palomino, red county: I started each of my classes by telling them how disappointed I was with the outcome of the election. I told them that many of us were in mourning, mourning a democracy we thought was better than this. I gave anyone a chance to share their thoughts. Some did, most didnt.

Nick Ortolani, blue county: We were given a set of phrases, basically to reassure the kids that they are safe for the time being, that no laws have changed yet, and that they are protected by the schools and other family organizations.

Andrew St. Pierre, blue county: I didnt. It was hard.

Tyler, red county: We were on strict lockdown to not talk about it in our resource room. That was also the message from the administration for the whole school. Our [special ed] kids already have a tendency to harass and bully each other. It was a real struggle keeping them from not talking about it in our room. When my kids ask me how I voted, I tell them I dont believe in affecting their political opinions.

Holly, blue county: Our workshop with them today happened to be about teen pregnancy, and I took all the girls into a room to talk away from the boys about the topic and ask any questions they might have. They talked about how [Trump] is a racist and how he publicly disrespects women and immigrants but his wife is both. I talked about victim blaming and how we see it all the time in regards to issues around teen pregnancy and assault, and how Trump and men like him perpetuate these ideas. [I said] that no matter what, I dont care if youre drunk, on drugs, what youre wearing, where you are, if something happens to you without your consent, it is never your fault.

Leonard, international teacher: To be honest, it was just too raw for me to properly address it at the time. It was clear to the students that their teachers were all Clinton supporters, you could see it on our faces, you could see it in our body language. For the vast majority of my students, this just an election in a country theyre not a citizen of. An important country, but they dont have the same kind of stake in it that American students do. Theyre worried about if Trump will attack their country.

What have discussions among your fellow teachers been like?

Tyler, red county: The kids case manager said I wish they could just be kids.

Jackie, blue county: Were concerned about our students safety now more than ever.

Kayleigh Wanzer, blue county: Ive been very impressed with my teaching coworkers in their resiliency, openness and kindness. You know, we kind of all wanted to just run up and down the hallways screaming FUUUUUUUUUUUUUUCKK WHAT THE FUUUUUUUUUUUCK but uh, we didnt.

Catye Palomino, red county: I eat lunch with the same group of coworkers every day. I refer to us as the Brain Trust because we are intellectuals who all agree politically. Today, we were all a little teary, a little pissed off and a little shell-shocked. Other than that, no one said anything. My principal did email me and said he had heard I was having a hard day. He told me I could take a break and someone could cover for me, but I didnt want to leave my kids. Also, and this struck me as odd and irresponsible: He told me I did not have to talk about the election today, but to try to make the day as normal as possible. I disagreed. That doesnt seem right.

Elissa Daniels, blue county: Elementary education is a field dominated by women, and most of us are very worried. A substitute whose children attend our school said that her neighbor was so mad that he was literally throwing all of his furniture out of his front door this morning. I have at least one colleague who is an outspoken Trump supporter. I avoided her today. I dont know how she could face her students.

Rachel, blue county: The librarian made an Escape Zone with a table of books and games and a sign that says that in the next few days well all be stressed. The Escape Zone is a place where you can go to not talk about politics, to hang out, play games, read, etc.

Leonard, international teacher: The collective response from my colleagues has been shock, depression and a sense that maybe were not as connected to our fellow Americans as we thought. Though the realization that Clinton won the popular vote is helping with that feeling. Were all struggling how to explain this to our students. We thought America was better than this, we thought we had moved past this kind of language and hatred. Some of us even felt embarrassed. Our country elected a man who would hate the vast majority of my students. What are we supposed to do with that?

Joseph Gels, blue county: We discussed how we considered not coming in that day, but felt we needed to come in for the kids.

What do you feel is a teachers role in helping students cope with a Trump presidency?

Rachel Rizzo, blue county: It is incredibly important to get to know your students and their families personally. Teachers need to invest in meaningful relationships with students so that they know they are cared for and respected, and that their voices are heard. Above all, we need to maintain a safe, inclusive environment that promotes tolerance and mutual respect. Once those things are established and practiced, it is incredibly important to promote critical thinking.

Luke, blue county: All we can do is teach kids to be engaged and advocate. Art plays a big role in empathy. Part of what I try to do is show how art and technology go hand in hand.

Kayleigh Wanzer, blue county: As it becomes clearer that a white majority is more vocal, as teachers, we need to promote diverse representation in what we read and teach.

Tyler, red county: Too many teachers are too worried about controversy with politics or saying too much, so they say nothing. This is common in West Michigan [where I teach]. Kids have feelings about these things, especially our kids, and to ignore it is irresponsible.

Andrew St. Pierre, blue county: I feel like we failed. At some point it became much easier and less of a headache to ignore them than to actually engage them and tell them that their parents are wrong [for who they voted for  this was a conservative area in a blue state]. It just didnt seem realistic that [Trump] would win, and we were just hoping it would be over soon.

Michelle, blue county: My role is the same as it has always been: to use English to help students become better thinkers with more empathy and understanding for others who are unlike them. We read about warriors who fight for their beliefs and everyman characters who stand up for whats right, then connect it to our lives.

Mark, blue county: Find solutions that are constructive. Find ways to get involved. What are the takeaways from a situation like this? A lot of the country told us they arent going to listen. We need to listen.

Ella, red county: Maria Montessori believed that children between the ages of zero and six are essentially sponges who soak up what surrounds them, and that in turn creates the basis of their character; what they get is eventually what they bring with them into the world. I believe that the children are the ones who will break the cycle. Our job is to model respect, kindness, love and peaceful conflict resolution, and hope that the next generation will not feel the need to bully and shout and prey on fear.

Leonard, international teacher: As a teacher at an international school with such a varied student body, I am always helping students make sense of events from around the world. A Trump presidency is just another thing to add to the list. For the older students, particularly those in my AP US History class, we can try to look at this in the context of other elections. This election was not the most divisive ever, it was not the nastiest ever. This election will still result in a peaceful transition of power from one party to another, something that doesnt always happen in other countries.

What can those who arent teachers do to support kids and their teachers through this time?

Rachel Rizzo, blue county: First, make sure they feel safe, valued and loved, and then teach them how to stand up for themselves and others who might need it. Teach them how to stand up against bigotry and hatred, and how to be an ally. Teach them the value of being part of a diverse community, and to deeply value diversity and inclusion. Dont talk down to them, they are way smarter than you think.

Jackie, blue county: Open up your businesses or workplaces for students with disabilities. Let them volunteer to learn vocational and social skills. Volunteer with after-school programs to show kids that we havent given up on their futures. And please, please let your local politicians know how important strong and lasting educational reform is.

Catye Palomino, red county: Support us by knowing that thirty kids with thirty different experiences and issues are dealing with this. Recognize this and encourage us to do our jobs and educate kids on all things, not just whats in the textbook. This is not easy, and simply supporting and saying that we are supported, without judgement, is what we need.

Nick Ortolani, blue county: Professionals need to coordinate measured responses to Trumps foreseeable domestic policy. For example, many families will lose healthcare if Trump is successful in repealing the Affordable Care Act. Therefore, I would implore people who work in healthcare, particularly health insurance agents, to educate low-income families in navigating their new options for health insurance. Food stamps will also likely be cut, so I encourage everyone with even a modest amount of disposable income to, every time they go grocery shopping, purchase five nonperishable items they dont plan to eat to donate.

Elissa Daniels, blue county: It would be helpful for non-teachers to educate themselves on educational issues before taking stances. For example, I have found that a depressing number of people are vehemently opposed to the Common Core, but dont actually have the slightest idea what the Common Core is. Im guessing Trump is among them.

Taylor Reinhart, blue county: Continue to teach the values of stoicism and common sense. With so many conflicting facts, we need to teach younger students how to research issues and fact-check the information they gather.

Interviews have been edited for brevity and clarity.

Jamie Loftus is a comedian and writer. You can find her some of the time, most days at @hamburgerphone or jamielof tusisinnocent.com.

Photo by Krista Anna Lewis.

For more round tables, check out this one about How to Navigate the Internet as a Woman, this one about Breast Cancer Awareness and this one about the Complicated World of Social Media Activism.
What ails the US economy? No one can say exactly, but many arguments boil down to a lack of productivity growth. Many call it the great economic scourge of our time, consigning America (and maybe the world) to permanently low growth[i] and weak stock returns. In reality, however, productivity simply isn't predictive-not of stocks, economic growth or future productivity.

First, some background. Labor productivity is value-added output per hour. If you totaled all hours worked every year and then multiplied the result by productivity, you would get GDP. Or, flip it around: If you divided GDP by total hours worked, you get productivity. Higher productivity theoretically allows folks' incomes and living standards to rise without their working more hours, while weak productivity supposedly means stagnant wages, since companies would have to protect margins.

Adding up hours worked is relatively straightforward, but measuring output is fuzzier. Government statisticians simply limit themselves to tallying up the value of monetary transactions (i.e., sales and investment).[ii] The problem isn't so much with the concept of GDP itself-it does what it's supposed to do-but how it's (mis)used and (mis)interpreted. For example, it isn't a measure of well-being. It also excludes a lot of work, as non-market activity and non-transactional output like, um, MarketMinder articles, don't count, even if they make you happy. As a statistic, it is built for the industrial era, not the technology/services-driven economy.

Stocks Care About Profits, Not Productivity

In any case, stocks don't care about productivity or even the speed of economic growth. They care about profits-specifically, profits relative to expectations. Productivity says very little about the financial health of a firm or industry.

Productivity loosely measures the value workers add to the economy (per hour), not to corporate bottom lines. While productivity takes into account items like cost of goods sold and non-wage expenses when calculating value added from sales, it ignores wages and other costs like interest, rent and depreciation. So while it says a lot about the number of proverbial pies per hour being sold in the marketplace, it says nothing about how the value-added from those pies-over the cost of their ingredients-is split between the pie company's profits and its workers.

What matters to stocks is whether the economy is growing enough to keep corporate profitability stronger than expected. Neither productivity nor GDP can predict future economic growth, because they are backward-looking indicators and, in productivity's case, lagging. What just happened doesn't predict what will happen. And stocks care about what's going to happen, not what's already in the rear-view mirror. Moreover, productivity and GDP statistics incorporate non-corporate expenditures (think small businesses and private partnerships), which make them flawed measures for assessing public stocks, even if they were somehow predictive.

Low Productivity Not a Disaster

While productivity can swing wildly from quarter to quarter, average or "trend" productivity growth over the last five years is at its lowest level since 1982 (see Exhibit 1). Yet the economy has been chugging along ok; real GDP growth over last five years has averaged 2.1%. Could be better (it always can-perhaps why economists are noted to be such a dismal lot), but low productivity growth just isn't the terrible bugaboo it's made out to be.

Exhibit 1: O Productivity, Where Art Thou?

Source: St. Louis Federal Reserve, as of 11/18/2016.

What's more, profits are near record highs and moving higher. Payroll growth has been steadily improving. Business activity has been broadly expanding. Loan growth is swift. The Conference Board's Leading Economic Index signals more to come. All amid generationally low trend productivity growth. Word of America's demise is greatly exaggerated.

It Gets Better! (Eventually)

With all that said, there is room for improvement. The last time trend productivity growth was so low, it rebounded for the next two decades.[iii] That doesn't make a similar spike automatic, but it does reinforce the notion that weak productivity isn't a self-fulfilling prophecy.

The zeitgeist calls for politicians to do something about weak productivity, but we're wary of this-the law of unintended consequences is always ready to strike. Plus, demands to improve productivity growth presume that we know why it's low. So what's driving the productivity slowdown? According to some, forty somethings, apparently, because they're innately productive but falling as a percentage of the workforce. But barring forty somethings' innate "good balance of experience and creativity" and their demographic decline, the main hypotheses include:

Or some combination thereof, since they aren't mutually exclusive. We aren't going to resolve this here (watching cat videos), but we sympathize with those who bemoan measurement mishaps and red tape. As John Cochrane recently put it: "Slow growth is not hard to diagnose or to cure. The U.S. economy suffers from complex, arbitrary and politicized regulation. The ridiculous tax system and badly structured social programs discourage work and investment." Now, perhaps that's a bit of an overstatement, but Obama's economic adviser Jason Furman,[v]Fed Vice Chair Stanley Fischer[vi] and The Donald himself all agree with the broader sentiment (to varying degrees). While we can see the point, all probably understate how competitive the US already is and overestimate the potential fruits of sweeping tax reform and deregulation, which aren't likely to sail through a divided Congress. Then, too, markets often dislike sweeping legislation, which creates winners and losers. There is no panacea.

We just don't know-either what works or which policies, if any, will ever see the light of day. What we can say is that markets-which are better gauges of the economic outlook than opinions-don't seem to mind terribly. As an old market mantra goes: "The best cure for high prices is high prices." The same can be said for low productivity. Over time, as markets do their thing and capital flows to its most productive uses, low productivity should take care of itself. Necessity is the mother of invention, after all.

People, and markets, adapt. To expect otherwise is to ignore history.[vii] Stocks, in the meantime, will probably keep ignoring productivity-however it's measured-and move higher over the foreseeable future as the overall economy expands and sentiment catches up with reality.
Ji Bingxuan (L), vice chairman of the Standing Committee of the National People's Congress of China, meets with Egyptian President Abdel-Fattah al-Sisi in Cairo, Egypt, on Nov. 17, 2016. (Xinhua/Meng Tao)

Senior Chinese legislator Ji Bingxuan on Thursday met with Egyptian President Abdel-Fattah al-Sisi in Cairo on bilateral cooperation.

The vice chairman of the Standing Committee of the National People's Congress (NPC) said China supports Egypt's efforts to achieve stability and development and highly values Egypt's key role in the Belt and Road Initiative.

"Chinese President Xi Jinping and Egyptian president have reached important consensuses on deepening the comprehensive strategic partnership between the two countries," Ji said.

The Chinese senior official added that China's NPC is willing to join Egypt's House of Representatives to lift mutual political trust and enhance economic, cultural and people-to-people cooperation by providing legal support.

For his part, Sisi said "Egypt highly values the comprehensive strategic partnership with China and is keen on benefiting from China's experience in governing the country and achieving developments in various domains."

Moreover, Egypt is willing to conjoin its Suez Canal corridor development project with China-proposed Belt and Road Initiative, Sisi said.

He also expressed his wish that Egypt's House of Representatives and China's NPC will continue to contribute to deepening bilateral relations and boosting cooperation in various fields.

Ji arrived in Cairo on Wednesday at the invitation of the House of Representatives of Egypt. During his three-day visit, Ji also met parliament speaker Ali Abdel Aal and members of the China-Egypt Parliamentary Friendship Chamber.
Does God deal with politics?

The Nov. 17 Bulletin is full of interesting letters. One is complaining about fast drivers in school zones. Another is about dangerous intersections in the area and another writes about how millennials are always complaining but the letter I want to comment on is the letter about how God worked a miracle and put Donald Trump in the White House.

First of all, it was not a miracle. It was the Electoral College. Clinton got more popular votes. Second, I did not vote for Trump and I consider myself a Christian, a child of God. Speaking of Christianity, I have often wondered if I had been born a black slave in America, say in the year 1810, on one of the many Hairston plantations throughout the south, would I have embraced the religion and God of my captor? Ill never know.

What is a real miracle? Winning of the Civil War. The Emancipation Proclamation. Abolishing Jim-Crow laws. Brown vs The Board of Education. The Civil Rights Act. These are true miracles that positively affected millions of Americans.

One last thought. I dont believe God created 2 billion Chinese folks to send them all to hell. Remember, in His own image, He created man. And straight from the Bible, John 10:16, who do you think Jesus was talking about when he said: I have other sheep and they will be brought into the fold? Peace.

Pamela Hairston-Chisholm

The Ville

Moving forward

I have been absolutely giddy since last Tuesdays election.

We fiscal conservatives and me in particular have been hoping and praying for such an outcome for the last 30 or 40 years. Liberal/progressive thinking has been delivered a body blow. They have been vanquished, but they yet fail to realize it. They still think they are in control. The resulting surprise was a direct refutation of the runaway spending spree the Democrat and Republican parties have been on for the last 30 or 40 years. It was a pleasant reaffirmation of all we hold dear...liberty, free and clear thinking, honesty, the rule of law and the taxpayer class being fed up with not getting our moneys worth.

The people have spoken...the revolution is starting. Trump expressed what we need to do to save our Republic. It is simple. First, secure and control who comes into our fair Republic. Second, scrap the AHC ObamaCare before it collapses on itself, thereby denying health insurance to the people Obama lied to. Third, restructure the tax code to allow a new beginning for American industry and American consumer. This will get our economy rolling in order to get our citizens back on the work rolls and not the unemployment rolls. Fourth, keep an open mind to a multitude of energy sources and get us energy independent with low cost fuel.

Everything else is possible with an economy second to none.

Vince Puccio

Martinsville
Not long ago, I had the opportunity to see a Virginia politician speak to a group of high school students.

During his wide-ranging discussion on politics, he eventually landed on the topic of global warming, the former term for man-made climate change. Over the course of several minutes, he more or less dismissed it as a fantasy. He said that back in the 1960s, a scientist said that mans influence was going to make the Earth colder, not warmer, and now scientists are saying the opposite. Therefore, what do scientists really know, anyway?

As he spoke, I looked around the room. The students were quiet and respectful, but the stunned expressions on their faces told the story. If the politician had stood up and told them that the sun is really a giant intergalactic light bulb or that airplanes fly because of magic, their expressions would have been no different.

After his speech, he opened the floor to questions from the students. There was only one.

Just to be clear, the young woman said, You really dont believe in climate change?

On Monday, the World Meteorological Organization (WMO) announced that 2016 is on track to be the Earths warmest year on record. The current warmest year on record? 2015. The winner before that? 2014.

In fact, the WMO says that 16 of the 17 hottest years on record for our planet have all occurred this century, the one that were 16 years into. The 17th hottest year on record was 1998.

Climate change deniers often argue that the Earth goes through natural cycles of heating and cooling, and that is true. In fact, if you go to NASAs website  specifically climate.nasa.gov/evidence  there is a graph that shows the rising and falling pattern of atmospheric carbon dioxide (which traps heat, making the planet warmer) over the past 400,000 years.

The graph also shows a huge, never-before-seen spike right around 1950, when the amount of atmospheric carbon dioxide began a skyrocketing trajectory that shows no signs of stopping.

Climate change deniers also often say that there is no scientific consensus on climate change. Unfortunately, thats simply not true. Depending on how one measures scientific consensus, studies show that between 90 and 100 percent of scientists agree that humans are responsible for climate change. Whats more, in every survey, the consensus among scientists is higher if the groups climate expertise is also greater. That is, the more qualified a scientist is to make the determination, the more likely he or she is to agree that climate change is caused by man.

Now, I can hear readers out there saying that Im a tree-hugging hippie whos looking down his nose at climate change deniers. To that, I say two things.

One, I would make a terrible hippie, because I love large old American cars, I enjoy shooting guns, I think patchouli smells like a trashcan on a hot day, and the only Grateful Dead song I like is Truckin.

Two, I do not look down my nose at climate change deniers.

I used to be one.

When I was in high school, I firmly believed that man had no impact on climate change. I had heard that opinion from some people I respected, and I believed it. I believed that the planet just experienced natural heating and cooling cycles and we happened to be on an uptick. I believed in the Gaia Hypothesis, a theory from the 1970s that basically states that the planet is self-regulating (for the record, James Lovelock, inventor of the Gaia Hypothesis, has since argued that even if his hypothesis is true, we have now reached a tipping point where the planet can no longer regulate itself).

I searched out research that supported my beliefs (and no matter what you believe, you can always find research to support it). But over time, I began to critically examine my own beliefs, and I realized the following:

The reason I didnt believe in man-made climate change was because it was so terrifying that I didnt even want to consider it.

This week, President-elect Donald Trump installed Myron Ebell as the head of his EPA transition team. Ebell, who is not a scientist, is one of our foremost climate change deniers.

This should be of grave concern to us all, because climate change is not a political issue. It is a scientific issue.

Whether red or blue or independent, we all share a planet, and our fates  and the fates of future generations  are intertwined with the fate of the Earth.

There are steps we can take to make sure that our planet is habitable for many, many generations to come. But the first step is to recognize that we have a real problem that must be addressed.

Ben Williams writes for the Martinsville Bulletin. He can be reached at benjamin.williams@martinsvillebulletin.com
Turkey Trot.jpg

LONGMEADOW  For its fifth consecutive year, Wolf Swamp Road School will host its annual Turkey Trot.

The 5 kilometer run or 2 mile walk will begin at 62 Wolf Swamp Road at 11 a.m. Nov. 26, according to a statement from the school. This year, the event will feature a pre-race warm-up, professional photography and pre-race music.

"As always, there are many awards and raffle prizes waiting for you at the finish line, as well as our Kids Fun Run at 12:15," the statement says.

Those interested in participating may register on the event's website until Nov. 23.

Registration fees for both the 5k run and 2 mile walk are $25 per person.
Mumps

The mumps vaccine is not 100 percent effective and dorm-dwelling college populations are particularly susceptible, experts say.

(Associated Press file photo)





BOSTON -- Four Harvard University students have been diagnosed with the mumps virus, according to officials at the school and a report by The Boston Globe.



The contagious virus hit the campus in an outbreak last spring, which peaked at 66 active cases and resulted in school health officials quarantining some students, according to The Harvard Crimson.

The reemergence of mumps, eradicated from the campus as of September, has Harvard staff working with local public health officials to investigate a possible connection between the former outbreak and the new infections.



Experts say living in close quarters -- such as college dorms -- makes one particularly susceptible to mumps, even if they have been vaccinated.



The disease is exceedingly rare. An average year in the U.S. sees no more than several thousand cases of mumps.

Swelling in the salivary glands is one of the key symptoms of mumps. Infected people also suffer fevers, aches and muscle fatigue. The disease is highly contagious and can spread through respiratory droplets, caused by a cough or sneeze.

Most people in the developed world receive the mumps vaccine as children, which has lead to the disease being nearly eradicated.



However, according to the World Health Organization, the vaccine is only 85 percent effective.

Harvard officials have asked students to make health and prevention a top priority. Last spring, over a dozen Harvard students were quarantined to prevent the spread.

Harvard is not the only school dealing with a mumps problem. Tufts university confirmed nine cases in the past three weeks, and Framingham State University also had a student test positive for mumps earlier in the fall, The Boston Globe reported.
train.jpg

BOSTON -- Three teenage girls are being charged with committing a hate crime after they allegedly mocked and assaulted a woman who they thought was an immigrant on a commuter train.

According to The Boston Globe, the incident took place on Nov. 7, around 7:40 a.m., after a 49-year-old woman boarded the Red Line.

Suffolk County District attorney Daniel Conley said the girls, all 15-years-old, began verbally harassing the victim, mocking her accent. One teen "punched" the woman with her cellphone as she tried to move away.

The teenager girls at one point told the woman to go back to her own country, The Boston Globe reported.

A witness reported the incident at a station stop and pressed the train's emergency button. He told police that the girls were celebrating when they left the train.

Boston Public School officials were given a witness photo of the girls and identified them to authorities. The girls were arraigned on Nov. 9, and will return to court on Nov. 30, The Boston Globe reported.

They all face assault and battery charges and civil rights violations.
BOSTON - Santa Claus and dozens of children from the Mather School on Friday welcomed a 47foot white spruce tree from Nova Scotia, cheering as it made its way through Boston Common with a police escort.



The tree came from Cape Breton and is a gift from Nova Scotia, the province's "thank you" to the city of Boston. The donation has its roots in a 1917 incident, a massive explosion after two boats collided that claimed nearly 2,000 lives in Halifax.



Residents from the city of Boston sent aid, and Nova Scotia annually expresses its gratitude.



The official town crier from Nova Scotia met up with Boston parks officials and the tree headed through Boston Common to its current location, next to the Boston Visitors Center at 139 Tremont Street.



The tree lighting is scheduled for 7:55 p.m. on Thursday, Dec. 1.



A video of the tree's arrival is available below.
Chinese UN envoy calls for prudence in taking actions to impose sanctions on South Sudan

(Xinhua) 13:16, November 18, 2016

A Chinese envoy on Thursday called on the United Nations (UN) Security Council to be prudent in taking actions to impose sanctions on South Sudan to avoid complicating the situation.

Wu Haitao, China's deputy representative to the UN, made the appeal at a Security Council meeting on South Sudan, noting that the overall situation in the country is still grim with many difficulties in humanitarian assistance.

Wu said that in the current complex situation, the Security Council should "send more positive signals to the outside" and encourage all parties of South Sudan to continue their implementation of the peace agreement.

A peace deal signed in August 2015 between the rival leaders in South Sudan under UN's pressure led to the establishment of a transitional unity government in April, but was devastated by renewed fighting that erupted in early July.

Wu said the Security Council and relevant parties should continue to encourage South Sudan's transitional government to enhance consultations with all parties involved and implement relevant council resolutions to promote peace and stability in the country.

"It is necessary to continue to push forward the political process on the issue of South Sudan," said Wu.

"The international community should accelerate its efforts to have all parties in South Sudan return to the track of political settlement and peace agreement implementation so as to resolve differences through dialogue and negotiation in a joint effort to achieve peace, stability and development of South Sudan," he added.

A UN report noted that the security situation continues to be volatile in South Sudan's capital of Juba and its nearby areas since the outbreak of violence in July.

It finds that the increasingly heinous acts of violence perpetrated against civilians in the Equatorias, southern part of South Sudan, have exacerbated existing tenuous relations between ethnic communities throughout the country.

South Sudan has been shattered by a civil war which broke out in December 2013 after President Salva Kiir accused his sacked deputy Riek Machar of plotting a coup. Machar denied the accusation but then mobilized a rebel force.

Tens of thousands have been killed, with more than 2 million displaced and another 4.6 million left severely food insecure since then.
Wang Shuo, 30, has taught over 150 students in the past 11 years, despite suffering from progressive spinal muscular atrophy. After the onset of his disease, Wang became paralyzed. However, he decided to do something meaningful with his life. He set up Wang Shuo English School to teach children English.

Many students attend Wang's classes because of his excellent teaching methods. He has instructed more than 150 students, helping each one to achieve his or her goals.

Although I cant move, my heart is still beating, he said.
Helena, MT  Governor Steve Bullock today announced $266,800 in grants to help businesses in six Montana communities, supporting the creation of 310 new jobs for hard-working Montanans and help Main Street Montana businesses plan for future growth.

"Montanas economy is poised for growth and we are seeing great opportunities for businesses to grow and expand all across the state," said Governor Bullock. "Continued investment in our states economy helps businesses in communities all across Montana create more jobs, train new employees, and create economic prosperity under the Big Sky."

The funds are being awarded through the Big Sky Economic Development Trust Fund (BSTF) program.

Full List of Grant Recipients:

Big Sky Economic Development Trust Fund (BSTF)  Job Creation and Planning Grants

The BSTF program provides state funds to promote long-term stable economic growth in Montana. More information can be found at http://www.bstf.mt.gov.

 The City of Great Falls received $120,000 of BSTF Job Creation funds to assist First Call Resolution, LLC to expand to Montana and create 300 new jobs in Cascade County. The BSTF funds will be used for reimbursement of equipment, construction materials and furniture. First Call Resolution, LLC, which will be located in Great Falls, is a provider of outsourced live agent contact center and businesses process solutions to various sectors of the new economy, including high tech, startup, mobile commerce, wireless, telecom, finance and insurance.

 Lincoln County Port Authority received $75,000 of BSTF Job Creation funds to assist Invizon, LLC to expand to Montana and create 10 new jobs in Lincoln County. The BSTF funds will be used for reimbursement of equipment, software/broadband, lease rate reduction and wages. Invizon, LLC, which will be located in Libby, is a full-service professional provider of software development services and cost-effective web-based solutions.

 Southeastern Montana Development Corporation received $4,300 of BSTF Planning funds to assist Fox Lumber Sales, Inc. with an equipment assessment of two drying kilns. The determination will be made as to whether the kilns, currently owned by the Northern Cheyenne Tribe, are repairable. The kilns will allow the company to expand its market, thus creating additional jobs. Fox Lumber Sales, Inc., which has an office in Ashland, manufactures and sells lumber products.

 BitterRoot Economic Development District, Inc. received $27,000 of BSTF Planning funds to assist Tru-Home Montana, LLC with the creation of a strategic business development plan. Tru-Home Montana, LLC, which is proposing to be located in Bonner, is a business start-up that will construct pre-built housing using sustainable methods and locally sourced materials.

 Montana Business Assistance Connection received $27,000 of BSTF Planning funds to assist Townsend Health Systems, dba Broadwater Health Center, with a campus master plan. Broadwater Health Center, which is located in Townsend, is a nonprofit, rural hospital that provides full services, including a wellness clinic and assisted living center.

 Snowy Mountain Development Corporation received $13,500 of BSTF Planning Funds to assist Friends of the Historic Adams Hotel with an architectural report to determine the current conditions of the building and if restoration is feasible. The Adams Hotel, which is located in Lavina, was built in 1908 and is listed on the National Register of Historic Places.

More funding opportunities are still available. The deadline for submitting an application for consideration at the next Grant/Loan Review Committee meeting is Dec. 28. For more information, contact Section Manager Annmarie Robinson by phone at 406.841.2250 or by visiting http://www.bstf.mt.gov.

The Montana Office of Tourism and Business Development markets Montanas spectacular unspoiled nature, vibrant and charming small towns, breathtaking experiences, relaxing hospitality, and competitive business climate to promote the state as a place to visit and do business.
Define students by what they contribute, not what they lack  especially those with difficult upbringings, says educator Victor Rios. Interweaved with his personal tale of perseverance as an inner-city youth, Rios identifies three straightforward strategies to shift attitudes in education and calls for fellow educators to see "at-risk" students as "at-promise" individuals brimming with resilience, character and grit.

TED Video: http://ted.us1.list-manage.com/track/click?u=07487d1456302a286cf9c4ccc&id=65a3ed8061&e=d3135666a2
If you have talked about patenting inventions lately, you might have been told that software per se is not eligible for patenting and that you should protect your businesss intellectual property (IP) using copyrights, trade secrets and trademarks  all forms of "soft" IP. While softwares source code itself (software per se) cannot be directly patented, it can be protected in a patent claim by expressing the software as a process describing how the software works. This approach is not without its challenges. It can be difficult to capture the software at a level of detail that is both patentable over the prior art and difficult to design around. Since the Supreme Courts recent Alicei decision, a new challenge has appeared: expressing software in a patent eligible way. Despite the challenges of patenting software and the availability of soft IP approaches, patenting technology improvements provides unique advantages over other kinds of IP protection and recent court decisions have provided meaningful pathways to address challenges to patent eligibility.

Read More https://clients.dorsey.com/rs/ct.aspx?ct=24F76F1FD0E547A9CCDD88A5DB2A961BDFF0559CE4A529E868880D1C49CDFE62FE520D93DAD35A863F437724B94347E599F89C545A1A1812A08C495C8BA9298EDD5F9CCA0346D3B816583C7575CE20A11B923B17FA3ADF360554F204BD4432B078AF8F87C680644FFAF932BABE4DC976EB15A634507608246D4BE3A098A9AB5DDE05A8A5E056314FFECEDB905
"Children are not a Republican or a Democrat or an Independent  theyre our kids," Elsie Arntzen

As Montanas first Republican state superintendent of public instruction in 28 years, former teacher Elsie Arntzen says shell be a "communicator," involving lawmakers, school officials and parents in discussing whats best for Montana schools.

The longtime legislator from Billings also told MTN News she wants to "de-politicize" education policy, forming a bipartisan caucus of state lawmakers she hopes will act as a sounding board on the issues.

By Mike Dennison  MTN News

Full Story: http://www.kbzk.com/story/33739628/montanas-1st-gop-superintendent-of-public-instruction-in-28-years-outlines-agenda
A central Montana power storage project that would act as a giant battery to supplement electricity from wind turbines and other sources has received a favorable review from federal regulators.

Absaroka Energy http://absarokaenergy.com/ President Carl Borgquist said Thursday that the Bozeman company hopes to obtain a license for its Gordon Butte Project early next year.

The Federal Energy Regulatory Commission recently concluded that the 400-megawatt project would not have a significant environmental impact.

Full Story: http://flatheadbeacon.com/2016/11/17/montana-power-storage-project-gets-positive-review-feds/
In what Lockheed Martin claims is a first, pilot-optional helicopters and Unmanned Aerial Systems (UAS) have worked as a team to successfully carry out firefighting operations and a search and rescue mission. According to the company, the purpose of the demonstration was to illustrate how autonomous aircraft can not only aid in rescue operations, but also increase their efficiency.

David Szondy

Full Story: http://newatlas.com/lockheed-martin-pilot-optional-helicopter-firefighting/46509/?utm_source=Gizmag+Subscribers&utm_campaign=f9033e8b93-UA-2235360-4&utm_medium=email&utm_term=0_65b67362bd-f9033e8b93-92465361
(Photo: Jiang Jie/People's Daily Online)

In the coming year, the White Ribbon campaign in China will begin to offer group counseling services for abusers in situations of domestic violence.

The China White Ribbon Volunteers Network (CWRVN) will join in, as one important group to offer counseling for abusers in 2017, said All-China Womens Federation director Gao Shawei in a letter addressed to the 4th China White Ribbon Volunteers Network Annual Meeting, held in Beijing on Nov. 18.

Founded in 2013, CWRVN is devoted to engaging men in the fight to end domestic violence, using advocacy, counseling and education.

Abusers sometimes also call our hotline to seek help. In fact, the first counseling call was from a male abuser, said Fang Gang, the founder of the network and a famous sex researcher from Beijing Forestry University (BFU). Fang noted that it is hegemonic masculinity that leads to the demonstration of violence in the first place.

Echoing Fang, Wen Hua, a program officer with the United Nations Population Fund, told the meeting that it is crucial to call for male participation in the campaign, and to restructure social norms, which are currently permissive toward hegemonic masculinity in several countries in Asia.

Zhang Zhihui, a psychological consultant and also a Shanghai-based volunteer with the network, added that abusers have often been victims first.

Abusers are usually self-abased and weak in communication and problem-solving skills. They also tend to have trouble controlling their tempers. For this reason, group counseling for abusers encourages participants to realize their value and work on anger management, as well as strengthen communication skills, said Ding Xinhua, vice dean of psychology at BFU.

Gao gave a great deal of credit to the network, which she said shared the same goal of promoting gender equality as the All-China Womens Federation. She also said she was delighted by the rapid development of the network in just a few years.

According to figures released at the annual meeting, the network has more than 1,480 registered volunteers as of October, and has set up service stations in 36 Chinese cities. The current body of volunteers has grown 145 percent from last year. It is expected to be close to 3,000 by 2017. The group offered more than 400 counseling sessions via their White Ribbon hotline in 2015, in addition to more than 100 in-person counseling sessions. Numerous support groups for victims or witnesses of domestic violence are also available.

Fang pointed out that the focus on counseling is characteristic of the White Ribbon campaign in China. At the meeting, CWRVN, together with the Australian Embassy, pledged to offer more support to 150 psychology consultants in northwestern Chinas Xinjiang Uyghur Autonomous Region, Qinghai province and Gansu province.

I felt relief from my overwhelming loneliness after group counseling with White Ribbon, and after meeting other people who suffered from domestic violence. Now I finally realize that I am not a stain on society, and I am not to blame for what happened. I deserve to be respected and helped, said an anonymous recipient of White Ribbon services who suffered from violence at the hands of her father.

Thanks to the counseling, I know that everything Ive been through could have been prevented if more progress on gender equality were made. Luckily, as a mother myself, I can now guarantee that my story will not repeat itself in my childs life, she added.

The White Ribbon campaign originated in Canada in 1991, after 14 women were killed by a man. The campaign was launched by a group of Canadian men, utilizing the white ribbon as symbol of mourning, who pledged opposition to violence against women. The campaign has since spread to more than 60 countries, and has become the largest mens movement to prevent violence against women.
Chinese President Xi Jinping and Ecuadorian President Rafael Correa witness the signing of document on bilateral cooperation after their talks in Quito, Ecuador, Nov. 17, 2016. (Xinhua/Ju Peng)

QUITO, Nov. 17 -- China and Ecuador agreed here Thursday to boost their cooperation in production capacity, as well as economic and trade areas, according to a joint statement issued during Chinese President Xi Jinping's visit to the Latin American nation.

During the talks between President Xi and his Ecuadorian counterpart Rafael Correa, the two heads of state exchanged views on China-Ecuador ties, China's relations with Latin America, and international and regional issues of common concern, said the statement.

Seeking to boost production capacity and investment cooperation, the two countries pledged to implement major projects in oil and gas, mining, infrastructure, water conservancy, communication and finance, and explore cooperation in agriculture, petrochemical industry, ship building, metallurgy and paper making industries.

China is willing to work with Ecuador in technology transfer so as to boost the country's industrialization and strengthen its capacity in independent development.

The two sides also pledged to encourage their companies and financial institutions to discuss possible cooperation on the Pacific Refinery, a large petrochemical complex in Ecuador's northern province of Manabi, which is going to be a pillar of petrochemical industry in Ecuador and the whole region as well.

On trade, Beijing and Quito seek a steady, sustainable and balanced trade growth, and vow to make it more convenient for their respective products to get access to the other's markets.

The two sides also want to enhance their exchanges in science and technology, according to the statement.

China is willing to play an active role in the Yachay City of Knowledge and Prometheus program, and facilitate the cooperation between scientific research academies, higher learning institutions and enterprises in joint research and development, innovation, as well as the commercialization and industrialization of scientific research achievements.

China and Ecuador also agreed to enhance their cooperation in education, culture, health, sports, tourism and judicial areas, bolster exchanges between media, artists and students of the two countries, increase the number of student exchanges, so as to boost understanding and friendship of the two peoples.

The two sides reaffirmed that they will continue to respect each other's sovereignty and territorial integrity and support their respective core interests and major concerns, said the document.

Ecuador reiterated its firm adherence to the one China policy and support to Beijing's efforts to achieve national unification, while the Chinese side backs Ecuador's efforts to seek a development path that fits its national conditions, and to maintain independence, sovereignty, territorial integrity and security.

The two sides also agreed to maintain close high-level exchanges, and promote communications between their legislative bodies, political parties, and at local level as well as cooperation between their foreign ministries so as to find more common ground and enhance political mutual trust.

Also in the statement, China and Ecuador believe that practical cooperation is an important part of their comprehensive strategic partnership.

Seeking to improve their all-round cooperation, the two sides are willing to further integrate their development strategies, and give full play to a series of cooperation mechanisms in such areas as production capacity, investment, trade, agriculture and technology.

Also according to the joint statement, the two countries agree that they share broad common interests in many of the key international and regional issues.

Both countries will, within the UN and the Group of 77 (G77) as well as many other multilateral cooperation frameworks, maintain close communications and cooperation on UN reform, global economic governance, climate change, and the 2030 agenda for sustainable development, so as to promote South-South cooperation and preserve the interests of the developing world.

China supports Ecuador's G77 presidency in 2017, and would like to work with the country to increase the influence and the voice of the developing countries in global affairs.

President Xi arrived in the Ecuadorian capital of Quito Thursday afternoon, kicking off a state visit to the country and his third visit to Latin America since he took office in 2013.

Besides Ecuador, the week-long tour will also take him to Peru and Chile. In Peru, Xi will attend the 24th Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) Economic Leaders' Meeting from Nov. 19 to 20 in the capital city of Lima.
Photo taken on Nov. 14, 2016 shows the Lima Convention Center, where the 2016 Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) Economic Leaders' Week takes place in Lima, capital of Peru, on Nov. 14, 2016. 2016 APEC Economic Leaders' Week kicked off on Monday in Lima, capital city of Peru, with the theme "Quality growth and human development." (Xinhua/Carlos Lezama/ANDINA)

LIMA, Nov. 17 -- An APEC CEO survey has showed that China remains the powerhouse for APEC businesses and that a majority of respondents are confident in APEC economies.

The PricewaterhouseCoopers (PwC) survey shows that a majority of APEC CEOs plan to increase investment, find new partners, explore untapped markets and boost their brand image in China.

According to the survey, 59 percent of respondents said they were planning to increase investment in China though they had mixed views on the outlook of China's GDP growth. Almost half of APEC CEOs believed that China's GDP will grow on average around 6 percent a year in the next three years.

Under China's new normal, business leaders tried to adapt to the shift from the previous high-speed growth to a medium-to-high speed growth, where they want to build up partnerships with local partners, build their brand in China or develop new products and services in their existing market, and carry out geographic expansion.

PwC China Chairman Raymund Chao said: "It's significant that APEC business leaders look beyond a slowdown to the long term. China is a prime example. Its scale and skills mean concerns about its slower economic growth are not enough to put business leaders off investment and expansion. China remains a powerhouse of potential for APEC businesses for new products and partnerships."

Increased competition in China is a major feature of this year's survey, as domestic companies compete with international rivals and inland smaller cities become coveted markets. This recognition of internal competition reflects the rising importance of Chinese companies.

Technology is enabling new rivals to make inroads in established industries. Companies such as Haier and Huawei from China are competing to become global leaders in industries dominated by multinationals from advanced economies. Huawei is the third-largest smartphone manufacturer and leads the charge for a slew of competitors.

Their foothold abroad has grown in proportion to their dominance at home, leading to a necessary reassessment by foreign companies, reliant on China for their profit growth.

The report also highlighted the increased competition Chinese banks are bringing to the global financial sector.

Samuel Tsien, Group CEO of Singapore's OCBC Bank reportedly said that Chinese banks have become major competitors amid the reduced growth for banking services in the Asia-Pacific. The pie has not grown that much, but the competitors going for this pie have increased significantly, he said.

CONFIDENCE IN APEC ECONOMIES

Confidence appeared to be particularly high in APEC economies, which account for 57 percent of the global GDP and 49 percent of global trade. More than two-thirds of investment by APEC members is set to stay within the APEC area, with China, the United States, Singapore and Indonesia setting to attract the most investment, according to the survey.

With over 1,100 business leaders surveyed across the 21 APEC members, 53 percent of respondents said they were planning to increase investment over the next 12 months.

Despite these bullish investment plans, only 28 percent of APEC business leaders said they were very confident about revenue growth over the next 12 months. Some 19 percent admitted that they were not very confident.

Presenting the survey results at the 2016 APEC CEO Summit in Lima, Peru, Orlando Marchesi, country senior partner at PwC Peru, said that a subdued level of confidence in the business outlook is hardly surprising given geopolitical events this year. What's critical for the region is that business leaders hold their nerve on investment and innovation, he said.

Furthermore, this year, while more CEOs saw significant progress toward a free trade area in the Asia-Pacific, the majority of 53 percent continue to see progress as slow.

"For the foreseeable future, APEC business leaders will have to balance the short-term economic outlook with investing for the long term. The wider regulatory and tax environment is critical factors in business confidence and investment. Standing still on regulatory conditions is not the way to be competitive in a paradoxically cash-rich but slow-growth world," Marchesi said.
Nepal has long been in desperate need of new infrastructure  even before the 2015 earthquake that flattened entire villages. So when six new highways were proposed throughout the small, South Asian country, many people embraced the plans. Project planners and investors, however, did not take into account the constructions worrisome potential to disrupt local wildlife.

The environmental impact was not properly considered, said Emily McKenzie, the World Wildlife Funds (WWF) valuing nature lead. Thats a big problem.

Part of Northwestern Engineerings Deans Seminar Series, McKenzie and Nirmal Bhagabati visited campus to discuss ways to to implement infrastructure without adversely affecting nature and wildlife. Preparing for the Global Infrastructure Tsunami: The Intersection Between Nature and Sustainable Infrastructure took place Thursday, November 17.

Nepal is just one country undergoing an infrastructure boom. McKenzie and Bhagabati also cited examples in the Arctic and Myanmar, where major projects are underway that often dont take local ecology into account. Within the next 20 years, 90 percent of new infrastructure projects will take place in developing countries, which are also the worlds most biodiverse areas. While new roads are important for importing resources, agriculture, trade, and tourism, many building projects are too far along before planners evaluate the environmental impact. McKenzie and Bhagabati agreed that this impact should be assessed the beginning of such projects.

Around the world, environmental activists have been reactive to projects that are already far down the pipeline, said Bhagabati, WWFs lead natural capital scientist. We need to start working much farther upstream.

One of the roads in Nepal, for example, will run through Chitwan National Park, which is home to dense tropical vegetation, 68 species of mammals, and 543 species of birds. While removing vegetation could result in erosion, the road could also displace animals or even put them in danger of traffic and poachers.

A basic understanding of wildlife was not incorporated into the project, McKenzie said. Loss of forest could lead to landslides and flooding, which could even undermine the infrastructure itself.

Bhagabati presented a large infrastructure project in Myanmar as an example. Under military rule from 1962 to 2011, Myanmar was largely closed off from the outside world. Its forests, wildlife, and rivers remained mostly untouched by development. Becoming a democratic state, however, kicked off an infrastructure tsunami, including plans for a major highway to connect Myanmar to Thailand.

Change has been blistering for the past few years, Bhagabati said. Accompanying social change has been rapid environmental change and economic development.

A chance meeting with landscape architecture students from Hong Kong led to a collaboration to understand and determine how to introduce measures that mitigate disruptions to wildlife. The WWF and Hong Kong team used design thinking to find ways to sustain healthy wildlife populations, prevent erosion, and diminish the risk of landslides.

McKenzie and Bhagabati agreed that planners and developers dont actively avoid assessing environmental impact; instead these audiences do not know where to find the right information. When the WWF and Hong Kong team presented their findings to developers, Bhagabati said they replied: Where have you been?

We need sustainable infrastructure investment, but we also need to value the local people and ecosystems, McKenzie said. We need to bring holistic, whole-brain thinking to investors.
NANJING, Nov. 18 -- A Chinese team on Friday won the 2016 ACM Gordon Bell prize, a top honor in high-performance computing, for an application running on China's fastest supercomputer.

It is the first time a Chinese team has won the award.

The project, named "10M-Core Scalable Fully-Implicit Solver for Nonhydrostatic Atmospheric Dynamics," presents a method for calculating atmospheric dynamics, according to the Association for Computing Machinery, which presented the award at the International Supercomputing Conference in Salt Lake City in the United States.

"The application can help improve global climate simulation and weather prediction," said Yang Guangwen, director of the National Supercomputing Center in Wuxi.

The center, also one of the application developers, is home to Sunway Taihulight, the supercomputer that runs the application.

The award shows that Taihulight not only excels in terms of speed, but can also be a powerful platform for a wide range of applications, said Yang.

Since its launch on June 20, Sunway Taihulight has helped research teams in both China and abroad make over 100 achievements in 19 different fields, including meteorology, oceanography, aerospace and biology, Yang said.

According to the International Supercomputing Conference, China has 171 of the world's top 500 supercomputers, tied for first place with the United States.

Established in 1987, the Gordon Bell Prize is awarded each year at the annual supercomputing conference. It recognizes outstanding achievements in high-performance computing applications.
Chinese President Xi Jinping holds talks with Ecuadorian President Rafael Correa in Quito, Ecuador, Nov. 17, 2016. (Xinhua/Ju Peng)

QUITO, Nov. 17 -- China and Ecuador agreed on Thursday to lift their ties to a comprehensive strategic partnership, in a bid to further cement strategic mutual trust and boost bilateral win-win cooperation.

The decision was announced during Chinese President Xi Jinping's state visit to Ecuador, the first of its kind since the two countries established diplomatic relations 36 years ago.

In his talks with Ecuadorian President Rafael Correa, Xi, who arrived in Ecuador Thursday afternoon, said Ecuador is an important country in Latin America, adding that bilateral ties have witnessed substantial development in recent years.

China and Ecuador established a strategic partnership in Correa's second official visit to Beijing in 2015, and Ecuador is now a major destination for Chinese investment and financing in Latin America.

In April this year, Ecuador was hit by 7.8-magnitude earthquake, and China was one of the first countries to offer support, providing 2 million U.S. dollars of cash and 9.2 million dollars' worth of humanitarian aid.

Xi noted that since 2015, mutually beneficial cooperation between the two sides have seen rapid development in a wide range of areas, with the scale of collaboration continuing to increase.

Bilateral ties have since been greatly enriched and have been picking up momentum towards comprehensive development, he added.

The Chinese president said China-Ecuador relations have now entered a key phase where cooperation between the two countries is of greater importance to both sides.

China will continue to support Ecuador in pursuing a development path that suits its own conditions, and will actively take part in Ecuador's post-earthquake reconstruction, he said.

China is willing to reinforce practical cooperation with the Ecuadorian side in all areas, comprehensively step up the integration of interests of both sides, expand people-to-people exchanges, and open up brighter prospects for the development of bilateral ties, Xi said.

He went on to pledge support for Ecuador's presidency of the Group of 77 (G77) next year, saying that China is willing to maintain close cooperation with G77 in multilateral affairs.

China is also willing to work with Ecuador to boost overall cooperation with Latin America and push for greater development in China-Latin America relations, he added.

For his part, Correa likened Xi's visit to "a get-together between friends," and said he believes the Chinese president's Ecuadorian trip will serve to boost bilateral relations and cooperation, and bring more benefits to people on both sides.

He said the Ecuadorian side appreciates China's firm support in its quake relief and post-quake reconstruction.

Ecuador always sticks to the one China policy, and is committed to strengthening exchanges and cooperation between the two countries in political, economic as well as people-to-people fields, Correa said.

As the rotating chair of the G77 next year, Ecuador will work to forge closer collaboration within the framework of "G77 plus China" within multilateral organizations, he said.

Despite the long distance between the two countries, cooperation between China and Ecuador in trade and finance has yielded great success.

China is now the third biggest trade partner for Ecuador, while the latter is now a major destination for Chinese investment and financing in Latin America. Two-way trade reached 4.1 billion dollars in 2015, quadrupling in just 10 years.

In their talks, the two presidents agreed to take the elevation of bilateral ties as a new starting point to deepen strategic mutual trust, seek greater achievements in mutually beneficial cooperation and boost healthier and faster development in bilateral ties.

The two sides also pledged respect for each other's sovereignty and territorial integrity, as well as mutual understanding and support over each other's core interests and major concerns, and agreed to expand high-level exchanges by facilitating communication between their governments, legislatures and political parties as well as at local levels.

The two sides will maintain close contact and coordination on bilateral ties and issues of mutual concern, and work to expand their consensus and consolidate political mutual trust.

They agreed to beef up integration of their respective development strategies, tap into their complementary economic and trade potentials, and seek sustained, stable and balanced two-way trade.

The two sides pledged to further enhance cooperation in such fields as production capacity, investment, technology, oil and gas, mining, infrastructure, water conservancy, telecommunication and finance, while mulling collaboration in such sectors as agriculture, petrochemistry, ship-building, metallurgy and paper-making.

In addition, they agreed to intensify exchanges and cooperation in the areas of education, culture, science, health, sports, tourism, media and youth, and boost the friendship between the two peoples.

The two sides also reiterated their adherence to the purpose and principles laid out in the UN Charter, and pledged to step up communication and cooperation within multilateral mechanisms such as the UN and the G77, in order to shore up South-South cooperation and better protect the common interests of developing countries.

They agreed to deepen the China-Latin America comprehensive cooperative partnership of equality, mutual benefit and common development, and expressed willingness to work with other Latin American countries to lift China-Latin America ties to higher levels.

Also on Thursday, Xi and Correa witnessed the signing of a string of cooperation agreements in such areas as production capacity, investment, industrial parks, economic technologies, judiciary and media.

Ecuador is the first leg of Xi's ongoing three-nation Latin America tour, which will also take him to Peru and Chile. This is his third visit to Latin America since he took over the Chinese presidency in March 2013.

While in Lima, capital of Peru, he will attend the 24th Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation Economic Leaders' Meeting.

Read more:

China, Ecuador pledge to boost production capacity, trade cooperation
Baku, Azerbaijan, Nov. 18

Trend:

Over the past 24 hours, Armenias armed forces have 38 times violated the ceasefire along the line of contact between Azerbaijani and Armenian troops, said Azerbaijans Defense Ministry Nov. 18.

The Azerbaijani army positions located in the Gaymagli village of Azerbaijans Gazakh district underwent fire from the Armenian army positions located in the Barekamavan village of the Noyemberyan district of Armenia.

Meanwhile, the Azerbaijani army positions located in the Alibayli and Aghbulag villages of the Tovuz district were shelled from the Armenian army positions located in the Aygepar and Chinari villages of the Berd district of Armenia.

Moreover, the Azerbaijani army positions were also underwent fire from the Armenian positions located near the Armenian-occupied Shirvanli, Yusifjanli, Sarijali, Javahirli, Bash Gervend villages of the Aghdam district, Mehdili village of the Jabrayil district, as well as on nameless heights of the Goranboy, Tartar and Fuzuli districts.

The conflict between the two South Caucasus countries began in 1988 when Armenia made territorial claims against Azerbaijan. As a result of the ensuing war, in 1992 Armenian armed forces occupied 20 percent of Azerbaijan, including the Nagorno-Karabakh region and seven surrounding districts. The 1994 ceasefire agreement was followed by peace negotiations.

Armenia has not yet implemented four UN Security Council resolutions on withdrawal of its armed forces from the Nagorno-Karabakh and the surrounding districts.
If mankind will one day be spending extended time exploring the far reaches of space, theyll have to design new methods and systems to address the bodily needs of the astronaut explorers. In emergency situations, such as loss of air pressure, astronauts may be required to spend long periods of time wearing a space suit. Eating, drinking, and breathing naturally come to mind as some of the issues one has to address, but human waste management is one system that has changed very little since the first astronauts started wearing space suits. The current solution is basically an adult diaper, but this only lasts a day at the most and is hardly sanitary, let alone comfortable.

With the focus on the space poop issue, NASA is calling on citizens to help design a new system. According to NASA, whats needed is:

a system inside a space suit that collects human waste for up to 144 hours and routes it away from the body, without the use of hands. The system has to operate in the conditions of space  where solids, fluids, and gases float around in microgravity (what most of us think of as zero gravity) and dont necessarily mix or act the way they would on earth. This system will help keep astronauts alive and healthy over 6 days, or 144 hrs.

Winners of the Space Poop Challenge will receive $30,000, and of course their design could potentially be implemented in the next version of the space suit.

The challenge closes on December 20, 2016. Think youve got what it takes to help future space explorers do their business? Check out the video below and visit the Space Poop Challenge page to submit your ideas!
by Laurie Sullivan @lauriesullivan, November 18, 2016

Microsoft recently awoke a sleeping giant after remaining stagnant for a decade. Some attribute the awakening to Satya Nadella, who took the reins as Microsoft CEO in February 2014.

"Satya turned our inward gaze outward," James Whittaker, distinguished technical evangelist at Microsoft, told Search Marketing Daily. The "our" refers to the thousands of people at Microsoft working on the future of technology.

"When you get that many smart people looking ahead it can get pretty magical," he said. "I get my mind blown on a weekly basis. That hasn't happened for a while. A lot of us are feeling really good about the future."

That sleeping giant  search  will rely on artificial intelligence and cloud services to forever change the advertising industry. The media will still rely on intent signals to serve ads, but some of the smartest minds in search advertising question how much longer marketers will log on to Google AdWords and Bing Ads or Yahoo Gemini to create and schedule campaigns or whether machines will connect brands with consumers through referrals and other signals using artificial intelligence and cloud services.

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Machines will determine the consumer's intent based on data. But when the world becomes reduced to data, and machines determine someone's intent, not their interest, advertising in the way the industry does it today no longer makes sense, he said.

"We will need to re-architect advertising, in general, when people step out of the equation and machines are making decisions for us based on actual data," he said.

Whittaker declined to describe how Bing Ads might work, but he said advertising will become more about the value of the product based on data collected through Internet-connected devices such as hot tubs, refrigerators, running shoes, online movie ticket purchases, point-of-sale systems in grocery stores, and more. These Internet-connected devices will communicate with each other to determine the best products for specific scenarios based on the individual consumer.

Some might call this real personalization, personalizing the ad and the product, and it will force marketers to work more closely with product development.

"Rather than injecting an ad, you will need to find out how to inject actual value," Whittaker said. "One advantage advertisers have is data from connected devices, machines, will tell them this is the best chemical for a hot tub in the North West and this is the algorithm used to determine it."

Price could become one criteria. Adding a conditioner to soften the water might be another. All those data points will become important to personalize products.

Whittaker said it won't be about placing an ad in front of as many people as a brand can, but rather ways to inject value into the products and the services to satisfy intent. The AI will inform the machine such as a smartphone when it picks up the intent of the consumer to provide a solution. Sometimes that will mean automatically replenishing something the consumer had already purchased.

"The knowledge from the data to do all this will be in the cloud," Whittaker said. "One reason this is finally happening is because of the cloud."



Technology goes in 10 years cycles and it's as accurate and reliable as Moore's Law, he said.




by P.J. Bednarski , Staff Writer @pjbtweet, November 17, 2016

Following Donald Trumps surprise election, the big story has been fake news sites that manufactured (mostly) crazy anti-Clinton and pro-Trump headlines, literally for fun and profit. The Internet is filled with them, and Facebook and Twitter and Google and others are playing defense.



Randall Rothenberg, the president of the Interactive Advertising Bureau, watches all this from an unusual perspective. In his career, he was a political and technology editor for The New York Times Sunday Magazine, as well as the advertising columnist. As the IAB head since 2007, one of his thorniest issues is dealing with viewability issues--a crisis of deception, too, involving ads that are seen but not really.



So fake, he knows. But for Rothenberg, its a little too easy to conclude phony stories planted by phony Web sites were crucial elements to the way the presidential campaigns played out.

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But unlike Facebooks Mark Zuckerberg, who insists Facebooks fake news didnt have much affect the outcome, Rothenberg isnt so sure of that, either.

The freshness of the election probably makes the analysis hard to do objectively. So many digital modes got thrown into the mix, from YouTube to tweets to live Facebook videos and even live videos of speeches by the candidates.



Journalists--even real journalists, this time --probably arent perfectly equipped to make the analysis but Rothenberg is sure it will be studied. Its a job for social scientists, he said in a conversation earlier this week. Who listened to these things? What was the reaction? What happened to whom?



Facebook said it is now banning fake news publishers from the Facebook Audience Network, but critics say that wouldnt really stop them from showing up on the News Feed, where the bigger audience numbers seems to be. Facebook said it is now banning fake news publishers from the Facebook Audience Network, but critics say that wouldnt really stop them from showing up on the News Feed, where the bigger audience numbers seems to be. Twitter says it will try to stop alt-right users. Likewise, on Monday, Google said it would stop ads from appearing on fake news sites--and on the same day carried a fake story claiming, falsely, that Donald Trump had earned 70,000 more votes than Hillary Clinton. The vote tally really shows she had narrowly received more popular votes than Trump.

Its hard to know how big the problem is, (or, maybe, was). BuzzFeed found a group of Macedonian teenage boys who, it said, started around 140 fake sites during the campaign with real-sounding names like WorldPoliticus.com, TrumpVision365.com, USConservativeToday.com, DonaldTrumpNews.co, and USADailyPolitics.com. They profited from this stuff by generating ads from Googles Ad Sense.



Rothenberg asserted, fake news essentially, is actually just another form of click bait, but lying sites exists only because there is advertising to support it even if those ads are generated automatically.

Or actually, because theyre generated automatically?

For phony stuff that too easily gets passed around the Internet, Marketers, agencies, technologists and publishers should realize its in their economic and social self-interest to monitor and police whats there.

You cant expect fake news sites to close themselves, he said. Bad shit always finds a way to circulate.

Comparing the Internet to an old time newsstand, he said, the vendor never put the questionable nudie magazines front and center. The bad things went under the counter. The various elements that bring together a scurrilous Website with an advertiser and a platform arent doing the same thing.

It is a flaw of the the Internet--an almost baked-in flaw--that it moves at such technological super speed that it can seem out of control.

Rothenberg doesnt seem to buy that. The cure is human intervention, while the goal of Internet businesses is efficiency. There's the conflict

Even the most automated assembly lines has a human being doing quality control behind them, Rothenberg said. He doesnt pretend to know the technologist-level ins and outs of how those safeguards could be built, only that they could be, suggesting Websites could create better algorithms to notice clues to help weed out many malicious interlopers. And employ humans to make sure it stays that way.

He concedes that could result in an unending game of whack-a-mole. But if you ever spent a summer on the Boardwalk you learn that if you do it each and every day, pretty soon you get good at it.

pj@mediapost.com
by Laurie Sullivan , Staff Writer @lauriesullivan, November 17, 2016

Local marketing technology company SweetIQ has launched an integration with local recommendations directory Yelp to help brands optimize and monitor the impact of business listings on in-store foot traffic.

Businesses claim online listings and manage content in those listings through SweetIQ's platform, but the partnership is significant because it taps into data and gives retailers and brands with multiple physical locations insight into how their business listings impact the foot traffic in physical store locations. The connection, made through an API, closes the online-to-offline attribution gap, according to Mohannad El-Barachi, CEO and co-founder of SweetIQ.

The recommendation in the platform provides data on channels to target, when and what type of campaigns to launch campaigns, and the expected results in terms of the SEO implications and in-store foot traffic.

Advantages to the SweetIQ-Yelp partnership for businesses, per the companies, include access to an in-depth level of local analytics, ability to analyze return on investment metrics, and launch advanced campaigns and improve revenue-generating opportunities via SweetIQs platform.

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SweetIQ also integrates with other platforms. El-Barachi plans to announce a network of providers, with more than 75 directories, in the near future.

Similar to Moz Local, the network focuses on supporting retailers that have multiple physical locations and in some cases, hundreds of thousands. Brands can make more than 20 updates weekly, but multiply that by the number of stores and locations from where consumers can find that information in directories and the number becomes exponentially.

When companies make one update to its main business file on SweetIQ, in theory, the platform will update the business listings in all directories and store locator pages on search engines and in the directory on the network. It will monitor for duplicate listings, and if a store closes the platform removes the entry.

"People predominately use Google to come up with ideas on where to go, such as a restaurant, but once they hit Yelp they're looking for something very specific, such as recommendations," El-Barachi said.
by Erik Sass , Staff Writer @eriksass1, November 18, 2016

President Obama has added his voice to the growing chorus of concern about fake news social media, an issue which attracted sudden attention following Donald Trumps upset victory over Hillary Clinton in the 2016 presidential election. The president made the remarks during a joint press conference with German chancellor Angela Merkel on his last official overseas trip.

Alluding to alleged widespread falsehoods circulating online during the election, Obama observed: If we are not serious about the facts and whats true and whats not, particularly in the social media era when so many get information from sound bites and snippets off their phone, if we cant discriminate between serious arguments and propaganda, then we have problems.

Obama also indicated that some action is required to distinguish between real and fake news, although he left it unclear where that responsibility falls, whether with governments or industry: In an age where theres so much misinformation, and it's packaged well, it looks the same when you see it on a Facebook page or you turn on your television ... if everything seems to be the same and no distinctions are made, then we won't know what to protect.

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Earlier this week, Facebook and Google appeared to tacitly acknowledge the need to crack down on fake news on the sites, with Facebook for example banning fake news publishers from the Facebook Audience Network, which allows advertisers to include sites from outside Facebook in their ad campaigns. However, the policy wont necessarily affect fake news that appears in the social networks own News Feed  a much higher profile area. The decision follows a similar announcement from Google, which is tightening the rules for its AdSense network.

For his part, Facebook founder and CEO Mark Zuckerberg has argued that attributing the election result to fake news is simplistic and dismissive of the many real concerns of Trump voters. Its also worth noting that Trump made essentially parallel arguments about the mainstream news media, which he accused of biased, unfair coverage  and also touted social media like Twitter for helping him to even the playing field.
As a result of various cultural and socioeconomic factors, more and more American women choose to have children later in life. Now, research suggests that women who become first-time mothers later in life may also live longer. Share on Pinterest Older first-time mothers may live longer, study finds. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) report that the average age of mothers has increased from 24.9 years in 2000 to 26.3 years in 2014. The proportion of women who became first-time mothers between the ages of 30-34 increased by 28 percent between 2000-2014. First births in women aged 35 years and over also increased by 23 percent in the same period. According to the CDC, older age in mothers has been linked to a variety of adverse birth outcomes, such as multiple births and congenital disabilities. But emerging research suggests being an older first-time mother might also have a positive effect, as it may increase the mothers lifespan.

Older first-time mothers may live longer Researchers from the University of California-San Diego School of Medicine examined for the first time the relationship between longevity and the womans age at first birth. They also considered parity, which is the number of times a woman has been pregnant. The scientists, led by Aladdin Shadyab, Ph.D., examined 20,000 women who were part of the Womens Health Initiative, a national longitudinal study that started in 1991 and examined women all the way through 2012. Of the 20,000 women included in the study, 54 percent lived to be 90 years old. Researchers found that mothers who had their first child when they were 25 years or older were more likely to survive to age 90. They also found that women who lived to 90 years old were more likely to be college graduates, married, and have a higher income. They were also less likely to have obesity or a history of chronic disease. Shadyab also explains the connection they found with parity, noting that women with two to four term pregnancies compared with a single term pregnancy were also more likely to live at least 9 decades. The results of the study were published in the American Journal of Public Health.
A team of Cambridge researchers led by scientists at the Babraham Institute have discovered the hidden connections in our genomes that contribute to common diseases. Using a pioneering technique developed at the Babraham Institute, the results are beginning to make biological sense of the mountains of genetic data linking very small changes in our DNA sequence to our risk of disease. Discovering these missing links will inform the design of new drugs and future treatments for a range of diseases, including rheumatoid arthritis and other types of autoimmune disease.

Comparing the genome sequences of hundreds of thousands of patients and healthy volunteers has revealed single-letter changes found more frequently in the DNA sequences of individuals with specific diseases. In most cases, the disease-linked changes occur in the large swaths of DNA located between genes, often referred to as junk DNA. The fact that the changes are not in or near genes has made it challenging to understand how they could cause disease. Now, as reported in the leading journal Cell , the Promoter Capture Hi-C technique is being used to fill in the missing pieces by charting interactions between genes and sequences far away on the DNA thread.

The Promoter Capture Hi-C technique works by identifying parts of the genome that physically contact and regulate genes. The long thread of DNA is highly folded inside cells, allowing regions very far apart on the thread to contact each other directly. Dr Peter Fraser, Head of the BBSRC-funded Nuclear Dynamics research programme at the Babraham Institute which coordinated the study and a senior author on the paper, explained: "By identifying which parts of the genome connect with which genes we have discovered hundreds of thousands of regions that are necessary to switch genes on and off. Small changes to the DNA sequence of these distal regulatory regions can interfere with the normal control of genes, leading to a greater chance of developing a specific disease. The power of this approach is that it allows us to make biological sense of very tiny changes in the genome that have big impacts on health."

By mapping the regions of the genome that interact with genes in 17 different blood cell types the researchers were able to create an "atlas" of contacts between genes and the remote regions that regulate them in each cell type. They then matched this information to known changes in DNA at these regions that are linked to specific diseases. This allowed them to uncover which genes are affected by these DNA changes, pointing to their roles in disease.

The different blood cell types were obtained from blood samples donated by healthy volunteers of the NIHR Cambridge BioResource or by culture of blood stem cells in the laboratory of Dr Mattia Frontini, leader of the blood cell epigenome team at the University of Cambridge's Department of Haematology.

Professor John Todd, Director of the JDRF/Wellcome Trust Diabetes and Inflammation Laboratory and founder and former principal investigator of the Cambridge BioResource said: "These results are a giant leap in understanding the inherited and cellular origins of common diseases and in how the human genome works."

The team found thousands of new genes linked to specific diseases, including autoimmune diseases such as rheumatoid arthritis, type 1 diabetes and Crohn's disease that are currently incurable and notoriously difficult to treat or prevent. This knowledge could enable new drugs to be designed targeting those genes, or repurposing of already existing drugs to treat these conditions.

Dr Mikhail Spivakov, group leader in the Nuclear Dynamics research programme at the Babraham Institute and a senior author on the paper, said: "Mapping the genome's regulatory interactions establishes the missing link between a genetic change at one part of the genome with the gene it ultimately affects. While the results currently look promising, it will take many more years of work and rigorous testing before new treatments become available as a result of this fundamental research".

As a large multi-partner study, this research was collaboratively undertaken by the Babraham Institute, the JDRF/Wellcome Trust Diabetes and Inflammation Laboratory in the Cambridge Institute for Medical Research and the Departments of Medicine and Haematology at the University of Cambridge, the EMBL-European Bioinformatics Institute, the NHS Blood and Transplant organisation and the MRC Biostatistics Unit. The research was funded by a grant from the Medical Research Council whereas the researchers and organisations involved are supported by several funders including the UK's Biotechnology and Biological Sciences Research Council, the British Heart Foundation, the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation (JDRF) and the Wellcome Trust in addition to funding from the European Commission (multiple sources).
Experts are warning of a significant increase in the number of people in the UK who are living with invasive and serious fungal diseases that affect the lungs, bloodstream and brain and can sometimes lead to death.

While invasive fungal infections were estimated by the Health Protection Agency in 2006 a new report is the first comprehensive attempt to capture how many people in the UK suffer from fungal asthma.

Asthma in adults is common in the UK with over 4 million reported cases, and researchers in Manchester believe as many as 300,000 of them are affected by fungal asthma.

The research from the National Aspergillosis Centre based at The University of Manchester - is published by the British Infection Association.

Fungal asthma is such a big problem because the UK has one of the highest rates of asthma internationally. The range of estimate reflects uncertainty as no community study has ever been done, despite the large number affected. Asthmatics allergic to and exposed to higher amounts of fungi that they breathe in usually have poor asthma control and require steroid boosters. Antifungal therapy benefits these people, and may prevent deaths from asthma, doctors believe.

Invasive aspergillosis is the commonest missed infectious diagnosis in intensive care in the UK. It is always fatal without therapy and affects from 3,288 to 4,257 patients each year, most undiagnosed. Treated invasive aspergillosis has a 30-85 per cent mortality depending on the patient group.

Dr Bradford Winters in 2012 analysed deaths in intensive care, and invasive aspergillosis was the commonest missed infectious diagnosis.

Pneumocystis pneumonia has been increasing, especially in the non-HIV group, and probably affects over 500 annually. 15-50 per cent of these patients die, even if treated.

Although 1,700 cases of Candida bloodstream infections are reported annually, the actual estimate of tissue invasive cases in hospitalised and critically ill people is 5,124. This carries a ~45% mortality, if diagnosed and treated.

A Health Protection Agency report from 2006 estimated that ~66 per cent of those who die of fungal infection could have been saved with faster recognition and rapid diagnosis.

Experts believe rarer infections and antifungal resistant infections are probably on the increase, including Candida auris and multi-resistant Aspergillus fumigatus derived from the environment.

The University of Manchester's Professor David Denning Director of the National Aspergillosis Centre, explained: "While the UK is rich in data sources, there is a remarkable poverty of contemporary studies of fungal diseases. An accurate estimate of total burden will ultimately rely on improved diagnostic testing and laboratory reporting.

"This report gets us closer to true burden of fungal diseases in the UK - necessary for improved diagnosis and reducing death. The scale of the 'fungal asthma' problem is staggering, and potentially remediable with antifungal therapy, as I know from treating hundreds of affected patients," he added.

Article: Estimating the burden of invasive and serious fungal disease in the United Kingdom, M. Pegorie, D.W. Denning, W. Welfare, Journal of Infection, doi: 10.1016/j.jinf.2016.10.005, published online 24 October 2016.
Baku, Azerbaijan, Nov. 18

Trend:

Azerbaijan wishes success to the newly elected US President Donald Trump, said Azerbaijans President Ilham Aliyev during a meeting with a group of participants of the 5th News Agencies World Congress in Baku.

I think people of Azerbaijan appreciate what happened during the election, said President Aliyev.

My personal opinion is very positive. People of America showed him great support despite all the polls and expectations of the leading American media and despite aggressive campaign against him, noted the president. He owns this election only to himself. He deserves great respect.

We hope that relations between the USA and Azerbaijan will continue successfully during his presidency as they developed in the previous years, he added.

President Aliyev said there are a lot of areas of cooperation, including political, economic and other areas.

He went on to add that there are great expectations in the world with respect to Trumps policy.

All the leading American newspapers, like the Washington Post, New York Times, agencies, and et cetera were predicting the victory of Madam Clinton, said the president. And we know about the press coverage. But what happened? Were all of them wrong? Or was their evaluation politically motivated? Was there any political interference into the media with respect to some guidance to press coverage? Or did they just make a great mistake and actually lost credibility to a certain degree?
In Cell and associated journals, 24 research studies from the landmark BLUEPRINT project and IHEC consortia reveal how variation in blood cells' characteristics and numbers can affect a person's risk of developing complex diseases such as heart disease, and autoimmune diseases including rheumatoid arthritis, asthma, coeliac disease and type 1 diabetes.

The papers, along with another 17 in other high-impact journals, are the culmination of a five-year, 25 million (30 million) project that brought together 42 leading European universities, research institutes and industry partners. The project's goals were to explore and describe the range of epigenetic changes that take place in bone marrow as stem cells develop into different types of mature blood cell. It also sought to match epigenetic changes and genetic differences to the physical characteristics of each cell type and use this knowledge to understand how these can lead to blood disorders, cancer and other complex diseases.

As part of BLUEPRINT, Wellcome Trust Sanger Institute led two of the six papers being published in the journal Cell.

In the first study, Sanger Institute researchers worked closely with colleagues at the University of Cambridge and the University of Oxford to carry out the largest and most in-depth study of DNA and blood cell characteristics using the UK BioBank resource and the INTERVAL study. By comparing almost 30 million DNA sequence differences in more than 173,000 people with variation in the physical properties of blood cells the scientists identified 2,500 previously undiscovered locations in the genome that influence blood cell characteristics and functions. Further work showed that genetic differences affecting some of these characteristics are linked to increased risk of heart attack, or to rheumatoid arthritis and other common autoimmune diseases.

Dr William Astle, from the University of Cambridge said: "The scale, resolution and homogeneity of our work were vital. Because we examined so many people we were able discover important 'rare and low frequency' genetic differences that are present in fewer than 10 per cent of the population. We found that these can have a much larger impact on the characteristics of blood cells than the common differences studied previously. Of the more than 300 rare and low frequency difference we found, 74 appear to affect the structure of proteins. These give us important clues as to which biological pathways are involved in controlling the production, function and characteristics of blood cells."

The team found that genetic differences that cause people to have more young red blood cells in their peripheral bloodstreams also increase the risk they will have a heart attack.

Dr Adam Butterworth, one of the study's senior authors, from the University of Cambridge said: "When mature red blood cells rupture in our blood the body replaces them with new, young red cells - a process known as haemolysis. So we think that increased haemolysis and increased risk of coronary heart disease are affected by the same biological pathways. Identifying these pathways may offer new treatment possibilities."

In another new finding, the research team showed that genetic differences that increased the amount of certain white blood cells, known as eosinophils, also increased the risk of a person developing rheumatoid arthritis, asthma, coeliac disease and type 1 diabetes.

In the second Cell paper, researchers collaborated with scientists at the University of Cambridge, McGill University in Canada and several UK and European institutions to explore the role that epigenetics plays in the development and function of three major human immune cell types: CD14+ monocytes, CD16+ neutrophils and naive CD4+ T cells, from the genomes of 197 individuals. They studied the contributions of various genetic control mechanisms, including epigenetic changes such as methyl tags on promoter regions in the DNA and histone modifications, to understand how these different levels of regulation interacted with genetic differences to change the expression of genes, immune function and, ultimately, human disease.

The team identified 345 regions of the genome where they could pinpoint the likely molecular causes underlying a person's predisposition to immune-related diseases such as inflammatory bowel disease, type 1 diabetes and multiple sclerosis.

Dr Tomi Pastinen, senior author on the second study, from McGill University said: "We have created an expansive, high-resolution atlas of variations that deepens our understanding of the interplay between the genetic and epigenetic machinery that drives the three primary cells of the human immune system. We have identified hundreds of genetic variations associated with autoimmune diseases that appear to affect the activity of genes in specific regions of the genome, pointing to biological pathways that may be involved in disease and which, ultimately, may be treatable with medication."

Professor Nicole Soranzo, senior author on both studies from the Sanger Institute and University of Cambridge, added: "The BLUEPRINT project has provided the worldwide research community with detailed insights and understandings that will form the basis of important blood cell research for many years to come. When integrated with large-scale genetic studies, these results and data inform understanding of how differences in the human genome and epigenome interact to cause devastating common diseases, and inform new avenues for treating these conditions."

Articles: The Allelic Landscape of Human Blood Cell Trait Variation and Links to Common Complex Disease , Astle WJ et al., Cell, doi: 10.1016/j.cell.2016.10.042, published 17 November 2016.
Good cholesterol is well associated with lower cardiovascular disease risk, but just raising high-density lipoprotein (HDL) levels have produced disappointing results in recent clinical trials. A study published in Cell Metabolism may explain why: HDL actually increases the inflammatory response of immune cells called macrophages, potentially counteracting its well-established anti-inflammatory effect in various other cell types.

"A main take-home message of our study is that HDL's functions are not as simple as initially thought, and appear to critically depend on the target tissue and cell type," says senior study author Marjo Donners of Maastricht University. "In the end, it is the balance between its pro- and anti-inflammatory effects that determines clinical outcome."

Based on decades of research in humans and animals, HDL has gained its now well-established reputation as the "good cholesterol." High HDL levels have been associated with a lower risk of atherosclerosis - an inflammatory disease that causes plaque to build up inside of arteries. In contrast to low-density lipoprotein, which is responsible for depositing cholesterol in vessel walls, HDL removes cholesterol and transports it toward the liver for degradation. Specifically, HDL protects against atherosclerosis by inhibiting inflammation in two important vascular wall cells: endothelial cells and smooth muscle cells.

However, macrophages are key immune cells contributing to the inflammation that characterizes atherosclerosis. Surprisingly, the effect of HDL on the inflammatory response in macrophages has not been clear. In the new study, Donners and first co-author Emiel van der Vorst of Maastricht University set out to address this question. Unexpectedly, they found that HDL treatment enhanced inflammation in macrophages, in contrast to its effects in other cell types. Similarly, macrophages taken from mice with elevated HDL levels showed clear signs of inflammation.

This pro-inflammatory effect induced by HDL had at least one benefit: enhanced pathogen protection. Lung macrophages ingested disease-causing bacteria upon exposure to HDL. On the other hand, mice with low HDL levels were impaired at clearing these bacteria from the lungs. The results demonstrate that HDL's pro-inflammatory activity supports the proper functioning of macrophage immune responses. According to Donners, these findings suggest that patients with persistent infections or specific immune disorders might benefit from HDL-raising therapies.

However, several study limitations complicate clinical interpretations. For one, the study focused on acute inflammatory responses rather than the chronic inflammatory conditions that characterize cardiovascular diseases. Moreover, the researchers did not examine macrophages specifically in atherosclerotic tissue. "Whether HDL exerts beneficial or detrimental effects on the macrophage in a complex micro-environment, such as the atherosclerotic plaque, remains to be determined," Donners says.

The answer to this question may depend on disease stage and the net effect on all vascular wall cells. "For instance, in early atherosclerosis, a proper macrophage response could result in more effective scavenging and elimination of lipids and cellular debris, which may alleviate disease, whereas at later stages, such exaggerated responses may be detrimental because they destabilize the plaque," she says. "Moreover, the overt anti-inflammatory effects in other cell types should be taken into account, and it is the balance between these opposite effects of HDL that will determine clinical outcome for cardiovascular disease patients."

In the end, this research could lead to the development of cell-specific therapies that exploit the benefits of HDL-targeted therapies while avoiding the side effects. "Future studies will have to evaluate the delicate balance of HDL's cell-specific effects in humans and in various pathologies to get more insights and to develop and improve therapeutic strategies," Donners says.

This study was supported by grants from CARIM, the Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft, the Alexander von Humboldt Foundation, France "Vaincre la Mucoviscidose," the Australian Heart Foundation, the Netherlands Organisation for Scientific Research, ZonMw, the Dutch Arthritis Association, the Center for Translational Molecular Medicine project PREDICCt, the Dutch Heart Foundation, the Dutch Diabetes Research Foundation, the Dutch Kidney Foundation, and the Netherlands Heart Foundation.

Article: High-Density Lipoproteins Exert Pro-inflammatory Effects on Macrophages via Passive Cholesterol Depletion and PKC-NF-B/STAT1-IRF1 Signaling, Marjo M.P.C. Donners et al., Cell Metabolism, doi: 10.1016/j.cmet.2016.10.013, published online 17 November 2016.


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Prominent Iranian dissident and Tehran University professor Sadegh Zibalakam, who in 2014 was sentenced to 18 months in prison for criticizing the regime's nuclear policy and for his reformist and pro-U.S. opinions, is a prominent voice in the conflict in Iran between the ideological camp and the pragmatic camp. MEMRI has published many translations of his statements.[1] The following are two recent MEMRI TV clips of Zibakalam's statements.

Zibakalam Refuses To Step On American, Israeli Flags

On November 5, 2016, footage was posted online showing Zibakalam refusing to step on the American and Israeli flags and pushing away students who were trying to force him to do so. Prof. Zibakalam later explained on a television show, on November 10, that stepping on the flag of any nation was a sign of disrespect toward that nation. The footage of the incidents and the interview were posted on Zibakalam's Facebook page in November.

To view this clip, click here or below

Zibakalam said in the interview: "It is a mistake to burn the flag of any nation. It is a sign of disrespect toward that nation. Placing the flag of a country on the ground and stepping on it is an error, a sign of disrespect toward that nation. You do this kind of thing, and then some London-based [Iranian] complains that when traveling to the US, he was thoroughly checked at the airport. Even his eyes were scanned. This is an act of disrespect."

Zibakalam Defies Iranian Regime's "Mission" To Destroy Israel

In an interview conducted by the Iranian Ministry of Islamic Culture, Zibakalam criticized the Iranian regime over its stance on Israel, saying that by promoting calls for the destruction of Israel, Iran was acting in violation of the U.N. Charter. He further criticized Iranian Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei's idea of a referendum on the future of Israel, saying that it was unrealistic and, furthermore, none of Iran's business, and pointing out that Iran's commitment to destroy Israel was evident in its parading of long-range missiles with slogans in Hebrew pronouncing that "Israel must be destroyed." The interview was posted on the ministry's official YouTube account on November 13, 2016.

To view this clip, click here or below

The following is the transcript of the interview:

Zibakalam: "The UN officially recognized Israel, and Iran is a member state. According to Article 1 of the UN charter, the UN member states must not conduct acts of aggression against one another, and must not wish death and destruction upon another nation.

[...]

"Iran should first withdraw from the UN before it may chant: 'Death to Israel' and 'Israel must be destroyed.'

[...]

"What Palestinian political movement calls for the destruction of Israel?"

Interviewer: "The Islamic Jihad and Hamas..."

Zibakalam: "Absolutely not. Hamas calls for a Palestinian state. Where does it call for Israel's destruction?

[...]

"Most of the Palestinians who became refugees in 1948, almost 70 years ago, are already dead, and some of them emigrated to Jordan, Armenia, or Ethiopia. There are already second- and third-generation (Palestinians) there. Are you really suggesting holding a referendum to determine if they should return to Palestine or not? How would they even identify them?

[...]

"Let's say that a referendum is held tomorrow, and the Jews return to where they lived 70 years ago, and the Palestinians return to where they lived 70 years ago... Let's assume that this were possible."

Interviewer: "Are you saying that we shouldn't care about this?"

Zibakalam: "No that's not what I'm saying. I'm talking about Iran's mission to destroy Israel, and about our declarations that we must destroy Israel..."

Interviewer: "We are not talking about destroying Israel with an atom bomb..."

Zibakalam: "Mr. Dehbashi, don't argue with me. Don't say: 'We're talking about a referendum, not about the destruction [of Israel]. When you write on your missiles 'Israel must be destroyed,' it's no joke. These missiles have a range of 2,000-3,000 kilometers, so if you launch them from here, they will definitely hit Tel Aviv. You write 'Israel must be destroyed' on the missiles in Hebrew, in order to dispel any doubts [about our intentions]. Is this really talking about human rights? Who entrusted Iran with this mission? The Arabs? Did the Arabs say: 'Oh Iran, we are incapable of destroying Israel, and, you know, we Arabs love you very much, so please come and do this for us'?! Did the Palestinians say this? Did Hamas? Did the PLO? Did the Palestinian parliament in exile say this? Is this written in our constitution? Was there a poll in which the Iranian people said that Israel must be destroyed? Does Islam say this? Who said that we must destroy Israel?!

[...]

"There is a practical reason why they do not arrest me. They say to themselves: Why arrest him? We can just call him and tell him to shut up, and he won't utter another word.

[...]

"They know that if they ask me, I will comply in full - so what's the point in arresting me? After the [demonstrations of] September 18, 2009, they called me, and said: 'Mr. Zibakalam'... That was when the [Farsi] BBC was launched. 'Don't talk to the BBC anymore," they said. I said: 'Fine.' They called and said: 'Mr. Zibakalam, don't talk to Radio Farda.' I said: 'Fine.' Another telephone call: 'Don't talk to VOA. I said: 'Fine.' Why should we arrest him if he complies every time we tell him what to do?"

Endnote:
On November 14, 2016, prosecutors at the International Criminal Court (ICC) in The Hague published a report stating that there is "a reasonable basis to believe" that "war crimes of torture and related ill-treatment" were committed by "U.S. military forces deployed to Afghanistan and in secret detention facilities operated by the Central Intelligence Agency," mainly in 2003 and 2004 but also "allegedly continuing in some cases until 2014." The report alleges that the forces tortured 61 or more detainees, and that CIA officials tortured 27 others.[1]

Following the publication of the report, the November 16, 2016 editorial of the official Egyptian daily Al-Ahram called for holding the U.S. accountable for war crimes it committed as part of its military intervention in Iraq, Afghanistan, and other locations around the globe.

The following are excerpts from the article:

"For many years, the U.S. intervened militarily in many areas, on various pretexts. It carried out many crimes for which it has not been held accountable. Therefore, it is not surprising that the ICC announced that there is a reasonable basis to believe that U.S. forces committed war crimes in Afghanistan and in secret detention facilities in other areas in 2003 and 2004.

"A report by the ICC prosecutors stressed that these crimes were not abuses of a few isolated individuals but appear to have been committed as part of approved interrogation techniques in an attempt to extract intelligence [from detainees].

"In truth, this report reminds us of what the American forces did in Iraq - that is, the scandal at Abu Ghraib prison. [It reminds us] of the variety of despicable torture methods used by the American forces against Iraqi detainees, such as siccing dogs [on them] while they were completely naked, and of other crimes committed by the U.S. Army in many [other] areas, for which it should be held accountable because they reached the level of war crimes and crimes against humanity.

"The annual report on the preliminary examination activities [regarding possible American war crimes], that is, the phase that precedes an ICC prosecutorial investigation, proves that the number of crimes committed by U.S. forces in Afghanistan was not small. Moreover, the report explicitly states that there is a 'reasonable basis to believe these alleged crimes were committed in furtherance of a policy or policies aimed at eliciting information through the use of interrogation techniques involving cruel or violent methods.'

"In conclusions, we are facing the systematic policy of a state, and the behavior of American forces and other elements in Iraq proves this. Therefore, there is no way out of holding [it] accountable, assertively, effectively, and decisively, in light of these horrid crimes, so that they are never repeated..."[2]

Endnotes:
The Arab Quartet (Egypt, Saudi Arabia, Jordan and the UAE) is continuing its efforts to effect a reconciliation within Fatah and to have a successor to Palestinian President Mahmoud 'Abbas appointed. Recently, 'Abbas rejected a Quartet initiative for such an appointment, on the grounds that he would not accept Arab intervention in Palestinian affairs.[1]

Several Arab media reports stated that recently, in order to resolve this issue, a high-level Arab League delegation visited 'Abbas in Ramallah on November 9, 2016. The delegation, comprising Arab League Secretary-General Ahmad Abu Al-Gheit and his two predecessors, 'Amr Moussa and Nabil Al-Arabi, came to the city on the pretext of attending the opening of the Arafat Museum. According to the reports, the three attempted to pressure 'Abbas to choose a successor, and also tried to persuade him to reconcile with Muhammad Dahlan - who previously served as Palestinian Legislative Council (PLC) member from Fatah and head of Preventive Security in Gaza, and who is now a proposed successor - as well as to allow him to return to the political scene after his 2011 expulsion from Fatah, and to stop persecuting him and his supporters.

The Arabi21 website, which is close to the Muslim Brotherhood, noted in a November 12 report that the delegation's visit to Ramallah and its meeting with 'Abbas had been conducted "far from the eyes of the media" in order to avoid the appearance of normalization with Israel, and also due to the sensitive nature of the meeting's goal - that is, appointing a successor to 'Abbas.[2]

On November 16, the independent Egyptian Islamic daily Al-Misriyyoun published a lengthy report on this matter, according to which Abu Al-Gheit presented 'Abbas with the names of three possible successors: former PA foreign minister and Arafat nephew Nasser Al-Qidwa; senior Fatah member Marwan Al-Barghouti, who is serving five life sentences in Israel for orchestrating terrorist attacks during the second intifada; and Dahlan. The newspaper explained that the Arab countries, and particularly Egypt, were so insistent on lining up a successor to 'Abbas because if 'Abbas left the political scene without naming one, the post of PA president could go to PLC Speaker and Hamas official 'Aziz Dweik, giving Hamas a foothold in the PA leadership.[3]

Both Arabi21 and Al-Misryyoun reported that 'Abbas had rejected the delegation's demands, despite its threats that he would face sanctions and would lose his legitimacy in the eyes of the Arab League.

It should be mentioned that in recent weeks there have been articles in the Egyptian press harshly criticizing 'Abbas for his response to the Arab Quartet's mediation efforts.[4]

The following are translated excerpts from the Al-Misriyyoun article.[5]



'Abbas and the Arab League delegation at the opening of the Arafat Museum (arabi21.com, November 12, 2016)

Al-Misriyyoun: 'Abbas Determined To Prevent Dahlan's Return To Political Scene

The Al-Misriyyoun article stated: "Egypt's relations with PA President Mahmoud 'Abbas have entered a dark tunnel, after a visit by a high-level delegation, headed by Arab League Secretary-General Ahmad Abu Al-Gheit and also including two former secretary-generals of the Arab League, 'Amr Moussa and Nabil Al-Arabi, failed [to achieve the desired results]. The delegation discussed [with 'Abbas] ways to resolve the crisis within Fatah and pump new blood into the reconciliation between the West Bank and Gaza. Knowledgeable sources reported that Ahmad Abu Al-Gheit demanded that 'Abbas agree to the return of Fatah official Muhammad Dahlan to the political scene, and that he stop persecuting [Dahlan's] supporters in the movement and maligning him, after 'Abbas accused him of involvement in the assassination of the late Palestinian president Yasser Arafat. 'Abbas did not agree to the demands, and expressed his determination to convene the Fatah General Assembly that will consolidate [his position] as both Fatah chairman and PA president.

"The sources claimed that the high-level Egyptian delegation was surprised by 'Abbas's inflexible positions on all issues. Moreover, 'Abbas also criticized the Arab states' intervention in a Palestinian matter, while rejecting all the demands, especially the demand to appoint a successor for the role of PA president who will be acceptable to the Arab states, in light of his own failing health."

Al-Misriyyoun: Three Candidates To Succeed 'Abbas Were Proposed - Nasser Al-Qidwa, Marwan Al-Barghouti, And Muhammad Dahlan

According to the Al-Misriyyoun report, "Ahmad Abu Al-Gheit proposed three candidates to succeed 'Abbas: former [PA] foreign minister and Arafat's nephew Nasser Al-Qidwa, Fatah secretary in the West Bank Marwan Al-Barghouti, and [former] head of Preventive Security in Gaza, Muhammad Dahlan. 'Abbas refused, and informed [Abu Al-Gheit] of his intention to remove Dahlan from all Fatah institutions so as to prevent him from attaining any political position in the future, and also [of his intention] to gain the support of Fatah's next [i.e. seventh] General Assembly for his decision. 'Abbas's stubbornness on the Dahlan issue enraged the Arab states, headed by Egypt, who are very interested in naming 'Abbas successor, so as to be prepared for a deterioration in the state of his health or any possibility of his disappearance from the political scene. [The absence of a successor] will enable [Palestinian] Legislative Council Speaker 'Aziz Al-Dweik, a Hamas leader, to take 'Abbas's place, giving Hamas a foothold in Palestinian decision-making, a possibility to which Egypt strongly objects."

Al-Misroyyoun: Cairo Threatened Sanctions Against 'Abbas Should He Refuse To Appoint A Successor

The report stated further that "Cairo threatened to take sanctions against 'Abbas if he rejected its efforts to appoint a successor, and expressed willingness to reach an agreement with Israel in order to release Marwan Barghouti [from prison], should 'Abbas accept him as the successor - and this as a signal to 'Abbas that the successor does not necessarily have to be Dahlan, whom he still rejects...

"According to observers, 'Abbas's rejection of the Arab states' mediation in resolving the crisis with Dahlan or appointing a successor will lead to a deep crisis with the Arab Quartet (Egypt, Saudi Arabia, Jordan and the UAE). He will be bereft of Arab support and will be isolated, as [the late] Palestinian president Yasser Arafat was isolated before his death."

International Relations Expert To Al-Misriyyoun: 'Abbas Is Irrelevant; Dahlan Is Popular

According to the daily, Sa'id Al-Lawandi, an expert in international relations at Al-Ahram Center for Political and Strategic Studies, "believes that 'Abbas became irrelevant in the eyes of all Arab states after he refused every compromise proposed by the Arab Quartet regarding naming his successor, while Dahlan enjoys overt Arab support, since he is one of the few people able to restrain Hamas and keep it from taking over the [Palestinian] Authority. Al-Lawandi said in exclusive statements to Al-Misriyyoun that Dahlan has good relations with Israel, he is highly popular within Fatah, and he has close ties with the Arab states. In fact, he remains the top candidate to succeed 'Abbas should [the latter] vanish from the Palestinian scene. He noted that some Arab states were grooming Dahlan as 'Abbas's successor, and this was the cause of the crisis between 'Abbas and the Arab states that have influence in the Palestinian arena and have been long [pushing] Dahlan as an alternative to 'Abbas."

Former Arab League Assistant Secretary-General To Al-Misriyyoun: There Are Indications That Dahlan Will Be PA President

The daily also presented statements by Sa'id Kamal, a former Arab League assistant secretary-general, who "revealed that PA President Mahmoud 'Abbas is expected to quit politics due to a deterioration in his health, and that Dahlan is slated to take his place due to his considerable popularity. In exclusive statements to Al-Misriyyoun, Kamal noted that there have long been indications that Dahlan will be the [next] PA president, but that he will face the same fate [as 'Abbas], namely the Gaza-West Bank conflict. [Kamal] noted that the next Fatah Assembly, scheduled to take place in a few weeks, will discuss various political issues, including 'Abbas's future and the future of Fatah and the PA, due to the Arab [states'] desire to settle matters to the satisfaction of the mother Palestinian movement [i.e. Fatah]."

Former Egyptian Assistant Foreign Minister To Al-Misriyyoun: Barghouti Is Unlikely To Be 'Abbas's Successor

"In a different context, former [Egyptian] assistant foreign minister Ahmad Al-Qweisni [also] said that whoever succeeds 'Abbas as PA president will face the same problems 'Abbas faced. In exclusive statements to Al-Misriyyoun, Al-Qweisni stressed that, if 'Abbas dies, Fatah's policy will change, and many other aspects of the movement could change as well. He noted that there are several candidates for successor to 'Abbas, one of them Dahlan, despite the rivalry between the two. However, he rejected the possibility of Marwan Barghouti holding public office, [noting] that he will certainly not be [the PA president], unless the Palestinian people insist on this."



Endnotes:
Baku, Azerbaijan, Nov. 18

By Elchin Mehdiyev  Trend:

Holding of the 5th News Agencies World Congress and the 16th General Assembly of the Organization of Asia-Pacific News Agencies (OANA) in Baku is one of the most important events for the world media, Mohannad Sulaiman Al Noaimi, vice president of the Federation of Arab News Agencies (FANA), told Trend Nov. 18.

Al Noaimi, who is also acting director-general of Bahrain News Agency (BNA), noted that a meeting of representatives of more than 100 global news agencies, who shared their experience and discussed current global challenges, was held within the framework of the event.

Azerbaijan organized the event at a high level, he said, adding that he thinks its goals were achieved.

He expressed belief that Azerbaijan will successfully chair the OANA in the future.

The guest also said that he liked the capital of Azerbaijan, and he also noted that Baku is changing and developing every year, having become a beautiful and modern city.

Azerbaijan hosted the 5th News Agencies World Congress, the 16th General Assembly of the Organization of Asia-Pacific News Agencies (OANA) and the 22nd Session of the Council of CIS Heads of News Agencies.

Azerbaijan was represented in the events by Trend and AzerTAc news agencies.

Co-organized by the Heydar Aliyev Foundation and Azerbaijans state news agency AzerTAc, these events brought together heads and officials of about 100 news agencies, international media experts, and officials from UNESCO and regional media organizations.

Speakers in the sessions included presidents of the News Agencies World Congress, OANA, EANA, FANA, managers of Associated Press, Reuters, Xinhua, Anadolu Agency, TASS, Agence France-Press, Press Association, EFE, Yonhap, Kyodo News, TT, SPA, BTA, AAP, IRNA, DPA, Notimex, ATPE and other leading news agencies, Los Angeles Times newspaper, Al Arabiya TV channel, and experts from Tripod Advisors, News Corp, PwC, Axel Springer and Stibo Accelerator media companies.

Initiated by the Russian news agency TASS, the 1st News Agencies World Congress was held in Moscow on Sept. 24-25, 2004.
Today, November 19, 2016, is the 39th anniversary of Egyptian President Anwar Sadat's historic Israel visit. The following article is a first-hand account of preparations for this visit. The author, MEMRI academic advisor Prof. Menahem Milson, who is Professor Emeritus of Arabic Literature at The Hebrew University of Jerusalem, was at the time Advisor on Arab Affairs to the Israeli military government in the West Bank, and was on leave of absence from the university. He was appointed by the government to be Sadat's Israeli aide-de-camp during the visit.



Press conference with Sadat. On left, Israeli Prime Minister Menahem Begin. The author is behind Sadat on the right.

On November 19, 1977, Egyptian President Anwar Sadat landed in Israel for his historic two-day visit. In the following lines, I wish to recount an episode that has remained unknown despite the intensive media coverage of that visit - an episode that may shed light on a little-known aspect of the history of Israel's relations with the Palestinians.

I recount this tale not as a researcher relying on archival materials, but as a participant and eyewitness. Sixteen months before Sadat's visit, I joined the IDF as an advisor on Arab affairs in the West Bank, that is, as the head of the Arab Affairs Department at the area headquarters. From academic work in the field of Arabic literature, I moved in one fell swoop to daily involvement with Palestinian society and politics.

At that time, in the mid-1970s, Palestinian public life was dominated by the October 1974 resolution of the Arab Summit in Rabat, according to which the PLO was the sole legitimate representative of the Palestinian people everywhere. We at the Department of Arab Affairs in the West Bank were fully aware of the momentous implications of this decision for the Palestinians in the Territories. However, this realization was not shared by many of Israel's decision makers at the time, including some senior officials in the Israeli military government and defense establishment, who apparently failed to understand and internalize its importance and impact. The reason for this failure is unclear. Perhaps it was the natural tendency of self-proclaimed pragmatists to underestimate the importance of programmatic, ideological declarations; alternatively, perhaps it stemmed from the simple fact that so many Arab summit resolutions were never implemented. In any case, these officials failed to take into account a unique quality of this resolution, namely that it confirmed and consolidated the PLO's international standing as the representative of the Palestinians. Unsurprisingly, the PLO fiercely enforced compliance with this resolution, threatening to kill any Palestinian who dared to defy it.

As many will recall, Sadat's announcement that he was willing to visit Israel was met with shock and anger in the Arab world, especially from the PLO. The Arab press in the Territories reflected the PLO's fierce opposition to the Sadat initiative and the threats against any Palestinian who dared cooperate with it. Yet we at the Department of Arab affairs noticed that, despite the impression that the entire Palestinian public in the Territories was unanimously opposed to the Sadat initiative, in reality there were extensive circles who hoped for political change and were willing to welcome his visit.

On Wednesday, November 16, 1977, I was instructed by General Orli, the Coordinator of Government Activities in the Territories, on behalf of Foreign Minister Moshe Dayan, to invite a number of Palestinian figures from Jerusalem and the West Bank to be in the reception line welcoming Sadat at the Ben Gurion airport. The list I was given included pro-PLO mayors who had been elected about 18 months before. I immediately told General Orli, that all the figures on Dayan's list would refuse the invitation. He impatiently replied, "Dayan knows the Arabs better [than you] and he says they would accept the invitation." I should add here that Dayan was held by his many admirers to possess uncanny insight into the so-called "Arab mind." I did as I was told, and invited these figures - including Nablus mayor Bassam Shak'a, Ramallah mayor Karim Khalaf, and Hebron mayor Fahd Qawasmeh - and, as I had anticipated, they all refused.

I notified the Coordinator, who soon got back to me and said: "The Foreign Minister asks that you prepare a list of people you believe will accept the invitation." As it happened, I had such a list ready. I had anticipated this development and had been prepared for it, because I had gone through a similar experience only a few months earlier, when U.S. secretary of state Cyrus Vance visited Israel and Dayan held a reception in his honor at his residence. On that occasion, too, I was asked to invite a number of people from the West Bank according to a list prepared by Dayan. Then too Dayan asked me to invite the pro-PLO mayors and dismissed my assessment that these figures would refuse. And when they did indeed refuse, I was urgently asked to find alternative candidates who would accept. I did this, and a number of Palestinian personalities attended the reception for Secretary Vance.

So now we invited to Sadat's reception a number of figures who were willing to take a public stand opposed to that of the PLO, and they accepted. There is a detail regarding the preparation of the list that is noteworthy. When Dayan asked me to select Palestinian invitees, he added one restriction: not to include lawyer 'Aziz Shehade from Ramallah, who was one of the prominent public figures in the West Bank, known for his opposition to the PLO and his willingness to negotiate with Israel.[1] Dayan's insistence not to invite him was symptomatic of his aversion to public figures known for their readiness to negotiate peace with Israel. On numerous occasions, he made it publicly known that he regarded Palestinian terrorism and support of terrorism as a "natural response." Hence, in his eyes, those Palestinians who openly demonstrated their rejection of terrorism were not to be taken seriously.

President Sadat's announcement of his readiness to come to Israel engendered turmoil and tension among the Palestinians in the territories. The atmosphere was one of apprehension and uncertainty. On the one hand, here was an unexpected opportunity for peace, heralded by the president of Egypt, which since 1945 had been the main Arab patron of the Palestinian cause. On the other hand, the PLO, which was recognized by all the Arab countries as the sole legitimate representative of the Palestinian people, had firmly declared its objection to Sadat's initiative. The Arab media - including the Arabic papers published in Jerusalem - were full of incitement against Sadat, and the PLO directed fierce threats at anyone daring to express support for him in any way. One needed a great deal of personal courage, and extensive backing from one's clan, to deviate from the official PLO line.

The question of which Palestinian figures should be invited to welcome Secretary Vance, or who should be invited to welcome President Sadat may appear to be trivial matters of protocol - and indeed they were. Yet this affair highlighted the substantial difference between two political approaches: that of Dayan - the man who had determined Israel's policy in the territories since the 1967 war - and the very different approach that I believed in and implemented in practice while in office.

It so happened that I had yet another involvement in Sadat's visit. On the same Wednesday, November 16, 1977, a few hours after I received the instruction to prepare a list of Palestinians for Sadat's reception, I received a call from Prime Minister Begin's military secretary, Brig. Gen. Ephraim Poran, who informed me that the government had chosen me to be the military aide-de-camp for the visiting president. Accordingly, I was asked to join the committee coordinating the visit, which was chaired by Poran himself and also included the director-general of the prime minister's office, Eliyahu ben Elissar; the commander of the police southern district, Aryeh Ivtzan; the deputy chief of the Shin Bet (the Security Agency), Avraham Shalom; the head of the foreign office protocol department, Rehavam Amir, and the prime minister's press secretary, Dan Patir.

One of the sensitive problems was how to ensure Sadat's safety during his visit, and during his prayer at the Al-Asqa mosque on Sunday, prior to his speech in the Knesset. That Sunday was 'Id Al-Adha, the most important holiday of the Muslim year. At the meeting of the coordinating committee on Thursday (November 17), Poran informed us that, following the recommendation of the security services and the police, it had been decided to bar all worshippers from the Al-Aqsa compound during Sadat's visit, except for his entourage and bodyguards, the heads of the Muslim Waqf, and a small number of correspondents and TV teams. That was the planned solution for the security problem.

The decision to forbid Muslim worshippers from praying with Sadat struck me as misguided and harmful. But the other committee members did not at first grasp the political implications of this decision, namely, that Sadat would be seen on TV screens across the Arab world praying at the mosque in isolation. Such a scene, of the president praying in an empty mosque, would in itself be a political and media victory for those who called to boycott him. I understood the security considerations behind the decision, of course. But I believed that a different solution should and could be found.

I pointed out to my fellow committee members that one measure of the success of this event would be the coverage in the media, namely, how it would be reported and seen on TV. It was extremely important, I said, that the images of Sadat's prayer at Al-Aqsa, just before his visit to the Knesset, would show him surrounded and applauded by many Palestinian Muslim worshippers. Poran asked jokingly: "So what do you propose, Menahem? Do you think you can train an Israeli infantry unit to pray the Muslim prayer and we will dress them up in kefiyyehs?" "No," I answered, "I am talking about real Arab Muslim worshipers. According to our inquiries in the last few days, there are thousands who would be willing to come and pray behind Sadat and cheer for him." My fellow committee members were persuaded by my argument, but the big question was what the heads of the security apparatuses would say.

Official responsibility for the security arrangements during the visit lay with the police, but in reality, the decision was up to the Shin Bet. Both Ivtzan, representing the police, and Shalom, representing the Shin Bet, said that, in a matter of such sensitivity, the final word would have to come from the heads of these organizations, Police Chief Haim Tavori and Security Agency head Avraham Ahituv.

The decision was postponed until Friday morning. In the meantime, my staff in the Arab Affairs Department and I continued to appraise the public climate, and were assured that, despite the threats and the incitement of the PLO, there were indeed thousands who would come to pray with Sadat if given the chance. On Friday morning, I spoke with Tavori and Ahituv, and they accepted my position and agreed to let Arab worshippers attend the prayer at the Al-Aqsa mosque on Sunday. Ahituv made two conditions. The first was that all worshippers entering the compound would have to undergo a physical search. The second, largely stemming from the first, was that the number of worshippers would be limited to 1,500. I naturally agreed, and happily informed Yigal Carmon (my deputy at the Department for Arab Affairs) that our proposal had been accepted and that we should notify a number of figures in the Hebron and Bethlehem districts that they would be able to come with their men and pray with Sadat.

On Saturday night, when Sadat landed at the airport and approached the reception line, a number of Palestinian figures from the West Bank were waiting to shake his hand, among them the mayor of Bethlehem, Elias Freij; the mayor of Beit Jala, Farah Al-A'raj; Mustafa Dudeen from the Hebron area; two personalities from Nablus; and Sheikh Muhammad Ali Al-Ja'bari, the former mayor of Hebron, who was known for his good relations with the Jordanian king. The next day, when President Sadat and his entourage arrived at the Al-Aqsa mosque, it was full of Muslim worshipers who had arrived early in the morning in busses and trucks from the districts of Bethlehem and Hebron. When he entered the compound, a cheer went up: "Long live the hero of peace, we shall sacrifice our blood and life for you, O Sadat." Sadat's face lit up and his companions smiled in satisfaction. Press and TV photographers captured the moment. The next day, Sadat met with several of the Palestinian figures who had welcomed him at the airport, and with two other very prominent persons: Anwar Al-Khatib, the governor of Jerusalem under Jordan and Hikmat Al-Masri from Nablus who had been the chairman of the Jordanian parliament. Upon his return to Egypt, Sadat declared: "In Jerusalem I met the real Palestinians." This was a sharp barb aimed at Yasser Arafat and other PLO leaders who had called to boycott him, and an expression of support and esteem for the Palestinians who had met him despite all the pressures and threats.

Epilogue

The principle that guided me in the events recounted above, and in all my work as Advisor on Arab Affairs and later as head of the Civil Administration in the West Bank, was that Israel must encourage and protect those Palestinians who favored coexistence with Israel, be they pro-Jordan or proponents of Palestinian independence. The episodes described above had a happy ending. On these occasions, I was able to help moderate Palestinian leaders come to the fore. However, these were only isolated episodes. The full story of Israel's relations with Palestinian moderates does not have a happy ending. Israel's governments, both left-wing and right-wing, rejected Jordan as a partner for an agreement on the West Bank.[2] Moreover, they treated with impatience and disdain Palestinian elements who courageously took a stand against the PLO. Sadly, efforts to persuade Israel's policy makers that it was right to encourage moderate Palestinian elements were unsuccessful.



Endnotes:
The following are some of this week's reports from the MEMRI Jihad and Terrorism Threat Monitor (JTTM) Project, which translates and analyzes content from sources monitored around the clock, among them the most important jihadi websites and blogs. (To view these reports in full, you must be a paying member of the JTTM; for membership information, send an email to [email protected] with "Membership" in the subject line.)

Note to media and government: For a full copy of these reports, send an email with the title of the report in the subject line to [email protected]. Please include your name, title, and organization in your email.

EXCLUSIVE: In Telegram Secret Chat ISIS Supporters Plan Attacks In U.S., UK, Aim To Target U.S. Embassy In UK

On November 14, 2016, ISIS supporters in a secret Telegram chat, a supporter drew up a plot to target U.S. and British nationals. The suggested target, they discussed was the U.S. Embassy in London.

EXCLUSIVE: Pro-ISIS Writer Urges Muslims To Wage Jihad Against Their Governments, Says ISIS's 'Fearless Generation' Will Annihilate U.S.

On November 14, 2016, Ashhad, a pro-ISIS media company, published an article urging Muslims to wage jihad against their governments and threatening that a "fearless generation" that ISIS has cultivated, educated, and nourished will annihilate the U.S.

EXCLUSIVE: ISIS Emir Of War Command Threatens More Martyrdom Attacks, Vows To Target Sunni Militias After End Of Mosul Battles

On November 17, 2016, the weekly Islamic State (ISIS) newspaper Al-Naba' published an interview with ISIS's Emir of War Command, in which he vows to target Sunni militias taking part in the operations to liberate the Iraqi city of Mosul.

EXCLUSIVE: New ISIS Song In French Longs For Death To Join The Ones 'Never Deflowered By Man Nor Djinn'

On November 16, 2016, the Islamic State (ISIS) Al-Hayat Media Center distributed a new nasheed [Islamic song] in French, titled "The Eternals". The title is a reference to the hur al-'ayn [black-eyed virgins] that are promised to the Muslim martyrs according to certain hadiths.

Issue 3 Of Islamic State Magazine 'Rumiyah' Eulogizes British Fighter

The third issue of the Islamic State (ISIS) magazine Rumiyah, released November 11, 2016, featured a tribute to a slain British fighter named Abu 'Abdillah Al-Britani. The article, titled "Among The Believers Are Men: Abu 'Abdillah Al-Britani," discusses the fighter's background in the UK and his experiences in Syria.

ISIS Video Documents Group's Military Response To Campaign To Retake Mosul, Promises Resilience And Victory

On November 14, 2016, the Islamic State (ISIS) released a video documenting parts of its military response to the ongoing military campaign by Iraqi and Kurdish forces to retake the city of Mosul.

Issue 3 Of Islamic State Magazine 'Rumiyah' Instructs Lone Wolves On Use Of Trucks To Target Outdoor Conventions, Markets, Parades, And Political Rallies

On November 11, 2016, Al-Hayat, one of the media centers of the Islamic State (ISIS), released the third issue of its monthly magazine Rumiyah featuring an article calling on lone wolves in the U.S. and Europe to use trucks to target large outdoor conventions, crowded streets, outdoor markets, festivals, parades, and political rallies. The article also emphasized the importance of using trucks in terrorist attacks, and provided suggestions on "ideal vehicles" to use and tactical tips for the preparation and planning of attacks.

Warning - Graphic: ISIS Executes Man For Homosexuality In Al-Jazeera Province

The following report is now a complimentary offering from MEMRI's Jihad and Terrorism Threat Monitor (JTTM). For JTTM subscription information, click here.

On November 10, 2016, the Al-Jazeera province of the Islamic State (ISIS) released a photo report titled "Establishing the Hudud and Enforcing Allah the Almighty's Shari'a." The photos document some of the group's shari'a enforcement activities in the province, including, inter alia, the execution of a man convicted of homosexuality and the cutting off of a thief's hand. The executions are carried out in public with children in the crowds.

ISIS Al-Furat Province Video Features Turkestani Fighter Threatening ISIS's Enemies

On November 16, 2016, the Al-Furat province of the Islamic State (ISIS) released a video documenting some of the group's ongoing battles against Iraqi forces near Al-Rutba in Al-Anbar province, Iraq.

Report: Captured ISIS Media Operative Says Group Has Reporters Embedded In Iraqi Security Forces

On November 14,2016, the London-based Saudi daily Al-Hayat, reported that Abu Saleh, a captured ISIS media operative who had been a member of the group's A'maq News Agency in Iraq, stated that ISIS has reporters embedded in Iraqi security forces and that the group's media operatives are paid less than $400 a month.

Pro-ISIS Preacher Abdullah Al-Faisal Comments On Trump Victory, American Politics: 'The First Gay President Was A Black President'

On November 12, 2016 pro-Islamic State (ISIS) Jamaican preacher Abdullah Al-Faisal delivered a nearly two-hour lecture commenting on the 2016 U.S. presidential election results.

Jabhat Fath Al-Sham: U.S. Seeks To Preserve Assad Regime, Transfer Region To Iranian Control, And Turn Syrian Sunnis Into A Minority Group

On November 13, 2016, the Orient News website posted an interview with Husam Al-Shafe'i, spokesman for Jabhat Fath Al-Sham (JFS, formerly Jabhat Al-Nusra), in response to President Obama's order to target group officials in Syria and the U.S. Treasury Department's decision to sanction three of its members.

Jaysh Al-Fath Affiliate Releases Video Featuring Women's Appeal To Religious Scholars To Come To Syria To Teach People About Islam

On November 15, 2016, Al-Muhajirun, a group of foreign fighters affiliated with Jaysh Al-Fath in Syria, released a 12-minute video titled "Messages from Shaam [Syria] From Our Sisters To Our Scholars."

AQAP Threatens To Retaliate For Muslims Killed In Drone Strikes By U.S., UAE; Documents Suicide Operations In Yemen

On November 9, 2016, Al-Malahem, the media arm of Al-Qaeda in the Arabian Peninsula (AQAP), released a video documenting several attacks the group had carried out against Yemeni forces affiliated with the UAE, which the group says is an agent for the U.S. and killed hundreds in airstrikes.

Issue 16 Of Al-Qaeda's 'Inspire' Magazine Analyses Terror Attacks To Draw Helpful Conclusions For Lone Attackers

Issue 16 of Inspire, the English-language magazine of Al-Qaeda in the Arabian Peninsula (AQAP), features operational advice for "lone wolf" attackers, including the fourth installment of the "Inspire Guide" article series and an infographic on bombs made from pressure cookers.

Issue XVI Of AQAP's 'Inspire' Magazine Focuses On Inciting Attacks In U.S.

On November 12, 2016, Al-Qaeda in the Arabian Peninsula (AQAP) released Issue XVI of its English-language magazine Inspire. This issue focuses on the U.S., hailing the September 2016 attacks in New York, New Jersey, and Minnesota, encouraging more attacks, offering operational advice and religious guidance to potential attackers, and inciting Muslims and African Americans to rise up against their government. The issue was distributed via AQAP's channels on Telegram and via a Twitter account, which has since been suspended.

Article In AQAP Weekly Acknowledges Wide Use Of Snapchat Among Fighters In Syria, Warns Of Security Concerns

Issue 28 of the Al-Qaeda in the Arabian Peninsula (AQAP) weekly newspaper Al-Masra featured a small item discussing the use of Snapchat among the mujahideen in Syria.

Firqat Al-Ghuraba, French Jihadi Group In Syria, Announces Fighter's Death

On November 14, 2016, the Firqat Al-Ghuraba ("Foreigners Division") group, comprising French jihadi fighters in Syria, posted a communique on Twitter announcing the death of one of its members on October 28, 2016 in the battle of Aleppo.

Mali-Based Jihadi Group Ansar Dine Vows To Continue Fighting 'Crusaders,' Calls On MINUSMA To Withdraw Forces

On November 11, 2016, Al-Masra, the weekly newspaper of Al-Qaeda in the Arabian Peninsula (AQAP), published an exclusive interview with an official in the Mali-based jihadi group Ansar Dine.

Ansar Dine Video Documents February 2016 Suicide Attack Against MINUSMA Base In Mali

On November 14, 2016, the Mali-based jihad group Ansar Dine released a video documenting the February 12, 2016 suicide attack against a base of the United Nations Multidimensional Integrated Stabilization Mission in Mali (MINUSMA) in Kidal, in the north of the country.

Video From Philippines Jihadi Group Abu Sayyaf Features German Hostage, Announces Ransom For His Release

On November 17, 2016, a video was circulated on pro-ISIS accounts on Facebook featuring a German hostage who was recently kidnapped by the Abu Sayyaf jihadi group in the Philippines.

Islamic Emirate Of Afghanistan (Taliban) Claims Attack On Bagram Air Base

On November 12, 2016, the Islamic Emirate Of Afghanistan (IEA), aka the Taliban, claimed responsibility for the suicide attack earlier that day on the U.S.-held Bagram air base in Afghanistan. According to security sources, at least four Americans were killed in the attack, which targeted a group of soldiers inside the base. The attack is part of a significant wave of Taliban insurgency in the last few months.
Eagulls are an English rock band, formed in Leeds in 2010. It consists of 5 band members- the lead vocalist George Mitchell, Mark Goldsworthy and Liam Matthews on the guitar , Tom Kelly on the Bass and Henry Ruddel on the drums.

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They released their first single 'Council Flat Blues' on Moshi Moshi imprint, Not Even Records. The band's 2012 self-titled Extended Play, recorded by MJ of Hookworms, was released under two labels, the London's Sexbeat label and the Canadian label Deranged Records.

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In 2013 the band signed to Partisan Records, releasing 7" single "Nerve Endings" with a cover of Killing Joke's 'Requiem', and 7" single 'Tough Luck'. Their self-titled debut album was been released in March of 2014.

They have collaborated with various artists including Manic Street Preachers, Flipper, Milk Music, Ceremony, Iceage, Hot Snakes, and Pulled Apart By Horses, and played all over UK and Europe. They have even played in the United States for South by Southwest in Texas and New York's CMJ festivals. In 2014 they made an appearance on the Late Show with David Letterman, performing their song 'Possessed' for Bill Murray.

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In May of 2016, the band finally released their second album, Ullages. The title of this album is an anagram of the band's name.
A lengthy action sequence, where ACP Yashvardhan (John Abraham) gives chase to criminal mastermind Shiv Sharma (Tahir Raj Bhasin), and another where Sharmas hired cronies chase Yashvardhan and his partner KK (Sonakshi Sinha) across the streets of Budapest, are the most entertaining moments of Force 2. Frenetic camera movement, sharp editing and decent choreography make these scenes pulsating and fun.

But heres the thing: action without storytelling is a bit like John Abrahams chiselled body without an expressive facepointless.

Think about the most memorable action films, and their most remarkable stunts. John McLane saving a building-full of hostages from German terrorists? Terminator riding away with a young boy as T1000 chases them relentlessly? The Battle of New York?

All these films had action that worked in its own right. You could tune in smack in the middle of a set-piece, and chances are youll stay back till the end. Yet, what made you invested in these stand-alone scenes wasnt just their individual brilliance, but also your investment in the characters and their storieseven when they were jaded, like in The Expendables.

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Force 2 pretty much falters in every department apart from the action. Abraham returns as the ACP from the first installment of this (extremely combustible) franchise, carrying the burden of his wifes death from the earlier film. In case the audience forgot this little tidbit, the ACP says it out aloud before beating a bunch of goons to pulpscreenwriting couldnt get lazier. If you dont care much about his emotional turmoil, its because Abraham plays the exact same role in most of his films. And also because Force 2 lacks the dramatic undercurrent of its predecessor.

Force, directed by Nishikant Kamat, was that Abraham film which took many by surprise. A remake of the Tamil film Kaakha Kaakha, what worked for Force was its strong emotional core, and the excellent antagonist played by Vidyut Jamwal. The action worked there, but only because you cared about the story too.

Force 2, directed by Abhinay Deo, never goes beyond wanting to be a high-octane action thriller. And while thats fine, its even more imperative for pacy action thrillers to be coated in smart writingmemorable one-liners, logical twists and turns, sharp characters, etc. Almost all of these are absent in Parveez Sheikh and Jasmeet K Reens script, made up of tired lines and unbearable contrivances.

The film begins with some promise. Three RAW agents end up dead in China. One of them was an old friend of ACP Yash, and sent him a coded message before being taken out by the opposition. Now the cop, who stakes claim over the investigation because the dead agent had reached out to him, must team up with another RAW officer, Kanwaljit Kaur aka KK (Sinha).

Now, yes, Abraham is the main protagonist, and, sure, theres room for some nice Cop vs Spy banter here, but the conversations between Yash and KK resemble that of squabbling teenagers at a wedding. KK is also the most inept RAW agent imaginableonly made worse by the fact that the makers chose Sinha to play the role. Having played the coy damsel-in-distress in many a film, Sinha brings the same amount of overt vulnerability to her role here. Resembling a rookie side-kick rather than an equal or superior partner to Yash, KK stumbles at every step, constantly taking bad decisions, getting beat up by the bad guy, and relying on the big, bad ACP to rectify her mistakes.

In one of the films most hilarious moments, the RAW chief breaks it to KK that she would be put under investigation for a botched-up mission, to which her response iscrying. She breaks down as if reprimanded by a class teacher, until of course big, bad ACP comes to her rescue, even overturning the decision of the goddamn RAW chief, as if the latter reported to him.

With two cardboard-cutout characters (and soulless actors) leading the charge, insipid writing and uninspired direction by Deo, Force 2 heavily relies on its action and, once again, its antagonist (much like in the Dhoom films), played by Tahir Raj Bhasin. Taking on a role thats almost identical to his laptop-clicking, hoodie-wearing turn in Mardaani', Bhasin infuses some life into the film with cocky spontaneity and devilish charm. Its a pity we havent seen Bhasin play any other remarkable character between these two films, but he reminds us again that hes an actor waiting to explode, provided the right film came along. Force 2, unfortunately, isnt that film.
Academic teaching staff and students of Baku Higher Oil School (BHOS) met with Chairman of the State Committee for Work with Religious Organizations of the Azerbaijan Republic (SCWRA) Mubariz Gurbanli at a function, arranged at BHOS to commemorate the International Day for Tolerance. Deputy Chairman of the State Committee Gunduz Ismayilov, Head of the Baku city department of the Committee Anar Kazimov, other representatives of SCWRA and author of the script of Fitn (Plots) documentary Nadir Badalov also attended the meeting.

The gathering commenced with demonstration of the documentary, which highlights struggle against religious radicalism. Opening the meeting, BHOS Rector Elmar Gasimov noted that this and other films on this topic are very important for youths education and formation of national moral principles among young generation, as well as for protection of current atmosphere of tolerance in the country and prevention of religious radicalism. He reminded that Azerbaijan is a Muslim country, while it remains a secular state. Rector Elmar Gasimov told that education plays a key role prevention from religious radicalism and protection of the society from its intervention. He emphasized that BHOS management takes all necessary measures to endure proper education of the students and raise their awareness of religious radicalism.

The Chairman of the State Committee for Work with Religious Organizations of Azerbaijan Republic Mubariz Gurbanli told the meeting participants about SCWRA activities, their work with religious communities in the country and relations with the state authorities. Speaking about the Azerbaijani state policy on tolerance, he emphasized the importance of protection of your from impact of religious radicalism. He also informed about measures undertaken in Azerbaijan for prevention of its spread in the country. Mubariz Gurbanli highly appreciated activities carried out at BHOS for students education and said that this work is essential for the national security.

Demonstration of the documentary was followed by questions and answers session and a discussion of the film. At the end of the meeting, Elmar Gasimov presented the Chairman of the State Committee for Work with Religious Organizations of the Azerbaijan Republic Mubariz Gurbanli with BHOS Honorable Guest diploma.

The documentary filmed under the title Fitn in 2016, aims at fighting with religious radicalism. In their interviews for the film, prominent religious figures and well-known young scientists speak about importance of education for raising youths awareness of the danger of religious radical movements and for prevention of their negative influence on the young generation.
Baku, Azerbaijan, Nov. 18

By Anvar Mammadov  Trend:

Awards for outstanding achievements in 2015 and 2016 have been presented during 16th General Assembly of the Organization of Asia-Pacific News Agencies (OANA) in Baku Nov. 18.

Chairman of OANA, Director General of TASS news agency Sergei Mikhailov presented awards to Yonhap's chief of the media technology department Jung Tae-sung, and editor of TASS news agency Sergey Lebedev.

Addressing the event, OANA Secretary General Mikhail Gusman presented the agenda for voting that was unanimously approved.

Later on, OANA Chairman Sergei Mikhailov outlined the activities of the organization during the period of TASS agencys presidency.

During the meeting, members discussed financial and technical issues. Touching upon the issue of membership fees, Mikhail Gusman said that as of today, OANAs funds total $177,242, which will be given to the next chairman of the organization.

Meanwhile, president and members of the management council, secretary general of the organization will be elected and the election for technical and ethical committees will be held during the assembly.

The 16th General Assembly of the Organization of Asia-Pacific News Agencies (OANA) started its work Nov. 18 in Baku.

Trend and AzerTAc news agencies are the members of the OANA.

The Organization of Asia-Pacific News Agencies was formed in 1961. This is a big media organization that brings together the heads of 44 news agencies from 35 countries.
Baku, Azerbaijan, Nov. 18

By Elchin Mehdiyev  Trend:

Azerbaijan took on the presidency of the Organization of Asia-Pacific News Agencies (OANA).

It was decided during the 16th General Assembly of the OANA in Baku Nov. 18.

Director General of Azerbaijans state news agency AzerTAc Aslan Aslanov was elected the organizations president for 2016-2019.

Aslanov thanked the participants for their confidence.

The 16th General Assembly of the Organization of Asia-Pacific News Agencies started its work Nov. 18 in Baku.

Trend and AzerTAc news agencies are the members of the OANA.

The Organization of Asia-Pacific News Agencies was formed in 1961. This is a big media organization that brings together the heads of 44 news agencies from 35 countries.
Baku, Azerbaijan, Nov. 18

By Elchin Mehdiyev  Trend:

The 5th News Agencies World Congress and the 16th General Assembly of the Organization of Asia-Pacific News Agencies in Baku will strengthen cooperation between the world news agencies, Jung Tae-sung, chief of the media technology department in the Korean news agency Yonhap, told Trend.

Challenges facing the news agencies were discussed, important decisions were taken and the areas of the future cooperation were identified during these events, he said.

In this regard, these events hold big significance and Azerbaijan organized them at a high level, Jung Tae-sung said.
In his initial response, the Deputy Minister noted that:



Initially, in two of our announcements as the Foreign Ministry, we expressed our concern at the developments in the region and called on the Albanian authorities to proceed immediately to the cancellation of the scheduled demolitions and move ahead to a substantial consultation with the residents regarding the redevelopment of Himara. We also called on Albania to demonstrate in practice that it functions in accordance with the Rule of Law, protecting all of its citizens from arbitrary and illegal actions, regardless of national origin.

Subsequently, due to Tiranas continued negative stance on this issue, the Foreign Ministry proceeded to carry out a stern demarche to the Albanian Ambassador to Athens. Additionally, we proceeded to notifying the competent international organizations, the representatives of the international community and, of course, our partners in the European Union.



I would also like to inform you that, for the time being, no further negative development has taken place with regard to the aforementioned issue of the demolitions in Himara. Evidently, we are monitoring the whole issue closely and on the ground, including through our diplomatic missions in the neighbouring country, which remain always at the side of the Greek community.



In his second response, the Deputy Minister stated that:



"We have made it clear to the Albanian side that the Greek government and public opinion place particular importance on the respect and safeguarding, in practice, of all the rights of the Greek National Minority, regardless of the area in which its members reside.



I would like to remind you that all of the issues of the Greek Minority are an essential and intrinsic component of Greek-Albanian relations and are raised on a regular basis in our meetings with the Albanian side. Regarding the property issue in particular, I highlight that a prerequisite for the comprehensive and just handling of this issue is its incorporation into the institutional reforms that are being promoted in the fields of Justice and the Rule of Law in our neighbouring country.



The property/ownership issue has also been incorporated into the framework of Albanias European course. What is more, the reforms in the sector of Justice and the protection of human and minority rights, including property rights, constitute two of the five Key Priorities that have been set for Tirana as prerequisites, I stress, for the consideration of the opening of accession negotiations with the EU.


Baku, Azerbaijan, Nov. 18

By Azad Hasanli  Trend:

Azerbaijan will supply 500,000 bottles of wine to China, said the Azerbaijani Economy Ministry.

The ministry said that the agreement on the supply was reached during the visit of an export mission of Azerbaijani entrepreneurs to Hong Kong and Guangzhou on Nov. 9-15.

During the visit, the Azerbaijani entrepreneurs took part in two international exhibitions of wine and alcohol producers. Azerbaijani wine was of great interest at both exhibitions, Savalan wine of the ASPI Winery company was awarded a gold medal.

Azerbaijani entrepreneurs discussed with their Chinese colleagues the opportunities of cooperation and got acquainted with new technologies for the production of wine, as well as met with local distributors and potential customers with the support of the Azerbaijan Export and Investment Promotion Fund (AZPROMO).
Baku, Azerbaijan, Nov. 18

By Seba Aghayeva  Trend:

Kuwaiti investors show interest in the real estate market of Azerbaijan, the countrys Ambassador to Kuwait Elkhan Gahraman said in an interview with Trend.

Investors of Kuwait already invest in Azerbaijans economy and chose agriculture and favorable recreational tourist areas as priority directions, he said.

The diplomat added that businessmen of Kuwait launched their first investment projects in Azerbaijans Gabala, Ismayilli, Guba and Gusar districts.

The ambassador said that the tourism potential of Azerbaijan plays an important role for the development of economic relations between the two countries.

"Kuwaitis like to make tourist trips and according to the statistics of recent years, they spend an average of about $10 billion during the year on such trips," the ambassador noted. "In many cases, during such trips, Kuwaitis explore new business opportunities, buy luxury apartments, houses and land lots abroad."

"Kuwaitis arriving in Azerbaijan also show interest in the local real estate market," he added. "In addition, they show great interest in creation of farms, renting of large areas for breeding cattle in Azerbaijan."

Speaking about trade relations between the two countries, the ambassador noted that Kuwait already imports agricultural products from Azerbaijan.

In particular, on the basis of a contract with the Azerbaijani juice plant in Gabala district, the Kuwait Azeri Trading Establishment Company buys products of this enterprise for their delivery to the Kuwaiti market, he said.

Currently, the work is underway to expand the list of names of the goods imported from Azerbaijan to Kuwait, Gahraman said.

The diplomat expressed hope that the opening of direct flights between Azerbaijan and Kuwait will lead to a significant increase in trade relations between the two states.

The trade turnover between Azerbaijan and Kuwait in January-September 2016 amounted to $2.96 million, according to the State Statistics Committee of Azerbaijan.

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Follow the author on Twitter: @Asebaa
Baku, Azerbaijan, Nov.18



By Leman Zeynalova  Trend:



The election of Donald Trump as the US president is the clearest expression so far of the growing anti-globalization sentiment across advanced economies, according to the analysts of the UK Capital Economics consulting company.



Trumps victory has killed off hopes of further trade liberalization and it may herald a new era of protectionism, said the analysis obtained by Trend.



The analysts suppose that even if Trump alone does not push the world into a sustained period of de-globalization, there is a clear risk that other governments follow a similar direction, in which case the cumulative effect on global trade would be a lot larger.



The clearest implication of Trumps victory is that any lingering hopes for further trade liberalization involving the US have now been well and truly extinguished. The near-certain failure of the Trans-Pacific Partnership (TPP) will have significant implications for some economies, notably Japan, the analysts believe.



Capital Economics said that the TPP was a key plank of the Japanese governments strategy to raise productivity growth.



Japan will now lose out on the potential gains from opening up more of its domestic economy to foreign competition, said the analysis.



Meanwhile, the proposed Trans-Atlantic Trade and Investment Partnership (TTIP) between the US and EU appeared to be a hopeless case even before the US election. Trumps victory has simply put the final nail in the TTIPs coffin, Capital Economics experts believe.



We suspect that Donald Trump will begin by using the threat of large tariffs and withdrawal from NAFTA (North American Free Trade Agreement) as a bargaining chip in attempts to negotiate better trade deals for the US, said the analysts. In addition, he may impose a number of targeted restrictions on trade to demonstrate he is being tough, while preserving the free flow of goods on which US business depends.



In all, the global system of liberal trade that has prevailed over recent decades and survived the great recession, is now at risk of being reversed, according to Capital Economics.



However, the analysts do not expect this process to begin in the next year or two.
Baku, Azerbaijan, Nov. 17

By Seba Aghayeva  Trend:

Azerbaijan and Kuwait plan to open direct flights, Azerbaijans Ambassador to Kuwait Elkhan Gahraman said in an interview with Trend.

Opening of the direct flights between Azerbaijan and Kuwait will contribute to the development of cooperation between the two countries in economic, trade, investment and tourism sectors, and lead to an increase in the trade turnover volume between the two states, he said.

The ambassador added that currently, relations between Azerbaijan and Kuwait in the spheres of economy, in particular tourism, successfully develop.

Simplification of the visa regime between Azerbaijan and the Gulf states played a major role in this.

In accordance with Azerbaijani presidential decree, the procedure for issuing Azerbaijani visas to citizens of the Gulf states has been simplified since February 1, 2016.

After that, the number of tourists coming to Azerbaijan from the Gulf countries, including Kuwait, has increased significantly.

The opening of direct flights between the two countries will lead to the further growth of the tourist flow, Gahraman said.

President of Azerbaijan Airlines CJSC (AZAL) Jahangir Asgarov and Director General of Kuwaits Civil Aviation Yousef Sulaiman Al Fouzan signed an intergovernmental agreement on air traffic between the two countries on Nov. 16.

By signing the intergovernmental agreement, the sides removed obstacles to open air traffic between the two countries that will contribute to further development of bilateral economic and cultural relations between Azerbaijan and Kuwait.

Azerbaijans national carrier AZAL and freight carrier Silk Way Airlines are studying the possibility of opening direct flights to cities of Kuwait.

Meanwhile, Kuwaits Jazeera Airways intends to open direct flights to Azerbaijan.

"Tourism is one of priority directions in Azerbaijans non-oil sector," the countrys Ambassador to Kuwait said. "This sphere has been defined as a priority in the strategic roadmap of Azerbaijans national economy."

"From this point of view, it is particularly important that the countrys tourist services enter new markets," he noted. "Currently, the work is underway to develop the tourism sector and present it abroad, including in Kuwait."

In April 2016, Azerbaijans Minister of Culture and Tourism Abulfaz Garayev visited Kuwait and discussed possibilities to expand cooperation between the two countries in the sphere of culture and tourism.

During the talks with the Kuwaiti side, an agreement was reached to organize mutual visits of representatives of the leading tourism companies and mass media outlets, Gahraman said.

"Representatives of the leading mass media outlets of Kuwait visited Azerbaijan in May 2016 as part of these agreements in order to get acquainted with the tourist potential of the country," the ambassador said.

"A delegation of representatives of the Azerbaijani tourism companies will visit Kuwait in late November 2016," he noted. "Presentation of the tourism potential of Azerbaijan will take place in Kuwait during their visit. Exchange of visits will continue in 2017 as well."

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Follow the author on Twitter: @Asebaa
Baku, Azerbaijan, Nov. 18

By Orkhan Quluzade  Trend:

Azerbaijan is one of important countries for Northern Cyprus in the field of tourism development, Fikri Ataoglu, Cypriot minister of tourism and environment, said, Kibris Postasi newspaper reported Nov. 18.

According to the newspaper, Ataoglu is expected to visit Azerbaijan November 29.

Northern Cypruss potential for tourism will be presented as part of the visit.

The minister will be accompanied by a delegation which will consist of the representatives of the tourism sector, hotels, restaurants and businessmen from Northern Cyprus.
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Baku, Azerbaijan, Nov. 18

By Anvar Mammadov  Trend:

Irans Minister of Communications and Information Technology Mahmoud Vaezi will visit Azerbaijan, Shahin Mustafayev, Azerbaijani minister of economy, said.

Mustafayev made remarks at the meeting with Iranian ambassador to Azerbaijan Javad Jahangirzadeh.

The issues of mutual interest will be discussed during the visit, the minister said.

Mustafayev and Jahangirzadeh also discussed the issues to be considered as part of the eleventh session of the intergovernmental commission on economic, trade and humanitarian cooperation, scheduled for late 2016.

Mustafayev added that the trade turnover between Azerbaijan and Iran increased by 58 percent within 10 months 2016.

The minister also stressed the high level of the Azerbaijan-Iran relations and spoke about the ongoing projects of the two countries.

He added that the bridge over the Astara river, which is one of the most important parts of the North-South international transport corridor, will be constructed till late 2016.
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Graco Inc. designs, manufactures, and markets systems and equipment used to move, measure, control, dispense, and spray fluid and powder materials worldwide. The company's Industrial segment offers proportioning systems to spray polyurethane foam and polyurea coatings; equipment that pumps, meters, mixes and dispenses sealant, adhesive, and composite materials; and gel-coat equipment, chop and wet-out systems, resin transfer molding systems and applicators, and precision dispensing solutions. It also provides liquid finishing equipment; paint circulating and supply pumps; paint circulating advanced control systems; plural component coating proportioners; spare parts and accessories; and powder finishing products to coat powder finishing on metals under the Gema and SAT brands. The company's Process segment offers pumps to move and dispense chemicals, water, wastewater, petroleum, food, lubricants, and other fluids; pressure valves used in the oil and natural gas industry, other industrial processes, and research facilities; and chemical injection pumping solutions for injection of chemicals into producing oil wells and pipelines. It also supplies pumps, hose reels, meters, valves, and accessories for fast oil change facilities, service garages, fleet service centers, automobile dealerships, auto parts stores, truck builders, and heavy equipment service centers; and systems, components, and accessories for the automatic lubrication of bearings, gears, and generators in industrial and commercial equipment, compressors, turbines, and on- and off-road vehicles. The company's Contractor segment offers sprayers to apply paint to walls and other structures; and viscous coatings to roofs, as well as markings on roads, parking lots, athletic fields, and floors. It sells its products through distributors, original equipment manufacturers, and home center channels; and directly to end-users. The company was incorporated in 1926 and is headquartered in Minneapolis, Minnesota.
Baku, Azerbaijan, Nov. 18

Trend:

Azerbaijan has never considered the Southern Gas Corridor project as a kind of alternative or kind of competitor to any other gas projects being implemented in the region, said Azerbaijans President Ilham Aliyev.

He made the remarks Nov. 17 during a meeting with a group of participants of the 5th News Agencies World Congress.

Our project is only aimed at the target, which I identified  to produce, to supply, to satisfy the needs of consumers, to make happy transit countries, and also to earn money for the country, noted President Aliyev. So implementation of the project is on schedule. There were certain delays in Europe regarding some ecological concerns. But, as far as I know, they are being resolved.

The president also said the Trans Anatolian Natural Gas Pipeline (TANAP) will be commissioned on time in 2018.

We hope that by 2020 the rest part of the Southern Gas Corridor will be implemented, he added. But again I would like to say that we need to continue very close international cooperation between seven countries involved in the project, which are Azerbaijan, Georgia, Turkey, Greece, Bulgaria, Albania, Italy. Two more countries of the Balkans  Croatia and Montenegro  expressed their willingness to join the project at a later stage.

The president went on to say that the Southern Gas Corridor project consists of four separate projects.

The first is the development of one of the worlds biggest gas reserve fields Shah Deniz. The second is the expansion of the existing gas line from Azerbaijan to Georgia, which is called Southern Caucasus Pipeline, he explained. The third is Trans Anatolian Pipeline, which goes from eastern to western border of Turkey. And the last one, the fourth, is Trans Adriatic Pipeline, TAP, which goes from Turkish-Greek border through territory of Greece, Albania, underwater, entering Italy.

The length of the integrated pipeline is more than 3,000 kilometers, noted President Aliyev, adding that seven countries are active members of this project, with Azerbaijan as the leader, which was confirmed in February 2016 during the second meeting of the Advisory Council of the Southern Gas Corridor.

Declaration, which was also signed by vice president of the European Commission, special representative of the president of the United States, as well as the members of the Southern Gas Corridor, clearly shows that Azerbaijan is the leading country in this respect, added the president.

This project is needed for us, because we need to export our gas to the biggest market, which is Europe, he said. Europe also needs this project, because they need additional sources of gas, because European development needs additional energy.

Ilham Aliyev said some of the existing reserves, supplied to Europe, are being exhausted.

They need new reserves. Here is the Caspian, it is new, fresh. Proven gas reserves of Azerbaijan are 2.6 trillion cubic meters. It will be enough to supply European consumers with gas for decades, added the president.
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.
Baku, Azerbaijan, Nov. 18

By Elena Kosolapova  Trend:

Norwegian energy companies are interested in entering the Azerbaijani market, Norwegian ambassador to Azerbaijan Bard Ivar Svendsen told Trend in Baku Nov. 18.

"Norwegian energy companies have a great interest in Azerbaijan, he added. Norwegian companies, which have not started to work in Azerbaijan yet, but considering such an opportunity, appeal to us almost every three months."

He said that Norway has great experience in the field of oil production.

Having modern technologies in the oil production, Norwegian companies are ready to offer them to Azerbaijan, the ambassador said.

The ambassador also said that the visit of one of Norwegian ministers or deputy ministers to Baku to attend one of the energy exhibitions or conferences in 2017 is being considered.

He said that Norwegian companies always show interest to participate in energy exhibitions and conferences in Baku.

Svendsen said that Norwegian oil and oil service companies have been already operating in Azerbaijan.

Thus, the largest Norwegian Statoil oil company operates on Azeri-Chirag-Guneshli field in the Caspian Sea.

Moreover, there are 6-7 Norwegian companies that supply niche products and render expertise services for the major oil companies, and especially BP.

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Follow the author on Twitter:@E_Kosolapova
VeriFone Systems, Inc. provides payments and commerce solutions at the point of sale (POS) worldwide. It offers countertop solutions that accept payment options, including contactless, NFC, mobile wallets, and EMV; PIN pads that support credit and debit card, EBT, EMV, and other PIN-based transactions; and multilane consumer facing commerce devices. It also provides portable payment devices, including small, portable, and handheld devices that enable merchants to accept electronic payments wherever wireless connectivity is available; and mobile solutions that attach to and interface with iOS or Android based smartphones and tablets. In addition, it offers integrated electronic payment systems that combine electronic payment processing, fuel dispensing, and ECR functions, as well as secure payment systems for integration with petroleum pump controllers; unattended and self-service payment solutions designed to enable payment transactions in self-service, high-transaction volume, and public transportation environments; and network access solutions. Further, it provides installation, deployment, training, and application development and delivery solutions; project management, client education program, and consulting services; helpdesk support, equipment repair and maintenance, and software post-contract support services; and application libraries and development tools. Additionally, it offers omnichannel commerce, terminal management, and security solutions; and cloud-based managed, transaction payment, and other value added services. It sells its products directly; and through third party and channel partners. It serves financial institutions, payment processors, government organizations, and retailers; petroleum, transportation, and healthcare companies; and quick service restaurants. The company was formerly known as VeriFone Holdings, Inc. and changed its name to VeriFone Systems, Inc. in May 2010. VeriFone Systems, Inc. is headquartered in San Jose, California.
The following companies are subsidiares of Emerson Electric: A.P.M. Automation Solutions Ltd., AE Valves, AGI Mexicana S.A. de C.V., ALCO CONTROLS spol. s.r.o., APM Automation Solutions, ASC Investments Inc., ASCO (Japan) Company Limited, ASCO L.P., ASCO Numatics (India) Private Limited, ASCO Numatics Holding Inc., ASCO SAS, ASCO Valve (Shanghai) Co. Ltd., ASCO/JOUCOMATIC s.r.o., ATX SAS, Advanced Protection Technologies, Aegir Norge Holding AS, Alliance Compressors LLC, American Governor, Aperture, Apple JV Holding Corp., Appleton Electric LLC, Appleton Electric S.A. de C.V., Appleton Group, Appleton Group Canada Ltd., Appleton Grp LLC, Appleton Holding Corp., Appleton Holding Sarl, Artesyn Embedded Technologies, Artesyn Hungary Elektronikai Kft., Artesyn Technologies, Asco AB, Asco Controls AG, Asco Controls B.V., Asco Joucomatic Ltd., Asco Joucomatic ZA B.V., Asco Magnesszelep Kft., Asco Numatics GmbH, Asco Numatics S.A., Asco Numatics Sirai S.R.L., Asco Numatics Sp. z o.o., Ascomatica S.A. de C.V., Ascomation (NZ) Ltd., Ascomation Pty. Ltd., Ascotech S.A. de C.V., Ascoval Industria e Commercio Ltda, Automatic Switch Company, Aventics, Aventics, Aventics AB, Aventics AG, Aventics AS, Aventics ApS, Aventics B.V., Aventics Corporation, Aventics Holding S.A.S., Aventics Holding S.a.r.l., Aventics Hungary Kft, Aventics Inc., Aventics India Private Limited, Aventics Limited, Aventics Ltd., Aventics Oy, Aventics Pneumatics Equipment (Changzhou) Co. Ltd., Aventics Pneumatics Trading (Shanghai) Co. Ltd., Aventics S.A.S., Aventics S.R.L., Aventics Services Germany GmbH, Aventics Singapore Pte. Ltd., Aventics Sp. z.o.o., Aventics Spain S.L., Aventics spol. s.r.o., Avtron LoadBank, Bannerscientific Limited, Beckman Industrial B.V., Beijing Rosemount Far East Instrument Co. Ltd., Bettis Canada Ltd., Bettis Holdings Limited, Bettis UK Limited, Biffi Italia S.r.l., Bioproduction Group, Branson Korea Co. Ltd., Branson Ultrasonic S.A., Branson Ultrasonics (Shanghai) Co. Ltd., Branson Ultrasonics B.V., Branson Ultrasonics Corporation, Branson Ultrasonics a.s., Branson Ultrasonidos S.A.E., Branson Ultrasons SAS, Branson Ultrasuoni S.R.L., Branson de Mexico S.A. de C.V., Bray Lectroheat Limited, Bristol Babcock Limited, Bristol Inc., Buehler Europe Limited, Buehler UK Limited, CR Compressors LLC, CSA Consulting Engineers Ltd., California Emerson LLC, Cascade Technologies, Cascade Technologies Holdings Limited, Cascade Technologies Limited, Chemat GmbH Armaturen fur Industrie - und Nuklearanlage, Chloride Koexa S.A., Componentes Avanzados de Mexico S.A. de C.V., Computational Systems, Computational Systems Incorporated, Conception et Representation de Technologies de Controle C.R.T. Controle SAS, Control Products Inc., Controles de Temperatura S.A. de C.V., Cooligy Inc., Cooper-Atkins, Cooper-Atkins Corporation, Cooper-Atkins Pte. Ltd., Copeland Access + Inc., Copeland Compresores Hermeticos S.A. de C.V., Copeland Corporation, Copeland Corporation LLC, Copeland Limited, Copeland Redevelopment Corporation, Copeland Scroll Compresores de Mexico S.A. de C.V., Copeland de Mexico S.A. de C.V., Copesub Inc., Crosby Valve LLC, Damcos A/S, Damcos Holding A/S, Daniel Automation Company, Daniel Europe Limited, Daniel Industrial Inc., Daniel Industries, Daniel Industries Canada Inc., Daniel Industries Inc., Daniel Industries Limited, Daniel International Limited, Daniel Measurement Solutions Private Limited, Daniel Measurement and Control Inc., Daniel Measurement and Control S. de R.L. de C.V., Danmasa S.A. de C.V., Dar Ibtikar Al Iraq for General Services and General Trade LLC, Decision Management International, Dieterich Standard Inc., Digital Appliance Controls (UK) Limited, Dixell North America Inc., Dixell S.R.L., Do+Able Products, E. Business Development E.B.D.Com Ltd., E.G.P. Corporation, EECO Inc., EGS Comercializadora Mexico S. de R.L. de C.V., EGS Mexico S. de R.L. de C.V., EGS Private Ltd., EMERSON CLIMATE TECHNOLOGIES s.r.o., EMR (Asia) Limited, EMR (Mauritius) Ltd., EMR Emerson Holdings (Switzerland) GmbH, EMR Europe Holdings Inc., EMR Foundation Inc., EMR Holdings (France) SAS, EMR Holdings Inc., EMR Worldwide B.V., EMR Worldwide Inc., EMRSN HLDG B.V., EMRSN Process Management Morocco Sarl, ENPDOR2012A Limited, ENPESNA Inc., EPM Tulsa Holdings Corp., EPMCO Holdings Inc., ETC International Holdings Ltd., Easy Heat Europe SAS, Easy Heat Inc., El-O-Matic B.V., El-O-Matic Valve Actuators (F.E.) Pte. Ltd., Electrische Apparatenfabriek Capax B.V., Emerald Advanced Technology Limited, Emerson (Philippines) Corporation, Emerson (Taiwan) Limited, Emerson (Thailand) Limited, Emerson Arabia Inc., Emerson Argentina S.A., Emerson Asia Pacific Private Limited, Emerson Automation Solutions Actuation Technologies Holdings Inc., Emerson Automation Solutions Actuation Technologies Limited, Emerson Automation Solutions Final Control (Beijing) Co. Ltd., Emerson Automation Solutions Final Control (Shanghai) Co. Ltd., Emerson Automation Solutions Final Control (Sichuan) Co. Ltd., Emerson Automation Solutions Final Control (Taiwan) Ltd., Emerson Automation Solutions Final Control (Thailand) Ltd., Emerson Automation Solutions Final Control Africa (Pty) Ltd, Emerson Automation Solutions Final Control Australia Pty Limited, Emerson Automation Solutions Final Control Czech Republic s.r.o., Emerson Automation Solutions Final Control Denmark A/S, Emerson Automation Solutions Final Control France SARL, Emerson Automation Solutions Final Control Germany GmbH, Emerson Automation Solutions Final Control Hong Kong Limited, Emerson Automation Solutions Final Control Hungary Kft, Emerson Automation Solutions Final Control Italia S.r.l., Emerson Automation Solutions Final Control LLC, Emerson Automation Solutions Final Control Malaysia Sdn Bhd, Emerson Automation Solutions Final Control Middle East FZE, Emerson Automation Solutions Final Control Netherlands B.V., Emerson Automation Solutions Final Control Polska Sp. Z.o.o., Emerson Automation Solutions Final Control Sales Australia Pty Limited, Emerson Automation Solutions Final Control Sales Holding LLC, Emerson Automation Solutions Final Control Singapore Pte. Ltd., Emerson Automation Solutions Final Control South Africa (Pty) Ltd, Emerson Automation Solutions Final Control UK II Ltd, Emerson Automation Solutions Final Control UK Ltd, Emerson Automation Solutions Final Control US LP, Emerson Automation Solutions Final Control de Mexico S.A. de C.V., Emerson Automation Solutions GmbH, Emerson Automation Solutions Intelligent Platforms (Shanghai) Co. Ltd., Emerson Automation Solutions Intelligent Platforms Asia Pacific Pte. Ltd., Emerson Automation Solutions Intelligent Platforms Private Limited, Emerson Automation Solutions Intelligent Platforms do Brasil Ltda, Emerson Automation Solutions Ireland Limited, Emerson Automation Solutions Isolation Valves Inc., Emerson Automation Solutions SSC UK Limited, Emerson Automation Solutions UK Limited, Emerson Beijing Instrument Co. Ltd., Emerson Climate Services LLC, Emerson Climate Technologies (India) Private Limited, Emerson Climate Technologies (Shenyang) Refrigeration Co. Ltd., Emerson Climate Technologies (South Africa) (Pty) Ltd, Emerson Climate Technologies (Suzhou) Co. Ltd., Emerson Climate Technologies (Suzhou) Trading Co. Ltd., Emerson Climate Technologies - Solutions (Suzhou) Co. Ltd., Emerson Climate Technologies - Transportation Solutions ApS, Emerson Climate Technologies Arabia Limited Co., Emerson Climate Technologies Australia Pty. Ltd., Emerson Climate Technologies FZE, Emerson Climate Technologies GmbH, Emerson Climate Technologies Inc., Emerson Climate Technologies Limited, Emerson Climate Technologies Mexico S.A. de C.V., Emerson Climate Technologies Refrigeration S.A., Emerson Climate Technologies Retail Solutions Europe S.R.L., Emerson Climate Technologies Retail Solutions Inc., Emerson Climate Technologies Retail Solutions UK Limited, Emerson Climate Technologies S.A., Emerson Climate Technologies S.R.L., Emerson Climate Technologies Sarl, Emerson Commercial & Residential Tools LLC, Emerson Commerical & Residential Asia Limited, Emerson Comres de Mexico S. de R.L. de C.V., Emerson DHC B.V., Emerson Dietzenbach GmbH, Emerson Dominicana Srl, Emerson Egypt LLC, Emerson Electric (Asia) Limited, Emerson Electric (China) Holdings Co. Ltd., Emerson Electric (M) Sdn Bhd, Emerson Electric (Mauritius) Ltd., Emerson Electric (South Asia) Pte. Ltd., Emerson Electric (Thailand) Limited, Emerson Electric (Tongling) Co. Ltd., Emerson Electric (U.S.) Holding Corporation, Emerson Electric (U.S.) Holding Corporation (Chile) Limitada, Emerson Electric (Zhuhai) Co. Ltd., Emerson Electric CR Limitada, Emerson Electric Canada Limited, Emerson Electric Company (India) Private Limited, Emerson Electric Company Lanka (Private) Limited, Emerson Electric Holdings (Switzerland) GmbH, Emerson Electric II C.A., Emerson Electric International Inc., Emerson Electric Ireland Limited, Emerson Electric Korea Ltd., Emerson Electric Nederland B.V., Emerson Electric Overseas Finance Corp., Emerson Electric Poland Sp. z o.o., Emerson Electric U.K. Limited, Emerson Electric de Mexico S.A. de C.V., Emerson Electric do Brasil Ltda, Emerson Energy Systems (UK) Limited, Emerson FZE, Emerson Final Control US Holding LLC, Emerson Finance LLC, Emerson Fusite Electric (Shenzhen) Co. Ltd., Emerson Gabon SARL, Emerson Hazardous Electrical Equipment (Shanghai) Co. Ltd., Emerson Holding Company Limited, Emerson Holding Sweden AB, Emerson InSinkErator Appliance (Nanjing) Co. Ltd., Emerson Industrial Automation USA Inc., Emerson International Holding Company Limited, Emerson Japan Ltd., Emerson Junkang Enterprise (Shanghai) Co. Ltd., Emerson Korea Limited, Emerson LLC, Emerson LLP, Emerson Machinery Equipment (Shenzhen) Co. Ltd., Emerson Mexico Finance S.A. de C.V. SOFOM ENR, Emerson Middle East Inc., Emerson Network Power DHC B.V., Emerson Paradigm Holding LLC, Emerson Process Management (India) Private Limited, Emerson Process Management (South Africa) (Proprietary) Ltd., Emerson Process Management (Tianjin) Valves Co. Ltd., Emerson Process Management (Vietnam) Co. Ltd., Emerson Process Management A/S (Denmark), Emerson Process Management AB, Emerson Process Management AG, Emerson Process Management AS, Emerson Process Management Angola Lda, Emerson Process Management Arabia Limited, Emerson Process Management Australia Pty Limited, Emerson Process Management B.V., Emerson Process Management Chennai Private Limited, Emerson Process Management Co. Ltd., Emerson Process Management Distribution Limited, Emerson Process Management Europe GmbH, Emerson Process Management Flow B.V., Emerson Process Management Flow Technologies Co. Ltd., Emerson Process Management GmbH & Co. OHG, Emerson Process Management Holding AG, Emerson Process Management Holding LLC, Emerson Process Management Kft., Emerson Process Management LLLP, Emerson Process Management Lda, Emerson Process Management Limited, Emerson Process Management Ltda, Emerson Process Management Magyarorszag Kft., Emerson Process Management Manufacturing (M) Sdn Bhd, Emerson Process Management Marine Solutions Korea Co. Ltd., Emerson Process Management Marine Solutions Singapore Pte. Ltd., Emerson Process Management Marine Systems (Shanghai) Co. Ltd., Emerson Process Management NV, Emerson Process Management New Zealand Limited, Emerson Process Management Nigeria Limited, Emerson Process Management Oy, Emerson Process Management Power & Water Solutions (Shanghai) Co. Ltd., Emerson Process Management Power & Water Solutions Inc., Emerson Process Management Power & Water Solutions India Private Limited, Emerson Process Management Qatar W.L.L., Emerson Process Management Regulator Technologies Inc., Emerson Process Management Regulator Technologies Tulsa LLC, Emerson Process Management Romania S.R.L., Emerson Process Management S.A., Emerson Process Management S.A. de C.V., Emerson Process Management S.L., Emerson Process Management S.R.L., Emerson Process Management SAS, Emerson Process Management Shared Services Limited, Emerson Process Management Sp. z o.o., Emerson Process Management Ticaret Limited Sirket, Emerson Process Management UAB, Emerson Process Management Valve Automation (M) Sdn Bhd, Emerson Process Management Valve Automation (Tianjin) Co. Ltd., Emerson Process Management Valve Automation Inc., Emerson Process Management Verwaltung GmbH, Emerson Process Management d.o.o., Emerson Process Management de Colombia SAS, Emerson Process Management del Peru S.A.C., Emerson Process Management s.r.o., Emerson Professional Tools (Shanghai) Co. Ltd., Emerson Puerto Rico Inc., Emerson Retail Services Europe GmbH, Emerson S.R.L., Emerson Sales UK Limited, Emerson Saudi Arabia LLC, Emerson Scroll Machining (Thailand) Limited, Emerson Sice S.R.L., Emerson Sweden AB, Emerson TOV, Emerson Technologies GmbH & Co. OHG, Emerson Technologies Verwaltungs GmbH, Emerson Tool Company de Mexico S. de R.L. de C.V., Emerson Tool and Appliance Company S. de R.L. de C.V., Emerson Trading (Shanghai) Co. Ltd., Emerson UK Trustees Limited, Emerson USD Finance Company Limited, Emerson Valves & Controls Japan Co. Ltd., Emerson Ventures Inc., Emerson Vulcan Holding LLC, Emerson Xi'an Engineering Center, Emersub 1 LLC, Emersub 10 LLC, Emersub 11 LLC, Emersub 12 LLC, Emersub 14 LLC, Emersub 15 LLC, Emersub 16 LLC, Emersub 3 LLC, Emersub 4 LLC, Emersub 5 LLC, Emersub 7 LLC, Emersub 8 LLC, Emersub 9 LLC, Emersub CII Inc., Emersub CV Inc., Emersub Italia S.R.L., Emersub LXXXIV Inc., Emersub LXXXVI Inc., Emersub Mexico Inc., Emersub Treasury Ireland Unlimited Company, Emersub XLVI Inc., Emersub XXXVI Inc., Emirates Techno Casting FZE, Emirates Techno Casting Holding Limited, Emirates Techno Casting LLC, Enardo, Endura-Greenlee Tools, Energy Solutions International (India) Private Limited, Energy Solutions International GP LLC, Energy Solutions International Ltd., Energy Solutions International SAS, Energy Solutions International Sub LLC, F-R Tecnologias de Flujo S.A. de C.V., FC QSF LLC, FMC Technologies, Fiberconn Assemblies Morocco Sarl, Fincor Holding LLC, Fire & Safety Group.Com Ltd., Fisher Controles de Mexico S.A. de C.V., Fisher Controls International LLC, Fisher Jeon Gas Equipment (Chengdu) Co. Ltd., Fisher Regulators (Shanghai) Co. Ltd., Fisher Sanmar Limited, Fisher-Rosemount Systems Inc., Flow Control Holding GmbH & Co. KG, Flow Control Holding Verwaltungs GmbH, Flow Control US Holding Corporation, Francel SAS, Fromex S.A. de C.V., Fusite B.V., Fusite Corporation, Fusite Land Company, GSEG LLC, General Equipment and Manufacturing Company Inc., Generale de Robinetterie Industrielle et de Sytemes de Surete, GeoFields, GeoFields Inc., Greenex Ltd., Greenfield (UK) Limited, Greenlee, Greenlee Communications, Greenlee Tools Inc., Gulf Valve FZE, Gustav Klauke GmbH, H.T.E. Engineering Limited, HD Electric Company, HTE Engineering Services Limited, Hindle Cockburns Limited, Hiross India Private Limited, Hiter Industria e Comercia de Controles Termo-Hidraulicos Ltda., Humboldt Hermetic Motor Corp., Hytork International Ltd., I Solutions Inc., ICC Intelligent Platforms GmbH, ISE-MagTech, Industrial Controls Canada ULC, Industrial Group Metran JSC, Instrument & Valve Services Company, Intelligent Platforms LLC, Intellution, International Gas Distribution SA, Intrinsic Safety Equipment of Texas Inc., JCF Fluid Flow India Private Limited, JSC Metran-Export, Joucomatic S.A., K Controls Limited, Keystone Germany Holdings Corp., Keystone Valve (Korea) LLC, Keystone Valve (U.K.) Limited, Klauke, Klauke (Jiangsu) Electrical Connection Technology Co Ltd., Klauke France SARL, Klauke Handelsgesellschaft mbH, Klauke Iberia S.L., Klauke Polska Sp. z.o.o., Klauke Slovakia s.r.o., Klauke UK Ltd., Knurr, Liebert, Liebert Swindon Limited, Locus Solutions LLC, Locus Traxx Worldwide, Locus Traxx Worldwide Europe BVBA, MDC Technology Limited, MDC Technology Trustees Limited, METCO Services Limited, MYNAH Technologies, Management Resources Group Inc., Mecafrance (Deutschland) GmbH, Metallurgical Services Laboratories Limited, Metaserv Limited, Metco Services Venezuela C.A., Micro Motion Inc., Mobrey Group Limited, Motores Hermeticos del Sur S.A. de C.V., NetworkPower Ecuador S.A., Nippon Fisher Co. Ltd., Novel Environmental Technologies Ltd., Novel Extinguishing Agent Technology Ltd., Numatics Incorporated, Nutsteel DHC B.V., Nutsteel Industria Metalurgica Ltda, O.M.T. Officina Meccanica Tartarini S.r.l., Open Systems International, P I Components Corp., PT Emerson Solutions Indonesia, PT. Emerson Indonesia, PT. Paradigm Geophysical Indonesia, Pactrol Controls Limited, PakSense, PakSense Inc., Paradigm, Paradigm (UK) Holding Limited, Paradigm B.V., Paradigm France S.A., Paradigm Geophysical (India) Private Limited, Paradigm Geophysical (KL) Sdn. Bhd., Paradigm Geophysical (Nigeria) Limited, Paradigm Geophysical (U.K.) Limited, Paradigm Geophysical B.V., Paradigm Geophysical Corp., Paradigm Geophysical Italy SRL, Paradigm Geophysical LLC, Paradigm Geophysical Limited, Paradigm Geophysical Pty Ltd, Paradigm Geophysical S.A., Paradigm Geophysical Sdn. Bhd., Paradigm Geophysical Spain S.L., Paradigm Geophysical de Venezuela C.A., Paradigm Geophysical do Brasil Ltda., Paradigm Geoservices Canada Ltd., Paradigm Geotechnology (Egypt) S.A.E., Paradigm Kazakhstan LLP, Paradigm Middle East FZ-LLC, Paradigm Technology (Beijing) Co. Ltd., Parex Industries Limited, Pentair Valves & Controls, Pentair Valves and Controls India Private Limited, Permasense, Permasense Asia Pacific Sdn Bhd, Permasense Limited, ProSys, ProTeam Inc., Progea, RAC Technologies (Israel) Ltd., RIDGID Inc., RPP Europe GmbH, RPP LLC, Rey-Lam S. de R.L. de C.V., Ridge Tool (Australia) Pty. Ltd., Ridge Tool Company, Ridge Tool Europe NV, Ridge Tool GmbH, Ridge Tool GmbH & Co. OHG, Ridge Tool Manufacturing Company, Ridge Tool Pattern Company, Ridgid France SAS, Ridgid Italia S.R.L., Ridgid Online Inc., Ridgid Scandinavia A/S, Ridgid Werkzeuge AG, Rosemount China Inc., Rosemount Inc., Rosemount Measurement Limited, Rosemount Nuclear Instruments Inc., Rosemount Specialty Products LLC, Rosemount Tank Gauging India Pvt. Ltd., Rosemount Tank Gauging Middle East SPC, Rosemount Tank Gauging North America Inc., Rosemount Tank Radar AB, Rosemount Tank Radar Properties AB, Roxar, Roxar AS, Roxar Flow Measurement AS, Roxar Flow Measurement Sdn Bhd, Roxar Limited, Roxar Maximum Reservoir Performance W.L.L., Roxar Saudi Co., Roxar Services AS, Roxar Services OOO, Roxar Software Solutions AS, Roxar Technologies AS, Roxar Vietnam Company Ltd., Roxar de Venezuela C.A., Rutherfurd Acquisitions Limited, S.F.T. Group Ltd., SABO-Armaturen Service GmbH, Safety Systems UK Pte. Ltd., Sakhi-Raimondi Valve (India) Limited, Scroll Compressors LLC, Scroll Mexico LLC, Sempell GmbH, Shanghai Virgo Valves Technology Consulting Co. Ltd., Sherman + Reilly, Soluciones 0925 C.A., Spectra-Tek Holdings Limited, Spectra-Tek International Limited, Spectra-Tek UK Limited, Spectrex, Spectrex Inc., Spectronix Ltd., Spensall Engineering Limited, Steel Support Systems Limited, Stratos Lightwave, System Plast International B.V., System Plast Ltda, System Plast USA de Mexico S. de R.L. de C.V., TDM-avtomatizatsiya, TV&C GP Holding LLC, Taiwan Valve Co. Ltd., TechnipFMC, Termocontroles de Juarez S.A. de C.V., Tescom Corporation, Tescom Europe GmbH & Co. KG, Tescom Europe Management GmbH, The Automation Group Inc., The J.R. Clarkson Company LLC, Therm-O-Disc Europe B.V., Therm-O-Disc Incorporated, Thunderline Z Inc., TopWorx UK Limited, Tranmet Holdings B.V., Tranmet Holdings Limited, Verdant Environmental Technologies, Vilter Manufacturing LLC, Virgo Valves & Controls (ME) FZE, Virgo Valves and Controls Sdn Bhd, Von Arx AG, Vulsub 1 Limited, Vulsub Brasil Holding, Vulsub Brasil Ltda., Vulsub Chile SpA, Vulsub Gulf Holding Limited, Vulsub Holding III (Denmark) ApS, Vulsub Holding Ltd, Vulsub Holdings A LLC, Vulsub Holdings B LLC, Vulsub Holdings C LLC, Vulsub Holdings D LLC, Vulsub Italia S.r.l., Vulsub Middle East Holdings LLC, Vulsub Peru S.A.C., Vulsub Property Holding LLC, Vulsub Property Limited, Vulsub S.A., Vulsub South Africa (Pty) Ltd, Vulsub VZ C.A., Westinghouse Electric Pvt. Limited, Westlock Controls Limited, Westlock Equipamentos de Controle Ltda., Woodstock Land Company LLC, epro GmbH, iSolera Inc., iSolutions Private Limited, and intelliSAW.

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The following companies are subsidiares of Illinois Tool Works: A V Co 1 Limited, A V Co 2 Limited, A V Co 3 Limited, ACCU-LUBE Manufacturing GmbH - Schmiermittel und -gerate -, AIP/BI Holdings Inc., Accessories Marketing Holding Corp., Advanced Molding Company Inc., Allen France SAS, Alpine Engineered Products, Alpine Systems Corporation, Anaerobicos S.r.l., AppliChem GmbH, Avery Berkel France, Avery India Limited, Avery Malaysia Sdn Bhd, Avery Weigh Tronix, Avery Weigh-Tronix Finance Limited, Avery Weigh-Tronix International Limited, Avery Weigh-Tronix LLC, Avery Weigh-Tronix Limited, Avery Weigh-Tronix Properties Limited, Avery Weigh-Tronix Suzhou Weighing Technology Co. Ltd., Azon Limited, B.C. Immo, Beijing Miller Electric Manufacturing Co. Ltd., Berkel Ireland Limited, Berrington UK, Brapenta Eletronica Ltda., Brooks Instrument B.V., Brooks Instrument GmbH, Brooks Instrument KFT, Brooks Instrument Korea Ltd., Brooks Instrument LLC, Brooks Instrument Shanghai Co. Ltd, Buell Industries Inc., CCI Realty Company, CFC Europe GmbH, CS Australia Pty Limited, CS Mexico Holding Company S DE RL DE CV, Calvia Spolka z Ograniczona Odpowiedzialnosci, Capital Ventures Australasia S.a r.l, Capmax Logistica S.A. de C.V., Celeste Industries Corporation, Coeur, Coeur Asia Limited, Coeur Holding Company, Coeur Inc., Coeur Shanghai Medical Appliance Trading Co. Ltd, Compagnie Hobart, Compagnie de Materiel et d'Equipements Techniques-Comet, Constructions Isothermiques Bontami C.I.B., Crane Carrier Company, Denison Mayes Group Limited, Despatch Industries, Diagraph Corporation Sdn. Bhd, Diagraph ITW Mexico S. de R.L. De C.V., Diagraph Mexico S.A. DE C.V., Dongguan Ark-Les Electric Components Co. Ltd., Dongguan CK Branding Co. Ltd., Duo Fast de Espana S.A.U., Duo-Fast Korea Co. Ltd., Duo-Fast LLC, E.C.S. d.o.o., E2M Production B.V.., E2M Technologies B.V.., E2M Technologies Inc.., ECS Cable Protection Sp. Zoo, ELRO Grosskuchen GmbH, ELRO Holding AG, ELRO-WERKE AG, Elro Group, Eltex-Elektrostatik-Gesellschaft mit beschrankter Haftung, Envases Multipac S.A. de C.V., Eurotec Srl, Exhibit 21, FEG Investments L.L.C., Filtertek De Mexico Holding Inc., Filtertek De Mexico S.A. de C.V., Filtertek SAS, GC Financement SA, Gamko B.V., Gun Hwa Platech Taicang Co. Ltd., HOBART Gesellschaft mit beschrankter Haftung, Hartness International, Hobart Andina S.A.S., Hobart Belgium B.V., Hobart Brothers International Chile Limitada, Hobart Brothers LLC, Hobart Dayton Mexicana S. de R.L. de C.V., Hobart Food Equipment Co. Ltd., Hobart International Singapore Pte. Ltd., Hobart Japan K.K., Hobart Korea LLC, Hobart LLC, Hobart Nederland B.V., Hobart Sales & Service Inc., Hobart Scandinavia ApS, Hobart Techniek B.V., Horis, ILC Investments Holdings Inc., ITW AEP LLC, ITW AOC LLC, ITW Aircraft Investments Inc., ITW Ampang Industries Philippines Inc., ITW Appliance Components EOOD, ITW Appliance Components S.A. de C.V., ITW Appliance Components S.r.l.a, ITW Appliance Components d.o.o., ITW Australia Holdings Pty Ltd, ITW Australia Property Holdings Pty Ltd., ITW Australia Pty Ltd, ITW Automotive Components Chongqing Co. Ltd., ITW Automotive Components Langfang Co. Ltd., ITW Automotive Japan K.K., ITW Automotive Korea LLC, ITW Automotive Parts Shanghai Co. Ltd, ITW Automotive Products GmbH, ITW Automotive Products Mexico S. de R.L. de C.V., ITW Bailly Comte, ITW Befestigungssysteme GmbH, ITW Belgium B.V., ITW Brazilian Nominee L.L.C., ITW Building Components Group Inc., ITW CER, ITW CP Distribution Center Holland BV, ITW CS UK Ltd., ITW Canada Inc., ITW Celeste Inc., ITW Chemical Products Ltda, ITW Chemical Products Scandinavia ApS, ITW China Investment Company Limited, ITW Colombia S.A.S., ITW Construction Products AB, ITW Construction Products AS, ITW Construction Products ApS, ITW Construction Products CZ s.r.o., ITW Construction Products Italy Srl, ITW Construction Products OU, ITW Construction Products OY, ITW Construction Products Shanghai Co. Ltd., ITW Construction Products Singapore Pte. Ltd., ITW Construction Services Manila Inc., ITW Contamination Control B.V., ITW Contamination Control Wujiang Co. Ltd., ITW Covid Security Group Inc., ITW DS Investments Inc., ITW DelFast do Brasil Ltda., ITW Denmark ApS, ITW Deutschland GmbH, ITW Diagraph GmbH, ITW Dynatec, ITW Dynatec Adhesive Equipment Suzhou Co. Ltd., ITW Dynatec GmbH, ITW Dynatec Kabushiki Kaisha, ITW EAE B.V., ITW EAE Mexico S de RL de CV, ITW EF&C France SAS, ITW EF&C Selb GmbH, ITW EU Holdings Ltd., ITW Electronic Business Asia Co. Limited, ITW Electronic Components/Products Shanghai Co. Ltd., ITW Electronics Suzhou Co. Ltd., ITW Epsilon Sarl, ITW Espana S.L., ITW European Finance Co. Ltd., ITW European Finance II Co. Ltd., ITW European Finance III Co. Ltd., ITW FEG Hong Kong Limited, ITW FEG do Brasil Industria e Comercio Ltda., ITW Fastener Products GmbH, ITW Fluids and Hygiene Solutions Ltda., ITW Food Equipment Group LLC, ITW GH LLC, ITW GSE ApS, ITW GSE Inc., ITW Gamma Sarl, ITW German Management LLC, ITW Global Investments Holdings LLC, ITW Global Investments Holdings Y Compania Sociedad en Comandita por Acciones, ITW Global Investments Inc., ITW Global Tire Repair Europe GmbH, ITW Global Tire Repair Inc., ITW Global Tire Repair Japan K.K., ITW Graphics Asia Limited, ITW Graphics Thailand Ltd., ITW Great Britain Investment & Licensing Holding Company, ITW Group France Luxembourg S.ar.l., ITW HLP Thailand Co. Ltd., ITW Holding Quimica B.C. S.L. Sole Shareholder Company, ITW Holdings Australia L.P., ITW Holdings I Limited, ITW Holdings II Limited, ITW Holdings III Limited, ITW Holdings IV Limited, ITW Holdings IX Limited, ITW Holdings Inc., ITW Holdings V Limited, ITW Holdings VI Limited, ITW Holdings VII Limited, ITW Holdings VIII Limited, ITW Holdings X Limited, ITW Holdings XI Limited, ITW ILC Holdings I Inc., ITW IPG Investments LLC, ITW Imaden Industria e Comercio Ltda., ITW India Private Limited, ITW International Holdings LLC, ITW Invest Holding GmbH, ITW Ireland Holdings Unlimited Company, ITW Ireland Unlimited Company, ITW Italy Holding Srl, ITW Japan Ltd., ITW Korea LLC, ITW LLC & Co. KG, ITW Limited, ITW Lys Fusion S.r.l., ITW Materials Technology Shanghai Co. Ltd., ITW Meritex Sdn. Bhd., ITW Metal Fasteners S.L., ITW Mexico Holding Company S. De R.L. de C.V., ITW Mexico Holdings LLC, ITW Morlock GmbH, ITW Mortgage Investments II Inc., ITW Mortgage Investments III Inc., ITW Mortgage Investments IV Inc., ITW Netherlands Administration BV, ITW Netherlands Beta B.V., ITW Netherlands Finance Alpha BV, ITW New Universal LLC, ITW New Zealand, ITW Ningbo Components & Fastenings Systems Co. Ltd., ITW Novadan Sp. Z.o.o., ITW PPF Brasil Adesivos Ltda., ITW Packaging Technology China Co. Ltd., ITW Participations S.a r.l., ITW Pension Funds Trustee Company, ITW Performance Polymers & Fluids Japan Co. Ltd., ITW Performance Polymers & Fluids Korea Limited, ITW Performance Polymers & Fluids OOO, ITW Performance Polymers ApS, ITW Performance Polymers Wujiang Co. Ltd., ITW Performance Polymers and Fluids Group FZE, ITW Peru S.A.C., ITW Poly Mex S. de R.L. de C.V., ITW Polymers Sealants North America Inc., ITW Pronovia s.r.o., ITW Pte. Ltd., ITW Qufu Automotive Cooling Systems Co. Ltd., ITW Real Estate Germany GmbH, ITW Residuals III L.L.C., ITW Residuals IV L.L.C., ITW Rivex, ITW SMPI, ITW SPG Mexico S. de R.L. de C.V., ITW Simco-Ion Shenzhen Co. Ltd., ITW Slovakia s.r.o., ITW Spain Holdings S.L., ITW Specialty Film LLC, ITW Specialty Films France, ITW Specialty Materials Suzhou Co. Ltd., ITW Sverige AB, ITW Sweden Holding AB, ITW Test & Measurement Equipment Shanghai Co. Ltd, ITW Test & Measurement GmbH, ITW Test and Measurement Italia Srl, ITW Test and Measurement Services Industry and Trade Ltd., ITW Texwipe Philippines Inc., ITW Thermal Films Shanghai Co. Ltd., ITW UK, ITW UK Finance Beta Limited, ITW UK Finance Delta Limited, ITW UK Finance Gamma Limited, ITW UK Finance Limited, ITW UK Finance Zeta Ltd., ITW UK II Limited, ITW Universal II LLC, ITW Welding, ITW Welding AB, ITW Welding GmbH, ITW Welding Products B.V., ITW Welding Products Group FZE, ITW Welding Products Group S. DE R.L. De C.V., ITW Welding Products Italy Srl, ITW Welding Products Limited Liability Company, ITW Welding Produtos Para Solgdagem Ltda., ITW Welding Singapore Pte. Ltd., ITW de France, ITW do Brasil Industrial e Comercial Ltda., Illinois Tool Works Chile Limitada, Illinois Tool Works ITW Nederland B.V., Illinois Tool Works Inc., Impar Comercio E Representacoes Ltda., Industrie Plastic Elsasser GmbH, Inmobiliaria Cit. S.A. de C.F., Innova Temperlite Servicios S.A. de C.V., Innovacion y Transformacion Automotriz S.A. de C.V., Instron Brasil Equipamentos Cientificos Ltda., Instron Foreign Sales Corp. Limited, Instron France S.A.S., Instron GmbH, Instron Japan Company Ltd., Instron Korea LLC, Instron Shanghai Ltd., Instron Thailand Limited, International Leasing Company LLC, Isolenge - ITW Sistemas de Isolamento Termico Ltda., Itw Spraytec, KCPL Mauritius Holdings, Kester, Kleinmann GmbH, Krafft S.L., Loma Systems, Loma Systems BV, Loma Systems Canada Inc., Loma Systems sro, Lombard Pressings Limited, Lumex Inc., Lys Fusion Poland Sp. z.o.o., M&C Specialties Co., MAGNAFLUX GmbH, MEHB Holdings Limited, MGHG Property LLC, MTS 2 LLC., MTS 3 LLC., MTS China Holdings LLC, MTS Europe Holdings LLC, MTS Holdings France S.a.r.l., MTS Japan Ltd.., MTS Korea Inc.., MTS Systems China Co. Ltd., MTS Systems Corporation, MTS Systems Danmark ApS., MTS Systems Europe B.V., MTS Systems Finance C.V.., MTS Systems Germany GmbH, MTS Systems Holding B.V.., MTS Systems Hong Kong Incorporated, MTS Systems Limited, MTS Systems Norden Aktiebolag, MTS Systems S.r.l, MTS Systems., MTS Systems.., MTS Sytems Do Brazil, MTS Testing Solutions India Private Limited., MTS Testing Systems Canada Ltd., Manufacturing Avancee S.A., Meritex Technology Suzhou Co. Ltd., Meurer Verpackungssysteme GmbH, Miller Electric Mfg. LLC, Miller Insurance Ltd., NDT Holding LLC, NOVADAN APS, North Star Imaging Inc., Nova Chimica S.r.l., Orbitalum Tools GmbH, PENTA-91 OOO, PR. A. I. Srl, PT ITW Construction Products Indonesia, Pacific Concept Industries Limited Enping, Panreac Quimica S.L., Paslode Fasteners Shanghai Co. Ltd., Peerless Machinery Corp., Polyrey, Premark FEG L.L.C., Premark HII Holdings LLC, Premark International, Premark International LLC, Prolex Sociedad Anonima, QSA Global Inc., Quimica Industrial Mediterranea S.L., R&D Engineering A/S., R&D Prague s.r.o., R&D Steel ApS., R&D Test Systems A/S., R&D Tools and Structures A/S., RDGDK Engineering Private Limited, Ramset Fasteners Hong Kong Ltd., Rapid Cook LLC, Refrigeration France, S.E.E. Sistemas Industria E Comercio Ltda., ST Mexico Holdings LLC, Sealant Systems International Inc., Sentinel Asia Yuhan Hoesa, Shanghai ITW Plastic & Metal Co. Ltd, Simco Japan Inc., Simco Nederland B.V., Societe de Prospection et dInventions Techniques  SPIT, Speedline Holdings I Inc., Speedline Holdings I LLC, Speedline Technologies GmbH, Speedline Technologies Mexico S. de R.L. de C.V., Speedline Technologies Mexico Services S. de R.L. de C.V., Stokvis Celix Portugal Unipessoal LDA, Stokvis Danmark ApS, Stokvis Holdings S.A.R.L., Stokvis Promi s.r.o, Stokvis Prostick Tapes Private Limited, Stokvis Tapes B.V., Stokvis Tapes Benelux B.V., Stokvis Tapes Deutschland GmbH, Stokvis Tapes France, Stokvis Tapes Hong Kong Co. Limited, Stokvis Tapes Italia s.r.l., Stokvis Tapes Limited, Stokvis Tapes Limited Liability Company, Stokvis Tapes Norge AS, Stokvis Tapes Oy, Stokvis Tapes Polska Sp Z.O.O., Stokvis Tapes Shanghai Co. Ltd., Stokvis Tapes Sverige AB, Stokvis Tapes Taiwan Co. Ltd., Stokvis Tapes Tianjin Co. Ltd., Stolvis Holdings II S.A.R.L., Subsidiaries, Technopack Industria Comercio Consultoria e Representacoes Ltda., Teknek China Limited, Teknek Japan Limited, Teksaleco Ltd., The Miller Group Ltd, Thirode Grandes Cuisines Poligny, Tien Tai Electrode Co. Ltd., Tien Tai Electrode Kunshan Co. Ltd., Unichemicals Industria e Comercio Ltda., VR-Leasing Sarita GmbH & Co. Immobilien KG, VS European Holdco BV, Valeron Strength Films B.V., Veneta Decalcogomme S.r.l., Versachem Chile S.A., Vesta, Vesta Global Limited, Vesta Guangzhou Catering Equipment Co. Ltd, Viltronics Soltec, Vitronics Soltec B.V., Wachs Canada Ltd., Wachs Subsea LLC, Weigh-Tronix Canada ULC, Weigh-Tronix UK Limited, Wilsonart International Holdings LLC, Wynn Oil South Africa Pty Ltd., Wynn's Automotive France, Wynn's Belgium BVBA, Wynn's Italia Srl, Wynn's Mekuba India Pvt Ltd, and Zip-Pak International B.V..

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Baku, Azerbaijan, Nov. 18

By Maksim Tsurkov - Trend:

Azerbaijan's Sangachal oil terminal exported over 219 million barrels of oil and condensate through pipelines in Jan.-Sept. 2016 compared to 224 million barrels exported in the same period of 2015, the BP Azerbaijan's report said Nov. 18.



The British company's report covered its work in Azerbaijan in Jan.-Sept. 2016.

According to the report, the volume included nearly 194 million barrels through Baku-Tbilisi-Ceyhan (BTC) pipeline, about 23 million barrels through the Western Route Export Pipeline (WREP), and about 2 million barrels via a separate condensate export line.

At present, the total capacity of the terminal's technical processing systems makes up 1.2 million barrels per day, and for the gas from the Shah Deniz field - 29.5 million cubic meters per day (together with associated gas from Azeri-Chirag-Guneshli oil and gas fields, the total gas processing capacity at the terminal is 49.3 million cubic meters per day).

On average, 29.1 million cubic meters of Shah Deniz gas was exported from the terminal daily in Jan.-Sept. 2016, the report said.

Azerbaijan's Sangachal oil terminal exported over 296 million barrels of oil through pipelines in 2015 compared to 298.5 million barrels exported in 2014.

---

Follow the author on Twitter: @MaksimTsurkov
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.
With uncertain new leadership in allied countries and the sabre-rattling of hostile states growing louder, Marines in the Pacific are being prepared for a coming conflict, the commanding general of 3rd Marine Division said this week.

Speaking at Marine Corps Association's Ground Dinner near Washington, D.C., Thursday night, Maj. Gen. Richard Simcock made a plea for more amphibious ships in the region and increased collaboration with the Navy as the region braces anticipates a future that may include a confrontation or contingency involving a powerful regional competitor.

"The fight that's coming, we're not going to be able to get a hodgepodge, hillbilly organization and just throw three [Marine Expeditionary Units] together and say that's a [Marine Expeditionary Brigade] and we can land the landing force," he said. "We're not training with our Navy brethren; we're not doing the things that are going to carry us to victory in the fight that is clearly coming out of the Pacific. Those are the biggest issues that I deal with right now."

Recent upheavals in the region, he said, included the death in October of the 88-year-old king of Thailand, Bhumibol Adulyadej, a beloved ruler who leaves an uncertain political future in his son, the crown prince Maha Vajiralongkorn. Meanwhile, the newly elected Philippine president, Rodrigo Duterte, who took office in June, has repeatedly made headlines with his hostility toward the U.S. and insults and rebukes to President Barack Obama.

"The things that we did in the Philippines and things like Balikatan are in question," Simcock said, naming a major U.S.-Philippines exercise held in the spring and taking its name from the Tagalog word for "shoulder-to-shoulder." This year's exercise involved 5,000 U.S. troops. Duterte said in September that he wanted to end all joint war games with the U.S., with next spring's Balikatan being the last.

"If there such a thing as key terrain, the Philippines is it," Simcock said. "This archipelago of seven thousand islands is critical to us."

North Korea, a longtime source of instability in the region, is "popping off nuclear missiles like it's cool," Simcock said. "Our South Korean allies, it's all we can do to say, 'don't go.' Maybe they need to go."

All this comes as one of the largest powers in the region, China, has added infrastructure to contested islands in the South China sea in what Navy Adm. Harry Harris, the head of U.S. Pacific Command, has called a clear act of militarization.

While Simcock said he works with new seabasing platforms, designed to be a stopgap as the Navy and Marine Corps grapple with a shortage of available amphibious ships, they lack the combat survivability and many of the troop-carrying features of traditional amphibious ships.

"What if I had four or five ships that we dedicated to the division and the combat power that we could bring to bear at the place and time of our choosing?" he said.

Despite the challenges, Simcock said the Marines under his command would be prepared to take on any mission.

"Our commandant [Gen. Robert Neller], when he came out, he looked at me and said, 'the fight is coming. I looked at him and said, 'Commandant, you're absolutely right,'" Simcock said. "He said, 'Richard, your boys ready? I said, 'absolutely they're ready, no doubt about it.'"

-- Hope Hodge Seck can be reached at hope.seck@military.com. Follow her on Twitter at @HopeSeck.
President-elect Donald Trump made it official Friday by naming his top military advisor, retired Army Lt. Gen. Michael Flynn, to become the next White House National Security Advisor.

Flynn, 57, of Middletown, Rhode Island, a career intelligence officer and registered Democrat with 33 years of service, will succeed Obama administration National Security Advisor Susan Rice in the post that will make him the filter for Trump of the advice and views coming from the Defense and State Departments, and the intelligence agencies.

In a statement, Trump said "I am pleased that Lieutenant General Michael Flynn will be by my side as we work to defeat radical Islamic terrorism, navigate geopolitical challenges and keep Americans safe at home and abroad. General Flynn is one of the country's foremost experts on military and intelligence matters and he will be an invaluable asset to me and my administration."

Flynn, the former director of the Defense Intelligence Agency, said "I am deeply humbled and honored to accept the position as National Security Advisor to serve both our country and our nation's next President, Donald J. Trump."

Flynn, often described by former military colleagues as a "fiery" and innovative officer with hardline views on "radical Islam," stirred controversy during the campaign with his harsh criticism of President Obama and Democratic candidate Hillary Clinton.

In his speech at the Republican National Convention, Flynn led chants of "lock her up" and charged that the U.S. had lost its will to win under President Obama in the war against the Islamic State.

Democrats excoriated Flynn as a "loose cannon" but at least one Democrat, fellow Rhode Islander Sen. Jack Reed, had mixed praise for Flynn and even got ahead of the Trump team in announcing the appointment.

Reed's office put out a premature release Thursday saying Trump had named Flynn and then quickly withdrew it. However, a spokesman for Reed, the ranking Democrat on the Senate Armed Services Committee, said the senator's statement would apply once the appointment became official.

In the statement, Reed, a West Point graduate who earned the Ranger tab, said of Flynn that "I respect him and deeply admire his family's legacy of military service. It is pretty remarkable to have two brothers rise to the rank of general like Mike and Charlie Flynn."

Maj. Gen. Charles Flynn is commander of the Army's 25th Infantry Division in Hawaii, a key unit in the Army's contribution to the Obama administration's rebalance of forces to the Pacific.

"I do not agree" with retired Lt. Gen. Flynn on every issue, Reed said, and "I have concerns about some of the statements he made in the heat of the campaign" but "he is familiar with the complex set of security challenges we face."

Flynn's appointment to the White House post will not require Senate confirmation, which would have been problematic. Flynn, who had been mentioned as a possible Defense Secretary, would have needed a waiver from Congress on the rule barring retired military officers for five years from nominations for posts requiring Senate approval such as Secretary of Defense.

In a Senate confirmation hearing, Flynn also could have been expected to face grilling on his lobbying work. Last year, Flynn was paid to sit next to Russian President Vladimir Putin at a dinner in Moscow for the state-run news outlet RT. Flynn later said he used the trip to urge Putin to rein in his aggressive foreign policy.

Flynn was a Distinguished Military Graduate of the Reserve Officers Training Corps program at the University of Rhode Island and graduated with a Bachelor of Science degree in 1981. He has also earned a Master of Business Administration degree from Golden State University.

His career after joining the Army in 1981 included multiple tours at Fort Bragg, North Carolina, with the 82nd Airborne Division, XVIII Airborne Corps and the Joint Special Operations Command. He also served at the Army Intelligence Center at Fort Huachuca, Arizona.

In 2002, Flynn was director of intelligence for Joint Task Force 180 in Afghanistan. From 2004-2007, he was director of intelligence for Joint Special Operations Command in Iraq and Afghanistan.

In April 2012, Flynn was nominated by President Obama and later confirmed as head of the Defense intelligence Agency. He retired in 2014, reportedly over disputes over his management style and disagreements with superiors on the progress of the campaign against the Islamic State.

-- Richard Sisk can be reached at Richard.Sisk@Military.com.
Wartime has been the guest in my home (and likely yours) that has long overstayed its welcome. Yet, as a military couple, we chose a lifestyle of service to our country that includes adding a seat at the table and sometimes a guest room for this visitor. Plans are made around whether or not deployment is the in the future and uncertainty of world events impacts the training calendar.

If you are like me, you have gotten so accustomed to the guest that is war that it has become more like a member of the family -- adopted, even. Personally, once I accepted this addition to the family, my ability to support my husband got much easier. Like some second cousin twice removed, it seems to come and go and sometimes stay for way too long Many of us welcomed the military lifestyle with open arms. We were full of blissful visions of yellow ribbons and flags on our porch.

We did not anticipate wartime setting up camp at the foot of the bed.

For some of us, war still sneaks into the bedroom and whispers memories into your service members ear or fear into the heart of a spouse. Few talk about it, though. Looking down the block, they see everyone elses flag flying and assume their adoption of war was smooth and flawless. They dont see the truth behind the flag: war is always messy.

I love the name of this new feature, Love War. Figuring out how to love in the midst of war takes a level of intentionality that rivals that extended family member who takes over the whole house. We tend to present our best selves when guests first arrive. We utilize a level of self-control that we didnt even realize we had.

Unwelcomed guests like war get old really fast.

I believe a revolutionary idea: that it is completely possible to not only love, but to love better in the midst of war. Finding the courage and desire to intentionally be our best selves even when life gets more challenging is not easy.

Yet therein lies the secret to a better marriage: Great marriages are not void of difficulty. Character, both our own and for our marriage, is developed from digging deep, dealing with our stuff and choosing to be our best even when our spouse, or guest, seemingly deserves our worst.

The strong couples that I have talked to look back on their most difficult seasons and appreciate what it did to help them grow up.

I am inviting you to be more intentional in your marriage. Whatever impact wartime has had, or is having, on your marriage today, allow it to build the character in you to become better.

If you are in deployment, allow it to challenge your communication skills. If you are in reintegration, push it out of the bedroom by replacing it with shared memories and moments. If you are transitioning out of service, you may be wondering how to love each other if this guest is suddenly making you feel like empty nesters.

Whether wartime has just moved in or overstayed its welcome, love in the midst of it by intentionally loving better than you did before. Dig deep, pay attention to your own stuff, then be your best.

Keep Up with the Ins and Outs of Military Life

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With more than 7,000 U.S.-based nonprofits helping veterans and military families, how do you know which are respected and reputable?

If you're looking for a nonprofit to work for or donate your time or money to, consider the GreatNonProfits.org list of 31 Top-Rated Veterans Nonprofits. The list is based on user ratings, with the criterion of helping those in need.

Related: For the latest veteran jobs postings around the country, visit the Military.com Job Search section.

You might also find this list useful if you are a veteran looking for help as you transition to the civilian world. What follows is a rundown of top nonprofits that provide a broad spectrum of help, from providing counseling and scholarships, to free event tickets.

Ten of the Top-Rated Veteran Nonprofits

Here are ten of the top-rated nonprofits, going off of number of reviews and high ratings combined.

Veteran Tickets Foundation, Tempe, AZ (Rating: 4.89 stars, 2019 reviews) Supports military, veterans, and their families by providing free tickets to sporting events, concerts, and family activities (with a small delivery fee).

Operation Troop Appreciation, West Mifflin, PA (Rating: 4.98 stars, 241 reviews) Provides wish list items for deployed military units across the globe, with a special focus on those serving in Afghanistan, the Middle East, and Africa. The wish list items are intended to ease the burden of deployment, contribute to safety, and enable our troops to perform more effectively.

Reel American Heroes Foundation, Woodbridge, VA (Rating: 5 stars, 202 reviews) Works with military hospitals and military bases to provide recreational therapy for our nation's wounded Soldiers, Sailors, Airmen, Marines, disabled veterans, and combat veterans by getting them out on the water to fish and duck hunt.

Freedom Alliance, Dulles, VA (Rating: 4.95 stars, 184 reviews) Aims to advance the American heritage of freedom by honoring and encouraging military service, defending the sovereignty of the United States, and promoting a strong national defense. They do this through such programs as scholarships for the children of veterans.

Operation Second Chance Inc, Germantown, MD (Rating: 4.92 stars, 110 reviews) Works to serve wounded, injured, and ill combat veterans by building relationships and identifying and supporting immediate needs and interests. They provide help through counseling, retreats, hospital visits, and more.

Starfish Foundation Inc, Milwaukee, WI (Rating: 4.95 stars, 97 reviews)

Raises funds for scholarships to assist individuals to attend programs for emotional healing, including providing programs for military veterans to heal the emotional wounds of war.

Genesis Joy House Homeless Shelter Inc., Warner Robins, GA (Rating: 4.84 stars, 77 reviews)

Facilitates social change and empowers veterans and community by providing enrichment programs and counseling services to improve quality of life.

Green Beret Foundation, San Antonio, TX (Rating: 5 stars, 70 reviews)

Provides help for wounded Green Berets and their families, and the families of those that gave their lives for our country.

Bikersinc, Indianapolis, IN (Rating: 5 stars, 51 reviews) Through their Bikers Helping Veterans program, helps bridge the gap between the Battlefield and the Home front by assisting returning Veterans.

Esposas Militares Hispanas USA Armed Forces, Schertz, TX (Rating: 5 stars, 51 reviews) Creates awareness and helps provide information to Hispanic Military spouses regarding benefits, scholarships, insurance, and more. They also offer translation services and other support, as well as scholarships.

More Top-Rated Veteran Nonprofits

Operation Supply Drop Inc., Austin, TX (Rating: 4.98 stars, 48 reviews

(Rating: 4.98 stars, 48 reviews MilitaryMamaNetwork NFP, Joliet, IL (Rating: 4.92 stars, 53 reviews)

(Rating: 4.92 stars, 53 reviews) Guardian Angels Medical Service Dogs Inc, Williston, FL (Rating: 4.87 stars, 52 reviews)

(Rating: 4.87 stars, 52 reviews) H.E.R.O.E.S. Care, Inc., Fenton, MO (Rating: 4.92 stars, 60 reviews)

(Rating: 4.92 stars, 60 reviews) Swords to Plowshares, San Francisco, CA (Rating: 4.85 stars, 52 reviews)

(Rating: 4.85 stars, 52 reviews) FOURBLOCK FOUNDATION INC, New York, NY (Rating: 4.96 stars, 28 reviews)

(Rating: 4.96 stars, 28 reviews) Healing4Heroes Inc, Peachtree City, GA (Rating: 4.95 stars, 20 reviews)

(Rating: 4.95 stars, 20 reviews) Working Dogs For Vets, Lawrenceburg, TN (Rating: 5 stars, 14 reviews)

(Rating: 5 stars, 14 reviews) Pets Enriching Troops Association, Wilmington, DE (Rating: 5 stars, 10 reviews)

(Rating: 5 stars, 10 reviews) Pets Enriching Troops Association, Wilmington, DE (Rating: 5 stars, 10 reviews)

(Rating: 5 stars, 10 reviews) Backpacks for Life Inc, Verona, NJ (Rating: 4.87 stars, 15 reviews)

(Rating: 4.87 stars, 15 reviews) Warrior Bonfire Program, Clinton, MS (Rating: 5 stars, 22 reviews)

(Rating: 5 stars, 22 reviews) US Naval Sea Cadet Corps, Arlington, VA (Rating: 4.97 stars, 39 reviews)

(Rating: 4.97 stars, 39 reviews) The Jonas Project, Long Beach, CA (Rating: 5 stars, 29 reviews)

(Rating: 5 stars, 29 reviews) ALLEN SOLDIER MEMORABILIA BOXES INC, Paso Robles, CA (Rating: 5 stars, 18 reviews)

(Rating: 5 stars, 18 reviews) Wounded Warrior Support Network, San Diego, CA (Rating: 5 stars, 12 reviews)

(Rating: 5 stars, 12 reviews) Central Florida Chapter Paralyzed Veterans of America, Sanford, FL (Rating: 5 stars, 11 reviews)

(Rating: 5 stars, 11 reviews) Operation Love Our Vets, Felton, CA (Rating: 4.94 stars, 17 reviews)

(Rating: 4.94 stars, 17 reviews) Alpha Omega Veterans Services, Inc., Memphis, TN (Rating: 4.88 stars, 25 reviews)

(Rating: 4.88 stars, 25 reviews) Just Our Soldiers Helpers Inc., Lake Mary FL (Rating: 4.98 stars, 43 reviews)

(Rating: 4.98 stars, 43 reviews) Warfighter Foundation, Houston, TX (Rating: 4.61 stars, 41 reviews)

(Rating: 4.61 stars, 41 reviews) Military Warriors Support Foundation, San Antonio, TX (Rating: 4.41 stars, 147 reviews)

(Rating: 4.41 stars, 147 reviews) TrainOurTroops, Austin, TX (Rating: 4.8 stars, 10 reviews)

(Rating: 4.8 stars, 10 reviews) Veteran's PATH, San Rafael, CA (Rating: 5 stars, 10 reviews)

(Rating: 5 stars, 10 reviews) Semper K9 Assistance Dogs, Woodbridge, VA (Rating: 4.73 stars, 15 reviews)

(Rating: 4.73 stars, 15 reviews) USA Cares Inc, Radcliff, KY (Rating: 4.1 stars, 51 reviews)

(Rating: 4.1 stars, 51 reviews) Florida Urban Agriculture Inc., Orlando, FL (Rating: 5 stars, 10 reviews)

For more information on each nonprofit, visit GreatNonProfits.org.

Related: Does your resume pass the 6-second test? Get a FREE assessment.

The Next Step: Find the Right Veteran Job

Whether you want to polish up your resume, find veteran job fairs in your area, or connect with employers looking to hire veterans, Military.com can help. Sign up for a free Military.com membership to have job postings, guides and advice, and more delivered directly to your inbox.
The Rangers have claimed righty Tyler Wagner off waivers from the Diamondbacks, per a club announcement. Texas outrighted righty Adrian Sampson and also added first bagger Ronald Guzman to its 40-man, leaving the clubs roster at 38 players.

The 25-year-old Wagner has worked at the major league level in each of the past two seasons, and has generally posted strong results in the minors as a starter. He only saw limited duty last year, though, presumably due to some injury (though thats not apparent from public reports). Wagner went to Arizona from the Brewers as part of the Jean Segura deal.

Sampson, 25, was claimed from the Mariners about two weeks back. Hes coming off of elbow surgery that figures to limit him in the early going in 2017. As for the 22-year-old Guzman, hell likely be ticketed for a lengthier stint at Triple-A after reaching that level late in 2016. He struggled there in just 25 games, but posted strong results (.288/.348/.477) over 416 plate appearances on the year at Double-A.
Baku, Azerbaijan, Nov. 18

By Elena Kosolapova  Trend:

Arman Ramazanov was appointed to the post of the vice-minister of defense and aerospace industry of Kazakhstan, the ministry reported.

Before being appointed to this post, Ramazanov served as Inspector of the presidential administration.

Three days ago one more vice -minister of Defense and Aerospace Industry was appointed in Kazakhstan.

Dmitry Goloburda who earlier served as Acting Chairman of the State Control Committee in the sphere of communications, information and media under Kazakh Ministry of Information and Communications took this post.

Defense and Aerospace industry Ministry was created in Kazakhstan in Oct. 2016 in line with presidential order.

Follow the author on Twitter:@E_Kosolapova
Electric car maker Tesla Motors won the backing of shareholders to acquire SolarCity Corp., the nation's largest solar panel installer.

Shareholders of both companies approved the merger by a wide margin Thursday.

Tesla CEO Elon Musk proposed the merger in June, saying he wanted to create a one-stop shop for solar panels and electric cars. Musk is also chairman of SolarCity, which is run by his cousins.

The all-stock deal was worth $2.6 billion when the companies approved it in August, but declining share prices will likely cut the value of the deal. The final terms will be determined by the value of Tesla shares on the day the merger goes into effect.
American Center for Mobility site at Willow Run

The American Center for Mobility plans to use the former Willow Run site as a research and design facility for automated vehicles, with plans to use parts of a reconfigured U.S. 12 that would equal a 2.5-mile loop for testing vehicles.

(Courtesy )

YPSILANTI TOWNSHIP, MI - A groundbreaking ceremony is scheduled on Monday, Nov. 21, to celebrate a former Willow Run factory site's rebirth as an automated and connected vehicle testing facility.

The American Center for Mobility (ACM) and industry leaders will tour the site, which once manufactured B-24 bombers and parts for General Motors Co., and hear from Gov. Rick Snyder and ACM Chief Executive Officer John Maddox.

Less than two weeks ago, the site previously owned by Revitalizing Auto Communities Environmental Response (RACER) Trust was purchased for $1.2 million by Willow Run Arsenal of Democracy Landholdings Limited Partnership, which will lease the property to the American Center for Mobility.

The property includes more than 300 acres in Ypsilanti Township to be revamped for the research and design of automated vehicles, with plans to use parts of a reconfigured U.S. 12 that would equal a 2.5-mile loop for testing vehicles.

Maddox called the purchase a "significant milestone" for The American Center for Mobility.

"We're very excited. It's been a lot of work to get to the closing at this point, so we're extremely happy that we are there," Maddox said.

The organization is in the detailed design phase of the project, which Maddox said will be built in three phases over a 3- to 4-year period.

"What I tell people, when they try to visualize it, think of a stretch of a highway that looks like I-94. Urban area that looks like Washington, D.C., or Manhattan, or little pieces of Ann Arbor, with commercial areas like Washtenaw Avenue, retail and parking structures," Maddox said.

"The main intent of the facility is that it will look like the real world to the vehicles we are testing there."

According to its website, ACM is a joint initiative with the State of Michigan involving partnerships with the Michigan Department of Transportation, the Michigan Economic Development Corp., the University of Michigan, Business Leaders for Michigan and Ann Arbor SPARK.

ACM officials and its design team, Detroit-based Mannik Smith Group, are working closely with MDOT to coordinate design and construction work near westbound Michigan Avenue and Wiard Road, Maddox said.

Construction should start in spring 2017, he added, with the first phase of ACM open for testing in December 2017.

Maddox has already heard from a variety of automotive companies that ACM "cannot build the route fast enough."

"They would love to come in December of this year," Maddox said. "We see a lot of support from the auto companies. Not just the OEMS (original equipment manufacturers,) but suppliers, who also have a need for such a facility."

It has been an incredible partnership with the state and other state agencies, Maddox said, and connecting with Ypsilanti Township officials.

"We have strong support from the governor on down, because basically we all understand very fully the importance of automotive technologies in southeast Michigan," Maddox said. "I couldn't ask for a better partnership than what we have with the state agencies. We're very excited."
Michigan can look for two more years of job growth - extending its economic recovery to nine years - according to a new statewide economic forecast released Nov. 18.

The annual forecast, produced since 1973, was presented this morning during the University of Michigan's 64th annual economic conference.

"The growth we foresee moving forward translates into gains of 41,600 jobs during 2017 and 50,000 in 2018. Those are smaller job additions than we have seen in recent years consistent, with a tightening labor market," according to the U-M researchers.

That growth would take Michigan to the job levels of 2003, according to researchers. It also would mean the state will replace 7 of 10 jobs lost from 2000-2009 by the end of 2018.

The forecast for job growth continues with the expected slowdown in U.S. auto production, which hit record but unsustainable levels in 2016.

"The continuing, but slowing, recovery in Michigan is consistent with moderate expansion of the U.S. economy and sustained but static Detroit Three vehicle sales," according to the report.

Most job gains will come from four sectors: construction; professional and business services; leisure and hospitality; and trade-transportation-utilities.

Construction job growth comes from the residential building recovery, the report states.

Professional and business services will add 32,700 positions in the category that includes a variety of jobs, including technical and scientific services, management and administrative support, including temporary jobs.

More that half of the jobs can be attributed to the auto industry's knowledge base in Michigan: "Growth in the sector is supported by a continuing favorable commercial environment locally and growth in engineering and other areas of the white-collar auto industry," according to the report.

However, uncertainty created by the presidential election could affect the forecast, its authors said.

"It bears repeating that there is an additional layer of uncertainty attached

to this forecast because of the current lack of clarity on the direction of federal government policy and its impact on the Michigan economy, based on the recent election results," according to the report.

The biggest concern: International trade.

"It is imperative to be clear that a full-blown trade war would be a disaster for the Michigan economy," according to the report, which cited Peterson Institute for International Economics estimates that a trade war would cost Michigan between 4.5-5.0 percent of its private-sector jobs.

"Fortunately, we expect much of the campaign rhetoric regarding trade to be overblown, with the most likely path ahead involving few if any new trade agreements and mainly symbolic actions, such as naming China a currency manipulator," according to the report. "Michigan's economy can continue to prosper in such a scenario."

Factoring into Michigan's economic forecast were some national indicators. Among them:
WYOMING - The annual Wyoming Gives Back celebration and toy drive is set for Dec. 1 at the Rogers Plaza Mall.

The event, in its sixth year, asks residents to donate a new, unwrapped toy for children in need. Those who donate a toy are entered into a raffle featuring prizes from local businesses.

Sponsored by the Downtown Development Authority, the event also includes holiday music from school choirs and bands, hot chocolate and cookies.

Santa Claus will pay a visit to the event, and the Wyoming Public Safety Department police officers and firefighters also will stop by.

The activities take place from 6--8 p.m. at Rogers Plaza Mall on 28th Street.
GRAND RAPIDS, MI -- Imagine 1,600 wines, spirits, craft beers, ciders, meads and more!

That's what you will discover at this weekend's Grand Rapids International Wine, Beer & Food Festival 2016, which kicked off last night and continues today and tomorrow (Nov. 18-19, 2016) at DeVos Place in Grand Rapids.

Amy Sherman and I stopped for a special media preview on Wednesday, where we were welcomed by Henri Boucher of ShowSpan (the show's producer) with a welcome toast featuring GR Sparkling Wine from L. Mawby Vineyards.

It was great to get a sample of the wines, craft beers and food featured this weekend.

Then on Thursday we returned to check out the Elite Wine area with Joe Borello of Tasters Guild. The Elite Collection gives you a great opportunity to sample some of the world's best for a decent price. These wines sell for more than $200 a bottle and you can sample many of them for as little as $5.

Later in the evening we attended a cider and food pairing offered by Vander Mill Cider (video below) in Grand Rapids and Spring Lake and a spirits tasting with Copper Craft Distillery in Holland. (Video GR Press Facebook page.)

If you're looking for something to do with a group of friends or couples, this is a great event for those looking for more than just another beer or wine festival.

Hours this weekend: 4- p.m. today (Nov. 18) and noon-10 p.m. Saturday (Nov. 19).

Ticket information at grwinefestival.com.

RELATED: How to sample beer, wine and food pairings with 18,000 of your closest friends
Tashkent, Uzbekistan, Nov. 18

By Demir Azizov  Trend:

An Uzbek delegation participated in a session of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) Council of Foreign Ministers in Mecca, Uzbekistans Foreign Ministry said Nov. 18.

The meeting was held under the Uzbek chairmanship Nov. 17.

The session appointed Yusuf bin Ahmed Al-Othaimeen as the new OIC secretary general.

Al-Othaimeen has previously served as OIC director general of cabinet and senior advisor to the OIC secretary general.

The Organization of Islamic Cooperation, or OIC, was established in September 1969 to ensure Islamic solidarity in social, economic and political spheres. The organization has 57 member-states.

Uzbekistan became an OIC member in 1996.
Baku, Azerbaijan, Nov. 18

By Mehdi Sepahvand, Khalid Kazimov  Trend:

The US House of Representatives recent vote baring the sale of commercial Boeing and Airbus planes to Iran once again proves that the Islamic Republic cannot trust the US, an Iranian political expert believes.

Kamal Sajjadi, a spokesman for the Front of Followers of the Line of the Imam and the Leader, has told Trend that the move demonstrates the US will to continue its hostility towards Iran.

The House of Representatives on Tuesday voted 419 to one for a 10-year reauthorization of the Iran Sanctions Act, or ISA, a law first adopted in 1996 to punish investments in Iran's energy industry and deter Iran's pursuit of nuclear weapons.

Sajjadi also touched upon the impact of the outcome of the US presidential election on ties with Iran, forecasting that the relations between the two countries are unlikely to experience a major change during Donald Trumps term in office.
Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov and US State Secretary John Kerry discussed in a phone call on Friday the Syrian crisis with the focus on the situation around the embattled city of Aleppo, the Russian Foreign Ministry said, Sputnik International reported.

"Following recent talks on the sidelines of the APEC summit in Lima, Lavrov and Kerry continued discussion of the Syrian peace process with the focus on the situation around eastern Aleppo," the ministry said in a statement.

Over recent months, Aleppo has been a major battleground in Syria, engaging government forces, jihadists, and numerous opposition groups. Militant-held eastern Aleppo is encircled by government forces and the fighting has affected thousands of civilians still trapped in the cit
[November 17, 2016] Kid Up and Go Launches Time-Saving Website for D.C. Metro Area Parents

WASHINGTON, Nov. 17, 2016 /PRNewswire/ -- Kid Up and Go, a mobile-friendly, patent-pending website, launched earlier this year in the D.C. metro area with the mission of becoming the preeminent resource for parents and child care providers. Kid Up and Go founder Jennifer Spatz-Martin plans on expanding to other cities in 2017. Spatz-Martin applies her experience as Ein's COO for almost eight years and her executive position with a medical device startup for over four years to develop the new company. A user can search for kid or family-friendly events and activities, pediatric medical professionals, community resources, and read posts that cover a variety of topics including reviews of places, products and things to do. Using the site is completely free and offers tailored "things to do" updates by setting up a profile and a "my favorites" option. Area businesses can submit an event for free to the site and users have the ability to rate and provide feedback on their experiences. "There are a bunch of amazing bloggers and websites for events and activities in the D.C. metro area, which are included under the resources setion, but none of them collected and organized all of my parenting needs in one place," said Spatz-Martin. "Being a D.C.-area resident for the past 14 years while raising three kids has provided valuable insight on what needed to be included in the initial launch so that parents and child care providers truly have a one-stop resource."



Local firms Look Think and Power Storm Tech collaborated with Spatz-Martin to design and build the website. Plans for Phase 2 include additional user features as well as expansion into other cities. "My awareness of area happenings for my family has always been by random social media posts or word of mouth. Now, with Kid Up and Go, I have this user-friendly and comprehensive resource to know exactly what's going on around the District. It has made the whole process of planning quick and easy," shared Katie Heaton, mom of two.

Follow Along

Facebook.com/KidUpandGo

Twitter.com/KidUpandGo

Instagram.com/KidUpandGo

#kidupandgo About Kid Up and Go Launched in 2016, Kid Up and Go's mission is to be the preeminent resource for parents and child care providers. The site covers kid and family-friendly things to do; helps parents and child care providers easily find a pediatric medical professional; connects people with community resources; and provides insight on products, places to go and parenting topics. www.kidupandgo.com MEDIA CONTACT:

Jennifer Spatz-Martin

Kid Up and Go

202-670-9779

[email protected] To view the original version on PR Newswire, visit:http://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/kid-up-and-go-launches-time-saving-website-for-dc-metro-area-parents-300365514.html SOURCE Kid Up and Go

[ Back To TMCnet.com's Homepage ]
The meeting with Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov was constructive and, among other things, focused on settlement in Syria and Ukraine, US Secretary of State John Kerry said Friday, TASS reported.

The talks were held on the sidelines of the APEC summit in Peru.



"We have had a constructive important conversation about a number of topics - from Yemen to Libya, obviously Syria, as well as Ukraine. And bilateral concerns, he said.



"We have talked about every aspect of Aleppo," Kerry added.



The US Department of State recently once again accused the Russian military of air strikes against civilian facilities in Aleppo. Russia replied by saying that its military had no missions in this province, a statement later reiterated by Lavrov.
Russia's task is to neutralize any threats to the national security, including information warfare, Sputnik quoted Russias President Vladimir Putin as saying.

Our task is to effectively neutralize any military threats to Russia's security, including those connected with creation of strategic missile defense, implementation of the global strike concept, the waging of information wars," Putin said during a series of meetings with defense industry officials.

Russia fulfils all its international obligations when designing and creating advanced weapons systems, according to Putin.

The Russian leader pointed out that some countries did not meet their obligations, for example, in the sector of missile defense, in order to gain unilateral advantage.

In this relation, I shall note that we will continue doing everything in our power to ensure the strategic balance of forces. We consider the attempts to change it or break it extremely dangerous, the president noted.
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Burberry AW14 Menswear Show - Arrivals (Photo : Getty Images)

Besides Descendants of the Sun actor Song Joong-ki who showed up at Song Hye Kyos fan meet in Seoul on Nov. 13, actor Yoo Ah In was also her special guest. The three Hallyu stars are known for their closeness which explains why they showed up at the event despite lack of confirmation.



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The two actors even played the Rock-Paper-Scissors Game to decide who would sit beside the actress. Initially Song Joong-ki lost, but because he asked for a second round, which he won, the 31-year-old actor got to sit beside his co-star, while Yoo Ah In sat beside the MC, Park Kyung Lim, according to the actors blog.



Like Song Joong-kis previous fan meet in China when he referred to Song Hye Kyo as an elder sister, Yoo Ah In also called her a noona. He recalled that since Yoo Ah In first met Song Hye Kyo, he was so impressed with her that he wanted to always hang out at her house because he found her to be very cool and straightforward.



Yoo Ah In admitted to the MC that he watched Descendants of the Sun only once when his cameo appearance was shown. In that scene, he played a bank clerk who made like difficult for the character played by Song Hye Kyo who applied for a loan.



He pointed out that over the last 20 years, Song Hye Kyo has played cool women characters, although she is cooler than any of the characters she portrayed.



Yoo Ah In, Kang Dong Wan and Sulli were supposed to star in a new movie, Burning, but according to AllKpop, the project has been cancelled. The film was supposed to be directed by Lee Chang Dong after staying away from directing for seven years, but he had done it before in 2013 in another movie involving Sol Kyung Gu, Won Bin and Zhang Ziyi.






DEA Urges Trump to Start with China, Not Mexico, in Drug War

Playing games with China (Photo : Getty Images)

Just months away from taking office, President-elect Donald Trump has been urged by the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) to start with China instead of Mexico in the governments drug war.



During his campaign, Trump promised to prevent drugs from coming into the United States by implementing a stricter immigration plan including a wall on the Mexican borders.



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Mexican drug cartels are the main supplier of illegal drugs in the United States; however, the DEA explained that to solve the problem on illegal drugs, Trump should focus first on the problems rootsChina.



China is reportedly the source of fentanyl, a synthetic opioid which is 50 times more potent than heroin. It is used by Mexican drug cartels in making metamphetamine.



The Mexican cartels are buying large quantities of fentanyl from China, said Barbara Carreno, a spokesperson of DEA.



Its much easier to produce than waiting around to grow poppies for heroin and its incredibly profitable, she further explained.



Some drug dealers in the U.S. also buy fentanyl directly from China. It costs around $1.5 million if sold wholesale.



Fentanyl also has legal uses. It is a Scheduled II controlled substance that is prescribed by doctors for cancer patients with tolerance to other narcotics.



Despite the strict regulations in the distribution of fentanyl, DEA issued a report that more than 700 deaths have been caused by fentanyl overdose from 2013 to 2014.



In his campaign, Trump also promised to reduce the number of prescriptive opioids like fentanyl. The problem on this substance is, though it is a controlled substance in the U.S., it is legally available in its country of origin, China.



This is why it is important for Trump to cooperate with the Chinese government in imposing stricter laws on fentanyl and similar substances.



Were continuing to work with the Chinese to see if they might control more of these substances, Carreno said. When they put controls on these substances it makes a huge difference.



Besides synthetic opioids like fentanyl, Chinese companies are also producing massive amounts of other precursor chemicals used to make methamphetamine.



According to a study by the U.S.-China Economic and Security Review Commission, Mexican drug cartels supply 90 percent of meth in the U.S and 80 percent of the precursor chemicals used in Mexican meth came from China.



As Trump assumes presidency next year, he needs to carefully study the relationship of Chinese pharmaceutical companies to Mexican drug cartels.



This could be a tough job because while the Mexican drug problem is widely known, it is more difficult to investigate Chinas black market.


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Trumps Name Used as a Brand for High-tech Toilets in China

A man wears a Trump mask made in a factory in Shenzhen. (Photo : Getty Images)

A company in China sells high-tech toilets called Trump, which according to its founder Zhong Jiye, is not intentional on their part.



In a telephone interview with The New York Times, Zhong said he registered the English name of his company, Shenzhen Trump Industrial Company Limited, as a trademark in 2002. He also denied knowing Donald J. Trump. He said the company name means "innovate universally" in Chinese, which sounds somewhat like "trump."



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"We really didn't know of this person called Trump," Zhong said. "It was entirely a coincidence."



In the U.S., Trump's name is associated with steaks, ties, water and other products, while in China it is stamped on cosmetics, computers and leather goods.



Data from China's trademark office showed that out of the 46 trademarks registered under Trump name, about 29 were owned by Trump. Itaotm, a Chinese commercial trademark website, said that in 2015 and 2016 alone, at least 14 companies not connected with Trump applied for the Trump trademark.



According to the report, this indicates the difficulties faced by big brands and celebrities in dealing with China's new trademark laws.



Under China's laws, the first to file with the government are awarded the trademark, which drives several people to register the names of popular brands in a practice called "trademark squatting."



Several Western companies, such as Starbucks and Apple, have long been embroiled in legal cases to be able to use their name in China.



A Chinese company won a case against Apple in May, for the right to use the iPhone trademark in its leather goods. Michael Jordan also lost his case. A Chinese court asked New Balance to pay $16 million in damages for illegal use of the Chinese name for the company.



"It's very difficult to prove bad faith," Matthew Dresden, a Seattle lawyer who specializes in Chinese intellectual property law, said. "It's very hard to prove that your name is well known at the time that the application is filed."



Trump also lost a case against a businessman from Liaoning Province, Dong Wei, who prevented him from using the Trump name for a construction company, according to the website of China's Supreme Court. But the decision was reversed after the country's trademark office granted on Sunday, Nov. 13, preliminary approval of Trump's trademark for use in construction services.



The report however said that Trump is not the first world leader whose name was dragged in a dispute in China.



In 2004, a Chinese businessman applied for the use of former President George W. Bush's name for a brand of disposable diapers but it was rejected by government officials "because it may bring about bad social impact if a leader's name is registered as a trademark," state media said.



Meanwhile, Zhong, the toilet maker Shenzhen Trump, said that he "will never" give up his trademark, even if Trump decides to take it to court.



"Litigating is his right," Zhong said. "But we will let the government make its judgment. We believe the country's laws will protect businesses like us."



Zhong said likes Trump's "courageous style and spirit of reform," as well as his "innovative ideas."


November 18, 2016 Open Thread (NOT U.S. Election) 2016-39 News & views not U.S. election related ... Posted by b on November 18, 2016 at 18:44 UTC | Permalink Comments next page  next page 
South County residents at the Nov. 16 city council meeting displayed protest signs and delivered impassioned comments about their opposition to the California High Speed Rail Authoritys plans to bring a 200-mph-plus train through Morgan Hill.

The council and city staff wanted to gain additional input from the public to help in drafting a scoping letter to the HSRA in hopes of influencing the high-speed trains ultimate alignment.

Tonight we talk about the questions we want to put together in a letter to the High Speed Rail Authority, (so that) regardless of what alignment (HSRA) chooses, it addresses all the issues and concerns we have in this community, Morgan Hill Economic Development Manager Edith Ramirez said.

These issues include potential impacts related to noise, safety, aesthetics and the effect on parks and recreation facilities, Ramirez added.

Those in attendance added their property values and equitable compensation for their properties, if they are in the path of the final HSR alignment, count among the concerns as well.

Some of us are being asked to be devastated financially, said Hesham Eassa, whose voice grew louder and hand gestures became more animated as he used his three-minute speaking allotment during the public hearing. It is grossly unfair and it needs to be stopped.

The imposing proximity of the HSRwith its potential noise, visual and construction impactsto residents homes or neighborhoods could result in a long-term deflation of those property values, Eassa and others worry.

Some whose homes are in the right-of-way of an alignment, and are likely to be taken by the HSRA, were skeptical that they will receive fair compensation.

The council already had a long list of questions about the local impact before the meeting, which they plan to deliver to the HSRA and pursue answers before the authority decides on a preferred alignment through Morgan Hill in the spring of 2017. They gained more questions to add to the list from those who spoke at the Nov. 16 meeting, and others who submitted questions and comments on the citys website.

Four alignment options

The HSR will carry passengers between San Francisco and San Diego in less than three hours. Stations nearest to Morgan Hill are proposed in Gilroy and San Jose. HSR officials are currently considering four possible train alignments through Morgan Hill. These are:

 At grade, on a berm, along Monterey Road or adjacent (on the east side) of the Union Pacific Railroad tracks;

 Elevated, in a viaduct, along Monterey Road or adjacent (on the east side) of the UPRR;

 Elevated in a viaduct along the west side of U.S. 101;

 Elevated in a viaduct along the east side of U.S. 101.

The viaducts in the elevated options would rise 30 to 60 feet above the ground.

The nearest planned HSR stations are proposed in Gilroy and San Jose.

The city has no authority to tell the HSRA where to align the train, but Ramirez noted, It is our intent to influence the project by asking these questions.

The HSRA is building the rail system in sections, with Morgan Hill included in the San Jose to Merced section, which planners say will be operational by 2025. Crews have already begun construction on the HSR segment between Fresno and Bakersfield.

In response to comments from the audience Nov. 16, councilmembers hoped the HSRA would determine its plans for the rail stretch from Gilroy to Merced, which will require passage over or through Pacheco Pass on Highway 152.

If you dont even know how to get (over) Pacheco Pass, how do you know what youre going to do here? Mayor Steve Tate wondered. We want to make sure were not doing things that are going to be a rail to nowhere.

Councilman Larry Carr, who lives in downtown Morgan Hill directly in the path of at least one of the HSRAs alignment alternatives, said the city should demand the authority study all four options when they start their environmental review next year.

We do not want any of the options narrowed down, Carr said. We want all of them to be thoroughly reviewed and investigated.

He added he wanted to hear more about the possibility of a tunnel or trench option through Morgan Hill, echoing another idea expressed by members of the public.

Impassioned opposition

Some members of the Nov. 16 audience displayed signs that read NO HSR, and many applauded after hearing a comment they agreed with. Tate asked the crowd multiple times to hold their applause.

San Martin resident Connie Ludewig pleaded with the council to include San Martin as being an advocate against HSR. She said the train would physically divide the rural unincorporated community.

Another pervading concern among residents is the cost. The HSRA has estimated the total price for the entire train system is about $65 billion, to be financed from 2008 Proposition 1A bond funds as well as federal, state, local and private funds. The HSRA has not secured all these funds, and many critics think the authoritys estimate is unrealistically low.

A concern north of town is the HSRs impact on the Charter School of Morgan Hill, located near Monterey Road and Bailey Avenue. Brian Sullivan, chair of the board of CSMH, told the council Nov. 16 that three of the four alignment alternatives would displace the school.

Carr responded, We are going to have to be advocates for our schools, and that absolutely includes the Charter School.

Staff and the council urged residents to visit the citys website to continue to provide input on the HSR project. Visit morganhill.ca.gov and search for High Speed Rail to reach the section devoted to the project. The councils draft list of questions to send to the HSRA is also found on this website.
Stolen vehicle

A thief or thieves stole a black 1994 Honda Accord from the 100 block of Mathilda Court. The theft was reported 7:26am April 25.

A gray and black Honda Accord, previously reported stolen, was recovered on John Telfer Drive. The vehicle was recovered at 6:22pm April 26.

Someone stole a gray 2013 Honda Civic from the 200 block of Berry Court. The vehicle was reported stolen 11:43am April 27.

Petty theft

A man in his 30s stole a Golden State Warriors jersey, shirt and sweatshirt from Big 5 Sporting Goods, 150 Cochrane Plaza. The theft was reported 3:47pm April 26.

Suspicious person

A man and woman were seen on remote video surveillance breaking into the fenced-in collection/donation area at Goodwill, 17630 Monterey Road. Police responded and warned the couple not to trespass on the property again. The incident was reported 2:40am April 27.

Burglary

A thief or thieves broke into a construction site on the 16700 block of Monterey Road and stole numerous tools, including a compressor, chop saw and various other tools. The burglary was reported 7:59am April 27.

Someone stole a childs bicycle from a garage of a home on Brega Lane. The bike is described as a green and black eight-speed Specialized mountain bike. The theft was reported 6:54pm May 7.

The owner of Eriks Deli, 309 Vineyard Town Center, reported that the restaurants bread delivery person notified her that the business had been burglarized before he dropped off the days bread May 8. The cash register drawers were stolen, and the safe had been broken into. The burglary was reported 7:14am May 8.

Disturbance

A student suffered a head injury during a fight with a classmate at Live Oak High School, 1505 E. Main Ave. One of the students was arrested and transported to Santa Clara County Juvenile Hall, where his parents picked him up. The student was cited on suspicion of battery. The fight was reported 10:40am April 27.

Municipal code violation

A maroon SUV was parked on the 16100 block of Keith Way for two days before a resident called police to report someone appeared to be living in the vehicle. Surrounding the parked SUV were empty beer bottles and cans strewn about. The vehicle was reported 11:26am April 27.

A motorhome was parked on Foothill Court for 10 days while the occupants were living inside. Police marked the vehicle for a municipal code violation and abatement. The violation was reported 5:27pm May 7.

Hit and run

A white Toyota Corolla backed into the garbage container at Rosys At The Beach, 17320 Monterey Road, damaging the gates in the process. The vehicle fled the scene. The incident was reported 2:20pm May 9.

All subjects are innocent until proven guilty. Information is compiled from public records.
A recent school-wide project at the Charter School of Morgan Hill demonstrated the ingenuity, tenacity and creativity of its students as each grade level amassed as many cans as possible, designed a thematic sculpture out of them and then donated the cans to needy families.

From kindergartners to eighth graders, CSMH students collected more than 1,500 cans for their projects, which were then put on display at the school last week. The cans were delivered to the outreach emergency distribution center at St. Catherine s Parish in Morgan Hill.

It took a lot of math skills, a lot of engineering skills and then just bringing in all those cans and stocking them in the right place to make their sculptures, said Diana Gill, CSMH s outreach coordinator.

Students built the sculptures in one day after carefully planning out their designs. They had to formulate just how many cans it would take to complete the structure, what size it should be and the colors necessary for it. This was the first year of the schoolwide project, Gill said.

Kindergartners built a Reduce the Use recycle sign with their cans, while first graders constructed a peace sign. Second graders designed a bee hive pollinator to go along with what they had been learning; third graders built an American flag; fourth graders formulated a regional map of California; fifth graders made their own American flag; sixth graders went with a grateful tree; and seventh and eighth graders joined forces to make a Ueuntu, a philosophy meaning work together, help each other and rely on one another.
MH is grateful for veterans

Thank You, Thank You, Thank You!

I would like to thank our community, our young families, Eddie Bowers, and our veterans for the gift of our annual Veterans Day and Memorial Day Ceremonies.

Our community, with the support of our local police, gathers in the median of Monterey Road at First Street to honor our local military and to express our thanks for their service and sacrifice. Young families bring children to experience what Veterans Day and Memorial Day representnot just a sale at the mall, but a tribute to the members of our Armed Forces.

Boy Scouts, Cub Scouts, and Girl Scouts proudly wear their uniforms to show their respect and patriotism.

Eddie Bowers, whose idea it was to build and retain our Veterans Wall at the intersection of First and Monterey, deservedly was recognized as the Veteran of the Year by the California State Assembly. He graciously shared his recognition with the veterans of our audience who were greeted with applause and cheers.

We live in an amazing community. Morgan Hill represents a community standing together in its grateful thanks to our veterans. We are passing our traditions into the future through our children. These children are learning to honor those who serve and to love this great country of ours.

Karen Ann Crane

Morgan Hill

Columnist should offer more dialogue

In response to John McKays opinion regarding social media dialogue in the Nov. 11 Times, I agree more of an effort is needed to bring civility to discussions. But Mr. McKay is hardly the spokesperson for honest and civil digital dialogues.

Mr. McKay contributed to the divisiveness in Measure S conversations and perpetuated dissent by suggesting residents with differing opinions werent talking to the experts or reading the facts, and were therefore misinformed. I felt insulted that my attempts to understand the facts werent good enough, my conclusions were wrong, and my ability to make up my own mind was impaired.

Mr. McKays participation in social media discussions, in my experience, serves his purpose of expressing his opinion and providing information he feels is beneficial to the community. I respect his right to do that, and I have gained insight from him that I probably wouldnt by dismissing his views as contrary and one-sided. However, I did not see similar consideration in return.

As Mr. McKay speaks of cyber bullying, he forgets his own criticism targeted toward those attempting to share differing opinions. Just prior to the election, Mr. McKay attacked Councilmember-elect Rene Spring on the Jackson Oaks Nextdoor site, stating Mr. Spring, who helped develop Measure S, did not show any concern that the wording had been changed regarding open space protection and support for him will suffer by definition. He also called into question Mr. Springs Planning Commission vote on Oak Meadow (in west Morgan Hill) that contributed to the loss of 80 acres of open space protectiona protection that Mr. McKay also voted against. Mr. Spring did not have the access to the Jackson Oaks site and had no opportunity to defend himself.

As for Mr. McKays suggestion that he is a target of planning commission protests, Id like to know who those groups are so I can distance myself from them. To date, I have not read one word on social media indicating any planned protests. If these threats are being sent to Mr. McKay personally, he is doing a disservice to his point by including them to support his view of a social media problem.

Yes, there can be problem with social media as the language and intent can be misinterpreted. Mr. McKay sees this contributing to an unpleasant shift in the spirit and culture within the digital realm of Morgan Hill.

One way to adjust that shift is by reaching out personally. Id like to remind Commissioner McKay that what also comes with the territory of being a city official is availability to the community. He has never once responded to my emails to the commission, nor has he offered to speak with me in person, which is something other members of the commission and city council have done to clarify their messages.

To me, that makes him an addition to the problem more than the solution he seeks.

Chris Monack

Morgan Hill
The smoke from the South Mountains fire that settled over Burke County and surrounding areas Sunday should serve as a stark reminder of the dangers of outdoor burning at this time.

Last week, an outdoor burning ban was issued for western North Carolina as the drought has led to wildfires spreading across the area, but some residents are not heeding the warnings or are being careless. On Friday, a fire was reported in the Brendletown community that was caused when the homeowner emptied ashes outside that he thought had completely cooled. This oversight led a fire to erupt and two fire departments and the North Carolina Forest Service having to respond.

On Monday, another fire was reported south of Valdese in which 2 acres of land burned. In this fire, eight fire departments responded to contain the fire before it got out of control. The cause of the fire is undetermined.

Currently, there are hundreds of Forest Service firefighters assigned to assist with the South Mountains fire, along with the wildfires at Lake Lure/Chimney Rock, Dysartsville and other areas. As resources grow thin, it's important for residents to do their part by obeying the burning ban and being more mindful of their actions when cooking outdoors or emptying ashes from fire places.

It's the time of year when many want to burn fallen leaves but this is prohibited at this time. Even burning items inside containers, including fire pits, is banned as it only takes a single ember to spark into the air and cause a fire that easily can get out of hand due to dry conditions.

Crews also have been called in from Tennessee and Florida to help combat the wildfire at South Mountains, and Ludie Bond, public information officer with the Florida Forest Service, said Saturday it will take a lot of ground and air resources because of the mountainous terrain. Burnout operations are being conducted to try and consume the fuel ahead of the fire to prevent what officials said could be problem areas in coming days.

Scanner traffic at The News Herald on Monday indicated small brush and leaf fires all across the county that took additional resources from emergency crews to extinguish. In most of these instances, the homeowners have said they were unaware a burning ban was in effect. However, considering the length of time the area has gone without rain and the overwhelming smell of smoke lingering in the air, common sense should be applied. The N.C. Forest Service is issuing citations to people who violate the burn ban despite ignorance of the ban, as they should. Burning under conditions like this not only threatens a homeowners' property, it also threatens that of their neighbors, as well as the lives of those called in to battle the blazes. Ignorance of the ban isn't an excuse.

We ask that every resident adhere to the ban and spread the word to neighbors and friends who may not have access to the internet or many news reports that have been published. It's inherent on us all to do our part by not stressing the resources of fire personnel anymore than they already have been.

So when you smell smoke, which we are encountering in the air now, heed that there is most certainly a fire nearby. That, in itself, should serve as its own warning that now is not a good time to burn or be careless.
Minister Liu attended the climate conference in Marrakech, Morocco, where the implementation of the Paris Climate Agreement to address global warming has been discussed. (Photo : Getty Images)

Chinas Vice Foreign Minister Liu Zhenmin tells President-elect Donald Trump that China didnt concoct the global warming hoax. This is in relation to Trumps tweet on 2012 that global warming was a concept invented by China to make U.S. businesses less competitive.



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Minister Liu told reporters that Trump cant blame China because his republican predecessors, Ronald Reagan and George Bush started climate change negotiations in the 1980syears before China participated in any talks about climate change and the effects of global warming.



The negotiations Minister Liu was referring to was the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) which was formed by the United Nations in the 1980s. It was supported by both Reagan and Bush.



Minister Liu seems to ask Trump: if previous US presidents in your own party recognized climate change years ago, why are you blaming China?



Along with officials from almost 200 countries, Minister Liu attended the climate conference in Marrakech, Morocco, where the implementation of the Paris Climate Agreement has been discussed.



Liu said the participation of the United States in the Paris Climate agreement is very important. Next to China, the U.S. is the second largest emitter of greenhouse gasses which cause global warming.



"As the largest developed economy in the world, U.S. support is essential, Liu said. We have to expect they will take a smart and wise decision.



At the conference, U.S. Secretary of State John Kerry tried to pacify anxieties regarding the U.S. commitments to the Paris Climate Agreement.



"While I can't stand here and speculate about what policies our president-elect will pursue, I will tell you this: in the time that I have spent in public life, one of the things I've learned is that some issues look a little bit different when you're actually in office compared to when you're on the campaign trail," Kerry said.



During the campaign, Trump said he would pull the U.S. out of the Paris Climate Agreement. His stances have alarmed several scientists in the country and across the globe.



As for the part of China, Minister Liu said it will keep adhering to the agreement to cut greenhouse gas emissions and urged Trump to reconsider his stance and do the same for the U.S.


Bobbi Kristina Brown and Nick Gordon arrive at Tri-Star Pictures' 'Sparkle' premiere at Grauman's Chinese Theatre on August 16, 2012 in Hollywood, California. (Photo : Getty Images/ Frazer Harrison)

Bobbi Kristina Brown's death will finally be given justice after a judge in Atlanta ordered Nick Gordon to pay $36,250,000 over the wrongful death lawsuit. Bobby Brown, Bobbi Kristina's father, became emotional at the Fulton County courtroom on Nov. 17, Thursday, as the judge announced the decision.



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Fulton County Superior Court Judge T. Jackson Bedford made it clear that Bobbi Kristina's boyfriend failed to show up in court and that the conservator of Bobbi's estate wins by default, according to WSBTV. Mr. Brown recalled that his daughter was the life of every party, and she is multi-talented like her mom, the late Whitney Houston.



When Mr. Brown was asked by the judge about when he began suspecting Gordon about Bobbi Kristina's death, he admitted that he knew it right from the start that Gordon is the one responsible. He knows that her daughter was afraid of bath tubs, which added more to his doubt that Bobby Kristina's boyfriend has something to do with it.



The final breakdown of what the court ordered Gordon to pay Bobbi Kristina Brown's estate includes: $1,575,041 for conversion of Brown's funds, with the maximum charge of $250,000 for punitive damages; $1,370,877.52 for assault and battery medical damages; $13 million for pain and suffering, with an additional $4,200,000 because Gordon was found intoxicated both with alcohol and drugs; and $15,056,000 million for loss of life.



Earlier, the conservator sought $40 million in Bobbi Kristina's wrongful death lawsuit. However, the concern now is when and will the conservator will ever be getting what the judge ordered Gordon to pay.



"Nick isn't in a good place right now," a family member of Gordon told People. "He doesn't have any money. This is symbolic more than anything, because they're not going to get anything from him. You can't get blood from a stone."



Gordon's relative admitted that he may file for bankruptcy because he does not have any single money to pay over Bobbi Kristina's death case. Gordon is reportedly in a bad shape at the moment as he could not think clearly about his next steps.



Gordon is not yet criminally responsible in Bobbi Kristina's death. A copy of Mr. Gordon's lawyer statement was shared by Mr. Brown on his Instagram page regarding the judge's decision.



Thank you all for your support. NOW is the time for District Attorney Howard to act!! #JusticeforBobbiKristina

A photo posted by Love Me or Hate Me I AM BOBBY! (@kingbobbybrown) on Nov 17, 2016 at 5:20pm PST







Watch the final moment when the judge ordered Gordon to pay the $35 million:






While move to Canada inquiries from Americans have spiked to historic levels following Donald Trumps victory in the U.S. presidential elections, recent data seems to suggest that the Chinese have taken a more moderate attitude towards the president-elect.I wouldnt say the Trump win is as big a shock for the average Chinese property buyer as it might be for the typical Canadian, international real estate portal Juwai.com CEO Charles Pittar told The Globe and Mail.Pittar said that user traffic into Juwai.comwhich predominantly caters to Chinese consumersdid not exhibit any massive spikes before, during, or after the November 8 polls.Weve looked into this and most Chinese think of Trump as just another president, the executive added, citing Juwai.coms survey of over 500 Chinese international property buyers prior to the U.S. elections.However, all it would take is the imposition of disruptive policies such as added tariffs to motivate the Chinese to consider redirecting their money to Canada, Pittar warned.The strong flow of Chinese wealth into Occidental markets has gradually increased the mainlands hold on properties in North America.While Canadian investors have entered into U.S. commercial real estate deals worth US$92 billion since 2007, analysts said that enterprising Chinese are rapidly catching up.According to data from Real Capital Analytics, Chinese are gradually eating into Canadian investors formerly dominating lead, with the Beijing-based Anbang Insurance Group Co. recently entering into $6.5-billion deal for Strategic Hotels & Resorts Inc. from the Blackstone Group.Related Stories:
In this handout provided by the National Aeronautics and Space Administration, Earth as seen from a distance of one million miles by a NASA scientific camera aboard the Deep Space Climate Observatory spacecraft on July 6, 2015. (Photo : Getty Images/Handout)

Physicist Stephen Hawking is predicting that with its current sorry condition - the impact of climate change and the likelihood of a nuclear showdown between the superpowers - Planet Earth is on definite course to destruction. In a thousand years, it will be apocalypse but the prominent scientist is contradicted by a blind prophet known as Baba Vanga.



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The Bulgarian seer is long dead but left behind astounding predictions, some of which have already materialize, that many believe will come true. Baba Vanga had predicted of the first black American president in Barack Obama, the rise of the ISIS terror group and the emergence of China as a power to rival the United States.



But one vision that man wish would not happen is Baba Vanga's prophecy that Earth is destined to meet its end and so is mankind. It's a bit comforting though that for Baba Vanga the end is not happening until after 1781 years from now. Prior to death, she predicted that "Earth will cease to exist," according to Business Insider.



There is a way out, however. Man will be so advanced by 3797 that he will find an Earth-like planet in a distant star for possible migration, Baba Vanga said.



Scientist Hawking shares the same belief - that with rising threats such as "nuclear war, catastrophic global warming and genetically engineered viruses," the planet we live in will be no more but in Hawking's mind the end is happening much sooner. The theoretical physicist, according to The NY Post, said doomsday will be approximately 1000 years from now.



And like Baba Vanga, Hawking is very much optimistic that man will survive Earth's catastrophic end. If the climate change will not be reversed, if the nuclear showdown between America and Russia (and possibly China) cannot be prevented and if the feared virus outbreak is not arrested then man has to look to the stars for salvation.



The only way out is for mankind to search for a new planet to colonize when the time comes that Earth needs to be abandoned. How exactly this will be achieved, Hawking did not offer any proposals but as noted by the same report NASA is already exploring the possibility of migrating humans to another planet.



But if Baba Vanga is to be asked, man leaving Earth for another planet will not be made possible without the help of aliens. The so-called modern Nostradamus was convinced that man is not alone and will soon get in touch with aliens and the latter will teach mankind to set up alternative civilization like living under water, Business Insider said.


A first of its kind, Kares.ca aims to encourage the entire industry to help at-risk youths aged 16-24.Its sort of the forgotten age group. There is a lot of support around the kids and the adults, but that mid-group really seems to be the forgotten ones, Meryll Dreyer, COO of VERICO Dreyer Group and co-founder of Kares.ca, told MortgageBrokerNews.ca. Its our belief that thats the most impactful time  that you can really reach into someones life and make a difference and create an opportunity for them that they may never have had before.K.a.r.e.s.  Kids at Risk Embracing Success  is all about improving the lives of marginalized youth.According to the foundation, 1/3 of all Canadian homeless are between the ages of 16 and 24 and 70% of those have been physically, sexually, and/or emotionally abused.It was soft launched Thursday and will be officially unveiled at the upcoming MPC conference in Vancouver, later this month.The program has partnered with a number of different programs , and allows donors to choose where their money is allocated.This is really focusing on youth-specific programs primarily for kids that have been marginalized, whether its financially, domestically, mentally, Dreyer said.One of those programs is called Trades Start, which is based in Wiarton, Ontario. It offers a 20 week course that teaches hospitality and carpentry to young Canadians that have fallen through the cracks.That program (costs) $25,000 a year for them to run it. It teaches hospitality skills, carpentry, and other trade skills. Thats pretty inexpensive to run that kind of a program. And then theres another one called the entrepreneurship program, that costs $10,000 a year to run, Dreyer said. What were looking for is when we start to direct these funds and were noticing that we are making a substantial impact, were actually going to be working with Salvation Army in particular to take this Trade Start Program and look at duplicating it across the country.Kares.ca will also eventually offer a mentorship program Its the first national program for the broker industry; one that encourages brokers, lenders and insurers to take part.I think the big thing here too, if you look at the size of our industry  even if 4,000 people give $10, thats $40,000 a month; we expect the average to be about $25  thats $100,000 per month, Dreyer said. Its incredible, really, when we all work together.The program was founded by Dreyer, Hali Standlund-Noble, and Bruce Coleman. It's already set up a committee that includes some familiar industry names:Michael Ellenzweig  Retired Executive Director, Mortgage Professionals Canada (Formerly CAAMP Mary Putnam  Vice President, Sales & Marketing, Canada Guaranty Mortgage Insurance Co.Ben Kawa  National Director, Sales & Strategic Relationships, First National FinancialTony Spagnuolo  President & CEO, Spagnuolo & Company LawyersLisa Shefsky  Accredited Mortgage Professional, InvisDustin Woodhouse  Accredited Mortgage Professional, Canadian Mortgage Experts DLC Yousry Bissada  President & CEO, Kanetix LtdCasey Archibald Director of National Sales, VERICO XEVA MortgagePaul Grewal  Vice Chair, Street Capital FinancialMegan McDonald  Vice President, Sales, MCAP , Social Media Director, Kares.caTiffany Pederson  Events & Communications Manager, Mortgage Brokers Association of British Columbia (MBABC) Western Event Director Kares.caDavis Goodman  MCAP Funding, Youth Ambassador Kares.caGail Beszedes  Director Mentor Relations, Kares.caEilisah Sarafis  Administrations Manager Kares.caTo learn more about the charity, click here To view the programs Kares.ca has partnered with, click her e.Related Stories:
Often taken for granted in pre-purchase considerations, the location of the bathroom has become a powerful attraction among buyers of high-end real estate in North America.New York-based Interiors expert Clodagh is one of the most active proponents of giving scenic views to bathrooms.[You] spend eight or 10 hours in there a week, and its one of the places where you can refresh, renew and get natural light. The skin is the largest organ on your body, and taking in natural light is very propitious for health and wellness, Clodagh told Bloomberg.Beyond the purported health benefits, however, such a bathroom is above all else a show of force of ones status, according to broker Julie PhamIts become iconic for the uber-wealthy, Pham said. A bathroom with a view catapults you to the super-luxury caliber, not just the everyday luxury class.And while creating an impactful design in this vein takes much more time than just shuffling in the bathrooms location as an afterthought, developer Kevin Maloneywho master-planned a new tower in Sohos 10 Sullivanattested that the results are well worth it.In all the full-floor units of the building, it looks north, so that when youre soaking in the tub, theres the Empire State Building, Maloney said. A buyer walks in, and every time they see that, theyll say, Wow.Related Stories:
CFPB Inquiry Could Mean Big Changes For Data Aggregators

Digital records are giving consumers tremendous new opportunities, Richard Cordray, director of the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB) told participants attending a field hearing in Salt Lake City on Thursday, but there are also a lot of questions about their access to those records and their safety.

Cordray told his audience that CFPB is launching an inquiry into the digital records issue, opening a 90-day period of public comment. The results will be used to assist, "market participants and policymakers to develop practices and procedures that enable consumers to realize the benefits associated with safe access to their financial records, assess necessary consumer protections and safeguards, and spur innovation."

The digital records CFPB is concerned about are financial ones. Whenever consumers make deposits, withdraw funds, or make payments using their various financial accounts, they leave a digital trail that becomes part of their financial record. Cordray said this data can provide enormous insight, empowering consumers to make decisions and improve their financial lives as well as enabling great efficiencies. He said that where once a consumer might have lugged a shoebox of information to a loan officer or financial advisor, today they can just provide those individuals with access to relevant digital records.

FinTech companies are responding to this by providing a growing number of websites and mobile applications that, for example, help consumers monitor relationships with multiple financial institutions in one place, allow them to make spending decisions and manage their money while on-the-go, or spot spending patterns and possibly make beneficial changes.

Cordray says access to digital financial records can be especially important to consumers who lack the credit history or a score that accurately reflects their creditworthiness. Creditors with access to their records may be able to extend credit at a fair price.

These benefits often depend on the access consumers can authorize and Cordray said there are data aggregators or account aggregators who collect information from other providers and consumers who often have no idea how this works. Congress provided the right in the Dodd-Frank Act for consumers to have access to their digital account information including transactional information including "costs, charges and usage data" made available in an "electronic form. Rulemaking authority over this issue lies with the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau.,

As the technology develops there are many unanswered questions about how digital information is being shared, by and to whom, and how safely and, as with any emerging industry, Cordray said, CFPB is hearing about some bumps in the road. FinTech companies, financial institutions, and consumer groups, are reporting on the various challenges, risks, and technological obstacles to further progress in this area.

CFPB's inquiry will address three specific issues. First, what is happening right now, especially the extent to which consumers are authorizing access to their financial records? Second, the Bureau wants more insight into the process for sharing; whether it is or can be made safe, and what assurance consumers and providers will have that it is. The third issue is transparency and how much control consumers have over their own financial records. "Our main goals are to encourage innovation that promotes opportunity and to protect consumers as these new and promising technologies continue to develop," he said.

If financial institutions that house digital financial records make it difficult or impossible for consumers to authorize access or share their information, that blocks opportunities for consumers to benefit from this information. It could thwart new entrants from entering the market with consumer-friendly products and services, even those not currently being offered by the financial institutions themselves. And without the pressure of competition, it could also reduce incentives for financial institutions to innovate on behalf of their own customers. Blocking access to a customer's records makes it more difficult for that customer to shop for an alternative provider with more favorable pricing. No company should be able to hoard customer information in order to deprive consumers the benefits of fair market competition.

Cordray said the Bureau wants to hear more about the operational concerns of banks, credit unions, and others that house this information. Does the sharing of financial records impose burdens on staff time or other resources? Are there legitimate concerns that the number and frequency of these requests could overwhelm the servers at financial institutions?

The Bureau is also seeking more information about competition between established financial institutions and prospective entrants to offer new financial products and services. Are there technological or other obstacles that may be hindering access and use of digital records?

The second area of concern is that access and use must be safe. Customers should know that their financial records are secure and that they will not fall into the wrong hands. Financial institutions should be confident that they will not be exposed to unauthorized or fraudulent transactions because of their efforts to provide access to customer information.

Some financial institutions have suggested that providing such third-party access can create significant operational risks and could undermine account security. There may also be complexities around privacy protection and the assumption of liability for breaches that can occur whenever data is being shared.

Cordray noted that not all third-party service providers that access records are created equally. Some have more robust safeguard in place than others and the differences may create difficult challenges. Scammers and fraudsters pose problems here too, as they do in virtually every market.

CFPB's inquiry seeks more information about how financial records are obtained, stored, and used by third parties and it wants to hear from all relevant stakeholders - including consumers, financial institutions, information users, data aggregators, and technology providers - about options to ensure that consumers can safely access, use, and share digital financial records. "One thing we know for sure", Cordray said, "is that the technologies are developing rapidly, and it seems likely that workable solutions will emerge (if they do not already exist) to enable information transfers to occur smoothly and safely. Through our inquiry, we are aiming to understand this process better and to prod it along as we can."

Third, the Bureau wants to make sure that the access and use of financial records is transparent and that consumers can direct the sharing and use of their personal financial data. Safe access is not enough; the Director said, consumers must be able to control how each company that accesses their records will use that information to benefit them.

Consumers should be able to dictate exactly what access to their accounts means; what information can be shared, how frequent can the access be, and how long it will last. They should be able to terminate access on their own terms.

Cordray said CFPB wants to better understand what is happening here and now, but its sights are set firmly on the future and will not sit passively by watching technologies develop. It will keep an eye out to protect consumers while encouraging providers to innovate and open more opportunities for them. While the natural reaction may be to shore up fortresses around consumer information, he concluded, there could be significant business opportunities from sharing information more readily with new financial innovators.
Kevin McKidd attends the premiere of Walt Disney Pictures and Lucasfilm's 'Star Wars: The Force Awakens' at the Dolby Theatre on December 14, 2015 in Hollywood, California. (Photo : Getty Images/Ethan Miller)

Beloved characters in the ABC series "Grey's Anatomy" will soon find themselves in an emotional journey especially Owen (Kevin McKidd) whose wife Amelia (Caterina Scorsone) decided to leave him in the show's midseason 13 finale. Following Amelia's disappearance, Owen will find other ways to cope with the situation, according to McKidd.



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"Grey's Anatomy" Season 13 episode 9 featured a heartbreaking scene, in which Owen came home to discover that Amelia has left him. Knowing how important starting a family and having children were to Owen, Amelia decided to leave after revealing that she has no plans to have a baby.



The aftermath of Amelia's departure would be one of the main plot themes in the upcoming back half of "Grey's Anatomy" Season 13. In an interview with Variety, McKidd shared how Owen will give Amelia the time she needs to figure things out for herself. However, he will soon come after her to convince Amelia to give their relationship a chance.



Owen and Amelia's relationship is "definitely on the rocks," according to the actor. It is also unsure if Owen will be able to change Amelia's mind about having a baby. There may even come a time when Amelia's estranged husband will decide to give up, given his previous experience with ex-wife Cristina (Sandra Oh).



Similar to Amelia, Cristina also had no plans to have a baby. The situation led to Owen having an affair that eventually resulted in the couple's separation, as shown in the ABC series' previous seasons.



Meanwhile, to cope with Amelia's disappearance, Owen will spend more time in the hospital in the back half of the "Grey's Anatomy" Season 13. Owen's upcoming long shifts at Grey Sloan Hospital may also lead to more interactions with his former friend Nathan (Martin Henderson).



With Nathan's blooming romance with Meredith (Ellen Pompeo), Owen will probably be the last person to realize that something is going on between the doctors. In an interview with TVLine, McKidd mentioned how he hopes Owen will not have a bad reaction to the two doctors' potential romance.



"Grey's Anatomy" Season 13 will return to the small screens in January 2017. Watch some of the highlights from the midseason finale below:






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Chinese Actress Liu Xiaoqing Performs Her Drama In Guangzhou (Photo : Getty Images)

A TV series about Chinas only empress in the countrys 4,000 years history would be shown in the U.S. as a series in late 2018. The producers for the show are Chinese actress Liu Xiaoqing; Christopher Newman, the executive producer of Game of Thrones; Starlight Media; and Kia Jam, CEO of K. Jam Media.



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Liu Xiaoqing is the best person to co-produce a series about Wu Zetain, the empress who ruled for 20 years during the Zhou dynasty, since she has played the role of the empress in four productions. One of the series was Wu Zetian which was first aired in China in 1995.



The Chinese actress was performing the role of the Chinese female monarch as part of her global tour of the play about Wu Zetian when Peter Lu of Starlight Media talked to Liu Xiaoqing about the possibility of developing Empress for American TV, Variety reported.



Since U.S. TV is more liberal, Li Xiaoqing hinted of the possibility of including in the American version two elements not found in the four Chinese versions. These are the empress desire for sex and killing. The actress pointed out that Wu Zetian had all ministers who did not agree with her killed.



The 61-year-old actress, who has won a number of Hundred Flowers awards since she started acting in the 1970s, hinted of a modern approach to the upcoming TV series. She hopes when American TV viewers watch Empress, they would realize that history and feminism can neither be ignored nor separated.



Like the empress, Liu XIaoqing is an influential woman and considered a mega star and movie legend in China. Dragon TV, the second-largest TV network in China, tapped her in mid-2015 for a 20-day shoot in Sydney, Australia, to entice wealthy Chinese to invest in property in the key Australian city. She planned then to buy a flat in Double Bay, Daily Telegraph reported.






A 42-year-old Midland man accused of coercing a 15-year-old runaway into prostitution has been indicted in federal court on a charge of sex trafficking of children. Irick Dron Oneal was arrested on Oct. 27, 10 days after the FBI launched Operation Cross Country, focused on recovering underage victims of prostitution. He was indicted Wednesday.

A federal criminal complaint reported that an undercover agent called the number on an online advertisement on Oct. 14 and met with the 15-year-old girl at a hotel in Odessa.

The girl agreed to have sex with the agent for a fee, according to the complaint.

When agents checked records, they discovered that the girl was a runaway from Child Protective Services in Amarillo. She had been in CPS custody for the past three years and has repeatedly run away, the complaint stated. But when they asked questions, she refused to answer who she was working for. Agents then began surveillance around the hotel and observed Oneal acting reasonably suspicious in the vicinity of the hotel, at which point they detained and questioned him.

Oneal said he met the girl through another pimp, and the girl started working for Oneal, but he told agents that he didnt know she was a minor, according to the complaint.

The agents also found a woman who they questioned and who reportedly dropped off the girl at the hotel, the complaint stated. The woman said she posted the online advertisement and regularly provides prostitutes rides for money.

When she could not reach or find the girl at the hotel, the woman told agents she called Oneal. The woman also claimed she did not know the girl was 15 years old, the complaint stated.

Both the woman and the other pimp are named in the criminal complaint, but have not been charged with a crime.

When asked about the two, Brendan Griffin, supervisory senior resident agent with the FBI, said he couldnt release specific information about them.

CONTINUE READING HERE.
Buddha Mountain (Photo : Facup 1/YouTube)

Chinese movie producers often participate in international film festivals which serve as a showcase of Chinese culture. Their participation includes those held in China, such as the recent China Womens Film Festival, and overseas such as the Venice Film Festival.



At the ongoing 38th Cairo International Film Festival (CIFF), a China Night was held on Wednesday to celebrate the six decades of the Chinese-Egyptian Culture Year when diplomatic relations was established between the two nations, Xinhua News reported.



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Liu Yongfeng, charge daffaires of Chinas embassy in the Egyptian capital city said that China Night is a great platform for cultural exchanges between the two nations. He added that China Night is a showcase of the long years of friendship between Beijing and Cairo and mutual trust as well as genuine understanding and friendship between two cultures.



Among the 20 Chinese movies that joined the festival are Jian Zhangkes Mountains May Depart, Diao Yinans Black Coal, Thin Ice and Li Yus Buddha Mountain. The day before China Night, Jia was given the CIFFs Excellence Award, while Li was made member of the festivals board of jurors.



The CIFF, now on its 38th year, started on Tuesday with opening rites held at the Cairo Opera House. The film festival would run until Nov. 24. The CIFF has been going yearly since 1976, except in 2011 and 2013 when Egypt had political turmoil and two heads of state were ousted from their posts.



For this year, there are five Egyptian films in the CIFF, with two official entries  Youm lele Setat (A Day for Women) by director Kamela Abu Zekry and Al-Barr Al-Tani (The Other Bank), by director Ali Edris. The stars of the first film are Elham Shahine, Mahmoud Hemeda and Nelly Karim, while stars of the second movie are Muhammad Ali and Afaf Shuaib.



To be featured in the Prospects of Cinema section is Lahazat Entiharya (Suicidal Moments) and in the Panorama section are Ehna Masreen Armn (We are Egyptians Armenians) and Hamesh Fe Tareekh al-Balee (A Footnote in Ballet History), according to Egyptianindependent.






Thickening the Lats | How Dennis Wolf Did It

Written by Ron Harris

13 December 2017

Thickening the Lats

How Dennis Wolf Did It

BACK IN THE DAY

In the past few years maybe no other pro has been criticized more for a particular bodypart than Dennis Wolf. The bodypart being back, but in the past couple of years he has worked manfully to improve it. Before telling how he did it heres some background to the story. (Originally published in the March 2014 edition of MD Magazine.)



Its worth taking a little trip back in time to see where Wolf started out in the lat department. When Dennis started competing in 1999, his overall shape and lines were already very good, with the same X-frame structure we see today. Thats typically what you see with all these guys who eventually rise to the top they start out essentially as smaller versions of what you ultimately see on the Arnold and Olympia stages.

But Dennis admits that his back was not a strong point in the beginning, either. It was wide but still needed a lot more thickness, he concedes. A lot of that was because I did not know how to feel my lats when I trained them. I couldnt even hit the front and rear lat spread poses the right way. Thats actually a common problem. Go to any local or regional bodybuilding contest, and those are the two poses you see botched the most.

Another issue was that Dennis hadnt done a whole lot for his back at first, so it was literally behind everything else by at least a year of hard training. In my first year of training, I hardly did anything for my back, he tells us. I started bodybuilding just to see how far I could go with it and I wasnt really training anything extra hard. My shoulders and my quads started to grow anyway because those are my most genetically gifted areas.

As I said, Dennis took a tremendous amount of shit for not having one of the best backs in the IFBB. But he sees this as a positive thing, because if he were some lower-tier guy hardly breaking the top 10 at a smaller show, nobody would have cared enough to even notice.

I think when you are in the position of being a top-five guy at the Olympia a few times, people pay more attention to you and they are more critical because now you are getting close to being considered the very best in the whole sport, he says.

When people pick on a weak point, its usually because there is some truth to it and there is a legitimate need for the area to improve. But they also compare any body part to the guy who has the best. When Ronnie was Mr. Olympia, your back was not really good unless it was just like his so nobody else could have a good back for eight years. These days, we hear about back freaks like Kai, Johnnie Jackson and Joel Stubbs, all of whom have unusually long lats that insert right at the hips.

So What Did Work for Wolfs Back?

It would be wonderfully convenient to point out a magical exercise or workout routine that was ultimately responsible for transforming Dennis back from a liability to a powerful weapon in his overall visual assault of overwhelming muscle mass and shape. But it wouldnt be accurate. It was really nothing more than the cumulative effect of improving his feel for the muscle group when he trained it, a process that took time.

It took me years to develop a very good mind-muscle connection with my back, and once I had that I was able to try all the different exercises and stick with the ones that felt the best for me, he says. Just because some other guy loves a certain exercise and swears its perfect, that only means its perfect for him.

Wolf also tried splitting the back up into two different workouts, one for width and one for thickness. He discarded that practice after only a couple of months. You really cant separate the exercises so easily like that, he explains. To say that this exercise will only make your back thicker and that exercise is only good for width is a bit silly. I went back to working the whole back at once and thats been very good for me. Its a big body part and you do need to hit it from a few different angles, but that doesnt mean you cant do it all at once.

Speaking of angles, he did find that a certain amount of volume was needed to work his back properly. I need at least five or six different exercises on back day, for three to four sets of 12 reps each, he notes. A lot of times I find Ive done six exercises already and I dont want to stop. Back has become my favorite muscle group to train out of everything, because its been such a challenge for me and because I love to see how much better I can feel the contractions and get a pump than last time in the gym. With that in mind, here are some of the exercises Dennis Wolf relies on in his back workouts to blow up his lats and assorted other smaller muscles of the upper and lower back, to create what is now one of the better backs in pro bodybuilding.

1) Reverse-Grip Lat Pulldowns

Dennis usually starts his back workout at the lat pulldown station using a straight bar with a reverse, or underhand grip. He found out several years ago that it does a better job of targeting the area he needed to improve on the most. The wide grip you feel more in the upper back, but then when you flip your hands over you are able to reach those muscle fibers in the lower lats better.

Ive said this before, but Dorian Yates, who is legendary for having had one of the best backs the sport has ever seen, adamantly believed that the underhand shoulder-width grip was far superior a choice: as it allows a more complete range of motion. For me, it was all about where I felt the exercise and how well I was able to contract my lower lats, Wolf says. Once I knew how productive this type of pulldown was for me, I started doing it first while I was fresh at every workout.

Dennis also wanted to make sure we knew how critical perfect form is to him on the reverse-grip pulldowns. I keep my torso perfectly straight, and it doesnt move at all while I do the sets, he said. I pull down and squeeze the lats hard, with no rocking or leaning back. Thats how I found this works the best.

2) Wide-Grip Lat Pulldowns

This movement has fallen into only occasional use by Dennis over the last year, only done at the very end of a workout if he feels he still hasnt got the full-blown pump in his lats he was seeking. Instead of the cable version, I get more out of the same grip but using an assisted pull-up machine. When the question was posed about whether or not he ever does regular pull-ups, he had a chuckle. You try doing those at 300 pounds sometime! he replied.

3) T-bar Rows

Dennis does some type of free-weight row at every workout. He admits that T-bar rows are done only about every third workout, while barbell rows are more of a mainstay. He actually credits them with giving his back most of the mass we see today. Wolf also likes T-bar rows, though he considers them more of a partial movement due to the width of 45-pound plates interfering with a full contraction. In both the barbell and the T-bar row, you always need to be careful not to stand up too much and start making it like the top part of a deadlift, he advises. To that end, he doesnt ever go as heavy as he could if he didnt care about a full range of motion and quality contractions. I lifted heavy weights with my back for years and didnt see much improvement, he tells us. Once I stopped worrying about using a ton of weight and made the feeling in the muscle the most important thing, my back finally started getting better again.

4) Hammer Strength Machine Rows

This part of the workout alternates between dumbbell and machine rows from week to week. One thing he likes about machines is the fact that his torso is fully braced and immobilized, making for a stricter rep. Dennis can also hold the contraction for a beat, something that a dumbbell isnt as suited for. Hammer makes a few different types of rowing machines, and I dont always use the same one, he points out. They all have you pulling at slightly different angles, so you can work different parts of your back. Thats very important. He also likes to do the machine rows one arm at a time, just as he would the dumbbell row. Working the back with one arm at a time lets you put even more focus into what you are doing and concentrate better on the feeling inside the muscle as you pull and squeeze.

5) Cable Rows

A final type of rowing Dennis does regularly is with a cable, and as with the machines, he infuses variety into his choices in the form of different grip attachments. Sometimes he uses the more standard close grip seen here. At other times he will use the long bar and an underhand grip as seen here, but far more often he hooks up a single D-ring and does his cable rows one arm at a time for extra concentration. At other times he sits down at a machine row and does the same thing. I really love some of the Hammer Strength rowing machines I have tried, but we dont have any of them in the gyms I train at in Germany, he says with regret. But with a cable or a machine I can do a very good job of getting a perfect pump in the lat. I am able to hold the contraction for a couple of seconds if I want to, which is a lot harder to do with free-weight rows.

6) Shrugs

Many pros I talk to dont put much emphasis on training their trapezius muscle anymore, and Dennis is one of them. At a certain point they simply find that their traps, which are a muscle that tends to develop fairly easy for most people in general, are just about as big as they need to be. I do them maybe every third shoulder workout, at the very end, Wolf says. If someone isnt happy with their traps, they should definitely make them more of a priority than that.

He does have one solid tip for shrugs for those who do need to do them more often. Come up all the way like youre trying to touch your traps to your ears, because I see a lot of guys using the biggest dumbbells in the gym or loading all the weight a shrug machine will hold, and then just doing a little twitch rep where they barely move.

Wolfs Training Splits

Off-Season Training Split*

Monday: Chest and biceps

Tuesday: Legs

Wednesday: OFF

Thursday: Shoulders and triceps

Friday: OFF

Saturday: Back and traps

Sunday: OFF

*Calves are trained every other day.

Pre-Contest Training Split*

Monday: Chest

Tuesday: Quads

Wednesday: Arms

Thursday: Delts

Friday: Hamstrings

Saturday: Back

Sunday: OFF

*Calves are trained every other day, and abs are trained every day.

Typical Back Workout

Underhand Lat Pulldowns* 4 x 10-12

Pullover Machine 4 x 10-12

Assisted Pull-up Machine 4 x 10

Barbell Rows 4 x 10

Seated Cable Rows 3 x 10

Standing Low Cable Rows With Rope 3 x 10

Lat Pulldowns With Individual Handles 3 x 10

Deadlifts or Hyperextensions 3 x 10-12

*Dennis pulls to underneath his chest to target lower lats more.



DISCUSS THIS ARTICLE ON THE MD FORUM

WATCH DENNIS WOLF TRAIN BACK FOR THE OLYMPIA

READ MORE ARTICLES LIKE THIS IN THE TRAINING SECTION
Several Samsung Galaxy Note 7's lay on a counter in plastic bags after they were returned to a Best Buy on September 15, 2016 in Orem, Utah. (Photo : Getty Images/George Frey)

Samsung Electronics had faced a lot negative backlash with its high-end smartphone Galaxy Note 7. Still, patrons are looking forward for the Samsung Galaxy Note 8.



One of the expected Galaxy Note 8 features and specs is the AI assistant which was said to be already in the works with the help of the original creators of Apple's Siri, ValueWalk has learned. The said AI assistant will be named Bixby and has already been confirmed but for the Galaxy S8 only as of this writing.



Advertisement

Aside from that, the South Korean tech giant was also reportedly working on a camera for the Galaxy Note 8 or another large device. Speculations suggest that Samsung will replace the user interface of its camera. The company supposedly wanted to include new touchscreen gestures which would make zooming in and out easier.



The U.S. Patent and Trademark Office issued a patent application by Samsung which shows an S-Pen that would include an integrated speaker with grills at either side of the pen. In addition, the patent defines the technology as an invention that covers the whole body of the pen with a speaker module.



Additionally, the Samsung Galaxy Note 8 might also have a dual lens camera setup considering that most smartphones today are following the trend, TechRadar reported. The next flagship phablet is predicted to be powered by a battery that has more capacity and more guaranteed safety compared to its predecessor Samsung Galaxy Note 7.



For the chipset, it was predicted that Samsung Galaxy Note 8 is likely to have the new and improved Qualcomm Snapdragon 830 SoC, which is speculated to have a 3.2GHz octa-core processor. International variants could use Samsung's Exynos 8895, which allegedly houses a 3GHz octa-core processor similar to the previous chips. Users generally want the Exynos variant because they turn out to be more powerful than the Qualcomm counterpart.



The Samsung Galaxy Note 8 is expected to arrive few months before the year 2017 ends or possibly even longer as the company wants to ensure there will be no fatal errors. With this, it seems that Samsung has ample time to develop and enhance the features and specs of the upcoming member of Galaxy Note family.






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New members inducted into Institute of ...
Don Pedro Dollar General Proposal View Photos

Don Pedro, CA  It appears that the Tuolumne County Board of Supervisors will have the final say over plans to construct a Dollar General Store in the Don Pedro area.

We reported yesterday that the Tuolumne County Planning Commission denied plans for the project with a 5-1 vote, citing that it would be detrimental to the community. The commission received a petition signed by over 1,000 people opposed to the project. The Don Pedro Market has argued that it would be impossible for two similar type general stores to survive in a community of only 3,000 residents.

The proponents of the project have 10 days to submit a formal appeal to the Tuolumne County Board of Supervisors. Following the meeting, Community Resources Agency Director Bev Shane says developer Joe Dell sent an email to the county stating that his company will in fact file an appeal, and that it will be received by the county in writing within the 10 day period. Assuming it is received, Shane says she will bring the item to the Board of Supervisors at the December 6th meeting so that they can decide when they would like to schedule an appeal hearing.

The project calls for a 9,100 sq. ft. store to be constructed at the intersection of Las Palmas Way and Highway 132.
A $25 million settlement has been reached in the Trump University fraud case, the New York attorney general said Friday.

NY AG: Trump University fraud case settled for $25 million

Under agreement, Trump will pay $1 million in penalties to NY

Florida AG received $25k donation from Trump Foundation last year

Under the terms of the agreement, President-elect Donald Trump will pay up to $1 million in penalties to the State of New York for violating state education laws, Attorney General Eric Schneiderman's statement said.

"Today's $25 million settlement agreement is a stunning reversal by Donald Trump and a major victory for the over 6,000 victims of his fraudulent university," Schneiderman said.

This comes days before a trial for a 6-year-old class-action lawsuit in San Diego was set to begin.

Schneiderman brought a similar lawsuit against Trump, saying he cheated thousands of New York students by claiming the school was accredited when it was not.

Earlier this year, Trump said he didn't think U.S. District Judge Gonzalo Curiel would treat the case fairly because of his Mexican heritage.

Florida Attorney General Pam Bondi, who was recently named to Trump's presidential transition team, received a $25,000 donation from the Trump Foundation last year. The contribution came as her office was receiving consumer complaints about Trump University.
Orlando attorney, John Morgan of Morgan and Morgan, has confirmed that he is considering a potential run for governor of Florida. Morgan sent out a statement Thursday, Nov. 17, regarding the many crys of others asking him to run for office.

His statement reads:

Friends,

After a nearly four year campaign to bring medical marijuana to Florida, we finally did it, passing with an historic 71% expression of The Peoples will.

I started the campaign as a way to honor my brother, Tim, who needs marijuana to survive. But during this journey I met so many of the other hundreds of thousands of sick and injured Floridians who will soon see relief with medical marijuana.

Along the way it became less about my family and more about the people I met. I had many conversations with people and heard their concerns and worries. Often I would say goodbye and the last thing they would tell me is: please run for office.

And since Monday, the outpouring of encouragement to run for governor has been overwhelming and unexpected. It is either extremely flattering that so many people put such faith in me, or sad that people have so little faith in the typical politicians of both parties who are expected to seek the office.

There are some things I would like see done here in my state. Our state. I have a pretty clear vision of what Floridas next governor should do.

This is what I believe:

 Marijuana should be decriminalized. No more arrests.

 Any inmate in Floridas jails or prisons serving time solely for possession of drugs should be released immediately. Addiction is a disease, not a crime.

 Non-violent felons who have paid their debt to society should have their right to vote and other rights restored automatically. #SecondChancesMatter

 The minimum wage should be raised to $15 an hour. I am currently drafting a new constitutional amendment that would do just that. At the Morgan and Morgan Hunger Relief Center at Second Harvest the working poor come in uniforms from work for free food. It is humiliating and unjust.

 Floridas land, water and wildlife are our most precious resources and should be protected vigilantly.

 There are positions and jobs in Tallahassee that are with no real need, like Lieutenant Governor and Agriculture Commissioner. I would like to see those abolished.

 And I believe you can get what you want done in one term. Four years. Thats enough and move on over for someone else. Even for those who serve two terms, there is only so much a Governor can accomplish in their time in office. Rick Scott has been laser focused on jobs, jobs, and more jobs. That will be his legacy. Without jobs, nothing else matters.

Im not ready to decide what I want my legacy to be. It might just be, he was true to himself, passed medical marijuana in Florida, and had fun being a granddad for the rest of his life.

Before I go down this road any further I need a lot of time to think about it. There are obvious drawbacks and hurdles.

But the initial response in the form of phone calls, emails and social media postings has been overwhelming. It is humbling.

I must weigh that response against the personal and the practical. Other candidates for Governor may have to begin running now. To begin raising money, to buy media, to gain name recognition. This is a big state and very, very expensive to advertise.

Politicians have to sing for their supper. Not me. I enjoy high name recognition in most of the state, for better or for worse, after being on TV, radio and billboards for 30 years. I would also largely self-fund any campaign.

Therefore, time is my friend. These campaigns begin too early and drag on too long. I could start in 2018 with plenty of time to make my case to The People of Florida.

I greatly appreciate the outpouring of support and love this week. But I have much to think about and do before I jump to a decision of this magnitude.

Passing Amendment 2 will be part of my life story. It was a singular moment for me. Hundreds of thousands will see relief. That is written. The next chapter, Im not sure of.

And first things first. I need to get my Christmas shopping done and then I go to Maui and St. Barts for the winter with my family. But you and all of Florida will be on my mind.

Thank you for voting Yes On 2. We did it together and it will change lives.

Love,

John

P.S. The journey is the reward.
Good news for Orlando! Gov. Rick Scott announced Friday that the Orlando area is leading the state in job creation. About 45,300 new private-sector jobs have been added over the year.

Orlando area leads state in job creation

45,300 jobs were added over the year

Total number of jobs added since Dec. 2010 is 1,232,400

According to the release, the unemployment rate in Orlando was 4.5 percent, dropping by 0.2 percent from last year.

Florida businesses created 8,900 private-sector jobs across the state during October this year, bringing the total number of jobs created since December 2010 to 1,232,400 jobs.

Scott said, I am proud to announce that Orlando continues to lead the state in job creation, with more than 45,000 new jobs available for Central Florida families this year. We are committed to continuing this impressive job growth across the state so every Floridian has the chance to get a job and achieve their dreams.

The industries with the most job growth over the year in the Orlando area were leisure and hospitality with 14,900 new jobs; construction with 10,800 new jobs; and education and health services with 9,800 new jobs. Orlando led the state in job creation in these industries.
To share with friends and brethren The Gospel of the Kingdom of Jesus Christ (the Everlasting Gospel), and to prepare a people to stand when He returns to redeem His remnant. Also, to share relevant information of current events, and to show how they relate to prophecy; By means of articles, editorials, opinions, scripture readings, and poetry.

Disclaimer

Endrtimes does not necessarily endorse or agree with every opinion expressed in every article/video posted on this site. The information provided here is done so for personal edification; It's up to the reader to separate truth from error, and to examine everything (like the Bereans) from a Biblical perspective. Let the Holy Scriptures be you guide! - - - FAIR USE NOTICE: These pages/videos may contain copyrighted () material the use of which has not always been specifically authorized by the copyright owner. Such material is made available to advance understanding of ecological, POLITICAL, HUMAN RIGHTS, economic, DEMOCRACY, scientific, MORAL, ETHICAL, and SOCIAL JUSTICE ISSUES, etc. It is believed that this constitutes a 'fair use' of any such copyrighted material as provided for in section 107 of the US Copyright Law. In accordance with Title 17 U.S.C. Section 107, this material is distributed without profit to those who have expressed a prior general interest in receiving similar information for research and educational purposes.
BERLIN  Residents will get to see Santa Claus light the tree in Veterans Memorial Park again this year thanks to the Berlin fire departments.



Traditions around here are important, said Andy Hrubiec, assistant chief of the South Kensington department and chair of the event committee. Theyre hard to sustain with everyones busy schedules.



The annual tree lighting almost didnt happen this year after local group Raising Berlin could not organize the event. The committee of Berlin mothers had been in charge of the tree lighting since 2009.



We didnt want the kids to go without it, said Chief Jim Simons, Berlin fire administrator.



The fire departments have assisted in past years, but this year they decided to take the lead.



Kids will once again be able to take pictures with Santa and Mrs. Claus, as well as get their faces painted by Berlin High School UpBeat students. There will also be balloon animals, music by high school students, and an appearance by a K-9 police dog. Hot chocolate will be provided by the Kiwanis Club, and local businesses will be donating holiday cookies and treats.



While this year will be similar to past tree-lighting events, Simons said changes are planned for the future.



We plan on making it bigger, he said.



The fire departments are considering adding a torch parade with Christmas themed floats and decorated fire trucks.



Several members of Raising Berlin will still be on hand to assist. There will be a toy drive and a Fill the Boot fundraiser of monetary donations for veterans living in Berlin.



The tree lighting kicks off Saturday, Nov. 26, at 4:30 p.m.



Santa will light the tree at 5 p.m. Kids can then meet with Santa and Mrs. Claus from 5:15 p.m. to 6:30 p.m.



The kids need this, we need this, said Simons. We need something this good in our lives.






NEW YORK (AP)  Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe said he believes Donald Trump is a leader in whom he can have great confidence after meeting with the president-elect Thursday.



Abe, who became the first world leader to meet with Trump since his election, was seeking reassurances over the future of U.S.-Japan security and trade relations. He described the meeting as really, really cordial but offered few details of their discussion.



I do believe that without confidence between the two nations (the) alliance would never function in the future and as an outcome of todays discussion I am convinced Mr. Trump is a leader with whom I can have great confidence in, Abe said at a press conference following the meeting, where he took only two questions.



Abe said the meeting renewed his conviction that he would be able to establish a relationship of confidence with Trump.



Abe met with Trump in New York, where the incoming president is working on setting up an administration after his surprise election victory last week that has injected new uncertainty into old U.S. alliances. The Trump transition team provided no readout of the meeting.



Trumps campaign rhetoric caused consternation in many world capitals, including Tokyo. He has said he would demand that allies such as Japan and South Korea contribute more to the cost of basing U.S. troops in their countries.



Such comments have worried Japan at a time when the threat from North Korea is rising, and China is challenging the U.S.-led security status quo in the Pacific.



The State Department has said it had yet to hear from Trumps transition team, raising the prospect of the Republican holding the meeting with Abe without any input from career diplomats with deep experience dealing with Japan.



I conveyed my basic views on various issues to Mr. Trump but with regard to more of the specifics or details, because of the fact that Mr. Trump has not assumed the office as the president of the United States or todays discussion was an unofficial discussion, Id like to refrain from touching on details, Abe said, adding that they agreed to meet again for a deeper discussion on a wider range of issues.



Both Japan and South Korea already pay considerable sums to support the U.S. bases, and note that its also in Americas strategic interest to deploy troops in the region.



Trump has suggested that Japan and South Korea could obtain their own nuclear weapons, rather than rely on U.S. deterrence, which risks triggering an atomic arms race in Northeast Asia.



South Korea currently pays more than $800 million a year  about 50 percent of non-personnel costs of the U.S. military deployment on its soil  and is paying $9.7 billion more for relocating U.S. military bases, according to the Congressional Research Service. Japan pays about $2 billion a year, about half of the cost of the stationing U.S. forces.



The Japanese leader may also try to sway Trump on the Trans-Pacific Partnership, a 12-country trade agreement that the president-elect opposes. The pact was championed by President Barack Obama, and Trumps victory has all but erased hopes of its early ratification by the U.S. Congress.



The pact is expected to be discussed in a side meeting at the annual summit of the Asia Pacific Economic Community in Peru, where Abe heads after New York. Obama will also be at APEC.



Abe is Japans most powerful leader in a decade, and he has invested political capital in overcoming strong domestic opposition to the TPP. He has also sought to increase the international role played by Japans military, which is constrained by a pacifist constitution.



That could jibe with Trumps desire to see U.S. partners shoulder more of the burden for their defense.







Associated Press Mathew Pennington contributed to this report from Washington.






WALLINGFORD  A Bloomfield man faces charges after police said he stole a handgun from a local business on Thursday.



Michael Sasportas, 36, of 125 Wadhams Rd., Bloomfield, was charged Friday with two counts each of theft of a firearm, fifth-degree larceny and one count of carrying a pistol without a permit. His bond was set at $100,000.



On Thursday around 4:20 p.m., police responded to Delta Arsenal, 372 Quinnipiac St., after employees noticed a firearm was missing from a display case, said Lt. Cheryl Bradley.



The employees reviewed store surveillance video and saw a man, later identified as Sasportas, reach over the counter and take a handgun Bradley said. The employees gave a photo of the suspect to police, who posted it on their Facebook page and released it to the media.



Police received tips from the public and help from Newington police after they viewed the photo. Police arrested Sasportas on Friday and recovered the stolen handgun in his home along with a second firearm reported stolen in West Springfield, Massachusetts in 2012, Bradley said.



Sasportas has pending criminal cases in Newington involving the reported theft of firearms, Bradley said.










Connecticut voters on Election Day tipped the political color scale from blue to purple, at least in the state Senate, which will have its first partisan tie since 1893. Republicans picked up enough Senate seats to establish an 18-18 balance, and while Democrats will have the tie-breaking vote, Republicans get the seat at the table theyve long sought.



In the House of Representatives, Republicans also made inroads. Though the final tally is yet to be definitively determined, the current Democrat majority of 87-64 could be trimmed to a potential 79-72 majority.



Its probably going too far to say Connecticut is shedding its true blue colors as a solidly Democratic state. The Nutmeg State threw its support behind Hillary Clinton in the presidential election and returned Richard Blumenthal to the U.S. Senate. The five members of the U.S. House of Representatives, all Democrats, are also staying in Washington.



But state residents clearly felt there was need for change when it came to the one-party rule in Hartford, and theres reason to hope that a healthy dialogue between the two parties and bipartisan cooperation will be a benefit.



The state certainly needs it, and lawmakers of both parties are going to have their work cut out for them.



Just recently, in separate reports, the state Office of Policy and Management and the legislatures Office of Fiscal Analysis warned that fixed costs are expected to make up more than half of the budget in fiscal 2018. One agency projected a $1.3 billion deficit next year; the other a $1.2 billion deficit. For the fiscal year that ends in June, the deficit forecasts were for $67.7 million and $77.5 million.



Serious times, to put it delicately. Senate Minority Leader Len Fasano, whose district includes part of Wallingford, went so far as to say the state is facing a death spiral, and called on efforts to fix it immediately. Connecticut cannot even keep up with its most basic every day expenses, he said.



While Fasano blamed the policies of Dannel P. Malloy  the governor, the first Democrat in the office since 1991, blamed his predecessors. It would have been great fun to be governor and not have to pay the bills, and I know other governors enjoyed that, but I dont get to enjoy that, he said. I get to do the hard work of trying to reposition the state of Connecticut, and Im doing the best I can.



Partisan bickering and blaming are part of politics, of course, but we can hope that it can be set aside in the interests of moving the state forward. Connecticut may not be turning red, but the election is an indication that state residents are deeply concerned and ready for a new way of going about the peoples business in Hartford.






Dozens of young prisoners pardoned by President Abdel-Fattah El-Sisi were released early on Friday, Egypt's state TV reported.

El-Sisi pardoned on Thursday 82 prisoners, including many university students jailed for protesting and a former TV host convicted of blasphemy.

State TV said 65 of those pardoned were released from Tora Prison, a sprawling complex in southern Cairo.

The names of those pardoned were compiled by a committee tasked by El-Sisi in October with examining the cases of young prisoners jailed over protesting or charges related to freedom of expression.

On the same occasion, during an October youth conference, the president promised to amend the controversial protest law under which hundreds of young people have been jailed and which rights groups have condemned as unconstitutional.

On Friday, the presidential decree pardoning the 82 prisoners, decree number 515 of 2016, was published in the coutnry's official gazette.

Among those released was Islam El-Beheiry, a TV presenter and Islamic studies researcher who had been serving a one-year sentence for "defaming religious symbols" since December last year.

During his show, he questioned the credibility of some of the sources of Prophet Muhammad's sayings, a prime source of Islamic jurisprudence, while discussing religious texts.

The pardons have been criticised by some activists for choosing detainees such as El-Beheiry who only had a matter of weeks to go on his sentence, instead of those facing longer prison terms.

Thursday's pardons were the first in a series, as a second list of prisoners are expected to be pardoned before the end of the year.

Members of the committee tasked with compiling the lists have said members of the now-banned Muslim Brotherhood group of ousted president Mohamed Morsi would not be pardoned.

Local daily Al-Masry Al-Youm reported on Friday that the second list of names of detainees to be pardoned had been prepared by the committee and is expected to be issued next week.

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Area towns took time out last weekend to honor their military veterans. Meriden vets gathered in front of the monuments on Broad Street Friday as city officials and residents honored those who have answered the call to serve. In Wallingford, local veterans were honored at a Veterans Day ceremony on Friday at Dag Hammarskjold Middle School. Plainville held a breakfast at the high school, and Berlin residents gathered at Veterans Memorial Park. Cheshire, too, held its annual veterans breakfast and assembly at the high school, and there was a service at the American Legion in Southington.



The state Department of Transportation recently installed video detection traffic signal cameras at the intersection of West Main Street and Chamberlain Highway in Meriden. This is not a spy system, but a technology designed to help improve traffic flow to work dynamically and adjust for real-time traffic conditions, DOT spokesman Kevin Nursick said. We hope it will work at this key intersection.



A completed two-acre food waste-to-energy plant owned by Supreme Industries Inc. of Harwinton could begin generating electricity for Southington town buildings next year after receiving approvals to operate. The anaerobic digester will generate power from waste food from grocery stores, banquet facilities and large cafeterias.



Students from each public school in Meriden were recognized at Tuesdays Board of Education meeting for receiving the annual Connecticut Association of Public School Superintendents awards. This is one of my favorite Board of Education meetings and one of the nights that makes me extremely proud, said School Superintendent Mark Benigni.



People throughout New England turned their gazes skyward Sunday and Monday to view a celestial spectacle not seen on this scale in decades. Dubbed a supermoon, it was the closest the full moon had been to Earth since 1948, resulting in a moon that is brighter and appears to be larger than usual, and an opportunity for us to forget our earthly cares, at least for a brief time.



Double tracking for increased rail service between New Haven, Hartford and Springfield scheduled to begin in January 2018 is within budget and on time, state transportation officials said Monday.



Southingtons Planning and Zoning Commission unanimously approved a plan for shops and restaurants at the former Perillo Oil site on West Center Street. Plans for Cranberry Cove call for an open area near the Quinnipiac River, a walking trail, and boutiques and upscale restaurants near the Farmington Canal trail.



We didnt like this week



There has been more vandalism at Wallingfords historic Center Street Cemetery. Town officials and cemetery association members are expected to talk next week about security measures to prevent vandalism in the cemetery. Its really sad that people feel that they can vandalize it, Town Council Chairman Vincent Cervoni said.



Reports released Tuesday by two state budget offices warned about a lack of flexibility while dealing with a deficit projected to exceed $1 billion in the next fiscal year. The state Office of Policy and Management and the legislatures nonpartisan Office of Fiscal Analysis, in separate reports, warned that fixed costs are projected to make up more than half of the budget in fiscal year 2017-18. OPM projects a $1.3 billion deficit next year, while OFAs report forecast a budget hole of $1.2 billion. The 2017-18 fiscal year is the first of the biennial budget that Gov. Dannel P. Malloy and lawmakers will need to negotiate when they return to the Capitol in January.






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Homelessness across the United States fell slightly last year but increased in California and other West Coast states, largely due to a shortage of affordable housing, federal officials said Thursday.

Around the nation, homelessness was down 3 percent amid growing scrutiny of the problem. In California, however, homelessness climbed 3 percent, according to the Department of Housing and Urban Developments annual snapshot assessment of homelessness in America.

We have a lot left to do, said HUD Secretary Julian Castro, adding that the incoming Trump administration had a responsibility to continue the effort. I sure hope the next administration will take the baton and make more progress, and not drop the baton.

Nationwide, Castro said, there were 549,928 homeless people counted in the point-of-time homeless census conducted in January.

Theyre not just a visible reminder of a public policy challenge, theyre human beings, Castro said.

On the West Coast, homelessness increased 7 percent in Washington, 4 percent in Hawaii and less than 1 percent in Oregon. It also increased 14 percent in Washington, D.C., and grew in Idaho as well.

As it has for many years, Los Angeles recorded by far the highest homeless count outside of New York City  43,854, up nearly 7 percent from 41,174 in 2015. New Yorks tally came in at 73,523, down 2 percent from 75,323 in 2015.

Rising rents in California are making it harder and harder to exit homelessness and to find places that homeless people can afford, said Matthew Dougherty, executive director of the U.S. Interagency Council on Homelessness.

In San Francisco, the federal survey pegged the homeless population with a slight uptick to 6,996 people, up from 6,775 in 2015.

However, when adjusted for different counting methods between the feds and the city, the population stayed about the same. Federal enumerators added in 221 extra shelter beds that opened during the El Nino rains last winter, but werent open when the city did its last biennial count in 2015.

Point-in-time counts are acknowledged to have a measure of guesswork, since they involve volunteers going out on one night and visually estimating who they think is homeless  which automatically misses people who are remote or hidden. That number is added to figures from jails and other institutions such as shelters, which in San Francisco dont have enough beds and always have a waiting list of more than 700 people.

Jeff Kositsky, director of the city Department of Homelessness and Supportive Housing, said the disparity in the numbers punches home the urgency of one of his goals for his new department: Getting better data, which includes doing counts annually instead of every two years.

Its something people want to know, and I want to know, and we should have the numbers every year anyway, he said.

Elsewhere in the Bay Area, the homeless count in Alameda County increased slightly, while it decreased in Santa Clara, Sonoma, Contra Costa and Marin counties. The survey counted 4,145 homeless people in Alameda County, up from 4,040 in 2015.

Nationwide, there were steady declines in unsheltered homeless people, homeless families and in homeless veterans over the last six years, the report found.

The statistics were released in Washington, D.C., at virtually the same time a homeless encampment of about 20 people in tents was being ousted from across the street from Berkeley High School. Two dozen officers arrived at the encampment at 4 a.m., in some cases seizing blankets and laptop computers, tent dwellers said.

The group, which included homeless activists, moved briefly to the front of the nearby Berkeley post office where, minutes later, they were evicted again.

They were very polite, but they told us if we didnt move wed be cited for obstruction, said Freeman Sullivan, 56.

Mike Lee, another member of the encampment, said the group was demanding legal camping places, affordable housing and an end to the criminalization of homeless people.

This is the seventh time weve been evicted, Lee said. Weve been on a mobile protest tour for the last two months.

Two weeks ago, City Council candidate Nanci Armstrong-Temple was arrested at one of the encampments. Prosecutors declined to charge her.

Mayor-elect Jesse Arreguin observed Thursdays homeless sweep and said the next step is to have a location for people to go.

Until we have enough emergency shelter and housing for people, we need to entertain the possibility of a place for people to camp, he said. Were in a crisis.

Steve Rubenstein, Jenna Lyons and Kevin Fagan are San Francisco Chronicle staff writers. Email: srubenstein@sfchronicle.com, jlyons@sfchronicle.com, kfagan@sfchronicle.com

At a glance

549,928 people in the U.S. were without homes in a federal count done in January.

Nationally, homelessness fell 3 percent last year, but the number of people without homes in California went up 3 percent.

Homelessness increased 7 percent in Washington, 4 percent in Hawaii and less than 1 percent in Oregon.

In San Francisco, the federal survey counted 6,996 homeless people, up from 6,775 in 2015.

The homeless count in Alameda County increased slightly, while it decreased in Santa Clara, Sonoma, Contra Costa and Marin counties.
San Francisco law enforcement leaders addressed concerns Friday about a flurry of hate crime reports around the country in the aftermath of Donald Trumps election win, while saying the city itself had not seen an unusual number of incidents.

District Attorney George Gascon joined representatives from the Police Department, the Human Rights Commission and the mayors office at a news conference to say bigotry in any form would not be tolerated in the city. The officials announced an array of telephone numbers that community members can call  anonymously if they choose  to report hate crimes.

History can and does repeat itself, and I think we would be kidding ourselves if we think that as a nation we are incapable of committing some horrible things, Gascon said. If we dont stand up today because perhaps we are not Muslims, perhaps because were not Latinos, perhaps because we are not gay or lesbian, there will be a day when they will be coming after you and there will not be anyone to stand up for you.

We as a nation and certainly in San Francisco will not tolerate hate or abuse without consequences. This is not what our community is all about.

The Southern Poverty Law Center, which collected reports of hateful intimidation and harassment in the first five days after the election, said it counted at least 437 incidents. Anti-immigrant and antiblack abuse were most common, said the group, and many incidents involved direct references to the Trump campaign and its slogans.

Police officials said San Francisco had not seen an uptick in reported hate crimes following the election. However, they said, total hate crimes in 2016 are up more than 10 percent from last year.

Stories of bigoted attacks in San Francisco have circulated on social media, with some spurring police investigations. A Latina nanny was allegedly grabbed and shoved in Fort Mason on Monday by a man who told her through broken Spanish, No Latinos here.

Police Cmdr. Greg McEachern said officers recently made an arrest in a case of racist graffiti discovered in the Bayview neighborhood Thursday night.

We have to recognize that hate crimes are tremendously underreported, Gascon said. Given the current environment, there are many people who are fearful of contacting authorities, period. We cant just simply sit comfortably because perhaps the numbers arent going up as they are elsewhere in the nation and feel that we are immune to this. The fear in the community is real.

Human Rights Commissioners Hala Hijazi and Susan Christian noted that some bigotry may not be criminal, but still needs to be addressed. Christian said the commission was focusing on educating youth about racism and xenophobia and combatting hate at a school level.

This has been personal to me, Hijazi said. I dont even wear a hijab, but I worry about my sisters that do, my nieces and nephews in their schools. We need to stand up as one. Our Constitution starts with We the people, not We the Thomas Jefferson nation, not We the Trump nation.

Gascon emphasized that individuals concerned about their immigration status need not fear reporting crimes in San Francisco.

Anyone who witnesses or is the victim of a hate crime is asked to call police at (415) 575-4444 or text a tip to TIP411 with SFPD at the beginning of the message. The district attorneys office has a hate crime hotline available at (415) 551-9595. To contact the Human Rights Commission, call (415) 252-2500.

Vivian Ho is a San Francisco Chronicle staff writer. Email: vho@sfchronicle.com Twitter: @VivianHo
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Albany

International heroin trafficker Manuel Luna was sentenced Friday in Albany County Court to 15 years in prison.

The sentence by state Supreme Court Justice Richard Mott "seems lenient based on what he could have gotten, but it's not lenient in the sense that it's still a decade and a half in prison," Luna's attorney, Sam Braverman, said.

Assistant District Attorney Megan Spillane had asked the judge to sentence Luna to life in prison.

"He's the type of drug dealer most people only read about in magazines," Spillane said. "He's working in conjunction with big suppliers, and he's getting it into New York."

Mott also sentenced Luna, 51, to five years of post-release supervision and ordered him to pay a $30,000 fine over the five years.

A jury on Sept. 30 found the heroin and cocaine dealer guilty of operating as a major trafficker, first-degree drug possession and second-degree conspiracy.

The trial included a jailhouse witness who tied Luna to notorious Mexican drug lord Joaquin "El Chapo" Guzman. Luna, a native of the Dominican Republic, sold upward of $6 million in heroin and cocaine to a drug customer  Geraldo "Bejo" Torres  between 2013 and 2015, prosecutors said.

The trial provided a rare peek into the world of international narcotics smugglers and the bizarre techniques they employ to move their deadly product  such as smuggling drugs in fiberglass plantains shipped from Ecuador alongside actual plantains. And the dealers smuggled their product in car gas tanks to throw off police should they search the vehicles.

Braverman asked the judge to exercise both punishment and mercy, arguing other defendants arrested in the same conspiracy accepted 2-13 years in plea deals. "There must be no penalty for going to trial," Braverman said.

Some 40 witnesses testified against Luna, including Felix Cruz-Lara, an Albany County jail inmate who was locked up at the same time as Luna on unrelated federal cocaine charges. Cruz-Lara testified Luna threatened Torres because Luna heard Torres might take a plea deal and testify, which he eventually did.

Cruz-Lara linked Luna to "El Chapo," the boss of the Sinaloa drug cartel in Mexico.

"Supposedly, he was receiving some type of material  I don't know what kind of drug it was  from Ecuador and his sources had something to do with the family of El Chapo Guzman," Cruz-Lara testified.

Robert Gavin contributed. emasters@timesunion.com  518-454-5467  @emilysmasters
Russia and Egypt are currently negotiating to outfit two new Mistral-class warships Cairo received this year with modern equipment and electronic warfare systems, Russian news agency TASS said on Thursday.

"The Russian Federation has offered Egypt a wide range of equipment and military hardware to mount on the Mistral helicopter carriers," presidential aide for military and technical cooperation Vladimir Kozhin told TASS.

"Apart from helicopters, these are modern armament and electronic warfare systems, navigational and auxiliary equipment and communications means," Kozhin said.

Moscow says its experts have presented recommendations to Cairo, including necessary preparations to install the armaments.

"The negotiations on approving technical and commercial components are continuing," the Russian official added.

In June and September, Egypt received two French Mistral-class helicopter carriers from France, part of a $1 billion deal signed last year.

The two ships were originally built for sale to Russia, but the sale was canceled over the Ukraine crisis.

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Many local duplicate players were upset and disappointed earlier this year when the Tri-State regional tournament, which had been held at the Rye Town Hilton in January for more than 40 years, was moved to New Jersey.

The sudden transfer of what had long ago become the areas largest annual tournament added more than 30 miles plus toll expenses for the willing few who chose to make the trip from Connecticut.

The experiment apparently did not go well, and the powers that be quickly recognized the error of their ways by returning the tournament to this side of the Hudson this January. The tourney will not be coming back to Rye, however, but to the Westchester Marriot in Tarrytown, about a 30-minute drive from Greenwich.

Also changed are the dates of the tournament, which used to end on Martin Luther King Day. Instead, the seven-day competition is scheduled for Jan. 23 to 29. Further details will appear in this space as the tourney approaches.

Todays quiz: Here is another in the current series of quizzes on counting tricks in a suit. In the following problem, assume you are declarer at a notrump contract. First, decide how many tricks you can be sure of making if you have to attack the suit yourself. Then decide how many tricks you can count on if your left-hand opponent leads the suit initially. It is possible that the answer could be the same for both parts of the problem.

You-K43; Dummy-Q102

a) Sure tricks if you lead?

b) Sure tricks if LHO leads?

Answer:

a) One. This card combination looks almost identical to last weeks quiz, where you held the K102 opposite dummy Q43, but this time the proper play is to lead to the king first, planning to finesse against LHO for the jack later. Again, scoring two tricks depends on the jack being favorably placed, so you can count on scoring only one trick for sure.

b) One. This situation may seem to be the same as last weeks, where if LHO led, you were assured of two tricks, but it is not the same. The difference is that this time, you cant wait to see whether RHO plays the jack, the ace or low before you play from your hand. If RHO has been dealt the AJ9, and you play low from dummy, he plays the nine, and your king wins - but his AJ remain over the dummys Q-10 as two tricks. So, against that holding in RHOs hand, you have only one winner regardless of what card you play from dummy initially.

The weeks duplicate results:

YWCA open duplicate: North-South, 1. Carol Cram-Bev Hartley, 2. Helen McBrien-Karin Nye, 3-4. Judy Crystal-Barbie McKelvey, Kenny Howe-Maureen Smith; East-West, 1. Carole Greenberg-Lucy Rosen, 2. Dave Babson-Dorothea Bellafiore, 3-4. Joanne Kuebler-Hollister Sturges, Terry Lubman-Sally Morgan.

Come Play Bridge open duplicate, 11/9: North-South, 1. Ida Gianukakis-Maureen Smith, 2. Elliot Ranard-Sharon Santow, 3. Betsy and Michael Grant; East-West, 1. Pat Hammer-Kazuyo Nankjima, 2. Melissa Bissell-Linda Gordon, 3. Mary Scarfi-Lois Spagna.

Greenwich Womens Club monthly duplicate: North-South, 1. Nancy Fraser-Susan Hut, 2. Renate Fremuth-Mary Sue Saltsman; East-West, 1. Mary Anne Moore-Joy Noble, 2. Kathryn Payne-Lucy Rosen.
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DANBURY - The Association of Religious Communities issued a statement Friday condemning those responsible for spray-painting swastikas on buildings in an ethnically diverse city neighborhood.

Swastikas have appeared in recent weeks on several locations in the West Street area, including a home, a car and the front door of Catholic Charities, an organization that provides assistance to low-income residents.

As a religious organization, we wanted to stand and speak out against the prejudicial views and the hate crimes that have been occurring in our community, said Joseph Walkovich, chairman of ARCs board of directors. Its no coincidence that this happened in an area that is largely populated by immigrants.

ARC printed a full page statement of concern in Fridays News-Times.

(W)e call on all residents of Danbury to stand against any hateful action and to be ever mindful of the values of love and humanity and respect for all people, the statement said. We remind everyone that ARC is available for the reporting of hate crimes and we will be there to protect the victims and protest against the perpetrators.

Walkovich said he has also heard reports of harassment of people based on their perceived ethnic background.

I spoke with a woman the other day from Peru who was in line at a local store with a scarf around her head, he said. Another woman turned around and told her to go back to Arabia.

Its very unsettling that these attitudes have arisen in this country, Walkovich said. The people who hold these prejudices have been emboldened by the recent election.

The most recent appearance of a swaswtika was on the wall of a Division Street home owned by Shazeeda Khan, who serves as board member for ARC as well as the director of Islamic education at the Baitul Mukarram Masjid mosque on Main Street.

Shazeeda, her family and her congregation have been in the forefront of interfaith and dispelling the myths that surround the Muslim religion, Walkovich said. Its heartbreaking that someone who is so committed to this country and assimilating members of her faith to the American dream that this kind of action should happen against her and her family.

Khans husband, Shakor, said earlier this week that he considered leaving the swastika up for the next month with a sign that reads This is what hate looks like, but decided against it because he doesnt want tenants of the building being harassed.

I hope this is not what Trump America is going to look like, he said.

Police have said their investigation in the case is continuing.

dperrefort@newstimes.com
GREENWICH  Greenwich Hospital has officially welcomed aboard the new director of its sleep-disorder treatment center.

From the hospital:

Greenwich Hospital has appointed Samit Malhotra, MD, as medical director of the hospitals Sleep Center.

Millions of Americans have sleep disorders that interfere with their quality of life and threaten their physical and mental well-being, said Dr. Malhotra, noting that the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has identified insufficient sleep as a public health problem. Lack of sleep is a serious problem that requires specialized attention.

Nationally accredited by the American Academy of Sleep Medicine, the Sleep Center assists people of all ages with sleep problems. The center handles 450 patients a year, including individuals who have at-home sleep studies and those who undergo sleep studies at the center.

A neurologist and sleep specialist, Dr. Malhotra specializes in the diagnosis and treatment of narcolepsy, restless legs syndrome, obstructive sleep apnea, insomnia and other sleep disorders.

Prior to coming to Greenwich, Dr. Malhotra was associate director of research and sleep physician at the Ohio Sleep Medicine Institute in Columbus, Ohio.

A graduate of the University of Mysore, India, Dr. Malhotra did an internal medicine internship at Brookdale University Hospital and a residency in adult neurology from SUNY Downstate, both in Brooklyn, NY. He completed fellowships at Stanford University in sleep medicine and Montefiore Medical Center & Albert Einstein College of Medicine in neuroscience.

A renowned expert in his field, Dr. Malhotra has pursued a research career in basic science and has authored numerous articles in peer reviewed scientific journals.
Brian A. Pounds / ST

BRIDGEPORT  The Original Vazzys Restaurant, 513 Broadbridge Road, will be staging its 23rd annual Thanksgiving food drive on Tuesday, Nov. 22, in the parking lot of the restaurant, on the corner of Huntington Road and across the street from Treeland.

The drive will take place between 7 a.m. and 5 p.m.
Leanne Ready doesnt know what the future holds. She doesnt know whether shes done having children or whether she wants to expand her family.

But she does believe that, should she decide shes done having children, she should have full access to affordable birth control.

Its scary to think that, in the future, any form of birth control would be less accessible than it is now, Ready said. Its an uncomfortable feeling.

But, following this months presidential election, in which Republican Donald Trump bested Democratic candidate Hillary Clinton, many women have expressed concern about losing access to their reproductive rights, including birth control. As a result, some have asked doctors and other health care providers about getting long-acting reversible contraception, including intrauterine devices  commonly called IUDs  and implants.

Judy Tabar, president and CEO of Planned Parenthood of Southern New England, said the agency has seen an uptick in appointments to insert so-called permanent birth control following the election. However, in a statement, she remained optimistic that access wont change dramatically under the president-elect.

We understand peoples real concerns about losing access to birth control, and truly hope all methods will be available, accessible and affordable to all women under the Trump administration, she said.

Possible changes

Though its too early to know exactly what, if any, changes Trump would make in access to reproductive services, he has expressed interest in retooling the Affordable Care Act  the sweeping health care reform legislation also known as Obamacare.

Among other things, the legislation provides most people with private insurance with access to birth control without copayment. Its unclear whether any potential changes to the law would preserve that.

Trump also has expressed interest in appointing a Supreme Court justice (or justices) who would overturn the landmark abortion rights case Roe Vs. Wade and turn decisions about reproductive rights over to the individual states.

Even at this stage, these plans have some advocates ready for battle, including Sarah Croucher, executive director of NARAL Pro-Choice Connecticut. Our organization is going to be fighting tooth and nail to make sure we dont go backward on these issues, she said. There is a political will in Connecticut to not lose access to birth control.

Though she cant speak to the rest of the country, Croucher said politicians in Connecticut on both sides of the aisle have been receptive to discussions about womens health, and she is fairly confident that things will stay relatively stable in the state.

One of the really positive things about Connecticut is that people are willing to talk about what makes for sensible policy around birth control and reproductive issues, Crowder said.

Having said that, Croucher is hedging her bets when it comes to birth control. If I was planning to be on birth control for the next four years, I would get an IUD, she said.

Available options

The IUD is one of the more popular forms of long-acting reversible contraception, and has long been promoted by the American Congress of Obstetricians and Gynecologists and other groups as one of the most effective forms of birth control.

An IUD is a small, T-shaped plastic device inserted into the uterus. There are two kinds of IUDs. Hormonal IUDs release the hormone progestin and, depending on the brand, last for anywhere from three to six years. A copper IUD doesnt contain hormones, and can last anywhere up to 12 years.

During the first year of use, fewer than 1 in 100 women using an IUD or an implant will become pregnant, according to the American Congress of Obstetricians and Gynecologists. This rate is in the same range as that for sterilization.

IUDs and similar devices are often recommended as they are long-lasting and, after insertion, dont require the patient to do anything to prevent pregnancy. However, there are possible side effects from the IUDs, ranging from irregular bleeding to perforation of the uterus during insertion to pelvic inflammatory disease.

According to Google trends, searches for IUDs more than doubled between Nov. 8, the day of the election, and the next day. Ready said she knows many women who have looked into getting an IUD following the election, although shes not among them.

Im not sure Im done having kids, but its not something Ive counted out down the road, she said.

Still, Ready said the fact that the future of birth control may be in question is unsettling to her and other women she knows.

Personally, I believe women taking this control over their bodies is something we should celebrate, she said. Birth control and reproductive rights are so personal ... I feel like this is a decisions between my husband and me, and, based on our decision, we should not be looked down upon or be financially burdened.
1 No aircraft to Iran: The Republican-led House has acted decisively to bar the sale of commercial aircraft to Iran, a move that would scuttle deals already authorized by the Obama administration and potentially worth billions of dollars. By 243-174 vote on Thursday, lawmakers passed legislation that would prohibit the Treasury Department from issuing the licenses U.S. banks would need to complete the transactions.

2 Loud music case: A Florida appeals court upheld the conviction of a white man who shot a Jacksonville black teenager after an argument over loud music. The First District Court of Appeal on Thursday rejected an argument from lawyers representing Michael Dunn that he was acting in self-defense when he killed Jordan Davis in 2012. Dunns attorneys argued that the state failed to present evidence contradicting his self-defense claims. Authorities say Dunn fired 10 times at the SUV Davis was riding in after the two argued over the loud rap music coming from the 17-year-olds vehicle. Dunn was sentenced to life in prison. The three judges on the panel said the state presented sufficient evidence to contradict Dunns account.
CASEVILLE  At its meeting this week, Caseville City Council conducted its first reading of six proposed ordinance amendments.

Following the reading, the board set a public hearing for the ordinances at 6:30 p.m. Dec. 12, during the regularly scheduled monthly meeting.

Small changes were made to ordinances regarding alcohol and fireworks permits on city property, vendor clean-up at events, tap-ins, service hookups and dumping.

In other business, the council approved the bottomlands conveyance for the Huron Yacht Club. The club is located off of River Street across from the breakwall parking lot.

According to Clerk Jamie Learman, the club was in the process of putting in some rip rap to stop soil erosion at the tip of the shoreline  an area that should have been included in the clubs original bottomlands lease with the Michigan Department of Environmental Quality back in the 1980s. For some reason, it was left out, so the club filed the necessary paperwork to extend the area to the proper dimensions.

You wont see any change from it, but they had to have it so they can do the rip rap along the shoreline, Learman said. Theyre going to put some rock and stuff in there to stop the erosion.

The board also approved a $1 per hour pay raise for part-time police officers, from $17 to $18 per hour.
Harbor Beach Community Hospital recently received three scales donated by Dow AgroSciences of Harbor Beach. The scales were donated to replace the manual scales the hospital was currently using.

Harbor Beach Community Hospital accepted the donation from Stacey Kadar, occupational health nurse at Dow AgroSciences.
Iran denied on Friday that it had in any way breached its nuclear deal with world powers, insisting it was meeting its commitment to cap its stocks of controlled materials.

A report by the International Atomic Energy Agency last week showed that Iran's stocks of so-called heavy water had inched above the 130-tonne level set out in the agreement.

Heavy water is not itself radioactive but is used in certain types of nuclear reactor, which can in turn produce plutonium that can be used in an atomic bomb.

The July 2015 deal with world powers sets Iran's heavy water "needs" at 130 tonnes and states that any excess must be "made available for export".

Atomic Energy Organisation of Iran spokesman Behrouz Kamalvandi said arrangements were in hand to export the excess.

"Iran has fulfilled its obligations on heavy water stockpiles," state broadcaster IRIB quoted him as saying.

"We were required to put on the international market any excess over 130 tonnes and so far we have sold 70 tonnes," he said.

"Negotiations are under way with interested countries, in particular European," to sell the rest.

IAEA chief Yukiya Amano had chided Iran on Thursday for exceeding the agreed limit on its stockpiles for a second time.

"It is important that such situations should be avoided in future in order to maintain international confidence in the implementation," he said.

Washington has played down concerns about Iran's exceeding of the stockpile limit.

State Department spokesman Mark Toner said last week that it was "important to note that Iran made no effort to hide this" and that he was "not sure whether that constitutes a formal violation".

In all other respects, the IAEA found that Iran was continuing to abide by the agreement's terms.

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A man wanted on multiple charges in Pennsylvania shot and killed himself during a Thursday traffic stop on Interstate 10 in Jefferson County, a sheriff's spokesman said in a Friday news release.

A deputy stopped the 25-year-old man in the westbound lanes near mile marker 839, said spokesman Marcus McLellan in the release. The deputy asked the man to wait outside his vehicle while the deputy went back to his cruiser to run the driver's identification information.
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NORWALK  Eight high school students from in and around Bridgeport embarked Friday morning on a more than 3,000-mile journey to study in the Amazon Rainforest.

The group of students, their teacher and chaperones gathered with bags at the Stepping Stones Museum in Norwalk just after 9:30 a.m.

This is all so unknown, said Angel Torres, a Bridgeport resident and senior from the Biotech School at Fairchild Wheeler Interdistrict Magnet High School. Im looking forward to the new experiences, learning something and getting to meet the people. Plus the food.

Torres is one of 25 students taking a capstone class at the Biotech School. The top eight students in the class were chosen to partake in the exchange program, officially entitled Lifelines/Aspectos Vitais: The Convergence of Arts, Ecology and Culture in the Amazon and New England.

The trip stems from Museums Connect, a joint initiative between the U.S. Department of State's Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs and the American Alliance of Museums. It pairs museums and local communities in the U.S. and abroad for cross-cultural exchanges.

Norwalks Stepping Stones Museum for Children partnered with Museu Paraense Emilio Goeldi, a popular museum in Brazil, for the program. The museum ended up racking in an $84,000 grant to pay for the students travel and lodging costs.

Museum officials chose students from the Biotech School at Fairchild Wheeler due to its focus on science.

The programs study will focus on international exploration of watersheds as ecological, cultural and economical lifelines.

The Connecticut students will explore the Amazon Rainforest. They will fly into Belem, Brazil and take a 16-hour boat ride along the Amazon river to the Ferreira Penna Scientific Station. The Brazilian students will explore the Long Island Sound when they come to town in March.

Gabriela De Paula, a senior at Fairfield Wheeler, will collect water samples along the Amazon River as a part of her capstone project within the program.

We will be looking at the bacteria and how that affects the population with illnesses, De Paula said.

De Paula is working with two other students in the class on the project. She said students were allowed to work alone or in groups and choose a topic of their liking as long as it could tie back to the Amazon River and Long Island Sound in some way.

In preparation for the trip, De Paula said she and her classmates have been working with The Maritime Aquarium at Norwalk.

We went to the Maritime Aquarium the other day, De Paula said. We went on a boat and took water samples. We used a bucket to collect water and took the PH.

In addition to research for their capstone projects, the students will also explore the city of Belem and learn about Brazilian arts and culture.

The Bridgeport Board of Education is requiring students to blog about their experiences and make a formal presentation to the board upon their return.

The trip lasts two weeks total, with Torres and his classmates expected back in class Dec. 5.

Besides Maritime Aquarium, the museum also worked with Norwalk-based Creative Connections on the project.

KSchultz@thehour.com; 203-354-1049; @kevinedschultz
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NORWALK  A Fairfield man was arrested in Bridgeport on a warrant charging him in a string of South Norwalk car break-ins.

Edwin Sanchez, 30, of Biro Street, Fairfield, was charged with three counts each of criminal mischief and third-degree burglary, two counts of fifth-degree larceny, and one count of sixth-degree larceny.
How will the Trump Administration change federal policies on cannabis? At this point, no one knows for certain. While some voice optimism about Trumps past statements on legalized marijuana, others have concerns about the opinions of potential cabinet members and Vice President-elect Mike Pence.

The difference between the two leaves plenty of room for uncertainty.

Trump's campaign statements on marijuana.

During the campaign, Trump did not have a reputation as a candidate who issued many firm policy positions. Now that he will become the nations 45th president in January, people have to turn to his past statements for indications of his position on a variety of issues, including marijuana legalization.

A few past statements get the most attention.

During a campaign stop in Reno, Nevada, in October 2015. Trump said, In terms of marijuana and legalization, I think that should be a state issue, state-by-state,"

He said something similar when asked about whether he would allow the shutting down of Colorados recreational marijuana industry in an interview with Brandon Rittiman, a political reporter from 9News in Colorado. He again said he would prefer letting states decide on the issue.

He also said in an interview on Fox that he is in favor of medical marijuana a 100 percent.

Going even further back to long before he came a candidate, Trump said during the Company of the Year Awards luncheon held by the Miami Herald in April 1990 that the war on drugs is a joke and that drugs should become legalized. Then, he said, tax revenue from drug sales could be used to educate people about the dangers of drugs.

Incoming Trump Administration is a different story.

While some read Trumps comments as hopeful for marijuana legalization, others look to the opinions of those around him. For example, Pence has supported tough marijuana possession penalties in Indiana.

Rudy Giuliani, another potential member of the cabinet, has opposed marijuana legalization. Alabama Sen. Jeff Sessions, another possible cabinet choice, has been vocal in his opposition to legalized marijuana in the past.

Still, advocates have remained largely optimistic. They point to polls showing a majority of Americans now support legalized marijuana. And on the night Trump won the presidency, voters in California, Massachusetts, Maine and Nevada approved legal recreational marijuana sales and possession. Voters in Florida, North Dakota and Arkansas also approved legal medical marijuana.

That brings the number of states with legalized recreational marijuana to eight, along with the District of Columbia. And the number of states with legal medical marijuana now stands at 28.
German prosecutors have charged two Syrian men with membership in a terrorist organization on allegations they fought with the ultraconservative Ahrar al-Sham group in Syria.

Prosecutors said Friday that 24-year-old Kamel T.H.J. and 22-year-old Azad R. fought with al-Sham against other rebel groups and Syrian government troops in the Aleppo area at least from August 2013 until April 2014, when Azad R. was injured.

They both then traveled to Turkey and in 2015 to Germany for him to receive medical help.

Both suspects were arrested in April and have been in custody since then.

Their last names weren't released in line with German privacy laws.

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STAMFORD  Medical student Harman Kainth didnt have much money for accommodations when he left Canada in September to study at a New York hospital.

So he took a chance on Airbnb, shorthand for Air Bed and Breakfast, an online platform that connects travelers with people who want to rent space in their homes. Kainth booked a room in a 96-year-old Colonial on Grandview Avenue in Stamford.

It was my first time in the States, said Kainth, who paid $1,900 to Airbnb and a $200 fee to his Stamford host for cleaning and supplies. It was a horrible experience. I hope I am the last one to have this experience.

So do the residents of Grandview Avenue, a quiet, shady street in one of Stamfords oldest residential neighborhoods, Hubbard Heights. Neighbors noticed something odd almost immediately after the house sold in mid-August.

Terri Rich lives across the street.

By the first week of September, cars were coming in and out all hours of the day, Rich said. My mother was baby-sitting for me one day and she saw six or seven mattresses being brought in. The mailbox was being used as a key drop. The garbage started overflowing.

Rich had a hunch that the house might be listed on Airbnb.

I went online and there it was - one bedroom for $34 a night and another one for $38, Rich said.

But it looked like more than two rooms were rented, neighbors said.

Gaby Pareja lives next door. She and other neighbors said they met the new owner, a man they know only as Richard, just after the house was sold.

He never moved in. Then I started seeing all these out-of-state cars, Pareja said. I thought, are those his friends? But the cars were always changing, the people were always changing.

Inside the house, things were worse, Kainth said.

When I paid for the room online, Richard said he was the only one living there, and there would be one other guest, Kainth said.

But when he arrived, several people were living there, and Richard lived somewhere else, Kainth said.

People were sleeping in the laundry room, the kitchen, he said. A professor was living behind the fireplace. He put a bed there.

Kainth said he tried not to use the washroom because it was dirty. He asked Richard for his money back because the lodging was not as billed, but he said thats not possible. I thought Airbnb would give me my money back, but they were no help, either, Kainth said.

He didnt feel safe staying in the house, he said.

I slept with my door locked. I didnt know who was downstairs, Kainth said. No one in that house stayed for long. Im not saying anything bad about the people  most of them were students, like me.

Question of ownership

The city clerks office recorded the closing on the house on Aug. 17, showing the buyer as Yiyong Feng. The house is 1,492 square feet, with three bedrooms, one bathroom, one half-bath, and an unfinished basement, city records show. According to Zillow.com, the sale price was $375,000.

A message left for Feng Tuesday was not returned.

Richard was contacted through Airbnbs website.

I am on top of the issue after talking with the Health Department and everything is on the right track, he wrote. He talked with his attorney and a health inspector and I know what I am doing and everything is in good shape and on the right direction, Richard wrote.

He did not answer a question about who Feng is or why city records list Feng as the home buyer. Richards reviews in Airbnbs comments section are a mix of good and bad.

Last month, in response to multiple complaints from neighbors, inspectors from the health and zoning departments and the fire marshals office visited the house on Grandview Avenue. After that, the Airbnb listing came down, Rich said, but not for long.

The city put an order out on Oct. 13 and things got quiet, Rich said. On Oct. 23 I saw a whole bunch of people coming in again.

In early November the Grandview Avenue house was listed on Airbnb for $880 a month. This week it could not be found on the Airbnb website.

Rich said its because the house again is full of people, judging by all the parked cars with out-of-state license plates.

Question of criteria

Pareja said Richard told her his use of the house is OK because zoning regulations allow up to four unrelated adults to live in a single-family residence.

But that is not the only criteria, said Ron Miller, director of environmental inspections for the Stamford Health Department.

Those adults have to share the kitchen and bathrooms. The house cant be split into apartments, Miller said. A bedroom for one person has to be at least 70 square feet, then another 50 square feet for an additional person in that room. As far as the health department is concerned, we didnt tell him that what hes doing is OK.

Inspectors last month found no smoke detectors, which the fire marshal immediately installed, Miller said. They observed makeshift bedrooms and illegal key locks on the doors of actual bedrooms, Miller said.

The health inspector made no note in his report about cleanliness or square footage in bedrooms, Miller said. The report cannot be made public until the investigation is complete, he said.

The owner was given 30 days to convert the house back to single-family use, Miller said, and the city will follow up with unannounced inspections.

Any changes to the interior must be sanctioned by zoning, building, fire, and health, Miller said. The owner would have to get approval from all of those entities for the type of activity hes doing there.

Kathleen Connole, who has lived on Grandview Avenue for 31 years, said neighbors received a letter from the city saying the owner had until Nov. 13 to comply with the orders.

Its a nice neighborhood. Weve never had a situation like this, Connole said. I wouldnt mind if he rented his house to one family. But people are coming and going all night. We have to worry about the value of our houses when we have this going on.

City officials also are concerned. Miller said he has inspected several homes that were used as rooming houses, but the one on Grandview Avenue is the first in his experience to be used as an Airbnb.

This is very new, Miller said.

Question of regulation

Airbnbs website this week listed 169 rentals in Stamford. The average price for a private room was $81 a night; the average price for an entire house was $199.

Such rentals are difficult to control, said Ralph Blessing, chief of the Stamford Land Use Bureau. He and other city officials are monitoring complaints and researching what other cities do as they draw up a plan for how to handle situations such as the one on Grandview Avenue, Blessing said.

Its definitely on our radar, he said. Its complicated, so we have an interest in getting everyone in the city at the table to discuss a right way of action. Enforcement requires a lot of staff, which means its important to have the help and support of neighbors, because we cant be everywhere.

Libby Carlson, spokeswoman for Mayor David Martin, said there is no ordinance governing short-term rentals in residential zones.

The city could pass a law, or the state could, or it could be done through zoning. We have to look at what has to be addressed and whether that can be done by law or through zoning, Carlson said. Its something that is happening in other places.

Last month, for example, New York legislators passed a law imposing fines of up to $7,500 on Airbnb hosts who violate municipal regulations. Airbnb responded with a federal lawsuit alleging the law irreparably harms the company. Airbnb has filed suits against two California cities, San Francisco and Santa Monica, which also imposed fines for illegal listings, and has similar battles in Barcelona, Berlin and Amsterdam.

An operator who answered the phone for Airbnb, based in San Francisco, said to email a request for comment to an address for the press. The email was not returned.

Airbnbs website explains its refund policy for guests. It states that Airbnb reimburses up to the amount paid, at the companys discretion, or makes reasonable efforts to book another site.

Guests must submit a claim for reimbursement by contacting Airbnb about a problem within 24 hours of arrival. Guests must provide evidence of the problem, such as photographs, and any other information Airbnb requests. Guests must demonstrate that they did nothing to create the problem and, before contacting Airbnb, must work with the host to resolve it.

Kainth said he was unable to resolve anything and left the house a week early for a hotel room. He came to understand things more fully the day he could not find a parking space and left his car in front of a nearby house, Kainth said.

The neighbor told me I shouldnt park there. We got into a confrontation, he said. Later the person apologized, saying the neighbors were not mad at me, they were mad at the situation. I wasnt happy and they were not happy.

Its kind of heartbreaking, Grandview Avenue resident Michelle Rinaldi said.

I grew up in the Cove. It was a nice place. Now its completely congested, Rinaldi said. Is that whats going to happen here? When the next person sells their house, is the buyer going to turn it into an Airbnb, too? We just want to keep the integrity of the neighborhood.

The Airbnb rentals undermine stability on the street, Pareja said.

Its a transient situation. You start to wonder, Whos OK? Whos not OK? she said. We want to feel safe in our homes, and with this going on, we feel very uneasy.

angela.carella@scni.com; 203-964-2296; stamfordadvocate.com/angelacarella.
Unknown assailants early Friday threw firebombs into a migrant camp on the Greek island of Chios, and beat up two volunteers, the state Athens News Agency said.

According to the agency, two tents at the Souda camp were destroyed and around 150 panic-stricken residents including women and children were forced to flee to safety.

A group of 30 assailants subsequently beat up two volunteers helping at the camp, ANA said.

Police did not immediately confirm the incident but a local official speaking on condition on anonymity said the island was "seething" over the presence of some 4,000 refugees and migrants.

This official also noted that lawmakers from the Greek neo-Nazi party Golden Dawn had visited Chios just days earlier.

"We cannot exclude that far-right groups are seeking to exploit local anger," the official told AFP.

Tempers had also flared the previous evening after groups of migrants broke into a spirits merchant and stole fireworks from another shop.

According to police, they then set the fireworks off, targeting local homes and cars.

Three Algerian teenagers and an Iraqi in his forties were arrested over the incident.

According to Greek media, Thursday's attack was a reprisal. The assailants climbed atop a medieval fort overlooking the camp and threw heavy rocks on the tents below.

The situation on Chios is similar on other eastern Greek isles sheltering over 16,000 migrants and refugees who are unable to continue their journey to north and western Europe.

The island camps have a nominal capacity of fewer than 7,500 people.

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More than 20 people have been killed in intense fighting between rebels and loyalists on the outskirts of Yemen's third city Taez, military and medical sources said Friday.

The clashes have eliminated hope of the warring parties abiding by a truce announced by US Secretary of State John Kerry that was to have taken effect on Thursday.

Loyalist military sources told AFP that 13 rebels and eight pro-government forces were killed over the past 24 hours, while the rebels reported dozens of casualties in shelling of a local market.

Two civilians were also killed and 16 wounded as rebels fired Katyusha rockets on a residential area of Taez, they said.

For its part, rebel-controlled sabanews.net website reported that pro-government forces fired artillery rounds into areas east of the city.

A rocket crashed into a market selling the mild narcotic leaf qat, popular among Yemenis, leaving 40 casualties, said sabanews.net, without giving a breakdown of dead and wounded.

The medical charity Doctors Without Borders (MSF) said emergency rooms it supports or manages in Taez province had received a total of 21 dead and 76 wounded.

Among those killed was a watchman who works at the MSF trauma centre in Taez.

He was killed while "off duty when a blast hit a local market in the neighbourhood", said Djoen Besselink, who heads the MSF mission in Yemen.

"Fighting has been intensive in Taez during recent days, and hospitals on both sides of the frontline have received a continuous influx of war-wounded civilians and fighters," MSF said.

Pro-government forces are pressing on with a four-day-old offensive to recapture the presidential residence and police headquarters in the southwestern city, while the Shia Houthi rebels have brought in reinforcements.

The fighting continued despite Kerry's announcement of a new ceasefire.

The US chief diplomat said on Tuesday that rebels were ready to observe a ceasefire plan taking effect from November 17, but President Abedrabbo Mansour Hadi's government said it was not aware of any new peace initiative.

The Houthis and the party of their ally, former president Ali Abdullah Saleh, confirmed their commitment to the truce, in a statement on the rebel television channel Almasirah's website.

A Saudi-led coalition which is backing Hadi's internationally recognised government told AFP Thursday that "until now there is no demand from the legitimate government (of Yemen) to observe a ceasefire," adding that operations will continue.

The UN says more than 7,000 people have been killed and nearly 37,000 wounded in Yemen since the Arab coalition launched a military campaign in March 2015.

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Militants belonging to the Islamic State (IS) group may have manufactured sulphur mustard gas used in attacks in Syria and Iraq themselves, the head of a global watchdog told AFP Friday.

Samples analysed by experts with the Organisation for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons "suggest that this substance may have been produced by ISIS itself," the body's director general Ahmet Uzumcu said, adding it was of "poor quality but still harmful" and the development was "extremely worrying".

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A skit portraying the assassination of President-elect Donald Trump by two 10th grade students at Marshall High School provoked anger and dismay from the parents of a student who watched it unfold last week.

Harold and Melinda Bean said that in the skit, entitled The Assassination of Donald Trump, one of the boys made a gunfire sound effect with his cell phone as the other boy, portraying Trump, fell to the ground in mock death.

All of the students were required to submit descriptions of their English class presentations beforehand to be approved by their teacher, the parents said, but these two students in particular changed their skit afterward.

Appropriate action was taken to reprimand both boys and their teacher, said Northside ISD spokesman Barry Perez. The parents, however, believe more should have been done, including suspending the two students.

Honestly I have run out of words to describe how angry I am and how shocked I am that theyre still in school today, Melinda Bean said.

Younger children using their hands to simulate guns on the playground have been suspended, she said, and this was far worse.

The teacher apologized Monday, Harold Bean said, but that wasnt enough.

I dont understand how the teacher can repeat an apology and be right there back at work on Monday morning, he said. Though we understand she is apologetic, it does not make the situation right.

Perez said campus officials investigated the incident and found that the teacher didnt condone it and stopped the skit. But Harold Bean questioned why she allowed it to start once she heard the title.

Pardon my language but I think that its a bunch of B.S. if theyre going to tell you the kids were stopped, Harold Bean said.

sfosterfrau@express-news.net
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Bright yellow sunflowers and cans of Dr. Pepper sat in a pile among letters and photos outside of Specht Elementary School Friday.

The Stone Oak schools community is facing the aftermath of the death of one of their own  Gayle Hendry, a kindergarten teacher who taught at the elementary school for 15 years.

She died early Tuesday morning as the result of a homicide and her husband is suspected in her death, according to the Comal County Sheriffs Office.

RELATED: Husband suspected in death of Stone Oak kindergarten teacher after house fire

The 57-year-old womans body was found dead in the rubble of her burned-down home in the 700 block of Forest Trail in New Braunfels Tuesday, county officials said.

Gary Hendry, Gayle's husband, was arrested on a murder warrant 1 p.m. Wednesday in Mississippi, Comal County officials said. On Thursday, county officials were attempting to extradite Gary Hendry, 60, to Texas.

RELATED: Officials: New Braunfels middle school principal resigns after 'interaction' with student

Comal County Captain Tommy Ward did not immediately respond for comment on Gary Hendry's possible extradition to Texas.

Specht Elementary Principal Jackie Sundt sent a letter to parents Wednesday confirming that Hendry was found dead in the fire.

RELATED: Violent threats lead to charges of soliciting capital murder of unborn child in Comal County

Sundt said a memorial was planned for Hendry at the elementary school Friday at 6:30 p.m.

Check back with mySA.com this evening for photos from the memorial service.

The marquee outside had amassed dozens of notes to Hendry, photos and flowers were left there in her memory.

Sundt said Thursday that Hendry was deeply loved, not just by our staff, but the entire community.

kbradshaw@express-news.net

Twitter: @kbrad5
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The Kerr County Sheriffs Office is charging a 61-year-old man in the shooting death of another man who may have been killed because his barking dog, according to officials.

Benjamin Pierce faces murder and arson charges in the shooting death of 62-year-old Donald Ballard and for allegedly burning down a nearby trailer, according to a news release issued by the Kerr County Sheriff's Office.
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More than 50 malnourished animals, most of them horses, were seized Tuesday from a rescue ranch in North Texas after a complaint about the living conditions for the animals there was made, according to the Hill County Sheriffs Department.

The sheriffs department, in coordination with the Humane Society of North Texas, seized 47 horses, five donkeys, six dogs and a rabbit from the Thunderfoot Equine Rescue and Rehab Ranch near Grandview, said HCSD Chief Deputy Rick White in an interview with mySA.com.

RELATED: Oklahoma man arrested after 37 dead horses and cows found on property

The investigators obtained a seizure warrant for those animals after receiving a complaint about the living conditions for the animals. What they found caused them to be immediately concerned, White said.

These animals depend on humans, White said. There was no running water, there was no food, no hay.

Sandy Shelby, executive director of the Humane Society of North Texas, said in an interview with a CBS TV station that the animals were not in a good place.

It was a concentration camp, Shelby told the TV station. When you create starvation and suffering, thats pretty much an equal comparison.

The investigators also found about 20 graves for dead horses, with some graces only partially buried with bones extending out from the dirt, White said.

RELATED: Galveston police seize 27 horses near riding business

A hearing will be held at 3 p.m. Monday to determine if the seizure warrants will stay in place, White said.

The woman who ran the ranch has not been charged with anything yet, but she does face potential charges of animal cruelty. Animal cruelty, while generally a Class A misdemeanor, can be upgraded to a state jail felony depending on the extent of injury or abuse to each animal.

In this case, the woman faces possible felony charges for each animal in the case, with about 70 possible cases of animal cruelty, White said.

The chief deputy said the horses have since been transferred under the care of the humane society to various veterinarians and care facilities, with most at a location in Joshua, which is about 22 miles northwest of Grandview.

Many of the horses are struggling to recover. One of the 47 horses seized died Wednesday, White said.

RELATED: Malnourished, injured horse seized from Elmendorf home

Its a slow process, White said. You cant let them gorge on the food.

Text "Breaking" to 48421 for breaking news alerts from mySA.com

twhite@mysa.com

Twitter: @tylerlwhite
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SAN ANTONIO  A man with a state-issued handguns license shot a man Thursday night who was firing off rounds from his own gun into the air in downtown, according to police.

Emergency personnel responded at 9:15 p.m. Thursday near Bonham and 4th Street, where a family of four were waiting for police after their car was broken into, a sergeant said at the scene.

RELATED: S.A. family honors memory of 19-year-old who died in 'stink eye' slaying

The sergeant said the family was startled by a man walking down the street firing a gun into the air.

The man that was with the family is licensed to carry a handgun and pulled his pistol on the suspect, police said. The licensee told the man to drop his gun, but he didnt do so, the sergeant said.

He then opened fire, hitting the man who was firing his weapon into the air in the arm and the family then held the man down until police arrived, the sergeant said.

RELATED: SAPD: Man accused of stealing $19K in rims, tires from local dealership

Detectives are determining whether the shooting was justified and if charges will be filed against anyone involved.

The man who was shot was transported in stable condition to San Antonio Military Medical Center.

Police have yet to release more details on the incident but this story will be updated as soon as more information is available.

RELATED: Leon Valley police officer hospitalized after vehicle is sideswiped by speeding sedan

Text "Breaking" to 48421 for breaking news alerts from mySA.com

twhite@mysa.com

Twitter: @tylerlwhite
A US-backed Kurdish-Arab alliance on Friday fought fiercely to drive the Islamic State (IS) militant group from a hilltop north of the Islamist militants de facto Syrian capital of Raqa, officers said.

The Syrian Democratic Forces -- which on November 5 launched an offensive to retake Raqa city with support from a US-led coalition -- encircled the village of Tal Saman some 25 kilometres (15 miles) from Raqa.

Fighting also raged between the SDF and IS group inside Tal Saman, an officer said after returning from the front.

"The jihadists have sent three car bombs since Thursday. Our forces managed to blow them up," Farhad Kurdistan said.

"Our forces are using heavy weapons because Daesh is putting up tough resistance," he said, using an Arabic acronym for IS group.

SDF fighters said Tal Saman offers a view of surrounding rocky desert terrain and villages near Raqa, which has been under IS group control since 2014.

"Daesh is resisting because Tal Saman is on a hill from which one can see the villages" outside Raqa city, another officer said, asking to remain anonymous.

In neighbouring Iraq, US-backed forces are also pressing an assault to retake the IS group bastion of Mosul from the Islamist militants.

The conflict in Syria has killed more than 300,000 people since it started with anti-government protests in 2011 and has since escalated into a complex, multi-faceted war.

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Palestinians protest Israeli law to curb their religious freedom; see video inside of Nazareth church solidarity action with Mu

Hundreds of Palestinian Muslims and Christians in Israel and the occupied Jerusalem, West Bank, and Gaza Strip demonstrated on Friday against a bill to limit the volume of calls to prayer at mosques and churches in Israel.

All Palestinian churches in Nazareth carried the Islamic call for Friday noon prayers for Muslims.

In the southern city of Rahat, more than a hundred 1948 Palestinians held a rally against the government bill, while 500 protested in the north, police said.

In Gaza, which has been under an Israeli siege since 2006, hundreds of supporters of the Islamist Hamas group that controls the Palestinian territory held a protest march through the Jabalia refugee camp near the enclave's northern border.

Yusef al-Sharafi, a Hamas leader, told the crowd that "this unprecedented Zionist decision is an encroachment on the freedom of Muslims".

"Attempts to ban the Azan (call to prayer) are doomed to fail because of the steadfastness of the Palestinians," he said, reiterating the long-standing Hamas demand that the Palestinian Authority end its security cooperation with Israel.

The bill, which passed the ministerial committee for legislation on Sunday, had been appealed by Health Minister Yaakov Litzman, who demanded another discussion on it before its first parliamentary reading.

Litzman, a member of the ultra-Orthodox United Torah Judaism party, was concerned that the bill could also outlaw the weekly sirens that indicate the beginning of the Sabbath.

The bill, drafted by Moti Yogev and supported by Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, will now be put on hold until a ministerial committee holds a second vote.

It was drafted allegedly in response to noise from mosques, but would in theory apply to all religious institutions.

The 1948 Palestinians, the vast majority of them Muslim, suffer from discrimination in all aspects of daily life including housing and jobs among other problems.

*This story was edited by Ahram Online.

See video of Nazareth churches call for Islamic prayers

https://m.facebook.com/story.php?story_fbid=10157780540900644&id=676840643

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Down-ballot candidates usually become collateral damage in partisan elections, and this years general election was no different.

Bexar County lost a couple of respected, hard-working Republican judges  not because of ineptitude or lackluster performance  but due to party politics.

The countys Democratic sweep has prompted continuation of the perennial debate over the wisdom of holding partisan judicial elections in Texas.

No party is immune. The last five general elections have featured partisan waves that caused dramatic changes in the judiciary. In presidential elections, its a Democratic wave, and in gubernatorial years its a Republican tsunami. Regrettably, many lawyers view the filing for a judicial bench like buying a lottery ticket instead of seeing it as a coveted reward after paying their dues in the legal community.

This election cycle, 4th Court of Appeals Justice Jason Pulliam lost his bid for election to the post to which he had been appointed. He was defeated by Irene Rios, a former county county-at-law judge who lost her bench during a Republican sweep. Fortunately, Rios is qualified for the job, too. But Pulliam had done nothing to justify his ouster.

Longtime juvenile court District Judge Laura Parker lost her bench to Arcelia Trevino, who does not have experience handling juvenile court cases.

In the 399th District Court race, political newcomer Frank J. Castro, a former Nueces County prosecutor who moved to San Antonio two years ago, defeated veteran former Bexar prosecutor Jan Ischy-Prins.

Whether we like it or not, party affiliation plays a big part in the judicial election process due to straight-party voting. How else does one explain the election of someone like Castro, whose Facebook page states he has lived in Bexar County for 10 years at different times since 2000, but he was voting in Nueces County during four of those years?

In Bexar County, just over 40 percent of those voting Republican on Nov. 8 cast straight-party ballots. Among Democrats, the straight-party voting was a little more than 57 percent.

Voters casting ballots based solely on party affiliation, coupled with voter fatigue over a long ballot, can quickly undermine a candidates bid for office. County election records indicate about 30,000 voters who cast ballots in the general election did not vote in the contested local judicial races.

Given the political climate in Austin, getting the Legislature to move away from judicial elections or even to do away with straight-party voting is unlikely any time soon.

A couple of less dramatic measures could help. One remedy would be to make judicial elections nonpartisan such as those for City Council and school board members.

Or lawmakers could prohibit straight-ticket votes in judicial elections, forcing voters to pay more attention to judicial races and actually pick candidates individually.

Judges are supposed to be guided by the law. Party politics, personal agendas and views should not be a consideration when electing judges.

We need to stop losing well-qualified, tenured judges each time there is a shift in the direction of the political winds.
Well, lets see. After watching the news the first few days following the election, I think we understand who the real deplorables are. Wonder if we could get Hillary Clinton to address her voters and see if she could settle them down.

Charles Keeling, Fair Oaks Ranch

Oops, bias showing

Re: Popovich slams election of Trump, front page, Nov. 12:

Wow! Pop has an opinion! Thats news! Oh, look, its anti-Trump! That deserves front-page coverage! Look at Brian Chasnoff (Taking solace or feeling dread after vote), then Josh Brodesky (Its time to get out of our bubbles, end the silence) and, finally, O. Ricardo Pimentel (In Trump victory, we have sent a message to the world). Surprise, surprise, theyre all anti-Trump.

Guess they missed the editorial encouraging us to follow Hillarys concession speech asking us to give Trump a chance (After bitter division, will unity come? Nov. 9). News flash, Express-News, your bias is showing!

Larry Chesnut, Spring Branch

Be a good sport

Re: Popovich slams election of Trump, front page, Nov. 12:

What a total disappointment to find on page one the rant by Gregg Popovich over his unhappiness with the election outcome. He thought Donald Trump acted like an eighth-grader. I thought Pop acted like a petulant child because things did not go his way. He said the outcome was scary. I thought if the other side had won, it would be terrifying!

He said a man should be judged by his character. Really? He would put Trumps character up against Hillary Clintons? Is he kidding?

Yes, Trump is flawed, just like everyone else. He said some bad things, some of which are true, some half true, some not true at all. And, yes, we need to teach our kids truth, respect and values.

But we also need to teach that in this country we get to vote and in a free election, the winner gets to be president. Trump won fair and square. He deserves a chance to do the very best job he can, the same chance Barak Obama got when he won, and conservatives were just as upset as Pop. Its over now. Time to be a good sport and pull together for the good of the country.

Mary Ellen Brandt
INDEPENDENT electoral watchdog, Zimbabwe Elections Support Network (Zesn) has warned that the Zimbabwe Electoral Commission (Zec) could be violating sections of the Electoral Act by denying opposition parties access to crucial information on production and security of the ballot papers ahead of this years general elections.

Section 52 A of the Electoral Act mandates Zec to be transparent on all electoral-related matters to ensure buy-in from key stakeholders.

Zec must without delay provide all electoral stakeholders on where and by whom the ballot papers for the elections are being printed, read part of the Act.

Zesn warned that anything short of that requirement could lead to disputed election results.

Zesn believes that adherence to the tenets of an open data policy by the commission will enhance on the integrity and transparency in the administration of electoral processes whose outcomes are acceptable to contesting political parties, interest groups and the electorate, Zesn said.

MDC-T elections secretary, Murisi Zwizwai yesterday said Zec has not been handy with that information and the use of the direct tender to secure the ballot papers instead of open tender was against the spirit and letter of the Act.

Zwizwai said they understood that the ballot will be printed by Fidelity Printers, saying the government company could not be trusted and there was need for an open tender to decide where the papers will be secured and who would print the ballots.

The MDC-T has vowed to stop any election which is not free and fair saying they would not allow Zimbabwe to be dragged into another shame poll.

 NewsDay

Breaking News via Email
ECOCASH has launched a digital mobile phone-based bureau de change in a move set to increase competition in the foreign currency exchange business.

The innovative facility, a first by a mobile money service provider, will likely revolutionise the business by providing the much-needed convenience to the platforms 10 million registered customers.

According to the company, the new service will allow EcoCash customers to sell foreign currency in real time and instantly have the local currency converted and credited to their wallets.

The move follows the granting of an operating licence to EcoCash by the Reserve Bank of Zimbabwe, which has an effect of increasing access to specialised digital financial services to millions of Zimbabweans.

Speaking at the launch of the service in Harare yesterday, EcoCash chief executive officer, Ms Natalie Jabangwe, explained how the service would work.

Before performing a currency conversion transaction, one needs to fund their EcoCash wallet, she said, adding that a wallet could be funded in a number of ways.

You fund your wallet by doing a cash-in of physical US dollars (or forex) into the wallet. Or you fund your wallet over the counter, at any Econet Shop. You can also fund your wallet through a direct in-wallet receipt of remittances from the diaspora into your EcoCash wallet. This could be through existing EcoCash remittance partners, which include Cassava Remit, World Remit, Mukuru, Western Union, Money Gram, Orange Botswana and MTN.

Ms Jabangwe said an EcoCash customer could also fund their wallet via a nostro bank-to-wallet transfer on their phone, from their respective FCA bank account linked to the EcoCash FCA wallet. She said once the wallet was funded, a customer could then proceed to dial a dedicated EcoCash Bureau de Change menu on the access code *150# to carry out their transaction.

Customers will be able to check the rate of the day, get a quote for the amount to be sold and receive instant confirmation of sale of foreign currency and the ZW$ conversation amount  all this happening via their mobile phone, Ms Jabangwe said.

Cassava Smartech CEO, Mr Eddie Chibi, the parent company of EcoCash, said: We are excited to be the first and only mobile financial service provider in Africa to offer this innovative service to our customers, empowering them with a simple, convenient, fast and real-time Bureau de Change service that they can access and use to transact anywhere, anytime.

He said the service will help customers access competitive exchange rates quickly, convert or change their money in real-time, and transact on a secure platform that they have come to trust.

Ms Jabangwe said EcoCash continued to leverage on the dynamic innovation capabilities that technology gives by building new products and services that go beyond the early services of financial inclusion.

The advantage of having a scaled transaction platform is that you can build new services in line with a changing market environment. Accessibility of these services on the mobile phone enables us to travel the journey with our customers towards more complex but necessary financial services in the future, she said.

 Chronicle

Breaking News via Email
Join NACS at the Convenience SummitAsia and see firsthand how unique and diverse the Japanese convenience stores are.

TOKYO  Sometimes, seeing is believing. At the NACS Convenience SummitAsia, March 20-24, retailers will have the opportunity to visit thriving and innovative convenience stores in Japan as part of the conferences local store tours.

Participants will learn whats working in different markets and can take those ideas home to their stores. In Sapporo, Japan, attendees will have a guided tour of Seicomart, a leading Japanese convenience storeand NACS member since 1976. The Seicomart tour provides a peek at the companys vertically integrated organization, including a look at its agricultural business, manufacturing, logistics, retail stores and rice cake factory.

In Tokyo, attendee will stop by Lawson, Family Mart, Skip 7-Eleven, Daily Yamazaki, Famima and others. Check out the stores on the tour.

Dont miss this unique opportunity to generate new ideas for your business. Plus, if you reserve your spot now, youll take advantage of early bird savings.
The publication is also gearing up for its 15th anniversary, a major redesign and a new Adobe magazine app.

ALEXANDRIA, Va.  NACS Magazine has been named an Overall Design Winner in the association/nonprofit category for the Ozzie Awards from Folio. Folio required six or more issues from 2015 be submitted for an overall perspective on the magazines design aesthetic.

NACS Magazine rose to the top in the overall design, association/nonprofit category over honorable mentions from the Associated Skin Care Professionals, Associated Bodywork & Massage Professionals and Rotary International.

This is one of the highest awards an association magazine can win, so naturally, were thrilled that NACS Magazine received such a wonderful accolade, said Erin Pressley, vice president of publishing at NACS.

The magazine has big changes on the horizon in 2017. In January, NACS Magazine will launch a new Adobe magazine app. With the March 2017 issue, the magazine will unveil a redesign to celebrate its 15th anniversary.
By Lambert Strether of Corrente.

TPP/TTIP/TISA/NAFTA/CETA

TPP: The news that the White House and Republican congressional leaders have given up on passing the Trans-Pacific Partnership (TPP) is welcome. That the TPP would be defeated by Congress if brought to a vote signals that Trojan-horse trade agreements that expand corporate power and shrink Americans wages are simply no longer politically viable. People power beat the united forces of a U.S. president, the Republican congressional leaders and the entire corporate lobby [Lori Wallach, Public Citizen]. The unremitting push by the Obama administration for the TPP right through this election helped to elect Donald Trump, but Trump has not derailed the TPP people power united across borders did that. Six years of relentless, strategic campaigning by an international movement of people from the TPP countries united across borders to fight against corporate power is why the TPP is all but dead. A well-earned happy dance from Lori Wallach. And a salutary lesson. Idea: Learn from success?

NAFTA: Canada, Mexico to Talk About the Elephant in the Room: Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau and Mexican President Enrique Pena Nieto will meet on the sidelines of the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation leaders summit in Lima, Peru, this weekend to discuss the impact President-elect Donald Trump might have on NAFTA, a Mexican official told POLITICO [Politico].

A USTR spokesman told Morning Trade on Thursday that the Trump transition team had not yet been in touch about the transition [Politico].

Politics

Readers, Naked Capitalism is normally very image-light, but this 2015 photo essay from Politico (Inside Hillarys campaign headquarters) on Clintons Brooklyn headquarters so eerie and prophetic  rather like ruin porn  that I thought Id take some screen shots for you and comment on them.

1. An aerial shot of the Titanic, prow headed toward the ice.

2. Close-up of the stickies in the previous shot. I suppose its barely possible the stickies emulate Hong Kongs sticky note revolution in 2014, but I think its more likely that its one of those off-site rituals; everyone shares their thoughts and feelings with the stickies, and then the facilitator collects them.

3. Communications director Jennifer Palmieris corkboard. No problem at all with Albrights special place in hell comment, presaging how Sanders supporters were marginalized and thrown under the bus as the campaign went on.

4. No messaging problems here! And indeed, not, internally, since Clinton later pivoted to appeal to Republican establishment figures and voters.

5. The Brooklyn HQ looks like a startup (at a time when the Trump campaign was, IIRC, a warren of bare wallboard and hanging wires). Surely that money would have been better spent in the field? Perhaps the goal was to empower a new generation of techically savvy liberal operatives, with a Clinton win the first item on their resumes, which would make the hilariously failed Ada project an enormous exercise in walking around money. The failure was also a massive exercise in hubris, since 90% of startups fail. Thanks, Silicon Valley!

6. An foosball air hockey table, another startup culture signifier.

7. Twenty bucks for a goddamned coffee cup?

8. Sad!

2016 Post Mortem

Listening to Trump [Nonsite.org (MsExPat)] . Or to translate this into the academese of Roland Barthes, perhaps Trumps discourse was more writerly (scriptable) than its simple sounds suggested; that is his meanings, because of the form of their delivery, were open to multiple understandings and re-assembly by the listener. Even his endlessly invoked wall, in reality a proposal for more militarized policing, could sound like a public works scheme, an infrastructure based jobs program. And: At almost every turn the liberal pundits misunderstood, or did not hear, what Trump was saying. After his win in the Nevada Caucus Trump said: We won with highly-educated, we won with poorly educated. I love the poorly educated! Were the smartest people, were the most loyal people. Liberals lampooned him, assuming that he had insulted part of his base. A different interpretation translates those comments as: Trump understands that its not all my fault that I couldnt get an education. He understands that even people who dont have advanced degrees can make good decisions and are worthy of respect. How the Clinton Foundation brought down Hillarys campaign [New York Post]. But the URL is: how-mitt-romneys-campaign-manager-took-down-hillary/ , which is a different and more interesting story. Kanye: I Wouldve Voted for Trump [Pitchfork]. Outside of the endorsement, Kanyes language suggested Trumps politics interested him less than his rhetorical style. Theres nonpolitical methods to speaking that I like, that I feel were very futuristic. And that style, and that method of communication, has proven that it can beat a politically correct way of communication. And I f*ck with that. He said Trumps approach wasnt just entertainingI actually think that his approach was absolutely genius. Because it fucking worked! Also too, Specifically to black people, stop focusing on racism. This world is racist, OK?  In an election focused on character, Trump won on the issues [RealClearPolitics]. Lots of interesing polling analysis. This: when Americans didnt view considerations of character or experience as decisive, they voted for Trump over Clinton by huge margins. They did so because four issues favored himimmigration, trade, the Supreme Court, and Obamacarewhile no issues favored her. And this: Trump did much better than Romney among Latino voters in the Southwest and Frontier West. In Arizona, Nevada, Colorado, and New Mexico, Trump swung the margin among Latino voters his way by between 15 and 19 points, in relation to Romney, in each state. Obama Reckons with a Trump Presidency [David Remnick, The New Yorker]. The prescription that some offer, which is stop trade, reduce global integration, I dont think is going to work, [Obama] went on. If thats not going to work, then were going to have to redesign the social compact in some fairly fundamental ways over the next twenty years . And I know how to build a bridge to that new social compact . It begins with all the things weve talked about in the pastearly-childhood education, continuous learning, job training, a basic social safety net, expanding the earned-income tax credit, investments in infrastructurewhich, by definition, arent shipped overseas. Twenty years seems rather a long time. And reinforcing the neoliberal debacle by putting the people who created it in charge of the fix seems not strategic. And of course, the answer is credentialing  three flavors of it! And how about single payer, instead of an effing basic social safety net? Given an AIDs-level epidemic of working class deaths in the Rust Belt, this is worse than banality.

Trump Transition

Bannon, DB on repatriation, The $ [Mosler Economics]. Critique of yesterdays Bannon transcript. Wrong on operational constraints at the Fed, wrong on trade, wrong on public debt. The U.S. Legal and Regulatory Environment Under a Trump Administration [The Harvard Law School Forum on Corporate Governance and Financial Regulation]. A useful Tour dhorizon of policy. On Infrastructure: President-elect Trumps advisors have suggested introducing an infrastructure investment tax credit as a means of stimulating private sector investments in these projects. We expect this initiative will also feature proposals to increase the use of public-private partnerships (PPPs), whereby private parties agree to design, construct, finance, operate and/or maintain a road or other infrastructure facility under the terms of a concession agreement with a governmental entity. The existing Build America Bureau at the Department of Transportation, which provides federal financing for PPPs and other transportation assets planned by state and local governments, could become a more important participant in these efforts. The plans will likely create many more long-term investment opportunities for infrastructure funds, pension plans, insurance companies and sovereign wealth funds, while also increasing bank and capital-market debt financing activity and boosting business for major infrastructure project managers and construction contractors, equipment suppliers and operators. Oh good. Public-private partnerships. Corruption and cronyism aside, wouldnt a purely public approach have a greater stimulative effect? People Are Loving That Hillary Clinton Went Makeup-Free for Her First Post-Election Speech, and Were Here for It [Glamour]. Grift, grift, Horatio! The victory baked meats Did coldly furnish forth the the Childrens Defense Funds Beat the Odds Celebrations table. The Childrens Defense Fund. Of course.

Policy

CR Note: The [Trump] infrastructure proposal that many investors are focusing on is really a proposal for about $100+ billion in tax credits to spur private investment in infrastructure (Ive seen some people talking about $1 trillion in infrastructure investment  but that is the projected size of the private investment, not the proposed government spending). This proposal is actually very modest in terms of a fiscal boost. More analysis to come when we see the actual proposals, but I think analysts might be overestimating the boost from government spending in 2017 [Calculated Risk]. Readers, thoughts? The tax proposal seeks to raise the standard deduction for married couples up to $30,000 and $15,000 for singles. Many that are buying in more expensive areas are couples, at least based on sales data. Even if you buy a $700,000 crap shack with 20 percent down, the annual mortgage interest comes nowhere close to the new standard deduction whereas today, it does make an impact [Dr. Housing Bubble]. If the [Trump] tax plan takes effect, this will largely negate the mortgage interest benefit in many overpriced metro areas that is usually pitched by housing cheer leaders. As we noted, the typical US home costs around $200,000 so what you have currently is lower priced states basically subsidizing the mortgage interest deduction for wealthier coastal regions. That may change. House Speaker Paul Ryan is yet again pushing& to privatize Medicare. Trumps transition team includes advisors that have openly called for privatizing Social Security [Capital and Main]. The president-elect has praised private prisons and wants to lean heavily on the private sector to rebuild the nations crumbling infrastructure, which would mean tax credits for already wealthy investors, less pay for workers, and more tolls for Americans. Privatization is clearly front and center on the Trump agenda.

Realignment and Legitimacy

Sanders wont join Democratic Party [The Hill (Furzy Mouse)].

Stats Watch

Leading Indicators, October 2016: The index of leading economic indicators inched 0.1 percent higher in October to signal no more than modest economic growth in the coming months [Econoday]. The interest-rate spread has led this report this whole cycle and will increasingly so in the next report for November given the ongoing spike in long rates. The coincident index confirms the slow conditions, at plus 0.1 percent, as does the lagging index at plus 0.2 percent. And: The rate of growth is slowing on this index  similar to most other leading indices [Econintersect].

Kansas City Fed Manufacturing Index, November 2016: The details are better than the headline for a Kansas City report that points to a third month of improvement for the regions factory sector [Econoday]. There are more pluses than minuses in this report which falls in line with the modest strength of the Empire State report but falls well short of the strength in the Philly Fed. And:  The Kansas City region was hit hard by the decline in oil prices, but activity is starting to expand again [Calculated Risk]. And: The capital spending data will offer some reassurance over investment trends and the data release overall is solid with an overall gradual improvement in conditions [Economic Calendar].

Housing Starts (yesterday): Nice move up after a large move down. Note that the average of the last two months is about where this series has been. And, again, its the permits that count, and they are about the same as last month. And not to forget mortgage applications to buy homes fell a full 6% last week after rates went up in response to the election [Mosler Economics].

Rail: Week 45 of 2016 shows same week total rail traffic (from same week one year ago) marginally contracted according to the Association of American Railroads (AAR) traffic data. Rolling averages remain in contraction  but are improving [Econintersect].

Shipping: Amazon.com is turning to merchants who sell on its marketplace for extra warehouse space, a less-costly way to expand inventory available for quick delivery [Bloomberg]. Its the latest sign the worlds biggest online retailer cant build facilities quickly enough to meet demand for an ever-expanding assortment of goods that customers want delivered fast and free. Warehouse capacity issues and the cost of new facilities helped increase Amazons spending on order fulfillment 34 percent in the third quarter. The big expenses caused the Seattle-based company to miss analysts profit projections, driving down shares 8.8 percent since the results were reported Oct. 27.

Retail: In the two weeks leading up to the elections, consumers kept their hands firmly on their wallets, despite early Black Friday sales and a higher level of discounting compared with last year [247 Wall Street]. Weve already noted the considerably smaller-than-expected growth in online sales for the first two weeks of November. Online retailers left about $800 million on the table, according to research from Adobe Digital Insights.

Retail: Amazon.com Inc. founder Jeff Bezos, perturbed by his companys failure to capture much of the massive Chinese market, had a pointed message for executives in India during a visit in 2014: Dont let that happen here [Wall Street Journal, Jeff Bezos Invests Billions to Make Amazon a Top E-Commerce Player in India]. The result: the company rapidly became Indias No. 2 e-commerce player and moved within striking distance of local rival Flipkart Internet Pvt., according to some estimates.

The Bezzle: Analyst: Tesla, SolarCity Are Nothing But Smoke & Mirrors [ETF Daily News]. In total, Musk-connected businesses  Tesla Motors, SolarCity, and SpaceX  have benefited from an estimated $4.9 billion in government support, according to data compiled by The Los Angeles Times. Despite all the largess, none of these businesses make money. My back-of-the-envelope analysis (and I dont need more than that) values Tesla and SolarCity at zero. Actually, my analysis values them at less than zero. The opportunity costs associated with both companies are huge. Capital that could have been invested to develop legitimate, market-driven power sources and consumer products has been squandered on a fantasy.

The Bezzle: [Facebook,] the social-networking giant said Wednesday it has found numerous errors in the ways it calculates how many people view its ads, artificially inflating their perceived value to advertisers and publishers [New York Post]. Key metrics that Facebook has exaggerated include the weekly and monthly reach of marketers posts, which got inflated by 33 percent and 55 percent, respectively, as the site improperly included repeat visitors in its figures. Oopsie. Thats not a subtle error.

The Fed: Yellens testimony summarized: Turning to policy, she cites the September and November FOMC statements, but with an interesting twist. The key sentence is At our meeting earlier this month, the Committee judged that the case for an increase in the target range had continued to strengthen and that such an increase could well become appropriate relatively soon if incoming data provide some further evidence of continued progress toward the Committees objectives. The relatively soon language was the key initial takeaway from the speech, picked up in the initial newswire headlines. What is interesting is that, despite how she couches it, this phrase was nowhere to be seen in the actual November FOMC statement, which merely notes that the case had continued to strengthen but that the Committee had decided for the time being to wait [Amherst Pierpoint Securities, Across the Curve]. So, the relatively soon message was delivered today by Yellen as if it were part of the November FOMC statement, even though it wasnt. What do I make of that? I think she did it that way because she wanted to underscore that she was delivering a message on behalf of the Committee, not a personal opinion. This is a strong, though certainly not surprising, signal that the Fed will be hiking in December barring a disaster between now and then.

Todays Fear & Greed Index: 61 Greed (previous close: 63, Greed) [CNN]. One week ago: 48 (Fear). (0 is Extreme Fear; 100 is Extreme Greed). Last updated Nov 18 at 12:12pm. Cmon, guys!

Dear Old Blighty

Shot:

This is not satire:

The audience at the Lord Mayor's banquet where May made a speech condemning the 'global elite'. pic.twitter.com/ouM91sDbFc  will thorpe (@withorpe) November 15, 2016

Chaser:

Gaia

Americas First All-Renewable-Energy City [Politico]. You guessed it: Burlington, Vermont.

Class Warfare

Obama speaks on globalization in Greece: The current path of globalisation demands a course correction. In the years and decades ahead, our countries have to make sure that the benefits of an integrated global economy are more broadly shared by more people, and that the negative impacts are squarely addressed. When we see people, global elites, wealthy corporations seemingly living by a different set of rules, avoiding taxes, manipulating loopholes  this feeds a profound sense of injustice [Guardian]. Yeah, and lets give the job of getting that done to the guy who stood between the banksters and the pitchforks [bangs head on desk].

The Big Short (2015 movie): Is it true what Ben Rickert (Brad Pitts character) said that 40,000 people die when unemployment goes up by 1%? [Quora].

News of the Wired

Sunken treasure, death-defying adventure, sibling rivalry: How Charles and John Deane invented modern deep-sea diving and saved the British Empire [Unfathomable].

An Alarm Designer on How to Annoy People in the Most Effective Ways [Atlas Obscura]. But what makes an awooga sound more or less urgent than a ding?

Love or hate his job? Marmites chief taster retires after tasting 264 MILLION jars [Express].

* * *

Readers, feel free to contact me with (a) links, and even better (b) sources I should curate regularly, and (c) to find out how to send me images of plants. Vegetables are fine! Fungi are deemed to be honorary plants! See the previous Water Cooler (with plant) here. And heres todays plant (AM):

AM writes: A tree with red berries in the fields behind Coopershill House, County Sligo.

Readers, Water Cooler is a standalone entity, not supported by the very successful Naked Capitalism fundraiser just past. Now, I understand you may feel tapped out, but when and if you are able, please use the dropdown to choose your contribution, and then click the hat! Your tip will be welcome today, and indeed any day. Water Cooler will not exist without your continued help.
By Gaius Publius, a professional writer living on the West Coast of the United States and frequent contributor to DownWithTyranny, digby, Truthout, and Naked Capitalism. Follow him on Twitter @Gaius_Publius, Tumblr and Facebook. GP article archive here. Originally published at DownWithTyranny.

Google says Dont be evil. Look for their name as the third to sign on to NSA spying.

Yes, were talking about that Google and that Trump. Just two points first, before we look at Dave Dayens report of the news.

The Cult of the High-Tech Billionaire

First, a little context. We on the hipster left, along with many others in the non-political culture, tend to think of the billionaire high-tech founder and CEO as special, as a seer into the future and a builder of the world of the future  the world of driverless cars, the gig economy that powers disrupted industries, and especially the world of mobile smart devices that give us undreamed-of ways of connected interacting (and new ways of getting fabulously rich in an ironically breaking world).

This is perfectly analogous to the early 20th century and post-World War I cult of the airman, which lionized such people as Charles Lindbergh and Amelia Earhart as not only possessing special skills and bravery, but a specialist futurist vision as well (emphasis mine throughout):

Modern aviation and abstract art emerged almost simultaneously at the turn of the 20th century, and were self-consciously twinned from the outset. Notre Avenir est dans lAir (Our Future is in the Air), declared a painted pamphlet on one of Picassos Cubist table-tops from 1912  the original was issued by Michelin to raise funds for Frances aviation programme. Since the Wright brothers debuted their biplane near the French town of Le Mans in 1908, Picasso and Braque had taken to calling themselves Wilbur and Orville, enjoying the metaphor as they cut their art loose from the restraints of linear perspective. Modernists in other countries also made early bids for the skies: Marinetti, in his first Futurist manifesto of 1909, rounded off a long list of praiseworthy inventions with the aeroplane; Malevich, who launched Suprematism in 1915, spoke of an urge to take off from the Earth.

An urge to take off from the Earth, to fly into the future, to rise above the petty and see the whole at once instead of just the parts. And the airmen  just pilots, really, but people who did rise above the petty and, looking down, did see the whole from the air  were to lead the way:

This contradiction between the glamour of flight as a feat in itself, and the danger of a world opened up to the aerial gaze, was one of the defining features of aerial art in the interwar years. Public enthusiasm for flight was undiminished, and well provided for, as ex-servicemen opened or joined entrepreneurial new businesses  air transport, air mail, and air shows among them. Flight could make celebrities of its pioneers. In 1932, Walter Sickert painted Miss Earharts Arrival from a photograph in the Daily Sketch; shown on her arrival at Hanworth Air Park in Middlesex, the popular aviator is almost lost in the crowd of well-wishers braving the rain to celebrate her solo crossing of the Atlantic.

The cult of the airman placed aviators symbolically  as well as geographically  at a godlike remove from those on the ground:

The cult of the airman developed during the war as an heroic counter to the squalid and anonymous war in the trenches. It contained three features: a belief in the dynamic power of flying, an illusion of the airman as a hero and a militarist recognition of the potentially offensive use of the aeroplane.

That terribly mistaken belief in the airman as hero is one of the reasons Charles Lindbergh, a leader of the pre-World War II America First movement, and an avowed racist, had such a following in his post-pilot years (and the reason Philip Roth made Lindbergh the Trump-like president in his alternate history novel, The Plot Against America).

And now were at it again, looking to men and women (but mostly men) with special skills to show us the future (and by the way, unlock for us the secret of getting exceptionally rich). In this case, the heroes are men like the farseeing Steve Jobs and and his much worshiped, and imagined, hipster ideas:

Also men like search-engine billionaire Eric Schmidt and his hipster slogan, Dont Be Evil. Modern heroes.

High-Tech Billionaires Are Our Billionaires

The second point before we go to Dayens article is this  that high-tech billionaires are ours, are somehow the property of the Democratic Party and an offset to their billionaires, like Charles and David Koch or Robert Mercer. We on the left naturally assume that the Silicon Valley rich are ours because they are more culturally advanced (less anti-gay, for example), run companies that deploy what appear to be worker-friendly policies, and in general contribute to Democrats more than to Republicans.

Our billionaires will therefore stand by us and can be used as leverage against their billionaires, as when Silicon Valley companies helped fight off the genuine evils of Internet-neutering bills like SOPA and PIPA.

We generally feel good about our billionaires  not only are they Democrats, theyre seers, like Steve Jobs, like ourselves. We were therefore hardly surprised that the Silicon Valley rich, like Eric Schmidt, were generally big Hillary Clinton supporters, even in the primary against Bernie Sanders:

A newly published batch of stolen emails shows a close relationship between Google and members of Hillary Clintons campaign staff. The private emails were apparently stolen from John Podesta, Hillary Clintons campaign chair, and published by WikiLeaks. They contain several references to Google and its parent company Alphabets executive chairman, Eric Schmidt. The emails reveal a relationship with Schmidt dating back to at least 2008 and show that Google loaned its jet to members of Clintons campaign staff on several occasions. According to a February 2015 email to Podesta from Tina Flournoy  who serves as Bill Clintons chief of staff  Google planned to lend its company jet for a trip to Africa. Podesta wrote, FYI. They are donating the Google plane for the Africa trip.

There was a widely circulated Politico picture of Eric Schmidt wearing a staff badge at Clintons election night victory party. Schmidt must surely be one of the good ones, a Democrat if not a progressive, and one of those who get it.

Of course, Hollywood billionaires, like Steven Spielberg, are also big Democratic Party supporters, but they arent lionized these days the way the modern far-seeing airmen of today  the hyper-successful founders of high-tech start-up companies  are lionized.

To fully appreciate that, look again at the Steve Jobs book cover above, consider the lines outside Apple stores when a new iPhone is released, and look carefully at the cultivated hipster look of the many store agents. I called the hipster look cultivated not because the agents arent who they appear to be, but because they are hired because thats exactly who they are  tech-savvy hipsters, just like you, just like Apple, just like its founders.

This combination  the cult of the futurist high-tech billionaire coupled with their supposed Democratic leanings  blinds us to what were actually looking at, just as the cult of the airman blinded many in the 1920s and 1930s to what they were seeing.

Theres an important difference, though, between then and now. In the early part of the 20th century, the airmen (and women) were ordinary people with a skill. In our century, the futurists we idolize are also among the most wealthy and powerful men and women on earth  in a very real sense no different at all than Charles and David Koch  with all that that implies. Amelia Earhart didnt live for wealth and power. High-tech billionaires like Facebook founder Mark Zuckerberg most certainly do.

Were not just being fooled by our hero-worship; were being had by them as well.

With the two points above as context, lets now read David Dayen.

Google and Trump, Together At Last

At The Intercept, Dayen writes (my emphasis):

Google Gets a Seat on the Trump Transition Team Google is among the many major corporations whose surrogates are getting key roles on Donald Trumps transition team. Joshua Wright has been put in charge of transition efforts at the influential Federal Trade Commission [FTC] after pulling off the rare revolving-door quadruple-play, moving from Google-supported academic work to government  as an FTC commissioner  back to the Google gravy train and now back to the government. The Intercept has documented how Wright, as a law professor at George Mason University, received Google funding for at least four academic papers, all of which supported Googles position that it did not violate antitrust laws when it favored its own sites in search engine requests and restricted advertisers from running ads on competitors. George Mason received $762,000 in funding from Google from 2011 to 2013. Wright then became an FTC commissioner in January 2013, agreeing to recuse himself from Google cases for two years, because of his Google-funded research. He lasted at the FTC until August 2015, returning to George Masons law school (now named after Antonin Scalia). But Wright also became an of counsel at Wilson Sonsini Goodrich & Rosati, Googles main outside law firm. Wilson Sonsini has represented Google before the FTC. Wrights leadership position in the Trump FTC transition flips him back into government work.

Why is the FTC so important? The FTC has responsibilities over consumer protection and policing anti-competitive business practices, like the employing of monopoly power. Outside of the Justice Departments Antitrust Division, no government agency is more responsible for competition policy than the FTC.

Score one for the Google. They appear to have joined forces with Trump to make sure no high-tech billionaire is harmed in the relentless march toward monopolistic capitalism. Are they still our billionaires, or just their own?

Dont Be Evil indeed.
Our 86 Billion Neurons: She Showed It New York Review of Books. Why are humans smarter? We learned to cook.

Climate change in pictures Al Jazeera. Will those cooking skills come to naught? Sobering photos.

Why The Permian Just Got Even Hotter OilPrice.com

CalSTRS calculates total fees in likely first for public pension Reuters

History revisited: How Tughlaqs currency change led to chaos in 14th century India Scroll. Modis not the first Indian leader to trigger chaos with an inept demonetization plan.

For the first time in India, the rich beg the poor to help them Sydney Morning Herald (Martha R).

Totally Out of Touch: Nicolas Sarkozy Seeks Marshall Plan for Africa Michael Shedlock. E. Mayer: I was going to say something sardonic about the French role in destroying a relatively peaceful and prosperous Libya, but then it occurred to me that the original Marshall Plan started with devastated countries, so perhaps Sarkozy in his wisdom is proposing destroy, then rebuild in our image. Have they awarded this years Nobel Peace prize yet?

Portugal: Fifteen years of decriminalised drug policy Al Jazeera

Snow leopard rape: what was really going on? The Conversation

Bogus claims by homeopathic drug makers will now face wrath of FTC Ars Technica

The Professor Who Had to Spend Half His Life to Make the Drug India Needs The Wire. Tale of Professor Sujoy Kumar Guhas so far unrealized 37-year quest to develop and launch a reversible male contraceptive.

Inequality, Market Chaos and Angry Voters Der Spiegel. Much to mull here.

Another reason to ditch brain training: A declining mind may make you wiser Ars Technica

Steve Bannon And Seinfeld: Rob Reiner Sick Over Deal With Donald Trumps Adviser International Business Times

China

The Indonesian fire play Al Jazeera

Government scraps plans for controversial nationality census for 2-5 year-olds in humiliating U-turn The Independent

Brexit

Syraqistan

Big Brother IS Watching You Watch

IPHONES SECRETLY SEND CALL HISTORY TO APPLE, SECURITY FIRM SAYS The Intercept

Gnashing of Teeth and Rending Of Garments

Obama Is Warning America About Trumps Presidency. Are You Listening? New Republic. About what you would expect, but one line made me chuckle: Obamas presidency was historically uncorrupt and free from major scandal thats if we conveniently forget the FBI was investigating the SoS. We have 100 days to stop Donald Trump from systemically corrupting our institutions Vox. Textbook example of the calm analysis we expect from our Matty (irony alert). Eight steps reporters should take before Trump assumes office Columbia Journalism Review. File under: Isnt this bleeding obvious? Do MSM reporters actually need to be told to do this stuff? Oh, right, after their stunning success in illuminating the actions of HRC and her entourage, I guess maybe they do.

2016 Post Mortem

Whither the Economy?

Trump Transition

Antidote du Jour:



See yesterdays Links and Antidote du Jour here.
By Jerri-Lynn Scofield, who has worked as a securities lawyer and a derivatives trader. She now spends most of her time in Asia researching a book about textile artisans. She also writes regularly about legal, political economy, and regulatory topics for various consulting clients and publications, as well as scribbles occasional travel pieces for The National.

Mary Jo White will step down as chair of the Securities and Exchange Commission at the end of the Obama administration, leaving the agency weaker than she found it. Three of the five commissioners slots will then be empty, making it difficult for the SEC to transact ordinary business. This state of affairs opens the way to gridlock, since one commissioner would have an effective veto on any regulatory decision or enforcement action, according to the Wall Street Journal.

The SEC is limited by law to having no more than three members from any one political party, President-elect Donald Trump will have wide scope to shape the agencys future regulatory and enforcement priorities since he can appoint three new commissioners, who share congenial views. He will also be able to name the chair, who will also have a majority of commissioners and will be able to set the agencys agenda.

SEC as Paper Enforcement Tiger

Initially, there were great hopes that the appointment of White, a former US attorney for the southern district of New York, would restore the agencys reputation for effectiveness. This had suffered a long-term slide, accelerating during the tenures of chairs Christopher Cox (2005-2009) and Mary Schapiro (2009-2013).

But she failed to live up to expectations, so much so that the notoriously anti-regulatory Wall Street Journals editorial page lauded her performance after she announced her departure:

Weve never been fans of independent agencies, which appear nowhere in the Constitution. But Mary Jo White has been a true independent in one of historys most ideological Administrations.

The Journals praise was not widely shared. in fact, advocates of more effective SEC regulation had long had Whites number. She found herself in the usual position, as Yves has written in SEC Commissioner Kara Stein Declares War on SEC Chair Mary Jo White and several subsequent posts, of being pointedly challenged by fellow SEC Commissioner Kara Stein about SEC decisions and policies that she finds to be dubious. The word most commonly used in the media about her remarks is blistering. And in October, Senator Elizabeth Warren called on the Obamamometer to dismiss White as SEC chair.

But the first sign that White wasnt serious about making the SEC a feared and respected regulatory agency again came far earlier, when she appointed Andrew Ceresney, a former partner in white shoe law firm Debevoise and Plimpton, as the agencys director of enforcement, rather than opting for someone with serious trial experience. The agency sought to trumpet the record number of enforcements undertaken during Whites tenure under its broken windows enforcement policy as demonstrating it had an effective enforcement presence. But quantity does not necessarily equate with quality.

Both the 2009 Dodd-Frank Wall Street Reform and Competitiveness Act and the 2002 Sarbanes-Oxley Act provided the agency with enhanced statutory authority to pursue securities law, including and internal control violations. As Ive argued in a previous post, rather than availing itself of new and existing securities law authority to pursue serious violations, the agency opted instead to practice securities law theater, and chased high-profile but low payoff insider trading cases instead of mounting enforcement actions with wider systemic consequences (e.g. for flouting Sarbanes-Oxley internal control certification requirements and committing accounting control fraud).

In another post, I argued that the agency was quick to take a victory lap on the pathetic performance of its whistleblower program. Messaging once again trumped performance:

As with so many other parts of Dodd-Frank that required subsequent SEC action before the statute could be enforced, the agency lagged in setting up its whistleblower program, which was not launched until August 2011. This almost certainly reduced potential recoveries, in that statutes of limitation might have run before the Office of the Whistleblower was up and running and able to receive, assess, and act on whistleblower complaints. The SECs track record on setting up this office was actually better than its timetable to complete rulemaking on other key elements of the statute, with some rules taking years before they were effective. Now, five years after that launch, despite receiving over 14,000 whistleblower tips from individuals in all 50 states and the District of Columbia and 95 foreign countries, the SEC has thus far only made 33 awards, the top ten of which the agency has summarized. These resulted from successful enforcement actions that resulted in recoveries of more than $504 million, including more than $346 million in disgorgement and interest for harmed investors. It is impossible for an outsider to determine how zealously the SEC followed up on whistleblower tips. But given that the financial crisis alone led to economic losses of many multiples of that amount, this level of recovery seems rather low, at least to this observer, and at minimum, doesnt seem worth crowing about.

The agencys continued reliance on negotiated settlements despite a public commitment to moving away from such settlements in which the targeted party neither admits or denies problematic conduct was also disappointing, leading David Zaring to note in an opinion piece in MarketWatch [t]hat commitment has been enforced more in the breach then in the observance. I should mention here in passing that the agencys poor enforcement record is just part of a wider federal failure to tackle white collar crime effectively. This dereliction especially eschewing prosecutions of c-suite bankers is one factor that propelled Trump to the White House.

Rule-Making Record Under White

If the enforcement record under White was lackluster, the rule-making record provides even more cause for dismay.

As Zaring summarized in MarketWatch:

The SEC didnt pass many substantive rules during Whites tenure, couldnt get unanimity on the rules it did pass and left the controversial regulations to other regulators. Whites agency continued to implement Dodd Frank, of course, but missed plenty of deadlines before rules required by Congress were promulgated. Its farthest-reaching initiative, the revisions to the oversight of money-market funds, was something forced upon the agency by other financial regulators, rather than something the SEC itself seemed interested in doing. Imposing fiduciary obligations on financial advisers was a matter left to the Labor Department, after the SEC curiously elected to eschew doing something about an industry over which it had an excellent claim to regulate. The agency has done nothing to oversee high-frequency trading and nothing on a potential  and much wished for by the left wing of the Democratic Party  rule on the disclosure of corporate contributions to political candidates.

Why does this matter? Well, Trump has promised to roll back Dodd-Frank. Some have questioned whether he can effectively do this: short answer, with the co-operation of a Congress in which Republicans hold majorities in both houses, he can. But his ability to unravel the entire multi-faceted Dodd-Frank regulatory program would be seriously complicated if the SEC had managed to complete rule-making procedures mandated previously by Congress, according to statutory deadlines, and had firm regulations now in place.

And in fact, its not out of the question that some if not many in the industry might prefer certainly, and not advocate scuttling of some regulations particularly the more wishy-washy ones rather than lining up wholeheartedly behind a program of wholesale regulatory rollback. In that case, the securities law regulatory framework would be in far better shape if Whites SEC had managed to meet its regulatory responsibilities, and had finished the rule-making procedures with which it had been charged, than is the current situation where serious tasks remain incomplete).

State Attorneys General to the Fore?

If Trump follows through with plans to roll back or weaken Dodd-Frank, and as expected, appoints SEC commissioners committed to a business-friendly agenda, the activities of state attorneys general will once again become more important in the securities law and financial regulatory realm.

As Reuters reports in an article entitled U.S. state securities regulators gird for action during Trump era:

It sounds like were going to be under the same type of problems there were prior to the Great Recession, with securities and financial services being lightly regulated,' said William Galvin, the top securities regulator in Massachusetts. I think thats a problem.

During the administration of President George W. Bush, state attorneys general used state authority to prosecute securities and financial transgressions. Notably, former New York state Attorney General Eliot Spitzer relied on authority provided by the states 1910 Martin Act, which predates the federal securities law, to take legal action actions against insurance firms for brokerage practices, hedge funds for improper trading practices in mutual fund shares, and investment banks for conflicts of interest that distorted the investment research they provided, to name some of the most significant initiatives. Spitzers successors as attorney general, current New York Governor Andrew Cuomo and current Attorney General Eric Schneiderman, have not had the impact that Spitzer had when he was lauded as the Sheriff of Wall Street.

Yet, as per Reuters again:

Every time there has been a noticeable drop in SEC enforcement, New York prosecutors and regulators have used the Martin Act to great effect to police the securities market, said Michael Miller, a white collar defense lawyer for Steptoe & Johnson LLP in New York.

Unfortunately, White leaves behind a weakened SEC, which Trump has pledged to weaken further. Whatever efforts state legal officers may take therefore will increase in importance. Although strong federal regulation is surely the most effective way to police financial regulation, in its absence, the states need to do the job and should, said Galvin.

To be sure, the powers that state legal officers can wield are much less far-reaching than those of an effective SEC or indeed, other federal regulators. But they are not negligible, as Spitzer, and more recently, the Superintendent of the New York State Department of Financial Services, Benjamin Lawsky demonstrated before he resigned in June 2015.
Jerri-Lynn here: In this short post, the Institute for New Economic Thinkings (INET) Jack Gao reports on some implications of the White Houses concession that the election of Donald Trump has kayoed the Trans Pacific Partnership (TPP) agreement. Although Hillary Clinton also claimed to have reversed her initial support for the TPP, there was widespread suspicion that her public position wasnt her private one, and that the agreement would have been resurrected in some form if shed been elected.

I have some reservations about this post. The most serious is that Gao errs by accepting the framing of TPP as a trade liberalization agreement by its proponents. As economist Dean Baker has written:

The TPP is not about free trade. It does little to reduce tariffs and quotas for the simple reason that these barriers are already very low. In fact, the United States already has trade deals with six of the other eleven countries in the TPP. This is why the non-partisan United States International Trade Commission (ITC) estimated that when the full gains from the TPP are realized in 2032, they will come to just 0.23 percent of GDP. This is a bit more than a normal months growth. In fact, the TPP goes far in the opposite direction, increasing protectionism in the form of stronger and longer patent and copyright protection. These forms of protection for prescription drugs, software, and other products, often raise the price by a factor of a hundred or more above the free market price. This makes them equivalent to tariffs of several thousand percent.

The bottom line, according to Baker:

The real story here is that the TPP is a deal about redistributing more income upward. Its imposing more competition on those at the middle and the bottom while maintaining and increasing forms of protectionism that benefits those at the top. When reporters call the TPP a free trade deal, they are acting as advocates, not reporters. The TPP is a protectionist pact for those at the top who are worried that free trade will undermine their income  like it did for those at the middle and bottom.

Gaius Publus has expanded this argument further in his post entitled, Gaius Publius: TPP Is a Monopoly Protection Scheme, the Exact Opposite of a Free Trade Deal. I encourage interested readers to read both Gaiuss post and Bakers post in full.

Further, Gao notes economists differ in their assessments of TPPs likely impact on the U.S. economy. Thats putting it mildly. The lone study he cites claiming that the TPP would increase GDP, by a mere 0.5% by 2030, comes from the Peterson Institute for International Economics not exactly what I would call a solid or unbiased source. Other sources are decidedly more sceptical about the TPPs purported benefits, particularly when the weak enforcement record of labor, environmental, and human rights standards is considered.

Gao points out that concerns about inequality and transparency have made so-called trade agreements politically toxic. Trumps election demonstrates this is certainly the case. But I believe his analysis suffers from his basic failure to jettison the trade liberalization label when discussing this deal (and by implication, other similar agreements, past and pending).

By Jack Gao, who is a Program Economist at the Institute for New Economic Thinking (INET), with interests in international economics and finance, energy policy, economic development, and the Chinese economy. He previously worked in financial product and data departments in Bloomberg Singapore, and reported on Asian financial markets in Bloomberg News from Shanghai. Jack holds a MPA in International Development from Harvard Kennedy School, and a B.S. in Economics from Singapore Management University. Originally published at the Institute for New Economic Thinking Website.

The Council of Economic Advisors warned earlier this month that 5 million U.S. jobs will be lost with the collapse of the Trans-Pacific Partnership trade agreement  a probability now confirmed by the White House, which noted that the TPP wont pass Congress following the election of Donald Trump as president.

The widespread popular opposition to the mega trade deal, which prompted both presidential candidates promising not to sign it in its present form, make clear that trade policy will no longer be set by economic experts alone.

The CEA brief emphasized that forgoing TPP would jeopardize access to markets that currently account for nearly 45% of U.S. exports, and with it anticipated increases in productivity, investment, and GDP growth. The report included a detailed analysis on the impact of differential access to the Japanese market if TPP doesnt pass but an alternative deal including China but excluding the U.S. (the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership, or RECP) were to come to effect. That eventuality, the CEA concluded, would threaten the market share of the 35 U.S. industries that annually export $5.3 billion goods to Japan.

Traditional arguments for tariff reductions and freer trade invoke economic efficiency and comparative advantage principles. Trade, they maintain, raises domestic welfare to the extent that cheaper imported goods become available, and countries reallocate resources into sectors in which they possess comparative advantage in order to afford the imports. However, with global tariffs substantially lower today than they were a few decades ago, arguments such as those put forward by CEA in defense of the TPP are sounding increasingly mercantilistic: These exports are good and imports are bad views stand in stark contradiction with trade liberalization arguments, which promise relatively small gains if traditional manufacturing sectors were opened up further.

To be clear, economists differ in their assessments of TPPs likely impact on the U.S. economy. While the CEA emphasized the potential risks to U.S. industries and jobs, other models that tried to put a number on the TPPs impact do not always agree on the direction of the effect on U.S. GDP, let alone its magnitude. Their conclusions depend on assumptions made in the models. A study published by the Peterson Institute for International Economics sees TPP adding 0.5% to the U.S. economy by 2030, raising U.S. wages with no effect on employment levels. In contrast, scholars at Tufts University predict declines in U.S. GDP with TPP. While proponents also list benefits such as improved labor, environmental, and human rights standards that TPP is supposed to bring, the record of enforcement of such standards once trade deals take effect hasnt been particularly impressive. Job shifts and labor market dislocations as a result of such deals, however, seem all too real to the public.

In a domestic political environment more focused on income inequality and stagnant middle-class earnings, and where no effective institutions provide the transfers necessary to compensate those left behind, trade agreements are no longer a no-brainer for political candidates. They become even more politically toxic when those challenging such deals point out the lack of transparency in the negotiating process, and the fact that those most likely to be negatively affected are deliberately kept away from the table. As Jared Bernstein put it:

Who would you rather have writing the rules, us or the Chinese? isnt the right question. That is, the answer is surely us, but who is us?

And as Senator Elizabeth Warren argued, when making the negotiation process more transparent risks raising public opposition, it may well be the deal itself  rather than the opposition  that is the problem.

The rapidly changing and increasingly unpredictable domestic political environment has stripped trade liberalization of its conventional-wisdom status in the minds of elected leaders. Economists are certainly realizing that trade deals are no longer up to them to decide on behalf of a citizenry that has felt the impact of some of those agreements, and have  by the votes they cast  shown little regard for the experts who assure them that trade liberalization is in their best interests.
Switched-on skyrmions (Nanowerk News) Miniature magnetic whirlpools could be used to store and process data in a new generation of ultralow-power spintronics computing devices. RIKEN researchers have used an electric field to switch these spin-swirling objects, which are known as skyrmions, between two statesan important step in understanding and controlling their behavior (Nature Communications, "Transition to and from the skyrmion lattice phase by electric fields in a magnetoelectric compound").

Figure 1: A lattice of swirling magnetic vortices called skyrmions can be switched between two states using an electric field. (Image: Yoshinori Tokura, RIKEN Center for Emergent Matter Science)

Electrons act as tiny bar magnets. In some materials, these magnets can tip and rotate at different angles, forming a swirling vortexa skyrmionjust a few nanometers across. Many skyrmions can form an ordered, hexagonal lattice of magnetic vortex lines.

Yoshinori Tokura, who is director of the RIKEN Center for Emergent Matter Science, and colleagues from the University of Tokyo have studied skyrmion lattices in small crystals of the magnetic material copper selenium oxide (Cu 2 OSeO 3 ). They found that these skyrmion lattices can exist for some time in states that are not energetically the most stable, known as metastable states. The team discovered that the metastable skyrmion lattices persist at very low temperatures and can be controlled by applying an electric field.

Until our study, people believed that the skyrmion lattice should disappear when the temperature is lowered in this material, says Yoshihiro Okamura, a PhD student in Tokuras laboratory. However, we found that the skyrmion lattice can persist even at very low temperatures under electric fields and that, once created, the lattice remained even after the electric field was switched off.

The team showed that inverting the electric field could switch between the skyrmion lattice and a so-called conical state (Fig. 1). In particular, at 55.5 kelvin, the skyrmion lattice remained once created, which is important since it means that such systems could be used store data even when they are not being powered.

This kind of switching did not occur at 54 kelvin, while above 56.5 kelvin the system reverted to its original state when the electric field was turned off. That offers a narrow temperature window in which the two states are both stable and switchable.

To realize the phase interchange across a wider temperature range, we would need larger electric fields, says Okamura. But since that could degrade the material used in the experiments, we instead intend to broaden the temperature window by using higher quality crystals.
Crop yield gets boost with modified genes in photosynthesis

(Nanowerk News) Plant biologists have bumped up crop productivity by increasing the expression of genes that result in more efficient use of light in photosynthesis, a finding that could be used to help address the worlds future food needs.

Scientists at the Department of Energys Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory (Berkeley Lab), the University of California, Berkeley (UC Berkeley), and the University of Illinois targeted three genes involved in a process plants use to protect themselves from damage when they get more light than they can safely use. By increasing the expression of those genes, the scientists saw increases of 14-20 percent in the productivity of modified tobacco plants in field experiments.

The researchers described their findings in a paper published in the journal Science ("Improving photosynthesis and crop productivity by accelerating recovery from photoprotection").

Tobacco leaves showing transient overexpression of genes involved in nonphotochemical quenching (NPQ), a system that protects plants from light damage. Red and yellow regions represent low NPQ activity, while blue and purple areas show high levels induced by exposure to light. (Image: Lauriebeth Leonelli and Matthew Brooks/UC Berkeley) (click on image to enlarge)

Tobacco was used as the model crop plant in this study because it is easy to work with, but were working to make the same modifications in rice and other food crops, said co-senior author Krishna Niyogi, a faculty scientist in Berkeley Labs Division of Molecular Biophysics and Integrative Bioimaging. The molecular processes were modifying are fundamental to plants that carry out photosynthesis, so we hope to see a similar increase in yield in other crops.

Niyogi, who is a Howard Hughes Medical Institute investigator and a UC Berkeley professor of plant and microbial biology, teamed up with Stephen Long, a plant biology and crop sciences professor at the University of Illinois, for the study.

In photosynthesis, plants use the energy in sunlight to take up carbon dioxide from the atmosphere and convert it into biomass, which we use for food, fuel, and fiber. When there is too much sunlight, the photosynthetic machinery in chloroplasts can be damaged, so plants need photoprotection. Inside chloroplasts, plants have a system called NPQ, or nonphotochemical quenching, for this purpose.

Niyogi compared NPQ to a pressure relief valve in a steam engine.

When there is too much sunlight, its like pressure building up, said Niyogi. NPQ turns on and gets rid of the excess energy safely. In the shade, the pressure in the engine decreases. NPQ turns off, but not quickly enough. Its like having a leak in the system with the valve left open. The photosynthetic engine cant work as efficiently.

The highly variable levels of light plants receive, particularly in densely planted crop fields, presents a challenge to the efficient use of solar energy. Plants must adapt to intermittent shading from leaves that are higher in the canopy, or from passing clouds.

Niyogi and his postdoctoral research associates Lauriebeth Leonelli, Stephane Gabilly, and Masakazu Iwai figured out a way to speed up recovery from photoprotection and demonstrated a proof of this concept in the laboratory. They used a new method to rapidly test gene expression in tobacco leaves. By boosting the expression of three genes involved in NPQ, they showed that NPQ turned off more quickly, and the efficiency of photosynthesis in the shade was higher.

Half of crop photosynthesis occurs in the shade, so any improvement in speeding up recovery from photoprotection could have a big benefit, the researchers said.

Illinois postdoctoral researchers Johannes Kromdijk and Katarzyna Glowacka took the trio of genes studied at Berkeley and put them into tobacco plants for further testing in greenhouse and field experiments.

The work to boost crop productivity comes as concerns about food shortages rise with the worlds population. The Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations estimates that food production will need to nearly double by 2050 to meet increasing demand. Yields of the worlds major staple crops have not been increasing fast enough to meet this projected need.

My attitude is that it is very important to have these new technologies on the shelf now because it can take 20 years before such inventions can reach farmers fields, said Long. If we dont do it now, we wont have this solution when we need it.
A bill in Turkey that would overturn men's convictions for child sex assault if they married their victim provoked fury on Friday, with critics accusing the government of encouraging rape of minors with the proposals.

The opposition, celebrities, and even an association whose deputy chairman is the daughter of President Recep Tayyip Erdogan expressed alarm over the move.

But the government insisted the legislation was aimed at dealing with the widespread custom of child marriages and the criticism was a crude distortion of its aim.

The measures were approved in an initial parliamentary reading on Thursday and will be voted on again in a second debate in the coming days.

If passed, the law would allow the release from prison of men guilty of assaulting a minor if the act was committed without "force, threat, or any other restriction on consent" and if the aggressor "marries the victim".

The legal age of consent in Turkey is 18 but child marriage is widespread, especially in the southeast.

Dozens protested the bill in central Istanbul, tearing up copies of the proposed legislation and brandishing slogans like "rape is a crime against humanity".

"Until she is 18, a child remains a child, that is why this has to be condemned," said protester Fadik Temizyurek.

The bill was brought to parliament by the ruling Justice and Development Party (AKP).

"The AKP is pushing through a text which pardons those who marry the child that they raped," said an MP for the opposition Republican People's Party (CHP) Ozgur Ozel.

Celebrities waded into the debate, with prominent actress Nurgul Yesilcay tweeting that "what we are talking about is not being a women in this country, or being a man, but staying a human being".

On Twitter, the hashtag #TecavuzMesrulastirilamaz (Rape Cannot be Legitimised) became a top-trending topic as users took to social media to express their anger.

A petition on change.org urging the authorities to block the legislation has received over 600,000 signatures.

The pro-government Women's and Democracy Association (KADEM), whose deputy chairman is Erdogan's younger daughter Sumeyye Erdogan Bayraktar, said one of the biggest problems of the bill would be proving on a legal basis what constituted force or consent.

"How can the 'own will' of such a young girl be identified?" it asked. "We would like to draw attention to issues that might arise in case of it coming into force."

Prime Minister Binali Yildirim said the measure would only be applied once on past convictions, applying to offences committed before November 11, 2016.

"There are people who get married before reaching the legal age. They just don't know the law," he told reporters in Ankara, adding that the measure aims to "get rid of this injustice".

He said claims that the law would de-facto legalise rape were "completely false", noting that the government had raised penalties for the crime, accusing the CHP of exploiting the issue for political gain.

Justice Minister Bekir Bozdag said marriages involving minors were "unfortunately a reality" in Turkey but the men involved "were not rapists or sexual aggressors."

He said the measure would affect some 3,000 families.

The latest controversy comes after Turkey's constitutional court in July annulled a criminal code provision punishing as "sexual abuse" all sexual acts involving children under the age of 15.

Defenders of that law argued it made a distinction between cases of sexual acts involving a young teenager as opposed to a much younger child.

Campaigners accuse the government of not doing enough to stamp out the practice and of being more interested in pushing up the birth rate.

Gauri van Gulik, Amnesty International's Deputy Europe Director, said the parliament bill risks sending "the wrong message and could lead to further abuse."

"It is impossible... to guarantee that there was in fact full and informed consent of the girl, not just of her family," she said.

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X-ray pulsars fade as propeller effect sets in

(Nanowerk News) An international team of astrophysicists including Russian scientists from the Space Research Institute of the Russian Academy of Sciences (RAS), MIPT, and Pulkovo Observatory of RAS has detected an abrupt decrease of pulsar luminosity following giant outbursts. The phenomenon is associated with the so-called "propeller effect," which was predicted more than 40 years ago. However, this is the first study to reliably observe the transition of the two X-ray pulsars 4U 0115+63 and V 0332+53 to the "propeller regime."

The results of the observations, the conclusions reached by the researchers, and the relevant calculations were published in Astronomy & Astrophysics ("Propeller effect in two brightest transient X-ray pulsars: 4U 0115+63 and V 0332+53").

Pulsar and accretion disc, this is an artist's rendering. (Image: MIPT)

The two sources studied, 4U 0115+63 and V 0332+53, belong to a rather special class of transient X-ray pulsars. These stars alternately act as weak X-ray sources, undergo giant outbursts, and disappear from sight completely. The transitions of pulsars between different states provide valuable information about their magnetic field and the temperature of the surrounding matter. Such information is indispensable, as the immensely strong magnetic fields and extremely high temperatures make direct measurements impossible in a laboratory on Earth.

The name of a pulsar is preceded by a letter designating the first observatory to discover it, which is followed by a numerical code containing the coordinates of the pulsar. The "V" refers to Vela 5B, a US military satellite that was launched to spy on the Soviets. As for the "4U" in the other name, it stands for the fourth Uhuru catalog, compiled by the first observatory in orbit dedicated specifically to X-ray astronomy. Following the discovery of the first pulsar, it was originally known as "LGM-1" (for "little green men"), because it was a source of regular radio pulses, leading scientists to believe that they might have received a signal from intelligent extraterrestrials.

An X-ray pulsar is a rapidly spinning neutron star with a strong magnetic field. A neutron star can be part of a binary system. In a process that astrophysicists call accretion, the neutron star can channel gas from its normal star companion. The attracted gas spirals toward the neutron star forming an accretion disk, which is disrupted at the magnetosphere radius. During accretion the matter penetrates to a certain extent into the magnetosphere, "freezes into it," and flows along the lines of the magnetic field toward the magnetic poles of the neutron star. Falling toward the poles, the gas is heated to several hundred million degrees, which causes the emission of X-rays. If the magnetic axis of a neutron star is skewed relative to its rotational axis, the X-ray beams it emits rotate in a manner that resembles the way beacons work. For an "onshore" observer, the source appears to be sending signals at regular intervals ranging from fractions of a second to several minutes.

A neutron star is one of the possible remnants left behind by a supernova. It can be formed at the end of stellar evolution, if the original star was massive enough to allow gravitation to compress the stellar matter enough to make electrons combine with protons yielding neutrons. The magnetic field of a neutron star can be more than ten orders of magnitude stronger that any magnetic field that could be achieved on Earth.

A binary system where the normal star has filled its Roche lobe. (click on image to enlarge)

In a binary system, an X-ray pulsar is observed when the neutron star is accreting matter from its normal star companion--often a giant or a supergiant characterized by a strong stellar wind (ejection of matter into space). Alternatively, it can be a smaller star like our own Sun that has filled its Roche lobe--the region beyond which it is unable to hold on to the matter attracted by the gravity of the neutron star companion.

The 4U 0115+63 and V 0332+53 pulsars are irregular X-ray sources (transients), owing to the fact that their stellar companions belong to the rather unusual Be star class. The axial rotation of a Be star is so rapid that it occasionally starts "bulging" at the equator, whereby a gas disk is formed around it, filling the Roche lobe. The neutron star starts rapidly accreting the gas from its "donor" companion, causing a sharp increase in X-ray emission called an X-ray outburst. At some point, after the matter in the equatorial bulge starts to deplete, the accretion disk becomes exhausted, and the gas can no longer fall onto the neutron star due to the influence of the magnetic field and the centrifugal force. This gives rise to a phenomenon known as the "propeller effect": the pulsar enters a state where accretion does not occur, and the X-ray source is no longer observed.

Astronomers use the term "luminosity" to refer to the total amount of energy emitted by a celestial body per unit time. The red line in the diagram represents the threshold luminosity for the 4U 0115+63 pulsar. Observations of the other source (V 0332+53) produced similar results. The blue lines mark the moments in time, when the distance between the pulsar and the companion was at a minimum. This proximity of the companion star might cause the neutron star to go into overdrive and resume emission (see diagram), provided that sufficient amounts of matter are still available for accretion.

The Russian scientists used the X-ray telescope (XRT) based on NASA's Swift space observatory to measure the threshold luminosity that marks the transition of a pulsar to the propeller regime. This parameter depends on the magnetic field and the rotational period of the pulsar. The rotational periods of the sources in this study are known based on the intervals between the pulses that we can register: 3.6 s in the case of 4U 0115+63 and 4.3 s for V 0332+53. Knowing both the threshold luminosity and the rotational period, one can calculate the strength of the magnetic field. The research findings are in agreement with the values obtained using other methods. However, the luminosity was only reduced by a factor of 200, as compared to the expected 400 times reduction. The researchers hypothesized that there could be two possible explanations for this discrepancy. Firstly, the neutron star surface could become an additional source of X-rays, as it cools down following an outburst. Secondly, the propeller effect could leave some room for matter transfer between the two stars, as opposed to sealing the neutron star off completely. In other words, an unaccounted for mechanism could be involved enabling accretion to continue to a certain extent.

Astronomers use the term "luminosity" to refer to the total amount of energy emitted by a celestial body per unit time. The red line in the diagram represents the threshold luminosity for the 4U 0115+63 pulsar. Observations of the other source (V 0332+53) produced similar results. The blue lines mark the moments in time, when the distance between the pulsar and the companion was at a minimum. This proximity of the companion star might cause the neutron star to go into overdrive and resume emission (see diagram), provided that sufficient amounts of matter are still available for accretion. (Image: MIPT)

The transition of a pulsar into the propeller mode is challenging to observe, as the low luminosity state cannot be detected easily. For 4U 0115+63 and V 0332+53, this was attempted following the previous outbursts of these sources. However, the instruments available at the time were not sensitive enough to see the pulsars in the "off-mode." This study is the first to demonstrate reliably that these two sources do indeed "black out." Moreover, the researchers showed that knowledge of the luminosity that marks the transition of pulsars into the propeller regime can be used to learn more about the structure and intensity of the magnetic fields around neutron stars.
Find the newest releases to watch from National Geographic on Disney+, including favourite documentary series and films Free Solo, The Rescue, Shark Beach with Chris Hemsworth and The World According to Jeff Goldblum.
Renowned Clonmel composer and Freeman of the town, Micheal O Suilleabhan, is retiring as chair of Music at University of Limerick.

He was appointed the first chair of the faculty in 1994 where he founded the Irish World Academy of Music and Dance.

Now to mark his retirment, University of Limerick (UL) will host a gala concert next Tuesdaycelebrating his music

The RTE Concert Orchestra, conducted by David Brophy, will perform with Micheal and a selection of special guests in University Concert Hall Limerick on November 22.

An internationally acclaimed performer and composer, Micheal O Suilleabhain is acknowledged as having developed a unique Irish piano style exploring the sounds of traditional and classical music with occasional incursions into jazz and other world music forms.

He is highly regarded in his home town and was accorded the Freeman of Clonmel earlier this year for his contribution to music and dance.

"It is a great honour to perform with the RTE Concert Orchestra - one of the most acknowledged orchestras in the world," Micheal said.

"Doing so affords me the opportunity of visiting and revisiting parts of my compositional life, to provide a special evening of my music.

I have spent several months preparing exclusively for this concert, retouching old scores, writing new ones," he added.

The concert, Elver Gleams, reflects the title of the musician's 2010 album.

"Some special friends will join me as soloists including the world acclaimed Ken Edge on saxophone, Niall Keegan on trad flute and Padraic Keane TG4 young traditional musician of the year on pipes.

I am especially happy that my two sons Eoin and Moley are flying back from the USA to join me for some final songs they have written themselves which I have specially orchestrated for the occasion. Kathleen Turner and the Irish World Academy Choir will add a special touch to the concert," Micheal outlined.

"I'm immensely looking forward to this concert," he continued.

Micheal was appointed the first ever Chair of Music at the University of Limerick in 1994 where he founded the Irish World Academy of Music and Dance.

The academy is now recognised internationally as a centre of academic and performance excellence, offering a suite of taught undergraduate and postgraduate programmes honouring the energies of performance and academic reflection across a wide range of genres and disciplines.

According to Professor Don Barry, president of UL, "Micheal O Suilleabhain has been a dynamic, creative force at UL since 1994 when he established the Irish World Academy to pioneer new research, teaching and performance programmes in music and dance.

His unique cultural vision has drawn talented students and staff from all over the world and I look forward to the concert which will celebrate Micheal's remarkable contribution to Irish cultural life".

All are welcome to attend this once-off event. The concert, Elver Gleams, takes place at University Concert Hall, Limerick on Tuesday, November 22 at 8pm. Tickets are 20 and available from www.uch.ie or
The Pakistani navy detected an Indian submarine off the Pakistani coast and prevented it from entering its waters, it said in a statement on Friday, prompting a denial by India as tension between the nuclear-armed rivals simmers.

The submarine was detected "south of the Pakistani coast" on Monday, the navy said in a press release.

"Thereafter, despite the submarine's desperate efforts to escape detection, it was continuously tracked by Pakistan Navy Fleet units and pushed well clear of our waters," the press release said.

The Pakistan navy also released footage and photographs of what it was said was the submarine.

"This is all blatant lies," Indian navy spokesman D. K. Sharma told Reuters.

Relations between Pakistan and India have been strained for several months, while cross-frontier shelling has intensified leading to deaths of civilians and soldiers stationed along the disputed frontier.

Kashmir lies at the heart of the tension. The countries have fought two of their three wars over the region since partition and independence from Britain in 1947.

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Katie Kinane and Ali Ryan, students from St Annes Secondary School, Tipperary competed among the top young scientific minds at SciFest 2016 and were awarded an Excellence in STEM award, for their project The Mechanics of Pencil Holding.

SciFest is an all-island STEM (science, technology, engineering and maths) initiative which fosters active, collaborative and inquiry-based learning among second level students.

This year saw a record number of over 8,000 students exhibiting their projects in local and regional science fairs across the country.

Katie and Ali were two of the 58 students who went on to exhibit their 31 STEM projects at the national final held in the Marino Conference Centre in Dublin.

Katie and Ali identified the ideal technique for holding a pencil and developed a simple and inexpensive way of correcting those who use incorrect techniques.

They gave students a glove developed for this purpose, leading to 60% of students using the incorrect technique to improve their writing style, placing less pressure on the tip of the pencil and gaining greater control of the pencil. They identified that those who developed the correct technique at a young age were more likely to persist with it throughout their lives.

SciFest is funded primarily by Science Foundation Ireland, Intel Ireland and Boston Scientific.

Sheila Porter, SciFest CEO, said: The standard at SciFest is always extremely high and this year is no exception. All the students put in such a phenomenal amount of work and it is very difficult to pick a winner. The range of projects, and the creativity and innovation on display this year is really heartening and demonstrates that the students of today will be tomorrows leaders in the area of STEM. The aim of SciFest is to foster and develop a love of STEM, and to imbue every student with the skills of self-directed learning. In that regard, this year has been a huge success. I look forward to seeing the winning project go forward to Intel ISEF 2017, where I am sure it will do very well.

Congratulating the students on their achievements Richard Bruton T.D., Minister for Education and Skills said: My department is committed to increasing the take-up of gateway subjects to STEM in schools and to encourage a passion for STEM among students. This is one of the aims the Government has in its Action Plan for Education. Events like SciFest are invaluable in this regard as they give all students an independent love of STEM, outside the classroom. I had the opportunity to view the projects on display today and all the young scientists here today are a credit to their families and supporters. The future of STEM in Ireland is clearly very bright. The standard was incredibly high and I wish hearty congratulations to the winning entry on the success achieved.
Clonmel and County Tipperary Chamber of Commerce Acting CEO David Shanahan has called on the business community, chamber members and non-members to support this weeks fundraiser for South Tipperary Hospice Movement (STHM) hosted by chamber member, Red Nose Wine at Raheen House. The after work charity wine tasting event will take place on Thursday 24th from 5.30  6.30pm and tickets are 15 and available onwww.clonmelchamber.ie with all funds raised going to local charity STHM.

This event will be our last networking opportunity for members before Christmas and for that reason we have opened it up to non-members also. I would urge anyone in business in the local area to attend this unique event. The team from Red Nose Wine will also be offering a large and diverse selection of wines and champagnes from their Christmas Collection for those in attendance. The night promises to be a great social event with an educational twist for those who want to learn a little or a lot while tasting, whilst also raising much-needed funds for South Tipperary Hospice Movement. David Shanahan, Acting CEO, Clonmel & County Tipperary Chambers.

Winemakers from Bodegas Sommos, Northern Spain, Chateau Viranel in Southern France and Champagne Duval-Leroy will all be present at the event showcasing some of their vineyards finest and sharing their stories. A representative from Liberty Wines, Red Nose Wines esteemed Italian Fine Wine import partner will also be showcasing the best of fine wines from Italy.

Looking more closely at the winemakers in attendance, Bodegas Sommos is a unique vineyard in the Somontano D.O. located in Northern Spain. The winery has 350 hectares of vines spread over 5 vineyards. They like to experiment and use a wide variety of grapes including Tempranillo, Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Syrah, Grenache, and Pinot Noir to make their various red wines. Chardonnay and Gewurztraminer are used in their white selection.

Chateau Viranel will also be showcasing and although they have been making wine at Viranel in Saint Chinian since 1551, the vineyard has recently enjoyed a new lease of life as the next generation has taken over operations. Nicolas studied agronomy in Toulouse, travelled overseas to gain work experience in places as diverse as Peru, New Zealand, South Africa, Chile, and California. In 2003, Nicolas started overseeing the grape harvest at Viranel and Arnaud joined him in 2009, to handle sales and marketing.

Another family business, Champagne Duval-Leroy, has dedicated itself to the noble craft of champagne-making since 1859. Champagne pioneers, Duval-Leroy has always been driven by a quest for high standards and innovation in every aspect of the business, from quality, consistency and certification through to partnerships with sommeliers and chefs. It is a member of the very prestigious Relais & Chateaux partnership. Champagne Duval-Leroy have recently become the champagne of choice for the prestigious Cliff Group (who are also members of Relais & Chateaux), and their luxury hotels and restaurants in Ardmore, Co. Waterford, St. Stephens Green, Dublin and the new Cliff at Lyons in Co. Kildare.

Gary Gubbins, Proprietor of Red Nose Wine commented We have a wide variety of options available to corporate clients as Christmas gifts which will be showcased on the night from twin packs to luxury hampers and this event offers the local business community the chance to sample our offerings, whilst raising much-needed funds for a great local cause. At Red Nose Wine we specialise in importing wine of the highest quality from smaller and family run vineyards. There is a lot of very good wine at a very good price in the world, but it is often hidden within its locality, be it in a small country village in Piedmont, or just a few steps away from a very famous Bordeaux chateau. The same can be said of Spanish, New Zealand and Chilean wines, to name but a few. The wines with the biggest advertising budgets are rarely the best wines at the best price. Our winemakers skills lie more in wine making than marketing, which makes them that little bit harder to find, this event allows us to bring these wines to you, you wont find these on a supermarket shelf. Tickets are 15 with all wines on the evening sponsored by Red Nose Wine to ensure maximum funds are generated for the charity. For further information and bookings visit www.rednosewine.com.
The prestigious Clonmel Oil Chase was one of few major prizes to elude master trainer Willie Mullins until 2013 but following last Thursdays renewal he has won three in the space of four years, reflecting his dominance in national hunt racing.

Once again the grade two steeplechase attracted a stellar lineup and it was Alelchi Inois, trained by Mullins and ridden by Ruby Walsh, who was sent off the 2/1 favourite, with the Gordon Elliott-saddled Outlander at 9/4.

Ruby Walsh on his way to victory on Alelchi Inois in the Clonmel Oil Chase.

Not for the first time, the race produced a dramatic finish, with the spoils apparently at the mercy of Outlander only for the Bryan Cooper-ridden eight-year-old to fall at the last, leaving the way clear for the staying-on Alelchi Inois to emerge victorious, with Clarcam in second.

Probably a bit fortunate, but well take it, the champion trainer acknowledged afterwards, adding that the good-ground-dependent winner was going to head down the cross-country route and could now be headed for next years Aintree Grand National. Everything played into his hands today.

This was the 25th running of the Clonmel Oil Chase and its a successful sponsorship which looks set to continue for the foreseeable future.

Trainer Willie Mullins was very happy with Alelchi Inois win.

Its an annual fixture for us and a way of giving something back to the people that support us locally, Brian Connolly of Clonmel Oil said after the trophies were presented to winning connections. Its a very high-profile race and one that all of the top trainers target. The list of winners down through the years is strong and it seems to be a day all of the racing fans in the area look forward to.

The big race provided the second leg of a treble for the powerful Mullins-Walsh combination, with Westerner Lady (Evs F) making it six wins out of seven in the EBF TA Morris Memorial Mares Steeplechase, strongly holding off the late challenge of Thanks for Tea.

Their third came in the last, the Clonmel Oil Slan Abhaile Hurdle, when Miss Me Now (100/30) stayed on well to take the honours.

Second in that race was filled by Sanibel Island, trained by Gordon Elliott, who did have success earlier in the card when Veinard (4/1 F) took the Clonmel Oil Race Day Handicap Hurdle, with Davy Russell on board. Russell was returning to Irish racing for the first time since the suspension he earned at Clonmel last time around and managed to secure a double, teaming up with long-time ally Charles Byrnes in the following Clonmel Oil Service Station Handicap Hurdle to win on Sea Light (5/2 F).

The presentations following the 50,000 Clonmel Oil Chase at Powerstown Park.

Delighted, Byrnes said afterwards, before revealing Sea Light could be Cheltenham bound. We might run him in one of the Pertemps [handicap hurdle] qualifiers and see what happens.

On a good day for favourite backers, the opening race was won by another of the training big names when the Noel Meade-handled Rathnure Rebel (7/2 CF) came home ahead of Sweet Shirleen and Field Robin.

Next meeting in Clonmel is on December when 8 when Powerstown Park will host the inaugural running of the Jim Strang & Sons Kilsheelan Peugeot Hurdle, with the first race going under orders at 12.25pm.
American Banker Regulatory Symposium. Se. Bob Corker (R-TN) and Richard Cordray, Director, Consumer Financial Protection Bureau. Marriott Gateway Hotel, Sept. 24, 2013 Alexandria VA  Rick Reinhard 2013 email rick@rickreinhard.com Rick Reinhard/ Rick Reinhard 2013

WASHINGTON  The Consumer Financial Protection Bureau has formally appealed an October court ruling that undercut the agency's independent status, arguing that the decision laid out a theory of separation of powers without precedent in case law or the Constitution.

"A panel of this Court has rendered a dramatic and unprecedented ruling that purports to override Congress's explicit determination to create 'an independent bureau' to exercise regulatory and law enforcement authority in a particular segment of the economy," the CFPB said in the filing. "It thus sets up what may be the most important separation-of-powers case in a generation."

At issue is an appeals court ruling in the case of PHH v CFPB, where a mortgage originator was fined $109 million over what the bureau said amounted to a kickback scheme. The company would allegedly steer borrowers toward mortgage insurance vendors who would buy reinsurance from a company owned by PHH. The CFPB based its fine on a new interpretation of the Real Estate Settlement Procedures Act, known as Respa, which was substantially different from previous interpretations made by the Department of Housing and Urban Development. PHH argued in its legal challenge that the CFPB had no business applying a new interpretation of an existing law retroactively, and the lower court agreed.

But PHH also argued that the CFPB could not make any interpretations of Respa because the agency's director could not be fired by the U.S. president but for cause. The single-director structure for an independent agency vests an unconstitutionally large amount of power outside of the president's direct control, PHH claimed. The D.C. Circuit agreed with that argument as well, deciding simply to strike the "for cause" clause, effectively nullifying the CFPB's independent status by allowing the president to remove the director for any reason.

The CFPB said in its appeal that the court's decision relies on the assumption that a multimember commission  such as the Securities and Exchange Commission or the Federal Trade Commission  somehow passes constitutional muster while a single-director structure does not. That decision seems to ultimately be based on a simple preference by the judges for multimember commissions, the appeal said.

"The panel's answer had nothing to do with a lack of presidential accountability. The panel opined that 'multi-member commissions or boards  reflect a deep and abiding concern for safeguarding the individual liberty protected by the Constitution,'" the bureau said. "The panel thus rested its ruling on criteria that lack definition or boundary and have no foundation in Supreme Court precedent or separation-of-powers principles."

The CFPB was widely expected to appeal the ruling, though the future of the case remains uncertain. The expanded review, known as an en banc review, by all of the judges of the D.C. Circuit will likely be granted because the case has such a high profile and such drastic effects if it were to stand.

If the case is not overturned, President-elect Donald Trump would have the ability to fire current CFPB Director Richard Cordray, whose term is not slated to expire until July 2018.

If the en banc review is not successful, the CFPB would still have the ability to appeal the case to the Supreme Court.

The bureau also said that the court erred in striking down its application of Respa, arguing that the arrangement that PHH had with its preferred mortgage insurance vendors was precisely the kind of kickback scheme that the law was originally passed to stop.

Among other errors, the court ignored the provision in the law that prohibits the exchange of a "thing of value" for business referrals  something that reinsurance would qualify as being.

"In exchange for these referrals it received profitable kickbacks from mortgage insurers who purchased reinsurance," the CFPB said. "This is certainly 'a thing of value.'"

Banking industry groups wasted little time in criticizing the agency's appeal. The Competitive Enterprise Institute  a pro-industry think thank that has filed an amicus brief in support of PHH and the plaintiff in another challenge to the CFPB's constitutionality  said the court's ruling would stand and the CFPB's structure would be struck down.

"We believe the PHH ruling will be upheld, and we are optimistic that our own broader constitutional challenge to the CFPB, now in district court, will ultimately succeed."
Fifth Third Bancorp in Cincinnati has expanded its community development pledge to $30 billion.

The updated plan, announced Friday, adds to the $27.5 billion in commitments that Fifth Third unveiled in February under an agreement with the National Community Reinvestment Coalition.

And it follows the decision in July by the Federal Reserve Board to downgrade the $141 billion-asset bank's Community Reinvestment Act rating to "needs to improve" from "satisfactory." At the time, analysts said the downgrade could throw a wrench in Fifth Third's efforts to return to bank acquisitions. Fifth Third has said the downgrade reflected "legacy issues" from 2011 to 2013 that were addressed.

The $30 billion pledge is for 2016 to 2020 and breaks down into three parts:

$11 billion would be used to fund mortgage lending to low- and moderate-income individuals and communities.

$9 billion would fund CRA community development loans and investments, including support for affordable housing, community development financial institutions, housing rehab loan pools and land banks.

Another $10 billion would be set aside for small-business lending to businesses with gross annual revenue below $1 million.

The pledge covers the 10 Midwestern and Southeastern states where Fifth Third has branches. Beyond funding these investment and lending activities, Fifth Third also has plans to open at least 10 branches to improve access in lower-income communities and communities of color.

"Fifth Third is deeply committed to both investing significant resources into the community as well as engaging community members and leaders," Fifth Third CEO Greg Carmichael said in a news release. "Our objective is to ensure that, together with the NCRC, we meaningfully impact the communities in the 10 states where Fifth Third operates."

The additions announced Friday included $1 billion more for mortgage-credit access. The company also expanded its CRA lending plan by roughly $1.5 billion, Fifth Third spokeswoman Stacie Haas said.

Moreover, Fifth Third added more funds for its "impact programming," which includes philanthropic efforts, diverse hiring and supplier initiatives and other investments and marketing, increasing those investments to $158.4 million from $77 million back in February.
(As delivered)

So Excellencies, ladies and gentlemen, first of all thank you for this very warm welcome.

And thank you to the German Marshall Fund and to Ian for hosting me and all of us today. The German Marshall Fund is a truly transatlantic organization and the German Marshall Fund is important for many reasons but especially because the German Marshall Fund is really contributing to strengthening the transatlantic bond and to build bridges across the Atlantic. And the GMF has been doing that for decades. And this is as important as ever in the uncertain times we are living in today.

I will give a speech and then afterwards I am happy to answer your questions and to take part in a dialogue with all of you. But let me start by just stating the following and that is that Europe needs America and America needs Europe.

So, this morning I want to talk about what binds us together. To explore the fundamental connection between the transatlantic bond and European security. And to outline what I believe we need to do to sustain that bond, and maintain that security.

******

Today marks exactly one hundred years since the final day of the Battle of the Somme. One of the bloodiest campaigns in the First World War. A battle in which over a million men were killed or wounded. On the eve of the First World War, British Foreign Secretary Sir Edward Grey had been sure that peace would prevail. That if war threatened, European nations would, in his words, call a halt, and recoil from the abyss. He was wrong. Like so many others.

The European powers could not call a halt. The result was utter destruction.

Two decades later, Europe was once again engulfed by war.

And the sons of those Americans and Canadians who had fought in Flanders Fields were asked to fight their way across the beaches of Normandy. But soon after the liberation of Europe, an Iron Curtain fell and divided the continent.

Two World Wars  and the Cold War  have taught us that the security of Europe relies on the United States. And that the United States has a profound strategic interest in a stable and secure Europe.

Today, the United States continues to demonstrate its commitment to Europes security. It will deploy a new armoured brigade to Europe. And deliver equipment and supplies to support future reinforcements, if needed.

And at the same time Europeans have always been there for Americans too. Since NATO was founded in 1949, America has had no more steadfast and reliable partner than Europe. Europe is Americas best friend.

NATO has been a unique force multiplier. A platform from which to project strategic interests. And for working seamlessly with Allies and partners around the globe.

So we have to remember that the only time when NATO has invoked our collective defence clause, Article 5, was in solidarity with the United States. As a direct response to the 9/11 attacks in 2001.

Since then hundreds of thousands of European troops have served in Afghanistan. Over a thousand have paid the ultimate price. And NATO continues to play a crucial role in the fight against international terrorism.

Every NATO Ally is part of the US-led coalition to counter ISIL. Drawing on decades of experience working together in NATO exercises and operations.

Our AWACS surveillance aircraft support coalition air operations.

NATO is training Iraqi officers to better fight ISIL. And we work with others throughout North Africa and the Middle East to help them improve their security.

Europe and the United States are close economic and trade partners. Together, they account for one third of world trade and half of global economic output.

A stronger, safer, and more prosperous Europe means a stronger, safer, more prosperous United States.

That is an essential lesson of twentieth century history. And we should not forget it.

Especially in uncertain times such as these.

Russia, breaking international law. Turmoil in North Africa and the Middle East. The refugee and migration crisis. International terrorism. Hybrid warfare. And cyber-attacks.

These are pressing challenges. Requiring unity and resolve.  And a strong transatlantic bond.

To do that, we Europeans recognise that we have work to do.

Crucially, Europe must do more on defence and security.

And an important part of that is closer cooperation between NATO and the European Union.

I welcome ongoing efforts to strengthen European Defence. But we need to ensure it is done in a way which strengthens not weakens the transatlantic relationship.

For me, as Secretary General of NATO, there are three key points.

More money for better capabilities. Complementarity, not competition. And involvement of non-EU Allies.

First, some words about more money for better capabilities.

It is no secret that the United States has called for European Allies to spend more on defence. We have heard that call many times, from many American leaders. From President Obama and from President-elect Trump. From every senator and congressman Ive met since becoming Secretary General.

And delivering on defence spending has been my top priority since the day I took office.

I raise this in every NATO capital I visit.

And I welcome the fact that Europeans are now stepping up.

At our Summit in Wales in 2014, all Allies made a pledge. To stop cuts in defence spending. And to gradually increase spending towards the goal of 2% of GDP within a decade.

Last year, for the first time in many years, we stopped the cuts across Europe and Canada.

This year, I expect a 3% real increase in defence spending in Europe and Canada.

But other than the US, only four NATO Allies currently spend 2% of GDP on defence.

If all Allies did, that would mean an extra hundred billion dollars. A one hundred billion dollar boost to our capabilities.

Thats roughly equivalent to the combined budgets of the largest defence spenders in Europe: the UK and France. Every year.

So we still have a long way to go. But we are heading in the right direction.

This week, the EU also took steps in the right direction.

Agreeing on measures to implement the Global Strategy in the area of security and defence.

They should lead to more efficient spending and better defence capabilities.

One issue we need to address better is the fragmentation of the European defence industry.

Let me give you some examples.

The United States has one type of infantry fighting vehicle. In Europe, we have 19. The United States has three types of air to air missiles. In Europe, we have 13 different types. The United States uses 4 different types of naval frigates. In Europe, we have 29.

Think what that means for our ability to work together and fight together.

And the unnecessary costs involved. So, we need to spend more and we also need to spend better.

That leads me to my second point: complementarity, not competition.

NATO nations and EU members simply cannot afford two sets of forces and capabilities.

We share 22 members  so to duplicate would be like competing with ourselves.

I know that when it comes to European Defence, a number of proposals have been put on the table. And that debate continues.

I took part in this discussion when I attended the recent EU Defence Ministers meeting in Bratislava, and again this week in Brussels.

It was clearly stated that there is no intention to create a European Army; or establish a military headquarters similar to that of NATO's SHAPE. And it was also made clear that NATO remains the foundation for the collective defence of those countries that are part of the Alliance.

So at least some of the ghosts of the past appear to have been laid to rest.

To make sure that remains the case, we must have full transparency and the involvement of non-EU NATO Allies. That is my third point.

Allies such as the United States and Canada to the West; Iceland and Norway to the North; And Turkey and Albania to the South-East, are not members of the EU. But, together, they are essential for European security and will continue to be.

After Brexit, non-EU Allies will account for 80% of NATOs defence spending. Three of the four NATO battlegroups to be deployed in Poland and the Baltic States will be led by non-EU Allies. So, we cannot afford to decouple European Defence from non-EU NATO Allies.

They all have an important stake in European security. And we must continue to acknowledge that. One way of doing so is by developing stronger NATO-EU cooperation. This will also reinforce the transatlantic bond.

The Joint Declaration that I signed together with Presidents Tusk and Juncker in Warsaw in July raised our cooperation to a new level.

Both organisations face security challenges of a new depth and complexity. And neither has the tools to overcome those challenges alone.

NATO has a unique set of experience, expertise and capabilities. A tried and tested command structure.

Key enablers such as AWACS surveillance planes. And high-end fighting capabilities. Our ability to do both collective defence and crisis management complements perfectly the wide range of capabilities the EU has to offer.

Together, we can be a formidable force for good.

Our combined efforts in the Aegean have been a major step forward. Helping to cut the lines of illegal migration.

Last week, we launched the maritime security Operation Sea Guardian.

With ships, submarines and maritime patrol aircraft operating in the Central Mediterranean.

Which will also be used to support the EUs Operation Sophia. NATO and EU cyber defence teams already participate together in exercises. And have agreed to exchange information about threats, and share best practices.

We are working to implement the joint statement we made in Warsaw. And this is one the most important things when it comes to how to further strengthen the cooperation between NATO and EU and we are doing so with full respect for both organisations' distinct mandates, decision-making autonomy and institutional integrity.

Next month, High Representative Mogherini and I will present concrete proposals to further strengthen NATO-EU cooperation. In seven key areas: Countering hybrid threats, operations, cyber defence, defence capabilities, supporting the defence industry  on both sides of the Atlantic, exercises, and training and capacity building for our partners.

When NATO and the EU work together we can deliver real security. For our nations. And beyond.



Ladies and Gentlemen,

Exactly one hundred years after the final day of the battle of the Somme we must remember:

Peace and security in Europe cannot be taken for granted.

In these uncertain times we need strong American leadership.

And we need Europeans to shoulder their fair share of the burden.

But, above all, we need to recognise the value of the partnership between Europe and America.

A partnership on which we all rely.

And which we all need to nurture.

Because united we are stronger and we are safer. Thank you.

Moderator: Secretary General thank you very very much for that. You touched on a lot of extraordinarily important things and I'm sure you've spurred a lot of thought out in our audience, but before we come to all of you we wanted to have a little bit of a conversation up here and maybe elaborate on some of these things and maybe talk about some of the things that you might not have mentioned but you might like to mention. And maybe I can start this way I was very struck by your evocation of the Somme and it also reminded me in a way of a comment that we had from the famous historian Margaret McMillan at our Brussels Forum last year where she talked about the speed with which stability disintegrated in Europe in 1914 in a period of weeks, and at a time when I think most of us would agree things moved more slowly. And I'm wondering whether you would agree that we've been in some sense too complacent about European stability, maybe even about our critical alliance relationships. Is that a danger at a time of great political flux on both sides of the Atlantic?

Jens Stoltenberg (NATO Secretary General): We always have to be focused on potential dangers and one of my main messages in the speech today is that actually we are faced with more instability, more unpredictability and a more dangerous world than we have been for some decades especially after the end of the Cold War. But at the same time I'm actually impressed by the way NATO has been able to respond and by the way NATO allies have been able to adapt and respond. So that's in a way the big difference if you compare today with the previous centuries that we are responding, we are adapting to a more dangerous world and therefore I'm optimistic when it comes to our ability as a Trans-Atlantic alliance to continue to keep Europe stable and to respond to all the challenges we see both to the South and to the East.

Moderator: The Summit in Warsaw was widely hailed as a success and it accomplished a lot but clearly it, as you would imagine, left a lot of unfinished business as well. I mean could you say a few words about that, I mean looking towards the next Summit, looking towards the NATO agenda over the next months, a year, what is there at the top of the agenda for you?

Jens Stoltenberg: The Warsaw Summit in a way had three main topics. One was collective defense in Europe, responding to a more assertive Russia in the East but also partly in the South. Projecting stability, to address instability to our South with terrorism, ISIL, Iraq, Syria, and strengthen NATO- E.U. cooperation, and the good thing is that on all these three different areas we are able to both identify a lot of progress which has already been implemented and to outline the way forward with a united alliance behind. Just briefly on collective defense in Europe we have done more over the last couple of years than for many many years.

We have implemented the biggest reinforcement of our collective defense since the end of the Cold War. We will deploy four battle groups in the Baltic countries and Poland. We have established small headquarters in seven countries in the eastern part of the alliance, I think actually its eight, and we have tripled the size of the NATO response force so we can reinforce quickly if needed and we have established this new high readiness joint task force. So, we have already done a lot when it comes to collective defense in Europe and we agreed to do more at the Warsaw Summit.

On top of that I'm also, as I say, at least encouraged by the fact that we are now seeing the increase, we are seeing the first steps towards increased defense spending in Europe and Canada. And to be honest with you I was not certain that that was going to happen because even if that was decided at the Wales Summit it has happened before that politicians meet, make decisions at the international meetings and then go back home and do not implement but this time actually the politicians met, made decisions and went home and started to implement. So that is really encouraging, still a long way to go but 3 percent real increase in defense spending in Canada and across Europe in 2016 is a significant step forward. And Estonia is already at 2 percent, soon the two other Baltic countries will be there, Poland is at 2 percent, Romania is close and, for instance, Germany has also now started to increase defense spending, and then you have U.K. and others which are already at 2 percent so Europe is moving in the right direction.

This has been my main topic in all my meetings with Heads of State and Government and also some Ministers of Finance in my different meetings in NATO capitals since I took over in October 2014. So collective defense we are delivering. On projecting stability, well we decided to continue in Afghanistan, that's part of our efforts to fight terrorism and we are stepping up our efforts to support the international coalition fighting ISIL. And then we have this new renewed efforts to strengthen NATO-E.U. cooperation. Only during this year we have been able to agree or have in place a formal arrangement between NATO and the E.U. regarding cyber defense. That is really an area where we have to, as I say, share best practices, work together and we also were able to implement an arrangement regarding the Aegean Sea, how to exchange information.

So the fact is that during this year we have been able to reach more formal arrangements between NATO and the European Union than in the previous decade. So we are moving forward on NATO E.U. cooperation and then we had of course the joint declaration between the Presidents Tusk and Junker and now we are following up that. So, my message - it was a brief question and a long answer - is that Warsaw was a success partly because we were able to take stock a lot of achievements, implementation but partly also it was because we were able to outline the way forward and NATO stands united in a way, what should I say, uncertain time. Its good to see that NATO is so united as we are.

Moderator: And in balancing the challenges in the East and in the South that you've spoken about they are of course a very, very different kind and I was wondering if you could say a word about how the alliance balances that in terms of its own strategy. Do you need to think about a new strategic concept or do you sort of have the conceptual tools already in place to be able to deal with this?

Jens Stoltenberg: So first of all there's no way NATO can choose between either addressing the instability, the turmoil to the South, North Africa, Middle East or collective defense in Europe. We have to do both at the same time. Second, we have to understand that when we address instability to the South or even as far away as Afghanistan that is about our own security. The reason why we are in Afghanistan is to protect ourselves because the reason why we went into Afghanistan was in direct response to an attack on the United States. And the reason why we are so focused on the turmoil and the violence in Syria and Iraq and why NATO allies support U.S. led coalition and why NATO supports the U.S. coalition is of course that's something which endangers our own security with terrorist attacks in our own streets. So we have to be focused on both and that's also one of the reasons why we need more capabilities, more defense spending to be able to do more responding to uncertainty. Last thing is that for instance Russia is of course now present in the East, as Russia has always been but Russia is also present in the South in Syria, so to distinguish between East and West, no sorry East and South, and the different kinds of instabilities and threats is not as easy as it was before.

Moderator: Let me, maybe if I can just pick up on that point with Russia, I mean, simply understanding what Moscow wants is not an easy task and if you have a thought about that it would be great but beyond that the question of risk reduction with Russia, how we avoid accidents whether its in the Baltic or its in the Black Sea or its in the Eastern Mediterranean where, as you say, Russia is increasingly present again. Where do we stand on that part of the agenda?

Jens Stoltenberg: In the Warsaw, or at the Warsaw Summit we also agreed and we had the united alliance behind a very clear message about defense and dialogue, and I welcome very much that there is such a strong support for both messages. We need strong defense, we need deterrence and we are implementing and we are strengthening our defense on deterrence but at the same time we are underlining and underscoring the need for political dialogue with Russia. And I believe in political dialogue with Russia because Russia is our biggest neighbour, Russia's there to stay, there's no way we can isolate Russia. We have to manage our relationship with Russia and especially in times with when tensions run high its especially important to keep channels for political dialogue open with Russia, to address different issues but in particular everything related to transparency, risk reduction, because with more military activity close to our borders it is even more important that we try to have mechanisms in place to avoid incidents, accidents and if they happen make sure that they don't spiral out of control.

You saw the downing of the Russian plane over Turkey last year and we have seen some incidents with very unsafe behaviour and of course we have to try to avoid that. We have a lot of exercises, non-notice exercises and all of this can create dangerous situations. So we have been able to have two or we had this year we had two meetings of the NATO-Russia Council and we sit down there and discuss with Russia, transparency, risk reduction and we continue the dialogue with Russia on these issues because with more military activity close to our borders its even more important to avoid any miscalculations, misunderstandings, incidents or accidents.

Moderator: Do you feel the Russians are open to this conversation?

Jens Stoltenberg: Yes, I feel they are open to the conversation. They have participated in the two meetings of the NATO Russia Council where exactly these issues have been addressed and I have also had meetings with Foreign Minister Lavrov and so they are open. That doesn't mean that we agree, that doesnt mean that we have been able to find solutions to all the problems. Some of them are, for instance, connected to something called the Vienna document which is a document regulating transparency, international observers to different military exercises and Russia has used many different kinds of loopholes and avoided international observation and inspection of their exercises.

This is something also which is undermining the transparency and the predictability which the Vienna document aims to achieve and that's one of the reasons why we are strongly in favour in NATO of the efforts to try to modernize this document to also include, for instance, short-notice exercises because the current regulations do not include short-notice exercises or no-notice exercises so therefore there is no international observation. There are so many of these no-notice exercises that perhaps we should look into whether short-notice exercises should then trigger short-notice international observation or inspection. So these are some technical issues but they are important because they are addressing how can we have the mechanisms, the tools in place to make sure that we have maximum transparency, predictability related to, for instance, exercises, military activities to keep tensions low.

Moderator: Do you think in that context but also in the broader strategic context that the alliance needs to have a look, a fresh look again at its nuclear strategy or its nuclear component of its strategy as it is?

Jens Stoltenberg: NATO remains a nuclear alliance and we deal with every issue related to nuclear weapons and nuclear deterrence with a very responsible approach because we know that this is something we have to deal with with all the, what should I say, in a careful and measured way. Our aim is still a world without nuclear weapons but we have stated that as long as there are nuclear weapons NATO will remain a nuclear alliance. And at the Warsaw Summit we repeated that because our deterrence is based on everything from our conventional weapons, our ability to respond to hybrid threats, to cyber threats, high-end capabilities up to nuclear and that will continue to be so.

Moderator: Okay, Secretary General maybe just finally I could step out a little bit and ask you to sort of broaden the focus somewhat and say a word about NATOs approach to global partnerships, like-minded countries around the world where NATO can help, where others can help NATO, where there's business to be done. How do you see that evolving?

Jens Stoltenberg: NATO is a regional alliance. NATOS responsibilities is to protect and defend all allies, North America and Europe but to do so it is in our interest to have global partnerships and to build global partnerships and we have seen that in many different ways. For instance, in Afghanistan the strength of NATO has been strengthened by global partners from Australia and New Zealand, South Korea, Japan, they have participated either with troops and/or with financial support. So for NATO global partnerships is partly about us helping other countries, working with countries in Central Asia, in Africa but also about many as you alluded to, many countries outside the North-Atlantic area helping us in our missions and our operations so we will continue to be focused on global partnerships.

Moderator: Maybe you'll allow me a last question and I cant help asking you, you've been very you know candid about the need for the new American administration to engage on these issues and to commit, re-commit if I can say to the alliance in traditional ways, well have to see. But you know at some point I suppose you're going to have a conversation with President-elect Trump or President Trump if he comes to the NATO Summit in May which I'm sure whenever it is in the spring that it happens. What's on your agenda, what are you going to say to him? And what do you expect - really openly - what would you expect him to ask of you as well because that's an important conversation?

Jens Stoltenberg: I will welcome him to the NATO Summit in Brussels and I look forward, I'm looking forward to welcoming him because I'm absolutely confident that President Trump will maintain American leadership in the alliance and will maintain a strong U.S. commitment to European security. That's important for Europe but its also important for United States because a strong NATO is also important for the United States as we have seen for decades. Two World Wars and the Cold War taught us that NATO is important for stability in Europe, but stability in Europe is also important for the United States.

And I'm absolutely certain that Donald Trump, President-elect Donald Trump, will therefore maintain a strong U.S. commitment to the alliance. I look forward to our next Summit which will then take place in Brussels. My staff is in contact with his staff the transition team - and I expect to talk to him very soon and then I will welcome him to Brussels and I will also address the need to continue to adapt NATO to a more challenging security environment, both collective defense and projecting stability, fighting terrorism, stability in our neighbourhood and I'm looking forward to work together with him.

Moderator: Thank you. Well let me open it up to all of you and if you would, there are microphones that will circulate around, and if you would just catch my attention but also please tell us who you are and where you're from that would be super and maybe if I could go just on the aisle right here first.

Q: Thank you. Colonel Sablon from the Belgian Armed Forces. Concerning Trump and his declaration do you think it will give a sort of electro-shock to the European member States to not only to talk about do more for their defense to spend more for the defense budget but its not the first time as you say that American leadership say that make that statement but do you think it will give a better impulse to the member States following this Trump declaration? Thank you.

Jens Stoltenberg: So during the election campaign President elect Trump stated clearly that he is a big fan of NATO and that he is all for it but he also underscored the importance of increased defense spending among European allies and a fairer burden sharing. That has been the message from so many American leaders for so many years. It has been a very clear message from President Obama, it has been a message from all the Senators and all the Congressmen I've met in Washington the time I've been Secretary General and it has been my top priority.

So, increased defense spending is the message from President Obama, from President-elect Trump, from me and actually from all leaders of NATO States and Governments because we decided in Wales that we should stop the cuts and start to increase, and the good thing and encouraging thing is that we have started to deliver. I'm not underestimating how far we have to move because there's a very long way to go but it is encouraging to see that after years of reductions, 2015 just some few months after we made the decision to stop the cuts we stopped the cuts, and we had a small increase in defense spending in 2015.

Then in 2016 we have - the best estimates tell us - 3 percent real increase in defense spending across Europe and Canada. And as I told you this around, if all NATO allies reach 2 percent it will be $100 billion U.S. dollars which is equivalent to the total spending of the two largest European defense spenders - U.K. and France every year. And of course the picture when it comes to defense spending is still very mixed because some allies have continued to reduce and some allies have just increased very little. But the picture is much better than it was just a couple of years ago and we will continue to push on that. That has been the main message in my meetings with President Obama and I expect that defense spending to be the main message from President-elect Trump and I will tell President-elect Trump as I told President Obama that my main priority is to make sure that European allies increase defense spending.

And the last thing I will say about that is that I of course its important that I tell that to Defense Ministers but to be honest all the Defense Ministers I meet they agree so that's not the problem and then I tell it to the Prime Ministers, they also normally agree, the problem is the Minister of Finance. So I have started to meet them too, and I tell them too, and then I tell them that when I was Minister of Finance, Minister of Finance back in Norway in the 1990s I was cutting defense spending I was very good at that. But then when I became Prime Minister we started to increase defense spending in Norway because I actually think its absolutely understandable that many European allies reduced defense spending during the 1990s as we did in Norway when I was Minister of Finance because then tensions went down but the problem is that now tensions are going up. So if you cut defense spending when tensions are going down you have to be able to increase defense spending when tensions are going up. So I tell them to listen to Prime Minister Stoltenberg not Finance Minister Stoltenberg, and that works.

Moderator: If I could go just in the front here please if you have a microphone, Mark please, do you have a microphone just up here, thanks.

Q: Marc Otte, I am the Director General of the Egmont Institute in Brussels. Thank you Secretary General for an optimistic message after all because we need that. I want to come back on your insistence on E.U.-NATO cooperation and on complimentarity - not competition - I think its very important. I think it was the spirit since the beginning it has not always been implemented. There was one partner that has always been a bit difficult in that respect and its Turkey, whether its the Berlin Plus Agreements or other attempts at cooperation now that this cooperation is all the more important and as you underlined non-E.U. NATO countries contribution is essential, the problem seems to be a bit on the E.U. side, now the relations with Turkey are deteriorating seemingly by the day and its also about values but the alliance is also an alliance of values not only a military alliance so how do you see the way out of this now that sometimes politically the President of Turkey seems to cozy up to President Putin and where if sometimes in Syria and Turkey there seems to be a difference in the war aims between Turkey and other NATO allies?

Jens Stoltenberg: Turkey is a key ally for NATO for many reasons. One reason is just the location of Turkey, the strategic geographical location of Turkey bordering Russia in the North and the Black Sea, Georgia and then bordering Iraq, Syria to the South with all the turmoil, violence, ISIL and so just the strategic geographical location of Turkey makes Turkey a key ally. And not least with all the instability in the Middle East, with the refugee and migrant crisis I think its important to remember that Turkey holds around 3 million refugees and this is of course of great importance for Europe that we work with them, also addressing the migrant and refugee crisis. NATO is part of that with our presence in the Aegean Sea. That has been a successful presence, also partly because NATO has delivered some practical help to FRONTEX and the local Coast Guards but also because NATO has been a platform for cooperation between Turkey, a non-E.U. NATO ally, with the European Union, FRONTEX.

Turkey is also important because they contribute to our missions and operations in Afghanistan and Kosovo and other places and therefore especially when we see challenges both to the East and to the South we have to remember that Turkey is of great importance for the alliance. I actually think that it is good that leaders in NATO speak to Russian leaders, or to President Putin. Many leaders in NATO have done that and that's a normal thing. It doesn't mean that we agree but it means that we have dialogue and after the downing of the Russian plane last year I actually called for direct contact Ankara-Moscow because I think its better to talk than not to talk. And I think also it is important to understand that of course there's a big difference between, for instance, the threats posed by ISIL. ISIL is an organization we try to eradicate not talk to but eradicate.

Russia is a challenge; its a neighbour but its going to be there so we have to talk to them so therefore I welcome that there are direct contacts between President Putin and President Erdogan. The last thing Ill say about this is that I visited Turkey in September and it made a big impression on me to see the Parliament being destroyed by artillery and by bombs from F-16s so during the failed coup attempt they actually bombed the Parliament with the Parliamentarians inside and that was a real it was an attack on the democratic institutions in Turkey and I met with many parties, several parties in the Parliament and they all told me how strongly they condemned the failed coup attempt. Turkey has the right to prosecute those behind the failed coup, but of course it is important that this is done in accordance with the rule of law and I also welcome that there is contacts between the European Council and, sorry the Council of Europe and Turkey because I was told so when I visited Ankara that that's the way also they are working on the issues, making sure that this is done in a way which is in accordance with the rule of law. I will go back to Istanbul, Turkey on Sunday and I'm looking forward to continue to discuss the wide range of challenges we face in that region and how we can work closely with Turkey addressing all those challenges.

Moderator: Thank you. If I might just go right on the aisle actually the two of you can maybe Terry first if you don't mind.

Q: Thank you.

Moderator: You'll both have a chance so please go ahead.

Q: Excuse me I am member of European Parliament. I am (inaudible) Lepen (sic) and I make this dialogue. I I am, what you say about easy about

Moderator: If you could tell us who you are?

Q: We have to eradicate easy (inaudible) and we have to we have to discuss this (inaudible) I do this. I do this it was not so easy in Dunbas and also in Russia and it changed. I hope that this will a new reality a new partnership a new dialogue and this is very important but now we have new reality in U.S. a new politic it is so a challenge for NATO for a new deal for reset and what will be this reset? Will be the truth about failure in Iraq and Libya and Syria and Ukraine is not more democracy. In Turkey I think you have speak I approve what you have speak and also a new reset we have to pay more but also NATO has to understand that we are an alliance of independent States so what is with our reset with a new reality, with a new politic, with a new partnership? Thank you.

Jens Stoltenberg: The NATO is an alliance of 28 democracies and in democracies people elect different governments and for almost seven decades we have lived with the fact that in European, no sorry in NATO allied countries we have governments, political leaders coming from different political parties with different views on many things but the good thing is that we have always been able to agree on the fundamentals, on the important things that we stand together and protect each other. So of course we come from different political families, we have different views on many things but as long as we are able as NATO allies to stand together and protect each other then NATO delivers the defence and deterrence which is NATOs core task. And as I said Im absolutely certain that that will be the case also with the new U.S. Administration. It will stay committed to the alliance, to the security of Europe; strong NATO is good for Europe and for the United States. Then it was about, it was about many other issues but I cant remember to be honest. I think I mentioned the most important one.

Moderator: Thank you. Teri please.

Q: Thank you, its not going to get any easier now. Mr. Secretary General you mentioned that you're heading to Ankara, sorry Istanbul on Sunday Do you plan to bring up human rights with President Erdogan? There are basic fundamental principles that NATO allies are expected to adhere to; I'm wondering are you comfortable with how things are unfolding in Turkey right now? You have NATO, you have Turks stationed at NATO installations now becoming asylum seekers themselves due to policies in this country which is an ally so Id be interested in your - in your are you comfortable with the way this ally is handling human rights and what about these officers? Thanks.

Jens Stoltenberg: It is right some Turkish officers working in NATO command structure, some of them have requested asylum in the countries where they are working and as always this is an issue which is going to be assessed and decided by the different NATO allies as a national decision and a national issue. We have seen a number of changeovers in the NATO command structure where Turkish personnel has been changed and I expect Turkey to continue to fill all its posts at the NATO command structure and again this is a national decision of Turkey to decide who is filling the different posts of Turkish posts in the NATO command structure.

When it comes to the situation in Turkey more in general as I stated Turkey is a key ally because of its strategic location close to Russia in the North, Black Sea, the turmoil the violence in the South with ISIL, Iraq, Syria in the South. Turkey is also important for the migrant and the refugee crisis and a buffer for the rest of Europe and I think it is very important that the rest of Europe understands the important role Turkeys playing in managing the migrant and refugee crisis. NATO is based on some core values, democracy, the rule of law, individual liberty and I expect all allies to live up to those values.

When I visited Turkey in September the message from the Turkish leadership was that they would prosecute those responsible, and Turkey has the right to prosecute those responsible, those behind a failed coup attempt but the message was also that this would be done in accordance with the rule of law. They also told me that they are in contact with Council of Europe because the Council of Europe is responsible for the European Convention on Human Rights and that they are working with the Council of Europe to make sure that the rule of law is implemented in accordance with the Convention. And I'm looking forward to going back to Istanbul on Sunday also because the reason why I'm going to Istanbul is to attend the NATO Parliamentary Assembly and the NATO Parliamentary Assembly is an open democratic forum with people from - or with Parliamentarians - from all the NATO allies and that's an open forum where I expect to have an open debate. Again different views, different positions but being exchanged between allies, Parliamentarians from NATO allies in Istanbul in the NATO Parliamentary Assembly, and I think that just in one way underlines the importance of NATO; that NATO is a platform for also exchange of views and I expect that to take place in Istanbul when I meet them on Monday.

Moderator: Can I just go right on this side over here please and do please tell us who you are and where you're from.

Q: Thank you Ian. Excuse me, Julian Barnes with the Wall Street Journal. Secretary General as we've seen NATO make decisions over the the last couple of years bridging the divide between southern-focused allies and eastern-focused allies there has been an important role for the United States in building consensus, helping Europe overcome its divisions on security questions. Do you at all worry that a different more transactional approach by a new Administration might mean that there is less of a U.S. role in forging coalitions and could that mean that NATO moves slower in the future?

Jens Stoltenberg: So I'm confident that the new Administration will continue to provide U.S. leadership in NATO because that is in the interest of the United States. The different coalitions that have been forged and established either as a among NATO allies but outside the NATO framework like, for instance, the coalition fighting ISIL or the coalition which NATO is leading in Afghanistan are both examples of coalitions which are absolutely in the interests of the United States. So, I'm confident that United States will continue to see that this kind of coalitions where NATO allies participate is something which is of great advantage for the United States. The biggest coalition ever has been the NATO operation in Afghanistan, hundreds of thousands of European soldiers and also from Canada has been part of a military operation. NATOs biggest military operation ever as a direct response to an attack on the United States.

So, its in a way not possible to understand how the United States should have less interest in having that kind of coalitions where European allies are actually helping United States as they often help us and the same with the U.S.-led coalition fighting ISIL. This is not a NATO-led coalition but NATO plays a key role providing direct support with AWACS planes, with training Iraqi officers, also with the work we do for instance in Jordan and Tunisia and in the wider region but also the fact that the efficiency and the strength of the U.S.-led coalition fighting ISIL is very much based on the ability to work together which has been developed through decades of NATO exercises and decades of working together in military operations, NATO military operations in Afghanistan and elsewhere or in the Balkans. So, a strong NATO is good for Europe and its good for the United States and we have seen that over decades, not especially when NATO allies in different ways have contributed, helped, fought along with the U.S. in different coalitions fighting terrorism, instability.

Moderator: Well go just in the back, my colleague please.

Q: Hi my name is Corinna Horst I work for the German Marshall Fund but I'm also President of Women in International Security and I would like to ask you a slightly different but I think very related question. As you're trying to make the business case for NATO again are you at all considering diversity and what I mean by that and if you look at what private sector is doing really paying attention to diverse teams and diverse companies so they're reflective of the societies that they are serving or the clients that they try to attract its about covering each others blind spots and bringing new perspectives to the way of thinking and in your case it would be sort of policies and sort of directions moving forward. And I also would like to ask you and its related to this but you know diversity is more for me then just gender its about age, its regional representation, its political representation but I also in light of the new elected President I would like to know what does it really mean for you to be a feminist? Thank you.

Jens Stoltenberg: First of all NATO is an alliance of 28 nations, soon to be 29 and NATO, what should I say, organize, or is an alliance in composing countries from also United States all the way from the Pacific, all the way over the Atlantic to north with Norway and to the south with Turkey and then Baltic countries and and many different countries. So there is no lack of diversity, we have a lot of diversity in NATO. So my main challenge is not in any way to create diversity, my main challenge is to create unity out of all this diversity.

Having said that of course I welcome diversity I think that's one of the strengths and one of the good things with NATO is that we are a big alliance with 28 members, with people and cultures representing a wide range of diversity so that's the reason why I'm all for NATO because NATO is an alliance of representing different people, different societies, different diversities - - all of the North Atlantic area but where we agree on some core values and we agree on the importance of defending each other. So we are united in defending diversity and that's the beauty of NATO. I am a feminist because I believe in equal rights between men and women and for me, to be honest, its a bit strange for me to have to say that because for me that has been obvious since I was born - or at least as long as I can remember, and if you have met my Mother you will understand why.

So, she taught me in a way the importance of feminism and of equal rights between men and women and I think perhaps I told some of you before that my first official post or appointment was to Chair the Norwegian Royal Commission on the role of men in the Norwegian society and that was a Commission which was established back in 1986 and it published many reports on how Norwegian men could contribute more to equal rights between men and women and we also put forward a very concrete proposal, many proposals but one of the most important ones was to have a leave for the Fathers which was exclusively for the Fathers when they became Fathers, when the family got a child. And I think now its 12 weeks in Norway, actually it was 14 when I was Prime Minister, it was cut to 10 I think, but that doesn't matter, at least it is some weeks which are exclusively reserved for the Father so in Norway men are staying home alone with the newborn children and I think that's good for the children, its good for the Mother and its good for the Father. Its a bit shocking for the Father but it contributes to equal rights between men and women.

Moderator: Just in the front here please if I could have a microphone.

Q: Thank you, yes Brooks Tigner, Jane's Defence. I just have one question to clarify the budget situation. Europe is faced with rapidly growing instability, you've said that yourself even more so than a year ago. So the Wales Summit and the 10-year schedule, do you think its still appropriate today or should the number of States, nations agree formally to accelerate that schedule? Growing instability, ten years to get there - is that good or bad? Thank you.

Jens Stoltenberg: Yes, I don't see any reason to change that decision. We actually reiterated the decision at our Summit in July, stopped the cuts, gradually increase, reach 2 percent. But of course there are many ways to reach 2 percent, you can go like this or you can go like that so in a way its better to the sooner the better, but the three main pillars of the decisions stop cuts, gradual increase, and reach 2 percent is a very robust message and its sufficient but I will push for as rapid implementation as possible and as I also said it is encouraging to see that we have started to move but its a very long way to go at least for some allies and therefore we should not relax and I'm expecting this to continue to be or, I'm not only expecting this will continue to be my main priority and I'm absolutely certain that President-elect Donald Trump would also make this his top priority in the engagement with European leaders.

Moderator: Thank you. Secretary General I'm also very conscious of your time and so maybe if I could group take two and with apologies to the many hands I see out there that would be great. Right here please.

Q: Thank you Secretary General. (inaudible) from the Global Relations Forum I have two questions. The first one is do you that think European countries shouldn't get apart from the increased capabilities a stronger leadership, a stronger voice, and more articulated interest in order to make constructive proposals and not to be always in a wait and see attitude? And my second question is a bit confronting is it how European countries able to care themselves of their security, I mean apart from the United States you mentioned the fight against ISIL in Afghanistan where would it be without the United States? I mean so I'm its not only about interest capabilities but also about leadership and finally is this strategy, how the strategy interest of the U.S. not moving towards the East? Thank you.

Moderator: Right, well let me go right next door here. Thank you.

Q: Thank you very much. My name is (inaudible) I'm head of the Friedrich-Ebert Stiftung Office here in Brussels. You stressed so much the need of more intense cooperation between NATO and E.U. but if you look at the European global strategy the new one its talking about strategic autonomy so my question would be how do you see the complimentarity between the E.U. and NATO? What can the E.U. maybe already do better than NATO or what would you envision should be the complimentarity between the two?

Moderator: Okay and thank you very much and I will apologize to all of you. I know there are a lot of a lot of hands but maybe we can turn to you Secretary General for those last two on U.S. leadership and the pivot the pivot question and the question of complementarity between the E.U. and NATO.

Jens Stoltenberg: So first of all I think it was Ursula von der Leyen, the German Defense Minister she has stated several times in the media that a stronger European defense is not an alternative to NATO, it is about strengthening the European pillar within NATO and I welcome that and I absolutely agree with her. So as long as stronger European defense is not something that is competing with or is presented as an alternative to NATO but is strengthening NATO, strengthening the Trans-Atlantic bond then its absolutely fine. And and in one way it would be strange to say that it is a problem that Europeans start to strengthen their defense because that's actually what NATO has been calling for for decades. So if the Europeans now start to deliver on that why should we regard that as a problem. So stronger European defense meaning for instance by addressing real problems like for instance the lack of capabilities its good for Europe, its good for E.U., its good for NATO, its good for the Trans-Atlantic bond and it will contribute to fairer burden sharing and therefore I think also would contribute to an even stronger commitment by the United States to the Trans-Atlantic alliance because one of the challenges for the Trans-Atlantic bond is of course if the burden sharing remains as an unequal as it is today, that can really undermine the Trans-Atlantic bond. So the only thing I'm worried about is that if the European Union started to develop command structures which are duplicating the command structures we already have in NATO, we don't need that, we have challenges enough with filling or in a way, those command structures are filled with people from the European Union, not all of them but many of them and again as Ursula von der Leyen stated in a meeting I attended that that will be to compete with ourselves because 22 European Union members are also member of NATO so that would be really to just duplicate ourselves. Its no problem, of course Europe should have an articulated voice and Europe has an articulated voice as the United States has, as Canada has and as even Norway has. So we are an alliance of 28 independent sovereign nations and we all have articulated voices and that's again no problem as long as were able to meet, sit together and agree on collective defense, acting together and defending each other. So that's not again a problem its something we welcome, we like that, that's the reason why we are in favour of NATO because of 28 independent articulated voices standing together. And that unity is much stronger than a unity which is enforced on us, this is something we do by our own free will that we are part of this alliance. I'm actually now answering both questions in one.

Moderator: Perfect.

Jens Stoltenberg: Then, complimentarity with the E.U. NATO has some unique capabilities, capacities. I mention them for instance high end fighting capabilities, we have the command structure, we have some some specific enablers like AWACS and soon drones and other enablers but perhaps the most important thing we have is in a way the forces which are owned by the nations but which have been trained together, which are able to work together and with trust can do high-end collective defense if needed. For instance the NATO response force and so on. E.U., they have military capabilities but they also have civilian tools, diplomatic tools, economic tools, so many other tools that NATO does not possess and sometimes we also have some overlapping tools like for instance on cyber E.U. has a lot of competence, E.U. has a lot of tools, NATO has a lot of tools and the thing we have to make sure is that we are working together and if a member State or ally is under cyber-attack we have to be able to assist, help that State together and that's exactly what we are doing now - deploying, exercising together sharing best practices and being prepared to assist together a member State, infrastructure the same. So, so again as long as we have a pragmatic, relaxed approach I'm absolutely certain that well find ways to work together not duplicating each other but in a way be a formidable force for good because we work together in a good way.

Moderator: Secretary General thank you very very much. I think you'll all agree that we have had a very articulated voice from you and a very candid one on a lot of different issues. Its exactly the kind of conversation we hoped to have and we thank you very much for that once again.

Jens Stoltenberg: Thank you.

Moderator: Thank you very much.

Jens Stoltenberg: It was a great pleasure.

Moderator: Before we go let me also just express my thanks to my GMF colleagues here in Brussels and elsewhere for this and to all of you who've joined us here in the room but also via live stream we look forward to having you with us again soon. Thank you.

Jens Stoltenberg: Thank you.

Moderator: Thanks.


You don't have any other society where the educated classes are so effectively indoctrinated and controlled by a subtle propaganda system  a private system including media, intellectual opinion forming magazines and the participation of the most highly educated sections of the population. Such people ought to be referred to as "Commissars"  for that is what their essential function is  to set up and maintain a system of doctrines and beliefs which will undermine independent thought and prevent a proper understanding and analysis of national and global institutions, issues, and policies.



One report after another being disseminated by what left-leaning pundits call "fake news websites" has been confirmed as accurate, proving that there was a concerted effort to stifle open discourse and real journalism.



Hillary Clinton made mention of it in her Deplorables speech, warning that a lot of fake information was being released through purported "racist" web sites across the web.



And if she had her way, no one would have ever read anything but positive information about her, while everything else was disappeared Orwellian-style, never to reach the masses that eventually elected Donald Trump to the Presidency.



What this year's Presidential election has proven is that alternative media is a force to be reckoned with, and the establishment is scared shitless.



But they won't let it happen again.



Google and Facebook are on a mission to rid the world of "fake news"

Google kicked off the action on Monday afternoon when the Silicon Valley search giant said it would ban websites that peddle fake news from using its online advertising service. Hours later, Facebook, the social network, updated the language in its Facebook Audience Network policy, which already says it will not display ads in sites that show misleading or illegal content, to include fake news sites.



"We have updated the policy to explicitly clarify that this applies to fake news," a Facebook spokesman said in a statement. "Our team will continue to closely vet all prospective publishers and monitor existing ones to ensure compliance."



Taken together, the decisions were a clear signal that the tech behemoths could no longer ignore the growing outcry over their power in distributing information to the American electorate.



a group of cynical Macedonian hucksters had created dozens of right-wing news sites that publish low-quality pro-Trump news stories. Some are plagiarized from other conservative news sites. Others appear to be totally made up, with headlines like "Proof surfaces that Obama was born in Kenya," "Bill Clinton's sex tape just leaked," and "Pope Francis forbids Catholics from voting for Hillary!"



"Yes, the info in the blogs is bad, false, and misleading but the rationale is that 'if it gets the people to click on it and engage, then use it,'" a Macedonian student told BuzzFeed.



Other fake news is generated by partisan bloggers taking news tidbits out of context and drawing totally wrong conclusions from them. For example, some confused conservative bloggers misread a leaked email from Clinton adviser John Podesta as evidence that Democrats were manipulating public poll results. In fact, Democrats were using a standard polling technique called oversampling on Democrats' own internal polls  but that didn't stop the story from spreading among online conservatives.



Facebook can also add value at the opposite end of the quality spectrum, by identifying articles that are thoughtful and thoroughly reported (and publications with a track record of producing such articles) and giving those an extra boost in the News Feed algorithm.



An advantage of this approach is that it makes it less necessary to make hard judgment calls about whether a particular article is so fake that it needs to be blocked outright. Low-quality news (whether outright hoaxes or just sloppy journalism) will just naturally get less exposure because people will only see it after scrolling through the higher-quality news their friends have shared.



They'll hit non-approved websites where it hurts.

"Moving forward, we will restrict ad serving on pages that misrepresent, misstate, or conceal information about the publisher, the publisher's content, or the primary purpose of the web property," Google said in a statement. The company did not detail how it would implement or enforce the new policy, which some accuse is the monetary equivalent of censorship.



The shifts comes as Google, Facebook and Twitter face a backlash over the role they played in the U.S. presidential election by allowing the spread of false and often malicious information that might have swayed voters toward Republican candidate Donald Trump. Of course, others have repeatedly accused both Google (which chairman Eric Schmidt's collaboration with the Clinton campaign was revealed courtesy of the Podesta emails), and Facebook of doing everything in their power to promote a Clinton win, so the narrative is not exactly clear on this one. (source)



"We do not integrate or display ads in apps or sites containing content that is illegal, misleading or deceptive, which includes fake news," Facebook said in a statement, adding that it will continue to vet publishers to ensure compliance.



The moves by Google and Facebook follow a recent de-monetzation effort at Youtube that has also targeted alternative media. As noted in their "Advertiser Friendly Content Guidelines," they appear to be targeting exactly the issues often covered by alternative media by directly banning:



Content that is considered "not advertiser-friendly" includes, but is not limited to:



Controversial or sensitive subjects and events, including subjects related to war, political conflicts, natural disasters and tragedies, even if graphic imagery is not shown



So basically, anything newsworthy is no longer advertiser friendly, and these organizations will now determine whose news will or won't be seen based on what is sure to be proprietary algorithms and secretive human curation.



The bottom line is this: the time and energy required to produce the amount of video content and investigative journalism that we saw during the election is astronomical. Thousands of journalists, bloggers and concerned citizens spent countless hours reporting the news the mainstream media wouldn't. Many of those people depend on advertising revenue to cover their most basic website maintenance costs, as well as their monthly mortgages and the food they put on their dinner tables.



The aim with policies like this, which will no doubt be overseen by establishment hacks, is to quite literally starve independent media. In turn, they will starve the people of the information they so desperately need to understand what is being done to them. (source)



How do Google and Facebook plan to become the arbiters of truth?

a person who settles a dispute or has ultimate authority in a matter.



"the military acted as arbiter of conflicts between political groups"



a person whose views or actions have great influence over trends in social behavior.

"an arbiter of taste"



If it differs with their desired bias, does that make it fake?

Will opinion pieces be classed as propaganda if they veer too far from the mainstream party line?

Is all subject matter classed as propaganda considered fake?

Will all stories about a liberal-beloved candidate like Hillary Clinton be considered a lie if they are critical?

Did we actually go to bed in America and wake up in North Korea?

Imagining a Donald Trump presidency pushes the bounds of creative thought, even as it becomes more concrete during these months of transition. Given Trump's epic disinterest in the minutiae of actual governing  the threat of his authoritarianism is all vindictiveness, no on-time trains  it becomes more important than ever to track the way he staffs the 4,000 positions under his control.



And early signs indicate it will be rife with deplorables.



The establishment seems desperate to regain control of the narrative after independent news outlets on this list appear to have tipped the election to Trump.



We believe that we're being unfairly lumped in with deliberately fake websites like The Onion in an attempt to discredit alternative viewpoints of current events.



Some people are asking which news sources I trust, and all I can say is that I read/watch/listen very widely, from mainstream, corporate owned sources (The New York Times, The Washington Post, The Boston Globe, The Wall Street Journal, Forbes) as well as The Atlantic, National Public Radio, and various local and alternative sources with different political perspectives, some of which are included on this list.



(NaturalNews) During the election, Americans who were simply looking for information got screwed by the media. The propaganda was so thick and the fake polls were so numerous that people were reeling in shock when Hillary Clinton actually ended up losing the election. Heck, I was stunned myself, and I had even written an article about my suspicion that the polls were fake.(Article republished from DaisyLuther.com The establishment media misquoted, edited video clips to tell a different story, and made their bias so blatant that one site even put an editorial disclaimer on every article that mentioned Donald Trump, denouncing him as a xenophobic, homophobic blah blah blah. They created a monster in Trump, and now people are out there destroying cities and blocking ambulances because of it. As Noam Chomsky wrote in his brilliant book, Language and Politics:Despite the bias and the mindless followers breathlessly tweeting every fear-laced, dishonest word, Donald Trump still ended up winning the election. According to Mac Slavo of SHTFplan , that is because of the power of alternative media.War has been declared  a war on fake news.But guess who they're really coming for?But instead of starting with the New York Times, whose publisher basically admitted that their coverage of the election was dishonest, they're targeting alternative media  the very people who were the ones out there telling the truth during the election.In fact, in a quote that is rich with irony, the aforementioned NY Times said:Vox agrees that "fake news" is a problem, and cites  I kid you not  an investigation by Buzzfeed to prove their point Since Facebook has already been busted suppressing trending news if it supported a conservative point of view , it's no surprise to hear that they plan to do their best to suppress whatever information they want by arbitrarily saying that it's fake.Vox feels that Facebook can censor monitor the "truth" through algorithms.I'm pretty sure we can all see where this is leading.You'll see what they want you to see. It's already to the point at which most people see very little from the pages they "like" on Facebook. I have more than 25,000 readers on one of my pages and I'm lucky if 1000 people see my posts.The goal is to hit the targeted websites where it hurts, in the owners' wallets.For example, many independent sites rely on Google Adsense to make a little money. That way, the site can provide information at no cost to you, the reader. And don't think that we're raking it in, either  once Google has taken their cut isn't that much. Running a small website does not make you rich. Here's what Google had to say about advertising revenue.As for Facebook, they will disallow ads, which can be highly lucrative, to certain sites. Fortune reports:This follows closely in the footsteps of YouTube, which has removed the right to have ads on any content that is "sensitive" or "controversial." Mac Slavo writes:If Google, Facebook, and YouTube have their way, anyone reporting information outside the party line will be considered "fake," and they'll work hard to starve out the bloggers, vloggers, and citizen journalists who are providing an alternative point of view.First, let's define "arbiter."arbiternounplural noun: arbitersGoogle and Facebook plan to become those ultimate authorities, but they have have not pointed out exactly what they regard as fake news.I have questions.I suspect they'll work hand in hand with other mainstream sites to villainize those who aren't playing ball with the team.When you see the exact same wording repeated over and over, generally it's a "talking point" that someone has informed the media they are to emphasize. Have you ever noticed phrases like "an abundance of caution" or "for your own safety" getting used over and over? It's a talking point, and the collusive media is using it as a propaganda tool. Never trust a talking point.The new talking point is going to be "fake news."Here's an example of someone getting on board the Fake News Train already, but to put it in perspective, it ran right alongside one referencing a " cabinet of deplorables ."Now that we have established that blatant bias, US News and World Report felt obligated to provide a list of websites that should be avoided "at all costs."I spoke to a representative from one of the sites mentioned, Activist Post, who said:Another list put together by Melissa Zimdars, whose bio says she is " an assistant professor of communication & media" calls the following websites " False, Misleading, Clickbait-y, and Satirical "News" Sources. It's important to note that the author of the list above recommends some of the most notably biased liberal publications around as trustworthy. She writes:If you thought the propaganda controlling the minds of the masses was bad before, just wait. You ain't seen nothin' yet.Read more at: DaisyLuther.com
(NaturalNews) As infrastructure in America's oldest cities approaches the century mark in many cases, it is becoming more apparent than ever that a national revitalization plan is needed to address what are evolving  and worsening  health issues related to decay.One of the biggest health problems related to aging and decaying infrastructure is the delivery of clean, toxin-free drinking water. The latest example of this comes from Western New York state.As reported by the, several school districts across the region have discovered varying amounts of lead in their drinking water.The news site goes on to report that at one water fountain in a school in Fredonia, one sample shows that an analysis found 2,850 parts per billion (ppb) of lead  or nearly 200 times the state's limit for lead in drinking water.At Clarence Center Elementary School, five sinks in the kitchen cafeteria tested above the state threshold of 15 ppb.The federal Environmental Protection Agency has a limit as well: If more than 10 percent of water samples contain at least 15 ppb of lead then actions must be taken by the offender to rectify the problem.Data also shows that a dozen drinking fountains in classrooms at Anna Merritt Elementary School in the Lockport City School District also had elevated levels of lead. One sample registered 50 ppb.In all, of the 83 school districts in the area under the Erie 1, Erie 2, Greater Southern Tier and Cattaraugus/Allegany boards of Cooperative Education Services, 15 announced on their respective school web sites that their districts tested for lead in water. In addition,reported, Cleveland Hill Union Free School District and Iroquois Central School District are purported to have tested positive for lead in drinking water, but as of this writing they had not posted that finding on their websites.Sixty-six more districts had yet to report on their lead findings. State law required that they complete comprehensive water testing at each of their water faucets and fountains by the end of October.Of course, the most notable example of lead in drinking water recently involved Flint, Mich., where the EPA and state environmental officials knew months in advance that local drinking water that officials were drawing from the Flint River was contaminated with lead, thanks in large part to aging pipes that leached the lead into the water supply.But again, this problem is becoming more widespread:-- In February we reported that federal, state and local officials failed to act when lead was found in the water supply to Sebring, Ohio. The state EPA discovered months earlier but failed to act. The discovery led to the closure of schools in the city."Initial tests found elevated lead levels in 28 homes and one school in the Midwestern village of about 4,400 people, Ohio's environmental protection agency said. It is not clear how long lead has been leaking from the town's pipes,"reported.-- In August we reported that residents of the West Calumet Housing Project in East Chicago, Ind., were living on soil that was contaminated with high levels of lead and arsenic. More than 1,000 residents of the 346-unit complex were informed that their homes had to be demolished due to the contamination.As pervasive as the problem of crumbling U.S. infrastructure is, it won't be cheap to fix: The American Society of Civil Engineers noted in a "report card" in 2013 that the country's infrastructure received a grade of "D+" and would cost $3.2 trillion to upgrade by 2020.Until then, we should expect more instances of water contamination, particularly in our oldest cities.
Pope Francis has said he is not losing any sleep over a challenge from a group of conservative cardinals who have accused the Argentine of contradicting Church teaching.

The comments published Friday in the Avvenire, the newspaper of the Italian conference of bishops, follow a direct challenge to the pope's authority from American Cardinal Raymond Burke, who has threatened to undermine Francis' authority in a row over the rights of remarried divorced couples.

Burke said in an interview earlier this week that it may be necessary to make a highly rare "formal act of correction" if Francis does not answer a letter he wrote with three other cardinals calling for clarification on a document penned by the pope on the theme of the family.

The challenge is "not making me lose any sleep", the 79-year-old Argentine told Avvenire.

"Sometimes criticisms are merely aimed at vindicating already fixed opinions (rather than fuelling debate). They are not honest, they are driven by a mean spirit to incite divisions," he said.

Despite shrugging off the issue, the pope's decision not to convene a traditional meeting of cardinals ahead of a ceremony Saturday to appoint 17 new "princes" of the Church is being read by some as a move to avoid a show-down with the conservatives.

Vatican expert Marco Tosatti said it was likely plans had been afoot to "resubmit" the letter, "not only among the signatories of the request for clarification, but also perhaps other cardinals, eager for a decisive word from the pope".

That would be a situation Francis would have "preferred to avoid", he said on his blog.

Cardinals Raymond Burke, Carlo Caffarra, Walter Brandmueller and Joachim Meisner had warned in their letter of a "grave disorientation and great confusion of many faithful".

Francis told the Avvenire: "Some persist in not understanding."

"It's either black or white (for them), though it's in the flow of life that decisions must be made" on what is right or wrong, he said, referring to his belief that the Church must be more flexible when examining individual cases of sinners or the outcast.

Francis said his attitude was in line with the reforms brought about under the Second Vatican Council in the 1960s.

"Historians however say 100 years are needed for a council to be absorbed well by the body of the Church. We're half way there."

The conservative arm of the Church has been thrown into disarray by a debate over whether those who have divorced and remarried can receive Communion. Critics say such a move would be contrary to teachings on the sanctity of marriage.

While Francis made no direct reference to the issue in his document on the family, some bishops have interpreted his words as meaning some remarried people can be given Communion.

"This idea... that the Pope should be some kind of innovator, who is leading a revolution in the Church or something similar, is completely foreign," Burke, 68, said in an interview with the National Catholic Register this week.

"There is, in the tradition of the Church, the practice of correction of the Roman Pontiff. It is something that is clearly quite rare".

But should the pope ignore the request for clarification, "then I would say that it would be a question of taking a formal act of correction of a serious error," he said.

The American has been the face of opposition to change since Francis was elected in March 2013.

He was moved out of key Vatican positions at the end of 2014 and into a more ceremonial post as patron to the Knights of Malta but has remained a vocal critic of the pope' reformist approach.

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Short link:


Millions outraged, shocked

Repeated instances of unsafe foods and medicines in China

(NaturalNews) The list of Chinese food and medicine disasters continues to grow, this time involving the illegal sale of vaccines As reported by Chinese press recently, more than two dozen additional suspects have been arrested by authorities, after hundreds of others have already been placed under investigation for suspicion of accepting bribes (which is a common practice in China), abusing their power and negligence.The scandal, which was first uncovered in March, has reportedly shocked the public.Chinese justice officials say their main suspect is Pang Hongwei, a one-time pharmacist at a hospital in Shandong, and her 21-year-old daughter. Authorities found them illegally selling a dozen different vaccines, including two kinds of immune globulin and one kind of therapeutic product all over the country.Investigators discovered a trade ring with Pang at the center, involving some 300 illegal distributors across 24 provinces and regions. Most of the vaccines were originally supposed to be used for children and the elderly.Pang and her daughter allegedly kept the vaccines in their home at about 57 degrees F, which was much higher than the required 3546 degrees F for storing and transporting vaccines. Health officials note that storing vaccines at higher temperatures could render them ineffective or even harmful if they are used.In all, the vaccines are worth about $88 million, which authorities said makes the case the largest of its kind in China, in terms of monetary amounts involved.Earlier, we reported that at least some of the vaccines may have been tied to the deaths of some children, though Chinese authorities denied that.The size and scope of the scandal not only shocked the country but outraged millions, many of whom criticized the slow pace of the investigation, which took about one year before the initial arrests of Pang and her daughter were made."This is such a huge case and not a single regulatory official has come out to apologise, not a single one has resigned ... this system which doesn't care whether ordinary citizens live or die makes one's soul tired," said one user on Chinese social media.has covered the various food and medicine scandals involving China extensively:-- In February 2013, we reported that most so-called "organic" foods from China are not organic at all. That's because the government puts no limits at all at how much mercury, lead, cadmium, arsenic and aluminum is allowed in so-called organic foods, notedfounder/editor Mike Adams, the Health Ranger. "Organic farming in a clean environment produces clean, organic foods. But organic farming in a polluted environment produces contaminated organic foods. And China is one of the most polluted chemical cesspools on the planet," he wrote.We reported on this again in October this year, indicating that little progress has been made in China to clean up its organic food production.-- In March 2013, we reported that American fast-food chain Kentucky Fried Chicken had dropped more than 1,000 farms from its network of suppliers in China, after discovering that chicken from those farms had a high antibiotic content, news that caused a 6 percent drop-off in sales of KFC's parent company, Yum! Brands.-- In May 2013, we reported that Chinese authorities broke up a 900-person criminal ring that was harvesting meat from rats and other animals, then marketing it as lamb. The "rat meat" was discovered in Jiangsu province and Shanghai. Unwitting consumers regularly bought the fake lamb, however, unaware that they were eating rodents and other animals.As noted by at the time, Chinese law forbids the sale of unsafe and poisonous foods, but the statures are vague, and it isn't clear what acts are actual violations of the law.That is likely why there are repeated instances of Chinese food and medicine manufacturers and sellers falling below standard and causing public injury.
Blatant hypocrisy aside, we said fine - leave

So, could California and the other Western states actually leave the Union?

(NaturalNews) Within 24 hours of President-elect Donald J. Trump's victory over Democratic rival Hillary Clinton, the crybaby Leftists who run California as a single-party state began making threats to oppose him on nearly every measure, especially his pledge to begin enforcing federal immigration laws.Then the threats got even more serious: Fueled by the radicals in state government and whining millionaires and billionaires in Silicon Valley, calls began to rise for secession; since the election didn't turn out their way, they want to take their ball and go home.As reported by the UK's, tech gurus like venture capitalist and co-founder of Hyperloop One, Shervin Pishevar, are pushing a "Calexit" movement similar to the one that saw British citizens vote to leave the European Union.The night of the election, as a Trump victory loomed, Pishevar tweeted that he would be "announcing and funding a legitimate campaign for California to become its own nation."But it wasn't just California. Crybaby Leftists in blue or blue-leaning states  Nevada, Oregon and Washington  voiced a similar desire to part ways because they, too, have convinced themselves that Trump is a list of things he isn't (racist, sexist, bigot, homophobe).So, because their chosen Marxist revolutionary successor to Obama didn't win,. Those of us who were opposed to most of Obama's agenda for eight, long years weren't allowed to leave  or even mention out loud that we wanted to leave  without being called racist anarchists.But now, since Leftists are demanding to leave,Blatant hypocrisy aside, we say, fine:. In fact, the sooner, the better. And take all of those electoral votes with you.The fact is, even though California produces much of the country's food and has the world's sixth-largest economy, it is also a major drag on the federal Treasury and taxpayers all around the country. Pishevar says that California is the "economic driver" of the country, but it only produces about $2.5 trillion of the United States' annual $17.95 trillion gross domestic product, so that claim doesn't wash.And, while the state is home to the largest concentration of tech start-ups and tech behemoths, it's not thestate that produces technology. Texas is growing in that industry, as are other states Plus, while California may produce much technology and food, it has to have markets in which tothose goods  meaning, it would remain dependent on the U.S. for much of its income.In a word, yes. How likely is it? Not very, unfortunately.The Constitution does not contain provisions for states to leave the Union  only provisions for territories to Article IV, Sect. 3, Clause 1 states:"New States may be admitted by the Congress into this Union; but no new States shall be formed or erected within the Jurisdiction of any other State; nor any State be formed by the Junction of two or more States, or Parts of States, without the Consent of the Legislatures of the States concerned as well as of the Congress."But there is no similar language to provide for a state to secede from the Union. Before the Civil War, states had always assumed that they had the right to leave if they wanted to. Academic and columnist Walter Williams, writing in 2012 , noted that some of the original 13 colonies would never have ratified the Constitution if they didn't believe they had a right to maintain their sovereignty, should they decide the federal government had become intolerable.The Civil War settled that issue, for better or worse. And in, the U.S. Supreme Court ruled in 1869 that unilateral secession was unconstitutional. But the high court also commented that via revolution or consent of the states, it could become legal.Consent of the states would have to happen via a constitutional amendment that was either proposed by Congress or by two-thirds of the state legislatures ( Article V )  or "revolution." It isn't likely that either option will be seriously entertained.But nevertheless, as believers in freedom and literal interpretation of the phrase, "consent of the governed," we support California's  and the other western states'  call to leave the Union, no matter how pathetic the reason.
Up to one million potential objects out there

Rapid evacuation mission

(NaturalNews) An asteroid strike on planet Earth has been the stuff of hit science-fiction movies, in which devastation and death was widespread. In reality, the last known asteroid/meteor strikes occurred tens of millions of years ago , when the planet was far-less crowded.A strike today, however, would be catastrophic no matter where it hit. And scientists believe it is not a matter of, butIn recent days, a pair of federal agencies , NASA and FEMA , conducted an exercise simulating an asteroid strike on Los Angeles. As reported by, the agencies were tasked with considering the devastating consequences of a 330-foot asteroid slamming into earth near a major metropolitan area.The Times reported:In the hit 1998 movie, "Armageddon," a rag-tag group of geologists and oil-drillers were sent on a mission into space to land on a fast-approaching asteroid, drill a hole deep into its core and set off a nuclear weapon. But NASA and FEMA officials say that kind of theatrics isn't very plausible in real life.Fortunately, according to astrologists who track some 659 large asteroids, there is little chance one of them would strike the earth within the next century, said Paul Chodas, the manager of NASA's Center for Near Earth Object Studies , told the Times in an email.The center is reliant upon several telescopes like the Catalina Sky Survey at the University of Arizona's College of Science to track comets and asteroids that are potentially hazardous. These bodies are leftover fragments from the formation of planets and they can come dangerously close to Earth, the Times noted.Chodas said of the 659 bodies currently being tracked, "none pose a significant threat over the next century, either because the probabilities are extraordinarily small, or the asteroids themselves are extremely small." That said, Chodas noted further that it was important to continue searching for and tracking asteroids in the event one begins heading for Earth.Others, like the organizers of Asteroid Day , believe there could be as many as 1 million objects in space that could strike earth, and that only about 1 percent have been discovered.Either way, hence the Oct. 25 NASA/FEMA exercise, which was conducted in El Segundo, Calif. The simulation projected a strike in 2020, and while a four-year warning might seem like plenty of time to prepare or prevent, experts say it probably would not be enough to deflect an asteroid of the size laid out in the simulation.Chodas said that engineers believe the best way to deal with pending strike is to build a "kinetic impactor" spacecraft and ram it into the approaching asteroid years before it is projected to hit Earth.He added that it could take as long as two years to build the impactor and another year after launch to reach the approaching asteroid. So, in the case of the October simulation, an evacuation was necessary instead of a "deflection mission."Thomas Zurbuchen, associate administrator for NASA's Science Mission Directorate in Washington, D.C., said it is "not a matter of if, but when we will deal with such a situation," the UK'sBut never before in the history of the human race have we had the ability to respond to an impact threat, he added, noting that continued observations, prediction models, response planning and mitigation were all being used in combination to decrease the threat.Thereported that in the simulation, astrologists were observing and tracking an asteroid they predicted had a 65 percent chance of striking the Earth, but then could not observe it for four months because of its relative position to the sun.When it reappeared, it was then on a 100-percent impact trajectory, which lead to a rapid evacuation of Los Angeles.
Washington GMO-labeling initiative lost by narrow margin

A victory against shady anti-GMO labeling campaign practices

(NaturalNews) The(GMA) has been ordered to pay a record-breaking $18 million fine for concealing the identity of corporate donors in a 2013 effort to defeat a GMO food-labeling initiative in Washington state.In a 24-page ruling, Thurston County Superior Court Judge Anne Hirsch castigated the GMA for "intentionally" violating Washington campaign finance laws.The $18 million fine was based on the tripling of a $6 million civil penalty due to the intentional nature of the violation.In 2013, the GMA donated more than $11 million to the "No on 522" anti-GMO labeling campaign - if passed, Initiative 522 would have required labeling ofand seeds sold in Washington state.The "No on 522" campaign raised a total of $22 million to defeat the initiative, which failed to pass by a narrow margin of votes. Monsanto contributed $4.5 million to the "no" campaign, but reported its own donations.The court ruled that the GMA intentionally hid the identity of corporations including Coca-Cola, General Mills, Nestle and PepsiCo, who donated to the campaign.From Seattlepi.com:The elaborate "defense of brands" scheme was hatched by the GMA after boycott threats were aimed at corporations who contributed to the $43 million anti-GMO labeling campaign in California in 2012.Washington state authorities detected something fishy early on during the "No on 522" campaign Those who supported the GMO-labeling initiative see the ruling as a victory against shady PACs and out-of-state corporate influence.The heavy penalty was intended to send a message to powerful trade organizations such as the GMA that campaign law violation fines will not be set low enough to simply write off as operating expenses.The GMA, of course, would beg to differ  it will "vigorously" appeal what it views as an "unprecedented, inequitable and clearly excessive penalty."But Judge Hirsch's ruling made it clear why the penalty was set so high - the GMA intentionally violated the right of the public to know who was contributing to the "No" campaign, its executives withheld information from its own attorneys, and the organization delayed making disclosures until the very end of the campaign.Despite the fact that more than 90 percent of Americans favor, anti-labeling campaigns have been very successful  largely due to the huge contributions made by those who profit from the GMO industry and their willingness to stoop to dirty tricks and shady campaign activities.The GMA is a major juggernaut in the anti-labeling movement, representing the country's biggest food corporations, such as the above-mentioned Coca-Cola, General Foods and many others.The GMA is heavily involved in attempts to defeat GMO-labeling initiatives at the federal and state level and its contributors' deep pockets have ensured that it wields a great deal of influence in decisive battles involving labeling The Washington state ruling will hopefully set an example for the nation and send the GMO industry a clear signal that such illegal and unfair political tactics will no longer be tolerated.
(NaturalNews) In an extraordinary abandonment of education ethics, the dominant teachers' union in San Francisco -- the United Educators of San Francisco -- has unleashed a "Lesson Plan on the November 2016 Election" that replaceswith the shockingly vile HATE indoctrination of children. The plan is so vile and emotionally destructive that it can only be called "emotional terrorism" against children.As Breitbart.com's Joel Pollak reports , "the guide informs teachers that 'a racist and sexist man has become the president of our country by pandering to a huge racist and sexist base,' and suggests they teach children the same."Astonishingly, the teachers' union guide urges teachers to, saying:According to the AP, the hate-filled lesson plan, rooted in obvious bigotry and delusion, was distributed to over 6,000 union members in a district that provides education to more than 57,000 students. "It is unclear how many teachers have used the plan outlined by a Mission High School teacher, but it appears to have the tacit support of city education officials," reports AP.Authored by social studies teacher , the lesson plan reveals is that. Rather, they see children asso that they can be emotionally manipulated into joining whatever future uprisings the communist-leaning "leaders" of San Francisco have in mind.Public education in San Francisco, in other words, has becomeWelcome to the Divided States of America, where Californians can't wait to secede from the union and declare themselves to be "Calizuela," the next totalitarian failed state to be run into the ground by delusional liberals who can't come to grips with reality.Such hate-filled indoctrination of children will hopefully be declared a real hate crime by President Trump, and teachers who attempt to harm children with such emotional terrorism will be arrested and locked up where they can't harm any more children.https://apnews.com/42740dc818e94fe88fa870e890aa881c/San-Francisco-teachers-union-offers-Trump-lesson-plan
I first met Joseph L. Birman in 1979. He attended an unofficial seminar in Moscow for scientists like me who had lost access to academic institutions in the Soviet Union because of our political views or because we had applied to leave the country. We gathered in the apartment of a computer scientist who was under KGB surveillance (and later spent five years in prison and exile for anti-Soviet actions). This was before the Internet and social media. National borders were closed; we felt isolated and threatened by our government.

Joseph L. Birman Credit: Dan Z. Johnson Although few Western academics dared attend our gatherings, there were many more people than chairs. Birman, a tall man, sat uncomfortably on the floor, trying to find space for his legs. Then, as always, he was talkative and cheerful: everybody's uncle.

Birman, who died on 1 October, was born in New York City on 21 May 1927, the grandson of Jewish immigrants from Russia. In 1943, he graduated from the Bronx High School of Science, famously an incubator of prominent researchers. He received a bachelor's in science from the City College of New York and a doctorate in theoretical physics from Columbia University in 1952, going on to work on the optical properties of semiconductors at GTE Laboratories in New York. A decade later, he become a professor at New York University, and in 1974, he joined the faculty of City College, where he remained until his death.

Sharply experimental in his thinking and prohibitively mathematical, Birman demonstrated how the branch of mathematics known as group theory can be applied to understand transitions between crystal phases and to predict light scattering and other optical properties of solids.

He leveraged the respect he gained from seminal papers in the 1960s and 1970s into advocacy for hundreds of scientists. In a letter endorsing Birman for the Andrei Sakharov Prize of the American Physical Society (APS), which recognizes scientists who fight for human rights, Iranian physicist Hadi Hadizadeh wrote: His efforts to get me released from detention and solitary confinement in 2001 will not be forgotten by me, my family, and many scientists worldwide. Winning the award in 2010, Birman was delighted to see his name attached to that of the notable Soviet dissident and nuclear physicist.

Birman's trips to the Soviet Union began in the 1970s with official invitations from the Soviet Academy of Sciences. During those trips he learned about the plight of Jewish scientists in the country. They were often denied promotion, travel abroad and positions at top research institutions. Applying for an exit visa frequently resulted in loss of employment, but rarely in permission to leave. Open protests led to arrests and imprisonment.

Birman used his travels and eminence to challenge the heads of Soviet research institutions on behalf of scientists caught in this plight. It is thanks to the efforts of him and his colleagues that I did not end up in jail, despite multiple KGB interrogations, and was finally allowed to leave the Soviet Union.

In the early 1990s, when many scientists in Russia were finally allowed to emigrate, Birman helped to establish the Program for Refugee Scientists in the United States, raising funds from private foundations. This supported visiting positions for more than a hundred emigre scientists in US universities and gave them time to secure permanent positions in industry and academia.

Birman played a crucial part, along with particle physicist Robert Marshak, in recovering a generation of Chinese physicists lost to Mao Zedong's cultural revolution in the 1960s and 1970s. During this time, most scientific research ceased, concepts such as Einstein's theory of relativity were denounced as bourgeois and scientists were sent to do manual labour in the countryside. In 1983, Birman and Marshak travelled to Beijing on behalf of the APS and signed an agreement with the Chinese Academy of Sciences and the Ministry of Education that brought more than 60 middle-aged physicists to work in labs throughout the United States for up to three years. Many leaders of Chinese physics are alumni of that programme, and the scientific cooperation between Chinese and US physicists that now exists evolved largely from it.

When the programme came to an end in the tragic aftermath of the Tiananmen Square protests in 1989, Birman redirected his efforts to achieve justice for Chinese scholars who openly spoke their minds. He would get phone calls and even surprise visits from Chinese scientists. He welcomed and did everything in his power to help these people, counselling them on how to manage their careers and providing contacts and recommendations.

Birman chaired human-rights committees at the APS and the New York Academy of Sciences and in that capacity wrote hundreds of letters to heads of governments, kings and religious leaders. He publicized cases of unjustly imprisoned scientists. For more than 40 years, he served as vice-chair of the Committee of Concerned Scientists dedicated to protecting human rights and scientific freedom around the world.

Joe met Joan Sylvia Lyttle when they were both at graduate school. They married in 1950 and had three children. She became a professor of mathematics at Columbia University. The day before Joe died, he and Joan had spent hours discussing a potential overlap between her work on topology and his model of how the phase of a particle is influenced by its trajectory through space.
Google is turning AI bots to very fluent translators. The company is apparently 'teaching' artificial intelligence to become better at translating foreign languages. This includes the diction and intonation as it the bot is a native speaker of the specific language in question.

Google's translation function can now translate complete and complex sentences with much better accuracy. How did they do that? Well, it does not come as easy as it sounds. The company also claims that the service is now event more 'fluent' than before.

"It uses this broader context to help it figure out the most relevant translation, which it then rearranges and adjusts to be more like a human speaking with proper grammar," a Google official said in a blog.

Because of the fluency of Google machines, the translation of extended sentences and text now sounds like they are coming from a native speaker. This new update is called the 'neural machine translation' that is somewhat similar to how Google identifies images through its image search feature.

Some say it is the biggest improvement and achievement by the company when it comes to its translation services. With the number of tourists backpacking worldwide, the use of Google's translation service has become vital for every traveler.

It may be a good upgrade, but some say there's still room for an even better outcome. "I doubt it will be translating like the computers on 'Star Trek' quite yet," Mike Gualtieri, an analyst at Forrester Research said in a statement.

So far, Google translate is available to 103 different languages. However, the upgraded service can be used to decipher only eight languages including Chinese, Portuguese, Japanese, Turkish, Korean, Spanish, German and French. Reports say the service can translate about 140 billion words every day. Nevertheless, the company aims to implement the improved Google translate service to all 103 languages and the Google Cloud Platform for businesses through Google Cloud Translation API.
England will likely see 135,000 cancer-related deaths due to alcohol in the next two decades, according to a recently published study by Sheffield University.

The study commissioned by the Cancer Research UK also predicts over 1.2 million hospital admissions for alcohol-related cancer - including esophageal cancer, bowel cancer, mouth and throat cancers, breast cancer, and liver cancer - by 2035, adding that this looming public health crisis will cause the National Health Services (NHS) a whopping 2bn.

In an article by Eureka Alert, Alison Cox, the Director of Prevention at Cancer Research UK, said, "These new figures reveal the devastating impact alcohol will have over the coming years. That's why it's hugely important the public are aware of the link between alcohol and cancer, and what they can do to improve their risk. If we are to change the nation's drinking habits and try to mitigate the impact alcohol will have then national health campaigns are needed to provide clear information about the health risks of drinking alcohol."

England's chief medical officer, Dame Sally Davies, has released an official advisory earlier this year, recommending 14 units of maximum alcohol consumption weekly for men, the current alcohol consumption limit for women. Davies also made it clear that there's no such thing as a safe level for drinking, and that both sex are at heightened risk of developing different types of cancer.

However, Cancer Research UK and Alcohol Health Alliance, calls for more stringent measures from the government, such as introducing a 50p minimum unit price for alcohol in England, which as the study suggests, could decrease alcohol-related deaths in the country by about 7,200, including about 670 cancer deaths, and lower healthcare costs by 1.3bn in 20 years.

Prof Sir Ian Gilmore, chair of the Alcohol Health Alliance, said, "It is clear from the report that MUP will save lives, including those lost to cancer, and ease the burden on our health service. Importantly, MUP will do this while leaving moderate drinkers and prices in pubs and bars unaffected," The Guardian reports.
As you make your way to the Northwest Territories of Canada via Great Bear Lake, you'll first come across thick spruce forests, which give way to Taiga or snow forests until you reach the Southern Arctic, which is known as the Sahtu region. It's also the place where the caribou species lived along with the Metis and Dene people, indigenous tribes of North America. These people have lived in harmony with the animals for millennia. Seemingly, they knew something about this reindeer species, which has so far been missed by science. So far, ecologists have discovered three varieties of caribou in the region, each with its unique habitat and lifestyle.

However, according to the Dene tribe, there are four such species, with a new study offering some support to this belief. Caribou is usually found in North America, but they sometimes move into Asia and Northern Europe, where they are known as reindeer.

Researchers have identified two subspecies of caribous, referred to as "woodland" and "barren ground" caribou. The latter is further divided into "boreal" and "mountain" groups, which although are genetically similar, lead different lifestyles. A study published in 2016 by Jean Polfus, an ecologist at the University of Manitoba, discovered that there was plenty of genetic mixing among the three groups of caribou, which hints that the same might be taking place in the Sahtu.

In his quest to know more about the animal, Polfus learned the Dene language and studied their history. He found that the Dene had indeed known another caribou species, known as the "todzi." According to the description, as laid down by these people, the fourth variety has a unique appearance and habitat besides their behaviors. Polfus gathered genetic samples of the species and found that they are genetically a unique group. The results were published in the journal Ecology and Society.
A new engine converts waste hot water from industrial equipment into electricity.

Exergyn, a startup based in Dublin, Ireland, is planning to run the first industrial trials of the new energy-efficient engine by next year, New Scientist reports. The engine generates electricity from heated water that is left over from other equipment. According to co-founder and chief executive Alan Healy, waste hot water (low-grade waste heat or LGWH) from industrial processes amounts to about twice the energy in Saudi Arabia's oil and gas output per year.

"There's just so much waste hot water in the world," Healy told New Scientist. "In most cases [companies] are actually spending energy to cool it."

Cargo ships, for instance, pump LGWH from the engine around the vessel to cool it. Data centers use expensive cooling systems to disperse the heat coming from the servers. This inspired Exergyn to find a way to capture and make use of the wasted energy to reduce cost and at the same time cut global carbon emissions by 2 percent.

The engine, called Exergyn Drive, works by feeding off any steam of heated waste water already being produced by another device or equipment. The drive uses the properties of an alloy of nickel and titanium called nitinol. Inside, a bundle of meter-long nitinol wires is attached to a piston. Hot and cold water are flushed alternately over the wires every 10 seconds, which makes them expand and contract, causing the piston to move up and down. A hydraulic system turns the linear motion into turning motion that drives the generator.

The drive is capable of producing 10 kilowatts of electricity from around 200 kilowatts of thermal energy in the LGWH. While this might be small, the device still produces "free" energy that would have been wasted, the makers said.

"Our device can be retrofitted and plugged into these engines to produce extra power and electricity from the hot water pumping through the traditional engines," Healy said in a report by The Journal. He also added that the application could revolutionize the geothermal power industry and allow energy providers to produce electricity more efficiently.

Exergyn has recently been granted funding by the European Commission's Horizon 2020 Fund and is now planning three industrial tests in 2017 at the Dublin Airport and two landfill sites.
President-elect Donald Trump will meet Saturday with Mitt Romney, one of his top Republican critics, raising speculation that the incoming commander in chief could tap the 2012 presidential nominee for a key cabinet post.

Trump will hold a series of meetings with fellow Republican officials during his weekend getaway to Bedminster, New Jersey, the presidential transition team said Friday.

Romney, a former Massachusetts governor who is considered a Republican Party elder, was mentioned first on the list of guests who will sit down with the president-elect Saturday.

The meeting could signal a reconciliation of sorts between the two.

Romney, 69, helped lead the charge against Trump's nomination earlier this year by branding the provocative billionaire a "fraud" who was "playing the American public for suckers."

Rumors have swirled that Romney was under consideration to be nominated as Trump's secretary of state, a move that would put an experienced politician and trouble-shooter with a calm, reassuringly diplomatic bearing as the future face of American foreign policy.

But the transition team tamped down speculation that Romney could join the cabinet.

"I think that what that meeting suggests... (is) the president-elect wants the best and the brightest, and the people who can offer ideas and suggestions on how to move this country forward and to implement his vision," Republican National Committee spokesman Sean Spicer told reporters on a press call.

"He's going to meet with people who supported him, people who didn't support him, Republicans, Democrats, independents." Spicer added.

"The conversation with Mitt Romney is just that, an opportunity to hear his ideas and his thoughts."

Former Arkansas governor Mike Huckabee, who ran against Trump in the Republican primaries, meets the president-elect Friday, the transition team said.

Scheduled to meet with Trump Saturday are Michelle Rhee, who led the Washington, DC public school system from 2007 to 2010 and who has been floated as a possible education secretary, and James "Mad Dog" Mattis, a retired Marine Corps general who headed US Central Command and whose tough talk has endeared him to US troops.

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The biggest supermoon in the last 70 years was spotted last Nov. 14, but some say a strange light was accompanying the Earth's satellite that UFO hunters believe to be a UFO sighting.

Videos of the strange dot during the Supermoon event surfaced on the Internet. A Youtube channel showed a video where two unidentified flying objects were seen crossing the supermoon on Nov. 12. The uploader claimed that the footage, taken with a pretty advanced set of equipment is proof that a UFO just passed by the moon. The UFO crossing the moon was reportedly spotted in the Arizona sky, according to an article by RT.

"While taking video of the Supermoon, with NexStar 6se telescope, UFOs do a fly by. The camera was a Sony CX500V Handycam HD, 5X optical zoom, manual focus at .9m, max view 40 lens for a 38X telescope magnification. The UFOs appear to have distortion surrounding them, perhaps bending light," the Youtube channel administrator said in the caption of the video.

The video almost reached the 500-thousand view mark on Youtube. Based on the video, there are two unidentified flying objects or UFOs seen crossing the moon that night. Top UFO hunter and blogger Scott Waring said the footage is a valid evidence of a UFO sighting that, interestingly, coincides with the supermoon phenomena.

"This is strange. A UFO in orbit that possesses a haze mist around it. The object is solid, because if it was translucent, we would be able to see the light of the moon through it," Alien hunter Scott Waring said in a statement. "I strongly believe that the area around it is due to the alien propulsion because the haze has been seen in thousands of UFO photos before," Waring added.

However, not everyone is convinced. Some experts say the spots could be just helium balloons in the sky, some say they might just be leaves flying with the wind. But with the number of Youtube views, alien hunters, and conspiracy theorists who believe it to be true, it will be hard to negate the presence of UFOs in the video.
The Duke of Cambridge delivered a speech in an international convention in Vietnam and has highlighted the need to put a halt to the worrying increase of animals being poached up to this day and age. It has been said that one of the primary reasons for such brutality against animals is the continuous search of consumers for illegal goods such as ivory and other rare wildlife.

The prince has clearly made a stand regarding banning such purchases in the United Kingdom, as was done in China and the U.S. He has indicated, according to a report from BBC, that all the nations' progress against illegal poaching of animals is "something to be proud of." But he has also noted that maybe nations are not moving fast enough to put a complete stop to the problem.

It may be true that if there is no one buying an item, then there would be no need to kill for it. As long as consumers continue to buy illegal ivory, then there will never be a stop to hunters and gangs killing endangered animals such as rhinos and elephants. There should be a stricter law enforcement against syndicates and gangs that reap their riches in illegal activities such as this. Though the prince was not pointing at any nation in particular, it is clear that it should be a worldwide concern.

Perhaps a more stringent action towards 'hindering' the problem would be a good idea in this. As prevention could be a cure, it may be the only hope the future generations could hang on to.

It should be noted that the continuous illegal hunting of animals leads to its endangerment, a feat which should alarm authorities. Further damage can cause extinction, something that any scientist may not be able to solve.
Did the first French astronaut warn everyone about aliens before attempting to commit suicide?

Astronaut Claudia Haignere went to coma after an apparent attempt to commit suicide through sleeping pills overdose in 2008. But rumors claim that she said something before losing consciousness. The scientist and astronaut alleged shouted "Earth must be warned" before falling into a coma according to UFOmania Youtube channel.

The channel is also responsible for releasing the video that led to speculations that the astronaut is trying to warn the Earth about the existences of extraterrestrial beings. As of today, the video has been viewed more than one million times that means the interest with her story is really intense.

The 59-year old seasoned astronaut had been an alternate crew for the Mis Altair mission in 1993 where she met her husband Jean-Pierre Haignere. She also holds the title as the first French woman astronaut to reach the International Space Station (ISS).

The esteemed scientist also has an asteroid named after her and her husband, the asteroid 135268 Haignere. Haignere retired and join politics as a minister delegate until 2005. However, reports say that budgets for scientific research and purposes were still trimmed down.

After her short political stint, she joined a bio lab where rumors of her suicide attempts surfaced. The former astronaut was allegedly forced to be restrained while shouting "Earth Must be Warned", according to a report by the New York Post.

Some experts say that her condition could be blamed to the 'burnout syndrome' but it doesn't sit right for alien hunters and conspiracy theorists. However, despite the resurfacing of her story, some say that the video released is only partially true.

The astronaut indeed tried to commit suicide in 2008 but the rest of the information stated in the abovementioned video may actually be just fictitious accounts like the alleged existence of human/alien DNA because do such thing exist.

So experts are warning the public to be careful because they should not believe everything on the Internet, because like most alien and UFO sightings recorded, chances are they are hoaxes.
Brazil said Friday that it will continue to treat the Zika outbreak as an emergency, even as the World Health Organization considers whether to downgrade it from crisis status.

Brazil has been the epicenter of a Zika epidemic since the mosquito-carried virus, which is blamed for causing severe birth defects, caused a global alarm last year.

The WHO was meeting later Friday in Geneva to discuss whether it would still classify the Zika outbreak as a "public health emergency of international concern."

However in the Brazilian capital Brasilia, officials said they are not yet ready to lower their guard.

"We will maintain the emergency (status) in Brazil until we are completely tranquil about the situation," Health Minister Ricardo Barros told journalists.

Officials say that Zika appears to be on the wane in Brazil, but that data is not sure enough to be certain.

"Last year we didn't have enough tests (to detect Zika), so we can't specify how the virus circulated last year," said Wanderson Oliveira, in charge of emergencies response at the health ministry.

"We don't have a reference to establish whether it is increasing or decreasing," he said.

Since the Zika epidemic was detected in 2015, Brazil has confirmed 2,143 cases of microcephaly, where babies are born with abnormally small skulls and other congenital disorders such as brain development problems.

However, in nearly all cases, Zika causes only temporary effects which include a rash and flu-like symptoms.

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Sylvester Stallone can be forgiven for Rhinestone, Over the Top, "Stop! Or My Mom Will Shoot  and anything short of a capital offense, for that matter.



He can be forgiven because on Nov. 21, 1976, he gave us "Rocky."

Rocky Balboa marks 40 years as the ultimate cinematic underdog, occasionally bowed by his creators lesser efforts over the decades, but still unbeaten. The battered boxer's story resonates now as much as when it arrived as the work of an unknown star and screenwriter who fought all the way to a Best Picture Oscar.



Rocky bridged the late 1960s and early 1970s auteur era with the advent of crowd-pleasing special effect-driven popcorn flicks that Steven Spielberg started in 1975 with Jaws and George Lucas sent into hyperdrive in 1977 with Star Wars.

Sure, "Rocky" got the masses cheering in the theaters like few other films. Yet Stallone rooted his masterwork in the most human of stories: a talented loser getting an unlikely shot at the big time and overcoming a lifetime of physical and emotional scars to give it his all.

Stallone's pitch-perfect script, director John Avildsens unerring eye and Bill Contis rousing score filled "Rocky" with now-iconic moments: Rocky guzzling eggs by the glass; Rocky's training odyssey, from plodding up the steps of the Philadelphia Museum of Art to leaping in triumph to Gonna Fly Now; grizzled trainer Mickey taking a razor blade to Rocky's pounded-shut eye between rounds.

Most memorable of all: Rocky screaming for Adrian, the mousy love of his life, at the end of his epic fight with world champ Apollo Creed, not knowing or caring whether he won or lost.

"Rocky" sequels went from great ("Rocky II") to cringe-worthy ("Rocky V"). Stallone seemed, at times, to battle himself, transforming his beloved, relatable character to a human cartoon. This became a Stallone pattern, from the "Rambo" flicks to the purposely over-the-top "Expendables" series.



Stallones more embarrassing films threatened to sully Rocky and some ambitious, if flawed, movies like 1978s F.I.S.T. and his strong, understated acting turn in 1997s "Cop Land.

He made an admirable return in 2006s "Rocky Balboa" and played a key supporting role in last year's excellent "Creed," turning over the Rocky story to the younger, less battle-worn hands of director Ryan Coogler.

Rocky made news in September when Donald Trump arrived at a rally in Pennsylvania to "Gonna Fly Now." But for anyone tempted to frame the election as a "Rocky" story, it's worth remembering that humble Rocky Balboa of South Philadelphia came up from nothing to climb into the biggest ring in the world  and he lost the fight.

Rocky, though, needs no forgiveness. He won the battle of the heart, one that beats just as strong 40 years later.

Jere Hester is Director of News Products and Projects at the City University of New York Graduate School of Journalism. He is also the author of "Raising a Beatle Baby: How John, Paul, George and Ringo Helped us Come Together as a Family." Follow him on Twitter.
In the midst of a fiery dispute between Santa Clara Mayor Lisa Gillmor and the San Francisco 49ers over the management of Levis Stadium, NBC Bay Area has uncovered yet another incident where the arenas lights and bright scoreboard prompted safety concerns by pilots on board a commercial airliner landing at San Jose Mineta International Airport.

Those incidents are piling up. Its the 43rd complaint documented by the Investigative Unit since 2014 in which pilots complain about being blinded or confused by the high-intensity lights and building-sized scoreboard at Levis Stadium. The latest complaint, in the days leading up to Super Bowl 50, was only recently made publicly available.

After NBC Bay Area shared these latest findings with her, Mayor Lisa Gillmor says shes going to address her concerns with the 49ers, in addition to other questions about whether the organization used public money for the stadiums operations.

Now that youve given me this information, were going to follow through to make sure if theres any recalibration that needs to take places, that it takes place, Gillmor said. We cannot have a major incident happen at Levis Stadium.

Gillmor isnt the only one worried about the potential safety hazard. Former US Homeland Security Secretary Tom Ridge cited NBC Bay Areas reporting in a white paper he recently published in the summer of 2016, arguing against the construction of a stadium for the LA Rams in Inglewood, located less than three miles from the runways of Los Angeles International Airport.

In an interview with NBC Bay Area, Ridge said the FAA and security officials should take into account the problems created by Levis Stadiums proximity to SJC.

One would think that those public expressions of concern, some of which have been reported, would be included in the calculation today at the FAA as to whether the Inglewood site is appropriate.

Ridge, who now runs the risk management firm Ridge Global, was contracted in 2014 by a group trying to build a rival stadium near the Staples Center. But Ridge says that contract doesnt invalidate the concerns hes raising. Ridge points out the FAA itself also recommended the stadium be built elsewhere, and said NBC Bay Areas reporting further reinforced his position.

This subsequent information regarding San Jose operational and security concerns and an inadequate response by the FAA is deeply troubling as the Inglewood stadium is closer to proximity to LAX than Levis Stadium is to SJC, Ridge wrote in the report. Should such gaps contribute to a major air disaster near Levis Stadium or at the Inglewood/LAX site, it can be expected that a host of U.S. Government agencies will quickly convene to investigate, to offer detailed post-incident reports, and to assign blame.

The FAA has declined multiple interview requests since last year by NBC Bay Area to discuss these issues, but the agency provided a new statement concerning the Inglewood project and Ridges concerns.

We are still working with the developer to address our concerns with the Inglewood stadium project, said FAA spokesman Ian Gregor in an emailed statement. When the FAA begins evaluating proposed structures, we solicit input from various agencies, including the Department of Defense and Department of Homeland Security. Both agencies had the opportunity to comment on the proposed Inglewood stadium. Neither agency objected to the proposal.

Yet the FAA says it does not have the authority to review the lights and scoreboard within either stadium, according to a previous statement on the matter. However, the FAA did conduct a flight test over Levis Stadium after the first barrage of complaints in 2014. But internal emails obtained by NBC Bay Area show some within the agency believed the 49ers cheated on that safety test by dimming the scoreboard as the FAA flew over.

The 49ers denied the allegation, issuing this statement:

We are not aware of any FAA flight tests that took place in 2014. The only dimming of our videoboards we have done was in early 2014 at the request of the FAA in conjunction with our initial testing and calibration.

But Ridge believes the FAA should have pressed the team on that issue. He questioned whether there was any follow-up by the FAA and blasted the agency for what he called lax oversight.

If there is potential for pilots to be blinded or confused by lighting on approach to a major airport, is that truly not within FAAs authority to review? Ridge stated in his report. This is akin to saying that the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration reviews standards for automobile construction but is not authorized to consider headlamps on a vehicle. If not in the FAAs authority to review, then why was the test conducted? And if FAA personnel suspect the test was manipulated, what action was taken?

The 49ers have declined multiple interview requests dating back to 2015, and its unclear what, if anything, the organization has done to address the light and scoreboard issues. The organization agreed to stop testing the scoreboard during certain times of day while the stadium was under construction, according to the FAA, but has not informed NBC Bay Area of any changes since then, despite ongoing pilot complaints.

We respect the authority of the FAA in regards to lighting levels and any other operations matters concerning public safety and the stadium, said Roger Hacker, a 49ers spokesperson in an e-mail to NBC Bay Area. We have great faith in their many years of expertise in the field and communicate regularly so that we remain in compliance with their protocols and policies. Public safety is of the utmost importance to the 49ers and Levis Stadium.

The latest complaint filed with NASAs Aviation Safety Reporting System (ASRS) obtained by NBC Bay Area mirrors a similar complaint from 2014, when a pilot confused lights at the stadium for the runway indicator lights at SJC.

On approach to Runway 30L, we noted at about 25 NM from the runway that we had the VASI [runway lights] in sight, the anonymous report states. Unfortunately, as we continued the approach, we realized the lights we saw were the scoreboard for Levis Stadium which lines up with Runway 30.

In addition to the 43 documented complaints from pilots, the Investigative Unit is aware of a half-dozen safety reports from the FAAs own air traffic controllers concerning the stadium. The FAA denied a request to view those reports made under the Freedom of Information Act, but NBC Bay Area is appealing the denial.

Mike McCarron, an NBC Bay Area aviation consultant and a former Navy pilot and safety official with San Francisco International Airport, said hes troubled by the pilot complaints.

Its a dangerous thing, McCarron said. Its like getting a flashbulb in your face coming out of a dark room.

McCarron is particularly concerned with pilots losing their night vision as they attempt to land with bright lights in their face.

Its a huge problem, McCarron said. When pilots are flying at night, you need at least 20 or 30 minutes to have your eyes sensitize to the darkness. That way you can pick up the subtle lights of the runway, the landing patterns on the runway by the lighting configurations, and determine them from exterior lights and the city lights out there.

The 49ers have not shown evidence these problems have been mitigated, but Gillmor said Santa Clara residents should expect more accountability from the organization moving forward.

We absolutely have to improve things, Gillmor said. And Im lucky after this last election to be able to continue to lead a charge to make sure that the 49ers are accountable to the citizens of Santa Clara. We allowed them to come in and build the stadium here in our city. We want to make sure the citys protected and that we are getting all the things that we were promised.
Students at Gavilan College in Gilroy organized a peaceful march to City Hall on Thursday afternoon, calling for peace and unity.

The Gavilan College democratic club galvanized dozens of fellow students, community members and a few high school students in a march against hateful speech and rhetoric following the presidental election of Donald Trump.

Chants included "Unity through diversity" and "This is what democracy looks like."

The march was one of many post-election protests and rallies that have occurred across the Bay Area and the nation in the past week.

Students raised colorful posters as they marched down the street just after 12:30 p.m. Some posters were anti-Trump, and others promoted peace and unity.

Student leaders say the march is a response to many students and residents who feel silenced and scared following the Nov. 8 election.

"Ever since Tuesday, we've been hearing students saying, 'Is my family being separated?'" said Tarianna Perez, president of the Gavilan College democratic club. "We want the community to know we are here for them."

Marchers met at a parking lot behind Rabobank Bank on First Street before walking a little more than a mile to Gilroy City Hall. Gilroy police escorted the group as they walked down sidewalks.

At City Hall, marchers spoke about the need to speak out and be tolerant. Gavilan history professor Enrique Luna encouraged students to use their voice to inform political leaders of the way they want to be treated.

The march ended around 2 p.m.
A federal judge has ordered San Francisco to hold off on issuing any fines or criminal penalties to home-sharing companies, including Airbnb. The decision came during a hearing Thursday morning and stems from an ongoing lawsuit Airbnb filed to block San Francisco from enacting tougher regulations relating to short-term rentals advertised online.

Currently, San Francisco can issue fines and criminal penalties to property owners who rent out their homes without first registering with the Office of Short-Term Rentals. In June, lawmakers passed a new law that would extend those penalties to companies like Airbnb. The ordinance, however, has yet to go into effect. The city voluntarily held off on enacting the new law after Airbnb filed a lawsuit against San Francisco and requested a judge issue a preliminary injunction, halting the new law.

In a written decision released last week, U.S. District Court Judge James Donato denied that request for a preliminary injunction. However, he left the door open for Airbnb to provide additional information relating to the companys concerns it could unfairly face criminal sanctions because of the citys lack of a functional verification system that can provide home-sharing companies real-time information regarding unregistered listings.

On Thursday, Donato ordered San Francisco to continue putting the law on hold until it can work out details of enforcement with Airbnb. Had the judge not issued that order, San Francisco was poised to begin implementing the new law immediately, which has been in limbo for months.

In court, Donato expressed his frustration that Airbnb and San Francisco have not taken substantive steps to work out their differences.

I am disappointed in both sides that more has not been done, Donato said.

You two have not worked hard enough to solve this problem.

Home Away, another online home-sharing platform, recently joined the lawsuit as the second plaintiff battling against San Francisco.

Donato ordered all parties involved to undergo mediation with a magistrate judge in hopes of working out specific details surrounding the citys new enforcement policies, particularly those that could leave companies susceptible to criminal penalties if they are caught posting illegal rentals.

This is a solvable problem, Donato said. I have not seen much evidence of a partnership.

Critics of the new law, including Airbnb, argue the citys registration process for hosts remains far too complicated. Airbnb spokesman Alex Kotran repeated that notion in a statement released following Thursdays hearing.

We have offered a number of progressive policy solutions and are hopeful the City will join us in trying to fix the broken registration system and avoid new policies that punish middle class San Franciscans, Kotran said in the statement. We agree that we ought to be able to work together to solve this problem.

Supporters believe the new law, which continues to be on hold, would provide added restrictions that would help put more housing stock back on the market for full-time residents.

Beginning in February 2015, anyone wanting to rent out their San Francisco home for less than 30 days has been required to register with the city and remain the primary resident of that home. In May, however, the Investigative Unit found that thousands of short-term rental hosts across the city continue to break the law. The investigation revealed that at least 82 percent of hosts are unregistered.

Airbnb recently published an op-ed in the San Francisco Chronicle, in which it announced that it is willing to provide more cooperation with the city in order to help weed out illegal rentals.

In court, however, Deputy City Attorney Sarah Eisenberg expressed confusion over that announcement. She said not a single representative from Airbnb has contacted her office or any other city department to explain how it plans to provide that additional assistance.

All we know what they are willing to do is what they wrote in the paper, she said. No one from Airbnb has contacted the City Attorneys Office or the Office of Short-Term Rentals or anyone with the city.

Airbnb attorney Jonathan Blavin disputed that, but could not provide details when pressed by the judge.

Im not sure of the specific names of those people [contacted], he said.

Judge James Donato appeared frustrated by the lack of details.

You should know that, he responded back.

Donato requested all those involved begin the mediation process immediately in hopes of finalizing a solution by mid-December.

Home Away attorney Jim Grant, however, expressed doubt the mediation will be successful in bringing about a deal that satisfies all parties.

An appeal is inevitable, he said.

______________________________________

Watch the entire series in this NBC Bay Area investigation:
An elderly couple was seriously injured Thursday afternoon when a car fleeing a shootout crashed head-on into their vehicle in San Leandro, police said.

Police responded around 12:30 p.m. to reports of two cars being involved in a "rolling gun battle" near MacArthur Boulevard and Interstate 580, Lt. Robert McManus said.

One of the cars, a Nissan Altima, ended up in the 300 block of Dowling Boulevard, where it crashed head-on into a Toyota Prius occupied by the two elderly people, McManus said.

Officers found a man near the Nissan who was suffering from gunshot wounds. He was taken to a hospital to be treated for his injuries, which are not considered life-threatening, and is in custody, according to McManus.

The pair in the Toyota suffered serious injuries and also were taken to a hospital, McManus said. The driver had to be extricated using the Jaws of Life, he said.

It appears three vehicles were involved in the collision. But the driver of the other vehicle involved in the shootout fled, and police are now searching for the suspect. Bullet holes can also be seen in at least one of the cars.

Nearby schools, including Washington Elementary School near the crash scene and Roosevelt Elementary School near the shooting scene, were briefly locked down but have since reopened, McManus said.

He said the shooting and crash were part of "a violent, vicious attack that doesn't normally happen in this city."

No other information was immediately available.
The San Ramon Valley Unified School District on Thursday confirmed yet another incident of racist graffiti at one of its high schools. It is the fourth incident in the district this school year.

The latest graffiti, at California High School in San Ramon, came on the heels of racial scribblings found in a boys bathroom Wednesday at Monte Vista High School in Danville.

Concerned Monte Vista parents showed up for a meeting Thursday night. Many of them were emotional, sending the message that racism will not be tolerated in the school district.

"This is not OK," one parent said. "It is unacceptable; it will not be tolerated."

The meeting in the school library was filled with with grim faces as the subject of racist graffiti on the campus set an uncomfortable tone for almost everyone.

"My kid was directly affected by it and brought me into it right away," parent Lalene Shepherd said.

Shepherds son was one of the students who found the words "Whites" and "Colored" written above two urinals on Wednesday.

School district officials the California High incident was similar to the Monte Vista one. Both incidents have been reported to police.

Some people are blaming the political climate around the country. On Thursday night, Monte Vista parents wanted to hear from the principal.

"You could have a great school climate, but it doesnt mean anything if people are walking around the school feeling unsafe," Principal Kevin Ahern said.

Three of the four incidents have occurred at California High, and one student at Cal High has been disciplined in connection with one of the previous incidents.
San Francisco city officials on Thursday admitted they had lost hundreds of pages of documents related to the foundation of the sinking Millennium Tower.

Again, it raises more questions than answers, said Supervisor Aaron Peskin after grilling Department of Building Inspection officials over their failure to keep a four-volume set of foundation plans for the project and other key documents.

Peskin pressed a top building inspection official, Ronald Tom, as to how, once the permit is approved, that all of that stuff could go in the circular filing cabinet?

Tom, the department's assistant director, bristled at the suggestion.

That would be a misconception. Because not all of it goes into a filing cabinet, the circular one -- the garbage can, Tom told Peskin.

Tom stressed that while the department had no overarching document retention policy at the time, engineers likely kept key documents on portable hard drives. He suggested the four volumes amounted to engineering calculations that the city does not normally keep. However, he also promised to improve document retention practices.

Peskins questioning came after NBC Bay Area uncovered a key document buried in decade-old permit files that the city had previously failed to disclose.

It is a grainy copy of a January 2006 letter from one of two structural engineers charged by the city to review the Millenniums foundation.

Hardip Pannu stressed in his letter that the experts reviewing the foundation were not asked to account for the $2 billion Transbay transit terminal to be built next to the tower.

Peskin asked Tom about Pannus comment.

That reference is a little perplexing to most of us, in fact all of us, Tom said. We are not sure  if its a 'cover your rear end' kind of statement.

Millennium officials now say it is the transit project that destabilized the towers foundation and contributed to its sinking and leaning. In turn, Transbay officials blame Millennium for not rooting the building in bedrock.

The building official who got the letter, Hanson Tom, told Peskin that the city would not have made such an instruction. He says the city doesnt typically go beyond the property line of the project in question.

After the hearing, Peskin deemed the building inspection department dysfunctional.

If I were the mayor of this town, he said, I would blow up the Department of Building Inspection and start all over.
Authorities have confirmed one person is dead after a small plane crashed into a house in Moss Beach near the Half Moon Bay Airport.

San Mateo County Sheriff's Office spokesman Sal Zuno said another person has been airlifted to a hospital.

Fire crews are responsing to a small plane which crashed into a house at Moss Beach near Half Moon Bay Airport.

The crash occurred around 11:20 a.m. in the 1000 block of Park Avenue, Federal Aviation Administration spokesperson Ian Gregor said. Witnesses said the plane flipped in mid-air and went straight down, hitting the roof of one home and landing on another.

No one was at home when the plane crashed.

The FAA said the plane was on approach to the Half Moon Bay Airport from Sacramento.

The plane, a single-engine Cessna 172, is registered to a flying club out of Sacramento.

No other information was immediately available and an investigation is ongoing.
President-elect Donald Trump signaled a sharp rightward shift in U.S. national security policy Friday with his announcement that he will nominate Alabama Sen. Jeff Sessions as attorney general and Kansas Rep. Mike Pompeo to head the CIA, turning to a pair of staunch conservatives as he begins to fill out his Cabinet.

Trump also named retired Lt. Gen Michael Flynn as his national security adviser. A former military intelligence chief, Flynn has accused the Obama administration of being too soft on terrorism and has cast Islam as a "political ideology" and driver of extremism.

Sessions and Flynn were ardent Trump supporters during the campaign, and their promotions were seen in part as a reward for their loyalty.

The selections form the first outlines of Trump's Cabinet and national security teams. Given his lack of governing experience and vague policy proposals during the campaign, his selection of advisers is being scrutinized both in the U.S. and abroad.

Trump's initial decisions suggest a more aggressive military involvement in counterterror strategy and a greater emphasis on Islam's role in stoking extremism. Sessions, who is best known for his hard-line immigration views, has questioned whether terror suspects should benefit from the rights available in U.S. courts. Pompeo has said Muslim leaders are "potentially complicit" in attacks if they do not denounce violence carried out in the name of Islam.

Pompeo's nomination to lead the CIA also opens the prospect of the U.S. resuming torture of detainees. Trump has backed harsh interrogation techniques that President Barack Obama and Congress have banned, saying the U.S. "should go tougher than waterboarding," which simulates drowning. In 2014, Pompeo criticized Obama for "ending our interrogation program" and said intelligence officials "are not torturers, they are patriots."

In a separate matter Friday, it was announced that Trump had agreed to a $25 million settlement to resolve three lawsuits over Trump University, his former school for real estate investors. The lawsuits alleged the school misled students and failed to deliver on its promises in programs that cost up to $35,000.

Trump has denied the allegations and has said repeatedly he would not settle. New York Attorney General Eric Schneiderman, who announced the settlement, called it "a stunning reversal by Donald Trump and a major victory for the over 6,000 victims of his fraudulent university."

Messages seeking comment from Trump attorneys and a spokeswoman were not immediately returned.

On Friday night, Vice President-elect Mike Pence became the latest celebrity to attend the Broadway hit show "Hamilton"  but he was the first to get a sharp message from a cast member from the stage.

Actor Brandon Victor Dixon, who plays Aaron Burr, the nation's third vice president, recited a message from the stage after the curtain call: "We, sir, are the diverse America who are alarmed and anxious that your new administration will not protect us, our planet, our children, our parents, or defend us and uphold our inalienable rights," he said. "We truly hope this show has inspired you to uphold our American values, and work on behalf of all of us."

Pence's appearance at the show drew both cheers and boos. Pence ducked out before Dixon finished the unprecedented message. But a show spokesman said Pence stood in the hallway outside the entrance to the auditorium and heard the full remarks.

Trump did not announce his Cabinet choices in person, instead releasing a statement. He has made no public appearances this week, holing up in his New York skyscraper for meetings. He is spending the weekend at his New Jersey golf club.

Sessions and Pompeo would both require Senate confirmation before assuming their designated roles; Flynn would not.

Members of minority groups have voiced alarm at Trump's staff appointments so far, saying his choices threaten national unity and promise to turn back the clock on progress for racial, religious and sexual minorities. They say comments attributed to Trump's picks could embolden some Americans to lash out at members of minority groups

Most of Trump's nominees are expected to be confirmed relatively easily given the GOP majority in the Senate. However, potential roadblocks exist, particularly for Sessions, the first senator to endorse Trump and one of the chamber's most conservative members.

His last Senate confirmation hearing, in 1986 for a federal judgeship, was derailed over allegations that he made racist comments, including calling a black assistant U.S. attorney "boy" in conversation. Sessions denied the accusation, but withdrew from consideration.

Republicans were supportive on Friday. Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell called his Senate colleague "principled, forthright, and hardworking."

Sessions would bring to the Justice Department a consistently conservative voice. He has objected to the planned closure of the Guantanamo Bay detention facility and has given prominence to the specter of voting fraud, a problem that current Justice Department leaders believe is negligible.

Pompeo, who graduated first in his class at the U.S. Military Academy at West Point, is a conservative Republican and a strong critic of Obama's nuclear deal with Iran. He has said former National Security Agency contractor Edward Snowden should enjoy due process and then be sentenced to death for taking and releasing secret documents about surveillance programs in which the U.S. government collected the phone records of millions of Americans.

Anthony Romero, the director of the American Civil Liberties Union, said Pompeo's views raise concerns about "privacy and due process."

The president-elect is still weighing a range of candidates for other leading national security posts. Possibilities for secretary of state are said to include former New York City Mayor Rudy Giuliani, former U.S. Ambassador to the United Nations John Bolton, Tennessee Sen. Bob Corker and South Carolina Gov. Nikki Haley, who met with Trump Thursday.

On Saturday, Trump was to meet with retired Gen. James Mattis, a contender to lead the Pentagon. He was also meeting with 2012 Republican presidential nominee Mitt Romney, who lambasted Trump as a "con man" and a "fraud" in a stinging speech in March. Trump responded by repeatedly referring to Romney as a "loser."
Ford confirmed Friday that it will keep production of one SUV model in Kentucky, rather than relocating as planned, a decision US President-elect Donald Trump claimed as a personal victory.

"Just hung up on the phone with my friend Bill Ford, the chairman of Ford's board, who let me know he was going to keep the Lincoln site in Kentucky - No Mexico," Trump wrote on Twitter Thursday night.

Trump's declaration was met with some derision since Ford had not publicly announced plans to move the Lincoln MKC production. And just this week Ford confirmed it will proceed with plans to move production of the Focus to Mexico from Michigan, a state Trump narrowly won in last week's election.

But under the last year's contract agreement with the powerful United Automobile Workers union, Ford had made plans to move the smaller Lincoln MKC production line to make room for the Escape. Ford's Louisville plant produces the Lincoln MKC as well as the Ford Escape, both small SUVs.

"Cuautilan plant in Mexico was likely the plant for MKC," Ford spokeswoman Christin Baker, told AFP in an email Friday.

Ford already produces the Lincoln MKZ sedan on the Hermosillo site, and in early April announced a $1.6 billion investment in a new site in Mexico.

But, the company said in a statement, "Today, we confirmed with the President-elect that our small Lincoln utility vehicle made at the Louisville Assembly Plant will stay in Kentucky."

One of the main themes of Trump's campaign was to bring back manufacturing jobs that American companies had moved overseas in search of cheap labor. Ford and the IT giant Apple were his favorite targets.

Trump even threatened to impose a 35 percent punitive import duty on cars produced in Mexico, and to renegotiate the 1994 North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA).

His rhetoric seems to have worked since several states where the car industry is strongly represented and that traditionally voted Democratic, such as Michigan and Wisconsin, voted for Trump, tipping the election.

Ford said of the decision, "We are encouraged that President-elect Trump and the new Congress will pursue policies that will improve US competitiveness and make it possible to keep production of this vehicle here in the United States."

But the company defended its record, saying it employs more American auto workers and produces more American-made vehicles than any other company, and has invested $12 billion US plants in the past five years and created nearly 28,000 US jobs.

"We continue to engage with President-elect Trump's team -- and the new Congress -- as they shape the policy agenda for 2017. We have shared our commitment to continue investing in the US and creating American jobs," Ford said.

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As Illinois top legislative leaders work to hash out a budget before years end, an important question remains: Who will challenge Gov. Bruce Rauner in the 2018 election?

Sen. Dick Durbin, who was seen as a top choice by many Illinois Democrats, was re-elected as the Democratic Senate whip Tuesday. As a result, he made it clear that he wouldnt be running for governor in 2018, the Chicago Sun-Times Lynn Sweet reports.

Durbins announcement has left the door open for another Democratic gubernatorial candidate to step up. On Wednesday, Rep. Robin Kelly told the Sun-Times she is considering a bid.

I love my seat. I love being here, Kelly told the Sun-Times. But I would say, Im honored to be asked, but at this point I would not rule anything out.

Kelly, who was re-elected to her 2nd congressional district seat earlier this month, has a strong legislative background. She has served in the U.S. House of Representatives since 2013 and previously served in the Illinois House of Representatives from 2003 to 2007.

In July, state Sen. Kwame Raoul also said he was considering a gubernatorial bid.

I would want any position that would put me in a position to solve problems and, as I said before, we have no shortage of problems in the state of Illinois, Raoul said at the time.

According to the Chicago Tribune, the list of potential gubernatorial candidates also includes former Gov. Pat Quinn, Attorney General Lisa Madigan, state Treasurer Michael Frerichs and state Sen. Daniel Biss. Additionally, Rep. Cheri Bustos name has also been thrown in the ring.

A pair of businessmen with easily recognizable family names have also been floated.

Chris Kennedy, the former chairman of the University of Illinois board of trustees, is the son of former Sen. Bobby Kennedy. Sources told NBC Chicago in June that Kennedy was considering a gubernatorial run in 2018.

Kennedy slammed Rauner at a July speech during the Democratic National Convention before eluding reporters asking about a potential run. He had previously considered a run for the U.S. Senate in 2009, but opted out shortly after.

According to the Sun-Times, J.B. Pritzker, who was one of Democratic presidential nominee Hillary Clintons biggest donors and fundraisers, is also being considered.

The Pritzkers, who are perhaps most famous for owning the Hyatt hotel chain, are one of the countrys wealthiest families. This year, Forbes listed J.B. Pritzker as the 190th richest person in the U.S., with an estimated net worth of $3.4 billion.
The Magnificent Mile Lights Festival is back this weekend, bringing with it its annual holiday parade culminating in a fireworks show over the Chicago River.

Lights Festival Lane opens early this year in downtown's Pioneer Court. On Friday, the plaza will offer food options and photos with Santa Claus from 4-8 p.m.

Next door to the plaza, the Wrigley Building will also be hosting its second annual tree lighting.

Saturday's events kick off at 11 a.m. with live music, a meet-and-greet with Santa Claus and special offers from a number of retailers and restaurants, including a free cup of soup from Corner Bakery Cafe and free italian hot chocolate from Harry Caray's.

From 5:30-7 p.m., the BMO Harris Bank Magnificent Mile Lights Festival tree-lighting parade will step onto North Michigan Avenue at Oak Street. The parade will travel down to Wacker Drive with Disney characters lighting one million lights along the way.

It will end with a fireworks display over the Chicago River at North Michigan Avenue.

Admission to all events is free.

The CTA will provide additional bus and train service on Satuday for the festival. Longer trains will operate on the Blue, Brown, Orange and Pink lines from 3-9 p.m., and on the Red Line until 8 p.m.
Chicago's 103rd annual tree lighting ceremony served as the official kickoff to the holiday season Friday evening in Millennium Park.

Hosted by NBC 5s Zoraida Sambolin, the ceremony began at 6 p.m. and featured performances by cast members from STOMP, "Rudolph the Red Nosed Reindeer: The Musical" and the Chicago Community Chorus.

This years chosen 69 ft. Norway Spruce was donated by the Bill Schollla Family of Wauconda. The suburban Chicago family joined Santa and other guests for the lighting of the tree.

It was the second year that the Chicago tradition was held in Millennium Park. Last year was the first time in nearly 50-years the tree wasnt standing at Daley Plaza.

The citys 103rd official Christmas tree will remain on display near Michigan Avenue and Washington Street through the first week of January.
Four people were killed and at least seven more wounded in separate shootings Thursday on Chicagos South and West sides.

The latest homicide happened about 10:30 p.m. in the Rosemoor neighborhood, where 42-year-old Joseph Anderson was found dead with a gunshot wound to the face on the floor of his apartment in the 400 block of East 107th Street, according to Chicago Police and the Cook County medical examiners office.

A man was killed and another wounded about 1:15 p.m. in the backyard of a Roseland home when a shooter walked out of an alley in the 11200 block of South Edbrooke, police said. A 22-year-old shot in the back was taken to Christ Medical Center in Oak Lawn, where he died at 2 p.m., authorities said. His name has not been released. The other man, 19, was taken to Roseland Community Hospital in serious condition with an elbow wound.

About 11:45 a.m., a man in his 20s was shot repeatedly in an Auburn Gresham drive-by in the 8300 block of South Hamilton, and he died at Christ Medical Center, authorities said. His name has not been released.

The days first killing happened about 4:45 a.m. in the Back of the Yards neighborhood. Elijah Murphy, 38, was getting out of a vehicle in the 4200 block of South Racine when someone opened fire from a passing SUV. Murphy, of the 5700 block of South Bishop, was shot multiple times and died at the scene, authorities said. Family members said the father of four was being dropped off at work by his pregnant daughter when he was slain.

The most recent nonfatal shooting happened about 11:45 p.m. in Humboldt Park, where someone in a black car shot a 24-year-old man in the shoulder as he walked in the 2600 block of West Division, police said. He walked into Norwegian American Hospital and his condition was stabilized.

Shortly before 11 p.m., where two people walked up to a 41-year-old man in the 800 block of East 88th Street in Burnside and shot him in the groin. He was taken to Northwestern Memorial Hospital, where his condition was stabilized, police said.

About 10:30 p.m., someone shot a 24-year-old man in the arm in an alley in Englewoods 1200 block of West 60th Street, police said. His condition was stabilized at St. Bernard Hospital, and his condition was stabilized.

Just before 8 p.m., a 55-year-old man was sitting in a car parked in the 3000 block of West Fillmore in Lawndale when someone walked up, robbed him and shot him in the arm and leg, police said. He was taken to Mount Sinai Hospital in good condition.

About 11:30 a.m., someone shot a 16-year-old boy in the hand in another Lawndale attack in the 3900 block of West Grenshaw, police said. He was taken in good condition to Mount Sinai.

Thursdays first shooting happened about 2:45 a.m. in Austin. A 24-year-old man was walking down the 5100 block of West Madison when a car drove by and someone inside shot him in the arm, police said. His condition was stabilized at Mount Sinai.

Nine more people were shot in the city on Wednesday, three of them fatally.
A suburban Chicago man wanted in connection with the January murder of an Evanston teenager was arrested earlier this month after trying to enter Fort Hood in Texas while driving a car loaded with drugs and stolen guns, police announced Thursday.

Ronald Kyle III, 18, of the 3800 block of 186th Place, Country Club Hills, was taken into custody Nov. 3 in Killeen, Texas at the Fort Hood military post. Kyle was stopped by military police when he attempted to enter the base, police said.

A search of his vehicle yielded more than 300 grams of marijuana and four guns, three of which were reported stolen in Texas, police said.

Police said Kyle threw a puppy in the face of a military police officer who confronted him and attempted to flee on foot but was taken into custody.

Kyle currently faces federal charges in the United States District Court Western District of Texas related to the incident. While he was in custody, it was discovered that Kyle had an active warrant from Evanston for first-degree murder, which he is also being held on with no bail, Evanston police said Thursday.

[Evanston Police] and the U.S. Marshals have been looking for him for quite some time," Evanston Police Cmdr. Joe Dugan told NBC 5. "So it is good to get him in custody to answer to the charges.

Dugan said he did not know why Kyle attempted to enter a military base but said it was a "big mistake on his part, obviously."

Dugan also did not know the condition of the puppy Kyle allegedly threw at a military police officer.

Fort Hood and U.S. Attorney's Office officials did not immediately respond to request for comment.

Kyle was wanted in connection with the murder of Bejamin Mandujano-Bradford, 20, shot and killed in Evanston on Jan. 19, about 9:06 p.m. in the 1300 block of Darrow Avenue. Evanston Police detectives will work with the Cook County State's Attorney's Office and Texas authorities to further their investigation and formally charge Kyle, according to a news release.

Hopefully it will bring [Mandujano-Bradford's] family some relief, Dugan said of Kyle's arrest.

At the time of his death, Mandujano-Bradford was enrolled in an Evanston at-risk youth program run through Curts Cafe, where students learn food service skills, the Chicago Tribunes Pioneer Press reported at the time.

On the day he was killed, he had learned that he had passed his food certification exam after several attempts, the newspaper reported.
Police are warning Park Forest residents about a string of home invasions where a man ties women up before stealing belongings from inside their homes  and the attacks could be related to a series of similar incidents reported in numerous southern Chicago suburbs.

After two recent reports of similar attacks, police have resurfaced a warning that was first issued in late October.

In the two recent incidents, which both happened around Onarga Street, female residents were overpowered by a male suspect who had forced entry into the homes.

Police said the man bound the woman before stealing items from the homes and leaving.

The incidents each happened during the early evening hours.

We have reason to believe that these Park Forest incidents are connected to other incidents that have been reported in other south suburban communities, Chief Green from the Park Forest Police Department said in a statement. As our description of the suspect is vague, we are asking all Park Forest residents to be vigilant and be aware of your surroundings when arriving or leaving your homes.

In an earlier community alert, police reported that around 6 p.m. on Oct. 27, a woman was confronted by a man armed with a knife who entered her home through an unlocked back door in the West Lincolnwood neighborhood. The man tied up and battered the woman and stole items before leaving.

At the time, police said the incident shared similarities with another home invasion that occurred in a multi-family housing neighborhood in early October and reports of another incident in a neighboring community.
The I-80 westbound ramp from I-57 northbound was shut down for several hours Friday morning after a tanker truck carrying 8,500 pounds of propane came crashing off the roadway.

Authorities say the tanker was rolled off the I-80 westbound ramp just after 12 a.m. near I-57 northbound, coming down the embankment and into nearby brush.

The driver of the semi was transported to Advocate Christ Medical Center with minor injuries.

It is still unknown what caused the crash, according to police.

While propane didn't leak during the crash, fire crews were still on the scene after 6 a.m. working to carefully remove the wreckage to avoid causing a spill.

Firefighters said they were waiting for a crane to come and life the remaining pieces, which could take hours causing extensive delays ahead of morning rush hour.

Authorities said the earliest the I-80 westbound ramp was expected to reopen was after 7:30 a.m.

The Illinois State Police District Chicago is handling the investigation of the crash.
Two prominent northwest Indiana officials, along with several others, have been indicted on public corruption charges, US Attorney David Capp announced Friday.

Lake County Sherrif John Buncich and the mayor of Portage, James Snyder, were named in two public corruption indictments.

Buncich, along with his chief deputy Timothy Downs and William Szarmach, were first named in a multi-count indictment alleging a "deprivation of honest services and receipt of illegal money in connection with towing contracts in Lake County," authorities said.

The indictment alleges that from February 2014 to October 2016, Buncich, Downs and Szarmach "devised a scheme to deprive the citizens of Lake County of their right to the honest services of the sheriffs office."

The scheme aimed to enrich Buncich personally and his campaign committee, the Buncich Boosters, according to officials.

The indictment details a number of checks and cash payments, often collected by Downs, from Szarmach and an unnamed "Individual A" in exchange for Buncich awarding county towing business and towing in Gary for ordinance violations. Individual A owned the tow truck business and voluntarily came forward to help authorities in the investigation, Capp said.

Buncich is also charged with a violation of the federal bribery statute after he allegedly solicited, demanded and received $25,000 in cash and $7,000 in checks in exchange for "favorable actions by Buncich regarding the towing contracts."

In a second indictment, Snyder and John Cortina, who owns and operates a towing business called Kustom Auto Body in Portage, were also charged with a violation of the federal bribery statute. Snyder, who was first elected as mayor in 2011 and was re-elected to a second four-year term in 2015, is accused of soliciting and receiving two checks worth $120,000 from Cortina and the same Individual A from the first indictment, in exchange for a towing contract in Portage.

Cortina is accused of corruptly offering those checks to Snyder.

Snyder is also charged with a second violation, claiming he solicited and agreed to accept a bank check for $13,000 in connection with Portage Board of Works contracts, a Portage Redevelopment Commission project and others.

A third charge against Snyder alleged obstruction of the internal revenue laws, claiming he was involved in a scheme to obstruct and imede the IRS's collection of personal taxes he owed and payroll taxes owed by his mortage business, First Financial Trust Mortage, LLC.

The FBI and Indiana State Police were seen raiding the Lake County Sheriff's Department last week. U.S. Attorney spokesman Ryan Holmes said at the time that federal authorities were serving search warrants on the sheriff.

These investigations are not over," Capp said Friday. "Our public corruption team will continue its work, particularly into the towing contracts in both Lake and Porter counties.

Buncich did not comment on the investigation, but said in a statement following news of the indictment that the sheriff's department is "continuing to run as normal."

"There has been no disruption of any operations," he said in a statement. "The proud men and women of the Lake County Indiana Sheriff's Department continue to serve and protect our citizens."

Anyone with information related to these public corruption charges is encouraged to call the FBI at (219) 769-3719.
A suburban teenager died of undetermined causes after a swim club exercise Wednesday night, the Chicago Tribunes Pioneer Press reports.

Josh Church, 17, was a junior at Warren Township High School in Gurnee and was part of the school districts Cats Aquatic Team, the newspaper reported, citing officials.

A spokesman for the Vernon Hills Police Department told the paper several police officers responded to a call at the high school Wednesday and investigated. The official said there was no reason to suspect Churchs death was criminal in nature and said there was no threat to anyone else.

Church was found unresponsive in the mens locker room, the newspaper reported. The coroners office announced Thursday the teen did not drown and had no injuries or signs of drugs or alcohol.

Vernon Hills and Libertyville high schools, which share a district, were offering support to the student body after the unexpected death.
Born in Kufa in Iraq in 669 AD, Abu Hanifa is the first of the four imams

In Islamic history, the door of ijtihad (independent reasoning about religious matters at an individual level) has always been open.

Reasoning and seeking spiritual knowledge is applauded in Islamic belief in general, and to open the door of ijtihad there are certain laws to follow.

There are levels of Islamic religious knowledge that starts off with alem (seeker of Islamic knowledge), then faqih (excellence in Islamic knowledge) then imam or a leader that owns a specific school of thought.

Imam is the highest rank because being the author of a school of thought requires a lot of credentials and studies, in order to be able to define and implement the divine laws in different situations.

Throughout the history of Islamic civilisation, four imams and their schools of thoughts were the most dominant when it comes to Islamic legislation (sharia and fiqh): Imam Abu Hanifa Al-Noman (699-767 AD), Imam Malek Ibn Anas (715-796 AD), Imam Mohamed Ben Idris El-Shafai (766-820 AD), Imam Ahmed Ibn Hanbal (699-767 AD).

They were all people of immense religious knowledge and though they all agreed on the main and core Islamic beliefs, they disagreed on some Islamic legislations and there is a popular saying: ikhtelafhom rahma (their differences are a blessing) because one can pick and choose from the school of thought that suits one best.

We start with the first Imam, Abu Hanifa Al-Noman.

Born in 699 AD in Kufa, Iraq, to a silk merchant, Selman Faiad states in his book The Four Imams, "when Abu Hanifa's father met Imam Ali Ibn Abi Taleb, he offered Imam Ali some candy, which was a delicacy, in celebration of the Persian festival of Al-Nairouz. Then Imam Ali put his hands on his head and prayed for prosperity for him and all his descendants.

As a child, Abu Hanifa memorised the holy Quran. He grew up in a very cosmopolitan town where different ethnicities, including Arabs and Persians, lived in peace, where Greek philosophy met with the wisdom of Persia.

There was endless cultural dialogue between different sects of Christianity and the different Islamic sects -- Shiaa, Sunna, Khawarij among others, and a lot of political variations as well.

According to the book, Abu Hanifa's input is some 83,000 rules from sharia, out of which 38,000 are to do with the essence of worship, and 45,000 about the logistics.

A couple of his most famous quotes:

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"Never discuss with the commoners [those who do not have sufficient religious knowledge] the essence of religion, for they can imitate you and proclaim themselves imams."

"God never forced any of his creations to believe or disbelieve in him. He created them as individuals, and faith or disbelief is a human act. Moreover, God knows who believes in him and who does not. He loves those who believe in him regardless of their past disbelief."

In his lifetime the imam survived two grave atrocities, the first during the Ummayed period because he sided with the revolution of Imam Zeid Ibn Ali and refused to work under the auspices of the wali of Kufa, Yazid Ibn Omar Ibn Habira.

So he was beaten, locked up, but then managed to flee to Mecca in 747 AD until the Islamic caliphate fell into the hands of the Abbasids; then he returned to Kufa during the reign of Abbasid caliph Abi Gaafar Al-Mansour.

The second ordeal he faced was during the reign of the Abbasid caliph, where he sided with revolution of Imam Mohamed Nafs Al-Zakia, and would voice his objections to some of Al-Mansours intentions, and even refused to be the grand judge during his reign.

Al-Mansour detained him until he died in Baghdad in 767 AD and he was buried in Baghdad, where a mosque was built in his honour later.

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A 91-year-old veteran who was discharged from the U.S. Air Force because of his sexual orientation filed a lawsuit in Federal Court on Friday seeking a change to his military record.

Hubert Edward Spires was discharged from the Air Force with an undesirable designation in 1948 because he is gay, according to the Yale Law School Veterans Legal Services Clinic.

Spires husband, who is a U.S. Army veteran, spoke on behalf of his partner of 58 years at a press conference at the Yale Law School because he is still recovering from pneumonia.

"Despite the discrimination I faced, I left the military with an honorable discharge," Spires husband David Rosenberg said. "It is an injustice that the military has treated Ed and me so differently, despite our equal honorable service."

In 2011, Spires became eligible to apply for a discharge upgrade a year after the repeal of Don't Ask, Don't Tell, the Clinton-era policy that banned gays and lesbians from serving openly in the military. His application was denied twice, once in 2014 and again in 2016, Yale's VLSC said.

The Air Force cited the destruction of his military records in a 1973 fire at the National Personnel Records Center in St. Louis as the reason for not changing Spires' discharge status to honorable, according to the legal clinic.

"The treatment of him in denying an upgrade of his discharge simply adds to insult to injury, he has suffered too long," Senator Richard Blumenthal said at Fridays press conference.

For decades, Spires did not discuss his service as a Chaplains Assistant at Texas Air Force base from 1946 to 1948.

"He avoided telling anyone of the inquisition he faced before superior officers when he was told to pack his bags and go home because he was gay," said Erin Baldwin, one of the law student interns representing Spires.

Spires, who is in poor health and nearly died of pneumonia several weeks ago, wishes to have a military burial  a benefit he is not entitled to because of his current undesirable discharge status, the clinic said.

"We hope in doing so the us military may send a message to other gay veterans that the service was appreciated and is recognized with equality under the law," Rosenberg said

A spokesman for the Department of Defense, Maj. Ben Sakrisson, provided general information on discharge updates but said "due to privacy laws, I cannot provide information on a particular individual's status."

Sakrisson provided a link to a letter sent to veterans, encouraging those who served and their families who may have been unjustly discharged to seek a correction.
With the anticipation of no rain and low water levels, the City of New Britain will now buy water from the Metropolitan District Commission (MDC) beginning Dec. 1 for 30 days.

Water levels in the citys six reservoirs are now at 31.5 percent capacity, compared to what they were on November 3 at 36 percent capacity.

"Well be spending about a half million dollars to pump for 30 days. Well be taking that from our reserve fund and the New Britain water company budget, which is a separate entity from the New Britain general fund budget," Said New Britain Mayor Erin Stewart.

The city has a 1958 interconnection agreement with MDC which states if requested by the city of New Britain, they can supply the city with untreated water up to an annual average of 5 million gallons per day, not to exceed 10 million gallons a day.

The City of New Britain uses about 8 million gallons of water each day.

Mayor Erin Stewart says the extra 2 million gallons each day will help replenish some of the citys water supply.

"Once we pump from Nepaug (Reservoir) and start filling back up Shuttle Meadow Reservoir, right now we are in a water supply emergency phase two; based off the New Britain Emergency Contingency Plan, we will be bumping ourselves back up to an emergency phase one."

The purchased water will be coming from one of MDCs two reservoirs: the Nepaug Reservoir in Canton, which is one of the largest reservoirs in the state.

Thats about 9.5 miles of pipe. The pipe is 36 inches in diameter, Said Gilbert Blight, Deputy Director of the Public Works Department Utility Division for the City of New Britain.

That water will flow to the filtration plant at Shuttle Meadow before it enters residents homes.

Still residents are being asked to do everything they can to conserve water.

The worry from residents?

"Please do not increase the water rate in New Britain," said Paulette LaRose of New Britain.

But the mayor wants to assure residents the rate isnt changing for now. In fact, the citys water company hasnt raised water rates in 10 years.
Tuition at the state's two and four year colleges may go up in response to funding cuts that are expected from the General Assembly.

Tuition may have to be a part of the equation, tuition increases, but Im going to try my best not to balance the whole financial burden on the backs of the students," said Connecticut State Colleges and Universities System President Mark Ojakian during an interview Thursday.

The most recent budget estimates unveiled shortfalls ranging from $1.2 billion to $1.3 billion and lawmakers will have to come up with a way to fill that gap.

To deal with a similar budget crisis last year, the system responded with modest tuition hikes in the 3 percent to 5 percent range.

Only raising tuition to fill the void, Ojakian said, would cripple students' finances, but he also ruled out closing individual campuses.

My approach will not be to close campus locations because I think we need to provide the greatest amount of access to all of our students.

Instead, Ojakian envisions a state college system that is more streamlined, and less duplicitous than in the past. He says administrators at the colleges can expect proposals that will cut costs while working to maintain most programs but deliver them to students better.

Im convinced that our system will not look the same one, two, or three years down the road as it looks today.

The system has received praise recently from major Connecticut employers like Electric Boat, Sikorsky, and Pratt and Whitney, for the system's work with vocational and technical education that's led to a 98% placement rate with advanced manufacturers.

Ojakian says he hopes his budget gets spared not just from the standpoint of protecting higher education, but as a way to keep investing in Connecticut's economy.

An investment in higher education in Connecticut yields much more dollars in the future in terms of economic development opportunities for the state of Connecticut.
Authorities have arrested the father of a 5-year-old girl who was found abandoned inside the Port Authority Bus Terminal Monday morning after her mother was discovered dead in Connecticut, law enforcement sources told NBC 4 York.

Elmer Gomez Ruono was cuffed by NYPD detectives and deputies from the U.S. Marshals New York and New Jersey regional fugitive task force as he walked down a Brooklyn street, according to the sources. Investigators believe he stayed hidden during the manhunt for him by bouncing from homeless shelter to homeless shelter.

As Ruono was led out of the police stationhouse Friday night in video captured exclusively by NBC 4 New York, he did not speak to reporters.

Ruono's daughter, who only speaks Spanish, was spotted on the second-floor concourse inside the terminal by Port Authority police. Officers were able to determine she had allegedly been left there by her father and the child was taken into custody by the city's Administration for Children's Services.

Authorities said on Monday that Ruonos was seen at the bus terminal around the time the girl was spotted.

Police said the girl's mother, who is in her early 30s, was found inside a third-floor apartment on Courtland Avenue in Stamford, Connecticut. There appeared to be some signs of a struggle.

Police said there were a few friends and family over the small one-bedroom apartment Sunday night and that there was some sort of domestic dispute after guests left the party, and that's when she was killed.

It's not clear if the girl witnessed the dispute or the killing.

The girl and her mother had just moved into the Stamford apartment from Flemington, New Jersey, over the weekend. Police said the girl's parents had just separated.
A 4-year-old reported missing in Stafford Monday was found sleeping on the bus an hour later, according to police.

Stafford Police are investigating the report that the child was left on the school bus after all the other students were dropped off at West Stafford Elementary School that morning.

After the child was reported absent to the schools main office, police checked in with the child's parents and the bus company and the 4-year-old was found sleeping on the school bus an hour later, polices said.

The child was evaluated and unharmed.

Connecticut State Police, Stafford Superintendent of Schools office, M&J bus company and the Department of Children and Families are investigating and police said charges are pending in the case.
New Britain police are asking for help to find a 32-year-old New Britain man who has been missing since January.

Orlando Perez has been missing since Jan. 12 and his family reported him missing in May 2016.

Police do not know where Perez is and they are asking anyone with information on where he is to call Detective Kevin Artruc at 860-826-3149.

Perez is 5-feet-6, weighs 140 pounds and has black hair and brown eyes.
A New Britain woman posing as a leasing agent and taking secruity deposits from at least a dozen potential renters has been arrested, police said.

Nancy Garofalo, also known as Nancy Francisco, would identify herself as the leasing agent for the property at 260 Washington Street.

On at least 12 occasions, Garofalo would take residents' security deposits, but when it came time to move in, the suspect would tell victims the apartment was not ready. On one occassion, the apartment that was to be rented was already occupied by someone else, police said.

When residents would ask Garofalo for their deposits back, she refused, New Britain police said.

Garofalo had six separate warrants for her arrest and was picked up on Nov. 3. Police said more arrests are forthcoming.

The 45-year-old's bond was set at $60,000 and her warrants include larceny charges.

Anyone with information on the scam is asked to call New Britain Police at (860) 826-3000.
A man who shoplifted at the Lowes store in Dayville hit a store employee with his car while fleeing from the scene, according to state police.

The shoplifter stole items from the Lowes Home Improvement Store at 1150 Killingly Commons in Dayville just before 3 p.m. Friday, set off the alarm and fled toward a car in the parking lot, where a female passenger was waiting, according to police.

A store staff member followed the man and was trying to get the license plate number when the shoplifter accelerated, heading right for the Lowes employee and hit him, police said.

The driver kept going with the store employee trapped on the hood until the man fell to the pavement. He was injured and the driver kept going, police said.

The shoplifter appeared to be in his mid-40s to 50s. He is around 5-feet-11 and has a heavy build and a receding hair line.

He was last seen driving a four-door late-model silver Chrysler/Plymouth sedan that was light gold or light brown with a sun roof.

Anyone with information should call Detective Hunt at Troop D in Danielson (860) 779-4900, or text TIP711 with the information to 274637.
When Lisa Marchitto bought her Kenmore washing machine in 2007, she also purchased an extended protection agreement to keep it running as long as possible. The contract includes a replacement guarantee; if Sears cant fix the appliance, the retailer will replace it with a comparable product.

Marchitto said a screeching noise that started this past July was the first indication her washer was nearing the end of its life cycle.

"From when it started, it was just a little squeak. And then it was like a screeching in between cycles. I described it as like a spaceship it sounded like," she said.

Sears sent out a service technician who determined the machine needed a new transmission. Marchitto said after the part was installed, the washer started leaking.

What was so unbelievable was with every repair it was getting worse instead of getting better," she said.

Marchitto said technicians returned several times in an effort to pinpoint the problem. She eventually stopped using the washing machine and went to a laundromat instead. Sears gave her a $50 voucher to cover the cost.

After a few more service visits, Marchitto asked Sears about getting a new washer. She was told she did not qualify for a replacement under the terms of her maintenance contract.

"Well they said that I had to wait after so many times. It had to be three times and then if you needed a fourth repair. But they said one of the times didn't count," she said.

Marchitto asked NBC Connecticut Responds if we could help.

Our consumer team reached out to Sears for clarification.

A spokesperson told us the contract states that if a fourth repair for a functional failure is needed within a 12 month period of time, the customer can request a replacement under the No Lemon Guarantee clause.

The spokesperson said a single repair may require more than one visit to the home. According to Sears, the most recent visit to Marchittos home in November was part of the third repair attempt.

In response to our inquiry, Sears reevaluated Marchittos case. The service unit believed there was a good chance the new parts ordered would not fix the problem, so the company authorized a replacement.

Sears put $1,100 in an account for Marchitto. She went to the store and picked out a new stackable laundry unit. Its scheduled for delivery on November 23.

The new appliance comes with a one year warranty. Marchitto said she plans to buy another service protection agreement once the manufacturer warranty runs out.

According to Consumer Reports, consumers can expect Kenmore washers and dryers to last ten to 13 years.
A federal appeals court has ordered "Making a Murderer" subject Brendan Dassey to remain in prison during his appeal, granting an emergency motion filed by the Wisconsin Department of Justice.

The Thursday ruling by the US Court of Appeals for the Seventh Circuit means Dassey will remain in prison until a decision on his appeal or potential retrial is reached.

The ruling follows a judge's order that Dassey be released from prison by Friday pending the outcome of that appeal.

U.S. Magistrate Judge William E. Duffin, who first ordered Dassey released pending his appeal, had denied a motion earlier this week filed by the Wisconsin DOJ seeking to block Dassey's release.

[NATL] Top News Photos: Pope Visits Japan, and More

But Attorney General Brad Schimel said he intended to file an emergency motion in the US Court of Appeals for the Seventh Circuit "seeking a stay of this release order and requesting relief by Friday."

A federal magistrate judge ruled in August that investigators tricked Dassey into confessing he helped Avery, rape, kill and mutilate photographer Halbach in 2005. Dassey, who turned 27 Wednesday, was 16 at the time. The magistrate ordered that Dassey be freed unless prosecutors appealed or decided to retry him.

The granting of Dassey's release this week outlined several conditions, including that he can only travel in the court's Eastern District of Wisconsin, cannot obtain a passport, cannot possess a gun or any other weapons or possess any controlled substances.

He also was not allowed to contact his uncle Steven Avery, or the family of Teresa Halbach.

"We are in the process of making arrangements for his release and hope that Brendan will be reunited with his family by Thanksgiving, if not sooner," Northwestern University's Center on Wrongful Convictions of Youth said in a statement at the time. "We urge everyone to respect Brendans privacy during this time of transition."

In a brief filed with the 7th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals, Schimel urged the appeals court to reject Dassey's claim that his confession was coerced.

"Substantial police coercion" is required for any confession to be ruled involuntary, Schmel said. And he said the Wisconsin Court of Appeals was right to affirm in 2013 that Dassey's confession was voluntary.

Duffin held that investigators made specific promises of leniency to Dassey and that no "fair-minded jurists could disagree." He cited one investigator's comment early in the interview that "you don't have to worry about things," plus repeated comments like "it's OK" and that they already knew what happened.

But the magistrate's ruling "ignores both the facts and the law," the attorney general said. Investigators didn't promise leniency, he said, and specifically told Dassey they couldn't make any promises.

The teenager willingly spoke with investigators and was properly informed of his rights, Schimel said. The interview took a few hours in the middle of the day, while Dassey sat on a couch and drank a soda, the investigators spoke in normal tones, and did not threaten him or make false promises, he said. And Dassey confessed to most of the important details within an hour, in response to open-ended questions, he added.

"The state courts' conclusion that Dassey's confession was voluntary is not only reasonable; it is entirely correct. Accordingly, Dassey is not entitled to relief," the attorney general said.

Halbach was killed on Halloween 2005, after she visited the Avery family's salvage yard in Manitowoc County. Investigators allege Avery lured her there by asking her to take photos of a minivan. Dassey was sentenced to life in prison in 2007. Court documents describe him as a slow learner who had poor grades and has difficulty understanding language and speaking. Avery was convicted in a separate trial and was also sentenced to life in prison. He's pursuing his own appeal.

Their cases gained national attention after Netflix aired "Making a Murderer" last year. The series spawned widespread conjecture about the pair's innocence. Authorities who worked on the cases said the series was biased, but it generated a myriad of calls from the public to free both men.
Last week, Egypt's Cultural Development Fund partnered with the Chinese Embassy on a four-day event to honour the two countries' artistic traditions

Last week, Coptic Cairo's Souq El-Fustat hosted an exhibition of traditional crafts from China and Egypt, in a four day event organised by Egypt's Cultural Development Fund in partnership with the Chinese Embassy, to raise awareness of the beauty of each country's craft traditions.

The exhibition was part of a series of cultural dialogues taking place this year with a focus on Chinawhich Cairo named this year's country of honor.

At the event craft traditions from Sinai, Siwa and Al-Arish met with some of China's oldest crafts.

The main feature was something that can be seen as the heart of Chinese craft  its printing technique. A pallet of over a thousand characters containing the Chinese alphabet was on display. Friendly faces demonstrated the Chinese technique of printing and sent visitors home with their names in Chinese script, together with a short story, printed on traditional rice paper.

"What's unique about this exhibition is that the none of Chinese crafts were being offered for sale; the focus was on showcasing the [country's] oldest heritage, which is a new approach for mainstream Egyptians," who are used to seeing "made in China" on the back of many consumer goods, explained Iman Abdel-Mohsen, head of the technical office at the Cultural Development Fund and the event's organiser.

"This is the oldest printing technique that we used in old China," explained Iven Xue as he pointed to dice shaped wooden pallets with Chinese characters engraved on them.

China is known to be one of the earliest civilisations to invent printing, as early as the 8th century.

Historically, two main printing techniques emerged in Asia: woodblock printing, where ink is applied to letters carved upon wooden boards and pressed on paper; and movable-type boards made of metal or ceramic characters that can be switched out to form a text.

Opposite the Chinese section, tens of colourful handmade embroidered items greeted the eyes. Patterns and vivid colors standing as little monuments of a long and rich history tested against time.

I am Zeina, the daughter of Mahbouba, the woman most famous in Sinai for her embroidery, one artisan proudly told Ahram Online. Being the daughter of an indigenous artist opened a world of possibilities to Zeina, who had managed to take handmade motifs and add them to modern bags, garments and ornaments, all authentic with a modern twist.

These seashells we use in our embroidery are collected on the shores of Sinai, Zeina explained, adding that each item she makes showcases talents other than her own.

Next to her stand was one filled with colourful shawls from Siwa Oasis: orange motifs against a unique blue background. The shawls were a bit bigger in size than the usual, to be worn as street attire on top of other clothes, explained Awam Moussa, who has been in the trade for 17 years. Showing his handmade bags, he explained that each bag takes him three days to make.

Haj Barawi Mohamed has been trading in handmade ornaments for the past 30 years. He explained that the embroidery trade is still a valid means of earning an income, especially among women as a deeply rooted cultural activity inside their homes. Starting in their early teens, girls would start to embroider thir marriage gowns. Little has changed over time.

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For a mother, it must have been like a scene from a nightmare: A car blasts through a guardrail and into Virginia's Lake Anne, where it began to sink. Inside were the driver and his 7-year-old daughter.

"The first thing she asked when we were in the water, 'Dad, are we going to sink?'" said Rajesh Kshetri, the driver of the car.

But Beth Hoyos, who was driving her own daughter home from school, saw the crash as it happened Wednesday afternoon. She pulled over and headed into the lake, rescuing first the girl and then the driver, assisted by a teenager who had also seen the crash.

"I have children, and certainly I would hope in the same situation somebody would be pulling my child out of a car," Hoyos said Thursday.

The crash happened along Wiehle Avenue in Reston, Virginia at about 4 p.m. Wednesday. Kshetri lost control of his car, smashed through a guard rail and landed in the lake.

Kshetri could not swim and the water was deep. He tried to open his door, but couldn't. He opened a window instead, pulled his daughter from the back seat and pushed her through the window and out of the car.

Meanwhile, Hoyos had jumped into the lake.

"I was kind of surprised, my feet couldn't touch pretty quickly," she said. "I didn't think it was as serious as it was until I was out and I realized the driver really couldn't swim. He was not going to get out of there on his own."

His daughter, Preetisha, was treading water. Hoyos quickly got her to shore.

But Kshetri was struggling.

"He wasn't screaming, but he was saying, 'I can't swim,' and there was a point where he really was going under and was having a hard time staying up. He looked very panicked at that point."

Hoyos and the teen got Kshetri back to shore and to safety. He was shaken, but not seriously hurt.

Today, Kshetri had a message for Hoyos: "I would say thank you very much for saving my life. She was the angel at the right moment."

Hoyos said she was no hero. "That's a strange term. I think I said to the officer over there, it's a little bit like getting a ribbon for a C. Because you're supposed to do that -- you're supposed to help people."

Preetisha -- a first-grader at Dranesville Elementary -- said she wasn't too scared; she had taken swimming lessons.

But it was a relief to get to dry land, she said.

"I was all safe and I didn't have to worry about anything," she said Thursday.
Jason De Leon spoke to a Mexican man before the election who asked if he thought a mass deportation was likely. Like most pundits and political analysts, De Leon, assistant professor at the University of Michigan and founder of the Undocumented Migration Project, couldnt fathom a Donald Trump presidency. He told the man it was an impossibility.

Now, hes eating his words.

Since the election results rolled in, undocumented U.S. immigrants and their sympathizers have had to accept the reality of President-elect Trump. For many of them, the election symbolized a possible revolution in policy, with their fates hanging in the balance.

Building a wall along the Mexican-American border was a focal point for Trumps campaign, and the president-elect has promised to get tough on undocumented immigration to the interior when he takes the Oval Office in January.

Despite deporting 2.4 million undocumented immigrants between 2009 and 2014, President Barack Obama has been criticized by the GOP, and Trump especially, as being too easy on those who came to America "improperly," or without legal status.

An estimated 11 to 12 million undocumented immigrants now live in the United States. On CBS' "60 Minutes," Trump said he plans to deport or incarcerate two to three million undocumented immigrants who have criminal records or are gang members or drug dealers.

The claim that there are up to three million undocumented immigrants who are dangerous criminals is an exaggeration, according to FackCheck.org. A 2013 federal report said that Immigration and Customs Enforcement estimated there were "1.9 million removable criminal aliens" in the U.S. But "criminal aliens" also includes green card holders or those on temporary visas who have committed a crime. The number of undocumented immigrants who have been convicted of a felony or serious misdemeanor is closer to 690,000, according to a July 2015 report by the Migration Policy Institute.

I dont know how possible, whether hes going to be able to do all of it. But certainly he can make an effort, said Ira Mehlman, spokesperson for the Federation for American Immigration Reform.

Improper entry into the United States is considered a misdemeanor and is punishable by up to six months imprisonment. Reentry is a felony, which means that anyone who tries to cross the border again after being deported has a criminal record. Many of those who attempt reentry want to reunite with their family despite American laws that restrict deportees from applying for visas for up to 20 years after their removal from the country.

Of the remaining undocumented immigrants without felonies, Trump said he would make a determination "after the border is secured and everything gets normalized."

He called those individuals "terrific people."

Andy J. Semotiuk, a U.S. and Canadian immigration lawyer who works out of Los Angeles and Toronto, said it may take politicians a while to get to immigration because thankfully, we all know how slow government works.

He hypothesized that the Trump administration will have to first focus its efforts on repealing the Affordable Care Act, reforming tax policies for businesses, and resolving existing wars in the Middle East.

A mass deportation that rid the country of all undocumented immigrants would require a lot of resources. "Deporting 11 million people is a mission impossible, Semotiuk said. Its just a fact, whether you like it or not.

Another factor that slows mass deportation: America has due process, which means anyone whos been accused of illegal activity gets a trial.

You cant just pick someone up and send them back to Mexico, Semotiuk said. You have to give them a chance to explain themselves, or defend themselves.

Trump would have to increase the number of judges, prosecutors, clerks, coordinators, and other officials in the court system to meet demand. That would be expensive and time-consuming. Semotiuk said that even if the accused immigrant cooperated completely with his or her trial and didnt make any arguments to remain in the U.S., a court would at the most be able to process 10 cases a day. For two million cases, thats 200,000, or about 548 years, of court days. Trying 11 million cases would require over a million court days.

If a dictator was in charge of a country, even then it would be hard for someone to marshal all the resources, Semotiuk said.

According to The Associated Press, the U.S. judicial branch now has a "backlog of more than half-a-million cases already pending in immigration court." The holding cells where undocumented immigrants stay until their hearings are also overfilled and overflowing, and immigrants have brought a lawsuit against the Border Patrol in Arizona because of the cells' crowded, unclean, and cold conditions. Last week, the Department of Homeland Security told the AP that there were 41,000 immigrants in detention centers across the U.S.

On CNN's "State of the Union," House Speaker Paul Ryan came out against erecting a deportation task force. He said that plans in Congress were to concentrate on securing the border, a virtual continuation of Obamas policy.

Still, Jessica Vaughan, director of policy studies for the Center for Immigration Studies, is confident that there will be a reduction in the size of the illegal population, partly because the career immigration personnel (will be) allowed to do their job, and partly because undocumented immigrants, fearing arrest, will leave on their own. Most people dont want to be subject to enforcement, she said. Mehlman called this exodus induced voluntary compliance.

But Vaughan emphasized that deportations wont be cartoonish, with officials knocking on doors and rounding up undocumented immigrants in box cars.

Trump has also promised to get rid of the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals system, Obamas solution to protect immigrants who came over improperly as children. Mehlman called DACA an inducement for illegal immigration that carves out a lone exception to policy toward misdemeanors.

To repeal it, Trump wouldnt need congressional support, just a stroke of his pen. Obama used an executive order to put DACA into practice in 2012, and it is not law. He can definitely rescind that, said Cesar Vargas, an undocumented immigrant in New York who fought for four years to become an attorney despite his legal status. Without DACA, undocumented immigrants who arrived in the U.S. as children would not have exceptional means to petition to stay here.

Vargas tried to put a positive spin on Trumps immigration reform, noting that the president-elect has claimed that he doesnt want to deport people who have lived here for years. DACA was always meant to be temporary, Vargas said, and hes hoping that Trumps plans may actually help the immigrant community by creating a more direct path toward citizenship.

Its unpredictable, he said. So I think that while there is concern, there is an opportunity there.

Meanwhile, Vargas is holding free consultations to inform undocumented people of resources at their disposal. For example, he spoke with a couple whose children are in the military -- if youre a member of the service and your family is undocumented, you can request that they receive a special immigration status. He also said that for those in a healthy relationship with an American citizen, a green card marriage is a viable option.

Resource centers for undocumented immigrants are experiencing an influx of concerned people who fear deportation. The AP reports that phones are ringing off the hook at Chicago's National Immigrant Justice Center and the New York Legal Assistance Group as immigrants try to find ways to protect themselves before the President-elect takes office.

According to the AP, 740,000 young people who benefit from DACA have the "most urgent inquiries" about the effects of Trump's presidency.

"We're operating with a lot of unknowns, and a certain amount of fear comes with that," Vanessa Esparza-Lopez, a managing attorney at the Chicago-based National Immigrant Justice Center, told the AP.

Semotiuk remembered undocumented immigrants he had met over the years through his work. At first, he had no sympathy, but then he listened to why they were here.

Its worthwhile to get to know some of them and once you get to know them, how they got to the United States, its one sad story, he said.

Between 2007 and 2014, 164,000 Mexicans have been victims of homicide, Frontline reported. Many undocumented U.S. immigrants who come from Mexico are fleeing cartel violence in search of a better, safer life.

While undocumented immigrants come from around the world, during his campaign Trump zoomed in on the 59 percent who are originally from Mexico, calling them rapists and killers and posing them as threats to national security. In fact, the overwhelming majority of migrants coming through the border with Mexico have been people from Guatemala, Honduras and El Salvador, the Obama administration said earlier this year.

De Leon said that in Michigan, there seems to be a conflation between Latinos and undocumented people.

As a documented, overeducated male, Im still a Latino, he said. I have never in my life feared for my safety -- the safety of my kids and my friends -- and I have in the last couple of days. Ive never in my life felt afraid to speak Spanish in public until yesterday.

Mayors of cities across the United States, from Los Angeles, to New York, to Burlington, Vermont, have declared their jurisdictions "sanctuaries" for immigrant communities. What the term "sanctuary" means varies by city. In some cases that means refusing to let ICE know when an undocumented immigrant is about to be released from custody.

Offering such shelter comes with possible retaliations, as Trump has threatened to pull federal funding from areas that don't follow his immigration policy.
Lead poison continues to be a problem in many Connecticut children because of lead paint used in homes.

But when landlords get orders from local health departments to get rid of the lead, NBC Connecticut Troubleshooters found its not always happening fast enough, which puts children at risk for exposure.

The paint on Destinie J.s walls in her New Haven apartment is cracked and chipping, but it needs a lot more than a touch up.

"The whole house has lead," said Destinie, who doesnt want to give her last name.

Destinie also found out her 2-year-old daughter Lauren has lead poisoning.

The EPA said anything more than a 5.0 micrograms per deciliter is poisonous and Lauren has 3 times that amount.

"The health department just came out and they said and they said that the doctors referred them because her lead level was like a 15," Destinie said.

Destinie said last April, the New Haven Health department issued a lead abatement order, but so far nothing has been done to fix it.

"It could affect her learning. It could affect her ability to do things," said Destinie. "It could set her back."

The Centers for Disease Control said exposure to lead can cause lower intelligence, behavioral problems and affect a child growth.

As Destinie worries about Laurens health, she also wonders if her 2-month-old baby boy, Jaron boy will get lead poisoning too. He spends each day growing in home the health department said is unsafe.

According to data obtained in reports from the Connecticut Department of Public Health, from 2008-2014 there were 6,960 new cases of lead poisoning in children under the age of 6-years-old. These children tested at or above the blood lead level the EPA considered poisonous to a child.

Connecticut has aggressive lead prevention laws, requiring all children under the age of three be tested for lead annually, and any child under the age of six to have a lead screening if they have never been previously tested. However, it's after they turn up positive for lead poison, the system breaks down.

Six months have gone by since the New Haven Health Department learned Destinies rented house has lead, but nobody is doing anything about it and the mother is afraid to push the issue.

"I don't want to go through you know him getting upset then I have to move and all that, even though legally he is wrong," said Destinie.

We asked Krista Veneziano of DPH what follow up the state does to see if a property owner is actually abating their property.

"We follow up with the local health departments," said Veneziano. "This all hinges on what local health departments do and their responsiveness."

The New Haven Health Department wouldn't talk about it with us, they said, because of privacy issues.

But state and federal leaders told us lead abatement orders should be enforced quickly.

"An order is not just there to be issued, it's there to be complied with," said Judith Dicine, Assistant States Attorney. "If children are living in risk because of lead poisoning, I will track it down an make sure the parties are made to be accountable."

After our interview with Dicine, she informed NBC Connecticut Troubleshooters they applied for an arrest warrant for the property owner the very next day, but it was returned needing more information.

So we stopped by the property management office to ask why they werent acting on the lead abatement order.

Property manager Mendy Eidelkop of Mandy Management said they will fix the problem immediately.

"I am intending to remediate this lead make the entire house lead safe within fifteen days," said Eidelkop.

He also promised to relocate Destinie and the kids while the work gets done. But, Eidelkop said the New Haven Health Department is partly to blame for the lack of action on the lead abatement.

"They havent contacted me for a few months," said Edelkop. "I think thats an area that should be improved they shouldnt have something like that for six months."

One of the problems is that there is no set time frame to force landlords to comply with the lead abatement order.

"If the risk to the child is imminent harm then the timing should be very quick," said Dicine.

"Well we want it to be done as quickly as possible," said Veneziano. "Sometimes it takes a little bit longer in some situations."

The State of Connecticut said 98 lead abatement orders were issued for homes where children had lead poison in 2015 and out of those, 76 were completed. Although, they did not give dates as to how much time had passed between when the lead abatement orders were issued and when they were completed. Additionally, Maura Downes, of DPH said We do work collaboratively with the towns, through our case workers, to make sure that they are carrying out their statutorily mandated duty to issue and enforce lead abatement orders.

Meanwhile, the lack of follow through from the local health department leaves parents like Destinie at the mercy of landlords to keep their children safe.

"What if I do got to move?" asked Destinie. "Who is going to help me? What if me and the landlord, he might want to bring me to court. I may win but who is going to support me? Who is going to be there?"

Destinie's landlord assures NBC Connecticut Troubleshooters they will not retaliate against her for coming forward.
What to Know Hundreds of homeowners across Hartford, Tolland and Windham Counties have discovered they have crumbling foundations.

Contractors said the problem cannot be fixed, forcing homeowners to replace the entire foundation at a cost of $100,000 and up.

The governor has asked FEMA to get involved and help solve the problem, but the agency rejected the request to set up operations here.

Two state senators have a plan to help Connecticut homeowners whose home foundations are crumbling and said they are working on giving towns the ability to float bonds so they can give homeowners loans that could possibly be forgiven.

Sen. Tim Larson (D-East Hartford) and Sen. Cathy Osten (D-Sprague) presented their plan this morning during a news conference and said they are proposing that the state authorize towns with affected homes to adopt a loan program and raise municipal bonds to provide funds to help eligible homeowners replace severely damaged foundations.

We've tried to be as thorough as we can. There will be some moving parts, but we wanted to present this as an option so that, infact, we could get people a solution to this traumatic problem that people are having, Larson said.

So far, 399 homeowners in 23 towns in Hartford, Tolland and Windham counties have filed complaints about their foundations and a team of researchers at UConn conducted several inspections, tested the concrete and determined that an iron sulfide mineral called pyrrhotite is the major contributing factor to the deterioration of house foundations.

There are no construction standards anywhere in the United States regarding pyrrhotite levels in concrete, but standards were established in Europe over the past 20 years.

Osten said she has listened to many peoples heart-breaking stories, including a couple in their 70s who was losing everything because the house foundation was crumbling, she said.

Where at one time they were hopeful of selling their home, they no longer could sell their home and then they couldnt afford to repair it, so it was particularly devastating, she said.

They said in a news release that there would need to be a strict application process to ensure that money granted to property owners is not misappropriated for issues other than crumbling foundations.

After the news conference, Senate Republican Leader Len Fasano released a statement, accusing the senators of turning the problem into a partisan issue and taking credit for something he said lawmakers from both parties have been working on.

"Up until today the entire effort to address crumbling foundations has been bipartisan, with Republicans and Democrats working together with state officials to explore solutions. But today we see a press conference and a news release that completely ignores that teamwork," Fasano said in a statement. "Instead, they stood in front of cameras to take credit for working on an issue that has been a serious problem that many lawmakers on both sides of the aisle and in both chambers are working hard to address. They made this into a partisan issue, at a time when we need bipartisanship and collaboration.

Osten responded to Fasano's remarks: "This is about policy, not politics."

Gov. Dannel Malloy had reached out to the Federal Emergency Management Agency in October and asked for the agency to set up operations in northeastern Connecticut to conduct a preliminary damage assessment to determine the extent and impact of what he described as around 34,000 homes in the area with foundations that could be at risk of crumbling and actually collapsing.

FEMA rejected the request earlier this month and said that while the chemical reaction that caused the crumbling is natural, pouring foundations is a manmade event so the issue is not a natural catastrophe.

FEMA did, however, offer to designate a staff member to work with Connecticut on the issue.

State Rep. Kelly Luxenberg owns two properties in Manchester that have crumbling concrete and she said she is working with colleagues in Hartford to draw up legislation to provide money for homeowners affected by the problem.

"We're committed to getting something through this year and working hard on that," Luxenberg said.

Read more on the crumbling foundations issue.
Saturday morning update: Good morning! No real change to note in our overnight computer models. We're still on track for a bit of accumulating snow in the high elevations of Litchfield County tomorrow morning (maybe 1" or 2"?) and occasional rain/snow showers through the day and into Sunday night and Monday. The biggest question is how widespread the snow showers will be across the rest of the state Sunday night and Monday - I'm thinking the coverage is relatively scattered - but still can't rule out a few heavier bands resulting in a burst or two of snow even around Hartford and New Haven.

Previous Friday update: Sunday will be unpleasant. Cold, windy, and showery with snowflakes across parts of Connecticut. In fact, it looks cold enough that there will be some snow accumulation across the Litchfield Hills on Sunday - talk about a change from the 60s today!

Here's the weather setup across the region. A strengthening low pressure will "close off" in the upper levels of the atmosphere. Effectively, it will get cut itself off from the jet stream. This happens with a fair amount of regularity this time of year with varying impacts across the region. There are a number of possible impacts to watch.

Daybreak Sunday - A flip to snow in the hills

A powerful cold front will sweep east causing temperatures to drop from near 50 at midnight Sunday morning into the 30s by daybreak in the hills. Strong lift in the atmosphere will produce a quick period of downpours statewide between 2 a.m. and 6 a.m. and in Litchfield County it looks like the cold air will arrive in time for a change to snow and even a bit of accumulation.

Below is a sounding showing temperature and dew point through the atmosphere valid 4 a.m. Sunday in Canaan up at about 1,000 feet. You can see plenty of moisture in the low levels of the atmosphere (temperature and dew point...red line/green line...next to each other implying relative humidity near 100%) and lift in the atmosphere (the farther the thin white line juts to the left the stronger the upward motion of air is).

This setup could produce a quick inch of snow in some of the hilltowns right around daybreak and is something to watch closely. In the valley locations and along the shoreline it should be a bit too mild for a much in the way of accumulation though a few stray wet snow flakes around daybreak are still possible. While temperatures in the hills will drop to around freezing it will be milder in the valley. You can see this at 1 p.m. in Hartford on Sunday with temperatures near the ground in the low 40s. This is not a snow sounding.

A few rain or snow showers are possible during the day Sunday across the state - especially in Litchfield County. Minor additional accumulation is possible in the hills.

Sunday Night & Monday Morning - Snow even in the valleys

By Sunday evening temperatures will be cold enough to support snow even down to the valley floors and along the shoreline. Cold air from the northwest will advect (be pushed by the wind) in all day. Most of our computer models show 850mb (around 5,000 feet up) dropping to -8C by 7 p.m. Sunday - definitely cold enough for snow.

The question always is with these setups will there be enough moisture to support precipitation? Frequently the answer is no - but in this case it may be different. Remnant streamers of lake effect snow may make their way south from Lake Ontario. A strong northwesterly wind and low level moisture will aid in producing some "upslope" in the hills - basically the wind forces air up and over the ridges which can result in an enhancement of clouds and sometimes precipitation. Also, on the backside of this upper level low there appears to be an unusually high amount of low level moisture in southern New England - we're not drying out as quickly as we normally do.

You can see that robust moisture with relative humidity of near 100% about 5,000 feet up across the state. While it won't snow the whole time periods of snow showers appear likely. In the hills - where there is a bit of an assist from that "upslope" effect I can't rule out some additional accumulation. Elsewhere, patches of accumulation are possible under heavier bands. This is very much like a summer thunderstorm where some towns get it and others don't.

This continues through Monday morning. This sounding for Canaan valid at 10 a.m. Monday shows a favorable setup for snow with a deep layer of moisture (high relative humidity around -15C which supports dendrite production) and temperatures well below freezing from the clouds to the ground. Of course, it is not as favorable in the valley and along the shoreline but you get the idea.

Strong, gusty winds

Every town will have to deal with strong gusty winds. Computer models support wind gusts of 40-50 mph which, when coupled with temperatures in the 30s, will result in unusually cold wind chill values. A few isolated tree and power line issues are possible.

The bottom line

Most of the state along the I-91 and I-95 corridors can expect to see cold, wind, and scattered snow showers Sunday night and Monday morning. A few towns may even pick up some accumulation - though it won't be everywhere.

In the hills, particularly in Litchfield County, enough pieces are coming together where 1"-3" of snow is possible in the higher elevations. There will likely be a few different times of snow - one around daybreak Sunday morning and another window Sunday evening through Monday morning. Expect some areas of slippery travel.

It's definitely not a big storm but a good reminder that the calendar says it is mid November and it will finally feel like it!

Get the full forecast here.

Connect with me on Facebook and Twitter!

Follow Ryan Hanrahan
Dallas Independent School District Superintendent Michael Hinojosa spoke in a rare one-on-one interview with NBC 5 Investigates Thursday about the issues theyve been having with Dallas County Schools, the bus provider for Dallas ISD and 11 other school districts in North Texas.



Hinojosa told NBC 5 the troubles with DCS buses right now are the worst he has seen in his 22 years as a school superintendent and that they must get safer and more reliable.



We count on this organization every day to help get our students safely to school every day. And the issues that you've identified are issues that we've felt, said Hinojosa.



For weeks, NBC 5 has uncovered issues with DCS buses getting students to school so late they miss class.



What's more, bus crashes have more than doubled in just one year.



Hinojosas staff has met with DCS, the bus contractor, expressing their frustration, but the superintendent made it clear Thursday hes prepared to do more than complain if DCS cant get more kids to school on time and reduce collisions.



Whatever it takes. That's what we will consider. So all options will be on the table, said Hinojosa.



He said the options include cutting ties with Dallas County Schools when their bus contract is up in the spring.



If that action is taken, Hinojosa said the transition to a new provider couldn't happen overnight or even within a year. Still, Hinojosa said he will present the school board with plans so they can make a change if Dallas County Schools doesn't improve.



Bottom line, we want them to improve and they gotta do it. But if they can't, then we have to have other solutions, said Hinojosa.



DCS reacted to Hinojosas comments Thursday telling NBC 5 in a statement: "We understand Dr. Hinojosa's concerns and we hear his frustrations. We welcome the opportunity to meet with the appropriate representatives to ensure our service and on-time arrival meets DISD's expectations."



The School Board at Dallas ISD will meet in early December to talk about the problems with unsafe driving and late buses and to start weighing their options.
A Bedford man is on a one-man mission to cultivate creativity in struggling North Texas families.

Dan Grunewald created Crayons for Kids out of his apartment when he realized at times something as simple as a box of crayons can be too expensive for a family living paycheck to paycheck.

My friend made a comment about their students and how they go home and they dont have art supplies to complete class assignments, Grunewald explained. They don't have crayons, paper, pencils - any of that sort."

Grunewald said it sparked an idea and a passion that blossomed into Crayons for Kids.

"I think art is incredibly important for this group of children. They live vastly in poverty. Their parents are stressed about money and that's picked up on by kids, he said. "It's a family of 3 or 4 getting by on $12,000 a year or $15,000 a year."

He put out the call to friends, family and strangers and they quickly responded.

"At this point we raised about $1,800 coming from about two dozen different people from across the country," he said.

Now his apartment has been transformed into an artists escape with piles of crayon boxes, pads and colored pencils.

"So far we raised enough money to buy these school supplies to furnish every child at my friend's elementary school with supplies for home," Grunewald said.

Soon, 360 students will receive the gifts to take some with them during winter break.

Now every kindergartner through third grade will have a box of crayons and a pad of paper and every 4th and 5th grader gets a box of pencils and a pad of paper, he said. And a pencil sharpener too -- to make sure they can keep using them.

Grunewald doesnt want the students to know where they came from; just that someone cares.

"At the very least it's a way kids can express their feelings. That maybe they don't have a vocabulary for yet," he said. "That they're valued and that they can create without judgment.

He hopes this could grow into something more and hopefully get more schools involved to help more children.
NBC 5 is celebrating the Different Shades of Texas this week, including how food plays a role in racial relations. Undeniably, different ethnic foods help define different cultures.

Jennifer Jensen Wallach, associated professor at the University of North Texas, wrote a book called, How America Eats: A Social History of U.S. Food and Culture. Her research looks into the history of different cultures and cuisines in America.

"Enjoying food created by a particular culture does not necessarily mean accepting people from that culture, unfortunately," Jensen Wallach said.

But sharing a good meal and conversation could help. NBC 5 found one group in Dallas that's proving that one meal at a time.

They are the faces of Texans brought together by a simple meal. They share food and something more.

Sitting at a coffee table on the 19th floor of a Turtle Creek high-rise condo in Dallas, five people from five different backgrounds sat together and shared their story. They began the conversation with an introduction.

"My parents emigrated from India," said Liji Thomas.

"My childhood was spent in Taiwan," said Wei Wei Jeang.

They share their stories to be heard.

"I am Mexican-American," said Peter Aguirre. "Both my parents are from here (United States), but all my grandparents are from Mexico."

"German, Swedish, Finnish, English, Irish," said Chris Koski, who listed her family's ancestral nationalities.

Their conversation was complimented by a meal.

"Food is always a way to get people to relax, and it doesn't matter what the food is," said Koski.

In this case, the food was an assortment of cake, and their conversation was about race in America. The guests inside the condo were members of the Dallas Dinner Table, a non-profit organization focused on improving race relations in the Dallas-Fort Worth area.

"What is arguably the most diverse country on earth, we are so segregated," said Liji Thomas.

"That's in corporate America, that's in our neighborhoods. I think the MLK quote, '11 o'clock on Sunday is the most segregated hour,' I think that is as true today as it was when Martin Luther King said it. You look at our school system, you look at our criminal justice system," Thomas said.

The conversation shifted from current affairs, to moments from the past.

"My parents were both from East Texas," said Beverley Wright, who is black and was born and raised in Dallas. "And so I had some pretty defined ideas about East Texas that weren't that positive, especially about white people from East Texas, because I saw that when we would go back to East Texas with him (dad). I remember one time in particular, we were driving back and he needed to get some gas. So he stopped at this service station, and they would sell him gas but they wouldn't let him use the restroom."

It's personal stories and powerful observations like Wright's shared at the table that can become a hub for breakthroughs to happen.

"Last year at the Dallas Dinner Table, a gentleman made a statement about immigration, and I guess it was one of the questions about immigration that he had," said Koski. "He said, 'Yeah, this is a country of immigrants, but there's a whole class of people that didn't immigrate, we were imported. We were purchased and imported. So we're not immigrants.' And I just thought, 'Oh, my God, he's right.' You know, that was one of those big 'aha' moments."

Those are the moments Dallas Dinner Table strives achieve. Between bites of food, and sips of wine, they hope listening helps lead to a better understanding of those from different backgrounds.

"What I try to do is work on me first," said Wright. "And then try to seek first to understand before being understood."

"You think you know a lot," said Aguirre. "You are exposed to a lot of things growing up. But you don't know what you don't know."

More: Dallas Dinner Table

Copyright, 2013, Weldon Cooper Center for Public Service, Rector and Visitors of the University of Virginia (Dustin A. Cable, creator)

Map data by OpenStreetMap, under CC-BY-SA. Image Copyright, 2013, Weldon Cooper Center for Public Service, Rector and Visitors of the University of Virginia (Dustin A. Cable, creator)
An Irving community group is asking for help from volunteers this weekend to preserve a piece of history  one of the oldest known slave cemeteries in Texas.

There are 189 confirmed graves at Sheltons Bear Creek Cemetery, which sits on a hill overlooking the interchange of Highways 161 and 183, just southeast of Dallas/Fort Worth International Airport.

Many of the graves pre-date the Civil War, and all of those years have not been kind to the cemetery which was designated as a historical site by the Texas Historical Commission in 2000.

Several of the tombstones are broken while some gave way to weather and time; others are suspected to have been damaged by vandals.

In addition, the cemetery is losing a constant battle with brush that grows too quickly for the small army of volunteers who act as caretakers of the property.

Its holy ground. Its sacred ground, said Anthony Bond, who helped to rediscover the cemetery in the early 1990s, when asked what the cemetery means to him.

Bond, who established the Irving chapter of the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP), has spent more than 20 years researching the history of the cemetery, and maintaining its grounds.

Bond is quick to credit the work and expertise of others, including Frances James, who he calls the Cemetery Lady, in helping to ensure that the cemetery will not be forgotten.

Somebody asked me this morning, Why are you so concerned about dead people? Bond said. These people are not dead to me. Theyre alive to me. Their spirits are alive.

Bond vividly remembers the overwhelming feeling of responsibility he felt in 1994 when he first came upon Sheltons Bear Creek Cemetery and it was all but consumed by chest high growth of weeds and brush.

I dropped down on my knees and I cried like a baby. This stuff bothers me, Bond said, pausing to compose himself. It seemed as if the souls of all these black people cried out to me, Anthony, dont let them do this to our final resting place. We suffered enough in life. Dont have our final resting place be desecrated like this and let us suffer in death, too.

At 8 a.m. Saturday, Bond and a handful of volunteers will be at the cemetery to clear brush for the second time this year. (Though the cemetery is located at 1525 Hard Rock Road, it is only really accessible by parking on the shoulder of Highway 161 parallel to that address and walking up a short, steep hill.)

Bond asked that any volunteer who is interested bring gloves and tools to help with the job, which he said should take a few hours.

If anyone is interested in volunteering and has any questions, Bond asked that they reach him at 214-830-6719.
An official says the death of a South Texas middle school student who fell from the rear emergency door of a moving school bus was a suicide.

Edinburg police Assistant Chief Oscar Trevino told the Valley Morning Star in Harlingen Thursday, "We are not releasing any more information other than that out of respect for the family."

The 13-year-old died Monday after falling from the bus that was taking Harlingen students on a field trip to the University of Texas Rio Grande Valley campus in Edinburg.

Police on Tuesday escorted his body back home to Harlingen, which is about 40 miles east of Edinburg.
(Beijing)  A major restructuring is underway for a holdover from a 1990s campaign to clear China's banks of toxic debt through state-owned asset managers.

The corporate restructuring of China Great Wall Asset Management Corp., slated for completion in December, and a related fundraiser are designed to broaden the firm's ownership structure by adding strategic investors and public stockholders.

Strategic investors are now being invited to buy stakes, setting the stage for an initial public offering (IPO) on at least one stock exchange as early as next year.

The overhaul will get a boost in the form of cash injections from the Finance Ministry, the government's main pension fund and a state-controlled insurance company, according to Zhang Shixue, Great Wall's general manager for strategic development.

Zhang did not say how much money the ministry, the National Council for Social Security Fund, and China Life Insurance Group will contribute.

However, Zhang said at a news conference on Thursday that Great Wall will prepare to launch IPOs on stock markets in Hong Kong and the mainland. The firm hopes to find five to eight strategic investors by the third quarter of next year before going public.

Potential investors include foreign financial institutions, sovereign wealth funds, long-term private equity firms, private companies and state-owned conglomerates, Zhang said. Since last year, he said, Great Wall has approached nearly 80 foreign and domestic investors for potential support.

But the Ministry of Finance, which has owned Great Wall since the firm's founding in 1999, is expected to retain a controlling stake, according to Moody's Investors Service.

The ministry also holds majority stakes in Great Wall's partners in the toxic debt disposal effort  China Orient Asset Management Co., China Huarong Asset Management Co. Ltd., and China Cinda Asset Management.

Orient announced its transformation to a stock corporation in August. The Finance Ministry and pension fund supported the new entity with 55.4 billion yuan ($8.07 billion) in registered capital. An IPO is expected to follow.

Huarong raised $2.3 billion by going public last year, while Cinda's IPO raised $2.5 billion in 2013. Both firms listed on the Hong Kong Stock Exchange.

Over the past 16 years, China's state-owned asset managers have successfully disposed of about 1 trillion yuan worth of bad debt, according to Great Wall Vice President Zhou Liyao.

As part of its overhaul, Great Wall is launching investment funds for buying and restructuring bad assets, participating in mergers and acquisitions involving debt-stricken companies, and investing in urbanization projects in China, Zhou said.

The funds will be phased in over the next three years, he said, and will manage a combined 300 billion yuan obtained from Great Wall, government entities and overseas investors. Funds formed so far have invested 5.09 billion yuan in four projects, and committed 21.2 billion yuan toward seven other projects.

Contact reporter Han Wei (weihan@caixin.com); editor Eric Johnson (ericjohnson@caixin.com)
The Arlington Police Department is investigating a deadly crash involving a student near the University of Texas at Arlington campus.

Police said a vehicle turning southbound onto North Cooper Street from Abram Street struck a woman at about 5 p.m. Wednesday as she crossed Cooper.

The 27-year-old woman was rushed to the hospital, but later died from her injuries.

She was identified by the Tarrant County Medical Examiner's office as Eneyda Lisette Sorto, of Irving.

Police said no charges are expected to be filed against the driver at this time, but they are still investigating what led to the collision.

Scott Ryan, dean of the School of Social Work, issued a statement Thursday, "We are all saddened by this loss and we send our condolences to her family and friends."

Sorto went by her middle name, Lisette. A table on the first floor of the Social Work Buliding A is set up in memory of Lisette. Students are encouraged to come by and sign the card or leave a message for Lisette's family and friends.
At a time when the relationship between minority communities and the police departments who serve them seems beyond repair, social justice advocates are working with Dallas police officers to find a solution.

And the effort is creating some surprising allies.

"In order for us to be successful in this country, and particularly in the city of Dallas, we've got to sit at the table  community activists and police officers  and have a true and honest dialogue about what's going on in this country," said Cory Hughes, a local activist who has been on the front lines of protests in Dallas calling for police reform.

On a mild Wednesday afternoon Hughes joined several Dallas police officers from the Southwest Division on their daily foot patrol. The sight of Hughes laughing and joking with officers is a far cry from the images that have come to symbolize the strained relationship between police and communities of color.

"We are not anti-cop. I say that at every protest," Hughes said. "The reality is some of the greatest advice I got coming up as a teenager was from a police officer. I think if there's going to be healing in this community and across the country, that conversation has to be had."

In the months following the deadly July 7 ambush, activists with the Next Generation Action Network met with former Dallas Police Chief David Brown to discuss police reform.

The group made a list of demands and the two sides reached a compromise that led to a change in the department's policies. After Brown retired, direct talks stopped but the conversation continues on the street every day.

"Half of what I do out here is doing some of the stuff you saw (Chief Brown) do  meeting with people who may have problems with the department, and resolving those issues before they become a big problem," said Sgt. Gerald Runnels.

In order to have these conversations, Runnels and his officers rely on community policing. They make time to speak with residents face-to-face on a daily basis, even when the conversation strays toward difficult topics like race, violence and use of force by police officers.

"Most citizens can't separate us from other police officers across the country. All they see on the TV is that police did this to some innocent citizen. So, as a result, they see you in a uniform, in a marked squad car, and they want to know, 'Are you like that officer who shot that unarmed person for no reason?' You have to take your time out as a police officer to explain to them," he said.

That is how trust is being built in West Dallas.

Longtime resident Debbie Solis remembers a time when officers wouldn't even come to her street. Sitting down with Runnels' officers in a local church, Solis wants to avoid a repeat of that painful history. It's why community leaders like herself and Pastor Rayford Butler meet regularly with police.

"When I know what kind of people they are, I know what kind of police they are," Butler said. "I have seen the transition from where it was to where it is, and its 100-percent better today than it was. The question still is: what do you want to do differently?"

Though you may not see it, the city is working to answer that question. Dallas police officers are willing to engage activists like Hughes to work toward a safer and stronger Dallas.

"I might not agree with everything Cory's got to say, but we're going to find a happy medium right there," said Officer Roberto Perez. "I want to respect him at the end of the day, because I've got a job to do also."

Hughes wants the same thing. He'll continue to fight for police reform and support the department. He believes his future and his son's future depend on having an open dialogue.

"We want to have a conversation so that healing can take place and that trust can be rebuilt in this community with Dallas police officers," he said.

Copyright, 2013, Weldon Cooper Center for Public Service, Rector and Visitors of the University of Virginia (Dustin A. Cable, creator)

Map data by OpenStreetMap, under CC-BY-SA. Image Copyright, 2013, Weldon Cooper Center for Public Service, Rector and Visitors of the University of Virginia (Dustin A. Cable, creator)
The presidential election isn't officially over until the electoral votes are cast in mid-December, and that includes the 38 votes from Texas.

The 38 Texans who will vote are all Republicans, because Donald Trump won Texas, but they don't have to vote for Trump.

In Texas, unlike some other states, electors may change their mind, and it has Democrats from around the country urging them to do just that, said Alex Kim, an elector for Texas' 24th Congressional District.

"At first everyone was kinda enchanted by it," Kim said. "Now all the electors are starting to get beaten down. There are some electors who have been threatened with harm or with death."

A Michigan elector received at leat one threat, according to a Detroit News report.

Kim was named an elector at the Republican Party of Texas State Convention. Since the election, he said he has been receiving thousands of e-mails a day from all across the county.

"Usually the Electoral College is very ceremonial. You're there, you cast your vote and you're done," said.

But this year, things are different with the popular vote and the Electoral College vote at odds for only the fourth time in American history, and people are trying to convince electors to break their ranks.

"I had no idea it would be like this," Kim said.

But his position isn't wavering.

"When people ask me to vote for Hillary Clinton, there's no way," he said. "I reject the Democratic Party principles and I reject Hillary Clinton."

When he gets a nasty note, Kim's message is pure Texas.

"You may all go to hell, and I shall go to Texas," Kim joked. "If it was good enough for Davy Crockett, then it's good enough for me."
Speaking from experience, actor and activist George Takei strongly objected the idea of a "Muslim registry" after an outspoken supporter of President-elect Donald Trump cited internment camps as legal "precedent" for tracking individuals based on faith, NBC News reported.

"Registration of any group of people, and certainly registration of Muslims, is a prelude to internment," Takei said.

As a child he was was forced to relocate to multiple internment camps

"A registry is this simple categorization of a people of one faith. In our case, it was people of one ancestry.

"We were American citizens, and yet, because we looked like the enemy, we were treated like the enemy and imprisoned. This is what's going to happen with a Muslim registry, and we as Americans will not tolerate that again."

A former Navy SEAL and supporter of President-elect Donald Trump cited World War II internment camps as a precedent for Trump's proposed Muslim registry during an interview Wednesday night on Fox News.
The former campaign chair for former Minnesota Gov. Jesse Ventura is watching President-elect Donald Trump's transition with interest. The architect of a successful third-party outsider campaign says Trump did what he didn't think could be done.

"I didn't vote for Trump, but I admire what he did," said Dean Barkley, sitting in his Plymouth, Minn., townhouse. "He did the impossible, which I love!"

Trump became President-elect 18 years after Barkely helped Ventura, a political outsider, become governor.

"I say, 'My God, maybe Trump duplicated what we did in Minnesota, but nationwide,'" Barkley recalled election night. "I didn't know that was possible."

Barkley said Trump was in Minnesota in 2000, when he was considering a third-party run for president.

"He was an independent at that time," Barkley said. "I noticed he took a lot of notes on what we did in Minnesota."

Barkely said he first noticed Ventura's appeal at a Fourth of July parade. At the time, Barkely was running for U.S. Senate on the Reform Party ticket.

"I noticed just about everybody was cheering for him and completely ignoring me," Barkley remembered. "That's when the light bulb went on."

Barkely, who was co-founder of the Minnesota Reform Party, convinced the former pro-wrestler called Jesse "The Body" Ventura to run for governor. How important was it he picked a larger than life character like Ventura?

"Critical," said Barkely.

"So we picked a campaign theme, which was 'Retaliate in 98.' I'm the outsider, I'm going to change the way things are," Barkley said. "Very much like 'Drain the Swamp' with Donald Trump. Both of them put themselves out there as outsiders."

Like Trump, Ventura drew big crowds. He could also be outspoken.

"Being a communications director for Jesse Ventura was certainly a challenge," recalled former spokesman John Wodele.

But while Wodele is quick to say Ventura sometimes offended people, he said Ventura "would never ever think or say the things Donald Trump has said."

"He was very underestimated when he came into office, in terms of his intellectual ability. He's a smart man," Wodele said, complimenting Ventura's political instincts. "Donald Trump's political instincts were right on, and you have to give him credit for that."

When speaking to Ventura by phone, he said it remains to be seen if Trump is leading a revolution or a rehash of the old guard. Ventura told NBC 5 he considered a run for president for the Libertarian Party, but couldn't commit because it's "sentencing yourself to a loss of freedom."

Barkely said he has no idea what to expect from President-elect Trump.

"I like a little revolution now and then," Barkely said. "It's good for the soul."
Los Angeles County Sheriff's detectives are now actively investigating the man known as "The Mastermind of Rental Scams," someone authorities say has scammed thousands of renters in southern California, through numerous apartment finder services.



They have now served a search warrant on at least one rental business and have arrested seven employees.



"This is a top priority. My investigators are working on the case as we speak," LA County Sheriff's Lieutenant Phillip Marquez told NBC4.



[[401807925, C]]

The Sheriff's investigation began after the NBC I-Team aired a report exposing Richard Rodriguez and his alleged scams targeting people looking for apartments and houses to rent.



Detectives served a search warrant Wednesday afternoon on Superior Consulting Services in Rowland Heights, where customers from across southern California say Rodriguez and his employees were scamming them.



Reina Gonzales says she got "lured" into the scheme when she called the number on a Craigslist ad for an apartment. She was told to come fill out paperwork at Superior Consulting and then she could see the apartment.



When she got there, she says they asked her for $200 cash, and gave her a list of apartments that she later found out either did not exist or were not for rent.



"He stole my money," Gonzales said about Rodriguez and his employees. She welcomed the news of the arrests. "I'm so satisfied. I'm happy."



Sheriff's investigators also carted off computers and boxes of files from Superior that they hope will lead them to more customers.



"There may be a lot of victims," said Marquez.



The I-Team found Rodriguez ran other rental listing agencies. All were shut down by authorities.



When NBC4 tried to talk to Rodriguez last week, he shoved a news crew out and locked the door. It was the same thing some customers say happened to them.



Authorities say Rodriguez wasn't arrested because he wasn't in the office when they showed up.



But NBC4 saw Rodriguez at the office just hours before the story aired on Monday night, moving some stuff out.



He drove off when he saw NBC4's camera.



"I want Richard Rodriguez to serve time, all of the workers," Gonzalez said. "I want justice."



The seven employees arrested were booked on misdemeanor charges of operating a business without a license.
Two 36-year-old men accused of raping an 11-year-old girl multiple times in Santa Ana in 1999 pleaded not guilty Friday to multiple felonies.

Ismael F. Salgado of Chicago, who was arrested Oct. 14, and Jose Andres Plascencia, who was brought back to Orange County this week, face one count each of kidnapping to commit rape and five counts each of rape, all felonies, according to police and court records.

Both men are due back in court for a pretrial hearing on Dec. 14, and are being held on $1 million bail.

Plascencia's attorney, Maria Cavalluzzi, declined comment, but said she plans to challenge the bail amount.

Salgado's attorney, Frank Bittar, said, "We vigorously deny these charges."

He said his client lived in Santa Ana for most of his life and recently moved to Chicago, where he has family, Bittar said. Salgado said the accusations hit him "like a ton of bricks," according to Bittar.

The defendants are accused of picking up the 11-year-old as she walked home with a friend near Jerome Center in Santa Ana around 5:30 p.m. Feb. 3, 1999, according to Santa Ana police Cpl. Anthony Bertagna.

As they pulled up alongside the girls they tried to talk them into the car, but the 11-year-old girl said she didn't want to, prompting one of the men to grab her and force her into the vehicle along with her friend, Bertagna said.

The friend managed to get away, but when the other girl tried to make her escape she was dragged back into the car by her hair, Bertagna said.

The defendants drove to a gas station near Raitt Street and Edinger Avenue and fueled up the car while one of the men held his hand over the girl's mouth so she couldn't summon help, Bertagna said.

The girl was sexually assaulted in a "secluded" parking lot in Santa Ana, then was driven to another parking area where she was sexually assaulted again, Bertagna said.

Detectives were not able to make any arrests at the time, but investigators reopened the case recently and submitted DNA evidence to the county's crime lab, Bertagna said.

A DNA match was made with Salgado, who lived in Santa Ana for most of his life but recently moved to Chicago, Bertagna said. DNA evidence also pointed to another man, who was not in the system, Bertagna said.

So police began looking at "known associates" of Salgado at the time of the attack and narrowed in on Plascencia when the victim identified him from a photograph, Bertagna said.

Plascencia, who is living in Laveen, Arizona, a suburb of Phoenix, was placed under surveillance, Bertagna said. Investigators collected a discarded water bottle Plascencia drank from at a local gym and sent it to the crime lab, which matched his DNA to the evidence collected at the 1999 rapes, Bertagna alleged.

Salgado was arrested at his home in Chicago on Oct. 5. He made his first court appearance Oct. 17.

Plascencia was arrested Nov. 6 at a border crossing in Nogales, Arizona, Bertagna said.
The Los Angeles Cultural Heritage Commission voted Thursday against granting landmark status to Bob Hope's 15,000-square-foot Toluca Lake home, with members saying the designation would go against the late comedian's wishes.

After learning of plans to demolish some parts of the property at 10346 Moorpark St., Councilman David Ryu submitted an emergency motion in September to begin the historic-cultural monument application for the home. Because Ryu proposed the designation, the issue will go next to the City Council, where the application would need 10 votes to be approved.

The estate has been on the market for several years and is now listed at $12 million, down from the $23 million asking price in 2015. The initial, 2013 asking price was $27.5 million.

Hope's daughter, Linda, told the commission that her parents wanted the proceeds from the sale of the home to go toward the charitable work of the Bob & Dolores Hope Foundation, which she chairs.

"The designation flies in the face of my father's wishes, and I know he would be disappointed that we couldn't sell this site for maximum value in order to further fund our foundation," she said.

A buyer for the home was "scared away" after Ryu introduced his motion, she said, and "ever since we've had no viable offers."

The landmark designation "arbitrarily reduces the value of the property and deprives our foundation of its benefits," she said.

Ryu's motion said the estate is where Hope hosted celebrity-filled gatherings, with Bing Crosby and Frank Sinatra among the many celebrities who would drop by.

According to the city's historic survey division, the site is an example of Toluca Lake's status as a residential community for Hollywood's stars and entertainers, Ryu said.

The main home on the estate is a two-story, 15,000-square-foot, single- family house, according to a city planning report. The French and Tudor revival style estate was designed by architect Robert Finkelhor, with some expansions and remodeling work designed by John Elgin Woolf.

Hope told the commission that her parents' longtime home is architecturally insignificant, describing it as "a hodge-podge of renovations." Her mother, she said, "sort of fancied herself an architect, so she had her hand in it at all times."

She also said that with the multiple streets, squares and buildings named after her father, and by extension his family, the landmark designation for their home is unnecessary.

"Clearly their legacy is well protected in Los Angeles," she said.

Hope's attorneys also argued that stories of the home being used as a celebrity gathering place have been exaggerated, and that it was actually purchased by the Hope family as a place where they could raise their children in privacy.

The Hopes hosted celebrity gatherings at their Palm Springs property, according to Charuni Patibanda, an attorney with the firm Glaser Weil.

Patibanda said the Toluca Lake home is "barely visible from the street" as it is "covered by a very tall hedge."

City Planner Ken Bernstein told the commission that staffers recommended the designation because the Hope home met a "high bar" for designating celebrity homes as landmarks.

"This is truly an iconic historic personage" who is "not just any figure in Los Angeles," and the home has been "associated with Hope for over six decades," he said.

The fact Hope and his friend and frequent "co-star" Bing Crosby lived in the neighborhood "really in a way put Toluca Lake on the map" both locally and nationally, Bernstein said.

The commission ultimately sided with the Hope family.
A former Taco Bell executive accused of slapping and hitting an Uber driver in an attack caught on video in Costa Mesa pleaded guilty to a misdemeanor and was sentenced to 60 days in jail, according to prosecutors.

Benjamin Allen Golden, 33, plead guilty to one count of battery on a taxi driver. Misdemeanor counts of battery against a transportation worker, assault and battery were dismissed.

Golden was placed on three years of informal probation, according to the Orange County District Attorney's Office.

The incident happened on Oct. 30, 2015, when Golden called for an Uber around 8:30 p.m. because he had been drinking while celebrating Halloween at a Newport Beach bar.

He struggled to tell Edward Caban, where he wanted to go, so the 24-year-old driver eventually stopped in a parking lot at 1835 Newport Blvd. in Costa Mesa and told him to get out, Scott said.

Golden "punched and slapped the side of the driver's face," the lieutenant said.

On the video, Golden can be seen in the back seat of the car with the door open, but he leans forward and repeatedly hits the driver in the head, then grabs him by the hair and tries to slam his head into the driver's side door window. Caban did not need medical treatment, Costa Mesa police Lt. Greg Scott said.

Caban -- acting in self-defense -- pepper-sprayed Golden, Scott said.

Golden's attorney, Courtney Pilchman, was not immediately available for comment, but in the past has pointed out that her client publicly apologized to the Caban, who said he had to quit his job and move out of state because he was so upset about the conflict.

Golden lost his job at Taco Bell following widespread public outcry over the attack.

Caban said through his attorney last year that he put the camera in his vehicle after consulting with other Uber drivers, who complained that some customers lie about problems to get refunds or are too drunk to give proper instructions.

Caban installed the camera with a GPS function to prove where he has driven his vehicle, said his attorney at the time, Rivers Morrell III. The camera usually faces forward, but Caban swung it around the night of the run-in with Golden, Morrell said.

"He saw this thing starting to escalate," Morrell said. "That's why he turned it around, so he could document that this happened. Otherwise, it would be his word against someone else. So a lot of the drivers are starting to do this."

Golden only remembered being arrested, Pilchman said last November.

"The only sort of recollection that he has is getting arrested, but he did watch the video and he was appalled at the behavior and did not recognize the behavior," she said.

"This was something beyond out of character for him," Pilchman said.
A man who appeared in a video and said he didn't regret using a pick ax and sledgehammer to destroy Donald Trump's star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame was charged, prosecutors said Thursday.

James Lambert Otis, 52, of Los Angeles, faces one felony count of vandalism, causing over $400 in damages, according to the Los Angeles County District Attorney's Office.

Otis is accused of smashing the star on Oct. 26, then allegedly removing a brass medallion from the middle of the star, prosecutors said. He appeared in a Deadline Hollywood video dressed as a construction worker in work boots, a safety vest and helmet smashing the Trump star.

Otis, an heir to the Otis Elevator Company fortune, surrendered to police the next morning.

Otis said his intent was to remove the star and auction it off to raise money for the women who accused Trump of sexually assaulting them.

Otis told City News Service he had no immediate comment on the DA's

decision to bring a felony charge against him.

But previously, he told NBC4 that it was an act of civil disobedience and freedom of expression.

"I did it, and I'm very happy I did it, and I'm proud that I did it." he told NBC4 at the time.

Trump, now the president-elect, has vehemently denied accusations of mistreating women.

Trump's Walk of Fame star has been targeted previously, with vandals painting on it earlier this year, and a street artist erecting a small wall around it this summer, mocking Trump's pledge to build a wall along the U.S.-Mexico border.

The Republican presidential candidate and former "Apprentice" host received the star in January 2007 for his role on the NBC show. The star is in the 6800 block of Hollywood Boulevard, a prominent location on the Walk of Fame not far from the Hollywood and Highland Center.

Crews continue to fix the star. But no date has been set for its completion, said Ana Martinez with the Hollywood Chamber of Commerce.
(Beijing)  Families in northern China prepare in advance for winter, with affluent urbanites buying smog masks as emissions surge, while poor villagers stock up on dirty coal to heat their homes.

Low-quality coal used in rural homes is the biggest source of tiny cancer-causing particles that hover over the region periodically from November to March, said He Kebin, head of the School of Environment at Tsinghua University. Small boilers collectively cough up more toxins in winter than industrial emitters do, he said.

Meteorologists are expecting longer bouts of smog this winter because of a warmer-than-average season with fewer cold fronts and less wind, the Ministry of Environmental Protection warned earlier this month.

The central government already had announced plans in October to phase out by November 2017 all small coal-fired boilers, which are widely used in rural homes, small hotels and restaurants in some districts of Beijing and adjoining areas in Tianjin and Hebei province.

The move is part of the capital's plan to cut the concentration of PM2.5 particulates, or those 2.5 micrometers or less in diameter, by nearly one-third by 2020 and ensure residents enjoy at least 204 blue-sky days every year. But experts say it would be cheaper to promote the use of higher-quality coal, better insulate rural homes and push villagers to use more-efficient coal burners than it would be to switch to cleaner but costly alternatives.

Using natural gas is three times more expensive than burning coal, said Tao Guangyuan, head of the China-Germany Renewable Energy Cooperation Center.

Switching to electricity would be as expensive as using natural gas, a study by Renmin University's School of Environment and Natural Resources found in 2014. The government would have to pay farmers electricity subsidies of 9 yuan ($1.30) for each kilogram of coal they would otherwise use, the study said.

Saving Beijing

The areas where the coal ban will gradually come into effect include four districts in the south of Beijing, several rural counties and districts in the adjacent port city of Tianjin, and two major cities in Hebei. That province, which surrounds the Beijing and Tianjin metropolises, has been the center of China's effort to combat pollution as it is home to seven of the country's 10 smoggiest cities, according to air quality data from last year.

Bouts of smog that hit the region last longer and are more frequent because they lie on a plain with the Yanshan Mountain range to the north and Taihang Mountains on the west, which blocks the wind and traps pollutants, said Chai Fahe, a deputy director at the Chinese Research Academy of Environmental Sciences.

But financial constraints limited the ban to an area just big enough to ensure air quality in the Chinese capital will improve, and it will not lift the toxic clouds that hang over much of northern China after the winter heating season begins, said an environmental ministry official who asked not to be named.

The curb will affect over 1 million households in over 3,300 villages in Langfang and Baoding  China's most polluted city last year, according to official data, with just 16 blue-sky days in the first half. It will also affect residents in over 400 urban slums in 14 other counties in Hebei. The number of families affected in Beijing and Tianjin is not known.

While policymakers are trying to stop villagers from using dirty coal, the area's state-run heating systems, power generator and heavy industries in these "no-coal zones" will continue to use electricity from coal-fired power plants.

But according to Zhao Yingmin, chief engineer at the environmental ministry, lawmakers were focusing on easy targets when they targeted old stoves that lacked filters and were inefficient at burning coal. Although the 36 million tons of coal used in private homes, small hotels and restaurants in Beijing, Tianjin and Hebei accounted for just 10% of the fuel consumed in the three regions each year, they generated nearly half of the hazardous pollutants, he said.

Wrong Priorities

But policymakers have misplaced priorities by pushing farmers to switch to electricity or natural gas for heating while their homes are poorly insulated, said Song Guojun, director of the Research Institute of Environmental Policy and Planning at Renmin University in Beijing.

If rural farmhouses were to be built with proper insulation, it would cut coal usage by up to half, according to recent studies, he said.

Switching to high-quality coal would have been an easier transition, another academic said.

"Banning coal use in homes will have a limited effect," said Wu Lixin from the China Coal Research Institute. "Instead, we should work toward the efficient use of high-quality coal across the board."

Enforcement has long been regarded as the weak link in China's efforts to curb pollution, and other experts questioned the sustainability of this approach, given the country's lack of natural gas deposits.

Chai from the Chinese Research Academy of Environmental Sciences said both domestic production of natural gas and imports have gone up in recent years, but this increase has not been enough to make up for the drop in coal use that is predicted after the new policy takes effect.

China has vast untapped coal but mostly relied on imports for its natural gas needs, said Tao from the China-Germany Renewable Energy Cooperation Center. The selective ban on coal would push up demand for imported fuel and undermine the country's energy security.

Tao offers an example to illustrate this. Authorities in Beijing, Tianjin and Hebei were forced to suspend liquefied natural gas supplies to businesses in December 2015 due to a delay in shipments, he said. Problems like this could easily disrupt energy supplies to homes and businesses because China was still slowing building its natural gas reserves, Tao added, whereas countries like Germany had reserves enough for three months to cushion such shocks.

Tao also said Germany adopted a simpler solution to curbing emissions than pushing millions to switch to costlier fuels.

When Berlin was under pressure to rein in pollution, policymakers did not abandon coal, but instead worked to make burning coal more efficient. Coal used in small boilers and private homes in Germany emitted 5% of the pollutants that similar facilities produced in China, he said, hinting it might be time for Beijing to rethink its plans.

Contact reporter Li Rongde (rongdeli@caixin.com); editor Poornima Weerasekara (poornima@caixin.com)
A Silver Lake couple who disappeared after leaving on a road trip to the desert has been found safe near the U.S.-Mexico border, more than 200 miles away from their home, authorities said Friday.

Aaron Morganstein, 33, and Mariya "Masha" Mitkova, 27, were located in good health, authorities said.

A friend said in an email to NBC4 that the couple became lost while hiking and drank their own urine to conserve water during a five-day ordeal that ended when they found a utility worker, who then contacted the U.S. Border Patrol.

They were found Friday morning on Black Mountain Road, south of an immigration checkpoint, Fidel Cabrera, a special operations supervisor for the U.S. Border Patrol Yuma Sector said in an email.

Border Patrol agents offered snacks and water to the couple who refused medical treatment and dropped them off at the Blythe Station Border Patrol Immigration Checkpoint.

Authorities had thought the couple were headed to Joshua Tree National Park or the Imperial Sand Dunes, and sought public help when they couldn't be reached.



A friend said in an email to NBC4 that the couple became lost while hiking and drank their own urine to conserve water during a five-day ordeal that ended when they found a utility worker, who then contacted the U.S. border patrol.



"There are so many ideas we have of what they could have done, but none of it at this point makes any sense," said Steffanie Walk, a friend.



Briana Gonzales said it was unusual that the couple, well-known in their local arts community, didn't call out of work.



The couple's friends set up at GoFundMe page for their search and hired a private helicopter company to comb the High Desert.

Close friend, Michael Kingsey, said the couple grew weary with each freezing night.

"Dude, we are so happy we are alive," he read from a text message Mitkova sent him Friday morning. "There were some points where we didn't think we'd make it."



Mitkova's parents said they were relieved.



"She said, 'Mama, you don't even imagine what we came through'" said her mother, Tatyana Putra, from her home in Portland, Oregon. "I was sure we would die."

Hetty Chang contributed to this report.
Los Angeles Auto Show: It's fitting that one of the planet's premier vehicle gatherings should be in a city that's synonymous with both cars and the world of tomorrow. "What's next" is very much the vibe around the Los Angeles Convention Center, which will absolutely teem with dream machines from Friday, Nov. 18 through Sunday, Nov. 27. Applause-big unveilings, test drives, and "GO, a showcase of cutting-edge mobility tech" will all play a part in the engine-powerful extravaganza.

11th Annual Great Los Angeles Walk: Hands down  or sneaker soles down, rather  this is one of the cheeriest, eatiest, make-friends-iest happenings around, and it lavishes some love on our stellar city, too. Walk from downtown to Santa Monica via Pico Boulevard while exploring restaurants and more. It's free, but bring cash for snacking and such. Saturday, Nov. 19

Snow! Los Angeles Debuts: Los Angeles can be a whimsical place, what with the movies and all, but we're going to guess that you never believed you'd go tubing near Dodger Stadium. That's about to become a reality at this seasonal play park, which includes "9 acres of stunning winter wonderland!" and a light show featuring glowing snowman. The snow is cold, on select dates, through Dec. 23.

LA Zoo Lights Opens: It isn't often, in our day-to-day lives, that we encounter a "giant illuminated snake," but you can say you did see such a beastie should you call upon this glow-big, animal-sweet spectacular. The real residents are tucked up each night, but then oodles of LED bulbs get to glowing in all sorts of displays. Special happy hours on select nights, mind-growing talks, and more await at the Griffith Park destination through Jan. 8.

Knott's Merry Farm Opens: People often describe Santa's digs at the North Pole as icy and snowy, but here in California we sometimes like to see Mr. Claus in a rustic, Old-West-y setting. That's just where you'll find the elf should you visit the Buena Park theme park starting on Saturday, Nov. 19. Santa's Christmas Cabin is a centerpiece of the park's Ghost Town, but look for other seasonal details, too, through Jan. 8.
What to Know Six-year-old Alex wrote President Obama a letter in September offering to take in a well-known Syrian refugee boy

The boy, Omran Daqneesh, was on front pages worldwide after being photographed in an ambulance in Aleppo

The video of Alex reading his letter has already been seen more than 28 million times

The world was horrified by images of a wounded Syrian child sitting dazed and bloodied in an ambulance after an airstrike in Aleppo in August, but a 6-year-old from New York who offered the boy a home lifted peoples' spirits.

That boy has now gone to Washington to meet President Barack Obama.

The White House posted a copy in late September of the handwritten letter from "Alex" to President Obama. Alex asks the president to bring the boy, identified as Omran Daqneesh, "who was picked up by the ambulance in Syria" to his home in Scarsdale.

"Can you please go get him and bring him," he wrote. "We'll be waiting for you guys with flags, flowers, and balloons. We will give him a family and he will be our brother."

On Thursday night, the White House posted video of Alex and his family meeting the president last week.

"I was very proud of you," the president told Alex in an Oval Office meeting.

Obama shared Alex's letter at a UN refugee summit in New York City in September, telling world leaders that the letter was from a child "who hasn't learned to be cynical, or suspicious, or fearful of other people because of where theyre from, or how they look, or how they pray, and who just understands the notion of treating somebody that is like him with compassion, with kindness."

"We can all learn from Alex," the president noted.

A video of the boy reading his letter has been viewed more than 28 million times on Facebook.

EFE

The Syrian boy's three siblings and parents were also rescued from the rubble after their building in Aleppo was bombed. His 10-year-old brother died as a result of injuries. One of the cameramen who filmed him said he had never seen such a look of shock on a child's face.

The image of the stunned and weary looking boy, sitting in an orange chair inside an ambulance covered in dust and with blood on his face, encapsulated the horrors inflicted on the war-ravaged northern city and was widely shared on social media.

[NATL] 700,000 Children Are Refugees From Syrian War: UN
Argentina's security ministry said on Thursday that the country has extradited a suspected Colombian drug boss to the United States to face cocaine trafficking charges.

The Telam state news agency reported that federal police agents escorted Henry Lopez Londono from his prison cell to Ezeiza international airport in Buenos Aires early Thursday. He was handed to U.S. authorities and put on a plane on his way to Florida.

Authorities allege that the 45-year-old Lopez Londono is the leader of the "Urabenos" gang. He was arrested on the outskirts of Buenos Aires in 2012.

Lopez Londono has proclaimed his innocence and said he was set up by Colombian police and the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration. He also said that he was politically persecuted and asked for political asylum, but Argentina rejected the request.
A classroom assistant has been removed from a Broward elementary school amid allegations she was aggressively handling young special needs students.

The allegations involve four students ages four and five who attend Collins Elementary School in Dania Beach, according to a Broward Sheriff's Office incident report released Thursday.

The report said a BSO child protection investigator responded to the school last week to investigate a report of a staff member "aggressively handling" pre-kindergarten students.

No injuries were reported or observed on any students, the report said. The staff member was removed from any further contact with students pending an investigation.

Broward County Public School officials said the employee was removed from the school and has been reassigned.

"The District takes any allegation involving student safety seriously. Upon becoming aware of allegations regarding a classroom assistant, school administration took swift action and immediately removed the employee from the classroom. School administration contacted all appropriate agencies, including the Districts Special Investigation Unit," the school district said in a statement. "An investigation regarding these allegations is currently underway. The school continues to work with all agencies involved. The safety of our students is our Districts highest priority."
A rally was being held in northwest Miami-Dade Thursday as the search continues for the killers of 8-year-old Jada Page.

"Some days I am sad and some days I am angry because who ever did this is walking around and I don't have my baby," mother Rosalind Brown told NBC 6.

Brown remains heartbroken as the holidays approach without her little girl. Page was killed this summer in a senseless shooting.

Brown said she had a really difficult time on Halloween because her daughter loved getting all dressed up. Now Thanksgiving is almost here and the killers are still on the loose.

"I cry a lot more now and I don't know why. People say I am so strong, I just feel like I get strength just getting up in the morning," Brown said.

In late August Jada died after a drive by shooting in northwest Miami-Dade. Her father was wounded but survived. To date, no leads have gotten detectives to the killers.

"I feel like we should get some sort of justice. I mean, she deserves that. She didn't deserve that you know. I just feel like somebody knows something. I'm praying that somebody will find it in themselves to say something," Brown said. "It won't bring her back but it will ease it to know that someone is paying for what they did to her."

At Miami-Dade Crime Stoppers, patience is a virtue.

"It tells you that they are dangerous individuals who probably have committed crimes before and it's in our best interest to get them off the streets before it happens again," Miami-Dade Police Sgt. Rufus BoClair said.

Brown said she finds some solace being with her child where she is buried.

"Most days I just get up and I find myself at the cemetery. That's the only type of comfort I get," she said. "I know she's right there if I don't know anything else."

Police hope to find two men who were inside a dark vehicle who fired the shots and took off. Those at the rally hope the holidays will bring someone to do the right thing.

The reward is more than $25,000. You can call Crime Stoppers at 305-471-TIPS.
Thousands of electronic music fans in South Florida can now begin to get excited. The Ultra Music Festival has released the first phase of its 2017 lineup.

Ice Cube, Justice, Major Lazer, The Prodigy, and the Underworld have been announced as live headliners for the three-day music festival being held March 24-26 in downtown Miami.

Afrojack, Alesso, David Guetta, Dubfire, Hardwell, Steve Aoki, Tiesto, and many more acts have been named as DJ headliners.

The music festival attracts hundreds of thousands of music fans locally and internationally to South Florida each year. An estimated 165,000 fans attended the 18 and over event in 2016.

The festival has reported that payment plan tickets are completely sold out, while only a limited number of general admission and VIP tickets are still available.

Click here for a complete list of the 2017 lineup, ticket prices and more details.
Retired Lt. Gen. Michael Flynn, the man Donald Trump has reportedly asked to be his national security adviser, built a reputation in the Army as an astute intelligence professional and a straight talker.

What set Flynn apart after he shed his uniform in 2014 was the blistering public criticism he quickly leveled at the White House and Pentagon, taking issue with a wide range of national security policies, including the administration's approach to fighting the Islamic State group and, more generally, its handling of global affairs.

In recent public comments, including his fiery address at the Republican National Convention, Flynn has emphasized his view that the threat posed by IS requires a more aggressive U.S. military, as well as his belief that Washington should work more closely with Moscow. Flynn is a champion of other foreign policy themes Trump pushed during the campaign, including renegotiating the Iran nuclear deal.

But Flynn's warmth toward Russia and antagonism toward what conservatives rail against as "radical Islam" have worried some national security experts. Flynn traveled last year to Moscow, where he joined Russian President Vladimir Putin and other Russian officials in a celebration of the RT network, a Russian government-controlled television channel. Flynn later explained that he had been paid for taking part in the event, but brushed aside concerns that he was aiding a Russian propaganda effort.

Flynn has also been outspoken in his warnings about the dangers of Islamist groups, complaining on CNN in June that the U.S. needs to "discredit" radical Islam, but that "we're not allowed to do that right now." He accused the Obama administration in a New York Post op-ed in July of failing to design a coherent strategy for opposing the Islamic State group. And in August, he spoke at an event in Dallas for the anti-Islamist group Act for America, saying that Islam "is a political ideology" and that it "definitely hides behind being a religion."

Flynn's dark warnings about Islam have not extended to the Islamist-leaning authoritarian Turkish government headed by President Recep Tayyip Erdogan. In an op-ed for the Washington newspaper The Hill just before the election, Flynn wrote that "our ally Turkey" needs support and echoed Erdogan's warnings that a "shady" Turkish leader now exiled in Pennsylvania should not be given safe harbor in the U.S. Erdogan has called for the extradition of the exile, Fethullah Gullen, but the Obama administration has made no move to comply.

This alignment of views, coupled with his outspokenness, could make Flynn a particularly useful ally to Trump and counterweight to those senior military officers who have been leery of deeper U.S. involvement in the Middle East as well as those convinced that Russia's aggression in Ukraine demands a harsher U.S. response.

Flynn's military experience might have made him seem like a natural choice to lead the Pentagon. But without a waiver from Congress, he is not eligible to be secretary of defense because federal law says "a person may not be appointed as secretary of defense within seven years after relief from active duty as a commissioned officer." Flynn retired from the Army after two turbulent years as director of the Defense Intelligence Agency, the Pentagon's top spy agency.

As Trump's national security adviser he would not require Senate confirmation.

I am pleased that Lieutenant General Michael Flynn will be by my side as we work to defeat radical Islamic terrorism, navigate geopolitical challenges and keep Americans safe at home and abroad, President-elect Trump said in a statement.

Flynn, who turns 58 in December, is a native of Middletown, Rhode Island. He graduated from the University of Rhode Island in 1981 with a degree in management science and was commissioned a second lieutenant in military intelligence. He held various positions in military intelligence throughout his career, including director of intelligence for the Joint Chiefs of Staff, and the top intelligence officer for the commander of the U.S.-led international military coalition in Afghanistan in 2009-10.

According to a biography published by the DIA during his time as its director, Flynn's academic credentials include three graduate degrees: a master's in telecommunications from Golden Gate University; a master's in military arts and sciences from the U.S. Army Command and General Staff College at Fort Leavenworth, Kansas; and a master's in national security and strategic studies from the U.S. Naval War College at Newport, Rhode Island.

He drew public attention in January 2010, during his time in Afghanistan, for his unorthodox decision to have a Washington think tank, the Center for a New American Security, publish his critique of the U.S. intelligence system in Afghanistan.

The report said: "Having focused the overwhelming majority of its collection efforts and analytical brainpower on insurgent groups, the vast intelligence apparatus is unable to answer fundamental questions about the environment in which U.S. and allied forces operate."

After he announced in April 2014 that he would step down as director of the DIA, Flynn asserted that he had been forced out because he disagreed with the administration's approach to combating extremism. His critics, however, claimed he had mismanaged the agency and that his efforts to force change had met with internal resistance.

With his public and fervent support for Trump, highlighted by his July convention appearance, Flynn challenged the military's apolitical traditions. He was not alone in that role. John Allen, a retired Marine general, spoke at the Democratic National Convention as a Clinton supporter. Their former colleague, retired Gen. Martin Dempsey, wrote in The Washington Post that Flynn and Allen were wrong to have participated as they did.

"The military is not a political prize," Dempsey wrote. "The American people should not wonder where their military leaders draw the line between military advice and political preference."

Flynn would not be the first retired general to be asked to serve as part of a president's national security team. Obama appointed retired Army Gen. David Petraeus as CIA director in 2011.

Colin Powell, who had served as chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff at the pinnacle of his Army career, became secretary of state during President George W. Bush's first term. He also served as national security adviser to President Ronald Reagan from 1987 to 1989 while retaining his Army commission as a lieutenant general.

Retired Marine Gen. James Jones, a former commander of U.S. and NATO forces in Europe, served as Obama's first national security adviser.
A proposal by a U.S. congressional panel to ban Chinese state-owned enterprises from buying U.S. firms was "hawkish" toward China, an American think tank said Friday, amid concerns over U.S. President-elect Donald Trump's protectionist stance.

Chinese state-backed companies should be prohibited from "acquiring or gaining effective control of U.S. companies" because they are used by Beijing "as a tool to pursue social, industrial, and foreign policy objectives," the U.S.-China Economic and Security Review Commission said Wednesday in its annual report to Congress.

The commission is tasked with monitoring trade and security links between the two countries.

The report shows "a hawkish stance on China," said Daniel Rosen, founding partner of research company Rhodium Group, at a news conference in Beijing. "It's a very difficult suggestion to actually implement," he said.

The commission's proposal came after Trump's election earlier this month as the next U.S. president sparked wide concerns over the future of Sino-U.S. economic relations because of his endorsement of trade protectionism during his campaign. Trump has promised to label China a currency manipulator and impose a punitive 45% tariff on Chinese imports.

The world's two largest economies have developed closely intertwined interests over the past 25 years with China's reform and opening-up.

Their investment ties are even deeper than official figures have indicated, according to a study led by New York-based Rhodium and the National Committee on U.S.-China Relations released on Monday.

The study found that American investors had funneled $228 billion into China between 1990 and 2015, more than three times that recorded by the U.S. Bureau of Economic Analysis. China invested more than $64 billion in the United States during the period, 56% more than official Chinese data showed.

China's Foreign Ministry on Thursday blasted the commission's report as "again revealing the commission's stereotypes and prejudices."

"We have always encouraged Chinese companies to abide by local laws and regulations and make overseas investment based on market principles," ministry spokesman Geng Shuang said at a briefing.

"We hope that countries will create a fair and healthy environment for investment by Chinese companies," he said.

Contact reporter Fran Wang (fangwang@caixin.com); editor Calum Gordon (calum@caixin.com)
Saturday Night Live vet Jason Sudeikis makes a convincing stage debut as an unorthodox New England prep school teacher in the world premiere of Dead Poets Society, a new play based on the popular film. Its just opened at the Classic Stage Company.

I cherish the 1989 movie, which starred Robin Williams as a teacher at, and alumnus of, Welton Academyor, Hell-ton, as generations of students have sarcastically called it. Aside from Williams, the film was an early showcase for the skills of Robert Sean Leonard, Ethan Hawke and Josh Charles.

You have to feel for an actor who would dare follow in Williamss footsteps as John Keating, a colorful academic who encourages his students with a cry of Carpe diem! Sudeikis turns out to be an excellent fit, not mimicking the late comedian, but bringing his own mischievous charm and wicked wit to the part.

This production is written by Academy Award winner Tom Schulman, and adapted from his own screenplay.

Director John Doyle, the CSC chief and respected Sondheim interpreter, has, as is his way, stripped down Dead Poets to the essentials. The set at the tiny CSC is a wall of books as backdrop, and not much else. The schoolboys remove books from the shelves to form chairs  when theyre not ripping out pages, on the advice of their teacher.

The half-dozen actors portraying Keatings malleable charges perform double-duty as ushers, distributing programs before the start of the 2-hour show. We meet them as they, and then Sudeikis, whistle and sing Weltons school song.

The students eventually reanimate the poetry-worshiping society of the title, an old club they learn about when they find the yearbook from Mr. Keatings graduating class. Full membership required a lifetime of apprenticeship, Mr. Keating explains, when the boys press him. The living were simply pledges.

The two teens around whom most of the story turns are Neil Perry (Thomas Mann), whose stern father (Stephen Barker Turner) becomes furious when his son takes an interest in acting; and Todd Anderson (Zane Pais), a stuttering, withdrawn lad whose personality emerges when Mr. Keating introduces him to Whitman and the like.

Mann and Pais both bring sensitivity to the stage. Cody Kostro is equally on point as their rebellious classmate Charlie Dalton, who will later adopt the personality of Nuwanda, painting an Indian symbol for virility across his chest. The main villain of the story is headmaster Paul Nolan (the excellent David Garrison, a CSC regular).

So many properties these days get a stage treatment because producers know some patrons will buy tickets just because something is familiar. In this instance, Dead Poets Society stands on its own as an effective work of drama, even for a generation of audiences who may have no idea what preceded it.

Dead Poets Society, through Dec. 18 at CSC, 136 E. 13th St. Tickets: Extremely limited. Call 866-811-4111 for inquiries.

Follow Robert Kahn on Twitter@RobertKahn
What to Know Two men have been charged in the slaying of a Hofstra grad whose body was found in NJ this week; one of them has a criminal record

Donald Trump is continuing his transition to the presidency as President Obama meets with leaders in Europe

Volkswagen said it will shed 30,000 jobs to cut costs in the wake of its diesel emissions scandal

Get the top headlines of the day in your morning briefing from NBC 4 New York, Monday through Friday. Sign up for our newsletter here.

2 Charged in Slaying of Hofstra Grad

Two men have been arraigned in the case of missing Hofstra grad Joey Comunale, who was stabbed 15 times in the chest in a luxury Manhattan apartment and then buried in a shallow grave in New Jersey. James Rackover, 25, and Lawrence Dilione, 28, both face charges of second-degree murder, concealment of a corpse and tampering with evidence. It recently came to light that Rackover was born James Beaudoin in Florida and has a criminal record. He changed his last name to Rackover after meeting New York jeweler-to-the-stars Jeffery Rackover, who took him in as a son, according to a friend of the jeweler.

Trump Continues Transition, Obama in Europe

Trump Tower, always a popular spot for visitors, has become even more of a spectacle since Election Day, with the selfie stick-toting thatch of gawkers mixing with, and sometimes posing with, the heavily armed police. Officials are mulling how to effectively secure the stretch of Fifth Avenue outside of Donald Trumps home, as well as surrounding streets. Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe said he believes Donald Trump is a leader in whom he can have great confidence after meeting with the president-elect Thursday. Meanwhile, President Barack Obama joined the leaders of key European countries in Germany on Friday to discuss an array of security and economic challenges facing the trans-Atlantic partners as the U.S. prepares for Trump to take office in January.

More Trump News

In other Trump news, a Chinese businessman who produces high-tech toilets under the Trump Toilet name said that it's all just a coincidence. CEO Zhong Jiye said he made his trademark application more than a decade ago "without knowing the existence of the person Trump. In Chinese, the company name means "innovate universally." Meanwhile, the man who appeared in a video and said he didn't regret using a pick ax and sledgehammer to destroy Trump's star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame has been charged with a felony.

Volkswagen Cuts Thousands of Jobs

Automaker Volkswagen says it will shed 30,000 jobs to cut costs as it tries to recover from its diesel emissions scandal and invests more in electric-powered vehicles and digital services. Company officials said at a news conference in Wolfsburg, Germany, on Friday that 23,000 of the job cuts will come in Germany. It said the measures will save some 3.7 billion euros a year from 2020.

Google in the News

Developers at Jigsaw, Google's think-tank, are two months into a pilot project called Redirect, which aims to push web users searching for jihadist information toward content designed to counter the slick tools of terrorist recruitment, NBC News reported. Through Redirect, someone searching for details about life as an ISIS fighter might be offered links to independently produced videos that detail the hardships and dangers of going to fight. Meanwhile, some Google users who have violated the companys policies say theyve been cut you off from their Gmail account, online photos and other vital digital services. "This is like a digital death sentence, one man said.

Cookie Dunking Record

A 24-year-old man broke a Guinness World Record when he bungee jumped 240 feet and dunked a cookie in a cup of tea. Watch the video of the bungee dunk.

Kidman on Fallon

Jimmy Fallon kept getting distracted by Nicole Kidman on the Tonight Show. Fallons infatuation eventually led to Kidmans husband Keith Urban serenading her on stage.
An emergency operations center in Mount Vernon that was meant to protect the public in a disaster is now in shambles and the political fingerpointing is costing taxpayers, critics say.

The center, located inside a fire station, would be vital to saving lives and property, and could respond to multiple disasters, according to the federal government in 2014.

"It was supposed to be your one-stop shop for safety," said Mount Vernon Mayor Richard Thomas.

But two years and $1 million dollar, the facility isn't even close to done. The rooms remain empty, with no electrical work done and old tiles still on the ground, and the newly installed elevator never used.

As for an explanation for the mess, "there were significant concerns about the cost of the project and quality of the work," said Thomas, blaming city councilman Andre Wallace, whose construction company built out the rooms before he was elected to the council.

Wallace ambushed NBC 4 New York's interview with Thomas with his own cellphone camera rolling.

"You having fun today, mayor? I'm here to join you. Let's get the whole story out," he said.

Wallace's company was paid over $900,000 from a federal grant for the construction work on the emergency operations center. But Thomas is refusing to pay a remaining $234,000 -- so Wallace sued.

The mayor said, "Federal regulators came down and took a look. Not up to standards. We were told we may have to pay back the government $1 million because of what we face now."

But 4-Investigates found that the federal government, via state inspectors, did approve the work that's been done so far, and last month a judge ruled the city had to pay Wallace because "the record does not show that the city has ever claimed defective work."

The mayor said that's because records have gone missing. Wallace believes it's nothing but political payback.

The bitter fight between two city leaders who were once campaign buddies shows no signs of abating. Thomas walked away from the confrontation with Wallace while NBC 4 cameras were rolling but soon returned to show video of workers he claims were underpaid by Wallace's company.

"You got workers cheated out of their wages," Thomas said.

Wallace responded, "He needs to be in jail with the rest of them... he's a criminal, the guy's a criminal."

The bottom line, according to City Council President Marcus Griffith, is that the whole feud is "quite shameful."

In the end, taxpayers are the ones who will end up paying the most if the feud between two city leaders continues, Griffith said.

"The city needs to pay it and we need to stop incurring late fees and interest in the meantime," he said.
Authorities say a New Jersey man was arrested after racking up over 300 toll violations and failing to pay more than $20,000 in tolls and fees.

The Port Authority of New York and New Jersey said in a statement that James Clicerio, of Old Bridge, New Jersey, was arrested on Thursday after failing to pay a toll at the Outerbridge Crossing connecting Staten Island and Perth Amboy.

Officials say Clicerio was driving a white Mercury SUV when he was pulled over and an officer discovered he had five EZ Pass accounts and 323 violations.

The fees and violations totaled $20,869.

It's unclear whether Clicerio has an attorney who can comment on his behalf.

Clicerio faces larceny and obstructing governmental administration charges.
What to Know Newark, LaGuardia and JFK airports are the worst airports for holiday cancellations, according a study done by MileCard.com

The Wednesday before Thanksgiving, Christmas Day and December 26 and 27 are the worst days for flight cancellations

Nearly 50 million Americans will be traveling 50 miles or more to see family and friends this Thanksgiving, the most travelers since 2007

Considering the increased number of travelers this Thanksgiving, fliers should prepare for delays, especially if they're traveling to or from one of the tri-states' three major airports.

Of the 50 busiest airports for holiday travel, Newark Airport ranked the worst, with flights nearly three times more likely to be canceled than at other airports. Flights from LaGuardia and JFK have cancellation rates about twice the national average.

Travelers heading to or from Honolulu and Oakland, California, will be considerably less stressed, as both airports have cancellation rates significantly lower than the rest of the country.

The travel reward agency analyzed the cancellation rates of more than 1.5 million Thanksgiving and December holiday flights nationwide based on data collated from the Department of Transportation from 2010 to 2015.

Arriving early for the holiday is your best bet since flights are twice as likely to be canceled the Wednesday before Thanksgiving than on any other day that weekend.

If you're traveling to or from Greensboro, North Carolina, call the family and let them know you'll be late for dinner: it's the worst Thanksgiving travel route, with 8 percent of flights canceled.

Plan ahead for Christmas if you're going from Newark to Pittsburgh or vice versa: nearly 20 percent of flights on this route are canceled during the December holiday.

MileCards.com advises fliers to look out for the words 'operated by' and 'DBA' when searching for flights or scanning your itinerary: these are signs you're on a regional carrier, which could mean a significantly higher risk of flight cancellations. Avoid booking with Jet Blue and Spirit, the worst among major airlines during holidays.

Nearly 50 million Americans will journey 50 miles or more to see their loved ones for the holidays this year, a 2 percent increase from 2015 and the highest volume of travelers since 2007, AAA said.
A spokesman for a pro-Donald Trump super PAC cited World War II internment camps as "precedent" for a Muslim registry proposed the president-elects transition team during an interview Wednesday night on Fox News  comments that elected officials and community leaders are widely condemning.

"I know the ACLU is going to challenge it, but I think it will pass. We've done it with Iran back a while ago. We did it during World War II with Japanese," Carl Higbie, a former Navy SEAL and Trump supporter, told host Megyn Kelly.

"You're not proposing we go back to the days of internment camps, I hope," Kelly responded. "You can't be citing Japanese internment camps as precedent for anything the President-elect is going to do."

Higbie pushed back, arguing the president needs to "protect America first and if that means having people that are not protected under our constitution have some sort of registry so we can understand...until we can identify the true threat and where it's coming from, I support it."

In a statement Wednesday morning, Democratic National Committee National Press Secretary Mark Paustenbach criticized a "Muslim registry" as a "shameful and dangerous start" to Trump's presidency.
A Dover woman accused of having sex with her daughter's 13-year-old boyfriend has pleaded guilty to rape.

Forty-six-year-old Elaine B. Goodman pleaded guilty Friday to one count of fourth-degree rape. She faces up to 15 years in prison when sentenced in January.

Goodman was arrested in November following an investigation by Smyrna police.

Police have said they received a report in March 2015 alleging an inappropriate relationship between Goodman and the boy.

Goodman was charged with third-degree rape, fourth-degree rape, unlawful sexual contact, and sexual solicitation of a child.
Local and federal law enforcement in two states are eyeing a group of men in an series of alleged thefts at Macy's, Bloomingdale's and Boyds department stores and an auto dealership.

Four men were arrested in North Philadelphia Tuesday by the FBI Violent Crimes task force after city officers spotted a stolen SUV used as a getaway car parked along the 3200 block of Turner Street, officials said.

They were nabbed after FBI agents and local police set up surveillance of the stolen SUV, which had a distinctive license plate for the DARE program.

The suspects -- 46-year-old Louis Mathis; 30-year-old Hasan Knight; 39-year-old Jermaine Ricky Johnson; and 27-year-old Marquis Taylor -- are charged in a theft at Macy's in Moorestown, New Jersey.

Surveillance video captured three men walking into the Moorestown Mall store on Sunday and grabbing $5,300 worth of Polo Ralph Lauren coats from a display, police said. The men then got into a dark colored SUV and sped off.

A short time later that day, the same SUV was spotted outside the Macy's in Center City Philadelphia. Store security told police the same group of men cased the store's Polo Ralph Lauren display twice -- entering and exiting the Market Street store in between. They then left without taking anything.

The next day, the men were spotted casing the same display, and again left without taking anything, officials said. The piled into the black SUV once again.

Law enforcement believe the SUV was one of two vehicles stolen from the service center at the Faulkner Infiniti in Willow Grove, Pennsylvania earlier this month. The SUV, a black 2011 Infiniti QX56, and a slate blue 2013 Infiniti G37 sedan went missing from the dealership on November 6th.

Investigators are now looking into whether the men were involved with two other high-profile thefts in recent weeks at three other department stores.

In a brazen, early morning theft at Boyds in Center City this October, a group of men used a red Toyota to smash into the Walnut Street store's display window. They took $45,000 in handbags and accessories from the high-end clothing store, police said.

The group sped off in that red sedan and a silver Mercedes sedan.

Police believe the same Mercedes was used as a getaway car after a theft at the Northeast Philadelphia Macy's on Election Day. The suspects used a hammer to smash open a watch display case, taking Movado watches worth $16,000, according to police.

The both the Toyota and Mercedes were later recovered by Philadelphia Police.

The third theft happened at the Bloomingdale's in Willow Grove on November 7th. Police said men snatched 35 Burberry coats before jumping into a black Infiniti SUV waiting outside. Investigators believe the SUV is the same one stolen from the nearby dealership the day before and later used in the other incidents.

As of now, each suspect only faces one count of theft, but officials are determine if there is a link between all of the crimes. It's not clear if the men have retained legal counsel.
One year after a man's threats put a suburban Philadelphia high school on lockdown, a new threat raised alarms at the Montgomery County School.

Methacton High School on Kriebel Mill Road in Eagleville, Pennsylvania issued a shelter in place order Friday morning.

"At approximately 10:45 a.m., Methacton High School administration became aware of a threat inscribed on a bathroom stall," said a message posted to the school's website. "The School Resource Officer and MHS Administration began an immediate investigation, and Lower Providence and State police were notified. A shelter in place (students are in classrooms with doors closed, and will not change classes at this time) was ordered at 11:15 in order to maintain student safety and conduct an investigation."

The school lifted the shelter in place order around 12:25 p.m., said the school's website.

Officers would remain on campus through the rest of the school day to ensure student safety, said the school.

Friday's threat came one year exactly after Methacton went into lockdown after a man allegedly threatened his ex-girlfriend on Instagram. That 21-year-old man was arrested after he threatened harm to the woman's younger siblings who attended Methacton.
Narcotics officers believe a dangerous batch of heroin may be to blame for a surge in overdoses in Philadelphia's worst drug-stricken neighborhoods.

Detectives tell NBC10 nearly 50 people overdosed Thursday in the department's East Division, an area commonly called The Badlands, that encompasses Kensington and parts of North Philadelphia.

So far, there are no reported deaths from the spike. Many may have been brought back to consciousness using the overdose reversal drug naloxone.

Police are conducting lab tests to determine if a so-called 'bad batch' of heroin is on the street.

Heroin in Philadelphia is some of the purest in the nation ranging between 80 and 90 percent, officials explained earlier this year as part of our special investigation into the epidemic.

Sometimes, the drugs are cut with dangerous chemicals like rat poison. In other cases, much stronger synthetic opioids like fentanyl or new lab-cooked derivatives are mixed in to produce a stronger high -- often with deadly consequences.

Deaths from fentanyl skyrocketed by 636 percent over the past year in Philadelphia. In May, the city's narcotic's chief said his officers were monitoring a potential infiltration of W-18, another synthetic painkiller that, when mixed with heroin, can be 10,000 times stronger than morphine.

Overdose surges have also been reported in Ohio and parts of the Midwest recently.

People taking opioids can quickly grow tolerant to the highs prescription painkillers and heroin provide. Excruciatingly painful withdrawals follow. These falls get worse with each cycle so users seek out stronger highs, putting them at further risk with every score.

Over the course of our special investigation, heroin users in the throes of withdrawal explained they would, at times, seek out the strongest drug available -- sometimes flocking toward heroin batches that caused others to overdose.

The overdose surge came on the same day the U.S. Surgeon General asked the public not to characterize addiction as "a character flaw."

Dr. Vivek Murthy called for increased access to treatment to help those suffering from the disease.
An eastern Pennsylvania couple will plead guilty to sneaking a Nigerian woman into the country so she could work as their nanny.

Gilbert Scutti is the attorney for the Palmer Township couple charged by federal prosecutors in Allentown.

He tells The Morning Call that John and Godever Ibechem  native Nigerians but now U.S. citizens  learned of the woman through relatives in their native land. The woman was homeless and posed as John Ibechem's mother so she could enter the United States in 2009.

The couple was charged last week with conspiracy to violate immigration laws and not paying the woman at least minimum wage. The woman worked for the couple until September 2014.

A guilty plea hearing hasn't been scheduled.

Scutti says it was a "win-win" arrangement "until it went sideways."
An off-duty police officer was shot while shielding his young son from gunfire along a North Philadelphia street Friday evening.

Angelo Romero, an officer in the department's 15th District, and the 2-year-old were standing along Parrish Street near 10th around 4:45 p.m. when two or three teens come around the corner with guns.

Philadelphia Police Commissioner Richard Ross said the teens, who could be between 15 and 18 years old, began firing at each other.

Romero was struck by at least one bullet in the thumb, Ross said. Bullet fragments also peppered his legs and buttocks.

The officer, who was not armed, ran his son into a relative's home and tried to take himself to the hospital, Ross said. The boy was not physically injured, though witnesses said his dad's blood splattered on his face.

A highway officer on patrol nearby rushed to the scene and took Romero to Thomas Jefferson University Hospital.

Ross said it appears Romero was caught in the crossfire and not the intended target.

"He was just so, so lucky. We are so glad that his 2-year-old was not struck and that he took immediate action to protect his son," Ross said.

"We've got these young guys out here with these guns, just wanting violence. It makes no sense," he said.

Investigators combed lawns for evidence using flashlights as twilight took hold over the neighborhood, which is made up of single-family and duplex homes owned by the Philadelphia Housing Authority. The development, named Richard Allen Homes, is just south of Girard Avenue in lower North Philadelphia.

Officers identified several surveillance cameras in the area which they hope caught the shooting on video. Romero believes he can identify at least one of the suspects, Ross said. They remain at large.

Romero is in pain, but is expected to be OK, Ross said. He could be released from the hospital late Friday.

Later Friday, a second shooting took place three blocks away from where Romero was hit. In that shooting at 13th and Parrish, a 38-year-old man was shot eight times inside a car, police said. He died from his injuries.

Police said they are investigating whether there's a link between the two shootings.

Anyone with information is asked to call the Philadelphia Police tipline at 215.686.TIPS.
President-elect Donald Trump claimed Thursday that he convinced the chairman of Ford Motor Co. not to move an assembly plant from Kentucky to Mexico. But Ford never intended to move the plant, just production of one of the vehicles it makes.

Trump said in a tweet that Bill Ford, the company's executive chairman, telephoned him with the news that a "Lincoln plant" would stay in Louisville. Instead Ford decided to keep production of the Lincoln MKC small SUV at the Louisville Assembly Plant. Ford had previously said it would move production of the MKC out of the plant in order to build more Ford Escapes there.

A factory in Cuautitlan, Mexico, was likely to get the MKC. Under a contract negotiated last year with the United Auto Workers, Ford agreed to invest $700 million in the Louisville plant in return for moving the MKC production. Because Escape production would increase, no Louisville jobs would be lost.

It's possible the decision to keep the MKC in Kentucky was made before the election, because Escape sales have been falling since July and additional production capacity in Louisville may not be needed. Ford spokeswoman Christin Baker said she didn't know when that decision was made or if Trump had any impact on it.

"I worked hard with Bill Ford to keep the Lincoln plant in Kentucky. I owed it to the great State of Kentucky for their confidence in me!," Trump said in the tweet claiming credit for Ford's decision.

Ford Motor Co. and Trump have engaged in a yearlong feud over the automaker's plans to move production south of the border. The company plans to shift small-car production from suburban Detroit to Mexico to improve profitability of the lower-priced cars. CEO Mark Fields said Tuesday that the presidential election didn't change the company's plan.

Trump wants to renegotiate the North American Free Trade Agreement and has called for a 35 percent tariff on goods shipped from Mexico in an effort to preserve U.S. manufacturing jobs.

Ford plans to move production of the Focus and C-Max small cars to Mexico from a plant in Wayne, Michigan. But jobs at the Wayne plant would be preserved because it's getting a new SUV and small pickup truck.

Bill Ford met with Trump during the summer and spoke with him on Thursday, Baker said.

"We are encouraged that President-elect Trump and the new Congress will pursue policies that will improve U.S. competitiveness and make it possible to keep production of this vehicle here in the United States," she said in an e-mail.
What to Know Passaic Mayor Alex Blanco pleaded guilty to federal charges on Thursday

Blanco becomes at least the third Passaic mayor to plead guilty or be convicted of a federal crime in the last 25 years

He was first elected in 2008 on a platform of fighting corruption

Passaic Mayor Alex Blanco pleaded guilty to federal bribery charges in a Newark court on Thursday and has resigned from office.

Blanco, 44, admitted to taking $110,000 from two unnamed developers for an affordable housing project in 2011. He signed a plea agreement in September.

"He regrets his actions. He takes responsibility for his actions. He will submit a letter of resignation today," Blanco's attorney told NBC 4 New York.

The Democratic mayor will be sentenced Feb. 23.

The U.S. Attorney's office said Blanco, a podiatrist who was first elected in 2008, approached developers about a project for low-income housing on Paulison Avenue in 2011 and told them they would have to give him a sizeable payment for the project to go forward.

Then, after the city released $216,4000 in federal Department of Housing and Urban Development money for the project, prosecutors said that Blanco arranged another meeting with the developers and accepted $65,000 in bank checks. A few days later he took another $40,000 in cash. He received the final $5,000 several months later.

Prosecutors said that most of the money Blanco took came out of HUD money provided to the developers. U.S. Attorney Paul Fishman said that Blanco's behavior "demonstrates aggressive and appalling greed."

"By soliciting these payments from developers, he took for himself federal money that was intended to help provide housing for the city's poorest residents," Fishman said. "We expect our public officials to behave differently."

As part of the plea agreement, Blanco will pay $110,000 in restitution.

He won office on a platform of fighting corruption after his predecessor Samuel Rivera was convicted of taking bribes in 2008 and made history as the first Dominican-American mayor elected in the U.S. Yet Blanco now becomes the third Passaic mayor in the last 25 years to be convicted of, or plead guilty to, a federal crime.

Former Mayor Joseph Lipari was found guilty of extortion and income tax evasion in 1992.

The community of 70,000 people bills itself as the fastest-growing city in New Jersey.



In a statement, the Passaic City Council said it is moving swiftly to assure the continuity of local government and would be scheduling an emergency meeting to discuss the appointment of an acting mayor.



"Today is a very sad day for us all. Mayor Blanco has been a friend, but his actions constitute a violation of the public trust, and that is simply unacceptable," the statement on behalf of the seven councilmembers said. "His guilty plea today will hopefully allow us all to move forward in the best interests of all of Passaic's residents."
A 2-month-old baby kidnapped by his mother and taken to Mexico is now back in the U.S. and admitted to Rady Children's Hospital in San Diego, the father told NBC 7 on Thursday.

Baby Maximus Garcia was kidnapped last Tuesday from the South Bay Womens Recovery Center in National City after a Child Protective Services (CPS) employee left the baby unsupervised with his mother Erika Ramos Saucedo.

Ramos, 36, did not have custody to Maximus. She fled to Mexico through the San Ysidro Port of Entry.

After a three-day search, authorities found both the mother and son safe in Mazatlan, Mexico. Since then, Maximus had been held at a foster home.

"Yesterday, I had a visit with my son and he has bad congestion. He was very nauseous and sleepy when I saw him," said Jose Garcia, the baby's father.

Garcia said no one has contacted him to let him know how Maximus is doing.

"I would appreciate a phone call tonight letting me know [my] son is okay and he's back safe but I dont even get that courtesy call. I dont," Garcia told NBC 7.

Saucedo was left alone with Maximus even though it was supposed to be a supervised visit, according to the National City Police Department (NCPD). CPS reported the kidnapping to the NCPD at 11:53 a.m. Tuesday, more than two hours after Maximus was taken.

"I dont wish this upon [anybody] in this world," Garcia said.

He added that his son is suffering because someone else made a mistake.

Two (CPS) employees were placed on administrative leave, a spokesperson with San Diego County confirmed with NBC 7 on Tuesday.

The county is investigating the incident.

Meanwhile, Garcia said he will do what it takes to see his son.

"I dont like it. I dont like it at all. Tomorrow in the morning, I'm going to go seek answers if I can get any--where is my son is at? I need to know," he said.
In a campaign season wrought with unsubstantiated claims of a rigged presidential election, now a tight local race could be fueling claims of voter fraud.

The latest numbers show Democrat Doug Applegate about 4,600 votes behind Republican incumbent Darrell Issa in the race to represent the 49th Congressional District.

The race is tight, which is why both sides have hired observers to watch provisional ballots being counted.

But the observers cost money.

In a email to his supporters to raise money, Issa claimed that "the liberals are trying to steal the election."

He is concerned provisional ballots, which are from voters who for various reasons may or may not be eligible to have their votes counted, are not trending in his favor.

In the letter, Issa also writes: "Once the count is that close, democrats will attempt to force the registrars to allow thousands of illegal unregistered voters to influence the election."

"We cannot allow our election to be corrupted by outside influences and illegal votes," he wrote to his supporters.

We will verify all provisional ballots cast at polling places to determine whether they are eligible to be counted, said Michael Wu, from the San Diego Registrar of Voters.

Issa's spokesperson, Calvin Moore, said the email was sent to create a sense of urgency about the close race and the need for money to hire lawyers and observers. He said thats something Applegate is doing, and something traditionally done in every close race.

Applegate spoke with NBC 7 on the phone. He called this consistent behavior from Issa, to make allegations without proof.
A Camp Pendleton Marine veteran met on Thursday with lawmakers in Washington, D.C., to call on the Obama administration to bring his father back from Mexico.

Jorge Alvarez said his father, Jose Alvarez, was deported to Mexico in February after his car was pulled over in Long Beach for having a broken headlight.

He was a legal resident in the 1980s, but a drug conviction in the '90s changed that. After serving time in prison he lived in the country as an undocumented immigrant. When officials discovered this, Alvarez was immediately deported.

Now Jorge Alvarez is hoping President Obama will grant his father humanitarian parole. And theyre worried about the incoming administration.

Its very urgent because Donald Trump has run on the fact that he wants to deport many immigrants, Jorge Alvarez said.
An Oceanside Police Officer made a surprising discovery during a traffic stop on Thursdayfinding more than a million dollars worth of drugs inside the suspect vehicle.

Ricardo Lujan, 44, a resident of San Ysidro, was arrested and charged in federal court in connection to the drug bust.

During a traffic stop around 12:40 a.m. on Harbor Drive in Oceanside, an officer found methamphetamine and cocaine hidden in the floorboards, center console, door panels and other areas of the vehicle.

Approximately 89.50 kilograms of cocaine and 68.90 kilograms of methamphetamine were found during the search.

The officer had noticed that Lujan was driving a vehicle with expired tags and stopped him, according to U.S. Attorney's Office. A Border Patrol K-9 alerted law enforcement of the narcotics.

When agents from the Drug Enforcement Administration and the San Diego Narcotics Task Force searched Lujan's car, they found 99 packages filled with cocaine and 58 packages of methamphetamine.

The narcotics combined are worth more than $2 million.

Lujan is expected to appear in court again on Friday.
San Diego County's Regional Airport Authority is considering an additional tax on ride-hailing companies to offset some of the environmental concerns in light of their popularity.

Ride-hailing applications like Uber and Lyft were allowed to do business at San Diego International Airport a year and a half ago.

The use of Uber and Lyft have become so popular that the Airport Authority is looking for ways to manage the unexpected increase.

Ever since the companies were permitted to function at the airport, business has been great, airport officials said. But the increased activity has led to more cars, traffic and contamination in the area, including concerns over greenhouse gas emissions.

At Lindbergh Field, ride-hailing companies have taken over an estimated 60 percent of the transportation market.

"In terms of consumer response, it's been overwhelmingly positive," said Angela Shafer-Payne, San Diego Airport's Vice President of Operations. "Operationally we've dealt with some hiccups. There's a lot of vehicles coming into the airport now that we are working through and I think we have been successful in trying to figure out the best path for the TNC's to get in and out of the airport."

Before any new tax is voted on, airport authorities are asking for statistics from the ride-sharing companies. Some of that data includes how many rides include carpools, the year and make of the car, and more.

The purpose is to assess the greenhouse gas emissions that are set off by the transportation cars.

Passengers who take a taxi or an uber to the airport already pay a tax.

If yet another tax is approved, it would be charged directly to the transportation company. However, this also opens the door for companies to increase their fees.

On Thursday, the Board decided to extend the pilot program for another two months before it votes on a tax.

Taxi drivers are frustrated with the situation. They argue they have to comply with regulations that other transportation companies don't have to worry about.
Former San Diego television news reporter Tony Tull was arrested Thursday after officers found a loaded handgun in the possession of a toddler in his care.

Tull was approached by officers near 14th and F Streets in the East Village neighborhood just before 8 a.m. after a citizen told officers Tull had pointed a handgun at someone and claimed to be a police officer.

The incident occurred on the campus of Urban Discovery Academy on 14th Street, police said.

Tull was searched but no handgun was found, according to SDPD Sgt. Elmer Edwards. Officers then found the loaded handgun in the possession of a two-year-old boy sitting in a stroller, Edwards said.

Tull was also caring for a 6-year-old child at the time of his arrest, police said.

He was taken into custody on suspicion of child endangerment and bringing a loaded gun to a school campus.

The children were handed over to the custody of their mother, Edwards said.

Tull, the son of Entertainment Tonight host Kevin Frazier, was a former reporter for CW 6 San Diego and WRC-TV in Washington, D.C.
A previously deported Sureno gang member was arrested near downtown Calexico, east of San Diego in Imperial County, El Centro Sector Border Patrol agents said.

Agents first were alerted to the man's presence when they responded to a internal radio notification for a man climbing over the U.S.-Mexico boundary fence, approximately one mile west of the Calexico West Port of Entry, agents said.

When agents arrived on scene, they saw the man running away from the fence.

The man, later identified as a previously deported 25-year old Sureno gang member from Mexico with a criminal record, was arrested for illegal entry into the U.S.

He was taken to the El Centro station for processing. He will be prosecuted for re-entry after removal.

No other information was immediately available.
A surge in border crossings and a lack of immigration jail space have prompted the federal government to start releasing Haitian immigrants who have been entering the country in large numbers in recent months, backtracking on a pledge to jail the migrants.

A U.S. government official told The Associated Press that the decision to free Haitians arriving in Arizona and California is in response to a lack of jail space. The official said releasing immigrants with orders to report later to immigration court is a tactic used when detention space is scarce, under certain humanitarian conditions or as part of efforts to keep families together.

Before the Haitians are released, they are subjected to a criminal background and national security check. The official was not authorized to discuss the matter publicly and insisted on speaking on condition of anonymity.

The influx of migrants and lack of jail space on the border will be one of the most immediate immigration challenges for President-elect Donald Trump, whose hard-line rhetoric on the issue won over conservatives and contributed to his historic upset last week. Trump vowed to build a wall on the border and carry out mass deportations.

Thousands of Haitians have arrived at the U.S. border with Mexico in recent months, many after traveling 7,000 miles by foot, taxi and bus from Brazil through eight nations. They present themselves to border U.S. border inspectors, often at San Diego's San Ysidro port of entry, the nation's busiest crossing.

About 5,000 Haitians had showed up at San Ysidro from October 2015 through late September, overwhelming border inspectors. Immigration and Customs Enforcement Director Sarah Saldana said at a recent congressional hearing that officials told her on a trip to Central America that 40,000 more were on their way.

The Department of Homeland Security last week said there were about 41,000 people in immigration detention facilities, compared to a typical population of 31,000 to 34,000. Secretary Jeh Johnson authorized the acquisition of more bed space for single adults.

The move reverses Johnson's recently announced plans to detain Haitians during deportation proceedings. In late September, Homeland Security began putting Haitians in detention before sending them back to the homeland they fled.

It was unclear how many Haitians have been released since the change. The Department of Homeland Security did not immediately respond to a request for comment.

The large numbers of Haitians arriving in California and Arizona and Central Americans coming across in Texas have put a tremendous strain on the system.

The decision will likely add to the growing backlog of more than half-a-million cases already pending in immigration court. That backlog has effectively meant that immigrants routinely wait years for a judge to decide if they should be kicked out of the country.

At a bus station in Phoenix on Thursday, several Central American women said authorities released them on condition that they promise to appear in immigration court. Yarely Cobon of Guatemala was wearing an ankle monitor and was with her 4-year-old daughter.

Cobon, 22, said she left Guatemala over three weeks ago and crossed the border in Texas. She turned herself in to the Border Patrol and was detained for about six days. Her family paid for a bus ticket to join them in Los Angeles, where she has a court hearing next week.

Cobon said the Border Patrol holding cell where she was held with her daughter was packed with women in children. She called it a "hielero" -- a Spanish term for "freezer" that migrants use to describe the extremely cold holding cells.

"I was just standing, sitting, desperate. There's children crying. It was dirty," Cobon said.

Ana Lidia Dubon Martinez is nearly eight months pregnant with twins and left Honduras with her 11-year-old brother almost a month ago. The pair swam across the river in Matamoros, Mexico, and turned themselves in to border agents in the U.S.

In the meantime, Dubon Martinez is headed to Los Angeles via bus.

The U.S. policy shift announced in September lifted special protections that Haitians got after their country's 2010 earthquake and treats them like immigrants from other countries and regions, including Mexico and Central America. Central Americans, particularly adult men, are often detained until they can be flown home. Mexicans are typically turned around immediately, made possible their country's shared border with the U.S.

Women with children like Cobon and Martinez are often released and given a court date similar to how the government is handling the Haitians.

The new posture hit hurdles when a powerful hurricane struck Haiti, raising more questions about the ability of the Caribbean nation to accept large numbers of its people. The U.S. temporarily suspended deportation flights to Haiti on Oct. 4 but Johnson vowed that Haitians would continue to be detained.
San Diego greeted USS John P. Murtha as it completed its maiden voyage Friday.

The crew of the newest U.S. Navy ship arrived at Naval Base San Diego to crowds of family and friends.

The amphibious transport dock ship was built in Mississippi in the Gulf of Mexico. After four years of construction and sea trials, USS Murtha set sail in August for its new homeport in San Diego.

Four hundred sailors were on board. They are known as plankowners since they are part of the commissioning crew. Thats a special honor not all U.S. Navy personnel get to experience in their careers.

Being a plankowner is awesome, said Ensign Payton Kaleiwahea. The camaraderie and the family  thats something different.

The ship was named in honor of Congressman John P. Murtha who served in the U.S. Marine Corps for 20 years and represented the state of Pennsylvania from 1974 until his death in 2010.
Harry Jaffe, a longtime chronicler of the people and politics of Washington, D.C., writes a column for NBC Washington's First Read DMV blog.

Time to free D.C.! Not from Congress. Nor from the White House. Nor from federal control of the courts.

With Donald Trump about to take up residence at 1600 Pennsylvania Avenue, the time is ripe to free residents of the District from federal taxes.

The new president could propose a tax-free D.C. in his first 100 days.

It wouldnt be the craziest thing Donald Trump has said, from his denial of global warming or his diatribes on immigration or his railing against all environmental regulations.

But on tax incentives for inner cities, he might not be so off base.

Theres precedent in Republican politics, even in D.C. (more on that in a moment). And freeing the District from taxes fits perfectly with the president elects plan to revitalize urban areas. And its a simple fix. From many reports, Donald Trump is drawn to quick and dirty solutions, as opposed to drawn-out policy procedures.

President Trump could even pitch it as a bipartisan approach to solve problems in urban areas. Both parties have proposed similar ideas before.

Way back in 1990 Jesse Jackson and then-Mayor Marion Barry asked then-Delegate Walter Fauntroy to introduce a House bill that would exempt District residents from federal income tax. Fauntroy turned them down.

Five years later, legendary former GOP congressman Jack Kemp advocated exempting District residents from federal taxes as a stimulus for low-income residents. Kemp, who later ran for vice president, was devoted to the District and the well-being of American cities.

In 2000 Delegate Eleanor Holmes Norton introduced legislation to exempt D.C. residents from paying federal taxes, until the District got full voting rights in the House and Senate.

We put the same demand on Congress that the founders of our nation put to King George: Give us our vote, or give us our taxes, Norton said when she introduced her bill.

In 2014 the Internal Revenue Service said it collected $26.4 billion from D.C residents. In fact, those numbers show one reason that my incredible idea is unlikely to fly  the District just isnt as desperate for a middle class as it was back in the day when Barry proposed the idea.

Norton introduced her 2000 bill to make a point, and she later withdrew it. Now shes less dead set against removing federal taxes because the government might reduce services in exchange.

"With the elimination of some of its federal funds, the District would almost surely be compelled to raise local taxes in order to pay for many benefits and services provided by federal funds today," Norton says. Plus: "Many D.C. residents have expressed the view that an exemption from federal income taxes would draw an entirely new, ultra-rich demographic to the District, pushing out even more residents due to an increase in the cost of living, especially housing."

Council member Jack Evans, chairman of the finance committee, likes the idea of as tax free D.C. but agrees it would pack the nation's capital with the rich. They, of course, could pay more in local taxes which could in turn increase affordable housing.

But all that might not matter so much to Donald Trump. On the campaign trail Trump unveiled his urban renewal plan that would, among other things, call for tax holidays to spur inner city investment. In an Oct. 26 speech in Charlotte, N.C., Trump also suggested tax breaks for foreign companies that relocate to blighted neighborhoods.

Why not go all the way and lift the federal tax burden? Imagine how many companies and wealthy individuals would settle in the District. They could generate billions in local taxes, too.

I think its a great idea, says Grover Norquist. The president of Americans for Tax reform has never seen a tax increase worth making. It would give you a model. Why not then in Detroit?

Let's be honest about statehood and full voting rights in Congress. Despite all the fine rhetoric, good intentions and the vote for the statehood referendum, neither will get any traction with Trump in the White House and Republicans controlling both House and Senate. Let's accept this reality and make a trade: keep you vote, we keep our taxes.

President Trump would also have a personal reason to make the District a federal tax free zone. His flagship Trump Hotel on Pennsylvania Avenue would be assured of success in a town where wealthy individuals and corporations set up shop.

Plus, the president wouldn't have to change his tax habits. He hasnt paid federal taxes in decades.

Why start now?
Police throughout the Washington, D.C.-region are responding to a fast rising number of dirt bike thefts, according to a review of police reports by the News4 I-Team.

At least 3,000 off-road vehicles, including motocross bikes, were reported stolen in Virginia and Maryland in each of the past three years.

Some of the thefts included break-ins at dealerships and homes. In at least one case, a Baltimore dirt bike owner was shot and wounded in a robbery attemptas he loaded his sons bike into the family truck.

The theft problem has become so significant, at least two Maryland police departments established specialized task forces to combat the threat.

The Hagerstown Police Department operates a bait bike program to deter thefts. The agency deployed several GPS-monitored decoy bikes in high crime areas in the city, to help detectives quickly track and arrest thieves. Hagerstown Police Detective Nick Varner said the crooks often change the appearance or modify the serial number on the bikes after the theft to cover their tracks.

Almost always the bike has been changed or modified so that it doesn't look the same," he said.

The Baltimore Police Department established a bike theft task force, including three specially trained investigators who probe cases of suspected theft and research the histories of recovered dirt bikes. Sgt. Christopher Warren, who heads the unit, said the vast majority of stolen bikes recovered in Baltimore were taken from owners in other counties and other states.

The city police department stores hundreds of recovered bikes at an agency impound lot. The task force is already making progress in deterring thefts and the illegal riding of dirt bikes on city streets, Warren said.

In one recent theft in Baltimore, the bike owner was shot through the back as he loaded his sons bike for a day of riding at Marylands Budds Creek motocross track. The owner, who requested anonymity, was wounded through the back and stomach, despite handing over the bike to the robbers, according to a police report.

(The robber) said give me your bike," the victim said. "Thats when I started hearing shots.

John Kernan, a Montgomery County dirt bike owner, said armed robbers broke into his garage to steal some of his bikes. Although he confronted the robbers, they didnt shoot at him, Kernan said. Dirt bike thieves are increasingly bold and violent, he said. Kernan now stores his bikes inside his dining room, to help deter future thefts.

The only thing you can do is keep them in your house and hope for the best," he said.
Parents at a second school in Charles County, Maryland, are being warned that their children may have been exposed to tuberculosis (TB).

After one person at La Plata High School was diagnosed with TB, the Charles County Department of Health has expanded its investigation to the Robert D. Stethem Education Center as well.

The person diagnosed with TB also frequented Stethem Educational Center, health department officials said Friday.

Officials did not specify whether the sick person was a student or staff member, or was affiliated with the school in another way.

School officials sent letters home on Friday to staff, parents and students who may have had contact with the TB patient. Health officials identified almost 300 people who need to be screened for the bacterial illness.

Health officials said tuberculosis is spread through the air, usually by coughing or sneezing. "Generally, a person must have prolonged exposure to the person with TB in order to breathe in a sufficient number of TB germs to cause a TB infection," Charles County health officials said in a statement.

Free screenings for the identified individuals will be held at La Plata Dec. 5 and at Stethem Dec. 6. A second round of testings will be conducted 12 weeks later.

"Even if the first test is negative, a second test is needed to ensure a person is not infected with TB," the release said.

TB cannot be transmitted by touch or by sharing eating utensils. It responds well to proper medical treatment, officials said.

Anyone with questions should speak with their doctor or contact the Charles County Department of Health's Communicable Disease Control Program at 301-609-6900, ext. 6025, from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. on weekdays.

Charles County officials say more information about TB is available on their website. A fact sheet is also available on the school system website here.
Two men have been charged after a man was shot and killed during a home invasion in Gaithersburg, Maryland, in October, police say.

Ronald Michael Lone III, 23, was killed on Oct. 24 inside a home in the 7900 block of Muncaster Mill Road.

On Thursday, Montgomery County Police arrested 20-year-old Mohammed Sirleaf, of Gaithersburg, and charged him with first-degree murder, armed robbery, conspiracy to commit first-degree murder and conspiracy to commit first-degree assault.

Timario Makaveli Gregg, 19, has been arrested and charged with possession of a firearm by a minor. Gregg was arrested on Thursday when he was found inside of a stolen vehicle in the 12900 block of Middlebrook Road in Germantown, police said.

Police said detectives discovered a marijuana growing operation at the home where Lone III and his family lived. Investigators believe the suspects' motive was to steal marijuana.

Both suspects are being held without bond.
Shirley Gibson serves a holiday meal every year to hundreds of D.C. police officers, and on Thursday the city honored her for her work.

Metropolitan Police Department officers and Mayor Muriel Bowser surprised Gibson at a Costco store as she went to buy groceries for the huge meal.

"Oh my goodness!" Gibson said as she saw that officers lined the entrance to the store. She clapped her hand to her mouth and began to cry.

Bowser declared Thursday Shirley Gibson Day and gave the Southeast D.C. woman 15 tickets to visit the National Museum of African American History and Culture.

Next week will mark the 20th year Gibson and her husband Harrison will host the annual meal. They serve it in honor of their son, Officer Brian T. Gibson.

At just 27 years old, he was shot and killed Feb. 5, 1997 by a man who wanted to kill any police officer he could find. Officer Gibson is remembered as a kind and excellent officer.

Interim Police Chief Peter Newsham called Shirley Gibson a hero.

"She has dedicated her life since the loss of her son to helping other families who have lost lost their sons in law enforcement," he said.

On Thursday, Shirley Gibson filled shopping carts with enough food to serve at least 300 people inside her home on Dec. 14. Officers who have attended said it's always memorable.

"It's amazing. The love, the peace, the unity. And you can tell that it's truly from the heart," Officer Irene Reyes-Smith of the 4th District said.

Like last year, Shirley Gibson said this holiday meal will be the last she will host.

"We've decided that we'll always be involved with MPD and law enforcement, always. They'll have our love, they'll have our prayers, but we think we're going to let it go at our house," she said.

She said the dinner has helped her heal from the loss of her son. All D.C. police officers are family, she said.
The man investigators said killed his wife and two daughters in a Stafford County home Thursday called 911 to report three murders and a suicide at the address that morning.

That same young father made headlines last year after he disappeared days before his graduation.

Lance Buckley, 35; his wife, Amy, 30; their 5-year-old daughter, Claire Buckley, and 17-month-old daughter, Abigail Buckley, were found dead inside a home in the Windsor Forest subdivision in the northwestern part of the county, according to the sheriff.

Police said Lance Buckley called police Thursday morning to report three murders and a suicide at the address. He identified himself and hung up the phone.

When deputies arrived, they found the bodies in the lower level of the home.

In May 2015, Lance Buckley sparked a missing person search across the region. He disappeared after using a slug line to commute to Howard University, where he was enrolled in a Ph.D. program. He was on his way to campus to pick up graduation materials.

"Sluggers" are commuters who wait for rides from strangers who can then use high-occupancy vehicle lanes on freeways.

Three days later, Lance Buckley was found safe at a campground near Harpers Ferry, West Virginia. At the time, the sheriff's office did not provide information about why Buckley had gone missing.

Neighbor Ruth Martin said she was shocked by the crime in the quiet neighborhood.

"Stunned. Just stunned," she said.

Claire Buckley was a student at Rockhill Elementary School in Stafford. A grief responders' team will be available at the school Friday to help students and staff cope with the loss, the school said in a statement Friday.
A former Maryland State Police cadet has been convicted in a crash that killed a Temple Hills woman.

The Prince George's County State's Attorney's Office said in a news release that 20-year-old Sebastian Reyes of Mechanicsville was convicted Thursday. Reyes was convicted of criminally negligent manslaughter and other offenses in the death of 59-year-old Karen Holt-Williams of Temple Hills.

Prosecutors say on Aug. 1, 2014, Reyes was driving a State Police vehicle on the Capital Beltway at a high rate of speed.

Police say Reyes used a crossover for emergency vehicles to head in the opposition direction. Reyes lost control of the vehicle and sideswiped a car driven by Holt-Williams.

Authorities say Holt-Williams' car traveled across the interstate and hit a jersey wall. Holt-Williams died at a local hospital.
A man is facing up to 40 years in prison after he was found guilty of shooting and killing a 3-year-old girl in Landover, Maryland.

Davon "Dro" Wallace was charged with second-degree murder in the death of Knijah Amore Bibb, 3, of northwest Washington. Police said Bibb died after Wallace fired into a home in August, striking and killing the girl.

Investigators said Wallaces intended target, a boy in his late teens, was not inside the home at the time of the shooting. According to police, the incident began over an argument about clothing inside the Forest Terrance Drive home.

Wallace was on the run for more than a month before being arrested in September in Southeast Washington. Brian Ray Campbell, 24, of Landover, Maryland, was arrested shortly after the shooting for allegedly giving a gun and a ride to Wallace during his flight.

Wallace faces up to 40 years in prison when he is sentenced.
In New Hampshire alone, the heroin epidemic is expected to kill more than 500 people by the end of the year. But a resident with a history of addiction has made it his mission to save some of those lives with a unique approach to treatment.

Even on the cloudiest of days along the banks of the Winnipesaukee River, inside the Riverbank House, there's always a silver lining.

The men's only long-term residential treatment center in Laconia encourages residents to stay as long as they want.

Owner and manager Randy Bartlett says his goal is to prove to clients that life is good without drugs, and his approach is working.
Conjoined twin girls from Nigeria have been separated after a lengthy operation at a Tennessee hospital, days ahead of their first birthday.

Miracle and Testimony Ayeni were separated during 18 hours of surgery that began on Nov. 7 and finished Nov. 8 at Le Bonheur Children's Hospital in Memphis, the hospital said.

The twins were joined together at the pelvis, a condition that only occurs in one of about every 5 million births, said Dr. Max Langham, who led the surgical team.

"Without separation, their future wasn't very good," Langham said at a news conference Tuesday. "They would grow up incontinent, unable to walk, totally dependent for all of their care and unable to participate in the world fully."

Doctors are optimistic about the long-term prognosis and hospital spokeswoman Anne Glanker told The Associated Press that both girls are "doing really well."

The twins have been in the hospital since their parents brought them from Nigeria in June to prepare for the procedure. The twins face additional surgeries and rehabilitation and it's not clear when they might return home.

The family has another reason to celebrate  Wednesday was the twins' first birthday.

This is the second time a set of conjoined twins have been separated at Le Bonheur. Twin boys who were joined at the back and pelvis were separated in 2011.
A mother whose baby died after she gave birth in a Milwaukee County Jail cell in July has filed a claim notice against the sheriff's office, saying jail staffers are responsible for her newborn's death.

The Milwaukee Journal Sentinel reports 30-year-old Shade Swayzer's lawyer, Jason Jankowski, wrote that Swayzer told a corrections officer she was going into labor around midnight, but that the officer laughed and ignored her.

Swayzer says she gave birth around 4 a.m. and received attention from officers at 6 a.m. Her child was pronounced dead at an unknown time later that day.

The Milwaukee County Sheriff's Office says Swayzer never told jail staff she was going into labor. The company responsible for medical care at the jail has said Swayzer's child was stillborn.

Swayzer is seeking $8.5 million in damages.
Two Boston University buildings were evacuated by police on Friday after a caller claiming to have "guns and explosives" said he was barricaded inside the library and had shot a hostage.

"I saw a police officer come in in with an assault rife and bullet proof vest and he told us to get the heck of here so we did," said student Asher Feldman.

Nothing was found, according to police, who said it appears to have been a hoax.

Boston University students received text alerts Friday morning of an emergency situation on campus at 771 Commonwealth Ave.

Boston Police Commissioner William Evans said the initial call came in around 8:30 a.m. from a male saying that he was barricaded inside a booby-trapped room on the fourth floor of BU's Mugar Memorial Library. A short time later, he called back and said he had just shot a hostage inside that room. Police said it was not a robocall, and the caller claimed to have "guns and explosives."

"Unfortunately a lot of this is going on around the country and that is why we took it seriously," Evans said.

Evans said BU and Boston police responded, and were able to clear the fourth floor and the rest of the building.

Boston Universitys George Sherman Union was on lockdown Friday after police received report of a threatening call.

"It was very methodical," he said. "You can't take these hoaxes without checking them out. We treated it very much like it was the real deal."

In a Boston University Police alert texted to students, authorities warned students to stay away from 771 Commonwealth Ave., the address for the Mugar Memorial Library. The adjacent George Sherman Union building was also evacuated.

Watch a news conference from police above at 2:30 p.m. Police said three people were shot, one fatally, at a retirement complex in Westerly, Rhode Island, Thursday, WJAR reported. State police said the suspect remained at large, according to WJAR. State and local police responded to Cross Street for the incident, WJAR said. Westerly Public Schools said all schools were...

Commonwealth Avenue was closed starting at the Boston University Bridge, according to state police, and pedestrians were not allowed to go near the area, including via the Esplanade. The roads have since been reopened, but state police troopers will still in be in the area, and drivers were warned to expect delays.

BU said in a tweet around 10:30 a.m. that the Mugar Library and the George Sherman Union had reopened and were resuming normal operations and that police had cleared the area.

"If we find out who did it, obviously, we'll prosecute them," he said.

Emergency Situation at Boston University

A witness said she was on the fourth floor of the library when a "quiet" message came over the intercom around 8:40 a.m. that anyone in the building had to go to the first floor to evacuate.

When she went to the first floor, she said the area was filled with police "yelling at students to stay away from the building and to go to the other side of the street."

https://twitter.com/AlehhFonseca/status/799611865911463936

One student said he got up to go to class and saw a police officer with a bulletproof vest and an assault rifle coming in.

"He just basically told us to get the hell out of there," he said.

He said one of his professors said was on the third floor of the library and told him he saw three officers "pointing guns everywhere."

"I was just hoping for the best, because you don't want it to be true," student Maggie DeLorie said. "It is a relief that it was a hoax."

The incident happened during a busy time on campus with finals drawing near.

"It definitely caused a lot of disruption to the city and the students at BU," said DeLorie.

Acting BU Police Chief Scott Pare described his feelings toward the incident in one word--frustration.

"A lot of people, especially the students who are trying to study, academic study, [are] going to be disturbed," Pare added.

"People do crazy stuff for attention," said student Jackie Conteras. "It sucks it has to be on such a beautiful day like this. They seem like they took care of it, so, just glad everyone is okay."

Police have not identified the caller who made the threats.

The incident is currently under investigation.
The FBI is offering up to $1,000 for information that can lead to a bank robber  nicknamed the "Spelling Bee Bandit" for his misspelling of the word "robbery" on hold up notes  that is wanted for multiple heists in the Greater Boston area.

Investigators believe the suspect robbed four different banks in Massachusetts, including Arlington, Reading and Burlington, over a two-week period. The latest robbery occurred at a TD Bank at 79 Lynnfield Street in Peabody, Massachusetts.

In every case, he put on sunglasses and handed a demand note to the teller with "Robery" (sic) written on it, according to the FBI.

The unknown robber is described as a slim man in his late 30s or early 40s who is between 5'11" and 6'2" and approximately 160 pounds. They said he has a "local" accent.

The suspect has become increasingly aggressive with tellers in each subsequent robbery, according to authorities. They are hoping the announcement of the reward will help lead to his arrest.

Anyone with information concerning these robberies should call the FBI Boston Division's Violent Crimes Task Force at 1-857-386-2000.
A family is outraged, and fearful, now that man accused of brutally murdering and sexually assaulting his mother-in-law will be allowed back in the community.

A judge has granted Paul Orchard six hours of supervised release each day from the Riverview Psychiatric Hospital, after eight months of treatment for bi-polar disorder.

He was found not criminally responsible for the 2014 murder and sexual assault of Paula Nuttal, due to his mental illness. Police say Orchard committed the crime in front of his 6-year-old daughter. When officers arrived, he was covered in polyurethane and possibly high from the fumes. He claims to have no memory of the murder.

"He was hearing voices, and he believed he was a god," said Zachary Smith, a physicians assistant that treated Orchard at Riverview. "He was perceiving things that were not reality."

In a hearing in Augusta, doctors testified that Orchard has shown remorse and is receiving treatment. They felt he could be safely introduced back into the community, if he remains under supervision.

"I have a high level of confidence that he could be monitored," said Smith.

But his family pleaded with the judge to keep him hospitalized.

"Hes going to relapse, go off his meds, and hurt another family," said Janice Morrissey, the victims sister. "Its a bit fast, and a slap in the face."

Morrissey said Orchard has a long history of mental illness, hospitalizations, and relapses. Other family members called him manipulative.

"They put him in the hospital and eight months later, he feels better and can move on with his life," said Morrissey. "How can that be, when they just said he cannot be held accountable for my sisters murder?"
A man who barricaded himself inside a Massachusetts home and opened fire on police officers Thursday night has been arrested.

42-year-old Heath Mullett had barricaded himself in a home on John Schott Boulevard in Norton, Massachusetts. A swat team, state police and officers from three towns responded.

Police said Mullett fired shots at officers, with one round striking a police vehicle. The officers did not return fire.

Mullet eventually surrendered himself to police and was sent to Sturdy Hospital for evaluation.

Mullet now faces a number of charges including domestic assault and battery, malicious damage over $250, discharge of a firearm within 500 feet of a dwelling and assault with intent to murder.

No injuries were reported.
Massachusetts Attorney General Maura Healey said Friday that Jeff Sessions' past comments around race "are cause for serious alarm" and he should be rejected as U.S. attorney general.

"Senator Sessions deeply concerns me as a potential Attorney General," Healey said in a statement. "He has made a career standing against many of our most important values as a state."

President-elect Donald Trump named the Alabama Senator as his choice for attorney general on Friday. Sessions will require Senate confirmation before he can assume the role.

Healey said Sessions' past comments - particularly around race - "are cause for serious alarm and were reason enough for the Senate to deny him a judicial appointment under President Reagan.

Sessions withdrew from consideration for a federal judgeship in 1986 after being accused of making racist comments while serving as a U.S. attorney in Alabama, including calling a black assistant U.S. attorney "boy" in conversation. Sessions denied the accusation.

"If you are 'OK' with the Ku Klux Klan, you shouldn't run the Justice Department," Healey said. "I hope this pick is rejected and leaders make clear he is unacceptable in such a critical role on behalf of the people."

Healey isn't the only Massachusetts Democrat weighing in on the Republican president-elect's transition team and cabinet picks.

U.S. Sen. Elizabeth Warren sent Trump a letter earlier this week accusing him of breaking his campaign promise to "drain the swamp" in Washington, D.C. by staffing his transition team with lobbyists, Wall Street bankers and industry insiders.

She also issued a statement on Friday urging Trump to reverse his decision to nominate Sessions as U.S. attorney general.

"If he refuses, then it will fall to the Senate to exercise fundamental moral leadership for our nation and all of its people," Warren said. "Thirty years ago, a different Republican Senate rejected Senator Sessions' nomination to a federal judgeship. In doing so, that Senate affirmed that there can be no compromise with racism; no negotiation with hate. Today, a new Republican Senate must decide whether self-interest and political cowardice will prevent them from once again doing what is right."
Authorities in Massachusetts are investigating a hit-and-run involving a 72-year-old pedestrian.

Chelsea police say the woman was hit at Fourth Street and Broadway.

Alert and conscious after the crash, the vitim was taken to Massachusetts General Hospital with a cut on her head, according to police.

Detectives are looking for a white minivan that fled the scene.

More to come.

Chelsea police say the woman was hit at Fourth Street and Broadway.

Alert and conscious after the crash, the victim was taken to Massachusetts General Hospital with a cut on her head, according to police.

Detectives are looking for a white minivan that fled the scene, possibly a Dodge Caravan, with a missing right front hubcap and a white sign duct taped to the back window.

The investigation is ongoing.
Boston Police say a shooting Thursday night has killed one person and a suspect is in custody.

Police say a person was shot in the area of 20 West Cottage St. in the city's Dorchester neighborhood around 4:20 p.m.

Police say the suspect is in custody and that the two knew each other.

The deceased victim is in his 20s or 30s and has not been identified.

More to come.
With the start of the holiday shopping season upon us, small Vermont businesses and artisans hope consumers remember them during their gift-buying trips.

According to a survey for the National Retail Federation, more than half of American consumers said their top destinations for holiday gift-buying will be department stores, discount stores or online.

However, at Fridays opening day of the three-day Vermont Hand Crafters fine craft and art show at the Sheraton in South Burlington, many shoppers said they prefer buying from independent businesses or artists instead of hunting for deals at major retailers early in the morning on Black Friday.

Ill be in bed or volunteering at the humane society where I volunteer, because I wont be shopping on Friday, said Ellen Wilkins, a shopper at the craft show.

Going out, getting into the car, driving to a big store and waiting in line to get a bargain doesnt appeal to me, added Emme Erdossy, another craft show shopper. Id much rather have personal contact with people and enjoy their products and handiwork.

Marcia Hagwood, who owns and operates a handcrafted soap and body care products line called Chasworth Farm, said she is greatly helped by consumers who choose to spend their money in their local communities rather than online or at national retailers.

Some of those same customers have helped me grow to the point I am now, Hagwood told necn. Im a wholesaler, we have a storefront in St. Albans, we were able to move out of our farm and into a larger studio, we now employ people. So its this type of support that allows us to grow and allows money to stay here in Vermont.

Jane Campbell, the executive director of Vermont Businesses for Social Responsibility, said cash often has a far-reaching impact if its spent in Vermont downtowns, farmers markets or at other independent businesses.

If you spend a dollar at a company thats owned locally, 45 cents of that dollar circulates back in the community, Campbell said. If you buy online, one percent may circulate in your community. And on the other end, if you buy from a company thats owned out-of-state, about 15 cents of that dollar circulates in your community.

Campbells organization has a new mobile app called Local First Vermont that, for $20, unlocks more 230 digital coupons to save cash at indie businesses. The digital coupons, which Campbell said are valued at more than $3,000, are good through Sept. 1, 2017.

VBSR still prints a hard copy version of its coupon book, Campbell noted. She said the paper coupons work for many consumers, but others may prefer to have the digital version in their pocket or handbag to avoid the risk of forgetting a coupon at home or in their car.

Campbell acknowledged not all products on peoples holiday gift lists will necessarily be readily available at an independent, Vermont-owned business.

We understand that you cant find everything in your local community, Campbell said. So, fine. All were asking people to do is look at their shopping list and think local first. And what you cant get locally, go elsewhere.

The National Retail Federation survey showed the average consumer expected to spend about $935 this holiday season.
Following a bitterly divisive and lengthy presidential campaign that left many Americans still feeling raw, there are new worries that lingering political disagreements may cause strife at families' Thanksgiving dinner tables.

"There's more tension in my household because of the election," said Carissa Ciampaglia, who happened to be taking a class on conflict mediation Thursday at Champlain College in Burlington, Vermont.

Ciampaglia said she will simply avoiding the risk of bickering all together by skipping her traditional Thanksgiving and going instead to the Jay Peak Resort to enjoy its indoor water park with a friend.

"Especially around Thanksgiving, when we're supposed to be thankful and content and happy for what we do have, to get lost in argument and more vile hatred just seems pointless to me," Ciampaglia told necn.

At the Chittenden Emergency Food Shelf, volunteer Jason Roe was helping feed his hungry neighbors Thursday by joining the non-profits effort to gather 3,500 Thanksgiving turkeys.

As for his own holiday meal, Roe said he expects to follow a personal rule.

"I figured out long ago, it's best to not talk politics at the dinner table," Roe recalled. "I know at least at my dinner table, it's going to be calm because we won't be talking about politics."

Mediator Julian Portilla, who teaches courses on conflict resolution at Champlain College, advised families to consider a moratorium on political conversation at the dinner table.

"There are better or worse times to say certain things," Portilla noted, adding that folks may want to speak up to pause a political conversation before it gets too heated and save it for a better time, like an after-dinner walk. "[Keep] the topic, at least during the eating time, when everyone's gathered around the table, to topics that are probably things in common: kids, work, sports."

Portilla said it is wise to avoid potentially charged conversations at the holiday table because guests cannot comfortably get up from the table and go somewhere else, as they may be able to if the conversation were to take place in a different setting.

Portilla also urged people to focus more on their curiosity about why a relative or friend may feel differently than they do, and to keep an open mind about why they may feel that way, rather than leap to rebuking that viewpoint.

"I think we need to be more willing to disagree openly and respectfully," Portilla said.

Ciampaglia indicated a holiday free from the risk of conflict is something she will be thankful for.
About 20 years ago, I started driving co-workers within listening distance crazy with constant chirps of "Uh oh!" emanating from my laptop. It was all coming from a nifty little program I'd discovered called ICQ, which let me talk to friends in real time.

Created by a group of Israeli college students who eventually formed the company Mirabilis to support development of the app, ICQ stood for "I seek you" and was intended as a way for Windows users to communicate much in the same way Unix users could send real-time messages.

It was a pretty basic app, and it lacked a lot of the security we now take for granted. Anyone could message you even if you were not on their friends list. Users were assigned a number rather than a user name like we have on Skype.

Over time, ICQ added multi-user chat, SMS support and file transfers. In 1998, AOL, which had by then spun off AOL Instant Messenger (AIM) as a stand-alone app for non-AOL subscribers to use, bought Mirabilis for $287 million, plus another $120 million based on performance. This was before the wave of insane megadeals.

By that point, we had a crowded IM market. We had AIM, MSN Messenger, Yahoo! Messenger, ICQ and a few other also-rans. Trillian came about around then to provide a single interface to all IMsit now supports Google Talk, Facebook, Twitter, ICQ and other communication appsbut it lacks a lot of the features of the specific messaging apps.

For a while, ICQ thrived and surpassed more than 100 million users. But AOL was a lousy steward. It had an inherent conflict, since it had its own IM program. And with AOL's business going down the tubes in the early part of this decade, it basically neglected ICQ. Mirabilis continued to advance it and develop the software, but AOL didn't lift a finger to promote it.

In 2010, AOL sold Mirabilis to Digital Sky Technologies of Russia, which would later become the Mail.ru group. ICQ, like most instant messengers, has fallen out of favor among American users but remains popular in Russia and other parts of the world. Mail.ru has since converted the app to the mobile market, and now around half of its users are mobile rather than desktops.

It's curious how the overall IM market disintegrated. AIM is dead in the water, and I can't remember the last MSN or Yahoo messenger user I encountered. It seems Skype has become the IM of choice, and not a bad one. But there's no doubt that for Skype to succeed, AIM had to surrender the IM marketand it did.
Google Cloud Platform solidified its partnership with Intel and announced plans to create customized silicon chips for tasks like machine learning, security, container orchestration and the Internet of Things, while bringing on a new executive to help the company flush out its strategy.

+MORE AT NETWORK WORLD: 10 Tips from the front line of enterprise cloud use +

The Cloud Foundry Foundation announced that its former executive director, Sam Ramji has joined Google in a leadership position, but his new title is not yet know. Cloud Foundry Foundation is the home of the open source application development platform of the same name. Companies like Pivotal and IBM base their PaaS off CF. Google cloud is also the preferred public cloud for Pivotals hosted CF version.

As for the Google-Intel partnership, its important for both companies. For Intel, it reinforces the dominate silicon vendor as a major arms dealer for Googles data centers. Intel has strong ties with Amazon Web Services too.

For Google, it means the company will be able to co-develop silicon for specific applications. It names machine learning, internet of things, security and application container orchestration as some areas it hopes to work with Intel on.

Blair Hanley Frank Scott Guthrie, the executive vice president in charge of Microsoft's Cloud & Enterprise division, greets Linux Foundation Executive Director Jim Zemlin on stage at the Microsoft Connect conference in New York City on November 16, 2016.

The two announcements come as Microsoft this week announced it will join the Linux Foundation, further cementing the companys commitment to open source.

+MORE CLOUD: Microsoft runs one data center entirely on wind power +

Not to be outdone, AWS announced a handful of relatively iterative advancements to its cloud this week, including a new feature that will allow customers to aggregate third-party billing into a single payment to the company. This means if customers use select SaaS applications atop their Amazon cloud, then they will have one consolidated bill compared to managing multiple bills from various vendors.

Expect much more from Amazon soon as the company will host its re:Invent conference the week after Thanksgiving.
While Apple itself has yet to reveal any Black Holiday 2016 specials, its retail partners have disclosed dozens of deals on iPhones, iPads, Apple Watches. Mac deals? Not so much.

Apple traditionally gives retailers little leeway on iPhone, iPad and Mac promotions, even around Black Friday, but retailers do find ways around these restrictions by bundling phones with gift cards and other goodies.

MORE: 50-plus eye-popping Black Friday tech deals

(Black Friday watchers such as BFads and Best Black Friday have been a big help in keeping tabs on deals.)

Here's a look at some of the Apple deals to be had this Nov. 25, Black Friday, and even earlier in many cases both online and in stores.

Apple iPhone deals

Target: iPhone 7 or 7 Plus

Put $0 down and sign up for a 24-month installment plan ($36 for 128GB Plus, $31 for 128GB iPhone 7) and youll get a $250 Target gift card

Best Buy: iPhone 7

Best Buy will give you a $250 store gift card with any iPhone 7 purchase as long as you buy in to an installment plan with AT&T, Verizon or Sprint. Stores open at 5pm on Thanksgiving day, but sales are expected to start online earlier than that.

Verizon: Save $250 on iPad Pro if you buy an iPhone

The carrier will bring the price of an iPad Pro 9.7 model with 32GB of storage down to $480 if you buy an iPhone from Verizon. The big catch: 2-year activiation required for the iPad.

Walmart: iPhone 7 (or any other model available)

No money down for any Apple or Samsung smartphone on AT&T Next or Verizon Device Payment plans, plus you get a $250 Walmart gift card. Phone activations begin at 9pm on Thanksgiving night.

Apple iPad deals

Walmart: iPad mini 2 tablet

Walmart is making the price on this pretty mini, by cutting $70 off the usual $270 price for this 32GB model.

hhgregg: iPad Air 2 with WiFi

The retailer knocks $50 off this lightweight 32GB Apple tablet with a 9.7-inch Retina Display screen, for a final price of $350.

Target: Apple iPad Pro 9.7-inch tablet

Get the big Apple iPad with 128GB of storage for $450, which is about $150 off via this deal. Supports 802.11ac Wi-Fi and LTE cellular connectivity. Target is also cutting $125 off the iPad Air 2 and $70 off the iPad mini 2 tablet.

Best Buy: iPad Pro 9.7-inch tablet

Best Buy is cutting $125 from the prices of Apples big tablets, which are regularly priced from $600 to $930 depending on storage.

Apple Mac deal (s)

Slim pickings here...

Best Buy: MacBook Air 13.3 laptop

This model of the Apple MacBook Air is powered with an Intel i5 processor, has 8GB of RAM and 128GB of flash storage. Best Buy is cutting $200 off the regular price to sell it for $800.

Apple Watch deals

Kohls: Apple Watch Series 1 & 2

Apple and Kohls have buddied up so that the retailer better known for its clothing sales will be adding Apple Watches to the accessories it sells. The Series 1 & 2 watches will sell for $269 and $369, respectively, which is no bargain, but Kohls sweetens the deal for holiday shoppers by including $105 in Kohls cash for Series 2 buyers and $75 in Kohls cash for Series 1 buyers.

Target: Apple Watch Series 1

Target is lopping about $80 off the Series 1 model, which will then cost about $200. Its not offering any breaks on Series 2 as of now.

MORE: Best Apple Watch deals for Black Friday 2016

Apple iPod touch, Beats headphones, etc.

Toys R Us: Apple iPod Touch

Theres a product you dont hear much about anymore, but some parents still like to ease their kids into smartphones with these Apple gadgets. Toys R Us is knocking $50 off the price of these devices, which range from $200 to $400 depending on storage.

Target: Apple TV

Target is shaving 25% off all Apple TV models, which regularly range in price from $70 to $200. This deal is available Nov. 23 and 24 (so early access Black Friday) online or in-store (if you use Targets shopping app).

Target: Beats 2 wireless headphones

These high-end, comfortable headphones are being reduced in price from $300 to $120. Doctor Dre-approved.
Supersonic travel may indeed become a reality (again) if Sir Richard Bransons Virgin group and start-up Boom Supersonic have their way.

Boom this week showed off its XB-1 Supersonic Demonstrator, or Baby Boom, a subscale prototype of what is to be the Boom supersonic passenger airliner which Boom says will be the worlds first independently developed supersonic jet and the fastest civil aircraft ever made. The two-seat prototype aircraft is expected to make its first flight in late 2017 with a commercial passenger plane perhaps coming in few years, the company said.

+More on Network World: TSA: Keep grandmas gravy at home but the turducken can fly+

"60 years after the dawn of the jet age, we're still flying at 1960s speeds," said Blake Scholl, chief executive officer and founder of Boom in a statement.

The XB-1 is powered by three General Electric J85-21 turbojet engines, fed by two variable geometry supersonic intakes. Each engine has a variable geometry nozzle system. The XB-1 uses a compact turbojet engine, while the production airliner uses a medium-bypass turbofan engine for additional quiet and efficiency, Boom stated on its web site. The XB-1 fuel system stores 7,000 lb. of jet fuel in 11 separate tanks, including fuselage and wing tanks. Jet pumps provide a reliable stream of fuel to each of three engines. Like Concorde, an aft trim tank is holds fuel during supersonic flight, shifting the aircraft center of gravity aft as the center of lift shifts rearward.

The Boom airliner is expected to fly at 1,451mph (2,335 km/h) and hold 40-50 travelers.

+More on Network World: +

For its part, Virgins Spaceship Company, which build its SpaceShipTwo, VSS Unity, has been selected will bring manufacturing, development and test capability that have been developed for Virgin Galactics space program to the Boom aircraft.

Supersonic travel for both cargo and humans will result in many exciting and efficient benefits. There are tremendous hurdles ahead and equally there are lots of terrific people and companies all working together to finally make supersonic travel a reality, Branson wrote of the development.

One of the biggest hurdles is that supersonic travel is banned over the US.

This ban should be reversed and replaced with a commonsense noise standard, set to promote efficient, affordable supersonic flight while disallowing nuisance. In the meantime, the Boom jet will fly routes that are primarily overwatersuch as New York to London or San Francisco to Tokyo, flying subsonically when over land. Over 500 routes benefit immediately and significantly from supersonic, Boom stated.

The Boom jet is designed to maximize efficiency while producing a much quieter boom than Concorde. There are many common misconceptions about sonic boom. Other commonplace noises, such as thunder, are louder than sonic booms. Sonic booms do not break windows or cause hearing damage (unless the aircraft is flying supersonically at an extremely low altitude, which commercial aircraft do not.), Boom stated.

Boom is not the only supersonic aircraft development going in. Earlier this year Airbus and Aerion detailed the results of their work  the AS2, a 170-ft. long needle-shaped, three-engine jet capable of hitting speeds over 1,200MPH  about Mach 1.5. The idea is to test fly the jet by 2021 -- which can handle about 12 passengers -- and have it in service by 2023.

In February NASA said it wanted to put a supersonic passenger jet back in the sky too. The low-boom aircraft known as Quiet Supersonic Technology (QueSST) will be built by a team led by Lockheed Martin Aeronautics which will get $20 million to develop baseline aircraft requirements and a preliminary aircraft design.

QueSST is just one of many so called experimental aircraft or X-Planes that NASA would like to build under an agency initiative called New Aviation Horizons. New Horizons is a 10-year plan to develop all manner of new aviation technology including faster, quieter, less polluting, more fuel-efficient aircraft.

Check out these other hot stories:

TSA: Keep grandmas gravy at home but the turducken can fly

IBM: Many companies still ill-prepared for cyber attacks

Planetary scientists push for advanced asteroid deflection mission

Cisco/Ericsson: Assessing the mega-deal a year later

Ethernet consortia trio want to unlock a more time-sensitive network

IBM package brings Watson smarts to everything IoT

Phishing scheme crimps El Paso for $3.2 million

NASA: Asteroid mission starts with a marriage of rocks, Styrofoam and plywood

Former Cisco exec rejoins networking giant to head data center initiative

Dell/EMC, SnapRoute reinforce OpenSwitch networking features
Traffic lights in place and Thames Water says work could take 10 days to complete

THE emergency sewer repair works which saw Newbury grind to a standstill last night could take up to 10 days to fix, Thames Water have confirmed.

Temporary traffic lights were installed between Strawberry Hill and Old Bath Road last night and saw traffic chaos in the town.

Some motorists reported it taking them up to two hours to get from Northcroft Leisure Centre to Speen, while it took others half an hour just to exit the Parkway car park.

One person caught up in the bedlam was Yvonne Soulby, who said: "Yes it was horrid it took us 45 mins to get from Bartholomew Street to the clock tower. Complete grid lock."

Tracey Double added: "Just under two hours to get from Northcroft to Newbury racecourse."

Thames Water says the pipe is between three and four metres below the road and needs to be fixed urgently to prevent the sewage which flows through it seeping out and contaminating the surrounding environment.

A spokesperson for the company said: Were sorry for any hold-ups the temporary lights are causing.

"We started emergency work to repair a collapsed sewer on Thursday, which we discovered while clearing a blockage from the pipe, and expect the job to take a week to ten days.
Michael Ross to serve three-years behind bars

A THATCHAM man has been jailed for accessing a string of indecent images of children on the internet.

Michael Ross (formerly known as Michael Akehurst) was jailed for three years after pleading guilty to making indecent images of children and two counts of breaching a previous Sexual Offences Prevention Order (SOPO) at Reading Crown Court on Monday (November 14).

He was sentenced the same day.

Police were made aware of the 50-year-old's sordid online activity with officers from the Paedophile Online Investigation Team swooping on his Mill House address in October.

He received two years' imprisonment for receiving Category A indecent images (the most serious), 12 months for receiving Category B, and eight months' for receiving Category C images.

All the sentences will run concurrently.

He also received a further 12 months imprisonment for two breaches of the SOPO which he was subject to after being convicted of making indecent images and also inciting a child under 13 to engage in sexual activity in 2009.

This sentence is to run consecutively giving a total of three years imprisonment plus a 170 surcharge.

Information was received by the Thames Valley Police Paedophile On Line Investigation Team (POLIT) that Michael Ross (Akehurst) was accessing indecent images of children.

He had also failed to notify police of his whereabouts if staying somewhere longer than seven days, thereby breaching the terms of the Sex offenders register.

He was living in Thatcham but was officially residing in London.

Ross was arrested on October 4 by officers from the POLIT attended his address and was charged the following day.

Investigating officer Det Con Sandra Tearney of the Paedophile Online Investigation Team, said: I am pleased that Akehurst, or Ross as he now likes to be known, will no longer be able to carry out these offences and that he has received a custodial sentence for his crimes.

This case should serve as a warning to anyone who is engaging in this kind of criminal behaviour whether they are accessing, making or distributing indecent images of children.

We will find you and carry out warrants in order to make arrests and bring people to justice.
By Reuters

MUMBAI: Gold premiums in India jumped to two-year highs this week as jewellers ramped up purchases on fears that the government might put curbs on imports after withdrawing higher-denomination notes from circulation in its fight against black money.

Retail demand was subdued due to a cash crunch following the government's move on high-value banknotes, but dealers in the world's No.2 consumer of the metal were charging a premium of up to $12 an ounce this week over official domestic prices that include a 10 percent import tax.

The premium was the highest since mid-November 2014, and compared with a premium of up to $6 an ounce last week.

"There was a rumour that after scrapping 500 and 1,000 rupee notes, the government will ban gold imports. It prompted many jewellers to increase buying," said a Mumbai-based dealer with a private bank.

"Jewellers were running businesses with limited stocks after good sales during the Diwali festival. Now they are keen to replenish inventory as prices have fallen."

The government last week withdrew 500 and 1,000 rupee banknotes from circulation, in a surprise move designed to bring billions of dollars worth of cash in unaccounted wealth into the mainstream economy.

"We are seeing some jewellery demand due to the ongoing wedding season and crash in prices. But the cash constraint is going to be really tough for the gold industry in the near future, especially from rural areas," said Chirag Thakkar, a director with Amrapali Group.

Two-thirds of gold demand comes from rural areas where jewellery is a traditional store of wealth.

"Our business has nearly stalled due to the cash crunch," said Mangesh Devi, a jeweller based in Satara, Maharashtra, who caters mainly to farmers.

Gold was on track to post a second straight weekly fall on rising expectations of a rate hike by the U.S. Federal Reserve. Spot gold has declined 1.5 percent so far this week.

Meanwhile, premiums in China rose up to $10 an ounce against the international benchmark from $5 last week.

"It (the buying) could be driven by the panic in reaction to the recent depreciation of the yuan," said Zhirui Ji, an analyst with Thomson Reuters-owned metals consultancy GFMS.

The yuan fell to an 8-year low on Friday on resurgent dollar.

In Hong Kong, sellers were offering a premium of up to $1 an ounce compared with 50 to 70 cents last week, while in Singapore premiums were unchanged at 80 cents.

Demand in Japanese markets continued to remain tepid with premiums flat to a discount of 10 cents.

MUMBAI: Gold premiums in India jumped to two-year highs this week as jewellers ramped up purchases on fears that the government might put curbs on imports after withdrawing higher-denomination notes from circulation in its fight against black money. Retail demand was subdued due to a cash crunch following the government's move on high-value banknotes, but dealers in the world's No.2 consumer of the metal were charging a premium of up to $12 an ounce this week over official domestic prices that include a 10 percent import tax. The premium was the highest since mid-November 2014, and compared with a premium of up to $6 an ounce last week. "There was a rumour that after scrapping 500 and 1,000 rupee notes, the government will ban gold imports. It prompted many jewellers to increase buying," said a Mumbai-based dealer with a private bank. "Jewellers were running businesses with limited stocks after good sales during the Diwali festival. Now they are keen to replenish inventory as prices have fallen." The government last week withdrew 500 and 1,000 rupee banknotes from circulation, in a surprise move designed to bring billions of dollars worth of cash in unaccounted wealth into the mainstream economy. "We are seeing some jewellery demand due to the ongoing wedding season and crash in prices. But the cash constraint is going to be really tough for the gold industry in the near future, especially from rural areas," said Chirag Thakkar, a director with Amrapali Group. Two-thirds of gold demand comes from rural areas where jewellery is a traditional store of wealth. "Our business has nearly stalled due to the cash crunch," said Mangesh Devi, a jeweller based in Satara, Maharashtra, who caters mainly to farmers. Gold was on track to post a second straight weekly fall on rising expectations of a rate hike by the U.S. Federal Reserve. Spot gold has declined 1.5 percent so far this week. Meanwhile, premiums in China rose up to $10 an ounce against the international benchmark from $5 last week. "It (the buying) could be driven by the panic in reaction to the recent depreciation of the yuan," said Zhirui Ji, an analyst with Thomson Reuters-owned metals consultancy GFMS. The yuan fell to an 8-year low on Friday on resurgent dollar. In Hong Kong, sellers were offering a premium of up to $1 an ounce compared with 50 to 70 cents last week, while in Singapore premiums were unchanged at 80 cents. Demand in Japanese markets continued to remain tepid with premiums flat to a discount of 10 cents.
By Express News Service

MUMBAI: IN another crucial meeting, Tata Group holding firm Tata Sons held its first meeting since the ouster of former chairman Cyrus Mistry here on Thursday. While reports stated that the meeting would consider the removal of Cyrus Mistrys proxy power, directors who attended the meeting did not corroborate the rumours.

More importantly, Mistry opted not to attend the critical meeting.

According to agency reports, emerging out of the board meeting of Tata Sons at Bombay House, Tata Sons director Vijay Singh called it a routine meeting which included taking assessment of the businesses and the way ahead in the next six months.

Singh had also added that there was no plan as of now to call extraordinary general meeting of Tata Sons.

Two more directors apart from Mistry  Farida Khambatta (who is in the US) and JLR chief Ralf Speth  did not attend the meeting along with Mistry, Singh said.

MUMBAI: IN another crucial meeting, Tata Group holding firm Tata Sons held its first meeting since the ouster of former chairman Cyrus Mistry here on Thursday. While reports stated that the meeting would consider the removal of Cyrus Mistrys proxy power, directors who attended the meeting did not corroborate the rumours. More importantly, Mistry opted not to attend the critical meeting. According to agency reports, emerging out of the board meeting of Tata Sons at Bombay House, Tata Sons director Vijay Singh called it a routine meeting which included taking assessment of the businesses and the way ahead in the next six months. Singh had also added that there was no plan as of now to call extraordinary general meeting of Tata Sons. Two more directors apart from Mistry  Farida Khambatta (who is in the US) and JLR chief Ralf Speth  did not attend the meeting along with Mistry, Singh said.
Shruthi H M By

Express News Service

BENGALURU: Indian runways are set to see more of Singapore Airlines with the company looking at strengthening its presence in the Indian market. While in the last season the airlines operated 95 weekly services, it has gone up to 104 this winter. We have been increasing our footprint in India. From economy to premium travel, we see big potential. We are trying to improve our presence by introducing newer aircraft in the market, said David Lim, Singapore Airlines General Manager, (India). The airlines is also marking its seventieth year of inception in 2017.

In India, SIA plans to cover both premium and economy class travel among its brands SilkAir, Scoot and TigerAir. While there is a growing market for premium air travel, owing to cash strapped global economies, the economy class travel is growing at a faster pace, Lim said. As of now, SilkAir has its services in Vizag and Coimbatore and if there is a demand from other tier II cities, they would cater to it, Lim said.

Also, with TigerAir branding folding into Scoot by the end of next year, the airlines was looking at a better commercial synergy. At present, Scoot is present in Amritsar, Chennai and Jaipur. Among SIA, SilkAir, Scoot and Tiger Air, the airlines flies from 15 cities in India.

The airlines has further announced major expansion plans in the US, Lim added. SIA has also launched Singapore- San-Francisco non-stop daily service. This means that for Indian customers, unlike earlier, now there will be only one stop to fly to the US.

SIA has also placed order for 67 Airbus A 350, few of which would be in service from 2018. This will allow us to fly nonstop from Singapore to any US cities making it attractive to Indian customers flying to America, he said. The SIA fleet as of now is at 105. As many as 5 A 380 aircraft would be added in the coming year.

BENGALURU: Indian runways are set to see more of Singapore Airlines with the company looking at strengthening its presence in the Indian market. While in the last season the airlines operated 95 weekly services, it has gone up to 104 this winter. We have been increasing our footprint in India. From economy to premium travel, we see big potential. We are trying to improve our presence by introducing newer aircraft in the market, said David Lim, Singapore Airlines General Manager, (India). The airlines is also marking its seventieth year of inception in 2017. In India, SIA plans to cover both premium and economy class travel among its brands SilkAir, Scoot and TigerAir. While there is a growing market for premium air travel, owing to cash strapped global economies, the economy class travel is growing at a faster pace, Lim said. As of now, SilkAir has its services in Vizag and Coimbatore and if there is a demand from other tier II cities, they would cater to it, Lim said. Also, with TigerAir branding folding into Scoot by the end of next year, the airlines was looking at a better commercial synergy. At present, Scoot is present in Amritsar, Chennai and Jaipur. Among SIA, SilkAir, Scoot and Tiger Air, the airlines flies from 15 cities in India. The airlines has further announced major expansion plans in the US, Lim added. SIA has also launched Singapore- San-Francisco non-stop daily service. This means that for Indian customers, unlike earlier, now there will be only one stop to fly to the US. SIA has also placed order for 67 Airbus A 350, few of which would be in service from 2018. This will allow us to fly nonstop from Singapore to any US cities making it attractive to Indian customers flying to America, he said. The SIA fleet as of now is at 105. As many as 5 A 380 aircraft would be added in the coming year.
By Express News Service

MUMBAI: Thursday saw two key meetings take place that are set to take the raging Tata-Mistry feud to the realm of a general shareholders vote. Post a board meeting of crown jewel Tata Consultancy Services, headed by new chairman Ishaat Hussain, the company has decided to convene an extraordinary general meeting of shareholders to consider the removal of ex-chairman Cyrus Mistry from its board on December 13.

Tata Sons interim chairman Ratan

Tata arriving at the Tata Sons board

meeting in Mumbai on Thursday | PTI

Mistry, who is a director, was not present. According to the filing, the EGM will be held on Tuesday, December 13, 2016 at 3.30 pm. TCS is the first group firm to comply with promoter Tata Sons request to convene EGMs to remove Mistry from their boards. Tata Motors, where Mistry remains a director, has also been asked to convene an EGM to remove him from the board.

...the Board of Directors of the company, at its meeting held on November 17, 2016 has decided to convene an EGM pursuant to the Special Notice & Requisition dated November 9, 2016 sent by Tata Sons, shareholder of the company holding 73.26 per cent of the paid-up equity share capital of the company, to consider and if thought fit, to pass a resolution for removal of Mr CP Mistry as Director of the company, TCS said in a BSE filing.

However, none of the directors who attended the meeting made comments on what transpired at the first board meeting the company has held since removing Mistry from the company chairmanship last week, a move seen as an attempt by the Ratan Tata-led promoter group to tighten grip its over the $100 billion salt-to-software conglomerate.

Tata Sons has repeatedly stated that Mistry was trying to remain in control of the Groups individual firms even after being sacked from the post of Chairman in the holding company.

In removing Mistry from the TCS chairmanship, Tata Sons had made use of a statute that allows it nominate the chairman of the board. Tata Sons holds nearly three-fourths of the total shareholding in the group cash cow.

However, it does not command such a high shareholding in its other group companies, some of whose independent directors have released statements supporting Mistrys continuance as chairman of their respective companies.

MUMBAI: Thursday saw two key meetings take place that are set to take the raging Tata-Mistry feud to the realm of a general shareholders vote. Post a board meeting of crown jewel Tata Consultancy Services, headed by new chairman Ishaat Hussain, the company has decided to convene an extraordinary general meeting of shareholders to consider the removal of ex-chairman Cyrus Mistry from its board on December 13. Tata Sons interim chairman Ratan Tata arriving at the Tata Sons board meeting in Mumbai on Thursday | PTIMistry, who is a director, was not present. According to the filing, the EGM will be held on Tuesday, December 13, 2016 at 3.30 pm. TCS is the first group firm to comply with promoter Tata Sons request to convene EGMs to remove Mistry from their boards. Tata Motors, where Mistry remains a director, has also been asked to convene an EGM to remove him from the board. ...the Board of Directors of the company, at its meeting held on November 17, 2016 has decided to convene an EGM pursuant to the Special Notice & Requisition dated November 9, 2016 sent by Tata Sons, shareholder of the company holding 73.26 per cent of the paid-up equity share capital of the company, to consider and if thought fit, to pass a resolution for removal of Mr CP Mistry as Director of the company, TCS said in a BSE filing. However, none of the directors who attended the meeting made comments on what transpired at the first board meeting the company has held since removing Mistry from the company chairmanship last week, a move seen as an attempt by the Ratan Tata-led promoter group to tighten grip its over the $100 billion salt-to-software conglomerate. Tata Sons has repeatedly stated that Mistry was trying to remain in control of the Groups individual firms even after being sacked from the post of Chairman in the holding company. In removing Mistry from the TCS chairmanship, Tata Sons had made use of a statute that allows it nominate the chairman of the board. Tata Sons holds nearly three-fourths of the total shareholding in the group cash cow. However, it does not command such a high shareholding in its other group companies, some of whose independent directors have released statements supporting Mistrys continuance as chairman of their respective companies.
By Express News Service

BENGALURU: Several workers unions, including CPI(ML)Liberation, Garment and Textile Workers Union, Bangalore Jilla Beedhi Vyaapaari Sangahtenagala Okkuta, National Hawkers Federation, New Socialist Alternative, Karnataka Tamil Makkal Aikyam, NCHRO, Karnataka Janarogya Chaluvali held a protest at the Reserve Bank of India office in the city against the Centres demonetisation move.

A press release said, The demonetisation goes on in one hand and PSU banks are being made to waive the loans of the rich on the other hand. We condemn this anti-people governments move. We believe this demonetisation is nothing but a political gimmick to hide the failures of the central government while also stealthily moving to a corporate controlled digital economy, the implications of which are neither studied nor discussed. The demonetisation which has been done in violation of the RBI Act is not only anti-people but also illegal. The way the Modi government has over-ridden the RBI, a statutory independent institution only shows this Prime Ministers dictatorial attitude. No one knows what other ill-conceived moves are lined up next.

A few protesters were detained when they tried to barge into the office premises. The protesters demanded that `500 denomination notes be issued faster and to extend the deadline to submit old notes so that common people do not suffer, make public the complete list of Indians who have accounts in Swiss banks, Panama and other tax havens, make public the list of corporates that have caused public sector banks to accumulate non-performing assets of more than `7.5 lakh crores and to recover the money from them immediately.

The fact that even as crores of people are suffering, Congress and BJP politicians shamelessly attended the wedding of Janardhan Reddys daughter only shows their lack of commitment to fight the evils of black money, the release said.

BENGALURU: Several workers unions, including CPI(ML)Liberation, Garment and Textile Workers Union, Bangalore Jilla Beedhi Vyaapaari Sangahtenagala Okkuta, National Hawkers Federation, New Socialist Alternative, Karnataka Tamil Makkal Aikyam, NCHRO, Karnataka Janarogya Chaluvali held a protest at the Reserve Bank of India office in the city against the Centres demonetisation move. A press release said, The demonetisation goes on in one hand and PSU banks are being made to waive the loans of the rich on the other hand. We condemn this anti-people governments move. We believe this demonetisation is nothing but a political gimmick to hide the failures of the central government while also stealthily moving to a corporate controlled digital economy, the implications of which are neither studied nor discussed. The demonetisation which has been done in violation of the RBI Act is not only anti-people but also illegal. The way the Modi government has over-ridden the RBI, a statutory independent institution only shows this Prime Ministers dictatorial attitude. No one knows what other ill-conceived moves are lined up next. A few protesters were detained when they tried to barge into the office premises. The protesters demanded that `500 denomination notes be issued faster and to extend the deadline to submit old notes so that common people do not suffer, make public the complete list of Indians who have accounts in Swiss banks, Panama and other tax havens, make public the list of corporates that have caused public sector banks to accumulate non-performing assets of more than `7.5 lakh crores and to recover the money from them immediately. The fact that even as crores of people are suffering, Congress and BJP politicians shamelessly attended the wedding of Janardhan Reddys daughter only shows their lack of commitment to fight the evils of black money, the release said.
By Express News Service

BENGALURU: The demonetisation move was not a sudden move by Prime Minister Narendra Modi as steps in this direction were being taken right from the day the government assumed office, said Union Urban Development and Parliamentary Affairs Minister Venkaiah Naidu.

Delivering a talk on A bold and revolutionary step to curb corruption and black money here on Friday, Naidu highlighted six major steps taken by the Prime Minister leading to the finale on November 8.

In our first Cabinet meeting on May 27, 2014, the first item discussed was the constitution of a Special Investigation Team to unearth black money from foreign shores, he said. The BJP constituted the committee under former Supreme Court judge Justice N B Shah.

The PM next introduced the Undisclosed Foreign Income and Assets (Imposition of Tax) Bill, 2015 that came into effect from July 1, 2015, he said. It levied a 45 per cent penalty on undisclosed income.

Thirdly, the Centre took steps towards signing an Information Exchange Agreement with the the government of Panama after the Panama paper leaks. An agreement was also signed with the United States to implement the Foreign Account Tax Compliance Act, Naidu said. The deal signed on July 9, 2015, will help the government get financial information of Indian residents who have made investments in the United States.

A Double Taxation Avoidance Agreement was signed by India with Mauritius and Cyprus to bring back amounts stashed in these countries. Following negotiations in G-20 International forums, Switzerland was also roped in to exchange information, he said.

The Income Declaration Scheme gave an opportunity to all to disclose their income. It was an opportunity given by the government, he said.

Referring to the dramatic announcement made, Naidu said, Secrecy is the essence of the campaign. If prior information had been given, all the black money would have gone, he said.

Time was given from 2014 to 2016 (up to November 8) to convert the black money into white, the minister stressed.

Even in a recent Mann Ki Baat through All India Radio, the Prime Minister had stated that the situation in the country needs to be changed before September 30. Stressing that there was no advantage to anyone and there was no information leakage, Naidu said, The PM was the only one who leaked the impending move through AIR openly.

BENGALURU: The demonetisation move was not a sudden move by Prime Minister Narendra Modi as steps in this direction were being taken right from the day the government assumed office, said Union Urban Development and Parliamentary Affairs Minister Venkaiah Naidu. Delivering a talk on A bold and revolutionary step to curb corruption and black money here on Friday, Naidu highlighted six major steps taken by the Prime Minister leading to the finale on November 8. In our first Cabinet meeting on May 27, 2014, the first item discussed was the constitution of a Special Investigation Team to unearth black money from foreign shores, he said. The BJP constituted the committee under former Supreme Court judge Justice N B Shah. The PM next introduced the Undisclosed Foreign Income and Assets (Imposition of Tax) Bill, 2015 that came into effect from July 1, 2015, he said. It levied a 45 per cent penalty on undisclosed income. Thirdly, the Centre took steps towards signing an Information Exchange Agreement with the the government of Panama after the Panama paper leaks. An agreement was also signed with the United States to implement the Foreign Account Tax Compliance Act, Naidu said. The deal signed on July 9, 2015, will help the government get financial information of Indian residents who have made investments in the United States. A Double Taxation Avoidance Agreement was signed by India with Mauritius and Cyprus to bring back amounts stashed in these countries. Following negotiations in G-20 International forums, Switzerland was also roped in to exchange information, he said. The Income Declaration Scheme gave an opportunity to all to disclose their income. It was an opportunity given by the government, he said. Referring to the dramatic announcement made, Naidu said, Secrecy is the essence of the campaign. If prior information had been given, all the black money would have gone, he said. Time was given from 2014 to 2016 (up to November 8) to convert the black money into white, the minister stressed. Even in a recent Mann Ki Baat through All India Radio, the Prime Minister had stated that the situation in the country needs to be changed before September 30. Stressing that there was no advantage to anyone and there was no information leakage, Naidu said, The PM was the only one who leaked the impending move through AIR openly.
C Shivakumar By

Express News Service

CHENNAI: Facing a daunting task of procuring indelible ink to be used for demonetised currency exchange, the banks in Tamil Nadu have turned to the sole user of the commodity till now - the State Election Commission. It has come as serendipitous for the bankers that the local body polls, during which the ink is to be used in large quantity, has been stayed by the High Court.

A crowd waiting in queue to exchange demonetised currencies at Mint on Thursday | P Jawahar

The exchange programme slowed down on Thursday at all banks and post offices in the State due to shortage of ink, which led to thinning of crowd before bank branches that had substantial number of people queuing up right from morning since November 8 night.

An official from Indian Bank said the ink would be used in metros first, adding that they have started using it in their branches in Chennai including Mylapore and Tiruvotiyur. However, not all banks have the ink, which the Indian Banks Association was to organise, forcing many of them to stop exchanging demonetised currencies during the day.

With many banks not able to procure indelible ink, talks are going on with the State Election Commission, sources in the banking sector told Express.

Various bank officials met the State Election Commissioner and plans are on to get the available stock of ink which is supposed to be used for local body elections postponed due to the intervention of Madras High Court.

After the exchange process slowed down, banks began to serve only their customers. We have stopped catering for customers of other banks, said an HDFC Bank employee.

Public sector banks like State Bank of India are still exchanging the demonetised notes even for non-customers but the process is taking time.

Meanwhile, Chief Post Master General Tamil Nadu circle Charles Lobo said they issued inedible ink to postal branches in Coimbatore. We will be issuing it to other postal offices by Friday, he said, but refused to give details of how they are arranging the ink.

Meanwhile, this shortage of ink has come as a blessing in disguise for the banks, who are facing serious shortage of cash. A bank official told Express on condition of anonymity that none of them had necessary cash with them. It is slowly getting exhausted and there is an urgent need to pump in lower currencies, the official said.

Outside the banks, however, anger is growing among the public who are now struggling to withdraw their salary as restrictions persist. We got our salary on November 10 but was unable to withdraw it. Now I have to spend as per government norms. Where is my economic freedom, reasons Sandeep, a Chennaiite who is quite angry over the Rs 2,000 withdrawal limit in ATMs and Rs 24,000 withdrawal limit within a week from the bank.

CHENNAI: Facing a daunting task of procuring indelible ink to be used for demonetised currency exchange, the banks in Tamil Nadu have turned to the sole user of the commodity till now - the State Election Commission. It has come as serendipitous for the bankers that the local body polls, during which the ink is to be used in large quantity, has been stayed by the High Court. A crowd waiting in queue to exchange demonetised currencies at Mint on Thursday | P Jawahar The exchange programme slowed down on Thursday at all banks and post offices in the State due to shortage of ink, which led to thinning of crowd before bank branches that had substantial number of people queuing up right from morning since November 8 night. An official from Indian Bank said the ink would be used in metros first, adding that they have started using it in their branches in Chennai including Mylapore and Tiruvotiyur. However, not all banks have the ink, which the Indian Banks Association was to organise, forcing many of them to stop exchanging demonetised currencies during the day. With many banks not able to procure indelible ink, talks are going on with the State Election Commission, sources in the banking sector told Express. Various bank officials met the State Election Commissioner and plans are on to get the available stock of ink which is supposed to be used for local body elections postponed due to the intervention of Madras High Court. After the exchange process slowed down, banks began to serve only their customers. We have stopped catering for customers of other banks, said an HDFC Bank employee. Public sector banks like State Bank of India are still exchanging the demonetised notes even for non-customers but the process is taking time. Meanwhile, Chief Post Master General Tamil Nadu circle Charles Lobo said they issued inedible ink to postal branches in Coimbatore. We will be issuing it to other postal offices by Friday, he said, but refused to give details of how they are arranging the ink. Meanwhile, this shortage of ink has come as a blessing in disguise for the banks, who are facing serious shortage of cash. A bank official told Express on condition of anonymity that none of them had necessary cash with them. It is slowly getting exhausted and there is an urgent need to pump in lower currencies, the official said. Outside the banks, however, anger is growing among the public who are now struggling to withdraw their salary as restrictions persist. We got our salary on November 10 but was unable to withdraw it. Now I have to spend as per government norms. Where is my economic freedom, reasons Sandeep, a Chennaiite who is quite angry over the Rs 2,000 withdrawal limit in ATMs and Rs 24,000 withdrawal limit within a week from the bank.
By Express News Service

CHENNAI: On the occasion of Prematurity Day, scores of parents, who had premature babies, came together in the city to speak about their children and how they overcame various issues to lead a healthy life.

Neonatalogist Deepa Hariharan launched a book Best Neonatal Practices of India which aims to provide answer to questions that many families and parents have about pregnancy. She said treatment for premature babies starts from the minute they are born.

The first minute is called the golden minute and the first hour is golden hour. It is extremely essential that the baby receives immediate care since they are prone to so many infections within the hospital itself like sepsis, she explained. She also said the intensity of the treatment that the baby undergoes can be compared to treatment of cancer or even heart valve diseases.

Presently, India is among the top 10 countries contributing to 60 per cent of the worlds premature births. According to the National Neonatal Forum of India and the Indian Foundation of Premature babies, 25 per cent of all neonatal deaths in the world occur in India.

Deepa Hariharan said while some mothers want to have a premature birth for the sake of astrology or because they want their child to have a unique birth date, most go into labour within 37 weeks because of gestational diabetes, hypertension and mainly, stress. The stress can be from their jobs or family or even because of the pregnancy.

CHENNAI: On the occasion of Prematurity Day, scores of parents, who had premature babies, came together in the city to speak about their children and how they overcame various issues to lead a healthy life. Neonatalogist Deepa Hariharan launched a book Best Neonatal Practices of India which aims to provide answer to questions that many families and parents have about pregnancy. She said treatment for premature babies starts from the minute they are born. The first minute is called the golden minute and the first hour is golden hour. It is extremely essential that the baby receives immediate care since they are prone to so many infections within the hospital itself like sepsis, she explained. She also said the intensity of the treatment that the baby undergoes can be compared to treatment of cancer or even heart valve diseases. Presently, India is among the top 10 countries contributing to 60 per cent of the worlds premature births. According to the National Neonatal Forum of India and the Indian Foundation of Premature babies, 25 per cent of all neonatal deaths in the world occur in India. Deepa Hariharan said while some mothers want to have a premature birth for the sake of astrology or because they want their child to have a unique birth date, most go into labour within 37 weeks because of gestational diabetes, hypertension and mainly, stress. The stress can be from their jobs or family or even because of the pregnancy.
By Express News Service

HYDERABAD: The Red Arrow Aerobatic team-fleet of nine Hawk aircraft painted the sky at the Indian Air Force Academy, Dundigal, with Red, Blue and White smoke flares on Thursday morning.

The team which is the face of the Royal Air Force of United Kingdom also performed The queens birthday flypast at the show. However, because of poor visibility, the team performed only half of the performance.

School children, Indian Air Force personnel and their families, assembled to watch the red coloured aircafts zoom past them. As part of the Tornado display, seven Hawk air crafts left a trail of white smoke, while the remaining two encircled the smoke flare.

The crowd who cheered whenever the aircrafts flied past them, waited patiently when they left, tried to listen to the roaring sound of the engines to spot the planes. The aircrafts flew at around 650 kilometres per hour and disappeared into sky after each manoeuvre.

Pilots of the Red Arrows team, which is officially called Royal Air Force Aerobatic Team promoted United Kingdoms industry and skills. They were in the city as part of their Asia-Pacific and Middle East Tour-2016.

They started from UK on September 29, and have been touring countries. Their next performance is at Muscat, Oman.

A flight lieutenant of Red Arrows team, said there are chances of making mistakes in this regard. However, he said that enough practice is put in to avoid the mistake. As part of their performance, the Hawk aircrafts left smoke flares (Union Jack) which are the colours of UKs flag.

Executive officer and flight lieutenant, Joe Houston said that they spend a lot of time before assuming the job full-time, adding that they have indicators in the cockpit which show red white and blue colour.

There is always a chance. You are so nervous of getting it wrong especially when you see the queen when we do flypast. But you practise it multiple times, he said.

The fly past is performed on UK Queens birthday as she stands in her balcony of Buckingham Palace.

HYDERABAD: The Red Arrow Aerobatic team-fleet of nine Hawk aircraft painted the sky at the Indian Air Force Academy, Dundigal, with Red, Blue and White smoke flares on Thursday morning. The team which is the face of the Royal Air Force of United Kingdom also performed The queens birthday flypast at the show. However, because of poor visibility, the team performed only half of the performance. School children, Indian Air Force personnel and their families, assembled to watch the red coloured aircafts zoom past them. As part of the Tornado display, seven Hawk air crafts left a trail of white smoke, while the remaining two encircled the smoke flare. The crowd who cheered whenever the aircrafts flied past them, waited patiently when they left, tried to listen to the roaring sound of the engines to spot the planes. The aircrafts flew at around 650 kilometres per hour and disappeared into sky after each manoeuvre. Pilots of the Red Arrows team, which is officially called Royal Air Force Aerobatic Team promoted United Kingdoms industry and skills. They were in the city as part of their Asia-Pacific and Middle East Tour-2016. They started from UK on September 29, and have been touring countries. Their next performance is at Muscat, Oman. A flight lieutenant of Red Arrows team, said there are chances of making mistakes in this regard. However, he said that enough practice is put in to avoid the mistake. As part of their performance, the Hawk aircrafts left smoke flares (Union Jack) which are the colours of UKs flag. Executive officer and flight lieutenant, Joe Houston said that they spend a lot of time before assuming the job full-time, adding that they have indicators in the cockpit which show red white and blue colour. There is always a chance. You are so nervous of getting it wrong especially when you see the queen when we do flypast. But you practise it multiple times, he said. The fly past is performed on UK Queens birthday as she stands in her balcony of Buckingham Palace.
By Express News Service

HYDERABAD: A research scholar of the University of Hyderabad (UoH) attempted suicide by slitting his wrist allegedly unable to bear the humiliation meted out by his guide. The student slit his wrists with a blade in the guide's lab leaving the latter dumbstruck. The condition of the student is stable.

Though some students claimed that the student is an SC, the university authorities dismissed the same. However, officials denied the allegations and said reasons that led the student to take the extreme step are unknown.

According to students, the incident took place on the campus at about 4.30 p.m. Moses Abraham, 27, a native of Machilipatnam in Andhra Pradesh, is pursuing PhD at Advanced Centre for Research of High Materials (ACHREM). He was reportedly working on 'Condense Theory Solid State Physics.'

Also Read: Im a Dalit: Rohit Vemulas lost and found video goes viral

The guide, Prof G Vaitheeswaran, reportedly did not allow Abraham from attending seminars and asked the scholar to change his research subject and supervisor even after the student published two research papers in reputed journals.

"Changing a research topic means a challenge as the scholar has to start working right from the scratch,'" a student said adding that a research scholar of the same department, Madari Venkatesh ended his life a few years ago.

Sources from the UoH health centre said that Abraham was brought to the centre at about 4.30 pm following which he was sent to Asha hospital nearby for further treatment.

Also Read: Rohit Vemula's brother rejects one-man commission's reports

When contacted, pro vice-chancellor Vipin Srivastava said Vaitheeswaran was in a shock after the incident. He also said there were rumours about Abraham being a Dalit but it is not true. Abraham stays in a room outside the campus.

No case has been registered by the police. Gachibowli police inspector J Ramesh said they have no information about the suicide attempt of the student. UoH witnessed protests in January this year when a Dalit scholar Rohith Vemula ended his life on the campus alleging caste discrimination.

HYDERABAD: A research scholar of the University of Hyderabad (UoH) attempted suicide by slitting his wrist allegedly unable to bear the humiliation meted out by his guide. The student slit his wrists with a blade in the guide's lab leaving the latter dumbstruck. The condition of the student is stable. Though some students claimed that the student is an SC, the university authorities dismissed the same. However, officials denied the allegations and said reasons that led the student to take the extreme step are unknown. According to students, the incident took place on the campus at about 4.30 p.m. Moses Abraham, 27, a native of Machilipatnam in Andhra Pradesh, is pursuing PhD at Advanced Centre for Research of High Materials (ACHREM). He was reportedly working on 'Condense Theory Solid State Physics.' Also Read: Im a Dalit: Rohit Vemulas lost and found video goes viral The guide, Prof G Vaitheeswaran, reportedly did not allow Abraham from attending seminars and asked the scholar to change his research subject and supervisor even after the student published two research papers in reputed journals. "Changing a research topic means a challenge as the scholar has to start working right from the scratch,'" a student said adding that a research scholar of the same department, Madari Venkatesh ended his life a few years ago. Sources from the UoH health centre said that Abraham was brought to the centre at about 4.30 pm following which he was sent to Asha hospital nearby for further treatment. Also Read: Rohit Vemula's brother rejects one-man commission's reports When contacted, pro vice-chancellor Vipin Srivastava said Vaitheeswaran was in a shock after the incident. He also said there were rumours about Abraham being a Dalit but it is not true. Abraham stays in a room outside the campus. No case has been registered by the police. Gachibowli police inspector J Ramesh said they have no information about the suicide attempt of the student. UoH witnessed protests in January this year when a Dalit scholar Rohith Vemula ended his life on the campus alleging caste discrimination.
By Express News Service

KOCHI: The bodies of three persons, who were among the five persons who went missing after a pick-up plunged into the Vembanad lake from the Aroor-Kumbalam bridge the other day, were recovered on Friday.

Since the bodies of all the victims have been recovered, the authorities called off the search.

The bodies of Nepal-natives Shyam Khatri and Jaman Bahadur were traced to a spot near the Edakochi-Aroor bridge at 12 am and 8.30 am. The body of Nijas Ali of Madhurakulam was recovered from Perumpadappu around 9.30 am. The bodies were shifted to Ernakulam General Hospital and Triupunithura Taluk Hospital. Later, Nijas body was handed over to relatives after postmortem, said Traffic East Assistant Commissioner A J George.

The five persons, four Nepal nationals and one Keralite, had drowned after the van carrying nine persons broke the railing of the bridge and fell into the backwaters on Wednesday evening. Four persons were rescued by fishermen and local residents soon after the incident. The deceased were employees of Chitra Decorations, Edappally.

The search operation was carried out by Coastal Police, Indian Navy and the Fire and Rescue Services Department.

ACP A J George said the authorities had contacted the brothers of two victims. The information about the other three victims will be passed on to relatives through the Nepal Embassy. The relatives of two of the deceased are in Kochi, who have decided to conduct the cremation here.

KOCHI: The bodies of three persons, who were among the five persons who went missing after a pick-up plunged into the Vembanad lake from the Aroor-Kumbalam bridge the other day, were recovered on Friday. Since the bodies of all the victims have been recovered, the authorities called off the search. The bodies of Nepal-natives Shyam Khatri and Jaman Bahadur were traced to a spot near the Edakochi-Aroor bridge at 12 am and 8.30 am. The body of Nijas Ali of Madhurakulam was recovered from Perumpadappu around 9.30 am. The bodies were shifted to Ernakulam General Hospital and Triupunithura Taluk Hospital. Later, Nijas body was handed over to relatives after postmortem, said Traffic East Assistant Commissioner A J George. The five persons, four Nepal nationals and one Keralite, had drowned after the van carrying nine persons broke the railing of the bridge and fell into the backwaters on Wednesday evening. Four persons were rescued by fishermen and local residents soon after the incident. The deceased were employees of Chitra Decorations, Edappally. The search operation was carried out by Coastal Police, Indian Navy and the Fire and Rescue Services Department. ACP A J George said the authorities had contacted the brothers of two victims. The information about the other three victims will be passed on to relatives through the Nepal Embassy. The relatives of two of the deceased are in Kochi, who have decided to conduct the cremation here.
By IANS

MUMBAI: The legal battle between actors Hrithik Roshan and Kangana Ranaut following their public spat over whether the two were in a relationship in the past isn't over yet, said Hrithik's legal team on Thursday.



"Media reports which suggest that the investigation into the Hrithik-Kangana emails is closed are totally false. A section of the media in connivance with Ms. Ranaut's lawyer has sought to disseminate this false information," Hrithik's lawyers said in a statement.



"The investigation, in fact, continues and Mr. Saxena (Joint Commissioner of Police, Crime) has informed Mr. Mahesh Jethmalani, Senior Counsel advising Mr. Roshan, that 'the case is not yet closed. Investigation is still going on'," the statement added.



The affirmation came after certain media reports on Thursday claimed that the legal dispute between the two has come to an end. The reports said that the case is being closed as the Mumbai Police have not been able to find who was impersonating actor Hrithik Roshan to send regular emails to Kangana Ranaut.



"It is categorically asserted that there is unimpeachable evidence to suggest that there was no relationship of any kind between Mr. Roshan and Ms. Ranaut and that Ms. Ranaut persistently hounded Mr. Roshan on e-mails with the intention to entice him into a relationship," claimed the statement.



A public spat broke out between the two former co-stars when Kangana in an interview hinted at Hrithik being her "ex", to which Hrithik responded by tweeting that "there are more chances of me having had an affair with the Pope" than with Kangana. Soon both exchanged legal notices.



The two were first linked in 2013 when they came together in "Krrish 3" but the rumour gained momentum after the actor officially separated from his wife Sussanne in December 2013.

MUMBAI: The legal battle between actors Hrithik Roshan and Kangana Ranaut following their public spat over whether the two were in a relationship in the past isn't over yet, said Hrithik's legal team on Thursday. "Media reports which suggest that the investigation into the Hrithik-Kangana emails is closed are totally false. A section of the media in connivance with Ms. Ranaut's lawyer has sought to disseminate this false information," Hrithik's lawyers said in a statement. "The investigation, in fact, continues and Mr. Saxena (Joint Commissioner of Police, Crime) has informed Mr. Mahesh Jethmalani, Senior Counsel advising Mr. Roshan, that 'the case is not yet closed. Investigation is still going on'," the statement added. The affirmation came after certain media reports on Thursday claimed that the legal dispute between the two has come to an end. The reports said that the case is being closed as the Mumbai Police have not been able to find who was impersonating actor Hrithik Roshan to send regular emails to Kangana Ranaut. "It is categorically asserted that there is unimpeachable evidence to suggest that there was no relationship of any kind between Mr. Roshan and Ms. Ranaut and that Ms. Ranaut persistently hounded Mr. Roshan on e-mails with the intention to entice him into a relationship," claimed the statement. A public spat broke out between the two former co-stars when Kangana in an interview hinted at Hrithik being her "ex", to which Hrithik responded by tweeting that "there are more chances of me having had an affair with the Pope" than with Kangana. Soon both exchanged legal notices. The two were first linked in 2013 when they came together in "Krrish 3" but the rumour gained momentum after the actor officially separated from his wife Sussanne in December 2013.
By IANS

Film: "Force 2"

Director: Abhinay Deo

Cast: John Abraham, Sonakshi Sinha, Tahir Raj Bhasin, Adil Husain, Narendra Jha

Rating: 3/5

Directed by Abhinay Deo, "Force 2" is a sequel of the 2011 released "Force", but unlike its prequel which was the remake of a South Indian film, this one is an original but staid, action-packed, bleak revenge story that is generic in nature.



Films have one sure way of involving us that never fails, they give us a character who has been wronged and then invite us to share his frustrations as they try to talk some sense into the blockheads. That character in "Force 2" is Rudra Pratap Singh alias Shiv Sharma, who is out to destroy the Indian intelligence agency RAW. Stopping him in his endeavour are ACP Yashwardhan aka Yash and an Intelligence Officer, Kanwaljeet Kaur aka KK.



The narrative begins with a few RAW agents getting eliminated in Shanghai but Anjan Das, the head of RAW, is not perturbed. It is when Mumbai Police Inspector Yashwardhan receives a coded message in form of a gift from his deceased friend, he realises that his friend was betrayed by someone from within the agency.



To avenge his friend's death and to avoid other RAW agents from getting eliminated, Yash offers his services to RAW. Anjan Das reluctantly agrees to Yash being on the mission, but not before assigning an able and efficient KK, as the team leader.



The lead takes the duo to Bucharest, where majority of the action sequences take place.



John Abraham as Yashwardhan is all beefed-up. He shines sporadically with his muscle power and he offers his punches more convincingly than his dialogues.



Sonakshi Sinha is natural as the agile KK. With no deviation in her character, her on-screen chemistry with Yash, as his colleague is perfect and is probably the best part of the film. Together, they make a perfect buddy duo who bond over the investigation.



Tahir Raj Bashin is the surprise package, of the film. Understated, and ordinary in his approach, he propels the narrative convincingly, but unfortunately, since we Indians like our antagonist to be larger than life, he disappoints and this is not his fault.



Adil Husain as the politician, Narendra Jha as Anjan Das and Boman Irani as Rudra Pratap Singh's father, in miniscule roles are effectively perfunctory.



Technically the film is mounted with excellent production values. The lone song snuggly fits into the narrative.



The chases and the action sequences are well-choreographed and they tend to be stretched at times. The climactic sequence with visuals captured by hand-held cameras and layered with loud background score gummed together in snappy edits, is an eye sore.



Overall, "Force 2" offers nothing that you have not seen before, yet entertains you. It is an ideal watch for John and Sonakshi fans.

Film: "Force 2" Director: Abhinay Deo Cast: John Abraham, Sonakshi Sinha, Tahir Raj Bhasin, Adil Husain, Narendra Jha Rating: 3/5 Directed by Abhinay Deo, "Force 2" is a sequel of the 2011 released "Force", but unlike its prequel which was the remake of a South Indian film, this one is an original but staid, action-packed, bleak revenge story that is generic in nature. Films have one sure way of involving us that never fails, they give us a character who has been wronged and then invite us to share his frustrations as they try to talk some sense into the blockheads. That character in "Force 2" is Rudra Pratap Singh alias Shiv Sharma, who is out to destroy the Indian intelligence agency RAW. Stopping him in his endeavour are ACP Yashwardhan aka Yash and an Intelligence Officer, Kanwaljeet Kaur aka KK. The narrative begins with a few RAW agents getting eliminated in Shanghai but Anjan Das, the head of RAW, is not perturbed. It is when Mumbai Police Inspector Yashwardhan receives a coded message in form of a gift from his deceased friend, he realises that his friend was betrayed by someone from within the agency. To avenge his friend's death and to avoid other RAW agents from getting eliminated, Yash offers his services to RAW. Anjan Das reluctantly agrees to Yash being on the mission, but not before assigning an able and efficient KK, as the team leader. The lead takes the duo to Bucharest, where majority of the action sequences take place. John Abraham as Yashwardhan is all beefed-up. He shines sporadically with his muscle power and he offers his punches more convincingly than his dialogues. Sonakshi Sinha is natural as the agile KK. With no deviation in her character, her on-screen chemistry with Yash, as his colleague is perfect and is probably the best part of the film. Together, they make a perfect buddy duo who bond over the investigation. Tahir Raj Bashin is the surprise package, of the film. Understated, and ordinary in his approach, he propels the narrative convincingly, but unfortunately, since we Indians like our antagonist to be larger than life, he disappoints and this is not his fault. Adil Husain as the politician, Narendra Jha as Anjan Das and Boman Irani as Rudra Pratap Singh's father, in miniscule roles are effectively perfunctory. Technically the film is mounted with excellent production values. The lone song snuggly fits into the narrative. The chases and the action sequences are well-choreographed and they tend to be stretched at times. The climactic sequence with visuals captured by hand-held cameras and layered with loud background score gummed together in snappy edits, is an eye sore. Overall, "Force 2" offers nothing that you have not seen before, yet entertains you. It is an ideal watch for John and Sonakshi fans.
Ayesha Tabassum By

Express News Service

Amidst a host of big-ticket releases set to hit the screens this season, Kajal Aggarwal is resolutely strengthening her position South of Bollywood.

Meeting Kajal Aggarwal at Bengalurus Forum Mall meant we had to wade through a mass gathering of fans, surpass numerous bouncers and flash our ID cards repeatedly. The popularity of the 31-year-old actress in South India is tangible. Dressed in a Pankaj & Nidhi outfitpristine white trousers and a floral bell sleeves topAggarwal looked at home amidst the hullabaloo and the flashing bulbs. Her upcoming films with names like Chiranjeevi (Khaidi No. 150) and Ajith (Thala 57) Aggarwal is in the league of top heroines in the South. Currently, her kitty is full with films that include an untitled political drama with Rana Daggubati, besides a special appearance in Soundarya Rajnikanths next venture with Dhanush. Born and raised in Mumbai, the fit and candid Aggarwal stays politically correct, as she shares her thoughts on the different film industries, her upcoming projects and lesser-known facts from her personal life.

Your film Kavalai Vendam is gearing up for release. Tell us a little about your role in the film.

The film is a rom-com, predominantly about relationships. I play the role of Divya who is a contemporary, independent, strong-headed and career-oriented successful young girl. She isnt the stereotypical perfect heroine, but is closer to a real-life girl who falls in love, makes mistakes, has regrets and is heartbroken. I am glad that I have been able to get such a good mix of roles. Its not something that everyone gets to do. Though, I am comfortable playing both, I prefer intense roles.

This is your first pairing with Jiiva. How is he as a co-star?

He is a fun person to work with, full of energy, lively and a great companion. We got along like a house on fire. Though we were at work, it didnt feel like it at all. It felt like we were on a holiday in Coonoor and Ooty (on location).

Are you a directors actor or do you like giving your characters a personal touch?

I always discuss my role with the director before I get down to giving a personal touch. But yes, all the directors I have worked with have welcomed my ideas. Who wouldnt want to give their own inputs in whatever they are doing? The role I play is like my baby, and I shall definitely be happy if it has my special touch.

How do you prepare for a character?

For the role of a visually impaired girl in Do Lafzon Ki Kahaani (which released this June), I did my homework by spending time at a blind school in Mumbai. I observed the movements of blind children, and how they went about their day. Additionally, I also ask many questions to my directors, as its important to understand what they have in mind.

Among movies in the recent past, which ones have inspired you? Any memorable incident that you took back from the shoots?

My role in Brahmotsavam is unforgettable. I thought a lot about the character even after I completed the shoot. Then, there is a political drama coming up with Rana (Daggubati) its still untitled, but my role is strong and has political overtones. This is another role thats playing on my mind. Also, my introduction scene in Sardaar Gabbar Singh, which was shot at Palli Falls, is special to me. It was a slow-motion shot of 48 frames per second. I cannot put it in words, but certain shots strike a chord and give immense satisfaction.

Do you think actresses are taken seriously in Indian films?

Times are changing now. Its not like how it was earlier. Take the example of films like Kahaani, Sultan and the upcoming Dangal. Women have played strong characters earlier too, but I strongly feel that more actresses are getting roles that are defined and written for them now; and this is not just in Hindi films. I think all industries are welcoming this change. If not for new-age thinking, then the likes of Kajol and Vidya Balan wouldnt have bagged such lead roles.

Your foothold in the South is really strong, and youve starred in successful films up North as well. Will we see you more in Hindi films?

I am blessed to have a lot of work in the South, and wont be able to give time to Hindi films right now. But yes, if I get roles where my character is significant in the script and if there is a strong story, then I shall give it a thought. But as of now, South Indian films are my priority.

Youre doing Ajiths next film, and youre also working with Chiru. What is it like on set?

Its an action-packed, pacey film. I am very happy with my role, the way Siva (the director) visualised it, and the way he helped me deliver. We have just wrapped up two major schedules of the film and we are shooting the remaining parts. Chiranjeevi and Ajith come with a lot of experience and that makes a huge difference. Everything on sets gets done on time, nothing is delayed. They command a lot of respect, but are not intimidating at all. Instead, they go that extra step to ensure that everyone is comfortable. I feel at home shooting with both actors.

Youve reportedly gone bold in your upcoming Telugu movie, Enthavaraku E Prema. Have your confidence levels risen to try things out of your comfort zone?

Thats not true. I do not understand what people mean by saying I have gone bold in the film. There are different insinuations from different people, but I just want to say that this is a clean U/A certified film, and there is nothing bold about it.

Your directors wish list.

Shankar, Gautam Menon, Sanjay Leela Bhansali, Imtiaz Ali, Anubhav Sinha. And yes, I would like to team up again with all the directors I have worked with.

How do you manage to strike a balance between all your projects, in various languages?

I have to put in a lot of effort to learn languages. I dont have a natural flair or knack for languages. I can now say that I am pretty fluent in speaking Telugu, because when I started, I would communicate with everyone on setsright from the spot boy to the directorin Telugu. So I was able to pick up faster. I have spent close to a decade in Hyderabad, so that helped me as well.

What about professionalism, in terms of getting the script ahead of the shoot and preparing for it?

I would like to take the credit of being an extremely proactive professional (laughs). I like to get things done in advance. I am always behind the team to send me the script before the shoot, so I can prepare, and I insist on meeting the director a couple of times to understand the role before we start shooting.

You wanted to pursue an MBA but turned to modelling. If not for acting, what would you be pursuing?

Its my dream to have an MBA stamp on my CV, and someday, I would definitely like to earn that degree. If not acting, I would have definitely been in the corporate sector.

One actor and actress youd like to work with in future.

I have worked with many actresses already. Among actors, I admire Aamir Khan the most and someday would like to work with him.

Will you try your hand at parallel cinema?

Why not? If there is a good script and a good role, I will definitely try.

Aside from cinema, what have you been up to?

I started a premium jewellery brand with my sister Nisha, called Marsala. That keeps me busy when not filming.

What do you do when not shooting, for leisure?

I love travelling, particularly adventure trips. I make sure I go on at least one adventure trip every year. I enjoy deep sea diving in Maldives and sky diving in Chicago. My favourite destinations are Bali, New York, Caribbean Islands, Cinque Terre on the Italian Riviera and the French Riviera.

Youre in Bengaluru promoting Ponds and Health & Glow. Is there a Kajal style mantra?

I like comfort over vanity. When at work or at events, I dress appropriately. Otherwise, I am always in jeans and a tank top or tracks and T-shirt.

Your workout regimen?

It depends on where I am. If I am in a city shooting for a couple of days, I take my trainer along with me. I usually train in cardio and lift weights. Cardio can get super boring, but I like weight training, as it makes me feel stronger. Otherwise, when I am travelling, I work out on my own, usually yoga. I do about 40 surya namaskarams. Earlier, I used to do 108, but now, the number has plummeted. Honestly, I keep changing my workouts, because I get bored too easily.

Whats a typical day like in Kajals life?

I am up by 5 am and squeeze in a quick cardio workout of about 40 minutes. I usually start filming by 7 am. I need an hours lunch break between 1-2 pm. Later in the afternoon, I take a quick nap and I wrap up by 6 pm. If I havent worked out in the morning, I work out after the shoot. If I am in India, I try to meet friends or catch a movie in the evening.

Amidst a host of big-ticket releases set to hit the screens this season, Kajal Aggarwal is resolutely strengthening her position South of Bollywood. Meeting Kajal Aggarwal at Bengalurus Forum Mall meant we had to wade through a mass gathering of fans, surpass numerous bouncers and flash our ID cards repeatedly. The popularity of the 31-year-old actress in South India is tangible. Dressed in a Pankaj & Nidhi outfitpristine white trousers and a floral bell sleeves topAggarwal looked at home amidst the hullabaloo and the flashing bulbs. Her upcoming films with names like Chiranjeevi (Khaidi No. 150) and Ajith (Thala 57) Aggarwal is in the league of top heroines in the South. Currently, her kitty is full with films that include an untitled political drama with Rana Daggubati, besides a special appearance in Soundarya Rajnikanths next venture with Dhanush. Born and raised in Mumbai, the fit and candid Aggarwal stays politically correct, as she shares her thoughts on the different film industries, her upcoming projects and lesser-known facts from her personal life. Your film Kavalai Vendam is gearing up for release. Tell us a little about your role in the film. The film is a rom-com, predominantly about relationships. I play the role of Divya who is a contemporary, independent, strong-headed and career-oriented successful young girl. She isnt the stereotypical perfect heroine, but is closer to a real-life girl who falls in love, makes mistakes, has regrets and is heartbroken. I am glad that I have been able to get such a good mix of roles. Its not something that everyone gets to do. Though, I am comfortable playing both, I prefer intense roles. This is your first pairing with Jiiva. How is he as a co-star? He is a fun person to work with, full of energy, lively and a great companion. We got along like a house on fire. Though we were at work, it didnt feel like it at all. It felt like we were on a holiday in Coonoor and Ooty (on location). Are you a directors actor or do you like giving your characters a personal touch? I always discuss my role with the director before I get down to giving a personal touch. But yes, all the directors I have worked with have welcomed my ideas. Who wouldnt want to give their own inputs in whatever they are doing? The role I play is like my baby, and I shall definitely be happy if it has my special touch. How do you prepare for a character? For the role of a visually impaired girl in Do Lafzon Ki Kahaani (which released this June), I did my homework by spending time at a blind school in Mumbai. I observed the movements of blind children, and how they went about their day. Additionally, I also ask many questions to my directors, as its important to understand what they have in mind. Among movies in the recent past, which ones have inspired you? Any memorable incident that you took back from the shoots? My role in Brahmotsavam is unforgettable. I thought a lot about the character even after I completed the shoot. Then, there is a political drama coming up with Rana (Daggubati) its still untitled, but my role is strong and has political overtones. This is another role thats playing on my mind. Also, my introduction scene in Sardaar Gabbar Singh, which was shot at Palli Falls, is special to me. It was a slow-motion shot of 48 frames per second. I cannot put it in words, but certain shots strike a chord and give immense satisfaction. Do you think actresses are taken seriously in Indian films? Times are changing now. Its not like how it was earlier. Take the example of films like Kahaani, Sultan and the upcoming Dangal. Women have played strong characters earlier too, but I strongly feel that more actresses are getting roles that are defined and written for them now; and this is not just in Hindi films. I think all industries are welcoming this change. If not for new-age thinking, then the likes of Kajol and Vidya Balan wouldnt have bagged such lead roles. Your foothold in the South is really strong, and youve starred in successful films up North as well. Will we see you more in Hindi films? I am blessed to have a lot of work in the South, and wont be able to give time to Hindi films right now. But yes, if I get roles where my character is significant in the script and if there is a strong story, then I shall give it a thought. But as of now, South Indian films are my priority. Youre doing Ajiths next film, and youre also working with Chiru. What is it like on set? Its an action-packed, pacey film. I am very happy with my role, the way Siva (the director) visualised it, and the way he helped me deliver. We have just wrapped up two major schedules of the film and we are shooting the remaining parts. Chiranjeevi and Ajith come with a lot of experience and that makes a huge difference. Everything on sets gets done on time, nothing is delayed. They command a lot of respect, but are not intimidating at all. Instead, they go that extra step to ensure that everyone is comfortable. I feel at home shooting with both actors. Youve reportedly gone bold in your upcoming Telugu movie, Enthavaraku E Prema. Have your confidence levels risen to try things out of your comfort zone? Thats not true. I do not understand what people mean by saying I have gone bold in the film. There are different insinuations from different people, but I just want to say that this is a clean U/A certified film, and there is nothing bold about it. Your directors wish list. Shankar, Gautam Menon, Sanjay Leela Bhansali, Imtiaz Ali, Anubhav Sinha. And yes, I would like to team up again with all the directors I have worked with. How do you manage to strike a balance between all your projects, in various languages? I have to put in a lot of effort to learn languages. I dont have a natural flair or knack for languages. I can now say that I am pretty fluent in speaking Telugu, because when I started, I would communicate with everyone on setsright from the spot boy to the directorin Telugu. So I was able to pick up faster. I have spent close to a decade in Hyderabad, so that helped me as well. What about professionalism, in terms of getting the script ahead of the shoot and preparing for it? I would like to take the credit of being an extremely proactive professional (laughs). I like to get things done in advance. I am always behind the team to send me the script before the shoot, so I can prepare, and I insist on meeting the director a couple of times to understand the role before we start shooting. You wanted to pursue an MBA but turned to modelling. If not for acting, what would you be pursuing? Its my dream to have an MBA stamp on my CV, and someday, I would definitely like to earn that degree. If not acting, I would have definitely been in the corporate sector. One actor and actress youd like to work with in future. I have worked with many actresses already. Among actors, I admire Aamir Khan the most and someday would like to work with him. Will you try your hand at parallel cinema? Why not? If there is a good script and a good role, I will definitely try. Aside from cinema, what have you been up to? I started a premium jewellery brand with my sister Nisha, called Marsala. That keeps me busy when not filming. What do you do when not shooting, for leisure? I love travelling, particularly adventure trips. I make sure I go on at least one adventure trip every year. I enjoy deep sea diving in Maldives and sky diving in Chicago. My favourite destinations are Bali, New York, Caribbean Islands, Cinque Terre on the Italian Riviera and the French Riviera. Youre in Bengaluru promoting Ponds and Health & Glow. Is there a Kajal style mantra? I like comfort over vanity. When at work or at events, I dress appropriately. Otherwise, I am always in jeans and a tank top or tracks and T-shirt. Your workout regimen? It depends on where I am. If I am in a city shooting for a couple of days, I take my trainer along with me. I usually train in cardio and lift weights. Cardio can get super boring, but I like weight training, as it makes me feel stronger. Otherwise, when I am travelling, I work out on my own, usually yoga. I do about 40 surya namaskarams. Earlier, I used to do 108, but now, the number has plummeted. Honestly, I keep changing my workouts, because I get bored too easily. Whats a typical day like in Kajals life? I am up by 5 am and squeeze in a quick cardio workout of about 40 minutes. I usually start filming by 7 am. I need an hours lunch break between 1-2 pm. Later in the afternoon, I take a quick nap and I wrap up by 6 pm. If I havent worked out in the morning, I work out after the shoot. If I am in India, I try to meet friends or catch a movie in the evening.
By PTI

NEW DELHI: Popular British author Jeffrey Archer will be on a four-city tour of India from Monday to promote the final installment of his seven-book "The Clifton Chronicles" with Gurgaon being his first stop.

The 76-year-old writer, whose "This Was a Man" had a global release on November 3, will also travel to Bengaluru, Pune and Mumbai.

Archer has a great fan following in India and has been a frequent visitor. He says he enjoys the "cosmopolitan feel of Mumbai, the beauty of New Delhi, the energy of Kolkata, and the friendliness of Hyderabad".

He had visited India last year, in 2014 and in 2013 to promote the earlier volumes of "The Clifton Chronicles", a saga that crosses continents, and one which in which the lives and loves of Harry, Emma and Giles are tested through friendship, betrayal, and intrigue. The author of bestsellers like "Not a Penny More", "Not a Penny Less", "Kane and Abel", "As the Crow Flies" and "First Among Equals", terms India as an amazing market. "Indians love storytellers.

You are a very large leadership. There are 200-250 million middle class readers in India. This is bigger readership than America.

So India is an amazing market," he had told PTI in an earlier interview. According to publishers Pan Macmillan India, "This Was a Man" has enhanced Archer's reputation as a master storyteller.

Spanning the 20th century, "The Clifton Chronicles" is a gripping family saga of the trials and tribulations of the Clifton and Barringtons, two families at opposite ends of the social spectrum.

NEW DELHI: Popular British author Jeffrey Archer will be on a four-city tour of India from Monday to promote the final installment of his seven-book "The Clifton Chronicles" with Gurgaon being his first stop. The 76-year-old writer, whose "This Was a Man" had a global release on November 3, will also travel to Bengaluru, Pune and Mumbai. Archer has a great fan following in India and has been a frequent visitor. He says he enjoys the "cosmopolitan feel of Mumbai, the beauty of New Delhi, the energy of Kolkata, and the friendliness of Hyderabad". He had visited India last year, in 2014 and in 2013 to promote the earlier volumes of "The Clifton Chronicles", a saga that crosses continents, and one which in which the lives and loves of Harry, Emma and Giles are tested through friendship, betrayal, and intrigue. The author of bestsellers like "Not a Penny More", "Not a Penny Less", "Kane and Abel", "As the Crow Flies" and "First Among Equals", terms India as an amazing market. "Indians love storytellers. You are a very large leadership. There are 200-250 million middle class readers in India. This is bigger readership than America. So India is an amazing market," he had told PTI in an earlier interview. According to publishers Pan Macmillan India, "This Was a Man" has enhanced Archer's reputation as a master storyteller. Spanning the 20th century, "The Clifton Chronicles" is a gripping family saga of the trials and tribulations of the Clifton and Barringtons, two families at opposite ends of the social spectrum.
By Online Desk

It has been a week since Prime Minister Narendra Modis press address about making Rs 500 and Rs 1,000 notes illegal. And the rush and confusion among the public still continues, prompting the government, seemingly unprepared for the fallout, to take decisions one day at a time. Makes one wonder whether the government has been revising its decisions only after gauging the reactions of the aam janta.

Heres a list of the seven major decisions announced in the past seven days by the Government and the Reserve Bank of India:

8th November: Prime Minister Narendra Modi announces that Rs 500 and Rs 1,000 notes will cease to be legal tender, and that the old currency notes can be exchanged or deposited in banks. The announcement said up to Rs 4,000 could be exchanged, Rs 2,000 could be withdrawn from ATMs and any amount could be deposited, with a Rs 10,000 cap on withdrawal at the bank counter, in a day.

10th November: After being shut for a day on 9th November to prepare for the disbursal of the few remaining denominations of legal tender, banks were asked to remain open for public on Saturday, November 12 and Sunday, November 13.

11th November: The Finance Ministry extended the deadline for using demonetised notes till November 14. The demonetised notes can be used for payments towards utility bills by individuals for arrears and electricity bills, it said, however no advance payments will be allowed using old currency. Payment of court fees and at consumer cooperative stores with the ID proof of customers can also be made using the demonetised notes till November 14, it added. Apart from this, road minister Nitin Gadkari announced that no toll charges on national highways would be collected till midnight of November 14.

12th November: The government announced that new Rs 1,000 notes would be out soon with enhanced features. The announcement of Rs 50 notes to be dispensed at ATMs also started doing the rounds on this day.

13th November: The limit for exchange of notes over the counter had been increased from the existing Rs 4,000 to Rs 4,500. The daily limit on withdrawal from ATMs was increased from the existing Rs 2,000 to Rs 2,500 per day in the recalibrated ATMs. Other ATMs were to continue dispensing Rs 50 and Rs 100 bank notes. The weekly cap of Rs 20,000 for withdrawal from bank accounts was increased to Rs 24,000 and the daily limit of Rs 10,000 per day was withdrawn.

14th November: On the fifth day of demonetisation operations, Secretary of the Department of Economic Affairs, Shaktikanta Das said ATM charges on all transactions by savings bank account holders were waived until December 30. A large number of micro ATMs were also said to have been deployed for disbursement of cash. Apart from these, a string of announcements were made. These included ATMs beginning to dispense Rs 2,000 notes from November 15 and an extension till November 24 to tender old Rs 500 and Rs 1,000 notes for public utilities, railway booking, railway catering, electricity and water bills and ASI monument entry tickets and fuel payment. The DEA also announced that the cash holding limit of banking correspondents would be Rs 50,000.

15th November: Remember getting inked after voting? In an attempt to carry out the banking process in an orderly fashion in what has become a chaotic environment, the RBI has laid out a Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) for banks and post offices which involves use of indelible ink on the citizens' fingers. The cashier or other designated bank staff will apply ink on your right index finger before the notes are handed over, so that while the exchange of notes is taking place, a few seconds elapse which will allow the ink to dry up and prevent removal of ink, says the SOP.

16th November: The colour durability of the new Rs 2,000 note became the talking point on day 8. During a press conference, Economic Affairs Secretary Shaktikanta Das addressed this issue and said, "The new currency notes, just as the old ones, will lose colour if rubbed with a piece of cloth wet because that's the nature of the dye used. If your note does not lose colour, it's one of the signs that it may be fake."

17th November: Declaring there was no plan to re-monetise Rs 1,000 notes, Finance Minister Arun Jaitley said that decision to reduce the exchange limit for demonetised notes from Rs 2,500 to Rs 2,000 is designed to stop the misuse of funds. This day also saw a string of decisions being announced by the government:

The maximum amount of old money you can exchange for new currency has been cut from to Rs 4500 per day to Rs 2000 per day.

Additionally, farmers are now allowed to up to withdraw Rs 25,000 per week against their crop loan from banks.

However, traders registered with the Agricultural Produce Marketing Committees [APMCs] can withdraw Rs 50,000 per week.

Families that have marriages coming up can withdraw a maximum of Rs. 2.5 Lakh from their bank accounts -- if they are compliant with know your customer [KYC] norms. The option is open to one member of the family on the bridegroom's side and one from the bride's side.

Central government employees up to group C, and staff of the railways and central paramilitary forces can take a salary advance of up to Rs 10,000 in cash.

18th November: Petrol pumps turn into cash counters! An amount up to Rs 2,000 per day,per person can be dispensed against swiping of debit card from certain select petrol pumps. Arun Jaitley had also issued a statement earlier on Friday saying that strict action will to be taken against tax evaders using other people's bank accounts to convert their black money into new denomination notes. In yet another statement issued on Friday evening, it was stated that banks across the country will not exchange of old notes on Saturday and senior citizens are exempt from this decision.

It has been a week since Prime Minister Narendra Modis press address about making Rs 500 and Rs 1,000 notes illegal. And the rush and confusion among the public still continues, prompting the government, seemingly unprepared for the fallout, to take decisions one day at a time. Makes one wonder whether the government has been revising its decisions only after gauging the reactions of the aam janta. Heres a list of the seven major decisions announced in the past seven days by the Government and the Reserve Bank of India: 8th November: Prime Minister Narendra Modi announces that Rs 500 and Rs 1,000 notes will cease to be legal tender, and that the old currency notes can be exchanged or deposited in banks. The announcement said up to Rs 4,000 could be exchanged, Rs 2,000 could be withdrawn from ATMs and any amount could be deposited, with a Rs 10,000 cap on withdrawal at the bank counter, in a day. 10th November: After being shut for a day on 9th November to prepare for the disbursal of the few remaining denominations of legal tender, banks were asked to remain open for public on Saturday, November 12 and Sunday, November 13. 11th November: The Finance Ministry extended the deadline for using demonetised notes till November 14. The demonetised notes can be used for payments towards utility bills by individuals for arrears and electricity bills, it said, however no advance payments will be allowed using old currency. Payment of court fees and at consumer cooperative stores with the ID proof of customers can also be made using the demonetised notes till November 14, it added. Apart from this, road minister Nitin Gadkari announced that no toll charges on national highways would be collected till midnight of November 14. 12th November: The government announced that new Rs 1,000 notes would be out soon with enhanced features. The announcement of Rs 50 notes to be dispensed at ATMs also started doing the rounds on this day. 13th November: The limit for exchange of notes over the counter had been increased from the existing Rs 4,000 to Rs 4,500. The daily limit on withdrawal from ATMs was increased from the existing Rs 2,000 to Rs 2,500 per day in the recalibrated ATMs. Other ATMs were to continue dispensing Rs 50 and Rs 100 bank notes. The weekly cap of Rs 20,000 for withdrawal from bank accounts was increased to Rs 24,000 and the daily limit of Rs 10,000 per day was withdrawn. 14th November: On the fifth day of demonetisation operations, Secretary of the Department of Economic Affairs, Shaktikanta Das said ATM charges on all transactions by savings bank account holders were waived until December 30. A large number of micro ATMs were also said to have been deployed for disbursement of cash. Apart from these, a string of announcements were made. These included ATMs beginning to dispense Rs 2,000 notes from November 15 and an extension till November 24 to tender old Rs 500 and Rs 1,000 notes for public utilities, railway booking, railway catering, electricity and water bills and ASI monument entry tickets and fuel payment. The DEA also announced that the cash holding limit of banking correspondents would be Rs 50,000. 15th November: Remember getting inked after voting? In an attempt to carry out the banking process in an orderly fashion in what has become a chaotic environment, the RBI has laid out a Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) for banks and post offices which involves use of indelible ink on the citizens' fingers. The cashier or other designated bank staff will apply ink on your right index finger before the notes are handed over, so that while the exchange of notes is taking place, a few seconds elapse which will allow the ink to dry up and prevent removal of ink, says the SOP. 16th November: The colour durability of the new Rs 2,000 note became the talking point on day 8. During a press conference, Economic Affairs Secretary Shaktikanta Das addressed this issue and said, "The new currency notes, just as the old ones, will lose colour if rubbed with a piece of cloth wet because that's the nature of the dye used. If your note does not lose colour, it's one of the signs that it may be fake." 17th November: Declaring there was no plan to re-monetise Rs 1,000 notes, Finance Minister Arun Jaitley said that decision to reduce the exchange limit for demonetised notes from Rs 2,500 to Rs 2,000 is designed to stop the misuse of funds. This day also saw a string of decisions being announced by the government: The maximum amount of old money you can exchange for new currency has been cut from to Rs 4500 per day to Rs 2000 per day. Additionally, farmers are now allowed to up to withdraw Rs 25,000 per week against their crop loan from banks. However, traders registered with the Agricultural Produce Marketing Committees [APMCs] can withdraw Rs 50,000 per week. Families that have marriages coming up can withdraw a maximum of Rs. 2.5 Lakh from their bank accounts -- if they are compliant with know your customer [KYC] norms. The option is open to one member of the family on the bridegroom's side and one from the bride's side. Central government employees up to group C, and staff of the railways and central paramilitary forces can take a salary advance of up to Rs 10,000 in cash. 18th November: Petrol pumps turn into cash counters! An amount up to Rs 2,000 per day,per person can be dispensed against swiping of debit card from certain select petrol pumps. Arun Jaitley had also issued a statement earlier on Friday saying that strict action will to be taken against tax evaders using other people's bank accounts to convert their black money into new denomination notes. In yet another statement issued on Friday evening, it was stated that banks across the country will not exchange of old notes on Saturday and senior citizens are exempt from this decision.
By PTI

NEW DELHI/KOLKATA/LUCKNOW: With his government under opposition fire over demonetisation both within and outside Parliament, Prime Minister Narendra Modi has asked BJP MPs to publicise the benefits of the exercise and steps taken for mitigation of their problems.



Sources said the BJP MPs have been asked to interact with people and the media to disseminate information about the "positive impact" of the move and also assuage public concern caused by waiting in long queues outside banks and ATMs to exchange old notes and withdraw money. BJP allies have also been roped in.



However, even 10 days after Modi took the nation by surprise by announcing demonetisation of Rs 500 and Rs 1000 currency notes, his rivals continued to aggressively target him, refusing to put their knives back into the sheath.



Congress today challenged Modi to a debate with the opposition on demonetisation and accused him of shying away from Parliament when it was deliberating on the issue to avoid "facing the truth".



On a day the demonetisation issue rocked both the houses of Parliament, scores of Youth Congress workers held a march, alleging withdrawal of high-value notes was part of a "big scam" and aimed at looting public money.



Addressing the protesters, senior party leader Anand Sharma charged Modi with committing "injustice" to the country and "spoiling" India's image globally by implementing the decision without preparation. He demanded that a Joint Parliamentary Committee be appointed to probe the alleged leak of information about the impending decision to demonetise the high-value notes.



"A debate is on in the Parliament and there is a deadlock. The Opposition has demanded that Prime Minister listen to us and explain his move. They (ruling party) say Narendra Modi is in Parliament premises but will not come to the House. What is this," Sharma said.



He also challenged the Prime Minister to a debate with the Opposition on demonetisation.



"We will not allow him to pile up miseries on the common citizens. It is such a big scam and loot of public money. We have demanded a Joint Parliamentary Committee to probe it. Our fight will continue till the government relents and demand for a probe is met," he said.



Continuing his tirade against Modi over demonetisation, CPI(M) general secretary Sitaram Yechury said the Prime Minister cannot decide the way people of the country live and warned of widespread protest against the "unacceptable" step.



NEW DELHI/KOLKATA/LUCKNOW: With his government under opposition fire over demonetisation both within and outside Parliament, Prime Minister Narendra Modi has asked BJP MPs to publicise the benefits of the exercise and steps taken for mitigation of their problems. Sources said the BJP MPs have been asked to interact with people and the media to disseminate information about the "positive impact" of the move and also assuage public concern caused by waiting in long queues outside banks and ATMs to exchange old notes and withdraw money. BJP allies have also been roped in. However, even 10 days after Modi took the nation by surprise by announcing demonetisation of Rs 500 and Rs 1000 currency notes, his rivals continued to aggressively target him, refusing to put their knives back into the sheath. Congress today challenged Modi to a debate with the opposition on demonetisation and accused him of shying away from Parliament when it was deliberating on the issue to avoid "facing the truth". On a day the demonetisation issue rocked both the houses of Parliament, scores of Youth Congress workers held a march, alleging withdrawal of high-value notes was part of a "big scam" and aimed at looting public money. Addressing the protesters, senior party leader Anand Sharma charged Modi with committing "injustice" to the country and "spoiling" India's image globally by implementing the decision without preparation. He demanded that a Joint Parliamentary Committee be appointed to probe the alleged leak of information about the impending decision to demonetise the high-value notes. "A debate is on in the Parliament and there is a deadlock. The Opposition has demanded that Prime Minister listen to us and explain his move. They (ruling party) say Narendra Modi is in Parliament premises but will not come to the House. What is this," Sharma said. He also challenged the Prime Minister to a debate with the Opposition on demonetisation. "We will not allow him to pile up miseries on the common citizens. It is such a big scam and loot of public money. We have demanded a Joint Parliamentary Committee to probe it. Our fight will continue till the government relents and demand for a probe is met," he said. Continuing his tirade against Modi over demonetisation, CPI(M) general secretary Sitaram Yechury said the Prime Minister cannot decide the way people of the country live and warned of widespread protest against the "unacceptable" step.
By Express News Service

NEW DELHI: The BJP on Friday asked the Opposition, including the Congress, Trinamool Congress, Aam Admi Party, Samajwadi Party, BSP and CPI (M) to introspect on their opposition to the government decision on demonetization. The BJP sought to know from the Opposition parties that if their protests in quest to run down the ruling NDA would not compromise the national interest.

It is well established that black money hampers economic growth unless one believes in the Uttar Pradesh chief minister Akhilesh Yadav's economic theory that its good in times of recession. By his justification of black money, he is culpable of legitimising corruption, said the BJP national secretary Siddharth Nath Singh.

The BJP leader also expressed his shock to a senior Congress leader comparing the death of soldiers in Uri with civilian deaths happened recently allegedly attributed to demonetisation. One can't find enough words to condemn this comparison made by Gulam Nabi Azad. His comparison is in similar bad taste like his leader Rahul Gandhi accusing Prime Minister Narendra Modi of Khoon ki Dalali (trader of blood), added Singh.

He also charged that the BSP chief Mayawati's monumental corruption in making of parks is well known for her to even question the steps taken by the Modi government.

It is disturbing to see two chief ministers perform theatrics outside RBI office on Thursday and threaten violence in the country. The West Bengal chief minister Mamata Banerjee did not shed a single tear for 17 lakhs poor who lost their hard earned money under chit fund scams famously called Saradha, quipped Singh.

The BJP leader also charged that the West Bengal chief minister even refused to acknowledge the Naradha tapes showing her party ministers and MPs taking cash openly caught on camera. The BJP demands that the Lok Sabha ethics committee takes action against these corrupt TMC members of parliament. Banerjee needs to answer mushrooming of syndicates in West Bengal helping in movement of fake currencies from Malda and smuggling of cows to Bangladesh? Another Chief Minister from Delhi known for spit & run is unable to discharge his constitutional duties and is abusing even the name adopted by his party Aam Admi, charged the BJP leader.

NEW DELHI: The BJP on Friday asked the Opposition, including the Congress, Trinamool Congress, Aam Admi Party, Samajwadi Party, BSP and CPI (M) to introspect on their opposition to the government decision on demonetization. The BJP sought to know from the Opposition parties that if their protests in quest to run down the ruling NDA would not compromise the national interest. It is well established that black money hampers economic growth unless one believes in the Uttar Pradesh chief minister Akhilesh Yadav's economic theory that its good in times of recession. By his justification of black money, he is culpable of legitimising corruption, said the BJP national secretary Siddharth Nath Singh. The BJP leader also expressed his shock to a senior Congress leader comparing the death of soldiers in Uri with civilian deaths happened recently allegedly attributed to demonetisation. One can't find enough words to condemn this comparison made by Gulam Nabi Azad. His comparison is in similar bad taste like his leader Rahul Gandhi accusing Prime Minister Narendra Modi of Khoon ki Dalali (trader of blood), added Singh. He also charged that the BSP chief Mayawati's monumental corruption in making of parks is well known for her to even question the steps taken by the Modi government. It is disturbing to see two chief ministers perform theatrics outside RBI office on Thursday and threaten violence in the country. The West Bengal chief minister Mamata Banerjee did not shed a single tear for 17 lakhs poor who lost their hard earned money under chit fund scams famously called Saradha, quipped Singh. The BJP leader also charged that the West Bengal chief minister even refused to acknowledge the Naradha tapes showing her party ministers and MPs taking cash openly caught on camera. The BJP demands that the Lok Sabha ethics committee takes action against these corrupt TMC members of parliament. Banerjee needs to answer mushrooming of syndicates in West Bengal helping in movement of fake currencies from Malda and smuggling of cows to Bangladesh? Another Chief Minister from Delhi known for spit & run is unable to discharge his constitutional duties and is abusing even the name adopted by his party Aam Admi, charged the BJP leader.
By ANI

NEW DELHI:: While the Union Ministers and Bharatiya Janata Party MPs are demanding his apology for comparing the impact of the ban of notes with terrorist attacks, Leader of Opposition in the Rajya Sabha Ghulam Nabi Azad on Friday said there is no question of apologising for his remark.

Talking to the media, Azad said, BJP should ask apology for pushing the country to edge. The kind of situation that is presently created it is all because of the BJP government.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi and senior ministers of his government meanwhile met in the formers chamber in Parliament this morning.

Union Minister of State for Minority Affairs Mukhtar Abbas Naqvi today raised Azad's controversial remark in the Upper House and said, Congress is trying to destroy the fight against corruption.

The Leader of Opposition in the House should apologise to the nation for his comments against the prime minister, who is fighting for the poor and the weak, he added.

On day 2 of the winter session, both Houses were adjourned yesterday as a united opposition demanded a debate on demonetisation, including voting, which was rejected by the government.

Opposition parties attacked the Centre saying the demonetisation move has hit the poor and the marginalised.

The main opposition Congress Party on Thursday demanded that Prime Minister Narendra Modi had made demonetisation announcement on November 8, and thus, until the former comes to the Rajya Sabha, there will be no discussion on the issue.

We raised this issue in the Rajya Sabha yesterday that the demonetisation announcement was made by the Prime Minister, therefore, he should have been present in the House, and should have listened to the opposition, and answered too. We wanted his presence in the House yesterday, but he did not turn up. We have been demanding since morning, and had also made it clear to the leader of the House yesterday, that until the Prime Minister comes to the Upper House, there will be no discussion on the issue," the leader of opposition Ghulam Nabi Azad told ANI.

Bahujan Samaj Party (BSP) president Mayawati also sought a reply from the Prime Minister on the ongoing discussion on demonetisation in the Rajya Sabha.

Talking to reporters outside Parliament, Mayawati said the issue is sensitive and a Joint Parliamentary Committee (JPC) should be set up to probe the alleged leakage of the decision on demonetisation.

NEW DELHI:: While the Union Ministers and Bharatiya Janata Party MPs are demanding his apology for comparing the impact of the ban of notes with terrorist attacks, Leader of Opposition in the Rajya Sabha Ghulam Nabi Azad on Friday said there is no question of apologising for his remark. Talking to the media, Azad said, BJP should ask apology for pushing the country to edge. The kind of situation that is presently created it is all because of the BJP government. Prime Minister Narendra Modi and senior ministers of his government meanwhile met in the formers chamber in Parliament this morning. Union Minister of State for Minority Affairs Mukhtar Abbas Naqvi today raised Azad's controversial remark in the Upper House and said, Congress is trying to destroy the fight against corruption. The Leader of Opposition in the House should apologise to the nation for his comments against the prime minister, who is fighting for the poor and the weak, he added. On day 2 of the winter session, both Houses were adjourned yesterday as a united opposition demanded a debate on demonetisation, including voting, which was rejected by the government. Opposition parties attacked the Centre saying the demonetisation move has hit the poor and the marginalised. The main opposition Congress Party on Thursday demanded that Prime Minister Narendra Modi had made demonetisation announcement on November 8, and thus, until the former comes to the Rajya Sabha, there will be no discussion on the issue. We raised this issue in the Rajya Sabha yesterday that the demonetisation announcement was made by the Prime Minister, therefore, he should have been present in the House, and should have listened to the opposition, and answered too. We wanted his presence in the House yesterday, but he did not turn up. We have been demanding since morning, and had also made it clear to the leader of the House yesterday, that until the Prime Minister comes to the Upper House, there will be no discussion on the issue," the leader of opposition Ghulam Nabi Azad told ANI. Bahujan Samaj Party (BSP) president Mayawati also sought a reply from the Prime Minister on the ongoing discussion on demonetisation in the Rajya Sabha. Talking to reporters outside Parliament, Mayawati said the issue is sensitive and a Joint Parliamentary Committee (JPC) should be set up to probe the alleged leakage of the decision on demonetisation.
By Express News Service

BHUBANESWAR: Former diplomat and author G Parthasarathy today called for a greater regional integration and stronger economic cooperation with SAARC (South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation) nations.

Even as the vast east coast of India is facing the fastest growing economies in the world, the maritime trading activities of this part of the country with the Southeast Asian Nations is very negligible.

Recalling the rich maritime heritage of the ancient Kalinga, Parthasarthy said the people of Odisha should ponder what went wrong with that tradition after nearly 70 years of independence. He was speaking at the 16th Harischandra Baxipatra memorial lecture here.

"I don't see any other states as rich with a maritime history as Odisha. We must ask ourselves where we stand now and why," the former Ambassador to Myanmar said.

Asserting that the East Coast has the potential to be a trade hub of oil, gas and petroleum products, Parthasarthy said the government should focus on improving and expanding connectivity with SAARC nations and increased economic partnership with Sotheast Asian countries including Myanmar and Thailand.

He said that the total value of India's trade with all the other SAARC members, put together, is less than a third of its total trade with just China.

There is shift in the foreign policy in the last two and a half years. The government in Delhi seems to have realised this anomaly. A meaningful cooperation can materialise only when there is mutual

trust and willingness among member countries to resolve and overcome bilateral differences and apprehensions for the greater good of their own people, he added.

The former High Commission to Pakistan, however, expressed his reservation on isolating Pakistan from the SAARC nations.

Parthasarathy said that the reach challenge before India is China no Pakistan. China is seeking to be the number one in the world order and using Pakistan against India by supplying nuclear weapons.

To address this security threat, India must improve its religious and cultural ties with the vast majority of Chinese people who follow Buddhism, he said.

Governor S C Jamir, senior Congress leader Niranjan Patnaik, senior journalist Rabi Das also spoke. Secretary of Harischandra Baxipatra Memorial Trust Lopamudra Baxipatra introduced the guests.

BHUBANESWAR: Former diplomat and author G Parthasarathy today called for a greater regional integration and stronger economic cooperation with SAARC (South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation) nations. Even as the vast east coast of India is facing the fastest growing economies in the world, the maritime trading activities of this part of the country with the Southeast Asian Nations is very negligible. Recalling the rich maritime heritage of the ancient Kalinga, Parthasarthy said the people of Odisha should ponder what went wrong with that tradition after nearly 70 years of independence. He was speaking at the 16th Harischandra Baxipatra memorial lecture here. "I don't see any other states as rich with a maritime history as Odisha. We must ask ourselves where we stand now and why," the former Ambassador to Myanmar said. Asserting that the East Coast has the potential to be a trade hub of oil, gas and petroleum products, Parthasarthy said the government should focus on improving and expanding connectivity with SAARC nations and increased economic partnership with Sotheast Asian countries including Myanmar and Thailand. He said that the total value of India's trade with all the other SAARC members, put together, is less than a third of its total trade with just China. There is shift in the foreign policy in the last two and a half years. The government in Delhi seems to have realised this anomaly. A meaningful cooperation can materialise only when there is mutual trust and willingness among member countries to resolve and overcome bilateral differences and apprehensions for the greater good of their own people, he added. The former High Commission to Pakistan, however, expressed his reservation on isolating Pakistan from the SAARC nations. Parthasarathy said that the reach challenge before India is China no Pakistan. China is seeking to be the number one in the world order and using Pakistan against India by supplying nuclear weapons. To address this security threat, India must improve its religious and cultural ties with the vast majority of Chinese people who follow Buddhism, he said. Governor S C Jamir, senior Congress leader Niranjan Patnaik, senior journalist Rabi Das also spoke. Secretary of Harischandra Baxipatra Memorial Trust Lopamudra Baxipatra introduced the guests.
By PTI

RANCHI: The BJP today claimed that the Congress has failed to distract the people through its "Assembly gherao" programme during the day as the people have come to know the definition of development.

"The gherao of Assembly by the Congress has flopped as it did not get the support of the people," BJP spokesman Praveen Prabhakar said in a statement here.

"The Congress has no issue left, so it wanted to distract the people. But the people have come to know about the definition of development," Prabhakar said.

Stating that Chief Minister Raghubar Das has given a new pace and direction to the development of the state and the Congress should come forward with its support.

But its intention is not clean, Prabhakar claimed after the Congress staged the gherao on the first day of the winter session.

Another spokesman Deendayal Barnwal alleged that the opposition was avoiding serious and burning issues because they have no solid suggestions.

RANCHI: The BJP today claimed that the Congress has failed to distract the people through its "Assembly gherao" programme during the day as the people have come to know the definition of development. "The gherao of Assembly by the Congress has flopped as it did not get the support of the people," BJP spokesman Praveen Prabhakar said in a statement here. "The Congress has no issue left, so it wanted to distract the people. But the people have come to know about the definition of development," Prabhakar said. Stating that Chief Minister Raghubar Das has given a new pace and direction to the development of the state and the Congress should come forward with its support. But its intention is not clean, Prabhakar claimed after the Congress staged the gherao on the first day of the winter session. Another spokesman Deendayal Barnwal alleged that the opposition was avoiding serious and burning issues because they have no solid suggestions.
By IANS

NEW DELHI: Post-demonetisation of high-value currency notes in India, Nepal Premier Pushpa Kamal Dahal 'Prachanda' rang up Prime Minister Narendra Modi seeking an arrangement whereby Nepal residents holding a huge stock of the now-banned high denomination Indian rupee notes could swap them for legal tender.



Local media in Nepal, too, had a field day following the Prachanda-Modi telephonic conversation earlier this week, alleging that the Maoist leader had more than Rs 1 billion in Indian currency sequestered with trusted aides in India -- and was worried about the loss that he stood to suffer.



Named among the Nepali political bigwigs in the same soup were other senior Maoist leaders who, too, have allegedly amassed crores of rupees since they gave up their 10-year-long armed insurgency in 2006.



Indian currency is legal tender in Nepal, with which India shares an 1,850-km-long open border. Indian money is freely accepted in commercial transactions that take place in the Himalayan nation.



However, as per Reserve Bank of India guidelines, no Indian currency note higher than Rs 100 may be taken out of the country -- and this restriction is scrupulously implemented by the Indian customs authorities.



Moreover, as per another RBI stricture (dated June 19, 2014) and implemented by the Indian Customs authorities, no person may take outside India -- or bring back into the country -- an amount exceeding Rs 25,000.



The Nepali central bank, the Nepal Rastra Bank (NRB), has since Wednesday stopped all transactions and exchange of Indian currency notes of Rs 500 and Rs 1,000 denominations -- which it was doing illegally in view of the RBI guidelines on Indian currency export.



According to NRB estimates, Indian high-denomination currency of the order of Rs 3.36 crore is in the financial system in Nepal.



Interestingly, similar demands for facilitation in exchange of Indian high-value notes has come from Non-Resident Indians in several countries who have suggested that bank note-exchange counters be set up in the Indian missions there.



A large number of NRIs in the United Kingdom urged Prime Minister Modi to allow note exchange abroad also so that they were not inconvenienced. The Indian High Commission in London, so far, has received no instructions in this regard.



In China, too, where a large number of Indian businessmen reside for long periods to carry out trading activity, appealed to the Indian Embassy in Beijing to allow note exchange -- but the embassy officials reportedly asked them to do so on their return to the country.



Significantly, what has come in prominence -- though known among financial circles even earlier -- is that huge amounts of Indian currency, especially in high-value notes, is sequestered abroad and there are people who want to now exchange the phased out notes for the new ones.



Prachanda has knocked Modi's doors seeking help for millions of Nepalis who have been put into financial difficulties by the Indian government measure. The question is: will Modi help? And can he under the existing RBI rules?

NEW DELHI: Post-demonetisation of high-value currency notes in India, Nepal Premier Pushpa Kamal Dahal 'Prachanda' rang up Prime Minister Narendra Modi seeking an arrangement whereby Nepal residents holding a huge stock of the now-banned high denomination Indian rupee notes could swap them for legal tender. Local media in Nepal, too, had a field day following the Prachanda-Modi telephonic conversation earlier this week, alleging that the Maoist leader had more than Rs 1 billion in Indian currency sequestered with trusted aides in India -- and was worried about the loss that he stood to suffer. Named among the Nepali political bigwigs in the same soup were other senior Maoist leaders who, too, have allegedly amassed crores of rupees since they gave up their 10-year-long armed insurgency in 2006. Indian currency is legal tender in Nepal, with which India shares an 1,850-km-long open border. Indian money is freely accepted in commercial transactions that take place in the Himalayan nation. However, as per Reserve Bank of India guidelines, no Indian currency note higher than Rs 100 may be taken out of the country -- and this restriction is scrupulously implemented by the Indian customs authorities. Moreover, as per another RBI stricture (dated June 19, 2014) and implemented by the Indian Customs authorities, no person may take outside India -- or bring back into the country -- an amount exceeding Rs 25,000. The Nepali central bank, the Nepal Rastra Bank (NRB), has since Wednesday stopped all transactions and exchange of Indian currency notes of Rs 500 and Rs 1,000 denominations -- which it was doing illegally in view of the RBI guidelines on Indian currency export. According to NRB estimates, Indian high-denomination currency of the order of Rs 3.36 crore is in the financial system in Nepal. Interestingly, similar demands for facilitation in exchange of Indian high-value notes has come from Non-Resident Indians in several countries who have suggested that bank note-exchange counters be set up in the Indian missions there. A large number of NRIs in the United Kingdom urged Prime Minister Modi to allow note exchange abroad also so that they were not inconvenienced. The Indian High Commission in London, so far, has received no instructions in this regard. In China, too, where a large number of Indian businessmen reside for long periods to carry out trading activity, appealed to the Indian Embassy in Beijing to allow note exchange -- but the embassy officials reportedly asked them to do so on their return to the country. Significantly, what has come in prominence -- though known among financial circles even earlier -- is that huge amounts of Indian currency, especially in high-value notes, is sequestered abroad and there are people who want to now exchange the phased out notes for the new ones. Prachanda has knocked Modi's doors seeking help for millions of Nepalis who have been put into financial difficulties by the Indian government measure. The question is: will Modi help? And can he under the existing RBI rules?
By Express News Service

NEW DELHI: Prime Minister Narendra Modis move to demonetise Rs 500 and Rs 1,000 currency notes resulted in a fallout that, probably, even the BJP did not expect. Opposition parties, in some cases even arch-rivals, joined hands in protesting against the decision and disrupted the functioning of both Houses of Parliament. They demanded the Prime Ministers presence in the Upper House to address their concerns, a move that was outright rejected by the government.

West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee launched a joint political offensive with her Delhi counterpart Arvind Kejriwal, demanding the government roll-back its decision within three days. The government, through Finance Minister Arun Jaitley, ruled out any such possibilities. Mamata Banerjee, for most part of it, played a major role in bringing the opposition leaders together against the move. Earlier this week, she also reached out to CPI(M) leader Sitaram Yechury, her political arch-rival back home. The Prime Minister wants to make a plastic economy. But we wont allow that. We will fight for people who are suffering, she said in Delhi. This is the biggest scam in independent India. Notes are being home-delivered to some people, alleged Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal. Both leaders also knocked at the doors of the RBI, demanding answers.

Back in Parliament, senior Congress leader Ghulam Nabi Azad, who hails from Kashmir, compared the deaths of people waiting for cash at ATMs with the death of soldiers in the Uri attack. His comments, which created a massive uproar, were expunged from the records. The BJP parliamentarians were prompt in calling him an anti-national. Senior minister Venkaiah Naidu said the comments were atrocious and anti-national and Parliamentary Affairs Minister Ananth Kumar demanded an unconditional apology, failing which, he threatened, the Upper House would not function.

With 5 states going to polls early next year, the winter session has already become a battleground with demonetisation being the weapon. However, three key bills for the rollout of GST are being held hostage in the process. Having set an April target to kickoff the tax reform, the government is now in a precarious situation.

Agrinomics explained

Current relaxation is inadequate say farmers as de-weeding and fertilizers alone cost up to Rs 5,000 per acre

Agricultural coop-erative societies are facing cash crunch affecting farmers who have applied for crop loans

Farmers also have to pay a crop insurance premium of C375 per acre before end of November

NEW DELHI: Prime Minister Narendra Modis move to demonetise Rs 500 and Rs 1,000 currency notes resulted in a fallout that, probably, even the BJP did not expect. Opposition parties, in some cases even arch-rivals, joined hands in protesting against the decision and disrupted the functioning of both Houses of Parliament. They demanded the Prime Ministers presence in the Upper House to address their concerns, a move that was outright rejected by the government. West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee launched a joint political offensive with her Delhi counterpart Arvind Kejriwal, demanding the government roll-back its decision within three days. The government, through Finance Minister Arun Jaitley, ruled out any such possibilities. Mamata Banerjee, for most part of it, played a major role in bringing the opposition leaders together against the move. Earlier this week, she also reached out to CPI(M) leader Sitaram Yechury, her political arch-rival back home. The Prime Minister wants to make a plastic economy. But we wont allow that. We will fight for people who are suffering, she said in Delhi. This is the biggest scam in independent India. Notes are being home-delivered to some people, alleged Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal. Both leaders also knocked at the doors of the RBI, demanding answers. Back in Parliament, senior Congress leader Ghulam Nabi Azad, who hails from Kashmir, compared the deaths of people waiting for cash at ATMs with the death of soldiers in the Uri attack. His comments, which created a massive uproar, were expunged from the records. The BJP parliamentarians were prompt in calling him an anti-national. Senior minister Venkaiah Naidu said the comments were atrocious and anti-national and Parliamentary Affairs Minister Ananth Kumar demanded an unconditional apology, failing which, he threatened, the Upper House would not function. With 5 states going to polls early next year, the winter session has already become a battleground with demonetisation being the weapon. However, three key bills for the rollout of GST are being held hostage in the process. Having set an April target to kickoff the tax reform, the government is now in a precarious situation. Agrinomics explained Current relaxation is inadequate say farmers as de-weeding and fertilizers alone cost up to Rs 5,000 per acre Agricultural coop-erative societies are facing cash crunch affecting farmers who have applied for crop loans Farmers also have to pay a crop insurance premium of C375 per acre before end of November
By Express News Service

NEW DELHI: Minister of State for Home Kiren Rijiju on Friday said smuggling of fake Indian currency notes (FICN) has completely stopped from three international borders  Pakistan, Bangladesh and Nepal  following the demonetization of Rs 1000 and Rs 500 notes.



Smuggling of FICN from three international borders -- Pakistan, Bangladesh and Nepal -- has completely stopped after the announcement of demonetization by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Rijiju told reporters.



The minister said FICN worth around Rs 400 crore were in circulation in the economy at any given point in time and the decision (demonetization) was a major assault on black money and fake currency.



Quoting Intelligence reports, a senior Union Home ministry official said counterfeit currency with the face value of Rs 70 crore was introduced by the inimical interests every year in the country.



Proceeds of illegal sale of drugs, opium and arms have also been completely stopped along with hawala transaction, the official said.



Intelligence sources said fake notes with face value of Rs 12.35 crore were seized by the security agencies till June this year.



In 2015, counterfeit currency with face value of Rs 34.99 crore were seized followed by Rs 36.11 crore in in 2014 and Rs 42.90 crore in 2013. However, there are wide variations in the estimates of fake currency in circulation in the economy as Pakistani agencies have copied 90 per cent of the security features in the original currency notes. Barring the security thread, Pakistan has copied all the aspects including water mark, ink, motifs and currency paper, sources said.



An estimated Rs 700-Rs 800 crore terror funding is done in India out of which Rs 300-Rs 400 crore are being used by Naxals annually, Rs 20-Rs 30 crore by terrorist groups and Rs 350-Rs 400 crore by insurgents in the Northeast.



The Home ministry has special FICN coordination group to share intelligence among different security agencies of states to crackdown on the circulation of fake currency notes. A terror funding and fake currency cell have also been established under the National Investigation Agency to stop terror funding and FICN activities.



There has been a complete lull in the activities of the fake currency mafia after the old currency notes of Rs 1000 and Rs 500 were invalidated, said an official.

NEW DELHI: Minister of State for Home Kiren Rijiju on Friday said smuggling of fake Indian currency notes (FICN) has completely stopped from three international borders  Pakistan, Bangladesh and Nepal  following the demonetization of Rs 1000 and Rs 500 notes. Smuggling of FICN from three international borders -- Pakistan, Bangladesh and Nepal -- has completely stopped after the announcement of demonetization by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Rijiju told reporters. The minister said FICN worth around Rs 400 crore were in circulation in the economy at any given point in time and the decision (demonetization) was a major assault on black money and fake currency. Quoting Intelligence reports, a senior Union Home ministry official said counterfeit currency with the face value of Rs 70 crore was introduced by the inimical interests every year in the country. Proceeds of illegal sale of drugs, opium and arms have also been completely stopped along with hawala transaction, the official said. Intelligence sources said fake notes with face value of Rs 12.35 crore were seized by the security agencies till June this year. In 2015, counterfeit currency with face value of Rs 34.99 crore were seized followed by Rs 36.11 crore in in 2014 and Rs 42.90 crore in 2013. However, there are wide variations in the estimates of fake currency in circulation in the economy as Pakistani agencies have copied 90 per cent of the security features in the original currency notes. Barring the security thread, Pakistan has copied all the aspects including water mark, ink, motifs and currency paper, sources said. An estimated Rs 700-Rs 800 crore terror funding is done in India out of which Rs 300-Rs 400 crore are being used by Naxals annually, Rs 20-Rs 30 crore by terrorist groups and Rs 350-Rs 400 crore by insurgents in the Northeast. The Home ministry has special FICN coordination group to share intelligence among different security agencies of states to crackdown on the circulation of fake currency notes. A terror funding and fake currency cell have also been established under the National Investigation Agency to stop terror funding and FICN activities. There has been a complete lull in the activities of the fake currency mafia after the old currency notes of Rs 1000 and Rs 500 were invalidated, said an official.
By PTI

AHMEDABAD: A Gujarat High Court judge today recused himself from hearing of appeals related to the Naroda Patiya riot case of 2002, becoming the third judge to do so. Justice Akil Kureshi today said, "Not before me" when the appeals came up for hearing before a division bench comprising him.

Twenty-nine convicts including former Gujarat minister Mayaben Kodnani and former VHP leader Babu Bajrangi have challenged the special trial court's ruling before the high court. Last year, division bench of justices M R Shah and K S Jhaveri had recused itself from hearing the appeals.

Riot survivors and the Supreme Court-appointed Special Investigation Team which probed the case too have filed appeals seeking enhanced punishment. As many as 97 people, mostly of minority community, were killed by a mob at Naroda Patiya here during the 2002 post- Godhra riots.

The trial court in August 2012 convicted 31 people and awarded life term to 30 of them including Kodnani. It awarded 'imprisonment till death' to Bajrangi. Kodnani, who was a state minister for women and child development for some period when Narendra Modi was chief minister of Gujarat, was released on bail by the high court in July 2014 on medical grounds.

Naroda Patiya riot took a day after the Godhra train burning incident of February 27, 2002. It was one of the nine cases from among those related to 2002 riots which were probed by the SIT.

AHMEDABAD: A Gujarat High Court judge today recused himself from hearing of appeals related to the Naroda Patiya riot case of 2002, becoming the third judge to do so. Justice Akil Kureshi today said, "Not before me" when the appeals came up for hearing before a division bench comprising him. Twenty-nine convicts including former Gujarat minister Mayaben Kodnani and former VHP leader Babu Bajrangi have challenged the special trial court's ruling before the high court. Last year, division bench of justices M R Shah and K S Jhaveri had recused itself from hearing the appeals. Riot survivors and the Supreme Court-appointed Special Investigation Team which probed the case too have filed appeals seeking enhanced punishment. As many as 97 people, mostly of minority community, were killed by a mob at Naroda Patiya here during the 2002 post- Godhra riots. The trial court in August 2012 convicted 31 people and awarded life term to 30 of them including Kodnani. It awarded 'imprisonment till death' to Bajrangi. Kodnani, who was a state minister for women and child development for some period when Narendra Modi was chief minister of Gujarat, was released on bail by the high court in July 2014 on medical grounds. Naroda Patiya riot took a day after the Godhra train burning incident of February 27, 2002. It was one of the nine cases from among those related to 2002 riots which were probed by the SIT.
By Express News Service

NEW DELHI: Calling it blatant lies, Indian navy has rubbished claims made by the Pakistan Navy that it had prevented an Indian submarine from entering its territorial water. Pakistani forces have been constant allegations on the Indian side, as two days back, its army claimed to have killed 11 Indian soldiers on the borders.

Captain DK Sharma, navy spokesperson here in navy headquarters in national capital said, Indian Navy categorically denies the statement of Pakistani Navy as blatant lies, by adding that the Indian Navy did not have any under water movement in the said waters as claimed by the Pakistani Navy

Earlier in the day, Pakistan has issued a statement claiming that Pakistani Navy had claimed it has proved its vigilance and operational competence by detecting and blocking an Indian submarine from entering Pakistani waters.

"The unsuspecting submarine was detected and localised south of Pakistani coast on November 16. Thereafter, despite submarine's desperate efforts to escape detection, it was continuously tracked by Pakistan Navy Fleet units and pushed well clear of our waters," the statement had said.

On Tuesday, Pakistan Navy said that China Pakistan Economic Corridor's first cargo containers were safely escorted in the Arabian Sea towards their destination to the Middle East and African countries.

Pakistan Army's powerful Army Chief Gen Raheel Sharif had on Wednesday claimed that his men killed 11 Indian soldiers in cross border firing across the Line of Control (LoC). This statement too was denied by the Indian Army.

Moreover, the Pakistani army has been repeatedly making allegations of civilian killings by Indian forces retaliatory fire at the Line of Control. In contrary, Pakistan army has violated ceasefire violations by 370 times this year so far at the Line of Control and the international border, which several civilians villages were targeted alongwith Indian armys posts.

NEW DELHI: Calling it blatant lies, Indian navy has rubbished claims made by the Pakistan Navy that it had prevented an Indian submarine from entering its territorial water. Pakistani forces have been constant allegations on the Indian side, as two days back, its army claimed to have killed 11 Indian soldiers on the borders. Captain DK Sharma, navy spokesperson here in navy headquarters in national capital said, Indian Navy categorically denies the statement of Pakistani Navy as blatant lies, by adding that the Indian Navy did not have any under water movement in the said waters as claimed by the Pakistani Navy Earlier in the day, Pakistan has issued a statement claiming that Pakistani Navy had claimed it has proved its vigilance and operational competence by detecting and blocking an Indian submarine from entering Pakistani waters. "The unsuspecting submarine was detected and localised south of Pakistani coast on November 16. Thereafter, despite submarine's desperate efforts to escape detection, it was continuously tracked by Pakistan Navy Fleet units and pushed well clear of our waters," the statement had said. On Tuesday, Pakistan Navy said that China Pakistan Economic Corridor's first cargo containers were safely escorted in the Arabian Sea towards their destination to the Middle East and African countries. Pakistan Army's powerful Army Chief Gen Raheel Sharif had on Wednesday claimed that his men killed 11 Indian soldiers in cross border firing across the Line of Control (LoC). This statement too was denied by the Indian Army. Moreover, the Pakistani army has been repeatedly making allegations of civilian killings by Indian forces retaliatory fire at the Line of Control. In contrary, Pakistan army has violated ceasefire violations by 370 times this year so far at the Line of Control and the international border, which several civilians villages were targeted alongwith Indian armys posts.
Aishik Chanda By

Express News Service

KOLKATA: Shortage of Rs 100 notes and new Rs 500 notes has forced many residents near the Indo-Bhutan border in West Bengal to switch over to Bhutanese currency Ngultrum, which is equal in value to the Rupee.

Though illegal to be circulated on Indian soil, the Ngultrum is nevertheless widely used in transactions in the Indo-Bhutan border areas. Earlier, it was accepted as far as Jalpaiguri and Alipurduar towns, over 100 km from the border. However, stricter measures by the Government of India since 2012 have limited use of Ngultrum to the border areas. On the other hand, Indian Rupee is accepted as far as Thimpu, the capital of Bhutan.

The sudden demonetisation move has forced the traders and common public alike in border towns such as Jaigaon and Nagrakata in Alipurduar district to completely switch over to the Bhutanese currency.

Many of the traders have transferred their Rs 500 and Rs 1,000 notes to Phuentsholing on the other side of the border in lieu of Bhutanese currency, Dipankar Dutta, a trader in the last Indian town Jaigaon told New Indian Express.

The Bhutanese currency is also being used in greater numbers in other border towns such as Nagrakata. We have exchanged our Rs 500 notes with Nu 500 notes, which are being accepted in the border areas, Anupam Sarkar, a resident of Nagrakata told New Indian Express.

"Earlier, the traders gave a mix of Rupees and Ngultrum as change. Nowadays, only Ngultrum is given, which shows the extent of the Bhutanese currency," he added.

Meanwhile, police have denied the organised large-scale exchange of Rupees and Ngultrum through the Indo-Bhutan border.

We have not received any information of large-scale movement of Rupees and Ngultrum through the border. Action will be initiated if we receive such information, Jaigaon Police Station Office-in-charge Biraj Mukherjee said.

KOLKATA: Shortage of Rs 100 notes and new Rs 500 notes has forced many residents near the Indo-Bhutan border in West Bengal to switch over to Bhutanese currency Ngultrum, which is equal in value to the Rupee. Though illegal to be circulated on Indian soil, the Ngultrum is nevertheless widely used in transactions in the Indo-Bhutan border areas. Earlier, it was accepted as far as Jalpaiguri and Alipurduar towns, over 100 km from the border. However, stricter measures by the Government of India since 2012 have limited use of Ngultrum to the border areas. On the other hand, Indian Rupee is accepted as far as Thimpu, the capital of Bhutan. The sudden demonetisation move has forced the traders and common public alike in border towns such as Jaigaon and Nagrakata in Alipurduar district to completely switch over to the Bhutanese currency. Many of the traders have transferred their Rs 500 and Rs 1,000 notes to Phuentsholing on the other side of the border in lieu of Bhutanese currency, Dipankar Dutta, a trader in the last Indian town Jaigaon told New Indian Express. The Bhutanese currency is also being used in greater numbers in other border towns such as Nagrakata. We have exchanged our Rs 500 notes with Nu 500 notes, which are being accepted in the border areas, Anupam Sarkar, a resident of Nagrakata told New Indian Express. "Earlier, the traders gave a mix of Rupees and Ngultrum as change. Nowadays, only Ngultrum is given, which shows the extent of the Bhutanese currency," he added. Meanwhile, police have denied the organised large-scale exchange of Rupees and Ngultrum through the Indo-Bhutan border. We have not received any information of large-scale movement of Rupees and Ngultrum through the border. Action will be initiated if we receive such information, Jaigaon Police Station Office-in-charge Biraj Mukherjee said.
By Express News Service

NEW DELHI: As crowds waiting for cash refuse to die down, the government on Thursday allowed select petrol pumps to dispense cash of up to Rs 2,000 per day through debit card swipe. The move is expected to marginally reduce the burden on banks. The facility would be available at 2,500 petrol pumps across the country.

It has been decided that an amount up to Rs 2,000 per day per person in cash can be dispensed against swiping of debit card from select petrol pumps where POS machines of SBI are already available, an official said. Select petrol pumps run by the Indian Oil Corporation Limited, Bharat Petroleum Corporation Limited and the Hindustan Petroleum Corporation Limited would come under this scheme. The government is also in talks with the industry to extend this facility to 20,000 outlets across the country, claimed reports.

NEW DELHI: As crowds waiting for cash refuse to die down, the government on Thursday allowed select petrol pumps to dispense cash of up to Rs 2,000 per day through debit card swipe. The move is expected to marginally reduce the burden on banks. The facility would be available at 2,500 petrol pumps across the country. It has been decided that an amount up to Rs 2,000 per day per person in cash can be dispensed against swiping of debit card from select petrol pumps where POS machines of SBI are already available, an official said. Select petrol pumps run by the Indian Oil Corporation Limited, Bharat Petroleum Corporation Limited and the Hindustan Petroleum Corporation Limited would come under this scheme. The government is also in talks with the industry to extend this facility to 20,000 outlets across the country, claimed reports.
By Express News Service

KURNOOL: Caught between alleged sexual harassment by her senior students and pressure by parents to complete her studies, a 19-year-old B Tech student committed suicide by consuming hair dye at her hostel room in Nandyal of Kurnool district on Thursday. After struggling for life for more than 12 hours, she breathed her last during late on Thursday night. Her father lodged a complaint against the harassment by her seniors in the college, with the police on Friday.

V Usharani (19), a native of Tutapalli in Badwel mandal of Kadapa district, got admission into IT discipline of BTech at RGM Engineering College in Nandyal during this academic year. She is the younger sister of Badwel ZPTC Sirisha. Soon after she joined the college, the young girl was being commented on her looks and harassed allegedly by her senior students. As the harassment increased, she informed her parents and expressed her wish to quit studies. However, her parents convinced her to pursue the studies.

During last week, Usharani went home and complained to her parents about the increasing harassment from her seniors. She refused to go to college. But over the last a few days, the family members

convinced her and her father Jayaram Reddy brought her to Nandyal in their four-wheeler on Thursday morning. On their arrival, Jayaram Reddy promised to his daughter that he would stay at the college till evening if she was not convinced and also lodged a complaint with the college management stating his daughter was being ragged by her seniors.

However, Usharani left the college in the afternoon and returned to the college hostel where she reportedly had her lunch and also consumed a hair dye in an attempt to commit suicide. Later, she

insisted that her father take her back to home. After travelling for over 25 km from Nandyal, Usharani had severe vomiting and Jayaram Reddy reportedly grew suspicious and questioned his daughter who in turn confessed to have consumed hair dye to commit suicide.

Shock over it, Jayaram Reddy rushed his daughter to Kadapa and admitted her in a private hospital where she succumbed during the intervening night of Thursday and Friday after struggling for life for

over 12 hours since afternoon.

During their travel, Usharani reportedly informed her father that she was dejected over life due to the alleged harassment and abusive comments by her seniors.

Jayaram Reddy lodged a complaint with the Badwel police over the alleged ragging of his daughter by her seniors at the college on Friday morning. The case was transferred to the Panyam police who sent the body for postmortem and took up the investigation.

KURNOOL: Caught between alleged sexual harassment by her senior students and pressure by parents to complete her studies, a 19-year-old B Tech student committed suicide by consuming hair dye at her hostel room in Nandyal of Kurnool district on Thursday. After struggling for life for more than 12 hours, she breathed her last during late on Thursday night. Her father lodged a complaint against the harassment by her seniors in the college, with the police on Friday. V Usharani (19), a native of Tutapalli in Badwel mandal of Kadapa district, got admission into IT discipline of BTech at RGM Engineering College in Nandyal during this academic year. She is the younger sister of Badwel ZPTC Sirisha. Soon after she joined the college, the young girl was being commented on her looks and harassed allegedly by her senior students. As the harassment increased, she informed her parents and expressed her wish to quit studies. However, her parents convinced her to pursue the studies. During last week, Usharani went home and complained to her parents about the increasing harassment from her seniors. She refused to go to college. But over the last a few days, the family members convinced her and her father Jayaram Reddy brought her to Nandyal in their four-wheeler on Thursday morning. On their arrival, Jayaram Reddy promised to his daughter that he would stay at the college till evening if she was not convinced and also lodged a complaint with the college management stating his daughter was being ragged by her seniors. However, Usharani left the college in the afternoon and returned to the college hostel where she reportedly had her lunch and also consumed a hair dye in an attempt to commit suicide. Later, she insisted that her father take her back to home. After travelling for over 25 km from Nandyal, Usharani had severe vomiting and Jayaram Reddy reportedly grew suspicious and questioned his daughter who in turn confessed to have consumed hair dye to commit suicide. Shock over it, Jayaram Reddy rushed his daughter to Kadapa and admitted her in a private hospital where she succumbed during the intervening night of Thursday and Friday after struggling for life for over 12 hours since afternoon. During their travel, Usharani reportedly informed her father that she was dejected over life due to the alleged harassment and abusive comments by her seniors. Jayaram Reddy lodged a complaint with the Badwel police over the alleged ragging of his daughter by her seniors at the college on Friday morning. The case was transferred to the Panyam police who sent the body for postmortem and took up the investigation.
Kiran Parashar K M By

Express News Service

BENGALURU: Since April this year, 457 farmers have committed suicide in Karnataka. In other words, two farmers have been killing themselves every day, pointing to the state of distress that continues unabated.

While Haveri has reported the highest number of suicides at 48, the chief ministers home district of Mysuru is not far behind: 34 farmer suicides have been reported here.

In 2015-16, 1,475 farmer suicides were reported which was the highest in recent years. In the year before, 122 were reported, in 2013-14, 58 farmers committed suicide and in 2012-13, the corresponding number was 77.

However, for many bereaved families, receiving compensation remains out of bounds. The agricultural department does not accept all suicides as compensation worthy. Department officials said, If a farmer is unable to clear loans taken for agriculture from authorised banks or financiers, it is considered a farmer suicide by the Karnataka government. Loans taken for other purposes, or even agricultural loans taken from unauthorised financial institutions, are not accepted as causing farmer suicides.

Therefore, of the 457 cases, 210 applications have been accepted and 74 rejected while 173 remain pending with district authorities.

Agricultural officials said, In 2015-16, of 1,475 suicides reported, 986 applications were accepted and 463 rejected while 26 applications remain pending.

Elaborating how the department considers a farmer suicide, they said, In each district, a committee headed by the assistant commissioner scrutinises the reasons for farmer deaths. If the death is certified as caused by crop loss, the assistant director of the agriculture department is informed about it.

Compensation entails monetary grant of Rs 5 lakh, free education up to post graduation for children of the deceased, monthly pension of Rs 2,000 to the farmers wife and government health benefits.

What is often not reported is how the relief money is withheld by unscrupulous officials and how the bereaved families are made to run around and forced to offer bribes to get the amount sanctioned. Ironically, the dependents again have to borrow from moneylenders to pay the graft money. The vicious circle doesnt end.

BENGALURU: Since April this year, 457 farmers have committed suicide in Karnataka. In other words, two farmers have been killing themselves every day, pointing to the state of distress that continues unabated. While Haveri has reported the highest number of suicides at 48, the chief ministers home district of Mysuru is not far behind: 34 farmer suicides have been reported here. In 2015-16, 1,475 farmer suicides were reported which was the highest in recent years. In the year before, 122 were reported, in 2013-14, 58 farmers committed suicide and in 2012-13, the corresponding number was 77. However, for many bereaved families, receiving compensation remains out of bounds. The agricultural department does not accept all suicides as compensation worthy. Department officials said, If a farmer is unable to clear loans taken for agriculture from authorised banks or financiers, it is considered a farmer suicide by the Karnataka government. Loans taken for other purposes, or even agricultural loans taken from unauthorised financial institutions, are not accepted as causing farmer suicides. Therefore, of the 457 cases, 210 applications have been accepted and 74 rejected while 173 remain pending with district authorities. Agricultural officials said, In 2015-16, of 1,475 suicides reported, 986 applications were accepted and 463 rejected while 26 applications remain pending. Elaborating how the department considers a farmer suicide, they said, In each district, a committee headed by the assistant commissioner scrutinises the reasons for farmer deaths. If the death is certified as caused by crop loss, the assistant director of the agriculture department is informed about it. Compensation entails monetary grant of Rs 5 lakh, free education up to post graduation for children of the deceased, monthly pension of Rs 2,000 to the farmers wife and government health benefits. What is often not reported is how the relief money is withheld by unscrupulous officials and how the bereaved families are made to run around and forced to offer bribes to get the amount sanctioned. Ironically, the dependents again have to borrow from moneylenders to pay the graft money. The vicious circle doesnt end.
By Express News Service

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: In a first, Kerala chief minister Pinarayi Vijayan along with his cabinet colleagues launched a day-long sit-in in front of the RBI office in the capital city on Friday.



Pinarayi, along with a united LDF front partners, used the occasion to unleash a scathing attack on the Modi government at the Centre for trying to "destroy the cooperative sector in Kerala". The CM along with the ministers walked from the Martyrs Square to the sit-in front of the Reserve Bank of Indias head office in the state.



Inaugurating the Satyagraha, CM also said the decision involves an ulterior political move to completely destruct state's economy. In a detailed address, he pointed out how the primary cooperative societies are intrinsically linked with the lives of Kerala's common man.



All financial institutions issue agricultural loans, but only the cooperatives do it in a genuine way, the Kerala chief minister said. "Though it is a banking institution, cooperatives perform beyond functioning as mere banking establishments," he added.

Pinarayi also ridiculed the allegations that cooperatives hoard black money. "We are in favor of unearthing black money. But under the cover of this, attempting to destroy the cooperative sector and state's economy cannot be accepted."



Is it the kind of action to be taken by an administrator? he asked referring to the withdrawal of currency, adding that he suspected a deep rooted conspiracy to wreck the cooperative sector.

In March, the cooperative institutions or societies operated as per the rules brought out by the Kerala assembly in the state, had received investments to the tune of Rs 1.27 lakh crore.

Terming the decision absurd, CPM general secretary Sitaram Yechury said the demonetisation drive failed to achieve any of the declared objectives. "The demonetisation will not stop black money, corruption or counterfeit currencies. Nor will it prevented economic terrorism," he said.



The CPM along with opposition parties would launch a nationwide protest and a agitation in two days, he said. He likened Narendra Modi's move as "mad Tuglakian farmaan", pointing out that so far more than 40 people have died in the country due to demonetisation. "This mad anarchical move by the Prime Minister should not destroy the lives of the people," he said.



Meanwhile, CPM veteran VS Achuthanandan once again proved that he's the real mass leader for the Communist party in Kerala. The nonagenarian leader took the masses by storm. Attacking the Modi government for the drive, VS said with the decision Modi has made himself worthy to be called 'Tuglaq's guru'. He termed the entire exercise shameful.



A host of leaders including CPI state chief Kanam Rajendran and CPM state secretary Kodiyeri Balakrishnan addressed the sit-in.

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: In a first, Kerala chief minister Pinarayi Vijayan along with his cabinet colleagues launched a day-long sit-in in front of the RBI office in the capital city on Friday. Pinarayi, along with a united LDF front partners, used the occasion to unleash a scathing attack on the Modi government at the Centre for trying to "destroy the cooperative sector in Kerala". The CM along with the ministers walked from the Martyrs Square to the sit-in front of the Reserve Bank of Indias head office in the state. Inaugurating the Satyagraha, CM also said the decision involves an ulterior political move to completely destruct state's economy. In a detailed address, he pointed out how the primary cooperative societies are intrinsically linked with the lives of Kerala's common man. All financial institutions issue agricultural loans, but only the cooperatives do it in a genuine way, the Kerala chief minister said. "Though it is a banking institution, cooperatives perform beyond functioning as mere banking establishments," he added. Pinarayi also ridiculed the allegations that cooperatives hoard black money. "We are in favor of unearthing black money. But under the cover of this, attempting to destroy the cooperative sector and state's economy cannot be accepted." Is it the kind of action to be taken by an administrator? he asked referring to the withdrawal of currency, adding that he suspected a deep rooted conspiracy to wreck the cooperative sector. In March, the cooperative institutions or societies operated as per the rules brought out by the Kerala assembly in the state, had received investments to the tune of Rs 1.27 lakh crore. Terming the decision absurd, CPM general secretary Sitaram Yechury said the demonetisation drive failed to achieve any of the declared objectives. "The demonetisation will not stop black money, corruption or counterfeit currencies. Nor will it prevented economic terrorism," he said. The CPM along with opposition parties would launch a nationwide protest and a agitation in two days, he said. He likened Narendra Modi's move as "mad Tuglakian farmaan", pointing out that so far more than 40 people have died in the country due to demonetisation. "This mad anarchical move by the Prime Minister should not destroy the lives of the people," he said. Meanwhile, CPM veteran VS Achuthanandan once again proved that he's the real mass leader for the Communist party in Kerala. The nonagenarian leader took the masses by storm. Attacking the Modi government for the drive, VS said with the decision Modi has made himself worthy to be called 'Tuglaq's guru'. He termed the entire exercise shameful. A host of leaders including CPI state chief Kanam Rajendran and CPM state secretary Kodiyeri Balakrishnan addressed the sit-in.
By Online Desk

In what comes as yet another alleged sexist remark, a woman leader of the Muslim League was informed last weekend that she could not address a gathering as she was a woman.

According to an NDTV report, The president of the Muslim Leagues womens wing Kamarunissa Anwar was speaking to a public gathering, sharing the dais with several male leaders, when the secretary of the party MC Mayin Haji told the 60-year-old leader, its not in the Leagues tradition for women to speak to men.

The audio recording of the alleged conversation was leaked by unknown persons.

And Haji did not deny he said it. "Women do not address public gatherings. Women are given much more respect than men, the reason why we don't encourage them to be part of processions or late night events," he told the TV channel.

Women, Haji, said, "were welcome to speak to a specific audience like a delegation, but must not address public gatherings."

He furnished a picture of another well-known woman leader of the party addressing a delegation, with him on the stage to prove that he was not against women making speeches but only at public gatherings,

"I don't have any complaints. People have the freedom to speak whatever they want to," Kamarunissa Anwar told NDTV. She has been with the party for the last 20 years and said, "she did feel sad".

Out of the 140 MLAs in Kerala, only eight are women. The Opposition led by Congress has no women legislators in the current Assembly. Muslim League is an important ally of the Congress in Kerala and has 18 MLAs in the Assembly, but not one woman.

In what comes as yet another alleged sexist remark, a woman leader of the Muslim League was informed last weekend that she could not address a gathering as she was a woman. According to an NDTV report, The president of the Muslim Leagues womens wing Kamarunissa Anwar was speaking to a public gathering, sharing the dais with several male leaders, when the secretary of the party MC Mayin Haji told the 60-year-old leader, its not in the Leagues tradition for women to speak to men. The audio recording of the alleged conversation was leaked by unknown persons. And Haji did not deny he said it. "Women do not address public gatherings. Women are given much more respect than men, the reason why we don't encourage them to be part of processions or late night events," he told the TV channel. Women, Haji, said, "were welcome to speak to a specific audience like a delegation, but must not address public gatherings." He furnished a picture of another well-known woman leader of the party addressing a delegation, with him on the stage to prove that he was not against women making speeches but only at public gatherings, "I don't have any complaints. People have the freedom to speak whatever they want to," Kamarunissa Anwar told NDTV. She has been with the party for the last 20 years and said, "she did feel sad". Out of the 140 MLAs in Kerala, only eight are women. The Opposition led by Congress has no women legislators in the current Assembly. Muslim League is an important ally of the Congress in Kerala and has 18 MLAs in the Assembly, but not one woman.
By Express News Service

KASARGOD: Police arrested five persons who they said were involved in a major credit card fraud. According to Kasargod police, K V Basheer (31), resident of Cherukkunnu in Kannur, his relative Abdul Rahman (30), Mohammed Najeeb (24), Mohammed Riyaz (22), and Abdul Maharoof Basithali (27), all from Kasargod were arrested Thursday night and remanded in custody on Friday.

Police said they seized 67 credit cards, seven mobile phones, tablets, laptops, swipe machines, two cars and one motorcycle from them. Police said the gang was arrested after they set up roadblocks to check cars on a tip off that that they were arriving to Kasargod from Kannur.

Kasargod town circle inspector C A Abdul Rahman said the main accused Saif, a resident of Mumbai, and Nishad, a resident of Uppala in Kasargod, are still at large. The officer said Najeeb is the bother of Mohammed Numan alias Mohammed Noor (32) and Ajmal (26), arrested by Pune police in August for credit card fraud. Nishad, who is on the run, had served one-and-half years in jail in Dubai for credit card fraud, Rahman said. Another close associate of Numan, Mohammed Sabid (29) of Chengala in Kasargod, was arrested while attempting to purchase jewellery using forged credit cards on August 2 in Kochi.

District police chief Thomson Jose said the accused could be part of a larger network of online fraudsters, with each having a role to play. Some of the accused buy credit card information -- called dumps -- from black markets available online using bitcoins, he said. Bitcoin is a form of digital currency, created and held electronically. Today, one bitcoin equals Rs 50,964.

Once the dumps are bought, they encode the data onto a blank credit card using a loading machine, Jose said. Loading machines are easily available on e-retail stores for as low as `20,000, he said. The fake cards are now ready for swiping at brick and mortar shops, and they usually prefer jewellery shops, said Rahman. He said the accused also get dumps from a pointperson in Uttar Pradesh. On questioning, the accused reportedly told police there were 200 sub-agents under the pointperson.The prices of dump vary depending on the particulars such as type of card and expiry date. Fullz, which includes the victims name, address, credit card information, social security number, date of birth, will cost a bomb. They use cards which do not require PIN, said the district police chief.

Police said credit card data are obtained through physical skimming, infecting device with malware, or hacking into a retailers internal network. Those who steal data rarely make the purchases. The bigger the network of their buyers, more money they make, said Jose. Police said Basheer, Rahman and Nishad worked in Dubai and Bahrain, and might have come in contact with Nigerians, who are good at this work. Most of the victims are from the Middle East, and other foreign countries. They have not yet used Indian cards.

KASARGOD: Police arrested five persons who they said were involved in a major credit card fraud. According to Kasargod police, K V Basheer (31), resident of Cherukkunnu in Kannur, his relative Abdul Rahman (30), Mohammed Najeeb (24), Mohammed Riyaz (22), and Abdul Maharoof Basithali (27), all from Kasargod were arrested Thursday night and remanded in custody on Friday. Police said they seized 67 credit cards, seven mobile phones, tablets, laptops, swipe machines, two cars and one motorcycle from them. Police said the gang was arrested after they set up roadblocks to check cars on a tip off that that they were arriving to Kasargod from Kannur. Kasargod town circle inspector C A Abdul Rahman said the main accused Saif, a resident of Mumbai, and Nishad, a resident of Uppala in Kasargod, are still at large. The officer said Najeeb is the bother of Mohammed Numan alias Mohammed Noor (32) and Ajmal (26), arrested by Pune police in August for credit card fraud. Nishad, who is on the run, had served one-and-half years in jail in Dubai for credit card fraud, Rahman said. Another close associate of Numan, Mohammed Sabid (29) of Chengala in Kasargod, was arrested while attempting to purchase jewellery using forged credit cards on August 2 in Kochi. District police chief Thomson Jose said the accused could be part of a larger network of online fraudsters, with each having a role to play. Some of the accused buy credit card information -- called dumps -- from black markets available online using bitcoins, he said. Bitcoin is a form of digital currency, created and held electronically. Today, one bitcoin equals Rs 50,964. Once the dumps are bought, they encode the data onto a blank credit card using a loading machine, Jose said. Loading machines are easily available on e-retail stores for as low as `20,000, he said. The fake cards are now ready for swiping at brick and mortar shops, and they usually prefer jewellery shops, said Rahman. He said the accused also get dumps from a pointperson in Uttar Pradesh. On questioning, the accused reportedly told police there were 200 sub-agents under the pointperson.The prices of dump vary depending on the particulars such as type of card and expiry date. Fullz, which includes the victims name, address, credit card information, social security number, date of birth, will cost a bomb. They use cards which do not require PIN, said the district police chief. Police said credit card data are obtained through physical skimming, infecting device with malware, or hacking into a retailers internal network. Those who steal data rarely make the purchases. The bigger the network of their buyers, more money they make, said Jose. Police said Basheer, Rahman and Nishad worked in Dubai and Bahrain, and might have come in contact with Nigerians, who are good at this work. Most of the victims are from the Middle East, and other foreign countries. They have not yet used Indian cards.
By Express News Service

BALANGIR: Villagers of Karlamal under Patnagarh police limits filed a police complaint against a teacher of Karlamal Upgraded School for beating up 22 students of the school after they failed to answer questions.

The accused teacher, Makaranda Putel on Thursday morning asked the students questions related to Mathematics which they failed to answer. Apparently, he was in an inebriated condition. An irate Putel then beat the students up severely with a stick, injuring them. Headmaster of the school was absent during the incident.

When parents of the students came to know about the incident, they rushed to the school and staged demonstration. Subsequently, the school management committee was informed and the committee members apprised the Sub-Collector and local police about the incident.

Sub-Collector Sarat Panda, Chairpersons of Child Welfare Committee S Mishra, Patnagarh IIC Nirmal Mohapatra along with a doctor from Patnagarh Sub-Divisional Hospital rushed to the village to investigate the case and examine the students.

Parents of the students alleged that the accused teacher was in an inebriated condition when he entered the classroom and also verbally abused the children. They also alleged that some other teachers of the school consumed liquor during classhours. The officers visited the school where they found country liquor pouches and liquor bottles inside the campus.

The Sub-Collector pacified the parents by assuring them stringent action against the teacher if he was found guilty and adequate security measures for the students.

District Education Officer, Subodh Das said the villagers have lodged a police complaint in Patnagarh police station. The School and Mass Education Department authorities have also been informed and necessary action will be taken against the errant teacher.

BALANGIR: Villagers of Karlamal under Patnagarh police limits filed a police complaint against a teacher of Karlamal Upgraded School for beating up 22 students of the school after they failed to answer questions. The accused teacher, Makaranda Putel on Thursday morning asked the students questions related to Mathematics which they failed to answer. Apparently, he was in an inebriated condition. An irate Putel then beat the students up severely with a stick, injuring them. Headmaster of the school was absent during the incident. When parents of the students came to know about the incident, they rushed to the school and staged demonstration. Subsequently, the school management committee was informed and the committee members apprised the Sub-Collector and local police about the incident. Sub-Collector Sarat Panda, Chairpersons of Child Welfare Committee S Mishra, Patnagarh IIC Nirmal Mohapatra along with a doctor from Patnagarh Sub-Divisional Hospital rushed to the village to investigate the case and examine the students. Parents of the students alleged that the accused teacher was in an inebriated condition when he entered the classroom and also verbally abused the children. They also alleged that some other teachers of the school consumed liquor during classhours. The officers visited the school where they found country liquor pouches and liquor bottles inside the campus. The Sub-Collector pacified the parents by assuring them stringent action against the teacher if he was found guilty and adequate security measures for the students. District Education Officer, Subodh Das said the villagers have lodged a police complaint in Patnagarh police station. The School and Mass Education Department authorities have also been informed and necessary action will be taken against the errant teacher.
By Express News Service

BHUBANESWAR: Incredulous as it may sound, an expert committee constituted by the State Government on Friday said consumption of Bada Chakunda (Cassia occidentalis) seeds led to death of most children in Malkangiri district, not the Japanese Encephalitis (JE) outbreak.



Chairman of the committee Dr T Jacob John said experts, who visited the affected areas and studied the causes of frequent deaths for one week, have come up with a new finding - encephalopathy, which affects brain, has claimed more lives than JE. As per the State Government statistics, 96 children have died and 180 villages in seven blocks of the district have been affected so far. While 32 succumbed to JE, the rest were non-JE cases. As many as 229 children who were admitted in the hospitals have been discharged after treatment.



Asserting that Encephalopathy is a biochemical disease and non-infectious, John said, Cassia occidentalis poisoning in children affects lever, skeletal muscles and brain. Various anthraquinones and their derivatives are usually blamed for Cassia occidentalis toxicity. The chemicals in the toxin often results in permanent brain damage, he said.



We have evidence to suggest that the disease develops due to anthraquinones, a group of toxins usually found in the plant locally known as Bada Chakunda. The anthraquinones toxins are very harmful, John, Emeritus Professor of Christian Medical College at Vellore, said. In some cases, children with acute encephalopathy in Malkangiri have close similarity with encephalopathy described in western UP districts, he said.



Children who have consumed raw Cassia occidentalis seeds have been largely affected. Since it is a dose dependent disease, fatality depends on the quantity of consumption.

The team tested five urine samples at the Indian Institute of Toxicology Research (IITR), Lucknow and surprisingly all samples contain that particular toxin.



Dr John said finding of the deadly toxin in urine was very crucial to confirm and though no medicine is available to treat the encephalopathy, it can be easily prevented. Children and their parents have to be advised not to consume raw Chakunda beans, he said.



Asked, whether the plants should be uprooted and banned, he said it is not possible since the plant has also some medicinal value. Its leaves are used for deworming and roots for Ayurvedic medicines.

The Government has to create awareness in the affected areas, asking people not to allow their children to consume the raw seeds, he added.



On malnourishment that could have compounded the disease, John said it has to be verified. The team has submitted its interim report to the State Government suggesting preventive measures.

It has also recommended further investigation into relative contributions of JE and the encephalopathy along with other causes that may affect the central nervous system.

BHUBANESWAR: Incredulous as it may sound, an expert committee constituted by the State Government on Friday said consumption of Bada Chakunda (Cassia occidentalis) seeds led to death of most children in Malkangiri district, not the Japanese Encephalitis (JE) outbreak. Chairman of the committee Dr T Jacob John said experts, who visited the affected areas and studied the causes of frequent deaths for one week, have come up with a new finding - encephalopathy, which affects brain, has claimed more lives than JE. As per the State Government statistics, 96 children have died and 180 villages in seven blocks of the district have been affected so far. While 32 succumbed to JE, the rest were non-JE cases. As many as 229 children who were admitted in the hospitals have been discharged after treatment. Asserting that Encephalopathy is a biochemical disease and non-infectious, John said, Cassia occidentalis poisoning in children affects lever, skeletal muscles and brain. Various anthraquinones and their derivatives are usually blamed for Cassia occidentalis toxicity. The chemicals in the toxin often results in permanent brain damage, he said. We have evidence to suggest that the disease develops due to anthraquinones, a group of toxins usually found in the plant locally known as Bada Chakunda. The anthraquinones toxins are very harmful, John, Emeritus Professor of Christian Medical College at Vellore, said. In some cases, children with acute encephalopathy in Malkangiri have close similarity with encephalopathy described in western UP districts, he said. Children who have consumed raw Cassia occidentalis seeds have been largely affected. Since it is a dose dependent disease, fatality depends on the quantity of consumption. The team tested five urine samples at the Indian Institute of Toxicology Research (IITR), Lucknow and surprisingly all samples contain that particular toxin. Dr John said finding of the deadly toxin in urine was very crucial to confirm and though no medicine is available to treat the encephalopathy, it can be easily prevented. Children and their parents have to be advised not to consume raw Chakunda beans, he said. Asked, whether the plants should be uprooted and banned, he said it is not possible since the plant has also some medicinal value. Its leaves are used for deworming and roots for Ayurvedic medicines. The Government has to create awareness in the affected areas, asking people not to allow their children to consume the raw seeds, he added. On malnourishment that could have compounded the disease, John said it has to be verified. The team has submitted its interim report to the State Government suggesting preventive measures. It has also recommended further investigation into relative contributions of JE and the encephalopathy along with other causes that may affect the central nervous system.
By Express News Service

BHUBANESWAR: In a bid to incorporate the social equity component in Smart City plan, the State level Special Purpose Vehicle (SPV) Bhubaneswar Smart City Limited (BSCL) on Friday signed an MoU with United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA). The objective of the MoU is to achieve social equity through new urbanism in action, BSCL sources said.



The project would focus on promoting people-centric interventions in the long run through engagement of youths, especially women and girls mostly belonging to the marginalised sections.



Initially, the duration of the project would last till December 2017 and will be further extended after assessment of the impact of activities listed in the pact. Currently, a budget of `1.06 crore has been allotted to the project which is jointly sponsored by the BSCL and UNFPA.



The project will develop a youth-centric social intervention model to support citizen-connect initiatives. Under the initiative, a strategy to ensure safety and security of girls and women in the State Capital with a focus on urban slums will drafted. Besides, availability and accessibility of social and health-related programmes for the vulnerable classes will be analysed and implemented, sources said.



The project would be implemented on a pilot basis in Bhubaneswar Town Centre District (BTCD) and later replicated across the City. The authorities have identified eight slums in BTCD area where the project would be taken up initially.The MoU was signed between UNFPA country representative for India and Bhutan Diego Palacios and BSCL CEO Vineel Krishna.

BHUBANESWAR: In a bid to incorporate the social equity component in Smart City plan, the State level Special Purpose Vehicle (SPV) Bhubaneswar Smart City Limited (BSCL) on Friday signed an MoU with United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA). The objective of the MoU is to achieve social equity through new urbanism in action, BSCL sources said. The project would focus on promoting people-centric interventions in the long run through engagement of youths, especially women and girls mostly belonging to the marginalised sections. Initially, the duration of the project would last till December 2017 and will be further extended after assessment of the impact of activities listed in the pact. Currently, a budget of `1.06 crore has been allotted to the project which is jointly sponsored by the BSCL and UNFPA. The project will develop a youth-centric social intervention model to support citizen-connect initiatives. Under the initiative, a strategy to ensure safety and security of girls and women in the State Capital with a focus on urban slums will drafted. Besides, availability and accessibility of social and health-related programmes for the vulnerable classes will be analysed and implemented, sources said. The project would be implemented on a pilot basis in Bhubaneswar Town Centre District (BTCD) and later replicated across the City. The authorities have identified eight slums in BTCD area where the project would be taken up initially.The MoU was signed between UNFPA country representative for India and Bhutan Diego Palacios and BSCL CEO Vineel Krishna.
By Express News Service

ROURKELA : Trouble is brewing for Rourkela Steel Plant (RSP) of SAIL over the issue of fake displaced persons landing jobs at RSP. If the Union Steel Ministry orders a CBI probe as recommended by the National Commission for Scheduled Tribe (NCST), the wrong doings committed by unscrupulous revenue and RSP officials several decades ago would come to light.



There are ample evidences to indicate that numerous impersonators faking as land oustees had landed jobs at RSP and many of them have retired. Yet, the real trouble for RSP would be to explain why it failed to take actions against those employees securing jobs fraudulently.



Lachhu Oram, a displaced person and petitioner to NCST, said information obtained under RTI from RSP indicated that a native of Chittagon in Bangladesh along with numerous undeserving persons of West Bengal, Jharkhand and Bihar besides Mayurbhanja, Cuttack, Ganjam, Balangir, Keonjhar, Dhenkanal and Sambalpur districts impersonating as displaced persons procured jobs at RSP.



He also accused the RSP of deliberately and dishonestly trying to hide truth as details of displaced job beneficiaries were not given with proper land details.



Accusing RSP of playing trick with the Government and oustees, displaced persons leader Mangra Oram claimed that during 1994-95 under a Supreme Court order, about 4,000 contract workers on separate eligibility criteria were regularised, but RSP showed a part of them as displaced persons. It has also come to light that unscrupulous officials of the Revenue Department and RSP again fraudulently included many ineligible persons in the list of 1,098 displaced job claimants. The list was finalised in 1993 by the Supreme Court, Oram alleged.



NCST Chairman Rameshwar Oraon in his report of November 11 had recommended for a CBI or high-level probe into the issue. It seems either the RSP authority is not honest in giving details of displaced persons who were given employment or there was a racket working in RSP in the name of giving employments to displaced persons, Oraon observed in his report.



Rourkela ADM Monisha Banerjee said the RSP claimed to have given about 6,000 jobs to displaced persons, but it could provide list of about 3,000 employees.



The issue of fake persons working in place of displaced persons has created a mess and to clean it up, the administration apprised the NCST of factual position for taking appropriate action, she added.

When contacted for comments, RSPs Chief of Communication Ramendra Kumar sought time for it.

ROURKELA : Trouble is brewing for Rourkela Steel Plant (RSP) of SAIL over the issue of fake displaced persons landing jobs at RSP. If the Union Steel Ministry orders a CBI probe as recommended by the National Commission for Scheduled Tribe (NCST), the wrong doings committed by unscrupulous revenue and RSP officials several decades ago would come to light. There are ample evidences to indicate that numerous impersonators faking as land oustees had landed jobs at RSP and many of them have retired. Yet, the real trouble for RSP would be to explain why it failed to take actions against those employees securing jobs fraudulently. Lachhu Oram, a displaced person and petitioner to NCST, said information obtained under RTI from RSP indicated that a native of Chittagon in Bangladesh along with numerous undeserving persons of West Bengal, Jharkhand and Bihar besides Mayurbhanja, Cuttack, Ganjam, Balangir, Keonjhar, Dhenkanal and Sambalpur districts impersonating as displaced persons procured jobs at RSP. He also accused the RSP of deliberately and dishonestly trying to hide truth as details of displaced job beneficiaries were not given with proper land details. Accusing RSP of playing trick with the Government and oustees, displaced persons leader Mangra Oram claimed that during 1994-95 under a Supreme Court order, about 4,000 contract workers on separate eligibility criteria were regularised, but RSP showed a part of them as displaced persons. It has also come to light that unscrupulous officials of the Revenue Department and RSP again fraudulently included many ineligible persons in the list of 1,098 displaced job claimants. The list was finalised in 1993 by the Supreme Court, Oram alleged. NCST Chairman Rameshwar Oraon in his report of November 11 had recommended for a CBI or high-level probe into the issue. It seems either the RSP authority is not honest in giving details of displaced persons who were given employment or there was a racket working in RSP in the name of giving employments to displaced persons, Oraon observed in his report. Rourkela ADM Monisha Banerjee said the RSP claimed to have given about 6,000 jobs to displaced persons, but it could provide list of about 3,000 employees. The issue of fake persons working in place of displaced persons has created a mess and to clean it up, the administration apprised the NCST of factual position for taking appropriate action, she added. When contacted for comments, RSPs Chief of Communication Ramendra Kumar sought time for it.
By Express News Service

NAGAPATTINAM/KARAIKAL/PUDUCHERRY:After three years of silence and peace  even if fragile  Sri Lankan Navy personnel opened fire on a group of fishermen from here when they were fishing off Kodiyakarai on Wednesday. Two fishermen, hailing from Nagapattinam and Karaikal respectively, were injured and the boat they were on was damaged in the incident.

According to sources, the injured fishermen, Dinesh alias Balamurugan (21) from Karaikal and Aravindhan (22), from Nagapattinam, set out into the sea on Sunday along with seven others on a mechanised boat owned by Chelladurai of Karaikal. While they were fishing South-east off Kodiyakkarai in the wee hours on Wednesday, Lankan navy personnel surrounded them and warned them to go back, saying they had crossed the International Maritime Boundary Line (IMBL). Subsequently, they opened fire on the fishermen and chased them away. We tried to escape but the current was against us and they opened fire, said Aravindhan.

In order to escape gunshots, the fishing crew that came under attack off Kodiyakarai ran inside the boat and hid in the cabin. However, Balamurugan and Aravindhan received bullet shots and the windshield of the cabin was shattered. However, all the fishermen managed to escape and arrived at the Karaikal fishing harbour around 3 am on Thursday. The injured duo was taken to Karaikal GH for first-aid and later shifted to the Puducherry GH.

According to hospital sources, bullets had penetrated Aravindhans neck and pelvic region, while Dinesh suffered injuries on the shoulder and neck. Nine of us were fishing peacefully when about 20 men dressed in Sri Lankan navy uniform asked us to stop. We were scared and tried to speed away but they chased us and pelted stones and opened fire at us,Aravindhan said.



The duo said they could inform the boat owner Chelladurai only around 10 pm on Wednesday as there was no signal on their mobile phones. Chelladurai was waiting at the harbour with an ambulance and took them to the Karaikal GH for first aid.

Recalling the horror, Aravindhan continued, We hid ourselves in the cabin and increased the boat speed to 14 knots to get out of SL navys reach but the weather and sea current were against us and it was when the Navy opened fire.

While Aravindhan fell unconscious shortly after the incident, the remaining crew managed to arrest blood loss by tightly strapping cloth against the wounds. The boat had nothing other than a few pain killer tablets for first aid, Balamurgan said and added they tried to locate Indian Navy for help but in vain.

Without assistance, the fishermen were left to fend for themselves for more than 20 hours. "We were aware of the coastal security toll free number 1093, but we assumed that since the weather was rough, they wouldnt be able to help us, said Balamurugan, who has resumed fishing after returning from Singapore two months ago. Further, he alleged that Sri Lankan navy seized Global Positioning Systems, walkie talkies, and had cast the catch back into the sea.

Puducherry Minister for Agriculture, R Kamalakkannan, Minister for Health and Fisheries, Malladi Krishna Rao, Tamil Nadu ministers, C V Shanmugam and M C Sampath, were among those who visited the injured fishermen at the hospital. Karaikal Fisheries Joint Director Nadesa Pillai,

Karaikal Indian Coast Guard (ICG) Station Commandant S N M Patnaik inspected the boat.

Reacting to the development, M Ilango, Chairperson of National Fishworkers Forum said, The incident has happened barely 10 days after high level officials of both nations met in New Delhi and released a joint declaration which said both countries had agreed agreed to stop firing at fishermen from both sides. It only shows that the meeting was a failure and the declaration was just an eyewash. The Indian government should immediately call the Sri Lankan Ambassador and express its condemnation. Tomorrow (Friday) Tamil Nadu and Pondicherry Fisher People Federation and Pondicherry Fishworkers Forum will jointly stage a protest at Jantar Mantar to condemn the firing.

Echoing his view, general secretary of Tamil Nadu and Puducherry Fishermens Association N J Bose said The action of the Sri Lankan navy was condemnable. The Sri Lankan government must apologise to the Indian Government over the incident, he added.

NAGAPATTINAM/KARAIKAL/PUDUCHERRY:After three years of silence and peace  even if fragile  Sri Lankan Navy personnel opened fire on a group of fishermen from here when they were fishing off Kodiyakarai on Wednesday. Two fishermen, hailing from Nagapattinam and Karaikal respectively, were injured and the boat they were on was damaged in the incident. According to sources, the injured fishermen, Dinesh alias Balamurugan (21) from Karaikal and Aravindhan (22), from Nagapattinam, set out into the sea on Sunday along with seven others on a mechanised boat owned by Chelladurai of Karaikal. While they were fishing South-east off Kodiyakkarai in the wee hours on Wednesday, Lankan navy personnel surrounded them and warned them to go back, saying they had crossed the International Maritime Boundary Line (IMBL). Subsequently, they opened fire on the fishermen and chased them away. We tried to escape but the current was against us and they opened fire, said Aravindhan. In order to escape gunshots, the fishing crew that came under attack off Kodiyakarai ran inside the boat and hid in the cabin. However, Balamurugan and Aravindhan received bullet shots and the windshield of the cabin was shattered. However, all the fishermen managed to escape and arrived at the Karaikal fishing harbour around 3 am on Thursday. The injured duo was taken to Karaikal GH for first-aid and later shifted to the Puducherry GH. According to hospital sources, bullets had penetrated Aravindhans neck and pelvic region, while Dinesh suffered injuries on the shoulder and neck. Nine of us were fishing peacefully when about 20 men dressed in Sri Lankan navy uniform asked us to stop. We were scared and tried to speed away but they chased us and pelted stones and opened fire at us,Aravindhan said. The duo said they could inform the boat owner Chelladurai only around 10 pm on Wednesday as there was no signal on their mobile phones. Chelladurai was waiting at the harbour with an ambulance and took them to the Karaikal GH for first aid. Recalling the horror, Aravindhan continued, We hid ourselves in the cabin and increased the boat speed to 14 knots to get out of SL navys reach but the weather and sea current were against us and it was when the Navy opened fire. While Aravindhan fell unconscious shortly after the incident, the remaining crew managed to arrest blood loss by tightly strapping cloth against the wounds. The boat had nothing other than a few pain killer tablets for first aid, Balamurgan said and added they tried to locate Indian Navy for help but in vain. Without assistance, the fishermen were left to fend for themselves for more than 20 hours. "We were aware of the coastal security toll free number 1093, but we assumed that since the weather was rough, they wouldnt be able to help us, said Balamurugan, who has resumed fishing after returning from Singapore two months ago. Further, he alleged that Sri Lankan navy seized Global Positioning Systems, walkie talkies, and had cast the catch back into the sea. Puducherry Minister for Agriculture, R Kamalakkannan, Minister for Health and Fisheries, Malladi Krishna Rao, Tamil Nadu ministers, C V Shanmugam and M C Sampath, were among those who visited the injured fishermen at the hospital. Karaikal Fisheries Joint Director Nadesa Pillai, Karaikal Indian Coast Guard (ICG) Station Commandant S N M Patnaik inspected the boat. Reacting to the development, M Ilango, Chairperson of National Fishworkers Forum said, The incident has happened barely 10 days after high level officials of both nations met in New Delhi and released a joint declaration which said both countries had agreed agreed to stop firing at fishermen from both sides. It only shows that the meeting was a failure and the declaration was just an eyewash. The Indian government should immediately call the Sri Lankan Ambassador and express its condemnation. Tomorrow (Friday) Tamil Nadu and Pondicherry Fisher People Federation and Pondicherry Fishworkers Forum will jointly stage a protest at Jantar Mantar to condemn the firing. Echoing his view, general secretary of Tamil Nadu and Puducherry Fishermens Association N J Bose said The action of the Sri Lankan navy was condemnable. The Sri Lankan government must apologise to the Indian Government over the incident, he added.
By Express News Service

VIRUDHUNAGAR: In a case of alleged suicide, the commissioner of Aruppukottai municipality hanged himself at his quarters in the town on Thursday. According to police sources, the Commissioner Muthuvenkateshwaran (52) was found hanging much to the shock of workers in the morning.

Muthuvenkateshwaran

The officer used to be prompt at work so much so that he reports for work at the municipal office at 9.30 am sharp every day. But he did not turn up to the office even after 10.30 am on Thursday.

Growing suspicious, some workers went to his residence to check on him. When he did not open the door, they peeped in through a window and were taken aback to see the officers body hanging from the ceiling.

They immediately informed the police who rushed to the spot and sent the body to the Aruppukottai Government Hospital for post-mortem.

Police said, Muthuvenkateshwaran had used a dhoti to kill himself. However, there is no clue as to what forced him to take the extreme step.

On information, Superintendent of Police M Rajarajan visited the spot and conducted investigations.

Commenting on the incident, a senior police official said the municipality staff were being quizzed. There was no suicide note. His family is on its way to Aruppukottai, he said.

Muthuvenkateshwaran is married to Latha and the couple has a son studying in Class IX in Chennai. While his wife and son were away in Chennai, the officer had been staying alone in the municipality quarters in Aruppukottai. Official sources said he was posted as the commissioner of Thiruthangal municipality in the district two years ago and transferred to Aruppukottai a year later.

A prompt officer

The officer used to be prompt at work so much so that he reports for work at the municipal office at 9.30 am sharp every day. But he did not turn up to the office even after 10.30 am on Thursday. When some employees went to his house to check on him, they found him hanging from the ceiling.

Brain dead organs save many lives

The organs of a man aged 45, who was declared brain dead at Sri Ramachandra Medical Centre (SRMC), Porur, were donated. According to a press release, Jenifer Dhass of Soorapallam in Kanniyakumari district, was admitted to SRMC on November 10 after he suffered a stroke. Despite treatment, he could not be revived. He was declared brain dead the next day. The liver, heart, kidneys and cornea were harvested. The liver was transplanted on a woman aged 38 from Haryana. The cornea was retained by SRMC. Other organs were shared with city hospitals.

VIRUDHUNAGAR: In a case of alleged suicide, the commissioner of Aruppukottai municipality hanged himself at his quarters in the town on Thursday. According to police sources, the Commissioner Muthuvenkateshwaran (52) was found hanging much to the shock of workers in the morning. MuthuvenkateshwaranThe officer used to be prompt at work so much so that he reports for work at the municipal office at 9.30 am sharp every day. But he did not turn up to the office even after 10.30 am on Thursday. Growing suspicious, some workers went to his residence to check on him. When he did not open the door, they peeped in through a window and were taken aback to see the officers body hanging from the ceiling. They immediately informed the police who rushed to the spot and sent the body to the Aruppukottai Government Hospital for post-mortem. Police said, Muthuvenkateshwaran had used a dhoti to kill himself. However, there is no clue as to what forced him to take the extreme step. On information, Superintendent of Police M Rajarajan visited the spot and conducted investigations. Commenting on the incident, a senior police official said the municipality staff were being quizzed. There was no suicide note. His family is on its way to Aruppukottai, he said. Muthuvenkateshwaran is married to Latha and the couple has a son studying in Class IX in Chennai. While his wife and son were away in Chennai, the officer had been staying alone in the municipality quarters in Aruppukottai. Official sources said he was posted as the commissioner of Thiruthangal municipality in the district two years ago and transferred to Aruppukottai a year later. A prompt officer The officer used to be prompt at work so much so that he reports for work at the municipal office at 9.30 am sharp every day. But he did not turn up to the office even after 10.30 am on Thursday. When some employees went to his house to check on him, they found him hanging from the ceiling. Brain dead organs save many lives The organs of a man aged 45, who was declared brain dead at Sri Ramachandra Medical Centre (SRMC), Porur, were donated. According to a press release, Jenifer Dhass of Soorapallam in Kanniyakumari district, was admitted to SRMC on November 10 after he suffered a stroke. Despite treatment, he could not be revived. He was declared brain dead the next day. The liver, heart, kidneys and cornea were harvested. The liver was transplanted on a woman aged 38 from Haryana. The cornea was retained by SRMC. Other organs were shared with city hospitals.
By Express News Service

CHENNAI: A 47-year-old woman, who went to Saudi Arabia as a domestic worker earlier this year, returned dead at Chennai airport on Thursday. A report from the Ministry of Saudi Arabia claimed the housemaid Poongavanam Nagarajan committed suicide on September 4.

The report said there were marks on her neck that suggested she was strangled tightly by a rope indicating suicide. Her family members, however, rule out the possibility of a suicide and suspect foul play.

My mother would never kill herself. She loved me and promised that shell see me once before she dies, said Boobathi, her daughter.Her daughter recalls her mother calling her on the day she died.

I asked her, How are you ma? She said that she couldnt bear the pain and that they always beat her up. She started crying and then suddenly she went off the call and I could hear her scream in the background. She screamed for nearly a minute and the call went blank after that, Boobathi said. According to other family members Poongavanam was made to work for over 18 hours a day and was regularly harassed. Theres never been a day she answered the phone and said she was happy, said Boobathi.

Her daughter added that Poongavanam had approached the police station a few months before her death as she was beaten up very badly. She said, However the police apparently struck a compromise and sent her back to the same house.

When Express spoke to other house-maids whove returned from Saudi owing to torture, they complained of being abused physically and verbally inhumanly. I couldnt ask them for phone ever. I couldnt communicate with my family even when my father died. I couldnt call my son when he had broken his thighs. They would beat me if I asked them for phone, said Ramalakshmi, who returned to her home at Thoothukudi some months ago. Selvi, a domestic help who left from Thanjavur said that she faced adverisities. I was tortured regularly; they would even threaten to kill me, she said.

Poongavanam Nagarajan hailing from Thiruvannamalai district went to Saudi Arabia as domestic help in February, only to ease her adverse family situation. She was promised a salary of `17,000 a month by her sponsor Amer Fahd Shehri of Saudi nationality. She is just one of the thousands of workers who move to the Gulf to earn money for the family, only to realise that it is nothing but torture, said Valarmathi, a social activist who works with the National Domestic Workers Movement (NDWM).

CHENNAI: A 47-year-old woman, who went to Saudi Arabia as a domestic worker earlier this year, returned dead at Chennai airport on Thursday. A report from the Ministry of Saudi Arabia claimed the housemaid Poongavanam Nagarajan committed suicide on September 4. The report said there were marks on her neck that suggested she was strangled tightly by a rope indicating suicide. Her family members, however, rule out the possibility of a suicide and suspect foul play. My mother would never kill herself. She loved me and promised that shell see me once before she dies, said Boobathi, her daughter.Her daughter recalls her mother calling her on the day she died. I asked her, How are you ma? She said that she couldnt bear the pain and that they always beat her up. She started crying and then suddenly she went off the call and I could hear her scream in the background. She screamed for nearly a minute and the call went blank after that, Boobathi said. According to other family members Poongavanam was made to work for over 18 hours a day and was regularly harassed. Theres never been a day she answered the phone and said she was happy, said Boobathi. Her daughter added that Poongavanam had approached the police station a few months before her death as she was beaten up very badly. She said, However the police apparently struck a compromise and sent her back to the same house. When Express spoke to other house-maids whove returned from Saudi owing to torture, they complained of being abused physically and verbally inhumanly. I couldnt ask them for phone ever. I couldnt communicate with my family even when my father died. I couldnt call my son when he had broken his thighs. They would beat me if I asked them for phone, said Ramalakshmi, who returned to her home at Thoothukudi some months ago. Selvi, a domestic help who left from Thanjavur said that she faced adverisities. I was tortured regularly; they would even threaten to kill me, she said. Poongavanam Nagarajan hailing from Thiruvannamalai district went to Saudi Arabia as domestic help in February, only to ease her adverse family situation. She was promised a salary of `17,000 a month by her sponsor Amer Fahd Shehri of Saudi nationality. She is just one of the thousands of workers who move to the Gulf to earn money for the family, only to realise that it is nothing but torture, said Valarmathi, a social activist who works with the National Domestic Workers Movement (NDWM).
S Mannar Mannan By

Express News Service

COIMBATORE: Although State universities are complaining about fund crunch, the reality is that most of them spent hardly 20 percent of the money allotted to them during the 12th plan period (2012-17).

According to statistics released on Thursday, the University Grants Commission allotted a total of Rs 2,078.35 crore to 159 State universities in the country.

Of this amount, only Rs 910.61 crore (43.8 percent) was actually released. They universities spent only Rs 410.13 crore  19.73 percent of the allotted fund and 45.04 percent of the released fund. This is the last year of the 12th plan period.

Central universities did better. As much as Rs 5,728 crore of the Rs 6,406 crore released for the 40 Central universities was spent. The 12 state universities in Tamil Nadu were allotted a total of Rs 190 crore, out of which Rs 81.28 crore was released and Rs 39.91 crore was unutilised.

UGCs former Vice Chairman, H Devaraj, blamed vice chancellors of these universities for not being serious in utilising the XII plan funds.

Only after universities submit utilisation certificates for the funds already released will more money be released. Many universities are yet to submit utilisation certificate for funds released during the previous plan period, he said.

C Pichandy, former general secretary of the Association of University Teachers, blamed both the UGC and universities.

COIMBATORE: Although State universities are complaining about fund crunch, the reality is that most of them spent hardly 20 percent of the money allotted to them during the 12th plan period (2012-17). According to statistics released on Thursday, the University Grants Commission allotted a total of Rs 2,078.35 crore to 159 State universities in the country. Of this amount, only Rs 910.61 crore (43.8 percent) was actually released. They universities spent only Rs 410.13 crore  19.73 percent of the allotted fund and 45.04 percent of the released fund. This is the last year of the 12th plan period. Central universities did better. As much as Rs 5,728 crore of the Rs 6,406 crore released for the 40 Central universities was spent. The 12 state universities in Tamil Nadu were allotted a total of Rs 190 crore, out of which Rs 81.28 crore was released and Rs 39.91 crore was unutilised. UGCs former Vice Chairman, H Devaraj, blamed vice chancellors of these universities for not being serious in utilising the XII plan funds. Only after universities submit utilisation certificates for the funds already released will more money be released. Many universities are yet to submit utilisation certificate for funds released during the previous plan period, he said. C Pichandy, former general secretary of the Association of University Teachers, blamed both the UGC and universities.
By PTI

PUDUCHERRY: Puducherry Chief Minister V Narayanasamy today called on the two Indian fishermen, who were injured in alleged firing by the Sri Lankan Navy, at the Indira Gandhi Government General Hospital and Research Institute here.

He enquired about their health condition and wished them a speedy recovery. The chief minister was accompanied by Agriculture and Education Minister R Kamalakannan.

R Balamurugan from Karaikal (Puducherry) and A Aravind from Tamil Nadu's Nagapattinam sustained injuries when the Sri Lankan naval personnel allegedly opened fire at their fishing boat yesterday off the Kodiakarai coast, some 200 km from here.

The fishermen were admitted to the government hospital here.

Various political parties, including MDMK and PMK, in Tamil Nadu condemned the firing yesterday claiming that it happened in Indian waters and urged the Centre to take action to prevent recurrence of such incidents.

PUDUCHERRY: Puducherry Chief Minister V Narayanasamy today called on the two Indian fishermen, who were injured in alleged firing by the Sri Lankan Navy, at the Indira Gandhi Government General Hospital and Research Institute here. He enquired about their health condition and wished them a speedy recovery. The chief minister was accompanied by Agriculture and Education Minister R Kamalakannan. R Balamurugan from Karaikal (Puducherry) and A Aravind from Tamil Nadu's Nagapattinam sustained injuries when the Sri Lankan naval personnel allegedly opened fire at their fishing boat yesterday off the Kodiakarai coast, some 200 km from here. The fishermen were admitted to the government hospital here. Various political parties, including MDMK and PMK, in Tamil Nadu condemned the firing yesterday claiming that it happened in Indian waters and urged the Centre to take action to prevent recurrence of such incidents.
CHENNAI: Facing the ire of the masses over the demonetisation drive, BJP's ally at the Centre, Shiv Sena, took a cautious sidestep today, backing the government in its intent, but delinking itself from the effect.

"The party is with the people who are angry over the drive," said union minister of heavy industries and public enterprises Anant G Geete, who was in Chennai on Thursday to attend a meeting of BRICS Forum on State-Owned Enterprises (SOE) Reforms and Governance.

Anant G Geete

"However, the party backs the war on black money. As part of government, I am with government's decision; it is for the people," the Shiv Sena minister said said.

The growth of heavy industry will be meagre, only about one or two per cent this financial year, he said.

The challenge before the government is to decide whether to go for technology innovation in State-owned enterprises which will boost productivity, or give priority to jobs which could affect productivity, Geete explained.

"We want to [both] create jobs and boost productivity of state-owned enterprises," he said.

Disinvestment in state-owned enterprises would be only within the range of 5 per cent, Geete added.

CHENNAI: Facing the ire of the masses over the demonetisation drive, BJP's ally at the Centre, Shiv Sena, took a cautious sidestep today, backing the government in its intent, but delinking itself from the effect. "The party is with the people who are angry over the drive," said union minister of heavy industries and public enterprises Anant G Geete, who was in Chennai on Thursday to attend a meeting of BRICS Forum on State-Owned Enterprises (SOE) Reforms and Governance. Anant G Geete"However, the party backs the war on black money. As part of government, I am with government's decision; it is for the people," the Shiv Sena minister said said. The growth of heavy industry will be meagre, only about one or two per cent this financial year, he said. The challenge before the government is to decide whether to go for technology innovation in State-owned enterprises which will boost productivity, or give priority to jobs which could affect productivity, Geete explained. "We want to [both] create jobs and boost productivity of state-owned enterprises," he said. Disinvestment in state-owned enterprises would be only within the range of 5 per cent, Geete added.
P K Balachandran By

Express News Service

COLOMBO: The Sri Lankan Minister of Justice, Wijedasa Rajapakse, said in parliament here on Friday, that there is information that 32 Sri Lankans, belonging to four families, have joined the Islamic State (IS) movement in Syria, the local media reported.

The Minister did not give details but assured the House that there will be absolutely no room for religious extremist activities in Sri Lanka starting from today.

In July 2015, Sri Lankan media reported that one Sharfaz Shuraih Muhsin alias Abu Shureih Seylani (37), an alleged Sri Lankan recruit to the Islamic State of Iraq and Syria (ISIS), had died in an air strike in Syria on July 12, 2015, the media reported at that time.

The reports said that Muhsin had told his family prior to his departure for the Middle East war zone, that he was going to Turkey to do relief work among the victims of the war.

Hilmy Ahamed of the Muslim Council of Sri Lanka (MCSL) had told The New Indian Express at that time that Muhsins family appears to have believed him because he had done relief work in Sri Lanka when the tsunami struck the island in December 2004.

While the immediate family was OK with his going for relief work, his in-laws were opposed to it, even if it was only for relief work. The family had come to know about his death in combat only after someone sent an ISIS video about it, Ahamed said.

A student of the prestigious Trinity College in Kandy and a karate instructor, Muhsin was the Principal of a Muslim-run International (or English medium) school in Galewela in Kandy district in Central Lanka till December 2014.

According to Mohammad Sahabdeen Mohammad Samir, the Principal of the school where Muhsin worked, he had told the school that he was going to Mecca on pilgrimage but never came back.

A married man, Muhsin was living in Colombo before he supposedly left for Turkey. He was passionate about Islamic law and had got an LLB in Sharia law from the International Islamic University in Pakistan, Sri Lankan Foreign Minister Ajith Perera said. He acquired the name Abu Shureih Seylani after joining the ISIS. Seylani means a man from Seylan, the Arabic term for Ceylon or Sri Lanka.

The MCSL condemned Muhsins involvement with the ISIS and said that the ISISs actions are a gross violation of the Sharia as well as Humanitarian Laws. Islam is a religion of mercy and tolerance that totally prohibits the taking of innocent lives. There is no theological basis for any crimes to be committed through terrorism or violence, it said in a letter to President Mithripala Sirisena.

The MCSL called upon the President to conduct a thorough investigation, punish all who may have violated the laws of the land. Ahamed, however, added that Lankan Muslims believe that the ISIS is a creation of the US and Israel to tarnish the image of Muslims.

In July this year, Indian media reported that two Keralites, Fathima (Nimisha) and Eeza (Bexon Vincent), the couple from Kerala who have supposedly joined the Islamic State, were in Sri Lanka for over two months before disappearing.

According to Indian intelligence agencies, Sri Lanka has emerged as one of the preferred venues for Islamic studies, mainly for the Salafi sect committed to Wahabism. It is also an easy access destination for Indians as they can visit without major security concerns.

COLOMBO: The Sri Lankan Minister of Justice, Wijedasa Rajapakse, said in parliament here on Friday, that there is information that 32 Sri Lankans, belonging to four families, have joined the Islamic State (IS) movement in Syria, the local media reported. The Minister did not give details but assured the House that there will be absolutely no room for religious extremist activities in Sri Lanka starting from today. In July 2015, Sri Lankan media reported that one Sharfaz Shuraih Muhsin alias Abu Shureih Seylani (37), an alleged Sri Lankan recruit to the Islamic State of Iraq and Syria (ISIS), had died in an air strike in Syria on July 12, 2015, the media reported at that time. The reports said that Muhsin had told his family prior to his departure for the Middle East war zone, that he was going to Turkey to do relief work among the victims of the war. Hilmy Ahamed of the Muslim Council of Sri Lanka (MCSL) had told The New Indian Express at that time that Muhsins family appears to have believed him because he had done relief work in Sri Lanka when the tsunami struck the island in December 2004. While the immediate family was OK with his going for relief work, his in-laws were opposed to it, even if it was only for relief work. The family had come to know about his death in combat only after someone sent an ISIS video about it, Ahamed said. A student of the prestigious Trinity College in Kandy and a karate instructor, Muhsin was the Principal of a Muslim-run International (or English medium) school in Galewela in Kandy district in Central Lanka till December 2014. According to Mohammad Sahabdeen Mohammad Samir, the Principal of the school where Muhsin worked, he had told the school that he was going to Mecca on pilgrimage but never came back. A married man, Muhsin was living in Colombo before he supposedly left for Turkey. He was passionate about Islamic law and had got an LLB in Sharia law from the International Islamic University in Pakistan, Sri Lankan Foreign Minister Ajith Perera said. He acquired the name Abu Shureih Seylani after joining the ISIS. Seylani means a man from Seylan, the Arabic term for Ceylon or Sri Lanka. The MCSL condemned Muhsins involvement with the ISIS and said that the ISISs actions are a gross violation of the Sharia as well as Humanitarian Laws. Islam is a religion of mercy and tolerance that totally prohibits the taking of innocent lives. There is no theological basis for any crimes to be committed through terrorism or violence, it said in a letter to President Mithripala Sirisena. The MCSL called upon the President to conduct a thorough investigation, punish all who may have violated the laws of the land. Ahamed, however, added that Lankan Muslims believe that the ISIS is a creation of the US and Israel to tarnish the image of Muslims. In July this year, Indian media reported that two Keralites, Fathima (Nimisha) and Eeza (Bexon Vincent), the couple from Kerala who have supposedly joined the Islamic State, were in Sri Lanka for over two months before disappearing. According to Indian intelligence agencies, Sri Lanka has emerged as one of the preferred venues for Islamic studies, mainly for the Salafi sect committed to Wahabism. It is also an easy access destination for Indians as they can visit without major security concerns.
Express News Service

COLOMBO: The arrest of some members of the North Sri Lankan Tamil criminal gang Aava under the draconian Prevention of Terrorism Act (PTA) is worrying Tamils, according to the Jaffna-based Adayaalam Center for Policy Research (ACPR).

People wonder if the Sri Lankan Security Establishment is using incidents involving the Aava gang to use the PTA and thereby justify the militarys presence in the Northern Province even seven years after the separatist war, the ACPR said in a statement issued on Friday.

The arrests under the PTA are creating a climate of fear that represses activism and mobilization, the statement said.

Local communities perceive the use of the PTA to arrest ordinary criminals as an attempt to provide justification for a military crackdown in the run-up to the Maaveerar Naal (Martyrs Day), a day at the end of November, when the Tamil Tigers used to honor their dead, the statement said.

On October 31, Tamil media reported about a leaflet issued under the name of Prabhakaran Padai (Prabhakarans army) asking police officers in all five districts of the Northern Province to either quit their jobs or get transferred out to police stations outside of the Northern Province. The leaflet claimed that this order was meant to curb those activities in society that were inhibiting the development of Tamil youth.

The Aava gang itself had issued a similar anti-police statement after the shooting down of two Jaffna university students.

According to ACPR, Tamil civil society activists suspect the military intelligences hand in these leaflets.

They point to similar leaflets issued by military intelligence under the name of Ellalaan Padai and Sangiliyan Padai during the Mahinda Rajapaksa regime prior to January 2015.

They argue that it is impossible for such groups to operate without support from the security apparatus, given the very high presence of the military and the police and their intelligence networks in the North-East.

The Aava gang was at one point of time de-activated by the police through a crackdown. But still, many young men arrested for petty crimes, were being labeled as members of the Aava gang, ACPR said.

A young man related an incident in which he and his friends had got into a brawl outside a restaurant in 2014 and were arrested, but once they got to the police station they were told they were being arrested as Aava gang members, the ACPR statement said.

Despite the governments pledge that the PTA is no longer in use, dozens of arrests have been made by the Terrorist Investigation Department (TID) under the PTA, the ACPR charged.

 Many of the individuals accused of being members of the Aava gang, have no connection with the group, and are actually young Tamil political activists, some of whom were involved in the organization of the Ezhuga Tamil rally, the ACPR said.

On November 2, Cabinet Spokesperson, Rajitha Senaratne, accused former Defense Secretary Gotabhaya Rajapaksa and top military officials of creating the Aava gang during the war. The so-called resurgence of the Aava gang in the post-war context is meant to create fear among civilians in the North, he charged.

The Deputy Minister of Defence, Ruwan Wijewardena, said that some army deserters may have been involved. Significantly, the Director of Military Intelligence was transferred during this period.

On November 16, Law and Order Minister Sagala Ratnayake told parliament, that 38 persons had been arrested for connection with the Aava gang. He claimed that there are in all 62 persons suspected of involvement with Aava.

Ratnayake categorically stated that the arrested persons were not involved in terrorist activities but only posed law and order problems.

But the minister did not explain why many of the arrests were made under the PTA if there was no suspicion of terrorist activity, the ACPR pointed out.

The police had however told the court that the men were arrested under PTA because they were funded by remnants of the LTTE located overseas.

The active use of the PTA to arrest individuals for ordinary crimes is contrary to the promise made by the Government to the UN Human Rights Council and to its own citizens that the PTA will be repealed. The leaked draft Counter Terrorism Act Policy Paper has already indicated that the Government is not interested in dismantling the national security state,  the ACPR statement said.

COLOMBO: The arrest of some members of the North Sri Lankan Tamil criminal gang Aava under the draconian Prevention of Terrorism Act (PTA) is worrying Tamils, according to the Jaffna-based Adayaalam Center for Policy Research (ACPR). People wonder if the Sri Lankan Security Establishment is using incidents involving the Aava gang to use the PTA and thereby justify the militarys presence in the Northern Province even seven years after the separatist war, the ACPR said in a statement issued on Friday. The arrests under the PTA are creating a climate of fear that represses activism and mobilization, the statement said. Local communities perceive the use of the PTA to arrest ordinary criminals as an attempt to provide justification for a military crackdown in the run-up to the Maaveerar Naal (Martyrs Day), a day at the end of November, when the Tamil Tigers used to honor their dead, the statement said. On October 31, Tamil media reported about a leaflet issued under the name of Prabhakaran Padai (Prabhakarans army) asking police officers in all five districts of the Northern Province to either quit their jobs or get transferred out to police stations outside of the Northern Province. The leaflet claimed that this order was meant to curb those activities in society that were inhibiting the development of Tamil youth. The Aava gang itself had issued a similar anti-police statement after the shooting down of two Jaffna university students. According to ACPR, Tamil civil society activists suspect the military intelligences hand in these leaflets. They point to similar leaflets issued by military intelligence under the name of Ellalaan Padai and Sangiliyan Padai during the Mahinda Rajapaksa regime prior to January 2015. They argue that it is impossible for such groups to operate without support from the security apparatus, given the very high presence of the military and the police and their intelligence networks in the North-East. The Aava gang was at one point of time de-activated by the police through a crackdown. But still, many young men arrested for petty crimes, were being labeled as members of the Aava gang, ACPR said. A young man related an incident in which he and his friends had got into a brawl outside a restaurant in 2014 and were arrested, but once they got to the police station they were told they were being arrested as Aava gang members, the ACPR statement said. Despite the governments pledge that the PTA is no longer in use, dozens of arrests have been made by the Terrorist Investigation Department (TID) under the PTA, the ACPR charged.  Many of the individuals accused of being members of the Aava gang, have no connection with the group, and are actually young Tamil political activists, some of whom were involved in the organization of the Ezhuga Tamil rally, the ACPR said. On November 2, Cabinet Spokesperson, Rajitha Senaratne, accused former Defense Secretary Gotabhaya Rajapaksa and top military officials of creating the Aava gang during the war. The so-called resurgence of the Aava gang in the post-war context is meant to create fear among civilians in the North, he charged. The Deputy Minister of Defence, Ruwan Wijewardena, said that some army deserters may have been involved. Significantly, the Director of Military Intelligence was transferred during this period. On November 16, Law and Order Minister Sagala Ratnayake told parliament, that 38 persons had been arrested for connection with the Aava gang. He claimed that there are in all 62 persons suspected of involvement with Aava. Ratnayake categorically stated that the arrested persons were not involved in terrorist activities but only posed law and order problems. But the minister did not explain why many of the arrests were made under the PTA if there was no suspicion of terrorist activity, the ACPR pointed out. The police had however told the court that the men were arrested under PTA because they were funded by remnants of the LTTE located overseas. The active use of the PTA to arrest individuals for ordinary crimes is contrary to the promise made by the Government to the UN Human Rights Council and to its own citizens that the PTA will be repealed. The leaked draft Counter Terrorism Act Policy Paper has already indicated that the Government is not interested in dismantling the national security state,  the ACPR statement said.
By Associated Press

BEIJING: China is demanding that its northern neighbor, Mongolia, scrap a visit by the Dalai Lama, labeling the exiled Tibetan spiritual leader a separatist who seeks to alienate Chinese-controlled Tibet from Beijing.

The 81-year-old monk is to start a four-day visit to predominantly Buddhist Mongolia on Friday evening. His visit is being described by his hosts as purely religious in nature and no meetings with officials are planned.

Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesman Geng Shuang said at a regular briefing Friday that China firmly opposes visits by the Dalai Lama to any foreign country. Geng said Mongolia should cancel the visit for what he called "the purpose of maintaining the general picture of the sound and steady development of bilateral ties."

Mongolia's herding and resource-centered economy is heavily dependent on China.

BEIJING: China is demanding that its northern neighbor, Mongolia, scrap a visit by the Dalai Lama, labeling the exiled Tibetan spiritual leader a separatist who seeks to alienate Chinese-controlled Tibet from Beijing. The 81-year-old monk is to start a four-day visit to predominantly Buddhist Mongolia on Friday evening. His visit is being described by his hosts as purely religious in nature and no meetings with officials are planned. Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesman Geng Shuang said at a regular briefing Friday that China firmly opposes visits by the Dalai Lama to any foreign country. Geng said Mongolia should cancel the visit for what he called "the purpose of maintaining the general picture of the sound and steady development of bilateral ties." Mongolia's herding and resource-centered economy is heavily dependent on China.
By AFP

MOROCCO: When it comes to purging fossil fuels from the global economy by mid-century -- our only hope of staving off catastrophic climate change -- it turns out that you can't get there from here without a good map.

That's the thinking behind detailed, long-term plans for switching from dirty to clean energy unveiled this week by the United States, Canada, Mexico and Germany at UN climate talks in Marrakesh.

Overcoming sharp internal debate, the German government led the way with sector-by-sector scenarios that would remove up to 95 percent of its CO2 emissions by 2050, compared to 1990 levels.

Green groups said there were too many sops to big business, but it was a world-first.

The "three amigos" of North America jointly-released their blueprints on Wednesday, with the 100-page US "mid-century strategy" for the globe's largest economy taking centre stage.

The US pledge to slash carbon-pollution by four-fifths from a 2005 benchmark dated from the chaotic 2009 Copenhagen climate summit, but had never been spelled out.

"The intent here is to think in the long term, not only in the short term," the Obama administration's top climate negotiator Jonathan Pershing told journalists ahead of the November 7-18 climate meet.

"At the moment, what we have from the world are commitments for 2025 or 2030, but we know that by 2050 we've got to have deep decarbonisation."

Those medium-term, national CO2 reduction pledges -- annexed to the landmark 196-nation Paris Agreement, which went into force earlier this month -- are not nearly enough to cap global warming at two degrees Celsius (3.6F) above pre-industrial era levels, the planet-saving goal set out in the treaty.

A fundamental change

The imperative for rich nations to stop burning fossil fuels within roughly four decades comes from the UN's top climate science authority, the Intergovernmental Panel for Climate Change (IPCC).

Emerging juggernauts such as China and India, whose economies are still powered in large measure by coal, would have to follow suit toward the end of the century, it says.

"That is a dramatic transformation, one that requires a fundamental change in our infrastructure -- how we generate power, how we use it, what fuels we use, what vehicles we drive," said Jeffrey Sachs, a special adviser to UN chief Ban Ki-moon and director of the Sustainable Development Solutions Network.

"Because our infrastructure is so long-lasting, we have to start now to build that long-term transformation," he told AFP.

Indeed, the 2025 and 2030 targets not only fall short, they could -- without a clear view of the long game -- lead countries into making disastrous choices, experts say.

To fulfil the Paris pledges, for example, moving from highly-polluting coal-fired power plants to cleaner natural gas -- a shift occurring in the United States and elsewhere -- would seem to make sense.

But if the mid-century objective is a carbon-neutral economy, spending hundreds of billions of dollars on equipment ultimately incompatible with that goal does not.

"You have to start thinking about the investments that you are doing now in long-lived infrastructure that is going to continue to be operational in 2050 and beyond," said Jim Williams, director of the US Deep Decarbonization Pathways Project.

Ignorant and hostile noises

Likewise for vehicles.

Emissions from internal combustion engines can still be reduced, but the research and money needed for that may be better spent on improving electric and fuel-cell cars.

Three pillars of the US plan -- energy efficiency, electrification and removing fossil fuels from electricity generation -- were first detailed in the DDPP, a 16-nation effort that grew from a 2012 study in the journal Science laying out how the state of California could keep its pledge to cut greenhouse gas emissions 80 percent by 2050.

"Increasingly, that transformation is moving into the realm of market choice," said Williams, the lead author of the Science study.

Government clearly has a critical role to play, but in the United States, he added, most regulator decisions on energy take place at the state level.

Which means that even if US president-elect and avowed climate sceptic Donald Trump wanted to reverse the trend, he might not have the leverage.

"I don't expect California or a host of other states to slow down one iota because the federal government is making ignorant and hostile noises," Williams told AFP.

For the business sector, "long-term roadmaps" help provide certainty that governments are serious about moving to a low-carbon society, said Peter Baker, president and CEO of the World Business Council.

"That's when finance will start to flow to these investments," he said in Marrakesh.

So far, 25 nations have expressed their intent to formulate 2050 plans, including China and India, Pershing said.

MOROCCO: When it comes to purging fossil fuels from the global economy by mid-century -- our only hope of staving off catastrophic climate change -- it turns out that you can't get there from here without a good map. That's the thinking behind detailed, long-term plans for switching from dirty to clean energy unveiled this week by the United States, Canada, Mexico and Germany at UN climate talks in Marrakesh. Overcoming sharp internal debate, the German government led the way with sector-by-sector scenarios that would remove up to 95 percent of its CO2 emissions by 2050, compared to 1990 levels. Green groups said there were too many sops to big business, but it was a world-first. The "three amigos" of North America jointly-released their blueprints on Wednesday, with the 100-page US "mid-century strategy" for the globe's largest economy taking centre stage. The US pledge to slash carbon-pollution by four-fifths from a 2005 benchmark dated from the chaotic 2009 Copenhagen climate summit, but had never been spelled out. "The intent here is to think in the long term, not only in the short term," the Obama administration's top climate negotiator Jonathan Pershing told journalists ahead of the November 7-18 climate meet. "At the moment, what we have from the world are commitments for 2025 or 2030, but we know that by 2050 we've got to have deep decarbonisation." Those medium-term, national CO2 reduction pledges -- annexed to the landmark 196-nation Paris Agreement, which went into force earlier this month -- are not nearly enough to cap global warming at two degrees Celsius (3.6F) above pre-industrial era levels, the planet-saving goal set out in the treaty. A fundamental change The imperative for rich nations to stop burning fossil fuels within roughly four decades comes from the UN's top climate science authority, the Intergovernmental Panel for Climate Change (IPCC). Emerging juggernauts such as China and India, whose economies are still powered in large measure by coal, would have to follow suit toward the end of the century, it says. "That is a dramatic transformation, one that requires a fundamental change in our infrastructure -- how we generate power, how we use it, what fuels we use, what vehicles we drive," said Jeffrey Sachs, a special adviser to UN chief Ban Ki-moon and director of the Sustainable Development Solutions Network. "Because our infrastructure is so long-lasting, we have to start now to build that long-term transformation," he told AFP. Indeed, the 2025 and 2030 targets not only fall short, they could -- without a clear view of the long game -- lead countries into making disastrous choices, experts say. To fulfil the Paris pledges, for example, moving from highly-polluting coal-fired power plants to cleaner natural gas -- a shift occurring in the United States and elsewhere -- would seem to make sense. But if the mid-century objective is a carbon-neutral economy, spending hundreds of billions of dollars on equipment ultimately incompatible with that goal does not. "You have to start thinking about the investments that you are doing now in long-lived infrastructure that is going to continue to be operational in 2050 and beyond," said Jim Williams, director of the US Deep Decarbonization Pathways Project. Ignorant and hostile noises Likewise for vehicles. Emissions from internal combustion engines can still be reduced, but the research and money needed for that may be better spent on improving electric and fuel-cell cars. Three pillars of the US plan -- energy efficiency, electrification and removing fossil fuels from electricity generation -- were first detailed in the DDPP, a 16-nation effort that grew from a 2012 study in the journal Science laying out how the state of California could keep its pledge to cut greenhouse gas emissions 80 percent by 2050. "Increasingly, that transformation is moving into the realm of market choice," said Williams, the lead author of the Science study. Government clearly has a critical role to play, but in the United States, he added, most regulator decisions on energy take place at the state level. Which means that even if US president-elect and avowed climate sceptic Donald Trump wanted to reverse the trend, he might not have the leverage. "I don't expect California or a host of other states to slow down one iota because the federal government is making ignorant and hostile noises," Williams told AFP. For the business sector, "long-term roadmaps" help provide certainty that governments are serious about moving to a low-carbon society, said Peter Baker, president and CEO of the World Business Council. "That's when finance will start to flow to these investments," he said in Marrakesh. So far, 25 nations have expressed their intent to formulate 2050 plans, including China and India, Pershing said.
By PTI

ISLAMABAD: Pakistan today described as "ambiguous" India's 'No First Use' policy on nuclear weapons and said it cannot be a substitute for verifiable arms control and restraint measures, days Defence Minister Manohar Parrikar questioned the doctrine.

"Pakistan believes the ambiguous 'No First Use' Declaration is not verifiable and amounts to nothing. It can't be a substitute for verifiable arms control and restraint measures proposed by Pakistan's standing offer of Strategic Restraint Regime," Foreign Office (FO) spokesperson Nafees Zakaria said in his weekly briefing. He was responding to the recent remarks by Parrikar in which he asked why India cannot say "we are a responsible nuclear power and I will not use it irresponsibly" instead of affirming a "no first use policy".

Later he had said the remarks were personal in nature. Zakaria said statement by the defence minister of a country that repeatedly and constantly heightens tension and maintains an aggressive posture should be a matter of concern for all. He said signing of nuclear deals by some countries is a matter of concern as it is only reinforcing arrogance and belligerence with which India conducts itself in the region and beyond, in an indirect reference to Indo-Japan nuclear deal. Zakaria also said Pakistan established itself as a serious candidate for membership of the Nuclear Suppliers' Group (NSG), increasing number of countries were supporting the non-discriminatory approach.

"There is also growing recognition of the fact that 2008 exemption to India neither benefited non-proliferation regime nor objective of strategic stability in South Asia," he said. The spokesman expressed the confidence that members of the NSG would bear in mind the need to prevent further erosion of non-proliferation regime and preserving credibility of the NSG as a rule-based organisation. He said Pakistan has expressed its openness to measures for strengthening non-proliferation objectives to the NSG, which included proposal for binding bilateral agreement with India on non-testing

ISLAMABAD: Pakistan today described as "ambiguous" India's 'No First Use' policy on nuclear weapons and said it cannot be a substitute for verifiable arms control and restraint measures, days Defence Minister Manohar Parrikar questioned the doctrine. "Pakistan believes the ambiguous 'No First Use' Declaration is not verifiable and amounts to nothing. It can't be a substitute for verifiable arms control and restraint measures proposed by Pakistan's standing offer of Strategic Restraint Regime," Foreign Office (FO) spokesperson Nafees Zakaria said in his weekly briefing. He was responding to the recent remarks by Parrikar in which he asked why India cannot say "we are a responsible nuclear power and I will not use it irresponsibly" instead of affirming a "no first use policy". Later he had said the remarks were personal in nature. Zakaria said statement by the defence minister of a country that repeatedly and constantly heightens tension and maintains an aggressive posture should be a matter of concern for all. He said signing of nuclear deals by some countries is a matter of concern as it is only reinforcing arrogance and belligerence with which India conducts itself in the region and beyond, in an indirect reference to Indo-Japan nuclear deal. Zakaria also said Pakistan established itself as a serious candidate for membership of the Nuclear Suppliers' Group (NSG), increasing number of countries were supporting the non-discriminatory approach. "There is also growing recognition of the fact that 2008 exemption to India neither benefited non-proliferation regime nor objective of strategic stability in South Asia," he said. The spokesman expressed the confidence that members of the NSG would bear in mind the need to prevent further erosion of non-proliferation regime and preserving credibility of the NSG as a rule-based organisation. He said Pakistan has expressed its openness to measures for strengthening non-proliferation objectives to the NSG, which included proposal for binding bilateral agreement with India on non-testing
By IANS

ISLAMABAD: Pakistan has said Indian Defence Minister Manohar Parrikar's recent statement on no-first-use of nuclear weapons "amounts to nothing".



"Pakistan believes the ambiguous 'no-first-use' declaration is not verifiable and amounts to nothing. It can't be a substitute for verifiable arms control and restraint measures proposed by Pakistan's standing offer of Strategic Restraint Regime," Foreign Office spokesman Nafees Zakaria said in the statement.



Zakaria said the statement of a minister of a country that "repeatedly and constantly heightens tension with an aggressive posture" should be a matter of concern not just for countries in the region but also a threat to global peace and security.



Parrikar had said that he personally believed India should not "bind" itself to a no-first-use nuclear policy.

ISLAMABAD: Pakistan has said Indian Defence Minister Manohar Parrikar's recent statement on no-first-use of nuclear weapons "amounts to nothing". "Pakistan believes the ambiguous 'no-first-use' declaration is not verifiable and amounts to nothing. It can't be a substitute for verifiable arms control and restraint measures proposed by Pakistan's standing offer of Strategic Restraint Regime," Foreign Office spokesman Nafees Zakaria said in the statement. Zakaria said the statement of a minister of a country that "repeatedly and constantly heightens tension with an aggressive posture" should be a matter of concern not just for countries in the region but also a threat to global peace and security. Parrikar had said that he personally believed India should not "bind" itself to a no-first-use nuclear policy.
The U.S. Defense Department said in its Quadrennial Defense Review unveiled on Monday, "The status of U.S. forces in Korea is changing from being forward-deployed to forward-stationed with family members," meaning USFK personnel will be made to stay longer when they are accompanied by their families. "When fully implemented, this change will enable forces to deploy from South Korea, helping to expand the pool of available forces for global contingencies."

At present, the U.S. government is in the process of changing the tour of duty for the 28,500 USFK troops from one year to three accompanied by family and says an entirely new method of deployment will be implemented over the next three to four years. The report says the USFK can then be re-deployed to other conflict areas in the world at any time.

The QDR, issued every four years, serves as the guide for U.S. defense spending and troop deployment. Since 2000, Washington has been seeking to free overseas troops from being tied to a particular geographic region, a cost-saving program dubbed "strategic flexibility." It has assured Seoul that no special changes would happen to the USFK, but as the latest report says, the USFK will not only protect South Korea from a possible invasion by the North but also be deployed elsewhere, the cue being in the jargon "forward-stationed" instead of "forward-deployed." That could mean that the USFK become less of a deterrent to North Korea.

"We are in close cooperation with the [South] Korean government to implement the plans that have already been agreed upon," adding that the transfer of full operational control of Korean troops to Seoul will take place as scheduled on April 17, 2012. It appears that the U.S. is determined to hand over the primary burden of defense to the South Korean government.

In its Ballistic Missile Defense Review, the U.S. Defense Department on Tuesday acknowledged progress North Korea has made in missile technology and predicted that the North will be able to mount a nuclear warhead onto a long-range missile within 10 years. Nonetheless, it intends to hand over wartime operational control of South Korean troops to Seoul in 2012 and free American troops on the peninsula to serve in other areas one or two years later.

The Defense Ministry responded the matter "needs to be discussed over the mid- to long term" and added that it would seek "remedial measures." But an issue as important as this cannot be resolved through patch-up measures. The U.S. and South Korea must approach the issue at the highest level of government and begin negotiations as soon as possible to look for alternatives.
If a U.S. administration of Donald Trump withdraws troops and equipment from South Korea and secures a peace treaty ending war on the peninsula, it could lead to normalizing relations with North Korea, a Pyongyang envoy told Reuters on Thursday.

But for now, North Korea will pursue its policy of "simultaneous development" of both its nuclear program and the economy, So Se-pyong, North Korea's Ambassador to the UN in Geneva said.

So spoke in an interview at the diplomatic mission of [North Korea] in Geneva, as North Korean officials began "unofficial and informal discussions" with U.S. academics and former U.S. officials in the Swiss city.

"The [North Korean] delegation is here now. But as you know, it is a 'Track 2'," he said, referring to the latest informal meeting in a series this year. The two countries have had no official dialogue since Kim Jong-un assumed power in 2011.

Choe Son-hui, North Korea's negotiator for the stalled talks on its nuclear program, leads the four-person team, he said.

Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe, rattled by Trump's campaign rhetoric that cast doubt on longstanding U.S. alliances, meets the U.S. president-elect on Thursday in New York for hastily-arranged talks.
Former Democratic presidential candidate Hillary Clinton said all she wanted to do for most of the past week was take her dog, "curl up with a good book and never leave the house again."

Clinton made her first public appearance Wednesday night in Washington after conceding the presidential election to Republican Donald Trump a week ago.

She appeared at the Children's Defense Fund's Beat the Odds program, which honored five young people who overcame tragedy to become excellent students and are on their way to outstanding professional careers.
President Park Geun-hye has managed to stave off questioning by prosecutors until next week.

Park's lawyer, who earlier demanded that his client answer prosecutors only in writing, said Thursday that investigators can question her next week over the snowballing corruption scandal that has engulfed her office.

"I will finish my preparations to represent the president as soon as possible and cooperate so that the questioning can be carried out next week," Yoo Yeong-ha said in a written statement.

He did not specify whether that will happen in person, and it remains to be seen whether Park will really face the music as Yoo added it will happen only if prosecutors fully finalize their investigation of the allegations against her.
The decisions could pave the way to impeachment amid signs that Park is determined to cling to office despite mounting evidence that she enlisted her entire office in facilitating Choi's crimes.

Lawmakers will appoint an independent counsel to investigate the massive influence-peddling scandal centered on Park's close friend Choi Soon-sil. They also decided that a parliamentary committee will probe the scandal.

The National Assembly on Thursday passed a bill mandating an independent investigation into a massive corruption scandal that has engulfed President Park Geun-hye.

The National Assembly approved the bill with 196 out of 300 lawmakers in favor, 10 against, 14 abstaining and the rest absent, suggesting that several lawmakers in Park's own Saenuri Party voted with the opposition.

The Minjoo and People's parties will recommend two candidates for independent counsel and the president can choose one of them. The counsel will have a staff of 105 including 20 prosecutors.

Should the team require more time, it can ask the president for a month's extension. Supposing the probe starts in early December, it will continue until early April next year. Opposition parties immediately started looking for candidates to lead the team.

Lawmakers also mandated a National Assembly committee to probe the scandal with 210 in favor, four against and 11 abstaining. The committee will consist of 18 lawmakers, nine each from the ruling and opposition parties, who will be calling witnesses for up to three months.


Hyundai on Wednesday unveiled its Ioniq autonomous concept at the Los Angeles Auto Show, which runs until Nov. 27.

Hyundai is introducing 19 cars at the show, including seven sedans, four SUVs, and five eco-friendly vehicles.
In a bizarre move, Park also ordered prosecutors to investigate a lobbying scandal surrounding a high-rise condo in Busan, apparently under the impression that she remains in charge.

Park has refused to face question this week as her lawyer demanded more time to prepare to represent her. He said he will "cooperate" with prosecutors so she can be questioned next week but it is unclear whether that will happen in person.

Police expect fewer people to participate in this week's rally in Seoul as separate smaller rallies are planned across the country. But things could turn ugly this weekend as President Park Geun-hye seems to be stalling on her pledge to cooperate with investigators in the massive corruption scandal that has engulfed her.

Police are bracing for another massive candlelight rally in downtown Seoul on Saturday after last week's protests drew up to 1 million people from all walks of life to the streets of downtown Seoul.

A police spokesman claimed officers "barely managed to resist" angry protesters last week and now public sentiment has worsened. "We don't know how protesters will behave so we're very nervous," he added

Large numbers of high school seniors want to take part in the protests on Saturday now that they have finished Thursday's college entrance exam.

Many have been especially angered by the news that the daughter of Park's crony Choi Soon-sil was given a high school diploma even though she attended only 17 days' of classes in her senior year and was even given a prize in physical education. On Thursday, around 300 high school seniors joined a candlelight protest in downtown Seoul immediately after taking the exam.

Organizers expect half a million people to converge in downtown Seoul on Saturday and 1 million across the nation. They hope to encircle Cheong Wa Dae as closely as possible, and maps have been posted on social media instructing people when and where to go.

Police have informed organizers that they will not be allowed past a junction some 900 m from Cheong Wa Dae, but organizers have applied for court permission to march right up to the gates.

"Although we expect the protests to remain peaceful, we will not hesitate to respond according to the manual if violence erupts," a police spokesman said.

Police are not ruling out violence as some hardline conservative groups plan a counter-demonstration. Thousands of Park's die-hard supporters plan to rally at Seoul Station on Saturday afternoon and march downtown to meet the other rally.

The Korea Freedom Foundation, one of the country's biggest conservative groups, has also asked its 3 million members to take part.
Eastar Jet hit the 20 million mark in passenger numbers early this week, eight years after its launch. The budget carrier said it reached the milestone on Tuesday with the arrival in Cheongju of a flight from Shenyang, China.

When it launched services in 2009, the airline only flew between Gimpo and Jeju. It now flies six China routes (from Cheongju to Shenyang, Yanji, Harbin, Dalian, Ningbo and Shanghai) as well as domestic services.
Who are Newport's top taxpayers? Take a look at the top 50.

Hotels generate plenty of discussion in the City-by-the-Sea, but there's no doubt of the significance their tax payments have on the city's coffers.
The think tank's former president Edwin Feulner as well as staff back the surprise winner of the U.S. election, who on the stump portrayed Korea as a freeloader on American security spending.

The rightwing Heritage Foundation, which backs U.S. president-elect Donald Trump, in a report Wednesday pointed out that Korea provides "substantial resources" for the upkeep of U.S. soldiers here.

But the Heritage Foundation in the report says the Korean government "provides substantial resources to defray the costs of U.S. Forces Korea. It provides some US$900 million annually in either direct funding or in-kind support, covering cost-sharing for labor, logistics, and improvements in facilities."

It added Japan also provides "some $2 billion annually to support the cost of USFJ."

Trump, whose grip on the facts is not always secure, has accused to two countries of contributing "peanuts."
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Reporter

Mary Schenk is a reporter covering police, courts and breaking news at The News-Gazette. Her email is mschenk@news-gazette.com, and you can follow her on Twitter (@schenk).
NOTICE: This Consumer Medicine Information (CMI) is intended for persons living in Australia.

Suvorexant Consumer Medicine Information Summary This summary answers some common questions about BELSOMRA. It does not contain all the available information. Comprehensive Consumer Medicine Information follows this summary.

What BELSOMRA is used for and How BELSOMRA works BELSOMRA is a medicine called Orexin Receptor Antagonist. BELSOMRA is used to treat a sleep problem called insomnia, which includes problems falling asleep and/or staying asleep. BELSOMRA helps you to go to sleep and stay asleep by temporarily blocking wakefulness, enabling sleep to occur.

Before you take BELSOMRA Do not take BELSOMRA if: you fall asleep often at unexpected times (narcolepsy). you are allergic to suvorexant or any of the other ingredients of BELSOMRA listed at the end of this leaflet. Before starting BELSOMRA, tell your doctor about all of your health conditions, including if you: have a history of a sudden onset of muscle weakness (cataplexy) have a history of falling asleep often at unexpected times (narcolepsy) or daytime sleepiness have a history of depression, mental illness, or suicidal thoughts have a history of drug or alcohol abuse or addiction. BELSOMRA may be abused or misused have liver disease have a lung disease or breathing problems Tell your doctor or pharmacist if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant or if you are breastfeeding or plan to breast-feed. Your doctor will discuss with you the risks and benefits involved. Tell your doctor or pharmacist if you are taking any other medicines, including medicines, vitamins and herbal supplements that you buy without a prescription. Medicines that should not be taken with BELSOMRA include but are not limited to clarithromycin, erythromycin, fluconazole, itraconazole, diltiazem, verapamil and certain medicines to treat HIV.

How to take BELSOMRA Take BELSOMRA exactly as your doctor tells you. The recommended dose for non-elderly adults (younger than 65 years) is one 20 mg tablet. The recommended dose for elderly adults (65 years or older) is one 15mg tablet. These doses should not be exceeded. Higher doses worked similarly, but more side effects were reported. Continue to take BELSOMRA for as long as your doctor tells you. If you require continuing treatment with BELSOMRA after using it for 3 months, you should return to your doctor to discuss your response to the medicine.

While you are using BELSOMRA Do not take BELSOMRA if you drank alcohol that evening or before bed. Alcohol can increase your chances of getting serious side effects with BELSOMRA. Do not take BELSOMRA if you take other medicines that can make you sleepy. Be careful driving, operating machinery or other activities that require complete alertness until you know how BELSOMRA affects you. As with other medicines used to treat insomnia, BELSOMRA may cause drowsiness in some people the day after taking it. Do not drive or do other dangerous activities until you feel fully awake. Tell your doctor or pharmacist as soon as possible if you do not feel well while you are taking BELSOMRA. Any medicine may have unintended or undesirable effects, so-called side effects. Stop taking BELSOMRA and tell your doctor immediately if you notice any of the following: abnormal thoughts and behaviour. Symptoms include more outgoing or aggressive behaviour than normal, confusion, agitation, hallucinations (including vivid and disturbing perceptions) worsening of depression and suicidal thoughts or actions. temporary inability to move or talk (sleep paralysis) for up to several minutes while you are going to sleep or waking up.

BELSOMRA

Suvorexant Consumer Medicine Information

What is in this leaflet This leaflet answers some common questions about BELSOMRA. It does not contain all the available information. It does not take the place of talking to your doctor or pharmacist. All medicines have risks and benefits. Your doctor has weighed the risks of you taking BELSOMRA against the benefits they expect it will have for you. If you have any concerns about taking this medicine, ask your doctor or pharmacist. Keep this leaflet with the medicine. You may need to read it again.

What BELSOMRA is used for BELSOMRA is a medicine called an Orexin Receptor Antagonist. BELSOMRA is used to treat a sleep problem called insomnia, which includes problems falling asleep and/or staying asleep. Insomnia Insomnia is a condition in which patients may have the following symptoms: Difficulty falling asleep Difficulty staying asleep (waking too often or for too long during the night) Waking up too early and then not being able to fall back asleep Poor sleep quality

How BELSOMRA works BELSOMRA helps you to go to sleep and stay asleep by temporarily blocking wakefulness, enabling sleep to occur. Ask your doctor if you have any questions about why this medicine has been prescribed for you. There is no experience with BELSOMRA in children or adolescents under 18 years of age. Do not give BELSOMRA to a child or adolescent.

Before you take BELSOMRA When you must not take it Do not take BELSOMRA if you fall asleep often at unexpected times (narcolepsy). Do not take BELSOMRA if you are allergic to suvorexant or any of the other ingredients of BELSOMRA listed at the end of this leaflet. The packaging is torn or shows signs of tampering. The expiry date on the pack has passed. If you take this medicine after the expiry date has passed, it may not work. If you are not sure whether you should start taking BELSOMRA, talk to your doctor.

Before you start to take it BELSOMRA may not be right for you. Before starting BELSOMRA, tell your doctor about all of your health conditions, including if you: have a history of a sudden onset of muscle weakness (cataplexy) have a history of falling asleep often at unexpected times (narcolepsy) or daytime sleepiness have a history of depression, mental illness, or suicidal thoughts have a history of drug or alcohol abuse or addiction. BELSOMRA may be abused or misused have liver disease have a lung disease or breathing problems After taking BELSOMRA, you may get up out of bed while not being fully awake and do an activity that you do not know you are doing, such as sleep-walking, eating, talking, or driving a car. The next morning, you may not remember that you did anything during the night. You have a higher chance for doing these activities if you drink alcohol or take other medicines that make you sleepy with BELSOMRA. Tell your doctor immediately if you find out that you have done any unusual activities after taking BELSOMRA. You should contact your doctor if you experience abnormal thoughts and behaviours such as worsening of depression, and suicidal thoughts or actions. Tell your doctor or pharmacist if you: are pregnant or plan to become pregnant. It is not known if BELSOMRA can harm your unborn baby. Your doctor will discuss with you the risks and benefits involved. are breast-feeding. It is not known if BELSOMRA passes into your breast milk. Your doctor will discuss with you the risks and benefits involved. have allergies to any other medicines, foods, preservatives or dyes. If you have not told your doctor about any of the above, tell him/her before you take any BELSOMRA.

Taking other medicines Tell your doctor or pharmacist if you are taking any other medicines, including medicines, vitamins and herbal supplements that you buy without a prescription. Medicines can interact with each other, sometimes causing serious side effects. BELSOMRA should not be taken with some medicines because it strongly affects the level of either BELSOMRA or the other medicine in the blood. Medicines that should not be taken with BELSOMRA include but are not limited to clarithromycin, erythromycin, fluconazole, itraconazole, diltiazem, verapamil, and certain medicines to treat HIV. Do not take BELSOMRA with other medicines that can make you sleepy. Talk to your doctor about all of your medicines. Your doctor will tell you if you can take BELSOMRA with your other medicines.

How to take BELSOMRA Follow all directions given to you by your doctor and pharmacist carefully. If you do not understand the directions, ask your doctor or pharmacist for help.

How much to take Take BELSOMRA exactly as your doctor tells you. For dosage in non-elderly adults (younger than 65 years) and elderly adults (65 years or older): The recommended dose for non-elderly adults (younger than 65 years) is one 20 mg tablet. The recommended dose for elderly adults (65 years or older) is one 15mg tablet. These doses should not be exceeded. Higher doses worked similarly, but more side effects were reported The safety and effectiveness of BELSOMRA is similar in older and younger patients at the recommended doses.

How to take it BELSOMRA may be taken with or without food. Swallow the tablet whole with a full glass of water.

When to take it Only take BELSOMRA 1 time each night within 30 minutes of going to bed. Take BELSOMRA only when you have the opportunity for a full night of sleep (at least 7 hours) before you must be active again. If you are not sure when to take it, ask your doctor or pharmacist.

How long to take it Continue to take BELSOMRA for as long as your doctor tells you. After starting BELSOMRA, your doctor will periodically reassess your need to continue treatment with BELSOMRA. Ask your doctor or pharmacist if you are not sure how long to take the medicine.

If you forget to take it If you miss a dose, do not take BELSOMRA unless you have the opportunity to get a full night of sleep (at least 7 hours) before you must be active again. You may continue with your usual dose the following night at bedtime. If you are not sure what to do, ask your doctor.

If you take too much (overdose) Immediately telephone your doctor or Poisons Information Centre (telephone 131 126), or go to accident and emergency at your nearest hospital, if you think that you or anyone else may have taken too much BELSOMRA. Do this even if there are no signs of discomfort or poisoning.

While you are using BELSOMRA

Things you must do Call your doctor if your insomnia (sleep problem) worsens or is not better within 7 to 10 days of taking BELSOMRA. This may mean that there is another condition causing your sleep problem. If you are about to be started on any new medicine, remind your doctor and pharmacist that you are taking BELSOMRA. Tell any other doctors, dentists and pharmacists who treat you that you are taking BELSOMRA. If you become pregnant while taking BELSOMRA, tell your doctor immediately.

Things you must not do Do not take BELSOMRA if you drank alcohol that evening or before bed. Alcohol can increase your chances of getting serious side effects with BELSOMRA. Do not take BELSOMRA if you take other medicines that can make you sleepy. Talk to your doctor about all of your medicines. Your doctor will tell you if you can take BELSOMRA with your other medicines. Do not give BELSOMRA to anyone else, even if they have the same condition as you.

Things to be careful of Be careful driving, operating machinery or other activities that require complete alertness until you know how BELSOMRA affects you. As with other medicines used to treat insomnia, BELSOMRA may cause drowsiness in some people the day after taking it. Do not drive or do other dangerous activities until you feel fully awake.

Side Effects Tell your doctor or pharmacist as soon as possible if you do not feel well while you are taking BELSOMRA. Any medicine may have unintended or undesirable effects, so-called side effects. Do not be alarmed by the following lists of side effects. You may not experience any of them. Ask your doctor or pharmacist to answer any questions you may have. Tell your doctor if you notice or have any of the following and they worry you: sleepiness tiredness headache dizziness upper respiratory tract infection diarrhoea dry mouth nausea vomiting unusual dreams including nightmare feeling abnormal anxiety making mistakes in taking your medicine. memory loss temporary weakness in your legs that can happen during the day or at night. cough awareness of heartbeat, fast or irregular heartbeat (palpitations, tachycardia) itching Stop taking BELSOMRA and tell your doctor immediately if you notice any of the following: abnormal thoughts and behaviour. Symptoms include more outgoing or aggressive behaviour than normal, confusion, agitation, hallucinations (including vivid and disturbing perceptions) worsening of depression and suicidal thoughts or actions. temporary inability to move or talk (sleep paralysis) for up to several minutes while you are going to sleep or waking up. Other side effects not listed above may also occur in some patients and as with any prescription drug, some side effects may be serious. Tell your doctor if you notice any other effects.

After using BELSOMRA

Storage Keep your tablets in the blister pack until it is time to take them. If you take the tablets out of the blister pack they may not keep well. Keep BELSOMRA in a cool dry place where the temperature stays below 25C. Do not store it or any other medicine in the bathroom or near a sink. Do not leave it in the car or on window sills. Heat and dampness can destroy some medicines. Keep it where children cannot reach it. A locked cupboard at least one-and-a-half metres above the ground is a good place to store medicines.

Disposal If your doctor tells you to stop taking BELSOMRA or the tablets have passed their expiry date, ask your pharmacist what to do with any that are left over.

Product description

What it looks like BELSOMRA comes as two strengths of tablets: 15 mg tablet - A white, oval, biconvex, film coated tablet, marked with MSD logo on one side and 325 on the other. 20 mg tablet - A white, round, biconvex, film coated tablet, marked with MSD logo and 335 on one side, and plain on the other. A box of BELSOMRA contains 10* tablets or 30 tablets. BELSOMRA tablets may also be supplied in packs of 3 tablets to start treatment. * Not currently supplied in Australia

Ingredients Active ingredient: Suvorexant 15 or 20 mg per tablet Inactive ingredients: Copovidone Microcrystalline cellulose Lactose monohydrate Croscarmellose sodium Magnesium stearate Ingredients of film-coating: Lactose monohydrate Hypromellose Titanium dioxide triacetin BELSOMRA does not contain gluten, sucrose, tartrazine or any other azo dyes.
By Keynote Contributor Dr. Stephen Tuft Consultant Ophthalmologist,

Moorfields Eye Hospital NHS Foundation Trust

By Dr Stephen Tuft, MD FRCOphth

What is the cornea?

The avascular cornea is the curved and transparent window at the front of the eye. It provides the majority of the focus for light entering the eye to produce an image on the retina. Because the cornea is so important for forming an image, any change in corneal shape (astigmatism) or opacity has a major impact on the quality of vision. Intentionally changing the radius of curvature of the cornea is the basis of laser surgery to correct refractive error.

Laser eye surgery  goir / Shutterstock.com

Contact lenses worn on the surface of the cornea are an increasingly popular alternative to glasses, but contact lens associated corneal infection has become a significant public health problem in developed countries.

The cornea consists of a number of distinct layers (Figure). The surface epithelium supports the tear film and is maintained by a population of stem cells located in the basal layer of cells at the limbus  the junction between the clear cornea and the opaque sclera.

Beneath the epithelium is the fibrous stroma that maintains its transparency through its relative state of dehydration, regular collagen fibre spacing, and ordered collagen and proteoglycan distribution. The endothelial monolayer on the internal surface of the cornea actively pumps water from the cornea. The endothelium has minimal regenerative capacity and damage can result in permanent corneal swelling and opacity.

Corneal disease is a major cause for visual loss worldwide. It has been estimated that in 2002 corneal disease accounted for approximately 5% of world blindness (1.8m individuals), with four times that number having significant visual impairment.1

Corneal disease is also reported to be the reason for 4.1% of blind registrations in the UK. There are wide regional differences in the causes for corneal blindness. In developing and rural communities trauma or infection are the principal causes.

In contrast, in developed countries, genetically determinant diseases are more important. Between 2015 and 2016 there were 3466 corneal transplants reported to the UK transplant registry, with keratoconus, Fuchs endothelial corneal dystrophy, and other dystrophies accounted for the majority (50.9%) of these transplants. Infection, keratitis and corneal neovascularisation are also important causes for sight loss.

Although corneal transplantation is often effective in terms of graft survival, the quality of vision may not be restored and better alternatives are required.

The recent publication of a review of new and emerging health technologies for corneal disorders has highlighted the primary areas of research interest. Specific emphasis was found for refractive error (astigmatism), endothelial disease, infection, and epithelial stem cell deficiency.2 The following areas of research interest were noted.

Regenerative medicine

A chronic epithelial defect, corneal ulceration, and opacity may result from aberrant wound healing and stromal regeneration. Corneal tissue engineering uses synthetic biocompatible substitutes or substrates as a matrix to support tissue repair with eventual integration.

Approaches include a regenerative glue for patching corneal perforation, recombinant human nerve growth factor to promote healing of the anaesthetic cornea, and the topical application of synthetic stromal matrix proteoglycans (e.g. decoran, heparan) to act as a scaffold to promote wound repair.

Infection

Fortunately, microbial resistance is not yet a major problem in the UK. However, corneal infection with protozoa (acanthamoeba) and filamentary fungi associated with contact lens wear are becoming more common.

These infections are difficult to eradicate from the cornea, options are limited, and better treatments are required. A randomised control of topical polyhexanide (PHMB) will begin in 2017.

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Improvement of contact lens design and storage to reduce risk of contamination and infection is ongoing. The rapid molecular diagnosis of these infectious pathogens with PCR may help guide early therapy and aid targeted treatment according to susceptibility to treatment and virulence.

Transplantation

Corneal transplantation is an option for corneal opacity, perforation, severe astigmatism, and epithelial surface or endothelial cell failure. The emergence of partial thickness (lamellar) surgical techniques and an associated lowering of the threshold for intervention has increased demand for tissue, with a 75% increase in procedures since 2000.

Pioneering work on cultured endothelial cell transplantation has seen a step-change in our thinking on treatments for endothelial disease. This is the subject of a clinical trial, and cell transplantation is likely to become available within a 10-year timeframe. This would greatly expand the availability of tissue for transplantation.

Limbal epithelial transplantation has become a routine procedure for ocular surface epithelial failure, but the major disease group for ocular surface reconstruction are patients with bilateral disease, in which auto-transplantation from the unaffected eye is not an option.

Development of auto-transplants from other epithelial sources (e.g. mouth, bladder) such that lifelong immunosuppression would not be required would be a major advance. The identification of a role for corneal stromal mesenchymal stem cells to modify scar formation has opened exciting new therapeutic options.

Severe dry eye disease is associated with a change in phenotype of the ocular surface cells and is a major cause for failure of many interventions, e.g. transplantation and some designs of keratoprosthesis. Treatment options for these patients remain severely limited.

Artificial cornea (keratoprosthesis)

These are currently the option of choice if a tissue transplant is unlikely to work due to severe dry eye disease, inflammation, or a high risk of allograft rejection from corneal vascularisation. As they are inert polymers systemic immunosuppression is not required.

Designs continue to improve but extrusion or resorption of the supporting tissue remains a problem and improved biocompatibility is required.

Gene based therapies

The most recent audit of UK Transplant reported that 50.7% of grafts performed 2015 to 2016 were for inherited corneal disease. Identification of the causative genes will open doors to earlier diagnosis and intervention, as well as novel treatments.

The clinical introduction of gene silencing technologies to suppress the formation of aberrant cell products in a likely development within the next decade. Gene-based approaches to inhibit corneal vascularisation  a major risk for transplant rejection - and to alter the immunogenicity of donor corneal tissue may expand the options for individual with disease that currently precludes the use of a transplant.

As the genetic basis for more corneal diseases are understood new targeted treatments will become available, e.g. the introduction of topical cysteamine drops for corneal cystinosis.

Corneal collagen cross linkage

Keratoconus affects in excess of 55,000 individuals in the UK. It can cause severe visual loss in young adults and is the second commonest reason for corneal transplantation in the UK. Photochemical cross linking of the cornea can prevent further progression of keratoconus in approximately 95% of individuals, and the emphasis is now on methods to identify and treat individuals at risk of sight loss at a stage where they still have good unaided or spectacle corrected vision.

There will probably be a shift to pre-emptive intervention at first diagnosis as safer treatment option become available. A downstream effect should be a reduced demand for corneal tissue for transplantation, and this effect that has already been reported from Norway with potentially a drop in 50% of transplants for keratoconus.

It is likely that there will be a drive towards screening for keratoconus in at-risk populations (i.e. in schools) hopefully aided by research to identify the causative genes. Better connectivity between community optometrists and hospital based clinicians, possible with computerised algorithms to filter data, would help with this.

Conclusion

Research into the mechanisms of blinding corneal disease continues to accelerate and exciting alternatives to surgery are appearing. However, validation requires clinical trials that can be difficult to recruit and expensive to run. Although there is often an extended interval to clinical implementation of novel techniques there is a high expectation that there will be real benefits for patients.

References

1. Resnikoff S, Pascolini D, Etya'ale D, et al. Global data on visual impairment in the year 2002. Bull World Health Organ 2004; 82(11): 844-51.

2. Horizon Scanning Research & Intelligence Centre. New and emerging health technologies for corneal disorders. University of Birmingham. 2016. http://www.hsric.nihr.ac.uk/topics/review-corneal-disorders/. (accessed 27th October 2016).

Acknowledgements

Fight for sight - Someone in the world goes blind every five seconds.

Our mission is to stop sight loss in its tracks. By funding pioneering eye research, were creating a future everyone can see.

Further Reading

About Stephen Tuft

Consultant Ophthalmologist

Moorfields Eye Hospital NHS Foundation Trust

Trained as an ophthalmologist in New Zealand with further training in Adelaide, Australia. He began research at the Institute of Ophthalmology in London.

He returned to clinical work as a lecturer in the Contact Lens Service at Moorfields Eye Hospital, where he developed an interest in keratoconus, inherited eye disease and infection.

He has published numerous papers on these topics and he is currently leading a large collaborative research program to try to identify the genetic changes that cause keratoconus and treatments for Fuchs corneal dystrophy. He hopes that this work will eventually lead to better ways to screen and treat these conditions.

Disclaimer: This article has not been subjected to peer review and is presented as the personal views of a qualified expert in the subject in accordance with the general terms and condition of use of the News-Medical.Net website.
The use of hybrid capture-based (HC-based) next-generation sequencing (NGS) to identify targetable oncogenic drivers in patients with lung adenocarcinoma results in the detection of genomic alterations (GAs) not identified in routine screening, and impacts treatment decisions and clinical outcomes.

Lung cancer is the most common type of cancer with the highest cancer-related mortality worldwide. Non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) accounts for roughly 85% with about 40% being adenocarcinoma. Targeted therapy that targets driver genomic alterations (GAs) significantly prolongs survival in lung adenocarcinoma patients, and tumor genotyping allows for the detection of GAs in approximately 60% of patients. Currently, the technologies (polymerase chain reaction, immunohistochemistry, and fluorescence in situ hybridization) used for the detection of GAs cannon identify all alterations in EGFR exons and introns or all variants of ALK rearrangements. HC-based NGS is a technology that offers broad gene sequencing, extensive genetic information regarding GAs and exon/intron mutations, gene rearrangements and amplifications. However, the utility of HC-based NGS in clinical practice is yet to be extensively reviewed.

A group of Israeli researchers, led by Dr. Nir Peled, conducted a retrospective study on a cohort of 101 patients with advanced lung cancer that were treated at the Davidoff Cancer Center, Rabin Medical Center, Israel between 11/2011 and 10/2015, who underwent HC-based NGS using broad gene panels. Demographic and clinic-pathologic characteristics, treatments, and outcome data were collected.

The results of the study published in the Journal of Thoracic Oncology, the official journal of the International Association for the Study of Lung Cancer (IASLC), show that of the 101 patients with advanced lung cancer included in the study, the median age at diagnosis was 63 years, 94% of the patients were diagnosed at stage III-IV, 53% were women, 45% were never smokers, and 85% had adenocarcinoma. HC-based NGS was performed before standard EGFR/ALK testing (15% of patients due to lack of tissue) or after testing revealed negative or inconclusive (85% of patients) results. HC-based NGS was performed before treatment with 1st-line therapy in 51.5% patients and after treatment failure in 48.5% of patients. HC-NGS identified clinically actionable GAs in 50% of patients (EGFR 18%, RET 9%, ALK 8%, MET 6%, and ERBB2 5%) and identified EGFR/ALK aberrations not detected via standard screening in 15 patients. HC-based NGS results caused deviations to treatment strategy in 43 patients (42.6%). The overall response rate to targeted therapies in these patients was 65% (complete, 14.7%; partial 50%). Median survival was not reached. Immunotherapy was administered in 33 patients, mostly without an actionable driver, presenting disease control rate of 32% and an association to tumor mutation burden.

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The authors comment that, "This study draws attention to the rate of high false negative results in clinical routine practice and may not allow patients to have access to therapy targeting driver mutations. It also can expose patients to immunotherapy as 2nd-line treatment that may not work in this population of patients. Our study is restricted by its retrospective nature, its relatively small sample size, and by being a single-center study. In addition, the high percentage of never smokers, female preponderance, and the relatively young median age of our patient group represent a selection bias with a high pre-test probability for the existence of driver mutation. The results of large future prospective trials such as the National Lung Matrix Trial (NLMT) in the UK, and the Molecular Analysis for Therapy Choice (MATCH) Program, led by the US National Cancer Institute, are thus eagerly anticipated. Nevertheless, the high impact of HC-based NGS on treatment strategy, and the high overall response rate observed in this study, highlight the need for identifying molecular drivers and support the implementation of HC-based NGS in lung cancer."
The Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) has one of the highest rates of people living with malaria. Rapid diagnostic tests (RDTs) account for more than 70 percent of diagnostic testing for malaria in Africa. Most rapid test diagnostics rely on the detection of histidine-rich protein 2 (HRP2), an antigen specific to Plasmodium falciparum malaria. However, one of every 15 children infected with Plasmodium falciparum malaria parasites in the DRC is infected by a pfhrp2-deleted mutant, producing a false-negative result when an RDT is used, investigators from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill found. Their results were published in the Journal of Infectious Diseases and discussed during a recent World Health Organization meeting during the American Society of Tropical Medicine and Hygiene's annual conference in Atlanta.

"This is the first nationwide study to demonstrate the presence and estimate the prevalence of malaria caused by pfhrp2-deleted P. falciparum in asymptomatic children," said Jonathan Parr, M.D., M.P.H., the study's lead author and a researcher within UNC's Infectious Disease Epidemiology and Ecology Lab. "Because most rapid diagnostic tests in the DRC are HRP2-based, they will fail to detect these parasites. Their spread would represent a serious threat to malaria elimination efforts."

Samples were collected from children under the age of 5 during the 2013-2014 Demographic and Health Survey in the DRC. The UNC team focused on 783 samples with opposing rapid test diagnostic test and polymerase chain reaction (PCR) results. PCR testing showed positive results for malaria where rapid diagnostic testing did not.

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"We identified 149 P. falciparum isolates with a deletion of the pfhrp2 gene, representing a country-wide prevalence of 6.4 percent," Parr said. "This proved that pfhrp2-deleted P. falciparum is a common cause of rapid diagnostic test negative, but PCR positive malaria test results among asymptomatic children in the Democratic Republic of the Congo. Surveillance for these deletions is needed and alternatives to HRP2-specific rapid diagnostic tests may be necessary."

The WHO and UNC coordinated a meeting Tuesday morning in Atlanta to address these parasites. The meeting brought together leading researchers, policy makers, commercial diagnostic developers, and representatives from diverse national malaria control programs to review what's known and to formulate a response. Alternate rapid diagnostic tests will be deployed in settings where they are found to be common, and further research into their clinical impact and distribution throughout Africa will be undertaken.

The DRC project resulted from an NIH-funded study of malaria transmission led by Steven Meshnick, M.D., Ph.D., professor and associate chair of epidemiology at the UNC Gillings School of Global Public Health. Meshnick emphasized the need for a measured response.

"It is important to note that these mutated parasites have only been found in a small number of places in the world," Meshnick said. "HRP2-based rapid tests continue to play a key role in malaria control and elimination efforts."
A new program may help overcome common barriers to finding living kidney donors. The program will be highlighted at ASN Kidney Week 2016 November 15-20 at McCormick Place in Chicago, IL.

Boosting organ donations from living donors would help reduce the shortage of organs for transplantation. In the Live Donor Champion program, each wait-listed patient identifies a person to be their Live Donor Championa friend, family member, or community member willing to advocate for the patient. Clinicians provide both the patient and the Live Donor Champion with educational materials, business cards, and other resources.

Elizabeth King, MD, PhD (Johns Hopkins University), and her colleagues conducted a study that included 163 adult kidney transplant candidates who participated in the program. Participating individuals left with increased knowledge of live donation and comfort approaching others about live donation. The program also boosted live donor referrals: there were a total of 81 live donor referrals, and participation in the program was associated with a 5.5-fold increase in having at least 1 donor referral compared with matched controls on the waiting list.

"Our results suggest that the Live Donor Champion may ultimately help wait-listed patients identify potential live donors," said Dr. King.

Source: American Society of Nephrology (ASN)
Researchers from around the country who are studying alcohol's negative effects on the body discussed their latest findings during a meeting at Loyola University Chicago's Health Sciences campus.

About 70 scientists from Loyola, University of Colorado, Cleveland Clinic and other leading alcohol-research centers attended the all-day meeting.

Research topics included how alcohol affects the immune system and the balance of intestinal bacteria and how alcohol can alter how genes are expressed (turned on or turned off).

"The more we study alcohol, the more we are learning about the harmful effects it can have," said Mashkoor A. Choudhry, PhD, director of Loyola's Alcohol Research Program. "The scientists who are attended the meeting and presented their findings are working at the frontiers of this research."
For most of his life, Kevin Hughes has felt like an outsider. A loner as a child, the 65-year-old comedian struggled socially as a teenager and lacked friends as an adult, often offending people without knowing why.

It wasn't until a few years ago after one of his comedy shows that he first realized he might be among the millions of undiagnosed adults with autism spectrum disorder (ASD). "A couple came up to me who were doctors and said, 'What a marvelous way to use your autism for a career,'" recalls Hughes. "I called my wife and kids to laugh about it, but there was dead silence on the other end - until they finally said simultaneously, 'Dad, that makes total sense.'" That night was the start of a painful three-year journey to self-diagnosis.

Hughes is not alone. Approximately 1.5 percent of all U.S. adults (about 4.8 million) are believed to have ASD, with many attempting to self-diagnose. A new study in the journal Archives of Psychiatric Nursing explores the experiences of this oft-ignored population to help adults struggling with the neurodevelopmental disorder and help healthcare workers identify adults with ASD before they become depressed or harm themselves.

"Healthcare professionals must have an understanding of self-diagnosis to help individuals transition to formal diagnosis and to adequately educate, support, and screen this population for comorbidities," says study author Laura Lewis, assistant professor in the College of Nursing and Health Sciences at the University of Vermont. "Without knowledge of their diagnosis or supports in place, this undiagnosed population is likely at a higher risk of depression, anxiety and suicide."

Five major themes emerged from the qualitative study of 37 adults who were in the process of self-diagnosing ASD for an average of 3.8 years. These include managing self-doubt; a sense of belonging; understanding myself; questioning the need for formal diagnosis; and feeling "othered."

Many study participants reported always "feeling different" and "isolated" as children, which continued into adulthood. "I thought every child spent months alone in their backyard building a radio telescope," says Hughes, whose misdiagnosis by a physician increased his level of self-doubt and delayed his formal diagnosis. "I got in trouble in second grade for writing a paper about being from another planet. Even as an adult I've never belonged. I've lived in three cities for more than a decade each and had no friends in any of them. A lot of things made sense after reading Laura's paper."

A majority of participants said they felt an immediate "fit" after finding out they might have ASD. When reading about other adults with ASD, many participants reported feeling like "others were describing my life" and "a sense of belonging." One participant wrote, "it was both an incredible relief and very upsetting to hear them more-or-less tell my life story in their own words, from their own experiences."

"I wanted to serve as a microphone to voices that were not being heard," says Lewis. "I hope this research helps professionals and the public understand that, first of all, this group of individuals who are self-diagnosed exists; second, that their experiences and self-perceptions should not be dismissed; and finally, that healing is possible through understanding and awareness, whether that is facilitated by a professional diagnosis or not."

Study participants said the results could help some of the estimated one in 68 Americans with ASD, many of whom don't receive a formal diagnosis until adulthood, if ever.

"Had I seen Laura's research earlier I would have said, 'That's me, that makes sense,'" said study participant Scott Kramer, who now runs ASD support groups in Chattanooga and north Georgia. "Hearing about her study was like being on an African oasis somewhere and finally seeing water. And trust me, we drink all we can when it comes to research. It's part of ASD - you read everything when trying to self-diagnose."

Source: University of Vermont
November 13  19 marks Perinatal Anxiety and Depression Awareness Week. Anxiety and depression can hit mums and dads from pregnancy right through their bubs early years.

Around 1 in 10 pregnant mums and 1 in 20 partners experience anxiety and depression and the figures increase after birth to one in seven mums and one in 10 partners affected.

Issues such as exhaustion, stress, relationship and financial challenges and simply feeling out of your depth all impact on peoples ability to cope with pregnancy and parenthood.

Apunipima Maternal and Child Health Team Leader Johanna Neville said Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people living in remote Cape York communities had some special challenges as well as special support.

Women often have to leave community to give birth  travelling to Cairns six weeks before their due date without any of their family or friends around them at this most vulnerable time. The Apunipima Maternal and Child Health Team helps families stay strong by offering the health worker led Baby One Program and Home Visiting Program. The program works in partnership with regular clinic visits with the nurses and supports all parents-to-be and parents with babies to feel confident in raising their young children.

As well as providing vital information, support and items such as nappies and safe sleeping capsules, the health workers are there for the mums and families to yarn to about how they are going.

This means that a mum who may not make it to the clinic still receives 15 home visits throughout pregnancy until bub is nearly three. Some people find it hard to reach out for help and our programs, which are all about checking in, can really make a difference.

Perinatal Depression & Anxiety Australia (PANDA) CEO Terri Smith said the majority of people arent aware of how common these feelings are or how much help is out there.

Having a baby is both an exciting and challenging time. Adding anxiety or depression can make it difficult to function and feel like you are a good enough parent.

Both women and men, from all cultures and backgrounds, can experience perinatal (during pregnancy and the year after birth) mental health issues and these can vary in intensity and symptoms. As a mum or dad it is easy to feel guilt and shame that can get in the way of seeking the help you need. If this is how you feel, know that you are not alone. Having perinatal anxiety or depression does not make you a bad parent. In fact, seeking help early leads to a faster recovery with less impact on you, your relationship with your baby, partner and family.

Just go into your local clinic for a yarn with a Health Worker or Maternal and Child Health Worker, Johanna said.

There is a lot of help available and believe it or not, you are not alone and people will understand and be happy to help.

Family members and friends also need to reach in to pregnant and new parents and check to make sure they are ok.

Perinatal Anxiety and Depression Awareness Week takes place from 13  19 November.
Building on earlier clinical trials, UCLA researchers have confirmed that the "breakthrough" drug palbociclib when used in combination with the traditional hormonal therapy letrozole delays progression of advanced breast cancer significantly and without the harsh side effects seen in some women prescribed letrozole alone.

The study, published online in the New England Journal of Medicine, is the phase 3 study following phase 1 and phase 2 clinical trials that led to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration approval of palbociclib in early 2015. Palbociclib was also approved in Europe for the first time earlier this month based on these results. In 2013, after women in a clinical study led by UCLA researchers showed a dramatic improvement, the FDA granted palbociclib "breakthrough therapy" status, allowing it to be fast-tracked for approval.

The drug combination is the first and only treatment for women with estrogen-receptor-positive breast cancer to show such significant results in a randomized phase 3 trial. Dr. Richard Finn and Dr. Dennis Slamon of the UCLA Jonsson Comprehensive Cancer Center led the laboratory studies and previous trials and are co-authors of the study.

"These results are a truly meaningful advancement for women in this patient population," said Finn, who is also an associate professor of medicine in the David Geffen School of Medicine at UCLA. "The results of the phase 3 study will support the full approval of palbociclib in the United States and around the world."

Palbociclib (marketed as IBRANCE by Pfizer, Inc.) is known as the first new drug that in combination with hormonal therapy has proven to be very effective in post-menopausal women with estrogen receptor-positive breast cancer. The ER+/HER2- subgroup represents the largest proportion of breast cancer cases and is traditionally treated with therapies, like tamoxifen or letrozole, that target the hormone receptor pathway. Palbociclib, which was developed by Pfizer Inc., prevents cells from dividing by targeting a key family of proteins (CDK4/6) responsible for cell growth.

Led by Finn and Slamon, an international team of investigators from 17 countries analyzed 666 women with advanced ER+/HER2- breast cancer. The people were treated with a combination of palbociclib and letrozole and had not received prior systemic therapy for their cancer. The results of the new study confirmed the previous findings of the multi-year phase 1 and phase 2 trials, which showed a significant increase in the time it took the cancer to progress compared to letrozole alone.

The phase 2 trial also demonstrated that survival without side effects nearly doubled20.2 months for women who received palbociclib plus letrozole compared to 10.2 months in patients who received letrozole alonerepresenting a 42 percent reduction in the risk of disease progression. The new phase 3 trial further confirmed these findings.

"The results from both studies are really remarkable for the degree of benefit they provide in slowing the growth of estrogen-receptor positive breast cancer," said Slamon, director of the Revlon/UCLA Women's Cancer Research Program and director of clinical and translational research at the Jonsson Cancer Center. "The drug combination is very well tolerated and without the side effects of traditional chemotherapy, such as infections, nausea and significant hair loss."

Palbociclib is the first CDK 4/6 treatment to be approved for cancer treatment and provides proof of concept that targeting this pathway is important for the treatment of women with ER+ breast cancer. The researchers said the phase 3 findings will open the door to further studies in breast cancer and other diseases.

Besides leading the clinical development, the initial scientific observation that drove the development of palbociclib and other CDK 4/6 inhibitors in breast cancer came out of work from the UCLA Translational Oncology Research Laboratories under the direction of Finn and Slamon.
Charity launches Keep Moving initiative at its respite centres to mark Pressure Ulcer Awareness Day

The national disabled peoples charity Revitalise has thrown its weight behind the campaign to eradicate pressure injury with a raft of initiatives for the disabled guests at its three accessible UK holiday centres.

Revitalise - which provides respite breaks for disabled people and carers - has come up with Keep Moving, a five-minute, wheelchair-based exercise routine to increase awareness and minimise the risk of pressure injury among the wheelchair users who come to the charity for breaks.

Keep Moving is part of an ongoing quality assurance drive within Revitalise and has been endorsed by leading professionals in the tissue viability field, namely Sylvie Hampton, Keith Cutting and Sarah Gray.

As well as Keep Moving, Revitalise has launched a number of other measures designed to minimise the risk of pressure injury among its guests. These include developing links with local tissue viability teams to provide training for nursing and care staff, appointing a new team of tissue viability nurse champions at each centre and procuring Talley Group Fusion hybrid mattresses to provide flexible pressure area care for the centres beds.

The raft of measures introduced by Revitalise is part of the charitys ongoing commitment to best practice in care delivery across its centres. In regard to tissue viability care, the charity has embraced the SSKIN five step model* for pressure injury prevention which has been widely adopted across the NHS.

Tina Chambers, Trustee of the Tissue Viability Society, is to visit Netley Waterside House, Revitalises South Coast centre near Southampton, in order to show her support for the initiative on Pressure Ulcer Awareness Day, 17 Nov.

Revitalises Director of Care and Quality, Sarah Mancini, commented:

The key reason we came up with Keep Moving was to empower our guests to be aware of the importance of skin integrity and regular repositioning through fun, inclusive activities. We pride ourselves on focussing on what our guests can do, not what they cant, and already run regular activities designed to keep our guests fit and active, such as Zumba and fitness classes and Boccia tournaments. Keep Moving has now been added to this list. The raft of initiatives we have introduced and our adoption of the SSKIN five step model in our operating procedures is intended to embed pressure ulcer prevention as a mark of quality care in our service.

Pressure ulcers cause long term pain and distress to those affected and can mean longer stays in hospital. Treating pressure ulcers costs the NHS more than 3.8 million every day, yet it has been estimated that 95% of pressure ulcers are preventable.

Revitalise is a national charity providing respite holidays for disabled people and carers. Revitalise provides short breaks, with 24-hour nurse-led care on-call and personal support, at three accessible UK centres. Each centre offers a wide range of accessible activities and excursions in a holiday environment.
Although dialysis rates are similar in urban and rural areas, most remote rural counties in the United States lack in-county dialysis facilities. Of all the community hospitals in the country, only 38% are designated as rural hospitals, and it is estimated that two-thirds of rural hospitals do not offer acute dialysis due to a lack of dialysis and/or kidney specialists. A model telehealth program may help provide much-needed care to these regions, according to a study that will be presented at ASN Kidney Week 2016 November 15-20 at McCormick Place in Chicago, IL.

Charuhas Thakar, MD (University of Cincinnati) and his colleagues describe the development of a telemedicine program that partners a national dialysis provider with a rural hospital in Kentucky. Between January and April, they have treated more than a dozen patients (with >20 dialysis treatments) via the tele-nephrology program for conditions requiring medical, surgical, or critical care, and 67% of the patients were successfully treated and discharged from the rural hospital. The program now also provides 24/7 nephrology care other than dialysis to those patients with kidney and electrolyte disorders.

"This innovative patient-centered program plans to build a hub-and-spoke model for specialty care, and can be emulated nationally," said Dr. Thakar. "Models need to examine clinical effectiveness and efficiency of tele-medicine in nephrology in both acute and chronic settings to reduce the burden of travel to satellite dialysis units for providers, and thus make dialysis and renal care available in more proximity to patients."
Today, the World Health Organization (WHO) acknowledged the elimination of trachoma as a public health problem in Morocco.

Trachoma is the leading infectious cause of blindness worldwide. Transmitted through contact with eye and nose discharge of infected people, particularly young children, it affects populations in 42 countries, and is responsible for blindness or visual impairment in around 1.9 million people.

This is an impressive public health achievement for Morocco, said Dr Margaret Chan, WHO Director-General. It demonstrates how strong political will, education, awareness, surveillance and most importantly community engagement, can work to defeat a debilitating disease.

In the 1990s, Morocco began to implement the WHO-endorsed SAFE strategy, which contains a comprehensive package of interventions, including surgery for trichiasis  the blinding stage of trachoma, antibiotics to treat infection, facial cleanliness and environmental improvement to limit transmission.

Thousands of seriously affected people in the provinces of Errachidia, Figuig, Ouarzazate, Tata and Zagora underwent surgery and the vast majority were treated by health workers with the antibiotic azithromycin, donated through the International Trachoma Initiative.

Availability of azithromycin spurred control activities and with the involvement of local communities and the mobilization of health professionals we managed to reach almost every individual be it in villages or schools, said HE Dr El Houssaine Louardi, Minister of Health, Morocco.

To date, 8 countries have reported achieving elimination targets and most countries endemic for trachoma are now accelerating the implementation of the SAFE strategy to achieve their elimination targets supported by the WHO Alliance for the Global Elimination of Trachoma by 2020 (GET2020). In 2015, more than 185 000 people with trichiasis received corrective surgery worldwide, and 56 million were treated with azithromycin.

It is estimated that funding of up to US$ 1 billion is required globally to expand and sustain activities to 2020 in order to eliminate the disease as a public health problem.

Morocco has made a significant contribution to our goal to achieve global elimination of trachoma. said Dr Ala Alwan, WHO Regional Director for the Eastern Mediterranean. This success in Morocco gives us hope that similar achievements are possible in our Region to eliminate other neglected tropical diseases.

Validation of the elimination of trachoma as a public health problem

In 2015, the WHO Strategic and Technical Advisory Group on Neglected Tropical Diseases endorsed standardized processes for confirming and acknowledging success for all neglected tropical diseases targeted for eradication, elimination of transmission, or elimination as a public health problem. The process for diseases targeted for elimination as a public health problem has been defined as validation.
Ford Motor Co-Executive Chairman Bill Ford Jr told him the automaker would not move production at a Kentucky plant to Mexico, said U.S. President-elect Donald Trump on Thursday.



"I worked hard with Bill Ford to keep the Lincoln plant in Kentucky. I owed it to the great State of Kentucky for their confidence in me!" Trump posted on Twitter. "He will be keeping the Lincoln plant in Kentucky - no Mexico."



Ford has repeatedly said it has no plans to close any U.S. plants and likely could not do so under the terms of the current United Auto Workers contract that expires in 2019.



"We are encouraged that President-elect Trump and the new Congress will pursue policies that will improve U.S. competitiveness and make it possible to keep production of this vehicle here in the United States," said Ford spokeswoman Christin Baker, in a statement.



The U.S. No. 2 automaker is planning to move some small-car production south of the border.



Ford said in April 2015 it planned to invest $2.5 billion to build two new plants in Mexico, adding 3,800 jobs in all.



Earlier this year, Ford said it will invest a further $1.6 billion in Mexico for small-car production to start in 2018.



Ford has endured scathing criticism from Trump over its Mexican investments for nearly 18 months.



The Republican candidate repeatedly said during his long presidential campaign that if elected he would not allow Ford to open a new plant in Mexico and would slap hefty tariffs on any Ford vehicles made in Mexico.



In September, Ford confirmed that all of the company's small-car production will leave U.S. plants and head to lower-cost Mexico by 2019, but no plants would be closed as a result.



In October, Bill Ford said he had met with Trump to talk about his extensive attacks on the automaker's investments in Mexico.



Ford said Trump's criticism was "infuriating" and "frustrating" because of the company's extensive investments and employment in the United States.


New Delhi: Software service group Infosys (INFY.NS) is bracing for pressure on its US business from anti-immigrant policies by US President-elect Donald Trump, who has identified clamping down on immigration as one of his three top priorities.



"Margins might be impacted in the near-term," Chief Executive Vishal Sikka said, adding the company had not yet done any simulations on how large the impact may turn out to be.



Infosys' contingency plan for the case that the group would not be able to send low-cost developers to work with temporary work visas on big tech projects in the United States would be to hire staff locally, he said.



Sikka conceded that hiring people in the United States would likely be more expensive, adding that he saw no shortage in potential applicants.



"There are enough universities, enough ability to hire, enough ability to teach," Sikka said, adding he did not expect to lose market share to U.S. peers such as Cognizant (CTSH.O).



Infosys last month cut its annual revenue growth target for the second time in three months as India's software service exporters feel the pinch of major Western clients holding back on spending.
New Delhi: The government on Friday cautioned Jan Dhan account holders, housewives, and artisans that they will be prosecuted under the I-T Act for allowing misuse of their bank accounts through the deposit of black money in Rs 500/1,000 notes during the 50-day window till December 30.



The directive comes against the backdrop of reports that some are using other persons' bank accounts to convert their black money into new denomination notes. In some cases, even rewards are being given to account holders for allowing such misuse.



The government had earlier said deposits up to Rs 2.50 lakh in bank accounts would not come under tax scrutiny as it is within the tax exemption limit. In the case of Jan Dhan account, the holder can deposit up to Rs 50,000.



However, the income tax department has noted that people are under impression that no action will be taken for deposits up to Rs 2.50 lakh during November 9-December 30.



The ministry said "such tax evasion activities can be made subject to income tax and penalty if it is established that the amount deposited in the account was not of the account holder but of somebody else. Also, the person who allows his or her account to be misused for this purpose can be prosecuted for abetment under the Income Tax Act".



The government has earlier said black money deposited in bank accounts during the 50-day period will be subject to tax, interest and 200 per cent penalty.



It asked people not to be lured into the conversion of black money and become a partner in the crime of converting black money into white through this method.



"Unless all citizens of the country help the government in curbing black money, this mission of black money will not succeed," the official statement said.



It also asked people to provide information about such illegal activities to the I-T department so that immediate action can be taken and such illegal transfer of cash can be stopped and seized.



"Black money is a crime against humanity. We urge every conscientious citizen to help join the government in eradicating it," it added.



Following the demonetisation announcement of November 8, people have been queuing up in front of banks to convert and deposit the now-defunct 500 and 1,000 rupee notes.



The tax department has already made quoting of PAN mandatory if cash deposits during the 50-day period aggregate Rs 2.5 lakh or more in bank accounts.


Gwalior: The demonetisation of Rs 500 and 1,000 currency notes has led people from all walks of life to line up in front of banks across the country in the run to get cash.

In Gwalior on Thursday, the dreaded dacoit of 70s and 80s, Malkhan Singh, too was seen lining up at a bank branch to get his old currency exchanged.

The people who queued up with him at the SBI branch in Gwalior were amused to see him.

One of the most feared outlaws of the Chambal ravines, Malkhan and his gang had 94 police cases lodged against them, including 18 cases of dacoity, 28 of kidnapping, 19 of attempt to murder and 17 cases of murder.

He had surrendered with his men before the then chief minister of Madhya Pradesh, Arjun Singh, in 1983.

Malkhan rose to prominence in 1976 after blood feud between him and village Bilao sarpanch Kailash Narayan. He tried to eliminate Narayan with a machine gun but failed, ultimately injuring two of his men and killing one. Narayan sustained six bullets wounds but survived, forcing Malkhan to flee to Jalaun in Uttar Pradesh.

After this, his name spelled terror in parts of Bundelkhand in UP and Madhya Pradesh.

The former bandit was recently in news over his biopic being shot by actor-director Mukesh R Chauksey.

Post his surrender, Singh has been leading peaceful life in his native village engaging in farming and taking part frequently in religious conventions.
New Delhi: The Indian Banks Association has decided to stop over-the-counter exchange for old Rs 500 and Rs 1000 notes for tomorrow but has exempted senior citizens from the same.

The banks have decided to take a one-day break from exchange of currency notes to work on other customer issues.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday met senior ministers of the BJP and asked them to sensitise the public about the demonetisation drive.

Modi told the MPs and ministers to reach out to the public and assure them so as to quell rumours and negative perception raised by the Opposition regarding the cash ban and its aftermath.

Day 3 of the winter session of the parliament ended without much business with both houses adjourned after the government and the Opposition indulged in a war of words over a host of issues surrounding the currency note ban.

Read all the Latest News , Breaking News , watch Top Videos and Live TV here.
United Nations: Failure to impose sanctions on leaders of terrorist organisations is eroding the UN's authority, India has warned.



If the Security Council and its agencies did not come up with a "cohesive response to global terrorism they run the risk of becoming marginalised from the most fundamental security priorities of member states whose fabric is being torn asunder by terrorists," India's Permanent Representative Syed Akbaruddin said on Thursday during a General Assembly debate on Afghanistan.



He reiterated a demand India made in June for designating Taliban chief Mawlawi Haibatullah Akhundzada as a terrorist and making him face the penalties of UN sanctions.



"The international community is impatient for action," Akbaruddin said.



"Earlier this week, President Ashraf Ghani of Afghanistan himself asked a delegation of the UNSC (Security Council) Sanctions Committee to include this person, and such others, in the list of terrorists," he said.



The working of the Sanctions committee has been a sore point for India. China has used its veto to provide cover for Jaish-e-Mohammad's Pakistan-based head, Masood Azhar, from sanctions.



India says he is the mastermind of the January terrorist attack on the Air Force base in Pathankot.



Afghanistan's Permanent Representative Mahmoud Saikal also raised the problem of the Taliban and other terrorist organisations based in Pakistan.



Without directly naming it, he accused Pakistan of waging a "thinly disguised declared war" against his country by using the Taliban and other terrorist organisations, including the Haqqani network and the Islamic State.



He warned Islamabad, "Those who seek solace from the intention of keeping Afghanistan bleeding must remember that such actions would bleed them, too, and warrant international isolation."


Top diplomats have sent warnings to the central government that tourists, especially those coming for medical treatment to India are suffering due to the governments demonetization move.



Hans Dannenberg Castellanos, Ambassador for the Dominican Republic told CNN-News18 that Indias leadership in medical tourism might be affected as a lot of people are not able to exchange currency, pay bills, take taxis and pay for foods.



Castellanos who is also the senior most ambassadors in India and the Dean of the Diplomatic Corps has received distress calls from almost all heads of mission in Delhi. He says, European countries are very concerned as many of their tourists are unable to enter monuments as they either have old notes or big notes of the new currency.



Warning the government about the possible impact tourism industry he said, If people come to India and have a sour experience then they will give bad feedback to others. India has done a great job in encouraging tourists with the e-visa scheme but we are worried that this problem may dampen the mood".



The Dominican Ambassador is not alone. Afghan Ambassador Shaida Mohammad Abdali has also sent an SOS to the MEA and the Finance Ministry about the adverse impact on Afghan nationals coming to India for medical procedures.



Abdulhaq Azad, the Press Counsellor at the Afghanistan embassy said, We are getting stories of an Afghan national who went hungry for two days. Many people are not able to get their dollars converted due to lack of new currency in the market."







According to sources in the Bangladesh government thousands of Bangladeshis who come to Kolkata for medical treatment are stuck with medical and hotel bills. They say many of their citizens are being forced to exchange their old one thousand rupee notes in the black market where they get eight 100 rupee notes in return for one 1000 rupee note.



The Press Minister at the Bangladesh Embassy said, It seems the Indian government has totally ignored impact on tourists who have especially come to India for treatment.



The Dominican Ambassador has already written to the MEA about problems being faced by tourists and diplomatic staff. In his letter he has suggested that withdrawal limits for diplomats must be raised as their day to day functioning is being affected.



Many diplomats complain they cant pay their staff, cant travel and have had to cancel functions as well. He along with other diplomats is planning to write to the Prime Ministers Office and seek an audience with him.



After receiving recommendations from various missions, the foreign ministry has got in touch with the ministry of finance. Foreign Ministry Spokesperson, Vikas Swarup confirmed that the Department of Economic Affairs has now formed an inter-ministerial committee to look into their demands.






New Delhi: Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) ideologue KN Govindacharya told CNN News18 on Friday that opposing demonetisation cannot be termed anti-national and if anyone does, it is anti-democratic.



"Opposing the ban on demonetisation does not make me a traitor," Govindacharya said.



He also said that the currency ban also ban violates right to life.



Govindacharya has sent a legal letter to the government of India seeking explanation from the government on demonetisation.







He also said that proper preparations were not made by the government before announcing the currency ban decision.



"Many other options were available to fight against black money and people should have been taken into confidence, he said.
New Delhi: The Rajya Sabha on Friday witnessed multiple adjournments during the first-half of the day, with opposition parties continuing with their protest against the government's move to demonetise Rs 500 and Rs 1,000 notes.



As soon as the upper House of Parliament met for the day's business at 11.00 a.m., a united opposition started raising slogans against the government.



The agitated members refused to listen to the chair's repeated requests to calm down and created uproar, leading to the adjournment until 11.30 a.m.



As the House reassembled, the opposition parties demanded apology from Prime Minister Narendra Modi on the issue, leading to a second adjournment, this time until 12.00 noon.



Similar scenes were witnessed once again as the House met at 12.00 noon. Rajya Sabha Chairman Mohammad Hamid Ansari pleaded with the members to go back to their seats, assuring that their concerns would be taken care of.



"Please go back to your seats," he kept on repeating, but the bedlam continued, forcing the chair to adjourn the House for 30 minutes again.



The Rajya Sabha was disrupted yet again as it met at 12.33 p.m. The Chairman asked the agitating members to maintain peace and let the House function, but they did not pay attention to his pleas, forcing him to adjourn it.



The House was then adjourned until 2.30 p.m.



Opposition MPs assembled near the Chairman's podium raising slogans against the government.



Minister of State for Parliamentary Affairs Mukhtar Abbas Naqvi sought an apology from the Congress' Ghulam Nabi Azad for comparing the death of soldiers in the Uri terror attack with that of those standing in queues outside banks and ATMs post demonetisation.



The Rajya Sabha had a day-long debate on the issue on the very first day of the on-going winter session of the Parliament, but opposition parties became restless when Prime Minister Narendra Modi did not show up in the House during the debate.



Thursday onwards, they started demanding presence of Modi in the House, saying the Prime Minister should be there as it is an issue of national importance.
New Delhi: Continuing the stand-off between the judiciary and executive over appointment of judges, Chief Justice of India, TS Thakur told Attorney General Mukul Rohatgi that 43 names of the judges that were rejected by the government have again been sent back for reconsideration by the Centre.



CJI made these observations while hearing a Public Interest Litigation (PIL) pertaining to the growing laxity in judicial appointments.



Earlier, Rohatgi had informed the Apex court that there were no files pending with Centre and all the 43 names were sent back by the Centre.



SC, while hearing the same petition on October 28, expressed concern and said that the centre had been sitting over the names of the appointed judges for over nine months. CJI Thakur said, You cannot scuttle the working of the institution like this. Are you waiting for some revolutionary changes in the system?



In December last, the Supreme Court had struck down a law that introduced the National Judicial Appointments Commission (NJAC) that would give government a say in appointment of judges.



Dismissing the NJAC proposal, the court had said that the government will come out with a MoP for new appointments.



But in the last few months, the government and the judiciary have not been able to agree on the guidelines to be incorporated in the MoP, resulting in the government using the opportunity to scuttle appointments.
#Correction: One person got injured in the Varanasi explosion pic.twitter.com/5sRnxB5f5A  ANI UP (@ANINewsUP) November 18, 2016

One person was injured after a minor explosion took place in the Pitrakund area of Varanasi in Uttar Pradesh on Friday.It's being learned that the bomb was lying in a road side garbage bin.According to reports, the terror angle has been ruled out.More details are awaited.
John Abraham, Sonakshi Sinha, Tahir Raj BhasinAbhinay Deo2.5/5With the socio-economic impact of demonetisation on the common man running deep, spending money on movie tickets isnt as easy as it may sound. And since people are busy understanding both immediate and long-term effects of PM Modis surgical strike on black money, here comes a film that is so relevant to the current situation. No it has nothing to do with political and social ramifications of demonetisation, but it certainly explains what you could do when betrayed by your own political leaders, and what our cops and RAW agents can do to rescue our nation from doom.Since the film is a spy thriller, it was important for the director Abhinay Deo to work with just one superseding goal - to keep the viewers hooked. Honestly speaking, there is no greater compliment to the director than for the viewers to say, I want to know what will happen next. And thats how youd feel when you watch the movie. Force 2 will keep you engrossed. And it would also restore your trust in thrillers when you have already lost interest in them.Director Abhinay Deos latest offering is a sequel to Nishikant Kamats Force, which featured John Abraham and Genelia Dsouza in key roles. Abraham is back as a dedicated Mumbai police officer Yashvardhan who has no interest in following the protocol to track down the killer of his friend and other RAW agents. The case that has been assigned to him to hunt down those planning murders of RAW agents takes him to the picturesque Budapest. But he isnt alone! His boss RAW officer KK, Kamaljit Kaur (Sonakshi Sinha), accompanies him to solve the case. Their initial clashes, difference in their approach to work bring the much-needed comic relief to the film. But whats even funnier is how KK is unable to shoot at the culprit. Her inability to perform stunts, even though she is a disciplined RAW agent looks a bit silly.Like an efficient good cop Abraham is not just about serving their nation honestly but is also courageous enough to risk his life for their nation. With such a daring cop in the lead, nomission can fail, no causalities can happen. Even though his dedication to the job left his life in ruins, his aggression doesnt suffer. He is ferocious, shrewd and entertaining, unintentionally though. But we would have appreciated Abrahams character a lot more had here been more clarity to it.Tahir Raj Bhasin plays the bad guy Shiv Sharma with aplomb. After an unforgettable act in Mardaani, expectations from Bhasin were really huge. Agreed that he is cunning, witty and evil, as Shiv Sharma, and he has us booing at the screen, but he is the most charismatic character in the film. Even though he doesnt play the gun wielding beefed-up antagonist, his prudently nuanced performance as a disturbed character keeps the spotlight fixated on him.Since Force 2 follows a three-act structure dividing the narrative into the setup, the confrontation and the consequence. But it is how the stunts have been executed, the way the foot chase has been shot, and just the ease with which Abraham collapses a portion of a balcony, lift a car  all of it makes an impact.Since the narrative of Force 2 is fast-paced, the viewers are interested in knowing what happens next. This isnt to deny the presence of predictable moments in the film, which is why it disappoints.All in all, Force 2 works like a typical spy thriller. If you are a die-hard fan of John Abraham, you have to watch the film.
Cast: John Abraham, Sonakshi Sinha, Tahir Raj BhasinDirector: Abhinay DeoMuch like last weeks Rock On 2, the truth is that Force 2 is a sequel the world could have done without. Delhi Belly director Abhinay Deo, taking over from Nishikant Kamat, brings a slick upgrade to the action, but its a mystery why none of the three credited producers thought of investing a little more towards a better script.John Abraham returns as upright but reckless cop ACP Yashvardhan Singh whose fists do most of the talking, and whose shirt seldom stays on. When multiple RAW agents embedded in China are killed one after another, Yash is partnered with a local operative (Sonakshi Sinha) and tasked with ferreting out a mole in Budapest responsible for the intelligence breach.The film is basically an extended chase scene with a smattering of plot thrown in. Some of the unending car, bike, and foot chase portions are genuinely thrilling, but after a point you begin to feel like youre trapped in a video game because its so repetitive and relentless, and because youre never truly invested in the characters.Tahir Bhasin, who was so good as the creepy child trafficker playing cat and mouse with Rani Mukherji in Mardaani, is called upon to pretty much repeat that performance as a smirking mastermind always two steps ahead of the lawmakers.Repetition, and specifically a lack of imagination, is what cripples this textbook thriller which borrows liberally from every other Hollywood film of the genre. The big reveal can be spotted from a distance, and logic and common sense are on vacation. Intended as a tribute to RAW agents whore killed on duty and abandoned by the government when their cover is blown, the film reveals a facile, naive understanding of covert agencies and their operations.John Abraham, who doesnt once smile in the film, lest one forget that his character hasnt gotten over his wifes death, efficiently delivers the kicks and punches, and some cold hard stares. There are moments that suggest hes in on the joke  like the fight he pulls off, dressed only in a towel  but its a shame hes willing to settle for such mediocre material.Continuing what she started in Akira, Sonakshi Sinha takes another stab at action, but shes weighed down by an underwritten role as the least convincing operative since Katrina Kaif in Ek Tha Tiger. Its Tahir Bhasin, not surprisingly, who walks away with some of the best moments in the film, but this talented young actor would do well to seek out parts that require him to stretch his range.Force 2 isnt unwatchable, and it wont give you a migraine either. But it is a wildly inconsistent film that fills up the gaps between its many action sequences with ridiculous attempts at humor and drama. Im going with two out of five. Hopefully this franchise ends here.2/5What's your reaction to Force 2:Write your review of Force 2
Kolkata: By-elections will be held in two Lok Sabha constituencies and one Assembly constituency in West Bengal on Saturday under the shadow of the Centre's demonetisation decision.



The by-elections will be held in Cooch Behar and Tamluk Lok Sabha constituencies and in Monteswar Assembly constituency. Ruling Trinamool Congress, BJP, Left Front and Congress have fielded their candidates in all three seats.



Although the Congress and CPI(M)-led Left Front had contested the Assembly polls held earlier this year, the two decided to part company in this round of by-elections.



Demonetisation has become a key issue in the last lap of the campaign for the by-polls. Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee did not campaign for the by-polls and left it to the other leaders of her party.



Apart from state BJP president Dilip Ghosh, Union minister Babul Supriyo canvassed for his party.



WBPCC chief Adhir Chowdhury and CPIM state secretary Surjya Kanta Mishra spearheaded the campaign for their party candidates.



TMC MLA and party candidate from Tamluk seat Dibyendu Adhikari told PTI, "Demonetisation move has affected every citizen of this country. The common man is suffering.



Demonetisation has also impacted our campaign as we are unable to pay the decorators, sound organisers. In Tamluk, most of the rural areas still don't have proper banking facilities, what will the poor farmers do?" he asked.



According to CPI(M) and Congress leaders, demonetisation has all of a sudden come up as an issue for the polls as they are receiving feedback that people are inconvenienced due to the new decision.



CPI(M) leader Sujan Chakraborty said demonetisation became a prominent issue as the people faced huge problems and added that the situation was much worse in rural areas.



The BJP, on the other hand, said that by-elections would be a litmus test for political parties.



"What TMC, Congress and CPI(M) are saying is not right.



People of Bengal are happy with the decision and will give a hand down victory to our candidates," state BJP president Dilip Ghosh said.



"It's not a question of black money or white money. All of a sudden if you scrap high value notes how will you meet various expenditures for the campaign," Congress candidate from Monteswar Bulbul Ahmed Sheikh said.



The by-election in Cooch Behar was necessitated by the death of TMC MP Renuka Sinha while the by-election in Tamluk in East Medinipur district was caused by the resignation of TMC MP Suvendu Adhikari who also won the Assembly poll and joined the state cabinet as transport minister.



The by-polls to Monteswar Assembly seat in Burdwan district is due to death of TMC MLA Sajal Panja.
Thiruvanthapuram: Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan and his cabinet colleagues will sit on a day-long satyagraha in front of the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) regional office here on Friday protesting the effect of demonetization of Rs 500 and 1000 currency notes on cooperative banks.



They said that the move by the RBI to not allow these banks to accept deposits or change the existing notes is destroying the co-operative sector.



Cooperative banks in the state operate mainly in rural areas and play a crucial role in strengthening the economy of the state, empowering many people.



The state unit of the BJP has alleged that these banks are an abode of black money and allowing deposits there cause the fight against black money to fail. While asking these banks to not accept deposits, the RBI also raised the concern of black money getting laundered.



Both the ruling Left Democratic Front (LDF) and the opposition, United Democratic Front (UDF), has reacted strongly to this allegation. Vijayan said that Kerala's cooperative banks are not abode of black money and there is a political conspiracy behind this move. He said that the public sentiment is against any efforts of crushing the cooperative bank sector and that needs to be expressed. The Opposition has also expressed their support to the government for in any action taken to tide over the crisis.



Meanwhile, state BJP leaders said that in many of these cooperative banks, black money is being deposited as people don't have to give any PAN card details while making the deposit.

BJP state president Kummanam Rajashekaran said that the satyagraha by the CM and his colleagues is sponsored by black money holders. "It is the black money holders aim to sabotage the central government's decision and the state government is supporting that, he said.



There are allegations that the BJP is trying to attack the co-operative sector mainly because it the base of the CPM and Congress. J Prabhash, political analyst, said," In the cooperative sector, a major chunk is with the CPM and their popular mobilization happens through these primary cooperative banks. The next group who will be affected is the Congress and then the CPI. BJP does not have any base in this sector (sic)."



The entire cabinet sitting on the satyagraha shows the importance of these co-operative banks to the state as well as for the left front.



Former BJP state president V Muraleedharan said that the RBI is not giving them permission to function because they dont have licence. "We suspect that there is a large amount of unaccounted money in these banks that is why there is such a knee jerk reaction from the government," he said.



The state has 1,551 primary cooperative banks with deposits of about Rs 1, 37,000 crore of which roughly 80% are given as loans for agriculture, marriages, home and two-wheeler loans.

The beneficiaries are mostly in rural areas with these banks in each panchayat or ward levels. Deposits can be made to about Rs 25 lakh without PAN details.



At the Karakulam Service Cooperative Bank on the outskirts of the city, staff told News 18 that the bank used to be buzzing with activity but now there are very few people. Rajan, who was in the bank to withdraw Rs 35,000 he had deposited for his daughter's wedding, said he was running pillar to post to get money but the bank does not have any cash to give him. The wedding is in three days. They gave him a cheque which he has to encash from another bank where he has an account which will take at least a day or two. The old man was in tears when he said that he doesnt know what to do as this money was for marriage expenses but he has to buy groceries and vegetables.



Women from the local Kudumbasree unit, a self-help group for widows, were also in a dilemma due to the crisis in the bank. They work in a scheme where they collect cash from each of their members on a weekly basis and deposit it in the bank and whenever a member needs loan they provide from this. This women came with their last week collection to deposit in their account, but the bank cannot accept it, nor can they make any withdrawals from their account. They told News18 that they have an added problem that if they go to change their group's cash in bank, they will get inked and they wont be able to change their own cash.



Raja Lal, president of one such bank, said," On 8th, we had Rs 3.25 lakh in the bank of which three lakh were in denominations of Rs 500 and 1000. Now, they have no cash and the RBI has asked them not to accept any deposits.



We dont even have cash to give salary to our employees which comes around Rs 14 lakh," he added. He said that they are in a terrible situation as they are not able to give people their own deposits. Many loans have been passed but they are not in a position to give cash for anyone. The cooperative bank system is now frozen and this is causing a lot of hardships to the common man.



Meanwhile Thomas Issac, State Finance Minister, said that if the RBI has any doubts on the source of these transactions, they can always conduct checks. He added that there are trails left in every transaction so the IT department can conduct checks later, but in the name of that now they are adding to the trauma of the people.


New Delhi: In an exclusive interview to CNN-News18, Union Minister Venkaiah Naidu on Friday said that the problems faced by the people due to demonetisation of Rs 500 and Rs 1,000 currency notes will be solved within 10 days and attacked the Opposition for creating a hue and cry over the issue.



"Opposition can't digest the fact that PM Modi has taken this historic move to fight black money," Naidu said.



Naidu asserted that the move had to be kept a secret as it was a radical one.



"The move will benefit the poor in the long term," he said.



He also took a jibe at West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee and Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal and said that their street protests on Thursday was greeted with chants of Modi.



Ruling out the possibility of a roll back, he attacked Mamata Banerjee and said that the West Bengal Chief Minister's demands of a roll back of the decision is only making her "unpopular".



Putting all the allegations of leaks to rest, Naidu said that this revolutionary step is being praised and lauded by IMF, World Bank and BRICS Bank.







The minister also took a dig at Congress leader Ghulam Nabi Azad for comparing the deaths due to demonetisation with the deaths of soldiers in Uri attack.



"Azad's comparison was atrocious, his comment was atrocious. Is the Congress sympathising with the terrorists or with the nation," he was quoted as saying.



Terming demonetisation as a war against black money and corruption, he said that the government has been preparing for this policy since 2014.
Bengaluru: Terming the demonetisation move as a "war" on corruption and black money, Union Minister M Venkaiah Naidu on Friday said some people are opposing it because of their inability to digest Prime Minister Narendra Modi's popularity.



He hit out at the opposition for not allowing Parliament to function and ruled out any possibility of a rollback of demonetisation.



"Different parties are taking different stands. I'm happy that Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar, Odisha ChiefMinister Naveen Patnaik and Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister Chandrababu Naidu and others have come out in support of this decision, but some people are not able to digest it," Naidu said.



Speaking at an event organised by BJP, he said, "They have this indigestion problem from beginning itself. From day one you (people) gave mandate to Modi...They are not able to digest it."



Naidu said some people are not able to accept Modi as Prime Minister and his growing popularity and started the "drama" of award wapsi.



"Intolerant are those people who are intolerant toward the victory of Modi. They are not able to digest it. That is why yesterday they compared Modi to Hitler, Mussolini and Gaddafi. Look at their anger because he defeated them, brought out what is beneath their bed," he said.



West Bengal Chief Minister Mamta Benerjee and her Delhi counterpart Arvind Kejriwal were opposing demonetisation just for the sake of politics, the Union minister said.



He listed prominent economists, personalities and international organisations who have spoken in favour of the move and said those trying to create confusion among people "will be disappointed after a week or so".



"They will be disappointed because there are queues and queues are shown by TVs, the moment these queues disappear, these people will also disappear," he added.



On disruption of Parliament over demonetisation, Naidu said the opposition, which started the discussion on the issue in Rajya Sabha, is now trying to shy away after coming to know that they are in a fix as their arguments are proving to be hollow.



"It is like after marriage one is complaining about problems with stars or zodiac sign," he said.



Modi has come before the country with a massive social mobilisation which impacts every countryman's life for a better tomorrow. At this juncture, every political party has to choose whether they are with the people's and government decision against black marketers, hoarders, arms smugglers and those running counterfeit, he said.
Ramadi: A suicide bomber detonated an explosives-laden vehicle at a wedding gathering in a town west of the Iraqi capital on Thursday, killing at least 16 people, officials said.



The attack, which took place in Amriyat al-Fallujah, a town in Anbar province 40 kilometres from the capital, also left more than 30 people wounded.



There was no immediate claim of responsibility for the attack, but the Islamic State jihadist group frequently carries out suicide bombings targeting civilians in Iraq.



The attack came three days after twin suicide bombings claimed by IS struck Fallujah, a city northwest of Amriyat al-Fallujah, killing at least 15 people.



IS overran large areas north and west of Baghdad in 2014, but Iraqi forces have since regained much of the territory they lost, and they are now battling to oust the jihadists from Mosul, the last city they hold in the country.



While IS has been pushed back from areas it once held in eastern and central Anbar, the jihadist group still controls several towns in the province's west.
Washington: President-elect Donald Trump has offered the CIA director job to Mike Pompeo, a conservative Republican congressman from Kansas who has heavily criticized the Iran deal and was a member of the congressional committee that blasted Hillary Clinton over the attack in Benghazi, Libya.



Pompeo is a member of the House intelligence committee, which oversees U.S. intelligence gathering efforts. In 2014, he was appointed to the House Select Benghazi Committee to probe the 2011 attack on the U.S. diplomatic outpost in Benghazi.



He enrolled as a teenager at the U.S. Military Academy at West Point, N.Y. and graduated first in his class in 1986. According to biographical information on his House web site, Pompeo served as a "cavalry officer patrolling the Iron Curtain before the fall of the Berlin Wall."



Pompeo is a graduate of Harvard Law School and was editor of the Harvard Law Review.



After college, he returned to south-central Kansas where his mother was from. He set up Thayer Aerospace and was its chief executive officer for more than 10 years. Later he was president of Sentry International, a company that sold equipment for oil fields and manufacturing.
Frustration with familiar problems was evident at Thursdays meeting of the Lynchburg City Schools Equity Task Force as members shared their concerns with division administrators.

The task force was formed in March 2015 for the purpose of reducing the achievement gap in the division between white and black students. Its membership is composed of local citizens who must be approved by the Lynchburg City School Board to serve on the task force.

Concerns were wide ranging but orbited the purpose of the task force: to reduce the achievement gap between white and black children and to enable all students to succeed in schools across the division.

Currently, racial disparities in graduation rates and state standardized test results persist in the division.

Overall, 83.4 percent of students graduated on time in the 2016 cohort, but for white students, that number is 92.1 percent, compared to 77.2 percent for black students.

Those numbers do mark a slight improvement over 2015 graduation rates, when 89.2 percent of white students and 71.9 percent of black students in LCS graduated on time.

Even so, Equity Task Force members feel there is a need to do more within the division and stated racial disparity in academic achievement is an ongoing problem that has plagued LCS for years.

The problem exists because no one can tell Lynchburg City Schools, and bigger than that  Lynchburg City  that you need to make structural changes, member Eugene Tweedy said.

Member Leslie King stated struggling students were more than just a problem for LCS but also for area employers who should be concerned about economic growth and workforce viability.

I think the city leaders need to step up also and take leadership around this issue, King said.

Member Danny McCain was vocal throughout the meeting about the racial disparity in SOL scores.

Across the division, SOL scores show black students lagging behind their white peers.

How long is the school system going to accept that? McCain asked school administrators.

Jay McClain, assistant superintendent for student learning and success, told McCain while the achievement gap at LCS is a noticeable problem, its one in which the division is making strides.

McClain noted back-to-back years of growth in the SOL scores and graduation rate improvements.

We are going in the right direction; we just want to keep going, McClain said.

Despite continued improvement, Lynchburg had the lowest overall 2015-16 test scores of area divisions, according to SOL results released by the Virginia Department of Education in August.

Equity Task Force meetings are scheduled to last an hour-and-a-half. Robust discussion took up much of that time and limited a presentation of the LCS comprehensive plan and data from the 2015-16 student culture survey  which was supposed to be a key component  to about 15 minutes.

In the end, there were more questions than answers, and the frustration expressed around the table in a board room of the School Administration Building left some wanting more structure at meetings.

I dont want to stifle the dialogue at all, but I think we do need to have some type of structure that we agree on, member Bob Brennan said.
Speaking last week before a joint meeting of the transportation committees of the Virginia Senate and House of Delegates, Virginia State Police Superintendent Steven Flaherty was blunt about the funding crisis the commonwealths premier law enforcement agency faces: We really feel like our backs are up against the wall right now.

And indeed they are, as we have previously noted. Since 2006, but especially since the onset of the Great Recession, the agency has had its budget slashed by more than $100 million, affecting all aspects of the agencys critical mission. Col. Flaherty said he averages a dozen resignations per month from troopers leaving to take higher paying jobs in other police departments in the state. The starting pay of a trooper  $36,207  is lower than 30 municipal departments in Virginia, and the discrepancy is only going to get greater.

To top that off, Flaherty said years of no raises have some veteran troopers making as much as new recruit, a definite morale downer.

The VSP mission is simple: to provide statewide law enforcement services, to be supportive of local law enforcement agencies and to oversee and protect Virginians and the states critical infrastructure in emergencies. And all at an average monthly cost of $8.61 to a Virginia household. Quite a bargain in our mind.

Raises for state employees were in Gov. Terry McAuliffes budget, but revenue shortfalls triggered legal trip wires that canceled them. Just days after the announcement there would be no raises forthcoming in December, Flaherty said nine resignations were on his desk.

So what is to be done? The problem isnt one that appeared overnight, but rather crept up on legislators over the course of the last two decades. Unfortunately, its a problem that wont be solved overnight, either.

One critical approach would be assure the VSP a dedicated source of funding, outside the annual budget process thats steeped in politics.

Sen. Charles Carrico Sr., a Grayson County Republican and a retired trooper himself, introduced legislation in the 2016 session of the General Assembly that would have raised the vehicle registration fee by $1.25 over a decade. That alone would raise $127 million annually to be dedicated to the state police. But its fate in the tax-averse Assembly? Held over with no action.

Within days of last Fridays meeting, Del. Chris Jones, chairman of the budget-writing House Appropriations Committee, announced his top priority in the upcoming Assembly session would be addressing the state police crisis. Restoring funds for the canceled 3 percent raise that would have taken affect Dec. 1, along with $6.3 million to address salary compression and a $6.8 million cut to fill the states budget hole, are now at the top of the to-do list for the second-most powerful legislator in Richmond.

But the matter of a long-term fix still remains: the creation of a dedicated funding stream for the VSP.

Thats where we get back to Sen. Carricos legislation. Pass it. Fee increase, tax hike, call it what you will, but pass it.

Public safety is a fundamental duty of government that must be properly funded. There are now 268 vacancies in the agencies, including 146 sworn positions. For the Assembly to allow this crisis to fester one more day is nothing short of dereliction of duty.
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.
First Sounds Charles pays tribute to First Nation peoples

These sounds coupled with Creole Christmas will reverberate throughout Queens Hall, St Anns this Sunday.

Trinidadian trumpeter Charles ten-piece suite - released in June this year was described by John Stevenson in ejazznews.com as being one of his most ambitious projects to date. The Suite which rose to number two on the Jazz Week Charts would feature as part of the first half of the show on Sunday, the other half would feature Creole Christmas with joint performances by Clarita Rivas, Ernesto Garcia, Stanley Roach and Enrico Camejo. Local songbird Llettesha Sylvester would replace Orange is the New Black star Danielle Brooks, who was originally scheduled to perform along with Charles.

Other performance will come from Alex Wyntz, Brian Hogan, Jonathan Michel, Sullivan Fortner and John Davis.

But for Charles it is important the people attend the show because it gives an opportunity for them to become curious about their history.

Each piece of the Suite tells the story of a geographical space and its people.

In a phone interview, he said, Each place that we went, were socio-cultural pieces in a sense, where I got to know the people through a cultural perspective.

The piece Boruca was born out of the Costa Rican festival Juego de los Diablitos which celebrates/ commemorates the fight against Spanish conquest.

Charles listened to the music of the Boruca, [the indigenous people in Costa Rica] and how they sang in harmony and their rhythms. The adaptation of that song gave rise to the same titled piece, Boruca.

In the re-telling of the story of the Californian Bay Muwekma Ohlone tribe whom he described as having a very dark historical story, Charles said he created a, sombre forlorn tone with the music but then, move[d] it up to sow hope. The other San Jose City, San Jose de Oruna later known as St Joseph, Trinidad, tells, musically, of the battle between Nepuyoan warrior Hyarima and his fight against the main Spanish settlement of St Joseph.

I tried to fuse the idea of the wars, with the current sound of the Spanish and African descendants in San Jose today. I took that and I doubled it. So I waltzed a waltzed, he said.

In Revolt, Charles took the 1837 revolt led by Makandal Daaga in St Joseph and told of his fight against the British with heavy dark harmonies and heavy drums. The songs take a run through history.

Speed City tells of the black student population of San Jose State University which had a powerful track team in 1968. The team supplied most of the US Olympic gold medallists in the 1968 Mexico City Olympics and of the movement to de-segregate that Campus.

Each piece building a sound story board of its various peoples and their struggle.

The song Cahuita tells of one of the Costa Rican Caribbean Community and their music, calypso.

For Charles this is his way of telling the stories of people others tried to write out of history-in a sense.

He recalled, When I met with Maureen Campbell the chairperson of the council of the Muwekma Ohlone tribe in California and I said to her what can I do to help and she said I want you to write a song and tell my story, our story, the story of my people. By writing a song and having the name of that song be Muwekma, it immediately creates a question in the mind of the listener as to what is Muwekma and they might Google or just ask or they might open the CD jacket and it would get them to read about this beautiful people that is living in the California Bay Area and what they have been through. It is his hope that the show makes people curious about their histories and the histories about other First World peoples.

While tickets sales have been good, Charles hopes it gets better.

He has performed for sold-out audiences in spaces such as Toronto, New York and California.

Noting that Music is healer, he encouraged people to come out and be taken on a journey.
PM, KAMLA IN ROTI WAR

However, in a quick response, Opposition Member of Parliament for Princes Town Barry Padarath - who was Persad-Bissessars personal advisor when she was PM - demanded that Rowley bring any evidence he has to prove the $350,000 roti bill is true.

Speaking at a local government election campaign meeting in Cocoyea, San Fernando on Wednesday evening, Rowley was in a no-nonsense mood as he barked accusations against Persad-Bissessar of choosing to focus on the personal lives of government ministers instead of discussing national issues relevant to the upcoming election. In making the $350,000 roti bill allegation, Rowley failed to go into details - was the money paid for roti skins (plain roti) or roti complete with curried filling.

He said discovery of the massive roti bill was made while he was going through documents at the OPM on Wednesday, a few hours before journeying to San Fernando to address the campaign meeting. I want you to wave the receipts for the roti, a fiery Rowley said as he waded into Persad-Bissessar for attacking ministers wives over contracts and also for questioning his (Rowley) having more outside children than inside children.

Three hundred and fifty thousand dollars in roti for one Divali function at the Prime Ministers residence! Look at this, if I give every one of you two roti, I cant spend that kind of money, the prime minister charged.

SHOW ME THE BILLS Hours later, in a media release issued yesterday, MP Padarath demanded that Rowley make public any receipt/ s for the alleged $350,000 in roti. He said that at no time did the PP spend $350,000 on roti for a Divali function at the Prime Ministers Residence and Diplomatic Centre in St Anns. Produce the bill for $350,000 in roti or publicly apologize for lying to the nation, Padarath demanded in his press release.

Describing the roti claims as mischievous, Padarath said Rowley had added several bills with respect to food, non-alcoholic beverages, service charge, delicacies, cutlery and utensils for over 4,000 attendees, to arrive at the grand roti total of $350,000. He questioned whether Rowleys comments were meant as a distraction from burning issues such as rampant crime and sees it as a means of diverting attention away from the Governments inept performance over the past 15 months in office.

NONE OF YOUR BUSINESS At the PNM meeting on Wednesday, Rowley also slammed Persad- Bissessar for making allegations against his family. The crowd hung to every word he said, cheering as he fired salvo after salvo on the Opposition and Persad- Bissessar. He made it clear the number of children he has, inside and outside, of his marriage was none of Persad- Bissessars business.

One year after leaving office, there is a local government election and she (Persad-Bissessar) can say nothing useful about local development and other issues. You know what her issue is? Is that I have more children outside than I have inside.

You understand? But I want to tell Kamla Persad-Bissessar tonight...that is none of your goddamn business! Because as long as Sharon (Rowleys wife) is happy with how much I have outside and how much I have inside, Rowley is happy with that! $$ FOR WATER Teasing the crowd and asking if they wanted to hear more, Rowley spoke of a $47,000 monthly payment to clean a pool at the PMs residence under the PP and which now costs $15,000 and a water valve which was cemented in order for someone to get a contract to supply water to the premises. He spoke of water problems he encountered since moving into the prime ministers residence and that he was forced to call in WASA.

They told me there was no real problem.

The problem is somebody under the last regime, cement a valve close to the prime ministers residence and that generated an opportunity for a contractor to supply water to the prime ministers residence. All that WASA had to do was to break the concrete, open the valve and we have had water flowing ever since. He also spoke of the Ministry of Diversity which he renamed the Ministry of nothing. Rowley said: We just received in the government the annual report of the ministry of diversity. Ask me what the annual report contained, absolutely nothing because it is a ministry of nothing.
Kamla knocks Hinds Kill them dead remark

The Opposition leader continued, Given the crime situation, given the insecurity, you have a Minister of Government with this hate talk promoting violence from a PNM platform. She called on Prime Minister Dr Keith Rowley to distance himself from Hinds statements.

She further asked the Commissioner of Police to provide protection for her supporters and placed them all on high alert. Security alert to all UNC supporters...all UNC candidates, be on high alert because you have Minister Hinds telling people to kill you dead. Shocking! Later in her speech, the former Prime Minister responded to Rowleys assertion that the Housing Development Corporation contracts which she claimed were given to Energy Minister Franklin Khans wife and Finance Minister Colm Imberts wife, were actually given by her Peoples Partnership government.

Those two contracts I spoke about were never given out by the Partnership (administration) they were given out by the PNM. For people who spend five years crying all over the country saying that my government only gave contracts to friends and family, they rushing, they hurry now to say my government gave their ministers wives contracts.
Bolivian on fraud charges

Lozado, 46, was also charged with one count of trafficking counterfeit money as well as one count of illegal money transfer of $20,000 through Western Union Money Transfer to someone in Bolivia.

Lozado, who was aided by an interpreter in court, was also charged with being in possession of several large quantities of cash in Trinidad and Tobago, United States, Eastern Caribbean, Bolivian and Paraguay currency which he knew was criminal property, and possession of marijuana.

It is alleged that the criminal acts took place between October 3 to November 10, at various banking locations in Maraval, Diego Martin and Glencoe. His lawyers application for bail was denied by the chief magistrate after prosecutors argued he was a flight risk and had no fixed place of abode in Trinidad.

Lozado, who has two children, was staying at Moniques Guest House in Maraval, and arrived in Trinidad in September.

His passport is being held by the Fraud Squad Office and Lozado is expected to return to court on December 1. The Bolivian national was held on November 10 at a guest house in Maraval and instructions to charge him was given by Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) Roger Gaspard SC, on Wednesday.

The Transnational Organised Crime Unit assisted by the Fraud Office worked on the case.
Duke preparing to step down as PSA president

PSA president Watson Duke, speaking with reporters at a press conference at the Unions Tobago office, said when he demits office to take up the reigns at the Tobago House of Assembly (THA) as Chief Secretary when the election is called, the replacement, who he did not name, will be ready.

I will gladly put down my crown as president of the PSA and take up the crown of the THA because Tobago needs representation. Even now, I am, by necessity, doing both jobs. It is tough for me but it must be done.

The PSA will not be left without proper leadership and Tobago needs leadership, so I would not abandon one for the other. Questioned further about the identity of the aspiring president, Duke said, The person is there already and, at the right time, he would be introduced.

He is not ready for introduction as yet. Certainly he is no stranger to the PSA, but he is not identified as that person just yet. Duke is the candidate for Roxborough / Delaford under the Progressive Democratic Patriots (PDP), the party which he leads, in the upcoming THA elections which is constitutionally due in 2017.

He said the party will contest all 12 seats in the upcoming elections and eventually they will get to the point of all the seats in Trinidad.
Funds for London scholars released

In making this point at a news conference at the Eric Williams Financial Complex, Imbert advised reporters to speak to Education Minister Anthony Garcia about this matter.

Indicating he was aware of this particular matter, Imbert said, That would not be a matter for the Ministry of Finance.

We would release the funds to the Ministry of Education and it is their responsibility to get it off. The minister added, Whatever funds we have been asked to release have been released. Imbert hinted, Sometimes the paperwork gets stuck.

Sometimes the request does not come to Finance.

That could be a possibility. However he reiterated that this was a matter for Garcia to comment on. In a statement on Wednesday, former education minister Dr Tim Gopeesingh demanded that Garcia be fired on this matter.
Scratch bombs are illegal

This after Cuffie visited Talparo resident, Sally-Ann Cuffie, 48, at the Eric Williams Medical Sciences Complex (EW MSC), Mt Hope last Sunday.

Sally-Ann and her family were driving through Las Lomas, looking at the lights on Divali night, October 29, when a scratch bomb flew through the back window and landed near her six-month old granddaughter.

Cuffie grabbed for the bomb to throw it out the window but it exploded in her hands which resulted in severe burns, broken finger bones, and the loss of the tips of some of her digits.

Cuffie told Newsday he spoke to Attorney General Faris Al Rawi and Trade Minister, Senator Paula Gopee- Scoon after a Cabinet Sub-Committee Meeting on Monday and they explained that explosives such as scratch bombs were against the law, but there was a large illegal trade of the items.

I am seeking to inform the public on the dangers of it, how to report it to the police, and to get people aware that purchasing them is illegal, he said.

He added that he spoke to Minister of Social Development, Cherrie-Ann Crichlow- Cockburn, and she promised to arrange for a Ministry officer to visit Sally-Ann in order to determine what options were available to assist her.

Meanwhile, Sally- Ann noted that she underwent surgery on her hands last week Thursday. On her left hand, she received skin grafts on two of her fingers, and implanted steel in her index finger, which was broken.

On her right hand, she said the doctors removed some bone splinters from her fingers as well as the bone exposed when the flesh of her thumb was blown off.

She said after a week, her hands still looked raw and that the doctors were not very pleased at the slow rate of healing.

She added that because she was diabetic, the doctors want to wait and see how she heals before they do any further medical procedures.

Cuffie was hoping, but not expecting that someone would be willing to send her abroad to a plastic surgeon who would restore her fingers to their full use.
Youths get insight into owning business

The event was part of Global Entrepreneurship Week (GEW ) currently celebrated in 160 countries around the world where young people are inspired by local, regional and international entrepreneurial activities, designed to assist them in exploring their own potential as self-starters and innovators. Hosted by Youth Business Trinidad and Tobago (YBTT), its General Manager Shedron Collins told the youths the event was to motivate them and to show them that entrepreneurship is really an option, and at the same time, and how a change of their mind-set where starting a business is concerned can help them.

Kerron Sealy, aka Sunny Bling truly captured their imaginations after giving his story to success. He told them after attend Rosary Boys, then Woodbrook Secondary Schools he enrolled at the T&T Hospitality and Tourism Institute (TTHTI) to pursue Culinary Management. He opened the youngsters eyes when he told them that he interned at the kitchen of the late Prime Minister Patrick Manning. Then standing proudly before them he added that he was also president of the students guild at TTHTI as popularity to him was a big thing, but more important to him was his own branding.

But while he stated that he was a good cook he found comedy was his passion. And so, 14 years ago he auditioned for a comedy show, was successful and to date has done countless shows, worked at Synergy TV and for the last 11 years has been on prime time radio. He is currently on Slam 100.5 FM.

Thirty-one-year old Bling told them: I had no degree but I never settled for less than what I wanted.

I started pushing suits to push my brand. There is no such thing as overdressed but there is something as under dressed. Wear the right shoes, socks and dandy them up and secure your own brand. He also told them to focus on their dreams and goals and be true to themselves. Dont pretend to be anybody else, he said to them before adding: There can never be another Sunny Bling, leaving the children laughing.

He had one more piece of advice for them and that was to be mindful about what they posted on their social media pages since it is now a norm that employers get to know potential employees through the latter pages. Therefore it is important to keep it above board. YBTT entrepreneur Joshua Mangroo was also convincing while sharing his entrepreneurial experience. He said to the children he started off as a legal secretary but that just was not for him.

He decided he wanted his own business and through the YBTT got into the designing and printing of business cards but got stumped after his business was burglarised in 2014.

He said the people around him at the time supported him tremendously and that enabled him to move forward.

Mangroo, 27, then got into animation and is not an animation instructor with the Ministry of National Security working with youths in the YTEPP programme. He and his team of Kevin Bhall, Sheliya Nandlal and Mathew Hudson actually won the Animae Caribe Bootcamp  Best Animated Idea Animae Caribe Animation Award just last week.

He told the youths that the passion inside of him is what drove him forward especially during his challenging times. Keynote speaker David Thomas, former banker who resigned to start his own business, spoke to the youngsters on understanding their entrepreneurial destiny.

The Emerging Entrepreneur of the Year Award Winner, went into farming and now owns Market Movers Ltd, an online business, where fresh produce from his farms are sold throughout T&T, and paid for with credit cards upon delivery. This story fascinated the young adults.
Ian Alleyne pays Sammy $757,032

On Wednesday a First Citizens Bank managers cheque made out to Sammy in Alleynes name and in the sum of $757,032.15 was handed over to the businessmans attorneys after they threatened to go after the Crime Watch hosts million-dollar property in Endeavour, Chaguanas. Following the payment of the debt in full, Alleynes attorneys yesterday filed a notice of discontinuance in the high court, bringing an end to the matter.

Alleyne had appealed to fans for donations, he said in a teary-eyed live Facebook post.

Among the items seized from Alleynes home were a television, stove and refrigerator.

These items are expected to be returned to him.

Alleyne had also accused Sammys attorney Om Lalla of unfairly targeting him by sending bailiffs to his home.

On August 28, his Crime Watch programme was taken off the air after CNC 3 cut ties with him. Alleyne has continued his programme first using the Facebook live feature and is now with the local cable channel Synergy.

Also representing Sammy were Ramesh Lawrence Maharaj and Derrick Balliram.
No One Has

Done This Before

in Billboard's History
(Newser)  An 11-year-old girl's kidnapping and rape in Santa Ana, Calif., may be solved after 17 years thanks in part to a discarded water bottle. For years, detectives had few leads apart from a surveillance video from a gas station showing a man in a van covering the girl's mouth with his hand while an unknown man pumped gas, police say, per KTLA. However, DNA evidence taken from the victim was recently submitted for analysis. Two DNA profiles emerged. One matched DNA from 36-year-old Ismael Salgado, who lived in Santa Ana in 1999, police say, per the Los Angeles Times. The second sample didn't match any in California or national databases, but detectives soon identified an old friend of Salgado's who had also lived in Santa Ana at the time of the crime.

While following Jose Plascencia, 36, in Arizona, detectives saw him throw away a water bottle and retrieved it for analysis. DNA from the bottle then proved a match to the case. According to police, Salgado and Plascencia dragged the victim and a friend into their van on Feb. 3, 1999, as the girls were walking home. The friend was able to escape, but when the victim tried to do the same, the suspects "pulled her back in by her hair," a police rep tells KABC. They stopped to get gas, then raped the 11-year-old repeatedly at two different locations before releasing her, police allege. Both men are now held at the Orange County Jail on suspicion of kidnapping to commit a sex offense and forcible rape, per the Orange County Register. Bail is set at $1 million each. (Police have a new lead in a girl's 1957 murder.)
(Newser)  Stephen Hawking has a simple message for humanity: Haul your butt to Mars (and beyond). In a speech delivered this week at the Oxford Union, the legendary scientist says humanity can only survive another thousand years or so on Earth thanks to growing threats that include climate change, nuclear war, and artificial intelligence, CNN reports. I think the human race has no future if it doesn't go to space," the Daily Express quotes Hawking as saying. According to the Christian Science Monitor, Hawking says it's a "near certainty" that disaster will strike the human race within a thousand years if it stays on Earth, which he calls "fragile." There are some challenges on Earth, such as the depletion of its natural resources, humanity won't be able to overcome, he argues.

Fortunately, the rate of space exploration is speeding up again, with private companies like Boeing and SpaceX picking up the slack from NASA and other government agencies. NASA is continuing its search for "goldilocks" planets, and Elon Musk recently outlined his plan for colonizing Mars. Hawking himself sounded optimistic, the Independent reports. Remember to look up at the stars and not down at your feet," he said Monday. "However difficult life may seem, there is always something you can do and succeed at. It matters that you dont just give up. (This planet has three sunrises and three sunsets every day.)
(Newser)  Colombian authorities say they've safely rescued a Los Angeles-area judge kidnapped almost a week ago while on vacation in the South American nation. Police say Judge Benny Osorio's captors had demanded a $33,000 ransom for his release. An elite anti-kidnapping unit using intelligence information rescued the judge Thursday in the tourist city of Cartagena, the AP reports. Four suspected kidnappers were arrested and several firearms seized. (Read more Colombia stories.)
(Newser)  A 24-year-old Ukrainian man who faked his name and age to attend a Pennsylvania high school has been ordered to spend two months in prison on federal fraud charges. Artur Samarinwho called himself Asher Potts when he enrolled at Harrisburg High School in 2012pleaded guilty to passport fraud and Social Security fraud in August, the AP reports. He has also admitted lying about his identity to get a free public education and having sex with a 15-year-old girl in 2014, when he was 22, and will be sentenced on separate fraud and sex crimes charges next week.

Samarin, who will probably be deported when he finishes his sentence, was a star student at Harrisburg Highand a runner-up for homecoming kingbefore his true age was discovered. At Thursday's hearing, his lawyers said he had been one of the most distinguished students in the high school's history and had supported charities, including the Central Pennsylvania Food Bank, PennLive reports. The lawyers said Samarin had been pushed into the fraud by Michael and Stephayne Potts, a couple who became his "adoptive parents" but treated him like a servantand reported him to authorities when he "escaped." They are also facing fraud charges related to Samarin's high school career. (Read more Pennsylvania stories.)
(Newser)  Cobb County, Ga., just told the residents of a neighborhood next to the new Atlanta Braves stadium to say goodbye to their homes. The county is using eminent domain to take over at least 16 Turnberry Lane homes, and likely 15 more, and bulldoze them in order to make room for a new four-lane road that will increase access to SunTrust Park, currently under construction. As 11Alive reports, the county has ensured homeowners they will be given fair market value for their homesbut they likely won't be given the amount they could have received for their home had it stayed put and, ultimately, been within walking distance of the new ballpark. Deadspin has more on the contentious background of the new ballpark, including the public paying for it but having no say in the negotiations and the politician behind it getting voted out of office.

Sean Breslin, who has championed the new stadium on his blog, is one of the homeowners who will lose his home within months. "So my wife and I will leave our home soonthe only home weve ever known, the place where weve lived since the summer of 2013, a year before we got married," he writes. "Well find another home, probably in Cobb County, but likely a lot farther up I-75. Well pay the same taxes we do now, but we wont quite feel the changes in the area weve anticipated since the Braves made their big announcement." He doesn't blame the Braves, since the county claims the four-lane road has been a consideration for two decades and is simply of more importance now. Interestingly, a statement on the county website and a WSB-TV story in which a county rep said the county would help homeowners find new places to live have both been taken down. (Read more Atlanta Braves stories.)
(Newser)  A Maryland woman mauled by a black bear Wednesday night is lucky to be alivebut incredibly unlucky to have become the victim of the state's first bear attack in living memory. Police say 63-year-old Karen Osborne was attacked in the driveway of her home in rural Frederick after she went out with her dog to see why a dog belonging to her daughter, who lives next door, was barking, the Washington Post reports. Officials believe Osborne or her dog inadvertently came between the mother bear and her three cubs. "This is the rarest of rare," says a Maryland Natural Resources Police spokeswoman. "This is really unheard of for a bear to attack a human."

"I'm being attacked by this bear; he's coming back. Hurry," Osborne told a 911 dispatcher. "He's broken my arms and my legs. I can't move, and I'm bleeding. And I'm going to die." Osborne needed at least 80 stitches. Her husband tells ABC News that she played dead after punching the bear in the nose didn't work. Police say the bear, which was familiar to area residents and had been tagged after getting into a chicken coop last summer, was shot as required by state wildlife management policy, NBC Washington reports. Wildlife officials say the three cubs are almost a year old and can survive without their mother. Officials haven't been able to find records of another bear attack in the state in at least 81 years. (Trying to outrun a bear is futile.)
(Newser)  A man who left the boardwalk in a highly dangerous area of Yellowstone National Park was looking for a place to swim but ended up being dissolved in a hot spring, according to the final official report on the June 7 accident. The report states that Oregon man Colin Nathaniel Scott, 23 and his sister Sable Scott were looking for a place for soaking, or "hot-potting," KULR-8 reports. The sister told authorities that her brother was reaching down to check the temperature of a pool around 225 yards from the boardwalk when he slipped and fell into what turned out to be a boiling, acidic pool. Deputy Chief Ranger Lorant Veress describes the area as a "very unforgiving environment."

After Sable Scott went for help, park rangers were able to locate her brother's body, but they were unable to retrieve him because daylight was fading and a storm was approaching, the Guardian reports. There were no remains to be found the next day, and rescuers concluded that the "hot spring, coupled with its acidic nature, dissolved the remains." Sable Scott was recording video of her brother when the deadly accident happened, but officials say they won't release the video or even a description of it. The Washington Post notes that at least 22 people have died in Yellowstone's geysers since 1870, including a 20-year-old cook who got into the wrong pool when park employees held a "hot-potting" party in 1975. (Read more Yellowstone National Park stories.)
(Newser)  President-elect Donald Trump took to Twitter Thursday night to announce that Ford Motor Co. won't be moving Lincoln production from Kentucky to Mexico. Trump tweeted that Bill Ford, the company's executive chairman, telephoned him with the news that a Lincoln plant would stay in Louisville. In another tweet, Trump claimed credit for the decision. "I worked hard with Bill Ford to keep the Lincoln plant in Kentucky," he said. Trump was apparently exaggerating: Ford doesn't have a plant that exclusively builds Lincolns, but it had planned to move production of the Lincoln MKC small SUV out of the Louisville Assembly Plant so it could make more Ford Escapes there, the AP reports.

A company spokeswoman confirmed that Ford was considering MKC production at a factory in Cuautitlan, Mexico, in a move negotiated with the UAW union last year. Company spokeswoman Christin Baker said she didn't know when the decision was made to keep the MKC in Louisville or if Trump had any impact on it. It's possible the decision was made before the election, because Escape sales have been falling since July, so additional production capacity in Louisville may not be needed. Still, "we are encouraged that President-elect Trump and the new Congress will pursue policies that will improve US competitiveness and make it possible to keep production of this vehicle here in the United States," Baker said. (Read more Donald Trump stories.)
(Newser)  Authorities have received 400 tips but have few leads in the disappearance of a woman in California. An apparent stranger hopes to change that. An anonymous donor has set up a website offering a $50,000 "ransom reward" if "the person who has Sherri Papini" will let her go. Papini disappeared while jogging in Redding on Nov. 2; police aren't sure if her disappearance was voluntary or involuntary but her family maintains she was abducted. According to SherriPapini.com, anyone holding the 34-year-old mother of two should contact Cameron Gamble, an apparent kidnap and ransom consultant. "We are offering this reward with no strings attached," Gamble tells the Record Searchlight, adding that he and the anonymous donor are working separately from police and Papini's family.

If such a kidnapper exists, that person better act fast. According to a letter posted to the site, which KRCR reports it received on Nov. 6, the offer is only available until Wednesday when the anonymous donor, who claims to be a visitor to Redding, will leave the area "on my next business trip." Papini's husbandwho passed a lie-detector test and has an alibi for the day of his wife's disappearance, per the Record Searchlightsays he has no link to SherriPapini.com, while a sheriff appears wary. "We think we or the family would have been contacted by the abductors by now if they wanted to hold her for ransom," he says. (Read more missing person stories.)
(Newser)  Houston police say the youngest son of longtime congressman John Conyers has been found safe after being reported missing this week. Carl Conyers, a 21-year-old student at the University of Houston, was found early Friday in his off-campus apartment, reports Click2Houston. After being interviewed at the police department, he was released to his family. Few other details were released. Conyers had been the subject of a search after police said he was last seen Tuesday by his roommate, reports AP.

Girlfriend Daisha Lewis, also a student at U of H, said she was supposed to meet him on campus Wednesday, but he never showed. When she and friends checked his apartment, they found it in disarray. But "he left everything in his apartment," said Conyers' mother. "His cellphone, computer and laptop and the car is still there." Friends were also concerned because he'd shaved his beard, which they described as unusual behavior. John Conyers is a Detroit Democrat who was first elected to Congress in 1964 and is its longest-serving member. (Read more John Conyers stories.)
(Newser)  Donald Trump has made two more key picks for his administration: He's chosen GOP Sen. Jeff Sessions of Alabama for attorney general and Republican congressman Mike Pompeo of Kansas to lead the CIA, reports Politico. Both will require Senate confirmation, and the AP notes that Sessions could run into trouble because he has been by dogged by accusations of racism over the years. More coverage on that and more:

When the 69-year-old Sessions was up for a federal judgeship in 1986, four different lawyers testified that he made racist comments. One black prosecutor accused Sessions of calling him "boy" and of joking that he thought the KKK was fine "until I found out they smoked pot." Sessions, who also allegedly called the NAACP "un-American," didn't get the post. See CNN.

In a "10 things to know" post about Sessions, the Washington Post notes that he was in 2014 called "amnesty's worst enemy" by the National Review for his hardline positions on immigration. See the full list here.

A take from Politico: Sessions "is well-regarded by his Republican colleagues, although his breed of hardline conservatism falls outside the GOP mainstream. He is opposed to creating a path to citizenship for undocumented immigrants and a vocal critic of marijuana legalization, though he worked with the Obama administration and Democrats on legislation supported by civil rights groups that reduced the sentencing disparity for cocaine possession."

Sessions was Trump's first supporter in the Senate, and he played down Trump's comments in the infamous Access Hollywood leaked tape, notes the Huffington Post.

Sessions' official Senate bio is here.

Pompeo, 52, "is considered a serious if rather hawkish member of the Republican national security establishment." More background at the Hill.

The New York Times notes that he gained national prominence as a member of the House Intelligence Committee when he criticized Hillary Clinton over the 2012 Benghazi attack.

He's also been among those most outspoken against President Obama's nuclear deal with Iran, notes McClatchy.

Pompeo's official bio is here.

(Read more Jeff Sessions stories.)
(Newser)  A woman accused of killing her twin sister by driving their SUV off a cliff in Hawaii is fighting her extradition from New York to face a murder charge. A lawyer for 38-year-old Alexandria Duval said Friday at her court appearance in Albany that his client is "profoundly distraught" and described the siblings as "soul mates," reports the Albany Times Union. He claimed the paperwork as presented by New York and Hawaii prosecutors "is not sufficient to force extradition so far."

Duval was tracked down in Albany and arrested a week ago, after a grand jury in Hawaii indicted her on a second-degree murder charge last month. Authorities say Alexandria was driving an SUV in May with her sister, Anastasia Duval, in the passenger seat when the vehicle crashed into a rock wall and plunged about 200 feet. Authorities say the sisters were fighting over the steering wheel, reports AP. A previous murder case against Duval was dismissed because of a lack of evidence. The extradition hearing is scheduled for Dec. 16. (Read more twins stories.)
(Newser)  Donald Trump has agreed to settle three lawsuits related to Trump University for $25 million, the Wall Street Journal reports. An inside source tells the New York Daily News it represents a "complete 180 by Trump." "I won't settle because it's an easy case to win in court," Politico quotes Donald Trump as saying during the campaign. Regardless, Trump is settling the lawsuitstwo class-action suits in California and one brought by New York attorney general Eric Schneidermanfor $25 million. Some of the money will go toward legal fees, but most will end up in the hands of former Trump University students.

Trump University students were promised "secrets" of real-estate investment from Trump's "hand-picked" instructors, Reuters reports. But Trump later admitted to not picking the instructors, and many of the "secrets" appeared to be straight from Trump's books, available for free at the local library. Students paid up to $35,000 for courses. Schneiderman calls Trump University a "fraud from beginning to end." A California judgethe same judge Trump said couldn't be impartial because his parents were from Mexicohad urged both sides to settle. Trump's team became more open to the idea with the first trial scheduled to start at the end of the month. As part of the settlement, Trump reportedly won't admit to any wrongdoing. (Read more Trump University stories.)
(Newser)  Sen. Jeff Sessions, Donald Trump's controversial pick for Attorney General, has been accused of racismand incoming Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer has concerns. "Given some of his past statements and his staunch opposition to immigration reform, I am very concerned about what he would do with the Civil Rights Division at the Department of Justice and want to hear what he has to say," Schumer said in a statement, per Politico. The Democrat added that Sessions may be a fellow senator, but that doesn't "absolve him from answering tough questions in the confirmation process."

Still, Politico notes that Sessions will likely be confirmed as AG, since Senate Democrats have no way to block him unless some Republicans decide to vote against him. One such "potential swing vote" on the Senate Judiciary Committee, Sen. Jeff Flake, has said he will support Sessions, which Politico calls "a key pickup." Once Sessions gets past that committee, he's likely to be confirmed by the full Senate since Republicans are expected to have 52 seats and Democrats eliminated the 60-vote threshold for most nominations three years ago, meaning he can't be filibustered. But the Chicago Tribune sees a "battle" ahead since Democratic groups are mobilized against Sessions, and AL.com notes that Sessions is "not in step with mainstream Republicans" on immigration, so he could lose some votes from his own party there. (Read more Jeff Sessions stories.)
(Newser)  Trump supporters are protesting Starbucks by...spending money at Starbucks. The Hill reports fans of the president elect are ordering drinks at Starbucks and giving their names as "Trump" so baristas have to write "Trump" on their cups and yell it out. The movement took off Friday, with more than 27,000 tweets featuring the hashtag #TrumpCup, CNN reports. "Haven't been to @Starbucks in eons, but I have an urge to get a #TrumpCup," one man tweets. Starbucks addressed the protest in a statement: "Over the years, writing customer names on cups and calling out their names has been a fun ritual in our stores. Rarely has it been abused or taken advantage of. We hope and trust that our customers will continue to honor that tradition."

The flames of #TrumpCup were fanned this week when a customer at a Florida Starbucks claimed his drink was taking too long due to "anti-white discrimination." Trump supporters are also cranky about Starbucks CEO Howard Schultz endorsing Hillary Clinton, as well as Starbucks' use of a "holiday" cup instead of a "Christmas" cup. But some people are questioning the logic of protesting a business by buying its productsan unorthodox choice to be sure. "Wow, the irony of millions of Trump supporters going to Starbucks and buying coffee to punish Starbucks. Unbelievable," one Twitter user writes. (Read more Starbucks stories.)
China has made a new breakthrough in gene therapy procedures. Gene-editing is now something people can hope for in further developing and finding solutions for other diseases especially cancer.

CNN has announced that a team of Chinese scientists has managed to extract cells from sick people, repair them using gene correction therapy and bring them back into the patients bloodstream, hoping that, supposedly, maybe, this will have the wanted effect of curing cancer cells in the patients boy.

Science News adds in on the story, by announcing that this is not the first time such a therapy has been performed. Back in the year of 2015 a babys leukemia had been cured using a similar procedure. The procedure itself involves lab created artificial cells called CAR-T cells, which are expected to be immune to the development of cancerous disease. Oncologist Lu You of Sichuan University in Chengdu has a governmental approval to conduct research in the field, where the U.S is now establishing its own branch too.

Nature cites Carl June who specializes in immunotherapy at the University of Pennsylvania in Philadelphia who says that this new discovery of China may be called the Sputnik 2.0, issuing a new for of space battle in the future. Money, minds and time will be further involved into the process, for the first to reach full success will have the upper hand against the rest of the world.



March 2017, a group at Peking University in Beijing is expected to start CRISPR studies for the development of counter measures against three types of cancer. Bladder, prostate and renal-cell cancers will be on the target list of the Beijing University scientists.



This is a great scientific breakthrough, which on its own, like the Philadelphia scientist warned, may start a cold-war like technology race between the two countries. This may be both helpful and disastrous to them, depending on the success they achieve and the protection of their patents.
Fairbanks, AK (99707)

Today

Overcast. High 21F. Winds light and variable..

Tonight

Mostly cloudy with snow flurries and snow showers, especially overnight hours. Low 9F. Winds light and variable. Chance of snow 50%. Snow accumulations less than one inch.
Washington:

Chinese manufacturers are driving growth in the smartphone market as sector leaders Samsung and Apple sputter, a survey showed on Friday.

The survey by Gartner Inc. showed that in the third quarter, three Chinese vendors -- Huawei, Oppo and BBK Communication Equipment -- together accounted for 21 percent of the smartphones sold worldwide, and were the only vendors in the top five to increase sales.

"Sales of smartphones in China grew by 12.4 percent, and the vendors who most successfully exploited the sales opportunities there were Oppo and BBK," said Gartner analyst Anshul Gupta.

"In Oppo's case, 81 percent of its smartphone sales came from China, while BBK accounted for 89 percent of smartphones sales in China. These two vendors also grew strongly in India,Indonesia, Malaysia, Thailand and Russia."

Gartner's survey confirmed other reports showing Samsung and Apple at the top of the global market but with slipping sales.

The research firm said Samsung's market share dropped to 19.2 percent amid the fiasco over its Galaxy Note 7 smartphones, which were recalled and then halted after overheating batteries leading to fires.

"The decision to withdraw the Galaxy Note 7 was correct, but the damage to Samsung's brand will make it harder for the company to increase its smartphone sales in the short term," said Gupta.

"For Samsung, it's crucial that the Galaxy S8 launches successfully, so that partners and customers regain trust in its brand."

Apple's share dropped to 11.5 percent as the iPhone maker failed to get much benefit from Samsung's woes, Gartner said.

"The withdrawal of Samsung's Galaxy Note 7 may benefit sales of Apple's iPhone 7 Plus only slightly, as Note 7 users are likely to stay with Samsung or at least with Android," said Gartner's Roberta Cozza.

"To some extent, other Android vendors could capitalize on this situation in the short term -- for example, Huawei andother Chinese brands present in the premium Android phone segment."

Cozza said the Samsung problems could also benefit Google, which recently introduced its Pixel and Pixel XL devices.

Gartner said overall smartphone sales in the quarter rose 5.4 percent to 373 million units.
Mumbai:

Expressing displeasure with the way the "ADHM" controversy was handled by the Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis, Congress MP Shashi Tharoor on Thursday said he favoured inviting Pakistani artists, creative people and businessmen to boost bilateral ties.

"We should welcome creative people, artistes and genuine businessmen (from Pakistan) to India," Tharoor said, during a debate in the Tata Literature Live Festival here on Thursday night.

"We have to create a 'home away from home' situation for them," he said, adding that hostility between the two countries "can be a mood but not a policy".

In a scathing comment about the way Fadnavis handled the controversy surrounding Karan Johar directed 'Ae Dil Hai Mushkil' when MNS opposed the film because it had Pakistani actor Fawad Khan, Tharoor said, "Certainly no Congress Chief Minister would have ever negotiated (with outfits like MNS)."

The Raj Thackeray-led party later relented on the condition that the producers would give a donation to Army welfare fund. Fadnavis later denied that he brokered the 'deal' between MNS and the ADHM producers.

Taking part in a debate on 'India and Pakistan can never be friends', Tharoor contended that people-to-people cooperation would improve bilateral ties.

"Create an umbrella where artists, the fashion designers and genuine businesspersons would interact more frequently, form associations which would create a constituency of goodwill," Tharoor said.

For all the Latest India News, Download News Nation Android and iOS Mobile Apps.
Kolkata:

West Bengal government on Thursday held a review meeting with top brass of Reserve Bank of India and State Bank of India here to assess the situation in the wake of the cash crisis created due to demonetisation.

Neither state government or bankers officially revealed what transpired in the meeting held at the state secretariat.

However, according to insiders, the state government wanted to get details of the plan of the bankers to tackle the crisis of notes and harassment to common people.

The state government also tried to solve issues of certain sectors in dialogue with the banks to tide over the crisis.

State Chief Secretary Basudeb Banerjee and Home Secretary Molay De on behalf of state government while RBI regional director and SBI CGM were present at the meeting.

For all the Latest India News, Download News Nation Android and iOS Mobile Apps.
New Delhi:

Economic Affairs Secretary on Thursday announced a fresh set of rules for demonetisation process in India. While some regulations came as relief for people, others spelled additional hassle. But as government has repeatedly stressed all decisions are being made to make the new and valid currency more accessible to all.



Here are the seven big decisions to be implemented from Friday:



1. Withdrawal of amount up to Rs 2,50,000 for wedding ceremonies from account of either parent/bride/groom.

2. Limit of Rs 4,500 for over the counter exchange of old 500, 1000 rupees notes reduced to Rs 2,000 from Friday to enable larger number of people to exchange notes.



3. Farmers can withdraw up to Rs 25,000 per week against crop loans sanctioned by banks, subject to loan limits.



4. Farmers can withdraw up to Rs 25,000 per week against payments made into their accounts from APMC Mandis.

5. Traders registered with APMC markets can withdraw up to Rs 50,000 per week from their accounts.



6. Time limit to pay premium of crop insurance loan by farmers extended by 15 days.



7. Central govt employees, up to Group C, can draw salary advance up to Rs 10,000 in cash; to be adjusted against November salary.

Also read:



Watch | Govt eases cash withdrawal norms for farmers, traders, weddings; drops cash exchange to Rs 2000 from Rs 4500: Top highlights

Huge relief for farmers, families celebrating weddings as govt eases cash withdrawal limits

Indelible ink marks for cash exchange to weed out repeat customers: Top quotes from Economic Affairs Secys brief



For all the Latest India News, Download News Nation Android and iOS Mobile Apps.
Mumbai:

In a scathing attack on Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis, former Union Minister Shashi Tharoor on Thursday said no Congress chief minister would have negotiated with outfits like MNS which recently opposed the Karan Johar-directed Ae Dil Hai Mushkil.

"Certainly no Congress Chief Minister would have ever negotiated (with outfits like MNS)," Tharoor said at a debate during the Tata Literature Live Festival in Mumbai.

Congress leadership would not have negotiated with any political outfit over issues like Ae Dil Hain Mushkil where the movie was opposed on the ground of having a Pakistani actor, he said.

MNS had opposed the release of the movie which had the Pakistani actor Fawad Khan in the wake of terror attack in Uri in which 20 Indian jawans died.

MNS finally relented on the condition that the producers would give a donation to Army welfare fund.

Fadnavis had denied that he brokered the deal between MNS and the ADHM producers.

Also read: Ae Dil Hai Mushkil Row: Raj Thackeray asks producers to pay Rs 5 crore as 'penance' for army welfare

For all the Latest India News, Download News Nation Android and iOS Mobile Apps.
Washington:

US President-elect Donald Trump has met Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe, his first meeting with a foreign leader after winning the presidential elections last week.



The meeting, after which Abe said the two leaders can have a relationship of trust, lasted for about 90 minutes at the Trump Towers in New York on Thursday.



Presidential transition team has described the meeting as private.I am very honoured to see the President-elect ahead of other world leaders. The Japan-US alliance is the axis of Japans diplomacy and security. The alliance becomes alive only when there is trust between us, Abe told reporters after the meeting, which was closed for the press.



This was Trumps first meeting with a foreign leader after he was voted to power in one of the most surprising results of a US presidential election held on November 8.



He has spoken with as many as 32 world leaders including Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

Also read | US President-elect Donald Trump speaks with nearly 30 world leaders including PM Modi

For all the Latest World News, Download News Nation Android and iOS Mobile Apps.
New Delhi:

Prematurity Day records the presence of scores of Parents, who had premature babies, in Chennai. They tell about their children and how they dealt with various issues in order to lead a healthy life.

Neonatalogist Deepa Hariharan tries to give answers to questions raised by families and parents regarding pregnancy, through her book Best Neonatal Practices of India. She said treatment for premature babies starts from the minute they are born.

The first minute is called the golden minute and the first hour is golden hour. It is extremely essential that the baby receives immediate care since they are prone to so many infections within the hospital itself like sepsis, she explained.

She also told the baby undergoes the treatment having intensity that can be compared to the treatment of cancer or even heart valve diseases.

Presently, India registers itself among the 10 countries that contribute to 60 per cent of world's premature births. According to the National Neonatal Forum of India and the Indian Foundation of Premature babies, 25 per cent of all neonatal deaths in the world occur in India.

Deepa Hariharan tells many reasons behind pre mature births. She says that some mothers want to give a pre mature birth to their baby for the sake of astrology or for having a unique birth date for their baby and in some cases mothers go into labour within 37 weeks due to gestational diabetes, hypertension, and mainly, stress. The stress can be from their jobs or family or even because of the pregnancy.

Also read: 'Winter babies' increase diabetes risk in mothers says study
Washington:

Banking giant JP Morgan Chase has agreed to pay more than USD 264 million to resolve allegations it bribed officials in China by giving prized jobs and internships to friends and relatives, officials announced.

"Awarding prestigious employment opportunities to unqualified individuals in order to influence government officials is corruption, plain and simple," Leslie Caldwell, chief of the US Justice Department's criminal division, said in a statement.

Over a seven-year period, between 2006 and 2013, the bank hired about 200 interns and full-time employees at the request of clients in the region, including nearly 100 referred by government officials at 20 different state-owned businesses in China, according to the US Securities and Exchange Commission, which was part of the settlement.

The Chinese firms then entered into transactions earning the bank more than USD 100 million in revenue, according to the SEC.

Since 1977, the United States has criminalised bribing foreign officials to win business under a statute known as the Foreign Corrupt Practices Act.

Enforcement of the law has broadened in recent years, with authorities in Washington extending their reach to more industries and scrutinizing a greater range of business practices.
Berlin:

US President Barack Obama offered foreign policy advice to his successor, along with expressing hope on Thurdsay that President elect Donald Trump will stand up to Russia if it deviates from US "values and international norms" and not simply "cut some deals" with Vladimir Putin when convenient.

Obama, in a joint news conference with German Chancellor Angela Merkel during his final presidential visit to Germany, said that while he does not expect Trump to "follow exactly our blueprint or our approach" he is hopeful that Trump will pursue constructive policies that defend democratic values and the rule of law.

He said Trump shouldn't "simply take a realpolitik approach and suggest that if we just cut some deals with Russia, even if it hurts people or even if it violates international norms or even if it leaves smaller countries vulnerable or creates long-term problems in regions like Syria, that we just do whatever's convenient at the time."

Obama began his presidency with a goal to "reset" ties with Russia, but they eventually plunged to the lowest point since the Cold War over conflicts in Ukraine and Syria.

Trump has spoken favorably of Putin but has outlined few specifics as to how he would go about recalibrating ties with the counry.

Merkel, for her part, said she was approaching the incoming Trump administration with "an open mind" and was encouraged that the presidential process in the US was "working smoothly" so far.

It was the final meeting of Obama and Merkel as peers on the world stage, and both leaders spoke glowingly of each other's leadership.

Merkel was matter of fact about the coming transition in power in the US, saying, "We all know that democracy lives off change." As for the limit on US presidents serving two terms, Merkel said simply, "It's a tough rule: Eight years and that's it."Obama, speaking broadly about the incoming president, said he was "cautiously optimistic" because "there is something about the solemn responsibilities of that office, the extraordinary demands that are placed on the United States," that demand seriousness from a president."

If you're not serious about the job, then you probably won't be there very long because it will expose problems," Obama said.

Obama said he had cautioned Trump that the skills that got him elected may be different from those needed to unify the country and to gain the trust of those who didn't support him.

People will be watching "what he says" and "how he fills out his administration," Obama added.

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New Delhi:

Union Government of Thursday announced that central government employees can avail Rs 10,000 cash as advance on salary for immediate day-to-day use. The move came as an effort to ease the cash rush at ATMs and banks due to currency overhaul across India.

The advance cash will be adjusted against next months salary, informed Economic Affairs Secy Shaktikanta Das on Thursday during his press conference on fresh rules for demonetisation process.



Other major decisions included cash withdrawal limit relief for farmers and traders along with reduction in limit of over-the-counter cash exchange limit to Rs 2000 from Rs 4500.



Goa government employees had earlier demanded that their salary for the current month be paid in cash rather than be deposited in bank accounts, considering the difficulties faced to withdraw money.

Also read:

Currency overhaul rules for the day: Cash exchange limit down to Rs 2,000; families with weddings can draw Rs 2.5 lakh

Watch video: Now get Rs 2,000 cash by swiping SBI card at petrol pump near you



For all the Latest India News, Download News Nation Android and iOS Mobile Apps.
Washington:

Indian-American Kamala Harris, who scripted history by winning a Senate seat, has said she is suspicious of president-elect Donald Trump's plans to deport 2-3 million undocumented immigrants with criminal history, saying a "whole range of behaviour" can qualify as crime.

"I have an experience with this kind of approach and what I have seen is when you say criminal, that's a very broad term. It's not a monolith. There's a whole range of behaviors that can qualify as being called a crime," Harris told Miami Herald in an interview.

Harris, 52, is of both India and African heritage and is in Washington DC for a week-long orientation programme for new Senators. She is the first Senator of Indian heritage.

The California Senator said she would be staying in Washington DC after the orientation programme to search for a house.

"A DUI (driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol) is very different from rape. And as a career prosecutor I have constantly and consistently seen that one of the best tools in the tool belt of a predator of an undocumented immigrant, be it rape, be it domestic violence, be it fraud, one of the best tools that the predator has is to look at the victim and tell the victim, 'if you report this, it is you who will be treated like a criminal'," she said.

"So we have to really think about what is in the best interests of public safety and understand that one of the best ways we can create justice is that we also have to make sure that we set up a system that will protect victims. Just based on previous experience, the definition of a crime can be left up to a lot of interpretation, and I think can have unintended consequences," Harris said.

Harris, who was endorsed by outgoing President Barack Obama in her Senate race, is a fierce opponent of Trump.

"I am suspicious of that approach... And here's the other reality of it, every federal agency, every state or local agency, especially in law enforcement, will tell you they have limited resources and as far as I'm concerned I prefer that those resources as it relates in particular to nonviolent, nonserious crime, go into helping me I'm still AG do the work we need to do in dealing with transnational criminal organizations, who have a proven track record of trafficking in guns and drugs and humans," Harris said.

"I can tell you we don't have enough resources for that. So the concern is also about misplaced priorities for the sake of a sound bite," she said in response to a question.

Harris has already talked with her future Democratic colleagues about "banding together" to protect immigrants from what she described as Trump's draconian immigration proposals.

However, Harris said she would co-operate with the president-elect on infrastructure issue.

For all the Latest World News, Download News Nation Android and iOS Mobile Apps.
New Delhi:

The NIA has arrested an accused in a case of fake Indian currency racket from West Bengal's Malda.

34-year-old Tahir Sk alias Tahir Sekh, a resident of Malda, had been absconding.

He was involved in the conspiracy for procurement of fake Indian currency notes (FICN) having face value of about Rs 65 lakh through the Indo-Bangladesh international border at Daulatpur area under the limits of Baishnabnagar in Malda district in May last year, the NIA alleged in a statement.

Sekh was intercepted by a team of BSF deployed in the border area, it said.

"Earlier, investigation into the case revealed that the arrested accused person was a member of the FICN network involved in the transnational procurement of high quality FICNs through smuggling and distribution and pumping the same into the Indian economy," the NIA said.

He was arrested recently on the basis of a non-bailable warrant issued against him by a local court in Kolkata.

The accused has been sent to police remand till Saturday.

For all the Latest India News, Download News Nation Android and iOS Mobile Apps.
New Delhi:

Both Houses of Indian Parliament are set for another showdown on Friday as the opposition asks for more clarification from the government regarding scrapping of high value currency notes.

1. Parliament Live, Winter Session Day 3 | Currency ban debate: Houses in limbo as govt-opposition fight over PM speech, Nabi's comment

Both Houses of Indian Parliament  Rajya Sabha and Lok Sabha are set for another rocky day on Friday as the demands from opposition for governments clarification on demonetisation of Rs 500 and Rs 1000 currency notes refuse to die down.

2. Currency overhaul rules for the day: Cash exchange limit down to Rs 2,000; families with weddings can draw Rs 2.5 lakh

After scrapping of Rs 500 and Rs 1000 currency notes, Economic Affairs Secretary on Thursday announced a fresh set of rules for demonetisation process in India.

3. Demonetisation decision not well thought out, says Arun Shourie

Former Disinvestment Minister Arun Shourie on Thursday criticised the Prime Minister Narendra Modis decision and implementation of demonetisation of Rs 500 and Rs 1,000 currency notes.

4. EC requests Finance Minister to not use indelible ink for cash exchange

Election Commission on Friday wrote to Finance Ministry to request them not to use indelible ink for identifying and marking over-the-counter cash exchange customers.

5. Demonetisation: Long queues continue at banks; dysfunctional ATMs creating chaos

Chaotic scenes could still be seen at banks and ATMs as people queued up for hours to get valid currency notes to meet their daily expenses, even as the government on Thursday lowered the exchange limit of defunct bills and eased certain restrictions on withdrawal norms.



For all the Latest India News, Download News Nation Android and iOS Mobile Apps.
New Delhi:

Coming down heavily on the Government for the decision of demonetisation of Rs 500 and Rs 1,000 currency notes, Calcutta High Court on Friday said that Centre has not applied its mind properly.



Noting that Centre is changing procedures every day, Court remarked that, it indicates that the Govt did not do its homework before announcing the major policy.



High Court also criticised bank employees for their lack of dedication towards making the currency overhaul process easier for people.



We cannot change Govt policy but lack of sincerity of bank employees is there, Court said on Friday.



Reacting on public interest litigation against demonetisation, the presiding judge remarked, "People are suffering in the long queues and in hospitals for basic treatment. The decisions being changed every day are not correct."



Justice observed that even his son was suffering from dengue and the hospital refused to not accept the cash.



The court however did not give a verdict and deferred the matter to next Friday.

For all the Latest India News, Download News Nation Android and iOS Mobile Apps.
New Delhi:

Supreme Court on Friday refused to stay the hearings in various high courts and lower courts related to Central Governement's decision to demonetise Rs 500 and Rs 1,000 bank notes.

Making an observation of the current situation across India, the Court said that different states have different issues related to currency overhaul hence every High Court has right to hear case in their jurisdiction.

SC however asks Attorney General Mukul Rohatgi to file a transfer petition appeal if they want a stay.

During the proceedings, AG Rahtogi asked his opponent Kapil Sibal not to politicise the issue.

"The government is working daya nd night to make the process of currency exchange easier for the public, regular changes are being announced for the same," he said.

The next date of the hearing in the matter has been set to November 25.

Also read | Currency ban was a mindless decision: Calcutta HC

For all the Latest India News, Download News Nation Android and iOS Mobile Apps.
New Delhi:

Cell phones have become an indispensable part of our lives. Their ubiquity is reflected in how updated and aware we are of our surroundings.

In todays world when we are too conscious about our clothes, shoes and accessories. How we carry ourselves, reflects out style guide. Not only this, the cell phone cases that we choose also reflect who we are.

Google is now offering a new line of Live Cases designed exclusively for Googles new Pixel phones that do more than just protect your phone.

The companion Live wallpaper, Google Earth and Google Trends Live Cases enable you to experience new places around the world.

Google Trends Live case

This comes with a companion Live wallpaper that charts out the top trending Google searches right on your home screen. It will have all what you want, from hottest topics to newest movie releases, the visualisation will you throughout.

Google Earth Live case

It wraps beautiful imagery from Google earth all around your pixel phone. From Antarcticas ice formations to beaches of the South Pacific, mother nature will hug your phone case in all. For a variety, the wallpaper will be updated everyday with a new image curation on Google.

For all the Latest Business News, Download News Nation Android and iOS Mobile Apps.
Berlin:

Federal German prosecutors have charged an 18-year-old with supporting a terrorist organisation by translating Islamic State (IS) propaganda and correcting errors in texts the group posted online.

Prosecutors said on Friday Mikail S, a German citizen whose last name wasn't disclosed in line with privacy laws, faces nine counts of supporting the Islamic State on allegations he'd been in contact with the extremist organisation's propaganda operations since mid-2016.

S is alleged to have contacted the group, offering to translate English, German and Turkish texts and correct linguistic errors. After being taken up on his offer, he delivered over the period of about a month beginning at the start of June one translation and eight corrected texts which ended up on the internet. The suspect has been in custody since July 14.

For all the Latest World News, Download News Nation Android and iOS Mobile Apps.
Ahmedabad :

A Gujarat High Court judge on Friday recused himself from hearing of appeals related to the Naroda Patiya riot case of 2002, becoming the third judge to do so.

Justice Akil Kureshi on Friday said, "Not before me" when the appeals came up for hearing before a division bench comprising him.

Twenty-nine convicts including former Gujarat minister Mayaben Kodnani and former VHP leader Babu Bajrangi have challenged the special trial court's ruling before the highcourt. Last year, division bench of justices M R Shah and KS Jhaveri had recused itself from hearing the appeals.

Riot survivors and the Supreme Court-appointed Special Investigation Team which probed the case too have filed appeals seeking enhanced punishment.

As many as 97 people, mostly of minority community, were killed by a mob at Naroda Patiya here during the 2002 post-Godhra riots. The trial court in August 2012 convicted 31 people and awarded life term to 30 of them including Kodnani. It awarded 'imprisonment till death' to Bajrangi. Kodnani, who was a state minister for women and child development for some period when Narendra Modi was chief minister of Gujarat, was released on bail by the high court in July 2014 on medical grounds.

Naroda Patiya riot took a day after the Godhra train burning incident of February 27, 2002. It was one of the nine cases from among those related to 2002 riots which were probedby the SIT.
New Delhi:

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday called on President Pranab Mukherjee against the backdrop of continuing chaos and criticism over the demonetisation exercise undertaken by his government.



The meeting lasted for 45 minutes, Rashtrapati Bhavan officials said without divulging the issues that were discussed between them. However, the Prime Minister was believed to have briefed Mukherjee on the developments that have taken place in the aftermath of the launch of the demonetisation drive.



The meeting came on a day when proceedings in Parliament were washed out for the second consecutive day, with the ruling side causing pandemonium in Rajya Sabha over certain remarks by Congress leader Ghulam Nabi Azad and opposition creating ruckus over demonetisation in Lok Sabha.

ALSO READ | Threat to PM Modi's life after demonetisation desision, claims Ramdev



No business could be transacted in either the Rajya Sabha or the Lok Sabha due to the uproar and both the Houses had to be adjourned for the day prematurely.



The day also saw anxious moments for the government in the Supreme Court when it refused stop high courts from entertaining any petition challenging the Centres November 8 demonetisation notification.



While fixing November 25 as the next date of hearing, the Supreme Court observed that people are seriously affected and doors of courts cannot be shut in a situation which may lead to riots.

For all the Latest India News, Download News Nation Android and iOS Mobile Apps.
School bullies punished for picking on girl

From:Shanghai Daily | 2016-11-18 02:46

TWO 17-year-old minors, a female and a male, were sentenced to jail last month for bullying a fellow student, aged 15, in May.

In both cases the sentences were reprieved. The female received a two-year jail sentence, with a reprieve of three years; the male 18 months, with a reprieve of two years.

The two, both from the Real Estate College, were sued for humiliating women.

Prosecutors said a female teenager surnamed Min had taken her schoolmate surnamed Bao, the victim, together with four other students, aged 13 to 15, to a dormitory room around 10pm on May 11.

There they bullied Bao by writing humiliating words on her face, beating and slapping her, forcing her to smoke, dropping cigarette ash on her, and hurting her breasts, said prosecutors.

Yu, the male defendant, who was living in a nearby dormitory building, was said to have encouraged Min and her friends to pour water on Bao, force her to dance on the balcony and use their smartphones to record their behavior, sending the images to him.

The defendants made Bao kneel down, while beating her with plastic bottles and slapping her face. The bullying continued until 1am the next day, causing injuries on Baos head, said prosecutors.

The court said Min and Yu had committed the crime of humiliating women but decided to give them a lighter punishment as both of them were younger than 18 and they had turned themselves in to police and confessed. The other four were not sued as they were under 16.

The court confirmed Min as the prime culprit, while Yu was classed as an accessory.

Education authorities launched an investigation into the affair in June after media had reported on it. Investigations found Bao and six other students were persuaded by their former school  Huanglou Middle School  to transfer to Real Estate College, an educational training agency that was not qualified for academic degree education.

Authorities ordered the college to remove all illegally admitted students, who should have been protected with the same rights as other students undergoing nine years of education in primary and middle schools. One of the students has returned to Huanglou, while the other six, including Bao, have been admitted into vocational schools, according to Shanghai Morning Post.

After the bullying incident came to light, Shanghai Education Commission asked all district education bureaus to regulate schools and training agencies to protect students during their education.

The commission also called for cooperation among families, schools and society in general because school bullying was a complicated matter.

The Ministry of Education released a notice in May, asking all primary and secondary schools in the country to crack down on oral, physical and online abuse.

Last week, the ministry released a guideline on education on how to deal with bullying, together with the Supreme Peoples Court, the Ministry of Public Security, and the Central Committee of the Communist Youth League.

The guideline suggested schools improve ideological, moral, legal and psychological education of students.

Officials will be held accountable for serious incidents of bullying or violence in areas under their jurisdiction, according to the guideline.
Han Zheng meets new Indian ambassador to China

 

From:Shanghai Daily | 2016-11-18 02:46

SHANGHAI Party Secretary Han Zheng met Shri Vijay Gokhale, India's new ambassador to China, last week.

Han said he led a Chinese delegation to visit India in May and found many people in New Delhi, Bangalore and Mumbai want the two countries to develop trade and economic cooperation. There is a huge potential for cooperation between the two nations.

He pointed out that Shanghai and Mumbai are sister cities with close economic and trade ties. Shanghai is keen to cooperate with other Indian states and cities and encourage local Chinese companies to invest in India.

Gokhale said Shanghai has a special place in India-China trade and cooperation. Its sister-city relationship with Mumbai is a good example for other Indian cities. There are more Indian companies in Shanghai than in other Chinese cities and they all developed well.

The ambassador noted that India has started its urbanization process. He hoped more Shanghai enterprises with experiences in urban construction and management can invest in India.
Premier Li Keqiang emphasized that three major issues in Chinas development progress  poverty relief, education in poor areas and environmental protection  should be regarded as the key to successful implementation of the 13th Five-Year Plan during the State Council executive meeting on Nov 15.

The three weak links often lead to market malfunction or peoples dissatisfaction, which means the government needs to play a better role in resolving these issues. Meeting the urgent needs from people and market is also at the core of the 13th Five-Year Plan.

Poverty reduction work has now entered a crucial period. The work has become a harder task to tackle, with tens of millions of poor people still stuck in concentrated poverty-stricken areas, which suffer under the restriction of both natural and historical conditions.

Poverty alleviation can only be achieved through proper planning from the central government, including comprehensive political measures and regional development.

The Premier also stressed that the key to lifting people out of poverty is education. Education should be ensured to provide opportunities for the poor population, in an effort to fundamentally change their living conditions.

In addition, people are suffering from continuing smog and bad weather, which require the central government to put greater efforts into protecting the environment. So the new development concept of the 13th Five-Year Plan has put more emphasis on this issue.
South Korea refuses Google access to official mapping data

South Korea,Defence/Security,Technology, Fri, 18 Nov 2016 IANS

Seoul, Nov 18 (IANS) South Korea on Friday refused to grant permission to US tech giant Google to use the official maps of the country, citing security concerns with neighbouring North Korea.

This means the company's Google Maps service in South Korea will continue operating with strict restrictions, Efe news reported.

South Korea based its decision on the National Security Law, established in 1947, which lays down strict restrictions to protect the country from North Korea.

The country's Ministry of Land, Infrastructure and Transport said in a statement that Google will continue offering its services without being able to use government mapping data due to security reasons over the ongoing conflict between South and North Korea.

According to the ministry, Google did not accept Seoul's suggestion to remove or blur important defence or government facilities on its maps, including military bases and the presidential Blue House, located north of the country's capital.

Google has been offering its Maps service in South Korea since 2008 although it does not include walking or driving directions or 3D maps.

Local companies, including Naver and Daum and GPR operators have benefited the most from the restrictions on Google as their websites and applications offer complete map services.

The US company has been requesting for permission to use government mapping data since 2010.

--IANS

ksk/sac
Early morning housework a crime, rules Italy's top court

Italy,Immigration/Law/Rights,Human Interest/Society, Fri, 18 Nov 2016 IANS

Rome, Nov 18 (IANS/AKI) People living in apartment buildings may not disturb their neighbours with household chores, loud music or family rows early in the morning, Italy's Supreme Court ruled on Friday.

The Court of Cassation delivered its judgement a case brought by the neighbours of a Neapolitan housewife, Studiocataldi.it reported.

The woman regularly disturbed her neighbours by vacuuming, beating carpets, listening to music with the radio on full blast and having high-pitched arguments with her daughter at 6 a.m., the apex court found.

The top court said the housewife's behaviour was in breach of Article 659 of Italy's penal code which governs noise pollution. She was ordered to pay 2,000 euros in damages and court costs.

Earlier this year the court upheld a lower court ruling that a man from Sicily had "risked disturbing peoples' sleep" by playing loud music in his car at night with a "monster" car stereo with three amplifiers.

The man was stopped by police as he drove along the streets in Messina one night. Although there had been no complaints from residents in the area, a court in Messina ordered the man to pay a 300 euro fine, 1,000 euros in legal costs and impounded his stereo.

The court rulings against the man also cited Article 659 of the penal code.

--IANS/AKI

vd
OTTAWA, Nov. 18, 2016 /CNW/ - The Canadian Propane Association (CPA) welcomes the decision by the Ontario Energy Board (OEB) on natural gas community expansion, which states that it would not be appropriate for existing customers to pay for costs associated with expanding natural gas services.

In its decision to establish principles to guide the recovery of costs associated with expanding natural gas services, the OEB states that 'new customers will pay the cost of expansion through a rate structure that reflects that cost'. This ensures that the true cost of the energy supply is reflected in pricing.

Further, propane businesses could have been severely impacted if subsidies were provided to trucked LNG. In its submission, the CPA stated, the fact that propane delivery trucks can profitably operate without a subsidy suggests that LNG delivery trucks should also be able to operate without a subsidy. The OEB agrees with the CPA, stating in its decision: 'The assessment of the economics of the use of natural gas in a community should include the discrete upstream costs incurred to provide for the delivery of the gas. This holds true whether the costs pertain to pipes, trucks or liquefaction processes.'

"The CPA commends the Ontario Energy Board for looking further into the issue of costs associated with expanding natural gas services and recognizing that there are other alternative forms of affordable, low-emission energy," says Andrea Labelle, Executive Director of the CPA. "This decision promotes a level playing field, ensuring that CPA's retail members compete in free and open markets with the suppliers of other forms of energy and, indeed, with each other."

The OEB's decision helps ensure that propane businesses can continue to employ local workers across Ontario's communities. The propane industry creates 3,000 jobs in Ontario including rural communities and has a total economic impact of nearly $1.95 billion.

The propane industry is committed to providing cost-effective and low-emission energy to all Ontarians, without the need for infrastructure subsidies or market distorting cost-recovery practices.

"We encourage Ontario's energy consumers, municipalities and First Nation communities who are paying high electricity costs to contact their local propane retailer to discuss ways they can help reduce their energy costs. We are not just about BBQS," states Labelle. "We look forward to working with the government, our customers and energy stakeholders to ensure that Ontarians have access to affordable, versatile and low-emission energy."

Propane, a natural gas liquid, is a low-emission and efficient Canadian energy source. Over 100,000 homes across the province use propane as their primary heating fuel and it is also used as an essential energy source for the mining sector and the agriculture industry. Propane is a cost-effective transportation fuel option for school buses as well as public and private fleets. Propane can make a significant contribution to attaining Ontario's long-term carbon reduction goals by replacing carbon-intensive home heating and auto fleet fuels with a cost-effective alternative that is market-ready today.

About the Canadian Propane Association: With over 400 members, the Canadian Propane Association is the national association for a growing, multi-billion dollar industry that impacts the livelihood of tens of thousands of Canadians. The CPA develops and produces industry training materials, offers an emergency response assistance plan to its members and provides advocacy services for the propane industry.

SOURCE Canadian Propane Association

For further information: Tammy Hirsch, Director of Communications, e. [email protected], p.587.349.5876
Copper-gold porphyry mineralization at Bayan Tal is confirmed within a large scale Devonian "Oyu Tolgoi style" complex supporting priority drilling

Geological and geophysical activities ongoing to progress other large scale, shallow to moderate depth targets and advance a unique portfolio along the value curve

Exploration strategy refined to replicate the systematic approach successfully applied in discovering similar profile Tier 1 gold rich copper porphyry discoveries

Updated corporate presentation highlights Kincora's industry leading proposition of "Location, Team, and Targets"

VANCOUVER, Nov. 17, 2016 /CNW/ - Kincora Copper Limited (the "Company", "Kincora") (TSXV:KCC), following the recent closing of the IBEX transaction and announcement of Kincora's newly formed Technical Committee (refer to our respective November 7th and 14th press releases), the Company is pleased to provide an update on ongoing activities and its exploration strategy going forward.

A comprehensive workshop and field visit was concluded in September, including the Technical Committee, industry leading specialists and geologists with extensive recent experience in the gold rich Southern Mongolian copper belt. The workshop identified priority targets and built out a pipeline of regional prospects focused on the following key attributes:

1. Scale: Kincora's portfolio supports the advancement of potential Oyu Tolgoi and Tsagaan Suvarga (Devonian) analogues, and/or traditional gold rich finger type porphyries. Exploration activities currently are focused on replicating systematic and proven techniques that have been successful at other similar profile targets, including the Tier 1 copper-gold discoveries that the Technical Team has prior experience with. 2. Shallow targets: The focus is targets on the margins of half grabens and/or uplifted fault blocks where outcrop or subcrop provides a geological window to support integration of geophysical datasets to de-risk exploration. 3. Multi-target, multi-stage pipeline with exploration ongoing:

Priority #1 target : Confirmed Devonian ("Oyu Tolgoi style") stratigraphy at the Bayan Tal Igneous Complex ("BTIC"), including 18m @ 0.66% CuEq down hole on the margin of the interpreted system. This is one of the most significant untested Complexes in the Southern Mongolian belt with multiple drill ready targets supporting a candidate for a new Tier 1 porphyry discovery.

Priority #2 target : "Brownfield" exploration along strike to the Tsagaan Suvarga ("TS style") open pit development project within the TS Massif porphyry system. Field work is refining near surface drill targets.

Pipeline : Extensive ground magnetics, detailed mapping, regional and local geochemistry, petrography, whole rock geochemistry with fertility analysis, and age dating are ongoing to advance a portfolio of high quality, ranked exploration targets across the district level portfolio developing additional drill targets and areas for systematic exploration in spring and summer of 2017.

Sam Spring, President & CEO, commented: "Location, team and targets are the key ingredients for a successful exploration play. Since closing the IBEX transaction we have started outlining key positive developments on these fronts that differentiate and positions Kincora well moving forward, with systematic exploration advancing our targets up the value curve.

We are excited by the targets identified at Bayan Tal, which is an extensively mineralized system, with distal copper-gold porphyry returned along its southern margin. Recent activities have confirmed similar Devonian stratigraphy to Oyu Tolgoi, the first target since with such attributes that we are aware of. Advancements in geology and geophysics support multiple drill ready targets at Bayan Tal, which is one of the best candidates for a new Tier 1 porphyry discovery in the Southern Gobi.

Considerable exploration efforts have been ongoing since the IBEX deal was first announced and conclusion of multiple ongoing activities are expected to support a unique pipeline of other targets across the dominant landholding between and on strike from the two mines in the belt. We look forward to providing these results, outlining refined drill targets and areas for systematic exploration for the 2017 field season".

Details on the priority exploration targets and pipeline of prospects are provided in an updated corporate presentation: http://kincoracopper.com/investors/corporate-presentation

Background on the Bayan Tal Igneous Complex ("BTIC")

The BTIC sits almost half way between the Oyu Tolgoi and Tsagaan Suvarga Devonian porphyry systems in a similarly interpreted favourable intersection of arc parallel and transverse structures. Such a structural setting is common for most large-scale porphyry deposits globally, also noting periodicity to the location of most deposits in the more mature porphyry belts.

Outcropping mineralization and systematic exploration has refined multiple potential drill targets. Integration of existing Induced Polarization ("IP"), magnetics and geology supports the correct composition and zonation pattern for porphyry formation. BTIC is a known copper-gold or gold-copper mineralized Carboniferous system from prior trenching and drill testing of IP targets respectively returning to up 18m @ 0.66% Cu Eq and 18m @ 0.75% Cu Eq. Subsequent ground magnetics indicates no coincident anomaly or source at these tested targets areas, which sit on the southern margin of the interpreted system.

More recent age dating of the conglomerate has confirmed Devonian stratigraphy, supporting the potential for "Oyu Tolgoi style" concealed targets. The conglomerate is a key indicative marker used in exploration efforts at Oyu Tolgoi, stratigraphically located above the mineralised quartz monzodiorite orebodies and its Devonian age at BTIC is the only other confirmed similar stratigraphy to OT in the belt (publically known to date). Ground magnetics completed in 2015 has advanced new drill ready targets with depth to basement analysis illustrating only shallow to moderate target depths and supporting the potential for a large scale porphyry copper target.

The Devonian age, gold rich Oyu Tolgoi copper porphyry system is a Tier 1 asset, being the largest high-grade group of Paleozoic porphyry deposits known in the world, which coupled with the underexplored Tsagaan Suvarga Devonian porphyry system encourages exploration in this underexplored district. Kincora holds the dominant landholding between and along strike from these two large scale copper systems.

About Kincora

Kincora is a junior resource company engaged in the acquisition, exploration and development of mineral properties, with a focus on copper-gold projects in Mongolia. For further information: www.kincoracopper.com.

Qualified Person

The scientific and technical information in this news release was prepared in accordance with the standards of the Canadian Institute of Mining, Metallurgy and Petroleum and National Instrument 43-101  Standards of Disclosure for Mineral Projects ("NI 43-101") and was reviewed, verified and compiled by Kincora's geological staff under the supervision of Peter Leaman, Senior Vice-President of Exploration of Kincora Copper, who is the Qualified Person for the purpose of NI 43-101.

Neither the TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release.

SOURCE Kincora Copper Limited

For further information: Sam Spring, President and Chief Executive Officer, [email protected] or +61431 329 345
Chinas J-20 stealth fighter should be made operational for some combat roles as early as the end of this year.

Andreas Rupprecht, an aviation expert and the author of several books about Chinese warplanes, wrote that he now [after the Zhuhai air show] expects the first J-20 squadron to be ready for combat with a dozen planes or so around the years end or early 2017much earlier than expected.

China might have dozen or so J-20s on hand when the plane is finally war-ready. The USA already possess more than 180 F-22s and about 200 F-35s. F-22 production has ended, but the Pentagon wants to buy another 1,500 F-35s over the next 20 years.

J-20

The U.S. Air Force operates 20 B-2 stealth bombers and is currently developing the new B-21 stealth bomber to complement it. The Air Force and Navy are also beginning to draw up plans for two new warplane types to eventually follow the F-35.

China is developing another stealth fighter called the FC-31 thats apparently cheaper and less capable than the J-20 isand would be strictly for export, as Beijing reportedly does not want to sell the J-20 abroad.

There have also been rumors that China is working on a bigger J-20 model for bombing missions, plus a separate, vertical-landing fighter similar to the F-35B.

Chinas wide-ranging efforts to build a stealthy air arm puts it firmly in second place after the United States when it comes to stealth technology. Third-place Russia is struggling to get its new twin-engine T-50 fighter to workand to afford it. Japan has just begun experimenting with a prototype plane that could evolve into a front-line, radar-evading fighting sometime in the 2020s.

Japan is depending upon forty-two F-35s that were purchased from Lockheed. The first F-35A for Japan was presented at an official rollout ceremony on Sept. 23, 2016. This jet is the first of four F-35As assembled at the Fort Worth factory. The remaining 38 F-35As for the JASDF are being assembled at the Mitsubishi Heavy Industries (MHI) Final Assembly and Check Out (FACO) facility in Nagoya, Japan.

F-35a



The J-20s at Zhuhai were still fitted with Russian-made AL-31 engines, rather than the WS-15 engines that Chinese engineers custom-designed for the J-20, but have since run into developmental problems.

With Russian engines, the first J-20 squadron could be limited in its capabilities, according to Rupprecht. Indeed, while Beijing might declare the J-20 to be officially combat-ready as early as this year, its possible the first squadron will mostly explore operational tactics and procedures, in Rupprechts estimation.

SOURCES- Daily Beast, Nikkei
Chinese scientists have become the first in the world to use a revolutionary new gene-editing tool known as CRISPR-Cas9 on living humans.

Scientists at Sichuan University in Chengdu have injected a person with aggressive lung cancer with cells modified using the gene-splicing technology in a bid to make the patients immune system more effective at combating cancer cells.

It represents the first human trials of the technology with the United States expected to conduct its own cancer fighting trials next year.

CRISPR is a recently emerged technology that can be thought of as acting like a tiny pair molecular scissors that can cut and alter nucleotides which make up DNA, enabling scientists to find and modify or replace genetic defects.

The Chinese trial is expected to trigger a global race to carry out human trials of the groundbreaking medical technology throughout the world.

Gene-editing could improve the ability of immune cells to attack cancer.

Nature  CRISPR gene-editing tested in a person for the first time

On 28 October, a team led by oncologist Lu You at Sichuan University in Chengdu delivered the modified cells into a patient with aggressive lung cancer as part of a clinical trial at the West China Hospital, also in Chengdu.

Earlier clinical trials using cells edited with a different technique have excited clinicians. The introduction of CRISPR, which is simpler and more efficient than other techniques, will probably accelerate the race to get gene-edited cells into the clinic across the world, says Carl June, who specializes in immunotherapy at the University of Pennsylvania in Philadelphia and led one of the earlier studies.

CRISPR will target three genes in participants cells, with the goal of treating various cancers. The trial will start in early 2017. And in March 2017, a group at Peking University in Beijing hopes to start three clinical trials using CRISPR against bladder, prostate and renal-cell cancers. Those trials do not yet have approval or funding.

The researchers removed immune cells from the recipients blood and then disabled a gene in them using CRISPRCas9, which combines a DNA-cutting enzyme with a molecular guide that can be programmed to tell the enzyme precisely where to cut. The disabled gene codes for the protein PD-1, which normally puts the brakes on a cells immune response: cancers take advantage of that function to proliferate.

Lus team then cultured the edited cells, increasing their number, and injected them back into the patient, who has metastatic non-small-cell lung cancer. The hope is that, without PD-1, the edited cells will attack and defeat the cancer.

The fear is that they could use these techniques to create, someway, genetically modified people. You know designer babies where parents pick and choose the traits of their babies, make them taller, stronger, smarter or something like that, NPR reporter Rob Stein said in a recent report of a Swedish scientist using the technique to edit human embryos.

Despite the lack of understanding about the precise heritability of intelligence, it is plausible that CRISPR could be used to enhance the intellect of unborn babies, not just its physical traits.

In my opinion, CRISPR could in principle be used to boost the expected intelligence of an embryo by a considerable amount, James J. Lee, a researcher at University of Minnesota told Scientific American earlier this year.
Senate President, Dr. Bukola Saraki, yesterday, took a swipe at Ekiti State governor, Ayodele Fayose, over the formers declaration that ...

Senate President, Dr. Bukola Saraki, yesterday, took a swipe at Ekiti State governor, Ayodele Fayose, over the formers declaration that he (Saraki) was being blackmailed by President Muhammadu Buhari on the proposed $29.9 billion external loan. The governor had in a statement issued by his spokesman on Wednesday, asked Saraki and the Senate to remain firm and not allow themselves to be stampeded by the President into approving the loan. But Saraki in a statement by his Special Adviser, Media and Publicity, Mr. Yusuph Olaniyonu, advised Governor Fayose and other politicians to stop peddling rumours about his recent visits to the Presidency and implored them not to trivialise serious national issues.He said the issue of the proposed $29.9 billion external loan did not even come up in any of his visits to the Presidency, wondering where Governor Fayose got his information from. In all his recent meetings with President Muhammadu Buhari and Vice President Yemi Osinbajo, the issue of the proposed loan never came up for discussion, he said. According to him, the comments by some politicians on the loan issue without any factual basis were unfortunate.Like I once told the media, these politically-motivated commentaries are trivialising a serious national issue. They are presenting it as if it is a personal matter that can be decided at meetings between Saraki and Buhari. The National Assembly which I head as Senate President has taken a position on the issue as required of it by the laws of the land and legislative conventions. The present National Assembly will make decisions based on national interest and will always act in the interest of the people.That is why in spite of the fact that members belong to different parties, when national issues come to the floor, we forget party affiliations and act as Nigerians elected to protect the interest of Nigeria. A visit to the Presidency by the Senate President is a normal thing because we need to consult, discuss, exchange ideas and make suggestions to each other from time to time. More importantly, at this time, when the nation is facing economic crisis, there is need for frequent engagements by the Presidency and the National Assembly. Politicians should stop playing to the gallery or drawing political capital from all issues.Similarly, the media should exercise restraint in their reportage and commentaries in order to properly serve our people, the statement quoted Saraki as saying. The Senate had initially thrown out the foreign loan request, saying necessary documents on repayment, loan sources and so on were not attached. However, the Presidency has pledged to attach relevant information and resubmit the loan request.In the light of the Senate presidents reaction, Governor Fayose told Vanguard, yesterday, that he didnt need to say more, having made his feelings known less than 24 hours earlier. Fayose, who spoke through his Special Assistant on Communication and New Media, Mr. Lere Olayinka, said: I dont have to react to Sarakis statement at all. I have said my own and posterity is there to judge. Let Saraki say whatever he likes; I have said mine.
The Federal Government on Friday dismissed as untrue claims that President Muhammadu Buhari donated $500m to Hillary Clinton campaign in t...





The Federal Government on Friday dismissed as untrue claims that President Muhammadu Buhari donated $500m to Hillary Clinton campaign in the just-concluded US election.A video, purportedly circulated by a US non-governmental group, the American Black Group for Democracy, had last week alleged that Nigeria donated $500m (about N150bn) to Clintons failed bid for the White House.It claimed that the money was pledged to the US Secretary of State, Sen John Kerry, and US Ambassador in Abuja; adding that the donation may create a huge misunderstanding between Nigeria and the incoming Trumps US government.But in a reaction on Friday, the Senior Special Assistant on Media and Publicity to the President, Mr. Garba Shehu, described the accusations as crazy, insisting that Nigeria doesnt have this kind of money to throw around.What is the craziest accusation made against President Buhari? Shehu posted on his Twitter handle, @GarShehu.That he donated $500m to Hillarys campaign and that Donald Trump is angry. This has gone viral, sadly Nigerians are believing it!President Buharis Nigeria doesnt have this kind of money to throw around. Even if the money is there, this President is the least likely person to give it as donation, and for what?As we speak, President Buhari is concluding agreements with the U.S. to return our stolen money in their banks. A FGN account has already been given for the return of one million Dollars from Alamisiegha.Judgement on the USD 480 million Abacha loot has been won and our Attorney-General, Malami (SAN) will be in the US next week to speak to the Department of Justice, USDOJ on the next steps for the return of that as well.The U.S is paying to Nigeria, not the other way round, abi?
The Justice Ibrahim Saulawa-led panel of the Court of Appeal in Abuja, has adjourned indefinitely the judgment on the appeal filed by subs...

The Justice Ibrahim Saulawa-led panel of the Court of Appeal in Abuja, has adjourned indefinitely the judgment on the appeal filed by substituted governorship candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party in the forthcoming election in Ondo State, Mr. Eyitayo Jegede.Jegede, who belongs to the Ahmed Makarfi-led faction of the PDP, is by his appeal challenging his replacement by the Independent National Electoral Commission with Jimoh Ibrahim of Ali Modu Sheriff faction of the party as the governorship candidate for the election scheduled to take place on November 26.The Saulawa panel also ajdourned all other pending appeals, including one filed by Makarfi, relating to the dispute over the governorship ticket of the PDP in November 26 election.The panel said on Friday, when its judgments on Jegedes and Makarfis appeals which it heard between Wednesday and Thursday, were scheduled to be delivered, that it took the decision to adjourn sine die (indefinitely) to await the decision of the Supreme Court on interlocutory appeals filed by the respondents.Justice Saulawa also cited the motion filed by the respondents before the Supreme Court on Thursday, asking for an order of the apex court to disband the Saulawa panel and take disciplinary action by going ahead to hear the appeal in defiance to established judicial principle.The nine respondents led by Mr. Biyi Poroye, who filed the motion before the Supreme Court are state officials of the Sheriff-led faction of the PDP in the South-West zone.The appeals by Makarfi and Jegede are challenging the orders made by Justice Okon Abang of the Federal High Court in Abuja on June 29 and October 14, 2016, which INEC acted on by dropping Jegede and replacing him with Ibrahim as the partys standard bearer in the forthcoming election in the state.But dissatisfied with the hearing of the appeals by the Saulawa panel despite their pending -interlocutory appeals before the Supreme Court, Poroye and others had filed the motion before the apex court.
DSS Operative Friday afternoon in Kano raided Bureau de change spots and arrested no fewer than 40 currency dealers.

DSS Operative Friday afternoon in Kano raided Bureau de change spots and arrested no fewer than 40 currency dealers.Eyewitness, Umar Iliya told Vanguard that the operative stormed the Wapa area at about noon, seized selected men and took them away in security vanThe witness said the operation causes stir culminating in a pandemonium before their identity was revealed.It was learnt that simultaneously, another group currency dealers were arrested at the Aminu Kano International Airport, as well few others at Central hotel general area of the city.Although the DSS officials are quiet over the operation, but the Auditor General of Association of Currency Dealers, in Kano, AbdulHamid Kabeer confirmed the incident. According to Kabeer they arrested over 40 of our members in an operation that barely lasted half an hour.
The United States has expressed deep concerns over the latest clash between the Police and Shiite members in Kano, describing the securit...

The United States has expressed deep concerns over the latest clash between the Police and Shiite members in Kano, describing the security agencys response to the procession as disproportionate.It therefore called for calm and restraint on all sides, a reduction of tension and greater communication between Shiite members and government authorities.A statement from the US embassys Information Office on Friday in Abuja said the Shiite group, like other religious communities, had the right to assemble, peacefully express their religious beliefs, and mark their celebrations.The US admonished the Federal Government to protect and defend these rightsIt said, The US is deeply concerned by the deaths of dozens of Nigerians during clashes between individuals participating in a Shia procession and the Nigerian Police Force in Kano State on November 14.While the matter is still under investigation, we are troubled by the apparent disproportionate response by the police.The US also called on members of the IMN and all citizens to respect the rule of law and cooperate with the police in their attempt to maintain public order.It urged the government to ensure accountability for the deaths of more than 300 IMN members during December 15, 2015 clashes between the group and security forces in Zaria, Kaduna State.We also call on the Nigerian government to conduct a transparent investigation of the latest incidents and bring to account anyone responsible for violating the law, the statement added.
The House of Representatives on Thursday defended its decision to buy exotic cars for its 360 members at a period the countrys economy ...

It said lawmakers must have a means of mobility while carrying out oversight duties over Ministries, Departments and Agencies of the Federal Government.The House will spend at least N3.6bn across 24 months to complete payment for the luxury vehicles supplied by the Kaduna-based Peugeot Automobile Nigeria Limited.It can be recalled that on Monday the firm had already delivered 28 units of Peugeot 508 series to members in the first batch of 50 cars.A total of 360 units of the exotic automobile would have been delivered by January 2017.The Deputy Chairman, Committee on Media and Public Affairs, Mr. Jonathan Gaza, while defending the procurement of the cars on Thursday, said that recession would not stop lawmakers from performing their legislative duties.He argued that in a recession, both the executive and legislative arms of government were expected to work even harder to find urgent solutions to challenges facing the country.Gaza noted that while working during recession, members were not expected to trek to the premises of the MDAs for oversight duties.He added, In a recession, we will all put on our thinking caps. We are working; these are committees cars and they are not the personal property of members.When you came here today, how did you come? Did you walk down to this place (National Assembly) from your house?If a member is going to visit an agency, will he trek there?We need materials, computers, stationery, cars; these are all for work.Asked to comment on whether the National Assembly would approve Buharis bid to take a loan of $29.96bn, Gaza replied that discussions were ongoing between the two sides.The lawmaker said no conclusions had been reached.He also declined to speak categorically on whether the government had begun making releases for the constituency projects of lawmakers.The constituency projects of senators and members are worth N100bn in the 2016 budget of N6.06tn.The refusal of the government to fund the projects is reported to be one of the sore points in the relationship between Buhari and the National Assembly.But, when asked a direct question on the issue, Gaza parried it.We dont release money for constituency projects. Our work is to pass the budget and we passed the 2016 budget. It is the responsibility of the executive to release funds for projects.Also, the money is not paid into our pockets, we dont touch it, he replied.
Three New Jersey college presidents are among 110 campus leaders nationwide urging President-elect Donald Trump to condemn harassment, hate and acts of violence.

MaryAnn Baenninger, president of Drew University; Nancy Blattner, president of Caldwell University; and Helen J. Streubert, president of The College of Saint Elizabeth; signed a letter to Trump after protests continued on campuses across the country.

Since Trump's win in the presidential election, his named has appeared spray-painted alongside swastikas in some instances, while other threats and racist comments have been paired with his name.

"In light of your pledge to be 'President for all Americans,' we urge you to condemn and work to prevent the harassment, hate and acts of violence that are being perpetrated across our nation, sometimes in your name," the letter said. "In our schools, on job sites and college campuses, on public streets and in coffee shops, members of our communities, our children, our families, our neighbors, our students and our employees are facing very real threats, and are frightened."

Shortly after the election, Trump said in a "60 minutes" interview that he was saddened to hear of the harassment.

"Stop it," Trump urged.

Earlier this week, thousands of students across the country protested or held walk-outs to demand Trump denounce plan to deport immigrants leaving in the country illegally. Some immigrant students at Rutgers University said they feared for themselves and their family.

Trump initially said he wanted to deport all of the more than 11 million unauthorized immigrants in the country. More recently, he said his focus will be deporting "the people that are criminal and have criminal records -- gang members, drug dealers."

Adam Clark may be reached at adam_clark@njadvancemedia.com. Follow him on twitter at @realAdamClark. Find NJ.com on Facebook.
Rutgers campus

The main entrance to Rutgers University's Old Queens administration building in New Brunswick. (NJ Advance Media file photo)

(Nj.com file photo)

NEW BRUNSWICK -- A Rutgers University professor who was given a psychological exam after posting statements about gun control and flag burning on his Twitter account has been placed on administrative leave and is no longer teaching, campus officials said Friday.

Kevin Allred, an adjunct part-time lecturer on Rutgers' New Brunswick campus, made international headlines Wednesday after police came to his Brooklyn home and took him to Bellevue Hospital for a psychological exam.

Allred, who had posted dozens of comments on his Twitter account after Donald Trump's presidential win, was told Rutgers officials called police after someone at the university reported him for comments about flag burning and gun control that allegedly threatened white people.

Allred said he was not arrested and quickly passed the psychiatric exam. He said he returned to campus Wednesday to teach his classes.

Rutgers officials released a statement Friday saying Allred was no longer teaching.

"We will not comment on the specifics of an individual personnel matter. As a general rule, however, when the university is presented with allegations of threats to public safety, we take those allegations very seriously and have an obligation to investigate. Mr. Allred has been placed on administrative leave and will therefore not be teaching," said Rutgers spokesman E.J. Miranda.

He will continue to be paid while on administrative leave, Miranda said.

Allred did not immediately return messages to comment. He teaches women's and gender studies classes and the popular course "Politicizing Beyonce".

The adjunct professor tweeted that he has received an avalanche of hateful comments, including death threats, after he went public earlier this week about undergoing a psychological exam after posting a series of anti-Trump tweets.

He has responded to some of the threats via his Twitter account.

"Get it out. live your life. be terrible people. direct it at me. and then SHUT THE (expletive) UP," Allred posted on Twitter.

He also responded to comments from critics who said they were working to get him fired from his teaching job at Rutgers.

Allred is a part-time lecturer, not a tenured professor, he said. So, he works on semester-to-semester contracts.

"I essentially work each semester from the position of being fired. i never had job security. so i'm good. i got this," Allred tweeted.

In other tweets, Allred said he had been awake for 36 straight hours. He also posted music he said was inspiring him, including the Dixie Chick's "Not Ready to Make Nice" and Peter Gabriel's "Don't Give Up."

University officials said earlier this week they contacted New York police after a student filed a complaint about Allred. But they did not provide any further details.

"The Rutgers University Police Department responded to a complaint from a student and took all appropriate action. We have no further comment," said Miranda, the university's spokesman.

New York police said in a statement that Rutgers police told them Allred had threatened to kill white people.

Allred said Twitter suspended his account Wednesday until he removed a tweet that questioned the Second Amendment in the wake of Trump's win.

The tweet posted the day after Trump's victory allegedly said: "Will the 2nd amendment be as cool when I buy a gun and start shooting at random white people or no ...?," according to screen shots published by other news organizations of Allred's Twitter account that appear to be taken before he removed the post.

Allred, who is white, said in another post that the tweet was not meant to be a threat. "It was a hyperbolic question posed to show a double standard," he tweeted.

YES, my 2nd amendment tweet was incendiary but completely w/in free speech. ZERO direct threat involved. posed as a rhetorical question.  Kevin Allred (@KevinAllred) November 16, 2016

Last year, Allred briefly clashed with Rutgers officials when the "Politicizing Beyonce" he had been teaching since 2010 was left off the spring 2016 schedule in the women's and gender studies department without explanation.

The dropping of the class attracted national attention after an internet backlash in support of the Beyonce course, which explores the pop star's music and career in the context of American race, gender and political issues. Allred's class was eventually moved to Rutgers' American studies department, where it is on the schedule this semester.

Allred -- who describes himself as a "feminist author" and "shameless outlaw of academia" -- has been working on turning the "Politicizing Beyonce" class into a book, according to his website.

Kelly Heyboer may be reached at kheyboer@njadvancemedia.com. Follow her on Twitter @KellyHeyboer. Find her at KellyHeyboerReporter on Facebook.
WOODBURY -- A Toms River man was sentenced to 46 years in prison Thursday for sexually assaulting a child for six years, the Gloucester County Prosecutor's Office announced.

Christian Powell, 52, of Toms River, was sentenced to 46 years in prison following his conviction on sex assault charges. (Salem County Correctional Facility)

Christian Powell, 52, was convicted in June on 22 counts of sexual assault and endangering the welfare of a child.

The crimes began when the victim was 8 years old and continued until she was 14, authorities said.

During that time, the family moved from Riverton to Deptford.

The victim, who is now an adult, testified in Powell's trial.

Powell must serve 85 percent of his term before he is eligible for parole and must register as a sex offender.

Matt Gray may be reached at mgray@njadvancemedia.com. Follow him on Twitter @MattGraySJT. Find the South Jersey Times on Facebook.
TRENTON -- The state Board of Nursing has suspended a certified home health aide following his arrest for sexually assaulting a resident of a nursing home, Attorney General Christopher Porrino announced Friday.

The nursing board also suspended another certified aide for stealing $32,000 from the checking account and credit card belonging to a patient under her care, Porrino announced.

"Certified Homemaker-Home Health Aides spend significant time alone with their patients, making it extremely important that they abide by the professional and ethical standards set for them," said Steve Lee, Director of the Division of Consumer Affairs in the Attorney General's Office. "The allegations in the charges against them are disturbing and the Board acted appropriately to protect the public."

Robin L. Frye, of Newark, was arrested by Eatontown Police in May and charged with sexual assault by force or coercion and aggravated criminal sexual conduct.

Dionne Eke, of Lawrence Township, was arrested in October for allegedly stealing $32,000 from a patient's checking and credit card accounts. Police say she wrote herself a blank check and used her client's credit and debit cards.

Frye and Eke agreed to surrender their licenses while their cases are reviewed by the nursing board, Porrino said.

The investigations were led by the Enforcement Bureau within the Division of Consumer Affairs.

"Anyone capable of exploiting their vulnerable patients, as these two allegedly did, has no place in the healthcare profession," Porrino said. "They are barred from working with patients until the charges against them are resolved."

Patients who believe that they have been treated improperly by a licensed health care professional may file an online complaint with the State Division of Consumer Affairs by visiting its website or by calling 1-800-242-5846 (toll free within New Jersey) or 973-504- 6200.

Susan K. Livio may be reached at slivio@njadvancemedia.com. Follow her on Twitter @SusanKLivio. Find NJ.com Politics on Facebook.
JERSEY CITY -- Thirteen children found new homes -- and hopes -- today as the Hudson County courts participated in National Adoption Day.

"It's a fresh start," said 13-year-old Joseph Soliwoda-Doan, who was adopted today by his two new fathers, Wylliam Soliwoda-Doan, 41, and Todd Doan, 43. "I feel overwhelmed."

Joseph said he was raised in a family of seven but his mother's drug issues resulted in the children being taken away. He said he has lived in six foster homes in the past two years.

In 2014, the couple adopted two brothers who are now 17 and 19 years old. They said they adopt teenage boys because they have the most difficulty in finding homes.

"We have always wanted a family and this is one of the avenues in which we can have a family," said Doan, a teacher at a public school in East Orange. "We have adopted teenage boys because we wanted them to have a choice on whether they wanted to be raised by two fathers, rather than it being forced on them."

National Adoption Day is an annual event in which courts and communities in all 50 states come together to finalize thousands of adoptions. The event seeks to raise awareness of the importance of adoption and to recognize people who have chosen to open their homes.

After today's adoptions were finalized by judges, the Hudson County Superior Court Family Division, the state Division of Child Protection and Permanency, as well as Court Appointed Special Advocates hosted a reception for the newly formed families. United Way, CarePoint Health, United Parcel Service, and Goya, Inc. sponsored the event.

"National Adoption Day is a memorable and remarkable day for the judges, staff, and volunteers, and it is a life changing day for the adopted children and their families." said Hudson County Superior Court Family Division Presiding Judge Maureen B. Mantineo. "The family division is honored to be a part of the celebration."

Darlene Fusco, the Hudson County Director of the Division of Child Protection and Permanency, said 200 adoptions are anticipated in New Jersey during National Adoption Month and more than 60 are scheduled for today alone. She said people who can adopt large sibling groups and older adolescents are needed most.

"It is not about family genes you share or do not share, it is the love and commitment we have for each other," Fusco said. "And we believe in Hudson County there is no child that doesn't have the opportunity, no matter how old, how young, what color, that doesn't have the right for a forever, permanent family."
JERSEY CITY -- Voters don't head to the polls in the next Jersey City mayor's race for 354 days, but the contest now has three declared candidates.

Charles Mainor, a retired police detective and former state assemblyman, told The Jersey Journal this week that he intends to challenge Mayor Steve Fulop's re-election bid next November.

Mainor, 49, who was elbowed out of a fourth term in the Assembly last year, said in an interview at Larsen's Restaurant on Bergen Avenue that he's running for mayor to make sure every resident enjoys the fruits of Jersey City's renaissance.

"Everybody should be a part of Jersey City moving forward and I don't see that right now," he said.

Mainor, who lives on Wade Street in the city's Greenville section, said his campaign will focus on decreasing crime, bringing jobs to city residents and improving education by strengthening ties between City Hall and the public-school district.

Mainor said he intends to be mayor "of the whole city, not just the Waterfront."

"There are parts of the city that do receive more attention than others," Mainor said.

Fulop has been dinged by critics who allege he focuses on the city's wealthier neighborhoods. The mayor has denied this charge, pointing to city investments in troubled neighborhoods such as the City Hall Annex.

"We welcome Mainor to the race," Fulop said in an email. "We are excited for the voters to have a discussion about all that we have accomplished during the last three years, from hiring 200 police officers, to $6 million in park renovations, to affordable housing increases, to stable taxes."

The quadrennial municipal elections, when the mayoralty and all nine City Council seats are up for grabs, will occur in November 2017. Downtown attorney Bill Matsikoudis, the city's former corporation counsel, announced his own mayoral bid on Tuesday. Fulop announced in September that he expects to seek a second term.

Matsikoudis is sitting on a $145,957 war chest, and the mayor has $20,614, while there is no record with the state Election Law Enforcement Commission that Mainor has raised any money to compete in what is likely to be a costly race (Mainor said he will report having raised $100,000 by the end of this week).

Once the driver for Mayor Glenn D. Cunningham, Mainor, a Democrat, was elected to the Assembly in 2009. He ran successfully for re-election twice before being dropped as the official candidate for the Hudson County Democratic Organization in 2015. Mainor threatened to challenge the official HCDO candidate in that June's primary, but eventually dropped out of the race.

He spent six years representing Bayonne and parts of Jersey City in the Assembly without any notable scandals. As a lawmaker, Mainor earned the ire of gun rights advocates for his push to toughen New Jersey's gun laws, and he ran into trouble twice as a result of questionable content on his Facebook page.

Mainor has been out of office for about a year now but he's still well known in Jersey City. After walking into Larsen's to speak to The Jersey Journal, he was stopped separately by three people who wanted to bend his ear.

Mainor's announcement is not much of a surprise. In May a polling firm contacted voters to ask about him. Mainor declined to identify who paid for the poll, only saying it was a group that would like him to become the next mayor.

Terrence T. McDonald may be reached at tmcdonald@jjournal.com. Follow him on Twitter @terrencemcd. Find The Jersey Journal on Facebook.
JFreta.jpg

Jose F. Reta, of Elizabeth, appears in court in Jersey City yesterday, Nov. 17, 2016, on charges including burglary, making terroristic threats, aggravated assault, stalking, theft and weapons offense related to a knife, in connection to a Secaucus incident.

JERSEY CITY -- A 43-year-old Elizabeth man has been charged with entering a woman's home in Secaucus and choking her until she passed out.

Jose F. Reta, of Dayton Street, was arrested Wednesday following what was described as a domestic dispute. He was charged with burglary, making terroristic threats, aggravated assault, stalking, theft and weapons offense related to a knife, a criminal complaint states.

Reta allegedly entered the woman's apartment without permission, and put his hands around her throat, saying "I am going to kill you." When she collapsed, he pushed her over a couch, the complaint alleges.

While in her home, Reta also allegedly stole the woman's phone. When the victim came to, she walked to the police station to report the attack but was followed by Reta. There, he was taken into custody, the complaint states.

In court yesterday, the prosecutor said Reta admitted to police that he choked the woman and that he had a knife. The prosecutor said the woman had scratches on her neck and that she had lost consciousness during the incident.

Reta's bail was set at $50,000 cash or bond and he was ordered to have no contact with the woman when he made his first appearance on the charges yesterday in Central Judicial Processing court in Jersey City via video link from Hudson County jail in Kearny.
WJones.jpg

William E. Jones, 41, at left, appears in court in Jersey City Nov. 17, 2016, on charges he stole hundreds of thousands of dollars worth of cargo from the Kearny trucking company where he worked.

(Michaelangelo Conte | The Jersey Journal)

JERSEY CITY -- A Jersey City man who worked for a Kearny trucking company has been charged with stealing hundreds of thousands of dollars worth of cargo and selling it to a Newark pawn shop with the help of coworkers.

William E. Jones, 41, of the 300 block of Communipaw Avenue, is charged with stealing 30 bicycle upgrade kits worth a total of $50,000 on June 30, and conspiracy to commit theft with a coworker, a criminal complaint states.

Jones faces the same charges related to an alleged theft of the same product on June 14, as well as theft of $60,000 worth of security cameras on that date. Also on that date, he is charged with stealing $153,000 worth of security cameras and $20,000 worth of phones, the complaint says, which adds that all the items were sold to the same pawn shop.

Probable cause for the charges is listed as the Kearny police investigation into the theft and a statement given to police by Jones.

Jones made his first appearance on the charges yesterday in Central Judicial Processing court in Jersey City via video link from Hudson County jail in Kearny.
WASHINGTON (AP)  The House committee investigating the Jan. 6 attack on the U.S. Capitol has issued a subpoena to Donald Trump. The nine-member panel sent a letter to the former president's lawyers on Friday, demanding his testimony under oath by mid-November and outlining a series of corresponding documents. The decision by lawmakers to exercise their subpoena power comes a week after the committee made its final case against the former president, who they say is the "central cause" of the multi-part effort to overturn the results of the 2020 election. It remains unclear how Trump and his legal team will respond to the subpoena, if at all.
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More than 1.5 lakh employees are hired in 122 public sector institutions in Kerala including KSFE and BEVCO, and six financial corporation
The Festival of Trees is quickly approaching. In addition to benefiting the Childrens Miracle Network Hospitals and the Miss Nebraska Scholarship Fund, a portion of the funds raised will also be given to the Callahan Cancer Center in memory of Gail Downing, a longtime Quality Inn employee. Since this event began, over $50,000 has been raised. This years goal is $12,000.

Also new this year is Breakfast with Santa. This special event will be from 8 to 10 a.m. on Nov. 26. A buffet will allow those in attendance to eat a breakfast of pancakes, eggs and sausages with Santa. Cost is $10 per person for this event. Photo opportunities and a visit with Santa will be part of the fun. Advanced tickets may be purchased at the Quality Inn or at the door the day of the event.

The event will once again be at the Quality Inn & Suites/Sandhills Convention Center, 2102 S. Jeffers. The doors open to the Festival from 6 to 8 p.m. on Nov. 25, with Santa making his first of three days of appearances. Pictures with Santa may be taken by parents or friends. Senior Day is from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Nov. 26. Senior citizens will be admitted for $1. On Nov. 27, the doors open at 1 p.m. for the final day. The live auction of the decorated trees and wreaths begins at 4 p.m.

A raffle for Collectible Santa, given by the Quality Inn, a hand blown Simon Pearce Christmas tree donated by Borsheims and a decorative wreath given by Kay Peters will also be held. Tickets are $1 each or seven for $5.
Fluffys not feeling very well.

Its terrible when a pet gets sick; they cant exactly tell you whats wrong, but hes your baby and you know when theres a problem. You really need to get Fluffy to the vet  but not just any veterinarian. He needs a specialist because, as in the new book Unlikely Companions by Laurie Hess, DVM (with Samantha Rose), little Fluffy isnt exactly fluffy.

Moving out of their apartment was the start of a dream.

When Laurie Hess and her husband, Peter, left Manhattan, they knew upstate New York was where theyd put down roots and raise a family. Theyd found community there, and the perfect place for Hess to open her Veterinary Center for Birds & Exotics.

Iguanas might not seem like your everyday pet, but Hess might see them in a normal workday. Pigs arent furry like dogs, but their owners love them all the same. Parrots might not pounce, but they play and can even purr. These are her patients but, says Hess, caring for their owners is half her practice.

Sleuthing is likewise an important part of what she does.

When car-tire-vs.-turtle happens, she discovered a way to repair the unfortunate victims shell. When an adorably tiny piglet grows into a full-bore boar, she knows how to keep that little piggy from going to market. When a dangerous pet comes to her clinic, she understands how to stay safe while caring for it. And when a whole herd of beloved area animals were in trouble, Hess leaped to find out why.

Comical, active and popular with kids and adults, doe-eyed sugar gliders were in crisis in Hesss area: she had five dead patients, no clues, and research showed that the animals were succumbing quickly in many areas of the country. Nothing added up, but in the midst of finding a solution, Hess also found herself immersed in controversy ...

So you say your pet is unlike any other.

Really, really unlike any other, which is why youll enjoy Unlikely Companions.

Tipping the scales with a snake, catching a Nile monitor, boarding a bunny and finding a pet that shouldnt be a pet, theyre all in a days work for author Laurie Hess, as she writes in a memoir thats part pet-lover, part personal.

That latter angle is great  we get to know Hess and her family well  but lets face it: the former is why youd want this book, and Hess doesnt disappoint her readers. Get ready for stories of an autistic boy and his pets, taste-testing pet food and a fussy cockatoo. Read about birdbrains, bird brains and a pig who loves having his nails painted. Youll laugh about four-footed escapees. Youll cry for the husband whose wife hates his pets. And youll thrill at a mystery that weaves throughout.

That makes this perfect for animal lovers of all stripes and scales, fans of dogs to hogs. Furry, purry or if youve got a Fluffy who really isnt so much, Unlikely Companions is a book youll like very well.
An administrative law judge has dismissed U.S. Steels Section 337 case that called for a total ban on Chinese steel imports.

U.S. Steel wants all Chinese steel imports banned, claiming Chinas steelmakers have fixed prices, ducked tariffs and stolen trade secrets. Judge Dee Lord with the International Trade Commission ruled the company cannot pursue an antitrust case through Section 337, the federal code that allows for investigations into unfair trade practices.

United States Steel Corporation is shocked and disappointed by ALJ Lords Order No. 38, granting the Chinese respondents motion to terminate the antitrust claims in the historic 337 case, U.S. Steel spokeswoman Sarah Cassella said. This case was filed in April, initiated in May, with discovery ongoing for months now including the retention and identification of experts. Six months after the ITC unanimously decided to initiate this case, including the antitrust claim, ALJ Lord has taken an unusual turn. We are reviewing the Order and assessing our options, including petitioning the ITC for review.

The International Trade Commission, a six-member panel, potentially could vote to overturn the ruling.

Ever since imports reached a record market share of 29 percent in the United States last year, U.S. Steel has been aggressively pursuing trade cases against foreign countries that send steel here, including a total prohibition on Chinese-made steel.

The United States already imposes more than 160 different tariffs against foreign steel, according to the U.S. Department of Commerce. Some existing tariffs on Chinese-made steel exceed 500 percent, to offset government subsidies and the dumping of steel for less than its worth. Those are violations of international trade laws.

Steel analyst Charles Bradford, with New York City-based Bradford Research Inc., said that while China is a favorite scapegoat of domestic steelmakers, existing tariffs already have eliminated nearly all Chinese steel exports to the United States.

Steelmakers and labor unions contend Chinese steelmakers continue to circumvent tariffs by shipping their steel into the U.S. through other countries such as Vietnam.
HAMMOND  A U.S. attorney indicted Lake County Sheriff John Buncich Friday on public corruption charges.

Buncich and Tim Downs, Buncichs chief of police and second in command, are charged with wire fraud. Buncich also is charged with receiving bribes. They face prison terms of up to 20 years if convicted.

U.S. marshals arrested and escorted Buncich and Downs into a federal courtroom about 10:30 a.m. Buncich initially appeared nervous, but later regained his composure and winked at two supporters in the audience. The rest of the courtroom was filled with federal agents and media.

Buncich, 70, Downs, 65, and William Willie Szarmach pleaded not guilty to a five-count indictment alleging they deprived the public of honest government services. A judge magistrate ordered them to surrender their passports and personal firearms. They are free on bond.

Buncich is accused of receiving more than $30,000 in bribes from towing firms wanting work from county police. Szarmach owns and operates CSA Towing in Lake Station.

Authorities arrested Szarmach Friday in Hobart. The government asked for him to be detained pending trial, which is now set for Jan. 17, but could be delayed. Szarmach will appear in a detention hearing Tuesday.

The indictment alleges that between February 2014 and last month Buncich set in motion a scheme to enrich himself and Buncich Boosters, his political campaign committee.

The government alleges the sheriff has sole authority in Lake County to designate towing companies his officers can use to remove cars from the public streets. County records indicate that between 10 and 12 firms removed thousands of vehicles in the past two years.

The government claims Buncich accepted bribes allegedly from towing firms for cash and campaign contributions, although he didnt record all those contributions in his campaign finance reports, as state law requires.

The government said Downs collected some of the bribes for Buncich. Sometimes Buncich is alleged to have personally grabbed the cash and put it in his pocket.

Firms that paid bribes got on the sheriffs approved towing list and received a larger district in which they could collect large fees from people seeking to recover their towed vehicles.

The indictment lists seven bribes over the last two years, the last being $7,500 paid Sept. 2.

The government alleges bribes were paid by Szarmach and an unidentified firm, referred to in the indictment as Individual A that U.S. Attorney David Capp said was the whistleblower who started the multi-year investigation rolling.

Capp warned that he expects that investigation to continue and more are likely to be charged. We are coming after you. Time is running short.

Buncich is the countys highest elected law enforcement official as well as the chairman of the Lake County Democratic Party.

He gave no indication he is stepping down as the countys top cop or as party boss. Lake County Councilman Jamal Washington, who has been a sharp critic of Buncich, said Friday night he isnt calling for Buncichs removal at this time. I believe the party will come together and be stronger.
The Lake County Sheriff's Department is still under the command of Sheriff John Buncich and his staff, a release from the department stated Friday afternoon.

Buncich and Chief Deputy Sheriff Tim Downs were charged with mail fraud, and Buncich was also charged with receiving a bribe, by federal authorities Friday.

The release stated that the administrative staff, led by Buncich, and the command staff continues to handle day-to-day operations of the Uniform Patrol, Criminal Investigations, Civil, Staff Services, and Corrections divisions.

"The Sheriff's Department is continuing to run as normal," Buncich was quoted in the release. "There has been no disruption of any operations. The proud men and women of the Lake County Indiana Sheriff's Department continue to serve and protect our citizens."
HAMMOND  An attorney for 41 climate change protesters arrested last spring at the BP Whiting Refinery has worked out a deal to have their criminal trespassing charges dismissed.

Roy Dominguez said Thursday afternoon he has a promise from the Lake County prosecutors office to accept the protesters into a pretrial diversion program that will require each to pay a $110 fee and be on good behavior for the next 180 days.

Dominguez said if the protesters avoid new arrests and comply with the programs conditions for the next three months, the prosecutor would dismiss their trespassing charges.

Dominguez said he will submit the agreement early today to Lake Superior Court Judge Jesse Villalpando at the county courthouse in Hammond on behalf of 34 of the activists.

He said he will ask for a court date for the remaining seven activists. He said the activists wont have to appear in court for todays hearing

Police in riot gear arrested the 41 the afternoon of May 15 as hundreds marched more than a mile to BP Whiting Refinerys Gate 15 to call for action on climate change.

Those arrested sat in a circle in front of the gate, holding hands while chanting and singing. A crowd of onlookers cheered for each person as police got the protesters up one by one and led them to prisoner transport vans.

The protest was part of a global campaign calling for a transition to renewable energy.

The Whiting Refinery has been a target since its recent $3.8 billion expansion project will enable it to process heavier crude oil, including oil from Canadian tar sands.
CROWN POINT  The Lake County Police Merit Board members unanimously declined Thursday to award disability benefits to Lt. Guy Mikulich, who is awaiting trial and possible termination over drunken driving charges.

Mikulichs attorney, Christopher Cooper, is arguing Mikulich, 37, of Merrillville, has been diagnosed as having emotional problems that recently have required his confinement in an outpatient treatment clinic.

The five-member merit board followed the earlier recommendation of the sheriffs pension committee that Mikulich doesnt fit the departments definition of disabled since he could pursue non-police work.

Cooper said he will ask the board to reconsider its decision, because he thinks the pension committees recommendation to deny Mikulich benefits was a rush to judgment without testimony from physicians who have examined Mikulich.

Mikulich has been suspended without pay since his July 10 arrest.

State police allege he was driving intoxicated in an unmarked Ford Crown Victoria squad car while on duty at the Gary Air Show. He struck and severely injured a pedestrian, Derrick Dircks of Frankfort, Illinois.

Gary police stopped Mikulich about a mile and a half from the accident scene. He is accused of having a blood alcohol content of 0.15, nearly double the legal limit.

Mikulich faces 13 Lake Criminal Court charges.

He is pleading not guilty. Mikulich, who wasnt present at Thursdays board meeting, is free on bond.

Sheriff John Buncich, who has been pushing for Mikulichs termination, attended the merit board meeting Thursday.

It was Buncichs first public appearance since FBI and state police raided his offices in an investigation of bribery and extortion involving thousands of cars county police have towed off public streets by private towing firms in Northwest Indiana.
VALPARAISO  Saying there is no room for gang behavior in Porter County, Porter Circuit Court Judge Mary Harper gave a 45-year sentence Friday to a young Hammond man who pleaded guilty to killing two people just outside of Valparaiso in 2012.

It is so wrong what happened here, she said.

Julius Garza, 23, pleaded in September to two counts of murder for the April 7, 2012, shooting deaths of Jeffery Trinka, 40, of Valparaiso, and Jennifer Guinn, 31, of Hammond, at a house in the 1500 block of Lincolnway.

He told the court in September that he and others went to the house in the early morning hours of that day to relieve the resident, Trinka, of marijuana. He said he shot Trinka and Guinn during the visit.

Garza, who at first declined the opportunity to comment Friday, apologized after being prompted by the judge and said that he failed himself and his family.

Trinkas mother, Brenda Trinka, who has since died, said in a prepared statement about her sons murder that was read Friday, A very large part of me is gone.

It has been hell on Earth for our entire family, she said.

She voiced concern that Garza will kill someone else if released from custody.

The boy has no remorse, she said.

Garza was facing 90 to 130 years behind bars if found guilty on the two counts, which was part of his motivation for pleading guilty at the last minute rather than going ahead with his September trial, defense attorney Larry Rogers said.

Garza is eligible to complete his 45-year sentence in half the time or less with good behavior and participation in various prison programs. He already has served 1,687 days behind bars.

A co-defendant in the case, Alejandro Sanchez, who has since pleaded guilty to a reduced count of burglary for his role, has said Garza went into the house alone, came back out angry, grabbed a rifle from the rear of his SUV and reportedly fired the gun through the rear door of the house and went inside. Sanchez said he followed in hope of stealing money and/or drugs, and left after seeing a man on the floor.

Three others with Garza reportedly fled following the shooting. Police said they found Garza attempting to drive away when they arrived.
HOBART  In what has become a yearly tradition, the Hobart Police Department and city officials have honored a resident and officers for their efforts to help solve crimes and save lives.

During Wednesdays Board of Public Works and Safety meeting, resident Carolie Warren received a citizen commendation for efforts that resulted in police filing charges against suspects believed to be responsible for more than 70 burglaries in Lake, Porter and LaPorte counties.

Hobart officers Darren Sandilla, Jason Hayes, Adam Zormier, Adam Ahmad, Ryan Snedecor and Kevin Garber also were given lifesaving merit awards during the session.

Warrens home was burglarized in May, when jewelry, DVDs and a large container of coins were taken.

Lt. James Gonzales said Warren called the manager of a local Strack & Van Til location to inquire if there had been large transactions involving a coin-cashing machine at the store.

The manager provided police with surveillance of such a transaction involving two women the same day of the burglary at Warrens home.

Jessica L. Spillers, of Hobart, was identified as one of the suspects, and police went to a Hobart home to speak with her.

While there, police saw change containers matching those in the surveillance video from the grocery store. Items from other burglaries also were recovered there.

Additional investigation resulted in burglary charges filed against Spillers, Erika E. Johnson and Aaron M. Marcadis, both of Portage, and Ronald W. Thomas, of Lake Station.

Police said the suspects are believed to be responsible for numerous crimes in Hobart and surrounding areas.

All this was made possible by just one simple phone call by Mrs. Warren, Gonzales said.

The Hobart officers honored Wednesday were involved in incidents in which Narcan was administered to reverse drug overdoses.

Zormier, Ahmad, Snedecor and Garber in October responded to a local motel regarding a double heroin overdose.

The officers worked in pairs to dispense Narcan and provide CPR to the two individuals having overdoses.

Police Chief Rick Zormier said the two people were close to dying, but they survived because of the quick response by the officers.

In August, a person suffered an accidental overdose involving the use of a fentanyl patch and Xanax. Sandilla and Hayes administered Narcan to neutralize the effects of the prescriptions, which the person obtained legally.

Capt. Greg Viator said the officers who helped save the lives of the three people are strong assets to the force.

All of these officers here are the future of our department, he said.
Attorneys and Judge Samuel Cappas continued the laborious process Thursday afternoon of laying the groundwork for the trial of Carl Blount, who faces the death penalty on allegations he murdered Gary Patrolman Jeffrey Westerfield.

Cappas dismissed several prospective jurors parties agreed were disqualified to serve at trial, including a Lake County Sheriffs Department corrections officer, a non-native English speaking Croatian woman, and a Jehovahs witness who opposed the death penalty.

Jury selection is scheduled to begin Jan. 30. The trial is scheduled to start Feb. 27, and could take two to three weeks to complete.

The jury will be required to not only determine whether Blount is guilty, but also recommend if he should be sentenced to death.

Blount, 27, of Gary and Portage, is alleged to have fatally shot Westerfield on July 6, 2014, while the officer sat in his patrol car in the 2600 block of Van Buren Place in Gary.

Westerfield, 47, was searching for Blount, who was accused of firing a gun during a domestic dispute on McKinley Street in Gary.

Blount also faces charges of intimidation, battery and carrying a handgun without a license in connection with the domestic incident.

Blount has pleaded not guilty to all charges.
PORTAGE  Mayor James Snyder has been indicted in federal court in Hammond on bribery and obstruction charges.

U.S. District Attorney David Capp announced the indictments in a press conference Friday morning.

While the charges were being read from the federal courthouse in Hammond, Snyder met with city department heads and employees at his home.

U.S. marshals escorted Snyder, 38, into court about 3:30 p.m. Friday. He flashed smiles at his lawyers, Thomas Kirsch and Thomas Dogan.

He pleaded not guilty before U.S. Magistrate Judge Paul Cherry to felony bribery, extortion and tax dodging counts, which carry long prison terms if he is convicted.

He was freed on a $20,000 recognizance bond, but has to surrender his passport and firearms he owns. When the judge asked Snyder if he has a passport, Snyder smiled and said, Weve been looking for it since 7 a.m.

Snyders administrative assistant, Amanda Lakie, said he would not be making a statement and directed The Times to Snyders attorney. Lakie said Snyder met with employees to encourage them to continue their work for the city.

Mayor James Snyder has been under investigation for nearly two and half years and today was indicted on three counts, said Snyders attorney, Tom Kirsch, of Chicago. Mayor Snyder believed that this extremely lengthy federal investigation had been concluded without charges being sought. Todays indictment comes as a complete surprise. This is particularly so because these charges are meritless. Mayor Snyder has always been cooperative with federal agents throughout the relentless investigation. Mayor Snyder looks forward to fighting these charges in a court of law and to complete vindication. Mayor Snyder and his family are grateful for the outpouring of support they have received from residents, friends, and family and asks that they continue to believe in him through this time.

Federal authorities arrested and arraigned John Cortina, owner of Kustom Auto Body, 5409 U.S. 6, Portage, earlier Friday. He is pleading not guilty to his role in the scheme and is also free on bond.

Cherry set their trial to begin the week of Jan. 23, although the date could change if the defense needs more time to prepare.

The charges

The first charge names Snyder and Cortina.

Snyder and Cortina are both charged with a violation of the federal bribery statute. Snyder is alleged to have corruptly solicited and received two checks totaling $12,000 from Cortina, in exchange for a towing contract in the city of Portage, according to a press release from the U.S. Department of Justice. Cortina is charged with corruptly offering those checks to Snyder.

Cortinas business was raided last week by Indiana State Police and U.S. Treasury Department agents. Cortina told The Times then that his business was not the subject of the raid, that a towing company which leases property from Cortina was being investigated.

Snyder is also charged with a second violation of the federal bribery statute. That count alleges that between Jan. 1, 2012 and Jan. 10, 2014, Snyder corruptly solicited and agreed to accept a bank check in the amount of $13,000 in connection with Portage Board of Works contracts, a Portage Redevelopment Commission project and other consideration, stated the release.

The final charge against Snyder alleges obstruction of the internal revenue laws. This count sets forth an alleged scheme, undertaken by Snyder between January 2010 and April 2013, to obstruct and impede the Internal Revenue Services collection of personal taxes he owed and payroll taxes owed by his mortgage business, First Financial Trust Mortgage LLC. Snyder is alleged to have diverted funds away from FFTM to a sole proprietorship he created, and submitted three forms to the IRS which failed to disclose, among other things, the existence of the sole proprietorship and its bank account  all during a time when the IRS was attempting to collect the aforementioned tax debt.

Lengthy investigation

The indictment comes after more than two years of investigation by the FBI into the city and Snyder and less than two months after Snyder attempted to get the citys Utility Service Board to pay some $93,000 in legal fees involving the investigation.

In September, Snyder had two checks cut by the department and sent to two legal firms without approval by the board. The legal firms allegedly returned the checks because they were not from Snyder directly. The funds were returned to the department and Mark Oprisko, City Council president and utility board vice chairman, called for an investigation by an independent attorney into the claims.

While state law allows Snyder to request the reimbursement it can only be done if he was cleared of the investigation and there were no impending indictments.

Reactions

Oprisko said he had the wind knocked out of me when he heard about the indictments and was disheartened, thinking that the investigation was over a couple of months ago.

It is a black eye to the city. The investigation is what it is. He is innocent until proven guilty. He still has a job to do. He has to pick it up and move forward, Oprisko said, adding the same is true for city employees and other elected officials. Our job is to serve the citizens of Portage, and we will continue to do that.

While this is a sad day for the city of Portage, Jim Snyder deserves his day in court, said Portage Clerk-Treasurer Chris Stidham. However, I am focused on ensuring myself and the City Council continue to lead Portage forward despite the mayors troubles. Now, more than ever, Portage needs good leaders. We are more than any one person and the issues of one wont derail our progress.

Todays indictment issued by the United States Attorney in connection to Portage Mayor James Snyder is deeply concerning, said Portage Councilman Collin Czilli in a written statement, promising residents that city business will continue unimpeded. However, like any other individual, Mayor Snyder deserves his day in court and the right to defend himself. As a city Councilman, I am of the mindset that we must allow the judicial process to continue and to not interfere in that process for political purposes.

These investigations are not over. Our public corruption team will continue its work, particularly into the towing contracts in both Lake and Porter counties, Capp said in the press release.

Anyone with information related to these public corruption charges is encouraged to call the FBI at (219) 769-3719.

Times reporter Bill Dolan contributed to this story.
EAST CHICAGO  The citys redevelopment department plans to contract with at least three more project construction managers  aimed at expediting federally funded repairs, including lead-based paint removal, in homes across the city.

The city issued public notices in recent days to contract with three to five project managers under its Owner-Occupied Rehab Program, designed to help eligible low-income homeowners rehab properties through grants and loans.

The program is funded, in large part, through the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development.

The East Chicago Redevelopment Commission since Oct. 4 has approved at least six rehab and lead stabilization projects totaling more than $200,000, according to city documents. One home, in the 4900 block of Euclid Avenue, is within the EPAs lead- and arsenic- contaminated Superfund site.

Of the six approved rehab projects, at least four involve lead stabilization, or interim controls used to reduce lead hazards in the home.

About 94 percent of the citys owner-occupied homes were built before 1980, increasing the likelihood that lead-based paint is present, according to the citys 2014-2018 Consolidated Action Plan.

Lead from paint, including lead-contaminated dust, is one of the most common causes of lead poisoning, according to the EPA.

The federal government banned consumer uses of lead-based paint in 1978.

Right now, I got a big list of people that I have to take care of, the citys Redevelopment Director Frank Rivera said Tuesday after the Redevelopment Commission meeting. It has to go faster. I closed the application process to catch up.

News first broke this past summer about dangerously high levels of lead and arsenic in the soil at the West Calumet Housing Complex, which makes up part of an EPA Superfund site, or land that has been deemed contaminated. The EPA continues to test and excavate soil in the nearby Calumet and East Calumet neighborhoods.

Carla Morgan, the citys attorney, said the hiring is to speed up the program and is not related to the EPAs Superfund site or an effort to focus on lead-based paint in the site.

Building code issues, including lead-based paint hazards, are prioritized to ensure that health and safety issues are addressed first with grant money, Morgan said.

Most other rehab work may also be funded, with certain exceptions. Work excluded from funding under this program includes foundation repair, work on detached garages or fences, she said.

It is unclear how many households have requested repairs through the program since 2013. Rivera in a follow-up phone interview Thursday said that information was not immediately available.

The city removed lead-based paint hazards from 12 homes in both 2009 and 2010, three in 2011 and one in 2012, according to the citys Consolidated Annual Performance Evaluation Report for fiscal year 2012.

Slightly more than 20 homes were tested for lead-based paint hazards between 2009 and 2012.
PORTAGE  It was just a year ago that the legs under the Greater Portage Chamber of Commerce were wobbly.

Its director suddenly quit after only six months at the helm when the city of Portage cut off funding for the chambers joint organization, the Portage Economic Development Corp.

Thursday, chamber officials reported the group is growing and financially sound.

Its been a very exciting year, said President Mike Sarver to a group of about 50 gathered for the monthly luncheon. Weve put a lot of good things in place. Weve increased membership, made a few building improvements and enhanced the bylaws.

Director Nancy Simpson said the chamber has welcomed 68 new members so far this year, nearly double the number in 2015. It has purchased new computers, introduced a new website on which members and the public can register and pay for programming, and created a new logo.

Simpson said the building the chamber owns on Eleanor Street is now full of tenants, which is assisting the chamber financially, and that they have improved their relationship with the city government, participating in several projects.

An additional staff member was added and programming expanded, such as a car show and progressive dinner. Another new program will be a fishing show in February.

Treasurer Terry Hardin said the finances have turned around, allowing the chamber to build an emergency building fund it previously didnt have.

Simpson said they will continue to work on attendance and membership in the coming year. She said they also will move their luncheons to quarterly, instead of monthly, gatherings with better speakers.
WASHINGTON  House Minority Leader Nancy Pelosi is being challenged for her leadership position by seven-term Rep. Tim Ryan of Ohio.

What we are doing right now is not working, Ryan said in a letter to colleagues. Under our current leadership, Democrats have been reduced to our smallest congressional minority since 1929. This should indicate to all of us that keeping our leadership team completely unchanged will simply lead to more disappointment in future elections.

Amid rumors of a challenge, Pelosi, D-Calif., had earlier agreed to push the caucus leadership election back to Nov. 30. Nonetheless, members left Thursday for the Thanksgiving break, and there is little time for opposition to organize.

Pelosi has said Democrats need to be a strong, unified force to counter President-elect Donald Trump and Republicans.

In a letter to colleagues Wednesday, Pelosi said she has the support of two-thirds of the caucus, and made the case that she helped Democrats regain the majority in 2006 while President George W. Bush was in office.

To be a strong voice for hard-working families and to uphold the values we cherish as Americans, House Democrats must be unified, strategic and unwavering. These qualities took us to victory in 2006 and I believe they will do so again. We must start now! she said.

Ryan, who is from a state that Trump won, noted in his letter that Democrats have controlled the chamber only twice in the last 18 years.

The top two House Democrats, Pelosi and Steny Hoyer of Maryland, have been in leadership positions for nearly two decades, and there have been increased rumblings from a new generation of members that its their turn, especially after Democrats gained less than a fourth of the seats they needed to retake the majority.

I dont think that you can come in and say the way forward for Democrats is to do exactly what weve been doing. Thats Einsteins definition of insanity, Rep. Seth Moulton, D-Mass., said Wednesday. Clearly our message hasnt resonated, especially with people in the middle of the country.

Several California lawmakers said theyll support Pelosi. Rep. Doris Matsui, D-Calif., authored a letter signed by 50 female members (including 14 Californians) urging Pelosi to run again, saying the caucus needs her strategic, battle-tested leadership to guide us through the years ahead.

Rep. Eric Swalwell of California said Democrats need to support Pelosi as a steady hand against Trump.

Swalwell said he wants to make sure at the very top that person is experienced and able to match the inexperience the Trumps presidency will bring.
The family of Domonique Nikki Smith announced Thursday morning they filed a lawsuit against Family Christian Center and its pastors, Steve and Melodye Munsey, in connection with their 18-year-old daughters death.

Smiths mother, Vicki Walker, said in a news conference at the Lake County Government Center in Crown Point that she had unanswered questions about her daughters death May 29, 2015, in a pool at the Munsey residence.

She said she did not suspect foul play, but felt Melodye Munsey, who Walker said was at the residence at the time of Smiths death, was negligent, and failed to show adequate care for her daughters safety.

Smith was found floating face down in a pool at the Munseys residence on Wilderness Drive in Schererville that afternoon. Walker said her daughter had been a lifeguard and was a strong swimmer.

Smith was at the residence to baby-sit the Munseys 6-year-old granddaughter, according to a news release.

She should have been watching my child, while (Smith) watched their child, Walker said.

Smith also raised questions about an alleged 15-minute gap in surveillance footage obtained by police from the Munsey residence.

I believe the tape was altered, Smith said.

The Munsey familys attorney, former Lake County Sheriff Roy Dominguez, said Thursday afternoon he had not received a copy of the civil complaint and could not comment on pending litigation.

The Family Christian Center, 340 W. 45th Ave. in Munster, has 15,000 weekly worshipers and a congregation of more than 30,000.

The wrongful death lawsuit was filed Thursday morning in Lake County Civil Court.

Defendants include Family Christian World Inc., the Munseys, Indiana Land Trust Company and Domonique Smiths father, Darryl Anthony Smith.

The family says in the lawsuit that Smith arrived at the Munseys residence at 10 a.m. to baby-sit their grandchild.

Melodye Munsey and a second woman were at the residence, the lawsuit states.

At 1 p.m., Smith was reportedly discovered unresponsive in the Munseys swimming pool, according to the lawsuit.

Paramedics were dispatched to the house some time thereafter, according to the lawsuit, and Smith was transported to Franciscan St. Margaret Health hospital in Dyer (now called Franciscan Health Dyer), which was about a half-mile farther away from the residence than the closest hospital, Community Hospital in Munster.

The family says in the lawsuit Steve Munsey is affiliated with Franciscan St. Margaret Health hospital.

Smith never regained consciousness and died June 1, according to the lawsuit. A toxicology screening indicated she had no drugs or alcohol in her system, and, despite drowning, water was not present in her lungs.

Lake County Chief Deputy Coroner Scott Sefton said Wednesday that Smiths death was ruled an accidental drowning, but no autopsy was performed because Smiths organs were donated.

Walker said she decided to pursue legal action after she viewed on July 13 the surveillance footage from the day of Smiths death, which was obtained by the Schererville Police Department.

She said Melodye Munsey did not appear to act with urgency when she discovered Smiths body in the water.

Walker said Melodye Munsey later told her she saw Smiths soul leave her body, so there was no sense of emergency.

Walker further said the surveillance footage did not appear to show everything that happened, and contradicted some of the Munseys claims.

Walker is represented in the lawsuit by lead attorney Max Solomon and local counsel Trent A. McCain.

Walker has requested a jury trial.
WASHINGTON  The Obama administration was the first to significantly raise the profile of food policy, championing laws and pushing through regulation to make food safer, more nutritious and better labeled.

A look at some of those policies, and what may happen to them in a Trump administration:

SCHOOL MEALS: First lady Michelle Obama made healthier school meals one of her signature issues. A Democratic Congress passed legislation expanding healthier standards for school foods in 2010, and Mrs. Obama successfully fended off Republican attempts to scale them back. Trump hasnt weighed in on school meals, but Alabama Rep. Robert Aderholt, a member of his agricultural advisory committee, says there likely will be new efforts to revise the rules.

FOOD SAFETY: A food safety law signed by President Barack Obama five years ago requires farmers to test irrigation water quality, regularly train workers on the best health and hygiene practices and monitor wildlife that may intrude on growing fields, among other measures. It also increases inspections in food manufacturing facilities. A fact sheet issued by the Trump campaign in September criticized the food safety rules, but that language was deleted in a second version of the memo.

NUTRITION FACTS: The Food and Drug Administration issued a new version of the Nutrition Facts labels that are on the backs of food packages, the first overhaul of the label since its introduction in 1994. The sugar industry has objected to a new line that breaks out the amount of added sugars. The rules are in place, but most food companies have until July 2018 to comply.

CALORIES ON MENUS: Passed by Congress as part of health care overhaul in 2010, the rules will require restaurants and other establishments that sell prepared foods and have 20 or more locations to post the calorie content of food clearly and conspicuously on their menus, menu boards and displays. The supermarket industry has strongly pushed back on the rules, saying they would be more burdensome for them than for restaurants, which typically have more limited offerings. The rules will be enforced starting next May.

PHASING OUT TRANS FATS: The FDA announced in 2015 that it was requiring food companies to largely rid their foods of the artery-clogging fats over several years, calling them a threat to public health. But the rules allow food companies to petition to use trans fats sparingly in some foods, and the agency is currently considering what foods can be exempted.

SODIUM GUIDELINES: The FDA earlier this year proposed long-awaited sodium guidelines in an effort to prevent thousands of deaths each year from heart disease and stroke. The guidelines are voluntary, so food companies wont be required to comply, and the agency hasnt yet announced final guidelines. The food industry has pushed back, saying companies have already reduced sodium in many foods.

ANTIBIOTICS: The administration announced a plan last year to fight the threat posed by antibiotic-resistant bacteria. While overuse in humans is the leading concern, the administration has worked to curb use in animals processed for meat, as well. Its unclear if the Trump administration would continue that effort, which has met with some resistance from the meat industry.
The Brooklyn district attorney's office says a man has been indicted in connection with the murder of a teenager in Brooklyn in 2004.

Acting Brooklyn DA Eric Gonzalez says 38-year-old Kwauhuru Govan was arraigned Thursday on one count of second-degree murder and one count of first-degree kidnapping. He was ordered held without bail.

Govan's court appearance was heated. When he entered the court, someone yelled out, "You put your hands on my family, you piece of [expletive]." Govan replied, "You got the wrong person."

Later, as he exited the courtroom, Govan said, "I'm innocent. I've been framed. I did not do this." He was then shouted down by other people in the courtroom.

Gonzalez says Govan's DNA was found on the fingernails of the victim, 17-year-old Sharabia Thomas.

"The clippings of her fingernails had been done, but the technology didn't exist at that point," Gonzalez said. "This guy got arrested and convicted in Florida in 2014, so as we went back, we were able to get a DNA hit on him."

Thomas' body was discovered on February 11, 2004 inside laundry bags in an alley on Palmetto Street, according to the acting Brooklyn DA.

Authorities say her body was found naked and bruised. They say she suffered blunt force trauma to her head, face and torso. Her cause of death was determined to be asphyxia by neck compression.

Police struggled to identify a suspect until cold case investigators requested a new DNA test.

According to prosecutors, Govan had been serving time for armed robbery in Florida when his DNA came up as a match.

Govan's attorney, Fred Spiegel, cast doubt on the evidence.

"DNA is not infallible because there are people who process it," Speigel said. "There are many things that can go wrong."

But relatives who waited more than a decade for a break in the case said justice is finally being served.

"People that get caught from DNA, it's not, they didn't get framed," said one relative. "You can't frame someone from DNA."

Prosecutors say Govan lived two blocks away from Thomas at the time and likely became obsessed with her.
In light of Donald Trump's victory, state Attorney General Eric Schneiderman is urging law enforcement agencies across the state to be on the lookout for hate crimes. Zack Fink filed the following report.

State Attorney General Eric Schneiderman has issued a bulletin to district attorneys and law enforcement agencies across the state highlighting how a hate or bias crime can be identified and prosecuted. It's a direct response to the rise of Donald Trump and the perceived empowerment of some of his supporters.

"This year's presidential election has laid bare some deep divisions in our nation," Schneiderman said. "The depth of those divisions and the ugliness of the rhetoric during the campaign surprised and even frightened many New Yorkers."

It's one of several initiatives Democratic leaders are taking to help New Yorkers feel safe in the current climate. Governor Cuomo has set up a hotline to report such crimes.

Just recently, a piece of graffiti showed up in upstate Wellsville, New York. It shows a swastika with the slogan "Make America White Again," a clear play on Republican President-elect Donald Trump's campaign slogan of "Make America Great Again."

In January, the new state legislative session will get underway, and already, lawmakers are looking at new ways to strengthen constitutional protections and civil rights of all New Yorkers. For example, hateful graffiti is currently not characterized as a bias crime.

"I'm introducing legislation that would include graffiti or the making of graffiti in the list of specified offences that could be coupled with hate crimes and hate crime penalties," said Assemblywoman Nily Rozic of Queens.

"There are things we can do to strengthen our laws. And we have to be vigilant," Schneiderman said. "And in addition to writing checks to an organization on the front lines, I urge everyone to contact your local representatives."

While Democrats may favor new legislation, it's unclear what kind of partner they will have with the Republican-controlled state Senate, which actually strengthened its majority in elections last week. Senate Republicans might also be less eager to work with Democrats, including Governor Andrew Cuomo, who campaigned hard against Republican incumbents, only to come up short.
President Obama is devoting much of the last foreign trip of his term to reassuring European allies that Washington will maintain its security commitments under Donald Trump and stay true to its democratic principles. Before leaving Washington, he met with Mr. Trump and said the president-elect expressed a great interest in maintaining our core strategic relationships, including strong and robust NATO partnerships.

But that message wont be credible unless and until the world hears it directly and unequivocally from Mr. Trump, who spent months on the campaign trail disparaging NATO and insisting that its members pay more for their own defense.

Mr. Trump is not the only worry in Western democracies, which now seem threatened by authoritarian leaders on all sides. A photo circulating on social media shows that the leadership of the United Nations Security Council could soon be made up of: the autocratic Vladimir Putin of Russia and Xi Jinping of China; the nationalist, far-right Marine Le Pen, if she wins the election in France next year; the ever-shifting and volatile Mr. Trump and Theresa May, the untested British prime minister.

The Western leaders in that group would be a far cry from those who, from the wreckage of World War II, built the trans-Atlantic community, promoted shared values of tolerance and human rights and created the network of institutions, like NATO, that have kept the peace and contributed to economic growth.
The New York Philharmonic will offer its audiences a taste of new Amsterdam when the Dutch maestro Jaap van Zweden becomes its music director in the 2018-19 season.

The orchestra announced Thursday that it was awarding the Marie-Josee Kravis Prize for New Music, one of the worlds richest contemporary music prizes, to the influential Dutch composer Louis Andriessen. The award comes with $200,000 and a commission to write a new work for the Philharmonic, which Mr. van Zweden will conduct during his inaugural season.

It will be the first time the Philharmonic has played Mr. Andriessens music in more than three decades: In 1986, the orchestra gave the New York premiere of one of his masterpieces, De Staat, under the baton of Gunther Schuller. But Mr. Andriessens work has been championed in New York in recent years, including at Carnegie Hall, where he held the Richard and Barbara Debs Composers Chair in the 2009-10 season, and the Park Avenue Armory, which staged his De Materie earlier this year  with a cast that included 100 sheep.

Mr. Andriessen, 77, who comes from a family of composers, said in a statement that he was put in mind of something that his father, Hendrik Andriessen, used to say: We are not important; the music is important, and we have the duty to write as well as we can.
Twenty-four hours after Monets Grainstack soared to $81.4 million at Christies, New Yorks jittery postelection art market received another boost when 25 works from the collection of the late Steven Ames and his wife, Ann, sold for $122.8 million with fees on Thursday night at Sothebys contemporary sale.

As the prize consignment of the week  in a period of uncertainty, when trophies have been hard to come by  the Ames cache had been estimated to sell for at least $93 million.

Over all, Sothebys contemporary art sale of 64 lots grossed $276.6 million against a low estimate of $208 million. And 94 percent of the lots sold. Whether there are just two bidders or five, it gets it done, the art adviser Nancy Whyte said afterward, referring generally to Sothebys performance.
(Want to get this briefing by email? Heres the sign-up.)

Good morning.

Heres what you need to know:

 Sessions offered attorney general post.

President-elect Donald J. Trump has chosen Senator Jeff Sessions of Alabama for the cabinet position. While Mr. Sessions, a close adviser to Mr. Trump, is well liked in the Senate, his record as a federal prosecutor in the 1980s may become an issue for Democrats and civil rights groups.

Also today, Representative Mike Pompeo of Kansas was picked to run the C.I.A. Hes a former Army officer who gained prominence during the hearings into the 2012 attack on an American compound in Benghazi, Libya.
Welcome to McDonalds! May I take your order  and bring it to your table?

McDonalds on Thursday announced changes that could reshape the diners experience, saying that it would expand its digital self-serve ordering stations and table service to all of its 14,000 American restaurants.

The company said once people order at one of the stations  sleek, vertical touchscreens  they will get a digital location device and can take a seat. When their burgers and fries are ready, the technology will guide a server to the table to deliver the food with a big smile and a thank you.

Typically, the majority of our crew is behind the counter, and that counter literally has been a barrier between our crew and the customer, Steve Easterbrook, chief executive of McDonalds, said at an event Thursday in a newly renovated and outfitted McDonalds on Chambers Street in New York.

Customers will still be able to order food the old-fashioned way, at the counter. But the move to self-order systems and table service is one way to address one of the biggest problems the companys restaurants have faced in recent years: slower food delivery to customers, caused by more items on the menu. The thinking is that customers will be more willing to wait if they are sitting at a table instead of waiting at a counter.
Rene Redzepi was already familiar with hard-shell tacos out of the box, a fairly common product in Denmark, the taco-deficient nation where he lives and runs the influential restaurant Noma. But those arent the tacos that changed his life.

Late one night, just about a decade ago, Mr. Redzepi arrived hungry in Merida, Mexico, and stopped on the street for tacos al pastor  hot, fresh corn tortillas piled with thinly sliced pork that had been browned on a vertical spit. The meal was quick, simple, but skillfully executed, and it made an outsize impression on the chef.

The next day, I started delving into it, Mr. Redzepi, 38, said in an interview last week in New York. Tortillas led me to masa. Masa led me to nixtamalization. I realized, there were thousands of years of history in every bite.

Since then, he has taken vacations to Mexico with his wife and children every year. Next April, for more than a month, his entire Copenhagen-based staff of about 90 people will join him to run a Noma pop-up in Tulum, inspired by the broader scope of Mexican cuisine.
Sam Sifton emails readers of Cooking five days a week to talk about food and suggest recipes. That email also appears here. To receive it in your inbox, register here.

Good morning. Thanksgiving is Thursday, and were looking at our weekend to-do list and feeling an awful lot like the Earl of Salisbury in Shakespeares Henry V, right before the Battle of Agincourt. Gods arm strike with us! tis a fearful odds, Salisbury says with a stiff upper lip. God be wi you princes all; Ill to my charge.

And so it is for me. To the Subaru, in which Ill drive toward my fate! Ill get the turkey Saturday or Sunday: A fresh one will be fine in the fridge until Thursday morning, Ill tell you that right now, so dont fret. (If you have questions about getting ready for Thanksgiving, check out our guide to planning and cooking the feast.) Ill make cranberry sauce as well, because it keeps. And Ill get some pie dough in the fridge. And maybe make something else out of our fine collection of make-ahead Thanksgiving recipes, on top of all that.
For the second time in less than two decades, the United States elected a president who won the most electors to the Electoral College but lost the popular vote. Yet, Americans allegiance to the Constitution is so strong that in both cases, the winner of the popular vote conceded quickly and publicly so that the country could move forward with the peaceful transfer of power.

Does this give you faith in the strength of American democracy? Are you confident that the United Statess constitutional democracy is strong enough to weather whatever challenges may come its way?

In American Democracy Is Bigger Than Any One Person, Obama Says, Gardiner Harris reports on President Obamas recent comments about our democracy:

Mr. Obama took advantage of his trip to Greece to make his first visit to the Acropolis. The ruins were a reminder that great powers, even democratic ones with remarkable cultures, can fall. Mr. Obama has largely spoken positively about the coming presidency of Donald J. Trump, saying in a Monday news conference that the president-elect had reassured him that he would remain committed to NATO and that he would keep portions of Mr. Obamas health care law. On Tuesday, Mr. Obama seemed to change tack, warning against what he said were dangerous divisions of race, religion and ethnicity. We are going to have to guard against a rise in a crude sort of nationalism or ethnic identity or tribalism that is built around an us and a them, he said. On Wednesday, he said that even if progress follows a winding path  sometimes forward, sometimes back  democracy is still the most effective form of government ever devised by man. Mr. Obama did acknowledge that democracy could be challenging. And in multiethnic, multiracial, multicultural societies, like the United States, it can be especially complicated, he said. Believe me, I know. But he said that globalization and automation, which have created the most prosperous and advanced society in history, were also creating extraordinary anxiety. Technology and automation mean that goods can be produced with fewer workers, the president said. It means jobs and manufacturing can move across borders where wages are lower and rights are less protected.

Students: Read the entire article, then tell us:

 Do you have faith in American democracy? Do you believe that our system of representative government works as it should?

 Do you agree with President Obama that democracy is still the most effective form of government ever devised by man?

 Are there any challenges to Americas constitutional democracy that concern you? Do you think American democracy is strong enough to withstand any of those challenges?

 Do you agree with President Obama that American democracy is bigger than any one person? Do you believe the Constitutions system of checks and balances protects American democracy from abuse by any of its leaders?

 Why is the tradition of a peaceful transfer of power from one president to another so important in American democracy?
Article: With a Cuckoos Journey From China, a Mystery Is Solved, and Cheers Go Up

Before Reading

Check out the map above and imagine what it would be like to be a bird traveling from the starting point in northern China to the end point in Africa. Think about the hazards and difficulties youd face.

When and what would you eat? Would you be able to stop and sleep? How would you fly over oceans during storms, gale-force winds or drought? How would you deal with man-made obstacles like airplanes, skyscrapers, pollution or drones? How long do you think it would take? Do you think youd make it from one point to another alive?

Questions for Comprehension and Analysis

1. What is the name of the tracking project that tracked the migratory birds? How many birds were tracked, and for how long? How were their journeys recorded? What two countries were involved in running the cuckoo investigation?

2. Why does the article call a cuckoo bird a cynical freeloader? How do the scientists capture the birds to attach the tracking device? How has technology revolutionized the study of migratory birds?
Ahmad Khan Rahimi, the New Jersey man accused of setting off a bomb in Manhattan on Sept. 17 that injured more than 30 people, pleaded not guilty on Thursday to federal charges stemming from that attack and a failed attempt to explode a bomb nearby.

The charges were contained in an eight-count indictment that was returned on Wednesday in Federal District Court in Manhattan.

The bomb that caused the injuries had been left under a trash bin on West 23rd Street in the Chelsea neighborhood. The unexploded bomb was found on West 27th Street.

The indictment covers both episodes, charging Mr. Rahimi, 28, with the use of a weapon of mass destruction and the attempted use of such a weapon. Both counts carry a maximum sentence of life in prison.
SENECA FALLS, N.Y.  As Election Day approached, a new plaque was prepared at the National Womens Hall of Fame here, for Hillary Clinton.

The polls were suggesting that Mrs. Clinton would be the first woman elected president. She was already among the 266 women enshrined in the hall, a former bank building with pillars. Staff members suggested to Jeanne Giovannini, the president, that a new plaque should be available to a potential flood of jubilant visitors.

We wanted to be ready, said Ms. Giovannini, who said she makes a point of maintaining political neutrality.

They put the plaque in a second-floor office. It never came downstairs.

Seneca Falls, cradle of the national movement for womens rights, was swept up by the same electoral cyclone that lifted Donald J. Trump, the Republican candidate, to the presidency. The town supported Mrs. Clinton, but barely. As of this week, she had tallied 1,740 votes here, giving her an edge of 74 votes over Mr. Trump, with absentee ballots still to be counted.
On any person who desires such queer prizes, New York will bestow the gift of loneliness and the gift of privacy.

 E.B. White, Here Is New York, 1949



From a sidewalk in Lower Manhattan, the building at 33 Thomas Street, known as the Long Lines Building, looks like nothing less than a monument to the prize of privacy.

With not a window in its walls from the ground up to its height of 550 feet, 33 Thomas looms over Church Street with an architectural blank face. Nothing about it resembles a place of human habitation, and in fact it was built for machines: An AT&T subsidiary commissioned the tower to house long-distance phone lines. Completed in 1974, it was fortified to withstand a nuclear attack on New York, and the architect made plans to include enough food, water and generator fuel to sustain 1,500 people for two weeks during a catastrophic loss of power to the city.

Image An early model of the entrance of 33 Thomas Street, as designed by John Carl Warnecke & Associates, shown in the documentary Project X. Credit... Project X

Now, an investigative article in The Intercept and an accompanying 10-minute documentary film, Project X, opening on Friday at the IFC Center in Greenwich Village, say the building appears to have served another purpose: as a listening post code-named Titanpointe by the National Security Agency. The article and film say that Titanpointe was one of the facilities used to collect communications  with permission granted by judges  from international entities that have at least some operations in New York, such as the United Nations, the International Monetary Fund, the World Bank and 38 countries.
Last month, Lisa S. Coico unexpectedly resigned as president of the City College of New York, a day after The New York Times contacted officials with questions about her administrations handling of more than $150,000 of her personal expenses, and evidence that a memo related to those expenses had been fabricated. Ms. Coico is one of several people, or entities, affiliated with CUNY who are now being investigated by the office of Robert L. Capers, the United States attorney for the Eastern District of New York.

Ms. Coicos exit prompted William C. Thompson Jr., the chairman of CUNYs Board of Trustees and the former New York City comptroller, to ask the state inspector general to conduct a systemwide review of all of the college foundations, alumni associations or other affiliated entities. That review is still continuing, but an interim report was released on Tuesday because Ms. Leahy Scott said it is imperative that significant steps are taken immediately to strengthen the fiscal integrity and oversight of this system.

Immediate it was: On Wednesday, Gov. Andrew M. Cuomo, in an unusually long and personal statement announcing a package of ethics reform proposals, directed CUNYs board to review the institutions entire senior management and the inspector generals findings within 30 days. Mr. Cuomo, a Democrat, also promised to appoint inspectors general for both CUNY and the State University of New York, which has been reeling from scandal as well.

What we consider before using anonymous sources. Do the sources know the information? Whats their motivation for telling us? Have they proved reliable in the past? Can we corroborate the information? Even with these questions satisfied, The Times uses anonymous sources as a last resort. The reporter and at least one editor know the identity of the source. Learn more about our process.

By Wednesday, lobbyists were getting emails and phone calls from CUNY organizations telling them that their contracts would end right away. The state inspector generals report questioned whether the outside lobbyists deserved their fees, suggesting that one firm hired by Hunter College in 2013 did no lobbying and the other did scant work meriting only this description: attempted to schedule meeting with deputy mayor, get status of meeting with deputy mayor.

The firm doing scant work was the RG Group, founded by Fran Reiter, a former deputy mayor of New York. But in an interview, Ms. Reiter said that reading a lobbying report and assuming that it represents all the services a firm provides is very misleading. She added, We do communications work, we do strategic consulting, we provide not-for-profit management and so much more.
Ruth Gruber, a photojournalist and author who documented Stalins gulags, life in Nazi Germany and the plight of Jewish refugees intercepted by the British on the infamous passage of the Exodus to Palestine in 1947, died on Thursday at her home in Manhattan. She was 105.

Her son, David Michaels, confirmed her death.

Ms. Gruber called herself a witness, and in an era of barbarities and war that left countless Jews displaced and stateless, she often crossed the line from journalist to human rights advocate, reporting as well as shaping events that became the headlines and historical footnotes of the 20th century.

Over seven decades, she was a correspondent in Europe and the Middle East and wrote 19 books, mostly based on her own experiences. Acting for President Franklin D. Roosevelt, she escorted nearly 1,000 refugees from 19 Nazi-occupied nations to a safe haven in the United States on a perilous trans-Atlantic crossing in 1944. They included the only large contingent of Jews allowed into America during World War II.

As with many of her exploits, the rescue became the subject of one of her books, Haven: The Dramatic Story of 1,000 World War II Refugees and How They Came to America (1983). It was made into a two-part CBS mini-series in 2001, starring Natasha Richardson as Ms. Gruber.
The City of White Plains and a police officer were not at fault in the death of a mentally disturbed former Marine who was shot in his apartment five years ago after a 90-minute confrontation with the police, a federal jury found in a civil case on Thursday.

The former Marine, Kenneth Chamberlain Sr., who was also a retired corrections officer, accidentally triggered his life-alert pendant early on the morning of Nov. 19, 2011. A group of police officers responded at his ground-floor apartment in a housing project, and after breaking down his door tried to subdue him with beanbag rounds and a Taser weapon.

According to accounts from law enforcement, Mr. Chamberlain, 68, was charging at one of the officers with a kitchen knife when another officer, Anthony Carelli, fired his .40-caliber pistol. During the trial this week in White Plains, the officer who was confronted by Mr. Chamberlain said Mr. Carelli had saved his life.

After the shooting, a grand jury declined to indict Mr. Carelli. But Mr. Chamberlains family, in its $21 million wrongful-death lawsuit, argued that the police should not have forced their way into his apartment and did not use every means at their disposal to resolve the situation peacefully. The family contended that Mr. Chamberlain was down on the ground when he was shot, citing the location of a bullet hole in the wall and the force of the beanbag ammunition.
President-elect Donald Trump says he will move immediately to deport or imprison two million, maybe three million, unauthorized-immigrant criminals. What we are going to do is get the people that are criminal and have criminal records, gang members, drug dealers, he said on Sunday on 60 Minutes.

Like many of his proposals, this one sounds tough and straightforward, but makes no sense under scrutiny and is frightening to think about.

Start with the fact that the target number is made up. There simply arent as many criminal immigrants as he imagines. According to rough estimates by the Migration Policy Institute, of the countrys 11 million unauthorized immigrants, about 820,000 have criminal records. About 300,000 of those have felony convictions and are presumably the bad people Mr. Trump is talking about. If he deports those and only those, it will be a remarkable display of law-enforcement discretion, since he said that there were lots of terrific people among the unauthorized who might be allowed to stay, after the border is secured and after everything gets normalized.
The Italian experience provides a blueprint for how to defeat Mr. Trump. Only two men in Italy have won an electoral competition against Mr. Berlusconi: Romano Prodi and the current prime minister, Matteo Renzi (albeit only in a 2014 European election). Both of them treated Mr. Berlusconi as an ordinary opponent. They focused on the issues, not on his character. In different ways, both of them are seen as outsiders, not as members of what in Italy is defined as the political caste.

The Democratic Party should learn this lesson. It should not do as the Republicans did after President Obama was elected. Their preconceived opposition to any of his initiatives poisoned the Washington well, fueling the anti-establishment reaction (even if it was a successful electoral strategy for the party). There are plenty of Trump proposals that Democrats can agree with, like new infrastructure investments. Most Democrats, including politicians like Mrs. Clinton and Bernie Sanders and economists like Lawrence Summers and Paul Krugman, have pushed the idea of infrastructure as a way to increase demand and to expand employment among non-college-educated workers. Some details might be different from a Republican plan, but it will add credibility to the Democratic opposition if it tries to find the points in common, not just differences.

And an opposition focused on personality would crown Mr. Trump as the peoples leader of the fight against the Washington caste. It would also weaken the opposition voice on the issues, where it is important to conduct a battle of principles.

Democrats should also offer Mr. Trump help against the Republican establishment, an offer that would reveal whether his populism is empty language or a real position. For example, with Mr. Trumps encouragement, the Republican platform called for reinstating the Glass-Steagall Act, which would separate investment and commercial banking. The Democrats should declare their support of this separation, a policy that many Republicans oppose. The last thing they should want is for Mr. Trump to use the Republican establishment as a fig leaf for his own failure, dumping on it the responsibility for blocking the popular reforms that he promised during the campaign and probably never intended to pass. That will only enlarge his image as a hero of the people shackled by the elites.

Finally, the Democratic Party should also find a credible candidate among young leaders, one outside the partys Brahmins. The news that Chelsea Clinton is considering running for office is the worst possible. If the Democratic Party is turning into a monarchy, how can it fight the autocratic tendencies in Mr. Trump?
Issues aside, the well-documented insults to women that dogged the campaign are likely to make some women reluctant to run. Ive been worried all along that regardless of the outcome we would have created a situation where women would believe the terrain they have to navigate was rife with sexism, said Jennifer L. Lawless, professor of government at American University. Generally when women run for Congress and other levels of office they do just as well as men. But nobody knows that, and after this campaign, nobodys going to believe it.

Ms. Kimmells research has found, however, that women have had a harder time winning an executive office such as governor or mayor than a seat in Congress. Voters view women differently when they view them as the decision maker as opposed to a decision maker, she said. An even higher bar, then, exists for the presidency.

Senator Kirsten Gillibrand of New York said that when she talked to women about running for office, The No. 1 issue is we dont like the negative campaigning. I say, Is the issue you are fighting for important enough for you to withstand that? 

Senator Gillibrand is one of many Democratic women mentioned as potential presidential candidates, along with Senator Elizabeth Warren of Massachusetts; Senator Amy Klobuchar of Minnesota; Janet Napolitano, former governor of Arizona; Senator-elect Kamala Harris of California and Senator-elect Catherine Cortez Masto of Nevada.

On the Republican side, potential candidates include Gov. Nikki Haley of South Carolina; Gov. Susana Martinez of New Mexico; Representative Cathy McMorris Rodgers of Washington and Senator Kelly Ayotte of New Hampshire.

Senator Gillibrand said she was not surprised by the way gender surfaced in this campaign. During her first run for the Senate, her opponent initially dismissed her as nothing more than a pretty face, and then circulated an unflattering picture of her with my hair blowing all over, and then they put a green wash over it so I looked like a crazy unhinged witch.

Some worry that children will draw a sobering lesson. Our daughters and sons are watching whats happening in this election, Professor Holman said. For many this would be their first political memory. That sends a message about whats acceptable in politics, whos acceptable and whos a winner or loser.
On The Timess description of Trumps pick to reshape the Environmental Protection Agency, Myron Ebell, as a climate contrarian:

Please ensure the Times does not sanitize anything about the incoming administrations utter contempt for science. Theres no such thing as a climate contrarian. Climate change denier is the only accurate term for this. Alina Baciu, Washington, D.C.

A contrarian opposes public opinion, and seems quaint. A science-denialist opposes scientific consensus and is potentially dangerous. Would the NYT allow a headline to label Andrew Wakefield or other anti-vaccine advocates a contrarian? Would the NYT print a headline from a doctor denying the carcinogenic effects of tobacco during the Tobacco trials a contrarian? Jeremiah Schuur, Cambridge, Mass.

(A memo that went out to Times editors last year advised that the paper should not use the shorthand climate skeptics except when referring to the (relatively few) trained scientists who see only moderate consequences in global warming. Other doubters  political, religious, whatever  need a more deliberate description, like people who reject established climate science or, subsequently, climate denialists or climate contrarians. )

On The Timess description of Trumps pick for a top White House post, Stephen Bannon, as a right-wing media provocateur and a nationalist media mogul:

This is a gross understatement at best. Mr. Bannons racism and anti-Semitism is a matter of public record. His ex-wife testified under oath that he doesnt like Jews, and he has been a stalwart champion of the so-called alt-right (as white supremacists seem to have rebranded themselves these days). Laura Santel, Cambridge, Mass.

Some readers were mystified by The Timess postelection analysis. Several were concerned with a story that featured a map describing two separate Americas: one Hillary Clintons, one Trumps.

I found this article and graphic ridiculous. I may not have voted for Mr. Trump, but in the last week, I sat with Trump voters at Rotary, I worshiped with them at church, I chatted with them at the grocery store and the dentist office, and we worked together with each other on common projects in the neighborhood. Dennis Boen, Wooster, Ohio

A story on the Trump camps refusal to close the door on putting Hillary Clinton in jail raised readers eyebrows when it compared Trumps possible investigation to President Obamas decision over whether to investigate the George W. Bush administration for torture. The sentence has since been updated, though readers were not notified.

The earlier sentence read: The decision [Trump] faces echoes one confronted by Mr. Obama and his first attorney general, Eric H. Holder Jr., over whether to investigate Bush administration officials for extreme interrogation tactics against terrorism suspects that the Obama administration later deemed to be torture.

It was changed to: When Mr. Obama took office, he and his first attorney general, Eric H. Holder Jr., also faced a decision over whether to investigate the previous administration.

One reader wrote:

Really?? Are your writers and editors seriously equating these two?? This is shocking, and shows considerable lack of judgment on all fronts. Mary McDevitt, Palo Alto, Calif.

The public editors take: The editors were wise to rethink their apples-to-watermelons comparison. Equating Clintons email travails to the actions of C.I.A. water boarders just doesnt hold up.
The new service helps Airbnb create an additional revenue source as it faces some challenges with its main business of matching travelers with hosts who want to rent out their homes for short stays. While the eight-year-old company lists nearly three million short-term rentals in more than 34,000 cities around the world, short-term rentals are illegal in some cities and have run into regulatory gray areas in others.

To appease local legislators, Airbnb hosts, using tools supplied by the company, have started collecting local hotel taxes, which the company remits to local governments. That essentially turns those homeowners and renters into small-business owners. Some residential leases expressly prohibit running a commercial enterprise out of a home, and tenants who do so could face eviction.

At the same time, the so-called sharing economy, which makes it easier for people to make money by monetizing their existing assets, has been a source of income for many people. In the United States, about 8 percent of Americans surveyed say they have made money using an online platform such as Airbnb, according to the Pew Research Center. Of those, nearly one-third said the income they earned was essential to meeting their basic needs, according to Pew.

With Trips, Airbnb is pushing deeper into the travel market and allowing people to make extra money in a way that might be less controversial than the short-term rental market. Airbnb began thinking about creating Trips in 2012; the plan was earlier reported by Bloomberg. It has been in a private testing phase for several months.

J.C. Rodriguez, an artist in Miami who offers a two-day experience called Behind the Art, helps visitors meet with local artists in their studios and create their own pieces. He said he currently keeps the $150 fee he charges per person, which covers a meal and art supplies, but Airbnb will soon take a 20 percent cut of that income.
Jay W. Forrester, an electrical engineer whose insights into both computing and organizations more than 60 years ago gave rise to a field of computer modeling that examines the behavior of things as specific as a corporation and as broad as global growth, died on Wednesday at his home in Concord, Mass. He was 98.

The cause was complications of prostate cancer, his son Nathan said.

Professor Forrester, who grew up on a Nebraska cattle ranch, was working at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology in the 1950s when he developed the field of system dynamics modeling to help corporations understand the long-term impact of management policies.

System dynamics, he once wrote, uses computer simulation to take the knowledge we already have about details in the world around us and to show why our social and physical systems behave the way they do.

It is now included in many business school curriculums, and simulation modeling has been adopted by other disciplines.
Udacity, an online learning start-up founded by a pioneer of self-driving cars, is finally taking the wraps off a job trial program it has worked on for the last year with 80 small companies.

The program, called Blitz, provides what is essentially a brief contract assignment, much like an internship. Employers tell Udacity the skills they need, and Udacity suggests a single candidate or a few. For the contract assignment, which usually lasts about three months, Udacity takes a fee worth 10 to 20 percent of the workers salary. If the person is then hired, Udacity does not collect any other fees, such as a finders fee.

For small start-ups, a hiring decision that goes bad can be a time-consuming, costly distraction. This lets companies ease their way into hiring without the hurdle of making a commitment upfront, said Sebastian Thrun, co-founder and chairman of Udacity.

When Udacity started four years ago, there were predictions it could transform higher education. But in recent years it has homed in on filling the high-tech skills gap.
A lone spark of subversion brightens the generally damp proceedings of Dead Poets Society, which opened on Thursday night at Classic Stage Company, directed by that streamliner deluxe John Doyle and featuring the comic film star Jason Sudeikis in an advanced state of decency. This enlivening flicker occurs well past the midpoint of Tom Schulmans tidy adaptation of his Oscar-winning screenplay from 1989, when hopes have worn thin.

Heres the setup for the moment in which it seems that the show might actually catch fire. John Keating (Mr. Sudeikis in the role originated onscreen by Robin Williams)  an anti-conformist English teacher at a conformist New England boys school in that ultimate decade of conformity, the 1950s  is overseeing an exercise that requires his students to walk around the classroom.

At first, each of the boys, all juniors, moves in a way typical of his central-casting personality (timidly, jauntily, rigidly, exhibitionistically, etc.). But soon they all fall into rhythmic lock step. Mr. Keating, who has taken a front-row seat among the audience, begins clapping along in time, and encourages us to do so as well.

Since this is a New York theater audience, a notoriously clap-happy breed, everybody obliges. But no sooner have we all been infected by the contagious cadences of those exuberantly marching students than Mr. Keating instructs us to cease and desist. The whole endeavor, he explains, was meant to illustrate a point about the difficulty of maintaining your own beliefs in the face of others.
Californians have in the past elected a number of 20-something mayors, but perhaps never in a city the size of Stockton, with a diverse population north of 300,000. (The League of California Cities said it did not track the ages of mayors.)

Mr. Tubbs, a City Council member for the last four years, focused his campaign on renewal in a city that was hammered by the 2008 housing crisis.

He sort of represents, I think, peoples hopes for the future of Stockton, said Keith W. Smith, an associate professor of political science at University of the Pacific, which has a campus in Stockton.

Mr. Tubbs, a Democrat, won 70 percent of the vote, a result that was also seen as a repudiation of his rival.

The campaign of the incumbent Mayor Anthony Silva, a Republican, was tainted by reports of improper conduct. The latest was an arrest over accusations that he gave alcohol to minors during a strip poker game. Mr. Silva did not respond to requests for comment.
WASHINGTON  President-elect Donald J. Trump is making his influence felt on government funding deliberations in Congress, pressing Republican leaders to postpone action on spending bills until after he takes office.

Speaker Paul D. Ryan said on Thursday that the House would go along with the incoming administrations request and pass a stopgap spending bill that would keep the government running at current spending levels until March. I think they would like to have a say-so on how moneys going to be spent going into the next year, he told reporters.

But Republican leaders in the Senate did not immediately sign on to the plan, reflecting their desire to get contentious spending battles out of the way this year. Congress had been working toward agreement on spending bills by Dec. 9, when the current funding agreement expires.

Senator Mitch McConnell of Kentucky, the Republican leader, left open the possibility of an agreement with the House. Discussions are also ongoing about how to fund the government and for how long, he said on the floor on Thursday.
Gretchen Garber grew up in Washington State but, afflicted with chronic lung disease, spent vacations with her grandparents in Montana. By the end of the summer, she said, I would be able to stand up straight, finally, and go back to suffer another winter of asthma.

She later settled in Montana, married Harry Billings and raised her family there, including a son, Leon.

Leon G. Billings became a lobbyist for public power companies. But he also became an important environmental aide on Capitol Hill, where he forged his greatest legacy: helping all Americans breathe a little easier as the largely unheralded chief architect of the 1970 Clean Air Act.

Leon, having breathed clean air before he left Montana to go to Washington, D.C., knew the difference between that air and this air, Pat Williams, a former congressman from Montana, said this year.
WASHINGTON  President-elect Donald J. Trump has offered the post of national security adviser to Lt. Gen. Michael T. Flynn, potentially putting a retired intelligence officer who believes Islamist militancy poses an existential threat in one of the most powerful roles in shaping military and foreign policy, according to a top official on Mr. Trumps transition team.

General Flynn, 57, a registered Democrat, was Mr. Trumps main national security adviser during his campaign. If he accepts Mr. Trumps offer, as expected, he will be a critical gatekeeper for a president with little experience in military or foreign policy issues.

Mr. Trump and General Flynn both see themselves as brash outsiders who hustled their way to the big time. They both post on Twitter often about their own successes, and they have both at times crossed the line into outright Islamophobia.

They also both exhibit a loose relationship with facts: General Flynn, for instance, has said that Shariah, or Islamic law, is spreading in the United States (it is not). His dubious assertions are so common that when he ran the Defense Intelligence Agency, subordinates came up with a name for the phenomenon: They called them Flynn facts.
MANILA  The remains of the Philippine dictator Ferdinand E. Marcos were buried Friday at the national cemetery. A brief announcement a few hours beforehand stunned activists and Marcos opponents who said he did not deserve the honor.

The service, which was closed to the public, began around noon at the cemetery, the Philippines equivalent of Arlington National Cemetery. Journalists posted photos on social media of police with riot shields barricading the entrance to the cemetery in Taguig City, part of greater Manila.

The reburial of Mr. Marcos, which his family had sought for decades, was approved by the Supreme Court on Nov. 8. But while the family had said it would proceed with the funeral plans, the announcement on Friday, coming shortly before the service was to start, was unexpected. Opponents of the decision had planned a demonstration that day.

Mr. Marcos was ousted in a popular uprising in 1986 and died in the United States three years later. His body was brought back to the Philippines in 1993 and has been stored in a crypt in his hometown, Batac.
CANBERRA, Australia  Barring some unexpected development, none of the refugees held in detention camps on the Pacific islands of Nauru and Manus are likely to be resettled in the United States before President-elect Donald J. Trump takes office, Australian and American officials said this week.

The election of Mr. Trump, whose harsh talk about immigration and Muslims was central to his campaign, leaves in doubt the deal the two countries recently struck to move some of the hundreds of people who were banished to the camps by Australia, after being intercepted at sea trying to reach its shores. Many of the detainees are Muslims.

The issue is a contentious and emotional one in Australia, whose government has pledged never to accept a migrant who tries to come to the country by boat. The stated purpose of the so-called Pacific solution, in which such people are housed indefinitely on offshore islands, is to discourage human traffickers, who often pack migrants into rickety boats for the journeys, some of which have ended in mass drownings.

But conditions on those islands are dire. On Friday, a United Nations envoy visiting Australia said that daily life for detainees on Nauru was cruel, inhumane and degrading. Human rights groups have reached similar conclusions about conditions on both islands.
Before he played the first encore to his brilliant solo piano recital at Carnegie Hall, Behzod Abduraimov pulled out a handkerchief and wiped down the keys.

It was just sweat, his publicist told me later. Im glad I checked, though. Because at that point, after a finger-twisting, knuckle-shredding performance of bravura pieces, including Prokofievs Piano Sonata No. 6 and Balakirevs Islamey, I feared that this 26-year-old whiz from Uzbekistan might have actually shed blood.

I dont mean to give the wrong impression: Theres nothing gratuitously gladiatorial about Mr. Abduraimovs playing. Yes, he dispatched Islamey faster than anyone Ive heard, his forearms a hummingbird blur in the grueling passagework. But his swift rise on the concert scene  this appearance on the main Stern Auditorium stage here came less than two years after his recital debut at the intimate Weill Recital Hall  is due as much to his profound musicality as to his power and speed.

Mr. Abduraimov also knows how to build a good program. He opened with Bach, but in rarely heard arrangements: a dreamy Siciliano from the Concerto in D minor (arranged by Alfred Cortot) and Busonis transcription of the Toccata and Fugue in D Minor, which, in its original organ version, has entered popular culture as a shorthand for Halloween horror. In his playing Mr. Abduraimov conjured some of the qualities of the organs sound, building up block-like dynamics and allowing notes to blur just a little.
The German government has bought the Los Angeles home where the novelist Thomas Mann lived from 1942 to 1952.

The listing of the property for sale had stirred a backlash in Germany by some who objected to its being offered on the open market, fearing that it could be demolished.

Germanys foreign minister, Frank-Walter Steinmeier, said in a statement on Friday that the house would be developed into a cultural center for debate over major trans-Atlantic issues, including migration, exile and integration. The house would also offer residency fellowships for artists and intellectuals.

In stormy times like these we need more than ever cultural anchor points with our most important partner outside of Europe, Mr. Steinmeier said.
The government said that Mr. Tanner used an email account under the name Brian Wilson to secretly communicate with Mr. Davenport. In one celebratory email to that account, Mr. Davenport wrote that he could picture the two of them on a Butch and Sundance ride into the sunset. (Of course, the two outlaws met a nasty end.)

Mr. Tanner was forced out of Valeant in 2015. Mr. Davenport remained at Philidor until the company shut down in January. Both men said through their lawyers that they intended to defend themselves.

Preet Bharara, the United States attorney for the Southern District of New York, said at a news conference on Thursday that the investigation was continuing. He would not say whether his office was looking into Valeants accounting practices.

In a statement, Valeant noted that the company and its top executives had not been charged in the case, and said it was cooperating with the investigation.

Unqualified Princelings

Federal prosecutors announced on Thursday that JPMorgan Chase and its Hong Kong subsidiary would pay about $264 million to settle bribery charges connected to its practice of hiring children of Chinese leaders, confirming an earlier report in DealBook.
In a subsequent post, he wrote: I worked hard with Bill Ford to keep the Lincoln plant in Kentucky. I owed it to the great State of Kentucky for their confidence in me!

Both posts overstated certain issues.

The plant is not primarily a Lincoln plant  the MKC represents roughly 10 percent of its total output. The MKC is a more expensive version of the Ford Escape, which is a much bigger seller than the MKC. Production of the Escape alone is enough to keep the Louisville plant running at full capacity.

Moreover, the decision to keep the MKC in Louisville was made before the two men spoke on Thursday, not as a result of their conversation, according to Ford.

We have been reviewing the sourcing of this product, and Bill Ford spoke to the President-elect yesterday and shared our recent decision to keep Lincoln MKC in Kentucky, a Ford spokeswoman, Christin Baker, said in a statement on Friday. We are encouraged the economic policies he will pursue will help improve U.S. competitiveness and make it possible to keep production of this vehicle here in the U.S.

Fords chief financial officer, Robert L. Shanks, held a conference call with analysts on Thursday morning in which he expressed hope that Mr. Trumps policies would provide an environment where it makes economic sense to build back up manufacturing jobs here.

But how Mr. Trump governs may be a bit different from his campaign speeches, Mr. Shanks said. So lets just wait and see.

During the campaign, Mr. Trump heavily criticized Ford for deciding to shuffle its manufacturing operations so that all its small cars are made in Mexico. At times, he even suggested hitting the company and others with a 35 percent tariff on vehicles imported from Mexico.
Volkswagen has broken a longstanding taboo on job cuts, conceding on Friday that it needs to become more profitable to survive what could be a major shift toward electric cars.

But the cuts outlined on Friday were probably not deep enough to close a chronic productivity gap with Toyota and other rivals.

As it seeks to recover from an emissions cheating scandal, Volkswagen said it would cut about 30,000 jobs worldwide, including 23,000 in Germany, as part of a deal with its powerful labor representatives to improve low profitability at its largest unit.

Volkswagen is trying to reduce the cost of manufacturing cars that carry the VW badge, many of which are made in Germany by a work force that effectively controls the company and has resisted job cuts. The plan would lead to savings of $3.9 billion a year, Volkswagen said on Friday.
The stretch of Fifth Avenue in front of President-elect Donald J. Trumps home in Trump Tower will remain open to vehicle traffic for the foreseeable future, Mayor Bill de Blasio of New York said on Friday.

Since the election, the glass-sheathed tower, on Fifth Avenue between East 56th and 57th Streets, has drawn thousands of protesters and gawkers, swelling congestion in that area of Midtown Manhattan.

Officials from the New York Police Department and the Secret Service have been discussing how to balance the security of Mr. Trump with the need to keep pedestrian and vehicle traffic flowing, particularly as the holiday season brings crowds to nearby Rockefeller Center and Radio City Musical Hall.

The mayor said that security planners were focused on the period between now and the inauguration on Jan. 20, but that they also were preparing for the prospect that Mr. Trump would be a regular presence in the city during his term.
To the Editor:

Hatred for women  hatred for anyone  has no place in the White House.

We are female graduates and current students of Harvard Business School. We represent a wide range of religions, ethnicities and professions. We are daughters, sisters and mothers; native-born Americans and immigrants; Republicans and Democrats.

While we do not always agree on politics, we can agree on this: We unequivocally disavow the appointment of our fellow Harvard Business School alumnus, Steve Bannon, as chief strategist and senior counselor to President-elect Donald Trump.

Mr. Bannon has been described as one of the chief architects of the alt-right movement, a movement that preaches white nationalism, racism, misogyny and hatred. He has repeatedly put forth hateful rhetoric against women, including a radio interview in which he referred to progressive, educated women as a bunch of dykes. Until recently, Mr. Bannon was the executive chairman of Breitbart, a media company founded in 2007 to challenge the liberal media bias.

But Breitbart, under Mr. Bannon, also embraced a more sinister element  a white nationalist and anti-feminist agenda. Breitbart frequently publishes articles that disparage women, such as Would You Rather Your Child Had Feminism or Cancer? It also directly targets and tries to discredit prominent women leaders, such as our fellow alumna Sheryl Sandberg, with reporting like REVEALED: Sheryl Sandbergs Wacky 1991 Feminist Thesis. The inclusion of Steve Bannon in the White House legitimizes and emboldens these voices.
To the Editor:

Reports that President-elect Donald Trump 1) will not place his assets in a true blind trust; 2) intends that his adult children will manage his businesses, as well as advise his administration; and 3) still refuses to give a true accounting of his finances, including his tax returns, have laid the foundation for an early implosion of his presidency.

The custom of transparency that should guide the presidents financial disclosures is as much for his own protection as for our information. It offers him a presumption of good faith, especially when used in conjunction with the tradition of shielding his assets in a blind trust. By flouting these protections, Mr. Trump is opening himself to an unending stream of accusations of self-dealing and conflicts of interest.

It is true that a supportive Congress will probably not be launching the sort of investigations that it regularly unleashed on the Obama administration. But we still have an independent press, which I trust will be vigilant.

THOMAS HIGGINS

Oakland, Calif.

The writer was deputy secretary to the cabinet for President Jimmy Carter.
Since the election, the West Coast has been abuzz with talk of breaking away from Donald Trumps America  a Calexit, or a linking of the nations most populous state with Oregon, Washington and British Columbia to form a Cascadia by the sea.

Its a fantasy, of course, fueled by Trumps drubbing on the West Coast, where he got less than 10 percent of the vote in some cities. But it would also be a monumental mistake for the most prosperous and progressive part of the United States to even consider abandoning a country that could be dominated by the old Confederacy.

A better idea is to reach out across a yawning class divide. People in the West could listen to their fellow Americans in the old industrial heartland. And people in struggling towns could learn something from the workable policies of the left coast. Difficult as that conversation may be, it could start with some white-on-white dialogue.
Nobody knows precisely what the Pilgrims first Thanksgiving feast looked like. According to primary sources, there was fowl (likely including wild turkeys), venison and cornmeal for sure. Possible side dishes were cranberries, pumpkin and stuffing made with onions, nuts and herbs.

Many of these flavors are still Thanksgiving staples. Theres one modern favorite, though, that would not have been found at the inaugural Plymouth celebration: mashed potatoes. Thats because potatoes are native to South America and had not yet made their way to North America.

Where in South America potatoes first became domesticated, however, is still unknown. Recent genetic studies point to the Andean highlands in southern Peru and northwestern Bolivia as the crops birthplace, but a lack of direct plant evidence has made it difficult to confirm.
What explains this roller-coaster?

Some commentators have suggested that markets rallied in response to Mr. Trumps relatively conventional victory speech. His emphasis on infrastructure spending, in particular, might have boosted near-term growth expectations. But the speech began just before 3 a.m., three hours after the market turnaround. The speech was simply a rehashing of Mr. Trumps previously announced policies. A major infrastructure push might be good for stocks, but its hard to believe that what was said at 3 a.m. changed the odds of its implementation. Moreover, the size of the stimulus  which would most likely be partly countered by a Fed tightening  is not large enough to explain a major market movement.

Another possibility is that markets were responding to news that Republicans looked likely to hold the House and Senate. But according to The Upshots live forecast, that was clearly a sure thing by 10 p.m., while the market turnaround occurred hours later.

Others have suggested that the market rallied because the election reduced uncertainty, and markets hate uncertainty. But this is a case where our casual intuitions can be misleading. The election did resolve one uncertainty, but in a way that increased overall uncertainty. The markets went from facing the mere possibility that the riskier candidate would be elected, to the certainty that he would be. That is, risk and uncertainty rose, which typically leads stock prices to fall.

Perhaps markets were responding to some other source of good news about the economy? Ive scoured news feeds from election night for other events that might have moved markets, and cant find anything.

When conventional explanations fail, its time to look for something more unorthodox.

Mr. Zitzewitz thinks what happened is analogous to polling error. Overnight futures markets are populated by a relatively small number of traders who are attempting to predict how the broader market will respond the next day. Just as polling errors arise when pollsters survey more Democrats or Republicans than there are in the broader population, overnight markets can send faulty signals when they reflect more bears or bulls than the broader market.

In his telling, the market turnaround really gathered steam when the European financial markets opened for regular trading at around 2 a.m. (Eastern time). And it continued with greater force as more of the worlds traders awoke to discover that Mr. Trump had won and stocks were cheap.
But the hopes, and the fears, about how that system might now change are boundless.

My big hope is that people would be able to go back to work in San Juan County and these rural areas, said Phil Lyman, a county commissioner in southern Utah, where antigovernment feelings run as deep as the slot canyons. You just feel like everything has been stifled with regulations.

At the Western Watersheds Project, a conservation group focusing on the Rocky Mountain region, legal teams are on deck and ready to fight back. Were getting ready for an onslaught of anti-environmental policy, and were arming up to litigate, said Erik Molvar, the groups executive director. The Trump administration is going to find it very difficult to take away all of the federal laws which have been adopted over the past 40 years.

In the decades-long struggle for control of Americas public lands, the Obama years were a flush time for conservation groups. The administration imposed moratoriums on uranium drilling near the Grand Canyon and blocked new coal leases. Public lands were also adapted for new uses on Mr. Obamas watch, notably a wave of national monuments based around cultural or historical significance, and a big expansion of solar energy on federal lands in Nevada.

Conservatives who loathed those regulations  or new uses  are now hoping Mr. Trump shifts the balance decisively in their favor. Republicans in Congress have proposed bills weakening federal laws that protect wilderness, water quality, endangered species or that allow presidents to unilaterally name new national monuments. Some conservatives hope Mr. Trump will support their efforts to hand federal land over to states, which could sell it off or speed up drilling approvals.

To see where change may come the quickest, look to the edges of Glacier National Park in Montana, at a quilt of rocky peaks and wetlands held sacred by the Blackfeet tribe. In March, the Obama administration capped a three-decade fight over oil and gas drilling in the area, called the Badger-Two Medicine, by canceling a Louisiana energy companys lease on 6,000 acres.

The company, Solenex, sued. A lawyer for the company, William Perry Pendley of the Mountain States Legal Foundation, said the incoming Trump administration could simply decide that canceling the lease had been wrong.

All it would take, he said, is for the Justice Department to enter the case and say, Weve re-evaluated. We will lift the suspension and well permit the drilling to go forward.
Surely, even in these fractured times, just about everyone could agree on an antislavery measure.

Right?

Lawmakers in Colorado unanimously agreed to put a question onto the Nov. 8 ballot, asking if voters would like to remove an archaic reference to slavery in the states Constitution that allows it as a punishment for crime.

There was virtually no public opposition or campaign against the amendment, which was supported by Republicans and Democrats. Newspapers editorialized in favor, and activists considered it a slam dunk.

What could go wrong?

As it turns out, plenty.

As of Thursday afternoon, votes were still being counted  but the effort looked as if it was doomed to defeat, with the no votes leading the yes votes by more than 35,000 with almost 2.4 million votes cast. A recount is possible.
For a brief moment, after a white supremacist carried out a massacre of black churchgoers in Charleston, S.C., it seemed as though the Confederate battle flag, that most divisive of symbols, might soon be on its way out of the American political arena.

But now that explosive and complicated vestige of the Old South is back, in a new  and, to some Americans, newly disturbing  context. During President-elect Donald J. Trumps campaign, followers drawn to his rallies occasionally displayed the flag and other Confederate iconography. Since the election, his supporters and others have displayed the flag as a kind of rejoinder to anti-Trump protesters in places such as Durango, Colo.; St. Petersburg, Fla.; Hampton, Va.; Fort Worth; and Traverse City, Mich.

On Election Day in Silverton, Ore., the flag appeared at a high school Trump rally, where students reportedly told Hispanic classmates, Pack your bags; youre leaving tomorrow. The day after, at Kenyon College in Ohio, the colleges president, Sean M. Decatur, spoke to a worried campus, describing his discomfort at seeing Confederate flags on display in the nearby city of Mount Vernon.

Dorothy Robinson, 37, said that seeing the battle flag flying at a traditional postelection unity parade in her hometown, Georgetown, Del., felt like someone had punched me in the gut.
WASHINGTON  President-elect Donald J. Trump moved quickly on Friday to begin filling national security posts at the top echelons of his administration, selecting a group of hawks and campaign loyalists who reflect the hard-line views that defined his run for president.

Mr. Trump said he would nominate as attorney general Senator Jeff Sessions of Alabama, who has been a fierce supporter of a crackdown on undocumented immigrants. The president-elect also moved to install Michael T. Flynn, a retired lieutenant general who has said that Islamist militancy poses a global existential threat, as his national security adviser. And as director of the C.I.A., Mr. Trump selected Representative Mike Pompeo of Kansas, who harshly criticized Hillary Clinton during the House investigation of the 2012 attack on the United States diplomatic compound in Benghazi, Libya.

All three are regarded, in some ways, as outliers from conventional Republican thinking, shunned at times for strident statements, controversial positions or highly partisan moves.

The flurry of announcements indicated that Mr. Trump was gaining control over a transition operation that had been entangled in infighting during its early stages. The results were the first seeds of an administration-in-waiting that will break starkly with that of President Obama.
WASHINGTON  Representative Mike Pompeo was once pointedly asked why his committees inquiry into the 2012 attacks on the American diplomatic compound in Benghazi, Libya, had dragged on longer than the Watergate investigation. He did not flinch.

This is worse, in some ways, he said, during an appearance on Meet the Press in late 2015.

A sharp, pugnacious Kansas congressman and former Army tank officer with degrees from West Point and Harvard, Mr. Pompeo was often an unyielding critic of former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton  accusing her of orchestrating a wide-ranging cover-up of the Benghazi attacks.

On Friday, President-elect Donald J. Trump, who defeated Mrs. Clinton after a bitter campaign, selected Mr. Pompeo to run the Central Intelligence Agency.

If confirmed by the Senate, Mr. Pompeo would become one of the most overtly partisan figures to take over the C.I.A.  a spy agency that, at least publicly, is supposed to operate above politics and avoid a direct role in policy making.
WASHINGTON  President-elect Donald J. Trumps trio of hard-line selections on Friday served notice that he intends not only to reverse eight years of liberal domestic policies but also to overturn decades of bipartisan consensus on the United States proper role in world affairs.

Mr. Trump is moving quickly to realize his campaigns promise of a nation that relentlessly enforces immigration and drug laws; views Muslims with deep suspicion; second-guesses post-World War II alliances; and sends suspected terrorists to Guantanamo Bay or C.I.A. secret prisons to be interrogated with methods that have been banned as torture.

At a time when American cities have been inflamed by racial tensions, police shootings and fears over homegrown terrorism, Mr. Trump made no conciliatory gestures toward Muslims, Mexicans or residents of African-American neighborhoods, all of whom he disparaged during his campaign.

In his first major national security selections so far  Senator Jeff Sessions, Republican of Alabama, for attorney general; Representative Mike Pompeo, Republican of Kansas, for C.I.A. director; and Lt. Gen. Michael T. Flynn for national security adviser  Mr. Trump sent a clear message that he does not intend to use these personnel choices to build bridges to Democrats or the moderate and traditionally conservative Republicans who opposed the nationalist overtones of his presidential campaign.
WASHINGTON  Jefferson Beauregard Sessions III, as the courtly senator from Alabama used to be known, was a stalwart Justice Department prosecutor for almost 15 years, a job he called the adventure of a lifetime.

Today, Mr. Sessions has a growing list of gripes about how the Obama administration has run his old department, from its breathtaking stance on immigration to its shameful refusal to defend a federal ban on gay marriage.

Im not happy about whats happened to my Department of Justice, Mr. Sessions said last year, jabbing his reading glasses in the air at the Senate confirmation hearing for Attorney General Loretta E. Lynch.

After nearly a quarter-century away, Mr. Sessions  now known simply as Jeff  is poised to return to the department to clean house as President-elect Donald J. Trumps nominee for attorney general, with a mandate to carry out the law and order agenda Mr. Trump promised on the campaign trail.
But the position of Mr. Trump and his legal team appeared to soften soon after his election victory on Nov. 8. At a hearing last week, Daniel Petrocelli, a lawyer for Mr. Trump, expressed interest in moving toward a settlement. Meanwhile, Mr. Trumps lawyers were seeking to delay the trial in one of the California cases until after his inauguration on Jan. 20, while also requesting that he be allowed to testify on video.

At a hearing on the case in San Diego on Friday, Mr. Petrocelli said Mr. Trump had settled the case without an acknowledgment of fault or liability.

The judge overseeing the two California cases, Gonzalo Curiel, was thrust into the limelight of the campaign in May when Mr. Trump spent several minutes at a rally denouncing the judges decisions in the case, calling him a hater and questioning his impartiality because of his Mexican heritage.

After he faced days of criticism for his remarks on the judge, Mr. Trump released a statement saying his words had been misconstrued as a categorical attack against people of Mexican heritage. He also asserted that he was justified in questioning the fairness of his trial, given various rulings in the case that went against him. Still, he concluded, we will win this case!

Judge Curiel said in court Friday that he hoped that the settlement agreement  and the end of the presidential campaign  would begin a healing process that this country very sorely needs.

Under the agreement, Mr. Trump will pay $21 million to settle the two California class-action suits and $4 million to settle with the New York attorney general. The lawyers for the plaintiffs waived their attorneys fees. The deal still has to be approved in court, which could take months.
A movement is growing to bring together women across race, creed and political beliefs by luring them off social media and arranging for them to meet in person.

Its a nice idea, but theres one catch: The Womens March on Washington is being organized on Facebook, the nations preferred platform to battle over race, gender, politics and just about everything else.

The timing of the event, which organizers began planning the morning after the election but are careful not to call a protest, is aimed at the coming administration of President-elect Donald J. Trump. More than 100,000 people have said on Facebook that they will travel to the capital to participate. The plan is to walk from the Lincoln Memorial to the White House on Jan. 21, 2017, the morning after Mr. Trumps inauguration.

Were doing it his very first day in office because we are making a statement, one organizer, Breanne Butler, said. The marginalized groups you attacked during your campaign? We are here and we are watching. And, like, Welcome to the White House. 
But provincial officials said the accident occurred after the driver had diverted from a main road to sell fuel to the villagers, a common though illegal practice. They said the truck caught fire after being struck by lightning.

The government in Maputo dispatched investigators to Tete on Friday to look into the cause of the blast.

The truck was transporting its load from the port of Beira, on the Indian Ocean in central Mozambique, to Malawi, the landlocked nation north of Tete Province.

Tete has recently become a battleground between government forces and rebels from the Renamo movement. The province has also been severely hit by a regionwide drought.
It is the first time that Tunisians have been given a state venue to air the horrors of decades of systematic human rights violations under both President Zine el-Abidine Ben Ali, who was overthrown during the Arab Spring, and his predecessor, Habib Bourguiba.

This is a momentous day for the establishment of the Constitution and the rule of law, Sihem Bensedrine, the president of the Truth and Dignity Commission, said in an opening speech. Victims of despotism are entitled to fairness and justice, and this is the message we are conveying to the whole world.

Over the past two years, the commission has taken in 65,000 complaints from victims  investigating about 10,000 of them so far  but has struggled against political and institutional resistance and a hostile national news media, which has accused it of spending money but doing nothing.

With the public hearings, Ms. Bensedrine said she hoped to win greater public support and push back against the current governments argument that stability and reconciliation are more important than reopening old wounds.

The audience on Thursday included many politicians and activists who themselves had suffered imprisonment, torture and exile under the dictatorships. There were also representatives of truth commissions from Africa, Asia and Latin America, and foreign diplomats. Senior Tunisian government officials were conspicuously absent.
Catching such culprits involves immense challenges.

To start with, the rivers of the Amazon Basin course through a region almost the size of the contiguous United States. Ships on the main waterways can go days without seeing the police or navy boats. Pirates often know the rivers and surrounding terrain better than security forces, and can drop out of sight into far-flung villages.

Police officers here in Amapa State also complain that pirates often carry out their attacks in one state, only to dart over the border into a neighboring one with a different jurisdiction.

Catching pirates is like waging war against guerrilla fighters, said Capt. Lucio Lima, the chief of a special operations unit of the Amapa police force that hunts down river bandits. They are elusive foes who make the most of their knowledge of river currents, geography and topography.

When two Polish explorers  Dawid Andres, 41, and Hubert Kisinski, 33  traveled the length of the Amazon River this year on pontoons outfitted with mountain bikes, they faced challenges from piranha-infested waters to whirlpools.

Still, they said their scariest moments came when pirates in Brazil approached them on three occasions. Each time, they said, they were able to talk their way out of daunting situations.

Its the stuff of a nightmare when a crew in Ray-Bans holding huge guns approaches you on the river, Mr. Kisinski said. Recalling one episode, he said that he and Mr. Andres had calmly explained that they were traveling without valuable items, and then asked the pirates if they had any beer to relieve the stress of the situation.

That calmed them down a bit; they even started to laugh, Mr. Kisinski said. One needs to keep a clear head when facing pirates in the Amazon.
We wont have any food for our children tonight, said Juana Rosa Rivas, 43, who relies on her husbands daily catch. What will we feed our families with for the next four days?

Capt. Jorge Nunez of the Peruvian Navy said Thursday that the security measure was put in place by the military while a warship was patrolling the Pacific Ocean off Lima. On Friday, he said fishermen would be allowed to fish with precise instructions to not enter the bay of Miraflores area, for security reasons.

In Comas, in northern Lima, workers at a network of maternity hospitals were on strike, demanding better pay. More than 1,000 state workers who said they had not been paid for six months were threatening to intensify their protests unless the Health Ministry solved the salary crisis.

The conditions in the capital  and the stress on its nearly 10 million residents  appear to be worsening: There was a fatal fire at a Lima shopping mall on Wednesday across the street from one of the hotels where the APEC meeting will take place. Four people were killed and dozens were injured, though the authorities said the fire was accidental.

The mayor of Lima, Luis Castaneda, was rushed to a hospital on Wednesday after having a heart attack at his home. Doctors said he was stable after an operation on Thursday morning.
Despite overwhelming scientific evidence that the worlds climate is changing, the president-elect of the United States, Donald J. Trump, has long been on the side of the deniers.

In 2012, he posted on Twitter a couple of messages that asserted that climate change was a hoax that China had devised to secure an unfair trade advantage, presumably because the Obama administration was seeking to curb coal consumption in the United States.

The concept of global warming was created by and for the Chinese in order to make U.S. manufacturing non-competitive, Mr. Trump wrote. That message has been reshared more than 104,000 times and liked nearly 66,000 times.

On Wednesday, a deputy foreign minister of China, Liu Zhenmin, told reporters at a climate conference in Marrakesh, Morocco, that starting from the 1980s, the administrations of Mr. Trumps Republican predecessors  Presidents Ronald Reagan and George Bush  supported climate change negotiations under a United Nations panel.
GENEVA  Amid mounting reports of violent unrest and brutal reprisals by Myanmars army in a predominantly Muslim part of Rakhine State, a United Nations expert said on Friday that the countrys government should let aid agencies into the area and investigate allegations of abuse instead of brushing them aside with blanket denials.

Last month, after insurgents attacked border posts, killing nine police officers, the authorities in Myanmar closed the southwestern state to aid agencies and independent journalists. The army sent in more troops and helicopter gunships in the past week after further attacks resulted in military casualties.

The security lockdown was not acceptable, said the United Nations expert monitoring events in Myanmar, Yanghee Lee. In a statement on Friday, Ms. Lee drew attention to unverified reports that the military had carried out the summary execution, torture and rape of Rohingya Muslims, as well as the destruction of mosques and houses.

A closely supervised two-day visit to the region arranged by the authorities for 10 diplomats in early November did little to address the humanitarian crisis and should not be used as a smoke screen for giving the military a free hand to increase its operations, Ms. Lee said.
MANILA  Opponents of a heros burial for the Philippine dictator Ferdinand E. Marcos expressed outrage on Friday over his surprise, private funeral at the national cemetery in what they called a sneaky maneuver to flout the judicial process.

Victims of torture and imprisonment during the Marcos era had long opposed the burial in Libingan ng mga Bayani cemetery, which is reserved for national heroes, and some said they would seek to have the body removed. Hundreds of protesters began gathering after the funeral at the Peoples Power Monument, which commemorates the movement that ousted Mr. Marcos in 1986.

The stealthy and hurried manner by which the Marcos burial was orchestrated is reminiscent of the dark days of martial law, said Franklin Drilon, the president pro tem of the Philippine Senate. His burial is anything but noble. Even in death, he is a thief.

Mr. Marcos held power for two decades, ruling for nearly half that time under martial law. His government is believed to have killed more than 3,000 political opponents and tortured tens of thousands more while he and his associates stole an estimated $10 billion from the country.
LONDON  The boilers are shot, the water pipes sag and the 60-year-old cabling is a fire hazard.

Buckingham Palace, home to Queen Elizabeth II, may not exactly be falling down, but it badly needs refurbishing, the British government said on Friday, citing a serious risk of fire, flood and damage. Renovations on the building will start in April and will take a decade to complete, at a cost of 369 million ($456 million).

The announcement adds to the list of prestigious structures in Britain that need work, including the crumbling Palace of Westminster, home of the British Parliament.

The building that would become Buckingham Palace was built in the early 1700s and became a royal residence when George III bought it in 1761. The queen carries out most of her official ceremonial and diplomatic duties as head of state in the palace. She would not have to move out while the work was in progress, officials said.

She has several other residences, including Windsor Castle, which suffered a major fire in 1992 that raged for nine hours and wrecked large parts of the structure. Officials on Friday mentioned the fire as one motive for upgrading Buckingham Palace. It took more than five years to restore the castle. The British Treasury said in a statement that a similar fire in a single wing of Buckingham Palace might cause 250 million in damage.
PARIS  In the age of Donald J. Trump, Brexit and the resurgent French far right, a thin, aging career politician with an ironic smile is being called  by him and his supporters  Frances best defense against raging global populism.

A first test for Alain Juppe, 71, comes Sunday as Frances mainstream center-right Republican party holds a primary ahead of next springs presidential election. Mr. Juppe is favored to come out on top, for now.

His ascendance is all the more improbable because, in a previous post, he was considered one of Frances most unpopular prime ministers ever. And he was once convicted in a Paris City Hall corruption scheme.

But the election of Mr. Trump has upended French politics and given new momentum to the far-right leader Marine Le Pen. As a result, mainstream conservatives are far from delighted.
LONDON  During the last months of her life, a terminally ill 14-year-old British girl made a final wish. Instead of being buried, she asked to be frozen so that she could be woken up in the future when a cure was found  even if that was hundreds of years later.

I want to have this chance, the teenager wrote in a letter to a judge asking that she be cryogenically preserved. She died on Oct. 17 from a rare form of cancer. I dont want to be buried underground, she wrote.

The girls parents, who are divorced, disagreed about the procedure. The teenager had asked the court to designate that her mother, who supported her daughters wishes, should decide how to handle her remains.

The judge, Peter Jackson, ruled in her favor. Local news reports said he was impressed by the valiant way in which she was facing her predicament. He said she had chosen the most basic preservation option, which costs about 37,000, or nearly $46,000, an amount reportedly raised by her grandparents.
LONDON  The secretary general of NATO expressed confidence on Friday that President-elect Donald J. Trump would not back away from Americas longstanding commitment to European security, even as the alliances chief acknowledged that the region needed to shoulder a greater financial burden for its own defense.

Mr. Trump raised alarm during the election campaign when he questioned whether the United States would automatically defend NATO allies if they were attacked. Mr. Trump said American support would depend on the willingness of those countries to pay their fair share for military protection.

He has also called NATO obsolete and said that the alliance was failing to fight terrorism.

Those allies not willing to pay for American military protection, he warned, could receive a stark message: Congratulations, you will be defending yourself.

But in his first speech since the election last week, Jens Stoltenberg, the NATO secretary general, said that he looked forward to meeting Mr. Trump soon and that he was certain Mr. Trump would not waver on the United States role in the alliance.
JERUSALEM  Americas top diplomat in Jerusalem lives in an elegant three-story stone house first built by a German Lutheran missionary in 1868, a short walk from the historic Old City. But he is not an ambassador and the mission is a consulate, not an embassy.

For decades, those distinctions have rankled many Israeli Jews. The United States, along with the rest of the world, has kept its primary diplomatic footprint not in Israels self-declared capital, Jerusalem, but in the commercial and cultural hub of Tel Aviv to avoid seeming to take sides in the fraught and never-ending argument over who really has the right to control this ancient city.

Until now. Maybe.

President-elect Donald J. Trump vowed during his campaign that he would relocate the mission fairly quickly after taking office. That in itself is nothing new: For years, candidates running for president have promised to move the embassy to Jerusalem, and for years, candidates who actually became president have opted against doing so.

But just as Mr. Trump broke all the rules of campaigning, some of his supporters say no amount of hand-wringing by the State Department will change his mind. Jason Greenblatt, an Orthodox lawyer who is advising Mr. Trump on Israel, told Army Radio after the election that the president-elect was going to do it because he was a man who keeps his word.
Indeed, she is not. A wide array of research has documented continuing housing discrimination against older lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender people.

Image Letters of support received by Marsha Wetzel. Credit... Lyndon French for The New York Times

A survey of L.G.B.T. adults living in long-term care settings by Justice in Aging, a legal advocacy group, found that a majority believed they would face discrimination from housing staff if they were open about their sexual orientation. The report captured hundreds of stories of problems encountered by L.G.B.T. seniors with housing staff, ranging from harassment to refusals to provide basic services or care.

Youre in a communal living setting that puts a lot of pressure on people, says Eric Carlson, directing attorney for Justice in Aging. Imagine how oppressive it is to have to be guarded about who you are or your family and friends.

Another study documented discrimination by senior housing facilities against prospective residents. The Equal Rights Center sent senior L.G.B.T. and straight couples to apply for housing in 10 states; 48 percent of the gay couples experienced at least one type of discriminatory practice, ranging from differences in availability, pricing, rental incentives, amenities and application requirements.

The discriminatory practices are not limited to senior housing. A larger pair test study by the Department of Housing and Urban Development in 50 metropolitan markets found that rental housing applications by heterosexual couples were frequently favored over those from gay male and lesbian couples.

The research clearly shows that people in the L.G.B.T. community face discrimination and barriers that others dont, said Linda Couch, director of housing policy and priorities at LeadingAge, an association representing 6,000 aging services agencies. Housing providers, she added, need to make clear to residents that their buildings are places where all are welcome and discrimination wont be tolerated. We are not quite there yet, but our members are interested in being there.

The aging of the baby boom generation is already increasing demand for community living options for seniors; the need is expected to be even greater for gays and lesbians. They are more likely to be poor, and more likely to be living without family members who can support them, Ms. Couch said.
There are few female ballet company directors, but Ms. Rojo knew it was a job she wanted. You can have a much wider impact on society as a director, than a dancer, she said. I think ballet can be so much more ambitious, do so much more, than it does now. Since succeeding Wayne Eagling in 2012, she has worked that ambition, commissioning works from three relatively unknown female choreographers, and a war-themed program from Mr. Khan, Liam Scarlett and Russell Maliphant. She has also programmed challenging works by William Forsythe and Pina Bausch.

And last year, she formed an association with Sadlers Wells that has given English National Ballet a London base to showcase its contemporary work. That is the kind of risk-taking that a touring ballet company cant otherwise do in this climate, Debra Craine, the chief dance critic for The London Times, said in an email, referring to Britains recent cuts in arts financing.

Ms. Rojo has a narrow path to walk between popular appeal and artistic innovation. English National Ballet (called London Festival Ballet until 1989) was founded in 1950 by the British ballet stars Alicia Markova and Anton Dolin with the aim of taking ballet to the provinces. The troupe still has a touring obligation, and with subsidies at a much lower level than those of Royal Ballet, it depends on box-office certainties like Swan Lake, Sleeping Beauty and an annual Nutcracker. (The companys annual budget is about $19 million, with $7.5 million coming from Arts Council England, a government body.)

Ive seen so many directors come through E.N.B. over the years  some of them with visionary ideas, Judith Mackrell, a dance critic for The Guardian, said in an email. All were defeated by cautiousness of the board and by the companys remit from Arts Council England to deliver ballet to the regions.

Ms. Rojo, who danced with English National Ballet for three years before joining Royal Ballet in 2000, doesnt mean to lose. I actually saw advantages in most of the things people thought of as problems, she said. Touring means you can really build young artists by giving them proper time onstage. And the beauty of rivaling the Royal is that we can really create an identity of our own. How should we look at the classical repertory and perform it today?
FAITHFUL

By Alice Hoffman

258 pp. Simon & Schuster. $26.

When we first meet young Shelby Richmond, the heroine of Alice Hoffmans latest novel, shes a wounded soul living in self-imposed exile in suburban Long Island. Shelby, we learn, holds herself responsible for a car crash that nearly killed her best friend. After a guilt-fueled suicide attempt and a stay in a mental ward, she now lives in her parents basement, venturing out only to meet with Ben, her softhearted, Vonnegut-reading pot dealer. When the love-struck Ben persuades Shelby to move with him to New York City, the path to her inevitable redemption begins.

Does no one else see all this pain floating around Manhattan? Shelby wonders in one of her more solipsistic moments. Whats most vexing about Faithful is that youre supposed to feel like a monster if you laugh. Hoffman builds Shelby out of trauma and not much else, and her observations suffer from a certain cliched vagueness. Through Shelby, we learn that feelings are best left concealed, that she doesnt even think its possible for her to smile and, most egregiously, that its true, tragedy can bring you closer or drive you apart. Hoffman might be making a point about the banality of heartbreak, but its lost in the actual banality.

Thankfully, once in Manhattan, Shelby begins to accrue detail and personality. She finds work at a pet store, fills her apartment with rescued dogs and eats nothing but Chinese takeout. She befriends a co-worker, Maravelle, as well as Maravelles three skeptical and defiant kids. Hoffman adds a few of her trademark magic-realist touches, though theyre lighter here than in previous books like Practical Magic and The Probable Future. Shelbys best friend, now comatose, is said to have healing powers, and pilgrims crowd her bedroom to touch her hand. Someone keeps sending Shelby postcards inscribed with messages like Say something, Do something, Want something. Each, of course, is exactly what she needs to hear.
THE KID

By Ron Hansen

301 pp. Scribner. $26.

Ron Hansen has a thing for outlaws. He has written about the Dalton and James gangs. One of the best stories in his collection Nebraska (1988) is The Killers, an affecting portrait of a rotation of assassins. In his newest novel, The Kid, Hansen returns to the ungovernable territories of the American West to resurrect, and perhaps redefine, one of the 19th centurys most wanted men, the many-monikered youth known to most of us as Billy the Kid.

The origins of the real Billy the Kid, and even his actual name, are wrapped in obscurity. In the version presented by Hansen, he is born William Henry McCarty was born in New York City in 1859, the son of a striving mother and an ill-fated father who died at Chickamauga. He was killed on July 14, 1881, in Fort Sumner, N.M., by an acquaintance-turned-nemesis, Pat Garrett. What happened during the years between his birth and death has been the source of even more speculation and cultural incantation. Was Billy ambushed? Was his murderous reputation deserved? Did he, in fact, die in Fort Sumner or somehow survive thanks to Garretts residual affection? The films and biographies have had their say. Now comes Hansen, one of our most supple novelists, to tell the Kids very good and tangled story in a spry and inventive way.

Hansen has an abiding interest in the tension between a historical figures publicized persona and the private, unadorned self. Who are these infamous souls? What allows them to sidle across the boundaries of taboo? Why are we forever drawn toward their burning flames? A skilled researcher, Hansen anchors his book in the dark waters of character. The Kids story has been told many times. But not like this.
COUNTDOWN TO PEARL HARBOR

The Twelve Days to the Attack

By Steve Twomey

Illustrated. 365 pp. Simon & Schuster. $30.

As we approach the 75th anniversary of the attack on Pearl Harbor, the story of how America could have been caught by surprise on Dec. 7, 1941, remains one of overly vague warnings, bureaucratic breakdowns and, as with the equally audacious attacks that came 60 years later, a failure of imagination.

When the Navy Department in Washington sent a war warning to the naval forces at Pearl Harbor 10 days before Japanese planes appeared over Oahu, the only direct order in the short communique was for the admiral in charge of the Pacific Fleet to execute an appropriate defensive deployment. That admiral, Husband Kimmel, had been more focused on planning for an eventual move against the Japanese elsewhere in the Pacific. He largely ignored the broadly worded instructions. After all, the assumption among government and military officials was that the Japanese would attack a United States- or British-held territory somewhere in the southwest Pacific  not thousands of miles to the east in Hawaii.

There would be neither fully functional radar nor any reconnaissance planes to detect the raid that came early on a Sunday morning. Nor would there be any metal netting in the harbor to protect the American fleet from the torpedoes that would claim lives, ships and, for a time, the countrys self-image.
Ironically, the one time that Fermis intuition failed him was the experiment for which he would win, in 1938, the Nobel Prize in Physics: the discovery of induced radiation from slow neutrons, a necessary first step toward unlocking the secrets of nuclear fission. But Fermi and his colleagues in Rome mistakenly believed that they had created the first transuranics, elements with an atomic number greater than that of uranium, element 92. (Some Italian journalists proposed that element 93 be called Mussolinium.) Had Fermi turned his intuition to the problem it is likely that fission would have been discovered in Italy in early 1935, and not nearly four years later in Germany. Were that the case, Segre and Hoerlin point out, it is possible that Hitler would have had an atomic bomb to use during the Second World War. Perhaps Fermis not discovering fission is one of the worlds greatest gifts of good fortune, they write.

Nonetheless, Fermi was one of the first scientists to appreciate the world-changing potential of fissions discovery. Looking out at downtown Manhattan from a Columbia University high-rise in the spring of 1939, he cupped his hands and quietly told colleagues there: A little bomb like that and it would all disappear.

Fermi will always be best remembered for overseeing the creation of the worlds first nuclear reactor, on a squash court under the bleachers of Stagg Field at the University of Chicago late in 1942. He and his fellow scientists elected not to tell the universitys president, Robert Hutchins, about their dangerous experiment, lest Hutchins put an end to it. (The only safeguards against an uncontrolled atomic chain reaction that would have irradiated a significant part of Chicago was a scientist wielding an ax to cut the rope that held an emergency control rod suspended from the balcony, and a few other brave volunteers, whose job was to douse the runaway reactor with buckets of neutron-absorbing cadmium sulfate.) Fermi was either confident  or cavalier  enough to jest that, if things went drastically wrong, one should run quick-like behind a big hill many miles away. At the climactic moment, when the atomic chain reaction was about to become self-sustaining, Fermi announced a break for lunch, which also broke the tension mounting among his colleagues in the room. Afterward, a bottle of Chianti was produced and used to toast the achievement. A phone call to Washington announcing their success in code  The Italian navigator has just landed in the new world  ended with what was perhaps the last innocent, upbeat message to be associated with the dawn of the atomic age: Everyone landed safe and happy.

Perhaps understandably, the authors are most assured and informative when writing about Fermis contributions to science. Gino Segre is a physics professor at the University of Pennsylvania; his famous uncle, Emilio, was Fermis first student in Rome. Hoerlin, a onetime professor at Penn, grew up in the atomic city of Los Alamos. But except for their account of the young Fermi as one of the precocious scientists known as the Boys of Via Panisperna  the location of the University of Romes physics department  there is little in the book that is new, and that has not already been covered in other works, like Richard Rhodess The Making of the Atomic Bomb.

This is too bad, because, arguably, Fermis intuito fenomenale extended into other realms, including politics. As a member, in June 1945, of the Scientific Panel of the so-called Interim Committee  a group of policy makers asked to advise on the use of the atomic bomb  Fermi did not depart from the panels recommendation that it saw no acceptable alternative to direct military use. Like his colleagues, Fermi averred that scientists had no proprietary rights to their creation. After the bomb was successfully tested in the New Mexican desert a month later, Fermi would describe his work at Los Alamos, where the weapon had been built, as simply a labor of considerable scientific interest. Just a few years later, however, while serving on another panel of experts asked to advise the United States government on whether to proceed with development of the hydrogen superbomb, Fermi joined with his longtime friend and fellow physics Nobel laureate, Isidor Rabi, in condemning the prospective H-bomb as a weapon which in practical effect is almost one of genocide, and necessarily an evil thing considered in any light. Having been determinedly apolitical throughout most of his career, Fermi on his deathbed confided to a young scientist, according to the authors, that he lamented the relative lack of public policy involvement in his life. He died of stomach cancer in November 1954, at age 53.
MOONGLOW

By Michael Chabon

430 pp. Harper/HarperCollins Publishers. $28.99.

Michael Chabons new book is described on the title page as a novel, in an authors note as a memoir and in the acknowledgments as a pack of lies. This is neither as confusing nor as devious as it might sound, since Moonglow is less a self-conscious postmodern high-wire act than an easygoing hybrid of forms. Chabon has what sounds like a mostly true story to tell  about characters whose only names are my grandmother and my grandfather, and also about mental illness, snake hunting, the Holocaust and rocket science  and he may not have wanted to be bound too tightly by the constraints of literal accuracy in telling it.

At the same time, he has shaken loose the formal conventions of fiction, liberating himself in particular from the tyranny of plot. In his previous books, Chabon has always shown great skill at operating the novelistic machinery of cause and effect, foreshadowing and surprise, especially in semi-fabulist confections like The Amazing Adventures of Kavalier & Clay and The Yiddish Policemens Union. But in more realistic books the humming of those narrative engines can sometimes drown out the interesting cacophony of life. For me, that was the case in Telegraph Avenue, a well-observed slice of gentrifying urban life clogged with a bit too much Dickensian contrivance to work as well as it should have.

Moonglow, in happy contrast, wanders where it will, framing a series of chronologically disordered episodes from the past with conversations involving the narrator (who never tries to persuade us that he is anyone other than Michael Chabon) and various kinfolk, principally his mother and grandfather. This isnt to say that the book lacks structure, but rather that its structure is determined by the logic of memory, and that the author has resisted the urge to do too much tidying and streamlining. The action zigzags across time and geography  from Germany in the last days of World War II through a grab bag of American locations in the decades after  with blithe indifference to the usual rules of linearity or narrative economy. A sensational and tragic revelation that might have been at the volcanic center of a more familiar kind of book is disclosed almost in passing. There are moments at which you can feel the irresistible temptation to embellish and invent, to infuse reality with Chabonesque touches of wistful Jewish magic realism, being resisted.

Image Credit... Benjamin Tice Smith

But not entirely. After Im gone, write it down, Chabons grandfather instructs him. Explain everything. Make it mean something. Use a lot of those fancy metaphors of yours. Put the whole thing in proper chronological order, not like this mishmash Im making you. Moonglow both obeys these instructions and rebels against them, preserving the mishmash and mixing in generous dollops of meaning, a sprinkling of fancy metaphors and an abundance of beautiful sentences so that it becomes a rich and exotic confection. Too strict a recipe would have spoiled the charm of this layer cake of nested memories and family legends, which have been arranged with painstaking haphazardness.
Valiant Gentlemen opens in September 1886 in Congo. Casement and Ward are both company men, newly recruited to participate in the Sanford Exploring Expedition and thereby relieved of the onus of being employed by King Leopold of Belgium. Both still in their early 20s, Casement and Ward find common cause in their shared outrage at the brutalities suffered by the Congolese at the hands of their Belgian overlords. Common cause, in turn, leads to common ground (both aspire to be writers), common ground to friendship, and friendship, for Casement, to a misty-eyed amour fou that will long outlast Wards youthful handsomeness. In Africa, Murray tells us, Ward punctuates Casements days: Ward in the morning by the edge of the water in his breeches; Wards signature high-noon squint; Wards rangy walk as he patrols the length of the column. Nor is this a passing infatuation. Almost 14 years later, waiting to meet Ward in a shabby London hotel, Casement is surprised to find himself nervous, his heart uneasy in his chest . . . . He can feel that soaring, involuntary hope as he anticipates Wards company, can predict the ensuing low spirits when Ward leaves.

As Murray portrays him, Casement is built of a tough exterior and a tender middle, his constitution only remarkable by the extent to which his inner life is kept secret. That inner life encompasses not just love affairs  most notably with a Norwegian sailor, Adler Christensen, and forays into the dim and dangerous homosexual subculture of the late 19th century  but an allegiance to the Irish cause that baffles Ward, whose obliviousness to Casements feelings for him goes hand in hand with his John Bullish denigration of Casements Irishness, which he sees as some degraded form of Englishness.

Why should the cause of Home Rule so exercise Casement, given that Casement himself is, as Ward observes, practically English and not even Catholic? This question is the tuning fork to which Murrays novel vibrates. Her Casement is a man driven to action by beliefs so contradictory and turbulent as to split him into the multiplicity of selves he sees while dressing after a liaison at a Turkish bath in London: This English self that buttons his shirt, this Irish self that puts on the coat, the hat, that picks up gloves and cane. And thus returned to the sidewalk, that self that should pick its steps back and back, walk in reverse  as time seems to wind backward to him  winding back to the time when none of it ever happened.

As Murray notes in an afterword, the title Valiant Gentlemen is a nod to Sarita Sanford Wards memoir of her husband, A Valiant Gentleman. The pluralization is key, in that it underscores the extent to which the dichotomy of valor and cowardice invests Murrays narrative with shape and momentum. If you dont have a choice, its not courage, and if you do, its no different than stupidity, Adler Christensen, Casements lover and eventual betrayer, observes late in the novel, a remark that resonates ironically when, later still, Casement quotes from a eulogy delivered by the Fenian Padraig Pearse at the funeral of one of his men: Enough to know that the valiant soldier of Ireland is dead, that the unconquered spirit is free.

If courage is no different from stupidity, then who, in this vital and uneasy novel, is the truly valiant gentleman? Is it Casement, whose well-intentioned if shortsighted effort to forge an alliance with the Germans fails so miserably? Is it Ward, whose blind patriotism drives him to self-destruction on the battlefields of France? Or is it the fierce and magnanimous Sarita, as unyielding in her loyalties as she is unsparing in her condemnations?
What have been some key leadership lessons for you?

Im not the best manager in the world, because Id rather do things myself. Ive always been a better individual contributor than a manager of lots of people.

But Ive grown to be a fairly decent leader because I can articulate the mission and rally the troops, and give them an amazing amount of autonomy on how to get there. If people have too much autonomy without the vision, then theyre just off doing whatever they want. If you try to dictate exactly what they should do step by step, then you miss out on lots of opportunity. Ive also learned that failure is O.K., and that if you dont take risks you might not reach your goal, or get there as quickly and effectively.

The other thing Ive learned over time is that humility is an incredibly overlooked but important character trait. When Im hiring, its the one thing Im looking for. Confidence is great, but arrogance is really deadly, and theres a fine line there.

I love people who are confident enough to say, I didnt understand that or I was wrong. The sooner you can do that, the sooner we can pivot and go on the right track. There are some people who pretend they know what theyre doing and they think they need to fake it. Its such a waste of energy and productivity.

Its especially true of some first-time entrepreneurs. They have to pretend everythings O.K. It takes a certain amount of confidence and sense of yourself to say, You know what? This didnt work. Help me out.

It seems like so many people want to be entrepreneurs these days.

Authentic entrepreneurs are often what I call accidental entrepreneurs. Its not their aspiration to be on the cover of a magazine. They see a problem in the world and they want to solve it, and entrepreneurship is just a way to get there.

The ones who show up and say, I want to be an entrepreneur. What do I do first? Give me the to-do list, thats not authentic entrepreneurship.
If Anna Netrebko seemed especially energized during a shopping excursion last Saturday, it may have been the cayenne she mistakenly sprinkled on her breakfast kasha in place of the usual cinnamon.

As she herded her entourage along West 59th Street  her husband, the Azerbaijani tenor Yusif Eyvazov; her 8-year-old son, Tiago; and Miriam Fandino, Tiagos longtime nanny  the scene was more multitasking wife and mother than Russian prima donna.

That is, until her sparkle-embedded Gucci sunglasses caught the sun and sprayed starbursts above the shaggy lambs wool collar of her Dries Van Noten coat.

Life is good for the 45-year-old superstar soprano.

In two days she would sing the title role of Puccinis Manon Lescaut for the first time at the Metropolitan Opera, in what The Times would describe as a bravura performance. It also noted her maturing voices alluring earthiness in the low register and the rainbow hues of her powerful top notes. (Her performances run through Dec. 3.)
I mainly knew my sister through the stories my mother told. She said Maryan loved to get in fights when she was young, prompting the nickname Askari, or soldier. In sixth grade, because teachers made sexual advances and disparaged her, she dropped out of school. She sold potatoes to support us and helped bring up my two younger siblings and me. She survived a civil war and a destitute life in a refugee camp. So I always thought of Maryan as a symbol of resilience, a woman who, in the words of the Somali poet Hadraawi, can kill a warrior and protect a herd of camels.

During our reunion, I tried to learn as much as I could about her. I searched through her clothes to discover the color she loved the most. I listened to the songs in her playlist to find out the music she preferred. I eavesdropped on the conversations she had with our parents to hear the phrases she liked to repeat. I stood beside her to see how tall she was. Still, I wanted to know more. And so four days after her arrival, when she asked me to go with her to Block A4, I happily obliged.

It was a bright morning, and the sun was hot. The wind howled, sending clouds of dust in its wake. Maryan filled her water bottle from a yellow jerrycan in our compound and fastened a drenched cloth around her head. She held her tablet in both her hands and photographed everything she saw on the way. Block A4 was far away. We strolled across Block N8, past the food distribution center, past an enclosure filled with acacia trees and out into a playing field. I have lived here all my life, and to me it was routine. But Maryan saw everything with the curiosity of a child.

Once we got to A4, my sister could see it had expanded greatly. More than a quarter million people reside in the five camps that make up Dadaab, making it the largest refugee camp in the world. In May, the Kenyan government said it would close the camp in six months, claiming in part that it had become a hide-out for militant groups. Some people have already gone back to Somalia. As ever, we do not know what will happen to us.

Block A4 has even changed names; it is now called A2. And just as I had been startled by Maryans appearance, she could hardly recognize the place. She said it seemed like a thousand years had passed.
TORONTO  One day late in April, the filmmaker Julie Dash got a phone call from her daughter. Welcome to the BeyHive, her daughter said. What are you talking about? Ms. Dash replied.

Beyonce had just dropped her visual album, Lemonade, a luscious tone poem and lovers revenge fantasy featuring prominent black women and girls. In its mood and imagery  women wearing gauzy white gowns, wading through water, perching in a mossy tree  savvy viewers identified a deep influence: Ms. Dashs 1991 film, Daughters of the Dust.

Warmly received and lavishly praised for its beauty and dreamlike narrative, Daughters tells the tale of Gullah women on the Sea Islands off the Southeastern United States in the early 1900s who are tugged north by the Great Migration. It was the first feature film by an African-American woman to have a wide release, an achievement sullied only by the icy reception that Hollywood gave Ms. Dash, back then and pretty much ever since.

It took Beyonce (who has not met the filmmaker and whose representative could not confirm the films influence on Lemonade) and her BeyHive of followers to bring Daughters renewed and wider renown, and it came at an auspicious time for Ms. Dash. The movie, which is listed in the National Film Registry, has been digitally restored by its new distributor, the Cohen Film Collection, and has received a rerelease this month at Manhattans Film Forum. But though Ms. Dash has spent years approaching Hollywood studios with projects, Daughters remains the only feature film she has been able to make.
When the fork was stolen off Bart Michielss mountain bike last summer, he wheeled the frame nearly three miles from his home in Chelsea to Franks Bike Shop on the eastern end of Grand Street.

Mr. Michiels, a photographer, passed many other bike shops along the way, including one that offers free espresso. But for 20 years, he has remained devoted to Franks.

Franks the man, he said of Frank Arroyo, the owner, during a visit last month for new brake pads. I dont care where he is in the city  Ill go.

Mr. Michiels doesnt have to worry about Mr. Arroyos relocating. The shop has occupied the same spot on the Lower East Side of Manhattan for 40 years, and in that time has amassed a fervent group of loyalists.
In Europe, theres a lot of good architects involved in public housing, and there isnt so much of a disconnect between design and affordable housing that you see in New York and the U.S. Via Verde is a good example of design contributing to making housing more special. Design shouldnt just be limited to the high-income brackets. I liked the diversity of housing types here, from the low-rise sections at the neighborhood scale that steps up into this tower. With the facade, there was a lot of research, too, into durability, so you could maybe spend a little more knowing it would last.

Amale Andraos, Dean, Columbia University Graduate School of Architecture; co-founder, WORKac

8. WYTHE HOTEL

Brooklyn, 2012

Morris Adjmi Architects

The 70-room hotel has also become a cultural hub. It goes well beyond lobby art to promoting residency programs with new pieces for each room, as well as hosting openings and film screenings.

Image Wythe Hotel in Brooklyn. Credit... Robert Deitchler for The New York Times

If you get off the subway at Bedford, it can almost feel like Stockholm or Paris because of the tourists. This hotel is an entry point for a lot of folks, even those coming from Manhattan. Reclaimed wood and exposed bricks may be played out, but the designers got it just right. As far as a beacon, you could do far worse. Its not fake, either, but an exemplar of adaptive reuse. Most people who are visiting the Wythe, they have no use for an old barrel factory. Youre not displacing people, but you do have this very industrial-ish waterfront area that is very recognizably Williamsburg. Here they maintained the old brick facade and the beautiful old wood beams, but by and large, the entire building is very new. Its elevated to a place that doesnt just feel like Brooklyn pastiche. When youre working with beautiful, heavy, honest materials, Id wager to say this building will stand the test of time.

Kelsey Keith, Editor in chief, Curbed

9. BARCLAYS CENTER

Brooklyn, 2012

SHoP Architects

The home of the Nets and Islanders was built across the street from Robert Moses unrealized Dodgers stadium, though the arena was almost unrealized, too, after years of lawsuits over the use of eminent domain.
But it is at the level of electoral politics that identity liberalism has failed most spectacularly, as we have just seen. National politics in healthy periods is not about difference, it is about commonality. And it will be dominated by whoever best captures Americans imaginations about our shared destiny. Ronald Reagan did that very skillfully, whatever one may think of his vision. So did Bill Clinton, who took a page from Reagans playbook. He seized the Democratic Party away from its identity-conscious wing, concentrated his energies on domestic programs that would benefit everyone (like national health insurance) and defined Americas role in the post-1989 world. By remaining in office for two terms, he was then able to accomplish much for different groups in the Democratic coalition. Identity politics, by contrast, is largely expressive, not persuasive. Which is why it never wins elections  but can lose them.

The medias newfound, almost anthropological, interest in the angry white male reveals as much about the state of our liberalism as it does about this much maligned, and previously ignored, figure. A convenient liberal interpretation of the recent presidential election would have it that Mr. Trump won in large part because he managed to transform economic disadvantage into racial rage  the whitelash thesis. This is convenient because it sanctions a conviction of moral superiority and allows liberals to ignore what those voters said were their overriding concerns. It also encourages the fantasy that the Republican right is doomed to demographic extinction in the long run  which means liberals have only to wait for the country to fall into their laps. The surprisingly high percentage of the Latino vote that went to Mr. Trump should remind us that the longer ethnic groups are here in this country, the more politically diverse they become.

Finally, the whitelash thesis is convenient because it absolves liberals of not recognizing how their own obsession with diversity has encouraged white, rural, religious Americans to think of themselves as a disadvantaged group whose identity is being threatened or ignored. Such people are not actually reacting against the reality of our diverse America (they tend, after all, to live in homogeneous areas of the country). But they are reacting against the omnipresent rhetoric of identity, which is what they mean by political correctness. Liberals should bear in mind that the first identity movement in American politics was the Ku Klux Klan, which still exists. Those who play the identity game should be prepared to lose it.

We need a post-identity liberalism, and it should draw from the past successes of pre-identity liberalism. Such a liberalism would concentrate on widening its base by appealing to Americans as Americans and emphasizing the issues that affect a vast majority of them. It would speak to the nation as a nation of citizens who are in this together and must help one another. As for narrower issues that are highly charged symbolically and can drive potential allies away, especially those touching on sexuality and religion, such a liberalism would work quietly, sensitively and with a proper sense of scale. (To paraphrase Bernie Sanders, America is sick and tired of hearing about liberals damn bathrooms.)

Teachers committed to such a liberalism would refocus attention on their main political responsibility in a democracy: to form committed citizens aware of their system of government and the major forces and events in our history. A post-identity liberalism would also emphasize that democracy is not only about rights; it also confers duties on its citizens, such as the duties to keep informed and vote. A post-identity liberal press would begin educating itself about parts of the country that have been ignored, and about what matters there, especially religion. And it would take seriously its responsibility to educate Americans about the major forces shaping world politics, especially their historical dimension.

Some years ago I was invited to a union convention in Florida to speak on a panel about Franklin D. Roosevelts famous Four Freedoms speech of 1941. The hall was full of representatives from local chapters  men, women, blacks, whites, Latinos. We began by singing the national anthem, and then sat down to listen to a recording of Roosevelts speech. As I looked out into the crowd, and saw the array of different faces, I was struck by how focused they were on what they shared. And listening to Roosevelts stirring voice as he invoked the freedom of speech, the freedom of worship, the freedom from want and the freedom from fear  freedoms that Roosevelt demanded for everyone in the world  I was reminded of what the real foundations of modern American liberalism are.
An embargo on new insurance cover put in place by insurers following Mondays earthquake was threatening to disrupt house sales in many parts of New Zealand, according to the real estate sector - but now a deal has been struck which could offer a solution.



The embargo related to the top half of the South Island, including Christchurch, and the bottom half of the North Island, including Wellington and the Bay of Plenty.



The director of real estate company Tall Poppy, Sam McIntyre, said unlike after the Christchurch earthquakes, insurers were no longer transferring insurance cover to the new owner when the property was sold.



Settlements are being delayed and we expect some sales will fall through, he said.



It is surprising to see insurers treat this weeks earthquakes differently than they did the Christchurch earthquakes.



Without insurance, the settlement is in jeopardy and vendors are concerned their sale may fall through.



Many vendors signed contracts prior to the earthquake to purchase another property, made on the basis that their property sale would be completed.



In response, Insurance Council of New Zealand (ICNZ) CEO Tim Grafton, had said the move to place an embargo on new business or requests to increase existing cover was typical around the world.



That can narrow down very quickly as the concentration of losses is established, he said.



But in the worst hit areas this will take longer depending on the settling down of seismic activity.



Grafton admitted that following the Canterbury earthquakes insurers had initially come back on risk fairly quickly.



But then as more seismic events occurred it took longer to return to business-as-usual, he said.



In the 2013 Seddon earthquakes, this embargo generally lasted a couple of months.



He added: The reason for insurers to be cautious is to minimise additional losses in order to meet reinsurers needs and keep insurance affordable for all.



It also prevented people without cover from rushing to put some in place.



Since then, ICNZ operations manager Terry Jordan brokered a deal in which insurers would issue policies to new owners of homes, if they insured the old owner.



One vendor had told Tall Poppy yesterday afternoon they had already been advised that their insurer (Vero) would accept a transfer of their insurance policy to the buyer which they had described as brilliant news.



Jordan said while ICNZ had had confirmation from most of the insurers, including all of the big ones, he warned they still might refuse if the buyers had criminal records or adverse claims histories.



The deal did not apply to homeowners wanting to raise their sum insured or put in place cover for a property that was not currently insured.



ICNZ was also hard at work on another deal, this time with the Earthquake Commission (EQC).



A big part of ICNZs submission on the governments review of the EQC Act was to remove the duplication of assessments from both EQC and private insurers, and talks have been underway to improve this process with a single claims assessor for those affected by the Kaikoura quakes.



ICNZ spokesperson Sarah Knox confirmed they would be able to reveal more in the next few days.



This article is from Insurance Business NZ by Maryvonne Gray.


BEIRUT  Airstrikes pounded rebel-held eastern Aleppo on Thursday, killing more than 20 people and hitting a water pumping station on the third day of a renewed air campaign on the besieged territory, Syrian activists and rescue workers said.

The Russian military meanwhile said airstrikes in the rebel-held province of Idlib earlier this week killed at least 30 members of an al-Qaida-linked group, including three commanders. The strikes are part of a major Syrian and Russian offensive launched earlier this week on opposition-held areas that has killed dozens of people.

In one area, volunteer first responders dug through the rubble for four hours before pulling out a 6-year-old child who was still alive. The childs mother was killed in the strikes, said Ibrahim al-Haj, a spokesman for the rescuers, known as the Syrian Civil Defense.

The activist-run Public Services Authority said the Bab al-Nairab water plant was struck with a barrel bomb. Spokesman Ahmad al-Shami said the plant was damaged but is still operating.

This regime uses any means to add pressure to civilians. It has bombed bakeries and hospitals and has not made an exception for water and electricity, he told The Associated Press.

Airstrikes on Wednesday struck the citys central blood bank and a childrens hospital. Medical facilities have repeatedly come under attack during the Syrian conflict, with 126 such incidents this year alone, according to the World Health Organization.

Doctors Without Borders said the childrens hospital and a specialized surgical hospital were hit by Wednesdays strikes.

Hospital staff managed to move childrenincluding prematurely born babiesfrom cots and incubators to the basement of the building in order to shelter them from the bombing, said the aid group, which sponsors both hospitals.

The Oxfam aid group said the more than 250,000 residents of eastern Aleppo have limited food and clean water as winter approaches, and are at risk of disease outbreaks.

No U.N. aid has reached eastern Aleppo since July, and the U.N. has warned that supplies will run out this week. Oxfam said it helped move a generator to the besieged area on Wednesday to improve the water supply.

Clean water is vital, but it wont stop starvation, never mind protect people from indiscriminate aerial attacks, said Andy Baker, who is leading Oxfams Syria response.

The Syrian Civil Defense said 28 people were killed in and around Aleppo on Thursday. The Britain-based Syrian Observatory for Human Rights, which relies on a network of local activists, put the death toll at 25.

At least 70 people were killed in northern Syria on Tuesday and Wednesday.

Russia says it is not bombing Aleppo as part of the offensive announced this week, but is instead targeting insurgents in Idlib and the central Homs province.

Russian Defense Ministry spokesman Maj. Gen. Igor Konashenkov said the strikes targeting al-Qaida took place in Idlib on Tuesday, and were launched from Russias only aircraft carrier, the Admiral Kuznetsov, which recently deployed to the Mediterranean Sea.

He said three leading members of the al-Qaida-linked Fatah al-Sham Front  Muhammad Helala, Abu Jaber Harmuja and Abul Baha al-Asfari  were among those killed. He said al-Asfari had overseen the groups attempts to break the siege of Aleppo.

Al-Asfari had led a moderate rebel group in 2013, and it was not clear if or when he joined the al-Qaida-linked group.

An opposition media group known as All4Syria reported that the two other named militants were killed Tuesday in an airstrike in the village of Kfar Jalis, in the Idlib countryside, that also killed six civilians. The Observatorys chief Rami Abdurrahman said the airstrike on the jihadi stronghold killed six leading militants, without identifying them.

The same village was struck Thursday, the Observatory said, killing six civilians from the same family.

The Russian Defense Ministry said long-range bombers dispatched from Russia fired cruise missiles at Islamic State and al-Qaida targets in Syria during a 7,000-mile (11,000-kilometer) flight. It said fighter jets from the carrier and an air base in Syria also took part in the strikes. It did not say where the strikes took place, but said they destroyed command facilities, ammunition depots and weapons factories.

Months of negotiations between the U.S. and Russia failed to cement a long-term cease-fire in Aleppo, which has become the focus of the war between Syrian President Bashar Assad and rebels fighting to topple him.

Al-Qaidas Syrian affiliate is fighting alongside the rebels, but Islamic State has no presence in Aleppo.
Californias relatively mild climate means that, on average, our electricity bills are a smaller portion of our incomes relative to the rest of the country. But that doesnt protect us from the increased costs of President Obamas Clean Power Plan, a federal effort to cut emissions. Nor does it mean that there isnt a troubling power bill inequality problem across the state.

Two years ago, before the Clean Power Plan was implemented by the Environmental Protection Agency, then temporarily blocked by the Supreme Court, electricity was a relative bargain in the Golden State. The Clean Power Plans Economic Impact, a new Pacific Research Institute report, says that the average California household paid $1,083 for a year of electricity in 2014. That was 1.79 percent of the states 2014 median household income of $60,487. In only three states  Utah, Colorado and Minnesota  was the portion lower. Mississippians paid the largest percentage of their incomes for electricity  4.8 percent.

Within California there was a gap, too, and its the poor who feel the disparity the most. The lowest burden is found in parts of San Mateo County, where its 0.59 percent of median incomes of at least $250,000 a year. The highest percentage is in pockets of San Luis Obispo County, where average annual electricity expenditures would equal 15.87 percent of median incomes of at least $4,607.

In some cases, stark inequalities exist between neighborhoods. The burden for many residents in affluent Palos Verdes is less than 1 percent, and its less than 1.4 percent across nearly the entire peninsula. At the same time in a community just two miles to the east that isnt as wealthy, the residents burden is 3 to 5 percent.

Obviously, the poorest are already hurting. But under the Clean Power Plan, theyll be hurt even more  and they will be joined by others as the financial strain of higher power bills trickles upward.

Energy poverty, a term once reserved for developing nations, now threatens far too many families in the United States, says the PRI report, that also cites a 2011 survey in which 52 percent of respondents said their electricity bills were harder to pay than the year before. Three years later, the number of households receiving federal energy assistance had increased 40 percent over the years preceding the Great Recession.

If a lower court rules in favor of the plan  a judgment is pending in the U.S. Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia  then the problems will only get worse.

Consider, for instance, those same California regions mentioned above. Under the Clean Power Plan, the power bill burden in those San Mateo County areas where it is lowest in the state will climb from 0.59 percent of the median income to 0.64 percent. To use a well-worn but descriptive Washington term, that doesnt even amount to a rounding error.

But in San Luis Obispo County, where the burden is the states highest, the difference wont go unnoticed. Average annual electricity expenditures will rise from 15.87 percent to 17.36 percent of income.

The pain will be particularly sharp in Kern and Riverside counties. If Obamas plan clears its legal hurdle, residents in the former will see their yearly electricity bills jump 8.9 percent, and in the latter 9 percent.

Meanwhile, the average California household will pay about $1,200 a year for electricity, up from $1,083 just two years ago.

The Clean Power Plans future is in doubt following the election of Donald Trump as president. I would encourage the President-elect to look closely at the results of this study and work instead to take whatever steps possible to stop the Clean Power Plan.

The plan is also mired in the judicial system because 27 states filed a petition to block an executive action not approved by Congress. California was not among them.

In fact, California is part of a group of states trying to derail the challenge. It also continues to plan for the schemes implementation with apparently no thought of how it would thin wallets and slow economic growth, which are the unavoidable results of the states current big government approach to addressing emissions.

Richer Californians will feel nothing under Obamas plan. But the most vulnerable will. The strain of energy poverty will only grow worse for them.

Kerry Jackson is a Fellow at the Center for California Reform at the Pacific Research Institute.
DANA POINT City Council members, acting to comply with a 4,0000-signature referendum by a residents group, rescinded their decision earlier this year to allow short term rentals in all areas of the city.

On Tuesday night, the council agreed to go back to the drawing board to determine how short term rentals can fit into the community, and placed a moratorium on new permits.

The action followed a successful grass roots effort by a group of residents who collected enough signatures on a referendum to overturn the councils Sept. 6 decision that allowed short term rentals in all of the citys neighborhoods.

Its the second major victory by residents who have challenged City Council decisions this year. In June Measure H, an initiative to get voter approval on any development changes in the citys Lantern District plan, bested a rival, city-approved measure.

Buck Hill, an 18-year resident told the City Council Tuesday that most people he and others approached to sign the petition were not aware short term rentals were allowed. He also said his experience collecting signatures for Measure H earlier this year helped him understand even more how little communication there is between city and residents.

They had no clue and were totally in the dark, Hill said. Most people became upset. We think this will provide an opportunity for the subject to be studied and come up with a better solution.

Hundreds of residents were outraged in September when the council voted to allow short term rentals  a decision that bucked the trend set in such nearby coastal cities as Laguna Beach and San Clemente.

The signatures for the referendum signatures were sent to the Orange County Registrar of Voters by Oct. 7 and all but 14 were confirmed. The referendum required the City Council to take up the issue again or put the referendum to a vote of the people. The council voted unanimously Tuesday to rescind its earlier decision and to come up with a solution that residents and the California Coastal Commission will approve.

There are 189 regulated short term rentals operating in the city now. They were allowed to operate in 2009 after city officials approved business licenses to oversee the vacation rentals. Those operating now will fall under those same rules.

For the time being people can operate these rentals at their own risk, said City Attorney Patrick Munoz. But they have to understand that at some point the rules may change.

Councilman Joe Muller reiterated that the Coastal Commission will not allow short term rentals to be banned in the citys coastal zone and that the city will have to come up with a workable plan.

We have an opportunity now to step back and understand we have an issue with the current ordinance, he said. It started seven years ago. Times have changed and we need to address this change. We need to place a moratorium on this until we have it solved.

The council in September considered whether a 2013 ordinance that regulated the 189 permitted short term rentals would continue or if the city would have to begin the whole process anew. Before that rentals operated as part of a business license designed specifically for that purpose.

The City Council voted to continue with the 2013 ordinance, which regulated how properties receive permits, where they can be located, and restricts the number of people in a unit. It requires that parking be provided and vehicles cannot exceed more than two per property. Loud parties and special events such as weddings are not permitted.

In approving the ordinance in September, the City Council agreed to modifications by the Coastal Commission that would give them final say over short-term rentals in the coastal zone. Council members Richard Viczorek and Joseph Muller opposed the ordinance, saying it weakened local control.

Residents gathering signatures for the petition said there have been a significant number of complaints about short term rentals throughout the city that were not mentioned in earlier staff reports to the council.

Resident Toni Nelson told the City Council that the Orange County Sheriffs Department received at least 350 calls between Jan. 1, 2014 and Oct. 5, 2016 regarding issues at permitted short term rentals.

The bottom line is that the council did not have accurate facts, she said. We can do better. The residents of Dana Point want to have a say to what extent short term rentals will be allowed in their neighborhoods.

Contact the writer: 714-796-2254 or eritchie@scng.com or on Twitter:@lagunaini
A Tustin house designed by architect Cliff May, dubbed the father of the California ranch house took just 10 days to find a buyer.

Built in 1954, the 1,629-square foot house was listed at $740,000. The home was renovated to reflect its original design and includes a remodeled kitchen and bathrooms, with floor-to-ceiling windows facing the backyard.

During the renovation process, a wood framing panel in the master bathroom with Cliff Mays signature stamp was uncovered, said Kelly Laule of Better Living SoCal, who represents the home with Stephen Meade of the same firm.

The three-bedroom house at 13031 Wreath Place is located in a cul de sac thats part of a neighborhood of Cliff May homes near Red Hill Avenue and Irvine Boulevard.

Cliff May homes dominated suburbs throughout the U.S. in the 1950s. His mass-produced residences came out of a prefabricated system, with precut lumber panels, windows, doors and other parts shipped from a factory and assembled on site. He worked with local developers and licensed the home designs to them.

See also: All the rage before Disneyland was built, iconic ranch houses are back in demand

The 1950s were a turning point for Tustin, and the Cliff May homes made up one of the first tract developments, Laule said. Most of Orange Countys Cliff May homes were developed by George Holstein III, who built homes in Tustin and Anaheim, she said.

The house on Wreath Place is in escrow. Well watch for the sale price.

Did you miss?:

French chateau in Coto de Caza with 20-car carriage house sells for $3.96 million
Amid the mind-numbing onslaught of commercials for California ballot measures in the weeks leading up to Election Day, there wasnt a single one from the plastic-bag industry.

Bag makers spent $3.2 million to put a referendum on the ballot, Proposition 67, that would invalidate a statewide ban on single-use grocery sacks  an effort to protect their $145 million-a-year business in the California.

But when it came down the homestretch, the industry went silent.

They had spent $3 million on campaigning after they qualified the measure and the companion, Proposition 65, but had no ads, mailers, commercial, phone banks or other paid voter outreach efforts in the two months before the election, according to campaign finance filings.

I am not ungrateful, quipped ban proponent Mark Murray, executive director of Californians Against Waste, which opposed the measure.

Voters approved the ban, 52.5 percent to 47.5 percent, as of Thursdays tallies. In other words, it wasnt a blowout.

So what happened to a final push from the plastic bag industry  a push Murphy acknowledged would have made the results much closer?

With the tobacco, pharmaceutical and medical industries each spending tens of millions to protect their interests on the ballot, where was the plastic bag spending?

Jon Berrier, spokesman for the American Progressive Bag Alliance, said the industry had no comment beyond a prepared statement that said voters made a mistake on Election Day and why bag makers thought so.

Murray thinks the industry believed it was a lost cause and decided not to throw good money after bad. He points to polling that may have dissuaded the industry from spending more money.

A poll commissioned by the industry, posted online Sept. 7, showed Prop. 67 trailing 58 percent to 36 percent, with the rest undecided.

I think they got discouraged and ended up pulling the plug, he said.

Our polls showed it closer, Murray added. So we stayed focused.

MONEY BAGS

By qualifying Proposition 67 for the ballot, the bag industry forced postponement of the ban put in place by the state Legislature from its scheduled start date of July 1, 2015 until the day after Election Day.

By doing so, they bought themselves an extra 16 months of selling bags.

Estimates from the industry and environmentalists range from 12 billion to 12.4 billion plastic bags being sold to retailers during that 16 months, about 80 percent of which would not have been sold if the ban had been in place.

At a cost of 1 1/2 cents per bag, and using the industrys estimate that they make a 5-percent profit, the industry would have cleared between $7 million and $7.5 million in profit for that extra 16 months.

That means they had a net gain because of the referendum. The extra 16 months netted them more more profit than the $6.2 million spent to qualify and promote Props. 65 and 67.

Opponents, meanwhile, spent $3.7 million, according to the calculations of Ballotpedia.

Opponents spent nothing on Prop. 65, which the plastic bag industry also put on the ballot. The measure called for all revenue from the sale of 10-cent paper carryout bags to go into environmental funds, with plastic bag proponents claiming the ban was a ploy by grocers to increase profits by boosting the sales of paper bags.

Grocers, some of whom help fund opposition to Prop. 67, disputed that claim, saying they simply wanted a uniform law throughout the state rather than a patchwork of varying local laws.

Murray and other environmentalists claimed Prop. 65 was an effort by the plastic bag industry to confuse voters and boost the chances of the ban being overturned.

Prop. 65 was defeated 55 percent to 45 percent.

PIONEERING?

Activists complained that the plastic bag industry  most of which is based out-of-state  was trying to undercut environmental efforts with Prop. 67.

But Murray said the ballot measure raised the profile of Californias bag ban, and the bans success is likely to empower other states to follow suit. While there are cities and counties through the nation with bans, California is the only place with a statewide ban.

The vote sent a message, he said. I could not have purchased the kind of publicity this gave us. The plastic-bag industry may come to see that their strategy backfired.

Murray estimated that next year there would be efforts at statewide bans in a dozen states.

Contact the writer: mwisckol@scng.com
On Jan. 20, when Donald Trump takes his hand off the Bible and picks up the phone, he could cause a near-seismic upheaval in California just by changing some federal rules and implementing new policies.

Let me break the news to you gently: it might work out well.

The federal government continuously writes stacks of regulations that cause consumers to pay more for everything than they otherwise would. But because of the length of time between the writing and the paying, it can be hard to recognize the cause and effect.

If youve noticed that food is a lot more expensive, consider that because of federal regulations, the water supply was cut off to Californias breadbasket, the once-prosperous agricultural gold mine of the Central Valley.

Members of Congress from the area have introduced legislation over and over again to adjust federal law to override those regulations. Most recently, the Western Water and American Food Security Act was attached to the bill that funds the Interior Department. But President Obama has threatened a veto, arguing that the regulations are necessary to protect species like the Delta smelt.

The regulations could easily be changed if the new administration chooses to make abundant food production a policy priority over the protection of the smelt.

Other federal regulations have led to arguably impossible targets for further reducing fine particles, like dust and soot, in the air. To meet these goals, state regulators have repeatedly tightened the requirements for new diesel engines, raising the cost of trucking and the price of everything thats moved by truck. The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency has even enforced Californias rules on out-of-state trucking firms when state regulators lacked jurisdiction.

Similarly, federal regulations have caused the South Coast Air Quality Management District to write up a new list of proposed tax increases to raise up to $14 billion. The bureaucrats need the money for policies and plans that are required in order to avoid federal sanctions for missing air-quality targets. But under a new administration, theres an opportunity to take the bureaucracy off auto-pilot and look carefully at what were doing to ourselves. Some regulations may no longer be reasonable or necessary, and the cost may not be justified.

Federal rules that discourage the use of coal have made electricity more expensive, raising the cost of living for everyone. The next presidents policies could lower your utility bills.

Policy changes from the new administration will save taxpayers money in other ways, too.

A 2011 report from the U.S. Government Accountability Office said California paid $1.1 billion in 2009 to incarcerate criminals who were in the country illegally.

President-elect Trump was criticized by state legislative leaders for his plan to immediately deport up to 3 million criminals who are in the country illegally. Senate President pro Tem Kevin de Leon and Assembly Speaker Anthony Rendon wrote in a joint letter, We will lead the resistance to any effort that would shred our social fabric or our Constitution.

But what is the argument for not deporting convicted criminals who are in the country illegally? How does that shred the social fabric or the Constitution?

Maybe California politicians should start working now on how theyre going to explain to voters that they rejected federal funds that could have been used for education, transportation and health care because they wanted to protect criminals who are in the U.S. without legal authorization.

Its long past time for state leaders to give some thought to the damage caused by policies that have gone unquestioned because their cost didnt become clear until years later.

From housing to energy to transportation to health care to law enforcement to education, federal policies and regulations have consequences that are sometimes both unintended and disastrous. A new administration is an opportunity to take a fresh look at everything.

It might just work out well, even for California.

Susan Shelley is a columnist for the Southern California News Group.
Eight people turned out at the Riverside National Cemetery last weekend to pay their final respects to Philip Nealon, a 38-year military veteran.

Draped with an American flag, his casket stood in a small pavilion overlooking rolling green hills covered in thousands of smaller flags marking Veterans Day.

Taps was played, the flag was folded and a Catholic priest spoke words of solace. John Campbell, a longtime friend of Nealons, was overcome as he accepted the flag from the Army honor guard.

It was quite fitting to see the burial with full military honors, Campbell said after Saturdays service. He had been so anonymous in his lifestyle. It was a dignified end. I think Phil would have been happy.

Yet the solemn remembrance was one that very easily might not have taken place. Just seven weeks earlier, the 66-year-old stumbled out of his camper at the edge of Doheny State Beach with blood pouring from his mouth. When he collapsed and died in the parking lot, no one knew his name.

But his very public death sparked efforts to solve the mystery of who he was. Over the next few weeks, a group of Nealons friends  and a man who had never even met him  worked to piece the puzzle together and give Nealon a dignified end to life.

CORONER TURNS DETECTIVE

Nealons death on Sept. 17  first thought to be a homicide, then a suicide  later was determined to be caused by acute bronchial pneumonia. But Deputy Coroner Paul Hoag couldnt release any information about Nealon because no family members had been found.

Hoag, a deputy coroner for 18 years, went to St. Catherine of Siena Church in Laguna Beach after hearing that Nealons sister, Helene Ayres, worshipped there. But no one knew Nealon or his sister.

Through Laguna Beach police, Hoag learned that Nealons sister had died in 2015 at age 71. Hoag also confirmed that Nealons brother, Anthony, died in 2002 at age 51.

He continued to try to unravel the details of Nealons life.

We work as hard as we can to find family, Hoag, 53, said. We just start grasping at little straws and follow the lead until we exhaust all possibilities. Our goal is to always notify someone in person. You want to make sure you give the person who died the respect they deserve.

He found the clue he needed in Nealons camper, which had been impounded by the Orange County Sheriffs Department. It was a check written to Nealon from Campbell, an insurance agent in Laguna Beach.

Campbell, also 66, told Hoag that Nealon graduated from Laguna Beach High School in 1968 and that he and another Laguna Beach man had helped keep Nealon employed by giving him various odd jobs over the past 25 years.

Nealon started living in a camper in the 1970s after serving in the Army, Hoag learned. He continued that lifestyle  even parking his van at times in the Santa Ana lot where his National Guard unit was stationed.

Later, he became part of a mobile community, living at different locations throughout south Orange County  and ending up at Doheny State Beach, using day-use passes to park his camper.

GROWING UP IN LAGUNA BEACH

Nealon, whose mother was white and father was black, was raised by his grandmother in a small house on Ocean Avenue. He was one of the few black children in town and hung out with friend Sandy Wood, also black.

Wood, now 68, said he used to go with Nealon to the Boys Club, then at Main Beach. The two boys surfed and went up into the hills, bringing back lizards. They also fished crawdads out of Aliso Creek.

Me and Philip were very close, he said. Wed be good for about three days and then get into some kind of hassle, but wed always sort it out. It was the nature of our relationship. He was my best friend.

Wood said he would spend lots of time with Nealon talking about deeply personal things.

We really knew each other from the heart, he said. We sat down and talked a lot about what would happen when we leave this earth. He had a strong faith.

A PROPER BURIAL

After the autopsy, Hoag informed Campbell that if no one stepped forward to claim his body, Nealon would be cremated and his ashes disposed of by the county.

Campbell thought about his friends strong Catholic faith and was determined to find a way to arrange a burial.

Reports in the Register  first detailing Nealons death at Doheny and then efforts to find his family  brought in offers of help. Campbell had publicly asked for donations to raise enough money to pay for the funeral.

Thats when Bill McAulay, the owner of McAulay & Wallace Mortuary in Fullerton, stepped up. He offered Campbell a way to bury Nealon in a way that befitted the military veteran.

In this day and age when someone is a veteran and down on their luck, I just want to help, McAulay said. Thank goodness helping veterans has become more in fashion these days.

His staff picked up Nealons body at the coroners office. And he worked with Campbell to sort out Nealons service information and contact Veterans Affairs to confirm Nealons eligibility to be buried at the national cemetery.

According to military records, Nealon served in the armed forces for 38 years. He enlisted in the Army in 1970 and served until 1973, stationed in Germany. His other years of service were split between the National Guard and the Army Reserve. On the day he was set to retire, at age 57, Nealons National Guard unit was sent to Iraq and stayed there in 2004 and 2005.

LAST DAY

Campbell and Nealon both attended Laguna Beach High but didnt run in the same crowd. At the 10-year reunion, Campbell got to know Nealon better. For the 20-year reunion, he helped Nealon get the money to attend.

In those days, Nealon drove an old Dodge van, Campbell said. It had a large American flag painted on its side and the words God bless America.

It became comfortable for him to live that way, he recalled. He didnt have a lot of money, and he couldnt afford $1,000 for rent. He worked enough to have food and to take care of his life and car insurance. He was religious about making his payments.

Nealon stopped in regularly to clean Campbells office in downtown Laguna Beach and do work at his home. On the day he died, he was doing yardwork at Campbells home. He told Campbells wife, Dianne Reardon, he wasnt feeling well and left early.

She told him to go to the Laguna Beach Community Clinic, but he mentioned he might go to a VA hospital. He never did.

Five days later, Hoag found the check in Nealons camper and called Campbell. The $54 check was payment for vacuuming, emptying trash, and cleaning the bathroom and kitchen in Campbells office.

LAST RESPECTS

On Saturday, the eight mourners gathered in the pavilion at the cemetery to share their stories about Nealon.

Two women who were classmates of Nealon at Laguna Beach High were there. So was Arlen Ayres, Nealons nephew, who came from Newport Beach to pay his respects.

Bill Wood, Sandy Woods older brother, remembered Nealon from their early days in Laguna Beach.

He was the happy kid that got along with everyone, said Wood, 73. As he grew, he became one of the kindest people I knew.

Wood, along with Campbell, hired Nealon for odd jobs and had him house-sit during the Christmas holidays. Nealon would take care of his two bearded collies.

If he found a $100 bill on the floor, itd be sitting on your coffee table when you got back, he said. He was living day to day, but he wouldnt have considered taking it.

But it was the Rev. Vince Connor, a priest from Corona, who provided perhaps the most comfort.

We believe that friends and family relationships dont unravel in death, Connor told the group. A family is the environment in which you feel secure. Phil had a unique family. He wasnt homeless; he had a mobile home. In some way, he had a family made up of people who cared about him.

We celebrate that he lived his life the way he chose to live, he added. The choice he made was OK, because it was his choice.

Contact the writer: 714-796-2254 or eritchie@scng.com on on Twitter:@lagunaini
Authorities on Saturday identified a 25-year-old man who died after overdosing at the Newport Beach bar American Junkie.

Ahmed Said, a resident of Santa Ana, died at 7:20 a.m. Friday after he was rushed to Huntington Beach Hospital from the bar, according to the Orange County coroners office.

Three other men were hospitalized after overdosing at the restaurant, authorities said.

Sean Robert McLaughlin, 42, an employee at American Junkie, was taken into custody Friday night at his home in Aliso Viejo and booked at the Newport Beach Police Department Jail on suspicion of involuntary manslaughter, police said in a statement.

At around 1 a.m., paramedics were called to American Junkie, a waterside bar in the 2400 block of Newport Boulevard, where they found four men unconscious, said Newport Beach Fire Department Battalion Chief Jeff Boyles.

The men, possibly in their 20s, were taken to a hospital, where one died and the others were treated and released, police said.

Detectives suspect the four men got an unknown narcotic from McLaughlin. Authorities served search warrants at McLaughlins home and American Junkie.

Police encouraged witnesses to call Detective Rick Henry at 949-644-3797 or email rhenry@nbpd.org.

Contact the writer: 714-796-7865 or afausto@scng.com
BERLIN  In his strongest public comments since the election, President Barack Obama on Thursday sharply criticized the spread of fake news and said President-elect Donald Trump would not remain in office for long if he failed to take the job seriously.

Obama made his remarks at a news conference in Berlin beside the German chancellor, Angela Merkel, one of his closest allies on the Continent, calling the pair veterans of the international political stage. Merkel was unusually sentimental. It is hard to say goodbye, she said.

But instead of basking in the glow of what was supposed to be his valedictory tour of Europe, Obama used the moment to make a passionate and pointed attack on bogus news stories disseminated on Facebook and other social media platforms, twice calling such false reports a threat to democracy in his hourlong news conference.

Obama also warned Trump of the need to take the job of the presidency seriously and to be tough on Russia.

The extraordinary demands that are placed on the United States not just by its own people, but by people around the world, that forces you to focus, Obama said of Trumps ascent to the presidency. That demands seriousness.

And if youre not serious about the job, then you probably wont be there very long, the president added.

But it was on the subject of false information coursing through social media and television that Obama was most impassioned, so much so that at one stage he lost track of the question he was answering.

Because in an age where theres so much active misinformation and its packaged very well and it looks the same when you see it on a Facebook page or you turn on your television, Obama said. If everything seems to be the same and no distinctions are made, then we wont know what to protect.

I got all caught up in that one, he said.

Bogus news stories appearing online and on social media appear to have had a greater reach in the final months of the campaign than articles by authoritative, mainstream news outlets, according to an analysis of Facebook activity by BuzzFeed.

In the three months before Election Day, the most popular stories produced by hoax sites and hyperpartisan blogs generated more engagement  likes, shares and comments  on Facebook than the most popular articles by major news websites, the analysis found.

Among the 20 most popular fake election stories identified by BuzzFeed, all but three favored Trump or denigrated Hillary Clinton.

Facebook and Google said this week that they would take aim at the fake news sites online sources of revenue.

Merkel offered her own warnings about the disruptions associated with digitization, likening the present period to the social disruptions that occurred during the Industrial Revolution.

Germans have shown deep ambivalence toward social media, worried that global companies fail to respect the countrys strict laws protecting personal privacy. Facebook has also come under scrutiny from the German government for allowing the spread of hate speech in postings that would be illegal in traditional media.

Obama also urged Trump to cooperate with President Vladimir Putin of Russia when the Russians behave, but said he hoped that the president-elect also is willing to stand up to Russia where they are deviating from our values and international norms.

And I dont expect that the president-elect will follow exactly our blueprint or our approach, but my hope is that he does not simply take a realpolitik approach, Obama said.

That will be something well learn more about as the president-elect puts his team together, he added.

Trump has repeatedly complimented Putin and has sought to improve ties with Russia. The United States has accused Russia of hacking emails of Democratic Party officials in order to influence the election, and Putin warmly welcomed Trumps victory.
Re: For those who fear Trump, theres only one option [Opinion, Nov. 17]: In my opinion, Erwin Chemerinskys column is a bunch of What ifs. What if Hillary Clinton had been elected and put Loretta Lynch, Eric Holder and Barack Obama on the Supreme Court? Chemerinskys article fails to mention the most important fact of all; any such nomination by any president has to be confirmed by the Senate.

 Jon Railsback, Brea

It is time to drain the swamp

After reading Chemerinskys latest rant it is apparent he does not understand the dynamics of the presidential election. His liberal secular humanistic views on Donald Trump fail to understand that folks in the red states voted to repudiate the policies of Barack Obama and his surrogate, Hillary Clinton.

Law-abiding Americans were appalled when Black Lives Matter marched down Broadway in New York City chanting What do we want? Dead cops. When do we want them? Now. When police officers were being ambushed and slain the American people watched in horror. When President Obama invited BLM to the White House and when Hillary Clinton pandered to them, Americans took note.

Planned Parenthood was exposed selling baby body parts from abortions. Americans took note when Hillary Clinton backed Planned Parenthood. America took note when Hillary Clinton lied about her emails from her private server, not once but many times. When the Clinton Foundation was exposed for conspiring with the U.S. State Department for pay to play and when Clinton was caught lying to the families of the four men killed in Benghazi about who was responsible, we took note.

When Obama lied to the American people about the Affordable Care Act and rates went through the roof, we took note.

You see, many Americans were angry about an administration that treated them with disdain and arrogance. Because some of us voted for Donald Trump does not make us racist. We saw the hypocrisy and the blatant bias of the mainstream media and said, enough is enough. So let me tell you what I would tell your law students. When government is used as a cudgel to beat down individual freedom, when government officials lie to the American people, when career politicians use their office for financial gain, it is time to drain the swamp.

 Ron Williams, Irvine
Voting for the MVP is not as complicated as many voters want to make it. There is no need to differentiate between the player who had the best season and the player who was the most valuable.

The best player is the most valuable.

Value means you help your team win games. The player who had the best individual season added the most to his team and helped win the most games.

Simple.

Just as simple as putting Mike Trout in the No. 1 spot on my MVP ballot.

Taking the standings into consideration muddies the whole question. It not only involves the other players on his team, but the other teams. One 90-win team might win the division while another might finish third.

And if a players impact only counts as much as it moves a team in the standings, what if a team wins its division in a runaway? The Chicago Cubs, who won their division by 17 games, probably would have still gone to the playoffs without Kris Bryant, but you wont hear anyone discounting Bryants value because his team was too good

So when it comes to my MVP ballot, I merely have to figure out which player helped his team the most. To do that, I look simply at what the player did and when he did it.

There are plenty of stats to measure what a player did. The best number to judge overall offensive performance is adjusted OPS, which rolls up two of the most important offensive stats, on-base percentage and slugging percentage, and adjusts them for the ballpark and league averages.

In order to blend in defense and baserunning, the most oft-cited statistic is WAR. I dont take it as gospel because of the questionable defensive metrics involved, but its the best weve got.

Trout led the league in WAR and adjusted OPS. That makes the what pretty simple.

As for the when, contextual statistics are tricky. Its true that, from a players perspective, a homer in a 7-0 game and a walk-off are the same accomplishment. But to his team, they arent. And we are talking about how much value a player provided to his team in a specific season.

The MVP is about what happened, not what should have happened in some context-neutral alternate universe or what might happen next year.

The two best contextual stats are win probability added (WPA) and base-out runs added. The former measures how much a players production helped to win games and the latter how much he contributed to scoring runs.

Trout led the league in both, more than 20 percent better than the runner-up in each category.

So, it was a no-brainer to give Trout my first-place vote. After that, I took all of the candidates and looked at their league ranks in each of those four categories, and then came up with an average ranking. That provided a starting point, which I could then tweak to my taste. I didnt move anyone more than a couple spots.

Thats how Josh Donaldson wound up second on my ballot. He was the only player other than Trout who was in the top five in the league in all four categories.

Heres my entire ballot: 1. Trout, 2. Donaldson, 3. Mookie Betts, 4. Jose Altuve, 5. Adrian Beltre, 6. David Ortiz, 7. Manny Machado, 8. Robinson Cano, 9. Miguel Cabrera, 10. Corey Kluber.

Contact the writer: jlfletcher@scng.com
Democrat former Assemblywoman Sharon Quirk-Silva has reclaimed the 65th state Assembly District two years after she lost it to GOP incumbent Assemblywoman Young Kim.

Kim conceded the race on Thursday, a day after Quirk-Silvas camp issued a statement claiming victory. Quirk-Silva led Kim by more than 1,500 votes on election night, and that lead has nearly tripled since then as Orange Countys numerous provisional and mail-in ballots are counted.

I am grateful to the voters for their confidence, Quirk-Silva said in a prepared statement. I will always put their interests first. Right now, that means its time to get to work investing in the people of California through better schools, more affordable colleges, and helping mall businesses thrive.

Quirk-Silva, who served as the 65ths Assemblywoman from 2012 to 2014, campaigned on her ability to author and pass legislation. During her time in the Assembly, she authored a law providing an additional $25 million in tax credits to small businesses and another requiring the Department of Veterans Affairs to construct and fund a veterans cemetery in Irvine.

She said, if elected, she would be a bridge for Orange County to make sure were getting the resources to build affordable housing, ensuring that cities know what resources are available at the state level.

The race for the 65th was one of a few statewide that had the potential to give Democrats a two-thirds supermajority in the state legislature, allowing them to raise taxes without any GOP support.

Those high stakes drew heavy spending from the state political parties and special-interest groups  with $4.2 million backing Quirk-Silva and $3.3 million for Kim.

Democrats surpassed the supermajority mark on Tuesday, when Sabrina Cervantes beat incumbent GOP Assemblyman Eric Linder in Riverside County. Quirk-Silva adds a buffer to that lead, but Democrats still dont have a full legislative supermajority and can only get one by winning the undecided 29th state Senate District, where GOP candidate Ling Ling Chang is leading.

On Election Day, Democrats held a nine-point lead over Republicans in voter registration in the 65th  which includes west Anaheim, Fullerton, Buena Park, Cypress, Stanton and La Palma. As recently as April, that lead was only two points, but a push to register Democrats in the district bolstered their numbers.

The 65th has flip-flopped between Democrats and Republicans each of the last three election cycles, with the region going blue during Presidential elections and red in between them.

Before her 2012 election, Quirk-Silva was a Fullerton City Council member and has taught grade school for 30 years.

Contact the writer: jgraham@scng.com or 714-796-7960
J.K. Rowlings first Harry Potter novel, which was published in 1997, had an initial print run of 2,500 copies, but by the time the last of the eight Potter films was released in 2011, the series was a worldwide phenomenon.

And there was still an enormous appetite for more.

So todays release of Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them  a fresh chapter in Rowlings magical world that takes place before Harrys adventures  would seem like a time of celebration for wizards and muggles alike.

Yet an air of mystery surrounds the estimated $180 million Warner Bros. film. Unlike the Potter films, which were based on Rowlings novels and so had a huge fan base by the time they hit the screen, Beasts is from an original script by the acclaimed author. So there is some anticipation about how the film and its announced sequels will be received.

Beasts centers on the character of Newt Scamander, played by Oscar-winning actor Eddie Redmayne. The eccentric English wizard is first mentioned in the initial Potter novel as the author of a textbook about magical creatures written in the 1920s called Fantastic Beasts. As part of a charity effort in 2001, Rowling, using the name Newt Scamander, published a small book with that title, which described the creatures.

The film, though, is an entirely different beast, a full-fledged dive into a familiar yet different magical world of another era.

Newt is an unusual hero, says Redmayne. He is incredibly awkward in having relationships with human beings, and yet he is entirely content in his own skin.

Getting Redmayne was crucial for the project, says producer David Heyman.

We had one and only choice for Newt and that was Eddie, he says. He is great at playing characters who are outsiders, someone who can be a little bit naughty and awkward and yet he can make them entirely relatable, engaging and sympathetic.

One reason Heyman and director David Yates wanted Redmayne was because they saw him as quintessentially British.

That was important, says the producer. You feel like he can exist in any time; so he fits in very comfortably in 1926.

Redmayne won his Oscar for playing physicist Stephen Hawking in The Theory of Everything, which was set mostly in the 1960s and 70s. The following year the 34-year-old actor received a second nomination for his work in the role of Lili Elbe, one of the first known recipients of sex-reassignment surgery, in The Danish Girl, which took place in the early part of the 20th century.

Redmayne just laughs when asked about all the period pieces hes been in. He mentions reading a quote attributed to Daniel Radcliffe, who, when asked about Fantastic Beasts, reportedly complained that all he ever got to wear was a hoodie and jeans in the Potter films while Redmayne gets to wear some great coats and outfits.

I thought, I dream about getting a role where I only get to wear a hoodie and jeans in a film, he says with a laugh.

Fantastic Beasts not only introduces Newt but also the friends he makes once he arrives in New York City. (The sequel, already in the works, is set in Paris, making Newt more of a world traveler than Harry.)

They include Katherine Waterston as Tina and Alison Sudol as Queenie, two magical sisters. Tony Award winner Dan Fogler plays Jacob  a No-Mag, someone without magical powers  who stumbles into the world of wizards.

Unlike the Potter stories, Beasts involves adults instead of children. Redmayne says his brother, who is six years younger, got him into Harrys world when the books first came out.

I was quite intoxicated by that world, says the actor, who became a first-time father in June. When the films started coming out, I just found the most incredibly warm and comforting place to return to every year or so.

What Redmayne loved about Rowlings Beasts script was that it was only when Newt meets the other members of the quartet  who are all outsiders in their own way  that he and the others could reveal themselves.

Rowling says Fantastic Beasts was partly informed by the rise of fear-stoked populism around the world. This was long before the recent U.S. election.

I think when you look at Jos work, you see themes of intolerance, a world divided, which is as relevant in 1926 as it is today, Heyman says.

When Newt arrives in New York, its a city between the two world wars with the Depression on the horizon and struggling with economic inequality and xenophobia. There is also a power struggle within the wizard community, which feels under siege from a group spouting anti-magic rhetoric that is reminiscent of the Red Scare tactics of the 1950s.

While Rowling wrote what she describes as a really dark version of the script, ultimately she and the filmmakers opted for a tone that is more in keeping with the Potter films, a serious underside but filled with enchantment.

Heyman says Rowling felt free to try things out in her drafts and push the envelope because Yates and Steve Klovis, the scriptwriter for the Potter films who came on as a producer for Beasts, gave her the space and support she needed.

Yates observes that once Rowling got into the world of Beasts, her imagination started running wild. This was supposed to be a trilogy. Now she announced it would be five films.

Rowling is a producer on Beasts and so has more of a hands-on role than she did for the Potter movies. She still defers to Yates, who helmed the last four of the franchise, on filmmaking decisions.

Before casting the others in the quartet, Yates narrowed down a group of finalists for the roles and flew Redmayne to New York City to read with them all.

It was interesting for me that I was cast in the film without an audition, the actor says. I knew at some point I was going to have to show my cards to David and Jo (Rowling). So I was pretty nervous myself during those auditions.

A week or so before shooting began, Redmayne sat down with Rowling to discuss where Newt had come from in her imagination.

It was a great insight and a galvanizing way to start the film for me. What is amazing about Jo is that these characters just jumped off the page, the actor says. But what was lovely was how she allowed us  as did David Yates  a freedom to play within the script so you could come up with ideas on your own. That was liberating.

While his chemistry with the other actors was important, much of what Redmayne does in the film is interact with his menagerie of magical creatures.

Most of the film was shot in Warner Bros. Leavesden Studios in Hertfordshire. The filmmakers had considered the possibly of filming in New York but felt too much of the city had changed since the 1920s.

A variety of devices were used for Redmaynes Newt to react to when dealing with the beasts. For the erumpent  a giant rhino-like beast  a giant puppet was built to replicate its size and shape. A team of three puppeteers who had brought the title character of War Horse to life onstage operated the contraption.

Since the erumpent was in heat, Newt had to do a mating dance with it to lure it back to his magical suitcase, which the actor has called a bit humiliating.

What was riveting about making the film for me was that many of those things  whether it was the green screen or with puppets  is about opening your imagination, says Redmayne, So a lot of it was about regressing to your inner 10-year-old.

Claiming he has a shoddy imagination, the actor spent a lot of time with the designers and the special-effects departments so he could see how these creatures were being envisioned.

While Beasts is being planned as a franchise, Heyman says, We just approach this film with the idea of trying to make the best film we could.

But Redmayne acknowledges that every new film brings its own pressures. With The Theory of Everything, it was portraying Hawking knowing he would eventually see the film. For The Danish Girl, it was not letting the trans community down.

What is hard here, I suppose, is there is a sense of other peoples expectations, he says. The Harry Potter world is so dear to many  ourselves working on the film included  and so you want to do Jo proud and the story proud and the fans proud.

Contact the writer: rlowman@scng.com@RobLowman1 on Twitter
An appeals court has refused to block the release of some secret notes kept by Orange County Sheriffs deputies overseeing jailhouse informants.

Sheriff Sandra Hutchens had sought to stop the planned release Friday of the notes.

The 4th District Court of Appeal on Thursday upheld Superior Court Judge Thomas Goethals order requiring release of some of the notes. But the appeals court effectively postponed the release of the documents to Dec. 2 at the earliest, giving Hutchens time to appeal to the California Supreme Court if she chooses.

Goethals last week ordered the release of 200 of 1,157 pages of unauthorized notes kept for a five-year period.
The holiday season is getting into full swing, with more craft boutiques, as well as dance shows, live theater and a pow wow. There are a few holiday tree lightings, too, and we put those in a separate list.

Here are our picks for this weekend:

ALL WEEKEND

POWWOW: The Southern California Indian Center is holding its 2016 American Indian Cultural Festival and 48th annual Pow Wow on Saturday and Sunday in Costa Mesa. There will be traditional dancing contests, arts and crafts booths and American Indian food. Bring a canned food item and receive one ticket for a special drawing or bring an unwrapped toy for a child up to 15 and get two tickets for the drawing. Saturday 10 a.m. to 9:30 p.m. and Sunday from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. at the OC Fair and Event Center, 88 Fair Drive Costa Mesa in the OC Promenade & Los Alamitos Building. General admission $5, $3 for ages 13-17 and seniors 55 & up and children 12 and under are free. Enter through Gate 8. Parking $8. Information: indiancenter.org/annual-pow-wow.html.

MIKHAILOVSKYS LE CORSAIRE: See the American premiere of the Mikhailovsky Ballets Le Corsaire at Segerstrom Center for the Arts today through Sunday. The title role will be performed by ballet superstar Ivan Vasiliev as the dancers tell the story of a pirate who falls in love with a Greek maiden. Tickets start at $29. 600 Town Center Drive, Costa Mesa. 714-556-2787 or scfta.org.

A PIECE OF MY HEART: Called the most enduring play on Vietnam in the nation, by the Vietnam Veterans Association, A Piece of My Heart plays 7:30 p.m., Thursday-Saturday, and 2 p.m. Sunday at Golden West College Theater, 15751 Gothard St. The play is about a true story of six servicewomen in the 1960s. Tickets are $14-$16. Information: 714-895-8150 or gwctheater.com.

THE BOXCAR CHILDREN: Audiences will be inspired by this beloved childrens classic of four orphaned siblings who discover the rewards and perils of a life of independence while hiding out in an abandoned boxcar they find in the forest. Friday 7 p.m., noon and 5 p.m. Saturday and Sunday at the Laguna Playhouse, 606 Laguna Canyon Road, Laguna Beach. Through Sunday. Tickets are $15-$20. Information: lagunaplayhouse.com.

DANCE SHOW: The Saddleback College Dance Department presents WinterDance 2016 at 7:30 p.m. Nov. 17-19 at the McKinney Theatre. The performances include contemporary, ballet, jazz, tap, Latin and African dance pieces. Tickets: $12 presale; $16 at the door. Free for children 7 and younger. Information: 949-582-4656.

PUTNAM COUNTY SPELLING BEE: Tickets are on sale for the Buena Park Youth Theatre production of The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee. The show premieres at 7:30 p.m. Thursday at the Buena Park High Performing Arts Complex, with shows through Nov. 27. Tickets can be bought at the Community Center. Information: 714-562-3860.

FRIDAY

CRAFT BOUTIQUES: Here are two craft fairs both Friday and Saturday:

 Brea hosts its 23rd annual Nutcracker Craft Boutique from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Friday and 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Saturday at the Community Center. Admission is $2; the event benefits youth and family programs in the city. More than 270 vendors are featured.

 Enjoy boutique shopping, demonstrations, presentations and activities at the 41st annual holiday shopping faire, The Christmas Company, in Costa Mesa. Event includes a Fancy Nancy Tea Party childrens show and visits with Santa Claus. 10 a.m.-10 p.m. today and 8 a.m.-8 p.m. Saturday. $10. 88 Fair Drive, Costa Mesa. 949-261-0823 or jlocc.org

FAMILY MOVIE NIGHT: Muppet Treasure Island is being shown at Movie Night at The Ocean Institute in Dana Point Friday. Doors open at 5 p.m. with food trucks and touch tanks, and the movie starts at 6 p.m. Admission is $10; a family four-pack is $30. Ocean Institute members get a 10 percent discount. Buy tickets online at ocean-institute.org.

SATURDAY

CRAFT SALES: Looking for homemade treasures? A few local groups are holding craft sales Saturday.

 Cypress is having its 36th annual holiday craft show from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday at the Community Center, 5700 Orange Ave. Information: 714-229-6780 or cypressrec.com.

 The 46th annual Gifts & Goodies Boutique returns to the Norman P. Murray Community and Senior Center, 24932 Veterans Way, in Mission Viejo from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday. The boutique will showcase 86 local crafters and artisans offering handcrafted items for home decor. Admission is free. Information: mvactivities.com.

 The Ecology Center is hosting a makers market this weekend, featuring local vendors selling locally produced items from ceramics to soaps and a variety of foods with music and artisan demos. Admission is free, 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday, 32701 Alipaz Street. Call 949-443-4223.

NUTCRACKER PREVIEW: Festival Ballet Theatre is offering a live, sneak-peek performance of its Nutcracker ballet production on Saturday at University Center, 4100 Campus Drive, Irvine. The event begins at 11 a.m. with children activities such as face-painting and crafts. The Nutcracker sneak peek and performances by the FOCUS Dance Center is from noon to 2 p.m.

FAMILY VOLUNTEER DAY: Horse Nation Foundation celebrates National Family Volunteer Day from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday at the Equestrian Center, 18381 Goldenwest St., Huntington Beach. The free event features barbecue and bake sale vendors, and horse activities for kids. Information: 714-842-7777 or horsenationfoundation.org.

FUNDRAISING BALL: The 68th annual Firehouse Ball, sponsored by Las Damas to benefit the Sunset Beach Community Association, is 8 p.m.-midnight Saturday at the renovated Huntington Bay Club, 4121 Warner Ave. The ball will include casino games and dancing to live music. Tickets are $30. Information: 714-366-1418 or sunsetbeachca.org.

FESTIVAL OF TREES: The Altrusa Anaheim Club will host its Festival of Trees from 11:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday at the Anaheim United Methodist Church Community Center, 1000 S. State College Blvd. The fundraiser, which features a silent auction and homemade baked goods, benefits the clubs projects. Advance tickets are $15. Information: altrusaanaheimca.org.

SUNDAY

COLOR RUN: The beach will be awash in rainbow colors as the popular fluorescent Color Run 5K kicks off at 8 a.m. Sunday, at 21601 PCH across from Beach Boulevard in Huntington Beach. A portion of the proceeds benefit Orange County Schools and McKenna Claire Foundation for pediatric brain cancer. Cost is $49.99. Information: thecolorrun.com.

BERLINER PHILHARMONIKER: Presented by the Philharmonic Society of Orange County and led by music director Sir Simon Rattle. The program includes Anton Weberns Six Pieces for Orchestra, Op. 6; Arnold Schoenbergs Five Pieces for Orchestra, Op. 16; Alban Bergs Three Pieces for Orchestra, Op. 6; and Johannes Brahms Symphony No. 2. 2 p.m. at Segerstrom Center for the Arts, Renee and Henry Segerstrom Concert Hall, 615 Town Center Drive, Costa Mesa. Tickets start at $50: philharmonicsociety.org.

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BEVERLY HILLS  The worlds earliest-known stone inscription of the Ten Commandments has sold at auction in Beverly Hills for $850,000.

Heritage Auctions says the tablet sold Wednesday night at a public auction of ancient Biblical archaeology artifacts.

The two-foot square marble slab weighs about 115 pounds and is inscribed in an early Hebrew script called Samaritan.

Heritage says the tablet likely adorned the entrance of a synagogue that was destroyed by the Romans between A.D. 400 and 600, or by the Crusaders in the 11th century.

The auction house says the Israeli Antiquities Authorities approved export of the piece to the United States in 2005. The only condition is that it must be displayed in a public museum. Heritage says the new owner is under obligation to do that.
During an interview for his forthcoming 13th Annual Christmas Rocks! Tour with The Brian Setzer Orchestra, which stops by Microsoft Theatre on Dec. 17, Setzer confirmed that he and the other Stray Cats, drummer Slim Jim Phantom and bassist and longtime Laguna Beach resident Lee Rocker, have been talking about getting together to play again.

Yeah, you know what, we will do it, Setzer said of a reunion. Yes, we will.

Stray Cats, a rockabilly band that formed in New York in 1978, toured around the world and spawned numerous hit singles in a variety of countries including Rock This Town, Stray Cat Strut, (Shes) Sexy + 17, Bring it Back Again and many more. Throughout the years the band had several points of inactivity as its members explored solo projects, however, it also enjoyed several successful comebacks and reunion shows as a band.

In 2008, the trio surprised fans that showed up to its sold-out show at Pacific Amphitheatre in Costa Mesa, then-billed as its only U.S. show that year, to find vendors selling T-shirts that read Stray Cats: 1978-2008. Its website also posted that shows later that year in Europe and Australia would be part of The Farewell Tour.

Now, eight years later, Setzer said the Stray Cats may soon strut again, but didnt exactly offer any specifics.

We want to play together again, the 57-year-old said with a hint of nostalgia in this voice. Weve gotta do that again. Were a special band, we really have good chemistry. I dont know when well do it, but hopefully before I lose my pompadour.

Setzer spoke highly of the talents of his former players, noting that Slim Jim just rocks and with Rocker, well, Theres nothing else like him, hes the best bass player, Setzer added.

I miss it, he said of finally mulling over getting the gang back together. Especially now, I mean lets face it, were not kids anymore. Were getting older and when we talk about the stuff that we did and that feeling we had of taking over the world, as silly as that sounds now, it really takes us back and now Im like, Oh Gosh, were still here! Were still here and we can play our asses off, so, lets play!

Rocker echos that sentiment. Via an email sent this week he said that the Stray Cats are a unique and powerful band and that Setzer is an awesome guitarist and musician.

Im looking forward to rocking with my old friends Slim Jim and Brian, he continued. Its hard for me to believe that 2017 marks the 35th anniversary of Built for Speed, our U.S. debut. This is indeed a rock and roll milestone.

Contact the writer: 714-796-3570 or kfadroski@ocregister.com

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Days before the election, I told my wife and children that Donald Trump represented an existential threat to the United States and that we should seriously consider moving to Canada if he won. I said this as a political centrist who voted for Ronald Reagan, George H.W. Bush and Mitt Romney and who once interned on a Republican-controlled U.S. Senate Finance Committee.

Then the unthinkable happened. Trump, who during the campaign mocked the handicapped, bullied his political opponents, winked at white supremacists, demeaned women, threatened to jail his Democratic opponent and condoned violence at his rallies, became Americas next president-elect.

Today, after quickly passing through the five stages of grief, I have reached a decision that startles even myself: I will root for Trump to succeed and help make America (Extra) Great Again!

I hope the supply-side economics he and his allies favor ignites the sluggish U.S. economy and puts people back to work. I hope his admiration for Russian dictator Vladimir Putin results in a more constructive U.S.-Russian relationship. I hope his support of coal mining and fracking creates scores of high-paying jobs and advances American energy security.

Its not that my views about Donald Trump and his policies have undergone a sudden shift. They havent. But my views about the best way to move forward, both personally and collectively, have.

We need to set aside our bitterness. Protesting, occasionally violent, the legitimacy of Trumps victory, belittling him and tweeting Rape Melania will only serve to further inflame partisan tensions and do nothing to reverse the elections result. Hillary Clinton lost. At a time of economic uncertainty, increased terrorist threats and growing national security challenges, we need to find a commonality of purpose.

We are at our best as a nation united. Americans came together to win two world wars. We joined forces to win the Cold War and liberate millions from communist tyranny. We built railroads, highways, ports and industries that connected us to each other and to the world, fueling an economic boom the likes of which history has never seen.

Is Trump the man to bring this polarized country together?

On the surface, that would seem highly unlikely.

Still, Trumps early actions have been encouraging. In his gracious victory speech, he said we owed Hillary Clinton a major debt of gratitude for her service to our country. After meeting with President Obama, he called him a very good man and said he might retain key aspects of Obamacare. On Sunday, he announced the appointment of Republican National Committee Chairman Reince Priebus, an establishment moderate, as his chief of staff.

Of course, nobody knows if Trump will continue to play nice and find a middle way or whether the fire-breather who promised to drain the swamp will soon reappear. If its the latter, my fellow Democrats and I will do everything in our power to thwart his regressive policies.

I prefer to think that Trumps deep-seated need for respect will lead him to salve the nations wounds as best he can. Nothing would frustrate him more than being regarded as a mediocre or failed president. And anybody who engineered one of the greatest political upsets in American history, in the face of implacable media opposition, ostensibly has the smarts to become an effective leader.

Even if Trump falls short of my optimism, we Americans dont have to wait for him or anyone else to let the healing begin.

Democrats, including myself, have for far too long looked down on non-college educated white working-class Republicans as rubes, hicks and racists.

As exit polling has shown, however, most of Trumps working class supporters voted for him for his promise to stanch offshoring and bring good jobs back to their blighted communities. They favored him not because of his bigotry and sexism but often despite it (with the notable exception of the emboldened alt-right). After years of being ignored by elitist Democrats and Republicans, they have found an unlikely champion in a New York billionaire.

On the other side on the aisle, Republicans have long mocked Democrats as a coalition of out-of-touch Hollywood types, tax-and-spend liberals and takers, not makers.

We must stop this destructive stereotyping. All Americans, whatever their creed, color or religion, want good jobs, good schools, good communities, good government and good lives. Our similarities unite us much more and are differences divide us.

Its time to break out of our red and blue ghettos and build relationships across the political aisle  one person at a time. We must reach out to somebody on the other side and listen. Listen to why they supported Trump or Clinton. Listen to their hopes and fears. Listen to their dreams. Through this judgment-free communication, we could gain an appreciation one anothers humanity and take a small step toward ending the political paralysis that has gripped us the past two decades.

The U.S. is an exceptional nation. Its time we started acting like one again.

Marc Ballon is a Fullerton resident and freelance writer who has taught journalism at Cal State Fullerton.
SAN DIEGO  President-elect Donald Trump has agreed to a $25 million settlement to resolve three lawsuits over Trump University, his former school for real estate investors.

The deal announced Friday by New York state Attorney General Eric Schneiderman would settle a lawsuit he filed three years ago, plus two class-action lawsuits in California filed on behalf of former Trump University students.

Additionally, the federal judge in San Diego canceled the civil fraud trial against involving the now-defunct real-estate school.

Judge Gonzalo Curiel confirmed Friday that a deal has been reached in all three cases involving the school. Curiel says the agreement is subject to his approval.

Curiel says the settlement totals $25 million  $21 for two San Diego cases and $4 million for a New York case. Plaintiffs attorney Jason Forge confirmed the deal.

The trial has been set to begin Nov. 28.

The suits had alleged that Trump University failed to deliver the quality real estate investing education it promised.

Messages left with several of Trumps attorneys and a spokeswoman were not returned Friday.

Trump has strongly denied the allegations and said during the campaign that he wouldnt settle. He told supporters at a May rally that he would come to San Diego to testify after winning the presidency.

I could have settled this case numerous times, but I dont want to settle cases when were right. I dont believe in it. And when you start settling cases, you know what happens? Everybody sues you because you get known as a settler. One thing about me, I am not known as a settler, Trump said at the time.

The deal does not require Trump to acknowledge wrongdoing.

Schneiderman said the $25 million to be paid by Trump or one of his business entities includes restitution for victims and $1 million in penalties to the state.

Donald Trump fought us every step of the way, filing baseless charges and fruitless appeals and refusing to settle for even modest amounts of compensation for the victims of his phony university. Today, that all changes, Schneiderman said in a statement. He called the settlement a stunning reversal by Donald Trump and a major victory for the over 6,000 victims of his fraudulent university.

Trumps attorneys said in a court filing last week that preparations for the White House were critical and all-consuming. Six months ago, when they unsuccessfully sought a delay until after Inauguration Day, lead attorney Daniel Petrocelli said the period between the election and swearing-in is extremely hectic for a president-elect but that it was preferable to a trial during the campaign.

The task is momentous, exceedingly complex, and requires careful coordination involving the respective staffs and teams of both President (Barack) Obama and President-Elect Trump, Trumps attorneys wrote. In fewer than three months, the President-Elect must be prepared to manage 15 executive departments, more than 100 federal agencies, 2 million civilian employees, and a budget of almost $4 trillion.
Dasha Kukhtyk has been in the United States for only a few months, but shes already loving it.

The vivacious 24-year-old from Ukraine studies business administration at UC Irvine and dreams of starting her own music business. She was drawn to Irvine for its warm weather and safety, she said.

I love how open people are, Kukhtyk said as she waited in line to take photo with UCIs mascot, Peter the Anteater, at a recent open house event. Its a great opportunity to interact with American people and learn more about American culture and get great education and practical experience.

Kukhtyk is one of more than 4,500 international students enrolled in the universitys continuing education programs to receive certificates or learn English this year. UCIs Division of Continuing Education serves 35,000 adult learners mostly through online courses separate from the undergraduate and graduate programs.

The division recently opened its new $50 million building on campus to accommodate the growing need for more classroom space while changing its name from UCI Extension this fall.

(The name change) symbolizes, along with this building, what I consider to be the campus commitment to what I call the 60-year curriculum, which is a notion our relationship with students doesnt end after they graduated, said Gary Matkin, dean of Continuing Education, Distance Learning, and Summer Session, from his office on the top floor of the new five-story building overlooking the campus.

It continues on not only because they are alumni with us, but also because they are members of learning communities, he said.

In addition, most international students dont understand what Extension means, he said.

Extension is an artifact of our particular culture and history and less and less descriptive of what we actually do, so we changed our name, Matkin said.

The division offers about 2,400 adult learning courses  ranging from business management, marketing and information technology to education, engineering and life sciences  mainly for those who already have undergraduate degrees.

Technologies such as the Internet and smartphones have made it crucial for people to continue learning new skills and be flexible throughout their lives because changes are constant, Matkin said. And those same technologies allow people to learn anytime, anywhere.

Imagine the ramifications of driverless cars. What is going to happen with truck drivers, with taxi drivers and so forth when that happens, he said. Being able to learn is really more and more necessary to maintain your style of living, to maintain your economic status.

The other pillar of Matkins division is international education, which offers short-term programs in business, technology and ESL for foreign students like Kukhtyk.

These programs attract students from 80 countries, many from China, Japan, Brazil and the Middle East. They study on the UCI campus for a few months.

Shibaura Institute of Technology in Tokyo sends about 120 students to UCI for the ESL program in the summer and winter each year. Its difficult for Japanese students to land a job or get promoted if they cant speak English, said Hisaya Igarashi, the universitys chairman of the board.

Students can acquire a broader view of the world by studying at an institution like UCI, which gets students from around the world, Igarashi said through an interpreter at UCIs open house celebration of the new continuing education building on Oct. 27.

Vic Yang, 26, enrolls in the same business administration certificate program as Kukhtyk.

A computer engineer in Taiwan, Yang said international experiences help him advance his career back at home.

Here we can improve our communication skills, build relationships and learn traditions of other countries, he said.

Yang said hes impressed that courses at UCI are taught by those who run their own businesses or have worked at prominent companies. One of them is Taiwanese like Yang, and started his own company in the U.S.

It inspires us, Yang said.

Contact the writer: tshimura@scng.com
Matthew Pugh

Over the last two years, weve received dozens of RFPs and referrals from technology companies based overseas looking to increase their brand awareness in the U.S.

Fortunately, weve been able to respond to and turn several of these companies into clients. While each client weve worked with is different with respect to location, products and culture, theyve all faced many of the same challenges when it comes to getting noticed by the media  and ultimately by potential sales targets  here in the states. As communications practitioners, were often placed in the uncomfortable position of balancing unrealistic client expectations with the harsh realities of the business and the world were in. To avoid discomfort, some PR firms simply tell prospects or clients what they want to hear in order land or keep the business. This is, of course, the wrong approach.

Clearly, prospects and clients are better served when they receive straight-forward, experience-based counsel on what they can and should expect, especially when their goal is creating buzz in America  no small feat. While some foreign tech companies have been able to make a splash stateside with little effort, most will have numerous hurdles to overcome that they may not want to hear about, but need to know.

Small fish in a big pond

Your tech company may be the belle of the ball in your market, making millions in revenue, employing hundreds in the community, offering a cool solution, being led by a dashing CEO and garnering media coverage at the snap of a finger. All of these things are great, but they usually mean nothing to a U.S. reporter or influencer. Keep in mind: 14 of the 25 largest tech companies in the world hail from the U.S., including seven of the top 10: Apple, Microsoft, Alphabet, Intel, IBM, Cisco Systems and Oracle. All of these companies are public, all have reporters assigned to cover them specifically, and on any given day one or all of them can dominate the tech news cycle. Foreign tech companies that are swimming in local media attention often dont understand why the latest version of their software or the 5K race their CEO ran doesnt make headlines here. The answer is simple: when it comes to tech, the U.S. is a much bigger pond with lots of big fish.

U.S. media prefer U.S. tech

One could speculate that U.S. media tend to ignore non-U.S. tech companies for a number of reasons: the potential for misinterpretation through translation, a suspicion of foreign products, a perceived lack of credibility, and so on. What it most likely boils down to, however, is convenience.

Lets say a reporter based in California is doing a story on coding and needs a source from a software company for comment. As we know, reporters are very busy and often dont have the time or inclination to research and track down an interesting or new perspective on a topic, something that could very well come from an international source.

When you couple the fact that California alone has literally hundreds of software companies with the deadline demands reporters have, chances are high they will reach out to a source whom they already know at a nearby software company. The medias preference for choosing the familiar runs parallel to the next point.

Lack of U.S. based customers

If youve worked with the tech media  or almost any media for that matter  you quickly learn that they are almost always more curious about what your customers have to say about your company and your products than what you have to say. Having a third party talk about your company or product typically carries more weight than doing it yourself. Additionally, leveraging the voices of outside organizations helps to drive the creation of content, news, and relevant information.

The disadvantage that tech companies from outside the country often have is a lack of U.S. customers. We can cite numerous examples when we have been able to interest reporters in a foreign tech client, only to have those same reporters ask if they can speak with one of the clients U.S. customers. If the client doesnt have one, the reporters response is typically get back to me when they do, even if the work the tech company is doing or the solution it is offering can be applied to U.S. markets.

Logistics are tricky

Anyone whos tried to coordinate meetings between multiple people in multiple locations in the U.S., where time zones only vary by three hours, knows how problematic it can be. This obstacle increases significantly when trying to coordinate calls between time zones that differ by 10, 12, even 18 hours.

Unless youve established an office and/or a spokesperson in the U.S. and theres ample time to prepare, the chances of connecting with a reporter on deadline are slim. A reporter who needs a comment for a Monday story isnt going to reach out to a company thats halfway through Tuesday. And ironically, the technologies available to connect with U.S. media from other parts of the world arent always reliable.

It takes time

Having said all of that, its still possible to gain traction with the U.S. media without any domestic presence, customers or connections. The climb is certainly more difficult, but getting involved in the discussion is possible through the creation of partnerships, the placement of byline articles and other editorial content, and by leveraging social media. Ultimately, it will take time to realize the kind of results from your PR efforts that will move the needle.

Chances are, your company didnt become an overnight success in your own backyard. Gaining awareness in the U.S. requires building relationships, educating many new people about your company and products and a constant drum beat of consistent communication. While this is happening, hopefully you will be making inroads into establishing the other factors that will help along the way.

***



Matthew Pugh is Vice President at Weiss PR.
IFA Environment and Rural Affairs Chairman Thomas Cooney has urged all farmers and their families who may be impacted by the proposed project to pipe water from the river Shannon to Dublin to attend the Irish Water organised consultation meetings which started this week.

Thomas Cooney said, The landowner is the most important stakeholder in this project. After the engineers, planners and consultants are long gone, farmers are the ones who will be left with this pipe on their lands. Therefore, their voices are the most important and they must be heard.

The IFA has urged every farmer who has received letters in recent days from Irish Water about the project to attend the meetings and get as much information about the project as possible. Concerns and objections should be set at these meetings.

Thomas Cooney said it is important that all farmers receive the following information:

a detailed map setting out the impact of the proposed project on farm holdings;

an understanding why the route has been selected;

confirmation that the project will remain in State ownership;

confirmation that any future income and yield losses will be made good by Irish Water, if the project were to happen

an understanding of the physical impact the proposed project will have on farm holdings and if there will be any permanent structures on farms.

Farm families must ensure their strong voices are heard clearly at the Irish Water meetings, Thomas Cooney concluded.
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Agricultural News

OSU Ag-Economics Professor, Dr. Bailey Norwood, Named USDA National Teaching Award Winner

Bailey Norwood does more than teach classes at Oklahoma State University. He equips his students with the ability to master a few simple concepts that will help them understand a complex world.







His innovative teaching style, as well as his positive impact on his students, were recognized recently as he was presented the U.S. Department of Agriculture National Excellence in College and University Teaching Award for Food and Agricultural Sciences by the Association of Public and Land-grant Universities. The award celebrates university faculty for their use of innovative teaching methods and service to students. He is a professor in OSU's College of Agricultural Sciences and Natural Resources.







"Public Universities' primary mission is to educate students and inspire them to apply the skills and knowledge learned in the classroom to transform the world outside it," said Ian Maw, vice president of Food, Agriculture and Natural Resources at APLU. "Educators play a central role in helping students realize their full potential. This year's winners of the Excellence in College and University Teaching Awards for Food and Agriculture Sciences have demonstrated an uncompromising commitment to their students and the community they serve."







Norwood, who holds the Barry Pollard, M.D./P&K Equipment Professorship in OSU's Department of Agricultural Economics, is humbled by this award.







"Although the APLU award is given to me as an individual, I think it really testifies to CASNR as a team," Norwood said. "This award means I'm blessed with the support of some extraordinary individuals."







One of the innovative ways Norwood engages his students is he comes to class once each semester dressed as David Hume, a Scottish philosopher, historian, economist and essayist best known today for his influential system of radical philosophical empiricism, skepticism and naturalism.







He said he got the idea of coming to class in character while watching a documentary about Catherine the Great, in which the narrator detailed her life while actors dressed in 18th century Russian costumes acted out the scenes.







"Give students a book on Catherine or write notes about her on the board and they quickly get sleepy. We are visual animals. That's why everyone prefers charts and graphs to numbers," Norwood said. "Our minds stay attentive, retain information and capture information better if we have visualization to accompany the information. Pondering this, I thought students may get more out of a lecture on David Hume if I actually dressed like David Hume. I don't know if students learn more by me doing it, but they definitely appreciate the effort and no one goes to sleep. They're often so busy taking pictures of me in the costume they forget to take notes, but it makes for a memorable class."







Another innovative teaching technique Norwood uses to take his teaching to a new level is the fact that some of his students are never actually in his class. Students who enroll in the Massive Open Online Course titled Farm to Fork: A Panoramic View of Agriculture, attend class from all over the world.







Norwood said the MOOC has been taught for the last two years and has reached more than 1,000 students, including not only students on the OSU campus, but students in South America and Africa.







"It covers every CASNR subject from crops to business to cattle to biochemistry," he said. "Ironically, it allows the students to see more of OSU than they would in a normal class. Though an internet class, I take them on virtual tours of our swine farm, cattle farm, wheat farm, our biochemistry lab, the local farmers market and other places. It provides the best way for someone without an ag background to understand how food is produced."







Tom Coon, vice president of agricultural programs at OSU, said Norwood uses real-world examples and integrates information and ideas into a cohesive package and students respond extremely well to his innovative approaches to teaching and learning.







"Dr. Norwood is very deserving of this honor and the recognition of his efforts in and out of the classroom and the positive influence he has on the lives of students," Coon said. "His example reminds me of why I entered this profession. He is a far more gifted instructor than I ever was, and he clearly shares that gift generously with his students."







Norwood begins each day of his Introduction to Agricultural Economics class with a chant indicating he cares about his students because they are special.







"I do this because I've learned students will work harder if they know the professor really cares about them," he said. "Some students have a hard time at college and I want them to know I treasure each and every one of them."







When it comes to teaching, Norwood said there are so many things he loves about his chosen profession.







"The kids I teach are great and I just love being around our students. And I love the fact I'm part of a team dedicated to preserving, nurturing and disseminating knowledge," he said. "I love giving them tools they will find useful in the workplace and in the voting booth, and helping them thrive in life. But what I love most about teaching is it gives my life meaning. When I'm preparing for or giving a lecture, I feel like I'm in the exact place the universe wants me to be. It's a place where my skills, personality and interest provides the most value for other people. The opportunity to teach at OSU gives my life both purpose and happiness, and besides the well-being of my family, that's all I ask for in life."







Source - Oklahoma State University













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Prime Minister Nguyen Xuan Phuc has been in office for nearly 6 months and his actions have captured the attention of both the mainstream press and social networks. For an assessment of the PMs acts and the challenges posed for him and his government in this term, VietNamNet talked to Ms. Pham Chi Lan, an independent economic expert and a member of the advisory group of former PM Nguyen Tan Dung.

One of the first things that Prime Minister Nguyen Xuan Phuc did was have aThat action showed that he understood well the current problems of the economy and the role of enterprises and he wished the government could solve these problems by assisting the development of businesses, Ms. Pham Chi Lan said in opening the talks with VietNamNet.The dialogue between Prime Minister Nguyen Xuan Phuc and businesses in HCM City was warmly praised by the business community. Why?Because at that time businesses had a lot of problems, which they had pointed out several years ago, especially in recent years, but even two resolutions issued in 2014 and 2015 of former Prime Minister Nguyen Tan Dung, who was known to be very aggressive in solving hindrances for businesses, failed to shake the central and local government apparatus to deal with them.When the Vietnam Chamber of Commerce and Industry (VCCI) was assigned to join the Government Office to prepare for the dialogue, it took the VCCI for just a few days to collect recommendations of businesses of all sectors and economic scale in a 230 page report. The report was sent to the Government Office to submit to the Prime Minister for consideration before the meeting. The dialogue was extremely active and lively with the presence of around 500 companies. The meeting was connected online to the government and businesses in 63 provinces and cities throughout the country.The Prime Minister decided to meet with businesses only 3 weeks after taking office and the decision impressed me. I was also impressed with his openness, his way of being ready to listen and readiness to act.Besides members of the Government Office and leaders of all ministries and sectors who directly participated in the dialogue, local officials were also connected to the conference via online channels so that later they could not plead they did not know about the event.The same afternoon, Prime Minister Phuc summoned ministers to a meeting to discuss measures to remove difficulties for businesses. He then assigned the Government Office, the Ministry of Planning and Investment and the VCCI to together summarize the issues mentioned by enterprises, the conclusions of the Prime Minister, of ministries and sectors and build the Government's Resolution 35.Resolution 35 of the Government on assistance for business development from now to 2020 was issued on May 16 and it has many new points compared to Resolution 19 for 2014-2015-2016.Resolution 35 has a longer-term vision, and it makes quite clear the commitments of the Government on the 10 key principles in order to improve economic institutions, create favorable environment for business and investment to facilitate the development of businesses and turn them into the engine of the economy, as well as the specific goals, tasks and solutions in the next 5 years.For example, the No. 1 principle is the State protecting the rights of ownership of legitimate property and freedom of business of people, enterprises under the provisions of the law, or the principles that the State regards enterprises as objects for being served; ensuring stability, consistency, predictability of policies; ensuring equal rights for all businesses in access to resources; or the principle of non-criminalization of economic, civil relations.... Solutions are also given quite specifically and addresses who are responsible for implementation and named clearly. I think this is a resolution that "restructures" the relations between the State and enterprises.As for the specific issues raised at the conference, I think most of them are familiar problems, such as administrative procedures and the regulations that raise difficulties for businesses.The most important message of all enterprises mentioned by Ms. Mai Kieu Lien, General Director of Vinamilk (Vietnam Dairy Products JSC), at the conference was warmly applauded by attendees and later quoted by many newspapers is that the State must see enterprises as the subject being served, not the subject being managed.One of the first things that Prime Minister Nguyen Xuan Phuc did was have a dialogue with businesses. That action showed that he understood well the current problems of the economy and the role of enterprises and he wished that his government could solve these problems by assisting the development of businesses.The PMs speech at the conference and at several meetings of the government later, as well as Resolution 35, expressed his commitment to build the service government. Actually, the spirit of building a service government was also mentioned by former PM Nguyen Tan Dung in his new year message of 2014 but the specific action in the remaining two years of the previous government failed to prove that spirit.Prime Minister Phuc showed his interest in quickly solving some practical problems and trying to shake his apparatus. He started by promoting the settlement of the case related to thein HCM City. That action showed the head of the Governments attention to the fate of each individual and each small business and it is also a warning for power abuse.One of the biggest problems for enterprises  the high business costs  was also mentioned in Resolution 35, which cut costs for businesses. This suggests that the Prime Minister understood well the problems of businesses and he tried to quickly solve the issues that are within the reach of the Government.The implementation of the Enterprise Law and the Investment Law which was passed by the National Assembly in 2014 from July 1st 2016 was also mentioned a lot by businesses at the dialogue, especially the promulgation of decrees to implement the two laws.Businesses also paid special attention to remove business conditions that are no longer valid under the old regulations, in addition to more than 260 businesses with conditions stipulated by the Law on Investment in 2014. However, when the laws were about to take effect, thousands of regulations in more than 50 related decrees and circulars were not amended by relevant agencies.Immediately after the conference, the Prime Minister asked the Government Office, the Ministry of Justice, the Ministry of Planning and Investment and the VCCI to urgently review business conditions, the related legal documents and amend a series of decrees, before July 1st.Not totally, because although the Prime Minister tried a lot, the government apparatus still moves very slowly.After that dialogue, the Prime Minister has repeatedly reminded ministries and agencies, in monthly cabinet meetings or in every meeting with local governments about the above issues. He frankly told them about the opinion he heard that the Prime Minister was determined to solve problems for businesses but the government apparatus did not move.Prime Minister Nguyen Xuan Phuc stressed creating favorable conditions for the development of businesses, but on the other side his government focuses on increasing budget revenues via tax collection. Is that a contradiction?I think they are not completely contradictory, as long as we understand correctly about tax collection.Correctly, the government is trying to collect all the missed sources of taxes, especially from the companies that deliberately avoid their responsibilities, the firms that do not pay taxes and social insurance, including those that make false statements sa as to be exempt from taxes and enjoy a tax refund.I think the government is right and needs to force anyone who is obliged to pay taxes to pay fully.It is completely right as the Prime Minister instructed agencies to facilitate the development of enterprises. On this spirit, the Prime Minister has accepted the request of businesses and instructed the relevant agencies to review regulations in order to reduce business costs. Under the draft Law on Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs), the government is ready to reduce corporate income tax to 17% for this kind of enterprise.I think the Prime Minister's task is much different than that of the chairman or party secretary of a province. Everything he did previously in Quang Nam as you have just mentioned is very good and is a very precious experience, but the scale of an entire country is different from the size of a province and the current situation also has many new features.Through Resolution 35, I believe that the Prime Minister understands the role of the private sector in the country, both small- and medium-sized enterprises as well as large ones, in leading the development of some fields. Perhaps he has realized the difference between the private sector in the country today and 10 years ago in terms of structure.Many studies on Vietnam's economy show clearly that our country still does not have an equal competitive platform for the private sector and their right of property ownership; access to basic resources are not yet guaranteed yet. To make the private sector become the driving force for development, the Government must focus on solving these matters.So far in our country the state-owned and foreign-invested businesses have been granted a lot of privileges, protection and expectations to such a degree that interest groups block small- and medium enterprises and farmers in their economic activities, particularly in access to resources owned or distributed by the state. This comes from the policy that the state economic sector is the key, the optimism about the growth rate and a growth model based on capital, natural resources and cheap labor. We have tried to spoil SOEs and entice FDI at all costs.There is so much proof that state firms, although defined as the key sector, have not fulfilled their key role, even with huge incentives. They have poorly used the countrys resources, and instead of making a profit, some of them are creating a burden of debt to the country.The FDI sector also has many more incentives than the private one. So, with their capacity and capital market, they may have contributed substantially to industrial growth, GDP growth, and especially exports, which has helped build the reputation of a big exporting country in some products. However, this sectors actual contribution to building the foundation for Vietnam's economic development is not that significant. Their connection with local enterprises is poor so their contribution to improving competitiveness in technology, management skills and Vietnams participation in global value chains is below expectations.The FDI sector currently accounts for over 50% of the added value of the industry sector, more than 70% of exports. Suppose that one day, when other countries have better conditions or due to changes in technology and market volatility, that some FDI firms leave Vietnam. Then what will remain in the country?In many cases, some state agencies have granted ridiculous incentives to FDI firms, for example, giving them incentives without supervision of their implementation of their commitments of localization, technology transfer, labor conditions or environmental protection.The natural disaster caused by Taiwanese investor Formosa in the central region this year has given a warning to our leaders at all levels so that they may change their environmental perspective. I'm very happy about the recent message delivered by the Prime Minister that Vietnam definitely does not accept projects that harm the environment.How about the private sector? In the past 3-4 years, before Mr. Phuc became the PM, we have been very worried to find that the average size of the private sector in general, especially SMEs, is getting smaller, and every year 5,000  7,000 private enterprises stopped operation. We need to solve the three above-mentioned bottlenecks for the private sector while creating policies to effectively support SMEs and to stop the above trend. I hope that the Law on SMEs can partly do this.On the other hand, policies that encourage start-up businesses to enter into technology, to apply new models and new business methods, and to infiltrate new markets segments, will also draw a brighter picture for private enterprises in Vietnam.In addition, we have a force of domestic private enterprises emerging as big corporations. Though the number is not high they are capable of doing well in many areas. It is time to put an end to the argument that big projects should be granted to state-owned or FDI firms because private enterprises are not strong enough and not ready to take them. That argument is no longer right when the private sector can do well in all areas and even do better than other economic sectors.Let the market do its role. In fact, we have many big private firms in all fields. Equitisation has also created big companies in various fields such as Vinamilk, REE, FPT, Saigon Paper, Hau Giang Pharma, PNJ... And in recent years, along with the development of the estate market and expanded credit market, the growing and varied demand for goods and services, some big private corporations in the fields of real estate, banking, industry and service sectors have been formed, with typical names as Vingroup, TH True Milk ...Entrepreneurship, strategic thinking, administration, the ability to effectively use resources - primarily human resources -- and the attention to consumers are the most common points to the success of most private enterprises.Those are the healthy factors or motivations that are in line with the overall development rule of businesses in the world, with the common interests of the economy and the majority of people, that enterprises need to promote and the state needs to encourage. There are also doubts about some private enterprises that take advantage of relations with or bribe officials to get access to significant resources. But to prevent this evil, the state must take action first because the allocation of these resources is in the hands of the state.A good development in the private sector is the appearance of the companies that invest in and apply modern technology in agricultural production. They have also built connections with the small and medium enterprises and farmers. Vingroup, Vinamilk, TH True Milk, FPT ... are good examples and they should be applauded and encouraged because it is the best way to restructure agriculture and meet the demands for safe products.Restructuring agriculture is extremely important and necessary, but if this process is only based on 9 million farmers, it will fail. Agricultural restructuring must rely on the participation of enterprises, especially the big ones, to create new ways in agricultural development, which come from the needs of the market, and provide advanced technology and governance.Likewise is the link between large private enterprises with small and medium private enterprises in different manufacturing and service sectors to create new supply chains, strengthen and maintain a foothold in the domestic market against pressure from integration, openness and intense competition from outside.Its true. The current development context is different from the early days of the industrialized countries as Japan and South Korea, but our country cannot realize industrialization without strong private enterprise in the field of industry and service as well as hi-tech.We wish that the Prime Minister will encourage and create favorable conditions for big private enterprises in Vietnam to invest in modern industry and services, as well as high-tech sectors.To be continued
Every generation needs a defining teen movie, and The Edge of Seventeen just might be that film for this generation. The icing on the cake is that itll likely appeal even more to older audiences who can look back on their teenage years with a mix of fondness, sympathy and embarrassment. Female filmmakers are often behind some of the best teen classics  Clueless, Fast Times at Ridgemont High, Juno and Mean Girls  and The Edge of Seventeen enters this echelon as the directorial debut of Kelly Fremon Craig, who also wrote the screenplay.

Hailee Steinfeld stars as the misanthropic Nadine, a misfit whos never found her tribe, aside from her only friend Krista (Hayley Lu Richardson), a ray of sunshine and goodness. When Krista collides romantically with Nadines hunky, golden boy older brother Darien (Blake Jenner), Nadine is thrown into a suicidal spiral, a spinout of epic proportions, because in high school, the social stakes are always that high.

But Nadines snarky and profoundly salty attitude is rooted in real pathos and tragedy. She feels unrooted and isolated, battering futilely against her flighty mother (Kyra Sedgwick) and seemingly perfect brother. But the script makes it clear that her self-destructive and jealous lashing out comes from a place of real insecurity and self-loathing.

There are a few bright spots in Nadines tornado of angst. She enjoys a sardonic rapport with her teacher, Mr. Bruner (Woody Harrelson), who meets her with the same amount of sarcasm and vitriol that she spews. Their interactions are some of the best of the energetically wordy screenplay. She also finds a new friend in the adorkable Erwin (Hayden Szeto), who is just about as socially awkward as she is but a port in the storm when she needs it most. Szeto is just so funny and charming on screen that it feels like watching a star being born.

Nadines selfishness can be trying, but its very, very real, and The Edge of Seventeen never lets her off the hook when she turns her issues into excuses that she milks for all their worth. And her eventual redemption is well-earned. The sharply written, potty-mouthed comedy isnt all-too dark, but the lightness is tinged with a sense of realistic edginess that makes the story feel whole and relatable. Teenagers are very strange and dramatic creatures after all.

The film is anchored by the delightful Steinfeld, who makes Nadine a high school hero for the history books. Shes a chameleonic performer; yes, that pop music glamazon storming up the charts is the very same painfully awkward pimpled adolescent and subsequent high school rebel in nerd-chic, sporting thrifted jackets and high tops. Richardson and Jenner are equally good as the suns that orbit the black hole of Nadine.

The Edge of Seventeen takes teenagers seriously and meets them on their level, but it also expects the best from them  to be good people, responsible and respectful, even when the greatest of embarrassments rain down (can you say text I didnt mean to send?). Even terrible teens deserve to be treated with a healthy dose of love, support and a whole lot of humor. Its a message that bears repeating, and The Edge of Seventeen proves to be a new classic that bears many repeat viewings.

THE EDGE OF SEVENTEEN

Cast: Hailee Steinfeld, Woody Harrelson, Blake Jenner, Hayley Lu Richardson, Hayden Szeto, Kyra Sedgwick

Director: Kelly Fremon Craig

Rating: R for sexual content, language and some drinking, all involving teens

Running time: 1 hour, 44 minutes

Theaters: Aksarben, Bluffs 17, Majestic, Oakview, Twin Creek, Village Pointe, Westroads
Tommy Armstrong recalled the scariest moment from the hit against Ohio State that briefly knocked him unconscious.

"The moment of fear was probably when I could hear, but I couldn't see," Armstrong said in an interview for BTN's "The Journey," which will feature that frightening incident as part of its show next week. A snippet from the episode was released Friday on Twitter.

"I could hear them saying, 'Hey, can you move your left hand? Can you move your right hand? How about your left foot? Your right foot?' " Armstrong said. "I was just hoping and praying that everything was going to be OK. I got kind of emotional at the time."

Armstrong was taken to the hospital that night after hitting his head hard on the turf. He remained motionless as trainers attended to him, bracing his head, neck and extremities on a cart before removing him from the stadium in an ambulance.

He would eventually return to the bench after being cleared at a nearby hospital. "I just tried to hurry up and get back to my team, even if it was me standing on the sideline," Armstrong said.

Armstrong had to go through the concussion protocol the next week before being cleared to play against Minnesota. Now, he's dealing with a different injury and it will be a game-time decision whether he takes the field against Maryland.

This episode of "The Journey" will air Tuesday, Nov. 22, at 10:30 p.m. on BTN.

That same episode will also include a feature on Nebraska kicker Spencer Lindsay, who has twice lost people close to him during his time in college. First, his older brother passed away after a battle with cancer. Then, his close friend Sam Foltz died in a car accident this past summer.

The segment features Lindsay discussing how he's battled through the grief of their deaths and how they helped him grow.

Last month, "The Journey" also aired a special on Sam Foltz and the way Nebraska has moved forward in the face of that tragedy.

Watch the videos below for previews of the segments focusing on Armstrong and Lindsay..

After that hit Tommy Armstrong Jr. could hear but he couldn't see. The @Huskers QB relives it in detail here. https://t.co/h0R3TTTD28  The Journey (@BTNJourney) November 18, 2016
Basic electricity rates would not change next year for the Omaha Public Power Districts residential and commercial customers under a plan unveiled Thursday.

The rate plan, discussed by OPPDs board of directors and due for a vote on Dec. 15, would be the first step in the directors pledge to keep rates flat for five years after they voted in June to shut down the utilitys Fort Calhoun nuclear plant.

The plan shows reduced operating costs because of the Oct. 24 shutdown. Next June the utility is to begin buying power from the Grande Prairie Wind, a 200-turbine, 400-megawatt project being built in Holt County, Nebraska, by a division of Berkshire Hathaway Inc.

The net result, OPPDs staff told the directors, will be enough revenue to operate without raising the basic rates.

The rate plan doesnt change a fee increase adopted by OPPDs board last year. That will raise a fixed-cost fee for residential and small commercial customers from $10.25 to $20 a month starting Jan. 1 and eventually to $30 in 2019.

Next years plan also calls for spending $174 million in 2017 toward decommissioning the Fort Calhoun plant, starting with cooling the nuclear reactors fuel rods. Thats the first step in a process that could take 60 years and cost $1 billion.

OPPD doesnt plan to borrow money by issuing bonds next year and would add $50 million to a reserve fund to cover unexpected costs, such as rising fuel rates. The utility would cut its capital spending from $172 million this year to $135 million in 2017.

The projected result of the changes would be $66 million in net income for 2017. Counting the write-off of the value of the closed nuclear plant, OPPD lost $965 million in 2016.

Shane Marik, OPPDs chief nuclear officer, said the Fort Calhoun staff and other OPPD personnel performed at the highest professional standards during the shutdown process. It was seamless, he said.

Mart Sedky, manager of human resources, said 56 employees have been let go because of the plant closure. All signed separation agreements that continued benefits, outplacement services and severance pay based on salary and years of services. The biggest severance check was $145,500.

Sedky said about 40 other employees have left or retired as a result of the plant shutdown.

Over time, the plant closure is expected to cut about 400 employees,

although Sedky and Marik said the plant would keep qualified staff at the plant to meet safety requirements and standards set by federal regulators for nuclear facilities.

The OPPD board held a closed session to discuss naming a new corporate officer. During the ensuing open meeting, the board promoted Sedky to vice president for human capital and assistant secretary and raised her annual salary from $250,000 to $275,000, starting next month.

OPPD scheduled these stakeholder outreach forums to discuss its long-term mix of energy sources:

Nov. 29, 5 p.m. to 7 p.m., at the Barbara Weitz Center at the University of Nebraska at Omaha.

Nov. 30, 5 p.m. to 7 p.m., at the Blair City Council chamber.

Dec. 1, 5 p.m. to 7 p.m., at the OPPD Service Center in Syracuse, Nebraska.

Berkshire Hathaway Inc. owns the Omaha World-Herald.
Nebraska is predicted to experience modest economic growth during the first half of 2017, the University of Nebraska-Lincolns Bureau of Business Research reported today.

Thats despite a slip in the states leading economic indicator, which edged below zero, or neutral, to negative 0.14 percent in October from a positive 1.14 percent in September, said economist Eric Thompson, the bureaus director.

The index, a composite of six economic factors, is used to predict economic growth in the six months ahead. The value of each factor can range from negative 2.5 percent, which would indicate rapid economic decline, to 2.5 percent, indicating rapid growth. Zero percent signals a neutral outlook. When the six economic factors are added together they create a composite figure.

The October decrease, while small, reduces optimism for 2017, Thompson said.

The states leading economic indicator has fluctuated in recent months. In June it stood at 1.85 percent. In July it was 0.44; in August, it was negative 0.16.

Manufacturing hours and building permits for single-family homes were up slightly in the most recent survey, which also indicated that business owners expected increased sales and employment during the next six months. Initial claims for unemployment insurance were flat.

On the downside, airline passenger counts declined and the value of the U.S. dollar rose compared with foreign currencies last month  a potential negative for the states economy.

A stronger dollar makes U.S. goods more expensive for potential overseas customers whose own currencies arent worth as much versus the greenback.

The index is produced monthly by the economics department and the Bureau of Business Research in UNLs College of Business Administration.

Meanwhile a separate index, overseen by Creighton University, remained in negative territory for the 15th straight month in November.

The Rural Mainstreet Index, which ranges between 0 and 100, rose to 36.6 from Octobers 31.8. The index is a monthly survey of bank CEOs in rural areas of a 10-state region dependent on agriculture and/or energy.

Farm commodity prices continue to slam Rural Mainstreet economies, said Ernie Goss, a Creighton economist who produces the study.

Over the past 12 months, livestock commodity prices have tumbled by 27.2 percent and grain commodity prices have slumped by 16.6 percent.

The economic fallout from this price weakness continues to push growth into negative territory for seven of 10 states in the region, he said.

States trending higher: Iowa and South Dakota; states trending lower: Colorado, Kansas, Illinois, Missouri, North Dakota and Wyoming; states treading water: Minnesota, Nebraska.

janice.podsada@owh.com, 402-444-1142
Bedazzled denim may not be enough to keep Nebraska-based teen retailer the Buckle in investors good graces when some shoppers are pushing traditional malls to the wayside and embracing online shopping instead.

The companys stock price has taken a beating, down more than 20 percent this year. It has reported declining sales since at least 2014. Customers are demanding simpler styles  jeans sans rhinestones and bright stitching, for example  and teens are favoring fast-fashion brands like H&M and Zara over shopping mall mainstays like the Buckle and Abercrombie & Fitch.

The shift in customer preference from embellishment-heavy items toward simple styles continues to pressure the companys sales and profits, said Morry Brown, an analyst who covers the Buckle for Wedbush Securities in Los Angeles.

Buckle Chief Financial Officer Karen Rhoads echoed that sentiment in an interview with The World-Herald. She also cited falling mall traffic, the overall economy and low commodity prices as factors in the stores challenges. (Kearney-based Buckle does a lot of business in rural centers, which have been hammered by a continued fall in prices for corn, soybeans and other ag products.)

Meanwhile, Rhoads said, With current fashion, some of the trends are lower price-point items. Some of our average price points have been down.

Rhoads didnt say what the Buckle is doing to address the challenge, citing a company-mandated quiet period leading up to the retailers third-quarter earnings, which are scheduled to be released today.

Its not just the Buckle that finds itself in choppy retail waters.

Apparel retailers have been struggling to gain footing in an increasingly competitive landscape. Shoppers also have undergone a profound change since the recession  spending money on experiences rather than clothing and other items, said Tiffany Hogan, a senior apparel analyst at Kantar Retail of Boston. The same is true for teens  who prove to be even more fickle and digitally driven than their parents or even millennials.

Its a very tough market, Hogan said. Weve seen a lot of retailers closing shops, closing their entire lines, going online. Its a very difficult environment for anyone to compete in no matter how good your strategy is.

Some competitors, like American Eagle, have successfully restrategized. Others, like Aeropostale and Pac Sun, have declared bankruptcy.

Buckle has reported negative same-store sales  an important metric for retailers that measures sales at stores open for at least a year  since late 2013. Its stock price has dropped from nearly $55 in January 2015 to $23.50 Thursday.

Same-store sales were down 15.5 percent in October compared with last year and 19 percent in its womens division  the 12th consecutive double-digit drop for the category, noted Brown, of Wedbush.

Wall Street analysts expect that the company today will report earnings of 52 cents a share for the third quarter, according to FactSet; thats a steep fall from the 80 cents a share the company reported in the same period last year, but still is solidly making money  which not all retailers can say. Competitor Abercrombie, for instance, lost 25 cents a share last quarter.

Still, the all-important same-store sales metric for the Buckle isnt as strong as some investors would like to see.

Same-store sales are the story. Thats the only story. Theyve been getting crushed month after month, and until that turns around, the stock is not going to do much, said Lee Dunham, a finance professor at Creighton University.

Most of Buckles roughly 460 stores are in traditional malls. Shoppers arent going to the mall as frequently, and when they do go, its more often to see a movie or eat dinner than to buy clothes, said Hogan, the retail analyst.

Driving that frequent traffic is very difficult, so all these retailers are having to make a better impression, she said.

Locally, Buckle has begun opening and relocating some of its stores to newer lifestyle centers like Village Pointe. The chain opened a store there last year and relocated its Mall of the Bluffs store to the Metro Crossing shopping center in Council Bluffs last year as well.

To drive traffic, other chains have been heavily discounting since the recession  training customers to wait for that 40 percent off sale. That has saved their same-store sales, but eaten into profits.

I think Buckle has decided theyd rather hemorrhage in same-store sales, but at least the sales that they get are profitable, Dunham said.

The company has remained profitable, and pays out a quarterly dividend to shareholders as well as a special dividend each year. Buckle paid out a dividend of $2.77 per share at the end of 2014. In 2015, it was only $1.

The Buckle typically announces the dividend in December and shareholders are paid in January. If the amount drops again this year, that would send a signal the ship is really in trouble, Dunham said. On the other hand, they may just pay a normal extra dividend to temper peoples concerns.

Russ Kaplan of Russ Kaplan Investments in Omaha said he has some Buckle shares in the $13 million under his management. He said now would be a good time to buy more of the stock.

The stock price is low, but all the fundamentals are good, Kaplan said.

However Buckle decides to attack the sinking sales, it probably wont have the solution to quell investors fears today.

Some retailers have resorted to closing stores  something Buckle hasnt yet announced. Hogan, with Kantar, said the country has too many stores in general, and online shopping has only sped up the downsizing.

Without naming names of who will survive and who wont, there just has to be some brands, some concepts, some stores that just dont make it in the next 10 years, Hogan said. We will see some fall off, whether its at their own hand or shoppers decide they dont want them anymore.

World-Herald staff writer Russell Hubbard contributed to this report.
Omaha police were investigating a robbery that occurred Thursday night and an assault that happened early Friday:

 Robbery, Thursday, 9:30 p.m., Minne Lusa Boulevard and Newport Avenue

Officers reported to a home invasion. Vernon Thomas, 49, and Takijah Smith, 16, told police they were inside a residence when two men entered through an unlocked door. The men demanded property at gunpoint, police said.

After receiving some items, the men fled from the area and were not found, police said.

 Assault, Friday, 1 a.m., North 84th and Lake Streets

Officers were dispatched to the My Way Lounge over a fight. Police said when officers arrived, the fight had ended and those involved had fled from the area.

Police said Jerry Mota, 26, was found at 84th and Grant Streets with injuries he said were suffered in the fight. Mota told police he believed he had been struck with a beer bottle. He said he did not see anyone strike him.

Mota was taken to Nebraska Medical Center for treatment of his injuries, police said.
LINCOLN  State Patrol records indicate that a weekend assault being investigated at the Nebraska State Penitentiary is an alleged sexual assault.

Officials with the Nebraska Department of Corrections and Nebraska State Patrol had said Wednesday that they had no specifics about the reported assault. But a public records request made by The World-Herald on Thursday confirmed that a staff member had reported a sexual assault.

State Patrol investigators contacted the staff member at Bryan West Hospital in Lincoln about 7 p.m. on Saturday to take the report, a patrol document indicated.

There has been a string of assaults on Corrections staff in recent months.
LINCOLN  Lincoln Public Schools officials apologized Thursday for asking students to remove American flags from their vehicles following an incident on Veterans Day.

Steve Joel, superintendent of the Lincoln Public Schools, said that all students are allowed to fly the flag and that school administration should never have asked for the flags removal.

Hindsight would suggest that this couldve been handled in a different way, Joel said.

Administration at LPSs Career Academy on Friday received a report that an American flag had been pulled from a flagpole holder on a student vehicle parked at the academy and placed in the bed of a neighboring vehicle.

Nearly 400 LPS students are enrolled at the academy located at Southeast Community College at 84th and O Streets in Lincoln, though just a handful of students who made the flag holders in welding class displayed flags on their vehicles.

The student who reported the incident was concerned that the matter was creating a disruptive climate, given the divisive presidential election, Joel said. That prompted Career Academy administration to determine additional disruption could follow.

Administration then asked students not to place American flags on their vehicles while parked at Southeast Community College.

We should not have asked our students to remove them, Joel said.

Joel got involved after an article on the incident appeared in Thursdays Lincoln Journal Star. School administration also has heard from many concerned students, families and community members, he said.

We believe that decision was an error, and we believe this easily and understandably could have been misinterpreted as infringing on the rights of freedom of expression and speech, he said.

He declined to say whether the administrator who made the initial decision will face consequences, citing personnel matters. He noted that administrators make their decisions with the best information that is available to them at that point in time.

School officials are reviewing security videotape to determine who removed the flag.
An American who works to free women of the sex trade in India won the $1 million Opus Prize Thursday night in Omaha.

Sarah Lance is the co-founder of Sari Bari, an organization based in Kolkata, India. Sari Bari provides dozens of women who had been ensnared in the sex trade with new jobs in design and sewing through which they gain income, health care and access to education.

Theyre my heroes, Lance, 43, said in a voice cracking with emotion after receiving the award. Im overwhelmed. This truly is for the women of Sari Bari and for the women who have yet to find freedom.

Two others won $100,000 prizes for their organizations. Sister Anne Jordan, 69, coordinates Cana Communities Inc. Cana serves the homeless in eastern Australia.

The Rev. Peter Balleis, a 59-year-old Jesuit priest from Germany, represents a program that provides online higher education courses to refugees. The refugee camps served by his group  Jesuit Worldwide Learning, Higher Education at the Margins  are in Africa, Jordan, Afghanistan and elsewhere.

Creighton University hosted activities surrounding this years Opus Prize. About 1,700 people registered to attend the event at the Holland Center.

The Opus Prize Foundation selected the winner with assistance from Creighton.

Don Neureuther, head of the Minnesota-based foundation, said Creighton alums and supporters helped nominate 30 individuals for the award. The nominees were whittled to three.

Several Creighton faculty members and students took global trips to observe the three organizations in action and filed reports on their findings. The Opus Prize Foundation board chose the winner.

The prize is designed to support humanitarian work and inspire others to lead lives of community service. The foundation values entrepreneurship, leadership, sustainable programs and unheralded heroes who have spent their lives in service.

The prize goes to an organization in honor of the winner. Although the prize is faith-based and the annual hosts are Catholic universities, winners arent required to be Catholic.

Lance, a California native, worked in Omaha from 2003 to 2005 for the mission Word Made Flesh.

Neureuther told the audience that he has taken many trips to see organizations in the running for the Opus Prize. The award has been given since 2004.

One of his enduring insights from those trips is this. We are so blessed, he said. We need to do so much more.
The first wintry storm of the fall season unleashed its fury across much of the region Friday, with the Omaha area escaping mostly unscathed.

Conditions are to quickly change, as warmer weather was to move back into eastern Nebraska and western Iowa beginning Saturday.

The National Weather Service office in Valley said the Omaha area can expect sunny skies today, northwest winds of just 5 to 10 mph and a high temperature in the lower 40s. Tonights low will drop into the mid-20s.

Sunday and Monday are expected to warm up a bit more, under sunny skies and a high in the upper 40s to lower 50s.

Rain is likely Tuesday, mainly after noon, along with a high in the lower 50s.

Sunny skies return Wednesday and Thanksgiving in the Omaha area, with highs in the upper 40s to lower 50s.

Friday, the weather service said:

 A short period of very light rain and high winds blew through the Omaha and Lincoln areas, southeast Nebraska and most of western Iowa. Omaha saw gusts of more than 50 mph.

 1 to 2 inches of snow fell in the Sioux City, Norfolk and Columbus areas.

 2 to 5 inches of snow were reported to the west of those areas.

 Up to 6 inches of blowing snow fell in some locations in north-central Nebraska.

 Strong winds may have been responsible for a loss of power to 2,100 OPPD customers in Douglas and Sarpy Counties Friday. By early evening, power had been restored to most customers, though a few hundred in each county remained without power. The utility said crews were still working and it expected the number of those without power to dwindle steadily overnight.

A wind advisory for most of eastern and southeast Nebraska, including Omaha, and western and west-central Iowa was in effect Friday. Northwest winds of 25 to 35 mph were recorded, along with gusts up to 45 mph.

The Nebraska Department of Roads website indicated Friday that most roads in southeast, including Omaha, and parts of south-central Nebraska were normal, while roadways across the rest of the state were partially to completely covered.

Authorities said a crash involving three cars and a semitrailer truck closed U.S. Highway 275 near the Pilger, Nebraska, rest stop for a couple of hours Friday morning.

Another crash Friday morning involved a bus on Nebraska Highway 35 northeast of Norfolk. One person, the 70-year-old bus driver, was injured and taken to a hospital. There was nobody else on the bus, according to the Stanton County Sheriffs Office.

Ryan McPike, a KMTV meteorologist, said once this system goes by us, were done with the wintry weather for a week or so.

You go a couple of hundred miles to the west and north, he said, and the situation is quite different.

McPike said upcoming holiday trips look to be free of hazardous weather, other than rain Tuesday in the Omaha area.

So, thats good news for the travelers, he said.

A winter storm warning was issued Friday for western, central and north-central and a part of northeast Nebraska north and west of the Norfolk area. Anywhere from 4 to 6 inches of blowing snow were recorded, along with 25 to 35 mph northwest winds and gusts of 45 mph.

Kenny Roberg, a meteorologist at the National Weather Service office in North Platte, said snow began winding down early Friday in central and western Nebraska.

He said winds of 45 mph created blowing-snow problems in open areas around North Platte. Streets in North Platte were snow-packed and slushy in some locations Friday, Roberg said.

Snowplows finally hit the streets early Friday, he said, because the blowing snow late Thursday kept crews off roadways.

North Platte received 5 inches of snow, he said, and reports of snow around the 4-inch range throughout the region were pretty widespread.

A winter weather advisory was issued for a narrow swath running southwest from extreme northeast Nebraska through Norfolk and locations just west of Columbus, Grand Island and Kearney. Anywhere from 2 to 4 inches of snow were reported, along with 25 to 35 mph northwest winds and gusts of 45 mph.

Elsewhere, a blizzard warning was issued for eastern parts of North and South Dakota and western Minnesota, as well as winter storm warnings for other parts of those states. Up to a foot of snow was expected in parts of Minnesota and up to 8 inches in the Dakotas. Wind gusts of up to 60 mph caused whiteout conditions.

Nebraska snowfall totals in inches Friday:

Bridgeport, 5.2; Harrison, 4.0; Kimball, 2.0; Lodgepole, 4.8; Arthur, 4.0; Ogallala, 4.0; Ord, 3.0; Greeley, 2.3; Mullen, 3.5; Lisco, 3.0; Imperial, 4.3; Stapleton, 3.3; ONeill, 4.0; Newport, 6.0; Callaway, 2.2; Butte, 3.8; Valentine, 3.0; Elgin, 5.0; Norfolk, 2.0; Oakdale, 4.0; Stanton, 2.0; Verdel, 3.8: West Point, 1.0; Bloomfield, 5.2; Neligh, 4.0; Pierce, 2.0.
Art of living's spiritual touch for ISIS struck Iraq

Bengaluru

oi-Anusha

"Iraq needs spirituality, ecnomic stability and over everything else, peace. Over 3.7million people have been displaced and half a million have turned refugees. ISIS needs to go for peace to prevail", said Mawahib-al-Shaibani, Program Director of The Art of Living who currently is spearheading its operation to rescue and support Yazidis trapped in Sinjar.

On a short trip to India, Mawahib who has worked in Iraq on rescue and relief operations has come with 27 Iraqis of different faiths to learn peace-giving techniques to take back with them to conflict-torn Iraq. "Over 7000 girls Yazidi girls and women have been taken away as sex slaves by ISIS. The captive women are sold for as little as $10. Our mission is to rescue them and rehabilitate them", she said.

[Read More: Rs 500, 1,000 declared invalid- Sri Sri says stay calm]

Mawahib and her team travel throughtout Iraq disseminating over 120 tonnes of relief material, rescuing families, counselling youngsters, providing spiritual guidance, educating and providing vocational training with the help of University of Jordan since 2003. Women who were rescued as captives are being trained in banking and finance. Yougsters are being educated and groomed to stop them from joining the war that has ravaged their country.

"Lack of security has been our biggest challenge. There is uncertainty. We work under conditions where we don't know when a bomb will go off or who will open fire. We want to work towards peace for the people and the country", she added. A banker previously Mawahib has gone from managing money to managing traumatised people in a conflict zone.

OneIndia News
Caught on camera: Cop 'accidentally' fires at at mobile shop employee in Amritsar

Tuesday is now No Meeting Day in Haryana and officers to be with people on Friday

Army Engineers celebrate 236th corps day

Chandigarh

oi-PTI

Chandigarh, Nov 18: The Indian Army's Corps of Engineers, also called the Sappers, today celebrated their 236th Corps Day here.

On this occasion, a wreath laying ceremony to pay tribute to martyrs was organised at the Veer Smriti at Chandimandir cantonment, a defence spokesman said.

Maj Gen A V Krishna, the Chief Engineer of Western Command, and retired army engineers paid tributes to the martyrs, he said.

"Sappers of the Western Command have been on the forefront for the development of border areas with better road connectivity and improved infrastructure for the populace," the spokesman said.

Engineers are one of the oldest supporting arms of the Army and consists of four wings -- Combat Engineers, Military Engineering Services, Border Roads Organisation and Military Survey, he informed.

PTI
Will give ceasefire with Pak the best shot: General Raju

377 ceasefire violations this year: Minister

India

oi-IANS

By Ians English

New Delhi, Nov 18: As many as 377 ceasefire violations occured along the Line of Control and the International Boundary with Pakistan by November, Minister of State for Defence Subhash Bhamre told the Lok Sabha on Friday.

In a written reply, the minister said 167 ceasefire violations were recorded till November 14 along the International Boundary and the LoC stretches under the Indian Army control.

The number of violations till November 1 on stretches of International Boundary under the Border Security Force (BSF) control was 210.

Last year, a total of 405 violations occurred -- 152 along the LoC and IB stretches controlled by the army, and 253 along the IB under the BSF.

Till November 14, eight army personnel were killed and 59 injured on the LoC and IB. Four BSF men were killed and seven others injured till November 1.

The minister said 12 civilians were killed in cross-border firing and 76 others injured till November 10.

Last year, six azrmy men were killed in cross-border firing and 17 others injured, whereas four BSF men were killed and nine others injured.

MEA hits out at Pakistan for violating ceasefire agreement

In 2015, 16 civilians died in cross-border firing and 71 were injured.

"Appropriate retaliation to ceasefire violations, as required, has been carried out by the Indian Army/BSF. In addition, all ceasefire violations are taken up with Pakistan authorities at the appropriate level through established mechanisms of hotlines, flag meetings and weekly talks between the two Directorate Generals of Military Operations," Bhamre said in the reply.

"The BSF, too, holds talks at various levels with its counterpart, the Pakistan Rangers. Further, all forward posts along the Line of Control are adequately strengthened to withstand enemy fire. There is also a well-established Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) to safeguard against enemy action to minimise casualties," the minister said.

Tension has continued along the India-Pakistan border, with over 100 violations from the Pakistani side since the surgical strikes by India on terror launch pads in Pakistan-occupied Kashmir on September 28-29 night.

The surgical strikes were in response to an attack on an Army camp in Uri on September 18, in which 19 Indian soldiers were killed.

On Wednesday, India issued a demarche to Pakistan on continued violation of ceasefire along the LoC and strongly condemned increased concentration of terrorists observed across the border in the vicinity of Pakistani forward posts.

This was the third such demarche this month.

IANS


Married woman asked to do household work for family not cruelty, says HC

Bombay HC says efforts to curb black money should be supported

India

oi-PTI

Mumbai, Nov 17: Refusing to pass any order on a PIL regarding demonetisation, the Bombay High Court today said the Union government's efforts to act against black money need to be supported.

A division bench headed by Chief Justice Manjula Chellur made the remarks while hearing a PIL filed by Akhil Chitre seeking directions to the Centre and the state government to ease the inconvenience caused to the common people following the demonetisation of the old Rs 500 and Rs 1,000 notes.

"The government's intention to act against parallel economy in black money cannot be said to be mala fide.

Though there are problems faced by the citizens, it should be supported," Justice Chellur said. Refusing to pass any direction, the bench said the Supreme Court was already hearing petitions pertaining to the issue and hence it would not be correct for the high court to interfere.

PTI
Create constituency of goodwill in Pakistan: Shashi Tharoor

India

oi-PTI

Mumbai, Nov 17: There is a need to create a constituency of goodwill among Pakistani people to protect India's own interests, Congress MP Shahi Tharoor said here today. Participating in a debate on 'India and Pakistan can never be friends' at the Tata litfest here tonight, the former Union Minister also called for enhanced people-to-people cooperation to improve bilateral ties.

Ex-Army officer and defence expert Maroof Raza, military historian Shiv Kunal Verma and former diplomat Pawan Varma also participated in the debate. "There should be more communication between the people of both countries. Create an umbrella where artists, the fashion designers and genuine businesspersons would interact more frequently, form associations which would create a constituency of goodwill," Tharoor said.

It would help ease some tough negotiations with the Pakistani Government, he said. The basic difference between India and Pakistan was that "while in India the state has the Army, in Pakistan the Army has the state," Tharoor quipped. Raza said there was little hope for friendship between the neighbouring countries "at least during my lifetime'.

The Pakistani Army was trying to do another Bangladesh on India with Kashmir issue, he said. "Pakistan's approach towards India changes when it comes to Kashmir," he said. "After the terror attacks in India, including the 26/11 attacks, several dossiers were sent to Pakistan from time to time comprising phone call details, contacts and photos but they were flatly denied by Pakistan," Raza said.

PTI
Woman, her two children mowed down by train; Suicide not ruled out

Children donate Rs 73,000 from piggy bank to help people in UP

India

oi-Vicky

Lucknow, Nov 18: In a very touching gesture school children at Hardoi in Uttar Pradesh donated Rs 73,000 from their piggy bank savings to help people.

The children who had saved money in small denomination notes and coins came out and donated the same so that it would help the people.

The move comes at a time when people are waiting outside banks and ATMs to withdraw money. Many are cash strapped after the government announced that the Rs 500 and 1,000 notes will cease to be legal tender.

Opposition attacks Modi government over demonetisation

Several people continue to wait outside banks and ATMs to withdraw money. The government too is coping with the demand supply mismatch. Prime Minister Narendra Modi has sought 50 days time to bring the situation under control.

Hardoi (UP): School children deposit Rs 73000 in form of small denomination notes from their piggy bank to help people pic.twitter.com/wxy5GDcMqG  ANI UP (@ANINewsUP) November 18, 2016

Hardoi (UP): School children deposit Rs 73000 in form of small denomination notes from their piggy bank to help people pic.twitter.com/Kst1xFRep5  ANI UP (@ANINewsUP) November 18, 2016

People are facing trouble due to #demonetization, so we decided to help them by proving smaller currency notes from our piggy banks: Student pic.twitter.com/oeyvsY6DKZ  ANI UP (@ANINewsUP) November 18, 2016

OneIndia News
Five years of demonetisation: Notes in circulation on rise; so are digital payments

PM Modi should admit that demonetistion a failure: Owaisi on cash seizure in UP

Demonetisation: Ex-bureaucrat raises questions about public display of black money by rich, corrupt

India

oi-Oneindia

By Oneindia Staff Writer

New Delhi, Nov 18: EAS Sarma, former secretary in the Ministry of Finance, has recently written a letter to Prime Minister Narendra Modi raising questions about the lavish wedding ceremony of former BJP Minister of Karnataka G Janardhana Reddy's daughter in Bengaluru.

According to Sarma, one of the most upright former bureaucrats, who had faced the wrath of various governments because of his refusal to follow their diktats, Modi should catch "bigger sharks nearer home, not the petty cash hoarder" to fight against black money.

Sarma, 1965-batch IAS officer of the Andhra Pradesh cadre, even during former Prime Minister Manmohan Singh's regimes wrote several letters questioning government's stand on various issues.

[Also Read: ]

Read the full letter below:

EAS Sarma

Visakhapatnam

To

Shri Narendra Modi

Prime Minister

Dear Shri Modiji,

Subject:- Drive against Black Money

I write this in continuation of my recent letter dated 12-11-2016 on the subject. I enclose a copy of that letter for your ready reference.

I thought that I should bring to your notice a BBC news report (Lavish wedding angers cash-strapped Indians) that appeared today at a time when the common man/woman in the country is asked to join your grand campaign against black money and, therefore, bear the pain and trauma of demonetisation. In case your office has not shown this report, I enclose a copy of that report for your perusal.

The lavish wedding is that celebrated by Shri G Janardhana Reddy, a former BJP Minister of Karnataka.

In the past, one of your present Cabinet Ministers took help from him for contesting elections. He continues to enjoy BJP's blessings as evident from the fact that several of BJP's bigwigs in Karnataka are already seen rubbing shoulders with Shri Janardhana Reddy at the pre-wedding functions.

The cost of the wedding is estimated at more than Rs 500 crores, a figure that not many ordinary Indians can even imagine!

[Also Read: Why do you want to put the new Rs 2,000 note in water: Supreme Court asks]

The invitation for the wedding is gold-plated fitted with LCD screens, costing crores of rupees.

The wedding sari costs Rs 17 crores and the wedding jewellery Rs 90 Crores. There are 3,000 "bouncers", 300 and odd policemen, sniffer dogs and bomb squads deployed to maintain "law & order" at the wedding premises.

When Indian soldiers are fighting on the border and many losing their lives, this is something that should rouse the conscience of any patriotic Indian.

Despite a CBI investigation going on against this person and despite your grand "surgical strike" against black money, he seems to be at no disadvantage whatsoever in finding mountains of ready cash and resources for all this obscene display of affluence.

Shri Janardhana Reddy was quoted in the BBC report as saying that "he had mortgaged properties in Bangalore and Singapore to raise money for the wedding and that all payments were made six months ago when the planning started".

Which are those properties in Bangalore and Singapore? Have the Enforcement Directorate, CBDT, Serious Fraud Office, CBI etc. investigated this?

How much of undeclared cash is available for such a lavish wedding? When the Income Tax Dept is hounding smaller traders all over the country, why have they remained non-committal in this particular case?

Many persons standing in long queues in front of banks and ATMs are heard expressing surprise and anguish at the likes of Shri Janardhana Reddy not being seen anywhere in any of the queues, when the ordinary citizen is forced to wait and get tired for drawing his or her own money in the name of fighting the common cause propounded by you in the speeches that were broadcast nationwide during the last few days.

Will BJP formally announce that all those in its own ranks attending such a lavish wedding, especially at a time when you have subjected the masses to the demonetisation distress, will be asked to quit the party to send a clear message that the party is against black money holders?

You cannot run with the hare and hunt with the hounds at the same time. If you wish to flush out black money in real earnest, Mr Prime Minister, you have to flush it out from the bigger sharks nearer home, not the petty cash hoarders.

If you wish to tell the nation that you mean business, the people of this country wish to see some big fish apprehended, their benami properties confiscated and an example is set to deter the others from violating the law of the land.

I had earlier suggested tangible steps for you to consider.

Kindly revoke the retrospective amendment to Foreign Contributions Regulation Act, as the amendment compromises the national interest.

Proceed against those Chief Ministers, Ministers and other public functionaries who have illicit offshore accounts.

Trace their benami properties and get them attached.

Order an independent investigation into both election funding and election expenditure of all political parties for the last three years.

Announce that your party at least will subject itself to the RTI Act.

Without these minimal measures, the commendable drive you have displayed in demonetising higher currency notes may lose its momentum.

Regards,

Yours sincerely,

EAS Sarma

Former Secretary to GOI

Visakhapatnam

16-11-2016

OneIndia News
Sushma Swaraj shuts down a troll who said she will be remembered like Sheila Dikshit

Delhi loses two of its former CMs in span of two weeks

Final Goodbye: From Sushma Swaraj to Sheila Dikshit - A look at politicians that India lost in 2019

Sheila Dikshit's 2nd death anniversary: Tributes pour in for former Chief Minister of Delhi

Sheila Dikshit's son-in-law denied bail, judicial custody extended

India

oi-IANS

By Ians English

New Delhi, Nov 18: A city court here on Friday rejected the bail plea of former Delhi Chief Minister Sheila Dikshit's estranged son-in-law and extended his judicial custody for 14 days in a case of alleged theft and misappropriation of his wife's property.

Dismissing the bail plea, Metropolitan Magistrate Pankaj Sharma remanded Syed Mohammad Imran in judicial custody till December 2.

Imran was arrested in Bengaluru last week.

Dikshit's daughter Latika and Imran, who got married in 1996, have been living separately for the last 10 months.

Latika had accused Imran of domestic violence and filed a complaint in June.

She alleged that Imran took away jewellery and other expensive items from her residence.

Imran has been booked for misappropriation of property, criminal conspiracy, destruction of evidence and cheating, and also under the Information Technology Act.

IANS
SC notice to Centre on plea against supply of electoral roll to candidates

EC writes to Finance ministry not to use indelible ink in banks

India

oi-Madhuri

By Madhuri

New Delhi, Nov 18: The Election Commission of India on Friday wrote to the Finance Ministry and expressed its objection to the use of indelible ink on fingers of customers who exchange money in banks in election-bound areas.

Earlier on Wednesday, Economic Affairs Secretary Shaktikanta Das had announced the use of indelible ink on those exchanging the old Rs 500 and Rs 1000 notes in banks.

While speaking to the media, Shaktikanta Das said it was noticed that the same people were coming back again and again to exchange notes, causing the long queues and creating hassles for genuine people to get their cash.

By-elections for the four Lok Sabha seats - Cooch Behar and Tamluk in Purba Medinipur district in West Bengal, Shahdol in Madhya Pradesh and Lakhimpur in Assam will be held on November 19.

As many as 8 assembly seats in Assam, Arunachal Pradesh, Madhya Pradesh, West Bengal, Tamil Nadu, Tripura and Puducherry will go to polls on the same day.

Although, the move has been widely criticised in some circles. West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee took to Twitter and condemned the demontisation move. She said that it showed that the government did not trust its own people.

OneIndia News
"Extolling Bin Laden, Zakir Naik proclaimed all Muslims must take up arms"

News

oi-Vicky

By Vicky

Bengaluru, Nov 18 He promoted enmity, disharmony and hatred on the grounds of religion. If urgent steps are not taken then there is every possibility that many youth would get motivated and radicalise to commit acts of terror, the centre said while imposing a ban on the Dr Zakir Naik run Islamic Research Foundation.

A top official in the ministry for home affairs told OneIndia that the ban was absolutely necessary. There were no two ways about it and had the ban not been imposed, then one could have expected the worst, the official also said.

The notification makes it clear that Naik was attempting to provoke and radicalise youth not just in India, but abroad as well to commit acts of terror. The ideology that he preached is against India's pluralistic and secular social fabric of India and it may be viewed as causing disaffection against the country, the notification also read.

The government based on investigations conducted both by the Mumbai and Kerala police says that there were several instances of conversion reported. One of the 21 persons who went missing in Kerala was alleged converted by the members of the IRF, investigations had shown. Naik has also been accused of making derogatory statements against Hindu Gods.

The government further states that Naik extolled terrorists such as Osama Bin Laden. He also justified suicide bombings and proclaimed that every Muslim must be a terrorist or take up arms.

OneIndia News

For Breaking News and Instant Updates Allow Notifications

Story first published: Friday, November 18, 2016, 8:37 [IST]
Farmers in crisis due to demonetisation, says Akhilesh

India

oi-Madhuri

By Madhuri

New Delhi, Nov 18: Batting for farmers hit by the Centre's sudden demonetisation move, Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Akhilesh on Friday said that the farmers are worst hit and it is not a natural disaster but the one created by the Central government.

While addressing the media, Akhilesh asked,''If ATMs don't accept new notes then how do we accept it?.''"This has been forced by the government knowingly," he said, adding, "They (BJP) have the most knowledgeable persons and if such intelligent people force hardships on people what more can be said," he wondered.

Talking to reporters after presiding over a Cabinet meeting, the Chief Minister said, "The meeting was of the opinion that farmers should get relaxation in use of Rs 500 and Rs 1,000 notes...cooperative banks to which farmers are directly linked should get relaxation as money is not promptly reaching bank branches."

"We have also come to know that corruption through new notes has already started. Such reports are surfacing in newspapers and especially on the social media," he said, claiming the goal of unearthing black money and weeding out fake currency notes will not be achieved.

"People will get relief only when markets start functioning properly but till then if farmers and labourers suffer huge losses all the economic statistics will lag behind and so will the country," Akhilesh said, adding it will impact employment, factory workers and daily wagers the most.

"The entire country is today saying that preparations were not made and everything was changed suddenly. If we believe in them (the Centre) and something emerges from a neighbouring country then they will put the country into problems...if there are no proper preparations, it can spell danger to the country," he said. Mandis have come to a "standstill" and soon reports will come how the daily wagers are facing problems, Akhilesh said.

Earlier today, both houses of Parliament were adjourned till noon on Friday minutes after members assembled amid loud protests over the government's demonetisation move.

Also, Akhilesh Yadav had earlier said that economists were of the opinion that black money helped the Indian economy in times of global recession. His remarks came in the wake of the government's sudden decision to demonetise Rs 500 and Rs 1000 notes in order to curb black money.

OneIndia

(With PTI inputs)
Ghulam Nabi Azad announces own party, says people of J&K will decide its name and flag

Ghulam Nabi Azad demands BJP apology on demonetisation

India

oi-IANS

By Ians English

New Delhi, Nov 18 Senior Congress leader Ghulam Nabi Azad on Friday demanded an apology from the Bharatiya Janata Party for deaths of people standing in queues outside banks and ATMs after the November 8 demonetisation of high-denomination currency.

Reiterating his stand against demonetisation, Azad told the media at the Parliament House here: "The BJP should apologise to the 125 crore citizens of India."

Azad, a former Chief Minister of Jammu and Kashmir and an Union ex-minister, triggered a furore among the treasury benches in the Rajya Sabha on Thursday when he compared the deaths of people outside banks and automated teller machines to the deaths of 19 soldiers in the September 18 terror attack at an army base camp in Uri in Jammu and Kashmir.

The remark was later expunged by the house.

IANS
Ghulam Nabi Azad announces own party, says people of J&K will decide its name and flag

Ghulam Nabi Azad refuses to apologise over Uri attack remark

India

oi-Madhuri

By Madhuri

New Delhi, Nov 18: Senior Congress leader Ghulam Nabi Azad on Friday refused to apologise over his remark where he compared demonetisation with the death of soldiers killed in Uri attack.

Earlier in the day the BJP's Mukthar Abbas Naqvi demanded an apology from Azaad for his comments in which he compared demonetisation to the Uri attack in which 19 Indian soldiers had been martyred.

Responding to the demand of an apology by Abbas Naqvi, Azad said, "I will not apologise. BJP should apologies for the mess they have created over demonetisation."

Speaking in the Upper House, Azad said 40 people had died following government's wrong policy on demonetisation. He further added that very few people were killed in the attack by Pakistani terrorists in Uri and that the BJP and the government are responsible.

On September, Pakistani terrorists had attacked an Army base camp in Kashmir's Uri region that killed 19 jawans. Days later, Indian Army had conducted surgical strikes against terror bases across the Line of Control in PoK.

OneIndia News

For Breaking News and Instant Updates Allow Notifications

Story first published: Friday, November 18, 2016, 15:20 [IST]
A dream, a call and some courage: How a 15-year-old stopped her marriage

Man rapes 8-year-old to use her blood for removing obstacles to his marriage

Govt did not plan demonetisation well, says Kolkata HC

India

oi-Vikas

By Vikas

Kolkata, Nov 18: The Kolkata High Court on Friday said the frequent changing of guidelines in the demonetasion initiative shows that the Union Government did not plan it well.

"Centre has not applied its mind properly, everyday they are changing procedures, means there was no homework," news agency ANI quoted Kolkata HC as saying.

The court also expressed concern over the "lack of sincerity" among bank employees.

"we cannot change Govt policy but lack of sincerity of bank employees is there," the court said.

Since the demonetisation announcement on Nov 8, people have been waiting for hours in long queues at banks, mostly to exchange the banned notes for new currency.

Meanwhile, banks have already scaled down the amount that can be exchanged from Rs 4,500 to Rs 2,000. Only a one-time exchange is allowed across the counter of a bank or post office, but the old notes can be deposited in banks till December 30.

Oneindia News

For Breaking News and Instant Updates Allow Notifications

Story first published: Friday, November 18, 2016, 13:56 [IST]
Jaitley statue at Kotla: Angry Bedi asks DDCA to remove his name from stands, quits membership

Reforms in India being done by conviction, not compulsion: PM Narendra Modi

BJP leaders pay tribute to former minister Arun Jaitley on his third death anniversary

Govt warns against use of others bank accounts to deposit black money

India

oi-Madhuri

By Madhuri

New Delhi, Nov 18: Union Minister Arun Jaitley on Friday warned those who are using other people's bank accounts to convert their black money will be severely punished.

In a series of tweets, the Finance Ministry said,''the person who allows his or her bank account to be misused for this purpose can be prosecuted for abetment under Income Tax Act''.

The Finance Ministry's tweets came in wake of reports that people have misused Jan Dhan accounts to deposit their black money.

Earlier, the government had said that deposits up to Rs 2.50 lakh in bank accounts would not come under tax scrutiny as it is within the tax exemption limit. In the case of Jan Dhan account, the holder can deposit up to Rs 50,000.

Also, the tax department has already quoted PAN will be mandatory for cash deposits aggregating to Rs 2,50,000 or more between November 9 and December 30, 2015.

OneIndia News

For Breaking News and Instant Updates Allow Notifications

Story first published: Friday, November 18, 2016, 17:15 [IST]
North Korea has fired around 100 artillery shells into the East Sea after launching at least 17 ballistic and other missiles within just seven hours on Wednesday, according to Sout...
Madras HC orders 0.09% more marks to help IPS officer to get first class in ML course

HC rejects MP Sasikala Pushpa's anticipatory bail

India

oi-PTI

Madurai, Nov 18: The Madras High Court Bench here today dismissed an anticipatory bail petition by expelled AIADMK MP L Sasikala Pushpa in connection with alleged ransacking of the house of a lawyer representing her two women domestic aides in a sexual harassment case against her and her family members.

Rejecting the MP's contention that the case had been registered against her for political reasons, Justice S Vaidhyanathan held that her custodial investigation was necessary.

He, however, granted conditional bail to her husband Lingeswara Tilagan and son Pradeep Raja, saying there was no material evidence against them in the case. The case had been registered on a complaint by the woman advocate seeking action against a gang which had "ransacked" her house at Tirunelveli in her absence on September 11.

She had also sought protection for herself and her clients, who are the complainants in the sexual harassment case. Police had arrested three supporters of the MP -- Harinadar, Ramalingam and Chitrakumar in connection with the attack on the house.

The Judge rejected the MP's contention that the case had been registered against her for political reasons. Such issues could be decided only during the trial, he said. Further, he said the Supreme Court had earlier granted bail to the MP hoping that she would not cause hindrance in the investigation by influencing the witness.

Domestic help alleges torture by Sasikala Pushpa

Police said the accused persons were powerful and the witnesses could be threatened by them. The confessions of one of the three arrested persons showed that the MP was involved in the attack on the house of the advocate, the court noted.

The judge dismissed the bail petitions of Harinadar, one of the accused, as he had been detained under the Goondas Act, and also the other two alleged accomplices. He directed the MP's husband and son to appear before the police station concerned twice a day -- in the morning and evening -- until further orders.

Sasikala was expelled from AIADMK in August this year after an alleged altercation with DMK MP Tiruchi Siva at the Delhi airport. Since then she has been alleging that she was being threatened to resign as MP.

The ransacking case is the third against the Rajya Sabha MP. Besides the sexual harassment case, she is also facing another case for allegedly forging documents for filing an anticipatory bail application in the high court earlier.

PTI
'India, Israel expanding cooperation in agri, water saving'

India

oi-PTI

Gharaunda (Karnal), Nov 18: Israeli President Reuven Rivlin today said the future of relationship between India and Israel not only goes between the government and administration but between "the people of both the nations".

Rivlin, who visited the Centre of Excellence for Vegetables (CEV) here, said India could learn from Israeli experience and know how in the fields of agriculture, water saving and water cleaning techniques.

Amid tight security, the Israeli President came here along with a delegation and had a first-hand experience of the protected cultivation of vegetables at the centre which was set up in collaboration with Israel in 2011. Rivlin visited the nursery in the high-tech green house located at the centre to get an overview of Indo-Israeli agricultural projects.

Asked about the Indo-Israel cooperation, the President said that the cooperation between both the nations is now being expanded in the field of agriculture, water and security while asserting, "We have to take care of each other".

"They (India) are asking our experience to be taught here. I believe the connection between people of India and people of Israel and the understanding .... We have to take care of each other that will bring us to lot of cooperation because the cooperation started 25 years ago and it is now being expanded to a level (where) no one can even foresee in all fields of agriculture, water."

"We have any kind of necessity to carry on, we have any kind of security and we are doing all together. We are cooperating and we are not hiding from each other any kind of business we are very open," he asserted.

He further said, "I see the future of relationship between India and Israel that something not only goes between the government and administration but between the people."

President Rivlin is on a state visit to India on the invitation of President Pranab Mukherjee. India and Israel signed agreements for agriculture partnership in 2006 under which Israel has been sharing its best practices and knowledge through professional training programmes.

When asked about the technologies India need the most, the President said that Israel can share its experience and know how in the field of agriculture and lesser use of water in farming. "We know how to do and how to arrange clean drinking water.

We have every type of agriculture experience. Shortage of water in Israel has taught us to how to carry water from one part of the country to another part, how to clean water and how to bring the ability to make sea water into drinking water," he said.

"We have lot of experiences and people of India can have our experience by 'b-to b' relationship, 'g to g'...." While taking a look at seedling of various vegetables at the centre, President said the small tomatoes which were grown here are "money maker".

PTI
Indian Mujahideen planned havoc in India

News

oi-Vicky

By Vicky

New Delhi, Nov 18 The National Investigation Agency in its chargesheet against an Indian Mujahideen operative said that the outfit was getting funds from Pakistan. The chargesheet against Abdul Wahid Siddibappa details the mannner in which funds were being channelised to the accused persons.

Another point of interest in the chargesheet is with regard to a meeting in Dubai that had taken place in which it was decided that terror attacks would be carried out in India. The meeting that took place in 2010 was attended by senior members of the Indian Mujahideen. The meeting was chaired by Iqbal Bhatkal, the brother of Riyaz Bhatkal who is one of the founders of the Indian Mujahideen.

It was during that meeting that Siddibappa was assigned the role of channelising funds. Siddibappa according to the NIA did a through job. He would move funds from Pakistan to India via Dubai. If the operative on the ground was unable to collect the funds, it would be moved to the family members, the NIA states.

The NIA states that he subsequently supplied funds to Indian Mujahideen cadres in India for carrying out subversive activities. In order to facilitate this, he was stationed at Dubai. Absconding accused, Riyaz Bhatkal, stationed in Pakistan, who is also a relative of Abdul Wahid Siddibapa used to supply funds to Dubai which were received by the accused, Abdul Wahid Siddibapa. He further used to supply the same to IM cadres in India, such as Yasin Bhatkal and his associates, the NIA states.

The NIA says that a total of 30 Indian Mujahideen members have been chargesheeted by them. There are more on the radar says an NIA officer to OneIndia. The investigation against the Indian Mujahideen is an ongoing one, the NIA also states.

OneIndia News

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Story first published: Friday, November 18, 2016, 8:48 [IST]
Jodhpur man says Sushma Swaraj has helping nature, offers his kidney

India

oi-PTI

Jaipur, Nov 18: A young farmer from Jodhpur offered his kidney for External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj, who is undergoing treatment at AIIMS in Delhi for a kidney failure.

Vishek Vishnoi of Ekalkhori village in Osia Tehsil of Jodhpur district took to the social media to make the offer. He said he was offering his kidney for transplant "not because Swaraj is a minister but for her helping nature towards needy".

He said the External Affairs Minister has played a "crucial role" in rescuing labourers who were trapped in Gulf countries.

Sushma Swaraj has changed the rules of secrecy regarding leaders' health

"Sushma Swaraj has always been prompt in lending her helping hand to those in need. She worked silently and played key role in the rescue of many labourers who were trapped in Gulf countries. Her work and helping nature made me offer my kidney," Vishnoi said.

Swaraj had earlier tweeted she had suffered a kidney failure and was undergoing tests at AIIMS in Delhi for a transplant.

PTI
Malegaon blast case: After 9 years in jail, Lt Col Shrikant Purohit granted bail by SC

Malegaon blast case: Army to review Purohits suspension from service after examining SC order

Malegaon: Brave cops save 5 people from being lynched by mob over child-trafficking rumour

Malegaon to Samjhauta: How politics of terror derailed these cases

Maha govt challenges aquittal of eight persons in Malegaon blasts case

India

oi-Vikas

By Vikas

Mumbai, Nov 18: The Maharashtra Government has approached the Bombay High Court to challenge the session court's order of acquitting eight persons in connection with the 2006 Malegaon blasts case.

In respose to Mahrashtra Government's petition, the Bombay HC has issued notices to the aquttied indivuduals.

According to reports, the sessions court had in April this year discharged these men of all terror charges after the National Investigation Agency (NIA) submitted that the blasts were the handiwork of a Hindu extremist group.

The Maharshtra government has reportedly termed the order as "illegal and unjust".

The case pertains to serial bomb blasts outside a cemetery near Hamidia mosque at Malegaon, near Nashik, on 8 September 2006, which left 37 people dead and over 100 injured.

(With agency inputs)

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Story first published: Friday, November 18, 2016, 10:42 [IST]
Navy rubbishes reports of Pak spotting Indian submarine in its waters

India

oi-Vikas

By Vikas

New Delhi, Nov 18: Indian Navy has rubbished reports in the Pakistan media claiming that their forces spotted an Indian submarine in their waters.

A top intelligence official told OneIndia that the information that Pakistan has put out is wrong. He further added that Pakistan is trying to spread false information in a bid to cover up its wrong doings along the border.

According to a Pakistan Navy spokesperson, their fleet units "chased" the Indian submarine until it left Pakistani territory, Geo TV reported.

The spokesperson had said that the Pakistani Navy's ability to "push back" the submarine was a testament to the country's anti-submarine warfare capabilities.

Commodore (Retd) Syed M. Obaidullah, commenting on the incident, told Geo TV that the Indian submarine was a Type 209 which is one of the most lethal submarines in today's world. He added that the submarine was headed towards the Balochistan coast.

(With IANS inputs)

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Story first published: Friday, November 18, 2016, 17:49 [IST]
Always admired his zeal, energy: PM Modi greets VP Naidu on his birthday

On demonetisation PM will intervene when needed: Naidu

India

oi-Vikas

By Vikas

New Delhi, Nov 18: Asserting that Congress was evading debate on the demonetisation issue, Union Urban Development Minister M. Venkaiah Naidu on Friday said Prime Minister Narendra Modi will intervene in the matter when needed.

The opposition parties have been constantly demanding the Prime Minister's presence in the Parliament.

"Prime Minister jab bhi zaroorat padti hai intervene karte rahe hain, lekin is issue ko lekar disrupt karna theek nahi hai (Whenever there is a need the Prime Minister intervenes, but disrupting Parliament over this issue is not right)," he told reporters here.

The BJP earlier demanded Congress leader Ghulam Nabi Azad's apology over his Uri attack remark.

"I want to know from Congress that what is their view on Ghulam Nabi Azad's statement," Naidu said.

According to reports, Azad had said that 40 people had died following the government's decision on demonetisation and that these many casualties had not occurred even in the terror attack on the Uri Army camp.

Meanwhile, the Rajya Sabha was adjourned for the third time today after it witnerssed uproar over the demonetisation issue.

Oneindia News

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Story first published: Friday, November 18, 2016, 13:13 [IST]
This is 21st century, where have we reached in name of religion: SC on hate speeches

SC notice to Centre on plea against supply of electoral roll to candidates

Special anti-corruption courts in every district: SC to take up plea next week

SC frowns on two-finger test in rape case: Stop the practice immediately it says

SC to hear challenge to Aadhaar bill in January

India

oi-Madhuri

By Madhuri

New Delhi, Nov 18: The Supreme Court of India is likely to hear in January the plea filed by Senior Congress leader Jairam Ramesh challenging the decision to treat Aadhaar bill as a money bill.

Earlier, Finance Minister Arun Jaitley, who moved the Bill and piloted them in both the Houses, had turned down the Opposition argument that Parliament cannot legislate as the matter is before the Supreme Court.

The Bill was passed during Budget session in March 2016 after overruling the amendments moved in the Rajya Sabha.

OneIndia News

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Story first published: Friday, November 18, 2016, 11:27 [IST]
No surprises here: Mallikarjun Kharge is the new Cong chief

Not a personal battle, Kharge's win is victory of Congress, says Shashi Tharoor

Shashi Tharoor: Lost Congress presidential poll but not before making himself heard

Britain has outgrown their racism, says Shashi Tharoor over Sunak rise

ADHM row: Shashi Tharoor blasts MNS, says Pakistani artists should be invited

India

oi-PTI

Mumbai, Nov 18: Expressing displeasure with the way the "ADHM" controversy was handled by the Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis, Congress MP Shashi Tharoor on Thursday said he favoured inviting Pakistani artists, creative people and businessmen to boost bilateral ties.

"We should welcome creative people, artistes and genuine businessmen (from Pakistan) to India," Tharoor said, during a debate in the Tata Literature Live Festival here.

"We have to create a 'home away from home' situation for them," he said, adding that hostility between the two countries "can be a mood but not a policy".

In a scathing comment about the way Fadnavis handled the controversy surrounding Karan Johar--directed 'Ae Dil Hai Mushkil' when MNS opposed the film because it had Pakistani actor Fawad Khan, Tharoor said, "Certainly no Congress Chief Minister would have ever negotiated (with outfits like MNS)."

The Raj Thackeray-led party later relented on the condition that the producers would give a donation to Army welfare fund.

Fadnavis later denied that he brokered the 'deal' between MNS and the ADHM producers.

Taking part in a debate on 'India and Pakistan can never be friends', Tharoor contended that people-to-people cooperation would improve bilateral ties.

"Create an umbrella where artists, the fashion designers and genuine businesspersons would interact more frequently, form associations which would create a constituency of goodwill," Tharoor said.

PTI
Two arrested in Punjab for photocopying and circulating Rs 2,000 note

India

oi-Mukul Kumar Mishra

Chandigarh, Nov 18: The Punjab police has arrested two persons for photocopying the new Rs 2,000 notes and circulating the same. The Tarn Taran police arrested Sandeep Kumar and Harjinder Singh on Thursday on the charge of producing counterfeit money.

According to a report in the Times of India, one of the accused persons was a computer operator who also ran a photocopy shop.

Police said accused thought that there were no security features in new Rs 2,000 notes. They felt that they could easily deceive the people. The report further stated that Sandeep printed five notes of the Rs 2,000 denomination.

EC writes to Finance ministry not to use indelible ink in banks

Sandeep had a computer, scanner and printer in his shop, which he used for printing five counterfeit notes of Rs 2,000 denomination, the report also stated.

Assistant sub-inspector Gurdeep Singh who is investigating the case said that both Sandeep and Harjinder have been sent to judicial custody. One more accused is however absconding.

OneIndia News

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Story first published: Friday, November 18, 2016, 11:58 [IST]
West Bengal opposition ridicules Mamata for Delhi flop show'

India

oi-IANS

By Ians English

Kolkata, Nov 18 West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee's tryst with Delhi to oppose the Narendra Modi government's demonetisation initiative has drawn sniggers from the opposition parties in her state. They ridiculed the Trinamool Congress chief for getting spurned by most parties, and dubbed her an "opportunist".

The Congress, Left Front partners CPI-M and RSP and the BJP minced no words while attacking the chief minister for her "flop show".

During her two-day trip to the national capital, Banerjee rallied to the Rashtrapati Bhavan along with the representatives of a few political parties including Aam Admi Party and Shiv Sena and sought President Pranab Mukherjee's intervention on the demonetisation issue. She also held a joint meeting with her Delhi counterpart Arvind Kejriwal at Azadpur Mandi, Delhi's biggest vegetable market.

State Congress chief Adhir Ranjan Chowdhury questioned why she has not taken action against her party leaders involved in the Saradha ponzi scam and the Narada sting operation scandal.

"The Trinamool supremo is trying to exploit the situation in her favour. However, there are plenty of allegations against her party men in West Bengal. During her regime, a plethora of chit-fund companies threw the lives of the common people into disarray. She hasn't taken any steps against them," Chowdhury told IANS.

Chowdhury said there was no way the Congress could go with her.

"Congress is capable and competent enough to fight against the dictatorship of the central government," he said.

Left Front legislature party leader Sujon Chakraborty also took a dig at Banerjee for managing to draw only a handful of parties.

"Despite all out efforts to woo political parties, most of them spurned her. Who can go with someone whose hand is tainted with Saradha and Narada scams? Why isn't she taking action against party leaders involved in the scandals?

"The way most parties turned down her appeal, we feel bad. After all, she is our chief minister," Chakraborty said.

However, he claimed there was a "passive understanding" between Modi and Banerjee.

"It's a shadow fight between Mamata and Modi. Why is the Modi government not asking the CBI to take steps against the Trinamool leaders involved in the financial scams," Chakraborty asked.

He also scoffed at Banerjee holding the hand of the Shiv Sena.

Revolutionary Socialist Party state secretary Kshiti Goswami charged Banerjee with pursuing an "undemocratic path" in West Bengal and striving to make it "oppositionless".

"We did not accept her offer as during her reign she has always pursued undemocratic and opportunist ways herself. We do not believe her," Goswami told IANS.

"She has always tried to make West Bengal oppositionless and never consulted the Left Front on any issue relating to the state," he said.

"Though we oppose the central government's decision of demonitisation without a proper backup plan, our party doesn't agree with Trinamool's manner of protest," he added.

The BJP, on the other hand, alleged that Modi's fight against black money has hit the Mamata government "hard" and said her antics in Delhi would be futile.

"We can see that Trinamool is in big trouble as their leaders don't know what to do with the hoards of back money they got from the Saradha and Narada scams. The more Banerjee protests against demonetisation, the more will it be evident that she is in favour of black money." BJP national secretary Rahul Sinha told IANS.

He also dismissed as "insignificant the Mamata-Kejriwal meeting.

"Mamata's meeting with Kejriwal at a vegetable market in Delhi is largely insignificant as very few people there would recognise her. People in West Bengal would be least bothered about what AAP is saying," Sinha said.

IANS
Why do you want to put the new Rs 2,000 note in water: Supreme Court asks

India

oi-Vicky

New Delhi, Nov 18: A petition was filed in the Supreme Court seeking a direction to stop political parties and religious institutions from depositing the scrapped Rs 500 and 1,000 notes in banks.

Chief Justice of India, T S Thakur was however not amused. While observing that the court cannot hear demonetisation issues all day and everyday, the CJI felt that if the politicians deposit money in banks the taxman could get to them.

The petitioner said that deposit of money should be restricted to individuals. Political parties should be stopped from depositing the scrapped notes, he also said.

Can't hear demonetisation issue everyday says Supreme Court

To this the CJI said, " once the money is deposited, the taxman will get to them. Politicians are juristic persons and pay taxes. Why should not be allowed to deposit the notes, the CJI asked.

The petitioner then went to complain about the the nature of the new Rs 2,000 notes. The notes lose its colour when put in water, the petitioner said. To this the CJI asked, why do you want to put the note in water. The advocate however shot back and told the CJI, " today all of us are in water."

OneIndia News

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Story first published: Friday, November 18, 2016, 12:14 [IST]
When Mallika Sherawat met US President Barack Obama, clicked selfie with him

Paris Horror: After Kim Kardashian, Bollywood actor Mallika Sherawat brutally attacked by masked men

International

oi-Oneindia

By Oneindia Staff Writer

Paris, Nov 18: According to media reports, Bollywood actress Mallika Sherawat was punched in the face and sprayed with teargas by masked attackers in an upmarket area of Paris.

The incident happened on November 11. However, it got widely reported in the international media on Thursday, after the actress filed a police complaint.

According to police, the 40-year-old star was with her partner when she was attacked by three masked men.

Police add attackers tried to steal her handbag.

The incident comes weeks after the US reality TV star Kim Kardashian was attacked in Paris in a robbery in which a masked gang stole jewellery worth more than $10m (8m).

[Also Read: When Mallika Sherawat met US President Barack Obama, clicked selfie with him]

"Sherawat and her French boyfriend, Cyrille Auxenfans, were accosted in the hallway of his apartment building by three masked men when they returned to the home," stated a report by CNN.

The attack took place on rue de la Faisanderie, an upscale neighborhood, where Auxenfans, a businessman, lives.

A friend of the couple told the CNN, the Bollywood actress was left shaken but not seriously hurt.

"She and her boyfriend got out of their car and they were entering the building but the doors took time to shut and had not shut when three masked men attacked them," said the friend.

"They sprayed them with tear gas and pushed her to the ground and started hitting her boyfriend. One of them tried to grab her bag, but she pushed them away and started yelling and screaming. After a bit of a struggle they ran away."

OneIndia News
Terror in Islamabad: A top secret mission, all for the nation, all for the truth

Unlike Pakistan where 'fanatics are eulogised': India slams Islamabad over reaction on Prophet comment row

On move to extend China-Pak Economic Corridor, India says its inherently unacceptable

Failure to impose sanctions on terror leaders erodes UN authority: India

International

oi-IANS

By Ians English

United Nations, Nov 18 Failure to impose sanctions on leaders of terrorist organisations is eroding the UN's authority, India has warned.

If the Security Council and its agencies did not come up with a "cohesive response to global terrorism they run the risk of becoming marginalised from the most fundamental security priorities of member states whose fabric is being torn asunder by terrorists," India's Permanent Representative Syed Akbaruddin said on Thursday during a General Assembly debate on Afghanistan.

He reiterated a demand India made in June for designating Taliban chief Mawlawi Haibatullah Akhundzada as a terrorist and making him face the penalties of UN sanctions.

"The international community is impatient for action," Akbaruddin said.

"Earlier this week, President Ashraf Ghani of Afghanistan himself asked a delegation of the UNSC (Security Council) Sanctions Committee to include this person, and such others, in the list of terrorists," he said.

The working of the Sanctions committee has been a sore point for India. China has used its veto to provide cover for Jaish-e-Mohammad's Pakistan-based head, Masood Azhar, from sanctions.

India says he is the mastermind of the January terrorist attack on the Air Force base in Pathankot.

Afghanistan's Permanent Representative Mahmoud Saikal also raised the problem of the Taliban and other terrorist organisations based in Pakistan.

Without directly naming it, he accused Pakistan of waging a "thinly disguised declared war" against his country by using the Taliban and other terrorist orgnisations, including the Haqqani network and the Islamic State.

He warned Islamabad, "Those who seek solace from the intention of keeping Afghanistan bleeding must remember that such actions would bleed them, too, and warrant international isolation."

IANS
Kamala Harris suspicious of Trump's immigration policies

International

pti-PTI

Washington, Nov 18: Indian-American Kamala Harris, who scripted history by winning a Senate seat, has said she is suspicious of president-elect Donald Trump's plans to deport 2-3 million undocumented immigrants with criminal history.

"I have an experience with this kind of approach and what I have seen is when you say criminal, that's a very broad term. It's not a monolith. There's a whole range of behaviors that can qualify as being called a crime," Harris told Miami Herald in an interview.

Harris, 52, is of both India and African heritage and is in Washington DC for a week-long orientation programme for new Senators. She is the first Senator of Indian heritage. The California Senator said she would be staying in Washington DC after the orientation programme to search for a house.

"A DUI (driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol) is very different from rape. And as a career prosecutor I have constantly and consistently seen that one of the best tools in the tool belt of a predator of an undocumented immigrant, be it rape, be it domestic violence, be it fraud, one of the best tools that the predator has is to look at the victim and tell the victim, 'if you report this, it is you who will be treated like a criminal'," she said.

"So we have to really think about what is in the best interests of public safety and understand that one of the best ways we can create justice is that we also have to make sure that we set up a system that will protect victims. Just based on previous experience, the definition of a crime can be left up to a lot of interpretation, and I think can have unintended consequences," Harris said.

Harris, who was endorsed by outgoing President Barack Obama in her Senate race, is a fierce opponent of Trump.

"I am suspicious of that approach... And here's the other reality of it, every federal agency, every state or local agency, especially in law enforcement, will tell you they have limited resources and as far as I'm concerned I prefer that those resources as it relates in particular to nonviolent, nonserious crime, go into helping me  I'm still AG  do the work we need to do in dealing with transnational criminal organizations, who have a proven track record of trafficking in guns and drugs and humans," Harris said.

"I can tell you we don't have enough resources for that. So the concern is also about misplaced priorities for the sake of a sound bite," she said in response to a question.

Harris has already talked with her future Democratic colleagues about "banding together" to protect immigrants from what she described as Trump's draconian immigration proposals. However, Harris said she would co-operate with the president-elect on infrastructure issue.

PTI
Obama warns Donald Trump on Russia

International

oi-IANS

By Ians English

Washington, Nov 18: US President Barack Obama has warned Donald Trump he should be willing to stand up to Russia as president and also talked about his expectations for the president-elect's actions concerning key US policies and international commitments.

Speaking from Berlin on Thursday at a joint news conference with German Chancellor Angela Merkel during his final trip abroad as president, Obama said that while he doesn't expect Trump to follow his administration's blueprint, he expects him to act in US interests, CBS News reported.

"My hope is that the president-elect, coming in, takes a similarly constructive approach -- finding areas where we can cooperate with Russia, where our values and interests align -- but that the president-elect is also willing to stand up to Russia where they are deviating from our values and international norms," Obama said.

He suggested it would be harmful if Trump takes a "realpolitik approach" where the US cuts deals with Russia "even if it hurts people, or even if it violates international norms or even if it leaves countries vulnerable."

Obama reiterated that he was "encouraged" by Trump's "insistence" he won't change the US commitment to NATO, which the president said Trump made clear to him during a 90-minute meeting at the White House last week.

"His full commitment to NATO as the foundation for our international security is, I think, very important," Obama said.

Obama is on his last foreign trip, which also includes stops in Greece and Peru.

While both leaders met privately, Obama said they discussed efforts to keep the US and Germany economically competitive, negotiations resulting from Brexit -- Britain's decision to leave the European Union (EU), the threat of climate change and implementing the Paris agreement, ensuring Iran continues to abide by its nuclear deal, countering cyber threats and the importance of maintaining sanctions against Russia.

IANS


Pak off the FATF grey list doesn't mean it's not under scrutiny anymore: MEA secretary

Pak has 130-140 nuclear weapons, converts F16 to deliver nukes

International

oi-PTI

Washington, Nov 18: Pakistan is expanding its nuclear arsenal and has developed an estimated stockpile of 130 to 140 warheads for delivery as well as converting some of its fighter jets including F-16s to deliver nukes, Bulletin of Atomic Scientists said in its latest report.

Authored by Hans M Kristensen and Robert S Norris, the report says that analysis of a large number of commercial satellite images of Pakistan army's garrisons and air force bases shows what appear to be mobile launchers and underground facilities that might be related to nuclear forces.

"Pakistan continues to expand its nuclear arsenal with more warheads, more delivery systems, and a growing fissile materials production industry," said the report on Pakistani nuclear forces, 2016.

"We estimate that Pakistan now has a nuclear weapons stockpile of 130140 warheads. This stockpile exceeds the projection made by the US Defense Intelligence Agency in 1999 that Pakistan by 2020 would have 6080 warheads," said the report released last month.

According to the scientists, with several delivery systems in development, four plutonium production reactors and its uranium enrichment facilities expanding, Pakistan's stockpile will possibly increase further over the next 10 years.

"Speculation that Pakistan may become the world's third-largest nuclear weapon state  with a stockpile of some 350 warheads a decade from now  are, we believe, exaggerated, not least because that would require a buildup two to three times faster than growth over the past two decades," it said.

'Historic' India-Japan nuclear deal to unleash destruction in India, says anti-nuclear organisation

"We estimate that its stockpile could more realistically grow to 220250 warheads by 2025, if the current trend continues. If that happens, it would make Pakistan the world's fifth-largest nuclear weapon state.

"But unless India significantly expands its arsenal or further builds up its conventional forces, it seems reasonable to expect that Pakistan's nuclear arsenal will not continue to grow indefinitely but might begin to level off as its current weapons programmes are completed," the report said.

According to the report, Pakistan probably assigns a nuclear strike mission to select F-16A/B and Mirage III/V fighter squadrons. The F-16 was probably the first aircraft in the nuclear role, but the Mirage quickly joined the mission, it said, adding that the F-16A/Bs were supplied by the US between 1983 and 1987.

After 40 aircraft had been delivered, the US State Department told Congress in 1989, "none of the F-16s Pakistan already owns or is about to purchase is configured for nuclear delivery" and Pakistan "will be obligated by contract not to modify" additional F-16s "without the approval of the United States," it said.

"Yet, there were multiple credible reports at the time that Pakistan was already modifying US-supplied F-16s for nuclear weapons," it said, adding that there are rumors that Pakistan intends to make the Chinese-supplied JF-17 fighter nuclear-capable.

PTI
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

Shehbaz Sharif arrives in China on maiden visit to felicitate President Xi Jinping on his record win

Pakistan Navy claims spotting Indian submarine in its waters

International

oi-IANS

By Ians English

Karachi, Nov 18: The Pakistan Navy on Friday said it detected an Indian submarine near its waters and "chased it out" in time, Geo News quoted a spokesperson as saying.

According to a Pakistan Navy spokesperson, their fleet units "chased" the Indian submarine until it left Pakistani territory, Geo TV reported.

The spokesperson further said that the Pakistani Navy's ability to "push back" the submarine was a testament to the country's anti-submarine warfare capabilities.

Pakistan was "capable of giving a fitting response to any sort of aggression (by India)", the spokesperson added. He alleged that India is "trying to station its submarines in Pakistani waters".

Commodore (Retd) Syed M. Obaidullah, commenting on the incident, told Geo TV that the Indian submarine was a Type 209 which is one of the most lethal submarines in today's world. He added that the submarine was headed towards the Balochistan coast.

IANS
Shinzo Abe, Donald Trump meet in New York

International

oi-IANS

By Ians English

New York, Nov 18 US President-elect Donald Trump met Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe, the first foreign head of government he spoke face to face since he won the November 8 election.

A spokesperson said that the meeting began on Thursday evening at 4.55 p.m., at New York's Trump Tower, Efe news reported.

Although initial reports were that Vice President-elect Mike Pence would also be present at the meeting, that has not been confirmed and, in fact, the Indiana governor arrived at Trump Tower only a few minutes before it ended.

The meeting lasted for about 90 minutes and the details were not known yet.

Spokespeople with Trump's transition team announced early Thursday that possibly more information about the meeting would be released after it ended, but they insisted that the get-together would be "very informal" and they did not expect significant results to emerge from it.

"I think any deeper conversations about policy and the relationship between Japan and the United States will have to wait until after the inauguration," said transition team spokesperson Kellyanne Conway.

The Japanese premier made a stop in New York en route to Lima, where he will participate in the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) summit, which President Barack Obama and other world leaders will also attend.

During the election campaign, Trump was very critical of a series of US trade deals, including the one known as the Trans-Pacific Partnership linking nations around the Pacific.

He has also said that Japan is one of the countries that should pay more to the US for the military assistance Washington provides, something that has aroused concern in Tokyo and in other affected capitals.

IANS
Sushma steps in to rescue Mumbai man in Mozambique

Cyclone Idai devastates 90% of Mozambiques 4th largest city Beira; 1,000 may have died

Cheetahs from South Africa go to parks in India, Mozambique

Mozambique: Tanker truck blast kills 73

International

oi-IANS

By Ians English

Maputo, Nov 18: At least 73 people were killed and dozens of people injured after a tanker truck exploded in Mozambique's Tete province.

The blast on Thursday took place when the tanker truck was en route transporting petrol to Malawi from Mozambican port city of Beira, the government said in a statement, Xinhua news agency reported.

The truck blew up when local residents were gathering around the vehicle to buy fuel, the government said.

The injured were rushed to the hospital.

The government said a team was expected to arrive at the site on Friday to look into the cause of the blast.

IANS
South African captain Faf du Plessis has been charged with ball tampering during Hobart test. The charge relates to changing the condition of the ball in breach of Law 42.3 and has been laid by the ICC Chief Executive David Richardson who has exercised his right to do so according to Article 3.1.3 of the Code, a media release from ICC said on Friday.
Kerala CM accuses Gov of 'acting as RSS tool' on his order to VCs to resign

Kerala guv writes to CM Vijayan to take action against finance minister

CBI Recruitment 2022 Out: Check salary, eligibility, and how to apply

Demonetisation: Kerala CM, cabinet protest before RBI

Thiruvananthapuram

oi-Madhuri

By Madhuri

Thiruvanathpuram, Nov 18: Kerala CM Pinarayi Vijayan and his cabinet staged Satyagraha in front of RBI's regional office here in Thiruvananthapuram to protest against the Centre's attempt to 'weaken' the cooperative banking sector.

On Thursday, protesting the central government's move Pinarayi Vijayan called for an open protest against the decision.

According to sources, Kerala CM along with his ministers of the state will stage a protest demonstration before the RBI office in Thiruvananthapuram from 10am till 5pm.

Earlier, Pinarayi Vijayan and the chief ministers of Punjab, Odisha and Maharashtra had written to Narendra Modi demanding his intervention at allowing the cooperative banks to exchange demonetised notes. However, the Centre said that cooperative banks could not be given the same rights as that of nationalised banks.

In a notification issued on RBI website, the district central cooperative banks will not be allowed to provide any exchange facility against Rs 500 and Rs 1000 notes.

OneIndia News

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Story first published: Friday, November 18, 2016, 11:54 [IST]
New Kerala HC rule a fallout of journo-lawers' clash?

Thiruvananthapuram

oi-Anusha

The Kerala High Court on Thursday evening set down strict norms for journalists reporting on High Court proceedings. A full court approved the norms which restricts the entry to High Court premises only to law graduates.

The move is being looked at as a fallout of the clashes between journalists and lawyers in Kerala on multiple occasions. Time and again journalists have been asked to leave court while reporting on the proceedings. The issue is now at the doorstep of the Supreme Court.

The new norms issued by the registrar nemeral of the high court says that only a journalist with a law degree will be given an accreditation card to report on court proceedings. While a permanant accreditation requires a journalist to not only possess a law degree but also experience of court-reporting for a continuous period of 5 years. While the norm has provision for temporary accreditation it also comes with a rider of law degree and 2 years of court reporting.

Journalists in Kerala who have time and again been intimidated at courts feel that this move is a fallout of the clashes they have had with advocates. Parties on both sides have been injured severely in these clashes.

[Also Read : Kerala lawyers boycott newspapers starting Saturday]

The Ernakulam bar council in its November 4 resolution had demanded that accreditation be given only to law graduates to report on High Court proceedings. The resolution had also demanded that all other journalists be kept off court premises and the High Court's decision on Thursday seems to reflect just that.

Jounalists in Kerala are keen on challenging this decision of the High court shortly.

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A Trump Presidency and US Online Gambling - a Guessing Game

Published November 18, 2016 by Elana K

Will Donald Trump's loyalty to Sheldon Adelson lead him to ban online gambling at a federal level? Or will Trump be the president to finally legalize iGaming across the board?

Following last week's election of Donald Trump as president of the United States, online gambling supporters are now asking the question, how will a Trump presidency affect online gambling? The cause for concern comes from Trumps close relationship with Sheldon Adelson, the leading force against online gambling. Adelson is reported to have donated $25 million towards Trumps campaign against Hillary Clinton, a sum that is not easy to dismiss.

The State of Online Gambling in America Today

Up until this point, online gambling has remained a hot issue at both the state and federal level. While individual states do have the right to legalize iGaming, only three have elected to do so in the past three years: Delaware, Nevada, and New Jersey.

At the federal level, passionate efforts were made over the past few years by Rep. Jason Chaffetz and Sheldon Adelson to pass a bill called RAWA, the Restoration of Americas Wire Act, which would ban online gambling at a federal level, even for those states that already legalized it. Their efforts, however, proved futile in the face of the oppositions claim that RAWA would trample on states rights.

Which Way Will Trump Go?

There are two schools of thought: Trumps loyalty to Adelson (and other prominent Republicans) will lead him to push RAWA forward, or his background as a casino owner will lead him in the opposite direction. A third option would be that he will maintain the current status quo of allowing states to create their own laws regarding online gambling, with no federal input.

However, as online gambling becomes more and more prominent in American culture, the federal government will have to make a stand at some point. But we will just have to wait and see if Trump will be the president to make that move.
Tom Friedman, New York Times columnist and apologist for the global economy, said on the Bill Maher show recently that Trump can't bring back jobs. Wrong. President Trump, with Congressional help, cannot only bring back jobs, he can create new ones.

During the lame duck Congress, the President-elect can start the jobs-creation process. First, he can meet with the CEOs of General Motors, Chrysler, Ford, Carrier and Nabisco, all companies planning to move jobs to Mexico. He can warn them to stop the relocation process because he, and Congress, will change NAFTA and impose tariffs on Mexican imports making the move unprofitable.

What To Do on Day One

On day one, January 20, 2017, President Trump can ban Mexican trucks and drivers from U.S. roads. Currently, Mexican trucks are free to make deliveries in the United States because of a 2011 regulation of the U.S. Department of Transportation. With a stroke of the pen, the new Secretary of Transportation can rollback this dangerous and costly regulation.

The United States government owns two of the largest department stores chains in the world, the Army Air Force Exchange Service (AAFES) and the Naval Exchange Command (NEXCOM). Together these are known as military PXs. At present, these PXs sell mostly imported products even though hundreds of domestic suppliers produce competitive U.S.-made products. By executive order, President Trump can create 100,000 jobs by eliminating imported products from AAFES and NEXCOM. Similarly, the President can require the National Park Service stores, Smithsonian Museum shops and all other government-owned retail stores to stock only American-made products.

Federal law already requires labeling of all imported products with their country of origin. This law is not being enforced at all. Even though 80% of prescription drugs sold in the United States are now imported from India and China, U.S. consumers are not informed about this on their prescription drug labels. President Trump can enforce this law. There are also criminal penalties for not labeling products with their country of origin (19 USC 1304(I)), so the President can instruct his new attorney general to send a letter to CVS, Walgreens and all other drug stores to label their prescription drugs with country of origin information or face criminal prosecution.

Section 2205 of NAFTA, the North American Free Trade Agreement, provides that the President can send a letter to his counterparts in Canada and Mexico and withdraw from the agreement six months later. President Trump should give Canada and Mexico notice on January 20th that the United States is withdrawing from NAFTA. He can then negotiate with Mexico and Canada on the terms of a new agreement, or he can recommend to Congress that it impose a 10% across the board tariff on Mexican goods imported into the United States. He can earmark these funds to pay for the border wall, so that, in effect Mexico will pay for the wall.

Tax Reforms

I have proposed the Manufacturing Tax of Zero to bring manufacturers back to the United States. In the same law, Congress can reduce taxes on companies who repatriate trillions of dollars that they have sitting in offshore accounts.

Most U.S. drug companies have fled the United States for the greener shores of Ireland because Ireland charges a 12.5% income tax. The Manufacturing Tax of Zero addresses this problem. This proposed law includes a 28% corporate tax rate, with a zero percent tax rate for manufacturing companies and a onetime amnesty rate to repatriate earnings held offshore at a 14% rate.

Companies making 100% of a product in the U.S. would pay no federal corporate income taxes. The tax would be pro-rated so that if a company makes a product with 75% U.S. content, the tax rate would be one-quarter of the standard corporate tax, or 7%. The Manufacturing Tax of Zero would motivate drug companies, auto companies and other manufacturers who have fled the United States, to come back home. It would also incentivize current manufacturers from leaving the country to pursue lower taxes.

Currency Manipulations

We should impose countervailing tariffs on China, Japan and other countries for currency manipulation. Currency manipulation, where a country lowers the value of its currency to gain an unfair advantage, is rampant, particularly in Asia. Sen. Sherrod Brown (D-Ohio) is the primary sponsor of the Currency Undervaluation Investigation Act S 433. The bill, cosponsored by U.S. Sens. Jeff Sessions (R-AL), Charles Schumer (D-NY), Lindsey Graham (R-SC), Debbie Stabenow (D-MI), and Richard Burr (R-NC), would require the Commerce Department to treat currency manipulation as an illegal subsidy and impose applicable duties.

The Manufacturing Community Bill of Rights

In Europe it is very difficult for a manufacturer to close and plant and relocate it overseas. The current American law on plant closings is weak. It is called the WARN act, the Worker Adjustment and Retraining Notification Act. This act requires manufactures to give 60 days notice before closing a plant, but does not require anything more than notification. I am proposing that the WARN act be amended by a new law with substantive rights for workers and the community where the factory is located.

Motorola recently built a state-of-the-art cell phone factory in Ft. Worth, Texas. In 2014, Motorola was sold to China's Lenovo and announced that this flagship plant would be closed. A new amendment to the WARN statute would have kept this plant in operation either as a Lenovo factory, or, as a factory making cell phones for another brand. Similarly, this law could prevent Carrier from moving from Indiana to Mexico, and Nabisco from relocating south of the border.

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On Tuesday, November 15, in his interview to BBC UN Special Envoy for Syria Staffan de Mistura responded to criticism, saying that due to his efforts the situation in Syria is still on the agenda and the country hadn't turned into another Somalia.

De Mistura's statements can cause only astonishment. Could it be true that without his "efforts" the international community would have forgotten that Syrian civilians are killed every day? Because of the militants' criminal activities, the level of the terrorist threat has skyrocketed and "moderate" opposition is still continuing to overthrow the legitimate government.

De Mistura's recent statements in the media raise doubts on his true intentions to help Syrians. Yesterday, the UN-backed humanitarian task force access in Syria, issued a report which stated that the UN humanitarian convoys weren't able to reach Syria in November 2016. The reason is lack of security guarantees. However, the Center for reconciliation of the warring parties in Syria delivered 3.5 tons of humanitarian aid in November.

In addition, there is an impression that the Special Envoy is interested in helping the opposition fighters. For example, Staffan de Mistura, actively campaigned for the withdrawal of fighters from Aleppo. Moreover, on October 6, he even declared his readiness to escort Jabhat Fateh al-Sham fighters if they want to leave the east of Aleppo along with their weaponry. At the same time, he acknowledged that the evacuation of militants from the eastern Aleppo may require formal guarantees from the Syrian government and its allies. De Mistura's initiative points to his personal interest in the salvation of the terrorists who carried out daily punitive actions against the war-weary people.

Recently de Mistura said that the military successes of Syrian Army can significantly strengthen ISIS. He acknowledged that the fight against terrorism, of course, should be the most important one in the Syrian conflict. However, it is necessary to find a political solution to fight against ISIS, and it should be achieved in cooperation with "moderate" opposition.

It became clear to everyone that there are sound reasons for the petition for Mistura's resignation published by the Syrian people and addressed to UN Secretary-General. It has been signed by more than 11 thousand people. It is obvious that de Mistura turned out to be incompetent in the settlement of the Syrian conflict. It is not surprising that the Syrian people are tired of listening to his empty promises and hypocritical statements, and stand for his early resignation. Syrians hope that the new Special Envoy will be able to find effective settlements of the armed conflict.
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Titanium Dioxide Market , 2014-2020: Segmented by paints & coatings, plastic, paper and others

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Titanium dioxide is also known as titanium (IV) oxide or titania. It is the naturally occurring oxide of titanium with chemical formula TiO2. Titanium dioxide is a white colored, solid, inorganic material with high thermal stability and reduced solubility. Titanium dioxide is used as a bright white pigment for paint and coating, in the food industry as a coloring, in sunscreens and cosmetics, and in other industrial uses including adhesives, paper and paperboard, plastics and rubber, cosmetics and pharmaceuticals, water treatment agents and automotive products. Ilmenite, rutile and anatase it is the raw materials use in the production of titanium dioxide. It is sometimes use in producer of self-cleaning ceramics, printing ink, and coating, glass, etc.Get a copy of free Sample Report @Global titanium dioxide market is expected to experience moderate growth over the next few years due to increasing demand from a range of industries including paints & coatings and plastics. Growing demand from lightweight vehicles and expansion in the construction industry is expected to be an important driving factor for the Titanium dioxide market. Titanium dioxide is generally used for coating materials for lightweight plastic including polycarbonates is anticipated to drive the market demand. Stringent environmental regulations are projected to hinder the growth of global titanium dioxide market. However, low scrape resistance connected with polycarbonate is expected to hamper market demand.The titanium dioxide market classification based on application and regional segment. On the basis of application, titanium dioxide market has been segmented into paints & coatings, plastic, paper and others. Among the all application segment paints & coatings dominated the titanium dioxide market followed by plastic segment. Titanium dioxide is widely used in paints & coatings applications in various end-user industries. Plastic is also expected to largest segment in Titanium dioxide market. All the market distribution on application has been analyzed based on present and future trends and the market is estimated from 2014 to 2020.Get in-depth TOC (Table of Contents) with Tables and Figures @Major regional segments analyzed in this study include North America, Europe, Asia Pacific, Latin America, and Middle East & Africa, further bifurcation of region on the country level, which include U.S., Germany, UK, France, China, Japan and India.Asia Pacific was the leading market for titanium dioxide market. Asia pacific was followed by Europe and North America. Increasing automobiles and recovery of the construction industry in North America is expected to trigger the growth of this industry in the regions. Among the all countries, China was the major market for titanium dioxide in terms of production and demand.Browse detail report @The report covers detailed competitive scenario including the company overviews, financial revenues of the key participants to develop their positions in the global market. There is some major manufacture in the titanium dioxide market such as Chemours, Cristal, Kronos Worldwide Inc., ISK, Lomon, Huntsman Corporation, CNNC HUAYUAN Titanium Dioxide, Tronox Limited, Tayca Corporation and Grupa Azoty.Titanium Dioxide Market: Application Segment AnalysisPaints & coatingsPlasticPaperOthersTitanium Dioxide Market: Regional Segment AnalysisNorth AmericaU.S.EuropeUKFranceGermanyAsia PacificChinaJapanIndiaLatin AmericaBrazilMiddle East & AfricaInquire more before buying this report @About US:Syndicate Market Research provides a range of marketing and business research solutions designed for our clients specific needs based on our expert resources. The business scopes of Syndicate Market Research cover more than 30 industries includsing energy, new materials, transportation, daily consumer goods, chemicals, etc. We provide our clients with one-stop solution for all the research requirements.Contact US:Joel John3422 SW 15 Street,Suit #8138Deerfield Beach,Florida 33442United StatesToll Free: +1-855-465-4651 (USA-CANADA)Tel: +1-386-310-3803Email: sales@SyndicateMarketResearch.comWebsite:
Market for Alnico Will Continue to Grow by 2021

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http://www.persistencemarketresearch.com/toc/4261

Alnico belongs to the group of permanent (hard) magnets primarily composed of aluminum, nickel and cobalt. They are hard ferromagnetic substances which are widely used in temperature sensitive applications such as hall-effect and MR-based electronic and automotive sensors.They are also known as composite magnets which are usually manufactured from sintering or casting offering superior mechanical characteristics. Alnico magnets are made from the combination of aluminum, nickel and cobalt with small amounts of iron and other small elements that improve the property of the magnet. After rare earth magnets, Alnico is considered as the strongest permanent magnet. It is also used in various household appliances as well as for the production of horse shoe magnets.Request to view Sample Report @The global market for alnico has been witnessing significant growth owing to rapid expansion of the automotive industry. Alnico magnets are majorly used in several components of an automobile including exhaust systems and sensors among others. Asia Pacific accounted as the largest market for alnico magnets, which was majorly supported by China, followed by several regions in Rest of the World (RoW) such as Latin America and Middle East. After the global economic slowdown in 2008-09, the manufacturing industry in North America has been slowly gaining pace. Alnico magnets are being increasingly implemented in electric motors and various sound reproductive systems such as microphones and loudspeakers. However, over the years, the industry for alnico magnets in this region has been noticeably saturated due to increasing consumption of NdFeB magnets. These magnets have been increasingly superseded by rare earth magnets such as NdFeB as well as ferrite in different automotive and electronic equipments, resulting in low demand from retail and manufacturing companies. However, alnico magnets cannot be replaced completely by rare earth elements due to their wide temperature range and stability. Thus, besides the automotive industry, growing demand for electric motors and sound systemshas been strongly contributing towards the growth of the alnico market.Moreover, rapid growth of industrial activities in emerging regions such as Asia Pacific has resulted in growth of various application sectors such as healthcare, electronics and power generation among others, which in turn is expected to contribute towards the demand for alnico magnets in Asia Pacific over the forecast period.Request to view Table of content @Increasing demand for alnico magnets on account of growth of the automotive industry is expected to be one of the vital factors driving the demand for alnico magnets over the forecast period. Rise in disposable income, improved infrastructure and increasing population are some of the factors driving the demand for automobiles.Moreover, increasing use of alnico magnets in temperature sensitive applications owing to growing industrialization and electronics industry is also expected to contribute towards the growth of the market. However, increasing substitution of alnico magnets by rare earth magnets such as NdFeB on account of larger energy products and stronger magnetic fields, allowing smaller size magnets to be used for a given application is expected to hamper the growth of the market. Increasing application scope of alnico magnets in HEVs coupled with growing demand for these vehicles is expected to open opportunities for the growth of the market over the next few years.About UsPersistence Market Research (PMR) is a third-platform research firm. Our research model is a unique collaboration of data analytics and market research methodology to help businesses achieve optimal performance.To support companies in overcoming complex business challenges, we follow a multi-disciplinary approach. At PMR, we unite various data streams from multi-dimensional sources. By deploying real-time data collection, big data, and customer experience analytics, we deliver business intelligence for organizations of all sizes.305 Broadway7th Floor, New York City,NY 10007, United States,USA - Canada Toll Free: 800-961-0353Email: sales@persistencemarketresearch.com
Luggage and Leather Goods Market is Expected to Witness a Steady Growth by 2020

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Luggage consists of bags, cases, and containers, which use to store or carry the goods. People use luggage generally during transportation. Growing travel industry further increases the demand of various luggages. Some of examples of luggage products are wheeled luggage, duffel bags, tote bags, garment bags and suitcase. Leather goods consist of many product made of animal skin. Some of the example of leather goods are purse, pouches, women hand bags, belts, jackets, gloves and shoe.Request to view Sample Report @Increasing per capita income, growing consumer affluence, growth in tourism industry are some of the key reason, which drive the growth of luggage and leather goods market. Changing fashion trends and increasing the consumer awareness level about many luxury products further boost the demand of leather goods in the market. Women prefer designer handbags, laptop bags and travelling bags as their fashion symbol. Regular innovation and changing design model of various luggage and luxury product leads to trigger the luggage and leather goods market across the globe. Bags, wallet and purse contribute the major share in global sale of leather goods.Changing regulation on cabin luggage on aircraft and increasing common practice of weight based charging system creates consumer awareness about various size and lightweight luggage bags. As a result, manufactures are more focuses on manufacturing lightweight and verities of handbag luggage. Due to presence of organized and un- organized players, the luggage and leather goods market is highly competitive.Request to view Table of content @North America is the largest market of luggage and leather goods. In Asia Pacific region China, India and Japan holds the largest luggage and luxury goods market. Rising economy and growing travel and tourism industry further boost the market. Europe is also one of the prominent markets for luggage and leather goods after Asia Pacific. Growing fashion trends further increase the demand of various leather products in European market.About UsPersistence Market Research (PMR) is a third-platform research firm. Our research model is a unique collaboration of data analytics and market research methodology to help businesses achieve optimal performance.To support companies in overcoming complex business challenges, we follow a multi-disciplinary approach. At PMR, we unite various data streams from multi-dimensional sources. By deploying real-time data collection, big data, and customer experience analytics, we deliver business intelligence for organizations of all sizes.305 Broadway7th Floor, New York City,NY 10007, United States,USA - Canada Toll Free: 800-961-0353Email: sales@persistencemarketresearch.com
Automotive Engine Degreasers Market: Quantitative Market analysis, Current and Future Trends by 2015 to 2021

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http://www.persistencemarketresearch.com/toc/4397

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Automotive engine degreasers are used to remove grime and grease from engines. It is a blend of surfactants, emulsifiers and solvents. Choice of degreasers depends on the engine type to be cleaned and motor placement in the vehicle. Degreasers create a foamy effect on the motor, which can be easily washed with water. This process helps to remove oil and dirt from the engine parts. Automotive engine degreasers can be divided into foam or aerosol forms. The oil and dirt is removed by chemical reactions on the surface.Request for Sample Report:The market for automotive engine degreasers was mainly driven by huge demand for cleaning agents for engines from automotive market. Automotive engine degreasers are used in various vehicles which include passenger and commercial vehicles. There are different types of engines in the market such as V-type engine, diesel engine, straight or inline engines and boxer or falt engines among others. The growing market for biodegradable and bio-based degreasers is likely to be major opportunity for the automotive engine degreasers market. However, health issues and regulations can be major restraint for the automotive engine degreasers market.In terms of demand, North America was the leading region in automotive degreasers market. The demand is high due to the huge demand for engine cleaning chemicals, especially from Canada and the U.S. North America was followed by Europe. The market for automotives is huge in European countries and has substantial demand for automotive engine degreasers. Asia Pacific is anticipated to be emerging market for automotive engine degreasers market and is likely to show greater demand in upcoming years owing to huge automotive market in India, Japan and China. The Rest of the World market, especially the Middle East region is likely to potential market for automotive engine degreasers in next few years.Request for Table of content:Some of the key manufacturers in the automotive engine degreasers market are 3M Company, ABRO Industries Inc., A.I.M. Chemicals Inc., BG Products Inc., BASF SE, The Dow Chemical Company and Radiator Specialty Company among others.About Us:Persistence Market Research (PMR) is a third-platform research firm. Our research model is a unique collaboration of data analytics and market research methodology to help businesses achieve optimal performance.To support companies in overcoming complex business challenges, we follow a multi-disciplinary approach. At PMR, we unite various data streams from multi-dimensional sources. By deploying real-time data collection, big data, and customer experience analytics, we deliver business intelligence for organizations of all sizes.Contact Us:Persistence Market Research305 Broadway7th Floor, New York City,NY 10007, United States,USA - Canada Toll Free: 800-961-0353Email: sales@persistencemarketresearch.commedia@persistencemarketresearch.comWeb:
Global Smart Mirror Market Revenue to Reach US$ 864.2 Mn by 2022 : PMR Report

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Growth of the global smart mirror market is mainly driven by the high demand of smart mirror from key applications. Also, various key players in the smart mirror market are focused towards enhancing their respective product portfolios by introducing products with new and innovative features for use across a range of application areas is fueling the growth of the smart mirror market. However, high implementation cost of the smart mirror and either relatively low or total lack of awareness among people regarding smart mirror technology are restraining the growth of the market to some extent.Request for Sample Copy of Report @Persistence Market Research (PMR) delivers key insights on the global smart mirror market in its latest report titled Global Market Study on Smart Mirror: Driven by High Market Potential in Automotive and Retail Industry with North America to Witness Highest Adoption By 2022. In terms of volume, the global smart mirror market is anticipated to expand at a CAGR of 10.7% over 2016-2022, driven by various growth factors, regarding which PMR offers vital insights in detail in this report.On the basis of the component, the market has been segmented into sensors, displays, camera and others. In terms of value share, displays have been estimated to be the dominant segment in 2015, with over 40% share of the global smart mirror market. However, the segment is expected to witness a decline of over 180 BPS in market share by the end of 2022 as compared to that in 2015.The global smart mirror market has been segmented by application into automotive sector, consumer & residential, healthcare, and retail sector & advertising. Of these segments, automotive sector segment is estimated to be the largest segment in the global smart mirror market in terms of revenue contribution in 2015; however, consumer & residential segment is expected to expand at the highest CAGR of 12.9% over 20162022, due to increasing adoption of new & innovative technologies in the smart mirror industry by various smart mirror manufacturers across the globe.This report covers trends driving each segment and respective sub-segments and offers analysis and insights of the potential of the smart mirror market in specific regions. By region, Europe has been estimated to dominate the smart mirror market, accounting for over 40% value share of the overall market in 2015 and is expected to exhibit healthy CAGR of over 11.1% during the projected period.Request for Table of content @Some of the major players identified in the global smart mirror market are Gentex Corporation, Magna International Inc., Pro Display, Evervue, Seura, Alke, ad notam AG, Tech2o, Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd., TOSHIBA CORPORATION, Panasonic Corporation. Key players in the market follow the strategy of acquisition and mergers and are are focusing on meeting consumer demands and their needs in order to strengthen their position in the market. Furthermore, consistent investment in R&D activities in order to enhance existing products and services portfolio is another major strategy adopted by major players operating in the smart mirror market.About UsPersistence Market Research (PMR) is a market intelligence company, providing global business information reports and services. Our exclusive blend of quantitative forecasting and trends analysis provides forward-looking insight for thousands of decision makers. We have an experienced team of Analysts, Researchers, and Consultants, who use proprietary data sources and various tools and techniques to gather, and analyze information. Our business offerings represent the latest and the most reliable information indispensable for businesses to sustain a competitive edge.Each PMR Syndicated Research report covers a different sector - such as pharmaceuticals, chemical, energy, food & beverages, semiconductors, med-devices, consumer goods and technology. These reports provide in-depth analysis and deep segmentation to possible micro levels. With a wider scope and stratified research methodology, our syndicated reports strive to serve clients and satisfy their overall research requirement.For information regarding permissions, contact:Persistence Market Research305 Broadway,7th FloorNew York City, NY 10007United StatesTel: +1 800-961-0353Email: sales@persistencemarketresearch.comWebsite:media@persistencemarketresearch.com
Asia Pacific Broadcasting Equipment Market Anticipated to Grow US$ 5,104.8 Mn by 2024

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Broadcasting equipment market in APAC region was valued at US$ 2487.5 Mn in 2015 and is expected to register a CAGR of 8.1% from 2016 to 2024. The growth of broadcasting equipment market in APAC region is primarily driven by convergence of high definition technologies such as 4K with IP. As per the report, 4K services are expected to be available on IP networks over the next four to five years via satellite launching and cable platforms.Request for Sample Copy of Report @According to the latest report published by Persistence Market Research, titled Broadcasting Equipment Market: Asia Pacific Industry Analysis and Forecast, 20162024, the broadcasting equipment market in APAC region is expected to be valued at US$ 5,104.8 Mn by 2024.The report has segmented the APAC broadcasting equipment market into traditional TV broadcast, traditional radio broadcast, IP converged broadcasting and asset management systems.Traditional TV broadcast segment was valued at US$ 1123 Mn in 2015 and is anticipated to register a CAGR of 8.1% during the forecast period (20162024). The traditional radio broadcast segment was valued at US$ 544 Mn in 2015 and is anticipated to register a CAGR of 7.5% during the forecast period. The IP converged broadcasting is projected to be the fastest growing segment in APAC broadcasting equipment market, exhibiting a CAGR of 10.0% during the forecast period.Traditional TV broadcast segment accounted for 45.1% share in terms of value of the total APAC broadcasting equipment market in 2015. Consumption of high definition content in APAC region is increasing at a rapid pace, supported by rising sales of HD ready TVs.The traditional TV broadcast equipment market is further segmented into camera, monitors, routers, switchers, cable, transmitter, receiver and other accessories. Routers sub-segment is projected to expand at the highest CAGR of 9.2% during the forecast period. Content creators across the region are shifting towards 4K cameras in order to capture high definition video. This is being supported by sales of 4K UHD television that has gained momentum due to rising disposable income in the region.Request for Table of content @Key players of the APAC Broadcasting Equipment market include Media Excel Inc.(US), ChyronHego Corporation (US), TVU Networks Corporation (US), XOR Media Inc.(US), FOR-A Company (Japan), ORACLE Corporation (US), Unlimi-Tech Software Inc. (US), Grass Valley (Canada) and General Dynamics Mediaware (Australia).About UsPersistence Market Research (PMR) is a market intelligence company, providing global business information reports and services. Our exclusive blend of quantitative forecasting and trends analysis provides forward-looking insight for thousands of decision makers. We have an experienced team of Analysts, Researchers, and Consultants, who use proprietary data sources and various tools and techniques to gather, and analyze information. Our business offerings represent the latest and the most reliable information indispensable for businesses to sustain a competitive edge.Each PMR Syndicated Research report covers a different sector - such as pharmaceuticals, chemical, energy, food & beverages, semiconductors, med-devices, consumer goods and technology. These reports provide in-depth analysis and deep segmentation to possible micro levels. With a wider scope and stratified research methodology, our syndicated reports strive to serve clients and satisfy their overall research requirement.For information regarding permissions, contact:Persistence Market Research305 Broadway,7th FloorNew York City, NY 10007United StatesTel: +1 800-961-0353Email: sales@persistencemarketresearch.comWebsite:media@persistencemarketresearch.com
Global Automotive Heat Shield Market: Facts, Figures and Analytical Insights 2015 to 2021

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The areas of a vehicle that develop high temperatures need effectual heat shielding solutions. Vendors are designing sophisticated shielding solutions to help bring vehicles in line with increasing thermal shield requirements.Request for Sample Report:The management of heat is becoming complex with the growing number of temperature-sensitive and sophisticated components in modern vehicles that have to be protected from heat. The demand of heat shielding technology has been increasing along with the number of applications in automotive industry. Minimal cooling air flows, tightly packed components, engine encapsulation, exhaust gas turbochargers and catalytic converter technology result in high temperatures within the area of the underbody, in the engine compartment and across the exhaust system. Heat shielding systems help engine and exhaust systems to function safely and reliably and contribute to enhanced driving comfort and environmental protection.Hence the heat shield market is witnessing growing demand in the automotive industry. However, the sophisticated heat shield solutions increase the overall price of the vehicle thereby restraining the market growth as certain applications are restricted to high-end models.In automobiles, the material for heat shield is mainly aluminum or stainless steel. High performance heat shields additionally include ceramic insulation. Such products are commonly used in top-end motorsports such as Formula One. Different material combinations and the custom-engineered shielding solutions for the entire vehicle are gaining traction in the automotive heat shield market. Depending on the specific requirements for heat protection, materials and shape of shields is tailored to the respective application. Companies such as ElringKlinger AG and Autoneum Holding AG are using simulation software (such as Ansys) to simulate the temperatures to which the individual parts are likely to be exposed and thus design the heat shielding parts to match the specific circumstances. Integrating acoustical performance into a heat shield is a growing trend in the market which allows the treatment of noise problems that were difficult to treat before due to the extreme temperature environments.Nowadays, heat protection is also provided in the vehicle passenger compartments. The application is no longer limited to premium models and is further expected to see large scale adoption across all models by the vehicle manufacturers Companies such as Lydall, Inc. provide interior as well as exterior thermal solutions. Interior products are designed primarily for front of dash regions or under-carpet where high temperature sources exist. Exterior solutions are designed to lessen excessive heat from the exhaust system, shielding the fuel systems or floor sheet metal. At present, the solutions available in the market are not just single wall but the multi-layer solutions are also available for higher temperatures.Request for Table of content:The leading players in the automotive heat shield market include Lydall Inc., Morgan Advanced Materials Plc, ElringKlinger AG, Federal-Mogul Corporation, Delphi Automotive PLC, Autoneum Holding AG, Thermo-Tec Automotive Products, Inc., Covpress Limited and Dana Holding Corporation. Asia Pacific is expected to account for largest share in the automotive heat shields market among the other regions such as North America, Europe, Asia Pacific, Middle-East and Africa and Latin America. Urbanization, rising demand for high-end vehicles, growing population driven by India and China and the high economic growth in this region is boosting the demand for automotive heat shields in the region.About Us:Persistence Market Research (PMR) is a third-platform research firm. Our research model is a unique collaboration of data analytics and market research methodology to help businesses achieve optimal performance.To support companies in overcoming complex business challenges, we follow a multi-disciplinary approach. At PMR, we unite various data streams from multi-dimensional sources. By deploying real-time data collection, big data, and customer experience analytics, we deliver business intelligence for organizations of all sizes.Contact Us:Persistence Market Research305 Broadway7th Floor, New York City,NY 10007, United States,USA - Canada Toll Free: 800-961-0353Email: sales@persistencemarketresearch.commedia@persistencemarketresearch.comWeb:
Distribution Management Systems Market - Industry Analysis, Growth, Trends, Forecast Upto 2019

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Distribution Management System (DMS) is an integrated solution of applications designed to efficiently control and monitor entire distribution network. Distribution management system increases smart grid reliability by decreasing number of outages and improves safety as well. Advanced distribution management system solutions include intelligent power and real time monitoring, system optimization and distribution management. DMS application also includes FLISR, volt/VAR control, planning function and advanced forecasting. DMS application using OMS and SCADA is considered to be advanced distribution management system.Browse The Market Research Report of Distribution Management Systems Market :The Distribution Management Systems Market can be segmented on the basis of product type and end-users. The product type segment includes monitoring and control devices, power, quality and efficiency devices and switching & power reliability devices, while end-user segment includes industrial, commercial and residential segments.Some of the factors that are driving this market are increase in system efficiency & reliability, smart grid rollout and reduced long term operation and maintenance cost. Some of the key restraints to this market are high initial investment, implementation timeframe and lack of standardization, which are inhibiting the growth of distribution management system.Get Sample Report Copy :Some of the key players in the Distribution Management Systems Market are ABB Ltd, Siemens AG, General Electric Corporation, Schneider Electric SA, Alstom Group, Duke Energy Corporation, Edison Electric Institute, Cooper Power Systems, Dominion Virginia Power and American Electric Power among others.About Us :Transparency Market Research (TMR) is a global market intelligence company providing business information reports and services. The companys exclusive blend of quantitative forecasting and trend analysis provides forward-looking insight for thousands of decision makers. TMRs experienced team of analysts, researchers, and consultants use proprietary data sources and various tools and techniques to gather and analyze information.TMRs data repository is continuously updated and revised by a team of research experts so that it always reflects the latest trends and information. With extensive research and analysis capabilities, Transparency Market Research employs rigorous primary and secondary research techniques to develop distinctive data sets and research material for business reports.Contact Us :-Transparency Market ResearchState Tower,90 State Street,Suite 700,Albany NY - 12207United StatesTel: +1-518-618-1030Email:sales@transparencymarketresearch.comWebsite:
Gourmet Salts Market Volume Analysis, size, share and Key Trends 2015-2025

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Gourmet salts are unrefined and high quality salts used in cuisine in order to enhance taste and appeal of the food. Gourmet salts are used for to enhance the texture and flavor. In addition, these type of salts possess better solubility and also high mineral content. Gourmet salts are also blended with other type of herbs, spices and flavors in order to enhance the flavor and color of spices. Gourmet salts are used in various applications such as bakery, savoury, confectionery, poultry and sea food. Fleur de sel is one of the widely used gourmet salts, which is used in variety of food products such as roasted meat, vegetable dishes and salads. Gourmet salts are also used in for preserving canned food products in order to store food item for longer duration.Gourmet Salts Market: SegmentationGlobal Gourmet salts market is segmented on the basis of product type, application and region. Based on the product type segmentation includes fleur de sel, Himalayan salts, sel gris, and flake salts. Of which, fleur de sel is used widely in various food applications such as meat and salads. Fleur de sel is anticipated to be the dominating segment during the forecasted period, followed by other gourmet salts. On the basis of application, gourmet salts is segmented into savoury, bakery and confectionary, poultry and seafood products and others. However, among all the segments, bakery and confectionary segment is expected to contribute maximum revenue to the overall gourmet salts market. Global gourmet salts market is segmented on the basis of regions into North America, Latin America, Eastern Europe, Western Europe, Asia Pacific excluding Japan, Middle East and Africa and Japan. Gourmet salts market is dominated by European region, followed by North America and Asia Pacific excluding Japan. In Europe, France and Spain are expected to contribute maximum revenue share to the overall gourmet salts market. However North America is projected to witness fastest growth in the next four to five years owing to the high disposable income of consumers in this region.Request for TOC:Gourmet Salts Market: Region-wise OutlookThe Global gourmet salts market is expected to witness vigorous growth during the forecasted period due to the rising awareness among consumers related to changing food or cuisine preferences among consumers .Globally, among all regions, Europe is expected to witness significant growth in the gourmet salts market and contribute maximum market share, followed by North America and Asia Pacific over the forecasted period. However, North America is expected to experience fast growth due the high disposable income of the consumers, which results in buying patterns for products rich in gourmet salt. Since, these products are expensive in nature.Gourmet Salts Market: DriversVarious factors that fuel the growth of gourmet salts market includes rising living standard of consumers, increasing commercialisation of food industry by various media shows and also awareness regarding benefits of gourmet salts in the traditional food. However, factors that hampers the growth of gourmet salts market are high price associated with gourmet salts in comparison to conventional salts. Other major factor that restraints the growth of gourmet salts market that hinder the growth of gourmet salts market is lack of awareness among consumers in developing countries. Companies operating in gourmet salts market are mainly adopting new product development strategy in order to enhance their product portfolio and also to expand into new markets.Request for TOC:Gourmet salts Market: Key PlayersMajor companies that operate in gourmet salts market includes Cargill Inc., Morton Salt Inc., Murray River Salt, Alaska Pure Sea Salts Co., Infosa, Amagansett Sea Salt Co., Maldon Crystal Salt Co., Pyramid Salt Pty. Ltd.About us:Future Market Insights (FMI) is a leading market intelligence and consulting firm. We deliver syndicated research reports, custom research reports and consulting services, which are personalized in nature. FMI delivers a complete packaged solution, which combines current market intelligence, statistical anecdotes, technology inputs, valuable growth insights, an aerial view of the competitive framework, and future market trends.Contact us:616 Corporate Way, Suite 2-9018,Valley Cottage, NY 10989,United StatesT: +1-347-918-3531F: +1-845-579-5705T (UK): + 44 (0) 20 7692 8790Email:sales@futuremarketinsights.comWebsite:
Tamarind Extract Market with Current Trends Analysis, 2016-2026

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Tamarind extract is used in a variety of food products to enhance flavor and health benefits. Traditionally, tamarind extracts were used in juices due to its coolant property and were excessively consumed in the Middle Eastern region. It is a regularly used food ingredient in Asia and Latin America regions. Tamarind extract is used for manufacturing of tamarind concentrate, which is used in the preparation of blends for fruit juice, sauces, pickles etc. Tamarind extracts are used as natural preservatives, owing to its antifungal, antiseptic and antimicrobial properties. The other health benefits of tamarind extract are that it acts as an antioxidant. It is used to cure digestive problems, conjunctivitis, common cold, fever etc. Tamarind extracts are also used in cosmetic products. It acts as a bleaching and skin hydrating agent in cosmetic products. The fragrance oils made from tamarind extract has a sour and sweet essence. It is incorporated as a fragrance ingredient in a variety of products such as soaps, candles, air fresheners, bath oils, aromatherapy products, incense sticks, laundry products etc.Tamarind Extract Market: Drivers and RestraintsThe use of tamarind extract in the rapidly growing food industry is expected to be a major driver for the growth global tamarind extract market. Tamarind extracts are as an alternative for chemical preservatives such as lactic, acetic, benzoic acids etc. The increasing consumer awareness regarding food safety and health benefits of natural preservatives is anticipated to boost global tamarind extract market. The rise in demand and production of processed food and adoption of natural processing techniques by the food industry is expected to drive global tamarind extract market growth. Tamarind extract is an important ingredient in cosmetic and fragrance industry. The upsurge in consumer demand for organic food and ayurvedic medicines is expected to propel the growth of global tamarind extract market.Request for sample report:Tamarind Extract Market: SegmentationOn the basis of application,the global tamarind extract market can be segmented as follows:-FoodSaucesJuice blendsCondimentsPreservativesSeasoningsCosmeticsHealthcareHealth drinkSyrupsFragranceSoapsCandlesAir freshenersIncense sticksBath oilsAromatherapy productsTamarind Extract Market: Region Wise OutlookThe global tamarind extract market can be divided into five regions, namely North America, Latin America, Europe, Asia-Pacific (APAC) and the Middle East & Africa (MEA). APAC holds major share in global tamarind extract market. India is the major manufacturer and exporter of tamarind extract. The tamarind extracts are exported to MEA and Europe regions. Thailand holds the second position in manufacturing tamarind extracts. The increasing investment in the healthcare industry and adoption of ayurveda is expected to drive tamarind extract market growth in the region. North America and Europe accounts for a significant share in global tamarind extract market. This is attributed to the mature food processing industries in these regions. Europe holds the major share in the fragrance industry, which is expected to boost the growth of tamarind extract in this region. MEA is expected to register high CAGR during the forecast period. North Africa accounts for a significant share in the production of tamarind. Tamarind extract is used as a major ingredient in fruit juices in the desert regions of the Middle Eastern region due to its cooling effect. Latin America is anticipated to register moderate CAGR over the forecast period due to the extensive use of tamarind extract in the food industry.Request for TOC:Tamarind Extract Market: Key PlayersSome of the key players in the global tamarind extract market are as follows:Magma FoodsKanegrade LimitedShimlahillsMoonLiteXi'an Victory Biochemical Technology Co., Ltd.Abc InternationalBAAECO V FOODJADLI FOODS (INDIA) PVT. LTD.Abdullabhai Abdul KaderREVATA FOOD PRODUCTS PVT.LTD.Browse full report:About us:Future Market Insights (FMI) is a leading market intelligence and consulting firm. We deliver syndicated research reports, custom research reports and consulting services, which are personalized in nature. FMI delivers a complete packaged solution, which combines current market intelligence, statistical anecdotes, technology inputs, valuable growth insights, an aerial view of the competitive framework, and future market trends.Contact us:616 Corporate Way, Suite 2-9018,Valley Cottage, NY 10989,United StatesT: +1-347-918-3531F: +1-845-579-5705T (UK): + 44 (0) 20 7692 8790Email:sales@futuremarketinsights.comWebsite:
Molecular Diagnostics and NAT Market Revenue Predicted To Go Up by 2015 - 2021

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Nucleic acid test, or nucleic acid amplification test (NAT/NAAT) is another molecular technology used in identification of a bacterium or virus. NAT comprises of all the tests and technologies used to identify genetic material of infecting virus or organism.The market of molecular diagnostics is segmented on the basis of technology used in the diagnostic purposes, such as, amplification technologies, amplified gene detection technologies, DNA and oligonucleotide microarrays, and gene sequencing. Amplification technologies further segmented into multiple displacement amplification, ligase chain reaction, bio-barcode amplification assay, nucleic acid sequence based amplification, branched DNA and others. DNA microarrays are sub-segmented into array comparative genomic hybridization. Gene sequencing technique is divided into next generation sequencing and Sanger sequencing, whereas amplified gene detection technique is divided into microplate based flow cytometry and high resolution melting analysis. Further, the market is segmented on the basis of applications in the diagnosis of various diagnosis, such as, HIV diagnosis, influenza virus detection, hepatitis virus detection (hepatitis B and hepatitis C), STD testing, tuberculosis (Tb), Chlamydia testing, herpes simplex virus diagnosis, HPV, and many others. Moreover, molecular diagnostic tests are also applicable in the case of cancer, prenatal testing and disease risk management. The market for NAT is divided on the basis of various nucleic acid tests, such as, ligase chain reaction, reverse transcriptase PCR, quantiplex bDNA tests and others.Request TOC (desk of content material), Figures and Tables of the report:Moreover, the market is segmented on the basis of geography, such as, North America, Europe, Asia-Pacific and Rest of the World (RoW). At present, the North American region is the most prominent market, owing to extensive diagnostic practices and R&D. However, Asia-Pacific and some countries in RoW region are expected to show very lucrative growth in the upcoming period, owing to enhanced awareness and growth in research and diagnostic technologies.View Sample Report @The market is driven by various growth propellers, such as, increased prevalence of infectious diseases, extensive R&D in diagnostic and medical imaging field, development of advanced diagnosis equipment due to technological growth and increased demand for sophisticated diagnostic tests by patients and healthcare professionals. Increased prevalence of chronic infectious diseases is one of the most prominent drivers of the market growth. According to WHO, AIDS is the worlds first deadliest disease. As of 2012, around 35.5 million people of the world suffers from AIDS and in 2012, AIDS killed around 1.6 million people. Further, technological innovations are another market driver. Due to development of various technologically sound devices, the reliability of tests has been increased and it fuels the market growth. On the other hand, major growth hurdles include technological limitations and lack of awareness in certain region of the world and high costs associated with testing and equipment maintenance. Major opportunities include the development of cost-effective and hyper-accurate diagnostic tests and equipment, accomplished by awareness campaigns across the globe.About UsPersistence Market Research (PMR) is a U.S.-based full-service market in-telligence firm specializing in syndicated research, custom research, and consulting services. PMR boasts market research expertise across the Healthcare, Chemicals and Materials, Technology and Media, Energy and Mining, Food and Beverages, Semiconductor and Electronics, Consumer Goods, and Shipping and Transportation industries. The company draws from its multi-disciplinary capabilities and high-pedigree team of analysts to share data that precisely corresponds to clients business needs.PMR stands committed to bringing more accuracy and speed to clients business decisions. From ready-to-purchase market research reports to customized research solutions, PMRs engagement models are highly flexi-ble without compromising on its deep-seated research values.ContactPersistence Market Research Pvt. Ltd305 Broadway7th Floor, New York City,NY 10007, United States,USA  Canada Toll Free: 800-961-0353Email: sales@persistencemarketresearch.com
Releases New Report on the Global Subcutaneous Implantable Defibrillator System Market

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A subcutaneous implantable defibrillator system is a type of defibrillator which continuously monitors the heart rates in cardiac patients. Being placed subcutaneously, it generates electric impulses to treat heart suffering from ventricular tachyarrhythmia and normalized the heart rhythm. Subcutaneous implantable defibrillator system (S-ICD) helps to save patient life by regulating irregular heartbeat. It is generally not used in patient with symptomatic bradycardia. Subcutaneous implantable defibrillator system (S-ICD) consists of titanium case powered with battery and circuit that offers defibrillation therapy, subcutaneous electrodes and accessories. Subcutaneous implantable defibrillator systems is programmed in order to deliver tier therapy like antitachycardia pacing (ATP) and cardioversion shocks for treating slower hemodynamically stable ventricular tachycardias and high energy shocks for treating hemodynamically unstable VT and ventricular fibrillation (VF). Fast ventricular tachycardia are common in cardiac patients. Antitachycardia pacing helps to reduce these episodes by decreasing incidences for syncope. Antitachycardia pacing against fast ventricular tachycardias helps to decrease morbidity for shocks. However, it is generally harmful in patient suffering with symptomatic bradycardia as heart beats too slowly in symptomatic bradycardia patients. The subcutaneous implantable defibrillator system (S-ICD) is implanted without insertion of the leads in the heart. The subcutaneous implantable defibrillator system is implanted subcutaneous (under the skin) below the armpit along the rib cage or the left axilla and not inserted at the standard location near collar bone. The lead connecting the device is placed under the skin instead of placing it inside the heart. The advantages of subcutaneous implantable defibrillator systems over other defibrillator are that it provides defibrillation therapy without generating transvenous leads. Moreover, the subcutaneous implantable defibrillator system (S-ICD) do not show any of the symptomatic or long-term complications caused due to implanting a lead in the heart, such as collapse of the lung, perforation of the heart, etc. Subcutaneous implantable defibrillator systems market is anticipated to be driven by factors like, easy implantable procedure and very less complications.Request for sample report:Subcutaneous implantable defibrillator system Market: Drivers and RestraintsThe major factors driving the global subcutaneous implantable defibrillator systems market are rising incidences of cardiovascular diseases, increasing awareness about cardiovascular disorders, rising need for cardiac monitoring system like subcutaneous implantable defibrillator systems, etc. According to report published by WHO in 2015, 17.5 million people died due to cardiovascular disease which represents 31% of the global death. Factors contributing to increasing prevalence of cardiovascular diseases are growing aging population, changing lifestyle, increasing disposable income, smoking, etc. Subcutaneous implantable defibrillator systems market has anticipated to grow at significant growth rate in next few years owing to increase in the cardiac patient pool. The American Heart Association has recommended several guidelines to use subcutaneous implantable defibrillator systems in order to produce desirable impact on arrhythmia. The conditions like acute myocardial infarction, myocardial ischemia, electrolyte imbalance and drug toxicity leads to arrhythmia, which could be life threatening when not treated efficiently. Monitoring patients with arrhythmia with subcutaneous implantable defibrillator system has proven to deliver effective treatment. With significant scope, subcutaneous implantable defibrillator systems market has anticipated to imbibe a high potential with a significant growth rate.Subcutaneous implantable defibrillator system Market: SegmentationBy Product TypeSingle ZoneDual ZoneOthersBy End UserHospitalsClinicsAmbulatory surgical centersCardiac catheterization laboratoryOthersRequest for TOC:Subcutaneous implantable defibrillator system Market: Region-wise OutlookGeographically, the market has been categorized in five main regions: North America, Europe, Latin America, Asia  Pacific and the Middle East and Africa. Increasing prevalence of cardiovascular diseases, growing aging population and active intervention by government like Million Hearts initiative by US government to spread awareness about risk associated with cardiovascular diseases are the factors contributing to the growth of subcutaneous implantable defibrillator systems market in North America, and followed by Europe. In addition, the market in North America is expected to grow rapidly due to high demand for new and innovative products. According to a recent report by the Japan Aging Research Center, the Asia  Pacific is on the verge of suffering from aging of population. Japan, China, and South Korea are the countries experiencing highest problem of aging population followed to rising risk for cardiovascular diseases. The growing prevalence of cardiovascular diseases in Asia will be responsible for increase in cardiovascular burden across the region. The region also constitutes some of the developed markets such as Australia and New Zealand. These nations possess well established infrastructure along with high awareness and huge demand for subcutaneous implantable defibrillator systems and is expected to propel the market.Subcutaneous implantable defibrillator system Market: Key PlayersThe Key players operating in the global subcutaneous implantable defibrillator systems market are Boston Scientific Corporation, Imricor Medical Systems, Inc., LivaNova PLC Company, Mayo Clinic US, Medtronic plc, MicroPort Scientific Corporation, MRI Interventions, Inc., St. Jude Medical, Inc., etc.Globally, the manufacturers of subcutaneous implantable defibrillator system market have implemented the new healthcare strategies and technology advancements such as use of latest technology by using sensors and new digital & wireless systems. The research report presents a comprehensive assessment of the market and contains thoughtful insights, facts, historical data, and statistically supported and industry-validated market data. It also contains projections using a suitable set of assumptions and methodologies. The research report provides analysis and information according to market segments such as geographies, and applications.Browse full report:About us:Future Market Insights (FMI) is a leading market intelligence and consulting firm. We deliver syndicated research reports, custom research reports and consulting services, which are personalized in nature. FMI delivers a complete packaged solution, which combines current market intelligence, statistical anecdotes, technology inputs, valuable growth insights, an aerial view of the competitive framework, and future market trends.Contact us:616 Corporate Way, Suite 2-9018,Valley Cottage, NY 10989,United StatesT: +1-347-918-3531F: +1-845-579-5705T (UK): + 44 (0) 20 7692 8790Email:sales@futuremarketinsights.comWebsite:
Thermal Printing Market to reach US$ 5,557.5 Mn by 2025

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Future Market Insights (FMI) delivers key insights on the Global Thermal Printing Market in its latest report titled Thermal Printing Market: Global Industry Analysis and Opportunity Assessment 20152025.The global thermal printing market is projected to register a promising CAGR of 4.4% during the forecast period due to several factors. The report details trends driving each segment and respective sub-segments, delivering analysis and insights about the potential of the thermal printing market in specific regions.North America dominated the thermal printing market with over 24% market share in 2014, and is expected to lose its market share to Asia Pacific excluding Japan by 2025. Western Europe accounted for over 21% share of the total thermal printing market share in 2014, but is projected to lose it dominance by 2025. Asia Pacific excluding Japanmarket is projected to register the highest CAGR between 2015 and 2025, due to low-cost product offerings by manufacturers based in the region. As on 2014, Asia Pacific accounted for over 20% market share of the overall thermal printing market, positioning itself as the third-largest revenue contributor. By the end of 2025 the market in the region is anticipated to gain 400 Basis Point Share to become the highest contributor to the overall thermal printing market.Growth of the global thermal printing market is primarily driven by expanding retail industry, increasing disposable income, rising global population, rapid industrialisation of emerging markets, strong distribution network of thermal printer manufacturers and increasing environmental and social awareness.Request Free Report Sample@Various retailers in North America and Europe have already migrated from impact printers to thermal printers due to various benefits offered by the latter over the former. For instance, IBM launched SureMark Printers Dual-station models showcasing the same. Over the following five years, APEJ is expected to account for around half of the sales generated by the worlds top fifty largest economies and would be twice that of North America, the next largest region in the retail sector.Growing industrial production in Brazil and continuous moderate growth of the manufacturing sector in Mexico is strengthening the thermal printing market in Latin America. With growing investment and development in Eastern Europe, the region is expected to register opportunistic growth rate in the market.Chinese vendors offering products at competitive prices as compared to other thermal printer vendors has boosted sales of thermal printing worldwide.On the basis of technology, the market has been segmented into direct thermal and thermal transfer. The direct thermal segment accounted for over 55% share of the global thermal printing market in 2014.Global Thermal Printing Market is further segmented on the basis of end-use industry into Retail, transportation & logistics, healthcare, manufacturing and others. Revenue contribution of the retail segment was 28.9% in 2014, and is projected to grow to 30.7% by 2025, registering a CAGR of 5.0% over the forecast period. The healthcare segment is anticipated to record the highest CAGR of 5.6% during the forecast period, as utilization of thermal printing technology in this segment is in its early phase of adoption in the emerging economies and is expected to gain traction across various industries in the near future.Send An Enquiry@By printer type, the thermal printing market is segmented into POS printer, label & tag printer and RFID printer. Among the three segments, RFID printer segment is expected to register the highest CAGR of 6.0% between 2015 and 2025. The POS printer segment accounted for over 57% market share in 2014, but is expected to lose market share to the RFID printer and label & tag printer segment by the end of the forecast period.Key players in the global thermal printing market includeZebra Technologies Corporation, Honeywell International Inc, Seiko Epson Corporation, SATO Holdings Corporation, Star Micronics Co., Ltd. Zebra Technologies Corporation and Star Micronics Co., Ltd. These players focus on research and development initiatives to introduce innovative products to attain sustainable advantages over the competition. In addition, these players also focus on expanding their global presence through strategic mergers and acquisitions and new product development.ABOUT US:Future Market Insights (FMI) is a leading market intelligence and consulting firm. We deliver syndicated research reports, custom research reports and consulting services, which are personalized in nature. FMI delivers a complete packaged solution, which combines current market intelligence, statistical anecdotes, technology inputs, valuable growth insights, an aerial view of the competitive framework, and future market trends.CONTACT:616 Corporate Way, Suite 2-9018,Valley Cottage, NY 10989,United StatesT: +1-347-918-3531F: +1-845-579-5705Email: sales@futuremarketinsights.comPress@futuremarketinsights.comWebsite:
Respiratory Inhaler Devices Market Intelligence Report Offers Growth Prospects

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Future Market Insights (FMI) delivers key insights on the global respiratory inhaler devices market in its upcoming outlook titled, Respiratory Inhaler Devices Market: Global Industry Analysis and Opportunity Assessment, 2015  2025. In terms of value, the global respiratory inhaler devices market is projected to register a healthy CAGR of 4.3% during the forecast period due to various factors. This FMI report offers vital and detailed insights regarding these factors.The respiratory inhaler devices market is segmented on the basis of product type, disease indications, technology and region. Based on the product segmentation, the overall market has been categorised into metered dose inhaler (MDI), dry powder inhaler (DPI) and nebuliser.Nebulisers are further sub-segmented into ultrasonic nebuliser, mesh nebuliser and compressed air nebuliser. The metered dose inhaler segment is estimated to account for maximum share in the global respiratory inhaler devices market by 2015 end, and expected to register a CAGR of 4.5% in terms of value during the forecast period 2015-2025. Currently, metered dose inhaler is a major contributor to market growth in Europe, North America and parts of Asia Pacific. Demand for nebulisers is expected to expand at a CAGR of 3.8% through 2025.Request Free Report Sample@Increase in prevalence of asthma, COPD and other respiratory disorders, especially among paediatric and the geriatric population, is a major factor driving growth of the global respiratory inhaler devices market. Other driving factors include strategic alliances among key players in the market, manufacturers focusing on enhancing market share, and expansion of the healthcare sector in developing countries due to growing investments by major players. Further, surge in demand for respiratory inhaler devices in all acute and moderate asthma and COPD conditions owing to increasing health awareness and growing disposable income is projected to result in increased spending on respiratory inhaler devices. This in turn is expected to bolster respiratory inhaler devices market growth during the forecast period.Lack of effective drugs for certain respiratory disorders, concerns about side-effects and complications, lack of skilled pulmonologists and healthcare professionals, lack of awareness among patients, and high prices of inhaler devices are the key factors hampering growth of this market.Currently, combined therapies offer more associated benefits, such as reliablility, increased efficacy, and favourable reimbursement policies. Owing to these factors, patients with complex respiratory disorders are more inclined towards adopting such therapies.However, the cost associated with combination therapies is higher as compared to conventional therapies for patients with complex respiratory disorders. The global respiratory inhaler devices market is expected to be driven by the increased usage of newly introduced triple combination therapy for COPD patients in the coming years.Send An Enquiry@This report assesses trends driving each segment and offers analysis and insights about the potential of respiratory inhaler devices market in specific regions. North America is estimated to dominate the respiratory inhaler devices market with maximum market share by end of 2015. North America and Western Europe are collectively expected to account for over 64.1% of the total respiratory inhaler devices market share in terms of value by end of 2015. Asia Pacific excluding Japan is estimated to witness highest CAGR of 5.0% over the forecast period, followed by North America, due to increasing prevalence of asthma and COPD among children and the geriatric population.Some key companies covered in this report include AstraZeneca, Boehringer Ingelheim GmbH, GlaxoSmithKline plc, Cipla Ltd., Koninklijke Philips N.V., PARI Medical Holding ,Teva Pharmaceutical Industries Ltd., Beximco Pharmaceuticals Ltd., OMRON Healthcare Europe B.V. and Merck & Co., Inc.Their primary focus is towards enhancing their product portfolio through research and development, introduction of innovative and cost-effective drugs and medical devices in order to gain market share and to strengthen their respective position in the global market.ABOUT US:Future Market Insights (FMI) is a leading market intelligence and consulting firm. We deliver syndicated research reports, custom research reports and consulting services, which are personalized in nature. FMI delivers a complete packaged solution, which combines current market intelligence, statistical anecdotes, technology inputs, valuable growth insights, an aerial view of the competitive framework, and future market trends.CONTACT:616 Corporate Way, Suite 2-9018,Valley Cottage, NY 10989,United StatesT: +1-347-918-3531F: +1-845-579-5705Email: sales@futuremarketinsights.comPress@futuremarketinsights.comWebsite:
Global Pasta Market: Key Players Emphasizing on Expanding Product Portfolio to Strengthen Market Presence, observes TMR

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A new research study by Transparency Market Research (TMR) provides a comprehensive analysis of the global pasta market. The research study, titled Pasta Market - Global Industry Analysis, Market Size, Share, Trends, Analysis, Growth and Forecast 20162024, throws light on the promising opportunities and latest developments in the market. Historical data and estimated statistics concerning the global pasta market have been presented in the study to allow readers and players to get a strong understanding of the overall market. Additionally, the strategic recommendations given in the report are expected to help new players in making effective business decisions.Download exclusive Sample of this report:The longer shelf life of pasta and its easy-to-cook features are the primary factors boosting the demand for different types of pasta across the globe. Moreover, the easy availability of pasta owing to the increasing number of distribution channels worldwide is estimated to fuel the global pasta market. Furthermore, the introduction of gluten-free and wheat-based pasta is significantly accelerating the markets growth. Key players in the market are focusing on advertising and marketing campaigns to increase their market penetration and encourage the growth of the market.The global pasta market can be classified on the basis of type into dried pasta and fresh pasta. On the basis of shape, the market can be categorized into noodles, macaroni, spaghetti, and others. The size, share, and the estimated growth rate of each segment have been discussed in the market research report.From a geographical perspective, at present, Europe leads the global pasta market and accounts for a massive share. The rapid growth of this region can be attributed to the number of innovations related to pasta and tastemakers to expand the product portfolio and attract a large number of consumers. In addition, a substantial rise in the number of nuclear families and changing lifestyles of the consumers are expected to augment the pasta market in Europe. North America is projected to follow Europe throughout the forecast period with significant share in the global market.Browse Full Report With ToC:Some of the prominent players operating in the global pasta market are Campbell Soup Company, American Italian Pasta Company, General Mills, Fiori-Bruna Pasta Products, Inc., Nissin Foods Holdings Co., Ltd., ConAgra Foods, Inc., Barilla Holding S.p.A Archer Daniels Midland Company, Sbarro, Inc., Armanino Foods of Distinction Inc., and Strom Products Ltd. The research study offers a complete evaluation of the competitive scenario of the global pasta market, along with a list of the leading players operating in it. The key strategies adopted by these players have been highlighted in the study in order to give a clear picture of the market.About UsTransparency Market Research (TMR) is a market intelligence company, providing global business information reports and services. Our exclusive blend of quantitative forecasting and trends analysis provides forward-looking insight for thousands of decision makers. TMRs experienced team of analysts, researchers, and consultants, use proprietary data sources and various tools and techniques to gather, and analyze information. Our business offerings represent the latest and the most reliable information indispensable for businesses to sustain a competitive edge.US Office Contact90 State Street, Suite 700Albany, NY 12207Tel: +1-518-618-1030USA - Canada Toll Free: 866-552-3453Email: sales@transparencymarketresearch.comWebsite:
Growing need for portable and compact devices, has significantly boosted the market for medical suction devices

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Suction devices have a wide range of applications in the clinical environment and are used to remove fluid and other debris in the body with the help of a vacuum. Medical suction devices, both handheld and wall-mounted ones, are used in surgical procedures, for airway clearing, and in research and diagnostics at home, hospitals, pre-hospitals, and clinics. These devices can be manually operated or be battery-powered, AC-powered, or dual-powered.Hospitals and clinics are the most preferred settings for medical suction devices, and the soaring demand for suction devices in these areas positively impacts the demand for wall-mounted devices. While the demand for medical suction devices in surgical applications is significantly high, their application in the field of diagnostics is anticipated to gain prominence in the coming years owing to an increase in clinical research and diagnostics.Download exclusive Sample of this report:The report offers clients an in-depth evaluation of the performance, contribution, and size of the medical suction devices market. The scope and dynamics of this market also form an integral part of the research study. The leading segments and players have been identified and assessed with the help of the latest market intelligence tools, including SWOT analysis, Porters Five Forces analysis model, market attractiveness analysis, and value chain analysis.Global Medical Suction Devices Market: Key Trends and OpportunitiesThe paradigm shift from traditional health care settings to home health care, coupled with the growing need for portable and compact devices, has significantly boosted the market for medical suction devices. Portable suction devices are easy to use, reliable, and durable and as a result, their adoption in home care settings has greatly increased. The increase in aging population is another factor boosting the market for medical suction devices. Rising geriatric population globally will result in an increased demand for emergency care and growth in surgical procedures. This, in turn, will positively impact the need for effective suction devices.Other factors driving the global medical suction devices market include declining prices of suction devices, increase in the number of surgical procedures, and growing incidences of chronic respiratory diseases.View exclusive Global strategic Business report :Global Medical Suction Devices Market: Region-wise OutlookGeographically, the global medical suction devices market can be segmented into Asia Pacific, Europe, North America, and Rest of the World. North America accounts for the largest share in the overall medical suction devices market and is most likely to retain its lead throughout the forecast period. One of the key factors boosting the market for medical suction devices in this region is the rising incidence of chronic diseases across the region. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) estimates that around 50% of the American population suffered from at least one chronic disease in 2014. Seven out of 10 deaths in the U.S. resulted from chronic diseases and these diseases accounted for a whopping 86% of the total health care costs in the country.The Asia Pacific market for medical suction devices is projected to gather steam in the coming years and expand at the fastest pace through 2024. The increasing prevalence of chronic diseases, the increase in aging population, and the consequent increase in home care as well as surgical interventions will bolster the medical suction devices market in Asia Pacific. The growing focus of leading players on the APAC region as a strong and lucrative contender is also anticipated to benefit the medical suction devices market here.The international medical suction devices market boasts of a number of small and large players competing at various levels. These include Laerdal Medical, Labconco Corporation, ZOLL Medical Corporation, Precision Medical, Inc., Medela Holding AG, Amsino International, Inc., INTEGRA Biosciences, Welch Vacuum, Drive Medical, Allied Healthcare Products, Inc., Olympus Corporation, MG Electric Ltd., Medicop, ATMOS Medizintechnik GmbH & Co. KG, SSCOR, Inc., and Weinmann Gerate fur Medizin GmbH + Co. KG.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:
Saudi Arabia Pharmaceutical Market Revenue is expected to reach US$ 5.2 Bn in 2016

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The significant rise in lifestyle-related diseases and the developments in healthcare infrastructure are expected to influence the demand for pharmaceuticals in Saudi Arabia. In 2016, the Saudi Arabia pharmaceutical market is anticipated to procure value worth US$ 5,209.5 Mn at a y-o-y growth of 6.0 % over 2015. The mounting demand for branded drug products will continue to incite the growth of the Saudi Arabian pharmaceutical market in 2016.The demand for pharmaceuticals in Saudi Arabia is expected to register substantial growth owing to the increasing penetration of health insurance companies and the rising incidence rate of non-communicable diseases. Furthermore, the exceptional rise in the per capita income of Saudi Arabia is also expected to foster the demand for branded pharmaceutical drugs. Another key factor driving the growth of the pharmaceutical market in Saudi Arabia is the countrys strategic move to allow 100% FDI in the pharmaceuticals sector. Although, the shortage of profound indigenous research capacity in the pharmaceutical industry and the delayed registration of drug and medicine patents is expected to limit the expansion of the market in 2016 and beyond.Based on the product type, the pharmaceutical market in Saudi Arabia is expected to witness an upsurge in the prescription-type branded drug products. In terms of market value, the branded drugs are estimated to reach US$ 2,760.8 Mn by 2016-end. The demand for generic drugs is projected to secure steady growth, attributing to the insisting promotion of generic drug adoption by healthcare insurance providers.Request Free Report Sample@On the basis of the diseases, the pharmaceutical drugs used for treatment of cardiovascular diseases will continue exhibiting robust growth in 2016. The demand for cardiovascular medications will continue to surge due to the prominence of circulatory disorders in Saudi Arabia. Additionally, the rising prevalence of disorders related to body sugar levels is expected to make diabetes a rapidly growing disease-based sub-segment in the Saudi Arabia pharmaceutical market.The pharmaceutical market in Saudi Arabia is also segmented on the basis of distribution channel, where retail pharmacies will continue to account for 80% market share compared to hospital pharmacies. The westernised modernisation of retail pharmacies in Saudi Arabia has led to the availability of a wide range drugs and medicinal products, thereby attaining a considerable growth in the retail pharmacy sub-segment in 2016 and further.The rising resource potential in Saudi Arabia is projected to positively reform the production environment for pharmaceutical manufacturers. In order to expand the markets size, structuring alliances with well-established native companies is predicted to be a key strategy for global pharmaceutical leaders. The key players in the Saudi Arabia pharmaceutical market include Novartis AG, SPIMACO, Pfizer Inc., and Glaxosmithkline plc., Jamjoom Pharma, and Tabuk Pharmaceutical Manufacturing Co. among others.Send An Enquiry@Long-term Outlook: The Saudi Arabia pharmaceutical market is expected to expand at a CAGR of 9.0% over the forecast period 2016-2026. In terms of market value, the pharmaceutical market in Saudi Arabia is estimated to be worth US$ 12,281.4 Mn by the end of forecast period.ABOUT US:Future Market Insights (FMI) is a leading market intelligence and consulting firm. We deliver syndicated research reports, custom research reports and consulting services, which are personalized in nature. FMI delivers a complete packaged solution, which combines current market intelligence, statistical anecdotes, technology inputs, valuable growth insights, an aerial view of the competitive framework, and future market trends.CONTACT:616 Corporate Way, Suite 2-9018,Valley Cottage, NY 10989,United StatesT: +1-347-918-3531F: +1-845-579-5705Email: sales@futuremarketinsights.comPress@futuremarketinsights.comWebsite:
Regency Orion by Regency Group Features Ultra Modern Property in Pune at Baner Region

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It would not be exaggeration to claim that that Pune is the fastest growing city at this moment. With improvement of local economy, the place is gaining excellent recognition these days among the property developers as well as purchasers. Several sophisticated and posh residential real estate projects are mushrooming in this city at various locations. Since the main city area is crowded, people choose to buy property at outskirts where better environment for living prevails. However, in such cases, accessibility remains a big problem. If you want good environment for living yet enjoying the proximity to city center, you need to look for properties at Baner region. At this place, you shall find some terrific real estate projects, including Regency Orion which is a project by Regency Group.Regency Group is considered as one of the leading real estate developers in the city of Pune, featuring a portfolio that includes several significant projects. Mainly working as residential realtor, this group has added many achievements to its profile. It is trustworthy and always known for catering modernized residential properties to the purchasers. The most significant part is that the developer chooses posh areas or locations its projects. Regency Orion by Regency Group is no exception in this regard. Located at Baner region, this residential project has its unique location advantages.Dwellers will have the proximity to schools, colleges and hospitals, while major urban establishments like multiplexes and star category hotels are coming up at this neighborhood of the city. The neighborhood is well planned, surrounded by greeneries which are quite rare in urban India. The project has also been developed with enough space and ultra modern establishments to feature flawless comfort to the buyers. Overall, it welcomes the buyers or investors with arrays of sophistication and amusement opportunities, ensuring cheerful living experience for them.For More Information Visit -Property Pointer Pvt. Ltd. is channel partner with prominent builders across India, guiding its clients when they buy property in India. Our sole aim is to focus on our clients and find a special and gracious solution, which can make their buying procedure secure, easy, and hassle free.Property Pointer Private LtdOffice No-104, Turning Point - 1,Opposite Rosary School, Viman Nagar,Pune - 411 014 (Maharashtra) India
Medical Gas Market Explores New Growth Opportunities & Industry Analysis By 2018

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Medical gases and pharmaceutical gases are specialized gases used for medical purposes, drug processing and various applications of biotechnology. Medical gases include pure gases and mixture of gases for various medical processes. The major types of gases included in the pharmaceutical and medical gases segment are hydrogen, oxygen, ammonia, boron hydride, nitrous oxide, nitrogen, and carbon dioxide.Technological innovation in the use of medical gases and an increase in demand for better healthcare facilities in developing economies are the major factors which are driving the growth of this market. Medical gases are used for medical purposes such as anesthesia, in test equipment that use calibration gases, and in surgical purposes where a specialty medical grade gas is required.For Any Queries Get Solutions With A PDF Sample :Medical gases are also used for research purposes such as for incubation of aerobic and anaerobic organisms. Biomedical gases are used with surgical and laboratory equipment such as helium in arterial balloons and carbon dioxide is used in surgical lasers. Medical grade gases are used for administration in patients and include gases such as nitrous oxide and oxygen among others. Industrial grade medical gases are used in medical instrumentation.The market for medical gases can be classified on the basis of applications and types of gases. The major applications of medical gases are surgery, treatment, research, drug processing, laboratory applications, and instrumentation. The major types of medical gases are medical grade gases, pharmaceutical gases, and biomedical gases.The emerging economies of Asia-Pacific and Rest of the World show a rapid growth in the demand for medical gases. Some of the major companies in this industry segment are BeaconMeds, Air Liquide, the H.A.C. Group, Matheson, and a few others.This research report analyzes this market depending on its market segments, major geographies, and current market trends. Geographies analyzed under this research report include North America Asia Pacific Europe Rest of the WorldAbout UsTransparency Market Research (TMR) is a global market intelligence company providing business information reports and services. The companys exclusive blend of quantitative forecasting and trend analysis provides forward-looking insight for thousands of decision makers. TMRs experienced team of analysts, researchers, and consultants use proprietary data sources and various tools and techniques to gather and analyze information.Contact us:Transparency Market Research90 State Street,Suite 700,AlbanyNY - 12207United StatesTel: +1-518-618-1030USA - Canada Toll Free 866-552-3453Email: sales@transparencymarketresearch.comWebsite:
Global ATM Market -Industry, Analysis, Growth, Demand, Outlook, ,Market Research Report Upto 2019

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The global ATM market has been growing at significant rate in the last few years. With a simple card, an ATM allows its user to make monetary transactions irrespective of geography and time. A customer can perform a transaction by inserting by entering a PIN or a personal identification number of a CVV number, cards expiry date, and its 3D security pin in case of an online transaction. All of these numerical combinations are unique to every ATM card, and thus unique to every ATM user.PDF for Full Details with Technological Breakthroughs @ :Transparency Market Researchs report on ATM market provides a wealth of knowledge about the market dynamics, current trends, and the forecast for the coming years. The ATM market report gives its readers a comprehensive outlook on the market. These reports have been written by expert industry analysts and thus contain a worthy perspective of the market. To identify the factors affecting the market, the report is written with a SWOT analysis and a Porters five forces analysis. Both these tools will help the readers know the strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats the ATM market faces in absolute depth.The last segment of the report also provides its readers with company profiles of some of the important players in the ATM market.Overview of ATM MarketATM is an abbreviation for automated teller machine, which also popularly known as cash point, cash machine, cash line, or automated banking machine. Since the inception and introduction of ATM in the banking system, its market has only grown by leaps and bounds. The major factors driving the ATM market are the ease with which it allows its users to make cash transactions, withdrawals, check their balances, and make purchases both, online and offline. An ATM is also popularly used by foreign travelers as it allows them easy conversion of money in the required currency. As the ATM market allows a possibility of traveling cashless, it creates a chance for safety and security.However, the ATM market does face its own set of challenges. As the ATM card can be misused if it is not secured by a PIN. Additionally, sometimes ATM transactions dispense extra cash causing a loss to the bank. An ATM card can also be tampered with, which further leaves room for scams, frauds, and thefts.The report perfectly analyzes the market drivers and restraints for its readers. It also segments the market based on geographical market share. It states, North America is the biggest market share holder for ATM markets, which is then followed by Europe.Browse Market Research Report with ToC & Free Analysis :Companies Mentioned in ATM Market Research ReportSome of the important players profiled in this report are Wincor Nixdorf AG, Diebold Inc, Triton Systems of Delaware LLC, NCR Corp., and among others. These players have been dominating the global ATM market for many years and are most likely the ones to impact it in the near future.Major geographies analyzed under this research report are:North AmericaAsia PacificEuropeRest of the WorldAbout Us :Transparency Market Research (TMR) is a global market intelligence company providing business information reports and services. The companys exclusive blend of quantitative forecasting and trend analysis provides forward-looking insight for thousands of decision makers. TMRs experienced team of analysts, researchers, and consultants use proprietary data sources and various tools and techniques to gather and analyze information.TMRs data repository is continuously updated and revised by a team of research experts so that it always reflects the latest trends and information. With extensive research and analysis capabilities, Transparency Market Research employs rigorous primary and secondary research techniques to develop distinctive data sets and research material for business reports.Contact Us :-Transparency Market ResearchState Tower,90 State Street,Suite 700,Albany NY - 12207United StatesTel: +1-518-618-1030Email: sales@transparencymarketresearch.comWebsite:
Glaucoma Treatment Market : Rising Geriatric Population And Healthcare Expenditure Will Drive The Glaucoma Treatment Market

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Glaucoma is a chronic, degenerative, permanent disorder whose rate increases essentially with age rather than causing immediate blindness. According to a survey of WHO, Glaucoma is the second most common cause of blindness affecting the population worldwide after cataract (47.9%). In general, Glaucoma occurs as after effects of increased intraocular pressure (IOP) brought about by an abnormality or malfunctioning of the eye drainage system. The normal IOP is in between the range of 19-21 inches of Hg but when the pressure exceed than this range, it causes compression of retina and optic nerve causing progressive, leading to permanent loss of visual perception if not treated on time. The most common types of glaucoma are open angle glaucoma and closed angle glaucoma. As per International Council of Ophthalmology report, closed angle and open angle glaucoma individually account for about half of all glaucoma cases and are the major cause of irreversible vision globally. For glaucoma, everyone is at risk from babies to senior citizens. The market for glaucoma treatment has been growing rapidly since last few years due to increasing number of people with glaucoma and introduction of innovative treatments. In past few years different therapies are introduced including, laser therapy, photodynamic therapy, IOPtiMa therapy along with eye drops and pills which will grow the glaucoma treatment market in coming years.The driver of glaucoma treatment market includes rising geriatric population and healthcare expenditure. It has been stated that glaucoma is more prevalent among the people above age of 60 and globally growing geriatric population is expected as the main reason for growth of glaucoma treatment market in forecast period of 2016-2024. Cases of congenital glaucoma are increasing and main reason for this problem is changing lifestyle and habits. According to Glaucoma Research Foundation survey, approximately one out of 10,000 babies born with glaucoma in United States. Improved medical coverage and new innovation in glaucoma drugs and treatments are also the key factors which are expected to drive the growth of glaucoma treatment market.For Any Queries Get Solutions With A PDF Sample :Global glaucoma treatment market is segmented on the basis of drug class, therapy used, disease indication, end users and region. Based on drug class, glaucoma treatment market further segmented into Prostaglandin Analogs (PGAs), Alpha Agonist, Beta Blockers, Cholinergic, Carbonic Anhydrase Inhibitors, and Combined Medications. Prostaglandin Analogs drug segment is expected to account for the largest share of the global glaucoma treatment market as new innovative drugs are coming are in this segment also on the basis of treatment, also these drugs are widely prescribed drugs.In the basis of therapy, glaucoma treatment market is further segmented into Glaucoma surgery, Laser iridotomy, Laser trabeculoplasty, Aqueous shunt surgery and Peripheral iridectomy. Glaucoma surgery segment is expected to have highest share of glaucoma treatment market. Increasing geriatric population and trust buildup on surgery treatment as compared to laser treatments are the factors contributing towards the growth of this segment in glaucoma treatment market in coming years.On the basis of disease indication, glaucoma treatment market is further segmented into angle closure glaucoma (ACG), open angle glaucoma (OAG), secondary glaucoma, congenital glaucoma and other. Other less common types of glaucoma includes pigmentary glaucoma, pseudoexfoliation glaucoma and normal-tension glaucoma (NTG). The most common types of glaucoma are open angle glaucoma (OAG) and closed angle glaucoma (CAG). As per International Council of Ophthalmology report, closed angle and open angle glaucoma individually account for about half of all glaucoma cases also they are responsible for the major cause of irreversible vision worldwide. Therefore, Open angle glaucoma and angle closure glaucoma segments are expected to account for highest share of glaucoma treatment market in the forecast period of 2016-2024. On the basis of end users, glaucoma treatment market is segmented into hospitals, specialized clinics, ambulatory surgery centers, hospital pharmacies, drug stores and retail pharmacies.Geographically, the global glaucoma treatment market is divided into five key regions, North America, Europe, Asia-Pacific, Latin America and the Middle East, and Africa. In terms of geography, North America is expected to account for the extensive market share for glaucoma treatment market where the number of glaucoma patients is the highest. Moreover, the Asian market is expected to become a huge potential market for glaucoma treatment in the forecast period, as it is expected to grow at fastest CAGR among all other regions.Major players in glaucoma treatment market includes Novartis AG, Allergan, Merck & Co., Inc., Akorn, Inc., Bausch & Lomb Incorporated, Teva Pharmaceuticals, Pfizer and Santen.About UsTransparency Market Research (TMR) is a global market intelligence company providing business information reports and services. The companys exclusive blend of quantitative forecasting and trend analysis provides forward-looking insight for thousands of decision makers. TMRs experienced team of analysts, researchers, and consultants use proprietary data sources and various tools and techniques to gather and analyze information.Contact us:Transparency Market Research90 State Street,Suite 700,AlbanyNY - 12207United StatesTel: +1-518-618-1030USA - Canada Toll Free 866-552-3453Email: sales@transparencymarketresearch.comWebsite:
Acrolein Market - Global Industry Analysis, Size, Share, Growth, Trends and Forecast 2016  2024

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Acrolein, also known as 2-propenal is the simplest unsaturated aldehyde. Its a colourless liquid and exhibits a disagreeable acrid smell.. Acrolein is manufactured from petrochemical feedstocks such as propylene and glycerine. Acrolein is primarily used as an important intermediate and a specialty chemical. Acrolein is rapidly gaining importance due to its versatile use in plastic and paint industries. One of the most widely used industrial methods of preparing acrolein involves catalytic oxidation of propylene in presence of air. Further, there is emerging trend of usage of glycerine and propane as alternative feedstocks for acrolein. The global demand for acrolein markets are estimated to show a considerable transformation depending on its raw material requirements and its ultimate uses. The U.S. and Asia Pacific regions are estimated to lead the acrolein market by 2020.Few of the key drivers affecting the acrolein markets demand are engineering plastic and polymer industries, followed by agrochemicals. Acrolein is majorly used as a key intermediate to prepare acrylic acid and methionin. Acrylic acid polymers are largely consumed in preparation of emulsifiers, coatings and adhesives. Moreover, they are also used as super-absorbing agents in diapers and hygienic pads. Direct use of acrolein is employed as a specialty chemical such as a biocide. This acrolein based biocide is used to control algal growth, submerged and floating weeds in irrigation canals. It is also used as biocide, in oil industries in drilling waters, as well as, a scavenger for hydrogen sulfide and mercaptants.Get PDF Brochure for more Professional and Technical insights :However, taking some key challenges in mind, the global scenario for acrolein market is estimated to show a considerable change in the region wise economies accordingly. Acrolein production is currently dependent on the crude oil feedstocks. These feedstocks are not only used in energy production but, also in the petrochemical industry.. This has resulted in fluctuations in crude oil based propylene prices, uncertain glycerol availability and depletion of resources which are expected to hinder the growth of the acrolein market over the next few years.Sustainable approach is being taken by various regions to cope up with the problem of depleting crude oil sources estimated in the near future. Biobased glycerol is now being used as an alternative feedstock to produce acrolein, so as to minimize the dependency on natural resources. In addition, use of new catalysts is done to achieve better acrolein yields. Thus, biobased glycerol and catalyst markets are expected to improve during the forecast period, which can be considered as an opportunity for the regions with depleting oil sources.In terms of global demand, the U.S., Europe and Japan are at present the largest producers of Acrolein. Considering the intermediate chemicals sector, the U.S. is estimated to show a fast growth over the coming years, in terms of export and trade of acrolein, followed by Europe and Japan. China will be the leading importer owing to its constantly growing plastic markets. India, will be next in line from Asia Pacific region, due to its steadily rising paints and polymer markets. The U.S. is the largest importer of acrolein biocide, while the rest of Asia Pacific countries such as Indonesia, Vietnam have potential biocide markets. Indonesia, might lead in the South East Asia region due to low labour and manufacturing costs. Over the forecasted period, Europe is slated to show an overall decline as it has a matured market. Rest of the World is anticipated to show potential growth for the acrolein market, especially from countries such as Brazil, Saudi Arabia and Argentina among others. Demand in this region is owing to rise in demand from paints & coatings and polymer industry.Browse Market Research Report with ToC & Free Analysis :Some of the major players across the globe are Akzo Nobel N.V., The Dow Chemicals Company, Shanghai Huachen Energy Company, Ltd. and The Shell Oil Company.The report offers a comprehensive evaluation of the market. It does so via in-depth qualitative insights, historical data, and verifiable projections about market size. The projections featured in the report have been derived using proven research methodologies and assumptions. By doing so, the research report serves as a repository of analysis and information for every facet of the market, including but not limited to: Regional markets, technology, types, and applications.The study is a source of reliable data on:Market segments and sub-segmentsMarket trends and dynamicsSupply and demandMarket sizeCurrent trends/opportunities/challengesCompetitive landscapeTechnological breakthroughsValue chain and stakeholder analysisAbout UsTransparency Market Research (TMR) is a market intelligence company, providing global business information reports and services. Our exclusive blend of quantitative forecasting and trends analysis provides forward-looking insight for thousands of decision makers. TMR's experienced team of Analysts, Researchers, and Consultants, use proprietary data sources and various tools and techniques to gather and analyze information.Our data repository is continuously updated and revised by a team of research experts, so that it always reflects the latest trends and information. With a broad research and analysis capability, Transparency Market Research employs rigorous primary and secondary research techniques in developing distinctive data sets and research material for business reports.ContactTransparency Market Research90 State Street, Suite 700Albany, NY 12207Tel: +1-518-618-1030USA - Canada Toll Free: 866-552-3453Email: sales@transparencymarketresearch.comWebsite:Visit :
Commercial Telematics Market worth USD 55.14 billion and CAGR 18.0% by 2021,Globally

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Zion Research has published a new report titled Commercial Telematics (OEM Telematics, Aftermarket Telematics)Market for Insurance Telematics, Fleet / Asset Management, Satellite Navigation, Infotainment, Remote Alarm and Monitoring, Telehealth Solutions and others application : Global Industry Perspective, Comprehensive Analysis and Forecast, 2015 - 2021 . According to the report, global demand for commercial telematics market was valued at USD 20.42 billion in 2015, and is expected to generate revenue of USD 55.14 billion by end of 2021, growing at a CAGR of slightly above 18.0% between 2016 and 2021.Request for sample report visit atTelemetric is an interdisciplinary field that includes telecommunications, vehicular technologies, road transportation, road safety, electrical engineering and computer science. Commercial telematics market includes the telematics used by the light, medium and heavy commercial vehicles. Commercial telematics is preferably used in a variety of applications such as infotainment, insurance telematics, fleet/asset management, satellite navigation, telehealth solutions, and others like including emergency warning systems. OEM telematics and aftermarket telematics are two main types of commercial telematics.The global commercial telematics market is mainly driven by the increasing demand for connectivity, helping government rules & regulations and increasing application across various industries, mainly in the healthcare and insurance sector. Increasing market penetration of smart phones, reducing connectivity cost, accessibility of high-speed internet technologies is another driving factor that is expected to boost the commercial telematics market during the years to come. However, a high initial cost concerned in deploying telematics technology and lack of awareness is a major restraint that may slow down the growth of commercial telematics market. Furthermore, increasing digital insurance and integration of web & mobility is likely to open new opportunities for commercial telematics market in near future.Request for Customization Report @Based on types of commercial telematics, the market is segmented into OEM telematics and aftermarket telematics. Among two, the OEM telematics was one of the leading segment and it accounted for significant share of entire global commercial telematics market in 2015. Aftermarket telematics was another key outlet for embedded system market which is accounted for over 58% share of the total market.A range of application segments of commercial telematics market includes insurance telematics, fleet / asset management, satellite navigation, infotainment, remote alarm and monitoring, telehealth solutions and others. Fleet and asset management was leading segment in commercial telematics market and it accounted for over 28% market share of the total market in 2015. Fleet and asset management sector followed by insurance telematics and infotainment sector is also expected to show strong growth in the coming years.Know more before buying this report @Commercial telematics market can be segmented based on end-users into healthcare, construction, transportation and logistics, government and utilities, insurance, and manufacturing. Transportation and logistics emerged as the leading end-user segment by accounting for over 54% share of the global market in 2015. It is expected to grow at a significant rate during the forecast period. Insurance and healthcare are expected to witness the significant growth in the years to come. Government and utility segment is also expected to grow at the moderate rate in next few years.In terms of revenue, North America dominates the commercial telematics market. North America was followed by Europe and Asia-Pacific in the same year. Asia Pacific commercial telematics market is expected to grow at a moderate rate due to the rapidly growing number of automobiles sold in the region. Europe is expected to be the fastest growing region in next few years. Latin America and the Middle East & Africa is also expected to have moderate growth during the coming years.Browse detail report with in-depth TOC @Some of the key players in the commercial telematics market include AT&T, Verizon Communications Inc., MiX Telematics Ltd., Trimble Navigation Limited, TomTom, OnStar LLC., BMW, Verizon, and Telefonica.About UsZion Market Research is an obligated company. We create futuristic, cutting edge, informative reports ranging from industry reports, company reports to country reports. We provide our clients not only with market statistics unveiled by avowed private publishers and public organizations but also with vogue and newest industry reports along with pre-eminent and niche company profiles. Our database of market research reports comprises a wide variety of reports from cardinal industries. Our database is been updated constantly in order to fulfill our clients with prompt and direct online access to our database. Keeping in mind the clients needs, we have included expert insights on global industries, products, and market trends in this database. Last but not the least, we make it our duty to ensure the success of clients connected to usafter allif you do well, a little of the light shines on us.Contact US:Zion Market Research4283, Express Lane,Suite 634-143,Sarasota, Florida 34249, United StatesTel: +49-322 210 92714USA/Canada Toll-Free No.1-855-465-4651Email: sales@zionmarketresearch.comWebsite:
Flexible Electronics Market worth USD 16.50 billion and CAGR 21% by 2021,Globally

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Zion Research has published a new report titled Flexible Electronics Market By Components (Display, Battery, Sensors, and Memory) for Automotive, Consumer Electronics, Healthcare and Industrial Applications: Global Industry Perspective, Comprehensive Analysis and Forecast, 2015 - 2021. According to the report, global demand for flexible electronics market was valued at USD 5.13 billion in 2015 and is expected to generate revenue of USD 16.50 billion by end of 2021, growing at a CAGR of slightly above 21% between 2016 and 2021.Do request for sample report visit atFlexible electronics also known as flex circuits is a technology for assembling a flexible electronic device Flex circuits are often used as connectors in a variety of applications including flexibility, space savings, or production constraints, limit the serviceability of rigid circuit boards or hand wiring. A general application of flex electronics is in computer keyboards. Flexible electronic devices are lightweight & compact, ultra-thin, generate low heat and consume little energy.The flexible electronics market is primarily driven by individual features of flexible circuits and increasing consumer goods industry. The global flexible electronics market is expected to show rapid growth due to the continuous technological development and high demand in consumer electronics market. Moreover, Consumer electronic devices like smart watches, smart glasses, smartphones, e-books, and e-papers are creating demand for flexible electronics devices. However, increasing competition from newest technologies such as printed electronics LCD, LED, etc. may limit the flexible electronics market growth. Nonetheless, high penetration in multiple applications such as military, digital signage & energy harvesting applications is expected to open new growth avenues for the market.Request for Customization Report @Based on components, the global flexible electronics market is segmented into displays, battery, sensors and memory. Display component segment dominated the flexible electronics market in terms of revenue and accounted for over 48% share of the overall market in 2015. The battery segment is expected to witness moderate growth rate over the forecast period.Some of the key application segment in flexible electronics market includes automotive, consumer electronics, healthcare and industrial applications. Consumer electronics segment dominated the flexible electronics market in 2015, which accounted for 52% market share of the total market. It is expected to grow at a significant rate over the next few years. Healthcare segment is expected to witness a steady growth during the forecast period. The automotive and industrial segment is also expected to grow at substantially over the next few years.Know more before buying this report @In terms of geography, North America is one of the largest markets for flexible electronic in the world and accounted for over 28% share of the total market in 2015. Europe is also expected grow at a moderate rate in the years to come. Moreover, Asia-Pacific is expected to witness the fastest growth during the forecast period.Some of the key players in the flexible electronic market include Samsung, Pragmatic Printing Ltd., PARC, Thinfilm Electronics ASA, Solar Frontier K.K., LG Corporation, 3M, Multi-Fineline Electronix, Inc., and Cymbet Corporation, Inc.Browse detail report with in-depth TOC @About UsZion Market Research is an obligated company. We create futuristic, cutting edge, informative reports ranging from industry reports, company reports to country reports. We provide our clients not only with market statistics unveiled by avowed private publishers and public organizations but also with vogue and newest industry reports along with pre-eminent and niche company profiles. Our database of market research reports comprises a wide variety of reports from cardinal industries. Our database is been updated constantly in order to fulfill our clients with prompt and direct online access to our database. Keeping in mind the clients needs, we have included expert insights on global industries, products, and market trends in this database. Last but not the least, we make it our duty to ensure the success of clients connected to usafter allif you do well, a little of the light shines on us.Contact US:Zion Market Research4283, Express Lane,Suite 634-143,Sarasota, Florida 34249, United StatesTel: +49-322 210 92714USA/Canada Toll-Free No.1-855-465-4651Email: sales@zionmarketresearch.comWebsite:
Global Industrial IoT Market to grow at a CAGR of 26.56% over Forecast period 2015-2019

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ResearchMoz added Latest Research Report titled " Global Industrial IoT Market 2015-2019: Worldwide Market Size, Shares, Trends, Growth, Survey and Forecast report " to it's Large Report database.Industrial IoT, also called as Industrial Internet or Industry 4.0, is a network of physical devices, sensors, and machines connected to the Internet for effective communication of data. It helps in monitoring and controlling industrial operations from a remote location. Advanced analytics is applied to the vast amount of data generated by connected devices that help in making intelligent decisions with powerful insights. Industrial IoT helps enterprises to reduce unplanned downtime, improve machine efficiency, optimize business processes, and improve working environment.The global industrial IoT market to grow at a CAGR of 26.56% over the period 2014-2019. The report includes the present scenario and the growth prospects of the global industrial IoT market for the period 2015-2019. The market can be segmented into four end-user segments: manufacturing, energy and utilities, automotive and transportation, and healthcare.Technavio's report, Global Industrial IoT Market 2015-2019, has been prepared based on an in-depth market analysis with inputs from industry experts. The report covers the Americas, APAC, and EMEA; it also covers the landscape of the market and its growth prospects in the coming years. The report includes a discussion of the key vendors operating in this market.Get a Sample Research PDF with TOC:Key regions- Americas- APAC- EMEAKey vendors- AT&T- Cisco- GE- IBM- Intel- QualcommOther prominent vendors- Accenture- Amazon Web Services- ARM Holdings- Atmel- Atos- Bosch Software Innovations- Broadcom- Digi International- CSC- CTS- Dell- Echelon- Ericsson- Freescale SemiconductorEnquiry at:Key Questions Answered in this Report- What will the market size be in 2019 and what will the growth rate be?- What are the key market trends?- What is driving this market?- What are the challenges to market growth?- Who are the key vendors in this market space?- What are the market opportunities and threats faced by the key vendors?- What are the strengths and weaknesses of the key vendors?ResearchMoz is the worlds fastest growing collection of market research reports worldwide. Our database is composed of current market studies from over 100 featured publishers worldwide. Our market research databases integrate statistics with analysis from global, regional, country and company perspectives. ResearchMozs service portfolio also includes value-added services such as market research customization, competitive landscaping, and in-depth surveys, delivered by a team of experienced Research Coordinators.Albany NY - 12207United StatesTel: +1-518-621-2074Tel: 866-997-4948 (Us-Canada Toll Free)Email: sales@researchmoz.usFollow us on LinkedIn at:
Global Vegetable Fats Market: Internet Retailing Gaining Momentum, finds TMR

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The global market for vegetable fats is primarily driven by the growing demand for high quality oils and fats as well as the changing consumption habits of consumers, finds Transparency Market Research (TMR) in a recent study. The report is titled, Vegetable Fats Market - Global Industry Analysis, Size, Share, Growth, Trends and Forecast 20162024. The key finding of the report is that the awareness among end consumers regarding the benefits of vegetable fats over animal fats is on the rise.View exclusive Global strategic Business report :Moreover, internet retailing is gaining momentum, especially in emerging economies such as China, India, and Brazil. This factor is further fueling the market. The report evaluates the impact of each of these factors, and projects a healthy growth rate in the global market for vegetable fats during the forecast period of 2016 to 2024.The report notes that vegetable fats are gaining popularity because they are healthy, provided they are available as unsaturated fats. The consumption of foods made with vegetable fats keeps the heart healthy as it improves cholesterol levels. Some of the foods that are rich in vegetable fats are olives, avocados, peanut butter, nuts, and seeds. Oils rich in vegetable fats include olive oils, sunflower oil, and safflower oil.To offer a clear understanding of the global market for vegetable fats, this TMR report divides it into important segments based on type, application, source, and geography. By type, the market can been segmented into monounsaturated fat, polyunsaturated fats, and trans fats. Since polyunsaturated fats are essential for the human body and yet cannot be self-synthesized, the report notes that the market for this segment has always been most prominent and will continue to dominate the demand during the forecast period.By application, the market can been segmented into bakery, savory and snacks, confectioneries, spreads, dairy, and animal feed. The report notes that trans fat is primarily used in snacks for its preservative benefits. However, rising awareness among end users about the property of trans fat in increasing harmful low density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol in the bloodstream has been highlighted as a restraining factor for this segment as well as the overall vegetable fats market. Sources of vegetable fats include seed oils and leaves. Majority of vegetable fats are derived from seeds via processes of rendering, grinding, and others.Browse Full Report With ToC:To present a visual outlook of the market valuation and demand, this report divides the global market for vegetable fats into North America, Latin America, Western and Eastern Europe, Asia Pacific, and the Middle East and Africa. The report notes that Asia Pacific, with a vast population, is the leading market for vegetable fats. China, followed by India, is the leading country as far as the consumption of packaged food is concerned.Some of the key players identified across the value chain of the global vegetable fats market are Cargill, Inc., The J.M. Smucker Company, Wilmar International Ltd., Unilever Group, Archer Daniels Midland Company, ConAgra Foods, Inc., J- Oil Mills Inc., Nestle SA, and AAK AB.About UsTransparency Market Research (TMR) is a market intelligence company, providing global business information reports and services. Our exclusive blend of quantitative forecasting and trends analysis provides forward-looking insight for thousands of decision makers. TMRs experienced team of analysts, researchers, and consultants, use proprietary data sources and various tools and techniques to gather, and analyze information. Our business offerings represent the latest and the most reliable information indispensable for businesses to sustain a competitive edge.ContactTransparency Market Research90 State Street, Suite 700Albany, NY 12207Tel: +1-518-618-1030USA - Canada Toll Free: 866-552-3453Email: sales@transparencymarketresearch.comWebsite:
Logistics Outsourcing Market Analysis, Segments, Growth and Value Chain 2014-2020

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Logistics outsourcing, most commonly known as third-party logistics is a process or operation of sub-contracting industrial functions like cross-docking, inventory keeping, warehousing and transportation to a third party or supply chain management provider. Third party logistics providers include raw material suppliers, distributors and other value-added service providers. These services are generally integrated and used together to provide end-user convenience. The decision for outsourcing logistics by a parent company is generally dependent on company size, complication of logistics and relative economic benefits of outsourcing.Logistics outsourcing includes contracting of material management, supply chain management, distribution management, shipment packaging and channel management. E-business web portals and stores are in extensive need of on-clock dispatch and delivery services offered by outsourced logistics providers. The advantages associated with the logistics outsourcing market are  improvement of suppliers capability due to the use of information technology, specialization of operation, focus on core competencies and uniform growth. However, lack of monitoring control over logistics and risks associated with vendor reliability are some of the drawbacks of this market.Request Free Report Sample@Regions across the globe with an attractive logistics outsourcing market, in terms of contract logistics, include North America and Southeast Asia. RoW (Rest of the World) is showing growth in inter-regional logistics. Major factors driving the development of logistics outsourcing market are globalization, time-proportional economy, presence of virtual organizations, improved customer awareness, strategic concerns to achieve more flexibility and better IT infrastructural support. On the other hand, loss of logistics, poor transportation, local protection regulations and lack of post-outsourcing measurements are some of the factors hampering growth of this market.The global logistics outsourcing market is segmented on the basis of service type, transport media used and geography. The market can vary in service type as simple service, combined service, consulting service and value-added service. On the basis of transport media used to handle logistics, it can be classified into air freight, ocean carriers, railways and trucking. The market can be categorised on the basis of geography into North America, Latin America, Asia-Pacific, Japan, Western Europe, Eastern Europe and Middle East & Africa.Globalized product availability, demand for product individualization in terms of logistics, on-time delivery, just-in-time inventory, agility in time response transport, big data analytics and atomization of shipment are some of the global market trends guided by technological innovations like remote tracking and monitoring using RFID tags and EDI-based location of the shipment. Analytics based on big data is providing better accuracy of frequency of tasks and decision-making capabilities. There is a continuous insourcing trend by online retailers (like Amazon.com) for inventory so as to be more cost-effective and unified in terms of operations, and to emphasize on outsourcing for end-product transportation services only. These technological up gradations continuously enhance services provided by outsourced logistics providers.Visit For TOC@Exel Logistics (U.K.), Menlo Worldwide Logistics (U.S.), FedEx (U.S.), Ryder Logistics (U.S.) and Tibbett and Britten (U.K.) are some of the key outsourced logistics providers. These companies have a wide global presence and provide multi-sector services. They are continuously trying to reach influential market and customers by means of removing bottlenecks related to international shipments and reducing cost through geographical spread of inventory. The market in Asia-Pacific region shows a steady and consistent growth through service innovations by companies, so as to attract economic customers. The companies need to shift their focus from integrated services to offering broad range of products & services portfolio. With more focus on growing B2C sector, the scope for logistics outsourcing will extend towards value-added and specialized services.About Us  Future Market Insights is the premier provider of market intelligence and consulting services, serving clients in over 150 countries. FMI is headquartered in London, the global financial capital, and has delivery centers in the U.S. and India.Contact Us:Future Market Insights616 Corporate Way,Suite 2-9018,Valley Cottage,New York 10989,United StatesTel: +1-347-918-3531Fax: +1-845-579-5705Email: sales@futuremarketinsights.comWebsite:
Luxury Products for Kids Market Revenue, Opportunity, Forecast and Value Chain 2014-2020

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Luxury goods comprises of products such as accessories, footwear, apparel, watches and others which are quite expensive and target those consumers who belongs to premium class. The market for luxury goods consist of three types of end consumers, which includes kids lying between the age of 0-12 years, teenagers belonging to the age group of 13 to 19 years and the rest lies in adult group.Whereaskidsare concerned they are the smallest consumer group. Although being a smaller consumer group, the luxury products market for kids is experiencing tremendous growth in recent years due to changing consumer lifestyle and availability of the product. It is expected that spend on luxury shopping by consumers will grow by 25% in 2015. Luxury products for kids market is associated with higher margin as compared to adults luxury products segment. It has been found that babysluxury product accounted for more than 7.2% market share of luxury market in 2014. Luxury product market highly depends upon thefactors such as attractivemarketing, promotion techniques and proper distribution channel.Luxury products market for kids can be broadly segmented on the basis of product type, distribution channel and geographies. On the basis of product types it can be subsegmented into accessories, apparels and footwear. Among all these sub segments apparel market is expected to account for highest market share followed by footwear sub segment. The growth of apparel segment is fuelled by the frequently changing fashion and continuous need for new clothing for growing children. In 2014, U.S. and European market account for the most dominating market for apparel.Request Free Report Sample@The market for luxury baby product also depends upon the mode of distribution channel used for offering products to the consumers. The mode of Distribution channel is segmented into retail outlets, sell out through internet, companys brand outlet and others. Among all these distribution channel online retailing is expected to be most preferred mode for distribution in the forecasted period. This ishis is due to consumer convenience preferences and availability of the products at lower price. Furthermore, the second most preferred mode is expected to be the companys brand retail outlets as they provide better offerings at less price.Furthermore, the luxury products market for kids inAsia pacific is expected to account for fastest CAGR in the forecasted period as compared to other regions. This is because the growth in luxury expenditure is expected to increase by 40% by 2020.In addition, countries such as Malaysia, Thailand and Singapore and are expected to contribute a significant share to overall Asia Pacific luxury products market for kids. Whereas, spending from China is expected to witness a fastest growth in Asia Pacific.It is predicted to boost the customer base and prominent contributor in the revenue of global luxury products market for kids.Moreover, presently North America and Western Europe dominate the total luxury products market for kids due to high purchasing power of consumers. These regions are expected to witness a slow growth as compared to the growth exhibited by countries in Asia Pacific.The key factors driving the growth of luxury products market for kids includes continuous innovation in products sub segments, rising disposable income, changing consumer lifestyle, awareness of products through internet and social media, improving countries economy, influence of the consumers through their peers, friends or neighbours, and others .However, there are some restraining factors which are affecting the growth for luxury products market for kids which include the expensive price range for consumers in emerging markets and less product variants availability across the distribution channel. Moreover, internet being a prominent medium for distribution of the luxury goods is expected to witness low adoption among the consumers in emerging markets. Thisis due to less internet penetration in these markets.Send An Enquiry@Initially the market for luxury baby products was dominated by specialty retailers such as Childrens Place The Walt Disney Company, Mothercare plc, The Gymboree Corporation and others. However, with the increase in premium consumers leading to a shift in consumer buying behavior, due to this various companies have entered the market which includes GAPInc, J Crew Group, Inc, DKNY, Gucci Group, Diesel,Dolce &Gabbana, United Colors of Benetton, Jack & Jill clothing Inc,Giorgio Armani S.p.A, BLOCH, Burberry Group plc, Converse, Christian Dior S.A, FENDI and othersAbout Us  Future Market Insights is the premier provider of market intelligence and consulting services, serving clients in over 150 countries. FMI is headquartered in London, the global financial capital, and has delivery centers in the U.S. and India.Contact Us:Future Market Insights616 Corporate Way,Suite 2-9018,Valley Cottage,New York 10989,United StatesTel: +1-347-918-3531Fax: +1-845-579-5705Email: sales@futuremarketinsights.comWebsite:
Software Defined Radio (SDR) Market Growth, Trends, Absolute Opportunity and Value Chain 2014-2020

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With the evolution of digital electronics the radio market and communication technologies have evolved a lot. Though the concept of software defined radio (SDR) is not new, in the recent years, this market has undergone many changes in terms of technology and uses. SDR is a type of radio communication system where communication is carried out by the use of software on embedded system or personal computer instead of implementing hardware such as filters, amplifiers, mixers, detectors, demodulators and modulators, among others. SDR are capable of transmitting and receiving a wide spectrum of frequency. When the data from a source is converted into digital format, the remaining activities involved in radio communications are carried out with the help of software driven automated functions.Request Free Report Sample@SDR optimizes the tactical information system as embedded software used in SDR helps in the dynamic selection of the communication channel. The number of digital service users is increasing resulting into the improved adoption rate of software defined radio. Public safety, military and commercial use are the three major end-use applications of SDR systems. The demand for SDRs in expected to increase in coming years owing to efficiency and cost effectiveness offered by them. The industry has undergone transformation from analog to digital. Thus, the advance capabilities of digital radio are expected to drive the growth of SDR market. Multiple regulations govern the SDR market and this affects the market growth and trends. For instance, the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) legally created a newer class for equipment of SDRs that had streamlined equipment authorization procedure.Military modernization programs being carried out by several countries such as South Korea, India, Germany, Japan and the U.S and the interoperability provided by SDR are major driving forces for SDR market. The issues faced in the integration of the various sub systems pose a challenge to the SDR market. Further, the development of software platforms, technologies and tools, which allow flexible specification, design and implementation of radio systems, is another significant challenge. Players in software defined radio market have potential opportunity in technical advancements of SDR technology such as resolving the problem of frequency congestion, wide frequency range (spectrum) and improved broadcasting services in future.Software defined radio market is segmented on the basis of type, end-user application and geography. On the basis of type of SDR, the market is segmented into ideal software defined radio, baseband software defined radio (BBSDR) and high frequency software defined radio (HFSDR). On the basis of end-user industry, SDR market is segmented into defense industry, telecom industry, manufacturing plants, public safety vendors and personal use. U.S. Canada, Japan, France, Brazil, South Korea, India, Germany and Italy have emerged as the leading countries for software defined radio market.Visit For TOC@Some of the key vendors in software defined radio market are BAE Systems PLC, Elbit Systems Ltd., IndraSistemas, L3 Communications Corporation, Raytheon Co., Rohde & Schwarz GmbH & Co KG, Thales Group, Viasat Incorporated, SAAB AB, Rockwell Collins, Northrop Grumman Corp., ITT Corporation, Harris Corporation and Datasoft Corporation, among others.About Us  Future Market Insights is the premier provider of market intelligence and consulting services, serving clients in over 150 countries. FMI is headquartered in London, the global financial capital, and has delivery centers in the U.S. and India.Contact Us:Future Market Insights616 Corporate Way,Suite 2-9018,Valley Cottage,New York 10989,United StatesTel: +1-347-918-3531Fax: +1-845-579-5705Email: sales@futuremarketinsights.comWebsite:
Market for Automotive Switch Will Continue to Grow by 2022

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The ever increasing global automobile market and the growing adoption of automotive switches in the operating systems of vehicles is the major driving factor for the global automotive switch market. Also the technological advancements in the automobiles in terms of electronics systems and electrifications is making the use of automotive switch more common in vehicles. The ease of operating the different functions during driving through automotive switches, and the illuminating nature of automotive switch that makes it easy to locate are bolstering the growth of global automotive switch market.Request for Sample Copy@However, luxury car manufacturers are incorporating screen touch panels in their vehicles for different electronics operations that can hamper the global automotive switch market. Also after a prolonged use of automotive switches their service starts deteriorating and delays the operations that can again slowdown the automotive switch market.The global automotive switch market can be divided into seven regions, namely North America, Latin America, Western Europe, Eastern Europe, Asia Pacific, Japan and Middle East and Africa. Europe is the dominant region in the global automotive switch market owing to the ever increasing automobile market in this region. Asia Pacific is the second major contributor in the automotive switch market due to the automobile giants such as Maruti, Hero and other companies. The companies such as General Motors, Ford are having a significant contribution in the global automobile market making North America a considerable player in the global automotive switch market. Japan is technologically advanced country in terms of automotive markets and so the technology of automotive switches is very common in this country. Latin America and Middle East and Africa are at a nascent stage in the automotive switch market but is anticipated to have a modest CAGR in the forecasted period.The research report presents a comprehensive assessment of the market and contains thoughtful insights, facts, historical data, and statistically supported and industry-validated market data. It also contains projections using a suitable set of assumptions and methodologies. The research report provides analysis and information according to market segments such as geography, technology and applications.Request for Table of Content@The report is a compilation of first-hand information, qualitative and quantitative assessment by industry analysts, inputs from industry experts and industry participants across the value chain. The report provides in-depth analysis of parent market trends, macro-economic indicators and governing factors along with market attractiveness as per segments. The report also maps the qualitative impact of various market factors on market segments and geographies.About UsPersistence Market Research (PMR) is a third-platform research firm. Our research model is a unique collaboration of data analytics and market research methodology to help businesses achieve optimal performance.To support companies in overcoming complex business challenges, we follow a multi-disciplinary approach. At PMR, we unite various data streams from multi-dimensional sources. By deploying real-time data collection, big data, and customer experience analytics, we deliver business intelligence for organizations of all sizes.ContactPersistence Market Research305 Broadway7th Floor, New York City,NY 10007, United States,USA - Canada Toll Free: 800-961-0353Email: sales@persistencemarketresearch.com
Market for Motorcycle Accessories Will Continue to Grow by 2026

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Perpetual growth in motor cycle sales coupled with new variants of motor cycle introduced by manufacturers catalyzed the growth of motorcycle accessories market, which grew at a CAGR of over 4% in past five years. Expansion of European and American motorcycle manufacturers in emerging markets also contributed to the demand for motorcycle accessories. Technology advancement led to wider adoption of accessories across target customer base.Request for Sample Copy@Increasing consumers demand for motorcycle is one of the factor fuelling the demand for motorcycle accessories. Furthermore, development of cost effective combustible engines along with increasing popularity of motorcycles among youths is expected to boost overall sales of motorcycle accessories worldwide. Worldwide sales of motorcycle in the developed as well as developing countries is projected to augment the demand for motorcycle accessories over the forecast period. With more manufactures focusing on technology and product development, the demand for motorcycle accessories is expected to showcase a promising future throughout the forecast period. Consumers preference for aftermarket can hinder the sales for OEM (Original Equipment Market), as is one of the big challenge for the growth of the motorcycle accessories market.By region wise, the global motorcycle accessories market has been divided in to seven key regions including North America, Latin America, Eastern Europe, Western Europe, Asia-Pacific excluding Japan, Middle East & Africa and Japan. The global motorcycle accessories market is expected to register healthy CAGR during the forecast period. Asia pacific is expected to dominate motorcycle accessories market throughout the forecast period. Significant presence of accessories along with substantial rise in overall consumer spending is expected to drive the demand for motorcycle accessories market in the region. Next, North America and Europe are expected to create substantial demand for motorcycle accessories market. In Latin America and Middle East & Africa is expected to grow at a subdued rate owing to low consumer spending.Some of the Key players operating into the global motorcycle accessories market are Akropovic, Bajaj Auto Limited, Suzuki, Honda Motor Company Limited, KTM Company, Loncin Motorcycle, Ducati Motor Holding S.p.A, Hero Motocorp Limited, Chongqing Lifan Industry (Group) Company Limited.Request for Table of Content@The research report presents a comprehensive assessment of the market and contains thoughtful insights, facts, historical data, and statistically supported and industry-validated market data. It also contains projections using a suitable set of assumptions and methodologies. The research report provides analysis and information according to market segments such as geography, technology and applications.About UsPersistence Market Research (PMR) is a third-platform research firm. Our research model is a unique collaboration of data analytics and market research methodology to help businesses achieve optimal performance.To support companies in overcoming complex business challenges, we follow a multi-disciplinary approach. At PMR, we unite various data streams from multi-dimensional sources. By deploying real-time data collection, big data, and customer experience analytics, we deliver business intelligence for organizations of all sizes.ContactPersistence Market Research305 Broadway7th Floor, New York City,NY 10007, United States,USA - Canada Toll Free: 800-961-0353Email: sales@persistencemarketresearch.com
Gum, Mint and Breath Fresheners Market : The gum and mint which comes with low-sugar or low calorie options, 2020

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On the basis of different product categories the global gum, mint and breath fresheners market are segmented in three broad categories namely sugarless gum, regular gum, breath fresheners and candy mints.Request for Sample Report @Gum bases (natural or artificial) mixed with sugar, food ingredients and other flavoring which can be consumed are calls chewing gums, bubble gum or simply gums. It is elastic and cohesive materials intended for chewing but not swallowing. Both mint and gums is chemotherapeutic agent used as breath fresheners.Gum, mint, and breath freshener which comes with functional ingredients such as caffeine, ginseng and guarana are driving the global mint, gum, and breathe fresheners market. The gum and mint which comes with low-sugar or low calorie options are gaining popularity among the baby-boomers and health conscious consumers. Moreover Introduction advances packaging materials and design such as flip-top base packaging, and sliding door type packagings has helped the overall market of gum, mint and breathe fresheners in recent years.North America is the largest market for gum, mint and breathes fresheners followed by Europe and Asia Pacific. The market in North America is mainly driven by increase consumption of breath fresheners by smokers and alcohol consumers who often uses breath fresheners post smoking or drinking. The market is witnessing highest growth in Asia Pacific the changing eating habits and westernisation in this region has led to increase demand of functional gum, mint and breathe fresheners. The U.S. is the largest market for mint, gum, and breath fresheners in North America.Japan, China and India are some of the dominant regional market of gum, mint and breathe fresheners in Asia Pacific.Request for TOC @Some of the leading companies operating in global gum, mint and breath fresheners market include, Wrigley Company, Cadbury Trebor Basset, lotte, Ferndale Confectionery Pty Ltd., Kraft Foods Inc., Haribo GmbH & Co. Kg, Leaf Holland B.V., Perfetti Van Melle, Mars Incorporated,The Hershey Company, ZED GUM and The Wm. Wrigley Jr. Company.About UsPersistence Market Research (PMR) is a full-service market intelligence firm specializing in syndicated research, custom research, and consulting services. PMR boasts market research expertise across the Healthcare, Chemicals and Materials, Technology and Media, Energy and Mining, Food and Beverages, Semiconductor and Electronics, Consumer Goods, and Shipping and Transportation industries. The company draws from its multi-disciplinary capabilities and high-pedigree team of analysts to share data that precisely corresponds to clients business needs.PMR stands committed to bringing more accuracy and speed to clients business decisions. From ready-to-purchase market research reports to customized research solutions, PMRs engagement models are highly flexible without compromising on its deep-seated research values.Contact UsPersistence Market Research305 Broadway7th Floor, New York City,NY 10007, United States,USA - Canada Toll Free: 800-961-0353Email: sales@persistencemarketresearch.commedia@persistencemarketresearch.comWeb:
Pipeline Analysis of Hospital Acquired Pneumonia Drugs Market - Global Overview 2020

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http://www.transparencymarketresearch.com/hospital-acquired-pneumonia-drugs.html

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https://tmrresearch.blogspot.com/

Only a handful of players could establish a stronghold in the global hospital acquired pneumonia drugs market. Fierce competition exists between them and to gain an edge over rivals, these companies often resort to strategic mergers, states Transparency Market Research (TMR) in a new report. The dominant players in the market are constantly competing for the acquisition of the product pipeline, which holds promise for most profit across diverse therapeutic areas.Get Sample Research Report:Zosyn, a drug manufactured by Pfizer in 1996 is one of the most popular drugs in the market administered in the treatment of hospital acquired pneumonia. Zyvox, another drug created by Pfizer earned a revenue of US$1.3 bn in 2013. Recently, Pfizer and Teva Pharmaceuticals have agreed to a licensing deal as per which the latter is given the right to commercialize generic linezolid injections. Besides these enterprises, Durata Therapeutics, Cunicin, and Merck also hold a strong position in hospital acquired pneumonia drugs pipeline.According to TMR, six drugs in phase III is projected to cumulatively generate about US$3.8 bn by the end of 2020. Among the phase III candidates, ceftolozane/tazobactam is expected to hold the dominant market share of 23% by value, before 2020 ends.Demand for Medications to Rise in Developing Countries Due to High Prevalence of DiseaseAccording to a report published by the World Health Organization (WHO), the prevalence of nosocomial or hospital acquired infection is approximately 7.1% in European countries as against 4.5% in the U.S. The number however shoots rapidly in case of developing nations, which reported a sizeable 19.1% prevalence of nosocomial infections. Due to such high prevalence, the demand for hospital acquired pneumonia drugs is expected to remain high across the developing economies of Asia Pacific.With Drug Resistance Reaching Crisis Levels, Hospital Acquired Pneumonia Drugs Pipeline Expected to Gain MomentumAccording to an article published by Los Angeles Biomedical Research Institute in their journal, titled Antimicrobial Agents and Chemo, drug resistance among patients of hospital acquired infections has reached crisis levels. This article contains results shows increasing resistance to conventional drugs. Hence the growth of the microorganisms that leads to infections such as pneumonia in hospital premises is increasing. The situation demands effective medications, thus boosting prospects for the hospital acquired pneumonia drug pipeline.Inefficient sterilization and unhygienic hospital conditions across middle and low-income countries are increasing the prevalence of hospital acquired infections. This is also creating considerable growth opportunities for the market.Stringent Government Policies Could Inhibit Markets GrowthOn the flip side, several stringent policies adopted by governments are acting as restraints for the market. The Centers of Medicare and Medicaid Services announced its plans to reduce medical reimbursements in 2014. Furthermore, a new program launched by federal agency called Hospital Acquired Conditions (HAC) Reduction Program, grades hospitals on the basis of patient safety. With governments around the world toughening their stands with regards to scrutinizing hospitals, the hospital acquired pneumonia drugs pipeline will have to cater to various regulations before the final approval. This may inhibit the markets growth to an extent.Nevertheless, the TMR report forecasts promising future for vaccines in the hospital acquired pneumonia market. Furthermore, potential for research in vaccine development for causative agents besides S. pneumonia also holds significant opportunities for the markets growth in the near future.Browse Research Report on Global Hospital Acquired Pneumonia Drugs Market :About UsTransparency Market Research (TMR) is a market intelligence company, providing global business information reports and services. Our exclusive blend of quantitative forecasting and trends analysis provides forward-looking insight for thousands of decision makers. We have an experienced team of Analysts, Researchers, and Consultants, who us e proprietary data sources and various tools and techniques to gather, and analyze information. Our business offerings represent the latest and the most reliable information indispensable for businesses to sustain a competitive edge.ContactTransparency Market Research90 State Street, Suite 700USA - Canada Toll Free: 866-552-3453Email: sales@transparencymarketresearch.comWebsite:Browse market research blog:
North America Pet Food Market: Bags are the most commonly packaging type used for pet food in the U.S, 2020

Pet Food Market, Pet Food, North America Pet Food Market, North America Pet Food, U.S Pet Food

http://www.persistencemarketresearch.com/samples/3395

http://www.persistencemarketresearch.com/toc/3395

www.persistencemarketresearch.com

Pet foods are mainly sold in pet stores and supermarkets. Pet foods are mainly packaged in boxes or cartons, cans, pouches, bags and others. Bags are the most commonly packaging type used for pet food in the U.S. In the U.S. quality of pet food is regulated by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) and the Federal Trade Commission (FTC). Pet food market can be segmented into pet type: cat food, dog food and others. On the basis of food type pet food market can be segmented into: Nutritious food, dry food, wet or canned food and snacks or treats and others. Cat food and dog food represent the largest category of the U.S. pet food market. Dry food is the largest segment of pet food market followed by snacks or treats.Request for Sample Report @North America has largest pet food market and an impressive pet population. According to The US National Council on Pet Population Study and Policy, in 2013, around 83.3 million dogs and 95.6 million cats owned by US households and this figure will increase over the forecasted period.Development of functional food to address specific health needs of pets. The introduction of functional pet food has also affected the packaging of the pet food. By new packaging material and shapes, pet food manufacturers tries to convey the premium nature of the product through new package design. With the result of this plastic containers and laminates are becoming more popular. Now the moist food is packaged in retort pouches or plastic trays with peelable lids instead of metal cans. The factor like this will boost the pet food market.North America continued its dominant position in the global pet food market. U.S. represents the largest market for pet food in the North America region. Increasing pet humanization, increase in pet ownership, emergence of private label store brands and growing urbanization are some of the major driving force that are propelling the growth of North America pet food market. Due to the increase in pet humanization, pet owners become more concerned about the food their pet eats. Due to the pet humanization major changes can be seen in the pet food production and packaging.Request for TOC @Some of the major companies operating in the North American pet food market include Nestle, Proctor & Gamble Co., Del Monte Foods Co and Mars Inc.About UsPersistence Market Research (PMR) is a full-service market intelligence firm specializing in syndicated research, custom research, and consulting services. PMR boasts market research expertise across the Healthcare, Chemicals and Materials, Technology and Media, Energy and Mining, Food and Beverages, Semiconductor and Electronics, Consumer Goods, and Shipping and Transportation industries. The company draws from its multi-disciplinary capabilities and high-pedigree team of analysts to share data that precisely corresponds to clients business needs.PMR stands committed to bringing more accuracy and speed to clients business decisions. From ready-to-purchase market research reports to customized research solutions, PMRs engagement models are highly flexible without compromising on its deep-seated research values.Contact UsPersistence Market Research305 Broadway7th Floor, New York City,NY 10007, United States,USA - Canada Toll Free: 800-961-0353Email: sales@persistencemarketresearch.commedia@persistencemarketresearch.comWeb:
Sodium Reduction Ingredients Market is Expected to Witness a Steady Growth by 2020  Persistence Market Research Study

Sodium Reduction Ingredients Market, Sodium Reduction Ingredients, Sodium Reduction Market

http://www.persistencemarketresearch.com/samples/3397

http://www.persistencemarketresearch.com/toc/3397

Sodium is an essential nutrient that our body requires for proper functioning. However, excess amount of sodium intake can lead to high blood pressure (hypertension). High blood pressure can lead to stokes, heart and kidney diseases. According to Federal, Provincial and Territorial (FPT) governments people in Canada eat more than required amount of sodium, almost double than what our body requires. Average sodium requirement of the body for proper functioning is 2300 mg of sodium per day.Request for Sample Report @Sodium reduction is reduction of salt content from the food products. Sodium reduction ingredients are used for reducing salt content from the food products either by replacing the salt from the food or partially reducing the excess salt from the food products. Sodium reducing ingredients plays vital role in food additives industry.On the bases of sodium reducing capacity global sodium reduction ingredients market can be bifurcated into amino acids, mineral salts, yeast and other. Mineral salts have the largest market share for sodium reduction ingredients, and are expected to dominate the market in the forecasted period. Sodium reduction ingredients are majorly applied in the food and beverage industry. Other major applications include dairy, frozen food, bakery and confectionary, meat products, sauces, seasonings and snacks.Increasing demand for health nutrition food products paired with rising consumer awareness about harmful effects of excess sodium intake is driving the global sodium reduction ingredients market. Additionally, government and private company intervention to increase public awareness about the harmful effect of excess sodium intake is also expected to drive the global sodium reduction ingredients market. Also, rising demand for processed food (contain salt more than any other food products) by the customer in the developed and developing region is further expected to increase the demand for sodium reduction ingredients to some extent.North America has the largest market share for sodium reduction ingredients, followed by Europe and Asia Pacific. Global sodium reduction ingredients market is expected to witness double digit growth in the forecasted period. North America is expected to maintain its dominance in the forecasted period owing to increased domestic consumption of processed food in the U.S. However, European region is expected to witness highest growth in the coming future followed by Asia Pacific.Request for TOC @Changing consumer consumption trends towards healthy nutritious food products showing increased product penetration and purchasing power of individual. This is providing opportunity to the market players to invest in this market. Some of the major companies operating in the sodium reduction ingredients market are Cargill Inc., Kerry Group Plc., Cambrian Solutions Inc., Advanced Food Systems Inc., Dupont, Angel Yeast, Koninklijke DSM N.V., Carbery, Innophos Holdings Inc., and Givaudan SAAbout UsPersistence Market Research (PMR) is a full-service market intelligence firm specializing in syndicated research, custom research, and consulting services. PMR boasts market research expertise across the Healthcare, Chemicals and Materials, Technology and Media, Energy and Mining, Food and Beverages, Semiconductor and Electronics, Consumer Goods, and Shipping and Transportation industries. The company draws from its multi-disciplinary capabilities and high-pedigree team of analysts to share data that precisely corresponds to clients business needs.PMR stands committed to bringing more accuracy and speed to clients business decisions. From ready-to-purchase market research reports to customized research solutions, PMRs engagement models are highly flexible without compromising on its deep-seated research values.Contact UsPersistence Market Research305 Broadway7th Floor, New York City,NY 10007, United States,USA - Canada Toll Free: 800-961-0353Email: sales@persistencemarketresearch.commedia@persistencemarketresearch.com
Electric Guitars Market - Global Industry Analysis, Size, Share, Growth, Trends, and Forecast 2016 - 2024

http://www.transparencymarketresearch.com/sample/sample.php?flag=B&rep_id=11948

http://www.transparencymarketresearch.com/electric-guitars-market.html

http://www.transparencymarketresearch.com

Global Electric Guitars Market: OverviewElectric guitars are a type of guitars in which strumming the strings themselves is not the primary source of the sound. Rather, the vibrations caused by the movement of the strings are captured and magnified electronically in order to produce a louder output. The sound of an electric guitar can also be electrically modified, since an electrical representation of the vibration of the string is produced in electric guitars. This can then be modulated with the help of dials and other controls on the electric guitar as well as pedals. This is the primary factor distinguishing electric guitars from acoustic guitars; the sound produced by the latter comes directly from the vibration of the strings and thus cant be modulated electronically.The increasing interest held by the global population in music is a major driver for the global electric guitars market. Electric guitars are essential in popular genres of music such as rock and metal. Due to the popularity of these genres, the number of individuals attempting to learn to play the guitar is increasing. This is the prime driver for the global electric guitars market.PDF Sample For Full Details with Technological breakthroughs is @The report examines the historical trajectory of the global electric guitars market and presents information detailing its development up to the base year. Further, detailed analysis of the current market figures is presented along with forecasts for the markets growth in the coming years. The report uses industry-standard analytical tools and databases to gain accurate information and precise analytical insights. The major segments of the global electric guitars market and the key players operating in it are also profiled in the report to provide a comprehensive coverage of the market.Global Electric Guitars Market: Drivers and RestraintsThe increasing disposable income of individuals in developing economies is allowing them to indulge in hobbies such as music. This is a major driver for the global electric guitars market. The continued popularity of rock music is another influential factor driving the global electric guitars market, as the two are intricately connected in the eyes of the masses. The increasing number of rock bands also bodes well for the global electric guitars market.On the other hand, electrical guitars can be too expensive for most amateurs. An important reason for this is that, unlike acoustic guitars, electric guitars need an amplifier. This is a major restraint on the global electric guitars market, particularly in developing countries. The increasing popularity of acoustic guitars has also checked the electric guitars market, as acoustic guitars are much cheaper than electric guitars and require less maintenance. However, advanced guitar playing techniques are easier to perform on electric guitars, since they have softer strings than acoustic guitars and no frets.Global Electric Guitars Market: Geographical OverviewThe global electric guitars market is dominated by North America due to the high interest in rock music, the high disposable income of the population, and the high number of rock bands in the region. The U.S. has a close relationship with the development of the global electric guitars market, with two of the most popular electric guitar designs  the Gibson Les Paul and the Fender Stratocaster  being designed in the U.S. The U.S. was also where rock and roll music began, providing an immense boost to the global electric guitars market.Global Electric Guitars Market: Vendor LandscapeMajor companies in the global electric guitars market include Gibson Guitar Corporation, Fender Musical Instruments Corporation, and Paul Reed Smith Guitars Ltd. The global electric guitars market is highly competitive, with frequent technological advancements and changes in consumer preference making it hard for companies to maintain a competitive edge.Market Insight can be Viewed @Transparency Market Research (TMR) is a global market intelligence company, providing global business information reports and services. Our exclusive blend of quantitative forecasting and trends analysis provides forward-looking insight for thousands of decision makers. TMRs experienced team of Analysts, Researchers, and Consultants, use proprietary data sources and various tools and techniques to gather and analyze information.Transparency Market Research90 Sate Street, Suite 700Albany, NY 12207Tel: +1-518-618-1030USA - Canada Toll Free: 866-552-3453Email: sales@transparencymarketresearch.comWebsite:
Global Sparkling Bottled Water Market: Rising Health-consciousness in Developed Regions to Ensure Steady Demand, says TMR

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http://www.transparencymarketresearch.com/sparkling-bottled-water.html

http://www.transparencymarketresearch.com

The global sparkling bottled water market is expected to exhibit steady growth in the coming years due primarily to the rising health awareness among consumers, according to a new report from Transparency Market Research (TMR). The report studies the historical growth trajectory exhibited by the global sparkling bottled water market in the review period leading up to 2015 and presents reliable forecasts regarding the markets growth patterns in the 2016-2024 forecast period. The report is titled Sparkling Bottled Water Market - Global Industry Analysis, Size, Share, Growth, Trends and Forecast 2016  2024.Get More Information:Sparkling water is a relatively minor segment of the global bottled water market and accounted for around 20% of the latter at the start of the decade. The fizz in sparkling bottled water is leading to a rising consumer preference over still water, while the inclusion of flavors has helped boost its popularity.The key driver for the global sparkling bottled water market is the increasing awareness among consumers about the risks of conventionally popular sugar-rich beverages. Beverages such as soft drinks can cause life-threatening lifestyle conditions such as diabetes and hypertension, which has resulted in a growing consumer demographic favoring sugar-free alternatives such as flavored bottled water and sparkling bottled water instead.Exploiting this consumer trend, many players in the global sparkling bottled water market have come up with flavored variants of their products without the excessive sugar content of conventional beverages. This has proved highly popular and is likely to remain a key driver for the global sparkling bottled water market. The availability of multiple flavors has reduced the gap in popular appeal between conventional beverages and sparkling bottled water products, making it easier for leading manufacturers to expand their reach.Regionally, the report segments the global sparkling bottled water market into North America, Europe, Asia Pacific, and Rest of the World. Of these, North America is the leading contributor to the global sparkling bottled water market and is likely to retain this position in the coming years due to the expanding demographic of health-conscious individuals in the U.S. and Canada. The widespread availability of modern distribution channels is also a key driver for the sparkling bottled water market in North America. Europe is another leading consumer of sparkling bottled water due to the widespread popularity of bottled water in leading economies such as Germany.Browse Full Report With ToC:The report segments the global sparkling bottled water market by flavor into orange, lime, raspberry, and others. The sales of the various flavor variants of sparkling bottled water are assessed in the report in order to shed light on the hierarchy of the market.The report also takes a close look at the competitive dynamics within the global sparkling bottled water market by profiling the leading players operating in it. Key companies examined in the report include Nestle, Coca-Cola, and PepsiCo.About UsTransparency Market Research (TMR) is a market intelligence company, providing global business information reports and services. Our exclusive blend of quantitative forecasting and trends analysis provides forward-looking insight for thousands of decision makers. TMRs experienced team of analysts, researchers, and consultants, use proprietary data sources and various tools and techniques to gather, and analyze information. Our business offerings represent the latest and the most reliable information indispensable for businesses to sustain a competitive edge.ContactTransparency Market Research90 State Street, Suite 700Albany, NY 12207Tel: +1-518-618-1030USA - Canada Toll Free: 866-552-3453Email: sales@transparencymarketresearch.comWebsite:
Global Smart Contact Lenses 2016: Industry Size, Share, Analysis, Demands & Forecast - 2021

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http://www.qyresearchreports.com/report/global-smart-contact-lenses-market-research-report-2016.htm

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Qyresearchreports include new market research report"Global Smart Contact Lenses Market Research Report 2016" to its huge collection of research reports.This report studies Smart Contact Lenses in Global market, especially in North America, Europe, China, Japan, Southeast Asia and India, focuses on top manufacturers in global market, with Production, price, revenue and market share for each manufacturer, coveringSensimed AGGoogleSamsungSonyPEGLResearch Institute...Market Segment by Regions, this report splits Global into several key Regions, with production, consumption, revenue, market share and growth rate of Smart Contact Lenses in these regions, from 2011 to 2021 (forecast), likeNorth AmericaEuropeChinaJapanSoutheast AsiaIndiaTo Get Sample Copy of Report visit @Split by product type, with production, revenue, price, market share and growth rate of each type, can be divided intoType IType IIType IIISplit by application, this report focuses on consumption, market share and growth rate of Smart Contact Lenses in each application, can be divided intoApplication 1Application 2Application 3Browse Complete Report with TOC @Table of ContentsGlobal Smart Contact Lenses Market Research Report 20161 Smart Contact Lenses Market Overview1.1 Product Overview and Scope of Smart Contact Lenses1.2 Smart Contact Lenses Segment by Type1.2.1 Global Production Market Share of Smart Contact Lenses by Type in 20151.2.2 Type I1.2.3 Type II1.2.4 Type III1.3 Smart Contact Lenses Segment by Application1.3.1 Smart Contact Lenses Consumption Market Share by Application in 20151.3.2 Application 12 Global Smart Contact Lenses Market Competition by Manufacturers2.1 Global Smart Contact Lenses Production and Share by Manufacturers (2015 and 2016)2.2 Global Smart Contact Lenses Revenue and Share by Manufacturers (2015 and 2016)2.3 Global Smart Contact Lenses Average Price by Manufacturers (2015 and 2016)2.4 Manufacturers Smart Contact Lenses Manufacturing Base Distribution, Sales Area and Product Type2.5 Smart Contact Lenses Market Competitive Situation and Trends2.5.1 Smart Contact Lenses Market Concentration Rate2.5.2 Smart Contact Lenses Market Share of Top 3 and Top 5 Manufacturers2.5.3 Mergers & Acquisitions, Expansion3 Global Smart Contact Lenses Production, Revenue (Value) by Region (2011-2016)3.1 Global Smart Contact Lenses Production and Market Share by Region (2011-2016)3.2 Global Smart Contact Lenses Revenue (Value) and Market Share by Region (2011-2016)3.3 Global Smart Contact Lenses Production, Revenue, Price and Gross Margin (2011-2016)3.4 North America Smart Contact Lenses Production, Revenue, Price and Gross Margin (2011-2016)3.5 Europe Smart Contact Lenses Production, Revenue, Price and Gross Margin (2011-2016)For Market Research Latest Reports Visit @About UsQYReseachReports.com delivers the latest strategic market intelligence to build a successful business footprint in China. Our syndicated and customized research reports provide companies with vital background information of the market and in-depth analysis on the Chinese trade and investment framework, which directly affects their business operations. Reports from QYReseachReports.com feature valuable recommendations on how to navigate in the extremely unpredictable yet highly attractive Chinese market.Contact Us1820 AvenueM Suite #1047Brooklyn, NY 11230United StatesToll Free: 866-997-4948 (USA-CANADA)Tel: +1-518-621-2074Web:Email: sales@qyresearchreports.com
Distributed Data Grid Market Will Grow At A CAGR Of 16.35% During The Period 2016-2019

http://www.researchmoz.us/enquiry.php?type=S&repid=341843

http://bit.ly/1TBmnVG

Distributed data grids are data storage software. They represent a sub-segment of in-memory computing. Data grids store data in the RAMs of a set of multiple servers distributed across various locations, which can be managed centrally. Distributed data grids are versatile as they can store both structured as well as unstructured data. Distributed data grids have several advantages over traditional forms of data storage as the software avoids traditional input/output bottlenecks encountered in relational database structures by using object-oriented designs.The concept of using in-memory systems for storage and computing purposes is not new, but the technology has gained traction due to recent innovations in scale-out architecture and reduction in the prices of storage devices. Enterprises are using distributed data grid software to deal with large volumes of data. The data is distributed and stored in multiple servers, wherein each server operates in the active mode. Distributed data grids offer scalability, and companies can add or reduce the number of servers in the network.To Get Sample Copy of Report visit @Distributed data grid technology is widely used in the banking and financial as well as the online e-commerce sectors because of its inherent advantages, such as improved performance, productivity, and customer experience. The technology has boosted decision-making capabilities, competitiveness, and profitability of several companies in the financial services sector through enhanced performance in stock markets. The technology has also proved its worth in a flight booking system that was designed for a major European budget airline.The growing volumes of data in enterprises have boosted the popularity of distributed data grid software as a mainstream solution. Distributed data grid software helps enterprises avoid Internet traffic and caches data in-memory, resulting in faster response times. In addition, the software helps enterprises resolve performance issues; the technology is widely accepted in sectors that face scalability issues, such as e-commerce.ResearchMoz is the one stop online destination to find and buy market research reports & Industry Analysis. We fulfill all your research needs spanning across industry verticals with our huge collection of market research reports. We provide our services to all sizes of organizations and across all industry verticals and markets. Our Research Coordinators have in-depth knowledge of reports as well as publishers and will assist you in making an informed decision by giving you unbiased and deep insights on which reports will satisfy your needs at the best price.ResearchMozMr. Nachiket Ghumare,Tel: +1-518-621-2074USA-Canada Toll Free: 866-997-4948Email: sales@researchmoz.usFollow us on LinkedIn @
Global Hoverboard Scooters Market Research Report 2016

Global QYResearch

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http://globalqyresearch.com/global-hoverboard-scooters-market-research-report-2016

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This report studies Hoverboard Scooters in Global market, especially in North America, Europe, China, Japan, Korea and Taiwan, focuses on top manufacturers in global market, with production, price, revenue and market share for each manufacturer, coveringIO HawkSwagwayPhunkeeduckImotoRazor HovertraxMonoRoverPowerboardSkqueLeray Two WheelCyboardChic RoboticsHover WayStreet SawJetsonFiturboVerocaSpace boardDownload Sample this Report:Market Segment by Regions, this report splits Global into several key Regions, with production, consumption, revenue, market share and growth rate of Hoverboard Scooters in these regions, from 2011 to 2021 (forecast), likeNorth AmericaEuropeChinaJapanKoreaTaiwanSplit by product type, with production, revenue, price, market share and growth rate of each type, can be divided into6.5-inch wheels8-inch wheels10-inch wheelsSplit by application, this report focuses on consumption, market share and growth rate of Hoverboard Scooters in each application, can be divided intoTeenagersAdultsApplication 3View Full Report With Complete TOC, List Of Figure and Table:7 Global Hoverboard Scooters Manufacturers Profiles/Analysis7.1 IO Hawk7.1.1 Company Basic Information, Manufacturing Base and Its Competitors7.1.2 Hoverboard Scooters Product Type, Application and Specification7.1.2.1 Type I7.1.2.2 Type II7.1.3 IO Hawk Hoverboard Scooters Production, Revenue, Price and Gross Margin (2015 and 2016)7.1.4 Main Business/Business Overview7.2 Swagway7.2.1 Company Basic Information, Manufacturing Base and Its Competitors7.2.2 Hoverboard Scooters Product Type, Application and Specification7.2.2.1 Type I7.2.2.2 Type II7.2.3 Swagway Hoverboard Scooters Production, Revenue, Price and Gross Margin (2015 and 2016)7.2.4 Main Business/Business Overview7.3 Phunkeeduck7.3.1 Company Basic Information, Manufacturing Base and Its Competitors7.3.2 Hoverboard Scooters Product Type, Application and Specification7.3.2.1 Type I7.3.2.2 Type II7.3.3 Phunkeeduck Hoverboard Scooters Production, Revenue, Price and Gross Margin (2015 and 2016)7.3.4 Main Business/Business Overview7.4 Imoto7.4.1 Company Basic Information, Manufacturing Base and Its Competitors7.4.2 Hoverboard Scooters Product Type, Application and Specification7.4.2.1 Type I7.4.2.2 Type II7.4.3 Imoto Hoverboard Scooters Production, Revenue, Price and Gross Margin (2015 and 2016)7.4.4 Main Business/Business Overview7.5 Razor Hovertrax7.5.1 Company Basic Information, Manufacturing Base and Its Competitors7.5.2 Hoverboard Scooters Product Type, Application and Specification7.5.2.1 Type I7.5.2.2 Type II7.5.3 Razor Hovertrax Hoverboard Scooters Production, Revenue, Price and Gross Margin (2015 and 2016)7.5.4 Main Business/Business Overview7.6 MonoRover7.6.1 Company Basic Information, Manufacturing Base and Its Competitors7.6.2 Hoverboard Scooters Product Type, Application and Specification7.6.2.1 Type I7.6.2.2 Type II7.6.3 MonoRover Hoverboard Scooters Production, Revenue, Price and Gross Margin (2015 and 2016)7.6.4 Main Business/Business Overview7.7 Powerboard7.7.1 Company Basic Information, Manufacturing Base and Its Competitors7.7.2 Hoverboard Scooters Product Type, Application and Specification7.7.2.1 Type I7.7.2.2 Type II7.7.3 Powerboard Hoverboard Scooters Production, Revenue, Price and Gross Margin (2015 and 2016)7.7.4 Main Business/Business Overview7.8 Skque7.8.1 Company Basic Information, Manufacturing Base and Its Competitors7.8.2 Hoverboard Scooters Product Type, Application and Specification7.8.2.1 Type I7.8.2.2 Type II7.8.3 Skque Hoverboard Scooters Production, Revenue, Price and Gross Margin (2015 and 2016)7.8.4 Main Business/Business Overview7.9 Leray Two Wheel7.9.1 Company Basic Information, Manufacturing Base and Its Competitors7.9.2 Hoverboard Scooters Product Type, Application and Specification7.9.2.1 Type I7.9.2.2 Type II7.9.3 Leray Two Wheel Hoverboard Scooters Production, Revenue, Price and Gross Margin (2015 and 2016)7.9.4 Main Business/Business Overview7.10 Cyboard7.10.1 Company Basic Information, Manufacturing Base and Its Competitors7.10.2 Hoverboard Scooters Product Type, Application and Specification7.10.2.1 Type I7.10.2.2 Type II7.10.3 Cyboard Hoverboard Scooters Production, Revenue, Price and Gross Margin (2015 and 2016)7.10.4 Main Business/Business Overview7.11 Chic Robotics7.12 Hover Way7.13 Street Saw7.14 Jetson7.15 Fiturbo7.16 Veroca7.17 Space boardTo Purchase this Premium Report:Global QYResearch is the one spot destination for all your research needs. Global QYResearch holds the repository of quality research reports from numerous publishers across the globe. Our inventory of research reports caters to various industry verticals including Healthcare, Information and Communication Technology (ICT), Technology and Media, Chemicals, Materials, Energy, Heavy Industry, etc. With the complete information about the publishers and the industries they cater to for developing market research reports, we help our clients in making purchase decision by understanding their requirements and suggesting best possible collection matching their needs.Unit1, 26 Cleveland Road, South Woodford, London, E182AN, United KingdomContact: +44 20 3239 2407Email: sales@globalqyresearch.comFollow us:
Digital Learning Consultancy takes its expertise to Hong Kong

Richard Lowe, of Hewlett Rand.

www.exportingisgreat.gov.uk

www.hewlettrand.com

Training and digital learning consultancy Hewlett Rand is making its mark in Hong Kong having secured a contract with the Hong Kong Institute of Bankers (HKIB).The Bristol based consultancy has developed a new e-learning strategy for the organisation which is now being rolled out to all its members.Richard Lowe, Director of Training and Digital Learning, said, HKIB are responsible for the professional development of Bankers in the region and weve developed a digital learning strategy to support their members professional development as well as expand their online capability to a global banking community.The first stage has been to help them source and launch their e-learning portal with over 500 financial services courses. The next phase is to evolve their digital learning offering with production capabilities to distribute a richer variety on media content.This contract provides a great introduction to the financial services market in Hong Kong and, as we now have a local representative, were well placed to see what other training and digital learning opportunities we can support.Hewlett Rands journey to export was given a boost by the support offered by the Department of International Trade (DIT) and its Exporting is Great campaign, a Government initiative to consolidate the export support available to businesses.Richard said, Working with DIT and taking part in a number of its trade missions helped us gain a better understanding of the China market. Theyve been vital allies in our effort to gain traction in the market, providing valuable information and support here and in Hong Kong.Richard is keen to encourage other businesses to take the plunge into export, but is quick to point out that their success has not happened overnight.He said, Starting to think on a global scale requires commitment and a significant investment of time, energy and resource. Its really worth taking the time to identify not only the best market for your business but also which particular skills and services will work best for export.I took part in several missions to mainland China and Hong Kong and carried out extensive research before concluding that Hong Kong was the best place to focus our efforts. It then took time to make the right contacts and build relationships before we finally secured our first contract.Hewlett Rand has benefited from membership of the Bristol and West of England China Bureau, which was established in 1998 to help businesses in the region foster a closer relationship with China.Richard continued: Ive been a member of the Bristol and West of England China Bureau for several years. It provides a great deal of local know how and connections to China.It brings together all those interested in making links with China, providing an opportunity to network with other local exporters and share knowledge, experience and contacts. The Bureau has built up extremely strong links with key regions in China, particularly Guangdong Province, which is helping to stimulate trade flows between the UK and China.Hewlett Rand continues to focus on developing its UK and export opportunities supporting businesses with training and digital learning needs to develop multi-site organisations and due to launch its bespoke video training production service in November.Heidi Cheung, DIT Education and Training adviser, DIT said, Were delighted to see Hewlett Rands hard work come to fruition. Its commitment to its export strategy is extremely impressive - and Richards willingness to travel regularly between the UK and Hong Kong to build trusted client relationships is a vital ingredient in Hewlett Rands success so far. Were looking forward to continuing to work with Hewlett Rand in the next stage of the companys export journey.About The Department for International TradeThe Department for International Trade is responsible for promoting British trade across the world and ensuring the UK takes advantage of the huge opportunities open to UK businesses.The department is a new, specialised body with significant new trade negotiating capacity, specifically designed to drive forward trade and investment policy. Exporting is GREAT partners with major UK businesses, to enable companies to seize thousands of current export opportunities available around the world. At, UK businesses can search and apply for opportunities, access expert advice, trade services, training and events.About Hewlett RandFor over ten years, training and digital learning consultancy Hewlett Rands qualified professionals have been applying their practical industry experience to develop and bring about lasting organisational change for clients, via human resources and training solutions.Hewlett RandBramford House, 23 Westfield Park, Clifton, Bristol, B56 6LT, UKTel: +44 (0) 845 116 1383; Web:Contact: Richard Lowe +44 (0)778 757 2062;richardlowe@hrandtrainingsolutions.co.ukPR contact: Bob Little, Bob Little Press & PR, +44 (0)1727 860405; bob.little@boblittlepr.com
2016 Hydropower in Switzerland, Market Outlook to 2030 - Capacity, Generation, Levelized Cost of Energy (LCOE), Investment Trends, Regulations and Company Profiles

http://www.marketresearchreports.biz/analysis/871663

http://www.marketresearchreports.biz/sample/sample/871663

http://www.marketresearchreports.biz/pressreleases

http://www.marketresearchreports.biz/

"The Report Hydropower in Switzerland, Market Outlook to 2030, Update 2016 - Capacity, Generation, Levelized Cost of Energy (LCOE), Investment Trends, Regulations and Company Profiles provides information on pricing, market analysis, shares, forecast, and company profiles for key industry participants. - MarketResearchReports.biz""Hydropower in Switzerland, Market Outlook to 2030, Update 2016 - Capacity, Generation, Levelized Cost of Energy (LCOE), Investment Trends, Regulations and Company Profiles is the latest report from GlobalData, the industry analysis specialists that offer comprehensive information and understanding of the hydropower market in Switzerland.The report provides in depth analysis on global renewable power market and global hydropower market with forecasts up to 2030. The report analyzes the power market scenario in Switzerland (includes conventional thermal, nuclear, large hydro and renewable energy sources) and provides future outlook with forecasts up to 2030. The research details renewable power market outlook in the country (includes hydro, small hydro, biopower and solar PV) and provides forecasts up to 2030. The report highlights installed capacity and power generation trends from 2006 to 2030 in Switzerland hydropower market. A detailed coverage of renewable energy policy framework governing the market with specific policies pertaining to hydropower is provided in the report. The research also provides company snapshots of some of the major market participants.The report is built using data and information sourced from proprietary databases, secondary research and in-house analysis by GlobalDatas team of industry experts.View Report At :ScopeThe report analyses global renewable power market, global hydropower market, Switzerland power market, Switzerland renewable power market and Switzerland hydropower market. The scope of the research includes -- A brief introduction on global carbon emissions and global primary energy consumption.- An overview on global renewable power market, highlighting installed capacity trends, generation trends and installed capacity split by various renewable power sources. The information is covered for the historical period 2006-2015 (unless specified) and forecast period 2015-2030.- Renewable power sources include wind (both onshore and offshore), solar photovoltaic (PV), concentrated solar power (CSP), small hydropower (SHP), biomass, biogas and geothermal.- Detailed overview of the global hydropower market with installed capacity and generation trends, installed capacity split by major hydropower countries in 2015 and key owners information of various regions.- Power market scenario in Switzerland and provides detailed market overview, installed capacity and power generation trends by various fuel types (includes thermal conventional, nuclear, large hydro and renewable energy sources) with forecasts up to 2030.- An overview on Switzerland renewable power market, highlighting installed capacity trends (2006-2030), generation trends(2006-2030) and installed capacity split by various renewable power sources in 2015.- Detailed overview of Switzerland hydropower market with installed capacity and generation trends and major active and upcoming hydro projects.- Deal analysis of Switzerland hydropower market. Deals are analyzed on the basis of mergers, acquisitions, partnership, asset finance, debt offering, equity offering, private equity (PE) and venture capitalists (VC).- Key policies and regulatory framework supporting the development of renewable power sources in general and hydropower in particular.- Company snapshots of some of the major market participants in the country.Download Sample copy of this Report at :Reasons to buy- The report will enhance your decision making capability in a more rapid and time sensitive manner.- Identify key growth and investment opportunities in Switzerland hydropower market.- Facilitate decision-making based on strong historic and forecast data for hydropower market.- Position yourself to gain the maximum advantage of the industrys growth potential.- Develop strategies based on the latest regulatory events.- Identify key partners and business development avenues.- Understand and respond to your competitors business structure, strategy and prospects.Read our latest Press Release atTable of Contents1 Table of Contents1 Table of Contents 21.1 List of Tables 61.2 List of Figures 72 Executive Summary 82.1 Government Support in Conjunction with Technology Development Driving Global Renewable Power Installations 82.2 Large Hydro and Pumped Storage is the Dominant Source in the Power Mix 82.3 Switzerland to Focus on Renewable Energy Sources for a Secure Energy Supply 93 Introduction 103.1 Carbon Emissions, Global, 2001-2015 103.2 Primary Energy Consumption, Global, 2001-2025 133.3 Hydropower, Global, Technology Definition and Classification 143.4 Report Guidance 154 Renewable Power Market, Global, 2006-2030 164.1 Renewable Power Market, Global, Overview 164.2 Renewable Power Market, Global, Installed Capacity, 2006-2030 174.2.1 Renewable Power Market, Global, Cumulative Installed Capacity by Source Type, 2006-2030 174.2.2 Renewable Power Market, Global, Cumulative Installed Capacity Split by Source Type, 2015 and. 2030 194.2.3 Renewable Power Market, Global, Comparison among Various Sources, Cumulative Installed Capacity, 2015 - 2030 214.3 Renewable Power Market, Global, Power Generation, 2006-2030 234.3.1 Renewable Power Market, Global, Power Generation by Source Type, 2006-2030 234.3.2 Renewable Power Market, Global, Power Generation, Source Comparison Based on Power Generation, 2015-2030 254.4 Renewable Power Market, Global, LCOE Comparison of Power Generating Sources, 2014-2015 275 Hydropower Market, Global, 2006-2030 295.1 Hydropower Market, Global, Overview 295.2 Hydropower Market, Global, Installed Capacity, 2006-2030 305.2.1 Hydropower Market, Global, Installed Capacity Share by Region, 2015 and 2030 325.2.2 Hydropower Market, Global, Installed Capacity Share by Country, 2015 and 2030 345.2.3 Hydropower Market, Global, Installed Capacity Share by Segment, 2015 and 2030 365.3 Hydropower Market, Global, Power Generation, 2006-2030 375.3.1 Hydropower Market, Global, Generation Share by Region, 2015 and 2030 395.3.2 Hydropower Market, Global, Generation Share by Country, 2015 and 2030 415.3.3 Hydropower Market, Global, Generation Share by Segment, 2015 and 2030 436 Power Market, Switzerland, 2006-2030 456.1 Power Market, Switzerland, Overview 456.2 Power Market, Switzerland, Installed Capacity, 2006-2030 466.2.1 Power Market, Switzerland, Cumulative Installed Capacity by Fuel Type, 2006-2030 466.2.2 Power Market, Switzerland, Share in Cumulative Installed Capacity Split by Source Type, 2015 and 2030 486.3 Power Market, Switzerland, Power Generation, 2006-2030 507 Renewable Power Market, Switzerland, 2006-2030 527.1 Renewable Power Market, Switzerland, Overview 527.2 Renewable Power Market, Switzerland, Installed Capacity, 2006-2030 537.2.1 Renewable Power Market, Switzerland, Cumulative Installed Capacity by Source Type, 2006-2030 537.2.2 Renewable Power Market, Switzerland, Cumulative Installed Capacity Split by Source Type, 2006-2030 55MarketResearchReports.biz is the most comprehensive collection of market research reports. MarketResearchReports.Biz services are specially designed to save time and money for our clients. We are a one stop solution for all your research needs, our main offerings are syndicated research reports, custom research, subscription access and consulting services. We serve all sizes and types of companies spanning across various industries.State Tower90 Sate Street, Suite 700Albany, NY 12207Tel: +1-518-621-2074Website:E: sales@marketresearchreports.biz
Excipients Market to Grow Remarkably Owing to the Growth of Global Pharmaceutical Market

http://www.transparencymarketresearch.com/sample/sample.php?flag=S&rep_id=266

http://www.transparencymarketresearch.com/excipients-market.html

http://www.transparencymarketresearch.com/

http://globalresearchanalysis.blogspot.in/

Transparency Market Research has published a new research report, titled Excipients Market - Global Industry Analysis, Market Size, Share, Trends, Analysis, Growth And Forecast, 2012 - 2018, in an effort to study the viability of the excipients market in the global scenario. According to the publication, the global excipients market, which was valued at US$5,260.0 million in 2011, is expected to be worth US$7,586.6 million by the end of 2018.Excipients are considered as functional additives in the pharmaceutical industry. Driven by factors such as the expansion of the pharmaceuticals market, the global excipients market is poised to grow at a 5.4% CAGR between 2012 and 2018. In addition, a significant rise in the demand for novel excipients is observed at global level and is expected to positively impact the demand for excipients. Despite the development of a favorable commercial environment, the market will have to address issues pertaining to high costs of supply chain and manufacturing.Get PDF Brochure for more Professional and Technical insights :Currently, demand from the global market for excipients is dominated by Europe. However, as per the research report, Asia Pacific will soon surpass Europe to emerge as the leading market owing to the availability of cheap labor and skills in abundance. Moreover, the cost of raw materials is also significantly lower in Asia Pacific, which will encourage manufacturers to capitalize on the available opportunities. North America is a highly lucrative market for excipients as well. The demand from the latter is projected to grow at a 5.3% CAGR between 2013 and 2018. A significant portion of the demand for excipients in North America is registered in the U.S., which is also the biggest pharmaceuticals market globally.In order to present an executive-level overview, the report segments the global excipients market into polymers, minerals, alcohols, gelatin, and sugar and others, in terms of product types. Among these segments, sugar and others dominate the market due to its diversified uses as diluents, fillers, and in tablet coating, followed by alcohol and gelatin. The sugar and others segment is expected to grow at a 5.1% CAGR over the forecast period. Pregelatinized starch is a product that falls under the polymers category. As per the report, the market for pregelatinized starch is expected to register remarkable growth over the forecast period from 2013 to 2018 at a 6.2% CAGR. However, in terms of revenue as well as volume, the market for glycerin is anticipated to register the fastest growth, at a 6.4% CAGR between 2013 and 2018. Demand for gelatin will also increase significantly during the forecast period owing to its growing use for the manufacture of drug capsules.Browse the full Excipients Market Report At :The report highlights that the global market for excipients will also benefit from the growth of the food and cosmetics and personal care industries. In order to provide an in-depth analysis on the competitive landscape of the market, the report profiles leading vendors in the market such as DOW, FMC, Proctor and Gamble, BASF, ABF, ADM, Evonik, Cargill, and Akzonobel.About UsTransparency Market Research (TMR) is a global market intelligence company providing business information reports and services. The companys exclusive blend of quantitative forecasting and trend analysis provides forward-looking insight for thousands of decision makers. TMRs experienced team of analysts, researchers, and consultants use proprietary data sources and various tools and techniques to gather and analyze information.TMRs data repository is continuously updated and revised by a team of research experts so that it always reflects the latest trends and information. With extensive research and analysis capabilities, Transparency Market Research employs rigorous primary and secondary research techniques to develop distinctive data sets and research material for business reports.ContactTransparency Market Research90 State Street, Suite 700Albany, NY 12207Tel: +1-518-618-1030USA - Canada Toll Free: 866-552-3453Email: sales@transparencymarketresearch.comWebsite:Visit Blog :
HOUSTON BUDGET WORLD TRAVELER & AUTHOR HOSTS TRAVEL BOOK SIGNING AND WINE TASTING EVENT

https://www.eventbrite.com/e/wanderlust-wine-travel-edition-tickets-29427795328

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASECONTACT: Deidre Mathis, (904) 207-4404 Email: deidre@wanderlustybp.comWanderlust and Wine: Travel EditionHOUSTON BUDGET WORLD TRAVELER & AUTHOR HOSTS TRAVEL BOOK SIGNING AND WINE TASTING EVENTNovember 2016Budget world traveler, author and public speaker Deidre Mathis debuted her budget travel book, Wanderlust: For the Young, Broke Professional last February as part of Author House Publishings travel line and has since been twice featured in Black Enterprise Magazine , highlighted as a USA TODAYs Modern Woman, featured in The Houston Chronicle, Houstonia Magazine, and she has spoken at events such as the Womens Travel Fest Conference and Women in Travel Summit.Fresh home from a week vacation to Martinique for less than $300 for both flight and hotel, Deidre is planning the travel event which will entail: a budget travel conversation, wine tasting, and book signing on Saturday, December 10th from 1:00pm-2:30pm in the Midtown area of Houston, Texas.Attendees can expect to gain helpful budget travel tips, taste wines from different countries, meet other Houston based travel lovers, and ask Deidre their personal travel questions in person.Mathis, a young world traveler, has seen more than 33 countries over 6 continents and has lived abroad in 4 of those countries. When not traveling, Deidre is working to get her hostel Wanderlust Houston: A Texas Hostel opened next year in Houston.For more information on the event, or to book tickets, please visit:There will only be 30 tickets sold on a first come basis.For booking presentations, media appearances, interviews, and/or book-signings contact deidre@wanderlustybp.com or call (904) 207-4404.Deidre Mathis, a young world traveler, has seen more than 33 countries over 6 continents and has lived abroad in 4 of those countries. When not traveling, Deidre is working to get her hostel Wanderlust Houston: A Texas Hostel opened next year in Houston.Deidre MathisWanderlust & Wine15634 Wallisville Rd. PMB 800-219Houston, TX 77002
HVAC Sensors & Controllers Market: Integration of IoT to Provide Market with Lucrative Growth Opportunities Establishing Stronger Communication

http://www.transparencymarketresearch.com/sample/sample.php?flag=S&rep_id=11762

http://www.transparencymarketresearch.com/hvac-sensors-controllers-market.html

http://www.transparencymarketresearch.com

A majority of the leading companies operating in the global HVAC sensors & controllers market are eyeing on mergers and acquisitions and even collaborations to gain better traction. These strategies have also supported the companies to expand their product portfolio. As per a new report by Transparency Market Research (TMR) companies such as Emerson Electric, Schneider Electric, and Siemens AG are already working towards expanding their global presence by establishing distribution and manufacturing centers around the world.Besides these companies operating at a global level, the market for HVAC sensors and controllers exhibits a largely fragmented vendor landscape. A majority of regions have a considerably long list of companies providing HVAC sensors and controllers.Brochure Download for Technological Insights atAccording to TMR, the global HVAC market is calculated to exhibit a CAGR of 6.9% from 2016 to 2024. Expanding at this pace, the market which stood at US$5.18 bn in 2015, is projected to reach IS$9.34 bn by the end of 2024. By application, the universal controllers segment led the market in 2015 with a valuation of US$2.14 bn. Regionally, North America is expected to continue leading the global HVAC sensors and controllers market, through the forecast period. It held over 33% of the revenue share in the market in 2015.Installation of HVAC Sensors and Controllers to Rise Due to Growth of Non-residential BusinessesThe global HVAC sensors and controllers market is driven by the impressive growth witnessed in non-residential businesses. Maintaining indoor air quality is a crucial concern for these businesses, which is achievable through HVAC sensors and controllers. As businesses switch from mechanical to electronic systems, the demand for HVAC sensors and controllers is expected to rise in response. This will subsequently provide opportunities for the entry of new players, thus aiding expansion of the global HVAC sensors and controllers market.Implementation of IoT to Provide Market with Lucrative OpportunitiesThe market is projected to gain significantly from the implementation of the Internet of Things (IoT). Leading players are already aiming to optimally capitalize on IoT technologies over the next decade, to achieve significant growth in commercial and non-commercial sectors, alike. The building automation system is already included in most modern HVAC systems. Integrating IoT with the same, will enable HVAC sensors and controllers establish wider communication streams within related devices installed in a building.Browse The Report:High Initial Investment Required for HVAC System Installation to Stagnate GrowthOn the flipside the high initial investment incurred on installation could stagnate the markets growth to an extent. Nevertheless, the continuing evolution of IoT will help the HVAC industry transform over the forecast period. Furthermore, the market also witnesses tremendous opportunities for growth across Asia Pacific and Latin America. India, Brazil, China, and Japan are among the nations showing high rate of infrastructure development. Technical advancements witnessed in both commercial and residential sectors provide immense opportunities for the growth of the global HVAC sensors and controllers market.About UsTransparency Market Research (TMR) is a market intelligence company, providing global business information reports and services. Our exclusive blend of quantitative forecasting and trends analysis provides forward-looking insight for thousands of decision makers. TMRs experienced team of analysts, researchers, and consultants, use proprietary data sources and various tools and techniques to gather, and analyze information. Our business offerings represent the latest and the most reliable information indispensable for businesses to sustain a competitive edge.US Office Contact90 State Street, Suite 700Albany, NY 12207Tel: +1-518-618-1030USA - Canada Toll Free: 866-552-3453Email: sales@transparencymarketresearch.comWebsite:
Smart Glass and Window Market: Highest Demand to be Exhibited by Automotive and Construction Sectors

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http://www.transparencymarketresearch.com/smart-glass-window-market.html

http://www.transparencymarketresearch.com

Rising concerns pertaining to energy efficiency among construction companies, building managers, and owners have been fuelling demand for smart glass and window. With leading players exploring applications beyond conventional sectors, Transparency Market Research (TMR) forecasts, the global smart glass and window market to surge at a 14.7% CAGR from 2015 to 2021.Besides their rising installation across green buildings, demand for smart glass and windows is also expected increase in the automotive, marine, power generation, and construction sectors. Currently, the market has a stronger footprint in developed regions. However, during the course of the forecast period and as a consequence of robust infrastructural development, deployment of smart glass and windows is likely to be widespread across emerging economies.Brochure Download for technological Insights atThe global smart glass and window market stood at US$2.25 bn in 2014, says TMR. The market is expected to reach US$6.07 bn by the end of 2021.Industries such as marine, construction, automotive, and aircraft presently exhibit the highest demand for smart glass and windows. Of these, the automotive segment emerged dominant in the market, accounting for a share of 46.6% in 2014.Demand for vehicles offering improved fuel-efficiency will increase exponentially in the forthcoming years. Vehicle manufacturers are therefore exploring the latest technologies to render cars more fuel-efficient. TMR expects the advent of smart glass and window to considerably aid the objectives of auto-manufacturers. Several leading car manufacturers have already incorporated the technology in side view and rear view mirrors. This will bode well for smart glass and window sales.Construction in the same year emerged as the second-largest application segment in the global smart glass and window market. It held over 43.6% of the market in 2014. The rising need of efficient energy consumption in commercial, corporate, as well as residential buildings will boost installation of smart glasses and windows across the construction sector.Technological Advancements in North America Boost Installation of Smart Glass and Window across Various SectorsThe global smart glass and window market comprises North America, Asia Pacific, Europe, and Rest of the World. Among these regions, North America emerged dominant in the market in 2014, with a share of 31.8%. The North America smart glass and window market is projected to rise at a CAGR of 14.7% between 2015 and 2021.The region witnesses rapid technological advancements, high demand for energy-efficient products, and supportive government regulations. Spurred by these factors, the installation of smart glass and windows has significantly increased across the automotive, construction, marine, and other sectors in the region. The U.S. emerged as the largest market for smart glass and window in the region, followed by Canada.View Report:Europe held the second-largest market share in 2014 and is expected to exhibit a CAGR of 15.8% in the forecast period. TMR expects demand from Asia Pacific to rise as well in the forthcoming years. Robust infrastructural development and urbanization witnessed across emerging economies are fueling the demand for energy in the region. This will subsequently bolster sales prospects for smart glass and window manufacturers in the region.Saint Gobain S.A., Research Frontiers Inc., Asahi Glass Co., Ltd., View Inc., Hitachi Chemicals Co., Ltd., Pleotint Llc, and PPG Industries Inc. are identified in the report as the key players in the global smart glass and window market.About UsTransparency Market Research (TMR) is a market intelligence company, providing global business information reports and services. Our exclusive blend of quantitative forecasting and trends analysis provides forward-looking insight for thousands of decision makers. TMRs experienced team of analysts, researchers, and consultants, use proprietary data sources and various tools and techniques to gather, and analyze information. Our business offerings represent the latest and the most reliable information indispensable for businesses to sustain a competitive edge.US Office Contact90 State Street, Suite 700Albany, NY 12207Tel: +1-518-618-1030USA - Canada Toll Free: 866-552-3453Email: sales@transparencymarketresearch.comWebsite:
Global Tumblers Market 2016: Industry Growth, Trends, quantitative analysis and forecast till 2022

Tumblers

http://bit.ly/2fnOgUu

http://www.mrsresearchgroup.com/market-analysis/global-tumblers-market-2016-production-sales-supply-demand.html

MRS Research Group added new research report on Global Tumblers Market 2016-2022 includes Market Size, Share, Trends, Growth, Demand, Supply, Application, Segmentation, Opportunity, Market Development, production, capacity utilization, supply, Analysis and Forecast by 2022Read Free Sample Research Report @The 'Global Tumblers Industry, Market Research Report' is an in-depth and detailed analysis of the Tumblers market. This is a specialized and inclusive analysis of forecast trends, market demands, market size. Furthermore, the report is inclusive of quantitative forecasts of market analysis, company supply, and products. The 'Global Tumblers Industry report assistsa number of companies to understand latest trends, assorted products, and shifting product dynamics. The report directs and guides through company shares along with sales and distribution with regards to clients interest. This reporthighlightsthe emerging technologies that will provide easy access which will help to solve difficult problems.We believe on pro-active approach of the market and keep an eye on the recent developments in the R&D and next-generation technologies.The report comprises in-depth information of definition, application, types, drivers, and various other aspects. It includes internal and external factors responsible for the growth of the market. Our research regarding the Tumblers market. We use varied tools and techniques in order to assemble data such as value chain analysis, company profiles, and product specifications.QY research provides unique data to cover basic information of the market. It is a broad collaboration of data analysis and research methodology to achieve ace performance. We work on multiple sources and gather data at our expertise which fit to client needs. Our approach is to get streamline data via multi-dimensional sources and overcome challenges. QY market researchs main aim is to generate real-time reports for varied organizations of all sizes. The report also includes key competitors in the market and their contribution along with market attractiveness.The changes showcase positive impact on the market and help to grow at the fastest pace. The report gives you prick and exact information of the market.We offer our client with consulting services, customized solutions, and pre-built reports for more value-added services. QY research report represents characteristic view about analyzed data by the firm and investor. We help companies in varies sectors to understand more clearly the competitors strategies, forecasts, demand, recent developments, and innovationsof the market. The report helps to get a clear picture of the market in terms of arithmetic data with suitable schematics diagrams and statistical analysis along with bar and pie charts.The report also provides with deep analysis of the market region-wise, niche markets globally, forecasts and analysis of the market trends.Read More @MRS Research group provides a range of marketing and business research solutions designed for our clients specific needs based on our expert resources. The business scopes of Prof Research cover more than 30 industries including energy, new materials, transportation, daily consumer goods, chemicals, etc. We provide our clients with one-stop solution for all the research requirements.Joel John3422 SW 15 Street,Suit #8138Deerfield Beach,Florida 33442United StatesToll Free : +1-855-465-4651 (USA-CANADA)Tel: +1-386-310-3803Email: sales@mrsresearchgroup.com
Ceramic Chip Inductors: World Markets, Technologies & Opportunities: 2016-2021 ISBN #:1-893211-99-1 (MLCI2016)

Ceramic Chip Inductors: World Markets, Technologies & Opportunities: 2016-2021 ISBN #:1-893211-99-1 (MLCI2016)

www.paumanokgroup.com

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1MawboRgxxA

http://www.slideshare.net/Paumanok/published-ceramic-chip-inductors-world-markets-technologies-opportunities-20162021-isbn-1893211991-mlci2016

http://www.paumanokgroup.com/homepage/ceramic-chip-inductors-world-markets-technologies-opportunities-2016-2021-isbn-1-893211-99-1-mlci2016.html

CARY NC USA- Paumanok Publications, Inc. has published Ceramic Chip Inductors: World Markets, Technologies & Opportunities: 2016-2021 ISBN #:1-893211-99-1 (MLCI2016). This new study is a detailed market and competitive analysis covering both the multilayered thick film ceramic chip inductor and thin film ceramic chip inductor markets worldwide. This study begins with a worldwide overview and update on the global inductor markets for FY 2016 and recent changes in the market regarding the global value, volume and pricing. The study then focuses specifically on the rapidly growing segment of the market for high frequency applications that employs frequency stable ceramic dielectrics, including NPO formulations, P90 porcelain and barium strontium titanate to achieve the desired inductance. The study offers a granular look at the ceramic chip inductor market and discusses the technology movement toward sputtering ceramic thin layers to augment or compete with ceramic green sheet stacking using air fired or gas fired techniques. The study compares the performance characteristics of thick versus thin film inductors in terms of thickness (low profile), inductance range, frequency range and rated current. A competitive analysis of all known product offerings in multilayered and thin film inductors is given by vendor and direct comparisons made in terms of volumetric efficiency and overall inductor performance. The study offers global demand for ceramic inductors by end-use market segment and by world region and forecasts growth for ceramic inductors in key end-use markets based upon operating frequency in modules, handsets, computers, TV sets, base stations, medical equipment, and much more. Detailed market share data for thick film and thin film ceramic chip inductors for FY 2016. Detailed forecasts for global consumption of ceramic chip inductors to 2021. Ceramic Chip Inductors: World Markets, Technologies & Opportunities: 2016-2021 ISBN #:1-893211-99-1 (MLCI2016), 154 Pages, 66 Graphs, Published July 2016. $2750.00 USD.Author of more than 260 market research reports on the worldwide electronic components industry. Specializing in capacitors, resistors, inductors and circuit protection component markets, technologies & opportunities since 1988. Also global experts and speakers on electronic materials including tantalum, ceramics, aluminum, plastics; palladium, ruthenium, nickel, copper, barium, titanium, activated carbon, conductive polymers and many more. Produces off-the-shelf market research reports, single client consulting, on-site presentations, due diligence for mergers & acquisitions; and majority owner of Passive Component Industry Magazine.Paumanok Publications, Inc.Industrial Market Research502 Ballade Creek CourtCary, NC 27519 USA(919) 468-0384info@paumanokgroup.com
HPP Market is Expected to Witness Significant Growth by 2026

http://www.persistencemarketresearch.com/toc/3252

http://www.persistencemarketresearch.com/samples/3252

High pressure processing equipment is one such cutting-edge innovation. High pressure processing is a non-thermal preservation and pasteurization process that increases the shelf life of food while retaining the original quality of food products.Rising concern for food safety along with increasing demand for process food that contains active ingredients is expected to fuel the overall high pressure processing market. High liquid containing foods are on upper edge. HPP extends the shelf life of foods by two to three folds when compared to non-pasteurized foods. However, budget restraints and a significant heavy cost are expected to be a major challenge for this industry. To tackle these challenges some of the leading manufacturers are performing innovation to cut down the cost at a significant rate. Also, HPP is mostly preferred for foods containing high acids. It cannot be or used rarely for stabilizing foods containing low-acids.High pressure processing market is broadly classified on the basis of equipment types, production size, and end-use applications. Equipment such as batch processing and semi-continuous processing are available depending upon the size of production including low scaled to medium and high scale production capacities. Large scale production is normally seen in developed economies, while small and mid-scale are gaining prominence in developing economies.Request for Detailed Report Component@On the basis of applications, HPP market is broadly segmented into juices and beverages, vegetable products, meat products and seafood products. Juices and beverages along with meat products cover the majority of HPP applications. HPP equipment in vegetable products though has a relatively low presence, is gaining wide prominence among food processing industries and is anticipated to witness above average growth rate during the forecast period, 2016 - 2026.High pressure processing equipment is in high demand in developed economies such as North America, Japan, and Europe, however, the market is gaining prominence in Asia Pacific and Latin America. The market is mainly consolidated in the United States (U.S.), Europe and Japan. HPP in North America is widely used for processing of juices and beverages followed by seafood products and meat products and vegetable products. The trend is, however, different in Asia Pacific where consumption HPP is widely used for meat products and seafood products rather than juice products. HPP market is expected to witness significant growth in North America and Europe.Some of the key market players in high pressure processing market are Avure Technologies, Hiperbaric, Hormel Foods Corporation, Hain Celestial Group and American Pasteurization Company.Request a sample Report@OverviewPersistence Market Research (PMR) is a third-platform research firm. Our research model is a unique collaboration of data analytics and market research methodology to help businesses achieve optimal performance.To support companies in overcoming complex business challenges, we follow a multi-disciplinary approach. At PMR, we unite various data streams from multi-dimensional sources. By deploying real-time data collection, big data, and customer experience analytics, we deliver business intelligence for organizations of all sizes.U.S. Sales Office305 Broadway,7th FloorNew York City, NY 10007United StatesT: +1-646-568-7751Tollfree: +1 800-961-0353
Matrix to showcase its enterprise grade, well-engineered Security solutions at IFSEC India 2016 (8th - 10th December 2016)

Matrix, a leading manufacturer and provider of Telecom and Security solutions, is participating in IFSEC India 2016, from 8th to 10th December 2016. Matrix will be showcasing its Video Surveillance and People Mobility Solutions at the event.Matrix offers an enterprise-grade Video Management System designed, engineered and built specifically for growing multi-location organizations. The entire solution is focused on automating processes and enhancing efficiency of your organizations. Matrix Video Surveillance aims to provide centralized control over all the locations with well-crafted user defined roles and rights, to fulfil complex needs of multi-hierarchy organizations. Furthermore, moving away from traditional reactive security, advanced video analytics with real-time notifications provide organizations with preventive security, protecting your premises from all vulnerabilities. In addition to that, Matrix Video Surveillance is an open platform system, which integrates with all third party software, increasing an organizations capabilities manifold.Matrix will demonstrate its range of biometric Access Control and Time-Attendance solutions and its advance applications during IFSEC. Mobile being the next generation technology in terms of security, Matrix will display its Your mobile is your identity solution. In Mobile based Access Control, user either scans the QR code through his/her mobile or just twists the mobile to get access using Bluetooth. Furthermore, Matrix will launch COSEC DOOR FMX - a high-performance door controller with Multispectral fingerprint sensor. The device is powerful enough to take fingerprint of dry, wet, elderly, oily hands. In addition, Matrix will launch Elevator based Access Control specially designed for hospitality and healthcare industry. Along with new solutions, Matrix will demonstrate its complete range of enterprise grade Time-Attendance solutions.During this exhibition, we will demonstrate our enterprise grade Access Control solution with real-time features such as Auto Push Events to Server, Instant Notification, Automatic Device Identification, Mobile as User Credentials and many more, said Sagar Gosalia, Senior Vice President Marketing and Sales.Matrix looks forward to meeting customers and prospective system integrators at IFSEC India 2016 to be held in Pragati Maidan, Delhi from 8th to 10th December 2016 to discuss requirements and offer better solutions.ABOUT MATRIXEstablished in 1991, Matrix is a leader in Telecom and Security solutions for modern businesses and enterprises. An innovative, technology driven and customer focused organization; Matrix is committed to keep pace with the revolutions in the telecom and security industries. With more than 40% of its human resources dedicated to the development of new products, Matrix has launched cutting-edge products like Video Surveillance solutions, Access Control, Time-Attendance, IP-PBX, Universal Gateways, Terminals, Convergence solution, VoIP Gateways and GSM Gateways. These solutions are feature-rich, reliable and conform to the international standards. Having global footprints in Asia, Europe, North America, South America and Africa through an extensive network of more than 500 channel partners, Matrix ensures that the products serve the needs of its customers faster and longer. Matrix has gained trust and admiration of customers representing the entire spectrum of industries. Matrix has won many international awards for its innovative products.Matrix COmsec394 GIDC, Makarpura, Vadodara -390010
Once you have the right ingredients, a good recipe, and the proper techniques, you can also make your own paella and sangria at home this Christmas season.

Heres a photo essay of how to make your own perfect Paella and Sangria with Dona Elena

New World Manila Bay Hotel Executive Chef James Williams taught us how to cook the perfect Paella Mixta and prepare our own Sangria during the Taste of Spain: Spanish Cooking Class with Dona Elena.

The lovely Bianca King hosted the event, which was led by Lucio Cochanco, Jr., President of the Fly Ace Corporation.

PAELLA



Ingredients:

75 ml Dona Elena olive oil

200g chicken thighs, marinated in: 1/4 tsp. paprika, 1 tsp. olive oil, salt and pepper

1 pc. onions, finely sliced

4 pcs. garlic cloves, finely chopped

1 pc. capsicum, cut into strips

125g tomatoes, crushed

50g tomato paste,

salt and pepper to taste

600g bomba rice, washed

15 pcs. saffron threads, soaked in 1/4 cup boiling water

1 tsp. smoked paprika

1.2 L boiling hot chicken and/or seafood broth, mixed with 1 tsp. paprika, salt and pepper

15 pcs.squid, sliced in rings

10 pcs. prawns

3 pcs. cooked whole crabs, cut into bite-size pieces

15 pcs. cooked clams or 16-20 pieces fresh clams

15 pcs. cooked mussels

35g green peas

40g olives

10pcs. lemon wedges

2 tsp Italian parsley, finely chopped

Dona Elena is the consistent no. 1 Olive Oil brand in the Philippines and a proudly homegrown Filipino company.

The olive oil uses a combination of the Hojiblanca and Picual olive varieties predominant in Spain. The olives are directly sourced and harvested from the farms of Andalucia in Spain whose olive trees trace back their rich history to 3,500 years BC.

There are three types of Dona Elena Olive Oils used for cooking:

1. Extra Virgin is the highest quality of oil extracted from the first press of the olive containing 80% monounsaturated oleic oil and the lowest free fatty acid. This olive oil is used for salad dressings, bread dips, and drizzling on cooked food.

2. Pure Olive Oil is the olive oil good for sauteing and frying, which we used for the cooking of the Paella.

3. Pomace is the olive oil extracted from the pulp after the first press that can be used for everyday frying and deep-frying.

In a paella pan, heat 50ml Dona Elena Pure Olive Oil and saute chicken until skin turns brown. Set aside.

In the same pan, saute onions



then add garlic and capsicum. Cook for 1-2 minutes.



Add crushed tomatoes, then saute for another 2 minutes.



Add in tomato paste & stir until all ingredients are coated. Add Dona Elena olive oil if needed.

Tomato paste must be cooked until color darkens but not burned.

Sprinkle smoked paprika. Mix until it is evenly distributed. Season with salt and pepper.

Pour seafood broth onto the saffron.

Pour the saffron liquid and mix.

Place rice & saute until translucent

constantly stirring for a few minutes.

Control your pan temperature. This will take a while.



Then add the broth.

Note: Dont worry if all the broth cannot fit at this point, the balance can be added later.

From this point, the cooking time is approximately 20-25 minutes until all the liquid has been absorbed.

Do not stir. From high to medium heat, turn heat to low once the liquid has evaporated.

Once rice is almost cooked, add the squid and prawns.

Lay out the prawns alternately with the squid rings on top of the rice.

Cover and wait until prawns and squid are cooked.



Add remaining ingredients evenly

and decoratively over the skillet in the following order: clams, mussels, and crab, olives, and green peas.

Cover with foil and let it sit for 15 minutes.

To serve, remove foil, sprinkle with parsley, and decorate with lemon wedges.

SANGRIA

Ingredients:

1 pc. orange, sliced

2 pcs. lemon, sliced

1 pc. lime, sliced

1 pc. apple, sliced

750m red wine

60 ml brandy

30ml simple syrup and soda water

Put all the sliced fruits into the pitcher.

Add Dona Elena sweet red wine, brandy, and sugar.

Stir until sugar is dissolved. Refrigerate for a least 1 hour or overnight.

When about to serve, top it up with soda water.

Stir and pour into individual glasses with scoops of ice cubes. Enjoy!

Live an Awesome Life,

Founder, www.OurAwesomePlanet.com

Disclosure: Our cooking lesson was courtesy of Dona Elena with recipes from New World Manila Bay Hotel. I wrote this article with my biases, opinions, and insights.

P.S. Watch out for our Dona Elena feature with Mrs Awesome Planet and Bianca King as we visit the olive farms in Spain!
Gov. Rick Snyder recently announced his initial appointments to the Building the 21st Century Economy Commission.

Among the 23 members is JoAnn Crary of Frankenmuth. Crary is the president of Saginaw Future, (SFI), a private nonprofit alliance which works to generate new investment and job growth in Saginaw County. She has a bachelors degree in business education from Ferris State University and a masters degree in business from Central Michigan University.
Many pats on the back were handed out at a city council meeting this week, both to residents and the city itself.

In July, judges from the national nonprofit America in Bloom arrived in Midland for a two-day survey, eyeing the citys floral displays, landscape design, urban forestry, heritage preservation, environmental effort and overall impression.

They awarded Midland first place in the 30,000-50,000 population category in October. Thirty-nine cities and towns across America competed. Karen Murphy, the citys director of public services, told council that the city had been working for a year and a half to get the recognition.

Much to our surprise, we were a first time participant and we were not only a five bloom winner, which is the highest level of rating you can receive, but we actually won out of the communities in the 30,000 to 50,000 population, Murphy said. Our five bloom rating, we scored 907 out of a possible 1,000 points. So we were really up at the top of the board.

The Midland America in Bloom committee included Gina Pederson, Carl Coons, Amy Tolton, Abbey Claerhout and Nancy Wells.

Truly, this award belongs to our community, to our citizens, Mayor Maureen Donker said. (Judges) looked at residential, they looked at everything. They looked at our downtown. Its really a tribute, I think, to the work that goes on and the volunteer efforts year-round that happen in this community.

Next came recognition from a state nonprofit: Keep Michigan Beautiful. The organization has been around for 54 years, and for 2016 awarded its highest award, the presidents plaque, to the city of Midland, which is a member of Keep Michigan Beautiful.

Some people live in places that have a lot of natural beauty  mountains or they live up in Traverse City where you have this wonderful bay. We live in a place where we really have to create our beauty, Donker said.

Dozens of residents, organizations and businesses take that notion to heart  and the citys annual Appreciation of Beautification Awards honored them on Nov. 3. Browse photos of properties deemed aesthetically pleasing and having made a positive impact on the Midland community and its neighborhoods here: http://bit.ly/2fDopby

Council members also recognized the 2016 Carl and Esther Gerstacker police officer and firefighter of the year. The Gerstacker recognition program began in 1966 to recognize the honorees, which are nominated by their peers for achieving excellence in the line of duty and off the job. The Midland Exchange Club coordinates the selection process and congratulatory ceremony.

For 2016, Midland Police detective Tonya Laubscher was named officer of the year and Midland Fire Department Assistant Chief Greg Weisbarth was named firefighter of the year. Read more on both at http://bit.ly/2f21qZx
Dont let the beautiful fall weather we have enjoyed in Michigan lull you into a false sense of security. Winter always brings snow and cold. With that in mind, the Garpiel Group is again offering free snow plowing to families of two military personnel in the area.

This is the fifth consecutive year Garpiel Group has offered this service to show appreciation for military personnel. The business said it appreciates the many freedoms we all enjoy and would like to acknowledge the many sacrifices soldiers make in serving our country.
This is a story of death and resurrection, and were just trying to be faithful in moving into that.

Last year, the building that once housed Johnson Memorial United Methodist Church sat empty. Just three women remained at the old Fayetteville, North Carolina, church, and they were looking for a new congregation to call home.

But out of the death of that aging church came rebirth in the form of a new, young church: Crossroads North Church, which now calls the freshly renovated building home.

Sept. 11 marked the opening service for Crossroads North, where Senior Pastor Kyle Burrows welcomed more than 100 people into the space.

There are plenty of churches in Fayetteville, so it wasnt that there was a need for another church, Burrows says. But we wanted to replicate the culture of our sending church, of making disciples and empowering people to invite God into every part of their lives. Our vision is for this to be an equipping culture.

Crossroads North is a hybrid of a church plant and a second campus of Crossroads Church of Hope Mills, a thriving church of around 350 people, about 30 minutes south.

Burrows and his wife were members of Crossroads Church of Hope Mills before he left to attend Duke Divinity School. While there, the United Methodist Church leadership in North Carolina asked Crossroads if theyd like to turn Johnson Memorials old building into a second campus. And Crossroads knew just the person to pastor it. After graduating from seminary, Burrows set out in August 2015 to plant Crossroads North, and a few couples from Crossroads moved to Fayetteville to help.

Over the past year, Burrows and his team have been intentional about getting to know their neighbors. They held services outdoors in a nearby park last spring to meet new people. And earlier this year, they even turned their building into a space for after-school care for local kids.

A lot of our time and energy has gone into that aspect of our ministry, Burrows says. And weve looked for other places in the community to serve, because we really wanted this to be a church that went out and served actively in the community.

Theyve established missional communitiespart home-church, part fellowshipto create opportunities to meet people, too. And theyve looked for natural points of connection, like at the nearby Methodist University, where theyve served students with help on move-in day, stress-relief gift bags during finals and welcome back bags in fall.

We find ways to serve, and then we just trust that God is going to bring near the people who are looking at what were doing and want to be part of it, Burrows says.

Theyve already seen fruit come from that effort. Ben and Melissa Weaver joined Crossroads North early on and served with their missional community at a ministry called Operation Inasmuch. What started simply as serving in a ministry of preparing and delivering sandwiches to the homeless resulted in Melissa, whod been stuck in an unfulfilling job, finding out about a full-time opportunity to work at the ministry. And for the past year, shes been in that role and finally feels a sense of purpose in her work. Her story parallels the story of Crossroads North: one of new aspirations. Or, as Burrows describes it, new life.

This is a story of death and resurrection, and were just trying to be faithful in moving into that, he says.

Of course, this is just the beginning.
Whether its sports, entertainment and the arts, or business and industry  women have excelled in all spheres of life, and it is unfair to treat them as any lesser than their male counterparts. The whole reason why the talk of empowering women has come into focus, is because of...
Racist Alabama Cop Fired; Racist Alabama Senator Appointed Attorney General

By Dustin Rowles | Horror | November 18, 2016 |

A police officer in Alabama was fired this week for posting racist memes on his Facebook page, one asking why black people havent thanked white people yet for sacrificing 620,000 white lives in the Civil War to free the slaves, and another suggesting that the only language Michelle Obama is fluent in is ghetto.

We will not tolerate that kind of conduct by any employees. We take very seriously our responsibility to treat everyone equally and equitably. We have to make sure we take steps for the community to trust us, Talladega City Manager Patrick Bryant offered as his reason for firing Officer Joel Husk.

If only the Trump Administration followed the same code of conduct.

Yesterday, it was announced that Trump had tapped Alabama Senator Jeff Sessions to run the U.S. Attorney Generals office With all due respect to the state, Alabama Senator is automatically a red flag for anyone being tapped to oversee any position involving civil rights, but as it turns out, Sessions fits the stereotype. In fact, Sessions was blocked by the Senate for a seat on the federal bench under Reagan for racist comments after it was revealed that he called the NAACP and the ACLU un-American and Communist-inspired because they forced civil rights down the throats of people.

Sessions also said that he was fine with the KKK until he found out they smoked pot, called a black U.S. Asst. Attorney General boy, and told him to watch what he says to white people. Sessions, at the time, was only the second federal judge appointee ever blocked at the Senate Judiciary Committee level.

Thats how racist he is, so naturally, hes now being tapped for the top law enforcement position in the country, and its unlikely that he will be blocked by the Senate 30 years after the Senate blocked him for a much lesser position. Progress! Democrats have only 47 votes, and moderate Republicans  including #NeverTrumper Jeff Flake  have not shown a willingness to oppose the confirmation, so while the confirmation hearings may create some drama, Sessions will probably get through.

Am I the only one at this point who is saying, Please God, Trump. Appoint Mitt Romney as Secretary of State, because having Romney on the cabinet at least seems to provide one voice of reason within the Administration.

When did Mitt Romney become a voice of reason in this country? Oh yeah! I remember: Election day.









Dustin is the founder and co-owner of Pajiba. You may email him here, follow him on Twitter, or listen to his weekly TV podcast, Podjiba.
The alien spacecraft in Arrival arrive by the dozen, each of the looming, egg-sliced-in-half-shaped wonders looking like the latest in KitchenAid gadgetry writ large.

All around the globe, their contents a mystery to paranoid earthlings, the visitors hover just above the planets surface. Why have they come? Do they come in peace? Will the U.S. military and other nations leaders give peace a chance?

True to the spacecraft, director Denis Villeneuve is one sleek craftsman. Every subtle camera crawl, each darkness-shrouded visual composition in Arrival conspires to unsettle us and hold us in a state of dread or wonder, without being cheap about it.

Arrival has little of the usual. It may frustrate or confuse viewers who prefer their humanist science fiction on the order of The Martian. Screenwriter Eric Heisserer adapted Ted Chiangs Story of Your Life, a few non-spoiler-y details of which can be relayed.

At the start, we hear Amy Adams (terrific, her technique clean and exact) in voice-over, speaking to the girl we see with her on screen. Theyre mother and daughter, together over the years. But too young the girl dies, leaving the Adams character, Louise, alone and the girls father out of the picture.

Louise is a linguistics professor and translation whiz, and Arrival sets up its increasingly tricky narrative beautifully.

The halved-egg alien saucers arrive; the world freaks out; the U.S. military, personified by gently intense Forest Whitaker, shows up at her office door out of nowhere, sussing out Louises interest in learning how to crack the (literally) otherworldly beeps and pops and guttural somethings emitted by the inhabitants of the spacecraft.

Jeremy Renner plays Louises partner in research, a physicist compelled more by science than language. Theyre helicoptered to where one of the spacecraft hovers, motionless, just above a field in Montana.

The film builds its mystery scene by scene. Under the sway of the alien visitation, Louises memories of her late daughter grow more and more baffling.

In the meantime theres a new language to learn, elusive visual symbols that, as we see on countless video monitors in various tents, are being interpreted differently by different linguists around the world.

Many of the most effective passages in Arrival" are paced deliberately; there are times, though, as in Louises key solo encounter with the half-an-egg dwellers, when deliberate becomes static. By that point in the narrative, the explanations begin their arrivals, and I honestly cant tell if theyll be intriguing and provocative enough to make this thing a hit. It deserves to be.

Shot under gray skies and in artful shadows by cinematographer Bradford Young, scored to wickedly disorienting music by Oscar-nominated Sicario composer Johann Johannsson, Arrival will cast a spell on some while merely discombobulating others.

Right there, Id say that indicates its worth seeing. And in its central idea  not to be discussed here, sorry  the old saw no time like the present takes on new shadings.
BLOOMINGTON  Jordan Mueller was on the asking end of help when he first heard about Abundant Life in Christ Church in downtown Bloomington.

The child of parents who insisted that he become self-supporting at 18, the 22-year-old was struggling to find employment and housing when his life shifted from seeking services to helping others.

"I didn't have many skills. I was living in hotels, with no place to go. Now I'm a huge example of what's going on around here," said Mueller, the newest volunteer and resident of a four-story building the church is renovating at 108 E. Market St.

Pastor Charles Ahrens estimates that more than 500 people have come through the facility since it opened in April. With the cooler weather and the recent closure of Jesus House, those numbers are growing, he said.

"We are a church but we also are a ministry hub for the community," said Ahrens, a former chaplain with The Salvation Army who also worked with a street ministry for the homeless in San Francisco.

Tables in the first-floor dining room start to fill before the 9 a.m. daily coffee session  a prelude to the morning bible study attended by as many as 40 people during the week. The group includes ex-offenders, homeless and people who live in the margins between paychecks.

"We are seeing more low-income people on the borderline. Their check goes for rent and by the middle of the month they need help," said Ahrens.

The church clothing room and the food pantry, recently relocated from Jesus House, offer basic necessities. Showers, laundry services and a noon meal have made a real difference for homeless people, according to church volunteers.

With the rise in need comes a companion need for winter clothing, blankets and food.

Efforts to raise money for expensive renovations of the upper floors of the church  a mandated sprinkler system will cost $95,000  are ongoing, said Ahrens. A Dec. 17 Christmas play will kick-off fundraising efforts for the sprinklers.

Five people, including the pastor, live in finished space that he hopes will house 30 in small apartments and a dormitory when work is completed.

Transportation also is a routine challenge. An engine fire destroyed one of two passenger vans used to pick up people for medical and other appointments; transmission problems have sidelined the second vehicle.

Abundant Life has forged partnerships with local agencies for everything from job training to mental health services. Ex-offenders are among those with multiple and complex needs, said Ahrens.

"Ex-offenders are a focus for us. We have some prisoners sending us letters before they are out because they've heard about what we do," said Ahrens. A hot meal and a shower are appreciated, said the minister, but sitting down with a person skilled in writing a resume can be a game changer for a person starting over.

Adequate housing had been identified as a major components of the Mental Health Action Plan approved last year by the McLean County Board. A shortage of affordable housing for ex-offenders and mentally ill residents has stymied the success for the vulnerable populations, according to the report.
BLOOMINGTON  A Minnesota man was sentenced to 18 years in prison Friday for delivery of khat, a plant material considered illegal in the U.S. but widely accepted in the defendant's native Somalia.

Mohamed O. Samantar, 60, was stopped by Illinois State Police in June 2015 on Interstate 55 near the Interstate 39 interchange. A search of the rented minivan driven by a second suspect, Awil Aden, turned up 150 pounds of the substance, which is deemed illegal for its cathinone ingredient. Aden pleaded guilty in September to possessing a controlled substance and received 24 months of probation.

With a translator at his side to repeat what was said at his sentencing hearing, Samantar took the opportunity offered by Judge Paul Lawrence to make a statement. Saying he did not agree with the outcome of the bench trial in August, Samantar asked for leniency from the judge.

Defense lawyer Todd Ringel asked for a 12-year sentence, the minimum term available for the Class X felony carrying a maximum of 60 years.

Samantar fled Somalia because of civil war, said Ringel, "and came to the U.S. in an attempt to make a better life for himself."

Ranked on par with heroin and cocaine by U.S. lawmakers, khat leaves are chewed by students and mixed for tea by men in Somalian cafes, said Ringel.

"It's basically our version of happy hour," said the defense lawyer.

Assistant State's Attorney Erika Reynolds sought a 30-year sentence for Samantar, arguing that the van load of drugs with a street value of $30,000 merited more than a minimum sentence. The prosecutor also pointed out Samantar's previous khat conviction in Iowa and his admissions to police that he was returning from a trip to Georgia where he picked up the drugs.

Samantar wanted to buy more khat but he was short on money, said Reynolds.

The defendant must serve 75 percent of the sentence and pay a $36,000 street value fine.

In his ruling, Lawrence considered Samantar's history as a refugee from a war-torn country and his cooperation with police. But at 60 years old with a prior conviction for possessing khat, Samantar should have known better, said the judge.
BLOOMINGTON  A Bloomington man was found mentally fit to stand trial Friday in the July stabbing deaths of his parents, but his lawyer asked for a second evaluation to determine if he was sane at the time of the killings.

Brian Petersen, 25, is charged with murder in the fatal stabbings of Bruce and Nancy Petersen at the family's rural Bloomington home.

Escorted into the courtroom by two workers from McFarland Mental Health Center, the suspect stood between defense lawyer Brian McEldowney and Assistant State's Attorney Brad Rigdon for the brief hearing.

Petersen, shackled and dressed in a green sweatshirt and jeans, nodded in response to questions from Judge Robert Freitag as to whether he understood his right to a speedy trial.

The judge approved a defense request to hire Champaign psychiatrist Dr. Lawrence Jeckel for an evaluation of Petersen's sanity at the time he allegedly stabbed his 63-year-old mother as she sat in the living room, and his father, 68, several minutes later, as he came out of the bedroom in response to the commotion.

The second evaluation follows Petersen's three-month treatment at McFarland Mental Health Center after he was initially deemed unfit to stand trial. A psychiatric report reviewed by Freitag on Friday indicates that Petersen meets the legal standard of fitness by being able to understand the nature of the charges and to assist his lawyer.

A request that Petersen be returned to the Springfield mental health facility pending the sanity assessment was initially turned down by the judge but granted later in the day after McEldowney secured a written recommendation from Petersen's treatment team.

McEldowney said McFarland staff relayed concerns that Petersen's "condition might deteriorate if he is returned to the county jail and his fitness issues may re-emerge."

At the first hearing Friday, Freitag explained that the law allows a defendant to receive additional mental health treatment if such care is formally recommended and the facility agrees to provide it.

In light of the fitness finding and the lack of such a recommendation, the court had no authority to send Petersen back to McFarland, said Freitag.

The judge changed his ruling after reviewing a newly submitted letter from a clinical social worker and a doctor who are part of Petersen's treatment team, confirming the need for ongoing care. Freitag told Petersen that he will be transferred to McFarland where he will remain until his case is resolved or the court's order changes.

The state was provided with Petersen's records from Heartland Community College, Southern Illinois University and Augustana College. The records were submitted in response to a subpoena from the state.

The next hearing for Petersen is set for Jan. 6 when the defense expects to have the new psychiatric report.
BLOOMINGTON  A 16-year-old boy accused of holding up two people at gunpoint is headed to adult court on armed robbery charges, a judge ruled Thursday.

Associate Judge Brian Goldrick cited the lengthy criminal history of the minor, identified in court records as K.S., starting with his first appearance in juvenile court at age 11. Since then, the youth has faced more than 10 criminal charges, including three involving weapons.

Still, the judge said, the minor is not beyond hope.

"I don't want to say (K.S.) is a lost cause, he's not. I don't ever lose hope for anyone who sits in this courtroom," said the judge.

But the boy's unwillingness to participate in mentoring, counseling and educational services offered during several stints on probation and two trips to the state Department of Juvenile Justice leaves serious doubt about his potential to succeed in the juvenile system, said Goldrick.

Assistant State's Attorney Mary Lawson argued at a hearing Tuesday that K.S. is a serious threat to the public and has earned a slot on the adult court docket.

K.S. is accused of pulling a gun on two teens who were walking along Clearwater Avenue near Royal Pointe Drive, Bloomington, in October and threatening to shoot them if they did not hand over their property.

Defense lawyer Art Feldman pointed to K.S.'s completion of a drug treatment program and the minor's restaurant job as signs that he is willing to change.

After the judge issued his hourlong decision, K.S. stood up from the defense table and walked toward the door before the hearing was concluded. Two officers from the juvenile detention center escorted him out of the room to his calls of "Don't touch me."

Petitions asking the court to use its discretion in moving a juvenile case to adult court are rare in McLean County. The last time such a request was made was in 2012 when a judge declined to transfer a teen accused of firing a gun inside Normal Community High School.

That teen has since been released from the Department of Juvenile Justice.

After Thursday's ruling, McLean County State's Attorney Jason Chambers said, "This case and the alleged offense presented a circumstance which I felt compelled the use of an unusual rule."

The state is now free to file felony charges in adult court that carry 15 to 45 years in prison if K.S. if convicted.

Goldrick noted that a new state law gives a judge discretion in sentencing a teen convicted as an adult when it comes to enhancements for weapons offenses. That change gives a judge leeway in imposing an additional 15 years if K.S. if found guilty on the felony charges.
NORMAL  Ladaysha Augillard watched intently as Charlie Xu wrote her name in Chinese characters during Cultural Day on Thursday at Heartland Community College in Normal.

Xu, who is from Shanghai, is studying in the English language program at Heartland. He was at the Chinese Students Association table for the event in the campus cafe.

In addition to writing the names of Heartland students in Chinese, association members offered Chinese food to those who stopped by.

Augillard, a sophomore in digital media from Bloomington, said that when she was growing up in Texas, her family hosted an exchange student from Japan. She had seen her name written in Japanese, but not Chinese.

This is so much more elaborate, said Augillard, who hopes to study abroad, possibly in Spain.

Cultural Day was part of a weeklong celebration of International Education Week.

Other activities this week included a sushi-making class and Global Cafe, where American and international students could interact with each other. Cards on tables in the cafe provided information about various countries.

Yanan Zou of Heartland's international programs office said the college hopes to make the Global Cafe a regular activity.

Zou said it gives international students an opportunity to improve their language skills and gives them a chance to make a friend outside of the classroom.

Heartland officials have said drawing international students to the college also helps native students by providing a global perspective for those who do not have the opportunity to travel overseas.

A map on display listed 45 countries from which students at Heartland come.

Ten percent of Heartland students were born outside of the United States, said Zou. That's a high rate of diversity.

Heartland has been working to expand the number of international students attending the college. It also offers study abroad programs in eight countries.

Since 2012, the college has hosted professors from China at its International Institute for Teaching and Learning where they learn about American culture and take English language and related classes in a conference-style format. The institute usually takes place in summer with 20 to 50 participants.
BLOOMINGTON  The remains of Archbishop Fulton J. Sheen, the El Paso native who shot to international fame with televised evangelism in the 1950s, can be transferred to Peoria, The Catholic Post has reported.

The decision came Wednesday after a ruling by the Supreme Court of the State of New York, which ruled in the Sheen family's request. The transfer likely will advance the process of Sheen's beatification, which had been sought by the Diocese of Peoria.

That, however, was put on hold when the Archdiocese of New York said it wanted to keep Sheen's remains at St. Patricks Cathedral in New York City, where he was entombed following his death on Dec. 9, 1979, according to The Post and Pantagraph archives.

The Post story, quoting the court decision, said, The petitioner (Joan Sheen Cunningham) is granted the right to remove the remains of Archbishop Fulton J. Sheen from St. Patricks Cathedral in New York, N.Y., to St. Marys Cathedral (in Peoria). ... petitioner has set forth a justifiable, good, and substantial reason for moving the remains.

In 2014, the Peoria Diocese said Sheen's beatification, a major step toward being declared a saint, could have occurred as early as 2015.

Sheen's process toward canonization took a major step forward in March 2014 when a Vatican panel recognized a miracle attributed to his intervention. Its verification awaited approval by the college of cardinals and the pope.

While a second miracle would be required before Sheen could be declared a saint, the first declared miracle paved the way for beatification.

Sheen, born May 8, 1895, attended schools in the Peoria Diocese and was ordained in 1919 in Peoria.
Long live the republic! In the republic, we are great and stronger when we struggle to do what is good and right and can freely disagree, deliberate and discuss what that is and how to do it. We dont have to agree. We deliberately limit government, in part, for that purpose.

We should not steal signs, vandalize property, boycott businesses, cities, or states, or threaten voters, donors, employers, employees, students, or others because they did or did not support a candidate or party.

As the often-boisterous Republican president from New York, Theodore Roosevelt, once said, "In a republic, to be successful we must learn to combine intensity of conviction with a broad tolerance of difference of conviction. Wide differences of opinion in matters of religious, political and social belief must exist if conscience and intellect alike are not to be stunted, if there is to be room for healthy growth.

John Walther, Bloomington
Problematic behavior in children are often witnessed these days, however, an illness might not always be the cause. Certain attitudes could be overwhelming at times and sometimes it's purely due to mood swings.

It is reported that some professionals have intentionally misdiagnosed some children in order to get educational resources and to make them "fit a certain category of disability in order for them to get a resource" even though they "don't theoretically meet the actual label". This practice is not only misleading but has also opened a Pandora's box of difficulties.

People with strong financial backgrounds have access to private neurological experts. But the real problem arises for children who are totally dependent upon the public system in order to get a diagnosis and further treatment.

According to Irish Independent, the department of education is taking the matter seriously and formulating a plan to overcome this exploitation. It is suggested that special teaching techniques should be held in practice that can separate false diagnosis from when there is actually a need to do one.

It is also the part of the plan to educate the parents of children with ADHD and anxiety problems so that they can inform the teachers to spare them extra time. A child's mental instability as a function of some sort of disability is a distressing factor that often prevails in most societies.

As per the Irish Hub, this mindset is made up mainly because of the above mentioned false practices for personal benefit. Parents and teacher must admit the fact that like body sickness, a mind can be ill too and it certainly has a cure as well.

The plan induces certain ideas, especially for schools, schools will hire support teachers so that they can perform better while understanding their needs. In case of a problem while teaching, professional help should be acquired. The department and regulatory body must be well informed as to assist and guide whenever needed.
On November 14, scientists of John Hopkins University reported that the number of teens battling with depression these days is skyrocketing. Another bad thing linked to it is that they are not getting the proper treatment they need for their case.

In an article published by NBC, what is more bothersome than the fact that depression is rising in teens is that doctors seem to not do something about it because they are scared. This is often the main reason why teenagers commit suicide.

A photo posted by Nicholas Whittemore (@masochisticpunk) on Nov 17, 2016 at 9:06am PST

Researchers were reportedly looking for other reasons why teen depression went from 8.7 percent back in 2005 to 11.3 percent two years ago. Dr. Ramin Mojtabai also said that teenagers in their early puberty stage are the ones who are more affected by this phenomena than young adults. Scientists who participated in this study used over 170,000 teenagers and about 180,000 adults from 18 to 25 for data of this findings.

Depression in teenagers is disturbing that 1 in 11 teens and young adults experience an episode with anxiety. This number doesn't stop there as it continues to grow since 2005 to 2014. It is interesting that the most affected individuals are girls and one of its reasons is cyberbullying. Girls are more prone to being depressed than boys in this department.

Apparently, now that texting and smartphones are also involved, statistics show that girls are most likely using it, which makes them even more exposed to bullying. Hence, another reason why they get emotional and easily depressed.

Time also reported this ongoing issue stating that teens affected by it are not even related to substance abuse. Meanwhile, iIt is advised that parents monitor the use of technology with their teenagers, especially if they are their daughters. The Internet plays a major role to teen depression, which is why awareness is the key.
In third-world countries, many kids are required to miss school. The reasons behind this mishap are various but the main reasons are work and the safety of schools.

Based on the survey conducted by ChildFund Alliance, one-third of children in third-world nations do not attend school as they have to help their families with the workload. Many parents cannot provide life's necessities to their kids, so they adopt the habit of making small kids or even teenagers work beside them.

Thirty-two percent, however, claimed that their schools were not always safe. About fifty percent of the children, who were interviewed by the ChildFund Alliance, belonged to developing nations.

Despite the fact that these developing countries' children believe that education is very important, they do not get to attend school for other reasons. When compared, thirty-one percent of children in poor countries do not attend school due to workload whereas in developing countries only eight percent do not go to for the same reason.

According to The Nation's report, the highest number can be found in Afghanistan but Timor-Leste and Ghana cannot be ignored. Another hurdle is the safety of schools. Only thirty-two percent of students in developing nations say that their institute is safe.

The perception of "safe'" varies. Every student or parents have a different definition of a safe environment. One-third of the total number of children surveyed said that pupils must be safe from physical or emotional exploitation.Whereas seventeen percent said, safe schools mean spotless, harmless educational buildings that are in decent conditions.

For some, trustworthy and respectable teachers depict safe schools. Meg Gardinier, the secretary-general of the ChildFund Alliance, knows that this situation is very alarming and a big hurdle is on its way of providing good and latest education to developing countries, not only it is every child's right to have an access to high-quality education, it is also their dire need.

What do you think is the best way to address the education crisis in developing nations? Sound off in the comments section below.
Bilingual education is considered by many as a gift that will provide students more opportunities to understand more people from other parts of the globe. It also gives them a personal advantage whether for business or employment purposes.

This is one opportunity that should be made available to everyone except that lately, there are talks that while bilingual education can be advantageous to white students, it can be disadvantageous for immigrants. The competitiveness of the United States somehow depends on having a labor force that can speak more than one language.

PBS NewsHour said that in California alone, employers would prefer to have bilingual employees regardless of the size of their business and the sector where they belong. English and Spanish classes are now being offered in elementary schools in Texas so that these students with the hope of developing bilingual students once they reach middle school.

The said bilingual education program, however, would be illegal in Massachusetts after majority of the voters agreed that only the English language be made mandatory except when another language would prove advantageous to those whose native language is English. Hechinger Report said David Nieto of the University of Colorado's BUENO Center for Multicultural Education believes that such law is unjust and discourages bilingual children to excel in their schools.

Among the states that require educational instruction to be made done only in English are New Hampshire, Arizona and California. Meanwhile, bilingual education will arm students with valuable skills that will help them develop language proficiency not only in English but also in a second language, as well as make them proud of their culture.

Through bilingual education, Center for Advanced Linguistics said students are able to maintain their native language while adding another language. They develop pride in their own culture while developing an understanding of others.


Scientists have found the fountain of youth, after they have discovered scientific proof that injecting teens blood plasma into old bodies of mice does seem to like to give rejuvenation powers, revitalizing their physical activity and increasing cognitive capabilities. Scientists said the process could be used one day in treatments for humans.

"Young human plasma improves cognition," New Scientist quoted Sakura Minami from Alkahest company, as saying. "The blood of youth must have something in it that's important for keeping them young," she added.

In a new research, scientists took samples of blood plasma from a crowd of young, healthy 18-year-old teenage accomplices and then injected the blood to 12-month-old bodies of mice, which were in their middle age regarding mice years or equivalent to 50 years old regarding human years. These mice perform poorly on memory exams and move slower.

In three weeks, the teens' blood were injected into the mice twice in a week, which the researchers consider is accountable for its revitalizing properties. After three weeks, the mice were put in a series of tests.

Scientists from Alkahest, a biopharmaceutical company based in California, compared the behavior of treated mice to old and young control crowds of 12-month-old and 3-month-old untreated mice. They found out that teens' blood can rejuvenate old bodies - even if the old bodies are not human themselves.

The blood of the juveniles made the bodies of old mice act and moved like young again, with treated mice running all over in open areas just like their young ones. However, there was evidence also that their poor memories had significantly improved.

Scientists said that they saw a rejuvenation effect and that blood of teenagers improves cognition. Blood plasma contains salts, minerals, and some proteins, which could be the cause of the rejuvenating effect according to the scientists.

Though scientists have identified these proteins responsible for the rejuvenating power, they can't tell name them for now. However, they are willing to share that the blood injection stimulated neurogenesis, which means new nerve cells were born at the brains of treated mice. All the new neurons were situated at the hippocampus that plays a huge part in the creation of memories.

Thus scientists believe that teens' blood might help treat age-related mental weakening and even the Alzheimer's disease. To test this assumption, researchers have started a clinical trial at Stanford University including 18 people with moderate or mild Alzheimer's disease, according to Science Alert.


Children need extra attention and care during winter months. This particular season increases kids' risk of developing cold and flu that can lead to more serious respiratory problems.

Experts found that flu-related diseases have been found among children and babies in hospitals during winter months, SAMAA reported. Dr. Nisar Rao, a consultant chest physician, told parents and guardians to take "special precautionary measures" for their children in winter season. During this period, kids' weak immune system makes them susceptible against diseases.

Breastfeeding can help babies have stronger immune systems against seasonal diseases. Rao also advised parents against overheating children in winter and instead put them in sweaters and warm clothes. Overheating children in cold weather can be a possible cause of SIDS or Sudden Infant Death Syndrome, according to Georgia's Department of Human Services.

Cold and flu in children caused by the winter season can lead to chronic bronchitis and lower respiratory tract infection such as pneumonia. Chronic bronchitis is characterized by coughing and difficulty breathing, with the inflamed bronchial tubes producing plenty of mucus.

Some of pneumonia's symptoms are fever, shaking chills, shortness of breath, sharp or stabbing chest pain, fatigue, loss of appetite, and coughing (can be bloody mucus and greenish or yellow), the American Lung Association listed. Climate transitions usually trigger different types of infections among humans. High levels of pollution in the air can also increase people's risk of developing breathing problems.

Norovirus and acute ear infections easily spread in winter as well. Norovirus causes the stomach or intestines to get inflamed, leading to nausea, diarrhea, and vomiting, the CDC listed. Asthma, sore throat, and cold sores are also triggered or aggravated by cold weather.

Washing the hands regularly can help prevent colds, the NHS advised. Proper washing of hands can kill bugs or germs that a person picked up from surfaces used by other people carrying the virus.

The best method against contracting flu is by getting the flu jab or flu nasal spray, which is recommended for children with ages between two and 18. The flu vaccine protects kids against flu for a year.

It's important to stay well and warm in the winter, especially in places with extremely cold weather. The NHS advised to drink regular hot drinks and eat at least one hot meal every day. Regular consumption of food in winter days can keep a person's energy levels up. Also, drawing curtains and keeping doors closed are a must to prevent draughts from entering the house.
Social media site Facebook has been used by Year 12 students as a platform to sell dangerous party drugs, including flakka. The students reportedly posted their contact information and Snapchat accounts and spread the news that they will be selling the drugs at Schoolies.

Many students are expected to head to party locations at the end of the year after they completed their exams. It will be a huge opportunity for students to distribute illegal drugs such as flakka that could harm or kill them. However, some students still continue buying and selling such drugs even after a series of warnings from the police.

A Facebook user even responded to the advertisement to ask whether the drugs they sell include flakka, a synthetic stimulant that can lead to serious diseases such as heart attack and kidney failure. The drug is considered to be dangerous as it can also quickly enter the bloodstream, causing some individuals to easily get overdose.

Flakka is known to have an "excited delirium" effect that includes paranoia, hyperstimulation and hallucinations. These could possibly cause the victim to feel violent and inflict self-injury according to the National Institute of Drug Abuse. Additionally, flakka has also been linked to suicide deaths.

In October, two victims who took flakka were left in a comatose state after an overdose outbreak of the drug in Gold Coast. Because of this, the police are now concerned that some students may be fooled into buying party drugs which could only be ecstasy dupes.

A former police officer Susan McLean warned that students should be cautious in taking drugs like flakka as they do not know where the drugs came from. She also said that it was a dumb idea for students to post on social media sites, thinking that they may not be noticed by the police, DailyMail reported.

Flakka could pose a serious threat to one's health so McLean also advised that those selling the drug and other illegal drugs will have far more harsh penalties than those using it. Are you aware what danger can flakka do to your health? Check out the video below to know more about the drug.
As the next leader of the United States of America, the most powerful nation in the whole world, President-elect Donald Trump has his own platforms and agendas that would want to see implemented. And one of those things he would like is scrapping most of President Barack Obama's projects.

For instance is the Obamacare. One of his recent, most controversial moves is a topic that would not only infuriate environmentalists, but could also affect the entire world.

Infuriating Environmentalists

Just recently, Trump wants U.S. out of the international agreements that would help resolve issues on climate change. As reported by Live Science, upon assuming the presidency, Trump would back out from the historic Paris Agreement, the 'Framework Convention on Climate Change'.

Proof to this move is the selection of Myron Ebell to lead the transition of the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) as reported by Climate Wire (via ScientificAmerican.com). Describing the effect of this appointment, "Ebell's role is likely to infuriate environmentalists and Democrats but buoy critics of Obama's climate rules."

China Invented Global Warming?

Did China invent the word 'Global Warming'? From the President-elect's perspective, the Chinese did. In fact, the 70-year-old incoming President of America does not believe global warming exists. Trump even blamed the Chinese from inventing such things just to make U.S. manufacturers non-competitive. Here's the proof:

We can't destroy the competitiveness of our factories in order to prepare for nonexistent global warming. China is thrilled with us!  Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) November 5, 2012

We can't destroy the competitiveness of our factories in order to prepare for nonexistent global warming. China is thrilled with us!  Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) November 5, 2012

Setting Dangerous Precedent

One of the most important questions about this belief is the fact that if Trump believes 'Global Warming' is a makeup lie; will he force his administration to miss out on one of the most important accords on the twenty-first century? While the agreement is non-binding, many sees this as an effect that will allow leaders to defy such agreements in the future should their personal interests deemed conflicting.

Prof. John Sterman of MIT and a senior adviser for the nonprofit Climate Interactive said that the United States alone will generate up to 22 gigatons of 'greenhouse gas emissions' by 2025. Sterman explained that should this issue not answered by today, it could lead to climate warming by about 8.1 degrees F (4.5 degrees C), and sea levels up to 6.5 feet (2 meters) by 2100.

"It could be worse, because many nations may decide that if the United States won't live up to its agreement, why should they?" Sterman said about Trump's insinuation about pulling out of the accord. Will Trump allow his administration to affect the future generation for not believing about the truth on 'Global Warming' and 'Climate Change'?
"The Walking Dead" Season 7 Episode 4 aptly titled "Service" last Sunday, mind the spoilers for those who haven't watched, featured Negan and his goon squad arriving in Alexandria to terrorize the residents and take just about half the stuff they have. Negan also brought Daryl dead silent. Among the far-fetched theories that might be true is that Daryl's blinking spell might be messages sent through Morse code.

The Huffington Post reported that while watching "The Walking Dead" Season 7 Episode 4, fans noticed that Daryl was acting and behaving in an odd fashion. Although the possibility of him being tortured for days on end does not escape, forced to listen to "Easy Street" on repeat, fan theorists think this was something more.

Fans also noticed that Daryl seemed to be blinking more than normal whenever Rick looked over his direction. This could verify the far-fetched theory that those blinks were in fact the Morse code, secret messages he has been sending to Rick in "The Walking Dead" Season 7 Episode 4.

A Redditor, Radda, explains how the far-fetched Morse code theory might actually explain a few events in "The Walking Dead" Season 7 Episode 4: "I'd roll my eyes at it if it weren't for the Morse Code chart earlier in the episode."

Early in "The Walking Dead" Season 7 Episode 4, as Rick walked through his Alexandria home, a blatantly noticeable item is hanging on the wall: a sign for American Morse Code, per ComicBook. Most viewers noticed it as it stood out. Could this be some hidden clue in the latest season?

@linda1950_linda @WalkingDeadLife around 6:44, they showed a morse code frame hanging. And when Megan arrived, Daryl morsed it lol  Kewdiepie (@twerkamalik) November 16, 2016

If the far-fetched theory in "The Walking Dead" Season 7 Episode 4 that Daryl was in fact sending secret messages via Morse code, then it means Daryl is telling Rick where Negan's headquarters is located. Once the Morse code is decoded, it would either be "I EAST," "6 miles East," "East of Hilltop," or "I-30 East."

If and only if "The Walking Dead" Season 7 Episode 4 far-fetched Morse code theory is true, then Rick now knows where Negan and The Saviors are located. What do you think of this far-fetched fan theory? Don't forget to leave your comments below.
Parents may want to babble and sing as much as possible, even if it means looking silly for a moment. Researchers discovered that doing baby talk and singing nursery rhymes can be beneficial for a baby's development.

Scholars from Cambridge University lead by Dr. Victoria Leong told BBC that babies learn best when they are in sync with their parents. For a baby, particularly newborns, the adult's way of speech is still out of grasp which makes it more laborious to learn new things around them.

Dr. Leong and team conducted the study by scanning moms and babies' brains during bonding. When the mother and baby's brain waves are not in tune, babies learned significantly less and vice versa.

The researchers also found out that a mother's soothing voice called as motherese can act like magic in keeping a baby's attention, thus, urging the inclination to learn. The scholars particularly focused on mother and child interaction which is why it isn't conclusive on fathers and other carers' parts, like parents or siblings.

Even though most adults think that babbling is harder to understand, it's proven otherwise for babies. In fact, the researchers found out that motherese or baby talk can sound cleared for the little ones. Moreover, it was found out that the more motherese is done, the more a baby learns.

The group of researchers may have suggested that motherese is beneficial to a baby's development but another school of thought has suggested otherwise. According to Daily Mail, baby talk is detrimental to the little ones so as they could easily learn how languages work.

Experts from Laboratory for Language Development at the RIKEN Brain Science Institute based in Tokyo, Japan advised that parents should just speak to a baby clearly. This meant no baby talk strange voice and not even the sing-song motherese way.

In contrast to Dr. Leong and team's findings, the RIKEN researchers also noted that babies who have been exposed to the clear utterance of words grew up to have larger vocabularies. These babies also tend to be brighter than their motherese-exposed counterparts as they were easily able to make new friends and converse using adult speech.

What do you think is the most effective way of speaking to a child? Let us know what you think about this by commenting below!
A video showing a boy with autism crying after he was not able to say "gobble, gobble" at the end of their play in school is gaining a lot of attention and is making rounds online. The reports say a teacher snatched the microphone before the six-year-old could speak.

Caleb, the six-year-old child with autism, was able to speak during the play but he wanted to say "gobble, gobble" once again before the play officially ended. He's attending the Nutter Fort Primary School and his parents believed the teacher who grabbed the microphone before the child could say anything acted harshly, FOX News reported.

Caleb's mother, Amanda Riddle, said in her post on YouTube, "What does it matter if he wanted to say gobble, gobble? He was the turkey after all. I'm sick of kids that are not considered 'normal' being treated the way they are." She continued to say that Caleb has a high-functioning autism but that does not get in his way to be a happy 6-year-old kid.

Accordingly, the father of Caleb, Kent Squires, watched as his son was not able to say what he wanted to say. Squires also took to Facebook to post the video. He shared in his caption that his son has the biggest heart and he's always happy, Metro reported.

Harrison County Superintendent Dr. Mark Manchin said in a statement that the act of the teacher was a mistake but she was not acting with malice. Manchin said that the teacher cares about these young boys and girls and that the program was over that is why she took the microphone.

Manchin also explained that Caleb already participated in the play earlier. The teacher was not identified. Meanwhile, Riddle posted a video of Caleb showing him saying what he was supposed to say at the end of the play. Have a look at his two-second video:
A Florida mother allegedly strangled her one-year-old daughter, identified as Mia Rice, to death and did not tell the police officers immediately. Initially, she pinned the crime on her two-year-old son.

The mother was identified as Kristen Marie DePasquale. People reported that she has been charged with first-degree murder and child neglect. DePasquale reportedly told investigators that her two-year-old son was in the living room with his sister while she took a five-minute shower.

DePasquale noted that she left the shower upon hearing her son saying sorry to his little sister. She continued to claim that she found her daughter partially hanging from a string of pumpkin-shaped lights around her neck.

As the investigation furthered, however, detectives found multiple inconsistencies with her statements. Oviedo police detective Christopher George said in a statement that the shower was dry when it was inspected and that DePasquale was wearing make-up and jewelry when responding officers came to their home while the towel she used was also dry.

As per her attorney, DePasquale has not pleaded guilty and is said to be very sad over what happened. It remains unknown what the motive was or what was the reason behind the alleged strangling.

It was also observed by authorities that the marks on the neck of Price showed more force than what a two-year-old boy can do. The medical examiner ruled that Price died via homicide by strangulation.

DePasquale was reported to be the one who called 911 wherein she claimed that her children were out in the living room playing and when she came back, her daughter was bleeding. The 911 call lasted for several minutes and at one point, DePasquale said that her daughter took a breath and spit something out.

Responding officers made efforts to revive Price. She was taken to a hospital but was pronounced dead, Washington Post reported. DePasquale, on the other hand, remained in custody without bail at the Seminole County Jail in Florida. The 27-year-old mother will be arraigned on Jan. 3.
The militant group Islamic State (IS) released a video in the past showing them destroying not only the artifacts but the ancient city of Nimrud in general and no one was able to save the centuries-old archaeological pieces of art. The 17-year-old Assyrian Christian then decided to fight back to the militants by replicating the ruined artifacts.

The 17-year-old was identified as Nenous Thabit and he said in a statement that the 3,000-year-old city was a source of pride that is why he decided to replicate the destroyed artifacts in Nimrud. He also said that he considers the artifacts in Nimrud to be the work of his ancestors, CNN reported. Thabit added, "They waged a war on art and culture, so I decided to fight them with art."

In the video released by ISIS, it showed the militants using sledgehammers and electric drills in order to destroy the artifacts. The ISIS militants said that destroying Nimrud was part of their campaign, which was to destroy symbols they believe are idolatrous.

Thabit and his family were originally from Mosul but are now in the Kurdish city of Irbil after fleeing from the war zones. Thabit is now sculpting the statues that resembled some of those destroyed in Nimrud in an apartment where he and his family took refuge, Assyrian International News Agency reported.

When asked about what his favorite Nimrud artifact is, Thabit said that Lamassu is his favorite statue. He said that Lamassu is the strongest creature in the Assyrian heritage. Lamassu has a head of a human, the body of a lion, the legs of an ox, and the wings of a vulture. He has made a Lamassu statue replica and said that it took him 15 days to complete it.

As of writing, Thabit has made 18 statues and one mural. He was reportedly trained by his sculptor father, Thabit Michael. Meanwhile, ISIS militants sometimes kill sculptors because they believe that they are apostates.
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It was on this day in 1865 that the young Mark Twains The Celebrated Jumping Frog of Calaveras County was published in the New York Saturday Press. In two years it would be the title contribution to his first book. And with that the world would never be the same.

Jan and I have made Mark Twain pilgrimages twice in our lives. The first time was pushing on twenty-five years ago when we lived in Wisconsin, and I served a suburban Milwaukee congregation. During the summer hiatus in our regular services, we took US 90 to La Crosse, and then turned south onto the Great River Road, which traces along the length of the Mississippi. We followed it as far as we had time, which turned out to be to Cairo, about the southern most part of Illinois. However, our main reason for the trip was to stop about two thirds of the way down the river at Hannibal, Samuel Clemens boyhood home.

It was resoundingly disappointing. All these years later what I recall most there is the statue of Huck and Tom that stands at the foot of Cardiff Hill. It shows the two boys walking along. We were told it represents Huck trying to slow Toms progression forward toward adulthood. I found that a past strange perspective, considering, well, everything about Samuel Clemens and what he thought and what he wrote about. In fact I have to admit the whole experience struck me as being slightly off. As Clemens didnt really have a lot of good things to say about the town in his lifetime, it occurred to me that maybe its only reasonable that down the years the good citizens of Hannibal came to be mostly about smiling at the tourists and taking their money.

The more interesting pilgrimage location for me was the Mark Twain house and museum in Hartford, which Jan, auntie, and I finally got to see a couple of years before auntie died and Jan and I returned to California. Clemens lived there between 1874 and 1891, and wrote many of his most famous books there, including both the Adventures of Tom Sawyer and the Adventures of Huckleberry Finn.

Unlike with our visit to Hannibal, with its air of naked tourist attraction not particularly mitigated by anything else, this was a horse of another color. Walking through the house, and standing in his study, looking down at the same grounds, more or less that he would have viewed over and over again, and then looking at his writing desk where his imagination roiled into some of the great tales to be spun from our American culture that I felt some electric charge, which seemed to me a connection between the man who was the great writer, his insights into the human condition, all of them, and, well, anyone willing to be open to the experience. And I was. I was.

There is so much one could address about him. What I want to reflect on here is Samuel Clemens spirituality. To start here is a little bouquet of Mark Twain observations about religion and its practitioners, starting with perhaps his most widely quoted, Faith is believing what you know aint so. Or, how about his observation about the Bible? He tells us it has noble poetry in it and some good morals and a wealth of obscenity, and upwards a thousand lies. Finally, as to practitioners of my trade he rather dryly noted, Ive never heard a sermon in which I could not find some good, though there have been some near misses.

In some ways this followed his general view of humanity. Here are two examples, again, first the most widely quoted. Man is the only animal that blushes. Or needs to. And, a personal favorite, A clear conscience is the sure sign of a bad memory.

Somehow I have a feeling he would have a few words to say about todays events.

Wish he were around
Iranian Officials Ignore Demands of Eight Ailing Political Prisoners on Hunger Strike

11/18/16

Source: International Campaign for Human Rights in Iran





At least eight political prisoners are currently on life-threatening hunger strikes in Tehran and Karaj to demand better conditions and reviews of their unjust prison sentences. Even though at least one political prisoner in Iran has died as a result of his hunger strike, judicial officials have not only ignored the worsening conditions of the hunger strikers, but in some cases also punished them for their protests.

Political prisoners Arash Sadeghi, Mehdi Rajabian and his brother Hossein Rajabian, Ali Shariatiand Vahid Sayyadi Nasirpour are all currently on hunger strike in Tehran's Evin Prison.

According to an informed source, Sadeghi, a civil rights activist, went on hunger strike in Evin Prison's Ward 8 on October 24, 2016-the day his wife and fellow political prisoner Golrokh Ebrahimi Iraee was detained and taken to Evin Prison's Women's Ward to begin serving her six-year prison sentence for "insulting the sacred" and "propaganda against the state."

"Arash's blood pressure has dropped and he has refused intravenous injections and medicine," the source told the International Campaign for Human Rights in Iran. "In violation of prison rules, he has been denied the right to see his wife and prison officials have told him that he will not gain visitation rights until he stops his hunger strike."

On June 7, 2016 Sadeghi began serving a 19-year prison sentence for "assembly and collusion against national security," "propaganda against the state," "spreading lies in cyberspace," and "insulting the founder of the Islamic Republic."

Mehdi and Hossein Rajabian began a joint hunger strike on October 28, 2016. The brothers, who began serving a three-year prison sentence in June 2016 for allegedly distributing underground music, are demanding medical furlough (temporary leave) and being returned to the same prison ward they were initially placed together in at Evin Prison. On November 13 Mehdi Rajabian was transferred to the hospital after his health seriously deteriorated as a result of the hunger strike.

"The condition of both brothers has gotten worse since they began the hunger strike," an informed source told the Campaign. "Hossein has a severe lung infection. He was in the hospital for five days before starting the hunger strike and doctors had said then that he needs further treatment. Mehdi is suffering from an illness similar to multiple sclerosis-it's not clear. He has become very weak and can walk only with a cane."

Shariati, a civil rights activist, began his hunger strike on October 31, 2016 when he began serving a five-year prison sentence for protesting against acid attacks on women. As of November 9 he stopped drinking liquids, making him very weak, a source told the Campaign. Shariati is protesting against his "forced return to prison to serve a sentence that has no legal basis," according to his mother, Shayesteh-ol-Sadat Shahidi.

Mohammad Ali Taheri, the founder of the banned Erfan-e Halgheh spiritual group, went on hunger strike in Evin Prison on October 18, 2016 to demand an end to his illegal incarceration. Taheri's five-year prison sentence for "insulting the sacred," "immoral contact with women" and "carrying out illegal medical procedures," ended on February 7, 2016, but he has not been freed. The authorities have concealed his location from his family since late October.

Nasiri went on hunger strike on October 16, 2016 because the Appeals Court has not yet convened to consider his appeal request-filed more than a year ago-against an eight-year prison sentence for "insulting the sacred and the supreme leader" as well as "propaganda against the state."

Rasoul Razavi, Morteza Moradpour and Hossein Alimohammadi, all Azeri rights activists, have been sentenced to two, three and five years in prison respectively for campaigning against ethnic discrimination in East Azerbaijan Province. After being on hunger strike in Tabriz Prison for several days, Razvi and Moradpour were transferred to a prison in Karaj in Alborz Province on November 5, 2016 as punishment for their protests. Hossein Ali Mohammadi meanwhile ended his hunger strike, the Campaign has learned.

On June 10, 2011 prominent political activist and dissident Hoda Saber died from a lack of medical treatment in Evin Prison eight days after starting a hunger strike.

Political prisoners in Iran routinely receive discriminatory treatment, including denial of necessary medical treatment.
Lut Desert provides tourism development opportunity: Iranian Official

11/18/16

Source: Tehran Times

The Lut Desert, one of the two deserts dominating the landscape of eastern Iran, has got what it takes to lure travelers considering its geological uniqueness. Inscribed on UNESCO World Heritage List, the scorching Lut, is a mix of sand and salt. Its calming silence is also amazingly attractive.



Dasht-e Lut



"The Lut Desert provides a suitable prospect for the expansion of tourism industry in the country," Zahra Ahmadipour, the newly-appointed director of Iran's Cultural Heritage, Tourism, and Handicrafts Organization said on Monday.



She made the remarks during her visit to Jiroft in the southeastern province of Kerman, ILNA reported.



Ahmadipour who doubles as vice president accompanied First Vice-President Es'haq Jahangiri and several other members of the cabinet during the visit to Kerman.



The massive deserts, rich in magnificent scenery and unparalleled serenity, have much to offer their visitors who are in search of new adventures.



Seven years of satellite temperature data analyzed by NASA show that the Lut Desert is the hottest spot on Earth. Based on the research, it was hottest during 5 of the 7 years, and had the highest temperature overall: 70.7C in 2005.

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Kofax Power PDF review TechRadar Pro

Kofax has a handful of multi-platform apps to help you alter and annotate PDFs. Standard is likely the one best suited for most needs, and is the software well be exploring in this review.
If theres one thing to be said about 2016, its that its full of surprises. This year has seen events you wouldnt have dreamt of a decade ago. When I read that Microsoft joined the Linux Foundation, I couldnt believe it at first. Theres plenty of exciting news for developers in this new partnership, but not much for Linux desktop users.

I first started experimenting with Linux in the late 90s and early aughts (00s?), back when Steve Ballmer took the reins at Microsoft. In those days, Microsoft was famously hostile to Linux, or any other OS for that matter.

Fast-forward 15 years, and Microsoft is cozying up to the very same platform that Ballmer had vilified. Under Satya Nadella, Microsoft has embraced the open-source scene.

While I was surprised by the news, it didnt exactly blow my hair back. Microsofts product line has been getting progressively more Linux-friendly over the past couple of years. You can spin up a Linux virtual machine in Microsofts Azure platform, just as easily as you can an image of Microsofts own IIS. Earlier this year, Microsoft partnered with Canonical (the company behind Ubuntu) to create the Windows Subsystem for Linux. In June, someone even got WSL to run Ubuntus Unity desktop in Windows 10. Microsoft is planning to release its SQL Server database for Linux as well.

James Niccolai Microsoft CEO Satya Nadella recently proclaimed the companys newfound love for Linux.

None of that really affects everyday Linux users, but what will make a difference in the short term is the money Microsoft injected into the Linux Foundation. Microsoft joined as a Platinum member, which means that Nadella and company will pony up at least $500,000 for the title, per year. That money can help fund Linux Foundation projects, most of which (like Node.js) arent user-facing at all. However, a big recipient of the money will be the Linux kernel, so more resources and developer time can be spent on improving hardware support, security, and performance. Besides the kernel, the most likely consumer-facing project in the Linux Foundation to benefit will be the Tizen mobile operating system that Samsung (also a foundation member) is looking to use on its smartphones in place of Android.

(Heres a list of all the Foundations corporate members.)

As with most corporate sponsorships in open-source, most of the money goes to projects that power infrastructure and web technologies that those companies rely on. Projects that create software that the desktop user uses every day (like GNOME or LibreOffice) are unlikely to see much, if any, of Microsofts money. Its also fairly unlikely that Microsoft desktop applications will suddenly run on Linux or become more compatible, unless Microsoft starts paying some people to work on WINE full time.

Being a member of the Linux Foundation doesnt even ensure that a sponsor will continue previous support for the OS. Take Adobe, for example: Adobe pays $20,000 per year as a Silver member of the Linux Foundation. Adobe also stopped releasing updates for Flash to Linux four years ago. (The company just recently started supporting the OS again in September.) There still isnt a Linux version of the Creative Suite, which means you still need Windows (or Mac OS) to run Lightroom, Photoshop, and the like. And Acrobat Reader for Linux, in my experience, has been bad to the point of near-uselessness.

Given Adobes approach to Linux, I wouldnt expect great things from Microsoft when it comes to the Linux desktop. If Redmond were to announce a release of DirectX for Linux, it mightmightjust make 2016 better, but I wont hold my breath.
Apple may have refused to help the FBI unlock an iPhone used by the San Bernardino shooter, but the tech industry is still better off working with the U.S. government on encryption issues than turning away, according to a former official with the Obama administration.

The government can get very creative, said Daniel Rosenthal, who served as the counterterrorism director in the White House until January this year. He fears that the U.S. government will choose to go it alone and take extreme approaches to circumventing encryption, especially if another terrorist attack occurs.

The solutions they come up with are going to be less privacy protective, he said during a talk at the Versus 16 cybersecurity conference. People will think they are horrifying, and I dont want us to see us get to that place.

Rosenthal made his comments as President-elect Donald Trump  who previously called for a boycott of Apple during its dispute with the FBI  prepares to take office in January.

A Trump administration has a greater likelihood than the Obama administration of supporting legislation that will force tech companies to break into their customers encrypted data when ordered by a judge, Rosenthal said.

You have a commander-in-chief, who said at least on the campaign trail hes more favorable towards a backdoor regime, Rosenthal said.

Earlier this year, one such bill was proposed that met with staunch opposition from privacy advocates. However, in the aftermath of another terrorist attack, Congress might choose to push aside those concerns and pass legislation drafted without the advice of Silicon Valley, he said.

Rosenthal went on to say that U.S. law enforcement needs surveillance tools to learn about terrorist plots, and thats where the tech industry can help. During his time in the White House, he noticed a dramatic increase in bad actors using encryption to thwart government efforts to spy on them.

There are people trying to come up with a reasonable solution, he said of efforts to find a middle ground on the encryption debate. To immediately say there is no solution is counter historical.

Michael Kan Cindy Cohn (right), executive director of EFF, and Daniel Rosenthal, former director of counterterrorism for the White House.

However, Rosenthals comments were met with resistance from Cindy Cohn, executive director for Electronic Frontier Foundation, a privacy advocate. She also spoke at the talk and opposed government efforts to weaken encryption, saying it dumbs down security.

This idea of a middle ground that you can come up with an encryption strategy that only lets good guy into your data, and never lets a bad guy into your data, misunderstands how the math works, she said.

Law enforcement already possess a wide variety of surveillance tools to track terrorists, she said. In addition, tech companies continue to help U.S. authorities on criminal cases and national security issues, despite past disputes over privacy and encryption.

But law enforcement has done little to recognize the risks of building backdoors into products, Cohn said. Not only would this weaken security for users, but also damage U.S. business interests.

If American companies cant offer strong encryption, foreign companies are going to walk right into that market opportunity, she said.

Cohn also said any effort to force U.S. companies to weaken encryption wouldnt necessarily help catch terrorists. Thats because other strong encryption products from foreign vendors are also circulating across the world.

The idea that the Americans can make sure that ISIS never gets access to strong encryption is a pipe dream, she said. Thats why I think this is bad idea. Because I dont think its going to work.

The Versus 16 conference was sponsored by cybersecurity firm Vera.
In his nomination of Representative Mike Pompeo to head the CIA, President-elect Donald Trump has picked someone who has supported NSA surveillance programs and has criticized Silicon Valleys stance on encryption.

Pompeo, a Republican from Kansas, is a former cavalry officer in the U.S. Army and a graduate of West Point military academy. He currently serves on the House Intelligence Committee and is perhaps best known for his role on the Benghazi committee that investigated Hillary Clinton.

But his committee assignment has also put him in the middle of several recent issues that have pitched the U.S. intelligence community against major tech companies.

Back in February when the FBI was fighting Apple to gain access to data inside an iPhone used by a San Bernadino mass shooter, Pompeo criticized the companys position. Pompeo called Apple CEO Tim Cooks resistance to a subpoena disappointing and said he should not stand in the way of the FBIs investigation into a dead ISIS terrorist, who has the blood of 14 innocent Americans on his hands.

The FBI had asked Apple to create custom software that would allow it an unlimited number of attempts to crack a passcode on the phone. Apple refused, and the case ended unresolved after the FBI said it had ultimately gained access to the iPhone using other methods.

Pompeo has also supported the National Security Agencys decision to run some of its expansive surveillance programs that came to light after Edward Snowden, the former NSA contractor, leaked secret documents to media organizations.

In the face of widespread resistance to NSA domestic data collection, Pompeo opposed limits and argued that the agencys surveillance programs are essential in fighting the threat or terrorism aimed at targets in the U.S.

He has also been a constant critic of Snowden. Commenting on his committees report into Snowden, Pompeo called him a liar and a criminal and said, the appropriate action would be to send Snowden to prison, not give him a pardon.

Back in 2014, he pushed the organizers of the SXSW conference to cancel an event where Snowden appeared via video conference.

In making his choice, Trump said Pompeo will be a brilliant and unrelenting leader for our intelligence community to ensure the safety of Americans and our allies.

His nomination will need to clear the Senate, and there will be some resistance.

In response to the nomination, Senator Ron Wyden, a Democrat from Oregon, said the CIA needs principled leadership now more than ever. Wyden criticized Pompeos support for torture of terrorism suspects.

Unfortunately, Representative Pompeos comments in which he asserted that the CIAs torture program was legal and that the American people did not deserve to know about it are deeply troubling, Wyden said.
Angels outfielder Mike Trout was named the 2016 American League Most Valuable Player Thursday, winning the second MVP award of his career.

The 25-year-old Trout, who was a unanimous winner in 2014, becomes just the 27th player to win multiple MVP awards and is the third youngest player ever to win the award multiple times, behind Detroits Hal Newhouser (24 years, 133 days) and Cincinnatis Johnny Bench (24 years, 302 days).

Trout got 19 first place votes, eight second place votes and one third place vote for a total of 356 points, 45 points ahead of second place finisher Mookie Betts of the Boston Red Sox (311 points). In five seasons, Trout has now finished in the Top 2 of the MVP vote every year, join Barry Bonds (1999-04) as the only players to finish in the top two in voting five consecutive seasons.

Trout, who won the fourth MVP award in Angels history, joined Vladimir Guerrero (2004) and Don Baylor (1979) as the only Halos to receive the award and becomes the clubs first multiple winner.

In 2016, Trout batted .315 with 123 runs scored, 32 doubles, five triples, 29 home runs, 100 RBI and 30 stolen bases. The Halos center fielder led the Majors in runs, walks and OBP and was sixth in the American League in average. He became just the second player in MLB history to hit .315, walk 115 times, score 120 runs and steal 30 bases, joining Ty Cobb, who did it in 1915.

Additionally, Trout led the American League in both runs and walks for the second time in his career, becoming the first player to accomplish the feat multiple times since Ted Williams.

At 25-years old, Trouts resume now includes two A.L. MVP Awards (2014 and 2016), an A.L. Rookie of the Year Award (2012), five All-Star Game selections (2012-16), two All-Star Game MVP honors (2014 and 2015), five Silver Slugger Awards (2012-16) and an A.L. Hank Aaron Award (2014).
UCR entomology researchers plan to attack the potentially damaging Asian citrus psyllid, which has invaded California citrus orchards, with a non-stinging wasp from Pakistan.

Next week, the wasp, Tamarixia radiata, will be released in a biocontrol grove on the UC Riverside campus.

Tamarixia lays eggs in Asian citrus psyllid nymphs. Its larvae eat the nymphs, killing them and emerging a few days later as adults.

The scientists will be studying the effectiveness of the wasp in reducing the psyllid numbers.
Henry Folkens attended an informational meeting Friday, Jan. 10, at the National Orange Show on the Asian citrus psyllid, a pest that can carry a disease deadly to citrus trees.

Ive got citrus trees in my backyard, Folkens said when asked why he came. I think Ive got the white stuff on my trees.

The psyllid leaves behind a waxy substance, which may be the white stuff Folkens has detected.

I dont want to lose the trees and I use the citrus, he said. I have fresh orange juice every day from December to May.

Presented by the National Orange Show in San Bernardino, the free meeting offered separate sessions for residential and commercial citrus growers. The 25 or so people who attended the two-hour resident session were encouraged to spray their trees for the psyllid and to encourage their neighbors with citrus trees to do the same.

The Asian citrus psyllid has been found in Southern California, including San Bernardino and Riverside counties, and Gayle Covey, executive director of the San Bernardino County Farm Bureau and a citrus liaison at the National Orange Show, said backyard citrus growers are crucial in the effort to contain the pest.

Huge numbers of Inland homeowners have citrus trees in their yards.

Mark Hoddle, a biological control specialist with the entomology department at UC Riverside, spoke in depth about the Asian citrus psyllid and the Huanglongbing, the deadly disease it can carry. The disease also is known as the citrus greening disease.

Hoddle spoke, as well, about the damage the psyllid has caused and will cause in California and what can be done to protect the states citrus industry. He said residents can spray their citrus trees with products they find at Lowes and Home Depot.

Homeowners need to spray, Covey said.

Chuck Hills, of Larry Jacinto Farming in the Redlands area, said retail sprays used to kill aphids and thrips on roses can be used on the psyllid, too.

It doesnt have to be a heavy pesticide, he added.

He recommended rotating sprays so the insects dont build up resistance.

Folkens has six lemon, tangerine and orange trees that he planted in his backyard in 1981.

Im going to spray the trees, he said.

His sister-in-law, Naomi Chism, thinks the psyllid has taken up residence at her San Bernardino home, where she has orange and tangerine trees. She said she wants to find the least invasive method for controlling the insect. She does not want to spray with something that is going to kill beneficial bugs in her yard.

Hoddle encouraged residents to talk to their neighbors and let them know about the issues related to the psyllid. Covey told attendees, if they live near commercial citrus growers, ask if they are spraying for the psyllid.

If theyre not, its going to affect you guys, Covey said.

The psyllid can fly short distances and can be carried by the wind, according to www.californiacitrusthreat.org, a website entirely devoted to the psyllid and citrus greening disease. Hoddle encouraged people to check it out.

The National Orange Show plans to hold more informational meetings on the psyllid and the citrus greening disease, possibly on a quarterly basis.

Follow Erin Waldner on Twitter @PE_ErinWaldner and online at blog.pressenterprise.com/author/ewaldner
A Banning man has been sentenced to 10 years in prison for two shootings five days apart last December in Beaumont.

Dominic Anthony Duro, 24, pleaded guilty in September to assault with a gun for shooting at a driver during a road rage incident Dec. 6. Duro also pleaded guilty to attempted murder for shooting an acquaintance Dec. 11. He was sentenced Tuesday, Nov. 15.

Duro and the driver of a Chevrolet Impala got into a road rage altercation Dec. 6 while driving east on Oak Valley Parkway, authorities say. After the driver of the Impala flipped off Duro while turning onto Edelweiss Drive, Duro  who was driving a Chevrolet Yukon  shot at the Impala, according to a declaration in support of an arrest warrant.

Though the bullet struck the passenger side of the Impala, the driver was not injured, the declaration said.

On Dec. 11, Duro was involved in another car-to-car shooting with a person he knew. The victim was shot in the head, and suffered skull fractures and a cerebral contusion. He was later able to talk to detectives.

Detectives determined the victim of that shooting was wearing a skull mask when he was shot, and had a loaded .357 Magnum revolver in his vehicle.

Duros girlfriend, Atiana Flowers, was in the car with Duro at the time of the shooting.

On Dec. 14, Beaumont detectives determined that the Yukon involved in the first shooting belonged to Flowers. The victim tentatively identified Duro as the person whos shot at his vehicle; based on that and other evidence, detectives obtained an arrest warrant.

He was found weeks later in Arizona  and was in possession of the gun used in the second shooting, according to another arrest warrant declaration.

Detectives interviewed him at the Mojave County jail, where they said he confessed to the second shooting but claimed it was in self-defense.

Flowers pleaded guilty to aiding Duros escape, and was sentenced Tuesday to four years and four months in prison for that and an unrelated case, according to Riverside County District Attorneys Office spokesman John Hall.

Contact the writer: 951-368-9284, atadayon@scng.com, @PE_alitadayon
The chancellor of the Long Beach-based California State University system Thursday reiterated his pledge to make campuses a safe environment for its students  including those living in the country illegally  but he declined to declare the systems campuses as sanctuaries that would be off-limits to immigration authorities.

In light of the Nov. 8 presidential election of Donald Trump, who has called for the deportation of millions of people in the country illegally, many have been pushing to ensure Cal State students will not be plucked out of classrooms by immigration authorities.

More stories on immigration

Cal State Chancellor Timothy White, in an open letter sent Thursday to students, faculty and staff, said the university will not enter into agreements with immigration authorities and that campus police will not honor immigration hold requests. But he declined to deem the campuses as sanctuaries.

The term sanctuary has several interpretations and is in many contexts ambiguous, White wrote. If we were to use this term it would be misleading to the very people we support and serve.

The chancellor said the Cal State system has adopted a flexible systemwide set of guidelines on immigration that allows each campus to implement a policy reflecting its unique climate.

Related: Cal State Long Beach president says visitors, students need not fear deportation

Our policy is both clear and substantive, and removes the CSU from the enforcement of federal immigration laws, White said.

According to White, the CSU policy on immigration states that:

 The Cal State system will not enter into agreements with state or local law enforcement agencies, Homeland Security or any other federal department for the enforcement of federal immigration law;

 University police will not honor immigration hold requests; and

 University police do not contact, detain, question or arrest individuals solely on the basis of being, or suspected of being, a person that lacks documentation.

Related: Former UC Riverside leader Timothy White named Cal State chancellor

Trump has said he will look to quickly deport as many as 3 million people in the country illegally, primarily those convicted of serious criminal offenses. He has said as many as 11 million immigrants should be forced from the country.

Whites outline of the Cal State systems policy largely echoed comments made this week by Los Angeles police Chief Charlie Beck, who said the department would maintain its arms-length distance from immigration authorities.

On Tuesday, the Los Angeles Unified School District Board of Education approved a resolution reaffirming its designation of campuses as safe zones for undocumented students. It bars immigration authorities from entering campuses without prior approval of the superintendent or district attorneys.
A celebration of life gathering for Elizabeth Lee Hackney, retired Beaumont Unified coordinator of information and technology and libraries, is scheduled at 10:30 a.m. Monday, Nov. 21, at the Beaumont High School Theater.

Hackney, 68, died Saturday, Nov. 12, at her Beaumont home. Her death from cancer was announced at the Beaumont City Council meeting Tuesday, Nov. 15.

She was high school librarian for 13 years before serving as the administrative coordinator. She retired after 26 years with the district in 2012, according to a published obituary. Her husband, Wayne Hackney, is finishing six years of service as a Beaumont Unified schools trustee. He was a longtime district educator before he retired.

Elizabeth Hackney was active as a community volunteer, including the Beaumont Educational Support Team (BEST), and attended St. Stephens Episcopal Church. The family suggested contributions to a scholarship in her name through the BEST Foundation, in care of the school district headquarters.
UPDATE (Friday, Nov. 18): Missing LA couple found alive in Mexico

Friends and relatives of Mariya Masha Mitkova and Aaron Morganstein say theyve pooled together enough money to pay for an aerial search for the missing Elysian Park couple who were believed to be heading to the desert.

Mitkova and Morganstein were last seen Saturday at a residence in the 2200 block of Shoredale Avenue before heading on a camping trip to Joshua Tree or the Imperial Sand Dunes, according to the Los Angeles Police Department.

Mitkovas brother, Nicko Mitkova, said Thursday that multiple air units are now searching for the pair.

Previously: Search underway for missing LA couple believed headed to desert

Today we actually got numerous responses from pilots in the area, Mitkova said by telephone. They went up in the morning. Now were choreographing the search area and different locations.

He went on to say that tips were coming in because of news coverage.

As of Thursday afternoon, a GoFundMe page set up for Morganstein and Mitkova had raised more than $20,200.

According to the page, the money will be used for the search and when this is all over, whatevers left of the money will be used to compensate their families, as they have already spent ungodly amounts of money on things  like planes and helicopters, which are about 3,000 dollars an hourAssuming Masha and Aaron are found safe and sound, whatever is left after that will be returned.

Related: Donate toward the search for missing L.A. couple

Friends became concerned after Morganstein, a photographer, and Mitkova, who works in computer programming, didnt show up for work Monday.

The Los Angeles Police Department confirmed Thursday that the couple had not yet been found.

Morgansteins mother Teri Talan said Wednesday that both were experienced campers.

They dont park in a parking lot and go do a typical route, she said. They go to interesting and unusual places.

The LAPD has said the two were traveling in a blue 2002 Subaru Outback. The vehicles California license plate is 6PRH231, according to police.

Mitkova, 27, is 5 feet 7 inches tall and weighs around 130 pounds, police said. She has blond hair and blue eyes.

Morganstein is 33 years old, has black hair and brown eyes, according to police. He stands 6 feet 3 inches tall and weighs around 180 pounds.

Police urged anyone with information on their whereabouts to contact them at 213-996-1800.

Contact the writer: wwoods@scng.comTwitter: @JournoWes
About 100 Indio High School students tested for tuberculosis after a fellow student tested positive for the illness displayed the expected levels of latent or inactive tuberculosis normally seen among the general public, county health officials said Thursday, Nov. 17.

County public health officials conducted free TB skin tests Tuesday for students who were potentially exposed to the illness, following a positive diagnosis earlier this month for one unidentified student.

The student is still receiving treatment and is expected to recover, but has not yet returned to school, pending medical clearance.

The health department sent letters to notify those believed to have been exposed while stressing that the risk of transmission is low. Those who didnt receive notifications of exposure are not considered to be at risk and dont require testing, officials said.

Test results read at the school Thursday indicated the number of positive readings were within expected levels, according to Riverside County Public Health Officer Dr. Cameron Kaiser.

Riverside County Department of Public Health spokesman Jose Arballo Jr. said the proportion of students with positive results represented what usually is seen with any random subsection of the general population. Arballo also said there was no indication that any of those positive results were connected to the one students diagnosis.

Those who did test positive were advised to get a chest X-ray that can help determine whether an individual has TB or has simply been exposed to it, according to health officials, who noted that those with latent or inactive tuberculosis cannot spread it to others.

County health officials will not be providing chest X-rays; they recommend that those who need them follow up with an appropriate provider.

The diagnosis marks the third time the illness has been detected at a county school this year. A Desert Mirage High School student was treated for a potential infection in February, and an active diagnosis was detected in a Cahuilla Elementary School student in June.

Tuberculosis, which generally affects the lungs but can also affect other parts of the body, is spread through the air during prolonged, repeated and close contact with an infected individual. It is not spread by shaking hands or through sharing food, bed linens or toilet seats. Not everyone who becomes infected develops symptoms, but those who do can experience serious complications.
The calm before the storm may be ending for Californias citrus growers.

Recent finds of citrus trees in the Los Angeles area that have tested positive for huanglongbing, or citrus greening, have raised concern that the devastating disease may soon start to spread.

UC Riverside entomologist Mark Hoddle said the new finds were not unexpected.

This hasnt caught us with our pants around our ankles, Hoddle said. A lot of these trees have been trending in that direction.

Hoddle was referring to one tree in Hacienda Heights and 17 in the San Gabriel Valley that were positively identified with the disease and removed over the course of this year. The most recent were two San Gabriel trees taken out last month. This years finds brings the total number of trees found with the disease since 2012 to 30.

RELATED Citrus tree-killing disease spares San Bernardino County  so far

The diseased trees have been closely monitored for some time, Hoddle said. State officials have been sampling the trees as well as the Asian citrus psyllids trapped in the immediate area.

The psyllids, one-eighth-inch-long winged insects, can carry the huanglongbing, or HLB, bacteria, and first invaded California in 2008. Those that were initially trapped did not have HLB in their systems. But by 2012, the first HLB-positive tree was identified in Hacienda Heights.

The disease has decimated much of Floridas industry since it was first identified there in 2005. It is estimated to have cost the state more than $4 billion in lost citrus. Texas has also been hit hard.

There is no cure for HLB. Trees that get the disease have mottled colored misshapen leaves. The fruit is also misshapen and doesnt ripen. The trees typically die in three to five years. The current strategy is to remove such trees as soon as they are identified to keep the disease from spreading to other trees nearby.

Since the first psyllids showed up in California, state and industry officials have been working to stem the insects spread and to prevent the disease from taking hold. Hoddle said those efforts  which have included topical spraying, the introduction of natural controls and diligent monitoring and testing  have delayed the progression of HLB. But hes not hopeful that the defense will hold up much longer.

Weve been doing everything possible to contain and slow down the spread of the disease, Hoddle said. But the trend is moving towards what I believe is an HLB tsunami.

He compared the situation to the sea slowly rising before finally the wave hits the shore and its suddenly everywhere.

Victoria Hornbaker, the citrus program manager for the California Department of Food and Agriculture, said shes trying to be hopeful.

Were all really concerned, Hornbaker said. I tend to lean toward being optimistic. Hopefully well be able to stave it off longer.

Researchers are working on ways to identify affected trees earlier.

If we can detect earlier and get (the diseased trees) out of the ground earlier, that will help the spread.

The disease does not spread uniformly. Its possible that an affected tree will test negative if the wrong leaves or branches are tested. Hoddle said monitors are also testing the pysllids for HLB.

That can really help you pinpoint trees that might be affected, he said.

Still, he worries it wont be enough and the disease will soon be widespread.

We may be looking at something as short as 3 to 5 years, he said. It may be quicker than that. The time that weve purchased for the citrus industry, that window may be starting to close.

Contact the writer: mmuckenfuss@scng.com or 951-368-9595
A 28-year-old man who the California Highway Patrol believes drove almost 10 miles going the wrong way through traffic on the 215 Freeway in Perris and Menifee while under the influence of drugs Wednesday, Nov. 16, was cited and released the same day, according to jail records.

Cameron Michael Yancey of Oceanside was arrested on suspicion of one misdemeanor count of driving under the influence of drugs and booked into the Southwest Detention Center in French Valley.

The jail records show bail was set at $2,500, but sheriffs spokesman Deputy Mike Vasquez confirmed Yancey was cited and released without posting bond.

About 11:40 a.m., a 2007 Dodge Challenger was spotted traveling south on the northbound side of the 215 just north of Nuevo Road in Perris, according to a California Highway Patrol news release. It was moving at 70-80 mph.

A little while later, the Challenger was seen driving in the center divider between Ethanac Road and McCall Boulevard in the Menifee area.

It was kicking up dust and debris as it traveled in the median. Nearby drivers seemed relatively unaffected; nobody was swerving or stopping as a car traveled in the opposite direction.

At some point a Riverside County sheriffs deputy who was driving on the southbound side of the freeway spotted the Challenger and began to parallel it, the CHP release said.

The Challenger eventually came to a stop just north of Newport Road in Menifee, where the center divider was blocked off by construction.

At that point sheriffs deputies were able detain Yancey  who the CHP release said was exhibiting signs of being on drugs  until CHP officers who had jurisdiction arrived. Yancey was arrested without a struggle.

CHP Officer Mike Lassig said he did not know what specific drugs Yancey was suspected of being on.

Yancey could not be reached for comment Thursday.

Staff designer Joe Ardent contributed to this report.

Contact the writer: 951-368-9693 or agroves@scng.com
The Oxford Business Group (OBG) is organising an African Investment and Business forum from 3rd to 5th December at the Accra International Conference Centre.



The global publishing firm, OBG will be a key partner at the Forum, which will bring together more than 2000 industry and public sector representatives from across the continent, including a number of government leaders.



A statement issued on Wednesday and copied to Ghana News Agency said, Algerias bid to foster new commercial links across West Africa and take advantage of the opportunities emerging in key markets, including Ghana, is expected to be a topic for discussion at a transcontinental forum to be held in Algiers at the beginning of December.



Ali Haddad, the President of the Forum of Business Leaders, Algeria, will be among the speakers at the conference.



Brahim Benabdeslem, Vice-President of the FCE, said the forum would provide an important platform for collective sharing and co-development.



Algeria wishes to play a central role in building adhesion among countries across the continent and will strive to push the African continent toward being a global economic powerhouse, he said.



Algeria has already begun the process of diversifying its economy and moving up the value chain, in a bid to reduce the countrys financial dependence on oil and gas.



The country has also managed to counter a drop in revenues by rationalising its fiscal and monetary policies, while maintaining its plans for investing in both infrastructure, and social and human development.



The countrys long-term strategy for broadening the economic base includes driving up investment from countries throughout sub-Saharan Africa and building on trade partnerships.



Africas future will be, in part, determined by the pace of economic and social development within each individual country.



The African Investments and Business Forum will provide business and also a platform for participants to discuss the African Unions strategies for boosting intra-African trade.



The conference will focus on the five areas that have been identified as pivotal for producing a lasting collective dynamic, namely: agriculture; energy; finance; digital development; and human capital.



These are the key elements that will shape the programme of this event and drive the new inter-African dynamic, as well as an economic vision that is balanced, coherent and inclusive, Toufik Lerari, president of Jil'FCE, said.



With a focus on seeking out African solutions to African problems, the Algiers event is a significant step towards collective autonomy. It will provide business leaders keen to contribute to the continents economic development with the means to learn more about the

opportunities available to them.



Many of the themes explored at the forum will be analysed in detail in The Report: Algeria 2016, OBGs forthcoming report on the country. OBGs publication will highlight the need to pivot towards Sub-Saharan Africa.



It will also chart the diversification of the Algerian economy; the shift towards the development of industry and value-added activities; agricultures key role; and the growing emphasis on exports, including the recognition of Algerian products abroad.



The publication will be a vital guide to the many facets of the country, including its macroeconomics, infrastructure, banking and other sectoral developments.

Source: GNA









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Volta Regional Manager of the Electricity Company of Ghana (ECG), Ing. Joseph Forson has debunked claims by government officials and a section of the public that ECG is inefficient.



Mr Forson, who described such reports as erroneous, said if ECG was inefficient, it would have collapsed many years ago. As far as I am concerned, ECG has a very productive and efficient team.



If you sleep and the lights go off at night and it returns at 1:00am, know that it is the work of efficient ECG staff in the bushes sacrificing their sleep.



The company also expressed worry about the indiscriminate destruction of transmission poles by fire in the region, adding that bushfire destroyed 294 poles valued at GH259,951.86 between 2015 and 2016.



He further noted that despite constant education on the clearing of grass around poles, creation of fire belts, the fires continue to destroy the electrical poles in the region to deprive communities, especially in the northern part of the region, of power supply.



Ing. Forson observed that the poles are replaced at the cost of culprits and communities.



He therefore appealed to the public and community leaders to either educate the culprits or promptly report them.



As at September 2016, a total of GH875,000.00 has been spent by the regional office of the ECG on 26 completed projects in the region.



Some of these projects, according to the regional ECG office, include the replacement of the wooden poles with steel tubular poles in Nkwanta and other parts of the Volta region where the bushfires are prevalent.



Although ECGs operations in the region cover 11 operational districts, only Ho and Hohoe run prepaid services covering 37,778.



The remaining nine operational districts undertake post services, covering 189,359 customers.



He complained about encroachment on the companys Denu Customer Service Center and Bulk Supply Point and urged chiefs in the area to intervene.

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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A 28-year-old farmer from Nkoranza in the Brong Ahafo Region, Nicholas Affum has emerged grand winner in the maiden edition of the Vodafone Farmers Loyalty Awards which rewarded 20 most loyal Vodafone Farmers Club subscribers at a ceremony in Techiman in the Brong-Ahafo region.



The grand winner received a hand tractor, a years scholarship for one child, and farming gear which included wellington boots, helmets, and other materials required for his work. The other winners took home tricycles, motorbikes, scholarships for their wards and farming gears..



Commenting on the package, Mr. Affum said:



I am excited about the honour done me by Vodafone Ghana. The award came to me as a big surprise as I never imagined my work could be recognized. The recognition and prize package will spur me on to succeed and achieve even more.



The Nkoranza based farmer encouraged more farmers to sign up to the Vodafone Farmers Club to experience the valuable services offered by Vodafone.



Agnes Emefa Essah, Director of the Consumer Business Unit at Vodafone Ghana, said:



For many years, farmers have played a crucial role in our nutrition and economic growth. At Vodafone, we are proud of our contribution to agriculture through our technology-based engagement with farmers and after a year of success, we find it apt to acknowledge their indispensable contribution to Ghanas economic growth.



The CBU Director said Vodafone will continually engage members of its Farmers Club initiative to improve their lives and farm yields, whiles rewarding them for their loyalty.



The Vodafone Farmers Club initiative was launched in Ghana in 2015 to offer a range of mobile services exclusively for farmers. Partnered by Esoko Ghana, an information service provider for agricultural markets in Africa, the club provides farmers with access to relevant information on improved farming practices, crop information, prices of commodities and expert advice, in their preferred language.





Source: Peacefmonline.com









Disclaimer : Opinions expressed here are those of the writers and do not reflect those of Peacefmonline.com. Peacefmonline.com accepts no responsibility legal or otherwise for their accuracy of content. Please report any inappropriate content to us, and we will evaluate it as a matter of priority.

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The flagbearer of the Progressive Peoples Party (PPP), Dr. Papa Kwesi Nduom on Tuesday took his campaign message to residents of the SekondiTakoradi metropolis, vowing that there will be Trump style Tsunami in Ghana on December 7.



He visited the Market Circle in the central business district in Takoradi, where he appealed to the electorate to vote for the PPP, saying that the Trump-like vote will shake the foundations of the countrys political landscape.



On December 7 we will see the Trump magic in this country. We will provide more jobs and schools for Ghanaians, he added.



Dr. Nduom noted that the Western Region was gifted with numerous resources including gold, bauxite and manganese, but had not witnessed significant improvement over the years.



A PPP government, he said, would be committed to work for the people and urged them to remain focused on the dreams of the party.



Addressing journalists on the sidelines, Dr Ndoum urged the electorate to reject the ruling National Democratic Congresss (NDC) administration, noting that the party had taken the region for granted for too long, despite her contributions to national development.



He added that the NDC had failed to fulfill its promise of giving 10 per cent of the proceeds from the oil at the Jubilee Fields to the chiefs for development projects.



He argued that the NDC and President Mahama have no moral right to ask for another term, pledging that a PPP government would ensure a fair distribution of the countrys natural resources.



Areas such as Bogoso, Tarkwa, Prestea, all mining communities in the region, are nowhere near Johannesburg which has the same resources. A PPP government will not deny the region such deserved benefits, Dr. Nduom declared.



The PPP, he again said, would provide an efficient, faster and a modern railway system in the region.

Source: Ghanaian Times









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President John Dramani Mahama never instigated any clash between supporters of the National Democratic Congress (NDC) and those of the opposition New Patriotic Party (NPP) and any statements of such allegations are ridiculous, the Accra Regional Organiser of the NDC, Anthony Nukpenu, has said.



He was reacting to comments by the Womens Organiser of the main opposition NPP, Otiko Afisa Djaba, who accused President John Mahama of being behind the recent violent clash between supporters of the two parties in front of flag bearer Nana Akufo-Addos private residence at Nima.



He (John Mahama) is violent. He recently instigated some youth of the NDC to hurl stones at Nana Akufo-Addos house, Otiko Djaba told a crowd of NPP supporters in Afram Plains on Wednesday.



But Mr Nukpenu refuted those allegations in an interview with Emefa Apawu on Class FMs 505 news programme on Thursday, November 17.



According to him, he does not see how the president of the land, who is the Commander-in-Chief, can instigate a violent attack on the flag bearer, which never happened.



Mr Mahama on Tuesday also said he was not a violent person and, thus, would not be the one to spark any violence in this years elections.



By my nature, Im not a person who encourages violence and Ill never encourage violence. If any such thing will happen, it will not be because I have provoked it, he told some leaders of labour unions who called on him at the Flagstaff House in Accra on Tuesday.



Only last Saturday, we almost had a clash, which was unfortunate. If any of those firearms had been fired and someone had dropped dead, it would have been a completely different story. I think we should be preventive enough in our actions to prevent such things, he said, adding: I think that the police at Nima should have been better briefed knowing that this group was passing through and then we should have taken appropriate safeguards to ensure that such a thing doesnt happen, he said.



The clash happened as supporters of the two parties converged on the vicinity of the NPP flag bearers Nima residence as they simultaneously held their Keep Fit activities.



Mr Akufo-Addo and the NPP claim the NDC supporters threw stones into his residence, a situation that sparked the firing of the warning shots by the three-time flag bearers security detail.



Meanwhile, the United States of America has condemned the attack on Mr Akufo-Addos residence.



The US is deeply disappointed by the targeting of the home and family of the primary opposition presidential candidate, Department of State Press Director Elizabeth Trudeau said at the Daily Press Briefing on Monday, November 14, 2016.



"We condemn all violence in Ghana including political violence in the period leading to, during, and immediately following Ghanas elections scheduled for 7 December. Ghanaians from across the political spectrum have worked hard to build one of the leading democracies in Africa. We call on all Ghanaians to remain peaceful and respect the democratic process.



We specifically call on candidates, their parties and their supporters to reaffirm their pledges to renounce violence and settle any disputes through the judicial process. The US government said it will revoke or refuse visas of any politician that incites violence in connection with the polls.



Also, the British government condemned the violence. We condemn all violent acts by the supporters of any political party, including any occurring as a result of holding electoral campaign events close to the private homes of rival candidates, the British High Commission said in a statement.



The UK is a great supporter of Ghanas democracy and of maintaining its electoral record. We admire the open and energetic nature of its campaigns. We believe that violence has absolutely no place in the electoral process, the statement continued, adding: We, therefore, call on all Ghanas political actors to promote peace, and to respect Ghanas electoral and constitutional processes. All political parties should strongly urge their supporters to refrain from, and indeed actively condemn any violence, incitement or intimidation which only serves to undermine democracy.



The UK, like the US has also threatened to refuse or revoke the visas of anyone that engages in or incites political violence.



The UK noted that it would continue to work with Ghanaian institutions, including the Electoral Commission, Police, Judiciary, National Peace Council, civil society groups and the media to support Ghanas efforts to hold credible, peaceful and fair elections while remaining entirely neutral.



The European Union has also condemned the clash.

Source: classfmonline.com









Disclaimer : Opinions expressed here are those of the writers and do not reflect those of Peacefmonline.com. Peacefmonline.com accepts no responsibility legal or otherwise for their accuracy of content. Please report any inappropriate content to us, and we will evaluate it as a matter of priority.

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Star actor and Nollywood icon Nkem Owoh popularly known as Osuofia has described President John Mahama as a transformer whose transformational exploits as President of Ghana should be emulated across the African continent.



In a chat with journalists while filming a short documentary on Ghana, Osuofia expressed his amazement at the pace of visible development he has seen since his recent visit to Ghana.



He described the newly expanded and modernized arrival at the Kotoka International Airport, the Greater Accra Regional Hospital and the Kwame Nkrumah Circle Interchange which was commissioned last week by President Mahama as unbelievably world class.



As I landed at the airport, the fresh air that welcomed me and the beauty of the entire ambience showed clearly that things had changed. This is not the Ghana I used to know. As you can see, the Greater Accra Regional Hospital is a masterpiece. I initially mistook it for a seven-star hotel. When I got to the Kwame Nkrumah Circle Interchange, I thought I was in Trafalgar Square in London.



This is the work of a transformer! In fact, President Mahama should be retained, the actor exclaimed.

Source: Ghanaweb.com









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Ghanas enviable reputation for free and fair elections must not be taken for granted, Mr Jon Benjamin, the United Kingdom High Commissioner to Ghana has warned.



"The UK is a great supporter of Ghana's democracy and its electoral record. Whilst we admire the open and energetic nature of (the) campaigns, we also believe that violence has absolutely no place in the electoral process," Mr Benjamin said on Wednesday in Accra during the launch of the third Edition of Electoral Adjudication Manual.



"Nor do provocation, intimidation and incitement, including through hate speech  we condemn all manifestations of those practices.



"We therefore call on all of Ghana's political actors to promote peace and to respect Ghana's electoral and constitutional processes," he added.



He said all political parties should strongly urge their activists and supporters to refrain from, and, indeed, actively to condemn, any violence, incitement or intimidation, which only served to undermine democracy.



He said similarly, political parties should hold their own members, who undertake in such activities, to account.



The production/printing of the manual was funded by the Department for International Development as part of UK governments support to the Judicial Service under our four-year Deepening Democracy in Ghana Programme .



Mr Benjamin noted that The UK was providing assistance to the Electoral Commission (EC), Civil Society, the Ghana Police Service and the media.



"All of this support is designed to ensure a strong process that provides a level playing field where all candidates have a fair chance to make their case for election, and those who the majority of voters choose are the ones that end up in office," he said.



"And the UK  always absolutely impartial and neutral between all of Ghanas political parties  will always work happily with whatever government the people of Ghana vote for in free and fair elections," the High Commissioner said.



"Ghanaian citizens know that free and fair elections require the rule of law to prevail if the intent of the voters is to be accurately reflected.



"They look to the Judiciary to take action when there is an interference with this basic principle."



Mr Benjamin said: "When the fairness of elections is called into question, we need an effective process of complaints adjudication to sift the facts and determine whether proper election procedures were followed, as prescribed in laws and regulations."



He said respect for the law and the constitutional process was vital; adding that likewise, the EC must be independent, unfaltering in its administration of the process, swift and resolute in dealing with political intimidation, and open to listening and responding to legitimate concerns voiced by political parties, the media and the public.



He said the whole purpose of this support was to help the Judiciary, to do this critically important job effectively,  to equip and enable you to serve as an impartial last arbiter in election disputes.



"Ghanas Judiciary already has an enviable reputation and I note that the second edition of the Manual on Election Adjudication in Ghana that was produced in 2012 has received a lot of



commendations, and was proposed as a model for Kenya and Togo," he said.



He said the manual aimed to set out in plain English the various regulations and processes on election adjudication in one place and would be accessible to everyone, especially all election stakeholders.



"So we are pleased to be able to work with the Judicial Service to build on the success to date, to deliver what will  I am sure  be Ghanas seventh free and fair and peaceful election," he said.

Source: GNA









Disclaimer : Opinions expressed here are those of the writers and do not reflect those of Peacefmonline.com. Peacefmonline.com accepts no responsibility legal or otherwise for their accuracy of content. Please report any inappropriate content to us, and we will evaluate it as a matter of priority.

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In truly awful news, a man has allegedly set fire to a Commonwealth Bank in Melbournes south-east, injuring dozens.

Local police have confirmed a total 27 people were injured, with six of those in a serious condition, after the banks Springvale branch caught alight at about 11:30am.

Twenty-one other people were injured including three children, all have breathing problems and are in a stable condition, a spokesperson for Ambulance Victoria said in a statement. Ten of those were taken to Monash Medical Centre and 11 were taken to Dandenong Hospital.

Details are still scarce but Sky News Melbourne bureau chief Ahron Young has said a man did try to set himself alight, did try to self-harm.

The suspect was arrested at the scene and is currently in a serious condition under police guard at an unnamed hospital.

A passerby captured footage of smoke pluming out of the branch:

Commonwealth Bank fire in Springvale. Looks like an explosion? pic.twitter.com/rAYZGAgsC7  Solf (@sunprawn) November 18, 2016

Commonwealth Bank has issued a statement about the situation, nothing that the branch will (obviously) remain closed until its resolved.

Our first priority is the safety of our staff and customers and as a result the branch will remain closed for the rest of the day, the statement read. Our response team is on site, and we are working closely with local authorities and emergency services.

Well update this story as more info comes to hand.

Photo: 7News.
Australias oldest university college, St Pauls College, is steadfastly refusing to participate in a university-wide cultural review, which was triggered by reports of sexual misbehaviour, harassment and slut-shaming within the University of Sydneys campus culture.

St Pauls is understood to be the only college which is refusing to participate in the review, which is being led by former sex discrimination commissioner Elizabeth Broderick. Brodericks time as a commissioner included four investigations into gender discrimination in the Australian Defence Force.

Fairfax reports that the St Pauls warden Dr Ivan Head says that the college is [exercising] its liberty as a self-governing body in refusing to participate, instead opting to run its own review of campus life. Because as we all know, institutions are most thoroughly interrogated by confidential self-reviews conducted with no external oversight.

The prevalence of unreported sexual harassment and assault on college campuses has become a global issue over the past several years. There have been a number of stories coming out of USyds colleges implying a culture that routinely degrades and sexually shames women. Hence the review.

Back when the review was announced in May, Vice-Chancellor Michael Spence expressed a desire to cease the kind of stories which repeatedly demean the universitys reputation:

These stories have been a thorn in our flesh. I do not want to see any more of them. The Chancellor and I have invited the heads of college councils to meet with Ms Broderick to see how we can address concerns that have been legitimately raised. I am sure they will co-operate.

Seems like that co-operation isnt happening. Its important to stress that the colleges do have the right, as independent bodies, to refuse a review  though the universitys administration has considered disaffiliating from colleges who refuse take reasonable steps towards addressing the situation.

Dr Head took pains to suggest that they are not opposed to the concept of a cultural review  just that they would prefer to conduct it themselves. Hmm.

College has thus engaged its own independent professional in the field of the quantitative and qualitative review of communities and workplaces and is completing a thorough review of core dimensions of College life from the student perspective.

Well keep you posted.

Source: Fairfax.

Photo: Getty Images.
40-year-old Bollywood actor Mallika Sherawat has been assaulted in Paris, in the same district that Kim Kardashian West robbed and held at gunpoint in September.

The actor and her partner told police that they were ambushed in the lobby of the chic apartment building they were staying in, located in the 16th arrondissement of the French capital.

The three men were attempting to steal her handbag.

Sherawat was punched in the face, and the pair were both sprayed with teargas.

However, the robbers didnt end up taking the handbag, and left the scene empty-handed  which has reportedly left investigators mystified.

We cannot understand why the attackers fled without taking anything, a source in the investigation told AFP.

Sherawat, an outspoke feminist, is became a prominent figure in the Bollywood industry after starring in a film that attempted to break taboos about sex in the very conservative Indian film industry.

Well update this story as more information arises.

Source: The Guardian.

Photo: Jason Merritt / Getty.
Mere days after US judge ordered the immediate release of Brendan Dassey, one of the subjects of Netflixs insanely popular doco series Making a Murderer, a federal appeals court has blocked the motion, pending the outcome of an appeals process by the state of Wisconsin.

Wisconsins attorney general, Brad Schimel, announced soon after the decision by US magistrate judge William Duffin that Dassey ought to be immediately released under court supervision that he would file an immediate emergency motion to block Dasseys release.

The appeal by Schimel argues that Dassey confessed to the crime in elaborate detail  despite the allegations by the Netflix doco that these confessions were illegitimately extracted by police. He writes:

This case involves the brutal rape, murder, and mutilation of Teresa Halbach that 16-year-old Brendan Dassey committed with his uncle, Steven Avery. Dassey admitted to his crimes in extensive detail, in an entirely voluntary confession, during which investigators used techniques that courts around the country have approved time and again.

Dassey, 27, has been incarcerated since 2007 over the murder of Teresa Halbach. His conviction was overturned three months ago, and the state is vigorously appealing.

The Centre on Wrongful Convictions of Youth, the clinic representing Dassey, said it was disappointed.

We are disappointed more than words can say, the firm said in a statement. The fight goes on.

Well keep you posted on this one.

Source: The Guardian.

Photo: Making A Murderer.
Heres a sentence: Miranda Kerr was used as a honey trap to lure an underworld boss to a New Years Eve party at which he was shot and badly wounded.

Crime boss Pasquale Barbaro  who was shot dead in suspicious circumstances on Monday night  promised the head of Brothers 4 Lifes Blacktown chapter, Farhad Qaumi, that the Aussie supermodel would be partying with the biggest gangsters in Australia aboard a luxury yacht back in 2013.

Only  surprise surprise  Kerr was never actually going to attend as a special guest of Barbaros, and Qaumi copped a bullet to the shoulder when unknown gunman opened fire as the Oscar II docked at Rose Bay wharf later in the night.

The bizarre revelation was heard in the NSW Supreme Court, where Qaumi and his younger brother Mumtaz are currently on trial for allegedly organising the execution-style murder of debt collector Joe Antoun at his Strathfield home in December 2013.

A former member of Brothers 4 Life, known only as Witness J, dragged Kerr into the trial when he told of Barbaros exchange with Qaumi prior to the NYE party, which happened just 15 days after Antouns murder.

Did he [Barbaro] say to Farhad Qaumi, you are the star bro  its all for you and Miranda Kerr is coming? asked Qaumis lawyer, John Stratton SC.

Yeah he did say that, replied Witness J.

Its a celebration for you and you are the main event. It is your party and Miranda Kerr is going to be there?, Stratton continued.

Yeah, that is what he said.

Witness J told the court he was suspicious of Barbaros invitation because he barely knew Qaumi, who took the bait.

The execution-style hit on father-of-two Barbaro  outside the Earlwood home on an associate  was carried out the day before a Sydney court was due to hear phone intercepts of conversations hed had with Qaumi, which were to be used as evidence against him in the trial of Antouns murder.

Qaumi and his brother have pleaded not guilty to the crime.

Photo: GQ / Mario Testino.
In the past few months, theres been multiple shark attacks and even more shark sightings at Ballina and Lighthouse Beach.

Rather than educate residents and install safety programs, NSWs Baird government has instead gone straight for their signature move: a band-aid fix that is harmful to the environment, and fixes nothing in the long-term. NICE.

Mike Baird today visited Ballina to give a press conference about a 6-month trial of shark nets being installed.

However, a large number of residents and anti-shark net protestors were waiting at the press conference site, the Lance Ferris Wharf, to give Baird a piece of their mind about the nets, which will harm the marine wildlife in the area.

Unfortunately Baird reportedly never showed up to the wharf, instead changing the location at the last minute, and having the conference at the Ballina Marine Rescue Tower.

However, protestors managed to meet him there. People were reportedly holding signs saying BAIRD = ECO-VANDAL, and yelling no shark nets and dont harm marine life at the Premier.

Protestors chanted so loudly, that at times Baird was forced to lean forward just to be able to hear questions from reporters.

Some protestors managed to confront Baird about the decision:

Its also being reported that a man called Dean Jeffreys is being spoken to by police and potentially arrested for throwing a shark net over Mike Baird, all while dressed in a cartoon shark costume.

Yes, you read correctly!

Dramatic scenes at Ballina.A protester who doesnt want shark nets on north coast tried to throw a net over Premier pic.twitter.com/r99WMmExLL  Sarah Gerathy (@sarahgerathy) November 18, 2016

Here he is being spoken to by the po-po:

Protester Dean Jefferys who tried to throw a net over Premier Mike Baird is spoken to by police #nswpol pic.twitter.com/gJKrmuSl6O  Sarah Gerathy (@sarahgerathy) November 18, 2016

BREAKING: Man possibly about to be charged with assaulting @mikebairdMP for throwing net on him. @7NewsSydney  Alex Hart (@alexhart7) November 18, 2016

At least things are going a bit better for @mikebairdmp nowoh wait! someone just tried to throw a net over him! Go to election @Imresal  The Daily Rupert (@TheMurdochTimes) November 18, 2016

And theres been a pretty stock-standard response from Aussies about it:

Did Mike Baird actually get *caught* in the net? Oh god I hope so.  Mel Thomas. (@photogramel) November 18, 2016

@alexhart7 @7NewsSydney @mikebairdMP unfortunately he will survive, unlike the marine life caught in Mikes torture nets.  Cathy Crawley (@Cathy_Crawley) November 18, 2016

SAVAGE.

With the overhaul of the ICAC, and now this  its been yet another backlash-filled week for ol Casino Mike.

Well update this story as soon as more information arises.

Source: Twitter.

Photo: Twitter / @sarahgerathy.
A violent confrontation between media and the family of slain Sydney crime figure Hamad Assaad has left one TV journalist bloody, following a judges ruling that Hamads brother Tarek would not be granted bail.

Hamad Assaad was gunned down outside his Georges Hall home on October 25th, shortly after he emerged as a leading suspect in the murder of feared standover man Wally Ahmad back in April.

Late yesterday NSW Organised Crime Squad officers raided the house and car of Tarek Assaad and allegedly discovered a loaded semi-automatic shotgun (with the identifying markings scratched off), an ammunition magazine containing some 14 rounds, ammunition suitable for a Glock handgun, and around one gram of cocaine.

Charged with a string of drug and firearm offences, Tarek faced Bankstown Local Court today for a bail hearing. Magistrate Elaine Truscott summarily binned Tareks bail application, stating that he poses an extreme risk to the community.

I find it impossible to believe that the defendant did not know there was a loaded firearm in a drawer in his TV cabinet.

Tarek Assaad was denied bail and the case was adjourned until January.

Outside the court, a media throng awaited members of Assaads family, with one lashing out at a reporter, leaving her with a bloody cut above her eye.

The investigation continues, as police in Sydney seek to curb a spate of gangland shootings and escalating violence.

Source: Sydney Morning Herald, 7News Sydney.
Let it never be said that Warnie hasnt had a crack.

Australias No. 1 party boy  yes, that is how Shane Warne describes himself  is keen to hook up with iconic 03 queen Paris Hilton while shes in town.

The heiress, DJ, and former overlord of Kim Kardashian arrived in Melbourne late Wednesday night, and was the special guest at a party at Crowns Club 23 on Thursday.

Warnie told the Herald Sun hed been looking forward to meeting Paris at the party, but was unfortunately unable to attend because of other business commitments. Truly, a national tragedy.

Now heres his exact quote, which is important for reasons that will soon become clear.

Australias No. 1 party boy would like to meet her, he said. Weve got mutual friends but weve never had the chance to meet. Its exciting shes in town.



After this story broke, Warnie took to Twitter to clarify  uh, literally nothing about the story.

Clarity re HS article. I said it was great that Paris was enjoying Melbourne & hope I get a chance to say hi as we have some mutual friends  Shane Warne (@ShaneWarne) November 17, 2016

THATS EXACTLY WHAT THEY SAID YOU SAID, MATE. Any insinuations that you wanted to meet Paris for ~romantic~ reasons are purely in the mind of the reader, and quite frankly are a direct result of you proving yourself time and time again to be among Australias thirstiest.

Honestly, the weirdest thing about this whole yarn is that he doesnt already follow Paris on Instagram (we checked).

Hate packing !!! ?? A photo posted by Shane Warne (@shanewarne23) on Oct 15, 2016 at 3:07am PDT

Who knows whatll happen between these two selfie lords. ICYMI, Paris brutally blanked Rob Mills on The Project last night (while Millsys mum was in the audience, no less), so her time in Australia isnt exactly occupied by fanning long-lost flames.

Could this be love?

Almost definitely not. The selfies would be fire, though.

Photo: Instagram.
By now, were sure youre all aware that Carrie Fisher and Harrison Ford were totally boning during Star Wars.

Obviously, it is the best news. The fact that they were high on the brutal strength of Harrisons preferred strain of pot for most of it is merely icing on the cake.

Fisher confirmed as much in an excerpt of her new autobiography The Princess Diarist. Now, a second extract has been published  by Page Six  revealing that Mark Hamill once nearly walked in on the pair of them totally doing it.

Once, on one of the rare occasions when we did have a sleepover at Harrisons apartment, Mark dropped by unannounced, she writes.

It was 11am, and clearly, I hadnt just dropped round for brunch, as no scones or eggs were in evidence.



Harrison took my hand and pronounced solemnly, Were engaged.

It was hiding in plain sight, mocking the suggestion there was anything going on  a technique I like to use to this day.



ALL OF US RIGHT NOW:

The news that Princess Leia and Han Solos on-screen chemistry spilled over to real life is beyond good, despite the few of you in my mentions killing the buzz with um, he was married comments. Its hot, okay? Just let us have this.

Fisher was 19 when she hooked up with the 33-year-old married father of two, and described the three-month affair as a very long one-night stand that she was relieved when it ended.

He didnt abuse the situation, she writes. He wouldnt have hurt me, especially once he understand that I was inexperienced. It seemed to take its natural course.

Oh, and those reports that Ford was a dud root? Utter bullshit. At least, Fisher clarified on Twitter that shed never talk about how good OR bad someone was in bed (or any other furniture, for that matter).

I would never talk about how someone was in any furniturechair, bed, coffee table or otherwise  Carrie Fisher (@carrieffisher) November 15, 2016

So hopefully hes good? I choose to believe hes good.

And lets be real, banging Harrison Ford couldnt exactly be *bad*.



God, he was just so handsome, Fisher writes. No. No, more than that. He looked like he could lead the charge into battle, take the hill, win the duel, be leader of the gluten-free world, all without breaking a sweat.



Quite frankly, the man still does.

Source: Page Six.



Photo: Star Wars.
Last night, Paris Hilton appeared on The Project due to the fact shes currently touring Australia on a confusingly-cheap DJ tour.

When asked if she remembered or still kept in touch with one-off flame Robert Millsy Mills, former Australian Idol contestant and recent addition to the Neighbours cast, she blanked him so hard that we physically cringed with awkwardness.

But, she does seem to remember her previous trips pretty well otherwise.

An hour ago, she posted this absolute gem of a photo to her Twitter, showcasing a highlight from her trip to Australia in 2006  visiting Bondi Beach with Kim Kardashian.

#KillingIt #ThatMetallicLouisVuittonThoooooo

Flashback Friday indeed.

This photo has once again, forced us to relive the absolutely FABULOUS fact that Kim Kardashian used to follow around Paris Hilton like lost puppy.

If anyone asked Kim, the pair were BFFs, but Paris has been pretty candid about the fact (especially in recent years) that Kim was *just* her personal assistant.

THATS. FUCKING. AMAZING.

Lets travel back in time, shall we?

Todos alguna vez hemos sido la Kim Kardashian de esta Paris Hilton que llamamos vida pic.twitter.com/CgTw5rQPu6  MACUMBA BENDICION (@lisz0e) October 6, 2016

HistoryInPix: Paris Hilton & Kim Kardashian early 2000s. pic.twitter.com/xj4v6ukjZL  The Desert Giant (@LucasJamesKulis) October 4, 2016

The internet loves a good throwback to these delightful early noughties days of Kim Cleans Paris Hiltons Closets. They really do.

But Paris has acknowledged this quite a bit in interviews since, giving some pretty strong hints that the Kardashians would not be where they are if it wasnt for her:

But Kim hasnt taken this shit lying down. This is an absolute favourite clapback from Kim, on an episode of Keeping Up with the Kardashians.

Anyway  the pair seem chill now. Despite the fact that Kim hasnt used social media for nearly 2 months, she followed Paris on Instagram just this morning.

OH GOD, WE MISS YOU 2006.

Source/Photo: Twitter / @ParisHilton.
Hooley fkn dooley, now THIS is a goddamned cover.

Triple Js legendary Friday staple Like a Version has been enjoying a particularly strong year, with bands apparently trying to one-up each other on the shithot stakes as each Friday rolls around. But be damned if this one isnt a clear-cut contender for a podium finish come the looming end of the year.

Perth champion Elk Road stopped by the hallowed government-funded youth broadcasters studios for a tilt at the well-worn-in wheel, bringing highly beloved crooner Lisa Mitchell along to help out.

But rather than be content to lay down one single track, ER decided taking two legit bangers and smashing them into one another would be the way to go.

Taking the (frankly rad) riff from Tame Impalas jam from last year The Less I Know The Better, and running it into a smooth jam rendition of Flight Facilities hit Crave You, Elk Road and Mitchell managed to put up one of the LaV tunes of the year.

Wrap yr listening ears around this little beauty right now:

Sif youre not absolutely psyched for the freakin weekend after getting all up on that bit of good biz.

Now go forth and pay homage to the Friday Lizard, good friends! The days of sleep ins are nigh.

Source: YouTube.
FILE- This Friday, Oct. 22, 1999 file photo shows Marilyn Monroe's "Happy Birthday, Mr. President" dress on display at Christie's in New York. Julien's Auctions says that the iconic, form-fitting gown was sold for $4.8 million Thursday, Nov. 17, 2016, to Ripley's Believe It or Not. (AP Photo/Bebeto Matthews, FILE)
Beijing has stepped up efforts to stop the sale of illegally obtained Chinese cultural relics by auction houses, collectors and museums.

In the latest case, Japan's Yokohama International Auction was informed by China's State Administration of Cultural Heritage on Oct 21 that several Tang Dynasty (618-907) frescoes and manuscripts of Buddhist sutras about to go under the hammer had been stolen from China in the 20th century.

The auction house, founded by a Japanese citizen with Chinese ancestry, canceled the sale. The move was a step in the right direction - no profit was made - but the artifacts' return to the unidentified seller shows that stronger international rules are needed, Chinese observers say.

A new Chinese regulation, released a day earlier, bans the auction of stolen, smuggled or looted relics. It is aimed at keeping such relics in China, but it can also be used as a guideline when dealing with other countries and regions.

Since 1989, China has been part of several international conventions to prevent the trade of stolen relics.

"We will maintain the right of repatriation if any item is confirmed to have been illegally taken abroad," the administration says in a statement to China Daily.

One example would be the frescoes that were to be auctioned in Japan, which are from Dunhuang, Gansu province. They were taken by Otani Kozui, a Japanese abbot who was part of expeditions to China between 1902 and 1913, officials say.

There is reason for hope, according to Huo Zhengxin, a professor of international law at China University of Political Science and Law. Worldwide, many guidelines have been issued to push collectors to pay more attention to the origin of cultural relics.

"The legal circumstances are getting better," Huo says.

A study by UNESCO shows there are at least 1.64 million sets of Chinese cultural relics scattered across 200 museums in other countries and regions. The China Cultural Relics Academy, an academic organization, estimates the number at 10 million, if private collections are counted.

Many such treasures were looted during wars and other unrest in China from the late 19th century to the early 20th century. Large-scale theft occurred in the 1990s because of a boom in international market demand.

In 2013, French businessman Francois-Henri Pinault donated the bronze heads of a rabbit and a rat to China. They had been taken from the Old Summer Palace in Beijing by British and French forces during the Second Opium War (1856-60).

In 2014, China drafted an international rule on the return of cultural property - China's first such effort. The so-called Dunhuang Recommendation has led to more success for China's efforts since then.

In July 2015, 32 ornaments made of gold foil from the Spring and Autumn Period (770-476 BC) were returned to Gansu province. They had been illegally excavated there in the 1990s. French collectors Francois Pinault, Francois-Henri Pinault's father, and Christian Deydier obtained the ornaments and donated them to the Guimet Museum in Paris. But the donation was halted and the ornaments were returned to China.

In February, Hsing Yun, the abbot of Fo Guang Shan Buddhist temple in Taiwan, returned a stolen Buddha head to the mainland. The artifact was taken from Youju Temple in Hebei province in 1996. It was donated to the temple by a Taiwan businessman.

The abbot, then 89, escorted the 1,500-year-old Buddha head, which is now displayed at the Hebei Museum. The Chinese mainland has been the victim of many thefts of relics in the last century, the abbot said at the time.

Diplomatic channels often must be tapped to recover long-lost items, Huo says. The Convention on the Means of Prohibiting and Preventing the Illicit Import, Export and Transfer of Ownership of Cultural Property, a major piece of international law, mainly covers post-1970 violations. Consequently, China has signed bilateral agreements with some 20 countries to supplement for the convention and fight the smuggling of stolen relics. Signatories include the United States, Italy and Switzerland.

Last year, when a 1,000-year-old statue containing a mummified monk was displayed in Budapest - on loan from a Dutch collector - it aroused suspicion. Chinese authorities determined that the artifact had been stolen from Yangchun village in Fujian province in 1995. But diplomatic negotiations have yet to secure its return.

Villagers have initiated a lawsuit in a Dutch court for repatriation. The collector will appear in court for the first time this month, China News Service reported.

"We looked for the missing statue for 20 years," said Lin Wenqing, the leader of the repatriation lawsuit. "The statue is a part of our families."

While some Chinese collectors are willing to pay to bring lost relics home, Song Xinchao, deputy director of the Cultural Heritage Administration, does not encourage such so-called "patriotic actions".

"These relics were taken abroad through illegal means," he told China Daily earlier. "Purchasing them will, in a way, confirm the legitimacy of such thefts, and make the prices of these items rise even higher in the international market."

He said diplomatic and legal approaches should be used more often.

Nevertheless, on some occasions, the country has had to pay to bring treasures back home - when there is a threat they could fall into other hands, for example, or even disappear. In 2002, the administration entrusted other institutions to negotiate with a collector to buy Yanshan Ming, an 11th-century calligraphy masterpiece, from abroad for 30 million yuan ($4.4 million; 4 million euros; 3.5 million) and the work is now housed at the Palace Museum in Beijing.

"No one knows how much more we would need to pay if we bought it now," said Shan Jixiang, who was head of the administration at the time and is now director of the museum.

wangkaihao@chinadaily.com.cn

(China Daily European Weekly 11/18/2016 page1)
Tohar Haydarov was quietly released from prison in Uzbekistan on Nov. 8. He had served nearly seven years of his 10-year prison sentence and was released for good behavior. He may face parole conditions, and authorities verbally told him not to get in trouble or he would return to prison. Authorities had told him earlier this year that a parole in his case "would not happen."



Tohar was imprisoned in 2010 for allegedly selling large qualities of drugs, although fellow church members say the charges were falsified, and he was accused only because of his Christian faith.



Fellow Christians told Forum 18 News, "We are thankful to everybody who prayed for him and sent letters to him while in prison." They ask for continued prayer for him.

Tohar was one of the prisoners featured on VOM's web site for Christian prisoners, www.PrisonerAlert.com. Christians from all over the world wrote letters to him at the prison where he was held, and also wrote to Uzbek government leaders on his behalf.

Thank you to all those who prayed for our brother, Tohar, and wrote letters to him and on his behalf. Continue to pray for other prisoners still held in prison for their faith.
Letters to the Editor: How could anyone vote for Prop 3?
The Trump shock is big - in Asia as well as in the United States. For more than a week now, there has been a flood of commentaries discussing who will be the winners and losers in the president-elect's Asian policy.

Lots of commentators say that, as part of the Obama legacy, the Trans-Pacific Partnership, an initiative he pushed since 2008, is a loser.

The allegedly China-led initiative Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership is described as a winner.

A forgotten fact is that neither of these free trade zone deals actually existed. The TPP was originally an agreement between four countries, Brunei, Chile, New Zealand and Singapore, in 2005. It was not until 2008 that Australia, Canada, Japan, Malaysia, Mexico, Peru, the US and Vietnam joined the discussion for a broader agreement.

Its final proposal was signed by heads of state from the 12 countries in February in Auckland, New Zealand. A comprehensive 30-chapter agreement was awaiting ratification at the start of the US presidential campaign, in which candidates from the both parties detested the deal, Trump being the more vocal critic.

One salient feature of the TPP is its exclusion of China and India. It doesn't include all ASEAN countries either, such as Indonesia Thailand, and a few others.

Although no one said openly that China was not welcome, officials of the Obama administration saw it at least in part as a political instrument and it was said repeatedly (including by Obama himself) that it would allow the United States, not China, to write the rules for free trade.

Perhaps it is this additional political purpose, chased by a government in a hasty fashion (during the second term of the Obama administration), that now proves to be TPP's undoing and a waste of energy from all would-be founding member states.

After Trump's election victory, the Obama administration announced that it would no longer try to get it approved by Congress.

An economic deal is easily broken when it is encumbered with excessive expectations. As so often is the case, whenever so much unrelated significance is attached to a deal, the dealmaker cannot be seen as fully ready. When signing the paper, the dealmaker may actually be thinking about something not stated in the clauses.

Some Chinese commentators saw the TPP as a disguised bid by the US for containment of China, although the Cold War concept of containment didn't quite work back then and it certainly won't work now.

By contrast, it is wrong for RCEP to be described as a Chinese game, as it often is in the US media - the RCEP should be credited to the ASEAN (Association of Southeast Asian Nations) - not to China.

RCEP was meant to be a future free trade agreement between the 10 ASEAN member states (Brunei, Myanmar, Cambodia, Indonesia, Laos, Malaysia, the Philippines, Singapore, Thailand, Vietnam) and the six states with which ASEAN has existing FTAs, including Australia, China, India, Japan, South Korea and New Zealand.

Its major difference from TPP, it's easy to see, is that it includes China and India but no country in the Americas. Yet it shouldn't be called a "pure" Asian setup, because it includes Australia and New Zealand.

No Chinese official has branded it a geopolitical defense work against the US, or asked to hasten its structuring to prevent the US from dictating global trade rules.

Nor was there any official statement about which country should be leading the negotiation, even less writing its rules. In fact RCEP doesn't cover as many areas as the now-collapsed TPP would, and therefore doesn't have as many rules to write about.

Admittedly, some of the areas covered by the TPP are important. But they may well be structured into separate international treaties and be more specifically laid out.

On the other hand, structuring even a seemingly simpler, purer deal like RCEP is a complicated task. Negotiations were formally launched at the ASEAN Summit in Cambodia in November 2012.

Its final agreement still hasn't taken shape after 15 rounds of group negotiations, beginning in 2013. Perhaps, in the way they tackle any complicated task, Asians seem to prefer a slow but steadier style of progress.

The author is an editor-at-large of China Daily. Contact the writer at edzhang@chinadaily.com.cn

(China Daily European Weekly 11/18/2016 page11)
Wolfcamp in the Permian Basin the hottest oil play in the U.S.

Bloomberg/Brittany Sowacke



Geologists say a new survey shows an oilfield in west Texas dwarfs others found so far in the United States, according to the US Geological Survey.

CHICAGO

Petroleumworld.com 11 18 2016

In a troubled oil world, the Permian Basin is the gift that keeps on giving.

One portion of the giant field, known as the Wolfcamp formation, was found to hold 20 billion barrels of oil trapped in four layers of shale beneath West Texas. That's almost three times larger than North Dakota's Bakken play and the single largest U.S. unconventional crude accumulation ever assessed, according to the U.S. Geological Survey. At current prices, that oil is worth almost $900 billion.

The estimate lends credence to the assertion from Pioneer Natural Resources CEO Scott Sheffield that the Permian's shale could hold as much as 75 billion barrels, making it second only to Saudi Arabia's Ghawar field. Irving-based Pioneer has been increasing its production targets all year as drilling in the Wolfcamp produced bigger gushers than the company's engineers and geologists forecast.

The fact that this is the largest assessment of continuous oil we have ever done just goes to show that, even in areas that have produced billions of barrels of oil, there is still the potential to find billions more, Walter Guidroz, coordinator for the geological survey's energy resources program, said in the statement.

Oil explorers have been flocking to the Permian Basin in West Texas and New Mexico to tap deposits so rich that they can generate profits even at lower oil prices. A race to grab land in the Permian has been the main driver of a surge of deals in the energy patch and the industry's main source of good news.

Although the Permian has been gushing crude since the 1920s, its multiple layers of oil-soaked shale remained largely untapped until the last several years, when intensive drilling and fracturing techniques perfected in other U.S. regions were adopted. The Wolfcamp, which is as much as a mile thick in some places, has been one of the primary targets.

ConocoPhillips, the world's largest independent oil producer by market value, increased its estimate for the size of its Wolfcamp holdings on Nov. 10 to 1.8 billion barrels from 1 billion last year. A day earlier, Concho Resources CEO Timothy Leach told investors and analysts that two recent wells it drilled in the Wolfcamp were pumping an average of 2,000 barrels a day each.







Oil explorers say they have made a major discovery of shale oil in the Permian Basin



Diamondback Energy Inc. disclosed last week that it has been drilling 10,000-foot sideways wells in the Wolfcamp. Production from the wells has been as high as 85 percent crude, according to the Midland, Texas-based explorer.

For Apache Corp., a slice of the Wolfcamp and another Permian layer known as the Bone Spring are major components of the 3 billion-barrel Alpine High discovery that the company announced in September. CEO John Christmann called Alpine High a world class resource during a Sept. 7 presentation at a Barclays Plc conference in New York.

The Wolfcamp shale also holds 16 trillion cubic feet of natural gas and 1.6 billion barrels of gas liquids, the geological survey said in a statement on Tuesday.








Chinese shrug off Brexit fears, betting on long-term stability in British real estate as they snap up property bargains

Major Chinese property investment deals are still forging ahead in Britain as China's appetite for UK property remains strong, despite fears that buyers might turn their backs on the market because of Brexit.

In a sign of post-Brexit confidence and that London is open for business, Chinese developer ABP, together with China's state-owned CITIC, have agreed to invest around 300 million ($374.5 million; 348 million euros) in the first phase of the 1.7 billion project at the Royal Albert Docks in East London.

Four Chinese banks will provide 1.2 billion and ABP's development partner, Thailand's Charoen Pokphand Group, will hold 25 percent equity in a platform company - The East London Development Group.

ABP chairman Xu Weiping (second from left) and delegates look around East London's run-down Royal Albert Docks on May 29, 2013 in London. Dan Kitwood / For China Daily

ABP Chairman Xu Weiping told an East London-China Investment Summit: "These major investments are a vote of confidence in the UK and the London market following the Brexit vote. ABP is delighted to be working alongside CITIC Group and Charoen Pokphand Group, two of Asia's biggest enterprises, to deliver the Royal Albert Docks project."

It's expected that 30,000 jobs will be created upon completion and it has been hailed as the third financial hub of the city, following the City of London and Canary Wharf.

The project is one of many in the London market into which Chinese companies have invested.

Sino-Australian investment firm ASF, meanwhile, is one of three shortlisted bidders for the regeneration of the Albert Island site in the Royal Docks area.

Recently China's third-largest developer, Greenland Group, vowed to go ahead with building the Spire at West India Quay - set to be the tallest residential building in Europe - whatever the outcome of the Brexit negotiations, at a cost of 800 million. It is scheduled for completion in 2020.

Asian Growth Properties purchased an office building in London for around 154 million and there's also the Wanda One hotel and residential project south of the Thames River, masterminded by the world's largest property developer, Dalian Wanda.

With property-cooling measures being introduced by Beijing and the pound falling to a 31-year low, Chinese property investors have been seizing the opportunity to snap up commercial properties and luxury homes in London.

Speaking to China Daily, Sir Tom Troubridge, chairman of China Business Group at PricewaterhouseCoopers, says real estate in London and the rest of the UK is an attractive investment: "Real estate is 20 percent cheaper, so undoubtedly investors are taking the opportunity because of the weak pound."

"The pound will probably strengthen, depending on how the relationship with the UK and European Union develops over the next year or so. But my guess is that investors realize that the UK is still fundamentally a strong economy and the pound will start to strengthen again."

According to property consultancy Frank Knight, in the six months leading up to the Brexit vote, Chinese buyers poured $1.7 billion into London commercial property, a 75 percent rise from a year earlier.

Senior Capital Investment Advisor for the Department of International Trade Sir Edward Lister says it isn't just the weak pound that is attracting investors: "There were big Chinese investments long before the pound fell in value. Of course it drives investors, but you should not regard that as the only reason. Currencies move. Currency always moves. It's about the property. Does the property go up in value, does it give you a good yield, is it secure?

"London and the UK ticked the boxes and the reality is that there are very strong property laws here, stronger than pretty much anywhere in the world, and as an owner you're well protected."

"A London investment is very secure as well as profitable," Lister adds. "And many Chinese people come here because of the English language. The British education system is important to many of them, and that helps drive their decision about why they want to invest and come here."

For China Daily

(China Daily European Weekly 11/18/2016 page30)
China recently accelerated a last-ditch effort to correct a new European Union proposal for calculating dumping margins, since its use of the "surrogate country" approach in investigations against China ends next month.

During his Nov 8-14 visit, Vice-Premier Ma Kai won support from the UK and France, and high officials promised they would influence EU to fully comply with the obligations agreed to 15 years ago with regard to China's accession to the World Trade Organization.

Ma's UK and France tour followed a trip to Belgium and the EU in October, and top officials also vowed that the EU can be trusted to fulfill its commitment.

Vice-Premier Liu Yandong is scheduled for a Nov 23-26 visit to Germany, where she hopes to win that country's support in persuading the EU to abide by the WTO protocol "timely and completely".

The European Commission submitted the 10-page amendment proposal on protection against dumped imports to the European Council and European Parliament just one month ahead of the dumping calculations in the Accession Protocols of China, which expire on Dec 11.

China was not satisfied with EU's solution.

"We have taken note of this, and have concerns," said Lu Kang, spokesman for the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

He said China acknowledges the EU Commission's proposal to remove the list of non-market economy countries, which reflects the EU's willingness to fulfill Article 15.

"Much to our regret, however, the new methodology proposed by the EU, which replaces the concept of 'non-market economy' with 'market distortions', fails to uproot the practice of 'surrogate country'. It only gives it a new cover. That is neither a thorough implementation of Article 15 nor compliance with WTO rules."

Lu expressed hope that the EU will honor its commitment and fulfill its obligations comprehensively and thoroughly as scheduled, safeguard the order of international trade and protect overall China-EU economic and trade relations.

When Ma and French Finance Minister Michel Sapin met on Nov 14, Ma said, he hoped that France would continue to have an important influence in the EU in terms of urging it to fulfill its obligations under Article 15 of the Protocol on China's Accession to the WTO in a timely, full and clear manner.

According to Xinhua, Sapin responded that the French side supports the EU in respecting its international obligations, including those under Article 15 of the WTO protocol.

During his meeting with British Prime Minister Theresa May, Ma said China hopes Britain will take a fair position on the issue and will push for fulfilling the EU's obligations neatly and cleanly, though Britain is going to leave the bloc. May responded that she supports free trade.

Last month, Kris Peeters, Belgium's deputy prime minister revealed the stances of his country in a news release:

"Belgium's stance is that it must abide by provisions and agreements."

Even during his meeting with European Commission President Jean-Claude Juncker in October, Juncker, for his part, expressed the EU's willingness to fulfill its WTO obligations.

In its proposal, however, the EU introduced a concept of "market distortions", which involve several criteria to be considered, such as state policies and influence, the widespread presence of government-owned enterprises, discrimination in favor of domestic companies and the independence of the financial sector.

Chi Fulin, president of the China Institute for Reform and Development, said Brussels should not link its fulfillment of WTO obligations with overcapacity reduction, which is a global problem.

China has been actively offering solutions and "there is no precondition for Brussels in delivering its WTO promises," Chi said.

fujing@chinadaily.com.cn

(China Daily European Weekly 11/18/2016 page30)
Geoff Gulevich, KC Deane, Scott Secco Navigating Tokyo station with bikes and luggage.

Geoff Gulevich looking worse for wear after a long flight.

Geoff Gulevich, KC Deane build their bikes for the big trip ahead.

Japanese delicacies result in human-snail stare-offs.

KC Deane and Gully take a moment to absorb the Japanese architecture.

KC Deane cruising through Mount Myoko's corners.

Even the trail marker prayers are built with purpose and passion.

Coming out of the foggy gondola and into full excitement mode.

KC needing a quick fiver after hiking his bike up Mount Myoko.

KC Deane's pretty eyes were no match for the beauty of Japan's Fall colours.

Gully and KC drop into Mount Myoko Bike Park. Geoff Gulevich enjoying the mountain onsen between two waterfalls after the group had to hike down most of an unrideable "trail".

The boys exploring the village of Nozawa Onsen.

Geoff and KC turning a hiking trail into a dual slalom track.

Shredding possibly one of the best natural trail corners of all time.

KC and Gully soaking their feet in a public onsen after a day of pedaling.

KC weaving through the trees with precision.

KC and Geoff bonding with the Compass House mountain bike crew in front of one of the larger temples.

Take Ueno owner of Compass House.

KC and Geoff trying not to get lost in the morning fog of Nozawa Onsen.

Getting a wheels on perspective of these beautiful structures.

Gulevich turning things up with little body english.

KC Deane coming in hot on the greasiest section of trail.

Trails go literally right beside the beautiful temples of Nozawa Onsen.

The hike to a prayer spot quickly turned into wanting lunch and a Japanese obstacle course to get there.

Keeping the train tight on our favourite trail.

The eerie fog made the trails very tricky to navigate but stunning to view.

Uhhhh... no photos allowed...

Gully taking advantage of the delicious street side snacks.

KC Deane recharging his energy level before a big night in Tokyo.

The crowd flow in Shibuya is indescribable in words. You can see the street shut down at every red light, hundreds, maybe even a thousand people cross in every which direction.

Robot Restaurant in all its glory.

KC and Geoff try to not look like tourists...

The lounge before the main show was filled with futuristic tunes and sake. Lots of sake.

Geoff Gulevich getting over excited to see robots.

It ramps up slowly....

The Suzuki drums begin to thunder...

Then there's lasers!

And finally your brain explodes...

KC and Gully say "Sayonara, Japan!"

I had always wanted to ride in Japan, however, had never found a reason to go. KC Deane had brought up the idea to go in October and experience the fall colours in addition to what Japans trails had to offer.For those that dont know, Japan is a world famous destination for winter sports. KC has been traveling to the Nagano region for the past decade and he was confident that the area would be perfect for mountain biking also. He was right.Finally finding a window that would work with our busy schedules, we booked our tickets and were promptly on our way across the Pacific Ocean. The flight was smooth and easy. An eight hour direct nap from Vancouver, B.C. and we were on the other side of the ocean.Landing in the evening, we gathered our gear and headed for the subway system. Due to our flight coming in late, we had only minutes to sprint through the streets and to our train. Luckily it was late and the transit crowd was scarce. During rush hour, we wouldnt have had a chance with bike bags and luggage. The trains are often crammed and ready to burst open with the local commuters. Fortunately, the train system is very efficient and easy to use for visitors.Finally, we arrived in Myoko to be greeted with long-time friend of KC, who had guided and translated for him in past adventures to the region. We stumbled into the Hotel Kougakuro late in the night, only to wrestle our gear to our rooms and crash out after 18 hours of travel. The rooms were beautiful traditional Japanese layouts. A Zen like environment, with beds on the floor and tables to cross your legs at. Perfect after a long journey or day in the famous mountain resort.Due to the jet-lag we all woke up quite early, made our way to breakfast and to form a plan for the first few days of our trip. The Hotel staff were so gracious and welcoming, preparing a wonderful spread of fresh eggs, fruit, and coffee. Ohhhh coffee, nothing would have been accomplished without you.We spent the next hour in the ski room, building our bikes and working the kinks out after travel. We loaded our gear and drove around Myoko to see what the town had to offer. We were out in rural Japan, where the little towns are lost in the mountains and full of lush Fall coloured forests.The next two days we traveled all over Mount Myoko to explore the bike park and the trails much higher above. The bike park consisted of a muddy downhill track through the tall grass fields. The dirt had a clay texture to it, that made off camber riding very exciting. It was mostly off camber. Deciding to move higher on the hill to less traveled areas, we found the most beautiful Fall colours. Reds, oranges, yellows, and greens blending together to create a visual cocktail of water paint colours. Canopies so thick, they tunneled the trails and make them feel like natural waterslides.We scaled our way down Mount Myoko to find ourselves at a beautiful Onsen (Hot spring) that had been framed up as a pool, between two large waterfalls. An indescribably perfect way to wrap up the day long mission we had been on. Once we managed to climb out of the onsen we made our way straight to sushi because thats what you do in JapanJapan is a hotspot for volcanic activity and as a result, boasts more than 3000 freshwater baths. Most onsen's require bathers to disrobe completely. Theres also a strict no tattoo policy in most traditional baths. However, when in remote locations with an onsen to yourself, do your thing. I have plenty of tattoos and had no issues in the mountains. In the city, I did not attempt to visit the pools, out of respect.The following day we had an early warning that a typhoon was moving in. 200 mm's of water to sideline us for the next two days. If youre from the West Coast, youre used to the rain anyway. It wasnt much to worry about. However, the trails in Myoko would turn to a much more unrideable condition. We decided to be productive and make our way over the mountain pass and into Nozawa Onsen.Nozawa Onsen is a ski village and a weekend getaway for the Japanese. Often you smell sulphur in the air from all the thermal activity producing onsen's, that send warm water down most of the creeks and rivers around the village. It is generally a warm and lush area but you would never know considering its reputation of record amounts of snowfall every winter.We found ourselves at the Shirakaba Hotel whose owners had three sons; All of which were phenomenal skiers and had made professions out of it. Two of which loved to mountain bike also. They connected us with the local riding crew, who became our guides for the week.The Shirakaba Hotel had a beautiful cafe attached, where we spent all of our mornings. Enjoying some the best coffee of the trip, this is where we created the days plan and became friends with the hotels family.Nozawa turned out to be our gold mine. We were shown some incredible trails, through the ski hill and around the small town. Smooth, loamy and natural trails zigzagged down the hill through Buddhist temples that stand tall in the woods. These temples are hundreds of years old, made of precision cut pieces of stone and lumber; each one crafted and placed with reason. The woodwork was shaped so beautifully, it steals your attention in a drawn out feeling of awe.Exploring a new part of Nozawa every day, we saw terrain that was better than the last. The weather wasnt in our favour for most of the trip but somehow seemed work out for us just in time. The moisture in the clay filled dirt lead to a handful of hilarious crashes. After surviving the slip and slide called Nozawa, we packed our bags for the last time of the trip and headed for the center of the earth, Tokyo.The train system was definitely much busier this time and we were those idiots taking up all the space with our gear Sorry JapanAfter that bit of chaos, we were able to drop off our bags at the Prince Hotel, which was very conveniently next to the train system. Quickly polishing up, we made our way into the Tokyo night.Tokyo is the home to roughly 13.6 million people with an additional 13.4 million visitors every year. It is a lot to take in. From the bright neon signs that fill the skies, the vast amounts of people flooding the streets and the wonderful smells of local restaurants. It is a lot for your brain to process. Sensory overload.Our first stop was a downstairs hole in the wall sushi joint, literally did not have a name. For only twenty dollars, you can stuff yourself silly with the best sushi you will ever have. You cant go wrong with a choice in restaurant as they are all amazing. Next, we made our way to Robot Restaurant , in the Shinjuku district. If you havent heard of it, you should definitely look it up and then go, just for that reason. Imagine twenty girls dressed up, hammering on Suzuki drums while giant animatronic robots battling for ninety minutes. Lasers, robots, music What else do you want?The following morning, we woke up with a bit under the weather, for some reason Went to the Tokyo fish market. A legendary spot, where thousands of people and all the top restaurants come to bid on the catches of the day. The energy was incredible. You can find almost anything in the world you could ever want here.Finally, we cruised back to the hotel, grabbed our gear and made our way to the airport. We were beat. It had been a long exciting trip and our energy levels were depleted. We sprawled out in the corner of the airport lounge we commandeered and reflected on the time we had spent in this beautiful country. The weather wasnt perfect, the riding took some creativity but the overall time spent in the East was rich of culture, amazing people and unbelievable experiences.It was time to go further east, back to the West.
With the election of Donald Trump as the 45th President of the United States, space policy experts and fans alike are trying to grasp the implications for NASA. In the past week, many people have written solid analyses of likely near-term changes, and I recommend reading pieces at SpaceNews, Scientific American, and National Geographic. However, the real problem is that there are not much data to work with. At this point, everything is going to be speculation to some degree.

I want to provide some additional detail to this existing analysis, particularly by looking at the bigger picture budgetary forces that may be buffeting NASA over next four years.

What We Know

Before the election, advisers working with the Trump campaign released two op-eds late in the campaign that outlined the candidates broad space policy agenda. The campaign also provided answers to questions submitted by SpaceNews and ScienceDebate regarding space. The answers and op-eds were general, outlining broad ambitions and stating positive platitudes about the space program. This lack of detail is not unusual for presidential campaigns. But the broad outlines were relatively standard for a Republican candidate: a focus on human spaceflight, deep space exploration, and public-private partnerships. A skeptical eye was cast on Earth science and the duplicate efforts underway to build heavy-lift launch vehicles. Trump himself said that he would free NASA from being a low-Earth orbit logistics agency, echoing statements in the published op-eds.

However, we have learned that Robert Walker, who co-wrote the space op-eds for the Trump campaign, has no role on the transition team, and is likely ineligible to serve in the Administration at all since he is a registered lobbyist. It is unclear, to say the least, what this means for the space policy ideas laid out in those op-eds (the other co-author, Peter Navarro, is an economist and not a space policy expert).

One of the concrete proposals in the campaign statements was to reconstitute the National Space Council, which has historically coordinated and defined U.S. space policy under leadership of the Vice President. This idea has received support from the Chair of the House Space Subcommittee. But note that a National Space Council is not in itself a statement of policyit is effectively a plan to make a plan.

Additional clues can be mined by paying close attention to the the staffing choices made by the Trump Administration and his transition team. It has been reported that Mark Albrecht will lead the transition for NASA. Albrecht is a solid and experienced choice who served as the executive secretary for the George H. W. Bush Administrations National Space Council and has worked in the space industry for decades (to get a sense of his perspective and experience, you can read his book, Falling Back to Earth).

Beyond that, we have no confirmed staff on the transition team related to civil space. NASA has not yet been contacted by Trumps team. A NASA Administrator likely wont be appointed, much less confirmed by the Senate, for many months. There are already several names that are publicly associated with the job, but dont pay too much credence to those just yet. As the old D.C. saying goes, those who know arent talking and those who are talking dont know.

Now lets look at some specific topics that will certainly be relevant during the next year of transition and the new Administration.

Earth Science

The fate of Earth science at NASA is almost certain to be the most controversial issue facing the space community in the next few years. The division will lose its privileged funding position under a Trump Administration (of all the sciences, it alone has enjoyed consistent growth of its budget under Obama). We dont know exactly what sort of cuts to expect, or even if there will be an attempt to remove Earth science from NASAs portfolio completely. But previous statements by members of the congressional Republican majorities, as well as Trump himself, likely guarantee some decrease in funding.

Adding to this uncertainty is that Earth science lost two senior, well-positioned Democrats that have defended it in the past: Mike Honda in the House and Barbara Mikulski in the Senate, both of whom served as ranking member (e.g. top-level) Democrats on their respective Commerce, Justice, and Science (CJS) appropriation subcommittees that write NASAs annual funding bills. While both were replaced by other Democrats, these new members of Congress will lack the seniority enjoyed by Honda and Mikulski, and may not even serve on the same committee. It remains to be seen which Democrats will serve as the new ranking members on these committees, and what level of attention they will apply to NASA.

Planetary Science

I include this section only because of our members' interest and focus in this science. We just dont know how planetary science will fare. It was not mentioned directly, though it seems to fit in with the broad goals of exploring deep space. John Culberson (R-TX) will return to Congress as the Chair of the critical CJS subcommittee on appropriations, and he will continue to prioritize NASAs mission to Europa and (hopefully) Mars exploration and planetary science in general.

#JourneyToMars

NASA is currently on a #JourneyToMars, but the big question is if this journey will survive a new transition. Many Republican space policy experts believe that the Moon is a more promising destination, which could bode poorly for NASAs Mars ambitions. However, if the Space Launch System rocket and Orion survive into the new administration (and I think they will, since their political support in Congress is very strong), NASA could pivot to the Moon without significant disruption.

However, Mars remains a compelling goal that has the support of major industry partners, SpaceX, and is currently experiencing a high amount of public excitement with movies like The Martian and National Geographics new MARS series. If the goal of the Trump space policy is for human exploration of our entire solar system by the end of this century, then walking away from Mars doesnt make a lot of sense.

Regardless, the general attitude from the President-elect has been a repeated commitment for deep space exploration. Thats a positive sign, and either the Moon or Mars would represent an important step for human spaceflight.

Just keep in mind that, at the moment, anything about NASAs human spaceflight goals (including my own paragraphs above!) are pure conjecture. We should have a better idea over the next few months as staffing and policy goals firm up.

Oh, and the Asteroid Redirect Mission? I predict this mission is almost certainly over, given the Houses proposal to zero out its budget in 2017 and the Senates very skeptical stance in recent legislation. Not to mention a general desire of the Trump team to break with Obama Administration priorities.

The Space Launch System and Orion

NASAs largest and most controversial programs are its Space Launch System (SLS) rocket and Orion multi-purpose crew vehicle. Maligned by many but beloved by Congress, these programs were conceived in the wake of the last Presidential transition that cancelled NASAs Moon-focused Constellation program. While the Trump campaigns op-ed on space had oblique references to the SLS in its critique of replicated efforts to design launch vehicles, the basic political case behind the SLS/Orion programs remains as strong as it did in 2010.

For evidence, we can look toward the NASA Transition Authorization Act of 2016, a bipartisan Senate bill which has not yet passed into law. It lays down the overall vision for near-term civil space priorities, one of which is the continuation of SLS/Orion and the focus on deep space exploration. The bill was sponsored by Ted Cruz (R-TX), and co-sponsored by Marco Rubio (R-FL), and Bill Nelson (D-FL), among others. Cruz and Nelson are the Chair and Ranking Member, respectively, on the Senates science committee. Additionally, the SLS program has enjoyed ongoing support from Richard Shelby (R-AL) who chairs the Senates CJS appropriations subcommittee. The House also has demonstrated strong bipartisan support for the SLS/Orion programs as well.

This isnt to say that the SLS/Orion programs are impossible to cancelthey arent. But so far as we know, both of them are still reasonably on budget and schedule for a late 2018 launch. Many of the politicians who wrote those programs into law are still serving in Congress, and a bipartisan bill has been introduced in the Senate that clarifies ongoing support for them. If the Trump Administration wanted to cancel these programs, they would be picking a fight with Congress. Do they want to expend that energy and political capital on this issue? My guess is that they will want to save that for bigger issues that are closer to the new Presidents primary agenda.

The Budgetary Big Picture Looks Grim

With the exception of Earth Science, Im not fundamentally worried about the direction of NASA over the next four-to-eight years given what we know so far. NASA still benefits from being generally non-partisan, and the individuals weve seen associated with the transition and potential Administration are competent, committed people.

But this doesnt necessarily mean NASA is in for an easy future. Despite good intentions, there are some serious headwinds that could buffet the space program given the larger political and monetary implications of Trumps and congressional Republicans agendas.

Lets look at what we know. The Trump campaigns tax cut plan would reduce government revenues by $4.4 trillion to $5.7 trillion over the next ten years. In addition, he has proposed a $1 trillion infrastructure plan over the same time period. Combined, those would place enormous monetary pressure on the rest of government.

The U.S. governments annual budget is approximately $4 trillion, but Congress actively appropriates only about a quarter of thatapproximately $1.2 trillionevery year. The other $3 trillion is spent automatically, mainly for social safety net programs. Congressional Republicans have already signaled their intent to cut these expenditures under a Trump Administration to an unknown extent.

Of the $1 trillion of discretionary spending, more than half is spent on national defense. Everything else the government doesscientific research, border control, education, environmental protection, federal judges, infrastructure, NASAcomes from this non-defense discretionary amount. This has also been targeted for wholesale cuts by the Trump campaign in order to help pay for their large tax cut. These cuts, along with the reinstitution of the sequester (across-the-board cuts to all federal agencies), would collapse non-defense discretionary spending to its lowest point in modern history.

This budgetary scenario potentially spells doom for NASA and its ambitions. The congressional subcommittee responsible for NASACommerce, Justice, and Scienceis also responsible for the NSF, NOAA, the FBI, the Justice Department, and Commerce Department, and the Census, among others. This committee receives a fixed allotment of money from the congressional budget committees, and then have to use that amount to fund all of their agencies. If the overall amount of discretionary spending falls, then the CJS subcommittee will likely receive a smaller allocation, and they will have less money available to fund NASA and every other agency within their purview (particularly given the fact that they prioritize basic needs: paying judges, feeding prisoners in the federal penitentiaries, national security programs within the FBI, and so forth). Adding to the mix, the Census, one of the few constitutionally-mandated expenditures in government, will also be ramping up in its funding needs over the next four years, adding even more competition for this limited funding.

With the exception of the Apollo era, NASAs budgetary increases and decreases have generally tracked the overall amount of discretionary spending. So even with strong Congressional support, NASA would struggle greatly to maintain its current portfolio of missions. It's just math.

Again, this scenario depends on decisions that have not yet been made, and actions not yet taken. It will depend on the size of the tax cut and infrastructure plan, and how much effort is made to pay for it. But the point remains: regardless of rhetoric, if the promised tax cuts and spending cuts come to pass, the next four years will be tough terrain for merely maintaining NASAs current slate of programs, much less expanding them beyond Earth.
Despite double-digit percentage decreases in U.S. violent and property crime rates since 2008, most voters say crime has gotten worse during that span, according to a new Pew Research Center survey. The disconnect is nothing new, though: Americans' perceptions of crime are often at odds with the data.

Leading up to Election Day, a majority (57%) of those who had voted or planned to vote said crime has gotten worse in this country since 2008. Almost eight-in-ten voters who supported President-elect Donald Trump (78%) said this, as did 37% of backers of Democrat Hillary Clinton. Just 5% of pro-Trump voters and a quarter of Clinton supporters said crime has gotten better since 2008, according to the survey of 3,788 adults conducted Oct. 25-Nov. 8.

Official government crime statistics paint a strikingly different picture. Between 2008 and 2015 (the most recent year for which data are available), U.S. violent crime and property crime rates fell 19% and 23%, respectively, according to the FBI's Uniform Crime Reporting Program, which tallies serious crimes reported to police in more than 18,000 jurisdictions around the nation.

Another Justice Department agency, the Bureau of Justice Statistics, produces its own annual crime report, based on a survey of more than 90,000 households that counts crimes that aren't reported to police in addition to those that are. BJS data show that violent crime and property crime rates fell 26% and 22%, respectively, between 2008 and 2015 (again, the most recent year available).

So what explains the gap between perceptions of crime and the data?

For one thing, official government crime statistics lag behind the times. The FBI and BJS didn't publish their crime reports for 2015 until fall of this year, meaning they don't capture recent changes in crime.

Chicago and other large U.S. cities have had well-documented problems with violent crime in 2016 that may have contributed to public perceptions. Campaign season also may have amplified some voters' perceptions of rising crime.

But perhaps the best context for understanding the conflict between voters' perceptions of crime and the data is that voters are usually more likely to say crime is up than down, regardless of what official statistics show.
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As ballots from last weeks presidential election continue to be counted, Hillary Clintons lead over Donald Trump just keeps growing. The former Secretary of State now leads the president-elect by an astounding 1.4 million votes.

According to nonpartisan Cook Political Reports latest tally, which is continuously being updated, Clinton has so far earned 62,916,638 to Trumps 61,547,058.

Clintons growing lead over Trump is only giving oxygen to longshot efforts by some Democrats to pressure the electoral college to choose Clinton as the next president when they officially cast their votes on Dec. 19. One petition pressuring the electors has nearly 4.5 million signers.

Clintons unprecedented popular vote lead over Trump is bigger than John Kennedys was in 1960 and Richard Nixons in 1968, when those two men went on to become president. Trumps popular vote percentage also falls short of the failed presidential campaigns of Mitt Romney, John Kerry, Al Gore, and Gerald Ford.

With as many as 4 million votes left to be counted in California and Utah, not only could Clintons lead surpass the 2 million mark, but she could also close in on Barack Obamas 2012 vote total of 65,915,795, which gave the current president an easy victory over Romney and four more years in the White House.

Not only did millions more Americans choose Clinton to be their next president, but a clear majority of voters cast their ballot for somebody other than Trump. The president-elects supporters may claim that last weeks election results translated to a mandate for their candidates agenda, but if anyone received a mandate last week, it was Clinton  by a sizable margin that just keeps expanding.

As the raging dumpster fire known as Trumps transition process continues to burn and Clintons popular vote lead grows to unprecedented levels for a losing candidate, perhaps its not such a bad idea for the electors to consider their options before voting next month.
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Harry Reid went straight after FBI Director James Comey on Thursday, calling him a Republican operative and saying that theres no question Clinton would have been victorious last week without the bureaus election meddling.

Video:

Reid said:

Its easy to second-guess what Hillary did. I love Hillary Clinton, Im sorry she lost. I did everything I could to help. And, you know, I could go through a litany of things  there is no question in mind, she wouldve won this election without any problem if Comey had not been the Republican operative that he is  He came out against what the attorney general had recommended, against what common sense dictates. He is the reason she lost the election  Comey, he can be fat and happy in his office there for seven more years after having thrown the election to Donald Trump.

Reids comments reflect how a large number of Democrats have felt since the end of the campaign when James Comey shocked the political world by inserting himself into the presidential race. At the time, Clinton had a substantial polling lead over Trump, but the numbers quickly tightened after Comey released his letter and remained that way until the end of the campaign.

While many Democrats are striking a conciliatory tone following last weeks election, Reid  who is approaching retirement  has come out guns blazing.

Last week, he quickly went after the president-elect following his stunning victory, saying that Trump is a sexual predator who lost the popular vote.

The Nevada Senator didnt let up at all this week, taking to the Senate floor twice urging Democrats not to normalize Trump and the racist platform on which he campaigned. Just today, Reid expressed outrage at the rising number of hate crimes that has taken place since Trumps victory and urged the president-elect to stand up to his supporters.

Harry Reid will be out of office soon, but he is showing Democrats exactly how to stand up to Donald Trump long after hes gone.
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Senate Democrats are considering a strategy of collaboration with President-elect Trump, which if acted upon would send the Democratic base into a state of total rebellion.

The New York Times reported on the Senate Democratic strategy in dealing with Trump:



On infrastructure spending, child tax credits, paid maternity leave and dismantling trade agreements, Democrats are looking for ways they can work with Mr. Trump and force Republican leaders to choose between their new president and their small-government, free-market principles. Senator Chuck Schumer of New York, elected Wednesday as the new Democratic minority leader, has spoken with Mr. Trump several times, and Democrats in coming weeks plan to announce populist economic and ethics initiatives they think Mr. Trump might like.

Democrats, who lost the White House and made only nominal gains in the House and Senate, face a profound decision after last weeks stunning defeat: Make common cause where they can with Mr. Trump to try to win back the white, working-class voters he took from them, or resist at every turn, trying to rally their disparate coalition in hopes that discontent with an ineffectual new president will benefit them in 2018.

Bernie Sanders has made comments about working with Trump, and so have several other Senate Democrats, with the notable exception of Sen. Elizabeth Warren. By all accounts, Warren understands and gets where the base is at.

The strategy that Schumer is proposing is the exact opposite of what Democratic voters want from their Senators. Democrats want to stand up to Trump. They are not seeking to legitimize and normalize him. If Senate Democrats collaborate with Trump, they will make a difficult Senate map impossible to overcome.

The mythical white working class voters that supported Trump are never going to vote for Democratic Senators and candidates.

In the modern polarized and heavily partisan environment, if Senate Democrats work with Trump, white working class voters will still vote for Republican candidates during the 2018 midterms. Donald Trump is the least popular President-elect since 1992. Cozying up to him in any way will only further alienate the Democratic base.

If Democrats work with Trump, the voters that supported Trump will give him all of the credit, and still vote Republican in November 2018.

By collaborating with Trump, Senate Democrats will turn their own base against them.

The Democratic base wants to be fought for. The idea of working with Trump is s recipe for another midterm election disaster for the Democratic Party.
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*The following is an opinion column by R Muse*

One of the clear and present danger of a political party that thrives on perpetuating an ignorant and uneducated populace is that they can repeat historically disastrous policies the people should know are dangerous and stop before they can start; if they paid the slightest attention when they were in school. The Founding Fathers knew a stupid population was a disaster waiting to happen, and since about 56 million incredibly stupid Americans voted for an authoritarian fascist to lead the nation, the disaster that wreaked death and devastation on 1930s Nazi Germany is now unfolding in one nation many thought it would never happen: in the United States of America.

And before any know-it-all says a word, this is not anything remotely close to Godwins Law; it is a stark reality and it is happening all across America. It is no exaggeration to say that if more Americans paid attention to their history lessons about how the Holocaust unfolded, it is possible, only slightly, that American Jews would not be under assault from the Donald Trump-inspired anti-Semitism spreading over America.

Godwins Law says that as a discussion grows longer, and one might add oppositional, the probability of a comparison involving Hitler approaches is high. One of the discussions many Americans, including historians, have engaged in over the past year are the parallels between authoritarian fascist Donald Trump and the rise of Adolf Hitler and his ugly Nazi regime. In this instance, Mr. Godwin and his ridiculous law can just respectfully sod off. Any comparison between Donald Trump, Adolf Hitler, and the German Nazis is legitimate and there is growing evidence that Trump supporters are actively taking the right steps to repeat Nazi-type atrocities on American citizens who are not white Christian males.

Of course like Hitlers regime, the only segment of the population that is not being targeted for what is becoming extreme hate is white Christians. There is a lot of attention focused right now on the fear and anxiety among Muslims, journalists, Hispanics, and some of the female segment of society, but as many news outlets reported leading up to the election; Trumps campaign became dangerously anti-Semitic. Now that the racist is looking at an extreme sense of power to back up his authoritarianism, his acolytes are emboldened to openly target Jews; they obviously know that much about Hitlers approaches.

It is also noteworthy that like Adolf Hitler, Donald Trump has a most senior adviser, and alt-right Nazi Stephen Bannon that terrified Europeans compare to one of Adolf Hitlers most senior advisors and propaganda chief Josef Goebbels. The comparison is valid and will be covered in another column devoted to the unprecedented installation of an avowed white supremacist in the White House as a trusted senior adviser to an avowed racist recently elected president.

To understand how the Trump anti-Semitism is manifesting itself, two days ago in Pomona California, Ramapo police reported that vandals spray-painted anti-Semitic words, NO JEWS on the street and real estate signs in front of three homes for sale. The hate-crime was not random because officials said there had been an influx of Jews moving into the neighborhood, and one wonders if Donald Trumps call to use Gestapo tactics and regulate the bad guys is being answered by his followers.

There was also an incident reported two days ago that involved Jewish American actress Emmy Rossum. Ms. Rossum plays on the Netflix series Shameless. She is also another victim in the wave of Trump fueled hate crimes and harassment of minority communities in the immediate aftermath of the election. An election, by the way, that is enabling the most perversely racist elements of American society made up of nearly all 56 million Americans who voted for Donald Trump for president.

The actress received a couple of days worth of frighteningly disturbing pro-Trump messages via her Twitter account that explicitly hearkened back to the persecution of fellow members of Rossums faith in Nazi Germany. After putting up with a weekend of hate-filled remarks, Rossum wrote early Sunday on her Twitter page that:

[T]elling anyone to get ready for the trains in reference to WWII is disgusting and offensive. Reporting you to Twitter is not enough. Back off. And, Trump supporters are sending me messages threatening to send me [and] my ilk to the gas chambers [and] writing hashtags like #sieg hiel. NOT OK.

Of course, it is not okay; not if America was remotely a tolerant society. But if Americans learned nothing else after the election, it has to be that America is no longer a tolerant society and that there is no group except white Christian males that are not in for a healthy dose of Trumps alt-right Nazis.

Although all non-whites have been targeted by Trump and his followers, it was just a matter of time before the alt-right Trump supporters turned their attention to the group that earned the bloody wrath of the original German Nazis. In fact, there were reports in the final two months of the campaign that Trump unleashed a wave of anti-Semitism and his obedient and hate-driven supporters began focusing Aryan hate on Jews; particularly after the Donald J. Trump for president campaign sent coded messages that Jews, like Mexicans, Muslims, journalists, women and non-conforming politicians are not welcomed in Trumps Aryan America.
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You know your vote was a hate crime whenLets just say the former grand wizard of the KK David Duke praises your picks for chief strategist, national security adviser, and attorney general. Duke was thrilled with Steve Bannon, Michael Flynn, and Jeff Sessions, saying Bravo President Trump! Some great first steps. Were on the way, folks, to taking America back.

I really believe that we are on the way. The last three appointees of Donald Trump, the most important appointees, [Stephen] Bannon as his chief strategist. Flynn, of course, Michael Flynn as his national security adviser, top adviser, and [Jeff] Sessions as attorney general, I believe, are the first steps in taking America back. Hes appointed men who are going to start this process of taking our country back and I tell you, for the first time in years, our side is empowered, our side is enthusiastic, our side is excited, our side is hopeful, but more than hopeful, we are becoming confident.



[]



Bravo President Trump! Some great first steps. Were on the way, folks, to taking America back.

Duke says his side (white supremacists) are hopeful. The rest of us are horrified at Trumps deplorable opening moves as president-elect. Trump will not make American great again, but he seems determined to do his level best to make it white again.
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Senator Elizabeth Warren (D-MA) laid down the law Friday in reaction to President-elect Donald Trumps potential nomination of Senator Jeff Sessions for Attorney General, saying 30 years ago he was rejected for a federal judgeship because there can be no compromise with racism; no negotiation with hate.

Instead of embracing the bigotry that fueled his campaign rallies, I urge President-elect Trump to reverse his apparent decision to nominate Senator Sessions to be Attorney General of the United States. If he refuses, then it will fall to the Senate to exercise fundamental moral leadership for our nation and all of its people, Sen Warren said in a statement.

Thirty years ago, a different Republican Senate rejected Senator Sessions nomination to a federal judgeship. In doing so, that Senate affirmed that there can be no compromise with racism; no negotiation with hate, the Democratic Senator continued, bringing up the very reason that liberals are aghast to hear that some Democrats think they can work with President-elect Trump on some issues.

Warren called Republicans out on their cowardice and self-interest, Today, a new Republican Senate must decide whether self-interest and political cowardice will prevent them from once again doing what is right.

It says everything about the modern day Republican Partys aversion to social progress and failing platform that they are now so much lower than they were 30 years ago. Thirty years ago, Sessions was too racist to be a federal judge, but in 2016, hes just fine as United States AG.

Republicans ran a man for the the highest office in the land whose white supremacist entourage is heading for the White House and horrifying a nation.

Democrats must follow Senator Warrens lead on this issue. There can be no compromise with racism or negotiation with hate. Democrats dont have much power but they must use what they have to take a stand for the people.

The people on the ground, their base, are terrified right now. Completely and utterly terrified. There has been a huge surge in hate crimes and intimidation since the election according to the Southern Poverty Law Center. People of color have a target on their back, immigrants are facing a wave of harassment and intimidation. Jewish people are being terrorized, the LGBTQ community is facing increasing hate crimes and women are waiting for the next shoe to drop from the sexually-assaulting incoming president.

No decent person who caucuses with Democrats and allegedly represents all of these targeted people can work with Donald Trump on any issue. This is not like Democrats trying to work with Republicans under Bush or Obama in order to help the people. I have always advocated pragmatic compromise if it means fighting for the people in some other way, but Senator Warren said it best: There can be no compromise with racism.

We cannot normalize this, and to work with this incoming entourage of white supremacists is to condone it.

That is a message Democrats must not send to their base, or they risk losing the coalition they worked for years to build. Democrats are in defense mode right now after a brutal, unexpected and inexplicable loss that defied the legitimate polls, but they must hold it together and not question their values.

There is no working with hate. Hate is an act of war. You cant negotiate with terrorists and only fools think they can.

Anyone who touches the Trump administration will be stained by his rancid bigotry and legacy of hate. Democrats must unify together against hate, and gather with them any Republicans who can find the courage to take the risk to do the right thing.
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The swamp just keeps filling up. This morning it was learned that a man the ACLU calls anti-civil rights, Alabama Senator Jeff Sessions  who as Zach Wahls points out, was deemed too racist *in the 1980s* to be confirmed as a federal judge  has been named by Donald Trump as Trumps pick for attorney general.

Trumps transition team told us yesterday that,



The president-elect has been unbelievably impressed with Senator Sessions and his phenomenal record as Alabamas attorney general and U.S. attorney. It is no wonder the people of Alabama re-elected him without opposition.

And now we learn the nightmare is reality. CBS This Morning tweeted the news,

JUST IN: @CBSNews has learned Alabama Senator Jeff Sessions has been named as President-elect Trump's pick for Attorney General pic.twitter.com/ZrYJLBg7LX  CBS This Morning (@CBSThisMorning) November 18, 2016

Back in 1986, Sessions was the US attorney for the Southern District of Alabama and was nominated by President Reagan to the federal bench, only to be rejected by the Senate judiciary committee. Ted Kennedy found it inconceivable  that a person of this attitude is qualified to be a US attorney, let alone a United States federal judge.

What, precisely, was the attitude Kennedy spoke of? The New York Times relates that,

This is the face of the Trump administration, and you will remember how Trump promised to champion African-Americans. he has a strange way of doing so, just as he has shown a peculiar way of combatting lobbyists by filling his White House to the brim with them.

CBS News says The choice of Sessions to be the nations top prosecutor is sure to be controversial but it is much more than that and much worse for minorities across America. As Media Matters Eric Boehlert quipped upon learning the news,

I told you the shit show would become so intense that the Bannon fiasco would soon seem like distant memory.

Yeah, oh for the good old days.

In choosing Jeff Sessions, Donald Trump has certainly earned the acclamation of the Ku Klux Klan and white supremacists everywhere.
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Three of Trumps first five appointees have ties or views that are in line with the white supremacist movement. These appointees are likely to be staffing agencies and departments with others who share their views.

The announcements that Sen. Jeff Sessions (R-AL) will be Trumps Attorney General and former Lt. Gen. Michael Flynn will be Trumps national security advisor are troubling on multiple fronts. Right Wing Watch noted that Sessions career has been defined by his opposition to civil rights, In 1986, a bipartisan majority of the Senate Judiciary Committee rejected his nomination to a federal judgeship in the midst of charges of racial bias. For example, Sessions had criticized civil rights groups as un-American and Communist-inspired and accused them of trying to force civil rights down the throats of people. He also dubbed a white civil rights attorney a disgrace to his race, according to a witness, and reportedly called a black lawyer in his office boy. In his confirmation hearing, he admitted to referring to the Voting Rights Act as a piece of intrusive legislation, and he later opposed efforts to update the landmark law.

[graphiq id=2zMrH37ixN3 title=Trumps Cabinet and Top Officials: Appointees and Likely Candidates width=650 height=701 url=https://w.graphiq.com/w/2zMrH37ixN3 ]

Sen. Sessions isnt just a conservative. He is a conservative who holds very clear views about race. If Jeff Sessions is confirmed to the nations next attorney general, protesters and demonstrators will risk federal prosecution when they attempt to exercise their constitutionally protected free speech rights.

Michael Flynn also sees the world in racial terms. Flynn is a raging Islamaphobe, and his presence as National Security Advisor all but guarantees American troops will be back on the ground in the Middle East in larger numbers. Flynn is the walking definition of an anti-Muslim extremist. The additions of Flynn and Sessions combined with previously appointed White House senior adviser Steve Bannon mean that three-fifths of Trumps initial appointments hold white supremacist views.

White supremacists are going to be making staffing decisions in the United States government.

The appointments that are being announced by Trump are painting a picture of an administration that intends to declare war on civil rights. The civil rights of all Americans will be endangered if the views held by Trumps appointees are translated into agency, White House, and departmental policies.

The warning signs about Trumps views on civil rights were obvious during the presidential campaign. Enough voters didnt listen or had their votes suppressed. Donald Trump and Hillary Clinton were never the same. The American people are about to experience firsthand the undoing of decades of civil rights progress.

Donald Trump is staffing up for his first war, which wont be over oil or ideology, but the civil liberties and constitutionally protected rights of the American people.
The SC capital city may fine anyone setting off pyrotechnics after 11 p.m., except for New Year's Eve and Fourth of July celebrations and approved events such as Fireflies baseball games. Read moreShooting off late-night fireworks banned in Columbia
Sports Reporter

Derrek Asberry is sports reporter with the Post and Courier. He joined the newsroom in March 2016, after three years at the Aiken Standard where he covered the Savannah River Site. He enjoys New York Yankee baseball and poker.
Maya T. Prabhu covers the Statehouse from Columbia. She previously covered city government and other topics in South Carolina and Maryland. Maya has a bachelors in English from Spelman College and a masters in journalism from the University of Maryland.
Paul Bowers is an education reporter and father of three living in North Charleston. He previously worked at the Charleston City Paper, where he was twice named South Carolina Journalist of the Year in the weekly category.
Adam Parker has covered many beats and topics for The Post and Courier, including race and history, religion, and the arts. He is the author of "Outside Agitator: The Civil Rights Struggle of Cleveland Sellers Jr.," published by Hub City Press.
Syndicated and guest columns represent the personal views of the writers, not necessarily those of the editorial staff. The editorial department operates entirely independently of the news department and is not involved in newsroom operations.
ST. PAUL  Prosecutors say that when Philando Castile was pulled over in July, he calmly told the officer he had a gun and was licensed to carry it.

Moments later, the officer fired shots, and a bleeding Castile's last words were: "I wasn't reaching for it."

On Wednesday, that officer was charged with second-degree manslaughter following an investigation by prosecutors, who concluded that Jeronimo Yanez was wrong to use his weapon in the traffic stop. Castile's girlfriend streamed his final gruesome moments live on Facebook.

"No reasonable officer, knowing, seeing and hearing what officer Yanez did at the time, would've used deadly force under these circumstances," Ramsey County Attorney John Choi said.

Prosecutors believe Castile never tried to pull his handgun from his pocket, and Yanez's unreasonable fear did not justify the shooting, Choi said.

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If convicted, the officer could face up to 10 years in prison.

Diamond Reynolds was sitting next to her boyfriend in the car. She said he was shot repeatedly as he reached for his ID after telling Yanez about the weapon and the gun permit.

The fatal shootings of black men and boys by police officers have come under heightened scrutiny since the 2014 death of Michael Brown in Ferguson, Mo. No charges were filed against the officer in that case, but Brown's death led to calls nationwide for officers to be held criminally responsible.

Yanez, who worked in the Minneapolis suburb of St. Anthony, is scheduled to make his first court appearance Friday.

His attorney, Tom Kelly, has said Yanez, who is Latino, was reacting to the presence of a gun. Kelly has also said that one reason Yanez made the stop was because he thought Castile looked like a possible match for an armed robbery suspect.

Choi said Wednesday that Castile was not a suspect in that robbery. Castile's relatives have said they believe the 32-year-old elementary school cafeteria worker was racially profiled.

Kelly did not immediately return phone messages seeking comment Wednesday. Castile's mother, Valerie Castile, said her family was pleased with the charge.

"It is necessary for everyone to understand that we want peace," she said. "We don't want any protests to get outrageous."

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Castile's shooting prompted numerous protests, including a demonstration outside the governor's mansion that went on for weeks and one protest that shut down Interstate 94 in St. Paul for hours. The interstate protest resulted in about 50 arrests and injuries to more than 20 officers who were hit with cement chunks, bottles, rocks and other objects.

About 100 protesters gathered early Wednesday evening outside the JJ Hill Montessori School in St. Paul where Castile was a longtime cafeteria worker. Some carried signs that read "No Justice, No Peace" and "Black Lives Matter." The group said they would continue to advocate for justice until the case is resolved.

"We haven't won the war, but we won a battle," activist Loretta VanPelt told the crowd.

Choi resisted pressure to turn the case over to a special prosecutor, but he added one to his team to get an outside perspective. He said Wednesday that he reviewed the case himself instead of sending it to a grand jury in the interest of transparency.

He gave a detailed account of the shooting, describing aroutine traffic stop that turned frantic after Castile told the officer he was carrying a gun. He was not required to do so by law.

Yanez had his hand on his holster before Castile could finish his sentence and repeatedly shouted "Don't pull it out" as Castile insisted he wasn't, Choi said.

Within a minute of the initial stop, Yanez unholstered his gun and fired seven shots at Castile.

There was no sign Castile reached for a gun or posed any threat, Choi said.

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Yanez's partner at the scene did not take out his own gun. Castile's weapon was later found deep in a front pocket of his shorts, with a loaded magazine but no bullet in the chamber.

"His dying words were in protest that he wasn't reaching for his gun," Choi said. "There simply was no objective threat posed to officer Yanez."

Squad car video captured the entire event, including audio and subsequent conversations Yanez had with other officers, Choi said. Prosecutors have no plans to release the video at this time because it is evidence in the case against Yanez.

Reynolds and her attorney recalled how quickly she pulled out her phone and began streaming, saying the video was a factor in Choi's decision.

"Without my recording," she said, "we wouldn't be here today."
WABASHA  Usually, when a sheriff's deputy retires, a new one is hired to take his place. But when "Recon" hangs up his badge later this year, the Wabasha County Sheriff's Office will purchase his replacement.

Recon, a Belgian Malinois, is one of two K9 officers working for the Wabasha County Sheriff's Office, said Sheriff Rodney Bartsh. But when Recon retires some time around the beginning of the year, it will leave an open spot for a new rookie, or puppy, to take his place.

Deputy Jason Lorenson, Recon's partner, said his dog is getting a little long in the tooth to be chasing bad guys.

"He has some issues with his hip," Lorenson said. "When he's retired, we won't be doing any police work. He'll be like any normal dog  but with extra training."

Replacing a K9 is a little more complicated than adopting a new pet. Deputy Erik Rollie, who will get the new pooch partner, said a breeder in Florida raises Belgian Malinois-German shepherd mix dogs specifically for police canines. The dog, somewhere between 10 months and 2 years of age, alone costs $8,500. There's another $4,500 for training the deputy and his dog, $1,000 for a door popper which opens a car door remotely in case of high temperatures in the squad car, and about $3,000 for a new car kennel.

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"Right now, we're fundraising to raise money for the new dog," Rollie said. The sheriff's office is trying to raise up to $20,000 for the dog, training and equipment plus some equipment for Deputy Jason Bade and his partner, Tango. So far, Rollie said, through direct donations and gifts sent through a GoFundMe page, the sheriff's office has raised $13,500.

The fundraising is being done to help keep down the county's tax bill while providing the needed service the dogs deliver, Rollie said.

"This will be my first dog on duty," Rollie said, adding that he often stands in as a biting dummy during training. "Jason has been doing this for 14 or 15 years, and he's retiring his second dog."

Recon joined Lorenson on patrol in 2008, Lorenson said, his second dog. While Recon will still be a part of his life, he will miss his partner out on patrol.

"The number one thing is just having a partner in the car with you," Lorenson said. "He has an extra set of eyes. He has his nose. It's having one of your best friends in the vehicle with you."

That means a partner who can literally sniff out danger around a dark corner or track suspects no human could find.

"There've been multiple times when he's been able to find things or someone we'd have never been able to find without him," he said.

Like any working law officer, Lorenson said, K9s need to find a balance between work time, down time and, in the case of K9s, pet time.

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Rollie said that while he loves dogs and grew up with them as pets, he never considered getting a K9 partner until Lorenson announced Recon's impending retirement and that he would not be partnering with another dog. When Rollie's boss asked him if he was interested, he said yes.

"Ours are multipurpose dogs," Rollie said. "They perform apprehension, tracking, narcotics detection. We want our dogs to be social, so we can do demonstrations for schools or foundations like a 4H Club or a Lion's Club."

Rollie said he is looking forward to the benefits of having a dog, especially since he works overnights.

"We are a large county without a lot of deputies at night," he said. "Having a dog, that's a big confidence boost."
Mall lockdown ends after about 2 hours

ST. CLOUD  A lockdown of the Crossroads Mall in St. Cloud has ended about two hours after police responded to a report of man with a gun.

Police from St. Cloud and Waite Park surrounded the mall shortly before 6:20 p.m. after a report that a man had displayed a gun in his waistband to a couple who were arguing near the food court.

St. Cloud Police Sgt. Jason Burke said in a statement at 8:30 p.m. that the lockdown had been lifted. He said that the entire mall had been searched and that nothing had been located.

Crossroads Mall was the scene of a Sept. 17 knife attack in which Dahir Ahmed Adan stabbed 10 people, injuring them. The attack ended when an off-duty officer shot and killed Adan.

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Police shoot suspect after chase

ANOKA  Police have shot and wounded a suspect after a high-speed chase through the northern Minneapolis suburbs.

Anoka County sheriff's Cmdr. Paul Sommer says the suspect was shot after his Audi sport car spun out on Highway 10 in Anoka Thursday afternoon.

MnDOT traffic cameras show the suspect running along the highway after leaving his car, jumping a fence and running down into a slough. Sommer says authorities spotted something in the man's hand, and a Coon Rapids police officer fired shots that disabled the suspect.

The chase began after the suspect shot and wounded a man outside a gas station in East Bethel. At times the suspect exceeded 130 mph.

Sommer says both the suspect and the victim suffered single gunshot wounds and are expected to survive.

Laws affecting transgender people criticized

ST. PAUL  Transgender rights advocates are encouraged by a Ramsey County judge's ruling that found Minnesota's refusal to cover transitional surgeries to be unconstitutional.

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State lawmakers enacted the ban in 2005, selling it as a cost-saving measure. It only applied to people receiving state Medical Assistance and MinnesotaCare benefits.

Judge William Leary III ruled this week that the ban violated the right to privacy and interferes with medical decisions transgender people make regarding their bodies.

The law puts a label on transgender people, said Teresa Nelson, legal director for the ACLU of Minnesota.

"It says, from the state of Minnesota, 'Transgender people, you are not worth as much as other people and so we are not going to give you the medically necessary care that we give to other people,'" Nelson said.

Sixty-four-year-old Evan Thomas, a St. Paul resident, was one of the plaintiffs in the case. Thomas sought surgery as an enrollee in Medical Assistance, the state Medicaid program, but was denied coverage for a bilateral mastectomy.

Thomas has taken hormone treatments to develop more masculine features, but said he has to bind his chest to hide his breasts.

"I'm constantly afraid as I'm out in public that people will realize, that they will notice, that I have an anatomy that does not correspond to the person I appear to be," Thomas said.

The Minnesota Department of Human Services has agreed to pay for Thomas' surgery, which is scheduled for Nov. 28, as part of the lawsuit's resolution.

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Poland to compare photos of man in Nazi crimes probe

MINNEAPOLIS  A Polish prosecutor pursuing a Nazi crimes investigation of a Minnesota man said Thursday that experts will compare the man's photos with that of a Nazi commander to make sure they are the same person.

The Associated Press has identified the man, Michael Karkoc, as a World War II commander of a unit in the SS-led Ukrainian Self Defense Legion, which is accused of burning villages in Poland.

The accusations are based on wartime documents, testimony from other members of the unit and Karkoc's own Ukrainian-language memoir.

Following the AP story, Poland opened an investigation into the 97-year-old Karkoc, who denies that he fought in the war. Confirming his identity is key to an extradition being sought.

Prosecutor Dariusz Antoniak said Thursday experts will confirm whether Karkoc is the same person as the Nazi commander by comparing facial features in photos of Karkoc with those in a 1940 photo of the commander, taken in Ukraine.

A right-wing lawmaker wants to hasten the investigation, arguing that time is running out, considering Karkoc's age.

Tomasz Rzymkowski, a lawyer with the Kukiz'15 party, is writing to the Interior Minister Mariusz Blaszczak this week to ask about the findings from the investigation.

German prosecutors shelved their investigation of Karkoc in 2015, saying he's not fit for trial.

Gun brought by student, 7, discharges

ST. PAUL  St. Paul police say a gun brought to an elementary school by a 7-year-old student discharged, but no one was hurt.

The school district says the gun was brought into a classroom at Crossroads Elementary, and the weapon discharged into the floor at 8:40 a.m. Thursday.

Police spokesman Sgt. Mike Ernster tells the St. Paul Pioneer Press (http://bit.ly/2gmPzrH ) authorities are investigating how the first-grader got the gun and what led to the gun firing.

The district says no threats were directed at staff and students. School staff immediately confiscated the weapon.

The district said such actions have "serious consequences," and it will follow its standard discipline procedures.

Many students at Crossroads were out of school Thursday. This week is an optional "intersession" for students who want or need extra work.
Sometimes it takes a foreigner who is fighting for democracy to remind Americans of how much we take our system for granted. Such a wake-up call is particularly useful when we have a president-elect who admires strongmen and displays indifference to democratic norms.

So it was bracing to talk with Joshua Wong, a leader of the movement for democracy in Hong Kong in the face of implacable opposition from Beijing. All the more so since the slight, intense Wong has just turned 20 years old.

While many Americans fear that Donald Trump may abuse civil rights, Wong and his fellow activists are challenging a Beijing regime that brooks no dissent. They know the odds are against them.

"When we fight for democracy we don't have a formula," Wong told me, in Washington. "It is a dynamic process. We are trying to create a miracle." Yet they fight on.

Hong Kong is a former British colony that was granted considerable autonomy when Britain turned it over to China in 1997. But Beijing considers it an inalienable part of China. The territory's mini-constitution, known as the Basic Law, permits the territory to have its own capitalist economy and political system until 2047  a formula known as "one country, two systems."

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But Beijing has been steadily restricting those political freedoms, especially in 2014 when it insisted on prescreening the candidates for chief executive (who, the Basic Law says, should ultimately be chosen by universal suffrage). As a high school student, Wong became world-renowned in 2014 when he led the Umbrella Movement, a 79-day sit-in in the center of Hong Kong protesting Beijing's prescreening directive.

You may have seen the pictures of massive crowds, often reaching 100,000, sitting under an endless canopy of umbrellas in the pouring rain, and often braving tear gas.

The protesters lost that round, as Beijing refused to budge. Wong was vilified by the Chinese government, assaulted, and arrested  and still faces some charges. Under pressure from China, Malaysia and Thailand kicked him out when he tried to visit those countries.

But, says Wong, "We still created a miracle with the Umbrella Movement.

"It was the most important (democracy) movement since Tiananmen (Square in 1989, when the Chinese government shot and arrested thousands). Our movement was not just young people, but also middle-class professionals and the elderly."

And two years later, Wong and fellow democracy activists moved into electoral politics, fielding candidates for the Legislative Council. Wong cofounded a new political party called Demosisto, which daringly called for self-determination for Hong Kong.

Pro-democracy forces from several parties won 30 seats in elections to the 70-member council this fall. Then came the newest setback. Pressed by Beijing, Hong Kong courts banned two of the youthful winners from taking office because they refused to swear loyalty to Beijing.

Two steps forward, one and three-quarters back.

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I asked Wong whether he was scared. President Xi Jinping has been squelching any hint of political activism on the Chinese mainland. The once-freewheeling Hong Kong press has been intimidated. Despite the Basic Law, the president clearly has Hong Kong activists in his sights.

"It's a long-term battle for us," Wong told me. "We are fighting against the largest communist dictatorship in the world. We hope for the best, prepare for the worst."

He says he is in the United States meeting with think tanks, media, and members of Congress to explain the importance of Hong Kong's democracy struggle. He is fully aware that a President Trump is unlikely to be receptive.

"I worry about the isolationist strategy of the president-elect," he says.

But this savvy young activist even has an argument for Trump. "Apart from the moral question, it is also necessary for businesses and investors to care about Hong Kong because it is the most important financial center in Asia," he said. "How Beijing puts aside the rule of law, and independence of the courts in Hong Kong affects business interests and the stock markets.

"We hope isolationism won't be the policy of the next U.S. president."

However, even as this brave activist was making his case, Trump was telling Xi by phone that the United States and China would have "one of the strongest relationships." This, despite the Donald's campaign threat to impose stiff tariffs on Chinese imports.

And in a 1990 Playboy interview, Trump expressed support for the Chinese government crackdown in Tiananmen Square. "The Chinese government almost blew it," Trump said. "Then they were vicious, they were horrible, but they put it down with strength. That shows you the power of strength."

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Trump's admiration for Chinese (and Russian) strongmen may or may not indicate a predilection to crack down at home. But it should remind us of the need to preserve and protect the democratic institutions we've taken for granted.

Joshua Wong, barely 20 years old, is willing to risk more for democracy than most Americans could ever imagine. Keep him in mind.

Trudy Rubin is a columnist for the Philadelphia Inquirer.
A pro-Trump student was beaten yesterday during an anti-Trump march held by students from Richard Montgomery High School in Rockville, Maryland, about half an hour from where I live. The march occurred during school hours.

The victim, who wore a Make America Great Again cap, argued with one of the protesters. Pretty soon, according to a witness, he was jumped, and found himself being punched and kicked by the disputant and four other students.

The beating left the pro-Trump student, age 15, injured and disoriented. He was taken to a local hospital. The injuries reportedly are not serious.

The school principal, Damon Monteleone, said that the perpetrator will receive appropriate consequences. The local police said he will be charged.

But four other students participated in the beat down. Will they be punished and charged?

My other question is why Monteleone allowed his students to leave class and take to the street at 10:00 a.m. If the students had been in class, as they should have been, no beating would have occurred.

In addition to permitting truancy, the principal allowed his students to create an inherently unsafe situation  or unsafe space, if you prefer. Violence is always a serious possibility when mobs take to the street.

The protesters consisted of the usual mix: the innocent (Love trumps hate); the defiant (not our president); and the vicious, like those who beat the pro-Trump student.

The latter group, and probably portions of the second, is populated by fledgling fascists. For the foreseeable future, they will be the shock troops in violent, anti-democratic protests  and would have been regardless of the outcome of this election. Occupy Wall Street and Black Lives Matter rallies, with their attendant thuggery, predate the latest election.

Such protests serve not just the interests of the far left, but also those of Donald Trump, though Im sure he and his team are appalled by this kind of behavior. Indeed, violence associated with BLM protests, coupled with Hillary Clintons sympathy for the movement, may have contributed to Trumps election.

Those of us who protested in extreme ways against the Nixon administration for four years only to see him reelected in a landslide understand this dynamic.

By the way, the 15 year-old victim of this beating seems like a better candidate for a White House visit than clock-boy was.
Jeff Sessions is Donald Trumps nominee for Attorney General, Im delighted to report. Sessions was said to be under consideration for Secretary of Defense. However, the Senators expertise and background militated in favor of the AG position.

Its a good sign that Trump recognized this. I hope he takes the same approach to selecting his Secretary of State, for example.

Over the years, I have admired Sen. Sessions from afar and come to know a few members of his excellent staff. I finally met the Senator a few months ago at a reception. We spoke for at least 15 minutes. I was impressed not just by his grasp of issues, which I fully expected, but also by knowledge of detail. At the personal level, he could not have been nicer or less pretentious.

The only downside to Sessions selection is that it will remove him from the Senate where he has led the charge against lenient criminal sentencing and amnesty-style immigration reform. However, as Mark Krikorian assures us, Sen. Tom Cotton, along with Sen. David Perdue, will ably fill that breach, assuming Cotton doesnt end up in the administration.

Krikorian has this to say about Sessions:

[T]heres no one in the country better qualified to be Attorney General than Jeff Sessions. His probity and rectitude are beyond question. Reverence for the laws is his political religion, and the contrast between him and the blandly sinister Loretta Lynch couldnt be starker. And for those skeptical of the president-elect, Sessions has both the integrity and the relationship with Trump to be able to say no if the president was ever to attempt anything beyond the pale legally.

As Krikorian reminds us, in 1986, Jeff Sessions was Borked avant la lettre. Ted Kennedy railed against his nomination for a federal judgeship, accusing Sessions of racism and calling him a throwback to a shameful era.

These charges will be recycled now. However, nearly all of the Senators who will consider Sessions nomination have served with him. Whatever their views of his politics, they must know he is not a racist, though some may pretend otherwise.

The case of the late Sen. Arlen Specter is instructive. He was among those who opposed Sessions nomination back in 1986. After serving with Sessions in the Senate, Specter acknowledged that there was nothing racist or otherwise personally objectionable about the Alabama man.

Donald Trumps first Cabinet pick is a stellar one.
Oil workers on Thursday vowed to oppose plans by the Ministry of Petroleum Resources to restructure the oil and gas industry.

Last week, Reuters published an outline of the plan released by the ministry to restructure operations of the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation, NNPC, and scrap some select regulatory agencies in the industry.

Although the report criticized the plan as lacking in details, it said the outline contained proposals to overhaul the NNPC, in a bid to modernize and streamline its operations and strip it of the toga of a cesspool of corruption and mismanagement.

The ministry said the oil sector reform, which has stalled for years, due to disagreements among interest groups, was necessary; or the country would risk its oil production capacity falling.

It said key to the plan was the transformation of the NNPC from a bureaucratic empire, where little work gets done, into an entity functioning like the private sector.

The NNPC will be made autonomous from the state. It will relinquish all its policy making and regulatory activities, and it will be treated on an equal basis with private sector operators for projects, the draft plan said.

Unless there are additions to reserves and those reserves are brought into production, Nigeria can expect to see absolute declines in production from around 2020, it added.

But the union of oil workers, PENGASSAN, said although it was not opposed to a wholesome reform in the oil and gas industry, which it described as desirable and proper, it was not advisable to contemplate any such exercise without a buy-in by persons who would be impacted directly or indirectly.

It also said due process was not being followed in the proposed reforms.

The PENGASSAN wishes to state unequivocally it is not aware of any known channel, other than the National Assembly, with powers to either repeal or enact laws on existing corporations and agencies, duly set up by law, it noted through its spokesperson, Emmanuel Ojugbana.

The association will support any initiative aimed at revamping the oil and gas industry just as it will challenge under-development and impoverishment of Nigerians under the guise of restructuring, he added.

The association said its contributions to the debate on the Petroleum Industry Bill (PIB) currently pending passage by the National Assembly, focused on job security, job creation, transparency in fiscal regime, infrastructural development, promotion of local content, local refining capacity, community development and wealth creation for Nigerians.

Mr. Ojugbana said PENGASSAN was completely in the dark with the proposed industry road map, saying its members would continue to insist on genuine reforms to sanitize the system and regain the confidence of Nigerians.

While assuring of its commitment to service delivery, job security, job creations, diligence and hard work to grow the economy, PENGASSAN urged government to take a second look at its initial observations and clarifications to the passage of the PIB.
Nigerias over 37.07 million micro, small and medium-scale enterprises, MSMEs, account for more than 84 per cent jobs in the country, the Ministry of Industry, Trade and Investment has said.

This was part of the presentation on energizing the MSMEs sector as a major economic growth driver at the National Economic Council, NEC, meeting in Abuja presided by the Vice President, Yemi Osinbajo.

Besides, the ministry said the enterprises also account for about 48.5 per cent of the gross domestic product, GDP, as well as about 7.27 per cent of goods and services exported out of the country.

Of the total number, micro enterprises account for the bulk of the MSMEs in Nigeria, with 36,994,578 enterprises (about 99.8 per cent), while small enterprises took 68,168, and medium enterprises 4,670.

The presentation credited Lagos State with the highest number of micro enterprises (3,224,324); followed by Oyo and Kano States (1,864,054 and 1,794,358 respectively), while Nasarawa State had the least (226).

In his presentation on financing opportunities critical for development of MSMES, the governor of Central Bank of Nigeria, CBN, Godwin Emefiele, gave reasons why the bank was involved.

Mr. Emefiele said it was to increase lending, provide access to affordable credit facility, and diversify the countrys economic base, create jobs and improve micro-economic stability.

Other reasons included to boost the capacity of MSMEs, conserve foreign exchange reserve, encourage export and the expansion of agriculture, manufacturing and to service other sub-sectors.

He stated that the CBN had a fund for such purposes in excess of N200 billion meant to provide affordable loans to MSMEs.

For instance, the CBN governor said the bank has helped 120, 290 small holder farmers in about three states under the Anchor Borrowers Programme launched by President Muhammadu Buhari, creating more than 500,000 jobs in the process.

In her presentation, Minister of Finance, Kemi Adeosun, reported that as at November 2016, the balance in the Excess Crude Oil Revenue Account stood at about $2.5 billion.

On the update on budget support loan facility to states, Mrs. Adeosun said about N1.1 billion was disbursed to 35 States in October, bringing the total disbursement to each of the 35 States to N6.3 billion.

The minister reported to the Council about long term financial abuses perpetrated by some revenue generating agencies.

Based on previous deliberations on the issue, the Vice President said the federal government was paying closer attention, with a view to curbing the excesses of these agencies.

Asked to further brief the council on the issue, Mrs. Adeosun provided details of certain activities of some of the agencies considered financial abuses of the revenue they generate.

These included deliberate refusal to remit to the Federation Account the revenue they generate and diverting same through various undue and illegal means and ploys.

Some of the affected agencies pay salaries above specifications by the Revenue Mobilization Allocation and Fiscal Commission, RMAFC, convert official cars to personal ownership under 48 hours of purchase, and undertake inappropriate and arbitrary monetization of medical allowances.

Other illegalities include undue and excessive overseas travels, lavish training allowances and conference spendings, excessive and personal loan approvals, including unapproved mortgages, among others.

The minister said her ministry and RMFAC were working together to check these abuses as these revenue agencies raise as much as N1.5 trillion yearly, and spend almost 90 per cent on recurrent expenditure in clear violation of due process and the constitution.

Besides, the minister said the financial abuses have been going on for more than a decade, with agencies hiding revenues they ought to remit to the Federation Account.

The council also received a report on over N2 billion said to have been paid to some states from the Ecological Fund by the last administration under unclear circumstances and criteria.

There were complaints that some state governments did not have equal access to the fund amid allegations of political preferences.

In his response, the Vice President assured the council that the matter would be properly investigated, broadly reviewed, and the president given appropriate advice.
The managing director, Nigeria Oil & Gas Free Zones Authority, OGFZA, Okon Umana, on Friday explained why the nations oil and gas free zones should be Nigerias premier ports of call for foreign direct investments.

Mr. Umana, who was speaking during his visit to the Malaysian High Commissioner, Lim Jim, in Abuja, said the Authority has mouth-watering incentives and benefits to investors who set up businesses in the countrys oil and gas free zones.

Mr. Umana identified the benefits for investors to include zero tax from federal, state and local tax authorities; zero levies and rates (no corporate tax, withholding tax, value added tax and capital gain tax) and 100 per cent foreign ownership.

Other incentives include 100 per cent repatriation of profit and dividends; 100 per cent repatriation of foreign capital investment and streamlined documentation that makes for fast-tracking of the all business transactions.

The OGFZA boss told the High Commissioner that apart from functional and vibrant oil and gas free zones in Onne, Rivers State; Warri in Delta State and Apapa in Lagos, the Authority was developing additional oil and gas free zones in Brass, Bayelsa State; Ikpokiri, which is contiguous with Onne in Rivers State and Ibaka in Akwa Ibom State.

He told the High Commissioner the new oil and gas free zones being developed in Brass, Ibaka and Ikpokiri, including the developed ones in Onne, Warri and Lagos, presented viable and irresistible opportunities for fresh investors to take advantage of and become part of the profitable history of Nigerias oil and gas industry.

Mr. Umana said there were opportunities for the development of infrastructure, such as roads and power plants to provide dedicated electric power for the oil and gas free trade hubs.

The attractive opportunities for downstream industries, like refineries, manufacturing of pipes for the oil and gas sector and other related and industrial goods as well as infrastructure exist for investors in the free zones. The Authority is willing to partner with any investors using the public-private partnership (PPP) model to achieve its mandate and business plan, he said.

He said the success recorded in the Onne free zone derived from the PPP provided in the business model.

The High Commissioner, in his response, expressed joy at Mr. Umanas visit and his presentation on the activities of the OGFZA, promising to visit the OGFZA headquarters with a delegation of Malaysian investors to explore investment opportunities in keeping with the strong historical and economic ties between Nigeria and Malaysia.

Mr. Jim explained that for long Malaysia had seen Nigeria as the economic hub of Africa, explaining it was Nigerias economic weight that made Malaysia to relocate its Africa trade mission from Nairobi to Lagos.

Although Nigeria was currently going through recession, the envoy said Malaysia expected the country to bounce back soon.
A top UN official has called on the UN Security Council to impose an arms embargo on South Sudan to prevent the increasing violence along ethnic lines in the country from escalating into genocide.

Adama Dieng, UN Special Adviser on the prevention of genocide on Friday in New York called on the Council to take swift action.

He warned that he had witnessed an environment ripe for mass atrocities during a visit to the war-torn country last week.

I saw all the signs that ethnic hatred and targeting of civilians could evolve into genocide if something is not done now to stop it.

Mr. Dieng said that the conflict that broke out in December 2013 as part of a political power struggle between South Sudanese President Salva Kiir and his former deputy Riek Machar could become an outright ethnic war.

The conflict, in which tens of thousands have been killed and more than 2 million displaced, came to a brief halt as the result of a peace agreement, which led to the formation of a unity government in April, with Machar reinstated as vice president.

But renewed fighting erupted in July, dashing hopes of peace and prompting Machar to flee the country, he said.

Mr. Dieng said that a struggling economy had contributed to the polarisation of ethnic groups, which had increased since the renewed violence.

He added that the Sudan Peoples Liberation Army (SPLA), a force allied with the government, was becoming increasingly ethnically homogenous being made up mostly of members of the Dinka ethnic group.

The official added that many feared that SPLA was part of a plan to launch systematic attacks against other groups.

Mr. Dieng called on the council to urgently impose an arms embargo on the country, a move that several members of the council have supported for months.

Samantha Power, U.S. Ambassador to the UN, said she would put forward a proposal for an arms embargo in the coming days.

As this crisis escalates, we should all flash forward and ask ourselves how we will feel if Adama Diengs warning comes to pass.

We will wish we did everything we could to hold spoilers and perpetrators accountable and to limit to the maximum extent we can the inflow of weapons, she said.

However, Russia, a veto-wielding member of the council, has long opposed such a measure, saying it would not be conducive to the implementation of the peace agreement.

Petr Iliichev, Russian Deputy Ambassador to the UN, said Russias position on the issue was unchanged.

We think that implementing such a recommendation would hardly be helpful in settling the conflict.

Mr. Iliichev added that imposing targeted sanctions on political leaders, which has also been proposed by the UN and other council members, would further complicate the relationship between the UN and South Sudan.

Meanwhile, Kuol Manyang, South Sudan Defence Minister, was quoted as saying that Kiir has granted amnesty to more than 750 rebels.

He said the rebels crossed into Congo in July to flee fighting in Juba.

The president made an amnesty for those who will be ready to come back from refugee camps in Congo.

Rebel spokesman, Dickson Gatluak, has dismissed the gesture, saying that it was not sufficient to create peace.

Mr. Gatluak said that rebel troops had meanwhile killed about 20 government soldiers in three separate attacks, but an army spokesman denied the claim.

(dpa/NAN)
Police detained 73 academics at Yildiz Teknik University in Istanbul on Friday as part of an ongoing crackdown in the wake of the July coup attempt by a faction in the military.

The Istanbul Chief Public Prosecutors Office said the 73 were part of the 103 academics it issued warrants for as some of the suspects in the last part of the probe.

It said their arrest was in part based on information that the academics had used ByLock, an instant messaging application.

The office said that government saw the app as a tool that was used by Gulenists in the period before the coup attempt.

The government blames the coup attempt on Fethullah Gulen, a preacher based in the U.S, who was once allied with President Recep Tayyip Erdogan, and has launched mass arrests and purges of his alleged followers.

Gulen has since denied the charges.

The government has dismissed tens of thousands of civil servants and more than 20,000 from the military including cadets.

Moreover, some 35,000 people are jailed, while more than 6,000 have lost their jobs since the coup.

At the same time, the government has stepped up measures against other opponents, including media outlets and Kurdish groups, with more than 100 journalists behind bars along with 10 members of parliament from the pro-Kurdish peoples Democratic Party (HDP).

Ankara has taken over 34 local governments in the mostly Kurdish south-east of the country, deposing elected mayors on terrorism charges.

The legal HDP denies links to armed groups and calls for a return to peace talks to end the conflict in the country.

(dpa/NAN)
U.S. President-elect Donald Trump on Friday picked three conservative loyalists with hard-line views on immigration and counter-terrorism to lead his national security and law enforcement teams.

According to a statement issued on Friday by Mr. Trumps transition team, the choices include U.S. Senator Jeff Sessions for Attorney General and Representative Mike Pompeo as CIA Director.

Retired Lt. Gen. Mike Flynn, who had been a stalwart in supporting Mr. Trumps promises to take tougher approach to militant Islamist groups, was also picked as National Security Adviser.

The decisions followed the Republican president-elects consultations to fill key positions in his administration, which would take over from Democratic President, Barack Obama, on January 20.

The three men said they have accepted Trumps offer.

In choosing Mr. Sessions as Head of the Justice Department and the countrys Chief Law Enforcement Officer, Mr. Trump rewarded a loyalist whos tough and sometimes inflammatory statements on immigration were similar to his own.

Mr. Sessions is one of the earliest Republican lawmakers to support Trumps White House candidacy.

He opposes any path to citizenship for illegal immigrants and is an enthusiastic supporter of Mr. Trumps campaign promise to build a wall on the border with Mexico.

He also argued for curbs on legal immigration on the grounds that it drives down wages for U.S. workers.

A former Alabama Attorney General and U.S. attorney, Mr. Sessions, 69, could face a tough confirmation battle in the Senate, despite his 19-year tenure there.

Allegations that he made racist remarks led the Senate to deny his confirmation as a federal judge in 1986.

However, he could be helped based on his status as one of Mr. Trumps most enthusiastic backers on Capitol Hill.

Mr. Trump has hired several of Mr. Sessions staffers, including policy chief Stephen Miller and Rick Dearborn, who has a top job managing the transition.

Jeff is greatly admired by legal scholars and virtually everyone who knows him, Mr. Trump said.

Mr. Flynn is a retired U.S. Army three-star general.

He is one of Mr. Trumps closest advisers, fired from the Defence Intelligence Agency in 2014, a move he has attributed to his outspoken views about combating Islamist militancy.

Other officials who worked with Mr. Flynn cited his lack of management skills and leadership style as reasons for his firing.

An Army intelligence veteran of three decades, Mr. Flynn was assistant director of national intelligence under Obama.

Mr. Pompeo, 52, a third-term Republican congressman from Kansas, was a surprise pick to lead the Central Intelligence Agency.

(Reuters/NAN)
Two suicide bombers in the early hours of Friday killed themselves at a police checkpoint near the Federal High Court Complex in Maiduguri, after police officers on guard tried to stop them from advancing towards their post, an official said.

A third suicide bomber was arrested, the police said.

Three of them  two females and a male  were spotted creeping in the dark towards the police post at about 3.50 a.m., said the Borno State Police Public Relations Officer, Victor Isuku.

Another set of twin blasts were heard at about 8 a.m., but the details are yet to be ascertained.

Residents of Maiduguri were jerked off their sleeping beds by the two echoing sounds of the first blasts. No one, including this reporter, could say from where it was coming.

By 3:50 a.m. today, mobile police personnel on guard duty opposite the federal high court, sighted three suspected suicide bombers (2females & a male) running towards their sandbag, said Mr. Isuku, a deputy superintendent of police.

They ordered them to a halt for questioning. In the process, one of them detonated the IED strapped to her body, killing herself and one other male accomplice.

The other female survivor was arrested alive and subsequently handed over to the military for further exploitation and necessary follow up actions.

Police bomb disposal units also mobilized to the scene to detonate unexploded IEDs on the bodies of the deceased suicide bombers. The second bang was as a result of the demolition of the remaining IEDs by police EOD units. Normalcy has already been restored.

Fridays failed suicide attack came exactly a week after three suicide bombers, all females, were gunned down by a military patrol team while trying to invade Maiduguri all armed with bombs strapped on their bodies.

It appears a trend that Boko Haram carry out such attacks at the weekends, especially on Fridays.

Boko Haram has increased their attacks on Maiduguri using suicide bombers after they released 21 of the 200 abducted Chibok schoolgirls to the federal government.

They have sustained their attacks despite continued negotiations with the federal government for the release of more of the kidnapped Chibok girls.

The federal government recently denied it paid ransom to free the girls.

Details of the second set of blasts to come later.
The police in Borno State have confirmed the death of six persons in multiple explosions in the state capital, Maiduguri.

The police said four of the victims were Boko Haram suicide bombers while two were members of the local vigilante called Civilian-JTF.

The six were killed in the morning blasts, reported by PREMIUM TIMES, that occurred in three different locations in Maiduguri.

Hours after two suicide bombers detonated their explosives killing themselves at a security check post near a federal high court complex in Jiddari Polo, a suburb of Maiduguri, two more explosions were heard echoing from the eastern flank of the city.

The Borno State Commissioner of Police, Damian Chukwu, confirmed to journalists at a press briefing that a suicide bomber tried to enter Muna Garage, a usually crowded bus station, but later detonated the explosive at the gate, killing himself.

The third blast took place few meters away, near the citys entrance gate, where security personnel mounted a check post. Two operatives of the Civilian-JTF were killed alongside the suicide bomber.

The police chief called on residents to be more vigilant and report any form of suspicious movement of persons around their locale.

Over 20,000 people have been killed in Boko Haram related attacks since 2009 with millions of others displaced.
It was a few minutes after midday, and the sun was already blazing at the Dalori-1 camp for the internally displaced persons (IDPs) in Maiduguri, the Borno State capital.

At this time of the day, usually, only the trees can provide the much-needed cool to wade off dehydration.

The displaced children had to shift their play from the burning grounds to the cool shades of the cascading Neem trees. So was the case for the elderly inmates who had to also move out of their tarpaulin shelters.

Young men were spotted in various locations chatting away; some had already dozed off, apparently helped by the coolness of the trees.

Some women, mostly mothers, were seen from time to time bending out of their make shift homes to check on the foodstuff they had spread to dry in the perfect sun.

Most of the young girls, especially those in their teens and early 20s, also had their different spots under the foliage or at the common hall built by officials of the camp. The girls, usually, at this time of the day, would be busy chatting away their boring time.

Some of them with knack for making money, legitimately, were seen busy knitting designs on native caps, which they would sell off to merchants.

Very naturally, the atmosphere around the girls spot was more exciting and attractive. The young females could be heard interjecting their gossips and chitchats with occasional laughter, and teases.

But Fati Salilhu, one of the young women in the camp, was not a party to the hilarity of the girls company.

PREMIUM TIMES reporter sighted her sitting in a withdrawn mode under a Neem tree outside the camp tent she shares with other females. Her mind seemed to have travelled far away from the noisy happenings around her.

She was not looking shabby, despite being an IDP. Her slightly made up face had really done a great job at beaming up her natural beauty. But it had not hidden the telltale of a young woman who had passed through difficult times.

She was 22 years old and mother of a deceased child.

Fati was one of the females rescued from the captivity of Boko Haram insurgents by soldiers of the Nigerian army about two years ago. Though she speaks flawless Hausa, a major language in northern Nigeria, Fati said she is not a Nigerian.

I am from Cameroon, she told PREMIUM TIMES.

She was brought to the IDP camp about a year ago, after she was rescued from the captivity of Boko Haram insurgents who had snatched her and many other women from Kolofata in the Republic of Cameroon.

I am from Mozogore village in Cameroon. I am the last child of the 9 kids from my mother, she told PREMIUM TIME in Hausa, a major Nigerian language also spoken in northern part of Cameroon near the Nigerian border.

Fati, was abducted in Kolofata town of Cameroon on July 28, 2014. It was the very day the wife of a deputy minister in Cameroon, Ali Amodu, was abducted by Boko Haram.

While the deputy ministers wife (now freed) was taken from her home, Fati said she was flocked away, alongside other women, into the jungle from a hospital in Kolofata where she was watching over her sick aged mother.

It was the last time she knew freedom.

I was abducted when I took my sick mother to the hospital in Kolofata, she said with sobered voice.

Boko Haram fighters came in and abducted some other women and me.

Coming out of a forced marriage, after she was forced to abandon her secondary school education midway because her parents could not afford her fees, Fati became a wife at the age of 19.

The road to captivity

Like many others, Fati said the road to Boko Harams captivity was harrowing.

After they had forced us to follow them at gun point, we were taken for a long walk through the jungles of Buni Yadi (in Yobe State) where we were camped, she recalled.

After some days, soldiers came and we had to flee to another location, which name I could not recall. From there, we were taken to a place called Tumbuktu, where we spent about five weeks. The soldiers came again, and they had to move us to a place called Kafela and we were kept there for about 7 months.

Painful loss of child

When Boko Haram captured her, the Cameroonian girl was nursing a baby  the product of her failed marriage. It was with that baby girl strapped to her back that she was made to traverse the jungles, mostly on foot.

Fati said she lost the baby while they were being forced by the Boko Haram members to flee during an attack on their location by soldiers.

I lost my baby when we had to run towards Izza village, she said.

The attack on our location was massive, and as we were running with the Boko Haram people, we all feared for our lives; so we ran through the thick bushes. My little daughter, who was strapped to my back, fell off and was badly injured. She eventually died. Some men amongst our abductors collected the child and buried her somewhere in a shallow grave; I was not given a chance to mourn her, we had to move on.

The rescue

After about a year under the captivity of Boko Haram, a miraculous rescue came to them when the Nigerian soldiers eventually raided Izza, one of the largest camps of the Boko Haram, located somewhere between Gwoza and Bama local government areas of Borno state.

We did not stay long in Izza, when the soldiers arrived attacking from the sky and on ground, she said.

We kept on running towards Izza amidst bombardment from air force jets. Many of us, including some Boko Haram members were killed. We made it to Izza, a big village where many abducted girls were kept but we did not stay there for long before the soldiers raided the place and rescued some of us.

The soldiers took us to Bama, and from there we were taken to Giwa barracks. We spent about two months in Giwa barracks before they brought us here to stay in Dalori-1 IDP camp. Now I have spent about a year here in the camp.

Forced Marriage

Like most of the females taken into captivity, Fati had to become a wife to one of her abductors. A situation she had to accept, lest she suffered more torture or abuse by those who appropriated her liberty.

I was forced to marry a Boko Haram member, named Abba Kaka. He said he was from Benishek town of Borno State. But the marriage lasted only two months because soldiers killed him.

I was actually forced to marry him. In fact, the Boko Haram members threw me in jail for weeks when I refused to accept Abba Kakas hand in marriage, she said.

Like many other girls, Fati said she was left with limited but cruel options. She just had to give in.

We were made to undergo several punishments and torture when we were resisting to abide by their ways of doing things; they said we must accept their creed and belief that any other person that is not an adherent of Izalatul Ahlil sunna liddawati wal jihad (Boko Haram) is an infidel whose blood was legitimate to be shed.

We were not hungry because there was food in abundance, but we had to live in a very difficult condition in which we sometimes found it difficult to change clothes or wash properly; some of us that menstruate would sometimes go without sanitary pads; we only used them if the Boko Haram fighters returned with loots and we were lucky to find such things like sanitary pads, and diapers for children.

They kept telling us that they wanted to make us true Muslims, and there was no way they would allow us to see our infidel parents or relatives again.

You know we were abducted at Kolofata, on the same night the wife of Cameroon minister, Ali Amodu, was kidnapped. And I could recall when the deputy ministers wife, who was kept in different way from ours, was rescued after a shootout. They came to tell us that your people in Cameroon are killing our members, so you too would not be freed; you would rather die in our custody.

They said they would rather continue to move about in the bush with us, and that we too had to taste the bitterness of the pains they suffered each time their members were killed by soldiers in Nigeria and Cameroon. They kept threatening us daily; sometimes we cried and called for help; but they kept on telling us that crying was a waste of time. We went on like that for weeks and months until we became tired of crying. Yes, it was useless crying, so we decided to take our plight as our fate and began to live with it.

Lonely and stranded in IDP camp

Unlike most of the rescued abductees who are Nigerians, Fati had not been able to link up with her family in Cameroon for over a year since her rescue.

We were many that were abducted; but they split us up in the jungles and those of us that were brought to Dalori-1 IDP camp were four in number; they had all been joined with their families; it was only me that was left behind because I could not link up with my family in Cameroon, she mourned.

I have not heard from my parents, including my sick mother. I am not happy; each time I worried about leaving, I was told that it was not safe going to Cameroon.

Since my rescue and arrival to Maiduguri, I have been well taken care of by the Nigerian military and camp officials till date, we get enough medication, toiletries and apartment to lay our heads at night. But of late, things have begun to get difficult in terms of feeding. The foods are not enough; it hardly comes in square.

Life after camp

For the first time during the interview, the Cameroonian girls eyes lit up when this reporter asked about her life before the abduction on July 28, 2014. She recalled her dream of being a working class lady. But she fears a future of stigma as a lady who had once been married to a terrorist.

When I was a free girl back in our village in Cameroon, I used to sell soft drinks and cold water. I do not have much education; after my primary education, I enrolled into secondary school. But along the line, I had to drop out to get married on the orders of my parents who said they could no longer sustain my education.

I wanted to be a government worker, just like some of my friends that were able to advance their studies and are now working as nurses; while some are currently employees of government. I wanted to be a nurse too.

Even if I return home now, I have no concrete plans for the future, because I have no education to qualify me for employment. I have to embrace whatever God puts in my way. If another husband comes, I get married, that is if you dont show my photograph as a woman who had once married a Boko Haram (smiles). If I have resources, I will continue with my petty trade.

Her ultimate desire

All I want now is to be allowed to return home so that I can reunite with my family members. Most of my siblings are working; some are soldiers in the Cameroonian military; some are doing government work in Marwa, others are doing business there. But I have no relatives here on the side of Nigeria. I know my mother weeps every day for me. May be she may even be mourning, thinking I am no longer alive. I just need to go home.
The Abuja Division of the Appeal Court on Friday suspended all pending matters relating to the ongoing judicial battle for an Ondo State governorship ticket, pending the determination of applications at the Supreme Court.

A three-member panel of justices at the appellate court, led by Ibrahim Salauwa, gave the ruling in a brief session on Friday.

Mr. Salauwa noted that the matter had been affected by unfavourable motions from the applicants at the apex court; and the panel set up to address the crisis, under his leadership, would not want to further complicate the matter.

We will await the decision of the Supreme Court in all the processes; no matter what they are worth.

We hereby rule that this matter and other matters awaiting decision by this court are hereby adjourned sine-die pending the decision of the apex court, said Mr. Salauwa.

The appellate court had planned deciding on the authentic candidate to represent the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP in the November 26 governorship election in Ondo State.

Two candidates, Jimoh Ibrahim and Eyitayo Jegede, both from the PDP had emerged from different factions of the party for the election.

While Mr. Ibrahim emerged candidate from the faction led by former Borno State governor, Ali Sheriff, Mr. Jegede was picked to be flag-bearer of the party from the camp led by Ahmed Makarfi.

The Federal High Court in Abuja, presided over by Justice Okon Abang had on October 14 ordered the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, to recognise Mr. Ibrahim as PDPs flag-bearer in the election.

Mr. Abangs decision was based on a previous judgement delivered by his court on June 29, where a faction of the PDP led by Mr. Sheriff was recognised as the authentic camp of the PDP.

Subsequently Mr. Jegede approached the appellate court with a request that it sets aside the decision of the lower court.

When the case was slated for hearing and determination on November 1, a factional chairman of the party from Mr. Sheriffs camp, Biyi Poroye, accused the former panel led by Jummai Sankey of corruption leading to the introduction of a new panel led by Mr. Salauwa.

Dissatisfied with the decision of the Appeal Court President, Zainab Bulkachuwa in setting up a new panel, Mr. Poroyes lawyer Beluolisah Nwofor asked that the panel be dissolved.

When the application was refused, he approached the Supreme Court to challenge the ruling of the appellate court and demanded that the Appeal Court stays proceeding pending his application at the apex court.

In his ruling on Friday, Mr. Salauwa said his panel had taken all its previous decisions in the interest of justice and felt it was only right to suspend sitting, given the current application at the apex court.

With Fridays decision, Mr. Ibrahim remains the authentic candidate of the PDP for the election.
The Federal Government on Thursday expressed the possibility that the Academic Staff Union of University, ASUU, would suspend its ongoing nationwide strike.

Clement Illo, the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Labour and Employment, told journalists in Abuja that government was positive that ASUU would resolve the crises soon.

The News Agency of Nigeria recalls that a meeting with ASUU, convened by the Senate President, the Committee on Labour and the Committee on Education, among others, ended in deadlock on Wednesday.

Mr. Illo, who described the meeting as a very positive step, said the three-hour meeting recorded huge success toward resolving the issues.

He, however, said it is still work in progress and we are still meeting tomorrow (Friday) and on Monday.

But the indications are very positive that the issues will be resolved as quickly as possible. We are sure of success on Friday but if we did not, then we will definitely succeed by Monday.

So, the possibility like I said of suspending the strike is still very positive because there is high possibility that the strike would be suspended.

This is because the issues have been very well articulated and already, there is a focus on how it will be resolved, he said.

The permanent secretary said government would do everything possible to ensure that the process of implementing the agreement was resolved as quick as possible.

He added that like I said, it is very positive, why should government not implement something it signed in good faith?.

It would be recalled that ASUU had embarked on one-week warning strike to demand the implementation of previous agreements with Federal Government and the removal of universities from the Treasury Single Account, TSA.
President Muhammadu Buhari on Friday signed eight bills passed by the National Assembly into law.

Ita Enang, the Special Adviser to the President on National Assembly Matters, Senate, disclosed this on Friday in Abuja, while briefing State House correspondents.

According to him, the bills signed into law are: Prevention of Crime Amendment Act, 2016; and The National Crop Varieties and Livestock Breeds (Registration) Amendment Act, 2016.

Others were: Telecommunications and Postal Offences Amendment Act, 2016; The National Agricultural Land Development Authority Amendment Act 2016; and The Produce Enforcement of Export Standards Amendment Act 2016.

Also signed by the President were: The Agricultural and Rural Management Training Institute Amendment Act 2016; Bee Import Control and Management Amendment Act 2016; and Water Resources Amendment Act 2016.

Mr. Enang said that the President expressed appreciation to leadership and members of National Assembly for the great work they did in considering the bills and the details that have gone in to consider the bills.

Mr President considers the act as very vital to the present administration and in consonant with All Progressive Congresss agenda and thanked the National Assembly.

He said the president also directed Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs) and all government functionaries to always participate actively and make inputs when new bills were being considered.

Mr. Enang commended the president for assenting the eight bills at a time, saying this is unprecedented because this is the very first time in this administration that eight bills are forwarded to him at a go for assent.

In all my years in the National Assembly except for the 46 bills which were passed a day to the end of that administration, no such number of bills had been passed and forwarded at once to the president for assent and no such number of bills had been assented to, at a record time.

I also consider it a record, that bills have been passed on various sector and in giving assent to the bill, it did not lead to rancour or disputation as to what should be and what should not be.

This shows that the executive and the legislature are working together because the ministers attended every hearing that was called in respect of the bills.

(NAN)
Chijioke Obioha, a 38-year-old Nigerian, has been executed in Singapore after being found guilty of drug trafficking, the local media reported on Friday.

Mr. Obioha was hanged in Changi Prison early Friday morning alongside a Malaysian national who was convicted on separate drugs offenses, the Straits Times reported, quoting a statement from the countrys anti-narcotics bureau.

Mr. Obioha was arrested in April 2007 after being found in possession of more than 2.6 kilograms of cannabis. The quantity surpassed the 500 grams threshold that triggers the automatic presumption of trafficking under Singaporean law.

He was found guilty in December 2008 and was sentenced to death by hanging. An appeal he filed was dismissed in 2010, the Strait Times said.

His execution came two days after he lost an appeal for clemency from the Singaporean government.

Amnesty International, which made serious efforts to overturn his death sentence, condemned the scheduled execution of Mr. Obioha.

The death penalty is never the solution. It will not rid Singapore of drugs.

By executing people for drug-related offences, which do not meet the threshold of most serious crimes, Singapore is violating international law, the rights group said on Wednesday.

Mr. Obioha is the latest Nigerian to be executed for drugs-related crimes in the south-east Asian country.

In 2007, Iwuchukwu Tochi was executed by Singapore in the same Changi Prison despite all appeals from the Nigerian government and threats of diplomatic backlash.
The Nigerian military has appointed Apochi Suleiman as the new commander for Operation Delta Safe.

Operation Delta Safe is a codename for the military operation in the countrys volatile oil-rich Niger Delta region.

Before his latest appointment which takes immediate effect, Mr. Suleiman, a rear admiral, was Director of Development at the Defence Headquarters, Abuja. He had also served as the flag officer commanding, Central Naval Command.

Mr. Suleiman takes over from Joseph Okojie, also a rear admiral, who has been reassigned to another post, the military said in a statement issued on Thursday.

The change became necessary in order to inject new capability to contain the prevailing security threats and provide much needed stability in the region, said the statement signed by Kingsley Umoh, a colonel, on behalf of the Acting Director, Defence Information.

Mr. Okojie was the first naval personnel to command the military operation in the Niger Delta. The appointment of Mr. Suleiman, another naval personnel, to head the operation underscores the importance of the navy in the battle to keep the region safe.

Operation Delta Safe was set up in June to replace previous military operations  Operation Pulo Shield (OPS), and the Joint Task Force (JTF)  in the Niger Delta. It was saddled with the task of checkmating renewed insurgency in the region, especially the destructions of oil pipelines and related facilities by the Niger Delta Avengers.

The operation, with headquarters in Igbogene, Yenagoa, Bayelsa State, have led to the destruction of several illegal oil refineries and barges laden with stolen petroleum products. Many suspected militants have been arrested or killed.

But deadly attacks on oil facilities by militants have continued, leading to the loss of huge revenue to the country which is already facing an unprecedented economic recession.

Three soldiers attached to the Operation Delta Safe were shot dead in Nembe Local Government Area, Bayelsa state, by some armed bandits in August.

The Nigerian authorities have been exploring dialogue and other non-military options, for the crisis in the Niger Delta. President Muhammadu Buhari recently held talks with select leaders from the region.
Gunmen on Thursday night abducted the two wives of Nasarawa State Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, Aliyu Tijani, from his residence in Nasarawa town.

Nasarawa State Commissioner of Police, Abubakar Sadiq-Bello confirmed the incident on Friday in Lafia in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria, NAN.

Mr. Sadiq-Bello said the police was on the trail of the kidnappers and would soon apprehend them.

We are aware of the abduction and as we speak now, we have gotten information about their location and we are closing in on them, he said.

When contacted on phone, Mr. Tijani said the family has not been contacted by the kidnappers.

As I speak with you now, we do not know where my wives are being kept and no one has contacted us. We shall continue to pray for their freedom, Mr. Tijani said.

Meanwhile, a witness who would not want to be mentioned said that the gunmen numbering about 10 stormed the house in Nasarawa town, at about 8 p.m.

He said the gunmen shot sporadically into the air before whisking away the women in their vehicles.

(NAN)
Governor Samuel Ortom of Benue on Friday said the state government would not concede any part of its land for establishment of grazing reserve for herdsmen in the state.

Mr. Ortom made this known during the handing-over and inauguration of Daudu Shelter Project for Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) in Guma Local Government Area of the state.

The 100 bungalows project was initiated by United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees, UNHCR, in collaboration with the state government and Benue Non-Governmental Organisation Network, BENGONET.

Mr. Ortom, who was represented by his deputy, Benson Abounu, said that 80 per cent of the people of the state were farmers which made their situation a peculiar one.

He disclosed that the law of the Northern Nigeria that demarcated 17 places for grazing route in 1950s did not gazette any portion of land in Benue.

According to him, in the 1950s when we had those grazing routes, we had just between 45 and 59 million people in Nigeria.

The 925,000 square metres of land which made up Nigeria has not increased but the population of Nigeria has increased from about 50 million to about 200 million today.

Even the 925,000 square metres of land decreased because Bakassi had been ceded from Nigeria; how then can you have land that you will say Benue people should give away for grazing?

Like any other business, when you want to do business you go and ask for the land and buy it and when the government gives you the Certificate of Ownership, you then build on it.

In the same manner, since cattle breeding is a personal business of somebody, nobody has a right to force Benue State to create a grazing land.

Going by international best practices, any herdsman that want to come and rear cattle in Benue should come and ask for land to build a ranch, he said.

The governor also expressed the governments readiness to continue to partner UNHCR and entire UN system in Nigeria towards actualizing the Songhai project initiative which had already been proposed by UNHCR.

He added that having a source of livelihood and economic empowerment for the IDPs remained one of the surest steps to be taken not only by the government but also by the UN.

According to him, currently, empirical information on the losses in food, human lives and property of IDPs and affected communities appears quite challenging to figure out.

But beyond that, the state government wishes to see the UN system assist her in building institutional data gathering and management systems for their collective vision for a new Benue.

Shelter remains at the core of the basic needs of man, and to lose one is really an affront on ones dignity and self-esteem.

It will be impactful if the UNHCR and the UN community consider working further with Benue government towards a cost-effective model that will empower IDPs to return safely to their homes.

Lets talk and collaborate on this in the days ahead to enable making necessary financial adjustments in view of the dwindling resource base of the state at the moment, Ortom said.

He commended UNHCR for its commitment to alleviating the suffering of the IDPs in the state, and urged the agency to assist the state government to replicate the project in other parts of the state.

He said that the government had activated discussions to factor the IDPs within the social investment scheme, especially the component on cash vouchering for indigent ones.

The governor called on the Federal Government to consider including Benue on the list of presidential and humanitarian interventions in the North-East.

This, according to him, is in view of the relationship of the crises in Benue and that of the North-East, which are all insurgency related.

(NAN)
About 29 members of the constituency of suspended member of the House of Representatives, Abdulmumini Jibrin, have sued the House over his suspension.

The plaintiffs from the Kofar federal constituency of Kano State joined the Speaker, Yakubu Dogara, the leadership and entire house in the suit they filed at the Kano division of the Federal High Court.

They also joined the Clerk of the House in the suit

Mr. Jibrin, who was the removed earlier from his position as chairman of the Appropriations Committee of the House, was suspended for one legislative year after publicly accusing the leadership of the House of padding the 2016 budget.

He has since fled to the United Kingdom, alleging threat to his life.

Speaking to journalists on Friday, the counsel to the constituents, Bashir Muqadam, said the suspension of Mr. Jibrin violated the fundamental rights of the constituents to have representation in the House.

He said the House has no power to suspend any member beyond two weeks.

Mr. Muqadam said the case will come up on December 20.
The Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project, SERAP, has condemned plans by the Edo State government to provide N300 million worth of mansion for the immediate past governor of the state, Adams Oshiomhole, and his former deputy, Pius Odubu, as parts of their retirement benefits.

The Edo State House of Assembly, Wednesday, amended the 2007 Pension Rights of the Governor and Deputy Governor Law, and included new clauses which provide that past governors and deputy governors of the state were entitled to N200 million and N100 million worth of mansion respectively, after their retirement from office.

The bill is said to have also provided that the buildings for the former governors and their deputy could be sited in any location of their choice.

The amendment also provided, among other things, that former governors and their deputy would receive pensions for life from the state government at a rate equivalent to 100 per cent of their last annual salary. Each is entitled to a special assistant who will earn the salary equivalent to a grade level 12 officer in the state civil service, and a personal secretary, as well as cooks, security aides and drivers.

They are also entitled to free medical treatments, alongside their immediate families, and cars that should be replaced every five years.

The amendment, which is already raising dust within and outside the state, is believed to have been done specifically to favour Mr. Oshiomhole and Mr. Odubu.

Adetokunbo Mumuni, the Executive Director of SERAP, said the action of the Edo State House of Assembly was immoral, unfair, unconstitutional, (and) unreasonable, because, according to him, the state government was unable to pay its pensioners and the salaries of its workers.

(Its) a rip-off on a massive scale, Mr. Mumuni said on Thursday in a press statement.

SERAP called on Mr. Oshiomholes successor, Godwin Obaseki, to reject the amendment.

This so-called proposed legislation means that millions of Edo pensioners and workers will have to fund the massive and unjust pensions for former governor Oshiomhole and his deputy and others that will come after them.

Many of the retirees whose pensions have not been paid have been evicted from their apartments due to their inability to pay their rents.

According to SERAPs information, one of such retirees is Ihama Friday who at 60 is now squatting with friends. Another pensioner Osa-Aighobarueghia who retired as a head teacher continues to live a life of debts because the Edo State government has refused to pay her 30 months pension benefits.

SERAP is aware that the Edo State government is not the only state passing such obnoxious pension laws to provide outrageous retirement benefits to former governors and deputy governors and that many of them are already in the National Assembly receiving multiple benefits and putting their personal bank accounts ahead of the common good.

SERAP is finalising a comprehensive legal strategy to challenge these unjust laws and to name and shame those who continue to benefit from such laws, Mr. Mumuni said.
The Imo Police Command on Friday said it had foiled an attempt by a robbery gang to attack a commercial bank on Douglas road, Owerri.

Francis Bisong, the Area Commander of Owerri Police Command, told the News Agency of Nigeria that the planned attack was nipped in the bud, following the immediate deployment of crack detectives to the scene.

Mr. Bisong, however, said that the robbers fled the scene on sighting the police team.

No staff or customer of the bank was hurt in the failed robbery attempt and also no money was carted away, the area commander said.

He urged the public to go about their normal businesses without fear, adding that the police was determined to safeguard lives and property in the state.

Similarly, the state Police Public Relations Officer, Andrew Enwerem, said investigation into the botched attack had commenced.

(NAN)
The alumni of the Department of Mass Communication, University of Nigeria, Nsukka, is scheduled to meet on Saturday in Lagos for a reunion party to be hosted by Pat Utomi, a professor of political economy and management expert.

The reunion is taking place almost 30 years after the alumni had a homecoming in 1987 at the main campus of the university.

Queen Eugene, the Publicity Secretary of the Planning Committee, said in a statement that the event was aimed at creating cohesion, coordination and contribution to the growth of the department and its products.

Ms. Eugene said the event would feature a Meet and Greet, a parade of Year Groups, and motivational talk by the host, Mr. Utomi, who graduated in 1977 from the department popularly called Jackson building.

Chido Nwakanma, a 1985 graduate of the department and the administrator of the Jacksonites Forum, which initiated the reunion and the coming together of the alumni, said the objective of the alumni group is to tap from the experiences and exposure of the large body of alumni to contribute to the upliftment of the department.

The Jacksonites Forum, started as WhatsApp group in June, and has quickly grown into a formidable group with the primary aim of contributing to the development of media and communication study and practice, as well as the progress of the mother department at Nsukka.

UNNs Mass Communication Department commenced life in 1961 as the Department of Journalism and is the first full university department for the study of journalism and mass communication in Sub-Saharan Africa.

UNN founder and journalism pioneer, late Nnamdi Azikiwe, included Journalism as one of the pioneer study units when the university took off. He named the department Jackson Building in honour of John Payne and Thomas Horatio Jackson, father and son team who ran the Lagos Weekly Record as the most influential newspaper of its time for 37 years up to 1930.

The department has produced many distinguished graduates in all fields of endeavour, from journalism through broadcasting and adjunct media of advertising and public relations to administration.

Tony Momoh, a former Minister of Information, is expected to attend the reunion.
Cuba Libre Restaurant & Rum Bar has always offered Atlantic City diners a unique, creative, fun and eclectic culinary experience since opening inside The Quarter at the Tropicana Atlantic City 12 years ago.

But if you havent been there lately, you havent experienced Cuba Libre at its finest.

Why? Its all about Cuba Libre Concept Chef-Partner Guillermo Pernots travels to Cuba.

Pernot, who was born in Argentina, always loved Cuban food, and was connected to it through his wife, who is Cuban-born.

There was always an interest in it, Pernot says. But what we really knew about Cuban cuisine was really what we found and experienced in Miami. I always imagined what the flavors and what ingredients were like if Fidel Castro never took power. And that was the basis of my food at Cuba Libre. But when I started going to Cuba about four years ago, everything changed.

That first trip  to celebrate New Years and the 50th anniversary of the Cuban revolution  opened Pernots eyes to ingredients, recipes and techniques that exceeded his imagination.

I went with my sister-in-law, and that was the first time she went back since she was a child. It was very emotional, and we started to discover fantastic food we never thought we would find, along with different ingredients and combinations of those ingredients that we never imagined or saw in Miami. So when we came back, it wasnt just about bringing home recipes, but the knowledge that we acquired about how Cuban chefs work every day. Its not just black beans and rice. Its so much more.

Cuba Libre always pushed the boundaries of Cuban cuisine, and it still does. But now Pernot believes the restaurant, which also has locations in Philadelphia, Washington, D.C., and Orlando, is more authentic than ever.

For starters, some of Cuba Libres most traditional dishes remain, but Pernot altered some of those dishes to make them even better and more authentic. They include the Papas Rellenas ($16.50), potato croquettes filled with beef picadillo with sweet and spicy guajillo pepper sauce topped with crispy onion and manchego crema; Ropa Vieja ($23.25), shredded beef brisket stewed with tomatoes, bell peppers, onions, red wine, white rice, Cuban black beans and maduros; and Vaca Frita ($24.75), tender braised, then crisped shredded flank steak with roasted onions and a citrus garlic sauce served with white rice, black beans and maduros.

As much as I am getting bored with the Papas Rellenas, people love them, Pernot says. In the next year, we are going to be re-doing the whole menu again where we will retain some classics but add even more new stuff, so I am not sure they will make the cut. I put my twist on the Ropa Vieja by putting diced plantains inside the dish, which you wont find in Cuba. I think the plantains add a small hint of acidity thats needed when you are eating all that fatty richness. Those bits and pieces help break it down. And the Vaca Frita is also a classic. I wanted to make it different so I added the lemon sauce and the whole roasted garlic.

You will also find Pernots love for ceviche ($12 to $17.50), including bay scallop ceviche ($12.50) with tomato, Bermuda onions, cilantro, jalapeno salsa, fresh lime juice and extra virgin olive oil, as well as his famous empanadas ($11 for two, $15 for three, $20 for four), which originated in Spain but can be found throughout Cuba. Particularly good is the Del Campo with pulled pork, roasted poblano and charred tomatoes.

Pernots visits to Cuba also broke some preconceived notions he had about Cuban cuisine.

People say Cubans dont eat spicy food, and thats not true, Pernot says. They love spicy food all the way to the east, and they also use a lot of coconut there. In the west, you will see different spices like fennel and a lot of basil, which you just dont equate with Cuban cooking. I really discovered how diverse Cuban cuisine really is. They have Haitian, Chinese, French, Russian and American influences.

A great example of Pernot bringing something new home with him is the North Atlantic salmon ($27.50) glazed with honey and served with a red curry, mango and coconut milk sauce.

Curry is very popular in Cuba because of the Haitian influence, Pernot says. I never thought about curry in Cuban food until I went there.

The same goes for the use of culantro  not cilantro, but a completely different plant that is often called spicy cilantro  as Pernot uses it generously in dishes such as the Lechon Asado ($23.50), our favorite dish that features Southeast Family Farms Berkshire pulled pork thats marinated for four days before being slow roasted for eight hours then served with classic sour orange mojo over Amarillo chile smashed yucca with black bean broth and Vigoran slaw.

That dish takes five days to get to your plate, Pernot says. And culantro is indigenous to the West Indies. If you dont have that herb, you cant make Cuban food.

Perhaps the best way to experience Cuba Libre is to order some drinks  rum and pork are kings in Cuba, Pernot says  including authentic mojitos and caipirinhas  and some tapas ($16.5 for two, $24 for three, $31 for four).

Theres a lot of family-style eating in Cuba, Pernot says. They love to throw everything at you.

On that tapas menu is another idea Pernot brought home: the Malanga Fritter, a traditional Cuban street food of crispy taro, garlic and West Indian culantro with Tamarindo ketchup. Others with his twist include the spinach and manchego Bunuelos, cheese and spinach puffs with goat cheese ranch sauce and organic olive oil; and citrus-marinated, grilled baby octopus with Haitian eggplant salad, crispy corn chips and truffle.

Capriccio's key to success is listening to feedback Capriccio is proof that getting older doesnt have to be a bad thing. In fact, the iconic At

The Bunuelos is usually done with fried dough, but I made it my own this way, Pernot says. And you can find octopus in all shapes and sizes in Cuba everywhere. It wasnt until I came back that I felt assured of myself in adding it on the menu here. You dont find much truffle in Cuba, but I added it  just because. To me, thats what being a chef is all about. Otherwise, you can just pick up a cookbook and follow every recipe.

Another dish found everywhere in Cuba  and on the Cuba Libre menu  is paella, another Spanish dish. Cuba Libres seafood paella ($31) with shrimp, Maine lobster tail, littleneck clams, mussels, squid, baby octopus and saffron long grain rice is about as good as it gets without getting on a plane.

Rice is a natural grain, so its everywhere there, and they make it with everything from snails and rabbit to blood sausage to chicken and pork. There are thousands of variations.

Even the desserts are homemade at Cuba Libre with traditional dishes such as Tres Leches ($8) and Cuban Flan ($7.50), along with Pernots favorite chocolate torte ($8.50), a fallen chocolate souffle tart layered with dulce de leche topped with dulce de leche ice cream, chocolate orange sauce and blueberry compote  and the best banana bread ($7) you may ever have that is butter toasted and served with vanilla or chocolate ice cream and butterscotch sauce.

There are at least 15 to 20 different types of Cuban bananas, Pernot says. You wont find perfect yellow ones like we have here. There they are short, stubby, sweet, sour, creamy, all different varieties. Everyone has a banana plant there.

Pernot and Cuba Libre have a lot of plans to evolve even more. Aside from two additional restaurants in the planning stages, the Atlantic City location will be the first Cuba Libre to feature a wood-burning grill in the front of the restaurant in March.

Wood-burning grills are very typical in Cuban cuisine, so it makes sense, Pernot says. We will do charcoal and wood and make fish, whole pigs, rotisserie, Peking chicken, steaks, vegetables and maybe even flatbreads for lunch. We have so many ideas, and the grill is just one of them, and I think that will really set Atlantic City apart from the others. But as we continue, I want to make Cuba Libre even more traditional. Its fantastic food, and we want to be as authentic as we can so people can really understand how great Cuban cuisine is.

15 Tastes of Cuba

If you have never been to Cuba Libre Restaurant & Rum Bar, the best way to initially experience the diverse cuisine is to check out its 15 Taste of Cuba Chefs Tasting Menu, which is not only an amazing culinary experience but an amazing bargain.

Cuba Libre Concept Chef-Partner Guillermo Pernot picked 15 of his favorite dishes, and guests get to try all of them for $39.95 per person 4 to 10 p.m. Sundays to Wednesdays, and 4 to 11 p.m. Thursdays and Fridays.

Heres what you will receive for the ultimate Cuban feast:

Appetizers

Tropical Chips and Dips: black bean hummus, Haitian eggplant salad and Cuba Libre salsa with plantain and malanga chips

Shrimp Ceviche: Cuban-style shrimp cocktail with Latino coctel sauce and avocado salsa

Mama Amelias Empanada de la Casa: Homemade empanada made from Pernots mothers recipe with hand-chopped chicken, corn, Jack cheese and Aji sour cream dipping sauce

Malanga Fritters: A traditional Cuban street food of crispy taro, garlic and West Indian culantro with Tamarind ketchup

Entrees

Churrasco a la Cubana: All-natural, black Angus grilled skirt steak with parsley, lemon and onion sauce

Mahi-Mahi: Fresh mahi filet seared on the griddle with olive oil, Forbidden black rice and squid-lobster-flavored asposado with mojito salsa verde and chipotle allioli

Lechon Asado: Slow-roasted, marinated Southeast Family Farms Berkshire pulled pork with classic sour orange mojo over Amarillo chile smashed yucca with black bean broth and Vigoran slaw

Side Dishes

White Rice with Cuban Black Beans Maduros: Fried, ripened sweet plantains

Desserts

Tres Leches: The classic dessert featuring vanilla sponge cake soaked in three milks with mocha mousse

Cuban Flan: Another traditional ending with vanilla custard, candied mango and papaya salad served with vanilla cookie
And it shall be called  Angeline by Michael Symon.

The name and design of the long-anticipated new Italian restaurant by the Iron Chef and co-host of ABCs The Chew was unveiled during Savor Borgata weekend at Borgata Hotel Casino & Spa and now has a confirmed opening date of May 6, 2017.

Named after Symons mother, who was present and had tears in her eye during the unveiling, Angeline will offer an upscale, 8,200-square-foot Italian restaurant in the former space of Michael Minas Seablue.

My mother is Greek and Sicilian, so they are the foods I grew up eating as a kid and where a lot of my food memories started, so this restaurant is a love letter to my mom, Symon says. There will be a lot of those comfort foods. We are going to have her ricotta gnocchi with the brown butter sauce and travel our way through Sicily for a lot of the menu. I am very excited.(tncms-asset)6b4b5eba-a052-11e6-8415-00163ec2aa77(/tncms-asset)

New York-based interior design firm, Parts and Labor, whose work spans from New York to Dubai and includes restaurants, bars, hotels and retail projects at every scale, has collaborated with Philadelphias famed Cope Linder Architects to present Angeline by Michael Symon. The 223-seat fine dining restaurant will feature two distinct bars, a main dining room, as well as a private dining space, showcasing the soulful cooking and joyful personality synonymous with the award-winning chef. And a good portion of the design comes from Symons wife Liz.(tncms-asset)c9dbed3c-a5cf-11e6-8c12-00163ec2aa77(/tncms-asset)

I do the food, and Liz does the dining room, Symon says. I saw her design a lot of restaurants over the past 20 years, and this one is going to be absolutely spectacular.

Symon will be the fourth Iron Chef to operate a restaurant inside Borgata  something that has never happened before anywhere in the world  joining Bobby Flay, Geoffrey Zakarian and Wolfgang Puck.(tncms-asset)55681e7a-9a2c-11e6-9c47-00163ec2aa77(/tncms-asset)

Four of the seven are in this building, Symon says. Thats very cool.

Borgatas culinary team was equally excited about the announcement.

We are thrilled to announce the addition of Angeline by Michael Symon to Borgatas premier collection of signature fine dining restaurants, says Becky Schultz, vice president of food and beverage for Borgata. Welcoming Michael as a new Borgata Chef/Partner during Savor Borgata Weekend, three years after he first participated in our annual culinary festival as a guest chef, honors our commitment to introducing diverse, innovative, and world-class dining experiences to Atlantic City.

Borgata is our kind of people, Symon says. Borgata is a big place and a big casino but it doesnt feel that way to me. Its all very personal. I am too old to work with people I dont like, and I like everyone here.(tncms-asset)97ee81c2-a525-11e6-b5e0-00163ec2aa77(/tncms-asset)
At Kostas Grill in Tuckerton, you can have a meal just like you would if you were in Greece overlooking the azure shores of the Mediterranean.

With Kostas Grill, we want to give people very authentic, traditional Greek cuisine, says Constantine Gus Stavrides, chef and owner at Kostas Grill. Thats why just about everything at Kostas is handmade according to recipes that Stavrides learned from his mother while growing up in Greece.

We only serve fresh food. Freshness is number one, Stavrides says.

For the items that cant be made from scratch, Stavrides picks from the best authentic Greek products available.

Much of what I serve comes directly from Greece and many consider it the best in the world, Stavrides says.

Selections such as the Kalamata olives and the pure extra-virgin olive oil are made in Greece. The oregano and cheese Stavrides uses are also from Greece and not easy to find in the States. The authentic Greek feta, grilled haloumi, manouri, kasseri and fried kefalograviera are reason enough to visit Kostas.

In fact, the only distributor for the authentic Greek products Stavrides uses is in Long Island and only delivers as far south as Red Bank. So every two weeks, Stavrides meets the driver there to pick up the ingredients that make a meal at Kostas exactly like a meal in Greece.

I knew I needed these products, so I called the distributor and made an arrangement to meet the driver, Stavrides says.

Kostas Grill is a newly built restaurant in the redeveloped Seaport Plaza. The brightly colored yellow and blue walls, dotted with pictures of Greeces beautiful landscape, provide the perfect backdrop to the main attraction  the fresh food. Platters filled with grilled vegetables and meats not only taste delicious, but look beautiful.

Selections such as the grilled octopus appetizer ($15.75) have been very well received.

I think its because we cook it in a very special way so that its tender and flavorful, Stavrides says.

Kostas Grill also makes all of their traditional dips on a daily basis, so that they are as fresh as possible. Try the hummus ($5.95), tzatziki ($6.50) or the melitzanosalata ($6.95), all served with grilled pita wedges.

Popular entree selections include Athenian shrimp ($17.75) sauteed in a light tomato sauce with garlic, onion and parsley, served over orzo and topped with feta; the rack of lamb ($24.50) served with gigante beans and asparagus; or the Mediterranean salmon ($22.95) an organic Scottish salmon that is marinated in lemon and orange juice and served with garlic spinach and orzo. Kostas Grill also features traditional Greek dishes such as moussaka ($15.75).

Unlike most Greek restaurants, we cook each order of moussaka fresh to order, Stavrides says.

Capriccio's key to success is listening to feedback Capriccio is proof that getting older doesnt have to be a bad thing. In fact, the iconic At

Definitely leave room for dessert.

All of our pastries are made in-house, Stavrides says. And I only make one pan at a time so everything is fresh.
GALLOWAY TOWNSHIP  Jessica Gonzalez, 20, of Sicklerville, decided to attend Stockton University after seeing the impact it had on another family member.

She really became a better person, Gonzalez said. I had been looking in northern Jersey, but I came here.

Gonzalez was one of several Hispanic students participating in the annual Latino Visitation Day at Stockton, attended by about 500 high school students from around the state.

Stockton has held the event since 1987. In the past several years, the college has made major gains in attracting Latino students, who this year make up almost 13 percent of undergraduate enrollment, up from about 11 percent last year and 8 percent in 2010.

Heather Medina, assistant director of admissions, helped coordinate the first event when she was a student involved in what was then called Los Latinos Unidos. She said she has seen a change both in the number and attitude of students who attend.

I absolutely see a greater awareness that they can go to college, she said. Parents want their children to go to college. But the main concern is the cost.

A July report by the Pew Research Center found college attendance by Hispanics ages 18 to 24 has risen from 22 percent in 1993 to 35 percent in 2014, the largest increase of any group.

But Hispanics still lag in obtaining four-year degrees, with just 15 percent ages 25 to 29 having a bachelors degree. The report said many are more likely to attend a community college because of the lower cost and are less likely to have student debt.

Medina said Hispanic students are more reluctant to take out loans, so working with financial-aid representatives is crucial.

When Stockton Assistant Director for Admissions Ryan Terrell asked during the visitation day how many high school seniors in the group had filed the FAFSA form to apply for federal aid, almost none responded.

This is how you pay for school, he said. The first F in FAFSA is free. Go to FAFSA.gov tonight and start the process. 

Medina told the group how, as a high school student in Camden, a counselor told her she was not college material. She was insulted but then thought maybe she needed to change how she presented herself.

I wasnt showing my ability and proving I was able to go to college, she said. That was the fire I needed. And all of you are here today because we believe in you.

Obed Perez and Gloria delaRosa, Spanish teachers at Egg Harbor Township High School, brought 53 students to the event from the schools honors and advanced placement classes. Perez said many are native Spanish speakers and would be the first in their family to attend college.

We want to start preparing them now no matter where they go, he said.

Bryanna Diaz, 17, a senior at Egg Harbor Township, said her sister attends Rutgers University. Diaz is looking at several options for a major in neuroscience and maybe medical school.

It is hard finding the right school, she said. The biggest thing is how to pay for it.

Hispanic students who participate in fraternities and sororities at Stockton said they chose the college because it was welcoming and supportive.

It is a home away from home, said Moses Le, 19, of Camden. I feel comfortable here.

For students coming from predominantly minority high schools, Stockton, which is still majority white, can be a bit of a culture shock. Some students said they wanted a different environment but also want to support other Hispanic students and promote diversity.

Jayson Cabreira, 21, of Perth Amboy, a member of Lambda Sigma Upsilon, said he likes that Stockton has an old-school feel but is also very modern. He chose the college partly to get out of his comfort zone, and he feels more inspired to take on leadership roles.

It makes you step up and stand up and grow up, said Cabreira. We are taking chances, and that teaches you to do that in your life, to get out of your small world.
Earlier this month, the state announced it was allowing campers at state parks throughout New Jersey to bring a couple of pets with them.

The N.J. Park Service, a branch of the Department of Environmental Protection, started experimenting with this less-than-novel concept in 2009. For the past seven years, campgrounds in state parks and forests in South Jersey have allowed pets.

Needless to say, allowing campers to bring pets  under rules that help ensure all campers have an enjoyable stay  is a good policy. Nearly half of U.S. households are estimated to have at least one dog. State officials deserve some credit for the change, but not much because they took far too long to join the real world.

For starters, how could it possibly have taken seven years to see that allowing pets worked at campgrounds in South Jersey? That must have been obvious after a year, surely undeniable after two. The following five years must be a measure of N.J. government ineffectiveness, inefficiency, disregard for public preference, your guess is as good as ours.

Then theres this: Why was a South Jersey experiment needed at all?

For decades, pets have been allowed in state campgrounds across America. Surely if there were going to be a problem with pets in campgrounds, it would have been evident.

All N.J. officials needed to do was look ever so briefly at what their counterparts were doing in nearly every other state in the union. New Jerseys new Pet Friendly Camping program leaves just Connecticut and Hawaii among the 50 states still prohibiting campers from bringing pets.

N.J. officials seem to exist in a bubble isolating them from standard governmental improvements already developed and established just about everywhere else.

That bubble also is keeping them from admitting something every other U.S. state knows: Allowing drivers to pump their own gas is cheaper and more convenient for them.

Only New Jersey officials, in the entire United States, have the gall to tell their citizens theyre completely banned from this easy and beneficial practice. They dont have a problem jacking up the gasoline tax, but heaven forbid they take a nearly universal path to reducing the price at the pump.

If state officials cant lead, they should at least emerge from their bubble and follow the best practices in the rest of the nation.
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.




BAKU, Azerbaijan, November 18, 2016 /PRNewswire/ --

Leading educators from around the world gathered in Baku, Azerbaijan, Wednesday for the opening of the country's first Azerbaijan Teachers Development Centre, which offers training for local teachers in modern methods of education.

Founded by The European Azerbaijan Society, the centre provides an on-going professional development for teachers with the newest research on how children learn, supporting education across the post-Soviet region.

"This centre is the first of its kind in this country," said Tale Heydarov, Chairman of TEAS. "We're taking an innovative, novel approach, developing the skills of our teachers by integrating international best practices, thereby bringing the best of education to Azerbaijan.

Bill Martin, a leading U.S. educator and the co-author of a new book entitled "Schools that Deliver," stressed the importance of well-trained teachers in the development of nations.

"Azerbaijan understands something that many countries do not: teachers are the most valuable resource for this country's future," he said. He added that the teachers development centre "is symbolic of how serious Azerbaijan takes the role of teachers for the future of the country."

The centre will train about 3,000 educators a year and has implemented - together with the ECIS (European Council of International Schools) - the International Teachers Certificate programme in Azerbaijan.

The centre has taken the teaching community by storm. Teachers of all ages and varying experiences learn how to successfully engage children in learning and present them with new information. The technological revolution too has impacted the educational landscape across the globe.

Graeme Pollock, a New Zealander who serves as the Director of the Azerbaijan Teachers Development Centre, pointed out the challenges of the former Soviet republic, as the country rebuilt itself over the past quarter century, including the education system.

"Currently the teaching workforce grew up in the Soviet era, so the remnants of the Soviet education practices still prevail among many of them," he said. "Thus, bringing about change in education in Azerbaijan is a very complex process and this centre will leapfrog this development."

SOURCE Azerbaijan Teachers Development Centre
GUANGZHOU, China, Nov. 17, 2016 /PRNewswire/ -- On November 17th, the unveiling ceremony for Guangdong Southern Finance and Economics Omnimedia Group was held in Guangzhou, marking the formal establishment of China's first omnimedia group.

It is reported that the newly founded Guangdong Southern Finance and Economics Omnimedia Group integrates premium finance and economics media resources and productive assets of Nanfang Media Group and Guangdong Radio and Television Station. With the strategy of cross-media, cross-institution and cross-format, the group takes "media", "data" and "transactions" as its core businesses and will strive to develop itself into a model of media transformation.

It is learnt that the foundation of the group serves not only the strategic arrangement of media convergence but is also a major step in the strategy of media serving the nation, safeguard of national financial and economic information security and competition for the right of voice and standards in fields of international finance and economics.

In the unveiling ceremony, this new finance and economics "aircraft carrier" media presented three targets: building the group into a world-leading business reporter, a domestic comprehensive finance information provider and a new engine for the modern cultural industry. With the ambition to rival Bloomberg, the world's largest finance and economics information provider, its birth attracts wide attention around the society.

The emergence of the Internet era brings along disruptive challenges as well as historic opportunities for all industries including the media. China's senior leadership has always attached great importance to the development of media convergence and brought forward to accelerate this advancement while strengthening mainstream opinions.

Mr. Shen Haixiong, Member of Standing Committee of CPC Guangdong Committee and Director General of Guangdong Provincial Publicity Department, hopes for the group to "take its root in Guangdong, focus on China with influence over Southeast Asia and the globe, striving to build within 3 to 5 years an internationally recognized index system of Southern China in certain important fields of finance and economics which serves as China's economic barometer, injecting new power to the development of media convergence in Guangdong".

Mr. Shen also emphasized two major principles. First, Guangdong Southern Finance and Economics Omnimedia Group must safeguard China's financial and economic information security, strive for the right of voice and standards that matches China's economic status, firmly undertake its national mission, take its root in Guangdong, serve national strategies and join global competition.

Meanwhile, user experience tests all. Therefore the group must be demand-orientated, spare no efforts to compete for global markets and recognition, actively explore new models of media convergence and build the group into a new type of finance and economics mainstream media, a leading global business reporter, a domestic comprehensive finance information provider and a new engine for the modern cultural industry.

SOURCE Information Office of Guangdong Provincial Government of China
LONDON, November 18, 2016 /PRNewswire/ --

Being a disabled child in a refugee camp is tough. But play, a fundamental right for all children, enables children with disabilities to learn and be included in their community. That's why the IKEA Foundation is supporting Growing Together, a new project by Handicap International that gives displaced children in Bangladesh, Pakistan and Thailand the right to be a child.

Handicap International is one of IKEA's six partners for the new Let's Play for Change campaign, launching on 20th November to mark the UN Universal Children's Day.

The UN Convention on the Rights of the Child states that every child should have the right to play. But according to a research from the Ikea Foundation, children with mental and physical disabilities are often more likely to be excluded from playing and learning activities.

"Play makes children happy and healthy. It allows them to learn and helps them to develop important life skills such as empathy, communication and resilience to stress." says Cheryl Shin-Hua Yeam, Handicap International's technical coordinator for Growing Together.

Yet, sadly, vulnerable and disabled children rarely have the opportunity to play.

"Children in Mae La refugee camp in Thailand have fled war and violence in Myanmar. Some of them were born in the camp where the living conditions are difficult. They face poverty, poor health conditions, violence... And on top of all that, they lack the opportunity to play." explains Cheryl.

"We don't have a place to play" confirms 10-year-old So Eike who lives in Mae La. "Most of the time, we play around our house, on a narrow, often muddy path. And we have no toys"

Handicap International's Growing Together project will create inclusive playgrounds where vulnerable refugee children can feel safe to play and learn.

http://www.handicap-international.org.uk



Co-winner of the Nobel Peace Prize, Handicap International is a charity working in situations of poverty and exclusion, conflict and disaster. We work tirelessly alongside disabled and vulnerable people to help meet their basic needs, improve their living conditions and promote respect for their dignity and fundamental rights.

The Growing Together project is funded by the IKEA Foundation (the philanthropic arm of the INGKA Foundation, owner of the IKEA Group) and supported by IKEA's new good cause campaign: Let's Play for Change. http://www.ikeafoundation.org

SOURCE Handicap International, UK
LONDON, November 18, 2016 /PRNewswire/ --

At an exclusive panel event on Wednesday night (16 November), agency and industry leaders from Ketchum, Edelman, Hanson Search and Gorkana looked to the future and discussed what PR agencies will need to do, who they will need to hire and how they will prove success as media and comms continue to change.

(Photo: http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20161118/441217 )

Kicking off the event, Denise Kaufmann, partner and CEO at Ketchum London, spoke about the evolution of the PR industry. Clients, she said, are now looking for services, "that they never knew they would want." As a result, the range of people working in the industry is much broader, and some of them will not have worked in, or even near, PR before. She said, "We try to find the right people for the right opportunity." Kaufmann reminded the audience that the client doesn't necessarily care about internal agency structures; they just care about the individuals.

Nigel Miller, chief human resources officer at Edelman, also spoke about the rapid change affecting the industry, but reminded the packed room that a PR professional's core job - and many of the core skills needed - remain the same. He said: "You have to have these core skills, but you also need knowledge of digital."

According to Miller, the political events of 2016 in the UK and the US have highlighted an important issue for communicators. As in the wider world, the PR industry suffers from a lack of exposure to diverse experiences. For instance, in media consumption, people tend to expose themselves to like-minded individuals and similar points of view. "We are not getting out of the bubble," he explained, and this limited input can have an adverse affect on the quality of work produced.

Alice Weightman, founder and CEO at Hanson Search, also touched on diversity, particularly on gender diversity, and on the industry's need for flexible working. She recently launched online platform, The Work Crowd, to help agencies and businesses find the expert freelancers they need.

The twin pressures of the need to offer diverse services and to control costs mean that agency business models are changing, and will continue to change, Weightman said, and the PR industry is adopting a more agile approach as a consequence.

Paul Hender, Gorkana's head of insight, said that communicators and PR agencies understand the increasing importance of measurement and proving ROI, but they don't always know how to put this into practice.

Hender acknowledged Miller's point about media consumption and the 'echo chamber' of media consumption in the digital world. The challenge for the media industry, he said, is that we spend around half of our waking day looking at screens and consuming media, yet 76% of ad-spend goes to news curators, not creators. However, he said, this can put earned media at an advantage compared to advertising or paid-for media. If PR can prove its value, then there is a great deal of potential for the industry moving forward.

All four experts agreed that PR agencies should look to the future with confidence and optimism as successful earned media activity, including PR, is in demand from clients. Aspiring PR professionals should be confident too. As Kaufmann concluded: "It's never been a better time to get into our industry."

The panel event took place at 1 Wimpole Street in London. For future Gorkana events, visit: http://www.gorkana.com/events

Cision is a leading global media intelligence company, serving the complete workflow of today's communication professionals. Offering the industry's most comprehensive PR, IR and social media software, rich analytics, content distribution and influencer outreach, Cision enables clients to engage audiences, enhance campaigns and strengthen data-driven decision making. Cision solutions include PR Newswire, Gorkana, PRWeb, Help a Reporter Out (HARO) and iContact brands.

Headquartered in Chicago, Cision serves over 100,000 customers in 170 countries and 40 languages worldwide, and maintains offices in North America, Europe, Asia, Latin America and Australia. For more information, visit http://www.cision.com or follow @Cision on Twitter.

For more information, visit http://www.gorkana.com | http://www.cision.com or follow @gorkana | @Cision on Twitter

For media information please contact:

Philip Smith

Head of News and Content

philip.smith@gorkana.com

Gorkana

+44-020-7674-0200



Video:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=h3b-nQ2j8A4&feature=youtu.be

SOURCE Gorkana
This year IWSC created seven new spirit "Producer of the Year" titles for brandy, gin, liquer, rum, Scotch, and vodka, as well as worldwide whiskey.

Kavalan CEO Mr YT Lee said Kavalan had clinched the highest title.

"We've won the Asia Pacific award four times. Winning this new award is humbling and only makes us more determined to produce even better whisky," Mr Lee said.

Other awards won were

Solist Port Single Cask Strength - Gold outstanding medal

Solist Vinho Barrique Single Cask Strength - gold

Solist Fino Sherry Single Cask Strength - gold

Concertmaster - gold

ex-Bourbon Single Cask Strength - gold

In 2015, Kavalan collected the "World's Best Single Malt Whisky from the prestigious World Whiskies Awards (WWA) for its Kavalan Solist Vinho Barrique and in 2016, the "World's Best Single Cask Single Malt Whisky" for the Solist Amontillado Sherry Single Cask Strength.

About Kavalan

The Kavalan Distillery in Taiwan has been dedicated to the art of single malt whisky since 2006 and is the recipient of more than 210 gold awards or above. Aged in American oak barrels in intense humidity and heat, Kavalan also benefits from sea and mountain breezes and the Snow Mountain's spring water, which combine to create Kavalan Whisky's signature creaminess. Kavalan takes its name from the old name for Yilan County and is backed by 30 years of beverage-making thanks to parent company, King Car Group. It is available in 40 countries. Visit www.kavalanwhisky.com/en/

Media Contact:

Yvonne Chou

+886-3922-9000#7162

yvonne@kavalandistillery.com

Related Links

http://www.kavalanwhisky.com/en



SOURCE Kavalan
The exhibition marks Liu Bolin's shift towards the virtual world, exploring this new territory artistically through Post-Internet Art. This new body of work consists of appropriations of classical Masterpieces  da Vinci's Mona Lisa , Picasso's Guernica  juxtaposed with a photograph of the devastating impact of the Tianjin explosions. Using complicated and precise hand-painted camouflage, Liu Bolin painstakingly recreates these images with scores of human subjects as his canvas. Through various methods, Liu Bolin's new photographs have replaced the three subjects on numerous websites, which were targeted with image-search results on Google and Baidu , thus realizing the Hacker project. Neon installations of the URLs exhibited throughout the gallery pound home the transitory and delicate nature of the internet.

Recreating the imagery of human suffering and devastation of war symbolized in the painting Guernica, Liu Bolin's relives the history of the Spanish civil war, making a plea for humanity and freedom. In Mona Lisa (2016), Liu Bolin imbeds himself into the masterpiece as well as its historical legacy. Touching upon the fact that the work was stolen from the Louvre more than 100 years ago, Liu Bolin aims to reenact the "disappearing and reappearing" of the work through techniques behind the network. Provocatively challenging the viewer to question what is above and beneath the surface, the work intends to reflect upon the complex relationship between the past and the present, the reality and the illusion, as well as individuality and history.

Not only utilizing and analyzing the impact of the Internet, Liu Bolin also delves into other aspects in digital realm, blurring the boundary between art and technology evident in his installation Livestream Vest (2016). Attaching multiple smartphones onto a life jacket, the artist turns on the front cameras for unstoppable live-streaming. Reflecting and broadcasting what is happening while moving around, Liu Bolin merges into the environment mirrored on the vest. The work, therefore, becomes a quasi-invisible jacket wherein the artist turns into part of the social environment.

Employing physical and hyperlinked images, the exhibition explores the theme of illusionism. Actively "disappearing and reappearing," Liu Bolin issues an urgency through his works. Engaging with both online and offline formats, the artist foregrounds the man-made, the fabricated, and the deceptive, through which he probes into the mass production and circulation of information, and also questions where the power lies in today's ubiquitous networking.

Photo - http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20161116/440458



Liu Bolin, Mona Lisa, 2016

Photo - http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20161116/440461

Liu Bolin, Guernica, 2016

Photo - http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20161116/440459

Liu Bolin, Tianjin Explosions, 2016

SOURCE Klein Sun Gallery
LONDON, November 18, 2016 /PRNewswire/ --

UiPath is pleased to announce the opening of a new London office that will become its corporate headquarters.

(Logo: http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20161118/441073LOGO )



Located in the vicinity of Regent's Park and officially opened in October 2016 by Kulpreet Singh - Managing Director UiPath, the office will primarily focus on leading UiPath's global expansion.

Kulpreet is a Senior Executive with over 20 years of experience in Business Process Outsourcing (BPO) and Business Transformation. He commented: "We are going through a period of hyper growth. With the signing of multiple global clients and strategic partnerships, the London office will be a hub to support these growing global relationships."

Three other senior executives - Ian McGregor, Kedar Dani and Tobias Rataj from the BPO and IT sectors have joined the London team.

Having worked with the largest BPO providers in the industry, Ian McGregor said, "this is a great opportunity to be involved in this early adopter technology at UiPath. Clients are looking to UiPath to guide and steer them towards the next technological paradigm".

Kedar Dani is a senior sales professional with over 20 years of experience in business and IT transformation across a global client base. "UiPath technology is future proof and will bring a major shift to RPA, focusing on delivering tangible benefits to clients."

Tobias Rataj is a senior executive having spent 25 years in business development, consulting and systems integration. According to him, "We are entering a new era where RPA has the potential to finally deliver on the promise of business value creation through process automation and to pave the way for the transformation of value chains across industries. UiPath is uniquely positioned to be the winner in this space due to its superior product architecture, its deployment scalability and its top caliber team."

After opening offices in Bucharest, Bangalore and London, UiPath is planning to expand its network in Singapore and in the United States by the end of 2016.

About UiPath

UiPath is a leading Robotic Process Automation vendor providing a complete software platform to help global enterprises design, deploy and manage a full-fledged robotic workforce that automates business processes by mimicking employees in administering rules based tasks and frees them from the daily routine of rote work. http://www.uipath.com - Twitter - LinkedIn.

UiPath London:

Nicolas Baghdadi

83 Baker Street, London

W1U 6AG, United Kingdom

Telephone: +44-(0)20-7193-4756



SOURCE UiPath
ST. PETERSBURG, Fla., Nov. 18, 2016 /PRNewswire/ -- Cuba and Iceland were the fastest-growing destinations for American travelers in 2016, highlighting a trend of larger numbers of travelers choosing alternative destinations, according to sales data from leading travel insurance comparison site Squaremouth.

"The number of U.S. travelers buying travel insurance for trips to Cuba more than doubled this year," said Squaremouth spokesperson Rachael Taft. "Overall, we've seen alternative destinations grow at a much faster rate than traditionally popular destinations like France and the United States."

Fastest-Growing International Destinations for U.S. Travelers*



1. Cuba (153%) 6. Thailand (31%) 2. Iceland (88%) 7. Spain (28%) 3. Canada (47%) 8. Vietnam (26%) 4. Japan (33%) 9. South Africa (24%) 5. Belize (31%) 10. Ireland (24%)

*Fastest-growing destinations for American travelers ranked by year-over-year growth from 2015 to 2016

Travel to Fastest-Growing Destinations Becomes More Affordable

Travel became more affordable for many of the 10 fastest-growing destinations in 2016.

Six of the top 10 fastest-growing destinations saw a year-over-year decrease in average trip cost

Despite being the fastest-growing destination, American travelers are spending less for trips to Cuba , with a 32% decrease in spending on summer trips

, with a 32% decrease in spending on summer trips The average trip cost increased for Canada, the only fast-growing destination that is also among the top five most popular destinations



2016 Average Trip Cost YoY Change Cuba $3,968 -9.3% Iceland $3,528 2.3% Canada $2,679 6.4% Japan $3,187 -8.1% Belize $2,685 -8.8% Thailand $1,947 -12% Spain $3,836 0.3% Vietnam $3,547 7.1% South Africa $7,715 -9.4% Ireland $3,469 -2.9%

Sluggish Growth Among Traditionally Popular Destinations

As alternative destinations surge in popularity, traditionally popular destinations like the United States, the Bahamas, and France are stagnating.

The United States remains the top destination for American travelers, but its share of overall travelers has declined for three years in a row

remains the top destination for American travelers, but its share of overall travelers has declined for three years in a row Due to its slow growth rate, France fell out of the top five destinations for the first time in five years

At 6.6%, the Bahamas had the slowest year-over-year growth rate of the 10 most popular destinations

Methodology: Data is based on the top 30 destinations for American customers insured on travel insurance policies purchased through Squaremouth prior to Nov. 10 of the respective year. Travelers who are visiting multiple countries only have to enter one destination when purchasing a policy on Squaremouth.com.

Related Report:

Travel Insurance Sales for Canada Spike in 2016

ABOUT SQUAREMOUTH

Squaremouth compares travel insurance policies from every major travel insurance provider in the United States. Using Squaremouth's comparison engine and third-party customer reviews, travelers can research and compare insurance products side-by-side. More information can be found at www.squaremouth.com.

Available Topic Expert:

Rachael Taft

[email protected]

(727) 264-5174

SOURCE Squaremouth

Related Links

http://www.squaremouth.com


NEW YORK, Nov. 18, 2016 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- AJC criticized those Israeli legislators who supported a proposed bill in the Knesset that would legalize settler outposts, erected without Israeli government approval, in the West Bank.

The measure, introduced ahead of the pending court-ordered demolition of the Amona outpost, would retroactively recognize other unauthorized outposts built on privately-owned Palestinian land. It passed by a vote 58-50 in the first of the required three readings in the Knesset, and follows recent statements by Education Minister Naftali Bennett that "the era of the Palestinian state is over."

Prime Minster Netanyahu, who continues to seek a negotiated peace with the Palestinians, opposed the proposed bill. In his address to the UN General Assembly in September, Netanyahu invited Palestinian Authority President Mahmoud Abbas to visit Israel and address the Knesset. It was the latest effort by the prime minister to resume direct, bilateral talks with the Palestinians. Abbas has yet to reply to the invitation.

AJC CEO David Harris called the proposed legislation and Minister Bennett's statement "singularly unhelpful" for advancing the climate of peace talks.

"The two-state solution may be frustratingly elusive after years of Israeli effort, and the Palestinian leadership remains astonishingly obstinate, but, supported by Prime Minister Netanyahu, it is the only conceivable path to an accord -- and the long-term protection of Israel as a Jewish and democratic nation," said Harris.

AJC, the global Jewish advocacy organization, has for decades advocated for direct, bilateral Israeli-Palestinian talks to seek an end to the conflict.

On the settlements, AJC's stance has been clear. "While emphatically rejecting the contention that settlements are the core issue of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, AJC has long believed that Israeli settlement policy is not conducive to advancing prospects for peace," said AJC's Board of Governors in a 2011 statement.

SOURCE American Jewish Committee

Related Links

http://www.ajc.org


CAMPBELL, Calif., Nov. 17, 2016 /PRNewswire/ -- Apama Medical, Inc., a privately held medical device company committed to improving patient outcomes by developing a novel catheter ablation system for the underpenetrated atrial fibrillation (AF) market, today announced it has closed $13M in a Series C financing from existing investors Ascension Ventures, Medvance Incubator Partners, ONSET Ventures, Incept, LLC, and various angel investors, along with up to $6.5M in a debt facility with Silicon Valley Bank. Additionally, the company released first-in-human (FIH) clinical data at the American Heart Association's Scientific Sessions 2016 in New Orleans, LA.

Apama Medical, focused on the electrophysiology market, offers a vastly superior catheter-based solution for the fastest growing market segment, atrial fibrillation (AF) ablation, which is expected to reach $1.7 billion in 2017.

"We are pleased to receive such strong support from our existing investors, which we attribute to the tremendous progress of the company, including the initiation of our AF-FICIENT FIH clinical study earlier this year," shared Amr Salahieh, President and CEO of Apama Medical. In conjunction with the Series C financing, Apama entered into a debt financing for up to $6.5M with Silicon Valley Bank (SVB), a financial partner to the world's most innovative companies. Apama is also supported with an existing National Science Foundation grant.

Data from the AF-FICIENT FIH clinical study was recently released at the American Heart Association's Scientific Sessions 2016 in New Orleans, LA. Dr. Amin Al-Ahmad from the Texas Cardiac Arrhythmia Institute in Austin, TX presented results from the initial six patients treated with the Apama RF Balloon Catheter System in Paraguay and New Zealand earlier this year. In his presentation, Dr. Al-Ahmad revealed that all safety and performance outcomes were met as measured by successful PVI isolation and lack of serious adverse events (SAEs) at 7 and 30 days. To date, a total of 18 patients have been treated at four international sites with all paroxysmal patients in normal sinus rhythm 3 to 6 months post-procedure.

"The Apama RF Balloon Catheter System is an innovative solution that addresses the gaps in existing catheter ablation technologies," states Dr. Al-Ahmad. "The multipoint RF system enables single shot, customizable ablation geometries for improved efficiency and versatility. In addition, built-in cameras enable real-time visualization that allows for enhanced navigation and feedback on electrode contact."

Apama is expected to continue demonstrating salient clinical validation of its RF Balloon Catheter System in 2017.

About Apama Medical

Apama Medical is a privately held medical device company formed by Shifamed LLC, a Silicon Valley based medical device incubator. Apama has developed a proprietary solution for the AF catheter ablation market, which is the fastest growing electrophysiology (EP) market segment. Globally, 12.9 million patients suffer from AF, which is the most common type of heart rhythm abnormality. While AF catheter procedures are growing, penetration of catheter ablation procedures for AF is still low primarily due to limitations with existing technologies. Apama Medical is committed to addressing the gaps in existing ablation technology, while incorporating additional unique features to address unmet market needs. For more information, visit www.apamamedical.com.

SOURCE Apama Medical, Inc.

Related Links

http://www.apamamedical.com


LIMA, Peru, Nov. 18, 2016 /PRNewswire/ -- Today, the APEC CBET eLearning platform was launched by Diane Wang APEC Business Advisory Council (ABAC) SME (small-and-medium sized enterprises) working group co-chair and also founder and CEO of DHgate.com. The APEC CBET eLearning platform offers free English language online courses for learning how to start a cross-border e-commerce based business. CBET stands for Cross-Border E-commerce Training and is the e-commerce capacity building program that has been endorsed by APEC since 2013, and seeks to provide small-and-medium sized enterprises with the necessary training they need to go global. APEC CBET holds training workshops throughout the APEC region and has educated thousands of SMEs since its inception.

The APEC CBET eLearning platform was a collaborative project between ABAC and Wenzhou-Kean University. The platform was designed for small businesses and individuals to obtain the most professional, practical, and localized cross-border e-commerce knowledge, skills, and entrepreneurial guidance. The website features 2 course modules designed by industry experts that award students with electronic certificates upon successful completion: Introduction to Cross-Border E-commerce, and Trust and Safety in Cross-Border E-commerce.

Introduction to Cross-Border E-commerce teaches students a basic understanding of the entire cross-border e-commerce industry ecosystem, featuring units that teach e-commerce industry trends; customer service; marketing; localization; payments; logistics; returns, refunds, and exchanges; internet finance; trust and safety; and future trends. Trust and Safety in Cross-Border E-commerce teaches students how cross-border e-commerce platforms work with buyers and sellers to provide a safe and ethical operating environment for conducting international trade digitally, this course offers units detailing risk management, automated mechanisms, manual mechanisms, 3rd party mechanisms, and intellectual property protection.

In recent years, G20 and APEC leaders have reached a consensus that cross-border e-commerce is one of the best ways to empower local SMEs to reach global markets, after a study from the USC Marshall School of Business funded by APEC titled: Driving Economic Growth Through Cross-Border E-Commerce in APEC: Empowering MSMEs and Eliminating Barriers, revealed that 74% of APEC economies have indicated that cross-border e-commerce will be the key disruptive force on their economy over the next 3 years. The conclusions from this study are overwhelming, proving that 60-80% of e-commerce exporters survive their first year in business compared with a 30-50% survival rate for traditional businesses and 30-40 different economies are reached on average by e-commerce export firms, compared with traditional exporters who reach an average of 3-4 economies. This report specifically endorses APEC CBET for training SMEs to use cross-border e-commerce.

ABOUT DHgate.com

DHgate.com is the first to market and the biggest transactional cross-border B2B e-commerce marketplace in China, aiming to provide global buyers with quality products at competitive prices. Founded in 2004, DHgate.com has approximately 10 million global buyers from 230 countries and regions, with 1.4 million global sellers offering 40 million products. DHgate.com's business enables buyers to directly access global manufacturers of the world's top brands with rich product selections. DHgate.com is an all-in-one platform with integrated services for international logistics, cross-border payments, internet financing, etc. DHgate.com's US, UK, Spain, and UAE product distribution warehouses allow for 24 hour delivery and convenient product returns & refunds, bringing great convenience to buyers at http://www.dhgate.com.

SOURCE DHgate.com

Related Links

http://www.dhgate.com


SAN DIEGO, Nov. 18, 2016 /PRNewswire/ -- Ashford University has earned a spot on Diverse: Issues in Higher Education's list as one of the institutions identified as a "Top 100 Minority Degree Producer for graduating students with degrees in various disciplines including education." The list recognizes the post-secondary institutions that confer the most degrees to minority students in the United States.

"Ashford University is honored to be ranked by Diverse: Issues in Higher Education as an institution having a particular focus on helping minority students achieve the dream of earning a college degree," said Dr. Craig Swenson, president and CEO of Ashford University. "We take great pride having assembled a truly dedicated staff and faculty who so capably serve the needs of a highly diverse student population."

To compile the list, Diverse: Issues in Higher Education relied upon data sourced from the Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System (IPEDS). Rankings were determined based on IPEDS completion data for Classification of Instructional Programs (CIP) and race/ethnicity. Ashford University demonstrated a standard of excellence in retaining and conferring degrees to minority students graduating with degrees in various disciplines including education.

View the complete list of Top 100 Minority Degree Producers 2016.

About Ashford University

Where heritage meets innovation  that's Ashford University. At Ashford, students discover relevant degree programs, innovative technology, and cherished tradition. Ashford offers associates, bachelor's, and master's degree programs online, allowing students to balance life by providing the flexibility to do school work anywhere, anytime. For more information, please visit www.ashford.edu, www.facebook.com/ashforduniversity, www.twitter.com/AshfordU, or call Marianne Perez, Media Relations Manager, at 858.513.9240 x11636.

Contact: Marianne Perez, Media Relations Manager

858.513.9240 x11636  [email protected]

Logo - http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20130228/LA68969LOGO

SOURCE Ashford University

Related Links

http://www.ashford.edu


Nonprofit organizations are recognized in two categories  Innovation and Community Impact  and awardees are chosen by a jury comprised of Bank of the West committee members along with external foundation and nonprofit leaders.

"The Philanthropy Awards program is just one of the ways we support our vibrant nonprofit sector and provide a venue where thought-leaders from corporate, community and nonprofit organizations can share industry trends and best practices," said Pierre Ramadier, senior executive vice president and head of the Wealth Management Group at Bank of the West. "We come together to celebrate extraordinary nonprofits as well as inspire others to integrate philanthropy into their personal and professional lives."

Global nonprofit Ashoka was the winner in the Innovation Award category for its pioneering network of social entrepreneurs in the fields of poverty alleviation, education, environmental stewardship, economic development and other areas of human need. Ashoka continually expands its network and practice by annually identifying and investing in "change-makers" who become Ashoka Fellows. For 35 years, Ashoka has identified and supported more than 3,000 Fellows in 70 countries, including more than 200 in the United States, by providing living stipends and the means to help them grow their ideas.

Colorado-based Community Resources and Housing and Development (CRHDC) was the winner in the Community Impact category. The nonprofit was founded in 1971 to address the lack of adequate housing for migrant farmworkers in rural Colorado. Since then, CRHDC has expanded its mission to address urban and rural needs state-wide and has built more than 2,100 homes and provided technical assistance toward the development of 500 units of farm worker housing. The nonprofit educates more than 800 individuals annually toward the goal of sustainable homeownership and financial capability.

To learn more about the award recipients, view the videos of CRHDC and Ashoka, and join the discussion on Twitter with @BankoftheWest #PhilanthropyAwards.

In addition to the awards ceremony, the program included a panel discussion on strategic philanthropy and how nonprofits are applying for-profit business models to their practice. Guest speakers attending the event were:

The Honorable Aida Alvarez , Board Chair of the Latino Community Foundation and former head of the Small Business Administration under President Bill Clinton ; and

, Board Chair of the Latino Community Foundation and former head of the Small Business Administration under President ; and Andy Rappaport , co-founder of the San Francisco -based Rappaport Family Foundation and the Minnesota Street project, which offers affordable and economically sustainable spaces for art galleries, artists and related nonprofits.

About the Bank of the West Philanthropy Awards

Since 2010 the Bank of the West Philanthropy Awards have recognized outstanding examples of organizations and individuals who are making a difference in their communities. The Philanthropy Awards program represents one component of the Bank's dedication to engaging its financial and human resources to improve its communities. In the last five years, the Bank has provided $28 million in philanthropic contributions. In 2015, Bank of the West supported more than 600 nonprofit organizations within its footprint.

About Bank of the West Wealth Management

Bank of the West Wealth Management provides wealth planning, investment management*, personal banking, philanthropy, and trust and fiduciary services. The group is part of BNP Paribas' global wealth management business of more than 6,600 professionals present in three hubs in Europe, Asia and the US with more than $11.4 billion** in assets under management in the United States and 341 billion ($383 billion) in assets under management globally as of September 30, 2016.

About Bank of the West

Bank of the West is a regional financial services company headquartered in San Francisco with $82.6 billion in assets as of September 30, 2016. Founded in 1874, Bank of the West provides a wide range of personal, commercial, wealth management and international banking services through more than 600 branches and offices in 23 states and digital channels. Bank of the West is a subsidiary of BNP Paribas, which has a presence in 75 countries with more than 189,000 employees. To learn more about Bank of the West, visit About Us.

https://twitter.com/BankoftheWest

https://www.facebook.com/BankoftheWest/

https://www.linkedin.com/company/bank-of-the-west

http://blog.bankofthewest.com/

*Securities and variable annuities are offered through BancWest Investment Services, a registered broker/dealer, Member FINRA/SIPC, and SEC Registered Investment Adviser. Financial Advisors are Registered Representatives of BancWest Investment Services. Fixed annuities/insurance products are offered through BancWest Insurance Agency in California, (License #0C52321), through BancWest Insurance Agency in Utah and through BancWest Investment Services, Inc. in AZ, CO, IA, ID, KS, MN, MO, ND, NE, NM, NV, OK, OR, SD, WA, WI, WY, HI, GUAM and CNMI. BancWest Investment Services is a wholly owned subsidiary of Bank of the West. Bank of the West is a wholly owned subsidiary of BNP Paribas. Bank of the West and its various affiliates and subsidiaries are not tax or legal advisors.

**Assets under management refers to assets under administration, management, advisement, and on deposit, including assets with our affiliate BancWest Investment Services ("BancWest") as of September 30, 2016.

Deposit and loan products offered by Bank of the West, Member FDIC and Equal Housing Lender. In South Dakota, Bank of the West operates under the name Bank of the West California. Bank of the West Wealth Management offers products and services through Bank of the West and its various affiliates and subsidiaries.

Investment and Insurance products:

NOT FDIC INSURED NOT BANK GUARANTEED MAY LOSE VALUE NOT A DEPOSIT NOT INSURED BY ANY FEDERAL GOVERNMENT AGENCY

Photo - http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20161117/440907

SOURCE Bank of the West

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WESTMINSTER, Colo., Nov. 18, 2016 /PRNewswire/ -- Cerapedics, a privately-held orthobiologics company, today announced it has received a Best New Technology Award for spine care as part of the 2016 Orthopedics This Week Spine Technology Awards. The award recognizes the company's i-FACTOR Peptide Enhanced Bone Graft, the first bone graft to be approved for use in the cervical spine by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA). Award winners were announced in conjunction with the 2016 North American Spine Society (NASS) Annual Meeting, held October 26-29 in Boston, MA.

"Over the past year we have been focused on accelerating our commercialization efforts in the U.S. following the FDA Premarket Approval (PMA) of i-FACTOR Bone Graft," said Glen Kashuba, CEO of Cerapedics. "We continue to receive outstanding feedback from surgeons across the country who are excited to have a safe, clinically effective and cost effective bone graft that is supported by Level I human data. We are grateful to be recognized by Orthopedics This Week and the surgeon panel who chose i-FACTOR Bone Graft for the Best New Technology Award."

iFACTOR Bone Graft is based on synthetic small peptide (P-15) technology developed by Cerapedics to support bone growth through cell attachment and activation. In November 2015, i-FACTOR Bone Graft was approved by the FDA for use in anterior cervical discectomy and fusion (ACDF) procedures in patients with degenerative cervical disc disease.

The annual Orthopedics This Week Spine Technology Awards honor inventors, engineering teams, surgeons and their companies who have created the most innovative, enduring and practical products to treat back pain. For more information, visit https://ryortho.com/2016/11/the-ten-best-new-spine-technologies-for-2016/.

About Cerapedics

Cerapedics is an orthobiologics company focused on developing and commercializing its proprietary synthetic small peptide (P-15) technology platform. i-FACTOR Peptide Enhanced Bone Graft is the only biologic bone graft in orthopedics that incorporates a small peptide as an attachment factor to stimulate the natural bone healing process. This novel mechanism of action is designed to support safer and more predictable bone formation compared to commercially available bone growth factors. More information can be found at www.cerapedics.com.

Media contact:

Adam Daley

Berry & Company Public Relations

212-253-8881

[email protected]

SOURCE Cerapedics

Related Links

http://www.cerapedics.com


SAN DIEGO, Nov. 17, 2016 /PRNewswire/ -- Cireson, world leaders in Microsoft Cloud and System Center, today announced it ranked 51 on Deloitte's Technology Fast 500, a ranking of the 500 fastest growing technology, media, telecommunications, life sciences and energy tech companies in North America. Cireson grew 2,152 percent during this period.

Cireson's Co-Founder, Paul Sutton, credits deep industry expertise from decades of experience with service and asset management, and the tireless efforts of their team of fanatical employees with the company's 2,152% revenue growth. He said, "We are honored and excited to be included on this list for the first time. It's been incredible to experience such phenomenal growth the past few years, and we can't wait to see what the future holds for Cireson. We are humbled by the team effort in getting to where we are today. Each and every person at Cireson has contributed so much, and we're continually amazed by the level of talent and innovation each employee brings to the table."

Cireson offers a full suite of solutions for Microsoft Service Manager and Microsoft Configuration Manager to enhance the user experience and enable ridiculous productivity. Following the general availability of Microsoft System Center 2016 last month, Cireson confirms all solutions are System Center 2016 ready, and offers migration assistance with the recently launched Cireson Lifecycle Management app and Migration Services.

"Today, when every organization can be a tech company, the most effective businesses not only foster the courage to explore change, but also encourage creativity in using and applying existing assets in new ways, as resourcefully as possible," said Sandra Shirai, principal, Deloitte Consulting LLP and U.S. technology, media and telecommunications industry leader. "This ingenious approach to innovation calls for the encouragement of curiosity and collaboration both within and outside the office walls."

"This year's Fast 500 winners showcase that when organizations are open to diverse perspectives and insights, they are able to create an environment for their employees and customers to see the possibilities and ingenious solutions that might lie ahead," added Jim Atwell, national managing partner of the emerging growth company practice, Deloitte & Touche LLP. "Entrepreneurial environments foster change and innovation within businesses, and we look forward to watching these companies continue to drive change across all sectors."

Overall, 2016 Technology Fast 500 companies achieved revenue growth ranging from 121 percent to 66,661 percent from 2012 to 2015, with median growth of 290 percent.

About Deloitte's 2016 Technology Fast 500

Deloitte's Technology Fast 500 provides a ranking of the fastest growing technology, media, telecommunications, life sciences and energy tech companies  both public and private  in North America. Technology Fast 500 award winners are selected based on percentage fiscal year revenue growth from 2012 to 2015.

In order to be eligible for Technology Fast 500 recognition, companies must own proprietary intellectual property or technology that is sold to customers in products that contribute to a majority of the company's operating revenues. Companies must have base-year operating revenues of at least $50,000 USD, and current-year operating revenues of at least $5 million USD. Additionally, companies must be in business for a minimum of four years and be headquartered within North America.

As used in this document, "Deloitte" means Deloitte LLP and its subsidiaries. Please see www.deloitte.com/us/about for a detailed description of the legal structure of Deloitte LLP and its subsidiaries. Certain services may not be available to attest clients under the rules and regulations of public accounting.

About Cireson

Born in 2012, Cireson was founded on a simple, powerful idea: to be the forward thinkers on all things Microsoft Cloud and System Center. Today, our values from the beginning remain the same; keep it genuine, do the right thing, and listen to customers.

As a world leader in Microsoft Cloud and System Center, our mission is to make your working life ridiculously more productive by bringing service and asset management together - that's the Cireson Platform.

Taking pride in our expertise, we proudly boast some of the brightest and most fanatical IT professionals in the industry. From the Cireson Platform to Consulting Services and community engagements  everything we do is designed to push technical brilliance forward.

Our headquarters are located in sunny San Diego with offices throughout North America, Australia, and the United Kingdom.

Logo - http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20160809/397015LOGO

SOURCE Cireson

Related Links

http://www.cireson.com


CHESTERFIELD, United Kingdom, Nov. 18, 2016 /PRNewswire/ -- Mallinckrodt Pharmaceuticals (NYSE: MNK), a leading global specialty pharmaceutical company, today announced results from a clinical pharmacokinetic (PK) study examining the effect of IV morphine on the absorption of orally administered acetaminophen.

The company also revealed findings from three retrospective claims-based analyses providing health economic insights on use of IV acetaminophen versus oral acetaminophen for managing post-operative pain in patients undergoing spine surgery, cholecystectomy (removal of the gall bladder) or hysterectomy.

Study results will be presented today in moderated ePoster sessions at the 15th Annual Pain Medicine Meeting of the American Society of Regional Anesthesiology and Pain Medicine (ASRA) in San Diego.

"We are encouraged that these studies can provide clinicians, pharmacists, and hospital administrators additional clinical and health economic data, further differentiating IV acetaminophen from oral acetaminophen," said Tunde Otulana, Chief Medical Officer at Mallinckrodt. "These studies help underscore the relevant pharmacokinetic profile and the health economic value of OFIRMEV in the management of acute pain in the surgical setting."

Clinical Pharmacokinetic Study

"Morphine Impacts the Absorption of Co-Administered Oral Acetaminophen and Results in Altered Pharmacokinetics in Healthy Subjects" [Devarakonda K, Lu L, Chen Y, Wu S, Hill L, Brant J], a randomized, single-blind, two-way, parallel, single-site, repeat-dose study in healthy subjects examined the effect of IV morphine, which is associated with delayed gastric emptying, on the intestinal absorption of orally administered acetaminophen. The study also assessed the comparative effects of IV morphine co-administered with IV acetaminophen as a secondary endpoint.

The study enrolled 50 healthy subjects; 23 completed the study and 22 were included in the final analysis. Study subjects were randomized to receive:

Oral acetaminophen: Four repeat doses of 1,000 mg (two tablets, 500 mg/tablet) at hours -6, 0, 6 and 12 plus a dummy (placebo) IV infusion of saline at the same time points; or

IV acetaminophen (OFIRMEV): Four doses of 1,000 mg (1,000 mg/100 mL) delivered as an infusion at hours -6, 0, 6 and 12 plus two placebo tablets at the same time points;

IV morphine infusions were received by both groups: (0.125 mg/kg in 100 mL saline) at hours 0 and 6.

The study showed that concurrent administration of morphine with oral acetaminophen resulted in reduced maximum serum concentrations and overall drug exposure of acetaminophen. There was significantly greater variability of response between subjects with oral administration. Following the final dose of oral acetaminophen, when morphine was unlikely to still be exerting an effect on gastric function, significantly increased acetaminophen blood levels  greater than the first and subsequent doses  were also observed. Concurrent administration of morphine with IV acetaminophen, however, did not significantly alter critical PK (C max 1, AUC2, T max 3) parameters of acetaminophen.

Health Economic Study  Spine Surgery

"Comparative Analysis of Length of Stay, Hospitalization Costs, Opioid Use, and Discharge Status Among Spine Surgery Patients with Postoperative Pain Management Including IV versus Oral Acetaminophen" [Hansen RN, Pham A, Boing EA, Lovelace B, Wan GJ, Miller TE] examined the impact of IV acetaminophen (OFIRMEV) versus oral acetaminophen  when administered in addition to other pain medications  on length of stay (LOS), hospitalization costs and average morphine equivalent dose (MED) on patients undergoing spine surgery starting on the day of surgery and continuing up to the third postoperative day. This retrospective cohort analysis of the Premier Inc. inpatient hospital database from January 2012 to September 2015 included 112,586 spine surgery patients from U.S. hospitals, with 51,835 patients (46%) receiving IV acetaminophen.

The study showed that, compared to oral acetaminophen, use of IV acetaminophen as part of an analgesic management program for post-spine surgical pain was associated with a significant decrease in hospital LOS and hospitalization costs, and significantly lower doses of opioids.

The study was conducted in collaboration with researchers from the University of Washington School of Pharmacy and Duke University School of Medicine.

Health Economic Study  Cholecystectomy

"Reduced Length of Stay and Hospitalization Costs Among Inpatient Cholecystectomy Patients with Postoperative Pain Management: IV versus Oral Acetaminophen" [Pham A, Hansen RN, Boing EA, Lovelace B, Wan GJ, Thomas DA, Fontes M] examined the impact of IV acetaminophen (OFIRMEV) versus oral acetaminophen  when administered in addition to other pain medications  on LOS, hospitalization costs and average MED starting on the day of surgery and continuing up to the third postoperative day. This retrospective cohort analysis of the Premier Inc. inpatient hospital database from January 2012 to September 2015 included 61,017 cholecystectomy surgery patients from U.S. hospitals, with 31,133 patients (51%) receiving IV acetaminophen.

This study showed that, compared to oral acetaminophen, use of IV acetaminophen in managing post-cholecystectomy pain was associated with a significant decrease in hospital LOS and hospitalization costs, and significantly lower doses of opioids.

The study was conducted in collaboration with researchers from the University of Washington School of Pharmacy and Yale University School of Medicine.

Health Economic Study  Hysterectomy

"Reduced Length of Stay and Hospitalization Costs Among Inpatient Hysterectomy Patients with Postoperative Pain Management Including IV Versus Oral Acetaminophen" [Pham A, Hansen RN, Lovelace B, Boing EA, Wan GJ, Urman R] examined the impact of IV acetaminophen (OFIRMEV) versus oral acetaminophen  when administered in addition to other pain medications  on LOS, hospitalization costs and average MED starting on the day of surgery and continuing up to the third postoperative day. This retrospective cohort analysis of the Premier Inc. inpatient hospital database from January 2012 to September 2015 included 22,828 hysterectomy patients from U.S. hospitals, with 14,811 patients (65%) receiving IV acetaminophen.

This study showed that, compared to oral acetaminophen, use of IV acetaminophen in managing post-hysterectomy pain was associated with a significantly shorter hospital LOS and lower hospitalization costs.

The study was conducted in collaboration with researchers from the University of Washington School of Pharmacy, Harvard Medical School and Brigham & Women's Hospital.

Health Economic Study Limitations

The differences observed between IV and oral acetaminophen patients on outcomes (e.g., LOS, hospitalization costs, MED, discharge to skilled nursing facilities, bowel obstruction, nausea/vomiting, respiratory depression) could be explained by unmeasured confounders. Investigators attempted to account for this through the use of instrumental variable regression, adjusting models for potentially confounding variables, but unmeasured factors might still play a role in the associations reported.

The medication use data in the Premier database reflects the amount and dose charged rather than what was administered. However, systematic differences in billing of other pain medications between patients who did or did not receive IV acetaminophen is not suspected.

The population of patients seen in Premier hospitals is not randomly sampled although the database represents 20 percent of all hospitalizations in the U.S. Therefore, these results may not be generalizable outside of Premier hospitals.

ABOUT OFIRMEV (Acetaminophen) Injection

OFIRMEV is the first and only IV formulation of acetaminophen to be approved and currently marketed in the United States. The U.S. FDA approved OFIRMEV in November 2010. OFIRMEV is available to hospitals and outpatient and ambulatory surgical centers across the U.S.

INDICATIONS AND USAGE

OFIRMEV (acetaminophen) Injection is indicated for the management of mild to moderate pain, management of moderate to severe pain with adjunctive opioid analgesics, and reduction of fever.

IMPORTANT RISK INFORMATION

WARNING: RISK OF MEDICATION ERRORS AND HEPATOTOXICITY

Take care when prescribing, preparing, and administering OFIRMEV Injection to avoid dosing errors which could result in accidental overdose and death. In particular, be careful to ensure that:

the dose in milligrams (mg) and milliliters (mL) is not confused;

the dosing is based on weight for patients under 50 kg;

infusion pumps are properly programmed; and

the total daily dose of acetaminophen from all sources does not exceed maximum daily limits.

OFIRMEV contains acetaminophen. Acetaminophen has been associated with cases of acute liver failure, at times resulting in liver transplant and death. Most of the cases of liver injury are associated with the use of acetaminophen at doses that exceed the recommended maximum daily limits, and often involve more than one acetaminophen-containing product.

CONTRAINDICATIONS

Acetaminophen is contraindicated in patients with: known hypersensitivity to acetaminophen or to any of the excipients in the intravenous (IV) formulation. severe hepatic impairment or severe active liver disease.



WARNINGS AND PRECAUTIONS

Administration of acetaminophen in doses higher than recommended may result in hepatic injury, including the risk of liver failure and death. Do not exceed the maximum recommended daily dose of acetaminophen. The maximum recommended daily dose of acetaminophen includes all routes of acetaminophen administration and all acetaminophen-containing products administered, including combination products. Dosing errors could result in accidental overdose and death.

Use caution when administering acetaminophen in patients with the following conditions: hepatic impairment or active hepatic disease, alcoholism, chronic malnutrition, severe hypovolemia (e.g., due to dehydration or blood loss), or severe renal impairment (creatinine clearance = 30 mL/min).

Rarely, acetaminophen may cause serious skin reactions such as acute generalized exanthematous pustulosis (AGEP), Stevens-Johnson Syndrome (SJS), and toxic epidermal necrolysis (TEN), which can be fatal.

Hypersensitivity and anaphylaxis associated with the use of acetaminophen have been reported. Clinical signs included swelling of the face, mouth, and throat, respiratory distress, urticaria, rash, and pruritus.

The antipyretic effects of OFIRMEV may mask fever.

ADVERSE REACTIONS

Serious adverse reactions may include hepatic injury, serious skin reactions, hypersensitivity, and anaphylaxis.

Common adverse reactions in adults include nausea, vomiting, headache, and insomnia. Common adverse reactions in pediatric patients include nausea, vomiting, constipation, pruritus, agitation, and atelectasis.

USE IN SPECIFIC POPULATIONS

Pregnancy Category C. OFIRMEV should be given to a pregnant woman only if clearly needed.

Breastfeeding: While studies with OFIRMEV have not been conducted, acetaminophen is secreted in human milk in small quantities after oral administration.

Pediatric Use: The effectiveness of OFIRMEV for the treatment of acute pain and fever has not been studied in pediatric patients < 2 years of age.

For additional Important Risk Information, including complete boxed warning, see Full Prescribing Information.

ABOUT MALLINCKRODT

Mallinckrodt is a global business that develops, manufactures, markets and distributes specialty pharmaceutical and biopharmaceutical products and therapies, as well as nuclear imaging products. Areas of focus include autoimmune and rare diseases in specialty areas like neurology, rheumatology, nephrology, pulmonology and ophthalmology; immunotherapy and neonatal respiratory critical care therapies; analgesics and hemostasis products; and central nervous system drugs. The company's core strengths include the acquisition and management of highly regulated raw materials and specialized chemistry, formulation and manufacturing capabilities. The company's Specialty Brands segment includes branded medicines; its Specialty Generics segment includes specialty generic drugs, active pharmaceutical ingredients and external manufacturing; and the Nuclear Imaging segment includes nuclear imaging agents. To learn more about Mallinckrodt, visit www.mallinckrodt.com.

Mallinckrodt uses its website as a channel of distribution of important company information, such as press releases, investor presentations and other financial information. It also uses its website to expedite public access to time-critical information regarding the company in advance of or in lieu of distributing a press release or a filing with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission disclosing the same information. Therefore, investors should look to the Investor Relations page of the website for important and time-critical information. Visitors to the website can also register to receive automatic e-mail and other notifications alerting them when new information is made available on the Investor Relations page of the website.

CONTACTS

Investor Relations

Coleman N. Lannum, CFA

Senior Vice President, Investor Strategy and IRO

314-654-6649

[email protected]

Daniel J. Speciale, CPA

Director, Investor Relations

314-654-3638

[email protected]

Media

Rhonda Sciarra

Senior Communications Manager

908-238-6765

[email protected]

Meredith Fischer

Chief Public Affairs Officer

314-654-3318

[email protected]

1 The maximum (or peak) serum concentration that a drug achieves in a specified compartment or test area of the body after the drug has been administrated and before the administration of a second dose

2 The total drug exposure over time

3 The time at which the C max is observed

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SOURCE Mallinckrodt Pharmaceuticals

Related Links

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It is noteworthy that, according to the chart, Dianrong.com's "compliance" score for this month reached 81.49, which not only continues to be ranked first among the companies on the "Top 100 Chart", but is also an improved score as compared to last month. Furthermore, Dianrong.com's "transparency" score is 68.36, which lands it in an industry-leading position. In the current situation where compliance has become the most important quality for online lending platforms, the high scores in these two aspects have undoubtedly raised the standard for rankings.

Regulators formally introduced the P2P rules at the end of August this year. Just at the end of last month, the industry association established under the leadership of the Central Bank, National Internet Finance Association of China, released another 96 disclosure standards for internet financial information and the supporting self-regulation system. At present, the various platforms are dedicating their utmost efforts to ensure full compliance.

As a standing council unit of National Internet Finance Association of China, Dianrong.com has always played an exemplary role in the aspects of compliance and transparency. According to the information disclosure situation of the P2P member units of Association of Shanghai Internet Financial Industry that was announced by the association in July, Dianrong.com was ranked top on the list of information disclosure platforms, and the number of items in its disclosure was among the top in the industry.

Dianrong.com's technical scores continue to rank highest on the chart. In fact, since the first time Dianrong.com was ranked, the technical points have always remained higher than the other platforms, securing it the first position.

Dianrong.com takes the lead in the innovation and development of "Group Investing -- TuanTuanZhuan" in the industry. It is a collection of financing demand information that meets the lending standards for the same type of lenders. Through the real-time matching transaction service function, lending funds are spread out to match the massive loan demands that meet the lending standards of the lenders, thus facilitating the borrowing of funds by borrowers and enabling investors to diversify their investments at the same time.

With regard to the blockchain field which is at the forefront of the current financial technology, the founder and CEO of Dianrong.com, Soul Htite expressed that the layout of Dianrong.com has been completed at this point, and the company will continue to invest US$30-40 million in the development of blockchain applications over the next two years, applying blockchain technology to online lending services, so that more small- and medium-sized enterprises can enjoy borrowing services; this would also further reduce financing costs.

The monthly Online Lending Platform Development Index Rating jointly released by Wdzj.com and Yingcan Consulting is currently one of the most authoritative online lending platform development rating in the industry.

Photo - http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20161118/441061

SOURCE Dianrong.com
NEW YORK, Nov. 14, 2016 /PRNewswire/ -- Greenhill & Co., Inc. (NYSE: GHL), a leading independent investment bank, announced today that Ed Welsh will join the Firm as a Managing Director based in London and focused on the Business Services sector.

Mr. Welsh has over 20 years of experience in the U.K. market. He most recently served as Executive Director in the Cabinet Office of the U.K. Government. In that role, he led a large team working with both private businesses across the U.K. economy and with a range of government departments, particularly in relation to operational transformation. Prior to his four years of government service he served as a Managing Director at Rothschild Investment Bank, where he spent 14 years, most recently as Global Co-Head of the Business Services sector team.

Scott L. Bok, Chief Executive Officer of Greenhill, said, "We are pleased to add to our London team a senior banker with broad experience across the U.K. economy. His deep expertise in the Business Services sector complements our active presence in that space in the U.S. market, and we have no doubt that his four years of experience at senior levels of the U.K. government will also be useful to our clients."

Greenhill & Co., Inc. is a leading independent investment bank entirely focused on providing financial advice on significant mergers, acquisitions, restructurings, financings and capital raising to corporations, partnerships, institutions and governments globally. It acts for clients located throughout the world from its offices in New York, Chicago, Dallas, Frankfurt, Hong Kong, Houston, London, Melbourne, San Francisco, Sao Paulo, Singapore, Stockholm, Sydney, Tokyo and Toronto.

Contact: David M. Trone

Director of Investor Relations

Greenhill & Co., Inc.

(212) 389-1800

SOURCE Greenhill & Co., Inc.
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Browse 116 market data Tables and 53 Figures spread through 147 Pages and in-depth TOC on "Evaporative Condensing Unit Market"



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Introduction of evaporative condensing units with advanced technologies has contributed to the growth of this market. Advanced evaporative condensing units are in demand primarily due to the benefits that they offer, such as adaptability, extended durability and shelf life, and improved performance of refrigeration and air-conditioning systems. Thus, the growing demand for advanced refrigeration systems is expected to fuel the growth of the evaporative condensing unit market.

Based on end-use industry, commercial segment of the evaporative condensing unit market expected to grow at the highest CAGR from 2016 to 2026

Evaporative condensing units are being used for refrigeration and air conditioning purposes in commercial end-use industries, such as hotels & restaurants, food processing units, and cold storages & warehouses. These are being used in refrigeration and air conditioning applications in large commercial industries, especially where more than 100 TR (tons of refrigeration) is required. All luxury facilities in the food & service industry prefer evaporative condensing units due to the benefits that they offer, such as adaptability, extended durability and shelf life, and improved performance of refrigeration and air-conditioning systems. Thus, the growing demand for advanced refrigeration systems is expected to fuel the growth of the evaporative condensing unit market for commercial industries.

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Based on application, the refrigeration segment is expected to lead the evaporative condensing unit market from 2016 to 2026

Evaporative condensing units are used for refrigeration purpose in various industries, such as power, chemical, and commercial industries, among others. The demand for evaporative condensing units is growing from various end-users, such as cold stores, warehouses, restaurants, and food processing units, owing to the growth of food & beverage industry in developing nations. The growing food processing & storage facility market in emerging nations is expected to drive the refrigeration application segment of the evaporative condensing unit market.

The evaporative condensing unit market in the Middle East & Africa is expected to grow at the highest CAGR between 2016 and 2026

The Middle East & Africa is projected to grow at the highest rate between 2016 and 2026. The Saudi Arabia evaporative condensing unit market is expected to grow at the highest CARG between 2016 and 2026. High economic growth of Saudi Arabia is significantly contributing to the growth of the evaporative condensing unit market in the region. Egypt is one of the key markets for evaporative condensing units in the Middle East & Africa, due to growth of commercial refrigeration industries, such as cold storage, food processing, and power industries, in the country.

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Key players in the evaporative condensing unit market, such as Baltimore Aircoil Company Inc., Johnson Controls Inc., and DECSA s.r.l. have launched various products to cater to the diverse needs of customers and expand their presence in the market.

Browse Related Reports:

Condensing Unit Market by Type (Air-cooled Condensing Unit, Water-cooled Condensing Unit, and Evaporative Condensing Unit), Application (Industrial Refrigeration, Commercial refrigeration, and others), and by Region - Global Forecast to 2021

http://www.marketsandmarkets.com/Market-Reports/condensing-unit-market-622171.html

Industrial Cooling System Market by End User (Power Generation, Industrial Manufacturing, Petrochemical Processing, Food Processing & Storage, Petroleum & Natural Gas Refining, Pharmaceutical, Data Center), Type & by Region - Global Forecasts to 2021

http://www.marketsandmarkets.com/Market-Reports/industrial-cooling-system-market-123451073.html

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We all know how important intelligence is in life.

However, if you want to be successful in your career, just being a smart cookie will only get you so far.

Your emotional intelligence (also called EQ and EI) can also be an important factor in your success.

But how can you tell if you're self-aware enough to recognize and respond to emotions (your own and those of the people around you)?

Well, here are five subtle signs that your emotional intelligence is strong, even if it doesn't feel like it:

1. You say 'sorry'

Yes, we all know the dangers of saying "sorry" too much. After a while, the word loses its meaning.

However, if you're a person who can muster up a genuine apology when you've done wrong, that's a sure sign of emotional intelligence, according to "Hiring for Attitude" author Mark Murray writing in Forbes.

2. You question yourself

Questioning yourself probably doesn't sound like a great trait. Confidence is key, right? Well, there's a difference between overwhelming self-doubt and self-reflection. As Justin Barro wrote for Inc., it's important to hone your emotional intelligence by asking yourself whether or not certain things need to be said. These questions shouldn't make you doubt yourself, they should simply boost your self-awareness.

3. You never sugarcoat

This one sounds a bit counterintuitive. Isn't emotional intelligence all about making other people feel good? Well, no. Not really.

As Murray writes for Forbes, "Emotional intelligence requires recognizing emotions in others, but this other awareness doesn't mean shying away from speaking the truth or using tricks to try and soften the blow of tough feedback. People with emotional intelligence know how important it is that tough messages get heard."

4. You've gone to therapy

According to Sarah Fader writing for Psych Central, attending sessions with a good therapist will allow you to become better in-tune with your emotions. This, in turn, will equip you to better recognize those emotions in others.

Story continues

5. You're not just a happy person

There's a lot of misinformation out there about emotional intelligence. As Dr. John D. Mayer writes for Psychology Today, "...journalistic accounts of EI often have equated it to other personality traits. Emotional intelligence, however, is not agreeableness. It is not optimism. It is not happiness. It is not calmness. It is not motivation."

It's simply being able to manage your own and others' emotions.

NOW WATCH: A 45-year-long study tracked hyper-intelligent children and found trends in the most successful

For more news videos visit Yahoo View, available now on iOS.



More From Business Insider
MONROE TOWNSHIP, N.J., Nov. 17, 2016 /PRNewswire/ -- Faith M. Knabe (Faith K. Goldschmidt) MA, MPH, is recognized by Continental Who's Who with the 2015-2016 Lifetime Achievement award as a result of fifty years of excellence in the field of Healthcare.



Faith's areas of concentration are varied and include Public Health; Research; Information Analysis; Report Writing; Grant Writing and Monitoring; Project Management; Education and Training; Database Creation, Management, and Data Security; Institutional Review Board Participation and Chairing; Healthcare Systems; Quality of Care; Cost of Care and Treatment Pattern Analysis; Community Health; Health Needs Interviews; and Community Coalition Building; as well as Online Education, and the clinical microbiology research areas of wound care and burn care.



Now retired, Faith most recently was a Research Scientist and Manager of Data Evaluation with the New Jersey Department of Health (DOH), Division of HIV, STD and TB Services (DHSTS), HIV/AIDS Care and Treatment Unit. She spent almost twenty-five years with the State of New Jersey, first in the Division of Health Planning and Resources Development (HPRD), and then in DHSTS. Faith was a member and Chair of the Department's Institutional Review Board (IRB) which oversees all research on human subjects for almost ten years. She also spent four years at New Jersey Medical School as a Research Scientist, Coordinator of Research projects, and liaison with University of Medicine and Dentistry of New Jersey's IRB.



While in HPRD, Faith was one of the creators, implementers and administrators of New Jersey's Diagnosis Related Group (DRG) system of hospital payment which was adopted by Medicare in 1983 as the basis for its Prospective Payment System (PPS). As a Unit Director, Faith coordinated and managed the tasks of 5 teams (30 staff) which ran New Jersey's DRG System (Clinical and Quality of Care, Development, Certificate of Need, Financial Feasibility and Audit, and Data Teams). Considered an expert on the DRG system, Ms. Knabe presented testimony on the System to numerous federal and state committees, and gave many lectures on various aspects of the DRG system. The PPS and various adaptations of it still exist as the federal method of payment for hospitals, federally qualified health centers, home health agencies, etc.



In the Division of HIV, STD and TB Services, Faith oversaw the collection, management and analysis of data from agencies funded by the federal Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA) Ryan White CARE Act and by the State and oversaw report creation for HRSA, the State, and other requestors. She was the Chairperson of the Data Group charged with linking Division and external databases to determine trends and outcomes in the HIV epidemic, and efficiency and efficacy of care and treatment.

Faith was also Chairperson of the Division Security and Confidentiality Policy Committee which created the Division Security and Confidentiality Policy for data collected by the Division, and reviews, updates and trains employees on the Policy on an annual basis. As Chairperson, Faith assumed the role of data Security Officer for the Division and worked with the State Office of Information Technology (OIT), the Department's Office of Information Technology Services (OITS) and State Security Officers to ensure security and confidentiality of HIV/AIDS information. In her capacity as Security Officer, she also formally investigated potential breaches of confidentiality and security of HIV/AIDS data, documented and made recommendations to upper management, Legal and Regulatory Affairs, the Office of the Attorney General and the federal Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) as necessary.



Ms. Knabe worked for twelve years in community health and online education, both as an independent consultant, and as a member of two Local Advisory Boards (liaison organizations between communities and the State Department of Health) on various projects such as county health needs surveys, community focus groups, primary and secondary data analyses, sudden cardiac death, the value of Automated External Defibrillators, and services for juveniles at risk or in the juvenile justice system. She also analyzed hospital data, and trained hospital staff in three New York hospitals to analyze their clinical, financial, and personnel information collected in a proprietary database system created to identify growth, profit and problem areas. She helped initiate the online Master of Health Administration program, and taught two courses online for a New Jersey university for four years.



Ms. Knabe started her career in healthcare in 1967 as a Research Scientist in the Clinical Microbiology Section of the Research Division of Johnson & Johnson (J&J). During her eleven-year tenure, she developed, organized, coordinated and managed projects to test and identify effective and efficient new and existing products for wound care, burn care and topical therapies.



Faith earned her M.A. in Microbiology from Smith College in 1963, and also holds her M.P.H. in General Public Health from Columbia University's Mailman School of Public Health (1978). In addition, Faith received a B.A. in Biology from Clark University in 1962 and is currently a member of the NY Academy of Science, Sigma Xi; the National Association of Professional Women, and Continental Who's Who.

Contact: Katherine Green, 516-825-5634, [email protected]

SOURCE Continental Who's Who

Related Links

http://www.continentalwhoswho.com


WASHINGTON, Nov. 18, 2016 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- Family Research Council today commended President-elect Donald Trump's choice of Senator Jeff Sessions (R-Ala.) as the next Attorney General in the new administration.

Family Research Council President Tony Perkins released the following statement:

"I offer my congratulations to Senator Sessions and commend President-Elect Trump for making another wise selection by choosing Senator Sessions as our nation's next attorney general. This selection is, of course, in addition to the other quality individuals that have been announced by the Trump administration.

"Yet again, President-elect Trump has defied naysayers criticizing his transition team. President-elect Trump has surrounded himself with solid advisors, and his selection of Senator Sessions for attorney general increases my confidence that the Trump administration will be one that cherishes the Constitution and its protection of our freedom from government oppression. Senator Sessions understands the importance of all of our God-given rights, respects the rule of law, and will be a vital part of restoring our nation to its greatness.

"I look forward to January when the nation again has an opportunity to make freedom mean something under President Trump's leadership," concluded Perkins.

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SOURCE Family Research Council

Related Links

http://www.frc.org


"Georgia's future leaders are learning the skills they need to be successful every day in our classrooms," said Anne Kaiser, vice president of community and economic development for Georgia Power. "Supporting education is supporting our state's future and is critical to ensuring that we are prepared for Georgia's vibrant economic future with a skilled workforce."

Nominations were submitted by Georgia public colleges and universities that have schools of education. To be eligible for a grant, candidates must be in the top 25 percent of their class, be a first-year teacher employed by a public school in Georgia and demonstrate a high aptitude for teaching.

Nominations are reviewed by a statewide selection committee with grants awarded beginning in November. Grant recipients include pre-K, elementary, middle and high school teachers who are encouraged to use the funds to purchase items such as books, educational CDs or DVDs, computers, projectors, or other supplies to enhance their classrooms.

2016 New Teacher Assistant Grant recipients include:

Central Region

Timothy Jones , Macon ( Howard High School )

, ( ) Ashleigh Knight , Warner Robbins (David A. Perdue Elementary)

, (David A. Perdue Elementary) Kylie Tierce , Warner Robbins (Northside High School)

, (Northside High School) Caleb McKeever , Milledgeville (Blandy Hills Elementary School)

, (Blandy Hills Elementary School) Shancandice Thomas, Perry (Morningside Elementary)

Coastal Region

Christen Chaplin , Savannah (Beach High School)

, Savannah (Beach High School) Hazel McCauslin , Brunswick (Goodyear Elementary School)

, (Goodyear Elementary School) Patrick Mickey , Brunswick (Needwood Middle School)

, (Needwood Middle School) Grayson "Gray" Mendieta, Swainsboro (Swainsboro High School)

East Region

Casey Radford , Watkinsville (Oconee County Middle School)

, (Oconee County Middle School) Hannah Wingrove , Evans (Lakeside High School)

Metro Atlanta

Morgane Rainwater , Jonesboro (Callaway Elementary School)

, (Callaway Elementary School) Dustin Denson , McDonough (Excel Academy)

, (Excel Academy) Florina Mihetiu , Lawrenceville (Kanoheda Elementary School)

, (Kanoheda Elementary School) Micheil Hill , Lawrenceville (Archer High School)

, (Archer High School) Kaitlyn Ballew , Stockbridge (Cotton Indian Elementary School)

, Stockbridge (Cotton Indian Elementary School) Jeffrey Stephens , Norcross (Graves Elementary School)

, (Graves Elementary School) Mara Johnson , Smyrna (Campbell High School)

, (Campbell High School) Carley Roberts , Canton ( Dean Rusk Middle School )

, ( ) Carirosa Powell, Newnan (Madras Middle School)

(Madras Middle School) Chelsea Knight , Jonesboro ( Kendrick Middle School )

, ( ) Jason Slaven , Stockbridge ( Stockbridge High School )

, Stockbridge ( ) Shana Alexander , Jonesboro (Lee Street Elementary)

, (Lee Street Elementary) Sarah Stream , Suwanee (Riverwatch Middle School)

, (Riverwatch Middle School) Lauren Pehrson , Canton (Hasty Elementary School)

, (Hasty Elementary School) Alissa Leugers , Lawrenceville , ( Jordan Middle School )

Northeast Region

Stephen Almond , Gainesville (Sardis Elementary School)

, (Sardis Elementary School) Kathleen Lovell , Flowery Branch (Flowery Branch High School)

, (Flowery Branch High School) Adam Aldridge , Hoschton (Mill Creek High School)

Northwest Region

Santiago Nava , Dalton ( Dalton Middle School )

, Dalton ( ) Mandy Owens , Dalton (Eastbrook Middle School)

, Dalton (Eastbrook Middle School) Dustin Powell , Rome (Anna K. Davie Elementary School)

South Region

Christopher Dydell , Albany (Albany Middle School)

, (Albany Middle School) Jakin Tillery , Tifton (Northeast Camus Tift County High School)

, (Northeast Camus Tift County High School) Diane Schenk , Hahira (Hahira Middle School)

, (Hahira Middle School) Kade Poole , Douglas (Eastside Elementary)

, Douglas (Eastside Elementary) Landis Johnson , Quitman (Brooks County Middle School)

, (Brooks County Middle School) Shedric Office , Asburn (Turner County Middle School)

West Region

Joshua Knobloch , Columbus (Double Churches Middle School)

, Columbus (Double Churches Middle School) Ravhen Maddox, Columbus (Forrest Road Elementary)

Georgia Power has been a partner with the state's public education system for more than 100 years  from supporting the work of groups such as Junior Achievement, to providing new teacher assistance grants, to hosting students at the company's generation facilities, Georgia Power works to help students achieve their full potential. For more information about how the company is helping advance education and build the highly skilled workforce of tomorrow, visit www.georgiapower.com/community.

About Georgia Power

Georgia Power is the largest subsidiary of Southern Company (NYSE: SO), America's premier energy company. Value, Reliability, Customer Service and Stewardship are the cornerstones of the company's promise to 2.5 million customers in all but four of Georgia's 159 counties. Committed to delivering clean, safe, reliable and affordable energy at rates below the national average, Georgia Power maintains a diverse, innovative generation mix that includes nuclear, 21st century coal and natural gas, as well as renewables such as solar, hydroelectric and wind. Georgia Power focuses on delivering world-class service to its customers every day and the company is consistently recognized by J.D. Power and Associates as an industry leader in customer satisfaction. For more information, visit www.GeorgiaPower.com and connect with the company on Facebook (Facebook.com/GeorgiaPower) and Twitter (Twitter.com/GeorgiaPower).

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SOURCE Georgia Power

Related Links

http://www.georgiapower.com


MUMBAI, India, Nov. 18, 2016 /PRNewswire/ -- Today, international advocacy organization Global Citizen released its most recent accountability report, tracking progress for global health commitments made via the Global Citizen platform over the last five years. This is the second accountability report Global Citizen has released. It coincides with Global Citizen's first Global Festival in India.

Since 2011, Global Citizens have taken 1.42 million actions on global health  resulting in 43 commitments and announcements from governments and private companies, which when they were made were set to affect more than 600 million lives with investments of $7 billion to fund and support global health initiatives.

The annual Global Citizen Festival is both a moment of celebration, but also of accountability, and the report identifies countries and organizations that have honored their commitments and are well on their way to meeting their global health goals. It also calls out those yet to deliver on their promises.

"It's vital that we hold people to account for the promises they have made to the world's poorest," said Simon Moss, a co-founder of Global Citizen. "We are hugely encouraged by the progress we've seen so far - the vast majority of leaders are delivering. But our work is far from over. Global Citizens must continue to hold our world leaders accountable in the fight to end extreme poverty."

To date, the fulfilled commitments have impacted more than 359 million lives, almost two-thirds of the way towards affecting 601.5 million lives by 2030.

34 commitments are on-track or complete. Norway, for example, has delivered on its 2014 promise to commit NOK 6.25 billion to Gavi, The Vaccine Alliance, helping to immunize millions of children each year against deadly diseases. Canada is also on track to deliver its C$250 million commitment to end polio eradication, helping to bring cases to their lowest ever levels.

Two commitments, however, are significantly at risk. Australia lowered its AU$130 million contribution to polio eradication to AU$86 million, putting eradication at risk. And Malawi pledged to add 17,000 new community health workers (CHWs), but there has been little evidence of increase.

Global Citizen regularly checks on the progress of these initiatives, and today's public report is call to action for Global Citizens to hold these countries to account.

Contact:

Sunshine Sachs, [email protected], 212-691-2800

SOURCE Global Citizen
The nearly 40,000-square-foot emergency center is being built through a partnership of San Antonio-based Baptist Health System and Emerus Hospitals, the preferred partner to leading health systems throughout the nation. Featuring a state-of-the-art emergency department, advanced imaging center and an ambulatory service center, it will be staffed by board-certified physicians who are dedicated to providing the same compassionate care that have made Baptist Emergency Hospital one of the nation's leading healthcare systems.

As part of the grand opening celebration, Baptist Health System and Emerus are sponsoring the community event from noon to 4 p.m. at the NW Military location, 4103 North Loop 1604 West. The free, family friendly celebration will include live music, free food trucks, bounce houses, a photo booth, face painters and giveaways. The ribbon-cutting ceremony is scheduled for 1 p.m. For more information, visit BaptistEmergencyHospital.com/events.

"We are excited to combine our experience with the medical expertise and commitment to excellence we share with the Baptist Health System," said Craig Goguen, CEO of Emerus. "Baptist Health is a trusted name in the San Antonio region. Together, we can expand medical services to areas in need of better access to the comprehensive and innovative, yet affordable, healthcare solutions this new facility will provide."

David Mitchell, regional CEO for Baptist Emergency Hospital, said, "This beautiful new emergency center will have an immediate positive impact on the community. We are proud to be offering specialized emergency medical care where the residents need it the most, close to home."

"An intense focus on quality, timely and patient-focused care are the hallmarks of what the community can expect from Baptist Emergency Hospitals," said Graham Reeve, President and CEO of Baptist Health System. "From the moment the patient walks through our doors, the emergency center's experienced staff is ready to meet the patient's needs in a way that is convenient, accessible, efficient and compassionate."

San Antonio-based commercial contractor F.A. Nunnelly developed the new facility. With the addition of NW Military, Baptist Emergency Hospital now has seven convenient locations throughout the San Antonio area including Hausman, Overlook, Thousand Oaks, Westover Hills, Schertz and Zarzamora.

ABOUT BAPTIST HEALTH SYSTEM

Baptist Health System is a trusted provider of health care in San Antonio and South Texas. The System includes six acute-care hospitals (Baptist Medical Center, Mission Trail Baptist Hospital, North Central Baptist Hospital, Northeast Baptist Hospital, and St. Luke's Baptist Hospital) in San Antonio and Resolute Health Hospital in New Braunfels, which offer more than 1,674 licensed beds. All six hospitals have earned Accredited Chest Pain Center designation. The San Antonio hospitals have Primary Stroke Center Certification. The system also includes Baptist Regional Children's Center, Baptist Breast Center, Baptist Cancer Center, HealthLink wellness and fitness center and physical rehabilitation centers. Other entities include Baptist M&S Imaging Centers, community health and wellness programs, ambulatory services, medical office buildings and School of Health Professions. The system is part of Tenet Healthcare Corporation, based out of Dallas, Texas.

ABOUT EMERUS

Emerus is the nation's first, largest and most experienced operator of micro-hospitals. Emerus partners with leading health systems to provide excellence, empathy and innovation in health care delivery through a network of efficient, value-based micro-hospitals. The Emerus network brings high-quality, patient-centric acute episodic and ambulatory clinical services to communities across a given market. This helps patients by positioning best-in-class provider services in the communities where they work, live and play. Emerus' distinctive level of care earned the Guardian of Excellence Award for Superior Patient Experience in 2013, 2014, 2015 and 2016. More information is available at www.emerus.com.

CONTACT:

Richard Bonnin at 713-637-1261

[email protected]

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SOURCE Emerus

Related Links

http://www.emerus.com


FOUNTAIN VALLEY, Calif., Nov. 17, 2016 /PRNewswire/ -- HighSocietySupply.com, a premium online vape ejuice and hardware distributor, examines Prop 56: California Healthcare, Research & Prevention Tobacco Tax of 2016. Proposition 56 was voted in by California residents on Tuesday, November 8, 2016. The California state tobacco tax will increase from 87 cents to $2.87 per pack of cigarettes. Since electronic cigarettes and e-liquids are deemed tobacco products, the tax will affect vaping companies, small businesses and consumers. According to ACSCAN, ALA and AHA, the tobacco tax will save more lives, forcing people to quit smoking and support a healthier lifestyle.

Benefits?

The increased supports from organizations such as the American Lung Association and the American Cancer Society Cancer Action Network stated thousands of young people become addicted to tobacco products every year. The popularity of vaping as an alternative to smoking traditional cigarettes has gained negative attention from some as it is perceived as targeting the youth with candy flavored tobacco. Prop 56 is supposed to save lives and protect the children.

Vaping Isn't Smoking

Vaping is still much misunderstood by many such as organizations and medical professionals. E-Juices are comprised of four major ingredients: Propylene Glycerin, Vegetable Glycerin, Nicotine and Flavorings. While there's not enough evidence on long term effects of vaping, electronic cigarettes do not contain the harmful carcinogens and chemicals found in regular cigarettes. The vapor produced from electronic cigarettes is from heating e-liquids. For example, water exposed to heat is converted into vapor. The ingredients of ejuices are found in a variety of everyday products such as food, medications, and beauty products. Now millions of vapers who quit smoking cigarettes may revert back to their old habits because of the outrageous imposed tax.

How Does Prop 56 Affect Vaping?

The state tobacco tax is paid by the initial business selling the product. The manufacturer, distributor or retailer will be responsible for paying the substantial tax, that will then will filter out to the consumer. For example, as a consumer, the average price for a 30ml bottle of ejuice is about $20. With the imposed tobacco tax, the new average price can be upwards of $30 - $35. Also, consumers are held responsible for paying the tax on vaping products purchased outside of California. The incentive of switching from smoking cigarettes to vaping may not be a reality anymore. California is considered the "vaping capital" due to the large numbers of ejuice companies such as Cuttwood, Kilo E-Liquids, Cosmic Fog and Ruthless E-Juice.

With all the negative discussions about vaping, the positive influences are typically brushed under the rug. Vaping has provided thousands of jobs and given people the opportunity to experience a healthier lifestyle. The vaping community brings people together through trade shows, events, new innovative products, etc. The tobacco tax goes into effect April 2017 and this will crush the industry. Vaping is just not an alternative but a lifestyle for a healthier way of living. Lost Art Liquids, an e-juice manufacturer based in Los Angeles, California stated, "We will make adjustments, so vapers won't be affected so bad they can't vape and working on pricing that are fair." Companies understand the tax will hurt, but are willing to accommodate the vaping community.

Conclusion

There are not enough answers to all the questions the vaping community has about new regulation in California. Are companies relocating due to the tax? What will happen to my local vape shop? Unfortunately, time must play out in order for us to receive those answers. Just know, that HighSocietySupply.com and other vape companies are standing behind their customers. Vaping is not going away but adjustments do need to be made to fulfill the lifestyle.

High Society Supply

[email protected]

https://www.highsocietysupply.com

SOURCE High Society Supply

Related Links

http://www.HighSocietySupply.com


NASHUA, N.H., Nov. 18, 2016 /PRNewswire/ -- Injury Law Center is pleased to announce a favorable settlement in highly contested motorcycle collision case. The matter was settled in Belknap Superior Court under docket number 211-2015-CV-00180 during the final pre-trial conference just days before jury selection.

The case involved a motorcyclist who was not wearing a helmet. As he was coming over the crest of a hill, he suddenly observed the defendant's vehicle coming at him from the opposite direction in the middle of the road. Our client, who had only had a split second to react, jerked his handlebars to avoid a head-on collision, causing him to be thrown from his motorcycle. He sustained lacerations to his head and a suffered a mild traumatic brain injury.

"Our client came to us after another attorney rejected his case," commented New Hampshire personal injury attorney Joe Russo. "The police report was totally against him. The defendant wasn't even listed as a party to the crash  he was listed as an eyewitness. The odds were against us, but we believed in our client and felt obligated to see that justice was done."

Mr. Russo went on to state: "What really cracked the case open was when our team obtained the 9-1-1 call made by the defendant's passenger who admitted in an excited utterance ( NH Rules of Evidence 803(2) ) that his friend swerved to avoid hitting our client. Then we had to track down the defendant, who gave a fake address to the police, with the help of a private investigator and ostensibly drag him into court. For the last two years, he must have thought that he had gotten away with this."

Every aspect of this case was contested and no offer was made up until the tail end of litigation. This case presented a multitude of complex legal issues that were extensively briefed. One interesting issue that was addressed was whether our client's failure to wear a helmet constitutes comparative negligence and/or a failure to mitigate damages  the rationale being that the plaintiff's head injury wouldn't have been as severe had he been wearing a helmet.

However, in New Hampshire, motorcyclists over the age of 18 are not required to wear protective headgear pursuant to RSA 265:122 . The New Hampshire Supreme Court has not ruled on this issue in the context of helmets, but they have in the context of seatbelts. The seminal case is Thibeault v. Campbell , 136, NH 698, 702 (1993), which precludes a defendant from arguing that a motorists' failure to wear a seatbelt constitutes comparative fault or a failure to mitigate damages.

In closure, Attorney Russo stated, "I am so proud of this particular client. Everyone tried to silence him  including the police. But he summoned a great deal of courage to stand up for his rights. It is a privilege to represent clients like him."

Injury Law Center is a New Hampshire-based personal injury law firm serving clients throughout New Hampshire and Massachusetts. The firm handles the full range of personal injury cases, including car accidents, truck accidents, motorcycle accidents, medical malpractice, workers' compensation, wrongful death, and more. To learn more about the types of cases the firm handles and to schedule a complimentary legal consultation, please visit www.injury-law-center.com or call (603) 266-5046.

SOURCE Injury Law Center

Related Links

http://www.injury-law-center.com


SAN DIEGO, Nov. 18, 2016 /PRNewswire/ -- Calling it the next step in its efforts to help fight human trafficking, JBIS Integrated Resources, Limited and Mython Media, a San Diego based media production company, today announced the creation of the JBIS Hope Foundation (https://jbishopefoundation.org) designed to raise awareness to the plight of human trafficking.

The foundation's creation comes on the heels of last month's announcement that Mython Media and JBIS Integrated Resources Limited were releasing the movie 'St. Mary,' an independently produced movie dramatizing the problem of human trafficking through the story of a fictional ship called St. Mary being used for smuggling women from Nigeria to Europe.

"Fighting human trafficking is very important to me," said JBIS Integrated Resources Limited Chairman and CEO, Darlington Agha. "That is why as Executive Producer of the movie 'St. Mary,' I am today announcing that I will be giving away a free copy of the movie to the first 10,000 people who donate $25 dollars or more to the foundation."

Partners in the creation of the JBIS Hope Foundation is Mython Media a San Diego based media production company which has agreed to handle distribution of the movie as well as development of a national campaign to raise awareness of the human trafficking tragedy that affects millions of women, children, and men world-wide.

"We are more than happy to support JBIS Integrated Resources Limited in their endeavors to help fight human trafficking said Remel Gumabon, co-founder of Mython Media. "Our team will be at the disposal of the JBIS Hope Foundation to assist with any need."

"Human Trafficking is a well-documented problem for every country, including the United States where recent reports say as many as 1.5 million people are ensnared in some form of human trafficking slavery," added Darlington Agha. At any given moment of the day or night there are an average of 23 individuals being lured into human trafficking  that translates into millions of people a year, and we all need to help stop it. We encourage people to visit www.jbishopefoundation.org and help make a difference."

About 'St. Mary'

The Movie 'St. Mary' (http://SaintMarythemovie.com) is a dramatization of women lured into the world of human trafficking. The movie, a Nigerian independent film is directed by Mathias Obahiagbon, produced by JBIS Integrated Resources Limited, and distributed for DVD sale by Mython Media

About Mython Media

Mython Media (http://MythonMedia.com) is a full-service media creation company specializing in commercials, television show development, infomercials, and distribution. It is headquartered in San Diego, California.

Media, News, Interviews, or Information Contact

Joe Lizura

P: 858-829-4251

E: [email protected]

SOURCE Mython Media
NEW YORK, Nov. 18, 2016 /PRNewswire/ -- KPS Capital Partners, LP ("KPS" or the "Firm") announced today that Dyal Capital Partners III ("Dyal"), a permanent capital fund affiliated with Neuberger Berman Group, has made a minority investment in KPS.

Dyal has acquired a passive, non-voting ownership interest of less than 20% of the Firm. KPS looks forward to continuing to grow and strengthen its global investing franchise in partnership with Dyal.

Michael Psaros and David Shapiro, Co-Founders and Managing Partners of KPS, said, "Dyal recognized the value of and invested in the unique, operations-driven franchise and business we have built over decades. KPS will maintain complete continuity of its partnership, investment team and execution of its investment strategy, which is based on seeing value where others do not, buying right, and making businesses better."

The terms of the transaction are private and will not be publicly disclosed.

About KPS Capital Partners, LP

KPS is the manager of the KPS Special Situations Funds, a family of investment funds with approximately $5.5 billion of assets under management. KPS seeks to realize significant capital appreciation by making controlling equity investments in companies across a diverse range of manufacturing industries experiencing a period of transition or challenged by the need to effect immediate and significant change. KPS creates value for its investors by seeing value where others do not, buying right and making businesses better. The KPS investment strategy is based primarily upon partnering with world-class management teams to effect material and sustainable improvements in the operations of its businesses. Thereafter, KPS focuses on growing its businesses, both organically and through strategic acquisitions. The KPS Funds' portfolio companies have aggregate annual revenues of approximately $4.5 billion, operate 93 manufacturing facilities in 23 countries, and employ approximately 40,000 associates, directly and through joint ventures worldwide. The KPS investment strategy and portfolio companies are described in detail at www.kpsfund.com.

About Dyal Capital Partners

Dyal Capital Partners III, a permanent capital fund affiliated with Neuberger Berman Group, acquires minority equity interests in institutional alternative asset management businesses worldwide. The Dyal Capital Partners business, established in 2011, manages three independent permanent capital funds and has 20 existing minority partnerships. For more information, please visit www.dyalcapital.com.

SOURCE KPS Capital Partners, LP

Related Links

http://www.kpsfund.com


GREENSBURG, Ind., Nov. 18, 2016 /PRNewswire/ -- The Kroger Co.'s (NYSE: KR) K.B. Specialty Foods this week broke ground on a new anaerobic wastewater treatment system at its facility in Greensburg, Indiana.

The modification will turn food production byproducts into energy and will also lead to improved air quality in the area.

"This is one more step toward meeting our goal of becoming a zero waste company by 2020," said Suzanne Lindsay Walker, Kroger's director of sustainability.

K.B. Specialty Foods employs 270 and produces deli salads, cake icing, and refrigerated side dish products that are popular all over the country.

The current wastewater treatment system in the facility is open to the air. The new system will feature a dome that will capture biogas from food byproducts at the plant. The collected biogas will then be harnessed to generate electricity.

ADI Systems, the project builder, says the new facility relies on a process called anaerobic digestion. Microorganisms will transform the byproducts of food production into the biogas. ADI Systems says that process provides "a source of renewable energy that can be used to displace fossil fuels." The electricity created will be sent to the plant's electrical grid.

K.B. Specialty Foods expects the new system to be operational next summer.

Every day, the Kroger Family of Companies makes a difference in the lives of eight and a half million customers and 431,000 associates who shop or serve in 2,781 retail food stores under a variety of local banner names in 35 states and the District of Columbia. Kroger and its subsidiaries operate an expanding ClickList offering  a personalized, order online, pick up at the store service  in addition to 2,240 pharmacies, 785 convenience stores, 323 fine jewelry stores, 1,423 supermarket fuel centers and 38 food production plants in the United States. Kroger is recognized as one of America's most generous companies for its support of more than 100 Feeding America food bank partners, breast cancer research and awareness, the military and their families, and more than 145,000 community organizations including schools. A leader in supplier diversity, Kroger is a proud member of the Billion Dollar Roundtable.

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SOURCE The Kroger Co.

Related Links

http://www.kroger.com


Renowned aviation service provider AAR Corp. AIR recently announced the signing of a long-term strategic Power-by-Hour (PBH) partnership with Air New Zealand. Per the terms of the deal, AAR Corp. will offer nose-to-tail, cost-per-flight-hour rotable inventory support to the airline.

This transaction falls in line with the companys recently adopted strategy to transform itself with a major focus on its service business. The financial terms of the deal have been kept under wraps.

Deal Details

Under the terms of the deal, AAR Corp will provide inventory support to Air New Zealands 740 parts and 15 B777 aircraft. Moreover, this partnership will help Air New Zealand serve AAR Corp as its exclusive component repair provider for select regions in Asia-Pacific. Air New Zealand will also be AAR Corp preferred supplier for select parts worldwide.

AAR CORP Price

AAR CORP Price | AAR CORP Quote

Benefits of the Deal

Being a national airline, Air New Zealand offers air passenger and cargo transport services to more than 15 million people every year. Thus, the partnership with the airline is sure to boost AAR Corps revenues, in days to come.

Also, Air New Zealand's competitive advantage lies within the Pacific Rim where its network expands from New Zealand to Australia, Asia and the Americas. Consequently, management at AAR Corp expects this deal to substantially expand the companys footprint in the fast growing Australia-Asia region.

Further, this contract has established a component inventory and repair partnership for AAR Corp in the growing Asia-Pacific region with an AAA-rated carrier manufactured by aircraft major The Boeing Company BA, i.e. B777.

Our View

With the rapid globalization over the last decade, business activities across nations have increased manifold. Naturally, rate of air travel has increased, as is evident from the 6% rise in global air passenger traffic in the first half of 2016.

Story continues

Consequently this has turned out to be beneficial for maintenance, repair and overhaul (MRO) service providers like AAR Corp, since rising air travel calls for accelerated maintenance spending by airlines on aircraft. Currently, AAR Corp. is the largest independent MRO provider in North America and we expect the aforementioned deal to expand its footprint in the MRO services business across the Asia-Pacific region.

Moreover, managing inventory cost has always been a crucial strategy of cost cutting in the highly capital-intensive aviation industry. In recent years, PBH agreements have been a resort for companies aiming at minimizing inventory expenses with no requirement of aircraft spare parts storage. The supplier provides the parts directly to the operators facility.

Notably, the aforementioned deal is the first PBH contract signed by AAR Corp which is likely to help the company over the long haul.

Zacks Rank & Key Picks

AAR Corp currently carries a Zacks Rank #3 (Hold). Better-ranked stocks in the aerospace-defense space include Spirit AeroSystems Holdings, Inc. SPR and B/E Aerospace Inc. BEAV. Both these stocks carry a Zacks Rank #2 (Buy). You can see the complete list of todays Zacks #1 Rank (Strong Buy) stocks here.

Spirit AeroSystems has gained 11.8% year to date. On an average, the company posted a positive earnings surprise of 11.60% in the trailing four quarters.

B/E Aerospace has gained 40.1% year to date. On an average, the company posted a positive earnings surprise of 2.49% in the trailing four quarters.

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Students in the class will visit tire manufacturing facilities, meet professionals in the industry, and listen to guest speakers throughout the semester. "One SC to Sustain" will be a unique opportunity for students to learn to work across disciplines and come up with recommended improvements for the tire industry. Officials from Michelin and the two universities met on Nov. 18 at Michelin's North American headquarters in Greenville, S.C., to kick off the One SC to Sustain collaborative project.

Michael Fanning, director of sustainable development for Michelin North America, spoke about the company's commitment to responsible industrial operations.

"As the global demand for transportation rises, Michelin is committed to making mobility cleaner, safer, and more affordable and accessible," said Fanning. "Sustainable mobility is not only our corporate mission; it is part of our everyday operations and culture. This collaboration with Clemson and USC is an extension of our efforts to produce tires more sustainably."

This type of hands-on learning will provide students with valuable experience prior to graduation and the chance to work on projects for which they have a passion. However, the long-term goals of the project are focused on influencing the tire industry in South Carolina, with Clemson, USC and Michelin leading the way.

Gregory Mocko, Ph.D., an assistant professor of mechanical engineering at Clemson, will teach the first section of the class and is helping oversee the collaboration.

"This is a great opportunity for students to get real-world experience in a highly relevant field," said Mocko. "South Carolina is the No. 1 state for tire manufacturing. We see this as a fertile ground for innovation that could make the whole tire industry more sustainable. Michelin brought together the two universities to work on this issue, which speaks volumes about its potential and importance to the tire industry."

In addition, Paul Ziehl, Ph.D., a professor of civil and environmental engineering at the University of South Carolina, has also been instrumental in developing the course curriculum.

"This class will bring students from different majors together to more closely represent an actual working environment," said Ziehl. "All students will benefit greatly from partnering with Michelin to address these important, real-life issues."

The initiative, "One SC to Sustain," officially launches in January 2017 with an inaugural class of 31 students.

About Michelin North America

Dedicated to the improvement of sustainable mobility, Michelin designs, manufactures and sells tires for every type of vehicle, including airplanes, automobiles, bicycles, earthmovers, farm equipment, heavy-duty trucks and motorcycles. The company has earned a long-standing reputation for building innovative premium tires. Since 1989, Michelin has received 80 J.D. Power tire customer satisfaction awardsfive times the number of all other tire manufacturers combined. In addition to tires, the company also publishes travel guides, hotel and restaurant guides, maps and road atlases. Headquartered in Greenville, S.C., Michelin North America (www.michelinman.com) employs about 22,700 and operates 20 major manufacturing plants.

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SOURCE Michelin North America

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UNION CITY, Calif., Nov. 17, 2016 /PRNewswire/ -- Mizuho OSI, the leading manufacturer of specialty surgical tables for spinal and orthopaedic trauma surgery and comprehensive imaging procedures, today announced their joint participation with Trilux Medical at MEDICA 2016 World Forum for Medicine in Dusseldorf Germany, November 14-17. Trilux Medical's surgical light, pendants, and digital OR video and patient information integration equipment compliments Mizuho OSI's portfolio of specialty surgical and general surgery tables by improving patient outcomes and delivering enhanced clinical value.

While at MEDICA, Trilux Medical, a subsidiary of the Mizuho OSI, showcased its new generation of extremely efficient and ergonomic OR lights. The Aurinio Wave is the only Operating Room light with reLED technology, providing a combination of a shadow-free illuminated field with unique depth and high color rendering. This new dimension of light enables OR teams to work with an impressive light column that allows precise focusing for illuminating deep wounds in any position. Its high-performance level, as well as simple embedding in an existing OR integration systems, Paramon, making the Aurinio Wave the ideal light source for discerning surgeons.

Trilux Medical, a Mizuho OSI company, has 100 years of experience with lighting and technology and 50 years of expertise in operating rooms and intensive care rooms combined. The company is committed to the identification of tasks, the development of ideas, and tailored specific solutions in medical technology.

Mizuho OSI is a US-based company and the leader in the markets for specialty surgery and patient positioning. For 35 years, physicians have relied on Mizuho OSI for innovative surgical tables that provide cost effective and creative solutions. The company's portfolio includes specialty surgical tables for procedure-specific approaches that improve patient outcomes in spine and orthopedic surgeries, as well as a range of general surgical tables along with disposable and reusable surgical patient care products.

Greg Neukirch, Mizuho OSI's Vice President of Marketing and Sales said, "We are thrilled with this opportunity to display our products along with Trilux Medical. The compliment of products illustrates our long-term commitment to providing innovative operating room solutions."

"MEDICA is the world's leading trade fair for the medical industry and a perfect venue to show our organization's dedication to understanding the needs and exceed expectations of our global healthcare customers," said Ozgur Yurduozler, Director of Marketing and Product Management at Trilux Medical.

About Mizuho OSI

For over 35 years Mizuho OSI has developed healthcare products that have allowed medical professionals to better care for their patients. The largest segment of Mizuho OSI's business focuses on specialty surgical tables that improve surgery through advanced patient positioning. The company is the leading manufacturer of specialty surgical tables for spinal and orthopedic trauma surgery as well as comprehensive imaging procedures.Mizuho OSI was founded in 1978 as Orthopedics Systems, Inc., and is now a subsidiary of the Mizuho Ikakogyo Co., Ltd., in Tokyo, Japan. Mizuho Ikakogyo was founded in 1919 and is the leading general surgical table manufacturer in Japan and Asia. Mizuho OSI is the leading orthopedic and spinal surgical table manufacturer worldwide. Mizuho OSI products are sold in the U.S. through direct sales representatives and worldwide through authorized international distributors. More information is available at: www.mizuhosi.com

SOURCE Mizuho OSI

Related Links

http://www.mizuhosi.com


MINNEAPOLIS, Nov. 17, 2016 /PRNewswire/ -- MSP Communications, an award-winning publisher and leading content marketing agency based in Minneapolis, is pleased to announce Gary Johnson, President, is the recipient of the 2016 John Caldwell Award from The Content Council.

The John Caldwell Award is presented to an individual who has made significant contributions to the industry by virtue of his or her leadership and success at promoting the use of custom media as a marketing channel and a standard for work that demonstrates excellence in content marketing.

"We are delighted to honor Gary with the John Caldwell Award," said Andy Seibert, Chair of The Content Council and Managing Partner, Imprint. "Gary has been a huge supporter of our industry and a valuable contributor to The Content Council."

Johnson joined Mpls.St.Paul Magazine in 1977 and was instrumental in its growth and development as a leading innovator in the city magazine industry. In 1993, Johnson oversaw the creation of Twin Cities Business, one of the most awarded regional business magazine brands in the nation.

MSP Communications has been a frontrunner in the custom publishing business since 1978. In the years since, the company has established a digital content creation division that has produced more than 225 titles, platforms and brands for some of the country's most recognized companies and organizations.

"Our creative process is uniqueone rooted in the practice of brand journalism that guides highly creative execution, solid audience engagement, and drives measurable outcomes," Johnson said. "Magazines have demonstrated for decades what it takes to earn the trust of consumers and we apply those same principles to our digital strategies for some of the most trusted and recognized brands and organizations in the world."

Johnson also received the Milton W. Jones Lifetime Achievement award from the City and Regional Magazine Association (CRMA) in May 2016. In addition to his duties as President of MSP Communications, Johnson also teaches "Content Strategy & Brand Journalism," in a Strategic Communications master class at the University of Minnesota graduate school.

He laid out five key takeaways from a career spanning the past four decades:

"Done well, content remains the perfect catalyst for human beings. We still are attracted to magic, humor, deep thoughts, inspiration, heart and soul, personal resonance and high utility. And when we find it: we engage and trust it." "There's little mystery to creating content that engages. The great content lessons are before us, derived from novels, poetry, song lyrics, comedy, TV and radio programming, blogs, even great advertising." "I much prefer the phrase 'brand journalism' over 'content marketing' because it creates a crucial linkage, the necessity to apply journalistic principles to branded content, something content marketers often ignore, which explains why only a third of them think their content plans are working." "Content creation is like stand up comedy. You start with no physical assets. Just thoughts and ideas, which are then turned into words and images. We basically work with vapor." "The other half of content marketing success is working with a marketer who has successfully rehabbed from the addiction of product heavy messaging and the fever of immediate transaction."

Caldwell, an early custom publishing pioneer, passed away in 2006. The award honors his contributions to the evolution of custom content as a marketing channel. The 2015 John Caldwell Award recipient was Meredith Kopit Levien, Executive Vice President and Chief Revenue Officer of The New York Times.

MSP Communications has been recognized with nearly 1,000 awards for print and digital excellence. MSP Communications' Vice President/Content, Jayne Haugen Olson, was named The Content Council's 2015 Best Content Director. The international award was introduced in 2014 by The Content Council to highlight a thought leader in content creation with a proven track record in meeting and exceeding the business and/or marketing goals of their clients.

About MSP Communications

MSP Communications is an award-winning publisher that produces engaging, service-driven content for some of the world's most innovative brands. In addition to its proprietary publications, Mpls.St.Paul Magazine and Twin Cities Business, the company has produced more than 225 titles, platforms and brands for some of the country's most recognized companies and organizations over its 43-year history. Its custom content division, MSP-C, delivers smart, persuasive content across key owned, earned and paid channels. Our diverse roster of clients includes market leaders such as Delta Air Lines, American Express, 3M, UnitedHealthcare, Optum, IBM, McKesson, NetApp and Apollo Education Group. For more information, visit MSP-C.com.

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SOURCE MSP Communications

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DALLAS, Nov. 17, 2016 /PRNewswire/ -- Leading legal education provider BARBRI today introduced its BARBRI Attorney's Course, a shorter, streamlined and completely online bar review designed specifically for licensed attorneys seeking to pass an additional state bar.

This new attorney-focused offering was created to save time for practicing attorneys who already have taken the Multistate Bar Exam (MBE), by building on their existing knowledge, experience and skills. Rather than sitting again through hours of MBE skills instruction, substantive lectures and analysis lectures, students will take an initial diagnostic to assess what they remember. Based on that, each student is then guided to Personal Homework assignments designed to help him or her fill in any gaps. The goal is to quickly move students to the practice questions that will prepare them for the actual exam. The pace slows down for state-specific subjects, where they may encounter unfamiliar content or rules that are different from the bar exam they have already passed.

The course actually bypasses many of the basic bar exam test-taking skills critical to first-time exam takers, and moves the participant quickly to the most highly tested areas of the overall exam and within each subject. By building on a practicing lawyer's knowledge and skills, the BARBRI Attorney's Course -- relevant for states in which the Uniform Bar Exam (UBE) is administered and in California -- provides a faster path to an additional license.

"As any attorney knows, preparing for the bar is practically a full-time job," said Mike Sims, president, BARBRI. "Experienced, practicing attorneys no longer have the luxury of that time, and so the prospect of sitting for an additional bar doesn't seem viable. This course is designed to accommodate the time constraints attorneys face, while giving them the thorough review they need to pass the California or UBE, and ultimately expand their practice and career opportunities."

To learn more about the BARBRI Attorney's Course, visit barbri.com/attorneys-course/.

About The BARBRI Group

The BARBRI Group companies meet the legal education needs of law students and attorneys throughout their careers. At the core of The BARBRI Group Companies is BARBRI Bar Review, which has helped more than 1.3 million U.S. lawyers pass the exam. The company also provides specialized ongoing skills training and certifications in areas such as financial crime and eDiscovery. The BARBRI Group affiliated companies work to improve legal learning in the United States and around the world by providing superior opportunities for law schools, law firms and law-related businesses to prosper. Founded in 1967, The BARBRI Group is headquartered in Dallas with offices throughout the United States and around the world.

Contact: Cindy Parks

913-526-6912

[email protected]

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SOURCE BARBRI
NORTH BRUNSWICK, N.J., Nov. 18, 2016 /PRNewswire/ -- New Jersey Technology Council (NJTC) has honored Chromocell Corporation along with the region's top tech companies and their leaders for their business accomplishments in technological collaboration, partnership and innovation at this year's 20th Anniversary Awards Gala Celebration. The Award was presented on November 17, 2016 at the Palace at Somerset Park, NJ at a celebration of innovation and technology.

Each year the NJTC distinguished panel of judges selects an elite group of companies and individuals to receive this prestigious award.

"Chromocell is honored to be recognized for applying our unique platform technology to transforming the field of analgesics together with other outstanding companies," said Christian Kopfli, Chief Executive Officer of Chromocell. "We are working hard to further develop our lead drug candidate CC8464 in the fast-growing field of pain management to provide a much-needed solution for people suffering from pain conditions."

About the New Jersey Technology Council

The New Jersey Technology Council (NJTC) provides business support, networking opportunities, information, advocacy, and recognition of technology companies and their leaders. Founded in 1996, NJTC's member companies work together to support their own enterprises while advancing New Jersey's status as a leading technology center in the United States. The NJTC offers its member companies access to networking, financing resources, expertise and more. A private, not-for-profit membership organization, the NJTC fosters and grows a vibrant entrepreneurial spirit and nurtures a community where great ideas take flight. For more information visit: http://www.njtc.org

About Chromocell Corporation

Chromocell is a life sciences company which improves consumer products and patient lives through breakthrough science and technologies. Chromocell is focused on the discovery and development of therapeutics and flavors through the use of pioneering Chromovert technology. Chromovert technology enables Chromocell to use rare cells ideally suited for effective high-throughput screening. Chromocell's therapeutics pipeline is currently focused on analgesics and rare diseases, where Chromovert technology has proven highly effective in the rapid identification of potential new drug candidates, as well as discovery and development of novel flavor ingredients and natural taste enhancers.

Contacts:

Corporate

Chromocell Corporation

Tel.: +1 732 565 1113

Media

Russo Partners

Alex Fudukidis

Tel.: +1 646 942 5632

E-mail: [email protected]

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SOURCE Chromocell Corporation
ATLANTA, Nov. 18, 2016 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- The National Health Care Anti-Fraud Association (NHCAA) today announced that Rick E. Munson, Vice President of Investigations at UnitedHealthcare, has been elected as the Chair of the NHCAA Board of Directors. Munson succeeds Nicholas J. Messuri, Esq., Vice President of Fraud Prevention & Recovery and Deputy General Counsel at DentaQuest.

Munson joined UnitedHealthcare in 2009 to lead the company's Investigations Team, which is responsible for detection, prevention and investigation of alleged fraud and abuse across the nation involving Medicare, Medicaid and commercial plans.

Munson has more than 30 years of experience in leadership positions across the private and public sectors, including more than 20 years in law enforcement. His law-enforcement career includes five years as a police officer and 18 years with the State of Minnesota  split between the Department of Commerce as Chief Investigator, and Manager of Investigations in the Attorney General's Office. While with the Attorney General's Office, Munson coordinated complex white-collar crime cases relating to Public Corruption, Organized Crime, Insurance Fraud and Securities Fraud. Several of the cases he worked on resulted in multimillion-dollar criminal convictions.

Munson also spent 11 years at Medica Health Plans as Senior Director of Special Investigations and Compliance, where he developed a Special Investigations Unit that brought more than 20 health care fraud cases to state and federal prosecutors resulting in criminal prosecution and conviction.

"Rick has generously served NHCAA for several years, sharing his wide-ranging experience with his industry peers. His pragmatic, common-sense approach has always benefited the Association, particularly when he has served as faculty at many NHCAA training programs. These qualities will also be valued assets as he leads our Board of Directors in the coming year," said Louis Saccoccio, Chief Executive Officer of NHCAA. "Rick brings a unique perspective that embodies the quintessential, seasoned law-enforcement agent as well as the tenacious private-sector fraud fighter, and we are proud to have him serve as Chair of the 2017 Board of Directors."

Looking ahead to his year as Chair, Munson said: "I am honored to have the opportunity to serve as Chair of the NHCAA as it continues in its fight against health care fraud. For more than 30 years, NHCAA has been the leader in health care anti-fraud training and a proponent of the power of collaboration and information-sharing to fight fraud. I look forward to continuing NHCAA's unwavering commitment to a private-public partnership and driving positive and lasting change that will protect patients from the harm of health care fraud."

Munson's election was announced in conjunction with NHCAA's Annual Training Conference in Atlanta, Georgia. The Annual Training Conference is the premier event recognized as the nation's leading health care anti-fraud forum for approximately 1,300 public- and private-sector health care anti-fraud professionals.

Founded in 1985, the National Health Care Anti-Fraud Association is the leading national organization focused exclusively on the fight against health care fraud. Our members comprise more than 100 private health insurers and those public-sector law enforcement and regulatory agencies having jurisdiction over health care fraud committed against both private payers and public programs.

Contact: Leigh McKenna

NHCAA

(202) 349-7987

[email protected]

SOURCE National Health Care Anti-Fraud Association

Related Links

http://www.nhcaa.org


NEW YORK, Nov. 18, 2016 /PRNewswire/ -- The purpose of this notice is to inform you of recent developments with respect to the litigation in the Court of Chancery for the State of Delaware (the "Court") captioned in In re Coca-Cola Enterprises, Inc. Stockholders Litigation, Consol. C.A. No. 11492-VCS (the "Action"), previously described in securities filings made by Coca-Cola Enterprises, Inc. ("CCE") and Coca-Cola European Partners PLC ("CCEP").

On September 10, 2015, Plaintiff John Wilhelm filed a purported class action complaint the Court captioned Wilhelm v. Coca-Cola Enterprises, Inc., C.A. No. 11492-VCS. On September 11, 2015, Plaintiff Thomas Ackerman filed a purported class action complaint with the Court captioned Ackerman v. Brock, C.A. No. 11501-VCS. On September 22, 2015, Plaintiff Robert Freedman filed a purported class action complaint with the Court captioned Freedman v. Coca-Cola Enterprises, Inc., C.A. No. 11533-VCS. On January 1, 2016, the Court entered an order consolidating the three actions under the caption In re Coca-Cola Enterprises, Inc. Stockholders Litigation, Consol. C.A. No. 11492-VCS, and a consolidated class action complaint (the "Complaint") was filed on March 2, 2016. The Complaint challenged the proposed transaction by which CCE merged into MergeCo and continued as an indirect wholly-owned subsidiary of CCEP (the "Transaction").

The Complaint named as defendants the members of the board of directors of CCE (the "Individual Defendants"), CCE, Coca-Cola Co. ("Coca-Cola"), Orange U.S. HoldCo, LLC ("HoldCo") and Orange MergeCo, LLC ("MergeCo," and collectively with the Individual Defendants, CCE, Coca-Cola and HoldCo, the "Defendants"). The Complaint alleged that the Individual Defendants breached their fiduciary duties, and that Coca-Cola, HoldCo and MergeCo aided and abetted those breaches, by failing to adequately inform themselves of the value of CCE, conducting a process that inhibited the maximization of value for CCE stockholders, and failing to disclose certain material information in the Form F-4 Registration Statement filed by CCEP with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (the "SEC") on December 15, 2015. The Complaint sought, among other relief, a preliminary injunction to prevent consummation of the Transaction, rescission of the Transaction in the event of its consummation, and recovery of costs in the Action, including reasonable attorneys' fees and expenses.

On May 11, 2016, CCE made additional disclosures (the "Supplemental Disclosures") by filing a Schedule 14A with the SEC. The Supplemental Disclosures tracked the disclosure claims raised by Plaintiffs in their Complaint. Plaintiffs and their counsel determined that the Supplemental Disclosures mooted certain claims set forth in the Complaint. On May 24, 2016, CCE announced that over 79% of the outstanding shares of CCE stock, and over 99% of the shares present at the special meeting of stockholders held to consider the Transaction, voted to approve the Transaction. On May 28, 2016, the Transaction was consummated.

Following consummation of the Transaction, Plaintiffs and their counsel concluded that, without impairing the rights of absent class members, the prospects for additional relief in the Action did not warrant continued litigation by Plaintiffs of the remaining claims asserted in the Action. Plaintiffs therefore agreed to voluntarily dismiss the Action with prejudice only as to the plaintiffs named in the Action. On July 12, 2016, the Court entered a Stipulation and Order Concerning Plaintiffs' Voluntary Dismissal of the Action and the Anticipated Application of Plaintiffs' Counsel for an Award of Attorneys' Fees and Expenses (the "Dismissal Order"). The Dismissal Order dismissed the Action as moot and dismissed the claims asserted in the Complaint with prejudice as to the named plaintiffs and without prejudice as to other members of the purported class. The Court of Chancery retained jurisdiction over the Action solely for the purpose of adjudicating the anticipated application by Plaintiffs' counsel for an award of attorneys' fees and expenses.

Subsequent to the entry of the Dismissal Order, Plaintiffs' counsel and Defendants' counsel engaged in extensive arm's-length discussions regarding the payment of attorneys' fees and reimbursement of expenses to Plaintiffs' counsel. CCEP has agreed to pay Plaintiffs' counsel attorneys' fees in the amount of $425,000, inclusive of expenses.

On November 17, 2016, the Court approved a Stipulation and Order Concerning Dismissal of the Action and Approving Notice, entered into by the parties, which provided for the payment of $425,000 in attorneys' fees and expenses to Plaintiffs' counsel, the final dismissal and closing of the Action, and the provision of notice to stockholders of the payment to Plaintiffs' counsel. The Court has not been asked to review, and will pass no judgment on, the payment or amount of the agreed-upon fee to Plaintiffs' counsel or its reasonableness.

Levi & Korsinsky, LLP at (212) 363-7500 or toll free at (877) 363-5972.

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SOURCE Levi & Korsinsky, LLP

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NEW YORK, Nov. 18, 2016 /PRNewswire/ -- OTC Markets Group Inc. (OTCQX: OTCM), operator of financial markets for 10,000 U.S. and global securities, today announced Yangtze River Development Limited (OTCQX: YERR), a Nevada corporation, which primarily engages in real estate and infrastructural development with a port logistics center located in Wuhan, Hubei Province of China, has qualified to trade on the OTCQX Best Market. Yangtze River upgraded to OTCQX from the OTCQB Venture Market.

Yangtze River begins trading today on OTCQX under the symbol "YERR". U.S. investors can find current financial disclosure and Real-Time Level 2 quotes for the company on www.otcmarkets.com.

"We are pleased to see Yangtze River upgrade from our OTCQB Venture Market to the family of established, investor-focused companies on our OTCQX Market," said Jason Paltrowitz, Executive Vice President of Corporate Services at OTC Markets Group. "OTCQX provides a transparent, efficient trading market without incurring the high cost and complexity of a U.S. stock exchange listing. We look forward to supporting Yangtze River in its continued growth as a publicly-traded company."

"We appreciate the support of OTC Markets Group. As we progress towards the completion of our port logistics center, strategically positioned in the anticipated Pilot Free Trade Zone of the Wuhan Port  a crucial trading window amongst China, the Middle East and Europe  we believe that the move to their highest market tier, along with the associated increase in exposure, accessibility and transparency, will benefit all our shareholders" said Xiangyao Liu, CEO of Yangtze River Development Limited.

Lucosky Brookman LLP serves as Yangtze River Development Limited's OTCQX Advisor, responsible for providing professional guidance on OTCQX requirements and U.S. securities laws.

Yangtze River Development Limited is a Nevada corporation that operates through its wholly-owned subsidiary Wuhan Yangtze River Newport Logistics Co., Ltd., a wholly foreign-owned enterprise formed under the laws of the People's Republic of China that primarily engages in the business of real estate and infrastructural development with a port logistics center located in Wuhan, Hubei Province of China. Situated in the middle reaches of the Yangtze River, Wuhan Newport focuses on a large infrastructure development project implemented under China's latest "One Belt One Road" initiative and is believed to be strategically positioned in the anticipated "Pilot Free Trade Zone" of the Wuhan Port, a crucial trading window among China, the Middle East and Europe.

About OTC Markets Group Inc.

OTC Markets Group Inc. (OTCQX: OTCM) operates the OTCQX Best Market, the OTCQB Venture Market, and the Pink Open Market for 10,000 U.S. and global securities. Through OTC Link ATS, we connect a diverse network of broker-dealers that provide liquidity and execution services. We enable investors to easily trade through the broker of their choice and empower companies to improve the quality of information available for investors.

To learn more about how we create better informed and more efficient markets, visit www.otcmarkets.com

OTC Link ATS is operated by OTC Link LLC, member FINRA/SIPC and SEC regulated ATS.

Subscribe to the OTC Markets RSS Feed

Media Contact:

OTC Markets Group Inc., +1 (212) 896-4428, [email protected]

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SOURCE OTC Markets Group Inc.

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HOUSTON, Nov. 18, 2016 /PRNewswire/ -- PennWell Corporation recently received multiple honors at the Business Marketing Association (BMA)  Houston Lantern Awards of Texas. The annual BMA Lantern Awards gala celebrates quality creative and strategic business-to-business communications, recognizing marketing excellence across various industries and categories.

Oil and Gas Journal was awarded top honors as the Lantern Award recipient in the Sales Enablement Tools category for the 2015 Media Kit  the only Lantern awarded in this category.

Among PennWell Corporation's Award of Excellence recipients, PennWell Marketing Solutions received recognition for "The Road to Demers" full page print ad campaign and the "NFPA" full page print ad. PennEnergy was awarded for their qualitative research project in the category of Market Research for their piece on "Adjusting Business Processes for Low Oil Prices". And lastly, the petroleum group accepted the Award of Excellence for the 2015 Offshore Technology Conference tradeshow booth in the category of Large Tradeshow Exhibit over 500 sq. ft.

About BMA

The BMA Lantern Awards is a competition open to all marketers and producers of business-to-business communications for industry or professional audiences. Competition entries are judged by B2B marketing professionals from fellow BMA chapters, nationwide and each entry is scored based on marketing objective, strategy, implementation, and performance.

About PennWell Corporation

Founded in 1910 in Tulsa, Oklahoma, PennWell Corporation is a privately held and highly diversified business-to-business media and marketing services company that provides quality content and integrated marketing solutions for the following industries: Oil & gas, electric power generation and delivery, hydropower, renewable energy, water and wastewater, lasers and optoelectronics, fiber-optics, cabling, broadband, aerospace electronics, LEDs and lighting, fire and emergency services, and dental. PennWell publishes over 130 print and online magazines and newsletters, conducts 50 conferences and exhibitions on six continents, and has an extensive offering of books, maps, websites, research and database services. In addition to PennWell's headquarters in Tulsa, Oklahoma, the Company has major offices in Nashua, New Hampshire; London, England; Houston, Texas; San Diego, California; Fairlawn, New Jersey; Moscow, Russia; Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, and Hong Kong, China. For additional information about PennWell, visit www.pennwell.com.

Contact:

Wendy Lissau, Marketing Director

PennWell Corporation

Email: [email protected]

Phone: 918.831.9793

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SOURCE PennWell Corporation

Related Links

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DALLAS, Nov. 17, 2016 /PRNewswire/ -- National residential mortgage lender PrimeLending, a PlainsCapital Company, announced today that it ranked No. 5 among the 30 large-company winners in The Dallas Morning News' 2016 Top 100 Places to Work competition. This is the fifth year in a row PrimeLending has earned a top ten ranking from their employees and The Dallas Morning News.

The ranking was announced at a luncheon honoring the awardees held at the Omni Dallas Hotel today.

"I am so grateful to our outstanding employees and The Dallas Morning News for honoring us as one of Dallas/Fort Worth's top workplaces for the fifth year in a row," says PrimeLending Chairman and CEO Todd Salmans. "We're all so proud of the PrimeLending culture and the way each member of our team embraces our shared commitment to integrity, teamwork and service beyond expectations. It's this spirit of One Team One Purpose that makes PrimeLending a truly exceptional company for our employees to call home."

Additionally, PrimeLending was ranked the 2nd Best Workplace in Financial Services and Insurance, 5th Best Workplace for Women, the 11th Best Workplace for Camaraderie and 9th Best Workplace for Generation X earlier this year by Great Place to Work*.

About PrimeLending - PrimeLending, a PlainsCapital Company, is a national residential mortgage originator. In the last four consecutive years, PrimeLending was listed as a top 10 mortgage lender in the nation in purchase units.** Offering fixed-rate, adjustable-rate, FHA, VA, USDA and jumbo home loans, refinancing and relocation programs, PrimeLending is authorized to make loans in 50 states and the District of Columbia. Founded in 1986, PrimeLending is a member of the Hilltop Holdings Inc. (NYSE: HTH) family of companies. More information at PrimeLending.com.

* As ranked in 2016 as part of PrimeLending's participation in the annual Great Place to Work Trust Index Employee Survey.

** Ranked by Marketrac for purchase units nationally for Jan.-Dec. 2012 - 2015.

 2016 PrimeLending a PlainsCapital Company (NMLS No.: 13649). Equal Housing Lender.

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SOURCE PrimeLending

Related Links

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"The addition of the VPL product lines to our pharmaceutical and nutritional portfolio is a natural fit as we continue to expand and grow," stated Donna Logan, Pegasus Laboratories' General Manager. "At PRN our goal is to serve veterinary niche markets and the underserved needs of the animal health community. With this acquisition we will be able to do this better than ever and for many years to come."

The purchase of VPL's animal health assets will include the following:

Duralactin 

Zentrol 

Vet-Kem  family of products

family of products Monomend  , Polymend  and Chromend  absorbable sutures

, Polymend and Chromend absorbable sutures NY-STA  and PRO-STA  non-absorbable sutures

and PRO-STA non-absorbable sutures Tissumend II absorbable tissue adhesive

Optima 365

It will also include a continued partnership with Becton, Dickinson & Company (BD) to represent their surgical and medical device brands in the veterinary market.

"The VPL and PRN Pharmacal product lines complement each other and position the combined businesses for strategic growth opportunities," stated Betsy Watkins, Senior Director VPL. "The VPL sales team and I look forward to being a part of the PRN Pharmacal team to continue supporting our customers and leverage the strengths of both brands for the on-going success of the business," Watkins continued.

"This bolstering of our portfolio puts PRN Pharmacal in a better position to continue serving the veterinary community," commented Corey Shigematsu, Director of Sales and Marketing. "PRN Pharmacal continues to be committed to its strategy of partnering with veterinarians as they serve pet owners and the human-companion animal bond."

About PRN Pharmacal

PRN Pharmacal, an employee-owned company, has been dedicated to developing specialized therapeutics that address the unmet, underserved, and overlooked needs of the veterinary medicine community since 1978. Our commitment: quality solutions  as needed, when needed. To learn more about PRN Pharmacal products, visit PRNPharmacal.com or call 1-800-874-9764.

Logo - http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20161117/440994LOGO

Logo - http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20161117/440992LOGO

SOURCE PRN Pharmacal
YAPHANK, N.Y., Nov. 18, 2016 /PRNewswire/ -- Progressive Green Solutions, Inc. (OTC: PGSC) (the "Company"), today announced an update of its recent accomplishments.

Conversion of Insider Debt to Common Stock

"We are excited to announce that two members of the Board of Directors of the Company agreed to convert loans previously extended by them to the Company into common stock of the Company," said Eugene Fernandez, President and a member of the Board of Directors of the Company. "Not only does this improve our balance sheet and reduce the amount of interest accrued on a quarterly basis, but this also sends a strong message that the Board of Directors believes in the future of the Company." The conversions were accomplished as follows:

On July 8, 2016 , Stonehenge Holdings, LLC ("Stonehenge"), an entity controlled by Anthony Williams , a member of the Company's Board of Directors, agreed to retire $128,348 of previously advanced debt to the Company plus accrued interest into 1,426,089 shares of the Common Stock of the Company. Additionally, on September 26, 2016 , Stonehenge agreed to convert $94,399 of previously advanced debt to the Company which includes accrued interest to the Company into 1,887,980 shares of the Common Stock of the Company.

, Stonehenge Holdings, LLC ("Stonehenge"), an entity controlled by , a member of the Company's Board of Directors, agreed to retire of previously advanced debt to the Company plus accrued interest into 1,426,089 shares of the Common Stock of the Company. Additionally, on , Stonehenge agreed to convert of previously advanced debt to the Company which includes accrued interest to the Company into 1,887,980 shares of the Common Stock of the Company. On September 26, 2016 , DGS Group LLC, an entity controlled by Eugene Fernandez , the Company's President and a member of the Board of Directors, agreed to convert $600,000 of debt into 12,000,000 shares of the Common Stock of the Company.

Acquisition of Highland Sand & Gravel, Inc.

On October 12, 2016, Speyside Holdings LLC ("Speyside") completed the acquisition of the assets of Highland Sand & Gravel, Inc., a crushed aggregate quarry located in Highland Mills, New York. Since April 2015, Speyside has managed Highland Sand & Gravel, Inc.'s quarry pursuant to a management agreement.

"The acquisition of the assets of Highland Sand & Gravel, Inc. is directly aligned with our strategic objectives to expand into the crushed aggregates market," said Eugene Fernandez, President and a member of the Board of Directors of the Company. "The Highland Mills quarry is one of those rare gems as the quarry has a long useful life and it is near the robust New York Metropolitan markets." The acquisition of the assets of Highland Sand & Gravel, Inc. and its related operations were accomplished as follows:

On October 6, 2016 , CEM III LLC ("CEM") an entity that the Company indirectly owns twenty-six percent of acquired approximately 30 acres of real property in Highland Mills, New York to be used in conjunction with Speyside's operation of the Highland Mills quarry.

, CEM III LLC ("CEM") an entity that the Company indirectly owns twenty-six percent of acquired approximately 30 acres of real property in to be used in conjunction with Speyside's operation of the quarry. On October 12, 2016 , Speyside, Speyside Holdings II LLC, and BCM Speyside, LLC acquired the assets of Highland Sand & Gravel, Inc.

, Speyside, Speyside Holdings II LLC, and BCM Speyside, LLC acquired the assets of Highland Sand & Gravel, Inc. On October 12, 2016 , in connection with the acquisition of the assets of Highland Sand & Gravel, Inc., the Company's direct interest in Speyside and indirect interest in CEM was reduced to fifty-one percent and twenty-six percent respectively.

Reconditioning Services Agreement

On October 13, 2016, the Company's wholly owned subsidiary, Green Remanufacturing Solutions LLC ("GRS"), entered a return center services agreement with Fagor America, Inc. ("Fagor"), Spain's largest consumer appliance company and the fifth largest electrical appliance company in Europe. "The addition of the service agreement with Fagor is directly aligned with our strategic objectives to pivot GRS' business model," said Eugene Fernandez, President and a member of the Board of Directors of the Company. "This is another step forward for GRS as we continue to expand into the consumer returns reconditioning industry."

Forward Looking Statements

Statements in this document contain certain forward-looking statements within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933 and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended. These statements are based on many assumptions and estimates and are not guarantees of future performance. These statements may involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors which may cause the actual results, performance or achievements of Progressive Green Solutions, Inc. to be materially different from future results, performance or achievements expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements. Progressive Green Solutions, Inc. assumes no obligation to publicly update or revise these forward-looking statements for any reason, or to update the reasons actual results could differ materially from those anticipated in these forward-looking statements, even if new information becomes available in the future. Our actual results may differ materially from the results anticipated in these forward-looking statements due to a variety of factors, including, without limitation those set forth as "Risk Factors" in our filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission ("SEC"). There may be other factors not mentioned above or included in the Company's SEC filings that may cause actual results to differ materially from those projected in any forward-looking statement. Progressive Green Solutions, Inc. assumes no obligation to update any forward-looking statements as a result of new information, future events or developments, except as required by securities laws.

SOURCE Progressive Green Solutions, Inc.
Foster's breadth of experience and expertise in the search industry will play a critical role, as Quixey leads the evolution from searching for information on the web and getting blue links to now finding actions in apps, called Deep Search. In his role at Quixey, Foster will have a strong focus on market penetration and business development.

"Quixey sits at the forefront of mobile search -- an interesting and challenging market to lead," said Foster. "Quixey's technology is leading edge and ready for prime time. With the rise of intelligent voice platforms, connected home devices, bots, etc., we're seeing search queries proliferate across new ecosystems. Many of these queries reflect people looking to take an action, like play music or book a ride. Quixey is one of the few companies able to fulfill these queries, connecting people to actions. I look forward to working with the team to accelerate this search product to market."

"I fully support John's commitment to taking us into our next phase of growth and look forward to working alongside him to drive our latest technology to market," said Tomer Kagan, founder of Quixey. "John is a true leader with an exceptional track record and we are enthused to have him working with us."

Quixey's beta mobile search app is available in the Google Play Store and can be downloaded at https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.quixey.android.search&hl=en.

Foster is a senior technology industry executive with a proven track record of strategic leadership and execution. Previously, Foster was president & regional director of Zed USA where he led a strategic reboot for the US & global business to address the disruptive technology shift to smartphones. Past roles include the highly successful turnaround of InfoSpace, Inc., where he was responsible for corporate strategy and mergers and acquisition activities, leading the company through a strategic transformation that resulted in InfoSpace becoming the largest North American mobile content provider as well as a leading player in online local search. Prior to InfoSpace, Foster was general manager of business development of RealNetworks, building strategic partnerships to establish Real's streaming media platform as the industry standard. Prior to RealNetworks, Foster was vice president of business development for NextLink Communications, a CLEC backed by Craig McCaw, driving the company's growth from privately held start-up to IPO. His career also includes positions as chief financial officer of Dillon Read Venture Capital and as a consultant with Price Waterhouse. Foster has a BA in English from the University of California at Berkeley and an MBA from the Stanford Graduate School of Business.

About Quixey

Quixey is the pioneer of deep mobile search. The company connects you to instant actions within apps, like booking a hotel or ordering a ride, so you can do what you want to do quickly. Now that the search industry is fragmented with queries coming from various platforms and not just the web, Quixey is the execution layer that sits behind these platforms and solves the problem of how to best fulfill the query.

For more information about Quixey, please visit quixey.com.

Media Contact:

Scott Samson

VP, Marketing and Communications

Quixey

415-781-9005

[email protected]

Video - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=U_MpqjP9Ois&feature=youtu.be

Photo - http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20161118/441297

SOURCE Quixey

Related Links

https://www.quixey.com


"These rewarding, high technology jobs will support Raytheon's growth and bring even more top talent to this region," said Dr. Taylor W. Lawrence, Raytheon Missile Systems president. "The strong support we receive from state and local organizations is essential to our expansion plans, and will help provide Raytheon with the workforce and infrastructure to meet the growing demand we are seeing from our customers."

The company's decision to expand here validates Southern Arizona's strengths in innovation, technology and quality as a community to attract and retain talent. State, regional and local partners are working with Raytheon to demonstrate that Arizona has the partnerships, infrastructure and workforce to meet the company's long-term growth needs.

Partners in the expansion initiative include Arizona Governor Doug Ducey, Arizona Commerce Authority, Pima County, City of Tucson, Sun Corridor Inc., Tucson Electric Power and the Tucson Airport Authority.

State of Arizona

"With an existing workforce of 10,000 people and a network of over 500 suppliers in Arizona, Raytheon is the largest private employer in Southern Arizona and has an incredibly positive economic impact throughout our state," said Governor Ducey. "Increasing Raytheon's infrastructure and job growth in Arizona is a major win for all of us, and the result of strong partnerships statewide."

City of Tucson

"Raytheon's decision to annex into the city gave them the tools and opportunity to stay and grow in Tucson. Management saw that being part of Tucson made good business sense," said Mayor Jonathan Rothschild, City of Tucson. "We're very pleased that Raytheon has chosen to expand its operations in Tucson."

Pima County

"Pima County is thrilled to support the addition of 2,000 Raytheon jobs here in Southern Arizona," said Sharon Bronson, chair, Pima County Board of Supervisors. "In recent years, the County has made several key transportation/infrastructure investments near Raytheon to support potential expansions such as this one today, including the Raytheon buffer zone; creation of the Aerospace, Defense & Technology Research and Business Park; and rerouting Hughes Access Road to create the new Aerospace Parkway."

Sun Corridor Inc.

"The impact of adding nearly 2,000 jobs and significant investment by our region's largest private employer cannot be overstated," said Joe Snell, president & CEO, Sun Corridor Inc. "Raytheon's decision comes on the heels of other relocations and expansions in the last few years by Caterpillar, HomeGoods and Comcast among others. Southern Arizona is now at the top of national job growth rankings, making us a region on the move."

Arizona Commerce Authority

"Raytheon's decision to expand its operations in Tucson is excellent news not only for the region, but for our entire state's economy," said Sandra Watson, President & CEO, Arizona Commerce Authority. "Following a competitive search process, Arizona's pro-business policies, exceptional talent and strategic location won out. This project will create a significant number of high-wage jobs, adding to the already strong momentum in Southern Arizona."

About Raytheon

Raytheon Company, with 2015 sales of $23 billion and 61,000 employees, is a technology and innovation leader specializing in defense, civil government and cybersecurity solutions. With a history of innovation spanning 94 years, Raytheon provides state-of-the-art electronics, mission systems integration, C5I products and services, sensing, effects, and mission support for customers in more than 80 countries. Raytheon is headquartered in Waltham, Massachusetts. Follow us on Twitter.

Raytheon Company

Missile Systems

Tucson, Ariz.

Media Contact

John B. Patterson

+1.520.794.4559

[email protected]

Photo - http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20161117/441003

SOURCE Raytheon Company

Related Links

http://www.raytheon.com


LOUISVILLE, Ky., Nov. 18, 2016 /PRNewswire/ -- Whiskey aficionados should mark their calendars for Dec. 9 for the opportunity to purchase a one-of-a-kind collectable piece of Kentucky bourbon history when the only known barrel of Blade and Bow 24-Year-Old Whiskey will go up for auction through Christie's Auction House. The barrel was distilled and aged at The Stitzel-Weller Distillery outside of Louisville, famous for producing some of the most sought after whiskeys in the world. All proceeds from the sale will benefit Robin Hood, New York's largest poverty-fighting organization.

Blade and Bow 24-Year-Old Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey from legendary Stitzel-Weller Distillery to be auctioned off Dec. 9 with all proceeds benefitting non-profit Robin Hood, New York's largest poverty fighting organization. Blade and Bow 24-Year-Old Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey from legendary Stitzel-Weller Distillery to be auctioned off Dec. 9 with all proceeds benefitting non-profit Robin Hood, New York's largest poverty fighting organization.

Blade and Bow 24-Year-Old contains bourbon distilled at The Stitzel-Weller Distillery before its shut down in 1992. This rare 24-Year-Old whiskey was barreled on Nov. 22, 1991 and is 93.4 proof. This fine spirit begins with notes of well-aged cedar, campfire and soft leather. The finish includes sweet notes of vanilla bean, light caramel and raisin. A precious 34 bottles of Blade and Bow 24-Year have been waiting years to be enjoyed, so it's important to sip slowly and responsibly. The lot up for auction contains all 34 750 ml. bottles, artfully displayed in beautiful Blade and Bow bottles, as well as the barrel the bourbon was aged in. Blade and Bow donated the complete lot to nonprofit Robin Hood, who has consigned the auction and will receive all proceeds.

Adult bourbon aficionados wishing to participate in the auction can attend in person at Christie's New York Auction House located at 20 Rockefeller Plaza or make bids online or via telephone. The auction will begin at 10 a.m. on Dec. 9. Those unable to attend in person can visit the Christie's website for more information, to register in advance of the auction or bid in advance through absentee ballot. More details on registration and bidding are here. Learn more about Robin Hood and their programs here.

"Stitzel-Weller is a Cathedral of Bourbon where some of the country's most respected bourbons were distilled and aged," said Brand Director Jeff Parrott. "This lone barrel of Blade and Bow 24-Year-Old contained whiskey distilled by the many legends who have called Stitzel-Weller home. We think it's a great opportunity to share a piece of bourbon history with our fans. We're thrilled the proceeds will be going to such a noble cause of community building, benefitting New Yorkers in need."

"This is a chance to own your very own barrel of bourbon heritage," said Noah May Christie's Wine Specialist. "Blade and Bow 24-Year-Old is a complement to our rare offerings and we're honored to be a part of history in the making."

About Blade and Bow

Blade and Bow pays homage to the artful passion and renowned craftsmanship of the legendary Stitzel-Weller Distillery in Louisville, Kentucky. Blade and Bow whiskey's two flagship variants are, Blade and Bow Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey and Blade and Bow 22-Year-Old Limited Release Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey. Blade and Bow seeks to continue the story of Stitzel-Weller by providing whiskey aficionados with an inspired piece of Kentucky history.

About Diageo

Diageo is a global leader in beverage alcohol with an outstanding collection of brands including Johnnie Walker, Crown Royal, Bulleit and Buchanan's whiskies, Smirnoff, Ciroc and Ketel One vodkas, Captain Morgan, Baileys, Don Julio, Tanqueray and Guinness.

Diageo is listed on both the New York Stock Exchange (DEO) and the London Stock Exchange (DGE) and our products are sold in more than 180 countries around the world.

For more information about Diageo, our people, our brands, and performance, visit us at www.diageo.com. Visit Diageo's global responsible drinking resource, www.DRINKiQ.com, for information, initiatives, and ways to share best practice.

Follow us on Twitter for news and information about Diageo North America: @Diageo_NA.

Celebrating life, every day, everywhere.

About Christie's

Christie's, the world's leading art business, had global auction, private and digital sales in 2015 that totalled 4.8 billion / $7.4 billion. Christie's is a name and place that speaks of extraordinary art, unparalleled service and expertise, as well as international glamour. 2016 marks Christie's 250th anniversary. Founded in 1766 by James Christie, Christie's has since conducted the greatest and most celebrated auctions through the centuries providing a popular showcase for the unique and the beautiful. Christie's offers around 350 auctions annually in over 80 categories, including all areas of fine and decorative arts, jewellery, photographs, collectibles, wine, and more. Prices range from $200 to over $100 million. Christie's also has a long and successful history conducting private sales for its clients in all categories, with emphasis on Post-War & Contemporary, Impressionist & Modern, Old Masters and Jewellery.

Christie's has a global presence with 54 offices in 32 countries and 12 salerooms around the world including in London, New York, Paris, Geneva, Milan, Amsterdam, Dubai, Zurich, Hong Kong, Shanghai, and Mumbai. More recently, Christie's has led the market with expanded initiatives in growth markets such as Russia, China, India and the United Arab Emirates, with successful sales and exhibitions in Beijing, Mumbai and Dubai.

Photo - http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20161118/441190

Photo - http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20161118/441189

SOURCE Blade and Bow

Related Links

http://www.diageo.com


25 medical professionals from the USA (George Washington University School of Nursing), South Korea (Pusan National University Yangsan Hospital) and Haiti (The Vision Plus Eye Clinic in Cap Haitian) spent the week treating local residents at the Sae-A supported, S&H Primary School, while the students were on fall break. The classrooms are converted into temporary medical treatment rooms. Sae-A provided transportation to area residents who needed care, but were unable to reach the school.

The team of 25 medical professionals bring a wide variety of expertise across multiple disciplines including pediatrics, obstetrics, otolaryngology, urology, dermatology, pain management, ophthalmology and family medicine. Special attention is paid to mothers-to-be, infants and children who are not only screened for diseases, but also provided wellness examinations and health information on issues ranging from disease prevention to nutrition.

The mission's goal is to both to provide best-in-class care to clinic patients, as well as help educate the community about best practices in hygiene to help prevent future diseases. A main focus of the educational programming, done in cooperation with local community hospitals, was the prevention and treatment of cholera and other infectious diseases that are present in the region.

For the third time, ophthalmology has been one of the services provided. Vision Plus, based in Cap Haitian, conducted vision examinations on nearly 600 residents providing those with vision problems prescription corrective glasses as well as to provide treatment and screening for disorders that include dry eye, allergic conjunctivitis, eye trauma, infections, glaucoma and cataracts.

"Sae-A is always working to be a beneficial member of the community," said Sae-A's Chairman Woong-Ki Kim. "Our goal through the medical mission is to provide primary health care services, screening and health education for as many adults and children in the communities around the Caracol Industrial Park. We are particularly happy to have partners from Korea, the United States and Haiti join us on our fourth medical mission since 2012. We are grateful to our neighbors for their gracious welcome and remain committed to their well-being. We are particularly proud that any additional supplies from the medical mission will be provided to the Government of Haiti to help treat victims of Hurricane Matthew."

About Sae-A's Community Engagement in Haiti

Sae-A, which marked its 30th year of operations earlier this year, regularly invests in various CSR programs in support of the communities in the areas where it operates. From supporting relief efforts to providing medical treatment to educating more than 400 local students, Sae-A takes its role in the community extremely seriously.

Sae-A invested in and fully funds the operation of the S&H Primary School in a neighborhood near the Industrial Park. The S&H Primary School which provides a best-in-class (free) education to nearly 400 students. The school is led by a team of experienced local and international educators and includes a multi-lingual curriculum and leverages technology to create the best learning experience possible. Sae-A collaborated with the Government of Haiti, the Korea International Cooperation Agency, and local stakeholders to ensure national requirements would be met.

The S&H Secondary School opened this past September which allows the graduates from the Primary School to continue receiving the same quality education without interruption. Each year the school will grow with its senior-most class through the completion of 12th grade essentially doubling enrollment.

Moreover, S&H School's impact on the community goes beyond the class day. It will serve the Caracol-EKAM area by acting as a community center and hosting social events, and provide opportunities for area residents to participate in English and other adult education classes and activities that promote the concept that education begins at home and the community is an extension of the classroom.

For more information on Sae-A's social responsibility programs and initiatives in Haiti, please visit: www.sae-a.com.

About Sae-A Trading Co., Ltd

Established in 1986, Sae-A Trading Co., Ltd is one of the world's largest apparel manufacturing companies employing over 60,000 associates throughout Southeast Asia, Central America and the Caribbean with exports of apparel and textiles exceeding $1.6 billion dollars.

Media Contacts:

Karen Seo

Sae-A Trading Co., Ltd.

Tel: +82 2 6252 7051

Mobile: +82 10 5790 3316

Email: [email protected]

Rafael Kim

Sae-A Trading Co., Ltd.

Tel: +82 2 6252 7756

Mobile: +82 10 9305 0915

Email: [email protected]

Photo - http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20161116/440014

Photo - http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20161116/440015

Photo - http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20161116/440016

SOURCE Global Sae-A Co., Ltd.
SAN SEBASTIAN, Spain, Nov. 18, 2016 /PRNewswire/ -- Sartori Company continued its international winning streak, earning 17 accolades at the highly acclaimed World Cheese Awards. Top honors were presented to Black Pepper BellaVitano, Merlot BellaVitano and Balsamic BellaVitano.

No newcomer to world competitions, Black Pepper BellaVitano was again admired by the judges for its complexity of flavor, balancing the creamy nuttiness of the cheese with a pleasant kick of fresh-cracked pepper. This year, Black Pepper BellaVitano was honored with a gold medal while both Merlot BellaVitano and Balsamic BellaVitano were praised with silver medals. "There's a real artistry to our cheese," said Mike Matucheski, one of the Master Cheesemakers at Sartori. "Whether the wheel is hand-rubbed with spices or soaked in 6-year-old Italian balsamic vinegar, it takes a lot of dedicated people to make an award-winning BellaVitano."

More than 3,000 cheeses from 31 different countries were entered into the 29th annual World Cheese Awards. The competition attracted not only the best cheesemakers, but also a distinguished pool of judges stemming from more than two dozen countries.

Considering the level of competition at the World Cheese Awards, Sartori is both honored and humbled by the accomplishments. "Our successes are a testament to the many talents of our Team Members," said Jeff Schwager, president of Sartori. "The hard work and craftsmanship of our Family Farms, Cheesemakers and Team Members are what makes Sartori cheese truly special."

Black Pepper BellaVitano, Merlot BellaVitano, Balsamic BellaVitano and other Sartori award winners can be purchased in stores or online at http://shop.sartoricheese.com/.

About Sartori

Sartori, a fourth-generation family owned company, has proudly produced award-winning, artisan cheese for customers worldwide since 1939. Rooted in Plymouth, Wisconsin, Sartori's emphasis on a high-quality and handcrafted approach to cheesemaking is a timeless family tradition. For more information, please visit www.sartoricheese.com or call at 800-558-5888.

Logo - http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20110615/CG20898LOGO

SOURCE Sartori Company

Related Links

http://www.sartoricheese.com


DALLAS, Nov. 18, 2016 /PRNewswire/ -- Securus Technologies, a leading provider of civil and criminal justice technology solutions for public safety, investigation, corrections and monitoring, announced today that it has offered a challenge to a smaller competitor, ICSolutions, to have an independent technology judge determine who has the largest and best product set, the most modern high tech/sophisticated telephone calling platform, and the best customer service.

"ICSolutions may tell customers that they do most of what we do  which clearly is not the case  far from it," said Richard A. ("Rick") Smith, Chief Executive Officer at Securus Technologies. "So  I make an offer of having an independent judge evaluate both product sets, both calling platforms, both patent portfolios, and both customer service models  it really isn't a fair comparison to ICSolutions because of what we have invested here at Securus in the last four (4) years. We have invested over $670 million back in our business including the acquisition of companies, technologies, partnerships, and product development along with a state of the art Technology Center and US customer service center, while ICSolutions has invested less than 10% of what we have in the inmate communications/product sector."

"We know ICSolutions' technology platforms because we used to use older, less efficient, less feature-rich, premise-based systems, we used to have a very small centralized platform and have these comments when comparing the two (2) companies' technologies and operating platforms:

Securus owns a larger high-tech product set of useful services for the corrections sector;

Securus has its own domestic based, 225 seat call center staffed by Securus employees;

Securus has created the largest Voice Over Internet Protocol Corrections calling platform in the world. This VOIP Platform provides facility customers with routine software upgrades that enable new products/services to be seamlessly distributed to customers at a lower cost and much quicker;

Of the facility customers that have converted to Securus  many have indicated that Securus' technology, product set, and customer service are superior to that offered by anyone in the sector. This is straight from customers who have direct knowledge of multiple platforms."

ICS can't match what we have built and acquired here with these technological capabilities:

Securus Calling Platform (SCP)  Single State of the Art Inmate Calling Platform, Largest Scale in the World

Primonics  Video Visitation

DirectHit  Data Analytics

CellBlox  Managed Access Systems

Vanu Tactical  Managed Access Systems

Location Based Services (LBS)

Text to Connect  Payment Facilitation

Full Continuum of Voice Biometrics Applications

Archonix/Pamet  Jail Management Systems

JPay  Media, Communications, and Money Transfer Services

Inmate Tablet Applications

S-Phone  Cottonwood Creek

JobView  Securing Inmate Jobs

Satellite Tracking of People  Parolee Monitoring

GSSC Full Service STOP Operation

Inmate Inter-Communication Evaluation and Reporting

Company Owned, 225 Seat, Domestic Call Center

Securus Patent Portfolio  Largest in the Industry

Cara Clinicals  Electronic Medical Records

Guarded Exchange  Outsources Investigations and Forensics

And many more.

"We have talked with customers that have multiple carriers and converted to Securus  and their message is clear  they prefer Securus' technology, customer service, and economics," said Smith.

"So my offer to ICSolutions is  will you take the technology challenge bake off? It's almost a rhetorical question  if I was them  I would politely decline that offer. They should be scared to death of comparing technologies, calling platforms, and product capabilities," Smith stated.

ABOUT SECURUS TECHNOLOGIES

Headquartered in Dallas, Texas, and serving more than 3,450 public safety, law enforcement and corrections agencies and over 1,200,000 inmates across North America, Securus Technologies is committed to serve and connect by providing emergency response, incident management, public information, investigation, biometric analysis, communication, information management, inmate self-service, and monitoring products and services in order to make our world a safer place to live. Securus Technologies focuses on connecting what matters. To learn more about our full suite of civil and criminal justice technology solutions, please visit SecurusTechnologies.com.

Logo - http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20100831/DA57799LOGO

SOURCE Securus Technologies, Inc.

Related Links

http://www.securustechnologies.com


NEW YORK, Nov. 18, 2016 /PRNewswire/ -- Nadeem Faruqi, founding partner at Faruqi & Faruqi, LLP, a leading national securities firm headquartered in New York City, is investigating the Board of Directors of Universal American Corp. ("Universal American" or the "Company") (NYSE:UAM) for potential breaches of fiduciary duties in connection with the sale of the Company to WellCare Health Plans, Inc. for approximately $600 million. The Company's stockholders will only receive $10.00 in cash for each share of Company common stock they own.

Click here for more information: www.faruqilaw.com/UAM. There is no cost or obligation to you.

The investigation focuses on whether Universal American's Board of Directors breached their fiduciary duties to the Company's stockholders by failing to conduct a fair sales process and whether and by how much this proposed transaction undervalues the Company to the detriment of Universal American's shareholders.

Faruqi & Faruqi, LLP is a national law firm which represents investors and individuals in class action litigation. The firm is focused on providing exemplary legal services in complex litigation in the areas of securities, shareholder, antitrust and consumer litigation, throughout all phases of litigation. The firm has an experienced trial team which has achieved significant victories on behalf of the firm's clients. To keep track of the latest securities litigation news, follow us on Twitter at www.twitter.com/MergerActivity or on Facebook at www.facebook.com/FaruqiLaw.

Faruqi & Faruqi, LLP is working together in this investigation with Juan E. Monteverde from Monteverde & Associates PC.

If you own common stock in Universal American and wish to obtain additional information and protect your investments free of charge, please visit us at www.faruqilaw.com/UAM or contact Nadeem Faruqi, Esq. either via e-mail at [email protected] or by telephone at (877) 247-4292 or (212) 983-9330. You may also contact Juan E. Monteverde, Esq. either via email at [email protected] or by telephone at (212) 971-1341.

Contact:

Faruqi & Faruqi, LLP

685 Third Avenue, 26th Floor

New York, NY 10017

Attn: Nadeem Faruqi, Esq.

[email protected]

Toll Free: (877) 247-4292

Phone: (212) 983-9330

Attorney Advertising. (C) 2016 Faruqi & Faruqi, LLP. The law firm responsible for this advertisement is Faruqi & Faruqi, LLP (www.faruqilaw.com). Prior results do not guarantee or predict a similar outcome with respect to any future matter. We are happy to discuss your particular case.

Logo - http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20120119/MM38856LOGO

SOURCE Faruqi & Faruqi, LLP

Related Links

http://www.faruqilaw.com


Airbnb announced a new product on Thursday, which CEO Brian Chesky said is the future of his company, Vanity Fair first reported.

Airbnb Trips launched in November and "offers travelers a series of excursions and adventures. The move pushes Airbnb well past its couch-surfing origins," Vanity Fair said.



The first batch of Airbnb Trips, the publication reports, will include lessons from a samurai master in Japan, training with long-distance runners in Kenya, and surfing with a local pro in Malibu, California.



The company's chief executive has spent two years developing the idea, which could grow to eventually allow individuals to sell all sorts of services and ultimately even put it in competition with other sharing economy services, such as Uber or Lyft.

"If we don't grow past what we originally invented, what led to your success leads to your death," Chesky told the magazine.



Read the full Vanity Fair article here.





More From CNBC


LABEGE, France, November 18, 2016 /PRNewswire/ --

Sigfox, the world's leading provider of connectivity for the Internet of Things (IoT), today announced it is closing its Series E funding round of 150 million to accelerate the expansion of its global network and soon reach worldwide coverage.

Salesforce, Total, Henri Seydoux, Alto Invest, Swen CP and Tamer Group will join Sigfox as new investors. Existing shareholders including Bpifrance, Elliott, Intel Capital, Air Liquide, Idinvest Partners and IXO, will also re-invest in the company. Additional new investors are also expected to join this financing round shortly to reach the 150 million level.

The IoT space opens up new and exciting opportunities by connecting the physical world to the Internet. With its global network, Sigfox gives a voice to billions of objects, allowing them to play a pivotal role in our social and economic development.

In just five years, Sigfox has built a unique global wireless network that provides a simple, efficient connectivity solution, enabling devices to connect to the cloud at ultra low-cost and using minimal energy. No other network than Sigfox's has a worldwide footprint and can claim to connect fully autonomous energy harvesting objects. Thanks to Sigfox, every object will connect to the cloud at minimal cost, by relying only on the surrounding energy sources. This promise, along with the significant developments made by the company over the past 18 months, have contributed to the successful closing of this round of funding.

With more than 10 million objects registered on its network and coverage currently spanning 26 countries, Sigfox is reinforcing its position as a global leader in the IoT space. This new round of funding will enable the company to expand its international network to 60 countries by 2018 and reach financial breakeven point.

The company sees Industry 4.0 as one of the main growth paths driving the development of the IoT. The need for predictive maintenance as well as the continued evolution of its business model towards more services could be some of the reasons behind Total's decision to join other shareholders supporting Sigfox's international development.

"We are happy to accompany the development of Sigfox because the technology it offers can be decisive to accelerate the deployment of the Internet of things. It is their advance acquired on the market in a short time and their capacity to accelerate the deployment of large-scale IoT solutions that motivated our investment", commented Patrick Pouyanne, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Total. "This type of solution will improve the performance and operational safety of industrial activities, reduce operating costs, but also be used to serve customers "

Another key opportunity is the optimisation of industrial processes leveraging big data. For this reason, Sigfox plans to integrate with Salesforce's IoT Cloud, unlocking insights from the connected world that empower any business to take the right action, for the right customer, at the right time across global consumer and business use cases. By connecting billions of objects and events, Sigfox and Salesforce IoT Cloud can facilitate deep and meaningful customer experiences via its global, homogenous and scalable network.

Intel Capital, Idinvest Partners and IXO PE, which are historical shareholders of Sigfox, actively participated in this round.

"We strongly believe that Sigfox has unlocked the IoT connectivity bottleneck and will bring billions of objects online in the near future. Its cost effective, easy to use, open platform solution is set to become the standard for low power object connectivity, bringing massive productivity gains to the corporate world and everyday benefits to end customers", said Franck Tuil, Elliott's Senior Portfolio Manager.

"I created Parrot 22 years ago, and I know how much it takes to carry out ambitious projects on a large scale. I am impressed by the huge progress made by Sigfox over the last three years I have spent as a member of Sigfox's board of directors. I am now convinced of the colossal growth potential of the market Sigfox successfully addresses. Alongside the financial investment I am making today in the company, I am willing to provide Sigfox's management with my support as an entrepreneur", said Henri Seydoux, CEO of Parrot.

"The Internet of Things is one of the next big transformational technologies, and we are proud to support Sigfox as the infrastructure leader. We are pleased to see a strong startup ecosystem being built around this world-class technology.", said Paul Francois Fournier, Executive Director of Bpifrance.

Commenting on the announcement, Xavier Drilhon, deputy CEO of Sigfox said, "I joined Sigfox 18 months ago because of the incredibly powerful vision of its founders and the unique positioning of the company as a fundamental enabler of the IoT revolution. Our rapid international expansion made possible thanks to the support of our local operators, as well as the growth of our ecosystem, were key to securing this new fundraising. This will allow the company to accelerate the deployment of its network from 26 countries today to over 60 within the next two years, representing 90 per cent of the worldwide GDP."

"When we met in 2010, we agreed that Sigfox could change the world by bringing the virtual and physical worlds together through a new paradigm based on the fundamental principles of astrophysics. Today, we have created the equivalent of the world's largest radio telescope for IoT. Our network is able to connect hundreds of billions of objects to the Internet through advanced radio techniques." said Ludovic Le Moan and Christophe Fourtet, co-founders of Sigfox.

The round comprises a "greenshoe" that will allow new strategic and financial partners to join the share capital of Sigfox shortly.

Lazard and Goldman Sachs acted as financial advisors to Sigfox, with Skadden acting as legal advisor and Callisto acting as financial advisors to the management.

Sigfox pictures are available here

About Sigfox

Sigfox is the world's leading provider of connectivity for the Internet of Things (IoT). The company has built a global network to connect billions of devices to the Internet while consuming as little energy as possible, as simply as possible.

Sigfox's unique approach to device-to-cloud communications addresses the three greatest barriers to global IoT adoption: cost, energy consumption, and global scalability. Today, the network is present in 26 countries and on track to cover 60 by 2018 - covering a population of 397 million people. With millions of objects connected and a rapidly growing partner ecosystem, Sigfox empowers companies to create new innovations on the IoT. Founded in 2010 by Ludovic Le Moan and Christophe Fourtet, the company is headquartered in Labege near Toulouse, France's "IoT Valley". Sigfox also has offices in Paris, Madrid, Munich, Boston, San Francisco, Dubai and Singapore.

For more information, see http://www.sigfox.com and follow us on Twitter, Facebook and Youtube

About Total Energy Ventures

Total Energy Ventures is Total's venture capital arm for investing in energy start-ups. Its investments support the development of innovative businesses in areas such as renewable energies, energy efficiency, energy storage, digital energy and sustainable transportation

About ALIAD

Created in 2013, Air Liquide Venture Capital, ALIAD, is the Air Liquide Group's venture capital investor. ALIAD's role is to take minority stakes in innovative technology start-ups. Thanks to its customer knowledge and its industrial and technological expertise, ALIAD supports the growth of innovative startups for the future of technologies. Its involvement is illustrated by R&D and business privileged agreements between the startups and the Group's other entities.

For more information, see http://www.airliquide.com/connected-innovation/aliad-venture-capital

About Alto Invest

Alto Invest is a capital management company investing primarily in small and mid-sized fast-growing companies. Alto Invest's team is highly experienced in managing private equity portfolios on behalf of institutional and private clients, and it made more than 90 private equity investments in Europe. Alto Invest is fully approved by the French financial authorities (Autorite des Marches Financiers) and is an active member of the French Asset Management Association (Association Francaise de la Gestion Financiere).

For more information, see http://www.altoinvest.fr

About Bpifrance

Equity investment are operated by Bpifrance Investissement. Bpifrance, a subsidiary of the French state and the Caisse des Depots and the entrepreneurs' trusted partner, finances businesses from the seed phase to IPO, through loans, guarantees and equity investments. Bpifrance also provides operational services and strong support for innovation, export, and external growth in partnership with Business France and Coface. Bpifrance offers to businesses a large range of financing opportunities at each key step of their development, including offers adapted to regional specificities. With its 47 regional offices (90% of decisions are made locally) Bpifrance represents a strategic tool for economic competitiveness dedicated to entrepreneurs. Bpifrance acts as a back-up for initiatives driven by the French State and the Regions to tackle 3 goals:

Contributing to SME's growth

Preparing tomorrow's competitiveness

Contributing to the development of a positive entrepreneur ecosystem

With Bpifrance, businesses benefit from a powerful, efficient and close representative, to answer all their needs in terms of financing, innovation and investment.

For more information, see http://www.bpifrance.fr and follow us on Twitter @bpifrance.

About Elliott Management Corporation

Elliott Management Corporation is an investment firm founded in 1977 that today manages approximately $29 billion of capital for both institutional and individual investors. Elliott is a multi-strategy firm with offices in New York, London, Hong Kong, Tokyo and Menlo Park active in debt, equities, commodities, currencies and various other asset classes across a range of industries. The firm's principal objective is to generate a return which is as high as is consistent with a goal of minimizing losses during adverse financial market periods.

For more information, see http://www.elliottmgmt.com.

About Idinvest Partners

With more than 7 billion under management and 80 people, Idinvest Partners is a leading pan-European manager focused on the middle market segment. Idinvest Partners has developed several complementary areas of expertise including investments in innovative European start-ups, primary, secondary and mezzanine investments in European non-listed companies, and private equity consulting. Founded under the name AGF Private Equity in 1997, Idinvest Partners was formerly part of the Allianz group until 2010 when it became independent.

For more information, see http://www.idinvest.com.

About Intel Capital

Intel Capital, Intel's strategic investment and M&A organization, backs innovative startups targeting computing and smart devices, cloud, datacenter, security, the Internet of Things, wearable and robotic technologies and semiconductor manufacturing. Since 1991, Intel Capital has invested US$11.8 billion in 1,470 companies worldwide, and 617 portfolio companies have gone public or been acquired. Through its business development programs, Intel Capital curates thousands of introductions each year between its portfolio executives and Intel's customers and partners in the Global 2000. For more information on what makes Intel Capital one of the world's most powerful venture capital firms, visit http://www.intelcapital.com or follow @Intelcapital.

About IXO Private Equity

IXO Private Equity is an independent company 100 % held by its management team. It manages an asset portfolio in capital-investment of 570m. Funds made out from type FIP/FCPI's public offer represent 220m. FPCI's funds (ex FCPR) mainly signed by institutional investors represent, as for them, 350m. Located in Toulouse, Marseille and Lyon, IXO Private Equity invests equity amounts between 1m and 15m per project in PME located in the South of France (South-East - South-West).

For more information, see http://www.ixope.fr

About Salesforce Ventures

Salesforce Ventures-Salesforce's corporate investment group-invests in the next generation of enterprise technology to help companies connect with their customers in entirely new ways. Portfolio companies receive funding as well as access to the world's largest cloud ecosystem and the guidance of Salesforce's innovators and executives. With Salesforce Ventures, portfolio companies can also leverage the expertise of the Salesforce Foundation to incorporate its 1-1-1 model of integrated philanthropy to make giving back part of their business model. Salesforce has invested in more than 150 enterprise cloud startups since 2009.

For more information, see http://www.salesforce.com/ventures

About Swen Capital Partners

Swen Capital Partners is an investment management company specialized in private equity, private infrastructure and private debt. With 3.2Bn under management, Swen Capital Partners provides:

a full range of investment programs for personal customers and institutions;

a real expertize to follow-up and monitor portfolios.

Swen Capital Partners is OFI's and Arkea Investment Services' subsidiary.

For more information, see http://www.swen-cp.fr

About Tamer Group

Tamer Group is a leading healthcare, beauty care, prestige products, and fast moving consumer goods company responding to the growing needs of the Saudi and Middle East communities. The Group's core activities are import, distribution, promotion, marketing and manufacturing.

Today, Tamer Group has established a special position in the Saudi marketplace, resulting from a unique approach to business, service and customer portfolio.

Headquartered in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, Tamer Group serves many of the world's leading companies through various agreements, partnerships, and joint ventures.

For more information, see http://www.tamergroup.com

Sigfox Contacts

Laurence Collet, media relations Sigfox

[email protected]

+33-7-86-27-36-43



Simon Chan, Edelman for Sigfox

[email protected]

+44(0)7875-198-091



SOURCE Sigfox
Maintenance trainer also helps fulfill Sikorsky's Industrial and Regional Benefits obligations for Canada's Maritime Helicopter Project

SASKATOON, Saskatchewan, Nov. 18, 2016 /PRNewswire/ -- Sikorsky, a Lockheed Martin company, and the Saskatchewan Indian Institute of Technologies (SIIT) today celebrated the transfer of an S-76A helicopter maintenance trainer to the Saskatchewan Aviation Learning Centre. Valued at CAD 1.3 million (USD 945,000), the non-flying, twin-engine helicopter with associated equipment and documentation provides an important learning tool for students pursuing a career in aviation maintenance.

Students enrolled in the Aircraft Maintenance Engineer program at the Saskatchewan Indian Institute of Technologies in Saskatoon, Canada have begun using a Sikorsky S-76A(TM) maintenance trainer as a hands-on training aid. Students will gain early first-hand knowledge of the inspection, maintenance, and repair of a fully rigged helicopter, including its electronic, mechanical, and hydraulic systems. The maintenance trainer is an investment by Sikorsky to develop a new generation of skilled aircraft maintainers. Transfer of the S-76A helicopter maintenance trainer to Saskatchewan Indian Institute of Technologies in Saskatoon, Canada, fulfills a portion of Sikorsky's Industrial and Regional Benefits obligations for a fleet of 28 new CH-148 Cyclone maritime helicopters for the Royal Canadian Air Force. The S-76A helicopter was converted to a maintenance trainer after being withdrawn from active flight status in 2015 having performed 26,291 hours in flight, and 16,723 landings since 1980.

"The addition of the Sikorsky S-76 helicopter to our aircraft training fleet allows us to provide a greater hands-on experience to our students in a wide array of systems typical of modern helicopters," said Riel Bellegarde, SIIT President and CEO. "Our students will ultimately benefit in the workforce by gaining early first-hand knowledge of the inspection, maintenance, and repair of a fully rigged helicopter, including its electronic, mechanical, and hydraulic systems."

SIIT students, First Nations elders, provincial politicians and representatives from local Saskatoon business attended the transfer ceremony at the Aviation Learning Centre.

The maintenance trainer consists of a Sikorsky S-76A twin-engine helicopter recently retired from flight status, along with supporting hardware to keep the trainer functioning. This includes equipment to move and provide power to the trainer, and tablet-based electronic technical manuals that help students troubleshoot maintenance issues with interactive graphics. To ensure familiarization with the trainer package, Sikorsky also has provided training courses for SIIT instructors.

Transfer of the maintenance trainer to SIIT fulfills a portion of Sikorsky's Industrial and Regional Benefits obligations for the Canadian Maritime Helicopter Project. Sikorsky leads a team with General Dynamics Mission Systems Canada and L-3 Communications MAS (Canada) Inc., to equip 28 Sikorsky CH-148 Cyclone maritime helicopters with anti-submarine and anti-surface warfare capability for the Royal Canadian Air Force. Fielding of a fully capable helicopter fleet is scheduled for 2021.

During the ceremony, William Falk, Sikorsky's director for the Maritime Helicopter Project, who leads the program team from Sikorsky's headquarters in Stratford, Connecticut, urged students to embrace a life-long career in the exciting field of aviation engineering.

"I encourage students at the SIIT to think expansively about the knowledge they are acquiring when they learn to inspect and maintain a modern helicopter," said Falk. "This knowledge can then be taken to new heights  whether in Canada or internationally. This particular S-76A helicopter was previously maintained and operated with great care to carry thousands of passengers safely and reliably for almost 35 years. In its second life as a maintenance trainer, this same vessel can open up a world of opportunities for thousands of students."

Charlie Bouchard, Lockheed Martin Canada chief executive and a former helicopter pilot in the Royal Canadian Air Force, who could not attend the ceremony, highlighted the importance of the maintenance skill-set for the aviation industry.

"I am passionate about today's announcement because, as a former helicopter pilot who spent thousands of hours in the air, I have first-hand respect for the importance of well-trained maintenance workers in ensuring high quality performance and safety. This partnership also recognizes the critical role that hands-on training tools and courses play in producing Canada's next generation of highly skilled maintenance workers for a rapidly growing industry," said Bouchard.

The S-76A helicopter was withdrawn from active flight status in 2015 after performing 26,291 hours in flight, and 16,723 landings since 1980. During its operational life, transport companies used the aircraft to ferry up to 12 workers at a time to offshore oil and gas rigs, among other utility roles.

Sikorsky converted the aircraft to a non-flying maintenance trainer in the United States. In August 2016, the trainer and support items arrived by truck at the Saskatchewan Aviation Learning Centre.

The S-76A helicopter is the earliest model in the S-76 helicopter family, which has seen continuous production since 1979. To date, Sikorsky has delivered more than 850 S-76 helicopters, contributing daily to nearly 7 million total fleet hours in more than 40 countries on five continents. The newest variant  the S-76D helicopter  was introduced in 2013 with a substantial increase in engine performance and power.

The Saskatchewan Aviation Learning Centre is a joint effort of SIIT, the Government of Canada, the Province of Saskatchewan, and the Saskatoon Airport Authority.

About Lockheed Martin

Headquartered in Bethesda, Maryland, Lockheed Martin is a global security and aerospace company that employs approximately 98,000 people worldwide and is principally engaged in the research, design, development, manufacture, integration and sustainment of advanced technology systems, products and services.

Link to photos of the CH-148 Cyclone helicopter at the Royal Canadian Air Force website.

Photo - http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20161118/441236

Photo - http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20161118/441235

Logo - http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20160229/338377LOGO

SOURCE Sikorsky, a Lockheed Martin Company
LOS ANGELES, Nov. 18, 2016 /PRNewswire/ -- Southern California Gas Co. (SoCalGas) will have the largest team for the fourth year in a row at United Way's HomeWalk, an event that raises money and awareness to end homelessness in Los Angeles County. Organizers expect a sea of SoCalGas blue T-shirts when more than 1,300 "Team SoCalGas" participants take part in the 5K Fun Run/Walk starting on Sat. Nov.19 at 8:45 a.m. at Grand Park, 200 N. Grand Ave. in downtown Los Angeles. Team SoCalGas has also raised more than $151,000 in contributions to help United Way and its network of agencies find permanent, supportive housing for homeless individuals and families.

Los Angeles County has one of the highest numbers of homeless individuals in the nation where nearly 47,000 are homeless including more than 3,000 veterans.

"I'm so proud of our employees, their families and friends and our partners for their commitment to become part of the solution to help eliminate homelessness in our region," said Dennis Arriola, Chairman and CEO of SoCalGas who also serves on the board of directors for United Way of Greater Los Angeles, and is the Executive Champion for Team SoCalGas. "Through HomeWalk, we make a significant difference in ending homelessness. Our employees see it in their daily activities and many have first-hand knowledge of homelessness in their communities. Every year our participation has grown and that's due to the hard work of SoCalGas employees who put their heart into everything they do."

This is the tenth year that SoCalGas employees, along with their family and friends, have supported HomeWalk and the fourth consecutive year that Team SoCalGas has had more walkers and runners than any other team at HomeWalk. The team has also raised the most money of any of the other teams at this year's event.

"We want to thank Team SoCalGas for their tremendous enthusiasm and support and being a shining example to other corporations," said Elise Buik, president and chief executive officer of United Way of Greater Los Angeles. "By partnering with companies such as SoCalGas, who are deeply committed to the community, we'll reach United Way's core mission to create pathways out of poverty for all Angelenos by eradicating homelessness."

Additionally, Beastin Beauties, a fitness studio in El Monte, is also part of Team SoCalGas and will also lead the opening HomeWalk program with the warm-up.

Laura Lopez is a SoCalGas employee who works as a technical advisor in SoCalGas' project management and construction. She is part of Team SoCalGas and also a "HomeWalk Hero," having raised more than $500 on her own.

"I walk because I want to help the men and women who bravely served our country but are now homeless," said Lopez. "My dad is a veteran who served in Vietnam and built barracks for the troops. I think it's interesting that it has come full circle and now I'm helping to house the people who served our country, just like my dad did when he was in the service."

About HomeWalk

HomeWalk is the United Way of Greater Los Angeles' signature 5K walk/ fun run that mobilizes thousands of people to raise awareness and funds to end homelessness in Los Angeles County. Over the past ten years, 75,000 walkers have come together to raise more than $6.5 million. 100% of the proceeds from HomeWalk go back into the community, housing 17,000 people since its inception.

About Southern California Gas Company

Southern California Gas Co. (SoCalGas) has been delivering clean, safe and reliable natural

gas to its customers for more than 145 years. It is the nation's largest natural gas distribution

utility, providing service to 21.6 million consumers connected through 5.9 million meters in more

than 500 communities. The company's service territory encompasses approximately 20,000

square miles throughout central and Southern California, from Visalia to the Mexican border.

SoCalGas is a regulated subsidiary of Sempra Energy (NYSE: SRE), a Fortune 500 energy

services holding company based in San Diego.

Logo - http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20160629/385035LOGO

SOURCE Southern California Gas Company

Related Links

https://www.socalgas.com


Technology's impact on the economy looms large as American voters are at partisan odds on whether the shift to a global economy is a good or bad thing for the United States. Driven by the white males without a college degree that spurred Donald Trump's election upset, Republicans are pessimistic about the benefits of globalization. While 76 percent of Democrats call the trend towards a global economy a good thing, only 36 percent of Republicans think so.

"The technology industry faces political challenges in a Trump Administration," said Scott Gerber, partner and co-founder of Vrge Strategies. "But this survey shows that technology is also seen as the solution to many of America's problems. It's vital that the industry look at how it can address the economic concerns that surfaced during the election, while fulfilling a core mission to help to bridge the gap between the rich and the poor."

The Vrge Analytics "Tech in the Age of Trump" survey saw challenges ahead for President-elect Trump. For example, a majority of American voters (54 percent) expressed a lack of confidence in his ability when it "comes to making the right decisions about the country's economic future." And a nearly identical majority said they lack confidence in his ability to maintain U.S. tech leadership.

And Trump may find many Americans uncertain about one of his signature policy initiatives: immigration. While Trump has vowed to curb illegal immigration and deport millions, Americans didn't cite that issue as a priority. In fact, it registered no higher than fifth among groups, behind issues such as preventing American companies from moving jobs overseas, promoting technology innovation, lowering corporate tax rates, renegotiating trade deals and removing regulations. The group most likely to prioritize immigration was whites with less than a college education, but only 1 in 6 voters called it a priority.

After eight years of a special relationship with President Obama, the technology industry is at an awkward moment with the Trump presidency. Silicon Valley leaders who nearly universally supported Hillary Clinton must now find a way to engage with the Republican president-elect on key issues.

There is some good news, however, that Silicon Valley can point to. Americans look at technology as helping them live their lives: 63 percent said it makes life better for them and their family, according to the survey of 1,833 respondents conducted November 16-17th.

But ominously, American voters also fear what is coming next: the majority (51 percent) report they expect technology will destroy more jobs than it creates in the next decade. For example, advances in automation and artificial intelligence that are transforming manufacturing and threaten to displace truck and taxi drivers with self-driving vehicles.

Tech's challenge will be to help find solutions that create jobs, or run the risk of being blamed for the loss of millions of jobs as technology-driven automation changes the economy.

Even so, Americans are often positive on the impact of technology companies:

76 percent say it's had a positive impact on American society while a whopping 87 percent said tech has been positive for the U.S. economy.

62 percent say it has "leveled the playing field between rich and poor," and that sentiment is shared evenly by demographic groups, for example those without a college education, who have expressed concerns about globalization's impact on the economy.

Americans (64 percent) expect the next business leader to come from the United States and that technology will set the agenda for the next decade  even if they don't know what exactly what that technology will be. The number-one answer for what will drive the agenda was "some new device, service or product we don't know today."

Key Questions and Results from the Survey:

Q1. Do you think the trend toward a global economy is a good thing or a bad thing for our country?

Good thing 54%

Bad thing 41%

No Answer 5%



Q2. Which of the following do you think is the most important thing government can do to create more jobs for people like you? (Pick 2)

Prevent American companies from moving jobs overseas 58%

Tax credits to encourage technological innovation 27%

Lower corporate taxes 21%

Renegotiate trade deals to limit international trade 18%

Remove regulations 16%

Slow immigration 13%

No Answer 3%



Q3. When you look ahead 10 years, will technology

Make life better for you and your family 63%

Make life worse for you and your family 15%

Make no difference 20%

No Answer 2%



Q4. When you look ahead 10 years, will technology

Create more jobs than it displaces 34%

Take away more jobs than it creates 51%

Make no difference 13%

No Answer 2%



Q5. How much confidence do you have in Donald Trump when it comes to making the right decisions about the country's economic future?

Great deal 24%

Good amount 21%

Just some 19%

None 35%

No Answer 1%



METHODS  This Vrge Analytics survey was conducted online using SurveyMonkey on November 16-17, 2016 among a national sample of 1,833 adults who say they are registered to vote. Respondents for this survey were selected from the nearly three million people who take surveys on the SurveyMonkey platform each day. The bootstrap confidence interval for this survey is plus or minus 3.5 percentage points for registered voters.

About Vrge Strategies

Vrge was founded on the premise that companies and organizations large and small must navigate disruption that is redefining how companies operate, how society views technology and how transformation is reshaping our economy and society. Vrge has senior leaders in San Francisco, Seattle, and Washington, D.C. In addition, Vrge operates Vrge Analytics, a research and polling firm that provides clients insights into how the public, businesses and policy leaders view the intersection of technology, business and society. Vrge is part of Next Fifteen, a global communications consultancy.

Photo - http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20161118/441216-INFO

SOURCE Vrge Strategies

Related Links

http://www.vrge.us


ATLANTA, Nov. 18, 2016 /PRNewswire/ -- With 60% of Georgians rejecting OSD, children still struggle in public schools, where the majority are not reading on grade level and are facing an up-hill battle. After experiencing the largest cheating scandal in American history, and public schools failing across Georgia, Governor Deal recommended a plan, and instead was turned into the Boogeyman. Whether you supported OSD or not, certainly we can agree that far too many of Georgia's children are denied access to a quality public education.

Photo - http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20161117/440973

Special Interest groups for and against OSD dedicated a tremendous amount of resources to promote or obstruct Amendment 1. Collectively, a significant amount of money was raised and spent on this ballot initiative on both sides. Proponents of Amendment 1 spent millions saying a new approach was needed to be managed at the state level. While the opponents spent their millions to educate voters on why they thought the Amendment, and its creators, not only had bad intentions, but used flawed language and racial politics to try to get it approved. This all playing out in the midst of a long and divisive presidential election that left the majority of the country in tears.

Better Outcomes for OUR Kids (BOOK) was neutral on Amendment 1, which allowed them to present both sides of the argument. BOOK advocates for a greater understanding of school choice in the African American community. They foster authentic dialogue around what the community's role should be in supporting public school success. Question? With millions collectively raised around Amendment 1, with smart people working on both sides, could that time and treasure have been better spent on implementing "common sense solutions?"

A PhD or an OSD isn't necessary to see that struggling schools often have similar characteristics. Schools succeed with strong leadership, high quality instruction, wrap around services for kids, school autonomy, and community engagement and support. BOOK believes that if you just put "Our Children First" over "Adult Issues", the problems will be solved. Walk inside one of our failing schools, and spend time with the principal, teachers, parents and kids; you will understand the love that's needed. Then, get in your car and tour the surrounding community, and you will understand the love that is needed. After investing a little time, many questions about our failing schools will be answered. BOOK was proud to have Ebenezer Baptist Church Senior Pastor Rev. Raphael Warnock in Atlanta to moderate our Pastors Roundtable and Public Forum. He stated,

"We've answered the question and the question wasn't the answer. Whether you voted "YES" or "NO," nothing miraculous happened to our children on November 9th. We've got work to do and we need to be engaged."

Now that the election is over, BOOK challenges leaders to re-direct their energy towards implementing "common sense solutions" for improving our public schools. Now is not the time to "let our guard down". Everyone must work with the same sense of urgency they had during the campaign to create Better Outcomes for OUR Kids.

Contact:

Stephen Alford

4049327254

[email protected]

SOURCE Better Outcomes for Our Kids (BOOK)
NEW YORK, Nov. 17, 2016 /PRNewswire/ -- Synopsis

Timetric's 'The Insurance Industry in Zambia, Key Trends and Opportunities to 2020' report provides a detailed analysis of the Zambian insurance industry.



It provides key performance indicators such as written premium, incurred loss, loss ratio, commissions and expenses, total assets, total investment income and retentions during the review (20112015) and forecast periods (20152020).



The report also gives a comprehensive overview of the Zambian economy and demographics, and provides detailed information on the competitive landscape in the country. It also includes analysis of the impact of natural hazards on the insurance industry.



The report brings together Timetric's research, modeling and analysis expertise, giving insurers access to information on segment dynamics and competitive advantages, and profiles of insurers operating in the country. The report also includes details of insurance regulations and recent changes in the regulatory structure.



Summary

Timetric's 'The Insurance Industry in Zambia, Key Trends and Opportunities to 2020' report provides in-depth market analysis, information and insights into the Zambian insurance industry, including:



- An overview of the Zambian insurance industry



- The Zambian insurance industry's growth prospects by segment and category



- A comprehensive overview of the Zambian economy and demographics



- The detailed competitive landscape in the Zambian insurance industry



- Details of regulatory policy applicable to the Zambian insurance industry



- An analysis of natural hazards in the Zambian insurance industry



Scope

This report provides a comprehensive analysis of the insurance industry in Zambia:



- It provides historical values for the Zambian insurance industry for the report's 20112015 review period, and projected figures for the 20152020 forecast period.



- It offers a detailed analysis of the key segments in the Zambian insurance industry, with market forecasts to 2020.



- It covers an exhaustive list of parameters, including written premium, incurred loss, loss ratio, combined ratio, total assets, total investment income and retentions.



- It profiles the top insurance companies in Zambia, and highlights recent developments.



- It covers the economy and demographic structure of Zambia.



- It analyzes the impact of natural hazards in the Zambian insurance industry.



Reasons To Buy

- Make strategic business decisions using in-depth historic and forecast market data related to the Zambian insurance industry and each segment and category within it.



- Understand the demand-side dynamics, key market trends and growth opportunities in the Zambian insurance industry.



- Assess the competitive dynamics in the Zambian insurance industry.



- Identify growth opportunities and market dynamics in key segments.



- Gain insights into key regulations governing the Zambian insurance industry, and their impact on companies and the industry's future.



Key Highlights

- In 2015, taxes for open-cast mines rose to 20% from 6% and taxes for underground mines rose to 8% from 6%.



- In August 2015, the government declared that 90% of the population is uninsured, and insurance contributed only 1.4% towards GDP.



-The life segment accounted for 34.2% of the industry's gross written premium.



- Motor third-party liability, aviation liability and social insurance are mandatory in the country.

Read the full report: http://www.reportlinker.com/p01181024-summary/view-report.html



About Reportlinker

ReportLinker is an award-winning market research solution. Reportlinker finds and organizes the latest industry data so you get all the market research you need - instantly, in one place.



http://www.reportlinker.com





__________________________

Contact Clare: [email protected]

US: (339)-368-6001

Intl: +1 339-368-6001

SOURCE Reportlinker

Related Links

http://www.reportlinker.com


HOUSTON, Nov. 17, 2016 /PRNewswire/ -- With 1,200+ Tcf(e) of natural gas in place, the prolific Marcellus and Utica region is establishing its role as a world-class resource, reshaping the energy industry. Themed "New Connections," Hart Energy's 2017 Marcellus-Utica Midstream Conference and Exhibition offers attendees in-depth content focused on what's working now for midstream operators and upstream producers in the Appalachian basin. The conference takes place January 24-26 at the David L. Lawrence Convention Center in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania.

"We've been investing very heavily for the last five years in the Northeast, getting a premier position in the Marcellus and the Utica," said Alan Armstrong, President and CEO of Williams Cos in a recent interview. During his keynote session at the upcoming Marcellus-Utica Midstream conference, entitled "The Markets Evolve," Armstrong will convey his vision for future developments.

"Speakers at the 8th annual Marcellus-Utica Midstream Conference and Exhibition, which include midstream operators, upstream producers and service company executives, will share their operational experiences and their outlook for business activity in the region," said Paul Hart, editor-in-chief, Midstream Business. "Most importantly, they will describe how their companies succeed in these challenging times."

New demand for natural gas and NGLs, and midstream infrastructure to carry these commodities to end users, is growing. Vast new markets can be tapped as LNG export facilities like Dominion's Cove Point, Maryland, terminal come online and as multi-national companies like Shell build massive ethane crackers to serve clients around the world. The Marcellus-Utica Conference and Exhibition has an impressive lineup of influential industry speakers to address all these activities.

Michael D. Frederick , Vice President, LNG Operations, Dominion Resources

Vice President, LNG Operations, Frank Tsuru , President and CEO, M3Midstream

President and CEO, Marc A. Halbritter , Senior Vice President, Business Development, Blue Racer Midstream LLC

Senior Vice President, Business Development, Patrick Redalen , President, Stonehenge Energy Resources II LP

President, Stuart Nance , Vice President  Marketing, Reliance Holding USA Inc.

Vice President  Marketing, Denise Brinley , Special Assistant to the Secretary  Strategic Industry Initiatives, Pennsylvania Department of Community and Economic Development

Special Assistant to the Secretary  Strategic Industry Initiatives, Ben Davis , Partner, Energy Spectrum Capital

Partner, Harry W. New , President, Willbros Oil & Gas

President, Justin Carlson , VP & Managing Director, Research, East Daley Capital

VP & Managing Director, Research, Guillermo Sierra , Managing Director, Macquarie Capital ( USA ) Inc.

Managing Director, Mark D. Sherrill , Partner, Sutherland Asbill & Brennan

Partner, Greg Haas , Director, Integrated Oil and Gas Research, Stratas Advisors

To view the full conference agenda and register, please visit MarcellusMidstream.com. Attendees can secure Super Early Bird registration discounts until December 2. For media credentials, please contact Gabe Geller at [email protected]. Follow on Twitter @HartEnergyConf, #MUMConf for updates.

About Hart Energy

For more than 40 years, Hart Energy editors and experts have delivered market-leading insights to investors and energy industry professionals. The Houston-based company produces award-winning magazines (such as Oil and Gas Investor, E&P and Midstream Business); online news and data services; in-depth industry conferences (like the DUG series); GIS data sets and mapping solutions; and a range of research and consulting services. For information, visit hartenergy.com

Contact: Gabriel Geller

tel +1.713.260.6448

Logo - http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20131107/DA12865LOGO-a

SOURCE Hart Energy

Related Links

http://www.hartenergy.com


"We are pleased to once again work with our valued customer, TVA, to bring additional renewables into their portfolio with this first project of its scale in Alabama," said Mike O'Sullivan, senior vice president of Development for NextEra Energy Resources, which is the owner and operator of the project. "This 75 MW solar project will provide millions in recurring tax dollars in aggregate over several decades for schools and essential services in the region and will generate cost-effective, clean, solar energy for years to come."

The River Bend Solar Energy Center features more than 300,000 solar panels with trackers that will follow the sun from east to west each day to maximize energy production. Together, they have a generating capacity of 75 megawatts, or enough to power more than 15,000 homes. The energy will serve TVA consumers starting this year, under a 20-year power purchase agreement between TVA and NextEra Energy Resources.

By using renewable energy from the sun, this project will avoid approximately 105,000 tons per year of carbon dioxide emissions that would have been produced if the electricity had been generated using fossil fuels.

"TVA never stands still, and this NextEra Energy Resources project helps us meet our commitment to provide the 9 million people of the Tennessee Valley with reliable, low-cost, carbon-free electricity," said Van Wardlaw, executive vice president of external relations for TVA. "Over the next 20 years, TVA will invest about $8 billion to support our renewable energy portfolio, and we see a bright renewable energy future for projects like this across the Tennessee Valley."

The project has created a significant economic boost for Lauderdale County, creating about 350 jobs during the construction phase, with most of the workers coming from the local area. From labor and materials, to housing, health care and construction - a wide variety of local businesses have benefitted from the influx of economic activity.

"This project has provided good jobs for Lauderdale County residents, and businesses are enjoying the extra activity, too," said Lauderdale County Commissioner Joe Hackworth. "We are thrilled to host the state's largest solar facility and help realize the benefits it can bring to our community."

Over its operational life, the River Bend Solar Energy Center is expected to generate more than $9 million in property taxes, with the majority going to benefit the Lauderdale County School District.

"I know the school board will look at all of the opportunities these funds will provide," said Lauderdale County School Superintendent Jennifer Gray. "The funds will be a boost to many of the school district's future projects."

NextEra Energy Resources

NextEra Energy Resources, LLC (together with its affiliated entities, "NextEra Energy Resources"), is a clean energy leader and is one of the largest wholesale generators of electric power in the U.S., with approximately 18,260 megawatts of generating capacity, which includes megawatts associated with noncontrolling interests related to NextEra Energy Partners, LP (NYSE: NEP), primarily in 25 states and Canada as of April 2016. NextEra Energy Resources, together with its affiliated entities, is the world's largest generator of renewable energy from the wind and sun. The business operates clean, emissions-free nuclear power generation facilities in New Hampshire, Iowa and Wisconsin as part of the NextEra Energy nuclear fleet, which is one of the largest in the United States. NextEra Energy Resources, LLC is a subsidiary of Juno Beach, Fla.-based NextEra Energy, Inc. (NYSE: NEE). For more information, visit www.NextEraEnergyResources.com.

Tennessee Valley Authority

The Tennessee Valley Authority is a corporate agency of the United States that provides electricity for business customers and local power distributors serving more than 9 million people in parts of seven southeastern states. TVA receives no taxpayer funding, deriving virtually all of its revenues from sales of electricity. In addition to operating and investing its revenues in its electric system, TVA provides flood control, navigation and land management for the Tennessee River system and assists local power companies and state and local governments with economic development and job creation.

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SOURCE NextEra Energy Resources, LLC

Related Links

http://www.nexteraenergy.com


WASHINGTON, Nov. 18, 2016 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- Following is the daily "Profile America" feature from the U.S. Census Bureau:

FRIDAY FOOD OPTIONS

Profile America  Friday, November 18th. On this date 50 years ago, a 1,100-year-old religious injunction was lifted for America's 46-million Roman Catholics. In recognition of Friday as a day of penance, Pope Nicholas I had decreed in the 9th Century that Catholics would be required to abstain from eating meat, although fish on Fridays was allowed. The U.S. church hierarchy dissolved that guidance in 1966. At the time, America's population of 197-million consumed an annual per capita average of 10.6 pounds of fish. The change in church practice didn't let marine and freshwater fish off the hook, though. Today's population of 325-million, including 81.6-million Catholics, now consumes a per capita average of 14.5 pounds of fish annually. You can find more facts about America from the U.S. Census Bureau online at www.census.gov.

Sources:

Meatless Friday ended/accessed 9/9/2016: http://archives.chicagotribune.com/1966/11/19/page/1/article/friday-meat-ban-lifted

1965 Roman Catholic population/table 45: http://www2.census.gov/library/publications/1967/compendia/statab/88ed/1967-02.pdf

1966 U.S. population and per capita fish consumption/tables 3 & 119:

http://www2.census.gov/library/publications/1968/compendia/statab/88ed/1967-02.pdf

Current population estimate: http://www.census.gov/popest/data/national/totals/2015/files/NA-EST2015-01.xlsx

Current U.S. Roman Catholics/accessed 9/9/2016:

http://cara.georgetown.edu/frequently-requested-church-statistics/

Current per capita fish consumption/accessed 9/9/2016: http://www.ers.usda.gov/datafiles/Food_Availabily_Per_Capita_Data_System/Food_Availability/mtfish.xls

Profile America is produced by the Center for New Media and Promotion of the U.S. Census Bureau. Statistics and accounts drawn from cited non-Census sources are employed for illustrative or narrative purposes, and are not attested to by the U.S. Census Bureau. These daily features are available as produced segments, ready to air, on the Internet at http://www.census.gov (look for "Audio" in the "Library" pull-down menu).

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SOURCE U.S. Census Bureau

Related Links

http://www.census.gov


PHILADELPHIA, Nov. 18, 2016 /PRNewswire/ -- After a long and successful career leading Clarivate Analytics and its predecessor entities, Vin Caraher today announced that he has accepted a position to be a non-executive member of the Clarivate Analytics Board of Directors and will step down from his position as CEO effective January 1, 2017. He will be succeeded by Jay Nadler who is also joining the board of the company.

Caraher spent almost 30 years of his professional career working in different parts of the Thomson Reuters business, over 20 with the IP & Science business. "I've had the opportunity to work with incredibly talented people from around the world and witnessed the company grow into the market leader it is today," said Caraher. "I'm proud of what we've accomplished, and look forward to supporting and offering guidance to the business in my board capacity."

Nadler has 30 years of experience in the information services industry and is returning to the intellectual property and science sector. Nadler has held senior executive roles at a number of other data and information-related companies, including Interactive Data, Information Holdings and MLM Information Services. As Chief Operating Officer of Interactive Data from 2010 to 2016, he led a transformation of the company, invested in its product suite, accelerated revenue growth and improved customer satisfaction. From 2000 to 2005, Nadler was a senior executive at Information Holdings, an intellectual property and science information provider that Caraher and Thomson Reuters acquired in 2004.

"I'm excited to return to the IP and science industry, and honored to re-join the company now known as Clarivate Analytics. The company is well positioned to leverage its leading brands to meet the critical needs of its customers across the innovation lifecycle. I look forward to working with our customers, the talented employees at Clarivate Analytics and Vin," said Nadler.

"We thank Vin for his tremendous commitment to the business and the dedication he has shown throughout his career," said Kosty Gilis, Managing Director at Onex Corporation. "We are grateful he has accepted a position on the board, providing continuity and oversight for Clarivate Analytics as it begins its journey as an independent company. We and our partners at Baring Asia are also pleased to welcome Jay to the role of CEO and look forward to working with him to help grow Clarivate Analytics together."

Onex Corporation and Baring Private Equity Asia recently completed their acquisition of Clarivate Analytics from Thomson Reuters.

Clarivate Analytics

Clarivate Analytics accelerates the pace of innovation by providing trusted insights and analytics to customers around the world, enabling them to discover, protect and commercialize new ideas faster. Formerly the Intellectual Property and Science business of Thomson Reuters, we own and operate a collection of leading subscription-based businesses focused on scientific and academic research, patent analytics and regulatory standards, pharmaceutical and biotech intelligence, trademark protection, domain brand protection and intellectual property management. Clarivate Analytics is now an independent company with over 4,000 employees, operating in 100 countries and owns wellknown brands that include Web of Science, Cortellis, Thomson Innovation, Derwent World Patents Index, Thomson CompuMark, MarkMonitor, Thomson IP Manager and Techstreet, among others. For more information, please visit us at Clarivate.com.

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SOURCE Clarivate Analytics

Related Links

http://ipscience.thomsonreuters.com


CHICAGO, Nov. 18, 2016 /PRNewswire/ -- Today VTech announced three of its products were selected as part of Dr. Toy's 100 Best Children's Products. The Touch & Learn Activity Desk Deluxe, Go! Go! Smart Friends Enchanted Princess Palace and Bizzy the Mix & Move Bot were recognized for meeting Dr. Toy's high standards for design, durability, price, quality, safety and value.

The Touch & Learn Activity Desk Deluxe offers a robust and versatile design that enhances a child's discovery and learning through its various pages and writing surfaces. The Go! Go! Smart Friends Enchanted Princess Palace and its interactive MagicPoint locations allow for engaging role play, and Bizzy the Mix & Move Bot lets little ones explore their creativity through interchangeable accessories and fun phrases.

"VTech is incredibly honored that our toys have been recognized by Dr. Toy as the best children's products of the year," said William To, President, VTech Electronics North America. "We take great pride in meeting their extensive criteria, cementing our promise to provide innovative products that stimulate the imagination and deliver engaging play."

"All three of these VTech products have lasting play value and provide an age-appropriate balance of creative and educational experiences for children," said Dr. Stevanne Auerbach, a leading child development expert and founder of Dr. Toy. "The Touch & Learn Activity Desk Deluxe, Go! Go! Smart Friends Enchanted Princess Palace and Bizzy the Mix & Move Bot stood out for their meaningful playful interactions that inspire learning fun."

Additional details about VTech's award-winning products can be found at www.vtechkids.com and include:

Touch & Learn Activity Desk Deluxe : The Touch & Learn Activity Desk Deluxe is a three-in-one desk with interactive activity cards that's expandable for more fun and discovery. The desk features an interactive desktop and five pages to explore that are filled with engaging content including letters, numbers, music, colors and more. Choose from eight expansion packs (each sold separately) that each focus on a specific curriculum like reading skills, animals and numbers. It also transforms from a desk into an easel and chalkboard with plenty of storage space for art supplies to encourage play and discovery. The LED display illustrates letter and number stroke order and how to draw basic shapes. For even more fun, toddlers can play with the toy telephone or listen to fun tunes on the music player. Enjoy hours of fun as kids create, discover and learn. (Ages 2-5 years, MSRP: $54.99 )



: The Touch & Learn Activity Desk Deluxe is a three-in-one desk with interactive activity cards that's expandable for more fun and discovery. The desk features an interactive desktop and five pages to explore that are filled with engaging content including letters, numbers, music, colors and more. Choose from eight expansion packs (each sold separately) that each focus on a specific curriculum like reading skills, animals and numbers. It also transforms from a desk into an easel and chalkboard with plenty of storage space for art supplies to encourage play and discovery. The LED display illustrates letter and number stroke order and how to draw basic shapes. For even more fun, toddlers can play with the toy telephone or listen to fun tunes on the music player. Enjoy hours of fun as kids create, discover and learn. (Ages 2-5 years, MSRP: ) Go! Go! Smart Friends Enchanted Princess Palace : Explore each magical room in the Go! Go! Smart Friends Enchanted Princess Palace. This epic palace expands to four feet long and has a variety of luxurious rooms including a ballroom, music room, kitchen, bedroom and observation tower. While exploring the palace with Princess Darla , place her on the five MagicPoint locations to experience her friendly personality, lights and more. When Princess Darla sits at her MagicChat tea set table with a friend (additional characters sold separately), they will interact by chatting and singing with each other. The palace also has a clock with a movable hand and three light-up buttons that introduce words, colors, letters and numbers and play magical melodies and sing-along songs. Toddlers can create a whole kingdom featuring princesses, princes, fairies, magical creatures and more with Go! Go! Smart Friends characters and playsets (sold separately). (Ages 18 months - 5 years, MSRP: $59.99 )



: Explore each magical room in the Go! Go! Smart Friends Enchanted Princess Palace. This epic palace expands to four feet long and has a variety of luxurious rooms including a ballroom, music room, kitchen, bedroom and observation tower. While exploring the palace with , place her on the five MagicPoint locations to experience her friendly personality, lights and more. When sits at her MagicChat tea set table with a friend (additional characters sold separately), they will interact by chatting and singing with each other. The palace also has a clock with a movable hand and three light-up buttons that introduce words, colors, letters and numbers and play magical melodies and sing-along songs. Toddlers can create a whole kingdom featuring princesses, princes, fairies, magical creatures and more with Go! Go! Smart Friends characters and playsets (sold separately). (Ages 18 months - 5 years, MSRP: ) Bizzy the Mix & Move Bot: Now children can get creative as they build their own robot with Bizzy the Mix & Move Bot. With 10 different accessories there are so many ways to encourage the role-play experience by creating a different robot every time they play. This playful bot illustrates cause and effect as children connect the 10 accessories to trigger fun responses. It also includes 10 fun and unique melodies that children can personalize by switching around the accessories to add in their own special sound effects. Bizzy will guide children through various activities, allowing for creative, independent play. Bizzy also loves to dance around to the music on his interchangeable legs or wheels. With Bizzy around, the fun never stops! (Ages 2-5 years, MSRP: $24.99 )



About VTech

VTech is a world leader in age-appropriate and developmental stage-based electronic learning products for children. As a pioneer in the learning toy category, VTech develops high-quality, innovative educational products that enrich children's development and make learning fun. With a rich, almost 40 year history, VTech has not only established itself as a learning authority but also consistently remains at the forefront of innovation with multiple award-winning products. The company also has a broad range of award-winning infant and preschool products available in 24 different languages worldwide, with more than 100 new products introduced every year. VTech was awarded a prestigious 2015 Toy of The Year (TOTY) Award for its Go! Go! Smart Animals Zoo Explorers Playset. In order to further strengthen VTech's position as a learning authority, the company's Expert Panel, with esteemed experts in reading, language arts, science, math, and child development, consult on new product introductions.

VTech Electronics North America, LLC is based in Arlington Heights, Illinois. VTech Electronics Limited is headquartered in Hong Kong with distribution globally.

For more information on VTech's additional product lines, visit www.VTechKids.com, www.facebook.com/VTechtoys on Facebook or follow @VTechToys on Twitter.

About Dr. Toy and Dr. Toy's 100 Best Awards

Noted child development authority, Stevanne Auerbach, Ph.D. (a.k.a. Dr. Toy) has recognized the quality and value of VTech for many years. She is author of Dr. Toy's Smart Play/Smart Toys: How to Select and Use the Best Toys and Games . She evaluates and selected best products for Dr. Toy's Guide , www.drtoy.com.

Developed by Dr. Auerbach, the Dr. Toy's 100 Best Children's Products Program serves as a valued service to consumers who desire to purchase safe, affordable, educationally-oriented and stimulating toys and play products for children.

Using extensive criteria developed by Dr. Auerbach over many years, Dr. Toy's 100 Best Children's Products are very carefully chosen and evaluated based on selective criteria. The criteria includes: safety, design, durability, price, quality, value, age grading, name recognition, company dependability, and place of purchase.

The report of winning toys for Dr. Toy's 100 Best Toys and Children's Products for 2016 is available to parents, teachers and others interested in play and toys on Dr. Toy's Guide at www.drtoy.com.

Media Contact:

Nicole Centinaro

Coyne Public Relations

973-588-2000

[email protected]

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SOURCE VTech

Related Links

https://www.vtechkids.com


CHICAGO, Nov. 18, 2016 /PRNewswire/ -- Windsor Advantage, LLC, a leading provider of services to banks and credit unions, assisted a record number of small businesses in 2016 through the SBA 7(a) Small Loan Program. The $135 million in loans closed during the nine months ended September 30th, 2016 resulted in an $88 million increase from the same period in the prior year. This record level of volume brings Windsor's total Small Loan servicing portfolio to more than $200 million.

"With the SBA's continued emphasis for lenders to participate in the Small Loan Program, we are pleased to announce our success in assisting lenders to utilize a program that provides capital to the small businesses most in need," noted Leonard Ray, Director of Servicing. "Windsor is dedicated to providing the resources and support necessary to ensure our community lenders are able to provide capital efficiently and effectively to these borrowers."

The SBA Small Loans processed by Windsor have made a significant impact in communities across 49 states. Over 16,000 jobs in 70 different industries have been either created or maintained through these loans.

As of September 30, 2016, Windsor's loan servicing portfolio exceeded $875 million including more than $200 million in SBA small loans under $350,000.

About Windsor Advantage, LLC

Windsor provides a comprehensive SBA loan department to lenders nationwide. Services include strategy development, prequalification, loan structuring, application packaging, loan closing, secondary market sales, loan servicing and intensive servicing, SBA compliance and regulatory exam support. Windsor also provides continuing training and technical assistance to lenders at no cost.

With more than 150 years of collective SBA lending experience, cutting edge systems and rigid controls, Windsor Advantage is uniquely qualified to support its clients to develop and implement a thoughtful and profitable SBA 7(a) loan program.

Windsor Advantage is based in Chicago, Illinois, with offices in Indianapolis, Los Angeles and Charleston. For more information, call 312-724-6425 or visit WindsorAdvantage.com.

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SOURCE Windsor Advantage, LLC

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http://www.windsoradvantage.com


In a WWP survey of the injured warriors it serves, more than half of survey respondents (51.7 percent) talked with fellow Operation Enduring Freedom, Operation Iraqi Freedom, or Operation New Dawn veterans to address their mental health issues.

The Fallen Warriors Memorial pays homage to service members from Texas who gave their lives in Operation Enduring Freedom, Operation Iraqi Freedom, or Operation New Dawn. The names of more than 600 warriors are listed on stone blocks in a quiet park in northwest Houston.

Last Friday, veterans walked among the names with Cheryl Whitfield, whose efforts made the memorial possible. Warriors laid flowers at the center of the monument, below a map of the combat zones in Iraq and Afghanistan, next to the words "The fallen, but not forgotten."

"I've lived here 12 years and never knew this memorial was here," said Army veteran Jason Denham. "I told all the veterans I know how beautiful it is and how they should come see it."

The Texas memorial is designed similarly to the Vietnam Veterans Memorial; you can take a memory of fallen service members with you.

"I helped another warrior make a rubbing of a family member's name off the memorial," Jason said. Rubbing a pencil on paper over the name on the monument created a keepsake from the day.

Outings like this empower Jason and others to embody the WWP logo, becoming the warrior who carries another veteran in need.

To see pictures from the memorial visit, go to http://newsroom.woundedwarriorproject.org/ and click on multimedia, then images. You can also learn about the impact WWP's free programs and services have on wounded warriors.

About Wounded Warrior Project

We Connect, Serve, and Empower

The mission of Wounded Warrior Project (WWP) is to honor and empower Wounded Warriors. WWP connects wounded warriors and their families to valuable resources and one another, serves them through a variety of free programs and services, and empowers them to live life on their own terms. WWP is a national, nonpartisan organization headquartered in Jacksonville, Florida. To get involved and learn more, visit woundedwarriorproject.org.

Photo - http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20161118/441117

SOURCE Wounded Warrior Project

Related Links

http://www.woundedwarriorproject.org


BRASILIA (Reuters) - A federal judge in Brazil has agreed to hear a criminal case against four companies and 22 employees for a burst tailings dam at the Samarco mine that killed 19 people last November, according to a court document seen by Reuters on Friday.

Prosecutors last month accused Samarco, its joint-venture owners Vale SA (VALE5.SA) and BHP Billiton (BLT.L), and consultant VogBR of environmental crimes, while employees were accused of homicide in the disaster, which also polluted a major river.

Prosecutors said there were signs that the dam was unsafe for several years before its collapse but Samarco officials, executives, employees and board members appointed by Vale and BHP failed to take proper action.

The court document, signed by federal judge Jacques de Queiroz Ferreira and dated Wednesday, said the defendants had 30 days to present their defence.

Vale and Samarco repeated their rejection of the charges.

BHP also rejected the charges, saying in a statement that the court decision was only a procedural stage that did not "analyse the merits of the charges." VogBR did not immediately respond to requests for comment.

Samarco said investigations into the cause of the spill showed it did not have prior knowledge of any risks to the structure of the dam.

The spill is considered the largest environmental disaster in Brazilian history. The dam collapse released millions of tonnes of muddy mine waste known as tailings, leaving hundreds homeless and polluting the Rio Doce river.

(Reporting by Stephen Eisenhammer; Editing by Lisa Von Ahn and Bill Trott)
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
Chennai, Nov 13 : A multi-pronged strategy of criminalising possession of Rs 10 lakh or more in cash and cutting down discretionary powers of government officials are some of the steps the government should take to tackle corruption, says IIM- Bangalore don R. Vaidyanathan.

"Demonetisation is the only step. The government should also make it a crime to hold liquid cash of Rs 10 lakh and above. Today, it is not a crime. Why should an individual hold huge cash?" he said.

Lowering the tax rate to expand the taxpayers' base and tax revenue and moving towards smaller denomination notes are some other steps to curb corruption, says Vaidyanathan, who teaches finance at the Indian Institute of Management - Bangalore.

According to estimates, five per cent of the Indian Gross Domestic Product (GDP) every year is black economy. Around Rs 600,000 crore of parallel economy is not small, he told IANS.

Vaidyanathan said he had been advocating demonetisation of Rs 500 and Rs 1,000 value currency notes, which the government did on November 8 night.

"I have been telling this (demonetisation) since 2012. I watched the electoral politics of Tamil Nadu and Andhra Pradesh. A significant amount of money was seized there by the Election Commission. In the last assembly elections in May, around Rs 100 crore was seized by the Election Commission in Tamil Nadu," he said.

"Most of the seizure was in Rs 100 and Rs 500 notes. Further, the proportion of Rs 500 notes in circulation was on the rise," Vaidyanathan recalled.

The nation incurs additional expenditure on printing new notes to meet the demand as individuals hoard the ill-gotten cash, the financial expert said.

He said government regulations have become an instrument of extortion and hence the discretionary powers vested in bureaucrats/ministers should be abolished and governance should be strictly rule-based.

"The judicial process should also be swift and fast to instil fear of rule in the minds of people," Vaidyanathan added.

According to him, there should be less of governance by the government but more of self-governance through self-regulation, coupled with severe punishment for violations.

He said the government should confiscate the assets of corrupt government employees.

"There are business tycoons earning Rs 300/400 crore as dividend income. Such dividend income is not taxed. This system should also change," he said.

He said in order to fight fake currency vended by automatic teller machines (ATMs), banks and/or ATM operators should be held responsible for cash dispensed by their respective ATMs.

Vaidyanathan advocated that India should follow the US ratio of 1:10 in respect of currency note denomination.

"The US has the policy of 1:10. That is, the highest note value is 10 times that of the lowest note value. Similarly, India should also move towards having more of Rs 100 notes than notes of higher denominations," he said.

According to him, out of Rs 17 lakh crore currency in circulation, notes of Rs 500 and Rs 1,000 account for around Rs 14 lakh crore.

About bringing back cash stashed abroad and not meeting expectations on black money recovery, Vaidyanathan said: "Such efforts need proper planning. Bringing back black money is not like cooking two-minute noodles."
New Delhi, Nov 15 : The Congress on Tuesday tore into the demonetisation scheme, saying that it was in reality a move meant to bail out those with black money.

Congress spokesman Kapil Sibal launched a blistering attack on Prime Minister Narendra Modi, accusing him of being out of sync with the woes of the common man now battling for cash.

Sibal said Modi's pledge that the situation caused by the November 8 spiking of 500 and 1,000 rupees notes will stabilise in 50 days cannot be believed because his earlier promises had also fallen flat.

"All this has nothing to do with battling black money or corruption," he told the media.

Saying Modi had "collaborated" with those who have black money, he said it were the poor who were facing the brunt of his decision that has resulted in serpentine queues outside banks and ATMs across the country.

Sibal said the demonetisation was aimed at wiping out the Non-Performing Assets of banks.

The Congress leader said Modi had no understanding of the plight of the ordinary men and women who were struggling to exchange or deposit the old currency or withdraw money from their accounts.

"He makes fun of people... It looks like he is far removed from ordinary people's problems."

Commenting on the Prime Minister's comment that he had sacrificed everything for the country, Sibal asked: "Which palace he was living in that he gave up? Which property did he donate to the public? What sacrifices did he do for the country?"

Sibal added: "Please understand the pain of the ordinary people. Stop your whims and fancies..."

He also hit out at the limits placed on bank withdrawals.

"What kind of law is this? The money is mine, the bank account is mine, it is taxable income... Why can't I withdraw it? It is not Modi's money."
Chandigarh, Nov 15 : Twelve countries, including partner country Israel, will feature their technology and agricultural innovations at CII's biennial agro-technology and business fair, Agro Tech 2016, which begins here on Saturday.

The four-day event will be officially inaugurated by President Pranab Mukherjee along with his Israeli counterpart Reuven Rivlin on Sunday.

The 12 participating countries are the US, Denmark, Turkey, Israel, Spain, Italy, Canada, Netherlands, Germany, Britain, China and South Africa.

"International participation is the major attraction with countries displaying latest technologies, products and services, new launches and live demonstrations of innovations happening in the industry. The fair will showcase state-of-the-art advancements in the farming technology for both businesses and visiting farmers," a CII spokesperson said on Tuesday.

"Among the prominent experts to share their experiences in the industry include Agri-Tech specialist, Luis Mulet from UK, who will be attending the fair and providing collaboration and partnering opportunities in the areas of Animal Science, Plant Science and Precision Agriculture.

"Other key speakers include Richard Klapholz, CEO, Rivulis Irrigation, Israel; Shani Keysar, Founder & CEO, SolChip, Israel; Ilay Engelhard, Founder & CEO, ATP Labs, Israel; Mahender Singh, Former CEO & Rector MISI Non-Executive Director, eCEOs, Malaysia; and Eyal Cohen, Managing Partner, Copia Agro & Food, Israel," the spokesperson said.

Terming it "one of its kind agricultural exhibition with a large domestic participation and significant international presence as well", the spokesperson said that partner country this time is Israel, while focus countries are Canada and Germany while guest country is Great Britain.

"Exhibitors from the US, Denmark, Turkey, Israel, Spain, Italy, Canada, Netherlands, Germany, UK, China and South Africa will showcase the latest technology and state-of-the-art equipment and technology in the agriculture sector at the fair," the spokesperson added.

Agriculture in Israel is a highly developed industry. Israel is a major exporter of fresh produce and a world-leader in agricultural technologies despite the fact that the geography of Israel is not naturally conducive to agriculture.

Israel will showcase its unique drip irrigation systems, wastewater-to-agriculture reuse, and aquaponics. The country leads with cutting-edge agricultural practices.

To seek the help of technology for providing solutions to the agriculture sector, the Confederation of Indian Industry's (CII) Agro Tech 2016 will feature an 'Agri-Hackathon', a senior CII functionary said on Tuesday.

"In age of technological advancement, CII Agro Tech 2016 is focused specially on harnessing new technologies and energy of the youth to propel agricultural growth in the country. An interesting and engaging highlight of the fair this year would be 'AgHack 2016', an agri hackathon, which will see participation of students from agriculture universities, agri-start-ups, management and business institutions, as well as engineering colleges of repute. These young minds will face the challenge to come up with business ideas to solve issues impeding agricultural performance in India," said CII Northern Region chairperson Rumjhum Chatterjee.

The AgHack 2016 will provide an opportunity to students across India to build technology solutions around challenges related to soil and crop health, supply chain issues, marketing, among others that impact agricultural performance, she said.

"This will add a new dimension of exploring the power of ideas, exciting young minds to push the frontiers of agri technology and innovation," Chatterjee said.

Nearly 70 students from agricultural Universities, IITs, IIMs, ISB and other institutes have already registered and will be participating in the 20 hour hackathon.
Washington, Nov 16 : The Obama administration should protect those "dreamers", who were brought to the US illegally but later granted legal temporary status to stay, a US Congresswoman has said.

The Obama administration in the remaining term should take legal action to prevent those who enrolled in the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) and Deferred Action for Parents of American and Lawful Permanent Residents (DAPA) programmes from being deported, Xinhua news agency quoted Judy Chu, the first Chinese American Congresswoman, as saying.

Chu, who was elected as the US Representative for California's 27th Congressional district in 2009 and retained her seat in the election early this month, served on the House Judiciary Committee.

People who applied for DACA or DAPA provided "extensive" sensitive information such as finger prints and relatives' home addresses to the government knowing that it will not be used against them, the Democratic congresswoman said.

California, which had more than two million undocumented immigrants, the most in the country, became the battle ground for many state officials over immigration issues.

Data estimated that as of 2016 about 1,932,000 people in the US are eligible for the DACA programme, and about 30 per cent of them lived in California.

The Los Angeles Police Department pledged on Monday that it would not participate in deporting undocumented immigrants, nor would it honour government requests to help deport people.
New York, Nov 16 : The infamous hacking group OurMine has struck again. Their latest target was again Facebook CEO Mark Zuckerberg, whose Pinterest handle was hacked recently, a media report said.

After hacking the accounts of many bigwigs in recent months, OurMine targeted Zuckerberg's Pinterest account once again on Tuesday, which was defaced with a new tagline and the group's web address.

According to technology website CNET, the hacking group informed the organisation about their latest adventure. Earlier OurMine had hacked Zuckerberg's Twitter and Pinterest accounts.

Zuckerberg's Pinterest bio temporarily said, "Don't worry, we are just testing your security."

The defacement was removed shortly. OurMine said it has an "exploit on Pinterest" but it gave no details.

The group had also claimed responsibility for hacking Pokemon Go servers in July, Twitter account of John Hanke, the CEO of US-based software company Niantic that created the popular GPS-based augmented reality game with Japanese company Nintendo.

OurMine has also compromised Twitter chief executive officer (CEO) Jack Dorsey's and Google CEO Sundar Pichai's social media accounts.

The group had hacked the Twitter account of Evan Williams, the microblogging site's co-founder and former CEO.
Tokyo, Nov 17 : Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe is set to become the first foreign leader to meet US President-elect Donald Trump, officials said on Thursday.

Abe departed for New York on Thursday on his way to an Asia-Pacific trade summit in Peru, CNN reported.

"I am very honoured to see the President-elect ahead of other world leaders," Abe told reporters before his departure.

"The Japan-US alliance is the axis of Japan's diplomacy and security. The alliance becomes alive only when there is trust between us. I would like to build such a trust with Trump."

Abe, like other Asian leaders, is keen to find out to what extent Trump's campaign trail rhetoric will become policy after Trump suggested he may withdraw US troops from the region, according to sources.

A top aide to Abe, Katsuyuki Kawai, said he was told by members of Trump's transition team that Trump's previous remarks should not be taken literally.
Tokyo, Nov 17 : The Japanese government has been ordered to compensate around 3,400 residents living near the US military base in Futenma for various inconveniences, including loud noise leading to distress and insomnia.

Following similar rulings in 2010 and 2015, the Naha district court in Okinawa asked Japan to pay 2.46 billion yen ($22 million) in damages to the plaintiffs, Efe news reported.

The court ruled in favour of thousands of locals, who had filed a class action suit demanding 10 billion yen in damages for distress and insomnia caused by the din from the base.

However, the petitioners' demand for suspension of flights was rejected.

While the Futenma air base, spread over 480 hectares, is currently located in the central area of the city of Ginowan, surrounded by houses and public buildings, Tokyo and Washington had decided to move it out to a less densely populated area on Okinawa island in Henoko coastal area.

In June 2015, the same court had ordered damages worth 754 million yen for around 2,200 people, while 2010 saw another court asking the administration to cough up 369 million yen in compensation, while dismissing demands to halt flights at the base.

Okinawa houses over half of the nearly 47,000 US soldiers, and 74 per cent of American military installations, in Japan.
Hanoi, Nov 17 : Prince William on Thursday called on the governments of the world to strengthen efforts to curb wildlife trafficking, warning that the current situation makes extinction imminent for endangered species.

Speaking at the Hanoi Conference on Illegal Wildlife Trade, inaugurated in the Vietnamese capital, Prince William lauded global achievements to tackle the illegal wildlife trade, but warned that poachers and traffickers continue to decimate the planet's endangered animals including rhinos, elephants, tigers and pangolins, Efe news reported.

"So while we've made progress, the truth is we are still falling behind. A betting man would still bet on extinction," said the Duke of Cambridge at the Illegal Wildlife Trade Conference hosted in Hanoi by the Vietnamese forestry administration in conjunction with the British embassy, as tweeted by Kensington Royal Palace.

The conference, attended by representatives of more than 50 countries and 10 international organisations, aims to set out an agenda to step up efforts to eradicate the market for wildlife products in Vietnam, where demand has burgeoned with the growth of the e-commerce market, according to international wildlife trade monitoring network TRAFFIC.

The Wildlife Justice Commission (WJC) notes that wildlife trafficking remains the fourth largest illegal trade globally, generating some 20 billion euros ($21 billion) per year.

Criminal networks operating in Vietnam play a key role in fuelling demand in Southeast Asia, particularly for tiger parts such as bones and claws, which are seen as a status symbol and used as ingredients in certain types of traditional medicine, according to the WJC.

Prince William, the president of the United for Wildlife advocacy network, is in Hanoi for a two-day visit and ahead of the conference visited a local school to teach children about rhino conservation.
New Delhi, Nov 17 : Visiting Israeli President Reuven Rivlin on Thursday called on External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj, who is suffering from kidney failure, and wished her immediate recovery.

"'Bless you with immediate recovery'. @PresidentRuvi conveys to EAM @SushmaSwaraj while calling to enquire about her health," External Affairs Ministry spokesperson Vikas Swarup tweeted.

On Wednesday, Sushma Swaraj tweeted about her health condition: "I am in AIIMS because of kidney failure. Presently, I am on dialysis. I am undergoing tests for a kidney transplant. Lord Krishna will bless."

The team of doctors for the treatment of Sushma Swaraj includes Head of Endocrinology Nikhil Tandon, Head of Pulmonary Medicine Randeep Guleria, Chief of Cardio Thoracic and Head of Nephrology Sandeep Mahajan.

Earlier, Sushma Swaraj was admitted to AIIMS for several weeks in April this year due to chest congestion.

Rivlin is visiting India from November 14 to 21 at the invitation of President Pranab Mukherjee.
Maputo, Nov 18 : At least 73 people were killed and dozens of people injured after a tanker truck exploded in Mozambique's Tete province.

The blast on Thursday took place when the tanker truck was en route transporting petrol to Malawi from Mozambican port city of Beira, the government said in a statement, Xinhua news agency reported.

The truck blew up when local residents were gathering around the vehicle to buy fuel, the government said.

The injured were rushed to the hospital.

The government said a team was expected to arrive at the site on Friday to look into the cause of the blast.
Washington, Nov 18 : The US Director of National Intelligence James Clapper said he will leave the post on January 20, 2017, when President Barack Obama hands over the White House to Donald Trump.

"I submitted my letter of resignation last night, which felt pretty good," the 75-year-old Clapper said on Thursday during an appearance before the House of Representatives Select Committee on Intelligence, Efe news reported "I got 64 days left and I think I'd have a hard time with my wife anything past that," he said.

The retired Air Force Lieutenant general signaled some time ago that he was ready to leave the government.

Clapper initially stepped away from public life in 1995, but returned to the national security sector following the September 11, 2001, terrorist attacks.

Obama named him to the post of Director of National Intelligence in 2010.
New Delhi, Nov 18 : Scoffing at rumours, the Finance Ministry on Friday said there was no move to seal bank lockers nor was it true that the ink of the new Rs 2,000 notes has been bleeding in some cases.

"Myth: Next move is to seal bank lockers and confiscate gold, diamonds and jewellery. Reality: This is baseless. There is no proposal to seal bank lockers and confiscate the jewellery," the ministry tweeted in its official Twitter account.

The ministry also said the Rs 2,000 notes have a safety feature, which is called "intaglio" (a design that is incised or engraved into a material).

"To identify a genuine note when you rub it against a cloth, a turbo-electric effect is generated and it is due to this that the note's ink gets transfrred on to the cloth," the ministry said.
New Delhi, Nov 18 : Both houses of Parliament were adjourned till noon on Friday amid loud protests over the government's demonetisation move.

Soon after the Lok Sabha met, Speaker Sumitra Mahajan congratulated the medal winners of at the Rio Olympics and Paralympics games.

As she proceeded for the question hour, Leader of the Congress Mallikarjun Kharge sought discussion on demonetisation under Rule 56 that which entails voting after discussion.

"People are suffering after demonetisation. We have given notices of adjournment. So accept it and begin discussion under Rule 56," Kharge said.

Parliamentary Affairs Minister Ananth Kumar said people were with the government in this step.

"The government is ready to discuss it. People of the country are with Prime Minister Narendra Modi over demonetisation," Kumar said.

As the opposition members created a ruckus, Mahajan adjourned the house till 12 noon.

The Rajya Sabha was also adjourned twice -- first till 11.30 a.m. and then till noon.

Opposition MPs assembled near the Chairman's podium raising slogans against the government.

Minister of State for Parliamentary Affairs Mukhtar Abbas Naqvi sought an apology from the Congress' Ghulam Nabi Azad for comparing the deaths of soldiers in the Uri terror attack with that of people standing in queues outside banks and ATMs post demonetisation.
New York, Nov 18 : US President Barack Obama on Friday crticised Facebook for spreading fake news that favoured Donald Trump.

"In an age where there's so much active misinformation and it's packaged very well and it looks the same when you see it on a Facebook page or you turn on your television," Obama was quoted by The Verge as saying.

"If everything seems to be the same and no distinctions are made, then we won't know what to protect," he further said.

Buzzfeed found that top-performing fake stories performed better on Facebook than accurate stories shared by traditional media sites during the US presidential election campaign.

Critics have blamed the social networking giant Facebook for influencing the US-elections in favour of President-elect Donald Trump by circulating a "host of fake news stories about political topics.

CEO Mark Zuckerberg had declined that Facebook played a role in spreading fake news and termed this idea "crazy". To mitigate the criticism, Facebook decided to ban sites that post fake news from using its advertising network to make money.

"The capacity to disseminate misinformation, wild conspiracy theories, to paint the opposition in wildly negative light without any rebuttal, that has accelerated in ways that much more sharply polarise the electorate and make it very difficult to have a common conversation," Obama told New Yorker editor David Remnick.
Imphal, Nov 18 : Newspaper offices in Manipur have shut down as there was no money to run the business following the demonetisation of Rs 500 and Rs 1,000 currency notes.

As a result, newspapers stopped publishing from Friday onwards.

Paonam Labango Mangang, proprietor and editor of the Kangla Pao daily told IANS that the suspension will continue till the situation was normalised and all denominations were freely available.

"Advertisers have no new Rs 500 and Rs 2,000 currency noted and the management has now refused to accept the demonetised notes," Mangang said.

Nimaichand Luwang, a senior BJP leader said" "It will have a crippling impact on the January elections. A democracy without press is unthinkable. The Congress ministry has miserably failed to demand adequate number of currencies. Besides most of the bank branches do not transact cash on security concerns."

The decision to shut down the offices was taken at an emergency meeting held late Thursday by All Manipur Newspaper Publishers' Association and the distributors.

Reporters have also expressed their inability to buy petrol at Rs 300 a litre to move around on duty.

Schools were also closed as there was no fuel for buses as a result of the economic blockades imposed by the Nagas.
New Delhi, Nov 18 : Activists fighting for the rights of tribals in Bastar, caught in the crossfire of the dragging war between the state and the Maoists, say that the charges against professors Nandini Sundar of Delhi University and Archana Prasad of Jawaharlal Nehru University are "trumped-up" as they had the temerity to take on the controversial Bastar police chief who is widely accused of employing authoritarian tactics.

Soni Sori, a school teacher-turned-activist and herself a victim of Chhattisgarh Police's high-handedness , described the FIR against Sundar, Prasad and others in an alleged murder case in Bastar as a fake.

"There's nothing new about the ways of the police in Bastar," Sori, who was arrested and allegedly tortured by police, said. She accused the police of persecution of the tribals in the name of wiping out Maoist extremists.

"What police has done is wrong. Police in Bastar have this method of putting people behind bars on trumped-up charges. The same is happening to Nandini Sundar now," Sori told IANS on phone from Bastar.

"Any act of violence -- be it a blast or arson -- is enough for police to harass villagers and land them in jail. The real Maoists are hardly affected, only the poor tribals are," she alleged.

An FIR was lodged at Tongpal police station in Dantewada district of Chhattisgarh against Sundar for murdering a tribal, Shamnath Baghel, in insurgency-hit Sukma district on November 7. She was booked along with JNU professor Prasad and a few others.

Sundar is a sociology professor and an activist working for the welfare of tribals in Bastar who has also penned a recent book on their lives.

"The innocent tribals are forced to stay in prison for four years, five years, and then acquitted with full honour. The same happened to me. I was only a school teacher but was arrested for aiding Maoists, only to be set free years later. Sundar has done the right thing by approaching Supreme Court," Sori said.

The Chhattisgarh government, after a hue and cry from intellectuals and activists, has assured the Supreme Court that it won't arrest Sundar and any of the other activists without giving them a one-month notice. The case was filed against Sundar on the complaint of Baghel's wife, who had reportedly told police that her husband was threatened by the professor and Maoists in May to give up his anti-Maoist activities.

Baghel was allegedly killed by armed Maoists on November 4 during which, his wife contended, the ultras referred to the warning given to him earlier.

Sori termed the action against Sundar as "nothing but an eyewash and just another attempt at weeding out any element which impedes police's indiscriminate exploitation of the villagers".

"It's all a conspiracy. Police recently said that they will make Chhattisgarh Maoist-free by 2017, but in reality it's only poor tribals who get killed," she said.

She also mentioned Bastar Inspector General S.R.P. Kalluri, a controversial figure, who, according to her, is one of the reasons for the increasing body count in the region.

"It's personal vendetta which has inspired this move against Sundar. She was responsible for bringing a CBI inquiry against Kalluri concerning the burning of villagers' homes in 2011," Himanshu Kumar, a human rights activist, told IANS, echoing the views of many others who did not like to speak for fear of police persecution.

The CBI report, which came on October 23 this year, found the Special Police Officers (SPOs) in-charge guilty of the operation against the Maoists. According to Kumar, originally the police had blamed the Maoists for setting on fire 160 houses in Tadmetla village of Bastar region of south Chhattisgarh.

"Kalluri is going to benefit from Sundar's arrest the most, since it was she who came after him. It's a conspiracy against her," Kumar said, adding that he could not even go back to Bastar since he risks being arrested for campaigning against police atrocities.

(Vishal Narayan can be reached at vishal.n@ians.in)
* India palm oil imports expected to fall 20 pct m/m in Dec

* Tight cash has disrupted India distribution, slowed buying

* Vegoil buyers in India slowing purchases from all suppliers

By Rajendra Jadhav and Emily Chow

MUMBAI/KUALA LUMPUR, Nov 18 (Reuters) - India's palm oil imports are expected to slip next month by up to a fifth, including from the top two producers Indonesia and Malaysia, as New Delhi's removal of high-value rupee notes from circulation disrupts distribution systems and curbs demand.

Traders in Malaysia, India's largest palm oil supplier taking up half of its imports last year, say the absence of the large bills has already impacted sales. Indian buyers are delaying shipments and cancelling vessel space bookings, and the traders expect them to hold back further in the month ahead.

In India - top importer of vegetable oils - traders are forecasting up to a 20 percent drop in crude and refined palm oil imports for December from the previous month, with edible oil refiners reducing purchases as the cash crunch weakens retail demand.

Having fewer high-value notes in circulation is also hampering distribution because village shops typically pay local wholesale dealers in cash.

"Bulk buyers are not ready to lift stocks. Most of November shipments we cannot cancel or postpone as tankers have already left Indonesian and Malaysian ports. So we are postponing shipments in December to January," said a senior official with an Indian oil refiner who declined to be named.

Cargo surveyor data shows Malaysian palm oil shipments to India for the first half of November have already dropped by 81-85 percent versus the corresponding period last month.

"Inquiries have fizzled out since last week," said a Kuala Lumpur-based trader, who reported an over 50 percent decline in sales volumes. "It's not going to be easy now for the market to sustain high price levels."

Benchmark palm oil prices have been volatile in recent trading sessions, hitting a four-year high a week ago and then posting its biggest intraday drop in more than four months in the next session.

Story continues

Palm oil looks set to fall more than 3 percent this week, down about 0.2 percent on Friday around 2,870 ringgit per tonne.

Purchases from top consumers India and China typically fall-off at year-end because palm oil solidifies during the Northern Hemisphere winter, but this year the numbers are being hit hard.

India's total palm oil imports stood at 739,159 tonnes, according to traders, and are expected to fall to 650,000 tonnes in November and by another 20 percent from there in December.

Total palm oil imports in December 2015 were 790,368 tonnes, according to the Solvent Extractors Association of India (SEA).

NO CASH IN A CASH MARKET

Exact numbers aren't available from largest producer Indonesia, but analysts there also expect lower shipments to India because of the cash shortage, while Indian buyers said they have cut vegetable oil imports from all suppliers, even for soyoil from Brazil and Argentina in December.

Last week, Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi declared 500 rupee and 1,000 rupee bills no longer legal tender to crack down on corruption and bring unaccounted wealth back into the economy, leaving millions with insufficient cash.

"Retail sales are going down as many people don't have cash to buy essential commodities. Refiners are not able to dispose their stocks, so they are likely to cut imports in the short-term," said B.V. Mehta, executive director of SEA.

Still, while India cannot do without imports due to limited local supplies, it is not clear how long the slowdown will last.

Jitendra Kadam, a grocery shop owner from India's western state of Maharashtra, said consumers have cut down purchases of everything from sugar to edible oils.

"Until they get notes of smaller denominations, demand will remain weak," he said.

Said a Malaysian trader: "Everything is at a standstill. There is not enough cash around, so people are not going to trade much. They are going to wait and see."

(Reporting by Rajendra Jadhav in MUMBAI and Emily Chow in KUALA LUMPUR; Editing by Tom Hogue)
New Delhi, Nov 18 : He started off as a taxi driver, went on to become a spy for an Indian intelligence agency, spent 11 years in a Pakistan jail and is now running an association for the welfare of unsung heroes.

Disappointed by the lack of support from the Indian government, Vinod Sawhney says there is no difference between a militant organisation and India's intelligence agency.

Sawhney, now 66, was a taxi driver a few decades ago before an intelligence official boarded his taxi as a passenger.

"He (the official) brainwashed me. He said it was a government job and spoke about patriotism. So, I got lured to become a spy without knowing my actual job. When I reached the border (India-Pakistan border), that's when I got to know what the job was all about. There is no difference between a militant organisation and our intelligence agency," Sawhney told IANS over phone from Jammu.

He was sent to Pakistan in 1977 and was arrested in the same year. He was then sentenced to jail for 11 years. In March 1988, he was sent back to India. On his return to his home country, he found it difficult to get his dues from the government.

Later, he started the Jammu Ex-Sleuths Association for the welfare of those who have worked as secret agents for Indian intelligence agencies, but were later disowned.

"There has been no help from the government. There should be a policy that will help those who spent time in the enemy country's jail, and their families. The policy should also be beneficial to the martyrs' families," said the father of two, who stays in Jammu's Bakshi Nagar.

"Next year, we have decided that we will go to Parliament if the government won't consider our demands. We (along with our families) will commit suicide there. We are not cowards. No soldier is a coward. But if the government won't do something for us, we will take this step. We are anyway struggling so much," he said.

Why not join politics then?

"You need money for that," he said.

Sawhney believes that movies are a big medium that can help his cause.

"If movies are made related to us (sleuths) and our sufferings, the reach will be much better. The entire nation and the world will see what RAW agents do. Government knows about our problems, but the officials have turned deaf and dumb," he said.

Quite a few Bollywood films have been made on the subject, but it was the team of "Force 2" that recently approached him and lent support. The film's lead actors John Abraham and Sonakshi Sinha even visited the Amar Jawan Jyoti here to pay tribute to the country's unsung heroes. They were accompanied by Sawhney, who is the President of the Jammu Ex-Sleuths Association.

"Patriots don't want awards. They live for the country and die for the county. When the film's makers contacted me, I thought that if they will be able to convey our message to higher authorities, we would love to associate with them," said the former spy.

The film revolves around the intention of one man who wants kill agents of the Research and Analysis Wing (RAW), India's intelligence agency. Directed by Abhinay Deo, the film hit theatres on Friday.

(Natalia Ningthoujam can be contacted at natalia.n@ians.in)
Madrid, Nov 18 : Saturday will see the first Madrid derby between Atletico and Real Madrid since the Champions League final in which Real Madrid beat their neighbours on penalties on a dramatic night in Milan.

That night on May 28 was the second time that Real Madrid have beaten Atletico in the Champions League final in three years and on both occasions, it came in the most painful manner imaginable for Atletico. According to Atletico midfielder Koke, those defeats are something he will never forget, reports Xinhua.

If last season saw them lose a penalty shoot-out after being the better side over 120 minutes, 2014 saw Real Madrid snatch an equalising goal in the third minute of injury time, before going on to beat an exhausted Atletico 4-1 in extra time.

Atletico have not lost to their neighbours in a Spanish league game for the past three years and Saturday's game promises to have more emotion given that it is the last derby to be played in the Vicente Calderon Stadium.

Atletico need a win to keep in touch with Real Madrid at the top of the table. But for Koke victory will not take away the pain of Milan.

"That is something you never get over. It is going to stay with me all of my life," he said in an interview on Spanish radio station, Cadena Ser.

"I don' t think that even if we won the Champions League, I would forget it, because it will always be there," he continued, adding that the players wanted to "offer the fans a win in the last league derby in the Calderon."

"It's a game in which anything could happen. Both of the sides know each other well and it is the small details which will decide it, however Real Madrid have an advantage in that a draw means they maintain their advantage over us," the midfielder added.

Real have a six point lead in the Spanish league over Atletico and a win for Zinedine Zidane's side will see them go nine points clear.

"It would be complicated for us to win the league if they beat us. But we have high hopes of winning the derby and I think we will," Koke concluded.
Brussels, Nov 18 : European Union (EU) Interior Ministers will on Friday discuss for the first time a proposal to create a new system authorising foreigners to enter the Schengen zone, as well as anti-terrorist measures and the recording of air passenger data.

The meeting will allow them to exchange their first impressions on the so-called European Travel Information and Authorisation System (ETIAS) presented on Wednesday by the European Commission, Efe news reported.

The system aims to strengthen security and EU immigration controls by formalising travel authorisations for non-Schengen country nationals who wish to enter the area and do not need visas, requiring them instead to pay a five euros ($5.30) fee.

The mechanism is similar to the so-called ESTA used in the United States and will carry out background checks in advance to deny entry to travellers if it is considered necessary.

This measure was proposed by the EC following terrorist attacks in Europe last year and in the wake of the migration crisis.

It will facilitate the exchange of information in data banks.

EU member states will have until May 25, 2018 to incorporate the legislation into their domestic regulations.
Tel Aviv, Nov 18 : Coca-Cola has designed a "Selfie bottle" that will take your self-portrait which you can instantly share with your friends on online platforms like SnapChat, Facebook and Instagram.

The bottle is fitted with an in-built camera at its base and a sensor to detect when it is tilted to 70-degree, at which point the camera takes a snap of its owner mid-drink, Drum News reported on Friday.

The "Selfie Bottle" has been devised by Gefen Team for the Coca-Cola Summer Love campaign -- Israel's largest outdoor brand event.

"Users tag themselves and their friends in photos on Coca-Cola's social media assets. It really does the trick and makes the partygoers more present and active during the event, knowing they can share their special moments just by drinking," Coca-Cola said in a statement.

However, there are no reports when the "Selfie Bottle" will make it to the market.
Washington, Nov 18 : A US government spokesperson appears to have lost his temper while being questioned about the situation in Syria by a reporter from Russia Today -- a state-owned outlet.

Correspondent Gayane Chichakyan asked spokesperson John Kirby to give details on the bombing of "five hospitals and at least one mobile clinic" in Syria which he cited reliable aid organisations as having reported as targeted during renewed bombing of rebel areas by the Syrian government and its Russian allies this week.

Kirby, who said he did not have the specifics in front of him, told the reporter after repeated requests for specific names and locations of the hospitals to direct her questions to the aid organisations themselves, or the Russian Defence Ministry.

"You work for Russia Today, right? Isn't that your agency?" he asked Chichakyan.

"And so why shouldn't you ask your government the same kinds of questions that you're standing here asking me?... Why don't you question them about their information and where they're getting it? And why don't you question your own Defence Ministry?" he said.

Chichakyan repeated that she would need specifics to put any allegations to other sources when the another journalist Matt Lee intervened.

"Please be careful about saying 'your Defence Ministry and things like that. She's a journalist, she's just like the rest of us are'," he said to Kirby.

"From a state-owned outlet," Kirby replied. "I'm not going to put Russia Today on the same level with the rest of you who are representing independent media outlets."

Russia Today later said that a representative from the US State Department had apologised to Chichakyan and provided her with the details she had requested on the alleged hospital bombings which "did not lay blame on any party for the alleged strikes".
New Delhi, Nov 18 : A delegation of students from Russia visited the Lalit Kala Akademi here on Friday, furthering the cultural ties between India and Russia.

During their visit to the Akademi, the members held cordial exchanges with officials and visited the Gallery of Musical Instruments on the premises, evincing considerable interest in the displays.

"Both the countries maintain serious and sincere relationship which goes back ages. In order to make these visits more meaningful and beneficial, there should be continuity of our mutual dialogue and exchanges between artists and museums of our two countries," said Sudhakar Sharma, Secretary of Lalit Kala Akademi, in a statement.

"For us, this is a valuable experience and we are all eager to interact and share about what young people in India and Russia are interested to know. We want to explore further ideas of how to continue the communication later, in the interests of cementing cooperation, friendship and long-term associations," said Viktoriia Varnavskaia, head of the Russian delegation.

The delegation consists of 37 students from various Russian universities and was organised by the Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports.
New Delhi, Nov 18 : The Indian Navy on Friday inducted four indigenous sonars to give a boost to its underwater surveillance capability.

The systems are Abhay -- a Compact Hull Mounted Sonar for Shallow Water Crafts; Humsa UG, an upgrade of the Humsa Sonar System; NACS or Near-field Acoustic Characterisation System; and AIDSS or Advanced Indigenous Distress Sonar System for submarines.

Defence Minister Manohar Parrikar and Navy chief Admiral Sunil Lanba were present on the occasion.

The sonars have been designed and developed by Naval Physical and Oceanographic Laboratory, a Kochi-based premier laboratory of Defence Research and Development Organisation.

Abhay is an advanced active-cum-passive integrated sonar system designed and developed for smaller platforms such as shallow watercrafts and coastal surveillance and patrol vessels.

The Indian Navy has proposed to deploy this sonar on three of its Abhay-class ships.

Using the latest technology in hardware architecture and advanced signal processing algorithms, the sonar is capable of detecting, localising, classifying and tracking sub-surface and surface targets in both active and passive modes of operation.

The prototype of this compact sonar installed onboard a nominated naval platform has successfully completed all user-evaluation trials to demonstrate the features as per the Naval Staff Qualification Requirements.

Humsa UG has hardware architecture based on the state-of-the-art open architecture processor technologies to enable smooth upgrade of the system capabilities.

This system is proposed to be installed on seven ships of three classes of ships.

NACS determines the in-situ performance of the sonar system used to find the frequency-dependent 3-D transmission and reception characteristics of the sonar.

It is also used to measure the magnitude and phase characteristics of the sonar transmission and reception electronics and transducers.

AIDSS is a distress Sonar or an emergency sound signalling device used to indicate a submarine in distress and enable quick rescue and salvage.

It is a life-saving alarm system designed to transmit sonar signals of a pre-designated frequency and pulse shape in an emergency situation from a submarine for long period.

A Memorandum of Understanding was signed between the ministries of defence and skill development in July 2015 to enhance the skill sets of retiring defence personnel.

In the pilot batch, 70 retiring naval personnel have been trained in collaboration with the National Skill Development Corporation, the Indian Navy said.

Parrikar along with Skill Development Minister Rajiv Pratap Rudy handed over skill certificates to retiring naval personnel on the occasion.
Beijing, Nov 18 : China on Friday said it did not deny visa to the manager of Indian badminton team and it was he who himself cancelled the visa application.

A day after India protested the denial of visa to Bamang Tago, a resident of Arunachal Pradesh which China claims as its own, Beijing said the reports were "not in accordance with facts".

"According to what we learned that the person you have mentioned had previously gone to the Chinese embassy in India for visa application but later he himself cancelled the visa application," Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Geng Shuang said here.

"The way China issues visas to relevant people is a flexible approach adopted to facilitate exchanges between two sides pending the final settlement of boundary question," he added.

Tago, the secretary of the Arunachal Pradesh State Badminton Association, was named the manager of the Indian squad for the Thaihot China Open 2016 badminton tournament that began in Fuzhou on November 15 but reportedly denied a visa by Beijing.

According to reports, the Chinese embassy in New Delhi informed Tago that he was denied the visa because of his Arunachal domicile.

Earlier too, China has denied visa to Indian citizens from Arunachal Pradesh, which Beijing claims to be southern Tibet.

(Gaurav Sharma is the IANS Beijing-based correspondent. He can be contacted at sharmagaurav71@gmail.com and gauravians@yahoo.com)
Mumbai, Nov 18 : Actor Neil Nitin Mukesh is gearing up for a film with "Baahubali" fame Prabhas, slated to release next year.

The yet untitled film is being directed by Y. Sujeeth Reddy.

Talking about the project, Neil said in a statement: "I took close to one year to finalise this project. What excites me about the film is the fact that the storyline is very complex, the role is challenging, and I will once again get a chance to experiment. I'm excited to work alongside Prabhas and share screen space with him."

Neil is currently taking special language classes in Tamil and Telugu for his role and brushing up on his diction.

The film will be released in Hindi, Tamil and Telugu.
New Delhi, Nov 18 : The shining jewels, elegant carpets, delectable dry fruits and other authentic Afghani attractions at the ongoing India International Trade Fair (IITF) fail to find their worth, thanks to the cash crunch that has set in after the demonetisation move.

Afghani traders are not accepting the scrapped Rs 500 and Rs 1,000 currency notes and also do not have the PoS machines. They are utterly disappointment with the 36th edition of the trade fair, as there has been very limited sale of all their products, including table covers, women's dresses and overcoats.

The carpet sellers are the worst sufferers of the lot. Their carpets range between Rs 3,000 and Rs 90,000. Without the card payment service, it has become almost impossible for them to do any business.

"I have been participating in the fair for the past six years. There hasn't been anything exciting about sales this year as compared to the last year or before that," carpet trader Humayun told IANS.

"Until last year, we had a sale of at least Rs 1 lakh every day. Without asking where the ATM machine is, the customers would pay in cash. But this time, we are barely doing business worth about Rs 20,000 a day," he added.

Humayun also said: "None of us has a bank account here in India. So, we cannot get the card machine."

One of the vendors complained that the India Trade Promotion Organisation (ITPO) did not cooperate in terms of arranging the card machine.

"The ITPO should have arranged the ATM service. Instead, they told us to find Indian friends to get an account. The government should provide us some help in this regard," Siddiq Ullah said.

For dry fruit trader Jawat Khan, there is no time to exchange the old currency as his whole day is spent at the fair.

"We can't accept old currency notes as there is no time to exchange it. We are here at the fair from 6 a.m. to 10 p.m.," he said.

"The quality of our dry fruits is great. We make our customers taste them before they buy, as people don't realise the richness of these nuts without tasting. A lot of it now going to just tasting, since people seldom buy due to the money shortage."

Malika Azad from the Afghani pavilion was equally distressed.

"Our dresses range between Rs 500 and Rs 5,000, but people are finding the prices too high because of this money problem in India. It is very difficult to sell anything at this point of time in this country," she said.
New Delhi, Nov 18 : As many as 377 ceasefire violations occured along the Line of Control and the International Boundary with Pakistan by November, Minister of State for Defence Subhash Bhamre told the Lok Sabha on Friday.

In a written reply, the minister said 167 ceasefire violations were recorded till November 14 along the International Boundary and the LoC stretches under the Indian Army control.

The number of violations till November 1 on stretches of International Boundary under the Border Security Force (BSF) control was 210.

Last year, a total of 405 violations occurred -- 152 along the LoC and IB stretches controlled by the army, and 253 along the IB under the BSF.

Till November 14, eight army personnel were killed and 59 injured on the LoC and IB. Four BSF men were killed and seven others injured till November 1.

The minister said 12 civilians were killed in cross-border firing and 76 others injured till November 10.

Last year, six azrmy men were killed in cross-border firing and 17 others injured, whereas four BSF men were killed and nine others injured.

In 2015, 16 civilians died in cross-border firing and 71 were injured.

"Appropriate retaliation to ceasefire violations, as required, has been carried out by the Indian Army/BSF. In addition, all ceasefire violations are taken up with Pakistan authorities at the appropriate level through established mechanisms of hotlines, flag meetings and weekly talks between the two Directorate Generals of Military Operations," Bhamre said in the reply.

"The BSF, too, holds talks at various levels with its counterpart, the Pakistan Rangers. Further, all forward posts along the Line of Control are adequately strengthened to withstand enemy fire. There is also a well-established Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) to safeguard against enemy action to minimise casualties," the minister said.

Tension has continued along the India-Pakistan border, with over 100 violations from the Pakistani side since the surgical strikes by India on terror launch pads in Pakistan-occupied Kashmir on September 28-29 night.

The surgical strikes were in response to an attack on an Army camp in Uri on September 18, in which 19 Indian soldiers were killed.

On Wednesday, India issued a demarche to Pakistan on continued violation of ceasefire along the LoC and strongly condemned increased concentration of terrorists observed across the border in the vicinity of Pakistani forward posts.

This was the third such demarche this month.
New Delhi, Nov 18 : The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) has decided to seek the extradition of alleged middleman Christian Michel James, an accused in the Rs 3,600 crore AgustaWestland helicopter deal, from the UAE, sources said on Friday.

"CBI has decided to send a request to designated central authorities of UAE (United Arab Emirates) seeking extradition of fugitive Christian Michel James through prescribed channel," an informed source told IANS.

The agency took the decision to seek the extradition of James after its investigating teams confirmed his role as a key middleman in the AgustaWestland deal, the source said.

It is also learnt that some bureaucrats and politicians are on the radar of CBI sleuths in the case but they want to question James before taking any action against them.

"Extradition is also important to take forward the investigation regarding bribes paid to bureaucrats and politicians," the source further added.

James reportedly received around Rs 225 crore from AgustaWestland in kickbacks paid by the firm to execute the deal for 12 helicopters in its favour in the "guise of" transactions for performing multiple work contracts in the country.

An amount of Rs 6.33 crore was routed to India through James' shell company Media Exim from his Dubai-based company Global Services FZE.

James and two other middlemen, Guido Ralph Haschke and Carlo Gerosa, have been named as the accused in separate investigations conducted by the CBI and the Enforcement Directorate (ED).

Both the agencies have issued an Interpol Red Corner Notice (RCN) against James, after a city court issued a non-bailable warrant against him.

An Italian court has revealed that James, a resident of London, was working as a consultant in India for AgustaWestland's AWA101 helicopter deal.

Investigators said James is currently staying in Dubai from where he has been running his companies.
New Delhi, Nov 18 : Continuing its tradition of global collaborations across the world, the O.P. Jindal Global University (JGU) has signed a Memorandum of Understanding with the College of Law and Business (CLB) and The Hebrew University of Jerusalem (HUJ)to create a framework for global collaboration in areas of academics, research, faculty and student exchange programmes.

JGU Vice-Chancellor C. Raj Kumar signed the MoU with Professor Menahem Ben Sasson, President, The Hebrew University of Jerusalem and Professor Moshe Cohen-Eliya, President, College of Law and Business in the presence of visiting Israeli President Reuven Rivlin and Union HRD Minister Prakash Javadekar.

Speaking on the occasion, Rivlin observed that education and cultural exchanges will consolidate Israel- India relations. The two nations came into being as independent entities around the same time and leaders of both national movements had intellectual dialogues like Tagore and Einstein.

"The Einstein archives at Hebrew University of Jerusalem houses the extensive letters of Tagore written to Einstein, so it is the right time for Israel and India to take the intellectual partnership further form here. The academic collaborations signed today will ensure that has begun," a JGU statement said.

The MoU aims to promote academic, cultural and personnel exchanges that can enrich the experience of students, research scholars and faculty members from both institutions, the agreement will also facilitate student and faculty exchange programs and promote bilateral cooperation on research.

Speaking on the occasion, Raj Kumar said: "International education and collaborations of this type promote knowledge exchange between global communities and enhances our student's transformative educational experience. It is with this vision that we have partnered with over 160 institutions in 40 countries since our inception in 2009."

Extolling the achievements of the Israeli universities, Kumar observed: "The leading institutions in Israel have achieved extraordinary distinctions and have rapidly evolved into world class universities. We are proud to be associated with College of Law and Business (CLB), and The Hebrew University of Jerusalem (HUJ) of Israel, which are amongst the top universities of the world."

"In pursuit of its vision to promote a global perspective through a global faculty, global courses, curriculum and research, JGU has fostered collaborations with over 160 universities and institutions in 40 countries across the world," the statement said.
Mumbai, Nov 18 : The Indian rupee weakened to its lowest level in the last nine months on the back of heightened chances of a US rate hike.

The Indian rupee weakened by 32 paise to 68.14 against a US dollar from its previous close of 67.82 to a greenback.

According to Anindya Banerjee, Associate Vice President for Currency Derivatives with Kotak Securities, the rupee declined in line with other emerging market currencies on the back of the rise in US bond yields.

"Heavy intervention by the RBI (Reserve Bank of India) was noticed on both the exchange side and the spot market front. This has been a feature throughout the week," Banerjee told IANS.

"However, the demand from traders and the off-shore funds kept the rupee weak. The rupee closed at a new nine-month low on a closing basis."

Anand James, Chief Market Strategist, Geojit BNP Paribas Financial Services, told IANS: "The rupee is on the weaker side as the US dollar index has risen with US Fed's Chairman Janet Yellen's testimony yesterday, pointing at the certainty of the December rate hike."

On Thursday, the US Federal Reserve's Chairman Janet Yellen signalled a possible US rate hike in December.

A hike can potentially lead foreign portfolio investors (FPI) and funds away from emerging markets such as India, and dent the business margins of corporate sector, as access to capital from the US will become more expensive.

The heightened chances of a US rate hike depressed Indian stock markets on Friday and led to a massive outflow of foreign funds from Indian equities.

In terms of investments, provisional data with stock exchanges showed that the FIIs (foreign institutional investors) sold stocks worth Rs 988.93 crore, and the domestic institutional investors (DIIs) purchased scrip worth Rs 1,144.15 crore.

"The FIIs have been on the selling side for the last couple of days, due to which the Indian markets have witnessed a substantial amount of outflows," James added.
Melbourne, Nov 18 : While Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi is facing flak from some quarters for scrapping Rs 1,000 and Rs 500 notes, an Australian analyst has called for similar bans on bigger denomination currency notes Down Under too.

The call for the ban on $100 and even $50 currency notes has been accompanied by laudatory comments for Modi's bold move.

Citing Modi's crackdown, a UBS analyst Jonathan Mott has taken lead in pressing for similar demonetisation measures in Australia.

"Removing large denomination notes in Australia would be good for the economy and good for the banks," Jonathan Mott said in a communication to UBS clients earlier this week. Benefits would include reduced crime and welfare fraud, increased tax revenue and a "spike" in bank deposits, he said.

While the percentage of the banned notes in India is around 80 percent, 92 per cent of all currency in Australia is the value of $50 and $100 (US$76).

"Only Switzerland, Israel, Norway and Russia use big notes more than we do," The Age economics editor Peter Martin had despaired while urging a ban on big notes in an article published a few months back.

"Who's got them? They are mainly in the hands of drug lords, human traffickers, and tax evaders," Martin had said, answering his own question while quoting from influential US economist Kenneth Rogoff's recently released book "The Curse of Cash".

Like The Age scribe, Mott believes that the scrapping of the biggest denomination currency notes would yield a plethora of economic benefits, including a reduction in crime, higher tax revenue from fewer cash transactions and lower rates of welfare fraud.

According to the UBS analyst, if all of $100 notes are deposited in banks, the household deposit would go up by 4 percent, reducing reliance on foreign funding.

Australia is not alone where Modi's demonetisation announcement is being seen with interest. According to media reports, a number of central banks and governments around the world are looking at withdrawing high denomination bank notes.

The reasons for their interest could be slightly different from India and the UBS analyst. The digitalisation of the economy is cited as the major reason for which many countries may either completely ban the bigger denomination notes or significantly reduce their number.

Like many of its fellow OECD members, Australia is also experiencing the increasing penetration of electronic payment methods.

The ATM transactions in Australia have fallen 3.4 percent a year since 2009 while credit card transactions have increased 7.3 percent a year, a UBS research note reads.

Australian banks have already commenced dropping cash transactions from service offered to the customers. 'No cash on Saturday' signs can be seen in a number of bank branches open for business on the weekends.

In a separate but related development, Citibank Australia has decided to remove cash from its branches. The US bank may have just six branches in Australia but its move has attracted the attention of financial analysts the world over. Removing cash from bank branches is seen as a move towards digital banking.

The demand for cash handling services (including ATM withdrawals) is on a decline in Australia. In Citibank's case, the decline was even more pronounced as only one in 20 customers entered one of its six branches for cash management.

The European Central Bank is also reportedly considering withdrawing 500 euro notes because of an "increased conviction in world public opinion" such high-value notes are used for criminal purposes.

(Paritosh Parasher is a senior journalist of Indian origin. He can be contacted at paritoshparasher@yahoo.com)
New Delhi, Nov 18 : A 12-year-old boy was killed and seven other persons were critically injured after a wall belonging to North Delhi Municipal Corporation (NDMC) collapsed at Karol Bagh, the police said on Friday.

The boy was identified as Poochi and the injured persons have been admitted to Lady Hardinge Hospital in critical condition, a police officer said.

The wall collapse occurred around 11.25 a.m. on Desh Bandhu Gupta Road when a tree was being cut down by North DMC workers.

"The tree accidentally fell on the wall, which collapsed on the eight locals, including the minor boy, Poochi, standing near to it. We are investigating the case and necessary action will be taken against the guilty," Deputy Commissioner of Police (DCP) Manjeet Singh Randhawa said.

Sanjeev Nayyar, Mayor of North DMC, told IANS," I have inquired about the matter. To my knowledge, no one has died due to the incident. Only one person has been injured."

A case was registered at the Desh Bandhu Gupta Road police station.
Chandigarh, Nov 18 : Just two days after the ruling Shiromani Akali Dal denied him a ticket for the 2017 assembly elections, former Punjab minister Swaran Singh Phillaur on Friday claimed that Revenue Minister Bikram Singh Majithia had links with the drug mafia.

Majithia was in reality running the SAD-BJP government in Punjab to "unleash a state-wide mafia rule", alleged Phillaur, who left the SAD and joined the Congress on Friday.

Phillaur and his supporters were welcomed into the Punjab Congress by party President Amarinder Singh here.

Majithia is a brother-in-law of Punjab Deputy Chief Minister and Shiromani Akali Dal President Sukhbir Singh Badal. Majithia's sister, Sukhbir's wife Harsimrat Kaur Badal, is the Food Processing Minister in the Union Cabinet.

The opposition Congress and the Aam Aadmi Party in the past have alleged Majithia's links to the drug mafia, a charge denied by him and the SAD.

"I and my son were framed in the Bhola drugs seizure case. All the accused had named Majithia as the kingpin. We were not asked, else we too would have named Majithia," Phillaur told the media after joining the Congress.

Phillaur, the then Cabinet Minister for Tourism, Culture and Jails, resigned from the Punjab government in May 2014 on moral grounds after his son's name figured in the Rs 6,000-crore drugs racket busted by the Punjab Police.

Racket kingpin and former international wrestler Jagdish Bhola, a former police officer, allegedly named Majithia for his links with the drug mafia in Punjab.

"The Akali Dal government is trying to protect the minister (Majithia). He was not happy with my seniority and did not like the rise of a Dalit leader within the party. It has become a Sukhbir and Majithia Akali Dal," Phillaur said.

Phillaur said he was ignored by the Akalis as he was a Dalit, and it was evident from the fact that SAD tickets were given to many leaders accused or convicted in criminal cases.

"Senior (Chief Minister Parkash Singh) Badal himself told me that Sukhbir is running the show and did not respect his seniority," said Phillaur.

Claiming Majithia was behind the conspiracy to frame his son and him in the drugs case, Phillaur said though charge sheet in the case was filed, neither he nor his son had been named.

It clearly indicates a conspiracy against us, the former minister said.

Phillaur said he apprehended that the Akalis will again try to defame him and his son by either reviving the case or implicating them in a new case.
New Delhi, Nov 18 : The Supreme Court on Friday did not favour making public the names of individuals and companies with non-performing assets (NPAs) or bad loans of Rs 500 crore or more, and said what is important is how to recover the money and check its recurrence.

Saying that "disclosure of names would not lead us anywhere", the bench of Chief Justice T.S. Thakur, Justice A.M. Khanwilkar and Justice D.Y. Chandrachud said, "We want to know why are NPAs accumulating? What are reforms (needed) so that NPAs do not recur? What are the deficiencies in the recovery system? Disclosure of names is not going to serve any purpose."

The Reserve Bank of India has submitted a list of such defaulters to the apex court in a sealed cover.

Having said this, the court asked the government to submit a comprehensive note indicating the government's action plan to recover the NPAs. The court said this should be submitted in four weeks in a sealed cover.

The court sought the comprehensive note from the government after Solicitor General Ranjit Kumar told the court that besides a high level committee that is looking into the banking sector reforms, the government is also independently looking into the matter of NPAs.

The court said the committee set up by the government to suggest banking reforms should submit its report in four weeks, and added that the recommendations of the panel would be subject to its scrutiny.

It fixed December 12 as the next date of hearing in the matter.

Telling the court that the committee was in the last lap of its work and would finalise its report by this month-end, the Solicitor General opposed the suggestion by NGO Centre for Public Interest Litigation (CPIL) counsel Kamini Jaiswal for an independent economist on the Committee.

He told the court that the committee that was set up in May this year has held six meetings and is in the process of finalising the report.

The Solicitor General told the court that the committee is examining all the issues that were earlier raised by CPIL counsel Prashant Bhushan in the matter.

During the hearing on October 24, the Supreme Court had said that it would hold hearing on whether the names of individuals and companies with non-performing assets (NPAs) of Rs 500 crore or more could be made public.

The court is hearing a PIL by the NGO CPIL which pointed to loans given by the Housing and Urban Development Corporation Ltd in 2003 to some of the companies with questionable track records. It was in the course of hearing of this PIL that the court focused on the recovery of large NPAs.
New Delhi, Nov 18 : The central government's proposal to grant Scheduled Tribe (ST) status to six advanced and populous communities in Assam will destroy the existing tribes, the Coordination Committee of the Tribal Organisations of Assam (CCTOA) said on Friday.

Describing the move as detrimental to tribes and anti-tribal, the CCTOA said the granting of ST status to those communities, including Koch Rajbongshi and Tai-Ahom, will eliminate political representation of the existing STs from village councils up to the Lok Sabha.

Following the proposal, hundreds of members from the Bodo community have staged a sit-in at the Jantar Mantar here under the banner of the CCTOA.

Bodo community, the largest tribal group in Assam, has been opposed to the proposal ever since it was demanded by the United Liberation Front of Assam's (ULFA) faction that favours peace talks during the ongoing parleys with the government.

Based on the demands, the central government had earlier this year set up a committee to recommend the modalities for granting the Scheduled Tribe status to six communities -- Koch Rajbongshi, Moran, Matak, Tai Ahom, Chutia and Adivasi (Tea Tribes) -- in Assam.

According to the CCTOA, the seats reserved for the existing STs in the Autonomous District Councils (Bodoland Territorial Council, Karbi Anglong Autonomous Council and Dima Hasao District Autonomous Council), under the Sixth Schedule of the Constitution can be contested by the new tribes, leading to a poor representation of the existing tribes.

"The six communities, to which the government is trying to grant ST status, are educationally and economically advanced, populous and there is no way the existing STs can compete with them," said Pramod Bodo, President All Bodo Student's Union, in a statement.

"The Tai-Ahom and the Tea Tribes are very large communities, each claiming to have 50 lakhs plus population, and the Koch Rajbanshis and the Tai-Ahoms are very advanced, having considerable political and economic clout over the state," Bodo told IANS.

"Majority of these communities do not possess characteristics which define tribals in India. No study has proved that these communities are politically, economically, educationally, socially and culturally backward justifying the grant of the ST status," said Bodo.

Terming the move a "betrayal", Bodo earlier in an interview told IANS that the Bharatiya Janata Party government, both in the state and the Centre, was anti-tribal and wanted to snatch their basic rights.
New Delhi, Nov 18 : Minister of State for Defence Subhash Bhamre informed the Lok Sabha on Friday that the first Airborne Early Warning and Control System ( AEW&C) is likely to be inducted in December.

"There has been no delay in AWACS(I) Project as the current mandate of the project was to finalise on the contract of the aircraft through a global tendering process, which has been completed," the minister said in a written reply.

The indigenous Airborne Warning and Control System (AWACS) System is likely to be available from 2024, the minister added.

The response cited finalisation of operational requirements, delay in delivery of certified aircraft and incompletion of flight evaluation of the integrated systems due to reasons of modification on aircraft by original equipment manufacturer, as the reasons for delay in the AEW&C also known as mini AWACS.

AWE&C are airborne radar system to detect aerial threats and command the fighter air crafts for strikes. DRDO is developing an indigenous AWE&C system mounted on Embraer air crafts.

India operates AWACS system imported from Israel which is mounted on Russian IL -76 air crafts.
Chandigarh, Nov 18 : The 12th edition of the Confederation of Indian Industry's (CII) biennial agro technology and business fair, Agro Tech 2016, will be inaugurated by President Pranab Mukherjee and his visiting Israeli counterpart Reuven Rivlin here on Sunday.

Presidents Mukherjee and Rivlin will inaugurate the fair at the Parade Ground, CII vice president and Bharti Enterprises Vice Chairman Rakesh Bharti Mittal told media here on Friday.

"CII Agro Tech 2016 is India's premier biennial agro technology and business fair with 92 domestic participants and significant international presence, including 47 foreign exhibitors from as many as 13 countries this year.

"The 12th edition of CII Agro Tech 2016 is one of the biggest confluences of stakeholders from agriculture and allied sectors. For the first time in the history of Agro Tech, since its inception in 1994, two heads of the states - President Pranab Mukherjee and President of Israel Reuven Rivlin, are coming together to inaugurate the fair," Mittal said.

Punjab and Haryana are the host states for the four-day international agricultural expo while Madhya Pradesh and Gujarat are the partner states.

Israel is the partner country while 12 other countries are actively participating at the event this time.

Mittal said that Agro Tech 2016 is focusing on 'Technology Intervention' in a big way.

"On the international participation, we are proud that Israel is the partner country with Canada and Germany as focus countries and Great Britain as guest country. 47 overseas companies from 13 countries, including Canada, China, Denmark, Germany, Israel, Italy, Malaysia, South Africa, Spain, The Netherlands, Turkey, United Kingdom, USA, have made it a global event," he said.

Chairperson, CII Northern Region Rumjhum Chatterjee said that the Agro Tech was providing a common platform for technological innovation, industry and the farming sector.
Marrakech, Nov 18 : A high-level summit on climate action in this Moroccan city has brought together global leaders to make a range of announcements, which are accelerating action to fast-track the implementation of the Paris Climate Change Agreement, the UNFCCC said on Friday.

Governments, international organisations, cooperative initiatives and non-government stakeholders clearly demonstrated how their commitments to addressing climate change are maturing into concrete actions, the UNFCCC said on the concluding day of the two-week-long summit that was mostly overshadowed by US President-elect Donald Trump's comments to cut off funding to climate change programmes.

At the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change yearly summit, climate champions Laurence Tubiana of France and Hakima El Hait of Morocco jointly launched Marrakech Partnership for Global Climate Action.

It aims to provide a strong roadmap for how the UNFCCC process will catalyse and support climate action by parties (government) and non-party (non-government) stakeholders in the period from 2017-2020, giving effect to the existing arrangements as agreed at Conference of Parities (COP21) in Paris, it said.

The Marrakech Investment Committee for Adaptation (MICA) Fund is the first ever private adaptation and resilience investment vehicle with a $500 million blended finance fund, combining concessional finance and private investment capital.

On renewable island energy, the Maldives will be partnering with the International Renewable Energy Agency to increase political momentum behind rapidly scaling up renewable energy and energy efficiency in Small Island Developing States.

Over 20 countries signed the framework agreement of the International Solar Alliance (ISA) -- India's ambitious programme of bringing 120 countries closer.

ISA was launched by Prime Minister Narendra Modi last year along with French President Francois Hollande at COP21, the Paris climate summit.

The Framework will be kept open as many more countries are expected to join in the coming days. It will enter into force with ratification by 15 countries.

At this summit named COP22, 19 African capital markets authorities and exchanges, accounting for 26 African countries, have signed and endorsed the Marrakech Pledge for Fostering Green Capital Markets in Africa.

Under Global Environmental Facility, 47 projects were approved, totalling $390 mn for mitigation and leveraging almost $4 billion, not counting Convention obligation projects. For adaptation, mobilisation of $87 mn for 13 projects, leveraging $332 mn in co-financing.

On forests, Indonesia announced it is implementing a moratorium on clearing super-high-carbon intact peatlands. The action builds on Indonesian President Joko Widodo's announcement at last year's Forest Action Day in Paris, to end new and review existing peat concessions.

Colombia has announced plans to close the forest frontier as a key component of a post-conflict future. Efforts include focusing development on non-forest lands, implementing strong tenure reform, and placing very large areas of forest under indigenous peoples' control.

Indian company Dalmia Cement and Helvetia insurance group committed to use 100 percent renewable power across their operations and join RE100.

Nearly 200 nations have also reaffirmed their political commitment to a global climate momentum that they say is "urgent" and "irreversible" at the climate talks.

"We call for the highest political commitment to combat climate change, as a matter of urgent priority," 197 parties to the UN's climate convention stated in the Marrakech Action Proclamation, issued on the penultimate day of the climate talks.

"Our climate is warming at an alarming and unprecedented rate, and we have an urgent duty to respond," it said.

"This climate summit -- held after the Paris one -- has been more successful in moving ahead. There were many attempts to drag it for various reasons. That did not happen and it has moved forward on its track. This (Marrakesh) I consider as a success. For us, we completed our ISA (International Solar Alliance), a major achievement. We should not see this as a standalone," Indian Environment Minister Anil Madhav Dave told reporters here on Friday.

This yearly summit saw 25,000 people from all over the world, for all sectors to showcase their commitment to climate action and to discuss ways to expand shared efforts.

(Vishal Gulati is in Marrakech at the invitation of the Global Editors Network to cover COP 22. He can be contacted at vishal.g@ians.in)
New Delhi, Nov 18 : A gymnasium instructor with criminal antecedents was arrested on charge of murdering a girl in the capital's Rohini South area in 2015, the Delhi Police said on Friday.

Vikrant had allegedly fired from an unlicensed firearm at the girl living in his neighbourhood while dancing in a marriage procession on April 16, 2015, at the Mangolpur Kalan village.

A case of murder was registered on the complaint of the girl's father Sundar at Rohini South police station.

The accused was later declared a 'proclaimed offender'. Vikrant had applied for anticipatory bail in the Delhi High Court but failed to get relief from court, the police said.

"He was arrested by a Crime Branch team following a tip-off near Rohini Metro Station on Tuesday," Joint Commissioner of police (Crime Branch) Ravindra Yadav said.

Vikrant told the police he was involved in a case of carjacking in Mongolpuri area, along with his three accomplices, in December 2015, Yadav said.
New Delhi, Nov 18 : President Pranab Mukherjee on Friday said higher education institutions are the torch-bearers of progress in the country, and stressed the need for quality research.

"Building institutions is not merely a brick-and-mortar activity. It represents a vision of the future, which we all want for our nation and the generations to come," he was quoted as saying by an official release.

He said shortage of teaching faculty had plagued our institutions for a long time.

"There is a need for innovative mechanisms to address the problem of vacancies on a long-term basis," Mukherjee said, adding that 70 per cent vacancies in central universities have been filled.

He made the comments during the concluding day of the Visitor's Conference at Rashtrapati Bhavan here.

Figures provided at the conference indicated the vacancies had reduced only marginally, from 39 per cent in 2014 to 36 per cent in 2016.

He said the Visitor's Conference provided a platform for central institutions in diverse fields like agriculture, pharmaceuticals and humanities to join institutions of technology, engineering, science and IT in deliberations.

"Participation by all institutions in the National Institutional Rankings Framework (NIRF) will help create a spirit of healthy competition, eventually reflecting in our approach to international rankings. A successful implementation of 'Project Vishwajeet' could see seven to 10 Indian institutions in the top 100 in the near future."

He said that while the government will have to find a major part of funds required, we should also look at other funding mechanisms like alumni and corporate sector support.

"It can come in the form of endowments, sponsored research and creation of joint and shared research facilities," said the President.

Among the dignitaries present at the concluding session of the Visitor's Conference were Human Resource Development Minister Prakash Javadekar, HRD Minister of State Mahendra Nath Pandey and senior officers of Rashtrapati Bhavan and the government of India.
Lucknow, Nov 18 : Senior Uttar Pradesh IAS officer Navneet Sehgal was seriously injured when the car he was in collided head-on with another vehicle on the Agra-Lucknow Expressway in the state's Unnao district on Friday. Four other persons, including a senior IANS journalist, were also injured in the accident, a police officer said.

UP Principal Secretary Information Navneet Sehgal, who is admitted to the Trauma Centre of King George's Medical University, is out of danger, though he continues to be critical, Unnao District Magistrate Surendra Singh told IANS on phone.

Senior journalist, IANS' Uttar Pradesh correspondent Mohit Dubey, who was also in the car, suffered minor injuries, Singh said.

The accident took place in Hasanganj on the Agra-Lucknow Expressway.

According to Singh, the accident took place due to the dust clouds impeding visibility of the car.

The driver of the official white Ambassador car that Sehgal and Dubey were in is seriously injured.

Sehgal was returning from the rehearsal of Indian Air Force fighter jets' landing and takeoff manoeuvers on an airstrip on the expressway, when the accident occurred.

Two other persons from the other car, a Renault Sedan, were also injured.
New Delhi, Nov 18 : The Congress on Friday demanded an unconditional apology from Prime Minister Narendra Modi for the over 50 deaths post the demonetistion move and said the series of guidelines issued in its wake showed that "confusion confounds the government completely".

The party also demanded that the government must pay adequate compensation to the families who have lost their near and dear ones. The Congress also said that printing currency notes worth Rs 15 lakh crore, to replace those that have been withdrawn, would take at least three to eight months.

The Congress further said the move was not planned and was only meant as an image-building exercise of the Prime Minister.

"We have a Prime Minister who takes a decision first, thinks later and never admits to his mistakes," said Congress spokesperson Randeep Singh Surjewala.

"The problem with this government is that whoever questions them are branded anti-nationals. We demand that Modi apologise to the families of the deceased. An inquiry should be held into these deaths," he added.

The Congress also hit out at the government for bringing in new guidelines almost everyday following the demonetisation of Rs 500 and Rs 1,000 currency notes.

"In the past nine days, they have come up with 18 guidelines. There was no planning at all before taking the decision," said Surjewala.

Congress said the government decided to put ink on everyone's finger coming to change currency but the Election Commission has opposed the decision.

"Election Commission negated the decision to put ink. Truth is that government's right hand does not know as to what is being done by the left hand. Confusion confounds Modi government completely," he said.

Surjewala said due to demonetisation, 1,658 crore notes of Rs 500 and 668 crore notes of Rs 1,000 i.e. a total of 2,327 crore notes valued at about Rs 15 lakh crore, have been withdrawn.

"The 1,000 rupee notes are printed by Bharatiya Reserve Bank Note Mudran Private Limited. It has a capacity to print 133 crore notes per month in two shifts. Even if three shifts were to work, this company can print 200 crore notes per month," said Surjewala.

"If this company was to print new Rs 2,000 notes as against the old Rs 1,000 notes, the entire operation will take three-and-a-half months. Rs 500 notes are printed by Security Printing and Minting Corporation of India Limited, which has a capacity to print 100 crore notes per month," he added.

He further said: "If this capacity is doubled overnight, it will still take nearly eight months or more to print 1,658 crore notes of Rs 500."

Hitting out at Finance Minister Arun Jaitley, Surjewala said: "There are only two lakh ATMs in the country. As per the Finance Minister, only 22,250 ATMs have been recalibrated and upgraded in last 10 days.

"If this figure is correct, it will take 110 days to recalibrate and upgrade all the two lakh ATMs. What will happen to people of the country in this period?" he asked.

The Congress also slammed the government for putting an embargo on all cooperative banks, rural development banks, primary land development banks and cooperative credit societies from either changing money or dispensing new notes.
Ahmedabad, Nov 18 : The Gujarat High Court on Friday granted Patel agitation spearhead Hardik Patel leave to shift his temporary residence for a fortnight from Rajasthan to Uttarakhand.

Hardik had moved a petition in the High Court seeking permission to change his temporary residential address from Udaipur in Rajasthan to Haridwar in Uttarakhand.

"The hon'ble court had put in a condition that he cannot change his temporary residence during bail period without its permission. Hardik wanted to visit some religious places in Haridwar and so we moved a petition before seeking permission for four weeks," said Rafiq Lokhandwala, member of team representing Hardik in the high court.

Hardik, who is out on a six-month bail in a sedition case, had been barred from entering Gujarat by the court. In his petition, he had mentioned that he wished to stay at Swami Deeptanand Ashram, Bhupatwala, Haridwar, with its mahant, Swami Krishnanand Maharaj.
New Delhi, Nov 18 : Lauding the government's surprise demonetisation move, Finance Minister Arun Jaitley on Friday said that it has attacked India's parallel economy that was running outside the banking system for the last 70 years and a "new normal" will become the way for the country.

"Shadow or parallel economy had become a way of life. When you have a large chunk of currency outside the banking system, taxation system is narrow, because shadow economy becomes a way of life. Demonetisation redefines that," Jailtey said at the India Economic Conclave organised by ET Now here.

"Demonetisation move will set a new normal for the economy. We see good, steady economic growth in coming years. We expect India to be a large digital economy in coming years," he added.

"Formally, the high denomination currency has ceased to be a legal tender. We now move to a situation where farmer receives money from trader through electronic mode. In five to eight years down the road, it is going to be a normal," he said.

Rebutting the allegations of bad implementation of the demonetization plan, Jaitley said that it could not have been done in a better way than this.

"On the execution part, I don't think this could have executed better than it is being done now. You are replacing 86 per cent of India's currency without any social disruptions within a couple of weeks. A substantial amount of currency has to be printed in advance. It takes years because of the specialization involved and to keep it all a secret," he said.

Jaitley said that though the move is bound to cause initial inconvenience, in the long run it will be welcomed by all, including traders.

"At the end of the day, Indian shopkeeper, traders will also realise that formal official trade is a superior way of doing business than the shadow economy. It brings everyone in the cleaner system of economy and will be welcomed by all in the long run," he added.

Jaitley said that demonetization will also help India move towards a zero-deficit budget.

"If everyone honestly pays the taxes, there will be no deficit budget, enough money to invest in rural areas," he said.

Promising increased ability of the government to support the economic activity, more money for infrastructure, manufacturing and informal sector, he said, "The move has suddenly improved the lending ability of the banks."

"If we go on the track and follow the roadmap, India will have better infrastructure, a larger manufacturing base, reduced poverty, more job creation. We have to change the way India spends. That is the effort of the entire exercise (demonetization)," he added.
New Delhi, Nov 18 : Israel on Friday expressed its commitment for 'Make in India and Make with India' in the security domain, said a industry release.

Participating at a 'Round table on Indo-Israel Cooperation in Defence & Homeland Security', Israeli Defence Ministry's international defence cooperation directorate (SIBAT) chief Brig. Gen. Mishel Ben Baruch (retd.) said: "We are willing to cooperate with India and transfer technologies through partnership with Indian companies. SIBAT and Ministry of Defence of Israel are committed for a long term relationship with India."

He called the event, organised by Federation of Indian Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FICCI), "historic" and "an opportunity to find ways to enhance cooperation between India and Israel in these areas"."

Defence Ministry Joint Secretary (Planning & International Cooperation) Shambhu S. Kumaran said: "In India, defence production is set to shift from public sector to private companies and offset programme of the country is also taking shape with a target of $10 billion in next 5 years."

Emphasising on the high degree of trust shared between the two countries and the growing concern of cyber threat, Kumaran called it one of the areas where India and Israel could collaborate.

Israel is one of the leading exporters of weapon systems to India, providing missiles, unmanned aircrafts, electronic warfare and radars in last decade.
Guwahati, Nov 18 : Close to 1.7 million electors will seal the fate of eight candidates who are in the fray for the bypoll to Lakhimpur Lok Sabha constituency and Baithalangso assembly constituency slated for Saturday.

While the electorate for the Lakhimpur Lok Sabha constituency comprises 15,11,110 voters, a total of 1,80,203 voters would elect their candidate in Baithalangso legislative assembly constituency.

There are five candidates in the electoral fray for Lakhimpur Lok Sabha constituency. While the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party had fielded legislator Pradan Baruah, the Congress has put up senior party member Hema Hari Pegu. Besides, the Communist Party of India has fielded Amiya Kumar Handique while the Socialist Unity Centre of India has fielded Hem Kanta Miri.

Disgruntled BJP leader and former legislator from Doomdooma constituency, Dilip Moran has filed his nomination as an Independent candidate. Moran, who had lost in the assembly polls in April this year, had resigned from the party after the party denied him ticket for this election.

On the other hand, a total of three candidates are in the fray for the bypoll to Baithalangso. While the BJP has fielded Mansing Rongpi, the Congress has put up Rupon Sing Ronghang. Rajen Timung has also filed his nomination as Independent candidate.

While the Lakhimpur Lok Sabha seat fell vacant after sitting MP Sarbananda Sonowal resigned after becoming state Chief Minister, Baithalangso fell vacant after its legislator Mansing Rongpi resigned from the Congress and joined the BJP.
New Delhi, Nov 19 : Two persons were arrested here for selling stolen mobile phones after tampering with their IMEI numbers, police said on Friday.

Police said the accused, both arrested from Daryaganj area of central Delhi, have been identified as Mohammad Shafi, 34, a resident of Haveli Azam Khan in Jama Masjid and his associate identified as Waseem, 29, a resident of Sahibabad in Uttar Pradesh.

Police have recovered 4 'flashers' (an IMEI tampering machine), a laptop and 401 mobile phones worth Rs 75 lakh from their possession.

Their arrest was made last week following a tip off when they visited the Old Iron bridge in Daryaganj to deliver a huge quantity of mobile phones to their contacts, police said.

Shafi disclosed he was running a mobile repairing shop in Gali Choti Baradari at Ballimaran in old Delhi, Police said.

"Shafi said he could not earn much money and started purchasing stolen phones at meagre costs to sell them at higher prices. He had learnt mobile repairing and IMEI tampering from the internet," said Deputy Commissioner of Police Manjeet Singh Randhawa.

He, along with Khan, used to tamper with the devices at their rented accommodation located in Chandi Mahal in Delhi. d.

They were active in this profession from last six months and disclosed they used to sell branded stolen mobile phones including those of Apple, Samsung, Micromax and Mi.
Tutors International Whilst DRB checks serve to monitor individual tutors, there is little to no protection for families should a dispute arise with the tutoring company itself.

In a statement this week, Adam Caller, who founded leading global private tutoring firm, Tutors International in 1999, voiced his support for The Good Schools Guide and echoed their concerns that students and families are being taken advantage of by unscrupulous firms during times of vulnerability.

Mr Caller commented: I was appalled to read of some of the experiences being reported by families to The Good Schools Guide. These were students - and families - in crisis, desperate to turn their situation around for the sake of their futures, who put their trust in tutoring firms, only to be underserved, overcharged, and then threatened. Whilst DRB checks serve to monitor individual tutors, there is little to no protection for families should a dispute arise with the tutoring company itself.

The Good Schools Guide is currently researching into whether an Ofsted-style inspection system for tutoring firms would be welcomed by parents. Adam Caller has been a passionate long-time advocate for increased regulation and scrutiny for tutoring companies, and Tutors International operates a thorough and extensive approach to due diligence when it comes to placing tutors with families, as detailed in its recently updated review on The Good Schools Guide website.

Mr Caller added: Ive always found that The Good Schools Guide shares our passion for detail and a thorough evaluation, so it is no surprise to me that they wish to take action to prevent situations like this being repeated in the future. I would wholeheartedly endorse any attempt made to crack down on this sort of unethical behaviour for the sake of students, families, and also individual tutors, as this is potentially as damaging to their careers as it is to their pupils - they need to know who they are getting involved with. An official, formal inspection system for tutoring firms would be a huge step forward for the tutoring profession.

Tutors International has placed exceptional private tutors with families all over the world, full-time and part-time, on both permanent and temporary contracts. Adam Caller prides his firm on its willingness to go the extra mile for both tutors and clients, and is always on hand to advise and assist, well after the placement process is completed.

To find out more about the services offered by Tutors International, visit tutors-international.com. Tutors can browse the latest vacancies and submit an application by visiting tutors-international.net.

About Tutors International

Tutors International is a worldwide organization providing experienced private tutors to work with children of all ages and nationalities. Tutors are available for full-time tutoring positions, for major support and tutoring outside school hours, or for home-schooling. Tutors International provide provide a bespoke service to find the right tutor that suits the child's needs and aspirations, and if a live-in tutor is required, it is essential that the assigned tutor is the right match for the family and fits in the environment.

Tutors International was founded by Adam Caller who has tutored students of all ages. He has received specialist training in dyslexia and Attention Deficit Disorder and is very sensitive to children's educational difficulties. He has now turned this expertise to recruiting, training and placing other tutors to help families.
Graham Charlton Producing great content is a key part of our marketing strategy and in Graham we have a true expert in this space. Im excited to see us help more brands to improve their customer journeys online with the content we produce.

Behavioural marketing SaleCycle today announced that Graham Charlton will be joining the company as Editor in Chief. Charlton will be working within the marketing team to produce high-quality content including blog articles, ebooks, and videos.

He has more than 10 years experience in digital marketing, having worked at Econsultancy on its blog and research reports, and more recently as Editor in Chief at ClickZ Global, managing the ClickZ and Search Engine Watch websites.

Charlton is relishing the new challenge:

Ive spent the last decade or more writing about the growth of ecommerce and digital marketing, and its an exciting opportunity to be joining a team which does some great work for clients in this area.

SaleCycles Head of Marketing Chris Sheen:

Producing great content is a key part of our marketing strategy and in Graham we have a true expert in this space. Im excited to see us help more brands to improve their customer journeys online with the content we produce.

About SaleCycle

Founded in 2010, behavioral marketing company SaleCycle helps businesses create better customer journeys online.

Putting customers at the heart of everything they do, SaleCycle uses behavioral data to help optimize conversion rates, recover abandoned sales and increase customer lifetime value. The end result? Increased online sales.

With offices in the USA, UK, France, Singapore and Sydney, SaleCycle fuels the growth of over 500 companies, including the likes of Ralph Lauren, IKEA and Virgin Atlantic.
Rotalube Systems Limited have recently joined Findtheneedle, whose UK database now features over 5,000 businesses, in a wide range of different industries. 15 years ago, Findtheneedle set out to help businesses in the UK improve their online presence and in turn gain more business leads.

Rotalube Systems Limited, who are based in Blackburn, came about as an idea in 2007 when companies were having trouble with chain lubrication. It is a unique patented method, applying accurate amounts of lubricant to chains. Fast forward to 2016, where Rotalube is now the best chain lubrication system available in the world. There are many different systems in their range with a wide range of applications in numerous industries from confectionery to engineering.

Simon Harris, Senior Accounts Manager at Findtheneedle commented Seeing the extraordinary journey that Rotalube Systems Limited has taken over the last nine years is incredible. From just an idea, to becoming the best in their industry in just nine years shows what determination can do. We look forward to seeing what comes next within their business, and our partnership. We are thrilled to be welcoming new businesses to our database and watching them grow.

Findtheneedle is a unique B2B directory in the way that users can search by category or letter, as well as product pages and latest news in a variety of sectors. All results are randomised as the company believes that all businesses should be given an equal opportunity to be found, no matter how big or small, old or new, whatever their budget.

The B2B directory is among the top 2,500 websites visited in the UK, so a dedicated listing means your business is more likely to be seen. Findtheneedle also contains Google certified staff, who can use their expertise to provide top search engine exposure. By being on the site, it offers the business trusted backlinks from a trusted and valued site.

Within 12 months, firms that have partnered with Findtheneedle see that the directory is one of their top 3 backlink providers globally. The site is constantly evolving with more helpful features being added regularly.

View Rotalube Systems listing here: http://www.findtheneedle.co.uk/companies/rotalube-systems-limited

About

Findtheneedle is a database of specialist industry contacts for a range of sectors, from construction to medicine, helping to connect businesses. The company launched in 2004 and since then it has rapidly grown, with more than 5,000 companies now subscribed to the site, and is now one of the largest and most visited business directories in the UK.
The Luxury Family Traveler 2016 Family travel is one of the fastest-growing segments within the travel market. The insights uncovered by our survey can help families on any budget minimize hassle, maximize quality time, and have a richer travel experience.

Just in time for the holiday travel season, Top Flight Family, the leading online destination for luxury family travel, today released the results of a survey that looks at the travel habits of U.S. families earning more than $100,000 per year, including their top destinations, their favorite accommodation options, and the upgrades they say are must-haves for getting the most out of their vacations.

Family travel is one of the fastest-growing segments within the travel market, says Carmen Sognonvi, founder and publisher of Top Flight Family. The insights uncovered by our survey can help families on any budget minimize hassle, maximize quality time, and have a richer travel experience.

They Spend Big on Family Travel

Survey respondents reported spending about $1,500 per person per vacation. With an average household size of 3.9 and an average of 4.1 trips taken per year, that means affluent households spend over $23,000 per year just on family travel.

They're OK With Missing School for Travel

Nearly a quarter of affluent parents (23%) said they take trips primarily to enrich their childrens education and development, and a whopping two-thirds said they are willing to let their kids miss some school in order to travel (65%).

One Iowa mom explained the educational benefits of travel: When we travel together we get to do all of those fun things we never find time to do at home and learn more in the process then the countless hours of homework combined.

Millennial parents were twice as likely (28%) than Gen X parents (14%) to name education and enrichment as their number one reason for traveling with kids.

They Bring Kids to 5-Star Hotels

Despite the growing number of accommodation options available to travelers, hotels remain the top choice for families on vacation (60%). And affluent parents arent afraid to bring their children to the highest-end properties. Nearly half (43%) of respondents said their child had stayed with them at a 5-star hotel or resort.

One Nevada mom said she books hotels for her family trip because she finds it less stressful than staying with family, there is plenty of room and youre not imposing on others.

Vacation rentals were the second-most popular option, with 17% of survey respondents pointing to rentals from companies such as Homeaway, VRBO, onefinestay as their favorite accommodation choice.

Despite its surging popularity among travelers in general, Airbnb doesnt hold much interest for luxury family travelers. Only 3.5% of survey respondents chose Airbnb rentals as their favorite accommodation option, ranking it behind staying with friends and family (13.5%) and booking timeshares (4.4%).

They Travel to Foster Family Closeness

Travel brings us closer together as a family was the single most popular reason given by survey respondents for why they travel with their children (35%). Many affluent parents also listed visiting relatives who live far away as a top reason for family travel (20%).

Gen X parents are more likely than millennial parents to use travel as a way to reconnect with extended family and friends:



32% of Gen X parents said their primary reason for traveling with children is to visit long-distance relatives, while only 16% of millennial parents listed this as their number one reason for hitting the road

24% of Gen X parents said visiting friends or family is their favorite type of vacation to book, while only 11% of millennial parents chose this as their favorite

24% of Gen X parents say their favorite type of accommodation is staying with friends or family, while only 6% of millennial parents selected this as their preferred lodging option

They Pay Extra for Space and Convenience

Affluent parents are savvy about paying extra for add-ons that make the experience of traveling with children more convenient and enjoyable. For most parents, the number one option worth spending on is upgrading from a standard hotel room to a suite or villa (71%).

One Illinois mom pointed out that different bed times are better accommodated in multiple rooms. It helps to have a suite so if parents want to stay up later than the kids and watch TV we can. It also helps to spread out and not be on top of one another in a hotel room with just 2 beds, a TV and maybe a desk and chair.

Global Entry and/or TSA Pre-Check was the second-most popular choice (40%). As one Maryland dad explained, theres nothing worse than starting a vacation with long lines when traveling with children.

Although affluent families travel primarily to foster closeness, everyone needs a break sometimes. Thats why survey respondents chose kids clubs as the third-most popular upgrade (32%). These facilities at hotels and resorts give kids their own dedicated activities and allow parents to enjoy some alone time.

Other upgrades that affluent parents say are worth a look include:

First or business class flights  29%

Club floor access in hotels  18%

Luggage shipping/forwarding services  14%

Babysitting/childcare at destination  14%

Access to airport lounge  13%

They Seek Adventure Through Travel

Unsurprisingly, beach vacations ranked high with affluent parents, but they were edged out of first place by destinations that offer adventure for the whole family:

Activity and adventure  25%

Beach  24%

Visiting friends or family 20%

Taking in the Northern Lights topped the travel bucket lists of affluent parents (16%), with a trip to the Galapagos Islands a close second (15%). Going on an African safari (11%), diving the Great Barrier Reef (10%) and seeing the pyramids of Giza (9%) rounded out the top five dream getaways.

Of the Galapagos Islands, one Minnesota mom said: My kids love animals and would really love being on the islands. At the ages they are now, this would have great experience value and memory making possibilities.

About Top Flight Family

Top Flight Family (http://www.topflightfamily.com) is the essential resource for sophisticated parents who believe in traveling the world with their children in comfort and style. The publication's audience is affluent, highly educated, well-traveled, and interested in involving their children in the entire experience of traveling: from visiting the most dynamic destinations in the world to staying at the finest properties, from dining at the best restaurants to shopping for high-end fashion and luxury goods. Top Flight Family readers look to the site as a source for useful and interesting travel information and use its recommendations to choose family-friendly destinations, plan trip itineraries, and book child-friendly luxury hotel stays.

About the Survey

Top Flight Familys The Luxury Family Traveler survey was conducted online between October 8 and 24, 2016, among 362 residents from 42 different U.S. states who have children under the age of 17 and household incomes in excess of $100,000 per year.

For More Information

For more information, including interview requests and a copy of the full survey report, please contact:

Carmen Sognonvi

Founder and Publisher

Top Flight Family

(212) 705-8780

carmen(at)topflightfamily(dot)com
Harvard, Yale, Stanford, Oxford: More and more universities all over the world are seeing PDF Annotator

appear in their lecture halls, allowing for a more contemporary, interactive experience. Version 6.1 comes with

a completely revamped Full Screen Mode.

PDF Annotator is a Windows program that lets users mark up and revise existing PDF documents on their

screen. When revising texts, they can even insert handwritten comments in a document.

Oliver Grahl of GRAHL software design: "Our software has been available for the past 12 years. It can be

found in over 1,100 universities all over the world, including such renowned institutions as Harvard, MIT,

Yale, Stanford and Princeton in the USA and Cambridge and Oxford in the UK. It can be used to comment on

students' written work, as well as to facilitate note-taking during lectures."

PDF Annotator 6.1: Practical uses in universities and schools

One thing professors and teaching assistants especially appreciate is Version 6.1's fully redesigned Full Screen

Mode. Instead of an ordinary computer, they find that they can use a tablet computer like Microsoft's Surface

Pro connected to a projector in the room. Thus, they need not direct their attention away from the students in

order to write something on a board. They can simply use previously prepared slides that can be completed and

annotated in the course of a lecture.

Oliver Grahl: "This is the next phase of teaching. At the end of the lecture, the instructor saves the updated PDF

file and makes it available for students to download. Students no longer need to write things down, and can

instead concentrate on what the instructor is saying."

What works in the university also makes sense in the school classroom. Over a thousand schools have already

licensed PDF Annotator. Pupils can hand in their homework as a PDF file, and teachers can use the software to

illustrate the material without the need for a blackboard or a whiteboard. What's even better: with a wireless

network in place, teachers can bring the tablet to a pupil's desk to have them fill in a blank or complete a sketch.

PDF Annotator 6.1: Completely revamped Full Screen Mode

Given the number of educational institutions using PDF Annotator, it's easy to see how suggestions for

improvements can come about. This has led to a complete redesign of the Full Screen Mode in Version 6.

This option eliminates all distracting menu bars, so that the actual document can take up the maximum

available space.

Oliver Grahl: "We have made it possible for all the important tools to be right at hand. Properties such as stroke

thickness or color can quickly be changed. Power users can configure up to 40 separate buttons. The system

adapts to either portrait or landscape orientation, depending on how the tablet is held. We also support the high resolution

monitors that are becoming more and more common. A new toolbar with thumbnails and bookmarks,

also available in Full Screen Mode, makes navigating through a PDF effortless."

Website: https://www.PDFAnnotator.com

Description: https://www.PDFAnnotator.com/en/how

What's New in Version 6.1: https://www.PDFAnnotator.com/en/whatsnew

PDF Annotator 6.1: Test our new version for 30 days

PDF Annotator Version 6.1 can be downloaded free of charge from our website for evaluation purposes.

Special pricing is available for students, schools and universities. Attractive discounts are also available when

multiple licenses are purchased.

Download: https://www.PDFAnnotator.com/en/download

More about GRAHL software design

The firm of GRAHL software design has been serving customers since 1996. The team surrounding engineer

Oliver Grahl is concentrated on PDFs and software for tablet PCs. The firm's best known product for editing

PDF files, PDF Annotator, was given a boost through Microsoft's tablet PC contest "Does Your Application

Think in Ink?" which awarded it a prize in 2004. More awards and uniformly positive evaluations from

customers and the technical press have followed. Today, PC Annotator is being used by several hundred

thousands of persons around the world.
Taty Construction, a Chicagoland firm, is celebrating the construction topoff of their Loomis Townhomes at 20 North Loomis Street in the fast-growing West Loop neighborhood of Chicago, IL. With over 6,000 square feet per unit and top of the line appliances and design, the Loomis Townhomes are the largest and most luxurious residences available in the West Loop area.

Each newly completed five-story luxury townhome includes a two-car garage, grand living spaces, five bedrooms, five full bathrooms, two powder rooms, chef grade stainless steel appliances and private rooftop deck. The sleek and modern design compliments the burgeoning West Loop area with its growing population of fine dining and fine arts establishments.

Every room in each townhome was designed with luxury and functionality in mind. The master suite spans over 1,500 square feet with two walk in closets and beautifully crafted his and hers designated spaces. The imported Italian chefs kitchen offers a spacious breakfast area opening to a balcony and large pull out pantry. Each unit has a private library and family room with wet bar and French doors opening to a spacious roof deck.

Top of the line accessories adorn the kitchen, bathroom and bedrooms. Each bathroom features Rohl, Perrin & Rowe Collection, TOTO, Neptune and Grohe faucets and fixtures and sparkling frameless glass shower enclosures. If youre looking for a little extra, there is still time to customize your space with an additional fireplace in the master suite, dry sauna and several other luxurious upgrades.

Six units are remaining and the delivery date for each townhome is April 2017. Buyers who execute their purchase agreement by December 31, 2016 receive a one week complimentary stay at any Ritz Carlton or Four Seasons resort in the world and two round trip business class airline tickets.

For more information about Loomis Townhomes, please visit their website at http://www.loomistownhomes.com/. To inquire about townhome availability or customization options, please contact Calin Paunescu (773)771-6415.

Taty Construction Inc. is a 20-year-old, firm operating exclusively around the Chicagoland market. We provide preconstruction planning, general contracting, construction management, integrated project delivery, and design-build services for both large and small projects with complex challenges. Our mission is simple: to build what matters, on time and on budget.
Thank a veteran for their service, for their sacrifice, and for your freedom. Past News Releases RSS

UMNPA is opening Veterans Rehabilitation homes in the Orange County and Los Angeles, CA areas. Thanks to the continued support of our partners and our donors this dream is a possibility for us, says Indigo Allendorf founder and president of United Mission for Nonprofits of America. UMNPA Rehabilitation Homes will provide Vocational, Counseling, and eventually dual diagnosis IOP Treatment services along with a safe place for Veterans to regain control of their lives and receive the much-needed help they deserve. UMNPA Rehabilitation homes will not only provide the Highest level of outpatient rehabilitation available to veterans, they will provide a warm welcoming environment where veterans can focus on their needs while rebuilding their lives and being re-acclimated into society. UMNPA plans to help over 1,000 Veterans with outpatient services and housing in 2017.

UMNPA will focus on the following areas of Rehabilitation for Veterans:



Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)

Traumatic Brian Injury (TBI)

Mental Health disorders

Suicide Prevention

Veteran Substance Abuse

Vocational Rehabilitation

Statistics:



Rand Corporation estimates 20% of all 2.7 million American Veterans have PTSD and/or TBI

19% of all veterans have TBI

More than 20% of veterans with PTSD suffer from an addiction or dependence on drugs or alcohol

1.4 million Veterans currently in Poverty will experience homelessness

UMNPA is Proud to be on the forefront of change for the Veteran community. Programs that UMNPA and Its Partner Operation Troop Appreciation (OTA) Facilitate:

Active Duty Military Support Program is the only one of its kind that provides items to soldiers across the globe on a wish list basis, with a special focus on those serving in Afghanistan, the Middle East, and Africa. Every

package is tailored to meet the particular needs of each unit, allowing these gifts to be customizable to the individuals of whom they are being sent.

Welcome Home Program majorly defrays the cost of moving into a new home by providing Veterans with essential household items that they would not otherwise have access to. This may range from toiletry items to fully provided for bedroom sets.

A Message From UMNPA: United Mission for Nonprofits of America is dedicated to the military community both past and present who serve and sacrifice for our country. By providing them with rehabilitation services, housing assistance, and items that contribute to their morale and well-being as well as the much-needed assistance after they have sacrificed for our freedoms, we present a united front to our deployed military.

Veterans are out there dealing with both visible and invisible wounds and they desperately need help.

United Mission for Nonprofits of America has pledged to raise $200,000 to rehabilitate over 1,000 Veterans in 2017. 100% of all donations will directly fund the much-needed Rehabilitation Centers right here in Orange County California.

Below is a link to make a contribution. Lets not forget to thank a Veteran for their service, for their Sacrifice, and for your Freedom. UMNPA says "Thank you in advance for your kindness and generosity".

CLICK HERE TO DONATE

UMNPA joyfully accepts all donations. Anyone who is interested in volunteering opportunities inquire through our web page below. Together we can be the change we wish to see in the world. Assist us in the fight for our Veterans.

Click here and write a letter to a Veteran or an Active duty service member thanking them for their service. Letters boost morale and give a Veteran or Service Member in need a sense of hope in the world.

United Mission for Nonprofits of America

1933 South Broadway, Suite 1100

Los Angeles, CA 90007

http://www.UMNPA.ORG

1-800-808-5321
Temples and Trails of Shikoku This sacred pilgrimage route connects 88 Buddhist temples and the full journey covers more than a thousand kilometers.

Oku Japan, the tour company specializing in off-the-beaten-track walking in Japan, is excited to announce the launch of its new small-group, guided walking tour Temples and Trails of Shikoku. The tour focuses on Shikoku Island, home to the historic 88 Temple Pilgrimage Trail. The full pilgrimage route encircles Shikoku and connects 88 Buddhist temples, covering more than a thousand kilometers. Pilgrims still cover the route today to seek refuge from modern daily life, to spend time alone in reflection or to seek fulfillment of their prayers. To cover the full route takes about 40 to 50 days. Oku Japan has selected the most scenic sections of the trail, so clients can experience the special pilgrimage atmosphere.

The 13-day exploration begins with a stay on Mount Koya, the hilltop temple complex on Japans main island of Honshu, where Shikoku pilgrims traditionally began or ended their quest. The tour includes much more than just the pilgrimage trail, visiting all four of Shikokus prefectures with their own distinctive character, food and scenery, including the remote and lovely Iya Valley. Oku Japans guests will have a chance to connect with local people on their travels and discover the exceptional hospitality of traditional inns in each area. They will enjoy regional cuisine, natural hot springs and benefit from the expertise of a professional English-speaking Japanese guide. The maximum group size is thirteen and the first departure will be on the 14th of May 2017.

Earlier this year, Oku Japan launched a self-guided version of this tour, becoming the first and only tour operator to offer a self-guided walking tour on this spiritual journey. Additionally, they were the first tour operator to offer self-guided walking tours on the Nakasendo (an Ancient Route linking Kyoto to Tokyo in Feudal times).

About Oku Japan: Oku Japan is a tour operator with a deep passion and strong knowledge of traditional Japanese culture. The company operates small-group guided tours, self-guided tours and custom programmes around Japan, providing unique off-the-beaten-track journeys for its clients. With offices in the UK as well as in Kyoto and on the Kumano Kodo trail, Oku Japan values community connections and can provide unparalleled local support to its guests.
The company is new but I am not new to the world of business , marketing or consulting

Social Biz, LLC has opened with a new location in Framingham, MA. The company offers marketing material, a branded website, social media software, and multi-media marketing consulting .

Alexandra Arrivillaga, businesswoman, professional, security expert, management consultant, CEO and founder said, "Although the company is new, I am not new to the world of business, consulting or marketing."

Today, Social Biz, LLC announces that it has opened its doors with a office located in Framingham , MA. Operated by communications and management consultant expert Alexandra Arrivillaga, the company provides business consultation in multi media marketing.

Social Biz, LLC specializes in advisory services in marketing:



To improve performance, enhance productivity and drive growth initiatives

Customer Relationship Management to build strong relationships with Businesses.

Arrivillaga served as CEO of her company, Lock It Up Security, LLC, from 2009 until it was sold in 2015 for an undisclosed amount. As CEO, she brought the company from humble beginnings to implementing security solutions for Fortune 500 companies.

In the tradition of her former startup, Social Biz, LLC is off to an auspicious start and already gaining popularity. It is currently engaging 20,000 people and has garnered more than 6,000 likes on its Facebook page in less than a week.

This recognition is not only in response to Arrivillagas excellent reputation in the business world but also a response to her strong community ties and continuous involvement in the Portuguese and Latino communities.

The companys new offices are located at 945 Concord St, Framingham, MA 01701. For more information, visit http://www.alexandraarrivillaga.com or call (617) 237-7912.

About Alexandra Arrivillaga

Arrivillaga is a communications professional and management consultant based in the greater Boston area.

She received her bachelors degree from Lesley University and her Master in Management from Cambridge College. She has completed doctorate work at Concord Law School as well as doctorate work in general business at Capella University. In 2013, she registered with the State Bar of Californias Admission Committee and was accepted.

Arrivillaga maintains strong Boston ties and is heavily involved in the Portuguese and Latino communities. She has an excellent record in Latino empowerment and business development and is fluent in English and Spanish as well as conversational in Italian and Portuguese.

Her new company is Social Biz, LLC .
Dr. E. Michael Harrington is the Music Business Chair at SAE Institute Nashville, and is also a musicology and copyright law expert. If youre not influenced by Marvin Gaye, there must be something wrong with you.

Dr. E. Michael Harrington, Music Business Program Chairperson at SAE Institute Nashville, was a featured speaker at The Harvard University Law School in Cambridge, Massachusetts, on November 3, 2016, where he shared his insider exclusive and expertise into complex copyright litigation. The event was sponsored and organized by Harvard Law Schools Recording Artists Project (RAP).

A nationally recognized expert on music copyright law, Dr. Harringtons discussion included his work in the recent appeal of the infamous Blurred Lines decision involving Robin Thicke, Pharrell Williams, and Marvin Gaye (2013). Leveraging his plethora of experience as a musicology expert witness in several high profile copyright lawsuits, Harrington discussed and demonstrated key areas of the Blurred Lines case including what went right and wrong in the decision.

During his exciting and informative talk, Dr. Harrington also used audio and video samples to demonstrate his use of prior musical sources to stop two music copyright infringement cases, which included Snoop Dogg to Debussy and Mozart, Alan Jackson, Michael Jackson, Faith Hill, Buena Vista Social Club, and dozens more.

Dr. Harringtons writings and interviews are twice used as authorities in the The Amicus Brief filed by 212 songwriters, composers, and musicians with the 9th Circuit Court of Appeals in support of the bid by Williams, Thicke, and rapper T.I. in an effort to overturn the $5.3 million final judgment. He is one of the musicologists supporting the plaintiffs in in the appeal.

If youre not influenced by Marvin Gaye, there must be something wrong with you, says Dr. E. Michael Harrington. He could just as well be talking about James Brown, Chuck Berry, the Beatles, or Michael Jackson  all of them a product of their own influences. Copyright law should make musical creativity flourish, not stifle (The Amicus Brief).

Harringtons opinion on the Blurred Lines verdict has been sought out and shared by several media outlets including USA Today, ABC News, Daily Mail, WSMV NBC 4 Nashville, and Bloomberg Podcast.

"This is the worst decision, just crazy! If this were to become a standard, it's going to be one of the greatest growth industries of all time, suing people who sound like someone else," says Harrington (USA Today).

Dr. E. Michael Harrington, CEO of E. Michael Music, is a musicology and copyright expert. Dr. Harringtons diverse resume also includes:



Lecturing at Harvard Law School, George Washington University Law School, Brooklyn Law, Loyola University Law School, Cardozo Law School, Boston College Law School, and more.

Acting as a consultant and expert witness in music copyright matters involving director Steven Spielberg, Mark Burnett, the Dixie Chicks, Woody Guthrie, Steve Perry, Keith Urban, HBO, Ne-Yo, T-Pain, T. I., Akon, Snoop Dogg, Collin Raye, Tupac Shakur, Lady Gaga, George Clinton, Mariah Carey, DJ Danger Mouse, Samsung, AT&T, Avril Lavigne, Britney Spears, Rascal Flatts, and many others.

Is an advisory board member, the Future of Music Coalition and the Creators Freedom Project, and member of Leadership Music.

Dr. E. Michael Harringtons perspectives and analyses on copyright legal issues have been featured in several media outlets including the New York Times, TIME Magazine, the Huffington Post, Rolling Stone Magazine, NBCs TODAY Show, CNN, Forbes, and other leading media outlets.

About SAE Institute

SAE Institute provides aspiring creative media professionals with a foundation of practical theory and valuable hands-on training in their chosen areas of concentration. Under the guidance of industry-experienced faculty, students gain the essential experience they need for entry-level jobs in the creative media industry. Students are supported in their job searches by SAEs international network of alumni, many of whom are leaders in the music, film, game arts, and live performance arenas. SAE Institute offers programs in Audio Technology in seven US campuses, along with a Music Business program at select locations, all fully accredited and focused on preparing students for employment upon graduation. Bachelors Degree programs in Animation & Visual Effects, Digital Filmmaking, Game Art & Design, Interactive Audio, and Sound Arts are available at SAE Institute San Jose and SAE Expression College in the San Francisco Bay Area, formerly Expression College. SAE Institute Group, Inc. is a part of Navitas LTD. Learn more at usa.sae.edu.

About Navitas

Navitas is an Australian global education leader, providing pre-university and university programs, English language courses, migrant education and settlement services, creative media education, student recruitment, professional development, and corporate training services to more than 80,000 students across a network of over 120 colleges and campuses in 31 countries. Learn more at Navitas.com.
The Green Chinoiserie Steinway and The Million Dollar Steinway-A Prince's Love Piano Ive always appreciated the artistic aspects of pianos, and now weve completely restored a group of true gems that are not only works of art but are capable of playing themselves. The perfect finishing touch for luxury home owners.

Sonnys Luxury Art Case Pianos, a premiere restoration house for pre-owned art case Steinways and other brand name pianos, is breaking new ground with its curated selection of one-of-a-kind, luxury high-end pianos, which are also available with player systems. Sonnys Luxury Art Case Pianos President and CEO Sonny Stancarone, a longtime piano entrepreneur and piano dealer says "Ive always appreciated the artistic aspects of pianos, and now weve acquired and completely restored a wide selection of true gems, Its turned out my fascination with these art case pianos is running concurrent with the trend of luxury homeowners now buying Steinways and other high end pianos that are collectors items. Sonny routinely works with interior designers whose clients are looking for the perfect finishing touch for their dream homes.

The collection includes the Princes Love Piano, a million-dollar Steinway purchased by a Prussian prince in 1900 from the Steinway Hamburg, Germany, factory. The prince commissioned a master artist to create a series of Vernis Martin-style love scenes on the piano to immortalize his love for his princess. The piano itself is a Steinway Model A one of the finest instruments money could buy then and now.

Sonnys collection also includes another one-of-kind Steinway masterpiece, the Green Chi, made in 1918 at the Steinway & Sons New York City factory and sold to a wealthy family in Buffalo, NY. The family commissioned a master of chinoiserie art to paint the piano green and create a series of stunningly beautiful chinoiserie-style landscape scenes on the piano that were of a 16th century royal nature preserve where wealthy people went to restore their life essence or chi. Sonnys Pianos restored both instruments and the artwork on these pianos over the past year. See more photos http://artcasepianos.tumblr.com/.

In addition to the Princes Love Piano and the Green Chi Steinway, both of which were evaluated by art historians, Sonny's Collection also includes several hand-painted chinoiserie-style pianos, luxury Chippendale-style Steinways, a Victorian Steinway, a King Louis XV Steinway, a Marshall & Wendell Spanish Renaissance-style baby grand and many more. When Sonny works with interior designers he is often asked to customize a piano to match a specific decor sometimes with original colors and designs, or to create a specific work of art on the piano that sometimes includes gold plating and even gems, See photos and video tours of the full collection here http://sonnyspianotv.com/artcase

Weve just launched a new line, which Im calling Sonnys Luxury Art Case Gemstone Collection, featuring a rare Steinway made in 1928, Sonny said. This piano is one of only 100 created, and features Rocco-style hand-carved medallions reminiscent of royalty, which we enhanced with cultured pearls and 14-karat brooches with rubies. Its a true collectors item. We have several more like this already in the planning stages. Steinway and other manufactures dont build pianos like this anymore  these are truly exceptional pieces.

These high-end pianos are also available with PianoDisc IQ Player systems, an entertaining feature popular with music lovers, who can enjoy the sounds of live piano music without touching the keys.

About Sonnys Pianos

Sonnys Luxury Art Case Pianos, located in Bohemia, Long Island in New York, is one of the premiere restoration houses for pre-owned decorative art case Steinways and other brand name pianos. Sonny buys and restores luxury and traditional-style pre-owned Steinways and other pianos, selling them to discriminating clients in a worldwide market. Sonnys team of furniture specialists, piano technicians and artists return the sound and appearance of these majestic instruments to their original elegant and beautiful condition. Sonny is donating a portion of the sales of these two masterpieces to Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation (JDRF) Long Island Chapter to fund research for treatments and therapies for Type 1 Diabetes. To learn more, visit Sonnys Bohemia, Long Island showroom or view videos and photos of his inventory on http://www.SonnysPianoTV.com/artcase. Private showings of Sonnys Luxury Art Case Pianos are available by appointment only, by calling 631-475-8046.
This January, Slow Food International and Slow Wine Editore will release the latest English-language edition of Slow Wine, the renowned annual guide to over 400 of Italys best wineries, during the 2017 Slow Wine US Tour. The co-sponsors of this years tour are the town of Montecatini in Tuscany, internationally renowned for its world-class spas, and logistics solutions experts Bcubed.

This year, in support of open borders in Europe, Slow Wine is expanding theirs for the first time ever to Slovenia: Brda winery in Collio and Kras in Carso will be reviewed using the same Slow philosophy that is at the core of the guide. The 2017 edition will also include a list of 100 Drink Slow restaurants in Italy that share Slow Wines values. The Slow Wine guide publisher, Slow Wine Editore, and a delegation of its top wineries will hold tasting events for press and trade during their annual multi-city US tour, stopping in San Francisco, Austin and New York City, as well as Seattle for the first time ever.

We know how important Seattle has become in the US market and are very excited to be there and meet the most important wine influencers in the area. Olivia Reviglio, Slow Wine

Slow Wine recognizes that the wineries they review not only put their hearts and souls into the wines they produce, but also into the land on which it is made. The guide uses the following symbols to evaluate each winery:



The Snail, the Slow Food symbol, signals a cellar that has distinguished itself through its interpretation of sensorial, territorial, environmental and personal values in harmony with the Slow Food philosophy. Only wineries that are herbicide free can receive the Snail.

The Bottle, allocated to cellars that show a consistently high quality throughout their range of wines.

The Coin, an indicator of great value.

Slow Wine featured wines represent outstanding quality, expressing the history and identity of the land from which they come in each sip. The dates and locations of the 2017 Slow Wine US Tour are:

January 24th, San Francisco: Terra Gallery

January 26th, Seattle: Seattle Center  Fisher Pavilion

January 30th, Austin: Fair Market

February 1st, New York: Eataly NYC Downtown

**********

About Slow Wine: The Slow Wine Guide, published by Slow Food Editore (the publishing arm of Slow Food Italy**), adopts a new approach to wine criticism and looks at a variety of factors to evaluate wineries in their entirety. They take into consideration wine quality, history and adherence to terroir, value, environmental sensitivity and ecologically sustainable methods of practice. Slow Wine was conceived to give a realistic snapshot of the current Italian wine landscape. The guide features reviews of 400 different wineries, each one visited by Slow Food experts. It is available for purchase on Amazon.com as well as in select bookstores.

**Slow Food International is a global grassroots organization that envisions a world in which all people can access and enjoy food that is good for them, good for those who grow it and good for the planet. A non-profit member-supported association, Slow Food was founded in Italy in 1989 to counter the rise of fast food and fast life and the disappearance of local food traditions, and to encourage people to be aware about the food they eat, where it comes from, how it tastes and how our food choices affect the rest of the world.
At the National Conference of Insurance Legislators (NCOIL) 2016 Annual Meeting, the American Insurance Association (AIA) will emphasize that legislators studying the underwriting use and rating of Big Data need to identify the types of data being targeted and articulate the abuse theyre hoping to avoid. It is expected that legislators will discuss the development of a Big Data Model Law during the event's Property-Casualty Insurance Committee meeting. AIA will caution against disrupting existing regulatory frameworks which address the use of data in underwriting.

The foundation of insurance is and has always been the ability to properly use data to underwrite and price risk, said Ron Jackson, AIA Vice President for State Affairs, Southeast Region. Insurers follow strict regulatory guidelines, set by state regulators that protect consumer privacy and ensure product innovation. Any proposed Model Law should avoid disrupting this framework. That is why it is crucial for NCOIL to identify the types of data being studied.

The Property-Casualty Committee will also receive an educational briefing on asbestos bankruptcy trust transparency from Mark Behrens of Shook, Hardy & Bacon L.L.P. AIA welcomes Marks presentation and we look forward to the Committees discussion on this important issue. Asbestos trust claim manipulation and abuse needs to be addressed and AIA remains committed to working with the business community to fight this problem, said Eric Goldberg, AIA Vice President for State Affairs, Mid-Atlantic Region.

NCOILs Annual Meeting will be held in Las Vegas, Nevada, on November 17-20.
US Army Research Laboratory ARL South will enable...collaboration with ARLs specialized research staff and unique technical facilities as well as its understanding of Army technology needs.

New partnerships with the University of Texas at Austin and other regional universities, announced this week by the U.S. Army Research Laboratory, establishes ARL South, giving ARL a physical presence in the region and enhancing the Army labs growing global science and technology ecosystem.

Like ARL West, established with its headquarters at the University of Southern California in April 2016, ARLs latest facility, ARL South, will leverage regional expertise and facilities throughout the south central region to accelerate discovery, innovation and transition of science and technology in support of the Department of Defenses Third Offset Strategy and the Army of 2050.

Nationally, ARL is tapping regional resources in hopes of gaining knowledge and expertise from intellectual markets that have been under represented as a means to quicken the technology maturation process to allow the Army to maintain technology overmatch in critical areas.

ARL South was announced Wednesday morning at ARLs open house at the Adelphi Laboratory Center in Adelphi, Md. As part of ARLs Open Campus program, ARL South will expand upon materials technology and other research through co-location and close collaboration.

Through the Open Campus framework, ARL scientists and engineers collaborate side-by-side with visiting scientists in ARLs facilities and similarly as visiting researchers at collaborators institutions. Now with the announcement of ARL South, this will be expanded to the University of Texas at Austin and other regional institutions, said Dr. Philip Perconti, acting ARL Director.

Central to the research collaborations is mutual scientific interest and investment by all partners.

Perconti said the global academic community, industry, small businesses and other government laboratories benefit from this kind of engagement through collaboration with ARLs specialized research staff and unique technical facilities as well as its understanding of Army technology needs.

The initial focus areas of ARL South will be primarily materials and manufacturing including additive manufacturing, biosciences, energy and power. Research in cyber sciences and intelligent systems will also be included.

ARLs plan is to locate research staff at key locations in the U.S. such as the south central region. This extension of ARL to the Nations innovation hubs will allow us to establish new relationships with other researchers in academia and industry, Perconti said.

Establishing research teams with regional partners will lead to new technology directions, new perspectives on Army problems, new industry collaborators, and ultimately new discoveries that will help the Army solve current and future challenges.

UT Austin is excited to serve as host for Army Research Labs new ARL South outpost as it forges connections with our campus and with universities in the region, said Dan Jaffe, vice president for research at UT Austin.

We look forward to joining together to create new knowledge that can produce the technologies that continue to give our armed forces the advantages they need to succeed in their future missions. Already, several groups of UT Austin scientists and engineers are working together to map out their collaborative activities.

While the headquarters for ARL South will be located at University of Texas at Austin, ARL research teams will be present at a number of other regional institutions. ARL plans to leverage research focused on solving non-military applications and adapt them for Army and DOD use.

-----

The U.S. Army Research Laboratory is part of the U.S. Army Research, Development and Engineering Command, which has the mission to provide innovative research, development and engineering to produce capabilities that provide decisive overmatch to the Army against the complexities of the current and future operating environments in support of the joint warfighter and the nation. RDECOM is a major subordinate command of the U.S. Army Materiel Command.
It is a great privilege to be named among the other esteemed members of the aviation industry to receive one of the prestigious Military & Aerospace Electronics Innovators Awards.

W. L. Gore & Associates, Inc. (Gore) announced today that its GORE-FLIGHT Microwave Assemblies, 6 Series line was recognized by the judges of the annual Military & Aerospace Electronics Innovators Awards program. The judging panel consisted of a panel of senior third-party expert professionals.

GORE-FLIGHT Microwave Assemblies earned the highest recognition with a platinum award for product innovation. The assemblies are lightweight solutions that provide a true fit-and-forget installation option and ensure reliable performance for the life of the system. GORE-FLIGHT Microwave Assemblies, 6 Series were recognized for providing the most cost-effective solution that ensures mission-critical system performance for military and civil applications.

It is a great privilege to be named among the other esteemed members of the aviation industry to receive one of the prestigious Military & Aerospace Electronics Innovators Awards, said Jim Foreman, Gore Product Specialist. The dedication and hard work of our Associates make this products continued success and recognition possible.

Alan Bergstein, publisher of Military & Aerospace Electronics (http://www.militaryaerospace.com), said, This prestigious program allows Military & Aerospace Electronics to celebrate and recognize the most innovative products and services in the military electronics industry. Our 2016 Honorees are an outstanding example of companies who are making an impact.

The Innovators Awards are judged based on the following criteria: Innovation; Value to the User; Sustainability; Meeting a Defined Need; Collaboration; and Impact.

The 2016 Military & Aerospace Electronics Innovators Awards Honorees are featured in the November Issue of Military & Aerospace Electronics magazine as well as on http://www.militaryaerospace.com.

About Military & Aerospace Electronics

Published since 1990, Military & Aerospace Electronics delivers time-sensitive news, in-depth analyses, case studies, and real-world applications of new products, industry opinion, and the latest trends in the use of mil-spec, rugged and commercial off-the-shelf components. The Military & Aerospace Electronics brand includes the magazine, website (http://www.militaryaerospace.com), email newsletters and webcasts.

About The Military & Aerospace Electronics 2016 Innovators Awards program

The Military & Aerospace Electronics Innovation Awards celebrates the most innovative applications of aerospace and defense electronics technology products and systems. Awards are presented to organizations that demonstrate excellence in the use of a product or system. Submissions are accepted from designers and integrators. Users of military and aerospace electronics systems are also permitted to nominate products.

About W. L. Gore & Associates, Inc.

Gore is a technology-driven company focused on discovery and product innovation. Well known for waterproof, breathable GORE-TEX fabric, the companys portfolio includes everything from high-performance fabrics and implantable medical devices to industrial manufacturing components and aerospace electronics. Founded in 1958 and headquartered in Newark, Del., Gore posts annual sales of more than $3.2 billion and employs approximately 10,000 associates with manufacturing facilities in the United States, Germany, the United Kingdom, Japan and China, and sales offices around the world. Gore is one of a select few companies to appear on all of the U.S. 100 Best Companies to Work For lists since the rankings debuted in 1984. The company also appears regularly on similar lists around the world. Learn more at gore.com.

###

GORE, GORE-TEX, and design are trademarks of W. L. Gore & Associates
Gateway names new training center after Kenall Manufacturing Jim Hawkins is a champion for our college. The Kenall Protective Services Training Center represents legacy support for the future of our men and women serving in the front lines of our community.

Gateway Technical College today during its board of trustees meeting named the Kenall Protective Services Training Center on its Kenosha Campus in recognition of the companys donation of $250,000 dedicated to the Gateway Promise program.

Kenall has a unique and special history in the protective services industry. Today we honor the Kenall legacy by naming our new training center the Kenall Protective Services Training Center, said Gateway Technical College President and CEO Bryan Albrecht. The Gateway community is honored to build upon our partnership with Jim Hawkins and Kenall Manufacturing.

Gateway has been a wonderful partner for us, as well, and an important resource for our employees: we are pleased to solidify our connection and look forward to a long association, said Jim Hawkins, CEO and owner of Kenall Manufacturing.

The training center consists of remodeling done to existing space as well expanding the Technical Building on the campus southwest corner. It will provide a state-of-the-art training site for Gateways law enforcement academy, as well as professional and ongoing training for area law enforcement agencies. It includes newly remodeled tactical training areas, added classrooms, a 12-lane shooting range and a CSI lab. One of the classrooms has a Life Size unit to allow for remote training and video conferencing. A training house on the edge of campus will become the center of a future simulated training site.

Jim Hawkins is a champion for our college, said Albrecht. The Kenall Protective Services Training Center represents legacy support for the future of our men and women serving in the front lines of our community.

Gateway Technical College collaborates with communities in Kenosha, Racine and Walworth counties to ensure economic growth and viability by providing education, training, leadership and technological resources to meet the challenging needs of students, employers and communities.

Kenall Manufacturing was founded in Chicago, Illinois in 1963 and has built a reputation for durable lighting solutions of superior quality and exceptional value. Today, the ISO 9001-certified company focuses on the transportation, high-abuse, correctional, healthcare, sealed enclosure and food processing markets. Kenall luminaires are designed and manufactured in the USA and meet the guidelines established under the Buy American Act and the North American Free Trade Agreement. For additional information, visit http://www.kenall.com.
The rehabilitation of the Foraker Covered Bridge was completed in late October. It takes special knowledge and experience to work on covered bridges.

Woolpert was hired by Monroe County to rehabilitate two historic covered bridges, and has been assisting the Ohio Department of Transportation (ODOT) and the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) with a project to help preserve and protect historic covered bridges throughout Ohio.

Rehabilitation of the first of the two Monroe County projects, the Foraker Covered Bridge, was completed in late October. The bridge was built in 1886 over the Little Muskingum River on Plainview Road (County Route 40).

Ron Mattox, Woolperts director of road and bridge design, said repair was needed because the structure had begun to sag about 11 inches over its 92-foot span.

We created detailed plans to bring the superstructure elevation up to the proper camber, which gives a bridge a little bit of rise in the middle so it functions better, Mattox said. The Righter Co. did the construction for the project. They found the quality of the last rehab was poor and basically tore the bridge apart where they needed to and got it to a great place.

Righter has performed more than 50 covered bridge renovations and rebuilds, as well as a handful of new builds, since 1996.

It takes special knowledge and experience to work on covered bridges, said Brad Nadolson, Righter president. Weve redone multiple projects that were done by people who hadnt done them before.

Woolperts design for the Knowlton Covered Bridge is set to get underway after the first of the year. Built in 1887, it is the states second longest historic covered bridge.

James Fleeman, Monroe County assistant engineer, said the Knowlton Covered Bridge is much more complex than the king post design of the Foraker.

Knowlton is composed of a three-span superstructure, Fleeman said. That incorporates not only the traditional king post design, but tied timber arches in the middle span, which are unique to the structure.

Mattox, who has worked on more than 30 covered bridges, said timber bridges like Knowlton are highly specialized and require knowledge of the material.

Its not like steel at all. Its susceptible to bugs, rot, temperature changes, moisture, etc., Mattox said. And these structures dont even have the steel plates and big bolts of modern bridgesthey use mortise and tenon joints. Its timber framing at its best.

Monroe County applied for and secured state and federal grants earmarked for covered bridges for the Foraker and Knowlton reconstruction projects. Woolpert worked with the county on this funding by performing preliminary inspections, and preparing basic rehab drawings and a rehab estimate.

Woolpert currently is working with the FHWA via ODOT on a project that addresses the roughly 100 historic covered bridges throughout the state.

The first part of the project would develop alternatives for fire protection and security preservation.

Were helping research options for these sites: Heat sensors, fire alarms, fire retardation systems, said Mattox, adding that Woolpert recently hired a fire protection specialist. We also proposed installing security cameras and other monitoring devices at the bridges.

The second part of the project would promote state history and tourism by placing a bar code at historic covered bridges that can be scanned by cell phones, relaying the individual history of each bridge.

The state is paying 95 percent of this project, and asking bridge owners to pay 5 percent. Options for obtaining the 5 percent will be investigated. Woolpert is partnering with Jones-Stuckey Ltd., a division of Pennoni Associates, to help the state in this effort.

Mike Killilea, Righter project manager, said these projects are important because covered bridges are part of the fabric of our society.

People often share stories about growing up climbing around these bridges and swimming below themand so many weddings and proposals happen there, he said. Covered bridges are not only a big part of the states history, but a big part of peoples own history as well.

About Woolpert

Woolpert is a national architecture, engineering and geospatial (AEG) firm that delivers value to clients by strategically blending engineering excellence with leading-edge technology and geospatial applications. With a dynamic R&D department, Woolpert works with inventive business partners like Google; operates a fleet of planes, sensors and unmanned aerial systems (UAS); and continually pushes industry boundaries by working with advanced water technologies, asset management, Building Information Modeling (BIM) and sustainable design. Woolperts mission is to help its clients progressand become more progressive. For over 100 years and with 23 offices across the United States, Woolpert serves the needs of federal, state and local governments; private and public companies and universities; energy and transportation departments; and the United States Armed Forces. The firm currently is doing business in all 50 states and in five foreign countries. For more information, visit woolpert.com or call 937-531-1258.
Diamond Fortress Technologies Logo

Bytte SAS, a Diamond Fortress Technologies (DFT) partner, has successfully launched an identity solution for Banco Davivienda S.A, one of the leading players in Columbias rapidly-growing banking and financial sector. This innovative system allows the instant issuing of consumer credit cards using ONYX - the touchless fingerprint acquisition and matching software developed by U.S.-based Diamond Fortress Technologies. This system will be initially deployed in thirty-four Apple locations across Colombia, with plans for future expansion.

Davivienda Bank, in collaboration with Apple Colombia, contracted Bytte to develop a solution for the instant issuance of credit cards to customers in Apples iShops, MacCenters, and authorized reseller locations. An additional partner is French company Safran Morpho, one of the leading global providers of electronic security solutions. This new system runs on Microsofts Windows Azure, and this venture falls under the banner of the Bytte Biometric Platform offered as Software-as-a-Service (SaaS).

The application performs the following functions:

1. Customer Credit Analysis

2. Biometric Authentication Against Bank Database

3. Customer Registration or Data Update

4. Credit Card Issuance

5. Payment by OTP code at POS until the physical credit card is received by the cardholder

The Bytte solution acquires the customers fingerprint via ONYX along with their government-issued national ID number. The fingerprint is securely transmitted to a Davivienda-controlled server. For the enrollment process of the banks customers, the fingerprint template is obtained from the printed fingerprint image that is on file with the government of Columbia. Applying ONYXs patented technology, Davivienda then matches the real-time ONYX generated template against the applicants nationally-registered fingerprint - all securely on Daviviendas server.

All consumer-facing elements, including ONYX image collection and processing, takes place on an Apple iPad by a store representative. The complete credit application and card issuing process takes less than fifteen minutes.

Diamond Fortress congratulates its partner Bytte, their customer Davivienda Bank and the team at Apple Columbia for a job well done, said Charles Hatcher, CEO of Diamond Fortress Technologies. We look forward to a long and prosperous partnership with the companies we advised and assisted in developing this innovative solution.

Diamond Fortress success in this use case demonstrates the reliability and usefulness of ONYX in the financial services marketplace. DFT looks forward to soon announcing additional ONYX integrations via its relationship with Davivienda, Bytte, and Apple. Many other financial institutions, integrators and companies across the world are currently evaluating both the Bytte Biometric Platform (with embedded ONYX) and DFTs proprietary technologies for use in positive biometric identification.

To learn more about ONYX or the Bytte Biometric Platform, please contact Charles Hatcher at chatcher(at)diamondfortress(dot)com or visit the websites http://www.diamondfortress.com and http://www.bytte.com.co.

###

About Diamond Fortress:

http://www.diamondfortress.com

DFT is the first known company to successfully develop a mobile touchless fingerprint biometrics software solution. DFTs patented technology, ONYX, utilizes the rear-facing camera found on mobile devices such as smart phones and tablets as the fingerprint collection sensor. ONYX eliminates the need for hardware peripherals or device form-factor redesign for scanner integration. It delivers the high security and authentication of biometrics to everyone in a cost-effective and easily adoptable way.

About Bytte:

http://www.bytte.com.co

Bytte SAS is dedicated to developing, marketing, and maintaining solutions with a high degree of innovation to enable enterprises in the industrial, financial, government, and health verticals to authenticate the identity of their customers and users through reliable and secure products and services.

Based in Columbia, Bytte specializes in the manufacture of hardware and the development of software focusing on access control systems, time & attendance control, authentication and biometric identity. With nine years of experience in that sector, Bytte has a broad portfolio of products with advanced technology and internationally recognized clients who have successfully implemented their technology platform.

About Banco Davivienda S.A:

http://www.davivienda.com

Banco Davivienda is a Colombian bank founded in 1972 that renders services to individuals, companies, and the rural sector. Currently, it is part of Grupo Empresarial Bolivar - the third-largest bank in Colombia ranked by both assets and profits.

With over $1.5B USD in annual revenue and employing more than 15,000 individuals, Banco Davivienda operates in Columbia, Panama, Honduras, Costa Rica, El Salvador, and the United States.
Both of these sales agencies are widely recognized as leaders in their respective regions and we are extremely excited to be working with such experts in their fields, says Barrett Cook, Director of Business Development for Elemental LED.

Elemental LED, a leading U.S. based engineering and technology company that manufactures LED lighting solutions announced today a partnership with Inter-Lite Sales and WSC Lighting Systems that extends its award winning Diode LED product brand into more regions within Canada. Elemental LED and its manufacturing and wholesale division, Diode LED, provides a wide variety of superior quality linear, task, and accent LED lighting solutions for both commercial and residential applications.

Inter-Lite Sales has two offices in British Columbia and provides lighting and lighting control solutions for the commercial, industrial, institutional, theatrical, and residential markets in the region. They are recognized as leaders in the industry providing the most innovative and sustainable product solutions to the marketplace.

WSC Lighting Systems is a manufacturer's representatives for lighting fixtures and equipment and serves commercial, industrial, institutional, residential, and electrical utilities in Ontario, Canada. In addition to their expertise of lighting solutions, WSC Lighting Systems is known for their strong capabilities with in-house demonstrations and training of products, use of visual lighting design software and multimedia applications.

Both of these sales agencies are widely recognized as leaders in their respective regions and we are extremely excited to be working with such experts in their fields, says Barrett Cook, Director of Business Development for Elemental LED. We are confident that both of these partnerships will help grow the Diode LED brand further into Canada.

About Inter-Lite Sales:

Founded in 1978, InterLite Sales (ILS) is an independent sales agency responsible for marketing and promoting world class lighting fixture products for the province of British Columbia, Canada. With office locations in Victoria and Coquitlam, we are well positioned to service the needs of the electrical distributor, contractor, lighting design, architectural, and engineering communities.

About WSC Lighting Systems:

We assist Architects, Engineers, Contractors & Distributors with their lighting design needs in South Western Ontario, South Central Ontario and the Niagara Peninsula region. Since 1980, WSC has provided professional, timely and accurate assistance with specifying fixtures in coordination with architects and engineers, design build with contractors, lighting layouts, processing orders, quotations and shop drawings.

About Elemental LED:

Elemental LED, founded in 2008, is a leading North American based engineering and technology company with offices in California and the United Kingdom. We manufacture an extensive high-quality portfolio of lighting, power supplies, and controls. We specialize in superior patented linear, accent, and task LED lighting featuring unparalleled CRI and R values with flawless, and vibrant high-fidelity color rendering. We are proud to be America's largest provider of low voltage linear LED lighting, inspiring lighting professionals with our innovative technology, unmatched quality, and best-in-class customer experience.
Zach Mayer Zach is an outstanding, tenacious trial attorney who has dedicated his career to providing the best possible representation to clients in courtrooms throughout the country. I couldnt think of a more deserving attorney.

Zach Mayer, a director at Kane Russell Coleman & Logan PC, recently was named a member of the American Board of Trial Advocates (ABOTA), one of the most prestigious honors to be bestowed upon a trial lawyer. Membership is granted on an invitation-only basis and is limited to attorneys who have elevated the standards of integrity, honor, ethics, civility and courtesy in the field of advocacy.

This is a well-deserved honor for Zach, says Larry Bowman, a director of the firm and fellow ABOTA member. His personal character, professional integrity and efficacy as a trial lawyer are unmatched.

Chris Pappas, also a director of the firm and ABOTA member agreed, stating, Zach is an outstanding, tenacious trial attorney who has dedicated his career to providing the best possible representation to clients in courtrooms throughout the country. I couldnt think of a more deserving attorney.

According to ABOTA, the national organization is comprised of the finest trial lawyers and judges in America. Created in 1957, ABOTA aims to preserve the right to a civil jury trial granted to all Americans by the Seventh Amendment and to foster improvement in the ethical and technical standards in the field of advocacy.

Zach Mayer has spent the majority of his practice counseling and defending a wide range of clients, including Fortune 500 corporations, mid-size businesses, as well as individuals in high-risk and catastrophic loss litigation. With more than 30 jury trials to date, Zach has tried cases throughout Texas, and has represented clients as lead trial counsel in Alabama, Arizona, California, Illinois, Louisiana, Ohio, Oklahoma, Florida, New Jersey, New Mexico, New York, Massachusetts and Pennsylvania.

Kane Russell Coleman & Logan PC is a full-service law firm with offices in Dallas and Houston. Formed in 1992 with five lawyers, today KRCL has more than 95 attorneys. KRCL handles transactional, litigation and bankruptcy matters in Texas and throughout the country.
Today, the YWCA of the City of New York honored Ciscos Monique Morrow, Twilios Rob Spectre, Reva Wurtzburger, for their civic involvement and commitment to diversity and supporting female-focused initiatives, during the 43rd Annual Academy of Women Leaders SALUTE Luncheon held at the New York Marriot Marquis Hotel.

For over 40 years, the SALUTE Luncheon and its YW Academy of Women Leaders, has been one of the nations largest, most visible and important tributes to professional women leaders and the premiere event for showcasing trailblazing women in business. It has also been a venue for celebrating a range of businesses that have made diversity a priority in their companies.

Providing opportunities for women in leadership is critical to the mission of the YWCA of the City of New York (YW), whose programs have empowered New York City women since its inception 158 years ago, said Chief Executive Officer at the YWCA of the City of New York Dr. Danielle Moss Lee. In their own ways, each of todays honorees exemplify the values that we strive to impart at the YW: diversity, equality, leadership and empowerment, as do the new inductees into the Academy of Women Leaders, she added.

Monique Jeanne Morrow Receives Woman of Influence Award

Monique Morrow is the CTO Evangelist for New Frontiers and Engineering at Cisco. She is a proven innovator, ground breaking technologist and author that has demonstrated the willingness and courage to take risks and explore new opportunities for Cisco and women in technology.

Recognized and honored worldwide for her unwavering commitment to inclusion and diversity in the STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Math), Ms. Morrow believes its incumbent upon all of us to open the eyes of young women to these exciting career opportunities. She is currently spearheading the Internet of Women global collaborative movement with a goal to develop a new social science for women in technology to sustainably transform the industry.

I am deeply honored to be recognized today, as the work of YW has echoed my belief that helping girls and young women realize that STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Math) is more than just coding  its the conduit to a wide range of fulfilling career options, Morrow said.

Reva Wurtzburger Receives Grace Hoadley Dodge Community Leadership Award

Reva Wurtzburger has a lifetime of volunteer involvement. In 1996, Reva and a small group of women initiated the idea for Bottomless Closet, and she became its subsequent President when the organization opened its doors early 1999. Since its inception, the organization has offered an innovative approach to workplace preparation for disadvantaged New York City women transitioning from unemployment and public assistance to work.

Rob Spectre Named Man of the Year

The Man of the Year award recognizes a senior level man whose leadership, service, and platform demonstrate a strong commitment to advancing diversity in the workplace. This years recipient, Rob Spectre is the leader of the developer outreach organization and New York office for Twilio, the developer platform for cloud communications. He is an ardent supporter of open source software and creative commons art, and serves as an advisor to New York-based non-profits DoSomething.org, a 5 million strong youth action organization and hackNY, New York's organization federating the next generation of software developers for the city's innovation community.

It's a rare privilege to participate in the YWCA's unique approach to technical literacy. Their work with young women applying their programming skill to the social justice issues these girls care about is completely novel in New York, or anywhere else. Every technical leader that cares about diversity needs to pay attention to the special work going on at the YWCA of the City of New York, Spectre said.

Thanks to its supporters, including the numerous corporations that support SALUTE and other programs, the YWCA NYC continues to provide a variety of human service programs to more than 3,000 women and their families annually throughout New York City. For additional information about SALUTE, visit the YWCA NYCs website at http://www.ywcanyc.org or call212.735.9702.

###

About the YWCA of the City of New York

The YWCA of the City of New York was founded in 1858 to provide safe housing and educational resources for women. In its 158 years of operation, the organization has maintained its commitment to advancement and opportunity for girls and women through housing, job training and educational classes, while upholding its commitment to the elimination of racism and the empowerment of women. For more information, visit http://www.ywcanyc.org/.
"Patient Spotlight: Avery's Story" follows one familys story from the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit to a healthy, happy future. The whole interdisciplinary team stays connected with Voalte.

Voalte, the leader in healthcare communication technology, released a video of a mother sharing first-hand the benefits of Voalte smartphones during her pre-term delivery and throughout her daughters care. The video was released at VUE16, the Voalte User Experience conference, at the Hyatt Regency Sarasota. Set in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) at Sarasota Memorial Health Care System, the video tells the story of the baby and the nurses who cared for her throughout a 46-day hospital stay. It also shows how care teams rely on Voalte smartphones to ensure patient safety, improve care collaboration and enhance the patient experience. Using Voalte communication solutions, NICU nurses relate how they communicate efficiently and keep close tabs on their most vulnerable patients via voice calls, secure texting, and alarm and alert notifications.

To view Patient Spotlight: Averys Story, visit https://www.voalte.com/averys-story

I think without Voalte our nursery wouldnt run as well as it does, said Heike Bucken, Clinical Nurse Educator in the NICU at Sarasota Memorial. The communication is between physicians, pharmacists, nutritionists and respiratory therapists. The whole interdisciplinary team stays connected with Voalte.

Voalte is the leader in deploying smartphone solutions for healthcare organizations. By using the dynamic Directory in Voalte Platform, the entire care team sees a real-time view of the entire staff, making it easy to access and send critical information to the right person instantly.

As neonatal units follow the trend away from large, open-bay units to single-patient rooms, nurses and other caregivers need a way to communicate via phone calls and secure text messages, while staying connected to the babies in their care. With the Voalte communication platform, pertinent and actionable alarms are sent to the appropriate nurses smartphone from patient monitors via alarm middleware, and forwarded quickly to a backup caregiver if that nurse is not immediately available. Nurses also receive nurse call alerts directly on their smartphones, so they can respond quickly to a family member who needs assistance.

Voalte is proud to deliver life-changing safety, communication and productivity solutions for forward-looking healthcare organizations across the United States, said Adam McMullin, Voalte Chairman and CEO. As this new video shows, hospitals that use our clinical communication solutions can meaningfully improve patient outcomes, operational performance and the patient experience.

Voalte also released two Customer Spotlight videos featuring Avera Health of South Dakota and TIRR Memorial Hermann of Texas. See https://www.voalte.com/resources/interactive/.

About Voalte

Voalte develops smartphone solutions that simplify caregiver communication. As the only company to offer a comprehensive Mobile Communication Strategy, Voalte enables care teams inside and outside the hospital to access and exchange information securely. Voalte customers benefit from a solid smartphone infrastructure that supports their existing systems and expands to accommodate future technologies. Founded in 2008, Voalte is a privately held company based in Sarasota, Florida. Voalte solutions are now available to more than 132,000 caregivers throughout the United States. For more information, visit voalte.com or follow @Voalte on Twitter.
Crystal McCrary, author, producer and reception co-host; Sandra L. Richards, author of Rice & Rocks; and Kimberely Hatchett, private wealth advisor and co-host. During the writing process I thought about how Rice & Rocks can serve as an educational resource for families seeking to teach children the importance of cultural diversity.

On Thursday, some of New Yorks elite gathered together in New York City to celebrate the release of Rice & Rocks, a new childrens book written by Sandra L. Richards that connects cultures through cuisine.

Hosted by Crystal McCrary, CEO of CM Productions, a television and film Production Company, and Kimberely Hatchett, an Executive Director, Private Wealth Advisor at Morgan Stanley, the private reception attracted a wide-range of film, fashion, art and finance notables to celebrate Sandras debut as a childrens author and her commitment to Rice & Rocks benefiting childrens literacy worldwide.

During the books pre-order campaign and since its debut in August, Sandra pledged to donate one book for every five books sold to support programs that highlight the importance of children reading. To date, Sandra has donated 175 books across the country.

Kim and I are such fans of Rice & Rocks, Crystal said to the guests. So it was our great privilege to host this book launch for Sandra, a fresh and exciting new voice in children's literature. Her book delivers a powerful message to our youth about inclusiveness and celebrates the commonalities that all cultures share while taking the readers on a magical and thrilling ride.

In attendance at the reception were: actor and activist Hill Harper; Supermodel and entrepreneur, Veronica Webb; Studio Museum in Harlems Director and Chief Curator, Thelma Golden; Celebrity Fashion Stylist, June Ambrose; renowned wellness specialist and maternity lifestyle maven, Latham Thomas; owner and chef of Mintons and The Cecil restaurants, Alexander Smalls; Broadway producer Alia Jones-Harvey; TV news personality Lola Ogunnaike; social commentator Sunny Hostin, amongst others.

I started off writing a book in honor of my nephew, Giovanni, who passed away at the age of eight in 2007, Sandra shared. I wanted to have a way of remembering how fun and happy he was while with us. And during the writing process I thought about how Rice & Rocks can serve as an educational resources for families seeking to teach children the importance of cultural diversity. I wanted a book that was relatable and bought people together as we are this evening, she said.

In the book, readers meet Giovanni before his friends come over and he finds out his grandmother is serving rice and beans, a traditional Jamaican side dish. Giovanni is embarrassedhe does not like rice and beans, calling them rice and rocks and worries his friends will think the dish is weird. So his favorite Auntie comes to the rescue. She and Giovannis pet parrot, Jasper, take him on a magical journey across the globe, visiting Japan, Puerto Rico and New Orleans, to learn about similar foods to his familys Sunday meal each place offers.

Guests received a complimentary signed copy of Rice & Rocks, which is described as "A beautiful, amusing tribute to family traditions, by the Kirkus Reviews. And currently has a five-star rating on Amazon.com.

Sandra is the Executive Director, Head of Business Development and Segment Marketing, Wealth Management at Morgan Stanley. She currently serves on the Morgan Stanley Wealth Management Diversity & Inclusion Council and as a Co-Chair of the Wealth Management Multicultural Employee Networking Group.

Rice & Rocks ($17.99, Wise Ink Creative Publishing) is available for purchase on Amazon, BN, Books A Million or your favorite local independent bookstore.

For more information on Rice & Rocks, please contact Marcia Cole or Keith Forest of Ivy Digital at 646.845.9874 or mcole(at)ivydigitalllc(dot)com or KForest(at)ivydigitalllc(dot)com.

Photos can be found here:

https://www.dropbox.com/sh/0rl2nrvoj9byfn4/AAAKZylskY1_BsWvRQAYe75va?dl=0

Photo Captions

Credit: Photography by Ronnie Wright/Courtesy of Sandra L. Richards

1. Crystal McCrary, author, producer and reception co-host; Sandra L. Richards, author of Rice & Rocks; and Kimberely Hatchett, private wealth advisor and co-host.

2. Megan Kayleigh Sullivan, illustrator of Rice & Rocks with Sandra L. Richards, author of Rice & Rocks.

3. Rice & Rocks on display at the private reception.

4. June Ambrose, celebrity stylist; Crystal McCrary, co-host; Sandra L. Richards, author of Rice & Rocks; Kimberely Hatchett, co-host; Thelma Golden, Director and Chief Curator at Studio Museum in Harlem.

5. Veronica Webb, Supermodel and Sandra L. Richards, author of Rice & Rocks.

6. Sandra L. Richards, author of Rice & Rocks with Latham Thomas, celebrity Doula and author.

7. Crystal McCrary, co-host with Gaye Anderson, a guest.

8. Veronica Webb, Supermodel; Sandra L. Richards, Rice & Rocks and Gil Robertson, President of African American Film Critics Association.

9. Sandra L. Richards, author of Rice & Rocks with S.Tia Brown, Lifestyle Editor of Ebony magazine.

10. Sandra L. Richards and Hill Harper, actor and activist.

11. Crystal L. McCrary and Hill Harper, actor and activist.

12. Alexander Smalls, owner and chef of Mintons and The Cecil restaurants in Harlem, Sandra L. Richards and Rita Ewing, author and owner of Massage Envy Spa Midtown West.
A doctor handing a patient a prescription. This research raises questions about the effectiveness and sustainability of the price-focused reforms, which are important for policymakers considering these reforms in states where physician dispensing is permitted.

Research on the impact of state reforms on physician dispensing will be the focus of a one-hour webinar on Thursday, Dec. 8, 2016 at 2 p.m. ET (1 p.m. CT, 12 noon MT, and 11 a.m. PT). Hosting the webinar will be Ms. Dongchun Wang and Dr. Vennela Thumula of the Workers Compensation Research Institute (WCRI) who will discuss the research and take questions.

"This research can help policymakers monitor the impact of the reforms made in their state," said Dr. John Ruser, WCRI's president and CEO. "The research also raises questions about the effectiveness and sustainability of the price-focused reforms, which are important for policymakers considering these reforms in states where physician dispensing is permitted."

The states discussed in this webinar are California, Connecticut, Florida, Georgia, Illinois, Indiana, Michigan, South Carolina, and Tennessee. The research evaluates the impact of the price-focused reforms on the frequency and costs of physician dispensing in these states using detailed transaction data for physician- and pharmacy-dispensed prescriptions filled by injured workers up through the first quarter of 2014. Also discussed will be WCRI research that found evidence of frequent physician dispensing of new drug strengths and formulation at much higher prices in some reform states.

Questions addressed:



Did the reforms lead to price reductions for physician-dispensed drugs?

Did physicians continue to dispense after the reforms?

Are there emerging issues that challenge the effectiveness and sustainability of the reforms?

Attendance is limited to 100 people and all attendees receive a free copy of the slides. Webinars are $39 for WCRI members; $79 for non-members; and no charge for members of the press, legislators as well as their staff, and state public officials who make policy decisions impacting their states workers compensation system. To register, click on the following link: https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/DF23MX5.

The Cambridge-based WCRI is recognized as a leader in providing high-quality, objective information about public policy issues involving workers' compensation systems.

About WCRI:

The Workers Compensation Research Institute (WCRI) is an independent, not-for-profit research organization based in Cambridge, MA. Organized in late 1983, the Institute does not take positions on the issues it researches; rather, it provides information obtained through studies and data collection efforts, which conform to recognized scientific methods. Objectivity is further ensured through rigorous, unbiased peer review procedures. WCRI's diverse membership includes employers; insurers; governmental entities; managed care companies; health care providers; insurance regulators; state labor organizations; and state administrative agencies in the U.S., Canada, Australia, and New Zealand.
ComplianceOnline Banking Summit 2017 | Risk Management and Data Security "ComplianceOnline Banking Summit 2017 | Risk Management and Data Security" - Summit attendees are eligible for 16.8 CPE credits upon completion of training.

ComplianceOnline, the leading governance, risk and compliance advisory network with over 500 experts in various regulatory subjects will host a banking summit on April 27 and 28, 2017 in New York, NY. This summit brings together policy makers, regulators, banking specialists, risk managers, asset managers and supervisors to engage, debate, experience share, and deliberate the future of banking in an already connected world.

Register for early bird tickets to one of the largest gatherings of banking industry experts this year.

Technology has revolutionized the banking industry and significantly transformed the way banks do business. Presently banking industry is the most heavily regulated and the regulators are demanding a far greater level of insight and awareness about the risks banks manage, and the effectiveness of the controls they have in place to reduce or mitigate these risks. This banking summit will discuss numerous banking regulations and will feature key topics including risk innovation, modelling and simulation.

Attending this summit will help participants understand:



Emerging industry changes and its impact on bank strategies

Risk governance & the Board of Directors role in it

Integrated GRC in banks and financial services companies

Mobile banking - beyond the mobile

Perceptions and reality of Panama Papers and AML investigations

Cyber Security and the future of banking

Avoiding the crisis in privacy & ID theft

Understanding and avoiding the curse of mortgage fraud - Hot Legal Issues

Evolution of social media and using it as a growth engine

Role of big data analytics for research, decision support and business innovation

This event gives professionals the opportunity  whether they are new entrants in the field or middle management or veterans  to interact with the leading minds in the industry about the current state of laws and technology and government oversight and more. Professionals will get CPE credits after attending workshop.

New York promises to be a great location for the summit, offering world-class dining and attractions, built on a rich history and unique culture. With hundreds of daily flights to international locations, and a thriving downtown, New York will not disappoint.

For more information on this summit or to get a complete list of speakers, sessions, visit the event website here.

Dates: Thursday, April 27, 2017 (8.00 AM- 4.00 PM) and Friday, April 28, 2017 (8.00 AM- 4.300 PM)

Location: New York, NY

Registration Cost: $1,499.00 per registration

Early bird discounts: For discounts on early registrations, please click here.

Register by phone: Please call our customer service specialists at +1-888-717-2436 or email to customercare(at)complianceonline(dot)com

About ComplianceOnline

ComplianceOnline is a leading provider of regulatory compliance trainings for companies and professionals in regulated industries. ComplianceOnline has successfully trained over 35,000 professionals from 9,000 companies to comply with the requirements of regulatory agencies. ComplianceOnline is headquartered in Palo Alto, California and can be reached at http://www.complianceonline.com. ComplianceOnline is a MetricStream portal. MetricStream (http://www.metricstream.com) is a market leader in Enterprise-wide Governance, Risk, Compliance (GRC) and Quality Management Solutions for global corporations.

For more information please contact:

A Reuben Bernard

Associate Director - ComplianceOnline

2600 E Bayshore Rd

Palo Alto CA USA 94303

Phone - 650-238-9656/888-717-2436

Fax - 650-963-2556

Mail: reuben(at)complianceonline(dot)com

Website: http://www.complianceonline.com
Infinite Energy has been named to OUTSIDEs Best Places to Work of 2016.

Each year, OUTSIDE recognizes the top 100 companies in the United States that help their employees strike the ideal balance between work and play. These companies encourage employees to lead an active lifestyle, are eco-conscious, and prioritize giving back to the community.

Created in conjunction with the Outdoor Industry Association and Best Companies Group, the list of winners appears online at http://www.BestPlacestoWorkOutside.com.

Infinite Energy is only as good as its employees, said Darin Cook, Infinite Energy co-founder and co-CEO. We want to provide an environment that allows employees to better themselves. It leads to the success of the employees as well as the company.

To create the best places to work 2016 list, OUTSIDE started by comparing employers to five core categories, reflecting the magazines values and focus: Adventure/Travel, Wellness, Culture, Gear, and Media. OUTSIDE then conducted a rigorous vetting process in partnership with the Best Companies Group to assess the policies, practices, and demographics of hundreds of companies.

This years list of Best Places to Work highlights employers who go above and beyond for their staff, said OUTSIDE Online Editor Scott Rosenfield. Included are organizations that emphasis a healthy work life balance and promote, encourage and reward employees to live active and healthier lives.

Infinite Energy offers a series of wellness programs designed for employees to use while at the office. From a 24/7 on-site gym to financial planning classes, Infinite Energy seeks to help employees make improvements in multiple aspects of their lives. The company also offers each employee eight hours of paid volunteer time every year so employees can help make a difference for the community around them.

Powered by employee workplace reviews and taking into account factors like corporate culture, job satisfaction, work environment and overall employee engagement, the Best Places to Work list represents only the top companies that are not only empowering but also encouraging their employees to live better, healthier and more active lives.

Methodology:

Companies from across the country entered the two-part survey process to determine the Outsides Best Places to Work. The first part consisted of evaluating each nominated company's workplace policies, practices, philosophy, systems, and demographics. The second part consisted of an employee survey to measure the employee experience. The combined scores determined the top companies and the final ranking. Best Companies Group managed the overall registration and survey process, analyzed the data, and determined the final rankings. The complete list of Best Places to Work winners is published at http://www.BestPlacestoWorkOutside.com.

###

About Infinite Energy

Infinite Energy provides natural gas in Georgia, Florida, New York and New Jersey and electricity in Texas. Infinite Energy employs over 340 people and has been recognized many times as one of the Best Companies to Work For by Florida Trend and Outside magazines.

About OUTSIDE:

OUTSIDE is Americas leading active lifestyle brand. Since 1977, OUTSIDE has covered travel, sports, adventure, health, and fitness, as well as the personalities, the environment, and the style and culture of the world Outside. The OUTSIDE family includes OUTSIDE magazine, the only magazine to win three consecutive National Magazine Awards for General Excellence, The Outside Buyers Guides, Outside Online, the Outside Podcast, Outside Television, Outside Events, Outside+ for the iPad, Outside tablet edition, Outside Books, and Outside GO, a revolutionary, 21st-century adventure-travel company. Connect with OUTSIDE online, on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and Pinterest.

About The Best Companies Group: Best Companies Group works with national and local partners around the country and internationally to establish and manage Best Places to Work, Best Companies, and Best Employers programs on a national, statewide, regional and industry basis. Through its thorough workplace assessment, utilizing employer questionnaires and employee-satisfaction surveys, BCG identifies and recognizes companies who have been successful in creating and maintaining workplace excellence.
Our GBM Heroes have made a significant difference in the lives of patients diagnosed with GBM." - Michael J. Hennessy, Jr.

CURE Media Group, publishers of CURE magazine, awards Gary Mervis, Dellann Elliott Mydland and Sumul N. Raval, MD, DABPH as the 2016 winners of its second annual Glioblastoma Multiforme (GBM) Heroes Award, announced president of CURE Media Group, Michael J. Hennessy, Jr. The winners will be honored at a celebration gala at the Fairmont Scottsdale Princess resort in Scottsdale, AZ, on Friday, November 18th. Additionally, this will take place during the 21st Annual Scientific Meeting of the Society for Neuro-Oncology.

In making the announcement, Michael J. Hennessy, Jr., said Our GBM Heroes have made a significant difference in the lives of patients diagnosed with GBM. We are proud to celebrate their contributions and efforts in the areas of advocacy, treatment advances for this disease, and in improving the quality of life of patients and their families.

Guest speaker for the evening will be actress, author and 16-year uterine cancer survivor Fran Drescher, who has a reputation for passion and commitment. Her portrayal of Miss Fine on NBC's hit series The Nanny earned her two Emmy and two Golden Globe award nominations. She is an accomplished author and received the NCCS writer's award for Cancer Schmancer, a New York Times bestseller. Ms. Drescher is the founder, president and visionary of the nonprofit Cancer Schmancer Movement, which focuses on early detection, prevention and advocacy to fight the disease.

The honorees of the 2016 award were nominated by patients, health care professionals and advocates for their contributions to the field of GBM and for making a difference in the lives of people with the disease. GBM is the most aggressive and most common form of primary brain tumor in the United States, affecting approximately 10,000 people every year. The median overall survival time from initial diagnosis is 15 months.

The 2016 GBM Heroes are:

Gary Mervis

In 1979, Mervis learned that his youngest daughter suffered from a malignant brain tumor. In response to her diagnosis, he founded Camp Good Days and Special Times, Inc., a not-for-profit organization that focuses on improving the quality of life for children and families whose lives have been touched by cancer and other life challenges. Over the years, Camp Good Days and Special Times has served more than 46,700 campers from 22 states and 34 countries.

Dellann Elliott Mydland

In 2002, Mydland and her late husband, Christopher Steward Elliott, founded the EndBrainCancer Initiative (EBCI), which has as its goal to provide immediate access to top brain cancer specialists, including neurosurgeons and advanced treatment/clinical trials through a one-on-one personalized direct connect approach. Mydland is responsible for the organization's vision and is the driving force behind EBCI's goals to create effective change in health policy and standards of care.

Sumul N. Raval, MD, DABPN

Raval, a board-certified neurologist and authority on brain tumors, is one of the few neuro-oncologists in private practice who brings world-class care to families throughout New York and New Jersey. He is the founder and director of the David S. Zocchi Brain Tumor Center at Monmouth Medical Center in New Jersey, the state's first facility to specialize in brain tumors. Dr. Raval has received numerous awards, including The Jersey Choice Top Doctors in New Jersey, by New Jersey Monthly for the past four years.

The GBM Heroes Recognition program is sponsored by Novocure, a global oncology company.

About CURE magazine

CURE magazine is CURE Media Groups flagship product and an indispensable guide to every stage of the cancer continuum. With nearly 1 million readers who include cancer patients, cancer centers and advocacy groups, CURE is the largest consumer publication in the U.S. that focuses solely on cancer. CURE Media Group was acquired in 2014 by Michael J. Hennessy Associates, Inc. (MJH), and joined CURE with MJHs acclaimed OncLive (http://www.onclive.com) platform of resources for the practicing oncologist.

About Novocure

Novocure is a global oncology company pioneering a novel therapy for solid tumors called Tumor Treating Fields, or TTFields. Headquartered in Jersey Isle, Novocures U.S. operations are based in Portsmouth, NH, and New York, NY. The company also has offices in Switzerland, Germany, and Japan, and a research center in Haifa, Israel.

About Cancer Schmancer

Cancer Schmancer, a tax-exempt organization based in Malibu, CA, was founded by Fran Drescher. The organizations mission is to save lives by shifting the nations focus from just searching for a cure for cancer to prevention and early detection. The Cancer Schmancer Movement is a three-pronged movement dedicated to early cancer detection, prevention and policy change.
Be Glad! town, Littleton, NH, celebrates each year with the holiday parade. Its a great time for families to come out and enjoy the holiday season and there is plenty to see and do!

Every year the Littleton Area Chamber of Commerce holds the Holiday Parade the day after Thanksgiving as a way to welcome the arrival of Santa Claus. The parade was established in 1986 by Dennis Hartwell who still plays a major role in organizing the annual event. Every year is a different theme, this year being Parade of trees: wild and crazy ways to decorate a holiday tree, were excited to see what parade participants come up with for their festive floats says Hartwell. The parade starts at 12:00 pm from Hitchiner Manufacturing and continues to Littleton Fire Station ending the parade around 1:00 pm.

Last year the parade boasted 15 floats with nearly 1,000 people in attendance. This year we are hoping to surpass last years numbers! says Hartwell, We have a lot of local businesses that continue to participate and support the parade, like Chutters Candy Counter, Abbott Rental & Party Store, and Woodsville Guaranty Savings Bank, among many others. Both Chutters and Abbott Rental create eye catching floats while Woodsville Guaranty Savings Bank provides a horse drawn carriage for Santa Claus and Mrs. Claus to make their way down Main Street following the floats.

In previous years, The Cog Railway has brought their original steam engine, Peppersass, which is the first mountain-climbing cog railway engine in the world and celebrating its 150th anniversary this year. Wally the green monster also made an appearance at the Holiday Parade the year the Red Sox won the World Series. Miss New Hampshire and Miss Littleton Area are also in attendance of the Holiday Parade every year. The parade attracts quite the local celebrities from around the New England area.

In addition to these local celebrities, the Littleton High School and Profile High School marching bands combine to bring a musical contribution to the parade. Joining the musical component of the parade is Summertime Marching Band, based out of Monroe, New Hampshire and the Mad Bavarian Brass Band comprised of 15 musicians traveling from around the southern New Hampshire and Vermont area to participate in the Holiday Parade.

Following the parade, there is an annual Santa Party held at the Littleton Community Center. Santa Claus does a reading of The Night Before Christmas and the kids get a chance to tell Santa what they would like in their stockings. Its a great time for families to come out and enjoy the holiday season and there is plenty to see and do! says Jessica Bunker, Interim Executive Director at the Littleton Area Chamber of Commerce. There will be a Craft Fair at the Littleton Opera House the day following the parade as well. For more information on the event, and other local area events, visit http://www.littletonareachambernh.com/chamber-events/.
Foley Elementary Principal William Lawrence, left, and Chantell Cooley, senior vice president of Columbia Southern University, talk about Turkey Take-Out.

Columbia Southern University (CSU) employees reached deep into their wallets and cupboards to donate more than 3,000 canned goods to the annual Turkey Take-Out food drive conducted by Foley (Ala.) Elementary School and South Baldwin area churches and community groups.

Once again Columbia Southern University has come through for us with Turkey Take-Out, said Foley Elementary Principal William Lawrence. These hundreds of cans are going to help feed over 1,100 peopleand these are the neediest of the needy.

We are always excited to help those families in need at Foley Elementary and in our local community and provide this valuable service. This is a special cause for CSU that is near and dear to our hearts, especially during this time of year, said CSU Director of Employee Activities Vicki Barnes, who led the university effort.

Turkey Take-Out was established to provide families with a meal on Thanksgiving Day as well as non-perishable food items to fill their pantries. Turkey Take-Out is a community partnership of businesses, churches and organizations with Foley Elementary School that began after local pastoral leaders and citizens learned of the severe need of many of the elementary schools students.

CSUs various departments competed to see which could collect the most canned goods and the Academic Advising and Student Support Center won with more than 1,300 items collected.

We consider our staff and faculty family and we are all in this together, commented CSU Senior Vice President Chantell Cooley. I love how they all came together to support this cause.

Cooley pointed out that since its inception under her father Robert Mayes Sr., CSU has enjoyed giving back to the community. So this is just part of our legacy at Columbia Southern University -- to get our faculty and staff involved in giving back, especially now with Thanksgiving coming up. We want to support our community.

Lawrence expressed appreciation for the donation from the online university. Everything Columbia Southern University has done for this donation will make a major difference in the lives of families here in South Baldwin County. We appreciate what the employees and the university have done and are doing to be part of this community by making a difference in the lives of these families, Lawrence added.

Turkey Take-Out was established to provide families with a delicious meal on Thanksgiving Day as well as non-perishable food items to fill their pantries. Turkey Take-Out is a community partnership of businesses, churches and organizations with Foley Elementary School that began after local pastoral leaders and citizens learned of the severe need of many of the elementary schools students.

To learn more about Turkey Take-Out and donate , visit http://www.turkeytakeout.com

Columbia Southern University offers online certificate and degree programs in various fields such as fire administration, human resource management, organizational leadership and business administration.

For more information about CSU, visit http://www.columbiasouthern.edu or call 800-977-8449.
What are the chances we have another financial crisis in the next 100 years?

According to research out of the Minneapolis Fed, about 67%.

And Minneapolis Fed president Neel Kashkari does not think this is low enough.

Not even close.

Our analysis says theres still a 67% chance we could have another financial crisis [in the next 100 years], Kashkari told Yahoo Finance.

Regulations have not solved that problem. We put forward a plan to put a lot more capital in the banks, make them safer, and take that risk down to below 10%. And society as a whole will be much better off if we make the banks safer and we avoid future financial crises.

In Kashkaris view, preventing a financial crisis is imperative given not just the impacts that event can have to the economy near-term, but the permanent damage these incidents have to economic growth.

The gap between the red and blue lines is what happens after a financial crisis.

So what does Kashkari propose doing to prevent this issue? End too big to fail banking.

Following the September 2008 collapse of Lehman Brothers and the resulting seizure of global credit markets, major US and international banks have been deemed too big to fail given their global scope and interconectedness in the global banking sector. It is this status, in the view of Kashkari and many others, that presents the biggest risk to the economy.

A lot of work has been done since 2008, but the biggest banks are still too big to fail, Kashkari said. And in my view, we need to do something about that.

The Minneapolis Fed published a report on Wednesday outlining its plan to end too big to fail banking in the US and drastically reduce its calculated chances of a financial crisis in the US.

The basic approach is to make being a massive bank so unattractive that firms would be likely to divide into smaller units, to face less stringent capital requirements and, by extension, pose fewer risks to the broader economy.

Minneapolis Fed president Neel Kashkari

Under the Minneapolis Feds proposed plan, banks with assets over $250 billion in assets will be required to meet a minimum equity requirement of 23.5% of risk-weighted assets. This means that 23.5% of the banks total asset base must be covered by stock, not bonds, issued by the bank to meet its capital needs. And this 23.5% number is for banks not deemed systemically important (in other words, too big to fail).

Story continues

If you remain a large bank still deemed systemically important by the Fed, your equity requirement will increase periodically until it reaches 38%. At the end of 2015, for example, the US biggest banks had an equity capital ratio of around 12.3%.

Now, the Minneapolis Feds plan doesnt call for the explicit breakups of big banks. But under this outline, it quickly becomes very unattractive to be a big bank.

We want to give systemically important financial institutions the choice, Kashkari said. They can stay large if they have so much capital that they virtually cant fail.

And it is once the Fed begins to tighten the screws  or eliminate  the systemically important bans that the chances of a financial crisis, under its framework, falls to around 9%.

Source: Federal Reserve Bank of Minneapolis

Kashkari compares this regulatory approach to whats been taken in the nuclear power industry where plants are regulated to such an extent they almost cant fail because, well, we all know a nuclear meltdown is bad. So too are financial crises.

This approach to banking regulation, Kashkari outlines, is sort of like why you wear a seatbelt: not because you expect to get in a car accident that day, but because when youll be better off if and when that accident happens.

As the president of a regional Fed bank, Kashkari does not have the academic credentials one might expect. Kashkari is a mechanical engineer by training  not an economic PhD  who has done stints at Goldman Sachs and PIMCO, and was most notably in charge of directing TARP (Trouble Asset Relief Program), which was put in place after the financial crisis.

It is this background, then, that informs Kashkari of what the primary task should be for the Federal Reserve.

Simply put, our jobs are to look out for the biggest risks to the US economy, Kashkari said.

And our eyes are wide open. And heres a risk that we identified and that we think we have the expertise [to address] So this is where were starting, but we a got a lot more work to do.



Myles Udland is a writer at Yahoo Finance.

Read more from Myles here; follow him on Twitter @MylesUdland
Seth Sajda I am are very excited about having Seth join our team. His technical expertise, problem solving skills and integrity will be a great asset to our customers.

IPVideo Corporation, manufacturer of IP-based surveillance and command center solutions, welcomes Seth Sajda as the new Southeastern Regional Channel Manager. Based out of Dallas, Texas, Seth will work to foster new opportunities for IPVideo Corporation across a range of vertical markets. Working as a security manufactures representative while spending the last year working in physical security distribution, Seth has developed a strong understanding of both the sales and technical aspects of our products. He utilizes decisive sales strategies to assist his clients while providing cutting edge technical solutions. In return, he has been highly successful at improving business relationships in the Southeast and South-central United States. His dedication to always being available for his clients has earned him unwavering loyalty and trust. As Seth advances his career, he is looking forward to growing with IPVideo Corp. and continuing its development as a company that helps build a more secure future for its clients. Director of Business Development, Steve Rice proclaimed, I am very excited about having Seth join our team. His technical expertise, problem solving skills and integrity will be a great asset to our customers.

Seth can be reached at (631) 675-2257, or by email at ssajda(at)ipvideocorp(dot)com

About IPVideo Corporation

An industry pioneer since its introduction of one of the first network-based surveillance recording solutions in 1996, IPVideo Corporation is now at the forefront of developing unique, innovative solutions that harness the power of IP video technology. Today, the Companys systems are trusted by Fortune 500 companies, government agencies and municipalities, utilities, healthcare facilities, school districts and leading universities to mitigate risk while protecting people and property. A commitment to an open-standards philosophy and delivering best-in-class performance and value underlies all offeringsfrom physical security solutions that bridge to the Internet of Things, to purpose-built HD audio/video recording solutions for education, law enforcement, healthcare, and beyond. The companys worldwide client base is served by a network of certified distributors, dealers and system integrators, who benefit from ongoing corporate support and training. IPVideo Corporation is headquartered in Bay Shore, NY. For more information, visit http://www.ipvideocorp.com.
We strive to prove our value on every interaction and are confident in our ability to exceed expectations in the Phoenix region.  Chander Makhija, President

Chicago based IT infrastructure and security services firm, DecisionFocus, Inc. ranked on Inc. 5000, announced Southwest expansion by opening new office location in Scottsdale, AZ, a burgeoning suburb of Greater Phoenix.

Their Scottsdale office will be headed by Don ONeill, Managing Partner. Don, an IT infrastructure veteran whose career has spanned 20+ years, will focus efforts in helping companies with designing, optimizing, securing and migrating their data center facilities across the midwest.

Our continued success in the midwest region is an echo to the great people who work for us, our network of top IT talent, and the trust our loyal clients have in us. We strive to prove our value on every interaction and are confident in our ability to exceed expectations in the Phoenix region.  Chander Makhija, President

The decision to expand our presence into the Phoenix marketplace was a logical step in our business growth strategy. This area has a rich and diverse talent pool along with a good presence of Fortune 500 companies. Our expertise in enterprise infrastructure enables us to help clients successfully staff their IT projects and will ensure our continued success in this new market.  Don ONeill, Managing Partner, Scottsdale, AZ

Grown organically through years of experience in successfully assisting Fortune 100 clients with IT infrastructure and security, DecisionFocus has gained a unique perspective and understanding of todays IT needs. This next generation mindset is attracting top IT talent pool and providing their clients with the opportunity to build powerhouse teams faster and better, quickly moving the needle towards their business goals. With Incs top 50% rating its clear that DecisionFocus is doing many things right.

About DecisionFocus, Inc.

Launched in 2007 by Chicago based Engineer & Kellogg Alum with 20+ years of IT expertise, DecisionFocus leverages deep rooted connections within the booming tech community to meet client IT staffing and implementation needs in timely fashion. DecisionFocus tech savvy recruiters leverage their network to locate, engage, and thoroughly screen candidates with specific high-demand skills. DecisionFocus staffing and augmentation services are now helping blue chip companies implement intelligent solutions that can build and manage their entire IT landscape in automated ways. For more information about DecisionFocus, Inc. visit their website: http://www.Decision-Focus.com.
An international youth kindness and innovation competition has awarded over $200,000 to students and their supporting teachers for their winning ideas in the first annual Paradigm Challenge. The Paradigm Challenge invites youth aged 4 to 18 to use kindness, creativity, collaboration, and STEM skills to solve a real-world problem. The problem to be solved for the first year of the Challenge was how to reduce injuries and fatalities from home fires -- Americas #1 disaster threat.

More than 50,000 students participated in this years Paradigm Challenge. The number of youth who stepped up to accept our inaugural Challenge to help save lives truly is inspiring, said Jeff Richardson, Project Paradigms founder and CEO. We commend the students for the kindness, creativity, and collaboration they used to generate solutions to this real-life problem. Many of the ideas can and will help save lives in communities around the world. Student solutions included inventions, community events, mobile apps, videos, posters, and songs.

100 Finalist teams won cash prizes totaling more than $150,000. The top team in each age category won up to $20,000 and a 4-day, 3-night trip to Los Angeles to attend The Paradigm Challenge Prize Ceremony. Teams came from as far away as New Zealand and India to attend the event.

The Grand Prize and an all-expense-paid patent application was awarded to the 1st place winners in the 15-18 age division for their life-saving invention called the Fire Mitt. The Fire Mitt is an oven mitt that quickly and easily unfolds into a fire blanket which can be deployed to put out a cooking fire.

Emma Spencer and Scott Johnson, the Grand Prize winners, believe the ability to invent is not a special gift, but something that is in all of us. Anyone can become an innovator, noted Spencer, You just have to put your mind to it and focus on how you can save the world. Johnson added, Making this world a safer place is something everyone can be involved in.

In addition to the cash prizes for the student teams, The Paradigm Challenge awarded cash grants between $250 and $5,000 to the inspiring educators associated with the top 100 teams. The Paradigm Challenge is a great opportunity for educators who are looking for motivational project-based learning activities for their students, explained Ashley Greenway, 2016 Allen Distinguished Educator and Georgia STEM Laureate. The Paradigm Challenge is particularly appealing because of its engaging online video lesson plans and supporting materials.

The theme for the new Paradigm Challenge is the reduction of waste in homes, schools, communities, and/or around the world. The deadline for entries is May 1, 2017.

About the Paradigm Challenge: The Paradigm Challenge is a new annual competition created by Project Paradigm in collaboration with the American Red Cross and supported by a coalition of partners, including Youth Changing the World and the National Youth Leadership Council. The theme of the competition will change annually.

About Project Paradigm

Project Paradigm, a national private foundation headquartered in Los Angeles, California, aims to identify, support, and collaborate with passionate individuals and organizations to inspire, lead, and facilitate paradigm shifts in the approaches to global challenges. Learn more at projectparadigm.org/founder. Or like us on Facebook and Twitter (@ParadigmChlleng).
Bonnie Arbuckle, of Modesto Junior College, and Beau Howard, of Helena College, will each receive $2,500 toward their education.

SR Education Group has just announced their latest Community College Scholarship winners. Bonnie Arbuckle, of Modesto Junior College, and Beau Howard, of Helena College, will each receive $2,500 toward their education. The scholarship committee reviewed over 200 applications and chose the winners based on financial need and compelling, well-written application materials.

Bonnie Arbuckle stood out due to her passion for teaching coupled with perseverance in overcoming challenging life circumstances in order to pursue higher education. She is currently working as a substitute preschool teacher, and her dream is to become a kindergarten teacher. Arbuckle was inspired by her own first grade teacher to be someone that makes children excited to come to school. Upon learning she had been selected as a winner, Arbuckle said, This is fantastic news and it came at the most wonderful time. As a single parent working hard towards two degrees, this scholarship will enable me to get closer to my goals and release some much-needed financial pressure.

Beau Howard is currently in the pre-pharmacy program at Helena College. After graduating with an Associate of Science, he plans to pursue a B.S. in Chemistry and eventually a Ph.D. from the Skaggs School of Pharmacy at the University of Montana in Missoula. Howards career goals include researching flavonoid structures and their medicinal potentials, with an emphasis on supplemental oncological treatments. The scholarship committee was especially compelled by his motivation, which comes from a commitment to provide for his daughter. As a single father, and college student, I cannot stress the importance of budgeting your finances in order to succeed, Howard said. This scholarship will help me to achieve my goal of obtaining my Ph.D. and for that, I am eternally grateful to the SR Education Group and their commitment to helping students further their education.

SR Education Group was impressed with many of the November 2016 Community College Scholarship applicants. In addition to the two winners, the scholarship committee also selected five finalists, who will each be awarded $100: Miranda Lowman, Rachel Burma, Christopher Rios, Kirsten Arellano, and Tyesha Washington. All finalists, applicants, and other full-time community college students are invited to apply for the next round of the scholarship, which closes on February 25, 2017.

About SR Education Groups Scholarships

SR Education Group is offering another round of needs-based $2,500 scholarships for full-time students attending community college. The next deadline for the Community College Scholarship is February 25, 2017. SR Education Group will also be awarding a $5,000 needs-based Graduate Scholarship for Teachers on March 18, 2017. Find out more at http://www.sreducationgroup.org/scholarships.

About SR Education Group

Headquartered in Kirkland, WA, SR Education Group was founded in 2004 by CEO Sung Rhee. The companys mission is to create authoritative online resources for students seeking an online education program that best suits their budget and career aspirations. SR Education Group is passionate about making quality education attainable for everyone and believes that objective information about education, careers, and educational financing should be free and easily accessible. For more information, please visit http://www.sreducationgroup.org.
Upcoming annual meetings of the Weed Science Society of America (WSSA) and regional weed science organizations are expected to offer new perspectives on a wide range of issues vital to the future  from how to manage herbicide-resistant weeds to new advances in weed control technologies.

The WSSAs annual meeting is scheduled for February 6-9, 2017, in Tucson, Arizona. The wide-ranging agenda includes multiple symposia and workshops. Among the topics are:

Precision Agriculture and Weed Science

Understanding and Reducing the Impact of Herbicide Off-Site Movement

Contributions of USDA ARS Area-Wide Projects to Weed Science Research and Practice

Navigating the New Landscape of Federal Funding for Weed Science Research

Teaching Undergraduate Weed Science: Strategies to Improve Learning

Additional details and registration information are available online at the Societys website.

Other upcoming annual meetings include:

Canadian Weed Science Society Meeting (CWSS), November 21-24, 2016

CWSS will hold its 70th annual meeting in Moncton, New Brunswick. One unique aspect of the program is an opening plenary session on Forensic Weed Science. Experts will use photographs of crop fields to review actual issues growers have encountered and discuss how to identify the cause.

A wide range of learning opportunities are on the agenda, including regulatory reports, discussions of weed management in various crops, a session on the biology and ecology of invasive and noxious weeds, and a CropLife Resistance Management Panel on how industry and academia can work together to better support resistance management on the farm. Additional details and registration information are available at http://www.weedscience.ca.

North Central Weed Science Society (NCWSS), December 12-15, 2016

NCWSS will convene in Des Moines, Iowa, for its annual meeting. Further details will be posted soon at http://www.ncwss.org.

Southern Weed Science Society (SWSS), January 23-25, 2017

The SWSS annual meeting is scheduled for Birmingham, Alabama. Registration information and meeting details will be posted soon at http://www.swss.ws.

Northeastern Weed Science Society (NEWSS), January 3-6, 2017

NEWSS will hold its annual meeting in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. It also will host the second annual Northeastern Plant, Pest and Soils Conference. Details will be posted soon at http://www.newss.org.

Western Society of Weed Science (WSWS), March 13-16, 2017

The WSWS annual meeting will be held in Coeur d'Alene, Idaho. Details will be posted soon at http://www.wsweedscience.org.

About the Weed Science Society of America

The Weed Science Society of America, a nonprofit scientific society, was founded in 1956 to encourage and promote the development of knowledge concerning weeds and their impact on the environment. The Society promotes research, education and extension outreach activities related to weeds, provides science-based information to the public and policy makers, fosters awareness of weeds and their impact on managed and natural ecosystems, and promotes cooperation among weed science organizations across the nation and around the world. For more information, visit http://www.wssa.net.
When Jonathan Tweets daughter was young, he searched for a book that would introduce her to the complicated, almost mysterious, scientific concept of evolution. I found pretty much nothing, he recalled. A designer of board games and self-professed science geek, Tweet set out to fill that void.

Tom Sullivans search for the same kind of book came about completely by accident. A graphic designer, he had been working on a story about an alien when he got stuck on what it should look like. I started thinking about how the way different animals are born determines what they are going to look like, he said. I was thinking about mammals and reptiles and eggs, when I got to frogs. I started to wonder how a frog who used to be a tadpole would describe that experience, and a title for a different story just popped into my head.

I Used to Be a Fish, written and illustrated by Sullivan (Balzer + Bray), is one of two debut picture books on the ticklish topic of evolution released this fall. Feiwel and Friends published Tweets Grandmother Fish in September, picking it up after he and illustrator Karen Lewis self-published the title a year ago.

I had never seen a picture book about evolution before, said Donna Bray, v-p and co-publisher at Balzer + Bray. And as a picture book creator, Tom had such a good sense of negative space, palette, and page turns. I felt like, if Dr. Seuss had done a book on evolution, this is what it would look like.

Feiwel was sold on Tweets book after giving the self-published version to colleagues with young children. A lot of people who brought it home reported that their kids really liked it, she said. This is not an institutional book. Its kid-friendly. I think it will endure.

Tweet was not wrong about the scarcity of books about evolution for the youngest readers: they are few and far between. His decade-long search for comparable titles turned up only two: Lisa Westberg Peterss Our Family Tree (Harcourt, 2003) and a Lets Read-and-Find-Out volume, Evolution, by Joanna Cole (Crowell, 1987) that is long out-of-print (a paperback copy is selling on Amazon for $56.68.) All around, the Lets Read book was the best one I found, he said.

Part of the reason is that evolution is a tough concept to simplify. Billions of years ago is not easy for a preschooler to grasp, nor is descended from apes. There is also an objection for religious reasons because evolution contradicts the Biblical version of how humans came to be. Both editors bought their manuscripts knowing, as Feiwel put it, that the books might face resistance.

At the acquisition meeting we did have sales people who said, We may have trouble with this,  Feiwel recalled.

So far, so good, both editors reported, though they were also quick to caution: its early days.

Nobodys voiced an objection but not every account is taking it, said Feiwel. I think that the most difficult thing is that the people who do object just wont stock it or review it and you really cant smoke that out.

Though the concerns and subject matter were similar, the path to publication for each book could not have been more different.

Tweets journey started more than 15 years ago, when his daughter, now a college graduate, was a toddler. I had a bright inquisitive young mind in the house and I wanted to share with her the scope and grandeur of life and earth. I couldnt find a book out there that made it accessible to kids, he recalled. Tweet worked for years on a text that would be scientifically accurate and engaging to young children. He tried to have it published conventionally but admits, The story was not good enough yet so I kept working on it and working on it.

Three years ago he had two breakthroughs. The first was rewriting the text in a call and response style, which invites the audience to find things they share with Grandmother Fish, who lived a long long long long long time ago.

She could wiggle and swim fast

Can you wiggle?

And she had jaws to chomp.

Can you chomp?

The interactive element was more powerful than I could have predicted, Tweet said. Mimicry is such a big part of who children are. Its something that kids really respond to.

The second key was being introduced by a friend of a friend to Lewis, whose day job is resident cartoonist for Cobblestone, an American history magazine for kids.

She knows childrens books better than I do and she was really helpful in bringing out the cute side of evolution, said Tweet, who credits her with helping him figure out how to depict mammal lactation.

Nobody liked the verb lactate. I had people tell me not to bring it up. But thats the defining thing that makes us mammals, Tweet recalled. He was able to use the verb cuddle instead because Lewiss discreet illustration of a mother possum and her babies curled together in blissful circle suggests the babies are feeding. It turned out to be the best page in the book, he said.

By the time Tweets rewritten text met Lewiss illustrations, Kickstarter was a real thing. We could publish it ourselves and I could die happy, Tweet said. They asked for $12,000; they raised $36,000. Their donors names are listed on the front and back endpapers of both the self-published version and the new version published by Feiwel. Those are the thousands of people who believed in the project, Tweet said. Macmillan was very gracious in allowing those names to stay in.

Tweet would have been satisfied at that point, but then Barbara King, a professor of anthropology at the College of William & Mary, wrote about the book on NPRs Cosmos and Culture blog, quoting an educator from the National Center for Science Education who said Grandmother Fish was heads and shoulders above any evolution book for children shed ever seen.

Kings post went viral. The self-published edition sold out and an agent, David Doerrer of Abrams Artists, contacted Tweet about taking the book to a mainstream publisher. Three houses bid before Feiwel and Friends walked away a winner.

Feiwel said she made few editorial changes. We did redesign the back matter because it was a little too crowded and we kind of punched up the color on the cover and tweaked the typeface, but for the most part they did a masterful job with a topic that is not easy, she said. I think this is a book that will have a very long life. It may not be big out the door but it will build.

Sullivans path to publication was far swifter. He contacted Steven Malk of Writers House, who took him on as a client in May 2015. After a five-house auction a few weeks later, Malk sold the manuscript to Bray in a two-book deal.

Brays editing challenge was to make sure that Sullivans sly humor didnt get lost as the book was edited to make the science correct. Its a very light introduction to evolution but it was scientifically flawed at the beginning and we had to fix that, she said. Bray put him in touch with Glenn Branch at the National Center for Science Education who was only too happy to help Sullivan get the facts right. He even forwarded him some material to study.

He sent me a copy of Grandmother Fish, Sullivan said.

I Used to Be a Fish by Tom Sullivan. Balzer + Bray, $17.99 Oct. 978-0-06-245198-9

Grandmother Fish: A Childs First Book of Evolution by Jonathan Tweet, illustrated by Karen Lewis. Feiwel and Friends, $17.99 Sept. 978-1250113238
After a one-year hiatus, the Books in Browsers conference made its return November 34, with roughly 150 attendees on hand for two days of presentations at the Gray Area Theater in San Franciscos Mission District. This years event, the seventh edition of the conference, was something of a rebootwhere previous iterations focused on more technical and design elements of publishing on the Web, this years conference explored the expanding array of powerful new digital tools at the disposal of todays storytellers.

It was an eye-opening program, organized by PW contributor Peter Brantley and sponsored by the University of California, Davis, and the Frankfurt Book Fair, with assistance from Berkeley New Media. Under the title Telling Small Stories, it focused heavily on how visual images, alongside text, are forging new, narrative formsno surprise to anyone on Snapchat or Instagram.

The two days of presentations felt more like a master class than a conference. Attendeeswho included publishers, authors, gamers, coders, filmmakers, artists, and librariansheard from a range of creators, all experimenting with a potent mix of old and new media.

Among the highlights for me: filmmaker Adam Dewar detailed the making of his 2015 Instagram thriller, Shield 5, which utilized not only the 15-second video clips then allowed on the platform (Instagram video clips can now be longer), but also text and user comments.

Jane Friedhoff, a game designer by trade, showed off software that she created while at the New York Times called Membrane, which enabled authors and readers to generate targeted conversations within online articles by highlighting specific words or passagesa sort of next-level comments function, but more powerful, focused, and interactive. The kicker to Friedhoffs story: she left the Times, and the code she created for Membrane now appears to be mothballed among the Times other moribund IP holdings.

Artist Dan Goldman talked about his work with a nonprofit group to create Priyas Shakti, a comic book and augmented-reality app that confronts sexual violence in India, a venture that truly highlights the power of visual storytelling. And in one audience favorite, Nick Brown, who leads a product team for Ingram VitalSource, demoed a powerful new music-study tool that, among other features, enables users to conduct a virtual orchestra using a smartphone as a baton, with the ability to change tempos simply by altering ones motion.

 Listening to the presentations at BiB made publishings so-called digital revolution seem like a border skirmish... 

Sure, some of the presentations seemed tangential to the business of book publishing and to the work of libraries. Certainly, this was no ordinary publishing conference. But that, attendees said, is what made the program so compelling.

For me the value of BiB lies in the chance to hear about the many new forms of storytelling available to us as designers, animators, filmmakers, and writers today, says Kate Pullinger, an author and professor of creative writing and digital media at Bath Spa University, in England. Pullinger gave a talk about her forthcoming work, a smartphone novel titled Jellybone, which will utilize the digital features (beyond simply rendering text on a screen) now available on many devices.

Claire Renault Deslandes, digital publishing director for French publisher Editions Bragelonne, a leader in Frances emerging digital-book market, says that she has now added BiB to her must attend list. It is refreshing to talk about creation, and how it is impacted by innovation, or generates innovation, and a bit less about market share, and marketing strategies, she says, adding that BiB is a great place to give birth to new, outside-the-box ideas.

That was my takeaway as well. For well over a decade, publishers have been grappling with the future of books and reading in the digital agebut its hard to point to many outside the box ideas. Listening to the presentations at BiB made publishings so-called digital revolution seem like a border skirmisha series of flash points around distribution, new platforms, the occasional legal battle, and looming over it all for many of the big houses, a stated desire to protect their legacy print businesses from the vagaries of our networked, increasingly device-driven world.

Things are starting to change, however. For years now, the Frankfurt Book Fair has showcased new media alongside traditional publishing. A startup called Oolipo launched at this years fair, for example, a platform that harnesses for storytellers the full range of tools now available on any smartphoneGPS, maps, video, a camera, picture editing, sensors, Internet and phone access, touchscreen interaction, and music.

Libraries, too, have grappled with the digital transition. But librarians have been eager to adapt and refocus their energiestake, for example, the library communitys embrace of the maker movement, their support for technology instruction, and even the lending of computers, cameras, and recording equipment that is pretty common in libraries across the nation. In fact, it seems as though the seeds of the 2016 BiB program were planted by Brantley, at the 2014 ALA Midwinter Meeting in Philadelphia.

In a talk he conceded at the time was a bit edgy, Brantley spoke of how a growing sense of digital craft will inevitably expand and enrich our storytelling and information environments. Text will still be a primary mode of storytelling, because of its low barrier to entry, he acknowledged. But, speaking to librarians just months after simmering tensions between libraries and publishers over e-book lending had begun to cool, Brantley implored libraries to think more broadly about their future roles.

There is a whole new world of publishing exploding right before our eyes and were not doing anything about it in any kind of concerted way, he said. I think we need to do that.

It was a prescient talk. In the analog era, libraries had a fairly well-defined mission: to collect, preserve, and make available our cultural output. But as more of our cultural output is born digital and network dependent, what will libraries collect in the future, and how will they collect it? How will libraries handle new forms of storytelling like Dewars Instagram thriller, for example? If print is no longer the center of the creative universe, do libraries simply accept a diminishing role in our culture? Or do they seek new roles?

Publishers face similar questions. As digital storytelling evolves, will the book as it has existed for centuries become a niche product? Will the publishers of today simply yield the future of storytelling to Google, Facebook, Apple, and Amazon?

Those questions are why I found BiBs focus on creation so compelling. Will any of the efforts I heard detailed at BiB have an immediate impact on publishers or libraries? Probably not. But BiB reinforced a simple truth for me: storytellers will utilize the full range of tools technology offers them. And in an age where technology is advancing rapidly, shaking up institutions with alarming speed, it is imperative for publishers and librarians not only to anticipate whats around the corner but also whats further down the road.
Alexander Pushkin, trans. from the Russian by Richard Pevear and Larissa Volokhonsky. Knopf, $30 (496p) ISBN 978-0-307-95962-1

Pushkin (17991837), arguably Russias greatest poet, finds worthy translators in Pevear and Volokhonsky, who have compiled an indispensable edition of the masters complete prose. Pushkins great ambition, keen curiosity, and comprehensive range are all in evidence here, beginning with the unfinished The Moor of Peter the Great, a historical fiction about the writers grandfather, an African courtier of the czar. Russian history also figures in the short novel The Captains Daughter, set during a bloody 18th-century peasant rebellion, as a young officer in a besieged rural fortress develops a strange comradeship with the Cossack ringleader of the uprising. In Dubrovsky, a young aristocrat flouts the law after his inheritance is unjustly denied him. Always mindful of his position vis-a-vis European literature, Pushkin both draws on romanticism and lampoons it; in the short story The Queen of Spades, rational young engineer Hermann comes to believe in a mystic secret of gambling, and in his quest to learn the secret wrecks several lives, including his own. Pushkin moves with great facility from bored, hotheaded St. Petersburg aristocracy to the pastoral peccadilloes of country squires and the deprivations of peasant life (The Tales of the Late Ivan Petrovich Belkin), and even farther afield, to the exoticized landscape of the Caucasia (Journey to Arzrum). Pushkin the storyteller is witty and compassionate, panoramic and precise. Although hes best known in the States for poetry, in this thoughtfully annotated, syntactically loyal edition, readers will discover another facet of a prodigious talent.
Moebius Library: The World of Edena is the first volume in Dark Horses new Moebius Library, showcasing the legendary French cartoonist. Long unavailable in English, it's the American welcome he deserves with a spectacular hardcover album of the entire Edena saga, annotated with notes from the artist and his studio. Mike Richardson, publisher and founder of Dark Horse, takes us inside this remarkable book.

Jean Henri Gaston Giraud, better known to American comics fans as Moebius, was one of the founders of Les Humanoides Associes and ultimately of the French science fiction, horror, and fantasy anthology Metal hurlant (published in English as Heavy Metal). It was within those pages that I first became aware of Jeans work. I cannot overstate the impact his work had on artists and fans throughout the world.

Jean established himself in France with the western series Blueberry, which he created under the name Gir. Though Im a fan of all of his work, my own favorites were his classic Arzach and The Airtight Garage series, which took a dreamy, surreal (and groundbreaking) approach to science fiction and fantasy.

In the late eighties I was able to persuade him to come to Portland for a signing at one of my comic shops promoting Dark Horses release of his The Horny Goof & Other Underground Stories. In those days, Jean, working under his Moebius alias, was a rather mysterious, even metaphysical presence in the comics world. Our success with that first publication led to a line of books that included Arzach & Other Fantasy Stories, The Man from the Ciguri, Madwoman of the Sacred Heart, H.P.s Rock City, and Exotics, as well as regular contributions to our two anthologies, Dark Horse Presents and Cheval Noir.

After Jeans passing in 2012, his former collaborator, Geof Darrow, arranged for me to sit down with his wife, Isabelle, and Claire Champeval. After much discussion over the following months, we came up with a plan to work together with the goal of presenting Jeans work in a series of high-quality books.

Moebius Library: The World of Edena is the first collaboration between Dark Horse and Moebius Production and features a previously unpublished chapter of the Edena Cycle. The World of Edena is a perfect example of Jeans unique style and showcases the extraordinary vision he possessed as both artist and storyteller.

Early in The World of Edena, we see interstellar repairmen Stel and Atan driving an ancient Citroen into a city built around a strange, mesmerizing pyramid. Although the tale began as a short story commissioned by a French automobile manufacturer, Moebius found the two characters and his subject matter so interesting that he spent decades expanding his initial concept and turning it into a complete graphic novel.

Stel is subjected to frequent mystical visions and confusing hallucinations. The power of lucid dreaming and the use of our dream states for spiritual enlightenment are ideas explored throughout The World of Edena.

The five chapters in The World of Edena were drawn during different times in Moebiuss long, eventful career. As Moebius continued the story, working chapter to chapter, he would often revisit moments from earlier chapters to bring unity to the entire project. On this page, we get a glimpse of a character who doesnt return for another sixty-two pagesbut the Buddha-like child seen here is an important figure in the chapter titled The Goddess.

After months of wandering through Edenas strange forests and deserts, Stel is finally reunited with his spacefaring friend Atannow changed into the beautiful, mystical Atana. Identity is another theme that Moebius explores heavily in The World of Edena.

A small group of brainwashed patriarchal-cult members known as snufflers argue in the desert. These stylized characters are examples of Moebiuss flair for unique design.

SRAthe final chapter in this Moebius epicis presented in English for the first time. It completes Moebiuss main story about the paradise planet Edena, allowing readers to finally finish this circular story and return to the beginning immediately, if they choose to do so.

An exceptionally psychedelic page, as our main character Stel finds himself living in several different realities at the same time, with the walls between these dimensions finally breaking down.

Stel struggles to regain all of his memories as he heals and prepares to resume his quest in the city of SRA, which is filled with Lilliputian intellectuals and scientists.
Following the outcome of the presidential election last week, I both cried and laughed while reading this bite-sized book of wisdom. Haemin Sunim, a Buddhist monk, gently combines philosophy with spiritual insight in his treatment of political differences and anger.

The book centers on ways to recognize lovely moments that happen every day, such as a childs smile. It's comprised of eight short chapters that cover rest, relationships, spirituality, and moremaking it easy for even the busiest reader to pick up. Sunims words are profound but familiar, simple but artful, and each chapter feels more like a conversation with a thoughtful, loving friend than reading another book on mindfulness.

Sunim, a native of South Korea who was educated in Boston and Northern California, makes poignant observations of Americans while also sharing personal reflections of his own life, even explaining why he became a monk. The book comes with detailed, whimsical illustrations of nature by Youngcheol Lee which serve as interludes between meditationscolorful reminders to pause and absorb the words.

The Things You Can See Only When You Slow Down: How to Be Calm and Mindful in a Fast-Paced World has already sold over three million copies in South Korea, and the book goes on sale in the U.S. on Feb. 7 via Penguin. In the words of the debut author, may this book inspire you to connect with the kinder and wiser side of yourself.
The China Shanghai International Childrens Book Fair (CCBF), running from November 18 to 20, is now in its fourth year, and while there are many familiar faces in the exhibition hall, there are equally as many first-timers. In fact, the fair has almost doubled, from 154 exhibitors in 2013 to 300 this year. The U.K. pavilion, for instance, added nine new publishers, bringing to the total to 23. There are new pavilions dedicated to exhibitors from France, Norway, South Korea, and Switzerland.

Also new to this years fair is the Digital Discovery Zone, where the focus is on digital products and services related to childrens reading and educational needs, and edutainment content. Among its biggest attractions are AR (augmented reality) books and VR (virtual reality) experiences.

CCBF, said director-general Xu Jiong of Shanghai Press and Publication Administration, the fairs main organizer, remains committed to the goal of promoting rights trading, cultivating original works, and advocating reading habits. Shanghai parents, he added, attach great importance not just on their childrens education but also on giving their children a lot of exposure to the world around them. They want their kids to learn other languages and culturesand these are the main reasons for holding this fair in Shanghai. For now, our fair is still new, and we are learning and developing new ideas as we go along. In the longer term, our goal is to turn CCBF into Asias Bologna Book Fair step by step. by making it more global and more impactful.

Impact was certainly something that managing director Jonathan Holland of U.K.-based i-Read felt on the first day of his first CCBF. He signed three deals in less than three hours into its opening. This is the busiest trade fair for me in perhaps 20 years, with more than 40 meetings in just the first half of the day. We met with publishers as well as digital companies that are interested in using our IP to create new products. For a first-time exhibitor, this fair allows us to meet new potential partners and look beyond our traditional markets. Given the overwhelming response to our titles, which are sticker books, you can be sure that we will be back again next year.

Next door, Hachette UK is back for its fourth CCBF, and sales have been good. We received 16 offersmostly for multi-volume titleseven before arriving here. And we have visitors waiting to meet us as early as 8:30 this morning, said rights manager Kavi Meswania, adding that in the last two years, there have been more requests for bilingual editions from his Chinese partners. Same goes for digital rights, which saw us doing about 80 digital titles with Shanghai-based Moker Corporation.

For publisher and CEO Dominique Raccah of Sourcebooks, the invitation to talk about AR books set the stage for her first CCBF. [We have] a lot of interest coming from China for our personalized book platform, Put Me in the Story, so that gave the trip an extra push," Raccah said. "That has actually prompted me to think about the viability of creating a similar book platform in China, and now Im on the ground to check out the options, potential partners, and the intricacies of setting up here. What I immediately see is a clearly evolving book marketone that is captivating, and thinks of books in different ways than we do. As to how different, I will need more time to get to the specifics over the next few days.

One thing Raccah knows for sure is that her AR trilogy Dragon Brothers, which went missing from the display shelves this morning, is going to be a big hit in China.
Earlier this year, Illinois Gov. Bruce Rauner was able to renegotiate contracts with 17 bargaining units representing 5,000 state employees. But the governor and the American Federation of State, County and Municipal Workers, which represents 36,000 state workers, could not reach an agreement. Democrats then pushed two bills that would have allowed the union to bypass negotiation and allow an arbitrator -- not the elected legislature or governor -- to decide what could eventually be a $3 billion tax hike for Illinois taxpayers. The second bill contained additional language that could have cost taxpayers another $400 million on top of that.

The first was passed by the legislature, vetoed by the governor and not passed over his veto. The second, HB 580, carried by state reps. Pat Verschoore and Mike Smiddy among others, includes the language that would force the state to retroactively pay $400 million in step increases from the expired contract, according to administration sources. It passed out of both houses of the legislature, was vetoed by the governor and that override also failed.

At the time, we editorialized against both bills. As weve said before, it is not fair to bypass a business-minded elected negotiator, and put contracts governing tens of thousands of public employees in the hands of an unelected arbitrator who would have no responsibility to consider the interests of taxpayers or the financial problems of our state.

The governors office had argued that the appropriate next step would have been to turn to the Illinois Labor Relations Board to determine if there could be further negotiating.

Nurses push another bad bill

Democratic legislators, on behalf of another of Illinois government union, then tried the same end run -- putting preservation of jobs ahead of whats best for the state. The Illinois Nurses Association (INA) lobbied for a bill that could force taxpayers to pay employees who may no longer be needed.

House Bill 5104, whose chief sponsors were Rep. Gregory Harris and Sen. John Cullerton, limits the states ability to contract health services for the department of corrections. It seeks to maintain existing jobs, even if they are no longer needed, by freezing employment levels for DOC medical workers at the Jan. 1, 2016 level, regardless of whether the prison population rises or falls. Even if the state can contract for those services at a less expensive rate, or save money by reducing employees, it would still have to employ the same number of medical workers if the bill had become law. The proposed law also says the state cannot subcontract certain health services if that would result in fewer medical workers in IDOC than were present as of Jan. 1.

After almost a year of negotiations, the state and INA had entered into a tentative agreement last March. INA representatives were expected to go to their members and advocate ratification. That never happened and resulted in an unfair labor practices charge being filed by the state.

According to the states charge, the issue of subcontracting had already been discussed. When INA did not achieve its goal through negotiations, it made an end run and went to the General Assembly.

While we understand the unions desire to maintain jobs and members, such action isnt necessarily in the best interests of the state and its taxpayers. Just as with the pro-AFSCME legislation we opposed, it ties the states hands when it comes to contract negotiations. This was just another piece of bad legislation.

Judge, labor board rule an impasse

Friday a labor law judge offered a mixed decision in the original dispute between the administration and AFSCME. The judge said the administration should be allowed to impose its wishes on some issues as the result of an impasse, but that the two sides should return to the bargaining table on others.

The judge said the Illinois Labor Relations Board should make the final call on how to proceed. Even if the judge had ruled entirely for one side, the matter was expected to go to the labor board for appeal. The labor board then ruled Tuesday that negotiations were at an impasse. This could allow the governor to impose his terms on the contract which could lead to a strike. According to news reports AFSCME plans to appeal the decision in the courts.

We believe the way to resolve these issues is through fair and honest negotiations, not by passing laws that tie the hands of one side or the other. Gov. Rauner again refused to give in, or be ambushed by legislators, and vetoed this bill. An attempt to override Wednesday failed. We hope legislators have now gotten the message that these efforts are bad for the state and destined to fail. Both sides need to face the state's realities and work together, as has happened with other bargaining units, to help ease them.
My recent, unscientific survey of Latino journalists across the country found a near-unanimous belief that the media failed Hispanics in the run-up to the presidential election.

Their reasons for criticizing the mainstream media (as opposed to Latino-focused English-language media or Spanish-language media) were varied -- from cable news networks elevating a Hispanic Donald Trump apologist who warned against taco trucks on every corner if Hillary Clinton was elected, to largely ignoring anti-Latino slams like Trump's "bad hombres" comment and Mike Pence's "that Mexican thing."

For any number of reasons, frustrations with how Hispanic stories were framed or simply overlooked made Latinos upset before the polls closed. And it infuriated them after President-elect Trump was named the victor.

"Our media failed us, our leaders failed us, and Hillary Clinton failed us. But mostly, we failed ourselves," wrote Alfredo Estrada, publisher of Latino magazine, on Facebook the day after the election. "We failed to unify against a candidate who attacked and vilified us from the first day of his campaign. There was no Latino surge, and the sleeping giant overslept. In the days to come, we'll need to redefine our relationship to our political parties and community organizations, who failed us as well. Things won't be the same again."

Sadly, even as the mainstream media are bending over backward with mea culpas about not predicting a Trump win, they're still flirting with getting the Latino vote narrative wrong again.

After the election, CNN, ABC, the Associated Press and other media outlets cited Edison Research exit polls that said 29 percent of Latinos voted for Donald Trump -- more than voted for Mitt Romney in 2012.

There's no disputing that there were indeed a significant number of Hispanics who voted for Trump for a variety of reasons, such as his stance on abortion and his promise to end Obamacare. The Pew Research Center's Hispanic Trends Project had estimated that Trump's share of the Latino vote would be 19 percent and Latino Decisions' exit polling estimated it at 18 percent.

These numbers illustrate that, contrary to the monolithically Democrat-leaning "Latino vote" that news outlets refer to, the Hispanic electorate is diverse in its political preferences.

During a post-election telephone briefing, Matt Barreto of Latino Decisions said that Edison Research's own 2005 self-critique noted that its polling was not designed to yield reliable estimates of the characteristics of geographically clustered demographic groups, like Hispanics, and that such exit polls included larger sampling errors.

"Because of this, we suspect the overall national exit polls to not be correct," Barreto said. "We believe Latino turnout was up and the GOP got the lowest number of Latino votes ever for a presidential candidate."

Not everyone is convinced that the Latino Decisions polls were more accurate than exit polling (and some believe the firm has a political agenda because some of its staff had ties to the Clinton campaign), so we'll have to wait for national final tallies to learn how Latinos actually voted.

In the meantime, initial results should be a lesson to mainstream media outlets to put an end to simplistic reporting that popularizes terms like "the Sleeping Giant" and alternately frames Hispanic voters as almighty determiners of elections or non-entities in the electoral process. The fact is, Hispanic voters made their voices heard loud and clear on Election Day.

"We need to actually focus on the historic turnout," said Arturo Vargas, the executive director of the California-based NALEO Educational Fund. "If you look at the impact Latinos have had on local elections, we've had five Latinos added to the U.S. House of Representatives in a year not following reapportionment or redistricting, the first Latina elected to the U.S. Senate and we helped turn out (the much-reviled Maricopa County, Arizona, Sheriff Joe) Arpaio."

Vargas told me that though the Latino surge was not big enough to outdo the surge of angry white voters in Wisconsin, Michigan and Ohio, "we still have to recognize that traditional voter engagement absolutely worked even though Latino-led organizations were not well-funded because the voter outreach money went to non-Latino organizations that, frankly, didn't know what they were doing."

If this election has taught us anything, it's that Hispanic voters need consistent, ongoing engagement, cultivation and investment to continue to be able to make their mark on the electoral process. And that goes for both get-out-the-vote efforts and fair portrayals and coverage in the media.
An East Moline man was sentenced on Thursday to five years in prison for stealing a vehicle while he was on probation.

Christian M. Lannan, 19, pleaded guilty on Thursday to Class 2 felonies of possession of a stolen vehicle and theft, according to documents filed in Rock Island County Circuit Court.

Police say Mr. Lannan approached a man at Heather Ridge Apartments in Rock Island on July 22 and requested several times to borrow the man's vehicle. The man refused, suspecting Mr. Lannan was intoxicated, according to police.

The next morning, the man's vehicle was missing. It was later found in East Moline in Mr. Lannan's possession. The man denied giving Mr. Lannan permission to use the car.

When the theft occurred, Mr. Lannan was one month into a 2.5-year probation for having stolen thousands of dollars from his grandmother.
ROCK ISLAND -- Local members of the American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees joined 120 statewide rallies Thursday against a recent Illinois Labor Relations Board decision.

About 100 people rallied outside the Illinois Department of Children and Family Services building at 500 42nd St., Rock Island, opposing the labor board's decision Tuesday that contract negotiations between state officials and the 38,000-member union had reached an impasse.

The decision allows Gov. Bruce Rauner to impose his terms on the union and the union to go on strike.

Gov. Rauner's office has said his plan will save Illinois $3 billion over four years.

"Rather than protesting a 40-hour work week, merit pay and volunteerism, it's time to move forward together as the state implements this fair and reasonable contract," read a statement issued by the governor's office.

AFSCME officials say the decision will let Gov. Rauner impose a four-year wage freeze and require employees to pay 100 percent more for health insurance. They also say Gov. Rauner can privatize existing state jobs.

"We are committed to providing platinum service to our customers," said Terry Stimpson, of Rock Island, who works for the Illinois Department of Human Service's home service program.

"I don't think he (Gov. Rauner) really knows the day-to-day operations and how we deal with our working conditions. Our services are critical to help people stay in their home in a healthier environment."

Shortly after noon on Thursday, rally members in Rock Island held signs saying "We Serve Our Community" as traffic passed.

"He's (Rauner's) going to impose this contract on us, and we want to go back to the table," said Carlene Erno, president of AFSCME Local 2615.

Ms. Erno said AFSCME always has been able to reach agreements with Illinois governors, even when both sides had disagreements. She said a major concern is if Gov. Rauner can arbitrarily privatize any state service.

"That is 100 percent the biggest threat -- not only to our employment, but to the people who depend on services in the state of Illinois," Ms. Erno said. "Then it becomes about profit; the only way to make money is to either cut services to the people, or wages and benefits to people doing the services."

Ms. Erno also said health insurance was another concern. State employees are required to stay under the state health insurance plan, she said. Members eligible for Medicaid cannot opt out.

AFSCME Council 31 Executive Director Roberta Lynch also issued a news release stating Gov. Rauner should "negotiate, not dictate."
ANNAWAN -- School board members on Wednesday approved a tentative property tax levy of $2,381,332, up $112,848 or 4.98 percent, from last years tax levy of $2,268,484.

The total tax rate, without bonds, will increase from last years tax rate of $4.60 to $4.63 per $100 assessed valuation. That means the owner of a home with a market value of $100,000 will see school taxes go up about $12, according to superintendent Joe Buresh.

The final levy is expected to be approved in December.

Mr. Buresh also told the board this years school report card lists spending per student in Annawan at $5,806, compared to the state average of $7,712. The operational spending per student in Annawan in 2015 was $9,994 compared to the state average of $12,821.

Mr. Buresh said Illinois State Superintendent Dr. Tony Smith recently visited with superintendents from Annawan, Galva, Stark County and Wethersfield to see first hand some of the innovative and collaborative things schools across the state are doing.

"Dr. Smith was extremely flattered by our working relationships and the opportunities that we provide students using combined resources, Mr. Buresh said.

The board also changed its next meeting from Dec. 21 to Dec. 20.
Legislation that would save Exelon's nuclear generating plant near Cordova has passed in an Illinois House of Representatives committee but still is subject to tweaking by groups interested in remaking the state's energy policy.

The Future Energy Jobs Bill, also known as Senate Bill 2814, was approved on a 9-1 vote Wednesday night by the Illinois House Energy Committee. However, the vote came with an agreement the bill will be subject to further committee work after its second reading on the House floor, according to state Sen. Neil Anderson, R-Rock Island.

The floor readings are scheduled for when the General Assembly reconvenes its fall veto session on Nov. 29, Sen. Anderson said. State lawmakers met for two days this week and, during Thanksgiving week, will digest the legislation.

"It's a pretty complicated bill," Sen. Anderson said. Committee members "are going to add some amendments to it and clean up the language.

"We want to make sure the opposition has their say, and we're addressing those concerns," he said.

In June, Exelon announced plans to close the Quad-Cities Generating Station in 2018 -- as well as another nuclear facility near Clinton, Ill., next year -- unless the state implements subsidies for nuclear power. The Quad-Cities plant provides 900 jobs and a huge property tax income for Rock Island County.

Versions of a bill to keep the plants open have been under negotiation for more than a year. The current legislation includes subsidies for other renewable energy, money for low-income energy customers, possible help for coal and rate changes.

Sen. Anderson said the bill went through six hours of debate on Wednesday in the Energy Committee. Though it began as a Senate bill Sen. Anderson co-sponsored, it now is in the House.

"We put it on to the House for a fresh set of eyes on it," he said. "They can have an objective look at it.

"The good news is, it's still alive, and we're still working on it," Sen. Anderson said. "We're doing everything we can to keep those nuclear plants open."

In an example of interests weighing in on the bill, the Illinois Solar Energy Association issued a news release Wednesday criticizing it as detrimental to solar power in Illinois.

"Demand charges complicate residential ratepayers' electric bills and constrain individual control over electric bills," the release stated. "A solar owner's peak electricity consumption (evenings) is typically not in sync with peak solar production (noon) and therefore cost savings will not be maximized."

Former state Sen. Mike Jacobs, D-Moline, now a lobbyist for MidAmerican Energy, said the Future Energy Jobs Bill would "keep a good plant that has worked open." The tax base provided by Exelon's plant near Cordova may be an underappreciated aspect of its local value, he said.

Mr. Jacobs praised the bill. He said it would result in an average of about $1.80 per month for energy customers, but actually save customers much more through energy efficiency programs. The bill also provides $1 billion in assistance for low-income energy customers and affects 8,200 jobs that provide $2 billion in economic activity.

The bill also would put nuclear energy, not always supported by environmentalists, on a footing with other "green" energy sources, he said.

"It's considered a green energy," Mr. Jacobs said of nuclear power. "It's a clean, carbon-free program."

The bill has opponents, he said, including in the Chicago area, where energy customers would not see the jobs benefits the bill offers the Quad-Cities.

One of those opponents is the Better Energy Solutions for Tomorrow Coalition, a group of business, government and consumer groups, as well as small and large businesses. According to its website, the group doesn't oppose nuclear power but is against increasing costs without providing benefits.

The group says the Future Energy Jobs Bill will cost $24 billion.

Our state currently has 41 percent more power than we need and demand continues to fall," said coalition director Dave Lundy. "While we feel for communities affected by the changing energy markets, we hope that owners of uneconomic coal and nuclear plants can develop better approaches than asking for a $24 billion rate hike."
ROCK ISLAND -- Refugees from 11 different countries got a chance to experience Thanksgiving a week early Thursday night during the Spring Forward Family Reading Night.

The reading night and free meal for refugees was held at the Church of Peace, 1114 12th St., Rock Island. It was put on through a partnership with the church's Family Literacy Program, St. Ambrose University occupational therapy students and other volunteers.

St. Ambrose student Jay Manix, of Davenport, is the son of a refugee himself, and is pursuing a doctoral degree in occupational therapy. His parents fled Laos, a country near Thailand and Vietnam, in the 1970s when they were 20 years old to escape communism.

"I'll never know the hardship that they went through or how difficult things were for them, so I feel like by coming back and helping other refugees who were in similar position that they were in it gives me the closest experience I can get," Mr. Manix said. "It makes me feel really special that I can lend that helping hand that my parents were once shown."

Hser Mushee and his son, Shermu, originally from Burma, said they come every year to share stories, eat dinner and meet up with other refugees. He said they came to America to experience freedom and a better life.

"Things are great here," Mr. Mushee said. "We have (been) a very successful family living here."

In addition to serving food, students spent time with children, coloring pictures and reading. Near the end of the night, the whole room sang the national anthem. They also sang "Head, Shoulders, Knees and Toes" before dancing to the "Hokey Pokey" and the "Cha-Cha Slide."

In the adjoining room, parents were given bags with a toothbrush, toothpaste, soap and other household supplies. Children were excited to see the reading room with books in every seat for them to take home. There were also winter coats and other cold weather clothing items for the parents to take home as well.

Christine Urish, Professor of Occupational Therapy at St. Ambrose, said the refugees came to this country to create a life for themselves, and events like this help bring everyone together to experience the American tradition of Thanksgiving.

"I feel blessed that I am able to do this work," Ms. Urish said. "Part of Ambrose's mission is social justice, so this is like social justice in action."

Spring Forward, a charity organization that provides education and after school programs for the Rock Island-Milan School District, became the sponsor for the sixth annual event this year.

Dan McNeil, executive director, approached his board about stepping up because Black Hawk College bowed out because of their own budget issues with the state of Illinois, Mr. McNeil said.

"We were able to find funding to move it forward knowing that it was an absolute community need," Mr. McNeil said. "Evenings like this brings everybody together, and they come in with a smile on their face when it's time for class."
CALDCs Halloween Celebration A Real Treat! The Central Astoria LDCs 7th annual Batty Over Halloween Celebration held on Sunday, October 23rd was a real treat for everyone who came out. Despite...

Meng Brings NASA Astronaut To Queens On October 17, U.S. Rep. Grace Meng (D-Queens) brought NASA astronaut Dr. Jonny Kim to Queens where he met and spoke with students at Francis...

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William A. Levinson Bio Standards Using a Conformity Matrix to Align Processes to ISO 9001:2015 No need to rewrite procedures; simply demonstrate how they meet the standards provisions

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Author Archive Sept. 22, 2018, is the deadline for registration to ISO 9001:2015, and this seems to allow organizations plenty of time to make the transition to the new standard. The good news is that, despite the radical changes to the standards structure, the underlying requirements are not particularly different. This means that no extensive overhaul of existing documents and processes is necessary. The bad news is that the transition must be performed well before the deadline, and ISO 9001:2015 is therefore closer than we think. ISO 9001:2008 requires internal audits and management reviews of the quality management system, and it therefore comes as no surprise that ISO 9001:2015 also requires them. The catch is that, to qualify for registration to ISO 9001:2015, the internal audit and management review must meet the requirements of the new rather than the old standard. It is therefore better to begin early, and discover and eliminate any gaps between the QMS and the standards new requirements, than to begin late and not complete the required internal audit and management review in time for a third-party audit in 2018. On the other hand, the organization does not need an entirely new set of procedures and processes. It needs to ensure only that the ones it has employ the new standards requirements. Like what you're reading? Log in or create FREE account to continue Enter your Quality Digest username OR email address. Enter your Quality Digest password. By logging in you agree to receive communication from Quality Digest. Privacy Policy Remember me Create a FREE account Forgot My Password Quality Digest does not charge readers for its content. We believe that industry news is important for you to do your job, and Quality Digest supports businesses of all types. However, someone has to pay for this content. And thats where advertising comes in. Most people consider ads a nuisance, but they do serve a useful function besides allowing media companies to stay afloat. They keep you aware of new products and services relevant to your industry. All ads in Quality Digest apply directly to products and services that most of our readers need. You wont see automobile or health supplement ads.



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Quality Digest Discuss About The Author William A. Levinson William A. Levinson, P.E., FASQ, CQE, CMQOE, is the principal of Levinson Productivity Systems P.C. and the author of the book The Expanded and Annotated My Life and Work: Henry Fords Universal Code for World-Class Success (Productivity Press, 2013).
"What we are really designing this for is the squeezed middle, the people on average incomes who get $800-$1000 worth of tax relief," said Luxon.

2 hours ago
Thales says the divestment plan, which was presented to the Thales Group's European Works Council on November 16, aims to accelerate the development of the business while creating value for its customers and employees. Employee representative bodies are being consulted on the plan, which is also subject to closing conditions.

The business has 850 employees based mainly in France, the Netherlands, Denmark, Italy, Mexico, Hong Kong, India, New Zealand and Egypt, and generated sales of 155m in 2015.

Thales says its railway signalling, communication and supervision systems activities are unaffected by the sale and will continue to be at the core of its business, and account for almost 90% of its Ground Transportation Systems divisions revenues. The Ground Transportation Systems division had sales of 1.5bn in 2015, representing 11% of Thales total turnover.
The project will be submitted to the Vietnamese government by the first quarter of 2017, while the feasibility study is expected to be conducted next year, with a view to starting construction by the first quarter of 2019 with completion in 2024. The 2km underground line will run from Hoang Van Thu Park to Tan Son Nhat with underground stations at each end.

The cost of the project is estimated at $US 250m, of which $US 224m would be in the form of a loan from Korea, with the rest provided by the Vietnamese government.

The 4B-1 branch line is excluded from the urban metro line construction plan, but due to the increasing numbers of people travelling to the airport, the citydecided to conduct new research into building the branch line.

Line 4B-1 will connect with Line 5, which in turn will connect with lines 1, 2 and 3A.

Japans Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry has recently agreed to help Ho Chi Minh City to conduct research into extending Line 1 to Binh Duong and Dong Nai provinces. Construction of the first section of Line 1 started in 2012 and is due to open in 2020. Ho Chi Minh City plans to build an eight-line network.
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Did the bureaucrats of the Islamic State in Iraq and Syria (ISIS) keep careful records?

Did they flee Mosul too quickly to destroy the written record of their occupation?

Do they care if the world learns more about their atrocities, which they publicized themselves?

We are about to find out.

Collecting, analyzing and disseminating this material will be a major effort, one of the most important as the city is liberated.

The capture of Mosul, Iraq, may produce a potential trove of information about how ISIS organized itself to run a large city. It could assist authorities in identifying those who were its fighters, enforcers and collaborators, and help identify the foreign fighters, enabling countries they came from to head off new terrorist plots. It should offer a record and physical evidence of the ISIS's atrocities, which should be documented, preserved and published.

Collecting, analyzing and disseminating this material will be a major effort, one of the most important as the city is liberated.

Iraqis, for reasons of sovereignty and language, will take the lead, but U.S. and allied intelligence services will be deeply involved and can bring in additional resources and forensic skills and liaison with other services that can quickly check and exploit information.

One objective will be to sort out the population that is liberated from ISIS. ISIS fighters may try to escape the city by pretending to be refugees. Some of those fighters captured or detained may be diehard ISIS supporters; others may have been forced into fighting for ISIS or obliged to do so as a matter of economic survival in a territory without a normal economy.

Who among them can be turned and used for propaganda purposes against ISIS defenders in Raqqa, Syria and elsewhere?

How did ISIS continue to fund its operations, even during the bombing campaign?

ISIS economics is another area of extreme interest. How did ISIS continue to fund its operations, even during the bombing campaign? Who are the corrupt individuals and officials the terrorist organization dealt with in Iraq and abroad?

Iraqi authorities and allies will also want to destroy any left-behind networks or enablers and enforcers of future terrorist undergrounds. Who were the victims of occupation? And who were the willing collaborators? Not all may be written or found. To build a complete picture of the occupation will require extensive interviews among the refugee population.

Another objective will be to learn as much as possible about the identities of foreign fighters who already may have returned to their homelands to set up jihadist undergrounds or wait for instructions to carry out terrorist attacks. How ISIS sends people back and stays in touch with them could be an essential element of information.

Can any of the captured foreign fighters be persuaded to assist in propaganda efforts?

The intelligence analysts should be wary of disinformation. ISIS has had a long time to prepare for the fall of Mosul. It may have destroyed a lot of documents, but it also may have fabricated documents or taken other measures to mislead the intelligence gatherers.

We know that ISIS collects the passports of arriving foreign fighters while fighters infiltrating Europe have used false identities to pose as refugees. The corpses of those killed defending Mosul may be equipped with the passports of foreign fighters to provide cover for ISIS operatives who have snuck back into their home countries.

Investigations should involve photos, fingerprints, and DNA analysis of the dead and fighters captured alive. The captors of Mosul must also be prepared to assess the statements of residents, as locals may aim to settle scores themselves and please the new authorities with denunciations of ISIS, true and false.

These are crimes of war and genocide; future generations may find the only record of their villages and ancestors in museums.

The liberation of the area around Mosul reportedly has already uncovered mass graves of beheaded victims. Retaking Mosul will likely reveal evidence of more atrocities. ISIS's killing fields should be documented photographically, forensically and through testimony; preserved; and published. What happened? How many people were victims? Who gave the orders? These are crimes of war and genocide; future generations may find the only record of their villages and ancestors in museums.

But the issue here is not just the collection of evidence for future prosecution. It is the historical record of an inhumane regime ruled by religious fanatics and foreign thugs attracted by the promise of unlimited violencean epitaph for its extremism, a discouragement to further radicalization and recruitment, a remembrance for its victims.

Brian Michael Jenkins is a senior adviser to the president of the nonprofit, nonpartisan RAND Corporation, and the author of the recent RAND report "How the Current Conflicts Are Shaping the Future of Syria and Iraq."

This commentary originally appeared on The Hill on November 18, 2016. Commentary gives RAND researchers a platform to convey insights based on their professional expertise and often on their peer-reviewed research and analysis.
BBC Worldwide, the international arm of the corporation, has announced that Andre Renaud will be taking up the newly-created role of VP of sales for Italy, Spain and Portugal.





The executive will be responsible for all TV and digital sales as well as format licensing in the three countries. Reporting to Tobi de Graaff, EVP Western Europe, Renaud will take up his new role in January 2017.Renaud has worked for ITV for the past 12 years, his most recent position being sales director, EMEA & International Format Sales, managing content and format sales in Italian-speaking markets, the Middle East and Africa. He was also responsible for international format production partnerships and previously managed ITVs sales business in Benelux, Israel, Greece and Portugal.Andre will be a huge asset to the team with his background in TV and format sales across a number of different markets, said De Graaff. His appointment follows two other recent key Western Europe hires, Adam Bishop, our VP of sales for German- and French-speaking territories, and Fraser Robinson who joined us as our genre director for scripted. BBC Worldwide has an amazing catalogue of top-class content which makes this a very exciting opportunity for me. I am thrilled to continue building relationships with the clients in Italy and Iberia and look forward to joining the team, added Renaud.
Telekom Malaysia (TM) has entered a 15-year MYR916.1 million (US$210.2 million) arrangement to provide Altel Holdings subsidiary MYTV with digital broadcasting services.





Owned by tycoon Tan Sri Syed Mokhtar Albukhary, MYTV was established in April 2010 to build and operate the infrastructure and network facilities for digital terrestrial television services in Malaysia. The company received a licence in 2014 for digital terrestrial TV in Malaysia, ahead of the switch from analogue broadcasting.Under the new agreement, TM will provide MYTV with the terrestrial distribution network, satellite distribution network, broadcast contribution network, station facilities and infrastructure, operation and maintenance, satellite transponder, plus business process outsourcing contact centre, TM direct Internet connectivity and managed IP telephony.In a filing to Bursa Malaysia, TM said the service agreement enables the telecommunications operator to take part in the transformation of the broadcasting industry in Malaysia.The collaboration with MYTV also gives TM the opportunity to be part of MYTVs growth, in line with TMs commitment of Business Made Easier for its valued business partners, TM told Bursa Malaysia, according to TheEdgeMarkets.com MYTV will develop a digital multimedia hub and a network of digital TV transmitters capable of carrying up to 39 standard definition or 13 high definition TV channels. It plans to launch broadcasting services this year, and has committed to distribute two million free decoder and antenna units to help reach 98% of Malaysias households.TM will provide broadcasting infrastructure, network facilities and other related services to MYTV until the end of 2030, with an option to extend the partnership.
African-American broadcast network Bounce TV is launching a new subscription video-on-demand (SVOD) service, Brown Sugar, a library of classic black films.





The service, available via apps for both iOS and Android devices and the Web , covers everything from Shaft to The Mack and is available for $3.99 a month.Brown Sugar is just like Netflix, only blacker, said actress Pam Grier, known for her 1970s Blaxploitation appearances in Foxy Brown, Original Gangstas and others. These movies are entertaining and fun, but they were also empowering to the black community as they depicted African-Americans as strong leading characters and heroes for the first time.The service includes films from every major studio, with Super Fly, Dolemite, Blacula, Cleopatra Jones and Amazing Grace among the other notable titles. The films are gathered in different themes, including Foxy Mamas, Good Cop, Black Cop and Black Horror.You can see the influence of these movies in every aspect of rap and hip-hop; in the music, the lyrics, the fashion and overall style  the Blaxploitation genre is where it all began, service spokesman and rapper Rick Ross said.
Russian Supreme Court to reconsider dispute between Energy Ministry and Rosneft

MOSCOW, November 18 (RAPSI)  Russia's Supreme Court will reconsider on December 16 a dispute between Ministry of Energy and Rosneft Oil Company over customs exemptions, according to court records.

The Ministrys representative said previously that if Rosneft wins the dispute it may demand return of about 60 billion rubles ($924.3 million) of customs duties overpaid.

Earlier the Ministry of Energy and Rosnedra refused to provide necessary documents to Rosneft that would allow the company to obtain customs exemptions for exporting oil from Verkhnechonskneftegaz (VCNG) field in 2012-2013.

According to government entities, both Rosneft and VCNG failed to get documents in time.

The companies have filed lawsuits with the Moscow Commercial Court. In June 2015, the court dismissed the appeals filed by the companies, but an appeal court and a regional court overruled that decision and ruled in favor of Rosneft.

In May, the Supreme Court of Russia upheld the lower courts rulings that ordered the Ministry of Energy to provide Rosneft with confirmation of the fact that the corporation was exporting oil from the field under the application of the customs exemptions. Thus, the Ministrys appeal seeking to review the case was dismissed.

Verkhnechonskneftegaz is a company created in 2012 which is in charge of developing Verkhnechonsk oil field in the Irkutsk Region. VCNG is also an operator for 7 Rosnefts licensed sectors in the Irkutsk Region and Krasnoyarsk Krai.
Russian ex-Economy Minister Ulyukayev appeals his house arrest

MOSCOW, November 18 (RAPSI, Diana Gutsul) - Russian Economy ex-Minister Alexey Ulyukayev who stands charged with extorting an especially large bribe has appealed his house arrest, RAPSI learnt in the Basmanny District Court of Moscow.

The hearing date has not been scheduled yet.

The former minister was arrested overnight into Tuesday when receiving a bribe. He allegedly demanded Russian state-controlled oil giant Rosnefts representative to pay him $2 million for lawfully providing a positive review and evaluation of a deal that allowed Rosneft to acquire governments share in mid-sized producer Bashneft. According to acting spokeswoman for the Investigative Committee Svetlana Petrenko, Ulyukayev threatened to create obtrusions for Rosneft with use of his position.

On Tuesday, Moscow's Basmanny District Court placed him under house arrest until January 15.

Later in the evening, President Vladimir Putin relieved Ulyukayev of his post because of loss of trust.

Ulyukayev pleaded not guilty.

Bashneft was controlled by the government of Russias Bashkortostan region until 2003, when a major stake was sold to companies affiliated with Ural Rakhimov, son of the former head of Bashkortostan Murtaza Rakhimov. The company was privatized in 2009 when Russian oil-to-telecoms conglomerate AFK Sistema gained control of it.

Investigators opened a criminal case in April linked to deals with Bashneft shares in 2002 to 2009.

Rakhimov and billionaire Vladimir Yevtushenkov were implicated in the sale of Bashneft stock in 2009.

Rakhimov was charged in absentia with embezzlement and money laundering, put on the international wanted list. The Moscow Commercial Court granted in October 2014 a claim which had been filed by the Investigative Committee and ordered AFK Sistema, its subsidiary Sistema-Invest to forfeit Bashneft stock.
Ruling on Russian billionaire Arkady Rotenbergs claim over EU sanctions set for Nov.30

MOSCOW, November 18 (RAPSI)  The European Court of Justice (ECJ) in Luxembourg will pass a judgement upon a claim filed by Russian businessman Arkady Rotenberg challenging his inclusion on the EU sanctions list on November 30, RAPSI learnt in the court on Friday.

In March 2014, the European Council imposed restrictive measures on a number of Russian individuals and businesses following a crisis in Ukraine and the developing situation in Crimea.

Since then it has encompassed over 130 individuals and 28 Russian companies, including officials and businessmen as well as leaders of the self-proclaimed Donetsk and Lugansk peoples republics. Aside from individual sanctions, the EU imposed sector-specific sanctions against Russia that have negatively affected major Russian financial institutions and major companies. The sanctions list has been repeatedly extended.

Rotenberg, a co-owner and board chairman of SMP Bank, was added to the list on July 30, 2014.

He made an official request with the Council asking for review of the decision. However, further restrictions were imposed and initial measures were prolonged as well.

In October, Rotenberg turned to the ECJ challenging his continued inclusion on the sanctions list and seeking an annulment of the Councils decision, arguing, amongst other grounds, that the measures are disproportionate. He insists that the Council has violated his fundamental rights to property, privacy and the freedom to run a business. Initially Rotenberg filed two suits with the court in Luxemburg but later withdrew one of them.

Interestingly, several Russian companies including Rosneft, Gazpromneft, Sberbank, VTB Bank, Vnesheconombank filed suits over sanctions with the ECJ in lockstep with Rotenberg.
Antimonopoly watchdog to review case against Russian Railways

MOSCOW, November 18 (RAPSI)  The Federal Antimononopoly Service (FAS) has launched a case against FGK company and the Russian Railways over allegedly setting monopoly high prices for providing open-top wagons for transportation of minerals and construction materials on domestic routes, the Services announcement reads on Friday.

The case was launched on the grounds of information received by FAS after it had investigated several reports about this matter. Prices for provision of this type of wagons by FGK rose by 38% from January 1 to August 1 this year, as FAS has found out.

According to the Service, FGK is the leader on the open-top wagon transportation market with other competitors looking at the companys rates when setting prices for their services. FAS noted that price hikes initiated by FGK facilitate other companies to increase their prices as well.

FAS notes that any misuse of the dominant position on the market is a serious violation of antimonopoly legislation and is punishable by fine, amounting 1-15% of the violators earnings.
Lenovo, HP under cartel investigation in Russia along with other companies

MOSCOW November 18 (RAPSI)  Russias Federal Antimonopoly Service (FAS) is conducting a large-scale inspection of a number of companies, including Lenovo and HP corporation on suspicion of cartel activity, RIA Novosti reported on Friday.

Overall, more than ten companies are being inspected.

On Thursday, the Service announced that it began inspection of Lenovo in relation to anti-cartel probe on government procurements of computers.

Inspections at Lenovo are conducted on suspicion of participation of the company in a large cartel at government procurement of tech equipment, which is active in Russia for several years. Lenovo is obstructing the inspection, a FAS representative told journalists.

Inspections are to be conducted for more than a month, RIA Novosti quoted its source as having said.

Lenovo Group Ltd. is a Chinese technology company operating internationally. It specializes in design, development, manufacture and sales of technical equipment and IT software.
After a nearly six-week recess, Congress returned this week for a brief lame-duck session to wrap up final legislative items on its plate before adjourning for the year. The top priority will be to pass a government funding bill, although whether to do so through an omnibus spending bill or yet another continuing resolution remains up in the air. The inclination appears to favor the latter, expedient course. If that is the case, lawmakers would do well to listen to Senator Pat Roberts (R-KS) and keep such a continuing resolution "as clean as possible."

Talk has been heard of extending various renewable energy tax credits left out of last December's $680 million revenue package. Doing so simply would open up a Pandora's Box, with members debating over an untold number of other expiring tax provisions. That discussion has its place, but it's not with a funding bill that must pass to avoid a government shutdown; it belongs in the context of comprehensive tax reform.

Momentum grew throughout this election cycle to at long last fix our complex tax code that burdens individuals and businesses alike, not to mention the nation's economy. Now with a President-elect Trump and Republicans controlling both the Senate and House, it appears almost certain that tax reform will happen in 2017 - and likely will be a priority for the Trump White House and the congressional leadership.

Indeed, post-election, House Ways and Means Committee Chairman Kevin Brady (R-TX) has announced his intention to move tax reform legislation within the new administration's first 100 days, telling the Wall Street Journal that he's "confident that this blueprint will grow the economy significantly, simplify the tax code for families and lower their tax burden and bust up the IRS, redesign[ing] it so it's focused on customer service."

Earlier this spring, House Speaker Paul Ryan (R-WI) and Chairman Brady introduced that blueprint - "A Better Way for Tax Reform" - which would consolidate the individual income tax brackets down to three, with the top tax rate at 33 percent, and lower the sky-high corporate tax rate to 20 percent. President-elect Trump's tax reform plan has much in common with that of Speaker Ryan and Chairman Brady, although his lowers the top corporate tax rate all the way down to 15 percent.

This is good news because it's clear that piecemeal efforts, such as tax extenders and Treasury regulations, aren't going to solve the problems of so-called "inversions." A complete overhaul of a tax code that hasn't seen reform since 1986 is in order and long overdue.

According to the Tax Foundation, the Internal Revenue Code ran to 409,000 words in 1955; it now has grown to 2.4 million words, requiring Americans this year to spend over 8.9 billion hours complying with tax filing requirements. All of this comes at a significant cost: $409 billion annually in lost productivity, more than the combined gross products of 36 states.

The Tax Foundation laid it out thus, "Individuals and businesses need to devote resources to complying with the tax code instead of doing other productive activities. For example, a business owner who needs to file a complex tax return each year may hire an accountant or tax lawyer to do it. This tax professional may cost $70,000 a year or more. This is $70,000 that this business owner cannot devote to purchasing equipment or hiring workers. Economists refer to this as an opportunity cost, and it results in lost productivity."

Comprehensive tax reform that follows along the lines of the GOP's plan will spur much-needed economic growth by simplifying the tax code for individuals and providing a more tax-friendly environment for American businesses, resulting in additional jobs and investment. Such tax reform will help spur economic growth further if lawmakers avoid a tendency to, at the behest of special interests, impose punitive taxes on certain sectors of the economy. One good example is the current administration's pattern of proposing to rescind IRS Code Section 199's Manufacturer's Deduction, but only for the traditional oil and gas sector, permitting virtually all other manufacturers to claim it.

No one outside Washington's Beltway has to be told that the U.S. tax code is a drag on the economy, but relief may be in sight.
The estimated underfunding of Americas state public-pension plans is larger than ever, with the American Legislative Exchange Council (ALEC) putting the total at $5.6 trillion or almost one-quarter of the federal deficit. But as disturbing as this number is  and as hard as it will be for legislatures and municipalities to dig out of their financial holes  the pension problem has some redeeming features.

Recent court decisions, for example, suggest that judges in California, Connecticut, and other states with low pension reserves are finally becoming skeptical of laws and practices that inflate post-retirement benefits or shield unproductive public employees.

This past August, a California Appeals Court rebuked a Marin County union for resisting the states effort to rein in so-called spiking, whereby pension benefits are based on overtime racked up in just the last few years of work. While a public employee does have a vested right to a pension, Judge James Richman ruled, it is not to the most optimal formula for calculating that pension. Because California has traditionally set the pace in pension law, the Los Angeles Times predicts this decision will reverberate nationally.

A month later, Connecticut Superior Court Judge Thomas Moukawsher issued a surprise opinion in CCJEF v. Rell, an 11-year-old suit that sought increased subsidies for the worst performing schools in the states cities. Public employee unions, which had supported the case in the hope of salary increases, were shocked when the judge read his three-hour opinion. The real problem, he said, was not underspending but, rather, the lack of teacher accountability and the need for the Hartford legislature to demand better performance under the states existing $3 billion education budget. (Both decisions are now under appeal.)

A second result of the pension crisis is that citizens are finally awakening to the problem of government debt in general. For too many years, voters have regarded public deficits as a monetary abstraction with little impact on their own lives. But studies have begun to show the extent to which tax increases and bond referenda  supposedly intended to fix potholes, build parks, expand libraries, or provide some other public good  have been diverted to pensions.

According to an recent study by Josh McGee of the Manhattan Institute, average taxpayer contributions to cover teacher retirement benefits have risen from 12 percent in 2004 to 20 percent today, even while per pupil spending on equipment, facilities, and other instruction-related costs fell 26 percent. A similar report by Moodys Investor Services has expressed concern that too much of the debt issued by public hospitals is really going to supplement underfunded staff pensions.

In Northern California, a series of editorials by East Bay Times warned San Francisco area voters that a $3.5 billion referendum to improve service on the Bay Area Rapid Transit (BART) subway system was designed to divert an already accumulated $1.2 billion capital fund to pensions. Although the referendum ultimately passed on November 8, a related transportation measure to increase sales taxes in BARTs Contra Costa region failed.

And in Michigan, where the state constitution places a limit on how much any municipality can raise from property taxes, the collective $2.3 billion unfunded liability of seven localities  Ann Arbor, Grand Rapids, Grand Traverse County, Kalamazoo, Lincoln Park, Port Huron, and Saginaw  means that residents of those areas will soon have to choose between salvaging public pensions and essential community services.

The third and perhaps most important benefit of the public-pension crisis is that it has not developed uniformly across the country. As the Center for Retirement Research at Boston College reported in its recent comparison of underfunded plans, the extent of the problem varies widely. States such as Florida, Iowa, and Nebraska, for example, have relatively modest liabilities compared to their revenue base.

What this means is that solving the problem of underfunded public pensions, while difficult and painful, will not likely lead to a federal takeover of the debt.

We have already seen how both parties in Congress balked at bailing out Puerto Ricos $70 billion debt, most of which is due to the $43.2 billion unfunded liability of the Commonwealths two largest pension funds. Instead, a federal oversight board was appointed last summer to apportion financial responsibility among retired beneficiaries, bondholders, and local taxpayers.

Going forward, it is doubtful that even a very blue state such as New York, where Standard and Poors puts the per capita liability for underfunded pensions at only $74, will want to bail out either neighboring Connecticut or New Jersey, where the liabilities are $7,660 and $10,648, respectively. Only by giving as much money to states with solvent plans as it gave to those in the red could the federal government attempt a bailout  a solution that neither President-elect Trump (with his own spending priorities) or the Republican Congress are likely to endorse.

Sadly, it has taken a serious pension crisis to expose the fiscal dangers of the decades-old alliance between public-union leaders and the politicians who inflated worker pension benefits, resisted productivity improvements, and then failed to fund adequately the resulting obligations. But at least the worst consequences will be borne by those factions that should have been more fiscally responsible.

Dr. Andrews was executive director of the Yankee Institute for Public Policy from 1999 to 2009. He is the author of To Thine Own Self Be True: the Relationship between Spiritual Values and Emotional Health (Doubleday).
The world has changed with the election of Donald Trump as president of the United States. Nowhere is this more obvious than in Europe and the North Atlantic Treaty Organization. Business as usual is clearly over. That is a good thing.

Trump said during the campaign, to much derision, that the relationship between the United States and its NATO partners needs to be re-examined. Countries that are not paying their fair share should be made to feel uncomfortable. They have been existing under the nuclear security umbrella of the United States for too long, all the while taking our companies to court for antitrust issues. No longer should the national security or economic situation of the United States be put on the back burner to the globalist agenda. The needs of a progressive Europe will come second. Many NATO governments need to do some soul-searching about the role they are playing in collective defense.

The United States can no longer afford to defend the world, at least not until we get our own fiscal house in order. This means we should stay out of conflicts where our national security is not directly threatened. The world is no longer black and white; it is much more gray than it used to be.

Amid this change in circumstance, we are enlarging NATO, but why? Does this process make us more safe? Of course, the newly minted members of the alliance will sleep better at night; but do we really want to be putting the lives of American men and women on the line for some of these countries? Do we really want to be spending more money on the defense of Europe when our debt is on its way to $30 trillion?

Lets talk about the accession of Montenegro, a tiny country of just 650,000 people, located in the Balkans, in the former Yugoslavia. Milo Djukanovic, Montenegros leader for 25 years, just stepped down, most likely under Western pressure after October parliamentary elections, due to allegations of corruption. He has been accused of being involved in gun-running, cigarette smuggling, bank fraud, and fraud involving the privatization of state owned utilities.

The recent parliamentary election was marred by voting irregularities and alleged criminal behavior. Many analysts believe he will continue to pull the strings behind the scenes, as Vladimir Putin did in Russia during the Dmitry Medvedev presidency, until he returns at a later date to lead the country once again.

We also have the announced coup, which many analysts believe was staged to make citizens think twice about voting for the opposition during October elections. Twenty Serbian nationals were arrested for a supposed assassination plot to kill Djukanovic. Serbia is a long-time ally of Russia and has no plans to request NATO membership. However, 17 out of 20 of the suspects have been released, weapons were never found, and Djukanovic made the same type of allegations during the 2006 elections, at that time accusing Albanian terrorists who were released without charges as well. The alleged Russian ties have not been proven, again similar to the previous accusations of Albanian terrorism. One of the alleged leaders of the current so-called coup has ties to Djukanovic and worked for Montenegros National Security Agency. Local media named the real organizer of the alleged coup -- Radoitza Rajo Bozovic. He is a good friend of Djukanovic and former commander the Red Berets special forces of the Ministry of Security of Yugoslavia.

Bottom line, there is a long history of corruption in Montenegro. Why does NATO feel the desperate need to offer it protection? The alliance is needlessly providing the Kremlin ammunition to promote its false narrative that NATO is an aggressor -- a narrative meant for domestic consumption. It also gives Moscow more freedom to build up its own force structure along its European borders. Putin has continued to increase military spending as he modernizes Russias armed forces while slashing domestic outlays for things like medical care and education.

The election of Donald Trump gives America and the alliance a chance to pause further enlargement and take stock of the situation. It gives Europe and America the chance to reset this critical relationship. America can no longer fight battles that are not vital to the freedom of its people and their way of life. Its unclear if offering Montenegro U.S. protection meets that criteria.
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Ask LinkedIn CEO Jeff Weiner which technology trends hes most excited about, and hell instantly rattle off a short list.

Weiner is extremely bullish on conversational computing, including messaging apps such as Facebook Messenger and WeChat, as well as chat bots, virtual services programmed to simulate human conversation.

With platforms like WeChat or FB Messenger, youre starting to see these conversation platforms taking on use cases way beyond communication, Weiner contended during an appearance on Thursday at the 2016 Strategic Growth Forum in Palm Springs, Calif. This is increasingly the way people access information.

Indeed, Facebooks (FB) rapidly-growing Messenger service is an excellent example. More than 1 billion people now use Messenger each and every month, increasingly for more than simply sending one another comments and emoji. Over 30,000 bots now run on Messenger letting users scout for apartments online via Trulia (TRLA) or consult health professionals with HealthTap.

LinkedIn CEO Jeff Weiner at on Thursday at the 2016 Strategic Growth Forum in Palm Springs, Calif.

Weiner is also excited about artificial intelligence, or AI, which continues to grow in sophistication and already power a wide-ranging array of products and services, from Amazons (AMZN) Alexa to Siri from Apple (AAPL) to Googles (GOOG) self-driving cars.

You think about the implications for industries and cities, and its pretty mind-blowing, Weiner said of autonomous driving technologies, in particular.

While all that innovation is exciting, its also caused concern among some circles. The World Economic Forum warned this January in a report that the Fourth Industrial Revolution  an age referring to the proliferation of A.I., robots, nanotechnology and 3-D printing, among other technologies  could lead to the loss of up to 5 million jobs in 15 markets including the U.S., China, France and the UK by 2020.

Weiner did not dispute a fair number of jobs will be displaced as a result.

I hope and wish that every time theres an article about how a factory is going to deploy robots or a major retail establishment, that for every time we talk about that and celebrate innovation, we can also talk about and focus on the people being displaced: how are they doing to be retrained and here are there available. jobs for them, Weiner said.

Story continues

Given his position at LinkedIn  the largest social network focused on helping find people jobs  thats a challenging scenario Weiner can play a significant, positive role in.



JP Mangalindan is a senior correspondent for Yahoo Finance covering the intersection of tech and business. Follow him on Twitter or Facebook.

More from JP Mangalindan:

Trump victory bursts Silicon Valley bubble

Why Trump might not be a disaster for tech

Obamas chief tech boss explains the shortage of women in tech

Shaquille ONeal explains why he missed the boat on investing in Starbucks

Michael Phelps is trying to be the Michael Jordan of ex-swimmers
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Pennsylvania-based Mission First Tactical produces all number of polymer rifle parts, including magazines. Recently they announced a new ten round magazine option for those living behind the lines in restricted states: the 10/30PM556 magazine.



Here's what they have to say about it.

Mission First Tactical (MFT), innovators and leaders in the design of advanced arms accessories, offers their bestselling MFT 30-round body Polymer Magazine with a 10-round restricted capacity for customers in states and cities with the 10-round magazine compliant laws (CA, CO, CT, NY, NJ, MA, HI, DC and Chicago). MFT Mags, designed to meet the exacting demands of military, law enforcement and professionals across the globe, fit AR-15/M4 platforms and are compatible with a variety of non-AR-15/M4 systems.

Many of our customers in those states affected by firearms regulations asked for the MFT Mag because its reputation for feeding excellence, durability and other tactical features. Now, we have exactly what they have been waiting for, the same superior features of the original MFT Mag 30-round but in a compliant model, David Edelman, Vice President of Mission First Tactical said.

The 10-round capacity MFT Mag (PN: 10/30PM556BAG) is designed as an enhancement of the original STANAG design, except this 5.56 NATO magazine has a 10-round limit due to an internal limiter and the bottom of the magazine is permanently sealed and cannot be readily restored. A grey pin is located on the floor plate that indicates this is a 10-round mag block.The 10-round MFT Mag, manufactured from military-grade reinforced polyamide from DuPont, provides strength and durability, even under the most extreme combat situations. Featuring a stipple texture and low profile front ribs gives users a confident grip while handling the magazines and provides easier extraction. The flared floorplate provides drop protection and has a paint pen dot matrix area for easy identification marking. It is compatible with tight double and triple magazine pouches.

An oversized bolt-catch notch, located in the rear of the magazine, allows for enhanced bolt-catch clearance. A fully functional drain hole located in the base keeps the interior of the magazine free of moisture build-up. A long-life stainless steel spring and four-way, anti-tilt follower ensure reliable and consistent feeding in any scenario. The 10-round MFT Mags are MADE IN THE USA and the MSRP is $16.99.
Voter guide: Race previews, what to know before you vote

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"Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them" takes place early in the 20th century, more than 50 years before Harry Potter was even born. J.K. Rowling, never one for leaving a stone unturned, has thankfully given us many details as to what happened between the start of the 1900s and the fall of Voldemort (and then somethanks, "Cursed Child").

While Dumbledore and company were living it up in the wizarding world, the Muggle (or No-Maj) world had its own drama. Here's how the two worlds line up.

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1927

Wizarding World: The protagonist of the "Fantastic Beasts" film, Newton Artemis Fido "Newt" Scamander publishes his first edition of his Magizoology textbook while working for the Ministry of Magic in the Department for the Regulation and Control of Magical Creatures.

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Muggle World: In April of this year, Charles Lindbergh made his first solo non-stop trans-Atlantic flight from New York to Paris. Oh, and the Great Depression was gearing up to lay waste to the world's economy.

1933

Muggle World: Adolf Hitler names himself the High Commander of Germany's armed forces after serving as its chancellor. He then leads Germany to annex Austria as the Holocaust is well underway.

1938

Wizarding World: Albus Dumbledore visits Tom Marvolo Riddle at his orphanage to offer him a place at Hogwarts.

1943

Wizarding World: Riddle learns how to open the Chamber of Secrets and unleashes the Basilisk  and then goes home for the summer to kill his estranged father and grandparents.

Muggle World: The Pentagon is completed and Allied forces invade Italy as World War II intensifies.

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1945

Wizarding World: Dumbledore defeats dark wizard Gellert Grindelwald and becomes the new owner of the Elder Wandthough it probably didn't compensate for his heartbreak. Riddle, now going by Lord Voldemort, leaves Hogwarts.

Muggle World: World War II ends with the surrender of Axis powers and liberation of the Nazi concentration camps. The Nuremberg Trials begin and Hitler commits suicide.

1960

Wizarding World: James Potter, Lily Evans, Severus Snape and the three other Marauders are born.

Muggle World: John F. Kennedy is elected as President of the U.S. and the Irish Republican Army (IRA) starts its fight against the British.

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1970

Wizarding World: The First Wizarding War orchestrated by Voldemort and his followers, the Death Eaters, begins. Dumbledore oversees the creation of the first Order of the Phoenix.

Muggle World: The U.S. invades Cambodia as part of its war in Vietnam. When news reaches stateside, 100,000 protesters descend on Washington, D.C. and demonstrations begin throughout the country. Students are shot and killed at Kent State University.

1981

Wizarding World: Voldemort is defeated when he tries to kill infant Harry Potter, who was born the previous year. James and Lily are murdered, and Peter Pettigrew fakes his own death and frames Sirius Black.

Muggle World: Iran releases 52 American hostages who had been held captive for 444 days. Lady Diana marries Charles, Prince of Wales.

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1991

Wizarding World: Harry receives his Hogwarts Letter from Rubeus Hagrid and meets the Weasleys and Hermione Granger.

Eat. Watch. Do. Weekly What to eat. What to watch. What you need to live your best life ... now. >

Muggle World: The U.S. leads the United Nations Coalition Force in Operation Desert Storm in Kuwait and the Soviet Union is dissolved.

1995

Wizarding World: Voldemort is resurrected with the help of Pettigrew at the end of the Triwizard Tournament. The Second Wizarding War begins.

Muggle World: The U.S. begins its economic sanctions against Iran while more than 170 countries decide to extend the Nuclear Nonproliferation Treaty indefinitely. Riots break out in Brixton, London after the U.K.'s oldest investment banking firm collapses.

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1998

Wizarding World: Voldemort is defeated by Harry Potter once and for all at the Battle of Hogwarts.

Muggle World: Good Friday peace agreements are accepted by the leader of the republic of the IRA in Northern Ireland. Bill Clinton denies he had "sexual relations" with Monica Lewinsky.
At ATMs, as a step to avoid getting Rs 2,000 notes, people are withdrawing Rs 1,900 in Rs 100 notes and then putting another request for the balance Rs 600, so that they remain within the limit of Rs 2,500 per day of withdrawal.

Demonetisation: Taxmen home in on note-freeze dodgers

I-T dept has sent 600 notices to jewellers across 25 cities, asking them to detail daily sales, report Dilasha Seth & Indivjal Dhasmana.

A jeweller flew from Bengaluru to Goa, checked into a five-star hotel, sold jewellery worth Rs 45 lakh (Rs 4.5 million) to a doctor staying in the same hotel, only to be busted by income-tax (I-T) sleuths.

A search on the buyer led to recovery of Rs 3 crore (Rs 30 million) worth of jewellery.

This is one of the modus operandi by black money holders to use their scrapped Rs 500 and Rs 1,000 notes, cracked by the tax department since the government's demonetisation move on the midnight of November 8.

"A door-to-door sale is being offered by jewellers to their old or loyal customers. We will nab them all, irrespective of the cities they are carrying out these rackets" said a senior Central Board of Direct Tax (CBDT) official.

The I-T department says it is getting black money holders dodging the system under its lens.

They have, it says, been using innovative ways to get rid of Rs 500 and Rs 1,000 currency notes.

In one instance, the department found sale of a diamond necklace was split into four bills, with different permanent account numbers (PANs).

Jewellers are formally required to take the PAN of a buyer purchasing jewellery for more than Rs 2 lakh.

The department has sent around 600 notices to jewellers across 25 cities, asking them to detail daily sales.

Those in major cities are under scrutiny in this regard; this could later extend to other cities.

People are sending up to 25 servants to exchange notes from different banks.

In response, the finance ministry first made it mandatory to apply indelible ink on persons exchanging notes and, then, on Thursday, lowered the limit of money that can be exchanged from Rs 4,500 to Rs 2,000.

Surveys are being conducted to detect errant assessees. "They are misusing the generosity," said one.

CBDT Chairman Sushil Chandra is learnt to be doing regular video conferencing, with I-T officers taking updates from the surveys.

Bullion traders cancel gold import orders

Cancellations after government announces it will monitor bank deposits, reports Rajesh Bhayani.

Several small jewellers have given 'stop import' orders to their banks, bringing down the amount of gold coming into the country in the past two days.

After Prime Minister Narendra Modi announced the demonetisation of Rs 500 and Rs 1,000 notes on November 8, some jewellers were selling gold at high premium for the old currency.

However, the income tax department announced that saving bank account deposits above Rs 2.5 lakh and current account deposits above Rs 10 lakh, between November 9 and December 30, would attract scrutiny.

As a result, jewellers have cancelled their gold import orders.

This is only for small jewellers in the unorganised sector. Big jewellers still continue to import gold for their regular business activities.

A banker still getting import orders for gold from big jewellers said, "Our import is as usual and steady after Diwali."

A week after demonetisation, gold worth a billion dollars worth was imported. But, in the last couple of days, with the I-T department issuing 600 notices to jewellers, and also asking banks to report deposits, the thrifty 'business' of transferring old currency into gold has been hit.

The Indian Bullion and Jewellers Association had also threatened to ban gold import a few days ago.

Besides, the jewellers are also wary of more crackdowns on the bullion market, as Modi announced in Goa last Sunday, November 13, that he would go after people with 'black' money and his next aim would be benami properties.

Market observers said the demand for gold was at rock bottom even though the marriage season has started.

Sources said though jewellers had stopped exchanging old currency notes for gold, some chartered accountants were still trying to help their clients transform their black money stashes into white wealth.

Rs 100 notes remain in short supply, and so do 'working' ATM machines

The queues were still long outside banks, and automated teller machines continued to turn dry rather fast across cities, as Business Standard took stock of the pan-India scenario more than a week after the late evening announcement banning Rs 500 and Rs 1,000 currency notes.

Life hasn't been the same ever since, as people of all strata joined the queue at all times of the day and night, to stay there for hours and many times returning home without any cash.

Even as plastic use has jumped many times and digital wallet has ruled, ATM hopping has become a part of the daily routine during the past one week in search of currency that has gone missing.

In New Delhi, while ministers, bureaucrats and politicians made noise over the rights and wrongs of the demonetisation move, logistics at banks remained stretched even on Day 8.

The common complaint heard in New Delhi was that only Rs 2,000 notes were being given out by banks, even as customers found it tough to get the big currency changed at any shop.

Rs 100 notes remained in short supply, and so did 'working' ATM machines.

"Getting inside bank branches has been a task in itself, leave aside the long wait for money," an account holder said, after two hours of wait.

Fights were commonplace over the quantum of cash that one replaced or withdrew, but so were examples of charity where tea and water was being served for free to keep the spirits of the people going.

Indelible ink, which became a part of the currency exchange regime earlier this week, too became a point of contention.

In Ahmedabad, for instance, non-availability of indelible ink resulted in chaos in several branches.

"While most banks have sought for and have been given additional personnel, many are working till midnight, as the queue refuses to shorten amidst non-availability of the indelible ink," a manager said.

Only a few nationalised banks have received the indelible ink, and they are yet to start using it, said a source.

According to the Maha Gujarat Bank Employees Association, as per the Reserve Bank of India guideline, indelible ink is to be first used in metros as a pilot.

In Mumbai, ATM networks were only partly functional and bank branches took all the pressure.

Improvement was minimal was how customers reacted when asked whether things were getting better.

"Most ATMs remain non-operational for want of cash or awaiting recalibaration to be able to dispense new notes."

Also, uncertainty of accessing cash was making people nervous.

"There is neither any communication of a clear timetable for recalibration nor any sign of improvement any time soon," another customer said outside a Mumbai bank.

Then there were tricks at play.

A State Bank of India group official said at ATMs, as a step to avoid getting Rs 2,000 currency notes, people are first withdrawing Rs 1,900 in Rs 100 notes and then putting another request for the balance Rs 600, so that they remain within the limit of Rs 2,500 per day of withdrawal.

Kolkata was no different. Mohammad Zariuddin, a tailor, said he was waiting in a queue for exchanging a note of Rs 500 and four notes of Rs 1,000 each at the Strand Road branch of SBI for six hours.

The branch happens to be one of the oldest and biggest offices of SBI. Close to 10,000 people have been thronging the branch each day since last week.

Meanwhile, Zariuddin and some others have been successful in rubbing off the ink (meant to mark a person who has replaced old currency once), to be able to join the queue again if there is a need.

According to RBI directives, the indelible ink can be applied by the cashier or any other official designated by the bank before the notes are given to the customer, so that while the exchange of notes is taking place, a few seconds elapse, which will allow the ink to dry up and prevent removal of the same.

Some of the Bhopal branches saw shorter queues on Thursday, but skirmishes were reported in plenty.

"Cash is not sufficient in our branches. Our ATMs are dispensing only Rs 100 notes," said a banker at the Bank of Baroda in Bhopal. But those who were repeatedly visiting branches for currency exchange have disappeared, as bankers were telling them to go for indelible ink first.

"Today, I am largely attending to my branch customers, as non-customers have disappeared," another banker at an SBI branch said.

To handle queues, innovative steps are being taken by banks.

In Ahmedabad, many banks, including private and public sector ones, have put up makeshift pandals to beat the heat, and have made arrangements for water outside the branches.

A bank manager of a nationalised bank on Ashram Road in Ahmedabad said the chaos was likely to continue through December.

Lucknow seemed to be a tad better, as the panic was subsiding. "Since an individual can only exchange money once, the queues are now shorter, compared to the early days of the announcement of scrapping of currency notes."

But, even in Lucknow, ATMs were hardly operational. Also, the new series of Rs 500 notes are still to reach the City of Nawabs.

In Chennai, customers were being turned away by banks, saying they will not exchange the demonetised currency notes and smaller denomination currencies were not available. "I have come down from Chembarambakkam (almost 20 km away from the city) to exchange Rs 3,000 and they denied, saying they don't have new notes to disburse," a customer who had already lost Rs 800 in daily wages said.

Banks see surge in card usage

Demand for Point of Sales Terminals jumps, reports Nupur Anand.

As consumers continue to queue outside banks and ATMs to withdraw cash, plastic money has come to their rescue.

With no or limited cash in the wallet, consumers have been swiping their debit and credit cards even for small-value transactions.

Rajiv Anand, retail banking head at Axis Bank, says: "We have seen that the usage of debit cards has doubled and so has the increase in usage of point-of-sales (PoS) terminals."

ICICI Bank has also seen the usage of its debit card doubling. Bankers also say they have seen a significant increase in several first-time consumers, who had earlier never used their debit cards at PoS machines.

An HDFC Bank official said in terms of volume of transactions, the usage of debit cards had risen fourfold and in value by three times.

"Earlier, we would get 3,000 to 4,000 requests for PoS terminals a month. Now, we get an equivalent number every day," said the official.

Bankers explain they are seeing a lot of demand for PoS terminals, not only from merchants, but from the smaller self-employed segment -- doctors, chartered accountants, vegetable vendors, beauty salons, etc.

"We have seen a sharp increase in request for PoS terminals, but are constrained by the number of sales staff who can deploy it. Despite that, we have seen an increase in deployment of PoS terminals by three times," added Anand.

Both the government and the RBI had been trying to push the usage of PoS machines, as the number -- compared to the cards in circulation -- was very low.

RBI data for August said there were 1.46 million PoS machines, compared to 712.46 million debit cards in circulation.

ATMs, cashless transactions at trade fair

Commerce ministry plans card swipe machines and digital-wallet tie-ups for India International Trade Fair, reports Subhayan Chakraborty.

In the face of the cash crunch from the note ban, the Union commerce ministry plans ATMs, card swipe machines, and digital-wallet tie-ups for the India International Trade Fair, in order to draw visitors to the event that opens up for the public on Saturday, November 19.

ATMs are expected to pop up on site, swipe machines at ticket counters, and digital-wallet tie-ups will likely be with Paytm and Freecharge to allow cashless transactions.

"Our projections suggest fewer people might turn up owing to the current situation," an official from the India Trade Promotion Organisation, the body under the ministry in charge of the fair, said.

A proposal to raise ticket prices has been shelved due to low turnout expectations, he added on the condition of anonymity.

The prices of tickets for general visitors have been kept at Rs 60 on weekdays for adults and Rs 120 on weekends. These can be bought online.

Based on the theme of Digital India, the fair has kicked off with 7,000 participants in an exhibition area of more than 100,000 square metres.

This year, the partner country is South Korea and the focus country is Belarus.

The fair saw business-to-business interactions and events Monday to Thursday.

During this period, business tickets, priced at Rs 500, kept smaller traders away, another official said.

Apart from ticket booths with enough swipe machines, the ministry has also promised to provide exhibitors with the machines through a tie up with SBI and Axis Bank.

This will be supplanted by a higher number of ATM machines being installed, up from 2 last year to 14 this time.

One or more mobile ATMs are also expected to be set up. However, visitors have complained of the machines running on empty, the same as others across the city.

For small artisans and exhibitors, SBI has been tied up to open bank accounts, if needed, on site.

Apart from exhibition stalls being set up by various ministries, the state governments of Punjab, Tamil Nadu, West Bengal, Bihar, Odisha, among others are expected to be major crowd pullers with a significant amount of buying and selling
The first tranche was raised a few weeks ago and the company was looking to raise more if needed.

IL&FS Financial Services became the first Indian company to raise money through a masala loan, a rupee-denominated loan from overseas investors, by securing the equivalent of $50 million from Export Development Canada.

In a masala loan the borrower saves on the hedging cost because the repayment is in rupees.

The IL&FS Financial Services fund, raised a few weeks ago, was the first tranche and the company was looking to raise more if needed, said Ramesh Bawa, the companys managing director and chief executive officer.

EDC, as the trade financier to Canadian companies, is in talks with other companies to disburse more masala loans, according to Mairead Lavery, EDCs senior vice-president for business development, and Nathan Nelson, chief representative for India.

IL&FS Financial Services will use the proceeds to refinance its debt and support fresh funding of infrastructure proposals in renewable energy and transportation.

The company would also raise masala bonds worth $300 million by mid-December and another $700 million by the end of the year in its infrastructure investment trust, Bawa said.

We are acquiring our international rating. We should be able to hit the market for the masala bonds by mid-December, he said.

IL&FS Financial Services bonds secure the highest rating at home but in the overseas market these will be limited by Indias sovereign rating, which is just a notch higher than speculative grade.

EDC worked with an agent bank, the Bank of Nova Scotia, to structure the loan. The fund came from Canada, but the swap was done overseas and IL&FS Financial Services, through the bank, received the rupees. EDC has hedged the currency risk.

Lavery said Canadian companies were excited about India, considering the growth opportunity and initiatives like green energy and smart cities.

They see lots of potential, but the challenge is understanding how to do business in India. If we identify partners, the chance to work with a company like IL&FS is a huge opportunity, he said.

Lavery said EDC planned to ramp up its India book to $10 billion by 2020 from $4 billion now. EDC has disbursed $1 billion in 2016.
'We have money (in the bank), yet we cannot eat.'

'I may not get much affected (by the Rs 2,000 limit) but what about those who lead a hand-to-mouth existence?'

Prasanna D Zore/Rediff.com reports on how ordinary people are coping with the sudden crisis in their lives.

IMAGE: Dinesh Bhagat, a fruit seller, has seen a sharp drop in his business since November 8. Photograph and videos: Prasanna D Zore/Rediff.com

On the day the government announced a reduction in exchange limit of just Rs 2,000 instead of Rs 4,500, Rediff.com asked the aam aadmi how the de-legalisation has affected their daily business and routine life.

The common refrain was: Shortage of loose change in lieu of the Rs 2,000 note has impacted everyone severely. Business was down anywhere between 50 per cent and 80 per cent.

Here's what different people had to say of the cash crunch they have been facing for more than a week now.

'Have bought fruits on credit, will repay after selling them'

Rupaye main bara aana fark pada hai (my business is down 75 per cent)," says Dulare Gupta, whose brother purchases fruits from the Vashi market, the hub of all agricultural trade, on the outskirts of Mumbai, and sells them in the market near Malad railway station, a north Mumbai suburb.

Gupta's business has suffered mostly because his buyers, as is their wont, still bring Rs 500 and Rs 1,000 notes, no more legal tender after November 8, in the hope that they will be able to transfer their trouble of exchanging such notes after waiting in long queues in banks, to the vegetable and fruit vendors in the market.

Gupta says his brother faces the same difficulties as his buyers face: nobody's taking Rs 500 and Rs 1,000 notes anymore and there aren't enough of these denominations with him or his brother to pay the trader at the Vashi market.

'Customers are willing to buy but they flash a Rs 500 note'

Like Gupta, Dinesh Bhagat, a vegetable vendor, also faces the same issue: most customers coming with Rs 500 and Rs 1,000 notes which he doesn't accept and the same not being accepted by those from whom he purchases the vegetables at Vashi market.

"Some people do bring Rs 100 notes but then that has reduced our daily business," he says.

"Customers do want to buy vegetable worth Rs 200-300 but then they flash Rs 500 notes, which we don't accept," he adds.

Thankfully, he says, he gets vegetables on credit and will repay his creditor once he deposits his earnings in a bank.

'I may not be affected but what about those who live a hand-to-mouth existence?'

"Rs 2000 is not enough to last a full week, is it?" asks Vandana Podar, a retired municipal school teacher, who is not happy with the government's move to cut the Rs 4500 per day exchange limit to Rs 2,000 from November 18.

She lists her expenditures that, she says, would easily gobble up the Rs 2,000 that she is allowed to exchange now by the government, even as she says how expensive vegetables have become post the de-legalisation.

"We have money (in the bank), but yet we cannot eat," she says.

"I may not get much affected (by the Rs 2,000 limit) but what about those who lead a hand-to-mouth existence?" she asks.

'We are dying of hunger'

A vegetable vendor in his late 50s, Suresh Yadav says he has lost 75 per cent of his business after the government decided to weed out Rs 500 and Rs 1,000 notes from circulation.

Yadav, despite his age, goes to the Vashi and Dadar markets, all by himself to make his purchases. "The traders at these markets tell us to pay them only after we earn money," he says.

'Neither traders nor we accept Rs 500 notes'

This, in a way, explains the vice-like grip experienced by those whose businesses depend on easy cash flow.

Yadav, who identifies himself by his last name and who often goes to the Vashi market to make his purchases, says that fruits have begun rotting at the markets for want of customers with currency notes that is legal tender.

"And all this has happened because (the government) has stopped the circulation of Rs 500 and Rs 1,000 notes," he says.

Yadav has lost 80 per cent of his business from November 8 and is among those severely critical of the move.

He says some traders have jacked up the prices of fruits even as they accept old notes.

Yadav complains that without much cash in his hand, he does not have enough rations at home. "Rationwala bhi naya note mangta hai (even ration shops ask for new notes). We have to stand in queue for 4-5 hours to get Rs 2,000 and that isn't enough to buy rations," he says.

Unlike others, Yadav doesn't get his wares on credit and "we have to pay those from whom we buy the fruits," he says, explaining why what he earns is not enough to buy rations for his home.

Expressing concern that the Vashi market might close if the shortage of currency worsens, Yadav says, "If we don't buy as much as we used to buy from them earlier, will they eat these fruits?"

'Some days I don't even sell a single dress'

After the ban on Rs 500 and Rs 1,000 notes was effected, there have been some days when Surendra Yadav, a businessman who sells dresses for small children, has not sold even one piece.

"Business has dropped to Rs 2,000/1,000 from Rs 25,000 to 30,000 that I used to earn earlier," he says.

Like the fruit sellers and vegetable vendors, Yadav too faces the same problem. "Most people come with notes that are no more legal tender, which I accept because I have time till December 30 to deposit them," he says.

"But then I don't have enough change to give them back," he says, because of which he is losing out on his daily earnings.

On the other hand, his problems are compounded because the traders from whom he purchases the dresses have stopped accepting the old Rs 500 and Rs 1,000 notes.

"I am selling only what is left with me," says Yadav.

Interestingly, Yadav bears his pain stoically and feels that the decision to ban the high-denomination currency is a good one for the poor in the long run. Ask him how, and he says, "Bhale hamare dhandhe pe asar pada ho, lekin sahi hua hai (so what if it has affected our business, it is still a good decision)."

He is confident that Prime Minister Narendra Modi's demonetisation move will help the next generation and also put an end to black money.

He concedes that rural India is going hungry as this move has stopped the flow of cash into their hands but adds, "Let us see what more steps the government takes to stop corruption and black money."

"Saal bhar baad pure desh main khush-hali chha jayegi (the best impact of demonetisation will be felt after a year and the nation will benefit from it)," he says.

'How do you think we can manage all this?'

"I haven't been doing any business since the last four days. From where will I give loose change if customers give me Rs 500 or Rs 1,000 note?" asks Makhdoom Sheikh, a dress seller.

Sheikh had once, since November 8, exchanged his old notes for new ones which, he says, he exhausted soon enough on household expenses. "How much change can we give customers? Even if the customer gives us the new Rs 2,000 note, from where will I give them the balance amount?" he asks.

First they said we could exchange only Rs 4,000, then they increased it to Rs 4,500 and now they have again reduced it to Rs 2,000; deposits, withdrawal and ATM lines are too big. How do you think we can manage all this?" asks Sheikh.

Sheikh believes that it won't be before March for the circulation of enough cash in the system to resume for people like him to go back to doing normal business.
Demonetisaton has left many daily wage earners scrambling for a living.

Rediff.com's A Ganesh Nadar reports.

They don't have the benefit of a provident fund or dearness allowance.

They don't have house rent allowance or leave travel allowance.

They don't even have a guarantee that they will get work every day.

Though they form the largest component of the working population in India, they languish at the bottom of the employment ladder and are part of what is known as the unorganised sector.

They don't have old notes to exchange.

They don't worry about how they will get change for a Rs 2,000 note.

Their problems are different.

Armugam, 63, delivers goods in the half ton category on his tricycle.

I am from Guduvancherry on the outskirts of Chennai.

I have been attached to this shop for 32 years now.

I used to earn anywhere between Rs 1,000 to Rs 1,500 a day before the cash crunch. Now there is no business, so there are no goods for me to deliver.

I have barely made Rs 300 a day since November 9.

I had Rs 5,000 in old currency -- two 1,000 rupee notes and six 500 rupee notes. I deposited it in my account after a couple of days; the first two days were too crowded. The bank did not ask me any questions.

I live in one room for which I don't pay rent. I used to run errands for my landlord when I was younger, so he never asked me for rent. Now, I can't run errands, but he doesn't ask me to pay rent. He is family to me.

Anil Kumar, 40, a commerce graduate, works as a loader

There are no jobs for graduates in Jharkhand, the state I belong to, so I came to Chennai.

I don't know Tamil, so how can I expect that I will get an accounting job just because I am a commerce graduate?

I am happy to work as a labourer. I earn Rs 400 a day. I share a house with other people from my state who, like me, have come here to earn a living.

There are about 40 of us in Chennai. We work all over the city.

I have a bank account in my state. I put money in my account here and my wife withdraws it from the mini-bank in our village.

The mini-banker is not from my caste, but he is my neighbour, so my wife can withdraw money at night too.

I did not have a single high denomination note when the announcement was made so I have no cause for worry.

When I have a reasonable amount of money, I go to the bank to deposit it.

I go home once a year to meet my family -- my three children go to school there.

How has the currency crunch hit us? There were 30 loaders working here every day, now, there are only seven.

The shop owner is a good man and irrespective of how many of us come he never refuses us work.

We know there is not too much work right now, so we asked the others to work as lorry loaders.

We don't want to burden a good man.

IMAGE: Raju and Rajkishore.

Raju, 31, loader

I too am from Jharkhand. There are coal mines in my area, but there is no work there.

I came to Chennai a year ago. I am learning the language and the people are kind.

When we don't understand what they say, they talk to us in sign language; they never get angry with us.

I had only one Rs 500 note that night. I stood in line and deposited it in the bank on day one. I didn't know when they may stop accepting it.

I did not come here to be entertained. I came here to earn for my family and that is the only thing I do.

I have three children back home.

I have work here every day, even after the currency crunch.

I don't know whether the note ban is good for the country or not. What I know is my people have less work because of it. So it means it is bad at the moment.

I hope the situation improves.

Rajkishore, 40, loader

I am from Jharkhand. I studied up to Class 9.

I was working in Dhanbad, but the situation got worse there and a lot of people, including me, lost their jobs.

I have been here for two years and have visited home twice. I have three children.

On the day the prime minister made his announcement, I had Rs 5,000 rupees in 500 and 1,000 notes. The next day, I had to stand in a queue for half an hour but had no problem depositing the money when my turn came.

Those who don't have bank accounts, and now to have to exchange the old notes for new money, are facing problems. There is a big crowd at the bank and the bankers ask so many questions.

I am glad I am attached to this shop as we always have work here. But many of the people from my state are not as lucky. We help each other as we stay together and so no one is going to starve.

Business is down because people have no cash.

I think it will take six months for the situation to normalise. I hope it does because poor people are suffering the most.

Photographs: A Ganesh Nadar/Rediff.com
IMAGE: Co-operative bank staffers on strike in Tamil Nadu.

'Some co-operative banks are dominated by politicians and were reportedly being used to launder Rs 500 and Rs 1,000 notes.'

Rediff.com's A Ganesh Nadar reports.

The Modi government's move to demonetise Rs 500 and Rs 1,000 notes has had a strange fallout.

Co-operative banks which are the backbone of the rural economy have been paralysed since Sunday, November 13, after the Centre asked these banks to stop collecting Rs 500 and 1,000 notes that are no longer legal tender.

"This step," alleges Vyapam scam whistleblower Dr Anand Rai, "was taken because some co-operative banks are dominated by politicians and were reportedly being used to launder Rs 500 and Rs 1,000 notes."

"In the process," he points out, "they have forced farmers to stand in queues at nationalised banks."

In his village in Madhya Pradesh, Dr Rai says, "Farmers are upset with the inactivity of their co-operative banks. They don't know where to go for their small needs and financial emergencies."

"They cannot approach big banks as they are busy with currency conversion. The government must allow co-operative banks to function or farmers will begin protesting soon," Dr Rai warns.

Devaraj, secretary, Kurumbur Primary Agricultural Co-operative Bank in southern Tamil Nadu, is angry with the government order.

"On November 10-11, we collected Rs 40 lakh (Rs 4 million) from the public in Rs 500 and Rs 1,000 notes. On November 12, they announced that primary co-operative banks must not accept old notes," he says.

"We are the banks that deal with farmers. They are making farmers go to nationalised banks and stand in long queues by not allowing them to bank with us," he adds.

"We have been their source of funds for decades. We have suddenly become invalid. How dare they do this?" Devaraj asks angrily.

"We have been thrown out of the banking system with one phone call," Devaraj tells Rediff.com "The RBI has not given us any written instructions. The State Bank branch where our money is deposited refuses to give us new notes. What are we supposed to do?"

"We are on strike and will continue our strike till we are allowed to function like every other bank. I am shocked that other states have accepted this move without a whimper," he adds.

"Are we moving from a democracy to a dictatorship?" the banker wants to know.

The Centre has asked the Press Information Bureau to gauge how people are reacting to its directive forbidding co-operative banks from accepting the banned notes.

"We have been asked to get feedback from the ground and are compiling a report," says a PIB official, refusing to share the findings with the media.

Post the Note Ban, Jugaad is alive and well.

Rediff.com's A Ganesh Nadar reports.

"We are accepting the old notes and will continue to do so as long as the banks accept them," says Ramakrishna who operates a finance company with a monthly turnover of over Rs 1 crore (Rs 10 million).

"I had no problems getting rid of all the old notes," confides Kadhar, a computer hardware mechanic. "I have loans in many banks and they accepted my money readily."

"I will finish depositing the old currency that I have within a few days. There is no hurry, there are many days to go before the deadline," says Kannan who works for a private company. "Petrol pumps are still accepting old notes, so I use most of my old currency notes there."

Cabbie Subramaniam paid off his latest car loan installment with Rs 500 notes. At the bank, he says, he was witness to the famed Indian jugaad.

"Many landlords were there at the Thiruchendur State Bank, accompanied by five or six relatives. They were depositing money in multiple accounts as they had more than the stipulated amount of Rs 2.5 lakh," says Subramaniam.

Outside banks, touts pocket a commission of Rs 100 for every Rs 500 note that they exchange.

Housewife Vijaya had Rs 6,000 in Rs 500 and Rs 1,000 notes. She has exchanged Rs 2,000, but her plan to exchange the rest in the days to come were scuttled by the government's fresh Rs 2,000 limit to exchange Rs 500 and Rs 1,000 notes.

"Modi did a good thing," she says, "but he should have filled up the ATMs before embarking on this step."

A rich farmer, who does not want to be named for this report, reveals his novel strategy to get rid of Rs 500 and Rs 1,000 notes.

"I go around the village asking people if they have mortgaged their jewels to the bank. Then I go with them to the bank and pay off their loans," he says.

"Now, their jewels are with me. They can pay me later and I will return their jewels without any additional interest."

"So far, I have exchanged Rs 10 lakh (Rs 1 million) for jewels. I have another Rs 90 lakh (Rs 9 million) to change," he says, adding,"The people of the village trust me with their jewels and I trust them with my money."
Before Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha was proceedings were disrupted by a relentless Opposition over the demonetisation issue, other topics such as compensation for military personnel, counterfeit notes were spoken of.

Heres what happened in Parliament.

IMAGE: Prime Minister Narendra Modi speaks to the media inside the parliament premises on the first day of the winter session on Wednesday . Photograph: Adnan Abidi/Reuters

12 security personnel killed this year in ceasefire violations

A total of 12 security personnel have been killed this year because of ceasefire violations by Pakistan along the Line of Control and the International Border as compared to 10 last year, the government said on Friday.

However, the number of injured has drastically shot up to 66 this year as compared to 26 last year.

In a written reply to Lok Sabha, Minister of State for Defence Subhash Bhamre said there have been 167 ceasefire violations along the LoC and the IB, under the army control, till November 14 this year as compared to 152 last year.

In areas of IB under the control of the Border Security Force, there has been 210 violations till November 1, as compared to 253 last year, he said.

Government enhances ex-gratia compensation for kin of military personnel

The government on Friday said it has enhanced the ex-gratia lump sum compensation being paid to families of military personnel.

With effect from January 1 this year, next of kin in case of death in the course of duties attributable to actions of violence by terrorists etc has been increased to Rs 25 lakh in place of Rs 10 lakh earlier, figures given by Minister of State for Defence Subhash Bhamre in a written reply to Lok Sabha said.

Similarly, in death occurring during enemy action in war or border skirmishes or in action against militants, terrorists, the amount has been increased to Rs 35 lakh from the Rs 15 lakh at present.

Army Group Insurance Fund for Officers has been raised to Rs 75 lakh for officers with effect from October 1, 2016 from Rs 60 lakh while for JCOs/Other ranks, the amount has been increased to Rs 37.5 lakh from Rs 30 lakh.

Over 1,540 online child abuse cases registered in 2 years

Over 1,540 cases of online child sexual abuse were registered in two years to 2015 as per data from National Crime Records Bureau, Parliament was informed on Friday.

National Crime Records Bureau has started collecting data on publishing or transmitting of material depicting children in sexually explicit act in electronic form

since 2014. As per information provided by NCRB, a total of 749 and 792 cases were registered for online child sexual abuse during 2014 and 2015, respectively, Minister for Electronics and IT Ravi Shankar Prasad said in a written reply to the Rajya Sabha.

IDS major success: Jaitley

Describing domestic black money declaration scheme Income Declaration Scheme as a major success, Finance Minister Arun Jaitley on Friday said it will yield Rs 29,362 crore in taxes, which is three times the amount garnered by the then government in 1997 amnesty scheme, Voluntary Disclosure of Income Scheme.

Providing comparative data, Jaitley said that under the IDS scheme 64,275 persons declared black money totalling Rs 65,250 crore. This will fetch the exchequer a tax of Rs 29,362.5 crore.

Whereas under the VDIS 1997, 4.72 lakh people declared assets totalling Rs 33,697 crore. The taxes paid were only Rs 9,729 crore.

In view of the above (comparative data), it can be inferred that IDS, 2016 has been a major success vis-a-vis VDIS, 1997, he said.

Counterfeit notes worth Rs 28 crore detected in 2016

The government said it has unearthed Rs 5 and Rs 10 fake coins with a face value of about Rs 6.37 lakh and detected counterfeit notes of face value of Rs 27.79 crore till September this year.

In a written reply to a question in the Lok Sabha, Finance Minister Arun Jaitley said that in the current year till September 2016, over 5.74 lakh pieces of counterfeit notes have been detected having a total face value of over Rs 27.79 crore.

As per the National Crime Records Bureau, in 2015, over 8.86 lakh fake Indian Current Notes were detected having a face value of over Rs 43.83 crore. In 2014, over 8 lakh pieces were detected of face value of Rs 40.58 crore.

Forensic auditor probing debit card data breach

The government on Friday said a forensic auditor is conducting an independent probe into the biggest data breach affecting 32.4 lakh debit cards of several public and private sector bank customers.

The Reserve Bank of India has informed that an incident of data breach with respect to cards was reported and the matter is under investigation. Independent investigation by a forensic auditor approved under Payment Card Industry Data Security Standard framework is under process, Minister of State for Finance Santosh Kumar Gangwar said in a written reply in the Lok Sabha.

The apex bank has been carrying out IT examination of banks since last year. It has also set up an IT subsidiary, which would focus, among other things, on cyber security within the central bank as well as in regulated entities.

Earlier, the RBI had said it came to its notice on September 8 that details of certain cards issued by some banks had been possibly compromised at ATMs linked to the ATM Switch of one of the service providers.

Following the data breach, 19 banks had recalled the compromised cards.

Government issues order to attach Rs 18,866 cr properties under PMLA

The government on Friday said it has issued provisional orders to attach properties worth Rs 18,866 crore for offences under the Money Laundering law.

It has also taken a host of initiatives, including effective enforcement of law, to curb the menace of money laundering in the country, Minister of State for Finance Santosh Kumar Gangwar said in a written reply to a question in the Lok Sabha.

As of October 31, 2016, 658 provisional attachment orders have been issued by attaching properties worth Rs 18,866 crore. Further, 283 prosecution complaints have been filed for the offence of money laundering (under Prevention of Money Laundering Act), he said.

Referring to the steps taken by the government to deal with the menace of black money, Gangwar said the government recently demonetised 500 and 1,000 rupee notes in a historical move that will add record strength in fight against corruption, black money, money laundering, terrorism and financing of terrorists as well as counterfeit notes.

The other initiatives, he said, include enactment of the Benami Transaction Act, amendments to FEMA and foreign black money law.

Under the black money (undisclosed Foreign Income and Assets) and Imposition of Tax Act 2015, 648 declarations involving undisclosed foreign assets worth Rs 4,164 crore were made. The amount collected by way of tax and penalty in such cases is about Rs 2,476 crore.

Over 8,100 wilful defaulters owe Rs 76,685 crore to banks

Public sector banks have reported 16 per cent rise in number of willful defaulters at 8,167 who collectively owe them Rs 76,685 crore at the end of March 2016.

As against the previous year, there is 16 per cent rise in willful defaulters owing over Rs 25 lakh each to 8,167 from 7,031 at the end of March 2015. However, dues to the bank have increased to 28.5 per cent to Rs 76,685 crore in 2015-16 from the earlier Rs 59,656 crore.

To recover loans from such defaulters, banks have filed 1,724 FIRs with a total outstanding of Rs 21,509 crore in 2015-16. The conviction rate in all these cases was only 1.14 per cent.

Last fiscal, banks recovery efforts in such cases yielded Rs 3,498 crore.

There were 129 willful defaulters who borrowed loans in excess of Rs 100 crore amounting to Rs 28,525 crore from PSBs as on June 30, 2016, Minister of State for Finance Santosh Kumar Gangwar told the Lok Sabha in a written reply.

15 rail projects facing hurdles over forest clearances

More than a dozen railway projects, involving new lines, doubling and gauge conversion, are facing impediments due to the lack of environmental clearances, Rajya Sabha was told on Friday.

There are total of 15 rail projects suffering due to non-availability of forest clearances, Minister of State for Railways Rajen Gohain (Independent Charge) said in a written reply.

He said clearances from different land owning agencies, acquisition of land, shifting of service/utilities are part of project execution and these activities are bound to take time.

No plan to hike retirement age of SC, HC judges: Government

On a day the issue of vacancies in higher judiciary came up for hearing in the Supreme Court, the government on Friday informed the Rajya Sabha that it has no plans to hike the retirement age of apex court and high court judges.

No sir, was the reply of Minister of State for Law P P Chaudhary in the Upper House to a question on whether the government is mulling increasing the age of superannuation for the judges of the Supreme Court and the 24 high courts.

While SC judges retire at 65 years, the high court judges retire at 62.

In his written reply, Chaudhary also ruled out plans to reduce the age limit to 42 years from the present 45 for appointing judges to the high courts.
Obama: I hope Trump stands up to Russia 'where they are deviating from our values'

President Barack Obama said Thursday he hopes President-elect Donald Trump will stand up to Russia when "they are deviating from our values."

"I've sought a constructive relationship with Russia," Obama said in a joint news conference with German Chancellor Angela Merkel . "But what I have also been is realistic in recognizing that there is some significant differences in how Russia views the world and how we view the world."

"My hope is that the president-elect coming in takes a similarly constructive approach, finding areas where we can cooperate with Russia where our values and interest align," Obama said. "But that the president-elect also is willing to stand up to Russia where they are deviating from our values and international norms."

The president said he doesn't expect Trump to follow the exact approach as the Obama administration, but hopes Trump considers what the short- and long-term problems that a deal with Russian President Vladimir Putin could bring.

Trump shouldn't "simply take a realpolitik approach and suggest that if we just cut some deals with Russia, even if it hurts people or even if it violates international norms or even if it leaves smaller countries vulnerable or creates long-term problems in regions like Syria, that we just do whatever's convenient at the time," Obama said.

He added that he is encouraged by Trump's commitment to the U.S. partnerships with other countries.

Obama also spoke on the demands of the U.S. presidency.

"If you're not serious about the job, then you probably won't be here very long because it will expose problems the president-elect is going to see fairly quickly ... that the demands and responsibility of a U.S. president are not ones you can treat casually," Obama said.

Obama, on what's probably his farewell overseas trip as president, met with Merkel in Berlin to discuss trans-Atlantic cooperation on a wide range of issues.

The president discussed with Merkel the importance of maintaining sanctions against Russia until it fully implements the Minsk accord that's designed to encourage Russia to reduce the conflict in Ukraine.



Story continues

Obama also said it's important that the Transatlantic Trade and Investment Partnership negotiations and channels of communication remain.



"The negotiations on agreements like T-TIP have been challenging, and obviously at a moment when there is concerns about globalization," Obama said during a press conference.



Merkel said she will do everything to work well with Trump.



"Alliances are part of our destiny as a nation, part of our future as a nation, and this is what guides me in my policy and my government as a whole," Merkel said.



Merkel is expected to run for a fourth term .
Pakistan has drawn the attention of the United Nations to what it said was India's "intention" to escalate tension on the Line of Control by launching artillery barrages, which were threatening regional peace and security.

Pakistan's Ambassador to the UN Maleeha Lodhi wrote to United Nations Security Council President and and UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon saying Indian troops in Kashmir launched artillery barrages last week

in a major escalation of attacks along the LoC threatening regional peace and security, Geo News reported.

"This was the first use of such weapons in 13 years and was a clear indication of the Indian intention to further escalate tensions and undermine regional peace and security," she wrote.

Lodhi said it was an effort by India to divert the international attention from its "continued violations of human rights" in Kashmir, the report said.

She called on the UN chief and the Security Council as the custodians of international peace and security to take note of the continued ceasefire violations by India that pose a real danger to regional peace and security.

She told the UN authorities that the frequency of these violations has increased over the last two months.

Meanwhile, Pakistan's National Assembly on Friday unanimously passed a resolution, strongly condemning the alleged Indian attack on the LoC that resulted in the death of seven Pakistani soldiers.

The resolution "expressed deep concern over the tragic incident of Indian unprovoked firing in which seven soldiers of Pakistan Army" were killed at the LoC in Bhimber sector recently.

"The House took serious cognizance of the unprovoked and barbarian attack on the Pakistani border forces by the Indian army resulting in aggression and clashes," it said.

Through resolution, the House recognised the "sacrifices of Pakistan army and paid glowing tribute" to them.
The Supreme Court on Friday said that it has not accepted the Centres stand of rejecting the 43 names recommended by the apex court Collegium for their appointment as judges of the various high courts and these have been sent back for reconsideration.

We have reiterated 43 names for the appointment as judges of high courts which were rejected by the government and have been sent back for reconsideration, a bench comprising Chief Justice T S Thakur and A R Dave said.

The apex court stated this after Attorney General Mukul Rohatgi reminded the bench about the statement made by him during the last hearing on Tuesday.

The Chief Justice of India who heads the five-member Collegium of judges told him that we have seen.

The AG expressed his ignorance about the latest development saying, I am not aware about it.

The Centre on Tuesday told the court that it has cleared 34 names out of the 77 recommended by the Collegium for appointment as judges in various high courts in the country.

The government had also apprised the apex court that no file with regard to the recommendations for appointment of judges was pending with it.

Out of total 77 names, 34 names have been cleared for the appointment and rest 43 recommendations have been sent back to the apex court Collegium for reconsideration, AG, appearing for the Centre, had told the bench.

The bench posted the matter for further hearing after the winter vacation.

Rohatgi, on November 11, had told the court that the Centre had already sent the fresh draft of the Memorandum of Procedure for consideration of the Collegium on August 3, this year, but so far no response has been received by the government.

The apex court had earlier rapped the government for delay in appointments to higher judiciary despite recommendations made by the Collegium in this regard and had said the entire institution cannot be brought to a grinding halt.

Maintaining that the appointment process cannot be stalled due to non-finalisation of the MoP, the court had criticised the tardy progress in processing files pertaining to judges appointment and even warned that it may summon the secretaries of the Prime Ministers Office and the ministry of Law and Justice to ascertain the factual position.

The attorney general had said that non-finalisation of the MoP was one of the issues and had assured the bench that more progress will be seen in the near future on the appointment of judges.

The Centre had on September 14 told the apex court that there was no blame game or logjam in appointments and transfer of judges for higher judiciary but blamed the high courts for pretty much delaying the starting of the process.

Earlier, the apex court had said it would not tolerate logjam in judges appointment and would intervene to fasten accountability as the justice delivery system is collapsing.

The bench had said that if the government had reservation about any name, it could always come back to the Collegium.
The Navy on Friday formally inducted four types of indigenously developed sonars that will boost the force's underwater surveillance capability.

The systems inducted include Abhay -- compact hull mounted sonar for shallow water crafts, Humsa UG -- upgrade for the Humsa sonar system, NACS -- Near-field Acoustic Characterisation System, and AIDSS -- Advanced Indigenous Distress sonar system for submarines.

Defence Minister Manohar Parrikar, who handed over the sonars to the Navy, praised the force along with the Defence Research and Development Organisation and said he expects more synergy in the coming days.

The systems have been designed and developed by NPOL, a Kochi based laboratory of the DRDO.

With the induction of these four systems, the underwater surveillance capability of the Indian Navy will get a boost, besides providing a fillip to the quest for self-reliance in this critical area of technology.

The systems have been designed and developed by NPOL, a Kochi based laboratory of DRDO.

Abhay is an advanced active-cum-passive integrated sonar system designed and developed for the smaller platforms such as shallow water crafts and coastal surveillance/patrol vessels.

It is capable of detecting, localising, classifying and tracking sub-surface and surface targets in both its active and passive modes of operation.

The prototype of this compact sonar installed onboard a nominated naval platform has successfully completed all user evaluation trials to demonstrate the features as per the Naval Staff Qualification Requirements.

Indian Navy has proposed to induct this SONAR on three of the Abhay class ships.

Intensifying the command over the high seas is the Humsa-UG that is designed for upgrading the existing Humsa sonar system.

This system is proposed to be installed on seven ships of three different classes of ships, a defence ministry statement said.

AIDSS, a distress sonar is an Emergency Sound Signaling Device which is used to indicate that a submarine is in distress and enable quick rescue and salvage.

It is a life-saving alarm system designed to transmit sonar signals of a pre-designated frequency and pulse shape in an emergency situation from a submarine for long period, so as to attract the attention of passive sonars of ships or submarines in the vicinity and all types of standard rescue vessels in operation.

It is also provided with a transponder capability. With the induction of these four systems, the underwater surveillance capability of the Indian Navy will get a boost, besides providing a fillip to the quest for self-reliance in this critical area of technology, the statement said.
Stepping up its attack on Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Congress on Friday held his draconian decision on demonetisation responsible for the alleged death of 55 people and asked him to apologise to their families and the country.

Congress chief spokesperson Randeep Surjewala released a list of 55 persons who lost their lives while standing in queues at banks and ATMs in the wake of demonetisation and demanded compensation to their families besides probe into their death.

The draconian decision of a dictatorial prime minister has led to 55 deaths. Who is responsible for this? The PM should apologise to the families of those who lost their lives and also to the country. His whimsical decision has led to this, he told reporters.

He also said, Government must pay adequate compensation to these 55 families who lost their near and dear ones. Their deaths must be investigated and consequent action taken.

He also accused the PM of acting first and thinking later, alleging that no proper planning was made by his government before implementing the decision which has thrown the country into financial anarchy and chaos.

Surjewala said while the people of the country are facing hardship and harassment because of the whims and fancies of the prime minister bent upon image building. He alleged the PM was now dubbing all those questioning his demonetisation exercise as anti-nationals.

The Congress leader also demanded that the cooperative sector, which includes banks and societies, be allowed to use old currency notes as the rural economy has been shut ahead of the Rabi sowing season.

He said following the Tuglaqi farman (diktat) issued 10 days ago on demonetisation, the entire country has been plunged into financial emergency and anarchy, and the hapless and helpless people of India are languishing in long queues amid utter chaos and confusion.

All this has been done on account of obduracy of one individual and for his image building. India has a prime minister who decides first, thinks later and listens to no one. When glaring mistakes and bungling are caught, anyone asking questions is branded as anti-national, Surjewala said.

Surjewala alleged the Modi government has imposed tax terrorism across the country. The Income Tax department has shut the markets and it is creating fear psychosis among the traders and businessmen, with the small and medium sector industry being shattered.

Modiji has become the new architect and symbol of tax terrorism in the country, he said.

Surjewala said the government has changed its directions on demonetisation 18 times ever since the announcement was made by Modi 10 days ago which showed its ill-preparedness and ill-planning.

Despite this mess, anyone asking questions is branded as anti-national. Time has come for people of India to ask as to who has acted against the national interest? he said.

He said the countrys image globally has been dented due to the governments action and foreign investors have taken out Rs 6,500 crore from the market.

Foreign Institutional Investors and Foreign Portfolio Investors have lost confidence in the government. In first five days, FIIs and FTIs have withdrawn $1 billion from the economy or nearly Rs 6500 crore, he said.

Criticising governments decision to ink the fingers of those coming to change currency to which the Election Commission of India has raised objections, he said, The truth is that the governments right hand does not know as to what is being done by the left hand. Confusion confounds Modi government completely.

Quoting experts, he said demonetisation had led to withdrawal of 86 per cent of currency in circulation and, as a result, 1,658 crore notes of Rs 500 and 668 crore bills of Rs 1000, totalling 2,327 crore notes valued at about Rs 15 lakh crore have been withdrawn.

He said the Rs 1000 rupee notes were printed by Bhartiya Reserve Bank Note Mudran Private Limited which has the capacity to print 133 crore notes per month working in two shifts and even if it were to work for three shifts it can print 200 crore notes per month and the entire operation would take 3.5 months to complete if it prints the new Rs 2000 notes.

Similarly, Rs 500 notes are printed by Security Printing and Minting Corporation of India Limited which has a capacity to print 100 crore notes per month and even if its capacity is doubled overnight, it will still take nearly eight months or more to print 1658 crore notes of Rs 500.

It is thus clear that the claims of government to print new notes are hollow, deceptive and a bundle of lies, he said.

The Congress leader said the farm sector has been worst hit by demonetisation after the government decided to unilaterally put an embargo on all cooperative banks, rural development banks, primary land development banks and cooperative credit societies from either changing old currencies or dispensing new notes.

In one stroke, Modiji has broken the back of the entire agricultural sector. Shockingly, Modi government summarily rejected the recommendations of its own agriculture ministry, which wanted that farmers should be permitted to purchase seeds and fertilizers with old notes. Prime Minister Modi has paralyzed the entire agricultural economy, he said.

Image: A man wrapped in a quilt sleeps as others stand in a queue outside a bank to exchange their old high-denomination banknotes in the early hours, in the old quarters of Delhi. Photograph: Adnan Abidi/Reuters
A senior Bharatiya Janata Party minister in Maharashtra on Friday said he was ready to face punishment for irregularity, if any, following the recovery of Rs 91.5 lakh in cash from a vehicle belonging to Solapur-based Lokmangal Bank which is controlled by him.

I have been in this business (banking) for two decades. While doing business nothing wrong has been done. However, irregularities may happen. If irregularities have happened, there is punishment for it. I am ready to face punishment, state Cooperatives Minister Subhash Deshmukh said.

I wish to make it clear that there is no unaccounted for money (in the cash recovered), said Deshmukh, a senior state BJP leader.

The cash seizure took place on November 16 when the vehicle was checked in Omerga tehsil of Osmanabad district. The cash was deposited in the local treasury by the officials.

Meanwhile, Lokmangal Bank, in a statement, said, Rs 1 crore were needed for transaction in seven branches of the bank in Omerga and Lohara areas in Osmanabad district ... Rs 40 lakh were withdrawn on October 24, while Rs 25 lakh were withdrawn from other banks in Solapur.

The cash was seized on November 16 while it was being taken for depositing in Solapur bank after demonetisation.

Deshmukh had on Thursday dismissed medias query on the seizure, saying I have become free from all posts (in his businesses) after becoming a minister ... I ask you (media) to make inquiry and take whatever money I have in my possession.

In a clarification to election authorities, Deshmukh said the money was accounted for and he had documents to prove it. The money was found in wads of scrapped Rs 1,000 notes by a flying squad of election officials which was carrying out raids ahead of local body polls in Maharashtra.

Lokmangal Group runs banks and sugarcane factories, and Deshmukh is its chairman.

I am willing to face any Income Tax inquiry, he said.

Opposition Congress and Nationalist Congress Party have demanded his sacking over the cash seizure.
United States President-elect Donald Trump on Friday announced key Cabinet picks with the influential post of National Security Adviser going to his trusted military adviser Lt Gen Michael Flynn while Congressman Mike Pompeo was selected to head the powerful Central Intelligence Agency.

Trump also announced that he intends to nominate Senator Jeff Sessions to serve as Attorney General.

It is an honour to nominate US Senator Jeff Sessions to serve as attorney general of the United States, Trump said.

Sessions has a distinguished legal career and has served as both the US Attorney for the Southern District of Alabama and Alabama Attorney General prior to his service in the US Senate.

He has been one of President-elect Trumps trusted advisors on the campaign and will now continue his service as nations chief law enforcement officer, Trumps transition team said.

Jeff has been a highly respected member of the US Senate for 20 years. He is a world-class legal mind and considered a truly great Attorney General and US Attorney in the state of Alabama. Jeff is greatly admired by legal scholars and virtually everyone who knows him, Trump said.

I am humbled to have been asked by President-elect Trump to serve as Attorney General of the United States, Sessions said.

My previous 15 years working in the Department of Justice were extraordinarily fulfilling. I love the department, its people and its mission. I can think of no greater honour than to lead them. With the support of my Senate colleagues, I will give all my strength to advance the departments highest ideals, Sessions said.

I enthusiastically embrace President-elect Trumps vision for one America, and his commitment to equal justice under law. I look forward to fulfilling my duties with an unwavering dedication to fairness and impartiality, he said.

Flynn, a retired United States Army Lieutenant General and former director of the Defence Intelligence Agency, assumes the position of National Security Advisor with a decorated career of more than 35 years in service.

He served as Trumps top military advisor during the campaign and will now continue to provide expert advice and support to the US President-elect as his National Security Advisor, a statement said.

I am pleased that Lieutenant General Michael Flynn will be by my side as we work to defeat radical Islamic terrorism, navigate geopolitical challenges and keep Americans safe at home and abroad, Trump said.

General Flynn is one of the countrys foremost experts on military and intelligence matters and he will be an invaluable asset to me and my administration, he said.

Flynn said, I am deeply humbled and honoured to accept the position as National Security Advisor to serve both our country and our nations next President, Donald J Trump.

Pompeo, representing Kansas Fourth Congressional District, is a former active duty cavalry officer in the US Army and graduated first in his class from the US Military Academy at West Point.

He currently serves on the House Intelligence Committee, which oversees Americas intelligence-gathering efforts.

I am proud to nominate Congressman Mike Pompeo as director of the Central Intelligence Agency, Trump said.

He has served our country with honour and spent his life fighting for the security of our citizens. Mike graduated number one in his class at West Point and is a graduate of HarvardLawSchool where he served as an editor of the Harvard Law Review. He will be a brilliant and unrelenting leader for our intelligence community to ensure the safety of Americans and our allies, Trump said.

Pompeo said, I am honoured to have been given this opportunity to serve and to work alongside President-elect Donald J Trump to keep America safe. I also look forward to working with Americas intelligence warriors, who do so much to protect Americans each and every day.

Meanwhile, vice president-elect Mike Pence told reporters that Trump is a man of action and they have got a great number of men and women with great qualifications to look forward to serving in the new administration.

Our agency teams arrived in WashingtonDC this morning and I am very confident it will be a smooth transition that will serve to lead this country forward and make America Great Again, Pence said in response to a question.

Image: US Senator Jeff Sessions with Donald Trump.Photograph: Marvin Gentry/Reuters
Proceedings in Parliament were washed out for the second consecutive day on Friday, with the ruling side causing pandemonium in Rajya Sabha over certain remarks by Congress leader Ghulam Nabi Azad and opposition creating ruckus over demonetisation in Lok Sabha.

No business could be transacted in either the Rajya Sabha or the Lok Sabha due to the uproar and both the Houses were adjourned for the day prematurely.

In the Rajya Sabha where debate took place on demonetisation for six-hours on Wednesday, the discussion could not be resumed even on Friday as the House saw a clash after the ruling side raked up Azads comments linking deaths due to demonetisation crisis to the killings in the Uri terror attack and demanded an apology from Congress.

On the other hand, Congress and some other opposition parties insisted on presence of the prime minister before the debate could be resumed. Slogans and counter slogans in the Upper House forced its adjournment, first till 11.30 am, then till noon, then till 12.33 pm, after that till 2.30 pm and finally for the day.

Soon after listed papers were laid on the table of the House, Bharatiya Janata Party members moved into aisles shouting slogans and demanding an apology from Azad for his remarks.

Congress members too rushed into the Well raising slogans demanding presence of the prime minister and an apology from him as well as the government for the hardship caused to the common man due to withdrawal of 86 per cent of the currency in circulation in the form of old 500 and 1000 rupee notes.

All India Anna Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam members were also in the Well raising slogans over the Cauvery water issue.

Deputy Chairman P J Kurien asked all members to leave the Well and return to their seats, assuring them that he would hear their submissions.

Amid the din, Minister of State for Parliamentary Affairs Mukhtar Abbas Naqvi alleged that Azads statement had given a message to the country that Congress was sympathetic to terrorism and asked why it was so agitated when the demonetisation drive was only to hurt black money hoarders.

Kurien persuaded AIADMK and Congress members to withdraw from the Well, telling them that he would give opportunity to their leaders to raise their respective issues.

But with BJP members continuing to stand in the aisles and raising slogans, Congress members too were back in the Well, shouting slogans.

Kurien said treasury benches should not create problems for the Chair. If you do this, what do I do? You should cooperate with me in running the House. Treasury benches should not disrupt, he said.

But the din continued, forcing him to adjourn the proceedings till 11.30 am.

There was no change in the scenario when the House reassembled as both BJP and Congress members again started raising slogans.

As the slogans and counter slogans continued, the Chair adjourned the House till noon. After repeated adjournments, when the House met again at 2.30 pm, opposition members continued to create ruckus.

Congress leader Anand Sharma accused the government of not wanting the House to run and for destroying the poor with his policies.

In the melee, the deputy chairman asked the MPs to introduce the Private Members Bill amid continuous sloganeering by the opposition and treasury benches.

Prior to this, he read out a decision by Lok Sabha Speaker Sumitra Mahajan on a private members bill for special package to Andhra Pradesh after its reorganisation, moved in the last session Congress member KVP Ramachandra Rao.

The Bill was referred to the Speaker to ascertain if it was a money bill and whether it can be introduced in the Upper House. However, Kuriens statement could not be heard in the din.

Independent MP Rajeev Chandrasekhar moved his Bill to declare any country as state sponsor of terrorism and withdraw economic and trade relations with such country and to create legal, economic and travel sanctions for citizens of that country.

Following continuous uproarious scenes, Kurien adjourned the House till Monday.

In the Lok Sabha, Congress and some other opposition parties pressed for a discussion on demonetisation under a rule which entails voting, that too through an Adjournment Motion which means suspension of all business.

Several notices were given by various opposition leaders for discussion under the Adjournment Motion but Speaker Sumitra Mahajan rejected these, saying a debate could take place otherwise.

Ruckus started soon after the House met for the day, with Leader of Congress Mallikarjun Kharge demanding that the issue of scrapping of Rs 1000 and Rs 500 denomination notes be discussed through an adjournment motion and not the rule being proposed by the government.

Parliamentary Affairs Minister Ananth Kumar said the government was willing to discuss the issue and there was no need to press for an adjournment motion.

As the din continued, the House was adjourned for nearly one hour till noon, minutes after it assembled.

When the House assembled again for Zero Hour, the opposition again pressed for moving an adjournment motion. But the Speaker rejected all the notices. Both Kharge and Trinamool Congress leader Sudip Bandopadhyay insisted that the debate be taken up through an adjournment motion.

The parliamentary affairs minister once again urged the opposition to take up the debate under Rule 193 which does not entail voting and a formal motion.

Kumar said the opposition should not run away from a debate and maintained that it was up to the Chair to decide under which rule the discussion will take place.

As part of their Zero Hour references, Meenakshi Lekhi and Gajendra Singh Chauhan of the BJP raised the issue of remarks made by Leader of Opposition in Rajya Sabha Ghulam Nabi Azad on Thursday linking deaths due to demonetisation crisis to the killings in the Uri terror attack. The remarks were expunged on Thursday night itself.

The two BJP members slammed Azad for the statement and demanded that a resolution be passed against him and he should be asked to apologise in writing.

As differences persisted and opposition continued to raise slogans like Pradhan Mantri sadan mein aao and Vijay Mallya kahan gaya, the House was adjourned for the day.
Ami Bera, the only Indian-American in the current Congress, has increased his lead over his Republican rival by nearly 5,000 votes, increasing the prospect of him being elected for the third time.

Bera now leads Scott Jones by over 2 per cent -- 119,448 votes to 114,646 -- according to Sacramento County Registrar of Voters.

The third-ever Indian-American to be elected to the House of Representatives, Bera if re-elected would be joined by three other Indian-Americans -- Ro Khanna from California, Raja Krishnamoorthi from Illinois and Pramila Jayapal from Washington State -- in the lower chambers of the United States Congress.

Excluding over-votes and undervotes, 53.82 per cent of the ballots in this latest update went for Bera compared to just 4 .18 per cent for Jones.

"As our lead continues to grow, we're in the strongest position we've ever been in," Bera said.

"The reason these late ballots are coming in our favour is because of the incredible grassroots effort by our volunteers to get out the vote. The most important thing is for the Registrar of Voters and her hard-working team to continue to do their jobs and count every vote," he said.

In 2012, Bera led Republican Dan Lungren by 184 votes the morning after election day, and his lead eventually grew to 9,191 votes.

In 2014, Bera was down by more than 3,000 votes on election night, and he came back to win by 1,455 votes.

Dalip Singh Saund was the first Indian-American elected to the US Congress. He represented the 29th Congressional District of California for three terms from January 3, 1957 to January 3, 1963.

If re-elected, Bera would equal Saunds record for being elected to the House of Representatives for three terms.
Soniya Yadav, slain policeman Ramashankar Yadav's daughter, reveals to Rediff.com's Prasanna D Zore that her father was not supposed to be on duty that fateful night when he was killed in the Bhopal Central Jail.

IMAGE: From left: Shambhunath Yadav, Prabhunath and Soniya outside their home in Bhopal's Sanjiv Nagar. Photographs: Prasanna D Zore/Rediff.com

"He (her father Head Constable Ramashankar Yadav) got a call from somebody that evening (October 30) and he had no option but to report for duty," says Soniya Yadav, whose marriage is scheduled for December 9.

Ramashankar Yadav was allegedly murdered by the eight prisoners who escaped the high security Bhopal Central Jail on the night of October 30-31.

The prisoners, allegedly members of the outlawed Students Islamic Movement of India, were killed in an encounter with the Madhya Pradesh police hours after their escape.

"He was not supposed to do the 2 am to 6 am shift. He was supposed to do the morning shift on October 31," Soniya reveals.

Ramashankar Yadav knew it would be Soniya's last Diwali at home before her wedding and wanted to spend more time with his family.

"He was very happy for me," says Soniya, who studied Bachelor's in Business Administration at the Sant Hirdaram Girls College and also has a BEd degree.

Soniya and her mother Hiramani Yadav were home when they received word about her father's murder in the prison. Her elder brothers, who serve the Indian Army, were posted in Assam and Haryana.

Shambhunath, Yadav's eldest son, a havaldar with the Indian Army's 127 SATA (Artillery) regiment in Assam's North Lakhimpur district, got a call from his uncle who asked him to return home urgently.

"He said, 'Your father is injured in a scuffle inside the jail.' I thought it could be some minor fight between the prisoners and called my mother to find out. I could only hear her and my sister weep. I asked my brother-in-law to find out what the matter was. When he reached home, he called me immediately informing me about my father's death."

Shambhunath was near Guwahati at that time to procure rations for his unit, which is stationed some 250 km away. He rushed and caught a flight to Delhi and traveled from there to Bhopal.

"My elder brother called to inform me about my father's death and I left immediately after informing my officers," says Prabhunath Yadav, who is attached to the Indian Army's 18 Mech Infantry in Hisar, Haryana.

IMAGE: The outer boundary of the Bhopal Central Jail from where the eight prisoners escaped on the night of October 30-31.

Those who have seen the jail from inside say there are two walls, one, 20 feet high, just outside the prisoners' barracks where these eight prisoner were housed, and one bordering the periphery, which is 32 feet high.

"Usi ki toh sir inquiry ho rahi hai (A departmental inquiry has been ordered to investigate the lax jail security and suggest measures to tighten it)," Havaldar Shambhunath Yadav says, when asked how the eight prisoners could breach the high-security, ISO-certified prison.

"It is absolutely wrong to have such an incident occur inside a high security jail when you know how dangerous the inmates are. We also wonder how these prisoners escaped. What are the lapses in the jail security that helped them escape? These matters should be thoroughly investigated and corrective measures need to be taken to prevent such jail breaks happening again," Havaldar Yadav adds.

"Even CM Sir (Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan) went to check how these prisoners succeeded. I am sure a thorough inquiry will help breach the gaps in the security of the prison and find out how the breach took place," Havaldar Yadav says.

"Nobody has yet seen the home ground (the jail premises inside the boundary wall) and knows how exactly they escaped. I read and saw reports in newspapers and television about how they climbed the wall after killing my father and gagging another security guard," he adds.

"Only the gagged guard who is alive can throw light on what exactly happened that night," says his younger brother Prabhunath Yadav.

Soniya says her mother is in a state of shock. "She can't speak with anybody about the incident," she adds.

IMAGE: Bhopal residents demand that the Madhya Pradesh government declare Head Constable Ramashankar Yadav a martyr. Raghav Toshniwal is standing second from left.

The Yadav home in Sanjiv Nagar is located barely 300 metres from the Bhopal Central Jail, where Ramashankar Yadav was posted outside Block B that housed the eight prisoners who escaped that night.

"Here, you have a person who has given two of his sons to the army and you give him such a difficult task not bothering about his heart operation or his age. Didn't you have others to do night duty and guard a cell that has dreaded terrorists?" asks Raghav Toshniwal, a resident of the area, citing Yadav's medical condition.

"He was about to retire next year (February 2017, Shambhunath says) and his daughter's marriage is scheduled for December 9. He had been beseeching the jail authorities, on health grounds to not give him night shift duty, but nobody listened to him," says Shambhunath's uncle who alerted him about his father's death.

"He had made many applications to the jail authorities," says daughter Soniya. "He provided a medical certificate that said he should not be given night shifts given his heart condition. But nobody listened to his pleas."

"If they had accepted his pleas, he would not be doing night duty on October 31," she adds.

Shambhunath says the family elders will take a decision to postpone or hold his sister's marriage as scheduled on December 9.

The visitors who have gathered at Ramashankar Yadav's home demand that the head constable be declared a martyr by the state government. They also want a road in the area to be named after him and a statue raised in his memory.
Indiana American Water's $22M water treatment facility up & running in Mooresville

Indiana American Water recently cut the ribbon on its $22 million water treatment facility as part of the largest investment the company has ever made in Mooresville.
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A Cambodian health official holds up a bottle containing mosquitoes caught for testing in an effort to stem an outbreak of the Zika virus in Phnom Penh, Feb. 4, 2016.

The Cambodian government on Friday said it that it had detected the country's first case of Zika virus infection in 2016.

A 44-year-old man from the countrys eastern Komping Cham provinces Ta Meang Village was found to be infected with the mosquito-borne virus that has spread worldwide.

The man was admitted to hospital on Nov. 14. He was discharged on Friday after fully recovering, according to the ministry. The Institut Pasteur du Cambodge had detected the virus on November 11.

The Zika virus is transmitted by Aedes aegypti mosquitoes. The mosquitoes are active and bite in the daytime. Aedes aegypti can also transmit dengue, which is endemic throughout Cambodia, and the man was first suspected of contracting the fever.

Although symptoms are generally mild in adults, the virus is dreaded because it can cause microcephaly -- smaller-than-normal and misshapen skulls -- in the babies of infected mothers.

Some countries have also reported a steep increase in Guillain-Barre syndrome -- a neurological disorder that could lead to paralysis and death. The Zika virus is thought to be a trigger for the disorder.

Cambodian Health Minister Mam Bunheng appealed on Friday for people to be watchful, to avoid mosquito bites, and to seek medical assistance if they show symptoms of Zika infection.

Zika symptoms include fever, rash, joint and muscle pain and conjunctivitis.

The virus, for which there is no vaccine of specific treatment, has been detected in Africa, the Americas, Southeast Asia and the Western Pacific.

In recent years, Laos, Thailand and Vietnam have all reported cases of the disease, as have other Asian countries including Thailand, Singapore, Malaysia and the Philippines.

Reported by Sereyvuth Oung for RFA's Khmer Service. Translated by Nareth Muong. Written in English by Brooks Boliek.
Developing countries in East and Southeast Asia have been stepping up their efforts to address the growing global public health threat of the overuse and misuse of antibiotics that health experts say will increase deaths, strain health systems, and impose huge economic costs in the years to come.

The inappropriate use of antibiotics to clear up viral infections such as the flu in humans and to promote physical growth in livestock and plants can cause resistance to drugs over time, making treatments for future infections useless or less effective.

The emergence of superbugs  drug-resistant bacteria and infections that have developed the ability to withstand medicines that should stop them  is not a theoretical issue, said Keiji Fukuda, who is in charge of antimicrobial resistance (AMR) at the World Health Organization (WHO).

This is not something that were waiting to have happen, he told reporters during a briefing at the Social Good Summit in New York in September. This is something which has begun, so right now we are estimating that there are several hundreds of thousands of people who die on an annual basis because the antibiotics dont work.

The problem is so serious that the United Nations General Assembly adopted a political declaration in September aimed at combating the global threat posed by AMR  only the fourth time in its history that the body has taken action on a health issue.

Developing countries, where infectious diseases thrive, will feel the effects of AMR more acutely than developed ones that have the resources available to address the issue, health experts said. For instance, nations in the Greater Mekong Subregion  Vietnam, Cambodia, Laos, Myanmar, and Thailand  are already experiencing greater threats from drug-resistant malaria strains.

Many countries in Asia may also be highly impacted due to a host of factors such as adequacy of healthcare, affordability and access to antibiotics, antibiotic resistance patterns, practices and preferences in treatment, and health system pressures, said Dr. Sujith J. Chandy, head of ReAct Asia Pacific, a global network of antibiotic resistance experts.

A report commissioned by the United Kingdom and issued in May warned that if policies do not change, superbug-related deaths will skyrocket to 10 million worldwide by 2050 from the current 700,000 deaths and cause a loss of U.S. $100.2 trillion in global economic output.

The report also estimated that 4.73 million people in Asia will die annually by 2050 because of AMR.

A World Bank report issued in September forecast that in a high-case scenario for AMR, low-income countries could lose more than five percent of their gross domestic product. It also said the crisis could plunge up to 28 million people, mostly in developing countries, into poverty by 2050.

Many governments are not equipped to contain the rapid emergence and spread of drug-resistant diseases, said David Newby, coordinator of emergency medical teams at the WHO and an associate professor of pharmacology at the University of Newcastle in Australia, about developing countries in East and Southeast Asia.

Getting out the word

One of the main concerns of health professionals is getting out the word to the public that AMR is an issue that must be dealt with now. The WHO launched World Antibiotic Awareness Week last year in response to growing antibiotic resistance globally for countries to conduct campaigns to educate people about using antibiotics responsibly.

Many countries have plans for World Antibiotic Awareness Week, said Chandy, referring to this years event on Nov. 14-20. These include programs which aim to increase awareness, improve use of antibiotics, and try to prevent infections through better hygiene.

In China, one of the worlds top consumers of antibiotics, the WHO and the governments National Health and Family Planning Commission held an educational campaign on Tuesday at Peking University First Hospital in Beijing to increase public awareness about the risks of misuse of antibiotics, said Martin Taylor, coordinator for health systems and health security at WHOs China office.

WHO, along with the Chinese government and the U.N.s Food and Agricultural Organization (FAO), also produced a video about the behaviors that lead to antibiotic resistance, why ordinary people should care about the issue, and what they can do to help, he said via email.

Vietnam is continuing a campaign to get 1 million signatures of people who pledge to use antibiotics responsibly, launching an antibiotic use surveillance center, and offering a session on AMR at a lecture series on health and development. Health officials have also set up a Facebook page dedicated to World Antibiotic Awareness Week to reach the many people who exchange news primarily through social media given the countrys press restrictions.

Cambodia's awareness campaign includes a competition to design a comedy on the dangers of AMR, a poster design competition on the responsive dispensing of antibiotics, and a tuk-tuk and bike rally on AMR.

The problem of AMR in [middle-income countries like] China, Vietnam, Thailand, Indonesia, and Malaysia is known to be large, said Direk Limmathurotsakul, head of microbiology at the Mahidol-Oxford Tropical Medicine Research Unit at Mahidol University in Bangkok.

The AMR problem is growing in Laos, Cambodia, and Myanmar, he said, but the size or nature of the problem may be different than what weve observed in middle-income countries in the region, possibly because broad-spectrum antibiotics such as carbapenem are not used in hospitals there.

The carbapenem class of antibiotics is used to treat infections known or suspected to be caused by multidrug-resistant bacteria mainly in people who have been hospitalized.

However, many patients in Laos, Cambodia, and Myanmar might still die of AMR against other commonly used drugs that those countries can afford such as the penicillin and cephalosporin drug group, Limmathurotsakul said.

A worker walks amid chickens at a poultry farm in Hefei, eastern China's Anhui province, after superbugs were detected during routine health tests of pigs and chickens in southern China, Nov. 20, 2015. Credit: AFP National action plans

Three United Nations agencies  the WHO, FAO, and World Organisation for Animal Health (OIE)  are working together to help countries in Asia to coordinate AMR surveillance, document the use of antibiotics, and take corrective action, said Kundhavi Kadiresan, assistant director-general of FAO regional representative for Asia and the Pacific, in a statement issued on Monday for World Antibiotic Awareness Week.

Besides the awareness campaigns this week, countries in the Asia-Pacific region, where a majority of the worlds population lives, have been developing national action plans (NAPs) to contain AMR. China, Vietnam, Cambodia, Thailand, and the Philippines have already issued plans covering the years 2016 to 2020. Laos is holding a workshop to develop its NAP on Nov. 17-18, Newby said.

In addition to the NAPs, the countries are implementing OIE international standards on the prudent use of antimicrobial agents in animals.

Cooperation between human health, animal health, and environmental health sectors is of critical importance to address AMR, said Dr. Poonam Khetrapal Singh, the WHO's regional director for Southeast Asia in the statement issued on Monday. "This mechanism should be established both within countries and between countries, as we strive to protect the health of people in our countries, regions, and at the global level.

Health experts lament that efforts to spread the word about AMR have been overshadowed by news of other major health concerns such as the outbreak of the Zika virus this year in Thailand, Singapore, Myanmar, and Cambodia.

About 450 cases have been reported in Singapore, more than 680 cases in Thailand, including 33 news cases this week, and one recently confirmed case in a pregnant woman in Myanmar. On Friday, Cambodia confirmed its first case of the Zika virus in Kompong Cham province in the central lowlands of the Mekong River.

The mosquito-borne virus, which is spread through bug bites or sexual contact, is an infectious disease that may cause fever, red eyes, joint pain, headache, and a rash. It can also cause the birth defect microcephaly that results in babies born with smaller-than-usual heads and brains.

Zika deserves rapid and appropriate reaction, Limmathurotsakul said. However, given that close to a million people die annually of AMR globally, the public should urgently demand action on AMR plans.

Countries must continue to increase their efforts to contain AMR because new antibiotics will not be available on the market in the next five to 10 years, he said.

Even if they are available, they will likely be too expensive or unaffordable for many people in the region and could also be misused so that resistance against them may emerge and spread rapidly, he said.

We need to support efforts to stop or reduce over-the-counter antibiotic consumption, antibiotic use in animal agriculture, [and] hospital-acquired infection, Limmathurotsakul said.

While some countries in the region such as Thailand are increasingly using traditional and herbal medicines rather than antibiotics to treat common colds and diarrhea, according to Limmathurotsakul, no nation can afford not to use antibiotics to treat some infections, health experts said.

Unfortunately, there are very little alternatives to treat bacterial infections except antibiotics, Chandry said. What needs to be done is to try and improve rational use of antibiotics by avoiding antibiotics for symptoms suggestive of viral infections and for situations that do not need antibiotics.



Research for this story was supported by a fellowship from the International Center for Journalists and the United Nations Foundation.
International tech giants like Facebook, Microsoft, and LinkedIn have been warned that they will have to comply with China's draconian new surveillance rules if they operate inside the system of blocks, filters, and human censorship known as the Great Firewall.



Citing a new Cybersecurity Law passed by Beijing last week, the London-based rights group Amnesty International said any tech company operating inside China will have to become a tool of the ruling Chinese Communist Party.



"It is a vast human and technological system of Internet censorship without parallel in the world," Amnesty's East Asia research director Roseann Rife wrote in an article on the group's website as the World Internet Conference started in Wuzhen, in the eastern province of Zhejiang.



"The new law codifies existing abusive practices and seeks to turn tech companies operating in China into de-facto state surveillance agents," Rife said.



Rife said that while the Chinese market is currently dominated by homegrown tech giants like Tencent and Sina, Chinese officials have already made it clear that foreign internet companies will have to toe the line if they seek access to the country's internet users.



'Problematic' content



Under the Cybersecurity Law, internet service providers will be forced to pass on huge amounts of data, including personal information, to government, and to censor users posts without regard for freedom of expression and the right to privacy, she wrote. Those who fail to comply will be hit with substantial penalties.



Rife cited the detention of bloggers Lu Yuyu and Li Tingyu on the implausible charges of "picking quarrels and stirring up trouble" as an example of how internet users can be criminalized simply for compiling and posting publicly available data.



Under the new law, internet companies are required to remove and report to authorities any content likely to be regarded as politically sensitive or problematic by the government.



This would effectively target people whose activities had not yet attracted the attention of China's "stability maintenance" regime, she wrote.



"It is an Orwellian vision of the internet, a dragnet to trap those the government views as troublemakers, where the right to freedom of expression exists only at the discretion of the censors," Rife said.



"Technology companies ... should challenge the new law and make known to the government the companys principled opposition to implementing any requests or directives which violate fundamental human rights." she said, calling on companies not to sign up to China's conditions under the new law.



The warning came as veteran political journalist Gao Yu reported via social media that browsers in China are now displaying warning notices that the user may be trying to access a "fraudulent website" whenever they try to access overseas news organizations and other websites blocked by the Great Firewall.



Chinese internet entrepreneur Hao Peiqiang, who founded Chengdu-based Ginkgo Software Technologies, said the Chinese government has been gradually tightening its control over the country's internet users under a strategy that is coming from the very highest level of government.



"Domestic browsers basically decide what a website is, and then it is what they say it is," Hao said, adding: "They're not very reliable."



Impact on rights



Amnesty International China researcher Patrick Poon said overseas tech firms are overlooking the human rights implications of carrying out their business in China.



"Actually they haven't thought about the fact that they are helping the Chinese government to suppress the freedom of expression of its citizens," Poon said. "We will continue to call on internet companies to pay particular attention to the right of freedom of expression and the right to privacy."



He said the law stems from President Xi Jinping's concept of "internet sovereignty" in which a country controls what its nationals do online, rather than accessing a global network of information and services.



"There is a double standard here, in which there is no room for human rights, where international norms on human rights will not be applied," Poon said.



U.S.-based rights activist Liu Qing welcomed Amnesty International's warning. "This is both fair and correct," Liu said. "There are quite a few Western tech companies who are willing to do as the Chinese Communist Party tells them in order to advance their interests in China."



"But since Xi Jinping came to power, there has been a steady rise in online surveillance and control of information."



Liu said companies that do toe the line to do business in China are unlikely to benefit greatly from the trade-off, however.



Reported by Xi Wang for RFA's Mandarin Service, and by Ng Yik-tung for the Cantonese Service. Translated and written in English by Luisetta Mudie.




Tibetan spiritual leader the Dalai Lama arrived in Mongolia on Friday to begin a four-day visit despite strong objections by Beijing, which views the exiled former national leader of Tibet as an international troublemaker bent on separating Tibet from Chinese control.



Following his arrival from Japan at about 4:30 p.m. local time, the Dalai Lama was welcomed at the airport by government representatives, by senior monks of Mongolian monasteries, and by the Indian ambassador. He was then escorted with his entourage to a government guesthouse.



The Dalai Lamas visit, described as religious in nature by officials in the predominantly Buddhist country, will take him on Saturday to Gaden Thekchen Choeling, Mongolias largest monastery, where he will speak to abbots and senior religious teachers from across the country.



He will also visit the monastery of the Kalkha Jetsun Dampa, the ninth head of Mongolias Buddhist community.



China had earlier demanded that Mongolia not allow the Dalai Lama to enter the country, saying that relations with Chinaon which Mongolia heavily depends for trade and investmentwould be harmed if the visit goes ahead.



Mongolias president, prime minister, and speaker of parliament said however that they support Gaden monasterys invitation to the Tibetan monk to visit, and that no meetings with government officials are planned.



Chinese leaders regularly vilify the Dalai Lama, now 81, as a separatist fighting for Tibetan independence and routinely object to the widely respected spiritual leaders foreign travel and contacts with world leaders.



In what he calls a Middle Way Approach, though, the Dalai Lama himself says that he seeks only a meaningful autonomy for Tibet as a part of China, with protections for the regions language, religion, and culture.



Beijing often berates foreign leaders who host the Buddhist leader, last month telling Slovakian President Andrej Kiska that his lunch meeting with the Dalai Lama had broken the political basis of China-Slovak relations.



Reported by Kalden Lodoe for RFAs Tibetan Service. Written in English by Richard Finney.




A demonstrator wearing a shirt with a slogan similar to the one that appeared in a picture taken by jailed photographer Nguyen Dang Minh Man, March 14, 2013.

The mother of jailed photo-journalist Nguyen Dang Minh Man expressed hope that the Vietnamese government will soon release her daughter, but she also expressed doubts that Hanoi will let her stay in the country.

I hope that Minh Man will be released unconditionally, but I think even if she is released unconditionally, she still cant come home, her mother Dang Thi Ngoc Minh told RFAs Vietnamese service.

They will expel her from Vietnam, Dang Thi Ngoc Minh added. Our family wishes that Minh Man could return and continue her fight with her family, but if the government does not allow her to return home, then it is out of our control.

Minh Man was one of 14 bloggers, writers and political and social activists who were convicted in 2013 of plotting to overthrow the government and sentenced to prison terms ranging from three to 13 years in what human rights groups said was the largest subversion case to be brought in the country in years.

According to the U.N. Office of the High Commissioner on Human Rights (OCHCR) Working Group on Arbitrary Detention, Minh Man was sentenced to eight years in prison and five years house arrest because she photographed HS.TS.VN graffiti and anti-China protests in Ho Chi Minh City over territorial disputes.

"HS.TS.VN" means "Hoang Sa, Truong Sa, Viet Nam, a slogan that translates to: The Paracel and Spratly Islands belong to Vietnam. Its a statement that reflects the Vietnamese governments official position on the South China Sea islands, which have been a flash point as Beijing has expanded its presence in waters near Vietnam.

Her arrest and detention was not because of any threat to national security

The Working Group on Arbitrary Detention called on Hanoi to release her because it is clearly impossible to invoke any legal basis justifying the deprivation of liberty for Minh Man. While the decision was dated Sept. 20, 2016 it was announced on the working groups website this month.

In absence of any information indicating that Ms. Minh Man had engaged in violent activity, or that her work directly resulted in violence, the Working Group concludes that her arrest and detention was not because of any threat to national security, the group wrote in its finding. Rather, she was detained in order to restrict the dissemination of material that was critical of the Government and which drew attention to issues of current interest."

While Minh Man was convicted for her activities as a photographer, she was also associated with the Viet Tan pro-democracy group. The U.S.-based group was labeled as a terrorist organization by Hanoi in October.

The group was formed in 1982 by a vice admiral in the former U.S.-backed South Vietnamese government. Viet Tan says it is committed to nonviolent struggle to end Communist rule, and the U.S. government has said it has seen no evidence that the group is engaged in terrorism.

In a statement the Viet Tan said it welcomed the called the U.N. Working Group on Arbitrary Detentions decision a victory for freedom of association in Vietnam.

We urge the United Nations to task a special rapporteur to examine the cases of all Vietnamese citizens arbitrarily detained for exercising their fundamental rights, the organization wrote in its release.

Reported by and translated by RFA's Vietnamese Service. Written in English by Brooks Boliek.
A recent social survey by a Chinese group campaigning for the right of women to be single mothers found that nearly 87 percent of respondents supported the idea of a single woman having a child outside a relationship, while 76 percent were in favor of same-sex couples becoming parents.



But activists say the reality in China is still very different, with both government policy and social attitudes still supporting heterosexual relationships as the most appropriate environment for raising children. RFA's Mandarin Service recently spoke to two women's rights campaigners about the issue.

China-based women's rights campaigner Feng Yuan:

According to the United Nations Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination against Women, control of their own fertility is a very important right for women, and forms a crucial part of women's control over their own bodies. That's why female fertility cannot be dependent on marriage. In this context, the fertility of single women is an extremely important issue.

The Chinese population is ageing, which will put growing pressure on society and on the economy, which is why the one child policy has been relaxed into a two-child policy. Rising levels of education among women mean that fewer and fewer of them want to have large families, and yet the government wants the population to expand. So of course they shouldn't be limiting the aspirations of those women who want to have children.

This is a win-win situation, which both supports the fundamental rights of women and has a positive impact in terms of national social development.

There are different views among the general public, depending on who we mean by the public. A lot of older people think that women are happier if they have children, especially when they get older, because they feel more satisfaction with their lives. So a lot of older people feel that their daughters, who perhaps haven't been able to find a suitable partner, should be able to have a child, even if they are not married.

Of course, some older people also worry that having children outside marriage might be much harder for the woman, that her life will be adversely affected. So there isn't a unified view on this.

But the majority of people are moving with the times, respecting the choices of individuals, and won't try to impose their opinions on other people's lives.

This is an important opportunity to advance human rights education, so that everyone understands that the decision whether or not to have children should lie with the individual.

Zhang Jing, founder and executive director of the U.S.-based group Womens Rights in China:

I think China has a long way to go to catch up with international standards when it comes to women having children on their own, or single parents [generally]. The situation is already very unfair because men can have sex with a woman and then ask her to get an abortion. There's no government management of abortions in China, but they do have a say in who gets to give birth.

Not every woman who gets pregnant will want to have a termination, but if they don't, trying to actually have the baby will be ten times more difficult. To start with, the baby wouldn't have a household registration document, and would be subject to discrimination. Also, there is far too little social support for single mothers, that's to say very little from society and basically zero from the government.

As a woman, of course I would welcome a complete relaxation of controls, to allow all unmarried women complete autonomy and the right to control their own fertility. Women should be the ones who decide these things, because they are the ones with the wombs.

This is an unstoppable social trend, and ending controls would have benefits for the whole of society. We already know that there is a low birth rate in China, so they should give single women more freedom to have children.

Reported by Han Qing for RFA's Mandarin Service. Translated and written in English by Luisetta Mudie.
Amnesty International has called on Russia to suspend its "foreign agents" law. It said the controversial law was an "assault on freedom of expression" and that dozens of NGOs in Russia had been forced to shut down or curtail their operations as a result. (RFE/RL's Russian Service)
The director of Amnesty International's branch in Russia says his staff has returned to the Moscow office that they were evicted from earlier in November.

Sergei Nikitin said on November 18 that he signed a new lease agreement with the Moscow property department, after which they were allowed to return to the office, which had been sealed for 16 days.

Nikitin added that the sides agreed that the eviction was the result of a "technical mix-up" and that Amnesty International did not owe any payments on the old lease.

Nikitin posted photographs of the staff returning to the office on his Facebook page.

On November 3, Nikitin announced that the organization's Moscow office had been sealed, a door broken, locks changed, and the alarm system switched off.

The Moscow property department claimed the group owed rent, which the London-based Amnesty denied.

Nongovernmental organizations that are critical of the Kremlin have come under pressure from the Russian authorities since the country adopted a law in 2012 requiring all organizations that receive foreign funding to register as "foreign agents."

With reporting by TASS and Interfax
BAKU -- Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev has rejected allegations that his government has imposed restrictions on the freedom of the press.

Speaking to a select group of participants of the fifth News Agencies World Congress in Baku on November 17, Aliyev said the fact that 75 percent of Azerbaijanis have access to the Internet and that more than 2 million have accounts on the Twitter and Facebook social-media sites prove that the South Caucasus country has no problems with freedom of information.

Aliyev avoided directly answering a question by AP Vice President John Daniszewski regarding imprisoned Azerbaijani journalists and the 2015 closure of RFE/RL's bureau in Baku.

Aliyev also accused the West of violating journalists' rights.

"How come [WikiLeaks founder] Julian Assange is still at the Ecuadoran Embassy in London?" Aliyev asked. "He has been at the embassy for more than two years and is afraid to go out. Is it democratic to treat a journalist like this?"

Assange has been in the Ecuadoran Embassy since August 2012 to avoid extradition to Sweden to face questioning in connection with sexual-assault allegations.

According to the Reporters Without Borders (RSF) 2016 Press Freedom Index, Azerbaijan places 163rd out of 180 countries ranked.

The RSF report accused Aliyev of "crushing all forms of pluralism" and "waging a relentless war against his remaining critics since 2014."


ASTANA -- A well-known Kazakh journalist has been arrested on suspicion of extorting money from officials.

A court in Astana ordered journalist Bigeldy Gabdullin held for two months in pretrial detention on November 17. The Kazakh National Anticorruption Bureau says Gabdullin is suspected in extorting cash from state officials by "publishing materials damaging their business reputations."

Gabdullin, 61, became known in the 1990s for his critical articles about Kazakh President Nursultan Nazarbaev. In the early 2000s, he had to flee the country for the United States in fear for his life.

In 2004, Gabdullin changed his political views and returned to Kazakhstan, where he became the editor-in-chief of the progovernment Central Asia Monitor newspaper. He founded the Radiotochka.kz online news portal.

Last month, Seitqazy Mataev, the former head of the Kazakh Journalists Union, was sentenced to six years in prison on charges of misappropriation of funds and tax evasion.

Dunja Mijatovic, the representative on freedom of the media for the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe (OSCE), said at the time that the case against Mataev "could be detrimental to media pluralism in Kazakhstan."
U.S. Secretary of State John Kerry said he discussed Ukraine and "all aspects" of Aleppo, including renewed bombing in the Syrian city, in a meeting with Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov.

Speaking to reporters after their one-on-one talk during an Asian-Pacific economic summit in Peru on November 17, Lavrov denied that Russia's military was carrying out air strikes in Aleppo this week.

"Our air force and the Syrian air force only work in the provinces of Idlib and Homs to prevent the [Islamic State militants] who might be leaving Mosul from getting to Syria," Lavrov said.

U.S. and Iraqi forces are in the midst of a campaign to dislodge IS from Mosul.

Monitoring groups say air strikes and shelling in rebel-held Aleppo have killed dozens this week. They say the bombardment restarted on November 15 after a four-week pause in what appears to be a wider military escalation against insurgents by the Syrian government.

Lavrov did not comment when asked about the future of the Iran nuclear agreement that Russia helped broker once Donald Trump, who has vowed to dismantle it, becomes president of the United States.

Based on reporting by AP and Reuters


Moldovas outgoing president, Nicolae Timofti, said his countrys constitutionally mandated neutrality is invalid as long as forces of the Russian Federation are present on the territory of Transdniester contrary to our will.

Speaking to foreign ambassadors in Chisinau on November 18, Timofti also said the countrys neutrality does not prevent the government from modernizing its defense and security capabilities through cooperation with NATO.

He said the NATO-Moldova Individual Partnership Action Plan had provided many benefits in such areas as environmental safety, training for peacekeeping missions, and military reform.

Russia has maintained military forces in the breakaway Moldovan region of Transdniester since the region fought a brief military conflict with Chisinau in 1992.

The Moldovan government has repeatedly called for their removal and for an international peacekeeping mission to be created.

Earlier this month, Moldova elected pro-Russia Socialist Party leader Igor Dodon as president.

With reporting by Interfax
Prosecutors in Montenegro have released the names of two Russian citizens who they say attempted to organize the assassination of Prime Minister Milo Djukanovic in October.

Prosecutors on November 18 identified the two Russians as Eduard Shirokov and Vladimir Popov and accused them of organizing a criminal group with the aim of murdering Djukanovic and inciting a coup in order to prevent the country from joining NATO.

Montenegro officials alleged that Shirokov and Popov met in Moscow on September 26 with Aleksandar Sindelic, the head of the nationalist Serbian Wolves organization in order to arrange the plot. They reportedly gave Sindelic 200,000 euros to carry it out.

Some 20 Serbian and Montenegrin citizens, including Sindelic, were arrested in Montenegro on October 16 in connection with the alleged plot.

The whereabouts of Shirokov and Popov are unknown.

Sindelic reportedly testified that he had been drawn into the plot by two nationalists from Russia whom he had met while fighting for Russia-backed separatists in eastern Ukraine.

Russia has denied any involvement in the alleged plot.

With reporting by Gazeta.ru and RBK


NATO Secretary-General Jens Stoltenberg has said he is confident President-elect Donald Trump would honor U.S. security commitments in Europe. Addressing a conference in Brussels hosted by the German Marshall Fund, Stoltenberg said NATO was key to providing stability on both sides of the Atlantic. The head of the 28-member military alliance also said increasing European defense spending was a top priority. Trump caused concern during the U.S. presidential election campaign when he called NATO "obsolete" and said the U.S. could withhold support from alliance members unless they increased military spending. (RFE/RL)
A Russian hacker who was convicted for his leading role in one of the largest data thefts in U.S. history has been released from prison after serving most of his 12-year sentence.

Vladimir Drinkman was released from a Pennsylvania jail on October 28, the U.S. Bureau of Prisons told RFE/RL.

U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) did not respond to an RFE/RL request for comment on whether Drinkman had been turned over for deportation, a process that can take up to several months. Drinkman's lawyer, Igor Litvak, declined to comment. RFE/RL could not immediately reach Drinkman.

Drinkman was a key member of a criminal hacking group that penetrated major U.S. corporations, including Heartland Payment Systems, which at the time it was breached in 2008 was one of the biggest U.S. payment-processing firms. The Heartland attack -- the largest breach in history at the time -- cost the payment company more than $200 million in losses.

Varonis, a U.S.-based cybersecurity firm, ranks the attack on Heartland among the 10 largest data breaches of all time.

Chuck Brooks, a cybersecurity expert and adjunct professor at Georgetown University, said the Heartland hack was a "wake-up call" for the payments and financial industries to enhance their cyberdefenses.



He said the breach led to stronger security policies, including a better understanding by CEOs and CFOs of the threats to business sustainability and reputation.

"After the breach, many companies added more stringent data and security policies, including encryption, multifactor authentication, and monitoring of systems and networks," Brooks told RFE/RL.

Heartland also later established the Payments Processing Information Sharing Council (PPISC), which serves as a forum for banks and payment processors to share information about breaches and compliance issues, he noted.

In addition to breaking into Heartland, the hacking gang also breached Nasdaq OMX Group, 7-Eleven, JC Penney, JetBlue Airways, and others, according to prosecutors. In total, they stole the data of more than 160 million credit cards, leading to more than $300 million in damages.

Greg Hunter, a Virginia-based lawyer who has represented cybercriminals from the former Soviet Union, said the Heartland case demonstrated the sophisticated evolution of Russian-speaking hackers.

"This was the beginning of specialization," Hunter told RFE/RL. "Rather than an individual hacker spending a lot of time stealing credit card data and then trying to monetize it, you had guys specializing in breaching the security apparatus of a site, others selling the data."

The appearance of hacker forums was critical to the phenomenon of a division of labor, he said.

Hacker sites "allowed these guys to find each other and work together. A guy who breaches banks could just focus on that, knowing he could find others to either help him know what to get and how to use it, or just buy his services outright," Hunter said.

Several of the most commonly used forums where hackers bought and sold stolen credit card data and traded tips included Cardplanet and Direct Connection. A Russian man, Aleksei Burkov, was extradited from Israel to the United States and later pleaded guilty in 2020 to U.S. charges related to his oversight of those forums.

He was deported to Russia last year.

According to U.S. court filings, Drinkman and another co-conspirator, Alexandr Kalinin, specialized in penetrating network security and gaining access to the corporate data systems. Drinkman along with a third man, Roman Kotov, also focused on mining the networks to steal valuable data.

Another Russian man, Dmitry Smilyanets, then sold the stolen credit card information on forums for $10 to $50 each and distributed the proceeds of the scheme to the others, according to prosecutors.

Kalinin and Kotov, both of whom are Russian citizens, are believed to still be in Russia.

Drinkman was arrested in the Netherlands in June 2012 at the request of the United States, along with Smilyanets.

While Smilyanets cooperated with U.S. authorities and arrived in the United States a few months after his arrest, Drinkman fought his extradition for more than a year.

Ultimately, Drinkman pleaded guilty in 2015 and was sentenced to 12 years in prison, including time served since his arrest. It is one of the harshest sentences given to a Russian hacker.

Drinkman served a total of 10 years and four months, or 86 percent of his sentence. U.S. federal prisoners earn credit each year for good behavior and typically serve 85 percent of their sentence.

Smilyanets was sentenced to just time served, or less than six years, and currently resides in the United States, where he works as a cyberthreat intelligence analyst.

He declined to comment when contacted by RFE/RL.
It was clear it couldn't last for long, but now it's official: Kyrgyzstan's Respublika-Ata-Jurt party is splitting up.

Respublika and Ata-Jurt joined forces in October 2014, with an eye on boosting their chances in the country's parliamentary elections a year later. But while they succeeded to some extent in that goal, the announced dissolution of the parties' merger just weeks before local elections, and about a year before the presidential poll, has created a confusing situation.

The Respublika party, led by Omurbek Babanov, and the Ata-Jurt party, led by Kamchybek Tashiev, won 28 seats in the 120-seat parliament in 2015, coming in second after the Social Democratic Party, once President Almazbek Atambaev's party, which won 38 seats.

But Tashiev nevertheless decided to break up the "tandem" the two formed, telling RFE/RL's Kyrgyz Service on November 17, that he had met with Babanov to discuss Ata-Jurt's withdrawal. Tashiev said he and Babanov reached agreement "without any scandals or arguments."

Tashiev explained that the decision meant that after the elections to local councils scheduled for December 11, the same day Kyrgyzstan will conduct a national referendum on amendments to the constitution, "each party will act under its own party name."

Tashiev clarified, however, that for this election day only Ata-Jurt would be running separately, while Babanov would use Respublika-Ata-Jurt and then revert to simply Respublika in the future.

This could be a bit confusing for voters on December 11.

Babanov, one of the richest men in Kyrgyzstan, founded Respublika in June 2010, just after former President Kurmanbek Bakiev was ousted from power by protesters. Respublika was seen as an ethnically inclusive party led by the sophisticated businessman Babanov.

Tashiev, a boxer who served in the Soviet military and later turned to politics, became one of the leaders of the Ata-Jurt party (not to be confused with the Ata-Jurt movement of the mid-2000s), in 2006. Tashiev has been accused of being a nationalist and a supporter of Bakiev, under whom he served as emergency-situations minister from 2007 to 2009, though he denies his party excludes other ethnic groups or that he favored Bakiev's return to power. Tashiev was excluded from the Respublika-Ata-Jurt party list in the 2015 elections after he was accused of assaulting a member of the Onuguu-Progress party.

Altynai Omurbekova of the Respublika party, also deputy speaker of parliament, told RFE/RL's Kyrgyz Service she was aware of the split. "As far as I know, Kamchybek Tashiev met with Omurbek Toktogulovich [Babanov] and said that from now on he [Tashiev] intends to continue in a new tandem with [Adakhan] Madumarov and [Akhmatbek] Keldibekov."

Omurbekova added, however, that "the Respublika-Ata-Jurt faction [in parliament] will work until the end of the convocation." That would mean that despite the split in the party, the two parties would act as one party in parliament until 2020 when the next parliamentary elections are scheduled.

This will present a challenge to voters on December 11 when elections to local councils are held. Knowing the two parties are about to act independently, even as they work as one for the time being in parliament, what does casting a ballot for Respublika-Ata-Jurt mean?

Respublika-Ata-Jurt has not been part of the ruling coalition in parliament since the 2010 elections.* Despite pledges of unity in parliament until 2020, there is the possibility the two parties might pursue their own, different agendas in parliament, a possibility made all the more likely considering presidential elections are set for late 2017 and Babanov, and possibly Tashiev or another member of Ata-Jurt, could be candidates.

*This article has been corrected to show that Respublika-Ata-Jurt was not in the coalition that collapsed in October.

Based on material from RFE/RL's Kyrgyz Service
Amnesty International says Russia's controversial "foreign agents" law is an "assault on freedom of expression" that has caused dozens of NGOs to curtail their operations and others to shut down.

"The 'foreign agents' law was designed to shackle, stigmatize, and ultimately silence critical NGOs," said Sergei Nikitin, director of Amnesty International Russia, in a statement released on November 18.

In a report -- Agents Of The People: Four Years Of "Foreign Agents" Law In Russia: Consequences For The Society -- Amnesty marks the nearly four years since the severe law came into effect and shows the damaging effects the legislation has had on Russian NGOs.

"It is pretty clear that the main aim of the Russian authorities has been to stifle the growth of a critically engaged civil society and replace it with docile, dependent supporters of government policy," Nikitin said. "This scorched-earth approach to civil society is not in Russias best long-term interests."

The report says nearly 150 NGOs operating in Russia have not only had their budgets reduced, but their reputations impaired and staff members intimidated.

It adds that critical monitoring of the Russian government has been severely reduced because of the legislation.

'Ultimate Loser'

Nikitin said the foreign agents law had damaged "individual rights and the quality of civic discussion in Russia."

He also said that by harming NGOs operating in the country, the law made Russian society the "ultimate loser."

Amnesty says a total of 148 organizations have been put on the "foreign agents" register and that 27 of those have had to close, mostly for financial reasons.

NGOs can be declared "foreign agents" by Russia's Justice Ministry, after a court's approval, if they are deemed by the ministry to be engaged in "political activity" and have received some funding from abroad.

Amnesty adds that 19 of the groups that were put on the list did actually prove they had not accepted any foreign funding. But they all still remain on the list with a designation that they had "stopped performing the functions of a foreign agent."

Amnesty International's Russian office said it had researched the effects the law had on more than a dozen NGOs added to the "foreign agents" list and conducted interviews with their staff.

The NGOs examined had investigated a range of issues, from environmental protection NGO Bellona-Murmansk and prison-reform group Pravovaya Osnova (Legal Basis) to a Novosibirsk-based consumer-protection foundation and the lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender (LGBT) rights group Maximum.

Moscow Office Reopened

The Amnesty report concludes that the Russian government is attempting to replace the shutdown and damaged NGOs with "more compliant" organizations to create "an illusion of" a vibrant civil society.

The report recommends that Russian officials immediately suspend the "foreign agents" law and acknowledge the vital role that NGOs and human rights groups occupy in society.

It also says authorities should ensure the security of NGO workers and human rights defenders in Russia, who are often the victims of harassment and violent attacks.

Meanwhile, the Russian branch of Amnesty International said on November 18 that the doors to its Moscow offices had been unsealed -- more than two weeks after employees were evicted by city officials from entering the offices in what Moscow authorities said was a rental dispute.

Nikitin said there had been a "technical mix-up," and he had signed a new lease with the capital's State Property Department.
At a forum organized by EY and live streamed on Yahoo Finance on Thursday, an executive for SAP cited one way the software corporation works to win the so-called war on talent and stay diverse at the same time. It goes out of its way to hire employees with autism.

Through its Autism at Work program, SAP aims to have 1% of its workforce have some form of autism, which is characterized in part by difficulty engaging in social interactions.

If you think of somebody who may be on the spectrum [of autism], they a lot of times dont interview well, and so many times folks might not get that chance to then go to the next step, SAP North America President Jennifer Morgan said at a panel on disruption Thursday.

The multinational enterprise software maker SAP is not the only corporation to go out of its way to hire people with autism, who in addition to their deficits also sometimes have exceptional skills in math and science. For example, last year Microsoft (MSFT) announced a pilot program to hire full-time employees with autism, in part to increase diversity at the company.

At the EY event on Thursday, SAPs Jennifer Morgan mentioned the outreach to employees with autism after suggesting that diversity goes beyond just race or gender. Morgan also mentioned that diversity is not just an ethical choice but also good for business, and she said shes found employees with autism to excel in technical roles at SAP, she said.

Its provided a huge lift and a huge benefit to us, Morgan said, of the Autism at Work Program.

That lift is important because of what some tech leaders view as a shortage of skilled talent. In June, the Wall Street Journal reported on a survey of 3,352 tech leaders that found 65% said they were having problems recruiting talent  particularly in the area of data analytics.

I think in our industry, theres a war on talent. People have a lot of choices now, Morgan said.

The companys efforts to recruit employees with autism is one way it can attract employees whose technical skills might not have been enough to get them through a grueling interview process.
The United States government is deeply concerned about Moscows decision to block the U.S.-based professional-networking site LinkedIn.

Maria Olson, a spokeswoman for the U.S. Embassy in Moscow, told the TASS news agency on November 18 that the decision sets a troubling precedent that could be used to justify shutting down any website that contains Russian user data.

She described Russias 2014 law requiring websites to store the personal data of Russian citizens on servers in the country as anticompetitive and counterproductive.

The website on the same day issued a statement saying that its activities fully comply with Russian legislation. It added that Russian users of the site can get full refunds at any time.

On November 17, the state-owned Sberbank told TASS that the blocking of LinkedIn will significantly complicate the work of Sberbank in recruiting new employees.

LinkedIn was founded in 2004 and has more than 400 million users. It was purchased by computer giant Microsoft in June for $26.2 billion.

Russias telecommunications watchdog Roskomnadzor ordered Internet providers to block the site on November 17 after a Moscow court ruled that LinkedIn was not in compliance with the law on personal-data storage.

Based on reporting by TASS, RIA-Novosti, Reuters, and Interfax


The wife of jailed Russian activist Ildar Dadin, who has claimed he has been tortured and beaten in prison, says penitentiary authorities provoked a brawl between her husband and a cellmate in order to intimidate him.

Anastasia Zotova told Current Time TV that authorities recently transferred an inmate convicted of a violent crime into Dadin's cell. Zotova told the Russian-language network run by RFE/RL and VOA that the inmate began attacking Dadin without any provocation and her husband defended himself after he understood that prison guards were not going to intervene.

The Russian prison service FSIN reported on November 17 that Dadin had brawled with a cellmate in a dispute "over a water-boiling device."

On November 18, Zotova posted on Facebook that she has "reliable information" that prison authorities have asked prosecutors to open a new criminal case against Dadin for assault, which is punishable by up to two years in prison.

Dadin, 34, was the first person convicted under a Russian law criminalizing participation in more than one unsanctioned protest. He is serving a 2 1/2 year sentence at a penal colony in the northwestern town of Segezha.

Earlier this month, he published an open letter in which he said he and other prisoners had been beaten and tortured at the prison. He has rejected appeals by his wife and lawyers to request a transfer to another prison, saying that he did not want to leave other prisoners undefended.

"I, of course, want him to be transferred to another prison and I will demand that together with his lawyers, mother, sister, friends and relatives," Zotova said. "Because if he stays there, they will kill him."
A Moscow resident has filed a lawsuit against the Ostankino television broadcasting complex for allegedly dumbing-down the population.

The suit, filed on November 17, is seeking nearly 1 million rubles in compensation for harm.

In the complaint, Moscow resident Roman Maslennikov says that he watched television for extended periods and over the last few years he began to feel dependent on daily viewing of television broadcasts.

If I did not watch at least 30 minutes of television, my mood got worse, I lost my appetite, and my overall metabolism worsened, the complaint reads.

He charges that television caused his overall intelligence level to decline and his memory to become weaker.

The complaint asks the court to oblige Ostankino, the broadcast center from which Russian state and state-controlled television is broadcast, to pay 987,600 rubles in compensation and to inform all viewers about the health risks of watching television.

Based on reporting by RIA-Novosti and RBK


Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan has paid his respects at the grave of former Uzbek President Islam Karimov, who died earlier this year after more than 25 years running the Central Asian country.

Erdogan on November 18 met with acting Uzbek President Shavkat Mirziyaev and other officials to discuss bilateral relations.

On November 17, Erdogan addressed the parliament of Pakistan, where he accused the West of facilitating the spread of chaos in the Islamic world. He urged Muslims to cast aside sectarian differences in order to fight [extremists] together.

Based on reporting by dpa, Interfax, and AP


A Ukrainian man who lied about his name and his age while attending high school in the United States has been ordered to spend two months in prison on federal fraud charges.

A U.S. judge in Pennsylvania on November 17 sentenced Artur Samarin, 24, to two months in federal prison after he pleaded guilty in August to charges of passport fraud and social security fraud.

Samarin admitted to lying about his age and masquerading as a teenager named Asher Potts while attending high school in Harrisburg, Pennsylvania.

He had been a well-liked student there and was accepted into a college in Florida before authorities discovered he was considerably older and was a Ukrainian citizen who overstayed a student-work visa.

Samarin faces up to 40 years in prison and possible deportation during sentencing scheduled for next week on separate fraud and sex crime charges.

He has pleaded guilty to several other felonies, including statutory sexual assault for having sex with a 15-year-old girl in 2014, when he was 22.

Based on reporting by AP and abc27.com
The United Nations Security Council has unanimously approved a one-year extension of an international inquiry to determine blame for chemical weapons attacks in Syria.

The inquiry was expanded at Russia's request on November 17 to focus more on the "terrorist chemical threat" within the region.

The joint inquiry by the United Nations and the Organization for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons, launched by the council a year ago, has already found that Syrian government forces were responsible for three chlorine gas attacks and that Islamic State militants had used mustard gas.

Syria's government has denied the charges.

France, Britain, and the United States said they hope to start negotiations on a draft resolution to punish those blamed for the attacks, likely with UN sanctions.

But Russia, which has blocked such action against Syria in the past, contends the inquiry's findings are not convincing enough to lead to sanctions.

Chlorine's use as a weapon is prohibited under the Chemical Weapons Convention, which Syria joined in 2013. If inhaled, chlorine gas turns to hydrochloric acid in the lungs and can kill by burning lungs and drowning victims in the resulting body fluids.

Based on reporting by AP and Reuters


U.S. President-elect Donald Trump has moved to fill some of the top positions in his government by selecting a Central Intelligence Agency (CIA) director, a national security adviser, and an attorney general.

Trump said in a statement he had chosen Representative Mike Pompeo (Republican-Kansas) to be CIA director, retired General Michael Flynn for the post of national security adviser, and Senator Jeff Sessions (Republican-Alabama) as the country's top prosecutor.

Pompeo and Sessions require confirmation by a majority vote in the Senate; Flynn does not.

Trump said Pompeo will be a "brilliant and unrelenting leader" as chief of the CIA.

Pompeo is a member of the Republican Party's conservative wing, the Tea Party, having been elected to the U.S. House of Representatives in 2010.

He graduated top of his class from the U.S. Military Academy at West Point and graduated from Harvard Law School before spending five years in the army.

Pompeo, 52, has been critical of the deal that the United States and five other world powers signed with Tehran to curb Iran's controversial nuclear program.

He said on November 15, after the passage of a bill extending sanctions on Iranian weapons programs, that he voted for the legislation to keep "Americans safe" and to stand "against Iranian aggression."

Trump said he was happy to have Flynn by his side to "defeat radical Islamic terrorism."

Flynn, 57, served as the director of the Defense Intelligence Agency from 2012 to 2014, a position he was nominated for by President Barack Obama.

He served in the military from 1981 to 2014, including tours in Iraq and Afghanistan, before retiring with the rank of lieutenant general.

Flynn graduated from the U.S. Army Command and General Staff College as well as the Naval War College.

He says he considers radical Islam the greatest threat to global stability and has been critical of the Obama administration's policies in fighting the Islamic State (IS) group.

Flynn has said Washington could work with Russia to fight IS and other Islamic extremists. His appearance at a dinner in Moscow -- sitting next to President Vladimir Putin -- honoring the state television station RT alarmed many who noted his previous accommodating views of Russia's role in Ukraine.

Trump said Sessions, his pick for attorney general, was "greatly admired by legal scholars" and possesses a "world-class legal mind."

Sessions, 69, has been a senator since 1996, running for the seat after serving as attorney general of his home state of Alabama.

One of the most conservative members of the Senate, Sessions upholds a tough line against illegal immigrants and on border security.

He failed to gain a federal judgeship in 1986 after allegations he had made racist comments to African-Americans while attorney general.

Sessions was the first U.S. senator to pledge his support to Trump as a Republican candidate for president and was considered by Trump as a vice-presidential candidate.

He served in the army reserve before getting his law degree from the University of Alabama.

With reporting by AP, Reuters, and The New York Times
WASHINGTON -- There was never much doubt that Donald Trump would take U.S. foreign policy in a sharply different direction from the one pursued by his predecessor, President Barack Obama.

His choices for two of the U.S. government's most influential foreign-policy posts only bolster that conclusion.

Trump on November 18 announced that his national security adviser would be former military intelligence chief Michael Flynn and the nominee to head the Central Intelligence Agency (CIA) would be Republican congressman Mike Pompeo.

"I am pleased that Lieutenant General Michael Flynn will be by my side as we work to defeat radical Islamic terrorism, navigate geopolitical challenges, and keep Americans safe at home and abroad," Trump said in a statement released by his transition team.

Flynn, 57, is a retired lieutenant general who headed the Defense Intelligence Agency from 2012 to 2014, when he was forced out by Obama, reportedly because of his management style. A vocal critic of Obama's national security strategy, Flynn joined Trump's campaign early on and is believed to have had substantial influence over his thinking particularly about Islamic terrorism.

"People need to grasp that Radical Islam is not primarily about religion -- it is about politics," Flynn wrote in a book he published this summer.

But it's Flynn's Russia connections that have some foreign-policy experts more worried.

Last year, Flynn traveled to Moscow for an anniversary celebration for RT, a government-funded television channel derided by critics as a propaganda bullhorn. Flynn, who sat next to Russian President Vladimir Putin at a banquet table, later said he had been paid for taking part in the event and rejected suggestions that he was aiding Russian propaganda efforts.

Flynn, like Trump, has spoken about the need for closer collaboration with Russia in fighting terrorism in Syria and elsewhere, something he emphasized during his Moscow visit in an interview broadcast on RT. "The size, the scale of this threat [from Islamist terrorism]...has grown significantly and we are going to have face it together, and that's partly why I'm sitting here today," Flynn said.

Flynn's stated view that fighting terrorism should be the No. 1 priority, rather than Russia's aggression in Ukraine or Chinese actions in the South China Sea, is also out of step with the thinking of many U.S. military officials. That includes the head of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, General Joseph Dunford, who told a Senate committee during his confirmation hearing in July 2015, "My assessment today...is that Russia presents the greatest threat to our national security."

Unlike other foreign-policy positions, the national security adviser exerts major influence on a president's policy decisions on a day-to-day basis, working in the White House's West Wing executive offices.

CIA Chief Targets Iran Deal

And unlike the position of national security adviser, the director of the CIA does require Senate approval -- though with Republicans in control of the chamber, it's unlikely that Pompeo's confirmation will be blocked.

Pompeo shares Flynn's vehement belief that terrorism by Islamic extremists poses a major, if not existential threat to the United States.

A three-term Republican congressman from Kansas, Pompeo, 52, is a retired U.S. Army officer and a graduate of Harvard Law School. In Congress, he served on the Republican House committee that investigated the 2012 attack on the U.S. diplomatic post in Benghazi, Libya, in which four Americans were killed. The attack prompted a sweeping review of U.S. State Department procedures, and an apology from then-Secretary of State Hillary Clinton, whom Republicans excoriated for the incident.

"He has served our country with honor and spent his life fighting for the security of our citizens," Trump said in his announcement.

Pompeo has also been an outspoken critic of one of the Obama administration's signature foreign-policy achievements: the multinational deal that curbed Iran's nuclear program in exchange for lifting sanctions that had crippled Iran's economy.

"President Obama attempted to make the case today that the dangerous Iran nuclear deal will be a historic agreement. This agreement with Ayatollah Khamenei is definitely historic -- it is a historic failure," Pompeo said in August 2015 as Obama made final arguments to the American public. "If this deal moves forward, it will go down in history as one of America's greatest foreign-policy blunders."

Looking To State

Meanwhile, for many foreign-policy experts, the most important question is who will be Trump's choice to be the United States' lead diplomat: secretary of state.

Transition-team officials have leaked several names to the press in recent days including former New York Mayor Rudy Giuliani; U.S. Representative Dana Rohrabacher (Republican-California); Senate Foreign Relations Chairman Bob Corker; and John Bolton, the ambassador to the United Nations under Obama's predecessor, George W. Bush.

Also reportedly under discussion is Mitt Romney, a former Massachusetts governor and private-equity investor who lost to Obama in the 2012 presidential race.

All have foreign-policy thinking that differs -- in some cases, sharply -- from the current administration's approach.
The United States joined Ukraine in voting against a United Nations resolution condemning the glorification of Nazism, citing freedom of speech concerns and saying Russia sponsored the measure as a political attack against Ukraine.

The resolution, entitled "Combating Glorification Of Nazism, Neo-Nazism And Other Practices That Contribute To Fueling Contemporary Forms Of Racism, Racial Discrimination, Xenophobia, And Related Intolerance," was approved by the UN's human rights committee on November 17 by 131 to 3.

Joining the United States in voting "no" were Palau and Ukraine, where a far-right, vehemently anti-Russian party recently was formed with a symbol resembling a Nazi Wolfsangel.

"We condemn without reservation all forms of religious and ethnic intolerance or hatred at home and around the world," said Deputy U.S. Representative Stefanie Amadeo.

"However, due to this resolution's overly narrow scope and politicized nature, and because it calls for unacceptable limits on the fundamental freedom of expression, the United States cannot support it," Amadeo said.

"This resolution's recommendations to limit freedom of expression, freedom of association, and the right to peaceful assembly contravene the principles enshrined in the Universal Declaration of Human Rights and must be opposed," Amadeo said.

Based on reporting by AP and TASS


The fire that damaged Simms Hall last month left the vacant Virginia State University building structurally unstable, complicating plans to redevelop the property on the Appomattox River.

The university is awaiting results of an asbestos abatement report before determining the future of Simms Hall, a 1930s power plant that caught fire early Oct. 1.

Demolishing the building could cost as much as $2 million because of the asbestos, Kevin Davenport, vice president of finance, told the VSU board of visitors Thursday. Because of its original use, the industrial building likely contains high levels of asbestos.

Boarding it up while public-private redevelopment proposals are considered would cost about $250,000, he said.

The state Division of Risk Management would pay for a portion of the demolition, he said, but would not pay for boarding up the building.

The university last spring issued an RFI, or request for information, to explore public-private redevelopment options for Simms Hall using historic tax credits.

Several proposals have been received, including suggestions to use the building for a restaurant, museum or cogenerating plant, he said.

The 26,226-square-foot structure has been vacant for about two decades, except for use as a warehouse.
Parents and educators of autistic children should pour their energy into nurturing the skills the children are exhibiting rather than coddling them because of their disabilities, a revered figure in the world of autism said Friday.

Temple Grandin, who was diagnosed with autism in 1950 and who has become a central figure in autism education, addressed a crowd of about 200 gathered for a conference hosted by the Virginia Council for Exceptional Children, a nonprofit that advocates for the advancement of special education.

In a fiery address, Grandin suggested that the crowd should not get hung up on labels and diagnoses. She also said educators should be more flexible with students who exhibit strengths in certain subjects and weaknesses in others.

I dont want that kid to end up in the basement when he ought to be working for Google or fixing trucks, Grandin said at the event, held at the Doubletree by Hilton Richmond-Midlothian on Koger Center Boulevard in Chesterfield County.

She lamented cuts to programs that teach trades and urged parents to get their kids out in the real world working jobs that teach structure, responsibility and social skills. Keep them out of their bedrooms and away from video games except for an hour or two a day, she said.

Grandin, who didnt speak until she was 4, advocated a bottom-up approach to nurturing children with autism and disparaged suits who make top-down policies in board rooms without getting out in the field and experiencing life first-hand.

Autism has turned into a such a quagmire  a big spectrum, she said. This is a problem.

Grandin is a professor of animal science at Colorado State University. Shes also gained notoriety for designing equipment used in meat processing plants around the country.

Her love for agriculture began as a teenager when she was exposed to her aunts life on a farm. When she turned 15, she had to clean eight horse stalls a day.

Early intervention is essential, Grandin said. ...I want to get rid of this whole problem of the transition from high school to work. That needs to be done before you graduate from high school.

Deanna Keith, who was president of the Council for Exceptional Children until Fridays annual conference, said the group invited Grandin because of her renowned work in the field of autism and because shes a success who can serve as an example for local parents and children living with the disability.
A Midlothian physician whose live-in girlfriend suspiciously vanished more than two years ago was convicted Thursday of felony child neglect in an incident in which the couples 5-year-old son was found wandering alone in a busy commercial area after being left unattended at home.

After an hourlong trial, Chesterfield Circuit Judge David E. Johnson found Dr. John E. Gibbs, 39, guilty of knowingly and intentionally neglecting his son, Joseph, on Feb. 22 after he left the child alone in the familys apartment near Chesterfield Towne Center for nearly an hour.

The child, who had been suspended from his kindergarten class for fighting, managed to escape the apartment and wander a heavily traveled area along Mall Drive before ending up in the parking lot of a nearby Costco, according to evidence.

The child was first discovered by a maintenance supervisor for Clairmont at Chesterfield Apartments, who had to put the child on his shoulders and walk with the boy back to the complex where Gibbs lived with his son.

Concerned about the childs welfare, the supervisor and an apartment complex manager drove to where Joseph had wandered but the child refused to get inside their car, they testified.

Gibbs, who had been a physician at Sheltering Arms Hospital in Midlothian until his arrest in late February, was the former boyfriend of Zulma L. Pabon, 26, who disappeared under suspicious circumstances on June 6, 2014.

She was last seen leaving her job at Commonwealth Fertility and Womens Health at Bon Secours St. Francis Medical Center in the same complex where Gibbs worked.

The licensed practical nurse, who has never been found, was reported missing by co-workers the following Monday after she failed to show up. Pabon was living with Gibbs at the time of her disappearance in a condominium in the 5300 block of Terrace Arbor Circle in Midlothian.

Police said Gibbs has declined to cooperate in their investigation of Pabons disappearance in the 2 years since she vanished, exercising his constitutional right not to speak. He has not been charged with any crime related to Pabons disappearance.

During Thursdays trial in Chesterfield, Deputy Commonwealths Attorney Larry Hogan, who won a murder conviction earlier this year against a Richmond man in the disappearance of former girlfriend Leyla Namiranian, whose body was never found, was sitting in the audience with two Chesterfield detectives listening to testimony.

During a break in the trial, Hogan said the investigation into Pabons disappearance remains active, but he declined further comment or to say why he and police detectives attended.

The maintenance supervisor testified that he first noticed Gibbs young son as he was driving a golf cart in the complex and, despite the chilly temperatures, the child was dressed only in a T-shirt and long pants with shoes but no socks.

After the child took off running, the supervisor returned to the office and consulted with the manager, and both got into the managers car to find the boy and bring him back safely.

After the child refused to get into the car, the supervisor said he put the child on his shoulders to walk back to the complex. Once they returned, the apartment manager said she recognized the child and knocked on Gibbs door, but no one answered and she called police.

When Gibbs arrived in his car a short time later, he acknowledged the child was his but he didnt seem surprised or relieved, the supervisor testified.

Chesterfield officer Alexander Saxer testified that when he asked Gibbs where the childs mother was, he simply said she wasnt around.

Gibbs had left his son alone to attend a meeting with a school counselor at Greenfield Elementary to discuss his sons recent suspension for fighting, according to testimony.

A Chesterfield social services worker testified her agency had received two earlier reports involving Gibbs before his son had wandered off Feb. 22. One involved the boy wandering from the apartment a month earlier after Gibbs left him and his 14-year-old sibling home alone.

In seeking dismissal of the charge, defense attorney Craig Cooley noted that Gibbs son suffered no injuries and the neglect did not rise to a felony offense, which requires a willful act so wanton and culpable that it shows a reckless disregard for human life.

Prosecutor Erin Barr countered that leaving a 5-year-old boy alone in the apartment was itself dangerous, and the threat to his safety was compounded when he managed to escape and wander about.

Barr said Gibbs was keenly aware of his sons behavioral problems  he had been suspended several times from school  and that he had wandered away from home just a month earlier.

The judge ruled that Gibbs actions clearly met the standards of the law and convicted him. He faces up to five years in prison or 12 months in jail when he is sentenced Feb. 13.

Gibbs will remain free on bond but must continue to wear an electronic monitoring device and can have no contact with his son, who is staying with Gibbs sister. Pabons family is fighting for custody.

Barr told the court that Gibbs is not currently practicing medicine. Stephanie Sulmer, a spokeswoman for Sheltering Arms, said Gibbs employment with the hospital ended in March.

In the summer of 2014, Chesterfield detectives released a series of surveillance photos and other pictures related to Pabons disappearance.

The images include a photo of Gibbs walking back to the couples condo at 6:39 a.m. on June 7, 2014, about 14 minutes after a vehicle believed to be Pabons car can be seen in another surveillance photo leaving their condo. However, the cars occupants are not visible.

The car was found abandoned a day later, 16 miles away in a mobile home park in Chester.
Two men are wanted in connection with a double shooting that occurred earlier this week in the Church Hill North neighborhood, police said.

Monte O. Robinson, who goes by the nickname Chub, 20, of the 900 block of North 28th Street and Josiah C.M. Wyche, as called Gucci, 20, of the 2900 block of Kane Street, have both been charged with attempted first degree murder and use of a firearm during the commission of a felony.

Shortly before 2 a.m. on Monday, police responded to the intersection of North 31st and T streets for a report of random gunfire, according to a statement from Richmond police. There, officers found a man with a life-threatening gunshot wound. Later, a second injured man was found; his injuries were not fatal. Both were transported to a local hospital.

One victim is still suffering life-threatening injuries, police said. The second man was treated and released.

Robinson is described as a black male with a medium complexion and brown eyes and hair. He is 5 feet 5 inches tall and weighs about 150 pounds.

Wyche is described as a black male with a dark complexion, black hair, and brown eyes. He is 5 feet tall and weighs about 150 pounds.

Both men are considered armed and dangerous and should not be approached, police said.

Anyone with information is asked to call Major Crimes Detective A. Sleem at (804) 646-3871. Citizens can contact Crime Stoppers by calling 780-1000, online at www.7801000.com or by texting Crime Stoppers at 274637, using the keyword ITip followed by your tip.

Submit tips to GUN250 about persons in possession of illegally-held guns by texting Crime Stoppers at 274637, then using keyword GUN250 followed by your tip. Rewards up to $250. All the Crime Stoppers methods are anonymous.
More than 40 percent of the people arrested last week for blocking the travel lanes of the Downtown Expressway after Donald Trump was elected president did not vote in the election they were protesting, according to voter registration and election participation records.

Three of the 12 protesters arrested were registered in Virginia but did not cast a ballot on Nov. 8, a Richmond Times-Dispatch review of state and local records shows. A fourth protester whose Facebook page says she is from Virginia was not registered to vote here. And a fifth protester living in Richmond was a registered voter in Orange County, N.Y., but did not request an absentee ballot or vote at her precinct, according to the Orange registrars office.

Seven of the 12 protesters are registered voters in Virginia and did cast ballots on Nov. 8. They include two people who live in the counties of Chesterfield and Henrico and are registered to vote in those localities, records show.

The arrested protesters range in age from 18 to 26 and were all of legal age to vote. Only one of the arrested protesters was 18  the minimum age required to vote  and he cast a ballot, records show.

Everybody in America, regardless of whether you vote or not, retains their First Amendment right to express their opinion peacefully, said Robert Holsworth, one of the states leading political analysts. And at the same time, if you endanger others while youre doing that, you also are rightfully subjected to legal penalty.

(But) my sense is that you certainly have more credibility protesting the results of the election if you demonstrated that you have a stake in that election, Holsworth added. And in this instance, the fact that some of them seemed to want to protest without having a stake is, in many peoples minds, going to cast doubt on their credibility. So in a way, if the act itself of sitting on a highway didnt undermine their message, not voting probably will in many peoples minds undermine the credibility of what they wanted to express.

The percentage of protesters arrested in Richmond who did not vote may have been higher than the percentage of non-voting protesters arrested in Portland, Ore., who staged multiple demonstrations over several days, some erupting into riots.

Thirty-six of the 112 people arrested in Portland, or 32 percent, were registered to vote in Oregon but did not return ballots, the Portland Oregonian newspaper reported, based on data compiled by the Multnomah County Elections Division. The data showed 31 arrested protesters, or 28 percent, did vote.

But the elections division determined that another 36 of the 112 arrested protesters were not registered to vote in Oregon at the time of the Nov. 8 election. That could mean they did not vote or were registered in another state and cast their ballots there, the newspaper reported.

The elections division released the results after running the names and ages of the protesters through its Oregon database and looking for matches in response to a public records request by a Portland television station. The elections division also provided the results to the Oregonian newspaper.

After the names of the protesters and their charges were released by Virginia State Police and Richmond police on Nov. 10, the Richmond Times-Dispatch obtained their addresses, dates of birth and other identifying information through Richmond court records. The newspaper then checked the names against voter registration rolls and election participation records released by registrars in Richmond, Chesterfield, Henrico and Fairfax counties.

The 12 protesters arrested in Richmond  eight of whom were Virginia Commonwealth University students  were arrested late on the evening of Nov. 9, just before midnight, after they sat in the travel lanes of the Downtown Expressway, blocking traffic. They were charged with unlawful assembly and being pedestrians on an interstate.

One of the protesters, Mackenzie A. Werner of Richmond, called the newspaper Friday afternoon to share concerns about her safety after her name and other identifying information became public after her arrest.

Werner, 21, said that after her name was first made public in news accounts last week, she began receiving threats from people posting on her Facebook page. She said one of the commenters said that I should be raped, and another threatened to run me over with their car.

She declined to discuss her involvement in the protest or reasons for participating in the Downtown Expressway sit-in.

In the early stages of the hours-long demonstrations, Virginia State Police worked to clear a group of protesters from Interstates 64/95, where they had gathered in what the agency described as an extremely dangerous situation in which pedestrians were on a stretch of highway with ramps, blind curves and limited lighting.

After entering the interstate from Belvidere Street, the protesters marched eastward, seemingly to the next exit, which is for the Richmond Coliseum area.

Richmond police had sought assistance from state police to help with protesters on the interstate shortly before 10 p.m. About 40 minutes later, the pedestrians were gone from the highway and the lanes were reopened to vehicle traffic, with no arrests made.

State troopers responded to these locations to guide the protesters off the interstate corridors  for their safety and the motoring publics safety, state police spokesman Sgt. Stephan Vick said this week. Due to (the Downtown Expressways) limited lighting, and blind curves and ramps, it was an extremely dangerous situation for pedestrian traffic.

One group of protesters who took to the streets Nov. 10 gathered in front of the statue of Confederate Gen. Robert E. Lee and, after they disbursed, authorities discovered that three Confederate statues on Richmonds iconic Monument Avenue had been tagged with apparent anti-Trump graffiti.

The message Your vote was a hate crime was scrawled in red spray paint on the monuments to Confederate President Jefferson Davis and oceanographer Matthew Fontaine Maury, a Confederate naval officer.

So far, police have not made any arrests.

Ten of the 12 protesters charged with blocking the Downtown Expressway are scheduled to appear in Richmond General District Court on Nov. 29. Two others are set to appear Jan. 10.

In addition to Werner, the defendants are Sofia R. Bugge, 23, of Richmond; Sarah J. Camden, 25, of Richmond; Trevor A. Clarkson, 20, of Richmond; Briana M. Collazo, 26, of Richmond; Joseph G. Forcier, 20, of Richmond; Madeline C. Lewis, 20, of Richmond; Madeline L. McElgunn, 19, of Richmond; Haley A. Reynolds, 22, of Richmond; Michael D. Stough Jr., 20, of Chesterfield; Gregory C. Robson, 22, of Henrico; and Tion D. Edmonds, 18, of Fredericksburg.
If Richmond City Council President Michelle Mosby felt any nostalgia about hosting her final 9th District community meeting, the outgoing council member did a good job of hiding it.

More than 30 people gathered at the Goodwill of Central and Coastal Virginia on Midlothian Turnpike in Richmond on Thursday to bid farewell to Mosby after her four-year term on City Council. Mayor-elect Levar Stoney, incoming 9th District council member Michael Jones and Richmond police Maj. Sydney Colliers dropped by to pay their respects and continue to get acquainted with a community that has felt left behind.

Woodley Johnson, a Henrico County Public Schools employee, has attended 9th District meetings since Mosby got into office. He said he thinks Mosby did a good job and that he is hopeful for Stoney.

I think he can put some fire down at City Hall, Johnson said. We get left out. The schools is just not up to date like other schools.

Arriving about 20 minutes after the meeting began, Stoney hugged Mosby  a former rival in the mayoral race  before stepping to the podium. Stoney said that he and Mosby had spoken early on in the course of their mayoral runs and that they had both lived up to what they had discussed.

She always got to yes, Stoney said of Mosbys attitude as a council member. Those are the kind of people I want around me.

Asked after the meeting whether she would be part of Stoneys administration, Mosby demurred.

I havent thought about it, Mosby said. We havent discussed it.

Stoney asked that the voters of the 9th District who didnt back him give him a chance and hold him accountable. After roughly five minutes of remarks, Stoney made his exit, but not before former Councilwoman L. Shirley Harvey handed him a list of six things she wants the 35-year-old mayor-elect to keep in mind.

Councilman-elect Jones promised to continue the work Mosby began when she ran for office for the first time, in 2012, and upset a two-term incumbent.

I dont come to do anything new, Jones said. I come to continue her work.

Jones bemoaned what he saw as a split between the kinds of development and the lack of it in the 9th District along Hull Street and Midlothian Turnpike and other parts of the city.

We are overlooked, Jones said. Whatever happens on Broad Street should happen on Hull Street.

Jones said he hopes he can rally 9th District residents to get involved with local politics and improve city services.

After bemoaning 2016s 54 homicides in Richmond and the rise in auto-related thefts, Colliers thanked Mosby for her work with the Police Department.

We hope you dont disappear, Colliers said.

In her closing remarks, Mosby struck a positive note about the citys future, citing the musical artist Drakes Started From the Bottom as a song that captures the citys moment.
Colson Whitehead, who Wednesday received the National Book Award for fiction, will speak at Virginia Commonwealth University in February as part of Black History Month.

Whitehead won the award for The Underground Railroad, his story of two escaped slaves seeking freedom through a route re-imagined as an actual railroad built underground.
COLLINSVILLE  Four Bassett residents stand accused of abducting a 16-year-old boy and one faces sexual assault charges after a series of incidents that police say happened on Grace Drive. On Tuesday, a Henry County judge found enough evidence to send the case to trial.

Earlier this year, a 16-year-old boy ran away from the Elk Hill Group Home in Goochland and ended up at an apartment on Grace Drive in Bassett. Another resident he knew from the group home had a relative there.

At some point, the boy ended up at 8 Grace Drive, Apt. 4 in Bassett. The details of how he got there are still unclear. The criminal complaint however alleges that while he was in the apartment, 21-year-old Bassett resident Zachary Michael Lane Powell tied up the boy against his will in the living room. That went on from July 18 to July 21, the complaint claims. Court records list that apartment as where Powell lives.

The criminal complaint claims that during this time, Powell hit the boy with a pole. He was allegedly joined by 21-year-old Mikal Delonte Hampton and 24-year-old Brittany Nicole Dickerson, who the complaint claims hit the boy with their hands and feet, respectively.

While the boy was tied up, the complaint also claims Powell used the handle of a claw hammer to sexually assault him. The criminal complaint also details allegations that at some point, the boy was forced into the apartments bathtub. His hands were still bound at this point and, the complaint claims, at this point his feet were tied up as well.

At some point, the boy was taken to the apartment of Sherri Johnson, which court records list as 8 Ebb Drive, Apt. 4 in Bassett. Thats less than one minute away from 8 Grace Drive. While he was bound in her apartment, Johnson slapped the boy, according to the complaint.

According to Henry County Sheriff Lane Perry, the boy escaped from the apartment and made his way out of the county. Once he was out of the county, he told some people what happened and they contacted the sheriffs office. The boy had injuries on his body consistent with being assaulted, according to the criminal complaint. All four of the adults were arrested and charged with different crimes.

Powell faces one count of abducting a person with the intent to defile. He is also charged with using an inanimate object to sexually penetrate another person and concealing or destroying physical evidence with intent to hinder an investigation, as the complaint stated that he threw away the claw hammer in order to hide the evidence. Hampton and Dickerson, along with Johnson, all face charges of abducting a person with the intent to defile.

HENRY GENERAL DISTRICT COURT

On Wednesday, Judge Marcus Brinks arraigned Amber Nicole Stultz, 23, of Martinsville, on charges including feloniously entering a dwelling house at nighttime with intent to commit larceny and the misdemeanors of petit larceny and destruction of property. Brinks said Stultz qualified for a court-appointed attorney. According to court records, a public defender was appointed to represent her, and a court date was set for Jan. 5 at 3:45 p.m.

According to a criminal complaint, Stultz is accused of entering a dwelling house on Cardwell Drive, damaging a door and stealing some jewelry on Nov. 14.

Also Wednesday, William B. Weiner, 43, waived extradition to North Carolina, where he faces parole violations in Alamance County. The original charges were felony larceny of a motor vehicle, felony financial card fraud and felony larceny.

Court records list Weiners address as Henry County Jail and Spencer.
The post-election days have seen tensions that have reinforced the conflicting conclusions that typified the divisive campaign. Responses often reflect outlooks.

For those with a gloomy predisposition, ample evidence exists to make a case that things are getting worse. The FBI reports that hate crimes against Muslims have spiked 67 percent over last year, and are higher now than at any time since the period immediately after 9/11. The animus directed at those of the Islamic faith contributed to a 6.7 percent increase in the rate of hate crimes overall.

Then there is President-elect Donald Trumps appointment of Steve Bannon as chief strategist. Bannon, formerly the head of the far-right Breitbart News Network, seems untroubled by Breitbarts incendiary pandering to racial and religious bigots  many of whom have greeted his appointment with unalloyed glee. Bannon himself reportedly objected to his daughters attending a private school that had a high percentage of Jewish students.

A few of the more cautious pundits have wondered whether Bannon is himself a bigot or merely fosters bigotry in cyberspace. That distinction might matter on Judgment Day, but in practical terms it makes no difference  especially now that Bannon will be forming policy from within the White House.

The coincidence of these two phenomena is, at the least, suggestive. Whether Trumps campaign led to rising intolerance or was simply the product of it is a chicken-and-egg question  and, again, one that makes little practical difference. Their symbiotic relationship should alarm all well-meaning Americans.

Not all is lost, however. Its important to note that the 67 percent increase in anti-Muslim crimes represents an increase from fewer than 160 incidents in 2014 to 257 last year  for the entire nation. While even one incident is too many, there is value in putting those figures in the context of the U.S. population, which stands at 318 million. (Last year also witnessed the horrific attacks by Islamic terrorists in San Antonio and the Bataclan theater in Paris.)

Moreover, recent incidents of racial and religious bigotry have been met with outpourings of support for the victims. As one Muslim teacher in Georgia wrote on Facebook after an anonymous cretin suggested she hang herself with her head scarf, I am overwhelmed and deeply touched by all of the outcry and support that I have received in the past 24 hours. I cant even begin to articulate how touched I am to be receiving messages from all over the country with your support.
Centrally located in Richmond, Monroe Park has provided an access point for people to find meals, clothing, and fellowship on the weekend for decades. Compassionate congregations, service groups, and individuals have traveled to Monroe Park to provide these resources. Many have faithfully provided meals and ministry for years.

Monroe Park closed for renovations on Nov. 14. It is no longer as easy or convenient to receive or provide these services on the weekends.

Organizations including Homeward, CARITAS, and St. Pauls Episcopal Churchs Emmaus Ministry are all part of a collaborative network of agencies that provide shelter, housing services, meals, employment, furniture, mental health and substance abuse treatment and connections to other resources to more than 3,500 individuals and families each year.

These important community services will continue to be provided during the Monroe Park renovation, and the organizations need your help to ensure that individuals who accessed critical services at the park can be connected with the existing resources they need to return to stability.

On any given day in the Greater Richmond region, 762 men, women, and children experience the crisis of homelessness.

When Homeward conducted our January 2016 Point-in-Time count, 70 individuals were sleeping outdoors in Richmond, Henrico, and Chesterfield.

The other individuals and families counted were staying in shelters throughout our region, including at a hypothermia shelter in the City of Richmond, a shelter that is only open when temperatures drop below a certain threshold at night.

Through our collaborative network, more than 10 nonprofit and public-sector service providers convene weekly to help connect our most vulnerable neighbors to permanent housing.

Outreach workers from several agencies also regularly go out to encampments to build relationships with folks living outdoors, to make sure their basic needs are met, and to connect them to more stable situations.

On a single day earlier this month, two individuals with a combined history of 11 years of homelessness were connected to permanent housing and a case manager to ensure they remain housed for the foreseeable future.

On that same day, nine more individuals started the housing process.

While we celebrate this and other successes each week, our work ending homelessness is ongoing and urgent. Between November and January, when we know the need is the highest, we will be working to increase the number of single adults who return to stable housing.

We can end homelessness, and you can help.

Support the feeding programs taking place currently. They need help with hospitality greeters for people coming to receive food.

Make bagged lunches for men at The Healing Place and drop them off on Friday for their walk to services on Saturday.

Provide gift cards to restaurants or convenience stores to access meals.

Offer bus tickets to individuals living outdoors or in shelters who lack access to transportation to employment, medical appointments, and other services.

Run a collection drive for basic kitchen and household items as well as cold-weather clothing and shoes.

Challenge your group to provide flexible funding to pay for the costs that arise when moving to expedite the housing process.

We all play a part in ending homelessness and hopelessness for our neighbors.

We can all work to make our community spaces more welcoming. Together, we can meet people where they are and help them on their journey.

Whether you are a licensed professional working to help someone identify the resources they need to address a mental health disorder, or a compassionate, loving new friend, together we can make sure all folks have a home for the winter and beyond.
WASHINGTON

If youd never heard of Steve Bannon before Tuesday, you have now.

All the world is suddenly abuzz with news that President-elect Donald Trump has named Bannon, formerly executive chairman at the right-wing website Breitbart News, as his chief White House strategist and senior counselor.

Alt-right conservatives and white supremacists are jubilant; the rest of the world, including many Republicans, is nearly apoplectic.

Even Glenn Beck, who seems finally to have found the right meds, says Bannon is a nightmare and once compared him to Nazi propagandist Joseph Goebbels. Suffice it to say, theres no love lost between Beck and the Breitbart Boys.

Between such virulent reactions and selective quotes from Bannons body of work, including a Sirius XM radio show that immediately preceded Becks, a Bannon narrative has emerged: Hes a racist, xenophobic, misogynist, anti-Semitic nationalist  very much, in other words, like his boss, the soon-to-be president of the United States.

If true.

Already, some reporters seem to be backing away from such specific and explicit characterizations, noting that its unclear whether Bannon himself is all of these things or whether his association with those who are via Breitbart postings inferentially makes him so.

Its an interesting difference with a possible distinction.

Ive never met Bannon. If hes charming, his apparent efforts to conceal it are effective. Photos of him show a disheveled, shaggy-haired man in need of a shave who appears to have slept in his clothes, possibly on a sidewalk grate.

Not that we should judge people by their looks, but we do  until theres reason not to.

Thus far, except for a few narrative-affirming anecdotes by people who claim bad experiences with him  and resume items that provoke cognitive dissonance  Bannon is inscrutable.

The operative question for any thinking person is: If Bannon is any of those things mentioned above, what would it mean for the country, our policies, the nations temperament and that most sacred of American pursuits  unity?

As children walk out of schools and protesters stage daily rallies, while women plot to march on Washington the day after Inauguration Day, unity seems an improbable goal.

But what if Bannon isnt all those things? Are we even allowed to wonder? Once a narrative is launched, its nearly heretical to question it.

Im not defending; Im just asking. Is it possible to allow white supremacists and woman-haters to traffic on your website and still be considered something less awful? I asked a few people who have known him well for some time if theres more to Bannon than meets the eye. There usually is, isnt there?

A few words used to describe him, irrespective of his websites fan club or the virtual company he keeps, include: gentleman, strategist, always polite, brilliant, fighter, activist, articulate, as well as I dont trust him.

One person who has known and worked with him the past 15 years said that when she reads about Bannon in the newspaper, she thinks she must be reading about someone else.

He was never like that with me. I only knew him to be a passionate fighter. Hes all about freedom. Constitutionally speaking, according to original intent, she clarified.

In the resume column, Bannon is a former Goldman Sachs banker who holds an MBA from Harvard. Hes also a documentarian with eight films  some would say right-wing propaganda movies  to his credit, including one about Ronald Reagan confronting communism, In the Face of Evil, that highlights the markers of totalitarian states, chiefly the repression of free speech (he should know?) and religion. Another was produced in partnership with its subject, Sarah Palin, to rebrand her following her tragic experience in the national spotlight.

Bannon, who is Catholic, is ardent about religious liberty, as Trump has promised to be. But Trump has also promised to clamp down on the media, which would have to include Breitbart, which invites the worst sorts of expression. One recent headline that has women ripping their hair out: Birth Control Makes Women Unattractive and Crazy.

They should probably have read the story, which was a cheeky dissertation by British journalist Milo Yiannopoulos, a self-proclaimed dangerous faggot, who, among other things, is never to be taken seriously.

Bannon may or may not be like Breitbart people, but he has been willing to strategically encourage peoples hate as a way of inciting them to action. How these methods will manifest themselves in the White House remains to be seen.

But we can uncomfortably imagine that Trump under Bannons direction will do whatever it takes to get what he wants.

Good luck, everybody.
Liza Borches knows the Richmond area. She was born in Petersburg and grew up in Midlothian. Her family moved to Charlottesville in high school, and she ultimately graduated from the McIntire School of Commerce at the University of Virginia. After a stint on the manufacturing side of the automotive business, Borches made her way back to the consumer side and, in 2003, joined Carter Myers Automotive (CMA). Shes been focused on delivering outstanding customer service and top-notch vehicles to drivers around Central Virginia ever since.

Borches represents the fourth generation of the Myers family that is responsible for the CMA name, and she currently serves as CMAs president and CEO. During a recent phone interview, she mentioned two things that drew her back to the retail side of the car business here in Virginia. The strong feeling of community that exists in Central Virginia had a significant pull, she said; the second thing that drew her back is the connections that are possible with customers. Those are two solid pillars on which to base a decision and build a family of dealerships.

CMA has 13 dealerships in the Richmond, Charlottesville and Staunton markets, and Borches finds herself in each market at one time or another. She does monthly reviews at dealerships and also travels a lot to work with manufacturers. She reported recent trips to Atlanta to work with Honda and Dallas to work with Subaru. Despite the traveling, Borches clearly is focused on what makes CMA dealerships tick: people. She mentioned that CMA is an ESOP company, which means that employees own stock in the company and can accrue more as their time with the company grows. In other words, employees own part of the company (26 percent to be exact, according to Borches). The trickle-down effect is that employees are more empowered to influence dealership performance in the form of sales, service and, most critically, customer experience, Borches said. Sounds like a compelling business model.

Customers love being treated well, but cars and trucks are the obvious draw to a dealership. Fortunately, the Richmond-area CMA dealerships have tons to offer when it comes to vehicles. Perhaps a new Pilot for next summers camping trip has you excited. Head to Colonial Honda. Maybe a cool crossover for rolling around town with the family is what you have in mind. Colonial Kia has the Sportage for you. If youre looking for a Hyundai Elantra or Chevrolet Silverado, Colonial Hyundai and Heritage Chevrolet can hook you right up with those vehicles. And, of course, Colonial Subaru just opened on Nov. 14, so they have all the Subarus you could want. Any CMA dealership has access to the inventories of all of the others, so theres no reason to fret about selection.